Northern Farming Lifestyles, April 2012

Northern

Farming Lifestyles

April 2012 Edition

Phone: 09 439 6933 | Freephone: 0800 466 793 | Fax: 09 439 6930 | www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

Looking to downsize?

Page 8

Far North Orchard has deep roots

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See page 5

Indian grass could solve Northland environmental woes Page 14

tractors and machinery ACRES OF NEW & USED EQUIPMENT ON DISPLAY – CALL IN TO VIEW

Tortella RPT6-320 3.0m spike rotor hoe with Aitchison seedbox and packer roller.

Tortella E6 3.5m powerharrow with packer roller.

Celli K305 120" rotaryhoe.

Celli Pioneer 140 rotary hoe with packer roller.

Walco 1 ton, PTO, 3 pt fert spreader.

Berti Eco-Forestry, 1.8m heavy duty scrub mulcher.

Nobili BNU230 Y flail mulcher.

Tortella TP15 Y flail mulchers, 1.8m, 2.0m, 2.5m and 2.8m.

Hustler CH8000, trailed multiple bale/ silage feeder.

Duncan Sidewinder, round bale feeder.

Spire hydraulic rotation bale feeder.

Feeder Leader feedlot bale feeder.

Bucktons SD83, tandem axle, side feed silage wagon.

Giltrap MSX100, tandem axle, side feed silage wagon.

Webco CF800 T/A, side feed silage wagon Sam 10m³ tandem axle, side feed silage wagon.

Peecon 15m³ twin auger mixer wagon, tandem axle.

Silage grab hydraulic.

Rata side-feed elevator bucket.

Auger feed out bucket.

Duncan renovator seed drill, mark 3, disc openers.

Duncan 734 triple disc seed drill, 19 row, twin box end tow kit.

Aitchison 1414 grass farmer seed drill with discs.

Moore triple disc seed drill, hyd wheels.

Connorshae 18 row trailing seed drill.

DAL-BO AXR-E300 trailed, tandem 26" discs, transport wheels, roller.

Hooper 5 aside giant and supergiant discs.

Berends 6 leg groundbreaker subsoiler.

Farmgard contractor hyd graderblade.

Abbey 9000L slurry tanker, auto fill.

Pond stirrer, pto driven.

Kumara top chopper, 2 row.

Kumara Single row harvester.

Buckton 6t trailed fert spreader.

Sam 4Ton tandem axle fert spreader.

Sam 6Ton tandem axle spreader, brakes, cover.

Bertolini 600L spray out.

Bertolini 1000L spray out, 12m hyd boom, foam marker, computer controlled.

Fuel tank, mobile 1900 litre.

Williams P.T.O. effluent pump and hoses.

Front-end-loader fit New Holland.

Massey Ferguson ride-on mower with rear catcher, as new.

Donalds P.T.O. post driver.

Case CX80 Cab, 4WD, loader, 3500h.

Case MX90C, 4WD, pearsons H/D Loader.

Claas Arion 620, cab, 140hp, loader, 2300h.

Claas 696RZ cab, 145hp, hyd shuttle and 4 speed power shift.

John Deere 6300 cab, 4wd, loader, 90hp.

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John Deere 8400, 250hp, 7920h, near new tyres, dual wheels.

John Deere 2850, cab, 4WD, loader.

MF5465 DYNA4 4wd cab, stoll loader.

500h, 130hp (140hp boost).

McCormick MTX140, speed sequencer trans, 4700h, loader.

Massey Ferguson MF3075 CAB, 4WD, pearson loader.

New Holland TM190, super steer, 4700h.

CAT 304.5 Digger, Cab, 4.5T, Blade, Swing Boom.

Kobelco SK70 digger, blade, cab, hyd tilt hitch, thumb.

Sumitomo SH100-2, ROPS frame, thumb, piped, quick hitch, rock bucket.

Sumitomo SH120-2. 12ton, aux piped.

Yanmar Vi050 5T digger, cab, blade, piped.

Komatsu D20PG bulldozer, 6 way blade, tidy.

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2

April 2012

Northern Farming Lifestyles

Look out for waterweed ‘nasty’

The Northern Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by NorthSouth Multi Media Ltd, a privately owned New Zealand company.

Phone: 09 439 6933 or 0800 466 793 • Fax: 09 439 6930 Email: info@thelifestyler.co.nz • Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: Lifestyler House, 107 River Road, Dargaville General Manager: Deb Wright (dw@thelifestyler.co.nz) Editorial: Annette Lambly-Robinson Paul Campbell

Graphic Design: Greer Mackay Gavin Bainbridge Dave Stevens Emily Stevens Jan Balcombe

Advertising: Betty Willets

Production: Jenny Crundwell

Northern Farming Lifestyles Distribution area

Managing Editor: Allan Mortensen (am@thelifestyler.co.nz) Accounts: Lesley Robinson (accounts@thelifestyler.co.nz) Front Cover: Children’s tractor race Northland Agricultural Field Days action Website: www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

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Farmers and lifestyle block owners have been asked to be on the lookout for an unwelcome addition to the region’s aquatic plant life.

Dams and ponds and other waterways are being scrutinised for salvinia, otherwise known as kariba weed, that forms dense mats on the water surface with an astonishing growth rate.

It can double in size in days.

It was thought to have been officially eradicated from the region, but Northland Regional Council biosecurity staff have found it in both the Hikurangi area, near Whangarei, and near Okaihau in the Far North District.

NRC biosecurity officer, Sara Brill, says salvinia is a real threat to Northland’s lakes and large ponds, deserving of its banned status under both the Biosecurity Act and the regional council’s Pest Management Strategy which make it illegal to sell, propagate or distribute it.

“Salvinia quickly forms extensive mats, completely smothering waterways and badly affecting water quality,” she said.

“Overseas experience is that these mats kill off native plants, block dams and waterways, impede drainage and disrupt recreational activities and can create a very real drowning risk for people and animals.”

Ms Brill says salvinia reproduces solely by stem fragments and can double in area within just 10 days.

“Anyone who sees it in Northland — or suspects it may be present — must legally report it to either the regional

council or MAF Biosecurity New Zealand.

Staff will ensure ponds are cleared thoroughly and will do follow-up checks as necessary. There is no charge for this.”

Ms Brill says salvinia is a small, free-floating aquatic fern with branched, horizontal stems that lie just below the water surface.

“Plants are usually up to 30cm long, and have green to bronze spongy leaves that occur in pairs, while leaf shape varies with the age and environment of the plant. Young leaves are oval, about 12mm across and lie flat on the water, often resembling duckweed and as the plant matures, leaves become thick and fold at the mid-rib.”

The upper surface of the leaf is water repellent and covered with distinct white hairs with an egg beater-like tip. Salvinia has no true roots, but has a root-like structure underneath each leaf pair and as the plant matures, these ‘roots’ resemble wet hair.

Detailed information on salvinia is available online from www.nrc.govt.nz/ nasties or from www.biosecurity.govt.nz/ files/pests/salvinia/salvinia-fact-sheet. pdf.

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Northern Farming Lifestyles April 2012

Levies decided for new tags Tag and slaughter levies farmers will have to pay once the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) scheme becomes mandatory for cattle on July 1, have now been confirmed by the government The NAIT initiative is designed to provide reliable, up-to-date information on individual animal locations and movements anywhere in the country to enhance our ability to respond quickly in the event of a biosecurity threat such as a disease outbreak. Under the scheme farmers need to register with NAIT, tag and register their stock, and record animal movements.

Crunching the numbers, it will be funded through a combination of the levies paid by the industry of 65 percent, and public funding at 35 percent.

Because it is a non-profit scheme, levies will only be used to recover NAIT Ltd’s operating costs.

The cattle tag levy for 2012/13 will be $1.10 excluding GST per tag. The tag levy is paid at point of purchase as part of the overall cost of the tag.

The slaughter levy for 2012/13 will be $1.35 per head excluding GST per tag, and will be administered by meat processors.

Deer join the scheme on March 1, next year and NAIT will recover two percent of its operating costs from Deer Industry New Zealand (DINZ), which will in turn recover this cost from its members.

NAIT Ltd consulted on the scheme’s proposed cost recovery late last year.

After analysis under Primary Industries Minister, David Carter, in January, they were confirmed by Cabinet at the beginning of April.

NAIT’s cost recovery proposal recognised some existing animals will be impractical to tag, and proposed a transitional process allowing these animals to be sent to meat processors without NAIT tags, subject to payment of an impractical to tag levy. This was also confirmed by Cabinet.

For the 2012/13 financial year the impractical to tag levy will be $13 excluding GST per head. Animals will only be eligible for the levy if they are impractical to tag, being transported

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Northern

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SCRAP METALS WANTED directly to meat processors, and have an official Animal Health Board primary barcode tag.

The impractical to tag levy was put forward in response to feedback from the sector, and recognises that some animals are just too dangerous to tag.

“Our message continues to be to tag cattle with NAIT-approved tags ahead of July 1, and tag them while they are young and easier to handle,” a spokesman said.

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April 2012

Northern Farming Lifestyles

Innovative

avocado growing in the Far North The warm climate north of Awanui is ideally suited to growing avocados and at Paparore, on the edge of the old gum fields, Alistair Ewart’s ‘Rangaunu’ orchard (named after the nearby harbour) grows mainly Hass avocados for export

T

he 50ha property has 9ha in canopy. Rangaunu was amongst the first orchards to be planted in the locality and is one of a cluster of seven.

Alistair’s previous work was in earth moving but his parents have always been growers. His change of occupation accompanies a shift from Tauranga seven years ago. It has allowed Alistair and Jackie to pursue some of their outdoor interests in the district — accuracy shooting and duck shooting, hunting, off and on road motorbike riding, and fishing. They like the freedom of space with forest and beach nearby.

The avocado season finished a month

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Alistair in the taller Hydralada used for picking

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Northern Farming Lifestyles April 2012 5 water for the four months of the year the orchard needs it.

is a simple thing.

“AIf tree you give it what it needs it

”

will do well

pan and Alistair says smaller sized trees handle this better. He is also trying a new method of height reduction by cutting the ground at the front of the bigger trees and using the digger to push them over. The root system is preserved. These trees are cropping well and they have been easier and safer to pick and the costs of using the powered ladders is reduced or eliminated.

Avocados have shallow root systems and with excess water they can be susceptible to phythothora, a root rot. Alistair continues work on the orchard’s extensive drains’ system to break up the pan and take off ground water. However, the two big springs on the property still supply reticulated

The trees are presently spaced at 7x7 metres but Alistair is considering a more intensive planting system of smaller trees towards gaining more productivity from the same area. Only hand picking would be required.

“A tree is a simple thing. If you give it what it needs it will do well,” says Alistair. He thinks innovatively in combating pests and uses molasses and fish fertilizer in the spray brew. “It helps spray effectiveness and tree health.”

The avocado industry is not without challenges.

Australia and Japan are the main markets and this year the Australian market fell on the back of weather disasters there. Alistair is pragmatic and optimistic however. “This is a long term project,” he says.

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Alistair in the orchard with his and Jackie’s dogs

ago and Alistair is now pruning the blocks. Alistair and Dale, who is employed at the orchard, managed the picking with two ground crew brought in for ladder work. The Ewarts use a Hydralada, a powered ladder with a high lift working platform.

The orchard’s two machines have six and eight metre booms and usage requires careful weight consideration as the orchard is mainly on a slope to help with natural drainage.

Some trees are thirty years old and Alistair is reducing height by taking out parts of the tree in a four-year process so crop production isn’t reduced. The soil overlies a hard sand

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April 2012

Northern Farming Lifestyles

Wheat and barley flourished at

Waimate North

by Annette Lambly-Robinson

R

enowned scientist Charles Darwin once raved about the crops of barley, wheat and corn he saw at Northland’s Te Waimate and was overwhelmed by the huge range of familiar produce of fruit and vegetables, including asparagus, kidney beans, cucumbers and rhubarb he saw growing.

‘After having passed many miles of uninhabited useless land the sudden appearance of an English Farmhouse and its well-dressed fields, placed there as if by an enchanter’s wand, was exceedingly pleasant,’ he wrote.

It was one of few bright spots on a brief trip to New Zealand in 1835 that impressed Darwin — New Zealand he later described as an unpleasant and unattractive place.

At the time of Darwin’s visit, the graceful Georgian style Te Waimate Mission House at Waimate North was part of a model English village and farming station set up in 1830 to encourage English ways of life and farming practises to local Maori.

The gracefully pretty Te Waimate Mission House at Waimate North was once at the centre of New Zealand's first experimental farm

One thousand acres had been brought from Nga Puhi for the Church Mission Society by the Reverend Samuel Marsden for this intent.

Today, the 170-year-old ‘Mission House’ (the second oldest house in New Zealand) is the only one of three houses built for the missionary families that remains.

The clear goals of those missionaries was to not only oversee the farm aspects, but to ‘civilise, catechise and baptise, says the Historic Places Trust’s property curator of the Mission Station — Mita Harris.

For a short spell the prototype English village and station flourished, stamping its presence in our history.

“It was the site for the second signing of the Treaty of Waitangi,” said Mr Harris.

Along with the farm, two water mills (for grinding flour) roads, bridges, farm houses, a chapel, a schoolroom, a printery, carpentry, blacksmith and wheelwright shops were all built.

The main Mission House was built around 1831-32 for the missionary George Clarke and his family. They lived there until 1841 and for the first two years Reverend William Yate also lived with them.

Another key historical figure was missionary John Bedggood — the mission’s ‘jack of all trades’, who was

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Northern Farming Lifestyles April 2012 a skilled wheelwright, blacksmith and carpenter. He took over the mission’s flour mills establishing a second mill — the Paremata mill — further down stream and also built a biscuit factory to supply ship’s biscuits to boats in the Bay of Islands.

In the early years the mission flourished, but by the end of the 1830s it had declined in size and stature — the dream was fast fading.

There were difficulties with land clearance and soil fertility, and those Maori who had supported the mission also became wary of the settlers.

Around 1842 Bishop Selwyn took over the small village as the headquarters for the Anglican Church. He resided in the house until 1844 while the other buildings formed St. John’s Theological College (which was later moved to Auckland.

By 1845, most of the buildings, fences and gardens had been destroyed by the British troops who resided in the village during the wars in the north and only the mission house itself survived serious damage.

Further attempts to revive the mission station failed and by the 1870s Te Waimate had become a quiet farming community.

By 1902, the other two mission houses, destroyed by fire in 1873, had been dismantled and most of the 1000 acre property was sold.

In 1959 the Mission House was taken over by the New Zealand Historic Places Trust.

Today, “apart from a small section and the house which is open to the public, most of these 25 acres are leased for grazing to the Mountain family — descendants of one of the early English settlers in the district,” said Mr Harris.

Nearby are the remains of a cottage and a reconstructed blacksmith’s shop where missionary and wheelwright John Bedggood once worked and resided with his family.

The rest of the once thriving Te Waimate village can be explored on a fascinating archaeological walk.

“It was the site for the second signing of the Treaty of Waitangi,” said Mr Harris

Maori farmer went against the grain In 1831 George Clarke and his missionary colleagues established Te Waimate Mission Station as a model English wheat producing farm aimed at educating the ‘natives’ on ‘proper’ agricultural practises.

time — and was selling butter in the Bay of Islands.

He was also having a lot of success with sheep.

“The butter he produced sold for as much as two shillings and six pence a pound,” said Historic Places Trust’s property curator at Te Waimate Mission Station — Mita Harris.

Ironically, however, it was one of Hongi Hika’s most experienced warriors, Taiwhanga Taiwhanga who recognised the real potential of pastoral farming and in turn educated the English.

While at Keri Keri working as a foreman for missionary John Butler, Taiwhanga became fascinated by foreign crops and farming methods.

By 1826, with his new found knowledge Taiwhanga had flourishing vines and peach trees as well as an extraordinary ‘European’ vegetable garden.

But it was his interest in cattle that set him apart from others. He built up a farm near Te Waimate Mission Station and while the missionaries’ dreams of wheat-based agriculture was steadily flagging, by 1836 Taiwhanga had built up a herd of 20 cattle — large for the

Autumn

“These transactions are the earliest regular sales of dairy produce known in New Zealand, and technically makes Taiwhanga New Zealand’s first commercial dairy farmer” he said.

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April 2012

Northern Farming Lifestyles

Far North Orchard has deep roots

winding The historic Orira orchard of the Wooster family lies at the end of a road on the Orira River, at the edge of the Hokianga harbour

T

here, on a fertile sheltered river flat fringed with mangroves and surrounded by forest, 7,000 fruit trees thrive alongside the Woosters’

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Marion and John Wooster

cattle farm. Marion and John do the work of both operations. Their three children now own the property, with all decisions made by the family together.

The Woosters hailed from Maine.

The family has a history of blueberry growing stretching back 200 years, and John’s grandfather had a prune orchard in Washington State.

Together with his wife’s family, the Harrisons, Grandfather Wooster saw opportunity.

“The New Zealand government had an advertisement in the Washington

“

Evening Post and they bought the land here sight unseen,” says John.

His grandfather and the Harrisons arrived in Onehunga in 1902 on the SS Moana. They walked up the coast, swimming the Waimamaku River and then hiring a boat at Opononi to travel further. “They built houses out of gummy kahikatea because it was similar to what they knew from Maine — but it rotted after 10 years,” explains John. The first accommodation was a two-storied shed.

The women lived on the top level. Early

Some find it difficult to believe we grow all the varieties we sell, but we do

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Earthworks, Drainage, Roadworks Phone all hours A & S Contractors is a local family firm, and with their team, operate three quarries and offer a range of contracting services from farm and development road work, building sites, to spreading crushed metal on to roadways. Delivery is a specialty.

Ruarangi Quarry, Paparoa/Oakleigh Road, Ruarangi supplies a wide variety of aggregate, including excellent Quarry Run for farm raceways.

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building work, in colours from blue and green through to shades of terracotta. Landmark buildings of Waipu including Waipu’s House of Memories are fine examples of this beautiful stone. Waipu Stone feature rocks were the markers used for the ‘Heritage Trail’ of the history of the Waipu area.

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Northern Farming Lifestyles April 2012 photographs show a clearing with a large vegetable plot and an orderly planting of small fruit trees. Fruit was delivered to Kohukohu and Rawene in four-gallon tins on an old whale boat towed behind a launch, and produce was also sent down to the Onehunga markets. Everything travelled by water until the access road was built in 1932.

The property mainly produced vegetables and then it slowly switched to fruit growing. Trees were chosen from the Sears and Roebuck catalogue and the selections shipped out from America. The family still has trees from those days. John has a quince planted 110 years ago as well as a Brown Turkey American variety of fig of the same age. In recent years Tammy and Nicole Wooster travelled to Maine and renewed ties. “The old fruit varieties were still going strong there, including some that The new orchard with slipway and whaleboat in foreground continue to grow here, such as the apple Oregon Red Spur.”

While some fruit is privately sold, the Woosters mainly sell through Farmers Alongside tradition the Woosters Markets at Kaitaia, Kerikeri and Paihia. have always been innovative growers.

“Some find it difficult to believe we grow “Grandpa Wooster was one of the first all the varieties we sell, but we do. We plan Golden Delicious [apple] growers in New Zealand,” says John. They themselves so that we have fruit to sell year round,” have developed a brown rot resistant explains John. For these growers the markets peach. Marion enjoys trailing new are a perfect fit with their operation. They varieties, both of their own and others also offer the chance to enjoy tree ripened from nurseries testing the Northland fruit and some of the more rare varieties from this long-lived enterprise. climate.

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Marion and John Wooster among their wide variety of fruit trees

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9

10

April 2012

Northern Farming Lifestyles

Risk vs Return. Is it possible to seek a high return from your investments and still sleep at night?

It is if you know the safest ways to grow your portfolio.

When posed the question of ‘what do you want to achieve with your investments?’ many people respond by saying ‘I want the highest return I can get, with the lowest risk.’ Of course that answer is somewhat ironic, because in order to generate any given return, there is always a certain level of risk involved.

In fact, there is an inherent link between investment risk and investment reward, or return. That is, the higher the expected return of a financial asset or security, generally, the higher the risk associated with it.

But what investors really mean when they say, ‘I want the highest return I can get, with the lowest risk’ is that they want the best return they can get. Of course this will be based on the amount of risk they are willing to take. Essentially investors have three key objectives they want to achieve: • To protect and/or grow their capital.

• Not to lose money, and to get a return better than they can get from the bank.

In order to achieve the ultimate goal of getting a good return at an appropriate level of risk, but one that also allows you to sleep at night, there are two concepts to consider. The first is the concept of risk; what it means and how it affects

investment returns. The second is diversification and how it can be used to manage risk and assist in generating better returns for investors.

FACTOR 1. RISK Essentially risk has two components: exposure and uncertainty. Every time we hop on the quad bike or tractor there is a risk involved: we are exposed to the danger that we may have an accident, even though the chances of it happening are uncertain. So we assess the risk and take precautions such as ensuring that drivers have the skills to operate the vehicle in any situation, that bikes and tractors are regularly serviced and maintained, and that farm tracks and bridges are well maintained and wide enough for farm vehicles — and most of the time all goes well.

Investment risk is no different. When we invest, we are exposed to uncertainty, but this time the uncertainty is that the investment will not turn out as expected.

The variation of returns for any given security, asset or group of assets is referred to as volatility. Volatility is a measure of the degree of up-and-down movement in the value of a security or asset over time and is a common measure of risk in the investment world. Principally, low-risk assets have low volatility and high-

risk assets have high volatility.

Investments in cash and bonds tend to be less risky than property and shares. If you’re older, you are likely to be more cautious in your approach compared to someone with many years of earning potential ahead of them. And don’t be put off by risk. Properly managed, risk is good; investors can benefit from it. That is what ultimately drives investment returns.

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FACTOR 2. DIVERSIFICATION Diversification is a simple concept. A well-known phrase talking about diversification is: ‘Don’t put all your eggs in one basket.’ This is very apt and visually it is easy to picture. In investment terms, the concept is the same. Diversification (having a range of financial assets such as shares, property, bonds and cash) reduces both the upside and downside potential and allows for more consistent performance under a wide range of economic conditions.

HOW DO I DIVERSIFY MY RISK? Most investors will spread the portfolio across cash, bonds, property and shares.

But how does an investor decide how much to invest in each in order to build the

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Sue Richards (left) and Leah Watson

best portfolio for their circumstances. This is where good financial advices comes in.

Seeking good advice from someone whom you have complete trust and confidence in is vital. Quality financial planning organisations provide a series of well diversified portfolios which span the risk spectrum for investors. From conservative through to high-growth options, all the bases will be covered.

M

Next month we discuss how can you manage financial risk effectively.

Leah Watson and Sue Richards are Authorised Financial Advisers with Spicers. If you have any questions about this column or would like to speak to them about your situation phone Leah or Sue on 09 407 7250.

This column provides general information and cannot be considered personalised financial advice. Leah and Sue are not liable for any loss suffered by those who follow the advice provided in this column. A disclosure statement is available on request, free of charge.

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12

April 2012

Northern Farming Lifestyles

Do you have an ‘itis?

If you have a health problem that ends with ‘itis’ it is an inflammatory disease. The term arthritis describes various inflammatory joint diseases. More specifically bursitis describes the inflammation of the fluid filled sac (bursar) in joints. Tendonitis is inflammation of tendons and so on. If you have an ‘it is’ you have unwanted inflammation.

I remember about 15 years ago having bursitis in my elbow.

Goodness me it hurt. My elbow was swollen, hot to touch, red and very painful. In my case this was caused by an infection and needed IV antibiotics.

Following this I had a weakness in my elbow which lasted till about 10 years ago when I started adopting seriously antiinflammatory diets and supplements.

The four main indicators of inflammation are swelling, redness, heat and pain. This is of course what we can feel and observe. Inflammation goes a lot deeper than that. Our immune system responds to real (or imaginary) threats by sending a cocktail of chemicals with exotic names including prostaglandins, histamine, complement and cytokines. These chemicals cause a series of events that include dilation of blood vessels which increases blood flow. This extra blood flow causes both heat and redness. These inflammatory chemicals then cause capillaries to become more permeable causing protein rich fluid to leak into tissue spaces. With joints this causes swelling, stiffness and of course pain.

They also attract white blood cells to help clear out pathogens and dead tissue.

This inflammatory response is critical when needed to repair damage or fight off bugs. It is unwanted when it occurs in otherwise healthy tissue. It is even worse when it is triggered to fix something it cannot repair. This is generally what happens with osteoarthritis. The joint tissue has eroded and the immune system thinks this is something it needs to fix and inflames the joint unnecessarily. Anti-inflammatory medicines such as diclofenac or ibuprofen block the unwanted inflammation reducing the symptoms. Even better is when you can coax the immune system into shutting down the unwanted inflammation.

Innovative and forward thinking impresses judges

by Annette Lambly-Robinson

Te Kopuru dairy farmer Michael Rope, 28, believes good staff and good record keeping are an essential component of successful farming “Human resources are vital, and employing the right people for the job is very important,” he said.

Michael is a low order sharemilker on his parents, Pam and Ted’s farm on Turkey Flat Rd, south west of Dargaville, where he was born and grew up.

A stint away on farms in the Waikato and Canterbury after university saw him return home four years ago.

“It was too good an opportunity to turn down,” he said.

He and his partner Jessica, a teacher, employ five other workers on the 360 hectare (effective) farm — three of these, along with Michael, milk the 980 cow split herd in a 60-bail rotary shed.

Last year Michael offered a $5000 scholarship for a Happy with their lot. Jessica and Northlander to study the Diploma in Farm Management at Michael check out their contented herd Lincoln University. Tara Lawrence of Whangarei was selected as the inaugural recipient. She will, after completing her diploma, do 12 months employment on Michael’s farm.

He intends to offer a scholarship every two years. He did this to promote the benefits of study at Lincoln as he (and he believes other farmers) want

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There are many naturally occurring compounds including antioxidants and some fats that actually switch inflammation off and bring sanity to inflamed tissue. If you have an ‘it is’ you it is essential you adopt the dietary changes and supplements that can reduce inflammation and your ‘it is’ may reduce or even disappear. Feel free to contact me for personalised advice.

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Northern Farming Lifestyles April 2012 to employ ‘work ready’ people, who not only love farming, but who want to go somewhere in the industry.

He says trained people provide a good skill base — he himself did the same diploma at Lincoln.

Judges in the recent Dairy Industry Awards competition were impressed with this initiative and awarded Michael the North Innovation Merit Award in addition to placing the first time entrant runner-up in the Northland Sharemilker/Equity farmer section of the competition.

The home farm is complemented with a 221 hectare runoff which grazes the dry herd as well as providing 100 hectares of silage and 26 hectares of maize in addition to the 30 hectares of silage made on the home farm.

Apart from silage, Michael also feeds around 300 tonne of palm kernel per annum to the milkers.

He strongly advocates the cows need weight on going into winter and additional supplements to balance the pasture content.

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resources “Human are vital, and employing the right people for the job is very important

”

The 2010–2011 team which includes Pam (second on left second row) and Ted, last on right

The farm is mostly flat with some rolling contour with kikuyu pasture under sown with Italian and perennial ryegrass. He’s happy with the kikuyu saying it has been a bonus during prolonged dry spells, but admits it has to be rigorously grazed or topped during wet summers to keep it controlled.

It’s one of his goals to continue to improve the pasture, that, along with building a ‘Kiwi Cross’ herd, and reducing the farm debt.

While already a shareholder, the

NORTHLAND SERVICE CENTRES Servicing local farmers’ fertiliser needs and continuing to provide outstanding service for both Ballance Agri-Nutrients and Altum customers

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13

problems associated with wet winters and dry summers. ”We keep our stock ratios low over winter and all dry stock off the main farm,” he said.

In addition to the 200 dairy replacements raised each year, Michael’s parents run around 100 mixed beef and raise 100 Hereford weaner calves.

Apart from a busy life on the farm Michael is a keen rally driver.

He has just completed the Rally Whangarei where he took fourth place in his class. He heads off whenever he can to other north island rallies.

Michael drives a modified Suburu Impreza under the guidance of his codriver, Whangarei’s Michelle Mitchell.

He said he enjoyed the awards and entered to benchmark himself against other farmers, to meet other people and to gain new ideas.

Contact: Dean Guerin Ph (09) 470 0900 TSR: Neil Crowson Ph 027 285 0663 TSR: Vicky Brough Ph 027 464 2971 Northland Area Sales Manager: Russell Plank Ph 027 255 5507 Contact: Alex Tawhara Ph (09) 423 8669 TSR: Scott Tapp Ph 027 497 9645

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all you need to grow

overall objective is to own the majority of the shares in the farm.

The herd is already a mixture of Friesian cross cows, but Michael is focussing on breeding towards the ‘Kiwi Cross’ which are effectively half Friesian and half Jersey.

“They are a smaller framed cow, better suited to New Zealand conditions and being lighter don’t pug as much as the bigger cows.”

One of the difficulties the farm faces is the heavy pan in the soil and the

Michael (left) Colin Trim with a spreader offered to other farmers

NORTHLAND SERVICE CENTRES Servicing local farmers’ fertiliser needs and continuing to provide outstanding service for both Ballance Agri-Nutrients and Altum customers

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14

April 2012

Northern Farming Lifestyles

Indian grass could solve

NORTHLAND ENVIRONMENTAL WOES Planting vetiver grass could be the answer to ridding soil of chemical residue, preventing run-off slips and erosion says Wendy Hamilton-Gates, a Kerikeri lifestyler, and lifetime gardener

W

endy believes the non-invasive Southern Indian plant could be nature’s secret weapon against environmental and climatic damage.

The former nursery owner has spent the last ten years vigorously promoting

the use of vetiver grass — which grows well in the north — to landowners.

She chanced upon its benefits following a visit by World Bank senior agriculturist and conservationist, John Greenfield, who gave her a plant

Images from Albertland Off to another customer — Wendy Hamilton-Gates packs up her vetiver plants

for all enquiries re ‘the Vetiver System’ contact Wendy 09 407 9537 or 021 022 22765 www.vetivernurseries.co.nz email: vetivergrass@gmail.com

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and a challenge to base a business around vetiver grass. Mr Greenfield is considered a world authority on soil and moisture conservation.

At the time Wendy knew nothing about vetiver grass, or its attributes, and for sometime the plant sat neglected in a bucket in a forgotten part of her nursery.

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thriving when Wendy remembered it several months later.

Impressed by its hardiness Wendy began researching the plant and its benefits and musing over the business venture John Greenfield had been suggesting.

A semi-tropical plant it is drought tolerant (but can handle the odd drowning in flood water), does not flower, seed or sucker and can live up to 100 years.

Vetiver grows up to one metre tall and 60cm wide, sometimes as quickly as within six months, but it is the extensive root system that holds the secret to the plant’s biggest benefit.

Within three years the root system can grow ‘straight down’ as much as four to five metres into the ground.

Planted as a hedge (the top of which can be trimmed) the dense foliage takes the power out of flood water while “the fibrous root system joins together — like holding hands and prevents the earth from collapsing,” she said.

The measured maximum resistance of vetiver roots in the soils is equivalent to one-sixth that of mild steel (75MPa) — the massive root system is likened to ‘living nails’, Vetiver grass planted in the last 2 months — great growth over the binding the soil together. summer months, helped by the rain we have had constantly this summer It is this same root system that cleans up polluted waterways and wetlands and old toxic sawmill sites where arsenic and other soaks up chemicals and residue from fertilisers chemicals were hidden in the soil as well as around and agricultural related chemicals and also old mining sites for stabilisation and chemical prevents slips and erosion. Its role internationally removal,” says Wendy. has been extended Living on the into environmental outskirts of Kerikeri, protection. The fibrous The fibrous mat of roots not Wendy rents a house mat of roots not only and large section only act as excellent filters, but act as excellent filters, situated on a larger but strengthen earthen strengthen earthen structures and lifestyle block. It structures and remove is here she has remove many contaminants from many contaminants developed a nursery, from soil and water. soil and water propagating and selling “Research in vetiver grass as well as Australia and China lending advice to those has shown that Vetiver is a very effective method of keen to learn or use the plant. treating polluted water, domestic effluent, industrial Until recently she used to attend the various wastewater and landfill leachate,” says Wendy. markets, but has found word of mouth and “It has been effective overseas in cleaning up satisfied customers are her best marketers. She

Northern Farming Lifestyles April 2012 15 has planted vetiver around the veggie gardens and orchard to keep dogs and pukeko (which eat her corn before she has a chance to harvest it) away. She uses a heavy mulch of vetiver to retain moisture in her summer garden.

In winter the plant’s green leaves take on a purple tinge, but can be kept green by side dressing with blood and bone.

Clippings and trimmings can be fed to cattle.

Overseas the leaves are woven into a number of crafts and household items and the oils extracted from the roots are used in the perfume industry.

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April 2012 Northern

Farming Lifestyles

Mulched Instantly!

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Clearing this hillside at the back of Warkworth shows the steepness of the terrain and just how dense the gorse was. The final result is impressive when you consider that in a little more than a day we were able to make such a transformation. No matter how big or how small, 2 acres or 2,000 acres, we can mulch any size gorse, all other noxious weeds and trees to below ground level while preserving native vegetation.

Using track grips fitted to our digger means our machinery can reach almost anywhere. The major difference is that the mulcher gives an instant result, the gorse is there one moment and gone the next. The mulch is able to rot down and put nutrients into the soil while stopping soil run off when it rains.

I have added a new service to our list. Ex-Forestry blocks – turning these back into pasture blocks.

We mulch the stumps in place, leaving the root ball in place so as not to damage the soil structure by mixing clay with topsoil or leaving any soft holes where stumps have been pulled out. Mulching up all the stumps and slash so it can rot down into the soil structure is far better for the soil and the environment than burning, which damages the soil structure with the heat and all the nutrients from the wood, well that floats away.

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Northern

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Wheels April 2012

Nationwide focus on quad bike safety As part of its nationwide quad bike safety campaign, Department of Labour health and safety inspectors will again be visiting farms in an effort to reduce accidents.

Last year 400 farms were visited during the autumn round of the campaign with nearly one third of those issued with a written warning or improvement notice.

In the spring campaign almost one half of the 503 farms visited received written warning or improvement notices.

Department of Labour central division general manager Ona de Rooy said inspectors also talk to farmers about the four key safety steps and provide them with copies of the Quad Bike Safety Guidelines.

“Our hope is that we will see a sustained improvement from farmers,” said Ms de Rooy.

“Farms are workplaces and farmers must remember that they have a

responsibility to ensure the health and safety of their staff.”

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According to Department of Labour statistics, an average of 850 people are injured each year and five people killed as a result of quad bike accidents.

“We encourage farmers and their workers to go through a quad bike rider training course,” said Ms de Rooy.

“This is the best way to ensure people learn the skills they need to ride safely.”

In a joint effort to focus on the prevention of accidents through competency and training, FarmSafe in association with Agriculture ITO (AgITO), introduced the Quad Bike Farm Licence in August 2010.

The Quad Bike Farm Licence consists of a practical training package covering safe quad bike riding practices.

“The aim was to provide a robust method of ascertaining that not only have people undertaken training and been assessed against the standards,

photo supplied by Department of Labour

Quad bike safety includes ensuring riders are trained and experienced, always wearing a helmet, never letting kids ride adult quad bikes, and choosing the right vehicle for the job

but also that participants are required to answer a set of questions designed to test their knowledge of the Department of Labour’s guidelines,” said FarmSafe national manager Grant Hadfield.

“This helps people understand what is seen as taking all practicable steps under the act and also what their responsibilities are.”

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April 2012

Northern Farming Lifestyles – Farm Wheels

FA R M W H E E L S

Tired of tyres Used tyres. They dot the rural landscape, where perhaps they fill their only really useful role, in holding down covers on farm silage pits They have also been used as planters, and in a few instances, packed with earth to provide alternative eco-homes on lifestyle blocks.

However, this is a limited resource for tyre recycling, so much so that the

government has come up with $133,000 in funding for the Product Stewardship Foundation to explore recycling options for used tyres.

“We have a significant environmental problem in New Zealand with the disposal

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We need to find economic The Motor Trade Association is a lead ways to put them to better use.

Possibilities include processing the tyres member of the investigating group and for road surfacing products, converting manager, Dougal Morrison, says it is them into floor tiles, useable fuels and good to see common sense prevail. recycling the steel.”

“There are only so many silage The working group will look at stacks in New Zealand. Most tyres, even schemes in other countries and develop if collected by reputable collectors end options and guiding principles for up in landfills around the country.”

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Northern Farming Lifestyles April 2012

19

Improving trace element efficiency Dr Bert Quin, fertiliser and soil fertility consultant

Applying trace elements directly to land to overcome deficiencies has been practised in New Zealand since the 1930s. Early examples include cobalt (Co) to cure ‘bush sickness’ in sheep, selenium (Se) to improve animal fertility, and molybdenum (Mo) to improve fixation of atmospheric nitrogen (N) by clover These and other trace elements are commonly incorporated into fertiliser or lime applications to avoid an additional application cost. Direct treatment of the animal is far more efficient per unit trace element, and ensures the correct dosage is given to every animal, but at considerable cost. Salt licks and addition to drinking water are considerably cheaper but do not ensure adequate ingestion by individual animals — some consume too much, others not enough.

Direct application to the land with fertiliser or lime ensures that all pasture is treated, provided the spreading is even. The issue then is to ensure that the trace element is applied in a manner and form that will ensure that adequate amounts are taken up by the plant, whether it be required for plant growth, animal health, or both.

Ensuring that as little as 150 grams (eg Mo) to a few kg (copper) in solid form is very evenly mixed through every 200500 kg of solid fertiliser being applied per hectare can be done, but it requires good equipment and real diligence on the part of fertiliser store staff. Most trace elements applied in solid form are used as the sulphate or carbonate form (‘chemical’ form), for cost and ease of handling. Only a few percent of a trace element applied in this way gets taken up by the plant and ingested by the animal, and this fact is allowed for in recommended application rates. A very high percentage becomes more or less permanently fixed or bonded onto stable soil organic compounds.

The easiest ways to improve the utilisation of trace elements, without higher product costs immediately destroying any advantage, are (a) foliar application in liquid form, and (b) use of chelated or polymer-bonded forms of trace elements, particularly if these two

practises are used together. Chelated trace elements are typically twice as expensive, but can be up to ten times as efficient, especially if maximum opportunity is given for foliar uptake.

Of the major nutrients, only nitrogen (N) can be taken up directly through the leaves of pasture in sufficient quantity to meet 30% or more of total requirements, or provide a real boost to production — and then only if the N is applied as urea, in fluid or solution form, and if a urease inhibitor of some sort is incorporated.

However, pasture can take up sufficient quantities of most trace elements to easily control any plant or animal deficiencies, provided it is applied as a chelated or polymer-bonded form, in water.

The necessity for the product to be sprayed on — therefore requiring an expensive separate application to the solid fertiliser or lime — has greatly limited the use of foliar application of

trace elements on pasture. However, new aerial and ground-spreading technology has significantly reduced the cost premium of applying maintenance fertiliser, N and lime in high-solids fluid form. One of the many advantages of this new technology is that trace elements and additives such as gibberellic acid and weedicide can easily be incorporated into the fluid. This ensures extremely even application, and means that nutrients that can most efficiently enter the plant through the leaves will do so. The rest fall through the leaves to the soil as they dry out, also minimising dust and risk of run-off.

Note that it is simply not necessary to have all the product in very fine form.

For most ingredients, excepting the trace elements, a size range of 20250 microns is ideal. This applies to lime also

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April 2012

Northern Farming Lifestyles

Where does your septic go?

It’s one of the most vital systems for the health of your home and your family — as intrinsic to modern life as your electrical wiring and as important for your comfort as the fireplace in winter.

It’s no surprise that none of us really want to think about the septic system which makes our home liveable — it’s doing the mother of all dirty jobs down there — one which would make even Mike Rowe think twice! But a healthy and

fully functional septic system is all that stands between you and a very nasty situation, so it’s best to make sure it’s taking care of business heading into the cold, wet months of winter.

A septic system which operates correctly is largely ignored, but it’s a miracle of technology and bacteriological science. It’s actually quite a fragile environmental system down there, and imbalances in chemicals can have a

Septic Tank Owners

How you can save money by keeping your septic system effective and healthy Septic tanks and multi-stage septic systems are delicately balanced environments. It does not take much to upset them.

Common practice is to ignore the septic system until problems occur.

Good and best economical practice is to always keep your septic system well maintained.

A malfunctioning septic system can become a health hazard.

When a system is not maintained or operated as a delicately balanced environment, problems occur.

These problems include nasty odours, leach line blockages, untreated liquid rising to the surface, toilets gurgling and taking time to empty.

At this stage your septic system is a serious health hazard to you and your children. Human waste produces faecal coliform bacteria, a source of viral and bacterial gastroenteritis as well as Hepatitis A and other diseases. Hepatitis can be a debilitating condition and cause long-term harm to children.

There are only three remedies.

One: stop using the septic system until it recovers.

This can take over a month and is not normally practical. Two: excavate your septic system and relocate it. This is very costly and time consuming, sometimes requiring new resource consents and different systems. Three: treat your septic system with Septi-Cure™ every six months.

Septi-Cure is Cost effective.

By far the most cost effective solution is to pour one litre of Septi-Cure™ down each toilet bowl every six months. This simple action will help keep your system working at top efficiency by reducing solids and scum. Instead of emptying your tank frequently, the reduction in solids and scum saves you expensive pump out costs. Your irrigation field and leach lines will become clear of slimes and

b blockages so nature can handle the gradual seepage and evaporation for you. When this is happening your system will be operating effectively and not endangering you or your family’s health.

What is Septi-Cure™ Septi-Cure™ is a concentrated mixture of selected naturally occurring microorganisms. These harmless tiny organisms live and multiply by feeding on waste material. When introduced to your septic tank system, they go to work straight away digesting waste material, reducing solids and scum, allowing your septic system to start operating to its maximum efficiency. As they progress through to your irrigation field they feed on the slimes that prevent seepage and evaporation. When seepage and evaporation return to normal, you have reduced the risk of contaminating groundwater and the environment as well as reducing the chances of infection for you and your family. Eventually, they get washed out of the system and have to be replaced to continue their work. This is why you introduce Septi-Cure™ to your septic system every six months for maximum efficiency.

A satisfied customer in Hamilton has been using Septi-Cure™ for three years.

He says this allows them to have an odour-free septic tank with low maintenance costs. He also says that his service person is amazed at how well Septi-Cure™ works, keeping their tank in very good condition.

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dramatic effect on its effectiveness.

That’s when the septic system really starts to get noticed — bad odours, gurgling noises, blocked pipes and seepage are normally the first sign that things are amiss. Then it’s necessary to call a plumber or septic system specialist, which can sometimes prove both inconvenient and costly.

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Northern Farming Lifestyles April 2012

Be my Guest Farming facing a lost generation In a press release last week, the banks have now decided they believe farming is under threat of a lost generation, because young people are not turning to farming as a career. Banks are now planning to make available special financial loans to encourage emerging future farmers. No doubt this will include future sharemilkers In our agricultural history over the last hundred years, thousands of young men and women began their farming careers starting on wages. Those who chose the dairy industry worked on wages followed later on by 29%, 39% and 50/50 sharemilking agreements with dairy farm owners.

It is generally accepted that sharemilking originated from the Scottish concept of share farming and was melded with the American sharecropping arrangement in the 1880s to produce an agreement which has led to the development and institutionalisation of sharemilking in the New Zealand dairy industry.

In 1937, the Sharemilking Agreements Act was introduced by statute of Parliament. This lower order sharemilking Act allowed young men and women to be independent contractors, without having to own dairy cows to enter into the New Zealand dairy industry. Many over the years have purchased their own farms.

The Sharemilking Agreements Order 2011 has been ratified by Parliament and while there have been some changes to dividend related payments, it is still, we believe, the best performance related employment agreement available for dairy farm owners today, when employing an employee in a farming management position.

As the farm manager, the sharemilker is responsible for the employment of staff and the farm owner is not subject to concerns about staff employment, the involvement of statutory and annual holidays, sick leave and ACC payments.

All this is the responsibility of the sharemilker.

The farm owner still controls the farming business under a sharemilking agreement and he is comforted by the knowledge that if he has a good sharemilker and production increases, the remuneration for the farm owner and sharemilker reflects the benefit.

Some dairy farmers pay their employee managers on a kilogram of milk solids basis. This is called a Walsh type of agreement. In doing so they run the risk of the IRD not accepting that the employees are deemed as independent contractors and have sought PAYE reimbursement payments from farmer employers, who have entered such contract agreements.

There is a big difference between the status of independent contractor and that of an employee (who is covered by the Employment Relations Act). The law requires that employers look at the control test. What is the degree of control that the employer or principal exerts over the work an employee or contractor is to do and the manner in which the work is to be done.

The greater the extent to which the principal specifies work content, hours and methods and can super vise, regulate and/or dismiss a person, the more likely it is that the person

is a big difference “There between the status of

independent contractor and that of an employee

”

21

Bill Guest, Farmers of New Zealand

would fall under the category of being an employee, not an independent contractor.

Farmers of New Zealand encourage dairy farmers looking for managerial employees, to seriously consider using the new Sharemilking Agreements Order 2011. This is still the best way to encourage the next generation into the agricultural industry and on to farm ownership with the support of the banks.

Farmers of New Zealand provide our members with free agreements and professional advice.

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22

April 2012  Northern

Farming Lifestyles

LARGE SCALE DAIRY NEEDS NEW OWNERS

Dargaville

Frith Road

Tenders Close Thurs 10th May 2012

Looking for a large scale dairy farm with undeniable production gains available. The farm is held in three titles with a total land area of 357ha and an effective milking platform of 310ha. Improvements include a high standard of farm buildings and a state of the art 70 bail rotary milk shed with advanced feed system, pro track drafting systems and feed storage are only part of the attractions. Currently operating as a spring calving regime, the property has an average production in the vicinity of 238,000kgms from 700 cows. Being sold with 215,000 Fonterra shares the property has all the infrastructure in place.

Bayleys, 25 Rathbone St, Whangarei

View phone for viewing times www.bayleys.co.nz/186339

Neil Sinclair

Tony Grindle

M 0800 293 620 B 09 430 0032 neil.sinclair@bayleys.co.nz

M 021 432 308 B 09 430 0032 tony.grindle@bayleys.co.nz

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Northern Farming Lifestyles April 2012

23

Top honours for local real estate stars Jill Wilson

It was a night to remember at the annual First National Real Estate awards for the team at our local Dargaville and Maungaturoto branches, as they filled the trophy cabinet with accolades.

Held each year by the Australasianwide group of real estate professionals, the awards honour achievement in all areas of the trade, singling out those agents who have gone the extra mile for their clients and those who have excelled in different facets.

Jill Wilson from Roper and Jones (our local First National branch in Dargaville) is overjoyed with the range and number

Rhoda Morrison

of awards her tight-knit team have won, with recognition in a wide range of categories and in the face of stiff competition from Auckland salespeople enjoying a resurgent property market.

“It’s recognition for all their hard work,” she says — hard work which has seen Roper and Jones declared Rural Office of the Year as well as gaining the third spot overall for sales.

Other accolades for individual salespeople include a pair for Rhoda Morrison, who attained both top rural salesperson and a Sapphire award (equivalent to a silver medal in sports).

Michelle Tomlinson

Rachael de Vries

Jill Wilson and Michele Tomlinson both took home Ruby awards (equivalent to the bronze), while Rachael de Vries earned not only the coveted Diamond award, but also the fiercely contested position of top exclusive lister and eighth place across the northern region overall.

For her five years with First National Rachael was also given a long service award, while Gary Morris from the Maugaturoto branch was commended for his fifteen years of service.

Roper and Jones have also picked up the top award for their public

Images from Albertland

Gary Morris

relations and advertising. The award is specifically for ‘best consistent coverage’ — and there’s no denying that the bold blue and white colours of First National are always seen around the Kaipara.

For one agency to win so many awards is a testament to the dedication and ability of the people who work there, and the folks at Roper and Jones have every reason to celebrate their win. For those looking to buy or sell property in the Kaipara, it’s just a few more good reasons to pay this winning team a visit.

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24

April 2012

Northern Farming Lifestyles

Has the big wet started?

by Bob Cathcart, Land Management Specialist, Northland Regional Council

Farmers have enjoyed a couple of mild and relatively dry winters — but is the pendulum swinging back the other way?

Visit the KINGHITTER Site No. C72 at Northland Field Days 2012

If we’re in for a long wet winter and spring, there are ways to get your stock through in good condition and avoid longterm damage to your land and the wider environment.

Start planning grazing rotations now.

Identify which paddocks are possible to graze through a wet winter (those with more free-draining soils) and prioritise them in your fertiliser budget. Schedule nitrogen application, if needed, to give you feed at the right time.

Typically in Northland there’ll be soggy spots in some paddocks. These seepage areas are prone to serious pugging, which can be a major source of nutrient and sediment contamination of nearby streams. Excluding stock with a single hot wire around these wet patches will ensure better pasture use on the rest of the paddock and will avoid the worst of the pugging. Match your stock types and weights to the

different soils on your farm, with heavier stock on the more free-draining soils.

A beef farmer friend who regularly weighs his cattle noted his stock are heavier this year, age for age, than in recent years. Given the good grass-growing season we’ve had, most farmers should have the same — and that needs to be factored into planning cattle numbers. Bigger stock means more feed to keep them in prime condition, and more treading impact on wet soil.

Other jobs prior to a wet winter are getting big bales of hay and silage to where you’ll be feeding, tidying up tracks and fixing leaks in the water supply. Gateways take a hammering so shape them up to prevent water pooling and metal a little further out into the paddock.

If you’re considering standoff areas or wintering pads, planning is key — poorly planned and managed systems can be major sources of water contamination. The size of effluent management systems can be significantly reduced by roofing over your standoff area and ensuring there’s no runoff into the area from surrounding land. Also remember there are rules to comply with — call Northland Regional Council’s farm effluent officers on 0800 002 004 to find out what is a permitted activity and when resource consent is needed.

For beef farms, standoff areas and feed pads may sound a bit extreme, but it may well be the next step in increasing production on much of our hill country. Farmers wanting to supply the premium late winter to early spring market need to keep their stock stacking on the weight, without jeopardising next year’s production by pugging and destroying pastures.

stock means “Bigger more feed to keep

them in prime condition, and more treading impact on wet soil

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Northern Farming Lifestyles April 2012

25

DUCK SHOOTING SEASON Plenty Birds

— if hunters have the skills Northland Region Fish & Game says there are plenty of game birds around for the start of the hunting season this weekend — if the weather plays its part when the season opens on Saturday May 5

Look out for others this duck shooting season

“The prospects are good but as usual, success will depend on other factors including a hunter’s skills and the weather,” says Fish & Game Officer Nathan Burkepile.

“There’s been so much rain around that birds may be quite widely scattered with a number found in flooded paddocks, with fewer birds flying into ponds.

“Instead of sitting in a maimai, hunters need to be prepared to shift their position to say, beside a paddock under camouflage netting. It’s a matter of relocating your hunting opportunities.”

Pheasant and quail populations remain healthy with the Northland Region providing some of the best upland game bird hunting in the country.

But Mr Burkepile points out that success on the day can’t be measured by the number of birds which are bagged. He says the opening is as much about “having fun with your mates and kids and enjoying the excitement of the day, and taking part in a Kiwi tradition.”

He’s appealing to hunters who harvest any birds with bands to contact Fish & Game. “Please phone us with details of the bird, its band number and where it was taken.”

Hunters are reminded that rangers will be out in force over the weekend and will be checking licences, and if they’re found with lead shot — now banned within 200 metres of open water — it will be seized and prosecution will follow.

“Hunting without a licence is simply not worth the risk given substantial fines and the loss of your firearm,” he adds.

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Ingredients (serves 4)

Method

1 Duck cut into cubes 400ml can of light evaporated milk 4 tablespoons olive oil 2 large brown onions, sliced 1 teaspoon salt 3 tablespoons curry paste 500ml chicken stock (or water) 2 cinnamon sticks 2 bay leaves 1 kumara sweet potato, chopped 1 tablespoon tamarind paste or lemon juice 1 tablespoon fish sauce 1 tablespoon grated palm sugar 1 tablespoon roasted peanuts Sliced spring onions, for garnish

1. Fry onions in a pot with the oil until brown.

2. Add the duck and salt and cook until meat is browned.

3. Add massaman curry paste and 1/2 can of evaporated milk and cook for 5 minutes on low heat.

4. Add stock, remaining evaporated milk, cinnamon sticks and bay leaves and cook for 1 hour.

5. Add kumara, tamarind, fish sauce, and palm sugar and cook till meat and kumara is tender.

(Add a little water if needed.

6. Garnish with peanuts and spring onions, and serve with rice.

Massaman Curry Paste Ingredients 1 teaspoon ground coriander seeds 2 teaspoons ground cumin seeds 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 1/2 tsp ground cardamon seeds 1/2 teaspoon ground cloves 2 sticks lemongrass (inner white part only), finely sliced 6 cloves garlic, peeled and chopped 1 large onion, peeled and chopped 4 cm piece ginger, peeled and chopped 1 tbsp shrimp paste 10 large dried chillies, soaked in warm water (remove seeds if you do not want a very hot curry) Method Combine ground spices (coriander, cumin, cinnamon, cardamon, cloves) in a frying pan and stir over medium heat till fragrant. Place all remaining ingredients together with the roasted spices in a food processor and blend into a smooth paste.

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26

April 2012

Northern Farming Lifestyles

Dairying

Philippines eyes dairying expertise The Crafar farm sale issue has thrown the spotlight on China and it’s future as both a New Zealand dairy market, and also a possible competitor There are 6,000 to 8,000 Filipino dairy workers employed in farms across New Zealand.

The Philippines’ ambassador to Wellington, Virginia Benavidez, says they want to share “the knowledge and experience that they have

Now attention has been focussed slightly closer to home.

The national dairy industry has found a steady labour supply from the Philippines, and it comes as no surprise that they’d like to be dairy farming in their own country.

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gained from their employment, particularly on dairy production technology and pasture management.”

The Dairy Confederation of the Philippines has also approached its government to discuss new opportunities for the domestic dairy industry, and the possibility of co-operating with New Zealand to “include the drafting of a comprehensive industry roadmap.”

At the same time, the Philippies National Dairy Authority is set to ask the Australian government to subsidise as many as 50 dairy processing facilities in the Philippines.

“We’re proposing that Australia make us a satellite processing centre. We could

start to service local consumption and try to slowly penetrate the region (Asian),” said NDA manager Rene De Guzman.

“We’ll be needing, at the onset, 50 facilities that will be dispersed in various dairy-producing provinces.

These facilities will enable our dairy sector to rise above the challenges of improving production and the quality of our milk and dairy products,” he added, noting that each facility would cost at least 100,000 Australian dollars.

At present most of the Philippines’ milk imports come from New Zealand (52 percent), followed by the US (16 percent) and Australia (9 percent).

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Northern Farming Lifestyles April 2012

by Paul Campbell

Dairying Fonterra and finance

27

The Dairy Industry Restructuring Amendment Bill, which has passed its first reading in Parliament, contains changes that lead to a proposed Trading Among Farmers system This would allow Fonterra a permanent share capital, with farmers buying and selling shares among themselves rather than with the company.

Farmers could place shares with a Fonterra Shareholders’ Fund which could sell investment units through the stock exchange.

The proposed capital structure change has received widespread backing, with some dissent.

Said farmer Lauchlan McKenzie: “As soon as you have outside investors then you have dual control — one is to maximise return to investors which invariably, if everything else is status quo, reduces milk price to farmers.”

A five per cent block of farmers could force a special meeting. “We’ve got those numbers,” McKenzie said.

However, Fonterra says it has a strong mandate for the change from the majority of farmers.

Whatever the outcome, the Fonterra surge continues, with talks on China expansion on the heels of half-year results, showing an 18 per cent jump in half year net profit after tax to $346 million.

Record milk collections last season meant sales growth was up five per cent and revenue up seven per cent and payout at between $6.75 and $6.85 per kilogram of milk solids.

Fonterra Chairman Sir Henry van der Heyden said the company performed well given the weak global economy.

“International dairy prices were supported by strong demand for quality dairy ingredients in emerging markets across a number of Asian economies, as well as Brazil and China, offsetting economic uncertainty in Europe,” said Sir Henry van der Hayden Fonterra CEO, Theo Spierings, said strong economic and population growth is expected to lift global demand for

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milk by 100 billion litres by 2020, with New Zealand likely to boost output by five billion in that period.

“With overall demand growing, we need to grow volumes to protect our position as the world’s leading dairy exporter,” he said.

“We see the potential to significantly grow milk volumes outside of New Zealand by developing a high quality local milk supply and integrating it more closely with our business in China,” he said.

An interim dividend of 12 cents was declared to be paid on April 20.

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28

April 2012

Northern Farming Lifestyles

Notes from the shed

Dr. Julian Waters proudly sponsored by...

with Mark With the payout McKewen high and interest low, it’s a really good time to

fix the things that are causing some grief around the Dairy.

Before you upgrade to new Milfos cup removers or a Milfos Variable Drive Vacuum System it would be sensible to evaluate things that could impact on your proposed upgrade.

Sparkies generally do a great job, however, we regularly come across wiring of all sorts that has been installed incorrectly.

For instance we see the right cable used on say, a milk pump controller, but still bundled with everything else so it creates interference with the controller and bingo, a slightly crazy controller. Unless you know what to look for it can be a painful process to find as it looks like a faulty controller.

Milking Machine Automation: weighing, heat detection, yields, This1.is important for all sorts of systems from pulsation controllers to cupmilk removers This is more all sophisticated about milk quality, fat, protein, in line detection, and the the system the more careful you havemastitis to be. We convenience anddatasaving you removers, restraints, powered recommend keeping cables as far awaycup from power as cow possible. money. automation is voltage, generally herd management.

We haveThis all heard about stray yes itpit doesgates, exist and can cause all sorts You considered during new machine name we terminations usually havebetween a solution! of issues, we have found a major source is the cableit and installation, most products Variable drivesalthough and Motors.

A lot of farmers in today’s can retrofitted as with Therebe is aeconomically lot of documentation supplied variable drives withto regard to the environment need create a fluid well. auto cable Products to be usedlike andauto metalwashes, glands for terminations and a system etc, thatthese can are be minimums easily upgraded drains, iNTELFLOW variable driverecommendations or better. If in doubt good Sparky will follow manufacturer’s from a quality iCR cup remover milk and iNTELVAC Vacuum get it pump checked. to yields and mastitis detection to pump controllers are common.

Other same deal, and move the electric fence Don’t forget the effluent or water pump, full iDATAFLOW herd and cow less known examples unit to the implement shed,include they can the be an management. interference nastyMilfos in the dairy. products are Multiport Wash Glands (so youfind don’t For sensible advice on Upgrades, your local Milfos dealer or Area specifically designed soSales that Manager you can have to park a rotary platform and at www.milfos.com. update as your budget dictates.

We have been talking to a lot of people lately about Dairy Automation. This can be categorised into two distinct areas; Milking Machine Automation and General Automation.

plug it in to wash) or our iCONVERTER Chilling system, capable of delivering milk to the vat snap chilled, look after the vat temperature and produce heaps of hot water. Think about the electricity savings! These things are all designed for maximum returns for your business.

2. General Automation: With Milfos the scope is huge! Drafting,

There is so much scope to the Milfos product range, it’s important to think and plan what you need now with a view to where you want to be in the future.

A good place to start is www. milfos.com to see our product range and to contact people who can help you get what you need.

Dairy Farmers…

Balancing strategic supplements in late lactation

by Dr. Julian Waters (BSc(Hons), MSc, PhD,CBiol, MSB, RNutr, CPAg, MNZIPIM)

Many spring calving herds generally produce only 30-35% of their milk after December, often due to low milk yields in the latter part of lactation and/or short lactations.

This indicates there may be an opportunity to increase farm income through a combination of higher daily yields later on, and extending days in milk for another 20-40 days. The extra milk produced will increase farm profitability, as its value exceeds the marginal cost of producing it, as overheads have already been covered.

There would also be a carry over benefit to the next lactation if feeding supplements also increase condition scores at drying off.

There are an increasing range of supplements being offered to dairy farmers, of widely varying nutritional value and handling characteristics. These can be used effectively to reduce feed costs whether purchased on their own, in blends or meals, according to feed storage, handling and feeding facilities and equipment on individual farms.

There are a number of potential pitfalls when purchasing and using unfamiliar feeds that need to be considered. High moisture feed prices should be converted to a dry matter and energy basis, and allowances made for losses in handling and storage, to gain a better understanding of their costs.

Care needs to be exercised with many of the energy density predictions based on laboratory analyses, as these may be incorrect if based on inappropriate calibrations or calculations.

Many of the supplements available are not complete feeds, being by-products of some food or other manufacturing process. Therefore, it is important to understand their nutritional

composition, to identify how best they can be included in a balanced ration. This will also help minimise any risks associated with feeding some high risk feeds, such as those containing high levels of rapidly degradable starch or sugar, which could lead to acidosis.

Supplementary feeds can comprise a significant part of the daily ration, often exceeding 15% on a dry matter basis. The higher the proportion of supplements, which includes maize or whole crop silages, and the lower the proportion of pasture, then the more imbalanced rations can become. It is common to balance for protein, but less so for the major trace minerals and vitamins, which can significantly compromise production, health and fertility.

Therefore, it is important to seek sound advice on the best products to avoid or correct any imbalances, which can easily be determined using a reliable feed rationing programme. If supplementary feeds are fed in troughs in paddocks, on feed pads or in barns, then appropriate mineral and if necessary vitamin balancers can be added to or mixed in with these.

It is slightly more difficult to include minerals if feeding supplements in milking sheds, unless these have been blended and pelleted, as there may be risks of blockages or separation if inappropriate grades, ie too fine, of minerals have been used. This may be the case with mixes made on farm, added to which is the risk of inaccurate weighing and mixing. Therefore, it will generally be safer to use products specially formulated for this purpose.

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Dairying Hoof Print With Fred Hoekstra

Cheaper than a lame cow Cowslips are lifesavers for many cows — without them many more cows would go to the works. This is assuming that the slips are put on correctly; I have seen many instances where they were not. Some dairy farmers think that cowslips are wonderful; some think they are too expensive and some could not make them stick on longer than a few steps.

Others commented: “just make sure you don’t have any lame cows!”

Most of the farmers I know do not have easy answers to their lameness issues. Sometimes we come across a cow that has had a block applied to its sore claw. This clearly shows that some farmers do not understand how cow blocks or cowslips work.

The idea of a block is to glue it underneath the healthy claw so that the sore claw is relieved from carrying any weight, allowing it to heal faster.

The cow should then walk better immediately as her pain has been greatly reduced. A block should last on a cow for three to four weeks.

This gives time for the damaged claw to heal.

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and the Bovi-Bond Block Adhesive and blocks instead of cowslips. This is mainly because they are easy to work with, are nowhere near as weather dependant in the time they need to set (can be used on cold or hot days) and, most importantly, we can place the block much better on the claw.

Northern Farming Lifestyles April 2012

With a FuturaPad or Bovi-Bond block you can place the block as far back as you like, though obviously you would not want to place it too far back. The back part of the block should be flush with the heel of the cow. It doesn’t matter at all if the toe is sticking over the front as long as the heel is flush. This way the block will wear more evenly and that is also better for the ligaments. The block should also be placed flush with the inside of the claw and needs to be as flat as possible and not on an angle. Remember that the block is there to support the weight of the cow — that can only be achieved if the block is placed square and not too far forward.

The price of a block is often challenged. It does pay to shop around — there can be big variations in the prices of the same products. But, even if the blocks were sold for $100 each they would still be cheaper than a lame cow!

We have recently become a distributor for the Bovi-Bond block. This is a fantastic product. So if you are in the area pop in to check them out.

For more information and tips on working with blocks and on either of the two above-mentioned products, contact us on 0800 833 463.

Often you find with the shoe-type blocks that they sit too far forward.

This makes the heel part of the block wear too fast or they may even collapse in that part of the block. The cow has no choice but to walk on the heel of her foot which puts an enormous strain on the tendon keeping the pedal bone down. This can cause so much stretch in some cases that there is a degree of lasting damage.

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LE

LIDDINGTON ELECTRICAL

• New Home Installations & Alterations • Commercial & Industrial Installations & Rewiring • All Work Completed to a High Quality • Home Theatre Installations • Garden Lighting • Guaranteed Workmanship • Rural Work

Ph 09 434 3708

Mob 027 493 2207 • Fax 09 434 3127

t Protec ilk your m n tio produc

What we haven’t got we can get!

Maungatapere transport Livestock & general carriers Hardware store & farm supplies Silage & hay making Workshop repairs Water

Do you know how to treat this cow?

PROTECT YOUR MILK PRODUCTION

Protect your milk production by treating your cows naturally. Demotec FuturaPad claw blocks and BoviBond Block Adhesive blocks are easy to work with, can be used in hold or cold weather most importantly, sit really well on the claw. The best part is your cow can still produce. Call now to learn more...

Call us Now! 0800 833 463 Can you afford not to ?

Qualified hoof trimmer Fred Hoekstra

“I will personally Maungatapere Phone 09 434 6722 Freephone 0508 434 672

guarantee satisfaction and effectiveness of our info@veehof.co.nz www.veehof.co.nz methods & equipment”.

A Megaw Tapanui “Great machine, makes trimming feet easy and safe”.

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Northern Farming Lifestyles

April 2012

Northern Rural Marketplace Acraflex Dairy Wall Coatings New or existing walls

AFFCO LIVESTOCK Terry North

Smart new homes…

Able to be applied between milkings during summer months

Colourcrete Dairy Floor Resurfacing System Suitable for repairing damaged dairy floors or slippery areas Bruce Cameron 027 498 8412 / 09 235 8263

Anlyn Piling & Contracting Ltd Whangarei

Andy Payne

• Pile Driving & Drilling • Farm & Rural Bridges • Dams • Retaining Walls • Earthmoving • Drain Cleaning • House Sites • Races & Driveways • 12 T & 5 T Diggers • 6 Wheel Tipper • Bulldozer & Sheepsfoot We dig your dirt

027 543 7244

email: anlynpiling@value.net.nz After hours & Fax 09 436 2982

Enquire today: 0800 Visit:

FAST BUILD | 0800 327 828

www.advancebuild.co.nz

ATS

ProPerty Maintenance & rePair

Phone 09 439 5902

Mobile 027 484 1823 • Fax 09 439 1320

C&C Contract Electrical Commercial • Industrial Domestic • Dairy

Fences & Repairs • Kitchen/Bathroom Fit Outs Wet Wall Lining • Flooring Repairs • Decks • Water Blasting & Chemical Washes • Windows & Latches • Plus Much More

Phone Craig 021 440 634 09 439 6465

10% discount for senior citizens

No job small Ringtoo Andrew

Ph/fax 09 439 8628 Cell 027 455 7750

For all your engineering and agrispray needs

More Milk

Better Health

Less Metabolics

Trailers • Spray Equipment Palm Kernel Feeders • Groundhog Cnr Jervois St & Grey St, PO Box 151, Dargaville Ph: 09 439 6689 Fax: 09 439 4394 Email: sales@compassea.co.nz

0800 464 266 INSULATING NORTHLAND HOMES • 100% Locally Owned and Operated • 100% NZ Made Polyester Insulation • Ceiling and Underfloor Specialists • EECA Registered Service Provider • Energywise™ Insulation Subsidies Available For a Free Home Assessment Call:

0800 738 763

Free parking and we don’t run late

Neil Johnson P: (09) 438 4273

Implements irect for tractor attachments visit us online

*Post hole borers *Box Graders *3 pt Scoops *Concrete mixers *Wood Chippers DEMO VIDEOS AND MORE PH 0800 733 355

FARMERS – How clean is your water?

Would you drink the water out of your troughs?

Now is your best time to service your water system…

Give us a call and let’s check it out.

PHONE 09 438 9103 (24HRS) CALL FREE 0800 McQUINN

Galvanized Towbar BUY ONLINE $195 Inc GST

www.implementsdirect.co.nz

www.healthyhomesnorth.co.nz

phone 0800 4 DOLOMITE 0800 436 566 Bio-Gro certified

0800 627 8466 148 Lower Dent Street, Whangarei

www.mcquinnpumps.co.nz

Make Your Life easier! use our services now!

• Pipe & Steel Supplies • LTNZ Approved Workshop • General, Agricultural & Structural Engineering • Mobile Welding Services • General Repairs & Maintenance • 2 Ton Gantry Crane • Plate Roller, Profile Cutter & Press Brake • de-CRAP-it®, Landplane®, Serious Incinerator® • Field Rollers, Water Carts • Kumara Gear

Newman Engineering (2004) LTD Ph 09 439 5065 Dargaville www.newmanengineering.co.nz

Northland Laser Drainage Ltd Neil Carter Trading as

Doug Wilson Manager Phone: Fax: Mobile: Email:

09 430 2934 09 430 2936 0274 302 934 dougw@nrh.co.nz

Specialising in Fertiliser and Metal cartage.

30 Tonne units available.

We cover your country!

NEW ZEALAND DISTRIBUTORS FOR Power Generation

Pumping Equipment

PORTABLE GENERATORS – DIESEL GENERATORS LOAD TRANSFER PANELS – DEEP SEA ELECTRONICS DISTRIBUTION BOARDS – DEWATERING PUMPS – PARTS & SERVICING www.powerplantsupplies.co.nz • sales@powerplantsupplies.co.nz Ph: 0800 800 837

Subsurface Drainage Specialists (Nth) All Services & Maintenance Available PO Box 1174, Whangarei Ph 09 434 7741 • Mobile 027 273 6865

MARGARET & JOHN BISHOP

Pat’s Healing Centre

Waipu

Solutions for control of fleas, ticks and worms with WashBar products, Diatomaceous Earth, Flee Flea

and Herbs and Homeopathics for your animals

Himalayan Salt Lick with 80+ minerals Orijen Organic Dog and Cat Food—no grains Ph 09 432 0820 or come for a visit

1279 S/H 14, MAUNGATAPERE

www.animalherbs.co.nz

Trans-Tune Automotive

Windy Ridge ContRaCting

Our Services

Mechanical Repairs New Car Servicing Petrol & Diesel Servicing Wheel Alignment Fault Diagnosis Brake & Suspension Repairs Fuel Injection Servicing

09 438 2892  147 Cameron St

Phone Colin 09 439 7266 ~ Mob 021 882 857 • Round Bale Hay and Silage • Medium Square Baling • Conventional Baling • Cultivation • Undersowing • 8 Tonne Tip Trailer • Mulching • Fencing

Servicing the Kaipara and Whangarei Districts

Northern Farming Lifestyles April 2012

31

Next generation compete for agricultural honours It’s one of the biggest events on the agricultural calendar, and for a new generation of farmers it’s a proving ground which puts over 400 hopefuls to the test yearly. Just as in any top sporting competition, though, there can only be one winner a chainsaw box for the back of the ute. Along the way there were awkward moments, trials, triumphs and penalties, just like in a test match, but at the end of the day there was a clear winner — Katherine Tucker edged ahead by three points to take top honours.

This year’s National Bank Young Farmer of the Year Contest is a long way from the first such event, held in 1969 — the pressure is greater, the prizes are bigger and the television audience for this year’s final will be enormous.

That’s because the Young Farmer of the Year is taken very seriously in rural New Zealand, where agri-business is big business. There was a sense that for all the comical banter and the fairground atmosphere at the regional finals in Waipu this March, that these contestants represented the vanguard of 21st century farming.

the youthful contestants were set for a day of good-natured rivalry, watched over by judges in neat black-and-white kit.

In an industry traditionally dominated by men this may seem a shock, but modern farming and agriculture is nowhere near as divided along gender lines as it was when the Young Farmer contest began. Katherine scored 166, over Ian Douglas with the silver on 163 and Benson Horsford on 157.

Despite a spattering of rain the Waipu locals were out in force at Caledonian Park to cheer on the contenders for the title of northern region Young Farmer of the Year. And with a host of intellectual and physical challenges in front of them

Benson Horsford, John KenworthyThompson, Tim Douglas, Matt Marr, Katherine Tucker, Matt Smith, Ian Douglas and Aaron Hunt were tested on all aspects of agricultural know-how — from a demanding quiz to building

The next stage — the added pressure, TV coverage and threeday marathon of challenges which make up the 2012 grand final. We’re sure that our local champion will do Northland proud!

NORTHERN FARMING CLASSIFIEDS Reach 33,300 Rural Homes — Phone 0800 466 793

For Sale

For Sale

Part Time Work

Work Wanted

ATV MATS from $89 – Come in & see us at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Phone 0800 963 636 www.atvtyres.co.nz. Be quick offer ends 30/04/12.

WEED EATERS & CHAINSAWS – GET 10% OFF STOCKED ITEMS at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Phone 0800 963 636 www.atvtyres. co.nz. Be quick – offer ends 30/04/12.

ATV SAFETY HELMETS – from $119 accessories from $15. The law has changed! Have you got yours? Come & see us at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Phone 0800 963 636 www.atvtyres.co.nz. Subject to availability.

WINDMILL WATER pumps by Ferguson Windmills Company. Phone 09 412 8655. www.windmills.co.nz. sales@windmills.co.nz.

AVON SALES Reps Wanted. No startup costs.

Your own business, with free training and support. Have fun, meet people while you earn. Sales Managers also required. Must be self-motivated, goal setters. Phone/text: Tracey 09 436 2055 / 021 02377 508.

BACK 2 WOOD Demolition. For your renovation needs. Servicing Northland – Auckland. Specialising in windows, doors and ranchsliders. Also kitchens, vanities, roofing and more. www.back2wood.co.nz.

Ph 09 408 7163.

BOAT TRAILERS, full range to suit 12ft to 27ft boats, very competitive prices and immediate delivery for most models now. Call us to discuss free on 0800 162 500 Xpress Trailers.

MX FARM BIKE SERVICE.

BOX TRAILERS, single and tandem axle trailers at very competitive prices, full range of sizes, 6x4 $1695, 7x4 $1895, 8x4 $2095, 8x5 tandem $2795, 10x5 tandem $3395, 10x6 tandem $3795 Ph 0800 162 500 Xpress trailers.

Receive 7.5% discount off RRP for standard service parts* with this voucher when you get your MX / Farm Bike serviced at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street Hikurangi. Phone 0800 963 636 www.atvtyres.co.nz. *Conditions apply, offer ends 30/04/12.

CHAIN & SPROCKET KITS DIRT OR FARM BIKE. SAVE 10% off RRP If you get them fitted at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Phone 0800 963 636 www.atvtyres.co.nz. Be quick – offer ends 30/04/12.

CHICKEN MANURE $20 per cubic metre plus freight. Supply, cart and can spread. Call Jeff 09 432 2444 or 027 476 5458.

NEED NEW ATV TYRES? GET 20% OFF RRP & FREE FITTING at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Phone 0800 963 636 www.atvtyres. co.nz. Be quick – offer ends 30/04/12.

NEW YAMAHA FARM ATVs – 5.9% interest & 3 year warranty. Only at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi – phone 0800 963 636 & Yamaha MC Whangarei – phone 09 438 0804. Offer ends 30/04/12.

SINTERED BRAKE PADS – for MX & FarmBikes – from $39 at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Phone 0800 963 636 www.atvtyres.co.nz.

ATV FARM BIKE MX SPARES

INTRODUCTORY OFFER. New Customers Receive 7.5% discount off RRP for all stocked items with this voucher at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street, Hikurangi. Phone 0800 963 636 www.atvtyres.co.nz. Be quick – offer ends 30/04/12. Conditions apply.

ATV SERVICE. Receive 10% discount off RRP for standard service parts* with this voucher when you get your ATV serviced at Rouse Motorcycles, King Street Hikurangi. Phone 0800 963 636 www.atvtyres.co.nz. *Conditions apply, offer ends 30/04/12.

Travel TASTE NORFOLK Island. Escorted Foodies’ tour 15–22 July 2012. Incl airfares, accommodation, five dinners and other cuisine-related activities.

Skylark Tours 09 432 8065. www.skylarktours. co.nz.

VANUATU & Mt Yasur Volcano. Escorted tour 11–18 August 2012. Incl airfares, accommodation, Mt Yasur excursion and great optional extras. Skylark Tours 09 432 8065. www.skylarktours.co.nz.

GOVERNOR’S CUP Golf Tournament Norfolk Island.

Escorted tour 4–11 November 2012. International Amateur Pairs Event. Incl airfares, accommodation, entry fees, green fees, gala events. Skylark Tours 09 432 8065. www.skylarktours.co.nz.

Wanted WANTED. HUDSON & Terraplane Car parts. Any condition considered (mainly 34) Contact John by email: johnbowman@slingshot.co.nz. Also wanted, Morris 1000 Countryman (Traveler).

GRAZING/LEASE BLOCK wanted to run beef cattle.

Close proximity to Maungatepere. Phone Brent 09 434 8251.

FERAL GOAT wanted, preferably wether or kid.

Phone 09 422 7630.

Wanted

Farm Supplies HOP ONLINE AND CHECK OUT THIS MONTH’S GIVEAWAYS. Novaflo, Buteline, Tanks, Pipes, Valves, Bathroomware. PLUMBING SOLUTIONS online. Value for money, Saving you time. www.nzplumbingsupplies.co.nz or 0800 428 376.

SHADE MESH FABRIC REDUNDANT STOCK. Mesh Tarpaulins, Bin Covers, PVC Tarps, Windbreak Screens, Shade Sails, Waterproof Shade, Custom Covers, Design & Build Shelters, BEST PRICES - Guaranteed Workmanship, FREE Quotes, Speedy Service phone NOW 0800 166 722 www.shadesystems.co.nz.

Services

If you’re reading this, then so are your customers Advertise today.

Phone 0800 466 793

FARM BRIDGES Phone Pat now 0800 222 189, visit www.bridgeitnz.co.nz. Bridge It NZ Ltd. FURNITURE MOVING Around NZ or around the world.

Single items or house lots. Pro Packing, moving, insurance. Via trucks, containers, shared loads.

Ph 0800 496 753 www.worldmoving.co.nz.

“Experience & Advice You Can Trust”.

Water Services TANK WATER TESTING. Detect ‘bad bugs’ in drinking water. Report gives results and recommendations.

Sterilisation of water/gutters/pipes and vacuum cleaning. Contact Simon on 422 9345 or at tankwater@xtra.co.nz.

Arrive Alive

...

Don't Drink and Drive

32

April 2012 Northern

Farming Lifestyles

TOWS MORE, CARRIES MORE, SEATS MORE.

BUY ONE, GET ONE

FREE *

For a limited time only, purchase a new Polaris Ranger Diesel, and get a free Outlaw 50! (Value $2,995).

FREE Outlaw 50!

ENDS APRIL

30TH PARTICIPATING DEALERS ONLY

ROUSE MOTORCYCLES

1 KING STREET, HIKURANGI. PH: 09 433 8471 OR 0800 96 36 36.

KUMEU CHAINSAW & MOWER SERVICES

377 STATE HIGHWAY 16, HUAPAI. PH (09) 412-8109.

www.polarisindustries.co.nz