Manawatu Farming Lifestyles, April 2023

The Manawatu Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned NZ company.

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Manawatū to host agri summit

by Denise Gunn

Manawatū’s reputation as a long-established leader of agrifood innovation in New Zealand has earned the region the opportunity to host next year’s E Tipu Boma Agri Summit.

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Formed in 2019, the summit connects New Zealand’s food and fibre sector with the world. The annual event has grown to become a globally recognised platform for dialogue surrounding the nation’s primary industries. Each summit features a variety of guest speakers, workshops, exhibits and opportunities for networking.

Since its inception, the event has been held in Christchurch. Manawatū’s Central Economic Development Agency (CEDA) has partnered with counterparts in Christchurch to develop a joint bid for the Boma team to bring this annual event to the North Island. The summit will now be held alternately between Manawatū and Christchurch.

Manawatū mayor Helen Worboys said the key strength of the Manawatū district’s economy is the primary sector.

“This makes our region the ideal place to hold this event, close to grassroots and the supporting agritech and agrifood sector. We also have some of the most highly productive soil in the country. Our rural communities are innovative and resilient and are well supported by the city’s science, education and tech organisations.”

Palmerston North mayor Grant Smith said both the city and the region are intricately linked to the agribusiness and agrifood sectors, with Massey University, three Crown Research Institutes, and several research and development businesses at the heart.

“Collectively, we host several agri events such as CD Field Days and events like the NZ Food Awards and NZ Rural Games. E Tipu: The Boma Agri Summit will be a fantastic addition and a great fit for the region,” said Grant.

Boma founder and CEO Kaila Colbin said E Tipu’s purpose from the beginning has been to support Aotearoa’s food and fibre sectors to be more innovative, collaborative, sustainable and profitable, now and into the future.

“The partnership with CEDA, and the relationship with Manawatū, reinforces the fact that this is an event for the entire country.”

This year’s summit will be held from Saturday, June 17 to Tuesday, June 20 in Christchurch.

The annual E Tipu Boma Agri Summit will now be held alternately between Christchurch and Manawatū

Guest speaker Hilton Collier at the 2022 E Tipu Boma Agri Summit

Phillip Cockery OWNER

Forestry purchase completed

The acquisition of a Manawatū-Whanganui forestry estate by the New Zealand Rural Land Company Limited (NZX.NZL) has been successfully completed.

Five individual properties, covering a total area of approximately 2,400 hectares, form the estate. The total acquisition cost is approximately $63 million.

The entire estate has been leased to New Zealand Forest Leasing (NZFL) for a 20-year term, with the first year’s payment set at nearly $5 million. The lease then has annual CPI-linked rental adjustments.

Co-founder and New Zealand Rural Land Management director Richard Milsom said the purchase was funded using a combination of debt and equity. Debt has been provided through an increase in borrowings from Rabobank of $25.2 million.

“The equity component has been funded from the proceeds of NZL’s recent capital raise offer and the proceeds of a $12 million convertible note issued to an entity associated with NZFL.

“This forestry estate acquisition means NZL now owns 14,110 hectares of rural land with a 12.1-year weighted average lease term (by value) and 100% occupancy across eight tenants. It adds materially to the scale and diversity of NZL’s asset and tenant base.”

Rabobank regional head of sustainable finance for Australia and New Zealand, Jurre Smits, said the Rabobank green

Five individual properties totalling 2,400 hectares form the estate by protection and conservation of forestland, and therefore preserves the CO2 sequestering capability of the land,” he said.

loan had been provided to support NZL’s forestry acquisition and established a Green Financing Framework that will set out the eligible asset classes and how the loan will be used, managed and reported on, in line with the Asia Pacific Loan Market Association’s Green Loan principles.

“Rabobank is proud to have partnered with NZL on this transaction as it contributes to climate change mitigation

“In addition, the green loan also supports improved biodiversity of the asset.”

“Rabobank is proud to have partnered with NZL on this transaction.”

FARMING A FAMILY LEGACY

BY DENISE GUNN

The 26-year-old is achieving that, winning the inaugural Shepherd of the Year title at the Wairere Central Districts Red Meat competition along the way.

Baylee is the fifth generation on her family’s 440ha sheep and beef farm in Kai Iwi, north of Whanganui. The family currently run 2,200 Romney breeding ewes, 500 hoggets, and 110 Angus breeding cows on the property. All stock are finished on-farm.

“We also buy in trade lambs and bulls or steers to finish when we have surplus feed,” said Baylee.

For the past eight years, since finishing secondary school, Baylee has worked on the family farm alongside her father, Bruce. She’s also helped out her uncle, Ian, during busy times when extra hands were needed.

In 2019, Baylee travelled to Scotland, working for Robin and Fiona Wallace on their family’s sheep and beef farm during the lambing and calving season.

“This was an excellent experience and helped with my confidence in lambing ewes and calving cows as we did a lot of it. They were really cool people to work for and still keep in touch.”

Baylee said she enjoys most aspects of farming. “It’s not a job to me; it’s my life. and I love it. I enjoy that nearly every day is different. It’s exciting and keeps me passionate about what I do. I enjoy the dog work, lambing and calving. I enjoy most of it. really.”

Baylee won the inaugural Shepherd of the Year title at this year’s Wairere Central Districts Red Meat competition

From a young age, farming and continuing her family’s legacy was all Baylee Hodges wanted to do.

Her team of dogs includes a mix of pups she has either purchased or bred on the farm.

“I have one I purchased at a year old. I do all the training myself, so I get a dog going how it suits me. It’s pretty cool seeing them progress from a young pup to a dog that’s out capable of moving stock.”

When not working on the farm, Baylee takes part in smallbore rifle shooting at the local range over the winter.

“I have done this on and off since I was 14,” she said. “I also enjoy getting out for a hunt to put some meat in my freezer.”

During the summer, Baylee joined Surfing for Farmers – Whanganui. “That

was held at my local beach. This season was its first year, and I have loved the time out in the water and the friends and people we have met along the way.”

As president of Whanganui Young Farmers, Baylee is also busy with club activities. “I’m starting to enjoy this position. It’s put me out of my comfort zone, but it’s been good for me.

“We do a lot through the club, and there’s always a couple of things on each month that are optional to attend.”

Helping others through the club is important to Baylee too. “I enjoy being able to give back and help where I can and the friends that I’ve made along the

way. You don’t have to be a farmer to join.

If you have an interest in farming and want to meet like-minded people, then it’s an awesome club to be a part of.”

Due to various circumstances, Baylee almost didn’t enter the Shepherd of the Year competition. She sent her entry in at the last minute.

“I gained a heap out of it and met some really cool, passionate shepherds as well. So even if I didn’t win, I still would have walked away happy and felt like it was worth my time.

“I was very surprised I won. The feedback they gave was very valuable for me moving forward in my career.”

Shepherds between the ages of 18 and 28 are eligible to enter the competition, and tested on theory and practical skills. Moving into managing the breeding and bull finishing block on the farm is one of Baylee’s shortterm goals.

“It will give Dad time to step back and focus on other things that he hasn’t had time for. My long-term aim is one day leasing or purchasing land.”

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As president of Whanganui Young Farmers, Baylee helps others through the club

Baylee’s team of dogs are a mix of pups she has bought or bred

GENERATIONS OF STRAWBERRY GROWERS

The 12-acre strawberry farm near Ōhau was established by Kevin and Shirley Donovan in 1992. Shirley had worked in a nearby strawberry packhouse for close to a decade when the opportunity to buy a block of land came up. She and Kevin bought the land, built a new home and started growing strawberries.

In 2018, their daughter Sue and her partner Rob Fifita-Tovo, took over the business. Sue said it’s neat to work alongside her parents who put so much into establishing the business.

“Along with Rob, take it to the next level in terms of increasing our customer base

to our packhouse shop. It’s also neat to have our daughter, Savannah, work for us. She works full-time at the local library and community centre and juggles managing social media and working in the packhouse when she can.

“Savannah is the social media guru who is up to date with getting the best out of social media marketing and ensures she responds to customer messages as soon as she is able.”

BY DENISE GUNN

Three generations of the same family are involved with Shirley’s Strawberries, each with their own role to play.

Kevin and Shirley continue to work on the strawberry farm. As packhouse manager, Shirley is responsible for packing staff, quality control and liaising with customers. The role of pasture manager is filled by Kevin, who supports Rob in taking care of the crop and grounds. Rob is responsible for harvesting of the strawberries and picking staff too.

“This is key to supplying good quality fruit to the packhouse shop and market.”

Administration, payroll, packhouse shop and customer liaison is managed by Sue. Two staff members are employed in the shop, and five part-time employees run the farm’s Fusion real fruit ice cream business.

From left: Three generations of the same family, Kevin, Shirley, Savannah, Sue and Rob, are all involved with Shirley’s Strawberries

The strawberries are grown in the rich Horowhenua soil

Sue also works off-farm as an executive officer for the Horowhenua District Council. For six months of the year, Rob works in social services for the local iwi.

“We consider ourselves small boutique growers,” said Sue. “We continue to grow in the rich soils of the Horowhenua whereas a lot of growers are completely hydroponic or part hydroponic, and part in the ground. We are happy to be unique in that we still grow in the ground, and we know from our customers that they can taste the difference.”

Sue said this comes with loads of challenges. “Climate change and extreme weather are our biggest concern, as well

as soil-based pests and disease. It has become quite the gamble growing in the ground and outdoors. Finding the balance of enough rain and too much rain is not always in our favour, and the warmth can create disease in the berries.”

During the strawberry season, it’s all hands on deck. “We have seven blocks of strawberries, and these need picking at least every second day. At times of unusually warm weather, we need to pick one and a half days apart.”

The number of picking staff required increases through the season, reaching a peak of around 25 pickers. Some of these pickers have worked for Shirley’s Strawberries

for 25 years. Pickers’ experience is invaluable to ensuring the fruit is graded correctly before entering the packhouse.

“There are five packing staff who are experts at grading and packing the fruit that is sent to the market and supermarkets. The quality of the packed fruit is something we pride ourselves on. We aim to ensure that our fruit continues to look its best after being transported and placed on supermarket shelves the next day.”

When the strawberry season draws

times, soil testing takes place. The polythene is laid in April, followed by planting from May to June. Maintenance work, which includes weeding, is ongoing.

Sue said the addition of the farm’s Fusion real fruit ice cream caravan had been a real hit. Fusion is found on-site during the strawberry season, at Garden of York out of season, and at various events around the region. Broadening the customer experience in the Horowhenua district is one of the family’s goals.

“In particular the Ōhau area where

The addition of the Fusion real fruit ice cream caravan is proving popular with customers on-farm and at various events

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HIGH HOPES FOR HEMP

BY DENISE GUNN

“It was only then that we learned what an incredible superfood it is and how great it is for the planet,” said Mathew.

The friends sowed their first crop in 2017 on a Fordell property owned by Duncan Matthews. Their five-hectare crop yielded around five tonnes of seed, and an old church was used to dry out the seeds.

On discovering there was nowhere to process hemp, the group set up a factory in Whanganui, specifically for this purpose.

As Mathew and Werner wanted to share the benefits of hemp with others, they formed Hemp Connect in 2017, along with Duncan Matthews and Craig Johnson. The team now grows hemp all over New Zealand.

“We’ve had amazing seed grown as far north as Northland and as far south as

Southland. It can really grow anywhere that maize does. The better the land, the better the crop,” said Mathew.

“Local farming is relatively low at the moment because of the consumer demand, but across New Zealand, there is anywhere between 100ha to 500ha grown annually.”

Hemp doesn’t require any pesticides or irrigation to grow and is relatively similar to maize. Harvesting takes place between February and April. “This year is the earliest harvest we’ve ever done.”

Mathew said the combine harvester used only harvests hemp, so there are zero gluten contaminants. “This is really valuable for many of our customers who enjoy hemp because it is a great gluten-free product.”

After harvesting, the first 24 hours are crucial for drying the seeds. Mathew

said this is probably the most challenging part of producing hemp. The seeds are then transported to Hemp Connect’s new facility in Levin to be dressed and processed into many different types of hemp products.

“Moving to Levin has been great, and having our whole team based locally has been wonderful for connectivity and innovation. Having our own factory has also enabled us to just get on with things.”

As with any business, Hemp Connect has faced challenges, particularly with regulations surrounding the commercialisation of hemp.

“This has forced us to get creative in the food industry, rather than relying on the nutraceutical side of hemp, to create a profitable hemp business, unlike every other hemp business across the western world.”

That creativity has paid off, with Hemp Connect winning a gold award for its hemp hearts at the New Zealand Food Awards in 2021. The following year, the hemp hearts took out another gold award at the 2022 New Zealand Artisan Awards. “It’s something we are really proud of.”

The hemp hearts are produced from the inside of the seed. “They are really high in protein, iron, magnesium, zinc and the perfect ratio of omegas three, six and nine, so good for things like energy, heart health, pregnancy, menopause, brain function and muscle recovery.

“Our hemp oil capsules are one of our biggest sellers because they are so good for your joints and inflammation. Many people take them for arthritis and their digestive system.”

A search for sustainable building solutions led friends Mathew Johnson and Werner Schulze to discover many uses and benefits of hemp.

Giving steel a new lease on life

A Taranaki-based business is providing steel solutions for clients nationwide.

Egmont Industrial Supply Ltd is a New Zealand-owned and operated steel stockist of new and used steel with more than 55 years of combined experience in the steel products industry.

Located in Egmont Village, under Mt Taranaki, this small team of eight provides a wide range of steel products to clients from different industries and sectors around New Zealand.

Over time, the company has established a strong reputation as a reliable supplier of various products such as new and used: steel pipe, casing, culvert, walkway grating, steel mesh, plate, steel sections and sheet piles.

Specialising in large diameter and heavy wall pipe in particular, it has become renowned for its expertise and cut-to-length and fabrication service on its wide range of stock.

Egmont Industrial Supply Ltd has three key unique selling points:

 An experienced and knowledgeable team who work closely with customers

to understand their needs and provide tailored solutions to their requirements, whether it is a custom order shipped from overseas or a small piece of surplus steel cut to length

 Ability to provide timely and efficient delivery of products to clients, understanding the importance of prompt delivery. Working with freight companies nationwide, providing a quick turnaround from the first day of contact to goods being dispatched

 A range of used/surplus steel. Giving it another lease of life, while at the same time being able to pass on the savings to the client

Having built a strong reputation for its excellent customer service, quality products, and timely delivery, they have a loyal customer base that spans across industries, such as engineering, civil construction, drilling/piling, farming, contracting, building, logging or the home DIYer. Give them a buzz today on 06 752 2011.

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Ten-year milestone for farming in schools

by Andy Bryenton

The Agribusiness in Schools programme, teaching future farmers about the most up-to-the-minute skills and technology in the rural sector, has marked a decade of success this month.

Magnesium and hypertension

by John Arts

The Women’s Health Study is one of the most influential medical studies; it followed nearly 30,000 Female Health professionals over 45.

It is still going now after 30 years. One of the many observations was the relationship between magnesium and hypertension (high blood pressure). The study showed that magnesium intake was inversely related to hypertension; those with low levels had much higher chances of developing hypertension.

Indeed, it seems as if magnesium can help many conditions, including cramp, heart rhythm, mood, sleeping and many more. That should not be a surprise because of the special role of magnesium in governing muscles and nerves. Calcium is the mineral that causes muscles to work and nerves to carry impulses. Magnesium helps return muscles and nerves to a resting state.

blockers. It allows the smooth muscle in blood vessels to relax, thus allowing for enhanced blood flow.

The scheme was piloted at Hamilton’s St Paul’s College in 2013 and has since grown to encompass 120 schools nationwide, with 4,000 students participating in the course last year alone. Educators have teamed up with industry leadership bodies to ensure that the programme produces graduates with cutting-edge knowledge of agribusiness and farming science. Beef and Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) and DairyNZ are both heavily involved in partnership, for example.

“It has been a game-changer, equipping students to be involved in the food and fibre industry and helping teachers promote our sector and its many possibilities,” says B+LNZ’s national extension programme manager Olivia Weatherburn.

“Due to its widespread success, the programme has not only shown rural students what careers they can have within the industry, but it has also helped to positively change both school and community perceptions of the primary sector.”

The Agribusiness in Schools programme was sparked by a survey of parents at St Paul’s, a Waikato school with a strong link to the farming community. The survey indicated that parents wanted stronger support for its rural students in encouraging them to consider pathways into the primary sector. Soon it became

apparent that this concern was shared across rural New Zealand, and steps were taken to formulate a course of studies to equip future farmers.

It grew into an academic agribusiness in schools course offered at NCEA levels two and three. It aims to expose students to the wide range of skills required on the farm and the opportunities available in the primary sector beyond the farm gate.

“What is great about this initiative is that it is in partnership with the Ministry of Education, NZQA and the primary industries to ensure we equip our future sector workers with the right skills,” says Olivia Weatherburn.

The programme has also developed resources to support teachers who wish to bring agribusiness studies into their other non-dedicated classes. In addition, regional hubs for the programme have brought together educators who have come on board with agribusiness in schools, with tailored and ongoing mentoring for teachers by leaders in farming. Ten years in, the knowledge base developed by this method is extensive and continues to evolve.

“Overall, the programme is increasing trainee teacher numbers and teacher capability across agribusiness, which is a win-win for our sector and the food and fibre industry as a whole,” says Ms Weatherburn.

How does magnesium help hypertension? Our blood vessels have a special type of muscle called smooth muscle. Just as a deficiency can cause cramp or tightness in our skeletal muscles, so low it causes smooth muscle to lose its natural suppleness. That can impede blood flow and forces the heart to pump harder to circulate blood.

The main mechanism is that magnesium is a powerful calcium channel blocker; many hypertension medications are calcium channel

The challenge is to get the right forms of magnesium in the right doses. My preference is to use three different forms of magnesium: natural marine magnesium from seawater is well-proven, magnesium citrate, and probably the most effective, magnesium glycinate. We then need to get the right doses. That is where once-a-day supplements can be difficult, as you cannot modify the dose. My magnesium has a dosage range of one to four capsules, so it can be customised to a person’s needs.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv. Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his newsletter at abundant.co.nz.

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“The challenge is to get the right forms of magnesium in the right doses.”

Future farmers have been learning core skills with the Agribusiness in Schools programme for a decade

Your pre-winter garden checklist

by Andy Bryenton

Autumn is the traditional time of harvest and preparation, laying the groundwork for winter’s hibernation season and a vibrant spring to follow.

Prune, chop, mulch — There’s a lot of tidying up to do around many gardens thanks to the effects of February’s wild weather. Still, all that foliage does not necessarily have to go to the tip. Hire a wood chipper, or borrow one from an accommodating friend, and you can turn a lot of those lopped-off branches into useful mulch. A layer of this green waste byproduct acts like a comforting blanket for the root systems of trees and shrubs, ironing out temperature fluctuations and preserving moisture. It can also feed beneficial fungi beneath the soil.

Firewood from dicey trees — Leaning, cracked, overhanging power lines, or too close for comfort to garages and eaves; some trees have to go before the storms of winter. Give them the chop while the weather is still settled, ensuring you have all the right chainsaw safety gear in place. The resulting firewood will be a welcome reserve as we near the end of winter, a few months down the track. If you can’t chop your own, now is the time to buy a good supply.

Planting bulbs — As the old saying goes, bulbs go down in autumn to come

up in spring. A riot of colourful flowers will herald warmer weather in August and November if you take a little time to dig in those daffodils, hyacinths and tulips soon. Take care to accompany them with some of the right nutrients to ensure they come up strong.

Compost season — Wood ash from your fireplace, the straggly last remains of summer’s veggie crops, fallen deciduous leaves, food scraps and all manner of organic goodies should go into your compost heaps this time of year. You’ll notice them steaming in the cold

mornings as busy bacteria begin to work their magic. It’s a good time to build or buy a new compost bin or worm farm.

The home orchard — It’s time to prune back and care for summer fruit trees, even as some varieties of apples and pears are now at their most succulent. As the weather turns cold these, along with other fruits like grapes, may become the target for birds seeking easy pickings in the shorter hours of daylight. Get some scrim or netting out to deter the flying orchard robbers, and plan to preserve some of your bounty with old-fashioned mason jars, and recipes for jams and sauces. Home-made apple sauce with a pork roast is unbeatable winter fare.

Lawn reform — The slow months of winter growth are a perfect time to regrow patchy or uneven lawns back to a full viridian carpet. Spray with a ‘weed and seed’ fertiliser and sow in autumn to make the best use of seasonal rain. When springtime rolls around, you’ll want to have your mower ready, as those newly planted areas are sure to take off.

Autumn is a busy time in the garden — preparing to weather the storms of winter while harvesting and preserving seasonal produce

ADVERTORIAL

Healthier homes with insulation

by Denise Gunn

Home insulation, from the initial assessment through

Chris and Sandra Patterson established Insulation Tech NZ in 2019. The couple recognised the need for installers who put customers first, are local to their community and understand Healthy Homes’ requirements.

The family-owned and operated business employs an experienced and qualified team. who collectively have decades of experience in the industry.

Sandra said all staff are qualifi ed and have nearly completed their insulation installation apprenticeship through a new apprenticeship with the Building and Construction Industry Training Organisation.

From the moment of first contacting Insulation Tech NZ, customers will receive a fast, efficient response with the correct information tailored to their needs.

“We ensure every customer understands what their homes need. Still, more importantly, the why it needs that. They can expect friendly service all the way through and competitive

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pricing using top-quality products. All our staff are police-vetted, too, so are safe and trustworthy.”

As the temperature begins to drop, it’s an ideal time to prepare for winter through home insulation. Insulation Tech NZ is a registered provider for the Warmer Kiwi Homes programme.

Sandra can check if customers are eligible for a grant towards insulation costs. Filling out an online form on the business’s website insulationtech.co.nz will ensure a prompt response.

“A great highlight for us is when we get a quote request from a customer who does not know about warmer Kiwi homes. Through our customer-focussed assessments, we check eligibility and see they are eligible, so are able to offer the subsidy.

“So many don’t know they are eligible. Eligibility is worked out on location, not financial status. The subsidy is 80% off, so huge savings for our homeowners and definitely worth checking. Correctly installed insulation

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saves a load on heating costs, helps keep homes warmer and dryer in winter, and cooler in summer.”

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WINTER FOCUS

Immune tune up for autumn

by Andy Bryenton

The change of seasons is when we’re often busy preparing our homes for the onslaught of winter chills, but what about the front line of defence against illness?

While it’s not the cold temperatures of autumn and winter that cause a cold, dealing with adverse weather and more hours of darkness can find our immune systems at a low ebb. However, the body’s natural defences are amazingly resilient, and with a little support, they can power through even the dreariest months in the calendar. Here’s what medical experts suggest as we head into autumn.

Adopt a fresh seasonal diet. Fresh food high in iron, vitamin C and antioxidants are great immune system boosters. Fresh, locally grown produce, eggs, seafood and cuts of meat are best, as they are as close to their point of origin as possible. While some famous cold-busting foods and drinks such as echinacea, garlic, and green tea can help prevent a cold, they are not the best fix when it’s already struck. For recovery, a mineral-rich homemade soup packed with fresh ingredients is best, combined with lots of rest.

Soup works not just because it’s full of goodness, but also, we’re told, due

to the need for hydration. Water helps with cellular oxygenation. and it also flushes away bacteria and toxins. Aim for eight or more glasses a day of water as pure as you can get it. A home filter system is a good idea for this, and those who already own one are reminded to

change their filters out for the start of the season.

A little exercise goes a long way for immune system health. Doctors recommend approximately half an hour of gentle, low-impact exercise, such as walking, cycling or yoga. It doesn’t have to be high-intensity to work. Exercise, even a little, can help encourage the production of disease-fighting white blood cells.

Sleep is equally important, and the change in daylight hours can often throw people out of their sleeping routines. Winter is a time for ‘hibernation’, and the best way to give your immune system time to muster its forces. Aim for seven to eight hours of sleep each night, and make it deeper and more restful by eliminating all light from your bedroom, especially ‘screen light’ and the coloured LEDs which glow from appliances on standby. To drop off, try reading a paper book instead of using a device for half an hour before bed.

Finally, if you leave for work before dawn and come home after dusk, plan some time in your day to get out from under artificial light. If the weather permits, get outdoors for at least an hour each day in the sun to boost vitamin D production.

MOWER MASTER

50 TON

“I have no doubt that if I did not have a Quadbar fitted, my accident would have been fatal!” — Rozel Farms

“The Quadbar saved our employee from significant injuries.” — Colin van der Geest

Using science to your advantage

by Amy Fifita

Having your soil tested regularly can be beneficial to monitor to implement steps to receive optimal plants for your pasture and track it.

Autumn is an opportune time for lime dusting, so it can neutralise soil acidity levels and increase the soil’s pH levels. The desired pH level will depend on what you are growing.

Soil testing will give you insight into what is lacking in the topsoil of your paddocks. It will provide you an idea of what nutrients are deficient and what toxicity levels are in your topsoil. These potentially deter a well-maintained pasture for the winter and spring periods.

Once you have the results, you can look at what needs to be applied now to promote good crops and nutrient levels later in the year. You can compare it to last year’s results and see what maintenance fertilisers will help bring levels back to normal.

Fertilise your fields with a combination of sulphur, phosphate and potassium. The soil tests will guide you on how much of each additive you will need to apply to your pastures.

Sulphur helps amino acids, oils and proteins to form in plant development, which is vital for the production of

chlorophyll. Phosphate works together with nitrogen and sulphur for plant development. It is important for the roots, growth and flowering or fruit of your crops.

Potassium creates a solution in the soil for the crops to absorb. It is a regulator of carbon dioxide by way of opening and closing the stomata of the plant and assists with the transfer of water, carbohydrates and nutrients in plant tissue.

The applications are absorbed in the soil and affect plant quality, which affects feeding crops and harvests. If you have healthy soil, you can expect healthy stock for meat or milk from your cows. The same goes for fruit or vegetables produced.

Following the maintenance fertiliser, you can build up your soil even further to enhance its richness and fertility. You could talk to a soil technical specialist to see how best to optimise your soil which will reflect on your crop and pasture health. Whatever your sector in the farming industry, it is always important to promote healthy soil for quality crops.

ADVERTORIAL

Time to feed soil and foliage

by Andy Bryenton

Bert

After struggling to get fertiliser trucks onto most of his property, Bert decided to set up his own system of fertiliser spreading using his low-impact John Deere Gator with a 300L tank and a spreading rose system to allow greater coverage. He researched his options and settled on Nitrosol Liquid Fertiliser and MicroLime.

It’s part of an approach to fertiliser spreading delivering an effective and economical boost, with foliar feeding giving the plants what they need and assisting the biota within the soil itself.

Foliar feeding is a more efficient way to get nutrients directly into a plant, resulting in lower quantities of fertiliser getting the same or better result; the name comes from foliage, the leafy green matter above the soil surface. Foliar nutrition will rapidly solve a deficiency, as vital trace elements can more easily be incorporated at uniform levels. When weather and soil conditions, such as low pH and cold or dry soils, limit nutrient availability and absorption through the

roots, a foliar feeding strategy pays big dividends.

Bert’s choice of Nitrosol comes from seeing its good results. Nitrosol has a full range of plant-available nutrients, minerals and trace elements. The organic matter also feeds the biological activity in the soil, the importance of which has become more evident in recent years as research reinforces the significance of the living environment below the surface. It is one big ecosystem that must be nurtured to achieve best results.

It is another reason Bert has chosen Nitrosol. With five decades of experience and a similar track record, its products have a reputation for providing plant growth and increasing soil health in New Zealand and worldwide. Some Kiwi dairy farmers use Nitrosol exclusively.

Blended Nitrosol Oceanic and Nitrosol Nitrogen Booster combine readily absorbed macro and micronutrients, including amino acids. It provides all the benefits of urea plus the stimulation provided by a complete nutrient profile.

Amino acids are a more efficient way for plants to absorb nitrogen and have the added benefit of assisting with the absorption of other trace elements. Less nutrient loss makes environmental compliance easier to achieve while saving Bert’s customers money.

A deeper knowledge of soil health’s importance has also led Bert to also set up a system for aerating pastures. He saw the importance of releasing stale gases and

allowing fresh air and water to penetrate and be retained in the soil. Aeration and fertiliser spreading are recommended following grazing or cropping in autumn and again prior to spring growth. Bert has seen amazing results from the Nitrosol both in quality and quantity of pasture, with aeration adding to the health of the ecosystem. That translates into improved livestock condition and weight gain.

Jordan of Soil Support Services is all about innovation regarding the science of healthy soil and well-fertilised foliage; he’s incorporating the best into his business to keep his customers growing strong.

Bert Jordan has put his trust in a combination of excellent aeration and targeted fertiliser application to give a big, green boost to his customers’ farms

SINGLE

DOUBLE

TRIPLE

HUNTING &

Carving a career in the meat industry

by Denise Gunn

A1 Meat Processors owner/operator Lee Cook has decades of experience in the meat industry, working as a meat inspector and operating his own butcher shop.

Lee grew up on his parents’ sheep, beef and deer farm in the central North Island. His grandparents farmed in Whanganui River Valley.

“I always had a strong lean towards hunting wild game. My parents and grandparents had to shoot wild game to keep it off the farm,” said Lee.

When the family farm was sold, Lee’s parents bought a butcher shop in Whanganui as well as a deer farm at Kai Iwi.

“They employed a manager, and I did my butcher apprenticeship. After I married, the butcher shop was sold, and I worked in supermarkets, freezing works and butcher shops. I also trained as a meat inspector.

Following a move to Manawatu, Lee worked for a home-kill butcher before opening his own business 20 years ago.

Originally A1 Meat Processors was located near Feilding.

Around three years ago, Lee bought a property on Milson Line, just outside

the Palmerston North city boundary, and relocated his business there.

“The butcher shop is behind our house. I also do a bit of farming, running a few ewes and Dexter cattle.”

Lee said customers usually come in and have a look around. “We have a consultation on what they want and how they like it. I get it done, and I give them a ring, then they come and pick it up.

“I’m heading more towards wild game. Most people have done the slaughtering, so I just do the processing,” said Lee.

“We specialise in most local deer species and do wild bacon from wild pigs. We also process ostriches and water buffalo.”

If required, Lee has access to technical advice. Lee’s daughter has followed in his footsteps, too, becoming the youngest person in New Zealand to gain a Diploma

in Meat Technology. She is now a supervisor at an AFFCO plant and is also qualified as a beef inspector. A1 Meat Processors is open Monday to Friday between 8am–5pm.

“I can see people by appointment on weekends, especially game hunters who shoot their deer and put them in the chiller straight away.”

Lee Cook operates A1 Meat Processors from his Milson Line property, just outside the city boundary

FIREARMS LICENCE HOLDERS

THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE ‘THE ROAR’AND GAME BIRD SEASON

If you’re a firearms licence holder, you’ll need to know about changes to the storage and transport rules for firearms and ammunition, and changes to the seven rules of firearms safety.

Regulations were updated in February 2022, and to help Kiwis make sense of those changes, Te Tari Pūreke, the new firearms regulator, published a Secure Storage and Transport Guide.

You can download a copy of the Secure Storage and Transport Guide from www. firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/firearms-safety

Storage and transport for firearms and ammunition, key points

Transportation

If you’re driving to a hunting location, your firearm needs to be inoperable during your travel and, ideally, concealed from view. This means removing the bolt or an essential part (or if that’s not possible, applying a trigger or cable lock), or transporting the firearm in a locked carry case.

The ammunition needs to be separately and securely stored in a locked glove box or similar storage area, if practical.

And please, whatever you do, once you’ve finished using your firearm, lock it away. Never leave any firearms in your ute, shed, home or vehicle unsecured at any time.

The only exceptions to the firearms and ammunition transport rules are if you’re using the firearm on a farm for farm-related activities, or you’re doing legally-authorised hunting or pest control (such as a regional council employed pest controller) and the licence holder is in the vehicle or the immediately vicinity of the vehicle with the firearms in it.

Make sure you read or download a free copy of the storage and transport guide to keep up to date with the details of the changes: www.firearmssafetyauthority. govt.nz/firearms-safety/storagetransportation

The 7 rules of firearm safety

Rule 1

Rule 2

Rule 3

Rule 4

Rule 5

Rule 6

Rule 7

Ammunition

All ammunition must now be stored in a locked container. You can now only store ammunition with firearms in a gun safe that has a separate lockable compartment with a different key than the key for the gun safe. You must keep these keys separate.

If your safe doesn’t have a separate lockable compartment, you need to store ammunition in its own secure storage container with a key, combination, or padlock, or in a stout locked cupboard.

Taking a break when you’re travelling with firearms

For those who travel with firearms to hunt locations, your inoperable and secured firearm can be left in your vehicle unattended, for example during a break in a journey, for up to 60 minutes. But you need to lock your vehicle and stay within the immediate area or vicinity of the vehicle and meet other conditions.

Read the storage and transport guide for full details: www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz/ firearms-safety/storage-transportation.

Under no circumstances can firearms, ammunition or other arms items be left in a vehicle overnight.

Treat every firearm as loaded

Always point firearms in a safe direction

Chamber a cartridge only when ready to fire

Identify your target beyond all doubt

Check your firing zone

Store and transport firearms and ammunition safely

Avoid alcohol or drugs when handling firearms

The seven rules of firearm safety have changed.

Get ahead of the changes to firearms safety rules with the Firearms Safety Code. Buy the book from www. firearmssafetyauthority. govt.nz/firearms-safety and have it shipped to your door or download a PDF copy for free.

Firearms licences online

Apply for a firearms licence and update your contact details online using MyFirearms: a secure, online portal available at www.firearmssafetyauthority.govt.nz

There will be no charge to registering your firearms.

Te Tari Pūreke and the Firearms Registry

We want to enable the legitimate use of firearms for feeding our whānau, conservation, farming and recreation while keeping our communities safe. This involves making sure firearms licence holders are fit and proper to possess firearms and are meeting the obligations of their licence. New Zealand will have a firearms registry from 24 June 2023. The Registry is one of the ways we are strengthening how firearms are managed in New Zealand.

Information from Te Tari Pūreke - Firearms Safety Authority

Duck season a hunter’s tradition

by Andy Bryenton

Duck season opens on May 6 across Manawatū and much of the North Island, with hunters anticipating a good season’s shooting following a damp, cool summer.

Shooters are permitted to bag 15 mallards or grey ducks on opening weekend, with a limit of 10 throughout the rest of the season. Interestingly, neighbouring Taranaki has just come out of a special paradise shelduck season, which added additional hunting days through the early months of 2023. These ducks will also still be on the menu all the way through until July 2.

The all-important long-range forecast for opening weekend in the west of the North Island predicts that things could go either way. There’s a strong chance of misty rain on Saturday, which duck hunters always pay fervently for. However, those heading out to the maimais should not discount the possibility of a rogue cold snap with clear skies and frost.

While it’s hard to predict the weather, other forms of preparedness are easier to take care of. Fish and Game reminds all duck hunters to secure their licence early and to check out the new rules regarding shotgun magazine sizes if they

are travelling away from home to shoot. Waikato and Hawke’s Bay hunters will be restricted to a three-shot capacity this season, to give the ducks a more sporting chance. Those in the Wellington region, which includes the bulk of Manawatū, are not allowed to use magazine extensions.

It echoes the early rules surrounding semiautomatic shotguns upon their introduction. While nearby Taranaki remains in line with firearms law in allowing for a five-cartridge magazine in semi-autos and pump shotguns, hunters will need a restrictor plug if they travel to areas enforcing the three-shot rule.

While seasoned duck hunting veterans are understandably eager to greet the dawn on May 6, there are others concerned with bringing young people into the sport and preserving it for future generations. Fish and Game is trialling a new system in Otago this year, which allows young people to have their own ballot, determining good spots on ponds and wetlands.

“Young hunters are usually introduced to the sport by parents, other relatives or

THE SHORT DROP LIMITED

Extra efforts are being made to encourage young hunters this duck season, looking to the future of introduced waterfowl populations and the wetlands where they live older friends,” Fish & Game officer Steve Dixon said.

“These outdoor experiences can grow bonds of family and friendship, often creating lifetime memories. While harvesting game for the table, they’re also learning to appreciate our wetlands and rivers.”

By incentivising young people to get outdoors and hunt, the tradition of

opening weekend will be in good hands for years to come. If the Otago trial goes well, other regions may follow suit.

“We’re always keen to see more young people getting into duck hunting,” said Mr Dixon. “To help them along, we’ve launched a junior and novice hunters’ ballot for access on some of our wetlands during the first nine days of the duck season.”

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Power to keep Manawatū moving

by Andy Bryenton

One of the biggest names in motorcycle manufacturing is proving that it has an ear to the ground with the release of some fresh new models to augment its 600cc offering.

A new expansion to CFMoto’s UForce 600 model range is an example of the big bike manufacturer listening to its public. The original UForce 600 has been a success story for CFMoto, matching a sharp price with a big 280kg cargo capacity, room for three, full rollover protection and 680kg of towing. A powerful but simple single overhead cam 580cc single-cylinder

LOCAL

Three of the best — CFMoto has turned its successful UForce 600 into a family of economical, hard-working side-by-sides

engine delivers power via a CVT gearbox, allowing for a smooth ride and no need for wrestling with a gearshift. It’s water-cooled, too, so that long days of hard work or long treks down muddy off-road trails won’t come close to making it overheat.

That’s a tidy package that allows the UForce 600 to play in the same league as

some rather more expensive competitors. Manawatū’s terrain and large farming heartland are the right spot, for just such a machine, especially considering the many upgrades available to customise it. However, customer feedback led to CFMoto adding two more variants to its off-the-showroom offering.

The first is for those who want a workhorse that’s tough and capable, but don’t feel the need for ostentation. For these people, the Uforce 600 Base is the answer. It’s got an even lower price point, achieved by replacing certain pieces of kit with more simple, reliable components. Consider it the ‘army spec’ side by side; for example, alloy mag wheels are switched for crossdrilled steel. LED lamps are replaced with powerful halogen. There’s a fixed rear diff, anticipating hard work rather than top speed, and it’s available in one colour; CFMoto blue.

At the other end of the scale is the UForce 600 Hunt, exactly the opposite recipe, with all the extras for a wilderness adventure. Windscreen, side protector bars, a snorkel kit, and aggressive forestcamo styling with chunky mag wheels are the order of the day for this 600, which is aimed at those looking to explore and engage with wildlife of the edible variety.

For your own particular off-road needs, whether they lie in the direction of adventure, hard work or something in between, CFMoto has you covered. Come and chat with your local dealership about your next machine, what it needs to do well and what could be the perfect fit for your farm or lifestyle.