Manawatu Farming Lifestyles, November 2022

A1

Abundant

06 356 7191 / 027 245 2896

Amare Safety 06 354 1785

Aqua Filter Manawatu 0800 800 938

Armstrong Security 06 355 3333

Ashurst Mower Centre 06 326 8803

Beauchamp Funeral Home 0800 027 154

Bioboost Ltd 027 443 1809

Branderson Homes Ltd 07 827 3901

Broadway Accounting Solutions Ltd 06 952 4646

Brocks Continuous Spouting 027 453 8677

Brown’s Quality Lime 0508 245 463 / 027 451 7580

Bruce Gordon Contracting Ltd 0800 276 748 / 027 442 4997

Bruce’s Electrical & Refrigeration Ltd 021 439 137

Central Mower Services 06 355 2967

ChemDry Palmerston North 021 0243 3601

City Honda 06 357 7027

Clean Water Solutions 027 447 7447

Cox Transport 027 405 7000

Cridge Seeds Head Office 0800 473 337

DC Doughty Spreading Ltd 027 255 8787

Dolomite Co Of NZ 0800 843 809

Eastown Timber and Fencing 06 349 0040

Elmo’s Tyre Service 06 323 9585

Farm Supplies Central Ltd 06 324 8426

Feilding Tractors 2018 Ltd 06 323 1080

Flat Point 06 372 7527

Geartech Automotive 06 354 7590

Go Karts Direct www.gokartsdirect.co.nz / 027 480 7611

Horizons Regional Council 0508 800 800

Horowhenua Outdoor Machinery 06 368 8899

Hughes Glass

06 358 4308 / 027 635 8979

Jases Water Cartage 027 590 4844

Kinetic Electrical 06 323 6068

KP Contracting 06 329 6882 / 027 447 7345

Levin Glassworks Ltd 06 367 0557

Levin Truck Services 06 825 9543

Lloyd Fitzsimons 027 494 7526

Moomaa Cafe & Design Store 06 327 7780

MTR Group 0800 687 007 / 027 273 1450

Natural Bark and Compost 027 240 9381

No Moore Hassell Pet Food 06 368 2106 / 021 368 660

Norwood Farm Machinery 06 351 2799

Pacific Mulching Ltd 021 079 6373

R F Pitcher & Son Ltd 021 442 068 / 06 357 9162

Robbie’s Mechanical Services 06 327 7115

Royal Wolf 0800 266 824

Rush Excavation

06 323 9444 / 027 448 4657

Scary Sharp and SIS Ballcocks 06 278 4578

Scotts Pump & Mower Service 06 323 7374

Shannon Bulk Haulage

0800 746 2855 / 021 428 152

Supreme Blast & Paint 06 353 2216 / 0274 467 467

Surfatex 2019 Ltd 027 430 8209

Taylor Made Gates 0800 129 073 / 06 855 8073

TC Supersoils 027 316 9054 / 027 303 4541

Terrasaw Industries Ltd 027 498 8752

The Discount Tyre Shop 06 357 9701

The Garden Depot Levin 06 368 3662

Tim McColl Contracting Ltd 06 323 8889 / 027 446 3383

TRC Tractors Feilding 06 323 0309

Trotter Contracting Ltd

027 232 2380 / 027 452 2562

Tuatara Machinery Limited 03 347 4956 / 027 477 0070

Wanganui Aero Club Inc 06 345 0914

Well Drillers Wanganui Ltd

0800 925 376 / 027 413 2104

Wellington Fish & Game www.fishandgame.or.nz

Whanganui Boating Centre 06 344 7645

Whanganui Scenic Experience Jet 0800 945 335 / 06 342 5599

X Span 027 827 2056

You Travel Levin 06 367 8394

Rural rides support wellbeing

by Denise Gunn

Rural Riders encourages the rural community to take time off the farm and get on their bikes to support their physical and mental wellbeing.

The Rural Riders initiative began last summer with Hamish Clausen organising free rides on mountain bike trails in the Central Plateau region. With a successful first season, Rural Riders expanded further, branching out to Palmerston North with a growing number of riders getting on board. New Plymouth, Christchurch and Rotorua are following this season with free rides and social gatherings planned.

Rural Riders create these rides to get people out in the fresh air, having fun and enjoying spending time together. Promoting good physical and mental health and general wellbeing in rural communities, is one of the objectives.

Manawatū Rural Riders facilitator Matthew Cocks became involved in the initiative when his friend, Luca Carthew, was approached by Hamish about organising rides in this region. Luca now runs the Christchurch Rural Riders.

The Manawatū season kicked off this month and will continue weekly until daylight saving finishes. Riders meet at the Arapuke Mountain Bike Park each Thursday at 6pm.

“There are 16 rides in total,” said Matthew. “The Manawatū ride is always held at Arapuke Mountain Bike Park, and the amount of riders tend to depend on

the weather. Last year we were getting a pretty consistent group of more than 10 riders and around 20 on a busy night.”

Riders from all over the Manawatū participate. Arapuke Mountain Bike Park is considered the premier mountain bike destination in the lower North Island. The park can be accessed at the end of Kahuterawa Road or via Scotts Road.

“Mostly normal mountain bikes are being ridden, but the number of e-bikes is quickly growing as people realise how fun they are.”

The average ride covers between 13–15km and usually takes around one and a half hours, followed by a social gathering.

“Then down to the car park for a beer and some yarns about everyone’s ride and whatever other topic comes up.”

Matthew said feedback about the rides has been great. “Pretty much everyone this year is a repeat attendee but it would be awesome to see some new faces as well. Anyone is welcome.”

Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Rabobank, Tumeke Farming and Rural Support Trust are major nationwide sponsors of Rural Riders.

For further information, contact Matthew on 027 885 9358 or visit the Rural Riders Facebook page.

From left: Mountain bikers Matt Williamson and Cam Hastings take a short break while riding the trails with Manawatū Rural Riders

AFFAIR

BY DENISE GUNN

Josh is the third generation to farm his family’s 2,000-acre property, Te Ruae. His grandparents bought the farm in 1970.

“We run 4,200 Romney ewes and 200 Angus cows, plus replacements,” said Josh.

On returning to the farm after completing a course at Telford, Josh began to build up his team of dogs. A five-year stint in Taihape followed before moving back to Te Ruae with his partner Emma in 2013. Training dogs and competing in sheep dog trials runs in Josh’s family. His great-grandfather and father both enjoyed the challenge and rewards that come with well-trained dogs, either competing or on the farm.

“My great-grandfather Gary was a legend with his heading dogs. He won 10 New Zealand titles and 14 island titles. Both of dad’s brothers were keen dog triallists and were in run-offs.

“Dad showed me a bit that Grandad had showed him. He’s always had handy

farm dogs but never been interested in dog trialling.”

Rangiwahia farmer Josh Brennan has always held an interest in dogs, competing in his first sheep dog trials in 2013.

Josh has always had an interest in dogs, competing in his first competition in 2013

Along with dog training advice from his father, Josh has picked up little tips from many different people.

Josh began competing in 2013, but didn’t go to many sheep dog trials in the first couple of years. He qualified for his first championship in 2016.

“I was drawn number two, but number one was scratched, so I was first up, and I never got out of the first set on the zig-zag.”

Emma was also a keen sheep dog triallist before the arrival of the couple’s three children Madison (six), and twins, Harper and Luke (four). She hopes to return to dog training and competitions at some stage.

During the competition season, Josh generally competes once or twice a week. He’s travelled as far north as

“I go to club trials in the Wanganui centre, and a few in the Wairarapa and over in Taranaki.”

Josh has had a great season, with his dog Hung winning the top Huntaway title in the Wanganui Centre for 2022. He also competed in the South Island zig-zag runoff this year. Another dog in Josh’s team, Rock, has competed in two run-offs at island and national level. Rock won this year’s Wanganui Centre championship zig-zag too.

Winning his first open competition with Rock, a dog he bred, was a huge sporting highlight. Josh also placed in an open event with Rock’s dam June.

“June was my go-to dog for a long time. She also gave me Rock, who has

probably had the most success for me. Hung has been pretty consistent for a long time. He’s been qualified for every year since 2016.”

Josh said they had bred all their dogs apart from a couple. “We probably have a litter or two each year if Emma lets me,” said Josh.

“It’s pretty satisfying taking a dog you bred and seeing it go well. Since I have been dog trialling, my team has definitely improved, making it a lot easier at home on the farm.”

The social side of dog trials, community connection and talking to like-minded people is another enjoyable aspect of the sport.

When looking for a dog to compete with, Josh has found they have to be able to handle pressure for trials and have good concentration.

He said the most important aspect in training dogs is consistency. “What’s not all right today, can’t be all right tomorrow.”

Josh is currently the vice-president of the Ruahine-Rangiwahia Collie Club and a councillor for the Wanganui centre.

Josh is the vice-president of the Ruahine-Rangiwahia Collie Club

From left: Josh, Emma, Luke, Madison and Harper on the family farm, Te Ruae

Kaitaia and to Gore in the south for championship competitions.

BY DENISE GUNN

The Bates family share a love of the land, animals and the dairy industry. They’ve farmed in Taranaki and the Manawatū.

Following succession planning in 2018, the three siblings, Tristan, Callum and Megan, each bought shares in the family’s newly-created Jonbay Company. The trio also took on roles in the business.

Their parents, John and Philippa, have always been dairy farmers and own a small farm at Tokomaru.

Tristan runs the home farm. Four years ago, the family began leasing a second farm belonging to Kevin and Gail Russell. Callum manages the 70ha, 185-cow property.

A total herd of 350 Jerseys, crossbreds and a few Ayrshires are milked across the two farms. During this past season, herd production between the two farms reached 110,000kgMS.

Megan said the business wouldn’t be possible without the skills and experience of the entire family team.

“Mum also had a very successful career at LIC as an agri-solutions manager for 30 years. She now works on-farm fulltime as our calf rearer.

“Dad has always been a dairy farmer and has worked at LIC as an AB technician for 40 years to date, while being our Mr Fixit on the farm.

“Each of us brings our own unique skills. Callum with breeding, and Tristan with machinery and cropping.”

Megan has always worked full-time off the farm as a rural professional, holding roles as New Zealand Young Farmers territory manager, a team leader for land and water services with the Southland Regional Council, and as extension manager for Beef+Lamb NZ. She currently works for Silver Fern Farms as an on-farm sustainability adviser for the North Island. Megan was also recently elected to the Western North Island Beef+Lamb Farmer Council.

In her spare time, Megan takes care of the administration, accounts and business side of Jonbay Farms and helps out on-farm.

Callum and Megan were first-time entrants in the 2022 Manawatū Share Farmer of the Year, winning all nine merit awards and placed runners-up in the competition. The siblings entered the awards programme to have an in-depth look at their business and challenge and develop themselves.

Philippa Bates works full-time on-farm as calf rearer

Working as a team, with each member bringing unique sets of skills to

has delivered success to the Bates family’s Jonbay Farms Limited.

“We wanted to see if our succession plan was getting us where we needed to be,” said Callum.

In 2021, Megan also completed a Kellogg’s Rural Leadership programme. She said the animals are always frontof-mind, ensuring they are fed, watered and happy.

“Also developing the land for both farm and environmental purposes, the people in the sector, and genetic development of our herds. We are in the top one per cent for breeding in New Zealand.”

Extreme weather events are challenging, along with increasing prices that make small farming difficult.

“We have seen the seasons change dramatically over the last five years, with rainfall increasing and flooding becoming a regular occurrence,” said Megan.

When the season allows, baleage is made on-farm. “On-farm, we are trying to lower our footprint each year. We have been retiring and planting areas for about seven years now.”

Caring for the environment is one of Megan’s passions. Along with the help of local school groups, Megan has planted up non-productive areas on the farm, including the wetlands, which is one of the largest in the area. These planting sessions have also provided school

pupils with insights into farming and how farmers care for nature.

The family is breeding more beef replacements to reduce bobby calf numbers too. “Seeing the progress you have made is always a good feeling, and keeps you ticking when times get tough.”

The family appreciates the lifestyle dairy farming provides. “We are really lucky we get to spend so much time together,” said Megan.

“It’s an exciting time to be in the industry, with consumer preferences changing and opening up opportunities to diversify and try new ideas on-farm.”

ionel and Margaret Whitehead established the Kairanga-based commercial growing operation, starting with gourmet lettuces and herbs. Although the couple’s two sons, Brendan and Dion, now manage the family-owned business, Lionel and Margaret are still involved.

Several greenhouses have been built on the five-acre property, growing a range of hydroponic fancy lettuce varieties. “Everything is grown indoors,” said Dion. The greenhouses use an automated watering system day and night. Computers add nutrients and regulate pH levels. “It’s the normal set-up for hydroponics.”

In the first three years of business, Riverlea’s initial challenge was keeping

produce fresh in stores and restaurants. Products were sold in watered trays.

“It was actually sold in containers of water to keep it fresh and growing until sold. Chilled freight then became the norm, and we were able to use it in the area.”

With its own fleet of trucks, Riverlea supplies fresh produce to the hospitality industry and workplaces, as well as making home deliveries.

While there haven’t been too many changes in the types of produce grown during the years, Riverlea has also developed as a wholesale business with a network of suppliers and growers of other products. That ensures a consistent variety of fruit and vegetables available to customers throughout the year.

TEAM EFFORT AT RIVERLEA

BY DENISE

Vicki Watson picking lettuces in the greenhouse

Since the first pegs were hammered into the ground marking out the area for greenhouse construction in 1989, Riverlea has grown to become a leading supplier of fresh produce to its lower North Island customers.

GUNN

“Half of business is growing lettuces and herbs. The other half is as a wholesaler.”

Fruit and vegetables from growers around the country are delivered to Riverlea and then sold on to restaurants, cafes, rest homes and other customers. “Anybody who wants food,” said Dion.

As with any business, Riverlea has faced a few challenges over the years. During the 2004 floods, which devastated much of the region, the property escaped floodwaters. However, staff were unable to travel to work and products couldn’t be transported out.

Dion said Covid was a massive issue. “Lettuces went to supermarkets unaffected, but restaurant and cafe trade turned to zero. So we ended up doing home deliveries to rest homes and vulnerable people.

“Our website was overwhelmed with interest in home deliveries during that trying time. We’ve spent the last two years rebuilding as a few customers closed their doors. We intend to just carry on what we are doing.”

The endeavours of the Riverlea team during the Covid lockdowns were recognised with a nomination in the 2020 New Zealand Food Heroes campaign. The campaign showcased behind-the-scenes efforts of people involved in the food sector who ensured communities could continue to access food.

Nineteen staff members make up the team at Riverlea, covering a range of roles from sales, office management, drivers, picker-packers and maintenance. It’s an early start on-site for picker-packers, with the daily

routine starting at 5am to pack orders for restaurants. Picker-packers then head to the greenhouses to start picking lettuces.

Dion said a highlight of day-to-day work and management at Riverlea is the business’s rural location.

“Working with your family in a rural setting is quite enjoyable.”

Riverlea has been a finalist in the Supplier of the Year category at the Manawatū Hospitality Awards since 2008.

Shane Higgins making deliveries

From left: Lionel, Margy, Douglas, Brendan and Dion Whitehead at Riverlea

Repair cafe reduces waste

by Denise Gunn

Palmerston North Repair Cafe opened its doors in September, providing a place for community to meet, connect and fix broken items.

Locally established and organised by Environment Network Manawatū (ENM), the Palmerston North Repair Cafe operates under the umbrella of Repair Cafe Aotearoa.

Environment Network Manawatū (ENM) spokesperson Helen King said over the years, the repair cafe concept was mentioned in every strategy and planning day held by the network.

“In early 2022, we became aware of a groundswell of interest from members, other community groups and interested individuals expressing enthusiasm in exploring possibilities around a repair cafe. It was abundantly clear to us that there was the need, experience and energy to realise this project, which was a gap in accessible repair services offered to the community.

“In response to this, we made an application to the Palmerston North Resource Recovery fund and were awarded funding to pilot the initiative.”

Nelson Harper, ENM’s Manawatū River Source to Sea coordinator, is the current lead for the initiative, along with six committee members and 15–20 volunteers.

“This is not an ENM project per se. The idea has been that we use our capacity and connections to start the project, which will be handed on to our very capable committee and volunteers for them to sustain,” said Helen.

Ongoing support will be provided by ENM to ensure the success of the repair cafe. Volunteers from Menzshed Manawatū, Supergrans Manawatū, interested individuals and groups help out at the Palmerston North Repair Cafe, fostering a repair culture in the city.

A few days before the repair cafe is opened, EMN posts on its Facebook page, Palmerston North Repair Cafe, the types of skills volunteers will be bringing with them. People then know what items they can have mended.

Among the most common items brought in for repair are toys, woodwork and sewing. Helen said this varies and also depends on who is available to repair and the skills they have. “There is no cost, but we appreciate koha.”

Following the first session, Nelson said there was an obvious need for a repair cafe in Palmerston North.

“The successful repairs included a range of things from antique books, wobbly chairs, toys, clothing and more. The calibre of our volunteers on the day and diversity of items brought along made for a really interesting day that will surely get better with each event we hold.”

Palmerston North Repair Cafe is usually open on the last Saturday of every month. “Through December is the third Saturday because of Christmas,” said Helen.

Food and refreshments are available to purchase for a small cost. There is also a fix-and-deconstruct table set up for children to explore and learn skills, while their parents are having items repaired. “It’s a family-friendly event,” said Helen.

Yvonne Macnamara visited the Palmerston North Repair Cafe and had a child’s toy fixed.

Boost soil

TC Supersoils supplies a product rich in vermicast, the fertiliserrich casings of worms, one of the leading organic plant growth enhancers on the market.

With a

emphasis on growing one’s own food, MyNoke Pure Vermicast is in high demand with home gardeners — its popularity doesn’t stop there.

TC Supersoils is based at Te Kawa Crossroads, in between Otorohanga and Te Awamutu. MyNoke Pure Vermicast is prized as a reliable soil to grow healthy plants by horticulturalists, oriculturists, orchardists, landscapers, certified organic growers and the general public.

“Vermicast acts like a natural fertiliser with a wide application for growing vegetables, crops and owers of various kinds. Unlike chemical fertilisers, there are no restrictions on how much can be used nor leaching or run-off issues,” says part-owner Trina Brooky.

The manufacturing process utilises food scraps, whey powder from Fonterra, waste fibre from paper from the Kawerau Pulp and Paper Mill, recyclable packaging and other compatible waste materials.

“At several sites in the North Island, the material is carefully stacked in piles to which worms are introduced. They work through the material for about eight months, consuming much of it, which passes through their bodies to be excreted as worm casts.”

The company producing the material is named MyNoke, based on the Maori

word ‘noke’, meaning worm, with the processes all based on scienti c research originating in Germany.

“Our demand comes from people who realise their soils need a boost. If you have been experiencing a decline in your natural soil productivity, we would recommend you try vermicomposting as a cost-effective method of improving productivity.”

Vermicomposting is a natural process whereby earthworms convert waste material with rigid structures into compost.

“It’s an environmentally-friendly natural soil humus product that enriches soils with fungi, mycorrhizae, bene cial bacteria nematodes and, of course, earthworms.”

MyNoke Pure Vermicast absorbs and retains water in dry periods. The natural soil conditioner builds humus levels, improves nitrogen ef ciency, boosts root growth and naturally sequesters carbon.

“Our 20mm screened vermicast is suitable for most commercial fertiliser spreaders and all muck spreaders. It is easy to spread over established pastures, orchards, vineyards, groves and so forth.

“Applying MyNoke Pure Vermicast to the soil surface is ideal as this allows feeder roots to interact with plant growth stimulators and bene cial microorganisms in the product.”

David Worthington and Trina Brooky, directors of TC Supersoils, which supplies Mynoke Pure Vermicast to commercial and private users

Do

contribute to climate change?

by Jane Gray

How many of us ask this question — or are we just blaming others?

Farmers are the main source of climate change if we are to believe everything we hear and see. However, they are also the primary source of most of our food.

Yes, I have a veggie garden, but I can’t grow meat in my backyard, and shock horror, I am a meat eater. I do not want to eat plant-based substitutes, so apparently, people like me have added to the problem.

I have quite a large section that I would like to run chickens on but won’t because of stray cats and dogs, and really, freerange chooks would run amuck in town, and free-range is the only way.

I have planted lots of trees, both native and exotic. Do they count toward carbon tax credits? I also plant to attract bees, much to my rather allergic partner’s dismay, but we all must make some sacrifices. So that must be a mark in my favour. On the flip side, I spray a little and use some slug bait in the veggie garden. That’s a negative.

I catch water to take care of my gardens during the summer. I also catch my grey water to do the same. Is that a tick in the good column? I do use air conditioning, and I am not very good at recycling, so

I guess that puts me on the ‘adding to global warming’ list.

I try to shop and avoid plastic as much as possible. I make a lot of my own clothes. That has to be a plus, although power is required to run the machine, so they probably cancelled each other out.

It would seem to me the best thing a townie like myself can do is support our rural industry. It’s the most efficient in the world, and it’s better if our milk, meat and veg come from here than countries that are more polluting or further off, so food has to travel, costing fuel. Perhaps if all the vegetation on farms was counted honestly, farmers take care of the environment better than most townies.

Support our local economy, which should drive competition and reduce imports.

Where is the Chondroitin?

(Part two)

by John Arts, Abundant Health

In the last edition, I asked why most New Zealand-made osteoarthritis support supplements have little or no chondroitin

sulphate (CS).

The research in favour of CS is overwhelming. So much so, that CS is listed as a prescription medicine by the European Medical Agency. The daily dosage recommendation is 800mg, which is the dosage I use in my joint supplement, where I combine CS with 800mg of glucosamine and 100mg of curcumin extract (from turmeric).

Some experts suggest CS has more than 30 positive effects on joints. These are changes that create cartilage (anabolic) and those that prevent the destruction of cartilage (anti-catabolic). Cells called chondrocytes are responsible for repairing, maintaining, and secreting cartilage. They produce CS as it is an important part of joint capsule fluid (synovial fluid) and actual cartilage.

CS is critical as it helps chondrocytes to repair damaged cartilage. If these cells are damaged or die, the cartilage they maintain will eventually disintegrate. The second role of CS is preventing the loss of chondrocytes from

damage by destructive enzymes and free radicals.

That is all great in theory, but what are the impacts of adding therapeutic doses of CS in someone with advanced osteoarthritis?

Earlier this year, I was contacted by someone in her mid-70s with severe OA in one knee and moderately severe in the other. It affected her mobility, and was unable to walk any distance. I started her on my standard OA programme based on an intensive dose of my joint supplement and omega-3 fish oil to reduce inflammation.

After two months, she noticed her knees were more comfortable. Now, after six months, the pain has significantly reduced, and she can now walk freely. For more information, give me a call or email john@abundant.co.nz. You can read my newsletter at abundant. co.nz.

John Arts is a qualified nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559. To read more go to sunlive.co.nz.

“Support our local economy, which should drive competition and reduce imports.”

The company has grown to a eet of three

ve diggers, a screening plant and new crusher and an off-road dump truck. There are now two quarries, eight employees and a green waste yard based in Simon Street, Feilding.

The bulk of business is made up of metal cartage, supplying metal to other contractors and builders. Tim McColl Contracting also prides itself in its quality digger work for farmers doing farm track maintenance. The company has a bottom dumper and grader, which are just the answer for this kind of work. A D6 bulldozer for clearing slips, dam building and maintenance, and house sites are all part of the service.

The crusher is mobile and can be moved from job to job. The rm also does a lot of river maintenance for Horizons Regional Council with erosion control, tree planting and clearing of

channels. It can also do private stream work around the Manawatu region.

Tim and Annette brought the Simon Street yard nearly eight years ago, which has also grown over the years. The yard is somewhere you can drop off your green waste, lawn clippings (for a fee of course). The yard also has garden and metal products for sale to the public. They pride themselves on their high standard of work and ef ciency.

Tim McColl Contracting Ltd’s operations have expanded significantly since it began 33 years ago

“We brought the Simon Street yard nearly eight years ago, which has also grown over the years.”

by Amy Fifita

Begin arranging what needs to be done before the madness. Plus, if you check things off most of the checklist now you won’t have a last-minute fumble. Write down instructions and contact details for whoever is farm sitting for you.

Decide your best plan of attack; what animals need to be moved and where? Is your feed stocked adequately? Are the animals up-to-date with all their vaccinations? Have you safely checked and maintained all necessary machinery and vehicles? Where do you want the animals moved?

Invite whoever will be responsible for taking care of your animals and property ahead of when the job starts. Show them the way you do things and what you expect. Give them a tour, so they walk onto your farm or block knowing their way around. It makes it easier for you and them. You’ll get to know them a little and can gauge if they are dependable.

Ensure you have the current vet number handy and let them know you will be away and who is caring for the animals. Ask a neighbour to be the emergency contact in case the unexpected happens.

With summer at the doorstep, it’s a good time to get your mineral blocks or put salt in the feed so the animals can cope with the heat. Check your water troughs and make sure the pump works properly. Do the animals have shade nearby to escape from the blazing sun? Does where they will be situated have decent forage?

Make any necessary repairs on ATVs, quad bikes and other machinery your reliever will likely use. Preset your break feeds to make the job easier, and so you know where your stock is upon your return. Pets such as guinea pigs or rabbits will need to be moved too.

Hire your relief milkers. Take note of what animals are due to calve, if running lifestyle beef or fawn for deer, and write instructions about feed levels. Check tank water levels are adequate for watering

Depending on how long you’re away, you might want to put your mail delivery on hold. Give NZ Post a call or get a

neighbour to pick up your mail for you. With all bases covered, you can go on holiday without worrying about home jobs and possibilities. One final slog before the festive season.

Invite the person looking after your land and animals out for a day to show them how you run your farm or lifestyle block your garden, filling the troughs and cleaning up the cow shed.

by Andy Bryenton

Instead of planning a normal holiday activity in Taranaki (though let’s be fair; there are plenty to choose from), the option exists to circle January 21 in red on your calendar, hit the Lost World Highway, and visit our closest neighbouring republic on the occasion of their national day. As a bonus, it’s also time for them to pick a new president, so you’ll be there to witness history.

The tiny micro-state in question is the Republic of Whangamomona, a geographical oddity of the very best kind, formed in 1988 when boundary lines were redrawn, splitting the town between Taranaki and Manawatū. Staunchly proud locals decided that arguing over which province was best missed the point. Whangamomona should boldly claim its own sovereignty and go it alone.

During the years, the republic has enjoyed a great relationship with New

Zealand. Passports are available at the grand old Whangamomona Hotel, the second building to bear its name after a fire razed the original in 1911. Visitors will find a warm welcome, as the locals practise folkways and traditions very similar to those of New Zealand and have a very similar cuisine, which is highly recommended.

The politics of our neighbour nation are fraught with controversy, but in a different way from our own. The first president was sworn into office after winning an election he had no idea he was part of. The second president was a goat named Billy the Kid, who served 10 years and died in office. Some suspect he won by eating the other candidates’ ballots. Billy was followed by Tai the poodle, who resigned after a botched assassination. The current president is John Herlihy, who vanquished a sheep, a cockatoo and a stuffed toy bear to seize power in 2019.

Whangamomona’s national Republic Day celebrated on January 21, is right in line with our school holidays, so it’s possible to plan a trip there for the

Christmas break as an ambassadorial party. On the day of the election, there will be a gigantic celebration involving all of the republic’s citizens and all comers from ‘overseas’ as well.

The Republic Day festivities include sheep racing, gumboot throwing,

whip cracking, possum skinning and many more rural games, as well as plenty of good times, music, food and drink. It’s well worth the drive through some of New Zealand’s most scenic countryside to take part in an international extravaganza.

The current president of Whangamomona is inaugurated; another election is due on the republic’s 35th birthday, during the Christmas holidays

Chiller

by Andy Bryenton

With the government signalling large changes to how carbon is managed on farms, and positing a levy for those with a bigger footprint’, every aspect of the dairy and ‘red’ sectors is up for scrutiny. Obvious areas, such as methane emissions and diesel use, have received plenty of airtime from commentators. Still, there’s another important factor to consider.

To meet the New Zealand Government’s commitments under the Kigali and Paris agreements and implement Wellington’s desired Zero Carbon Act, farms will have to phase out the use of refrigerants with a high global warming potential or GWP.

All the types of gas used in a refrigeration system have a GWP rating; some are better than others in this regard. As the government ne-tunes the details of their push for zero carbon, and as Fonterra also comes out in support of a zero carbon future, it has become increasingly apparent that refrigerants with a GWP rating less than 1,000 are the likely future of the industry.

It may prove problematic for some machinery and equipment, which cannot be retro tted to work with more ef cient refrigerants. With that gure of 1,000 GWP in mind, however, experts agree that one refrigerant gas that ts the bill is R32.

With a GWP score of just 675, a cheaper cost to ll or recharge a unit, and ample supply, this product looks set to be the answer when the question of carbon levy-exempt refrigeration is asked. Seeing the potential for R32, the complete range of Icecycle milk chillers, heat pumps and water chillers has been optimised to run on this refrigerant.

Milk chiller rules may be set to change, but luckily technology exists, via Icecycle, to keep ahead of demanding standards by zero carbon rules and regulations. Icecycle refrigeration technology has successfully been using R32 for the past ve years. It has proven its worth on numerous farms in heat pump and chiller applications.

That means farmers seeking a new chiller set-up, replacing old machinery or expanding are well advised to look deeply into the type of refrigerant they will need. A wrong call now could mean that perfectly good machinery is rendered obsolete or more costly,

At a time of change, it’s good to know that there are locals thinking ahead of the curve. Talk to the experts at Farm Supplies Central about how new chiller rules could impact your operation, and look at investing in a carbon footprint-

changes to how emissions and carbon footprint issues are treated in the

refrigeration, both vital components in the dairy cycle.

reducing system that will stand the test of time.

Watercare project announced

In an endeavour to improve water quality for New Zealand communities, NZ Landcare Trust and Westpac have joined forces.

The partnership will assist community groups to improve waterways around the country. With Westpac providing funding and working alongside NZ Landcare Trust to distribute it, the Westpac Watercare Project will see six $10,000 grants handed out each year to conservation projects.

Working within regional communities, the trust supports sustainable land and watercare initiatives and projects throughout New Zealand.

NZ Landcare Trust CEO Dr Nick Edgar said the partnership would help local groups take action on key issues affecting waterways.

“Many of our catchment areas are suffering from declining biodiversity, excess sediment build-up or poor water quality.

“We have roughly 106 catchment groups, 11 catchment collectives and 377 community Landcare groups, all of whom need varying degrees of support and funding to keep up their great work.

“With Westpac on board, they’ll be better-equipped to make practical

and positive changes to their local environment. That could involve planting native trees, weed control, trapping more pests, or investing in watermonitoring equipment, among other important initiatives.”

Westpac NZ head of agribusiness Tim Henshaw said the bank is committed to helping protect and enhance our waterways for the benefit of all communities.

“We all want to do our bit to look after our backyard. By supporting the trust’s important work at the grassroots level, we’re helping everyday New Zealanders make a real difference in their area and contributing to a cleaner and healthier environment.

“With more than 5,000 staff around the country, we already have a strong footprint in the regions. This partnership will give our people opportunities to volunteer on projects, working hand-in-hand with local communities.”

Registrations for the 2023 Westpac Watercare Project will open next April.

Groups can register their interest for a grant now at landcare.org.nz/who-wework-with.

Catchment groups are a building groundswell, movement with most groups driven by landowners in rural communities.

The Whanganui Region Catchment Collective (WRCC) has just formed as an incorporated society to support new catchment groups forming within the Whanganui Catchment and the northern coastal catchments at Kai Iwi. The aim is to support landowners to understand their catchment better, engage with stakeholders, industry and iwi, and gain improved access to information.

NZ Landcare Trust Manawatū/ Whanganui coordinator Tania Bramley

has been a key driver in bringing together existing catchment groups in the Whanganui region to form a committee for the collective.

“By coming together on a regional scale, we open up opportunities to attract funding not available to individual groups. Forming an umbrella organisation helps to reduce admin for newly forming groups,” said Tania.

The WRCC will provide support with water quality and biodiversity monitoring, catchment workshops, identifying projects and funding applications.

For further information on starting or joining a catchment group in the Manawatū/Whanganui regions, contact tania.bramley@landcare.org.nz.

Whanganui region catchment forum in July

As the rural sector swings into another busy summer season, the team at Brown’s Quality Lime in Tararua has been spending the winter getting prepared for the season ahead.

During late winter, Richard and Marie Brown passed the reins over to new owner, James Eade. James is full of enthusiasm and is looking forward to the months ahead.

With fertiliser prices soaring and farmers positioned at the end of the line, it has been James’ mission to ensure Brown’s Quality Lime prices remain unchanged for the coming season.

The team is proud to provide the same top-quality, high calcium carbonate kiln dried lime to the market. Why kiln dried? It is important to Brown’s Quality Lime that you pay for as little moisture as possible, so you get as much lime for your money as you can. It also means that the best crush possible can be achieved.

It means the Ag Lime and Supa Fine Lime sit well above industry standards. What does this mean for you? With a premium crush you get exceptional spreadability, both by ground spreading and aerial application, with results that

can be seen within as little as three weeks with the Supa Fine Lime.

The Fertmark testing ensures that the product is consistently the best it can be and provides the added assurance that you know what you are applying to your pastures. If you are after weed-free, high calcium carbonate, dry lime, then look no further than your closest lime quarry.

Contact the team at Brown’s Quality Lime to learn more and secure your lime application today.

“The

testing ensures that the product is consistently the best it can be.”

Poll says ‘put limits on carbon forests’

by Andy Bryenton

Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Federated Farmers have conducted their own extensive research and found that the majority of Kiwis want limits placed on carbon credit forestry.

The research commissioned by Federated Farmers (FF) and Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) found 54 per cent of New Zealanders support a limit on the amount of fossil fuel emissions that can be offset with new pine forests.

That figure covers not just rural citizens but those in large urban centres, the demographic most likely not to apprehend the magnitude of the economic crisis that carbon forestation could cause.

Almost two-thirds of Kiwis oppose foreign companies buying New Zealand farms to offset their emissions.

“New Zealand is currently the only country in the world to allow 100 per cent offsetting of fossil fuel emissions within the ETS,” said Feds chief executive Andrew Hoggard.

“The European Union only allows 10 per cent and California eight per cent. Clearly, the New Zealand Government hasn’t woken up to this fact. We (FF and B+LNZ) also want to explore the introduction of further changes to the Overseas Investment Office, limits on whole farms being converted into exotics going into the permanent category of the ETS, and changes to the Resource Management Act.”

“I want a policy resetting that does not incentivise land use change away from pastoral farming to carbon forestry. We are particularly concerned about forests planted without any long-term plan to harvest it,” says FF Manawatū provincial president Murray Holdaway.

It comes as another study, by Orme Associates, proves that New Zealand lawmakers have created a loophole that is being exploited to our detriment. A total of 52,000 hectares of land was purchased by forestry interests in 2021, a 36 per cent increase from the previous two years and up from 7,000 hectares in 2017. This land, if forested for carbon credits, becomes of no benefit to the local economy. Credits are traded by foreign interests and will often go to offset ongoing foreign pollution, which is therefore disincentivised to stop.

It’s also much more than the 25,000 hectares a year of exotics that the Climate Change Commission has suggested are needed to achieve New Zealand’s climate change objectives.

“We are one of the most efficient food-producing nations. By reducing our production ability and planting trees instead, it reduces New Zealand’s future

export income. It would likely increase world emissions because there is always a food demand, and other countries will take up that production with higher emissions,” Mr Holdaway says.

If limits were emplaced, carbon neutrality could still easily be reached, with forests planted where they could do actual good, for example, on erosion-

prone sloping land, the site of less than one-fifth of current planting. Opponents of the government’s emissions trading scheme opine that Kiwi farms may already be carbon neutral. Current legislation deliberately leaves out most carbon-sequestering flora grown on farms from its calculations, which has angered farmers.

Federated Farmers spokesperson Andrew Hoggard and his allies at Beef + Lamb New Zealand have released survey results which show public support for strict limits on carbon afforestation

A sustainable Kiwi Christmas

by Piper Robson

Don’t be an environmental Grinch this Christmas with these ideas for a low-impact holiday season.

December is looming, and so is the environmental tax brought on by Christmas festivities. Thankfully there’s no need to fear, as it’s now easier than ever to enjoy the holiday season without contributing to harmful over-consumption.

When it comes to gift-giving, sustainable alternatives can ease the stress of running around the mall or tediously wrapping items. Buying secondhand toys, games and gifts from your local op-shop or TradeMe can reduce the amount of plastic packaging that often comes with brand-new items.

If pre-loved isn’t for you, head out and support your local small businesses and Christmas markets for unique, quality gifts. Another environmentally friendly gift idea: consumables and experiences. Spa treatments, movie tickets, seasoned salt; you name it, there is something out there for everybody.

Since wrapping paper, sellotape and plastic ribbons can’t be recycled, gift wrapping is one of the most environmentally taxing aspects of the season. A great swap for wrapping can be scarves, reusable tote bags or bandanas. Jars and tins work wonders for smaller gifts, handmade items and baking.

Decking the halls can also be more sustainable. When decorating your

Christmas tree, ditch the tinsel and glitter in favour of popcorn garlands, dried orange slices or flowers. Not only do these low-waste swaps look great, but the whole family can get involved with making decor that keeps them off the naughty list.

To tree or not to tree? If you own an artificial tree, don’t throw it out. Keep using and maintaining it every year, as they need to be used around 20 times before its impact is equal to the real thing. When buying real trees, it’s good to know how to dispose of them properly. Using the trees for mulch in the garden or replanting the tree altogether is a great way to reduce negative impact.

Everyone loves Christmas day lunch, but they don’t love adding to the 125,000 tonnes of plastic food wrappers discarded during Christmas. When preparing your Christmas spread, shop local and in-season produce to support your local farmers and lower the amount of travelling done to buy your ingredients.

Avoid single-use plates, glasses and cutlery on the table by offering the real thing. To avoid food waste, fight the urge to prepare a feast if it isn’t necessary. Lock down those RSVPs and your menu to lessen the size of the meal and the bill.

Be sustainable this Christmas by using decorations such as popcorn garlands as a way to decrease waste

by Amy Fifita

Sure, we have the cliched beach Christmas in New Zealand, but with agriculture being a massive push for our country’s economy, why not have a barnyard Christmas? Invite all your townie relatives out to your farm and show them, with pride, what country life is all about. It can give your mental health a boost too. With summer being the season of droughts, it is important to prepare, and stay positive and resilient. That way you

don’t have to stress out, and focus on what you’re here for; family is one of them.

Rid them of phones and tablets for a while so they can soak in the fresh air and allow them to explore a recall and wholesome way of life. Enjoy and revel in each other’s company, as opposed to ignoring each other in the same room because of the latest video of some pop icon or youtube figure. Bring them back to the good old days when life was simpler and enjoyable — the farm is perfect for that.

Get out the hay bales and allow your town guests and relatives have a blast in country style. The bonus of hosting outside or in a barn is that you don’t have to worry about the dignity of the carpet. In the muggy heat of a Kiwi summer, a bit of shade and a breeze while eating your meals can be a saviour.

The benefit is that there is plenty of room for the children to play around without the caution of having precious or sentimental ornaments knocked off the shelves. They can always help feed the

animals and get a chance to see where their food comes from — not from the supermarket shelves.

If you’re feeling generous, get the safety gear out for a spin on the quads or bikes. Make sure to supervise and educate them on safe usage. Younger ones might enjoy a tractor ride to marvel at the machinery or novelty of being on-farm. Give them a dose of the rural lifestyle. Everyone will hopefully enjoy the experience of having a wholesome day and being present together.

Plan now and have a happy rural Christmas surrounded by family