Manawatu Farming Lifestyles, October 2023 by Integrity Community Media

October 2023 edition

Sheepdog trials well supported Pages 4–5

Courses to help with Freshwater Farm Plans

Fields of alpacas

An engineer’s legacy

P21

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The Manawatu Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned NZ company. Phone: 0800 466 793

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Courses to help with Freshwater Farm Plans

Massey University’s School of Agriculture and Environment is running courses to help rural advisers and farmers produce highquality Freshwater Farm Plans.

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Website: farminglifestyles.co.nz Opinions expressed in this publication and in advertising inserts, by contributors or advertisers, are not necessarily those of Integrity Community Media. All inserts delivered with the publication are not produced by Integrity Community Media.

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As freshwater quality is an important issue for many New Zealanders, Te Kunenga Ki Purehuroa Massey University has developed publicly accessible online short courses. The university’s intermediate and advanced Freshwater Farm Planning (FWFP) courses, adapted to consider changing governmental legislation, will be updated each year. Course coordinators, associate professor Lucy Burkitt and lecturer Dr Callum Rees from Massey’s Farmed Landscapes Research Centre (FLRC) will deliver the courses and complete research on strategies to reduce the impacts of agricultural management on freshwater. The FLRC is within the School of Agriculture and Environment. “The strength of our training course is that students gain an understanding of how water and contaminants move from the farm to freshwater,” said Dr Burkitt. “This is critical if we want to effectively target actions to achieve the FWFP and essential freshwater objectives of reducing risks to freshwater and bringing waterways and ecosystems to a healthy state within a generation. “Now that the government has finalised the regulations, our courses and templates have been updated to reflect the new requirements. This means anyone taking our courses learns the relevant knowledge and skills required to develop comprehensive FWFPs and that they receive up-to-date, constructive feedback on how to improve their plans.” Dr Rees said the courses focus on understanding farm systems and physical farm resources. “Participants can identify their own farm’s strengths and risks and suggest sensible, realistic actions to help target

Associate professor Lucy Burkitt doing visual soil assessment

resources towards achieving good freshwater and business outcomes. This includes understanding the local river or waterway context and inherent vulnerabilities associated with a particular farm,” he said. The courses complement other professional development courses offered by Massey, providing well-rounded training for participants to become certified Freshwater Farm Planners. “The added bonus is you can use the credits from our courses towards a postgraduate qualification,” said Dr Rees. Details of all short courses, with the new intake in February 2024, are listed on flrc.massey.ac.nz/courses.html.

MANAWATU FArMING LIFeStYLeS

Calling the best in rural sports

by Denise Gunn

OctOber 2023

Rural sports associations are called on to make nominations for next year’s Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards. The annual awards evening held in Palmerston North in March celebrates the extraordinary achievements and dedication of rural sports athletes, volunteers and administrators. Taihape shearer Reuben Alabaster was among this year’s winners, taking home the Fonterra Young New Zealand Rural Sportsperson of the Year award. Ford New Zealand has taken on the naming rights as sponsor of the awards. It follows Ford’s four-year legacy as the title sponsor for the Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games. New Zealand Rural Games Trust founder Steve Hollander said Ford has been synonymous with rural New Zealand since 1936. “We’re revved up to have Ford deepen its relationship through our events that celebrate and champion the titans of rural sports.” Ford New Zealand managing director Simon Rutherford said he didn’t hesitate to jump at the opportunity to accelerate their collaboration with rural sport. “The Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards is the perfect platform to honour extraordinary athletes who have represented New Zealand on the world stage. The awards also highlight the dedication of the unsung heroes who work behind the scenes, keeping our rich rural sporting heritage alive.” Newly-appointed convenor of judges for the awards, Paul Allison, is well

A line-up of trophies for the Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards

known as a competitor, judge and sports administrator. He was awarded a Member of New Zealand Order of Merit in 2015 for services to sport, has represented New Zealand as a marathon runner and served in several sports-related administrative roles. Paul is also a life trustee of the Halberg Disability Foundation. A variety of rural sports are included in the Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards, with several categories listed. Award nominations close at 5pm on

Monday, January 22 2024. Finalists will be announced the following month. The Ford New Zealand Rural Sports Awards will be held at a gala dinner on Friday,

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OctOber 2023 MANAWATU FArMING LIFeStYLeS

SHEEPDOG

Wanganui Sheepdog Trial Centre held its Tux Yarding Challenge and Tux Handy Dog trials recently, with members qualifying for the North Island and New Zealand Championships.

TRIALS WELL SUPPORTED BY DENISE GUNN

ix provincial Tux Challenges are held yearly in the North Island and five in the South Island. Qualifiers from the provincial sheepdog trials are eligible to compete in the annual North or South Island Championships and the New Zealand finals. The New Zealand

Championships alternate between the North and South Islands. The Wanganui Centre’s annual Tux Yarding Challenge, held at the Ohingaiti Sports Domain last month, drew 240 dogs to compete over the threeday competition.

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From left: Judge Nigel Sinton with the maiden finalists at Ohingaiti; Jack McKinnon and Cat, Daniel Beveridge with Tess, and Anita Lamb with Ziva

Wanganui Centre publicity officer Brenda O’Leary said the first Tux Yarding Challenge held by the club was held at Ohingaiti in 1998. “There is an open class and a maiden class at the Tux Yarding Challengers. If 200 dogs enter the event, two open finalists go through to the Island Championships at Taupō. If there are over 200 dogs, three competitors go through.” One maiden winner qualifies from each competition. “The top three from the Taupō North Island Championships go south to the New Zealand Championships

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and one maiden competitor,” said Brenda. “Three Wanganui Centre trialists made the final at Ohingaiti Tux: Wayne Falkner from Marton, Garry Walker of Kimbolton and Hunterville’s Wade Clare. “However, Wayne and Roz took third place in runoff, so were the only ones eligible to compete in the semi-final at Taupō in December. Wayne will be judging that event, so he will be unable to compete; however, he can still try and qualify for the NZ Tux Championships being held in Canterbury in January. If successful, he will be representing that province.”

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Winning duo Barney Strong and Trixie penning for a win in the Ohingaiti open

King Country’s Chris Baker, with Burn, will take Wayne’s spot to compete at Taupō. Octogenarian and experienced dog triallist Barney Strong from Taupō won the event with Trixie. He was two points ahead of the next competitor, Guy Peacock and Scrap, who were top qualifiers with 99 points. Although Guy and Scrap ended up placing seventh, Guy still placed second in the final with his dog, Chief, qualifying for the North Island Tux semi-finals to be held in Taupō in December. A three-day trans-Tasman trial was also held during the competition. Wanganui Centre’s Gavin Drake judged the first day, and Brenda O’Leary, who won the maiden event with Kobe, judged the following two days. First placings over the three days went to Graeme Wellington, Chris Baker and Leo Jecentho. Two Wanganui Centre members Daniel Beverage with his dog Tess, in first place, and Rangiwahia farmer Jack McKinnon

who placed second with Cat, reached the final of the maiden event. In third place was Te Kuiti-based Anita Lamb with Ziva. Wayne Falkner was the event convenor, assisted by Rangiwahia farmer and sheepdog triallist Josh Brennan. Josh’s wife, Emma, took care of the catering side of the competition. Sheep for the competition were supplied by the Henderson family. Wanganui Centre also recently held the Tux Handy Dog Trial at Papahaua Station. Eight Huntaways and 77 heading dogs competed over the two-day competition. Tux Handy Dog Trial competition judge John Masefield, travelled from Akaroa with his wife Carol as timekeeper. Keith Robertson and Gavin Smith, both from Raetihi, judged the heading dogs. First and second placings in the Handy Dog final went to Craig Johns of Wanganui with his dogs, Sally and Ben. Craig has qualified with both dogs for the North Island Championships.

OctOber 2023

Former Wanganui Centre competitor Guy Peacock and Scrap were top qualifiers at Ohingaiti with 99 points

Sam Whittaker, with Harry, won the top spot in the maiden section of this event, qualifying for the maiden North Island Championships in Taupō. Te Paenga Station provided the sheep for the event. The first hill trial held by the Wanganui Centre is thought to have been held at Kai Iwi in 1912. There are now 12 hill trials held each year at various venues in the province.

Brenda said competitors often get involved in sheepdog trialling as a natural transition from working dogs as a shepherd or stockman. “Quite often, seeing someone working dogs at a trial can be the catalyst or following in a parent’s footsteps or friends. It’s a wonderful sport and always makes for better stock-handling skills. There is no age when people take up the sport. Men and women of all ages participate.”

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FIELDS OF

ALPACAS BY DENISE GUNN Brother and sister team, Andy and Ros Scott have been breeding alpacas on their property near Tangimoana since 2006.

heir farm, which has been in the Scott family for nearly 140 years, was originally owned by the siblings’ great-grandmother, Rose McKenzie Scott. As descendents of some of the early settlers in the surrounding area, and with a deep connection to their property, Andy and Ros felt it fitting to name their alpaca stud McKenzie Fields Alpacas. A background growing up on the farm, which ran as a dairy operation for many years, has assisted Andy and Ros with knowledge of pasture management and animal husbandry. In 2004, Ros moved back to the property from Wellington, looking to do something a bit different. Following her first introduction to alpacas at a local show, Ros instantly fell in love with them. She began breeding Suri alpacas with

a focus on greys. However, she soon found she was limiting herself in the market, so she introduced she Huacaya, too. The siblings have since built up their herd to more than 100 alpacas, investing in and breeding what they hope to be top stud males and breeding females. With the stud’s focus remaining on producing solid grey alpacas, Ros has packed the herd with silver grey genetics. She is now introducing different solid colours, predominantly roans (modern grey) and smokey fawns. “I have been lucky enough to have some spectacular males join the herd and put their stamp on the progeny whilst also using outside matings from other breeders in New Zealand,” said Ros.

The stud’s main focus is on producing solid grey alpacas but different solid colours are now being introduced

As Andy lives in Auckland, Ros manages the day-to-day chores on the farm, along with working full-time for Farmers Mutual

Group (FMG). Andy regularly visits the farm, often completing a long list of jobs that Ros has drawn up.

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Ros spends a lot of time with her alpacas

around five months of age. The herd is shorn each year in November. “About 80% of my fleece goes into a fibre pool. The remaining fleeces I enter into shows and then use to make some beautiful hand-spun and hand-knitted products. I’m very fortunate that my mother is an exceptional knitter.” Showing alpacas is one benchmark to measure the progress of the stud’s breeding programme. McKenzie Fields Alpacas have had numerous successes in the show-ring, including winning several supreme championships at national level. Ros is president of the Central Region Committee, which is a sub-committee

of the New Zealand Alpaca Association, covering the lower North Island. “The committee meets every couple of months and organises events for our committee members. We do run workshops that non-members are welcome to come along to for a small fee.” She said holding annual workshops aimed at new breeders or people considering buying alpacas helps provide information before decisions are made. “The more informed they are, the better it is for the animals. “If people have alpacas and are interested in joining the association or participating in

events, then they can check out the Alpaca Association of New Zealand (AANZ) website or contact me directly on 021 733 033.” Ros has found supporting others, or just meeting breeders throughout the world via Facebook, has all added to the enjoyment of owning alpacas. “I still think there is nothing better than seeing a brand new cria taking his or her first steps, and then seeing beautiful bundles of fleece,” she said. “The focus is just to continue promoting the merits of these beautiful animals, and continuing to improve my own herd through considered breeding choices.”

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McKenzie Fields Alpacas have won several supreme championships at national level, along with other show-ring successes

Ros finds supporting and meeting other breeders adds to the enjoyment of owning alpacas

Reconfiguring the farm has ensured moving alpacas runs smoothly through raceways and into the main shed. “A quick clap of the hands, and they all come running. As I like to weigh the herd every six weeks, I have set up a weigh scale so the animals can walk in, get weighed and let out through a gate at the opposite end.” Spending a lot of time with the alpacas and daily checks ensures all is well. “I also have many visitors to the farm, which helps the alpaca get used to different situations. Family and friends love having paddock picnics with the alpaca.” Halter-training and handling the stud’s young alpacas begins at weaning, usually

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OctOber 2023 MANAWATU FArMING LIFeStYLeS

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After a successful first season, Surfing for Farmers Whanganui is looking to hit the surf again in November.

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he mental health and wellbeing initiative, launched by Stephen Thomson in Gisborne in 2018, has since spread to 28 coastal regions around New Zealand. In those five years, more than 4,000 farmers and growers have taken part. Surfing for Farmers national coordinator Sarah Shanks said SFF gives farmers and growers the opportunity to step away from what can be an all-consuming business. A group of committed Whanganui locals approached the national organisation in August last year about holding the initiative in their region. “With the support of SFF National, the committee was helped with finding local legend sponsors and providers to ensure the first season, and beyond, ran smoothly. Sourcing the sponsorship can be a daunting task, but the committee raised the funds to ensure the season was a huge hit,” said Sarah.

The surfing initiative is well supported

“The aim of establishing Surfing for Farmers — Whanganui was to provide an opportunity for local farmers and growers to take a break from their daily routine, relax and try something new.” Sarah said the rural sector and its community members face many pressures.

“By offering an event like SFF in Whanganui, the organisers hoped to provide support, connect people and create a welcoming environment full of like-minded individuals. The ultimate goal was for participants to feel supported, encouraged and rejuvenated by the experience.”

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OctOber 2023

barbecue and refreshments are free of charge. By removing any costs to those wanting to attend, we hope this removes some of the hurdles for our farmers and growers to attend.” With SFF Whanganui starting again in November, Sally said interested farmers and growers can register on the night. “All they need to bring is a towel and something warm to put on afterwards. Wetsuits are available on the night. You don’t need any experience, just come and have a go. It’s great fun.”

From left: Whanganui Young Farmers members Baylee Hodges, Charee Redington and Hannah McMillan ready to hit the surf

Paul MacKintosh and Andy Bell take surfing instructor Rob Middleton’s tips on board The Constant Angle Knife Sharpening System

Whanganui SFF committee member Sally Caseley said 13 sessions were held during the first season. “We chose Tuesday as our weekday to be clear of the weekend and not to clash with other commitments such as sports practices or kid’s sports. We surfed in all sorts of weather and only had to call it off on a couple of occasions. “Every week, we were amazed at the numbers. We had up to 40 at one stage and no less than 12. The local Young Farmer’s Club supported the event well, but we also had a variety of ages of men and women.” Last season, Mowhanau Beach (Kai Iwi) was the venue for SFF Whanganui. Sally said, in future, the group may look to be more mobile, depending where the best conditions are on the day. “Castlecliff

and Waitotara beaches are other good options in the area.” SFF Whanganui’s main instructor is Rob Middleton. “Rob is a great fit for SFF as he has a rural background himself. His dad was a well-known shearing instructor in the 80s and 90s, and thus Rob generously donates some of his time to the cause.” Richard Te Ua often helps out, too. He’s surfed Whanganui beaches for more than 50 years and has a background in ski patrol and mountain safety. “Both Rob and Rich are awesome at giving a little tip here and there to help you with the next stage, whether you are just learning to catch the wave lying on the board or wanting to get out the back and catch the bigger waves. They are always watching and counting and making sure everyone is safe and present.”

Each session involves surfing, followed by a barbecue and time to socialise with others in the rural community. Instructors and other helpers enjoy mixing with the farmers afterwards. “They all add to a great, positive mix of people and shared experiences,” said Sally. Towards the end of season six, a few new locations are expected to join SFF throughout New Zealand. Sarah said the increase and expansion in the initiative nationwide is a real testament to the model in which SFF is run, and the need for something for our rural community members. “There is no cost to any farmers or growers who attend any SFF session throughout the country. All lessons, equipment (wetsuit and surfboard), the

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The bitter and the sweet

by Liz Clark

Everyone at some point or another has thought about having a lemon tree or two in the garden, and why not?

MANAWATU FArMING LIFeStYLeS

OctOber 2023

ADVERTORIAL

Where has the chondroitin gone? by John Arts

A quick review of New Zealand-made joint supplements found none with the recommended levels of chondroitin sulphate.

Lemon trees can be grown in large pots in a courtyard or on a sunny deck if space is an issue. They can be planted in autumn until late spring, just before the summer heat. Choose a variety to suit your taste and requirements for culinary or making lemonade and other delights to enjoy. As with all other citrus species, lemons need nutrient-rich soil, good drainage and a pH level slightly on the acidic side. They do need some care to keep them at their best and fruiting prolifically. Choose a warm site with full sun for most of the day and sheltered from strong prevailing winds. If planting in a pot, ensure to use terracotta rather than a glazed type. While it may require more watering, lemon and other citrus varieties do better in a terracotta pot, allowing the roots to breathe. The soil mix should be rich in organic matter. Use a commercially available planting medium specifically for citrus trees that can be obtained from a local garden retailer or nursery. Regular

watering, especially in the dry summer months, is essential to maintain the moisture uptake in the root system. Too dry, the root system will lose the ability to take up water, and the tree will die. The best variety for fruiting year-round is the Meyer. It’s cold-hardy, smoothskinned and full of juice, making it ideal for desserts, marinades and even lemonade. Once established, a lack of lemons for baking or flavouring fish won’t be an issue. The other two varieties are Eureka, a more traditional type and bitter, and Lemonade used for its juice. The main pest for lemons is the lemon tree borer. Signs are holes in the branches and rapid dieback; remove any infected branches and fill the holes with an appropriate insecticide. Scale insects can be controlled with a dualpurpose commercially prepared spray or organic if preferred. If the leaves are yellowing and the tree is failing to thrive, apply a dressing of Epsom salts to correct the problem. Talk to your local garden centre about which tree best suits your requirements.

I did find two quality US-made supplements for sale in NZ that do meet this standard, as does my joint supplement. The international research and recommendation of CS for osteoarthritis (OA) is not in dispute. It has been available on prescription in Europe at doses of 800mg+ (daily) for over a decade. There are numerous overseas companies that manufacture supplements that have therapeutic levels of CS. This begs the question as to why not in NZ? What could be the reason NZ companies exclude therapeutic amounts of CS? A quick check on the most extensive online supplement store found that most NZ-made joint supplements, including the biggestselling products, had, on average, 200mg of CS when research recommends 800mg. Typically, these are marketed as ‘one a day’ products that are mostly glucosamine with little or no chondroitin. The only reason I can conclude is the cost of chondroitin. I have just purchased a new batch of high-grade avian-

Abundant Health Bettaflex New Super Joint Formula What is Bettaflex?

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• Bettaflex is a joint support formula to promote healthy joint cartilage function • Bettaflex has 400mg (per capsule) of high-grade avian chondroitin, 400mg of glucosamine and 100mg of BioSolve® bioavailable Curcumin (from turmeric). • Try Bettaflex for 3 months and see for yourself.

BEST BUY! $99.95 for 3 bottles freight-free or 1 bottle for $36.95 plus $5.99 postage 60 Capsules per Bottle

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How can Bettaflex help? • Chondroitin and glucosamine are building blocks of cartilage. • Supplementation with correct levels can support healthy cartilage function and cartilage repair processes. • New BioSolve® bioavailable curcumin helps joint function while gentle on the stomach. • Research indicates that chondroitin is highly effective at 800mg daily.

John Arts comments: “My latest Bettaflex formula includes BioSolve® bioavailable curcumin for faster results. The normal dose is 2 capsules daily but I recommend an initial higher dose for 1-3 bottles to saturate join tissue.”

$850.00 + GST

sourced CS, and the cost is about nine times that of glucosamine. I have no doubt that most of the benefits people get from my joint supplement are from the chondroitin. Scientists have identified about 30 therapeutic benefits of chondroitin on the chemistry and function of joints and the joint capsule. Whilst some of these are complex, the benefits are mostly to improve the function of cartilage-secreting chondrocyte cells and by regulating destructive enzymes and joint capsule inflammation. The bottom line is usually less pain and more mobility. By way of example, I have been helping someone with osteoarthritis in his feet, which restricted his ability to exercise. He noticed improvements after two months and now has significant improvements. 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.

(John Arts, Founder, Abundant Health)

Abundant Health

Cautions: Do not take with anti-coagulant/platelet medication. If in doubt please consult your healthcare professional. Not suitable during pregnancy or lactation.

TO ORDER PHONE: 0800 423 559

T, WORK, P EA L Y,

Phone/Fax: 0800 129 073 Freight options available | Farm direct info@taylormadegates.co.nz www.taylormadegates.co.nz

Or order online at www.abundant.co.nz Abundant Health Ltd, PO Box 8348, Cherrywood 3145

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING LOCAL

October 2023 MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

We’re here to support your business through the development of your staff Contact your Training Adviser on 0800 20 80 20, email info@primaryito.ac.nz or visit primaryito.ac.nz/support

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OctOber 2023

ADVERTORIAL

Helping to honour lives well lived by Andy Bryenton

Spanning two generations and three locations, Beauchamp Funeral Home provides experience, understanding and support in times of bereavement. The expertise and professionalism underpinning the reputation of this longestablished business come from many decades of guiding Manawatu families through every step of the funeral process. It spans all aspects, from mindful pre-planning to organisation and attention to detail, to make the celebration of a loved one’s life stressfree and memorable. Peter and Julie Beauchamp established a small funeral home in Marton back in 1981. With more than fi ve decades in the industry, Peter is one of the most experienced professionals in his field. A growing reputation, and growing demand from the wider Manawatu population saw the Beauchamp name arrive in Feilding in 1991 and Palmerston North in 1996. The second generation now carries on this legacy of care and professionalism, with qualified funeral director (and son of Peter and Julie), Anthony Beauchamp now at the helm. He is ably assisted by many of his family members, including his wife Carley, who serves as accounts administrator, and his sister Emily Marsden, also a qualified funeral director and expert in pre-planning funerals with distinctive personalisation.

In addition to members of the Beauchamp family, Anthony is proud to lead a team which includes funeral director and mortuary manager Mike Dalley, funeral director and embalmer Richie Te Hina, funeral director and graphic designer Karin Leenards, central coordinator and tribute designer Amanda Kopecky, funeral director Dale Lalonde, mortuary team member Jacqui Malcolm and trainee embalmer Alice Belcher. Together, they continue to uphold the values which helped Peter and Julie establish the Beauchamp name across Manawatu: integrity, warmth, positivity and understanding. Their expertise can ease away the stress and worry of arranging a fi tting farewell for the departed, covering everything from catering and venues to caskets and urns, transport, music and photo tributes. Another valuable aspect of their service is pre-planning, an eminently practical way to ensure that your funeral, or a loved one’s, is a truly personal tribute, and tells their story with grace. Far from being a morbid necessity, many find that preplanning a funeral can be liberating and empowering.

The team at Beauchamp Funeral Home epitomise the values of a family business — professional, caring and experienced

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October 2023 MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

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October 2023

MANAWATU

A warrior’s journey

by Amy Fifita

Tohunga (skilled person) Haunui-a-nanaia was the Māori explorer who travelled great distances in pursuit of his wife Wairaka and her lover naming rivers as he trudged on. The legendary warrior, also known as Hau, left the neighbouring Taranaki region following his runaway wife. Some variations of the tale say that Hau was pursuing his kidnapped daughter while others say that Wairaka had been abducted. Hau braved the native forests and is said to have exceeded his body to the limits with speed and strength. The land was treacherous and laden with swamps, mountainous hills, bush and rivers. As Hau travelled, he took rests, often naming water channels and landmarks as he came across them. Manawatū and Whanganui are two rivers that he named in his pursuit of Wairaka through the region. He waited at Whanganui River, which means big bay or harbour. When Hau reached the Manawatū River he named it such as a representation of his emotions when he found it. It means the ‘heart standing still’ because of its beauty and proportions. It is also the river that the region is named after. Hau is the adventurer who named the Rangitīkei River, meaning the day to take great strides as he rested beside it.

“Manawatū and Whanganui are two rivers that Hau named in his pursuit of Wairaka through the region.” The awa (river) is one of New Zealand’s longest rivers and has been described as a significantly beautiful waterway. Also within the area is the Whangaehu (murky harbour) River, where he cleansed his face with its muddy water. Many iwi can trace their heritage to Haunui-a-nanaia, including those in Whanganui, Hawke’s Bay and Wellington. When he did finally find his lost wife, he told Wairaka to pick shellfish on the rocks offshore. As she got far enough away, he cast a spell on Wairaka, transforming her into a rock. Hau has been given credence to many place and river names on the southern end of the North Island.

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The Manawatū River meaning ‘heart standing still’ was named by Māori adventurer Haunui-a-nanaia and represents his feeling when he gazed upon it

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OCTOBER 2023 MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

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MANAWATU

ADVERTORIAL

Keeping hedges in trim by Denise Gunn

ADL Shelter Trimming has built up a solid reputation, servicing the Manawatu for more than seven years.

ADL Shelter Trimming specialises in trimming shelter belts and hedges on farms and lifestyle blocks

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Call 0800 836 587 for a free measure & quote venluree.co.nz

Tony Lancaster has been in the industry for 23 years, 16 of those working for the previous owner, who established the business in 1983. Tony purchased half of that business, with a dedicated run, in 2016. In 2022, he purchased a second machine and the remaining half of the business. He has one employee, Nigel, to operate the second trimmer. Nigel previously worked on trimmers in Hawke’s Bay. “I’ve been doing this for about 23 years and have a long history with the business,” said Tony. Operating two machines, ADL Shelter Trimming, covers a large area from Shannon and Foxton to the north of Apiti and everywhere in between. “Apiti is winter country so I can have at least one trimmer working all-yearround,” said Tony. “Both machines are purpose-built shelter trimmers on Kubota Tractors, and we specialise in trimming shelter belts and hedges on farms and lifestyle blocks.” Around 95% of ADL Shelter Trimming’s work is repeat business. “I’m extremely grateful to have the clients I have. I pride myself on doing a

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great job; something I can walk away from and be happy with. Tony’s clients range from large farming corporations, high voltage power line maintenance companies, councils, university sports grounds, farmers and lifestyle block owners. “I try very hard to keep everybody happy.” ADL Shelter Trimming has a tractor with a grab available for clean-up if required. “It’s more for lifestyle and horticultural blocks that require a cleanup,” he said. Tony has lived in the Manawatu all his life, growing up on a dairy farm in Kopane, so he knows the region well. “As far as agriculture is concerned, I’ve been around farming all my life.” Giving back to the community is important to Tony — trimming hedges on school grounds is one way he does this. “I do a lot of school work for free. Rural schools generally have hedges around them. That’s part of what I do and if I’m in the area, I do it. The people in the community are good to me, so I like to help.” Phone Tony at ADL Shelter Trimming on 027 444 9583 for all shelter belt and hedge trimming enquiries.

DAVID BROWN SPECIALISTS AND ALL OTHER MAKES AND MODELS

Phillip Cockery OWNER 133 South Street, Feilding 4702 06 323 1080 | 027 442 2456 feildingtractors2018@xtra.co.nz

CARS | TRUCKS | TRACTORS | EARTH MOVERS ELMO (Allan Gilchrist) Manager/Fleet Controller

0800 235 667 P: 06 323 9585

14 Awa Street, Feilding 4702 elmostyreservice@hotmail.co.nz Fax: 06 323 6476

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MANAWATU FArMING LIFeStYLeS

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OctOber 2023

MANAWATU

ADVERTORIAL

High-quality feed and storage solutions

T, WORK, P EA , L Y

Central Silo Systems Ltd specialise in the design, supply, installation and service of grain storage, grain handling, feed milling/mixing and animal feed systems. As direct importers of high-quality equipment, Central Silo Systems offers reliable experience for the New Zealand market. “We have our own manufacturing workshop, warehouse and yard for bespoke solutions, and we offer preventative maintenance and urgent breakdown service for all in-shed feed systems,” said CEO Bernie Curry. “No matter who supplied and installed it, we can service it.” The family-owned Manawatū based business has delivered tried and proven results for more than 45 years with reputable installers and service technicians located throughout New Zealand. “We now offer an additional HIAB service to provide delivery, lifting and relocation services based out of Longburn.” Central Silo Systems stock the European Quality Skiold Disc Mill, which is the highest-selling mill available on the New Zealand market. Managing director Sean Curry said there are many benefits to having an on-farm feed mill. “From reducing feed costs per tonne, it allows you to produce the

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING LOCAL

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ALWAYS PROFESSIONAL

Central Silo Systems Ltd specialise in feed systems, feed mills and grain storage solutions

highest quality feed fresh every day; you can easily change recipes and add minerals depending on seasonal or nutritional requirements. Our customers advise us of the ongoing animal health benefits associated with having their own feed mill and using a Skiold Disc Mill. “The Skiold Disc Mill can mill multiple types of grains with ease. They have low power consumption per tonne, low noise and are user-friendly. It has been designed for longevity.”

We are New Zealand's No. 1 House and Building Movers. This has been achieved through the simple, practical no-nonsense business principles and plain hard work. Customer Satisfaction is our ultimate aim for every move.

“We take pride in the fact most of our work is from customer referrals. We do not just sell our products, but we install and service what we sell, which in return gives us great ongoing customer relationships,” said Bernie and Sean. For more information about grain storage silos, grain handling equipment, dairy in-shed feed systems, on-farm feed mills, poultry/pig equipment or service and maintenance, call 0800 feed systems (0800 333 379) or visit centralsilosystems.co.nz.

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October 2023 MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

to the floor At Feilding Flooring Xtra, we are delighted to share our genuine passion for wool carpets with you. Our boss man Murray was a local shearer for 30 years. 5 years ago, he stepped out of the sheds and into the shop floor to share his passion for the wool industry in a different form! Discover a curated selection of over 40 ranges of wool carpet in our showroom; perfect for those seeking comfort, style, and inspiration. Don't know where to begin? We're here to help! Get in touch with us to schedule your complimentary measure and quote today - no strings attached!

Feilding@flooringxtra.co.nz We're proud to service: Feilding, Bulls, 06-323-3193 Marton, Hunterville, Taihape, Waiouru feildingflooringxtra and every community in between. feildingflooringxtra

Our in-store Interior Designer Danielle is here to make those overwhelming design decisions simple and enjoyable. Whether you're looking to completely redecorate your home or just add a few finishing touches, Danielle is the expert you need. She has an eye for design and a passion for creating beautiful and functional spaces that reflect your personal style. So why wait? Schedule an appointment with Danielle today and start creating the space of your dreams!

Info@xtradesign.co.nz 022-561-8850 xtra.design

MANAWATU FArMING LIFeStYLeS

and serving the community and keeping our clients up and running,” said Brice. Farm Supplies Central Limited offers supply and service 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The company’s store is open from Monday to Friday, 8am to 5pm, and Saturday mornings from 9am to noon. Phone 06 3248 426, email info@ farmsupplies.co.nz or visit farmsupplies. co.nz for further information.

ADVERTORIAL

Water quality solutions by Denise Gunn

Farm Supplies Central Limited has proudly served the wider lower North Island since 1993.

BOATING SEASON HAS ARRIVED

Farm Supplies Central Limited stock a range of UV sterilisation and water filtering systems

requirement on-farm, Farm Supplies Central can supply and install holding tank storage and irrigation systems. “Extensions are going to be popular this summer”. Farm Supplies Central started the business with dairy products and milking machinery before adding their range of pumps.

stuart@accountingsolutions.nz | www.accountingsolutions.nz

Make sure you and your boat are ready to go. Motor and trailer sales and servicing Electronics and accessories Ali fabrications and canvas work Fishing, reel and dive gear servicing.

“We’re regional dealers that maintain backing gates, teat spray and cup remover systems, so we have a good team of service staff and engineers. Recently Cat has come on board, so now we have our own registered electrician.” “We are proud to have a workforce who share the company’s values for supplying

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MANAWATU

WHO’S WHO IN

The family business, owned and operated by the Ebert family, is based in Rongotea, deep in the heart of dairy farming country. For the past 30 years, the team at Farm Supplies Central Limited has seen a lot of changes in water quality requirements for both domestic and farm situations. Codes of compliance and regulatory changes have led to a focus on supplying filtration and treatment systems for the household and on-farm. “We have a range of pumps for all purposes and filtration units, including UV systems and cartridge filters, with replacement components on hand,” said Brice Ebert. “We are seeing more and more people becoming less confident in their water supplies. They want safe water.” In the business’s on-site workshop, the team can design, build, supply, repair, install and service a wide range of farm water and dairy effluent components such as solid separators and all the travelling irrigators. “We give out a lot of help and advice.” With dairy effluent disposal and management an increasing

OctOber 2023

Phone 06 344 7645 Cnr Heads Rd and Gilberd St, Whanganui

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OctOber 2023 MANAWATU FArMING LIFeStYLeS

WHO’S WHO IN

MANAWATU

ADVERTORIAL

Streamline offers complete rainwater system solutions by Denise Gunn

As we head into summer with the possibility of hot, dry conditions, replacing roofing, spouting and downpipes with top-quality products is essential to maximise rainwater harvesting. Streamline is New Zealand’s leading supplier of rainwater solutions for commercial and residential clients. With more than 30 years of knowledge and experience in the industry, the business has earned a reputation as trusted and reliable rainwater system specialists. Established in Palmerston North by Graeme Walton in the late 1980s, Streamline is now owned and managed by Graeme and his sons. “The key to Streamline’s success has been due to hard work, keeping promises

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Replacing roofing, spouting and downpipes with top-quality products is essential to maximise rainwater harvesting and ensure a warm, dry home

and ensuring customer satisfaction,” said Graeme. “We service a wider range of the lower North Island and continue providing the best service we can.” The one-stop-shop offers complete rainwater solutions under the one roof. It includes the removal of old products as well as organising scaffolding, painters and builders, ensuring a smooth, thorough process for each project. Streamline knows the importance of having a warm, dry home protected

from the elements. So it was only natural that the business also moved into roofing with the demand for professional repair, maintenance, re-roofing or a new roof continuing to grow. The winning combination of more than 30 years of experience providing complex roofing solutions and licensed building practitioners on board, ensures efficiency and a stress-free process. Materials used, including Longrun metal roofing, are of the highest quality and backed by a 10-year guarantee.

Through the development of a premium range of quality spouting solutions, Streamline has focussed on a product that is functional and looks impressive. Each length of spouting is measured and cut on-site to fit perfectly, leaving no wastage or offcuts. A range of Colorsteel® downpipe shapes, sizes and colours, designed to withstand all four seasons, are available to ensure rainwater flows directly into stormwater systems. Streamline is also the region’s first and only supplier of Continuous fascia, with more than 15 years of installing this product. All products used by Streamline are backed by a 10-year guarantee. Graeme said some of Streamline’s standout projects have included the Universal College of Learning’s Health Centre roof, Vogel Street shops roof and the Woodgate project roof in Johnstone Drive. “We pride ourselves on our impeccable workmanship, quality product and local touch.”

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MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

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October 2023

MANAWATU

An engineer’s legacy by Liz Clark

Drive into Palmerston North, Feilding, Halcombe or Rongotea; at their heart is a town square designed by civil engineer John Tiffin Stewart. Born in 1827, at Rothesay, Bute, Scotland, to John Steward and Agnes Oliphant, he later attended the local school. After leaving school, he served an apprenticeship with civil engineering companies Gordon and Hill, followed by Bell and Miller, then attended the University of Glasgow, where he graduated with a degree in civil engineering. In 1852, he left Scotland and headed for the Ovens goldfields in Victoria, Australia, where he remained until 1855, when he emigrated to New Zealand and was appointed to the government engineering staff. Two years later, Stewart mapped the Manawatū River and its tributaries from the river mouth inland to the gorge. By 1858, he was appointed an assistant surveyor in the Land Purchase Department and engaged in defining Māori land boundaries, and by 1861, Stewart was the provincial engineer for Wellington surveying roads in Wairarapa and around Castlepoint. By January 1864, Mr Stewart took charge of the Manawatū and Wellington

Palmerston North, Feilding, Halcombe and Rongotea, incorporating large town squares into each township, in that time, he also oversaw the completion of the Manawatū Gorge road. In November 1865, he married Frances Ann Carkeek in Wellington; they later had five daughters and five sons. Between 1868 and 1871, Stewart worked on the Wanganui town bridge, which was designed by English engineer George Robert Stephenson. However, Stephenson’s design had to be redone, since the plans for the bridge turned out to be too short to span the river. Stewart added a wooden extension at one end to resolve the design flaws.

In late 1870, he was appointed the district engineer for the Public Works Department, taking charge of the Taranaki, Wanganui and Hawke’s Bay Districts. Later, he was transferred to Wanganui in 1885 and served on the borough council for two years. Stewart would go on to be the governmentappointed representative on the Wanganui River Trust, serving as chair and later secretary. He was also deeply involved in the local community with many projects, including the design for Virginia Lake. John Stewart passed away peacefully in Wanganui in April 1913.

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OctOber 2023 MANAWATU FArMING LIFeStYLeS

WHO’S WHO IN by Andy Bryenton

MANAWATU

A new voice for dairy farmers

Dairy New Zealand has a new leader, coinciding with new leadership in Wellington and taking over from an incumbent who has served during a tumultuous decade. Dr Tim Mackle has stepped down from the leadership of DairyNZ after guiding the industry advocate group through the era of Covid-19 and critical negotiations with the central government over emissions and regulation in the sector. He is replaced by Waikato-based CEO Campbell Parker, who comes to the role with formidable experience in both the rural and corporate worlds. Before his selection as DairyNZ’s chief executive, he was CEO of GEA Farm Technologies, an industry leader. “Recruiting a new chief executive who is passionate about dairy farming and its future has been hugely important to us, alongside leadership skills to continue DairyNZ’s positive direction, as an organisation here first and foremost to represent our dairy farmers,” said Dairy NZ chair Jim van der Poel. “Campbell brings significant leadership and sector experience that will be invaluable to both DairyNZ’s senior team

and in supporting and representing our farmer levy payers in a wide range of forums.” As well as CEO experience with GEA Farm Technologies, Mr Parker has also worked at a high level with well-known firms such as PGG Wrightson, the Bank of New Zealand and Ballance Agri-Nutrients. He says that he is excited to meet the challenges of his new role, contributing to dairy farming across New Zealand. “I am genuinely humbled and excited to be joining DairyNZ as the next chief executive. I am passionate about the role the dairy sector plays in creating jobs, building communities, and contributing to the success of the New Zealand economy,” said Mr Parker. “It is important to build on the good work Tim and the team have done over the past decade and to keep that moving, working collaboratively to ensure longterm sustainability and profitability of the sector.”

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New DairyNZ chief executive Campbell Parker has thanked his predecessor as he steps up to an important role in rural advocacy

DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel was also complimentary of Dr Mackle’s significant work through the years. “Tim has been a true advocate for our dairy farmers and a steadying force at DairyNZ during a period of significant

change and challenge for the dairy sector,” Mr van der Poel said. “His knowledge, expertise and tireless passion for dairy will be missed. We thank Tim for his commitment to farmers and wish him all the very best.”

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WHO’S WHO IN

OctOber 2023

MANAWATU

Virtual minds creating real spaces

by Andy Bryenton

Letting machines help design homes for human beings could help make them more affordable and cut down on the need to compromise in design. “Artificial intelligence in the construction industry is here,” says Doug Dockery, chief technology officer at ConstructConnect, a US building solutions leader. “It has emerged as a technology that is poised to transform our industry. As we enter this next frontier of construction technology, it is essential to understand what artificial intelligence is and how it offers unique solutions.” The part of AI’s toolkit appealing most to those in construction is what’s known as machine learning, and specifically, deep learning. Think about the advances in AI applications such as Chat GPT and Midjourney, which can create good facsimiles of written language and visual art, respectively. How does this help an architect, designer or builder? One way comes in the planning stage of a project when there can be a lot of conflicting opinions about what is most important for a design. There is the physical space where a home is to be built, with its own constraints. Then there are the aesthetic choices of the architect

and their clients, the needs imposed by building codes and regulations, the requirements of electricians, heating and ventilation engineers, plumbers and other tradespeople. These could all conceivably deliver wholly different plans for the same project. Previously, compromising, mediating and coming up with a harmonious final design was a human task. Now, AI can take all the different ideals from a variety of sources and blend them into a design incorporating the most of each one possible. By letting a machine use deep learning AI applications to amalgamate plans, there’s a distinct possibility of solutions being found which would have eluded human minds, and of course, a machine is unbiased. In experiments involving setting up the most efficient way to wire and plumb a building, for example, AI came up with clever ways to build safer, more efficiently and, importantly, for less cost. That is another field where AI excels in the building trade. Machines that can

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October 2023 MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

MANAWATU FArMING LIFeStYLeS

OctOber 2023

AG CONTRACTORS & SUPPLIERS Call for rural banking probe by Andy Bryenton

The new government will be asked to launch an independent inquiry into rural banking, with serious questions raised by Federated Farmers on whether their constituents are getting a raw deal. With the Commerce Commission currently undertaking a study on personal banking, Federated Farmers members and leadership are concerned that its terms of reference shut farm banking practices out of the debate. “Farmers are doing it tough right now with rising costs, bad weather and falling payouts. The last thing they want to be worrying about is whether they’re getting a fair deal from their bank,” said Federated Farmers domestic commerce and competition spokesperson Richard McIntyre. A survey from May this year shows how farmers feel the squeeze, not just from the cost of living and inflationary pressures but directly from their banks. Twenty-four per cent reported feeling they were under undue pressure from their bank following a four per cent interest rate hike since 2021. “Those numbers will only have increased since May as interest rates have continued to climb, economic conditions have quickly deteriorated, and many farmers have rolled off their fixed rates,” McIntyre said.

“Kiwi farmers are currently carrying around $63 billion of debt, so a four per cent increase in interest rates means there will be $2.5 billion fewer dollars circulating in our rural economy.” Three points of contention, above all else, deserve the focus of an independent inquiry by the Commerce Commission, says Feds. The first is the much higher interest rate charged to farmers by banks, as compared to the rate for home loans on residential property. Mr McIntyre noted there was no clear reason why this should be the case, and raises the question: are farmers cross-subsidising a much more competitive market for home loans? Branch closures in rural towns are also an issue, with ease of access to banking advice and negotiation a sore point for farmers who feel they are paying big interest rates for eroding service. Finally, there’s a major worry over the Net-Zero Banking Alliance, an agreement between all banks to modify lending to push a carbon-

neutral agenda in farming. Under this alliance, banks have collectively agreed lending strategies, including setting 2030 targets for reducing the level of emissions levels associated with lending. “This banking alliance raises some very serious questions about whether our banks are acting in a truly competitive manner or if the joint commitment is effectively banks collaborating on a joint lending strategy,” Mr McIntyre said.

Farmers rely on banks to fund big investments in equipment and infrastructure, but issues of trust have arisen says Federated Farmers

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OctOber 2023 MANAWATU FArMING LIFeStYLeS

AG CONTRACTORS & SUPPLIERS Exposing character ﬂoors

by Andy Bryenton

New Zealand homes are unique in many ways, but one factor which makes classic villas and bungalows built before the second world war stand out is the beautiful native wood often used for flooring. At the time, the rimu, kauri and matai used to floor these dwellings were simply commonly available wood. However, for those seeking to restore a vintage home or enhance the features which make it special, exposing and beautifying the knots, grain and contours of this timber is a definitive trend. Moreover, the character timbers now adding value and style to a classic

Kiwi home were, at the time, building materials. Their original owners may not have treated them with much reverence. It’s a big task to restore such cover-ups and reveal the golden, rustic character of the wood beneath, but it’s well worth it. Polished native wood floors are high on the wish list of people seeking restored bungalows

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Sanding and restoring classic native timber floors is a rewarding but colossal task; thankfully, there are professionals who can help smooth the way

and villas, and they help such homes command excellent prices. It all begins with sanding and preparation. There are two types of sander. Firstly, the more powerful but less subtle drum sander can strip a half millimetre off the timber surface and even out any inconsistencies that have developed in the floor boards themselves. A drum sander can take wood back to a timber yard fresh surface, but it may erase characterful aspects of a classic floor some are keen to preserve. If vintage-looking nailhead stains, bespoke, hand-sawn cut marks and other little inconsistencies are your thing, it’s best to use a finishing sander and simply prepare the surface of your floor. No matter how you sand, you’ll likely need to fill some holes and gaps. Many

vintage floors are nailed directly to the supporting beams below, with no insulation, so they may have moved and separated over the decades. This step is particularly important considering that most modern renovators will also take this time to install underfloor insulation to take the chill off of their new wooden floor finish. The other big decision to make, which will affect the character of your wooden floor, is whether to use an oil finish, a stain, or a glossy polyurethane coating. Each style has its fans and detractors, with good and bad points for each. The warmth of a product like Danish Oil suits a floor with a truly rustic look, while the hard gloss of a polyurethane coating can even out little inconsistencies and is easy to keep clean.

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MANAWATU FArMING LIFeStYLeS

OctOber 2023

AG CONTRACTORS & SUPPLIERS ADVERTORIAL

Making hay while the sun shines by Andy Bryenton

Spring is in full swing, with a hot summer predicted to follow, and that means it’s a great time to consider pasture fertiliser options, says Bert Jordan of Soil Support Services. As his company name suggests, Bert is adept and experienced at getting the most out of the engine room of hearty pasture growth, the soil biota beneath. As spring rolls around, he’s out there helping to unlock the mineral goodness that has lain dormant in the soil over winter, getting out and about with his John Deere Gator to help his customers. “Spring is by far the best time to apply fertiliser to pasture, especially if you intend to lock up for hay later in the season,” says Bert. That could be a serious consideration for 2023, as hay is predicted to be a valuable commodity should NIWA weather predictions come to pass and a dry spell mark the late summer months. Healthy, plentiful pasture and hay begin deep in the soil, and lime is

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one of the keys to unlocking the nutrients plants need. Bert has enjoyed great success with judicious applications of lime to boost spring growth. Still of course, every paddock is different, and every farm has its nuances of underlying geology and soil chemistry. To ensure a comprehensive knowledge of the right formula and mixture needed to make individual pastures thrive, Soil Support Services now offers a soil testing service that can drill down to see what’s going on below the surface. Another recent expansion is the ability of Soil Support Services to help maintain pastures and small blocks with a comprehensive topping and weed control service. Bert says that not using chemicals as a weed control solution

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is always his first advice and option and there are other ways of managing weed pests which are both natural and highly effective. This in-depth knowledge of the natural processes within the soil has informed all aspects of Bert’s business, all the way down to the machine he uses to apply fertiliser at this crucial time of year. The John Deere Gator is low, stable and

strong. More importantly, it has a large, wide and soft tyre footprint, spreading its weight evenly across the ground and avoiding compaction. Attention to little details like this makes the difference, just as the timely application of lime can make all the difference this spring. Give Soil Support Services a call and make hay while the sun shines.

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October 2023 MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES

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ADVERTORIAL

OctOber 2023

Serving the farming community

For close to a century, the Trotter family has run a contracting business from their Horowhenua base, serving the surrounding farming community — in 2024 it will celebrate its 100th year. The late Bill Trotter formed the company in 1924. With a team of horses, Bill ploughed land for the Chinese market gardeners, pioneering agricultural contracting in the region during the process. Following the second world war, Bill and his son, the late Peter Trotter, broke in much of the land in the Horowhenua. Third-generation family member Garry Trotter now owns the business, managing it alongside his son Rowan. Garry has worked in the business for more than 40 years, and Rowan, a qualified diesel mechanic, has also grown up in the business. Garry’s wife Cath is a qualified accountant, handling all the finances and administration. With just two years until reaching a century in business, offering excellent service has been the key to the Trotter Contracting’s longevity. Expanding its geographical coverage to include nearby Manawatū and Kapiti areas, customers include mostly dairy

and beef farmers, market gardeners and lifestyle block owners. A team of eight long-standing staff members, all high-skilled machine operators, are on-hand to deliver a range of services. Four spreaders match the call for bulk fertiliser spreading using Ravensdown, Ballance and Hatuma Lime. “We are a Ravensdown consignment store and operate a certified weighbridge. Two truck and trailer units cart all the company’s bulk fertiliser requirements and are also able to offer bulk cartage services to customers,” said Garry. In addition to fertiliser spreading, another major aspect of the business is harvesting by way of maize and grass silage, baleage and hay. Cultivation work, including ploughing and drilling, add to the services the business can offer. Trotter Contracting also transports live laying pullets around New Zealand

Trotter Contracting will celebrate its centenary of being in business in 2024

for Tegal Limited, as part of its bulk cartage operation. “The diverse nature of the work keeps the business going no matter what the market. Moreover, because it’s a family business, we all work in together. We’ve

been around a long time, which gives our customers security. “In fact, some of our customers have been with us for years, and we are proud to have sometimes helped generations of farmers.”

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OctOber 2023 MANAWATU FArMING LIFeStYLeS

Charity changes managers Zellara Holden has been appointed general manager of the farmerled charity Meat the Need, with co-founder Wayne Langford retiring from the position.

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Julia Jones, Meat the Need chair, is enthusiastic about the appointment, which represents a significant move forward for the charity, with Zellera being its first full-time general manager. “Zellara’s wealth of knowledge and skills are well aligned with Meat the Need and our vision for the future of the charity within the food and fibre sector. She has worked for Dairy Women’s Network for over 12 years and, more recently, GAVINS Limited,” she said. “She brings strong financial acumen, years of developing strong, lasting relationships in our sector, and a deep understanding of how to support and empower volunteers. We are pleased to announce her appointment and know that she will be a great fit with the wider team and stakeholders.” Zellara says she is both honoured and excited to take on the role and sees it as a chance to reconnect with key stakeholders and, most importantly, play a part in giving back to the community and people in need across the country. As part of her role, she hopes to raise greater awareness of food insecurities in Aotearoa.

SERVICES

Zellara Holden has replaced Wayne Langford as the general manager of the Meat the Need charity

“When I saw the opportunity come up, I wanted to be part of this amazing charity that’s doing great things for our communities. Meat the Need’s vision that ‘no one should go hungry or unnourished’ in New Zealand really spoke to me,” she said. “I’m looking forward to working with the team and, together, supporting the charity to move into a new phase. There is an opportunity for the New Zealand public to fully understand the

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extensive needs of many families across the country. “We want to ensure that all New Zealanders have access to locally sourced, high-quality and nutritious protein to secure a prosperous future for generations to come.” Meat The Need helps feed Kiwis in need by providing the means for farmers to donate livestock and milk through its processors, which is then donated to more than 110 food banks across the country.

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Zellara took over the role on October 16, taking the lead from Wayne, who announced his resignation in July. Wayne will continue to stay on as a board member.

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MANAWATU FArMING LIFeStYLeS

OctOber 2023

DAIRY & LIVESTOCK ADVERTORIAL

Sale day at Paparata by Trevor Johnson

O AT, W RK, P E L Y,

THANK YOU FOR CHOOSING LOCAL

Results of the Romney ram lambs killed in January

ewes. This year, the scanning rate over all Paparata ewes is more than 180%. We are not targeting a higher rate as we have enough triplets. There is some good news. The wool market is starting to stir. The agent we

sell our wool to told me the market was ‘going off’. I think that description might be a bit strong, but it seems it is possible to sell wool now. Please take a look at our website and phone us if you want more information.

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Testing since 1999

Our ‘ram sale rams’ are well grown. We continue to focus on lamb growth, fertility and FE tolerance. We have added worm resistance and methane emissions. The objective is to reduce methane emissions, and this is certainly possible. A ram breeder who has been selected for lower rates of methane emitted has reduced levels emitted by five per cent in five years. Meat Processors continue to discount lamb carcasses weighing less than 16kgs. Most Paparata lambs sold were killed and achieved carcass weights above 16kg. The killing sheet included on this page shows the results of the Romney ram lambs killed in January. The mothers of these rams were joined with the ram on the 1.04.11. The growth rate of these lambs was over 300gm/day. We continue to make lamb growth a priority when selecting sires. Breeding stock has thrived this year, with scanning rates for cows and ewes being where we want them. We have just started docking, and John Manning reports from his block at Tokirima that his best paddock ratio of lambs to ewes so far has been 400 lambs from 221

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Paparata Station, located on the eastern side of the Tangarakau Gorge, has experienced very favourable climatic conditions for farming for the last 12 months.

Fertility:

180% plus scanning rates. Hogget lambing for over 20 years.

Methane Testing:

Selecting for lower emissions.

OctOber 2023 MANAWATU FArMING LIFeStYLeS

DON’T WASTE A SINGLE DROP Summer is coming!

Ensure that your rainwater systems are in good condition so that no water is wasted.

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0800 825 463 • info@streamline.kiwi • streamline.kiwi 911 Tremaine Avenue Roslyn, Palmerston North 4414