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Exciting line-up for field days
December 2019 Edition
Progressing the electric fence
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0800 466 793 Young councillor for rural ward
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Livestock agent takes next step Page 6–7
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December 2019
MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
Merry Christmas from our team to yours
Integrity community media
Monique McKenzie, the leading salesperson of your Manawatu Farming Lifestyles, says that this has been a big year, with more news, more farming challenges, and more stories about what makes the rural heartland an extraordinary place. After an exciting year, the publication is more popular than ever, with a record number of you calling us with feedback and story ideas — more than ever before.
The Manawatu Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned NZ company. Phone: 0800 466 793 Email: info@integrity.nz General Manager: Deb Wright | deb.wright@integrity.nz | 021 639 696 Editorial: Ann van Engelen, Denise Gunn, Paul Campbell, Andy Bryenton Advertising: Monique McKenzie Accounts: accounts@integrity.nz Distribution: Laurie Willetts Website: www.farminglifestyles.co.nz
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Denise Gunn — Journalist
“I’d like to thank all of our readership for their support and the ideas they send us, the positive feedback and the tips for great stories. Our advertisers are another group of great people who deserve special thanks for their unwavering support. We’re glad to be able to keep promoting local businesses to local people, helping the local economy thrive. It’s been a lot of fun helping produce this year’s editions, and I hope you have had an equal amount of enjoyment reading them.” Meanwhile, lead journalist of the publication and a regular byline on our Manawatu feature stories, Denise Gunn, reflects on a year of news that has spanned the tumultuous and the quirky. “As 2019 draws to a close, I extend warm wishes to you all for a wonderful, safe, fun, festive season. For the past seven years, from our own patch of land in the Manawatu, I’ve put together stories for Manawatu Farming Lifestyles.
With family in the area, I feel a special connection to the region. It has been such a pleasure to share so many stories of hard-working individuals and families, on the land around the region. We are always keen to hear your feedback and story ideas, so please keep in touch. With 2020 just around the corner, we look forward to finding out about people in your communities who have stories to share. Thank you all for supporting our publication.” Monique and Denise also wish to take this opportunity, on behalf of the entire team behind the Manawatu Farming Lifestyles, to wish all our readers, advertisers, supporters and locals a very merry Christmas and a safe, happy holiday season. Your monthly farming publication will return in mid-January with a fresh harvest of news, views, feature stories and valuable information to start the new year right!
Ian McKelvie MP for Rangitikei I wish everyone the compliments of the season • FEILDING
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Exciting line-up for field days
MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2019
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Agricultural displays, demonstrations and rural innovation will feature alongside crowd favourites at the upcoming 27th annual Central Districts Field Days.
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More than 27,000 people are expected to attend the 27th annual Central Districts Field Days
More than 27,000 people are expected to attend New Zealand’s largest regional agricultural show at Manfeild in Feilding early next year. Crowds travel from all over the North Island to check out the latest and greatest products for their farm. The field days site covers 33 hectares with around 600 exhibitors offering the latest in farming innovation, viticulture, horticulture, forestry, health, lifestyle and sustainable living. Attendees can access special deals exclusive to the event and an opportunity to meet with sellers and exhibitors. Event Manager Henry McLernon said the event is a one-stop-shop for those working in New Zealand’s primary industries. “Visitors can connect and discover the latest in technology and innovation,
designed to help deliver better business solutions and increase profitability.” “It’s also a safe and fun family day out with plenty of entertainment on offer. There’s something for everyone,” said Mr McLernon. The National Excavator competition, fencing contests and freestyle motocross shows are among the crowd favourites lined up for the event. An airforce solo aircraft aerobatic display is booked for the final day. With live music providing background entertainment, and a wide variety of food stands with regional flavours, visitors will be well nourished. New elements at the field days include a dedicated forestry hub and an agri careers showcase, designed to attract students to the sector. A series of speakers at the forestry hub will give talks on carbon, farm forestry, industry
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safety, forest investments and training. It will feature machine driving simulators for the public to try, kids games, loaded log trucks, competitions and forestry industry information. The jam-packed three-day event will run from March 19– 21 at 9am–4.30pm daily. Gates close at 4pm on the final day. Tickets are on sale now, so skip the queues and save with early bird pricing from just $15 until February 2 2020. Entry will be $20 at the gate. More ticket, exhibitor and visitor information is available at cdfielddays. co.nz.
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December 2019
MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
PROGRESSING THE ELECTRIC FENCE by Ann van Engelen Alex Macmillan is a beef cattle farmer in Pipiwai and to help life on-farm be easier he has developed a gamechanging device for electric tape gateways.
“I
am appreciative of the companies that created the current designs of gate tape handles, but they eventually fail for a number of reasons. I always felt there had to be a better way to operate gateways that are controlled by electric tapes,” says Alex. “Rather than complaining, I designed a bullet-proof model — based on my observations over the decades of my farming career to helping advance the industry. My sturdy gateway hinge spring uses marine-grade stainless steel, which won’t rust and is the first of its kind in New Zealand. I officially launched my product at the National Fieldays in June.
Pay attention!
“The product has a positive environmental impact by taking plastic and degrading wire springs out of the equation. The more volume of the invention we get on farms to displace the traditional option means more positive results.” The 81-year-old was a member of NZ Young Farmers in the 1950s and has decided to donate a portion of all sale proceeds to the organisation. “In the early 1960s, I got a job working for the Milk Marketing Board in the United Kingdom as an artificial insemination technician and was the youngest technician they ever employed. When I returned home, I spent more
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Alex Macmillan with his son Michael has launched Alex’s invention helping farmers with electric tape gateways
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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2019
than four decades working for the Livestock Improvement Corporation as an AI technician. One of my biggest days involved inseminating cows in 29 herds, and I travelled more than 209km that day. “I was a former Patumahoe Young Farmers club member, and the thing I remember most fondly were the interclub debates. There was some fierce competition in our area. It is a great way to expand your knowledge, share ideas and socialise. We enjoyed getting off-farm for various activities and knew our way around a dance floor regularly attending Saturday night dances in local halls. It was fun, and people need to do it now days too for time out and get away from it all. “I want to support NZ Young Farmers and help the next generation reach their goals. The organisation helps to nurture young people in primary industries, and I personally received immense benefits from being a member when I was young. It was one of the best ways to make friends. “My devices will be installed in the near future at the Auckland dairy farm gifted to NZ Young Farmers by the late Donald Pearson. “They will help with sustainability in the long term. We have also had considerable interest from farmers in coastal areas who are tired of replacing their current gate components every couple of years due to rust.” The Lomacs gateway hinge spring will solve this problem and other issues. Marketed by Lomacs New Zealand, it has generated interest from the Australian
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Alex is now 81 years old and his granddaughter Madison often helps him around the farm learning from him along the way states of Tasmania and Victoria. “Dad’s invention is permanently mounted on a post and all of the componentry, apart from the plastic anchor, is marine-grade stainless steel. It should last a lifetime and save money, frustration and broken gateways along the way,” said Alex’s son Michael Macmillan, a director of Lomacs New Zealand. “He has dedicated his life to the agriculture sector, and this product is different from anything else on the market. It is a significant cost when every three to four years you are replacing the current product. He set out to design something that would last for decades and given there is no plastic in the mechanism — it is more environmentally friendly. “The swivel design allows it to move from side to side — essentially eliminating damage. It gives a consistent
spring compression on the tape attachment every time so it shouldn’t stretch beyond the barrel. The barrel is protected from contamination such as mud, organic matter and water and being permanently attached removes the risk of someone running over the unit. “More innovations are in the pipeline, and in time may enhance this invention because dad wants to give farmers access to a quality product. “The exciting thing is that the unit can be applied to sectors outside of farming, including the marine industry. More information can be found on our lomacs.nz website. “Dad’s invention has been selected as a finalist in the NZ Best Design Awards, and I am looking forward to hitting the road to attend NZYF club meetings to discuss and promote my father’s invention.”
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December 2019
MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
LIVESTOCK AGENT TAKES NEXT STEP by Denise Gunn Slightly more than a decade ago, livestock agent Luke Jurgens returned to his rural foundation to follow in his father’s footsteps.
L
uke grew up in a farming family with his early years spent on a sheep and beef farm in the Turakina Valley. At the age of 12, he and his family moved to a bull fattening farm between Marton and Bulls. Six years later, Luke headed off to university, venturing into tourism, banking and finance careers. With a long and varied agricultural career, Luke’s father, Butch, gained extensive farming experience and developed a keen eye for livestock. Butch managed both the farm and his livestock business for a couple of years. Then, in 1999 he established his
own livestock agency company, Butch Jurgens Livestock Ltd. On returning from an OE, Luke furthered his studies, completing a Bachelor of Business in Management and E-Business. In February 2008, after much discussion with his parents, Luke decided to move back to Palmerston North from Auckland, to join Butch in the business. Luke’s wife, Chelle, wrapped up their life in Auckland and followed soon afterwards. “Butch has always left the door open for me to join the business,” said Luke. Following his father’s advice, Luke bought a vehicle and phone for work and
Luke joined the family business in 2008, purchasing it in 2017
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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2019
began canvassing up farm driveways. “He also said it takes three years to build a solid client base, and that’s what I did.” Butch and Luke’s business is classed as an independent livestock agency. “We procure livestock and lambs for ANZCO Foods — a long-standing relationship that complements both companies,” said Luke. “Butch has supplied them for 20plus years, and I have carried on that relationship now for the last three years since we bought the business off mum and dad. I personally have been procuring for ANZCO since 2008.” Applying his studies to the business has enabled Luke to update technology and ensure systems are more efficient. The father and son duo cover the Rangitikei and Manawatu districts, with a few clients on the books from Dannevirke to Masterton. Although the role of a livestock agent can be busy, stressful and quite demanding at times, it also has its rewards. Luke enjoys contact with people in all parts of the agricultural sector. “I love the strength of the relationships we have built over the years with farmers and agents to have a strong business.” Solving problems with farmers, and being part of their stock buying and selling plan each year, is another highlight. “It’s a great feeling to know that we are helping our clients improve their productivity.” Luke also finds satisfaction working with young farmers who are about to
enter the agricultural sector or looking to grow. “They are enthusiastic, open to ideas and technology. They consider you part of their team and successes. The time you put into them has huge rewards in years to come for both us and the farmers. “Dad often said an agent is also a counsellor. We have seen some of our clients do it hard financially for various reasons. Depression is real amongst farmers, and we often are a listening ear and support. “Mycoplasma bovis has had a huge, negative impact on the sector, both in dairy and beef. The response to it has been challenging. “Both with the government as they try to eradicate it and the effects on farmers’ businesses and their mental capacity.” This year, as the business reached its 20th anniversary, Luke and Chelle decided to celebrate with a brand refresh. “The exciting part is that we have many clients that are loyal to us, and that is due to dad’s hard work and his integrity — something I will carry on into the future. “Our business is about good, healthy relationships with farmers and other agents across New Zealand.” Luke said the biggest highlight has been taking the business over from his parents. “They have both worked hard in life, and now they can enjoy the rest of their lives. Dad is semi-retired but
Livestock agents Luke and Butch Jurgens
still involved in the business. Following on from this, we have been able to transition the business well without any
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December 2019
MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
YOUNG for rural ward COUNCILLOR by Denise Gunn
At just 22 years of age, newly-elected councillor for the Manawatu District Council, Heather Gee-Taylor, is the youngest elected official.
H
eather is the third generation on her family’s Glencorran sheep and beef farm in Rangiwahia. Her grandfather bought Glencorran in 1962 when he was 22. In October, Heather was elected as a councillor to represent Manawatu District Council’s rural ward. Her longstanding interest in governance was the prompting behind putting her name forward as a candidate. “I think our council needs to represent a cross-section of our community, and as a young rural person, I do provide a level of variation and a point of difference.” The original Glencorran block covers 550ha. In April this year, the family bought a further 120ha of easier country up the road.
“Since we have just bought the other block of land, our stock numbers are a bit crazy this financial year. The home block is traditional hill country sheep and beef. My grandfather and father used to run Wapiti deer as well. However, we sold the last of these a number of years ago.” The farm also runs close to 100 registered stud Angus cows under Merchison Angus, based at Rata. “We became a satellite herd for the Rowe family almost eight years ago.” Nestled under the Ruahine Ranges, the farm is generally summer-safe. However, winter is usually wet and cold with the occasional snowfall, so plenty of mud makes accessibility difficult. “For this reason, we feed out conventional
Heather is the youngest elected councillor to the Manawatu District Council
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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2019
hay bales to the cows using fourwheelers, with some haulage-fed using the tractor where it is safe to do so. “We do calve our stud cattle behind a wire to allow us to weigh and tag calves at birth.” Stock is sold through the Feilding saleyards, and cull cows go straight to the works. Lambs are sold store with monthly drafts starting in December and continuing through to April. Weaner steers are sold at weaning time. “This year we retained all weaner heifers, selling the culls as yearlings.” When Heather completed her schooling at Nga Tawa Diocesan in Marton, she was awarded a Future Leaders Scholarship to Lincoln University. She graduated from university with a Bachelor of Commerce (Agriculture). While in Canterbury, Heather lived in a cottage on Brent and Anna Fisher’s Silverstream Charolais stud on Banks Peninsula. “During my time at the Fishers, my interest in Charolais grew, and I realised the potential of the breed in New Zealand,” she said. “They are faster-finishing and higher-yielding in comparison to traditional cattle. “Using Charolais makes the offspring identifiable and therefore easy to select when creating lines for sale, and determining sires if multiple sires are used.”
Following university, Heather spent 18 months in rural banking. However, the call of the land was strong, and she returned to the family property to farm full-time. “I’m excited about the future of agriculture and my part of the production and progression of food production.” Heather bought her first Charolais, four in-calf R2 females and one female calf, from the Silverstream Charolais stud sale in March last year. “I think there is a lot of potential in the development of the breed. Having our stud Angus cattle and commercial cattle has helped me identify some maternal traits that I would like to develop on with my own herd. “The thing about stud breeding is that there is always something that can be worked on. “I have quite a critical eye, so I do enjoy finding traits that I like and trying to work that into my herd.” To date, the biggest challenge Heather has faced breeding Charolais is the lack of heifer calves. “Out of the 11 calves I have had born on Glencorran, I am yet to have a heifer calf born here,” she said. As a registered owner of Charolais Breeders New Zealand, Heather was given the opportunity to attend the World Charolais Youth Breeders tour to Canada in July 2019. She said this trip cemented her appreciation for the breed.
Heather bought her first Charolais last year
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10
December 2019
MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
If we can’t embrace youth, how will we embrace diversity? by Ian McKelvie, MP for Rangitikei
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When Feilding’s William Wood got the nod in the recent Palmerston North National Party candidate selection, there was widespread support for this impressive soon-to-be eighteen-year-old school leaver. However, as always, there are some who shake their heads and wring their hands in any situation that they haven’t encountered before. So I believe it’s really important to look closely at the facts of the situation. Here’s a young man whose interest in politics was sparked in the Palmerston North Boys’ High debating team. He has an amazing passion and knowledge in politics, and his enormous energy could well see him dethrone a cabinet minister and be the first National member of parliament for the city in 40-something years. He cannot be discounted on the basis of his age, nor his experience. Representing an electorate in our House of Representatives has little to do with age and life experience and everything to do with the person’s ability and sincerity in listening to the people, to
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build on a wide diversity of ideas and take those concepts to parliament as a true people’s representative. “This is the House of Representatives, and he represents the electorate. At the end of the day — it’s not the MP’s job to know everything!” During the past year, I was privileged to have William work alongside me as the Rangitikei Youth MP. He has shadowed me on several ministerial
visits and appointments. So I can vouch for the fact that he has exceptional listening skills and the appropriate feel for consensus to represent any demographic as their MP. He is positive and enthusiastic on the job and will be a strong contender for the Palmerston North seat. Being quick-witted and articulate he is a very strong speaker and will represent the National Party well at the 2020 General Election.
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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2019
Banks need to be fair Federated Farmers is urging the trading banks to absorb as much as possible of the additional costs of new bank capital requirements rather than dump it all on customers, and especially on under-pressure farmers. The Reserve Bank has estimated the impact of the required lift in total capital to 18 per cent for the four large banks, and 16 per cent for remaining smaller banks (from a current average of 14.1 per cent) will be a 0.2 per cent increase in average bank lending rates. “However, the impact on farming is likely to be much higher,” said Federated Farmers commerce spokesperson Andrew Hoggard. “That is because there is less lending competition in the agricultural sector, and we know banks are already looking to reduce their exposure to farm debt. Banks have been putting the squeeze on farmers even before the announcements by the Reserve Bank.” The Federated Farmers November 2019 Banking Survey showed farmer satisfaction with their banks continues to slide, and 23 per cent of the more than 1,300 respondents reported they felt under pressure from banks, up from 16 per cent just six months earlier. “With the average mortgage for all farm types being $3,833,000, and significantly higher for dairy farmers, even a small increase in interest rates hits hard.” “The Reserve Bank noted that the average return on shareholders’ equity for the four largest New Zealand banks is higher than those of banks in most other countries, including Canada, Australia, Singapore, Sweden and Ireland. Farmers are putting banks on notice.
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Andrew Hoggard, Federated Farmers’ commerce spokesperson
“We want to see fairness in how these costs of bank capital requirements are handled.” Federated Farmers is pleased the Reserve Bank has extended the transition period for meeting the higher capital ratios to seven years, from the original proposal of five years. “We would have preferred 10 years, and we
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would have liked to see more analysis by the Reserve Bank on our sector — given the vulnerability to farming of these proposals. Nevertheless, seven years give banks enough room to not only maintain their current lending growth but also to make dividend payments to their shareholders.”
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December 2019
MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
SHOP LOCAL IN LEVIN Plenty of fun in Levin Levin was formerly a tiny town some 50 kilometres south-west of the major pioneer settlement of Palmerston North, with the development of the railway main trunk line from Wellington in the 1880s — things began to change. With good communications came European settlers. The Levin district was one of the last in the region to be opened to settlement and grew slowly in the 1920s and 1930s, but rapidly throughout the 1940s to 1960s. The local industry made products as diverse as caravans, clothing and textiles, and wallpaper. Today Levin with a population of more than 22,000 is the third-largest town in Manawatu after Palmerston North and Whanganui, a busy service centre for the surrounding rural area, and a centre for light manufacturing. The surrounding farming catchment finds a thriving retail
sector and shopping opportunity. This local support for businesses and retail prompts Christmas specials around town and shopping locally keeps the Levin economy bouncing along. “With the cost of petrol, there’s no need to head off to Palmerston,” says local farmer Case White. “I know the business people in town here. It’s good to deal with people you know.” State Highway 1 forms the town’s main street, Oxford Street while State Highway 57 forms the eastern boundary of the township. With the Tasman Sea coast on one side and the Tararua Ranges on the
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other, Levin can offer a wide range of outdoor adventures. Pause for beach walks and bargains. Wander the broad sands of Waitarere Beach, then head into town to browse the factory outlet shops.
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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2019
The DairyNZ Dairy Environment Leaders concluded their seventh annual farmer-led forum and returned to their communities optimistic about the future of dairy farming and energised to drive positive change. “This year’s theme was about embracing change and supporting communities, which we strongly believe are two sides of the same coin. You can’t have one without the other,” says DEL chairwoman Tracy Brown. “Farmers are demonstrating a real willingness to embrace change, and New Zealanders need to see that willingness and support our rural communities and farmers on their journey to a more sustainable future. We are all in this together, and we all want the same thing at the end of the day. “I have never met a farmer who didn’t want clean waterways and a sustainable climate. However, I have met plenty who are anxious about the pace and scale of change required and the tools available to help them meet changing public expectations. We need to move at a pace that communities can keep up with and ensure our farming businesses remain internationally competitive and economically viable. “Our Dairy Environment Leaders are an incredibly positive and engaged network of farmers who are actively demonstrating what is possible for our sector through their actions. The public sees what they are doing, and so do other farmers. “The Dairy Environment Leaders Forum is about equipping these
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farmers with the skills and knowledge they need to be positive and effective ambassadors in their communities. “We will continue to look for opportunities to create transformational par tnerships with people and organisations that want to work with us to improve environmental outcomes — and that includes the government. “It was really positive to hear the prime minister reiterate to our delegates that she has a real willingness to engage with farmers and work with our Dairy Environment Leaders to amplify our voice, come up with workable solutions, and drive change. “One of our delegates shared some wise words with the prime minister. ‘If
you want to go fast, you go alone. If you want to go far, you take people with you’. “This year, we have already seen the agricultural sector and government come together in a world-first partnership to build an enduring farmlevel emission reduction framework. We are hopeful that something similar might be possible when it comes to other environmental challenges. “Yes, there will be an economic impact, but this isn’t just a cost. It is an investment in the future of our industry and the future of our rural communities. We want our children and grandchildren to be able to farm with pride as we have if they choose to. It is also about doing what is right.”
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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2019
WATER MATTERS
17
Turn sunshine into water by Andy Bryenton
A new generation of solar-powered deep-bore pumps is getting rid of the need for a generator in an old tin shed placed over far-flung wellheads. With improvements in battery and controller tech, there’s no reason why even the most out of the way water source can’t be utilised, reticulated and harnessed to help out in the dry weather when rain is not forthcoming. Here’s the scenario; you’ve located water in a deep aquifer, far out on the part of the farm where it would be great to have some troughs for the herd or a backup supply for irrigation. Mains power is so far away that rigging all that wire makes the job a cost to benefits nightmare. In the old days, the answer was to permanently relegate an old diesel or petrol generator to duties over the wellhead, powering a submersible pump with enough juice to bring water to the surface. The grim realities of hydrodynamics and physics meant that solar power was sometimes too weak a motive force to impel good clean H2O up a bore and into the pipe, troughs and tanks. There have been changes afoot. Now, there are plenty of places online and in your local area who will sell a solarpowered submersible pump system able to achieve a flow rate of more
than 10 litres a minute at a depth of up to 85 metres. That rate will, of course, increase from a trickle to a flood if the bore is shallower. The great thing with a solar pump is that, so long as the sun rises in the morning, it will work all day, pumping with better efficiency, these days than most windmills. Photovoltaic technology has few moving parts, so as long as the panels are pointed up, the pump will continue to work with the absolute minimum of maintenance. This fairly hefty pump example, which works in any bore more than three inches, takes only a single 1,100 watt panel to keep it turning over. The attached controller will turn it off when it fills an adjacent tank, and the whole system can be augmented with a secondary panel and batteries to work all night as well. The best part is, you can control such pumps by tablet or smartphone with the right adaptors,
Solar methods of rural bore water extraction have become more and more viable as technology, the same used in electric vehicles and solar power stations, improves
meaning that there’s no need to ride out to the boundaries with diesel and tools to ensure a drink for the livestock. Check the level, flip the switch and monitor flow from wherever you are. A combination of brushless motors, better photovoltaic efficiency and
more compact batteries means that a complete solar pump system can cost less than the equivalent generator and pump, considering that well drilling costs will be the same for both units. Considerably less, if you factor in a lifetime of fuel.
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December 2019
MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
WATER MATTERS Drilling down into water issues
by Andy Bryenton
There are a few core inventions that have helped turn us, as a society, from nomadic hunters into civilised farmers and builders. The wheel isn’t even one of them; amazingly the Inca people got on well without it! Along with fire, pottery, language and grain storage, the well is one of those things which has taken us from caves to skyscrapers. The earliest cities, in places like Sumeria and Egypt, were built around wells. A well 5,000 years old is at the very centre of Cairo, for example. Water was scarce in these dry lands, and a well was an asset worth defending, as it was also a de facto trading post, army mustering point and hub for irrigation and animal breeding. Water makes farms, farms make wealth, and wealth, eventually, makes empires. However, today’s wells are very different from the hand-hewn stone-lined ones of antiquity. These days it’s not a dowser with a forked stick who seeks out underground water. Hydrologists can tell a lot from the shape of the land, as well as from the kind of rock that underlies it. These professionals can also use ground-
penetrating waves to find water, acting like the sonar ‘ping’ a submarine uses to detect enemy vessels during wartime. Gravel, limestone, porous cracked-up rocks or underground sandstone can trap large quantities of useful water. Once a likely spot is found, the trick is to drill down deep enough to establish a productive well that will last the distance through all seasons. More than just a hole in the ground, a modern well is usually a bore sheathed with longlasting materials to prevent cave-ins and erosion. Deep in the underground water table, the bottom of the well is made of sturdy mesh or perforated pipe to allow water in but keep it flowing and stop it from clogging up. Now a suitable pump is
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Even in arid landscapes, rainfall on hills and mountains eventually reaches underground aquifers, ready to be used as a managed resource
needed to lift water to the surface. Modern wells usually utilise electrical means of pumping, which vary in kilowatt power according to the depth of the bore and the volume required. When it’s dry above ground, water reserves replenished by rains months
or even years past await beneath the surface. Finding such reserves, and engineering the means to tap into them, is no longer a job or superstition and guesswork, but one conducted with satellite maps, specialist drilling trucks and advanced technology.
MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2019
WATER MATTERS
19
Summertime water-saving plan Summer long-range forecasts are promising lots of sunshine. As we all know, that means rising temperatures and potential rising water use in many households with extra showers, and a dry garden to water. While using water efficiently is important throughout the year, sometimes the timing can make a big difference for community water supplies. In most areas, the amount of water homeowners use to keep their lawns green or gardens lush spikes in the summer — two to four times as much than they use the rest of the year. Experts estimate that 50 per cent of the water we use outdoors goes to waste from evaporation, wind or run-off due to overwatering. It’s been established that automatic sprinkler systems can use about 50 per cent more water outdoors than those without them. Know how much water your landscape needs before you set your sprinkler. Generally, it’s best to water lawns and gardens in the early morning and evening, after the sun goes down. Significant amounts of water can be lost due to evaporation during the heat of the day. It’s time to troubleshoot now. Inspect irrigation systems and check for leaks and broken or clogged sprinkler heads. Fix sprinkler heads that are broken or spraying erratically. Raise your lawnmower blade. Longer grass promotes deeper root growth, resulting in a more drought-resistant lawn, reduced evaporation and fewer weeds. That’s for the towns, but good irrigation benefits farmers, as pastures grow better and provide stock with more feed, which is easier to manage. Fewer breakdowns occur, and systems are simpler to operate. Dairy New Zealand guidelines ensure good water flows in the right place at the right time. Apply the right amount of water at the right time to get maximum growth from your pasture. If there is too much
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water, it drains away below the pasture and leaches out expensive nutrients. Maintain and manage the irrigation system to minimise wastage and leaks. If you depend on irrigation, decide on priorities, for example, crops versus pastures or good pastures versus poor pastures and develop a plan to best minimise the impacts of water restrictions. Anyone responsible for the overall irrigation system must understand and work within the conditions or rules set by the irrigation scheme or regional council, which govern the supply of water.
As new technology improves, the demand for water resources nationally and regionally also continues to grow, making water-efficient practices more relevant than ever. FARM SUPPLIES | IRRIGATION | COMMERCIAL DOMESTIC SUPPLIES | LIFESTYLE BLOCKS WELL REPAIRS & MAINTENANCE
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December 2019
MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
WATER MATTERS When the levels run low by Andy Bryenton
There’s a hot, dry summer predicted, with less rain than usual in the North Island, and the chance that water tanks will drop to low levels even with careful conservation of the precious H2O. It is the time of year to be vigilant when it comes to keeping drinking water safe, as the nasties from a whole year’s catchment can end up in those last few inches of water. The professionals will tell you that the best way to ensure a clean tank is to call them up, vacuum out this ‘soup’ of leaves, bird droppings and other contaminants, and then clean the interior of the tank as well. There’s a good reason to have this taken care of by those who know the trade. Dangers are inherent with working inside confined spaces, and it’s been known for bacteria in contaminated tank water to create an oxygen-poor environment in there, meaning caution must be taken. Poro tank cleaners work in teams, sometimes using ventilation masks to prevent these effects. Summer is also the time when things can build up on your roof, only to be sluiced down into the tank when the rains finally appear. Installing leaf and bird-stopping mesh can cut out some of these issues, but particulate contaminants can still accrue. The
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change of seasons is a good reminder to change filter cartridges in particle filters and to check the efficiency of ultraviolet filter systems too. Water coming from dams, ponds and creeks may also display a drop in clarity this time of year. Good filtration can block out everything from nasty tastes to bacteria such as cryptosporidium, giardia and other algal contaminants. When the rain comes back, it’s a good idea to consider automatic ‘first flush’ diverters on your downpipes, which dump the first 40 to 50 litres of roof catchment to jettison debris and other unwanted substances, for example, overspray from crop-dusting planes, pollen or dead leaves. The last word on tank water supplies comes from those who deliver whole tankfuls to homes in the countryside when the need is dire. Water carriers will also feel the pinch if
the summer is long and hot, and their timetables become hectic. They ask their customer to please be prudent and call when water levels are low, not when the tap runs dry. Having water on hand is a vital part of life, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Don’t hold out for rain that may not materialise and back yourself into a water crisis corner when deliveries may take a day or two to come through.
Bacteria lives and grows here The Ministry of Health recommends getting your water tanks cleaned annually to remove bacteria such as E.coli, giardia, salmonella, cryotoporidium plus much more that can be in your water. When were yours last cleaned? Clean your tanks without having to replace your water 0800 SAFE H20 (0800 723 3420) tanks@safeh2o.co.nz www.safeh2o.co.nz
MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2019
LIVESTOCK
21
Producing more milk
The latest New Zealand Dairy Statistics released by DairyNZ and Livestock Improvement Corporation reveal farmers’ focus on productivity and efficiency is paying off with milk production increasing despite cow numbers stabilising. The 2018–19 cow census shows cow numbers have remained relatively stable with New Zealand reaching record milk production for each herd and cow. Dairy companies are processing 21.2 billion litres of milk containing 1.88 billion kilograms of milksolids — both up 2.4 per cent on the previous season. The latest count showed that New Zealand has 4.946 million milking cows — a decrease of 0.9 per cent from the previous season. “New Zealand’s dairy sector is continuing to evolve, and the days of significant cow number growth may be over, as numbers have remained fairly stable over the past five years,” says DairyNZ Chief Executive Dr Tim Mackle. Farmers have been focussing on improving their environmental management in recent years. They have been doing this while stepping up their on-farm efficiency to produce more milk from fewer cows. More efficient milk production has benefits in areas such as greenhouse gas emissions and nutrient losses. “The dairy sector employs 46,000 workers and earned New Zealand $18.1 billion in export revenue for the year
to June 2019. Looking to the future, dairy farmers have made commitments as part of the Dairy Tomorrow strategy to build the world’s most competitive and resilient dairy farms. To protect the environment for future generations and be world-leading in animal care.” The report reveals an increased uptake of herd improvement services, as farmers seek higher performing, healthier and more efficient cows through the use of herd testing and artificial breeding. LIC chief executive Wayne McNee says this increased investment on herd improvement shows farmers’ commitment to improving the quality of their herd assets to drive better sustainability and productivity outcomes. “New Zealand farmers are farming with improved precision and taking advantage of herd improvement services to produce more with less. We are proud of the role we play to help ensure cows around the country are year-on-year more efficient at converting grass into milk, in turn enabling dairy farmers to reduce their environmental footprint. “A total of 3.67 million cows were herd tested in 2018/19, up 1.6 per
Wayne McNee, LIC chief executive
cent from the previous season and the highest on record. The number of cows mated to AB increased by one per cent to 3.59 million cows. The most significant increase was in the number of yearlings mated to AB, which jumped up 11 per cent to 230,497 — the highest in the past nine seasons. Although the sharp increase in the number of yearlings mated to
AB shows farmers want to maximise genetic gain across their whole herd, it is also likely to have been influenced by Mycoplasma bovis. Farmers are looking to reduce their farm’s biosecurity risks wherever possible, which has seen some farmers choose to extend their artificial breeding period to avoid bringing bulls on-farm for mating.”
Introducing a World First in Electric Fencing
Wi-Fi ble Controlaers Energis
Full range of electric fencing products including mains/battery and solar powered energisers. Visit us in the Innovation Marquee at Mystery Creek – 10-14 June 2017
Artex Ltd Phone: (06) 858-8011 www.redsnapr.co.nz
SIS BALL COCK VALVE RONGOTEA SALEYARDS SPECIALISTS IN ALL CLASSES OF DAIRY, STORE AND FAT STOCK NZ Owned & Operated
Malcolm Coombe (Wanganui) Richard Trembath (Manawatu) Emmet McConnell (Manawatu) Darryl Harwood (Horowhenua) Cameron Smith (Pahiatua) John Watson (Rangitikei) Clint Worthington (Dannevirke) Sophie Higgins (Masterton) Brad Bell (Wanganui Rangitikei)
06 357 1875 06 354 2347 06 359 1602 06 356 5629 06 354 7892 027 494 1975 021 209 2236 027 842 4183 027 696 1937
These are free phones direct to our mobiles. Office (06) 324 8135 Web www.mylivestock.co.nz
Price $99.50+GST EACH Freight free anywhere in NZ • Buy 10 receive 12 and 2x service kits • 3 models available – all the one price • Nearly indestructible • Only NZ Manufacturer providing lifetime guarantee on the body of the ballcock
www.sisballcock.co.nz | 0800 175 720 Only available direct from manufacturer
It's the dirtiest job on the farm!
Let us take care of your woolshed. Clean Sweep Woolsheds can quickly and efficiently remove all the manure from under your woolshed, count out pens and covered yards, giving you a cleaner and healthier shed. Less ammonia smell and faster drying sheep. • Fast • Cost effective • Operated from outside • Can reach the furthermost point
Phone Mark for a no obligation free quote 027 682 1186
cleansweepwoolsheds.nz
22
December 2019 MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
RURAL WHEELS
Built into the bones by Andy Bryenton
Ask anyone who really knows automobiles, and they’ll tell you that the most important component is not the engine or the wheels, or even the gearbox that connects them. A well-sorted chassis is the underpinning of all the feel you’ll get back from the road, all the information that comes in via the steering wheel’s vibration and the seat of your pants. Get the chassis right, and it doesn’t matter if it’s a McLaren carbon-fibre tub or a Morgan’s stately beams of timber, it’ll pull the car together and give it a sense of completeness. That might be why the new Kia Seltos has achieved a lot of acclaim in a very short time. The company that surprised everyone with the powerful and sleek Stinger two years ago has done what so many have proven they could not; they’ve made a small SUV, which is both practical and fun. It’s been almost universally described as feeling responsive and planted on the road. Which brings us back to the concept of good bones, and what’s underneath the Seltos’ groovy two-tone paint and cheeky looks. The secret is in the super-tough advanced high strength steel that makes up the monocoque; the all-around cage and chassis, which cradles both the motor and, ultimately, the passengers. Ever felt that a convertible was a bit wobbly or bent like a banana in the
Seltos is Kia’s latest small sports utility, and it’s got the recipe right for practical use and fun factor in balance
corners? That’s the lack of rigidity in the chassis caused by the absence of a roof. Now, imagine the opposite. That’s the effect of using this new material tech to create a light, yet firm and rigid skeleton for the Seltos. The effect is to create a machine that’s compact without being flighty and keeps tight to the road when the going gets
interesting. In fact, ‘sharp, not soft’ is a term that could fit a lot of the features of this small SUV. The looks are pop culture without being pop-eyed, the interior has a touch of design whimsy and a lot of practicality. The IVT transmission has been praised for being neither vague nor slushy, but smart and smooth.
Q UA L I T Y U S E D S TO C K
Also, it’s named for the son of Hercules. So there’s not only a good heroic image but also a nod and a wink to this little crossover following in the path of the famous Sportage, its ‘daddy’. Look at all you get on the EX model for under $40,000, and you’ll see that it’s a lot of machine for your money.
All prices include GST
2014 HONDA PIONEER 700 25,842km, 700cc single fuel inj engine, roof, screen & wiper, near new mud tyres, 2-seater bench seat, tip deck, 3-speed fluid drive, automatic transmission, 2WD/4WD & difflock
2012 SUZUKI LTF400 Good cond, 1 dry stock owner op, 22,790 km, fuel inj air cooled 400cc power plant, selectable 2WD & 4WD, manual trans with Hi/Lo ratio, bull bars, mudflaps, near new tyres
$12,995
$5,995
2007 YAMAHA WR450F Very tidy original 2007 WR450, 2848km, Gen Yamaha radiator braces, slip on muffler, full handguards, alloy bash plate, good chain & sprockets, new rear tyre, fully workshop serviced by us, ready to roar!!
2008 SUZUKI DRZ125 Tidy cond, big wheel model, good tyres, new chain & sprockets, 4-stroke 125cc, air-cooled engine, OHC trans, 5-speed manual, seat height 775mm, fully serviced by us
$5,995
$2,750
2014 POLARIS RANGER 570 Good cond, 24,724km, 1894hrs, poly roof, new tyres, CVT belt drive, Hi/Lo Ratio, Turf mode/2WD/AWD, 570cc Pro-Star engine 44hp, 680kg towing, dump box, tilt tray, perfect upgrade from a quad
2008 YAMAHA RHINO 700 Good cond, 25,164km, EFI CVT Auto with Hi/Lo Ratio, downhill engine braking, bucket seats & 2 seatbelts, 2WD/4WD & Difflock, flat deck tray with tip down sides, hydraulic tilt deck, roof & glass windshield, Maxxis Bighorn tyres
2016 POLARIS RANGER 900 XP EPS 1 owner, very tidy, 19,444km, roof, glass tip-out screen, tilt deck, tow hitch/ball, Pro-Star 900 EFI engine 68hp, adj seat & steering, 12" black rims, on-demand true AWD with 2WD & Turf mode, 900kg towing, ind front & rear susp, loaded with extras
2016 HONDA PIONEER 700 1 owner op, 23,148km, 1,847hr, 700cc single fuel inj engine, screen & wiper, small crack in screen has been repaired, roof, near new tyres, 2-seater bench seat, tip deck, 3-speed fluid drive, auto trans, 2WD/4WD & difflock
2016 POLARIS RANGER 570 Tidy cond, 1 owner op, off dry stock farm, 13,008km, roof, screen, Swamp Fox tyres, handbrake, CVT Belt drive, Hi/Lo Ratio, Turf Mode/2WD/AWD & ADC Mode, 570cc Pro-Star engine 44hp, 680kg towing, dumpbox & tilt tray
2008 YAMAHA RHINO 700 Good cond Special Ed, 8,568km, EFI CVT Auto & Hi/Lo Ratio, Downhill engine braking, bucket seats with 2 seatbelts, 2WD/4WD & Difflock, flat deck tray with tip down sides, HD rear springs, poly tip-out windshield, 4500lb winch, Maxi Grip tyres
$9,495
$13,995
$8,995
$10,995
2012 YAMAHA GRIZZLY 350 Good cond, 350cc air cooled 4-stroke, 19,078km, CVT auto trans, Hi/Low & reverse, selectable 2WD & 4WD, 500kg towing, fuel efficient, low maintenance, Swamp fox tyres, mudflaps, ready to Hunt, Work or Fish
$4,995
2018 YAMAHA YZ450F Very tidy, only 30hrs from new, new Bridgestone tyres, new full black plastics kit & shroud graphics, KYB susp, reverse Cyl 450cc 4-stroke, fuel inj, 5 speed gearbox, Wifi Powertuner App, ready to Roar!
$9,995
$12,995
$10,995
All used stock is fully serviced. Buy with confidence from a LMVD
ASK US FOR A CUSTOMISED, DETAILED QUOTE TO SUIT YOUR NEEDS. Finance available on all stock subject to credit approval. Application and administration fees payable and T & Cs apply.
TAUMARUNUI: 07 895 7994 | OTOROHANGA: 07 873 8196 A/Hrs Joel Rees 027 279 5425 or Jette Josiah 027 446 4849 For your local Bike Servicing call Harry Sircombe 027 499 2051
MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES December 2019
RURAL WHEELS
For the back country
It’s been more than 100 years since a German inventor figured out that diesel fuel, when heated and compressed, could power an engine. Since then, diesel has become the benchmark for big machinery and tough jobs.
23
REMEMBER...
Slip, Slop, Slap
BIG
SALE NOW ON
NEW, DEMO & USED VEHICLES **FOR DECEMBER ONLY** When it comes to the rural sector, diesel is the lifeblood of everything from telehandlers to loaders, to tractors and utes. Most serious farms keep a big tank of the stuff right near the equipment shed, and spare cans can be found in garages and barns across Northland. So it makes perfect sense that diesel is the fuel that powers the latest Polaris Ranger, a side-by-side that has been built primarily for work rather than play. That doesn’t mean that the new Ranger, with its 27-inch knobbly tyres, similar size of suspension travel and tough tubular roll cage can’t hit the trails for fun. It’s just that there are so many applications for a torquey, loadhauling two-seater side-by-side on the farm that it might well be put to work from dusk till dawn daily. To be fit for purpose, Polaris has given the new Ranger Diesel a 1,134-kilogram towing capacity and 720 kilograms of payload. With a redesigned rear tray affording more space, more tie-downs and more options for bringing materials and tools
to the places you need them. It is all facilitated by a compact diesel engine, of course. By compact, we certainly mean compact. Despite being powered by ‘tractor juice’ and delivering in excess of 24 horsepower, the little 898cc mill takes up less space than you’d imagine. It leaves room for 17 per cent more storage than on the previous model and more legroom as well. Couple this engine to Polaris’ well-refined all-wheeldrive system and there’s not a lot that the Ranger Diesel won’t be able to slog through, even under load. They’ve even been thoughtful enough to beef up the electrical charging system, knowing that winches, light bars and other electrical tools will likely be added on from the extensive range of Polaris upgrades in the catalogue. Best of all, the biggest hassle of diesel, remembering to buy road user charges, is not an issue. Just like your big tractor or other farm machinery, this Ranger is likely never to see a road. It will be too busy getting the job done with its big diesel ‘brothers’ out in the field.
SALE PRICES & $1,000 FUEL OR GROCERY VOUCHERS*
gift voucher
645 Tremaine Avenue, Palmerston North Phone (06) 354 6655 | sales@palmfeilds.co.nz *sale ends 31st December 2019 *Not available in conjunction with any other offer.
Manawatu Rural Marketplace
Phone 0800 466 793
advance AUTOMOTIVE • EV / Hybrid / Car / Light truck servicing and repair • Courtesy car available • Warrant of Fitness $55 Kyle Flynn Workshop Manager Ph (06) 353 3473 FREEPHONE 0800 895 133
Financial BANK SAID NO? We specialise in Farm Finance, working capital and debt consolidation. Also welcome applications from property developers, builder’s and first home buyers. Call 0800 888 449 or email bill@gfbl.co.nz.
155 Keith Street, Palmerston North Email info@advanceauto.co.nz Web www.advanceauto.co.nz
Servicing the Lower North Island for all rental equipment
FREEPHONE 0800 447 392 Wellington | Palmerston North www.hireways.co.nz | E: hire@hireways.co.nz
MANAWATU FARMING CLASSIFIEDS
Felted wool saddleblankets made in the Manawatu
Visit: www.saddleblankets.co.nz
100 IT’S NOT A TARGET
24
December 2019
MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
0.99% FINANCE *
MF GC1700 COMPACT TRACTOR + LOADER & MOWER DECK FROM
$20,990
* PLUS GST
POWERFUL, AGILE AND TOUGH. MF GC1700 COMPACT RANGE 23-25 HP Just like Sam, the MF GC1700 Series tractors make light work of tough jobs. Their compact size and versatile handling mean they’re ideal for small acreage, commercial and residential owners. Tackle a range of tasks and get the job done with the MF GC1700 Series - the perfect on-field performer with all the best features of a Massey Ferguson tractor rolled into a compact size.
CONTACT YOUR LOCAL MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER
NOW MOVED TO: 4 Turners Road, Feilding *Payments are based on finance with an interest rate of 0.99% p.a. on minimum 30% deposit, the equipment GST component repaid in the third month and monthly repayments in arrears over a 36 month term. Offer available until 31 December 2019 or while stocks last to approved purchasers, registered for GST, for hire purchase finance and business purposes only, made and subject to terms and conditions and credit approval by AGCO Finance Pty Ltd GST No: 88-831-861. Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Fees and charges may apply. ~Price based on standard specification GC1723 tractor, DL95 loader. & GC2300 mower deck. Image used for illustration purposes only.
www.trctractors.co.nz | 06 323 0309
Sam Whitelock, Massey Ferguson ambassador. A world of experience. Working with you.