Waikato Farming Lifestyles, March 2023

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

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Expect a response from IRD

Having set a precedent for prudent disaster response in the aftermath of the Canterbury earthquakes, the Inland Revenue Department can be expected to deliver meaningful measures as the Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne regions recover from devastation wreaked by Cyclone Gabrielle.

That’s according to a partner at national tax services and advisory firm Findex, which also offers suggestions for additional actions within the IRD’s powers that will further aid those suffering most from the flooding.

Invercargill-based Craig Macalister says: “After the immediate response securing people and property, longerterm relief and recovery are directly linked to financial measures. We’ve seen a highly responsive IRD in the past, and we can expect similarly effective support for the people and businesses of the affected regions.

“Measures include tax relief from penalties and use of money interest as well as income equalisation for farmers, foresters and horticulturalists that should allow late deposits and early withdrawals as was done for the heavy rain in Northland and Auckland in January 2023, something we have come to expect in natural disaster events.

“Given the scale of the Cyclone Gabrielle disaster, Findex expects the introduction of rules removing income assistance, such as wage subsidies and support given to employees through grants to affected businesses, from income for the purposes of determining working for families’ tax credits and student loans.

“We also expect relaxation of the hardship rules for KiwiSaver and hope the government will allow the payment of outstanding tax or GST in instalments for impacted taxpayers.”

He anticipates a reintroduction of insurance recovery timing rules for depreciable assets destroyed by the cyclone.

“These rules were designed to ensure the timing of insurance recoveries for tax purposes was not recognised until the proceeds were received or could be reliably estimated. The rules also limit the amount of any depreciation recovery income to the amount of depreciation deductions previously taken and provided roll-over relief for the situations when assets were replaced.”

Other anticipated measures include rules allowing those businesses which

“Measures include tax relief from penalties and use of money interest as well as income equalisation for farmers, foresters and horticulturalists.”

have ceased trading because of the cyclone to continue receiving tax deductions for ongoing expenses and a tax exemption for staff allowances for people required to relocate to affected areas to work.

Craig Macalister from Findex

Waikato dairy award winners

The major winner in the 2023 Waikato Dairy Industry Awards has a genuine passion for all things farming and believes there are many opportunities within the dairy industry for those willing to work hard and push themselves.

For the first time, a sole female farmer, Aleisha Broomfield, has won the Waikato Share Farmer category. Aleisha is a 50/50 herd-owning share milker on the Dibble Family’s Tauhei Farms Ltd 86ha Te Aroha farm, milking 245 cows. She was runner-up in the same category last year and believes working on her business was a key benefit of the awards programme.

The other big winners were Sam Dodd, who became the 2023 Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year, and Natasha Price, the 2023 Waikato Dairy Trainee of the Year.

“As well as learning more and improving my business, I enjoyed meeting the other entrants and regional teams,” Aleisha says. “It was great to have the recognition of hard work.”

Sam Dodd is farm manager for Belinda Wilson on her 252ha Te Awamutu farm, milking 800 cows. Prior to entering the dairy industry six seasons ago, Sam was studying to be a paramedic. He made the switch to dairy farming and enjoys working outside with animals and the responsibility that comes with that.

“You can see progress and how your decision-making benefits the business.”

The 26-year-old believes one of the most exciting things about the

future of dairy farming is the number of people changing careers to begin dairy farming. “They bring new skills and perspectives.”

Natasha Price was encouraged to enter the awards by her employers, who are previous Waikato Farm Manager category winners and her Primary ITO adviser. Natasha is working as a farm assistant/2IC for Paul and Kate Manion

on their 108ha property at Kiwitahi, Morrinsville, milking 280 cows.

“For me, the awards present an opportunity to not only further my practical and theoretical farming knowledge but also to gain valuable connections with like-minded and progressive people in the industry.”

Chloe Mackle was named runner-up in the Waikato Share Farmer category, while

Nathan and Rebecca Hubbard placed third. Matamata farm manager Sicelo Nene was runner-up in the Dairy Manager category, and 2IC Sarah Fagg placed third. Lauren Randall was runner-up in the Dairy Trainee category, and third place in the Dairy Trainee category went to 19-year-old herd manager Kirwyn Ellis. Further details on the winners can be found at dairyindustryawards.co.nz.

2023 Waikato Dairy Industry Awards winners — Waikato Dairy Trainee of the Year Natasha Price, Waikato Share Farmer of the Year Aleisha Broomfield and Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year Sam Dodd

BY PAUL CAMPBELL

BACK IN ACTION SHEARING SPORTS

The glamour calendar event hadn’t been held since 2020 when the three-day event’s celebration of 60 years as the world’s glamour shearing sports championships was one of the last major events to be held before New Zealand’s first pandemic lockdown.

Cyclone Gabrielle, which devastated many significant shearing catchments of Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne and crept into Wairarapa, momentarily cast some doubts over this year’s date in respect of whether some competitors would be able to even get there, with rural roads and bridges down.

“In many ways, the die was already cast, and with competition numbers good at most of the lead-up competitions through the country after a 2021–2022 season, which saw only a quarter of 60 A&P shows able to go ahead,” said Shearing Sports New Zealand spokesman, Doug Laing. “There wasn’t much that could stop the Return of the Goldies being a major success.“

Shearing Sports New Zealand chairman Sir David Fagan said that with more than 40 competitions held since the start of October, fears that some would not survive the two years of

planning competitions and then having to cancel with barely days to spare were largely dispelled.

“There was also the hint that younger people now see the need to join committees and help run the events for fear of losing them amid age-based attrition affecting most sports at the volunteer levels,” said Doug.

“A 10-year-old shearer, Wairua Edmonds, added another layer to the multi-generational involvement in the wool industry when he shore for the first time in the novice heats in Masterton.

“One thing that lifted interest this year is the fact it’s a world championship, with Shearing Sports New Zealand sending a team of two machine shearers, two blade shearers and two wool handlers to defend and chase the titles at the Royal Highland Show in Scotland in June.

“While the first members of that team would be decided at the Golden Shears, the anticipation added spice to many competitions around the country. Masterton attracted more than 400 shearers, woolhandlers and woolpressers, many of whom would have been simply to qualify for quarter-finals or semi-finals.

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Rowland Smith salutes his late father after winning the Golden Shears Open shearing title for an eighth time

After the combined trials of the pandemic and a bizarre turn of climate which culminated with Cyclone Gabrielle, the 2023 Golden Shears in Masterton on March 2–4 were the measure of a renaissance in Kiwi shearing sports competition after two years in the doldrums.

Ten-year-old shearer Wairua Edmonds, in his first-ever competition

“There was no change at the top of the roost, with Hawke’s Bay shearer Rowland Smith, who was raised on a Ruawai farm in Northland, winning glamour event the Golden Shears Open championship for an eighth time, claiming the first of the two machine shearing berths for Scotland, where brother Matt, an award-winning Cornwall farmer, will represent England.

“Smith, the 2014 world champion, and 2017 champion and four-times Golden Shears winner John Kirkpatrick had plenty on their minds. Their farms, among the hundreds, with erosion, fence

and flooding damage in Hawke’s Bay and leaving them with tough decisions to make about whether to be at the Golden Shears and the Taumarunui, Apiti and Pahiatua shears, which have become the traditional shears-week springboard into the events in Masterton.”

Kirkpatrick, now in his 50s and bestowed the ONZM in the 2022 Queen’s Birthday Honours, made the final yet again. He lines up with a growing list of hopefuls at the New Zealand Shears in Te Kuiti on March 30–April 1, targeting the second machines’ place in the team.

Others at the forefront of that challenge are Marlborough shearer Angus Moore, who won the PGG Wrightson Vetmed National Shearing Circuit for a third time and was also runner-up in the Open final, fellow firsttime Golden Shears Open finalist Hemi Braddick of Eketahuna, and Northland shearer Toa Henderson, who had beaten Smith three times in finals in recent weeks but missed out on a place in the Golden Shears final.

In woolhandling, Candy Hiri of Mataura and Ngaio Hanson of Eketahuna claimed trips to Scotland, and two blade shearers are being selected in a series in the South Island.

After the three days of shearing celebration at Masterton, it was quickly back into action for many of the competitors, with 10 competitions remaining on the New Zealand calendar.

Shears’ novice woolhandling champion, Eleri Bradley

CONTINUING THE DREAM WITH A WIN

BY ANN VAN ENGELEN

“Igrew up in Patetonga with my parents milking around 300 cows,” says Aleisha.

“Mum and dad worked really hard with lots of cows, lots of work, lots of feeding out, and we had lots of fun. I have two older brothers and a younger sister. We knew no different; we all mucked in, really enjoyed farm life as a family.

“When dad used to go off contracting, mum would get me and my sister to do

a lot of jobs and called us McLeod’s daughters, which we thought was fun, and it kept our spirits up.”

At 33 years old, Aleisha is a 50/50 herd-owning sharemilker on the Dibble Family’s Tauhei Farms Ltd 86ha Te Aroha farm, milking 245 cows. She was runner-up in the same category last year and believes working on her business was a key benefit of the awards programme.

“It was great to have the recognition of hard work. As well as learning more and improving my business, I enjoyed meeting the other entrants and regional teams. I am a former DairyNZ Consulting Officer and PrimaryITO tutor, and my favourite part of farming is the cows. I absolutely love the cows. I’ve always wanted to be a farmer and give future children the rural upbringing that I had.

“I really enjoy working with the animals, in particular, growing exceptional youngstock and having happy, healthy cows that have low SCC and high in-calf and production results. It’s also important for me to continually develop, so I have been doing a lot of training, which helps improve the business and keeps you motivated.

“My partner James and I have both worked really hard in our own businesses to get to where we are today. We are going into business together in June to purchase our own dairy property, which has been a goal for both of us for a long time.

Aleisha and James participating in the Surfing For Farmers events as an opportunity to get off-farm

Aleisha Broomfield was born and raised on a dairy farm in Patetonga and won the Waikato New Zealand Dairy Industry Share Farmer of the Year award and says farming is in her DNA.

Aleisha says she loves animals and looking after her herd, ensuring they are well-fed and supported

“Anyone who knows either of us will know that there will be lots of vigorous debate on-farm, particularly about what colour cow we are going to milk. I’d like to help attract more people to the industry who can see the benefits of running their own businesses and provide more support for those people as they progress up the ladder so they stay dairying.

“There are some headwinds and challenges, but as an industry, we need to work together to all pull in the same direction.”

Aleisha is a sharemilker in her own right, with a 82 per cent six-week in-calf rate and 52,000 SCC. She also identifies a traditionally stressful time on-farm as her favourite – calving.

“I believe the strengths of my business lie in the proven on-farm performance regarding cows and pastures. I have a genuine passion for all things farming, particularly pasture management, which allows us to get good performance at a lower cost than others. Excellent cost control in the business, as well as personally, has allowed me to make strong profits year-on-year and build equity.

“My future farming goals include the dairy farm purchase in June. James and I would like to grow that dairy farm to a decent size where it can support a staff member, run a profitable business, and grow our family.

“We love farm life and want our children to grow up how I grew up with dirt between your toes with a humble, grounded upbringing and having our own farm will

help with that. I want my kids getting the cows in on their little two-wheeler bike.

“I see my townie friends with little boys in town that would love their sons to grow up in the country too. It is a very hard lifestyle, and not all butterflies and fluffy rainbows, but it is your own business and manage your own time, except around

milking. One day you are dealing with animal health and you have staff and farm chores. That’s what keeps it interesting.

“Being in the awards was great, and I worked on the judges’ feedback from the last two years to improve and make myself better. I wasn’t expecting to win but was hopeful, and it was amazing to win.”

Aleisha with her Waikato New Zealand Dairy Industry Share Farmer of the Year award

How does magnesium help heart rhythm?

by John Arts

Someone I know well has been treated by a cardiologist for atrial brillation, one of the more common heart rhythm issues. What was interesting was that the cardiologist recommended a high-grade magnesium supplement along with prescribed medications.

One paper (European Heart Journal, 2017) stated: “As such, magnesium plays an integral role in a variety of functions related to cardiovascular disorders. Reduced dietary intake of magnesium has been linked with a higher risk of hypertension, atrial fibrillation (AF), ischaemic heart disease, and new-onset heart failure and heart failure-related hospitalization. Similarly, a low serum magnesium level is associated with up to a 50% higher incidence of new AF, left ventricular hypertrophy, and is an important predictor of sudden cardiovascular death and overall mortality.”

Perhaps my friend’s cardiologist is aware of this and similar studies. The American Association for Thoracic Surgery and the European Society of Cardiology now incorporate magnesium therapy into the treatment and management of some heart arrhythmias.

As an electrolyte, magnesium has a critical role in maintaining normal electrical function in heart muscle. One study showed that patients receiving supplemental magnesium were three times more likely to get

their heart rate below 100bpm than those on a placebo.

This central role of magnesium in heart muscle is because it regulates energy needed for other electrolytes, notably calcium, potassium and sodium. If magnesium is low, these electrolytes become imbalanced and can start processes that affect heart rhythm.

I use magnesium supplementation in two ways. Firstly, I add it to my multi-mineral/vitamin/antioxidant complex. The levels in this are suf cient for a healthy person. However, for those with arrhythmia, we need to add therapeutic levels. For this, I have combined three bioavailable forms of magnesium (natural marine, glycinate and citrate) in one supplement. I then allow a dosage range of between one to four capsules daily to meet individual needs.

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

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How can

High country heritage tours 2024

NZ Adventures is offering the High Country Heritage Tour as a sixday tour in February, April and November, and as a seven-day day tour in March.

The March tour will nish at Cardrona on the morning of March 28 2024, after breakfast. It’s a good opportunity to come down and enjoy Warbirds over Wanaka, which starts on Good Friday, March 29 2024.

The High Country Heritage Tour is the journey down the eastern alpine foothills from Blenheim to Cardrona. It includes a wide range of high country stations and conservation estate tracks along a 1,250km route enjoying overnights in Hanmer Springs, Methven, Fairlie, Omarama and Cromwell. The last night is at the Cardrona Hotel for the six-day tour. Nights for the seven-day tour are Hanmer Springs, Methven, Geraldine, Twizel, Omarama, Cromwell and Cardrona.

Accommodation provided is either a hotel or motel, and for the most part, evening meals and breakfasts are in restaurants on-site. Lunches are a mixture of station and picnic.

Highlights of the tour will include Molesworth Station on the afternoon of day one and the vast hill country of

North Canterbury through most of day two. Day three sees the tour heads west towards the high alps and the massive vistas of the inland valleys. On the sevenday tour, we will nish a little earlier than usual and overnight in Geraldine.

Day four takes the tour across the high plains and gravel river valleys of the Mackenzie country, along with some hill country tracks with views back to Mt. Cook. Day ve and six see the tour drive over into Central Otago and the opportunity to drive very high on to two of the mountain ranges that are so much a part of this region known for its history of gold and pastoralism and for being as far from the sea as it is possible to get in New Zealand.

In the context of a 4WD tour, the tracks are easily enough travelled by competent drivers in suitable four-wheel-drive vehicles (low-range transmission) and all-terrain tyres in very good condition.

If you would like an information pack, please email info@nzadventures.co.nz or visit our website — nzadventures. co.nz.

The High Country Heritage Tour is the journey down the eastern alpine foothills from Blenheim to Cardrona

No nails — only computers

by Andy Bryenton

The practice of making an entire building without using nails is an ancient one, dating from when wooden frame construction didn’t have the luxury of cheap steel on hand.

Timber framework is making a comeback for those who wish to make a statement with big, signature open space or architecture reflecting their ancestry. While construction time is slashed with this method, the cost of making the often large, always vitally precise pieces to build with no nails used to be prohibitive. That is changing due to two new technologies; digitally assisted cutting machines and advanced timber lamination.

While most homes of the near future will assuredly be built from traditional timber framing, the options to be expressive and creative with long arched spans of modern laminated products are enticing for designers. Moving from a three-dimensional model to a crisply computer-assisted cut means there’s more scope than ever before to do away with nails and embrace some very ancient design principles.

Some of these are by no means weaker for their lack of steel components. Some of the world’s oldest buildings were assembled using no nails, with just the woodworker’s artistry of joints, pegs and interlocking beams to see them through the centuries. A good example is the temple and castle architecture of Japan, which almost exclusively utilised a nail-free method.

This traditional art has proven so successful that the oldest company in the world is the one with the longest pedigree

Timber framing can be big, bold and beautiful, allowing for leaps of design not available using other methods Temple of Truth in Thailand. Using the strong timber joinery ideas of multiple civilisations, modern designers can make use of superior wood products, some of which can be less than 10 per cent the weight of steel and one-

of nail-free woodworking. Kongō Gumi remained strictly in family ownership for 1,400 years and still continues to repair, restore and manufacture traditional Japanese ceremonial buildings to this day. That’s 40 generations of builders, going back to 578 CE.

Other nations also embraced nailfree wooden construction. Think Viking longhouses based on that culture’s legendary shipbuilding or the entirely nail-free Pattaya

fifth the weight of concrete but still strong enough to frame a home.

New Zealand has numerous examples of this style. One that has caught international attention is the very literally named ‘house with no nails’ in Matamata. A unique kind of farmstay, the 10th-century style design of the house is a source of wonder for international guests. With computer-assisted design and strong, light laminates to assist, this kind of construction may be the inspiration for the future as well as a love letter to the past.

TO BUILD OR RENOVATE

Armoured against the elements

by Andy Bryenton

They are calling it the ‘summer that wasn’t’, after one of the wettest, wildest seasons on record; but now it’s time to get ready for the winter that follows.

There may be one silver lining from the torrential rains across New Zealand during January and February. The precipitation was up to 149 per cent of normal levels,

with more than one massive weather bomb event to add to the chaos. However, the vicious weather highlighted areas to tighten up before winter hits.

We’re hoping for a mild winter after such a savage summer, but even the most benign cold season brings chills, drips, draughts and damp, if left unchecked. Use the clear, cool days of autumn to take care of some upgrades and be ready for the antarctic assault.

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Check your insulation — Take a look in the attic to see if your insulation is still up to standard. Some materials can deflate or compact over time, reducing their effectiveness. If you have old or inefficient insulation up top, new products and methods of installation could drastically improve your home. The same goes for underfloor products. Some of the earlier applications may be due for a birthday by now, as many have been in place for 10–15 years.

Drive out damp — Dripping windows, mildew, mould and unhealthy air are all symptoms of dampness being trapped indoors during the cold months. Understandably opening all the doors

Services:

• Dairy Shed and Asset Maintenance –No job too big or small.

• Concrete grinding and resurfacing to remove pitted concrete.

• Ensure high ratings on shed inspections.

• Maintenance programs to ensure upkeep on property assets.

• Non slip epoxy coating, providing safe walkways in the workplace.

• Acid washes and chemical treatments to remove grime and dirt build up.

• Ability to work in between milkings.

• Treat and repair rusted steel in dairy sheds or buildings.

• Interior and Exterior Plastering/Rendering.

• Painting –Spray roller brush systems available.

Leaks and draughts —

Weathertightness is all about the little details. Invest in inexpensive foam strip tape to seal windows and doors properly against whistling breezes, and take care of your roof. Get up top if you can, and make sure it’s rust-free, screwed down tight and ready for the winter’s blast.

Fireplace and heating check-up —

and windows on a freezing morning is counterproductive, and it’s the top season for long showers, big meals and loads of laundry. Boost ventilation to those areas where steam is generated, such as cooking and bathing spaces, by cleaning the lint and debris out of existing extractor fans or replacing tired old models with something more potent. Once again, modern motors can be quieter and more powerful, and you could use the existing grille.

Spring cleaning is all fine and good, but autumn maintenance can make your home more energy efficient, healthy and warm for winter Collect

It’s the season to sweep your chimney for safety, efficiency and insurance purposes, and get a WOF for your fire box. This time of year is also right to check the efficiency of your heat pump. Older models may need a bit of a birthday to return to their full abilities, so for both of these tasks, call in the professionals.

The final chore to tackle before winter strikes is to clean debris from your gutters, ensuring clean water reaches your tank, and there are no overflows when torrential rain strikes. With a bit of a once-over this time of year, your home will be a veritable fortress of warmth and welcome no matter what nature throws at us.

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Next summer’s comfort now

by Andy Bryenton

Now is the time to start planning for next summer’s poolside relaxation by making the most of the remaining good weather and breaking ground on a swimming pool project. Where did the idea of a ‘fake lake’ at home come from?

The oldest known swimming pool comes from Pakistan, where the longlost people of Mohenjo-Daro once commanded a mighty kingdom. Their major achievement was using brick with a tar sealant to create elaborate plumbing. Most homes had washrooms and baths, and their biggest temple featured a 7m x 12m swimming pool that could be refilled and used today, 3,000 years later.

The people of Crete once ruled the Mediterranean with their fleet and trained their military to swim. Swimming became a sport the famously competitive Greeks took a liking to, and numerous swimming pools were set up so athletes could train in all weathers. Finding that it provided good exercise with little wear and tear on older bodies, wealthy Greeks and their Roman successors built pools to adjoin their hot baths and saunas.

It led to the invention of the heated swimming pool in the first century BCE

The great pool at Aquae Sulis gave us the word ‘bath’, as that is the Britannic name of this Roman spa town British river. They built a pool with a diving board so these early lifeguards could strengthen up and practise before diving into the currents, where many had previously been lost along with the people they were trying to rescue.

by a wealthy Roman senator named Gaius Maecenas. Put off by nippy winter temperatures, he ordered his pool to be built over a kind of vaulted basement of fire bricks so that wood could be burned underneath by his servants, heating the pool to a more convivial temperature.

Modern swimming pools found favour in England, where the Medway Swimming Club was formed in 1844 to train lifesavers near this notoriously treacherous

Today, a swimming pool is not a massive endeavour to install nor a herculean task to maintain. Modern technology means

that enjoying the therapeutic, fitness and relaxation benefits of a pool in the backyard is easier than ever, and solar heating systems far outpace old Gaius’ fiery basement idea, allowing for a greater scope of use throughout the year.

TO BUILD OR RENOVATE

Say no to unwanted winter guests

by Andy Bryenton

When winter comes, your homes should be a haven of warmth and comfort against the weather and low temperatures of the season.

The only trouble is, there are others who’d love to share in the war and dry conditions you have spent so much time and money perfecting. These pests are unwelcome at the best of times.

Still, insects and rodents can make their presence felt when the outdoors becomes inhospitable.

Those with pet cats may have already noticed a new crop of rats and mice brought in by proud little hunters. As the mornings and evenings turn cold there is less to forage

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outdoors, and the allure of a warm space with lots of treats to steal is rodent heaven. Those without a feline force in defence, or one of the small dogs which can do an equally good job, should look at a solid exclusion policy, checking for places where rats and mice can get in. Seal up everything in your pantry, too, and make sure outside rubbish bins have a tight snap-on lid.

Some insect pests tend to fade away in autumn; mosquitos and flies may reduce in numbers as the cold weather bites. However, other types of crawling critters

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can find the cold weather a good excuse to come inside. Cockroaches are a prime example. Unlike the city ‘roaches depicted on most overseas television shows, New Zealand has a mix of species, some of which should be gainfully employed in the leaf litter of the forest. They hate light, and clean surfaces, but a real infestation is best dealt with by pest control professionals.

Winter is also prime time for moths, as it’s common practice to bring out heavier seasonal blankets, curtains and clothes from storage and tuck away summer-weight fabrics. Moths love to infest stored fabrics, so plan to repel them before you store them.

Bed bugs, ironically, love winter. They don’t just live in bed, either. These pests can be stopped by washing bedding and soft furnishings at high temperatures. Still, the fact that they often give beds a miss means that sometimes people afflicted with these unwanted guests take care of just the bed and leave rugs, curtains and cushions as a perfect hiding place.

Perhaps the winter visitors with the worst reputation and the least real threat are spiders. While the white-tailed spider, an Aussie import, can indeed give a nasty bite, many other spiders come in from the cold and seek out food. That food is usually made up of insects you don’t want in your home, so they could be doing you a favour. While some of our native spiders are large and intimidating, most are harmless to humans and are best handled by simply throwing them out the window.

If pests become a big problem this autumn, call in the professionals to make your home secure before winter makes the issue worse.

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From spiders in the basement to possums in the attic, winter chills can send pests scurrying for the warm, dry comfort of your home

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NORTHLAND LIME

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Increases nutrient availability; raising soil pH with lime to ~6.3-6.5 releases and balances soil nutrients for plant uptake, maximising return on your fertiliser spend.

Improves pasture yield. Trials have shown pasture production increases up to 68% and corresponding live weight gains. 2

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Reduces need for N-fertiliser; lime stimulates N-fixation by legumes, and N-release from organic matter into plant available forms.

Improves P availability through a ‘phosphate sparing effect’ - trials in Northland showed 50-60kg more P available consistent over 3 years after applying 5t/ha of lime to a pH 5.8 soil. Optimal P availability occurs when soils are limes to pH 6.3-6.5.

Improves pasture palatability allowing for more even grazing of pasture and better pasture utilisation

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1

reasons to apply lime to your soils: 10

Increases soil biological activity and diversity; key to nutrient availability, good soil structure & porosity, and ultimately pasture/crop yield. 6

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Increases resilience to droughts, floods, and runoff/erosion, reduced greenhouse gas emissions, and greater root penetration for pasture/crop growth by flocculating (loosening) your soil to improve soil structure and porosity

Increases water holding capacity in the dry and water drainage in the wet. Lime drives down magnesium in ‘tight, high Mg’ soils such as estuarine soils found in the Hauraki Plains.

Reduces elemental toxicities evident at low pH levels, e.g. Al, preventing subsoil acidification and improving root growth, root development, and reduces P-fixation.

Provides calcium which is essential for both plant and animal growth and health 10

5

Improve cow flow and lower your costs related to lame cows; vet bills, lost production, mating issues and getting cows in calf, and the possibility of having to cull the cow. The cause of cow lameness is often as simple as poor or stoney race surfaces - smooth them out with Avoca’s race limestone!

Avoca’s race limestone is cost effective. Avoca screens its limestone to GAP30 & GAP40, giving you a consistent product size that will spread further as it can be applied more thinly. 2

The other advantage of screening to GAP30 and GAP40 is that there is an increased amount of fines as the larger stones are recirculated for crushing. These fines provide the glue to cement the larger pieces of lime stone together. 3

Avoca’s race limestone forms a hardwearing surface in high traffic areas. Its natural cementing properties allows it to pack down to a durable surface with no sharp stones, as found with other rock types. 4

The smooth edges of Avoca’s limestone reduces stone bruises and hoof infections in your herd. 5

benefits of limestone races:

For more than 75 years, Avoca has been supplying farmers with expert advice and top quality agricultural lime and fertilisers to ensure better crops and healthier livestock.

A strategic thinker

Elected in 2014, Barbara Kuriger is now in her third term bringing experience, enthusiasm, drive and direction to her role as MP for Taranaki-King Country.

She always wanted to be able to give more back to the communities she’d moved in and those beyond. Barbara says being an MP allows her to do so in many rewarding ways.

A lifelong dairy farmer, Barbara remains a shareholder in two family-owned farming businesses and is dedicated to achieving better policy outcomes for rural New Zealand. She believes rural New Zealand is often forgotten in the policymaking processes of Wellington. Barbara has a proven track record advocating for better rural services and continues to fight for rural proofing in practice, not just on paper.

“Barbara is highly regarded in the agricultural industry and rural sector and is always seeking more opportunities to collaborate with other industries to promote regional growth.”

Having lived all of her life in Taranaki, she understands the contribution of New Zealand’s leading resource region. As she travels one of the largest electorates in the country, she knows only too well the necessity for well-developed and maintained transport routes. Routes rural communities and urban centres need to conduct business efficiently and effectively across the nation.

Barbara splits her time between her Taranaki-King Country electorate and Wellington, as well as other parts of the country, as the demands of her responsibilities require. It is a rural electorate, and she enjoys being grounded in her rural communities. She was named the 2012 Dairy Woman of the Year and has been a member of the Boards of DairyNZ, Primary ITO Board, Taratahi, Dairy Women’s Network, and New Zealand Young Farmers.

She has completed an Institute for Strategic Leadership MBA and is a past scholarship recipient of the Food and Agribusiness Mark Experience (FAME). In 2014, she became a Fellow of the New Zealand Institute of Directors. She’s currently studying for PGCert in Public Policy. She’s also a judge of the Rural Games Trust awards.

Barbara is a strategic thinker and enjoys a challenge. She is driven to

support others to fulfil their aspirations. She is highly regarded in the agricultural industry and rural sector and is always seeking more opportunities to collaborate with other industries to promote regional growth.

She has held many former roles within parliament. She has worked on a broad range of political issues, ensuring she has a wealth of experience to bring to any parliamentary role. In 2020 alone, Barbara was the chairperson of Governance and Administration, lasting until 2021. She was also the chairperson of Primary Production in 2020.

Barbara has also been a member of business, finance and expenditure, officers of parliament, and privileges. During her time in parliament, she has also been a spokesperson for agriculture, biosecurity, energy and resources, food safety, rural communities, transport and women.

“Barbara has held many former roles within parliament. She has worked in a broad range of political issues, ensuring she has a wealth of experience to bring to any parliamentary role.”

Get in touch with Barbara at barbarakuriger.org.nz.

Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country

19 NIGHTS 13 - 31 August 2023

CONFIRMED DEPARTURE

Two nights in Glasgow then experience stunning scenery and Scottish hospitality on the West Highland Way walk. Explore the beauty, Celtic culture and history of the Outer Hebridean islands

10 NIGHTS

26 July - 5 August 2023

CONFIRMED DEPARTURE

Escape the winter on an island hopping adventure to explore Rarotonga and four of the unspoiled islands of the Southern group.

18 NIGHTS 4 - 24 October 2023

CONFIRMED DEPARTURE

Explore the historic bustling streets of Hanoi, charming Hoi An and dynamic Saigon. Experience the temples of Angkor Wat. Two night cruise on Lan Ha Bay and seven nights on a luxurious rivership cruising the Mekong.

if required.

Walking Scotland

Island Hop the Southern Cook Islands

Vietnam and Cambodia

Makes friends wherever it grows

Great news for those of you who want to get more cocksfoot into your pastures this autumn — there’s now one available that mixes well with other species instead of taking over.

Rede ne is tailor-made for anyone who wants the bene ts of cocksfoot without the clumpy, aggressive behaviour and clover suppression often associated with older varieties.

That means you can add diversity and climatic resilience to summerdry pasture mixes because cocksfoot is tougher than ryegrass with more summer growth.

Even ner

Since Kara was released back in 1980, we’ve made great progress developing finer, more tillered cocksfoot cultivars.

Rede ne is another big step forward. At more than 5,000 tillers a square metre, it has more than twice as many tillers as Kara. You can clearly see the difference between it and other cocksfoots.

Clover friendly

Rede ne is a better neighbour for clovers than older cultivars, and clover returns the favour by feeding it with naturally- xed nitrogen.

Why does this matter? Without enough nitrogen, which shows up as yellowing leaves, cocksfoot becomes low in crude protein. It doesn’t taste great; your animals don’t enjoy eating it, and their performance is affected.

Great teammates

Rede ne and ryegrass are ideal partners, giving more reliable pasture establishment than sowing cocksfoot as the sole grass.

Rede ne sown with ryegrass will be faster to grazing than cocksfoot only, with fewer weed issues, and it will provide more feed during the rst year.

Innovative Design Improves Efficiency

Ezi-flo pit gates completely clear exit ways and cannot be touched by cows leaving the milking area.

The fully galvanised gates are available in kitset for speedy installation. Suppliers to Farmers, Builders and Engineers.

Good against grass grub

Once established, cocksfoot has good tolerance of all pasture pests. Notably, it is much more tolerant of grass grub than ryegrass.

Seed for Redefine is available now for autumn sowing. Order yours from your seed merchant today.

Our

“We don’t see problems, we see solutions.”

“Without enough nitrogen, it doesn’t taste great; your animals

enjoy eating

Redefine Cocksfoot

A runaway success story

The DR200SE Trojan took the benchmark for farm two-wheeler motorcycles to new levels upon its introduction more than 20 years ago.

When the engineering team at Suzuki New Zealand Ltd rst set about making a purpose-built farm bike for our unique conditions, they started from scratch. Listening to the needs of farmers meant Suzuki could add features that made the Trojan a step ahead of the competition. Using the already robust DR200 trail bike, Suzuki custom-built a list of modi cations, packaged the bike and returned it to Japan for manufacture. The result was a runaway success story rocketing the Trojan to the top of the farm two-wheeler sales virtually overnight.

Since that introduction, the bike has had several colour changes and many minor model changes, but underneath, it is still the farm workhorse of its predecessors. One of the most popular features on the Trojan has been its large 12-volt headlight, a real bonus if you ask any dairy farmer about those early morning starts.

From our discussions with farmers, we also found that when you have the

occasional slip, or the bike gets knocked over, you need something to protect vulnerable handlebar levers. The tting of quality aluminium protectors not only gives the levers a second chance but has also saved a few knuckles on the way. Being built in Japan means a quality that has some competitor products looking less than value for money. For instance, the exhaust header pipe is stainless steel. The motor is not only a four-stroke for fuel savings but has an oil cooler and oil lter, meaning that engine problems should be the last thing on your mind. Dual side stands are a winner on any farm when solid ground is hard to nd. When the going gets really tough, you can rely on the chunky Bridgestone knobbly tyres front and rear for real traction.

Low-gearing with a quality O’ring chain allows slow-speed riding to be completed with ease without continual stalling or heavy clutch use, and the fuel tank holds a massive 13 litres, enough to last most

Shane Davis Bulk Spreading Ltd

The Trojan has been designed for Kiwi farmers farmers all week. There are a lot more features we could list. The strongest and most compelling reason why Trojan is a genuine Kiwi farm bike is the sales history it has achieved since its introduction.

So, if you are looking for a new farm two-wheeler and need more information on the Suzuki DR200SE Trojan, call your local dealer or visit our website suzuki. co.nz.

The DR200SE Trojan has taken the benchmark for farm two-wheelers to an entirely new level

KX057-4 KX SERIES EXCAVATOR 4.2% FINANCE FOR 36MONTHS*

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T2290 T SERIES RIDE-ON MOWER

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4.6% FINANCE FOR 36MONTHS^

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- 24 SPD TRANSMISSION AND PTO

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