Dairy News 16 March 2021

How far will dairy prices rise? PAGE 3 WATER REVIEW

Irrigators back storage PAGE 19

GREEN LENDING

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MARCH 16, 2021 ISSUE 466 // www.dairynews.co.nz

TAMING THE WEST COAST New Westland Milk chief executive, Richard Wyeth transitions from heading a small milk processor to a subsidiary of the world’s fifth largest dairy company.

PAGE 6

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

NEWS // 3

Prices will stabilise, won’t crash - OCD SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

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THE COUNTRY’S second largest milk processor expects soaring global dairy prices to stabilise at some point.

However, Open Country Dairy chief executive Steve Koekemoer doesn’t expect prices to crash like they did following an $8-plus payout in the 2013-14 season.

Koekemoer described the last Global Dairy Trade (GDT) result as “a cracker”. The GDT price index rose 15% and whole milk powder prices jumped a whopping 21% to US$4364/ metric tonne.

“I was certainly expecting an increase but not to that magnitude,” he told farmer suppliers.

“No doubt there were a few alarmed punters wondering what happened, now dissecting their forecasts, trying to understand the driver behind the massive jump.

“Although we shouldn’t get hung up on a single auction result, it does cement confidence in the short term.”

China buyers were driving the demand. With New Zealand now heading into the tail end of the season, supply will continue to tighten and should keep pricing firm.

But Koekemoer isn’t expecting prices to remain at these elevated levels.

“I would like to caution the optimists who believe the current high pricing will remain the norm as we will see a correction at some point.

“Continued high prices will eventually burn off some demand causing pricing to return to the longer-term averages.”

On the other hand, he doesn’t see any significant downside over the medium term.

“Some are referring to the crash from the 2014/15 and 2015/16 seasons following the last record $8.40 milk price.

Open Country Dairy chief executive Steve Koekemoer says prices will stablise but won’t crash like they did following an $8-plus payout in the 2013-14 season.

“We need to remember that this coincided with EU quotas being removed and Europe significantly ramping up production.

“This is not the case today as EU growth is slow. Demand should remain in balance with the supply coming online and if anything, provide for another stable season next year.”

OCD finalised its January settlement, paying farmer suppliers $7.57/kgMS for milk picked up in December and January. The company had a forecast range of $7.30 to $7.50/kgMS for the period.

Koekemoer says he’s pleased that OCD

exceeded the top end of its forecast range.

It has also increased its upcoming forecast periods: milk supplied between February and May has a forecast range of $7.30 to $7.60. The forecast range for June to September supply this year drops slightly to $6.90 to $7.20 range.

Koekemoer says the road ahead looks good for dairy and OCD expects to deliver another strong result at the next settlement period.

Westpac senior agri analyst Nathan Penny believes dairy prices will stabilise later this year.

He says the last big lift in GDT prices has a New Zealand angle to it.

New Zealand is the largest exporter of both WMP and milk fats. Skim milk powder prices, in contrast, which the EU and US also heavily export, have increased by a more modest 22% since November.

Penny says the implication is that this latest increase will prove temporary.

“New Zealand has entered its autumn and the season is winding down.

“Markets know that New Zealand supply will not be able to catch up to surging demand until the spring, so prices are rising right now.

“But equally, once spring does arrive we expect key WMP (and milk fat) prices to start moderating as New Zealand production starts its spring flush.”

But Penny expects one driver of the recent strength will prove longer-lasting.

“As we have noted over recent months, Chinese and more recently South-East Asian demand is underpinning the price strength and we expect this to be ongoing through 2021.

“That said, global dairy supply will eventually respond. The impact of this response will come to bear from around midyear, with prices beginning to moderate at this time.” @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

4 // NEWS

Farmer pinged for multiple employment law breaches Employment (MBIE) says the investigation revealed breaches of minimum employment standards in relation to 24 workers across the operations.

About half of them were migrants on temporary work visas.

ERA member David

Kopetschny also operated as a sole trader, working as a sharemilker.

In early 2019 the Labour Inspectorate received complaints from previous and current employees.

The Ministry of Business, Innovation and

SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

A SOUTH Canterbury

dairy farmer has been fined $30,000 for breaching employment entitlements of 24 workers.

Dietmar Kopetschny and his company Greywacke Farms admitted failing to keep time and leave records of employees, failing to pay minimum hourly wage rates and deducting wages without employee consent.

The Employment Relations Authority (ERA) ordered Greywacke Farms Limited and Kopetschny to pay $20,000 and $10,000 respectively in penalties for failure to comply with employment law. Of this, $7500 will be paid out to three former employees. The ruling comes as the dairy industry struggles to attract workers to milk cows.

The company ran two dairy farms in South Canterbury that supplied milk to Fonterra while

Beck noted in his ruling that the Labour Inspector did not provide a calculation or estimate of the cost of all of the breaches borne by the employees apart from a few individual examples.

In regard to evident minimum wage breaches,

DairyNZ says the dairy sector is committed to quality workplaces as one of its top priorities.

the Labour Inspector noted that due to record keeping deficiencies, “it is not possible to accurately calculate how often minimum wage breaches occurred and what the arrears would be”.

“Viewing the nature and extent of the breaches, I estimate that the sums involved are likely to be reasonably significant and I must have regard of the value to the employees concerned of not getting additional paid days off for working on public holidays and that as low paid employees, the value of wages forgone or part thereof, can cause significant material hardship,” ruled Beck.

“I also consider that in industries that are at times labour intensive the reduction of the

FARMERS ARE GOOD BOSSES DAIRYNZ DAIRYNZ LEAD advisor- people, Jane Muir, says the dairy sector is committed to quality workplaces as one of its top priorities, because being a preferred employer is critical to the sector’s sustainability and success.

Most farmers in New Zealand are good bosses and support their employees, Muir says.

“This includes meeting legal obligations and ensuring health, safety and wellbeing are a priority but also communicating clearly with their staff about expectations, regularly catching up and supporting their employee’s career progression. The dairy sector will continue to try and attract and retain a world-class workforce.

“Creating a good work environment helps get the best performance from people. This includes paying staff

competitively, managing rosters, hours of work and leave, and ensuring records are accurate.”

To support attracting and keeping good people, DairyNZ recommends farmers use payroll systems, actively manage hours of work, and provide fit-for-purpose training. These make keeping people and managing compliance easier, while being transparent and helping prevent misunderstandings.

Muir says DairyNZ has great information, advice and tools to support farmers to look after their employees. Visit dairynz.co.nz/people If any employees on farm are concerned about their employment situation, they can also contact the Rural Employee Support Hub for advice at www.resh.co.nz or call 0800 694 121, she says.

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cost of labour overheads by illegitimate means gives the perpetrator an unfair competitive advantage over businesses that comply with legal obligations.”

MBIE says the inspectorate found the employer had a complicated rostering system and manually recorded payroll and leave data.

“This resulted in failures to keep compliant wage, time, holiday and leave records, failures to calculate and pay correct holiday pay to eight employees, and failure to pay minimum wage to at least one employee.

“The employer also failed to obtain consent from one employee for making deductions from wages for providing the employee with

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accommodation.”

Labour Inspectorate acting regional manager Callum McMillan said the dairy farming industry is a focus area for the Labour Inspectorate.

“We have been working together with the dairy industry over a number of years to lift employment law compliance.

“The industry made significant improvements to put assurance systems in place and have readily available support for farmers on matters of employment.

“This makes it even more disappointing to find there are still dairy farmers that undermine minimum employment standards.

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

NEWS // 5

Ex-cop is Northland’s top share farmer SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

A FORMER police

officer has taken out the 2021 Northland Dairy Industry Awards Share Farmer of the Year title.

Katrina Pearson, 32, is now a contract milker and in an equity partnership, milking 460 cows on Puketitoi Farm Limited’s 186ha property at Purua, northwest of Whangarei.

Pearson grew up on her parents’ dairy farm in Titoki and graduated from Lincoln University with a Diploma in Agriculture in 2008, before spending 10 years working as a New Zealand Police constable.

She won $7,250 in prizes and seven merit awards at the regional presentation night last week.

Growing up on a dairy farm has been special for her.

“There’s always been

a pull for me towards the dairy industry,” she says.

“I value my roots and admire what my parents have built for themselves and would love to provide the same upbringing for my kids.

“Coming into the industry with basic farming knowledge and experience three years ago was a steep learning curve, but strong family support has made the transition easier.”

Pearson believes New Zealand should be proud their dairy farmers produce high-quality product that the world pays a premium for. “We hold a good reputation world-wide and I hope this can be maintained for many years to come.

“I’d love to see more positive stories in the mainstream media about the dairy industry. If people listened to science, they might discover

their opinions are not as accurate as they believe.”

Establishing KDP Farming with her husband David was a big step for the couple, who then added David Pearson Electrical to the mix in 2020.

They run the businesses as a team while raising two children Emily (5) and Charlotte (4).

“Being able to juggle everything and still have both businesses operating efficiently is definitely a sign of success to us.”

Katrina believes KDP Farming’s ability to rapidly increase shareholding in Puketitoi Farm Limited stands them in good stead.

“We are all in this together – working with family has been a blessing which has made the transition into the dairy industry enjoyable.”

The 2021 Northland Dairy Manager of the Year

Katrina Pearson took out the Northland Share Farmer of the Year title.

is Ravindra Maddage Don, 35, who is farm manager on Charlie and Emma Adair’s 130ha Whangarei

The three regional winners will represent Northland in the national finals, to be held in

property, milking 354 cows. Bella Wati is the 2021 Northland Dairy Trainee of the Year.

Hamilton on May 15.

Pearson will host the regional awards field day on her farm on April 14th.

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

6 // NEWS

Wyeth takes over reins at Westland Milk PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

THREE WEEKS into his

new role as chief executive of Yili-owned Westland Milk Products, Richard Wyeth is enjoying the job.

He told Dairy News that what really impressed him is the people in the business.

There is a really strong desire to see the business do well and people

are working really hard to make Westland Milk a success, which Wyeth finds very encouraging.

For Wyeth the move to Westland Milk is somewhat different to the day he started at Maoriowned Miraka near Taupo about 12 years ago.

“Last time I started a new job I was the only employee, but this time round there are 700 staff.

It is certainly different coming into an established business, but it is

quite a unique business in the sense that it has been around for a long time and is now under Yili’s ownership,” he says.

Wyeth says part of his role is to help ensure Westland Milk has a solid foundation and works well with the Chinese ownership, to leverage off the strength of the parent company. He says one of differences from Miraka is that he reports to a head office in China to a company that is 5th larg-

est dairy company in the world.

He says Westland is a small subsidiary of that large business which is quite different from Miraka, a small company in its own right.

But while at Miraka, Wyeth was a frequent visitor to China and has a good understanding of the culture of the Chinese business systems.

“What I quite like is that I can bring my experience in working with

the Chinese and help the West Coast to understand those cultural differences because ultimately we want the same thing; that is for Westland Milk to be successful and that means that the West Coast will be successful – that is my desire.

“If I can do a good job with Westland, then Hokitika and the whole West Coast will do well and it will help Yili achieve its goal of being the third biggest dairy com-

Come to our Field Days You’re invited to see Aotearoa’s top Māori dairy farms – the finalists in the 2021 competition for the prestigious Ahuwhenua Trophy.

Each finalist is holding a field day at their respective farms and you are welcome to register to attend and see these amazing properties. You can hear their story and go on a farm tour. The event is free and lunch is provided. All field days start at 9:15.

For more information visit our website www.ahuwhenuatrophy.maori.nz To register your attendance please RSVP to ahuwhenuacompetition@tetumupaeroa.co.nz

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Richard Wyeth says the move to Westland Milk is somewhat different to the day he started at Maori-owned Miraka near Taupo about 12 years ago.

pany in the world by 2025,” he says.

Wyeth is working out of Westland’s Canterbury office and has made trips to Hokitika to meet with his leadership team and staff. Not surprisingly he’s been pre-occupied with focusing on the main business and hasn’t had the opportunity to get out and meet some of the 429 farmers who supply Westland.

“Absolutely, I am looking forward to getting out on farm and meeting all the farmer’s and am planning to do that in the coming weeks,” he says.

One of the big differences from Miraka is the size and shape of the milk collection area. By comparison with Westland, whose milk tankers cover more than 500km, Miraka

was a much more compact collection area.

It’s early days yet and Wyeth is in the phase of looking at the business and making sure that it is profitable. His first impressions are, the plant and equipment is tidy, everything is where it needs to be, and the organisation is well positioned to achieve what is required in the coming years.

“We have guaranteed to pay a competitive milk price and to do that we need be making high value products and selling them across the globe.

I am really impressed with the way the people at Westland are engaged in the business you can feel the sense the pride in Westland, and that is really exciting,” he says.

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

NEWS // 7

Lockdowns and look back MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

AS WE emerge from

another round of lockdowns that resulted in the cancellation of the Northland Field Days and the NZ Horse of the Year Show, it’s worth remembering that rural communities have a history of dealing with incursions, disasters and diseases, such as the current battle with Mycoplasma bovis.

It’s also poignant to remember that February 2021 marks the 20th anniversary of the devastation brought to the UK agricultural sector by Foot and Mouth disease. First detected at an abattoir in the South East of England, within four days, a case confirmed in Northumberland in the North East of England was proven to be the source of the outbreak, having supplied pigs to farms in Southern England, who in due course sent them to the Essex slaughterhouse.

At the same time, cases were confirmed in the South West of England and North Wales, accelerating through to early March, when up to 50 cases a day were being notified. It also saw “traders” buying stock at livestock markets, then pushing them through other markets around the country, often up to

four venues per week and often without any movement records.

While it is widely believed that the initial infection came about from feeding untreated “swill”, likely gathered from food outlets, the contaminated source material likely originated in Asia, before being illegally imported in South Africa, for onward distribution.

Whilst New Zealand’s own battle with M. bovis has created untold heartbreak for those involved – currently 261 confirmed cases, the sheer scale of the 2001 UK Foot and Mouth outbreak throws up some mind-boggling statistics.

In total, around 6 million cattle, sheep and pigs were culled, with an estimated total cost to the industry of GBP8 billion. At the height of the outbreak, between 85,000 and 95,000 animals were being slaughtered each week, with the British army brought in to manage logistics.

The final case was confirmed in Cumbria on 30th Sept 2001, not before GBP375 million was spent on haulage and disposal, including GBP113 million on mass burial pits and GBP304 million on postslaughter cleaning.

At the same time, there was a complete ban on the sale or move-

February 2021 marked the 20th anniversary of the devastation brought to the UK agricultural sector by Foot and Mouth disease.

ment of livestock, while after a brief foray into carcase disposal at rendering plants, all culled animals had to be burnt and buried on-farm. As well as the agricultural sector, like our own Covid-19 crisis, the tourism industry took a sharp hit with regional travel bans, along with the cancellation of major events such as the Royal Welsh Show and the British Rally Championship.

It was also a time of personal devastation for many farming families, with hardened farmers deciding they couldn’t carry on, as generations of pedigree livestock, usually each with a name, were taken from them because of blisters in the mouth and between hooves.

As we get to grips with our own Mycoplasma bovis incursion, we can only hope that our bor-

ders and regional defence structures are firmly in place and promptly implemented when required, given that experts suggest, “it’s not if we get FMD, but when”.

Current MPI reports show that of the 261 con-

firmed cases (70 North Island / 191 South Island), 251 have been cleared, with 10 confirmed as still active (26 Feb 2021). The mix comprises 65 dairy, 138 beef and 58 other properties. To date, 2467 claims have been pro-

cessed worth a combined value of $193.4 million, with 58 claims still under review. In total, as at 4 March 2021, 169,074 animals have been culled in the operation to eradicate M. bovis.

A key part of the fight against the disease centres around animal traceability, administered through the NAIT scheme, initially thought to be deficient by many critics in the rural sector, but gradually gaining better acceptance as the crisis evolved. Given that the 2001 UK FMD outbreak showed some weaknesses in traceability, during the 2019/20 season in NZ, animals registered prior to movement sat at 76% (up 24%), movements recorded within 48 hours was at 63% (up

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from 57%) and movements reported within 5 days sat at 73% (up from 66%).

Ospri committee member Robert Ervine welcomed the increasing levels of engagement with the system. He said, “given the lack of accuracy and engagement historically, most farmers, post M. bovis, appear to have a willingness to meet NAIT obligations. It’s encouraging to see 75% of all our farmers recording livestock movements within the recommended time frame, helping to manage the M. bovis response, but also putting us in a better space for managing any future livestock disease outbreaks.”

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

8 // NEWS

Loan discounts for sustainable farming CORPORATE DAIRY

farmer Southern Pastures has signed a three-year $50 million sustainability-linked farm loan with BNZ. In a New Zealand first, Southern Pastures, which owns 20 farms, and Lewis Road Creamery, will receive financial incentives for meeting new water quality and biodiversity targets and for achieving further reductions in its already low on-farm carbon emissions.

Achievement of the targets will be directly linked to lower loan costs.

“This deal recognises that farming to mitigate climate change and environmental impacts is in our common interest,” says Southern Pastures executive chairman Prem Maan.

“In my view, farming in New Zealand should be

driven by the ambition to become carbon neutral.”

Southern Pastures farms produce milk under an independently certified 10 Star Certified Values Program which stipulates strict environmental, climatic, animal and human welfare requirements. Its Waikato farms that supply Fonterra include the largest organic farm in the country.

“We use our organic farm, for example, to learn how to minimise antibiotic use,” says Maan.

“So we now use less antibiotics on all our farms than what is allowed under EU organic regulations.”

BNZ head of natural capital, Dana Muir, says Southern Pastures is a leader in the NZ primary sector with ambitious environmental goals.

It made sense to partner with them to show

Southern Pastures executive chairman Prem Maan believes farming in New Zealand should be driven by the ambition to become carbon neutral.

that capital incentives can deliver financial and environmental benefits.

“Like BNZ, Southern Pastures are driven to make a real difference improving New Zealand’s environment. The environmental targets linked to the loan are ambitious

and go beyond compliance minimums – achieving them will require innovative on-farm planning, practices and reporting,” says Muir.

BNZ chief executive Angela Mentis says it has developed the innovative loan structure as part of

its Sustainable Finance portfolio to help deliver carbon reductions and sustainable benefits in New Zealand.

She says that BNZ will increasingly seek to use Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG)-linked lending with New Zealand

farmers, agribusinesses and other sectors to help meet New Zealand’s climate change obligations.

“Bold ESG initiatives not only help protect the environment and build Natural Capital but also increase the value of our consumer products globally and strengthen brand New Zealand.

“There is great work underway on New Zealand farms, throughout the primary sector and other sectors. We want to partner with businesses who are striving to go above and beyond compliance minimums and show what best practice in environmental management, labour and governance looks like,” she says.

As part of the loan arrangement, AsureQuality is acting as an independent on-farm auditor, visiting the farms on an annual basis to collect

data and verify progress against targets. Discounts to interest rates will be applied during the term of the loan provided interim and final targets are met and verified.

AsureQuality’s environmental assurance lead, Simon Love, say it is using its expertise to turn environmental targets into measurable and auditable proof points.

Southern Pastures is a long-standing signatory to the United Nations Principles for Responsible Investment and BNZ is a member of the Climate Leaders Coalition, a signatory to the Principles of Responsible Investment and committed to the United Nations Principles of Responsible Banking and the Collective Commitment to Climate Action. @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

NEWS // 9

Hefty opening milk price forecast for new season SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

WITH JUST under three

months to go this season, attention is turning to the opening forecast milk price for 2021-22.

A strong opening forecast milk price for next season – of between $7.25/ kgMS and $7.30/kgMS

economist Nathan Penny also expects prices to moderate later this year.

Penny says the recent price rises in whole milk powder and milk fat prices have “a New Zealand angle to it”. “New Zealand is the largest exporter of both WMP and milk fats. Skim milk powder prices, in contrast which the EU

more sustainable) lift in underlying demand.

“Spikes in other commodity prices – including

animal feed – do point to elements of a more general surge in commodity demand.”

Susan Kilsby, ANZ agri analyst says dairy prices are likely to start the new season at a high level.

“At this stage, it is not completely clear what is actually driving the sharp lift in pricing we are currently experiencing, Therefore, it is difficult to predict how long the current run of stronger pricing will be sustained.” and the US also heavily export, have increased by a more modest 22% since November.

“The implication is that this latest increase will prove temporary…

New Zealand has entered its autumn and the season is winding down,” notes Penny.

Dairy farmers around the world are also expected to boost production to cash in on the high milk price. Penny expects the impact of this response will come to bear from around midyear, with prices beginning to moderate.

ASB economist Nat Keall is more optimistic.

He says the bank’s opening forecast milk price for next season of $7.30/kgMS could jump by 20c.

“Even if we were to conservatively assume much of this latest price spike unwinds over the next couple of months, there is now significant upside risk to our recently-made milk price forecasts for both seasons,” he says.

“The challenge for determining the dairy price outlook is how much of this price spike is supply covering that will be offset later by reduced buying demand versus a more fundamental (and

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– has been announced, mostly on the back on soaring prices on Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auctions.

However, the opening forecasts come with a warning: it’s still early days and things could change.

ANZ agri economist Susan Kilsby notes that its likely dairy prices will start the 2021-22 season at a high level, but there is certainly no guarantee they will remain at this level.

“At this stage, it is not completely clear what is actually driving the sharp lift in pricing we are currently experiencing,” Kilsby says.

“Therefore, it is difficult to predict how long the current run of stronger pricing will be sustained.

“We anticipate we will see some correction in pricing within the next 12 months, and when this occurs, it may do so at pace.”

The other factor that has a large influence on the farmgate milk price is the New Zealand dollar.

According to Kilsby, the NZD will generally appreciate over the next 18 months, and this will curb returns at the farmgate somewhat.

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

10 // NEWS

More to dairy than just milking cows AUSTRALIAN FARMER Lisa Dwyer is

paving the way for greater diversity in the dairy industry and showing the next generation that there is more to dairy than milking cows.

Dwyer has been dairy farming for 17 years, and unlike her husband Eddie, who has been around dairy his entire life, working on the family farm, her background is in management in the thoroughbred racing industry.

Lisa and Eddie bought their first farm in 2004, 344ha in Hawkesdale south-west Victoria. Lisa’s management skills, combined with Eddie’s dairy experience, had them running their Hawkesdale farm before moving to Purnim in 2018.

The Purnim farm was originally established

by Lisa’s great-grandfather, her grand-father

farmed there, her father was born there and when they bought the farm, their son Harvey became the fifth generation to live and work there, and according to Lisa “it was all meant to be”.

When asked about what got her into dairy, she always gives the short answer.

“I was ambushed by a marriage proposal 17 years ago by a dairy farmer and made the fatal mistake of impressing him with a new pair of rubber boots.

“Since then, they’ve been worn daily, worn-out annually and no matter what my husband says, I will never accept that a replacement pair of rubber boots constitutes a new pair of shoes,” says Lisa.

At around 4.15am, Eddie and Lisa fight about who is going for the cows

Victorian farmer Lisa Dwyer.

each morning and once that’s settled…she gets out of bed and goes for the cows.

And, like every dairy farm across Australia, there are never enough hours in the day to get everything done, but they do their best to follow their always-evolving business plan and set their

priorities accordingly.

Lisa is busy enough with the farm, yet she is also an active member of the dairy industry.

Lisa is the non-executive director of the Australian Live Export Corporation, chair of the Great South Coast Regional Partnership, member of the Austra-

lian Institute of Company Directors Advisory Committee for the Great South Coast region, member of the Victorian Agricultural Climate Change Advisory Council and Fellow of the Australian Rural Leadership Foundation. She was also previously a director of Dairy Australia and a non-executive director of Murray Goulburn.

According to Lisa, every day she sees the symptoms of an agricultural sector not realising its potential because people don’t desire to learn, seek to better understand or grow by entertaining another perspective.

“Despite the inevitable and unfortunate criticism anyone fulfilling a position of responsibility receives, I’d much rather know that I’ve done my best to make a positive

contribution than sit in the safety and anonymity of the sidelines and criticise or worse still, undermine the genuine efforts of others who try.”

Although she says it’s not the easiest way to earn a living when you consider the number of major impacts upon which farmers have no control, she wouldn’t change it.

“The thing I love about dairy is that the opportunities are limited only by your imagination and your determination to pursue them.

“When we started out, the only thing we owned that was new was probably my rubber boots.

We’ve encountered drought, the global financial crisis, disease and the industry downturns, yet I can’t think of another business or sector where we would have been able

to achieve the things that we have outside of dairy farming.

“Despite the inevitable volatility that exists within agriculture, I’m convinced that the future for Australian agriculture is substantial if we can maintain an unshakeable commitment to constantly improving the way we do things – with an eye to the future rather than the past, and a broader appreciation for how the world in which we live is changing and evolving our businesses and production accordingly.”

Lisa is passionate about getting women into dairy and she has some sound advice to someone starting out.

“Don’t listen to anyone who tells you it can’t be done, it’s too hard or there’s no money in dairy farming.”

Fonterra has launched its ‘carbonzero’ certified NZMP organic butter to the North American market.

CARBONZERO ORGANIC BUTTER HITS US SHELVES HAS launched its ‘carbonzero’ certified NZMP organic butter to the North American market, the first such ingredient product in its portfolio.

Kelvin Wickham, chief executive Fonterra Africa, Middle East, Europe, North Asia, Americas (AMENA), says that ‘carbonzero’ ingredients, like NZMP organic butter, can help unlock real benefits for customers.

“It helps them to meet their sustainability targets, signal environmental values, and grow brand preference and market share through differentiated products,” he says.

“Fonterra New Zealand dairy

FONTERRA

farming already has one of the world’s lowest on-farm carbon footprints, approximately one third of the global average, putting NZMP in a strong position to offer sustainability solutions that help customers reduce their environmental impact, while claiming an advantage in the market.”

To become ‘carbonzero’ certified, Fonterra has partnered with an independent company called Toitu Envirocare. This company measures the impact of producing the NZMP organic butter, all the way from farm and manufacturing, through to distribution and even the disposal of packaging by customers.

“Understanding our footprint means we can offset our impact with high quality carbon credits from projects, including native forest regeneration in New Zealand and gold standard renewable energy projects,” says Wickham.

Lara Phillips, senior manager of Fonterra Sustainability Solutions says it is delighted to be to offer NZMP customers a way to contribute to a lower carbon future.

NZMP organic butter ‘carbonzero’ certified is currently available to customers in the US. Over time, to support customer needs and demand, NZMP will look to broaden the portfolio to more product categories and regions.

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

12 // OPINION RUMINATING

EDITORIAL

What’s the delay?

MILKING IT...

Organic milk joy

A2 Milk misery

Synlait woes

FONTERRA FARMERS will be hoping (and praying!) for their second ever $8-plus milk price this season, but for the co-op’s 70 organic milk suppliers, another $10-plus payout is almost a certainty.

The co-operative this month informed its organic milk suppliers that their new payout range is $8.70 to $9.30/kgMS. With just under three months of season yet to run, those organic farmers could be the biggest winners, again, given the bullish run of Global Dairy Trade prices.

Last year they became the only group of Fonterra farmers to ever pass the $10 milk price threshold.

The 2019-20 organic milk price topped $10.19/kgMS.

IN RECENT years Fonterra has been ridiculed by commentators about the fact that it has been upstaged by a young dairy company, a2 Milk.

Just last August, a2 was living the dream, reporting a bumper after-tax profit of $385.6 million on revenues of $1.73 billion. Its share price, which at one stage had dropped to 10c, hit the giddy heights of $21.50, valuing the company at $15.9 billion, above NZ’s biggest co-op.

But the tables have turned. Thanks to three successive profit downgrades, a2’s fortunes have tumbled.

In recent weeks, its share price was $9.50, meaning the company has more than halved in value in little over six months.

It’s currently worth about $7 billion.

THE MISERY of a2 Milk is being passed onto its New Zealand partners, including Canterbury processor Synlait.

The majority Chineseowned processor has been forced to withdraw its full-year 2021 performance guidance because of significant uncertainty and volatility within its business.

It says the move was prompted by problems with its major customer, a2 Milk Company, which is reeling from a slump in sales of infant formula to China.

Add to that shipping delays and lower infant formula production, and Synlait finds intself in unchartered waters.

The company will announce its half-year results this month.

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Keeping it fresher RESEARCHERS AT Chulalongkorn Graduate University have developed ‘PASS+, a system’ that uses UV light to help keep milk fresh and reduce transportation costs for farmers.

The researchers say they have answered the needs of small-scale farmers by expanding the window of the delivery time for raw milk without refrigeration.

Transporting costs of fresh cow milk from farms in Thailand to raw milk collection centres have always been a burden on dairy farmers.

In a tropical country like Thailand, micro-organisms grow quickly and milk spoils easily, so farmers must work fast and also bear transport refrigeration costs.

With milk processed with a ‘PASS+’ machine, farmers will have up to an additional two hours for delivery.

THE GOVERNMENT’S delay in responding to an advisory group’s recommendations to improve winter grazing rules in Southland and North Otago is puzzling.

In December, the Southland Advisory Group recommended the Government make several changes to rules under the Government’s National Environmental Standard for Freshwater, including amendments to pugging and resowing dates.

Almost three months on, farmers are still awaiting a response. With winter approaching, farmers need certainty.

The Southland Advisory Group, consisting of two farmers and representatives from DairyNZ, Beef+Lamb New Zealand, Environment Southland, Federated Farmers and Fish & Game was formed after farmers expressed concerns about their ability to implement the regulations, wanting fair and pragmatic solutions.

The group has made recommendations that farmers believe make the regulations more practical, while not diminishing the protection they give to waterways.

The recommendations seem fair. The group wants the resowing date conditions deleted. Under the new rules, all sowing of winter crops in Southland and Otago need to be completed by November 1.

A slope rule banning winter grazing on slopes greater than 10 degrees should be amended to allow intensive winter grazing on slopes of 15 degrees or less, the group says.

New intensive winter grazing regulations come into force in May 2021, as part of the Essential Freshwater package, but many farmers have called them impractical, and there have been protests and calls for the rules to be boycotted.

Farmers want some certainty around these unfair provisions in the Government’s freshwater reforms package.

Winter will soon arrive and nobody wants to see the negative attention that winter grazing attracted last year.

A photo of cow bogged in mud, that some animal right lobbyists love clicking, doesn’t tell the whole story.

However, farmers agree that the industry continues to make every effort to avoid negative public perception, and to minimise negative impacts on the environment and animal welfare.

They have done their part, expressing concerns about their ability to implement the regulations, wanting fair and pragmatic solutions.

They engaged in good faith and now want the Government to respond in kind with a fair and timely outcome for farmers, to provide certainty and enable them to start working to meet the new requirements.

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

OPINION // 13

Building resilience in the country PETER BUCKLEY

RESILIENCE IS the new

buzzword now, so what does resilience mean?

The Oxford Dictionary description states that resilience means: “The ability to be happy, successful, etc. again after something difficult or bad has happened.”

Agencies who have responsibilities to keep the public safe from adverse events would like to make communities resilient in times of adverse events.

To make communities resilient we need to define what is an adverse event; is it only a natural event?

We need to identify how we make communities resilient and have resilience for when an adverse event happens.

Communities need to have plans that make their communities become resilient, and to be able to look after themselves for a period after an event.

There is no one community model that fits all communities. Each community has its own unique environment and the people’s expectations from each community, whilst they may be similar, they will be different based on each unique environment.

For communities to be resilient the first thing needed is to identify who has the trust of the community, who also has an understanding of what potential adverse event could happen and what needs to happen for the community to come back to some form of normality after an adverse event.

This is the basis for a Community Resilience Plan (Plan B).

Not all people live in close communities; some for example live in the rural areas (e.g. farmers) and they have plans for the day-to-day, normal events (Plan A), but on farms, events happen that aren’t expected, so they have to be adaptable because of these unexpected events. These people should have a Plan B that can be activated

Peter Buckley

when adverse events happen.

Farmers and other rural dwellers, by the nature of their existence, are normally quite resourceful people who can turn their hands to most situations. These people may not have a Plan B written down, but because of their lifestyle they have the ability to be adaptable when situations change through adverse events.

The first things that these people do is make sure they and their families are safe and then check that their neighbours are safe and their animals are looked after.

They have done a stock take of the situation; through these checks they would normally be able to survive for a period of time before other help will arrive.

In relation to community resilience, we shouldn’t be worrying about blaming any perceived global policies on the adverse events that happen, we should concentrate on addressing adverse events as they happen and supporting the community.

To address global policies that are perceived as responsible for adverse events happening is the responsibilities of government ministries and politicians.

Over time we have

seen many adverse events happen. As a result, what we have seen is that people who have been through these events realise that we should have a Plan B to help us deal with the outcomes from adverse events, whether it is in writing or not. The important thing is that to be resilient in a case of an adverse event we need to have identified what actions we need to take prior to the event occurring.

We are currently building a society that relies on technology to address adverse events and while that gives some ability to predict what may happen and to allow for very detailed response planning, we need to realise that the first thing that may be unavailable to us is that exact item – “technology”.

Significant adverse events that affect large areas of the population often result in a loss of power supply and a breakdown in modern communication technology.

These events require us to have a fall back plan based on this eventuality.

Smaller adverse events that affect fewer people but may still have devastating results for those involved require resilient response planning.

This is often the case with rural people where even in a significant event the

response will have to be enacted individually due to the remoteness of each dwelling.

Building resilience in the rural situation often will encompass both planning for pastoral care (individual physical and mental wellness) of rural people as well as planning for disaster response (physical recovery & safety after the events occurrence).

Building resilience in terms of pastoral care often falls to outside agencies such as Rural Support Trust, St Johns Ambulance and volunteer fire brigades which are normally staffed by persons with a background in the rural lifestyle as well as training in support for persons with personal difficulties. Often these agencies will also be involved in planning for adverse events/disasters.

Building resilience in terms of disaster response normally starts with organisations such as local council, FENZ, St Johns Ambulance and LANDSAR. The most important part of building resilience in rural areas is having a credible action plan that ensures the safety of firstly all local people and secondly the safety of their assets wherever possible.

• Peter Buckley is a board member of Primary Land Users Group (P.L.U.G)

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

14 // MANAGEMENT

‘Just stop putting cocaine up the grass’s nose’ NIGEL MALTHUS

DAIRY FARMERS getting their applied nitrogen down to the proposed national 190kg/ha limit will take time, says Ashburton farm consultant Mark Everest.

Some farms have been up near 300kg but the average Canterbury farm is running at the 220kg mark “which is not all that bad,” he says.

However, Everest has concerns around the time it will take, not just for farmers to get their heads around it, but also the one to three years for the changes to farm biology to take effect.

“Coming in and saying we’re going to make big changes in 12 months is not quite as easy as it is for someone at government department level to say it.”

Everest said it would be easy dropping from 300kg to 270kg: “Just stop putting the cocaine up the grass’s nose.”

Going from 270kg to 220kg required a bit more lateral thinking and discipline, but then the final step down to 190kg will be a lot harder, he said.

“We’re effectively going into productioncutting space rather than trying to make the efficiency savings, which is

Ashburton farm consultant Mark Everest says getting applied nitrogen down to the proposed national 190kg/ ha limit will take time.

the 300 down to the 220 mark.”

Speaking at the recent Lincoln University Demonstration Dairy Farm Focus Day, Everest outlined six main tool groups farmers could use: ■■ The feed budget.

■■ Promoting clover.

■■ Diversified pastures with the likes of plantains.

■■ Nitrification and urease inhibitors, some of which are available now and some only just on the horizon.

■■ Tetraploid grasses – high-growth grasses with good shoulder productivity.

■■ Addressing soil fertility through growth promotants and N-appli-

cation technologies such as fertigation.

On the feed budget, Everest advised farmers to “eat what you grow and grow what you eat.”

DairyNZ data suggest farmers can grow 16.5t/ha with 400kg of urea, 14.5t with 200kg, and 12.5t with no urea.

“But what the hell’s the point in growing 16.5t if the average group can only consume 12.5? Focus on growing what you need to actually consume in the most efficient manner.”

Everest said topping pasture is a waste of nitrogen, as is “hurtling around” on an 18-day grazing round when the uptake of nitrogen takes between 20 and 24 days

depending on time of year.

“We could get potentially get 18kg of nitrogen saved just through running the same policy but slowing the grazing round down and applying urea after the cows.”

On the use of clover, Everest said too much applied nitrogen was a “death spiral” for clover, while repeated research over many years has reaffirmed that reducing nitrogen increases clover content.

“If we can increase 10% clover in our pasture that’s between 40kg to 70kg of free nitrogen per year – not always at the times that we need it but if we understand that, we can manipulate our nitrogen applications to try and take advantage of some of that free stuff.”

Everest said some farmers worried that increased clover percentage meant less pasture biomass, but it also meant more energy units.

“If we’re going to higher energy feed we can arguably have lower greenhouse gases and the same level of profitability.

“Clover is not a terribly competitive part of our pasture mix; keep our diploids down to 12kg and our tetraploids down to 16kg at planting. It will take them a little bit slower to establish but you’ve got to be patient

the use of the plantains Ecotain and Agritonic, although he acknowl-

and you’ll get the clover reward over time.”

Everest’s Tool 3 is

edged the difficulty of keeping their percentages up in pasture.

Total Savings 118kgN Farmers could save 118kg/ha Nitrogen with a conbination of management changes, says farm consultant Mark Everest of Macfarlane Rural Business.

GRASS TYPE ON GRASS types, Mark Everest presented figures from a client farm, showing 1.8kgDM/ha gain from tetraploid grasses over diploid, with 27kg/ha less nitrogen. But like clover and plantain, tetraploids take “a little bit of change in the management.”

Adding all the tools up gave an aggregate saving of 260kg to 270kg but in practise they relied on and overlapped each other.

Farms operating around the 250kg to 280kg mark could probably achieve 118kg savings, he said.

“Do I think you could save 118 kilos of nitrogen and maintain your level of productivity, if you’re somewhere around that 220 to 240 mark? Probably not.

“So individual parts for individuals…some of you will be doing a good job of achieving all of these already, or a proportion of them,

and there’s probably some room for improvements in some spaces.”

Staff needed to be on board with any changes, he said.

“If the people actually executing the tasks don’t have an understanding of why, then history would suggest that implementation is somewhat limited.”

For his final piece of advice, Everest said farmers needed to make sure spreader operators don’t put too much on just because it’s the easy thing to do, to get rid of the last 300kg in the bin.

If farmers don’t “get in line with all this sort of stuff” we will get 10 years down the track and find no improvement in water quality, which was the point of the policy, he said.

“We will get a harder top-down approach, which I don’t think any of us want. So we really need to make a good focus at making it work.”

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

MANAGEMENT // 15

Annabelle McGuire is excited about starting studies at Lincoln University.

A bright future in agriculture LOUISE HANLON

RECENT ST Peter’s School Cam-

bridge graduate, Annabelle McGuire, set off to Lincoln University in midFebruary full of excitement as she embarks on a Bachelor of Agribusiness and Food Marketing qualification.

“Heading to Lincoln, and the South Island, is a new adventure,” says Annabelle. “I am so excited about going.” And she won’t be alone, as six other St Peter’s graduate students are on their way to Lincoln also.

Agriculture student numbers are burgeoning at St Peter’s and the school’s situation, right beside Owl Farm, may be playing a part.

“Ag was opened up to year nines last year,” says Annabelle, “And they have a new teacher this year and a whole new classroom – the numbers in the classes have exploded.”

Owl Farm runs a 405 cow dairy herd, alongside land set aside to run a range of diversifications aimed at providing alternative income streams and multiple learning opportunities for the students. “They have so many cool things going on,” says Annabelle.

“Grapes and bees, the dairy farm and Christmas trees, corn – you are learning a lot about a lot of different things which I think is really unique and different. There is always a doing, practical part; you could be out weeding the gardens, or planting new things, or you are trying out new things on the farm.”

As for Annabelle, you don’t have

to look far to see why she has been drawn to agriculture as a career. Her family has a longstanding connection to the agricultural industry, with both of her parents involved, in various ways, throughout their careers.

Her mother, Rebecca McGuire, teaches agriculture and agribusiness at St Peter’s, and father, David McGuire, is a rural real estate agent, but both have been dairy farming in the past and ran a calf rearing business for a period in Australia.

St Peter’s also played a large part in providing the inspiration for Annabelle’s career choice.

“In my early days at St Peter’s I was always creative so I wanted to do design work. And then I also did business, and really enjoyed that.

And then in Year 12 I thought I might make a bit of a change and go into agribusiness, and I loved it, it was so awesome. The school program is amazing, how it incorporates the farm and the horticulture they have there, and so I followed through and did that in Year 13 as well.”

The unique connection the school has with Owl Farm provides a rich learning opportunity for students.

“We did a lot of stuff on Owl Farm,” says Annabelle. “When I was doing Level 2 they had put their effluent pond in so we did a lot of looking at that and the new regulations, why they did it, how they did it. We went down to see the calves, dug up the soils and saw what soils were in different spots, and then last year Mum set up a Christmas tree business, to get all of the ag students from all levels involved.

“We also did an innovation this

year and entered it into the Fieldays Innovation Awards. It was a sort of a stick with a strap on the end to hook around cattle’s noses in the yards when you tag or drench them.

We got it made by the metal room and we practised using it on the farm.

That was a lot of fun.

“Most weeks we were out on farm doing a farm walk or looking at something. You can be talking about it in class and then decide to go down and have a look. That opportunity is so cool. You can go see it, see how it works, what it does, and even try it.”

Serendipitously, Annabelle’s choice of subjects at school dovetailed neatly into one of the degrees Lincoln University offers.

“I was in lockdown and I said to Mum that I’d better find something to do with my life, she asked what my favourite subjects were, and I said I really loved agribusiness and design, and I liked maths, so something with ag and design would be good. I went to the Lincoln website and the second degree I saw was Agribusiness and Food Marketing, the papers it covers looked perfect.”

Annabelle also has a fresh appreciation for New Zealand’s agricultural sector in the wake of Covid.

“For me lockdown was a big eyeopener. What do we actually need, what is essential work, what is essential for us to function as a country?

The dairy industry, that doesn’t stop, that just keeps going; we are still exporting and we are still providing for ourselves and a lot of other countries.” @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

16 // ANIMAL HEALTH

Treating lameness – correctly identify type of hoof disease This is the first article by Chris Balemi of Agvance, of a two-part series and covers cattle hoof make up, causes of lameness and what can be done to prevent lameness in cattle.

CATTLE ARE among

a group we refer to as cloven hoof animals. A cloven hoof consists of two claw sections, one slightly larger than the other.

The outer layer (horn of the hoof) is the hard surface that contacts the ground and is made from a hard keratin substance that is formed from the tissue directly beneath called the corium. The corium produces new cells that get pushed to the surface where they die and produce the hard layer that forms the hoof horn.

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rial grows out of the coronary band where the hoof meets the skin, is soft and holds a higher level of moisture. Under the horn of the hoof and between the horn and the corium sits a softer keratin layer called the sole, which is more supple and acts as a cushioning material in the hoof.

The white line so often referred to in relation to hoof issues is the line where the hoof wall is attached to the sole. A healthy white line should be flexible and should allow layers of the hoof to move as the animal moves around.

Lastly, the bones control the hoof; these bones are protected within the hoof through the various layers that make up the cushioning of the hoof, including the digital cushion – a thick layer of fatty tissue that sits above the corium and the sole of the hoof.

This whole area is richly supplied by blood vessels, which constantly form proteins that are key to forming the different layers of the hoof.

The various hoof diseases that afflict cattle and ultimately progress to lameness can be the most serious single issue

Laminitis is caused by a swelling of the laminar tissue which also cushions the pedal bone of the hoof.

experienced on many farms. They can take many forms and to successfully treat the problem it is important to correctly identify the type of hoof disease and treat it quickly before it progresses too far. I will briefly cover below, the different forms of hoof disease and the symptoms they present.

LAMINITIS Symptoms: This disease is caused by a swelling of the laminar tissue which also cushions the pedal bone of the hoof. As the tissue swells this interferes with the blood circulation that supplies the corium layer of the hoof, this in turn can cause tissue death, the hoof can also grow in abnormal ways. Laminitis can cause a number of other complications, such as softening of the ligaments, compression of the digital cushion, hemorrhages in the sole as well as formation of lowquality hoof horn.

Cause: It is accepted that the primary cause of laminitis is ruminal acidosis.

BOVINE DIGITAL DER-

A cloven hoof consists of two claw sections, one slightly larger than the other.

MATITIS Symptoms: Bovine Digital Dermatitis (BDD) is a recent disease, first seen in Italy in 2013 it is now prevalent in most countries and is thought to be now widespread in New Zealand. Research in 2016 found it was prevalent on up to 80% of farms in the Taranaki region, and it is thought that it may be at similar levels in other regions. They are caused by a class of bacteria called Treponema, this bacteria thrives in wet muddy conditions,

and thrives in animal manure. From there it quickly infects from hoof to hoof.

If identified and treated early it can be well controlled with antibiotics, foot baths, or topical sprays.

Cause: Research has shown that this disease can take hold in herds where immunity is low. The bacterial species involved usually start to take hold in the gut, and the endotoxins produced. Balanced mineral supplementa-

tion, particularly chelated forms of zinc when dosed in combination with sulphate forms have been shown to reduce the disease incidence and the fecal bacteria shedding that produces it.

FOOT ROT Symptoms This disease is caused by a bacterium that gets into the hoof. This anaerobic bacterium thrives in muddy wet conditions.

The rot if left untreated can lead to foul smelling pussy discharge. Normally a course of antibiotics is given. Prevention consists of preventing hoof damage that allows the disease to enter the hoof, e.g. hard material on races and exit lanes. Also supplements such as chelated zinc and biotin supplemented into the diet that have been proven to harden the hoof. Other mineral such as copper and selenium are also important in respect of raising immunity to the disease taking hold in the first place.

Cause: Sharp metal on races and exit lanes, soft hooves, low immunity.

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

EFFLUENT & WATER // 17

From the hills to the sea and between WILLIAM THOMAS

ONE OF the better parts of being on the Ashburton water zone committee is you get to meet interesting people out in the field and you are not always stuck in the committee room.

Late last month I did just that. With the reasonably new chief executive of Environment Canterbury Stefanie Rixecker, and driven by Councillor Ian Mackenzie, we visited lakes Camp and Clearwater. Both of these lakes bring me good memories of time spent as a youth water skiing, fishing and having the odd BBQ. So it was concerning for all three of us to see first-hand what is happening to the clarity of Lake Clearwater.

During our drive, I gained some understanding of what Stefanie as the CE has to juggle to make environmental and financial decisions, getting people to work as one to achieve a satisfactory outcome for all.

I got the impression Stefanie has a lot of knowledge, especially in science, and is keen to learn more about what is happening around the region. She also enjoys meeting people whose lives are most influenced by the areas we visited.

The main issue with Lake Clearwater this day was the decreased water clarity, caused by an increase in nutrients and phytoplankton.

This is probably only the first stage of deterioration, and the lake’s condition may get worse before it gets better.

This is partly the result of a disconnect between water planning and land use planning.

After visiting the lakes, we met with a farming couple to quickly run over their views on waterway fencing in the high country.

Then on down to the mouth of the Rangitata, where we meet with a local farmer and then an Arowhenua rūnanga member where we discussed minimum flows, salmon fishing and nitrate

levels.

Finally, we stopped off at a lowland stream to see a joint initiative between Environment Canterbury and the Eiffelton Irrigation scheme to run a solar powered well pump.

This keeps water in the drain at a low energy cost, maintaining a healthy fish habitat. We could see more fish in that drain than in Lake Clearwater.

While Stefanie could not promise instant solutions to our many challenges that would make everyone perfectly happy, she gained further insights from seeing these

Lake Camp, mid-Canterbury.

issues first-hand and was good, informative company.

the “Hills to sea and everything in between” trip early next month.

Stefanie is now bringing some more councillors along on

• William Thomas is the chair of Ashburton Water Zone Committee

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

18 // EFFLUENT & WATER

Farmer input refines design NEW ZEALAND

farmers are having input into the development of a revolutionary irrigation prototype as its Feildingbased software engineers

seek to refine its design.

Lindsay, which produces the Zimmatic brand of pivot irrigators, has introduced the concept of the world’s

first ‘smart pivot’ to its markets around the globe.

The game-changing irrigation prototype diagnoses its own operating faults and can

launch a drone to manage crops at leaf level. It uses machine learning and multiple sensors and cameras to operate.

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TOPPERS

farmers tuned into two recent webinars, where they were shown the smart pivot’s user interface and asked for feedback on its functionality and how it could be improved.

Technology strategy advisor for Zimmatic Stu Bradbury says farmer involvement into the development process is crucial.

“The smart pivot is the ultimate example of Lindsay’s commitment to customer-led innovation.

It is the culmination of more than a decade of listening to all the things farmers wished their pivot could do.

“The two webinars were an extension of this process and an opportunity for us to use modern day technology to connect with as many farmers as possible, and help us refine the smart pivot’s design.”

Lindsay’s New Zealand team, based in Feilding, developed the software for the prototype that builds on the existing FieldNET platform.

The smart pivot combines high resolution aerial and satellite imagery, along with cameras and sensors, to detect crop growth stages, optimise irrigation and detect disease. The system can even launch a drone to capture in detail any crop anomalies, using thermal imaging to detect the issue and offer a solution.

The system will let you know if a tyre is going flat before it happens, or if a gearbox is showing signs of wear. It can also detect ponding, blocked sprinklers or sprinklers that are not working properly.

You can even programme it to notify a dealer to send out a service technician.

“Farmers who tuned into the webinars were

keen to see how much the smart pivot could potentially do for them, saving them both the time and energy when it comes to best-managing their pivots,” says Bradbury.

“There was particular interest in the smart pivot’s ability to send automated alerts when it was not running efficiently or outside of the recommended operating parameters.

Farmers also wanted to learn more about how its technology could translate into better environmental compliance.

“We know farmers are conscious of both their business and environmental efficiency, and recognise the two are innately intertwined.

“The smart pivot can help them see how individual management decisions made throughout the season have impacted the efficiency of their operation.

“It can also help them understand their input costs, like water use, and how that relates to yield profitability.”

Bradbury says work on the smart pivot’s design is on-going and it will be some time before farmers can get their hands on this revolutionary new piece of ‘kit’.

“We are excited about the appetite there is from farmers this type of technology, but we need to make sure we get it right.

“This concept is still very much in a development phase and there is a lot more refinement and testing we need to do before we can launch it to market.

“We recognise the value farmers can add so we will continue to consult with them and keep and keep them updated on our progress.” @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

EFFLUENT & WATER // 19

Appetite for change in water usage A RECENT report on water management acknowledges that the status quo of water management is unlikely to be sustainable.

The Infrastructure Commission report has the backing of Irrigation NZ. “We are pleased the report highlights the need for a holistic and long-term strategic view of water to ensure optimal, sustainable and inclusive outcomes,” says Irrigation NZ chief executive Vanessa Winning.

“This is long overdue and something we have advocated for.”

The report is one of a series looking at the current state of key infrastructure sectors. These are based on a review of existing literature as well as interviews with experts in the sector.

It is part of commission’s work toward a 30-year strategy for infrastructure and feedback is being sought on the document.

Winning says the report signals that there is appetite for change in water management that can provide a range of social, environmental and economic benefits.

However, she adds that this cannot be done piecemeal at a regional level – the strategy must be driven from the top.

“We see positive change with the Three Waters Review and the focus on freshwater quality, and signals that we are moving toward resolution on Māori rights and interests in water.

“This is all good stuff, but, as part of this, we do also need the value of water for productive use to be part of the solution in strategic water management, rather than being identified as a problem. Irrigation -

properly installed and used - is a tool for supporting communities, aiding catchment health, enabling land-uses for high value primary production, and providing access to underdeveloped land for those previously locked out.

“Well planned and executed water storage schemes can provide a range of bene-

fits which will help us work toward a more sustainable, inclusive and productive economy.

“We agree water is an essential resource which deserves longterm planning and expertise to ensure its benefits. We look forward to seeing how Te Waihanga’s report leads to action,” says Winning.

Irrigation NZ chief executive Vanessa Winning says there is a need for a holistic and long-term strategic view of water.

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

20 // EFFLUENT & WATER

Man-made ponds a success PURPOSE-BUILT PONDS that provide

a safe haven for whitebait are being hailed as a success by Bay of Plenty Regional Council staff, following the results of a recent overnight trapping operation.

The trapping confirmed that the newly created habitat on the banks of the Whakatāne River has been very successful – whitebait were found in abundance using the ponds, as were bully, shortfin and longfin eels, juvenile mullet, and triplefins.

The ponds were excavated in autumn 2020 by

the council’s rivers and drainage team near the Ferry Road access point.

The area surrounding the small, interconnected ponds was then planted with more than 3,000 native plants and shallow areas were created around them to improve possible spawning areas.

They’re connected to the river by small channels to allow tidal fluctuations that regularly refresh the pond system, and have been designed to retain plenty of water, even at low tide. The ponds are located alongside a low-lying wet area that already has good

Bay of Plenty Regional Council contractor Courtney Williams assisting whitebait research in a small stream flowing into the Aongatete River, near Katikati.

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wading bird habitat.

Rivers and drainage operations manager Bruce Crabbe said that these grassed areas within manmade stopbanks are a common sight across Bay of Plenty farming areas.

“This work is part of our move to improve the amenity and better reflect the natural river movements and native habitats that they foster. It is great to see how well this particular spot has worked.

From almost the very start we saw small inanga species in the ponds, but there are just so many more now and a wide range of other native species as well. It is a real win,” Crabbe said.

Graduate environmental scientist Erin Bocker worked with Regional Council’s freshwater ecologist, Alistair Suren on the research. She said that the results had “exceeded expectations”.

“We deployed six fyke nets and 12 gee-minnows overnight and found a very healthy population of white bait, but common bully, shortfin and longfin eels, juvenile mullet, and triplefins were using the ponds as well.

“The ponds appear to be successfully acting as a refuge and nursery for a range of fish species and this habitat value will increase further as the plants grow and establish around the ponds.

“It’s an important example of how available fish habitat can be enhanced, while maintaining flood protection.

So we [the science team] will continue to monitor this site and others like it to guide future projects,” Bocker said.

The council is asking that people don’t net whitebait or fish in the ponds so the juveniles have a chance to develop.

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

EFFLUENT & WATER // 21

ClearTech reduces phosphate run-off NIGEL MALTHUS

RAVENSDOWN’S CLEARTECH dairy

effluent treatment system reduces phosphate leaching by an “astounding” amount, according to recent research.

Lincoln University Professor Keith Cameron, who developed the system with colleague Professor Hong Di, says it reduces leaching by more than 90%, and up to 99.5% for some forms of phosphate.

ClearTech is designed to be installed between the dairy shed and effluent pond, intercepting and treating farm dairy effluent (FDE) with a coagulant to remove the solids.

The result is clear water which can be reused for yard washdown or irrigation, and a separate stream of more concentrated residue which goes to the effluent pond to be eventually spread on pasture in the usual manner.

The system saves water, reduces the need for effluent storage and greatly reduces bacterial content in both the clear water and residue streams.

Earlier research had already shown that it changes phosphorus in the effluent into a less reactive form, and it has now been confirmed that it also reduces leaching because the coagulant binds to dissolved phosphate and only gradually releases it in the soil.

Cameron said that, of two recently-published research projects, one revealed the role of untreated FDE in producing phosphate leaching, while the second showed ClearTech’s ability to reduce it.

The first study, led by AgResearch’s Professor Richard McDowell, analysed 14 years of data from Lincoln University dairy farm lysimeters and concluded that significant P losses occur from certain soils even when FDE is applied according to regulations and following good practice guidelines.

It found phosphate losses of about 1.5kg/ha/

year on areas where effluent was spread, versus just 0.25 for similar soils on non-effluent areas.

Cameron said they hadn’t realised how significant the effect was until they had analysed the data.

Then, a lysimeter trial conducted by Honours student Chris Chisholm in 2019 found that by using ClearTech-treated effluent, total phosphorous leaching losses were reduced by just over 90% and dissolved reactive phosphate (DRP) leaching by 99.5%.

“How excited could we be with that?” said Cameron.

“It’s astounding really when you think of it, that risk can be reduced by such a large amount.”

Phosphate leaching was not an original target of the ClearTech project.

The research emphasised a benefit of ClearTech “that we had not really anticipated,” said Cameron.

LIC’s Innovation farm at Rukuhia, Waikato, has had a ClearTech installation running for about two years.

Farm manager Joel Riwhi says Cleartech’s big advantage is saving water, while being “really simple” to use.

“We’ve been saving roundabout 10,000 litres per day,” he says.

It gives him the luxury of a lot of clean washdown water without denting the farm’s bore allocation.

“We’re able to send the gates around to wash the yards more than twice to get everything off, nice and clean.”

Riwhi says they also use it to wash down the feed pad, instead the green water straight from the pond which they previously used.

The LIC Innovation Farm installation hosts one of Ravensdown’s two pilot plants, along with the Lincoln University Dairy Farm.

Cameron said LUDF saved a million litres of water in just the first seven weeks of the current season.

Carl Ahlfeld, Ravensdown’s ClearTech Product Manager, says the LIC plant gives annual fresh water savings of 4.3 million litres while reducing effluent volume by 67%.

That means about 89 fewer irrigation runs a year, with considerable flow-on savings in pumping and labour costs. @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

Joel Riwhi, farm manager at the LIC Innovation Farm, Rukuhia, with the farm’s Cleartech installation.

Farmer Brad Burling and his daughter

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

22 // EFFLUENT & WATER

Farmers want Govt action DAIRYNZ WANTS the Government to respond to an advisory group’s recommendations to improve winter grazing rules.

In December, the Southland Advisory Group recommended the Government make several changes to rules under the Government’s

National Environmental Standard for Freshwater.

These included amendments to pugging and resowing dates.

“DairyNZ supports

the group’s recommendations to the Government that aim to ensure winter grazing rules are clear and achievable for farmers, and lead to better envi-

Farmers say the changes proposed by them will ensure better outcomes for waterway health.

ronmental outcomes,” said DairyNZ chair, Jim van der Poel.

“The advisory group and the Ministry for the Environment and Ministry for Primary Industries have been working positively together to make the regulations practical and effective, and we are keen to see a decision announced on the outcome.”

Van der Poel says it was pleasing for the group to host Environment Minister David Parker and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor in Southland last year.

“It was appreciated they took the time to understand the issues on the ground,” he says.

The Southland Advisory Group is made up of two farmers and representatives from DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Environment Southland, Federated Farmers and Fish and Game. It was formed after farmers expressed their concerns about their ability to implement the regulations, wanting fair and pragmatic solutions.

“We have engaged in good faith and now we are calling on them to respond in kind with a

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fair and timely outcome for farmers, to provide certainty and enable them to start working to meet the new requirements,” says van der Poel.

Southland dairy farmer and advisory group member Paul Turner said the group had been working well together and having productive discussions on behalf of all farmers.

“It is important for farmers to have clarity around what they are doing for next season and beyond in terms of wintering practices, investment decisions and logistics on the farm.

People are holding back because they are unsure what to do from a regulatory perspective,” says Turner.

“People are feeling positive about the proposed changes. Replacing sowing date and pugging recommendations with protecting critical source areas will ensure better outcomes for waterway health.

“The ability to use your farm environment plan’s wintering module also enables farm-specific mitigations, which in turn will lead to better freshwater outcomes.”

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THE GROUP agrees farm plans are the future for managing freshwater and while these are developed and rolled out, the group recommends work commence immediately on a step that can be used in the interim – an Intensive Winter Grazing module.

This would enable farmers to identify the specific risks on their property and identify the good management practices they implement to mitigate the impacts on freshwater.

THE PUGGING and resowing date conditions should be removed. The group have also recommended a new measure which focuses on the management of critical source areas1. Pugging and resowing rules would lead to perverse outcomes, but managing critical source areas would lead to improved environmental health.

The recommendation suggests these areas are protected within intensively grazed areas through buffers.

DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

EFFLUENT & WATER // 23

Water data at all times A CLEVER trough monitoring system

from Australian supplier Farmbot, allows farmers to remotely monitor water supplies to stock, using a clever device aptly named the Wireless Trough Sensor.

Delivering data to the Farmbot Monitor, via a wired or wireless connection, farmers can view real-time consumption trends and variations via a cloud-based dashboard, with the added benefit of alerts should an issue occur at the trough, allowing prompt investigation.

System software allows farmers to receive information on average and minimum water levels and these can be analysed over time from the farm office computer or a mobile hand- held device.

“Having already developed and manufacturing monitors for water dams, water lines, diesel tanks and rain gauges, it was a natural progression to move into water troughs,” comments Farmbot’s managing director Andrew Coppin.

The Wireless Trough Sensor is offered as an add-on to the Farmbot Monitor, a device which integrates Farmbot’s range of sensors and monitoring devices installed around the farm. The cloud based

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The technology leverages satellite connectivity and can alert farmers when there is an issue with their water infrastructure that would lead to excess waste such as a leak, overflow or broken pump. Using the Wireless Trough Sensor, farmers can also quickly identify issues that may be preventing their animals from consuming water, reducing the risk of dehydration and the associated impacts to growth rates and fertility. www.farmbot.com.au

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DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

24 // EFFLUENT & WATER

Catchment projects get state funding THE GOVERNMENT

is investing more than $3 million in three new community-led catchment projects through its Jobs for Nature programme.

Enabling riparian planting, enhancing wet-

lands, revitalising estuaries, and tackling invasive plant Old Man’s Beard infestations feature strongly in these new projects.

The Government is investing $1.5 million

into the Rangitikei Rivers Catchment Collective Environmental Restoration Project with the support of the Rangitikei Environment Group.

Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says

the project will tackle Old Man’s Beard infestation in the Rangitikei River catchment and help support important riparian areas.

“Old Man’s Beard is one of the biggest threats to our biodiversity by

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THE BENEFITS OF 100% NATURAL GYPSUM

Gypsum application is a standard practice worldwide for addressing the build up of sodium in soils, including soils receiving waste waters.

Gypsum is one of those rare materials that performs in all categories of soil treatment: an amendment, conditioner and fertiliser.

It is useful in the transition period in dairy cows 2 – 4 weeks pre & post calving, and can be used as an anionic salt to counteract the effects that high potassium & sodium concentrations have on increasing hypocalcemia.

Gypsum, a readily available form of calcium, is 100 times more soluble than lime and is more suitable for the digestive system during this period.

Gypsum in fertilising Soil tests throughout New Zealand shows sulphur deficiency is wide spread. Although often overlooked, sulphur is needed in at least equal quantities to phosphorus. Many responses in crops are sulphur due to the sulphate radical (SO4--).

• Readily dissociates into free calcium ions (Ca++) and sulphate ions (SO4--), major elements in plant nutrition • Has an approximately neutral pH and can be used in heavy applications without causing undue alkalinity in soils

Gypsum in water savings

• Promotes water infiltration, retention and conservation • Allows water to penetrate the soil without forming puddles or water logging • Conserves water by stretching intervals between irrigations • Tests show that farmland treated with gypsum requires up to 33% less water than soils without recent gypsum application

smothering native plants, and action is needed.”

The project will create eight new full-time jobs per year over the 2.5-year life of the project.

In the Bay of Plenty, $1.45 million is being poured into a 3-year project with Wai Kokopu Incorporated, which has its sights on revitalising the health of the Waihi Estuary.

“A key part of this project is to connect and harness the collective action and passion of the local communities, agencies, industries and landowners.

“It will also create four jobs over its life,” says O’Connor.

“This project will conduct scientific monitoring of the catchment to drive targeted land management practices and strategies to reduce environment impacts.”

The Government is

also investing $83,970 in a three-year project with Otago South River Care Incorporated.

This South Otago project will enhance local water quality and biodiversity in the Tokomairiro catchment by enabling the community to plant native plants in two wetlands and two riparian areas covering 2.6 hectares close to Toko Mouth.

It will also create three new jobs.

“Boosting sustainability and jobs is a key theme in delivering Fit for a Better World – Accelerating our Economic Potential, our roadmap for the food and fibres sector,” says O’Connor.

“These important projects will help to drive community-led action to protect and enhance water quality and our environment to leave a lasting legacy for our communities.”

How Does Gypsum Work?

Gypsum is hydrated calcium sulphate. Calcium from gypsum replaces sodium in the soil. The sulphate allows the sodium to be effectively leached out of the soil. The soil then has more ability to flocculate and form stable aggregates to improve drainage and soil quality.

Na+ Na+ Ca++ leached Soil Cation Soil Cation CaSO4 + ➔ + Na2SO4 Exchange Exchange

Gypsum in soil conditioning

• Breaks up soils compacted by sodium and clay, and compounded by farm animals and machinery • Reduces cracking and compaction following irrigation and retards soil crusting • Allows soil to dry more quickly after rain or irrigation so that it may be worked sooner • Decreases energy requirements for tillage • Binds organic matter to soil and checks soil erosion • Enhances friendly bacterial action and discourages plant diseases related to poor soil aeration • Conditioned soil allows for deeper, healthier root development and water penetration

Gypsum in amendment

• Displaces sodium binding clay soils • Reduces high soil aluminium levels • Suppresses the soil acidification effects of growing crops and the prolonged use of acidifying fertilisers

For more about Natural Gypsum and soil stabilisation visit gypsum.co.nz

Wetlands near Toko Mouth where enhanced planting will take place.

DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 25

Polaris Ranger going electric POLARIS INC has unveiled plans to debut

an all-new 2022 electric Ranger utility side-byside in late 2021.

This full-size Ranger is the first electric vehicle Polaris has developed through its technical partnership with Zero Motorcycles, a leader in electric power and battery technology, with the programme on target to launch the first new model in early 2022.

As part of the Polaris ‘rEV’d up strategy’, the all-new, full-size electric Ranger spearheads the company’s long-term powersports electrification plans.

Design and development efforts for the electric Ranger are underway in Wyoming, Minnesota with manufacturing to take place at Polaris’ facility in Huntsville, Alabama.

Founded in 1954, Polaris’ product line-up includes side-by-side off-road vehicles, Indian Motorcycles, and snowmobiles, selling in more than 100 countries with worldwide sales of US$7 billion in 2020. Polaris New Zealand is a wholly owned subsidiary of Polaris Inc. and operates two divisions, Polaris off-road vehicles and Indian Motorcycles, with a network of over 33 dealers across New Zealand. – Mark Daniel

The first electric model is planned for launch next year.

THERE’S NO STOPPING IT! KUHN’S NEW Durakarb power harrow

blade, with tungsten carbide plates, offers an extended service life, especially in stony areas.

The tungsten carbide plates are made from several chemical components including tungsten and carbon are compressed and heated to create a hard and highly wear resistant material.

Durakarb features four plates with a height of 136mm and a rounded frontal profile that allows earth flow to be split in such a way as to limit wear of the tine sides. The specific “V” shape of the plate brazed in the tine allows a large area of

contact between the tine and the plate, greatly reducing the risk of breakage or loss of the plate in the event of a heavy impact.

The profile does not add any material thickness, meaning the tines retain a low power requirement.

The Kuhn Durakarb option is available on the HR 103 / 104, 1003 / 1004 FAST-FIT 2 generation series, as well as on the new HR 1020 / 1030 and 1040 series, for mounting in place of standard, or blades with Durakuhn carbide coating. www.kuhn.co.nz

POWER CUTS – CAN YOU AFFORD THE RISK?

INDUSTRIAL GENERATOR

• Direct PTO driven (no gear boxes or belts) • Heavy duty construction (including drive shaft) • Dials facing cab (one person operator)

Ask about our range of

SILENT DIESEL GENERATORS

Sized for: • Cow sheds • Pump sheds • House standby

• Designed and assembled locally for rugged conditions!

• Three sizes to suit all sheds: 37.5KVA, 62.5KVA and 93.75KVA

TRAILER OPTIONS AVAILABLE

• Silent diesel available by pre-order only

0800 10 7006 www.corkillsystems.co.nz

DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

26 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Stable recipe, safety brings D-Max up to date MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

WHILE THE New Year

break is touted as a time to “recharge the batteries” the reality at a rural property is it’s a time to catch up on the to-do list, but with the grey Fergie having a flat tyre, it was also time for a re-think.

Being a good bastard (I think that’s what the wife called me!) and knowing that the good buggers at Isuzu NZ were sending me the latest D-Max to review, it was time to tackle the list.

Our steed for the week was the range-topping D-Max X-Terrain, which arrived in a dark grey cloak with sharp lines, looking like something the baddies would be driving in the latest James Bond movie.

Replacing the outgoing D-Max that had served NZ for around eight years, the latest version is a new vehicle from the ground up. Isuzu hasn’t set out to replace items that aren’t broken, but has added features and refinements

The D-Max has been updated including getting a 9-inch touchscreen (inset).

that bring it bang up to date, achieving a 5-star ANCAP safety rating along the way.

The chassis has been beefed up, incorporating higher grade steel, making it both lighter and more rigid than the old model. Overall, the D-Max is 30mm shorter overall,

but 30mm longer in the wheelbase.

The new 3.0 litre turbodiesel gets 10kW more power, now 140kW, and 20 Nm more torque, now 450Nm, with an instant impression of more low down grunt that comes into its own in off-road situations. The power-

COMPRIMA PLUS BALER SERIES Invest in longevity and quality.

Invest in the best.

plant does what it says on the tin and while its numbers might seem a little low compared to the competition, it has plenty of grunt for all conditions.

A six-speed auto transmission mates with a 4WD set-up that is now more refined, alongside a selectable diff-lock and a

hillside descent control function.

A trip into the lower paddocks to deal with an old tree didn’t present any problems.

And, if it did get wet, the

The Comprima Plus balers utilise stronger components to combat extreme conditions and are compact, high-capacity and all-round machines for all crops.

• • • • •

Semi-variable or fully variable bale chamber Low maintenance Novogrip belt and slat elevator XCut Cutting System Massive cut/feed rotor made from Hardox steel.

D-Max’s wading depth of 800mm would have made things a breeze.

The top-end variant – in reality, a street

fighter in the same vein as the Ranger Wildtrak – is the apex of a range that encompasses 15 models, from the entry-level LX base through LS and LS-M variants, most of which feature HD chassis and suspension componentry giving 3.5 tonne towing capacity and 970kg payload.

Out on the Waikato’s rural roads, that 5-star ANCAP safety rating becomes apparent by way of functions such as active cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assistance and new centre console air bags. Easily adjustable to suit all sizes, comfortable, well appointed seats carry some good quality cow hides and offer plenty of room for front and rear seat occupants, while the overall fit and finish in the cabin appears to gone up a couple of notches and sits up there with the best.

Are you hitting your target market?

Contact your local sales representative for more information Auckland

Stephen Pollard ....... Ph 021-963 166

Waikato

Ted Darley ................ Ph 021-832 505

Wellington

Ron Mackay ............ Ph 021-453 914

Christchurch Kaye Sutherland .... Ph 021-221 1994 ■ BREAKING NEWS ■ MACHINERY REVIEWS Pictured: Comprima CF 155 XC Plus and Comprima CV 150 XC Plus

For more information call us on 06 370 0390 www.tulloch.nz Dealers located nationwide

■ MANAGEMENT STORIES

www.dairynews.co.nz ■ AND MUCH MORE...

DAIRY NEWS MARCH 16, 2021

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 27

Disco with the moves MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

THE LATEST Claas

Disco 10 mowers, incorporating the Max Cut cutter-bar, are available in six working widths from 2.2 to 3.3 metres Construction sees a wave-shaped mower bed, press-formed from a single piece of material, allowing the cutting disc to be positioned further forward on the cutterbar, ensuring the largest possible overlap between each disc for optimal cutting quality under all conditions.

Specially shaped skids and the large channel between them creates a dirt-repelling tunnel effect for clean harvesting, while the bolted design and permanent lubrication of all

drive components is said to simplify maintenance and guarantee dimensional stability and durability.

The new models incorporate centre-of-gravity hitching, offering a uniform contact pressure over the entire working width, with the suspension spring forces running through the centre of gravity of the mower unit. For adaptability, the cutter-bars can be operated at angles of up to 45 degrees upwards and 20 degrees downwards.

Claas Disco Move 3600 and 3200 mowers, with operating widths of 3.4m and 3.0m respectively, feature a headstock allowing up to 600mm of travel upwards and 400mm downwards, independently from the tractor front linkage.

This is complemented by up to 30 degrees of lateral travel, improving the unit’s ability to follow contours or swing rearwards to avoid obstacles.

The headstock also includes Active Float integrated hydraulic suspension, eliminating the need for suspension spring coupling points on the tractor, with suspension pressure adjusted during

operation using a singleacting hydraulic service.

The headstock, coupled directly to the tractor front linkage or using an A-frame, remains fixed during operation, with the mower raised and lowered via integrated hydraulics. A handy adjustment guide allows the front link arms to be set at the correct height from the tractor cab.

Claas Disco 10 mower.

NEXT LEVEL PERFORMANCE.

New trailer lighting DESIGNED FOR boat trailers, but probably very

www.narva.co.nz

Surprisingly, the new Giltrap WideTrac fertiliser spreader with unrivalled high specs, outstanding performance and built-in durability comes without a high price tag.

The WideTrac comes standard with a 780mm wide belt so it can handle anything you throw at it and delivers it in the most precise way - eliminating wastage, and saving you time and money.

Its simple to use digital interface lets you quickly and easily set density, spread rate and width at the touch

of a button. And being hydraulically driven means it can all be controlled from the comfort of your cab.

Engineered tough and built tough, the Giltrap WideTrac’s internally reinforced 4, 6 and 8 tonne plastic-moulded bins sit on a hot-dipped galvanised steel frame for years of trouble-free ownership.

So what would you expect to pay for all this?

Be pleasantly surprised. Visit your local dealer or go to giltrapag.co.nz

TRACTA_GIL63642_NZ_WT_DN

useful for anyone using a trailer in conditions exposed to the elements, the new Narva Model 37 submersible LED lighting kit might be a sensible choice.

All hardware is made from 316 stainless steel, which makes the kit suitable for wet environments.

The lamps are protected from water ingress by a two-stage sealing system that incorporates ultrasonic welding and a two-part epoxy glue, making them truly sealed.

The new Model 37 is designed to comply with the stringent IP68 standard, with each lamp fitted with a waterproof connector that joins effortlessly to the main harness, which also meets the IP68 standard.

Said to be a complete ‘plug and play’ solution for making installation easier and quicker, the kit consists of a plug and play harness, so no real electrical skill is needed and no splicing or joining of wires is required, making connections a tool-free operation.

Each kit contains all the necessary components to comply with fitting to the ADR 13/00 for lighting installations. This includes two 12/24V slimline rear combination indicator/stop/tail/license plate lamps, two amber LED side marker lamps, main harnesses and a 7-pin flat plug. The waterproof connection system utilises over-moulded connectors to quickly join the lamps and trailer plug to the main wiring harness. Should any damage occur when launching or retrieving the boat any of the components are easily replaced, thanks to the plug and play system.

A fully automated system for treating farm dairy effluent (FDE).

Award-winning ClearTech produces clarified water for yard wash-down and reduces environmental risks from land application of effluent.

Able to be retrofitted between your dairy shed and effluent pond, ClearTech is the future of FDE systems.

Enabling smarter farming for a better New Zealand®

To find out more call the Customer Centre or visit ravensdown.co.nz/cleartech.

0800 100 123 ravensdown.co.nz

RAV-16MAR-DN

Effluent treatment.

The solution is clear.