Waikato Farming Lifestyles, June 2014 by Integrity Community Media

Waikato

FARMING Lifestyles

June 2014 Edition

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

Winner set sights on dairy career from a young age P4

Speaking up for Kiwi farmers

Top steak a reward for persistence — and love P6

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

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

Graphic Design: Gavin Bainbridge Jan Balcombe Paul Bakulich James Menzies

Production: Brenda Ilton Viv Webb

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Waikato Farming Lifestyles Distribution area

Keeping to traditional values by Joanne Speechly

NorthSouth Multi Media launches its new brand this month, Integrity Community Media.

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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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What our readers and advertisers expect and what we aspire to every day The publisher of two community and five rural newspapers throughout New Zealand, including Waikato Farming Lifestyles, aims to highlight the link and common set of core values these publications share. “The dictionary definition of integrity is ‘firm adherence to a code of values’, and this truly reflects the aspirations and intentions that are at the foundation of all NorthSouth Multi Media publications,” says managing director, Allan Mortensen. “Integrity is something we believe our readers and advertisers expect and something we as a company aspire to every day. In the world of the information superhighway, too much has been lost in the frenetic pace of modern media.”

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For NorthSouth Multi Media, adherence to long established publishing values is important, and accuracy in reporting and sourcing material is paramount, as is the presentation of all publications. “We believe in established fact, in correct spelling, in commas, quotation marks and full stops. Old fashioned values — ‘full stop’. “These values constitute the benchmark we set for ourselves, for our writers, our designers, our client services teams, and most of all — our readers. NorthSouth Multi Media is a mirror in which the community reflects itself and that reflection will be true — without distortion.” NorthSouth Multi Media is 100% New Zealand owned and operated, and Mr Mortensen says that in an age where international outsourcing is prevalent within the newspaper publishing industry — NorthSouth Multi Media is proud to provide jobs for New Zealanders. Waikato

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2014

New code to speed up innovation by Joanne Speechly

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organisations, the speed of innovation will surely increase. That’s great news for farmers and New Zealand’s rural sector as a whole.” Although it is a dairy initiative, the Farm Data Code of Practice is relevant to all New Zealand farmers. Federated Farmers President, Bruce Wills, said that organisations’ adherence to the new code will give farmers peace-of-mind. “Farmers share a lot of valuable and confidential information every day with everyone from their farm consultant to their fertiliser company. Organisations adopting the Code of Practice are able to demonstrate their information management systems are secure, reliable and up to the task.” The Farm Data Code of Practice was developed over a two-year period in consultation with around 60 rural organisations and 200 industry professionals and farmers. For more information on the Farm Data Code of Practice, visit www. farmdatacode.org.nz or phone DairyNZ on 0800 4 DAIRYNZ.

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Launched this month, the code outlines steps organisations must take to safeguard farmers’ data, and adoption and implementation of the code is expected to improve how farm information is shared and used. The Farm Data Code of Practice was funded by New Zealand dairy farmers through DairyNZ, and also the Ministry for Primary Industries and FarmIQ and is part of the Transforming the Dairy Value Chain programme. DairyNZ CEO, Dr Tim Mackle, said widespread adoption of the Code of Practice will increase the security of information, the speed and ease with which it is shared and long-term, adoption should encourage a faster rate of innovation in the agricultural sector. “At the moment, farm data is not moving between organisations in the volumes it could — often due to differences in data definitions, the need for multiple data entry or complex integration software. “By increasing the rate at which data can securely move between service

June 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

N N E I R W SET SIGHTS

on dairy career

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New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year, Ruth Hone, lives by the saying ‘opportunity comes to those who apply themselves’.

s the first woman to win this award in the competition’s 25year history, Ruth set her sights on a career in the dairy industry from a very young age. “My parents are dairy farmers and I believe I was born and bred to be a dairy farmer,” said Ruth. “I have never wanted to do anything else.” The 24-year-old graduated from Massey University with a Bachelor of

Applied Science majoring in Agriculture, three years ago. “I went to Massey to get a solid theoretical background which I could build on practically.” Now in her third season in the dairy industry, Ruth is working as a dairy assistant on Ross and Michelle Davison’s 250-cow, 120ha farm near Taupo. During her first year, Ruth was second-in-charge on a 550-cow farm

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near Waipukurau in Hawke’s Bay. She then went on to become a trainee manager with 300 cows, split calving, near Norsewood. Last winter Ruth spent five months overseas before taking up her current position in September 2013. Ruth particularly enjoys the diversity that dairy farming delivers, working with animals and the elements. “No day is ever the same,” she said. The progression opportunities within the industry to become self-employed are another big drawcard. “It really excites me that we as New Zealand

dairy farmers are feeding the world.” Ruth aims to be low-order sharemilking on her parents’ 670-cow Taupo farm within the next four years. She has also set a goal to build up to 50 percent in seven years, and to be in a position to buy the farm in 12 years. “I have a financial plan to ensure this will happen.” Setting goals and achieving them is not only restricted to work however as Ruth is also an accomplished sportswoman. Horses are a huge part of her life outside of dairy farming and she has racked up some major wins in

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2014

Photo courtesy Andrew Warner

Dairy Trainee of the Year Ruth Hone

the show-jumping arena. She also hunts with her horses during the winter, is the captain of a ladies backyard tennis club, is a member of the Taupo Harriers Club, has just completed her first marathon, and is chairperson of the Tihoi Western Bays Young Farmers Club. “It is important for me to push myself outside my comfort zone for a sense of achievement and personal growth.” Ruth began studying in November as soon as she entered the Dairy Industry Awards. “I tried to leave no stone unturned, therefore I would have known I had given it my best shot.” She also made sure to take on board the judges’ comments in the feedback.

Ruth said it was an honour to have achieved a goal she set since joining the industry three years ago. “It’s great all the hard work, discipline and focus paid off. “I am very thankful to those who have helped and supported me. “It has been humbling all the support I have received since winning.” Ruth strongly encourages others to enter the Dairy Trainee of the Year competition. “It’s a fantastic learning and mentoring opportunity. “The feedback you receive on your knowledge base and your goal is invaluable, and will help with your future success.”

Horses are a huge part of Ruth’s life

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June 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

SPEAKING UP FOR KIWI FARMERS BY COLIN PATTERSON

ns Northland farmer, James Parso is chairman of Beef and Lamb New Zealand, the organisation beef that represents the country’s ates and lamb farmers and coordin eep marketing of New Zealand sh ts. meat and wool in foreign marke

“New Zealand’s got some of the world’s best farmers in terms of converting grass into protein. I want farmers to get the benefit of that and ensure more of the value they create is captured by them.” Mr Parsons is from a fifth-generation Northland farming family. After leaving Kaitaia College, he spent a year building

in Auckland before shepherding in the Nelson Lakes. He then completed a Diploma in Farm Management at Lincoln University. In 2001 he bought the family’s 370ha sheep and beef farm from his father. A year later he married Janine, a registered nurse. They now have three sons.

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After 12 years at Broadwood he sold the farm last year and in conjunction with his brother and one other shareholder bought a 478ha property in the Tangowahine Valley, 30 minutes from Dargaville. Mr Parsons’ involvement in farm politics began when he joined Meat and Wool NZ’s local farm management committee and became active in Federated Farmers. In early 2009 he was elected to the board of Meat and

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Wool NZ, which subsequently changed its name to Beef and Lamb NZ. Last year he became its chairman. As chairman Mr Parsons plays a key role in engaging with government and other industry bodies. “We’re about helping farmers make informed business decisions and promoting their collective interests.” He says providing good information is crucial to helping his members. “We’re involved in research and development,

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2014

“Public perception that our farmers are rolling in it because of high international commodity prices are wide off the mark,” says Mr Parsons.

farmer extension, while our economic service gives farmers credible economic information. “Public perception that our farmers are rolling in it because of high international commodity prices are wide off the mark, says Mr Parsons. “The average sheep and beef farm has $3 million or $4 million in capital tied up in it. But the forecast average is $113,000 profit. There are easier ways to make a buck. Farmers work incredibly hard.” And while farmers have done well in recent years, there is still room for improvement. “The best farmers are

Janine and James Parsons with two of their sons Matthew and Joseph with their ewe hoggets on their Northland farm

really good business people. We want to give farmers better business skills to deliver more productivity.” He is also aware that farming is becoming a greying industry, with the high

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cost of farm land making it difficult for young people to buy farms. Mr Parsons agrees the age breakdown of farming is an issue and says Beef and Lamb NZ is holding succession workshops.

“It’s about giving older farmers ways of releasing their equity. Farmers tend to be conservative. When they sell they want to sell it all. We suggest they sell shares. Some younger people can borrow $500,000 to $1 million. That’s enough for a share but not full ownership.” On the battleground of international trade Mr Parsons is vocal in his support for lower tariffs. “For every cattle beast we slaughter, farmers pay $115 in tariffs. There’s a 40% tariff for beef to Korea, while for Japan it’s 38.5%.” Mr Parsons concedes middlemen and retailers might not pass on all the benefit of lower tariffs. But he says experience shows farmers receive twothirds of the benefits accrued from lower tariffs, while lower prices paid by consumers are likely to increase demand for our products, which benefits all New Zealanders. “If we had to pay tariffs on lamb exported to the European Union, New Zealand would be $1 billion poorer.” Farmers have made it through global financial crisis and international economic downturn in good shape. Their prospects therefore look good, with international markets likely to improve still further. But Mr Parsons says farmers still need to remain relevant and ensure they only produce what their customers want. “There’s no silver bullet. It’s about doing a lot of simple things well.”

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June 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

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Remineralisation: the secret to soil success Remineralisation has been shown to cause a phenomenal growth of the micro-organisms in the soil. It increases the nutrient uptake of plants and it counters the effects of soil acidity, prevents soil erosion, increases the storage capacity of the soil and contributes to the building of precious humus complexes. Plants and trees become highly resistant to insects, disease, frost and drought. For agriculture: in 1976 John Hamaker spread rockdust on part of his ten acres with no irrigation and his corn produced 65 bushels per acre compared to yields of under 25 bushels from other local farmers. Dr Hamaker estimates that on fully remineralised soil American agriculture could grow four times as much food as it is capable of now with no pesticides or chemical fertilisers. The key to topsoil restoration is finely ground rock charged with micro-organisms. Basalt and granite are two of the best. Rockdust is the fundamental component of the new topsoil. This rockdust can restore only a fraction of the original topsoil which was formed over many years of geological processes. Consequently rockdust needs to be reapplied to meet ongoing nutritional needs of the plants and micro-organisms. Many aspects of conventional agriculture impede or prevent soil aggregation (the binding together of soil particles) leaving soil particles susceptible to erosion. The use of rockdust is essential in encouraging the various soil dwelling creatures that are responsible for aggregation, especially worms. The human race must soon realise that our most important natural resource is topsoil — starvation will be our only future if we allow it to be degraded beyond repair. Under our feet is the resource that can change the world, reduce sickness and ensure food security. There is an urgent need to rejuvenate the soil and remineralisation with rockdust is the first step. Introducing micro-organisms into the equation is the next step. The combination of minerals and microbes in the soil is paramount for the survival of all life above the soil.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2014

June 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

DROVING DAYS BY DENISE GUNN

Bill and Gill Pullen spent several years on the road droving cattle around the North Island.

ith a background of high country mustering in the South Island, droving, and managing sheep and beef farms, Bill’s stockmanship skills were sought after by many farmers needing their cattle moved. Gill first met Bill when she was working on a dairy farm in Te Awamutu. “He was taking his dog to the vet in Cambridge, and called into use the phone,” said Gill. “I was covered in mud and must have looked like a drowned rat in the pouring rain, but can’t have looked too bad as he called back that afternoon and asked me out.” The couple’s droving life together began in 1974 after managing

sheep and beef stations in the King Country. “We bought a 21 foot caravan and a Dodge truck to tow it with, and moved back to Gisborne where we could get work,” said Gill. Gill was born and raised in Gisborne. Her father owned an orchard before he became a publican. “I grew up in the country at Hexton, then at Tatapouri on the East Coast. “When I was 13, we shifted to Waikanae Hotel, just north of Wellington.” After leaving school, Gill worked in hotels for a couple of years before returning to Gisborne to train as a veterinary nurse. Bill, Gill and their two young sons, Roy and Ian, made the caravan their

home with a temporary base at the Gisborne Showgrounds. “Bill would go out to the saleyards each day where he could pick up mobs easily enough, through the stock agents or the buyers themselves. “To start with, we did short trips around the Gisborne area until we finally got a big mob to take through to Cambridge. “After that mob we took them right through to Te Kauwhata.” Some of the droving jobs lasted for just a few weeks, but the larger mobs would take up to half a year. “We would take about 430 on our own but the bigger mobs of 700 cattle, we would have another man to help.”

Gill said droving with young children had its ups and downs, especially having a baby in cloth nappies. Her daily routine would include driving the truck with the caravan ahead of the mob, and waiting for the drovers to catch up for their smoko. Then it was time to move ahead, park up and get lunch ready. Gill would also try and get the clothes and nappies washed, using a river if there was one handy, otherwise the baby bath. “I would hang everything on the fences to dry but would have to get it all in before the cattle arrived.” Washing would then be hung out again at the next stop. If it was raining,

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A website for farmers & rural communities across New Zealand

Got surplus gear or livestock to sell? Got a vacancy for a farm worker? Need help or advice from other farmers around the country? Looking to buy or sell rural real estate? Want to keep up to date with events in your farming community?

• • •

A typical washing line

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2014

Gill with sons, Roy and Ian, at Whitianga Bay

the washing was hung up in the caravan and in the back of the truck. Gill said wet weather was the most difficult part of droving with children. “It was winter when the mobs were on the road so as to arrive at the farms in time for the spring growth. “The best part was being in a different place every night, new views, new people to meet and talk to everyday. “The kids had plenty of space to play and we were with them every moment every day.” When Gill was pregnant with their third son, Guy, she stayed on the farm that they had been working on for the summer. Bill went out on his last droving job then secured a permanent position on a sheep and cattle station when he returned. “We spent four years at Kaikohe managing the family farm, then in 1983 we went to manage Otiwhiti Station.” The couple spent 16 years on Otiwhiti Station near Hunterville. Bill worked as manager and Gill took on the book-keeping, accounts and GST responsibilities, as well as organising the running of the cook house, gardens and a small dairy unit. “We finally bought our own place, 600 acres at Rangiwahia in 1998, but unfortunately we were not there long before Bill had a stroke,” said Gill. “After months of rehab, he returned to the farm but found it too hard to manage

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the stock work or crutching the sheep, so we sold the farm.” The couple then bought a small lifestyle block at Pohangina. “We regrassed, re-fenced, built new yards, and got it up-to-date, but by then we were getting itchy feet to travel again.” After a couple of long road trips around Australia, Bill and Gill decided to retire. They sold everything, had an eight metre Trail-Lite van built, and travelled around New Zealand for the next three years. “We have now bought a home in Hunterville but are only here a few months in the winter, as we go south every year and pick fruit down in Central Otago. Gill said this has been a great way to stay fit and it has helped Bill to get all his limbs functioning to full strength. “Motorhoming is our life now, and we love it and all the people we meet.”

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June 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

Top steak a reward for persistence — and love BY COLIN PATTERSON

WHEN IT COMES TO PRODUCING QUALITY STEAK COLIN BROWN IS OFFICIALLY THE BEST IN THE COUNTRY.

r Brown, who farms near Lake Karapiro just out of Cambridge, has been named Grand Champion in the 2014 Beef and Lamb New Zealand Steak of Origin competition. The competition aims to find the country’s most tender and tasty sirloin steak. It attracts hundreds of entries from beef producers up and down the country.

What makes Mr Brown’s success all the more amazing is that he’s a latecomer to beef production. Up to 10 years ago he worked fulltime in information technology. He was just a hobby farmer. “I always had a few acres of land. My wife Keryn was into horses. I always loved beef animals and cattle.” After deciding to leave the bright lights of IT, Mr Brown headed into the (largely) unknown world of beef production for a

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Colin Brown (second from right) holds his Steak of Origin trophy) with Beef and Lamb NZ chairman James Parsons, Olympian Sarah Walker and Paralympian Sophie Pascoe

living. “I started with Simmentals and have now gone full circle to Beef Angus. Having just 75 acres of land on his property called Lake Farm Mr Brown has always run a tight operation. “I don’t have more than 100 cows at any one time. Our wieners get raised in the Mamaku Ranges from eight months until they are ready for slaughter (between 15 and 24 months).” He admits there’s been a steep learning curve, coming to grips with the do’s and don’ts in an industry of which he previously only had a passing acquaintance. “There have been a huge number of mistakes. Sometimes for every two steps forward, there has been one step back. But if you don’t

mistakes, you haven’t learned anything.” However, Mr Brown says focussing on quality has been a consistent priority which has brought rewards. “We’ve been obsessive about breeding highquality animals.” As to what makes his steak better than anyone else’s, Mr Brown is not quite sure. But he believes his success comes from a combination of good breeding and good quality feed. But one other ingredient is also crucial. “There’s a huge amount of love. We care for our animals and they are comfortable here.” The free-draining soils of the Waikato also provide an ideal environment for breeding and raising beef.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2014

Some of Colin Brown’s Angus cattle enjoying the lush pastures of Lake Farm

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Colin and Keryn Brown with their plaque for winning Steak of Origin 2014

Even before he entered Steak of Origin, Mr Brown had hit upon the Internet as a vehicle for marketing his beef products. Mr Brown says customers who buy online can also be assured that their purchase will arrive fresh. Lake Farm beef is shipped chilled in aluminiumlined cooler bags, and includes ice packs to keep the meat cool. The bags are recyclable and reusable. Lake Farm ships all orders by courier once a month. “We can get orders to anyone in the country within one or two days.” He says selling on the Internet is the ultimate test of quality. The fact that customers keep coming back shows they are happy with what the team at Lake Farm produces. Mr Brown has been entering the Steak of Origin for the last six years and has already enjoyed considerable success. “I’ve made the semi-finals five times and the finals four times”. Mr Brown had no hesitation in entering the 2014 competition. “This competition is unique in the world. It’s a way to validate the quality of our beef.” Winning the top prize came as a shock to Mr Brown. “I always love to make it to the semi-finals. If I hadn’t

got any further I would have been happy. Winning is just extraordinary.” He received a trophy, a plaque and a cheque for $6,500. At age 64, Mr Brown has no regrets about turning his back on IT. “I just love what I’m doing. He intends staying around for Steak of Origin 2015. “If we make the semifinals I’d be just as thrilled as we were this year.”

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2014

Goat industry poised for take-off New Zealand’s goat sector has taken a positive step towards a profitable, sustainable future following the conclusion of the inaugural NZGoats conference, held in Queenstown last month. “For the first time, the event brought together three organisations representing the New Zealand goat fibre and goat meat sectors: Mohair New Zealand (Inc.); Meat Goat New Zealand and the New Zealand Boer Goat Breeders Association (Inc.),” says NZGoats chairperson Dawn Sangster. “The event marked the first conference of NZGoats, an organisation established by Mohair NZ and Meat Goat New Zealand and operating under the Federated Farmers umbrella. The objective is to add value by fostering the development of a reinvigorated and unified goat sector,” says Ms Sangster. The value of open dialogue on common issues was seen as a good opportunity to build the goat industry in New Zealand. The event provided the first occasion for some years for Boer goat breeders to meet their Mohair colleagues face-to face. The 2014 conference was fortunate to have a number of high calibre industry speakers providing reports of practical use to goat farmers. “Presentations challenged those attending to think critically about their industry and how they can work with others in the value chain to farm goats sustainably and profitably,” explained Meat Goat New Zealand chairman Doug Lineman.

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While the NZ goat industry has realistic challenges to overcome before a sustainable and profitable sector on equal footing with sheep and beef or dairy farming is realised, this event marked an important first step. “Goat farming is very well placed to capitalise on environmental constraints likely to increasingly impact New Zealand’s wider pastoral farming system. We believe the industry has a very bright future indeed,” says Mohair New Zealand chair John Woodward.

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June 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

National Fieldays

Wet weather can’t dowse Fieldays’ success The 2014 Fieldays were a big success with almost 120,000 visitors passing through the gate at Hamilton’s Mystery Creek Events Centre, despite continual rain during the first two days. More than 32,000 came to the event’s final day held beneath blue Waikato skies. Fieldays chief executive Jon Calder said it was a fitting end for the 46th annual Fieldays. “I particularly wish to commend the stand-out effort from all our staff and volunteers, their positive attitude right through from the early hours of Wednesday morning when fierce winds and rain could have threatened our event, and their constant ability and readiness to roll up their sleeves and just make things happen. “I’d like to thank our exhibitors, particularly those who stepped up and

made amazing award-winning sites, for helping us put on another great event for 2014. The relevance of this year’s Premier Feature theme has been very evident throughout the event and appears to have fit really well with the sector and our international visitors. It indicates Fieldays plays an integral part in New Zealand’s agribusiness. The growing number of innovation entries was well up on last year, signifying Fieldays core purpose — advancing primary industry.” The final days brought a number of important events to a close, including fencing championships, the excavator

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2014

National Fieldays

competition, the Rural Bachelor of the Year and tractor pull competitions. Jeff Peek from Morrinsville won the title of Fieldays 2014 Bachelor of the Year and was ecstatic to take away the Golden Gumboot Trophy. The Fieldays mobile app was another success, having over 31,000 page views. Exhibitors say that even if the wet weather caused a decline in attendances, plenty of business was done. They say most of the decline came from casual attendees based in the city. Those who came for business refused

to let a little wet weather get in their way. Margaret Bishop from Newman Engineering in Dargaville said her stall did plenty of business. “It went really well. People were glad that we were there and they had the money to buy what they needed.” Mrs Bishop says incinerators were their company’s biggest selling item, possibly reflecting the needs of an increasing number of lifestyle block owners. The 2014 Fieldays were the 10th she has taken part in. “It was well worth it. We’re thrilled. We’ve got a huge amount of work and there’ll be sales after the fact.”

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

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Innovation headlines Fieldays Budding Kiwi innovators have been praised by investors and business leaders for their brilliant solutions to agricultural problems at the 2014 National Fieldays. Nine innovators from across the country pitched their innovations in front of over 100 investors and business leaders at the Fieldays Innovation Den powered by SODA Inc. DTexH2o took out the SODA Inc Most Viable Business prize worth $15,000. Their innovative dairy milking alarm system detects wash-up water in the milk line before it enters the vat, ensuring no loss of milk quality and reducing wastage. “As an outsider from the Waikato we never thought we would have a chance of winning, so this is absolutely wonderful. It shows the Innovation Den is a national initiative for agri-innovation,” says Graeme Franklin of DTexH20.

As seen at the National Fieldays

Airplex Industries, 132 Portage Rd Otahuhu, Auckland

LiquidStrip won the Gallagher Brilliant Simplicity award, taking away $3,000 cash for their continuous filtration system designed to separate liquids and solids from dairy waste effluent. LiquidStrip founder Greg Morgan says the award is a wonderful achievement. “It is no easy task to start up a business and be Innovation Den winner Alison Franklin explains her invention to an audience of the country’s most a part of the wider solution influential farmers and entrepreneurs via innovation.” Fieldays chief executive Jon incredibly proud of. Congratulations Calder says innovation runs to the to all entrants and winners.” He says central core of what Fieldays is all SODA’s collaboration with Fieldays about and what makes New Zealand Innovations gives innovators a pathway a successful agricultural nation. to take their inventions from the garage, “The Innovation Den is something we’re lab or paddock to the world stage.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2014

National Fieldays

Fencing skills on show

New Zealand National Fencing Championships (NZFC) Judge Colin Brown shows the finer points of fencing using hand tools to a young man considering entering the New Zealand National Fencing Championships next year, pointing out the 45 degree angle on the staples, the use of quarter rounds, and advising sharpening and oiling the spade blade precompetition for ease of use. Brown has been judging the competitions for about 11 years and competed for 18 years before that, so it would be hard to find a better advisor. There were three forms of fencing on show at Fieldays this year. Two competitions profile traditional skills in a sporting-like approach, while the

Fencing Demo Area provides an upclose, hands-on experience to get tips from an expert. In the New Zealand National Fencing Championships, Daniel Hunt won the Bill Schuler Novice Round on Wednesday, with Jack Richardson in second, then Jamie Graham in third place.

The Wiremark® Golden Pliers® was won again by the experienced Shane Bouskill, a tutor at Smedley Station. Bouskill learned fencing from his father, teaching his son in turn — Tony Bouskill competed this year too. The Fairbrothers Speed Fencing competition is aimed at contractors and farmers. What is fast? In the Singles Competition on Wednesday, top contestants nailed 15 battens in less than 11 minutes. While the emphasis is on being quick, quality is also taken into account. The Fairbrother Speed

Fencing awards were announced on Saturday. Winning $1,000 in the Singles was Simon Green in first place, Jeff Joines won $500 in second place, and Jared Nicholson won $300 in third. In the Doubles, Simon Green and Jared Nicholson won $1,000. NZFC Silver Spades Doubles Championship title went to father and son team of Paul and Jason Van Beers. NZFC Fieldays Silver Staples Youth Doubles competition was won by Smedley Station cadets Wilton Weeks and Tyler Morrison.

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June 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

WHERE RURAL P With winter upon us, now is the time to start thinking about a holiday. While a pacific island holiday appeals to most, it’s important not to forget that New Zealand has so many beautiful places to visit and exciting adventures to be had. Whether the North or the South Island appeals to you, we have collected up some ideas of where you could head on your next holiday.

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Colonial Motel

ENDED MM

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ENDED MM

REC O

• Quiet suburban location, 3.5km to city centre • 11 ground-level units. Studio, 1, 2, 3-brm units, 2 bedsits • Free WiFi (Conditions apply). Off-street parking. • Handy to Otago Peninsula, Forsyth Barr Stadium. • Tariff: from $95 (2 person). Group & long term rates on application

REC O

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You’ll be right next to Kaikoura Golf Club, just 5 minutes from Kaikoura township with its exciting Whale Watch, Dolphin Encounter or fishing adventures or a quiet walk to the Pacific Ocean beach. Our luxury 5 star Kaikoura accommodation offers 1 or 2 bedroom ensuite apartments and ensuite studio rooms ideal for couples and families wanting a relaxing Kaikoura holiday retreat or for those enroute between Picton, Nelson, Marlborough and Christchurch on their South Island tours.

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Locally owned and operated, T ED R RA 10 0 the Oxford Court Motel offers USE out of you affordable family friendly accommodation. For quick trip through, Family holiday, or a week long business trip, you’ve come to the right place. Located in the heart of Richmond, Oxford Court Motel is just a short drive away from Nelson City and is surrounded by many of the Tasman’s scenic attractions to give you a perfect escape.

73 Oxford St, Richmond, Nelson P: 03 544 8003 | Free: 0800 351 352 www.oxfordcourtmotel.co.nz

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2014

PEOPLE HOLIDAY Asure Kaimai View Motel

14 Superior Ground Floor Units

Opito Bay — Coromand

• 6 Spa bath units • Studios, 1 & 2 bedroom units • Cooked/continental breakfast • Free Wireless broadband internet access • Within walking distance of town centre

Photo courtesy Meliss

a Aubroeck

Reservations: 0800 200 355

REC O

362 Western Hills Drive, (SH1) Whangarei. Ph: (09) 430 8634 Email: bkpl@ihug.co.nz www.pohutukawalodge.co.nz

ENDED MM

Very quiet location next to a superb beach. Walking distance to shops, dining & ferry. Many wonderful walks nearby & 10mins to Hot Water beach & Cathedral Cove. 2 kayaks & use of a bar/pool room complimentary. Lovely landscaped garden & private guest barbeque/dining area.

Pets by request

Nestled in expansive park like grounds KERIKERI PARK MOTEL is a Qualmark 4 star plus property offering spacious self-contained studio and 1bdrm units. A quiet tranquil setting, off the beaten track but also close to Kerikeri town center. All units have full kitchens, their own en suites with fully tiled bathrooms, and all our luxury units have Super King size beds and spa baths. Collect Flybuy points.

Come and stay with us “Where nothing is ever too much trouble”

Reservations: 0800 800 500 494B Kerikeri Rd, Kerikeri, Bay of Islands Ph: 09 407 7464 Email: kerikeriparkmotel@xtra.co.nz www.kerikeriparkmotel.co.nz

Children Friendly Ph: 07 867 1695 3 Endeavour Place, Cooks Beach, Whitianga

enjoy your stay

Airport Motel at Rainbow Point REC O

Cnr Lake Terrace and Rainbow Drive, Taupo Ph: 07 378 9681 ENDED MM

ENDED MM

E: stay@airportmoteltaupo.co.nz www.airportmoteltaupo.co.nz

Online reservations www.ramadaorewa.co.nz/reservations or call toll free (NZ) on 0800 843 628

This apartment hotel is independently owned and operated. Ramada Worldwide Inc.

Ph: 07 549 0398 • Fax:07 549 3684 E: motel@kaimaiview.co.nz www.kaimaiview.co.nz

Download the Asure mobile app from the Apple Store and Google Play

in the mighty Waikato

Fully refurbished home with fresh clean lines, upmarket conveniences on a well manicured section with 180deg views. Water skiing, lakes, trout fishing or a romantic getaway with luxury spa. 10 mins from all amenities. Be it shopping, adventure or peace, quiet and relaxation, for that special holiday we have the best of both and are happy to discuss any needs. Situated 5 mins from bird sanctuary, 5 mins from lakes, 25 mins from Tirau, Cambridge, 40 mins from Rotorua and Waitomo Caves.

Ask for Allan Ph: 07 579 0085 Mobile: 021 606 180

Email: allancoombes@xtra.co.nz

Beachaus: Raglan Holiday Home

REC O

Come and enjoy all the comforts of home at the edge of the great lake, between Taupo’s town centre and airport. Choose from a variety of studios and one and two-bedroom units, designed and appointed with your comfort in mind, all our units are located on the ground level with their own outdoor seating area, ideal for couples, families and business guests. • On-site conference facilities • Short walk to the lake and boat ramp • Outstanding comfort and hospitality • Plenty of secure parking for cars, boats and trailers

Reservations: 0800 106 006

Leave the rest to us Relax in your orewa beach village location with ocean views from every apartment, free Wi-Fi, 50+ Sky TV Channels, heated lap pool, sauna and gym. Secure parking, easy beach cafe and restaurant access.

84 Main Road, Katikati 3129

Arapuni Retro Cottage REC O

THE MOUSE HOUSE

• Modern & sophisticated • LCD TV’s • DVD Players • CD Players • Wireless Broadband • Swimming Pool • And MORE! Reservations: 0800 542 642 More about us: www.kaimaiview.co.nz

Situated right in the heart of Whale Bay this stunning beach house sits north-facing to optimise the panoramic views of the sea and coast, and all-day sunshine. Just 30 seconds walk to the surf, watch the surfers go by from the top deck or lounge in the private spa pool below. Beachaus is situated on a full tree lined site, private and peaceful, but only 5 minutes drive to the cafe culture, restaurants and designer wares and artworks of Raglan town. High-quality towels, linen and bedding, basic pantry stocks, and a complimentary bottle of New Zealand wine supplied.

Contact: Angela Mead Ph: 07 825 0351 • Mob: 021 423 224 Email: s.mead@ecoast.co.nz

Twin Rivers Motel was appropriately named, as Taumarunui lies at the confluence of the Ongarue and Whanganui Rivers, and is perfectly positioned at the gateway to our awe inspiring region. Conveniently located within a short walk to the CBD, restaurants, cafes and directly opposite the RSA Club. Twin Rivers Motel consists if 12 ground level units and offers guests the choice of 9 studios, two 1 bedroom units, or one 2 bedroom villa, all fully selfcontained and serviced daily. 23 Marae Street, Taumarunui Phone 07 895 8063 Email: twinriversmotel@xtra.co.nz www.twinrivers.co.nz

June 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

e t a v o n e r r o d l To bui

Top tradespeople offer peace of mind The industry has changed over the last couple of years in some major ways, but the core message from our local qualified tradespeople remains the same. Do your homework — only enlist the best — and make sure you are covered for any eventuality further down the track. This is all the more pertinent now, with the knock-on implications of hiring unqualified and unlicensed workers being felt across the country. Landmark cases in Christchurch and Auckland have revealed that those who have

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illegal additions and ‘suspect’ plumbing and wiring may struggle with insurance claims — or even with selling their home. Buyers are becoming more canny, and as councils crack down on non-compliant ‘cowboys’ the onus is definitely on the

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customer to ensure a job well done. It all starts with a simple question. Many Kiwis are quite shy about asking to see trades people’s qualifications, or even asking for references before they allow them to take the saw and hammer to their biggest asset. The escutcheon of a top trade organisation like the Certified Builders, or the endorsement of a trade body such as those which govern glaziers or plumbers, goes a long way to ensuring peace of mind. That’s not to say that those tradies who aren’t part of an over-arching organisation are any less skilled and qualified. In all cases, ask about the qualification, certification and history of the folks you’re dealing with. Another vital point arises when the job you want to undertake is a big one. Some people are now hiring project managers for residential builds and

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add-ons. Years ago, a project manager would only have been used on a large construction site — but today a PM’s seal of approval means that they have vetted all subcontractors. Hiring a top builder in the same role offers potentially even greater benefits — if your builder has full faith in the subcontractors he needs to see the job through, you can bet he will have their numbers on call to make redress should anything go wrong later on! To put it simply — the rules now state that it is illegal to knowingly hire an unqualified tradesperson to work on your home. Paperwork must be kept above board, or problems can arise when trying to value or sell your home. And if work undertaken doesn’t come with the correct certification, insurance companies may be unwilling to cover your home against some kinds of accident and disaster. Better to be safe than sorry, then, and hire the ‘good guys’ first time round! making life easier

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2014

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June 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

RURAL WOMEN ADVERTORIAL

Recent cholesterol series Last month we concluded a series on cholesterol and heart disease. We looked at some of the dietary and supplement options for people to reduce cholesterol and generally to improve heart health. As a result I received many contacts from people and I offered a lot of practical advice. For some it was just short telephone or email contact for others we created complete cardiovascular wellness programmes. The most common questions were around statin cholesterol medication, statin side effects and alternatives to statins. I always state that I cannot give advice on medications as this is between a doctor and patient and would never suggest people stop prescribed medications. My advice to people on statins was restricted to dealing with side effects and generally reducing heart disease risk through diet and various supplements. I have noted increasing numbers of GP’s and specialists now understand the relationship between statins, co enzyme Q10 and the most commonly experienced side effects. Next month I will prove without doubt that the manufacturers of statins also know the full story. We will look at a United States drug patent held by the makers of one of the top selling statins that proposes a new drug combining statins and CoQ10. My view is that if quality Co enzyme Q10 was routinely prescribed at the right dosages alongside statins, most of side effects would disappear. There are a group of people who, on discussion with their GP had discontinued statin therapy because of side effects. There are some who for various reasons have decided not to use medications. With these people I recommended a three month trial of the natural cholesterol manager Sytrinol® with dietary changes, especially increasing soluble fibre and reducing sugars and refined carbohydrates. If you have further questions on this subject please contact me by phone or email. John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. Contact John on 0800 423 559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his full weekly newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz.

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Fancy the idea of cycling from Lhasa to Kathmandu, taking in the Tibetan Plateau and Everest Base Camp? Then this could be your year. Departing at regular intervals throughout the year, this fantastic 25 day journey starts in Nepal for sightseeing and acclimatisation, before flying to Tibet to acclimatise and visit the famous Potala Palace. The 1,000km ride begins along the Tibetan Plateau, via Everest Base Camp and travels 160km down the world’s longest downhill ride, before ending back at Kathmandu. This rare opportunity to mix with the locals, visit Buddhist monasteries, ride the Himalayas and observe the traditional labours of rural Tibetans, is a once in a lifetime experience. Cycle tourists stop at the top — under the shadow Trekking Adventures offer trips of Tibet’s ancient Potala Palace, spiritual home of the Dalai Lamas in Nepal, Tibet, Bhutan, Mongolia, India, Ethiopia, Vietnam, Africa and New Zealand. The next presentation will be held in Hawkes Bay on June 28. Contact Ann: ann@trekkingadventures. co.nz, phone 06 356 7043, 027 35 67043 or visit www.trekkingadventures.co.nz.

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New cream adds value to dairy A Hamilton based company reckons Cleopatra may have been onto something when she bathed in milk. Using a patented ingredient derived from New Zealand cow’s milk, researchfocussed Quantec Personal Care has developed a clinically proven anti-acne cream. The company believes this breakthrough skincare product is a world first and represents an entirely new approach to improving acne and problem skin. Quantec founder and managing director, Dr Rod Claycomb, explains: “The bioactive enzymes and proteins found in our Epiology anti-acne cream are essentially the same active enzymes and proteins that all mammals produce to protect themselves from potentially harmful bacteria and other micro-organisms. “The enzymes and proteins occur naturally and provide a protective function in saliva and around gums, tears, raw milk and throughout the gut. This raw ingredient — which we call IDP® — is the key component of the Epiology acne cream.” IDP® has unique properties which makes it very powerful against certain types of disease-causing bacteria. When applied to the skin, it leaves the natural and beneficial bacteria of the skin largely unaffected. “By leaving these natural and beneficial bacteria active on the skin, IDP® creates an ideal scenario for

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management of acne. In addition, these bio-proteins interact with inflamed tissues and cells to help quell the inflammatory response, which is a primary cause of acne.” It has taken the Quantec research and development team seven years to create IDP®and prove its effectiveness for acne. “Our clinical trial results have demonstrated the benefits of using

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June 2014 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

RURAL WOMEN

DWN launches new business strategy The Dairy Women’s Network board and chief executive met with nearly 30 regional convenor volunteers in Wellington last month to launch its new business strategy. The strategy includes a streamlined core business focus, priorities for the next three years, and more support for developing and growing its regional volunteers and groups. DWN chief executive Zelda de Villiers said working through the new strategy with the board has been the focus for the past four months. “Our new business strategy sets a clear direction for the DWN over the next three years. It reflects what our members have told us they want and is more aligned with the dairy industry strategy, which was launched last year,” said Ms de Villiers. Developing and recognising talent and valuing people in the work environment are priority areas for the Network.

DWN convenors, board members and staff attend the annual training meeting in Wellington last month

A shift from national to international recognition is also reflected in the new strategic vision. The Network’s DairyNZ funded training would be directed into a series of five new modules that will be short, sharp and practical, replacing the existing Dairy Days workshops, and the Network’s regional convenors will be involved in all aspects of developing and delivering the training. “Our regional convenors are the axis on which the Network operates. In developing our new strategy, we looked

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at how the DWN can do more to help them develop and grow and how we can better support local training and events.” Two of the five new modules will be ready by November. They will cover business goal setting, technology usage, animal welfare, employment contract negotiation and human resources. The Dairy Women’s Network has more than 5,000 members across its 30 regional groups and membership to the Dairy Women’s Network is free.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2014

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Nutrition and lameness In my last article I asked you to show me some solid evidence to demonstrate that stones and pushing cows in the yard would bruise the hooves, cause sole penetration and cause white line separation. A number of readers did respond and I very much appreciate your emails and feedback. I didn’t get any evidence, but I did get some questions regarding the causes of lameness. I will endeavour to cover those questions in my articles but it will take more than just this one. Lameness is a multifactorial problem. Most of us already know that. What are the factors that are involved in this problem? To make it as simple as I can, I believe that the main issues are nutrition and stress. There are other factors, but if we control the nutrition and stress then we can eliminate a great deal of our problems to the point where we have minimised the issue. These two factors are both broad aspects that need more explanation. Before we start addressing the nutritional aspects of the problem I have to advise that I am not a nutritionist. I do have some knowledge in this area but I am by no means an expert. A lot of what I say about nutrition comes from nutritionists that I work with and have a lot of respect for. Many pasture-fed cows do not get enough effective fibre in their diet, and I am aware that this contradicts what some nutritionists believe. Fibre has a big impact on the health of the corium. Whilst there is nothing in the fibre that is directly involved in the healing process of the corium, the fibre does help with the processes in the rumen, creating a better, more stable, rumen pH.

The microbes in the rumen function better and there will be less acidosis — acidosis being an important factor in laminitis. This can be particularly important when cows are out of the paddock for long times due to milking. If the cows are fed meal in the cow shed then it may be even more important. Cows gorge themselves when they are in the paddock and starve when they have been out of the paddock for too long so there is a big pH fluctuation in the rumen. This is made worse if the cows are getting meal in the cowshed. I am not saying that we shouldn’t feed meal in the cowshed but it is important to know what can potentially happen when we do. I know that it is believed that the fibre content in the grass on our pasture-based systems is enough. My question would be: “How do we know how much fibre a cow needs?” How do we know what the lowest acceptable pH in the rumen is? If we only look at some elements in the rumen and just draw our conclusions on that then we may be missing the boat. One scenario I would like to put before you is how come beef animals on nice lush pastures in Canterbury have haemorrhaging and even sole ulcers?

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My question would be: “How do we know how much fibre a cow needs?” How do we know what the lowest acceptable pH in the rumen is? I can show you beef cow feet with just that. These cows have never been pushed, don’t know what stones look like and yet have so called ‘stone bruises’. Of course, there could be other factors like calving, cows being on heat or whatever. The thing is that the haemorrhage in the hooves is quite constant over the year.

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When you look at cows that are being kept in the high country, they don’t have anywhere near the amount of haemorrhage, yet they have a lot more stones to deal with than their counterparts on the flat. I will continue this subject and endeavour to follow up on those questions in my next article but please keep those emails coming. Email me at info@veehof.co.nz for further discussions.

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June 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

DAIRY

From the Minister

Nathan Guy, Minister for Primary Industries

Dairying drives success A key message I always tell farmers, growers, fishers and foresters around the country is that we need to celebrate our success loudly and proudly. If we don’t, no-one else will do it for us. That’s why I was proud to attend the Dairy Industry Awards in Auckland recently — a black-tie event attended by nearly 1,000 people. Congratulations to all the winners on the night. There were some inspiring winners like Ruth Hone who became the first ever woman to win Dairy Trainee of the Year. Out of the 11 dairy trainee finalists, five were women. 27-year-old Nick Bertram was named 2014 Farm Manager of the Year, which is a great achievement given he joined the industry with no family background or experience in farming. Congratulations also to Charlie and Jody McCaig, 2014 New Zealand Sharemilker/Equity Farmers of the Year. In my speech I pointed out to the audience that every hour of every

day, the dairy sector earns another $2 million in exports. It’s the hard work of farmers that pays for our schools, roads and hospitals and I don’t believe you get thanked enough for that. There is a lot to be proud of. According to Dairy NZ, the productivity of dairy farmers has doubled in the last 50 years. I’m very proud of the efforts farmers have made to improve their environmental performance, with around 90% of waterways now fenced off from stock. We’ve also seen big strides forward in animal welfare. Farmers realise they need to be proactive and take the lead on these issues, because there are plenty of critics out there who will take any chance to bash you. I see part of my job to be an advocate in Parliament and I’ll keep fighting

Nathan Guy gives Prime Minister John Key a few pointers on milking

in your corner. All of us need to keep talking to our urban cousins, reminding them of what we’ve achieved. We’ve got some very exciting opportunities and challenges ahead of us. The world population is going to reach 9 billion by 2050 and as they get wealthier, they will want more and more of the protein we produce. To meet this challenge we need to encourage young people into this industry. By 2025 it’s estimated we’ll need another 50,000 new positions

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filled, and around half of those will require a tertiary qualification. On that note, earlier this month I launched a new Young Enterprise programme happening in schools across New Zealand. Students are being asked to promote careers in the primary industries to their fellow students, which will really help raise awareness. Congratulations again to all the Dairy Industry Awards winners — with great people the future looks bright for this industry.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2014

DAIRY

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

Views on farming and the Budget The Minister of Finance the Hon Bill English stated when commenting on the budget, that he did not view the budget as steady as you go with a few freebies, but a reflection on New Zealand being able to move forward confidently. Over the years the government budgets have demonstrated a significant shift in the relationship between government and the farmer, which began in the late 1800s when New Zealand was an emerging nation reliant on agriculture for export income. In May 1881 under the heading of Bonuses on Colonial Industries, the government offered £500 for the first 25 tons of butter or 50 tons of cheese to be exported. There was a stipulation that the produce had to have originated in a factory operating on the ‘American principle’ of a producer co-operative and was quite different from those of the butter and cheese dairies in the United Kingdom.

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The underlying theme in the government’s budget is that with a government debt of $60 billion the nation will be reliant on New Zealand’s primary industries to provide the export income needed to repay debt. It wasn’t so long ago that every National government Minister of Finance in presenting the budget acknowledged the value of New Zealand’s agricultural exports and farming subsidies were available for fertiliser, stock incentive schemes and several other incentives. National Prime Ministers the Rt Hon Keith Holyoake and Rt Hon Rob Muldoon, also in his capacity as Minister of Finance, always expounded the value and the need to support the New Zealand farmer. The

1984 election resulted in David Lange’s home, Lady Thea had just returned from Labour government being elected and Sir a run. We unloaded the meat and filled Robert Muldoon was removed as National the freezer. The freezer was brand new Party leader. The Lange government and empty. She introduced me to Sir removed all farming subsidy incentives. Robert who I had not met before. Sir The sudden transition from subsidies to Robert asked, why had I given them the a free-market economy meat? It is a wonderful under ‘Rogernomics’ gesture. I replied, it is caused a number of in appreciation of all 17,000 farmers farmers to lose their the support you have marched on farms through the given to farmers over resultant high interest many years. I asked Wellington protesting rates — some in him how come his against the new excess of 20 per cent, freezer was empty. Labour government’s that were charged at He said no farmer the time. As a young has ever given me a policies as being farmer I and other beast before. unfair and not farmers struggled I learnt a valuable even-handed. financially. Federated lesson here and that Farmers’ leadership of was, in spite of his the time embraced the generosity to farmers, new free-market economy and with others it didn’t necessarily mean that he received were highly critical of Muldoon’s former any reciprocal acknowledgement. I monetary policies. 17,000 farmers received a letter from Sir Robert and his marched on Wellington protesting against wife thanking me for the meat, which the new Labour government’s policies as they said they thoroughly enjoyed and he certainly never forgot, because on a being unfair and not even-handed. During this time it seemed ironic to me number of occasions after, when I invited that those farming leaders who embraced him to farmer meetings in Northland, he the free-market economy had been always obliged. responsible for asking for farming subsidy Today’s National government which incentives in the first place. While sitting was once described as the farmers’ party at home one day, I decided to telephone in gumboots, has clearly come to the Sir Robert Muldoon at his home. His wife realisation that it can no longer simply Lady Thea answered and said Bob is in rely on the rural sector to get re-elected. the United States and will be home next Bill English’s budget is clearly targeting week. I told her I was getting a beast the young urban voter, the majority of processed at the local butcher for them which live in Auckland. Every political and I wanted to meet Sir Robert. She party knows that whoever gets the invited me to come down the following majority of the Auckland vote becomes Saturday. When I arrived at their Auckland the government.

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June 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

DAIRY

Changing soil pH and calcium by Tim Jenkins

If a soil test shows that the pH is above or below a desired range then liming can be used to lift the pH or in some cases sulphur used to drop the pH. The amount of lime required depends on the amount of change required, the buffering capacity of the soil (related to pH, organic matter and minerals in the soil) and the type of lime. The speed with which the pH change takes place can also be affected by the fineness of the lime, soil moisture, starting pH and whether the lime was incorporated into the soil or just placed on the surface.

How much lime? A light soil and a heavy soil at the same pH have different cation exchange capacity (reported in most soil tests) and so different levels of hydrogen that need to be converted to water by liming. A heavy soil (or one with higher organic matter content) will generally require more lime than a light soil (or a low organic matter soil) to shift the pH by one unit. Some acid soils may also have aluminium in solution on cation exchange sites and this can use up some of the liming action. In a typical silt loam soil, it might take 2.5 to 3 tonne/ha lime to lift the pH by one unit (e.g. 5.5 to 6.0). Sandy soils might require 1 to 2 tonne to achieve

the same change in pH, while a heavy clay soil may need more than 6 tonne/ ha.

Chemistry of the liming effect Starting with the basic chemistry of liming, it can be seen that the pH lift comes from the carbonate part of calcium carbonate. Lime is calcium carbonate and dolomite lime also has some magnesium carbonate. Lime weathers in the soil through the action of natural acids and slow dissolution. The positively charged calcium ions (and magnesium ions if relevant) are released into the soil solution and then swap with other cations (positively charged ions) present on the cation exchange sites. In an acid soil, many of the cations are hydrogen ions (it is the hydrogen ions that are the basis of the acidity) and they are preferentially lost during liming. The hydrogen ions don’t disappear — they react with the carbonate (CO³²-) from the lime to form hydrogen carbonate which in turn forms carbon dioxide and water (the two hydrogens are in the water’s H²O structure). But the calcium is also an important part of the overall liming effect. Calcium

is termed a base cation because it is less acidic than other types of cations. As lime supplies the calcium, the pH change is maintained as calcium replaces hydrogen ions on the cation exchange sites. Part of the liming effect is a stimulation of soil biology and calcium is an important aspect of that action. Available calcium is important for good activity of earthworms and many beneficial soil bacteria.

The liming effect The benefits of liming include improved availability of many nutrients (compared to acid soil availability). Reduced issues with aluminium toxicity and lock-up of phosphorus. Improved nitrogen fixation partly through improved molybdenum availability. Stimulated biological activity from the pH effect and the calcium. Reduced risk of some diseases including brassica club root. Improved soil structure from the higher calcium levels. Calcium without the pH lift In some cases a calcium boost may be desired to improve soil structure but the pH is already at a good level. Gypsum (calcium sulphate) can provide

I can’t take risks here..

this benefit in a variety of soils including clay soils that show poor structure when wet and/or when dry. The sulphate effect on reducing soil pH is balanced by the base cation nature of calcium in gypsum to result in generally no net change in soil pH. We have seen good soil structure results in recent gypsum research. Very finely ground lime flour can be used in small amounts (generally 50 to 200 kg/ha at a time) to boost soil solution pH, biological activity and legume performance. Although it has the same effect on soil pH as the same weight of coarser agricultural lime, the speed of effect and better distribution of particles in the soil means a fast response that provides a priming effect in the soil stimulation of soil biological activity can be achieved with the small amount of lime flour without risking overliming in the long term. But it doesn’t replace the requirement bulk liming and pH lift in a really acid soil with aluminium problems. Next month will cover the ways in which soil can become more acidic over time.

Our pump sets come standard with the following features and benefits, for our farming clients: • Stainless Steel Baseplate - gives long-term protection against corrosion, unlike galvanised baseplates. • Silicon Carbide Mechanical Seals - prevent selfpriming issues common with gland packed pumps offered by others as standard. Provide long term sealing against effluent leakage to maintain a safe pumping environment. • Pump Life Expectancy based on our 35+ years of Progressing Cavity (PC) pump engineering by the only PC pump manufacturer directly serving New Zealand farmers - gives us the unique ability to ensure our pumps operate at the most effective speeds for pumping animal effluent, which impacts directly on the maximum pump life expectancy. For information on your nearest Mono dealer, contact: Nationwide Toll Free: 0800 659 012 Auckland: 09 829 0333 Christchurch: 03 341 8379 Dunedin: 03 476 7264

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2014

RURAL WHEELS

Bringing safety to the far-flung fence line by Andy Bryenton

The advent of the quad bike has made rural life easier, with the ability to carry equipment and material across large distances.

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modified and improved,” says Blue Wing Honda General Manager Alan Petrie. “The aim is to save lives before they need to be saved, but should an accident unfortunately occur, Farm Angel will also assist in the recovery of seriously injured or trapped riders.” Farming giant Landcorp have now come on board to trial the system, rolling it out across 60 of their vehicles to get a real on-the-ground view of how it will work in the real world. The eventual aim is to see Farm Angel deployed on all farms, reducing the cost (both social and economic) of quad related accidents and injuries. ACC figures show that there are up to 850 injuries from quad-related accidents each year, totalling over 3.2 million dollars of compensation.

MAD

But this vital farming tool is not without its hazards, as evidenced by recent debates about quad safety. Isolated farm workers far from ‘home base’ are the ones most likely to suffer the worst outcomes if their machine tips on them. Farmers who have moved to new locations, as during Gypsy Week, may be the most at risk, as they get to grips with new terrain and new machines. Now Honda have teamed up with Blackhawk Tracking Systems to develop Farm Angel, a dedicated safety alert system for ATVs. Blackhawk’s extensive knowledge of GPS technology has been combined with Honda’s formidable ATV and quad bike experience to develop a system which can quickly alert emergency services, avoiding the nightmare scenario of being trapped under a rolled quad bike, far from cellphone coverage and from aid. “This is a unique solution which will enable driver behaviour to be monitored,

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June 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

RURAL WHEELS

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Nobody questions the engineering know-how of German automotive companies That doesn’t just count for luxury cars, either — thanks to tractor innovators Deutz Fahr. The man who founded the original Deutz company, Nikolaus Otto, was the inventor of the four stroke engine. That’s quite a pedigree, and it’s one which Deutz Fahr are keeping up with, introducing a host of new features to this year’s radical 110–130hp 5 Series tractors. These aim to put high output, low emission technology into a smaller package, taking the top line of tractor tech from high-horsepower machines and making it accessible to the average farmer. There are three 5 Series models, with 100, 120 and 130hp respectively, all powered by and eco-conscious common rail turbo diesel, incorporating a very

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efficient intercooler system for more punch and less ‘thirst’. This includes a catalytic converter system which does not need the addition of AdBlue or Go Clear emission control additives — even under tough Euro regulations.

Tractor drivers can expect an easier day’s work with Deutz Fahr’s new automatic transmission system as well — with a host of levers now condensed down to a single shifter, just like in an automatic or CVT road car.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2014

RURAL WHEELS

A hot hatch concept refined by Andy Bryenton

Europe was the original home of the hot hatchback — a class defined by cars like the Peugeot 205 turbo, the original Golf GTI and the Renault Clio sport. Front-drive, compact firecrackers with plenty of get up and go, designed to put a smile on drivers’ faces for a fraction of the cost of a supercar. But the original crop of hot hatches were surpassed by two things — the desire for better comfort and safety was one. The rise of Japanese auto dominance was the other, as the torch was passed to rivals like Honda’s CR-X and Civic Type R for a new generation. Now things have come full circle with the arrival of the new Euro-spec Honda Civic, a car which seamlessly blends the best of the hot hatch’s European roots with a forward-looking Japanese aesthetic, and the engineering know-how of Honda’s development labs. The result is a handsome beast, with design cues taken from previous classics (note that CR-X like split rear glass) and a pleasantly surprising combination of fun and practicality for 21st-century drivers. On the road, the Euro Civic commands attention with its distinctive looks and that retro-futurist rear light bar. But it’s the balance and poise of the little fourdoor hatch on the open highway which

truly impress. The five-speed box rarely needs to come out of third gear in town, but find the twisting rural tarmac and those wide-open gears hit their stride, delivering plenty of smiles as the corners keep coming. The modern need for safety and comfort (with all the electronics and mod-cons one could wish for in a 2014 vehicle) may have made the Euro Civic a less pared-down, straight-line dragster than some of the more feisty iterations of its previous incarnation, but even the base model tackles the bends with aplomb, feeling four-square settled and unruffled even as the big digital speedo touches three figures. This, then, is a Civic which takes the best of the old Type R bloodline and combines those traits with more interior space, more useful gadgets (the reversing camera alone is worth a big tick), and more refinement of both ride and demeanour. Quiet, competent and quick where it counts, this one is definitely worth a drive, if only to see first-hand what can happen when East meets West in driving harmony.

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June 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

RURAL WHEELS ADVERTORIAL

ADVERTORIAL

A classic experience Take the family on a journey back in time at Hamilton’s Classics Museum.

With over 100 cars on display and an extensive collection of petrol memorabilia, including signs, tins, petrol pumps, pedal cars and early pinball machines, this is a classic car museum with a difference. The museum’s 1950s themed Jukebox Diner is the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a meal or a coffee. Featuring a fenced-off children’s area complete with rides, the diner will keep younger family members entertained,

while the adults can relax and enjoy this nostalgic experience. Classics Museum has a conference room available for hire, with seating for up to 100 people and for larger groups, full hireage of the venue is available for up to 300 people. The museum is open seven days a week at Railside Place, Dinsdale, right off State Highway 1. With a red vintage car perched upon the building’s roof, it is hard to miss.

Ezy Up is easy as If you’ve got a ride-on mower you’ll know it will need a clean once in awhile.

That especially applies to its underside, which is the part that comes into closest contact with the grass. And occasionally you want to check the blades and maybe get them sharpened. But the problem with ride-on mowers is that they are so darned heavy. Unlike a conventional lawn mower you can’t just pick them up and turn them over.

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So, the solution adopted by many owners is to forget it and hope that everything is OK. But that’s dangerous If you can’t clean the bottom of your mower, grass and debris will accumulate. The blades will have to work harder and will be less effective. If that happens you won’t be getting the best value from it. The solution is something so simple you’ll wonder why you didn’t think of it yourself. It’s the Ezy Up ride-on mower lift that lifts your ride-on mower, so you can get underneath. It’s simple to operate and conveniently sized, so you can store it in your garage or shed. What are you waiting for? Go to www. ezyup.co.nz and order today. It’s quick and easy — just like the Ezy Up.

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WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2014

RURAL WHEELS

Ace lays cards on the table

Speculation as to the properties and abilities of the new Polaris Ace has been rife since the first images of this nimble little machine emerged from the United States. Was it going to handle like a tiny version of the sporty RZR 900? Would its full roll-over protection system make it a winner on the farm? Would quad riders be able to easily adapt to a seating arrangement and control layout more familiar in a family sedan? All these questions have now been answered, with the Ace landing four wheels on the ground at the recent Mystery Creek Fieldays. In addition to this timely exposure, we’ve had the chance to take a spin in the little double-overheadcam firecracker, and the results have been surprising to say the least. There’s no question that the safety issue — a huge ‘elephant in the room’ when discussing off-road machines has been addressed here in spades. The full cage, side intrusion bars and mesh combine to make this little vehicle safer than most others which share it’s diminutive footprint. Power too, is hardly lacking, with 32 horses on tap — more than you get from some full-size UTVs. The Ace revs high, but delivers smooth acceleration on the flat and ample torque for the rough stuff, boasting over 600kgs of towing grunt as well. No, the big surprise here is the market who should seriously — as in right now, today — go and take a spin in an Ace. There’s no doubt that farmers are a tough breed, but many have been working the land for decades now and the rigours of throwing a leg over the quad saddle, then leaning into the turns all day is no picnic. Anyone with a bad back, or prone to aches and pains must take a seat in the Ace, because it’s comfy, the suspension is forgiving, there’s no need to throw your weight around, and there’s a roll cage to grab onto to help get in and out.

So safety — a big tick, and OSH will be more than happy with that ROPS. With ample load space and towing power, the Ace can do a lot of what bigger UTVs do, but with a smaller footprint. And

QUADTRUCK

QUAD BIKE SAFETY

for ride comfort, especially on long days — this is something new which deserves attention. Your local Polaris dealer will be pleased to give you a demo.

DOMINATOR UTV

XBH 8 WHEELER AMPHIBIAN

WE ARE YOUR OFFROAD VEHICLE SPECIALISTS PHONE US FOR DETAILS OR A FREE COPY OF OUR DVD Missed us at fieldays? Come see us in store

Wear a helmet.

0800 GO IMPACT

A helmet is a must while riding a quad bike around the farm.

4 6

4 6 7 2

www.impactoffroad.co.nz

1172 Whatawhata Rd, Whatawhata, Hamilton 3261 PO Box 20565 Te Rapa, Hamilton 3241 p 07 829 3043 f 07 829 3046 e info@impactoffroad.co.nz

$13,995 SAVE $1500

INC GST

AWD Mode

KG 567

DUMP BOX CAPACITY - 227KG

455CC - 29HP

Turf Mode

567KG TOWING CAPACITY

UNLOCKING REAR DIFF

ROLL OVER PROTECTION STRUCTURE

ON DEMAND TRUE ALL-WHEEL-DRIVE (AWD)

OTOROHANGA Ph Degan 021 285 1635 or 07 873 8196 TAUMARUNUI Ph Ian 0274 464 849 or 07 895 7994

*Offer ends 30/6/14 or earlier if stocks run out. Only available at participating Polaris dealers. Not valid with any other offer. Excludes fleet clients.

www.polaris.co.nz

June 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

LIVESTOCK

Wool Perspective

From Rob Cochrane GM, Procurement, PGG Wrightson Wool

Options aplenty The past month or so has been rather interesting and revitalising for wool prices with the first auction in May strengthening on the back of the obvious supply shortage, but more importantly a resurgence of interest from processors around the globe creating a much welcome and more positive signal to the market place. The solid market tone has enabled a number of wool growers to sell most (if not all) of their recently shorn wool and allowed a large percentage of wool which was passed-in at earlier sales for failing to reach grower reserve prices, to also be cleared to the trade. At PGG Wrightson (PGW) we cover all bases with a comprehensive and strategically placed national network of wool representatives, transport hubs, and warehouses, auction centres in Napier and Christchurch, plus a wholly owned wool marketing and export division — Bloch & Behrens NZ Ltd (B&B) — supplying quality wool to a vast range of processors and manufacturers for the production of such items as: luxury blankets and throws, insulation,

furnishing fabrics, upholstery, tennis ball felt, duvet inners, hand knotted rugs, machine tufted carpets, machine woven carpets and rugs, livestock covers, ski jackets and babies’ blankets. A large number of manufacturers who source their wool through the PGW/B&B channel are European based, focussed on high quality retail sales and are mindful of how important ongoing deliveries of quality wool are to their reputation. Some of these customers are now interested in longer term three year supply contracts which in turn means that PGW can offer some certainty to growers who supply the required wool types. Over and above the three year contracts are the PGW/B&B fixed price forward contracts, covering a wide range of types. These contracts have been operating extremely successfully since 2008 offering PGW’s growers a fixed price ‘today’ for wool as it is growing and to be shorn and delivered at a predetermined date in the future, often

between three and nine months from the date of signing the contract. For spot market sellers, the PGW auction system offers many benefits, particularly in the current climate of dwindling supply, because expor t industr y representatives are able to appraise a wide range of wool types from the grab sample removed from each bale within a line, which is accompanied by comprehensive test data measured from core plugs of wool, also removed from each bale, and reported by an independent laboratory who has no financial or other interest in the wool itself. All exporters attend the auction armed with their pre-sale assessments of each line allowing them to make keen judgement of what lines of wool they can or cannot combine to suit their processor orders. This provides vendors with the absolute widest possible exposure to the market place, due to the expert ability of wool exporters who push boundaries to ensure their wool deliveries are maximised for wool type, and subsequent price is driven by full benches of buyers competing fiercely at every auction.

NEW

Triple Mix

Post auction invoices, account sale documents, receipt of payment, collection of testing fees, receipt of shipping instructions, branding of wool bales prior to dispatch to wool scours or wool dump facilities, all require expert interpretation and control, and the ‘prompt’ wool payment system (an agreed specific day and time when buyers must pay in full for their wool purchases with cleared funds, and growers are paid) is one many industries would like to emulate. Negative comment towards the auction system from time to time usually has, in my experience, been suggested by misinformed and inexperienced commentators, the majority of whom agree, however, that supply and demand remain the most effective drivers of the wool market. With sheep numbers seemingly continuing to decrease in the face of changing land use, never-ending marketing and sales programmes in the global market place via all New Zealand wool exporters, and an extremely low volume of grower stock on hand in comparison to many other years at a similar time — shouldn’t demand be increasing? We hope so. That’s my view.

PRO

DUC

Energy Drench for Dairy Cows

Next Generation Starter Drench Contains Calcium Propionate and LECITHIN for sustained energy Contains 3 forms of calcium - propionate, chloride, carbonate LECITHIN helps to improve mobilisation of fat reserves and improves digestibility of fats Also contains magnesium, and is free flowing and palatable Available in 1L, 20L, 60L, 200L Contact your vet clinic today to discuss further! Quality Kiwi Made Products. Only available from your veterinarian

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2014

LIVESTOCK ADVERTORIAL

Save time and money An innovative product used by thousands of farmers, local authorities and contractors across the world is now available in New Zealand. It’s the JackJaw range of peg and post extractors which is unique because of its patented design. The patented jaw and lever mechanism allows you to pull stakes and posts straight up out of the ground without bending them, keeping your expensive stakes straight for hundreds of repeated uses. Being a vertical lift, it doesn’t bend or damage the pegs or posts. Traditional products like the popular steel star pickets have become expensive, so it makes sense to reuse old posts. The JackJaw helps you do that, saving farmers, contractors and property owners money because they no longer have to order new posts and throw out ones that would otherwise be damaged. You don’t need to take our word for it. Hear what our customers have to say: “The Jackjaw removed four out of the five earth rods. We suspect the fifth one was attached to concrete.” Chris Higgins, Electrician. “We trialled a Jackjaw on the Cambridge Bypass project on 36

waratahs. We started two crews — one at one end — one with our old extractor and the other with the JackJaw. When they met, it was JackJaw 30 — other model six. The guys with a JackJaw hadn’t built up a sweat. We bought it on the spot.” Andy Searancke, HEB Superintendent Cambridge Bypass. “The JackJaws are becoming popular with our customers. Once they have used one, many have ordered multiple Jackjaws,” distributor Paul Herbison says. For further information contact Mr Herbison on 027 290 8306 or e-mail www.paul@jackjaw.co.nz

ADVERTORIAL

Healthier animals Optimum animal health is achievable with 100% organic seaweed concentrate, Natrakelp for Animals. Derived from Southern Ocean Tasmanian Bull Kelp, Natrakelp for Animals is a rich source of vitamins, minerals, micronutrients and essential amino acids. The seaweed’s digestibility and palatability is increased by a cold liquefying process, which breaks down key nutrients and makes them readily available to an animal’s digestive system. The result is healthier animals, glossier coats, increased weight gain and disease reduction. Animals are known to seek out seaweeds for their health-giving

properties — going as far as grazing on seaweed when it is washed up on beaches. This is because seaweed has an extensive range of elements and minerals in their most natural forms. Natrakelp for Animals is a liquid concentrate and can be administered orally, mixed with feed, diluted in drinking water or used in automatic dispensing systems. Ideal for dairy and beef cattle, calves, horses, sheep, pigs, weaners, poultry and goats and also domestic dogs and cats. For further information contact Andrew Benton on 027 227 7649.

Waikato

FARMING Lifestyles Read the paper online farminglifestyles.co.nz

Talk to Andrew – phone 09 426 2610

Patented Peg Puller The new lightweight way to remove stubborn waratahs, steel pins, tent pegs, sign posts and more... The ideal tool for farmers, lifestyle block owners, fencers and contractors. - Save injuring your back - Save time and money - Easy and safe to operate - Up to five times faster

Distributed by: WALK“N”ROLL INTERNATIONAL LTD Contact: Paul Herbison 027 2908306 www.jackjaw.co.nz

EITHER WAY IT’S 20K

MInD YOuR SPeeD AROunD SCHOOL BuSeS

A C Petfoods

Bowe Spreading Ltd “Professional and effective home kill and processing services”

Bulk Fertiliser Spreading Mini Spreader Available For all your lime and fertiliser needs Obligation Free Quotes Mob 027 487 8981 or Mob 027 220 2010

*Steve 07 827 3164 *Grant 07 827 2199 RD 4 Cambridge (Phone & Fax) 07 827 4857

Ever wondered why home kill meat tastes better than the supermarket? Short answer is no stress • Fast efficient service • 7–10 day hang • Cut up & packed to your requirement • Electrical stimulation for tenderness • Offal removal & back to farm delivery included Cnr Duke Street & Aztec Place, Frankton, Hamilton P 07 847 5455 F 07 847 3749 grooveyasmith@hotmail.com www.wallysmith.co.nz

Stock Collection Service

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Check out our website www.hoofeeze.com Email: hoofeeze1@ww.co.nz • Ph: 07 871 6170

Buyers of Unwanted and Injured Cows and Horses

Bobby Calf collection has already started. Penicillin milk OK, no tags, min pick up 3 days per week, same day processing 6 days per week, shed collection. Check out current calf prices at

www.acpetfoods.co.nz

0800 369 6269 0800 DOWNCOW

June 2014

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

LIVESTOCK

Country Matters

with Rob Cope-Williams

Rural shows have commercial advantage While A&P shows have been the haven for stud stock breeders to show off their wares for 150 or more years, now the commercial breeders have found their arena. Mint lamb, or pasture to plate contests have suddenly taken the real aspects of stock out to the buying public and those selling sires. While any one animal can only win the title once, for obvious reasons, the total

bloodline can wallow in the limelight of their departed cousin. Taste, texture, tenderness and every other aspect that a consumer can and should demand is put up against the region’s best for all to assess after

FARMERS TRANSPORT

ATTENTION DAIRY FARMERS Direct your stock cartage to the professionals. INTER-ISLAND Over 10 years trouble-free experience. Many endorsements of our professional service. HERD MOVEMENTS We have the capacity and experience in transporting large numbers. HEIFER SHIFTS-OFF FARM GRAZING Take advantage of our extensive North Island network to move your stock.

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the panel of judges have shopping trolley. I buy 90 per smelt, tasted, chewed and cent of my meat from Peter Angus cross gazed at the small cuts of Timms butchery in Edgeware cattle more premium lamb. because I know that they only than hold That is the glory part, buy top line meat and they are as passionate about their behind the scenes their own high standards as I am about the lambs have been assessed for cover cooking it correctly. and yield by those who know about However, I have never seen a sign such things. on a tray saying the lamb was from the The beef side of things have the award winning flock or the steaks were nationwide ‘Steak of Origin’ contest, from the award winning herd. more sophisticated perhaps, and not So is it a case of the awards giving as open to the public eye as the lamb the farmer a brief warm feeling for a contests conducted at A&P shows, but while and apart from having to buy much along the same lines. several rounds of drinks for his mates A count back over the past few years and a silver cup to clean every year. would indicate that the Angus breed I would love to see a really good and Angus cross cattle more than hold follow up system that takes the victory their own, but to what ends as far as the and recognition of excellence out to the person buying meat in the supermarket. consuming public. Yes, Angus producers do have their It certainly needs and deserves more own label available, and there are some than just a press release and a page in who remember the attributes needed the farming papers. The public deserve for any produce to go under that label, excellence, but they have to be able to but does that sway the person with the know where to find it.

Detonate Concentrate

A CONCENTRATED SANITISER FOR CALF SHEDS AND FARM BUILDINGS

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Available From

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Manufactured for and distributed by Infield Nutrition PO Box 42112 Tower Junction, Chch 8149 Ph. 027 488 8412

WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES June 2014

My point of view Allen Cookson

Monetary reform

For about a decade, most countries have had interest rates much lower than ours. The influx of foreign money to take advantage of our high rates can increase inflation though that is followed by deflationary and/or recessionary pressures as debt and interest are repaid. If money that is borrowed from overseas is wisely invested in equipment and materials (e.g. irrigators, fertiliser), the cost of borrowing is exceeded by the increase in earnings. Such borrowing is non-inflationary in the medium to long run. Reckless borrowing which bids up the price of a farm is obviously inflationary. Even National leaders have repeatedly (until Labour’s reform proposals) said that our currency is harmfully

overvalued, handicapping exporters and local industries. Yet National have offered no remedies. The present system temporarily controls inflation by increasing debt. It restricts our earning capacity and increases the burden of unemployment (including crime, health and taxation). Farmers, business leaders and economists have complained about our flawed monetary system. Since 1973 New Zealand has every year spent more than it has earned. The debt is paid by selling our assets — land, infrastructure and profitable enterprises. The ignorance and incompetence of our politicians is mind boggling. Now, at last, a major party acknowledges

some of the problems, and has credible remedies with flexibility to cope with unexpected developments. This is new for Labour politicians, who previously denied reality. Under Dr Michael Cullen, as National does now, they crowed about their strong management of government debt, while facilitating soaring private debt. Most politicians think private debt doesn’t matter. If we carry on as at present, we will end up like Iceland. At present our ratio of foreign debt to GDP is about 120%, among the highest of developed economies, and that ratio continues to increase.

Much of our difficulty stems from lax control of capital flows in and out of the country. Many respected economists think restriction of capital flows would be effective in reducing exchange rate fluctuations and global financial instability. Inflation has been blamed on too much money being created. The rate at which money is spent is an inflationary factor unknown to most people. Today there is strong evidence that trading bank lending (money creation) precedes central banks’ attempts to keep things steady. Clearly further monetary reforms are needed.

Waikato Rural Marketplace WHICH POLARIS RANGER IS FOR ME? RANGER 900 XP

$26,995

RANGER

RANGER $21,995

RANGER 400

RANGER $17,495

$13,995

WHICH900 POLARIS RANGER IS FOR ME? DIESEL 400

RANGER 900 XP

FINANCE 0% MobilesOVER 24 MONTHS Mobiles Brodie 0000 Brodie027 027 459 459 0000 Jordan 027291 291 6692 Keat 027 6692

56 Taupiri Street 56 Taupiri Street PO Box 217217 Te Kuiti PO Box Te Kuiti Phone 07 878 8343 Phone 07 878 8343

RANGER

WHICH RANGER IS FOR ME? DIESELPOLARIS 900 570 HD

RANGER DIESEL 900

RANGER 570 HD

RANGER 400

$21,995 $13,995 $26,995 $21,995 $17,495 $13,995 SAVE SAVE $2,000 DEALS $1,500 SAVE ALL NEW MUST END JUNE 30, 2014 $2,000 Subject to credit approval, fees, terms & conditions apply. Based on a 570 24 mthHD HP OVER 24 MONTHS HD contract to registered GST No holders for$2,000 business purposes only. While570 stocks last. FINANCE 0%

SAVE

ALL NEW

OTOROHANGA – DeGAN 021 285 1635 OTOROHANGA – DeGAN 021 285 1635 TAUMARUNUI – IAN 027 446 4849 TAUMARUNUI – IAN 027 446 4849

Central Motors 8272

 07 883 8

• GENERAL REPAIRS •SAVE WOF SERVICE • TUNE-UPS • EFI REPAIRS • LUBES • AIR CONDITIONING SERVICE & REPAIRS SAVESCAN TOOL DIAGNOSIS $1,500 $1,500

Manager Peter Cranch: 027 442 0219 DEALS MUST Phone: (07)END 883 8272 Fax: (07) 883 8165 Email: JUNE 30,putarurutowing@xtra.co.nz 2014

DEALS MUST END JUNE 30, 2014

7-9 Neal St, Putaruru

* Subject to credit approval, fees, terms and conditions apply. Based on a 24 month hire purchase contract. To approved registered GST no holders for business purposes only. Offer ends 30/6/14 or earlier if stocks run out. Only available at participating Polaris dealers. Not valid with any other offer. Excludes fleet clients. Pictures may include optional accessories.

Blown a hose or damaged a Ram? Require steel work fabrication or repair? “If its made of Steel, we really can do it all” “Anywhere Any time”

24/7 Call Out Service

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Chicken Litter • Available to south Waikato dairy farmers to be picked up from site • About 3000 tonnes per year • Just over 480 tonnes available approximately every six weeks • Available for long term contract Be ahead of the scramble for natural fertilisers

“The world is finally waking up to the long term damages of artificial fertilisers and the resulting loss of topsoil.” Secure a long term Email your interest for discussion to supply contract now. Lucyann45@yahoo.com.au

Australian-made Hydraulic Woodsplitters WS 3150 Aussie Chopper Hire model shown here

Setting new standards in Safety, Design and Performance Call for a Free Brochure or DVD

0800 702 701 www.superaxe.co.nz

Waikato CLASSIFIEDS Reach 30,300 Rural Homes • Phone 0800 466 793

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. Rural Services BOWE SPREADING LTD for all your lime and fertiliser needs. Bulk fertiliser spreading. Mini spreader available, obligation free quote. Phone 027 487 8981 or 027 220 2010. RD4 Cambridge, Phone/Fax 07 827 4857. 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

Animal Health Products APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, garlic & manuka honey. 200L - $450 or 1,000L - $2,000 + gst, with FREE DELIVERY. Black Type Minerals Ltd. Phone 021 185 1501. www. blacktypeminerals.co.nz. Services FURNITURE MOVING Around NZ or around the world. Single items or house lots. Pro Packing, moving, insurance. Via trucks, containers, shared loads. Phone 0800 496 753 www.worldmoving.co.nz “Experience & Advice You Can Trust.”

Wanted to Lease WANTED, RURAL land for long term lease or lease to own, 4 – 6 acres. Phone Louisa 027 272 7191. 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

SMOKE ALARMS Save Lives

BE FIRE SAFE THIS WINTER

June 2014 WAIKATO FARMING LIFESTYLES

FREE DELIVERY ORDERS OVER $1000

Retailer of Rural Piping and Farm Supplies

0800 RURAL DIRECT

JUNE 2014

MAXI culvert

Twinwall Culvert Pipe Incorporating the strength of corrugated outer shell with the smooth inner wall to optimise hydraulics SIZE NOMINAL ID

225mm 300mm 375mm 450mm 600mm 750mm

he Introducing t lvert u C m m 0 5 7 new .00 $ per 6m

1049

6M PRICE

3M PRICE

$ 159.00 $ 275.00 $ 349.00 $ 499.00 $ 768.00 $1049.00

$ 95.00 $165.00 $209.00 $299.00 $461.00 $662.00

EFFLUENT pipe

Rubber ring seals available for water tight joins

Calf Milk Pump

8 BAR RATED - SUITS CAMLOCKS

ited m i L

$6.87 per metre 90mm $8.55 per metre 110mm $11.68 per metre 75mm

90mm

$8.55

Suitable for above ground use.

GALV FLAT HEAD NAILS

per metre

STAPLES 30mm, 40mm, 50mm Plain or Barbed 5kgs

$29.00

Manufactured in New Zealand

ALL PRICES INCLUDE GST

only e im

D15VA FEATURES • 304 Stainless steel, motor shell & shaft • Maximum operating limits up to 240Lpm, head to 7.5m

Thru Post Gudgeon

20mm x 275mm ..................................................

Lock Thru Post Gudgeon

20mm x 275mm ...........................................

20mm x 200mm ..................................................

125 x 5.3 - 25kgs

$129.00

Spring Latch & Staple

125 x 5.3 - 5kgs Manufactured in NZ

WAIKATO BRANCH

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

Screw Gudgeon

$29.00

199.00

.......................

Manufactured in New Zealand

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.