Waikato Farming Lifestyles, January 2015 by Integrity Community Media

Waikato

FARMING Lifestyles

January 2015 Edition

30,300 copies DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address in Waikato and King Country

Farming focus for former townie

OVER THE CATTLE STOP Match the numbers to the ads See page 2 for details

A wagon ride back in history

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Advice sought on fees

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

Waikato Farming Lifestyles Distribution area

Production Manager: Jessica Wright Editorial: Denise Gunn Paul Campbell Andy Bryenton Joanne Speechly Colin Patterson Production: Brenda Ilton Viv Webb

Graphic Design: Gavin Bainbridge Paul Bakulich Dylan Hansen Callum McDonald James Menzies Advertising: Julie Lennon MEMBER OF:

Accounts: Lesley Robinson | accounts@nsmm.co.nz Distribution: Laurie Willetts Website: www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

Audited distribution details Print run 30,300. ABC audited circulation 30,050, audited Jan–Dec 2013. DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address in Waikato and King Country.

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Over the cattle stop feature

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What’s happening over the cattle stop? As any farmer knows, the answer is — ‘everything!’ — as you can see in our light-hearted front page cartoon. This January the Northern Farming Lifestyles is a little different, as we’ve matched all of the

top agricultural support businesses between our covers with a bustling rural scene on page one. The aim of the game is to match the numbers next to each little image of Kiwi farm life to the businesses who exemplify them.

Over the cattle stop map key 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES January 2015

Action needed on stock thefts

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Concerns are mounting in the Waikato, and elsewhere in the country, with stock rustling on the rise and the difficulty farmers have in combatting the rustlers. Waikato Federated Farmers meat and fibre chair, Chris Irons, says that questions are being raised as to what rights farmers have to stop a poacher or thief on their property? “Not only do farmers have limited rights to stop people stealing their stock, but we’ve got to ask whether the penalties imposed are serious enough to be a deterrent for either rustling or poaching,” he says. “Based on the Federation’s experience to date they are not. We know stock theft/rustling and poaching has been estimated to cost the farming community some $120 million each year, yet we see little done in this regard by the police. “To be fair there are some police out in the provinces who make a concerted effort to address the issue, and we are grateful to them, but it would be great if they all did. It shouldn’t be luck of the draw to which province you happen to farm in. “Farmers are isolated and vulnerable to the armed thieves turning up on their property. We know from a recent survey we did of our members that sheep and beef farmers are the hardest hit, which I put down to less staff on farm making them an easy target. They need better support. Trying to detain an armed

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poacher for an hour or so until the police arrive is not practical or safe. “The level of violence these poachers are displaying is appalling, as are the penalties being handed down to the few who get caught. “Whilst a dog worrying stock gets shot, a poacher killing stock gets

slapped with a wet bus ticket. There needs to be stronger deterrent if we are going to stop this behaviour. Rural communities and police need to work more closely together in responding to rustling and poaching events.”

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January 2015

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

farming focus former townie FOR

by Denise Gun

Casey Huffstutler grew up as a townie in Invercargill before embarking on a career in agriculture. Now she works full-time for New Zealand Young Farmers as the Waikato/Bay of Plenty field officer and national field team coordinator.

tudying automotive engineering was Casey’s first choice after leaving school and she went on to work in the parts and service industry for various franchise dealers. Her first taste of farming came in 2008 when she worked weekends as a relief milker on a 1,000-cow farm in Hedgehope. During the week she worked full-time for a Toyota and Holden dealer in Queenstown. However, the pull of farming won Casey over and she moved into a full-time position as a dairy assistant/farm hand in Te Anau for a season. The farm was a new dairy conversion with 500 cows but also ran 2,500 sheep. While working

on the Te Anau farm, Casey studied Primary ITO Level Three dairy, sheep and fencing certificates. Through the encouragement of her employers, Robert and Anna Kempthorne, Casey joined Young Farmers. Robert was the ANZ Young Farmer Contest champion in 2003. “I learnt a wealth of knowledge from them both,” said Casey. As the Kempthorne’s farm was quite isolated, Casey travelled 70km to the nearest Young Farmers club. Casey held the position of secretary for the Nightcaps club, secretary and publicity officer for the Tarras club, and was also the Otago/Southland region vice-

chairperson. Four years ago, Casey made the move to Waikato to take up her current NZYF position. She is also currently the secretary for the ANZ Young Farmer Contest Grand Final which will be held in Taupo this year. “NZYF is a network which delivers events and

don’t need to “beYoua farmer to join ” development initiative for young people in the rural sector,” said Casey. “The network operates with an information flow capacity through which business, leadership and personal development programmes are aligned to provide a progression pathway within New Zealand Young Farmers.

“The structure includes AgriKids, TeenAg, NZYF, the ANZ Young Farmer Content, and the Rural Business Network and Get Ahead Education programme.” The majority of Casey’s position involves youth development at secondary school level with TeenAg and the Get Ahead Education programme. “I visit schools to communicate to teachers and students about the programmes we offer and the opportunities available in the primary industry sector,” said Casey. “Then I go on to support TeenAg if one is started within the school.” This support includes meeting procedures, helping with events, and guest speaker ideas for the members. Casey said TeenAg has grown rapidly since its introduction in 2009 with over 650 club members throughout New

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TeenAg Challenge at the National Fieldays Zealand. At the Young Farmer club level, Casey supports 15 clubs in the region by providing tools to help them run effectively. She works closely with her region executive in terms of strategic planning and leadership opportunities. “Also event management and always encouraging members to take up any leadership and/or scholarships available outside of NZYF.” Casey enjoys seeing secondary school club members grow as leaders who embrace the opportunities available to them. “Also seeing Young Farmers clubs giving back to the community through different events they organise to raise money, as well as seeing them grow as leaders.” Another highlight for Casey is meeting with industry leaders and hearing

their stories of when they were NZYF members and how the organisation helped them get to where they are today. When Casey first took up her field officer position in 2011, the Waikato/ Bay of Plenty area had 11 clubs and 181 members. The region now has 20 clubs and 390 members. “There is a club for everyone to join and embrace the many opportunities that we have to offer through leadership, competitions and social events for members who come from on or off farm,” said Casey. “You don’t need to be a farmer to join.” Although Casey’s job has varied hours which includes weekend work, she still manages to find time to relax, and enjoys growing vegetables to give to friends, cooking, reading, hunting small game and duck shooting.

Casey with Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy 1

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January 2015

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

A WAGON

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IN HISTORY BY ANDY BRYENTON

It’s one of the iconic images of rural New Zealand – at least for any child of the 1980s. When Dominion Breweries wanted to evoke a sense of rugged, pioneering history to promote their product, they conceived of a plan which would occur to Sir Peter Jackson many years later.

‘M

ake the beautiful scenery of the South Island the star’, they reckoned, ‘and let those feelings of awe and patriotic pride be linked to our signature brew’. What came out of this idea was an image many will fondly remember — the DB Draught horses, a team of Clydesdales traversing the pass into the MacKenzie Country while a young narrator muses on the meaning of homecoming. DB were right. The scenery was beautiful. But it was the noble Clydesdale horses which stole the nation’s hearts — along with the ever-present Dalmatian dog perched on

the wagon’s seat. The narrator in that initial advert praised the horses for their enduring strength, their big hearts and their amazing stamina. Clydesdales have always been a part of our rural heritage. Much of the fertile farmland of colonial New Zealand was broken in with the help of these big, intelligent and good-natured beasts, first bred in the Scots borderlands but finding a welcome home in the Kiwi countryside. So what happened to the DB team? For years they were a favourite at shows and field days, appearing on our TV screens on a regular basis for over a decade. The answer is both wonderful

and surprising, as it leads on to an even more interesting story behind the scenes. It all began with the successful television campaign. But this was far from the end for Clydesdale trainers and enthusiasts Nick and Jill van der Sande. One and a half decades working with the DB Draught team cemented a long passion for the big horses and of course, the van der Sandes wanted to carry on sharing the wonder and joy of their Clydesdale team with the public. That cued a move to the historic town of Pirongia in the Waikato — the perfect base to build an equine centre.

As the millennium came to a close a new chapter began on a rural block off State Highway 39, with construction breaking ground for what would become the Pirongia Clydesdales site. Hard work

It all began with the successful television campaign awaited the van der Sande family, but the results today are a tribute to their dedication. Pirongia is now host to the nation’s top ‘living equine museum’ — a unique attraction which delights visitors

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Clydesdale horses brought together the far-ﬂung towns of colonial New Zealand

from all over the world. It’s definitely a family endeavour as well. During those years on the road, travelling with the DB team, the whole van der Sande family learned valuable skills which have brought them success in their current venture. Nick and Jill both came from a background of horsemanship, and their children were raised among folks with a equine skills and affinities. Nowadays, Samantha van der Sande teaches riding and dressage skills, after achieving great success in harness horse sports abroad. Sister Louise is likewise a successful competitive rider and trainer who works as a groom for the Pirongia Clydesdales in between her busy schedule as a zoo keeper. Ben van der Sande had the opportunity to study with one of the country’s top farriers, apprenticed at age 17. Now he carries on a legacy which pre-dates

the settlement of New Zealand, working with top racing and sport horse stables to ensure the best results on and off the track. Out of a successful advertising campaign’s cancellation has come a vibrant new venture for the van der Sandes. Today, Pirongia Clydesdales is a bona fide historic attraction, complete with wedding and function facilities, a cafe, a stable of Clydesdale and Friesian horses, and a collection of hand-crafted wagons and carriages which look like pictures from a storybook. The carriage collection on site includes not only smartly turned out conveyances built in Europe and America, but also one of the last proper coachbuilt carriages made in New Zealand — a 1942 vintage express wagon once used to ferry cream cans to the Rotorangi dairy factory. Ever popular of course, is the polished oak

Pirongia is the new home of the iconic DB Draught Clydesdales and their ‘family’

and brass show wagon which harkens back to the old DB Draught days. Thanks to the dedication of the van der Sande family and their friends, staff and supporters, an enthralling piece of New Zealand farming history lives on in Pirongia. Furthermore, those who have a particular affinity with the history of the Pirongia Clydesdale team will be able to look forward to a new book the van der Sandes plan to publish in 2015. The story reflects on a lifetime of amazing equine experiences and real adventures travelling with the DB Draught team throughout Heartland New Zealand, North Cape to the Bluff. Nick and Jill look forward to sharing their incredible memories with the public via a collection of heartwarming stories and awe-inspiring photography. The van der Sande family invite you to visit their working stables, meet

the horses, and see just what life was like before internal combustion ruled the roads. And they answer a question asked around many a pub table over the last 15 years. What happened to the DB Draught Clydesdales? They finally found a home.

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January 2015

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

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ince the days before the great pyramids were raised in Egypt, people have relied on donkeys as sturdy and reliable beasts of burden — pack animals, the backbone of traders’ caravans, and an aid to farmers for whom horses were simply too expensive. The donkey may be less glamorous than the horse, but it’s been known as a hard worker for 5,000 years of domestication. Even today, trail guides in the Colombian jungles and farmers in North Africa rely on donkey power. In colonial New Zealand, donkeys were there beside the early settlers, helping to break in the land and establish farms and towns by carrying supplies. They were also beloved of miners and prospectors, who came here for the gold rush in the 1800s. Donkeys served to

BY ANDY BRYENTON

rescue wounded ANZACs at Gallipoli, under the command of heroic stretcher bearers such as John Kirkpatrick and Richard Henderson. In medieval France, however, the prohibition on the common people from owning horses (a regional edict, used to raise cavalry for the King’s armies) led to an even stronger dependence on the donkey as a beast of agriculture. This, at least, is the apocryphal origin on the Poitou Donkey, a giant among its kind, covered with a shaggy hide and standing as tall as a horse. Careful breeding led to this large stature, and while the use of mules was also well documented, these cross-breeds of horse and donkey are, by a genetic quirk, functionally sterile. The giant Poitou was famed for its dependable power and calm

temperament, and so it wasn’t long before this breed was taken to America. Demand for beasts of burden in the colonies was high, and once again, horses were far more expensive than other animals. Those who had the good fortune to own a giant, powerful donkey were luckier than most! Other strains

The donkey may be less glamorous than the horse were bred into the bloodline of the Poitou — the Andalusian, the Catalan and the Majorcan — to create a new breed. It is one which towers over all other donkeys, and some horses too. Part of the

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American Mammoth donkeys were bred for their strength and calm demeanour bloodline comes from donkeys gifted by the King of Spain to George Washington — the reason that the Democratic Party still has a donkey mascot. The American Mammoth Donkey regularly grows to ten hands high or more, in equine parlance. The biggest — raised, appropriately enough, in the Lone Star State of Texas — stands 17 hands at the shoulder, or a titanic 175cm. While such animals would have been an invaluable aid in the early days of New Zealand’s European settlement, it is only recently that this rare and interesting breed has been brought to these shores. Today, the American Mammoth donkey can be found side by side with the very smallest of donkey breeds at Waikato’s Awapuni Donkey Stud, situated in Taupiri.

Stud owners Bryan and Jenny Clausen established Awapuni over a quarter century ago, initially focussing on the small English and Irish donkey breeds which will be familiar to most Kiwis. However, in the mid 2000s the Clausens saw the opportunity to acquire a pair of the striking, substantial American Mammoth donkeys from the Coffee Hollow stud in Texas. As noted before, they like to do things bigger in the Lone Star State, and these two were no exception! The American Mammoth population at Awapuni grew as a pair of Mammoth ‘Jacks’ were added — female donkeys are known as Jennys or Jennets rather than mares, while males are known as Jacks rather than stallions. Nowadays Awapuni is the premier spot in New Zealand to meet donkeys from

The shaggy Poitou breed originated in medieval France, a hardy beast of burden this huge and handsome breed. It’s little surprise that the Awapuni team have won several awards at equine and A and P shows, and visitors to the stud — who are invited to meet the donkeys on special open days — can’t help but be amazed at the gentle demeanour of these American giants. One up-andcomer at Awapuni may shatter the world record when she is fully grown, at over 17 hands. With a bloodline stretching back to the plains of Texas, and hence to the many breeds of large donkey such as the Poitou, bred for a hard working life in medieval Europe, the American Mammoth donkey is a rare breed in New Zealand, but a fascinating example of how mankind, can adapt animals for varied tasks and conditions. And while

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the Mammoth donkeys of the Waikato will never need to carry silks on the road to China, or pull a plough in the shadow of a French Chateau, they are a fascinating piece of living history — as well as a marvel of size and strength.

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January 2015

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

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A better farm outlook emerges The economic outlook this year for New Zealand farming is largely fine, but with just a few clouds on the horizon. Many regions like Northland have enjoyed good rainfall through December and generally there has been substantial grass growth throughout the region. The beef boom is providing a huge economic bonus. Despite the lowest milk payout forecast in six years, many dairy farmers have been able to capitalise on the current high beef prices by selling cull cows early, and beef stock that has been raised on runoffs. The current trade conflict between Russia and America is quite interesting to follow. The American alliance keep telling us that their trade embargo against Russia is causing the Russian economy to decline. But a recent article in the New Zealand Herald says that the Russians are looking forward to the 2015 year, despite the country’s economic and political difficulties The Russian president is

enjoying up to 87% support according to a recent poll. It may take some time for the two world economic superpowers to reconcile their differences. Meanwhile, New Zealand farmers will face some challenging issues this year which will have an impact on their private property rights, and the way they conduct their farming business. The government’s new legislation regarding water rights and the threat of agency bureaucrats using their power of right of entry onto farmers’ private property are just two of the issues of concern. The recent action taken by WorkSafe New Zealand inspectors against a Marlborough farming couple, which resulted in them being fined $40,000 altogether between them in the Blenheim District Court for not wearing helmets while riding their quad bikes

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on their farm, raises some very serious issues in regard to the right of entry by government agencies onto a farmer’s property. Surveillance cameras were used in an ‘out to get them’ approach and that is abhorrent to right thinking people. When one looks at court fines that have been awarded in other cases, the award of $40,000 is extremely excessive and is out of kilter with how the rest of New Zealand society is treated. It is ironic that there is now a call by some cyclists for the law regarding the wearing of cycle helmets to be reviewed, and it seems that if you have a sympathetic doctor a cyclist can obtain an exemption certificate which does not require a helmet on the road. Farmers of New Zealand is of the view that the current policy of forcing farmers to wear helmets when driving quad bikes on their private farm properties is unworkable for many reasons. Farmers of New Zealand does support the wearing of helmets for road use. But many of the helmets that are on the market today do not guarantee full protection. It is our understanding that

the majority of deaths on farms due to farm bike accidents are caused through injury to the body. According to reports by the Department of Labour the most common accident causing serious injury or death was a slow speed sideways roll on the side of a hill. There are thousands of bikes ridden on farms and by the urban community. We believe that farm bike manufacturers, farmers and Government agencies need to come to a common position on how to safeguard riders of farm ATV bikes as a result of bike rollover, and get the law changed accordingly. While Farmers of New Zealand concedes that a four-post rollover frame is not the most practical way of dealing with this important issue, we strongly support the work that has been done by a Dargaville company in all-terrain vehicle rollover protection. This is a flexible roll-over lifeguard protector. The manufacturing company claims their design has passed all required tests and the concept is a world first in ATV safety, providing good rider crush protection.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES January 2015

A new generation released by Andy Bryenton

Mitsubishi Motors have been building light utility vehicles for over 30 years, catering to the vast rural and trades people’s market both here and around the world. Which means that when they set out to replace a popular existing model of ute, they do so with the big picture in mind. What works in the Waikato, for example, has to work in Manila and Rangoon, and possibly even northern Wales as well. Which is why the upgrades — beyond the purely cosmetic — to the next generation Triton ute are so well rounded. The main thrust of development however, has been to bring the new Mitsubishi — released recently at a large motor expo event in Thailand — up to date with the biggest trend in light commercials. Sedan-like handling and ride comfort have been aimed for, here as in the top-tier utes on the market, the venerable Hilux and the currently super-hot Ford Ranger. Which is not to say that the outgoing Triton was an iron-hard agricultural implement when it came to ride and handling. Far from it. But now, with this next-gen model, noise has been reduced, the suspension system reworked, and the steering made more car-like, leaning toward that ideal of a workhorse for the weekdays which can still take the family out shopping. Under the hood the engine gets a complete overhaul as well. An all new

Series five rolls out — the Thai release of the new Triton showcased improved versatility for the popular ute

aluminium block 2.4 litre MIVEC turbo diesel does the honours, with a claim of 20 per cent more fuel efficiency and hefty torque output of 430Nm. In Thailand, the Triton is offered with both a six-speed manual and a five-speed auto box, and these sound likely to go global,

arriving here as options when the Triton lands on Kiwi shores. The fourth generation Triton was famous for another factor too — good value for money. While other utes topped the sixty thousand dollar mark, a nicely spec’d

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January 2015

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Less bark, more bite from farmers’ best friend

by Andy Bryenton

In the years after the liberation of Korea, following the disastrous ruin of World War Two, the farming and agricultural infrastructure of the East Asian nation needed to be rebuilt quickly and efficiently. As in the aftermath of the same war in Europe, one of the first industries restarted was the manufacture of tractors, offering a way to feed a hungry populous. By 1947, the first tractors were rolling off the production lines of the newly founded Daedong agricultural machinery company. Half a century later they have not stopped, and their products are a common sight in the rural hinterland of Korea. It’s an understatement to say that Korea is a manufacturing powerhouse in modern times — this is the homeland of both Hyundai and Kia, as well as

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electronics’ giant Samsung. As people everywhere embrace the build quality of Korean products, it’s timely to consider the Kioti range of tractors, built by the Daedong factory for export. Straight out of the blocks, it’s easy to see that Kioti have aimed for a burgeoning niche in the market, tailoring their tractor range to the more diverse needs of the sub-100-horsepower driver. Unlike the huge American and European tractors which cultivate whole fields at a pass, these smaller machines are versatile workhorses, taking care of numerous smaller jobs — the Swiss army knife rather than the machete. A perfect second tractor, perhaps, for silage and bale handling, or fitted with a front loader for shovelling metal, feed or manure.

By narrowing their focus, Kioti have also achieved that other holy grail — good value for money. The orange machines come fitted with big-brand features (including usb audio in the cab), as well as Perkins diesel engines, a big name used by other big badges in the tractor trade. The PX1002, for example, comes with a very smooth new transmission system, 100 nicely tamed horses under the hood, a three-speed PTO and the ability to fit Kioti’s own branded front end loader, so even more work can be wrung from this willing little machine. As tractors seem to get bigger, more complex and more computerised year by year, it’s good to see this Korean company hold the line for a moderately powered, capable, multi-role tractor which comes at a very reasonable price. And while the Kioti range may not have all the electronic toys of the great battleships of the pastureland from the United States and Germany, it does do the one thing Kiwi farmers demand. It works hard, and looks built to keep doing so for years to come.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES January 2015

by Andy Bryenton

As farming becomes more intensive, the work load becomes more varied, with innumerable small tasks requiring attention. While some farmers are pleased to hand off such tasks to professional contractors, there are others who can justify a more hands on approach. After all, it doesn’t take long for a small digger to pay for itself, so long as you and your staff have the skills to use it wisely. All of which makes the Kubota U series of small excavators all the more attractive. Because unlike their bigger, brawnier brothers, the U series are defined by ease of use. A combination of clever design and simplified controls means that the U series is ideal for the non-fulltime user, with a learning curve that’s gentle and a very forgiving layout. Manoeuvring into tight spaces, for example, is the forte of the U25-3, a compact and powerful 2.5 ton excavator which is perfect for all those little jobs around the farm. The ‘tail’ of this digging machine fits into the radius of its tracks, meaning that it can go places where a bulkier machine simply can’t. While it’s there, the U25-3’s powerful bucket can dig trenches, prepare

foundations, scoop materials, or even be fitted out with a hydraulic auger for fencing or piling duties. Every care has been taken to make the U series stable, even when pushing their digging power and reach to the extreme — over 2.8 metres down, and over 4.6 metres from the wide-tracked base. The unit’s smooth-running Kubota 20 horsepower diesel sits low in its cradle, giving operators confidence to extend their working space, even in muddy conditions. Farming chores often call for more muscle than even the toughest worker can muster. One of Kubota’s nimble and versatile small diggers in the shed could be just the answer for farms in that niche where large scale creates its own economies. Then again, with a variety of chores to take care of, the shed may be just the place which the U25-3 spends the least amount of time.

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January 2015

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

A dog’s tail …

We’re ona roads agin

“Yah gotta wunder eh Dog.” Well, heck readas, hear we go again for twenny hundred an’ fifteen. Tha big New Yeer and Boss is getting ona hobby horse again, least that’s wot his gerlfren’ Sharlene calls it. Ya see we wen’ down ta Horks Bay fer a holiday, so Boss an’ Sharlene cood show off there dorter Sophy ter some cuzzins. An’ corse Boss wanted to go an catch sum crayfishes

EITHER WAY IT’S 20K

with one cuzzin wot lives ata beach. But gettin’ back ter his hobby horse. On tha way, Boss was reelly getting upsit with sum other drivers. “Yah see Dog,” he sed wile we were looking at all tha grass wot was growin’ wile we was away. (Boss reckons we gonna do pretty good ona dairy block this seesin because we got so much feed, an silage, and hey, that we shud

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have a long milk and lota produckshin. So if we gotta lowa payout, we gonna have more milk. Bit comlikated fer me, but Boss an’ Sharlene pretty pleased atta prospek.) Sorry. Boss agin. “That blimmin booze limit ona road, ana speedin’ crackdown by a cops is orl well an’ good,” he sed. But lookit alla crashis. How meny of them crashes was becos sum tourists lost the plot?” I give Boss tha ‘look’ witch meens I havint got a clue wot he meens. “Okay Dog, wot I meen is that tha tourist get offa plane a few hours afta they drove ta the earport ona wrong site ofa road in China, or ‘Merica or sum other country, an’ then they go driving ona Kiwi roads witch is ona right side ofa road, witch is on the left.” Heck! Right left, wotever Boss. Evin I’m confused, so wotabout tha tourists. “Persakkerly Dog. Yah can’t ‘spect them ta suddenly drive ona road ona side they not used too. An then we got diffrint road rools for some of them. I reckin tourists gotta hava drivin’ test an’ git a lockil licence before they allowed ta drive, We got windy roads, Steep roads. Old gravil roads, motorways an’ bluddy goat tracks, an’ single lane one way bridgis. An’ the powersthatbe jus’ let unsuspecting tourists drive aroun’ like they was on good safe roads back at home. Gawd gimme strength Dog.” Well, eye gotta say, this Eye Dog woodin’t like

it iffa Boss give me a ‘right hand’ wissil, wen he ment a ‘leff hand’ wissil, ana ‘stop’ wen he mint ‘go” eh? Or a ‘speek up’ wen’ he mint ‘give ‘em the eye’ Or ‘git ina front’, sted of ‘get in bluddy behind dog’. If I wen’ leff wen I shooda gone right, we’d wind up wiv sheep all up tha booeye, eh? “Yep Dog, we’d be up tha khyber shootin’ pukekos wiv a long handled shovel, eh”? seda Boss. Gawd but tha Boss can get konfusing! “Seriously tho Dog, an’ you deah,” he sed, as we sat down fer smoko wiv Sharlene, “Chuckin’ millions of dollas at breath-testin’ an people doin’ a cuppla miles ova tha limit, is just swatting flies wiv a cucumber.” There he goes agin. Makes a good point, then loses me. Roll ona good New Yeer. An’ safer roads. Eh? Cheers Billy

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES January 2015

Hoof Print

with Fred Hoekstra

HOOF TRIMMING SERVICES, EQUIPMENT & TRAINING

Utilising your staff In last month’s article I mentioned that according to Dairy NZ the average cost per lame cow is around $500, including lost production and treatment costs, and that on average 35% of your herd will be lame in a season. That means that for every 100 lame cows, you could be losing around $50,000 from lower production and treatment costs. So with dairy farmers needing to look very carefully at every dollar of expenditure right now, what is the best way to control your hoof trimming costs? And even if your staff has some spare time on their hands, is spending a couple of hours a day trimming hooves really the most profitable use of their time? Let’s take a look at some figures. If for example you had 100 lame cows and it takes your staff about one hour to trim five cows, then it would take them 20 hours to trim those cows. And if you were paying them $15 an hour then it would cost you about $300 to trim those cows. The other option is to get a professional trimmer in. They may charge you $15 per cow so the cost to treat these cows would now be $1,500. In other words by doing it yourself you could save $1,200, always assuming your staff member is highly trained and does a similar quality job as a professional trimmer. However — the

professional completed the job in five hours and has therefore just freed up your staff for around 15 hours to do other things. So what could your staff do with that 20 hours that could be more profitable for you? For a start they would need to concentrate on activities that reduce lameness. So, what should those activities be? One major cause of lameness is the lack of resting time. It’s well known that a lack of resting time leads to stress which means more lameness, along with other problems. So what can your staff do to ensure your cows get more rest by spending more time in the paddock? And remember that every case of lameness you can remove could save you around $500. In other words, if you make a few changes in your farm management and use the same staff member to implement those changes, you might reduce the number of lame cows in our example by up to 50% — saving yourself $25,000. Another thing you could do is to have smaller herds. But, I hear you say, smaller herds

Resting cows have less stress and less lameness

means more herds which require more staff time. Remember however, that you now have more labour hours available if your staff member is not trimming cows anymore. So to summarise — it’s well worthwhile considering these options

in your management plan because of the huge potential returns that they bring. I would be happy for you to email me at fred@veehof.co.nz if you would like to discuss your situation with me or call on 0800 833 463.

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January 2015

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Field Days have plenty to offer in Northland

They are back again, bigger, better, brighter and pretty much booked out. The Northland Field Days started life in 1985 on land near the town’s racecourse as a project run by the Dargaville Jaycees, and regardless of the pouring rain, it was a roaring success with some 80 exhibitors. So much so that nearing three decades on, it grows in numbers of exhibitors with each year. In 1986 permanent power was added to 60 sites, which provided a welcome facility for exhibitors. After a period of economic downturn, 1990 had a huge increase in attendance of both exhibitors and visitors. The event is of course the largest in Northland but is is also the second

largest agricultural event of its type in New Zealand, attracting exhibitors and visitors both national and internationally. Now administered by an incorporated society, registered with NZ Charities Commission the organisers annually make provision to provide community grants for scholarships and research aimed at reinvesting back into the rural sector. While the event eventually outgrew the Dargaville Jaycees, the entire project is primarily the work of dedicated volunteers supported by staff in the office. Wherever possible non-profit volunteer community groups are invited to be

A carnival atmosphere makes the Field Days a perfect place to bring the family for some fun

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It’s all about the traditional rural skills on display — here a shearer demonstrates the craft

part of the event which has become a major source of fundraising for some of these groups. In 2006 the land where the Northland Field Days is held now, was purchased by the society. Such is the extent of Northland field days that it almost dwarfs the town

“Totalspan were really on the ball. They answered all my questions and got the job completed on time and on budget.”

Heritage Barn with Woodshed 10.5m x 11m x 2.7m with Awning & 2 Roller Doors

of Dargaville, and is a huge economic boost for the district. This year marks the 31st Northland Field Days. It’s a far cry from 1985 when the Dargaville Jaycees came up with the idea of an event that would bring town and country together. In the office this year is administrator Meagan Edmonds who co-ordinates the lead up to the big event and performs the multitude of tasks necessary to make the field days’ complex arrangements result in a success. Last year, the event attracted more than

11 Multi-Purpose Storage Shed 10.5m x 8m x 3.6m with 3 Doors & Awning The Constant Angle Knife Sharpening System

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES January 2015

Pay attention!

around road works The huge Northland Field Days site is packed each year with the latest in rural innovations, alongside machinery, vehicles and displays

25,000 visitors and 550 exhibitors. Ms Edmonds says this year is tracking to be even more successful. “We’re just about booked out,” she says. “We’ve only a few outdoor sites left and some in the lifestyle pavilion. We’re a long way ahead of where we were last year.” She says most of last year’s exhibitors will be back, along with some new ones. Field Days are not just about farming. It is an ideal opportunity for many businesses to publicise their products and services to thousands of actual and potential customers. Ms Edmonds says field days will include an entertainment programme with details to be announced shortly. Family favourites such as the tractor pull, lawnmower racing and sheepdog trials will return. Spectator facilities will be improved with a safer pedestrian access from the

Roof moss, mould & lichen treatment Roof leak repair & re-screwing Barn & shed repair • Dairy washes Chimney sweeping • Gutter cleaning High & low pressure detergent wash Spider & fly treatments Interior/exterior painting Building work including decks, steps and most general requirements Jeremy Buxton Steve Slater Consultant Owner 021 082 90843 021 069 9495 buxton.jeremy@gmail.com stevevivslater@gmail.com

The tractor pull draws the crowds, as farmers and contractors match skills behind the wheel

car park, an enhanced entranceway and a new toilet block built. The 2015 Northland Field Days take place on February 26, 27 and

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28. For more information go to northlandfielddays.co.nz.

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January 2015 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

NZ’S LEADERS IN

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES January 2015

In the shed with Megan Fowlie

EITHER WAY IT’S 20K

Summer temperatures are soaring. Groundwater is getting warmer and there is added challenge to keep milk cool once in the vat so farmers across the region will be finding their on-farm refrigeration systems are put to the test.

Compliance rules will initially apply to new sheds, major upgrades, and sheds which are regularly non-compliant. Farmers with new sheds and major upgrades will know who they are. For farmers with existing sheds it’s a good

Good quality refrigeration assessments use accurate data collected from the individual farm refrigeration plant. Problem areas and times can be pinpointed so farmers know how they will fare under the new regime.

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TOTAL LAND RESTORATION Experienced, honest advice you can understand

Rather than risk financial disadvantage from spending too much up front or getting pinged with dairy company disincentives farmers can then plan ahead and have the time and knowledge to focus on what work needs to be completed before the regulations take effect. TRACTIN ON

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Phone Phil Bell

TD GL

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YOU NEVER KNOW WHAT’S AROUND THE CORNER

Peat Cultivation, Stump Grinding, Orchard Removal, Land Preperation & more

Difficulties meeting current milk temperature requirements this season may signal problems around the shed’s current capability to meet the tighter milk cooling regulations under the new NZCP1 Code of Practice for milk precooling and storage coming into force next year.

idea to know where they stand. Industry experts recommend getting a thorough audit of dairy refrigeration systems rather than leaving it to the last minute or spending too much in the hope that trouble spots will be sorted.

MInD yOur SPEED arOunD SCHOOL BuSES

ECO C

Regardless of whether temperature warnings are issued from the dairy company, any difficulties around getting milk cool down and collection temperatures where they ought to be should be heeded, now more so now than in previous years.

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Reach 30,300 Rural Homes • Phone 0800 466 793 56 Taupiri Street 56 Taupiri Street PO Box 217217 Te Kuiti PO Box Te Kuiti Phone 07 878 8343 Phone 07 878 8343

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Central Motors 8272

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• GENERAL REPAIRS • WOF SERVICE • TUNE-UPS • EFI REPAIRS • LUBES SCAN TOOL DIAGNOSIS • AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE & REPAIRS Manager Peter Cranch: 027 442 0219 Phone: (07) 883 8272 Fax: (07) 883 8165 Email: putarurutowing@xtra.co.nz

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EarthmovErs and cartagE contractors

Australian-made Hydraulic Woodsplitters

Dust Suppression Agent 200/20L plus GST

950/200L plus GST

Ph: 021 156 1049 | jasonr@elementrm.co.nz www.elementrm.co.nz

Mobiles Mobiles Brodie 0000 Brodie027 027 459 459 0000 Jordan 027291 291 6692 Keat 027 6692

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For Sale STOLEN QUAD-BIKES? — You won’t find any listed here, but you can pre-empt this kind of thing happening and protect your fuel too. Visit www. parabeam.co.nz or call 0508 727 223 for more information. Animal Health Products HIGH CELL Count? Apple Cider Vinegar, Garlic & Manuka Honey 20L - $49.95, 200L - $450 or 1000L - $2000 + GST with free delivery. Black Type Minerals Ltd. Phone 021 185 1501. www.blacktypeminerals.co.nz Energy Efficient DO YOU LIVE IN A WINDY SPOT? 3 phase wind turbines starting at $2,200 includes 450 watt turbine, 6m pole, charge controller and inverter, Batteries not included. Ring Colin at Windpower Waikato 0274 831 041 or A/H 07 843 7983. Email colin@windpowerwaikato.co.nz Rural Services CONCRETE TANK Specialist. Water, effluent, septic tanks. Price quoted, delivered to site. Buy Direct. Phone 0800 487 633. FARM BRIDGES Phone Pat now 0800 222 189, Bridge It NZ Ltd. Visit www.bridgeitnz.co.nz

January 2015 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

FREE DELIVERY ORDERS OVER $10 00

Retailer of Rural Piping and Farm Supplies

0800 RURAL DIRECT LDPE water pipe Rural Nominal Bore Pipe

25mm x 200m 116PSI

$345.00

ID nominal bore

Pressure $ per 100m $ per 200m rating (PSI)

15mm 130 $ 76

$148

20mm 116 $141

$275

25mm

$182

$345

32mm

$223

$434

40mm

$264

$514

50mm

$346

$674

Price

200mm

6.6mm

$ 99.00

250mm

7.7mm

$135.00

315mm

9.7mm

$240.00

$ per 100m

$ per 200m

25mm

$127.00

$248.00

32mm

$159.00

$310.00

40mm

$216.00

$421.00

50mm

$325.00

$634.00

63mm

$495.00

$965.00

Thru Post Gudgeon 20mm x 275mm

Made with 100% recycled materials

Screw Gudgeon

6 90mm $8.55 per metre 110mm $11.68 per metre 75mm $

.87 per metre

Spring Latch & Staple

Hard-wearing LDPE suits AG camlocks

.55

per metre

400L $155.00 $185.00

199

.00

600L $205.00 $235.00 Black only

389.00

HANSEN SUPERflo Piston Trough Valve

STEEL Y POSTS 1.65m 7 Hole

5.99

20mm and 25mm

each

With ballcocks

200L $128.00 $158.00

63mm x 50m $

PLASTIC TROUGHS Bare

63mm x 100m

Suitable for above ground use.

Manufactured in New Zealand

DRAG hose

90mm

6 $6 $

20mm x 200mm

LDPE IRRIGATOR DRAG HOSE

8 BAR RATED - SUITS CAMLOCKS

Lock Thru Post Gudgeon $ 13

Joiners and custom fittings available

EFFLUENT pipe

20mm x 275mm

Extruded from ultra tough HDPE plastic Length

9 Bar Rural Pressure Pipe

Other pressure ratings also available Suits compression and electrofusion fittings

ENVIRO CULVERT pipe Wall

MDPE pressure pipe Outside diameter

Anka & Hansen fittings available

Dia OD

ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST

Ball Valve Stainless Handle

$25

15mm$ 8.00 20mm$12.00 25mm$16.00

VALID to 20 February 2015 WAIKATO BRANCH

4813 State Highway 29, Hinuera Phone (07) 888 1593 Fax (07) 888 1594 Email matamata@ruraldirect.net.nz

Shop Hours:

Weekdays Saturdays

8am - 5pm 9am - 12 noon

100% NZ owned and operated

All items in this advertisement are while stocks last. Phone Rural Direct for conditions of delivery. ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST.