Waikato Farming Lifestyles, August 2023

The Waikato Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by Integrity Community Media, a privately owned NZ company.

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Opinions

19,680 copies DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address in Waikato and King Country.

It’s part of our DNA

by Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country

BRANDERSON HOMES LTD

Kuriger MP

Especially in rural NZ where we grow up mastering the skills at a young age. So, it wasn’t surprising that last month’s announcement to establish a Minister for Hunting and Fishing was warmly welcomed by hunting and fishing associations and groups.

To date, there has been inconsistency across legislation, planning and management. National has been speaking with relevant groups, and we firmly believe conservation and recreation can work together in harmony.

The new package will ensure guaranteed access to public lands available for hunting and fishing, while ensuring protected areas remain that way. The minister will also:

• strengthen the Game Animal Council and designate herds of special interest;

• support Fish & Game NZ to protect salmon and trout fishing; and

• cancel the introduction of recreational licences for game animal hunting or sea fishing

• Under our concept, game animals like Himalayan tahr, deer and wild pigs, for example, will no longer be pests requiring extermination campaigns. They will be seen as food resources and tourism assets.

Office, Show Room & Workshop located at: 47 Hautapu Road, Cambridge branderson@brandersonhomes.co.nz

• partner with volunteer groups that maintain huts for the benefit of all;

• change the law so game animals are not pests;

We have also recognised hunters and fishers are key to the management of fish and game, and this new ministerial role will give them a strong voice around the cabinet table.

Authorised by B Kuriger, Parliament Buildings, Wellington

Awareness of support

by Ann van Engelen

Beef + Lamb New Zealand encourages farmers to take the opportunity to talk about their mental health concerns and highlight the support available during Mental Health Awareness Week from September 26 to October 2.

B+LNZ says it’s a good time to address the concern within rural New Zealand — the mental health of our farmers. The week provides a good opportunity to shed light on the issue and discuss the support available.

Beef + Lamb NZ chair Kate Acland acknowledges the hardships faced by the industry, including challenges brought about by events like Cyclone Gabrielle, falling livestock prices and the tsunami of environmental regulations.

“These challenges are taking a toll on the mental wellbeing of farmers and rural communities across New Zealand,” she says.

“Rural communities are generally very resilient, but this is being tested more than ever this year. Shortly, B+LNZ will release insights into the cumulative impact policies are having on farmers to send a strong signal to the government that it needs to urgently address the scale and pace of these regulations.

“Despite these challenges, there are many opportunities for our sector, and we have a lot to be proud of. The recently published Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries report confirms the significant role of primary industries, contributing a staggering $56.2 billion in

export revenue, which accounts for 10.7 per cent of New Zealand’s GDP.

“Our public perceptions research shows that more New Zealanders are becoming advocates for our sector. We had over 7,100 people visit the Kiwis Backing Farmers website earlier this year to get a better understanding of the issues facing the sector and to email ministers calling for changes.

“There are a lot of services and support available for rural New Zealanders. We encourage you to focus on the things you can control and to stay connected to your family, mates and neighbours.”

Some supportive organisations include Rural Support Trust, which has local, rural people who know from experience that pressures can mount up. Their networks and training can help with all kinds of situations and help you get through your current challenges.

Farmstrong is also a nationwide wellbeing programme, designed to give farmers the skills and resources to live well and farm well. Surfing for Farmers operates at a number of beaches during summer, giving farmers the opportunity to get off-farm, try a new skill, meet new people and enjoy the mental health benefits of seawater.

Farm without Harm is a grassroots movement recognising the unacceptable levels of harm on New Zealand farms. The FarmSalus tool, developed as part of the Hill Country Futures Programme, is aimed

at helping understand and monitor the human component of farming. B+LNZ have a range of resources dedicated to improving wellbeing. For more information on Mental Health Awareness Week — go to mhaw.nz.

•

Kate Acland, Beef + Lamb NZ chair

A SUSTAINABLE ADVENTURE

BY AMY FIFITA

“We both started our organic journey individually,” said Yotam. “I began when doing civil service at an education centre for sustainable living near Jerusalem.

“After that, I took on environmental studies and peace peopleship at the Arava Institute of Environmental Studies, a branch of the Ben-Gurion University in Israel. That is where I met Niva.

“After that year, we went to do a permaculture design course in France. I did a three-year permaculture diploma, and we both did our teachers’ training in 2010.

“My civil service was on a permaculture farm and I learned about growing food, in university, I focussed on sustainable agriculture and food production.

“We established Pakaraka Permaculture as a way to explore how we could grow food in an organic system that would improve the local services and the land. We moved to New Zealand in 2012 when I was invited to manage the Koanga Institute seed-saving gardens in Hawke’s Bay and was also a co-farm manager at a 38-acre organic market garden.

Yotam has some family connections to New Zealand.

“My grandfather moved from Auckland to Israel in the 1930s, and that is our connection to New Zealand. We have a generation gap where my mother didn’t live here, and I have continued the line.

“Moving here wasn’t a culture shock. We have moved many times, looking

for sustainable agriculture projects and communities before coming to NZ. As an English-speaking Western country, we

felt very much at home. There are some cultural nuances to learn, but we feel very embraced.

Credit: Niva Kay

Yotam and Niva established Pakaraka Permaculture to explore how to grow food in an organic system to improve the land

Yotam and Niva Kay began their life in their late teens while doing their civil service leading them on a worldwide journey.

“We have learnt a lot. When we started with our quarter-acre market garden, we did business planning and saw examples of small acreage organic farms in the US. We didn’t realise its potential, but we knew that it was what we wanted to do, and we learnt on the way.

“Our system is reliable, and now we share that. We have set up an education centre so we can help people with sustainable growing skills. We focus on the positive aspects of agriculture. It can be environmentally destructive, but it can also be good to grow food in a way that

can enhance nature. It is possible, and many great farming practices that have been done for many generations.

“A huge contribution was the chemicals integrated into agriculture after the second world war and heavy machinery. It is clear now that the industry needs to move towards a direction of resilience and sustainability with fewer toxins in food. There are many solutions, and we are part of that movement. We are one approach that can be replicated in every community.

“It is personally gratifying, and the community is appreciative because it was

challenging for them to get quality organic produce. Now the environment is full of life, and we are living off-the-grid.”

Niva and Yotam say that they are excited that their second book is being released in October.

“We have always been passionate about education,” Niva said. “Both of us came with a background in that field, and together, we taught permaculture courses in Israel. We need more growers and more young people to come into farming, so creating educational programmes is significant.

“While we haven’t grown up with organics in our family homes, we have been immersed in it for our whole adult lives, starting from 19 years old. I did civil service at an organic kibbutz that catered to special needs. I worked in the garden during that time.

“Our community appreciates our work. We also work with home gardeners, schools, Women’s Refuge, the local pātaka kai and other community groups to support and help anyone growing organically. We are passionate about growing and food.”

Credit: Niva Kay Yotam was introduced to sustainable living while doing his civil service near Jerusalem, Israel

Credit: Jane Ussher

Niva and Yotam Kay have made New Zealand their home, and after travelling around the country, settled in an off-the-grid community close to Thames

Credit: Niva Kay

Niva and Yotam see the significance of educating people about organic farming and they have created a system that works for them

LADIES LEAD A SHEARING RENAISSANCE

BY PAUL CAMPBELL

Society secretary Hugh McCarroll of Tauranga said the latest application was from Pahiatua shearer Amy Silcock, who will attempt the women’s solo eight-hour strong wool ewes record at Ross Na Clonagh Farm, near Pahiatua on January 7 2024, one of five big-daysout for women’s record attempts.

She first attempted the record last February, when she shore 348 ewes, which averaged more than four kilograms of wool a sheep, more than one kilogram over the minimum requirement. It fell 22 short of the mark set by Marie Prebble in England the previous August.

Three of the record bids will take place in the 10 days before Christmas, starting

There’s been a wave of shearing record attempts listed for the New Zealand summer with the World Sheep Sheep Shearing Records Society receiving seven applications for challenges in New Zealand from December 15 2023 to February 14 2024, thought to be the most in New Zealand in any season in 55 years.

on December 15, with Megan Whitehead and Hannah McColl attempting the solo and two-stand strongwool lambs records in Southland.

Four days later, near Mossburn, Sacha Bond will attempt to add the women’s solo nine-hour strongwool lambs record to the eight-hour record she set last summer. In a Wairarapa woolshed on December 23, Paerata Abraham and Chris Dickson will attempt the men’s solo and two-stand lambs records for eight hours.

Silcock’s attempt will be followed on January 10 by Catherine Mullooly’s attempt on the women’s solo eighthour strong wool ewes record attempt in the King Country. The remaining two

Sacha Bond has two more records lined up for the summer ahead

are both in Southland, on January 14, when a Forde Winders Shearing crew will bid for the men’s five-stand eight-hour

strongwool lambs record. On February 14, Bond will attempt the women’s nine-hour strongwool ewes record.

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As well as the record attempts in New Zealand, McCarroll is anticipating there will also be several attempts in Australia during the southern summer.

Meanwhile, in recent competition in the UK, three New Zealanders have grabbed back some Kiwi pride with wins at glamour Welsh lamb shearing and woolhandling competition the Corwen Shears.

The wins went to Jack Fagan, 31, of Te Kuiti, in the Open shearing final and Sonya Fagan (Jack Fagan’s second cousin), age 19 and from Otorohanga, in the Intermediate woolhandling final.

On the flipside, the Wools of New Zealand Shearing Sports New Zealand team of Masterton brothers-in-law Paerata Abraham and David Gordon

ended its 2023 UK tour without a win in a three-test series against Wales.

The Fagan victories continued a family link to the Corwen lamb shearing championships, with brothers John and David Fagan, Jack Fagan’s brother and father, respectively, closely involved in the event when it was established in 1989.

They presented the Fagan Brothers Trophy, the silverware that was claimed by Jack Fagan. The now-Sir David Fagan won the first final and went on to win 13 times, and John Fagan also won, as did son James.

Sonya Fagan is now one of five King Country Fagans on the Corwen Shears honours board after capping a promising season in the UK with her first win. A

daughter of Craig and Sarah Fagan of Otorohanga, she arrived in the Northern Hemisphere to work in Norway in February. It became a dream to be at the Royal Highland Show and 2023 Golden Shears World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships, held in Scotland in June with competitors from more than 30 countries.

Sonya expects to be heading home to New Zealand in November and relaunching her New Zealand show career in January, probably at the Taihape A&P Show.

“I’ve been in the shearing shed since I was, like, born, really,” she said. “I did my first main shear rousing when I was 11 and have done about 10 main shears in New Zealand.”

She has also competed as a shearer, and armed with the skills for a travelling lifestyle, and a short interrupted stint at university, said: “I want to travel and see the world, but when I’ve found a place to settle down I want to go back to do agricultural business. I love farming, and I want to learn the business side of it.”

for spring specials

Otorohanga teenager Sonya Fagan (right) after winning the Corwen Shears Intermediate woolhandling final and getting another Fagan name on to the honours board at one of the biggest shearing and woolhandling competitions in Wales

THE POWER OF CLYDESDALES

BY ANN VAN ENGELEN

Te Puke dairy farmer Ross Wilson was born and raised in Morrinsville, where his dad introduced him to the Clydesdale horse breed and using them as a working horse.

“Iwas born and raised in Morrinsville, and dad was one of the first Māori to be a registered breeder in the Clydesdale Society,” says Ross.

“Dad and his father both had horses on the family farm and used them to do things like feed out the hay to the cows and other farm chores until my dad passed away when I was 14 years old.

“When dad died, I didn’t touch the horses for a few years as I did other things until 15 years ago when I brought my first Clydesdale, and I haven’t looked back. I have milked cows for around 18 years and currently have six full-time working horses. We use them to tow a sledge to pick up calves on the back of the wagon, harrow, plough and disc the land for our crops.

“Using horses to bring the cows in is very enjoyable and a lot less pressure on

the animals. I am a firm believer that if you have a horse, you have to use them. There are a lot of horses out there, but a lot don’t work, which is a shame as they love it.

“I recently started breeding for the working side of things and really enjoy it. We aren’t a big dairy unit with 200 cows, and we do everything we can on our horses, and at the end of the day, we enjoy life.

“I was also asked to do weddings and a few public events giving rides and do this quite a lot now as people want more of the Clydesdale experience. Initially, I wasn’t a big fan as I am quite a shy person, but it is a dying art, and people love the horses.

“When you are working with them, they become good mates. In the morning, they get breakfast before heading out, and

when their work is done, they rest and have their evening meal. When we are cropping and preparing the land, we run six horses, but when we are really busy, we do three in and three out. Animal

wellbeing is the most important thing for me, they are an important part of my life as well as our bread and butter and I don’t pay gas for machinery because we use the horses.”

Ross uses his Clydesdales as part of his daily farm life

The horses are fed silage, grass and hay and hard feed.

“It is important to spend time with them and ensure they are well looked after because they do a heck of a lot of work. To me, they are like your kids, but they don’t answer back.

“This property is rolling and flat, whereas our previous farms have had quite steep paddocks, but it was there that the team learned to be sure-footed,

and they worked well. If we have cows that haven’t seen horses before, I tie the horses to the cowshed rail so they are introduced before we go out.

“Once the cows are used to them, there’s no problem, they look at them, put their head down and carry on, and it is much better than having a motorbike chasing them around the paddock.

“My dad did really well breeding his herd of horses. A few years ago, the breed

was starting to die out in New Zealand, but we have a lot more now, and we are really trying to emphasise how good they are as a working animal.

“People don’t realise how much work horses did for the country. When you look back in history, the whole of New Zealand was built on horses, and now it is a dying art, but there’s a lot of old guys out there who have done years and years of working with horses.

“The shows are coming back, and that is a step in the right direction. Once upon a time, everyone had a horse and everyone went to school on horseback — it was normal. People can check out the Wilson Clydesdale Facebook page for more information, and if anyone who wants to learn to work horses is welcome to contact us at the Waikato Heavy Horse Association, we are only too happy to help.”

Attending shows and events such as weddings with his team of horses is one way Ross promotes how good the breed is

Working as a team, the horses easily get the job they are tasked to do completed

New apartments — at your service

Cambridge Resthaven’s newest development, Apartments on Vogel, has reached a major milestone for the project, with the roof installation completed and the builders’ focus now on the interior tout.

Apartments on Vogel are located at 6 Vogel Street, Cambridge, in the heart of Cambridge Resthaven’s long-established retirement village and care facilities. A community-owned charitable trust, Cambridge Resthaven has been part of the community for more than 50 years.

Stage one of the apartments is on schedule to open in early 2024 and will include 33 supported living studios, one and two-bedroom apartments, a cafe and a shop. Further apartments are planned for stages two and three. Most apartments will be purchased on an Occupation Right Agreement (ORA) basis with shared capital gains. Some studios will be offered as rentals.

“This is an exciting project because it represents a change in thinking about retirement living. We know the retirement years are different for everyone, but up till now, most retirement options have been one-size- ts-all,” said Cambridge Resthaven CEO David Hall, “Every person has different wants and needs, and this is where our new apartments are breaking the mould. They can provide an individualised experience for each person through a great lifestyle, and exible service, support and care options.

“When you live at Apartments on Vogel, your apartment is your home. You live the life you choose in comfort and privacy, as you do in your own home.

“Our team are here to support you in this, and our continuum of care available in the apartments means you can continue to live in your apartment if your needs change.”

Contact Sandra Fairhurst, project and sales manager, for an information pack or a chat, phone 07 827 6097, email sales@resthaven.org.nz or view the virtual tour at resthaven.org.nz.

Apartments on Vogel — Architect’s impression

Waikato farmers deserve more than carbon taxes

by Hon Shane Jones

Spare a thought for the Waikato farmers dealing with newborn calves, unfavourable weather and Labour/Green carbon taxes.

Are you taking a joint supplement?

(Part

two)

Already hammered by prejudicial water regulations, the newly minted indigenous biodiversity plan and the drop in international dairy revenue, pressures in the Waikato region have grown immensely.

Sadly, Wellington’s climate change policymaking is dominated by an ideologically blinkered clique. The Paris Accord clearly states that food production is not to be threatened by emissions reduction policies and strategies. It is absurd for farmers to face carbon taxes if our trading partners are not taking corresponding actions.

Our farmers are aware of the importance of maintaining credibility in the international food markets. Corporate pressure is already bearing down on NZ farmers as global brands seek to burnish their carbon credentials in the face of discerning consumers.

The Wellington climate activists are oblivious. Now they too want to pressure the farming industry into submission. Still, submit to what?

Our farmers are world leaders and deserve support with technology innovation — not denunciation. Science can contribute to agricultural mitigation outcomes such as low methane genetics, and these initiatives can be funded by Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) revenue. This option offers superior outcomes rather than buying international carbon credits.

New Zealand needs export-led growth. We have huge debts to pay, and we cannot afford ill-conceived regulations that will shrink herd sizes and reduce our income. The world has a massive appetite for our food and our global brand, and we need to capitalise on our stellar reputation.

New Zealand First realises that our farmers are our revenue generators, our producers, our exporter backbone. A future government must ensure that farmers continue to lead. We need balanced policies that respect the $2 billion contribution Waikato farming provides. Waikato farmers float our fiscal boat, and their efforts benefit all Kiwis, including those living in Wellington.

by John Arts

When creating or upgrading a health supplement, I use research and best evidence to build a successful formula.

An example of this is the (Aging Clin Exp Res, 2021) peer-reviewed study into the effectiveness of highgrade chondroitin sulphate (CS). It concluded that high grade CS at 800mg was effective at reducing symptoms of osteoarthritis. This study was so profound that it resulted in the adoption of CS as a prescription medicine in Europe.

I used this study to help me formulate my joint supplement. I included 800mg (daily dose) of highgrade CS in my formula, along with 800mg of Glucosamine sulphate and 200mg of new-generation Biosolve® curcumin extract (from turmeric). I have recently added BioSolve Curcumin because it is fully water soluble with superior absorption and is gentle on the stomach.

I then evaluated chondroitin suppliers, and most were bovine or marine sourced. I found that avian CS has a higher proportion of important chondroitin-4-sulfate and is, therefore, better absorbed. I chose the highgrade avian CS.

I have now built up a signi cant record of people using this formula over the past eight years. While reallife results always vary, those who have implemented my recommendations

and followed the review process had real bene ts, with most saying that the supplements have resulted in greater comfort and mobility.

As an example, a person I am currently helping has had worsening osteoarthritis in both knees, with X-rays showing signi cant deterioration in her right knee. We started her on a programme that included a double dose of my joint supplement and 4,000mg of omega-3 sh oil. She has reported signi cant improvements over the past four months and is now able to walk freely again.

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

Super Joint Formula

What is Bettaflex?

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

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

• Try Bettaflex for 3 months and see for yourself.

How can Bettaflex help?

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$99.95 for 3 bottles freight-free or 1 bottle for $36.95 plus $5.99 postage 60 Capsules per Bottle

Abundant Health

• 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)

Cautions: Do not take with anti-coagulant/platelet medication. If in doubt please consult your healthcare professional. Not suitable during pregnancy or lactation.

Abundant Health Ltd, PO Box 8348, Cherrywood 3145

“Most people say that the supplements have resulted in greater comfort and mobility.”

Hon Shane Jones

Taking the natural view

by Andy Bryenton

In New Zealand, sections with a scenic view are a big drawcard for those looking to invest in and

The vistas presented by the rugged west coast, picturesque east coast, rolling farmlands, forested hills and mercurial

// SHADE SAILS // UMBRELLAS // AWNINGS // MESH OR

CLEAR OUTDOOR SCREENS

Protection from wind, rain and sun affords you year round enjoyment of your outdoor area. Increased living space offers lifestyle flexibility and adds value to your home. Sunshade’s custom made products are engineered, designed and certified to the highest standard. We can create beautiful outdoor living areas tailored for your situation and budget.

NZ made for NZ conditions.

harbours are a big reason why people wish to quit the city and establish a slice of paradise elsewhere. As good designers and builders know, the proper placement and concept of a home to inhabit such scenes of beauty is critical.

One of the greatest architects of the past century, Frank Lloyd Wright, considered many of his creations to exist ‘simply to support windows on to nature’. His passion for the natural environment culminated in homes like Fallingwater, a house in a forested part of Pennsylvania with a natural waterfall running through it. To Wright, windows and views were of utmost importance, and if a building needed to demolish nature to exist, it should never be built at all.

live away from the urban sprawl.

Call

“The longer I live, the more beautiful life becomes. If you foolishly ignore beauty, you will soon find yourself without it. Your life will be impoverished. But if you invest in beauty, it will remain with you all the days of your life,” said Wright.

It’s a sentiment modern home builders share and express in many ways. There’s

an increasing trend away from the ‘cut, clear and level’ path of section preparation as people become more eco-conscious about their homes and more inclined to want to fit in with nature. Recent winners of New Zealand’s home of the year awards have been partially submerged in hillsides, have had turf and grass looping up and over rooflines, or have been nestled amid long-established specimen trees, which may have been only slightly trimmed to allow for construction.

Moreover, there’s a fresh inclination for new home builders to approach their designer or architect with a selection

of views they’d love to frame with modern windows, defining the aspect and inclination of kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms and decking. The ubiquity and power of panoramic mobile phone cameras have made it possible to capture these views and take them into the offices of designers and constructors to discuss.

“Nature is the inspiration for all ornamentation. Study nature, love nature, stay close to nature. It will never fail you,” said Wright. It’s a little piece of wisdom which fits perfectly with modern thoughts on building with, not on top of, the natural world.

THE BEST SOLUTION FOR YOUR DAIRY FLOOR RESURFACING

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.

Great architect Frank Lloyd Wright’s views on fitting into nature have inspired a philosophy which works well with New Zealand’s natural vistas; this is his Fallingwater house in Pennsylvania, USA

SOCIAL WITH A BLACK DOG WOOLPRESS LEANER!

Landscaping to attract wildlife

by Ann van Engelen

With spring about to enter our world for the year, it’s a good time to think about how to attract native birds to your garden, as well as butterflies and bees.

Whether you are designing a new garden or refreshing an already established patch, any garden can be made more attractive to wildlife, even if it is small in size. By planting native trees and shrubs, we help to provide food, shelter, and nesting places for birds such as tūī, kererū, fantail and silver eye into your backyard.

Consider growing native trees and shrubs that provide nectar, seeds or berries. Having a range of native plants means your garden provides food all year round. When you group plants in mixed communities and of various heights, this provides diverse habitats.

Leaving leaf litter to accumulate attracts insects for birds to feed on, while colourful flowers bring in butterflies and bees, which also need food. Having a wild area that is not disturbed can add a rustic look and, to birds, becomes an attractive nesting place.

To ensure your property is a safe nesting place for birds, it’s important to make sure your backyard is predator-free and a safe place for them to visit. Put any feed stations you may add well out of reach of

Selecting various

helps

predators and clean them regularly to stop any disease from spreading.

Ensure you have a good water supply, whether a bird bath, a water station or feature, such as a rockery with a pump to aerate the water. Also set traps to control introduced predators such as possums, rats and stoats. At night, keep your cats inside.

Native birds prefer to eat fruit, nectar, insects, and foliage. Trees that provide a good food source include taraire, kōwhai, Tī kōuka (cabbage tree), kōtukutuku (tree

fuschia), kawakawa, harakeke (flax) and puriri.

Shrubs and flowers come in a wide variety of colours and scents. Often smaller plants such as lavender, herbs, dandelions and daisies, if left, help our bee community thrive.

By visiting your local nursery or garden centre and asking for advice on plants suited to your area or discussing your options with a garden designer/ landscaper will ensure not only a beautiful garden but a sanctuary for wildlife that also brings aesthetics to your property.

native plants

to attractive birds such as kererū, tūī, and fantail into your garden

by Amy Fifita

&

The ultimate cover up

Curtains and blinds help set the ambience of your rooms and can be used to express your personal style.

Refresh your space with vibrant colours and make a statement with your curtains or blinds. Colour blocking is in vogue, as are jewel tones and blues, pinks, yellows and greens. For a bolder effect, opt for some courageous patterns and geometric shapes.

Embrace nature by choosing warm earthy shades for your drapes and radiate your space with a terracotta tone. It will add a wholesome touch and spice of colour. Natural greens are also a stylish choice to hang from your walls.

Sustainably-sourced fabrics are another increasingly popular choice. Lowimpact curtain fabrics are often created from linen, wool, hemp and other organic materials. Another option is to find preloved curtains and make alterations to fit your windows.

A mixture of old and new styles is trending at the moment. Take time to select old-world styles from the art deco curtains and match them to your modern surroundings, or the other way around. Find a balance that sits right with you with antique trinkets.

The classic styles of roller, Venetian, Roman and vertical blinds remain a favoured option for many buyers. Use the opportunity to choose colour trends or patterns as a guide for what design you want on them.

Automated blinds are growing interest too. You will have the convenience of having the blinds drawn for you with the touch of a remote or mobile application. There has been a movement to have a layered look to cover your windows too. You can achieve that with a collaboration of blinds and curtains in your house. It can help add depth to your room. Alternatively, you could use double blinds or curtains for a stratified style.

Layered looks are in vogue for window treatments currently, and it helps add depth to the room

“The classic styles of roller, Venetian, Roman and vertical blinds remain a favoured option.”

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“Our company has been in the home construction business for 18 years and believes in having homes delivered on time for a great price,” says Hamon.

“Established in 2003, we have become one the most trusted and renowned building companies in the region. Superior Building is a mid-sized team of builders based in Te Awamutu, specialising in quality residential building projects for clientele all over Waikato.

“Since our inception, our commitment to providing top-quality services and inimitable designer homes has helped us stand out. If you are ready to start a new build or home renovation and want to use a quali ed, well-organised residential construction team from foundation to landscaping, contact us for a free quote.” House and land packages are also available.

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“We are happy to work with your ideas or with your designated architect or interior designer. No project is too large for our team, who can scale up for more complex projects as required.”

As specialists in new home builds, alterations, renovations and landscaping services, Superior Building takes pride in providing organised, proactive

and professional building services, including landscaping.

“Our renovation specialists undertake exceptional quality kitchen, bathroom and house alterations, renovations, or additions to existing dwellings. Our landscaping professionals also design and build decks, patios, fences, pergolas and more.

For more information — go to superiorbuilding.co.nz or call 021 531 801.

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Planting plantain reaps dividends

by Andy Bryenton

Farmers across New Zealand will be watching with interest the progress and success of a trial in the Tararua District, which has just won a major environmental award.

The Tararua Plantain Project hits on several hot topics in farming and farm-related regulation and legislation right now, such as nitrogen leaching, reduced greenhouse gas emissions

The humble plantain herb has helped researchers earn a top environmental award and could save farmers millions of dollars each year and water quality improvements. It’s all being achieved, to various levels, by the adoption of a grazing herb cultivar called plantain, which has been deployed and monitored on 11 farms. A further 77 have taken up plantain

planting despite not undergoing rigorous monitoring.

The project, which scooped the Primary Industries New Zealand Award earlier this month, is a DairyNZ-led initiative in collaboration with Agricom, the Ministry for

Primary Industries, Fonterra, and Nestlé. Delivery partners include AgResearch, Horizons and Massey University.

“The impact of the Tararua project as a blueprint for farmers to take up plantain in catchments nationwide cannot be understated,” says Dr David Burger, DairyNZ’s sustainable dairy manager.

“Research shows Ecotain plantain in pastures can reduce nitrogen leaching from dairy farms by 20 to 60 per cent. Plantain also has the potential to reduce on-farm greenhouse gas emissions. This game-changing project has community at its heart, with dairy farmers, community members, iwi, DairyNZ and partners working together to reduce environmental footprint.”

Plantain’s effectiveness has proven potent. The national programme’s farm trial research at Massey University has shown that mixed pastures containing 30–50% plantain can achieve reductions in nitrate leaching from dairy farms of 20–60%, helping to reduce nitrogen losses to waterways.

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Tuatara breaking new ground

Tuatara Machinery is a solely New Zealand owned company that has been manufacturing and selling the Tuatara ATV since 2014.

Its rst entry into the market was a 1,100cc petrol model, designed and specced, especially for the New Zealand market. The emphasis was on a strong, allsteel construction and a vehicle that was manufactured to a simple engineering design that was easy to work on that would allow customers to do the bulk of the repair and servicing work themselves, signi cantly reducing running costs.

The company’s rst experiences with the Tuatara made it clear that the NZ agricultural environment was one of the most demanding on machinery, as can be contemplated and tested in aspects of the design. The bene t of being a smaller company, unlike the large multi-national companies that are the competition, Tuatara can easily make changes to its design to enhance the reliability of its ATV. The company has always listened carefully to customers’ feedback since they are the best placed to advise what upgrades and design changes would provide the best result for the Tuatara. This policy has certainly paid dividends.

In recent times, Tuatara Machinery has broken new ground with the introduction of its all-electric eTuatara, which has proved very popular and has now greatly eclipsed the sale of the petrol model. It has no air intake, exhaust and no fuel systems, running

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costs as low as three cents a kilometre and a semi-automatic transmission with no belt drive, to say nothing of the zero emissions. The company can see electric ATVs becoming the farmer’s vehicle of choice within a very short time.

If you would like to know more about either Tuatara model, give Tuatara Machinery a call.

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From fine art to faster agriculture

by Andy Bryenton

The maize industry thrives thanks to constant innovation in machinery; a process which has delivered multi-function combines and advanced harvesting tools so advanced that some are now driven by AI.

None of this would have happened if not for an old painting and a pair of farming brothers with an appreciation for art and engineering. The Baldwin brothers of Nickerson, Kansas, lived a long way from the cultural centres of New York and Paris. Still, they enjoyed fine art and benefitted from living in an age when photography could bring the works of the historic masters into small-town libraries and universities.

The pair were inspired to create a new kind of harvesting machine thanks to a painting by Jean-Fracois Millet, which depicted poor peasant women searching in a harvested field for any dropped grains of corn. With the desire to use mechanisation to improve harvests, the Baldwins had two aims; to leave nothing behind as ancient methods did, and to maximise the harvest, meaning nobody would go hungry.

The painting was called The Gleaners. The Baldwins called the machine they invented the Gleaner. It was the first self-propelled combine harvester based around a tractor, and it put together mechanisms for reaping, threshing and winnowing. By 1923 the Gleaner was

76%

ready; its motive power came from the reliable Fordson Model F.

Farmers loved the machine and the name, which hinted at meticulous operation and frugality.

The dust bowl era of the 1930s, as chronicled in The Grapes of Wrath, was cruel to the Baldwins, and their company was bought up by Willaim Brace. Under

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Inspired by a painting from the Louvre Museum, the Gleaner was the first self-propelled combine harvester

Kiwi technicians challenge Australia

by Andy Bryenton

Rugby has traditionally been the battlefield of friendly rivalry between Australia and New Zealand; now, a team of Kiwi tractor and machinery technicians are challenging their neighbours across the ditch.

Nine New Zealand finalists will fly out to challenge the best of the best in their field at the 2023 John Deere Technician of the Year Awards. This contest has been run for the past three year, and spans the skills technicians need in industries such as agriculture, forestry and construction. While the Kiwi contingent comes from different backgrounds, including photocopier repair and sports, all know their way around big diesel machines.

“Technicians require a unique combination of mechanical knowledge, proficiency in digital technology and advanced problem-solving skills, and becoming a finalist in the annual awards is a testament to the hard work and dedication our technicians inject into their roles,” said John Deere Australia and New Zealand managing director Luke Chandler.

There were more than 60 applicants to represent New Zealand when the contest kicks off in Brisbane this month. The tasks they will face under the scrutiny of watchful adjudicators will span all aspects of keeping big machines from the field and forest operational. There are multiple awards and categories to aim for.

Greg Bishop of Otago Farm Machinery and Bryce Dickson of Brandt Whangārei will compete for Agriculture and Turf Service Technician of the Year. Parts Technician of the Year hopefuls include Brandt Gisborne’s Mollie Clarke and Jimmy O’Donnell of Drummond and Etheridge in Blenheim. Nick Fargher of Brandt Feilding and Mark Haughton of Drummond and Etheridge Rolleston could

come back as Construction and Forestry Technician of the Year. Dylan Bruce and Paige Hunter, also from Drummond and Etheridge in Rolleston, and Tom Fyfe from Brandt Rotorua will compete for apprentice of the year titles.

“Each finalist has a proven track record of helping farmers and businesses unlock greater productivity and sustainability achievements through technology, and they should be very proud of rising to the top of a very competitive field,” says Luke Chandler.

“While they’re all diverse in their experience and background, what they have in common is a deep enthusiasm to learn and commitment to deliver exceptional aftermarket service to their customers,” said John Deere Australia and New Zealand’s director of aftermarket and customer support, Emma Ford.

Bryce Dickson will travel from Whangārei to Brisbane to compete in the fourth annual John Deere Technician of the Year Awards

“Technicians require a unique combination of mechanical knowledge, profi ciency in digital technology and advanced problemsolving skills.”

Overcoming orphan lamb bloat

Adding yoghurt to cows’ milk or milk replacer has been proven to help put an end to the abomasal bloat that is common in artificially reared lambs.

The simple Norwegian technique adapted for use in New Zealand by Waikato farmer Claire Bull and veterinarian and farmer Jenny Burton uses acidophilus yoghurt, which is available in supermarkets.

It involves adding yoghurt to a mix of calf milk replacer and leaving the mixture warm for 8 to 12 hours. The resulting yoghurt-type mix is then added to the usual daily milk ration at a ratio of 1:7.

This yoghurt mix will keep in sterile containers in a fridge for up to seven days, and 200mls can be retained and used as a starter for the subsequent batch.

If there is a small number of orphan lambs, one tablespoon of acidophilus yoghurt can be added and mixed well into 500ml of cow’s milk or reconstituted powder just before feeding.

Lambs affected by bloat can also be treated with 40 to 60ml of acidophilus yoghurt, administered through either a drench gun or stomach tube three times a day. Remember lambs should always have access to fresh, clean water.

Abomasal bloat is believed to be primarily caused by the bacteria Sarcina ventriculi, but clostridial species such as Cl sordellii and Cl fallax can also cause

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Ideally, lambs should not be introduced to the warm yoghurt milk mix until they are five days old. On the first two days, the lamb should be fed warm ewe or cow colostrum (collected within 48 hours of the ewe or cow giving birth) and on days three to five, fed warm milk replacer. From day seven, there can be a gradual transition from warm to cold feeding.

If abomasal bloat is a problem in artificially-reared lambs, whey-based milk powder could be considered as an alternative to whole milk. Whey-based powder doesn’t usually cause bloat and can aid rumen development if lambs are also given access to good-quality pellets or hard feed.

For more information and the yoghurt mix recipe, go to the Beef + Lamb NZ website and search Artificial lamb rearing — managing abomasal bloat factsheet.

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Thoughtless emissions pricing

DairyNZ says that the announcement of the agriculture emissions pricing plan released by the government is thoughtlessly timed and shows little understanding of dairy farmers’ challenges.

Dairy NZ says the plan lacks the detail dairy farming needs for a viable solution. The announcement follows a further reduction in the forecast milk price, delivering yet another blow to a sector already under intense pressure.

“The outcome comes after a significant delay and does not reflect the progress the dairy sector has been seeking,” says chair Jim van der Poel.

“It shows little understanding of the challenges dairy farmers are facing this season. Dairy farmers are facing significant pressure right now, with business viability under threat. The issue of emissions pricing is of huge importance behind the farm gate, and we all need to keep our farmers top of mind.

“We will continue to work with the government on this to seek a workable solution — no deal is still better than a bad deal. DairyNZ acknowledges the issues the sector raised in December have been considered, but the announcement lacks the detail the sector needs to provide confidence in the next steps towards implementation. For example, how revenue will be recycled has not been detailed.

“It is also not appropriate to announce emissions pricing without some sort of guide around cost — farmers need to know the detail to be able to plan.”

The sector remains committed to landing a constructive, workable solution to agricultural emissions. However,

the government’s proposal does not yet deliver what farmers need to understand the impact of the scheme on their businesses.

“Today’s news comes with a dire lack of detail and continues the uncertainty that’s been hanging over farmers since 2018. We have been really clear — we will not accept policy that threatens farm businesses and rural communities.

Pricing was only ever needed to facilitate the necessary change. It will not achieve anything unless cost-effective tools and technology are available.

“DairyNZ is working closely with farmers to support them to remain viable this season. We continue to advocate on their behalf, along with sector partners, for a fair, workable solution based on incentives to drive change.”

Jim van der Poel, DairyNZ chair

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Don’t be one of the followers

by Jane Gray

We should form our own opinions not be led like sheep.

For example, co-governance, what is the problem with it? Having multicultural ideas can only benefit us all. Being a multicultural country makes us richer and more understanding of each other.

However, co-governance representatives not being duly elected; that is a problem. Handshakes and backroom deals to appoint members of boards are wrong. It doesn’t matter what ethnicity the members of a board governing a public amenity are; it does matter that they are democratically elected and accountable.

Social media may be the scourge of all that is good — according to some. That’s debatable, but the lack of controls in place is most certainly a problem. Social media platforms cannot be held accountable for carrying misinformation or very objectionable content. Conventional media can face big penalties. The amount of unsolicited marketing that appears across all platforms is alarming and very rarely correctly targeted. Still slamming the door shut and saying you can’t use it will not work either.

Differing opinions seem to hit the news on a regular basis. Arguments about culture, race and gender identity are just a few. Most people just want to live their lives as they see fit and don’t want to get involved in politics that make the news or social media headlines. I agree that at times there needs to be a spotlight on certain issues, but when every issue is in the spotlight, then this tends to lessen empathy and increase opposition. Bigotry is only increased by bitter arguments. Let’s all make sure that we are not buying into overactive reporting by those that have a personal agenda.

“It doesn’t matter what ethnicity the members of a board governing a public amenity are; it does matter that they are democratically elected and accountable.”