Taranaki Farming Lifestyles, September 2023

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Opinions

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Be careful what we vote for

by Barbara Kuriger MP For Taranaki - King Country What’s

important at your place right now?

Is it the cost of living, the price of fuel, power, meat, eggs and vegetables?

Is the interest rate on your mortgage or rising crime constantly on your mind?

Is your business or farm is being drowned in regulations?

Has your child been affected by the amount of disrupted schooling this year alone?

When was the last time you managed to see your doctor?

These questions are among those you’ll be considering on October 14.

So, I encourage everyone to look closely at the policies on offer not the personalities.

The New Zealand we know, and love, depends on it.

For the past six years, we’ve seen it fall victim to the ideology of the government.

We’ve become a nation divided over governance, language and resources, of haves versus have nots, of failing systems and lawlessness. A country where people can walk out of a store without paying for what they have taken without consequence.

The confidence of our food producers, our biggest earners, is at a record low.

Not content, Labour in its final weeks have passed Three Waters and two of its three RMA replacement bills, taken GST off fresh fruit and vegetables but added a staggered 12c fuel tax.

Getting the economy pumping again, household costs under control, repealing legislation, underdoing red tape, resetting systems and fixing broken ones, restoring roads, education, health and law and order systems, just some of the urgent priorities, will take time.

As someone who entered parliament to work for the betterment of the communities I represent — my colleagues and I are up for the challenge.

National has announced many of its policies and countered those put forward by others.

We are builders and our previous terms in government attest to that.

We just need the might of a majority vote to do that.

So come October 14, there’s really only one question.

Whose policies will make your life better?

— Authorised by B Kuriger, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

Barbara Kuriger

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Considering quarry wetlands

The Aggregate & Quarry Association is saying the government needs to include quarries as well as farmland in fresh considerations of using wetlands to absorb carbon.

“Many quarries create or expand wetlands as part of their activities, helping offset the 90 per cent loss of New Zealand’s wetlands, mostly to farming,” says AQA CEO Wayne Scott.

According to a recently released cabinet paper, New Zealand is relying too much on planting exotic forests to remove carbon from the atmosphere, and this brings risks and costs. It recommends incentivising other options like restoring wetlands.

“Quarries have to break ground and create holes to access the rock, sand and stone materials that we all rely on to build anything. These are often later developed into other resources like agriculture, parks or wetlands.

“For example, within a few kilometres of each other in Waikato, we have two quarries which have both won awards for the wetlands they have created, Winstone’s Baldwins Quarry at Meremere and Stevenson’s Waingaro Quarry at Ngaruawahia.

Climate Change Minister James Shaw responded to the suggestion saying, that at the moment, only one technology, planting trees, is being used to draw carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere.

“Wetlands, mangroves and peatlands soil can also sequestrate carbon dioxide” he said.

Last year, the AQA helped get changes to the government’s National Policy

Scott,

Statement on Freshwater Management, which initially would have halted quarry expansions on land that used a very narrow definition of a wetland.

“If James Shaw wants to encourage further wetland development, he should encourage Forest & Bird to withdraw its appeal against the revised definition,” says Wayne.

“Many farmers are now recreating wetlands, in part, to help process or reduce nutrient run-off. This can reduce the amount of carbon offset. Quarries

don’t have the same need to reduce nutrients, so they can provide wetlands that not only manage water run-off but are even more efficient at storing carbon dioxide.

“Our sector is not looking for incentives. We just need politicians and activists to recognise what we contribute to our communities and the planet through creating and enhancing wetlands, and allow us to keep doing that.”

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Wayne

Aggregate and Quarry Association CEO

SUCCESSFUL START TO DAIRY CAREER

BY DENISE GUNN

As a single mother, starting a new career in the dairy industry while raising a toddler, was Jacinta Kete’s biggest challenge.

Now, the 2023 Taranaki Dairy Trainee of the Year has set goals to advance further. Growing up on a sheep and beef station in the Waitomo region gave Jacinta Kete the incentive to set her sights on a farming career.

She started out shepherding and working as a wool handler on leaving secondary school, then milked a large herd of goats for a season.

“I absolutely loved doing this,” she said. “Goats might be a bit smelly at times of the year, but they are the most entertaining animals to work with, and the offspring are the cutest.”

Two years later, following a relationship ending, and with her one-year-old son Arlo to care for, Jacinta was at a loss at what to

do next. She moved to Hāwera and took up relief milking.

“I went relief milking to pretty much survive and provide for the two of us.”

After six months’ relief milking for Johnny and Kathy Mullin, Jacinta found she coped well with the early mornings and repetitive work.

“I applied for a full-time position in the 2020/2021 season and haven’t looked back since. I had considered trying to become a vet tech or the possibility I would manage having a nine-to-five job in town, but it didn’t sit right with me entirely at that point in my life. So the thoughts quickly disappeared, and the 4am alarm clock was set.”

In the 2020/2021 season, Jacinta worked as a farm assistant for

William Myers and Melissa Goble. The following season, her employment was split between two farms, working for John and Kristina Wyatt and Phil and Donna Cram.

Jacinta now works full-time for Phil and Donna on their 117ha, 270-cow Awatuna farm. Her hard work was recognised at the 2023 Taranaki Dairy Industry

Awards, winning the Dairy Trainee of the Year award.

“My biggest highlight, thus far, was winning the Dairy Trainee of the Year 2023. The Dairy Industry Awards are just something else. To me, it felt like a reward for all the hard work I’d put in over three years. Getting treated like royalty in Auckland for nationals was also the icing on the cake.

Jacinta with her son Arlo

“There were times when giving up was the easiest option, but when you work for good people who see and appreciate your work ethic, it’s doable. You don’t have to be perfect, but as long as you’re honest and communicate well, that goes a long way.”

Calving is Jacinta’s favourite time of year on the farm. “You slowly start getting up earlier and earlier as the weeks go on, and there’s never really a day that doesn’t go to plan, except for when you don’t need to be anywhere. You turn into a milk harvester, a pretend mother, a gym athlete, a vet, a semi-pro cow whisperer, and a reel and standard carrying record holder.”

In her spare time, the 23-year-old plays for Southern Rugby Club women’s team

and is a keen member of South Taranaki Young Farmers.

“I recently stood down at our AGM from chair but still remain on the committee as our TeenAg liaison, which I am super keen to kick off in more schools in all of Taranaki. I am also the vice chair of Taranaki Young Farmers, and represent Taranaki on our TaraMan region committee as one of the two vice chairs.”

By the end of this season, Jacinta plans to complete her Primary ITO level certificate. She also wants to work with her peers to educate and encourage TeenAg students.

With further career and study goals planned, Jacinta ensures she balances these by spending quality time with her family.

Winning the 2023 Taranaki Dairy Trainee of the Year award is Jacinta’s biggest career highlight

“Ideally, I would like to be contract milking within the next three years and 50/50 by 10 years. I would also like to complete a Diploma in Agribusiness Management within five years,” she said.

“I enjoy the people in this industry. I’ve made many connections and met so many inspiring people since starting dairy farming. The networking and support is phenomenal. You start at the bottom and it feels like everyone is trying to push you to the top.”

TRACTOR & MACHINERY SERVICE & REPAIRS ON FARM SERVICING

AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE, REPAIRS AND HOSE MAKING SPARE PARTS & FARM OILS

IMPLEMENTS & ATTACHMENTS - SALES AND SERVICE

FACTORY TRAINED TECHNICIAN

TARANAKI & WANGANUI INDEPENDENT FERGIE TRACTOR SPECIALISTS

Jacinta’s favourite season on the farm is calving

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HARNESSING AWARENESS OF RACING

BY DENISE GUNN

The education organisation began in Auckland before branching out to Taranaki, Waikato and the South Island. Kidz Kartz has now become a popular, permanent fixture on the harness racing scene.

Local trainer, the late Keith Chittenden, along with enthusiasts Michelle Taylor, and Brodie and Costa Ellis established Taranaki Kidz Kartz eight years ago. Brodie is a licensed Standardbred racehorse trainer with a small team in New Plymouth. He employs Costa as a licensed stablehand.

Brodie said the main aim is to get more people involved in harness racing and raise more awareness of the sport.

Commitment to the wellbeing of ponies is a top priority in conjunction with

developing a well-rounded horse person. Children between the ages of 7 and 16 are eligible to join Kidz Kartz, where they will learn how to drive safely on the trotting track and take part in club nights and fun race days.

Members are taught horse management skills and are required to complete a stable area awareness course. To become an official race driver at the organisation’s events, members ages 10 to 16 must pass the Kidz Kartz driver training course.

Parental and volunteer involvement is vital. One of the challenges faced by Taranaki Kidz Kartz is ensuring there are enough ponies and volunteers.

“We rely on volunteers, including harness-racing trainers and drivers,

Encouraging

along with past members and parents,” said Brodie.

Ponies must be at least three years old, 13hh or under, and pass an assessment for suitability.

“Ponies are supplied by current and past members. New ones are always

welcome. Ponies have to be broken to harness and cart, complete successful club nights and pass a three-day course before being cleared to race on race day.”

“After eight years, the operation side of Taranaki Kidz Kartz has become easier,” he said.

and preparing members into the harness industry is one of Kidz Kartz’ main long-term goals

People, ponies and paperwork were the main steps behind getting Taranaki Kidz Kartz up and running.

business who specialise in the end-to-end delivery of electrical

network projects.

Club nights are held weekly during daylight saving at the Hāwera Racecourse. Brodie said on club nights, the children learn how to care for ponies, gear up, are taught how to drive and take part in mock races to set them up for race day.

Trips away for fundraisers and race days are also regular features. Kidz Kartz Taranaki travelled to this year’s Ford Ranger New Zealand Rural Games in Palmerston North, providing opportunities for children to interact with the ponies.

“Kidz Kartz is nationwide, so our club does link up often with Waikato, Kumeu

and Franklin Kidz Kartz. We have had a club member and pony win the Auckland Cup and also win the Inter Dominion.

“Actually, I think the Auckland Cup has been won twice by Taranaki club members. We have also had representatives at the New Zealand Cup in Christchurch.”

Each year, the New Zealand Kidz Kartz driver’s series is held in Auckland. He said one of the highlights is having many Taranaki children representing the club at that event.

“We have mostly positive feedback with kids who generally enjoy their time in the

club for something that is very different from what a lot are used to. Parents have previously commented on how good it is for their kids to be involved in such a disciplined sport.”

Through providing a youth programme encouraging participation in harness racing, Kidz Kartz aims to give children opportunities to learn how to care for

and control ponies. The organisation’s mission is also to develop club member’s responsibility, leadership, moral judgements and self-discipline.

“Our main long-term goal is to encourage and guide members to make the transition from Kidz Kartz to moving into the harness racing industry,” said Brodie.

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Wellbeing of ponies is top priority along with teaching the children horse management skills

Standardbred racehorse trainer and Kidz Kartz supporter Brodie Ellis with his uncle, the late Keith Chittenden

An off-road adventure

4WD Adventure Taranaki raises funds for local charities and organisations and is searching for farmers to offer land use for its events, with sponsorship from Stone Creations NZ.

“I got into four-wheel driving around ve years ago,” says Stone Creations NZ owner Callum Mahy. “My wife Mandy and I do it separately in our bush trucks to do extreme driving, and we joined the Taranaki Family 4WD Club three years ago.”

The club is associated with the support group that promotes offroading events in Taranaki and New Plymouth and fundraising for community organisations.

“I am backing my club to promote what we do to the wider community. It is about giving people the opportunity to

experience different things and supporting local communities and charities.

“We want more farms involved in the event. We give the money raised back to the community and do it free of charge. All we ask is that some money is given back to the farmers to resow grass seed and repair anything that has been damaged.”

Callum is also a member of the Okato Lions Club, which has run the off-road event for more than two decades.

“I have taken charge of the events, and we are doing it at a different standard by taking it further. We are a bunch of enthusiasts who set the courses up and

charge the participants to go back to the organisations. It is a good way to fundraise.

“If you like getting dirty and muddy, four-wheel-drive adventures are great. We are a family-friendly club and encourage people to attend with their children. All safety aspects are taken into consideration. We have a 10-person safety team, all of whom belong to our family club, and bad behaviour is not tolerated. It is all about having family fun and letting stress go offroad and having fun doing so.”

For more information or for upcoming events visit facebook. com/4WDAdventuresTaranaki.

4WD Adventures Taranaki is a family-orientated event that seeks to give back to the community

76% of New Zealanders are concerned about “fake news” and its implications

Ag policy emphasises sector growth

by Rt Hon Winston Peters

As the election campaign reaches its peak and the major parties focus on the big urban populations to harvest votes, I can assure you that at least one political party, New Zealand First, has not forgotten where this country’s economic fortunes are tethered.

Despite the plethora of naysayers, the cold, hard reality is the primary sector, especially pastoral agriculture, is the sector of any scale that New Zealand holds an internationally competitive advantage. The focus of New Zealand First’s Ag policy is unequivocally to play to our strengths and grow the sector.

The sheep and beef sector is particularly dear to my own heart. As a sheep and beef farmer of 36 years, I have unwavering belief in its potential.

What we won’t be doing is shrinking the sheep and beef sector by a quarter by putting a price on agricultural emissions. The He Waka Eke Noa experiment failed, and sheep and beef farming was going to be the proverbial sacrificial lamb at the altar of climate policy, taking with it the viability of many rural communities.

What we will do is incentivise innovation with the tools we do have, like assisting with the roll-out of low-methane genetics, already commercially available in sheep and readily being identified in our cattle genomics. As seedstock breeders, you will have a critical role to play here. It’s something that you are world-class at, and we will back you to the hilt.

There will be restrictions on exotic plantation forestry with limits to the amount of forestry able to be entered into the ETS on good food production land.

We would provide concessionary tax rates for exporters to help grow our export opportunities and support brand NZ initiatives to build on our provenance story. We could look no further for an exemplar than the incredible job the Angus breed has done positioning its products at the premium end of the market.

We intend to deliver a Rural Infrastructure Fund to enable the construction of critical rural infrastructure, like flood banks, water storage and bridges.

Planning laws will be overhauled to be more permissive of light groundworks and focussed on catchment by catchment solutions and weed and pest control prioritised for government support.

New Zealand First has very much focussed on a ‘back to basics’ approach to agriculture that will help grow the sector, support where it’s needed and then get out of your way to let you get on and do what you do best — producing world-class meat and fibre.

The Right Honourable Winston Peters, NZ First leader

Mental resilience for farmers

by Hon Shane Jones

The mental health of our farmers is no trifling matter; these families are facing huge challenges about finances and the heavy hand of indiscriminate regulation.

On the one hand, there’s inflation and the rising upfront costs of feed, fuel and bank loans. In the global marketplace, milk prices are in choppy waters.

In 2019, former prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced a $1.9 billion boost for the delivery of mental health services. Sadly, this proved to be a wasted opportunity: a classic case where the Ministry of Health failed spectacularly to deliver — too many working groups and policy workshops.

It is disappointing that this massive fiscal sum has not found its way to those services working with our farming rural communities. When support is required, it should be delivered in a timely and appropriate manner.

A feature of the farming community is hardiness and self-responsibility. Reinforcing mental resilience ought to ensure that such foundations are strengthened.

In a recent survey from DairyNZ’s View from the Cowshed: ‘88% of dairy farmers feel that society does not value and understand the contribution that farmers make to New Zealand.’ Farmers are working harder than ever, managing a tangled thicket of regulations while trying to make ends meet in an era of bureaucratic overreach, climate hysteria and market uncertainties.

Urban NZ needs to remember that the majority of our country’s export revenue is derived from farming. It’s a

sector comprising families with children and energetic young people with fresh ideas but also accompanied by wrinkled, resilient old hats.

New Zealand First knows that rural communities need support and farming families deserve a higher priority from the Ministry of Health boffins who control the purse. Successful engagement is not purely a clinical matter.

While NZ First has a track record of practical infrastructure solutions for rural NZ, we will also make a priority of upgrading rural access to medical services by boosting front-line services. In the short term, upgrading medical access can take the form of mobile clinics.

The groups currently delivering mental health support know their communities. Given the waiting lists to see a clinician, these rural volunteers play a vital role and need immediate assistance. New Zealand First will ensure their voices and priorities are acted upon.

Chondroitin sulphate for sore joints (Part one)

by John Arts

The drug classi cation then goes on to give speci c information:

‘Chondroitin sulphate, used with glucosamine, is indicated to alleviate pain and in ammation from primary osteoarthritis. This supplement is reported to improve joint function and slow disease progression.’ (drugbank. ca/drugs/DB09301)

I recently read a health store yer in my morning newspaper. One promotion was for a glucosaminebased joint product. There is no doubt that glucosamine can help joints. That is why I include it in my joint formula. Still, why is there no mention of chondroitin?

The company is a large international company that would clearly know about the bene ts of chondroitin. What, then could be the reason for not including therapeutic amounts of chondroitin?

For that matter, why do most joint products sold in NZ have either no chondroitin or so little to have a negligible impact on joint health? I think the answer is quite simple. Good quality chondroitin costs almost 10 times that of glucosamine.

My preference is to have equal proportions of chondroitin and glucosamine and for most people to start at a double dose. The standard daily dose of my joint supplement delivers 800mg of both ingredients while the double dose is 1,600mg each. This, combined with fully water-soluble, high bioavailability BioSolve® curcumin (from turmeric) extract, can quickly settle sore joints. I usually add omega-3 sh oil rather than plant omega-3 sources as only sh oil has EPA, which is profoundly anti-in ammatory.

As an example, I have been helping someone for several years with sore knees caused by osteoarthritis. He is much more comfortable and mobile and feels so much better about life in general. In his own words, “I have stopped limping and now telling everyone.”

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv. Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his newsletter at abundant.co.nz.

Super Joint Formula

What is Bettaflex?

• Bettaflex is a joint support formula to promote healthy joint cartilage function

• Bettaflex has 400mg (per capsule) of high-grade avian chondroitin, 400mg of glucosamine and 100mg of BioSolve® bioavailable Curcumin (from turmeric).

• Try Bettaflex for 3 months and see for yourself.

How can Bettaflex help?

• Chondroitin and glucosamine are building blocks of cartilage.

• Supplementation with correct levels can support healthy cartilage function and cartilage repair processes.

• New BioSolve® bioavailable curcumin helps joint function while gentle on the stomach.

• Research indicates that chondroitin is highly effective at 800mg daily.

John Arts comments:

“My latest Bettaflex formula includes BioSolve® bioavailable curcumin for faster results. The normal dose is 2 capsules daily but I recommend an initial higher dose for 1-3 bottles to saturate join tissue.”

Cautions:

(John Arts, Founder, Abundant Health)

Hon Shane Jones

Chondroitin sulphate is classi ed as a Dietary Supplement in NZ but in In Europe is available on prescription where It is classi ed as “a symptomatic slow-acting drug for osteoarthritis.”

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Thirty years in full voice

by Denise Gunn

Thirty years ago, following the success of the Stratford on-stage production of the musical Oklahoma, the Stratford Singers, previously the Stratford Mountain Singers, formed a community choir.

Choir member Jennie Cameron said many of the cast enjoyed the experience so much they decided to keep the momentum going and form a choir.

ALLAN McCULLOUGH

PAINTER AND DECORATOR

The group began with 20 to 25 members who rehearsed and performed under various directors.

“In its heyday, the Stratford Singers boasted over 40 singers. One of the founding members, John Sextus, is still in the choir today.”

CENT L BUTCHERY SLAGHUIS

Several years ago, the choir performed with New Zealand opera soprano Malvina Major at the Stratford TET Kings Theatre. Notable directors, including Gabriel Barr, Leon Gray-Lockhard, Marina Roskilly, Peter Copeland and Don Boyde, have been involved with the choir over

the years. Mary Williams is the current director, along with long-time accompanist Claudia Bluett.

“We meet weekly on a Thursday evening at 7pm, at the Stratford/Avon Bowling Clubrooms off Hamlet Street. We are very welcoming of new members.

“Currently, we are working on Christmas music for the end of the year. We have just been involved with the Taranaki Singfest. Our major work this year was Sentimental Journey. Music from the 1940s was performed with guest artists The New Plymouth Ritz Band. It was a full house concert.”

Stratford Singers have performed numerous shows with a wide genre of music from the war years, 1950s hop music to more modern numbers. In 2021, the choir put together A Slice of Heaven, featuring New Zealand singers and songwriters.

An open day is planned for Sunday, October 15, from 1pm to 3pm to encourage new members.

“Please come along, have a chat, have a sing with us and enjoy some afternoon tea.”

We are a family owned business, operating in Stratford now for 3 year’s. Butchery is our passion and we have been in the industry for 24 year’s. We strive to only give our customers the best quality products.

We have home-kill processing available now. Our sausages are well known around town and have aged steaks available that are of popular demand.

Being South Africans we have all the best Boerewors, Biltong, chilli bites, cabanossi, salami and more dry products (beef jerky) available. Thank you to each and everyone who supported us over the last few years, we couldn’t have done it without you guys.

The Stratford Singers have an open day planned for Sunday, October 15 from 1pm to 3pm

CROP & PASTURE PREP

Doing the groundwork first

by Amy Fifita

After a wet winter and summer period, it is ideal to test your soil to discover what treatment it requires so your pasture can flourish during the spring and summer periods.

New Zealand has had its fair share of wet weather in the past eight months. While water can be refreshing, we all know that the downpours were damaging to the ground, crops and land. Heavy rain affects nutrients in the earth and can lead to the leaching of organic matter, so now is a good time to soil test to discover what nutrients remain.

It also makes farms more susceptible to soil compaction, which can cause debilitating effects on your growing produce or fodder. There are various methods to reduce soil compaction like adding organic matter, improving drainage or decreasing the pressure on the soil with vehicle and livestock traffic. A soil scientist can assess a farm to see what factors are damaging the ground, especially before farmers get their fertiliser plans together.

Knowing what type of earth you have is beneficial too. Once you understand its physical structure, you will be able to maintain and monitor it according to how much clay, silt, sand and other materials you have in it.

A soil test will give you insight into what nutrients are lacking so you can treat them accordingly. With your results in hand, you can go to your supplier and

see what treatment they recommend. A fertiliser consultant is another means of receiving advice to maintain the nutrients of your pasture.

Your ground will flourish with living organisms like worms, insects, bacteria and other life forces. They help break up organic matter giving nutrients to the soil. The diverse ecosystem enriches your pastures so they can grow well.

&

GST just part of the produce equation

by Andy Bryenton

The people who grow our nation’s fresh vegetables and fruit are eager to see more healthy local produce sold for an affordable price but question whether GST-removal plans will deliver the best for both growers and customers.

“The need to remove unnecessary red tape and form filling came up time and time again at Horticulture Conference Week earlier in the month,” says Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Nadine Tunley.

“While opposition members of parliament promised a lot and got great grower support, as we all know, reducing regulation is easier said than done, particularly when in New Zealand, central government regulation is overlaid by regional and local. Plus, reform takes decades, and not years, for example, reform of the Resource Management Act is expected to take up to 10 years to complete.”

In her recent newsletter to growers, Tunley also quotes similar sentiments from Vegetables NZ chairperson John Murphy, who says he welcomes a debate on GST.

“Vegetables NZ applauds any attempt by regulators to increase fresh vegetable

consumption because of the health benefits,” said Mr Murphy.

However, he also stated that fitfor-purpose regulations, and the elimination of the hurdles which limit productivity were major issues outside

HortNZ president Barry O’Neil of any tax debate. That’s a stance HortNZ’s president, Barry O’Neil, articulated in previous discussions on the GST topic. Over-regulation is a malaise lamented across the rural sector, and there is also the matter

of competition, or lack thereof, in the existing supermarket duopoly.

“What I think we can be fairly confident about is that our growers, who are struggling to get a reasonable price when supplying New Zealand’s supermarket duopoly, won’t end up with any more coin in their pockets if GST is removed from fresh fruit and vegetables,” said Mr O’Neil in June.

“We are on record as supporting moves to increase competition, for example, our stance on the Commerce Commission’s review of supermarkets, the outcome of which was unfortunately watered down,” Nadine Tunley said.

“HortNZ and the wider horticulture sector support any move that would see an increase in the consumption of fresh vegetables and fruit. However, there are other complex issues that need to be addressed at the same time, which is why a more targeted approach is likely to be what’s ultimately needed.”

“Vegetables NZ applauds any attempt by regulators to increase fresh vegetable consumption because of the health benefits.”

Top dressed for success

by Amy Fifita

Following applying fertiliser to encourage maximum growth, early spring is the ideal time to top dress your pastures to optimise the effects.

After assessing the state of the ground, it is decision time for how the fertiliser is applied. If the pastures are boggy, they will be unsuitable for heavy machinery. The best course of action would be aerial topdressing.

The application is quicker than landbased operations and protects the soil from compaction that can be worsened by machinery. New technologies have improved the accuracy of dressing natural and synthetic fertilisers.

All that is required for the pilot is a good airstrip. One inhibitor can be the weather, which could get in the way of timeframes. Some farmers have access

to an aircraft and loader and can apply the fert themselves.

Of course, before aircraft, there were other means to achieve farmers’ top dressing goals — a tractor or truck and a spreader. The downside to using a vehicle to top dress the paddocks is it can depend on the pasture condition.

Hill country can be difficult for machinery to navigate, and it will also take longer to apply. However, it does have its advantages. The benefit of using machinery to top dress is that they can hire a contractor or do it themselves. They can apply quantities that specific paddocks need because they know their farm.

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Aerial top dressing is useful on hilly pasture and areas where the land is too wet for heavy machinery