Real Farmer Winter 2024

Pay competitive despite tough times on-farm

From the Group CEO

Welcome to our Winter edition of Real Farmer. In this issue twin brothers Rob and Tom Mawle from Blackford Farming share their farming journey after arriving in Canterbury over 15 years ago. Originally from England, the Mawle family converted a deer and beef farm to a dry land dairying operation and have recently built two massive composting wintering barns to enhance their Rakaia Gorge dairy operation.

We also find out about our up-and-coming future farmers taking part in this year’s grand final for AgriKidsNZ and the Junior Young Farmer of the Year at Hamilton in July. These hotly contested competitions are popular with our youngsters and it’s great to see such strong interest from our region. We wish them all the best and look forward to seeing how they perform.

As always, we also have plenty of expert information relating to your farming operation, and some tips on how to keep your home cosy in the cooler weather.

Ruralco is well on the way to implementing our new (or maybe old?) strategy which sees us return to a strong and exclusive focus on farmers, with emphasis on us being a co-operative based in Mid Canterbury. I firmly believe that our size is our strength—we have strong relationships with you as our Shareholders and can respond quickly to your feedback. This includes listening when you say you want access to printed versions of Real Farmer. You can now find hard copies in your local Ruralco store.

You will also see us create more touchpoints with you as Shareholders so we can hear from you—from our recent exclusive Shareholder event with former All Blacks Manager Darren Shand, through to Farmer Reference Groups where you meet directly with me. Our Instore Days is another important opportunity to meet with us, and this year there’s even more cause for excitement as we celebrate our 30th Instore Days. We look forward to seeing you there.

This is your co-operative, and to borrow one of our old taglines— ‘Together it Pays’.

Tony Aitken tony.aitken@ruralco.co.nz

RURALCO PO Box 433, Ashburton 7740 0800 787 256 www.ruralco.co.nz

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Views expressed by contributors are not necessarily those of Ruralco.

CONTRIBUTORS

Anita Body

Annie Studholme

Indiana Roberts

Richard Rennie

PHOTOGRAPHERS

Annie Studholme

Indiana Roberts

TECHNICAL ARTICLES

AgriVantage 0800 787 256 ruralco@ruralco.co.nz www.ruralco.co.nz

Ballance Agri-Nutrients 0800 787 256 ruralco@ruralco.co.nz www.ruralco.co.nz

Beef + Lamb 0800 233 352 enquiries@beeflambnz.com www.beeflambnz.com

DairyNZ 0800 4 324 7969 info@dairynz.co.nz www.dairynz.co.nz

FAR

03 3455783 far@far.org.nz www.far.org.nz

Farmstrong info@farmstrong.co.nz www.farmstrong.co.nz

Federated Farmers 0800 327 646 0800@fedfarm.org.nz www.fedfarm.org.nz

FMG 0800 366 466 contact@fmg.co.nz www.fmg.co.nz

Irrigation NZ 04 595 6848 admin@irrigationnz.co.nz www.irrigationnz.co.nz

Meat The Need 0800 632 884 hello@meattheneed.org www.meattheneed.org

Rural Support Trust (Mid Canterbury) 0800 787 254 rst.midcanterbury@gmail.com www.rural-support.org.nz

Seales Winslow Tel 0800 287 325 www.sealeswinslow.co.nz

Terragen 0800 787 256 ruralco@ruralco.co.nz www.ruralco.co.nz

ON THE COVER:

Rob and Tom Mawle from Blackford Farming have a dairy operation in the Rakaia Gorge

2 Future of farming in good hands

8 Thriving in dryland dairying

14 Australia’s rural sector winds up

17 Pay competitive despite tough times on-farm

18 Celebrating 30 years of Ruralco Instore Days this July

26 Rakaia store perfectly placed

29 People person puts customers first

Technical Interest

13 Fifty kg ahead of target weight at nine months: how to grow better calves

23 Healthy calves are heavy calves

31 Integrating livestock into arable systems brings significant advantages

33 Off grid an option for Basil’s needs

35 Supplementing winter grazing herds critical to maintaining health and condition

37 Ensuring Precision in VRI Pivot Irrigator Performance Assessment

49 Spare a thought for S

51 Preparing for spring calving

53 Herbicide resistant weeds widespread, surveys show

55 Meat the Need and Feed Out; Nourishing those who need it most

45 Bringing water solutions to your doorstep Hynds Pipe Systems

38 Cosy winter warmers

57 Be aware of battery fires

58 Staying calm under pressure

59 Rural resilience: Supporting mental health in rural communities

Future of farming in good hands

Preparations are well underway for this year’s prestigious FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Final being held in Hamilton from 11 to 13 July, and while the spotlight is largely focused on the finalists in the premier event, the categories aimed at secondary and primary school students are also fiercely contested.

WORDS BY ANITA BODY, IMAGES SUPPLIED

Earlier this year more than 800 contenders from around the country took part in a series of seven regional finals to determine finalists for all three categories—the FMG Young Farmer of the Year, the FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year, and AgriKidsNZ. Competing in categories depending on their age, primary school students, some as young as eight, enter the AgriKidsNZ contest, while high school students, working in teams of two, are eligible for the FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year competition. Those who’ve left school compete alone for a shot at rural stardom.

New Zealand Young Farmers’ Chief Executive, Lynda Coppersmith says this year’s regional events got off to a great start, shaping up to be one of the best yet with many new faces, including a large number of primary students entering the AgriKidsNZ competition. “It just goes to show the future of farming is in good hands.”

She says it’s great to see the competition continuing to evolve, attracting people from a range of backgrounds facing “a series of challenges that could test contestants on any aspect of modern farming across the entire supply chain.”

competitors) heading to Hamilton in July to battle it out for the top awards.

“The events bring together passionate and skilled young farmers from across the country, with each contestant demonstrating their understanding of the food and fibre sector and their commitment to the future of the industry.”

This year there will be seven FMG Young Farmer of the Year Grand Finalists, 14 FMG

The FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year is a chance for high school students to challenge themselves, have a bit of fun, and learn something new. Competing in teams of two, contestants complete a series of ag-focused modules (including speeches), testing their knowledge, their problem-solving abilities, and their practical farming skills. The top two

BELOW: The Longbeach Farmwise team (Edward White, Henry Pottinger and George Lash) competing at the Aorangi regional competition earlier this year

teams from each regional final earn spots at the Grand Final to vie for the overall winner.

The AgriKidsNZ competition sees contestants compete in teams of three and complete a range of practical modules, also based on the food and fibre sector. It’s a chance for primary school students aged between 8 and 13 from all backgrounds to take part, enjoy the competition, get outside, and get active with their friends. The top three teams from each regional final get to move through to the Grand Final.

Both competitions allow school students to demonstrate their hands-on expertise in real life farming situations and navigate tasks that simulate the everyday challenges faced by farmers. It’s also a great opportunity to meet other competitors and build meaningful connections, especially for those looking towards careers in agriculture.

Lynda says the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition is important in inspiring and supporting the next generation of farmers. “The FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition is an essential part of the agricultural industry, and we are proud to provide a platform for young farmers to showcase their skills and knowledge”.

ABOVE: Aorangi Junior Young Farmer of the Year winners, James Clark and Jack Foster are competing for the third time at the national grand final

“It was great to see the level of talent on display at the Regional Finals, and we are looking forward to the Grand Final to see who will take out the titles for Season 56.” Held across three days in Hamilton from the 11th to the 13th of July, the Grand Final will be actionpacked with hundreds of people expected to be in attendance.

Proud Local History

Mid Canterbury has a proud history of youngsters representing the Aorangi region at the Grand Final, and this year is no exception, with local students coming from Mt Hutt College and Geraldine High School in the Junior Young Farmer competition and Longbeach School, in the AgriKidsNZ.

MT HUTT COLLEGE—JAMES CLARK & JACK FOSTER

For Mt Hutt College finalists, James Clark and Jack Foster, it will be the third time the pair have made it to the Grand Final, and they will be hoping to better last year’s overall third placing, and their win in the modules section. It’s also the last chance for the Year 13

students to enter this competition before they embark on university pathways.

James’s mother, Jayne Clark, says the family has a long history of entering the Young Farmer competitions, with James first getting started in the AgriKidsNZ competition while at Mt Somers Springburn School, and James’s brother, Charlie, also competing in events. Charlie was a member of Grand Final AgriKidsNZ winning team from Mt Somers Springburn School last year.

She says the boys both gain good knowledge from their agriculture classes at school and from their respective cropping farms at home. “We look to fill gaps in their knowledge that they might have. We look for people that we know who will help them and they also visit various industries. People are so great at giving up their time to help and support them.” Mid Canterbury’s rich agricultural base provides plenty of varied opportunities.

A week out from the competition, students will find out their speech topics. Jayne says the trip to the Grand Final in Whangarei two

LEFT: Geraldine High School students, Shelby Henson and Ella Hole earned their place in the Junior Young Farmer grand final after placing second at the Aorangi regional finals

years ago saw the boys travelling separately with their families, trying to type on a shared document along the way as they prepared for the final. “We often make friends with the local library wherever we are.”

Last year was a little easier with the Grand Final held closer to home in Timaru. This year will see another road trip for both families as they head to Hamilton. With the Grand Final falling in the school holidays this year, there will be a greater opportunity to focus on competition preparations instead of trying to juggle schoolwork as well.

“The focus will be on not making mistakes. They are aiming to do the best they can, and hopefully come away with the top prize.”

She says the competitions, and especially tasks such as delivering speeches, have provided amazing experiences for the boys. “It’s great because it opens a pathway to an agriculture career and gives them the chance to take part in activities, they might not otherwise experience. It is great for personal growth.”

GERALDINE HIGH SCHOOL—

SHELBY HENSON & ELLA HOLE

Also gaining a spot at the Junior Young Farmer Grand Final, is another pair of Year 13 students, this time from Geraldine High School—Shelby Henson, from Carew, and Ella Hole, from Kakahu. Geraldine High School has been taking part in the competitions for over 10 years under the leadership of the school’s Primary Industry Academy (PIA) teacher, Sarah Foley-Smith. The PIA programme has been a mainstay in the school’s curriculum for as many years, and wherever possible, students have competed in the regional events.

“It’s a great chance for the students to take part in a competition, where they are working under pressure, when everyone is watching and when things can go wrong—and they do,” she says. “It is a great learning experience and is great for resilience. It certainly teaches them how to cope under pressure.”

Another bonus are the planning and organisational skills the PIA students take from the event and apply to the primary school competitions they run at local A & P Shows.

“It really helps for inspiration for the activities at the Mackenzie and local Temuka and Geraldine A&P Show. What our students achieve is phenomenally amazing! We had 100 primary school kids go through our competition at Winchester (Temuka & Geraldine A & P Show) this year.”

Shelby and Ella are looking forward to the competition, and Sarah says it’ll be great experience for them both before they head off to university next year.

It’s not the first time Geraldine High School has been represented at the Grand Final; in

fact, most years Geraldine has had students in attendance. “Last year was the first time in a long time we were not at the Grand Final,” says Sarah.

“Our best result was in 2019 when one of our teams placed third overall and won the practical section. We generally place reasonably high in the practical events. They’re often a lot of fun. One of the more memorable was when students had to bone out fish.”

She says there’s lots of emphasis on the exam and speeches component, which can be pretty “high powered.”

With such strong interest from senior students taking part in the PIA programme, it is difficult to accommodate younger competitors as well, although the school did field a Grand Final winning team in the 2017 AgriKidsNZ competition.

“Those competitions are always very exciting to watch,” says Sarah.

LONGBEACH PRIMARY SCHOOL— LONGBEACH FARMWISE (HENRY POTTINGER, EDWARD WHITE, GEORGE LASH)

For Year 8 pupils, Edward White, Henry Pottinger and George Lash, this year’s AgriKidsNZ is also their last chance to compete at this level. All have previously competed at a regional level, but this is the first time as a team.

And Edward isn’t the only member of his family competing in the Grand Final this year. His sister Tabitha is a member of the Rangi Ruru Girls’ School team representing the Tasman region in the Junior Young Farmer of the Year.

IMAGE: Tasks in the AgriKidsNZ competition provide many varied and innovative ways to test competitors

IMAGE: Longbeach Primary School students, George Lash, Henry Pottinger and Edward White will compete in the AgriKidsNZ grand final in Hamilton

Just like their Junior Young Farmer counterparts, these AgriKids students also tap into their own on farm knowledge, while also taking the opportunity to talk to as many other experts as possible. Longbeach Primary School’s teacher in charge of AgriKids, Debbie Boon, says the students have plenty of passion for agriculture and are very keen to take part.

“We’re allowed to enter eight teams for the regionals. I could easily fill 10 or 11 or even more. We have students as young as Year 4 wanting to take part. It is so popular we usually have to restrict it to Year 6, 7 and 8 students first, although we did also have Year 5 students involved this year.”

Students from the school have been attending AgriKids competitions for about 10 years.

Debbie says it takes a huge amount of effort for the school and the parents—who are equally passionate about farming and the competition. “We’ve had three teams go through to the Grand Final—one in 2020 when the event was held online due to Covid.”

“It complements our school curriculum. We run other rural-focused events like our Country Day which is very popular and well supported by the local community.”

She says AgriKids is a great way for the students to share knowledge, work together and help each other. This starts early in the year with fundraising and preparation for the regional competition.

“The students get to take part in some really fun activities—from building bee hives through to putting a saddle together. It’s very broad and really stretches them.”

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Thriving in dryland dairying

Streamlining efficiency and embracing technology underpins continued investment at the Mawle family’s Blackford Farming dairy operation in the Rakaia Gorge.

WORDS AND IMAGES

BY ANNIE STUDHOLME

Milking cows was not on the agenda when the Mawle family first sold up their farming business in Bedfordshire, England, and moved 12,000 miles to Canterbury more than fifteen years ago. After an exhaustive 18-month search to find the right property, many questioned the Brits’ bold decision to convert a deer and beef farm in the Rakaia Gorge to a dry land dairying operation.

Today, twin brothers Rob and Tom milk more than 2,100 ‘Kiwi Cross’ Jersey-Friesian cross cows on the 640-hectare (effective) property, with the additional wintering property at Line Road and further land leased for winter grazing. The operation is effectively split into two separate units, with each of the brothers responsible for milking 1,050 cows. Each has its own 60-bale Waikato rotary milking platform, with four staff working on a six-day on and two days off roster. Both use Allflex Sensehub Cow Collars and have installed automatic calf feeders. But the development hasn’t stopped there with the recent addition of two massive composting wintering barns, or ‘mootels’.

Rob and Tom got their first taste of Canterbury in 1999, returning in the summer of 2003/04 to work for Carr Contracting while playing rugby for Southern. After two summers going back and forth to the UK, the entire Mawle family, including their parents, John and his wife Jean Mawle and sister Ellie Pike, decided to move en masse in 2005.

In England, the Mawles owned 300 acres and sharecropped a further 1,000-hectares. Latterly the grain buildings had been converted into 22 industrial units. The decision to sell up wasn’t taken lightly, but with the brothers about to graduate from Harper Adams University with dreams of going farming came the grim realisation that their current farming operation wasn’t big enough to support everyone. They

had a family meeting and unanimously voted to move to New Zealand.

With dairying taking off, Rob soon found a job on a dairy farm. After just a year, he bought 300 cows and went 50:50 share milking. Tom, meanwhile, was doing his best to stay away from cows working for the Guild family on Highpeak Station.

Having looked all over New Zealand for the perfect property to put down roots, the Mawle family kept gravitating back to the broader Methven area.

After 18 months and 45 farm viewings, they finally made the deal to purchase Blackford on the south bank of the Rakaia River at the foot of Mount Hutt. “It had a good aspect, good soil and good rainfall,” says Rob. “Coming from the UK, we didn’t want to have irrigation because of all the rules and regulations around it.”

Blackford was carrying 1,100 beef cattle and 2,500 deer when they took over. The Mawles ran it as a going concern for the first 12 months. They continued with existing contracts and

planned to develop the farm for the lucrative dairy support market, capitalising on the dairy boom. Fencing was upgraded, laneways added, and they embarked on the unenviable task of renewing all pastures. Because it was a dryland system, most trees and shelter remained intact. The next logical step was to add a dairy shed, but with the farm sitting at between 450m to 580m above sea level with an average rainfall of 1,250ml, plus howling nor’westers to contend with, no one knew just how many milk solids the property could produce. They had their doubters, with plenty sceptical about how one of Canterbury’s most westerly dairy units would perform, but history was on the Mawle’s side. As late as the 1960s, cows had been milked in the Rakaia Gorge, and originally, there was a creamery at the end of Blackford Road, explains Rob.

“It’s north-facing and while we can get snow here, the warm nor’west winds help keep growth rates up. Although it can get dry, it responds well to rain. We probably get between 30 and 40 per cent of nor’west rain in a typical year, but the shoulder seasons can be tough. Silage is like our irrigation. If you can grow grass, you can feed anything, and we knew it could grow grass,” he says.

They pressed ahead. Plans were drawn up for a 60-bale Waikato rotary milking platform, utilising the latest technology, including automatic cup removers and Protrack. “It was the biggest shed to build for just one person to milk in. At that stage, the farm’s potential hadn’t been realised, and we simply didn’t know how many cows we could milk. It was all a bit of an unknown,” says Tom.

ABOVE: Family remains at the heart of the Blackford Farming operation

IMAGE: The Mawle’s have recently built two massive composting wintering barns on their Rakaia Gorge property

But when the 2008 Global Financial Crisis hit, plans hit a snag. “We had the shingle down and the site pegged out. Then, the GFC hit, so we shelved the whole project for another 12 months and instead focused on renewing pastures and cultivating,” says Rob.

With the shed completed, albeit a year later than they had anticipated, the Mawles calved and milked 950 cows through the new shed in the first season and bought 150 more in-milk cows. Rob brought 525 cows with him from his share milking position, and they purchased 450 more cows from the North Island.

Still not convinced about dairying, Tom’s introduction was a “baptism of fire,” working alongside Rob and two Filipino staff. By the second season, they had grown the herd to 1,250 cows, and by the end, plans were afoot for a second shed, which was eventually commissioned in December 2013. This left the brothers to run each unit separately, each milking 1,050 cows.

The second conversion was made possible in part by the opportunity to lease 116 hectares of neighbouring land, taking the total milking area to 614 effective hectares. Initially, they ran it at a moderate stocking rate of 3.2 cows per hectare, with inputs of supplementary feed (grain and silage) equating to around 800kg per cow. This resulted in an average of 450kg of milk solids per cow, up there with the top dry land operations anywhere.

Though those first few years were marred by payout extremes, the Mawle’s pushed ahead with constant development, particularly with regard to embracing new technology. First, they introduced Allflex Sensehub Cow Collars across both herds and, more recently, automatic calf feeders. The collars collect and analyse

critical data from each cow’s reproductive cycle, rumination patterns, and health status. They provide unparalleled insight into the herd. While both come with huge financial outlay, the benefits outweigh the capital costs, says Rob. “I think the move to more technology, particularly the collars and automatic calf feeders, has helped Tom and I monitor the day-to-day running of each farm in greater detail and with more consistency. They give us accurate daily feedback and reassurance that the decisions around feeding and animal welfare are being held to a high standard. It also frees us up to do other things.”

Though the collars don’t replace humans, they enable more targeted and timely interventions. “It means you are picking that cow (with a problem) up in the middle of the mob rather than at the end,” explains Tom.

At mating time, collars also reduced pressure on staff when they needed to detect which cows were on heat. Some staff were better at it than others, but collars removed that variation, provided consistency, and reduced risk at what was already a busy time. Collars were useful tools to guide other farm decisions.

For the past two seasons, they have used automatic calf feeders. The Mawle’s installed four feeders across the two dairy units (two on each), each rearing 300 replacements. Each feeder has four stalls capable of feeding 16 calves at a time, 24 hours a day. They can use either whole milk supplied from the farm’s vat or powdered milk, which is heated as needed. They have many programmable features like litres per feed and feeds per day. All calves have access to straw, meal, and grazing. Each calf is individually fed with feeders that monitor consumption, drinking rate, and weight, with alerts about any

ABOVE: The barn option was not for everyone, but the Mawle brothers firmly believed it suited Blackford because of the amount of silage they fed out and the challenging climate

problems detected. Like all calves, they still must be taught to drink first before being transitioned to the feeders, which usually takes three days.

“We identified that finding good calf-rearing staff with the necessary skill set was becoming more of a challenge,” says Rob. “By moving to automatic calf feeders, between both units, we had been able to drop one labour unit, going from four staff to three. It’s still busy for those first 8-10 weeks, but then the workload drops off. There is no fatigue; the machines just keep feeding calves.”

While the labour savings were a big plus, the improvements the brothers had seen in their calves won them over. The constant monitoring meant any potential issues were often detected before they had been seen manually, and nothing was missed. “You still have to go and look at the stock, but at least the technology will give you a heads-up where to look,” says Tom.

“We are seeing good results in our calves going away at weaning. We have consistently seen a uniformed group of calves coming through. There has been an average live weight increase of 10kg per calf at weaning, with a definite lift in the tail end of late born calves we usually experience. And the mortality rate is exceptionally low,” adds Rob.

Whether that will make a difference in the long term is undetermined. The Mawle’s are calving the first heifers that went through the new automatic calf feeding system this spring. Not content with sitting still; the development hasn’t stopped there. The Mawle’s have recently

built two massive composting wintering barns, with the potential for more to be built in the future. Until now, Tom’s herd have been sent to local winter graziers, while Rob’s cows are wintered on the family-owned 148-hectare run-off block on Line Road. But while that arrangement has been working, in the future, the Mawle’s realised they would need to purchase a second run-off block or look at alternatives, like a feed pad or a barn.

The barn option was not for everyone, but the brothers firmly believed it suited Blackford because of the amount of silage they fed out and the challenging climate. “We are like a little piece of Southland or the West Coast in Mid Canterbury. It is very unique,” says Rob. “Our winters can be quite severe,” adds Tom. They can be wet and muddy, and the feed utilisation is poor, despite our best efforts to mitigate it. We feed a lot of silage, and we kept thinking about how we could best use it. The options were putting up a barn or building a feed pad.”

Hailing from the UK, the Mawle’s were familiar with sheds and knew what they could do. Back in the UK, they fattened 400 beef cattle in one shed. After much deliberation and having visited different barn options in Southland and the West Coast, the Mawle’s opted for a 22m x 100m composting wintering barn, constructed out of steel by Kiwi-based ProSteel Systems, which they were confident was robust enough to withstand the howling nor’westers and snow falls. “Everyone we talked to wished they had gone bigger or hoped to build another one. That was good enough for us,” says Rob.

To maximise the space available under the roof, they opted to feed from the outside rather than a central laneway like those they were used to in the UK. Being 100 per cent self-composting, the barn had a low environmental footprint, and they had worked closely with Environment Canterbury to ensure all environmental standards were met. The consent was given to 8m2 per animal (275 total).

The current compost barn systems experience no leaching of nutrients due to the microbial activity and absorbent nature of the composting bed. Aerobic bacteria are encouraged by daily or twice daily aeration through deep ripping cultivation of the bedding material. This releases moisture via steam in the warm bed pack.

Managing the compost is going to be critical, says Tom. They didn’t know how often the wood chips would need to be replaced at this stage. Eighty per cent of the initial layer had come from trees on the farm, but going forward, they were hoping to keep it at 50/50 to save on the cost of buying it all in. They have more than 6,500 trees on the property, many of which are over 100 years old and have a replanting programme in place to replace those trees taken down every three to four years.

“We feel the wintering barns will give us security at calving time in an unpredictable environment, better feed utilisation throughout the year, an extended milking season for late-calving cows and many other benefits. These include logistics of mobs in and out of the shed, reduced pugging and re-grassing and a nice environment for staff to work in,” says Rob.

When Real Farmer visited in April, cows had been in the Blue Shed for three weeks. Tom was already milking on a 10/7 roster. Half the herd was on grass and supplementary silage, while the other half was split into three mobs, each spending 2-4 hours in the wintering barn daily, with the potential for the last herd to be indoors overnight depending on the weather.

“It’s just over three weeks, and we have already seen savings in silage. There’s not as much waste. The other farms out there saying they can feed 10kg total ration (7kg silage and 3kg chopped straw) in the barn compared to 12kg green feed in the paddock plus 3kg of straw. So, 15kg total in the paddock. Same weight gain, just warmer cows, and better feed utilised,” explains Rob.

property

BELOW: In April, half the herd was on grass and supplementary silage, while the other half was split into three mobs, each spending 2–4 hours in the wintering barn daily

Once the main mobs have been dried off (May 25), the late calving cows (approximately 250) would drop to once a day milking and spend 24/7 indoors until the end of June. “We still have to feed them. It’s economically sound to do that extra silage with an $8 payout,” says Tom. Then, in July, the in-calf heifers would go indoors to calve, followed by the springer mob. A temporary fence could be put up indoors if required. During the summer, it will provide shade.

The Mawle’s ultimate goal is to have two barns on each milking unit. This means half the herd could spend time indoors, and the rest could winter at the Line Road run-off, but for now, it’s a case of waiting and seeing, explains Rob. “Ultimately, it has to pay the extra money from milking longer and saving in feed. There’s still a lot to learn. We are still trying to quantify it as best we can. But already we can see some benefits. The staff are loving it, and the cows seem happy.”

Succession was one of the key drivers for the Mawle’s move down under, and family remains at the heart of the Blackford Farming operation. Although John and Jean have stepped back from day-to-day farming, they are still very much involved, and Ellie continues to do all the farm accounts. Both Tom and Rob are supported in this faming venture by their wives, Claire, and Stacey, and now with their own families, the future focus is to work hard for their own succession plans for the next generation.

ABOVE: Twin brothers Rob and Tom Mawle milk more than 2,100 ‘Kiwi Cross’ Jersey-Friesian cross cows on a 640-hectare (effective)

Fifty kg ahead of target weight at nine months: how to grow better calves

Growing better calves comes down to better nutrition; that’s what dairy farmers Sam and Jo Spencer-Bower learned last season.

Owners of Claxby Estate near Rangiora, the Spencer-Bowers milk 2,000 cows and rear approximately 500 replacements annually. They also rear 300 wagyu calves to 7 days.

Pre-season, AgriVantage’s Cheryl Farrar and (Animal Nutrition Consultant) Natalie Chrystal mapped a new calf rearing protocol for Sam and Jo. Their objective was to grow the replacements well. Challenges included the need to move calves outside at three weeks, due to restricted space in the rearing shed, plus achieving a good weaning weight quickly.

“We found that the calves were quite stressed, especially when transitioning to once a day at three weeks” explains Sam. “About 25 per cent of them would scour. Then, come weaning, they struggled with the transition from meal to rich pasture.”

Natalie explained how developing a calf earlier, through a higher plane of nutrition, was better for growing more resilient calves. And better lifetime production.

The new protocol began with colostrum. If brix testing showed the milk solid content of maternal colostrum to be under 22%, Natalie advised fortifying with Launchpad18. Should colostrum run short, they were to use Launchpad18 as a replacer. Finally, colostrum feeds on day one were increased from two feeds of 2L maternal colostrum to two feeds of 3L.

On the milk feeding front, 2L twice daily was increased to 3L twice daily for the first two weeks. From week three, Natalie recommended fortifying the whole milk with Sprayfo Blue milk replacer—to increase the concentration of milk solids. Five weeks prior to weaning, the calves were transitioned from fortified milk to just Sprayfo Blue milk replacer, the whey-based milk replacer being ideal for enhancing rumen development.

Biopect prebiotic was introduced at the three-week transition period. A proactive solution for using when animals are stressed, Biopect works to optimise bacterial flora in the gut and provide an energy boost, helping to prevent scours.

A new biosecurity protocol was detailed for the shed—using Stalosan F in conjunction with disinfectant spray. Absorbing up to 400% of its weight in moisture and ammonia, Stalosan F is a highly effective solution for improving the rearing environment.

Finally, Sam and Jo were advised to wean their animals at 100kg rather than 85kg, and to continue feeding meal for longer after weaning.

Sam observes that this new rearing protocol was “a game changer.”

“Feeding more milk at the early stages boosted our calves. They were healthier, more resilient and transitioned through the different rearing stages so much more easily” he said. “Sprayfo Blue seems to have helped with getting the rumen development we were after. We had no issues come weaning, which

we put down to the rumen functioning better. And adding Stalosan F made the calf shed noticeably drier.

“All in all, using this protocol, we have grown better calves. At 9 months old (in May 2024), our calves are 50kg ahead of target weight.”

Sam adds that he and Jo had experimented with other milk replacers in the past.

“Sprayfo is much easier to mix, and it stays in suspension. We like the quality and consistency of the product.”

AgriVantage’s Launchpad18 whole colostrum, Sprayfo milk replacers, Biopect prebiotic and Stalosan F biosecurity product are available through Ruralco. Ask in store.

THIS PROMOTIONAL FEATURE WAS PROVIDED BY AGRIVANTAGE

ABOVE: Good calf rearing practice in the first 8-10 weeks is crucial for growing a highly productive dairy cow. Farmers should aim for optimum development, robustness and longevity for better financial returns

Australia’s rural sector winds up

Australia’s vast scale often means many New Zealanders carry a simplified, condensed version of it in their minds, often only featuring expanses of desert banded by its glittering coastal cities including Brisbane, Sydney, and Melbourne.

WORDS BY RICHARD RENNIE, IMAGES SUPPLIED BY RICHARD RENNIE

But it is a shorthand version that fails to include Australia’s huge and highly productive farming sector, a sector on the march upwards in its contribution to the Lucky Country’s already enviable wealth.

Big wet country

In the past four years since the devastating bush fire season of 2019-2020 Australia has enjoyed, and even endured, above average rainfall in many parts of the continent.

Ongoing deluges of rainfall have featured over the past four years, with this March the third wettest on record. It has not meant all of Australia is damper than usual, with areas like southwestern Victoria, Tasmania and coastal Western Australia have reporting extremely dry times.

But taken across the past four years the country’s rural sector has doubled down on drought proofing itself. That is thanks in part to an enormous AUD$5 billion Future Drought Fund

initiative encompassing not only farmers and farm methods, but rural communities and groups to improve their preparedness for the next inevitable big dry.

With this comes the adaptation of new technology, boosted research, and a focus on reducing emissions to help sectors meet targets like red meat’s goal to be carbon neutral by 2030 (the CN30 initiative).

Meantime the primary sector has ramped up in its contribution to the Australian economy. What was only a few short years ago a AUD$60 billion a year industry is slated to be worth AUD$85 billion this year, and with the tail wind off good market prices and weather could hit AUD$100 billion within a few short years.

Looking across the ditch it is easy to envy the funds available in a country 30% wealthier than our own. But regardless, plenty of lessons are still to be learnt from our Australian cousins.

Fortunately, they hold our farming sector in high regard, and are happy to collaborate and share solutions to the two nations’ farmers’ shared issues.

Dealing to methane

Methane emissions, back up for review here in New Zealand, are getting plenty of attention from Australian researchers. Farmers there do not have quite the same pressure as New Zealand farmers to meet set targets, given their contribution to total gas emissions is only 17% against NZ’s 48%.

Regardless, scientists are making major headway to determine the best combination and means to feed methane mitigators to livestock.

Researchers at University of New England in Armidale, New South Wales are already starting to trial different combinations of methane mitigators on sheep and investigating the best ways to get them to take their dose.

Feeding them a red seaweed compound, itself an Australian discovery, combined with another compound called Agolin is achieving 80% reductions in methane emissions in chambers.

However, lead researcher Professor Julius van der Werf is honest about what could be achieved in reality on the farm.

“We realistically think it would be nearer to 10–20% reduction at an industry wide level, with lower levels of mitigation on farm, and given adoption will not be complete.”

He is adamant it is no silver bullet, but that reduction is sufficient to make it a valuable tool for farmers once the practicalities of how to feed it whether as a stock lick, in the water or in a pellet are determined.

“The best options are the ones where farmers are not having to invest a lot into infrastructure to deliver it.”

He is quietly confident most Australian farmers will be using some sort of mitigator additive within five years.

Meantime his fellow researchers are also working hard to identify sheep sires capable of producing productive offspring with lower methane emissions, and demand is growing from breeders to have their sires assessed.

He expects they will have caught up to New Zealand and have estimated breeding values for methane out by next year after testing almost 10,000 sheep.

Answer lies in soil carbon

Australia’s soils, with a carbon content often considerably lower than New Zealand’s also offer farmers the opportunity to build and store carbon emissions. It is a contrast to New Zealand’s efforts at offsetting, which tend to sit above ground in the form of tree planting.

Victoria farming family the Olsen’s have taken their efforts to build carbon on their beef farm and turned it into an entirely new enterprise. Unable to find a cultivation-sowing machine capable of placing multiple different seed types at once, Niels Olsen did what any practical farmer does—he designed and built one himself.

Today the SoilKee soil renovator has a patent in 46 countries and has been sold in 100 countries as far afield as Canada and soon, New Zealand. With its patented cultivation tines, the machine is capable of breaking up soil in a varied pattern that suits the variety of seed sizes and types being sown in their regenerative system.

“It can handle up to 20 species planted at the same time, as varied as wheat, oats, peas, linseed, chicory and even sunflowers,” he says.

The machine has also delivered more than just another business unit for the family. Carbon gain benefits have come from the varied, dense sward it plants, along with significantly more feed.

“In the first couple of years we were getting 11.7–12 carbon credits per hectare per year. Seven-eight years in, it is coming up at 26–27 credits per hectare, which is about six tonnes of carbon increase on a hectare.”

Their farm is among one of the first in Australia, and possibly the world, to be recognised for building carbon within its soil profile.

This also now equates to a valuable income stream for the Olsen’s.

“Doing the beef plus carbon credits, each are about the same income amount, which is better than what we would get dairying.”

Gene editing offers lower emissions future

The Olsen’s have proven carbon can be stored in soil, but Australia’s gene editing regulations are also helping scientists develop pasture species that reduce methane at source.

The regulations, recognised as being more open, outcome focused than New Zealand’s mean New Zealand company Grasslanz has been drawn across the Tasman to develop a low methane emitting clover species.

The company has taken a New Zealand white clover cultivar and working through PGG Wrightson Seeds have edited in a gene from the closely related hare’s foot clover with high condensed tannins.

The goal is to deliver a clover whose higher tannin levels will result in a lower bloat risk and

BELOW: DLF Seed plant scientist Matt Francis and agronomist Liz Barr with high tannin genetically edited white clover seedlings near Ballarat, Victoria

OPPOSITE: Dr Karen Massel of the University of Queensland heads up a team of scientists developing gene edited crops capable of withstanding drought and disease

reduced methane emissions from livestock when consumed.

The end of the lengthy development period is closing in as the breeders sort out the bestperforming 2500 seedlings from the latest generation, which will be used to produce seed for animal feed trials, in New South Wales.

Grasslanz CEO John Caradus says the geneedited and GM field work in Australia presents a far more viable option to the New Zealand option, where the regulatory process is challenging.

“Gaining approval for such field trials in New Zealand has not been attempted for over a decade as a result,” he said.

The work sits alongside many GE projects running throughout Australian research universities and companies to develop crops also capable of enduring tougher growing conditions under climate change.

Dr Karen Massel at University of Queensland heads up a team leading the charge on developing GE sorghum, a maize like feed, to produce a variety capable of weathering drought conditions and delivering a higher protein level, improving its feed value.

Her and her colleague Professor Ian Godwin are optimistic about the future of GE as a valid response to changing climatic conditions.

“Much of the technology can be applied to multiple crops, for example GE Bt resistant sorghum has been done for cotton also.

“And if fall army worm got into wheat crops here, we would have a resistant wheat variety pretty damn quick,” he says.

ABOVE: SoilKee inventor Niels Olsen (left) and his son Shane develop and build the renovator on the family’s farm in eastern Victoria

Airpark Canterbury’s second location, Parking Island, has opened on 1st April 2024 with bookings open.

Pay competitive despite tough times on-farm

Farmers have been hit with all sorts of challenges of late, but a new report shows that hasn’t stopped them continuing to invest strongly in their staff.

WORDS AND IMAGES SUPPLIED BY FEDERATED FARMERS

The 2024 Federated Farmers-Rabobank Farm Salaries Report shows that, since the 2022 survey, the average salary for a farm worker has increased by $7,480 to $71,411.

Weighted average annual incomes across the 13 surveyed on-farm positions have grown by 13%.

“For some more senior roles, the average increases have been significantly higher,” Federated Farmers employment spokesperson Richard McIntyre says.

“For example, the average salary for a dairy herd manager is up 19% to $74,185, a sheep/ beef farm manager is earning an average 22% more than two years ago ($88,381), and the average income for an arable farm manager is up 28% to $101,264.”

McIntyre says the survey underlines why jobs in agriculture are not only satisfying but offer a clear career pathway.

“Despite all the headwinds farmers have contended with since 2022—Covid, severe weather events, production-suffocating red tape, inflation, and roller-coaster commodity

prices—farming incomes remain attractive and competitive.

“Kiwis who are jaded with the urban rat race and high mortgages or rent might well consider work and a new lifestyle out in a rural area,” McIntyre says.

This is the 14th farm remuneration report Federated Farmers and Rabobank have produced. They commissioned Research First to conduct the survey, and findings use data from 529 farm employers covering nearly 1,800 employees.

Weighted average salaries between 2022 and 2024 rose 11% to $70,923 in the dairy sector, 17% to $72,608 on sheep and beef farms, and 14% to $71,541 on arable farms.

“Statistics NZ data tells us that Labour Cost Index wage growth across all New Zealand sectors in the 24 months to December 31 last year was 11%, so our sector has been ahead of the game,” McIntrye says.

He suggests there are several factors behind this. “With low unemployment rates over the last two years, I think it reflects the ongoing

IMAGE: Farm Salaries survey results underline why jobs in agriculture are not only satisfying but offer a clear career pathway, Richard McIntyre says

challenge of recruiting and retaining staff to work in remote areas.

“Two or three decades ago it wasn’t a huge deal to work way off somewhere with poor cellphone coverage because few people had them. Facebook wasn’t a thing.

“Now you need reasonable internet so you can do all that social media stuff, watch Netflix and so on.”

For many other reasons, most people like to live and work in or near towns, McIntyre says.

“So, farmers need to find those people who don’t mind a bit of isolation, enjoy the outdoor life, hunting, working with animals—all those things.

“When they find people like that, they want to keep them, and they’ll reward them for good work.”

Sheep and beef farms tend to be a little more remote than dairy farms, which may help explain why that sector’s increases in weighted average salaries are slightly ahead.

An added bonus for staff is the range of other benefits often provided.

“These can include such things as discounted accommodation, meat, firewood, phone and power allowances,” McIntyre says.

“For many farm employees, those extras can add up to several thousands of dollars a year.”

For example, the ‘total package value’ (TPV) for someone working in the sheep and beef sector is a weighted average of $76,296, nearly $3,700 more than the salary.

Average TPV increases for senior staff in dairy were slightly lower than for sheep and beef senior staff. That may be because, in 2021/22, pay for experienced dairy staff was on average higher, and to an extent sheep and beef has been in catch-up mode, McIntyre says.

Average hours worked on farms are also well below the International Labour Organisation’s recommended maximum standard weekly total of 48 hours. The survey shows the average weekly hours worked by a permanent dairy staff member was 46.3. On a sheep and beef farm it was 44.4 hours, and on arable farms 46.3 hours.

INSTORE DAYS

4–5 JULY

Celebrating 30 years of Ruralco Instore Days this July 2024

This July, Ruralco is celebrating a major milestone—the 30th anniversary of Instore Days.

WORDS BY INDIANA ROBERTS

Instore Days is set for Thursday 4th and Friday 5th July, with this year’s event promising an array of exclusive deals, expert advice, and a strong sense of community spirit, all in support of our local farmers and their crucial role in agriculture.

What started as a small gathering 30 years ago has evolved into a must-attend event for Canterbury farmers. Ruralco (then known as Ashburton Trading Society) was founded by a group of Ashburton farmers who wanted to make farming life easier. Since then, Ruralco has been part of the community, growing alongside the very people it supports, and along with that vision grew Instore Days which has expanded into a significant occasion, offering not just excellent deals but also a

THURSDAY 8.00AM–5.30PM

FRIDAY 8.00AM–4.30PM DEALS AVAILABLE UNTIL

venue for networking, learning, and celebrating our agricultural heritage.

Here’s what you can expect:

• Exclusive deals: Take advantage of deals on everything from chemicals, seed, and fertiliser to products and services from local businesses who accept our card.

• Meet the Experts: Talk with suppliers, merchants and our Ruralco team about the latest in farm technology and services that can enhance your farm’s efficiency.

• Prize Draws: Celebrate with us and be in to win up to $15,000 in House of Travel vouchers. Every $250 spent with your Ruralco Card from 1 June until 7 July 2024 gets you in the draw. Plus, if you join us at the event, every transaction gets you into the draw to win one of 30 $500 prize draws across our stores and the two days.

Instore Days is about good conversations and great food just as much as it is about deals.

Food trucks will be serving up tasty treats from

10am–3pm daily. Plus, there’s always coffee and tea available to keep you refreshed.

If you can’t make it to the Ashburton store, don’t worry. The same great Ruralco deals are available at our Methven and Rakaia stores or online on our website. Look out for exclusive Ruralco Member deals at participating businesses around town too.

“Ruralco Instore Days is more than a sale—it’s an opportunity to connect with people who are as dedicated to farming and community as we are. Whether you’re looking for incredible deals, expert advice, or just a pleasant day out, there’s something for everyone,” says Ruralco CEO Tony Aitken.

Mark the 4th and 5th of July on your calendars and join us for an event that highlights the best of agriculture in New Zealand. Our people are your people, and our home is your home, so come and celebrate 30 years of Ruralco Instore Days with us.

GET INVOLVED FROM 1 JUNE

Spend $250 with our participating Instore Days businesses to ensure you maximise entries in the draw to win one of three House of Travel vouchers worth up to $15,000*.

Every $250 cumulatively spent using your Ruralco Card from 1 June through to midnight 7 July 2024 will put you in the draw.

There are three House of Travel vouchers to be given away in order: 1 voucher for $15,000, 1 voucher for $10,000 and 1 voucher for $5,000.

*Terms and conditions apply and are available at www.ruralco.co.nz/instoredays.

BE PART OF THE ACTION

4–5 JULY

1. Join us at Ruralco Ashburton at 97 Burnett Street to meet suppliers in person, get epic deals and enjoy a bite to eat from one of our tasty food trucks from 10am–3pm, with tea/coffee available all day. Or visit our stores in Methven or Rakaia to get the same great deals and grab a bite to eat.

2. Visit our participating card merchants at their stores for exclusive Ruralco Member deals.

3. If you’re too busy on the farm to make it to the stores, or if you farm outside of Canterbury, you can still participate in our great deals by calling 0800 787 256 or buying online at www.ruralco.co.nz/instoredays.

SPEND WITH YOUR RURALCO CARD AT THE INSTORE DAYS EVENT FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN ONE OF OVER 30 PRIZES VALUED AT $500 RRP EACH*

Prize draws will take place across our Ashburton, Methven, and Rakaia stores, with 15 prize draws taking place each day. Every purchase with your Ruralco Card in the Ruralco stores, or with suppliers and merchants both in our event marquee or at their own stores, gets you one ticket to put in the draw of your choice. Check out the prizes on offer during the day and put your ticket in to win.

*Terms and conditions apply and are available at www.ruralco.co.nz/instoredays.

INSTORE DAYS 2024

4–5 JULY

SHOP WITH THESE PARTICIPATING SUPPLIERS IN THE RURALCO STORE & MARQUEE

Switch to our fuel, and you could be going places

Make the change to buying bulk fuel through Ruralco, with Allied Petroleum delivery. Keep your machinery and yourself in peak condition. Find out more at Instore Days.

BA Pumps and Sprayers is a New Zealand family owned and operated business

Get sorted for spring at Instore Days and see our deals on the TSX400, DM Series, Sprayers, and more. Order at Instore Days for spring delivery.

Betacraft produces hardwearing gear, fabricated using the best materials and technologies to keep you outside for longer.

Secure your winter essentials this Instore Days and be sure to view the exclusive deals on Betacraft Clothing.

Fix the fence deals

Datamars have the deals for you this Instore Days with discounts across fencing, weighing and EID.

Cow collars and Prattleys will also be onsite with the Datamars team to give you the full weighing & EID package.

Looking for assistance with your rural infrastructure?

Mike and the team at Hynds Pipe Systems Ashburton will be glad to help you find a solution.

Use your Ruralco Card and receive 10% discount.

WANT TO BECOME A RURALCO SHAREHOLDER & MAKE THE MOST OF THESE GREAT DEALS?

Scan the QR code and apply online* today to take advantage of the full range of our Shareholders benefits.

*Eligibility criteria, lending criteria, terms and conditions apply.

SHOP WITH THESE PARTICIPATING SUPPLIERS IN STORE OR ONLINE FROM 1 JUNE TO 7 JULY TO BE IN TO WIN ONE OF THREE HOUSE OF TRAVEL VOUCHERS WORTH UP TO $15,000*

CHECK OUT THEIR GREAT INSTORE DAYS DEALS AVAILABLE IN STORE FROM 4–5 JULY AND ONLINE FROM 4–7 JULY *Terms and conditions apply

SHOP WITH THESE PARTICIPATING SUPPLIERS IN OUR RURALCO STORES OR ONLINE

SWITCH THE FOLLOWING PARTNERS’ PAYMENTS TO YOUR RURALCO ACCOUNT

CONTACT THE RURALCO SEED TEAM TO ORDER FROM THESE SUPPLIERS GIFT & HOMEWARE

Healthy calves are heavy calves

The first weeks of life

When a calf is born, we hope they have a long, productive life ahead of them as future members of the herd. We know that productive cows begin life as healthy calves, and therefore the job of calf-rearing is incredibly important. However, there are a number of hurdles that need to be overcome during the first weeks of a calf’s life. Firstly, when a calf is born, its gastrointestinal system is in an immature state, only capable of digesting milk. Establishing a healthy bacterial population in this early stage of life is vital to gut and rumen development. A wellfunctioning rumen optimised to digest solid food is key to successful weaning.

Secondly, the calf is often exposed to harmful pathogenic bacteria in the environment, which can lead to outbreaks of disease such as diarrhoea. This, in combination with stressors (e.g., adapting to a calf shed, tagging, dehorning) and having a developing immune system, can lead to significant health costs. Besides this, caring for sick calves is a labourintensive process.

The importance of the microbiome

The microbiome that is established at this early stage will have an impact on the calf for the rest of its life.

It is the microbes in the rumen that actually digest feed. In the young calf, this digestion process both stimulates the rumen and gut

development while providing energy for the calf to grow. The more efficient microbial digestion is, the bigger the gains in liveweight and the better equipped the calf is to cope with weaning, as well as meeting future critical weight targets.

How can MYLO® help calves?

MYLO® is an Australian-made, liquid probiotic containing three strains of Lactobacillus bacteria (L. casei, L. buchneri and L. paracasei), which have been shown to be beneficial to calf health and productivity. MYLO® is antibiotic-free, Certified Organic and has no withholding periods.

Research1 shows that calves receiving a daily 10ml dose of MYLO®:

• Are up to 8% heavier (6kg greater than the control group),

• Have heavier, more developed rumens and intestinal organs,

• Show an earlier interest in feed and have the ability to be weaned up to 10 days sooner,

• Have a more diverse rumen microbiome.

By starting MYLO® in your calves from birth, you are ensuring their gut is populated with beneficial bacteria. These bacteria improve digestion, ensuring your calves get the most nutrients from their diet, improving growth rates and enhancing gut development, allowing for earlier weaning.

MYLO® can be used to support hygienic calf-rearing practices; the probiotic bacteria in MYLO® can help outcompete pathogens in

the gut, helping keep calves healthy and making raising calves less stressful.

Enhanced growth, earlier weaning and reduced health costs can help save time and money when it comes to calf-rearing.

How to use MYLO®

MYLO® is a liquid formulation, which allows it to be easily mixed into milk or milk replacer.

Dose rate: 10ml/calf/day from birth

Cost: $13/calf (over a 10-week weaning period)

Talk to your Ruralco Representative to find out how MYLO can help your calves

1Alawneh, J. et al, Effect of a Lactobacilli-Based Direct-Fed Microbial Product on Gut Microbiota and Gastrointestinal Morphological Changes. Animals 2024, 14, 693.

THIS PROMOTIONAL FEATURE WAS PROVIDED BY TERRAGEN

Rakaia store perfectly placed

Ruralco’s Rakaia store has a prime location according to locals. It’s just far enough off State Highway 1 to be seen, but is still easily accessible, and is often “on the way” for locals according to long serving Store Manager, Maree Smith.

WORDS BY ANITA BODY, IMAGES BY INDIANA ROBERTS

“I’ve heard time and time again that we are in a good place,” she says. Rakaia serves a wide area, from Te Pirita and Bankside, through to Leeston and Southbridge. And for Mid Cantabrians heading home from Christchurch, the Rakaia store is the perfect place to pick up supplies—especially if they are racing the clock to get to their usual Methven or Ashburton Ruralco store.

The store stocks the same wide array of farm supplies, clothing, footwear, gifts, and homewares you find at all of Ruralco’s stores, but the team still get some interesting

requests. Maree says with no hardware store in the township, they’ve had requests for tools, tap washers, camping gas bottles, and they’ve even had a dairy farmer looking for milk.

“Ruralco often ends up being the place where people come looking for whatever they need.”

That can probably be attributed to the store’s longevity and standing in the community.

Ruralco has had a store in the town since 2001 when it took over the old Burrowes Jam Factory building, with Raewyn Maw (formerly Kingan) the store’s first manager. Maree started with the store in 2004 when Raewyn

went on maternity leave, and she’s been there ever since.

She and her husband Warren were local shearing contractors and she had worked at the local hotel for 14 years prior to joining Ruralco. Add to that, being an active member of community and school groups, Maree was already well known in the community.

Within a few years it was clear the store had outgrown its original premises, and the sale of the house on the adjoining property provided the perfect opportunity for Ruralco to investigate building its own purpose-built store.

“The house went to auction, we bought it, moved the old house off site, and then set about planning the new store,” Maree says. It was a bit of a lengthy process developing and building, with snow holding up progress, but the new store was finally opened in 2008.

“My family (Warren and their two children) helped nail up the board for all of the ear tags.”

For many years the board was Allflex’s largest tag board in the world. Maree jokes it could have been called the Smith Family Board,“we all had a bit of an input.”

One of the other store features which has proved to be extremely popular is the retail drive through. Maree says it’s not just an inwards goods drive through like the one in Ashburton, and customers really like the convenience it offers. “It gets used every day.”

It’s not just the store’s facilities that contribute to the store’s success; it’s also the retail team. “We all have our areas of expertise and when we don’t know, we will ask other members of the Ruralco team at our other stores.”

Maree comes from a sheep and beef farming background, and combined with her shearing knowledge has a good grounding in general farming needs. Bex Glass came to the store

nine years ago after working for Goldpine, so has great fencing knowledge, along with strengths in animal health and equine care; while Julianne Fuller has been with the store

OPPOSITE: Ruralco Shareholder Paul Stewart with Ruralco Rakaia Store Manager Maree Smith

almost three years, coming from a similar farm supplies role and with extensive dairy experience and expertise.

“Our girl team is a really good fit. We love what we do, and we love our customers, with many of them becoming friends over the years,” says Maree. It’s a sentiment shared by local shareholder, Paul Stewart. “The staff are amazing. Maree and her team are fantastic at what they do. If they haven’t got something, they will get it in for you.” The Stewart family have a long history with Ruralco. Paul’s grandfather was one of the original shareholders. The arrival of the Rakaia store was welcomed by the family because it offered choice and competition in the town at that time, and for its convenience. “It’s only 10 minutes down the road for us—if you’re in a hurry it is very handy.”

IMAGES: The Rakaia Ruralco store team is led by Maree Smith (bottom right) and includes Julianne Fuller (below) and Bex Glass (above)

People person puts customers first

A self-proclaimed “people person” Ruralco’s Retail Manager, Tina Thompson’s focus on helping customers has been a constant theme throughout her working career. WORDS BY

ANITA BODY, IMAGE BY INDIANA ROBERTS

It’s a career than spans more than 30 years in retail and customer service roles in the Mid Canterbury region, with the last 10 being at Ruralco, initially as the Gift and Homeware Manager for the farm supplies co-operative, and later as the Customer Service Manager before taking up the Retail Manager role, which oversees all three Ruralco farm supplies stores, earlier this year.

“Retail and customer service has been my life and I love being able to help customers. Getting to know them, and understanding their

needs is key to creating a really successful customer service experience,” she says. Tina’s previous roles have included retail sales in jewellery, being a retail manager at Mitre10, and as a business consultant for Subway NZ, helping franchises to establish their stores. Born and bred in Ashburton, Tina comes from a large family. “It’s my biggest focus outside of work,” she says. Tina and her husband, Paul, have five children and five grandchildren, and they spend as much time as they can with them, both here in New Zealand and in Australia when they can.

In her new role, Tina leads Ruralco’s farm supplies store managers for Ashburton, Rakaia and Methven, and a newly created trainee retail sales manager role. It’s a great way for her to support colleagues she’s worked with for many years, and to support the next generation coming through.

“Mentoring is very important. It’s a way of helping to get people to where they want to be, and it is an exciting opportunity within my new role. Looking ahead, I’m keen to mentor and help grow our teams throughout the business.”

Her core focus is always on our local customers and providing the best service possible. Over the years she has built up a client base of customers who come back to see her year in and year. “It’s great having those relationships and being able to help our customers.”

While Tina won’t have as much time on the shop floor in her new role, that focus on customer service excellence will continue to be paramount. “It’s our service which sets us apart from our competitors and it’s something our customers have come to expect and should always receive when they visit any of our stores for their farm supplies.”

She describes herself as a creative person and has especially enjoyed helping customers find the right accessories for their homes.

Christmas is a very special time for Tina – “it’s my favourite time of the year.” So, it is no surprise Ruralco’s Christmas shopping nights rate as one of the highlights each year along with other events such as Ruralco’s Ladies Nights, local fetes, and gift fairs.

Another highlight was when Tina was able to have input into the design of the gift and homeware store during Ruralco’s building alterations due to earthquake damage. “I was part of our move to our temporary store on the main road while the alterations were carried out, and then the move into the new store.”

Tina says despite moving to her new role, she will still lend a hand in-store when required and will also continue to be involved in buying homeware, clothing, and footwear items for the stores.

“Ruralco’s gift and homeware is a special part of the business. It is a point of difference which sets us apart from other farm supplies businesses and it complements the farm supplies offering we have. We have many customers who come to find those special gifts while also shopping for everyday farming staples.”

Integrating livestock into arable systems brings significant advantages

New Zealand is one of the few countries in the world where livestock is integrated into arable systems for the mutual benefit of both.

WORDS AND IMAGES SUPPLIED BY BEEF + LAMB NEW ZEALAND

While livestock thrive on grass-seed crops, crop residues and pasture grown in the restorative phase of a cropping rotation, arable farms benefit from livestock-derived nutrients, cashflow, weed control, residue management and improved soil quality due to below ground soil organic matter returns.

Last year, Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) joined forces with the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) to run a field and highlight the opportunities for livestock and arable farmers.

Abi Horrocks, a senior researcher with the Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) said the benefits of integrating livestock into an arable system are made very clear when looking at soil carbon stocks.

Under pasture, soil carbon stocks are 110-140t/ ha, under a mixed arable/livestock system they are around 90t/ha, but in soils overseas that have been continuously cropped, they are around 10t/ha.

“This reflects the diverse rotations in New Zealand’s arable systems and the frequent inclusion of restorative phases.”

As many as 93% of FAR farms surveyed had some livestock in their system and other

countries are now looking to NZ to learn how livestock benefit arable systems.

Grazing grass-seed crops

Speaking at the field day, FAR’s Research Leader Richard Chynoweth said there is a lot of opportunity for grazing early sown ryegrass seed crops before the crops are closed up in late spring or at the beginning of stem elongation.

Defoliating crops through grazing in midFebruary through to mid-March benefits the crop by stimulating tiller formation. This defoliation can increase seed yields by as much as 20% compared to not grazed grass-seed crops.

“Grazing is always beneficial to ryegrass seed production, but closing dates are important so the growing points are not removed in that spring period.”

This is the opposite to Italian ryegrasses where late grazing will remove the main growing point and increase the number of seed heads and potential yields.

“It’s a really valuable management tool.”

Richard says there is potential to graze cereal crops and it can be beneficial for removing diseased biomass, but it is important to close the crop off before stem extension.

“Between March and June there is probably more potential to graze cereals than we may believe.”

Livestock in arable systems

Farm systems scientist Tom Fraser said that to get the best results from livestock in an arable

IMAGE: Livestock thrive on grass-seed crops, crop residues and pasture grown in the restorative phase of a cropping rotation

system, farmers needed to understand and identify the goals for their farm system.

“Are livestock a tool to achieve higher returns for a crop or an alternative income?”

He says the ideal is to incorporate animals into an arable system, without compromising that system, to generate extra income.

He says there are a number of livestock options for arable farmers, and these include prime lamb contracts, grazing replacement ewe hogget’s and trading old ewes.

When deciding on stock classes, factors such as crop closure need to be taken into consideration.

“How will you feed your lambs when the crops are closed up?”

He says there are a lot of hill country farmers who struggle to get their ewe lambs up to good weights and he believes there are opportunities for arable farmers to enter into contracts with breeders to grow out their hogget’s.

“If you can get alongside a breeder and work out a contract that suits both parties, there are huge opportunities.”

Tom also raised the possibility of arable farmers buying old ewes and putting weight on them before selling them for processing.

The decision of when to sell stock is important to ensure they don’t compromise the main goal which will likely be arable production.

North Canterbury vet and B+LNZ Wormwise facilitator Sarah Williams said the biggest risk for arable farmers was buying in resistance with trading lambs. To try and prevent resistance becoming an issue, a quarantine protocol, rather than just a quarantine drench, should be adopted.

For more information about internal parasite management go to Knowledge search | Beef + Lamb New Zealand (beeflambnz.com) and Wormwise - Worm Management Strategy Look out for Wormwise workshops in your region.

Off grid an option for Basil’s needs

Getting off the grid and onto a power supply that can still meet his relatively high-power needs has long been a goal for Ashburton lifestyle block farmer and Ruralco member Basil Ivey.

WORDS BY RICHARD RENNIE, IMAGES BY INDI ROBERTS & SUPPLIED

It was a need that Platinum Energy as partner supplier to Ruralco was able to meet for him, installing a photovoltaic solar system capable of doing far more than just keep the lights on for Basil.

His power needs extend across three 22cubic foot deep freezers, a blast freezer, a spa pool, and a workshop, complete with welder. While dryland farming now, he also has a three phase deep well pump for supplying the house and livestock with water.

“But despite all that, during the day when the sun is out, I am still putting electricity back onto the grid and getting paid for it,” he says.

“Meantime, my power bill which had got up to $500 a month is now more than halved.”

He is also about to drop his gas bill by putting in an electric stove and a solar heated hot water cylinder.

Platinum Energy director and founder Nick Donkers says given Basil’s energy demand he sits closer to a light commercial user than a standard household, but the system install Platinum has done ensures he has more than enough energy for his needs.

“Basil has quite a bit of gear that uses a bit of power, and we have wired his system as a hybrid system that is ‘battery ready’ and has a generator input as well.

“He did not want to go off the grid entirely, but enjoys considerable savings compared to when he was fully reliant upon it.”

Adding in a hot water cylinder heated using solar energy will also mean further reduction on grid reliance and require less energy to keep it up to temperature.

While Basil’s system is larger than most residential projects, Nick says it provides a good

example of what can be achieved for users who fall between conventional residential needs and fully fledged farm operations.

In the meantime, Basil is keeping an eye on battery technology as it evolves and believes it may only be later this year before he gets to plug in the latest battery types in this rapidly evolving area.

“We also have the option of adding another four panels on top of my boatshed where they receive full sunlight all year around.”

His friends and neighbours have been interested to see how the system goes, all sharing his belief that the price of electricity seems to be only going one way.

“And I also have one eye on the Alpine Fault—I know that at least if it went, I have enough power to handle whatever comes along.”

He said Platinum had done a great job in advising him on the best install to do, with a very high standard of workmanship and taking time to follow up with him after a few days of operation.

“Between them and the Ruralco team, they have all done an excellent job—and I would not be saying that if I did not mean it, anyone who knows me will tell you that.”

To learn more contact Ruralco Energy on 0800 787 256

ABOVE: Ruralco’s Key Account Manager for Energy Glenn McWhinnie with the solar system installed on Basil Ivey’s property

BELOW: The Platinum solar panels installed on Basil Ivey’s shed

Supplementing winter grazing herds critical to maintaining health and condition

As South Island farmers head into winter grazing, supplementing dairy herds with the right minerals is critical because even bumper winter crops can still be nutritionally deficient, says a ruminant nutrition expert.

Fodder Beet has become a popular winter crop for dairy farmers across the South Island from Canterbury to Southland, but even a bumper crop can be low in protein and phosphorus, says Paul Drew, SealesWinslow Technical and Quality Manager.

“Fodder beet is a great high-yielding crop and in a good year it’s possible to grow more than 30 tonnes of dry matter per hectare. It’s relatively high in sugars and has a good level of metabolisable energy. However, it’s low in protein and low in phosphorus, so farmers

need to consider how they compensate for those two factors,” says Paul.

Phosphorus is important in bone formation and maintenance, as well as many other metabolic functions such as energy metabolism. Deficiencies can lead to production problems, pica, and poor appetite. Serious deficiencies can impact reproduction post-calving and infertility.

For young stock, a phosphorus deficiency can set up long-term problems, such as poor skeletal development and weak bones. This is because adequate phosphorus is essential for the proper development of the skeleton and is stored in bones along with calcium in a ratio of 2:1 (calcium:phosphorous).

“For cows or young stock overwintered on fodder beet, even with a good a crop, they can suffer a phosphorus deficiency that can lead

to long-term issues such as lameness and reproductive failure,” says Paul.

Where cows are wintered on fodder beet for up to 100 days, phosphorous deficiency will often manifest itself at calving or early lactation.

“Creeper cows are typical of phosphorous deficiency, where the cow goes down but is alert, a difference to cows that go down due to typical milk fever.”

The difficulties of supplementing phosphorous over winter can be overcome with the use of a simple solution such as lick-blocks, says Paul.

“Often the effects are not obvious, but in serious cases cows will go down and sometimes they don’t recover.”

A high-protein supplement and dusting crops with Phosphorus are two options farmers often use, but lick-blocks now offer a simple solution, says Paul.

SealesWinslow developed its Fodder Beet Block to combat the issue. The molasses-based lick block contains phosphorus, magnesium, calcium, sodium, cobalt, copper, iodine, selenium, and zinc, providing excellent nutritional support for cattle grazing fodder beet.

“While phosphorus was our main concern, we were also interested in other aspects of stock health, particularly around trace element status,” says Paul.

Supplementing herds on fodder beet is as simple as putting tubs of Fodder Beet Block at the crop face and allowing one 25kg tub per 25 or one 500kg block per 500 head of cattle.

“It’s easy to move the blocks as the fence is shifted and there is no wastage. Farmers know the product goes into the cows, not into the ground,” says Paul.

“Molasses-based lick blocks are a good choice to make sure your herd is getting all the minerals they need. They not only supply essential minerals but also aid in rumen digestion, contributing to overall animal health and productivity.

“There is a lot happening for dairy herds over winter in the lead up to calving and post calving. Getting mineral supplementation right can help protect cows’ health and well-being, make sure they calve down well and re-enter the milking herd in good condition.”

Ensuring Precision in VRI Pivot Irrigator Performance Assessment

Variable Rate Irrigation (VRI) systems have added another tool to the toolbox in agricultural water management, offering precise control over water application to optimise crop yield and water use efficiency.

WORDS AND IMAGE SUPPLIED BY IRRIGATIONNZ PRINCIPAL TECHNICAL ADVISOR - STEPHEN MCNALLY

Irrigation system design companies can work with farmers on a VRI solution that can be used to achieve all sorts of valuable outcomes such as avoiding sensitive areas while optimising water flow through the remainder of the machine. Any testing must therefore take into account what the system is designed to do with the VRI turned on.

Assessing the performance of pivot irrigators requires specialised knowledge and attention to detail to ensure accurate results. In this regard, IrrigationNZ highlights the critical need for specialist knowledge before undertaking a bucket performance test for a VRI pivot irrigator. VRI systems demand a thorough understanding of their unique components and operating principles to conduct meaningful performance assessments. Ignoring the nuances of VRI systems can lead to inaccurate evaluations, potential mismanagement of water resources and unnecessary modifications. IrrigationNZ continues to assert that only qualified personnel, holding the NZ Certificate of Irrigation System Performance Assessment, should undertake performance assessments for VRI systems and work in alignment with the Code of Practice for Performance Assessment.

A fundamental aspect of testing VRI pivot irrigators is the necessity to assess them with the VRI function activated, utilising an appropriate application plan. In most cases,

this plan should reflect a rate significantly higher than the 100% application rate to ensure adequate coverage and uniformity is possible. Failure to do so can result in improper system evaluation reporting.

Assessments should not proceed without the presence of the farmer or farm manager responsible for the system, as their input and oversight are invaluable in ensuring the accuracy and relevance of the results.

No assessor should change any panel settings without the appropriate supervision, instruction, or knowledge of how that specific system is designed to operate. Having access to and understanding the system commissioning report and sprinkler package schedule will help that decision.

The performance assessor will also need to determine the optimal bucket placement based on the intention of the VRI control system.

If the test is being conducted with the system operating with a variable rate pattern, then assessors need to take that into account in their assessment and interpret bucket data based on bucket position and expected application depths – DU cannot be assessed where the system is not designed to operate uniformly, for instance where identified highly variable soil pattern across the irrigated area has been accommodated in the design.

If the VRI system has an application plan where the application depth can be applied uniformly, then the system should be evaluated with that plan activated, and DU can be assessed.

If the VRI system is only switching sections off to keep laneways dry, then the system should be evaluated as such, ideally in a typical irrigated field section. If any buckets have been placed in the exclusion (dry) zone this should be noted to aid data interpretation later. Adhering to recommended assessment frequencies outlined in commissioning reports or manufacturers’ manuals is crucial for maintaining system integrity and compliance.

To reiterate, simply switching VRI systems “off” before testing is not part of the IrrigationNZ Code of Practice for Irrigation System Performance Assessment.

Without going into too much detail a feature of VRI system design is the sizing of nozzles. VRI systems often employ oversized nozzles

to compensate for inherent distribution uniformity fluctuation from the rapid switching sequences, but this helps ensure consistent performance across the field. Assessors must be aware of these design considerations, emphasising that you should see this in a commissioning report, and account for them during testing to obtain reliable results. Like all systems, obtaining the design sprinkler chart is critical if an assessor wants to challenge or assert after testing that maybe wrong components are present.

Issues also arise when assessors overlook essential checks and observations that are part of the Code of Practice for Performance Assessment, such as the status of maintenance, flow rates, pressures, and system speeds. These observations and recordings should be compared to the designer’s commissioning KPIs. Overlooking or not understanding this detail can lead to incomplete or inaccurate assessments, posing problems and confusion for farmers, irrigation supply companies, and regulators looking for consistency in FEP audit outcomes.

In conclusion, the evaluation of VRI pivot irrigators demands specialised knowledge and meticulous attention to detail. By adhering to recommended procedures and considering the unique characteristics of VRI systems, assessors can provide accurate assessments that empower farmers to optimize water use and enhance crop productivity. Through rigorous and informed evaluation, the full potential of VRI technology be realised in sustainable agricultural practices.

IrrigationNZ is a national membership organisation that looks after the interests of irrigating farmers, growers, and the industry professionals that service them. We actively engage with our members and other stakeholders in the delivery of irrigation best practices and helping shape freshwater policy. Stephen McNally is the Principal Technical Advisor at Irrigation NZ and can be contacted at smcnally@irrigationnz.co.nz.

STEPHEN

Cosy warmers winter

DIY Couch Pillows

Making your own DIY couch pillow covers is a fun and rewarding project allowing you to explore new skills and add your own flair of creativity to your home.

MATERIALS

Fabric of your choice (enough to completely cover your pillow inserts)

Pillow inserts

Sewing machine or needle and thread

Scissors

Measuring tape

Pins

Iron and ironing board

METHOD

Step 1: Measure Your Pillows

Measure the dimensions of your pillow inserts. Note the width and length measurements. Add 2.5cm (1 inch) to each measurement for seam allowance.

Step 2: Cut Fabric

Lay your fabric out flat. Use your measurements to measure the amount of fabric needed. You will want to measure out the width of the pillow (plus 2.5cm), and twice the length of the pillow (plus 2.5cm for seam allowance). Measuring twice the length of the pillow will give you enough fabric for both sides of the pillow cover. Once measured, cut your fabric.

Step 3: Pin Fabric

Place the two fabric pieces together with the patterned sides facing each other. Pin around the edges to secure them in place.

Step 4: Sew Edges

Using a sewing machine or needle and thread, sew around the edges of the fabric pieces, leaving one of the shorter ends open. Use a straight stitch and backstitch at the beginning and end of your sewing to secure the seams. Be sure to sew with a 1.2cm (½ inch) seam allowance.

Step 5: Trim Excess Fabric

Trim the excess fabric from the corners to reduce bulk and help the corners lay flat when turned patterned side out.

Step 6: Turn Patterned Side Out

Turn the pillow cover patterned side out through the opening you left in the seam. Use a pencil or chopstick to gently push out the corners and edges.

Step 7: Iron

Iron the pillow cover to smooth out any wrinkles and creases. Be sure to fold in the raw edges of the opening so they are aligned with the sewn edges.

Step 8: Insert Pillow

Insert the pillow inner through the opening in the pillow cover. Fluff and adjust the pillow as needed to fill out the cover.

Step 9: Stitch Opening Closed

Use a needle and thread to hand stitch the opening closed with a slip stitch, or if you prefer, you can topstitch the opening closed with a sewing machine.

Step 10: Enjoy Your Custom Pillow Covers

Place your newly created pillow covers on your couch and enjoy the cozy and personalised touch they add to your home decor!

Sticky Date Pudding with Butterscotch Drizzle

INGREDIENTS:

Pudding:

280g pitted dates, chopped

1tsp baking soda

1 cup boiling water

¼ cup brown sugar

80g butter, softened

2 eggs, at room temperature

1 ¼ cups plain flour

1 ½ tsp baking powder

METHOD:

Preheat oven to 180°C (160°C fan-forced).

Grease a large/jumbo muffin tray with butter or grease and line a 20cm square cake pan with overhang.

Place dates in a bowl, and sprinkle over baking soda. Pour over boiling water. Let dates soften for 10 minutes, then mash well with a potato masher (or fork) until it resembles sloppy porridge.

In a separate bowl, add butter and sugar and beat until smooth. Then add eggs, continuing to gently mix, followed slowly by flour and baking soda. Mix until combined. Add dates, mix quickly until dates are well incorporated into the batter. Pour mixture into your tin or tray (if using muffin tray, fill cups around 2/3 way). Smooth the surface of the mixture.

Bake for 35 minutes if using single tray, or 25 minutes if using muffin tray. Skewer test until skewer comes out clean.

Sauce:

1 cup brown sugar

1 ½ cups heavy cream

½ tsp vanilla extract

70g butter

While baking, begin making your butterscotch sauce.

Place all sauce ingredients in a saucepan over medium heat. Once butter is melted, stir, then bring to simmer and let simmer for 2 minutes, stirring once. Remove from heat.

Once pudding is cooked, remove from oven and poke holes into the cake surface using a skewer. Pour over ½ cup (or 1Tbs per muffin dish) of the butterscotch sauce and let it soak in for 10 minutes.

Remove cake from tray or muffin tins by gently tipping upside down or using paper overhand to lift cake out. Cut and serve warm onto a dish. Top with ice cream or cream and drizzle with remaining butterscotch sauce.

WINTER READS

With Ashburton Paper Plus

The Space Between

BY LAUREN KEENAN

A gripping historical novel set at the dawn of the First Taranaki War in 1860. Frances, an unmarried Londoner newly landed in New Zealand, comes face-to-face with Henry White, the man who jilted her a decade earlier. He is married now - to the proud and hardy Mataria, who is shunned by her whanau due to this controversial marriage. As conflict between settlers and iwi rises, both women must find the courage to fight for what is right, even if it costs them everything they know.

The Call

BY GAVIN STRAWHAN

Another New Zealand story. After surviving a brutal attack, Auckland cop DS Honey Chalmers has returned to her hometown, Waitutū, to care for her mother. She got too close to a gang informant, Kloe Kovich, who is now missing. When a couple of gang enforcers turn up in Waitutū looking for the missing Kloe, Honey knows she’s in trouble. But if Kloe is still alive, can Honey save her this time around?

The Team That Hit The Rocks

BY PETER JERRAM

The story of the Wahine disaster has been told many times but this time from one of the survivors—a member of the Lincoln College cricket team. Peter Jerram offers a riveting firsthand account of their experiences on that fateful day - drawn from written and oral testimony of his teammates, crew and rescuers.

Dame Suzy D My Story

BY SUSAN DEVOY

Kiwi icon Dame Susan Devoy tells her story as only she can. With frank honesty and heaps of humour and heart, Susan recalls going from world squash champion to mum of four to Race Relations Commissioner and Celebrity Treasure Island star. In her own words, and in her distinctive style, Dame Susan tells the story of her life. Frank, funny, and pulling no punches, Susan Devoy’s story is unlike any other you’ve read.

Use your Ruralco card here

Get cosy with an indoor picnic

An indoor picnic during winter holds a unique charm, offering warmth and coziness amidst the cold weather outside. Bring the joy of al fresco dining into the comfort of your home.

1. Layer this experience with warmth and comfort by arranging blankets and pillows on the floor, using lamps instead of main light fixtures, and adding some calming background music.

2. With hearty comfort foods, it fosters a sense of intimacy and relaxation, perfect for gathering with loved ones or enjoying a quiet moment of solitude.

3.

Indoor picnics evoke a nostalgic ambiance, reminiscent of simpler times spent connecting with nature, while providing the convenience of staying indoors during chilly weather.

HOT FINGER FOODS

Serve hot finger foods like homemade pizza, mini quiches, meatballs, or popcorn chicken bites. These can be prepared in advance and reheated before serving.

BAKED GOODS

Bake a batch of savory scones, muffins, or biscuits to enjoy alongside the meal. Pair them with flavored butters or spreads for extra indulgence.

WARM BEVERAGES

Don’t forget to include hot beverages like mulled cider, hot chocolate, or herbal teas to keep everyone warm and cozy.

DESSERTS

Finish off the meal with sweet treats like brownies, cookies, fruit crumble, or individual servings of pie. These can be served at room temperature or slightly warmed for added comfort.

STANLEY ROGERS TAMAR RED WINE GLASSES SET OF SIX $68.00

LADELLE

WOODWICK

PARNELL BUTLERS TRAY SET OF TWO, BLACK $71.50

Lamb Lover’s Pizza with Caramelised Onion & Mint Sauce

INGREDIENTS

1 tablespoon olive oil

300g lamb fillets

1 sprig fresh rosemary

1 tablespoon mint sauce

1 medium red onion, sliced thinly

1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar

1 tablespoon brown sugar

1 pizza base (bought or made)

1/3 cup (90g) tomato paste

¼ cup (40g) finely grated parmesan cheese

½ cup (50g) coarsely grated mozzarella cheese

1 handful baby rocket leaves

METHOD

Preheat oven to 240°C, and heat oil in frying pan over high heat.

Rub lamb with salt and fresh rosemary, then add to frying pan and cook for 1–2 minutes each side until browned (lamb will be rare). Remove from pan.

Reduce heat to low. Add onion to same pan, stirring occasionally until soft. Add vinegar and sugar; cook 6-7 minutes until caramelised.

Brush a 30cm pizza tray with a drizzle of olive oil, or line with baking paper. Place pizza base on prepared tray. Spread tomato paste across base and layer with cheeses and caramelised onion.

Bake on a lower shelf for 10 minutes (cover loosely with foil if onions are browning).

Meanwhile, slice cooled lamb thinly. Remove pizza from oven and reduce heat to 200°C. Place slice lamb on pizza.

Place pizza directly onto oven racks and bake for 5 minutes to crisp up the base.

Remove from oven. Top with rocket leaves and drizzle of mint sauce.

WINTER GARDENING TIPS FROM LUSHINGTON’S GARDEN CENTRE.

JUNE:

• Spray lawns with Yates Turfix to control broadleaf weeds, and Yates Surrender to get rid of moss.

• Prune back shrubs that have finished flowering and feed with a fertiliser high in potash such as Rose fertiliser.

• Lift and store dahlias and gladioli.

• Plant Lily bulbs now.

• Spray deciduous ornamental and fruit trees with Lime Sulphur. This stops lichen from growing and helps control overwintering diseases and insects.

• Protect young seedlings from slugs and snails with Quash or Baysol snail pellets.

JULY

• Continue to plant garlic and shallots, it’s not too late.

• Strawberries can be planted from July through to October.

• July is the perfect time to plant deciduous trees, including new seasons deciduous fruit trees and citrus.

• It is rose pruning time and time to plant new season roses.

• Prune hydrangeas.

• Protect frost tender plants from frosts.

AUGUST

• Now is a good time to prepare the ground for sowing new lawns in September. Spray out any perennial weeds with Roundup, dig over and level ground, removing stones, roots, and other debris.

• Camellias that have finished flowering can be pruned back and fed with Tui Acid Plant Food

• A protective Copper based spray can be applied to deciduous trees and roses to reduce the risk of fungal diseases over spring and summer months.

FOR MORE GARDENING ADVICE OR PRODUCTS, VISIT WWW.LUSHINGTONS.CO.NZ, AND DON’T FORGET TO TAKE YOUR RURALCO CARD WHEN YOU SHOP IN STORE!

Bringing water solutions to your doorstep

Built on more than 50 years of manufacture and supply to the civil and agricultural sectors, Hynds Pipe Systems’ newly minted Ashburton branch proudly opens its door.

WORDS AND IMAGES BY ANNIE STUDHOLME

For decades Hynds Pipe Systems has been supplying Mid Canterbury, both rurally and civil, through its Christchurch and Timaru branches. Now, the team at Hynds Pipe Systems Ashburton is excited to bring its comprehensive range of products for drainage, waterman, stormwater, wastewater, and rural application direct to your door.

Founded in 1973 by John and Léonie Hynds, the family-owned Hynds Group of companies, is New Zealand’s premier product supplier for the management of water and water-based waste in the civil and rural infrastructure market. The group employs more than 1,000 people within its New Zealand and Australian operation.

John Hynds’ early passion, innovation and tenacity shaped a business where people mattered and relationships were built on trust, with customers at the very foundation of the Hynds philosophy. Those family values continue to be at the heart of the business today, underpinning its ongoing success and growth. The opening of its new Ashburton branch in April marks Hynds’ 36th branch to open across

a network of merchant branches nationwide and reflects the company’s commitment to mid-Canterbury and the people within it, says Hynds Pipe Systems Ashburton Branch Manager Mike Cannan.

A Mid Cantabrian born and bred, Mike grew up on a farm and has a background in the rural sector, as well as extensive civil construction industry knowledge. He has previous experience both on the road and in management.

“I am very passionate about the local area, local people, and the wider Ashburton region. I feel very privileged and excited to be in this position. It’s great to be able to supply products that are already well-known and trusted in the market, and I’m very excited about the prospects going forward.”

Tony Foster joins Mike from the irrigation sector and brings with him a wealth of technical knowledge and experience in the rural market, including stock water design.

The three-person team is rounded out by Teresa Hamill, who along with her extensive rural retail sales experience, has an in-depth knowledge of the dairy industry.

With such a wealth of knowledge and experience in-house, Mike says the team is equipped to

work with contractors, farmers, consultants, and councils to design customised solutions for complex drainage, rural infrastructure, water supply and waste treatment solutions. Hynds’ product range is diverse, supplying more than 40,000 product types for drainage, watermain, environmental, industrial process and rural applications.

“We can do anything from large scale residential projects and lifestyle block irrigation, through to servicing all your on-farm water requirements and provide all the products that go with it. We have a wide range of pipes and troughs, as well as all the fittings and valves associated with it,” says Mike.

The Ashburton Branch serves rural customers from north of the Rangitata River to the Rakaia River. Backed up by the Hynds’ fleet of 70 delivery trucks, it can guarantee reliable stock availability and delivery.

If you are looking for advice—civil or rural—then Mike and the team at Hynds Pipe Systems Ashburton will be glad to help you find a solution. Locals serving locals. We’d love to hear from you.

BELOW: Ashburton Branch Manager Mike Cannan (centre) with Tony Foster (left) and Teresa Hamill (right)

Spare a thought for S

Sulphur (S) is vital in any farm setting, but often lacking in New Zealand soils, especially in spring when it’s most needed. Despite being essential, relatively cheap and straightforward to apply with other nutrients, S is still easily overlooked.

Sulphur is required for clover and pasture growth, and plays an important role in protein synthesis is part of many enzymes important for biochemical processes, constituent of some vitamins, and is vital for chlorophyll production. Clover in particular needs S; the Rhizobia bacteria in the root nodules require it for efficient nitrogen (N) fixation. If plant growth suffers due to S deficiency, pastures appear pale green or yellow, with clover affected first. Insufficient S can also limit pasture response to N, particularly if S levels are low after a wet winter.

Sulphur in fertiliser is either sulphate S (which is plant available and leaches readily) or elemental S (which is not plant available and does not leach). The forms of S in soil are organic S (stored in soil organic matter and making up about 90 to 95 per cent of soil S reserves) and inorganic S (present as sulphate S available for plant uptake from soil solution and sulphate S adsorbed to soil particles).

Spring’s S shortage

Sulphate S in soil is often in short supply in early spring. Over winter, bacteria are less active and slower at converting organic and elemental S into sulphate S, which also leaches over wet winter conditions. Soil type and rainfall impact the degree of S leaching over winter; coarse soils such as sands and pumice suffer greater leaching than finer ash or sedimentary soils.

Elemental S, on the other hand, does not leach. As soil temperatures warm up in spring, bacteria

become more active and gradually convert elemental S into sulphate S.

Adequate levels of sulphate S are needed for spring pasture to thrive. When sulphate S is deficient, if N fertiliser is applied the response to N may not be optimised it such situations .

To choose the right S product, consider timing of plant requirements and application, the leaching risk (taking into account the soil type and rainfall) and if it will be applied with other nutrients.

Applying early spring S

On ryegrass dominant pastures in early spring, if an immediate S deficiency (where sulphate levels are in single figures) is likely to limit pasture response to N, then sulphate S may need to be added with N, as elemental and organic S release of S will be too slow. Consider products such as sulphate of ammonia (SOA), SustaiN Ammo (containing sulphate S) or PhaSedN Quick Start (containing sulphate and elemental S) to ensure early spring pasture has sufficient S and applied N is utilised efficiently. PhaSedN Quick Start is a good late winter to early spring option to address short and medium-to-long term S needs. It combines PhaSedN with SOA, and provides both elemental and sulphate S.

Annual maintenance S

As a general rule, sulphate S can be applied in spring and elemental S in autumn. The exception is high

rainfall areas (>1500 mm) where a mix of sulphate and elemental S should be applied in spring. If superphosphate-based fertiliser is applied annually to soils with low risk of leaching (<1500mm) in spring, there is normally no need for additional S applications. If it is not applied, or if an alternative phosphate fertiliser without S is used, a separate application of S is needed, either in elemental or sulphate form.

If applying S or maintenance fertiliser in autumn, use a product containing some elemental S, as it sits in the soil over winter ready to meet spring pasture’s S requirements, and provides a slow release of S over the growing season. Elemental S is also ideal for hill country where fertiliser is often applied every two to three years. For autumn application, products such as the Sulphurgain range (15S, 20S, 30S) are an effective way of applying elemental S along with maintenance phosphorus requirements. Where phosphate fertilisers are used that don’t contain S, products such as Sulphurgain Pure containing 90 per cent S as elemental S, or PhaSedN containing elemental S and N (as SustaiN) are good options.

THIS PROMOTIONAL FEATURE WAS PROVIDED BY BALLANCE AGRI-NUTRIENTS

Preparing for spring calving

Calving can be an exciting time of year, with lots of calves around and milk starting to flow into the vat, but it is a tiring time of year too. It’s worth spending a bit of time now thinking about how you will prioritise animal care and looking after your staff through this critical period. Some aspects you could focus on are preparing your heifers for milking quietly and fostering stock skills in your employees. WORDS AND IMAGES SUPPLIED

BY PENNY TIMMER-ARENDS, DAIRYNZ

Preparing heifers for quiet milkings

Handling heifers before they calve and introducing them to the shed can reduce stress on animals and people, improve milk let down and create a safer working environment. Time and patience are needed, but it will pay off in the long run.

• 3–7 visits to a new environment, like the milking shed, are needed for heifers to feel safe.

• Introduce them slowly over several daysleave them on the yard, open gates, turn machines on, teat spray them.

• Work calmly and gently - poor handling will increase heifers’ fear of people.

• Use a feeding system, if you have it, to entice heifers and teach them there’s food in the shed.

Heifer training is also a good time to set expectations with the team about how to handle difficult animals, including avoiding handling tails because of the risk of tail injury.

Fostering stock skills in employees

In the thick of calving, it can be hard to remain aware on the needs of individual animals. Evidence from the field of psychology suggests

that thinking about something as an individual, rather than a group, taps into our emotions and increases empathy. Good stockmanship requires both skill and empathy.

Encourage employees to observe cows as individuals before calving, so they become familiar with how they express their needs and moods.

Experienced farmers do this without thinking about it and every farmer I’ve spoken to about this can immediately tell me who their favourites are, and they know their cows’ unique personalities. For example, my friend’s cow McCoy will happily row up once she’s had a head scratch.

I have found that getting new staff to identify two to three cows that they already like can help to build this affinity for cow behaviour. Chat about the cows, with a few prompts like:

• Why did you pick the cow? E.g. their cool coatpattern or behaviour.

• Do they prefer the grass or supplement when they get a new break of feed?

• What are their personalities like? E.g. timid, confident, friendly.

• Have you noticed the cow hanging around another particular cow? Cows can have best friends.

This may sound a little fluffy, but it’s a great activity to involve your team in, it helps induct any new staff, and incorporates something fun into an often tiring and busy season, as they learn how unique each cow is.

A lot of farmers tell me they get great value from short courses run by their local vet clinics, so keep an eye out for anything on calf care that might pop up locally for your team.

And, as always, keep an eye on the hours worked by yourself and your team. People who are well rested have improved patience and attention to detail, which is crucial when working with calves, and reduces injury risk as well.

Find more information about heifer training and stockmanship online at dairynz.co.nz/ heifer-training

PENNY TIMMER-ARENDS DAIRYNZ

Herbicide resistant weeds widespread, surveys show

It has been suspected for some time and now the numbers prove it; herbicide resistant weeds are widespread on arable farms.

WORDS AND IMAGES SUPPLIED BY THE FOUNDATION FOR ARABLE RESEARCH

The confirmation comes after five years of herbicide resistant weed surveys on arable farms, each year in a different region. The Foundation for Arable Research has just published an Arable Extra summarising the results.

FAR senior field officer Ben Harvey says the surveys show that resistance to commonly used herbicides is widespread, with very high levels in some regions.

The most common resistant weed is ryegrass (Lolium species). Regions often have their own difficult-to-control weeds.

In all regions, the only resistance detected was to Mode-of Action groups 1 and 2. Group 1 herbicides are used to control grass weeds in a range of broadleaf and cereal crops. Group 2 herbicides have activity on a wide range of grass and broadleaf weeds and are also used widely in cereals. Both classes of herbicides are used post-emergence on the weeds. Worldwide, resistance to Group 2 herbicides is the most widespread form of herbicide resistance.

No resistance to glyphosate (Group 9), the world’s most popular herbicide, was recorded on arable farms, although it has been detected outside of the random surveys.

South Canterbury recorded the highest levels of herbicide resistance, with 71 percent of farms surveyed recording at least one instance of a herbicide resistant weed. In comparison, in the eastern North Island, herbicide resistant weeds were only found on 11 percent of farms.

Of Mid Canterbury farms surveyed, 60 percent recorded herbicide resistance, in the Selwyn District 54 percent and Southland 59 percent. Regional differences are suspected to relate to differences in farming systems, as areas where crop rotation options are limited tend to have higher levels of resistance, Ben says.

Other factors include whether or not pasture is commonly included in rotations, the prevalence of grass seed crops, particularly ryegrass, in the rotation, and whether or not spring crops, which can disrupt weed life cycles, are commonly included in rotations.

Ryegrass, both annual and perennial, is the main offender, with resistance to Group 1 and 2 herbicides. “Resistance seems to be everywhere, but especially in South Canterbury.”

Imported ryegrass seed lots have provided a pathway for introducing herbicide resistance onto New Zealand farms. In addition, rare

individual plants can gain resistanceconferring mutations.

Wild oats are another weed growers need to keep on top of, particularly in Canterbury, with rogueing required to eliminate plants resistant to Group 1 herbicides.

Southland has two particularly problematic weeds, chickweed which is resistant to chlorsulfuron (Glean®) and Rayless chamomile, resistant to Group 2 herbicides.

In North Island maize growing areas, fathen is resistant to atrazine.

While arable growers in Canterbury, Southland and Otago are more likely to be affected by herbicide resistance, it is worth noting that all of the regions surveyed had some degree of resistance, Ben says.

“Growers should always be vigilant and follow up on any patches of weeds that appear to have survived herbicide application.” Assistance is available through FAR and agrichemical company representatives.

More funding is being sought to further investigate integrated weed management to support growers to find ways to combat herbicide resistant weeds on their farms.

ABOVE: FAR senior field officer Ben Harvey says the surveys show that resistance to commonly used herbicides is widespread

BELOW: Map showing the percentage of farms where at least one herbicide-resistant weed was found during random surveys between 2019 and 2023. Numbers in brackets indicate data from a separate 2021–22 AgResearch survey of maize crops. Gray areas were not surveyed

Meat the Need and Feed Out; Nourishing those who need it most

Meat the Need and Feed Out have proudly donated more than two million mince and milk meals to food banks and community organisations across the country, nourishing communities facing food insecurity with high quality New Zealand protein.

WORDS AND IMAGES SUPPLIED BY MEAT THE NEED

The farmer led charity facilitates donations of livestock, milk, and funds to turn into mince and milk meals.

It’s the only charity in the country to distribute a consistent monthly supply of nutritious protein to 115 food banks and community organisations nationwide, an agricultural initiative for the whole primary sector to be proud of.

As the cost of living continues to bite, recent reports indicate food support services nationwide have seen a 40% increase in demand for help and so too has the demand for Meat the Need services.

“Recent statistics show more than 200,000 children are living in poverty in New Zealand, and more than one in five homes with children run out of food sometimes or often, which is a really disturbing number for a country that

produces so much food,” General Manager Zellara Holden said.

“The demand for our services right now is currently unprecedented. We have more than 100 food banks and community organisations on our wait list, and we desperately need more donations to be able to help as many communities, families, and individuals as we possibly can.”

Anyone can make a difference today and support communities across the country by texting “FEED” to 2662 to donate a meal for $3. Alternatively for farmers, the charity facilitates donations of livestock, milk, virtual livestock, and cash with 100% of donations turned into mince and milk meals.

The process is as simple as talking to your Silver Fern Farms, Miraka or Fonterra representative or heading to meattheneed.org to tell them how much you want to donate and when, and the charity then takes care of the rest with your processor.

Zellara Holden said the charity was proud to be aligned with Ruralco, as a Silver Rural Business Supporter.

“We are extremely thankful and grateful for Ruralco’s ongoing support, allowing us to continue the work we do and services

we provide. Our values truly align, and their commitment to uniting rural communities and supporting a sustainable future for New Zealand farming is truly commendable.”

Across Canterbury and South Canterbury, the charity supports 23 food banks and community organisations.

Delta Community Support Trust General Manager Mike Stanley said the mince and milk donations were vital to helping those who need it most and if they weren’t received, his food bank would be compromised and need to close for periods.

“We have seen an increase in numbers and especially in the family and middle-income sector. Drivers are the cost of living, rent, food costs, rates, electricity, and schooling cost rising. 20% of our clients in the last year were classified as working poor, meaning one person is working full time,” he said.

With many facing real strain and pressure across the board, he encouraged those who can, to give back.

“If everyone is able to donate a little, then together we can help those that need it.”

Holden said nourishing those facing food insecurity access to high quality mince and milk meals was immeasurable, as they are usually items that are too expensive, and families go without.

“It’s feedback like this that reminds me of the importance of what we do, the vital role our donors and supporters have and the impact we can all have in changing the face of food insecurity in New Zealand.”

“My family have not had meat in months, we make do with what we can afford and what we are given at food banks, we never have meat in our home. Today I fed my family mince pasta bake, it doesn’t seem like much but to my kids it was a luxury. I never thought I would ever find myself in a place I can’t afford to feed my family and to ask for help is not easy, there are not enough words to tell you what this means.”

Head to meattheneed.org to donate now and make a difference.

Be aware of battery fires

Lithium batteries are becoming a more common sight on farms these days and are used in numerous devices around the home. While they are now a part of modern life the batteries can create a fire risk, particularly if they are damaged.

When you are charging your devices – lithium-ion batteries can in some cases overheat, catch fire, or explode.

We have seen clients who have suffered losses to their buildings, contents and vehicles caused by lithium-ion batteries. One of these was a total loss house fire that cost $1 million dollars to replace. The fire was caused by batteries charging in the garage.

Many modern devices are powered by lightweight, high-energy lithium-ion (liion) batteries. These power our phones, laptops, tools, e-bikes, e-scooters, vapes and even cars.

Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire for several reasons:

• Overcharging or using incorrect chargers.

• Overheating or exposure to extreme temperatures (hot or cold).

• Physical damage like drops or punctures.

• Short-circuits, malfunctions, or manufacturing defects. When these batteries fail, they can emit toxic, flammable, and explosive gas that can cause intense, self-sustaining fires that are difficult to extinguish so it is important that you read and follow the prevention advice below:

10 WAYS TO PREVENT DEVICE OR BATTERY FIRES

1. Avoid leaving devices charging unattended or overnight.

2. Disconnect fully charged batteries and devices.

3. Avoid exposing devices to heat, moisture or direct sunlight.

4. Only buy genuine devices and equipment.

5. Only buy devices and equipment from trustworthy manufacturers and retailers.

6. Only use the correct and approved chargers for your device.

7. Never charge devices on flammable surfaces.

8. Never charge your devices in bed, or on flammable material or surfaces.

9. Discard damaged devices showing signs of swelling, leakage, or overheating.

10. Installing approved smoke or heat alarms in charging areas will help give an early warning of extreme battery overheating.

Staying calm under pressure

How you react to challenges has a huge impact on how well you manage the ups and downs of farming, says Taranaki dairy farmer Kane Brisco, author of top-selling book Tools For The Top Paddock. Here he shares his tips for staying calm under pressure.

WORDS AND IMAGES SUPPLIED BY FARMSTRONG

It’s a challenging time for many farmers. How do you navigate tough times?

Asking for help and advice is a big one. I think one of the things farmers struggle with sometimes is asking for help or seeking out knowledge to help them get through tough times. It’s because that Kiwi ‘number eight wire’ mentality is so deeply ingrained in our mindset and how we approach farming.

But if we really want to be more resilient and tougher and better, we need to start using different tools and different skills, and a big part of being resilient is using the people around you when the going gets tough. Bringing in their knowledge and skills is a huge way to develop your own resilience.

One of the things I do now is that after I’ve been through a challenge on farm, I go back and make sure I take the lessons out of it. I take some time to reflect and learn from it. That way it feels like you’re doing something proactive, because in farming you know there’s always going to be another challenge coming.

How do you manage the day-to-day pressures and workload on farm?

The biggest thing I do is put pen to paper, so I’m getting what’s whirring round my head out onto a piece of paper. It can be as simple as listing out your jobs for tomorrow or brainstorming and problem solving something that’s causing you stress.

It’s about getting those thoughts out of your head and onto paper so you can actually deal with facts. You’re much less likely to lose sleep over things when they are listed out as facts in front of you like that. It stops you getting too negative.

The other big thing is having a pressure release valve. For me, sport and exercise are huge. Getting off farm as often as I can, getting out and doing something whether it’s coffee with a mate or a beer down the pub or playing a game of squash. Just taking that mental rest off-farm is huge.

How do you deal with a bad day?

When I’m having a bad day I have a perspective check. I’ve got a few experiences that I relate back to and give myself a comparison. One of those is thinking about my nana when she was farming. She left school when she was 13 back around 1940 and I just think about what life would’ve been like for her on farm and that my problem, in the grand scheme of things, probably isn’t that bad!

That’s a really good way for me to put a full stop on a problem or stuff up. Let’s face it when you’ve had a bad day it’s usually about something you’ve stuffed up! [laughs] It’s a lot easier to put a full stop on it when you’ve got good perspective.

When life gets busy on farm it’s easy to neglect the basics of keeping well. What’s your take on that?

If you ask a farmer what’s the most important tool you’ve got – a lot of people would say the animals or the milkshed or the tractor or the working dogs, but how good are those without you? I reckon it’s that bloody simple. You are the biggest cog in the machine and if you can look after that cog, oil it and grease it properly and pay it some love, then everything else around it is going to be working so much better.

For me, your own wellbeing on farm is absolutely fundamental and has to be a priority. You’ve got to be in the right space physically and mentally to farm well. Physical and mental fitness is hugely important on farm and it’s all driven by physical actions – what you eat, what you drink, your movement throughout the day and even the people you hang out with—they’re all physical things

that feed into that mental wellness.

What about when it all turns to custard? Any advice for navigating really challenging times?

I think it’s important to control the controllables. It’s a huge amount of extra stress to take on if you’re worrying about the things you can’t control or have no influence over. So prioritise the things you can control and influence.

Kane Brisco, Taranakidairyfarmer and author of top-sellingbook Tools For TheTopPaddock

I’m a massive fan of listing out all the things that need to be done and then prioritising those so you have a plan about what you attack first. It’s a bit like eating an elephant, it can feel overwhelming if you look at the elephant, but if you break down the task ahead into legs, tail and body it becomes something much more achievable.

I think it’s important for people in bad situations to break down the work into achievable amounts so they’re not overwhelmed by the scale of everything. How do you make sure you’re in the right headspace to make good decisions on farm?

I think a lot of it comes down your mindset—it’s all about that survive versus thrive mindset. You know, when you get stuck in the survive mindset you feel as if everything just happens to you and life passes you by. You feel as if you’re just there on farm and trying to survive each day. It’s not a very positive place to be.

But I’ve learnt that there’s always something you can do to help you thrive where you have a purpose, a plan and a process to start creating your life going forwards, rather than just letting it happen to you.

I admit, it can be a hard thing to do when you’re in that survival mindset, but there’s always something you can do that will make tomorrow better for you. It’s really important to try and be aware of that and understand that.

I’ve also learnt it’s really important for me to have balance in my life and work on the business and not just on the farm. Taking time out of my week to sit down and problem solve in a good, positive headspace has been really crucial to making good decisions.

What does being Farmstrong mean to you?

It’s about dealing with the full picture. Not just concentrating on being a good farmer, but being a great person off farm as well. I reckon they’re both intertwined. Being a good, well-rounded person generally leads to being a great farmer on farm.

Why are you involved in Farmstrong?

I like Farmstrong because I share the same mindset about being proactive about my mental and physical health. I think being proactive rather than reactive is hugely important to being a successful farmer. I think Farmstrong’s resources and knowledge and how they’re formatted is really easy to understand. I also think they’ve got a great set up to really help farmers on a massive scale. To me that’s super cool and that’s what I like to get behind.

TO FIND OUT WHAT ELSE COULD WORK FOR YOU AND YOUR TEAM, HEAD TO WWW.FARMSTRONG.CO.NZ FOR FREE FARMER TO FARMER WELLBEING TOOLS AND RESOURCES.

Rural resilience: Supporting mental health in rural communities

Early on in 2023 the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust identified the need to continue building our profile in the Rural community—people had heard about the Rural Support Trust, but few people knew what the Trust offered in terms of long and shortterm support.

Plans to raise our profile resulted in numerous community events being attended over the past 12 months. These included hosting community events during the Rugby World Cup, shouting the Rural Community free barista made coffee at the Ashburton A&P show, hosting Matt Chisholm at the Mayfield show and in town for a panel discussion around Mental Health and depression workshops.

The Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust exists to strengthen and support our Rural Community with three values shaping our core— integrity, confidentiality and offering support. The current dry situation up in the Mid-Canterbury High Country has seen a need for increased support as farmers prepare for a winter with significantly smaller feed reserves than they would have liked or planned for.

Rural Support Trusts from North, Mid, and South Canterbury have been working with MPI, Federated Farmers, Catchment groups, DairyNZ, and Beef and Lamb connecting farmers to support networks and providing tools that can help them make the difficult, essential decisions that need to be made to survive.

The Rural Support Trust plays an important part in the Rural Community in terms of creating communication channels and connections throughout the industry. Common feedback in recent months highlights the change in people’s perception of Mental Health and how we are now more likely to reach out for support, confirming that the Rural Support Trust is a much needed and trusted resource for our rural community.

facilitates response efforts in conjunction with other response groups such as but not limited to FENZ, Fed Farmers, Red Cross, Rural Women, and ADC. During the 2021 floods the Trust was instrumental in working alongside these groups to ensure those in need were visited, communication channels were opened, and needs were met as best as possible. The Trustees are all working through attaining their Co-ordinated Incident Management Systems (CIMS) Training to ensure they can all add value and support our rural communities during an adverse event.

Historically the Rural Support Trust has relied on funding from MPI, however these funding streams are reducing significantly. Future funding is likely to come largely from Community partnerships, grants, and support. The Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust have someone at the end of the phone on our 0800 number 24/7. This takes considerable dedication from our Wellness Coordinator and those that support her. The Trust is always appreciative of businesses reaching out with financial support—the smallest amount can make a big difference. Support with counselling, referrals to rural professionals on a need’s basis and ongoing in person or telephone support is a small example of what the Trust is doing on a day-to-day basis.

PupChamberlain , AnnaArrowsmith, Matt Chisholm

The Trust continues to evolve through a cycle of change, with a pending recruitment drive for a new Trustee in the coming months. At our AGM on May 13th, we farewelled long standing Trustee, Allan Baird, who was one of the founding members of the Mid Canterbury Rural Support Trust. He has held many key roles in response efforts over that course of time and in particular a key driver in response to the large snow events in the early 90s. Allan will continue to be an advocate for the trust, his wealth of knowledge and expertise when it comes to emergency response is something that our Trust values immensely.

Supporting Mental Health for our rural folk is a strong focus for the Trust, whilst remaining committed to our core business which is being always ready to respond during the next adverse event including weather events and natural disasters. The Trust

IF YOU THINK YOU HAVE A SPECIFIC SKILL SET THAT COULD BE AN ASSET TO THE TRUST AND WOULD LIKE TO KNOW MORE ABOUT BECOMING A TRUSTEE, THEN PLEASE EMAIL GEORGIE KING ON GEORGIE.KING@RURALSUPPORT.ORG.NZ.

Co-op News

Dates for your diary

INSTORE

DAYS

4 & 5 JULY 2024

Join us for our Instore Days event. Shop amazing deals in store, online, or through participating merchants, with Ruralco deals available online till 7 July. Every $250 you spend gets you in the draw to win 1 of 3 House of Travel vouchers worth up to $15,000.

Terms and conditions apply.

Store hours & closures

ASHBURTON:

Monday to Friday: 8:00am–5:30pm Saturday: 9:00am–12:00 noon

Closed on public holidays & Saturdays when the public holiday falls on a Monday or Friday.

RAKAIA:

Monday to Friday: 8:00am–5:30pm Closed on public holidays.

METHVEN:

Monday to Friday: 8:00am - 5:30pm

Closed on public holidays.

STORE CLOSURES:

KING’S BIRTHDAY

3 JUNE 2024

Our Ashburton, Methven, and Rakaia stores will be closed on Saturday 1 and Monday 3 June for King’s Birthday. All stores will be returning to business as usual on Tuesday 4 June.

MATARIKI

28 JUNE 2024

Our Ashburton, Methven, and Rakaia stores will be closed on Friday 28 and Saturday 29 June for Matariki. All stores will be returning to business as usual on Monday 1 July.

Win $500 for a school of your choice!

We’re local first. That means we’re making sure we give back to our local communities and the future farmers of Mid Canterbury.

Our Spend for Your School programme offers you the chance to win $500 for a primary school of your choice. Simply spend with businesses that accept the Ruralco card and go in the draw to win*. Plus, you get great discounts and real value when you choose to use your Ruralco card. Find out more by visiting www.ruralco.co.nz/spend-for-your-school. Terms and conditions apply.

Congratulations to our first winning primary school, Mayfield School, who received $500.00 after being nominated for our Spend for Your School cash prize in March.

Ruralco and Ballance are here to help you grow the future of your farm

Our partnership with Ballance Agri-Nutrients gives you access to local fertiliser experts that can tailor a solid fertiliser plan to maximise your on-farm production potential. Together we can bring you science-backed and innovative nutrient solutions that will maximise your on-farm production potential delivering a measurable return on investment.

Make the switch to Ballance through Ruralco for all your fertiliser requirements. Talk to your Ruralco representative today.

Power

Get wet weather-ready

Get wet weather-ready with our ultimate winterwear guide, full of the latest on-farm clothing and footwear to keep you and the family kitted out this season.

Wear the brands you know and trust with The Kit 2024 clothing guide, out now.

Visit www.ruralco.co.nz/the-kit to shop now.

your business with solar

Through our suppliers, Ruralco can design and implement a solar system for your business, enabling you to beat rising energy costs, offset emissions, and make better use of a natural resource to produce and store renewable energy. Not only can solar power be used for powering irrigators and dairy sheds—it can also be used to offset the cost of lighting, heating and ventilation in farm buildings and homes.

Talk to the Ruralco team today on 0800 787 256 to find out how we can help introduce solar to your business.

birthdays, weddings, or anniversaries this winter?

Choose from our wide range of quality brands and get the perfect gift, in store or online, delivered direct to you.

Shop our range of:

• Beautiful linens and throws for the bedroom, bathroom, and living rooms;

• Home decor;

• Quality kitchenware and bakeware;

• Cuisinart mixers and small appliances;

• Silverware, glassware and serveware;

• Home and garden accessories.

Have you tried BOOST Mineral Blend?

Our BOOST Mineral Blend is a specifically formulated water-soluble, multimineral blend providing essential trace elements for animal health. We can customise the mix to suit your dairy herd’s requirements, delivering it direct to farm.

Talk to your Ruralco representative today to discuss the best mineral mix for your livestock or find out more online at www.ruralco.co.nz/boost

Our latest fencing deals are out now

With competitive pricing on a range of products to support your farming operation.

Shop great deals on farm gates, fencing reels, energizers, poliwire, fault finders, strainers, insulators and more.

Save 12¢ on fuel with your Ruralco card

Fill up with Ruralco at selected Mobil and Allied fuel sites across the country and save at least 12 cents per litre off the pump price.

We’re working for you this dairy season.

Get the supplies you need, with our wide selection of quality products to keep you covered from pasture through to milking. Our team of dairy experts will ensure you get a competitive price and the right product when you need it.

Contact us today on 0800 787 256 to arrange a meeting with one of our onfarm experts and let us work for you this dairy season.

When you run a farming business, there’s no time for standing still.

Find fuel sites near you at ruralco.co.nz

Agronomy Guide out soon

Keep an eye out for our 2024 Agronomy Guide with details of the latest seed varieties across fodder beet, brassicas, grasses, pasture and catch crops at ruralco.co.nz/agronomy.

Which is why you need easy, reliable access to fuel, at competitive prices, for all the equipment that drives your farm every day. Our team are here to ensure all your fuel needs are covered. Through our partners, we offer a large range of fuel storage tanks for purchase or lease. We make it as convenient as possible, with fuel delivered direct to your door. Not only that, Ruralco members benefit from bulk fuel pricing, so you’re always getting the best possible price. Contact us today to find out more.

Is your approved handler certificate up to date?

Now’s a good time to check to see if your approved handler certification is up for renewal, or if you have new staff who need to gain certification to handle hazardous substances on your farm. Ruralco can help put you in touch with the organisations to help meet your approved handler needs. Contact the Ruralco Customer Service Team, or Safety & Facilities Manager Peter Jacob, on 0800 787 256 to find out more.

New Ruralco Card Merchants

This is just a snapshot of the many great businesses where you can use your Ruralco card and save. Visit www.ruralco.co.nz for a full list of participating businesses near you and discounts available.

SOUTH ISLAND

Ashburton

Commodore Motor Lodge 15% discount

Morrison Mitsubishi Ashburton Up to 5% discount

Blenheim

APL Fuelstop Blenheim 12¢ per litre

Christchurch

Stirling Sports Riccarton Up to 5% discount

Darfield

Darfield Tyres

Queenstown

Vita

Rangiora

First

Pukekohe

Wiri

We’re local first

WE’RE CANTERBURY BORN AND BRED. OUR BUSINESS WAS FOUNDED IN 1963 BY LOCAL FARMERS, WHO WANTED CHANGE AND FOUND THE SOLUTIONS.

Since then, we’ve achieved a lot together and our vision remains the same. Our core purpose is offering real value with the latest innovation in farm supplies, services, and expert advice to keep your farming business thriving for generations. In Mid Canterbury, the heart of our homeland, we remain here for you, our farmers. Our people live in your rural communities so, it’s in our best interest to get it right for your farming business.

Our obsession is agriculture, but our focus is you.