Waikato
FARMING Lifestyles
February 2016 Edition
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February 2016
WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES
Scholarships set to secure a bright future
The Waikato Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by NorthSouth Multi Media Ltd, a privately owned NZ company. Phone: 0800 466 793 Email: info@nsmm.co.nz General Manager: Deb Wright | debw@nsmm.co.nz 021 639 696 Production Manager: Jessica Wright Editorial: Denise Gunn Paul Campbell Andy Bryenton Ayla Miller Ann Morgan
Ballance Agri-Nutrients has awarded a total of $48,000 in tertiary study scholarships to six talented students who are aiming to make a positive difference in the primary industries sector.
Graphic Design: Gavin Bainbridge Dylan Hansen Callum McDonald James Menzies
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Advertising: Betty Willetts Peter Mansfield
Production: Viv Webb Lara Ozkan Accounts: accounts@nsmm.co.nz Distribution: Laurie Willetts Website: www.farminglifestyles.co.nz
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“It was great to see so many highcalibre students intent on pursuing the range of career opportunities available in New Zealand’s primary industries sector,” said Science Strategy Manager at Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Warwick Catto. “There is a strong recognition amongst scholarship applicants of New Zealand’s identity as an exporting nation and the possibilities that that holds for students across a range of disciplines. These students are set to bring new skills, direction and innovation to this sector, ensuring that New Zealand’s agricultural future is in good hands.” Scholarships for up to three years went to Lachlan McKinnon from Matamata, Lauren Woolerton from Taupiri and Rhys Fitzgerald from Methven. One-year scholarships were awarded to Louise Ford from Rotorua, Alex Menzies from Omakau and Steven Upton from Te Aroha. Lachlan is studying a Bachelor of Management Studies, majoring in International Business and Agribusiness. “As a farmer’s son, I learnt to milk when I was eight, even if it meant I had to stand on a box. As Dad always tells me, the world will always need milk, and I think it’s exciting to see what the future holds for the industry,” said Lachlan. Lauren is studying a Bachelor of
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One of the six scholarship winners, Steven Upton from Te Aroha`
AgriCommerce, majoring in Rural Valuation with a minor in Public Relations. “I am privileged to have been brought up on a dairy farm and this has given me a passion for the industry, the people and the overall agricultural sector,” said Lauren. Rhys is studying a Bachelor of Engineering with Honours, majoring in Mechatronics Engineering. He says, “there are many opportunities for innovation and modernisation, whether to improve efficiency, safety or just to make a task easier. I intend to design robotic systems which can be easily implemented on farms.” Louise is studying a Bachelor of Law with Honours and a Bachelor of Science. “I hope to improve the environment from the farmer’s perspective. I have practical knowledge of what farming is like and will draw on my studies as well as the guidance of my parents to make a difference in the industry,” said Louise. Alex is studying a Bachelor of Science majoring in Land, Water and Environment. “I believe New Zealand has great potential to use its resources in addressing these challenges.” Steven is studying a Bachelor of Business Analysis, majoring in Agribusiness and Economics. “Growing up and being actively involved in my parents’ dairy farm operations has ignited my passion for the New Zealand Agriculture industry,” said Steven. This year’s scholarships bring the total awarded by the cooperative since 2002 to 77.
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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2016
Prioritising the year Michael Spaans is the new chair of DairyNZ, stepping into the role after John Luxton retired in October, and has outlined what he sees as the industry’s priorities for 2016. “I am just three months into my role as the new chair of DairyNZ, but seven years’ experience as a DairyNZ board member has provided me with a solid platform of knowledge to build from,” said Mr Spaans. “I am firmly focussed on taking the industry forward, but very much plan to continue the legacy of our founding chair John Luxton and building on our established reputation as a highly effective, respected and valued industry body.” He says that maintaining strong relationships across the dairy industry and the entire primary sector is his immediate priority. “Farming has become a lot more complex but the need to be competitive as well as farm responsibly remains our firm focus. “The need to support profitable farm systems has not changed, but there are more challenges, including dealing with more extreme market volatility, farming within environmental limits, consumer expectations and how we farm responsibly — in particular animal welfare standards. “The quest for talented people is a challenge we expect will become more difficult as all parts of the economy
compete for the best and brightest.” He says there is a need to provide positive work environments, particularly covering health and safety aspects and also employment conditions, and the greenhouse gases is an issue that remains firmly on the DairyNZ radar. “At the same time, we need to look at these as opportunities where we can position ‘NZ dairy’ as a producer of highquality safe dairy products. “We need a strong story for our customers, but we also know they will judge us on actions, not words and we need to be living our story as an industry and making it real for people.” DairyNZ has a key role to play, particularly through its very strategic approach to investment. The Strategy for Sustainable Dairy Farming, also dubbed ‘Making dairy farming work for everyone’, was developed in conjunction with industry partners and with key input from farmers. “It guides the DairyNZ board on how to best invest dairy farmers’ milk solids’ levy and influence government investment. Our annual budget is now around $90 million and as a board we think very carefully and strategically how to best invest that money on behalf of farmers. A key focus for our board going
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February 2016
WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES
AT HOME WITH
HIGHLANDS
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ON THE FERTILE PLAINS OF LAKE KARAPIRO, JIM AND JULIE MCMURRAY FELL IN LOVE WITH THE GENTLE NATURES OF HIGHLAND CATTLE AFTER LEASING THEIR 15 ACRES TO A BREEDER EIGHT YEARS AGO, AND ARE NOW OFTEN FOUND WITH A BRUSH IN HAND.
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riginally growing beef, getting to know them and then having to send them off the to the works, the pair decided to purchase their own Highland Cattle to breed and so a passion was born. “It was tough as we only have a small block and you get to know your animals, even if they come in at 18 months old, you still befriend them. We found our way to Highland Cattle and decided that was what we wanted to be involved with when we discovered how friendly they were, ” Jim says. The couple have been living on the banks of Lake Karapiro for 11 years and moved from Te Awamutu to be
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closer to the lake and make the most of their hobby — watersports. The couple usually have between 14 and 18 Highland Cattle including two bulls, with the rest being various ages and breeding cows. Each year they attend the Paeroa Highland Games and Tattoo believing it is important to be involved with the Scottish community. “Taking the cattle to shows is good for them as they get used to people and going on the truck.” Jim says the popularity of Highland Cattle is not in its heyday like it was 10 years ago but they never have any problem selling theirs. “We make JULIE AND JIM MCMURRAY AND THEIR FRIEND AND BUSINESS PARTNER FROM TRIPLE J SCREEN PRINTING JANSIE BURGER
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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2016 ADVERTORIAL
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HIGHLAND CATTLE ARE KNOWN FOR THEIR GENTLE NATURES WHICH MAKES THEM GOOD AROUND CHILDREN JIM SAYS
sure ours are trained. Often they are going to small blocks and they only want two or three animals. We pride ourselves on having our stock in a good friendly condition.” He says breeders look for cattle that are a good size, with sound hooves and symmetrical horns whereas buyers look for good classic Highland Cattle and the lifestylers just want friendly animals that can be trusted around children. “Most want a female sometimes incalf and have great ambitions,” Jim says. “They graze well and are not picky eaters so they suit lifestyle blocks as they are easy to move.” He has even sold a pet one as a Valentine’s day present. “A guy came out to visit with some specifics in mind. It had to be female and it had to be a classic red. We reared it until it was six months old, halter trained it and delivered it brushed as his wife had always wanted one.” It is the animals’ agreeable natures that got Jim and Julie hooked. “Even the angry ones are friendly although they are big, and they have horns, so you must always be aware. If they stand on your foot you know about it.”
Jim and Julie have also been active members in the New Zealand Highland Society since they bought their first one. The society are the gatekeepers to every Highland Cattle in New Zealand. This means any animals’ parentage can be traced back to avoid inbreeding. As well as the records available, Jim says the society provides him with regular contact with other passionate farmers, and has allowed him to make good friends with other people who share the same interests. When he isn’t caring for his cattle, which he says can take up as much or as little time as you like, he is travelling between Cambridge and Wellington as a bike sales representative and in his ‘spare’ time he cycles 20 hours a week and has represented New Zealand overseas. Julie works in administration and they run a screen printing business from their home. They have found the more effort they put into Highland Cattle the more they get out of them. “You can hand feed them apples and they are more intelligent than they look. They are great company and make good friends.”
Bucking Boar Cornfield Maze near Hamilton ‘believes in a day out full of family-friendly fun and entertainment, convenience and great customer satisfaction’. Open on weekends and public holidays now that school is back, the unique cornfield maze has attracted thousands of youngsters, adults and families, as they enjoyed the challenge of kilometres of GPS tracks to find key stations and complete the cornfield maze to the exit. The maze runs until harvest time in March and has many blind alleys and confusing turns to make a real adventure of finding an exit. But the maize maze is just part of the fun. There is also plenty to keep kids fascinated — a waterslide down a hillside — just the ticket to cool down after running through the confusing cornfield. Youngsters can also enjoy rides in mini-cars, or use up excess energy on a bouncy castle, or a large sandpit. A family favourite is also the petting zoo. The Bucking Boar Cornfield Maze is owned and run by the Christensen family who will go out of their way
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February 2016
WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES
ENCOURAGING COLOMBIAN FARMERS BY ANN MORGAN
A group of 22 South American farmers, government and industry representatives from Colombia visited the Waikato and Northland recently as part of a joint New Zealand Ministry of Foreign Affairs/Colombian Government aid development programme
T
hey visited the farms of Pete and Ann Morgan in Pokuru who have 530 cows on a low input system, and also the farm of Nold and Bev Rust in Te Pahu who have a higher input smaller farm with 220 cows. “We place a high emphasis on growing and utilising as much of the best quality pasture as possible,” said Pete. “The Colombians were most interested in the factors necessary to manage this as well as the mating and calving performance, pasture budgeting and feed allocation, careful supplement utilisation, young stock growth and condition scoring as well as recording and monitoring of all these factors that shape the systems. The co-ordination of these factors is a concept that they
can translate to their farms as they are important regardless of scale. As is often the case, it is the shift in mindset that is the biggest challenge there with traditional farming practices mixed with reliance on supplements, and inappropriate genetics treated as the norm.” The group also visited the Northland Agricultural Research Farm in Dargaville. Due to the high altitude they come from, one of the pasture species that they grow is kikuyu. “They really enjoyed learning how it’s possible to manage a kikuyu system and were looking forward to taking back some of our practices and putting them into action in their own country,” said farm manager, Karla Frost.
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chickens, and often guinea pigs. They live well however their incomes are limited. “They work very hard to leave a legacy for the generations to come and the information our country is giving them is very practical in helping them achieve better results,” said Ms Duter. One of the visitors, Giovanna Benavieds said: “It is extraordinary being part of this project, not just for my professional growth but the potential to have a social impact on the region where I work in the dairy sector with small farm holders working with the Indigenous Association. ”We are very excited as the farmers are very innovation orientated and want to produce a lot of milk and can see the opportunity presented to them through this. They have put their heart and passion into the process. “We are going to return home and teach them why things should be done, how to measure, assess and evaluate.
Once they understand why they are doing this it will be easier for them to change the way they do things. “We learnt lots of valuable information and we appreciate all that we have been taught.”
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research agency Corpoica. The project is managed by the Agri Business Group Ltd who lead a consortia of New Zealand organisations that have been engaged by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs through the New Zealand Aid programme. New Zealand is providing expert advice from various industry experts on all areas of farming and dairy value chain systems including on-farm production, milk quality management as well as assisting with the development of supporting training, extension and research programmes. “It is a four-year project aiming to help them become more competitive as dairy farmers and aiming to improve their productivity,” said project consultant Maria Duter. “A typical dairy farm over there may be two to three hectares, running two to three cows. The farms are between around 2,500 and 3,200 metres altitude and are probably similar to dairy farms in the 1920s New Zealand — they are still mostly milking by hand. “This project is to help them adopt improved practices and the end result will be increased profitability which will assist the small farmers as well as their communities. “The Waikato and Northland are the best places to learn how kikuyu can be managed as well as to understand how other pasture species can be established to help their farms become more productive and improve the quality of milk for a better standard of living. “The farmers are getting just enough money to live on at present. They have gardens mainly growing potatoes,
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February 2016
WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES
T R E P X E E G SILA
S T E R C E S S R E V O C N U
LER BY AYLA MIL
ring New ealand offe Z w e N d ucing ure when prod ung has to K te s a in w im e L is r professo to minim age expert about how il e s ic g v in d a d a le e L luab rmers inva uction. Zealand fa p rease rod c in d n a e silag
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ollowing a successful series of meetings with Australian forage contractors last year in partnership with Lallemand Animal Nutrition, American based Dr Kung visited New Zealand and paid a special visit to the Grasslandz event in Hamilton. “His presence at Grasslandz 2016 is of huge benefit to New Zealand farmers and contractors,” says event organiser Andrew Reymer. “To be able to tap into this kind of information is invaluable to our industry.” Dr Kung recently lead a
research programme at the University of Delaware, where he is based, which examined the value of microbial inoculants that improve the aerobic stability of silages, the use of enzymes to improve feed efficiency, and a wide range of applied management strategies to enhance forage quality. He is also experienced in the field of silage additives and believes that this subject is confusing to many farmers and contractors due to the sheer number of additives, inoculants and preservatives available. Each of these products serves a specific purpose and he says
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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2016
The American professor gave New Zealand farmers practical advice on silage matters it is important people understand the benefits and limitations to get the best possible outcome. “While microbial inoculants are tools that can improve farm income, producers should remember they are used to maintain the quality of forage coming from the field. They cannot change ryegrass from a mature vegetative period with low ME into a product made at three leaf stage,” he says. “It is also important to emphasise that good-management practices when baling or filling bunkers should always be used — even with the use of silage additives. “A poorly packed and uncovered bunker, or insufficiently wrapped bale with damage to the plastic wrap will most likely show very little benefit from a silage additive.” He also explained that silage is affected by the stage of maturity and the quality of the crop being harvested. If a cow’s rumen is full of high fibre, low quality forage,it cannot eat any more
feed even if it was put in front of them. Silage therefore needs to be made from high quality forage, harvested at the right growth stage, which makes it easily digestible. Higher digestibility results in more forage intake and more energy and nutrients being available to the animal. Providing good quality silage is therefore critical as a base for achieving high animal production. Air is the worst enemy of silage and stacks needed to be effectively sealed according to Dr Kung. He suggested that farmers make a plan, ensuring workers were allocated specific responsibilities throughout the process before making silage. The man on the stack was key to controlling the rate of stack fill, which has a large influence on stack density and the ultimate result. He advised going to companies for inoculants which have research and data to back their claims. Chop length and particle size were discussed and he explained how the
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cow’s rumen worked. Cows chew for roughly 12 hours a day and could chew 50,000 times making 150 litres of saliva. If the particles in silage are too big the cow may have difficulty digesting them; if too small the cow would not chew enough and they will pass through too quickly. They need to remain in the rumen to be digested. Technical Service Manager — Forage for Lallemand Animal Nutrition, Robert Jackson says having the professor spend a week in New Zealand was ‘fantastic’. “He is very knowledgeable in the dairy nutrition sector and very good at putting the practical side of silage making to farmers.”
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Dr Kung has spent the last 35 years involved with silage and dairy nutrition research. The workshops held throughout the country gave contractors, farmers and nutritionists the opportunity to hear a specialist who knows and understands the practicalities of good forage preservation and how it can influence efficiency. Mr Jackson says the talks covered what happens in a silage stack and how to get the most out of them. “You’re always going to have losses but it’s all about making losses minimal. Most farmers do not need to accept the level of losses they are currently working with.”
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February 2016
WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES
ADVERTORIAL
Programme to paradise
There is a vast difference between a natural nutrient found in a food or plant and its synthetic counterpart artificially created in a lab. Each new year brings the opportunity to make a New Year’s resolution and if farming is in your blood, the best call you could make for 2016 and into the future is to bring Mother Nature back onto your farm; together with all the wonderful free natural capital she provides for better production, a better environment and a wholesome life, for you and your family. Farming has always been a natural process; you take a natural man, a natural woman, natural animals and if they are ruminant animals you feed them natural grass, on naturally good soil, with plenty of natural sunshine, natural water, natural microorganisms, natural minerals and natural
worms. This is a good natural formula. When you take this brave new step, in my experience, the first good feeling you will have is freedom; freedom from the chemical treadmill. The next good thought will be you and Mother Nature are working together, for a better future for all. Rather than bombarding your farm with nitrates, phosphate and potentially harmful chemicals, Agrissentials will set you up with multi-mineral, microbial-rich fertilisers, bringing health and vitality back to your soil. Mother Nature’s formula for growing a plant is minerals, microbes, water and sunshine plus you need those 16 essential minerals, to get the job done. Agrissentials
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have all those minerals in a completely natural form. That means we know they are plant available and thus unlike their synthetic counterparts we know they will be taken up by the plant, which then passes them onto the animal or human, promoting optimum health. The microbes are the first creatures to dine at the mineral table, converting the natural minerals from the rock dust, fish and seaweed, into a plant available form, wrapping the minerals in humus, so they don’t leach from the soil. The plant roots take up the minerals from the humus when required — humus also holds water for the plant to uptake, ensuring good water retention quality in your soil to help through those dry periods. This is the natural system of mineral release to the plant. It is the ultimate system and is recognised immediately at the cellular level of the plant for uptake and good healthy growth. This system has been operating for 460 million years — it is the tried and true system! When we look at the planet’s natural forests, natural jungles, natural savannahs and the oldest farm in the world, the Serengeti Plains, we see that most of their essential mineral uptake is sourced directly from the atmosphere i.e. 45 percent carbon, as carbon dioxide, 45 percent oxygen, 6 percent hydrogen and 1.5 percent nitrogen all freely available directly and also via microbial activity. All other essential minerals come from animal and bird manures, recycling of vegetation and other mineral sources, such as eroded rock dust. In the natural system, minerals are converted and stored
in the organic matter (humus) for uptake, on request. You cannot get a better soil fertility programme than this. For artificial nitrogen/ urea junkies, the atmosphere we live and breathe in is 76 percent natural nitrogen, approximately 33,000 tonnes of it, per hectare. There is no cost factor to this supply of nitrogen. It is made readily available to plants via the micro-organisms and is stored in the organic matter (humus) of the soil, ready for uptake by the plant, on demand. Plus being completely natural it does not adversely affect the environment or your pocket! A farmer we know, who is running two reasonably sized dairy farms and spreading urea, could quite easily purchase a new Haines Hunter 6m run-about with all the bells and whistles including a trailer, every year, just by accessing his nitrogen requirements free, straight out of the atmosphere. How great would that be?! Team Agrissentials wishes everybody throughout NZ a happy and prosperous 2016. Our team is looking to working alongside you this year to ensure your success. Freephone 0800 THE KEY that’s 0800 843 539 today for a FREE INFO PACK to find out how you can reap the benefits from working with nature without compromising on production or you can contact your friendly representative Chris Storm (Coromandel/North, Central & East Waikato) on 021 738 609, Ken Pitts (South/ West Waikato) 027 5023 036 and Simon George (Bay of Plenty/West Waikato) 021 738 521.
WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2016
11
WATER MATTERS Public meeting on water quality A multi-agency group working to improve Waikato water quality has received funding in the latest round of grants by the Waikato River Authority. The money will go towards protecting and enhancing shallow lakes in the region, including Lake Waikare and Lake Waahi, and a public information evening is being organised at Te Kauwhata for Wednesday March 16, to discuss the problems faced at Lake Waikare and the possible solutions that are currently being considered. The Waikato District Lakes and Freshwater Wetlands Memorandum of Agreement group — involving Waikato District Council, Waikato Regional Council, Waikato-Tainui, the Department of Conservation, and Fish and Game — has a strong focus on improving the health of these lakes. Because of their size and location, the region’s shallow lakes are vulnerable to problems caused by hydrological modification, nutrient enrichment, and invasive pest plants and animals such as koi carp. “This work will be crucial to identifying ways to improve the health of Lake Waikare and Lake Waahi in the district,” said the group’s chair Jan Sedgwick, the Waikato district councillor for Whangamarino ward. “We really appreciate the authority’s support for this type of work and look forward to working with them on future funding applications to implement options identified by this research,” said Cr Sedgwick. WRC councillor and the group’s deputy chair, Peter Buckley, said
it was great to have the agreement’s signatories working together on the issues. “It’s crucial to have good collaboration amongst agencies and with the community when we look to make improvements.” The shallow lakes work will include computer modelling and the identification of options for better lake management. This work forms part of the $800,000 overall provided for the development of a Waikato and Waipa Rivers Restoration Strategy, with joint funding from the authority, DairyNZ and the regional council. The DOC/Fonterra Living Waters partnership, and Waipa District Council are also providing funding for the strategy’s shallow lakes work. “Having these lakes healthier supports plant and animal life, and local iwi and the general community are very keen to see their health improved,” said Cr Sedgwick. A separate project in the district which has received authority funding after being championed by the agreement group is enhancement of Lake Waikare’s northern foreshore. Some $35,000 has been allocated for the creation of a wetland which will help support local biodiversity. “The public information evening at Te Kauwhata will also provide an
opportunity to get the community’s input into the development of future options
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February 2016
NO
WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES
WATER MATTERS
CAPITAL OUTLAY MAINTENANCE C COSTS LABOUR COSTS
ADVERTORIAL
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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2016
13
DAIRY
Hoof Print
with Fred Hoekstra
HOOF TRIMMING SERVICES, EQUIPMENT & TRAINING
Three steps to preventative hoof trimming Last month I was talking about the importance of preventative hoof trimming. This month I would like to go through the three steps of preventative hoof trimming, also known as functional hoof trimming.
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The aim is to have the cow standing correctly on the ground. If the toe is too long the cow will lean back on her heel. The claws also need to be flat to give more stability, especially the inner claw, as once the hoof is trimmed correctly, the weight will be distributed evenly across both claws. Yet many inner claws are concaved and will ‘fall over’. I often use the analogy of ladies who walk on high heels. Some of those heels are as thin as my little finger. How come they can still walk in those shoes and not fall over? Because they have the stability in the toe, it is just the same with our cows. The toe needs to be flat for stability, the heel gives height. Therefore we want both claws to be the same height in order to distribute the weight of the cow equally over the two claws. Step one: We start on the inner claw. This is the smallest of the two claws and the closest in shape and size to what we want to achieve. Once we have trimmed the inner claw we use it as an example for the outer claw to make it the same. The length of the claw is crucial. It needs to be 7.5cm in length. A small cow can be slightly shorter but you would be best to stick with the 7.5cm. Once you have cut the claw at the right length, the thickness of the cut is the thickness of the sole on the toe part of that claw. The toe needs to be 7mm thick but the heel needs to be left as high as possible. The more you take off the heel area on the inner claw the more you will have to take off the outer claw to match the inner claw later.
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Step two: Once you have finished the inner claw you can do the same on the outer claw — cut the claw to 7.5 cm and make the toe 7mm thick. This time you need to trim the whole claw down to the same height as the inner claw. Make sure the claws are flat. If the claw is uneven the cow will feel like she is walking on a rocking horse. Now that the claws are balanced, they will bear the weight evenly across both claws. Step three: All we need to do now is scallop out the inside of the claw, being careful not to go too far forward. And that is what preventative hoof trimming is about. Every cow should be trimmed in this way whether she is lame or not. For lame cows there are another two steps in the process but only after those three steps have been completed. Learning to trim like this really should be done under supervision of a tutor. If you are keen to get better at trimming just give us a call on 0800 833 463 to find out when our next training courses are or visit our website www.veehof.co.nz.
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14
February 2016
WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES
LIVESTOCK
Be my Guest
Bill Guest Farmers of New Zealand
Membership Services: 09 439 5219 • 09 430 3758 www.farmersofnewzealand.com Email: newzealandfarmers@xtra.co.nz
A disaster in the making? Into the second month of 2016 and we continue to see the global slide in dairy auction prices. Whole milk powder has dropped 10.4 per cent in the last three auctions, down to US$1,952 per tonne. This has been compounded by AMF hydrous milk fat dipping a steep 6.4 per cent to US$3,486 per tonne. Fonterra’s monthly advance payment of $3.15 with the season finishing on May 31, means that a 25 per cent sharemilker is faced with an income of just 78 cents per kilo of milk solids. And that is disastrous. On a wider scale we could now be seeing a major change in world trading power with oil dropping further and further per barrel. The price of diesel in New Zealand is now down to levels not seen for many years. We see China forging new trade partnerships with Iran, with both countries agreeing to build a new railway link between them, restoring for trade the legendary Silk Route of history. China is cooperating with Iran on nuclear energy and investing in new nuclear plants in the UK. China has also signed more than a dozen trade agreements with Iran and
economic commentators predict that Iran will work and trade with independent countries. This could suit New Zealand. While America and Europe are continuing with their trade embargoes against Russia and while Europe is plagued with migrant problems, Russia and China are cooperating quietly, setting up trade agreements with not only the middle eastern countries, but Africa as well. I believe we are seeing a major shift with many countries seeking to avoid western bloc meddling in their affairs. The Gulf States are seeking strategic relations with Russia and China. Russia claims a 4% annual growth in agriculture production. Russia and China are carrying out large joint ventures such as construction of huge dairy farms. China’s underlying strategy is that cooperation is the only way to find peace.
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New Zealand’s fortunes may also gain from this new trade thinking. On a wider horizon, New Zealand’s exports may also depend on the outcome of the American elections later this year
and Europe and America coming to the realisation that the world economies are so intertwined that trade embargoes are not an option to force desired changes in another government’s policies.
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Liquid Zinc 50
Liquid Zinc 50 # A ready to use free flowing Zinc Oxide 50% Liquid suspension to aid in the treatment and prevention of facial eczema in cattle and sheep. # Suitable for drenching or water medication systems. # Dosing can begin 2-3 weeks before the risk is expected and continue until pasture to be grazed is safe. Pack Sizes 5L, 10L, 20L and larger quantities on request.
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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2016
15
LIVESTOCK ADVERTORIAL
EQUESTRIAN PLAYGROUND
Equestrian excellence on show
PRICING: Daily Casual Rate: $20 per horse per day (BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL) Price for Pony Clubs Groups: $15 per horse per day. Indoor Lights: $2 per 20mins (NB $2 coins only or by arrangement) Exclusive Indoor Hireage: $250 + GST per day
Rio Olympics dressage hopeful John Thompson took the honours at the inaugural Riding with the Stars in Hamilton while the showjumping went to the Australians - riding New Zealand-bred horses. The two fields vying for a slice of the $16,000 prize purse included top combinations from both sides of the Tasman. Twelve started the grand prix over a tight course. The only clears in the first round came from James Arkins, Australia, aboard the New Zealand bred Rosthewiate Vigilante II, crowd favourite Amanda Wilson, from Hikurangi, aboard Showtym Cassanova and Clem Smith, Australia, on his Kiwi-bred horse Delilah. The second round against the clock saw just Vicki Wilson, from Hikurangi and Ngahiwi Showtym Premier leave all the rails up — but she collected a single time fault for her care. Arkins, whose horse is by New Zealand stallion Voltaire II and bred by Cherie Robinson, said “it’s a real pleasure to come here and win. It was a really lovely track out there and flowed well.“ The 24-year-old is in New Zealand for a month and will compete at the Farmlands Horse of the Year Show before heading to France to try and make the Australian team for the Rio Olympics. The dressage freestyle to
SET ON 50 ACRES OF GENTLY ROLLING OHAUPO FARMLAND
OVERNIGHT HORSE ACCOMMODATION: $15 per horse per night (Covered yards or paddocks available) AGISTMENT: $80 + GST per week (includes use of all facilities) LESSONS PRIVATE: $50.00 (+ $20 GF) per hour (dressage or jumping) Groups: by arrangement SCHOOLING AND TRAINING HORSES: Jessica Woods is available for schooling Per ride: $50 + $20 Ground Fee Weekly Schooling: $350 (includes grazing and schooling. Owners to provide feed separately)
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DRIVE SAFE On Rural Roads music featured everything from classical to rock with a little bit of 1980s thrown in for good measure was won by Hamilton’s John Thompson. Equitana — the international equestrian event will be held November 16-19, in Auckland.
ARE YOUR GIRLS LAYING GOLDEN EGGS? No, we didn’t think so! But do you ever wonder if the cost of keeping chickens outweigh the cost of the eggs they produce? A Grandpas Feeder will help keep your feed costs low, saving you $$
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Green Apple Flavouring
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A ready to use liquid flavour additive
Green Apple Flavouring
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Directions
Green Apple flavour can be added to
Stock drinking water- 200mls per 1000L
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16
February 2016
WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES
RURAL WHEELS
Automotive excellence by Andy Bryenton
After what has been a stellar year for new vehicle sales the figures are in, and the motoring public have voted both with their approval and with their wallets to choose the top machines of 2015.
The Ford Ranger — winning again in 2015, both in accolades and sales figures
success of the Ranger can ever be superseded. With a cosmetic re-design and new features for 2016, the Ranger continues to go from strength to strength, and figures are sure to look rosy for the new year coming into Field Days. Can the feisty Ford make it five in a row this year? Only time will tell.
of any class. That means more Rangers took to the highway than any other kind of car, van, truck or motorcycle last year — toppling the long term favourite, the Toyota Corolla. Opponents of the big blue juggernaut which is Ford’s flagship ute must be asking themselves how the runaway
MAD
ND
year winning streak has not only cinched the title of best utility again for 2015 — it’s also been the best selling vehicle
E
IN
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That popular forum of automotive excellence, the New Zealand Automobile Association Car of the Year awards, has turned up some interesting trends, with its top picks going to a few bold choices. Ahead of the pack and taking out the crown of top car for the past year is the diminutive, electrically powered BMW i3 — an indication that the reign of internal combustion is being challenged by new technologies. It’s all petrol and diesel in the rest of the order though, with some surprises in store. Hyundai delivered a one-two blow, with their Tucson and Santa Fe SUVs scooping back to back small and large off-roader accolades. The new Mazda MX5 was a lock for best sports car. And the prestigious luxury car category went not to a Teutonic or American marque, but to the Hyundai Genesis. The statistics from the forecourts of New Zealand tell another story though — one which is borne out by another year at the top of the AA’s polls for the evergreen Ford Ranger. The big ute with the four-
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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2016
17
RURAL WHEELS
The sound and the fury
TYRE CENTRE
by Andy Bryenton
Big, powerful Holden V8s have always enjoyed a deserved reputation for two things. Firstly, a mountain of torque on demand, powering them up to high levels of performance on both road and track. Secondly, the unmistakable rumble and roar of that huge mill under the hood. The new VFII may be the Commodore badge’s parting shot — the reshuffle of GM priorities has seen Aussie factories cut back in a big way. But no matter where the iconic brand goes from here, the latest iteration of that snarling V8 will echo on. In part, that’s due to the 305 kilowatts and 570 Newtonmetres churned out by the 6-litre-plus LS3 engine which graces the space up front. The adage ‘no replacement for displacement’ could have been born under the new Commodore’s bonnet. But the usual symphony of burning petrol and perfectly meshed steel has been tuned like a well-loved Stratocaster guitar by Holden’s techs for this generation, adding a new level of auditory pleasure. Along with a host of other tweaks, the VFII features a bi-modal exhaust, controlled through the on-board entertainment system. Like a trombone blasting the low frequency beat in a big band, the bimodal system allows air to exit the pipework under controlled conditions, producing either a refined and quiet burble, or a throaty exhalation which is sure to put a smile on the face of blokes everywhere.
Hamilton
Quality Secondhand Tyres • New Tyres • Vulcanising • Batteries
• 4 Wheel Alignment • Onsite Repairs • WINZ Quotes
Farmers Card & Q Card Accepted
PH 07 849 5788
718 Te Rapa Rd
Stihl Shop
HAMILTON www.terapatyres.co.nz Building on the success of the VF, the new VF2 Holden adds a bespoke engine roar to its commanding looks
Coupled to a clever mechanical sound enhancer which operates at the induction end, this dual punch of audio engineering adds another element to the sensory thrill of driving a big Holden at full noise. In other ways, the VFII is a feast for the senses as well. Brutally styled, intimidating and muscular, the car epitomises the Commodore gene-line. The smell of hot metal, fuel and fresh leather creates its own atmosphere — and we’re sure there’ll be a little tyre smoke as well! The tactile push and pull of G-forces is tamed with a new,
fettled suspension setup. As for taste — well, this combo is certain to have petrolheads salivating. But it’s the sound which will herald the coming of the latest Commodore, and which will linger long after it powers out of sight. Sound tuning is no new art — the black magic of audio wizardry has been a staple on Ferraris, for example, for some years now. It’s just that this is less a Vivaldi quartet, and more AC/DC at maximum volume. A brutal serenade which matches the car’s potential to thrill.
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* Subject to finance company approval. Terms & conditions apply. Single Cab Wellside Model for $25,290 inc GST + ORC on $950. Based on 48 month term with 1/3 deposit at 9.95% interest rate & $13 ppsr fee. Finance offer available to approved applicants of Mahindra Finance only. Available from participating Mahindra Dealers only. Units must be registered by March 2016 to qualify. Applies to new Mahindra PIK-UP vehicles only. Mahindra reserves the right to vary, withdraw or extend this offer. Photos used for illustrative purposes and may show optional extras not included in the price. Only while stocks last.
18
February 2016
WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES
PASTURE RENEWAL Key year for wetland restoration by Paul Campbell
Peatland is a highly rated growing medium, and can also be a huge source of carbon dioxide — the dreaded greenhouse gas — and the Waikato is home to 50 per cent of the nation’s allocation of the resource. Thus, management of this large area is of prime importance. Heading up a comprehensive programme aimed at peatland restoration — after a significant decline since European settlement, is Landcare Research, providing scientifically based guidelines to underpin management and restoration strategies with the declared aim this year of achieving a 15% increase over 2009 in the extent of wetlands being restored. The project involves researchers from Landcare Research, NIWA, The University of Waikato, the Department of Conservation, and Waikato-Tainui’s Waikato Raupatu River Trust, and is linked to The University of Waikato’s Freshwater Restoration. The Waikato peatlands cover approximately 94,000 hectares and contain about 2,700 million cubic metres of peat formed over 18,000 years up to 11 metres deep. Drainage has greatly improved our ability to farm peatlands. But there is a negative — too much drainage can lead to increased shrinkage of peat soils
attention
and huge amounts of carbon dioxide (CO2) being lost to the atmosphere — contributing to greenhouse gas emissions. According to the Waikato Regional Council, the province peatlands contain about 76 million tonnes of carbon. When peat is drained for development, the carbon becomes exposed to air to form carbon dioxide gas. It estimates that developed peatland releases about 1.3 million tonnes of carbon dioxide each year. Peat soils need drainage and cultivation to establish productive pastures and crops leading to shrinkage estimated to occur at about 20cm per year after the initial cultivation, reducing to two centimetres per year as the peat becomes more compact and resilient. The council warns simply that ‘if we don’t manage our peat carefully, it will continue to shrink until eventually there will be no peat left’. Focussing on soils and farming is a recent report, titled ‘Future requirements for soil management in New Zealand’
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released by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy, and led by the National Land Resource Centre. “Our GDP, a big chunk of it, relies on 15cm of soil and so we shouldn’t lose
sight of that,” Mr Guy said. “This report is going to make sure we never lose sight of the importance of soil.” He acknowledged scientists played a key role in finding solutions
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PO POBox Box319, 319,MATAMATA MATAMATA Phone Phone07 07888 8881955 1955 Fax 07 888 Fax 07 8881954 1954 Steve SteveMoorey Moorey029 029766 7666739 6739 email: email:moorey@xtra.co.nz moorey@xtra.co.nz
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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES February 2016
19
PASTURE RENEWAL Shane Davis
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to the pressures facing the land. “The main conclusion is that although a lot is being done to protect and maintain New Zealand’s soils, there are a number of ongoing pressures that need to be taken into account for the future. The report says our soils are fragile, finite and precious. “They are under increasing pressure from some land uses and management practices, climate change, erosion, and urban expansion. “I agree with the call for greater collaboration and co-ordination between central and regional government, iwi and industry. This is why MPI is working with other stakeholders to create a National
Contact Shane on: 027 487 8984 A/Hrs 07 827 3726 or email: sdavisbsl@gmail.com
Soil Management Group, which will help advise on research directions, build capability, inform policy, and set up monitoring.” NLRC director and Landcare Research portfolio leader Dr Alison Collins, said some of the key pressures identified in the report include addition of chemicals, inadequate vegetation cover, urban expansion, poor matching of land use to inherent capability, irrigation and past deforestation. Dr Collins said a key aim of the report was to ‘secure the valuable resource for future generations’ and the approximate $40.8 billion of our exports that are reliant on soil.
CONCRETE TANK Specialist. Water, effluent, septic tanks. Price quoted, delivered to site. Buy Direct. Phone 0800 487 633.
HIGH CELL Count? Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic & Manuka Honey 20L $49.95, 200L $450 or 1000L $2,000 +GST with free delivery. Black Type Minerals Ltd. Phone 021 185 1501. blacktypeminerals.co.nz.
SEED DRESSI
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Outstanding in the field Cridge Seeds is situated in Canterbury. We specialise in high quality, locally grown seed ready for sowing alone or in mixes to suit your pastures. We grow, clean and sell our own seed but are more than competitive in sourcing and supplying proprietary and common seed to suit all farming requirements. Purity and Germination tests available on request. Please contact us for Autumn sowing suggestions.
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Waikato Rural Marketplace Central Motors 8272
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Manager Peter Cranch: 027 442 0219 Phone: (07) 883 8272 Fax: (07) 883 8165 Email: putarurutowing@xtra.co.nz
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www.completehydraulics.co.nz PO Box 5686 • 12 Peregrine Place, Frankton, Hamilton PH: 07 847 1514 A/H: 0274 876 475 Fax: 07 847 1521
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WAIKATO TRACTORS LTD After Hours Phone: • John Metcalfe 07 843 7953 • Ted Murphy 07 889 1505 John Metcalfe 07 843 7953 Ted Murphy 07 889 1505 • Keith Stewart 07 854 4048 • Glenn Greay Keith Stewart 07 854 4048 027 Glenn243 Greay1750 027 243 1750 • Neil Lawrence 027 654 0913027 654 0913 Neil Lawrence www.waikatotractors.co.nz Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton
www.waikatotractors.co.nz Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton All prices exclude GST and are subject to stock availability. Finance available to approved customers, terms and conditions apply
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20
February 2016
WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES
FREE DELIVERY ORDERS OVER $1000
Retailer of Rural Piping and Farm Supplies
0800 RURAL DIRECT
MARCH 2016
ENVIRO CULVERT pipe
MAXI drain
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r alle o m S als ils ble o c aila av
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Diameter
$ 95.00 $135.00 $240.00 $305.00 $425.00
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Punched & Unpunched Drain Coil
299 $299
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$
MEGA ROLLS AVAILABLE 110mm x 425m & 160mm x 190m Drainage Contractors call for a quote
Joiners and custom fittings available
MAXI culvert Twinwall Culvert Pipe
$
225mm x 6m
DRAG hose LDPE IRRIGATOR DRAG HOSE
Hard-wearing LDPE suits AG camlocks
75mm x 50m
PLASTIC TROUGHS Bare
With ballcocks
200L $128.00 $158.00 400L $155.00 $185.00 600L $205.00 $235.00
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150mm Stormwater X 6m
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Made in New Zealand
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CARTRIDGES
JUMBO 10” Filter Housing
JUMBO 10” Washable Poly Pleat (1, 5 & 20 Micron)
120.00
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4813 State Highway 29, Hinuera Phone (07) 888 1593 Fax (07) 888 1594 Email matamata@ruraldirect.net.nz
nd
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20mm and 25mm
SUPERLITE PIGTAIL POSTS
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HANSEN SUPERflo Piston Trough Valve
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199 $ 389 $ 299
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29 $27
$
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All items in this advertisement are while stocks last. Phone Rural Direct for conditions of delivery. ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST.