Dairy News 27 May 2014 by Rural News Group

Slide in dairy prices coming to an end? PAGE 3 JACK OF ALL TRADES Master at dairying PAGES 56-57

REELING IN THE CROWD Fieldays preview PAGES 35-52 MAY 27, 2014 ISSUE 313 // www.dairynews.co.nz

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Slide in dairy prices coming to an end? PAGE 3 JACK OF ALL TRADES Master at dairying PAGES 56-57

REELING IN THE CROWD Fieldays preview PAGES 35-52 MAY 27, 2014 ISSUE 313

// www.dairynews.co.nz

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

NEWS // 3

Price slide ‘close to levelling’ ANDREW SWALLOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz

DAIRY PRICES are sliding but prices will level

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out and remain higher than were the norm historically. Whether the easing of dairy prices impact this season’s forecast payout of $8.65/kgMS remains to be seen, however, farmers are told to plan around a lower payout next season. This is from Rabobank’s analyst Hayley Moynihan, who believes the slide in dairy prices is coming to an end, though she doesn’t go so far as to say prices will rise further down the track. Lower demand growth and improved supply prompted the fall in markets which are now “at levels likely to be close to levelling out,” she told Dairy News. While Rabobank doesn’t make $/kgMS forecasts, Moynihan says the rapid fall in prices may well impact the milk price for the current season. As for next season, key drivers will be the higher NZ dollar, which Rabobank expects to persist for most of the 2014-15 season, weaker demand growth from some main markets as recent high commodity prices filter through to the consumer, and increased global supply in response to higher farmgate milk prices, generally improved weather and lower feed costs. Management plans for the coming season

should allow for a lower milk price and interest rate changes, she says. “Farmers should have a good understanding of how different interest rate scenarios will impact their budgets, ie a robust sensitivity analysis and look at options for mitigating any scenarios/risks they consider unacceptable.” Those mitigants may include reducing debt from cash surpluses, locking in fixed rates or considering options for restructuring their business, she suggests. Locking in other production costs wherever possible to ensure sustainable profitability in a lower milk price environment is also advisable. Longer term, Moynihan says dairy commodity prices are expected to remain at higher levels than were the norm historically, but below the highs of the last 12 months. “The middle of this average range is likely to equate to about US$3900/t for whole milk powder, but with significant volatility around this midpoint as market conditions change, ie weather, prices, EU quotas expiring, etc.” Con Williams, ANZ, says individual farm circumstances will dictate whether tweaks to management are needed given a $6.50-7.00/kgMS forecast. “A proportion [of farmers] with high debts will need to make some smart choices with this year’s

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Another drop on GDT

NEWS ��3-25

LAST WEEK’S GlobalDairyTrade auction was down another 1.8% overall, exactly the same drop as a fortnight previously after a run of bigger falls had wiped nearly 20% off the value in US dollar terms since February. Skim milk powder was the biggest loser, down 3.5% to average US$3733/t, reflecting a strong start to the European season. Whole milk powder eased 1.1% to average US$3877/t but within that the near positions were

OPINION ��26-27 AGRIBUSINESS ��28-34 FIELDAYS �� 35-52 MANAGEMENT �� 54-58 ANIMAL HEALTH �� 59-64 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS �� 65-70

Hayley Moynihan

payout and cash surpluses. Others with strong balance sheets are looking to grow: we can see that coming through in the rural property market already.” (See p33). Others are investing on the environmental side to meet, or prepare for, regulation on such issues. Interest rates will likely rise 75 to 100 basis points (ie 0.75 to 1%) in the coming year which, while not being a massive rise, will need to be taken into account in budgets, he says. At the average debt loading of $21/kgMS produced, an extra per cent on interest rates means 16-21c/kgMS more needs to be allocated to debt servicing. “Talk to your bank. If you have higher debt or are worried about rate rises you may want to look at paying back some debt or hedging your interest rate position.”

Butter was back 3.8% at US$3667/t, butter milk powder (BMP) down 1.9% at US$3950/t and cheddar off 2.1% at US$4108/t. No lactose or milk protein concentrate (MPC70) was sold.

marked down more, while the furthest forward contract, November, gained 2.6% to average US$3997/t. Anhydrous milk fat was similarly marked up most in the forward positions and overall managed a rise of 1.9% to average US$4255/t. Of the other commodities offered on the platform, rennet casein was the only other riser, up 4.6% to average US$11,861/t.

Skim milk powder prices eased 3.5%.

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

4 // NEWS

Confusion for smaller brands PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

SOME SMALLER infant formula

brand managers are experiencing “chaos and confusion” over how to prove they have the necessary association with a manufacturer as required for them to export to China, says Infant Nutrition Council chief executive Jan Carey. They are not clear how to meet the standard of a “close relationship” with a manufacturer nor when that clarity will be given, Carey told Dairy News. Also unclear is how long manufacturers whose facilities have been approved for infant formula export to China will be allowed to export their own brands as of right. This was deemed by the Chinese authorities to be only a temporary situation. Carey says it is not clear how long that temporary registration will last. “This is happening all around the

world and I think the good news is the New Zealand infant formula industry has done extremely well,” says Carey. “Ninety-five percent of the volume of infant formula exported from New Zealand has been registered and the New Zealand Government is confident those manufacturers that haven’t yet been registered will be registered. “They passed the audit, they’ve ticked all the boxes, they’ve met all the criteria and it’s just sort-of an administrative process now for the manufacturers. We’ve done very well in New Zealand from that point of view.” But there’s still confusion for many small brand owners – a number are members of the Infant Formula Council. “We don’t know what’s going to happen. We still don’t know what the Chinese Government means by wanting a close relationship. It is not clear and it hasn’t been defined yet what it means. “So it is still up in the air for those companies. What we do know is

there are 3000 brands currently being imported to China from all over the world. Over 70 of those brands are New Zealand so we are a big player in that market. “China does want to reduce the number of brands so that is concerning for those who aren’t able to establish a close relationship, whatever that means.” Meanwhile those manufacturers who have been registered by the China Certification and Accreditation Administration (CNCA) have also had their brands registered. But this is ‘temporary’. The council does not know what that means or what the timeframe is. “There’s a lot of confusion, different auditors have different views – it was a pretty tough audit. But we think New Zealand as a whole has done pretty well.” The council is working on keeping members informed. It is not dealing

Small infant formula traders in China are facing a government crackdown.

directly with China but in New Zealand through the Ministry for Primary Industries which is the competency organisation for CNCA. “They have people on the ground in Beijing and are working hard with individual companies to help them meet their needs and get registered.” The council works for the industry as a whole. “We cannot support individual companies to get registered because that would be against our competition code; we can’t be seen to be supporting one company or another or move into commercial confidence areas. “But we are in touch with the New Zealand Government, with our members, with people who know what’s going on. So we can keep members

informed of the latest development.” Overall she believes the dairy industry in New Zealand has been given a good report card by the Chinese Government. “The fact that over 90% of all New Zealand formula exports by volume have been registered confirms New Zealand manufacturers are meeting the high tests the Chinese Government has set. “However the downside is the Chinese have made it clear they want to reduce the number of brands and for the brand-owner companies not manufacturing their product as well it is confusing. Some of those companies will struggle to meet the new rules.” @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

NEWS // 5

Banks pick Fonterra forecast fall Fonterra had a board meeting scheduled for Monday-Tuesday this week, with an update to its current season forecast and a first figure for next season to follow. Dairy News asked market analysts for their call on the figures. Andrew Swallow reports. WILL NEXT season’s

opening forecast from Fonterra, expected this week, start with a six or a seven? Bank rural econo-

mists are divided on that but they agree a cut to the current season’s forecast is highly likely following recent falls on international markets and the

Westland cuts 40c EARLIER THIS month Westland cut its forecast operating surplus range from $8-8.30/kgMS to $7.60$7.90/kgMS. “Whole milk powder prices have fallen 20%, skim milk powder by 18% and anhydrous milk fat 26% -- a serious decline in a short time,” chief executive Rod Quin said. “At the same time the New Zealand dollar has strengthened by three cents as a result of the increase in the official cash rate. This combination of lower prices and the higher dollar have impacted the forecast for this season.” Quin’s comments were made prior to last week’s GDT result. The revised payout will not alter the co-operative’s commitment to a $102 million nutritional products dryer at its Hokitika plant. “The volatility of dairy prices internationally is the very reason we are shifting our strategic focus to higher value nutritional products. This end of the market offers more stable pricing and higher profits. “Westland currently converts 10% of milk production into nutritional products and the company plans to increase this to 25% by 2017, along with a range of other new product market initiatives, in order to insulate our shareholders from the volatility of the milk commodity market and keep pay-outs at higher levels,” Quin says.

New Zealand dollar’s continued strength. ANZ economist Con Williams expects to see Fonterra shave 20-30c/ kgMS off this season’s forecast this week, and open with a “conservative” figure for next season in the $6.50-$7/ kgMS range, though he says it should finish better than that. “We still think that price will strengthen as China’s import demand picks up again… our forecast [for next season] is for a milk price in the lowto-mid $7/kgMS range. At the moment we’re towards the bottom end of that range due to currency and recent adjustments in price.” The main risk is the scale of the supply resurgence in Europe and the

Con Williams

US. In Europe, farmgate prices have already eased following recent world market shifts which should temper the response, while in the US price rises have been slow to reach the farmgate and US producers have taken a cautious approach to increasing herd sizes. “My forward indicators are for a 1-2% increase in US production which is in line with long-run milk supply growth over there.”

Williams’ view contrasts with BNZ’s Doug Steel in that Steel predicts global dairy prices will continue to ease. “We’re thinking maybe $7/kgMS,” he told Dairy News when asked where he thought Fonterra would pitch its opening forecast for the 2014-15 season. “But it could ultimately end up lower, in the mid $6 range if the dairy price continues to fall and the kiwi stays stubbornly high.” While in theory the near 25% fall in dairy markets since early February should see exchange rates go the same way, given that dairy accounts for nearly a third of export earnings, there’s a risk that even as the lower volumes and prices of recent dairy deals filter through to official trade figures, other areas of the economy such as the building sector, and higher interest rates, will

keep the currency high, he explains. Also, BNZ’s view is that the surge in supply from the EU and US will more than offset demand growth. Removal of EU production quotas in January 2015 is “another factor why we’re anticipating lower prices,” he adds. “You see the headlines about milk powder plants being built all around the world. Well you don’t build if there isn’t some milk supply ahead. This might be partly why we’re seeing prices come down.” A factor which could shift the supply and demand balance is an El Nino season, which is now widely forecast. “That’s something we’re watching closely – how severe it’s going to be and whether it will push into the [Southern Hemisphere] summer.” ASB’s Nathan Penny reckons Fonterra will

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shave about 15c/kg off the previous $8.65/kgMS forecast for this season, and open with a $7/kgMS forecast for next season. “That’s our pick of where it should sit. Fonterra does occasionally err on the conservative side though, particularly at the start of the season,” he notes. That $7/kgMS prediction is based on ASB’s view that the New Zealand dollar will remain strong and the recent slide in dairy prices is over, and if anything they will recover some ground. “We expect the next couple of auctions to be firm at these levels and start to recover from there…. There is production growth in the US and EU but we’ve factored that in and we still see prices staying at a reasonable level. There’s enough room for everybody given the level of demand growth,” Penny says.

DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

6 // NEWS

Social media helped save reputation PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

SOCIAL MEDIA was the

saving grace for Fonterra and ultimately New Zealand’s food reputation in the aftermath of the whey protein false alarm scare, says a high profile Zespri executive. New Zealanders may be sceptical about what they read in news media, but in China they are even less likely to rely on what they read in the press, says Simon Limmer, who is responsible for Zespri’s China business. “They rely on social media far more importantly,” says Limmer. For the first few days after the Fonterra food safety story broke the press was saying this was a real issue. “But after about a week social media was turning

it around and saying ‘isn’t it fantastic that companies out of New Zealand have, first of all, put their hands up and transparently talked about what the problem has been and then are able to trace the product through the process’. “So ultimately the Chinese social media was quickly endorsing Fonterra as a reputable company and New Zealand as a good place to be sourcing product.” Like many products Zespri, kiwifruit and New Zealand go hand-inhand in reputation, says Limmer. “New Zealand is a really trusted supplier. We’ve got this clean green image but we’ve also got to be very responsible and transparent in the way we do things. “[Zespri] has had its own issues in China as

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consulting with the dairy industry as it works on a roadmap for the future. Kiwifruit industry strategy project independent chairman Neil Richardson says they’ve looked at a range of industries but a number of people from the dairy Simon Limmer

well, but the New Zealand component of this is important to us; we all live and die by the same reputation based on New Zealand primary produce.” Zespri’s own court issues in China did not filter down to the Chinese consumer, who were confident in the product delivered. Food safety, quality and taste consistency were key consumer concerns. Meanwhile the kiwifruit industry has been

industry helped with advice. The Shareholders Council is of particular interest and how it operates to keep the lines open between Fonterra and the dairy farmer. “We have looked at that carefully and had

numerous conversations,” he says. A subgroup of the strategy project has also “been talking to the dairy industry at length about what we can learn from their model”. “Many of the answers have already been created in principle so we’ve got to

look and see what applies to the kiwifruit industry.” He thanked the dairy industry “for being open and helpful”. The project will report back to growers in August. @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

Plastic junk crackdown COMPULSORY MEMBERSHIP of agrichemical

companies in a recycling and recovery scheme is proposed in a discussion paper from the Ministry for the Environment. The idea is being welcomed by the chairman of the rural recycling scheme Agrecovery, Graeme Peters, who favours recovering and recycling of waste agrichemicals and plastic containers and film wrap. Peters says, “This process, when completed, will hopefully

make it compulsory for companies which make and sell registered agrichemicals to be part of a product stewardship scheme.” This would be supported by Agrecovery and the 60 companies which have supported it over the last seven years of operation, during which Agrecovery has recycled 650 tonnes of plastic and helped dispose of 30 tonnes of unwanted or expired agrichemicals. Compulsion will remove freeriders – those manufacturers who refuse to take responsibility for

their waste and let others solve the problem. “If done right, compulsion will level the playing field which currently favours companies which do not contribute a recycling levy of 12c/L, and who thumb their noses at product stewardship,” says Peters. Manufacturers who belong to the scheme pay a levy on products to cover the cost of disposing of them in an environmentally friendly way. They make less profit to cover the levy than competitors who don’t participate in a scheme.

DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

NEWS // 7

China expert talks up NZ’s export prospects NEW ZEALAND’S dairy

industry is well positioned to cash in on China’s ‘white gold rush’, says Shanghai analyst Sandy Chen. Speaking recently at regional meetings, Chen, Rabobank’s senior dairy analyst, told dairy farmers about the increasingly wealthy Chinese consumers driving the growth in demand for their products. He says imbalance in the development of supply chains in China has led to the milk contamination scandals – deliberate or accidental – of recent years, contributing to the rising wave of imports into China. “The reliance on imported feed components and other challenges such as availability of land, water, biosecurity considerations and environmen-

tal protection factors will make it difficult for China to increase self-sufficiency levels quickly. With ongoing investment in their dairy industry capacity, local supply will rise over time, but this will come at a cost.” Further, product safety is a growing concern for Chinese consumers, affecting brand values. Chen joined Rabobank in early 2013 in Rabobank’s food and agribusiness research and advisory division, researching trends and developments in the Chinese dairy market. China already dominates the global trade market in dairy commodities so greatly that small changes in China’s demand and supply balance have a large impact on the global market and therefore commodity prices,

Sandy Chen

he says. “As a result of how important China is in the global market place, New Zealand dairy farmers should endeavour to keep up to date with Chinese market trends. “High milk production costs in China, for example, will result in imported product remaining attractive and this will continue to play an important role in fulfilling Chinese demand.” Regulatory changes in China will also keep affect-

ing the supply chain, and all participants will need to keep informed and adapt quickly. “Chinese dairy consumers are already sophisticated and place high expectations on milk producers for quality, food safety and sustainability characteristics, so providing a high level of evidence in these areas will become more and more crucial. “This is where New Zealand has an opportunity to take advantage of its image as a reliable producer of quality, traceable dairy products destined for the international market. The fundamentals are there, now it’s time for the New Zealand industry to secure that market share by finding its ‘edge’ on other competitors looking to the Chinese dairy

industry opportunities.” Chen presented these views last week in New Plymouth, Wanganui, Palmerston North, Masterton, Invercargill and Christchurch. Rabobank regional manager East Coast George Murdoch says Chen gave local farmers valuable insights. “China has been an integral part of the global dairy market for some time. Hearing Sandy present this week has reinforced the growth that will materialise in due course,” Murdoch says. “Giving our clients a chance to hear Sandy and his current on-the-ground perspectives of the Chinese dairy industry helps local dairy producers gain insights into an important market.”

Don’t dam Bay’s future THE DRAFT report from the Tukituki board of inquiry is a poor outcome for the entire Hawke’s Bay community, not just farmers, says Will Foley, Federated Farmers Hawke’s Bay provincial president. He says the recent inquiry draft report won’t be a good outcome for Hawke’s Bay if it ends up blocking the single largest environmental and economic opportunity the region has. “This dam matters to Hawke’s Bay. We can be much more than one huge retirement village. The board’s draft decision says it doesn’t wish to burden good farmers [and that it balances] economic development with protection of the environment. It may sound good in theory but that’s not the practical outcome of its draft decision. “The draft decision means existing sheep and beef farmers and horticulturalists will need a consent as our current farming methods will be deemed to be against the law under this draft decision – whether the dam proceeds or not.” Foley says the region now appears to have a proposal which, frankly, overcooks the emphasis on nitrogen so much that the pan has boiled dry. “That pan is farming and the Hawke’s Bay community.”

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

8 // NEWS

Farmers not so bad after all ANDREW SWALLOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz

FOR ONCE it seems

being a dairy farmer isn’t necessarily the worst place to be when it comes to meeting impending environmental regulations, at least in Canterbury. At a meeting in Ashburton last week it was revealed it took a Ravensdown environmental consultant practiced in using Overseer 22 hours to complete a one-year model for a typical cropping farm. “At a consultant chargeout rate that could be anything between $4000 and $6000,” pointed out Ravensdown’s Ants Roberts. And the 22 hours didn’t include travelling time to and from the farm, he added. Canterbury’s Land and Water Regional Plan requires four years’ models to be run if there are

changes year to year. In practice it seems almost every farm will have to model every year as changes in stock numbers, fertiliser use, crop area or type could all trigger different results. While subsequent years’ models should be quicker to do having completed one, for cropping farmers the complexity of such operations means the time and cost just to find out the farm’s ‘aseline’ nitrogen loss is going to be considerable. If the nitrogen loss figure averages over 20kg/ ha – the figure for the cropping farm modelled was 36kgN/ha/year – Ecan’s LWRP dictates a farm environment plan (FEP) must be done and filed as part of a consent application to continue farming. Ecan’s standard consent application charge is almost $1500. Roberts presented a

‘what-if’ scenario for the cropping farm converting to dairy, resulting in a nitrogen loss of 41kgN/ha. The LWRP allows for a 5kg/ ha increase over the baseline figure, subject to consent being granted. “So you could convert to a dairy system which should be economic, provided you can bear the cost of conversion.” However, a number of delegates later told Dairy News the proposed self-

contained 875-cow operation modelled by Roberts would not be economic, given the farm was 436ha. The 41kgN/ha loss figure calculated was also just a little too convenient, the way it matched what’s permitted, they suggested. At the meeting, organised by Federated Farmers and local farm supplies firm ATS, Ecan commissioner David Caygill repeatedly defended the regulations, pointing out

PLAN GOING TO COURT ENVIRONMENT CANTERBURY commissioner David Caygill told the meeting that the decisions version of Canterbury’s Land and Water Regional Plan, which was notified on Jan 18 this year and is now subject to nine appeals, is likely to go to the Environment Court. “I think two or three of the appeals will go to court,” he told the Ashburton meeting. However, as the plan has been notified it is legally in effect and farmers must comply with its rules, even though those may change as a result of the appeals, he pointed out.

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Ecan had to come up with a plan to give effect to the Government’s National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management. “We will not be trying to put anybody out of business.” In parts of the region where it’s deemed nutrients are already over-allocated (red zones) the deadline for lodging a consent application is January 1, 2017. In orange zones – areas considered close to over-allocation – the deadline is just 19 months away, January 1, 2016. All but a handful of the region’s crop and dairy farms are in red or orange zones. Challenged on whether Environment Canterbury could cope with the hundreds, if not thousands, of consent applications the plan would trigger, Caygill told the audience to leave worrying about that to Environment Canterbury. The farmers’ job was to

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meet the regulations. “The rule is you don’t let your leaching get worse.” ECan environmental officer Leo Fietje expanded on that, saying the plan dictates farmers should “maximise nutrient use efficiency while minimising losses to water”. Questioned about if and when ECan would require farmers to reduce their losses from the baseline figure in their consent application, Fietje said that would be dictated by the ten zone catchment committees set up across the region. The consent would be for land use based on the FEP submitted and the nutrient loss baseline the FEP was designed to meet. While Fietje told the meeting “how you farm is your business”, concerns were raised that the consent could lock farms into

a particular way of farming, reducing the ability of the industry to respond to market forces. Other concerns included the accuracy of Overseer, the current knowledge Ecan has of water quality in the region, what happens where land has been leased and records for the baseline years 2009-2013 are unavailable, and whether a farmer’s attempt at modelling losses for their farm would be acceptable in a consent application. “There’s nothing to say [the loss calculation] has to be paid for but it does have to be right,” said Fietje, in response to that last point. The Feds/ATS meeting was just one of dozens in the region this month, many organised by DairyNZ. Fietje said he expected Ecan had already “reached the majority of the dairy farmers”.

DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

NEWS // 9

New business strategy for womens network PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

BUSINESS AND people will be

two key areas in a new, streamlined Dairy Womens Network strategy. DWN chief executive Zelda de Villiers says the organisation has grown rapidly and risks being pulled in different directions, losing sight of its strategic focus areas. “Our new business strategy sets a clear direction for the DWN over the next three years, more closely reflects what our members have told us they want and is more aligned with the dairy industry strategy launched last year,” says de Villiers. Now everything DWN does for its members is about two things: people and their dairy farming businesses – from members and employees, to working with sponsors and partners in the dairy and wider agriculture industries. De Villiers says developing and

recognising talent and valuing be free for network members. “We find we often do our trainpeople in the work environment are priority areas. “We know dairy ing in four hours, from 10am to farming women often take the lead 2pm. It allows women to do the in human resources, managing the milking in the morning and pick physical and emotional wellbeing the children up or do the milking in the afternoon,” de of their staff and family, Villiers told Dairy News. and managing the finan“Some women find it cial and increasing comhard because they have pliance aspects of the other chores, so this farming business.” gives some flexibility to Changes will be made our modules. In some in the delivery of trainareas however women ing. She says the Nettravel far to attend those work’s DairyNZ funded Zelda de Villers days and would prefer training would be directed into a series of five new four hours training in one go, so modules that will take no more two modules can be combined. “We will be able to connect than two hours to complete and be delivered through the DWN’s more to our convenors because 30 regional groups. The modules we will develop these modules with will be rolled out across the coun- cross-functional teams so a convetry with the intention that mem- nor or a member will be part of the bers undertake one or two modules team. So it will lift the skill levels on the day of training depending on within the organisation.” Regional groups will decide their schedule. The shorter local training mod- whether they want a module or not ules will replace the DWN’s exist- and there will be more flexibility as ing Dairy Days workshops and will to when that can be presented.

De Villiers said the DWN’s multi-party project teams will collaborate with and could include sponsors, partners and industry organisations and experts to develop the training. She said the DWN board is clear that it will not duplicate training that already exists. “Feedback has been that regional convenors had not previously been well briefed on modules because they were put together more in the office.” Modules will be run at convenor training and they will decide which they think are beneficial to their area. Sometimes a convenor may train to take a module. “If it’s an animal welfare module you get a vet to train – but for anything on leadership, goal setting, budgeting or cashflow you can upskill people so they can take those modules.” Two of the five new modules will be ready by November. The Dairy Women’s Network has 5000 members in 30 regional groups.

DWN WANT TO BE WORLD LEADERS THE DAIRY Women’s Network wants to be the world leader in women in dairying. “We realise we are unique in the world,” chief executive Zelda de Villiers told Dairy News. “Increasingly we need to focus on what we do well in New Zealand and deliver that message internationally.” De Villiers says they don’t know of any other group in any country that exists

to support and develop women in the business of dairy farming in the way the network does. “New Zealand is also considered a leader at the forefront of dairy farming around the world, so our new vision is to be world leaders for women in dairying.” De Villiers says a delegation of Australian dairy farming women attended the network’s annual conference in Hamilton

to find out more about the DWN in order to set up a similar but smaller group in their local area. The network’s Facebook page has followers worldwide so it has become a window on the New Zealand dairy industry. “We need to keep an awareness that everything we do can have an impact on the New Zealand dairy industry.”

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

10 // NEWS

It’s okay to ask for help DAIRY FARMERS need to know they can ask for help to deal with stress and depression, says Lisa Lile, a Waikato sharemilker. Lisa’s husband Hamish did an interview with mental health advocate Sir John Kirwan that featured in a recent campaign by the Government’s Health Promotion Agency. Hamish talks about his experience of not coping with the stresses of farming and shutting himself off from his family. He explains he got too tied up with the farm and did not maintain a sense of perspective by getting away from it. Lisa made the call for help: “He was in a slump and it wasn’t getting better.” She says mental distress still tends to be a “taboo subject” among farmers. “When we were

asking for help, we got doors slammed in our faces.” They’ve gone public about their experience because they want to help others in the same situation. Lisa wants to see work done on two fronts: farming communities need a better understanding of mental wellbeing and there needs to be more help available from specialists who can relate well to farmers. The sharing of farmers’ stories is part of a Farmer Mental Wellness Strategy and Action Plan that has been developed by a group of rural farming and health agencies. The group is currently chaired by Dairy Women’s Network project manager for dairy farmer wellbeing Lynda Clark, who says combining the strengths

of all the organisations achieves more for farmers and their families. “The joint aim is to make it easier for farmers to talk about and adopt behaviours that increase mental wellbeing and reduce anxiety, depression and suicide,” says Clark. “Each of us has our own programmes and funding streams, and coordination between us ensures these are well-designed and more effective. Group members are keeping each other informed and taking opportunities to work together where possible, rather than working in silos.” DairyNZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries support the group through a jointly funded project that aims to improve dairy farmer wellbeing, which is part of the Transforming

the Dairy Value Chain Primary Growth Partnership (PGP) programme. Clark says now the strategy is in place activities for farmers are gaining momentum. In the past year a series of 12 free Mental Health101 workshops have been delivered around the country to dairy farmers and rural professionals. These workshops are funded through a partnership with the Ministry of Health and the Dairy PGP programme, and more will be held this year. “These are educating people about the signs to look out for if someone is becoming mentally distressed, and what they can do and where to go for help,” says Clark. At the Dairy Women’s Network’s recent annual conference a similar workshop called Manag-

From left; Lisa Lile, Dana Lile, Hamish Lile, Hayley Lile and Sir John Kirwan.

ing Moods and Mates was attended by 113 dairy farming women. Also, farmers can go through an emotional wellness screening as part of Health PitStops that have been offered at dairying events across the country for the past three years. Like the Farmer Mental Wellness Strategy work, the Health PitStops are funded by the Dairy PGP programme.

“At the PitStops, dairy farmers – men and women – can get a free physical health check and emotional wellness screening.” The physical health checks are managed by the New Zealand Rural Health Institute, and AgResearch leads the emotional wellness screening. The National Depression Initiative (NDI), fronted by Sir John, has recently put the focus on

farmers’ experiences, and Hamish’s story is one of several recently added to the www.depression. org website. This website presents The Journal, a free, online self-help programme designed to support people with mild to moderate depression. Also, the Mental Health Foundation is providing advice and assistance to the Farmer Mental Wellness Strategy group.

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

OPINION/NEWS // 11

Budget 2014 good news for rural sector NATHAN GUY

THE HEADLINES

for Budget 2014 rightly focussed on the return to surplus and familyfriendly policies, but there is plenty of good news for the primary industries as well. As a government we’re putting another $40 million towards irrigation projects, providing a boost for jobs and export growth in the regions. The money is going to Crown Irrigation Investments Ltd which carefully selects and invests in projects around the country. Along with the economic benefits, irrigation can have a positive impact on the environment. It allows summer river flows to be maintained and takes pressure off valuable groundwater sources. After the extreme drought most of the country suffered last year, and the one earlier this year in Northland and Waikato, the need for better water storage is obvious. MPI’s funding for next year is increasing by $17.4 million to a total of $440 m. Some of this increased funding will go towards strengthening the biosecurity system, which is my number one priority as Minister. We’re also putting more staff overseas, including China,

our biggest export destination. In tertiary education, I’m pleased to see agricultural training given priority with an extra $8.5 million. $1.6 million will help continue the veterinary bonding scheme, and rural general practices will get almost $9 million. Families will welcome the boost to paid parental leave and free doctor visits for under-13s. $20 million was announced to improve water quality and the way freshwater is managed. This will help councils and communities improve the way they plan and manage their local freshwater resources, and implement RMA reforms. It will also help communities restore their local freshwater bodies through planting, riparian buffers, the use of nitrate inhibitors and establishing wetlands. ACC is on track to further reduce levies. Depending on the outcome of public consultation, the average levy for a private motor vehicle could fall by about $130 a year from July 2015. Overall it’s great to see the Government’s accounts back into surplus next year. This is a huge achievement, given the challenges we’ve faced with a global recession and earthquakes in Christchurch. You only need to look across the Tasman at the

IN BRIEF Double scholarship win MASSEY UNIVERSITY master of science student Stacey Hendricks has won two new agricultural scholarships. Hendricks won the inaugural Lois Turnbull Postgraduate Scholarship, worth $10,000, and jointly accepted the new $10,000 Brian Aspin Memorial Scholarship with Cameron Black. Hendricks says her postgraduate studies will explore the effects of animal nutrition and management strategies on nitrate leaching into groundwater. “I want to help farmers explore all the feed options and management strategies available to them. I’ll be looking at how animal nutrition and efficient management can reduce the environmental impact of things like nitrogen in urine patches.” Hendricks (22) graduated bachelor of science in 2013 with a double major in animal science and agriculture.

Australian Budget to see what happens when a government doesn’t keep a tight rein on spending. I want to pay tribute to hard working farmers who have helped drive New Zealand out of recession. It’s your hard

work that supports jobs and exports, and pays for our roads, schools and hospitals. I don’t believe you get thanked enough for that. • Nathan Guy is the Minister for Primary Industries.

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

12 // NEWS

Cold chain ‘piping’ fresh milk to China SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND companies could

soon be using a fresh milk export ‘pipeline’ between Australia and China. Earlier this month, the first commercial shipment of 4000 litres from NSW to Nanjing city sold out within four days; the retail price was approximately A$8.50/L. A further commercial ship-

ment is scheduled to leave next week. The pipeline is the brainchild of Peloris Global Sourcing, who has developed this solution in conjunction with NSW dairy co-op Norco and ‘Dairy Connect’ an umbrella body representing NSW dairy stakeholders, to develop a channel that would enable pasteurised fresh milk exports to China. PGS managing director Peter Verry says while Norco remains its preferred partner, it has been approached by other

ORAVIDA TRADE GROWING NEW ZEALAND company Oravida has been selling fresh New Zealand milk in Shanghai via direct order since May 2012. Business has increased 100% since the launch and every week 5-10 tonnes is freighted. Oravida is said to be charging NZ$20 for a 2L container.

The company recently bought a 300-cow farm south of Auckland, close to the Green Valley Milk plant which processes and packs Oravida milk for China. Green Valley also packs milk for Ruima Foods, which sells in Guangzhou.

Australian and New Zealand processors. “The pipeline is capable of managing exports of millions of litres of fresh milk per annum,” he told Dairy News. PGS has secured an officially sanctioned customs and quarantine clearance agreement with China customs and quarantine agencies to bring the delivery time well within the shelf life of fresh Australian pasteurised milk. The fresh milk is air freighted to China and cleared by China customs and quarantine authorities within seven days, allowing a retail outlet shelf life of approximately 10 days or more. Verry says the streamlined channel is the culmination of 12 months collaboration between China officials and PGS. Stringent quality assurance protocols have been developed to ensure the integrity of both the product and the cold chain process. As a consequence, the cold-chain pipeline has been supported by changes to existing China import clearance procedures to

accommodate the limited shelf life of fresh milk imports. Demand for quality fresh milk in China is growing and Verry expects PGS to be sending 50,000 litres per month by the end of June, increasing to more than 100,000 litres per month as awareness and accessibility grows within the China market. Norco chairman Greg McNamara said the streamlined process has opened the door for the farmer co-op to access the growing demand in China for Australian dairy products. Dairy Connect, has welcomed the pipeline. Chairman George Davey says it will open the door for millions of litres of exports. Until now, he says, export efforts have been hampered by lengthy testing and quarantine processes before shipment

Australia has also started exporting fresh milk to China.

from Australia and again upon arrival in China. @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

NEWS // 13

Fresh milk exports game changer for Oz farmers THE NEW fresh milk ‘pipeline’ to

China has been described as a “real game changer” by Queensland Dairyfarmers’ Organisation president (QDO) Brian Tessmann. Tessmann applauds the simplicity of Norco taking fresh milk from Australian farms and landing it in dairy cabinets in China. “This could be a real game changer,” he says, “especially for the northern dairy industry, including NSW and Queensland, where we mostly specialise in drinking milk production for the domestic market and have limited capacity for export avenues such as milk powder or cheese.

“Norco’s… shipments of fresh milk will help open another, potentially major high-value export door.” Tessmann says he hopes the process starts “much needed” diversification of markets for the northern dairy industry. “It desperately needs new market avenues that help farmers gain better returns at farmgate, creates more competition for Queensland fresh milk and challenges the ‘milk price war’ and supermarkets selling fresh milk at the ridiculous price

Australian fresh milk packed for export to China. Inset: Brian Tessmann

of A$1 per litre. “If ventures such as this take off… they will send a message to the major supermarkets that they cannot take Queensland fresh milk or dairy farmers for granted.” The industry knows fresh milk exports to Asia will not solve overnight

the challenges facing the industry, Tessman says. But he points to the huge potential in the growing Asian middle class. “A recent conference in Cairns looked at the issue of servicing the rapidly growing demands for Australian produce in China and Asia. There is a

strong and increasing desire to grow export markets, in Australia and in Asia, and QDO continues to applaud all those involved. “QDO is keen to support, and is continuing to work with, governments and industry partners on similar such ventures,” Tessman says.

DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

14 // NZ DAIRY AWARDS

Future feels secure for top farm manager PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

FARM MANAGER of

Nick Bertram

the Year Nick Bertram boosted milk production by 60% in two years on the

Featherston farm where he is a contract milker. Bertram (27) says his “future is secured” after winning the 2014 national title – a good feeling after struggling to get an interview for his first farm

manager role two years ago despite previous employers’ recommendations. He eventually got a job with David and Lorraine Osborne on their 260-cow Featherston farm and has

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turned the farm around. Brought up in town, Bertram started visiting a farm in holidays and weekends as a teenager, left school for farm work at 16 and later spent four years working on farms overseas. He returned in 2010 and worked two years as a 2IC on an 800cow farm. He then joined

competition one day.” Bertram says he was pleased enough to win the manager title in the Wairarapa Hawkes Bay regionals after last year not even making the top six out of eight entries. This year with 16 entries they were “bloody excited” to be the top six in the regionals. Winning those regionals

“The judges seem to think I was doing all the basics well and reading their feedback there’ll certainly be more when I enter the sharemilker competition one day.” the Osborne’s farm, the first year as manager and this last season as contract milker. Taking the farm manager award is “really exciting”. “I’ve got a young family and it’s nice to have that job security. We won’t find it hard finding a job now, doing what we love. It is nice to prove to everyone I can do it; there’s no better way than winning a national title.” He believes the judges were impressed because the farm increased milk production by 60% during the last two years, from 62,000kgMS to 100,000kgMS with the same number of cows. Bertram says the cows were “quite skinny” so his first priority was to build condition and sort out animal health issues. “We have also gone from a 55% calving to 79% so we’re looking for a big increase in production next year with tighter calving again.” Other improvements include pasture quality, the owners investing in regrassing and drainage, better quality supplements– “just everything really”. “The judges seemed to think I was doing all the basics well and reading their feedback there’ll certainly be more when I enter the sharemilker

and then the national title were beyond any of his expectations. Bertram plans in November to marry his Australian partner Rose, who is from a sheep and beef background, and is currently completing study in Perth. She will join him fulltime on the farm to form a ready-made family: he has a 7-yearold daughter and she has a 3-year-old son. He plans to stay at the Osbornes’ farm, with the aim of 50/50 sharemilking in two years. He wants to buy and pay off his herd, build a house and see happens after that. Farm ownership is a possibility if it’s viable. He plans to enter the sharemilker/equity farmer competition in a couple of years, saying he enjoyed the process and has become more confident. The first year the judges turned up he didn’t know what to say. “I have been able to get my name out there as a pretty good manager. Through the awards we have been able to secure our future.” Judges’ feedback helped him boost farm performance. “You don’t even have to pay for it and you get these expert farmers coming out, so that’s pretty good.”

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NEWS // 17

A chip off the old block ago and she came second in the Hawkes Bay Region. Then she went overseas, peterb@ruralnews.co.nz returning highly motivated and determined to win in 2014. “I had set a goal since working with Ben HER MOTHER was the first woman to win the Young Farmer of the Year award and Monty, that I wanted to be the first girl in England. Now Ruth Hone (24) has also to win it and so it’s cool to have achieved made history as the first woman to win that. I started studying for the competition the New Zealand Dairy Trainee of the Year in November and I had a plan. “I remember driving to a jumping award. Coincidently she’s also the first lesson with mum and saying ‘I want to win winner from central North Island. Like her mother, Hone is highly moti- this thing’. She is very motivating and has vated, determined, competitive, sets goals helped me a lot. I told her we should leave and goes all-out to achieve these. Her win no stone unturned, just pick the brains of professionals and was no fluke or make sure I took on coincidence: six “When I was little I board the judges’ months ago she feedback. drew up a plan to used to come home “I phoned last ensure she would from preschool and do year’s national win. the feed breaks on the winner – Ben She was just farm with dad.” Smith, who helped three years old me a lot. I wasn’t when her parents, in dairying in England, came to New Zea- going to leave anything to chance. I don’t land and bought a Waikato dairy farm. Even do anything without a plan and I like pushas a preschooler Hone wanted to be a dairy ing myself outside my comfort zone.” Hone plans to make the most of the farmer. “When I was little I used to come home opportunities her win has opened up. from preschool and do the feed breaks on “This is my year to get my name out there the farm with dad. He’d feed out the balage and go talk to industry leaders, find out in the shape of a letter of the alphabet and what defines them as leaders, what they we had to guess the letter. Later I was a bit did to get where they are and what advice of a tomboy until I went to boarding school they can give to young people like myself.” Hone works for the Davisons on a at Nga Tawa and had to wear skirts.” Boarding school opened her eyes to 120ha, 250-cow farm near Taupo and loves opportunity and gave her a ‘rounded’ edu- her job. She juggles her other interests such cation. It also enabled her to follow her as marathon running and equestrian into other passion, horses: in her final year at each day. “Usually I will ride one or two college she was ‘head of equestrian’. Again horses in my breakfast break then go for like her mother, Hone went to university, a run after work.” She believes opportunities come to Massey, graduating bachelor of applied scithose who apply themselves and work – ence (agriculture). Her first dairy farm job was in Hawkes smart and hard, with the right attitude. Bay where she worked with two previous “I worked for Monty who says you always winners of dairy industry awards – Ben employ on attitude and train on skill, Smith and Monty Monteith. They per- because [the trainee] must want to be there suaded her to enter the awards two years to learn; you can’t teach attitude.”

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

18 // NZ DAIRY AWARDS

Hard work, ability still a PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

THE DAIRY industry is

still a meritocracy where hard work and ability will get you where to want to be, says 2014 Sharemilker/ Equity Farmer of the Year, Charlie McCaig. But a successful career in dairying does not necessarily mean farm ownership, he says. It means achieving your goals, whatever personally they may be. Charlie McCaig went from various office jobs and “not quite sure what I want to do” to 2014 Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year in about five years. He took the title in partnership with wife Jody at the NZ Dairy Industry Awards dinner at SkyCity on May 9.

And the various office jobs and a shoestring trip around Europe for Charlie, who hails from the UK, and Taranaki girl Jodie, were not a wasted. They found the budgeting, business and human resources skills they picked up served them well in the dairy industry. McCaig spoke to the Dairy News from the airport as the couple flew out for a Fiji holiday after the whirlwind win. McCaig says he was expected to go to university but he couldn’t figure out which path he wanted to follow or what he wanted to do – a worry for his parents. He worked in a vinyl record shop in Shropshire before moving to Bristol where he had various office jobs and met Jody, air quality research associ-

ate at a university in Bristol. She had previously worked in New Zealand in air quality environment for WaterCare at Auckland Regional Council. “We’ve both got this previous experience working in a corporate environment. There were a lot of approaches to business we’ve been exposed to over the years. “Before we came to New Zealand we did a three month cycle tour through France and Italy living on about 15 euros a day and spent every night together in a tent that was probably only big enough for one person. It wasn’t planned to go into farming but looking back at that it probably taught us a lot about budgeting, cashflow control and dealing with highly tense situations.” Jody was from Taranaki

but not from a farm. However when they came to New Zealand they spent time with Jody’s brother who had gone into dairy farming. They helped with relief milking and around the farm. “To me it was all one big adventure. I was living on the other side of the world getting to know Jodi’s family and New Zealand; it didn’t feel like work. Then we took on a fulltime job and learnt the ropes from there.” The couple first entered the NZ Dairy Industry Awards in the farm manager section three years ago in their first season of contract milking. McCaig was doing an AgITO (now Primary ITO) production management course, part of it goal setting. He says he and Jody were new to

Charlie and Jody McCaig with the award.

the industry and they had some “smaller aims” for the first season including saving $30,000. They had a five year plan to win an industry award and thought sometime in the future, possibly 10 years on, they would buy a herd. Participating in the farm managers award process made them focus and they started to realise herd ownership was not as

far away as they thought. “Then the judge said we’d be surprised at how fast we would move as our skills developed and then we ended up Farm Manager of the Year in the regionals and placing second in the national. “That was a huge confidence booster; it opened up a lot of doors. Farmers in our region wouldn’t have known who we were.

I was an import and Jody was from Taranaki but not from a farm. So suddenly people were interested in who we were and what we could do. “We quickly decided to take our next step and took a 500 cow third-order sharemilking job – which is where we are now – for the Taranaki Community Rugby Trust. From there we made a plan to do three

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

NZ DAIRY AWARDS // 19

road to success years on the farm and get enough out of that job for a deposit on a herd. The thing for us is, being from outside farming we don’t have a guarantor so we needed to be self-funding; we couldn’t go in with very little deposit. “We needed to meet the bank’s security requirement. That was part of the reason we put herd ownership out quite a long way. We didn’t want to go in with next to no equity and rely on capital gain on the stock. We wanted to go in with a strong business and sensible debt loading. Over the last two years we’ve tried hard to maximise the opportunity and minimise the costs and spending. Then with the assistance of a good payout this year we’ve got the money as of June 1 to go into herd ownership.” They are moving to another farm to do 50/50 sharemilking – an offer

which came because the people knew them through winning the farm manager title. “We said ‘sure’ and so that’s path two. The thing that sped up herd ownership for us is we got good at running a business and that was through training and entering the awards.” But whether farm ownership is the end goal is still not certain for the McCaigs. Their 20 year plan at present is to build enough equity so they can again travel – comfortably this time – when the children are grown “while not being hermits in the meantime”. “We see 90% farm ownership will be part of that plan – but it’s not the driving force; equity growth is the driving force. Maybe that will come in the form of land ownership or equity partnership or being people that arrange equity partnership.

“There’s a lot of talk about farming changing and the traditional pathways to farm ownership getting longer or less defined – which is true: change brings fear but it also brings opportunities for a new approach to achieve your

end goal. “Yes we would like to own a farm but if it’s not the right thing to do, then it’s not the thing we will do. Our goal is a lifestyle goal and it so happens farming is the thing we’re good at doing to achieve that.”

Charlie and Jode McCaig with children Finley and Miles.

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CUT SPENDING BUT BE HAPPY CHARLIE MCCAIG knows he would rather be out on the farm than back in an office job. “Now if I sit down at a computer for more than two hours at a time, I get a tired, horrible, over caffeine-fuelled feeling and I wonder how I ever used to do it for seveneight hours a day. “The thing I love about farming is everything you do in a day has genuine meaning. In farming everything is alive and healthy, everything you do has an impact on the living thing and everything has direct value to your business.” To people starting out he says ‘go hard’. “Dairying is still a meritocracy and good people will rise. It’s not easy – there’s a lot of work and effort but there are big rewards. “Be willing to put in a lot of work, be cleaver about choosing the people you work for.” He says they’ve been fortunate in who they worked for and their staff have been “awesome” through the competition journey and really got behind them. But he knows of others whose careers have been put back a couple of years through strained relationships. He learned through some comment in the competition and through bank managers and accountants that personal spending is the biggest thing you can control at the lower levels, says McCaig. One accountant suggested their personal spending is about half of many others as they like simple things like fishing, or their own baking and preserves. One exercise they did was to graph that saving and over 10 years it paid for about 250 cows. “It soon adds up if you can reduce your spending 10% year on year and it helps in getting ahead. But equally people shouldn’t be unhappy. You have got to enjoy your journey.”

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

20 // NEWS

Ruataniwha heading for the PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

THE PROPOSAL for

a dam at Ruataniwha, Hawkes Bay, hangs in the balance with the decision by Ngai Tahu Holdings Corporation Limited

(NTHC) not to invest in the scheme. Trustpower earlier decided to pull out and Ngai Tahu’s withdrawal is understood to be linked to this. Funding aside, even greater concern exists in farming circles about

the board of inquiry’s draft decision on project, especially Plan Change 6 which sets nitrogen leaching targets regarded by farming groups as difficult if not impossible to achieve. Hawkes Bay Regional Council chairman Fenton

Wilson says Plan Change 6 will adversely affect existing dairy farmers and would-be new entrants to dairying. “The impacts would be huge if we were to follow it to the letter of the decision. If it moves up into the Heretaunga Plains, processed

cropping would be a challenge and would not survive.” The board’s draft decision drew 28 submissions, including Fonterra, DairyNZ, Federated Farmers, Horticulture New Zealand, Beef + Lamb

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NZ, environmental groups, iwi and Hawkes Bay Regional Council. The submitters may not challenge the substance of the draft decision, but they are allowed to point out inconsistencies, omissions and inaccuracies. Most submissions are detailed, technical

and refer to the original evidence put to the inquiry. In its submission the HBRC claims provisions relating to Plan Change 6 do not achieve the intended outcomes and it refers to concerns about farmers not being able to meet the leaching targets as prescribed. Environment controls for the Tukituki catchment are part of the Ruataniwha dam proposal.

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DAIRYNZ SEEKS CHANGES DAIRYNZ IS calling on the board of inquiry into the proposed Ruataniwha dam to direct the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council to set a nitrogen limit through a plan change process. Senior policy advisor Oliver Parsons says that’s the best way to achieve the intent of the board’s decision. In a submission to the inquiry on its draft decision on the Ruataniwha dam and associated Plan Change 6, DairyNZ says it supports the board’s vision for sustainable growth within sound environmental limits. But parts of the draft decision would make this impossible. “Instead of sustainable growth, the draft decision would require a 40% claw-back on existing rural production,” says Parsons. “In a community that has already suffered from years of economic decline and is stretched to the limit, that doesn’t make sense and goes against the purpose of the Resource Management Act. We agree with the board’s statement that a more detailed analysis of dissolved inorganic nitrogen might justify a different limit. So let’s do that analysis and do it well.” Parsons says the board can direct the limit to be set immediately through a focused plan change process led by the council. He says this would give the community and everyone involved the opportunity for more detailed examination of the evidence, more transparency and more community participation. “The Tukituki catchment proposal involved 28,000 pages of evidence covering 18 resource consents and the full suite of environmental rules. That meant there was not enough time to cover a lot of the water quality evidence. Even the short hearings process was enough for NIWA, the Cawthron Institute and regional council scientists to raise major concerns about the approach used to justify the draft limit.” Parsons says the Board was left relying on data from a different river, that has never been peer-reviewed or published and has a total lack of rigour or transparency, he says. “We owe it to the community to put together a plan that can be fully implemented. The future of Central Hawke’s Bay is too important to leave up to science that has never been tested. The risk of getting it wrong is too great.”

DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

NEWS // 21

High Court? Wilson says his council wants to clarify issues and that whatever the outcome they will have to live with it. “I don’t think [the board] set out to disable Hawkes Bay,

that the nature and detail of the submissions to the board are unprecedented. Privately concern has been raised about the composition of the board, in particular the number

“I don’t think [the board] set out to disable Hawkes Bay, [but] to give a fairly good, even-handed shot at something for everyone.” – Fenton Wilson [but] to give a fairly good, even-handed shot at something for everyone. Unfortunately it hasn’t worked out like that.” Dairy News has learned

of lawyers and the lack of someone with a strong science or farming background. There is a feeling this decision is not unlike the

controversial Horizons Regional Council ‘One Plan’. There is also a feeling that the inquiry has selected evidence provoking a sharp response from farmers and others. This is said to have given rise to detailed submissions seeking clarification from the board of inquiry and/ or questioning the consistency of decisions and the overall cohesiveness of the plan. Unless the board were to make substantial changes to its final decision, it would seem

Fenton Wilson

challenges in the High Court are inevitable. The board has until the end of June to finalise its decision.

FARMERS, WORKERS IN HARM’S WAY and will hurt local communi IRRIGATION NEW Zealand ties,” says Curtis. says the board of inquiry’s He says the decision means draft decision on the Tukituki that about 1000 farms bigger catchment and Ruataniwha than 4ha would require a farm dam could seriously harm the region’s community – the farmers and workers in the food processing companies that rely heavily on primary production. Chief executive Andrew Curtis says dairy farmers and vegetable growers would have to achieve nitrate limits which technology does not currently allow for. “There is no doubt that farmers in the region agree and accept that farming practices have to change. But trying to achieve unrealistic limits in a short time based on farming systems Andrew Curtis which do not yet exist will create significant financial management plan by 2018, and stress, will put huge strain on it is likely at least 700 farms council and farming resources

would require land use consent for farming. “There simply isn’t the capability and capacity to produce this many farm management plans by 2018. Land use capability mapping skills can’t be picked up overnight. Farm plans need to be targeted to the ‘hot-spots’ rather than a sweeping approach which becomes impractical and prohibitively expensive. “The practical effect of the nutrient limits set in the decision is that existing land use will likely be ‘locked in’. This will impact sheep and beef farmers the most because it [precludes] changes in sheep/beef stock ratios or crop rotations. The flexibility which these farmers rely on to manage international commodity price swings will be compromised and land values will also be impacted,” Curtis says.

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

22 // WORLD

Australian ‘deli’ must head off hungry competitors AUSTRALIA RISKS missing a “golden opportunity” to grow its agricultural sector, and to do this must have a concerted, coordinated approach by all sector stakeholders, says a Rabobank report. The author suggests Australia could position itself as the “delicatessen” for Asian consumers, though it cannot be a “food bowl”. Agriculture in Focus 2014: Competitive Challenges says Australian agribusiness faces mounting competitive threats throughout the supply chain, which require resolute and aligned action by industry and government. The report says Australian food and agribusiness industries are threatened by a growing group of highly resourceful international competitors, including countries in South America, Eastern Europe and even Asia. The critical areas needing priority are: rising production costs onfarm and beyond the farmgate, international

market access, logistics infrastructure (in)efficiencies, regulatory pressures, capital constraints and product innovation and development. Rabobank’s Luke Chandler says Australia risks failing to capitalise on rising demand for food from Asia if it does not get a more co-ordinated effort by industry and government. “Many of Australia’s competitors in agricultural markets around the world are investing heavily and becoming much more productive, and this is raising the bar for our agricultural industries. “We need to realise Australia is not the only agricultural exporter looking to capture this increasing demand. “Over the past decade highly resourceful developing countries have begun to assume a greater role in the global export trade of food and agriculture products. “The potential of countries in South America and Eastern Europe is obvious,

but even some major food-importing countries and regions, such as China and the ASEAN-5 nations, are playing

Luke Chandler, Rabobank.

a greater role in shaping the export landscape.” Chandler says higher on-farm costs and slowing productivity growth in

many sectors in Australia relative to global peers have increased the importance of driving efficiencies in alternate parts of the supply chain. “This requires commitment to a unified industry-wide, long-term strategy to invest in infrastructure improvement which involves unilateral input from government, supply chain operators and industry participants.” Chandler says while the solution to the competitive challenges to Australian agriculture does not lie in any one direction, there is a ‘roadmap’ that can guide industries to build a more competitive and sustainable base. “While some competitive factors such as exchange rates and wage costs are beyond the sector’s control, many other issues can be successfully addressed through the concerted and coordinated action of industry and government institutions. “There is no question that a food

and agriculture sector that has better access to global markets, ready access to capital, more efficient logistics infrastructure, higher value product and processes, a highly sustainable environmental impact, and more affordable production inputs will be better placed to capture the ‘Asian dining boom’.” However, Chandler says the objective should not be for Australia to feed the world. “The reality is Australia is not in a position to supply and compete in the high-volume markets. “Rather our focus needs to be on developing into high-value markets where we can compete on quality and other sought-after attributes where consumers have the capacity to pay. Australia will not be the food bowl of Asia, but we can be the delicatessen,” Chandler says. @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

24 // WORLD

Farmers approve merger of co-ops THE MERGER of European

co-ops Arla Foods and EGM Walhorn is now official, shareholders of both having voted in favour. The merger will see Arla Foods with 13,500 cooperative members, including farmer shareholders in the Netherlands for the first time. Arla now has owners in seven northern European countries. Arla Foods says 94% of its voting members approved the merger; 94% of Walhorn voters also said yes. The decision comes six weeks after the two boards proposed merging. Arla Foods chairman Åke Hantoft welcomed the yes vote, expressing “delight to welcome the new dairy farmers to our group of owners”. “Arla is a bigger business than Walhorn, but we have the same desire to be part of a coopera-

tive that enables us to grow and develop our farms. Some of Walhorn’s owners are already neighbours of Arla farmers, so in every way it feels like a natural step to merge with our colleagues at Walhorn.” Arla’s chief executive Peder Tuborgh says the merger is a vote of confidence by Walhorn’s dairy farmers and will lead to a mutually beneficial partnership. “At Arla, we have made a point in recent years of telling our members they are the core of Arla’s business foundation and we are ready to buy all the milk they can produce – including when the European milk quotas disappear. This message has been warmly received by Walhorn’s owners.” The merger will affect Arla’s access to raw milk in Germany and Belgium for the dairies in Pronsfeld, Germany and Nijkerk

Peder Tuborgh

in the Netherlands. Arla Foods is owned by 13,500 milk producers in the UK, Sweden, Denmark, Germany, Belgium, Luxembourg and now the Netherlands. Its core markets are the UK, Sweden, Germany, Denmark, Finland and the Netherlands. In 2013, Arla’s worldwide sales of

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dairy products to customers and consumers totalled $15 billion. EGM Walhorn has a turnover of $381 million. It collects milk from farmers and sells it to the dairy Walhorn AG, which EGM Walhorn jointly owns with the privately owned French dairy company Lactalis.

Dutch, Chinese join forces on infant formula DUTCH DAIRY cooperative FrieslandCampina is

teaming up with a leading Chinese dairy player to produce and sell premium infant formula. The joint-venture, called China Huishan Holding, will produce and market infant formula products in China. Huishan will supply raw milk from its China farms, and the joint business will then make and market the infant formula. The two companies will continue to run their existing infant formula businesses separately: Huishan will carry on marketing its own brands and FrieslandCampina’s Friso brand will still be produced in the Netherlands and marketed by FrieslandCampina. The two companies say the proposed joint venture will benefit from their respective production, sales and marketing capabilities. They already cooperate in making non-dairy creamers. Huishan says it is the most vertically integrated dairy company in China. Its business covers the entire dairy value chain – growing and processing of alfalfa and supplementary feeds, dairy farming, processing and selling products under the Huishan brand. Its liquid milk brand is said to have the highest market share in north-eastern China. FrieslandCampina is known in China for Friso, a premium infant formula, and for selling ingredients to Chinese food and infant formula manufacturers.

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

WORLD // 25

EU dairying told to prepare for box seat EUROPEAN FARMERS are being told to

get ready to benefit from world dairy demand outstripping supply. Speakers at a recent Copa-Cogeca seminar in Brussels predicted new opportunities for European dairy producers as world demand is seen rising 2.3% annually. CopaCogeca is made up of European farmer organisations and agri cooperatives. China is driving dairy demand, the seminar heard. Its dairy consumption per capita has increased by as much as 317% during 1998 to 2013 to reach 25kg. And consumption is forecast to double there by 2020, experts say. But they stressed that the type of demand will be different, with a different product mix, consumers’ calls increasing especially for infant formula. Producers must adapt to the markets. EU production is meanwhile expected to grow modestly over the next ten years, mainly in cheeses. But experts warn that exporting produce to non-EU markets will bring logistical problems such as veterinary certificates, export licensing, and plant registration or approval. Copa-Cogeca chairman

of the milk working party, Mansel Raymond, urged EU producers to exploit the growing market opportunities so as to raise incomes. He urged the EU Commission to cut bureaucracy and red tape hampering exporting to non-EU markets. The EU should be a major exporter to world markets, he said. Copa-Cogeca secretary-general Pekka Pesonen pointed to EU dairy production as a key economic driver in rural areas. He urged a market-first approach to the increasing volatility on dairy markets. Public intervention in the markets is important, Pesonen says. “Futures markets could help to take some volatility out of the market. The milk observatory system could prove useful. The modernisation of dairy cooperatives in rural areas should also be encouraged and facilitated.” The seminar heard about implementing the EU milk package which aims to strengthen contractual relations between farmers and processors and improve farmers’ position, enabling them to get a better price for their milk. Farmers have voluntarily accepted the milk package in UK,

Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Germany, Netherlands, Poland and Sweden. The package has been imposed on farmers in

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ten contracts help to give producers some stability and a fairer balance. “But the package is only in its infancy and it will take time to see the impact.”

IMPRESS THE GIRLS.

Oz farmers warned over looming dry to prepare contingency plans for below average rainfall in the coming months. The Australian Bureau of Meteorology has given a 70% chance of an El Nino developing over winter, and climate models suggest this may occur by July. El Nino usually comes with below-average rainfall over southern and eastern inland areas of Australia. About 65% of El Nino events since 1900 have brought drought to large areas of the continent. Many farmers in Queensland and New South Wales are already managing drought conditions and fodder shortages. Dairy Australia spokeswoman Julie Iommi says while El Nino cannot be guaranteed, farmers should be vigilant and start planning. “Farmers need to be aware that the chances of El Nino occurring are rising and the current forecast shows farmers likely facing drier-than-average winter and spring conditions in southern and central regions of the country.”

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

26 // OPINION RUMINATING

EDITORIAL

Down and out in the bay?

MILKING IT... Feds chief minces words

DOES FEDS president Bruce Wills think the $15,000 fine dished out to a Marlborough herd manager for repeatedly carrying passengers on a quad and not wearing a helmet is excessive or not? Impossible to say from Feds’ fence-sitting statement. Pointing out the fine is 100 times the penalty for not wearing a seatbelt is interesting, but inappropriate: the herd manager was sent written warnings. No such luck with your seatbelt. Milking It can’t remember when it last saw such words mincing from the federation. For what it’s worth, Milking It says the manager deserved to be fined, but $15,000 smacks of an example unreasonably made.

More weapons

THIS ONE has a lot of people scratching their heads long and hard: the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) announced it was looking to buy .40 caliber Smith & Wesson submachine guns. If you think military intelligence is an oxymoron, the same would apparently be true at USDA. First, why would USDA need machine guns? Enforce COOL regulations? Implement animal ID? Shoot rabbits? And even if they could justify a need for machine guns, you would think somebody in Washington would tell them to check first with the Pentagon, where they would have heaps of weapons lying around.

Window into cows

RESEARCHERS IN Switzerland have fitted 14 cows with cannulas (portholes) in their sides, cut directly into the animal’s digestive tracts. The 20cm hole gives direct access to the cows’ rumens. They are plugged with rubber stoppers when not in use. Agroscope, in Grangeneuve, Switzerland uses the cannulated cows to test their digestion of different, experimental blends of oats to create more balanced feeds. The animals graze for a set time before being examined. Farmers remove the plugs and pull the grass and oat mixture from the rumens. This material is tested, and the analysis shows farmers and researchers which forages get the best results from the livestock, based on how much is digested.

Botulism strikes

HERE’S SOMETHING the New Zealand dairy industry knows about A rare botulism outbreak has killed 160 cows on a dairy farm in Wales. The “likely cause” of the botulism was a decaying animal carcase in grass silage being fed to the cows, said experts at the Animal Health and Laboratories Agency (AHVLA). It is understood the farmer, who is too distressed to talk about the loss, cut the silage in April and fed it to his cows three weeks later. There was no indication the feed was contaminated until the animals started to display signs of illness. Over the course of a week, however, some 160 cows died.

CONCERN GROWS daily about the decision of the Government-appointed board of inquiry into the Ruataniwha dam project, including the controversial Plan Change 6 decision in the Tukituki catchment. Farming groups have come out fighting, voicing serious concern about the board’s draft decision. As it stands this will drive farming down and out and practically confine Hawkes Bay to one giant retirement village, says one group. They may not be too far wrong. Others have tried to be polite, saying they want to “work with the decision”. We hope it was not the board’s intention to wreck farming in the region, but somehow they appear to be on that course. Notwithstanding the wailings of Fish and Game and others, farmers are not ‘anti’ the environment: they are as keen as anyone to get a sensible and practical solution. Even farmers these days admit we may need some pullback of intensification in some catchments. The board hearing into the Ruataniwha proposal was aimed at getting a prompt decision, so to avoid years of litigation in the Environment Court which is not known for always getting things right either. The Horizons One Plan decision is a case in point. The volume of submissions to the board of inquiry over Ruataniwha are unprecedented. Go to the EPA website and see for yourself. The Government is keeping quiet about the draft decision as they must, but privately they may be wondering what on earth has gone wrong. The expansion of water storage and irrigation is a vital item in the Government’s toolbox to double exports by 2025. If this decision in Hawkes Bay were to remain unchanged, it would drop a big spanner into the works. Much is said about the gap between town and country. Bureaucracies and courts also perpetuate a gap – making decisions that are simply impractical, unworkable and bearing little worthwhile fruit. It’s time for Government to oversee ‘further training’ of these seemingly untouchable people whose decisions can so change the lives of rural people.

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

OPINION // 27

Gunning for us won’t help their cause WILLY LEFERINK

I AM a swing voter but a recent speech by Labour finance spokesman David Parker had me shaking my head in disbelief. According to him, National is allowing “public rivers and estuaries to be spoiled by nutrient and faecal contaminants from agriculture….” It read like something from Fish and Game. Labour’s big idea seems to be to tax farming into the Willy Leferink sunset. That will see our costs explode but consumers will ultimately foot the bill. That’s not all. Instead of giving more money to DOC to save kiwi, they’re going to save lawyers by toughening up the RMA and DOC’s advocacy role. The attack on water storage is odd when the climate boffins say New Zealand isn’t doing enough to adapt to climate change. In tandem with the world’s toughest emissions trading scheme, Labour is going to scrap public support of irrigation. Meanwhile, Labour will introduce a resource rental tax on water but only that used by agriculture. Seen alongside a capital gains tax – targeting farms – this all gives the impression Labour wants to tax us into the sunset. The sting in the tail means the price of food will skyrocket but I bet Labour has a KiwiFarm policy up its sleeve. It will have collectivised state farms producing cheap bountiful food for the masses to be sold in nationalised KiwiSupermarkets. I think the Soviets tried that but it didn’t end up too flash. Parker says we have great opportunities in clean energy. He talks about LanzaTech but

misses the point that they left New Zealand because of tight regulations. Hydro must also be an ‘in’ joke given the last aborted attempt and Labour will tighten the RMA further. Meanwhile, any industry is

welcome so long as it doesn’t emit a puff of greenhouse gas. Labour’s clichéd view of farming worries me. At the recent New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, the only MP present was Nathan Guy. The no-show by any opposition MP surprised and disappointed me. One person suggested this may have been “because the tickets weren’t free”. Politicians’ advisers ought to be urging them, “boss, shouldn’t we go and see?” They ought to be attending such events as the awards and tuning in to the inspiring entrants such as we see at the awards ceremonies. Inaugurated by Federated Farmers, they’ve now been running 25 years. Charlie and Jody McCaig have gone from being 2011 Taranaki farm management winners to become 2014 New Zealand Sharemilker/ Equity farmer of the Year. How about Ruth Hone, who was named Dairy Trainee of the Year and the first ever women to lift that title. She is smart, capable and adaptable and these words sum up our dairy industry. Then you’ve got Nick Bertram (27), who came into dairying with a background in accounting thanks to his teacher

dad – but no farming experience. He is 2014 Farm Manager of the Year. These awards showcased others who’d joined dairying from fields as diverse as professional rugby,

engineering and the police. As one in the eye for Kim Dotcom’s party, it included an IT professional too. • Willy Leferink is Federated Farmers Dairy chairman.

The no-show by opposition MPs at the recent Dairy Industry Awards in Auckland was disappointing, says Willy Leferink.

DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

28 // AGRIBUSINESS

Cloud a big get-together for accounting, management PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

DURING THE lead-up to the launch of ‘Farming in the Cloud’, Xero discovered on average only about 10% of farmers have onfarm accounting software, says Xero’s rural specialist Ben Richmond. That figure would be lower for dairy and higher for sheep and beef, says Richmond. However it compares poorly to other sectors: ask a room full of tradees and the big majority would have financial management software, says Richmond. But the advantage of the latest ‘seismic shift’ in information technology – the cloud – means Xero has been able to develop for farmers an online platform which enables farmers, accountants and farm professionals all to access the same information. “They can all easily access them and work together with the same set of online, realtime data on the farm budgeting, accounting, tracking and forecasting…. They don’t have to

send data to different places. “It provides one centralised home for key accounting and farm management tools.” Key to the solution is a growing ‘ecosystem’ of farming software partners fully integrated with Xero’s online platform. MyFarm has been an early adopter of Farming in the Cloud and a pilot scheme has been run among 60 farming accountants. Xero is now taking a roadshow to accountants and other rural professionals to make sure all are up to speed when the system is officially launched at a prime spot at Fieldays. Xero has worked with farming software partner Figured to develop the farming specific tools. Figured project director Duncan Anderson says Figured started to develop systems for farmers who were also practising accountants and a farm adviser working for MyFarm. They had to report each quarter on the performance of an equity partnership and these reports had to be accu-

rate and consistent with the farm plan. The quarterly reports needed livestock and profit information. “The MyFarm group found that traditional tools couldn’t do that so they had to change their game.” Figured has now worked with Xero to develop the farm management tools for Farming in the Cloud. Richmond says they worked with banks, accountants, farmers and farm consultants to develop the system and talked to industry players such as Federated Farmers. “Those guys came up with the need for one true live platform that everyone has access to. If the farmer has the subscription he makes the decision as to he invites in: he can invite in his bank manager or his accountant. “That seamless accessibility hasn’t been there. We have made it what we call ‘beautiful software’, it is so easy to check you information is up to date. You can have forecasts on a daily basis and year-to-date forecast. That ease of aspect hasn’t been there.” Anderson says other software solu-

Ben Richmond

tions are doing parts of this but no one else has translated all that physical farm culture into an upto-date view of cash and profit and balance sheet in real time. Richmond says the next exciting thing is that the cloud is available anywhere anytime on any device. “We can then look at the likes of FarmIQ or LIC with on-farm software and apps; we can automate the next piece of the process. “For example if you have a piece of software predicting how much you spend on fertiliser you can then go into your budgeting software; in the cloud you can get them to talk and connect. That’s what we see as the next exciting phase of building out the whole farm ecosystem in the cloud so that we link

on farm and financial management.” Anderson says they are discussing with DairyBase the potential to generate realtime benchmarking information. They have the ability to express the performance of the farm in farm production terms such as $/kgMS per cow and per hectare. They are talking with DairyBase about expanding that report out to some of the measurements used in Dairybase benchmarking.

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

30 // AGRIBUSINESS

Final push for levy vote DAIRYNZ CHIEF exec-

Tim Mackle

utive Dr Tim Mackle is urging dairy farmers to vote before the DairyNZ milksolids levy poll closes on May 31. At the halfway point of the voting period, in midMay, almost 30% of dairy farm owners and sharemilkers had voted. The organisation is hoping

to beat the 2008 turnout of 52%, and is reminding farmers who have yet to vote to have their say. “The more farmers who vote the better,” says Mackle. “If not enough farmers vote, we risk losing the services and value of DairyNZ and all its work the levy funds for

the industry, including research and development.” An update on the number of farmers who had voted at the half-way point shows farms in Canterbury/North Otago had the highest voting turnout – about 35% of eligible voters. Second-highest

voter turnout was South Waikato (34%), followed closely by Bay of Plenty (32%). Taranaki (21%) and Northland (23%) had the lowest turnout at the halfway point. “It is important that farmers in all regions are fairly represented and actively supporting the work we do,” says Mackle. “That will give us better standing with local councils when we are working with Federated Farm-

ers and Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand to get the best policy outcomes for farmers.” About 14,000 voter packs were sent to farmers on April 24. “It’s a simple ‘yes’ or ‘no’ decision for farmers on whether they wish to continue paying the milksolids levy, currently set at 3.6c/kgMS. They can vote via the internet, by post or by fax,” says Mackle. www.dairynz.co.nz/vote

Uni, college aiming to usher more into farming NORTHLAND COLLEGE and Lincoln University have agreed on a five-year plan for the college’s farm. The move will be marked this Friday with an open day including a speech from Minister for Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment, Steven Joyce. Visitors will also see what the joint effort has achieved and will hear about the new plans, says the university. Achievements include a 70% increase in milksolids following the setting up of a farm committee, a 10% increase in the college’s roll and truancy halved. There are now 37 Northland students studying Level 2 and 3 Certificates in Agriculture and Certificates in Farming (Dairy) via distance learning through LincolnFirst Telford (a division of Lincoln University) and 12 students from Kaikohe now attend LincolnFirst Telford in Balclutha. The five-year plan is to lift the college farm’s profitability from the bottom 20% for Northland to the top 10%. Ultra-fast broadband via the Government’s Network for Learning will be used to capture and share data across the farm units and beyond, and the college and college farm aim to educate students from other schools in the region. The open day is 9.15am – 2pm at Northland College, Kaikohe, opening with a speech by Northland Hub chairman Ross Hyland, followed by Steven Joyce. Meanwhile Aoraki Polytechnic, Timaru, has put agricultural education at the centre of its strategy, including options to study Lincoln’s Diploma in Agriculture, and Canterbury Polytechnic’s Diploma in Horticulture, by distance learning through Aoraki’s Timaru and Ashburton campuses. “You will be able to get exactly the same quality of education but you don’t need to uproot and go to Lincoln for a year,” explained Aoraki’s primary industry portfolio manager Andrea Leslie.

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

32 // AGRIBUSINESS

Geo data system wins award A FARM management tool – Smart Maps- has won an information technology award, beating 100,000 other nominees worldwide. Smart Maps, owned by fertiliser co-op Ravensdown, is an interactive farm management tool allowing farmers to make real-time management decisions based on accurate data. So 3400 farmers use it. The award – 2014 Environment Systems Research Institute Inc (Esri) special achievement award in geographical information systems (GIS) – recognises

Smart maps provide accurate geo data to farmers.

outstanding work in GIS technology. Ravensdown is the only New Zealand winner. Chief information officer Mark McAtamney says the award “recognises the time our team spent with customers to understand their needs and then, using the latest technology, to create a solution.” Canterbury dairy farmer Scott Lovelock uses Smart Maps in his dayto-day work. Sharemilking 1130 Holstein Friesian cows on an irrigated 302ha farm west of Christchurch, he says he uses “every blade of grass as weather permits as well as maximum pasture intakes without taking our eye off residuals hitting 1500kgDM/ ha all year”. The system allows viewing of an online aerial map and drawing paddocks, blocks

and management zones. All this works via a personalised online service site – myravensdown.co.nz. The data is integrated with fertiliser application and other onfarm events, while soil test data is graphically presented to help the user decide what’s needed on specific paddocks. “It creates a great picture for our records,” says Lovelock. “And they’re accurate, instead of having piles of paper that may or may not be out of date. This is our second year of building this data so the performance picture of each paddock is getting clearer all the time.” Smart Maps complements existing technology, allowing uploads of data. Lovelock monitors pastures onfarm every 10 days using his C-Dax pasture meter, which uploads measurement data back to Smart Maps. He also uses a Ravensdown joint-venture spreading company, Canterbury Spreading, to order fertiliser and arrange for spreading online. The spreaders use proofof-placement technology, monitoring where the spreading truck has driven, allowing a check of the nutrient status of each individual paddock.

Sharemilker Scott Lovelock uses Smart Maps in his day-today work.

Charlie Lea

Unlock the gate, show off the trees WAIKATO FARMER and contractor Charlie Lea believes farmers should be waving their environmental credentials at city dwellers. Lea, owner of Waikato weed spraying and riparian planting business Cambrilea, says inviting recreational fishermen onto farms is a good move – provided farmers practice sustainability. Lea’s company has planted 50,000 trees on Waikato dairy farms and waterways over the last three years, under contract to farmers and the Waikato Regional Council. He says most dairy farmers take water quality issues seriously, just as well because the public continues to scrutinise dairy farms and processors – especially Fonterra. Lea says dairy support blocks will be next under the microscope. “As a sheep and beef farmer I know we

will also be next in line; there is less uptake but awareness is growing and this has been evident in our farm group meetings,” he told Dairy News. Lea’s company supplements its weed spraying business with supplying plants from a newly established nursery and planting. Under a ‘trees for bees’ programme, plants grown at the nursery flower from June to March providing pollen for bees. “For farmers this means bees around crops and clover. More trees on the farm also provide shade for cows and recreational fishermen, who visit the property. “We need urban people to understand what the farmers are doing…I’m a firm believer in granting people access but using the opportunity to educate them.” www.cambrileaweedspraying.co.nz

DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

AGRIBUSINESS // 33

Buyer caution as farm prices firm ANDREW SWALLOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz

DAIRY FARM prices and other land values continue to firm but there’s increasing caution in the market, says the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand. “We’re seeing a shortage of supply in the latter part of the season driving a little bit of a lift in values but there’s an underlying degree of caution coming through from buyers and their bankers based on the outlook for the payout and interest rates,” REINZ rural spokesman Brian Peacocke told Dairy News following last week’s release of REINZ’s latest rural market report.

REINZ’s Dairy Farm Price index for the three months to April was 6.1% higher than the same period last year, and up 5.7% on the three months to March. The index adjusts for differences in farm size and location whereas median price per hectare, which REINZ also reports, does not. Median price per hectare for dairy farms for the three months to April was $34,615/ha across 105 properties sold compared to $34,819 across 87 properties a year previously, a fall of 0.6%. Median size of the dairy farms in those periods was 120ha and 129ha respectively. Peacocke says dairy buyers’ influence is

reflected in other market sector statistics, notably finishing properties and to a lesser extent grazing properties, with dairy farmers buying such land for conversion or run-offs. In turn, sellers of those properties are “pushing further back” into nondairy areas. “The ripple effect from the dairy industry is going quite strongly down the chain, and it’s not a negative impact.” The 107 finishing properties sold in the three months to April made a median of $22,108/ha, up 9% on the median for the 83 sales made in the corresponding period last year. Grazing properties were up 16% on 2013.

WEATHER MAKING A DIFFERENCE REINZ RURAL spokesman Brian Peacocke points to recent weather as another key factor in the market. “Rural morale has rebounded following drought breaking rainfall in the northern regions. Conversely, the surplus of rain that has been great for the pastoral sector in the South Island has impacted heavily on some in the arable sector,” he said in last week’s REINZ media release. “Sales volumes for the three months ending April 30 continue the upward trend over recent months, with confidence in the market being demonstrated by a lift in prices for the April sales.”

There were 498 farm sales for the three months ended April 2014 – 55 more (+12.4%) than for the three months ended April 2013 and 26 more than in March, a 5.5% increase in turnover. In the year to April, 1849 farms sold, 27.2% more than in the year to April 2013. The median price across all farms for the three months to April 2014 was $24,574/ha compared to $20,241/ha in the same period last year, a 21.4% increase. The REINZ All Farm Price Index is up 14.7% compared to April 2013 but Peacocke told Dairy News values are still short of the 2007-08 peak in the market.

Land values continue to firm.

Peacocke says new entrants to the dairy property market, either investment groups or first time sole/family buyers, are evident in the market, with some former equity managers of large properties breaking away to buy their own places. “They tend to be active in areas where the blocks are smaller and therefore require less money, though not necessarily less per hectare.” Environmental restrictions on water and effluent are also influencing buyers, with the price for properties requiring investment to meet consent requirements reflecting the work needed. However, other than that, to date the various regulations nationwide have had little impact on the market, he says, with the opportunity to buy the right property in the right

REINZ ALSO REPORTS ■■

A good steady market for dairy and grazing properties in Northland

■■

Strong activity and prices for good dairy and dairy support property in the wider Waikato region resulting in a shortage of listings

■■

A strong upturn in prices in Bay of Plenty for good quality, well situated kiwifruit orchards with local buyers to the fore

■■

Following a healthy period of activity, a distinct winding down of the market in Taranaki as the season draws to a close

■■

Steady sales volumes for dairy and grazing properties in Manawatu but a quieter market in the southeast North Island

■■

Depleted stocks tied to the seasonal slowdown in Canterbury – still good enquiry for quality dairy farms but buyer resistance to higher prices evident

■■

Continuing strong enquiry but a shortage of properties available in Otago

■■

A busy market across all fronts in Southland with additional interest stimulated by Solid Energy’s sale of multiple properties within the province.

place outweighing concerns about regulatory uncertainty. That’s echoed by Property Brokers’ Mid Canterbury agent Paul Cunneen. “A lot of the farm sales have been strategic purchases, so because of the farm, and the fact that that area of land may not come up again in the near future, people have been taking a pragmatic view that they’ll deal with [Canterbury’s Land and Water Regional Plan] later.” People are talking about what a property’s “baseline” nutrient

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

34 // AGRIBUSINESS

Fert co-op erases Oz footprint RAVENSDOWN’S EXIT from the Australian

fertiliser market is complete, the Christchurch co-op announced earlier this month. Closure of its Queensland operation comes five months after Ravensdown completed sales of its businesses in Western Australia and

South Australia. “We told shareholders at the last annual meeting that it was a make or break year for the Queensland business and the hard reality is that it’s the latter,” Ravensdown chief executive Greg Campbell said. “We need to take action now and put the Australian experience behind us.

When the next financial year starts from June 1, 2014, there will be no Australian fertiliser trading losses affecting our New Zealand result.” Ravensdown Fertiliser Australia was set up in 2009 after sugarcane growers invited the cooperative to start supplying them. The business plan

was based on 100,000t/ year sales but cyclones, flooding and depressed world prices for sugar meant tonnage never reached that. Last year 70,000t sold. The ABC reported sugarcane growers to be “gutted by the shock closure of New Zealand fertiliser cooperative

Ravensdown’s Queensland operations.” Canegrowers chief executive Brendan Stewart told ABC Ravensdown’s entry into the Queensland market had saved growers $20-30m/year. He acknowledged sales had fallen short of expectations, but said Ravensdown’s exit was

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Greg Campbell

premature. “Had they committed to the full five year agreement, which was due to expire in May next year, we would have been able to reach that [100,000t/ year] target and make it profitable.” About 37% of Canegrowers’ members were buying fertiliser from Ravensdown, the ABC reported. Campbell told the ABC that “in the main” Ravensdown had good support from Canegrowers. “But probably not all of them or enough of them… In addition to that it was quite a

fragmented market.” In its announcement Ravensdown highlighted its renewed focus on New Zealand operations, investing in advanced nutrient management training, infrastructure such as new loaders in stores, and technology such as Smart Maps to provide a visual audit trail for a farm’s nutrient status. “We’re seeing strong demand from a buoyant New Zealand sector and have good availability of products like superphosphate, DAP and urea in our stores,” said Campbell.

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brand SealesWinslow has a new look that reflects its place in the wider Ballance group. All the Ballance farm nutrient management offerings are now seen under one consistent logo, says general manager animal nutrition, Graeme Smith. The business will retain its name. Graeme Smith “Since Ballance acquired shares in SealesWinslow in 2011 we have been working hard to lift our capability and align the business with the Ballance infinity growth symbol and everything it stands for, including sound science and proven results for farmers.” The company has announced a $10 million upgrade, now underway, to increase production at its plant and to better meet the needs of customers. The project, to be completed by spring, will raise SealesWinslow’s ability to make and deliver a range of stockfeeds, with a focus on product quality and manufacturing capacity to ensure best product, best delivery. They are also attending to the ‘front end’ to increase the availability of onfarm services supported with specialist animal nutrition and farm nutrient management advice.

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38 // NZ NATIONAL FIELDAYS

World event not a one-off affair FIELDAYS CHIEF executive Jon Calder believes this year’s theme, “managing resources for a competitive advantage,” embodies everything that has made the agricultural sector so successful. “It has always been innovative and managed its resources and has kept building on that.” Calder, now in his third year as chief executive, is now at work on final details for the 2014 National Fieldays, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest such event. The society now also has an international business executive, Marcelo Mieras, whose focus will be on the many delegations from overseas.

Jon Calder is now in his third year as chief executive.

The Argentinian site will be opened by their New Zealand ambassador and there will be a delegation of 60 from the province of Santa Fe led by their governor. “This is an area with similar farming to New Zealand including dairying, cropping and beef farming and they are trying to model their farming methods on New Zea-

land rather than the US,” said Mieres. Says Calder, “We have worked hard with NZ Trade and Enterprise to connect with as many international visitors as possible to smooth the way for their visit.” About 18 Irish companies are expected to exhibit, five from China, and others – either exhibiting or attending – from

Chile, Japan, US, Colombia, UK, Germany, Italy and India. With enough notice they will provide interpreters. “Organising and preparing for the annual Fieldays is not a one off affair as we are also planning long term for 2015 and 2016 so we do not stop after this one and start again, it is an ongoing process.” There has been a major overhaul of the innovations area. It has been enlarged and there are two prize packages for the winner and runner-up of $20,000 and $15,000 to help them develop and market their respective products. – Tony Hopkinson

President served his time on the gate Under his watch Roberts wants to see, as well as the Fieldays improving, the society doing more to educate the THE NEW president of the National younger generation and telling the rest Fieldays Society, Warwick Roberts, has of New Zealand what agriculture has to had a long association with Mystery offer and its potential for careers. “What other career can Creek starting back in offer a person an income 1999 directing traffic at of $100,000 annually after Gate 3. only five years and be earn“I had already been ing while they are learninvolved with the YFC as ing?” an 18-year-old organising With this in mind the fencing competition Fieldays has invited when they were first held Education Minister at Te Rapa.” Hekia Parata to see He has been a member Warwick Roberts more about the role of of the society for 13 years and a member of the board for three years agriculture in New Zealand. “If you with one year as vice-president. He was want to change and improve things you chairman of the agricultural fieldays com- start at the top.” This will be followed by inviting colmittee from 2009-12 Roberts says the society is expect- lege careers advisors to gain better undering a boomer Fieldays as the increas- standing of the agriculture scene. A 20 ing income in all sectors of agriculture sharebrokers from Wellington will also especially dairying means all farmers are attend. Roberts says 90% of sites were sold by thinking positively. “A lot of business will be done; many by December 2013 for the 2014 event. And farmers have been holding off their 110 would-be exhibitors are one a waiting list, 50 for the agricultural section. spending.”

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NZ NATIONAL FIELDAYS // 39

Helping to open doors in far-flung markets GRAHAM TURLEY

ANZ HAS been a supporter of the National Agricultural Fieldays for four decades – a key part of our commitment to growing the productivity, profitability and sustainability of the agricultural sector. Fieldays is a great platform for people to network and exchange ideas to help New Zealand maintain its position as a world leader in agriculture. Once again, our agri managers and a wide range of banking specialists will be available at Mystery Creek to help farmers and the people associated with the sector achieve success for their agribusiness. ANZ has New Zealand banking’s largest network of agri managers and our networks in 33 markets helps open doors for agribusinesses in growth markets such as China, India, Indonesia and Vietnam. Recently we were

named Canstar’s Agribusiness Bank of the Year for the third consecutive year. The award recognised the depth of the expertise we offer, the quality of our products and the number of agri managers we have available to help our rural customers in every part of the country. Fieldays 2014 takes place at a time of incredible economic opportunity, with the agri sector providing much of the momentum in New Zealand’s economic revival. Part of that performance is due to a lift in returns, but it’s also the result of work by the sector to increase productivity, innovate and create new opportunities. Many of these initiatives go unheralded, but they are vital to raising financial performance and improving prospects. While the dairy story is well known – a great bounce back from last year’s drought and records

Magnesium supplement has big ‘advantages’ A MAGNESIUM supplement due for launching at Fieldays will hit the peak-season spot for dairy farmers during pre-calving and early lactation throughout spring, says the marketer. Bolifor Magnesium, from BEC Feed Solutions, is said to offer “distinct advantages over magnesium oxide (MgO) and other magnesium supplements. These include excellent palatability, ease of application, accuracy of dosage and high bioavailability of the vital mineral magnesium”. The firm’s New Zealand manager, Trina Parker, says the products will “transform the way dairy farmers administer magnesium to their cows, providing many additional benefits as well as marked labour saving efficiencies”. Available in two forms – Bolifor MGP+ and Bolifor MAG33 – each has different mineral compositions that can fit easily into existing feeding, and animal health regimes. Instead of being administered in the traditional way, via pasture dusting or dosing in water, the Bolifor products can be consumed directly. Palatability is said to be high: Bolifor MGP+ is neutral in taste; Bolifor MAG33 tastes slightly salty. Both are said to have more appeal to cows than traditional magnesium products. www.becfeedsolutions.co.nz

being set in production, productivity, farmgate milk price and profit – other sectors are also on the move upwards. Of course the agri sector still faces chal-

lenges, especially with the high kiwi dollar and issues such as water quality, carbon emissions and the increasing demands from policy makers and retailers on environmental and sus-

tainability standards. Overcoming those challenges is what Fieldays is all about. • Graham Turley is managing director, commercial and agri, ANZ NZ.

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Bale feeders win Oz award TONY HOPKINSON

SUCCESS IN Australia only four

months after launching there. That’s the word from bale feeder manufacturer McIntosh Farm Machinery and Cranes, which won an award for its double bale feeder at a recent Victoria farm field days. “Both the single and double bale feeders have been selling well and we have had success in Australia after only four months of sales,” says general manager Brett McIntosh. The double bale feeder, first released at 2013 National Fieldays, won ‘Best New Unpowered Machine’ at the recent Warrigul Show (Victoria), a mixed-farming event.

Award-winning bale feeder.

One satisfied customer in Victoria is Ken Snell, a dairy farmer at Poowong North. Says Snell, “The deep vee construction gives a constant and even unrolling of the bales and it has the

ability to hold the bales above the feeding cradle. So with our rotocut bales we are able to remove the plastic and net without having the silage fall everywhere.” Snell also says that on his farm’s

A multi-stage pump in operation with a Yardmaster rightangle stirrer.

steep hills he has no trouble feeding out right to the end of the bale. He can feed out on areas he could not get to before. McIntosh says another farmer in Victoria is feeding out five-foot silage bales, weighing up to 1,300kg and it handled them and fed them out with ease. Also on the McIntosh site at National Fieldays will be farm trailers from 4.5t to 17t. “Our trailers are over-spec’d and knowing that farmers push their capacity to the limit we are confident they can handle the load farmers will put into them for a long time – and handle the odd tip over,” said McIntosh. Buyers can choose between 5mm steel floors or 40mm timber floors.

www.mcintosh.net.nz

Multi-stage pump does more work at lower cost THE MULTI-STAGE Yardmaster effluent pump made by Reid & Harrison will be on site with its inventor Warren Ubels. Farmers with technical queries about pumping will get ready answers, says chief executive Keith Cooke. Explaining the multi-stage Yardmaster, Cooke says it is “effectively like having two, three or four pumps joined together, so their combined efforts make a high efficiency pump, with each following stage building on the work already done by the previous. “All this in one body gives the benefits of multiple stages without the costs of running separate pumps.” The pump is designed for ‘green water’ as an ideal pump to supply irrigators, Cooke says. The high efficiency means that by using a variable-speed drive and the one pump, a farmer can run to a high head or long distance if needed, or idle at lower power usage, depending on whereabouts on the farm the effluent is going. “This multi-stage pump takes the Yardmaster into a new era of efficiency and control of effluent management.” Tel. 07 888 8224 www.yardmaster-pumps.com

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42 // NZ NATIONAL FIELDAYS

Ripper yields – all will be revealed A FARMER with some of the highest yields in his part of Southland will help man the James Engineering site to answer visitors’ questions. Of course, he’s an enthusiastic user of James’ gear. The Maitland, Southland, firm has exhibited at Fieldays for 30 years, says founder Des James. “We originally attended as the manufacturer and distributor of a linkage to enable farmers to steer their tractors and raise and lower the hydraulics while feeding out bales from the transport tray.” He later turned to making soil aerators, mole ploughs and subsoilers, becoming an acknowledged authority on soil aeration and its benefits to soil health and drainage. The business is now owned by Mike Key. On show will be mole ploughs, attachments for laying plastic water

An auto reset soil aerator, designed for problem soils where timber and rocks are present. New Polaris UTE 570 HD quad.

New quad has sit-in chassis NEW POLARIS Sportsman ACE

pipe, pre-rippers, sub-soilers and the James patented bale tippers. “As well as our usual team we will also have a farmer who has used our machines for some time and achieves some of the highest

crop yields in the area. He will be available to answer questions from a practical farmer’s perspective,” says Key.

Tel. 03 207 1837 www.james-engineering.co.nz

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and Polaris UTE 570 HD quads will be standouts on the company’s site. And the company will exhibit all its other quads and Ranger SXS and RZR SXS vehicles. The Sportsman ACE offers an all-new agricultural or off-road experience, the company says. It has a sit-in chassis, a certified roll-over protection structure (ROPS), 3-point seatbelt and protective netting, adjustable seat and steering wheel, independent front and adjustable rear suspension, 260kg rack and storage

capacity, 32hp EFI engine with Polaris variable transmission, on-demand true AWD and a 680kg towing capacity. And the all-new Polaris Ute 570 HD is a “game changer,” the company says. It has the utility and capabilities of a traditional farm ute combined with the nimbleness and agility of a quad. Its features include power steering, a 556kg towing capacity, mirrors, indicators, a horn, four wheel descent control, on demand AWD and a dump box with 180kg capacity. www.polaris.co.nz

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

44 // NZ NATIONAL FIELDAYS

Pipe tool made in heaven A NEW tool from Hansen Products is said to remove “even more stress” from the task of installing water systems and maintaining them. “It is pure genius and so easy to use you will wonder why it wasn’t invented

years ago,” the company says. It’s called Han-Tool (patent pending) and it’s for determining which type and size Hansen Easy Fit pipe fittings will fit a particular pipe. “How often have you

been faced with not knowing what pipe you have just dug up? In most cases all the markings are gone making it impossible to work out what size it is let alone what material it is made from.” No problem, says

Hansen. The Han-Tool will indicate which Hansen Easy Fit Pipe Fitting will fit your pipes. Using it is simple: make sure the end of the pipe is cut square, place the pipe inside and outside the cone and the measurements on

the side of the cone indicate which Hansen fitting will fit this particular pipe. No expensive tools required, no specialist training. Tel. 09 430 4240 www.hansenproducts. co.nz

Han-Tool makes installing water systems easy.

Problem-solving products set to pull crowds

Imagine if you could see the future at Mystery Creek Fieldays ®

‘PROBLEM SOLVED’ will be Gallagher’s theme at National Fieldays – embodied in an “exciting lineup of new products” to make the site a crowd-puller. National sales manager Peter Nation says the company has launched 19 new products or product improvements since January 2013. Eight have been released this year, including some yet-to-be-revealed products destined for Fieldays. Lots of customer consultation has gone into these new ones, Nation says. “We’ve talked extensively to farmers about some of the problems they face onfarm and how they can improve performance in specific areas of animal management. Then we’ve gone back to our research and development team and asked them to come up with a new product or improvement that will solve these issues in a simple and effective way.” The end result is an innovative range of problemsolving products that have been warmly received by farmers. “The addition of the transport lock to our geared reel is a classic example of a simple solution to a common problem. Farmers told us they were sick of fencing reels jumping off bikes or falling off a fence, so we came up with a practical easy-to-use improvement that stops this happening.” The geared reel also includes a new heavy duty 3:1 gearbox to enhance winding efficiency and reliability. Other recent releases will include the ring top post, water monitoring system and the pivot irrigator crossing system. EID products will include the new HR5 hand-held tag reader and data collector that enables a farmer to record, edit and customise livestock data on the spot. The Gallagher site is a crowd favourite, Nation says. “Farmers love to come in and chat to the people who make their products, and we love to hear their feedback.” As always, he says, a range of product specials will be offered during Fieldays. Gallagher has added a transport lock to its geared reel as a result of farmer feedback.

You can. With 125 years of global innovation and experience behind us, and a commitment to continually pushing the boundaries, nobody’s better placed than DeLaval to show you the future of dairying in New Zealand.

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

NZ NATIONAL FIELDAYS // 45

Forage harvester in a class of its own THREE OF the world’s most advanced forage harvesting, transport and handling machines will make their debut on the CLAAS Harvest Centre stand. They are the Claas Jaguar 900/800 series forage harvesters, the Fliegl Gigant ASW271 ‘push-off’ trailer and a JCB Farm Master 435S Agri wheeled loader. National sales manager Roger Nehoff says the three high performance machines complement each other. “Jaguar 900/800 harvesters can process hundreds of tonnes of silage every hour, which means the ratelimiting factor to productivity is how

fast you can transport and store this throughput. “The Fliegl Gigant push-off trailer and JCB 435S wheeled loader are high capacity machines capable of keeping up with this sort of output. “The Gigant forage wagon holds up to 56m3 of compressed forage and unloads up to five times faster than a walking floor or bottom chain trailer. “A JCB Farm Master loader fitted with a four-metre buck rake can clear that load in one or two passes, giving the operator plenty of time to roll and seal the silage before the next trailer arrives. “A wheeled loader is much easier to operate than a tractor because

Claas Jaguar 950

you can lift, place and steer simultaneously.” The new Jaguar 900/800 series has notable upgrades and innovations, Neehof says. “Claas now offers 11 models in the 900 and 800 series spanning 270 to 650 kW (367 to 884 hp). Also on display will be Claas tractors, Amazone cultivation, seeding, spreading and spraying equipment, JCB materials handling equipment and Fliegl agricultural trailers and wagons. International guests including Fliegl sales director José Viedma and JCB agriculture product sales manager Malcolm Davis will be on site. Tel. 03 357 6030

Pump solves milk frothing problem

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from 30 years of reliable service 3,000 farmers cannot be wrong CONVERSION KIT AVAILABLE

REDUCED FROTHING and better cooling of milk are

seen at a Dannevirke dairy farm that has installed a Corkill Systems rotary-lobe pump. Paul Charmley had had a serious problem with frothing of milk in the receiving can and at the start of the 2013-14 season installed the pump. It greatly reduced the problem. “I saw them at the 2013 Central Districts Field Days and liked the principle of how they worked with the stainless lobes positively displacing and not damaging the milk.” Frothing has been reduced and the float control keeps the volume in the can steady. Charmley says with the predicted changes in milk temperatures for milk entering the vat he is getting better cooling because of the even milk flow through the cooler. A side benefit was when Corkill Systems did the installation they corrected a stray voltage problem and now the cows are quieter and contented in the shed. “Our old pump was continually running on the wash cycle to keep up with the froth, after one season we are happy with our installation and the results,” says Charmley. Charmley is the fourth generation of his family on the farm. He and wife Lisa are just finishing their first season as owners. They run an all grass system and manage without any bought-in feed. “We plate meter the farm once a week. Using the Minda Land and Feed program we closely monitor our grass growth throughout the year.” – Tony Hopkinson

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

46 // NZ NATIONAL FIELDAYS

Rain gun spreads effluent wide at low rates LOW APPLICATION depths and rates, and easy to move around: these are the features dairy farmers told Hi-Tech Enviro they wanted in a rain gun for effluent spreading. The company says it spent two years developing it, launching it in October 2013. The Cobra Travelling Raingun “has changed the way farmers irrigate their farms,” Hi-Tech says. “Not only can it achieve low application depths and rates, but it can also spread over large distances. “And with no long boom areas to deal with the gun is easy to

move around and set up.” Features: ■■ Low application depths and rates to help avoid ponding ■■ No long boom arms to deal with so it is easier and safer to move around ■■ Can irrigate over full or partial circles ■■ Can irrigate just on one side – great for sidlings or to avoid going too close to drains etc ■■ Can be used in a stationary position if required ■■ Far greater spread than normal travelling irrigators ■■ Can handle 9 - 44m3/hour, and if more volume is

required it is simply a matter of changing the gun. “This product was developed by us because our customers were not happy with the long booms seen on the irrigators on the market at the time, and their limited spreading options,” says Hi-Tech. “What they told us they wanted was to use a rain gun with all the advantages they bring but it had to move itself as they

were at the time only a stationary option for irrigation.” Rainguns are said to have been sold nationwide to a “large number of very happy customers”.

Tel. 07 889 7755 www.hitechenviro.co.nz

Cobra travelling raingun. Good facilities for examining cows helps herd health, reduce costs.

Putting their best foot forward EVERY FARM should have good facilities for examin-

ing cows, says the maker of the Wrangler. If you want to improve herd health, decrease costs and improve production, while improving safety and making things easier, that’s how. “If a cow is unwell her production, condition and fertility can suffer so it is a priority to identify and treat a lame or sick cow early. “A Wrangler at the shed makes the job quick, easy, and safe so staff are inclined to check cows at the first sign of trouble, preventing a condition becoming more serious. Vets now insist on good facilities, with many specifying their clients must have a Wrangler for them to use.” Available with a headbail gate or walk-through headbail, the Wrangler also has two underbelly girths that hold the cow during treatment. For hoofcare, the back leg is winched onto a support bar with a clapper or braked stainless steel winch. The front hoof also is easy to access while it is held on a support block by a double strap mechanism, with front winches standard on all models. The cow cannot kick or go down, can’t hurt herself or the farmer. It is said to be equally useful for calving, caesarians, liver biopsies, re-tagging and other animal handling jobs. Tel. 07 304 6200 www.thewrangler.co.nz

WORLD WIDE SIRES NEW ZEALAND,

invite you to visit us at Mystery Creek Fieldays - Site PC11 - Main Pavilion. Visit our team of friendly faces and take the opportunity to chat with our staff about the strong sire line-up we have to offer you this season.

Have a look at our website for up to date information on the bulls we are marketing plus several more that are not listed in our current catalogue.

There will be a hot cup of coffee waiting for you. Fill in the entry form on site to enter our draw for $250 of free product. WORLD WIDE SIRES – New Zealand | www.wwsiresnz.co.nz | Email wwsiresnz@clear.net.nz | Free Phone 0800 60 70 70

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

48 // NZ NATIONAL FIELDAYS

Herringbone management about to be easier

Tru-Test is launching a new herringbone management system.

GARETH GILLATT

FARMERS WITH her-

ringbone sheds are about to see a complete management, monitoring and drafting system, due for launching at Fieldays by Tru-Test New Zealand.

Sales and marketing manager Verne Atmore says the company’s MilkHub Dairy Automation system offers a world-first in herringbone milking – individual cow identification whereby NAIT tags allow automated in-shed cow moni-

toring and management. “Farmers have voiced their interest in automatic solutions for herringbone sheds for many years,” says Atmore. Until now variations in design and dimensions, and the implications of variable row length, cow behavior such as pushing, queue-jumping and swinging heads, plus cow line-up in the shed, have added to the hardware and software design challenge.

queue jumping while cows come into the row has no effect. VID, birth detail, last calving date, calving due date, herd test results, last treatment and treatment date — this information and more can be displayed at every milking. Display information can be manipulated as required at different times in the season. The herringbone system can be retrofitted into almost any shed setup

The herringbone system can be retrofitted into almost any shed setup.

Water Meters

Tru-Test engineers have succeeded in overcoming these challenges, creating a herringbone solution that is accurate and reliable, says Atmore. “Ultimately the key to the system’s success is its unobtrusiveness. It isn’t going to interrupt cow flow or milking and it’s ‘hands off’.” The antennae for inbail identification are located above the bails and display screens mounted above the pit, allowing farmers to easily see which cows are now in the shed and what their status is. Real-time information on EID and cow data is accurate for standing order so behaviour such as

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and because it is modular farmers will be able to add other automation components to their systems as needs arise. Tru-Test says it has tried to keep the price of the herringbone unit competitive with that of the rotary model: the herringbone price is only slightly higher, says Atmore. “It will cost a little more to get an EID system for a 50-bail herringbone than for a 50-bail rotary. It is still far less expensive than building a new rotary shed, which was until now the only way to get accurate in-shed EID reading.” Tel. 09 978 8888 www.tru-test.com

Solutions, service focus by LIC LIC’S SITE is designed to reflect the co-op’s new

FOR WATER RELATED PRODUCTS VISIT

SITES

F38-F42

strategy and facilitate more in-depth conversations with farmers with a greater emphasis on service and solutions, says corporate marketing manager Blair Hoad. “Our new strategy is aimed at putting our farmers at the centre of everything we do, and Fieldays is a great opportunity for us to spend time with them and learn more about the challenges they’re facing. “These conversations give us the insight we need to understand what our farmers need from us, so we can provide them with solutions to make their farm more productive and profitable.” The site will have seven key areas: animal health and parentage, herd management, genetic gain, fertility and reproduction, better on-farm decisions, productivity and farm performance. “We’ll have staff attending from all over the country…. They’re passionate about what they do, they live and breathe LIC’s solutions every day, and this event is one way they can share that passion and knowledge with farmers.” Visitors will get to vote for which mobile apps they would like the co-op to develop, and learn more about their herd’s reproductive performance.

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Get your farm mapped for free at Fieldays, Mystery Creek, 11-14 June, with our award* winning technology which includes: • Soil tests • Application maps • Feed wedge • Online ordering • Nutrient summaries & lots more! Available to shareholders only. *2014 Environment Systems Research Institute Inc (Esri) Special Achievement Award in Geographical Information Systems

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

50 // NZ NATIONAL FIELDAYS

Sustainable housing for high output herd PICTURES AND details of a newly completed GEA Farm Technologies Norbco cow housing barn, built on a South Canterbury farm, will be shown on the company’s site.

Norbco housing barn on a South Canterbury farm.

The barn, first of its type built in New Zealand, is owned by Fairview Holsteins (Trounce family), near Timaru. The building was finished in late April. Andrew Trounce, who

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oversees the dairying operation, says many benefits can accrue from a barn type system. The Trounces farm 450 Holstein Friesians. Trounce, a dairy nutritionist with the Dairy Business Centre, Ashburton, says the cows are happy, well housed and getting the optimal feed combination.

overseas in designing and building dairy barns and was unfazed by the size of the animals. Says Trounce, “We needed stalls that were deeper and wider to contain the cows, with good cow and tractor access, good airflow and no crossover in cow movement.” Norbco’s consulting designer and ‘cow com-

“We needed stalls that were deeper and wider to contain the cows, with good cow and tractor access, good airflow and no crossover in cow movement.” “These are heavy Holsteins that we milk all year around and it makes pugging and pasture damage a headache while we are trying to achieve optimal production out of the herd.” The family will also soon face having to manage nutrient loss restrictions. The barn’s centralised effluent containment system the barn will place the farm within the ECan limits and contain its environmental footprint. “Every angle we looked from pointed to a barn as a solution,” Trounce says. “The only downfall was the land we lost to it, but increased production should more than make up for that.” The barn is 4100m2 in area, with an extra 1900m2 dedicated to bunkers and feed storage. Norbco is established

fort’ expert Mike Creek provided insights on maximising cow comfort in the barn, including the use of 2.5cm thick rubber matting for cows to lie on. Central to effluent management in the barn is a Houle effluent scraper system that regularly moves up and down laneways to pull effluent into a centralised containment area for treatment and dispersal by Houle pumps. Ultimately the waste will be separated into liquid and solids by a Houle screen separator, with solids capable of being stored in a bunker and applied on cropping land when conditions are right. The cows will be housed in the barn after calving for six to eight weeks and fed a mixed ration diet. Tel. 07 823 3660 www.gea-farmtechnologies.co.nz

DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

NZ NATIONAL FIELDAYS // 51

Another option when it comes to feed wagons TONY HOPKINSON

ROBERTSON MANUFACTURING have added a

Heat detectors ‘as good as any bull’ are conclusive when need to replace or touch it comes to knowing them up, unlike tail paint. uptake of CRV Estrotect whether the cows are bull“Some farmers worry heat detectors has doubled that the patch might come ing or not bulling, which in the past five years, says gives me greater confioff when the cows are product manager Angela dence for starting AI.” mounted but they don’t Ryan. Ryan says using heat “In 2009 we sold about – the adhesive that sticks detector is simple: “If them on is exceptional,” 500,000, and this year we it’s rubbed you breed, if Ryan says. “They stay on are on track to sell nearly it’s scratched you don’t the cow on and do the job one million.” breed. The difference The company is the “Some farmers worry that between a rub and a scratch is obvious, exclusive the patch might come unlike your beacon New Zeaproducts or tail paints land stockist off when the cows are which can bust or of Estrotect mounted but they don’t.” wear out through the heat deteccow’s normal behavtors, basically iour.” without fuss or mess.” a patch about the size of a An early-bird discount Dairy farmer Graham business card that sticks offer on the heat detectors Barlow has used the heat onto the cow’s rump. will have all customers detectors for about 10 When the silver exterior entered in a draw for an years. He has been dairy is rubbed off, the bright iPad4 valued at $579. colour beneath is exposed farming for 25 years and www.crv4all.co.nz milks 320 Jerseys on his telling the farmer the cow 65ha Gordonton farm. is ready for AI. “I’m a big fan because They need only be the heat detector patches applied once at the beginare fast to apply and they ning of the season – no

new model to complement their feedwagon range. The new model features a hydraulic ram and pusher blade replacing a chain conveyor for hay/silage shifting to the feeding section on Robertson Manufacturing’s new P Series Comby, the RP 1350, due for launching at Fieldays. “This is the models’ one major difference from our Super Comby EX models,” says wholesale manager for Robertson Manufacturing, Andrew Tedham. Some users prefer less moving parts than the chain conveyor type floor. Because of the ram this model will have fewer grease nipples. The new P series will still be controlled from the cab by an electronic joystick. The capacity is 13.5 - 14m3. The feeding section is from the well proven Super Comby EX with the optional feed pad kit for trough feeding with maize and palm kernel

The company will also exhibit different models of its Robertson Transpreaders, Super Comby range of hay/ silage feeders and quick hitches. It will be the first outing for Robertson’s curtain sided hospitality unit. “We have been coming to Mystery Creek for over 25 years and we decided to improve where we meet with long term clients as well as potential new ones,” says director Delma Robertson. Robertson Manufacturing will be at site A69 Tel. 03 303 7228 www.robfarm.co.nz

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52 // NZ NATIONAL FIELDAYS

Rear disc mowers easier to attach NEW POTTINGER rear

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MOLASSES • • • •

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nience, says Origin principal David Donnelly. Using the hydraulic lower linkage arm the headstock can always be brought into the correct horizontal position, independent of the geometry of the tractor hitch. In addition, this system optimises weight alleviation and gives excellent ground clearance (50cm on the inside) for headland turns and transport on the road. During transport the mower is pivoted hydraulically upwards 115o: with the mower on the tractor centreline the highest point is right in the middle with the centre of gravity perfectly in the centre. This ensures compact and safe transport of the mower. The heart of both mowers is the proven Novacat cutter bar with quick-change knife system as standard, providing first-class cutting quality and at the same time optimum protection of the sward. Both the Novacat 262 and 302 have hydraulic weight alleviation.

A clearly-visible pressure gauge is fitted to the mower frame and the ground pressure can be adjusted progressively to exert pressure on the ground – the prerequisite for optimum forage and ground protection, Donnelly says. The centre pivot suspension enables a freedom of movement of +/- 22o for best ground following and the mower unit is stabilised by a small hydraulic cylinder to cancel oscillation. This makes turning easier and ensures safety and stability at the headland and during transport. If the mower impacts an obstruction during operation, the integrated mechanical collision protection system allows it to deviate by 15 degrees to the rear providing extra clearance of around 1 metre. Both machines are available with ED tinetype conditioners or RC roller conditioners with newly designed conditioner hood geometry that ensures “perfect crop flow”. Tel. 07 823 7582 www.originagroup.co.nz

Irish tanker on debut Create a custom blend of minerals in molasses for delivery along side the existing in shed feed system. Condose is unique in that it can deliver non soluble minerals like Mag Oxide, Limeflour or Dolomite suspended in Molasses. Conedose is more accurate then dusting and water dosing, saves time and wastage, more cost effective than mineral feed pallets and more profitable. Conedose was the supreme winner at Lincoln Field Days in 2013, and is available to lease NZ wide.

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AN IRISH manufacturer 40 years in the business of slurry

tankers and rotary mowers will exhibit on the Ireland site. Major Equipment, a family owned business, last July sold a tanker (Major 2250LGP) with a 6.4m disc injector to a Mackenzie Country agricultural contractor, Andrew Swann, operating from Fairlie, South Canterbury. “I researched other tankers and injectors available in New Zealand at the time and nothing else matched the quality of the Major machines,” Swann is reported as saying. After a few months of using the 10,200L tanker and disc injector Swann is said to be satisfied with his purchase and the benefits of this way of placing slurry. “The accuracy of spread is excellent,” he says. The grass gets the nutrient right where it needs it and it does not coat the leaves, which can inhibit grass growth. The four-point linkage system on the Major disc injector was an important feature, Swann says. “Other manufacturers bolt their injectors directly onto the rear of the tanker… whereas the linkage system on the Major disc injector is a better option.” The tanker and disc injector system are said to be suppressing odours from fields, allowing a wider application window to get slurry down when the grass needs it. Major Equipment’s rotary mowers come in cutting widths 1.6m-5.5m. suitable for use in the toughest of conditions. www.major-equipment.com

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

54 // MANAGEMENT

Cow housing shortens path to farm ownership GARETH GILLATT

A HERDHOMES structure has got a

Waikato couple onto their first farm a lot sooner than expected. Nacre and Anthony Maiden sharemilk 550 cows on 230ha at Tauhei 18km northwest of Gordonton. And on June 1 they will walk onto their own 63ha property two years earlier than planned. The Maidens have three 200-cow HerdHomes shelters – two completed in August 2010 and a third the following year. Rarely a day passes when one part of the couple’s herd isn’t in there for a least some portion of the day, Nacre says. Production has been about 250,000kgMS/year since the HerdHomes were commissioned, allowing the Maidens to keep stock onfarm with only low environmental impacts,

and reducing the uncertainties that arise with the extremes of summer and winter. The wet flat peat soil is extremely susceptible to pugging. During winter, stock are able to stay largely in the structure, going onto paddocks only to graze pastures down to targeted residual levels before they go back inside. Proponents of this method of grazing say it allows pastures good recovery times without the costs of regular mechanical harvesting. Production had jumped 25% purely on the back of better supplement useage, Nacre says. “We fed basically the same amount of supplement but we were able to utilise more of it. It turned up in milk and condition on the cows’ backs.” The Maidens have been able to keep down empty rates and vet bills with extensive use of the on-off system. One

of the homes has even been used to hold springing cows at calving. Cows calve easier in the structure and it helps workers save time as it makes it easy to check on calving cows, divide calved cows from those still springing and deal with any that might be having trouble calving. “It’s handy at night, if we need to calve a cow it’s right next to the cowshed so it’s easy to walk her there.” Using the on-off system allows the Maidens to extend lactation, says Nacre, and production is relatively stable as a result. Production hit 259,000kgMS the first year the homes were used and while things have slowed down this season they have already produced 240,000kgMS and are on track for their 250,000kgMS target by the end of the season. The Maidens’ consistently strong

The ability to house cows allows better supplement usage.

performance as sharemilkers helped convince the banks to take them on, just eight years into their ten-year farm ownership plan. With no interest in building an empire, the couple were hunting for a 60-100ha property, large enough to be profitable while small enough for a couple to manage – essentially a oneperson unit. “This farm is not a stepping stone, we want to stay in Waikato.” In fact, looking for a suitable property turned out to be the most difficult part of the enterprise, says Nacre. “We could have been offfarm every day of the month if we wanted to, looking at property, but we still needed to keep the business running.” Their parents helped out, going to open farm days, eliminating weaker properties from the search. “Anthony’s

mum called from one that was listed in the paper as being essentially a flat farm and said that there were paddocks you couldn’t mow.” The couple eventually settled on 63ha about 10 minutes west of Te Aroha, Waikato. “It felt like we were able to get our dream farm straight away.” While the home and shed require some work, Nacre says they are thrilled with the property. It is evenly shaped, with no unproductive sidlings or weed issues and fertile loam soil. One of their largest jobs pending is reducing the herd from 560 cows to 200. While they have picked out top performers they still expect reasonable prices for the rest with BW averages of 137, PW averages of 151 and an average annual milk production capacity of 480kgMS.

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

MANAGEMENT // 55

Effluent pond course builds expertise COURSES FOR designers and builders of farm dairy

effluent ponds will be held by a leading engineering consultancy in four regional centres. Opus International Consultants will run the course at Hamilton, Ashburton, Palmerston North and Whangarei. Ross Wightman, programme manager at Waikato Regional Council, says trained professionals are essential so farmers can get good quality ponds built. Staff from about 100 effluent design and build companies have so far taken the course. DairyNZ sustainability team leader Theresa Wilson says dairy farmers benefit from having highly skilled people building their ponds and is urging companies to sign up. “These courses are specifically designed to help them meet the standards for the design and construction of ponds, outlined in the Institution of Professional Engineers New Zealand (IPENZ) Practice Note 21. “The entire process of constructing an effluent pond is covered by this pond design and construction course, from planning through to testing and commissioning.” Opus International spokesman Brett Marais says the companies are put through their paces during the course. “Dairy farmers can be confident those who have completed this course will know how to provide an effluent pond built to industry good practice. The course includes a workshops with emphasis on practical learning.” Bruce Taylor, Tirau Earthmovers, an experienced contractor, says the course was interesting and practical. “It reinforced some of the good practice construction techniques we use. It was great to touch base with other contractors and talk through some of the trickier construction jobs that come up.” For information or to register:

COURSE DATES: ❱❱ Hamilton, May 27-29 ❱❱ Palmerston North, July 8-10 ❱❱ Ashburton, July 22-24 ❱❱ Whangarei, August 5-7

Courses are being held for effluent pond designers and builders.

Give your calves the best start.

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Learning the costs of environment regulations A UNIVERSITY of Waikato master student, newly

appointed to a dairy business analyst role at Landcorp, has won a $17,000 scholarship that will him complete his studies. Thomas Macdonald has won a National Fieldays Sir Don Lewellyn Scholarship. His field of study is the cost of environmental compliance in the dairy industry. He says the regulations on nutrient management keep increasing, and he’s finding out what the different options are for farmers and how much they are costing. His research is aimed at bridging the information gap between regulators and farmers -- and rural urban people -- regarding the investment made in protecting the environment. He has so far interviewed about a dozen Waikato farmers on what specific compliance issues they have addressed and their costs, “usually $100,000$200,000, but several farmers have paid well over $500,000”. “This is the biggest issue for farmers, and with more than 3500 farmers in Waikato and over 11,000 nationwide there is a huge amount of money being poured into compliance. Maximising the effectiveness of such compliance investment is the key aim of this research.” Macdonald, from a farm, expects to complete his Master of Management Studies in the next year. He’ll have to fit study around his full-time job just secured as a dairy business analyst for Landcorp, Taupo, where he’ll be responsible for the financial and environmental analysis of Landcorp’s Tahi group farms.

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

56 // MANAGEMENT

All-rounder finds niche to He’s been a groundsman at Eden Park, an orchardist in Hawkes Bay, a shearer and a King Country sheep and beef farmer. Now he’s a dedicated, successful dairy farmer. Peter Burke visited Alistair Robertson’s farm in Manawatu. ALISTAIR ROBERTSON grew

up on a small town milk

supply dairy farm near Otaki and has worked on dairy farms in Waikato,

DEALING WITH FIELD HORSETAIL

Tararua and Wanganui. Today he and his wife Margo are equity partners with Larry and Jane Ellison, of Rural Fuel fame, on in a

THE HIGHLY invasive weed field horsetail, growing beside the Rangitikei River where it runs through the farm, is a big environmental challenge. Robertson and other local farmers work with Horizons Regional Council to control this perennial pest which is difficult to kill. They attend field days with scientists trying to find ways of dealing with the weed. A biological control trial now underway at Lincoln using ‘saw flys’ may help eradicate the weed. ‘Saw flys’ are used in Europe to control field horsetail and the trials are to use it here without adverse effects on our biodiversity.

large dairy farm near Bulls. The Ellisons are silent investors in the farm and Robertson runs this and other farm business activities. Notable here is the quality of the infrastructure, the attention to detail and the commitment to excellence and sustainability. As an equity partnership the operation is very

Riparian planting is another feature of the farm.

Alistair Robertson with the dairy business award won with partners in 2011.

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businesslike, with an office separate from the house. The 218ha runs 620 cows producing 278,000kgMS. It’s flat highly productive soil, 60% irrigated. The stocking rate is 2.9. Cows are wintered off and supplements are bought from local suppliers. In the past year Robertson has used 350 t of PKE, the farm now verging on system four.

The owners bought the farm in 2007 from local farmers Hew and Roger Dalrymple who’d used it for cropping. Says Robertson, “This property had to be converted to a dairy farm. All the fences had been taken out to allow for cropping and we reset it up as a dairy farm. We put in all the races, fences and water supply and extended the irrigation. We wanted

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

MANAGEMENT // 57

dairying to have an industry best farm, using industry best training of our three staff.” Their professional approach to the staff shows in modern, well appointed housing, and clear work plans and key performance indicators. Being valued and respected is something staff look for in employers. Robertson has an absolute commitment to farming in a sustainable way.

system.” An extensive network of drains runs farmwide, well mapped. The owners have a big riparian planting programme along streams and drains. “These drains run all year, so there is a lot of potential for things to go wrong if we don’t manage it well. We are planting all native trees from the Wanganui Prison, planted by the prisoners from the Manawatu Prison. Our

Alistair Robertson says the owners took a professional approach while converting the farm.

person who sees his role as operations manager, leaving day-to-day herd management to the farm manager. He has other business interests and is now vice-chairman of Federated Farmers Dairy section in Manawatu/ Rangitikei.

“We are conscious of our environmental footprint here so we are not going for a high stocking rate. We want to make our mark by high production from a sustainable farming system.” “We have a lot of water under this country: you need only dig down 1.5m to find a constant seam of water running through the gravels. We are conscious of our environmental footprint here so we are not going for a high stocking rate. We want to make our mark by high production from a sustainable farming

aim is to plant and fence this whole 2.5km river corridor that runs through the farm. We are about half way through that now. It creates a good habitat for bird life and we like to encourage the tuis and pheasants. There is a no hunting policy on the farm so plenty of ducks fly here in the hunting season.” Robertson is a busy

The effluent system includes a 800,000 litre bladder tank.

EFFLUENT FLOWS TO BIG BAG A NEW $240,000 effluent management system will be completed in time for the new season. “It means we can process our effluent and apply it when it’s the right time…. We are not putting the effluent on when it’s pouring with rain. With our old system we had no option but to apply effluent to paddocks every day we were milking. “The new system includes a bladder tank… like a giant wine cask. It holds 800,000L so we can divert our effluent to that in the spring.” The system will seperate solids from liquid. The solids are dried and stored in concrete bins and in summer applied to paddocks using a slurry tanker. Separation reduces the amount of nutrient and contaminates applied to the land in winter when this can have a major effect on the environmental footprint of the farm.

Bruce Smith, Taupiri Holdings, Tahuna

Hard work AND perseveraNce. together, We’ll do it all agAin tomorrow.

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

58 // MANAGEMENT

Better ‘banking’ saves water BALA TIKKISETTY

WINTER WEATHER

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urine and agricultural chemicals. Shrubs and trees with extensive root systems, which tolerate moist soil and frequent silt deposits, are ideal for stream bank erosion control. They physically hold the stream banks together and some tree roots also protect the streambed, limiting the scouring effect of running water. Streamside vegetation provides shade which cools the water, improves dissolved oxygen levels, helps aquatic life and reduces the risk of algal blooms. Suitable plant species beside waterways also pro-

“Besides environmental benefits, riparian planting can also help a farm’s economics.”

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ment practices that can contribute to contamination of waterways. Some Waikato rivers, lakes and streams have eroding banks, silted beds, water weed infestation and debatable water quality, often the result of suboptimal land management. Such practices – whether related to farming, forestry, roading or horticulture – can cause soil erosion and a buildup of contaminants such as bacteria and chemicals which end up being washed into watercourses during heavy rain. Stock wading in water, poor cowshed effluent

17/04/14 11:55 AM

treatment, overgrazing, inappropriate fertiliser application, pugging and poor runoff control on cultivated land, roads and tracks can all contribute to the contamination of water bodies. Bacteria can cause water-borne diseases like giardia and cryptosporidium which in turn can cause serious health problems, while nitrates and phosphates can also create severe health disorders for people and stock, and contribute to algal growth. Good management of the banks of waterways can reduce these effects by stabilising the banks and providing a filter for contaminants washing off the land. Effective management of the banks, ie riparian strips, is a key to protecting aquatic life and improving water quality. Careful selection of the mix of species planted within riparian areas makes it possible to beneficially modify what’s happening with light, temperature, nutrient and sediment loads, channel and bank stability, carbon inputs, and habitat for terrestrial species. A well-managed riparian margin will filter out contaminants such as sediments and nutrients from farm run-off, including soil, animal dung and

vide cover for spawning fish, and food and habitat for nesting and juvenile birds. Such planting helps water plants and invertebrates become numerous, providing a better food supply for fish. Streamside trees can link areas of native vegetation, extending habitat for native birds. Besides environmental benefits, riparian planting can also help a farm’s economics. Well designed riparian fencing can be used to improve subdivision, help with mustering, and protect animals from drowning or getting stuck in wet areas. The provision of shelter and shade is recognised as an important aspect of animal production and health. Improved milk grades are documented where dairy sheds no longer draw water from contaminated streams. On sheep and beef properties, stock are in better health and have faster weight gain when water sources are no longer contaminated. The council’s catchment management officers are available to provide advice on good riparian management. Tel. 0800 800 401

• Bala Tikkisetty is a sustainable agriculture coordinator at Waikato Regional Council.

DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

FEED / ANIMAL HEALTH // 59

Maize grain gives more milk protein DURING THE last few years there has been a rise in the number of in-shed feeders being used on New Zealand dairy farms. This method of feeding cows has a number of advantages in convenience, low wastage and the ability to control percow intake of concentrates. Feeding the right supplement through your inshed feeding system will ensure that you maximise milk returns and supplementary feeding profitability. Processed maize grain is an excellent choice. Maize has a higher energy content than other grains and many other commonly available concentrates. It can be used to increase cow energy intakes, delivering more milk or faster condition score gains. Information published by DairyNZ shows that milk production is determined by the amount of energy a cow eats but the composition of the milksolids she produces is affected by the type of supplement fed.3 ■■ When cows are fed a starch or sugar-based supplement, they produce more milk protein.

Feeding the right supplement through an in-shed feeding system will lift milk yield.

Figure 1: Typical Concentrate Energy Content1,2

When cows are fed a fibre based supplement, they produce more milk fat. Since milk protein is worth two to three times more than milk fat, starch and sugar based supplements will deliver more milk revenue than fibrebased supplements. As well as containing more energy than other concentrates (e.g. dairy meal, other grains), maize grain has advantages for rumen health. ■■ It has a high starch content but virtually no soluble sugar. ■■ Maize starch is less rapidly broken down in the rumen than other starch types. This means there is a lower risk of acidosis (grain overload) when feeding maize grain compared to other grains (e.g. wheat) or high sugar feeds (e.g. molasses). Maize grain feeding

Table 1: Estimated milk revenue from feeding 1 †DM of different supplements fed through an in-shed feeding system.3

■■

rates will vary depending on the age and production level of livestock and the amount and type of other feeds in the diet. General recommendations for cows are: ■■ Feed a maximum of 30% of the total drymatter intake as maize grain. ■■ Start at lower rates (e.g. 1kg maize grain per cow per day and increase feeding rates gradually over 7-10 days). ■■ Feed a maximum of 2.5kgDM maize grain in a single feed. Feeding rates will be lower in diets that contain other sources of carbohydrate (e.g. other grains or meals, molasses or high sugar or starch byproducts). Maize grain is an ideal supplement for pasturefed calves and young stock promoting rapid rumen

development and excellent liveweight gains. Processed maize grain can be purchased as required from most local grain companies. For more information: Tel. 0800 746 633

• Ian Williams is a Pioneer forage specialist. Contact him at iwilliams@genetic.co.nz

1 Feed values taken from Holmes et al. 2003. Milk Production from Pasture, Massey University, NZ. 2 Palm kernel extract feed value taken from Kolver E. 2006. PKE – Economically priced supplement. Dexcelink Autumn 2006. Dairy Meal energy content is an estimate only. 3 Adapted from Roche and Hedley, 2011. Supplements – the facts to help improve your bottom line. DairyNZ Technical Series July, 2011 p 6-10. Assumes grazing residuals of 1,500-1,600 kgDM (7-8 clicks on RPM). Responses decline when residuals are higher than 1,600 kgDM (i.e. cows are better fed). For a full list of assumptions see http://www. dairynz.co.nz/file/fileid/37671.

Percent of extra milksolids is:

Feed

FAT

PROTEIN

Estimated milk revenue at $6.50/kgMS

Estimated milk revenue at $7.50/kgMS

PKE

$440

$510

Barley

$675

$780

Maize grain

$800

$920

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

60 // ANIMAL HEALTH

Check cow health, plan transport ANIMAL HEALTH

Transport operators are being urged to check effluent tanks are empty before loading.

should feature large in farmers’ end-of-season planning for stock movement, says Dairy NZ. Meanwhile regional and district councils are issuing reminders to stand

stock before movement and for transport operators to check effluent tanks are empty before loading. With thousands of dairy cows on the move as sharemilkers and farm owners move to new farms for

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the 2014/15 dairy season – often over long distances – DairyNZ animal husbandry and welfare team manager Chris Leach says a good plan ensures stock arrive fit and well for winter. “A cow’s diet is a good place to start,” he says. Provide 12-20g/cow/ day of elemental magnesium for three to four days either side of transport to help manage drops in blood magnesium due to transport stress, he advises. “If dusting CausMag, this equates to 80-100g/cow/day.” Where cows will be going onto a different feed a transition plan is needed. “Gradually ease them onto the new feed over 7-10 days prior to transport. If feeding crops over winter, allocate one to two hours of crop each day on the milking platform, while grazing pasture or feeding silage. This will help minimise the effects of a sudden change in diet. “Animals must also be fit, healthy and able to bear weight on all four legs when being moved, so all farmers should check cows for any signs of ill health. Talk to your vet if you have any concerns.” Prior to transport, cows should be off green feed for 4-12 hours but with access to good quality hay, baleage or dry feed and water. Use a standoff pad or grazed-out paddock rather than concrete. A grazed-out paddock is often best as it gives cows space to lie down. Checks for Theileriosis are also advised for cattle from the North Island. Look for ticks and signs of the disease before loading and if taking in new stock from the North Island quarantine them for seven days, monitor for signs of anaemia and ticks, and treat. “Theileriosis is transmitted by ticks and the single most important factor in its spread from

farm to farm is the movement of stock… make sure the animals leaving are healthy and not tick infected,” stresses Leach. Movements requiring NAIT records should be logged at www.nait.co.nz Meanwhile councils’ focus is on the effluent factor, and not just for farmers: in the central South Island Selwyn District Council’s call is for farmers and motorists to be extra cautious. “Take care on Selwyn’s rural roads at this time as many cows will be moving between farms if it’s a short distance, or shifted in trucks if they need to travel further,” the council says. Farmers droving stock on state highways need consent from the New Zealand Transport Agency and, in Selwyn’s case, council consent for roads with a 70km/h speed limit and other high volume roads. It also has a rule stipulating no more than 400 cattle per mob for droving. It recommends drovers wear high visibility garments, and use flashing lights and temporary warning signs to ensure they are clearly visible at 150m. On roads with bends extra caution is required, with signs or pilot vehicles warning motorists of stock ahead. Plan the most direct route, during the day, avoiding peak driving times. If a council consent is needed, apply at least two working days in advance. SDC also called for motorists to be patient, advising them to slow down when approaching cattle on the road, and not to sound their horn. “Assess whether you can wait for the mob to reach their destination, or quietly move through the mob if it is safe to do so.” www.dairynz.co.nz/ transportingstock

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

62 // ANIMAL HEALTH/GENETICS

Calves sired from Heresford bulls under the dairy beef integration programme.

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THE DAIRY and beef sectors can benefit by more use of superior beef semen in dairy herds, says AgResearch scientist Dr Vicki Burggraaf. She leads a project exploring the effects of using quality beef genetics in a dairy-beef supply chain. The work is funded by Beef + Lamb NZ and is supported by LIC and Ezicalve Hereford which, as the name suggests, is a brand name for Herefords selected for ease of calving. The five-year project is now in its third year, Burggraff says. “Seventy percent of New Zealand’s beef kill comes from the dairy industry, yet there is limited use of proven beef genetics on dairy farms despite these genetics having the potential to increase calving ease and produce better animals for beef production,” she says. Burggraaf says dairy farmers have shied away from using beef semen, many believing it would result in more calving problems than arise with the use of dairy semen. The project is investigating the accuracy of this belief. “The research aims to demonstrate to dairy farmers and beef farmers that using beef semen with high estimated breeding values for calv-

ing ease and growth rates will benefit everyone.” The 2012 mating at AgResearch’s Tokanui dairy farm involved six weeks of artificial insemination. High breeding worth cows were inseminated with dairy semen and lower breeding worth cows were inseminated with Ezicalve Hereford semen. After the six-week period, the cows were run with bulls for five weeks – 20 Ezicalve Hereford bulls and nine unrecorded Hereford bulls. A mix of Holstein-Friesian and crossbred cows were used in the trial and 266 calved in spring last year. Only two of the trial cows needed help. One was an Ezicalve AI sired calf, helped through a breech birth, which is not caused by genetics. The other was a large calf (45kg) sired by an unrecorded Hereford bull. About 29% of calves by Ezicalve AI sires were less than 35kg, and 29% of calves by Ezicalve AI sires were less than 35kg, compared to 7% and 9% for Ezicalve and Hereford unrecorded bulls, respectively. Burggraaf says though low birth weights are advantageous for calving ease, four-day-old calf sale prices could be compromised if the calves’ genetic potential for growth

was ignored. “However, the estimated breeding values for 200, 400 and 600-day weights and carcase traits for the Ezicalve AI Hereford sires used were above breed averages, showing good potential for beef production.” AgResearch Ruakura farm operations manager Tim Hale says the dairy farm staff reported no difficulties or complications – beyond specific science requirements – in the dairy shed during AI or during calving. “It was a benefit in the sense that there were no calving problems and we also had dairy-beef progeny that were six to seven weeks ahead of where they would normally be, thanks to being AI progeny,” Hale is on the B+LNZ Mid Northern North Island Farmer Council, which was involved in initiating the trial. He says that, from a beef perspective, the project was also beneficial. He says the advantage of 100kg calves arriving on the finishing farm six or seven weeks earlier than normal meant they were that much bigger and able to benefit from good spring pasture growth, rather than arriving mid/late December, when the pasture quality was beginning to drop off.

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ing bobby calves with a hammer – called ‘blunt force’ – is awaiting final approval by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy. Guy earlier this year

instructed the National Animal Welfare Advisor Committee (NAWAC) to review the practice with the aim of amending the Animal Welfare (Dairy Cattle) Code of Welfare 2010, to ban hammer killing except in ‘emergencies’. Public consultation on the proposal drew at least 400 submissions,

says NAWAC chair Dr John Hellstrom. All but one favoured banning the practice. Hammer killing was widely condemned when a video showing calves being killed this way was shown on television. Since then farmer and industry-good organisations have supported a review of

the practice. Hellstrom had often said he didn’t think using a heavy hammer was “very desirable” as the standard way of killing bobby calves in the shed. He has pointed to captive-bolt shooting as more acceptable and this is now expected to become law.

DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

ANIMAL HEALTH // 63

Unlocking the mystery of ruminal acidosis RUMINAL ACIDOSIS

costs the average Australian farmer about A$350/ cow/year, says Australian scientist Helen Golder. “On average 11% of lactating cows have ruminal acidosis at any time,” she says. She is researching reducing the costs of ruminal acidosis by better identifying and managing acidosis. Golder, from SBScibus, a science advisory and research company at Camden NSW, has completed a joint industryuniversity PhD with her employer and the University of Sydney. She was awarded the Feed Central Young Dairy Scientists’ Communication Award at the recent Australian Dairy Conference in Geelong. “My PhD focused on increasing understanding of ruminal acidosis. Part of my current research with SBScibus is developing simple, cost effective, fast and reliable onfarm tests to help farmers identify ruminal acidosis. “Improved diagnosis of ruminal acidosis will help Australian dairy farmers because it will allow better control of acidosis. The end result will be happier, healthier and higher producing cows and more dollars in the pockets of Australian dairy farmers.” Ruminal acidosis (also called grain poisoning) is a complex nutritional disorder that produces a range of syndromes. Golder says cows develop ruminal acidosis when they are switched between feeds too rapidly or are fed large amounts of grain- or sugar-based feeds (including turnips, molasses and fruit) without being fed enough roughage. Herds generally have a low risk of ruminal acidosis when fed less than 6kg of grain, but some forages, especially lush grasses and legumes, increase that risk. “Cows are particularly

at risk of ruminal acidosis at calving because then they are often off their feed and are given access to grain during milking.” The costs incurred from acidosis are from lameness, loss of milk production, a drop in milk solids especially fat content, costs of preventive treatments, loss of body condition, premature culling and death, Golder says. Cows with ruminal acidosis are not always noticed in the herd as many of the signs can be subtle, she says. Cows displaying the following symptoms may be experiencing ruminal acidosis or had ruminal acidosis in the past: bubbly scours, paint brush haemorrhages associated with laminitis, and bleeding from the mouth or nostrils. Current identification of the disorder involves observing clinical signs of ruminal acidosis in the herd, assessment of feed and feed management practices, examination of milk production history, and interpretation of disease and feed management history. Diagnosis should be supported by feed, rumen and blood analysis. To improve the diagnosis of ruminal acidosis, Golder tested the ability of a model developed by Dr Liz Bramley to accurately diagnose ruminal acidosis in cattle under experimental conditions. Bramley, as part of her PhD, developed the model based on rumen pH and concentrations of the rumen fermentation products – volatile fatty acids, ammonia and lactate. “These were tested in rumen fluid Bramley collected from 8 cows per herd in 100 dairy herds in South Eastern Australia. My colleagues and I tested the diagnostic ability of each of the individual rumen measures to predict ruminal acidosis that was used in Bramley’s

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model.” Golder says the model was able to correctly identify cows with grain-based ruminal acidosis, but was not suitable for identifying ruminal acidosis in cows that had consumed a lot

of sugar. She is now exploring new methods of assessing rumen function on-farm. “This research aims to deliver a simple, cost effective, fast and reliable tool that can be used on-

farm to assist farmers to diagnose ruminal acidosis. “Accurate identification of ruminal acidosis will allow implementation of better strategies, lower the financial costs and improve animal welfare.”

Feed Central’s Kim Colwell presents Helen Golder with an award for her research on acidosis.

DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

64 // ANIMAL HEALTH

Fewer antibiotics, more time in milk COWS ON on antibiotics, forced to stand down from milking, means loss of income – hard to swallow in a season when Fonterra is planning a record milk payout.

Paul Tarver

So Paeroa lower order sharemilker Paul Tarver, milking 1000 cows at Kahikatea Meadows farm for six years, was keen to move away from antibiotics.

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counts and cows showing high SCC were either drenched or injected with the DairyCare product. All cows treated cleared up eventually, he says. “It was quite interesting…. nothing would happen then on day seven things would start clearing up. Even on the computer, SCC will start coming down around the seventh day.” After using DairyCare product for one season, Tarver says “it’s worth a go”. “You have to give it a

“This product treats cow and we can still carry on milking… There is no stand-down period required so it reduces your waste.” – Paul Tarver pelletised NRM feed. The difference was immediate, Tarver says. Cows on DairyCare product were producing 5% more milk than the rest of the herd. “That’s what our computer readings showed,” he told Dairy News. Tarver says his herd management practices were similar to previous seasons but the milk yield was up among the selected 400 cows. “We were not doing anything drastically different from previous seasons; the only thing different we have been doing is feeding them DairyCare.” The DAL sensors also monitored somatic cell

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chance to do its magic, if you want to call it that.” Tarver had wanted to try something new, he says. “When we milk 1000 cows, we are going to have a lot of cows with antibiotics. This product treats cow and we can still carry on milking… There is no standdown period required so it reduces your waste.” The secret to a healthy herd is a healthy immune system, Sharma says. “Aloe vera is acclaimed for its benefits to dairy cattle and regular dosing has been shown to assist in maintaining udder health and maintaining condition in cows during calving for earlier returns to milk production.”

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DAIRYCARE’ Cow and Calf formula has no witholding period and manuka honey and aloe vera is good for dairy cattle, It is a unique New Zealand product with patents ib several countries. the company says. “Regular dosing has been shown to help maintain udder health and condition in cows during calving for earlier returns to milk production.” DairyCare Cow & Calf formula, made from organic herbal extracts to a full-strength concentration, comes as a concentrate. The Cow&Calf formula is given to the cows through the in-line dispensing system in the water trough. A small dose daily helps to build the immune system of cows and healthy cows will produce more milk, the company says. “A higher dose can be given to sick cows and at 100ml per day for 10 days will give some good results.”

DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 65

Bunker to protect silage TONY HOPKINSON

‘Marshal’ joins bail devices NEW ON the Waikato Milking Systems site will be

its Bail Marshal that “brings an unprecedented level of integration and future proofing to a milking system”. With one on every bail, the Bail Marshal manages connectivity and communication between all bail devices easily and effectively, making it easier than ever to add, use and upgrade milking technology. “It is the ultimate in plug and play technology,” the company says. Any device will simply plug in and is ready to go – current and future designs – providing phenomenal future proofing. A display of the WMS electronic milk meter will explain how it works with the Bail Marshal to provide reliable real-time milking data and help farmers improve herd productivity. Using the company’s SmartLink data gateway, the electronic milk meter can also communicate wirelessly with LIC Protrack and Minda. A display of WMC’s Orbit and Centrus rotary platforms will invite visitors to step up to the bail, apply the cups to model cows and experience the milking routine as if it were real. WMS is the largest manufacturer of rotary platforms in New Zealand. Herringbone dairies will also feature – an operational machine with a full-size pit. Walk down into the pit, handle the clusters as if you were milking and try out the swing-down jetters. In the demonstration dairy area the company will present a blower vacuum pump operating, connected to a WMS SmartDrive variable speed vacuum pump controller, which provides power savings of up to 47% in the dairy. Tel. 07 849 8755 www.waikatomilking.co.nz

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JOHN AND Kathleen Morrow farming at Pongakawa south of Te Puke are big users of maize silage for their dairy herd feeding them twice-a-day during the milking season and once-a-day when they are dry. They intend to increase their herd size and grow extra areas of maize, so needed to upgrade their storage facilities. Their home farm has a total area of 383ha,including 90ha of forestry on the steeper areas, 10ha of Avocados, and 50ha of sidlings used to rear beef, plus a 32ha run off. The balance of flat to easy rolling land is for the dairy herd. They employ a farm manager with two assistants milking 550-600 Friesian cows through a 43 a-side herring bone dairy and top production is 220000kg/MS. “We used to have a winter milk contract but are now

seasonal supply.” They supply Fonterra and use a Ravensdown fertiliser program. On the home property they grow 26ha for maize silage with another 9ha on the run off which is brought to the home farm. Extra supplements such as PKE, Hy-Pro Plus, Calcium and Magnesium and propriety minerals are fed when needed. Just before maize harvesting Archway Group have just built the Morrow’s a new silage bunker incorporating their Tri Block support system and panels. (See side bar) Previously they had three 200t stacks of maize and grass silage free standing on consolidated pumice. “Generally when half way through feeding out a stack the surface started to pack up with tractors and feed out wagons moving around and often made worse by rain,” said John Morrow. The amount of wastage was

Tri block bunker helps minimise silage losses.

increasing and was of concern to the Morrow’s. Their new Archway Group bunker is 60m long x 12m across and 2m high with one per cent fall from back to front and was

erected in three days. It has a concrete apron at the front for loading feed wagons. It will hold 400t/ DM of maize silage and Morrow believes wastage will be reduced to almost nil.

TRI BLOCK SYSTEM DELIVERS STRENGTH Archway Group based south of Te Puke but covering the North Island are involved in all facets of building and are experts in building with pre-cast concrete panels.Their weeping wall effluent systems with modular construction are widely used and are installed in three days. “We have just devised the Tri Block system and are using them to construct large and small silage and bulk storage bunkers that are strong and cost effective,” said Archway Groups’,

Matt Hodgson. The wall panels for the Morrows bunker are 3.9m long and 2m high and 130mm thick. “The panels can be as high as 3m if requested by the farmer.” They are bolted to the Tri Block at an angle of seven degrees and are fully integrated into the floor when the concrete is poured. Between the panels is a chemical resistant sealer so no air can enter the crop. With the strength of the construc-

tion a 20t machine can be used for compaction to ensure as much air is expelled as possible. With the double sided Tri Block another bunker can be built alongside with wall panels for the new bunker able to be bolted to the original Tri Block. “We can build the bunker to any width farmers need so they get the appropriate feed face width for whatever they are storing.” www.triblock.co.nz 0800 ARCHWAY

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

66 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

‘Top tractor’ features now found in compacts MANY TECHNICAL features formerly limited to “top tractor classes” are now found in four models in the Fendt 500 Vario series, a new class in the compact standard tractor market, says AGCO. Innovations and equipment options give the 500 Vario “unrivalled competitive advantages” in the 125 to 165hp range, including “cutting-edge engine performance and fuel saving SCR technology”. The new 500 Vario tractors are powered by a 4.04L 4-cylinder-Deutz engine with four valves per cylinder and common rail injection. For the 500 Vario series, Fendt also uses the fuel-saving SCR technology

familiar from the 700, 800 and 900 Vario tractor series. Since exhaust after-treatment with AdBlue urea solution takes place after the combustion process, and external exhaust gas recirculation is not required, the engine can be optimally tuned. So as well as improving fuel economy, it also increases power and makes handling livelier, Agco says. The maker’s Vario transmission ML 90 is notable: stepless speed adjustment has lots of potential to save time and money. “With the tractor management system (TMS), the tractor is always working at an economic optimum. Operators only need to enter the desired speed, then the activated TMS

Fendt says its 500 Vario series has ‘cutting-edge’ engine performance.

controls the engine and transmission – that means efficiency fully automatically. New in the 500 Vario is the automatic maximum output control. In the cab the windscreen curves up into the roof and provides a full view of a raised front loader. More room and nearly 6m2 of glazing make the cab feel spacious. All functions are found on the new Varioterminal and the right armrest, which moves along with the driver seat. Automatic steering, camera function, documentation system and ISOBUS implement control have found their way into this power class. The maker’s automatic steering system is said to allow longer work time in the

tractor – day or night. The 500 Vario offers ideal automated functions for pass-to-pass work, and hydraulics ample for implements designed for this power class. The right armrest is the central operating element. Even during turning manoeuvres, there is no need to switch between controls in the 500 Vario, because operators can comfortably rest their arm on the right armrest and control the tractor and implement with the multi-function joystick and the Varioterminal. An average of six percent less overlapping, as well as savings in fuel and operating materials, such as seeds and fertiliser, are possible with VarioGuide.

The documentation system enables relevant data to be logged easily and quickly. As many as five electrohydraulic double-acting valves are found at the rear plus two separate in the front, power beyond and ISOBUS connection. Connections total at least 22, front and rear. A top speed of 50 km/h at a reduced engine speed enables swift and economical on-road driving. The self-levelling front axle suspension, steering system, shock load stabilising, cab suspension, seat suspension and automatic steering axle lock, ensure the best ride comfort and safety. www.fendt.com.au

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 67

Robotic milker brings human touch to shed A NEW robotic milker from GEA Farm Technologies WestfaliaSurge will have technology not seen before on robotic systems, including a specially developed 3D camera. This new unit, called Mlone, will bring robotics a step closer to more New Zealand farms, says GEA. The camera plays a key part in coordinating the position of individual teats and determining where to place the cups at the start of milking. It effectively guides the teat cups on the milking rack to the cow’s teats. The constant monitoring by the camera provides a more human-like response to unexpected events, like cups being kicked off, with a rapid movement back to the problem bail to correct the problem. GEA business development manager Chris Barclay says integrated processes also ensure the MIone provides a high standard of teat care and cleanliness. Once cupped the teat is cleaned, pre-milked, stimulated and milked out without requiring brushes or other external equipment, avoiding risk of cross contamination between teats or cows. “The system individually washes, sanitises and dries the teats, then post-milking the cups are flushed and ready for the next cow.” The MIone appears here just as the first plant is being commissioned on a Gippsland property in Australia, where a three box system there will

be milking 120 cows initially. Farm owner Trevor Mills says the system appealed because the design offered a true “milk centre” with the technology and equipment concentrated in one area of the plant’s configuration. The system’s capability to operate 24/7 matches the increase in milkings per day that typically occurs under a robotic system. “In systems overseas where cows are housed continuously and milked robotically they will tend towards three milkings over a 24 hour period, and typically milk volume harvested will lift by about 15%,” says Barclay. New Zealand experience with robotic milking systems and conventional pasture feeding indicates

The MIone robotic milking machine will make its first appearance in New Zealand next month.

cows will offer themselves for 1.8 to 3.3 milkings during 24 hours. The change in technology usually also requires a change in mindset and work approach for farmers adopting it. “Farmers who have gone to robotic systems say they don’t necessarily work less, but they work differently, and have more time to spend on different areas of herd management, and are less constrained by the usual conventional milking demands.” GEA managing director Jamie Mikkelson says the MIone is the culmination of much R&D work by WestfaliaSurge and is supported by staff skilled in integrating robotics with NZ pastoral systems.

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DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

68 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

World’s biggest car maker presses on MARK MACFARLANE

WE CAN all relax, the world is in

good hands. Toyota’s latest iteration of its multi million-selling Corolla is very much the great all rounder. Think of it as the decathlete or omnium rider of the car world. Not perfect at any one thing but a terrific all-round performer in all categories. A solid 103kW and 173Nm is produced from a 1.8L petrol power plant which is smooth and quiet. Connected to a CVT transmission it provides enough performance for passing and the traffic light sprint without being a real tearaway. While I am a fan of manual transmission rather than CVT – which seems to moan when you hurry it along – the automatic is well ahead of its manual compatriot in terms of economy. The 7L/100km return from the manual is easily beaten by just 6.6L/100km available from the CVT version. The savings will add up over the life of the car and both versions

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are happy to run on 91 octane fuel. The manual option is only available on the base GX model, whilst the top ZR model has paddle shifters added to the CVT. The interior of the new model is a spacious, classy place to be with attractive piano black finish and subtle blue lighting. There is a modern dash and screen layout with a host of readout options on call. Reversing cameras are standard on all models and the two screens offer plenty of driver information. Unusually the voice recognition actually worked on several occasions

without dialling some long forgotten contact by mistake. This is no longer a small car. With new models replacing the Corolla as the baby car many years ago the Corolla is now a substantial vehicle with seating for five, plenty of boot space and a decent amount of room needed to both park and garage them. Legendary reliability is backed up with a five year warranty and a Fieldays offer includes a start price of $30,990 plus ORC with 5 years free servicing, 5 years free AA Roadside assistance and 5 Years free WoF checks.

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Fuel tank maker adds to range TONY HOPKINSON

FUEL STORAGE tank maker Sebco will release two new products at Fieldays. “We have been in the market eight years and have not had one unhappy customer yet,” says director Ed Harrison. The firm makes diesel and AdBlue fuel stations from 1300L to 4800L with a choice of pumping options – electronic and manual – and complete meter recording of usage. The stations have built in bunding or secondary retaining which guarantees no accidental spillage to the ground and they comply with all regulations for fuel storage. First new release is a solar powered pumping unit for remote stations without mains electricity. “We supply a post bracket to carry the

solar panel which is connected to a deep cycle battery providing enough power to fill any sized vehicle.” The second new release is an auto retractable 10m hose contained within the tank which means it is secure when the tank is locked. Sebco can now supply a fully metered system with PIN access which can record details re usage, who took fuel, time and for which vehicle. “All this information can be downloaded to computer for the annual records.” Harrison reports growing use of AdBlue additive to reduce engine emissions as more modern diesel engines come onto the New Zealand market. They can also supply double-skin tanks for holding waste oil for collection. They come in sizes 500L to 2000L. www.sebco.co.nz

• Galvanised, bend resistant spring steel shaft • Unique pressed steel foot for superior ground holding and strength • Proudly New Zealand made

MT MIXER/TANKER A Mobile Mixer/Tanker built on a strong galvanized steel frame can carry and mix colostrum, milk powder or any other h calf lf supplements l that you want to feed out. Models include: MT800 - 800L tank MT450 - 450L tank

Hot specials Available now for a limited time: From Farmlands & reputable rural supplies stores NEW

Strainrite Dunkit Pigtail Caddy (Hands free pigtail carrier)

Free Dunkit Pigtail Caddy with every 10x bundles of strainrite pigtail posts

Manufactured by Strainrite Fencing Systems Phone +64 4 524 9027 | Fax +64 4 526 6238

www.strainrite.co.nz

Free Dunkit offer – available from participating retail stores.

For a limited time or while stocks last.

Powerful P f l Honda H d Petrol Motor

Si l Cli Simple Click k and d Clean System

Mi /di Mix/dispense 320 Litres Per Minute With Easy Use Dispenser Gun

Calibrated C lib d Floating Level Indicator

ORDER NOW ON - 0508 688 688

DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 69

Calf feeder does more than you know CHALLENGED IN 2011

to come up with a means of easily transferring, mixing anad pumping milk or milk powder, Stallion Plastics staff conceived a system that went through seven versions and onfarm trials. The company’s MTF was born out of that process, says the chief executive, Manawatu dairy farm owner Grant Allen. “Everything we manufacture is tested onfarm for ease of use and durability. “The best ideas are borne from need.” Its 4-stroke Honda motor can pump 600L/m, it has a stainless steel mixing system inside the tank, and it can mix 800L of milk powder in just three minutes, Allen says. “When it’s 3oC in the morning, milk powder floats on top of cold water. We designed the MTF to

force milk powder under the water and into the pump, similar to a giant milkshake mixer. You can mix anything you need to in three minutes.” If you’re using whole milk, this can easily be pumped into the feeder direct from the silo. It takes two minutes to fill the tanker ready for transport. Set it up and let it fill while you do something else, Allen says. Once at the calf sheds all you need to do is start the motor and run it on low revs. The 5m hose with dispensing gun is long enough to reach to the back pens so does away with 20L buckets and back-breaking work. “We can feed the calves in half the time it was taking us before and no wastage.” After feeding, park the feeder in the shade to

reduce the risk of the milk spoiling. The tank is made of food-grade white plastic to reflect the sun. The MTF60 system allows feeding in the paddock or at the shed and in

the paddock. Cleaning is simple: half fill the MTF with clean water and turn on the pump. It self-cleans the tank first and then the

MTF is about feeding your calves in half the time.

mixing system.

The new 5 series tractors from Deutz-Fahr deliver unparalleled on-farm productivity with industry leading features like cab suspension, Stop & Go, 4-wheel braking, an ultra-clean tier 4 engine and a super quiet, ergonomically designed cabin. The 5 series provides the benefits of a big tractor in a compact, muscular 100-130Hp tractor ideally suited to New Zealand farming. Call your local Deutz-Fahr dealer for a demonstration today, and prepare to be impressed.

0800 801 888 | powerfarming.co.nz POW0378

Tel. 03 357 6031

and teats in no more than three minutes. www.stallion.co.nz

A n e w a p p r oac h to productivit y

Crossover set to impress NEW ON the Claas Harvest Centre site will be the Claas Axion 800, with four models spanning 200 to 270HP. This new series fills the gap between the Axion 900 series (280 to 400hp) and the Arion 600/500 series (145 to 184hp) launched in New Zealand last year. Claas Harvest Centre tractor product manager Dave Knowles describes the 800 series as a ‘cross over’ between the two series. “The Axion 800 is fitted with the 6 x 4 powershift transmission and control systems found in the Arion 600/500. Alternatively, it can specified with the continuously variable transmission and on-board technology found in the AXION 900. “All 15 models in the Axion 900/800 and Arion 600/500 series are equipped with unique four-point cabin suspension system as standard.” Axion 800 was named 2014 Tractor of the Year and 2014 Machine of the Year at Europe’s agricultural technology exhibition, Agritechnica. More recently it won an iF Design Gold Award for excellence in industrial design. The new Axion 900/800 and Arion 600/500 series are the first to benefit from the Claas Power Systems (CPS) design philosophy, Knowles says.

Switch the small ball valve on the manifold and it will clean the manifold

DAIRY NEWS MAY 27, 2014

70 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Fencing contest to light up event

BeTTer producT (sTill) aT a GreaT price

THE WIREMARK Golden Pliers fencing contest will return to the National Fieldays this year. It was absent from Fieldays last year, instead being held at the Hawkes Bay A&P show by the newly formed New Zealand Fencing Competitions. Past national and international champion Nick Liefting says the Wiremark Golden Pliers is unparalleled worldwide for the quality of judging and the calibre of the New Zealand designed products used in fenceline construction. At the Fieldays the Wiremark Golden Pliers will be the main event. Also drawing competitors nationally will be the Bill Schuler Novice Round final, Fieldays Silver Spades doubles

championship and Fieldays Silver Staples doubles training institutes competition. New Zealand Fencing Competitions (NZFC) event coordinator Debbie White says these national championship competitions wouldn’t prosper without sponsors Wiremark, Cyclone, Steel & Tube, Hurricane, Strainrite, Stockade, Goldpine, Stihl and the Fieldays. Wiremark has sponsored the event since its inception in 1969. The company’s sales and market development manager, Andrew Hibbert, says it will be good to showcase the best talent the fencing industry has to offer. “It’s fantastic we can hold a worldclass competition at the largest agri-

business exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere. “The competition organisation committee has Hawkes Bay under their belts and I’m sure they’ll put on a fantastic event at Mystery Creek.” Competition heats will be held on Monday June 9. The Bill Schuler Novice Round final will be on June 11, Wiremark Golden Pliers Championship finals June 12, Fieldays Silver Spades Championship finals June 13 and the prizegiving 4pm that day. The Fieldays Silver Staples will be on June 14. Competitors must be aged at most 21 and enrolled in a training institute. www.fencingcontractors.co.nz/ NZFC

Jag price will surprise The popular MG mobile feeder is now better than ever. The new manifold design delivers efficient flow during feeding and keeps milk clean from dirt and other contaminants. The new retractable draw bar ensures hassle-free transport and easy storage, and our innovative click-and-clean’ washing system makes cleaning fast and effortless. The new improved MG range: great feeders (still) at a great price! 7093F

Jaguar XF SE

order now on - 0508 688 688 JAGUAR HAS launched a new model in its multi-award

S WAD R O R O TA R Y R A K E S KRONE Swadro rotary rakes deliver excellent outputs and a superior quality of work with features such as... Dura-Max – Specially hardened cam tracks with twice the normal hardness and impact strength. Comes with a 3 year warranty. Jet Effect – The forward coupling of the rotors provides a smooth ’touchdown’, thus avoiding soil contamination of the forage when going into work. This extensive range of side delivery rakes covers work widths from 3.5m to 19m to meet all farming requirements.

www.tulloch.co.nz

0800 88 55 624

DEALERSNATIONWIDE

winning XF line. The XF 2.0i4 SE, priced at $75,000, is powered by a 2.0L 4-cylinder turbo petrol engine, producing 177kW, which takes the Jaguar sports sedan from 0-100 in 7.9 seconds. The XF has the maker’s ZF 8-speed gearbox with ‘intelligent’ stop/start functionality improving fuel economy, reducing emissions and complying with Euro 5 emission standards. Jaguar New Zealand general manager James Yates says many New Zealanders will be surprised at the price tag, “thinking a large luxury Jaguar sedan costs well over $100,000. “We expect customers who would normally consider more mainstream brands to be pleasantly surprised they can own the Jaguar they always wanted for $75,000,” Yates says. The XF 2.0i4 SE has high specification level including automatic Xenon headlights with LED signature details and 17” alloy wheels. The inside of the vehicle includes suede leather seats, electric steering column, interior mood lighting and American walnut veneer The multimedia system includes a 7” touch screen, Jaguar’s 250W sound system with 10 speakers, hard drive music storage, iPod integration, Bluetooth phone/audio connectivity, DVD player and satellite navigation.

LATEST STORIES EVERY DAY www.dairynews.co.nz

Experts in Fine Particle Fertiliser Application Fly and Fert

Tow and Fert

Under-slung Helicopter Bucket

Tractor Mounted & Trailed Units

NEW

Come and visit Site C32 to talk about the application of ďŹ ne particle fertiliser Tow and Farm, by Metalform, are industry leaders in the mixing and dispersion of ďŹ ne particle fertiliser.

TOW AND FARM by metalform

www.towandfarm.co.nz 0508 747 040

Take the PGG Wrightson “Added Value Promise” survey and find out how we can help you manage your farm resources for a competitive advantage.

As a company solidly grounded in the primary industry, we know that farming is a challenging and complex business. Everyday our staff work with customers to ensure we deliver their immediate on-farm needs while also helping them plan for a successful future. At this year’s Fieldays®, we’re challenging you to take our “Added Value Promise” survey. Simply let us know what you’re wanting to achieve and we’ll book a free, no obligation on-farm visit with a PGG Wrightson representative who will analyse your farm system, with the aim of improving the performance and profitability of your existing operation.

FOR MORE DETAILS VISIT WWW.PGGWRIGHTSON.CO.NZ

Are you up for the

challenge?

COME AND SEE US AT THE NZ NATIONAL FIELDAYS® 11-14 JUNE 2014, 8AM – 5PM, SITES M34 & 38

www.pggwrightson.co.nz

Helping grow the country

PLUS MORE GREAT BOOTS ’N ALL SUZUKI FIELDAYS DEALS IN STORE NOW! $

14,774

FREE EXCLUDES GST

BULLBARS WORTH 575

FARM WORKER WELLSIDE • • • • • • •

Fuel-injected 1,300cc Hi-Lo ratio 4WD/2WD 500kg payload Fibreglass roof & bulkhead Wellside tray Optional stock crate Optional tow bar and Maxxis tyres shown

17,904

FREE EXCLUDES GST

BULLBARS WORTH 575

FARM WORKER FLATDECK • • • •

Fuel-injected 1,300cc Hi-Lo ratio 4WD/2WD 500kg payload 1,550 x 1,600mm galvanised steel and ply deck • Fibreglass rear cab and roof • Work bar and tow bar • Optional Maxxis tyres shown

12,165

FREE EXCLUDES GST

BULLBARS WORTH 575

FARM WORKER VERSATILE • • • • • • • •

Fuel-Injected 1,300cc Hi/Lo ratio 4WD/2WD 500kg payload Full canvas cover Folding rear bench seats Folding windscreen Special entry level model Optional Maxxis tyres shown

13,557

FREE EXCLUDES GST

BULLBARS WORTH 575

FARM WORKER MULTIPURPOSE • • • • • •

Rugged all-terrain capability Best value side-by-side on the market Hi/Lo ratio 4WD/2WD All-weather protection Fuel-Injected 1,300cc Optional tow bar and Maxxis tyres shown

GRAB THESE DEALS AT FIELDAYS OR SEE YOUR SUZUKI DEALER TODAY: ®

SUZUKI AUTOMOTIVE DEALERS:

WHANGAREI PacifIc Motor Group ................................... 09 430 4390 NORTH SHORE Winger North Shore................................ 09 441 4750 AUCKLAND Winger Greenlane .......................................... 09 524 6030 MT WELLINGTON Moyes Motor Group ........................... 09 570 7840 PUKEKOHE Winger Pukekohe ........................................... 09 239 2389 HAMILTON Winger Hamilton ............................................. 07 838 1249 MORRINSVILLE Nicholson Suzuki ................................... 07 889 7042 MATAMATA Nicholson Suzuki .......................................... 07 888 7059 PAEROA Whyteline Limited ............................................... 07 862 8783 WHAKATANE Nicholson Suzuki ........................................ 07 308 6334 ROTORUA Grant Johnstone Suzuki ................................. 07 349 2221 TAURANGA Tauranga Motor Company ........................... 07 578 1378 TAUPO Taupo Motor Company ......................................... 07 378 2946 GISBORNE Gary Bates Limited ......................................... 06 867 9438 NAPIER Bayswater Suzuki ................................................. 06 833 5718 HASTINGS Hawkes Bay Suzuki ........................................ 06 876 3142 NEW PLYMOUTH Autocity Suzuki .................................... 06 769 5371 PALMERSTON NORTH Eurocar Suzuki ........................... 06 356 6363 WANGANUI David Jones Motors ...................................... 06 345 5115

MASTERTON Wagg’s Suzuki.............................................. 06 377 5169 LEVIN Horowhenua Motor Company .............................. 06 368 7169 PARAPARAUMU HMC Kapiti .............................................. 04 298 8089 TAWA Mexted Motors ......................................................... 04 232 8144 LOWER HUTT Brendan Foot Motors ................................ 04 587 0005 BLENHEIM Wadsco Motor World ...................................... 03 578 5199 NELSON Nelson Bays Suzuki ............................................ 03 548 2235 CHRISTCHURCH Hollands Suzuki Christchurch ........... 03 366 5261 TIMARU Hollands Suzuki Timaru ..................................... 03 688 8297 DUNEDIN Gilmour Suzuki .................................................. 03 474 1670 QUEENSTOWN Winger Queenstown ............................... 03 442 8989 INVERCARGILL Southern Automobiles .......................... 03 211 2233

SUZUKI MOTORCYCLE DEALERS:

KAITAIA Kaitaia Motorcycles ............................................ 09 408 1950 KAIKOHE Renton Motors (1976)...................................... 09 401 0313 WHANGAREI Paciﬁc Motor Group.................................... 09 430 4390 DARGAVILLE Randells Suzuki ........................................... 09 439 6952 WARKWORTH Warkworth Motorcycles........................... 09 425 8535 AUCKLAND Holeshot Motorcycles .................................. 09 486 5187

*See IMPORTANT INFORMATION on back page for full terms and conditions of these oﬀers.

AUCKLAND Colemans Suzuki ........................................... 09 303 1786 PUKEKOHE MR Motorcycles .............................................. 09 237 3095 PAEROA Whyteline............................................................... 07 862 8783 MT MAUNGANUI Moto City ............................................... 07 927 1340 HAMILTON Boyd Motorcycles........................................... 07 838 1209 MATAMATA Phil’s M/C Centre........................................... 07 888 7604 MORRINSVILLE Phil’s M/C Centre ................................... 07 889 7686 TE AWAMUTU Wilksbrooke Motors ................................. 07 871 3079 PUTARURU Phil’s M/C Centre ........................................... 07 883 7602 WHAKATANE Underwood & Wilkins M/C........................ 07 308 6166 ROTORUA Bike Force .......................................................... 07 348 9171 TE KUITI McIndoe Group ................................................... 07 878 5026 TAUPO Darryl August Motorcycles .................................. 07 378 8342 TAUMARUNUI Bike Torque ................................................ 07 895 7994 NEW PLYMOUTH New Plymouth M/C Centre ................ 06 758 4449 GISBORNE Gisborne Motors ............................................. 06 867 6759 HASTINGS Bay Motorcycles .............................................. 06 878 3289 HAWERA Action Suzuki ...................................................... 06 278 4160 WANGANUI Whitelock Suzuki ........................................... 06 345 3462 WAIPUKURAU Central Suzuki ........................................... 06 858 8983

DANNEVIRKE Dannevirke Suzuki ..................................... 06 374 2925 FEILDING Gary Worsley Motorcycles............................... 06 323 6256 PALMERSTON NORTH Courtesy Motorcycles............... 06 356 2195 PAHIATUA Motorcycle HQ ................................................. 06 376 7163 MASTERTON Fagan Suzuki ................................................ 06 378 6159 LOWER HUTT TSS Red Baron ............................................ 04 569 3989 WELLINGTON Wellington M/C Centre.............................. 04 384 4149 MOTUEKA Murray Thorn Motorcycles ............................ 03 528 9992 NELSON Nelson Motorcycle Centre ................................ 03 548 3786 BLENHEIM Wadsco Motorworld ....................................... 03 578 5199 AMBERLEY Arthur Burke .................................................... 03 314 0127 CHRISTCHURCH Avon City Suzuki ................................... 03 341 3490 ASHBURTON Jeﬀ Marshall Motorcycles ......................... 03 308 2055 TIMARU Mike Gould Suzuki............................................... 03 688 4802 OAMARU Young Motors (OAM)......................................... 03 434 5354 DUNEDIN McIver & Veitch ................................................. 03 477 0236 BALCLUTHA Powerzone Suzuki ....................................... 03 418 4672 GORE Hokonui Suzuki ......................................................... 03 208 5271 WINTON Winton Motorcycles ........................................... 03 236 7231 INVERCARGILL Southern Suzuki...................................... 03 214 4467

A new, more spacious crossover has arrived. With stunning European design, the reassurance of 5-star safety, outstanding fuel economy and a cargo space big enough to ﬁt your lifestyle. Available in 2WD or selectable ALLGRIP iAWD models.

FROM

27,990 PLUS ORC (INCL GST)

Grand Vitara JLX 2WD

29,990

4WD MODELS AVAILABLE Starting from $31,690 plus ORC (incl GST)

PLUS ORC (INCL GST)

$ 1,800

On all Grand Vitara JLX Models

Hurry in... and get a whole lot more fun for even less money on your new Swift today!

Swift

And, check out www.suzuki.co.nz to see how to WIN a $4000 upgrade or Fun-ky up your favourite Swift.

now from

$18,990

PLUS ORC (INCL GST)

Save $2,000!

Swift GL auto now just $19,990 plus ORC (INCL GST)

Save $1,000!

Swift GL manual now just $18,990 plus ORC (INCL GST)

*See IMPORTANT INFORMATION below for full terms and conditions of these oﬀers.

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IMPORTANT INFORMATION ABOUT THIS PROMOTION: Offers are available from participating Suzuki dealers until 30 June 2014 or while current stocks last. Excludes Fleet purchases and all other promotions. Motorcycle savings shown include GST. Free Red Band gumboot offer is valid only on products identified with ‘Free Red Band Gumboots’ and sold between 1 June and 30 June or while stocks last. Boots will be provided at the first service for motorcycle, ATV or Farm Worker or 1000km check for Grand Vitara and Jimny and are not transferable for cash. Accessories are covered by their own manufacturer’s warranty conditions. Product availability: At the time of printing the number of units available and the colour options were correct. SNZ Ltd reserves the right to change specifications, appearances, models, colours and other items shown in this catalogue at any time without notice. Colours and specifications may alter slightly from those shown within this catalogue. SUZUKI NEW ZEALAND LIMITED 1 HEADS ROAD, WANGANUI.