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The untapped resources we all have
The New Zealand farming family justifiably claims to be among the most technologically advanced in the world.
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Our farmers and those who support them excel at just about everything we do, whether it is soil sciences (the subject of my last column), stock management, environmental protection or the myriad of other matters that make up modern farming. Our agricultural universities are world-renowned for turning out world-class graduates and cutting-edge research.
We have much to be proud of. So, it is with some surprise and not a little concern that I detect despondency among some farmers because they believe they are not being supported or resourced to a level they would like, or that farming is not rebounding from years of government neglect as quickly as they want.
Regarding the ‘neglect’ aspect, all I can and will say is something like that takes time to fix, but at least we now have a government that is, well, fixated on fixing it, a government of farmers for farmers.
Concerning support and resourcing, there is a cause for hope there. There is
a lot of work being done on farming by our universities, researchers and scientists to improve farming practices. More than just hope. There is a wealth of technology, advice, and financial and other support readily available right now for farmers. It’s there, waiting to be utilised.
Most of us can access stock and station agents — they are good and a given. Still, there is other information out there — freely given. Our big agricultural federations are excellent sources.
Look at the DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Lincoln University and Horticulture New Zealand websites. There is a wealth of resources and research (sometimes called knowledge hubs) on them. I am frankly astounded at what I found on them.
The information they provide may not exactly be the most riveting bedtime read — at least to my mind. Still, it is, to my mind, untapped and under-used. Have a look next time you are online.
Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country
by Barbara Kuriger, MP for Taranaki-King Country
by Paul Campbell
Farm antibiotic reduction ‘great news’
Total sales of veterinary and horticultural antibiotics in the country are down for a sixth year running, and those considered critical for human health almost halved in the past year.
“Antibiotics are essential for the treatment of bacterial infections in humans, animals and plants. However, they need to be used responsibly to prevent antimicrobial resistance known as AMR,” says New Zealand Food Safety acting deputy director-general Jenny Bishop.
“AMR is what happens when germs develop the ability to resist the medicines designed to kill them. The World Health Organization has identified AMR as one of the top 10 global health threats facing humanity. So, it’s vital we ensure our current antibiotics can continue to be used.
“These results in our latest analysis are a clear sign that antibiotics are being more carefully used, which is great news for human and animal health. They are a direct result of the concerted effort by veterinarians, farmers, industry and NZFS to ensure these life-saving medicines are used appropriately so they stay effective.”
The latest report evaluates 15 classes of antibiotics sold during 2023 for use for farm animals, pets, and horticulture. Antibiotics sold for animal use were distributed among 24 million sheep, 10 million cattle, 124 million poultry, 600,000 pigs, 148,000 horses, two million household pets and many other species.
The report shows that sales for the five classes of antibiotics considered critical
for human health decreased by 46% to 3,416kg from 6,285kg in 2022. Total sales decreased for the sixth year in a row, dropping 3.6% from 41,033kg in 2022.
“Since a 2017 peak of 71,361kg, total antibiotic sales have dropped to 39,549kg in 2023. That’s an impressive 45% decrease,” says Ms Bishop.
“Apart from tracking sales for the valuable insights they provide, NZFS is doing other important work to help decrease AMR. We’re currently reviewing our regulatory oversight of antibiotics used in plants and animals. This could lead to a further reduction in antibiotic use, as controls for some antibiotics might be tightened.
“This extensive piece of work, which involves reassessing hundreds of antibiotic products, has been divided into four tranches. Tranche one has been completed, and tranche two is underway.
“We also work closely with the Ministry of Health and international regulators in an effort to manage AMR. Our plan includes activities to mitigate AMR, the expected outcomes of each activity, the organisation responsible for each activity, and the activities’ deliverables and timeframes.
“We’re all in this together, so NZFS will keep pushing to curb antimicrobial resistance,” says Ms Bishop.
Harvesting, pruning or storage, we’ve got you covered!
Jenny Bishop, New Zealand Food Safety acting deputy director-general
“Igrew up in the Midlands in Nottinghamshire and worked in forestry for 20 years. My wife Sarah grew up in the Midlands, too, in Lincolnshire, and she is an intensive care nurse,” said Jonathan.
“We came to New Zealand in 2003 and spent a year travelling with our two children before arriving in Waikato. We had a friend who lived in the region, and with Sarah needing a good hospital with an intensive care unit close by, we bought 60 acres of rough land in Ngāruawāhia.
“Having been a sheep farm that had fallen on hard times, it was cheap and hilly with water and a few trees. There was no house, but there was a big wool
WITH LOVE FROM ENGLAND
shed, so we bought it wanting to do something with it.”
With the bank advising they wouldn’t make any money from the property, Jonathan took it as a challenge to make a living from it. To start with, the income was earned off-farm, with Sarah nursing and Jonathan doing 4WD, chainsaw and forest training, and portable sawmilling.
“All of that money was sunk into clearing the big willow and hawthorn trees blocking tracks, putting culverts in, opening up tracks and putting in new tracks and fences.
“At the time, I didn’t know much about farming, but I knew about trees, so I started planting the steep slopes with species I was interested in. I did know
BY AMY FIFITA
we’d want to keep pigs because we’ve kept them before.
“We started setting up small paddocks with electric fences, pig houses and trees
for shelter and food. It took a lot of time to work out what was a pig-proof drinking system, but once we solved that we were fine.
Jonathan and Sarah mainly keep Wessex Saddlebacks (pictured) and Tamworth pigs on their 60-acre property
“I received good advice and help from friends, and we used woofers as an extra pair of hands for years.”
After alternating between sheep and cows, or both, Jonathan experimented with cows for 12 years, before realising it was a losing battle. Instead of giving up, he used it as an opportunity to produce a delicacy he loved from his home country — a decent sausage, and Soggy Bottom Holdings’ meat range was conceived.
“Upon realising the only way to make a living from the property was to add value to the land and sell directly.
“Fortunately, I arrived when people were beginning to question the quality of the industrial mass-produced foods and their contents, and there was piqued interest in buying fresh seasonal food.
2003
“After being here for about four years, I went back to the UK where I attended a River Cottage course with one of Hugh Fearnley-Whittingstall’s men on curing and smoking.
“Everyone here was telling me I had to use brines and nitrates, and going there they taught me to use salt and time.”
Serendipitously, when Jonathan and Sarah arrived in Waikato, the Hamilton Farmers’ Market had started.
“I started learning how to make sausages and began selling them at the farmer’s market. It was a success right from the start. I gradually dropped my other jobs and got a local butcher to process the meat for us.
“When he went out of business, it was an opportunity to build a butchery on the farm, and since then, I’ve taken the
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animals to slaughter. A local butcher from Ngāruawāhia mentored me on butchery skills and cooking up animals. He’s in his mid-80s now, but he still comes out to help me.
“I managed to obtain a hook number to get my animals killed, and then I process it into bacon and sausages, and take it to the farmers’ market once a week. It has resulted in a mixed amount of work each week.”
With a successful boutique meat business in the bank, Jonathan still has time to plant trees, replace fences and spend a couple of days in his butchery.
“I like the variety, and love selling directly to my customers and enjoy receiving good and bad feedback. The idea is that someone would buy sausages to feed their family and, hopefully, return for more.
“One thing I learned early on is that you’ll never please everybody, some people love it and others don’t. As long as more people love it than hate it, that’s OK.
“I love Waikato because of the people. They are normal people with opportunities available to pursue all sorts of industries and businesses here, and I love the rolling hills.”
Manufacturers of Pinto Trailers for 27 years
Sarah Walker grew up in Lincolnshire in the Midlands, UK, and arrived in New Zealand in
Jonathan says he experimented with cows for 12 years before he started making his Soggy Bottoms Holdings’ meat
“IAfter seeing alpacas at the National Fieldays, Kerri and Neil Campbell decided to bring some to their Waikato property for grazing.
grew up in Auckland. Neil and I have lived all around the countryside gravitating towards farming lifestyles,” said Kerri.
“After deciding I couldn’t afford to be falling off my horses anymore, we began looking for other animals to graze on the land.
“Having always been enthused with alpacas, I planned to get a couple of males as pets, but once becoming smitten by cria, I bought four pregnant females instead. It has been a learning curve.”
BY AMY FIFITA
Kerri breeds alpacas for their fine, soft fleeces and registers them with the International Alpaca Association.
“An alpaca’s fleece is soft and inflammable, and is in its prime fleece during the first couple of years; as the animal ages, the coat becomes coarser.
“Unlike sheep’s wool, alpaca fleece doesn’t have lanolin, the fibre that makes wool itchy. That makes alpaca fleece a nice product for baby clothing and items worn close to the skin.
“Different parts of the fleece are more valuable like the blanket, which is the main body of the alpaca. The legs and belly have a coarser fibre, and we sell that to a buyer who makes insulation from it.”
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IN LOVE WITH ALPACAS
Kerri sends her alpaca fibre samples to Australia yearly to discover the quality of the
Alpacas are shorn differently from other fleeced animals. The shearer lays the animal on its side, ties both pairs of feet, and normally shears the blanket first, so the best fleece comes off first.
“It is a real transformation. They come out looking completely different, they go
from being big boofy animals to looking like deer-like creatures.
“Alpacas are very sight-orientated. If the cria looks different, they can reject them. So we leave a tuft of fleece on their head and bottom for the mothers to recognise them.”
fleece
family
each
When breeding, Kerri looks for structurally sound animals with good frames and fleece traits. Fleece is measured in microns, with exceptionally fine ones measuring at 15 to 16 microns.
“To look for the qualities of males and females, we send fleece samples to Australia for testing each year. Under a microscope, the tester looks for crimps, length, micron measurement and other factors and from the results, we decide what animals mate.”
Another aspect of showcasing a good animal is the judges’ feedback at shows, which can indicate what alpaca to use for breeding. Kerri’s alpacas have won championships, particularly in the colour sections.
“Alpacas are often involved with the A&P shows, and are split into classes according to age and colour, and judges look at the animal’s fleece and body.
“We have taken our animals to shows and even travelled to the South Island to compete in national events. Alpacas travel well. We have a float with low slide windows, and they sit down when they travel.
“Animals that have done well and won prizes through the showing system indicate good ones to breed with. Another benefit of the shows is that judges critique the animal commending fleece density and other factors.”
While showing indicates a well-bred alpaca and the fleece brings in an
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income, for Kerri, the most enjoyable part of having them is the cria.
“In Peru, alpacas survive on minimal food and have a cria once a year. They naturally want to get pregnant two weeks after birthing the baby so that they are continually having cria throughout their lives.
“They have tight family bonds and rely on each other to be aware of dangers and make an alarm sound similar to a paradise duck quacking. It is an unusual sound from down in their throat.
“Without human intervention, they would fall prey to mountain lions. They were domesticated to a certain extent and the fleeces were shorn, allowing them to live longer.
and
“South America is a harsh place to live, so alpacas are fortunate when they end up in the Waikato. We have other problems like not allowing them to get too fat.
“When waiting for a cria to be born, you see the little nose and wonder what colour the fleece will be. The young ones are delightful and I enjoy handling them.
“I love the training aspect of it. We teach them to walk on halters and get them comfortable with people touching them. Although fleece production is their primary job, the appeal for me is the breeding of the animals and rearing cria.”
Kerri enjoys helping the cria get used to human touch
Neil says alpacas tend to grow more fleece than get fat
Alpacas have tight
bonds
alert
other to danger with an unusual throat sound
FERAL PESTS A ‘HUGE COST’ ON THE LAND
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ederated Farmers say it’s a very serious problem costing almost a quarter of a billion dollars every year.
Pest management spokesperson Richard McIntyre says: “These pests aren’t just chewing into farmers’ bottom lines; they’re also chewing into our native bush and completely undermining conservation efforts.”
It’s costing farmers at least $213 million a year. “That is a huge cost for rural communities to be carrying at a time when many farming families are already struggling to turn a profit,” McIntyre says.
Waikato farmer Malcolm Lumsden farms 420 acres backing onto a DOC wetland reserve on the western shores of Lake Waikare. Yet, he says DOC isn’t doing any pest control and, in reality, hasn’t got the resources.
“Each year we are destroying a minimum estimate of 1,000 possums,
200 pigs, 1,500 Canada geese, and a good number of feral cats, plus rabbits and hares and some stoats,” Malcolm says. “Rats are a real problem as they come out of the wetland. We are running at least 30 commercial traps in and around our buildings, and these need baiting at this time of the year twice a week.
“Pigs are a real problem, as they are able to live undisturbed doing real damage in the wetland. We used to see 30 or 40 pigs in the swampy areas of our property regularly. Sadly, they are not suitable for eating. The greatest number taken was 17 one night.
“Goats were a real problem, but persistent culling in large numbers means they now stay further out into the wetland and are now somewhat under control. Whereas, in the past, they loved to destroy silage and maize stack covers, a costly replacement item.
Out-of-control populations of goats, pigs, deer, geese, rats and possums are costing New Zealand farmers a fortune and damaging the environment: in Waikato, farm budgets are being hit hard by pest impact.
BY PAUL CAMPBELL
Federated Farmers pest manager Richard McIntyre
“Financially, it costs $5,000 to $6,000 just for ammunition to control pigs, geese and cats because of longer range shooting. Larger calibre rounds retail at around $5, and shotgun rounds at $2.
0 2 0 4 0 2 5 6 1 3 6
Rabbits cause damage that belies their size
“Smaller ammunition is used on possums where possible, but, in open farmland, where they graze on grass, distance is sometimes an issue. We have spent tens of thousands of dollars on good firearms and night vision equipment over the last few years.
“Add in the cost of traps and bait, and it becomes an expensive exercise, but a necessary one as custodians of the land.”
Malcolm’s son, Roger and his children are keen deerstalkers and competition shooters making them very skilled with firearms. Malcolm says pest control takes a “considerable amount of time, an expensive and limited resource to us.”
He said he had offered to control invasive weeds on the neighbouring DOC land as he had done for more than 40 years in the past, along the board drains. However, DOC and Waikato Regional Council declined, and, as a result, the pampas gorse and blackberry have grown back.
Malcolm adds that DOC has a “less than neighbourly“ attitude. “All this pales into insignificance when we talk about koi carp. They are the most destructive of all our pests and are costing us an estimated $100,000 a year in undermining drain banks and fences falling into drains, undermining culverts that all need to be reinstated.
“One drain dug in 1965 at 1.2 metres wide is now over six metres wide. We have no means yet of controlling them but need to find a solution. Councils and DOC have just washed their hands of the matter, and while we have suggested a solution of blocking drains to keep them out, a council staff member said we would have to get resource consent. At that point, it becomes very easy to give up. but that’s not our family’s nature.
“While we control the pest for DOC, they, in return, have now decided we
must pay them a concession fee for the public drainage district drains that exit our farmland through DOC land. Most of the drains have been there for over 100 years.
“Worse, DOC has required the council to sign an agreement that gives it the ultimate control over when these may or may not be cleaned. If the council wants to clean them, it has to justify this to DOC, which will require all manner of reports, and we, the landowners, pay for it all.
“Meanwhile we fund the control of their pests that invade our land. Good neighbours? Yeah right. Work with landowners. Nah. Just find fault with them. It’s a good example of how not to win friends or encourage people.
“The harsh reality is farmers are the ones at the forefront of protecting the rural environment by controlling our noxious pests that, left uncontrolled, continue to decimate our forests and wetlands.”
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Waikato farm children are fascinated by a wild pig cull
A night’s possum tally on Malcolm Lumsden’s farm that borders DOC reserve land
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theChampioning rural sector
New Zealand First campaigned to ‘take back our country’, and we are back in parliament bringing experience and common sense to policy decision-making.
Improving primary sector profitability is crucial for New Zealand to remain competitive internationally, and to put value back behind the farm gate.
By developing our international connections and trade options, the government is planning to double New Zealand’s exports in the next 10 years. A significant portion of this will be achieved through agriculture and forestry.
We are getting provincial New Zealand thriving again with the $1.2 billion Regional Infrastructure Fund, including an initial investment of $200 million into flood resilience infrastructure.
Rural communities are where our heartland industries thrive, and regional investment not only protects our primary productive base but also supports primary industry growth. Changes to the Resource Management Act and the introduction of Fast Track Consenting legislation will also dramatically impact our rural sector. Streamlining consenting and
removing red tape for irrigation, water storage, and flood protection schemes will ensure that surrounding communities can thrive.
New Zealand First made clear commitments in our coalition agreement that will back farm environment plans, reduce regulatory hurdles for farmers, and solidify our dedication to a commonsense approach to agricultural sustainability. We are deeply committed to championing our country’s hard-working rural sector and celebrating the unique Kiwi industry that our export economy relies on.
To mark one year since our return, the Rt Hon Winston Peters will provide an important update on our progress at a public meeting in Hamilton. Join us at 2pm on Sunday, October 13, at the Distinction Hotel.
New Zealand First brings steel to this government as we address issues of critical importance to Kiwis. Like-minded New Zealanders across the country will be attending this public meeting by the leader of New Zealand First. See you there.
Nutritional medicine for osteoarthritis (Part
two)
by John Arts, Abundant Health
While most develop OA symptoms from age 50, I was unlucky to have this in my thumbs from age 30.
I have hyperextensible thumb joints, meaning that I can move my thumbs at abnormal angles. The discomfort became quite severe in my 50s. Today, at 69, my thumbs are largely symptom-free. This is because I use high chondroitin supplements, combined with high-dose omega-3 and an anti-inflammatory diet. Feel free to request an email copy of my Osteoarthritis Programme.
I am regularly asked whether taking high chondroitin supplements can restore cartilage. Realistically, once cartilage is lost it cannot be replaced. The real question is whether joints affected by OA can become more comfortable. In most cases, joints degenerated by OA can become more comfortable. It is rare that we cannot get an improvement.
The initial dietary changes are mostly about fats and oils by removing high omega-6 seed oils and replacing these with virgin olive oil, while adding therapeutic levels of marine omega-3 from concentrated fish oil.
It is important to get professional advice before starting supplements.
There are several medications that should not be taken with some supplements. In most cases, I start with 1,600mg daily of high-quality chicken-derived chondroitin sulphate. This is by far the most important supplement ingredient — much more so than glucosamine. However, I also add 1,600mg of glucosamine and 400mg of the latest 100% water-soluble curcumin extracts.
Depending on the severity, we maintain these doses for 6–12 weeks with the first review at six weeks. Most people start to notice changes about then. For the next three months, we move the doses down to maintenance levels of 800mg of both chondroitin and glucosamine. In the past 25 years, I have seen thousands of people improve their joint health by adopting these measures.
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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How can Bettaflex help?
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• Research indicates that chondroitin is highly effective at 800mg daily.
John Arts comments:
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Winston Peters, NZ First leader
Working alongside nature for top results
by Andy Bryenton
On a farm at Marahau, the past 18 years have been a time of quiet but transformative growth, as Andreas Welte has applied homoeopathic and sustainable principles to agriculture.
Andreas’ success with these methods has led to a desire to help others. Now, he’s dedicated to travelling to other farms to help them share in his knowledge and expertise, with his company EcoGrape delivering great results through organic and biodynamic viticulture and horticulture.
“One of my grandpas owned a share of a local vineyard in southern Germany, which had been established in the early 19th century,” he says.
Studying agricultural science, Andreas travelled to Sardinia, where he worked on several organic vineyards that practised traditional growing techniques. He says the Sardinian vintners simply loved their wine and wanted to keep out toxic inputs.
Andreas then went on to a farm in Emmental, Switzerland, where soil and plant health
”So I was there quite often in my childhood, and learned pruning, caring for the vines and harvesting, plus I got a good insight into all the winery tasks. The vineyard was managed conventionally, but with sulphur and Bordeaux solution as the main fungicides and machine and hand-hoeing as weed management.”
Expert advice from the practitioner to OWNZ standards. Supplying BIO-GRO and DEMETER accepted inputs & services.
were the main focus, along with abundant self-sufficiency.
Galvanised with intent, Andreas went back to Germany to study for four years. He specialised in agricultural science, and shared knowledge with his brother, a medical doctor, on the practice of classical homoeopathy. Soon, Andreas was inspired to study this as well.
A move to New Zealand offered the chance to put theory into practice, with his own farm managed using homoeopathic and biodynamic principles. Now, turning to helping others, Andreas leads the innovative company EcoGrape. His work with vineyards has garnered a good reputation for results.
“In terms of consultancy I offer on-farm and office guidance about seasonal farm, vineyard and orchard management, right around New Zealand,” says Andreas.
Andreas puts his experience and learning at your disposal. If you want to make a positive change and create a thriving future for your vines, your orchard or your farm, give him a call today.
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Flood prevention gets a boost
by Paul Campbell
Funding of $12.5 million has flowed from the government Regional Infrastructure Fund to the Waikato Regional Council to accelerate six flood management infrastructure projects in the region.
The money stems from Budget 2024 when $101.1 million was earmarked for flood resilience infrastructure as coinvestment with regional and unitary councils in 42 flood resilience projects that were close to starting.
Waikato Regional Council chair Pamela Storey said the council was part of the Regional and Unitary Councils Aotearoa, which had submitted a business case of 80 ready-to-go flood protection projects to government ministers for co-investment to improve community resilience against extreme weather events.
“These projects form a critical part of our planned regular renewal and maintenance programme. It is a great outcome for the community to be receiving this from the Regional Infrastructure Fund to reduce the cost to ratepayers and improve the affordability of the council’s responsibility for flood protection,” said chair Storey.
“We currently have more than 100 maintenance and capital projects underway or planned. It’s fantastic to
see the government partnering with us to deliver some of these essential services that protect our communities and significant Crown assets, such as state highways and the main trunk railway, from flood events.
“You only have to look at the extreme wet weather events of last year, cyclones Hale and Gabrielle and over Auckland anniversary, to see how important good infrastructure is for the resilience of our communities. Several key transport corridors are more resilient because of our flood protection infrastructure, including State Highway 1, SH2, SH25, SH26, SH27 and the main trunk railway.”
The council estimates it will cost $2.9 billion in the next 50 years to operate, maintain and renew flood protection infrastructure. In the latest funding, the council will get:
• $5.22 million towards upgrading a lower Waikato scheme stopbank in Tuakau (Waikato District): raising the height of the stopbanks to accommodate climate change
• $1.68 million towards upgrading the Island Block pump station (Waikato District): replacement of an old pump with a new one with increased pump capacity, and that enables safe downstream fish passage.
• $3.06 million towards upgrading the Kirikiri Stream stopbank (Hauraki District): raising the height of subsided stopbanks back to the level of service for the Waihou Scheme.
• $1.08 million towards Thames Valley diversion channel planting upgrades (Hauraki district): fencing, drain shaping, and planting of smaller drainage channels to reduce maintenance requirements and enhance instream and riparian ecological values
• $324,000 towards upgrading the Mangatawhiri pump station (Waikato
District): replacing the dual inlet and enabling access to the pump for maintenance
• $1.2 million towards upgrading a floodgate in the Mangawara catchment (Waikato District) The six Waikato projects will cost an estimated total of $21 million. The council is currently working on design and procurement to enable these projects to start in this financial year.
TAKING PRIDE IN ATTENTION TO DETAIL & QUALITY WORKMANSHIP
Pamela Storey, Waikato Regional Council chair
Sharing in landowners’ vision
by Andy Bryenton
From digging the foundations for sturdy fences, all the way to trimming the tops of unruly trees, Woodney Contracting has built its skills, and good reputation, from the ground up.
It all began with Liam Woodney’s work in adventure tourism, deep under the ground at Waitomo. He says that the extensive work with ropes and safety he learned guiding tourists through the worldfamous caverns served him well when, not long after, he headed out to New Mexico with his partner, becoming an arborist in her hometown.
“When we decided to come back to New Zealand, I landed a job with WEL Networks,” says Liam. “I started as an arborist and, eventually, took on a role as a distribution line mechanic. That job had me working on large-scale projects, where there was no room for error.”
Liam was building skills up high, but fencing was in his DNA. With a father and brother dedicated to fencing, the trade and its specific skill set were always there. Now, with Woodney Contracting, Liam has brought it all together.
“What really drives me is working with landowners who care about their properties as much as I do,” says Liam.
“People who want to leave their land better than they found it, for future generations to enjoy. Whether it’s putting up a fence, managing trees or setting up waterway fencing to protect the environment, it’s about doing something that lasts, something meaningful.”
Fitting together arborist work and fencing, along with the firewood, which inevitably comes from felled trees, is a big part of the Woodney Contracting difference.
“A recent job sums it up perfectly,” says Liam. “A customer had a tree come down during a storm, which not only blocked her driveway but also took out part of her fence. The job needed a fencer, an arborist and a digger, and when she found out we could handle all three, it saved her time, hassle and money.”
Woodney Contractors go the extra mile to become true partners in their customers’ vision. That means using the best materials, listening to landowners’ aspirations and plans, and then making them an affordable reality.
Woodney Contractors is now busy building pole sheds for farmers and property owners, constructing retaining walls, and installing pool and security fencing. Liam and the team also handle culvert upgrades, drainage work and all kinds of tree services. So, if you have a big project in mind for summer to enhance, beautify and improve your land, give this one-stop local service a call. From post holes to treetops, they can do it all.
Liam Woodney and his team have the skills and the vision to help you make your land exceptional
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Advantage Tyre Otorohanga 07 873 7007 / 027 330 2075
Total Concrete Products Ltd 027 512 4631 / 0800 TROUGH
Woodney Contracting Ltd 021 0247 6217
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A strike of luck
by Amy Fifita
While farmers are busy preparing their soils and pastures, nature has a way of taking care of itself — in this case, with lightning.
Although the weather at the end of last month was shocking for some, farmers may be happy with the boost in nitrates lightning strikes provided around New Zealand. All agriculturalists understand
that if the soil is good, then so, too, is the crop.
Thunderstorms are more common in spring and summer because the sun heats the ground creating warmer air above it. If the air has a higher temperature than the air boundaries further up, they clash, and thunderstorms can begin.
The electrical charge from the heavens helps the soil and plants by providing nitrates. With 78% of the earth’s atmosphere consisting of molecular nitrogen, plants cannot use it until the compound has been split apart.
Airborne nitrogen is tightly bonded together, and when lightning strikes, it allows the nitrogen to detach and bond with oxygen, making it available for plants and soil to absorb. It also converts the compound into ammonia (NH 3 ) if the nitrogen bonds to hydrogen molecules.
The weather disturbance often follows with thunder, strong winds, heavy rain and lightning. Fortunately, for farmers, it naturally fertilises the soil with nitrates. The split nitrogen bonds
with oxygen making nitrogen dioxide (NO2).
The process doesn’t stop there. Droplets in the clouds mix with the NO2 creating nitrates, and rainfall guides the nutrients to the ground. Microorganisms in the ground complement the extra nitrates with their nitrogen fixation ability. With the heightened
NH3 and nitrate compounds in the soil, the plants will benefit from their presence.
For those wanting a more specific way of applying nitrogen to the ground naturally, planting beans can provide a sustainable source. The plant’s roots use nitrogen fixation allowing growers to determine the area where the fertiliser is needed.
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The natural force of lightning creates a process that benefits soil health and promotes growth
CROP & PASTURE
Delivering outstanding results
As spring arrives and summer approaches, agricultural contractors MF Agri is gearing up to continue providing top-notch contracting services to farmers and landowners in the Waikato.
Based in Otorohanga, owner Davin Mudford expanded the business in 2022 to include more services and staff, saying, “I started out using my own machinery to do jobs for people I knew — we’ve come a long way since then.”
MF Agri now covers the wider Waikato region, offering a full range of services. These include everything from cultivation, groundwork and planting to crop maintenance, harvesting grass and maize as silage and bales, and cartage, including Hiab and bulk cartage. Their previous hard work and willingness to go the extra mile for clients earned them a well-deserved reputation in the rural community for always delivering outstanding results.
MF Agri aims to support their clients all year round by providing them with effective solutions tailored to their individual needs, mindful of changing circumstances. Utilising one contractor throughout the year to handle all your contracting needs provides an opportunity for them to learn the land and give you the best possible outcomes.
With years of combined experience under their belt and a strong focus on
MF Agri now covers the wider Waikato region delivering reliable and efficient services to ensure client satisfaction, MF Agri is well positioned to take on the challenges of the upcoming season. They’ve been busy in the lead-up to the season adding more staff, tractors and gear to the fleet to keep up with anticipated demands.
Davin couldn’t be prouder of MF Agri’s progress. “We’re not just growing the business — we’re growing with our clients.”
For a friendly chat and to learn more about how MF Agri’s capable team can help maximise your land’s potential and yield this season, contact Davin or the MF Agri Office today.
CROP & PASTURE PREP
by Andy Bryenton
SNA review to rewrite rules
The controversial topic of Significant Natural Areas (SNAs) has again been broached by parliament, with a move made toward new rules that will more clearly define areas for environmental protection, while emphasising the importance of private property rights.
Associate Environment Minister Andrew Hoggard says the coalition government is delivering on its commitment to cease implementing new SNAs and review their operation.
This May, the government introduced a Resource Management (Freshwater and Other Matters) Amendment Bill that called for the suspension of National Policy Statement on Indigenous Biodiversity requirements for three years. Councils would no longer have to identify new SNAs and include them in district plans. The bill also extends some SNA implementation timeframes to the end of 2030.
As with freshwater management and protection provisions, the question inevitably arose of what would happen during the interregnum between the old National Policy Statement, now on its way out, and new rules, yet to be developed.
“We want to give certainty to councils and communities as soon as possible,” Mr Hoggard said. “We campaigned on the importance of
individual property rights, and we intend to deliver. In their current form, SNAs identified on private property limit new activities and development, and in my view, will likely undermine voluntary conservation efforts.”
To that end, Mr Hoggard and his colleagues set the parameters for a review, which will define once and for all what constitutes an SNA, in the eyes of the coalition government and the laws they intend to frame. The review will cover criteria for identifying SNAs, the full assessment and identification processes, and the management of land subject to SNAs.
From Mr Hoggard’s rhetoric, these criteria look set to vary markedly from those put forward by the now-deposed Labour government. Its SNA rules sparked outright protest and widespread concern among farmers.
“I want to make sure that the most unique environments are sensibly protected, without putting undue restrictions on land use change,” he says.
The review will consult with other ministers in adjacent portfolios, such as the
ministers for the environment, conservation, agriculture and Māori-Crown relations. Recommendations from the review will feed into the wider resource management reforms being prepared by the coalition, and feedback will be sought from the public early in 2025 on new SNA rules.
For now, at the council and government level, the obligation to protect indigenous biodiversity under the Resource Management Act is unaffected by the suspension. Other NPS-IB provisions, including the management of existing SNAs, will continue to apply.
Andrew Hoggard, Associate Environment Minister
Old familiar faeces
by Andy Bryenton
A new study out of France has concluded that the best source of future power for vehicles might just be cow poo.
The study, commissioned by IFP Energies Nouvelles ahead of European Union rules to tighten CO2 emission measurements, rates light vehicles running on biomethane as superior to diesel, petrol and electric options.
Biomethane is being trialled on several farms, as far apart as Japan, Brazil and Ireland, as a source of combustive gas gleaned from dairy effluent.
The difference, and the downside to electric vehicles under the parameters of
A RATED WASTE WATER SERVICES LTD
the IFPEN study, concerns their emissions measured not on the road, but from the point of manufacture onward. Batterymaking costs eat into the environmental credentials of EVs by this measure. However, France only has a certain amount of biomethane production to go around. The large nation, much bigger than New Zealand, could nevertheless only power 150,000 vehicles from its supply of dairy droppings, making it more practical to run tractors and farm machinery on compressed biomethane than the road fleet.
In Japan, Suzuki is said to be working on a concept biomethane vehicle to break cover at the next Tokyo motor show. A version of the WagonR, the methanepowered variant might be able to share the spotlight with Toyota’s biomethane concept, announced for 2026, and a similar machine from Nissan. The reason why is clear for populous Japan with its major car culture. Emissions are on average 60% to 80% less than from a conventional internal combustion engine.
Biomethane is being taken very seriously as a fuel source for the future, and part of the reason for this is that it does not reinvent the wheel. CNG cars are old tech, and converting modern autos, tractors, trucks and buses to run on biogas would not tax the abilities of engineers or automakers. There’s also the issue of ease of refilling, and the lack of a large and expensive battery pack, which may not last a decade before it needs replacement.
The Vision 1789 hypercar runs entirely on biomethane — this French creation highlights efforts in that nation to promote the motive power of biological waste
by Liz Clark
Planting for soakage fields
With advancements in effluent systems for rural residences, making the best choices to protect and enhance the soakage field has become less complex.
Choosing the right plants that can cope with wet areas, have high transpiration rates and rapid growth can be a confusing exercise, resulting in the wrong ones being planted. The best and most resilient of all are New Zealand natives. Standard lawn grass is another option, possessing similar properties to other high-transpiration species.
It’s important to talk to your local nursery specialist about suitable species with noninvasive root systems that won’t damage or block the effluent reticulation pipes. The soakage field should be fenced off to keep out stock and vehicles from disturbing the soil and lines beneath, resulting in potential blockages and further damage. Talk to your specialist about a suitable planting plan to suit your climatic conditions. It’s always best to use a professional for these planting projects. Plants can be obtained from a local garden centre or native plant nursery specialising in wetlands and other ecological fields.
Once a sketch plan has been completed, then planting can be done. The best time for planting is usually autumn and winter. Anytime after that, if there is no option
and it’s a dry summer, ensure the new plants are watered to help them establish. If doing the planting yourself, square holes rather than round ones should be dug, keeping in mind always the locations of the effluent lines in the soakage area. Holes should be twice as wide and deep as the planter bag. Water each plant before removing it from its pot — avoid disturbing the root system. Some compost and soil mix will help give the plants a good start. A slow-release fertiliser tablet should be used to maintain plant health and nutrition. Water gently after planting.
Some native species suitable for planting on soakage fields are Astelia, Carex, Cordyline, Coprosma, Fuschia, Hebe, Phormium and many others. Also, remember to clean out the septic filter yearly and empty the tank every third year to ensure efficiency and prevent future issues.
TANK CLEANERS
Planting with natives in soakage fields also benefits endemic birds
VEHICLES, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT
Professional with potential
by Andy Bryenton
This September sees a new flagship side-by-side off-road machine take to the trails from CFMoto, and it rewrites a lot of the rules for this sector of the market.
The new U10 Pro range comes with bigger figures and superlatives, as befits an evolution of the brand. First up, the threecylinder engine at the heart of the U10 Pro gains variable valve timing, once thought to be the preserve of performance cars.
Anyone who has felt the power boost of a VVT system kicking in will immediately see the benefit of using this technology on a UTV. The 998cc triple kicks out 90 horsepower, and a handy 94.5 Newtonmetres of torque, all-important in conquering tough terrain. The VVT edge means (to get technical) that torque is on tap from down low at 3,000 rpm, all the way up to 7,000. That’s a broad band of heavy-hauling grunt.
Holding. “From its powerful new engine and advanced transmission system to its state-of-the-art interior technology, the U10 PRO is designed to exceed the expectations of even the most demanding users.”
Unsurprisingly, this extra oomph has an effect on the towing and load-bearing capabilities of the U10 Pro. You’ll find this new CFMoto machine easily capable of towing more than 1,100 kilograms and accommodating a further 454kg in a hydraulic tipping tray. However, these big figures are not the only thing to appreciate when you take a look at CFMoto’s new offering.
“The U10 PRO range is more than just an upgrade; it’s a revolution in what a full-size UTV can offer,” said CFMoto New Zealand general manager John
Now, you may have noticed Mr Holding mentioning state-of-the-art interior technology, and done a double take there. Surely he’s not talking about the latest ute or SUV? Well, maybe not, but there are comparisons and crossovers aplenty. First, the U10 Pro comes with an eightinch touchscreen, just like a top-spec road vehicle. Then there’s the automatic parking brake, fully adjustable steering wheel and push-button transmission system which would not be out of place on the forecourt of a big automaker. Most luxurious of all comes an addition to the top of the CFMoto U10 range, the Pro Highland. This side-by-side comes with a completely sealed cabin with HVAC like a luxury SUV. A tilting glass windshield and electric side windows come as standard on the Highland model, too. Which means that there’s nothing to fear from the weather at all. Big off-road tyres and long-travel suspension dominate the mud outside, while the driver keeps toasty and dry (or summertime cool) inside.
CFMoto’s U10 Pro and U10 Pro Highland are new for September, and offer UTV practicality with full-sized ute comforts
by Andy Bryenton
Dial X for electric action
BMW has its M Division, Mercedes has the mad genius lab called AMG, Hyundai add the letter N to indicate extra power, and now MG has an all-electric equivalent — the MG4 XPower
MG even developed a version of its hottest electric sports crossover to blaze a trail up the hill at the Goodwood Festival of Speed in the UK. While its exterior was a definite nod to the old Metro 6R4 rally beast of the 1960s, the underpinnings were just what you’d get on one from the dealership.
To be clear, this is a machine delivering 429 horsepower and 600 Nm of torque, right off the forecourt. It will hit 100 kilometres an hour in 3.8 seconds when you mash your boot to the carpet, and it’s got all-wheel drive for grip. Not long ago, those kinds of specifications were for supercars only, of the kind that cost so much that you would have to pick which of your kidneys you liked best.
“We expect it will appeal to customers looking for a pure performance offering which is the antithesis of the traditionally ‘loud’ high performance hatchback,” said MG’s Euro CEO Aiden He, when explaining the Xpower concept to the press.
“The XPower also retains the generous technology and equipment levels, as well as practical hatchback features, of the awardwinning MG4 range,” he added. Meaning that it hasn’t been stripped to track-car specs to make all that speed happen.
This is, then, perhaps the first MG since the V8-powered MGB-GT of 1973 to really throw down the gauntlet to
other performance contenders. It has a track mode. It had launch control. It has massive yellow brake callipers. Mr He might call it the antithesis of the loud hot hatch, but there are parallels, and those who love a good GTi will be very interested. Not just because of the classic badge, or the power, or even the fact that it looks more like a Lambo at the front than the Urus does.
It’s a fair bet that the price will come into it, too. For the dollars, you get a lot of go and a 10-year warranty, beating a lot of EV royalty on horsepower and acceleration, for a mere $64,990. Green paint costs $1,000 extra, but seeing as it’s ‘green’ already, I’d double down on the fact that it looks 90s supercar mad with its twin split spoilers, pointed nose and origami-petal wheels, and choose the bright ‘volcano orange’ option instead.
76% of New Zealanders are concerned about “fake news” and its implications
The MG4 XPower is a proper electric hot hatchback, from a company with a history of making sporty vehicles
DAIRY WITH EFFLUENT
Aggressive stance on foot and mouth
by Andy Bryenton
Presented with three options to deal with the threat of foot and mouth disease, Biosecurity Minister Andrew Hoggard has advocated for the most extreme countermeasures to ‘stamp out’ the affliction.
A new economic report was put before the minister last week and offered a scenario in which authorities would move quickly to stamp out foot and mouth disease before such an incursion could decimate the rural economy.
“The new analysis, produced by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research,
shows an incursion of the disease in New Zealand would have dramatic impacts, with an immediate halt to most exports of animal products, and a potential and ongoing drop in export values of around $14.3 billion a year,” says Mr Hoggard.
“Immediate and decisive action will be required if an outbreak occurs, and this is
why cabinet has endorsed an approach of urgent eradication, along with the use of vaccination if appropriate.”
In a strategic presentation similar to that used for combat scenarios, the Ministry for Primary Industries presented three options the government could choose from, should foot and mouth disease be discovered on these shores. One, considered unpalatable, was to live with the disease and adapt accordingly. To do so was forecast to cost more than $14 billion annually.
Another involved a slow process of elimination, while the third involved full mobilisation, including emergency vaccination. This would come with a cost, but in the end, Mr Hoggard opines, this cost would be outweighed by the benefits.
“Using emergency vaccination would take around 10 months to achieve, cost around $1.9 billion in operating costs and compensation, and see a one-off $8.4 billion impact on the economy in lost trade. The option to stamp out without vaccination would take 15 months, cost $2.98 billion and carry a $15.3 billion dollar loss of trade,” says Mr Hoggard.
It’s a nightmare scenario that must be considered for an economy dependent on
and heavily
on the
sector. By reinforcing the government’s commitment to the ‘stamp out foot and mouth’ approach, Mr Hoggard and his colleagues are facing a harsh reality head-on. However, the existence of a plan to eradicate a disease incursion does not mean vigilance has been relaxed in keeping it out.
“The best way to manage any incursion is to keep unwanted pests and diseases out in the first place, which is why the government is committed to maintaining a strong border and robust biosecurity systems,” Hoggard said.
NZ
The government’s favoured response to an incursion of foot and mouth disease is to ‘stamp out’ the virus swiftly trade
reliant
agricultural
DAIRY WITH EFFLUENT
RMA successor takes shape
by Andy Bryenton
Like the deposed Labour administration before it, the coalition government is proposing two laws to replace the Resource Management Act; however, they differ in fundamentals.
RMA reform head Chris Bishop says that with the repeal of the Labour government’s attempts to replace the RMA, and subsequent fixes and patches to see the nation through until a final replacement is done, two out of three stages of the coalition plan are in place. While Labour proposed the Natural and Built Environments Act and a Strategic Planning Act, the coalition intends to enact one law for environmental protection and another to boost progress in urban environments.
While this may sound similar, the focus of these new laws is based on the sanctity of property rights, say the ministers working on the RMA’s successor.
“Putting property rights at the centre of resource management means ditching rules that invite every Tom, Dick, and Harry to vexatiously object to peaceful use and development of private property. Rules should only restrict activity with material spillover effects on other people’s enjoyment of their own property or on the property rights of the wider natural environment,” says Infrastructure Minister Simon Court.
“The RMA was passed with good intentions in 1991 but has proved a failure in practice. In the last two decades, New Zealand has experienced higher house price growth than any other developed
economy, many environmental metrics have declined, and our infrastructure deficit has got worse,” says Chris Bishop.
Cabinet has agreed on the core design features of the new Resource Management laws. These include narrowing the focus of the RMA system to managing tangible effects on the environment, simplifying council plans, promoting national standards for certainty across all civic and regional authorities, and importantly, shifting the focus away from consenting before activities can get underway, and towards compliance.
There’s also an imperative to cut back on the litigation that impedes so much current development and building. The possibility has been tabled of a rapid, low-cost dispute resolution service for neighbours and property owners, and shorter, easier-to-understand legislation with fewer points to wrangle.
“This is important and complicated work, and we are determined to avoid the mistakes of past reform efforts by governments in the past. Rather than kicking the issue of ‘fixing the RMA’ off to a judge or lawyer to spend years studying before a report is even produced, let alone actioned, the government is making it clear from the outset what the design of the new system will look like,” Mr Court said.
Infrastructure Minister Simon Court admits that replacing the RMA is important and complicated work
