Waikato Farming Lifestyles, August 2011

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Wa i k a to

Farming Lifestyles

August 2011 Edition

See our Column on Page

8

Phone: 09 439 6933 | Freephone: 0800 466 793 | Fax: 09 439 6930

Page 3

Page 9–11

Innovation showcase

Equine Feature

Calf rearing at Farmlands on page 5

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August 2011

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

Applications now open for scholarship trip to Mexico

The Waikato Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by NorthSouth Multi Media Ltd, a privately owned New Zealand company. Phone: 09 439 6933 or 0800 466 793 • Fax: 09 439 6930 Email: info@thelifestyler.co.nz • Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville Physical Address: Lifestyler House, 107 River Road, Dargaville Graphic Design: Editorial: Greer Mackay Paul Campbell Annette Lambly-Robinson Gavin Bainbridge David Stevens Advertising: Production: Glyn Parker Deb Wright General Manager Kylie Baucke Jenny Crundwell Betty Willetts Managing Editor: Allan Mortensen (am@thelifestyler.co.nz) Accounts: Lesley Robinson (accounts@thelifestyler.co.nz) Cover: Horses at Curraghmore Stud, Te Awamutu. Photo by Jenny Kain

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by Annette Lambly-Robinson Beef + Lamb New Zealand and New Zealand Young Farmers are pleased to announce applications are now open for a unique and exciting agricultural scholarship. The 2011 Conference for the Five Nations Beef Alliance and Young Ranchers Programme is being held in Mexico in mid-October and Beef + Lamb New Zealand is offering a scholarship for a young New Zealander to represent New Zealand at the conference. The scholarship offers the recipient a chance to represent and promote New Zealand beef as well as helping to foster international relations within the beef industry. It’s a chance to gain valuable international connections to benefit New Zealand beef farming — which is the driver for B+LNZ’s support and investment. New Zealand is a member of the Five Nations Beef Alliance along with Canada, Mexico, Australia and the USA. Almost half of the world’s beef and cattle exports come from these five nations. The FNBA was created in the early 1980s when promoting trade reforms was an important part of its agenda and recently the Alliance has been strongly supportive of global trade rules that are risk and science based. The FNBA launched The Young Ranchers Programme in 2010 and it aims to attract young leaders from

each nation who are passionate about the future direction of the beef industry. Young Farmers CEO, Richard Fitzgerald, says applicants must be between the ages of 18 and 32, have knowledge of and a career pathway in the beef industry. They must be able to speak on behalf of the New Zealand beef industry in an international forum. The scholarship recipient will also be required to report back to New Zealand beef meetings post conference. “This is both a personal development opportunity for a young New Zealander and the chance to build leadership capability in the sector.� For a full list of criteria and information on how to apply head to www.youngfarmers.co.nz or contact Sara Russell: 03 303 3057, sara.russell@youngfarmers.co.nz.

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Innovation showcase Andrew Horn has a solution to a long-standing problem on the farm — The ‘RealPro Clamp’ has been designed to make transporting electric fence reels easier Innovation is imperative to the agriculture industry and is a back-bone feature of the annual New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays, and while the 2011 event has come and gone for another year, many of the inventions will soon be making their way into the marketplace. New Zealanders are known for being very resourceful and creative and entrants proved this year’s event was no exception. The variety of innovations at Mystery Creek during this year’s four-day national event gave the judges a difficult task. The concept of the Innovation Competition is to showcase New Zealand inventions to the world. This year Technipharm won the ‘Golden Standard’ with their invention ‘Irrisafe’. Irrisafe is an environmentally friendly speed control for an effluent irrigator that prevents ponding, and increases pasture productivity. Craig Short was runner up with his ‘Stockfirm’ — a simple and inexpensive answer to providing an easily removable cover to keep stock secure in stock crates. The winner of the Equipment Category was awarded to ADF Milking for their automated teat dipping and cup finishing system. A highly innovative design, the system is entirely new to New Zealand and has significant milking hygiene and productivity benefits. The runner up of this section was Andrew Horn for his solution to a long-standing problem on the farm. The ‘RealPro Clamp’ is a secure and convenient way to transport electric fence reels and standards. Phillip MacDonald took out the James and Wells Award with his ‘Ride Over Gate’. A redesign enabling vehicles to drive over

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August 2011

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

Whiti Farm Park

by Annette Lambly-Robinson

Owning and operating a farm park sounds idyllic for animal lovers, but it can also be heaps of hard work. Ronnie James, co-owner of Whiti Farm Park shares her experience of creating a much visited attraction Buying a farm park in Whitianga ten years ago was not exactly what Rhonwen (Ronnie) and Stephen (Jessy) James had planned to do with their lives. The couple had worked and saved hard for years, often juggling more than one job at a time, in the hope of achieving their dream of buying a small beef farm. A little more than ten years ago with their eyes firmly fixed on a property in the Coromandel — their suitcases packed into the house bus, farewells made in Taupo, and the cows about to board the truck they heard the vendor had changed his mind and had withdrawn from the sale. “We were sort of left on the back foot a bit,’’ said Ronnie. “We spoke to a friend in Tairua who being a beekeeper had a good knowledge of the area — he reckoned we were never going to make any money out of beef cows and a 100 acres in the Coromandel. He said we would be better off looking at something to do with tourism. “We had a few beers and talked about it a bit more with Jessy’s sister and I said we should just trust in the universe to bring us what we need.’’ A few days later a local real estate agent suggested we look at what was then known as the Whitianga Farm Park established in 1992 by Mr and Mrs Kumrich. As we understand it was Mrs Kumrich who was responsible for planting all the mature shade trees around the property while Mr Kumrich used his engineering and artistic imagination to create sculptures and collect machinery. “There was a shed full of the stuff — talk about a treasure trove of man stuff,’’ laughs Ronnie. “The ageing owners had got to the stage where they were unable to keep up the maintenance on the 85 acres and the house, gardens and eight-acre Farm Park were all run down,� said Ronnie. “Jessy thought maybe we should buy it — it would give me

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something to do! Most people thought we were mad.’’ But the rest as you say is history. The couple lived in the house bus, Ronnie got various jobs in town while Jessy found jobs fencing and fixing up the house. “During our first winter it never stopped raining — coming from the pumice ground of Taupo we weren’t used to the mud — it was terrible,’’ said Ronnie. It took two years to get the house finished and then work began on the farm park — drainage was a priority along with fencing and other maintenance. There is no doubt it was a hard slog, but the couple remained optimistic, persevered and enhanced the property into the popular attraction it is today. “It was almost like fate or destiny led us to the park. When we were looking at the park for the first time we saw these two pairs of boots in the garage — a new pair of Ashley gumboots — Jessy’s favourite brand of boots in his size (and not readily available) and a brand new pair of red bands in Ronnie’s size.

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Waikato Farming Lifestyles August 2011

Looking back the pair admits while they are both animal lovers, they never thought they would ever be running an animal park, but now it would be hard to imagine doing anything else

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It was like we were meant to step into the previous owners shoes.’’ In December 2007 the park re-opened to the public. New animals and attractions are always being added including a bush walk and secret garden. Nowadays Raisin the pet possum is a particular favourite as is Storm the black and white Border collie cross, rescued from an animal shelter and greets visitors wearing her red bandana and guides them through the park. Bunny cuddles are very popular, but there are plenty of other animals and pets — deer, kune kune pigs, alpaca, sheep, cows, donkeys, ponies, ducks, geese to name just a few — it really is a close encounter of the animal kind. It’s an easy meander, young and old alike manage easily and there is wheelchair and pushchair access. Visitors can bring a picnic lunch or enjoy a barbecue on the free gas barbecues. In summer families can enjoy an overnight stay — families love roughing it camping in the Indian-style tee pees. Looking back the pair admits while they are both animal lovers, they never thought they would ever be running an animal park, but now it would be hard to imagine doing anything else. Whiti Farm Park is open to the public seven days a week from 10am to 4pm.

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August 2011

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

by Paul Campbell

A television winner for rural New Zealand It’s tailor-made for a good night in — Country99TV is New Zealand’s only television channel dedicated to the rural community

The ground-breaking channel has attracted a number of top line staff, many who will be familiar to Farming Lifestyle readers up and down the country. “We’re a private company, backed by rural investors broadcasting on Channel 99 on the SKY TV platform,� said station communications manager, Raegan Houldridge. “We’re small and effective, hands on and hugely experienced in the television industry. What’s more, we know rural New Zealand and what’s important to our viewers.� Country99TV has on offer a rich selection of agricultural, horticultural and rural programmes from here and overseas with the stated object of providing programming that is interesting, relevant and timely. To that end, the lineup of presenters reads like a who’s who of the New Zealand broadcasting industry — including Genevieve Westcott, Mark Leishman, David Beatson, Mandi McLeod and Philip Duncan. “Country99TV News is the only specialist rural

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August 2011

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

Notes from the shed with Mark McKewen

For richer or for poorer?

With calving underway the next thing to think about is mating.

While we hear loud and clear from most senior politicians with regular frequency, it is Revenue Minister Peter Dunne who has been quietly squirrelling away in the background rewriting the tax system faster than you can say ‘it’s our job to be fair’.

The last season has shown some disturbing empty rates particularly in the North but also elevated rates all over the country, even heard to be over 40%.

It’s a financial revolution, a coup of unprecedented changes that will alter our landscape forever. Depreciation, property, companies and GST will never be the same again.

The impact on the bottom line is significant and will impact for the next season or two, and can be a significant threat to business viability. The Hows and Whys are things that need dealing with by relevant experts, however something Milfos can help with is heat detection. While there are some farmers who are good herdsman, it is the issue of farm workers without these skills that needs addressing.

Mr Dunne agrees there have been quite substantial changes over the last six years that have reshaped the face of personal and company taxes, and tidied up various anomalies within the tax system. Mark McKewen

Traditionally detection has been standing in a paddock at all hours or tail painting and various other solutions. All are valid but rely on observation or application and tend to be hit or miss solutions. Milfos have a system called iHEATIME, all based around clever collars that record three dimensional activity (not a pedometer). The activity information is gathered by an electronic reader and the data is processed by a programme that automatically looks for heat activity. It is very accurate, durable and easy to use leaving you the decision on what you want to do with the cow, not worrying about if she is in heat. There are standalone low cost units for up to 600 cows, to fully networked systems, with a sorting gate for convenience if you wish. If you wish to know more information or options about iHEATIME, please visit our website www.milfos.com or call your local Milfos Dealer.

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He says this sets New Zealand’s tax system up to be one of the sharpest tax administrations in the world — and he’s not finished yet. “The big focus from here is reorganising the way we collect taxes, in line with today’s electronic age, and the ultimate is to get something akin to electronic banking, online. In terms of efficiency and competitiveness it is the way forward,” Mr Dunne says. But are these changes going to be good or bad for the backbone of our nation — will farmers become richer, or poorer? The depreciation rate for buildings, which reduces the current 2% straight line

With the removal of depreciation on buildings, many companies that own properties will now make the transition from loss to profit. This will increase tax to pay and directly affects farmers who invested in property for the benefit of the losses. And assets purchased after 20 May 2010 are affected by a 20% change in loading, which means an average cost increase of $11,000 on the purchase of $250,000 worth of new farm equipment. Also some of these changes will apply retrospectively — property financing often relied on the previous tax structure to work, so it might be wise to do some cash flow forecasting now, with a focus on provisional tax to pay in 2011/2012. Speaking of tax, watch out if your partner forgets to pay the PAYE tax bill if you are a shareholder in one of the thousands of LAQC companies owned by farmers being converted to an LTC — as shareholders become jointly and severally liable for LTC PAYE tax debt, just like a partnership. SEE OUR BACK PAGE ADVERT

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9

Equine Feature

Stallions on parade by Annette Lambly-Robinson The unique opportunity to see some of the nation’s best stud stallions in the flesh takes place later this month at Cambridge. The North Island section of Annual All Breeds Stallion Parade will be held at Cambridge Lodge in Cambridge on August 28 with the South Island event taking place at Canterbury Show Park on September 11. The parade — the brainchild of well-known breeding stalwart Kevin Cholmondeley-Smith has been running for 15 years and is well-received by breeders and buyers of young stock. It takes places just before the breeding season starts and is a welcome reminder winter is almost over. Most of those who attend (more than 1800 last year) already have an interest in the industry, so while it might be a matter of preaching to the converted it is a good way of taking the New Zealand breeding industry into the future,’’ said Mr Cholmondeley-Smith. The event has grown from the ten stallions entered at the first event to 63 entries last year. The annual event showcases all breeds from thoroughbreds to miniatures, Arabians to European warm bloods and station breed cross breeds — each as breath-takingly beautiful as their breed standards specify. It’s an ideal event for new breeders or as a campaign for new stallions to established studs. Last year the first American Saddle bred stallion imported to New Zealand was paraded at the Canterbury event. “The parade is not so much about getting stud bookings, but more about showing what stallions are available and what type of progeny breeders can expect,’’ said Mr Cholmondeley-Smith. Stallion owners are entitled to have two of the stallion’s progeny also parade. Parading the progeny straight after the stallions allows the public to view the type of stock the sire is leaving.

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16.2 hands European warmblood stallion Donnerubin (Imp from Australia) carries some of the world’s best dressage lines. He is owned by Jacinda Younger, Chevaux Dansants Stables and will be one of more than 50 stallions at the upcoming All Breeds Stallion Parade

The stud explains the mating which left the stock on exhibit. Some owners choose to offer two different types of breeding, say a thoroughbred dam and maybe a pony dam to reach a wider range of interest.’’ Not all stallions standing at stud appear every year, but most at some stage have made an appearance — even those whose stud bookings are full for the season. “The annual catalogue almost becomes a breeder’s bible,’’ says Mr CholmondeleySmith. The annual parade is very much a labour of love due to Mr CholmondeleySmith‘s desire to promote quality breeding in New Zealand. As a multi breeder, and international judge Mr CholmondeleySmith, who is the principal of Glenvar Stud at Kumeu, has no particular passion for any breed, instead recognising the merits of each for its suitability to perform as the breeder, trainer or rider intended. A youngstock horse show is planned for the Saturday (day prior to parade) next year. Around 50 stallions have already registered for this year’s showcases,

but entries remain open until August 12. Late entries may be accepted but will not make the printed catalogue. Entry is $260 per stallion inclusive of GST. Public entry is $5 per person of $15 for a car parking on site and the driver. Phone 09 412 5223 sthpacifichorses@xtra.co.nz.

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Qualification Opportunity A new and exciting opportunity for equine study is open for application at Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre, Wairarapa. The full-time, 32-week programme will see students graduate with a National Certificate in Equine (Stable Procedures) NZQA Level 3 Certificate in 2012*. Students will live on campus while studying at both Taratahi’s Masterton campus and the nearby Panorama Equestrian Centre, Gladstone. “There is a huge demand for well qualified, passionate people in the equine industry and Taratahi equine graduates will be sought after. We will be looking for applicants with high levels of passion and motivation,” says Clarissa

Notley, Programme Head of Equine at Taratahi. The programme is designed to prepare students to be ‘work ready’ for a variety of equine careers in the racing, show-jumping or eventing industries. The programme has both theory and practical components covering equine specific skills but also includes some relevant general farm skills such as fencing, pasture management and agrichemical application. Prospective students can get a feel for life at Taratahi and understand more about the course at the next ‘Equine Taster Course’ 17-20 October 2011. *This course is subject to NZQA approval.

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August 2011

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

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Breeding and breeder of the horse Age / Date of Birth Sex Colour Current owner and address

This information is permanently linked to a microchip which is implanted in the horse E\ D YHWHULQDULDQ 8VLQJ D PLFURFKLS UHDGHU WKH XQLTXH QXPEHU RI WKH PLFURFKLS FDQ EH SHUPDQHQWO\ UHDG DW DQ\ WLPH 7KH KRUVH LV DOVR LGHQWL¿HG XVLQJ PDUNLQJV LQ WKH XVXDO manner. Data on the horse is stored on NZ Sporthorse database and can be easily accessed.

Fees And Other Associated Costs Microchips cost $30 to purchase, this includes registration and data entry onto the NZ Sporthorse database. Other approximate costs $80 veterinary fees for insertion of microchip LGHQWL¿FDWLRQ IHH LI UHTXLUHG These fees are dependent on the arrangement between the horse owner and their veterinarian. To order your microchip contact Louise Turner on 09 237 0005 or louise@primaryfocus.net.nz

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Waikato Farming Lifestyles August 2011

11

Equine Feature A New Zealand first by Annette Lambly-Robinson The first New Zealand Qualifications Authority approved equine dentistry course in New Zealand has been accredited to the New Zealand Equine Dentistry School based in Tuakau. The 22-week comprehensive course has both theory and practical sections. It is the brain-child of equine dentist Warwick Behrns whose passion for the well-being of horses — through their mouths — began at the tender age of 15. He knew that if a horse could not gain all of the goodness from its food, its performance and well-being was affected. Thirty-five years later, he is a certified advanced member of The International Association of Equine Dentistry with experience gained nationally and internationally, including six years at the American School of Equine Dentistry as an instructor. He is looking forward to passing these skills and knowledge on as a formal education to others interested in the same career. Warwick and his wife Dianna started the NZ Equine Dentistry School in 2004 to complement their busy horse dental service. Dianna handling the business and student side of things, while Warwick did the teaching. Initially with two students three times per year, Warwick taught a small amount of theory, but the three-month course was mostly practical. In 2006 the couple started expanding the theoretical side and in 2009 began correspondence with the Ministry of Education and NZQA to formally develop the curriculum, evaluations and quality management systems. They gained NZQA registration in November 2010 and course approval and accreditation in May 2011. The NZ Equine Dentistry School is proposing to build a state of the art purpose built complex, specifically designed as an educational and clinical treatment facility for the prophylaxis of equine dentistry. The classroom will be a generous space to accommodate a number of students and there will be a separate library for students to have access to industry related media and internet. Attached to the classroom will be a wet lab for working on

equine cadavers. There will be a separate space within the wet lab, for skeletal remains including a classified skull, dentition and specimen collection. The clinical treatment area of the complex is where students will learn the practical processes involved in performing equine dentistry on live horses. There will be a separate pre and post treatment facility for horses including covered yards. From the horse’s mouth Horses rely on their mouths to eat. Since most horse owners wouldn’t recognise dental problems, it’s important to have a professional check your horse’s teeth at least once a year. Equine dentist Warwick Berhns says the importance of teeth to the animal’s well-being is vital. “The teeth act like a mortar and pestle grinding the food into a paste, to ensure all amino acids and other goodness can be extracted out of the food,’’ he said. “If the mouth cannot perform this Photo courtesy Kelly Wilson efficiently, horses will at first over eat Good teeth are vital to ensure a healthy horse and then eventually not be able to eat at all. Horses with dental problems can go through stages of excessive weight gain to total weight loss including muscle loss.’’ Waikato Farming Lifestyles Since horses’ mouths are all different an individual assessment is required. Like with humans many dental problems start out minor, but if left unchecked can soon escalate and cause much unnecessary pain. While age has its own problems, dental problems can occur from a very young age, some problems can even arise as a congenital defect or shortly after birth.

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August 2011

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

Young farmers put their best foot forward Contestants in the 2011 Young Farmer Contest Grand Final were tested on their stock handling and hoof care abilities during the AgriSkills round of the competition in Masterton earlier this month. The seven finalists were scored on their ability to correctly load and secure a cow into a Wrangler and then check the condition of her hoof. This is a vital job on dairy farms as cows walking to the shed each day are prone to getting lame. Lame cows then costs the farm in lost production, treatment expenses, and associated costs like reduced cow fertility. NZ designed and manufactured, the Wrangler crush enables cows to be held safely so the farmer can work on the hoof without fear of being kicked. Judges were watching carefully to ensure contestants

loading the cow used the girths under the cow to prevent her falling and breaking a hip while the hoof was raised. They then needed to winch the back leg onto the supporting bar and the front hoof onto a supporting block and check the condition of the hoof. Other tasks the finalists had to complete included measuring the eye muscle mass of 10 stud rams, manufacturing a steel gate, identifying meat cuts, calibrating a seed drill, and constructing a Taranaki gate. The Wrangler had been used previously in Young Farmer district finals but never before at the Grand Final. The AgriSkills winner, Mike Croad representing East Coast, took away $14,000 worth of Ravensdown products with Will Grayling taking out the top prize of National Bank Young Farmer Contest Champion for 2011.

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August 2011

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

What do you do with the horse poo?

by Annette Lambly-Robinson

I reckon I have discovered a good way of getting rid of all that horse poo that we horse owners have to shovel out of stables, yards or paddocks. The best part is, in doing so I will also be able to grow myself some out of season veggies and maybe even some colourful flowers

have been introduced at this time as well) and by the sixteenth century hotbeds were commonplace, in botanical gardens in the first instance and later in household gardens.

The other night while sitting by the fire, thumbing through a very old and handed down gardening book ‘Hotbed’ jumped off the page at me. It stirred memories of my grandfather — a keen gardener who I well remember talking about his cold frames and hot beds. While I can’t recall exactly what they were, or how they were made, I do remember well his plentiful garden.

In the Victorian era hot beds gave savvy gardeners the upper hand on their contemporaries by allowing them to grow various vegetables out of season.

In biology, a hotbed is a pile of decaying organic matter warmer than its surroundings due to the heat given off by the metabolism of the microorganisms in the decomposing pile. A hotbed covered with a small glass preceded the modern day hothouses or heated greenhouses. Usually made of a bed of manure and straw from animals such as horses that pass much undigested plant cellulose in their droppings, and with enough depth of soil on top to stop the plants from burning, the hotbed allows plants with a preference for warm soils to be grown. What a good idea — after all how many cabbages, caulis and broccoli can one eat — a change would be nice, and what’s more I can use up those bits of wood and corrugated iron I have been hoarding — practically free to construct. Intrigued I did some research and found it was the Dark Age Arabs of Spain and Portugal who supposedly used the first true hotbeds. Small in size (about two feet in height and about three foot square), these hotbeds enabled them to get their produce to market quicker and therefore the ability to demand top price. From the late Dark Ages it is thought they were introduced to Europe from the crusades (Arabic numerals were thought to

Although they went out of fashion in the nineteenth century due to the prevalence of hothouses and greenhouses, hotbeds are still used by organic gardeners and those like me, who do not have these modern facilities. To build — scalp grass or de-turf the area you want to use and decide upon what you will use to insulate and hold the sides of the bed — some gardeners use wood, other blocks or bricks while others prefer to dig a pit and use the earth for insulation. The experts suggest placing fresh straw and manure stamped down to 60-centimetre depth to ensure an even release of heat, on the ground. Place on top of that a 20-centimetre layer, of equal parts of top soil and garden compost. Provided you ensure a 3:1 ratio mix, your hotbed can be as long as you want, but apparently if you choose to make it deeper it could get hotter than the optimal 24-degree Celsius temperature.

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Regular checking with a soil thermometer will determine if you need to cool the bed down with a little water and leaves. While those early Moors used large leaves to cover their beds you will need to cover the bed with glass or a layer of clear plastic to keep in the warmth and keep out the rain. It’s a good idea to make a frame to hold the glass or plastic to make it easier to lift. Leave your hotbed for a week before sowing seeds directly into the soil or placing seedling trays on top of the warmed earth. The beds are good to use for about two months after which time the material on top will be well decomposed and can be dug into your garden — the bottom layer can be added to the compost bin. No need to use hotbeds exclusively for vegetables or melons. Anything can grow in them, flowers included — what a nice idea for some bright colour during these dull days.

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Rural Women

Waikato Farming Lifestyles August 2011

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Stepping out in fine farm style When journalist, Celeste Wills, decided to take time out from a busy writing career and marry Waikato dairy Farmer, Kim, she found herself out and about on the farm in sometimes pretty frumpy getup “I’ve known Kim since I was about 10 “Our overalls are made from quality 100% years old. Our families were friends and cotton drill and feature elastic at the waist for we were childhood sweethearts,” says a flattering silhouette, back and front pockets, Celeste. dome fastenings instead of zips for comfort and convenience and stirrups so they stay in “I was working in Taupo when we your gumboots. They are also available in a married and after the wedding I swapped range of sizes and colours including pink. the keyboard for farm work. After a season helping Kim, I went looking for something a “My Farm Lady is all about empowering little more flattering and comfortable to wear women to be able to express themselves and while working on the farm, but I was not their femininity whether they are milking cows, able to find anything in the marketplace,” fixing a tractor or just weeding the garden. said Celeste. “Just because it’s dirty work doesn’t mean “As time went on I thought to myself, you can’t look good doing it.” ‘why doesn’t someone try and come up with Celeste is also currently working on a range some better choices for rural women who of women’s wet weather gear and a bib style have farm jobs to do. And then: Why don’t overall and says she won’t stop there. I do something myself?” The new label made its debut at the Mystery As a result, Kiwi rural women can now Creek Fieldays. “The overalls are being made step out in style in a fashionable new range in India,” added Celeste. of feminine workwear under the label, My “We looked around to get them Farm Lady. Celeste Wills — manufactured in New Zealand, but I wanted you can be farming and fashionable “I used to hate being on the farm with them to be affordable and made locally, they my husband when unexpected visitors would show up and I was were going to be too expensive. At present thay are available to dressed in a pair of Kim’s oversized and unflattering overalls. be ordered on line, although we do have a retail outlet in Reporoa, I just kept thinking to myself someone should design overalls which is Kim’s home town.” specifically for women.” When Celeste and Kim are not busy on the farm and milking With no garment manufacturing experience Celeste knew it 350 cows, or looking after their sons, Tristan, four and Archer, 18 was not going to be easy so she employed the skills of top months, you can find them playing netball and rugby respectively, garment makers to help bring My Farm Lady women’s workwear for Te Kauwhata. to life. To check out this rural fashion choice www.myfarmlady.co.nz.

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16

August 2011

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

9 R d for ncy 0 r e 20NNtaEl AweaEffici I en urc Wronm eso

Mastitis is a Man made problem

vi s R En nes The drug company has a ready remedy to You shouldn’t have to put up wiith si u B this headache, nor should the cow. If w we sell called an antibiotic so now we add another can just understand that for every infectio on there is a reason, and if we can identify th he reason, it is not too hard to ascertain the remed dy. As we all know, the bug that causes the proble em is a foreign protein that has invaded the udder. udde That established, we must then ask, ‘who invited the bug in? And how do we insist that he leave and never return! For any unwanted guest to enter a potentially stable abode, in this case the udder, some one must have opened the door! That door in the udder is normally locked securely by a muscle found in every orifice in the body, that muscle is termed the “SPHINCTER MUSCLE” and is designed to let products out, and stop foreign products entering or invading. It is a one-way door lock, a one-way hinge. We have now established that it is a muscle that normally holds the door closed, now its open, so what compromised this muscle? What caused it to fail? The atom ‘calcium’ controls the contraction phase of each muscle, the relaxation phase being controlled by potassium. Your heart beats the same way. If we were to increase the calcium to excess, the heart would stop in the fully contracted phase, this is termed ‘calcium rigor’; if on the other hand we were to increase large amounts of potassium into the portal blood, the heart will cease to function and stop in the fully relaxed phase, and is termed ‘potassium inhibition’. Therefore, the rate and ratios of these two elements in the diet have a major influence on the contraction and relaxation of all muscles. Now, we are concerned with the sphincter muscle, remember this is the wee muscle that controls the door to each orifice, in this case the udder. If the animal was to receive too much potassium, and she is, the door or sphincter muscle will fail to fully contract and the udder will be open to the invasion of bacteria and hey presto, we have a condition of inflammation of the mammary glands termed mastitis. The animal is subject to infection all because we placed her under stress. Stresses and strains have one thing in common; they all take money out of your pocket and put it in someone else’s, in this case the drug companies.

foreign protein to the mix. If you have a drug like penicillin or some other foreign protein and it is in the milk and it winds up in the milk you sell and the buyer or the processor discovers this contaminant you will instead of getting a payment for the milk you thought you sold you will get a bill for the tanker load you spoiled with the contaminating item you put in the milk you sold. When we think we can outsmart the perfect systems in the natural mechanics of crop and animal production we run the risk of adverse reactions. All things in nature have a spectacular balance. If we attempt to accelerate the growth of crops or grass in the field and add excessive nonprotein nitrogen of any source we can certainly make the crop grow differently. The cells are longer, the grass is greener and the nutritional quality is lessened. Our meddling has changed the perfect balance and the more we meddle the bigger the change we cause in the plant and the animal that consumes it. When we change the structure in the plant we have set up an undesirable condition for the animal to deal with. The purpose of Quantum Laboratory is to ensure that our advice of what to add to the soil in the form of fertiliser will contribute to the natural harmony of food for the crop. If the crop is wholesome because of the nutrients it contains, and we have corrected an imbalance we can rest assured the animal who eats the perfect balanced crop will reward us with a healthy and abundant production. We can take this step a bit further. If we know what is in your crop and we discover that a simple addition of a special element like calcium of even a trace mineral is required we can advise you how to establish the proper balance. But the qualification is that we must know what we are doing. We don’t know until we test. Our test will give us the answers. The bottom line is always better when you know what you are doing. Unless you know what your soil contains you can easily make things much worse by adding an element that spoils a balance.

Send for our free DVD and we will show you how to control all predators in both plants and animals. Call us on 0800 85 77 33. Quantum Laboratories Freephone: 0800 85 77 33 Ray: 021 783 539 Web: quantumlab.co.nz Email: info@quantumlab.co.nz

Peter Lester

The time and effort to properly sample and test the soil or the crop can be the most profitable expense you can make in your farming enterprise. Quantum Labs sells management advice. We base our advice on scientifically diagnosing what is needed to ensure the correct balance. If you’re farming project has a glitch of some sort and the profits are not there remember we know how to find the answers. All we know we have learned because we use this system. I had six honest serving men. They taught me all I knew Their names were What and Where and When And How and Why and Who. If you want to put more profit in your farming enterprise we can show you how to do it. The ratios of electrolytes in the diet have far reaching implications ranging from mastitis, bloat, foot rot, pink eye, fly strike, heart failure, the list goes on and on. Now the system wants to apply urea along with an inhibiter. This inhibiter is specifically designed to curtail the activity of the bacteria so that the applied ammonia stays in the soil. This applied ammonia will attach itself to the surface of the soil particles and effectively sterilize it. By its very chemistry, it will displace all of the attached minerals, temporally raising the soil pH and then the plant will become saturated with ammonia. You think you have a mastitis problem now, just stand back.

Waikato Farming Lifestyles August 2011

17

FARMERS OF NEW ZEALAND

Phone 09 439 5219 — Fax 09 439 5719 — P.O. Box 484, Whangarei, Northland email: newzealandfarmers@xtra.co.nz — www.newzealandfarmers.com

Protecting productive land — it’s really just common sense Local government are increasing turning to urban form planning because they think it is easier to manage communities and the essential infrastructure required.

percent of the nation’s total land area and the government has already conserved fifty percent of the South Island and over thirty percent of the north anyway.

Intensification of urban areas and a dislike of urban sprawl raises the cost of land by restricting supply and limits the ability of rural landowners to manage their land capital effectively

With a population that is unlikely to grow to any significant extent the problem is an imagined one. There is no issue of scarcity or inefficient use of the soils.

The standard response to calls to ‘free up’ the supply of land is that this will lead to ‘urban sprawl’ which will lead to the loss of rural land and impact on our rural production. The planning profession argues for 4–5ha lots as a means of ‘protecting’ rural productivity and rural character. Most farmers, who have a better understanding of farm management, would agree that this is probably the least efficient lot size of all. Defenders of urban restriction claim there is a shortage of rural land. In reality, the reverse is true — rural land is being taken out of production as farm productivity increases and marginal land is needed less. A future problem may well be what to do with under-used rural land. There are no grounds to ‘protect’ rural land at the expense of supply. New Zealand holds a significant amount of high production land to meet our present use. Our urban land requirement is currently barely two

Love your chooks? But hate being tied to daily feeding?

It’s a myth based on little or no empirical evidence. The soil resource is not being lost in any significant manner, nor is it being affected in any adverse way. However, councils remain concerned about losing the productive capacity of the land. The general view being that small lots result in a loss of agricultural production or productivity. However, if we are really worried about loss of land in rural areas then reducing the minimum lot size to something like 4,000 square metres (one acre) would reduce these inroads. One hundred families living in the countryside would then use only 100 acres of rural land rather than the 1,000 acres they are currently forced to occupy. For urban dwellers wishing to enjoy the rural aspect the need to manage a 4ha land holding is very stressful. This is supported by the fact that most lifestylers give up and go back to an urban environment within a five-year period adding to congestion and infrastructure problems in towns while rural communities

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Rodents and birds eating their food?

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lose a valuable and scarce commodity needed to maintain their communities — people. Another reason councils hate rural subdivision is the likelihood of what they term reverse sensitivity. This is when urban dwellers moving into a rural community complain about farm activities and annoy councils with a barrage of complaints. This is a real issue but lot size will not address this problem. There are other ways less intrusive. For instance changing the zone description from general rural to a rural commercial zone where it is well publicised that farm activities are permitted and accepted would assist a greater understanding.

Ian Walker, National President, Farmers of NZ Advertisement 40165

Septic Tank Owners How you can save money by keeping your septic system effective and healthy Septic tanks and multi-stage septic systems are delicately balanced environments. It does not take much to upset them. Common practice is to ignore the septic system until problems occur. Good and best economical practice is to always keep your septic system well maintained. A malfunctioning septic system can become a health hazard. When a system is not maintained or operated as a delicately balanced environment, problems occur. These problems include nasty odours, leach line blockages, untreated liquid rising to the surface, toilets gurgling and taking time to empty. At this stage your septic system is a serious health hazard to you and your children. Human waste produces faecal coliform bacteria, a source of viral and bacterial gastroenteritis as well as Hepatitis A and other diseases. Hepatitis can be a debilitating condition and cause long-term harm to children. There are only three remedies. One: stop using the septic system until it recovers. This can take over a month and is not normally practical. Two: excavate your septic system and relocate it. This is very costly and time consuming, sometimes requiring new resource consents and different systems. Three: treat your septic system with Septi-Cure™ every six months. Septi-Cure is Cost effective. By far the most cost effective solution is to pour one litre of Septi-Cure™ down each toilet bowl every six months. This simple action will help keep your system working at top efďŹ ciency by reducing solids and scum. Instead of emptying your tank frequently, the reduction in solids and scum saves you expensive pump out costs. Your irrigation ďŹ eld and leach lines will become clear of slimes and

b blockages so nature can handle the gradual seepage and evaporation for you. When this is happening your system will be operating effectively and not endangering you or your family’s health. What is Septi-Cure™ Septi-Cure™ is a concentrated mixture of selected naturally occurring microorganisms. These harmless tiny organisms live and multiply by feeding on waste material. When introduced to your septic tank system, they go to work straight away digesting waste material, reducing solids and scum, allowing your septic system to start operating to its maximum efďŹ ciency. As they progress through to your irrigation ďŹ eld they feed on the slimes that prevent seepage and evaporation. When seepage and evaporation return to normal, you have reduced the risk of contaminating groundwater and the environment as well as reducing the chances of infection for you and your family. Eventually, they get washed out of the system and have to be replaced to continue their work. This is why you introduce Septi-Cure™ to your septic system every six months for maximum efďŹ ciency. Ron Simpson of Hamilton has been using Septi-Cure™ for three years. He says this allows them to have an odour-free septic tank with low maintenance costs. He also says that his service person is amazed at how well Septi-Cure™ works, keeping their tank in very good condition. Problematic septic tanks – treat with Septi-Cure™.

Prevent septic system problems – treat with Septi-Cure™.

18

August 2011

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

BOOK The Horse in New Zealand REVIEW

— Attitude & Heart

By Carolyn Mincham Published by David Bateman RRP $59.99

show horses and the little woolly pony for the kids.

Horses hold a special place in the hearts and minds of many New Zealanders. In her book — The Horse in New Zealand: Attitude & Heart, Canadian born Carolyn Mincham tells the story of horses in New Zealand, from the plough horses and war horses to Phar Lap, to

It’s a beautiful book with glorious photos taken by a number of photographers — not only great as a coffee table book but for its insight into the history of our nations horses. Ms Mincham, an art teacher, has always had a strong interest in horses — her doctoral thesis on the social history of

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the horse in New Zealand forms the basis of the book. Through historical and contemporary detail and anecdote and utilising a wide range of old and new photographs and images, the book explores the cultural significance of horses in life and society and how they continue to play a role in how we define ourselves as a nation. The story begins with the arrival of the first horses to Northland. It looks at the reliance on horses by the early settlers and the Maori — of the journey horse, the cart horse, the pit pony, the Clydesdale and the Thoroughbred. As society became established horse breeding and equestrian sports of all descriptions emerged, but the horse was still an honourable servant, ferrying children to school, pulling trams, supporting our nation’s troops at war, and working the land.

The Horse in New Zealand provides an insight into the pivotal part the horse has played in our nation and the qualities of heart and attitude each of these possessed. A must read for anyone with a love of horses or an interest in New Zealand social history. Reviewed by Annette Lambly-Robinson

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Waikato Farming Lifestyles August 2011

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19

It pays to advertise in the Waikato Farming Lifestyles

Country99TV, New Zealand’s dedicated rural channel, has secured a partnership agreement, which will see the Tux Yard Dog Championships and Tux South Island Dog Trials screened on the American satellite and cable television channel RFD-TV. Launched in December 2000, RFD-TV is the nation’s first 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a-week television network dedicated to serving the needs and interests of rural America. Programming includes a wide variety of shows focussed on agriculture, equine, rural lifestyle and traditional music offerings and is seen in over 32 million homes. “The Tux dog trials are an iconic slice of the New Zealand culture, something we have all grown up with, and I am thrilled that we will now be able to showcase this to an international audience,� said Country99TV manager, Helen Ryan. “RFD-TV is home to the most comprehensive lineup of agriculture-based programmes ever assembled on one channel. Shows from around the world give agriculture professionals and hobbyists the widest variety of news and information available to fit every interest and operation.� The agreement will see over 12 hours of the locally produced programming screened to American audiences from September 2011.

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August 2011

Waikato Farming Lifestyles

Accounting should be low-cost expense to farmers says Fresnel Accounting software has changed the way we manage our tax compliance obligations – but the question has to be asked: Why have accounting fees gone up, not down for farmers?

And because Agricultural Accounting specialise in farm accounting, ensuring the right decisions are made at tax time comes with the territory, says Fresnel.

Michael Fresnel, Principal, Agricultural Accounting, believes technology is the problem – and that accounting software is for the most part not good value for money, is time consuming, and is often difficult to use.

“At Agricultural Accounting, all we do is farm accounts – and everyone who works here is either a farmer or come from a farming background. That’s what sets us apart from townie accountants who don’t live and breathe farming, as we do.”

“The bottom line: in my opinion, when it comes to bookwork, accountants do less, farmers do more, and fees have gone up. Software companies and accountants make money selling software and upgrades – and farmers are the ones paying for those upgrades every year,” says Fresnel. That is why Agricultural Accounting doesn’t use specialised software and have settled for simple systems that work – which means costs are less for the firm and for the client, he says. “Our fees are less because we’ve gone back to our knitting – we simply focus on the bookkeeping process of accounting for farmers. We’re not high and mighty types – we keep it simple, we work hard, we get the basics right.” Agricultural Accounting do all of the data entry, GST and end of year tax filing for only $1500+GST per annum for farmers turning over less than $3 million – which means clients of the firm only spend a couple of hours each year working on the books. Less time in the office means more time can be spent doing other more important things.

Michael likes to meet potential clients in the cowshed first so he can get a feel for the whole picture – as long as there’s a free breakfast on offer afterwards.

Michael Fresnel

“We’re a small practice – which means personal service. Visiting your farm is an easy no-obligation way farmers can suss out whether or not they want to consider Agricultural Accounting – plus, it’s a good excuse to get out of the office.” To make an appointment for a farm visit with Mr Fresnel call him personally on 07 981 1007.

WIN A TRIP TO RAROTONGA! Agricultural Accounting can be reached on 0800 000 674 – and just to entice farmers in this issue, there are TWO TRIPS TO RAROTONGA UP FOR GRABS. “We’re giving away two double ticket flights and accommodation to Rarotonga. All new clients to Agricultural Accounting in the months of July and August are in to win.” For further information about the competition visit www.agriculturalaccounting.co.nz Agricultural AccounƟng | 22 Wilson St Cambridge 3434 0800 000 674 | Fax 0800 000 974 Email theprincipal@agriculturalaccounƟng.co.nz | www.agriculturalaccounƟng.co.nz

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