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Stumpies Services Ltd. Stump Grinding Services
Kerry & Lee-Anne Davies 15 Mitchell Street, Aramoho P: 06 343 7913 M: 027 612 5506 E: stumpies.nz@gmail.com W: www.stumpies.co.nz January 2021 Edition 10
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January 2021
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
Integrity community media
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 027 559 3773 Accounts: accounts@integrity.nz Distribution: Laurie Willetts Website: www.farminglifestyles.co.nz
Distribution details Print run 12,655. DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address.
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RONGOTEA
MILK CHILLING SYSTEMS Ice Cycle manufactures and supplies water chillers with electronic expansion valves ensuring close temperature control preventing freezing, heat exchanger failures and unnecessary use of glycol. We can supply insulated water tank/chiller and pump sets on easily transported stainless steel frames ready to connect to dairy vats or milk heat exchangers. These “plug and play” systems are also available as icebanks to maximise power savings.
DAIRY EQUIPMENT, PUMP AND IRRIGATION SPECIALISTS (06) 324 8426 • E: info@farmsupplies.co.nz • W: www.farmsupplies.co.nz 7
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Heavy Duty Stump Chipping and Mulching 450HP TRACKED FRONT MOUNTED STUMP CHIPPER & 2.5M WIDE HIGH SPEED MULCHING HEAD
Manawatu River Leaders’ Accord award grants The Manawatu River Leaders’ Forum has awarded more than $89,000 in grants to nine community groups for freshwater improvement projects throughout the Manawatu Catchment. Each year, the Manawatu River Leaders’ Accord runs a community funding programme with the support of Horizons Regional Council. In 2018 the fund was expanded with help from the Manawatu District Council and the Ministry for the Environment, through the Freshwater Improvement Fund. Horizons group manager natural resources and partnerships, Dr Jon Roygard, said the grants aim to assist non-profit organisations such as community groups, schools, catchment care groups and iwi/hapu with projects that will help increase engagement with Manawatu catchment waterways and improve water quality. One of the projects, which has received a grant for the third year running, is the Manawatu River Road enhancement and access — phase three. It is a jointly-run project between Te Kauru Hapu Collective and farmers Blair and Penelope Drysdale, located near Norsewood. The grant is being used to plant and enhance the Manawatu River near its source and enable public access to the stream for community and school groups. Te Kauru Hapu Collective project administrator and coordinator Arapera Paewai said this had been a really special project, which has brought together the whole community. “So far we have planted more than 10,000 plants and done two sessions with Norsewood and Districts School about the awa and local fish life,” said Miss Paewai. “The banks of the awa were infested with blackberry, broom and cotoneaster, of which we have cleared four to five kilometres. There is a completely different atmosphere around the awa now with the community, hapu and schools able to park and walk down to explore, do water monitoring and reconnect with their awa.” Other groups to receive funding were Plastic Pollution — phase two, Save our Native fish (Environment Network Manawatu), a farmer-led project called
Horizons group manager natural resources and partnerships Dr Jon Roygard
Seeing, understanding and believing, Source of Kiwitea on the Wills’ property, which also involves Kiwitea School and community. Whakaora Tapuata (Te Kauru Hapu Collective), the Waoku Stream restoration project, Bioreactor and wetland development at Te Maunga Farms Ltd, and the Nguturoa Stream restoration project also received funding. Horizons staff are working with these groups at various stages in their projects. The regional council has a target rate for the Manawatu River Leaders’ Accord. This rate contributes $410,000 each year to Accord activities, with 15–20 per cent going towards the community grants programme. The budget has expanded during the years through central government support via the Fresh Start for Freshwater Clean-up and Freshwater Improvement Funds. Other freshwater improvement work carried out includes stream fencing and riparian planting, fish passage repairs, upgrading Tokomaru’s wastewater discharge to land and an urban walkways project.
Over the cattle stop feature Helps retain moisture and adds nutrients back into soil THE FASTER MORE ECONOMICAL ALTERNATIVE.
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What’s happening over the cattle stop? As any farmer knows, the answer is — ‘everything!’ — as you can see in our light-hearted front page cartoon. This January the Northern Farming Lifestyles is a little different, as we’ve matched all of the
top agricultural support businesses between our covers with a bustling rural scene on page one. The aim of the game is to match the numbers next to each little image of Kiwi farm life to the businesses who exemplify them.
Over the cattle stop map key 1 2 3 4 5 6
All about building All about farming All about Vehicles and Machinery Education & Training Fashion, Health & Beauty Fishing, Hunting, Outdoors
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Forestry Horticultural & Orchardists Interior & Exterior Leisure, Travel & Accommodation Professional Services
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
January 2021
Open day for rescue helicopter service
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The doors to the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter service hangar will open to the public on Sunday, March 7. A total of 414 life-saving missions were performed by the rescue helicopter crew in the Manawatu and Whanganui regions last year. The majority of these rescue missions were to rural areas. During the months of September and October 2020, 57 missions were undertaken to rural regions where patients whose health and lives were compromised, benefitted from a swift response time-critical flight from their remote location to the hospital. One of last year’s missions was to transport a six-week-old baby, Harry, to hospital in April, during lockdown. Harry’s parents, Sam and Sophie Hurley didn’t know at the time, but Harry had suffered a bowel malrotation. Harry and Sophie were flown from their Hunterville home to Whanganui Hospital in just under 15 minutes. A journey by road would have taken 90 minutes. “Time was of the essence; we were told Harry only had six hours before he could have died,” said Sophie. A team of 11 forms the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter crew — four pilots, four crewmen and three intensive care paramedics. The team is growing, and this number will rise in 2021 to meet demand. Each rescue mission includes one pilot, crewman and paramedic. However, depending on the mission, sometimes the newborn intensive care unit, ICU or a doctor/flight nurse can be required on a flight. The open day will be held between 10am to 2pm at the Palmerston North
The Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter open day will be held on Sunday, March 7
Rescue Helicopter hangar based at the Palmerston North Hospital. For a gold coin donation, the public will have the opportunity to meet the rescue helicopter crew, view the life-saving helicopter up close and personal, and also see other emergency services teams. The familyfriendly event is suitable for all ages, with live demonstrations, local food trucks and interactive activities. Marketing manager Sharni Weir said with mission numbers significantly increasing year-on-year, the cost of the service has too. “For 2021, the budgeted cost of service delivery is $3.97 million, with
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the average mission costing in excess of $9,500. With that in mind, the rescue helicopter is only partially funded by the government. “We’re incredibly lucky to have amazing supporters in the Manawatu region who donate regularly or who run fundraising events such as gala dinners, bake sales, sausage sizzles
and mufti or theme days in their schools or businesses. You too can support your rescue helicopter by making a donation at rescue.org.nz/donate or by holding a fundraiser. Find out more at rescue. org.nz or by calling our team on 0800 111 010.” The previous open day, held in 2019, drew a crowd of more than 1,000 people.
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Serving the Horowhenua since 1924 Trotter Contracting Ltd - Agricultural Contractors - Levin Contact - Garry 027 232 2380 Rowan 027 452 2562 3
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January 2021
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
FEILDING HIGH SCHOOL TO CELEBRATE CENTENARY BY DENISE GUNN FEILDING HIGH SCHOOL IS OPENING THE GATES TO PAST AND PRESENT TEACHERS, STAFF, PUPILS AND FAMILIES IN MARCH, TO CELEBRATE THE SCHOOL’S CENTENARY.
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he school, formerly Feilding Agricultural High School, was established in 1921. It is the only institution offering extensive agricultural education for secondary students in the Manawatu. Local farmer and businessman, Harry Tolley, was the driving force behind founding Feilding Agricultural High School. As chairman of Feilding’s Technical School committee in 1913, Harry’s vision for a new school teaching agriculture laid the foundations for Feilding Agricultural High School. It
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wasn’t all plain sailing, however, as progress was slow and there was opposition to the proposal. In 1920, Harr y formed a subcommittee with other local farmers
held the Ministry of Lands portfolio. He was also a former teacher and worked closely with the other four founders. The committee raised funds and selected a site for the proposed school.
The committee raised funds and selected a site for the proposed school. and business owners, Hugh Atkinson, Archibald Campbell and James Knight. Another founder, the Hon Harry Guthrie, was MP for the Oroua electorate and
Kiwitea, Oroua and Manawatu County Councils provided financial assistance, and Feilding Borough Council permitted the purchase of 20 acres on North
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Street. The following year, four classrooms and a chemistry laboratory were constructed on the site. Mr Knight gifted a hall to the school. Dr LJ Wild was appointed the first principal of Feilding Agricultural High School. The former Canterbury Agricultural College chemistry lecturer, and teacher at Wanganui Collegiate School, also lectured in natural science at Christchurch Teachers’ Training College. During a visit to Feilding resident, Sir Hector Booth, Dr Wild asked him to provide a school motto in the Maori language. Sir Hector, a former interpreter between Maori selling land and the purchasers of the Manchester Block, immediately said: “Kia Toa Kia Ngakaunui”. It means ‘Have courage, desire greatly’. The school’s crest, made up of huia feathers representing chieftainship and honour, was gifted by Sir Peter Buck (Te Rangihiroa). The school was officially opened by the prime minister, the Hon WF Massey. In 1922 a boarding facility was built to accommodate 60 students, giving them direct farm life and work experience onsite. Four years later, the school took up the lease on 178 acres of rolling country, located nearby. A 40-acre farm, Ngakaunui, which adjoined the school, was purchased in 1930.
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
STUDENT DRENCHING SHEEP ON THE SCHOOL’S SHEEP AND BEEF FARM Improvements to the school continued with an additional wing added in 1925, an animal husbandry pavilion in 1927, and a new block of classrooms in 1931. Further additions were made to the school and a piggery constructed on Ngakaunui. Feilding High School now owns two farms, Manawanui and Ngakaunui, providing students with practical experience. Manawanui, an 81.3ha sheep and beef farm, is located on the outskirts of Feilding. The 16ha dairy farm, Ngakaunui, is situated adjacent to the school, milking 60 Friesian cows year-round, with split calving. In October 2016, the school was the first in the southern hemisphere to introduce a robotic milking system. The herd is wintered and summered on Manawanui, returning to Ngakaunui before calving is due to start. Replacement stock are also raised on Manawanui.
FEILDING HIGH SCHOOL PRINCIPAL NATHAN STEWART
A farm manager runs both properties and Year 10–12 agricultural students are rostered on to farm duty. The school’s TeenAg Club is the largest in New Zealand. Feilding High School’s Old Pupils’ Association (OPA) has been organising the centennial event, alongside the school, for the past couple of years. “Feilding only has one high school,” said OPA president Amanda Norris. “If you’ve lived in Feilding, you’ve been associated with the school in some way. It’s a major part of Feilding, so we want people to support the local businesses and eateries and look at the new developments. “As well as people coming together with their friends, and people they haven’t seen for years, we plan to organise tours of Feilding. We can all give back that way.” Organisation of the event began to ramp up towards the end of last year.
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“Then Covid struck, and we then had to rethink everything we were doing,” said Amanda. “We’ve just had to adjust our expectations.” The committee has future-proofed the celebrations in the event of lockdowns and also come up with a backup plan. A weekend to commemorate the centenary is set for March 26–28, 2021. A wide range of events and activities are planned, including tours of the school, the two farms and Feilding township. To register for the centenary celebrations, visit feildinghigh.school. nz and click on the 100 years tab.
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Nitrosol Oceanic Liquid Fertiliser Deep sea fish blood and bone plus trace elements and minerals with a balanced NPK of 8:3:6. Recommended Rate: 10-20L a hectare Diluted with approximately 300L of water
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January 2021 MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
BY DENISE GUNN
Jody Robinson-Wildey is using her lifestyle block to help preserve a former rare breed of sheep.
F
ive years ago, Jody’s dream to own a lifestyle block was fulfilled when she and her husband, Mike, purchased several acres near Rongotea. Prior to buying their lifestyle block, Jody undertook research into sheep breeds and decided Wiltshires would best suit them. “The self-shedding and low maintenance aspect being the biggest drawcard to the breed,” said Jody. “Back then, there weren’t many Wiltshires around, unlike today. It’s nice to know I am helping to preserve a once rare breed. The polled Wiltshires are now a rare breed success.” Since moving to their lifestyle block, Jody has completed an online sheep management course, concentrating on
raising and breeding domestic sheep. A former pedigree cat breeder for 23 years, under the registered New Zealand Cat Fancy breeding prefix, Abyrose Abyssinians and Ocicats, Jody found her knowledge and experience transferred well to breeding sheep. Two orphan ewe lambs were the foundation for the couple’s Wiltshire flock. “They were raised with love and started our passion for the breed,” said Jody. As only one of those ewe lambs went on to fully shed wool and produce lambs, Jody looked into other breeders. In February 2017, she bought two fullyshed, quality weaned ewe lambs from Stickland Wiltshires in central Hawke’s
Jody is a member of the Rare Breeds Conservation Society of New Zealand
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Inquisitive lambs increasing the flock Bay. In August that year, she was also offered an orphan ewe lamb, followed by two more. The following year, Jody and Mike began leasing a ram lamb from Strickland Wiltshires and continue to do this each season. “The Stickland’s focus is on breeding quality full-shedding sheep with short fleeces and slim tails. “We have been selecting for those traits also but with the added bonus of being calm and well-handled. We have been building up our sheep numbers since as we have very fertile pastures here.” Jody joined the Rare Breeds Conservation Society of New Zealand and registered her stud name, Abyrose Wiltshires, in February 2018. Introducing new facial eczema resistant bloodlines into the flock is the couple’s current focus. “We bought two orphan ewe lambs from McMillan Wiltshires in the King Country in August last year. These two lambs started shedding at eight weeks old and are developing very well. I am
January 2021
Enjoying the shade
purchasing a ram lamb from different lines and two more friendly ewes from McMillian Wiltshires also. “McMillans use Arvidson Wiltshire rams, which are the top recorded flock in NZ. So I am incorporating some very exciting bloodlines and keeping the gene pool diverse. This year’s leased ram lamb was half Strickland Wiltshires and half Muriwai Valley Wiltshires, so again new lines of which we will keep two to three ewe lambs from. “Last year we CARLA saliva tested some of the flock. It is something I hope to continue to do yearly, as it helps us select sheep with the highest resistance to parasites. We also set ourselves up and learnt how to do faecal egg counting so that we don’t have to use drenches if they don’t need it.” Mike recently constructed a purposebuilt garage for ewes to lamb indoors. The couple refers to this new addition as the ‘baa-ternity’ suite. “It ensures that our lambs get the very best start in life as spring weather is so variable.”
The couple plans to always be on hand at lambing time; Mike takes time off work from the Royal New Zealand Airforce base at Ohakea, specifically for this season. “Wiltshires are good mums and a very fertile breed, especially when on good nutrition, so it’s important to us that we are there for the births. Last year we lambed at 250%. “Our average weight gains are 428g per day and weaning weights for ram and castrated male lambs at three months of age averages at 39.8kg.” Jody regularly updates her Abyrose Wiltshires website
and Facebook page to keep followers updated on developments. “Some of the posts are designed to be helpful and informative to people new to sheep. “We aim to breed quality Wiltshires. The sheep are our family, and although Wiltshires are a meat breed, we don’t eat our sheep and try to find them either pet or breeding homes. “In the future, and if we are able to purchase more land, I’d love to add another rare self-shedding breed or perhaps look into milking sheep on a small scale.”
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January 2021
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
Dairy award nominations open
Nominations to a national award that flushes out dairy farmers who demonstrate innovation and passion in their approach to sustainable dairying are open until March 20. The Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award was introduced by the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards. The awards are to recognise those dairy farmers who are respected by their farming peers and their community for their attitude and role in sustainable dairying. The 2021 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award farmer could come from any of New Zealand’s milk suppliers and any farmer or farming partnership that demonstrates a high calibre of performance and leadership in the areas of responsible and sustainable care of people, animals, ecosystems and communities. “We have excellent, experienced dairy farmers creating and working on wonderful projects that have a positive effect on the environment. We want to hear about the people who are farming responsibly, both environmentally and socially, and showcasing excellence on a daily basis. “This is a chance for people to nominate their neighbour, their employer or someone in their community. “This award gives us the opportunity to recognise farmers that have
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progressed to ownership, demonstrate leadership in their farming practices and are a role model for our younger farmers coming through. The 11 regions are buzzing with 366 entries received for the 2021 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards programme, achieving more entries than last year and notably more Share Farmer of the Year entries, which are traditionally harder to come by. “Waikato came out on top with 66 entries across all three categories, then Canterbury/North Otago with 54 entries, followed by Southland/Otago achieving 39 entries. Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa farmers Nick and Nicky Dawson won the 2020 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award and received the John Wilson Memorial Trophy. “The Dawsons impressed the panel of judges with their genuine commitment and passion. We hear about succession being about family, however, Nick and Nicky spoke about succession for the whole industry and dairy farming in New Zealand.” The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national
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Last years winners Nick and Nicky Dawson from Hawke’s Bay/Wairarapa
sponsors Westpac, DeLaval, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda, LIC, Meridian Energy and Ravensdown, along with industry partner DairyNZ. Nomination forms are available at dairyindustryawards.co.nz, with entries
closing March 20. Three finalists will be selected and interviewed by a panel of judges at the National Final to be held in Hamilton next year with the winner announced at the awards dinner on May 15 2021.
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MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
Helping save bees
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The project is also supported by the Southern North Island Beekeeping Group and the Honey Industry Trust, which have contributed funding and will help with fieldwork.
the disease through destruction of hives and hive equipment, which has a significant cost to industry. New Zealand’s apiculture industry currently pays more than $2 million in annual levies for beehive inspections. “There are almost a million beehives registered in New Zealand, but we are only physically inspecting around 4,000 hives a year. Unless we get some new tools like dogs to rapidly find the disease, it gets more and more expensive to find that last five per cent of the disease out there.” The industry’s ultimate goal is to eradicate AFB, which would be a world first. Dogs can inspect an apiary of 20 hives within two minutes, whereas an inspector could take at least 90 minutes. Dogs can also be used to inspect stored equipment, allowing other sources of infection to be identified and destroyed. MPI Director Investment Programmes,
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Steve Penno, says this project could be a gamechanger for New Zealand’s apiculture industry. “Being able to detect the disease early would reduce lost production and the need to destroy hives. If successful, we would be the first country in the world to use dogs to detect AFB. The detector dogs could be commercially available to farmers as a service.” The project is also supported by the Southern North Island Beekeeping Group and the Honey Industry Trust, which have contributed funding and will help with fieldwork.
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1 LANDSCAPING | BUILDING | FENCING
Training detector dogs to sniff out the highly infectious bacterial disease American Foulbrood (AFB) in beehives could save New Zealand’s beekeeping industry several million dollars a year. The Ministry for Primary Industries is contributing $50,000 through Sustainable Food & Fibre Futures towards the one-year, $95,000 project. The project aims to develop a scientific methodology for training detection dogs to reliably detect AFB by creating a ‘scent picture’ of the disease. It is led by DownUnder Honey, in partnership with Pete Gifford from K9 Search Medical Detection Training Centre and Massey University researchers. “A big part of the project is trying to come up with a pure form of the disease that can be grown in the lab, with no possibility of other scents in the mix,” says Jason Prior, owner of DownUnder Honey. “This will be introduced to the dogs through a clinically sterile environment. It is not the first time dogs have been used to detect AFB, but previous methods have led to inconclusive results in the field. “When bees have AFB they often have other diseases. Previously dogs were trained on infected colonies without isolating the target scent. This project aims to overcome this issue and produce more reliable detection dogs. The new training will focus on detecting actual AFB spores and other relevant AFB bacteria that have come directly from a laboratory.” Overseas, AFB has been managed through the use of antibiotics, but the disease has developed resistance over time. New Zealand has always treated
January 2021
Higher priority customer service • Seed delivered nationwide Contact Nick 022 083 3579 or Julie 027 324 4431 or 0800 4 Seeds Website: www.cridgeseeds.co.nz
Cow & Horse Processing in Levin No Moore Hassel Pet Food is an MPI approved and recognised primary meat processor. Based in Levin we offer local farmers a free and highly professional pick-up service for unwanted healthy cows and horses in the Manawatu-Wanganui region. If you would prefer to transport your animal yourself or have your horse or cow put down on the farm then we can arrange this with a No Hassell guarantee.
About Us
Our in-house processing plant enables us to guarantee the consistent quality and reliability of the process from the picking-up to the putting-down of the animal. As a recognised specialist you can rest assured that our years of expertise and close connection to the farming industry makes our service as convenient, respectful and professional as it can be.
Call us today!
06 368 2106
Levin Hokio Beach Rd, Levin 5510
nmhpetfoods.co.nz
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January 2021
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
THE ORIGINAL ROBOTIC MOWER!
STARTING FROM
*
2,599
$
AM305 Prices refer to units only. Installation kits sold separately. Installation cost apply.
LONGER RUNTIME. LESS WEIGHT Husqvarna’s range of battery-powered handheld equipment, you can now do serious green work without having to worry about fumes and noise.
BATTERY TRIMMERS
BATTERY HEDGE TRIMMERS
STARTING FROM
269*
$
STARTING FROM
269*
$ *Refers model 115iL excludes battery and charger
*Refers model 115iHD45 excludes battery and charger
BATTERY CHAINSAWS
BATTERY BLOWERS
STARTING FROM
309*
$
369*
$
STARTING FROM
*Refers model 120I excludes battery and charger
LAWN TRACTORS
STARTING FROM
4,399*
$
*Refers model 120IB excludes battery and charger
ZTR® ZERO TURNS
STARTING FROM
RIDERS
STARTING FROM
8,099*
6,399*
$
$
*Refers model Z146
*Refers model Z246. Valid 01/09/19 - 31/12/2019
*Refers model TS138
*Refers model R216-C94
5 YEAR DOMESTIC WARRANTY*
Purchase genuine Husqvarna oil with your new Husqvarna petrol products to extend the standard 2 year domestic warranty period to 5 years. *Terms and Conditions apply, see HUSQVARNA.COM for details.
Available at your local authorised Husqvarna Dealer,
ASHHURST
Ashhurst Mower Centre
06 326 8803
PALMERSTON NORTH
City Honda
06 357 7027
PALMERSTON NORTH
Norwood Manawatu
06 351 2799 WWW.HUSQVARNA.COM
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
January 2021
11
ADVERTORIAL
A one-stop shop for surfaces The skilled team at Manawatu-based Surfatex 2019 Ltd, under the guidance of director Glen Sinclair, covers a range of surface coatings. “We aim to get the Surfatex name out there,” said Glen. “To be a one-stop shop for enhancing your cowshed, old or new. “We can repair the yard, plant or milk room, either with plaster or for longevity resin, and we can paint any other parts which require it to make it look grand.” Since coming out of last year’s Covid-19 lockdown, the business has been extremely busy. In addition to applying Acraflex Dairy Wall Coating to several milking sheds, the Surfatex team has also coated several shower blocks. Glen said the coating system is hard-wearing and easy to clean. “One particular project was a Keter shed a client had set up outside by the pool and was fitted with a shower and a toilet. We coated the walls in Acraflex Dairy Wall Coating and the floor we coated with Allnex Terraflake.” Allnex Terraflake is an epoxy designed for interior and exterior situations and has good anti-slip qualities. “We have also Terraflaked the floor in the Woodville toilets by Fountaine Square if anyone wants to see what it looks like,” says Glen. The team coated the concrete block walls in an apiary with Acraflex too, sealing it for hygiene purposes. “A
couple of cafes have had us repair their floors. One ripped out the lino and got us to lay a complete floor of Allnex Superscreen Resin.” This year is already off to a busy start, coating More than 900 metres of factory floor with Allnex Terratuff. The product is a general-purpose epoxy floor coating, designed for commercial and industrial applications. “We have had ongoing maintenance work at the many meat processing plants in the area, repairing small floor areas and patching where they have modified fittings and structures.” Surfatex holds the franchise to apply Acraflex Dairy Wall Coating in the lower North Island. “We also use a lot of Allnex products. The Allnex company has been great to deal with and very helpful with any advice we require, including the most appropriate product for the task. Permacolour is another company we deal with, which supplied the dairy fix plaster for the cow yard repairs and other concrete coating to enhance the look of concrete around the house.” “Towards the end of 2020, the entire Surfatex team attended a Permacolour course in New Plymouth. The team is
10
Surfatex 2019 Ltd director Glen Sinclair with his dog Titch
looking forward to this year’s Central Districts Field Days and booked the
same site, O-14. So come and say hello,” said Glen.
11
ISOLATION
CARS | TRUCKS | TRACTORS | EARTH MOVERS
AT IT’S BEST
ELMO (Allan Gilchrist)
BEACH SECTIONS FOR SALE
Manager/Fleet Controller
14 Awa Street, Feilding 4702 elmostyreservice@hotmail.co.nz Fax: 06 323 6476
M: 027 241 2946 P: 06 323 9585
FB: elmostyreservice W: elmostyreservice.co.nz
WWW.FLATPOINT.CO.NZ | 06 372 7527 2
Surfatex specialise in dairy wall coatings, yard repairs, protective flooring, anti-slip solutions, concrete overlays and painting services.
Before
3
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After
Our skilled team is based in the Manawatu and is fully mobile across the central and lower North Island.
Phone: 027 430 8209 | email: office@surfatex.co.nz | www.surfatex.co.nz
Phone 06 356 7191 Email advanced.panelbeaters@xtra.co.nz
465 Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North
12
January 2021 MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
3
Encouraging youth careers
2
The importance of primary industries has been recognised with a new sector to be included in the 2021 Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games to help young people into rural careers.
BEFORE
AFTER
DAMAGED FARM TYRES?? Factory Vulcanised repair available at MTR Group Our quality repairs are a cost effective way to see out the life of your farm tyres. We also have a large selection of new and quality used tractor and earthmover tyres in our warehouse.
Call Karl on 0800 687 007 or email karl@mtrgroup.co.nz | www.mtrgroup.co.nz
Oi!
DON’T TXT & DRIVE 11
The Rural Games will now include Westpac Agri Futures in association with Property Brokers. This is to be held on Friday, March 12 in Palmerston North. “Agri Futures is all about encouraging the next generation into agriculture sector careers,” said Westpac New Zealand general manager Institutional and Business Banking, Simon Power. “The demand for staff across rural New Zealand has only grown since Covid-19, and Westpac understands the need to support efforts to encourage more Kiwis to enter the rural workforce. “There is a wide breadth of career opportunities available right now. From dairy, horticulture, fencing, shepherding and shearing, through to arboriculture, apiculture, finance, science and increasingly Agri-tech, which is particularly strong in the Manawatu.” Property Brokers chairman Tim Mordaunt said the rural economy is more buoyant now than it has been in decades. “For those wanting to experience the ultimate Kiwi outdoor lifestyle, a career in the rural sector is unbeatable.” New Zealand Rural Games Trust chair, Margaret Kouvelis MNZM, said Westpac Agri Futures would have a heavy focus on industry bodies and those institutions that specialise in preparing youth for rural careers. In recent decades there has been a strong focus on careers
in cities, and this has been to the detriment of rural New Zealand. It is time we brought some balance to the conversation, so young people understand the wellpaid opportunities that are there right now.” Westpac Agri Futures will run from 9am to 1pm on March 12 2021 in The Square, Palmerston North. The event runs alongside the Allflex Clash of the Colleges in association with Inspire Net and Talent Central. Teams from 15 secondary schools across the mid and lower North Island compete in rural tasks to take home bragging rights in the juniors’ and seniors’ sections. Alongside that is the STIHL TIMBERSPORTS Ladies and Rookie Championships and the Rural Golf Challenge. That night is the Norwood New Margaret Kouvelis, New Zealand Rural Games Trust chair Zealand Rural Sports Awards, and on the Saturday and Sunday is the Shearing Association and Southern Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games. North Island Forestry Association. The Westpac Agri Futures Day will host Educational institutes include companies including Beef + Lamb New ACG Training, Southern Institute of Zealand, Dairy NZ, Fencing Contractors Technology, Talent Central, UCOL and New Zealand, HortNZ, New Zealand Vertical HorizoNZ. To register an exhibit Arboriculture Association, New Zealand site email info@ruralgames.co.nz.
WATERFALL WATER SUPPLY
Looking for a professional and reliable domestic water supplier in the Manawatu region? MAKE WATERFALL WATER SUPPLY LIMITED YOUR NUMBER ONE CHOICE! At Waterfall Water Supply Limited, we service the Manawatu area, and pride ourselves on providing a prompt and friendly water supply service. We specialise in: • Domestic Water Supply • Water Delivery • Swimming Pool Fills • Water Tank Fills • Stock Water We deliver quality domestic household water by the truckload and will go above and beyond to ensure your water needs are met. We are Ministry of Health approved so you can rest assured that you are receiving superior water supplies. Waterfall Water Supply Limited are also WINZ approved.
Simply call the team at Waterfall Water Supply Limited today for more information. We look forward to hearing from you! PHONE 022 317 9767
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
Silver lining on wheels
January 2021
13
by Andy Bryenton
The year 2020 may go down in history as one of the low points, alongside honourable mentions such as 1666 and 1918, but thanks to the relentless momentum and timescale of the auto industry, it was a good year for cars. Most new cars have a gestation spanning years of research, development and crash tests before they see the showroom. That’s why some models linger on with facelift after facelift until they can be wheeled right from the forecourt to a motor museum. A little something like a global viral outbreak did little to slow down the release of new models touting the latest technology. Neither did it slow down sales, which have been relatively buoyant in New Zealand. When it comes to the best of 2020, then, what was the top of the tree? It’s an offering from serial car of the year winners Mercedes Benz, that memorably pipped everyone else for the very first car of the year in 1886, by inventing the car before everyone else. This time, it’s their all-electric SUV, the EQC, which has beaten an admittedly much more challenging field to take top honours. The EQC, which is the subject of a current, somewhat confusing television ad campaign that also features the 1886 Benz-autowagen, is a huge departure for the company that created diesel and boasts several of the 20th century’s greatest cars and petrol engines in its gallery of hits. Contrast the EQC with the venerable, still-trendy G-Wagen, and you’ll find no
Mercedes EQC — the all-electric sports utility, which took out the top spot in New Zealand’s 2020 Car of the Year awards
5.5-litre V8 fettled by the boys at AMG. The key words used by Mercedes about the EQC are ‘near-silent’, ‘practical’ and ‘refined’, as befits a smooth and gadget-laden flagship sports utility for the urban cruise rather than military manoeuvres. The price at the pump is totally negated, with two asynchronous electric motors replacing the traditional cylinders and pistons.
The range is a handy 354 kilometres according to the United State’s EPA rating, though this traditionally grades lower than Kiwi road tests. That puts the EQC out of the shadow of range anxiety for most local users. Even the $142,900 price tag seems reasonable when weighed against the other heavy hitters of the
Mercedes range. With the world going electric, the stylishly appointed Benz was a clever choice for the car of the year. Still, most motorists will be focussed on what derives from its technology, as we collectively wait for EVs to rival oldfashioned internal combustion on initial investment cost.
New House Drains Septic Tanks Water Tanks - Concrete & Plastic Foundation Footings & Fill Metal Supply Site Excavation and New Driveways
Ashhurst’s LANDSCAPE SUPPLY YARD Compost Mulch Bark Nuggets Top Soil Basecourse Washed Stone Builders Mix Sand 3 & 4mm Nova Coil Pea Straw Weedmat Slimline Water Tanks Concrete / Mortar / Cement Bags 20kg
Contact: Greg or Luke 027 557 8809
145 Mulgrave Street, Ashhurst Just along from the PNCC Recycling Centre HOME DELIVERIES & BULK DELIVERIES AVAILABLE
NATURAL BARK & COMPOST
9
WHAT WE SPECIALISE IN Poultry (Chicken) Compost • Garden Mix • Potting Mix • Top Soil • Peat Post Peelings • Bark Nugget • Bark Chip • Bark Mulch • Feeding Mulch Wood Chip • Sawdust • Pea Straw • Scoria • White Chip • Pumice Bluestone • Waikato Gold • Crushed Shell • Base Course • Top Course Builders Mix • Pea Metal • River Sand • River Stone 20mm, 40mm • Boulders • Geocell weed mat Moss Away concentrate • Rock Basket • WM Staples
WE ALSO DELIVER | COURTESY TRAILER AVAILABLE OPEN: 8.00am – 5.00pm Weekdays, 9.00am – 3.00pm Saturdays Gate 128, SH1 North, Foxton (look for sign opp Foxton Golf Course)
M: 027 240 9381 P: 06 363 5236 E: naturalbark@inspire.net.nz W: www.naturalbark.co.nz
14
January 2021
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
Polaris and Zero join forces
by Andy Bryenton
Polaris, makers of the popular Ranger, RZR, General and Sportsman off-road vehicles, has partnered up with electric powertrain innovators Zero Motorcycles, adding an injection of Silicon Valley technology to its business model. Polaris says that this 10-year partnership in off-road vehicles and snowmobiles is a cornerstone component of ‘rEV’d up’, its long-term strategy to position the company as the leader in off-road electric vehicles. While Tesla, the big name in on-road electric cars, is flying high with wild stock prices and rumours that they may buy out one of the big four automakers entirely, Polaris seems to be on track to replicate this feat for the world of off-roaders. “Thanks to advancements in power, pricing and performance over the last several years, and with customer interest surging, now is the right time for Polaris, with Zero Motorcycles as a key strategic partner, to aggressively accelerate our position in the development of off-road electric vehicles,” said Scott Wine, chairman and CEO of Polaris. Wine is not fooling around; models developed jointly by the two firms will
10
JASES
WATER
see the light of day by the end of this year, and an EV version of every Polaris product, from the Baja desert-beating RZR to the snow, by 2025. “Zero Motorcycles’ mastery of the electric powertrain for powersports is unmatched in the market. We believe this transformative partnership will enable us to leapfrog technological hurdles around range and cost while providing a tremendous speed-tomarket advantage. Leveraging the strengths of our teams, Polaris and Zero will collaborate to shape the future of powersports.” Zero Motorcycles CEO Sam Paschel is equally enthusiastic about combining his firm’s tech know-how with the manufacturing might of Polaris and its global reach. With Polaris’ scale and broad product line-up, this strategic partnership will be the largest in Zero Motorcycles’ history. Under this 10-year exclusive agreement, Polaris will develop, manufacture and sell electrified ORVs and snowmobiles using Zero’s
9
2 Polaris and Zero Motorcycles have joined forces to storm the off-road world, promising exciting new electric vehicles on sand, dirt, mud and snow
CARTAGE
Ph: 06 367 0557 levinglass@xtra.co.nz www.levinglassworks.co.nz 154 Oxford St, Levin. CALL JASE
027 590 4844
email: jaseswater@gmail.com
9
news is very exciting for our part of the world. “Our sales of the Ranger EV have grown year-on-year substantially proving the desire from our customers for this type of product.”
1
“Windows and Windscreen Repair Specialists”
Household Water Delivery
9
powertrain technology, hardware and software. From the local perspective Alan Collins, Polaris managing director Australia and New Zealand, said: “This
Instantly transform your unsightly water tank or fence into an eye catching work of art! Our ‘wraps’ are cost effective and maintenance free.
06 358 6313 • 027 361 4341 www.tankart.co.nz
1 3
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HUGHES GLASS
HARRIS AGRICULTURAL CONTRACTING LTD
Specialists in
THE HIGHEST QUALITY NEW & USED MACHINERY TO YOUR GATE
Reglazing • New Glazing • Mirrors Furniture Glass • Cat Doors Good Rates
DAVE Ph 06 358 4308 Mobile 027 635 8979 6 David Street, Palmerston North dave@hughesglass.co.nz
Buyers & Sellers of Quality Hay, Straw, Baleage & Silage. Phone for a Quote
CALL DEAN: 027 431 3777
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
January 2021
15
ADVERTORIAL
Sixty years-plus of civil construction Emmetts Civil Construction and the earlier Emmett Bros have been constructing bridges, underpasses, retaining walls, piling and precast concrete works for more than 60 years. One of the company’s strengths is its ability to undertake major structural works, repairs and improvements under difficult conditions in a timely manner. As a family-run business, the company punches above its weight and is at the leading edge of the civil construction field. They have completed many highprofile projects including the Len Lye Centre in New Plymouth, the French memorial within the Pukeahu National War Memorial Park in Wellington, and the Perry and Upokongaro network arch bridges in Horotiu and Whanganui that form part of the NZ Cycleway project. “Our resources, experience and collaborative approach to design and construct projects provide value-added, efficient design and the confidence that projects can be undertaken to a high standard and in the timeframes allowed,” said managing director Richard Emmett. Emmetts consists of four divisions: Precast Concrete, Civil Construction (mainly Bridge Building and Underpasses), Piling and Crane Hire. It offers a vast array of resources, equipment and expertise that are made readily available. The company believes that health and safety are paramount and has strict quality assurance and health and safety systems in place.
“We undertake a lot of work for regional councils and other local authorities. So our health and safety systems are always scrutinised and checked before work is awarded. Our safety-
first approach is critical when working with heavy concrete and steel structures, such as those used in the construction industry. “Our track record for safety
and focus on excellence and consistency speaks for itself,” says Richard. You can find out more about the team at Emmetts, by visiting emmetts.co.nz.
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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
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These are free phones direct to our mobiles. Office (06) 324 8135 Web www.mylivestock.co.nz 24/7 Callout Service • Onsite Fleet and Farm Service Tyre and Puncture Repairs • Car, 4WD, Truck, Tractor Tyres Agent for Century Batteries • Wheel Alignment (by appointment) “FOR ALL YOUR TYRE AND BATTERY NEEDS, NO JOB IS TOO BIG OR SMALL”
CALL US TODAY FOR A FREE QUOTE. Ph: 027 538 5518 | Email: ruraltyres@gmail.com | 10 Green Road, Awahuri
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January 2021
2
MANAWATU FarMInG LIFESTyLES
3
DEMONSTRATOR UNITS AVAILABLE NOW
4 Turners Road, Feilding 06 323 0309 www.trctractors.co.nz *Terms and conditions apply. See instore for more details