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It’s all in the soil
by Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country.
Soil: many from outside the farming community take it for granted, and that is understandable because, for them, it is simply the medium in which grass grows.
Farmers know it is much more. Soil also filters and purifies our water, reduces flooding, helps regulate the atmosphere and plays a crucial role in driving the carbon and nitrogen cycles. It is also key to tackling climate change.
The true impact of soil on all aspects of our life came to light when I watched an incredible movie that the rural advocacy charitable trust, Quorum Sense, brought to New Zealand.
Six Inches of Soil is a new grassroots UK documentary that shares the inspiring story of three young British farmers transforming how they produce food to heal the soil, improve our health, and provide for local communities.
Soil is the essence of farming, of life, but for most urban New Zealanders, that goes no further than what they see — green, verdant pastures.
It’s only when we dig deep into it, beneath the surface, that we discover an additional benefit. Soil is an excellent storage medium for carbon, reducing emissions into the atmosphere, enriching the soil and its productivity, and maximising water infiltration and filtration.
New Zealand farmers know this. They are aware of the organic benefits of carbon retention in soil and actively cultivate it. Yet, the sequestration of carbon in the soil and the consequent reduction of carbon emissions are either not known by the wider public (which is understandable) or, more insidiously, largely ignored or obscured by certain sectors of society that claim farmers are major contributors to climate change.
Movies like Six Inches of Soil point out the opposite, which is why I was so encouraged by Quorum Sense touring it through New Zealand. However, movies can only do so much. I have long advocated that we should do more about the science of soil — studying it and improving it. For example, we could find ways to improve water retention to mitigate droughts.
Then we should be telling people about it so that they get the good oil on soil; that it is a lot more than just green pasture. Once people understand that, perhaps they will stand beside New Zealand farmers in protecting and nurturing our land.
Riparian planting scheme hits major milestone
Since the Taranaki Regional Council launched its groundbreaking Riparian Management Programme in
been reached.
The eight millionth plant has just been planted by a farmer on a riparian margin. The Riparian Management Programme marked the beginning of one of New Zealand’s most successful collaboration programmes between farmers, the community and the council to improve the quality of freshwater and ecosystems.
As the largest revegetation project in the country on private land, a total of 5,385kms of planting has been achieved across the ring plain. Land services manager Don Shearman started running the programme when it was launched.
“The council is proud of the scheme’s positive impact, not only on water quality, but on the transformation of the landscape and on the region’s ecosystems and biodiversity, particularly the establishment of new native habitat.
“We’re delighted to have reached another landmark with the number of riparian plants now distributed to farmers in Taranaki at more than eight million.
“We couldn’t have achieved this result without working together with the farming community and all the other stakeholders who have an interest in freshwater quality. Collaboration and clearly defined roles have been the key reason why the region now has thousands of kilometres of new riparian planting, as well as thousands of kilometres of new fencing.”
Mr Shearman said it’s, by far, the most successful voluntary fencing and planting
programme in the country without ratepayer subsidies.
“We believe it’s made a significant improvement to ecosystems and water quality.”
RESULTS MAX
Contracts for growing native plants in bulk are awarded to commercial nurseries through a tender system. Plants are then sold on to farmers at wholesale prices for planting the following winter. The council has to ensure the correct number of plants are grown each year. Landowners must now order plants a year in advance and pay a small deposit to secure their order. For more details or to order plants for the 2026 winter planting, email riparian@trc. govt.nz or call 800 736 222.
Landowners, who are part of the programme, work closely with the council’s land management officers. They develop free, property-specific riparian management plans.
From left: Taranaki Regional Council riparian team leader Holly Laundon with son, Charlie, and her mother Vicki Jagersma. Vicki is secretary for the Stratford A&P Showgrounds, which is one of the council’s plant depots
Keen on cashmere
by Denise Gunn
Integrating cashmere goats into their farming system is working well for eastern Taranaki couple Tommy Lobb and Grace Campbell.
Tommy first became interested in cashmere goats after reading a New Zealand Cashmere advertisement inviting people to become involved in the Sustainably Beautiful project. The programme aims to restart the cashmere industry, assisting farmers with advice and support.
“My decision to farm cashmere came as I already do a lot of feral goat mustering.
I enjoy working with goats, and have the dogs and fences to handle them,” he said.
“I am also using them for control of Californian thistles and other weeds, but mainly, I was keen to give it a go.”
New Zealand Cashmere business development manager Olivia Sanders met Tommy at his Inglewood farm to discuss the project. Tommy took on 50 wether hoggets to graze, along with 80
two-tooth F2 does and 30 F1 nannies to farm. As part of the contract, Tommy was able to keep all the offspring and sell the fibre.
“In order to get my own stock on the ground after a couple of years, once I have my own flock, those F2 cashmere nannies will head off to another farm.
“The goats work fairly well with our farming system. They have just been run
amongst fat lambs at our Inglewood farm to clean up weeds.
“At Tarata, I have been running them in my hard hill country to help keep mānuka and other weeds from trying to push through away.”
He said the goats do well in steep, hard country. Tommy grew up in the area. His parents farmed at Pohokura before purchasing a Tarata property.
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Tommy and Grace have integrated cashmere goats into their farming system
Unfortunately, Tommy’s father became sick and died soon afterwards.
“Mum carried on farming for a couple of years, but it eventually became too much for her with young kids. So she sold 300ha of the block, kept 40ha of pine trees and 40ha of grazing in a 90ha block, and bought a lifestyle block close to Inglewood.”
Tommy continued helping the farm’s new owner Dave Roberts until leaving school to go shepherding.
“Then I picked up a handpiece and went shearing, chasing the money.”
Shearing took Tommy to many countries.
“Meanwhile, I kept in touch with Dave and helped him on the farm when I was
home. When I was away, I organised mates to help him.”
After his first year of shearing, Tommy bought a house in Stratford. He later sold the property to buy 90ha at Tarata where he reared calves and ran ewes.
“Eventually, I sold that to buy the Inglewood block and then the opportunity came up to buy Dave’s, the old family farm, in 2022. We borrowed more money and went for it.”
In 2021, Tommy took over the shearing run from his former boss, covering most of Taranaki. Grace grew up in Inglewood and after finishing high school, headed to Auckland University. She then decided to pursue a farming career.
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STEPPING BEYOND THE NUMBERS
Following a decade of working on several sheep and cattle stations in the North Island, Grace returned to Inglewood to help Tommy with his farms and the shearing business. Tommy and Grace currently farm three properties near Inglewood, Uruti and Tarata, running sheep, beef and dairy cattle alongside the cashmere goats.
“We are currently just farming the goats for fibre, and have a buyer in Hamilton for wethers once they are 30kg. Obviously, as our numbers get up, we will be sending some off for meat as well.”
Worms in youngstock is the biggest challenge the couple have faced with their cashmere goats. Tommy and Grace
are trying to prevent this through grazing young goats on long pastures.
“We ideally don’t want to be drenching our goats but we want to keep them alive and healthy. Hopefully, we can prevent this by keeping young ones on long, dry pastures or really spread out.”
Kidding time is one of the highlights of farming cashmeres for Tommy and Grace.
“The young cashmeres are very cute little fluffy things and we enjoy the shearing,” said Tommy. “There is some very soft fibre that comes off some of the goats.
“We would like to get our cashmeres up there with the best in New Zealand for producing fibre and genetics.”
The mustering team taking a break
Tommy and Grace farm three properties near Inglewood, Uruti and Tarata
Farming always close to the heart
by Denise Gunn
Last year’s winner of the Emerging Talent category at the Taranaki Dairy Industry Awards first set foot in the dairy industry at 11, milking for neighbours.
Charlotte Procter grew up with a variety of animals and a 250-tree feijoa orchard on a small lifestyle block near Ōakura, laying the foundation for her farming passion.
“We were always visiting friends’ farms for dinners and parties, and I would always find a way to include myself in something farm-related or get in the cow shed while I was there,” said Charlotte.
“I began milking for my neighbours when I was around 11 years old for $5 per milking. The farm work, spraying and milking for other neighbours grew from there.
“I also pressed wool and helped on the Hocken’s farm, MataRata Downs, in Tarata for a couple of seasons, which I absolutely loved and adored. I will always hold that farm very dear in my heart.”
Charlotte ran a small scale animal-sitting business for owners of horses and other animals on her road, too.
“I knew from there, being in the agricultural sector was something I always wanted in my life.”
On leaving school, Charlotte tossed up between studying towards a Bachelor of
“After deciding I didn’t want the large student loan, and I didn’t have a team of working dogs behind me, I met a young man. I decided to hang around locally, and actually took up an apprenticeship in automotive where I became a qualified mechanic, and spent nearly six years in the trade. It wasn’t until after I had my son, I realised how badly I wanted to get
Charlotte and her partner Mikey recently bought a lifestyle block
At the 2023 Taranaki Dairy Industry Awards, Charlotte won the Emerging Talent category
“A farm where I had been relief milking offered me a full-time position, which I took on. I spent one full season there and absolutely loved it.”
Charlotte worked as farm assistant for Seaside Farms in Motunui. The 161ha property, with a 40ha run-off, milks a herd of around 360 cows. The majority of the herd are pedigree Ayrshires with a few first and second-crosses. She said being outdoors and caring for animals were some of the most enjoyable aspects while working in the dairy industry.
“Standing back and being able to visually see your hard work, whether that be the condition of the animals or
the fence you just built. Having my son watch his mum work and being around the animals made him the biggest animal lover, and he enjoys any outdoor jobs with me.”
Charlotte found building a career in the dairy industry while raising a young child was challenging, especially with a partner in a different career.
“I absolutely take my hat off to the amazing mums around the country who are getting it done.”
When not working, Charlotte enjoys horse riding and playing rugby.
“I’ve ridden horses since I was five, so they are, and always will be, a huge part of my life. I also play in our local women’s
rugby team as a lock, which I love so much. Plenty of swimming and fishing in there, too, when I get the chance.”
Although Charlotte has returned to working in the automotive industry, she is still rearing calves and relief milking for a couple of farms.
“I’m keeping my finger on the farming pulse.”
She and her partner Mikey recently purchased a lifestyle block, too.
“So just getting that back up to scratch will be my next project for the coming future,” she said.
“Our long-term goal is to own more land and to run a small scale finishing block some day would be a dream.”
Horses are a large part of Charlotte’s life
Charlotte with her dogs
Wherever possible, Charlotte’s young son accompanies her on-farm
Market for Merinos
by Denise Gunn
When Whanganui farmers Kerry and Julie Thompson closed their Merino stud in 2017, they began purchasing
Orkney Merinos in Marlborough.
The decision to close after 20 years as the North Island’s only Merino stud, followed the completion of Horizons Regional Council’s tree planting programme.
“We found that with the smaller area we were now farming, we couldn’t justify the continued cost and the farm grazing area required, as we had to allow for grazing about 140 rams,” said Kerry. “Since then,
we have developed a relationship with Glen Orkney Merinos in Marlborough, and purchase Poll Merino rams from them.”
A land swap with their neighbour in 2023 increased the farm’s effective area by around 30ha. The farm is situated on volcanic soils and receives an average annual rainfall of 1,300mls.
“Our current total land area is 900ha and our effective area is 450ha. All the
tree planting planned with Horizons for forestry was completed in 2017.
“We currently plant about 100 erosion poles per year in the remaining steeper paddocks.”
Mangaiti Merinos was established by Kerry’s father Brian. In 1989, Brian was involved in a Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries project running Merinos at Flock House near Bulls. This led to
his purchase of 200 Merino hoggets with the aim of seeking new sources of income.
Brian and his wife Olive, together with Kerry and Julie, ran a stud flock of Merinos along with a commercial flock and Simmental cattle on their two adjoining land blocks, Tirohanga and Mangaiti. Brian and Olive retired from farming in 2015.
Julie and Kerry run Merinos, Perendales and Simmentals on their farm
Droving Merino
Kerry and Julie now do the majority of the farm work. “We have a person help us part-time for one to two days per week.
“My parents are now 88 and 87, but still live on the farm. Dad still gets around to help with keeping an eye on stock and checking we don’t have any water leaks.”
Currently, the farm winters approximately 1,600 Merino ewes, 1,400 Perendale ewes, 80 Simmental breeding cows and replacements, 450 Perendale ewe hoggets, 450 Merino ewe hoggets, 15 R1Y heifers and 15 R2Y heifers.
“We also winter about 500 Merino wether hoggets, which are shorn in August, and then sold by Christmas.”
The farm’s Perendales start lambing from September 1, followed by the Merinos a week later. Most of the Thompson’s wether lambs and excess ewe lambs are sold on the store market. We finish about 50% of our Merino lambs ourselves and they are supplied to AFFCO.”
All wool from both Merinos and Perendales is sold through New Zealand Merino.
“We have ZQRX certification for supply of ethical wool and this enables us to sell the wool we produce on premium contacts.”
Kerry said they currently have a 10year supply contract, with New Zealand clothing manufacturer Icebreaker taking most of their Merino ewe fleece wool.
The couple has found their main farming challenge is an ageing workforce in the sector.
“We are now in our early 60s, and most of the contractors who work for us are our age or older. We have a farm worker who helps on a part-time basis with stockwork, and she is in her 20s, and the youngest person doing work on the property by some margin.”
Kerry and Julie call on family members and people who have permission to hunt on the property to help with scanning and docking.
“We are currently about the only commercial farm operating on our road, with the rest of the road now being forestry and lifestyle blocks. This has meant we
are also facing increasing pressure on the management of feral animals; deer, pigs and goats. Management of these pests is an ongoing issue.”
Since completing the sustainable land use programme with Horizons, Kerry and Julie have improved the overall profitability of the farm. This has enabled them to invest in improving the dated farm infrastructure and subdivision.
“This in turn has helped us improve feed utilisation, and is showing positive animal performance and health benefits,” said Kerry.
The Thompsons are starting to consider how to position the farm for the next five to 10 years, as they reach the later stages of their working lives.
Julie and Kerry Thompson farm 900ha (450ha effective) north of Whanganui
Northland — home of the friendly field days
Northland Field Days is the largest agricultural event in Northland, attracting thousands of visitors and more than 400 exhibitors each year; the event is in Dargaville at Northland’s premiere outdoor event venue.
A hub for the latest innovations in the farming industry and machinery and technology, the Northland Field Days receives visitors from around New Zealand interested in what’s the latest in the agricultural field. It doesn’t stop there. With Ripiro Beach, the longest driving beach in New Zealand as our backyard, the event is the perfect opportunity for all things hunting, fishing, 4x4 and the outdoors.
For the petrol heads, the Northland Field Days always puts on show with Lawn Mower Racing, Mini Mack Rides and the exciting Tractor Pull, where you can watch the big machines race on the dirt track to test brute strength, skills and technique.
While at the Northland Field Days be sure to watch the sheepdog trials where men and their best friends show their skills
herding sheep in this calm and entertaining farming sport.
With 400-plus exhibitors and more than 20,000 people at the last event, the committee of the Northland Field Days is preparing for its 39th event. It is determined to keep its motto of the ‘Friendly Field Days’, all whilst delivering not only the largest, but the best event in Northland, where there is something for everyone.
Exhibitors’ registrations are now open and sites are selling fast, so get in quick and secure a site at the biggest outdoor event in Northland.
The Northland Field Days is also planning a painting competition for the community, so keep an eye on its website if you would like to show your skills to more than 20,000 eventgoers.
Reward your hardworking staff with a meal at Colonel Malones or a gift voucher for them to treat themselves. Phone: 06 765 8351 to make your reservations. Address: Corner Broadway & Fenton Street, Stratford, 4332
Nutritional medicine for osteoarthritis (Part
one)
by John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) founder of Abundant Health Ltd
Almost everyone above 60 will have joint tissue degeneration caused by osteoarthritis (OA). Unfortunately, there are few medical options outside of surgery and pain relief; this is one health problem where nutritional therapy can be very helpful.
My discipline of Nutritional Medicine identifies compounds in food and supplements that can stimulate the bodies joint repair processes. The results can be significant and in many cases life-changing.
As an example, I have one client that contacted my last year with pain from hip and knee OA. This restricted him by limiting the exercise he really enjoyed. Now, six months later, he said that the pain had almost gone. He is now exercising and has much-improved quality of life.
Inflammation is a major part of OA, and can cause more discomfort than actual cartilage loss. OA is a disease of cartilage loss and associated reduction in joint space between the bones of the joint. The main process is the death of specialised cells called chondrocytes that maintain cartilage. Free radical damage and certain enzymes can damage chondrocytes, eventually causing them to die. Unfortunately, chondrocytes cannot replicate, so when they die, the
tiny patch of cartilage it maintained starts to degenerate.
The immune system then tries to heal the problem with inflammation, making the problem worse. Extra fluid accumulates in the joint capsule causing stiffness, pain and swelling in some cases.
An anti-inflammatory diet combined with therapeutic levels of chondroitin sulphate, glucosamine sulphate and curcumin from turmeric can help. Of these, chondroitin is by far the most important. To be effective, chondroitin needs to be at 800mg or more. There are only a few joint supplements that have this amount. Most have either none or very little. I guess that this is because of the high cost of quality chondroitin. Feel free to contact me for a copy of my OA programme.
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.
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How can Bettaflex help?
• Chondroitin and glucosamine are building blocks of cartilage.
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John Arts comments:
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an initial higher dose
join tissue.”
(John Arts, Founder, Abundant Health)
Northland Field Days is the north’s premier agricultural event of the year
Succeed in contract milking with Dairy Training
Dairy Training Limited, in partnership with Federated Farmers of New Zealand and DairyNZ, is offering a FREE short course for aspiring and current contract milkers in Taranaki.
Dairy Training’s Contract Milking course is about giving current and future contract milkers the best chance of success. The course includes the top things that trip up contract milkers and helps farmers understand and navigate contracts and assess the financial viability of different contract milking positions.
“Contract Milking provides opportunities for people to go into a contract milking position with their eyes wide open. They get the tools and knowledge to evaluate jobs that meet their future financial goals,” says Rob Brazendale, a Dairy Training tutor with more than 30 years of experience in the agricultural sector.
“I’ve seen many good people go into roles where they don’t fully understand their obligations. Unfortunately, some become disillusioned and leave the industry. This course helps people to do their due diligence. There are additional risks associated with going from farm managing to contract milking; those risks need to be additionally compensated,” says Rob.
Dairy Training manager Hamish Hodgson emphasises the tailored approach of the course.
“We understand the rapidly changing needs of the dairy sector. By continuously updating our curriculum based on current challenges and needs, we ensure our courses provide farmers with the latest knowledge and skills to succeed,” said Hamish.
“Our learning environments are welcoming and supportive to ensure that participants feel comfortable and engaged. We understand that farmers have busy schedules, so our course times are designed to work around their commitments.”
Since 2002, Dairy Training Ltd., rated as a category one training provider by the New
Zealand Qualifications Authority (NZQA), has delivered courses to New Zealand dairy farmers.
Contract Milking includes four in-person workshops over eight weeks, running from 10am to 3pm. The course begins in Stratford on October 2. Enrol now at dairytraining. co.nz/cm. 76% of New Zealanders are concerned about “fake news” and its implications
Hamish Hodgson
by Denise Gunn
Quality plants and customer service
Shaw Nurseries (2012) Ltd in Waitara
The wholesale nursery, established by Maurice (Mo) Shaw in 1980, sells to customers nationwide as well as the local market.
“We specialise in a number of plants, including Daphne, Buxus, Citrus and Griselinia,” said nursery supervisor Sonia McAllum. Alongside Mo and Sonia, the team includes nursery manager Tara Simpson and five skilled nursery workers.
With the team’s combined plant knowledge and experience spanning more than 80 years, customers are in good hands. The team is available to offer advice covering the best places to plant, pests, diseases and which plants grow best in different locations.
“We also offer hedge planting and soft landscaping.”
Sonia said customers can expect friendly and knowledgeable service, along with a wide variety of plants.
“There is always something here for our customers.”
Each team member enjoys working outdoors in an environment surrounded by plants.
“It’s not just being up close and working in nature. It’s the whole process from planting a small liner, then working on the product throughout the year turning it into something beautiful that then gets potted and sent to the customer to enjoy.”
“It’s truly rewarding,” said Sonia. “Working with a skilled team in what can sometimes be a fast-paced environment makes life a whole lot easier, too.”
During the Centuria Taranaki Garden Festival, from Friday, November 1 to Sunday, November 10, Shaw Nurseries will hold its annual plant sale. Sales are also promoted on the business’s Facebook page Shaw Nurseries 2012 Ltd.
Sonia said customers often comment on the team’s communication to keep
them informed and updated. “Our biggest feedback is how much customers love our Daphne.”
Ideally, Mo would like to retire at 85, but the long-term plan is to keep the nursery small and the product top-quality.
“We are a small nursery, but that means we can focus on producing top quality product,” said Sonia.
Shaw Nurseries (2012) Ltd is located in Armstrong Avenue, Waitara. Phone 027 248 7854 for more information.
Shaw Nurseries (2012) Ltd stocks a large range of plants and specialises in several varieties
Book extravaganza returns
by Denise Gunn
Salvation
Children’s books, magazines and CDs will be found at the venue’s
other rink. “The book fair is usually held in August, but we quickly outgrew each space,” said organiser Kay Worth. “We have shifted it back to October to enable us to use both sides of the skate rink, which is amazing.”
The book fair runs from Thursday, October 10 to Saturday, October 12, with doors opening on the first day from 9am–6pm. The following day, the fair will run between 9am–8pm. Last opportunities to grab bargains will be from 9am–2pm on Saturday.
“All money raised goes back to the people. The more we raise — the more people we can help.”
Set-up for the book fair begins on Monday, October 7. Kay said volunteers are needed to help set up the tables and transfer the banana boxes filled with books from storage.
“This needs fit and able workers, and ideally vans or small lorries. We used a big truck last year, and it was very slow. We need a team at both ends to load and unload.”
Pack-down requires help, too. “We really need help as everyone is shattered. It is always the same people there morning, noon and night. We need more people on the Saturday from around
noon. Again, all drivers and vehicles considered.”
With an increase in costs, sponsors are also appreciated. “If we could purchase our own tables that would be amazing.”
Affordable or free storage in New Plymouth is welcomed. An area larger than 200sqm is ideal, and must be as dry and vermin free as possible.
“If anyone just wants to support our work in general, we are always so grateful,” said Kay.
Phone 027 491 0012 or email kay. worth@salvationarmy.org.nz for further details or to make offers of help.
“We, as an organisation, rely on the generosity of others to achieve our mission. We are so grateful to the many people who make this event so amazing. I look forward to hearing from you.”
Thousands of books will be available to purchase at the Salvation Army New Plymouth’s massive book fair in October
Funds support Waitara artists project
by Denise Gunn
The New Plymouth District Council’s Creative Communities Fund will help Waitara artists build a national platform for their work, celebrating the life of Sir Māui Pōmare.
Born at Pāhau pā, Ōnaera, near Urenui around 1875, Sir Māui Pōmare left New Zealand in 1893 to attend the American Medical Missionary College in the United States. Following his graduation in 1899, he returned to New Zealand, becoming a Māori health officer in 1901.
In 1911, he was selected as the Taranaki candidate to represent Western Māori and appointed Minister of Health in 1923. He died in 1930.
This year saw the 88th annual Māui Pōmare weekend commemorations based at Waitara’s Ōwae Marae. The Waitara Artists Co-op (WAC) set the stage for a national focus on the town’s arts.
Commemorations celebrated Māori achievement and endeavour. Families and guests travelled from throughout New Zealand to attend. Thirty artists, including those studying in Wellington and Auckland, featured 100 artworks for the exhibition.
“This is a Kaupapa Māori-driven event to invigorate the profile of visual artists in the district,” said WAC organiser Garry Nicholas. “Waitara has a lot of energy and talent. We want to build that up through confidence and unity with other art groups in Waitara and including their diverse works in the show, as well as aligning with other artist collectives around Taranaki.”
Garry said this will maximise the medium and long-term art strategy for identifying, nurturing and promoting the artists of Taranaki. The WAC, supported by
the Ngāti Rāhiri Trust and Te Kotahitanga o Te Atiawa, received $2,500 from the Creative Communities fund for the event.
The Creative Communities Scheme
are New Zealand's No. 1 House and Building Movers. This has been achieved through the simple, practical no-nonsense business principles and plain hard work. Customer Satisfaction is our ultimate aim for every move.
promotes community involvement, diversity and young people participating in the arts. Around $50,000 is distributed each year by the New Plymouth District Council’s Creative Communities Scheme on behalf of Creative New Zealand to local artists and art groups.
Creative Communities funding is open for applications until Sunday, August 25. Visit npdc.govt.nz/Creative Communities Scheme for further information.
From left: Waitara Artists Co-op members Nathan Sharrock, Tania Niwa, Audra Potaka and Dianne Hekeua unpacking works for the exhibition
by Andy Bryenton
An agronomic odyssey
A nationwide contest to find the pick of the crop in the arable farming sector has turned up innovators, leaders and recordbreaking veterans.
The sector of the rural economy dealing mainly in growing crops is often a silent partner to the dairy sector, but the tonnes of grain grown by agronomists, as they’re known, is as vital to New Zealand as anything found in your fridge.
Like annual awards in other areas of farming expertise, the 2024 Arable Awards seek to foster excellence and promote innovation, giving accolades to those advancing the industry into a sustainable and more profitable future.
“The awards are about celebrating all that’s good in our arable sector — the innovation, commitment and achievements of the best of us,” said Federated Farmers arable chair and event spokesperson David Birkett.
“It hasn’t been an easy season for arable farmers, with rising costs and variable returns, so it’s great to see a strong crop of high-calibre award entries this year.”
Those fiscal and economic pressures are being felt across the rural sector, but the answer, in arable cultivation as in other spheres, is a reasoned, scientific approach. Part of that approach is in making sustainability pay, and that’s the focus of one of the awards categories, the Positive Environmental Impact Award. Another, the Innovation Award, recognises fresh ideas that will bear future dividends.
“I’m excited about the finalists for those categories because they’re all people helping us to create a stronger and
more sustainable arable sector,” says Mr Birkett.
Finalists in the environmental category have taken the initiative on green technologies, such as creating an anaerobic system to reduce the impact of chicken manure, or organising a planting regime for sedimentation control.
Researchers and informationsharing trailblazers are featured strongly in the innovation category, with finalists pioneering new cereal fungicides, new methods of nitrogen fixing in soil, and fresh thinking about preventing disease in barley crops.
The convenor of the judging panel for this year’s awards says that selecting finalists was no easy feat.
“Elevated awareness of environmental impacts shown by finalists across all award categories,” said Ivan Lawrie, who brought the panel together.
“Managing that impact has been paramount to everyone, and that’s really encouraging. It was hard for the judges to come to a decision. All of them are people we would happily have named as a worthy winner.”
The final call, and the naming of the Arable Awards 2024 Agronomist of the Year, will come late in August.
Federated Farmers arable chair David Birkett is pleased to announce a strong field of finalists in the hunt for the title of Agronomist of the Year
Faster track to small buildings
by Andy Bryenton
The issue of housing and building supply across rural New Zealand may be eased by the proposition of new building rules, introduced by Winston Peters.
Housing has been a topic of intense scrutiny for rural district councils, a major point for regional economic development committees, and a recurring discussion around the nation’s council table. From early in the term of the Luxon coalition administration, rhetoric has focussed on making it easier to build locally, with core documents itemising systems for affordable housing design and preapproval and a push to minimise consenting requirements and costs.
Mr Peters made easier building a platform in his coalition agreement, and the rules he proposes, alongside RMA reformer Chris Bishop, would allow for simple standalone homes up to 60 square metres in size to be exempt from building consent.
“Removing the regulatory red tape will not only speed up the build process, it is also estimated to save up to $6,500
just in the standard building and resource consenting fees per build,” Mr Bishop says.
“Over a quarter of households that do not own their home spend more than 40 per cent of their income on housing,” said Mr Peters.
“The National-NZ First Coalition Agreement commits the government to amending the Building Act and the resource consent system to make it easier to build granny flats or other small structures up to 60 square metres.”
While ‘granny flats’ have been much mentioned in the discussion around these proposed new rules, some landowners may be looking at other sub-60-metre options. Large sections, rural lifestyle blocks and small farms will welcome this news, as it can open up opportunities for off-grid buildings, worker accommodation and cabins.
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RURAL CONTRACTORS & SUPPLIERS
Safety trumps accidents
Significant interest from farmers nationwide has been shown in the recent crush protection device incentive with the Safer Rides programme for quad bikes.
The new programme aiming to encourage farmers to install crush protection devices (CPDs) on their quad bikes has been oversubscribed, hitting its initial target within 38 hours of the incentive offer being launched.
“It is about being responsive to the practical needs of our farmers. Our members and retailers invested in this incentive programme to remove the cost
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barrier, and this pilot has struck a chord with farmers. Farmers want to make their quad bikes safer,” said Farm Without Harm ambassador Lindy Nelson.
More than 100 farm businesses nationwide have signed up to the pilot scheme offering a discount of up to 75% on CPDs from Trax Equipment and Quadbar. There are approximately 100 more farm businesses on the waitlist,
having applied to be part of the programme. Safer Farms is exploring options to fund CPDs for these farmers, too.
“The reasons people have given include heartbreaking personal accounts of losing loved ones and neighbours through quad bike accidents,” Lindy said.
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“Many also cited the hilly nature of their farms, their desire to keep their people safe. Many said they had been thinking about fitting CPDs on their quads for a long time but cost had been a barrier and this incentive was ‘the nudge’ they needed.
“Others talked about how it would provide them with peace of mind when their partner or colleagues were working out on farm alone. I feel, one farmer’s application comment, summed up our goals succinctly: ‘safety first — prevention is better than an accident’.
“Farm Without Harm recognises solving this problem is going to require the whole industry coming together. The Safer Rides
a practical way the industry is supporting farmers.
“Our hearts go out to the family and friends of the two people, who died recently in accidents involving ATVs.”
The initiative is being driven by the industry-wide initiative Safer Farms in partnership with Rabobank, ANZCO Foods, LIC, Craigmore Sustainables and PGG Wrightson.
For more details, visit farmwithoutharm. co.nz/saferrides.
The Safer Rides programme has been well received by farmers and businesses wanting to make crush protection devices more accessible programme is
by Andy Bryenton
Swift’s new generation
Suzuki’s Swift has returned with a new look, a new three-cylinder engine and the same peppy, willing accessibility which has made it a favourite on local roads.
The fourth generation of Suzuki’s flagship small hatchback continues to offer exceptional fuel economy and overall value for money, with a wealth of standard equipment despite its frugal price tag. Certainly, the latest incarnation of the Swift offers a whole world more than the original car to wear the name, all the way back in 1983. Suzuki has matured as a brand since then, and recent Swift offerings have proven to be a winning formula.
“This is where the new Swift fits into the market really well,” says Suzuki New Zealand sales manager Aaron Wales.
“The Swift has been a great success story, and in its latest form, represents even more polish and appeal with its exceptional fuel economy, driver appeal and well-proportioned dimensions.”
That success story has cemented the little Swift in the public consciousness, and it’s been New Zealand’s favourite small car several times. The 2004 Swift sold 2.4 million cars, while generation two saw 3.4 million hit the roads up until 2017. The third generation, now outgoing, rounded up total modern Swift sales to 9 million worldwide. “It is a car that has traditionally punched above its weight and
is likely to continue to do so with the fact it offers a lot of car for the money, has light, easy controls and a comfortable cabin,” said Mr Wales.
“At the same time, the fourthgeneration Swift has not lost any of its playfulness and charm.”
Now, the engineering under the hood. The obvious change for the G4 Swift is its new engine, ditching the K12D inline-four for a three-pot. Fuel economy is the forte of this new motor. In fact, the new Swift
Add in a proper, responsive little manual gearbox, bright body colours and lots of electronic gadgets as standard, and the price for a brand new Swift, at just a whisker under $26,000 is the very definition of big things in a small package. What’s even better, there’s likely to be a Sport edition in the near future, and previous hot Swifts have been great fun as well as great value.
outperforms the hybrid version of the old model in this metric. Amazingly, however, power and torque are up as well, showing that Suzuki’s experience making small, mighty motorcycle engines may have bled through to their small car division in a very positive way.
Suzuki’s new-look Swift is here, with value for money and fuel economy to the fore
At Honda Hub, we understand that a new season or job can be stressful with not only the settling in but also figuring out where to take your equipment for its servicing We have you covered with a store in both Hawera and New Plymouth and can provided you collection/drop off when you are too busy to get into us or we can head out to you and service your equipment on farm
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by Andy Bryenton
New arrival for a winning family
Kia’s EV9, a large, impressively capable electric SUV, has won 2024’s UK Car of the Year award, with more than half of the 30 judges picking the South Korean sports utility as the best offering on the list.
That’s great news for those in the market for a seven-seater with immense range. Still, what about those who have seen this halo vehicle in all its glory, but really need something a bit more compact? The crossover SUV market is booming in New Zealand, with many brands seeing this sector as the natural successor to the traditional sedan or station wagon. Of course, Kia has not left this market niche bare. Its new EV3 is the little brother of the UK Car of the Year, and it’s equally ambitious.
So, how does this new Kia tick the boxes that make its bigger stablemate a huge success? First, there’s how it looks. The EV9 looks futuristic and different from other things on the road, without the ungainly overreach of Tesla’s Cybertruck. That design philosophy has been brought into the EV3 as well, giving it a thoroughly forward-thinking appearance that’s distinctly Kia, but not outlandish enough to rebuff auto purists. Unsurprisingly, they call it ‘opposites united’.
“The EV3 embodies our design philosophy perfectly; a combination of playful design combined with thoughtful functionality,” said Kia global design
department head Karim Habib. “Though compact, the inspiring exterior envelops an open interior space that emphasises restorative relaxation for every journey. Its future-facing aesthetic is further emboldened by the choice of daring colours. Inside, the spacious cabin and the incorporation of new organic materials express a youthful sense of energy and playfulness.”
What that means is, it looks distinctive, modern and the opposite of sci-fi dystopian. So far, so good. What about the long range, ample power and massive torque that made the EV9 a winner? Are they present for the EV3 as well?
While the smaller EV3 does not boast the same big figures as its big brother, it’s definitely packing a punch. A rangetopping model should deliver 600 kilometres between charges, and it’s a sporty little crossover too, with just over 200 horsepower and more than 240 Newton-metres of torque. That means a top speed of 170km/h and 0–100km/h in 7.5 seconds.
The last major factor that clinched the win for the EV9 in England was its impressive suite of technological
innovations. The EV3 will continue this trend, adding information, safety and entertainment programs that are all-surrounding, including Kia’s latest artificially intelligent assistant technology.
The EV3 premiered in May, and is set to
land later this year. While the success of the EV9 has given it some big boots to fill, the numbers, the images and the promised potential of this compact electric crossover all hint that it may be a gamechanging landmark for the company.
Kia’s EV3 looks to build on the global success of the bigger EV9, the 2024 UK Car of the Year
Report points the way to future gains
by Andy Bryenton
The Industry Working Group (IWG) report on New Zealand’s genetic gain system for dairy herds is out now, and it’s been welcomed by major names in the cattle improvement sector.
DairyNZ, along with major industry luminaries LIC and CRV, have responded positively to the findings of the important report, which was charged with the task of evaluating the dairy sector’s genetic improvement progress. The report comes with suggestions for the future, which could drive faster rates of genetic gain across the entire national dairy herd. Those recommendations are being weighed up by the leaders at
the forefront of livestock improvement. That’s important, as the evidence points out that New Zealand may be slipping behind foreign competitors in this field.
DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel has called the report greound-breaking, in that it encapsulates all the areas Kiwi farmers could get back out front.
“It also shows New Zealand can catch up quickly by taking key actions, and underscores the immense benefits
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to dairy farmers, including efficiency and productivity gains through animals that are more resilient, profitable and easier to farm,” said Mr van der Poel. “Overcoming sector challenges to provide New Zealand farmers with worldleading genetic gain will require significant contributions from all parties.”
The IWG was established in November of 2023 to help the sector achieve world-leading rates of animal genetic gain. Mr van der Poel said the report acknowledges the unique nature of New Zealand’s dairy herd, and other challenges, including a significant decline in the quality and accuracy of New Zealand’s phenotypic data and farmers’ relative lack of confidence in the use of genomically evaluated young sires.
“Genetic gain is a critical pillar in the future success of our farmers’ businesses. It is only right that, where needed, we come together to improve the structures underpinning this success,” says LIC chair Corrigan Sowman.
DairyNZ is joined in its support of the IWG report by two of the biggest commercial names in the industry, LIC and CRV. Both companies have praised the focus on transparency and consistency the report shows, and seek to evaluate its recommendations in a bipartisan spirit of cooperation.
“We’re looking forward to working closely with DairyNZ to set up the right governance structures, workstreams and reporting mechanisms, so we can effectively achieve the report’s stated objectives for the betterment of dairy farmers and the efficiency and profitability of their dairy herds to support New Zealand’s future.”
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The genetics of New Zealand’s dairy herd could improve at a rapid pace if the recommendations of a new IWG report are implemented, say it’s supporters
by Liz Clark
Well-fed calves promote growth
Traditionally, once-a-day feeding has been the standard for feeding replacement heifers; however, recent research suggests calves benefit from twice-daily feeds.
The one-feed strategy doesn’t provide calves with enough for their daily nutritional needs or allow them to take up what they need for growth and vitality. If they don’t get enough in the morning feed, hungry calves result — it can become a welfare issue.
Feeding calves milk twice daily for the first month allows them to drink and digest adequate amounts, providing the energy they need to maintain good growth and health. It also provides more energy for positive natural behaviour, such as running and playing.
When using milk replacer, the best strategy is to gradually replace colostrum and whole mik feeds by adding in small amounts of milk replacer and slowly increasing the amount until the colostrum or whole milk is fully replaced and the calves can cope with the replacer. Calves will scour if placed straight on to milk replacer — mixing with colostrum or whole
milk will reduce the risk significantly. Raw milk carries the risk of Mycoplasma bovis and other infectious diseases that will be unwanted in the herd. Always ensure the milk is traceable whether selling it or purchasing. DairyNZ provides a milk traceability form on its website.
Maintaining the hygiene of feeders and any equipment used for mixing milk is essential. It will prevent the build-up of bacteria, which can cause calves illness and, in some cases, death. Calf losses can be prevented by ensuring everything is maintained and nothing left to chance.
When choosing a milk replacer product, the key components to consider are protein and fat. Always select a wellproven milk replacer product available from rural supply outlets. Protein should be dairy-based since calves do far better on these compared to plant-based proteins. Check the information on the product bag regarding protein source.
Calves require around 22–25% of protein on a dry matter basis to support growth and development.
Milk replacers provide less fat than whole milk, ranging between 18–22% on a dry matter basis. The higher fat diet can be beneficial for calves during colder periods by providing extra energy for warmth. Further information can be found at dairynz.co.nz.
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