Taranaki/Manawatu Farming Lifestyles, May 2013 by Integrity Community Media

u t a w a n a M / i k a n a Tar

Farming Lifestyles May 2013 Edition

22,300 copies DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address in Taranaki and Manawatu

Aiming high with Dorpers

A celebration of milking shorthorns P6

Farmers open land for annual trail bike ride

P12

Gypsy Week P18–20

Lavender Growers Page 4–5

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May 2013

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Snapshot of the environment to be released

Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville

by Denise Gunn

Physical Address: Lifestyler House, 107 River Road, Dargaville

The state of the region’s natural resources will be put under the microscope when Horizons Regional Council releases a State of the Environment report on May 18.

The Taranaki/Manawatu Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by NorthSouth Multi Media Ltd, a privately owned New Zealand company. Phone: 09 439 6933 or 0800 466 793 • Fax: 09 439 6930

General Manager: Deb Wright | debw@nsmm.co.nz 021 639 9633 Sales Director: Kelvin Green (kelving@nsmm.co.nz) Editorial: Denise Gunn Andy Bryenton

Graphic Design: David Stevens Gavin Bainbridge Emily Stevens Jan Balcombe Paul Bakulich

Advertising: Betty Willetts Kelvin Green

Taranaki/Manawatu Farming Lifestyles Distribution area

Production: Brenda Ilton Shannon Toia

Accounts: Lesley Robinson (accounts@thelifestyler.co.nz) Distribution: Laurie Willetts Website: www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

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The report, which is split into four sections, covers water quality and quantity, productive land, living heritage and biosecurity, and healthy communities. Horizons communications adviser Ally Koehler said the document is usually put out every five or so years. “It’s a snapshot of environmental resources and how we can impact, monitor or improve them. “There are a lot of interesting facts peppered throughout the report.” The report highlights the work of Horizons staff in maintaining and enhancing the environment along with a few steps the public can take to make a difference. A public launch of the report will be held at Te Manawa in Palmerston North on May 18. “As part of the promotion we are creating a series of environmental graphics along the footpath from Te Manawa to the river,” said Ms Koehler. The trail will follow a 3.4km route from Te Manawa on Main Street, to Pitt Street, Ferguson Street, Linton Street, Park Road, into The Esplanade, then finish at the Manawatu River. “We want people to relate to it and experience it.” Environmental arts group Junk and Disorderly will be sculpture-making during the public launch. Members of the public are encouraged to bring along a piece of recyclable rubbish to be included in the sculptures. Horizons scientists will give presentations at Te Manawa from 11am. The public launch at Te Manawa will be followed up on May 25 when Horizons

Photo: Denise Gunn

staff a stand at the Whanganui River Traders’ Market. Scientists are also available to talk to school and community groups about the state of the region’s land, air and water resources, and the work of Horizons Regional Council. Phone Horizons toll free number 0508 800 800 to arrange a presentation. Copies of the report will be available at www.horizons.govt.nz and from Horizons offices from May 18. The last State of the Environment report was released seven years ago. The Horizons region covers 22,215sq km of land, including 160km of coastline with the regional council’s jurisdiction extending 12 nautical miles out to sea.

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May 2013

Still dry in northern Rangitikei by Denise Gunn

While several fronts have brought rain to most droughtstricken areas in New Zealand, the northern Rangitikei region is still suffering from extremely dry conditions. Manawatu/Rangitikei Federated Farmers meat and fibre chairman Fraser Gordon said problems began back in November when a series of frosts affected pasture growth. “They knocked the clover about and it went downhill from there.”

“There is not an extra mouth to feed on the farm,” said Mr Gordon. “Next year everybody will be down on stock numbers.

Rainfall has continued to elude the area for several months.

“Let’s hope the prices make up for it.” Supplementary feeding has continued into

autumn and there are also reports of grain being fed out for the first time. Japanese Fodder Willows, planted on the Gordon’s farm after the 2004 floods, have helped feed their stock during the drought and aid pasture recovery. Mr Gordon said the smooth operation of meatwork plants during the drought crisis has been appreciated by farmers. “The meatworks have been flat out.” Scientists have said the drought conditions experienced throughout the North Island were the worst in 70 years. Long, dry spells are forecast to increase by 2040. “We may have to re-evaluate how we farm in the future,” said Mr Gordon.

Mr Gordon said the northern Rangitikei usually receives around 1,000mm of rainfall a year, averaging 80mm per month.

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Mr Gordon said if the weather remains mild, the grass usually continues growing through to the shortest day.

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However the onset of frosts could affect grass growth and pasture recovery. Although farmers in the region had destocked to lighten the pressure, stock was selling for around one third of the average value.

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May 2013

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

by Denise Gunn

Commercial lavender growing began as hobby for Peter and Barbara Sperl with a small garden in front of their house. It wasn’t long before the garden attracted the attention of another lavender grower who encouraged them to harvest the 150 plants and distill the flowers for essential oil.

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The couple enjoyed the process so much they set aside one acre of their six acre Apiti lifestyle property and planted 1,000 plants in three varieties, eight years ago. After one season the plants were ready to harvest for distillation and the flowers yielded around two litres of pure essential oil in January and February 2007. Over the next three years, the couple added more plants to reach a total of 3,000 in five different varieties: Lavender Angustifolia — Pacific Blue and Violet Intrigue; and Lavender Intermedia — Grosso, Super and Seal. “Lavender Angustifolia are the only cultivars that can be used for culinary purposes,” said Peter.

After summer harvesting the lavender is given a thorough pruning in autumn

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

“They generally produce less essential oil than the Intermedia cultivars.” Peter and Barbara knew little about growing lavender commercially before they embarked on the venture and had never made products before. They’ve since won two Supreme Oil Awards silver medals from the New Zealand Lavender Growers Association. Alongside a range of bath and body products, and home and personal wellbeing products, the couple also produce culinary products. “When visitors come to our farm it gives us great pleasure to show them around and teach them about the lavender,” said Peter. “It is very gratifying to see the people enjoy the sight and smell of the lavender fields.” The couple believe growing lavender organically and making products with natural ingredients benefits the wellbeing of body and soul. “We enjoy when consumers have positive experiences using our products with its many beneficial properties,” said Peter. “We like to listen to people and improve our products all the time.” Originally from Switzerland, the couple particularly liked the Italian speaking part of their homeland. They named their property ‘Piazza Verde’ which translates to mean ‘Green Place’. “We live in the rural Manawatu and the countryside is just a palette of green colours all year round,” said Peter. “The Italian name sets us apart from others.” Free draining soil on the property has proved ideal for growing lavender. “As our soil is very good for the lavender, we do not need to apply any fertiliser.” Peter said their clean, green environment is also conducive to producing high quality essential oil such as their award-winning Pacific Blue essential oil.

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“After summer harvesting, we only need to give it a thorough pruning in autumn,” said Peter. Pests are not very common in lavender but if plants are affected, Peter said they need to be ripped out and burnt. Fortunately the couple have not had to do this. Magpies have been a nuisance however, ripping out lavender seedlings. Hanging old CDs along the rows of lavenders has overcome this challenge as the reflections help to keep the magpies away until the plants are stronger. Late frosts also cause problems. “If the buds are already showing and we get frosts in November/December, this may kill the buds,” said Peter. “Usually the plants recover and make new flowers, but they are then less big and vigorous.” Rain at har vesting also detrimental.

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“The lavender needs to be dry to be harvested and if it rains a lot, the lavender may be past its best before it can be harvested, resulting in a loss of oil.” Peter and Barbara plan to further

Peter and Barbara Sperl grow around 3000 lavender plants in five different varieties on their ‘Piazza Verde’ Apiti lifestyle property

establish the market for their products, grow the internet side of the business and also develop the tourism aspect.

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May 2013

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Aiming high with EASTOWN POLE SHEDS Lean-To • Gable • American Barn

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After initially buying 10 crossbred Dorper ewes with 10 lambs at foot at a bargain price in 2008, Jo and Riki Morris were so impressed with their growth rates compared to other sheep they soon bought more.

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The couple joined the New Zealand Sheep Breeders Association (NZSBA) in 2010 and established their flock — JR Stud. In their first few months as members, they bought as many top quality ewes as possible. Seven months later Jo and Riki bought 17 crossbred registered ewes with 30 lambs at foot, establishing an appendix flock. “The ewes were half Dorpers, quarter Texels and quarter white Dorper,” said Jo. A total of 76 lambs were born during the 2011 season on the Morris’s Manawatu property. Fifty-four lambs

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were kept to add to their flock. The remainder were sold, including six ewe lambs exported to Brazil. Later that year the couple bought another 34 maiden ewes, bringing the number of breeding ewes to 113. “During the early part of 2012, we concentrated on bringing the 2011 ewe lambs up to a weight of 40kgs,” said Jo. “If they reached this weight, they were put to the ram.” Jo and Riki’s four-hectare home

block is supplemented by a further 22 hectares of leased grazing on several blocks nearby. Ewes are brought back to the home block prior to lambing and once lambs reach two to three weeks of age, they are returned to the other blocks. “We are planning on having approximately 200 lambs this season and using the home block as a major part of the lambing season and then the finishing block,” said Jo. Heading into the 2013 breeding

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Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

season, there are currently 75 mixed age breeding ewes and 40 ewe lambs from last year. There are also an additional 60 mixed aged composite ewes that have been used as recipients for their embryo programme.

Jo and Riki’s current plans are to carry on leasing land and building their flock. “Essentially we want 100 stud animals as graded by the international standards.” Eventually the couple would like to own and operate a larger property that is big enough to run a profitable business. They also aim to breed from at least 100 elite breeding ewes.

“This year there are only two ewe lambs that did not reach the required 40kg weight and will not be going to the ram.” The couple have found Dorper lambs to be hardier than other breeds with a high survival rate during and after lambing. Lambing percentages have also been impressive. Since beginning their breeding programme two years ago, Jo and Riki have used elite quality rams. This year they are using a combination of three different sires.

May 2013

“We were declared a drought area this year and our stock are in their best condition ever,” said Jo. “If the predictions are correct and the present weather conditions become the norm, Dorper sheep will have very little competition in the dry conditions. And the foot issues that affect them now in this country will disappear.”

Ram grading during a junior Dorper course.

“We have also made a From left to right: Jo Morris, Riki Morris, instructor Dirk Buitendag, Kevin Carr and Boyd Young decision to sell off our appendix “He made us join the dots. We knew which flock to allow us to concentrate on breeding the were our better ewes but now we know why they perfect Dorpers.” When Jo and Riki joined the NZSBA, they are better.” Alongside this, the couple have also been decided their flock would be graded using the involved in genetic testing international breed standards in conjunction with Lincoln run by the World Federation If your pipe work University on foot scoring. of Dorpers. They spent many is BUGGERED in your hours researching the breed, “Everyone will tell you that cowshed or yard, give particularly studying qualities Dorpers are susceptible to us a ring and we’ll fix and characteristics needed to foot problems, so we initially it real fast. breed the perfect Dorper. tested our entire flock. We extended the testing to Internationally qualified include all the rams we used, judge and inspector, Dirk Your one-stop engineering shop. including the imported ram Buitendag, has spent time with semen used in our artificial the Morris’s, passing some of insemination programmes.” his knowledge onto them. Mr Buitendag won 16 national This information has helped Dorper championships in a the couple to make huge Phone 06 363 5135 • Mobile 027 229 1211 row before being forced at progress in this part of their Fax 06 363 5116 • Email office@tenua.co.nz gun point to give up his farm breeding programme, through in Zimbabwe. He is now based reducing the likelihood of foot in Tauranga. scald in their current flock. “With his knowledge and insight we have been “However, if the animal doesn’t meet the breed able to increase our stock quality,” said Jo. standard and/or gets foot rot, it is out.”

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May 2013

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

A celebration of

milking shorthorns by Denise Gunn

Originally brought to New Zealand as a means to provide milk, meat and transport, the Shorthorn is thought to be the oldest cattle breed in this country. Through the introduction of milking strains, the Milking Shorthorn developed and become established in the dairy industry. This year the New Zealand Milking Shorthorn Association (NZMSA) celebrates its centenary and a conference will be held in Palmerston North from June 4–6. Ross and Joanne Soffe milk 350 cows, including around 100 mostly registered Milking Shorthorns, at Tariki near Stratford. Friesian, Jerseys and a few crossbreds make up the remainder of the herd. Ross said they like the Shorthorns because they are a robust easy-care cow. “They are exceptionally easy calving, have good health traits and good feet and legs. “Production in my herd is not much below the herd average and the production over all registered Milking Shorthorn cows is now just above the average for the national herd.” Ross was brought up on the family farm at Tikorangi, north of New Plymouth. The property had been farmed by Ross’s great-great-grandfather and the family lived in the original house which was built on the farm in the early 1870s. After leaving school, Ross worked in an office for a couple of years before completing an electrical apprenticeship. He then

Joanne and Ross Soffe on their Taranaki farm

worked for the post office for ten years. Joanne trained as a hairdresser, owning and operating her own business. The couple decided to go farming in 1985 and their first position in coastal Taranaki was milking 450 cows with all calves reared. “It was a good place to start and quite a large herd at that time,” said Ross. “Six months later we moved to a 280-cow contract milking position which became 29 percent at the start of the next season.” The husband and wife team moved back to Tikorangi in 1988 when Ross’s brother and his family moved to Australia. “We had 130 cows 50/50 on 40 hectares with a small runoff.” TM

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Ross said this was when stocking rates were starting to rise but they farmed with just grass and hay. “We wanted to go to a bigger farm but Dad decided that we should buy the farm.

They are exceptionally easy “ calving, have good health traits and good feet and legs.” “So we basically paid a small deposit and borrowed the rest from the bank, and Mum and Dad financed the rest.” In 1995 the couple leased a 50-acre block next door and were later able to buy it. It was around this time Ross was looking for a different breed that would be compatible with the mostly Friesian herd. They decided on Shorthorns with one of the attractions being the breed’s high fat/protein ratio. “We had not been involved with the breed in any way before but my grandfathers most likely milked them at some time.”

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

May 2013

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Ross particularly likes the high fat/protein ratio of the Milking Shorthorn

“We used home-bred bulls over heifers and continue to do so with some good results,” said Ross. “Our numbers rose quite quickly with minimal culling until we had about 40 cows in our 180-cow herd.” The couple sold the Tikorangi property and moved to their Tariki farm this season. Ross and Joanne felt they had reached the stage in their farming careers where they wanted to start to step back a little from the day-to-day work and milking. The move to the Tariki farm has enabled them to do this and restructure the business to assist their son and his partner, and their daughter and her husband. The Friesians and Milking Shorthorns are run as independent groups within the

same herd. Friesian cows are mated to Friesian bulls and Shorthorn cows are mated only to red-breed bulls. In addition to using purebred Milking Shorthorn bulls, Ross also uses a variety of genetics including Illawarra and New Zealand-bred bulls blended with Swedish, Norwegian and other European red breeds, and Red Friesian. Despite a tough production year and a dry summer, the Soffe’s have achieved their short term goal to be well organised and in a sound financial position at the end of the season. They would like to further increase production through improving pasture and farm management. “We hope to reduce debt as production improves towards 140,000kgMS,” said Ross. “The farm is well set up so this is an achievable target.” In the long term they hope to set up a secure future for themselves and their children by providing a growing business and a pathway to continuing their careers.

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The couple bought a few Milking Shorthorns the first year with seven cows producing five heifer calves. More cows and heifers were purchased as opportunity and finances permitted.

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John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a Nutritional Therapist and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. If you need advice or information contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@ johnarts.co.nz. Join his weekly newsletter at www.johnarts.co.nz. For product information visit www.abundant.co.nz

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Gear the way you’d design it.

Muscle pain is one of the most common complaints. This may be anything from statin myopathy to PMR or Fibromyalgia. Statin myopathy is of the most common forms of muscle pain. This is a collection of muscular and other symptoms caused by side effects of commonly prescribed cholesterol lowering statin medication. Statins drugs are very effective at reducing the amount of cholesterol in our blood. They do this by inhibiting an enzyme needed to make cholesterol. Unfortunately this enzyme is also needed for the production of Co enzyme Q10 (CoQ10). Statins reduce both cholesterol and CoQ10. The main function of CoQ10 is to produce energy needed for our body demands especially for our muscles. Think of CoQ10 like the spark plugs and exhaust system in your car engine. Without a good spark a petrol engine will not run properly. With insufficient CoQ10 the trillions of little engines (mitochondria) in your muscle cells will not produce enough energy and you feel that as general fatigue and weakness, stiffness and pain in your muscles. Low CoQ10 levels can have a disastrous effect on muscles. Alarmingly, the highest levels of CoQ10 are found in heart muscle. If you think you have these symptoms you should talk to your doctor as sometimes a change in medication or doses can help. I recommend everyone on statins take 100mg of high grade CoQ10 to compensate and there are an increasing number of doctors who suggest CoQ10 supplementation to counter statin myopathy. The CoQ10 I prefer is a trademarked product that is proven to increase cell CoQ10 levels and includes vitamin E compounds known to help cholesterol balance. For those on statins my first goal is to prevent or reduce any statin myopathy but just as importantly to create a full cardiovascular nutrition programme. I invariably add a range of nutrients to help with circulation and to protect blood vessels especially coronary arteries from the free radical damage and inflammation central to the formation of artery-blocking plaques.

Call for a survey today

0800 420 726

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For a full ingredient list and more information go to www.abundant.co.nz or phone...

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May 2013

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

A Real Kiwi Story

It was the 1950’s and Kiwi’s Bert and Dawn Hansen were building their house. Bert couldn’t find a reliable toilet valve, being an entrepreneur he invented one. This then lead Bert into developing a range of high performance Brass Foot and Check Valves. The design was patented and fast became the bench mark for industry standards and today the original design Bert created is used in a multitude of valves in hundreds of markets all around the world. With the initial success of the Brass Foot and Check Valves, Bert and Dawn worked many long hours to keep up with supply. Their garage was the hub of their business with all the machining, assembling and packaging carried out there. In those early days Dawn remembers having to pack up the car and take all the fittings down to the railway station for distribution. In the 1960’s the range was expanded further with Bert designing and manufacturing a range of Brass Quick Couplings. However by the early 70’s Bert and Dawn realised that plastic was the way of the future and redeveloped the existing range of Brass Quick Couplings and Brass Foot and Check Valves in plastic. By the end of the 70’s Bert and Dawn saw an opportunity to add to their range and designed An Original Hansen and manufactured a Advertisment range of Nylon easy 1979 to use “Cold Fit Pipe Fittings”. Back then this completely changed the way Bert’s Kiwi Farmers joined Alkathene Original pipe, “We had a few teething Toilet Valve 1952 problems with the original cold fit range, mainly around the single barb being difficult to get past the hard pipe when it was cold and a 130kg farmer trying to tighten up a 25mm fitting with a 24” stillson on a -5 degree Southland winters day. Those were some fun learning times but we got those problems sorted, we should have labelled the fittings “Kiwi Proof”.

Hansen Instore Display Unit 2009

In the mid 1980’s some more enthusiasm and ideas were injected into the business when Carl Hansen (Bert and Dawn’s Son) arrived from completing his engineering trades. Within a short period of time, Carl’s experience

Hansen Easy Fit Pipe Fitting 2009

in engineering and his desire to use the “right” technologies in manufacturing and materials added even more strength to the Hansen company. Bert and the team didn’t sit still for long and in the late 1980’s it was decided Hansen would design and manufacture a range of True Fit Threaded Fittings. With the Hansen range of products growing rapidly, it was time to move out of the garage and into its own manufacturing plant to start injection moulding their products. This move was a huge investment and there were many sleepless nights in the Hansen households. The move proved to be the right decision and it wasn’t long before Hansen products were being demanded from all over the world. The 1990’s saw the products develop a stronger following in New Zealand and Australia, with many of the original products having upgrades to high performance materials and the core ranges growing every year. “At one point it felt like we were adding fitting configurations every month” recalls Carl Hansen. In 1999 it was time for Hansen Products to move into even bigger premises. A building in Union East Street, Whangarei was found and the building underwent huge changes to house the manufacturing plant. The turn of the millennium saw Hansen Products continue on the path of constant improvement; a sister company in Canada was established, Irripod was purchased, the Easy Fit range was updated and after much encouragement from the market our Full Flow Ball Valve was released. 2013 and Hansen Products is far from slowing down. Our in-house Research and Design team has developed several new products for release, Level Alert Heavy Duty Tank Level Indicator, the Leveller Tank/Reservoir Valve, Superflo Piston Valve and the Maxflo Diaphragm Valve. All of these products have been designed for high performance whilst still staying true to Bert’s original philosophy of “Keep it Simple”. At Hansen we believe the Superflo and Maxflo valves will quickly become the next industry standard of High Performance Float Valves. After 60 years in business, Hansen Products is extremely proud to be a New Zealand owned and operated business. We are continuing to design, manufacture and distribute Pipe Fittings and Valves of the highest quality around the world. Hansen has built a reputation for providing high performance, easy to use, simple products that deliver our customers “Best Installed Value”. The winning formula that has been applied to the product range since the 1950’s has ensured a loyal customer following through the generations. With a range of over 1000 different products, loyal customers and a dedicated team, Hansen is poised for the new challenges ahead.

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

May 2013

Trusted!

50mm Joiner

35 Years Time Tested “When kiwi Bert Hansen decided to invent a pipe fitting for farmers to join alkathene poly pipe together, his main focus was to keep it simple and make it last! 35 years on, and with over 100 million fittings in the ground, Bert’s pipe fittings are still simple to use, unquestionably time tested, but most importantly trusted by kiwi farmers!”

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Don’t just ask for a pipe fitting, ask for a Hansen fitting! find your local stockist at www.hansenproducts.co.nz/stockists.htm

a Taranaki/ Manaw

FARM

Wheels May 2013

Farmers open land for annual trail bike ride by Denise Gunn

An opportunity to ride over sand country, farmland and through pine plantations, with a few muddy surprises along the way, are marked out for the Oroua Downs School trail bike ride on June 23. Jointly organised by Oroua Downs School and Foxton Rotary, the event is suitable for both two and four-wheelers. Several farmers in the Oroua Downs area have offered the use of their properties for the event.

Oroua Downs School principal, Richard Lloyd, said the role farmers’ play in the trail ride is the backbone of the event. “Without the support of the farmers and their willingness to open their land to others, events like our one simply couldn’t happen. “It really is generous.”

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Mr Lloyd said volunteers before and on the day are the next most crucial group to the organisation and running of the trail ride. “An event of this size requires a number of people willing to give up their time to make sure the riders have the best possible experience.” The 40km loop track suits most skill levels with easy and more difficult options available. The $30 entry fee includes lunch.

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“Our trail bike ride is becoming well known for the quality food we have at the end of the ride,” said Mr Lloyd. “Our volunteers really make the day special for the riders that can come a long way to support our event.” A mini track at a cost of $15 is also available for younger riders.

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Photo: Gunn Photography

The Oroua Downs School trail ride will be held on June 23

“Having a kids’ ride as well is great for families wanting to participate at an event together and make a day of it.” Funds raised from the event are divided between Oroua Downs School and Foxton Rotary. Mr Lloyd said money raised in the past has gone to specific resources for the school’s pupils. “We have purchased some quality reading material in the past. “More recently we have used the funds to buy electronic devices so that our children can learn with ICT in their classes in whatever learning area they are focussing on.”

Foxton Rotary’s funds go straight back into the community. “Our trail bike ride is an example of what can be achieved when people work together, share resources and get together to have a good time,” said Mr Lloyd. “Our school is very grateful to the farmers, volunteers and the support of the Foxton Rotary group.” Riders need to assemble at Oroua Downs School, 12km north of Foxton, from 8am for registration. The ride kick starts at 10am. Phone 06 363 8468 or 027 450 5730 for further details.

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Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

May 2013

FA R M W H E E L S

Protect your bike and farm equipment long-term Protecting much cherished machinery assets is a nobrainer — it translates into longer life, less repairs and good operational use. “From your faithful old Landrover to your latest quad bike, it is essential that you protect your gear from rust or corrosion,” says Prolan New Zealand director, Murray Shaw. “They give you some wonderful adventures together — and one of the reasons they last so well is the TLC they receive from time to time. Sometimes there are some big gaps between the times, but they serve you well.” Murray says the key to good rust and corrosion prevention is simple. “One of the reasons they last so well is they are properly cleaned underneath and then treated by applying protective coatings to the chassis and underside. In the past, engine oil amongst other things has been sprayed inside the chassis rails and underneath. “Now Prolan is available and it’s a much better and environmentally friendly product which is proving itself over the years. The main ingredient is protective lanolin — straight off the sheep’s back — in a range of non-toxic lubricants and corrosion inhibitors that are safe and easy to apply. Once sprayed on, Prolan gets into all those hard-to-reach

areas and is safe on rubbers and wiring. The new Prolan Enduro grade leaves a shiny finish and protects chassis for long periods. It also resists cold water blasting and performs well in the harshest environments, including salt, cow manure and fertiliser among others. Murray adds: “Prolan has many uses around the workshop. Several wellknown speciality workshops are now using Prolan lubricants and grease. “It is a good penetrating lubricant for those seized parts and also tools, locks, door hinges and much more. “In fact, as a testament to its versatility, cranes and rigging used to remove the containers off the cargo ship, Rena, that ran aground on Astrolabe reef at Tauranga have been protected from being exposed to the harsh salt water conditions and corrosion with Prolan.

Tech innovation gaining traction around the world

The TrackGrip range of patented products will significantly improve traction, stability and safety for diggers, bulldozers and all tracked vehicles with its exceptional sideways protection. TrackGrips are multifit or can be custom made for every make and model, and come in a range of styles to handle all terrain conditions where adhesion is a problem, including farming, drain work, papa, mud, clay, sandstone, snow and ice. TrackGrip is the greatest safety and traction enhancement attachment available for use on all tracked vehicles and there is nothing comparable on the market today. The pay back from reduced machine downtime plus the huge increase in operator safety makes having a set of TrackGrips an absolute necessity! TrackGrips are easy to fit on and off with no drilling or welding and come with a complimentary spanner.

“If you plan to keep your prized assets for a good many years yet, Prolan can ensure there will be many more adventures to be had. Remember — ‘it’s never too late to protect your mate’.

TrackGrip is now global with product in the USA, UK, Canada, Scotland, Malaysia, Hawaii and Australia where its unique traction enhancement is recognised.

For more details visit www.prolan. co.nz or call into the National Agriculture Fieldays M3.

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Come and see us at the Mystery Creek Fielday site J21 and J23 for amazing give-aways and specials. Incorporated in our site is Carac Couplings who manufacturer TrackGrip. Carac has the world’s and NZ’s most powerful fiber laser cutter, Omax Waterjet with 5 axis up to 60 degree taper and rotary cutting, high precision plasma and gas cutter, CNC turret punches, pressbrakes, lathes and mills, many fully automatic robot welders, over 60+ mechanical and hydraulic power metal presses 1 ton to 500+, over 25 auto drilling and tapping machines, fully automatic bandsaws, pipe and solid rod/bar bending machines, guillotines, bead blasting and rumbling, along with Carac’s own zinc plating plant. Carac produces a wide variety of componentry for the automotive, agricultural, marine, oil and gas and engineering industries here in New Zealand and around the world. www.caracnz.com

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May 2013

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

Dairying Soil Matters — with Peter Burton

Six reasons why farmers require more money Based on a payment of $6.00 per kg of milk solids, a 114ha dairy property producing close to 1,000kgMS/ha will receive a total of $668,040 income from milk alone. Unfortunately even at this payout a significant percentage of dairy farmers have expenses that exceed their incomes. Following are six reasons why more money in farmers’ pockets is good for everyone: • Land prices will reduce. Land prices tend to increase when profitability is under pressure as well established farmers look to increase their land holding in order to remain profitable. With lower land prices the ability of young farmers to purchase their own farms will again become an achievable dream; • More money will circulate in rural areas. With extra money in farmers’ pockets a greater amount will be spent on the purchase of goods and services locally. Small local

businesses will once again flourish along with a strong sense of community wellbeing; • Additional people will be employed, as farmers look to spend increased time with their families, resulting in the repopulation of rural schools, villages, and townships. A sense of belonging and purpose can again permeate rural areas; • More people on the land leads to a less hurried approach to daily activities. As a result there is time to observe, and with observation the corner stone of sound sustainable farming practice, innovation will become common place. Those of us farming prior to the sweeping changes that took place in 1988 and 1989 recall a highly co-operative culture, not without fault, but one where there

was time and a desire to work together on major issues; • Increased tax will be paid. With higher income the tax take increases and when the system is perceived as fair and equitable tax is paid willingly. Everyone benefits as extra money is available for roading, local schools, sport, and cultural facilities. And the steps necessary to having that money to spend are available now. An independent report by a reputable farm consultancy group showed the Berryman property at Otakiri near Edgecumbe to be substantially better off financially compared to the District Average Dairy Farm on the Rangitaiki Plains. The Berryman property produced 1,344kg of milk solids per hectare in the 2011–12 season, 38% higher than the ‘District Average’, and based on

Overseer grew 19.3 tonne of pasture compared to 14.8 tonne. By using a soil fertility programme based on CalciZest, and DoloZest containing Golden Bay dolomite, the Berryman property used just 16kgN/ ha compared to 96kgN/ha on the ‘District Average’. New Zealand relies on farming so quality soil is at the base of our existence. It’s not possible to grow our income without nurturing the soil and the present focus on high stock numbers and excessive fertiliser nitrogen usage will in time be shown to be counterproductive. The products and knowledge that allow farmers and growers to start growing and producing more at a lower cost are available from Eco-Logic Soil Improvement.

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Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

May 2013

Dairying

Plan ahead for Hooves

With the milking season having drawn to a close for most dairy farmers, it is a good time to plan for the season ahead.

Lame cows cost Taranaki and Manawatu farmers tens of thousands of dollars each year in lost production, extra labour, lost fertility, cull cows, and treatment costs. Minimising lameness by improving races and animal handling is important but there will always be

hoof rests on a bar, and the front hoof lies in a padded cradle. The underbelly girdle supports the cow should she want to go down. Properly restraining a cow prevents a dislocated hip to her, and minimises knife injuries to the farmer. It is also important the back leg is secured while treating a front hoof. Many farmers have suffered head or facial injuries by a belt from an unrestrained back leg while they were concentrating on the front. Again tying up two legs requires the cow to be supported by a double girdle.

Not having to struggle with a cow or fear a lashing, but being able to take their time and do a good job encourages staff to get on top of herd lameness. If you are currently looking at front hooves in the cowshed or using two labour units to treat a hoof it is definitely time to think through your system for the coming season. A lame cow crush can be added to existing sheds and should always be incorporated into new yard designs. Plan ahead. Look after the hooves, your staff and your bottom line.

hooves in need of examination. Safe facilities encourage staff to look at hooves early and prevent more serious problems developing. The Wrangler lame cow handler allows the operator to raise a front or rear hoof without the fear of injury to operator or cow. The rear

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May 2013

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

For a Warmer Winter

Modern Update for a heating classic When it comes to winter warmth, there’s nothing like word-of-mouth from satisfied customers to recommend a form of heating.

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Many customers throughout New Zealand enjoy the Marshall Heating System as one of the most efficient means of heating water with a quick recovery rate.

Customers can save up to 60% of their power account and some Marshall Heater customers are not on the national power grid, enjoying the freedom and flexibility that comes from having effective heating solutions.

An example of this is the ability of the Split System Heater to heat 509 litres of water from 12 degrees to boiling point in 45 minutes burning dry wood. One model of heater produces

Double glazing improves home comfort Even a well insulated home will lose heat in the cold weather. If your home has single glazed windows, approximately half of the heat lost goes out through the windows. With Dualglaze double glazing, a layer of air is trapped between the two panes of glass to create an insulator that prevents approximately 51% of the heat from escaping. This means that less heating appliances will be needed to keep your house warm, so double

glazing will improve the comfort of your home and lower your power bill! Dampness and mould, which are caused by condensation, are another problem which can be considerably reduced by installing Dualglaze double glazing units.

A thermostatically controlled diesel burner will heat a 1,025 litre Integral Heater from 12 degrees up to 80 degrees in one hour.

Many modern homes have Hydronic (underfloor heating) or are fitting radiators to existing homes. The Marshall Heaters are an affordable way of central heating your home, and according to the spokesperson they are a far superior cost efficient means of heating water over electricity. One heater can be responsible for heating your domestic water, centrally heating your home, heating a spa pool, creating a drying room, and is solar compatible — not requiring another cylinder for solar.

There are also the options of burning dry wood, coal, gas, diesel or oil. The oil/gas fired burners are thermostatically controlled. Marshall Heaters offer models suitable for domestic, dairy sheds, commercial and swimming pool situations.

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Providing Rural Dreams Since 1938 Keith Hay delivers a range of homes especially suited to the New Zealand environment and way of life. We are proud to be a New Zealand owned family business founded in 1938. With our experience, more than 22,000 satisfied customers and a five year personal guarantee, Keith Hay is still New Zealand’s most trusted home builder!

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Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

May 2013

FOR A WARMER WINTER

Every home should be different Design Builders specialise in nothing but unique homes, which is why you’ll never hear them referring to their standard house plans… because there aren’t any. “Every person is different so every home should be different,” company director Gareth Edwards said. “Project managing a build can be a stressful experience, but we take all that on board for the client. It’s our job to line up the trades people, and it’s our job to make sure the plans will work,” he said. Gareth is passionate about the building experience with a wealth of knowledge. He and his partner Katie Duff joined the Design Builders team because they loved the concept of always building innovative homes for their clients while reaping the benefits of group buying power. “You also get amazing support from within the Design Builders group,” Gareth said. “Collectively there would be well over 100 years of building experience

to tap into — that has transformed into processes that are tried and tested to make everything flow smoothly and with ease for the client.” The beauty of working with Design Builders is you get total control and freedom while still being able to hand over the ‘nitty gritty’ bits to Gareth. “Everything is managed in house, from the design to consent, from interior colour scheme to selecting your door hardware.” Katie said. Gareth said while the bad news building stories are well documented there are so many more success stories that are never heard of. He insists that building a home should not be feared and thrives on creating a positive experience for clients. “When you build with us, I am involved with the entire process. With

Design Builders, if you have a concern or something changes, you talk to us. You’re not going to be given the runaround from one person to the next; it will always be Katie or I, even after we’ve handed over the keys to your new home.” Judged WINNER of Best Trade /

Services Business in Feilding Excellence in Business awards, Katie and Gareth are an example of what outstanding customer service is about. For information on viewing the display home visit www.designbuilders.co.nz or contact gareth.edwards@designbuilders. co.nz.

Winner of Best Trade and Services Business in Feilding Business Awards 2012

Winter is coming…

Now’s the time to make sure that your home heating needs are sorted ready for whatever the weather or the economy throws your way because warm homes are healthy homes. Wagener Stoves offer you genuine NZmade products with local back up and support and over 30 years’ experience in the heating industry. Their cute new Wagener Sparky is a compact wee fire which has created big interest nationwide. Ngaire of Wagener Stoves, says Sparky literally ran out the door when he was launched in the middle of 2012 and they are now into a third production run to meet demand. “The Butler Multi is the only modern day chip heater on the local market and it delivers copious amounts of hot water along with room heating and a cooking surface. Visitors are always impressed with the Butler’s performance, not to mention good old-fashioned steamed puddings and other treats off the stove top,” says Ngaire. “The Butler Multi is also a perfect partner to solar systems. When the sun’s energy is low the Butler

will provide all the hot water you need.” For a robust and affordable fire with a 30-year history of solid and reliable performance you can’t go past the CookTop Wagener Stove. They can be found in DOC huts around the country, are a popular choice in rural areas and landlords love them too as they can handle a few knocks, have a deep firebox for ‘man sized’ logs and are definitely built to last. And last but not least is the ultimate of solid fuel stoves — the Wagener Fairburn Cooker. Let it become the heart of your home keeping you cosy and warm, well fed and supplying copious amounts of hot water for your washing up and lovely long hot showers with no hefty power bills! For more information please contact Wagener Stoves on 09 408 2469 or www.wagenerstoves.co.nz.

Now is the time to talk to Gareth and Katie about building an ECO designed home that will be kinder on the planet and save you money. You will be surprised at the ways your home can be designed to easily incorporate features for sustainable and stylish living. Visit www.designbuilders.co.nz to learn more.

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May 2013

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

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Cutting winter yard work down to size With winter on the way there’s a lot to do in the back yard — and even more if you’re living on the farm. But those big jobs, such as cutting firewood and pruning back trees can be cut down to size if you pick the right tools. That’s where Makita’s compact and powerful new EA3502S chainsaw comes in handy. They’ve nicknamed it the ‘tree destroyer’ for a good reason, and it’s been crafted to join a range of Makita power equipment that’s trusted from the back yard to the building trade. That means user comfort has been key to its development — the EA3502S features ergonomic grips and steel spring dampening to reduce vibration and make a long day’s work that little bit easier. Makita have put safety first, too — the EA3502S boasts the same kind of heat protection, anti-kickback spikes and automatic chain brake which serious lumberjacks demand of their big saws. The Makita research and development department have also made sure that this new 2013 model is the easiest to start

yet; not to mention easy to refuel, and easy to maintain, with a one-tool chain tensioner, easily accessed bar studs and an external sprocket to make chain change-outs a breeze. Best of all, it’s a powerful little machine. Weighing in at only 4.4 kilograms, you can wield the ‘tree destroyer’ against broken boughs or stacks of firewood all day and hardly break a sweat. For all that compact size, you still get 2.3 horsepower of grunt — enough to make the sawdust fly, and power through loads of timber! Makita have been producing top quality tools for decades, and this addition to their range ticks all the boxes. The EA3502S promises a handy, sturdy, no-nonsense saw for the home or lifestyle block user, and all for a very reasonable price.

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

May 2013

Gypsy Week

On the road again

by Paul Campbell

The annual migration of the New Zealand dairy industry is coming around again with two to three busy weeks which herald the start of the new dairy season, with farms changing hands and share milkers moving on to new contracts. Dairy herds will also be moving on to new pastures, but in all likelihood, movement will be somewhat restricted after the prolonged drought, which has yet to see any real recovery of feed stocks as winter closes in.

Moving stock on Gypsy Day? • Tag & register your cattle with NAIT • Record & confirm cattle movements

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Recent heavy rains across the country will certainly kick things along, but drought relief for the farming sector will stay in force until September, when spring growth will see things settle back to something like normal. But drought or not, the sheer weight of the dairy industry, with more cows than people in New Zealand makes Gypsy Week a significant event. To the forefront at this time are local councils, as stock take to the road in trucks, or in local cases, to the road on the hoof. Stock transports are being reminded to keep the highways and byways clear of effluent discharge or spillage. Stock should be ‘stood’ overnight, before being embarked. Road transport officials point out that effluent from trucks can create hazards for motorists, especially at this time of the year, when stock movements are intensified. Waterways can also be fouled with effluent washed into them.

REMEMBER As well as animals, hundreds of households may be on the move as well, as being a sharemilker taking up a new contract means having all of your household possessions in a truck with your stock not far behind.

Stock “ transports

are being reminded to keep the highways and byways clear of effluent discharge or spillage.

‘Truck drivers should ensure their effluent storage tanks are emptied before each load and regularly use stock truck effluent disposal sites,’ states a Federated Farmers advice leaflet.

covering effluent disposal sites and adequate stops and rest periods, particularly for cows on long journeys. • Talking to the farmer at the other end about when to expect stock to arrive.

It is ILLEGAL to use a hand held cellphone while driving a motor vehicle

Federated Farmers has issued tips to smooth the way over Gypsy Week. These include: • Standing cows off green feed for a minimum of four hours and up to 12 hours to empty themselves, instead feeding them straw, hay or baleage with free access to water.

rence It is not too late to make a diffe s! es to this year’s Calf Rearing succ

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May 2013

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

Gypsy Week

Before you pack up, back up Heading to greener pastures this Gypsy Day? Before you pack up your computer, whether it’s an old faithful desktop or a more portable notebook, have you backed up its hard disk drive? If the answer is no, ask yourself what impact losing the information stored on your device would have on your family and your business. There’s probably photographs of long forgotten family events, important financial records and

a to-do list this upcoming season. Before packing up grab yourself an external hard disk drive — about twice the capacity of your machine’s hard drive is ideal. Drives from the likes of manufacturers like Western Digital cost a hundred or so dollars and come with their own automated backup software. If the enclosed instructions aren’t clear try Googling

the make and model online with the word backup. The last three versions of Windows, Vista, 7 and 8, also come with their own backup software. Find out how to use it at microsoft.com and search for the word backup. If you’re running Windows XP you should consider buying a new machine before next April when Microsoft ends

support for the operating system by no longer providing security patches over the internet. It’s a good idea to have more than one backup in case your hard disk drive fails. Don’t rely on USB drives, which are small and can be easily lost, or CD-ROM or DVD-ROM discs, which can be scratched and have a reasonably short life.

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Boost your GPs accuracy from $12.50/week! Purchase any OmniSTAR™ signal on a section licence for just $650 and get 12 months peace of mind, increased driver comfort, greater efficiency and reduced input costs. For more information please call 0800 88 88 64. Photo and range fence are for illustration only and are not to scale. To take advantage of this offer you will need to supply the longitude and latitude coordinates of your property. © 2013, trimble Navigation Limited. all rights reserved. omnistar is a trademark of trimble Navigation Limited, registered in the united states and in other countries. all other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. tPs-032 (04/13)

Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

May 2013

Ask The Professionals JAE provides the most reputable home and office carpet cleaning service in New Zealand, with over 40 years experience and reliability. Carpet Care and Cleaning We offer a total care package that cleans, sanitises, deodorises and protects carpets. We use an Extraction Process to clean carpets that is recommended by carpet manufacturers, which lifts the pile and enhances the original colours. Our treatments help combat allergens from pests such as dust mites. Flood and Fire Restoration We are Insurance Company approved.

Specialised Stain Treatments We have put years of training and research into developing our own products and processes for tackling some of the toughest stains, such as red wine, coffee, orange juice, food or animal stains. Pest Control As members of the Pest Management Association of NZ we not only deal with infestations of insects or rodents but we can provide ongoing protection programs against reinfestation.

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SEPTIC TANK OWNERS Septic tanks and multi-stage septic systems are delicately balanced environments. It does not take much to upset them. Common practice is to ignore the septic system until problems occur. Good and best economical practice is to always keep your septic system well maintained. A malfunctioning septic system can become a health hazard. When a system is not maintained or operated as a delicately balanced environment, problems occur. These problems include nasty odours, leach line blockages, untreated liquid rising to the surface, toilets gurgling and taking time to empty. At this stage your septic system is a serious health hazard to you and your children. Human waste produces faecal coliform bacteria, a source of viral and bacterial gastroenteritis as well as Hepatitis A and other diseases. Hepatitis can be a debilitating condition and cause long-term harm to children. There are only three remedies. One: stop using the septic system until it recovers. This can take over a month and is not normally practical. Two: excavate your septic system and relocate it. This is very costly and time consuming, sometimes requiring new resource consents and different systems. Three: treat your septic system with Septi-Cure™ every six months.

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How you can save money by keeping your septic system effective and healthy Septi-Cure is Cost effective. By far the most cost effective solution is to pour one litre of Septi-Cure™ down each toilet bowl every six months. This simple action will help keep your system working at top efficiency by reducing solids and scum. Instead of emptying your tank frequently, the reduction in solids and scum saves you expensive pump out costs. Your irrigation field and leach lines will become clear of slimes and blockages so nature can handle the gradual seepage and evaporation for you. When this is happening your system will be operating effectively and not endangering you or your family’s health. What is Septi-Cure™ Septi-Cure™ is a concentrated mixture of selected naturally occurring microorganisms. These harmless tiny organisms live and multiply by feeding on waste material. When introduced to your septic tank system, they go to work straight away digesting waste material, reducing solids and scum, allowing your septic system to start operating to its maximum efficiency. As they progress through to your irrigation field they feed on the slimes

that prevent seepage and evaporation. When seepage and evaporation return to normal, you have reduced the risk of contaminating groundwater and the environment as well as reducing the chances of infection for you and your family. Eventually, they get washed out of the system and have to be replaced to continue their work. This is why you introduce Septi-Cure™ to your septic system every six months for maximum efficiency. A satisfied customer in Hamilton has been using Septi-Cure™ for three years. He says this allows them to have an odour-free septic tank with low maintenance costs. He also says that his service person is amazed at how well Septi-Cure™ works, keeping their tank in very good condition. Problematic septic tanks – treat with Septi-Cure™. Prevent septic system problems – treat with Septi-Cure™. For Septi-Cure™- Call: 0800-109-202 Website: www.ecoworld.co.nz Also Available at

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Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

Forestry Report

administered by a group to be formed called the ‘Forest Growers Levy Trust’ (FGLT).

NORTHERN FOREST PRODUCTS

If the levy does come into effect, the first challenge for the FGLT will be to enforce and collect the levy. This is sure to be an expensive exercise and may consume a big chunk of the levy income.

It is a story of onwards and upward but uncertainty underlies the log markets and while price gains are still being achieved, these are tentative and the bullrun may be running out of fizz. If there are further price increases from here, then be on guard as a more spectacular price collapse may follow. Chinese inventory is still high following their New Year break but matched with high demand, log inventory is steadily falling. The onset of the hot season may be the catalyst to reduce the Dragon’s appetite and when sentiment goes south so might the prices. But at the present time forest owners in New Zealand continue to ride the wave. Closer to home, sawmills have been forced to increase log prices to match, which will be tough for some, but this may increase sawmillers’ collective resolve to hold onto recent increases in sawn timber prices. If you are fortunate enough to be harvesting your woodlot right now, the prolonged dry is your best

We’re a

The other challenge will be to demonstrate the real benefits that accrue to forest owners who are paying the levy when some of those benefits already exist and may have been funded by the Government.

friend and you will be impressed with your returns. The really big event in the woodlot owners’ calendar last month was the Forest Owners Referendum on whether a compulsory levy should be introduced of 27 cents per tonne or cubic metre for all forest products removed from a ‘qualifying’ forest. A ‘qualifying’ forest is owned by a forest owner (or entity) with more than 4Ha of forest and harvests wood products from the forest. Wood products will mostly be logs, but also include binwood, residue and wood chips. A ‘yes’ vote by more than 50% of forest owners will be the mandate for the Ministry of Primary Industries to legislate the levy under The Commodity

big part of your business

Levies Act (1990) which enables an industry organisation to seek a compulsory levy on all producers of a commodity. Their are restrictions on how that money may be used and trading or commercial activities are excluded. To continue the levy beyond six years, another referendum is required. The result of the referendum will be interesting, as those organisations promoting the levy already own 80% of the forests but represent only 25% of the participants. The levy will be

On the ETS front, New Zealand’s withdrawal from Kyoto changes the dynamic of this market and the sentiment is firmly buy and hold. So now is a good time to lock in gains if you have already sold NZUs at higher prices and still face future liabilities. If you have any comments or questions then email enquiry@nfp.co.nz. Gary Leslie is a forest owner and proprietor of Northern Forest Products Ltd, specialising in harvest management and log marketing since 1999.

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You’ve seen the rest, now try the best! Do you want to increase productivity and profits? At KOBELCO, fuel efficiency is more than a passing fad. It’s an obsession. KOBELCO listens to excavator users in the field, who say that fuel economy is the best way to increase profits. KOBELCO excavators provide greater performance and improved cost efficiency when compared to competitors’ machines. Talk to the team at MIMICO. We are the New Zealand distributors for KOBELCO excavators, parts and service. www.mimico.co.nz Freephone 0800 806 464 | E-mail enquiries@mimico.co.nz Our brands

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Taranaki/ManawaTu FarMing LiFesTyLes

May 2013

A dog’s tail…

She’s an ill wind, eh?

“Well, she’s getting’ a bit grimm, now Dog.” Yep. Gidday. Me, Billy Border Colly hear agin, an’ ya will havta forgive me readas, if I’m a bit short. Lilke tha Boss, eye’m a bit grumpee. Ya see, on Eesta Sunday, we all thort the bluddy drout was brokin. It pawed down here ona farm, up ona north ofa Kaipra. As a mattra fact, it wuz orl a bit much fer me, coa Boss ’n his gerlfrend Sharlene got there bluddy gear off an’ wuz dancin’ ina rain. Boss evin got a bar of sope and they gave thereselves a washup. I mus’ admit I had a bitova soak ina rain befour I shook meself off and waited out wot tha Boss sed wuz a cloudberst, unda tha woolshed. Tell yer wot tho. Boss n’ Sharlene wuz

so carryed away wiv tha water ana sope, they didn’t hear ole Pete an’ Gazza’s truck bounse ova tha kattil stop. They wuz deliverin’ some PVC pipe’s fer tha troffs. Dunna hoo got tha biggist fright — them, or Sharlene ana Boss. But I rekin they got excitid a bit too soon. Ona widescreen TV ternite, that Jim Hickee rekins its gonna stay warm fer a wile yet. Boss an’ me still gotta go roun’ checkin tha troffs, but she a blimmin’ dusty ole walk I kin tell ya. Not enuff ina dam ta have a decent swim. Boss grumblin’ about tha feed. “We juss got that cupla paddicks of ruff feed ta go Dog,” he sed. Then he wuz lookin’ ata sky. An’ I saw a look on ’is face wot I rekignised. It had

a ‘bee nice ta Sharlene’ look.

Shore enuff, at happy hour Boss clinkt a glass wiv Sharlene an’ sed: “Ya shud go ta town at yer mum’s and do some more baby shoppin” (Cos she’s in pup, eh — Boss sez it due ina spring.) Well, Sharlene jumped ata chance — probly ta get a brake away froma Boss ana drout. Ha! Nex’ ya no, tha boat’s ona back ofa ute, an me ana Boss headed fer Pahi ana cupla days fishin’. “Yep Dog,” seda Boss. She’s a ill wind tha blows no good,eh? Me, I wuz juss happy jumpin’ inta the sea atta boat ramp. Water fer Afrika! Cheers then Billy

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May 2013 Taranaki/Manawatu Farming Lifestyles

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