Manawatu Farming Lifestyles, March 2023

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

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Scotts

by Denise Gunn

Plenty of grunt at 4WD trials

The recent Combi Clamp 4x4 Extreme trials, organised by the Manawatu 4WD Club, kept crowds entertained as they watched spectacular driving through hazards and mud.

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With a driver and navigator in each vehicle, 92 competitors in 46 trucks from around the North Island took part in this fifth round of the national series. Six rounds of the national trials are each organised by a 4WD club throughout the North Island.

As part of the local organising committee, Stuart Earle said competitors tackled 31 courses during the one-day event held on a Colyton property.

“These varied from driving up and across very steep hills to timed sections on flat paddocks. The aim of competitors is to drive the full length of each course without stopping.”

In teams of two, drivers and navigators worked together to get their trucks through each hazard on course, with a

goal of obtaining a perfect score of zero. Competitors are split into seven classes, depending on their vehicle’s engine size and modifications.

The competitors commented on the challenging courses and a wellorganised event.

An estimated 2,000 spectators attended the event, with $15,000 raised and donated to the Palmerston North Rescue Helicopter.

“A big thanks to everyone that helped run the event and the farmer for providing access to the land,” said Stuart.

“Both Colyton and Hiwinui Schools were involved, as well as the Colyton/ Bunnythorpe Lions Club and Bunnythorpe Fire Brigade. So a real community effort.”

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Supreme award for Foxton farmers

Foxton dairy and beef farmers Peter, John and Karen McErlean of Poplar Partnership have won this year’s regional supreme award at the Horizons Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

John and Karen purchased the initial 43ha block in 1983. Popular Partnership Ltd was formed in 2002 when John’s brother, Peter, joined. The total area of the family farm is now 1,791ha.

The trio have steadily improved the genetics of their Hereford herd and also become known for developing strong genetic lines in their Friesian cows. Multiple wetlands have been created and extended throughout the farm, including significant investment in native tree planting.

In a move to retain staff, the McErleans created another company called 164 Partnership Ltd. This partnership operates a small dairy farm with 200 cows, owned by the McErleans and eight employees.

Judges commended the McErleans’ commitment to people, livestock, land stewardship, biodiversity and habitat creation. All of these factors have resulted in a highly successful and sustainable business.

The McErleans are keen to continue developing the wetlands, and working to protect a native giant snail colony on one of the support blocks. As demand grows, they also aim to explore the integration of vegetable crops into their farming operation. In addition to the regional supreme title, the McErleans also won several other awards.

Jason and Amanda Prior of DownUnder Honey won the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust innovation award.

The Priors established their beekeeping enterprise 14 years ago. It’s since grown to become one of the largest operations in the area. They produce a range of natural, raw and creamed honey under the DownUnder Honey label.

In 2017, Jason and Amanda set up their Trees for Bees nursery on their Cheltenham lifestyle block, just north of Feilding. The Trees for Bees nursery grows plants and trees specifically with bees in mind. With the DownUnder Honey enterprise also on the property, the two

business branches complement each other well.

Graham and Tracey Sinnamon of Meringa Station — Pamu took home three awards for livestock farming, biodiversity, and integration of trees. Josh Millard of Tongariro Dairy Unit — Pamu won the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust Climate Recognition award. Michael Bourke of Mangahuia Wetlands was awarded the Margaret Matthews Trophy for Commitment to Sustainability.

The local catchment group, Tararua Plantain Project, was showcased for its efforts in looking into plantain reducing nitrogen leaching.

The Ballance Farm Environment Awards is run by the NZ Farm Environment Trust. The supreme winner from each of the 11 regions involved in the awards will go through to be considered for the Gordon Stephenson Trophy at the Trust’s national showcase in May. The recipients of the Gordon Stephenson Trophy then become the 2023 national ambassadors for sustainable farming and growing.

The Poplar Partnership team won the supreme regional award at the Horizons Ballance Farm Environment Awards

BY DENISE GUNN

As part of the lower Manawatū River Control Scheme, the Moutoa Sluice Gates were constructed between 1959 and 1962, to divert flood flows out of the Manawatū River and down the Moutoa floodway.

The late Paul Evans, chief engineer of the Manawatū Catchment Board from 1946 to 1970, was the main architect and driving force behind the construction of the Lower Manawatū River Control Scheme.

Nine 15-tonne steel radial gates within a curved reinforced concrete structure measure 15m in width and 4.5m in height. The gates are raised by pulleys, wire ropes and electric motors and operated individually with a control panel in the nearby operations building. In the event of electricity failure, standby power is available.

The floodway consists of 10km of flat farmland, 600m wide and bordered by stopbanks up to 5.5m high. The initial surveying of the Moutoa floodway was undertaken by the late Geoff Brougham.

Geoff joined the Manawatū Catchment Board as an engineering cadet in January 1953, and within two weeks of starting work, experienced a 100-year flood. He worked continuously during the flood, assisting in whatever way possible. When

An aerial view of the Moutoa Sluice Gates during construction

Pouring concrete during construction of the Moutoa Sluice Gates

the floodwaters finally receded, Geoff hadn’t slept in three days.

“That flood taught me to respect the mighty power of nature and the challenges ahead that I would become involved in to assist in formulating the Lower Manawatū Scheme.”

Surveying of the Moutoa floodway took close to two years.

“This involved cutting survey lines through the Moutoa swamp, which consisted of dense flax and trees. There were a number of wild pigs and Sambar deer that were encountered in this process,” said Geoff.

Geoff was also appointed clerk of works for the duration of the Moutoa Sluice Gates and floodway construction project. He later held the chief engineer position

Construction of the Moutoa Sluice Gates between 1959 and 1962

at the Manawatū Catchment Board from 1975 to 1988.

Construction of the Moutoa Sluice Gates and floodway was completed in 1962. It was the first major flood control scheme completed in New Zealand and a structure unique to the southern hemisphere.

Between 1962 and 2002, the sluice gates were opened around 50 times. Flood flows are diverted from the river into the 10km floodway and then on to the sea, bypassing 30km of meandering river course, reducing the risk of water overflowing into farms, homes, market gardens and orchards.

In 1990, the gates were recognised by the Institution of Professional Engineers of New Zealand (IPENZ) as an important

part of New Zealand’s engineering heritage. The Moutoa Sluice Gates is now maintained and operated by Horizons Regional Council.

During the 2004 flood, the largest since 1902, more than 300mm of rain fell in the Ruahine Ranges, and the Manawatū River peaked at 8.9m. The sluice gates were opened on five other occasions that same year.

The Lower Manawatū Scheme then underwent an upgrade. A total of 140km of stopbanks were upgraded, a new bridge constructed over the Oroua River at Kopane, a $40m project to protect the

rural Lower Manawatū Scheme areas from a 100-year flood commenced, along with a $13m project to protect Palmerston North city from a one-in-a-500-year flood.

Decisions to open and close the gates during floods are centred around the assessment of several factors. Timing is crucial as gates are opened alternatively and slowly to avoid water scouring banks and silt build-up in the riverbed. When the sluice gates are fully opened, 2,450 cumecs of water pass through.

The Moutoa Sluice Gates are located between Shannon and Foxton and can be viewed when driving across them.

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The Moutoa Sluice Gates during an open day

NEW CHAIR FOR DAIRY TRUST

BY DENISE GUNN

Richard and his wife Emma are share farming on Bryan and Wendy Kilsby’s coastal Horowhenua dairy farm. A herd of 450 cows, the majority of those Friesian, are milked on the 190ha effective property.

“We split calve, autumn and spring calving, which is a way of managing climatic risk,” said Richard.

“We also rear 600 calves. Our calves, plus neighbour’s non-replacement calves, and then we also lease a 180ha drystock block down the road. We raise replacements, grow supplements for the dairy farm and raise beef cattle.”

Although Richard grew up in Taupō and Palmerston North, he always enjoyed spending time on farms, hunting and being outdoors.

Throughout his school years, Richard planned a career as either an accountant or lawyer. On finishing his seventh form

year, he decided to take a gap year and worked on a dairy farm. At the end of his gap year, Richard went on to university, studying towards a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Business Studies.

However, Richard found he really missed farming, the cows and the sense of achievement that comes with each day on the farm.

“I really enjoyed challenges on the farm. You would overcome them and get a sense of satisfaction from that. So I went back to farming after completing one year of university.”

Richard worked his way up the dairy farming ladder, starting as a farm assistant, followed by assistant farm manager before he went sharemilking.

“I’ve been a herd-owning share farmer for the past eight years,” he said.

Winning the 2013 NZDIA Manawatū/ Horowhenua Sharefarmer of the Year was

a huge career highlight. The couple found the judging process, followed by winning the title, taught a lot about themselves and their business.

and opportunities.

milk price crashed in 2015. Although it was a difficult time for us, I look back on those first few years with a real sense of achievement.”

Richard said the progression system through dairy farming assists people to get ahead.

“I enjoy the fact you can start at the bottom and work your way to the top. Start as a farm assistant, work hard, make good decisions, and you can end up owning a farm.”

Richard has been an NZDIA trustee since 2017. His experience in governance and representation includes roles as an elected member of Federated Farmers, representing sharemilkers in the Manawatū/Rangitīkei, and former chair of the national sharemilkers’ section. He

Richard is also chair of the Federated Farmers Dairy Industry Group and is a Federated Farmers board member

Horowhenua dairy farmer, Richard McIntyre, has been selected as the new chair for the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.

has held a position on the Dairy Executive since 2016.

Last year, Richard was elected chair of the Federated Farmers Dairy Industry Group and is a Federated Farmers board member. He is also an elected member of the Wellington Fish and Game Regional Council.

Richard is excited to begin his role as NZDIA Trust chair while the programme is in a stage of change.

“The awards programme must continue to change and evolve to ensure relevance in an ever-changing dairy industry,” he said.

“The programme’s core role is to promote and celebrate excellence in the New Zealand dairy industry, and what that actually looks like, is continually changing.

“Our entrants will be our farm owners of the future. Encouraging best practice and excellence from the beginning will give New Zealand farmers the skills and abilities needed for the years to come.”

Richard replaces outgoing chair Natasha Tere who guided the awards and trust through a challenging phase in the programme’s history with Covidrelated adversities.

The McIntyres are share farming on Bryan and Wendy Kilsby’s Horowhenua dairy farm

BY DENISE GUNN

Working with nature’s bounty has proven to be a winning formula for cider makers Wal and Carmen Gray.

The Otaki couple began planting heritage apple cider trees on their four-hectare lifestyle block back in 2009. By 2018, they had planted close to 250 trees.

Their interest in cider developed when they wanted to make alcohol. “We liked the idea. It’s a romantic vision of living self-sufficiently,” said Carmen.

“We could grow either apples or grapes, and we chose apples. However, we decided we needed to do something more than just home brew, and that’s when we established the cidery and commercial brand in 2019.”

Carmen, a former chemical engineer, completed a wine-making degree and then travelled the world making wine. “I was a travelling wine-maker while waiting for the trees to fruit.”

The husband and wife team bought the necessary gear, which included

tanks, pressers, crushers, pumps and other basic equipment to make cider.

“We gutted our three-car garage and established the cidery from there.”

In 2019, Carmen and Wal’s first cider, produced under their Elemental Cider label, was released in supermarkets. Two years later, four styles of cider were released and on the market. The following year all four of the ciders won medals in the New Zealand Cider Awards, including the trophy for top traditional cider.

Carmen said all their ciders are traditional styles and sugar-free. “We have Dry As, which is a crisp, dry apple more like an English style; Totally Oaked from special cider apples aged in barrels; Orchard Fall, which is a blend of apples, pears, quinces and a tiny touch of feijoa; and Pear Drop which is 100% pear.

The couple’s first cider, produced under their Elemental Cider label, was released in 2019

Around 2.4ha of their land is set aside for the apple trees. The orchard is designed in an English style, and the apples are permitted to grow a lot bigger.

“It’s important to get the right apples which have the right acid and sugar profile,” said Carmen. “Most cider is made from rejected apples made into juice. A lot of sugar is added.”

Cider apples are also grown for Elemental Cider under contract on a 15ha block in the Ohau area. Pears are locally grown, too, near Kuku Beach. In 2020, Wal and Carmen bought another piece of land with buildings which they fitted the cidery into.

“However, with Covid, everything temporarily came back here. The cidery is still there. It’s just a 10km commute and still local.”

For three months of the year, Wal and Carmen pick up apples and then head to their purpose-built cidery to spend three or four days in a row processing. It involves crushing, processing and allowing the apples to ferment.

“I monitor these quite closely,” said Carmen. “We do that for four to six weeks and then blend in my styles before going back in the tank to age. It’s a manual operation. I still make it the traditional way.

“We work with what the apples give us. The flavours and sugars are what happen in the summer the apples have grown. They are very much fermented the way grapes are for wine. The weather is always a challenge.”

Carmen said a friend’s 10-year-old son came up with the business brand name, Elemental Cider.

“I was really looking for something to do with the elements. We work with what nature gives us.”

When she isn’t making cider, Carmen is out and about at supermarkets, fairs, markets and festivals marketing and selling the ciders. Pruning trees is done in June and July, while August and September are taken up with bottling and labelling.

“The biggest challenge is getting it into market. I produce a craft quality handmade cider and have to compete with the directly cheaper ciders, including imports.

“What we thought was a part-time business, is not. We are looking at growing

Elemental Cider, getting investment and growing it significantly. Then I can focus on the straight cider making.”

In February, Carmen travelled to Chicago on behalf of New Zealand Cider, to represent New Zealand at the American CiderCon conference.

“I just love doing what I do. My happy place is in the cidery.”

Carmen samples

some of the cider

Tip top services for trees

by Denise Gunn

When considering pruning, maintaining or removing trees, the experienced team at Tip Top Tree Services is available to take on jobs of all sizes, from small trees to large.

The Palmerston North-based business, owned and managed by Rory Walding, was established in 2020. Rory has been involved in the arboriculture industry for 10 years, completing an apprenticeship in Australia.

“I was living in Melbourne, developed a passion for trees and used to climb

trees in the Dandenong Ranges,” said Rory.

An apprenticeship in the arboriculture industry takes up to two years, covering a range of topics from tree-climbing and felling, pruning, plant removal, soil chemistry, botany, worksafe practices

and rst aid. Communication with team members and colleagues is also a vital aspect.

Rory spent eight years in Australia before moving back to New Zealand and has clocked up 10 years of experience as an arborist.

The team at Tip Top Tree Services covers all urban and rural arboriculture requirements in Manawatu. They are available to work further a eld too. “We can always travel if required.”

Rory said the bulk of the team’s work is tree removal, especially those causing hazards or hanging over buildings.

“It’s rewarding when moving hazardous, dead or dangerous trees and getting the trees down safely before causing any damage. We also remove trees which outgrow their surroundings.”

With each job requirement unique, Tip Top Tree Services assess the location and situation before starting work, providing free advice and quotes. Safety is the number one priority, and clients can rest assured the team is committed to providing top-quality services.

Passing on his knowledge and teaching young people the required skills is one of the industry highlights at Tip Top Tree Services.

“We’ve taken on someone from Freyberg High School and trained him up,” said Rory. “We train on-site.”

Contact Rory on 022 500 6039 for any tree work or email tiptoptreeservices@icloud.com.

Arborist Rory Walding of Tip Top Tree Services

The team at Tip Top Tree Services covers urban and rural arboriculture requirements in Manawatu

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We have 74 rest home or hospitallevel care rooms available. In addition, we have a 25-bed centre for specialised dementia level care. This provides for residents who need to be cared for in a restricted / secure environment with specialist Dementia trained staff.

Rest home or hospital level care is also offered in any of our 53 residential care apartments. These rooms include a private lounge, ensuite and kitchenette. Residents of these rooms enter into an Occupancy Rights Agreement (ORA) whereby you purchase the rights to live in that apartment. They are available as single or double bedroom apartments to suit married couples or partners, siblings or good friends.

While Ranfurly Residential Care Centre's main focus is on offering premium residential care services, we also have independent living villas. New independent living villas are being built and pre-sold now.

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TO BUILD OR RENOVATE

No nails — only computers

by Andy Bryenton

The practice of making an entire building without using nails is an ancient one, dating from when wooden frame construction didn’t have the luxury of cheap steel on hand.

Over 46 years of providing all properties from Kapiti Coast to Manawatu with a reliable, prompt and guaranteed service for all plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting jobs. Kingston & Kemp Plumbing, Gasfitting and Drainlaying team are large enough to take on industrial jobs, and small enough to care for small home plumbing services, you can consider them your one-stop-shop for everything plumbing.

Timber framework is making a comeback for those who wish to make a statement with big, signature open space or architecture reflecting their ancestry. While construction time is slashed with this method, the cost of making the often large, always vitally precise pieces to build with no nails used to be prohibitive. That is changing due to two new technologies; digitally assisted cutting machines and advanced timber lamination. While most homes of the near future will assuredly be built from traditional timber framing, the options to be expressive and creative with long arched spans of modern laminated products are enticing for designers. Moving from a three-dimensional model to a crisply computer-assisted cut means there’s more scope than ever before to do away with nails and embrace some very ancient design principles.

Some of these are by no means weaker for their lack of steel components. Some of the world’s oldest buildings were assembled using no nails, with just the woodworker’s artistry of joints, pegs and interlocking beams to see them through the centuries. A good example is the temple and castle architecture of Japan, which almost exclusively utilised a nailfree method.

This traditional art has proven so successful that the oldest company in the world is the one with the longest pedigree of nail-free woodworking. Kongō Gumi remained strictly in family ownership for 1,400 years and still continues to repair, restore and manufacture traditional Japanese ceremonial buildings to this day. That’s 40 generations of builders, going back to 578 CE.

Other nations also embraced nailfree wooden construction. Think Viking longhouses based on that culture’s legendary shipbuilding or the entirely nailfree Pattaya Temple of Truth in Thailand. Using the strong timber joinery ideas of multiple civilisations, modern designers can make use of superior wood products, some of which can be less than 10 per cent the weight of steel and one-fifth the weight of concrete but still strong enough to frame a home.

New Zealand has numerous examples of this style. One that has caught international attention is the very literally named ‘house with no nails’ in Matamata. A unique kind of farmstay, the 10thcentury style design of the house is a source of wonder for international guests. With computer-assisted design and strong, light laminates to assist, this kind of construction may be the inspiration for the future as well as a love letter to the past.

Timber framing can be big, bold and beautiful, allowing for leaps of design not available using other methods

by Andy Bryenton

They are calling it the ‘summer that wasn’t’, after one of the wettest, wildest seasons on record; but now it’s time to get ready for the winter that follows.

There may be one silver lining from the torrential rains across New Zealand during January and February. The precipitation was up to 149 per cent of normal levels, with more than one massive weather bomb event to add to the chaos. However, the vicious weather highlighted areas to tighten up before winter hits.

We’re hoping for a mild winter after such a savage summer, but even the most benign cold season brings chills, drips, draughts and damp, if left unchecked. Use the clear, cool days of autumn to take care of some upgrades and be ready for the antarctic assault.

Check your insulation — Take a look in the attic to see if your insulation is still up to standard. Some materials can deflate or compact over time, reducing their effectiveness. If you have old or inefficient insulation up top, new products and methods of installation could drastically improve your home. The same goes for underfloor products. Some of the earlier applications may be due for a birthday by now, as many have been in place for 10–15 years.

Drive out damp — Dripping windows, mildew, mould and unhealthy air are all symptoms of dampness being trapped indoors during the cold months. Understandably opening all the doors and windows on a freezing morning is counterproductive, and it’s the top season for long showers, big meals and loads of laundry. Boost ventilation to those areas where steam is generated, such as cooking and bathing spaces, by cleaning the lint and debris out of existing extractor fans or replacing tired old models with something more potent. Once again, modern motors can be quieter and more powerful, and you could use the existing grille.

Leaks and draughts — Weathertightness is all about the little details. Invest in inexpensive foam strip tape to seal windows and doors properly against whistling breezes, and take care of your roof. Get up top if you can, and make sure it’s rust-free, screwed down tight and ready for the winter’s blast.

Spring cleaning is all fine and good, but autumn maintenance can make your home more energy efficient, healthy and warm for winter

Fireplace and heating check-up —

It’s the season to sweep your chimney for safety, efficiency and insurance purposes, and get a WOF for your fire box. This time of year is also right to check the efficiency of your heat pump. Older models may need a bit of a birthday to return to their full abilities, so for both of these tasks, call in the professionals.

The final chore to tackle before winter strikes is to clean debris from your gutters, ensuring clean water reaches your tank, and there are no overflows when torrential rain strikes. With a bit of a once-over this time of year, your home will be a veritable fortress of warmth and welcome no matter what nature throws at us.

TO BUILD OR RENOVATE

Next summer’s comfort now

by Andy Bryenton

Now is the time to start planning for next summer’s poolside relaxation by making the most of the remaining good weather and breaking ground on a swimming pool project. Where did the idea of a ‘fake lake’ at home come from?

The oldest known swimming pool comes from Pakistan, where the longlost people of Mohenjo-Daro once commanded a mighty kingdom. Their major achievement was using brick with a

tar sealant to create elaborate plumbing. Most homes had washrooms and baths, and their biggest temple featured a 7m x 12m swimming pool that could be refilled and used today, 3,000 years later.

The people of Crete once ruled the Mediterranean with their fleet and trained their military to swim. Swimming became a sport the famously competitive Greeks took a liking to, and numerous swimming pools were set up so athletes could train in all weathers. Finding that it provided good exercise with little wear and tear on older bodies, wealthy Greeks and their Roman successors built pools to adjoin their hot baths and saunas.

It led to the invention of the heated swimming pool in the first century BCE by a wealthy Roman senator named Gaius Maecenas. Put off by nippy winter temperatures, he ordered his pool to be built over a kind of vaulted basement of fire bricks so that wood could be burned underneath by his servants, heating the pool to a more convivial temperature.

Modern swimming pools found favour in England, where the Medway Swimming Club was formed in 1844 to train life-savers

near this notoriously treacherous British river. They built a pool with a diving board so these early lifeguards could strengthen up and practise before diving into the currents, where many had previously been lost along with the people they were trying to rescue.

Today, a swimming pool is not a massive endeavour to install nor a

herculean task to maintain. Modern technology means that enjoying the therapeutic, fitness and relaxation benefits of a pool in the backyard is easier than ever, and solar heating systems far outpace old Gaius’ fiery basement idea, allowing for a greater scope of use throughout the year.

The great pool at Aquae Sulis gave us the word ‘bath’, as that is the Britannic name of this Roman spa town

Say no to unwanted winter guests

by Andy Bryenton

When winter comes, your homes should be a haven of warmth and comfort against the weather and low temperatures of the season.

The only trouble is, there are others who’d love to share in the war and dry conditions you have spent so much time and money perfecting. These pests are unwelcome at the best of times. Still, insects and rodents can make their presence felt when the outdoors becomes inhospitable.

Those with pet cats may have already noticed a new crop of rats and mice brought in by proud little hunters. As the mornings and evenings turn cold there is less to forage outdoors, and the allure of a warm space with lots of treats to steal is rodent heaven. Those without a feline force in defence, or one of the small dogs which can do an equally good job, should look at a solid exclusion policy, checking for places where rats and mice can get in. Seal up everything in your pantry, too, and make sure outside rubbish bins have a tight snap-on lid.

Some insect pests tend to fade away in autumn; mosquitos and flies may reduce in numbers as the cold weather bites. However, other types of crawling critters can find the cold weather a good excuse to come inside. Cockroaches are a prime example. Unlike the city ‘roaches depicted

on most overseas television shows, New Zealand has a mix of species, some of which should be gainfully employed in the leaf litter of the forest. They hate light, and clean surfaces, but a real infestation is best dealt with by pest control professionals.

Winter is also prime time for moths, as it’s common practice to bring out heavier seasonal blankets, curtains and clothes from storage and tuck away summerweight fabrics. Moths love to infest stored fabrics, so plan to repel them before you store them.

Bed bugs, ironically, love winter. They don’t just live in bed, either. These pests can be stopped by washing bedding and soft furnishings at high temperatures. Still, the fact that they often give beds a miss means that sometimes people afflicted with these unwanted guests take care of just the bed and leave rugs, curtains and cushions as a perfect hiding place.

Perhaps the winter visitors with the worst reputation and the least real threat are spiders. While the white-tailed spider, an Aussie import, can indeed give a nasty bite, many other spiders come in from the cold and seek out food. That

food is usually made up of insects you don’t want in your home, so they could be doing you a favour. While some of our native spiders are large and intimidating, most are harmless to humans and are best handled by simply throwing them out the window.

If pests become a big problem this autumn, call in the professionals to make your home secure before winter makes the issue worse.

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TO BUILD OR RENOVATE

Outbuildings extroverted

by Andy Bryenton

Some of the greatest inventions that changed the world have come out of sheds, but the image of a dusty old space filled with pipe tobacco smoke and sawdust is a thing of the past.

In those olden days, when television came in only three flavours, the shed was the castle and stronghold of dads and grandads, who retreated to its confines to potter on projects, listen to the cricket on a portable radio and brew their own beer and strawberry wine.

Today, those lean-tos next to garages, shacks at the bottom of the garden and storage buildings groaning with unmarked cardboard banana boxes are prime territory for a makeover. With space at a premium in modern homes, turning an under-utilised shed into an oasis of calm,

a nook for entertaining or a hobby centre is a smart choice.

The process often starts with a comprehensive strip-down and dragout assessment, in which the detritus of years is given the Marie Kondo treatment. If those 1982 Toyota parts, cracked terracotta pots and stacks of old newspapers don’t bring you joy, throw them out, and take a look at the structure revealed beneath.

Cracked concrete floors or even bare dirt are often discovered in older sheds; a layer of fresh, smooth and level concrete will provide a solid foundation in these cases, so it may be time to call in the experts. Walls will often be a wooden frame with corrugated iron facing or marine ply; this is

the perfect skeleton on which to construct a more convivial internal space. Start by packing out the gaps with insulation, then hang ply or thin boards to cover up. A coat of paint will complete this blank canvas.

If your shed isn’t powered, don’t mess around with extension cords; call in an electrician to sort out some permanent, safe power points. These will be handy no matter what direction your ‘leisure cave’ project takes. Perhaps this will be a hobby space with machines like lathes, drill presses, welders or 3D printers. It could become a sewing room with spaces for fabric to be worked and shaped or an art studio with adjustable lighting.

Others will want to create their own private little bar or tavern, embracing a theme or finding space for ultimate big boys’ toys such as a pool table, pinball machine, old-fashioned arcade video

games cabinet or slot car track. Making your own bar, adding some optics, a fridge and an ice maker allows for quirky wall ornaments like stag heads with sunglasses and the obligatory dart board.

The final thing to consider when converting an outbuilding from spiderwebbed storage backwater to a vibrant new living space is security. Outside of the main body of your home, sheds and garages definitely benefit from their own security lights or even remote camera systems synced to your mobile device. As with your main dwelling, the aim is to make your outbuilding oasis a hard target for thieves and make them think twice.

Autumn is a great time to expand the amount of leisure space we have under cover. So take a closer look at your shed situation, and see if you can’t squeeze some extra enjoyment out of its potential.

No room for vintage arcade games in your home?

The she shed or man cave is the perfect place for all your toys

The big cover up

by Andy Bryenton

Two trends which reached their previous height of popularity in the 1980s are coming back around again with a modern twist.

In a world seemingly obsessed with retro-cool pop culture (think Stranger Things, vaporwave and Elton John remixes), the trend for concealed kitchen appliances and televisions is back, spearheaded by a new minimalist look.

“Our lifestyles have transitioned into more open-concept living,” says designer Sara Malek Barney. “We want the spaces to be uncluttered and visually appealing. It takes time to transition over the years, so the trend has slowly increased in popularity.”

What this means for those looking to keep pace with the latest style is a winter of careful measurements and custom cupboard installations. It may seem like the height of sacrilege to conceal your brushed aluminium fridge behind a panel. However, the clean, uncluttered look of a kitchen without technology has been compared to the classic lines of a Rolls Royce dashboard that forgoes all those buttons and digital readouts for twin chrome clocks and acres of beautiful polished wood.

Thankfully, the slim size of modern televisions makes it easier than ever to

tuck them away in hiding places or utilise their visual properties in innovative ways. Some major brands now offer frameless, ultra-slim screens with a matte finish, similar to Kindle’s paper-look technology.

Rather than hiding away, these screens can be set to display a classical painting or favourite family photo in full 65-inch high resolution when the television is not in use. As a bonus, this is much cheaper than actually buying a selection of prints of the renaissance masters.

The other big cover-up happening in chic homes this winter is the reinvention of wallpaper, which has come to the fore as a feature wall hero. New materials technology has allowed wallpaper designers to get creative with textures, metallic finishes, patterns and features.

‘Gone are the days of just printing on paper. You can now embellish corks, grass cloths and silks with pretty much any design. The usage is also bolder and braver. If you have the confidence, there are endless possibilities,’ says David Harris, Design Director at leading United States-based decorator Andrew Martin.

The use of wallpaper to define a feature wall that would once have been a single solid colour of paint allows clever interior decorators the chance to expand the appearance of space with visual sleight of hand and incorporate architectural features into an overall visual design. With baroque-meets-rustic floral patterns

trending upward right now, a wall of wildflowers could be the perfect tonic for the winter blues.

While the weather outside is cold and damp, taking a look at how you could declutter, streamline and beautify your interior spaces using these two hot trends is a winter winner.

Communities rally for Hawke’s Bay

Farmers from around the world are banding together to support their peers in the cyclone-affected east coast region.

Te Pari marketing manager Corban Blampied, coordinating the fundraising effort, travelled to the region to speak with farmers.

“The devastation was much worse than we expected,” he says. “The clean-up will be nearly insurmountable, and local farmers will be hurting for a very long time. We’re asking farmers and people in other rural communities from around the

world to band together and offer these guys some financial support to help get the sector moving again.”

A Give-a-Little page has been established by global AgriTech company Te Pari, based in Oamaru, to raise money for the region’s agricultural sector. The funds will go directly to the Rural Support Trust for distribution.

“One hundred per cent of donations will go to impacted communities,” says East Coast Rural Support Trust chairperson Clint Worthington.

“These donations won’t just go towards the next month or two but will be helping farmers set up for the long-term as well. The process of recovery from an adverse event like this is in three stages — response and ensuring safety during the first few weeks; recovery, which can take three to four months, and then rebuilding.

“There is massive damage, and it will take years to recover from, so we need to have that long-term focus. Many Hawke’s Bay farmers share similar stories of devastation. While the community is resilient, they do need support, especially during this rebuilding process.”

Dave Martin, who runs a 2,200-hectare sheep, beef and crop farm in Wairoa, had only just recovered from the damage after the March 2022 floods when cyclones Hale and Gabrielle hit.

Repair costs from Cyclone Gabrielle are expected to exceed $13 billion.

Te Pari has instigated successful crowdfunding campaigns before, having raised more than $15,000 for a Victorian farmer after the 2019 Australian bushfires.

It is the second consecutive year that flooding has destroyed ready-to-harvest crops in Hawke’s Bay.

Farm manager Dave Martin says: “Contractors will do the best they can to try to see what can still be harvested, but

obviously, the corn cobs will have silt all through them, so it remains to be seen if this is able to be processed.

“Our squash was already picked before the cyclone hit, but because of the power outages in Gisborne, it sat in crates for 10 days. So now we’re throwing that crop out. It is just devastating.”

To view the videos of farmers telling their stories go to tepari.com/au, or to donate, visit givealittle.co.nz/fundraiser/ give-for-cyclone-gabrielle.

A damaged Hilux covered in debris on a farm

Makes friends wherever it grows

Rede ne is tailor-made for anyone who wants the bene ts of cocksfoot without the clumpy, aggressive behaviour and clover suppression often associated with older varieties.

That means you can add diversity and climatic resilience to summerdry pasture mixes because cocksfoot is tougher than ryegrass with more summer growth. Even ner

Since Kara was released back in 1980, we’ve made great progress developing finer, more tillered cocksfoot cultivars.

Rede ne is another big step forward. At more than 5,000 tillers a square metre, it has more than twice as many tillers as Kara. You can clearly see the difference between it and other cocksfoots.

Clover friendly

Rede ne is a better neighbour for clovers than older cultivars, and clover returns the favour by feeding it with naturally- xed nitrogen.

Why does this matter? Without enough nitrogen, which shows up as yellowing leaves, cocksfoot becomes low in crude protein. It doesn’t taste great; your animals don’t enjoy eating it, and their performance is affected.

Great teammates

Rede ne and ryegrass are ideal partners, giving more reliable pasture establishment than sowing cocksfoot as the sole grass.

Redefine sown with ryegrass will be faster to grazing than cocksfoot

only, with fewer weed issues, and it will provide more feed during the first year.

Good against grass grub

Once established, cocksfoot has good tolerance of all pasture pests. Notably, it is much more tolerant of grass grub than ryegrass. Seed for Rede ne is available now for autumn sowing. Order yours from your seed merchant today.

Great news for those of you who want to get more cocksfoot into your pastures this autumn — there’s now one available that mixes well with other species instead of taking over.

Redefine Cocksfoot

Decades of service to agriculture industry

by Denise Gunn

Family-owned business Guthrie AgWork Ltd has decades of experience in the agricultural contracting industry.

Andrew Guthrie, a former dairy farmer, established the business in 2005, concentrating on cropping and carting silage for local contractors. His sons, Bevan and Chris, grew up on the farm and often helped out with the business. The trio now run Guthrie AgWork Ltd together.

“As a kid, I was cultivating paddocks. Dad’s also grown a lot of maize, so we’ve always been tied in with growing and harvesting. That’s a lot of what we do now,” said Chris.

After working part-time in the business while studying at university, Chris moved overseas and worked for a couple of contractors in the United Kingdom in 2015. He returned to New Zealand the following year, taking on a full-time role in the business.

It was around that time, Guthrie AgWork’s focus switched to contracting.

“We got a baler and did cropping. We went from a two-tractor business to 10 machines. We have more ef cient machinery so we can do more in a day.

“We run a couple of trucks as well now; a at deck, and a truck and trailer unit, for carting baleage and silage. Everyone has their own machine and has different roles. It’s pretty broad.”

The 10-member team currently includes employees from Wales and England. “We try to have overseas people working for a season,” said Chris.

“It’s pretty cool when we take on people fairly new to the industry, too, and watch them develop. One of our guys started at 17 and ve seasons later, is a harvester driver.”

From their base in the Shannon/Foxton area, Guthrie AgWork Ltd covers work in the Horowhenua and Manawatu.

“Our core area would be from Otaki to Feilding, but we do go to Hawke’s Bay to do hay work as we have a client there in summer. Seven of us go over there, and we have two balers going all the time.”

Following Cyclone Gabrielle, Guthrie AgWork Ltd donated a unit load of baleage and hay towards ood relief efforts.

“We went with Shannon Bulk Haulage. Lots of local farmers also donated, as well as businesses,” said Chris.

The experienced team at Guthrie AgWork Ltd is available for cultivation, harvesting, planting, excavation and supplying feed supplements. Contact 027 522 2889 or email info@guthrieagwork. co.nz for further information.

The team at Guthrie AgWork Ltd has decades of experience in the agricultural contracting industry

“It’s pretty cool when we take on people fairly new to the industry and watch them develop.”

This Deere’s a robot

by Andy Bryenton

John Deere has scooped a fourth consecutive award for design and automation at the Consumer Technology Association’s CES show in Las Vegas, this time by turning an entire full-sized tractor into a robotic farmhand.

When you think of robots helping out on the farm, you may picture the two famous droids Luke Skywalker bought to help his uncle Owen in the first Star Wars movie. However, the reality of farm automation has leaned away from humanoid robotics and toward fully autonomous machinery.

John Deere took home the prestigious CES award this January by gaining top honours in the Best of Innovation Robotics and Vehicle Tech and Advanced Mobility categories.

The modified 8R tractor was kitted out with fully integrated cameras for a 360-degree view, sensors to determine distance and move around obstacles, and ultra-fast GPU processors loaded with next-generation artificial intelligence programming. The upshot is a full-sized tractor that can navigate in the field with no operator in the cab. In a rural sector with staffing shortages, this kind of thinking could be the way of the future.

“Autonomy offers the next major stepchange in productivity, profitability and sustainability gains in agriculture, and John Deere strives to continually invest in autonomy and automation to support our customers in the adoption of industryleading technology,” says John Deere Australia and New Zealand managing director Luke Chandler.

“We’re incredibly proud of our innovation being recognised at the prestigious CES Awards. It also offers a reflective moment in John Deere’s 185-year history to celebrate its continuous transformation of agriculture machinery.”

The idea of a fully autonomous tractor is not new, but this latest breakthrough from John Deere represents a turning point in the practical application of the technology. That’s borne out by the combination of awards the modified 8R took home. The CES robotics category is all about intelligent machines which can do human jobs, while the advanced mobility prize goes to machines which

EXCAVATION

QUARRY ROCK

improve safety, efficiency or navigation using technology. Add them up, and you have a tractor that’s unique in all of John Deere’s 185 years of history.

Giving the 8R a brain is only one way that the team in green and yellow have been winning awards. They’ve also taken home an AE50 engineering award for the new eight series EVT transmission system, a new kind of drive that does more than put power and torque to the ground. By swapping out hydrostatic motors for an electric generator set-up, John Deere has given its eight series tractors the ability to generate power as well as drive.

The future of agriculture may be in robot hands if advancements like these continue to stack up, and while a fully automated tractor is not available just today, it’s a distinct possibility tomorrow.

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FERTILISER SPREADING

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John Deere’s popular 8R was the platform for an award-winning experiment in automation that delivered a fully autonomous tractor to CES awards judges

TOTAL REPLACEMENT THERAPY: COULD THIS BE NZ FARMING FUTURE?

I haven’t written for a while, but an update on where we are is in order. With the launch of Total Replacement Therapy in November 2019, we felt we had answered the call to help farmers dramatically reduce synthetic nitrogen without loss of profit.

By rigorously following a strict, 8-step plan, the 20 farmers that went on the plan have had outstanding results, in a very short time.

We have not only seen an 86% drop in synthetic nitrogen within 18 months, but increased clover ground cover by up to 70% and pasture roots descending to one metre in the same time.

Seeing these consistent results was enough to safely say the 8-step plan is working.

Having reported, marketed and shared all the data we gathered, we felt we had completed the marketing plan of the Total Replacement Therapy concept. So, we thought, what’s next?

We decided to peer review our pathway, using Dr Lucy Waldron. We aimed to find out what established science already existed in the programme, so we performed a literature review of peer-reviewed, established science that was part of the 8-step plan, at our own cost.

The next part was to work out the areas that were not covered, and needed to be scientifically proven. This needed 8 replicable, funded new farm trials to measure the science.

To do this, we needed to apply for funding. We were encouraged by funding administrators to apply for large amounts of funding because we had a corporate structure. We put an extensive presentation together, but two days after it was received, the application was declined.

Apparently, after seeking outside advice they were told that our results –replicated on 20 farms – were “impossible”, and, “we don’t fund impossible”. We were also told that any further applications from us would be declined. So, we’ve taken a new tack. We won’t bother to apply for funding again; instead, we will focus on what we do best – helping farmers reduce synthetic nitrogen without loss of profit.

“We are still actively looking for farmers to volunteer to be part of the trial,” Dr Waldron said. “Once we undertake the scientific trials on farm, we get that science peer reviewed, which will give the 8-step plan integrity and give farmers confidence to use the programme.”

With Total Replacement Therapy, we are totally replacing synthetic nitrogen with a biological system. As we strictly go through the 8-step plan, there is a transition period, which includes that the soil be balanced before any liquid fertilisers are added.

We also don’t restrict a farmer if he wants to use synthetic nitrogen during this time.

As we follow the 8-step plan, we see a change in the soil, and once we start applying the liquids, we start seeing a reduction in the dependence on synthetic nitrogen at around 8 months. Our scientifically formulated liquid combinations change the farm completely, and totally replaces a chemical system with a biological system.

We are against the concept of regenerative farming, because of its lack of transition time and advocation for no fertiliser. Regenerative farming bases its theories and programmes on land that has balanced soil already; but if the soil is not balanced, and you stop applying fertiliser abruptly with no transition plan, the farm will not cope.

One such farm on a regenerative programme was failing with reduced fertility and reduced feed grown on the farm. So, we put that farm on Total Replacement Therapy and we are seeing exactly the same trends that our other farmers have experienced.

Scientists have proved that without a transition plan, the cost to the farming industry will be huge.

If you are going to a new system, you need to understand what system you are moving from. For example, a chemical system is a plant-feeding system; when the plants are given synthetic fertiliser as a plant feeder the plants use up what is needed, grow the grass well and when the plants have used what they need they deliver the unneeded synthetic nitrogen to the roots. To the roots, this is like breakfast in bed; they don’t need to do anything.

In extreme cases, our measurements have shown that the roots in a chemical system are only 75 millimetres deep, which do not help the reduction of leaching. In farms under the Total Replacement Therapy programme, we are seeing plants that start with these short roots extend root growth to 500 millimetre over 9 months, and 1 metre at 18 months.

Trials and tests on a farm with a chemical system will show that there is an absence of biology, because the conditions aren’t right for biology to thrive. Synthetic nitrogen will survive in the absence of biology, whereas biostimulants will not work if there is an absence of biology – because there is nothing to stimulate in the first place.

The Total Replacement Therapy programme is very strict, and with the results we are seeing and the products we are using, we are confident we can transition farmers to a biological system without loss of profit, totally replacing synthetic nitrogen.

Biological Soil Fertility Course with Albrecht consultant, Neal Kinsey

The Albrecht concept of biological soil fertility is simple: Tests carried out on soils that consistently grew the highest quality crop yields revealed that all these soils had a similar chemistry: Calcium levels between 60-70% , Magnesium between 10-15%, Potassium at 5%, Sodium at 1.5% and definite levels for Nitrogen, Phosphate, Sulphur and trace elements. Agricultural crops and high production pastures grow best within this range of soil chemistry.

HEAR NEAL KINSEY AT THIS UNIQUE 3-DAY SOIL FERTILITY COURSE

Today, Neal Kinsey is the leading consultant and advocate for this Albrecht biological system. For over 40 years in over 70 countries, Neal has proven that this balanced approach to soil chemistry is the key to successful plant growth and animal health. He has demonstrated, scientifically and practically, that when this nutrient balance occurs, soil pH, aeration, drainage, structure and beneficial soil biology inevitably improve.

THIS 3-DAY COURSE IS WILL COVER THE MAIN MINERALS:

Calcium, Magnesium, Potassium and Sodium as well as Phosphate, Sulphur and Nitrogen. The importance of trace elements will also feature.

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GOLDEN BAY DOLOMITE, KIWI FERTILISER AND TOP SOILS INVITE YOU TO ATTEND

Whether your business is orchards, vineyards, cropping or pastoral farming, we invite you to take this opportunity to participate in this seminar to hear Neal Kinsey speak about the most important issue facing our industries today – soil health.

FOR ENQUIRIES PLEASE CONTACT EITHER:

• Ross Wright 027 2462114 ross@goldenbaydolomite.co.nz

• Don Hart 0274320187 don@topsoils.co.nz

• Ron McLean 027 289 4258 ron@kiwifertiliser.co.nz

• Trevor Pearce 027 230 9934 trevor@sollys.co.nz

Or register online at www.goldenbaydolomite.co.nz

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1st, 2nd & 3rd May 2023

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

How does magnesium help heart rhythm?

by John Arts

One paper (European Heart Journal, 2017) stated: “As such, magnesium plays an integral role in a variety of functions related to cardiovascular disorders. Reduced dietary intake of magnesium has been linked with a higher risk of hypertension, atrial fibrillation (AF), ischaemic heart disease, and new-onset heart failure and heart failure-related hospitalization. Similarly, a low serum magnesium level is associated with up to a 50% higher incidence of new AF, left ventricular hypertrophy, and is an important predictor of sudden cardiovascular death and overall mortality.”

Perhaps my friend’s cardiologist is aware of this and similar studies. The American Association for Thoracic Surgery and the European Society of Cardiology now incorporate magnesium therapy into the treatment and management of some heart arrhythmias.

As an electrolyte, magnesium has a critical role in maintaining normal electrical function in heart muscle. One study showed that patients receiving supplemental magnesium were three times more likely to get

their heart rate below 100bpm than those on a placebo.

This central role of magnesium in heart muscle is because it regulates energy needed for other electrolytes, notably calcium, potassium and sodium. If magnesium is low, these electrolytes become imbalanced and can start processes that affect heart rhythm.

I use magnesium supplementation in two ways. Firstly, I add it to my multi-mineral/vitamin/antioxidant complex. The levels in this are suf cient for a healthy person. However, for those with arrhythmia, we need to add therapeutic levels. For this, I have combined three bioavailable forms of magnesium (natural marine, glycinate and citrate) in one supplement. I then allow a dosage range of between one to four capsules daily to meet individual needs.

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

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Magnesium Triple

It has been said of the Labour government’s approach to Three Waters that ‘they asked the right question but got the wrong answer’. The National Party’s latest approach, besides being underwhelmingly disappointing, doesn’t even start with the right question.

They have done better in the past. The original study tour to Scotland that gave rise to Three Waters was undertaken in March of 2017 when there was a National government, which at that time could justifiably have expected a fourth term. They knew then the status quo wasn’t an option and were looking for answers. Christopher Luxon, soon after being elected leader, stated unequivocally that there had to be more money besides ratepayer funding to get water infrastructure any way near adequate.

There isn’t a local authority anywhere in the country that could say ‘hand on heart’ they are fully up to date. Some, of course, are better than others. Auckland closes some of its beaches at some stage every summer, and not a dairy cow in sight. Wellington has, in recent months, had raw sewage pour straight into the harbour, after the failure of century-old pipes. Cyclone Gabrielle has exposed stormwater systems, and maintenance, less than ideal.

Failure to address infrastructure problems during decades of immigration

has left us cruelly exposed and is certainly a factor in the high price of housing.

Now National is proposing a policy, which distilled to its essentials, is ‘the status quo on steroids’. Allegedly, it won’t put the rates up.

The trouble for local governments is that they are reluctant to increase rates, and if they do, then central government politicians will indulge in dog-whistle politics, and threaten to legislate to keep them down. Don’t laugh. Governments of both hues have done that. The last time I can recall was Rodney Hide, as Minister of Local Government in a National government, circa 2011.

The National Party does have some intellectual grunt. They owe it to themselves and the country, to use some of it in addressing the serious problems of infrastructure surrounding water (and roads, too, of course, but that is a separate issue). They could start by asking the right question.

Richard Alspach

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Someone I know well has been treated by a cardiologist for atrial brillation, one of the more common heart rhythm issues. What was interesting was that the cardiologist recommended a high-grade magnesium supplement along with prescribed medications.

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.