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Dyslexia: a difference — not a disability
It is my pleasure this month to share a column written for me for sharing by Mike Styles. I first met Mike when I was on the board of primary ITO before entering parliament. Mike inspires those who live with dyslexia — this value is worth sharing with you.
The ultimate paradox. People who are clever, but struggle with text.
How many of you know somebody, or perhaps you know several people who are clever but struggle to read, write or spell? Many such people are clever at their jobs, and many own their own businesses. Often the explanation to this conundrum is dyslexia. Dyslexia is best thought of as a condition where intelligent people have an unexpected and, otherwise, unexplained difficulty engaging with reading, writing and spelling.
Sadly the New Zealand education sector does not serve dyslexic learners well. Governments of all colours have continued to ignore this group of Kiwis. The Ministry of Education denied the existence of dyslexia until 2007. We should not blame the teachers. They are doing their best, but they have not been trained or resourced to help children with dyslexia. Children with dyslexia grow up to be adults with dyslexia. Unsupported dyslexia impacts a significant number of New Zealanders. Worldwide at least 10 per cent of people have dyslexia; that is at least 500,000 Kiwis.
The main feature of dyslexia is literacy difficulties, but it is much more than
that. Dyslexia is genetic in origin, affects males and females equally, and lasts a lifetime. It affects all languages, cultures and ethnicities, although anecdotally we believe that te reo is an easier language to master than English, because it follows the rules in its spelt and written form. English, as we all know, is filled with contradictions and contrary rules. There is an exciting part to the dyslexia story. Dyslexia comes with a long list of positive features, including creativity, innovation, visual spatial and threedimensional strengths, as well as great problem-solving skills. Many people with dyslexia have strong kinaesthetic skills and many are very entrepreneurial. There are some highly-achieved Kiwis with dyslexia, including Richard Taylor of Weta workshops, the All Blacks coach Scott Robinson and John Britten of the Britten motorcycle. Technology is helping. There are many different assistive technology devices that make a big difference and level the playing field for people with dyslexia. Article by Mike Styles MNZM, dyslexia consultant and author of the book, Congratulations, you have dyslexia: Great minds think differently. More information visit dyslexia-consulting.com.
by Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country
by Andy Bryenton
Optimism for nonpartisan RMA rewrite
Farmers are optimistic about details revealed about the Resource Management Act’s replacement, as efforts to overhaul the rules open up to opposition parties.
“We welcome the government’s blueprint for new planning legislation to replace the broken Resource Management Act,” says Federated Farmers RMA reform spokesperson Mark Hooper.
“Farmers are spending way too much time and money on costly resource consents and processes that are holding up investment in things like new water storage and rural infrastructure.
“The red tape and box-ticking has become totally ridiculous, which is why Federated Farmers has been pushing for sensible RMA reform that better protects landowners’ property rights.”
The core principle of the RMA’s replacement, as it applies to farmers, has been described as ‘pragmatic’ by Feds. It effectively means that, so long as a planned activity or build won’t have a negative effect outside of the boundaries of a farm, it will be permissible.
“You can essentially do what you want on your own land,” says Mr Hooper.
That’s a big change from the unwieldy RMA restrictions farmers have laboured under. An example cited was of a landowner not being able to choose what colour to paint their new shed. A big part of new proposals includes the need for local councils
to pay compensation if they choose to restrict the use of privately-owned land.
This became a threat when Significant Natural Area mapping, under the former Labour-led government, became a point of contention, potentially locking farmers out of some areas on their own farms for ecological reasons.
“Compensating farmers for the loss of private property rights isn’t just fair, it also means councils will be much more reasonable and pragmatic about when they apply an overlay,” says Mr Hooper.
“Requiring councils to pay compensation will create a healthy tension where councils must have some skin in the game before putting restrictions over large swathes of the country.”
Labour and the Green Party have been invited to get involved in a nonpartisan, across-the-aisle effort to ensure that the Resource Management Act is replaced by a more liberal, usable system.
“Everyone agrees that the RMA is broken and in desperate need of replacement. It fails to deliver the infrastructure and development New Zealanders need, while at the same time fails to properly protect the environment,” says the minister leading RMA reform efforts, Chris Bishop.
“Where we see that compromise could be possible without undermining the intent of our reforms, the government will work collaboratively with the opposition to see whether a mutually agreeable position can be reached.”
RMA Reform Minister Simon Court says that current multi-party inclusive efforts are about ‘ending the culture of no’
CHARITABLE GIVING THROUGH RURAL SCHEME
TBY DENISE GUNN
he couple became involved in the IHC Calf and Rural Scheme while dairy farming in Midhirst.
“Back in the old days, there was quite a bit of advertising around the IHC calf scheme in the farming community,” said Barry.
“I had already heard about it, and was invited to join the scheme by my brother, who
was a representative for the calf scheme as well as being an AB technician. I have been donating a weaner calf every year, usually in November or December, for a good part of my 40-year dairy farming career.”
The scheme raises funds to support people with intellectual disabilities and their families in rural New Zealand. Calves or lambs can be pledged and when sold,
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the sale price goes to IHC. Virtual calves can also be donated.
Barry left school at 15 and began working on the family farm. At 21, he decided to head to Australia for a change of lifestyle.
He spent six years in Sydney where he bought a house and a milk run. It was while delivering milk to houses on his milk run that he met Lina.
“So Lina married the milkman, but the reality of moving to a small farm in Taranaki was a bit of a culture shock. During those 40 years, we’ve seen lots
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While dairy farming, Barry and Lina donated a weaner calf to the IHC Calf and Rural Scheme every year; they now give a monetary donation
of dairy factories closing down until we finished up with only one in Taranaki — Fonterra.”
Taranaki farmers Barry and Lina Kowalewski have supported the IHC Calf and Rural Scheme through donating a weaner calf on an annual basis for more than 30 years.
While milking around 120 cows on Barry’s parents’ Midhirst farm, the couple raised their eight children.
“In 2002, we purchased a further 100 acres up under the mountain as a run-off. Our farm was part of an existing family farm where I grew up, and we leased it off my mum until 1989, when we purchased it.
“I grew up on the family farm with five siblings. My dad died at 51, when I was only eight years old.
“In the early days, the farm was managed by the Public Trust, until my older brothers had finished school and were able to get involved on the farm.”
After 40 years milking cows, Barry and Lina decided to leave the dairy industry and run beef on close to 30ha of the
home farm. They also have the 40ha runoff near Mount Taranaki.
Barry said cold, wet winters are common and the annual average rainfall often exceeds three metres at home and four metres at the run-off.
The couple has reared 40 calves from four-days-old, some on milk powder and some mothered on to cows. They also recently purchased 20 weaners and now have around 200 head of stock, with some sold or soon ready for sale.
“We are working towards selling 60plus each season. My ideal breed would be Hereford Friesian cross or Angus Friesian cross.
“I prefer steers but at the moment we have various crosses, heifers and
steers, including some straight Friesian steers. We are now in our third season and still experimenting with what works best.”
Barry said the plan is to take animals right through to prime at R3 and send straight to the freezing works, which is currently ANZCO, in Eltham.
The couple has also leased out approximately 20ha to their nephew next door who still milks cows on it.
“I think as I’ve grown older, my thinking has changed from chasing the almighty dollar to pondering if I can make a difference in the lives of those less privileged. Hence our decision
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to support the IHC calf scheme,” said Barry.
“I think my philosophy on life changed dramatically when I became a Christian in 1995.
“We are blessed with eight wonderful and healthy children, seven already married and our last one about to be married, and 14 grandchildren, who also enjoy good health. When we see families with intellectually handicapped children, our hearts just want to reach out and help them.”
Since giving up milking cows, Barry and Lina continue to support the IHC Calf and Rural Scheme but now give a monetary donation instead of a calf.
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The couple farm two properties; a 30ha home farm and 40ha under Mount Taranaki
The Kowalewski family
BY DENISE GUNN
nglish-born Laura grew up in Newcastle upon Tyne in North East England. She met Taranaki dairy farmer Bryon West in Newcastle while he was on an OE.
After the couple had been dating for a year, Byron was due to return home to New Zealand and Laura made a decision to follow.
“I decided to come on a six-month working holiday visa back in 2011. I have now been here for 13 years,” said Laura.
Byron is third generation of the West family on their 75ha south Taranaki dairy farm.
“Once I arrived in New Zealand, I was keen to get stuck in helping his parents feed the calves. It was such a novelty to me as I was a hairdresser in the UK and had never been on a farm before.
“I worked at Norwood in Hāwera for a year before I started fully on the farm,” she said.
SUPPORTING WOMEN IN DAIRYING
Since moving to New Zealand and settling into the dairy farming lifestyle, Laura West has taken on the Dairy Women’s Network role of Taranaki regional leader.
Laura found working on the farm was a total change to what she was used to.
“The early mornings were a struggle and having to be back in time for afternoon milking.”
In 2021, the couple bought the farm from Byron’s parents with a spring calving herd of 210.
She said providing food to sustain families is one of the most rewarding aspects in dairy farming.
“I also enjoy the fact that I don’t have to take time off to be involved in community groups. I can just work around jobs.”
The couple have two children. Their nineyear-old daughter Emily was diagnosed with type one diabetes in March 2023.
“That was a shock to our family as there are no others with the condition. She does amazing though, and is such a strong girl. Our son Arthur is seven, and loves his tractors and rugby.”
As a Taranaki regional leader for the Dairy Women’s Network, Laura enjoys helping to create relevant events
The dairy farming lifestyle provides Laura with the freedom to head to her children’s school should Emily have any diabetes-related problems, or issues with her insulin pump.
rural professionals to create relevant events, and connect commercial and sector partners.
members to gain knowledge and skills in the farming sector, while also making connections.
“I really wanted to go. I booked the tickets and went along.
“It was amazing. Such a sense of community, and I went home, attended a couple of my local events and decided I had to be a part of it.”
Later that year, Laura became a regional DWN leader.
“I absolutely love my role. I have achieved things I never thought would be possible for me. Last year, and this year, I am also part of the DWN Conference Committee.”
In her regional leadership role, Laura works with a team of farmers and
“We plan and deliver formal and social events aimed to inspire and educate,” she said.
Connecting with other like-minded women, network partners and getting off the farm are aspects that Laura particularly finds enjoyable.
“The thing I enjoy the most is creating events for women to get off-farm and see them relaxing and meeting other ladies.”
Last year, Laura was announced as a finalist in the DWN Regional Leader of the Year.
“I would like to continue to grow as a regional leader and community member, and keep bringing great events for people.
“I want to continue on my leadership journey,” she said.
Laura (on right) with Dairy Women’s Network Taranaki hub leader Nicola Bryant
English-born Laura first stepped on a farm when she arrived in New Zealand in 2011
In 2021, Laura saw an advertisement for a DWN conference to be held in Taupō. The not-for-profit organisation creates events for
One of the river launches to have survived to the present times, the MV Cygnet has had a career spanning more than a century. Back in the early 1900s, an enterprising Finnishborn fisherman named Victor Sjolund, gained his naturalisation in 1911, at age 45, after being a resident in the country for six years. In 1912, Victor gained his certification as an engineer and operated a launch service running on the river.
In 1913, Sjolund commissioned wellknown boat builders Thomas Major Lane and Sons Ltd to build the Cygnet for the trade on the Mōkau River. She was specially built for the river, which was navigable for 37 kilometres upstream, from the entrance on the North Taranaki
BY LIZ CLARK
RIPPLES ON THE MŌKAU
Shipping has been part of the New Zealand coastline for more than two centuries, as settlement came along the rivers, small vessels, such as launches, in the early 20th century were the lifeblood for many.
Bight. The Mōkau from its source, in the Waikato Region, has a total length of 154km. A second vessel, the Swan, would also join the Cygnet on the river run.
The arrival of the future iconic vessel hadn’t gone unnoticed. The Normanby Star in August 1913 reported: ‘A launch was brought down to Waitara from Auckland last week, to the order of Mr Sjolund, of Mōkau, and is intended for the Mōkau river trade. It is on the tunnel style, 34 feet in length, with a beam of 7ft 6in, and draught of 12 inches unloaded, or 18 inches carrying a load of two tons.’
In 1915, the Cygnet was advertised as a vessel available for day trips at £2 a passenger and was also available for hourly hire. Snags in the river were
Getting the cream cans down to the riverside took all kinds of innovation
common at the time, which had become a problem by 1917, preventing access upriver beyond the coal mines then in
operation. During the lull, Sjolund spent time maintaining and giving his small fleet of launches a new coat of paint.
clearing
so vessels could navigate the river safely, the launch next to the dredge is similar in design to the MV Cygnet
For several years, the little fleet of launches had carried mail to settlers along the Mōkau until 1921, when Victor lost the contract to Eric Lewes. The Taranaki Daily News reported at the time: ‘Mr Victor Sjolund, the unsuccessful tenderer, had held the contract for many years and had always been found courteous, capable and punctual.’
The 1920s were a boom era for dairying and the need for coal and other materials was in demand. The Cygnet and the Swan were both used for carrying loads of coal down the river for the Public Works Department and local businesses, as well as for bringing cream cans downriver for processing.
The little launch was also used for school trips evoking letters from students such as Jessie Morrison from Timaru who wrote: ‘While out camping, we went eighteen miles up the Mōkau River in a launch. The scenery was beautiful and the launchman told us it was better than the Wanganui. Coming down the river, the launchman let each of us steer the launch, which was called the Cygnet.’
The Cygnet changed hands in the early 1930s, when she was purchased by A Waite, who used her for freight and taking paying passengers on Sunday river cruises each week leaving from the Mōkau wharf. In 1933, the Cygnet
was used to tow the former one-room Inglewood School 14.5km upstream to the property of Radford and McKenzie.
The little launch would continue taking cream to the factory, mail and passengers until 1956, when she was sold on and taken to use as a car ferry at Kāwhia. She was used from 1957 until 1971, when her role became redundant,
and she was taken out of service and left in a paddock.
In 1993, Rex and Tracey Mather, from New Plymouth, rescued the launch and had her restored. The Cygnet returned to the Mōkau River and was used for river excursions. She was later purchased by Dawn and Neil Colman, who sold her after 2016 to a new owner.
The MV Cygnet was a workhorse on the Mōkau River taking mail, cream and passengers and sometimes coal as cargo
A dredge
snags
Farming is tough on hand joints
by John Arts, Abundant Health Ltd
A farmer contacted me almost a year ago with significant pain from osteoarthritis. He had severe wrist, thumb and shoulder issues.
This sort of discomfort is quite debilitating for farmers who use their hands constantly in a variety of often heavy farm tasks. The bottom thumb joint, the carpometacarpal joint (CMC), is highly susceptible to osteoarthritis, which is worsened by heavy hand use.
Research studies have shown that farmers are particularly susceptible to osteoarthritis due to the physical demands of their work. The constant and repetitive use of hands for heavy tasks, such as lifting, gripping and manipulating tools, contributes to the wear and tear on joints. Furthermore, outdoor conditions can exacerbate the pain and progression of osteoarthritis, impacting farmers’ health and productivity.
Osteoarthritis is primarily caused by the death of chondrocytes, the cells responsible for maintaining healthy cartilage. When chondrocytes die, the cartilage deteriorates, leading to joint pain, stiffness and decreased function. The processes that cause loss of chondrocytes are worsened by joint trauma of which farmers are at greater risk.
I started my client on intensive nutritional therapy for three months. This involved adding chondroitin sulphate and glucosamine sulphate at 1,600mg daily and a 100% water soluble curcumin (from turmeric) extract. Of these, chondroitin sulphate is by far the most important, as chondroitin is an actual constituent of cartilage.
After three months, he reported significant reduction in pain. He still had some discomfort in his thumbs and one finger but could now close his hands without too much trouble. He now reports that he has no pain at all and is doing well on the lower maintenance doses. This again testifies to our wonderful healing processes once we add what our body really needs.
Contact me if you need help.
John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@ abundant.co.nz. Join his newsletter at abundant.co.nz.
What is Bettaflex?
• Bettaflex is a joint support formula to promote healthy joint cartilage function
• Bettaflex has 400mg (per capsule) of high-grade avian chondroitin, 400mg of glucosamine and 100mg of BioSolve® bioavailable Curcumin (from turmeric).
• Try Bettaflex for 3 months and see for yourself.
How can Bettaflex help?
• Chondroitin and glucosamine are building blocks of cartilage.
• Supplementation with correct levels can support healthy cartilage function and cartilage repair processes.
• New BioSolve® bioavailable curcumin helps joint function while gentle on the stomach.
• Research indicates that chondroitin is highly effective at 800mg daily.
John Arts comments:
“My latest Bettaflex formula includes
bioavailable curcumin for faster results. The normal dose is 2 capsules daily but I recommend an initial higher dose for 1-3 bottles to saturate join tissue.”
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FISHING, HUNTING & OUTDOORS
by Andy Bryenton
Two changes to boost access for hunters
Next month will see the launch of a new hunting permit system across New Zealand, improving access to public conservation land, while health and safety changes promise friendlier relations with landowners.
“Longer permits, automatic reminders and better navigation are part of a significant upgrade that will make life easier for 34,000 hunters that hunt on open conservation land,” says Hunting and Fishing Minister James Meager.
“The underlying technology of the current hunting permit system is outdated and in need of an update, and is being improved based on the direct feedback of hunters. This upgrade will support more hunters, both domestic and international, getting out and doing what they love.”
Permits jump up in their utility, going from a four-month span to a full year. Two weeks before a permit expires, its holder will be sent an automatic message so they can renew it, if they so choose. The whole system has been optimised for mobile devices and phones to make things even easier.
“The upgraded system will also make selecting hunting areas easier. Instead of the 54 hunting areas that hunters currently choose from, the system will be simplified so hunters choose from eight regions, four in the North Island and four in the South Island, including Stewart Island,” says Mr Meager. “All existing hunting areas within
the broader region will automatically be included on the permit, and hunters can also select all hunting areas within New Zealand at the press of a single button.
“These may be simple changes, but they reflect a government, which is committed to making it easier for New Zealanders to go hunting and fishing on conservation land, and is willing to listen to the feedback of the hunting community to do so.”
Additionally, there’s a significant change coming as part of the coalition government’s efforts to reform health and safety rules. Under the new proposal, landowners will not be responsible if someone is injured
on their land while undertaking recreational activities. Health and safety responsibilities will sit unequivocally with the people or the group organising those activities.
“For many Kiwis, outdoor recreational activities are a way of life that has been enjoyed for generations. Unfortunately, New Zealand’s work health and safety settings have reduced the appetite to allow
these activities, inadvertently creating a culture of fear amongst landowners, who are now worried about their legal liability if someone gets hurt,” said Safety Minister Brooke van Velden.
The changes will apply to public and private land, covering farms, forests, school grounds, council properties, parks, national parks and more.
“I want Kiwis to be able to hunt, fish, hike, climb, mountain bike, kayak and so much more without being caught up in health and safety red tape,” says Brooke van Velden
FISHING, HUNTING & OUTDOORS
ADVERTORIAL
Game bird hunting season opens May 3
While the autumn rains have finally arrived, mallard and grey duck remain largely centred on the rivers, streams and permanent water ponds where they’ve been hanging out all summer, and these areas will be great places to hunt on opening weekend.
As water returns to ponds and wetlands that have been dry or at a low ebb over summer, and puddles develop in low points in paddocks, mallard ducks and paradise shelduck will congregate in these areas to feed on worms and bugs. The use of layout blinds and a few well-placed decoys will be the way to go here.
Later in the season, mallards will also be seen in pugged up paddocks behind the cows, and they’ll be flying to a local oxy pond or stream to rest up, providing a good opportunity for a morning or evening hunt.
This year, near record numbers of paradise shelduck were counted at moult sites around the Taranaki ringplain. Taranaki Fish & Game has increased the daily bag limit for paradise from 10 birds to 15 in Game Management Area C for opening weekend only. The usual 10-bird limit applies for the rest of the season.
While many maize crops have been harvested early this year, paradise ducks will still be drawn to areas of maize stubble or newly sown grass, particularly where there is some shallow standing water present.
Trend counts indicate that there are plenty of black swans available, and they should be a good bonus bird for hunters on the coastal dune lakes. Pūkeko numbers have held steady, and reasonable numbers of pheasant are present in coastal sand country and inland hill country areas. For information on permits to hunt pheasant in Harakeke Forest south of Whanganui, Nukumaru Recreation Reserve and Tauwhare Forest, please contact Taranaki Fish & Game’s Whanganui office.
For further information on gamebird hunting visit fishandgame.org.nz/game-birdhunting-in-new-zealand.
All the best for a safe and successful season from the team at Taranaki Fish & Game.
Game season opening morning anticipation
Irri-Max Ltd’s principal, Clem Powell, has been involved in the irrigation market for almost 30 years and provides customers with a top service.
After running an engine repair business, he started a dairy effluent irrigation contracting company, eventually founding Irri-Max in 2002, and establishing it as a company in 2004.
This on-the-job experience has given Clem the ability to provide correct machinery for clients’ specific requirements, and an indepth understanding of how they work. This is especially important with dairy effluent, as the conditions in the pond change regularly.
Clem is always available to discuss situations and make diagnoses or recommendations for his clients to apply directly. Manufacturing his own Irri-Max branded diesel pump units, utilising quality diesel engine brands, such as Iveco, CAT, Perkins and Kohler. Ferrari, Rovatti, Southern Cross and Dagso pumps are used, depending on the requirement.
The clean, integrated design with built-in fuel tanks, levelling jacks, electronic controls and powerful performance makes using them quick and easy, most importantly, in adverse situations and climatic conditions.
They are highly mobile both on-farm and down the road. A full-road kit is available (1 7/8 hitch, springs, lights, rego, etc), but even a standard unit tows well, making it useful for servicing multiple properties.
Most units utilise flanged pumps, which bolt directly to bellhousing and flywheel connection via a shock absorber coupling,
his skill gained from almost 30 years of experience to ensure correct alignment, no loss of power in transmission and safety from moving parts. Pump priming is via manual hand primer or electric priming options.
Irri-Max Ltd uses the Ferbo range of hard hose irrigators for both water and effluent. The turbine drive for water has a computer control option. The Smart Reel effluent units
have a clear pipe to the gun (no turbine) with a computer-driven diesel engine for winding power.
This provides a blockage-free operation and an accurate application. Most models are available as Smart Reels, with choices of pipe size and length. Call Clem on 0800 426 296 for details or on-farm consultation.
Clem Powell takes pride in providing customers with
by Paul Campbell
Time for pasture care
There are some 500 farms on the circumference of Mt Taranaki, and these will be looking towards establishing good growth by preparing pastures for spring and safeguarding them from pugging damage caused by expected wet winter conditions.
Average pasture cover is known as APC, and this needs to be viable for calving and meeting milking herd feed requirements. Strategies to prevent pugging damage recommended by DairyNZ include building pasture cover before wet periods, early grazing of vulnerable paddocks and utilising on-off grazing with well-designed stand-off areas. Sacrifice paddocks can be introduced, by which a smaller farm area can be lost to allow for enhanced regrowth in other areas.
Winter offers an opportunity to reset the residuals’ level for the coming season and ensure leaf growth is promoted. From June to August, in particular, pasture management means grazing during winter is about transferring autumn and wintergrown pasture into early spring to achieve target average pasture cover (APC) at
CROP & PASTURE PREP GUN +BOOM SPRAYING
calving, and meet the feed requirements of the milking herd.
Moist, cool conditions mean ryegrass is forgiving of stress, such as severe grazing, except where high soil moisture leads to pugging damage.
To improve persistence involves managing the transition from winter to ensure appropriate covers are reached in spring. Pugging reduces tiller density and allows weed ingress and reduces subsequent pasture production, and some consideration might be given to standing cows off on races or feed pads. It’s been established that grazing at high stock density on wet soils reduces subsequent pasture production by up to 45% the following year.
It is important to determine the leaf stage of your own pastures. Leaf appearance rates mainly depend on
temperature and water availability with leaves taking longer to appear in colder temperatures or where water is limited.
It’s also time to ensure cows are in good body condition, as fat acts as insulation. Aim to put on body condition in early winter. Keep an eye out for health issues, and transition cows on to winter crops gradually to prevent illness.
Cow wellbeing goes beyond providing food, water and health care. Consider
important cow behaviours, such as lying down, rest, access to shelter and how it affects their experience. Cows can be healthy and well-fed, but still experience frustration and fatigue, which impacts their overall wellbeing.
If, though, a herd is under the care of a grazier, it’s worth noting that the owner has the responsibility of animal welfare, so a good choice of staff goes without saying.
CROP & PASTURE PREP
Locals put 44Magnum to the test
When the Eltham Farm Supplies team says they bring big brands to a small town to support the local people, they do exactly that.
Not that this is always an easy task, but due to co-owner Joe Menzies’ persistence and determination, Eltham Farm Supplies is now able to provide Taranaki farmers with Fertco’s bulk fertilisers.
While securing a supply of quality fertiliser products for locals was always on Joe’s list, he went the extra mile by arranging a sponsorship deal between Fertco and Eltham Farm Supplies so that local farmers could test the fertiliser for themselves.
Seven farmers with various soil types and farming operations from central and southern Taranaki took up the challenge.
On Wednesday, November 20 and Thursday, November 21 2024, 44Magnum, one of Fertco’s controlled-release nitrogen products was applied at 150kg a hectare to the properties by Loyd Gernhoefer Contracting. The application costs were covered by Eltham Farm Supplies and, in return, the participating farmers donated $300 to their school of choice.
At a BBQ and feedback session hosted by Joe and team in March, the trial farmers reported stronger and longer-lasting growth on the areas where the 44Magnum was applied, even though many had been in dry to drought conditions very soon after
Apply 44Magnum now to help get feed for winter
application. One farmer was surprised that the grass was still growing and that the new pasture was thicker.
Fertco’s national sales manager Arthur Payze, who also attended the BBQ, said that some of the 44Magnum pellets were probably still present.
When it rained again, moisture would move into the pellet through the polymer coating. The urea in the pellet would be dissolved, then released slowly back out into the soil.
Quentin Maindonald had the 44Magnum applied to five hectares of his 35ha run-off.
He said that his run-off wasn’t topped or mowed for silage, and where treated, the grass has thicker leaves and didn’t go to head like the rest of the block.
Quentin also said that he has now used 44Magnum over the whole block. Another four farmers said that they had already used the product again or intended using it.
Fertco has been so impressed with the enthusiasm and passion shown by everyone at Eltham Farm Supplies that they have appointed them as agent for the Taranaki region, with team member Barts (Garath Bartley) as a commission representative to service the local farming community.
by Paul Campbell
Field food for thought
Farming in New Zealand is nothing if not innovative, and before too long it will be time to catch up with the latest ideas at National Fieldays at Mystery Creek, but in the meantime, farm work goes on.
With the practice of wintering animals on forage crops commonplace in New Zealand, the government’s AgResearch has been investigating different methods of grazing over winter to maintain farm returns and improve environmental performance.
Traditional winter crop systems, such as those dominated by swedes, fodder beet and kale, are characterised as having a high yield from a defined area. They have advantages over pasture species, such as continued growth into the winter, providing high feed energy with good utilisation, and are simply managed by the farmer.
However, there are disadvantages, namely mud. The mud is problematic due to many factors, such as reducing feed intake, animal comfort and lying down as well as possible pathogens. To mitigate these multi-graze crops refers to paddocks that are grazed multiple times.
A functional multi-species forage mixture will include a high-yielding brassica for bulk, such as kale, swede, turnips.
There are one or two pasture grasses with cool-season activity for winter and
spring growth, including Italian ryegrass, prairie grass and also cereals for bulk, like ryecorn, oats and some legumes for feed quality and nitrogen fixation. The latter includes peas, faba beans and clovers. Other species that may be included for environmental reasons, such as plantain, to help reduce potential nitrate leaching. In a recent trial, in April by grazing ewes at 50/ha for 42 days showed their liveweight was 68kg, had a growth rate of
100g/day, intake at 1.7kg DM/head/day: this totalled 3.57 tDM/ha eaten over the grazing duration.
At the same time, pasture area is released to either accumulate feed for winter or improve the feeding of other animals. This is equivalent to an area of 4.25ha of pasture for every ha of crop grazed. Multi-species forage mixtures will be successful if the feed is utilised by the right stock at the right time and
seed company recommendations are observed regarding maturity of crop, grazing cycles to maximise production and feed quality, etc.
It is also key that forage is utilised before it dies and block grazing is employed, not strip grazing. It is recommended that a two to four-day grazing period is used and a final note — stock are moved if the weather is bad and returned later when that paddock dries out.
DAIRY & LIVESTOCK
Support for drought-affected farmers
Dry conditions, along with below average rainfall, continue across Taranaki and in several other regions throughout New Zealand.
In February, Agriculture Minister Todd McClay classified drought conditions in Taranaki as a medium-scale adverse event, acknowledging the challenging situation facing farmers and growers in the region.
He said the government was making $30,000 available to rural support groups that were working closely with farmers on the ground in Taranaki. With reduced pasture growth, farmers have been forced to feed out, dry-off herds or sell livestock early.
Rural Communities Minister Mark Patterson said the Ministry of Primary Industries (MPI) has been working with sector groups, regional bodies and farmers to provide extra support.
“This has included attending farmer meetings in southern and coastal Taranaki to discuss options for getting through and providing practical tips.
“This classification unlocks further support for farmers and growers, including tax relief, and it enables the Ministry of Social Development to consider Rural Assistance Payments,” he said.
Federated Farmers sharefarm owners’ chair Brendon Attrill said dire conditions in many dairying regions are putting a huge strain on farming relationships.
“There’s no doubt that a fair chunk of those relationships between farm owners and contract milkers and sharemilkers are being really tested at the moment.
“Farmers are being forced to make some very hard decisions, like drying the cows off much earlier than usual. That’s putting a lot of pressure on people, particularly our contract milkers in those drought zones.”
Mr Attrill said the reality is stark for contract milkers paid by milk processors.
“You’re not going to get a lot of income for about four or five months. For some of our contract milkers, they just can’t survive that.”
He urges contract milkers to be upfront with farm owners about the financial strain they’re under.
“In times like these, farm owners need to front-foot the problem and back their contract milkers. We need the owners to really step up and provide some support.”
Federated Farmers sharefarmer chair Sam Ebbett said that kind of support would be a huge boost to contract milkers at a time when things aren’t going to plan.
He said the key message for sharemilkers and contract milkers impacted by the drought is to communicate.
“You need to keep the lines of communication open and be transparent for your farm owner, giving an honest representation of the situation.
“You have to keep making good decisions that will get condition back on your cows, pasture back in play, and make sure you’ve got really good feed plans underway.”
Farmers and growers who require support are encouraged to contact their local Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.
Federated Farmers sharefarmer chair
Sam Ebbett encourages struggling droughtaffected contract milkers and sharemilkers to keep open lines of communication with their farm owner
by Andy Bryenton
More power, less wait
Two clutches, front and rear double-arched A-arm suspension with a front sway bar, 101 horsepower and a tiny weight footprint of just 455kg; it sounds like a track-day race car, but in fact, it’s a new and mighty ATV quad.
Can-Am didn’t want to simply add a little more power to their 2025 1000R quad bike. Their designers’ intention was to offer more horses than you used to get under the bonnet of a VW Golf GTI, all wrapped up in a durable off-road-ready body.
Let’s do the maths, so that you can see just how much grunt this machine really has. The grandaddy of performance, the 16-cylinder, quad-turbocharged Bugatti Veyron, packed in 1,001 horsepower and tipped the scales at 1,950kg, resulting in a figure of 0.51 horsepower for each kilogram of weight. More power for every kilogram means more speed and pick-up.
The Can-Am 1000R gets approximately 0.22 horsepower for every kilogram,
and that’s in the ballpark of some quick and powerful cars, too. The Mustang five-litre V8, Alfa Romeo 4C, BMW M3 and Bentley Continental are all in the same bracket as this new offering from Can-Am’s engineers, and none of them is designed to let rip off-road.
The power comes from a new 999cc v-twin with dual overhead camshafts like a modern sports car, a high compression ratio and a reimagined and very efficient exhaust and intake manifold to help it breathe. With great power also comes the need for great control. That’s why Can-Am has added intelligent throttle control, intelligent engine braking, and a reworked suspension and handling set-up to ensure the 1000R is more than just a straight-line dragster.
The company’s new pDrive clutch system is part of the equation as well.
It’s really a twoin-one, with a secondary dualroller clutch backing up the first pDrive unit to deliver precise and smooth gear changes, even in tough conditions. Between these improvements, and a full set of rubber bushings throughout the suspension system, Can-Am reckon that its new 999cc beast is easily tamed, with less noise and more durability.
It wasn’t long ago that 101 horsepower was a benchmark for sports cars. A seriously hot Mini in the 1970s could buzz past big V8s on the racetrack with less. Now that kind of power is available to those who need an off-road quad for work or play, and its best feature is this. With all that power on tap, you’ll spend less time waiting to get to your destination, and more time getting things done while you’re there.
The Can-Am 1000R leads the ATV industry in an off-road version of the autobahn power wars of the early 2000s
76% of us ignore online ads
by Andy Bryenton
Tariffs a crisis and an opportunity
New Zealand will not engage in a tariff war that would only hurt local consumers, say government officials responding to a 10 per cent tariff levelled at Kiwi exporters by US president Donald Trump.
“New Zealand exporters will face a 10 per cent tariff rate from April 5. While this is a significant development, New Zealand remains competitive against other exporters in the US market,” said Agriculture and Trade Minister Todd McClay.
Dairy exports to the US, amounting to $1.2 billion annually, already face a stiff 19 per cent tariff, and the new measures levelled against them could push this up to almost one-third. There are similar fears for what was a burgeoning wine export trade to North American cellars and tables.
The 10 per cent tariff New Zealand faces is retaliation by president Trump for what he claims is a 20 per cent monetary or non-tariff barrier to US imports to New Zealand, though his Kiwi counterparts are struggling to see how this adds up. The average tariff this country imposes on US goods is 1.8 per cent. There’s suspicion that Mr Trump has bungled the
figures, and is referencing the 20 per cent trade deficit between the US and New Zealand. That’s hardly heartening news for exporters.
New Zealand farming’s red sector will also be one of the most affected areas of the economy as US tariffs bite. Before the tariffs, more than 180,000 tonnes of Kiwi beef were shipped to North America, and demand is likely to stay high as it’s seen as a top-notch quality product.
“Tariffs distort trade and reduce market efficiency, ultimately forcing exporters and producers to accept lower prices while leaving consumers with fewer choices and higher costs,” said Meat Industry Association CEO Sirma Karapeeva.
At the same time, with tariff wars striking many of New Zealand’s other trading partners, buying US red meat might seem like a losing proposition to other nations that could turn to Kiwi farmers for supply.
The government says that there will be no retaliatory tariffs levelled at the US after Donald Trump slapped a 10 per cent tariff on Kiwi exports
Trade deals could be inked in the coming weeks and months, pushing the already buoyant price of beef and lamb higher still. This could well be exacerbated by the fact that licences for US meat processing plants, required to export to the massive market of China, are not being renewed. Todd McClay indicates that trade diplomats are actively seeking
opportunities in India, Europe, the UAE and the UK as the tariff fallout settles.
DIRECTIONAL DRILLING SERVICES
An extension to our current underground works – Trenching and Digger works
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Underboring up to 150mm size
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TIME TO SORT OUT THE GARDEN PAINTS AND STAIN - IT’S ALL HERE
See us for everything you need to sort out your garden including fertilisers, weedspray, deck and path cleaners bulk or bagged bark, stones etc - we can even deliver to you when you need it!
Spring is here, so see us today for advice on the right paint or stain for your decks and fences - or even repainting the house!
We can also set you up with everything else you’ll need - brushes and rollers you name it we have it!
QUALITY, DURABLE SHEDS BUILT FOR TARANAKI
With over 50+ years building sheds, we can design a shed to match your needs, and stand up to Taranaki’s harsh conditions. From haysheds to implement sheds, workshops to storage, Lifestyle and American barns we can do it all! And if its a kitset you’re after, look no further for one of the most straight forward sheds you’ll ever put together!
