Taranaki
FARMING Lifestyles
May 2015 Edition
10,000 copies DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address in Taranaki
Manawatu farmers take out top steak title
Prized poultry a lifetime hobby P3
Dairy resilience is key
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MAY 2015
TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES
Win for sheep dog triallist
The Taranaki Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by NorthSouth Multi Media Ltd, a privately owned New Zealand company.
by Denise Gunn
Phone: 0800 466 793
A long journey to Southland to compete in the 2015 South Island Sheep Dog Trials Championships proved successful for Taranaki competitor Steve Murphy, winning the heading events with his dog Kei.
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Steve Murphy with his dogs Photo courtesy of Charmaine Murphy
Steve, a sheep and beef farmer from Whangamomona, took three dogs to the championships; Quade — a Huntaway, and his two heading dogs — Kei, and Treat. Kei, a rising seven-year-old was the best performer at the event, topping the leaderboard in both the short head and yard, and the long head. Kei is by Steve’s well-performed retired sheep dog, Hawk, and out of Kate, owned by fellow sheep dog triallist and judge Ian Burling. Steve said the dog has been a bit of a slow starter. “When he first got going, he broke a leg and was out of action for 12 months.” Kei then broke a bone in his foot which required an operation. “So he missed a couple of dog trial years.” Steve and Kei scored 98.5 in the first run of the short head and yard. This score was the best run of the 200 dogs entered. “We drew good sheep, and when you get dished up good sheep you have to make the most of them,” said Steve. “But we didn’t have the best run in the run-off round.” Steve said the long head was basically the same.
“The best run was in the first round.” Three generations of the Murphy family have been involved in the sport, stretching back to Steve’s grandfather. Steve’s father, Bernard, won four national championships, several island titles and represented New Zealand against Australia. Both Steve and his brother Dan are members of the Whangamomona Dog Trial Club, and have been familiar names on the leaderboards at dog trials around the country for many years. Steve said the South Island Sheep Dog Trials Championships were well run. “It was a very good trial, the weather was kind and the people were very friendly, there was only one day of rain,” said Steve. Steve and his wife Charmaine own several dogs between them. “Behind most successful sportspeople there is a support team, and my wife is my best supporter and manager,” said Steve. Steve is looking ahead to compete at the Tux North Island and New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Championships to be held near Taihape from May 25–30.
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Manawatu farmers take out top steak title
MAY 2015
3
The nation’s most tender and tastiest steaks have been decided at this year’s Beef + Lamb New Zealand Steak of Origin, with an Angus sirloin from the farm of Forbes and Angus Cameron in the Pohangina Valley awarded the top prize. The top 20 finalist steaks, selected from more than 300 entrants, went under an intense taste testing by judges. The judging panel included BMX World Champion and Beef + Lamb iron maiden Sarah Walker, New Zealand listener food columnist Lauraine Jacobs, Wharekauhau Estate executive chef and Beef + Lamb ambassador chef Marc Soper, and head judge Graham Hawkes. Now into its 13th year, the competition celebrates the hard work and dedication of New Zealand beef farmers. Judge Lauraine Jacobs said it was a privilege to be involved in the judging of New Zealand’s top steak. “We judged each sirloin steak on aroma, juiciness, tenderness, texture and of course, taste. “The quality of the beef I tasted this evening was simply exceptional and is a true testament to the skill of our producers.” The Camerons, who farm Ngaputahi Station, took home the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Steak of Origin Grand Champion shield and $5,000 prize money. Their win has also earned them
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a place in the history books. The father and son team are the first entrants to win both the Steak of Origin, and the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Golden Lamb Awards (Glammies) which they won in 2008. Land Meats won the Processor of Grand Champion award. The Best of breed — European went to Tony Partridge from Leeston (Simmental), processed at Ashburton Meat Processors; Best of breed — British was awarded to Forbes and Angus Cameron (Angus), processed at Land Meat; Best of breed — Crossbreed and other was won by Tom Savage from Gisborne (Hereford/Shorthorn), processed at Land Meat. The Best of Brand — Retail went to Chef’s Choice (AngusPure) (Angus) — Rangitatau Trust, and the Supreme Brand Champion title was awarded to Countdown North Island. Nero Restaurant in Palmerston North won the Manawatu Beef Dish of the Year, judged by close to 1,000 local diners over the past three weeks.
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Angus and Forbes Cameron won this year’s Steak of Origin
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MAY 2015
TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES
FROM TOWNIE TO TOP TRAINEE by Denise Gunn
Michael McCombs wasn’t raised with a rural background, but from a young age he set his goal to go farming. This year the 22-year-old won the Taranaki Dairy Trainee of the Year award.
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rowing up as a townie in Upper Hutt was no barrier to Michael’s desire to farm. His journey into the agricultural industry initially started through helping a relative on a sheep and beef farm. Work on a dairy farm through Upper Hutt College followed, giving Michael a real taste for farming. When he finished his secondary education, Michael enrolled at Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre gaining a Certificate in Agriculture — levels two, three and four. Michael’s agricultural career began as assistant herd manager on the Weatherston family’s south Wairarapa dairy farm, milking 2,000 cows. He then headed to Australia for further experience, working as a ringer
on a 60,000 head of cattle property in the Northern Territory. He has also worked for Taratahi as a senior farm assistant in Egmont Village and Masterton, building his knowledge and experience in the dairy industry. Currently Michael is working as assistant manager for Ian and Sophie Honeyfield, milking 220 Friesian-cross cows on their 100ha Patea farm. This year was the second time he had entered the Taranaki Dairy Industry Awards, winning $5,300 in prizes. In the lead-up to the competition, Michael spoke to local professionals and revised industry best practices. “I gained a lot of benefit from entering, including the valuable feedback from industry professionals
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Michael is assistant manager on a 220-cow Patea farm and the networking that can be done with all others involved and competing.” The competition involved two interviews with two judges in the first round and three in the second. “We were asked questions on all aspects of dairy farming from industry standards to pasture management.” Michael said two practical sessions involved setting up a portable trough, constructing a calving box, naming fertilisers, fencing, lifting a hoof in a wrangler, and explaining how to service a two-wheel motorbike. “The feeling was great once I won — a great achievement for myself,” he said. Outside of dairy farming, Michael is involved in the local community as
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a member of the Patea Volunteer Fire Brigade. He has recently taken up beekeeping as a new hobby and enjoys heading into the bush to hunt deer and trap possums. Travelling is another interest and Michael has spent time in Australia, England and Canada. Keen to progress up the dairy industry career ladder, Michael said he is always looking for new challenges and progression through the industry. Next season will see Michael moving onto a larger farm as he takes another step forward in his career. “I’ll be looking at management positions after that before heading towards sharemilking.”
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With his aim to be sharemilking within three years, Michael’s overall goal is farm ownership with 400 cows. “I enjoy working on the land, the cows, and improving production with the cows and farm.” Michael encourages others to enter the Dairy Trainee of the Year competition. “It’s a great experience to help improve yourselves and also getting your name out there, and to maybe create future opportunities.”
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MAY 2015
TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES
A Y R T L U O P D E Z PRI Y B B O H E M I T E F LI BY DENIS
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Wayne Dodd has bred, raised, and shown poultry, caged birds and ducks for as long as he can remember.
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t all began when Wayne swapped some budgies for ducks. Various breeds of poultry and caged birds followed — each with their own characteristics. “One hen that comes to mind was an Australorp that looked like a Kiwi with a round tail, large beak, no comb and never laid, but was kept as a pet,” said Wayne. Wayne has since bred a large assortment of poultry on the Bell Block property where he and his wife Joy live. He credits first-hand knowledge and listening to the advice of other breeders as a vital component to his successful poultry breeding and showing hobby.
“Take on board what some of the older breeders tell you,” said Wayne. “There are plenty of good books to read but nothing beats first-hand knowledge and I’m not a reader as I only went to school to eat my lunch,” he said. Wayne belongs to several poultry, pigeon and game clubs around New Zealand, including the local Taranaki Poultry and Pigeon Club. “The Taranaki club has a good number of members although not all of them show,” said Wayne. “Club members’ ages range from four to eighty-plus years with these chaps having a wealth of knowledge.” Last year marked the club’s 125th anniversary. Wayne usually attends
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A group of Wayne’s Indian Runners and Mule ducks “On the odd occasion, miss a feed so they will clean up all the food.” Most of Wayne’s birds are freerange and also spend a fair amount of time scratching around at his neighbour’s place. “Bad chook, good neighbour,” he said. Wayne intends to continue breeding and showing his birds and poultry. “They don’t answer back and some of the breeds are a real challenge.” He also has a couple of tips for novice exhibitors. “Prepare your birds well for shows as sometimes good birds are not even looked at on the show bench if they are dirty.
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“And feed your young well,” he added. This year’s National Poultry Show will be held in Oamaru in July.
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up to seven shows each year and has travelled the length of the country showing poultry, along with judging heavy and light breeds. “I love to breed poultry and going to shows with a great bunch of exhibitors,” said Wayne. “We have travelled from Whangarei to Southland, but going to Southland with 10 guys and a trailer load of poultry was like going to the end of the world,” he added. “Over a lifetime so far I have met a lot of good fanciers forming friendships for life.” Wayne’s poultry have earned some major show achievements over the years, including winning the best bird at the National Poultry Show two years in a row. His Pile Hen took out the title when the show was held in Waikato in 2012. The following year when the national show was held in Ashburton, Wayne’s Wheaten Pullet took out the top spot. Wayne has also won numerous best bird classes at various shows. At this time of year, Wayne has close to 200 birds, ducks and poultry. “Not sure about numbers but if one goes missing I can usually tell,” said Wayne. “Once I start culling the number goes down as I find faults in them.” Wayne describes the housing for his birds as ‘nothing flash’ but there are plenty of trees for the game to perch in and chicken pens. There are also special show pens for training in the lead-up to a show. Paying daily attention to his birds is Wayne’s key to keeping them in good health. Pellets are fed in the morning and a mixture of wheat and maize at night.
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MAY 2015
TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES
LIVESTOCK ADVERTORIAL
Agrimin launch new ‘waterproof’ copper bolus range for cattle
Bolus specialists Agrimin, have announced the launch of a new range of copper boluses for cattle, sold in New Zealand under the 24.7 brand. Agrimin 24.7 Copper boluses have the advantage over capsules as they can be handled in rain without disintegrating. The boluses quickly breakdown in the rumen and release copper oxide needles which lodge in the ruminal folds and are then absorbed and stored in the liver. Copper deficiency is common in young cattle on pasture in New Zealand
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and is most often encountered in the winter when copper availability is low. Trials on the new Agrimin 24.7 boluses were conducted in cattle on a property with a history of copper deficiency in Northland. They were dosed and then grazed on reclaimed marsh that contained high levels of iron in the forage. The liver copper levels of the group were maintained at normal levels for at least 168 days. Towards the end of the trial, the blood copper levels of 70 per cent of the control group, which received no copper supplementation, were below normal. This indicated that the liver copper reserves were exhausted. The untreated controls were then given a copper bolus in the spring to correct the deficiency. Within 28 days, blood copper levels were normal in all 10 animals. This shows the Agrimin copper boluses are effective in the treatment and prevention of copper deficiency in cattle. The new product range is available from your local veterinary clinic.
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‘Six Principles of Sun Tzu and the Art of Business’ Press headlines that Fonterra is facing a supplier crisis of confidence and risks haemorrhaging milk to private companies as fed-up farmer shareholders react to its latest financial results, deserves some comment. Loyalty can be fickle amongst farmers when they are hit directly in their financial pockets and facing a financial slump caused by low dairy returns worldwide. New Zealand has an increasing number of proprietary dairy companies and also the Chinese are undertaking major investments in dairy processing here, in competition to Fonterra. At a Fonterra meeting I attended in Northland, Fonterra representatives confirmed they were negotiating to supply milk to the Chinese milk factory at Pokeno and that there was nothing to stop the Chinese from building more of these plants throughout the country. If Fonterra is required to supply these establishing companies with milk under the current legislation for a three year period, it will certainly I believe, alarm Fonterra suppliers who see competitors using Fonterra milk to establish their businesses and then competing for Fonterra suppliers. I believe the current legislation should be changed and these
competitors should be made to stand alone from the beginning. There are strong indications that Chinese interests are planning to buy a significant number of farms throughout Northland and elsewhere and that these farms will supply processing plants financed and built by the Chinese. Open Country, New Zealand’s second largest milk processor, an independently owned company, is looking at the options of building a milk plant at their Affco Horotiu plant or expanding its Whareroa site. It is claimed over 500 Fonterra milk suppliers are waiting to join their company, due to their extreme dissatisfaction with Fonterra’s payout performance. The Chinese have been traders for thousands of years. The famous Chinese military tactician Sun Tzu in 512BC wrote a book called The Art of War. The theories of his book are still widely read throughout the
world today. Many Chinese businesses and others throughout the world follow the six major principles of Sun Tzu, being capture your market without destroying it, avoid your competitors strength and attack their weakness, use foreknowledge and deception to maximise the power of business intelligence, use speed and preparation to swiftly overcome the competition, use alliances and strategic control points in the industry to ‘shape’ your opponents and make them conform to your will, develop your character as a leader to maximise the potential of your employees. Clearly they are a tenacious people. They never give up. We would do well to learn from them if we are going to survive in a free-market open economy that invites overseas investment. It is up to us to make sure that we don’t become slaves
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MAY 2015
TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES
RURAL WHEELS ADVERTORIAL
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DO NOT RELY ON THE ALTERNATOR A car battery can be treated for around $5. Available at :
0800 36 33 36 – www.recharge.net.nz
“Sulphation is a major problem with lead-acid batteries and the less they’re used the worse it is. All batteries sulphate — you buy them with sulphation and they only get worse till they die. “A RECHARGE treatment will dissolve those sulphur ions back into the electrolyte to hold the charge again. The battery regains its capacity and stops corrosion of lead plates. “A lot of farmers in our RECHARGE Conditioning Programme are getting eight to ten years from most batteries and some are getting a heck of a lot more by simply dosing them early, treating them every two to three years and keeping them charged. “Yes you can treat sealed batteries simply by drilling into each cell — treating and re-sealing with silicone, sikaflex or a plastic bung. Recharge is also great for deep cycle batteries like forklifts, golf carts, scissor hoists and lighting system batteries.” Recharge is available from Farmlands and Auto-One stores and will also be featured at the National Fieldays at Mystery Creek in June at the new site — K-25. For more information go to website www.recharge.net.nz and follow us on Facebook.
FREE TOWBAR & ORC - SAVE $2,000! ®
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0800 282 726
www.mahindra.co.nz
LOCAL DEALERS: HARVEY ROUND MOTORS (CARS) - 44 - 50 Dublin Street, Wanganui - Ph: (06) 345 0233 AG TRACTION (CARS & TRACTORS) - 643 Devon Road, Waiwakaiho - Ph: (06) 759 8432 MAHINDRA AUCKLAND (CARS & TRACTORS) - 4 Newton Rd, Grey Lynn, Auckland - Ph: (09) 557 2012 PLEASE NOTE: DOUBLE CAB WELLSIDE WITH OPTIONAL EXTRAS & ALLOYS SHOWN. SPECIFICATIONS & PRICES SUBJECT TO CHANGE WITHOUT NOTICE.
• TOW CAPACITY 2500KG • EATON DIFF • HIGH/LOW RANGE
TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES
MAY 2015
RURAL WHEELS
11
Ready to take on the world by Andy Bryenton
Ford’s world car philosophy has seen a range of important milestones for the brand, with a cabinet full of awards garnered by the likes of the peppy Fiesta ST, the dominant Ranger utility and the world’s best-selling car, the Ford Focus. But it’s no overstatement to say that the all new 2015 Mondeo is perhaps the most important of them all — Ford’s flagship medium-sized car which challenges for supremacy in a tough sector of the market. Looking at the latest Mondeo, it’s clear that this is a departure from the relatively conservative lines of previous generations. Long, low and athletic, with a bold chrome grille and muscle-car styling accenting the bonnet, the new Mondeo wears its European design origins with pride. Gone is the image of the sensible and practical fleet car, replaced by a machine with more presence, even standing still. Attention to detail makes all the difference, with even the door handles, the chromed strip surrounding the windows and the underlit wing mirrors speaking volumes about the amount of thought Ford designers have lavished on their new creation. It’s the same inside,
with a racing-inspired twin dial cluster offsetting a big 8-inch touch-screen control unit in the centre console. While comfort is the key to the interior of the Mondeo — including voice control for everything from the interior temperature to your choice of music — it’s the improved ride, handling and power of this car which set it apart from others in its class. At the heart of the Mondeo’s nicely balanced performance is the combination of a new electrically assisted steering system and the 2.0 litre Ecoboost engine, which puts together independent variable valve timing, turbocharging and direct fuel injection to deliver more power from less gas — and from a smaller, lighter powerplant. It all comes together to create a car which seems built to devour long distances, its advanced systems working behind the scenes to smooth
“SEE US FOR YOUR SAFE MOTORING” TYRES - MAGS - SHOCKS SUSPENSION - WOF WORK EXHAUSTS - MUFFLERS - BRAKES
ATV Tyres - GT Radial Kumho Tyres - Cooper 4WD Tyres 53 Molesworth Street New Plymouth Phone: 06 757 5988 A/Hrs: 027 575 7547 www.tyretorque.co.nz
LARRY 027 323 1979 SALES 06 759 5222 REXTON RANGE
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out the bumps, cancel out noise and create the kind of in-cabin environment which was once the preserve of luxury GT models. Many Ford fans have worried that the end of the Falcon XR6 would leave a gap in the Blue Oval’s stable for a long-range
cruiser roomy enough for family comfort. This long-awaited replacement to one of their most successful cars proves that such a gap will not exist — and that a sensible choice for fuel economy and practicality can still look and feel like a real drivers’ car.
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12
MAY 2015
TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES
DAIRY ADVERTORIAL
Product Launch – Ecotank Reliant Solutions have developed the ECOTANK™ system to be an exceptional agricultural effluent storage system, second only in performance to the Permastore tanks system.
Combined with our know-how, engineering expertise, and considerable experience in the dairy and industrial markets, you can be assured that the system offers market leading structural design. It has a robust durable liner which has been developed to lead within the dairy industry. Using the strength of galvanised steel panels and a secure concrete ring beam, it is designed to accommodate secure tank storage for all local environmental conditions, such as high wind speeds, snow or seismic loads. The design protects the liner from rodent attacks and ensures the tank avoids any uneven foundation settlement. This provides maximum durability and longevity and a minimum cost for maintenance.
It is designed to a 50-year structural service life, and also boasts a 20-year warranty on the liner which utilises an intelligent synthetic liner sealing system to allow rapid construction and increased effective storage capacity, with only 75mm needed to maintain the liner. The tank comes in eight standard models, from 500,000 litres through to 4,000,000 litres, and any capacity above that is easily met by the Permastore tank range. Reliant Solutions operate to all New Zealand design standards, which gives customers the reassurance of highly experienced, trained crews who provide rapid and high quality completion on-site. For more information phone 03 215 9125, 0800 ECOTANK or 0800 326 826 or visit www.reliant-solutions.co.nz/ecotank
Dairy resilience is key
by Paul Campbell
The need for the country’s dairy farmers to have a sound strategy to progress from year to year is vital, according to DairyNZ’s principal scientist Dr John Roche.
“The only constant in the future will be volatility and farmers must set their businesses to be able to absorb the uncertainties that come with that if they are going to survive volatile times,” he says. “Historically, the old adage was that the difference between a good farmer and a bad farmer was time. In other words, all farmers do the same thing eventually; the big difference is the timing of their actions. “From an operational perspective, this is still true. However, increasingly I see the difference between successful businesses and those that struggle through challenging times is that one has a plan and the other manages day to day.” Mr Roche uses a rugby adage, ‘forwards win matches; backs decide by how much’. “Your strategic plan is the forward pack of a dairy farming business, securing the business in the set piece and ensuring the team will not be
See us at site N2 3, Mystery Creek Fieldays
Portable Milking Specialists $2295 Inc GST/ Delivery to Main Freight Depot
caught unawares by a poor climate year or a low milk price, while the tactical management (the backs) determines by how much we win the game. “The need for system resilience is more important than ever before because future milk production will be set against a backdrop of increased farm business uncertainty.” F u n d a m e n t a l l y, resilient systems must: • be profitable every year and not just when milk price is high • have a low production-cost base to insulate the dairy farm business from price shocks • and allow farms to generate sufficient funds in better times to exploit opportunities in lean years, when other businesses can’t capitalise. “Resilient systems still have sufficient tactical flexibility to overcome unanticipated events that can lower short term profitability.”
Portable Milking Machines Suitable for Dairy Farmers, Lifestylers and Calf Rearers • Cow/Goat or Sheep • Petrol or Electric • Single or Double Units • Kits Sets or Portable Set Up • 12 Month Warranty
These can be used by dairy farmers who want to milk early calving cows without having to start up your main Milking Plant. If you are calve rearing or need to milk just one or two cows then this is an ideal set up. From $199 Inc GST/ Delivery
Test Buckets • 304 Stainless Steel • 25 Ltr or 30 Ltr • Hygienic, easy to clean • Bottom handle for easy lifting/balance • Robust Clear View Lids • Polycarbonate options available
Ph 09 283 3425 Mob 021 519 507 Email info@milkingsolutions.co.nz
www.milkingsolutions.co.nz
0800 ECOTANK
www.reliant-solutions.co.nz/ecotank
Pay attention!
around road works
TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES
DAIRY
13
“When magnesium inputs are required, Golden Bay Dolomite provides the simplest and most effective option.”
ADVERTORIAL
Rotagen Combo and Vetsan Super Concentrate
call 0800 4 Dolomite
0800 436 566
NZ’s Finest Magnesium Fertiliser
A programme of preventative treatment with Rotagen Combo, the natural calf scour product, is a good option for protecting valuable replacement heifer calves which may be exposed to a viral or bacterial infection resulting in infectious scours. Rotagen Combo is part of an economical rearing strategy to protect calves and help them perform at their best over their lifetime. It is a registered animal remedy unique in New Zealand. Similar products are widely used overseas as growth promotants in calves and piglets with very good results. It is made from the dried egg yolk from hens that have been vaccinated with specific antigens. The hyper immune status of these hens achieve results in very high levels of antibodies in the yolk of the eggs, which provide a passive immunity to specific infection in the gut of the calf. The main cause of neonatal calf scours is rotavirus, a viral disease picked up from carrier cows following calving. A simple program of treating calves at birth with a preventative drench of Rotagen Combo once a day for five days will help prevent clinical cases of rotavirus. The key to a successful regime is treating all the heifer replacement calves and any others being kept. The other important aspect of infectious scour control is to reduce the environmental contamination of viruses that may be in the environment. An effective policy should be developed with staff for calf pens before
MAY 2015
QUAD BIKE SAFETY
Think think think. Think about what you’re carrying. Think about where you’re going.
Cabins &
Sleepouts
Rental Solutions
the season begins. A good hygiene strategy is to use a virucide, such as Vetpak’s Vetsan Super Concentrate to spray out the calf sheds before the season begins and throughout the rearing season. For more information on Rotagen Combo and Vetsan Super Concentrate
go to www.vetpak.co.nz or talk to your local vet clinic.
Made Easy
Are you looking for additional accommodation, or perhaps you are building or renovating a home, maybe you are saving for your first home or simply need more space for your visitors. Whatever the reason Highlander Accommodation has a safe, warm, roomy and secure rental solution for your cabins and sleepout rental needs. You can even design the layout of your cabin to ensure you get exactly what you need.
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FREEPHONE: 0800 226 227
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Ground Control ...to Farmer Tom
Agrimin 24.7 Copper Bolus Range for Cattle • GREAT VALUE WATERPROOF COPPER! • NO CAPsULE! unique wax based matrix containing copper oxide needles
• NO CAPsULE! so no breaking, cracking or getting slippery Available in 20g, 30g and 36g sizes For pricing and orders please contact your veterinary clinic
Now it’s time to leave the ‘capsule’ if you dare!
For more information contact Vetpak on:
Tel: 07 870 2024
Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997 No. A11041 RVM. Available only under Veterinary Authorisation
14
MAY 2015
TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES
ADVERTORIAL
Drought – World Wide Problem
by John K Morris CEO of Agrissentials
I’m writing this article from Fresno, California, where we have just landed our first container load of Rok Solid full spectrum fertiliser. Our USA project Manager is Rick Broderson, a born & bred Californian who has lived in New Zealand for the past 30 years managing his own business. Rick has a real passion for what Agrissentials are doing for farmers and their soils. Fresno is in the “food bowl” area of California producing meat, milk, fruit, vegetables, nuts, grapes and many other crops, but one other thing they have in common with New Zealand is the lack of rain when you need it. Just north of Fresno is the San Luis Reservoir, a huge man-made lake which provides irrigation to many farmers, but through lack of rain this winter, the lake is short of the water needed to irrigate the new season crops, so everybody here is praying for rain; their livelihoods depend upon it. Rick & I are talking to many farmers and they all admit that over the past few years their soils have struggled to hold water, with reservoir water
coming onto their properties, not holding, but running straight off to be pumped back into the San Luis Dam — all at a cost. Agrissentials see a huge opportunity here in California, by bringing water retention quality back to the soil with our multi-mineral, microbial rich fertilisers. The answer lies between the micro organisms and a full array of natural minerals. The micro organisms are the first creatures to dine at the mineral table converting the minerals to a plant available form. When they do this, they wrap the minerals in humus, so that the minerals don’t leach from the soil. The humus produced has water retention capacity, holding both mineral and water to be passed onto the plant as required. This is the natural system and it carries the potential to regenerate top soil, increasing the carbon content or cc rating of the soil. Agrissentials recognises soil as the engine room of the farm, the more
An Agrissentials’ customer (left) showing the effects of using Agrissentials best on earth fertilisers during the dry period
carbon produced, the higher the cc rating of the engine room (or soil). The continued use of synthetic minerals and their high solubility is burning out the carbon content of the soil and destroying the microbial life. This results in erosion of soils (Re: Dr Morgan Williams report New Zealand Government in 2004 stating that top soils were eroding at between 300–400 million tonnes per year) — straight down the rivers and into the sea. Agrissentials can remedy this situation with their multi mineral, microbial rich fertilisers. These two ingredients work together to restore and regenerate soils, increasing mineral and water retention, soil carbon content, drainage capacity and top soil depth, which all contribute to the cc rating of the farm’s engine room. Soil, food and water are what farming is all about and it all begins in the soil. Agrissentials are offering farmers the opportunity to start a new relationship with their farm and that relationship begins in the soil. So with rules, regulations, licensing and compliance coming into farming Agrissentials offer you, the farmer, the opportunity to make a change for good, working with Mother Nature for a better, more prosperous farm and a strong future. Make a call today to Agrissentials and join the move towards better healthier, production and a bio diverse environment. Agrissentials best on earth fertilisers are proud to be celebrating 20 years partnership with New Zealand farmers in producing cost effective, productive, sustainable & healthy soils that are great for the budget & the environment. If you would like a FREE INFO PACK freephone 0800 THE KEY that’s 0800 843 539 today or you can contact your friendly representative Adrian Rowe on 021 873 304 to find out how we can make your farm more successful. As pioneers of the volcanic rock based fertilisers in New Zealand, we would like to say thank you & share these birthday gifts with you: Nationwide 50% OFF FREIGHT FREE DEALS on bulk units of Rok Solid, Roketlime & Oceans 100 (Valid 1st–31st of May 2015).
Commission Agent Due to rapid expansion and demand for our product, we are now seeking a contracted commission agent to join us. The role is selling advertising in the Taranaki Region. This role has many advantages; 1. We have a database of existing and new clients 2. We have excellent prospecting tools 3. You will earn commission on all sales and any re orders 4. Full training is provided 5. There is no limit to what you can earn. It may be you are looking for a change of job, or you can add this role to your stable of existing commission selling deals. Email your interest to: accounts@nsmm.co.nz
TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES
MAY 2015
RURAL WOMEN
15
ADVERTORIAL
Cutting your energy bill
Home generated electricity is a much desired goal, but has always suffered from some limitations due to the vagaries of the weather in New Zealand.
COMPRESSION WEAR SPECIALISTS
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To learn more: www.txgsocks.co.nz info@txgsocks.co.nz Tel: 0800 894-769
EITHER WAY IT’S 20K
Because most of the energy produced, by small home-based systems, such as solar, is produced in the middle of the day when the sun is shining directly overhead, cool wet days make for poor solar power generation. During summer months, these systems generally work very well for home use, but it is during autumn and winter, that generation often struggles to keep up with demand unless a large system, with backup storage batteries is used. Of course, the other source of power is the wind. Now, Basic Energy, a Hamilton-based alternative energy supplier, imports the
D a r r yl G o bl e
Jeweller
Solarmill. This system, combining wind and solar generation in one unit provides the potential for power generation up to 24 hours per day. Surplus energy is generally stored in deep cycle batteries for reuse when you require it. Basic Energy recommends either using the national power grid as emergency backup or for customers to go totally off grid. A two stage approach will provide confidence for the consumer before they choose to go completely off grid. Solarmills are now installed in 26 countries from the USA manufacturing
D i r ect T o T he Pub lic
• For all your jewellery repairs • Remodelling old jewellery • Handmaking one-off jewellery pieces • Our very own handcrafted Kiwiana range
EGMONT REPAIR & MANUFACTURE
For an appointment phone Darryl 06 765 6383 ❖ 027 628 5858 ❖ Stratford
Taranaki Rural Marketplace Tractors • Machinery • Ride-on Mowers Hydraulic Hoses • Utes
SALES – SERVICE – PARTS PH: 06 759 8432
Paul Stanton: 027 440 3074 | Graham Houghton: 027 293 2356
company, Windstream Technologies, based in Indiana with an additional manufacturing plant in India. For further information, view the website at basicenergy.co.nz or phone Murray Laird 022 012 8240 or Allan Barclay 027 202 2802.
MIND YOUR SPEED AROUND SCHOOL BUSES
AREA DEALERS FOR SOLARMILL PRODUCTS/SERVICES REQUIRED IN THE TARANAKI GEOGRAPHICAL AREA Contact Allan Barclay Asset Alternative Energy, Otorohanga NZ v Distributor • Wholesale 07 873 6206 • 027 202 2802
Read the paper online taranakifarming.co.nz
TARANAKI FARMING CLASSIFIEDS Phone 0800 466 793
Animal Health Products HIGH CELL Count? Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic & Manuka Honey 20L - $49.95, 200L - $450 or 1000L - $2000 + GST with free delivery. Black Type Minerals Ltd. Phone 021 185 1501. www.blacktypeminerals.co.nz
Public Notices HAMILTON BOYS High School, Argyle House 50 year reunion (1965-2015). Saturday, August 1, 2015. Expressions of interest to kmclaughlin@hbhs.school.nz, ph 07 853 0437. Or brett.walker@ farmside.co.nz, ph 07 877 6633. For further info, visit www.hbhs. school.nz/argylereunion. Tell your friends!!!
MAY 2015
TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES
Scan QR code for more info
16
EFFLUENT POND SYSTEMS BRIDGES & UNDERPASSES
0800 496 377
hyndsrd.co.nz
SEE US AT NATIONAL FIELDAYS JUNE 10-13 2015 | MYSTERY CREEK SITES M1-M7