Dairy News 26 January 2016

NATION TAKEOVER

Cow thefts rock Canterbury farms. PAGE 3 COMPACT AND QUIET

Kubota’s garden tractor PAGE 31

National Fieldays’ new boss PAGE 21

JANUARY 26, 2016 ISSUE 349 // www.dairynews.co.nz

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

NEWS // 3

Cow thefts rile farmers RICHARD COSGROVE

Rocks out, pasture in.

PG.24

Don’t leave FE to chance.

PG.28

Frame takes the strain.

PG.32

NEWS ������������������������������������������������������ 3-17 OPINION ����������������������������������������������18-19 AGRIBUSINESS ����������������������������� 20-21 MANAGEMENT �������������������������������22-25 ANIMAL HEALTH �������������������������� 26-28 PASTURE RENOVATION AND CULTIVATION ����������������������29-30 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS ��������������������������������������� 31-34

‘FARMERS STEALING from farmers’ is how mid Canterbury dairy farmer David Quigley describes thieves loading up and stealing 36 of his premier milking cows in night time raids in December.

When farm workers noticed that 36 cows weren’t milking they initially thought the Protrack system wasn’t working properly. But after three milkings they noticed it was the same 36 cows and quickly did a head count and uncovered the theft.

The Quigley’s have 700 cows on their Mayfield farm so the theft means a 5% loss in milk production for the business.

With that number of cows miking on their 54-bale rotary shed, each cow is only in there for seven to eight minutes, meaning that staff only had minimal time to spot missing cows. That helped the theft go unnoticed initially.

David and his wife Jill thought the cows would have been killed and used as meat. But when they Mid-Canterbury farmers David and Jill Quigley have become heard of more thefts throughout the district they victims of a sophisticated and brazen dairy cow theft. realised it is more likely someone is setting themselves up as a dairy operation.

And they hope the cows are being milked some- can’t claim lost production insurance on stolen to be traded to unsuspecting farmers.

The Quigleys described the theft as horrible not where because it at least means they are still alive. animals either.

Jill says “it’s time the rural sector got more only because of the financial cost, the stolen aniWith more than 100 cattle stolen in the last six weeks from across Canterbury, police are asking savvy and starts protecting property like people mals and the lost production but more that everyone became a suspect in police eyes. rural communities to be vigilant and report any protect houses”.

The actions of David, Jill and all their staff had The Quigley’s farming operation is now more suspicious activity as soon as possible.

These reports enable the police to track pat- security conscious. Security cameras worth $7000 to be verified before they were eliminated from the have been installed across the police inquiry terns of offending and then The stolen stock has not been replaced yet, as farm. All road gates are padlocked through the police’s district comagents have told the Quigley’s there isn’t the siminow and staff are more vigilant. mand centres they will devote “It’s time the They never thought that they lar quality of cows around at the moment with the staff to areas in targeted operarural sector got would have to use the Protrack drought. tions in a push to catch offenders.

With an average cost of $2200 the theft represystem as a security system, but With all the thefts and the more savvy and logistics involved it’s obvious starts protecting now staff use it to do a daily log sents a significant cost to the business and one that the Quigleys rightly think they shouldn’t have to be of cows. that the thieves are well organ- property like After the publicity about the spending on but will have to eventually. ised and operating in cahoots with people protect While all sectors of the farming industry are theft, David’s brother realised a farmer. that stock had been stolen from struggling at the moment David is angered by the Jill took to Facebook to enlist houses.” theft saying “someone thinks that they can shorthelp in trying to track down their – Jill Quigley his farm as well.

This has prompted the Quig- cut making a living”. stolen animals and to alert other But the Quigley’s main aim is to make sure that ley’s to look at freeze branding to farmers to the thefts.

Friends and family joined them as they walked identify stock. The system is used in the United other farmers use their experiences as a warning, the roadways of the district but no trace was found. Kingdom to stop rustling. But at $300-400 per cow become more security conscious and more vigilant so that the criminals no longer look at the Facebook trolls attacked the Quigley’s saying it is an expensive option.

The police want to remind farmers to keep rural sector as an easy target. they were doing it as an insurance job, ignorant of the fact that you can’t claim insurance for miss- NAIT tags secure and locked away, as a black @dairy_news ing or stolen animals. The Quigley’s also found you market trade in these tags enables stolen livestock facebook.com/dairynews

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

4 // NEWS

Banks trim forecast payout but optimistic prices will bounce back PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

MAJOR BANKS have cut their farmgate milk price forecast after another drop in the Global Dairy Trade price index last week, albeit minor at an overall 1.4%.

ASB dropped its forecast by 50c to $4.10kg/MS; ANZ expects Fonterra to drop to the bottom end of its forecast $4.25-4.50/ kgMS range and Westpac is predicting $4.20/kgMS. While Fonterra is widely tipped to drop its current $4.60/kgMS forecast, ASB remains optimistic about next season with a forecast $6.50/kgMS while Westpac is tipping $5.20/kgMS next season.

At last week’s event whole milk powder (WMP) was down just 0.5% to an average price of US$2188/MT and skim milk powder was down 3.2% to US$1832/MT. Emma Higgins, research analyst, Rabobank, told Dairy News another lacklustre GDT result was disappointing, yet not unexpected, and

could have been worse.

“The GDT index’s refusal to move in the right direction ultimately reflects weak market fundamentals,” Higgins says.

“Demand growth in emerging markets for powders remains modest and robust milk supply is still flowing out of Europe.

“Exported dairy product from European processors tends to compete with New Zealand dairy product in these markets, providing challenging trading conditions.

“Unfortunately, global dynamics driving current prices remain bearish until the second half of 2016.

These fundamentals are particularly reliant on milk supply growth in Europe slowing, which we expect see in the latter half of this year.”

ANZ’s Con Williams says while they expect Fonterra to drop the milk price there could be a slight offset from a higher dividend due to a lower milk cost and smaller proportion of earnings being retained.

Nevertheless cashflow pressures on farmers will be maintained at least into

at least early 2017, he says.

The price weakness in whole milk powder is concentrated in the nearterm (highest volume contract). The last contract period for WMP actually saw prices rise 9.1% highlighting the reduction in offered volumes from December is applying some price pressure.

“However, these reductions were premised on a tough second half of the season for milk supply,” he says.

“Recent rainfall across many areas and high palm kernel imports suggests the supply outlook has improved for now, which could add additional product to GDT (or other sales channels) at some point.

“All up, New Zealand’s supply outlook into the end of the season will continue to be influential for price direction.”

ASB rural economist Nathan Penny says China is in a sticky patch.

“And with China the largest dairy importer, dairy markets soon reflect any Chinese weakness.”

The last two auctions this year have seen prices falls of about 5%.

“However, we are still positive on dairy’s longterm prospects,” he says.

“We expect the current Chinese concerns will eventually settle. Moreover, Chinese growth will continue transitioning away from industrial sectors to services over coming years. Such a move should support higher household spending, including on food.”

They are sticking with the $6.50/kgMS forecast for next season and a positive long-run view for dairy.

Con Williams, ANZ

“Our view remains that dairy prices will move higher over 2016. NZ dairy

production and exports are tightening. But with Chinese concerns likely to

persist at least in the short term, the price recovery is likely to prove stop-start.”

Fonterra tipped to drop payout FEDERATED FARMERS is concerned that

Fonterra’s forecast farmgate payout of $4.60/kg looks increasingly out of reach.

The latest GDT result is disappointing and things are looking much worse in terms of the farmgate milk price, says Federated Farmers dairy chair Andrew Hoggard.

“We have just seen Open Country Dairy drop its forecast and this result

increases the likelihood Fonterra will do the same.

“It is still possible that a sudden upswing in prices could get us there, but we’d need to see some very large increases in the next couple of months to reach the $4.60/kgMS mark. Even that is a fairly poor payout for most farmers, and falling below that is just going to ramp up the pressure on the dairy industry and those that support it.”

Milk Cooling Issues?

Andrew Hoggard

But Hoggard is urging farmers to have faith in the GDT model.

“This isn’t about the system. It’s economics 101. Supply is too high and demand is weak, which is keeping prices down. If Kiwi farmers want to lay the blame

somewhere they should look offshore to the subsidised production that still exists in too many other countries.

“Farmers in these markets are increasing production despite the market telling them the opposite.”

“Kiwi farmers need this to be addressed and for more trade deals to open up new markets and grow the overall pie.

New agreements such as TPP have the potential to make a big difference over time but unfortunately they won’t ease the short term pain our dairy farmers are feeling.”

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

NEWS // 5

Low payout good time to consider sharemilking PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

THIS TOUGH year is the

time for young people to get the foot in the door to sharemilking, says Feds sharemilker chairman Neil Filer.

“This is the time to secure a contract, get yourself established and make a name for yourself and when the payout comes right – boom, you’re in the money,” he says.

The next six to eight weeks will be an “interesting time” for renegotiations of contracts. Some older sharemilkers may leave the industry or farmers may find the figures stack up to take on share-

milkers – that opens up opportunities.

The next few weeks could be a telling time for the industry, Filer says.

“A lot of guys are sitting quietly waiting for the upside but it doesn’t look close on the horizon so I think it’s going to be an interesting time for the next six to eight weeks,” he told Dairy News.

“People talk about their contracts and renegotiating and next season – it is all sort of happening in the next 6-8 weeks.”

Some older sharemilkers may decide to walk away.

“They may be getting a bit long in the tooth and they decide to get out, but there is always some young guys wanting to

come in at the bottom.

That is the way the system works,” he says.

“The young guys can wait this out, they’ve got plenty of time. If you are early, mid or even late 20s this is nothing. You’ve got a good 20 years in you.

“This is definitely a good time to get in – there are definitely silver linings in low payouts. This is when things happen. In the high payouts no one is hiring sharemilkers.”

He says farmers think in high payout years that the sharemilkers are making too much money.

But if they did the numbers on a sharemilker in this payout, they are getting good value for their percentages.

“A lot of old school

guys (farmers) are probably not making a whole lot of money but if they put a sharemilker on it’s probably not going to cost a whole lot of money either,” he says.

Filer says good sharemilkers know how to make money.

“We just need to go back to our old-school cheap milk. It’s been done before – this is not a new scenario,” he says.

“It’s only been in the last 10 years that everyone has got a bit carried away with high payouts and this and that. But the old school – they know how to get milk off grass.

“That is what our advantage is and we will just go back to it. Sharemilkers can milk cheap,

The time is right to enter the dairy industry as a sharemilker, says Neil Filer.

live cheap, pay our bills and wait it out.

“There’s a freezer full of beef and plenty of milk in the freezer for the kids.

It’s not a big deal having a whole lot of money in the bank.”

But he says “if you are long in the tooth and had a gutsful, get out of the way and make room for someone else”.

Young people wanting to get ahead need to be “Johnny on the spot when the payout comes right – with volatility it could be tomorrow, who knows?”

“We are only one drought away….. In the meantime just hang in there, keep your chin up.”

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SHAREMILKERS WILL definitely be re-examining their options now and the sector will have a shake up in the next couple of months, says Filer.

The message earlier in the season was to sit it out.

But right now sharemilkers are starting to do it tough with Open Country’s payout just going down and Fonterra’s auction “didn’t look very flash”.

“The message earlier in the season when the payout was looking really low – we’ve had a bit of upside since then – the message was ‘let’s milk it out and do

things properly’.

“If sharemilkers were doing it tough and not making money, don’t walk out mid-season – let’s get to February and talk about it then, when you are supposed to.

“That was the message then and now we are approaching that period and things are not looking a whole lot rosier so who knows. It will be interest times.”

But he doesn’t think the sharemilker model will change. “The model works because when the farm owners get under pressure they get their labour for

a fair price.

“That is the beauty of sharemilking, that is just the way the games goes. If you stick it out, it stops farm businesses being a risk when no one is making any money.”

However he says some contract milkers this season are on “quite a good wicket” in this payout.

“Guys that have signed up anything over $1.30-$1.40 on percentages… a lot of farmer owners put the sharemilkers on contracts because they thought the payouts were going to be so high.”

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

6 // NEWS

Guy predicts price volatility to prevail EXPECT THE volatility

in the international dairy market to be around for some time.

That’s the prediction from the Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy who told Dairy News for the last six to eight months the GDT has been bouncing around and that looks likely to continue for some time.

The reason for the market volatility is not new and the extra 3% more milk coming out of Europe is adding to a

world that has more milk than consumers want to buy.

“It’s a case of waiting to see what Fonterra forecasts in the next month or two,” he says.

“Open Country have come down 30 cents and this just confirmed in my mind that there is quite a lot of volatility still around. But I am always hopeful it is going to stabilise and improve.

The medium to long term outlook for dairying is good and we know that the historical price over

Primary Industry minister Nathan Guy in North Canterbury last week.

15 years is $5.25.”

Guy says Fonterra is

DROUGHT DECLARATION EXTENDED THE GOVERNMENT has extended medium-scale event classification of the drought in the South Island until the end of June.

This was necessary as the present declaration was due to run out shortly.

Last week Primary Industry Minister Nathan Guy met with farmers in North Canterbury – one of the worst hit areas.

The farmers there got between 40 and 100 millimetres of rain in

the last fortnight and the land has greened up, he says. But they will need good follow-up rain to break the drought.

“The sense I got from the farmers I talked to and the farms I looked at was they are through the worst of the drought in terms of its physical impact and we are now moving into a recovery period but obviously the financial impacts are going to be felt in North Canterbury for some time to come,” he says.

helping out farmers with the 50c/kgMS interest free loan and banks are also being supportive.

Farmers have culled cows and cut costs in an effort to cope.

“My view is that they will get through this season and I am always hopeful that the outlook for next season will be more optimistic,” he says.

Guy says focus is now on what’s happening with the Chinese economy which is going through structural turmoil.

But it’s important to remember that NZ is not the only country affected.

“I think about 124 countries call China their number one market so it’s very competitive and every industry has to continue to add value to their products,” he says.

“There are numerous examples of where the dairy industry is adding value especially companies with relatively low profiles.” @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

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Price won best first year pasture while Rust won the best pasture of more than three years old; both farmers will host field days in the coming weeks.

This year entrants included a mix of dairy systems across the region and were of a high standard. Judges for the DairyNZ competition look not only for a great, weed-free pasture but also at how it has been established and how entrants plan and implement their overall pasture renewal plan.

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

NEWS // 7

Removal of ag subsidies pleasing – trade expert PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

THE FACT that the

World Trade Organisation (WTO) Ministerial Conference reached some agreement in Nairobi – including agreement to remove agricultural subsidies – was both pleasing and relieving, says Stephen Jacobi, executive director, New Zealand International Business Forum.

That is especially the case given the inability of the WTO to agree on much at all in recent years, he told Dairy News.

“The outcome from the Ministerial was better than I expected,” he says.

“The agreement on export subsidies is significant for NZ even if, disappointingly, some countries like Canada and Norway get to continue to use them for a few years.

“The agreement is more in the way of a political understanding because it cannot be enforced through dispute settlement. Use of export subsidies by major

economies like the EU and US has been less of a problem more recently but this agreement will make it harder for them to be used in the future.”

The outcome on the Doha Development Agenda was disappointing, he says.

The Doha Development Agenda (DDA) started in November 2001 under then director-general and New Zealand Mike Moore with the objective to lower trade barriers around the world, and facilitate increased global trade.

“The US and EU appear to have concluded that Doha is over and even if it isn’t over technically, it might as well be. That is not good news for the global trading system and especially for developing countries,” says Jacobi.

Jacobi says he is also concerned at the delay in bringing the WTO Trade Facilitation Agreement (TFA) into force (NZ ratified last September).

“If something as straightforward as the TFA cannot be quickly implemented, one

wonders about other more substantive matters,” he says.

The TFA contains provisions for expediting the movement, release and clearance of goods including cooperation

between customs and other similar authorities, according to the WTO website.

However Jacobi says the decision to expand the Information Technology Agreement was also

positive – and shows the WTO can work if members set their mind to it.

The aim of that treaty is to lower taxes and tariffs on information technology products.

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50-YEAR WAIT FINALLY OVER NEW ZEALAND farming, particularly the dairy sector, has waited more than 50 years for levelling of the playing field, says Trade Minister Todd McClay.

So the WTO ministerial decision to remove all agricultural export subsidies is significant achievement which will be welcomed especially by dairy farmers, McClay says.

“Because it is a ministerial declaration it enters into force straight away – a day after the agreement was reached. There is a bit of a process for some countries that have export subsidies in place. They must be removed over the next couple of years and developing countries have a little longer time.

“But it really means between now and the next five years, all subsidies will be removed.”

Fonterra in particular had talked about the importance of this measure of fairness where they compete in markets overseas, he says.

“We have a very strong and robust farming economy, it can compete equally with anybody, anywhere in the world, but all we have done is ask for this to be fair competition. Our producers have recognised this as a significant achievement on their behalf.

“That’s about $16 billion dollars a year (globally) in export subsidies a year.”

Importantly for New Zealand dairy it means that no export subsidies can be instigated or re-instigated in the future.

Stephen Jacobi

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

8 // NEWS

Let’s work together TIM MACKLE

LIKE A lot of dairy farmers, I am pretty happy about farewelling 2015, and looking ahead to a New Year with better prospects and farmgate milk prices.

Last year was certainly

DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle.

a testing time for dairy farming. First there was the aftermath of the 1080 infant formula threat that flowed on into the start of 2015. We also started the year with a low milk price that got lower as the year progressed and had some serious flooding on farms in the middle of the

year across some regions.

It was then rounded off by the welfare of bobby calves coming under the spotlight.

In all those cases the dairy industry banded together to overcome each challenge - by sharing information and support and by ensuring our

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collective voice was loud and clear.

With the low milk price we had about 40 farmers nationwide open their farm gates and their books, so that others could learn from their experiences - good and bad. They were happy to share this information as part of DairyNZ’s Tactics campaign through events, online and in the news.

DairyNZ also had to look at doing things a bit differently and asked farmers what they wanted in terms of support. In August 2015, as part of the Tactics campaign, DairyNZ staff conducted one-on-one feed review visits to help assess feed allocation and discuss spring feed management plans. About 900 dairy farmers received a visit nationwide.

Rural professionals stepped up in this area as well. An example of this is accountants offering an hour of their time for free, to support one of the groups most affected by a low milk price - variable order sharemilkers. Working in partnership with Federated Farmers and the dairy companies was also an important part of the approach to ensure all farmers knew we had their backs and were there to help them.

As we look to 2016, we are not out of the woods yet. The milk price is still low and on top of that we are facing a potentially dry summer in some regions because of an El Nino weather pattern.

On top of all this, we

are also dealing with the questioning of our reputation - where the action of a few let us all down.

When video footage of the treatment of bobby calves was recorded by animal rights group Farmwatch and released as part of a SAFE campaign in November, I was immensely proud of how dairy farmers stood up and wanted to be counted and heard through various channels, including social media. Their only concern, despite a tough year and low milk price, was the welfare of those animals.

You all showed how much you really cared. New Zealand heard you - and got in behind the need to show support for our industry and our farmers.

At the time I was reminded of a quote from a famous American basketball coach, John Wooden.

‘Be more concerned with your character than your reputation, because your character is what you really are, while your reputation is merely what others think you are.’

We must, as an industry, continue to focus on building our character. We also want to keep hearing from farmers about the kind of support that they value the most and want us to deliver.

We’ve worked together as an industry to survive a tough year. Now we have to look forward to a New Year - and make sure our resolutions as well as our reputation are strong.

• Tim Mackle is the chief executive of DairyNZ.

Report crime RURAL PEOPLE have got to stand up and be counted

and not let crimes in the country go unreported.

That’s the message from Senior Sergeant Dave Burmeister, Manawatu District Police, who told Dairy News by not reporting criminal activity farmers are effectively giving the thieves and drug growers a free rein.

His comments come in the light of a recent spate of thefts and other criminal activity and a suggestion that if a farmer reports marijuana plants on the property they may get hit again by the same criminals.

But Burmeister says there is generally no hard evidence to link the crimes.

“What I keep trying to tell people is if you don’t report an incident we don’t know about it and that gives the criminal a free rein and that is the scary part,” he says.

“If their intimidation works, it simply empowers them to continue it,” he says.

DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

NEWS // 9

Production dips in price response FONTERRA’S MILK

collection across New Zealand last month dipped 3% compared to the same month last year.

For the seven months of the season, ending December 31, milk collection reached 932 million kgMS, 4% lower than last season.

The co-op says lower milk collection for the 2015/16 season is largely a result of the low milk price environment, where farmers have reduced stocking rates and supplementary feeding in order to reduce costs.

North Island milk collection in December reached 118 million kgMS, 6% lower than December last season; for the season to date North Island milk collection is down 6%.

South Island milk collection in December was 77 million kgMS, 2% higher than December last season. However, it’s down 1% for the season to date.

Fonterra says its Australian milk collection in

December reached 12 million kgMS, 5% lower than December last season.

Milk collection has slowed due to low pasture availability in most dairy regions. Milk collection across Australia for the six months to December 31 reached 70 million kgMS, in line with the same period last season.

While farmers are feeding mostly pasture to cows to keep costs down, DairyNZ says data from past El Nino years suggests farmers in some regions can expect a drop in pasture growth this summer.

DairyNZ has reviewed pasture growth data from the three strongest El Nino years – 1972-73, 198283 and 1997-98 – which this summer is predicted to mirror.

DairyNZ senior developer for productivity, Kim Mashlan, says if similar years are anything to go by, then many farms could grow 2-3 tonnes less feed per hectare than normal.

“Some areas like Northland, Bay of Plenty and parts of Waikato and Canterbury show lower than average pasture growth rates from January through to April, compared to an average year,” says Mashlan.

“This information isn’t meant to be a crystal ball but highlights the importance of preparing for the worst and hoping for the best, which many farmers are already doing.

“The key is to have completed a written summer management plan that identifies triggers for a change in farm management. For example, if grazing residuals go below 4cm, what will happen?

An action might be to feed 4kg grass silage per cow per day.

“It’s a good idea to body condition score the herd fortnightly and remember to keep an eye on young stock – providing supplements if pasture is inadequate.

“Review the weather

forecasts regularly and, if needed, adjust the plan based on predicted pasture growth rates, which tools like DairyNZ’s Pasture Growth Forecaster can help predict.”

There are still decisions that can be made to prepare for a dry period, says Mashlan.

In some parts of the country, where moisture levels are adequate, there is an opportunity to build up feed with nitrogen, she says.

Booking your herd’s pregnancy testing early means those last culls can go as early as possible, reducing feed demand.

Also, consider milking once-a-day before feed gets short, says Mashlan.

DairyNZ economist

or more down in some regions,” says Newman.

DairyNZ has revised its break-even milk price up to $5.40/kgMS, due to the decrease in expected production for the 2015-16 season and a slight lift in farm working costs.

DairyNZ tips for dealing with a dry summer: ■■ Consider milking oncea-day.

■■ Accurately body condition score fortnightly and dry-off according to body condition score

rules.

Protect pastures from over-grazing.

■■ Check young stock at least monthly if offfarm and monitor weight gains whether on or off-farm. Plan to bring in extra feed should weight gains fall below target.

■■ Sell off remaining culls as soon as the herd has had a final pregnancy diagnosis.

Visit dairynz.co.nz/ summer ■■

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help take pressure off staff so that more informed decisions can be made at mating time. This acquisition will help ensure an ongoing supply of the products for our farmers.”

It also provides international growth opportunities for LIC, he says.

“There is farmer demand worldwide for these high-quality, custom-made products which can drive gains in productivity and profitability on-farm. We will be looking at where we can market these products in international markets to deliver a good return for our shareholders.”

LIC subsidiary, LIC Automation, will oversee the Beacon business from February 1 with manufacturing to continue in its current New South Wales location, McNee says.

Jock Roberts, the current owner and managing director, will retain a 25% share and remain hands-on as a consultant to support integration of the business into LIC Automation.

“Having developed the products and grown the business, I am looking forward to working with LIC to strengthen and grow the business further, in New Zealand, Australia and other international markets,” Roberts says.

Matthew Newman says milk production nationwide is already well below last year, after farmers culled cow numbers heavily earlier in the season, due to a low milk price. If dry summer conditions put pressure on pasture growth, then milk production will drop further.

“Currently, I’d say we are tracking for a 6% drop in milk production this season, but if El Nino conditions affect us badly this summer, it could be 10%

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LIC’s majority stake in Oz company LIC IS taking over an Australian heat detection aid manufacturer from next month.

The co-op has agreed to buy 75% of Beacon Heat Detectors, a New South Wales-based company which develops, manufactures and sells products to assist dairy farmers in identifying when cows are in oestrous and ready for artificial insemination.

The company has a long-standing relationship with LIC, with one of its products specifically developed to work exclusively with the farmer-owned co-operative’s inshed automated heat detection camera and drafting system, Protrack EZ Heat.

Chief executive Wayne McNee says the acquisition supports the farmer-owned cooperative’s strategy to deliver genetics and information to create superior livestock.

“LIC supplies dairy genetics to breed approximately three-quarters of the national herd, but the timing of that mating comes down to our farmers and their ability to identify when cows are onheat,” says McNee. “Achieving accuracy every time can be a challenge for even the most experienced farmer. As herd sizes grow, heat detection products are increasingly important to

Milk production is down 6% this seasonn, says Fonterra.

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

10 // NEWS

Fonterra to offload Oz yoghurt brands SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

FONTERRA IS

offloading its Australian yoghurt and dairy desserts business.

The co-op signed a sale agreement with Parmalat Australia; regulatory approvals are expected by June this year.

The sale of the Australian yoghurt and dairy desserts business, which includes manufacturing sites at Tamar Valley and Echuca, and the Australian yoghurt and dairy dessert brands, is part of a plan to return Fonterra’s Australian business to strong and sustainable profitability, it says.

In its 2015 annual report Fonterra said that lower returns from Australian dairy desserts and yoghurt units had affected volume growth in its consumer and food service business.

However, Tamar Valley yoghurt sales were up 62% last year. Fonterra bought Tasmania-based Tamar Valley in November 2013.

Fonterra managing director Oceania Judith Swales says the co-op is committed to the Australian dairy industry and its retail business, and the sale is intended to lock in its competitive position in the Australian consumer market.

“We will continue investing in programs and innovation that support

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our market-leading brands in key retail categories, including Western Star butter and Perfect Italiano, Mainland and Bega cheeses, Anchor cream and fresh milk.

“Divesting the yoghurt and dairy desserts business will allow us to focus on what we do best, so we can continue [paying] a competitive milk price to our suppliers,

benefits to our customers, innovative dairy foods to our consumers and improved returns to our farmer shareholders and unit holders,” says Swales.

All Fonterra’s Echuca and Tamar Valley employees in the yoghurt and dairy dessert business have received offers of employment from Parmalat.

Fonterra recently announced other major changes to turn around its ailing Australian business.

It is spending A$120 million to rebuild its factory in Stanhope, northern Victoria, as a primary cheese making plant with 50% extra capacity. The co-op sold 9% of its holding in Bega Cheese and will spend

launched in Australia.

Chief executive Theo Spierings says these changes result from a plan to get better retruns from the Australian business.

“We are focusing on areas where we can win in a highly competitive market, and that means optimising our product mix and streamlining operations to match, and investing in higher valueadd products that will deliver the best returns for our farmer shareholders and unit holders.

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

NEWS // 11

Banks extend a helping hand PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

‘TALK TO your banks’

is the message to South Island farmers facing continued drought conditions from the New Zealand Bankers’ Association (NZBA).

The advice comes as ANZ has announced it is extending its assistance package to drought stricken South Island farmers.

NZBA chief executive Kirk Hope says banks recognise how important the agri-sector is to our economy.

“We encourage any farmers facing hardship due to ongoing dry conditions to contact their bank to discuss options for assistance and how they can work together through these challenging circumstances.”

age, but will extend that if demand for help from farmers is high. ANZ launched the assistance package last January.

The announcement follows the Government extending its South Island drought declaration, which covers much of the South Island’s east coast, until June 30, 2016.

“While farmers in some areas have welcomed rainfall recently, others are still grappling with extreme dry conditions that will impact the productivity of their farms for some time to come,” says Troy Sutherland, ANZ’s general manager southern commercial & agri.

“Extending our assistance package recognises that the financial impacts of drought continue long after rainfall – sometimes for years – and supports liquidity as farmers regrass and restock. The

“Rural bank managers work closely with their farming clients to understand individual situations and needs.”

ANZ is committing an extra $20 million to its drought assistance package.

some customers.

“Serious weather events cause significant challenges and anxiety. We urge farmers to communicate regularly with their family, advisors and support networks.”

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“Rural bank managers work closely with their farming clients to understand individual situations and needs. Farmers who find themselves in financial difficulty as a result of the drought should speak with their bank as early as possible.”

In addition to talking with their banks, farmers can also seek advice about managing through drought conditions from Rural Support Trusts, DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand, says NZBA. Meanwhile ANZ is extending its assistance package to South Island farmers affected by extreme dry conditions.

The bank will commit an additional $20 million to the assistance pack-

sooner capital expenditure is made after rainfall, the faster businesses will recover.”

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

12 // NEWS

Liquid milk opportunity missed PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

THE NEW Zealand dairy

industry is not latching on to increased demand in Asia for liquid milk.

A recent report by the Ministry for Primary Industries shows that since 2013 imports of liquid milk from NZ’s major trading partners in Asia has doubled to reach 434 million tonnes. But during that period NZ exports of liquid milk have remained static at below

100 million tonnes.

The report notes that in Europe where the milk quota was lifted last year, there has been an increase in milk production of 2.9% over the previous year with Ireland lifting its production by 12%, Netherlands by 7% and Germany by 2.4%.

But MPI says given current world dairy prices, farmers in these countries are still operating below the break-even point and they expect production to slow in the new season.

MPI says milk produc-

tion for this season will be down by 7% and that doesn’t take into account the effect that El Nino may have. It says dairy prices are stabilising but the recovery will be slow as the glut of milk stocks, especially in China, is depleted.

The author of the report, director of sector policy, Jarred Mair says despite the in-market issues, NZ dairy farmers are focusing on profit and fine tuning their businesses to cope with the downturn.

“A couple of things are coming through,” he says.

“Farmers are looking through the cycle so they are not making decisions on the here and now.

They are looking at what they can control such as their variable costs which is great and we are seeing a much bigger narrative around their systems, and their approach and their farming model.

“They are saying ‘am I doing the right things for me’ in these areas, which I think is also good because it allows a moment of self-

reflection.”

Mair says a very confident sector is continuing to invest in areas where it needs to and it hasn’t put away wallets completely.

Discretionary spending has obviously been dropped. “I think there are couple of trends,” he says.

“There are those who are looking and saying ‘how can I manage my variable costs and better understand the grass growth curve?’. But we are seeing a big push in innovation and we are seeing a lot of new farming systems come out that are

sort of ‘grass plus’ that are just astounding in terms of what they can achieve.”

Mair says New Zealanders need to understand even a small dairy farm is a multi-million dollars business and some of the bigger ones are in the $10m plus bracket.

Charlotte Westwood is one of the speakers at the conference.

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SOUTH ISLAND dairy farmers will get the chance to attend the popular New Zealand Association of Ruminant Nutritionists (NZARN) profitable dairy farming conference for the first time in February.

The association was founded as network of experienced ruminant nutritionists to provide a means by which they can disseminate their knowledge to industry.

Members consist of a diverse group of professionals including nutritionists, researchers and veterinarians, working independently and in corporate capacities from across the agriculture industry.

Following the success of the 2015 conference in the North Island the decision was made to bring the conference down to the South Island to enable more people to attend.

Held in Canterbury’s dairying heartland at the Ashburton Hotel on February 24, conference attendees will be able to hear from eight speakers during the one day seminar.

Topics covered by NZARN include aspects of grazing, feed intake, feeds, feeding and efficient utilisation to optimise performance.

Sessions include: ■■ How to get cows to eat more by Charlotte Westwood ■■ Diurnal grazing pattern: its understanding and strategic management by Pablo Gregorini

How to get the best value out of forages by Jakob Kleinmans ■■ Ensuring your silage is fit for purpose by Trish Lewis ■■ Growing great cows: rearing heifers from weaning to calving by Natalie Chrystal ■■ Condition management – how does it help fertility by Nigel Meads ■■ Nutrition and management of close up dry cows – taking good care of our springers by Andrea Murphy ■■ Feeding supplements and practical feed balancing by Julian Waters All of the speakers have extensive knowledge and experience and are considered industry leaders in their fields. A common desire amongst all of the speakers is a goal to help farmers maximize profitability from their farms.

For instance speaker Andrea Murphy, after having moved to Central Otago from Canada and setting up her nutrition consulting business there, was one of the finalists in the Dairy Women of the Year 2015 competition.

The farmers conference will be followed by a members-only conference and AGM the next day, which has all of the speakers from the day before and two extra presentations on farm systems and an insight into dairy farming in Sweden.

■■

DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

NEWS // 13

Some irrigators fare well in drought coming to the rescue of some drought-stricken farmers, according to IrrigationNZ. While drought conditions persist in many parts of the country, some irrigating farmers are coping well with water supply from these schemes.

Farmers taking water from rivers and lakes topped up by West Coast rain have benefited from El Nino’s erratic weather pattern this summer, says IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis.

“While we support the minister’s move to extend the official drought in the South Island, it is interesting to note that farmers connected to the big alpine-fed rivers and lakes haven’t struggled this season, despite low rainfall on the East Coast and an early start to the irrigation season with high temperatures in spring,” says Curtis.

“While those irrigating from foothills-fed rivers and lakes have been on restriction for several weeks, alpine-fed irrigators have managed to maintain supply. This reinforces our argument around building additional water storage infrastructure that taps into alpine sources. Even in an extreme El Nino event like this season, alpine-fed supply offers a high degree of reliability for irrigation.

For futureproofing we

need to move in this direction.”

Curtis highlighted the experience of Central Plains Water in its first season as further evidence.

Central Plains Water chief executive Derek Crombie says the new scheme has coped well – even with little rain in Central Canterbury – due to the shoring up effect of Lake Coleridge.

The stage one development, which opened in August irrigating about 20,000ha in an area bordered by the Rakaia and Hororata Rivers, takes water from the Rakaia River with additional storage held within the lake.

“It’s been going really well. We’ve been at peak demand since midDecember but the scheme is doing the job and from what I hear talking to shareholders, they’re getting better productivity than last year,” says Crombie.

“We have been able to supply 100% of demand but actual use has been a lot less than farmer expectations. We have had full run-of-river water 89 days and only 12 days when we were using stored water for all of our demand.”

Liz Soal, policy manager at the Waitaki Irrigators Collective, says irrigators taking water from the Waitaki River and Waitaki Lakes have similarly experienced few difficulties.

“Irrigators taking from the main stem of the river have had no restrictions, only those taking from tributary rivers. It’s the same story as last year.

We have 100% reliability of take. Overall our irrigators taking from the Waitaki River and Lake Waitaki have found the very dry conditions comparatively easier to manage than those on restrictions.”

Other irrigation schemes managing to maintain flows despite

PUMPS

little rain pre Canterbury include the Mid Canterbury schemes connected to the Rangitata Diversion Race. In contrast, the foothills-fed Lake Opuha has been on 50% restriction for nearly a month and expects to carry that through to the end of the irrigation season. Many irrigation schemes in Otago and Marlborough are also on heavy restrictions.

IrrigationNZ has released two new

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

14 // NEWS

Award aspirants ready for judging ENTRANTS FOR this year’s New

Zealand dairy awards are preparing for their date with judges.

Activity is gearing up for the 452 entrants vying for titles in three categories; Share Farmer of the Year, Dairy Manager of the Year and Dairy Trainee of the Year.

General Manager Chris Keeping says information events for entrants and sponsors are being held in some of the awards’ 11 regions over the next couple of weeks.

“These events are about providing an opportunity for entrants to meet, learn more about the awards and what they can expect, and have some fun with fellow entrants, organisers and sponsors.

“A big part of the awards is connecting people in the industry and feedback we receive reinforces that meeting other like-minded people is one of the major benefits from entering.”

Keeping says the events are also about having fun, with some of the

events held at venues like golf clubs and the Tui Beer headquarters.

She says the events are also useful for entrants as they prepare for judging, which begins in some regions later this month. Judges spend up to two hours on entrant’s farms, so it is important that entrants make the most of that time and plan well.

Judges spend two hours on farm with entrants in the Share Farmer competition and one-and-a-half hours with entrants in the Dairy Manager contest.

There is no on farm judging component in the Dairy Trainee competition.

Instead entrants participate in a short practical session covering every day farming tasks and an interview.

The first regional winners will be announced in Taranaki on March 4, while the West Coast/Top of the South region is the last to name its winners on April 7. All 33 regional winners will progress to a national final in Wellington on May 14.

The awards have also undergone

significant change for the 2016 awards programme, with entry criteria changing for all three competitions resulting in two of the competitions sporting new names.

“Given this we are really happy with the result and we are pleased with the balance of entries across the three competitions,” Keeping says.

There are 119 entered in the Share Farmer of the Year competition, 164 entered in the Dairy Manager of the Year competition and 169 entered in the Dairy Trainee of the Year competition.

Keeping says the entry numbers are down on the 539 received last year and are the lowest received since 2010.

“The regions have worked very hard to attract the entries and are rapt with the quality of entrants and that all three competitions will be run in all 11 regions.

“A really positive factor is that there is a good balance between the three competitions – in that the entry numbers in each competition are much more even than they have been in the past.

2015 Farm Manager of the Year James Foote.

This means that some of our changes have produced one of the results we were after.

“There will still need to be some tinkering as the awards programme continues to evolve, but overall we are very happy with the result given the changes and economic climate.”

The Waikato region received the most entries with 58 in total, with Southland following with 54 entries.

Canterbury/North Otago, Central Plateau and Bay of Plenty received 46, 44 and 42 entries respectively.

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DairyNZ, DeLaval, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra Farm Source, Honda Motorcycles, LIC, Meridian Energy, and Ravensdown, along with industry partner Primary ITO.

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

16 // NEWS

Farmers spend $8m to lift lake health

Lake Brunner, West Coast.

2012. The catchment initially received $200,000 ers have spent at least of funding from the Min$8 million on conservaistry for the Environment tion efforts to improve which was used for riparthe water quality of Lake ian planting, waterway Brunner.

DairyNZ and NZ Land- fencing and restoration works. care Trust surveyed half the 22 dairy farmers in the lake’s catchment, finding they had spent $4.7 million on clean-up initiatives.

DairyNZ environment manager Dr Mike Scarsbrook says the farmers’ achievements are impressive and reflect their commitment to preserving the environment.

Mike Scarsbrook “Based on our “In the first round of survey, we estimate that action, farmers took on in total farmers have projects such building probably spent closer to bridges for cattle cross$8-9 million on improveings, introducing culments,” he says. verts, upgrading effluent To date 70km of the streams flowing into Lake systems and fencing off Brunner have been fenced waterways. Many of these actions were voluntary off and 21,000 new plants which came at a cost to have been added to banks farmers,” says Milne. to help prevent sediment DairyNZ senior water from entering waterways. quality specialist, Shirley On top of this, 76ha of Hayward, says the lake has land has been retired by previously experienced farmers. increasing phosphorus “With each hectare levels which can lead to a valued at around $20,000 decline in water clarity. this amounts to a signif“The catchment icant investment,” says is characterised by Scarsbrook. extremely high rainfall The lake, 37km southof around five metres or east of Greymouth, is the more a year. largest lake on the West “This poses a signifiCoast and a popular recrecant challenge when keepation and tourism hub. ing farm run-off from Over the last 10 years, entering waterways. Farmdairy farmers have underers in the catchment have taken a series of projbeen working together ects in collaboration to identify what changes with a number of organthey can make on farm to isations including West Coast Regional Council, reduce nutrient inputs to Westland Milk Products, the lake,” says Shirley.

DairyNZ, AgResearch, The catchment group is NIWA, and NZ Landcare mapping out future plans Trust. for the protection of Lake Katie Milne, a national Brunner. Further work is board member of Fedplanned over the next five erated Farmers, helped years which will broaden set up the Lake Brunner the scope of existing projCatchment Care Group in ects.

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

WORLD // 17

More milk fuels co-op’s growth EUROPEAN DAIRY

cooperative Arla Foods is receiving more milk from farmers than ever before.

The co-op also expects its 12,700 farmer owners to ramp up milk production in the coming years.

Unveiling its 2020 strategy last month, Arla Foods says the extra milk provides the business with opportunities for global growth to create value for its owners.

Since 2007 Arla’s milk volume has grown from 8 billion kgMS to 14 billion kgMS thanks to mergers and since April 2015, through organic growth in the milk production of Arla’s farmer owners as EU milk quotas no longer exist. It is anticipated that Arla’s farmers will grow their milk production by another 2.5 billion kgMS by 2020, giving Arla more growth opportunities than ever before.

Its new strategy sets out to grow its business in eight global dairy categories and six market regions around the world, as the

company moves towards 2020 as one effective and unified cooperative.

Arla Foods chief executive Peder Tuborgh says while it is launching a new strategy, there is no radical change of direction for Arla.

“Over the past years we have prepared for this moment by expanding our size and our competencies. In Strategy 2020 we will focus even more on organic growth and growing our brands through innovation that focuses on what consumers and customers want and need.

This will help us create the most profitable growth with our farmer owners’ milk,” says Tuborgh.

Consumers around the world are looking for ways to make their everyday lives healthier. Arla has now identified eight product categories that will be the central focus for the company’s efforts to shape the dairy market by offering new products with natural ingredients, great taste and good nutrients

Peder Tuborgh

that make it easier to live a healthy life.

The eight prioritised product categories and Arla’s aims are: ■■ Butter and spreads: Be global leader in butter and spreads with world class products made from natural ingredients ■■ Spreadable cheese: Lead in cream cheese made from natural ingredients and high quality processed cream cheese ■■ Speciality cheese: Be leading player in speciality cheese with creatively crafted products and concepts ■■ Milk-based beverages:

Shape market for nutritious milk-based beverages made from natural ingredients for people on the go ■■ Yogurt: Innovate to build a strong ‘natural goodness’ position for yogurts ■■ Milk and powder: Lead and shape the milk and powder market with nutritious value-added and cost-competitive products ■■ Mozzarella: Build global mozzarella position with high quality and cost-competitive products ■■ Ingredients: Be the global leader in valueadded whey “The global dairy industry has developed by a speed seldom seen before, with millions of consumers changing their daily habits and preferences,” he says.

“We have analysed consumer needs and trends across dairy categories worldwide and have matched this with our own biggest strengths. This has

Arla Foods is looking to boost growth in six market regions.

led us to pursue eight specific categories where we feel Arla can grow a leading position globally or regionally. Our strategic innovation and best resources will be poured into these categories.”

Arla will pursue growth in these eight categories primarily through its three global brands of Arla, Lurpak and Castello.

It will also focus on six regions.

Over the years Arla says it has built a strong position in Northern Europe and the Middle East, where Arla is the preferred dairy company for consumers and where Arla’s brands are among the strongest in the food industry. It has also begun to build a business in new growth markets such as China, sub-Saharan Africa and Russia.

Arla will continue to build on these market

positions as it focuses its growth ambitions on the following six markets: Europe, the Middle East, China, Russia, Nigeria and the USA. In Europe, Arla’s lead markets are the UK, Sweden, Denmark and Germany.

“We have identified the markets in which Arla has the biggest potential to grow a long-term profitable business for our farmer owners. We are stepping up our efforts in the United States and Nigeria, while continuing to build on our positions in Europe, the Middle East and China. We also remain

hopeful that Russia will re-open for business, at which point it will still be a very attractive market for Arla,” says Tuborgh.

“We are not pulling out of any markets that are not mentioned, but we will focus our innovation, investments and competences on those lead markets. Over the coming five years we expect about half of our growth to come from outside the EU as we grow market shares while the other half will come from within the EU as we grow in key categories and add value through innovation,” Tuborgh says.

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

18 // OPINION RUMINATING

EDITORIAL

Flocking back to pasture-fed cows

MILKING IT...

Cows trigger visitor invasion

MORE VISITORS are flocking to Morrinsville and the cows are responsible.

The Morrinsville i-SITE has seen an increase in tourists this holiday period thanks to the Herd of Cows? street art project, commerce.

A huge number of people are bringing their families here to look at the cows, according to Morrinsville Chamber of Commerce.

A total of 42 of the colourful, life-sized cows are dotted around Morrinsville town centre. But the mother of all cows may be coming.

A 6.5m tall ‘mega cow’ is planned for the street art project.

Stroke and get more milk

CALVES WHICH were stroked by people early in their life gained weight more quickly than animals that were not stroked, according to researchers at the Vetmeduni Vienna in Austria.

Researcher Stephanie Lurzel says this knowledge could be of commercial value for farmers, as cows produced more milk if they had a higher weight gain as calves.

She studied 104 Holstein calves at a commercial dairy farm in eastern Germany.

Lurzel says about 90 days after their birth, stroked calves weighed about 3% higher than that of the control group.

She says this would translate into around 50kg more milk per cow per year.

Based on that number, if all the dairy farmers in New Zealand patted their calves for three minutes per day then milk production could be increased by 250 million kgMS per annum.

Cow poop selling like hot cake

LIKE CONSUMERS around the globe, Indians are flocking to the online marketplace in droves these days.

But there’s one unusual item flying off the virtual shelves: Indian Online retailers say cow dung patties are selling like hot cakes.

The patties “cow poop mixed with hay and dried in the sun, made mainly by women in rural areas and used to fuel fires” have long been available in India’s villages. But online retailers including Amazon and eBay are now reaching out to the country’s ever-increasing urban population, feeding into the desire of older city folks to harken back to their childhood in the village.

Some retailers say they’re offering discounts for large orders. Some customers are asking for gift wrapping. In India, where Hindus have long worshipped cows as sacred, cow dung cakes have been used for centuries for fires, whether for heating, cooking or Hindu rituals

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Stick to cow’s milk

ISSN 1175-463X

ALMOND MILK - the beverage all the rage with the health-conscious - has led to a rare 18th century disease, according to new report by scientists at University Hospital La Fe in Valencia, Spain.

The scientists warned parents not to replace breast milk or infant formula with the plant-based milk, after a case study revealed X-rays of an immobile infant in Spain.

The X-rays showed evidence of fractures in his legs, back and thinning bones.

The researchers determined to find out why the infant - 11 months - had such weak bones and immobility discovered he’d developed a rare case of scurvy after being fed a diet of formula mainly composed of almond milk for nine months.

Scurvy is a rare condition - once prevalent amongst sailors in the 18th century - characterised by a deficiency in vitamin C. The almond-milk formula was deficient in the vitamin and contributed to the fragility of the infant’s bones.

WHILE FONTERRA seems to be putting a brave and optimistic face on the economic headwinds facing the dairy industry, the cooperative’s optimism and the bare facts don’t seem to align.

The reality is most other commentators don’t share this optimism and the fact that Open Country has dropped 30c off its payout forecast tends to back that up.

In terms of real credibility the views of Ian Proudfoot, the global head of agribusiness for KPMG who is probably the most clued up commentator in NZ, have to be taken seriously. He has his finger on the pulse internationally and understands the economic and political dynamics better than most.

Back in the 1970s and 80s we had what were called ‘milk lakes’ in Europe as EU subsidies encouraged farmers to produce more milk than consumers wanted.

Price to farmers was the driver and in a sense history is now repeating itself. Farmers worldwide generally regard success as how much they produce and how many animals they run on their farms.

Go to any DairyNZ field days and the question of profitability is seldom discussed.

New Zealand along with 124 other countries regard China as their major market and let’s be frank, the Chinese economy is a bit of shambles. Their stock exchange is a mess and the valuation of some companies is bordering on fantasy.

The result is that growth has slowed and with it consumption of food exports such as milk powders. To add to the woes the European economy is not that flash either.

This is not the global financial crisis of a few years ago, but it’s not a wound that is going to be healed overnight. It is hard to argue with the view of Proudfoot that there is at least another 18 months of low prices ahead for the dairy industry.

But even when this is over, don’t expect an instant recovery. We know that when a severe weather event is over, it can take years for things to get back to whatever normal might be and the dairy boom and bust will be the same.

It is important to be positive. There is a sense that dairy farmers are recalibrating their businesses and developing much more sustainable models based on near all grass-fed animals.

The grass-fed model has greater consumer appeal and in some ways this latest blip may yet prove to be the saviour of the dairy industry – not its demise.

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

OPINION // 19

Do your share to prevent mishaps on farm NICK HANSON

REGARDLESS OF

whether the accident is work related or not, when a child dies in an accident on farm, it’s often an avoidable tragedy.

Statistics have shown that farms over the summer period hold an extra degree of risk for children which has led Federated Farmers and WorkSafe New Zealand to call for special vigilance over this period.

Because of their very nature farms pose risks to children that are not present in other, more controlled, environments but these risks are manageable and many accidents on farms are preventable given the right preparation.

Although the hazards are varied statistics show that vehicles are of particular risk.

So it’s absolutely vital that if children are operating any vehicles they are suitably capable of operating the specific vehicle.

For younger children, under five, the majority of fatalities occur when they are accompanying their parents on the farm and even for younger children there is a spike over the summer period.

McCone says it’s about farmers changing their thinking from that of working alone, to having the kids around while they do their tasks.

“Of the 10 deaths of children under the age of five, seven involved the child being near the parents working. If you are used to working alone, and get engrossed in a task or problem, then it is easy to forget about the kids.

Farmers need to be aware of this and take steps to ensure the kids stay top of mind,” he says.

Statistics show that farms over summer hold an extra degree of risk for children.

“Awareness and vigilance is the key to preventing serious harm accidents on farms.”

WorkSafe agricultural programmes manager, Al McCone says kids love playing around vehicles.

Like the Safekids’ driveway safety campaign says: ‘Check for me before you turn the key’. Walk around the vehicle first and check children are a safe distance away before starting the engine. A few seconds of extra care will prevent what could be a tragedy.

Of workplace fatalities since 2000, eight of the 14 deaths involving children aged between five and 15, occurred when the child was operating the vehicle.

Taking practical steps like fencing ponds, covering pits, locking chemicals away and being aware when using hot water in dairy sheds will reduce the risk of accidents.

Awareness and vigilance is the key to preventing serious harm accidents on farms.

For more information check out websites www. saferfarms.org.nz which has specialist advice for keeping kids safe on farms or to look at the safe driveway campaign go to www. safekids.org.nz.

• Nick Hanson is a Federated Farmers policy advisor

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

20 // AGRIBUSINESS

Slowing Chinese economy likely to impact payout PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

THE INTERNATIONAL head of

agribusiness at KPMG Ian Proudfoot has a sombre message for dairy farmers.

As a consequence of global issues he thinks a farmgate milk price in the range of $4-$5/kgMS is the best dairy farmers can expect this season and probably next season.

Proudfoot says the most farmers will see is a slow improvement and that to some extent depends on the impact of the weather over the next three to four months. But while this is an issue on the home front, he’s more concerned about is the growth of the domestic market in China.

“My concern there is related to the fact that the Chinese economy is looking like its slowing far faster than people thought it would slow,”

he says.

As a consequence income growth will slow in China and therefore, not only China, but a swath of emerging markets might not having the discretionary funds that we anticipated, he says.

“This will impact on how much people will be prepared to pay for the products. I see a lot of uncertainty and consequently this will probably have some downward pressure on them more than maybe we expected,” he says.

Proudfoot says China has presented a bubble of opportunity for exporters, but he’s been urging caution and encouraging companies to have ‘optionality’ across a number of markets. The Free Trade Agreement (FTA) made China the ‘market de jour’ for the New Zealand Government and they pushed the China option stronger than other markets.

“When we look at the Chinese stock market itself the valuations

Ian Proudfoot

of companies we were seeing in the middle of last year were just ridiculous,” he says “They were trading on multiples of hundreds and there was no fundamental economic basis for that. At the same time the Chinese Government was encouraging the banks to lend money to people to buy shares and that is never a good thing to do. There are some structural issues in the Chinese market that will present challenges.”

But Proudfoot says the New Zealand companies he talks to have not been completely caught up in the Chinese market opportunity and most have been developing a portfolio of opportunities which will stand them in good stead.

“Zespri is a good example of that where, while they have had really good growth in China, they have also got whole lot of other markets they have been very successful in growing their brand in,” he says.

Proudfoot says it’s not only the milk price that’s putting farmers under pressure. It’s also the requirements around environmental management.

People are aware of the hard times ahead and to get through the difficult times they will need to manage their businesses in a very tight focused way and control cash flows. @dairy_news

Fonterra chair to address conference THE NORTHLAND Dairy Development Trust will hold its annual conference next month.

NDDT chairperson Penny Smart says it will be a very interesting day and well worth the time off farm to listen to some great presentations and mix and mingle with Northland farmers.

“With weather worries and current pay out concerns it is timely that Northland farmers get the chance to hear from industry leaders,” she says.

Speakers include Fonterra chairman John Wilson and DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle.

The conference will be held at ASB Lounge, Western Hills Drive, Whangarei on February 17 from 10am to 2pm.

Smart says the BNZ will offer some financial advice for these turbulent times and there will be updates on all the trust’s current trials and information from the Northland Regional Council on how and where farmers can get involved in the regional plan and how the priority catchment areas and processes tie in to it.

DairyNZ will also give updates on their Partner Farms’; a discussion on how to live well and farm well from Farmstrong is also on the agenda.

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AGRIBUSINESS // 21

New chief for Fieldays WELL-KNOWN AGRIBUSINESS leader Peter

Nation has been appointed the new National Fieldays Society chief executive.

Nation, currently national sales manager at Gallagher, will take up his new role on March 14. He replaces Jon Calder.

NZ National Fieldays Society president Warwick Roberts says the board is delighted to appoint Nation.

“Peter brings a wealth of experience from his time with Gallagher Group and also his previous leadership roles with the ANZ Banking Group. Combined with his knowledge of the agri sector and the breadth of his network, he will provide strong leadership for the society and build on our success with Fieldays, Equidays and Mystery Creek Events Centre.”

Nation says his new role as chief executive to the society presents a challenge in an industry he has dedicated his life to.

“NZ National Fieldays Society is an iconic organisation with nearly 50 years of history and a significant presence both on the national and international stage. The opportunity to lead such an organisation is a real opportunity,” he says.

“It’s hard to put into words. The society presents a lot of opportunity for growth and future developments, which is exciting to be part of.

From the Masterplan site works, to the building of charitable endeavours and the continuing support of the next generation in agri-business, this is a very special organisation to be part of at a very special time.”

The search for the new chief executive attracted 65 applicants. Roberts says the role was highly sought after and the quality of candidates extremely high.

“We looked across a broad section of appli-

Pasture care taken to new heights AN AUSTRALIAN researcher funded by Western Dairy to look into the effectiveness of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or drones to accurately monitoring pasture growth, has made a surprising discovery.

“I assumed my project would show the benefit of drones as an Matthew Rowbottom inexpensive and non-invasive pasture management technique over traditional methods, but I was wrong,” says Matthew Rowbottom, a student from the University of Western Australia.

“In fact, aside from visual judgement based on experience, I found using a common method of pasture estimation, the rising plate meter (RPM), is more accurate in assessing observed biomass and able to account for up to 24% more variation than my drones,” he says.

Australian dairy farms share a competitive advantage due to their ability to produce and use homegrown feed or pasture and knowledge about how much pasture is being grown in-situ can be useful when making on-farm decisions such as grazing rotations and feed allocation.

As pasture is one of the cheapest forms of feed for cows promoting good growth on-farm is key to building a business that maximises profitability, so Rowbottom says it is important any technology used in the research is within the reach of the average dairy farmer.

“I intentionally used a camera that’s an easy-to-use model at the lower-end of the range in terms of sensitivity to biomass changes and this was a definite limitation,” says Rowbottom.

“But despite the results of my project the potential for on-farm drones, as the technology improves and costs decrease, is definitely there and more long-term research is needed.”

cants and were fortunate to have had a high calibre of potential leaders to select from.”

Nation, who has served on the society’s board of directors since 2004, has held the role of vice-president of the organisation since 2013.

Roberts says with

recent changes at board level, and several new directors joining the society’s board, the appointment of a new chief executive presents another exciting opportunity.

Newly-elected board directors are James Allen, Sir John Gallagher and

Jenni Vernon (who was a co-opted board director for 2015). Other co-opted board directors are Bill Falconer (returning for a second year), Brent Goldsack and Pam Roa. Peter Carr returns as a director with Roberts retained as president for another year.

Peter Nation

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

22 // MANAGEMENT

Breeding and feeding policy builds s West Coast dairy farmer Renee Rooney is one of many young women who are playing a more active part in farmer politics. Renee is the chairperson of Federated Farmers West Coast dairy section. Peter Burke visited her farm inland from Greymouth RENEE ROONEY and husband Greg farm in the small settlement of Inchbonnie near Lake Brunner; a picturesque country with the bush-clad hills seemly endlessly shrouded in mist.

The weather can be both extremely dry and

wet.

Like all ‘Coasters’ their philosophy of farming in challenging conditions is both practical and successful. They work on the basis of old farming values, doing the basics right and a sensible conservative approach to farm

management.

The Rooneys run 530 cows on their 320ha equity partnership farm. Renee says their stocking rate is low – 1.8 per ha – by many people’s standards, but this conservative approach works well for them.

“We are pretty much

A TRUE COASTER RENEE ROONEY was born on the West Coast not far from where she and husband Greg now farm.

Her parents moved to Canterbury for a period, but returned to the Coast to dairy farm.

She stayed in Christchurch and worked in the city doing admin work for an educational training company. This was followed by a stint doing her OE before coming back to Christchurch to work for a man she describes as an amazing business mentor and life skills coach. Renee helped set up the business which grew rapidly.

“In the meantime when I came

back from the UK I met a young local farmer Greg and so I commuted backwards and forwards for three years,” she says.

“Maybe I was young and silly and after four years decided I would come and work on the farm.

“We started farming together at Inchbonnie as variable order sharemilkers then the first child came along. Then we decided to try farming in another area for a couple years.

“During that time we realised that Inchbonnie is a great place to farm and that’s when we took up the equity partnership deal.”

Renee and Greg Rooney on their West Coast farm.

self-contained and for us it is about breeding and feeding and improving our herds production through that,” she says.

“We have tried different stocking rates but for

us it’s about finding what works best for our business. It’s about profit and milking predominately grass feed cows.

“We put a bit of meal in the system on the shoul-

ders and when there are issues around the weather and we call it lollies because the cows love it. We made nearly 1000 bales of bailage on milking platform and on our

46 ha run-off block which we own which is good because it saves costs.”

They just try to the basics right, says Renee.

They are currently producing 209,000kg/MS

DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

MANAGEMENT // 23

self-contained farm from their 530 cows which is higher production than the previous farmer was doing on the farm with 700 cows.

When they first came to the farm they had to cobble together a herd, but they had about 40 good cows and some quality heifers and over time have built up a high producing herd. They are continuing to improve the herd.

“It’s a case of less is more. In terms of supplements PKE is swear word on our farm but we accept it has place in farming sys-

tems especially in times of drought,” she says.

“My husband Greg says contented well-fed cows that eat grass give milk. Maybe there is a place for PKE if you have droughts and things. Greg also believes in using urea for shoulders and things only, whereas for some farmers it’s now become just an everyday sort of thing. He’s got old farming values.”

The Rooney’s minimise the use of nitrogen fertiliser but do strive to produce quality pasture

with a re-grassing policy which sees new paddocks upgraded every year.

A big challenges the Rooney’s face is their TB status – they have an infection in the herd and that places restrictions on how they farm. Renee says they knew that when they took on this particular farm but have been able to manage

their way through it.

A big disadvantage is that they are unable to sell any calves born on the farm although they do keep about 70 heifers as replacements for themselves. An area of bush behind their farm has long been a TB hotspot and remains so despite much effort.

Profit from milking grass-fed cows is the motto on farm.

FORAY INTO FEDS IT WAS near neighbour, friend and Feds national board member Katie Milne that helped propel Renee Rooney into her current role as chair of West Coast dairy section.

Renee says she’d never had any ambition to take up a role with Feds although she had always been a member and saw the value of the organisation.

From her perspective it’s very important the grass roots people in farming have a voice at the decision-making table and this is what she tries to do.

She couldn’t do her job with Feds without the incredible support of husband Greg, she says. The fact that her three children are a bit older also helps. They are 9, 11 and 13.

Renee says her focus is also on the roadblocks facing the ag sector long term.

“For me it’s what’s the industry going to look like in 20 years’ time - not about now and short term,” she says.

“What will the future hold for our children?

There does need to be voices around the table to engage and inform our urban cousins and to make them aware that the majority of dairy farmers are conservationists who care about the land.”

But Renee says bureaucrats need to understand that farmers need flexibility to go about their daily business. There is huge amount of compliance and it’s important people make rules for farmers that can be practically implemented.

Like many women on farms Renee is aware of the compliance issues and the huge amount of paper work.

“My husband just likes to grow grass and milk cows. He says I’m much better around a meeting table than he would be,” she says.

The Rooney’s have one person working for them full time and two others part time.

The extra staff make it easier for Renee to undertake her Feds work.

While every region is different, Renee says farmers on the West Coast face the perceived issue of isolation.

Unlike their counterparts over the Southern Alps in Canterbury they have to be more self-contained and plan to manage extreme climatic conditions.

In most other parts of the country farmers have greater resources they can call on for assistance, but not so on the Coast, she says.

The cost of freighting goods in and out is high which she makes a point of highlighting to others in the sector.

But despite the challenges, the Rooney’s farm and others in the Inchbonnie area provide a unique and profitable farming environment.

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

24 // MANAGEMENT

Rocks and the difficulty of pasture growth PENNY CLARK-HALL

WITH SEVERAL suc-

cessful dairy farms under their belt, large vege gardens, gift shops, restaurant and a castle on the way, Neil and Dot Smith are a far cry from the days of when they had to walk their cows for two days to get to their winter grazing.

Neil and Dot arrived on the North Otago Plains in 1982, faced with Spartan rocky soil that would break your wrist trying to drive a standard into it.

The two Northland dairy farmers had just

bought and leased the first converted dairy farm on the North Otago plains, with dreams of droughtproofing their business.

Arriving with their two boys to a farm barely fenced, with rocks the size of footballs and not a tree to be seen, they embarked on a 33 year journey that is truly inspiring.

Having never dealt with rocky ground before, Neil and Dot proceeded to build their soil organic matter through trial and error, with years of cow manure, straw and fertiliser.

“When we first arrived,

trees on the plains it blew the top soil away. If anyone ploughed, it ended up in the sea, so we had to learn how to irrigate fast, it was simply no water, no grass, no milk - no money.”

“We hadn’t used irrigation before, when the first bit of water came down the race we didn’t know what to do with it. The rocks made it near impossible to get water out of the raceway, with no top soil it disappeared through the rock soak holes.”

Neil says they were heavily reliant on what they learnt from the locals and describes the heavy

there were rocks everywhere. I took Dot and the two kids down in the car with a trailer on the back and we spent the afternoon picking up rocks.

We got about four trailer loads, but by smoko the boys had lost interest; we could see it was a hopeless endeavour,” Neil says.

Dot describes the struggle they had with getting their head around using irrigation in the barren conditions, during the Rogernomic’s era, as unforgiving.

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Neil and Dot Smith, North Otago.

rolling technique following irrigation as a pivotal moment for them early on.

“To be effective we learnt that you needed to heavy roll after irrigating, when the ground was softer so you could then push the rocks down. It took us years to get them all down, because we didn’t learn about direct drilling until the farmers from the North Island arrived, so we kept ploughing the rocks back up.”

“We were also wintering the cows to get the organic matter going which was hard because they’d flick the rocks back out with their feet. So it’s taken us 10 heavy rolling’s over the past 33 years to get them all down.”

He added “enthusiasm got us into a lot of trouble, but it also got us out of a lot of trouble!”

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Heavy rolling after irrigation allowed them to push the rocks down.

tion from 50kg to 750kg per hectare as well as applying two tonnes of lime per hectare every four years.

“It made a hell of a difference, it was a game changer for us. We saw a lift in production in 12 months, nothing visually because it was such a Spartan environment but for that we just had to observe what was happening under the cow pat and wonder why it was doing so well then apply that over the whole paddock.”

Over the next 10 years they went from an average of 600-900 kgs of milk solids per hectare (kgMS/ ha) shooting up to 1300 by the mid-90s, doubling their production in 15 years.

“The wheel really turned for us when people started to spray with Roundup and drill with ryegrass and clovers. That made a 360 degree difference.”

Dot adds, “Cow manure has been our best friend. Because of the cows, we’ve managed to

build up a top soil with manure straw and silage and all those things that have been fed out. That’s what got us through Rogernomics and where we are today.”

The pair are now currently averaging P levels of 40 and a pH of 6 producing 285,000kgMS/ha and have no plans to slow down. While no longer putting in 100-hour weeks (while not far off) they’re constantly looking to innovate and learn new ways of doing things utilising new technology (such as Ravensdown’s Smart Maps) - a testament to how they built their Riverstone brand.

Neil sums their journey up pretty well in saying “this isn’t a dress rehearsal. You’ve just got to take a few hits and keep going.”

“Take every opportunity that comes your way.

We are lucky to be alive!”

• Penny Clark-Hall is senior communications advisor at Ravensdown. @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

MANAGEMENT // 25

Getting the most out of silage PIONEER NUTRITIONIST, Dr Bill Mah-

anna, recently wrote his 52nd and final column for Feedstuffs, a pre-eminent USA feed and feed industry magazine.

In this he summarised quotations from some of the most respected dairy nutritionists and academics in the USA. The article makes fascinating reading and many of the points raised are very relevant to local dairy farmers.

I’ve followed Dr Mahanna’s example and using the same headings, have summarised some of the key issues my colleagues and I see with maize silage management in New Zealand.

Paddock There is a sizeable gap between those farmers who consistently grow high yielding, high quality maize silage crops and those who don’t. The most frequent issues we see in the field are poor ground preparation resulting in uneven plant populations, later than ideal planting dates, inadequate weed control and maize crops which are chopped too soon or too late.

Aim for a fine, even seed-bed. This will allow more accurate planting and good seed-to-soil contact. Some of the worst seed beds we see are the result of either too short a time between spraying out and cultivating or soils being tilled when they are too wet.

Walk crops regularly and be prepared to spray seedling weeds if necessary. Weeds often look insignificant when they are very small, but when they grow even low populations can have a major impact on maize silage yield and quality.

Choose a reliable contractor and communicate with them regularly. A low price job could cost you a lot in the long-term.

Harvest and storage This quote, from Dr Mahanna’s article could easily be applied to New Zealand farmers: A visitor from Europe recently told me, “You Americans waste too much feed”, and I see

before you let them loose on your silage stack.

To read a full copy of Dr Mahanna’s Feedstuff article “Nutritionists, other experts offer forage advice” visit www.pioneer.

too much of this going on with my clients. He went on to say “we soil sample, prepare the ground perfectly, spend a lot of time trying to decide what is the right seed and population; you fertilise it, plant it, spray for weeds, bugs, maybe even treat with a fungicide and cut or chop at what you think is the ideal time. Then right at the end you wreck everything you worked so hard for by chopping too wet or too dry, not packing it enough and not maintaining a good silage face”.

The best operators apply an inoculant, cover their maize silage as soon as it is harvested and seal the edges thoroughly. We have seen excellent results from using oxygen-barrier film. Aim for no spoilage at the top of your stack or bunker.

Place rodent bait in stations around the silage stack and replenish them frequently.

Feeding If you are feeding significant amounts of conserved feeds it is important to understand their quality and also the quality of the pasture you are feeding them with.

Laboratory test results can help determine the best combination of feeds, how much to feed and what minerals should be added.

Silage test results can also help pin point management issues so you can do a better job next season.

One of the most common issues we see is poor silage feed-out management. It takes skill to remove silage without loosening the face. Ensure all farm staff understand the importance of keeping the silage stack face tight.

Always ensure new staff are adequately trained

nz/news/2016-01-12/nutritionists-other-expertsoffer-forage-advice.html • Ian Williams is a Pioneer forage specialist. Contact him at iwilliams@genetic. co.nz

The best operators cover their maize silage as soon as it is harvested.

DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

26 // ANIMAL HEALTH

Great heat detection skills help achieve high 3-week submission rate FARMERS HAVE

means there could be a heat detection problem.

Remember that a large number of non-cycling cows can also generate a submission rate less than 85 percent.

Another heat detection indicator is the Return Intervals Analysis report which helps assess the risk that too many cows may have been inseminated when not on heat.

Pre-mating heat

a major influence on submission rate – which is a key driver of the sixweek in-calf rate. Each 10 percent increase in the three-week submission rate translates into a 2-7 percent increase in the sixweek in-calf rate.

Farmers with great heat detection skills will achieve a three-week submission rate of 90 percent.

To achieve this submission rate means detecting an average Heat detection of 17 cycling cows a is the most day and submitting them to AB (in a 400 important farm cow herd). Nationally task during there is much room for mating. improvement, with the average submission rate almost 10 percent detection below target at around 80 Heat detection four to percent. five weeks before the So how can the herd’s planned start of submission rate be mating can help improve maximised? submission rates.

Accurate heat detection Recording pre-mating and identifying nonheats and assessing cycling cows before the herd’s cycling rate mating hugely influences provides options if a submission rates. problem is noticed as Heat detection is the mating approaches. most important farm Without pre-mating heats task during mating. Each missed heat represents the farmers may not be aware of a non-cycling issue loss of a complete oestrus until several weeks into cycle of approximately 21 mating. days, which has a financial Pre-mating heat consequence – at least detection also refreshes $200 a time. everyone’s knowledge of Check heat detection the signs of heat and they skills on the farm by gain confidence before reviewing the three-week mating. submission rate for earlyHeat detection calved, mature cows in The best heat detection the InCalf Fertility Focus starts with careful timing, Report. good observation and A submission rate the effective use of less than 85 percent

detection aids.

Being able to interpret cow behaviour and other signs is critical – so is good record-keeping and training everyone in heat detection.

Once calved, cows are expected to be detected on heat about six weeks later. For most cows, resumption of cycling occurs well before AB starts.

Cows at risk of being classified and treated as non-cycling include late calvers, first calvers, thin cows and cows with abnormal calvings and uterine infections.

Heat detection skills Firstly, review the heat detection skills on your farm – does everyone know exactly what to look for when detecting cows on heat?

Two errors can occur during heat detection – missing a cow that is actually on heat or misinterpreting the signs and thinking she’s on heat when she’s not.

If a lot of heats are missed, the submission rate will be low. The submission rate determines the numbers of cows detected on heat and inseminated.

The aim is for high submission rates, but not by inseminating cows not on heat.

Secondly, have one or two experienced people designated with responsibility for observation. Others may be involved in detection, but they should report

Once calved cows are expected to be detected on heat about six weeks later.

their observations on a specific form or to those responsible.

Thirdly, determine which aids to use.

Farmers with the best heat detection use a combination of observation and heat detection aids. No one method is perfect. Test several combinations to identify the most suitable options for the herd.

Finally, keep an eye on the detail. Schedule specific times each day to check cows and regularly monitor the programme’s success. This information is critical to spot trends early. Successful heat detection relies on

monitoring and finetuning all through the mating period.

False inseminations and lost pregnancies Inseminating cows not truly in heat becomes more costly after the first three weeks of AB (artificial breeding), because inseminating cows that are already pregnant can result in a loss of that pregnancy.

Cows with a strong return heat obviously require insemination, but those with nothing more than one or two secondary signs need to be evaluated carefully before putting them up for AB. Secondary signs of heat

might include dirt on the flanks or withholding milk, and there could be other reasons for these signs.

AB insemination How do you know whether AB insemination of pregnant cows is a problem?

The easiest assessment might be to examine the prevalence of cows with two or more AB matings that are confirmed pregnant to the first AB mating date. This can be assessed either by early pregnancy testing or the subsequent calving date.

The best way to minimise the incidence of inseminating pregnant cows is to ensure heat

detection is accurate.

This requires the correct use of detection aids and visual observation, as well as minimising stress (nutritional or social) on the milking herd during the period of return heats to AB. Staff training All staff members play an important role in the overall reproductive performance of the herd, whether it’s performing inseminations, drafting cows with activated heat detection aids during milking or spotting cows in heat.

• This article first appeared in Getting the Basics Right 2016 issue.

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

ANIMAL HEALTH // 27

Southland farmer Peter Copeland uses Tru-Test’s walk over weighing module to closely weigh and maintain peak cow performance.

Routine herd monitoring provides heads-up of animal health issues MEGAN FOWLIE

COW LAMENESS is a painful con-

dition. As farm systems change, farm sizes grow and herd numbers expand lameness is an increasing concern on New Zealand farms.

In 2014, DairyNZ estimated the cost to a farmer of one lameness incident for one cow would be around $500. DairyNZ animal husbandry extension specialist Anna Irwin says the actual cost of lameness is more difficult to measure than mastitis or other animal health issues because it is not routinely recorded and a number of different treatments exist.

To understand the true prevalence of lameness in New Zealand Massey University examined animal and human behaviour on nearly 100 farms. Surprisingly findings showed farmers recognised only a quarter of the cows having difficulty moving about. Regardless of herd size nearly three-quarters of the cows with mobility issues went unnoticed.

A second Massey study investigated the relationship between weight and lameness using automated Walk Over Weigh scales. Interestingly researchers discovered cows lost weight sharply about three weeks before any physical sign of lameness was picked up by eye and once lame cows were identified, they continued to lose weight for another month.

From treatment to recovery the aver-

age cow lost 60kg.

These studies tell us a few things.

Firstly, detecting lameness by eye is difficult and we are far from successful most of the time. Secondly, when we don’t pick up lameness early the recovery period to a cow’s healthy starting weight is likely to be lengthy.

Ultimately, depending on the season, animals may not fully recover to their original body condition.

Fortunately physical and financial costs can be reduced by keeping a close eye on incremental weight changes, specifically that sharp weight change before visible lameness signs appear. Ongoing monitoring of liveweight in dairy herds via Walk Over Weighing is an extremely useful way to give farmers, herd managers and staff a heads-up on which animals should be checked for health concerns.

Weighing coupled with routine inspection mean staff in the shed can identify lameness, mastitis or feed issues early and act to remedy them. Walk Over Weighing picks up those incremental weight changes before anything is visible by eye and provides accurate weight reporting.

With in-shed information, cows can be tagged for automated alerts and individual cow data can be on hand whether in the shed or online to discuss with staff, managers or the vet.

When treatments are necessary they can be administered early for a speedier recovery reducing the likelihood of

lost milk production from illness or withholding constraints.

Farmers can have the benefits of walk over weighing without buying an entire automation system. Modular systems are available such as the New Zealand designed and manufactured Walk Over Weighing by TruTest. This simple solution weighs every animal at every milking without interfering with good cow flow and is easily integrated into farm routines. It is supported by MiHub, a full herd management system, for viewing and manipulating the cow data. Walk Over Weighing hardware is built into the exit race of the dairy shed, even sheds with challenging exits can be accommodated.

When looking for a dairy walk over weighing system, consider one that provides the information you need where you want it in a way that is easy to understand and easy to use. Ideally a set-up should be easy to see in the shed so staff can act quickly. A definite advantage is real-time information accessible from anywhere (office PC, phone or tablet) so off-site managers and owners can see trends, track events, see herd and individual animal information and make decisions in real time.

• Megan Fowlie is a marketing/communication executive with Tru-Test Group. This article first appeared in Getting the Basics Right 2016 edition. @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

28 // ANIMAL HEALTH

Don’t leave FE to chance Spores causing facial eczema grow in summer.

FARMERS ARE encouraged to consider the risk of facial eczema in the coming months as weather conditions point to a “bad” season with dry conditions looming.

Animal health products manufacturer, Agritrade wants farmers to plan for the worst and have a robust facial eczema (FE) preventative plan in place that protects their animals

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from “the insidious disease”.

Agritrade technical manager, Andrew Oakley, says rain following warm, drought conditions and a shortage of pasture, means conditions are ripe for spore counts to soar.

“The most favourable conditions for the growth of spores causing FE is moisture (rain) following long periods of dry.

Dead pasture material at the base of the sward is the medium on which Pithomyces spores grow and with warm ground temperatures (>12°C) following rain, we’ve got the perfect mixture for rapid spore growth,” he says.

“As the pastures disappear (drought) FE risk increases as animals are forced to graze lower into the litter where the spores reside, it’s critical that farmers maintain a plan of continuous monitoring, using either pasture or faecal testing, to determine when preventative action is necessary to ensure their animals are adequately protected.”

Oakley says whilst March and April are often the peak months for FE spore counts, high counts can happen in January or even earlier so be prepared.

“Animals do not need to suffer unnecessarily from FE, they do not ask to be put at risk so do the right thing, protect your

animals from damaged livers that will adversely affect milk and meat production. FE is preventable with a sound FE management plan.”

Staying vigilant is important for all farmers but particularly sheep farmers as often the breeding season coincides with peak spore counts.

Many ewe losses can be attributed to liver damage caused by FE and ewes exposed to even a moderate FE challenge can show a delayed onset of oestrus, a decreased numbers of oestruses and a reduced lambing percentage.

Oakley says spore testing is easy to do and is available from most veterinarians and takes the guesswork out of the equation. Use district spore counts as a guide only as they are not applicable to individual properties.

While no one method is 100% effective against FE, he says Agritrade’s the Time Capsule zinc bolus has been a proven and reliable preventative option for both sheep and cattle for more than 20 years so provides the necessary confidence.

“By the time FE becomes visible, the damage to the liver has already occurred,” he says.

“Prevention is not just better than a cure – prevention is the cure, so don’t leave it to chance, the costs are too high.”

DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

PASTURE RENOVATION & CULTIVATION // 29

Pasture needs must always win over livestock needs GEORGE REVELEY AND STEVE LEE

PASTURE BASED

farming is most profitable when the pastures are managed to provide the highest quality feed at all periods during the season, maximising the amount of pasture grown and eaten.

The major problem we farmers face as pasture managers is that often the needs of the livestock are competing with the needs of the pasture. Pasture management should win, but to make profitable decisions we must understand the compromises constantly being made.

For example, if our cows are fed all they can eat, to graze in a relaxed way and without walking far, they could easily produce 600kgMS/cow. But if we try that across a whole farm, pasture quality will become poor and overall

pasture quantity harvested very low – which is simply not a profitable system.

On the other hand, if we have many cows (high stocking rate) the constant high demand will result in low after-grazing residuals all the time. We will have high quality pasture but cows using too much of the energy they have eaten to maintain themselves, resulting in low production and a low profit system.

Understanding ryegrass pastures is a key to making profitable daily and seasonal decisions, and this can be broken down into five key categories: Grazing residual management is the most important key to profitable pasture production systems.

Correct residuals ensure adequate leaf area to help maximise regrowth while still limiting the for-

Small surplus

mation of clumps in the pastures, which the cows will not graze willingly.

The residual left after each grazing should be 1500-1650kgDM/ha – with exceptions in late autumn and winter. If pastures are grazed below the correct level the plants take much longer to recover, with the effect that overall pasture growth is less.

If long residuals are left, the feed that was high quality will likely decline in quality and much of it will die off. This feed, if harvested at a following grazing, is lower quality and will produce less milk or liveweight gain and will also reduce appetite which further drives down production.

An important thing is for the residuals on a farm to be consistent even if a little higher than ideal.

From time to time mistakes will be made, leaving residuals longer than

Probable long residuals last week

ideal. Strategies will be discussed later in the article to deal with this situation, e.g. mowing.

Know the correct range for grazing intervals for a farm and farm system and stick to them.

Ryegrass is a 3-leaf plant. When it has grown three leaves after grazing the oldest leaf will begin to die and by the time the fourth leaf is fully grown the first leaf has died.

Grazing to achieve highest yield of quality feed will occur when pastures are approaching the third leaf fully grown stage.

In mid spring a new ryegrass leaf will be formed each 5-8 days and leaves will begin to die off at 18-24 days. Therefore grazing rotations should as much as possible match the rate at which fourth leaves are about to appear.

In early autumn a new leaf will be formed in 10-12 days and leaves begin to die off at 30-35 days, therefore rotation lengths need to be lengthened (to 30-45 days).

Maximum grass growth rates are achieved when pasture cover is 22002800kg/DM/ha.

The ideal pasture cover ‘window’ in which cows should be pre-graz-

PREDICTED WEDGE: If the expected growth rate and demand are entered into the wedge prediction tool it becomes much clearer whether the surplus needs to be dealt with. In this case the expected growth rate and demand are well balanced with the predicted wedge being acceptable.

ing is 2600-3000kgDM/ ha depending on variety of ryegrass.

Where cocksfoot and fescue dominant paddocks are involved, they should be grazed at 24002600kgDM/ha when pasture quality is at its highest and to prevent the formation of high crown clumps.

Recording and calculating grazing intervals and rotation lengths is a key

to understanding the various pastures and areas on a farm.

Accurately recording this information, using it to make decisions and storing it for later consideration, are important skills for pasture mangers. There are many good examples of this data sheet process in reports from various monitor and demonstration farms like

the Lincoln University Dairy farm. Available at www.siddc.org.nz.

Estimate the pasture cover and growth rate regularly Take a weekly farm walk (or with a towbehind or feed reader) to get an estimate of the pre and post grazing dry matter levels and average pasture cover.

TO PAGE 30

An ideal wedge – a week in October – spring calving herd:

Farm size Herd size Stocking rate Demand per cow producing 2.2kgms

125ha 412 in milk cows 412/125 3 cows/ha = 19kgDry matter per cow per day

Calculating the pre grazing feed required

Demand per ha/day Growth rate required 63kgDM/hay/day x 21 days rotation

19 x 3.3 63kgDM/ha/day 1323kgDM plus 1550kgDM/ha residual = 2873kgDM/ha

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

30 // PASTURE RENOVATION & CULTIVATION

Pasture needs win FROM PAGE 29

This information can tell the decisionmaker a lot about what is happening.

Tools on the web can take live data from smartphones that help record what the situation is and allow smart predictions about what it will be like in the next week or two, e.g. a pasture wedge; see examples from the LIC Minda Land and Feed software.

The wedge is simply the paddocks assembled in the order from the highest to the lowest, to help

the pasture manager use the highest paddocks first.

The picture that results when the demand line is drawn correctly across the wedge immediately shows surplus or deficit at present or likely in a week or fortnight.

The software will also keep a record of annual pasture growth for each paddock, providing excellent data for decisions about pasture renewal.

Understand the supply demand natural surplus and deficit and what profitable strategies are avail-

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Annual Feed Supply and Demand Graph to indicate supply and demand for a spring calving herd with irrigated pastures: Cows wintered off allowing pasture cover to build above ideal Supplement used in spring and autumn to extend lactation Small surplus in October conserved as silage for autumn use Nitrogen used across the season to add surplus for carrying as silage and

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Grazing residual management is the most important key to profitable pasture production systems.

to build cover going into early autumn. Note the larger volume of N in the early part of the autumn.

Feed demand must be reduced as autumn proceeds – the urgency of this depends on potential winter growth rate and farm policy on the use of supplements.

Strategies used to achieve maximum days in milk: Culling cows that will not be part of next year’s herd to ensure there is enough feed to carry the remainder through to the end of the lactation period Changing milking interval to 3 times in two days or once a day reduces demand from the cows enabling available feed to be used on more days.

Know how to manage the round length and residuals In the first part of spring, growth rates are low and feed demand is increasing much more quickly than the supply.

Pasture cover in this case is managed by strictly controlling the length of the first grazing round.

The first round is set so that it finishes a little earlier than the date that pastures’ supply and demand will be equal.

Rotation lengths following this should be set to match the expected time that 2.5 leaves will take to be generated.

Through the grass flowering stages of the pasture – late October until early January – difficult-to-eat

stem material often builds in the base of pasture. This is hard for cows to eat because it is tough and is much less digestible and has more endophyte in it than higher up the grass plants. Many pasture managers use a mower to help re-adjust the residual back to 1600kgDM/ha during this period.

If the stocking rate, equipment and paddock surface allow it, many farmers will mow each pasture at least once in this period. Re-setting the residual improves the overall quality and palatability of the pasture.

Our FarmWise colleague Brent Boyce has a saying – “thump the clumps” – to help farmers think about what this process is meant to achieve.

If the mowing is well planned it can be done just before the cows go into the pasture. Mowing in front, if done well, resets the residual and helps maintain the appetite of the herd to make good use of the quality pasture that follows the mowing.

Any mowing must re-set the residual to below 1650kgDM to be of value and be likely to be a profitable activity. Some farmers talk about topping and pretty much do just that with slashers and flails with blunt blades to ‘chew’ off the top of the pasture, but not low enough to reset the residual. Topping like this – not cutting grass off cleanly – damages the plants and

will give relatively slow regrowth.

The high residual leaves a lot of low quality feed on the paddock. It has little chance of being a profitable thing to do: a waste of time, diesel and machinery wear and tear.

Use of other cattle to reset the residual Non-milking cattle can be useful to re-set pasture residuals. A mob of carryover cows is great for this if there are enough of them and they do not interfere with having adequate feed for the herd.

Replacement heifers can be of use but great care must be taken to avoid not achieving targeted liveweight gains in these fast growing young cattle.

Having them eat pasture that has been allowed to regrow to, say, 2500kg but has had a high previous residual that needs to be re-set can be an OK strategy.

Doing the residual re-set over two or three herd grazings This can be OK but must be done with great care; avoid being too impatient and reducing the appetite of the herd more than is natural for the time of year.

Rotation lengths midsummer and beyond As the season progresses toward summer, if the farm is likely to be dry and have a slower growth rate, then the rotation

length must be slowed down as the dry sets in (there is no point until it begins to get dry). Round length will be based on previous knowledge about growth rates in summer and attitudes to the current season.

This slowing down and avoiding grazing too often has been well proven in research over many years to look after the pasture plants in a better way and enable them to grow much more strongly in the autumn and winter and even next spring.

Round lengths that use 1/26th to 1/30th of the farm are typically correct. If the round is too slow the pre-grazing levels get too high, making it difficult to achieve correct residual and adequate cow intake.

Quite a balancing act!

In the autumn The grazing interval must be extended so that even at the end of May there is full feed available.

To achieve this, the previous grazing may have had to be 45 days earlier or longer if further south.

Pasture growth rate and daily demand needs to be part of this budgeting/ planning process.

It is essential that the five basics are achieved.

• George Reveley and Steve Lee, FarmWise Consultants.

This article first appeared in Getting the Basics Right 2016 issue. @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 31

Solar power sends water to paddocks MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

THE DEVELOPMENT

of a solar powered pumping system by Hawkes Bay based, Isaacs Pumping and Electrical, has opened up the possibilities for farmers looking for a guaranteed water supply to outlying areas of the farm, which are often as not connected to the national grid.

This potential to bring areas into production, and increase stocking rates, has been developed over two years with help from the Callaghan Innovation Group.

The e-pump is fully automated, and takes Isaacs e-pump is fully automated.

Outer paddocks not connected to the national grid can be supplied water with the help of solar power.

tried and tested pump technology, and combines it with a circuit board based controller system to optimise the solar power being generated, whilst protecting the industrial spec continuous motor, all housed in a stainless steel protective cover.

Power generation is achieved with a six panel

set-up situated near the pumping equipment.

The pump used has been around for 50 years, so is well proven, but users can specify a pump of choice if required, although the Isaacs preferred unit is able to tackle clean or dirty water.

The e-pump is able to deliver to a head of 120

metres at a rate of around 20 litres per minute during daylight hours, and large distances from point A to B can be achieved within the limitations of frictional losses within the delivery pipe.

As director Gavin Streeter explains “the aim would be to pump to a header tank at the highest point, and allow gravity to take the water back down to the troughs and livestock”.

As well as obvious interest from around NZ and Australia for the agricultural market, the company has also had requests for systems for hunting and tramping huts in remote locations, as well as enquiries from organisations providing development and aid assistance throughout the world. www.isaacshb.co.nz

Kubota’s new B2601

Compact around the yard MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

WHILE ‘BIG boys toys’ are always up

there on the farmers shopping list for heavy metal, smart operators are realising the value of a compact around the yard, and even scoring a few points with the Domestic Manager, as it can be used around the farmhouse garden.

The new Kubota B2601 features the company’s latest three cylinder engine that develops 26hp and is said to be quiet and vibration free, so ideally suited around the farmstead.

Mated to a three stage hydrostatic transmission, machine speed can be infinitely controlled to the job in hand, and also features cruise control for constant speed operations.

A long, wide operator platform is accessed over wide fenders with strategically placed grab handle for easy mount and dis-mount, and once seated

a comprehensive display, and logically placed and colour coded controls make operation a breeze. Forward visibility is enhanced with a forward sloping hood, and combines with the power steering system for safe and accurate manoeuvring in tight situations.

The rear three point linkage uses a position control valve for accurate implement height operation, and a four way valve is used to control external oil feed and is particularly suited to frontend loader use.

As part of the overall package a range of dedicated attachments extend the versatility of the tractor, and feature midmounted mowers in 54 or 60 inch cutting widths, and a drive over design for easy attachment and removal.

The LA 434 front end loader and the BH70 tear backhoe units will find many uses around the property, and in a nod to multi-tasking, there’s even a cup holder. www.kubota.co.nz

DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

32 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Frame takes the strain MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

AS TRACTORS get larger so do the components, and there’s probably none larger than the wheels and tyres, where it’s the norm to see units with 38, 42 or 46 diameters.

Whether they need to be removed to change to row-crops or for routine maintenance, they are large and heavy and need to be treated with respect.

Part of the problem lies with the fact that tractors, unlike cars, don’t come with jacking points, and invariably people are forced to use bottle or trolley jacks under the rear hitch to raise the tractor of the ground. This position is very close to the centre line of the vehicle, and removing a heavy wheel from one side, can lead to potentially dangerous accidents.

With these thoughts in mind, Irishman Pauric Fay from County Cavan devised a novel jacking system called Trakjak that utilises the tractors own three point linkage to do the job safely.

The system uses the principles of levers which sees the tractor’s front wheels kept firmly on the ground whilst the rear wheels lift clear. In the centre of the Trakjak frame a heavy solid bar carries a pair of heavy duty sleeves or bushings which are free to rotate, and in operation bear up against the underside of the tractor hitch frame.

As the hitch is raised the unit pivots around this bar pushing the

Changing tractor tyres can be tricky and Trakjak may be the answer.

front wheels down and raising the rear end of the tractor off the ground.

Removal of the wheels results in a stable units that can utilise the solid rubber wheels of the Trakjak, and the tractors 4WD system to move around the yard or onto a wash-bay.

This ability to remove the wheels and wash the trac-

tor rear end is seen as a major plus for repairers who strive to keep dirt and contaminants out of their workshops particularly when working on complex transmission or hydraulic systems.

Easy to use the system only requires 12 inches of clearance, and has two settings only for the centre pivot bar and the lift arm fittings, whilst offering a 12 tonne certified capacity. As part of the kit an A frame is provided to couple the parking stands to the tractor hitch frame to facilitate removal of the rear lift arms if required. www.trakjak.ie

SWEEPERS V E R S AT I L E & R E L I A B L E • Attaches to forklifts, wheel loaders, yard loaders, tractors, unimog-trucks and special vehicles • Stable and rigid machine casing construction • Working width from 1250mm-3500mm • Brush diameter from 520mm-920mm • Free sweep and collect • Powerful Gerotormotor hydraulic drive • Heavy duty support wheels

www.tulloch.co.nz

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DEALERS NATIONWIDE

Big bags opened with ease MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

THERE’S NO doubt that big bags have revolution-

ised agriculture, and I’m sure nobody misses humping 50kg bags of seed or fertiliser around.

Unfortunately they do little to help health and safety as they carry a flaw, needing to be opened on the underside to release the contents. Besides the risk of standing under a suspended bag and getting covered with the contents, there is the often unrealised risk from fine dust or powders which can be fairly damaging to lungs or eyes.

A new idea from Europe sees the introduction of the Cronobag Opener, a device for safely opening and discharging the contents of a big bag, without leaving the driver’s seat.

Made largely of stainless steel for long life and durability the layout sees three curved blades around a centre spindle. At the upper end a spike gives the driver an aiming point, and castellated raised ribs stop any lateral deviation of the bag as it is lowered onto the device. The blades are protected by a flexible sleeve that is held in place by coil springs with a 100kg preload.

The 12kg unit can be mounted directly to the grids in both fertiliser and seed drill hoppers, or can easily set up to sit on a sub-frame in the body of the machine to give a more substantial fitment.

In operation the driver lifts the bag over the hopper, sets it on the central spike, and uses a lowering actin to expose the blades and cut the bag. Slowly raising the loader or handler boom controls the rate at which the bag empties.

Available in two versions, “Cronobag Premium” or “Cronobag Essential”, the former uses 316 stainless steel throughout and is suitable for all types of seeds and fertilisers including limes and powders, whilst offering a full three year warranty. The more basic “Essential’ version is a steel construction, with chromate steel blades, and is only suitable for seed and fertiliser. It carries a one year warranty and is said to be suitable for users handling less than 40 big bags per season. www.calmes-sas.com

DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 33

Spread the load MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

AG MACHINERY specialists Origin Agroup has recently been appointed exclusive importer and distributor of the Mammut range of forage handling equipment, following successful trials during the 2015 season.

The Austrian company’s Silo Fox silage distributor features a rotating drum driven by the tractor’s PTO that can be mounted at the front or rear of the prime mover, and is designed to spread silage in an even, uniform

layer, to primarily increase consolidation.

This has benefits in terms of improved fermentation to achieve silages of higher feed values, but is also said to help with creating more stable silage stacks which are safer to drive over for operators.

For the 2016 season Origin will introduce the Mammut Gigant 280 unit, which offers a 2.8 metre working width, a drum diameter of 1.28m and a unit weight of 970kg. This weight can be adjusted higher with the addition of water to the drum, to suit the carrying tractor and

optimise consolidation.

At the heart of the machine, an over-dimensioned gearbox uses either 540 or 1000 PTO input speeds to achieve optimal rotational and circumferential speed to result in perfect spreading of the ensiled material.

The quality of spread is

further enhanced by twin hydraulic rams between the headstock and the drum, which allows angling to the left or right, and allows grass to be shifted tightly against walls, or indeed away from the edges of un-walled clamps. www.originagroup.co.nz

Mammut forage handling equipment are being rolled out this year following successful trials.

Going with the flow

ONE INSTEAD

OF THREE!

GLOCKEMANN PUMPS provide an easy way of

moving water where there is no power, or where the need for monitoring stationary engines is a headache, because they use the water itself to do the job.

With a design that only needs around a half metre of head, the pump is placed in a stream or river, and collects water through a drive tube and delivers it into the diaphragm chamber, and then exits via an exhaust valve.

The water pressure against the valve slams it shut, allowing the water pressure in the diaphragm chamber to increase, which distends the diaphragm and moves the piston forward in the piston bore, which forces water through a nonreturn valve, and up the delivery pipe.

At the end of the push stroke, and when the energy is spent, pressure drops in the chamber, and the exhaust valve springs open, and a strong return spring pushes the diaphragm back to its original position. The piston returning in the bore draws in water via the lower non-return valve, and the cycle repeats itself.

Construction of the main housing is cast iron, with remaining components being stainless steel, and a diaphragm made from a piece of tractor inner tube type material. Dependent on the amount of head required to push the water to the storage tank a range of interchangeable piston tubes are available, with the narrowest delivering up to 200 metres head.

The product is low tech, has few moving parts, and especially has no metal to metal contact areas. www.glockemannwaterpumps.com

TOW AND FERT DOES THE JOB OF 3+ MACHINES: - ATV Duster - Boom Sprayer - Fert Spreader - Seed Broadcaster The Tow and Fert is a versatile machine that can dissolve urea in cold water combined with lime flour, gibberellic acid and selective weed spray in one pass.

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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 26, 2016

34 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Prado proves not all 4WDs have gone soft on the road MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz

WHEN IT comes to

four wheel drives the

ubiquitous Toyota Land Cruiser has been around for 60 years, and the Prado variant for the last twenty.

Recently SUV has become the by-word for a

new class of vehicle, but has also given rise to a new term called “soft-roader” for vehicles that strive, but don’t really live up to the four wheel drive (4WD) The 2016 Land Cruiser Prado has stayed true to its roots.

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The 2016 Land Cruiser Prado has certainly stayed true to its roots, and puts established ability to the fore while introducing a host of new features to keep it bang up to date, and indeed, ahead of the pack. First big change, and also seen in the new Hi-Lux is a the new 1-GDFTV diesel engine, that although losing a few cubic centimetres over its predecessor, gains a host of refinement in smoothness and quietness, but more importantly makes 10% more torque over a wider rev range. Indeed 805 of the maximum available is generated at just 1200rpm.

Having this ‘get up and

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go’ mated to a new slick six speed auto transmission means it’s capable on the road, especially in the quiet stakes, but also has the ability to cover ground quickly without any fuss.

Indeed it’s very easy to find oneself besting the speed limit by quite a lot, as a pre-conceived idea of the noise required to hit the 100, means you push the ‘loud’ pedal more than is actually required.

On the road it travels like a 4WD, and will never handle as well as a hot hatch, and at 2.3 tonnes kerb-weight can exhibit a little body roll, but it’s not alarming. This is probably helped by a system called KDSS that uses hydraulics to adjust the front and rear anti-roll bars to keep things on an even keel.

Going off-road shows the Prado’s heritage, and shows you what 4WD is really all about, and not just getting over big kerbs on the school run. Excellent ground clearance combined with good attack and departure angles, means that if you need to go off road then there isn’t much better out The Prado isn’t light on features.

there. A host of additional features such as Hill Start Assist, Down Hill Assist and Active Traction Control do as they say on the switch and combine with the root systems to take control in the rough and adopt the adage of the old four wheel drivers who tell you ‘keep your feet off the pedals’.

In addition MultiTerrain Select sets the vehicle up for all surfaces from soft sand to hard rocks or scree, and combines with a four camera Multi-Terrain monitor to allow you to pick your route over the rough stuff, whilst Crawl Control offers very slow speeds, and Adaptive Air suspension allows different ride heights Bowing down to the need for creature comforts in the 21st century, the Prado isn’t light on features with fine grain leather seats, powered sunroof and rain sensing wipers. Smart key entry makes for a tap on the door handle for entry and lock up, and a centre console mounted cool box keeps your non-alcoholic

drinks nice and cold.

Second and third row passengers get to sit on cow hides too, and their creature comforts include a 9 inch DVD system, and controls for heating and power to drive phones and tablets. Seven seats comes with a compromise in that whilst the third row is roomier than most it steals any useable luggage space. Getting to that space is also for the smart driver, as although the upper glass portion of the rear hatch lifts upwards, the main door swings in a horizontal arc, a trap for those who don’t read operators manuals.

As well as being a good off-roader, the Prado is also a good tow vehicle for horses or boats, probably because of its decent kerb weight that means the towing vehicle is the boss, and is capable of pulling up to 2.8 tonnes.

In summary, Prado does what it’s always done, with an ability to take the tough stuff in its stride, and in doing so leads to the phrase “not all 4WD’s have gone soft”. www.toyota.co.nz

The NexT GeNeraTioN of farm DeTerGeNTs has arriveD. easy To Use, easier oN The eNviroNmeNT.

at ecolab we’ve been taking another big step to reduce our environmental footprint.

In addition to Optimum2, Optimum we have added Aquaklenz HV Concentrate at a low 0.5mls per litre*. All concentrates are now available in 200 litre MEGA packs equivalent of up to 400-600 litres of traditional formulations. Making them easier to handle, easier to store, and reducing the environmental footprint.

Contact one of our 27 Ecolab Territory Managers to find out more about the new concentrated products and a new wash programme.

We work harder so you can work smarter.

NorTh islaND 0508 732 733 | soUTh islaND 0508 737 343 | WWW.ecolab.com *On good water conditions

MY SUSTAIN GAIN

$3,118

NET BENEFIT *

By applying SustaiN on his farm throughout the year Dave has enjoyed the benefits of growing more grass, and the wider application window means he can put it on when it suits him. This is because SustaiN reduces ammonia volatilisation losses, leaving more nitrogen available for plant uptake.

This season Dave’s net benefit from using SustaiN instead of urea is expected to be $3,118.

To find out what your SustaiN Gain could be, call your Ballance Nutrient Specialist or visit www.sustaingain.co.nz and work it out for your own farm.

FA R M I N F O R M AT I O N

Dave Kennedy - Southland 485 cows

168 hectares

5 applications of SustaiN per year N

28kg N per application

AGROTAINÂŽ is a registered trademark of Koch Agronomic Services.

WAVE22498 DN003

*For details on the variables used in the above calculation visit www.sustaingain.co.nz or phone 0800 222 090 for more information.