Waikato Farming Lifestyles, March 2024

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Editor: Deb Wright 021 639 696 deb.wright@integrity.nz

Journalists: Ann van Engelen | Andy Bryenton | Amy Fifita

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Are you wondering what to do with your Estate Jewellery? We can clean, check, appraise, value as necessary all in store.

by Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country

A line from the Little River Band song, Help is on its way, keeps running through my mind. It’s become a permanent fixture. I can’t shake it, and I know why.

Help is at last on the way for all those sectors of New Zealand that have suffered from six years of neglect, indifference, pious ideology and sheer mismanagement. None more so than the rural sector.

Help is on the way — suggests change. There will be change. The country wanted it and voted for it. I am happy to tell you that in Wellington, there is plenty of energy and enthusiasm for it.

The first 100 days of the Nationalled coalition government have seen a massive amount of change that goes to the core of a properly functioning government. One that is determined and, more importantly, capable of delivering on its promises.

I see it across the board, but I am most encouraged by what I see for one of my particular interests — the restoration of services within and for the rural sector. Services such as police, health, education and rural support have at their helm some of our best and most capable ministers. These are people who know what they are doing and how to achieve it. Still, it is not just them.

It may be interesting to know that this coalition government has more working farmers than any government in recent times. I call them the gumboot brigade, and they are there making a real difference because they understand what we need and how to get it done.

So, help is on the way. The government got off to a speedy start with the first 100 days. Still, we need to be patient, too — as the line says, hang on. There is a lot to do to turn around years of neglect, let alone introduce new initiatives. We’ll get it done.

Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country

by Paul Campbell

Mystery Creek preparations underway

With 82 days to go, preparations are in full swing for Fieldays 2024, with the gates opening on Wednesday, June 12.

“The build of a small city starts taking shape in early April, transforming the 114 hectares of Mystery Creek Events Centre into a showcase of New Zealand’s food and fibre sector,” says CEO Peter Nation.

“At its core, Fieldays is about bringing together the agricultural community, farmers and growers, industry professionals, government agencies, International delegations, researchers, and enthusiasts to celebrate a shared passion, exchange ideas and forge lasting connections.

A birds-eye

of Mystery

“Fieldays is more than just an exhibition; it’s a vital connection point that strengthens the bonds within our agricultural community. For over half a century, this four-day event has played a pivotal role in fostering relationships, creating connection, facilitating knowledge transfer, and driving progress in our primary industries.”

He says with more than 1,000 exhibitors, Fieldays visitors can expect to see a diverse range of cutting-edge agricultural technology, innovative farm

underway equipment, and rural lifestyle exhibits and bag themselves a bargain, thanks to loyal and longstanding exhibitors who bring iconic brands to the event. Demonstrations and competitions, alongside the six branded hubs: Innovation, Hauora Taiwhenua Health and Wellbeing, Forestry, Careers and Education, Sustainability and Digital Futures, create a variety of opportunities for visitors to experience different

aspects of agriculture, innovation, sustainability, rural life, education and digital adoption.

“Circle June 12–15 in your calendars for this iconic Kiwi event. It’s the place to connect with like-minded individuals and businesses, explore new horizons, and contribute to the growth and development of our vital NZ agricultural landscape. Tickets go on sale in early May.”

view

Creek

LSHOWCASED

BY ANN VAN ENGELEN

ogan and Sian Dawson were announced winners of the region’s Share Farmer of the Year category at the Waikato Dairy Industry Awards, with Matthew Macdonald becoming the 2024 Waikato Dairy Manager of the Year and Kirwyn Ellis, the 2024 Waikato Dairy Trainee of the Year.

“Just over a decade ago, when I was in my early 20s, I found myself on the receiving end of animal cruelty charges and immediately took full responsibility for my actions,” he says.

Logan has come a long way from the young man who made a poor decision while pig-hunting and is now a dairy farmer who has elevated animal welfare to the forefront of his business. He declared

the historic charges when entering the awards and believes it benefits everyone to value the animals that farmers have the privilege of caring for.

“I am so sorry, and have used the experience as an opportunity for personal growth, and I lead our team to diligently display best animal welfare practices.”

“As a husband and father of five, I am now acutely aware of how important it is to not only surround my family with genuine, wholesome people but to be that person for those around them as well.

“I wanted my kids to find something positive about me when Googling, and I’ve spent the past decade trying to be the best role model I can be for them and my

Sian and Logan enjoy the variety of physical and mental work that farming gives them

team. My desire is to be the best example to my legacy that I can be.

“Taking part in the awards will hopefully redefine me or at least balance out the past and prove that you can turn your life around. I have been able to start breeding a herd of my own,

something I’m very passionate about, and have worked my way up to an equity partnership sharemilking job that is incredibly fulfilling.”

Logan and Sian are equity partners and 50/50 sharemilkers for Jim and Sue van der Poel on their 333ha, 1,350-cow farm.

Organisers of the Dairy Industry Awards say the major winners in the 2024 Waikato Dairy Industry Awards are proof that poor decisions of the past can be overcome to carve out a successful career in milking cows.

The Dawsons believe every difficulty on-farm is an

“We believe the awards programme has pushed us out of our comfort zone, but we enjoyed the challenge and have grown a lot through the process.

“I am a third-generation farmer who grew up on the family dairy farm and has been farming since leaving high school.

“I have achieved NZ Certificate in Agriculture levels two, three and four, NZ Certificate in Production Management level five and NZ Certificate in Agribusiness Management level five.

“I’ve worked my way up from farm assistant to herd manager, 2IC, then lower-order sharemilking, which led to larger scale contract milking that’s allowed us to grow into our current equity partner sharemilking role.”

Sian had a very different upbringing, raised as a city girl in Sydney. “I’ve been a photographer for the last 10 years and am

kept very busy raising our five children,” she says.

“We enjoy the variety of physical and mental work that farming gives them and the connection with their animals and the land. We get to feed the world and live an honest and wholesome life at the same time, and look forward to watching technology advancing and new ideas being tested to increase efficiency as well as reduce environmental impact.

“We see ourselves as a part of that leading edge, whether doing trial work or implementing better practices and helping farmers toward a sustainable future. One of the biggest challenges we have faced was the 2016 payout. It changed the way we now structure our business, the way we operate with minimising expenses, personal drawings and revolutionised our

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risk assessment and decisionmaking process.

“They are proud they have achieved a large-scale sharemilking equity partnership and hitting 130 per cent of live weight in production last year.

“We identify the strong relationship with their equity partner as a strength of their business, along with profitable and proven farm systems.

“Farming is certainly challenging at times, but every difficulty is an opportunity for growth.”

The Waikato Dairy Industry Awards winners’ field day will be held on April 3 at 10am at 134 Ngahinapouri Road, RD2, Ohaupo S/N Fonterra 73401, where Logan and Sian Dawson sharemilk.

Further details on the winners and the field day can be found at dairyindustryawards.co.nz.

Logan and Sian Dawson receiving their award at the recent Waikato Dairy Industry Awards dinner

BY ANN VAN ENGELEN

Phillip and Michaela Frost have continued on with the Mamaku Blue Blueberry Experience from Phillip’s parents, Harry and Anne, ensuring the delightful berry

Mamaku Blue recently received bronze awards for the 250ml Pure 100% Blueberry Juice and the 250ml Pure 100% Gooseberry Juice at the recent NZ Life & Leisure Outstanding Food Producers Awards — Label & Litho Drink Medal.

“My parents purchased the property in 1968, and it ran as a beef and dry stock farm for several years,” says Phillip.

“Mamaku Blue began in the early 1980s after Harry and Anne planted

Located

2,000 plants in their first block, which was quite an investment for the time. After they put them in the ground, they realised they did it incorrectly.”

With a small amount of adaptation, the plants thrived.

“From those plants, they propagated the next block and then trialled black and red currants but they weren’t so successful. The blueberries continued and green gooseberries were added when gooseberries became hard to find.

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“In recent years, green gooseberries have been in high demand, and we always sell out to our regular customers who love them fresh. We now have blueberry and gooseberry products, including fresh or frozen berries, juice, powders, wine, liqueurs, and a variety of condiments.”

The pack house started as a double garage before the Frosts invested in a larger factory to store and sort the berries.

“We have our fresh berry grading area, chillers and freezers. A blast freezer gets the harvest down from orchard temperature to negative five degrees

overnight. We have a frozen grading table to take out any leaves and sticks before the berries go by elevator conveyor belt to the tumbler, which breaks up stems or clusters.

“Red and green berries don’t ripen once picked. The colour sorter takes them out, and the smaller berries drop into the sizing drum. We have a good, clean product graded in a short amount of time.

“Before we purchased the machines, a bin would take 16 people one day to sort, which shortened the lifespan of the product.”

Anna is often found making frozen berry ice cream at the cafe from produce grown on the property

With the machine, the same amount can take eight people 50 minutes.

“Last year, keeping the quality and consistency became crucial, and we added tunnel houses to the property as rain, insects and birds can damage the fruit. You can’t control the weather, but you can enhance your opportunities by expanding.

“There’s a vast difference in the growth as the berries are protected from the weather with the help of the canopy netting, together with pest and disease monitoring. The houses were a game changer. The financial decision to invest wasn’t the easiest one and took us longer than anticipated.

“We always aim for minimum wastage and have found a use for nearly all our

harvested fruit. Badly damaged and some accidentally picked red berries are frozen and processed to become jams, chutneys and doggy treats.

“Our berries are spray-free, which is our preference, as our children and us love eating them straight from the bushes. We follow maintenance procedures out of our harvest and fruit set window to ensure we don’t get disease and insects that could seriously affect our main season.”

People visiting the Mamaku Blue Blueberry Experience find the cafe and museum of great interest.

“Anne and Harry decided to have a visitors centre and purposefully built the cafe and museum with the prime minister at the time, Helen Clark, opening it in 2002.

“The cafe was originally the winery and became Mamaku Blue Blueberry Experience, with the wine kicking it off as a popular item. As the economy changed, we changed to selling our blueberry juice and freeze-dried products.

“We sell our famous muffins, pancakes, blueberry tea, chutneys and other items, while the museum is home to memorabilia from the area, which was a saw milling town.

“Harry’s dad appreciated history and preserved things like old school books, newspaper clippings, toys, heritage bottles and tools.

“Being a small family business and working in horticulture means that our budget is tight and we have a different dynamic of running the company. People love that our berries are fresh in season from December through to the end of March and then frozen from April to November at the markets. Our Mamaku Blue Blueberry Complex is open daily from 9am to 5pm in summer and 10am to 4pm in winter.”

Read part two of the Frost’s blueberry story next month.

Tractor attachments sorted

Eagle Attachments is a New Zealand family-owned company with a simple belief — you deserve reliable and functional gear at great value.

“This belief drives our selection of products and suppliers, ensuring they meet the high standards of durability and ef ciency needed for the diverse New Zealand conditions,” says manager Almanzo McGaveston.

“Our understanding of the challenging terrains and demanding work environments shapes our commitment to providing top-notch tractor and skid steer loader attachments.”

Eagle Attachments specialises in providing practical and robust attachments for the agricultural and construction sectors.

“Our experience in these industries guides our selection of products to ensure they meet the real-world demands of farmers and contractors.

“By sourcing directly from global manufacturers, predominantly in Europe, we bring quality attachments

straight to the end user across the nation — no dealers, no middlemen, just great value.

“Explore our ever-growing range of attachments, available for immediate

Eagle Attachments specialises in providing practical and robust attachments for the agricultural and construction sectors purchase or pre-order, to enhance your machine’s ef ciency today. We recommend pre-ordering so you score a deal with forward planning, ensuring you’re equipped with the right tools for future tasks.

“Choosing to pre-order with us at Eagle Attachments means you’re strategically equipping your farm for future tasks, ensuring you have the necessary attachments at the best value.

“It’s a nancially savvy and ef cient choice for farmers who want to stay ahead and save. It’s a simple process. Just get in contact with us to discuss the attachment you require, and we will take it from there.

“We’ll discuss the nal price with you and provide regular updates on the status of your order.

“Discover the simplicity and exibility of purchasing with Eagle Attachments. Whether you need a product right away or are planning for future needs, our tailored purchasing options are designed to suit your speci c requirements.

“At Eagle Attachments, we’re dedicated to equipping you with the best tools for success. Our commitment is to deliver not just products, but solutions that withstand the test of time and nature.”

Go to eagleattach.co.nz to order or for more information.

Celebrating International Women’s Day

Siobhan O’Malley is a dairy farmer, innovator, businesswoman and community volunteer.

Siobhan is a fine example of the thousands of Kiwi dairy farming women throughout New Zealand who multitask on a daily basis to contribute positively to their communities.

As a high school teacher, president of her children’s gymnastics club, small business owner and sustainability initiatives her family is involved with, Siobhan is kept busy.

“International Women’s Day on March 8 was a great opportunity to celebrate the amazing contribution of rural women across all aspects of Kiwi life,” says DairyNZ general manager Alyce Butler.

“About one-third of dairy farmers are women, and they contribute hugely every day to our sector, communities, local economies, schools, sports and sustainability initiatives.

“The dairy sector is evolving and becoming a more inclusive and diverse workforce with varying needs and wants. We’re developing new ways of working, different milking schedules, varied rosters and new technology, all of which support efficient farm systems and inclusive workplaces.”

Siobhan and fellow dairy farmer Wayne Langford co-founded the Meat the Need charity, which helps feed Kiwis in need so they don’t go hungry.

Farmers throughout the country donate meat and milk, which the charity provides to food banks and other community groups dealing with food poverty in NZ.

“Meat the Need is hugely successful. We’ve achieved more in three years than we thought we would in 10 years because farmers really got behind it,” says Siobhan.

“I get involved in my community in the things that I believe are really important and that I’m passionate about. By working together in our communities, we achieve so much more.”

Siobhan grew up in Christchurch and graduated with a master’s degree in classical studies. She met her husband Christopher when he was a tour guide in the Abel Tasman and later in Dublin, Ireland. They went dairy farming together after Christopher worked for his brother, who was sharemilking and fell in love with it.

The couple own their own farm and enjoy teaching their children about farming and the environment. They plant

birds places to rest and feed.

“With farming, I love being the master of my own destiny and the whole family is involved. Our children know more about running a business than I did at 18.”

On the business side, Siobhan and two other farmer friends she met at the Kellogg Rural Leadership course have created

luxury knitwear company, Hemprino, an e-commerce start-up. Hemprino is made from hemp fibre and merino wool.

“The hemp fibre strengthens the merino, and the knitwear is soft. It’s biodegradable, which is important to us. We believe everyone should be reducing their environmental footprint where they can.”

Dairy farmer Siobhan O’Malley with her husband Christopher and children Finnian, Ruairi and Aisling

Siobhan O’Malley loves contributing to her local community, farming and e-commerce native trees on their property, which gives native

by Amy Fifita

Right for the land

With resource consents and regulations surrounding effluent ponds, sometimes it is difficult for farmers to decide on a suitable one for the farm.

Effluent storage is a difficult business, especially since there are various options to select from. There are several considerations, depending on if you are designing one for installation or upgrading the current system. Travelling irrigators, low-rate sprinklers with mechanical separation and sometimes muck spreader systems have stormwater diversion systems in place.

Travelling irrigators are suitable for flat to low-sloped farms, with no particular landscape or climate risk factors, and freely-draining soil. The traditional design allows the effluent to flow from the yard through a stone trap to the storage facility using gravity or a pump mechanism.

Farms prone to high-risk soils, high rainfall areas or sensitive catchments will benefit from a low-rate sprinkler with mechanical separation set up. Like the travelling irragator option, effluent flows through a stone trap but then to a mechanical separator. The solids are removed and the liquid can be pumped to storage. The liquid can be irrigated on to the property using minimal lowrate sprinklers.

A muck-spreading system is suited to smaller farms with fewer cattle. The system runs with a pump or gravity feed to the effluent storage before being stirred and sucked into a muck spreader truck. It is then sprayed on the land.

Fonterra offers assistance in supporting farmers with their effluent management, including dairy effluent storage calculations. The calculator takes into account regulations and planning or upgrades. The company has experts in the Waikato area who can assist with riparian management plans and help match the farm type to an effluent solution. The co-operative group is there to support dairy farmers in managing their land and water within regional catchments and backs trials looking into new on-farm practices and technologies.

The best effluent pond system depends on the landscape of the dairy farm

Addressing biosecurity issues

By reaching out to farmers, AgResearch scientists are focussing on plugging a major knowledge gap on diseases in pasture and addressing biosecurity threats.

“There is a real gap in awareness and understanding about current diseases and the impact they are having on pastures, as well as potential future impacts,” says AgResearch science team leader Kwasi Adusei-Fosu.

The pathogens that cause diseases in pasture plants, such as Crown rust and clover rot can have significant costs for farmers and the New Zealand economy, and in a changing climate the concern is that those losses will escalate.

“By building our knowledge around pasture diseases, we are also helping raise the awareness and preparedness for threats to New Zealand’s biosecurity, including the risk of new diseasecausing organisms that could invade New Zealand.”

Dr Adusei-Fosu and his colleagues at AgResearch have prepared an online survey aimed at farmers to gauge the level of understanding of diseases present in NZ pastures, control/management strategies, financial implications, farmers’ education/capability to identify diseases and varying climatic conditions for existing/persisting diseases.

Dr Adusei-Fosu’s current research includes screening and testing pasture grasses from South Africa against other strains of rust pathogens, to see if they can offer us lessons as climate change impacts begin to bite.

“That’s the kind of work going on, but I realised it would be fantastic to hear from farmers, farm managers and agribusinesses on what they’re seeing in their operations and in the screening experiments they’re doing as part of the process of producing seeds and coming up with new seed lines.

“Survey results will also inform an AgResearch programme aiming to reduce synthetic pesticide inputs on-farm. A second survey to be carried out at a later date will focus on understanding grower awareness of key insect pests and their current control methods. With the recent incursion of Fall armyworm and the potential for other biosecurity threats, it is also timely to update knowledge in this space.

To take part in the pasture pathogen survey, which will take no more than 10 minutes to complete, and be in to win one of five $100 Prezzy cards, go to surveymonkey.com/r/YR68GHJ.

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by John Arts

Do I need extra magnesium? (Part two)

Last month, we saw that magnesium supplements can be very effective for cramps, especially night cramps, and to help restless legs.

Over 300 enzymes, including those needed for muscle contraction, energy metabolism and many others, require magnesium.

As a Nutritional Medicine practitioner, magnesium is one of my most frequently prescribed supplements. Magnesium works quickly on problems, with bene ts obvious within days, especially with night cramps.

Magnesium is critical for cardiovascular function. It helps regulate electrical impulses and helps support normal heart rhythm, especially for those with AF. I have seen those with mild arrhythmia return to normal using targeted magnesium plus appropriate dietary changes. I also use magnesium, alongside naturally fermented co-enzyme Q10, for those on statin drugs to help prevent or reverse the common side effects of low energy, muscle stiffness, pain and cramps.

Magnesium is also helpful when part of a nutrition programme for hypertension. It helps relax the smooth muscle that lines blood vessels thus reducing blood pressure. It does

this because it is a natural calcium channel blocker. When magnesium levels are low, calcium over-stimulates heart muscle cells ( bres), resulting in heart arrythmias. Adding magnesium helps to counteract this.

For hypertension, I like to combine supplemental magnesium with a good multi-antioxidant, multi-mineral, and multi-vitamin complex. This, combined with a diet high in nitrates (especially beetroot), can produce real bene ts.

I prefer chelated magnesium diglycinate combined with naturally extracted magnesium from seaweed. These, combined with rapidly absorbed magnesium citrate mean the supplement can work quickly for fast results. I suggest you avoid once-a-day supplements and look for those that you can vary the dosages depending on your needs.

John Arts (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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TO BUILD OR RENOVATE

ADVERTORIAL

Joined by community

Hopkins Joinery services the Waikato area for kitchen and aluminium joinery needs, striving to provide a quality product for its customers.

“We make made-to-measure kitchens, repairs, aluminium windows, conservatories and various other services,” said employee R Hill.

“I have worked here for 18 years. When people begin working here, they tend to stay for a while. We employ our apprentices from local schools. Every day is different and I enjoy the big range of tasks we can do for people.”

The team specialises in kitchen carpentry, including custom designs for clients with a focus on customer end–product satisfaction. Kitchen renovations are also a speciality of the company.

Vantage aluminium joinery is also in the team’s repertoire, along with y screens and security doors. This service covers all aspects from measuring to manufacturing design and installation.

Situated in the heart of Waikato, the business also does its best to support and contribute to the local community.

“We take pride in customer happiness. The business has been

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around since 1977 and has been around for a long time in the same place. We always support local. We provide substantial discounts to community services like St John and our town’s re brigade. We also donate to various community groups.”

Clients can obtain a quote for free before moving forward with their desired plan. The customer’s needs and budgets are important to the service providers.

“The prices for a custom-made kitchen are competitive and affordable. We are always willing to work for people and work within their budgets.”

Hopkins Joinery is located at 126 Taupo St, Putaˉruru. Its opening hours are from 7.30am to 5pm on Mondays to Thursdays and 7.30am to 4pm on Fridays.

For enquiries, call 07 883 7951 or email info@hopkinsjoinery.co.nz. For more information, visit hopkinsjoinery. co.nz.

A passion for design

Mandy Fraser purchased Te Awamutu Guthrie Bowron in June 2019 after having had a 15-year history with the store, a passion for interior design and helping people achieve their renovating goals.

“Being a design store, our aim is to ensure we inspire,” says Mandy.

“Guthrie Bowron Te Awamutu is a modern store situated in a new complex with great parking, making it very accessible to customers.

“In-store, you’ll nd a great range of quality ooring, paint, wallpaper, curtains and blinds. It is truly set up to inspire. We have a large selection of homewares and displays, allowing customers to get a feel for how certain colours or décor will work for their home.

“Our team also offers a colour consultancy service, where we can help you to choose everything from your roof colour, joinery, interior and exterior colours, wallpaper, ooring, curtains and blinds.”

Mandy and her team pride themselves on being able to put together the whole package for their customers.

“My staff have an eye for detail, and we pride ourselves on our fantastic customer service and advice. We also have Nicole Beveridge on our team with her diploma in interior design. Nicole is also on hand to give suggestions for all your interior design concerns or queries.

“When it comes to window furnishings and ooring we have offerings for all types of budgets, with a great selection of carpet, engineered timber, laminate and vinyl.

“We are available to help with paint, curtains, ooring and wallpaper advice and are happy to travel to our clients, although, at times, consultancy fees or travel restrictions may apply.

“Come and visit Guthrie Bowron Te Awamutu at the Mega Centre, 8/670 Cambridge Road and get everything you need, topped by expert advice. Phone 07 871 8540 or email sales. teawamutu@guthriebowron.co.nz.”

Refreshing buildings of all types

For 20 years, Grant Kennedy at ASAP Decorative Specialists Ltd has been in the painting and decorating industry, expanding their experience to provide restorative and maintenance solutions to property owners of all types.

“We are a small family-operated business and are available to help with all your painting, decorating, concrete resurfacing and house or building refurbishing needs,” says Grant.

“ASAP Decorative Specialists also carry out construction work and can project manage refurbishments of all types. As project managers, we can organise the work from start to nish.

“Last year we project managed a car park build, removing the original asphalt, completing the shotcrete on the structural retaining wall, health and safety, temporary fencing and all the civil works as to speci cation, before reinstating the parking spaces by line lasering and adding the bump stops.

“We refresh aluminium joinery on houses and garage doors and other residential asset updates that may be needed.

“Our company is still doing our usual painting and decorating, concrete resurfacing and helping dairy farmers to ensure their sheds are up to code.”

ASAP Decorative Specialists is involved in government agency work, such as the new 140-squaremetre mobility access ramp at the Ngaruawahia pools.

“We do farm buildings, too. For instance, if a standard shed has rust on the corrugated iron, we are able to apply a low molecular resin for protection as opposed to having the iron reclad, saving both time and nances, meaning you don’t have to have a reconstruction.”

The team at ASAP Decorative Specialists is up to code regarding health and safety practices, ensuring each job has its own Job Safety Assessment form.

“We have our health and safety certi cation for all jobs and encourage farmers and others to check if your home, farm cottage or any other buildings on your property need maintenance to be carried out before the winter weather sets in.

“If there is an older area you would like redesigned, we’re more than happy to have a chat. We enjoy that our workspace changes regularly as we help our clients meet the requirements they have.

“Instead of building a new shed or building, we can suggest options that

you may not have thought of through refurbishing as a solution. We can design, implement and nish your projects and are available for consultations.

“For all of your painting, decorating, concrete resurfacing and redesign needs, call us at ASAP Decorative Specialists Ltd. We have worked in many different situations and realise everyone’s budget is different so coming up with a cost-effective solution is what we aim to provide.”

BEFORE BEFORE BEFORE AFTER AFTER AFTER

Nothing beats experience, and with more than 20 years industry experience serving the Central North Island we strive for our workmanship to always be excellent quality.

We work on projects of all size, from small residential jobs to large commercial projects - and we’ve never turned a job down because it’s too small. So get in touch with the team at ASAP today for free, no obligations quote.

Grant Kennedy and the team at ASAP Decorative Specialists Ltd are available for project consultations

you unlock development opportunities on your property.

We can tackle any size project, with the wider Maven group employing 170 staff across 13 of ces.

Maven Matamata provides expert surveying, engineering and land development expertise

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We specialise in unlocking potential, whether that be through lifestyle lot developments to free up some capital, enable family to retire but still stay on the farm, or environmental lot development, releasing lot entitlements through the protection and enhancement of native vegetation.

You may have rights to develop your property, or we might be able to work with the titles you have, and relocate or recon gure to make your site work better for you. We look at opportunities you may not have considered, like solar farming, ecotourism or visitor accommodation.

We also look at the bigger picture. New Zealand is facing big challenges around quality housing, resilient infrastructure and sustainable growth. If corners are cut now, we’re just passing these same challenges on to future generations to x. That’s why we’re committed to excellence. We do it right now for the good of New Zealand.

We’re helping build a better future, taking the lead in our industry through innovation, excellence and sustainable thinking.

We have in-house engineers, surveyors and planners who can typically uncover a design solution that will work for you based on your needs.

Get in touch — we can discuss potential opportunities and your options going forward.

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We’re helping build a better future, taking the lead in our industry through innovation, excellence and sustainable thinking.

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Warming the home’s heart for 45 years

The third-generation team at Wagener Stoves look forward to delivering warmth and comfort to you and your family season after season and year after year.

For 45 years the family business has proudly designed and handcrafted its unique Wagener res right here in New Zealand.

The Wagener range began in the days of the original Kent res with entrepreneurial Leon Kernot. Forty- ve years ago, things were built to last, and today, as the grandsons step up to take over the business from dad, Barry Kernot, and mum, Ngaire McClure, that philosophy has not changed.

The original Wagener Stove, designed by Leon, morphed into the CookTop Wagener Stove and is renowned and praised by generations of Kiwis. Wagener still produces the only Kiwimade modern-day chip heater, the Butler Multi high-performance hot water heater, and for decades has manufactured a modern-day Woodrange, with the current Fairburn Cooker still proving as popular as ever.

More recent additions include the very popular Sparky Multi, Rural and Clean Air models and bigger brother Wagener Leon named in memory of founder, grandad Leon.

generation taking over the business

Leon’s son, Barry, has been responsible for designing all the stoves since the original Wagener. Although now retired, he is still working in the background, designing new products and guiding the latest generation.

As the needs of Kiwi families change, the Wagener family brings new niche options to the market to meet the

demands of an ever-changing world. The latest to hit the market, is Wagener Pipi, designed to meet the growing needs of the tiny house market, and under test now, a mini oven designed to sit on top of your replace.

For more information and to nd a dealer near you, please visit wagenerstoves.co.nz.

Troy, Kyle and Adam, third

In dairy farming, managing autumn pasture means focussing on average pasture cover and cow condition to prepare for spring.

The DairyNZ website’s autumn management page details guidelines for achieving this through consistent postgrazing residuals, body condition scoring, autumn feed budgeting, pasture renewal and rotation length management.

Strategies for whole herd body condition, autumn feed budget considerations, pasture renewal and autumn pest control are important as is managing feed on the farm.

Following certain practices that improve persistence and quality in your pastures will help you reach average pasture cover and cow condition targets ready for spring.

Good grazing management through early autumn maximises the pasture you grow and utilise, balanced with allowing pastures to recover following any dry periods in the summer.

The secret to achieving good grazing is leaving consistent post-grazing residuals and graze pastures at the right time (two and a half to three leaves). Grazing ryegrass pastures too early reduces autumn growth and too late reduces quality.

Good management leads to improved persistence. Grazing at the two-and-a-

Autumn grazing plans are important for animal health half to three-leaf stage. During May, the rotation length may be extended beyond this to start building feed for winter.

If residuals are less than seven clicks/1,500 kg DM/ha, feed supplement to maintain herd intake and protect pasture. If there is no supplement available it is recommended to stand cows off pasture once they reach the target residual.

Successful autumn grazing involves knowledge of likely winter pasture growth

rates for the farm from mid-May to midJuly relative to the likely feed demand over this period.

To plan autumn rotation targets correctly, you need to determine if winter feed demand is likely to be greater than or less than winter pasture growth.

If farm cover is below where it should be to meet target cover at calving, nitrogen fertiliser can be a great ‘circuit breaker’ to get growth back on track. Using a large part of the farm gives the best effect.

From early March, OAD milking and feeding the milkers supplements are not effective ways to gain BCS in earlycalving cows. To hit targets, cows need to be dried off based on their individual BCS, their approximate calving date, and the amount of supplementary feed available for autumn feeding.

For later-calving cows, OAD milking and supplementary feeds can form a part of the strategy for BCS management. The time taken to gain the necessary BCS must be considered. Particular attention must be paid to R2s and heifers finishing their first lactation.

For more information, go to the dairynz. co.nz — search autumn management.

As autumn is upon us, now is the time to nourish your soil to ensure it

bulk Vermicast.

MyNoke’s premium bulk vermicast is the natural key to unlocking the potential of your autumn pasture applications, whether it’s maize cultivation or riparian plantings.

Why Choose MyNoke’s Vermicast?

Our vermicast is a rich, organic soil conditioner teeming with essential nutrients and bene cial microorganisms. It is engineered through the process of composting with earthworms; it enhances soil structure, improves water retention and promotes plant growth.

“Our bulk vermicast is perfect for autumn and is the missing ingredient for revitalising your land.

Benefits for autumn pasture applications include enhanced nutrient uptake. It boosts the nutrient absorption of your crops and pasture during the critical autumn growth phase.

MyNoke’s vermicast improves soil structure as it counteracts the effects of summer and prepares your soil for the challenges of winter, ensuring optimal conditions for plant root development.

For sustainable riparian plantings, our product supports eco-friendly riparian plantings by providing a natural, nutrient-rich foundation for plants to ourish along watercourses.

Our bulk quantities are tailored to our clients’ needs. Whether you’re a large-

scale farmer or managing a community project, our bulk vermicast is available in quantities that suit your requirements.

Contact us at 0800 MYNOKE to elevate your autumn pasture applications with our premium bulk vermicast. Call us to discuss your needs, and let’s cultivate success together.

MyNoke’s premium bulk vermicast is the natural solution for autumn pasture application

With years of industry experience,

a host of market-leading products, Agrilife has your machinery needs covered.

Agrilife stocks the full range of Kubota equipment, from ride-on mowers, tractors and excavators to generators, skid steers, wheeled loaders and utility vehicles. It also stocks a host of other and direct-imported machinery, including agricultural and commercial trailers, post drivers, chain harrows, toppers, remote slope mowing equipment, car trailers and a number of other popular industry-relied-upon machinery.

“We have had one pretty simple goal here at Agrilife, and that has been to offer the absolute best products available and to build a respected reputation through professional service and support, that

Agrilife has the best products available for your machinery needs

keeps customers coming back,” says managing director Richard Kibby.

“We are local guys who love getting out there and involved in many things our awesome country has to offer. A great recent event that we have sponsored since its conception ve years ago is the Kubota Bill sh Classic shing tournament in Whitianga.

“Now, it’s the world’s largest game fishing tournament. It’s a fantastic event and a huge success, not only for Kubota but also for the local Whitianga community and the fishing fraternity.”

If you are in the market for quality, reliable equipment, there’s a very good chance Agrilife has what

you need. With excellent nance options available and a passionate professional team, make Agrilife a great option for any of your future machinery requirements.

Located in Hamilton and servicing the Waikato, the team would love to hear from you for any replacement or servicing needs.

ride

Winners of the prestigious Dealer of the Year and Parts Dealer of the Year 2023 awards.

The team at Heavy Diesel Ltd understands the transport industry, and our service and repair services aim to have you back on the road to minimise the commercial impact.

“We provide full general repairs, servicing, maintenance, and COFs of all heavy road transport vehicles at our three convenient locations in Waikato — Tokoroa, Waharoa and Taupo.

“Heavy Diesel Ltd has the latest electronic diagnostic equipment and a team of highly skilled technical experts to get the job done right. With 28 staff, we are a one-stop shop for all your service and maintenance needs.”

Although agents of Kenworth and DAF, the team can repair and maintain all types of heavy vehicles and trailers.

Heavy Diesel offers COFs at two of our Waikato locations, working on a booking basis, and has three independent quali ed COF technicians.

Heavy Diesel Limited (parts, service and COF lane) is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5pm at 8 Huttloc Drive, Tokoroa. Call us on 07 886 0570 or email service@hdl.nz.

Waharoa Heavy Diesel Limited for parts and service is open Monday to Saturday from 8am to 5pm at 52 Factory

The team at Heavy Diesel Ltd are experts in their field Road, Waharoa. Call 07 886 0570 or email service.matamata@hdl.nz.

The Heavy Diesel Limited COF Lane is open Monday to Friday from 8am

to 5pm and is located at 48 Factory Road, Waharoa. Call 07 886 0570 or email cofwaharoa@hdl.nz.