The Waikato Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned NZ company.
Phone: 0800 466 793 Email: info@integrity.nz
Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: 107 River Road, Dargaville
Publisher: Allan Mortensen Editor: Deb Wright 021 639 696 deb.wright@integrity.nz
Journalists: Amy Fifita | Andy Bryenton
Advertising: Krystal Carey 027 239 5791
Production: Gavin Bainbridge | Anna Fredericksen | Kelsey Harrison | Liz Clark
Accounts: accounts@integrity.nz
Distribution: Laurie Willetts Printed by: NZME
Website: farminglifestyles.co.nz
19,200 copies DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address in Waikato and King Country.
Science — keeping our farmers on top
The New Zealand government is taking significant steps to enhance sustainable farming practices and increase productivity.
A new initiative, Science for Farmers, was launched at Fieldays in June 2024, and is being rolled out at various agricultural shows over the next two months, starting with Dargaville, Wānaka, Feilding and Kirwee.
Laying the groundwork for the initiative, my colleague, Agriculture Minister Todd McLay, said Science for Farmers will bring leading scientists to the regions to talk directly with farmers about research and innovation that’s already paying dividends on farms around the country, as well as other potential advances that could do the same in the future.
To me, it is a significant evolution of the partnership between science and farming that has already made our farmers and agricultural scientists among the world’s best. I have no doubt that it will be successful. I just need to look at the lineup of contributors and subject topics to know that.
The initiative has been collaboratively developed by the Ministry for Primary Industries’ On Farm Support service and key research partners, such
as AgResearch, AgriZeroNZ, LIC, Massey University, Manaaki Whenua — Landcare Research, and the New Zealand Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre.
Topics include alternative pasture types designed to help farmers adapt to a warming climate, advanced genetics to boost production while meeting environmental and emissions obligations, and on-farm management systems that enhance profitability and resilience.
As these conversations unfold at regional events, the future of farming looks promising. I encourage all farmers to participate in the upcoming shows, engage in discussions with our leading scientists, and explore the innovative practices that can propel your farms into a sustainable and productive future. Together, we can ensure that New Zealand stays at the forefront of global agriculture.
I urge you not to miss out on this opportunity to shape the future of farming — please mark your calendars and join us. Email my office for details at Kuriger. Inglewood@Parliament.govt.nz.
Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country
by Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country
by Paul Campbell
Drought warning on pest plants
Continued dry conditions in the Waikato region has drawn a warning against inadvertent importation of pest plants when farmers buy in stock feed from neighbouring areas.
Conditions are classified as a mediumscale adverse event due to persistently low rainfall and soil moisture levels this summer and that unlocks government support for farmers and growers including tax relief and rural assistance payments.
The Waikato Regional Council’s pest plants team leader, Darion Embling, wants farmers to act like biosecurity officers at the airport and treat their property boundaries like borders.
“People are usually aware of international biosecurity measures, but farmers should apply the same principles inter-regionally to protect their farms and livestock,” he says.
“Farmers should buy guaranteed weedfree feed hay and silage wherever possible and inspect all feed on arrival. They can contact council or a farm consultant if unsure whether weeds are present or not.”
Embling also recommends staying aware of people and vehicle movements on and around the farm, restricting feedout areas to reduce the risk of spreading weeds, and regularly checking feed storage and feed-out areas for new or unusual plants.
Federated Farmers arable chairman for Waikato, Donald Stobie, encourages farmers to plan ahead to minimise disruption on farm and keep pests and weeds out.
“We’re big on buying local. We want our farmers to help each other out and source feed in New Zealand, but also make sure no one accidentally spreads pests.”
Some pest plants with no presence or very low numbers in the Waikato could establish themselves here if caught up in imported stock feed. Pest plants in the Hawke’s Bay, Bay of Plenty and Northland are particularly concerning.
The Hawke’s Bay is grappling with cotton thistle, saffron thistle, nassella tussock and Chilean needle grass.
“Chilean needle grass has no presence here, but it can travel via animal feed like hay and silage or attached to sheep’s wool. The plant’s arrow-like seeds can penetrate livestock hides and cause blindness. It also leaches nutrients from pasture and reduces farm production.
“The Bay of Plenty is battling significant infestations of alligator weed and variegated thistle. All three plants reside in very low numbers in the Waikato, and we operate an extensive programme to contain and eradicate them. Any one of them will seriously impact farms and livestock, including stock health and pasture damage.”
Northland is riddled with alligator weed, too, but also has Madagascar ragwort. The council does not believe Madagascar ragwort has made it to the Waikato so far,
and wants to keep it that way. Its toxins cause permanent liver damage when grazed, resulting in illness, low milk production, slow growth and sometimes stock deaths.
Anyone with questions or concerns about pest plants can contact the regional council pest plant team on 0800 800 401.
Darion Embling, Waikato Regional Council’s pest plants team leader
RBY AMY FIFITA
A LEARNING JOURNEY
oger comes from a farming background and moved to the Waikato during his high school years. While his parents held their interest in farming Friesian bulls and sheep, Roger has always been interested in unique sheep and building.
“I’ve always had an interest in farming but building is the career path that I took. I have been in the building industry for 40 years, and the farm is like a large 100acre lifestyle block,” said Roger.
While building is his and wife Justine’s core income, his passion for
Majestic Sheep Breeders’ Roger Ramsey is no stranger to owning unique sheep, and while his fascination with Valais Blacknoses is still alight, he is venturing out into Blue Texel and Kerry Hill sheep.
sheep breeding has become almost as profitable as his trade. During his spare time, Roger has delved deep into breeding Valais Blacknoses alongside his Australian Whites.
“Valais Blacknoses are all about lifestyle. People get involved with the breed because of the relationship with the animal as a pet — they have the friendly demeanour of a dog and just want to be where you are.
“They’ll walk up to the fence when you drive up the driveway, and while dogs need a place to stay if you’re going away, they can stay in the paddock.
Central Waikato property
“Their want to be around people comes from living in the Swiss Alps with their shepherds for centuries. People want them for their friendliness and their looks, and their wool is used for felting and carpets.”
Roger enjoys breeding rare and unique animals on his and wife Justine’s
Valais Blacknose sheep originate from the Swiss Alps and would live alongside the shepherds and their families making them a friendly companion
With their tight, curly wool, horns and black faces, hooves and ears, people are drawn to their look and personality.
Not one to follow the flock, Roger enjoys breeding sheep that are uncommon in the New Zealand market. For this reason, he is moving on to breed Kerry Hill sheep.
“We have embryos of Kerry Hill sheep in surrogate ewes, and they will be born on the property this year — I am excited about them.
“It will be a new venture, and will be interesting to see if the general public or lifestylers will find them appealing. I think they will be an alternative option for people who aren’t as eager on the Valais Blacknoses, but are keen on a sheep with less wool.
“Their ears are pointed up like a rabbit, and they command a strong sense of presence with their striking look. They have black eyes, noses, ears and feet, and while they are similar to the Valais Blacknoses, they don’t have the tight, curly wool.
“Kerry Hill sheep are more suited as dual-purpose sheep. They are more affordable and you can eat the meat.”
With new goals on the horizon, Roger is also expecting another rare breed on his Central Waikato property this year — Blue Texel lambs.
“I enjoy choosing breeds that are different from what other people have. With few Kerry Hills and Blue Texels in
New Zealand, other people may find them interesting when we have some to sell.”
With two new breeds being introduced to his lifestyle block, Roger has more to learn and share with other people in the industry.
“When we have something unique, I enjoy sharing what I know about the breed. I talk to people across the world online and am happy to participate in Zoom meetings or phone calls.”
Throughout his breeding journey, Roger has learned many things he is willing to
share with curious minds. If you would like to know more about the sheep breeds, contact Roger on 027 494 4905.
“I am happy for people to ring me to ask questions to explore their possibilities. I enjoy meeting new people and discovering what they are doing, and if I can help them on their journey, that’s great.
“Knowledge is power and no question is a dumb question unless you don’t ask it. If you want to get involved in something, you need to ask questions.”
friendly demeanour, Roger began breeding Valais Blacknose sheep alongside his Australian Whites
PASSION FOR A UNIQUE BREED
Originally born in Cambridge, Jo Bard’s childhood was an adventure, going from Waikato to Wellington and Hawke’s Bay, before venturing to the United Kingdom, where she fell in love with Lusitanos.
“ABY AMY FIFITA
t 14 years old, we relocated to the UK in 1995, where I finished my school, and the place where I found my love for horses and Lusitanos,” said Jo.
“My mother grew up on a dairy, sheep and beef farm, and while we had a pony, we never had riding lessons.
“In 1998, I was doing an equine university degree in the UK, which included work experience. I had the opportunity to do this at a local riding school. It was a unique riding school, as they bred and competed with Lusitanos — my first opportunity to sit on one.”
To this day, Jo says her first experience is engraved in her mind, a moment that set the course of her life dedicated to Lusitanos.
“The feeling of sitting on a Lusitano was different to anything I had experienced. You have a tremendous amount of power underneath you, yet the horse is
completely soft and awaiting your every move. I have yet to sit on any other breed and feel these two things so intensely and simultaneously.
“For me, they are people-orientated, love learning, and are real workhorses with a desire to perform. They want to work with you, allowing the creation of a truly great partnership.”
Jo’s love for the breed evolved into her representing Great Britain in Working Equitation and the opportunity to train and work in Portugal, alongside highly experienced and regarded trainers. A passion that had taken her across the world, yet Jo still felt the lure of home. She decided to return home to New Zealand in 2007 and start Mystery Creek Lusitanos.
“At that time, my young stallion Xerife was four years old, I’d owned him since he was three months old, and there was no way he wasn’t coming home with me.
I also invested in two purebred mares from Portugal.
“The mares were only 18 months old when they came across, so it was a couple of years until I put them in foal and started breeding with them.
“Before that, I put them under saddle to understand their temperament, strengths and weaknesses. They have been breeding ever since with a couple of years off independently, at times.”
Since beginning her stud in Mystery Creek, Jo has imported two additional stallions Jade and Juncal Da Broa.
“Originally from Portugal, Jade spent most of his life in Hong Kong, and came to my stud to retire when he was 24 years old. He did some light work doing occasional lessons.
“Jade was a lovely and gentle old soul. Live-serving mares until 29 years old, before peacefully passing away at home at the grand age of 32 years old.
Xerife has been with Jo since he was three months old and is the stud’s foundation stallion
“Juncal Da Broa was four when I imported him in 2019. Xerife was getting older, so I decided to purchase a young stallion and start him under saddle before Xerife retired, and to add a different bloodline to the stud.”
At the time he was the only stallion in Australasia from the Veiga Stud, Juncal’s heritage came from the old bullfighting lines. With four of his brothers getting to grand prix level dressage in Portugal.
“He was a little hotter, due to his line, but he was bold, clever, quick and talented, and that’s what excited me when I first tried him. It is, ultimately, why I chose him from the selection I rode while shopping.
“With New Zealand being so small with limited breeding options, having versatility with stallions with different personalities and lines was important to complement what was already here.”
When Jo returned to New Zealand she couldn’t leave Xerife behind, so he came with her
Having spent time in the UK and Portugal, Jo trained with Portuguese mentors who provided her with the basis of classical training. It was there, she developed her style of tailoring training to a horse’s personality and needs.
“I am passionate about the training side. There is no one right way. It is as much about looking at the horse, the rider, and their abilities and working through that progressively. In this world, everyone is in a hurry to try and get to the top too quickly.
“Instead of pushing the horses, I prefer to spend time with the horses to get the basics ingrained in them. When teaching, I spend most of my time getting the fundamentals established.
“The key is being patient, working through issues and having a clear process. It’s important to look at each horse independently and individually.”
Waipa Water Delivery
Farm, residential, pool and lifestyle fencing. Installation of new fences, repairing and improving existing fences. Bobcat services including clearing calf sheds and stables, levelling shed and driveway sites.
Installation of kit set sheds. Superior workmanship by qualified fencers, competitive pricing, excellent client services.
Briosa and MCL Just A Twist with their ribbons at the Clevedon A&P Show
Far too many farmers are fixated by phosphate
Avoca managing director Bryce Manderson believes it is time for farmers and lifestyle block owners to rethink how they manage soil health and fertility.
The sooner they understand the benefits of putting on lime, the sooner they can work towards improving productivity.
“There needs to be a realisation around the importance of soil acidity and without getting pH levels to 6.2–6.3 by applying lime, full nutrient release is unachievable — that’s why lime is becoming increasingly critical to farming,” says Manderson.
EXPORT SERIES
The Northland-founded company has expanded to become a leading provider of lime and fertiliser mixes in Northland, South Auckland, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, and Manderson says many landowners underestimate the benefits of lime.
Lime itself, calcium carbonate, provides calcium to soil and plants. Calcium ensures efficient plant uptake of water and nutrients, carbohydrate storage in plant leaves, nodulation and nitrogen fixation in legumes, and encourages earthworm activity.
With fertiliser prices at an all-time high, Manderson says it makes sense for farmers to ‘sweeten’ their soil by boosting pH levels through applying lime.
“Lime maximises returns from money spent on fertiliser, reduces soil acidity and significantly increases availability of important plant nutrients — a key benefit of liming.
“It increases availability of important plant nutrients — phosphorus, nitrogen, potassium, calcium, magnesium and trace elements like boron and molybdenum,” says Manderson.
“I liken lime to being like a multi-powered superhero; because it fosters optimum availability of all other nutrients, so it provides great bang for your buck. You only have to talk to farmers who have a regular liming programme to understand the benefits.”
Manderson says if soils are too acidic or too alkaline, nutrients sitting in soil that
already existed there or have been added via fertilisers and other soil amendments over the years will not be available to plants.
“So, it’s important to maintain a pH of 6.2–6.3 to optimise the availability of all these nutrients.”
The major nutrients (Ca, Mg, N, P, S, K and Na) as well as the trace elements Mo and B are most available in near neutral soils, whilst other trace elements (Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn) are more available in acidic soils.
“Of course, rainfall and plant-soil chemical interactions naturally increase soil acidity. On top of that, landowners are responsible for acidification through abundant use of fertilisers on our agricultural land.
“All of these factors steer our soil pH levels below the optimum required for maximum nutrient availability. Applying lime will increase the pH of your soils, creating
conditions for greater nutrient availability, and therefore increased productivity.”
Manderson says it is worth remembering that sulphur is required by plants in similar amounts to phosphorus. Liming not only increases soil pH to that which is optimal for sulphur availability, but in doing so, increases microbial activity allowing for the mineralisation of OM-S (the major proportion of sulphur in most soils), making it plant available.
“Liming to increase your soil pH to at least six will optimise magnesium availability. Magnesium is important for plants. However, deficiencies are most visibly observed through livestock health issues, for example, hypomagnesaemia. Lactating cows are most at risk of this condition, resulting in reduced milk yields and death of the animal in extreme cases,” Manderson said.
Avoca’s Agricultural Lime (AgLime) and Limestone are manufactured at our three lime quarries at Rarewa (Whangarei), Pokapu (Bay of Islands), and Port Albert (Wellsford). Both are also available at bulk stores in Dargaville and Te Kauwhata (Waikato). From all of these locations, we’re well placed to deliver Agricultural Lime products Northland and Waikato wide. Avoca also provide soil fertility testing and consulting as well as lime and fertiliser products and custom mixes.
NORTHLAND LIME
10
reasons to apply lime to your soils:
1
2
3
4
Increases nutrient availability; raising soil pH with lime to ~6.3-6.5 releases and balances soil nutrients for plant uptake, maximising return on your fertiliser spend.
Improves pasture yield. Trials have shown pasture production increases up to 68% and corresponding live weight gains.
Reduces need for N-fertiliser; lime stimulates N-fixation by legumes, and N-release from organic matter into plant available forms.
Improves P availability through a ‘phosphate sparing effect’ - trials in Northland showed 50-60kg more P available consistent over 3 years after applying 5t/ha of lime to a pH 5.8 soil. Optimal P availability occurs when soils are limed to pH 6.3-6.5.
Improves pasture palatability allowing for more even grazing of pasture and better pasture utilisation. 5
6
7
8
9
10
Increases soil biological activity and diversity; key to nutrient availability, good soil structure & porosity, and ultimately pasture/crop yield.
Increases resilience to droughts, floods, and runoff/erosion, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and greater root penetration for pasture/crop growth by flocculating (loosening) your soil to improve soil structure and porosity.
Increases water holding capacity in the dry and water drainage in the wet. Lime drives down magnesium in ‘tight, high Mg’ soils such as estuarine soils found in the Hauraki Plains.
Reduces elemental toxicities evident at low pH levels, e.g. Al, preventing subsoil acidification and improving root growth, root development, and reduces P-fixation.
Provides calcium which is essential for both plant and animal growth and health.
Identify your target beyond all doubt. Whether you’re using optical or thermal imaging devices, if in doubt, don’t shoot!
Image courtesy of Matt Winter Photography
by John Arts
Farming can be hard on joints (Part
two)
Some occupations seem to increase the risk of osteoarthritis. I have spoken to many farmers whose osteoarthritis started when they came off second best in an incident with livestock.
Builders, mechanics, nurses and similar roles are very physical. We know for certain that repetitive joint strain and trauma is a contributor to osteoarthritis.
There are also many people who develop osteoarthritis who have had more sedentary occupations. This indicates that ‘wear and tear’ is not necessarily the reason for cartilage loss. An X-ray of a farmer or teacher with knee osteoarthritis looks much the same, despite significant differences in occupation.
The key diagnostic features on X-rays are a narrowing in the spaces between joints and the growth of bony spurs on the ends of the bones of the joint. X-rays do not show cartilage. All they show is the space between the bones. Cartilage is calculated on the size of the joint space. If wide, this means cartilage exists. If little or none, this means the cartilage has largely disintegrated.
It might surprise you that cartilage is not lost by wear. It is lost by disease processes. Cartilage is maintained by amazing cells called chondrocytes. Each chondrocyte
is responsible for maintaining a patch of cartilage. Chondrocytes are damaged by a combination of free radicals and destructive enzymes. Adding 800mgplus of chondroitin sulphate can be very effective as this stimulates chondrocytes to secrete cartilage.
Nutritional therapy for osteoarthritis can be very effective. Last year I had a call from someone with pain from osteoarthritis in both his hips and knee. I started him on intensive doses of chondroitin sulphate (1,600mg) glucosamine sulphate (1,600mg) and 100% water soluble curcumin extract (400mg). He noticed a difference within a few months and now reports significant benefits. Please email me if you would like a copy of my osteoarthritis programme.
John Arts (Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his newsletter at abundant.co.nz.
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.”
(John Arts, Founder, Abundant Health)
Couple a winning formula
First-time entrants Fiona and Thomas Langford have been announced the winners of the region’s Share Farmer of the Year category in the 2025 Waikato Dairy Industry Awards.
The other big winners were Zac van Dorsten, who became the 2025 Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year, and Alex Diprose, the 2025 Waikato Dairy Trainee of the Year.
The Langfords are equity partners and contract milkers for Marian and Jos van Loon on their 262ha, 1,090-cow farm. They won $13,294 in prizes and five merit awards.
Fiona holds a masters in dietetics and Tom a Bachelor of Food Science (Hons). They both began work in the Fonterra Technical Graduate Programme, with Fiona moving to Melbourne to work in the nutritional team and Tom working with the Fonterra Nutrient Management team. Both have a masters in dairy science and technology, which they completed during their time in the Fonterra programme.
“Tom had never been on a farm before we met,” said Fiona. “In June 2017, after a three-week crash course on-farm, I began managing our family farm, with Tom joining me in 2019.”
The couple said they chose farming because it provides great flexibility for family life and provides opportunities to grow equity quickly to meet their financial goals.
“We’re also passionate about training people into the dairy industry and providing a career path for them.”
The future looks bright for the couple who are passionate about achieving efficiencies and minimising wastage in all aspects of their farming business.
“We believe we have an opportunity to showcase that and share our successes.”
Fiona (34) has completed the Fonterra Governance Development course, trained as a DIY AB technician and both she and Tom (33) have completed lameness training.
“We threw ourselves into the deep end when we started on-farm and we’re very proud of what we’ve achieved since, with our kids growing and developing alongside us.”
The Langfords are involved in several roles in the community, including Putaruru Athletics Club, Puketurua Hall Committee, Putaruru Rangers FC, South Waikato Environment Initiative, their local playcentre and Te Waotu SSG.
The couple acknowledge they are both very ambitious and have a strong vision for their future farming goals, which includes operating an industry-leading agricultural business that drives sustainable outcomes for their people, profit and environment.
Thomas and Fiona Langford, 2025 Waikato Share Farmer of the Year category winners
TO BUILD OR RENOVATE
Your trusted rural fencing experts
Established in 2012, Figure 8 Fencing brings expert craftsmanship to rural properties, ensuring secure and durable fences for paddocks, homes and farms.
Owned and operated by Hayden and Stephanie Brown, this Te Awamutu-based business proudly serves the Waikato and wider regions, including Waipā, Ōtorohanga, Ngaroma, Korakonui, Arohena, King Country and Whatawhata.
With over 20 years of fencing experience, Hayden started his career in Te Awamutu, and has since built a reputation for delivering high-quality, reliable fencing solutions. His
background in farming gives him a deep understanding of rural fencing needs, whether for lifestyle blocks, dairy farms or sheep and beef properties.
Figure 8 Fencing uses modern equipment to install post and batten, electric, post and rail fencing, and stockyards — tailored to suit each client’s unique requirements. Equipped for any terrain with a 4WD tractor and a 180-degree rotating Fencepro rammer,
Figure 8 Fencing can handle even the most challenging landscapes. The hydraulic rock auger allows for efficient drilling through tough terrain, ensuring a sturdy and long-lasting fence.
For expert rural fencing solutions and advice contact Hayden Brown at 027 444 2776 or email figure8nz@gmail.com. Visit f8fencing.co.nz for more information.
Let Figure 8 Fencing help secure your property with durable, high-quality fencing.
Figure 8 Fencing is committed to providing high-quality and reliable fencing solutions
• Specialised 450hp stumpchipper/forestry mulcher
• 20 ton excavator with rake
• Specialising in cutover pine stump removal
• All aspects of stumpchipping and heavy mulching CALL THE STUMPCHIPPING EXPERTS ANYTIME:
NATIONWIDE SERVICE
JEWELLERY REPAIR CENTRE Onsite Workshop, Unique Design & Manufacturing, Ring Sizing, Remodelling Existing Jewellery, All General Jewellery Maintenance, In-store Insurance work & Valuations, Free Ring Cleaning & Inspection
Now there is an extremely cost effective and easy to use product that will bring back your damaged concrete floors to an approved standard.
COLOURCRETE DAIRY FLOOR RESURFACER has been specially formulated for the repair of worn or damaged concrete in the dairy industry. Dairy Floor Resurfacer is a two pack system combining a Portland cement, fine aggregate based micro concrete and sophisticated binders that provide superior, compressive, tensile and flexural strength as well as a very high level of abrasion resistance and adhesion. This product is suitable for repairing worn or pitted areas or to provide a non-slip surface where necessary.
A two pot clear epoxy sealer can be supplied to reduce the wearing effects of milk and acid.
COLOURCRETE DAIRY FLOOR RESURFACER can be supplied as a ‘do it yourself kit’ and delivered anywhere in New Zealand or applied, in most areas, by contractors.
COLOURCRETE DAIRY FLOOR RESURFACER
Part A is supplied in 20kg bags and covers approximately 3m square. Part B modifier is supplied in both 10litre and 20litre containers and approximately 4litres per 20kg bag would be required. After trowelling, the surface can be broomed or sponge finished.
TO BUILD OR RENOVATE
Dependable solutions you can trust
Serving Putāruru, Tokoroa and the wider South Waikato region, since 2021, at Foleys, we
quality service to both residential and light commercial clients.
Our team of local licensed plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers offer above and beyond service across Putāruru, Tokoroa and the surrounding areas.
We are committed to providing prompt, high-quality service to both residential and light commercial clients. Whether it’s a routine job or an urgent 24/7 call-out, Foleys delivers dependable solutions you can trust.
With over 90 years of industry experience, Foleys has built a reputation for excellence, reliability, and superior customer care. Our highly skilled team of licensed plumbers, gasfitters and drainlayers offer specialised services, including maintenance, renovations, roofing and spouting repairs.
Established in 1934, we have grown from a single location down south in Dunedin, to 13 branches, consistently delivering high-quality service with a commitment to excellence, punctuality and professionalism.
Each branch is wholly owned, ensuring our customers receive the same level of care and service across all locations. Foleys is a trusted leader in plumbing, drainlaying and gasfitting services.
We’re open Monday to Friday 7.30am–4.30pm at our location, 15 Rolfe Way, Putāruru.
us
service you can
upon on 07 883 8597 or 0800 303 530 or visit our website foleys.co.nz.
by Andy Bryenton
Reaping the benefits of fresh grass
The Lely farm machinery company from the Netherlands is no stranger to innovating at the very edge of what’s possible, and this time it’s developed a robot that brings high technology to a fundamental of farming.
In New Zealand, we know the value of grass-fed cattle, and how there’s really little substitute for verdant pasture. Sowing and seeding is underway this autumn to deliver a new crop, driving the engine room of the rural economy one blade at a time.
However, barn and covered-pad cattle farming is prevalent overseas, and farmers in this situation were calling out for a means to deliver fresh grass to their herds. What Lely came up with also works well when a whole herd might pug a pasture to pieces, but a single robot can move lightly.
The Lely Exos is about the size of a delivery van, and it’s centred around a voluminous grass catchment hopper. This is fed by belts and cutters, which slice a swathe through fresh pasture, chopping it into a cattle-friendly feed. At the same time, the Exos disperses liquid fertiliser to replenish the land it traverses. This means that pasture quickly regenerates in its wake, ready for another round later on. The whole operation is accomplished as gently as possible, both for the grass itself and the land it springs from.
Despite being battery-powered and completely autonomous, the Exos is lighter than many tractors, and it runs on big wide flotation tires with just 0.8 bar pressure. This means that Lely’s machine can operate deep into the muddy conditions of a European autumn, getting the most out of the entire grassgrowing season.
The robotic nature of the Exos should be no surprise to those who know the Lely name. The company’s automatic milking machines, such as the Astronaut, have proven popular with farmers and with cattle too. Lely has made the Exos work without a human operator, heading out multiple times each day to cut a hopper full of grass and serve it up directly to cattle in a barn or feed-pad situation. It can even work at night.
Lely touts the better nutritional value of fresh grass compared to silage or hay, and Kiwi farmers who utilise the more direct method of pasturing their cattle right on top of their lunch would likely agree. The principles behind this machine,
Lely has automated the harvesting and delivery of fresh grass with a system that points the way toward pasture management robotics for tomorrow
and the level of robotic autonomy it represents, point toward a near future where other pasture management tools are no longer linked to a tractor and a human driver. Seed drills, soil testers and balers using lightweight construction and adaptive AI are already in the works at multiple companies.
Enhanced nutrient uptake
Improved soil structure
Sustainable riparian plantings
Increase humus levels
products for
Add fungi and microorganisms to your soil
Provides trace elements
Top science honour claimed
Plant company Grasslanz Technology Limited, a major contributor to New Zealand agriculture for more than 20 years, has received the top honour at the 2025 Science New Zealand Awards.
The AgResearch subsidiary was announced as the supreme award winner in recognition of its record of introducing valuable new types of pasture and related technologies that have helped livestock industries to thrive.
Among these is the commercialisation of the AR37 Epichloë endophyte developed by AgResearch scientists. It provides resistance to pests, and has been independently estimated as contributing $3.6 billion to the New Zealand economy over the life of its 20-year patent.
“This award is a real credit to the many people who have been a part of the enduring success of Grasslanz Technology,” says Grasslanz Technology chief executive Megan Skiffington.
“That means everyone from the science teams who made the discoveries and did the research, through to those who partnered with us because they believed in turning this research into products that farmers and growers can use to enhance the productivity and sustainability of agriculture in this country.”
The chairs of the judging panels for the Science New Zealand Awards, who selected the supreme award winner, said Grasslanz Technology stood out “because of its contribution to the growth of the New Zealand economy through excellent science directed to solve issues faced by the primary sector in an economically and environmentally sustainable fashion”.
The Science New Zealand Awards celebrate the best of the science and its impacts across New Zealand’s Crown Research Institutes and Callaghan Innovation.
The government announced earlier this year that the seven Crown Research Institutes will soon be merged into new Public Research Organisations, including one that incorporates AgResearch and is focussed on the bioeconomy.
Skiffington says this new structure presents exciting possibilities for Grasslanz to grow its reach and seize other opportunities to bolster the primary sector.
This includes opportunities using technologies such as genetic
modification and gene editing in pasture and beyond.
“We know that farmers and growers do better when backed by great science. With our partners, Grasslanz has delivered that impact on the ground.
“We think we will be able to bring even more value to the new Public Research Organisation with our proven business model, helping a larger pool
of scientists to provide solutions to those farmers and growers.”
or
Suitable for repairing damaged dairy floors or slippery areas
Feed demand and animal condition are vital factors as dairy farming moves towards the cooler months, and managing pastures effectively comes to the fore on the working calendar.
Planning pasture effectively is an important dairy farming area, and it’s important to plan renewal early and understand the effects of sowing dates on pasture performance. When it rains after a dry period, managing resources effectively, including the use of nitrogen and supplements, is the way to ensure healthy cows and quality pastures.
summer crop yields, and thinking about feed crops where applicable.
It’s important to consider the approaching change in season and have a plan for rains, feed demand after pregnancy testing, evaluating remaining
Maximising the pasture you grow and utilise needs to be balanced with allowing pastures to recover following any dry periods in the summer. Start thinking about pasture renewal early so paddocks can be properly prepared. Sowing early is particularly important in summer dry, and allows individual plants more time to develop and reach over 20 tillers in size.
Later sowing in cooler autumn conditions means slower establishment due to cooler temperatures and greater potential to pug and damage new pastures in winter and spring. Sowing early in dry conditions with treated seed is easier for contractors; looking for faster establishment, more yield and sets up better pasture persistence.
Assessing cows’ body condition score determines if actions are required and helps plan for autumn decisions, A number of factors will allow you to achieve BCS targets at calving. Drafting cows based on BCS, age and time of calving, milking once a day, and running more than one herd may be appropriate.
It’s likely that a mix of the strategies will need to be implemented by autumn to ensure all cows achieve BCS targets. With the decline in mid-season pasture quality (and possibly insufficient quantity), BCS gain slows down or cows lose BCS once more. In the North Island, in particular, cows lose BCS again in January and February.
This loss of BCS is different to the loss in BCS post-calving. It can be minimised by ensuring pasture quality is high or by providing the cow with high-quality supplementary feeds when there is insufficient pasture. With milder autumn weather, pasture quality improves and cows gain BCS again. However, this gain is limited until the cows are dried off. What to do when it rains after the dry and how much rain does it take to break a drought?
In fact, significant rain is required, and 50mm and up is sufficient to return soil moisture deficits to within 15% of field capacity. On the fertiliser front, it’s recommended as best to apply nitrogen sooner rather than later — after 20–25mm of rain or so.
Bringing the roadshow closer
Rural Contractors NZ will kick off its 2025 roadshows in four centres in June and like the organisation’s conference, attendance will be largely free.
The RCNZ Board confirmed the dates and venues at its February meeting. CEO Andrew Olsen says the first roadshow will be held at the Distinction Hotel in Hamilton on Tuesday, June 17, with another, the following day, at Palmerston North’s Distinction Hotel.
The following week sees roadshows at the Croydon Lodge in Gore on Tuesday, June 24, and at the Commodore Hotel in Christchurch, the next day. He said the roadshows, initiated in 2022, provide RCNZ members with an alternative to attending the organisation’s now biannual conference.
“We’ve got more than 600 members country-wide, and fewer than a third can attend our conference. So, we are putting together the roadshows for more members to engage,” said Mr Olsen.
The roadshows will kick off with an early afternoon session, sponsored by Nufarm, dedicated to members who are agricultural sprayers. It will then merge with those focussed on grass harvesting and other croppingrelated activities.
Andrew is planning for some short industry updates, including one on health and safety in rural contracting, which will reinforce the RCNZ’s summer campaign on fatigue risks.
The afternoon will finish with an opportunity to have a drink and catch up with old mates and some sponsor prize draws.
Andrew says any Rural Contractor NZ member is entitled to attend and also bring three other family or staff members for free. Any further attendees are welcome for a modest charge.
“Our balance sheet and the support of our partners allows us to put this on for
our membership at no cost. We know it is a challenge for all of our members to get to our conference every second year, so we are bringing the roadshows to their regions.”
The 2026 RCNZ conference will be held in June next year in Christchurch.
All roadshows start with an early afternoon session dedicated to agricultural sprayers
by Amy Fifita
Self-care creates a safer season
With an abundance of work for contractors during autumn, one vital job is not in the paddock, but looking after themselves and minimising fatigue.
While the farming community is wellknown to persevere to achieve what must be done, it is often at the expense of themselves. Employers and employees have the responsibility to make a difference in safer practices.
Rural Contractors New Zealand is rerunning its fatigue prevention campaign for the autumn season. With crops needing to be harvested, sprayed, or fertilised and weather a major factor, ensuring staff, co-workers and yourself are work-fit is a priority.
Being fatigued doesn’t just mean being physically exhausted, it includes your mental and emotional state, too. Having regular breaks, food and water helps minimise the risk.
Symptoms include having a depressed or irritable mental state, communication breakdown, delayed reaction time,
sluggishness and more. There are useful tricks to encourage workers to remain in a fit working state.
Enabling staff to be well-rested and healthy reduces the risk of machine accidents and injuries. Employers can keep their workplaces safe by monitoring timesheets, hiring extra staff, accessing staff, collecting near-miss information and rotating staff tasks and machines.
Creating an open discussion between staff and management allows workers to voice their concerns about themselves or their coworkers. Allowing staff to take time off when needed allows for better recuperation and safer machinery operation.
As landowners, the responsibility lies in stopping unnecessary pressure and allowing for breaks and sleep. Staff can avoid fatigue by eating a healthy diet, drinking water, taking
available breaks and abstaining from alcohol the night before work.
Employers allowing staff to have regular breaks encourages robust mental, emotional and physical workers,
With over 50 years experience of knowing and building trailers.
Prescott Trailers are designed for the rugged outdoors, dependable and durable, to ensure continuous reliable use. Original Manufacturers of Pinto Trailers for 27 years
creating a safe and healthy workplace environment. With employees looked after, expect a quality work performance. Visit ruralcontractors.org.nz/dangers-offatigue for further information.
Taking a step out of machinery to have a break and rotating machine operators can help mitigate fatigue during autumn farming tasks
Study provides new insights
A research programme supported by Beef + Lamb New Zealand is investigating the potential for using accelerometer sensors for early detection of conditions such as facial eczema (FE) in sheep.
Accelerometers can gather data through measuring the movement or acceleration of an object. In farming, they can be used to monitor behaviour of livestock to inform management decisions around welfare and production efficiency. Actions such as head shaking or avoiding sunlight may be indicators of FE.
The B+LNZ project, jointly led by senior AgResearch scientist Dr Karin Schütz, investigated the use of accelerometers fitted to a collar to predict the behaviour of sheep. It established that the collars with sensors attached were simple and effective to use with sheep. The data gathered is now being analysed, including identifying findings, which could be used to predict early signs of disease or injury.
“Technology such as accelerometers allow for data from a large number of animals to be obtained continuously, 24/7, without the presence of humans,” says Dr Schütz.
“It is relatively cheap compared to using humans to observe the animals or setting up video equipment. This makes the technology particularly attractive for extensively managed livestock, which can be studied under normal management conditions.
“Behaviours such as grazing, ruminating and resting are the main behaviours of sheep on pasture. Monitoring changes in daily behaviour patterns across the annual production cycle, while capturing changes
in environmental conditions, can reveal key metrics that can be used to improve welfare and production efficiency on-farm.
“These same metrics could possibly provide early warning systems for significant issues such as facial eczema, lameness and gastrointestinal parasites. By developing tools for early detection, farmers can reduce economic losses and enhance productivity and welfare through timely interventions and improved management practices.”
The research project was undertaken in November 2024 at the AgResearch farm in Hamilton with a group of mixed-age Romney-type ewes.
Dr Mhairi Sutherland, B+LNZ’s senior scientist animal health and welfare, said the research could be a step towards providing a practical tool for farmers to manage disease risk.
“Facial eczema is a serious issue for livestock farmers, particularly in warmer and more humid regions. Having a way to detect the early signs of the disease before visible signs appear could make a significant difference in mitigating its impacts,” Dr Sutherland said.
“By integrating this data with other risk factors such as spore counts and weather conditions, farmers could take proactive measures to reduce the risk of outbreaks and improve overall animal health.”
New research into sheep behaviour could help provide early detection of FE and parasites
