OPD STOUSH
Winter grazing goes political. PAGE 3 CLEAN AND GREEN
Not a silver bullet PAGE 22
OverseerFM is a big help PAGE 9
SEPTEMBER 1, 2020 ISSUE 454 // www.dairynews.co.nz
HAPPY COWS, MORE MILK Sharemilker Patrick Hunt says less stress allows his cows to produce 600kgMS . PAGE 4
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DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
NEWS // 3
Winter grazing fight turning political PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
THE NEW rules around winter Praise for winter grazing effort. PG.06
Cutting edge storage ponds. PG.15
New effluent rules loom. PG.16
NEWS �������������������������������������������������������3-8 AGRIBUSINESS ������������������������������������� 9 OPINION �����������������������������������������������10-11 MANAGEMENT �������������������������������������� 12 EFFLUENT & WATER �������������������� 14-21 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS ���������������������������������������22-23
grazing – especially in Southland – are rapidly becoming an election issue. The National Party has said that if it gets elected some of the rules will be ‘gone by lunchtime’. However, National spokesperson on agriculture David Bennett says there is a need for a sustainable approach that encourages the constant improvement of waterways. “Some of the rules that farmers are confronted with are draconian and set in Wellington and take no account of farming practice or need. We would work with farmers to get the right rules in place that farmers are comfortable with and can still achieve water quality measures,” he says. Bennett says the rules as they stand are arbitrary and don’t take into account the different dynamics of regional farming practices. Tinkering around the edges – that’s how the president of Southland Federated Farmers Geoffrey Young is describing the government moves to make minor changes to the new Essential Freshwater regulations. Young says he’s grateful to see that the Government has recognised that it hasn’t achieved what it set out to do with the new rules. He says he’d like to see the whole of the water regulations scrapped and
Geoffery Young, Southland Feds president.
rewritten in its entirety. Young says there needs to be a bit more of a balance between environmental, social wellbeing and the economy. Last week, Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor announced that Cabinet had agreed to make some adjustments to the regulations – in particular around the rule on pugging at farm gates and around stock troughs. He added that there will be other regulations that will need to be adjusted. “But the intent is very clear – to clean up our waterways. We’ve made real progress in the area of winter grazing. There are some challenges ahead of us but I’m confident we’ll get this right. Where
the regulations are impractical or unclear we will continue to make adjustments,” he says. O’Connor says the rules represent a change in practice for some farmers but says the Government will make sure that it achieves the outcomes that the vast majority of farmers say they want – better water quality, better animal welfare standards and making sure that we can sell good quality product to the world. But despite O’Connor’s assurances, Young say there is quite a militant mood in Southland about the regulations and says more actions are planned. He says farmers who made submissions on the regulations
feel frustrated that they haven’t been listened to. “The ag sector has been shut right out and hasn’t had any input at all. You can’t have bureaucrats trying to tell you how to farm and that’s what we are up against. Farmers just throw up their hands in despair. What we need is farmer input with practical solutions,” he says. Young says the whole philosophy of the regulations is wrong and says the focus should be based on outcomes and not regulations. He says if it was based on outcomes, farmers would do their own farm plans that would cover-off what mitigating actions they would be taking on environmental and animal welfare issues and the result would be better for everyone. “Farmers recognise that they have to do better and if they are given ownership of the problem they will do better. We want a government we can work with – I don’t care which one it is as long as they are fair to all players.” ACT and NZ First have also joined in the fray saying they share the concerns of Southland farmers. ACT’s rural spokesperson Mark Cameron says farmers got the country through lockdown and the Government is repaying them with tougher freshwater regulations. He says there should be a focus on urban, not rural waterways. NZ First’s Mark Patterson says any effort to ensure that the standards are realistic and practical is a step in the right direction.
DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
4 // NEWS
Happy cows, top results SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
CAMBRIDGE SHAREMILKER Patrick ‘Paddy’
Hunt has a simple mantra; happy cows equal happy results. His job is to keep the 380 Holstein Friesian on the 125ha family farm well fed, stress-free and shielded from bugs and diseases. Paddy’s strategy is paying off, last season his cows produced on average 600/kgMS or 2.6kgMS/ day. The farm is owned by Hunt’s grandfather, Sir Patrick Hogan, the famous breeder of Thoroughbred racehorses. For eight years Paddy managed the farm and he took over as the sharemilker this season. “There is no silver bullet to getting cows pro-
duce 600kgMS a season, it’s all about farm management,” he told Dairy News. “Our bottom line is that cows must be happy, the less stress they encounter the better their milk production.” Standing out on the system 3 farm are two SmartShelters composting barns; 90m long by 17m wide and each capable of housing 190 cows. Paddy says the multimillion dollar investment is a major factor in keeping cows stress free and happy. Milk production has soared 12% since the shelters were erected, “I would say the shelters play a big role in our milk yield, they are not the only reason but they have certainly helped us a great deal with our goal of keeping cows happier and healthier.”
Patrick ‘Paddy’ Hunt’s strategy of keeping cows happy is paying off.
In 2016 the farm encountered a very wet winter. “The big animals in muck didn’t go down well with us,” Paddy says. “We also had some
animal health issues…. we have always struggled with milk fever issues in the past and the shelter has now helped with monitoring grass intake to our springer mobs.”
Protecting Kiwi Waterways Dr Bert Quin
the barn for the entire winter period: concrete scraper lanes along the sides catch the effluent during this period. Paddy says it’s also easier calving cows in the barn and calf mortality rate drops. In spring, the barns allow on/off grazing to get cows out of mud and wet paddocks during weather events. In summer, the barns provide heat stress relief. The barns have a saw-
Since the first SmartShelter barn came up two seasons ago, there have been less milk feverrelated issues and lameness has also disappeared as cows don’t stand on a concrete feed pad for hours. There are also environmental benefits. In winter the barns are used to stand cows of wet pastures and there is no need now for sacrifice paddocks. Cows can be kept in
dust or woodchip bedding nearly a metre deep. He says they are aerated daily with a ripper; the bedding begins to ‘compost’, the temp heats up evaporating the urine keeping the bedding lovely and dry for the cows. “Bedding lasts 12-24 months depending on usage, once it’s finished the composting process the organic matter is fantastic fertiliser and can be spread on the farm.”
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DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
NEWS // 5
Talks to ease vet shortage SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
TALKS ARE underway to allow over-
seas veterinarians into the country and help ease an acute shortage. The Government has been warned that a shortage of vets could put the welfare of animals and farmers at risk. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor’s office says he’s aware of the issue and met with the NZ Veterinary Association two weeks ago. A NZVA spokeswoman told Dairy News it was working with the Minister of Agriculture and officials to resolve the issue. “We do not wish to discuss it in the media at this stage…we may be able to give you an update in another month or so,” she says. Veterinarians are on the long-term skill shortage list and the agriculture sector is heavily reliant on the ability of qualified veterinarians to cross the border and work in New Zealand. One vet told Dairy News that over 20 job vacancies appear every month on their monthly newsletter, VetScript. He says vet shortages are across the country, both in rural areas and cities. In rural areas, long working hours and being on call after hours makes it hard to attract the few locals who end up studying veterinary science. Federated Farmers vice chairman Chris
Lewis says they have written to the Government on the issue. Lewis says this shortage of veterinarians contributes further to the growing issues for the agricultural industry, including a shortage of experienced senior dairy staff, agricultural contractors and shearers, all heavily reliant on labour from overseas. “Much of New Zealand is still recovering from or in drought conditions, which puts the welfare of animals and farmers at risk,” he says. “The mental health risk of livestock farmers being unable to adequately feed livestock, perform animal husbandry tasks such as shearing sheep and now potentially facing the inability to access timely veterinarian treatment for their animals is hugely concerning.” Lewis says employers of these essential skills workers have indicated that they would meet the full cost of quarantine requirements. He is urging the Government to consider allowing the agriculture sector to bring in overseas workers. “If undertaken correctly, we consider that these workers would present no greater risk than any other party crossing the border,” says Lewis. “These workers are all highly aware that any breach of visa requirements would end their employment and jeopardise any future chance of employment in New Zealand.”
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DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
6 // NEWS
Farmers praised for winter grazing effort SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
FAVOURABLE WEATHER condi-
tions and best management practices have lifted
winter grazing standards in Southland this year, says Federated Farmers. Feds Southland dairy chair Hadleigh Germann told Dairy News that there were “one or two bad apples” and these farm-
ers were followed up by the Southland Regional Council. “On the whole, farmers have done very well to improve winter grazing practices compared to other years,” he says.
He was commenting on a council statement praising farmers for their efforts this winter after an aerial surveillance operation. Council chief executive Rob Phillips said this
Southland Regional Council says aerial inspections this year have seen widespread examples of good winter grazing practice.
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year’s inspections have seen widespread examples of good practice, following concerns expressed in 2019. “I’m impressed that farmers have taken up the advice given to mitigate the effects of winter grazing on the environment, despite the many challenges this year has presented. “We know implementing good management practices, such as back fencing, buffer zones and being mindful of critical source areas, can make a big difference and we are seeing the results of that this year.” Federated Farmers worked with the council, DairyNZ and other stakeholders to raise awareness of moving away from grazing cows in knee-deep mud especially during extreme wet periods in winter. This followed a public campaign which included photographs and videos of cows standing and lying in deep mud. Germann says negative publicity also made farmers lift their game. “No one wants to be on the front page for the wrong reasons,” he says. With winter almost over, Germann advises farmers to start planning their crop requirements going forward and “start thinking about what to do and how to do it.” The council is also warning farmers not to
become complacent as although this winter has been relatively mild. “There’s still some time to go and we can’t predict what next year will bring. Farmers should now turn their focus to preparing for the next season and continue to build on the good work they have done,” says Phillips. “Intensive winter grazing continues to be under the spotlight, it’s a high risk activity in relation to water quality and needs to be managed very carefully.” The council undertook three compliance aerial inspection flights this year and “only a small number” of properties have required follow-up, mostly relating to education around critical source areas and back fencing. The council also noted that there was significantly reduced winter crop grazing being undertaken, with a number of alternative options being used, such as wintering barns. Farmers are now being encouraged to ensure good planning for their winter grazing for next year. “Planning now is the key to next year’s success. Choosing the right paddocks and taking into account things like critical source areas will set farmers up for a good year,” says Phillips.
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DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
NEWS // 7
Revelations in the cow shed PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
MENTAL HEALTH and
FAR_09830
connectivity are two of the main issues affecting dairy farmers in this country according to a survey by DairyNZ. The so called ‘cow shed’ survey shows that 62% of farmers say that they or someone on their farm had experienced mental health issues over the last year. DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle says he was “quite surprised” at how high this number was. “I think the stresses that came out in the survey were drought, with two thirds of those surveyed saying they had been affected by drought in the last little while,” he told Dairy News.
“Then you have got uncertainty over the regulatory environment and that came out as one of the main causes, and I think pressure from banks was the other factor,” he says. Mackle is also surprised that 94% of farmers claimed they were proud to be working in the dairy industry. He says that was a good result considering that dairy farmers have for long complained about being ‘beaten up’ in the media. Mackle says he thinks the positive response stems from the fact that during Covid-19, dairy farmers have been allowed to keep going and make a positive contribution to the country. A total of 250 dairy farmers were surveyed nationwide and DairyNZ says while the sample is
Tim Mackle
small, they are satisfied that it stands up statistically and has a wide geographic spread. The survey was designed to form the narrative for a ‘state of the industry’ report to the
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Government and policymakers at election time. “It is not something out of the ordinary. It is something we at DairyNZ normally do and have done in the last three elections, but this time
we took a slightly different approach and interviewed farmers to makes sure we had an authentic perspective from behind the farm gate. This helped us form the top ten priorities for the sector, which
are things we want the incoming government to do. The report has been distributed to all the political parties as well as policy makers and farmers,” he says. Mackle says farmers were also asked what motivated them the most to get out of bed in the morning and he says it was great to see is that working and caring for animals is the main driver for 43% of farmers. Providing for their family came in a close second. “This sends a tremendous message that farmers really value what they do, and that animal care remains at the heart of their farming business,” he says. One of top ten priorities for DairyNZ is getting the right environmental settings and ensuring that water quality improve-
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ments are fair and equitable, clear, scientifically robust and have pragmatic timeframes for implementation. Mackle says more people in NZ share the view about sustainability and wanting to live in a country where people look after the resources and animals. The issue is, how we get there, he says. “We may differ in what good looks like. We certainly differ in the how of achieving that. Farmers do get frustrated when they are doing the hard work day in and day out and they are also the ones that have to make the changes. They have got their own perspective on what they see practically could work and they often get very frustrated with people who are out of touch with what they are facing,” he says.
DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
8 // NEWS
Young farmer seizes opportunity PETE SMIT is one of a
growing number of young business-savvy New Zealanders seizing opportunities in the dairy sector. The 22-year-old is in his third season as a herdowning sharemilker on a 68ha farm at Ohaupo near Hamilton. The property is jointly owned by his mother Nienke Hartog and brother Floyd Smit. Pete’s herd of just over 200 Holstein Friesian cows produced almost 130,000kgMS in the 201920 season. “We have a fairly highinput system, which helps minimise any feed shortages caused by weather events, such as drought,” said Pete. “Having the infrastructure to fully feed the herd enables me to milk twicea-day year round and maximise production.” Pete’s herd averages 630kgMS per cow,
which sits well above the Waikato average of 364kgMS per cow. A feed pad and large feed bunker are situated near the property’s spotless 16-aside herringbone milking shed. “The farm has heavy peat soils, which can be a challenge to manage, but I’m getting more confident each spring,” he said. The herd’s diet of pasture is supplemented with home-grown maize silage, grass silage, palm kernel expeller (PKE) and other concentrates. “We planted 12 hectares of maize last year and the crop yielded 21.7 tonnes per hectare, which was great given the dry summer we had,” said Pete. Almost half of Pete’s herd calves in the autumn, starting in early March and finishing by ANZAC Day.
Pete Smit’s herd averages 630kgMS/ cow, well above the Waikato average of 364kgMS/cow.
The remainder of the herd begins calving in late July. “As a young 50/50 sharemilker who’s just starting out, it’s been a big advantage for me not having to cull all of my empty cows each year,”
he said. Pete bought the Holstein Friesian herd off his brother Floyd in 2018. “Most of the cows were descendants of pedigree animals from my parents’ Hibi Holsteins herd,” he said.
“There’s a strong influence of genetics from Waipiri Holsteins in there as well.” With the milk payout forecast to drop from last season’s estimated $7.15/ kgMS to as low as $5.90/ kgMS this season, Pete has his eye on his budgets. “Extra supplement is
only bought in at the right price,” he said. “My focus for the next couple of seasons is on debt reduction and trying to manage my business’s cashflow in these uncertain times.” Pete hopes to progress to a larger 50/50 sharemilking position within the next five to ten years. “Long term, I’d like to own a dairy farm, but that’s likely to be through an equity partnership,” he said. Pete is passionate about Holstein Friesians and breeding high-producing dairy cows. He does his own artificial insemination and this season will do all AI and use no bulls for the first time. “My in-calf results have been quite good recently, so I decided to back myself and do away with having bulls as a back-up,” he said. “I use a mix of New Zealand and overseas
genetics over the herd. I focus on trying to breed animals with lots of capacity, good management traits and high components,” he said. Pete enjoys assessing the structural traits of dairy animals entered in livestock shows and has been an associate judge for several years. He was recently awarded the coveted Frank Pfister Trophy for being the highest-scoring youth member at a Holstein Friesian NZ judging school. “It was a bit of a shock. I thought I did well on the day, most of my placings were in line with the over judges,” he said. “But judging dairy cattle is quite subjective, there is often no right or wrong answer.” The result has seen Pete graduate to the senior judges’ list, meaning he will be able to judge on his own at A&P Shows this summer.
DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
AGRIBUSINESS // 9
Know your farm’s green footprint IT’S IMPORTANT
to know your financials and KPIs but it is just as important to know your environmental footprint and what is driving it, says dairy farmer Jolene Germann. Jolene and husband Hadleigh milk 550 dairy cows on 200ha at Aparima, between Nightcaps and Otautau in Southland. They are in their sixth season on their current farm and previously their fertiliser rep had run their Overseer analysis for them. When OverseerFM was introduced, they decided to start owning the process themselves. The online software, designed specifically for farmers and their advisors, analyses the flow of nutrients through a farm, based on the management practices applied. This produces annual budgets for seven key farm nutrients, as well as greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reports. Jolene was first introduced to an earlier form of Overseer during two years working as a fertiliser rep for Ravensdown some years ago. Today, she also works part time as a farm management consultant for Agribusiness Consultants but as two of her colleagues are very experienced using Overseer, she doesn’t have much professional involvement with it. “So, when we decided to start using OverseerFM directly ourselves, we got one of my consultant colleagues to do a proper analysis and provide the base model for us. I’d recommend to any farmer planning to use OverseerFM to start by doing that,” she says. “Once that is done, it’s pretty straightforward to use. OverseerFM is much more user-friendly that previous models and it is very simple to start playing around. Nothing can go wrong. You can change things but you still have the original base model and if you are struggling with anything, you can get the consultant to check it, because they have access
to the account.” Jolene and Hadleigh have a long standing interest in sustainability. They started the MidAparima catchment group four years ago and have been involved in making presentations on the group’s behalf as part of the Environment Southland Water and Land Plan development process. Hadleigh is also chairman of the dairy section for Southland Federated Farmers. “Previously, our fertiliser rep would run the Overseer programme for us and we would send the data to Fonterra and get a summary back,” says Jolene. “But when OverseerFM came out, we saw it as a new tool we could use directly. Now, rather than sending the data to Fonterra and just getting a summary, we can look at our whole analysis ourselves and check every piece of data, like grazing blocks, soil type, animals and crops. “A real advantage of OverseerFM is that the farmer ‘owns’ the account and can add people, like your farm consultant or fertiliser rep.” Jolene and Hadleigh also use OverseerFM to help plan changes on farm and comply with Appendix N in Environment Southland’s Water and Land Plan, which requires a nutrient budget completed by a certified individual. “It is really easy to run scenarios through OverseerFM, that is a key benefit,” says Jolene. “Farmers here have nutrient budgets so it is good to know now what your current net losses are and then you can model things before nutrient limits are introduced in Southland. “A big driver for us, and many Southland farmers, is winter crops – they have a big impact on nutrient loss. From a net point of view, a lot of nutrients are lost through our winter crop. You can use OverseerFM to model your farm with different amounts of winter crops or with wintering animals
off and see what drives nutrient loss.” Jolene says it is important not to fixate on variations. “People get hung up on it not being 100 per cent
accurate, but Overseer is a model and you are modelling a complex living system, so there will be variations. If you run scenarios then the variation is cancelled out.”
Jolene and Hadleigh Germann with children Harry and Lucy.
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DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
10 // OPINION RUMINATING
EDITORIAL
The putting right that counts
MILKING IT... Ag ignored?
Short-termism
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DESPITE THE rhetoric from government about agriculture leading the post-Covid recovery, our primary industries seem to be out of the loop when it comes to the Covid response. When Auckland was thrown back into Level 3 lockdown, the super city’s borders became completely unworkable for those working in horticulture and agriculture. Animal welfare issues quickly arose as farmers were unable to get a vet across the border without a fiveday wait for an exemption; stock couldn’t be fed; 2.5 million bees starved to death; freight movements were held up for hours at the overwhelmed road blocks. If agriculture or its Minister genuinely had a seat at the Covid-response planning table, this level of operational detail – which health officials seem ignorant of – might have been sorted out in advance.
WHILE NOT wanting to spend too much time sympathising with Aucklanders, Milking It can’t avoid noting how absurd it is that our biggest city has been drenched with rain over recent weeks, yet its dams were run so low, residents still aren’t allowed to use their garden hoses and are still asked to keep showers short. This failure to plan far enough ahead to ensure infrastructure keeps up with population growth is a symptom of the short-termism that has long infected NZ government, at a national and local level. Whether it is roads, ports, zoning or water storage, the failure to plan ahead is evident throughout the country. The solution is harder to find than the problem, but could include longer election cycles, a full overhaul of the RMA, and a better standard of public servant!
FONTERRA HAS copped a serve for allowing nonfarming jobs on its Farm Source platform. Milking It hears that one complainant contacted the cooperative asking why it wasn’t monitoring the Farm Source job site, noting that there was a surge in non-farming jobs advertised on a site surely intended for farmers. The co-op admits there were a number of nonfarming jobs posted, but says they have all now been taken down. “We are investigating how this is happening to ensure we prevent it from continuing to occur,” says a Fonterra statement. The Farm Source platform is only accessible by Fonterra shareholders, raising the question, how did these non-farming jobs get posted in the first place. With the industry looking to fill a huge labour shortage, the only jobs this site should display are dairy jobs.
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Say no to soya milk VEGANS TAKE note, a report published by the UK Sustainable Food Trust not only implicitly challenges the assumption that veganism and environmentalism work in symbiosis, it tacitly suggests that the two movements are in actual conflict with each other. It calls upon vegans to stop drinking soy milk in order to ‘save the planet’, and that milk from cows – especially cows grazed on grass rather than imported soya beans – is much better for a sustainable planet. “Vegans and others who buy milk substitutes are also harming the planet. They would do better to switch to milk from cows...if they want to help make a more sustainable planet,” the report states. Global production of soya beans and has doubled over the past 20 years and continues to rise, suggesting this wrong-headed thinking is catching on. Vegans might want to take a closer look at the true ‘greenness’ of their soya-based sausages and burgers too!
IT COULD be argued that consultation was a meaningless exercise when the Government asked for submissions last year on its major water reforms. Farmers perhaps naively believed they would be listened to, as they and their industry-good organisations put forward positive and well thought out scientifically-based proposals. There was no outright opposition from them to the concept that water quality needed to be improved. But it was clear the government proposals were based on hard-line doctrinaire and prescriptive rules that bore no relationship to what is possible on farm. Even worse, they made no allowance for diverse climatic conditions in the country. Do policy wonks and government ministers seriously believe that farming systems are the same in the far north and the far south? If they do, they need to see their doctor and get some more appropriate drugs because such an attitude is delusional at best, and stupid in the extreme. Why did government ignore the measured approach of say DairyNZ to put the onus on farmers to solve the winter grazing issues through environmental farm plans and set outcomes – not the prescriptive drivel in the legislation? Interestingly, Ireland, which has similar issues to NZ in terms of water quality, has gone the outcomes way, working with farmers to clean up waterways, and it is working. Has David Parker and his coterie of evangelical environmentalists been to Ireland or talked to NZ scientists who are collaborating with the Irish on such matters? One can forgive the primary sector for bitterly complaining that they are unwanted and perhaps even hated by the Government – and certainly not trusted. The present row in Southland was easily avoidable if the diehard policy wonks and unbending government greens had one atom of common sense. This silly notion that farmers are serial polluters needs to be dispelled and ‘gone by lunchtime’. Farmers do way more for the environment and spend more to enhance it than the average townie, yet certain politicians and their advisors seem perpetually blind to the realities that happen 10km outside of Wellington. A recent survey by DairyNZ showed that 62% of dairy farmers or their staff were affected by mental health issues in the past year and that one of the major stress factors was new regulations. The situation in Southland is unnecessary and government should be big enough to admit it’s wrong and do the right thing and accept the common sense advice of farmers. After all, isn’t it ‘the putting right that counts’. – Peter Burke
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DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
OPINION // 11
The view from the cow shed DairyNZ has released its ten policy priorities for the 2020 election and its report The View from the Cow Shed which provides policymakers with insights from the farm. Here’s chairman Jim van der Poel’s foreword from the report. TOGETHER WE have
faced the unprecedented global pandemic of Covid-19, one of the worst droughts in living memory, and now a global financial downturn. For better or for worse, the New Zealand we knew just last year has fundamentally changed. This election, DairyNZ has surveyed dairy farmers to better understand the issues impacting on their wellbeing. We have used this information to inform our policy platform and to identify the top 10 things the next government should do
to improve outcomes for dairy farming families, their rural communities, and New Zealand. As a sector we were grateful to be recognised as an essential service during lockdown which enabled us to continue our farming operations, look after our animals, keep people in the industry employed and help New Zealand’s exports. We know not everyone was able to do so, and we really feel for those businesses and families who have been impacted through no fault of their own. Many of our farming
Jim van der Poel
families will be thinking back to the challenging seasons we faced in 2015 and 2016 when the farmgate milk price went from a record high to a record low, almost overnight. We know times are tough but as a country we will get through this. We are all part of NZ Inc. and we all contribute to our collective wellbeing as a country. Covid-19 has reinforced this. The year has been a difficult and challenging
time not just for farmers, but for all New Zealanders. The importance of having a diverse economy that can see us through the highs and the lows, whatever they may be. Dairy has an important role to play in that recovery. We are New Zealand’s largest export sector and account for a third of total exports by value. We also support over 50,000 jobs – many of which are in the regions. Our dairy farmers are world leaders in the production of sustainable, emission efficient and nutritious dairy, but we still have a significant farmer confidence and wellbeing issue in this country that pre-dates Covid-19. Our research has shown us that an uncer-
tain regulatory framework has been one of the main contributing causes. Farmers are operating in a challenging environment with changing regulations, uncertainties about staffing and a difficult financial outlook. They are also facing changing weather patterns, high levels of debt and mental health issues. All of these factors impact on their wellbeing. Treasury’s Living Standards Framework views future wellbeing through the lens of four capitals: natural, social, human, and financial. Looking after intergenerational wellbeing means maintaining, nourishing, and growing each of these capitals. That is how we ensure our dairy sector and rural communities thrive for many decades to come.
Northland, Auckland - Greg Chalmers 027 436 2337
Southern North Island - Tony Polkinghorne 021 671 616
Waikato, BOP, King Country - Graeme Robb 021 337 977
Canterbury & West Coast - Chris Johnston 021 281 3285
™
POLICY PRIORITIES ■■
Invest in R&D for our primary sector to unlock more value and volume.
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Set a clear strategy for science funding that is appropriately resourced to support farmers to reduce their environmental footprint while increasing profit.
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Work with the sector to meet workforce needs through training and recruitment of Kiwis, as well as skilled migrant workers.
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Invest in rural broadband and improved mobile coverage to better connect our rural communities with NZ and the world.
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Develop a national water storage strategy and invest in water storage to increase water supply in times of drought, enable land-use flexibility and unlock economic potential.
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Develop and enforce a world-leading biosecurity system that is properly resourced, learns from our M. bovis experience and ensures everyone plays their part.
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Reform the RMA to reduce compliance costs for farmers, increase efficiency and drive better environmental outcomes.
■■
Partner with farmers and support them to play their part to meet new environmental standards.
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Ensure targets for water quality improvements are fair and equitable, clear, scientifically robust and have pragmatic timeframes for implementation.
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Review the methane targets in the Zero Carbon Act to ensure they are firmly grounded in science and align our international and domestic targets by applying a split gas approach to our Paris commitment and carbon budgets.
Southland & Otago - Luke Holmes 021 636 654
Claw and Beetall are Trademarks of Orion AgriScience Ltd. Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No P5693, P9371. No. Approved pursuant to the HSNO Act 1996, No. HSR101171, No. HSR101235, No. HSR100753. ®Beetron and Mighty are Registered Trademarks of Orion AgriScience Ltd. See www.foodsafety.govt.nz for registration conditions. See www.epa.govt.nz for approval conditions.
DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
12 // MANAGEMENT
Smaller farm fits the bill LOUISE HANLON
A MIDLIFE crisis and the desire for a new challenge were the catalysts
for Nathan and Rosie Hughes’ switch to smaller herd dairy farming three years ago. The Hughes owned a lifestyle block and they
had built up a successful arboriculture business. They sold up to pursue a new career as the owners of a 80ha, 240 cow farm, situated on
peat soil between Cambridge and Te Awamutu in the Waikato. Rosie Hughes notes that there were a number of factors driving their
Rosie Hughes says SMASH events like this play a big part in upskilling farmers to manage their businesses.
change. “My parents were farmers, so that is why we thought of going farming,” she says. “We had a small business and it had got to the stage where we had several employees and Nathan was working long hours with no help in sight. Whereas, with the farm, we’ve got a retirement plan and a plan for the children. It means Nathan can take the kids with him on the farm. So he is still working long hours, but with a lot less stress, and it is more of an asset-based business. “In a lot of ways it was a monetary move for us, and more of a challenge. It also suited Nathan, because it was something he could retrain as and he liked working outdoors. Everything fell into place, the farm came up for sale and it was within our price range.” A smaller farm has provided the Hughes with an excellent training ground. “I am glad we went in as owners,” says Hughes, “because nobody would have taken us on as sharemilkers, or lower, and we wouldn’t have gained the experience as quickly as we have. It was our money on the line, so we had to do the best we could. We are quite production driven, we want to pay the mortgage as much as we can. “Nathan was raised in town and had a total of one week’s milking experience in his life, while I was raised on a dairy farm, but quickly learnt there is a lot more to dairying than playing around with horses! I do believe we mostly bluffed our way through that first year, listening to experienced people, and often having no idea what they were talking about, but being amazed at the amount of widespread
knowledge that every farmer seemed to have. “Other farmers have been so helpful, we really appreciate that. It isn’t a competition and that is really noticeable coming from the small business community.” Hughes believes smaller farms still have a valuable part to play in the industry. “There is a role for smaller herds; people get tired of employees, they want something that is manageable. You can be just as profitable with a smaller herd as a big herd. You don’t need a 150ha property to make good money, as long as you are focussed on getting the most out of your farm.” She also says SMASH events have played a big part in upskilling them to meet the challenge of running their own dairy farming business. “We like the SMASH events so much because they are at a good level, they are deep enough to be worthy of going, and practical enough that we can use them in everyday life. It is really useful to have that next level of education, even around spraying and fertilising, stuff that you wouldn’t get from reading the paper. “Getting off the farm to go to an event is like a holiday! We’re so refreshed afterwards, it’s like being away forever! “People should make the effort to go to SMASH events. Just go! The worst that could happen is you get a really good lunch. They are very beneficial and you learn a lot of new research and practical information that you can use for your farm. They have always got a good selection of topics, so if one topic doesn’t push your buttons, then another probably will.” • Louise Hanlon is an executive member of Small Milk and Supply Herds (SMASH)
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DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
14 // EFFLUENT & WATER
Effluent’s a resource, not a nuisance MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
WILLIAMS
ENGINEERING
Limited, based on the Hauraki Plains, has been producing high quality, practical and cost-effective farm machinery for the past 40 years. With the agricultural sector realising that farm effluent is a resource rather than a nuisance, the company has changed its focus over the last decade completing training in farm dairy effluent system design and management in conjunction with Dairy NZ. Around seven years ago, the company became Farm Dairy Effluent Design accredited. This allows Williams Engineering to design, install and commission a fully compliant effluent system
from start to finish. Over the past five years adequate effluent storage has been a big part of the business, starting with an onsite visit to develop a farm specific plan, utilising a range that includes precast in-house concrete panels for sand traps, bunkers and weeping walls etc,
then specifying pumps, agitators, mainline systems, hydrants and a suitable irrigator for efficient application. In the case of the irrigators, the Williams GB Magnum Travelling Rain gun Irrigator is the first of its kind, using a patented design to combine the performance of a
static rain gun with the reliability of its Greenback travelling irrigator. The 8.5m wide boom can offer a wetted area of 45 to 90 metres, application depths of 3 to 25mm and handle flow rates up to 51,000 cubic metres/hour. In particular, it delivers a wetted area that is more than twice as wide as a traditional travelling irrigator, with application rates and depths competitive with sprinkler systems The Greenback Spider Travelling Irrigator can help increase pasture production utilising a simple speed change procedure with a choice of five travel speeds, allowing greater control of effluent application depths, with a minimum of 5mm, thus allowing greater control of soil absorption rates.
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CORRECT EFFLUENT management can deliver savings on fertiliser costs, increased grass growth, while also ensuring environmental compliance regulations are met. Offering new system designs or upgrades to existing systems, Numedic works with its dealers around the country to ensure effective installation, commissioning and maintenance. An extensive product line includes a range of effluent pumps, hydrants, irrigators, and mixers, alongside the supply of effluent pipe, drag hoses and fittings, as well as water-saving Hydrofan nozzles for wash down hoses and backing gates. The key to efficient effluent utilisation is an even spread, often with low application depths that are dictated by soil type or topography. The Numedic ADCAM 750 LD travelling irrigator, trusted by farmers around the country for many years, offers seven different travel speeds, to deliver effluent depths as low as 4mm if required, while maintaining an even spread. Smart design features include a boom supply bracket, robust steel moving parts and seals designed for handling high pressures, making for a cost-effective, easy to use and maintain travelling irrigator, that can run with lower pump pressure and less power. Additionally, Numedic now offers a new shoremounted, self-priming effluent pump to add to its range of NG vertical and horizontal pumps, offering the ability to handle solids up to 35mm diameter with a suction lift of up to 8 metres to the pump. In the dairy shed and collecting yard, Hydrofan nozzles for washdown hoses and backing gates help reduce dairy effluent production by an average of 10 litres per cow, per day. In real terms, this means a typical dairy farm milking 400 cows will reduce washdown water and effluent volume by around 1.2 million litres per year, for a 300-day milking season, resulting in significantly reduced storage and irrigation requirements.
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DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
EFFLUENT & WATER // 15
Cutting-edge storage ponds MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
MARK MURPHY, the national commercial manager for Rakaia Engineering doesn’t mince his words when it comes to effluent management. “In the minds of the hardworking dairy community, effluent storage is a grudge spend at the very least,” says Murphy. “They do understand, however, that intensive dairying has had a negative impact on our pristine land and waterways and what was once acceptable, is now no longer. “We cannot continue to allow effluent to leach into our waterways or allow effluent odour to be the overriding smell on a summer’s day.”
The industry cannot continue to allow effluent to leach into waterways or allow effluent odour to be the overriding smell on a summer’s day, says REL.
Having undertaken two years of market analysis, paying attention to design and functionality, the research showed a real weakness with engineered plastics and typical wire bracing systems being too
fragile and prone to bulging, which affected the storage’s structural integrity. It also indicated a lack of foresight with regards to the UV protection of the liners, with some liners becoming
fragile and tearing away from the tank top cleats. This drove REL Group to find the strongest structural steel sheets, matched with a liner that could withstand New Zealand’s harsh cli-
REL believes that above ground tanks are really the only viable option.
mate variances, while also incorporating liner slack to allow for constriction caused by frosts during winter. Alongside the need for strength, tanks needed to be environmentally secure and safe from an on-farm health and safety perspective. “Our below-ground ponds are outdated, environmentally fragile and inherently unsafe, so we believe that above ground tanks are really the only viable option, as they mitigate vehicle submergence, effluent leaching to underground waterways and resisting floods that have the potential to allow effluent to escape into the surrounding countryside,” says Murphy.
JOSKIN now offer a new simple effluent spreading boom which can fit all existing JOSKIN tankers (old and New) as well as retro fit any other tanker brand*
The REL Group has released a new range of effluent storage solutions to meet the rapidly evolving sector. The heart of the system combines robust structural steel from AGI Westeel with a cutting-edge environmental liner from Layfield Enviroliners to create a secure storage solution that exceeds today’s requirements. Fabrication modelling is said to allow easy install without the need for at height installation protocols, with the first two tanks being assembled in the Waikato during July. Additionally, the design of the system allows hardware to be disassembled, repositioned and reassembled on-farm as requirements change, or indeed, can be on-sold if enterprises change direction. The remaining environmental issue of odour mitigation has been addressed by REL Group entering a supply partnership with Bauer to offer
PENDISLIIDE – Suitable for grass land farming Hoses fitted with spring loaded wear-resistant skids apply pressure on the ground separating the plant apart so nutrients are placed closer to the roots for increased nutrient absorption without covering the plant.
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TWO MODELS: PENTITWIST – Suitable for Arable and Grass land farming or rough terrain 7.5m working width spread effluent close to the ground laying the slurry close to the plant roots.
their separation technology and hardware, along with their irrigation product range to ensure a complete, turn-key effluent management system. Splitting slurry into liquid and solid fractions sees the former being sent to storage and irrigation, while solids are rendered odourless and bulk stored for future distribution. Murphy sums up: “’Dirty dairy’ is that nasty statement uttered by urban dwellers who have little appetite to investigate the veracity of urban media opinion pieces to understand its truth or origin. Education will not be enough to change the minds of our ‘woke neighbours’, so visual and physical evidence is the only tool available to the industry. “The dairying industry must ‘do’ then ‘show’matching our world leading farming systems with world leading environmental practices.”
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DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
16 // EFFLUENT & WATER
New effluent rules looming under council’s plan change “RDA has the knowledge to help farmers prepare for change and the field day will be a practical demonstration of all the proposed requirements.”
SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz
NEW REGULATIONS
around effluent storage and discharge loom for the Otago region. Some farmers may need to upgrade their existing effluent storage to meet the new requirements; others will now require resource consent from Otago Regional Council to construct a new effluent pond. All farmers will eventually need a discharge permit to be able to apply effluent to their land. RDA Consulting senior farm environmental leader James Muwunganirwa says the changes
form part of the council’s Proposed Plan Change 8, which was notified on July 6. Muwunganirwa says Plan Change 8 will herald new rules around effluent storage and discharge. For existing effluent storage systems, farmers would be required to prove their effluent storage system meets the permitted activity criteria. They will be asked to complete a Dairy Effluent Storage Calculation. Muwunganirwa says they would be required to provide a storage calculation showing that they have sufficient storage for their farm system. The calculation is done using the Massey University Dairy Effluent Storage Calculator. Farmers would also be required to do a pond drop test. Muwunganirwa says the test, to be carried out by suitably qualified person (SQP), measures changes in pond level over a period of time. “The test is able to detect even small amounts of leakage,” he says. Visual inspections of effluent systems will also need to be done. “The effluent storage is likely going to need to be visually inspected, while empty, by a SQP who will look for imperfections, cracks or holes in the structure, to ensure there are no obvious signs
Inset: James Muwunganirwa
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of leakage. “If the effluent storage system is not well designed and maintained and does not meet the requirements of a permitted activity, a farmer would be required to apply for resource consent.” To help farmers prepare for the looming regulations, RDA Consulting has organised a field day in Milton on October 8. “We want to increase farmer knowledge of the proposed Otago Regional Council Plan Change 8 Rules,” he says. The field day will include pond drop testing, use of the effluent storage calculator and show farmers focus areas for visual inspections of effluent storage systems. Speakers will include RDA project engineer Karen Ladbrook, environmental consultant Georgia Robinson and Muwunganirwa. “RDA has the knowledge to help farmers prepare for change and the field day will be a practical demonstration of all the proposed requirements. We are up to date with all the new freshwater changes and keen to help farmers get ahead of the game,” he says. “We urge all farmers in the region to attend the field day.” The field day will be hosted by Scott Johnstone, Moneymore Dairies, Milton.
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DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
EFFLUENT & WATER // 17
Fertigation all about farmer control A PROCESS that combines fertiliser and irrigation gives farmers control, says Graeme Pile, Fertigation Systems co-founder. “They can apply urea when it suits them, at a quantity based on pasture supply and demand,” Pile says. “At the same time, through fertigation farmers don’t need to worry about people coming onto their farms spreading viruses and everyone can rest assured that such a method of fertiliser appli-
conditions. If the grass starts growing fast, they can reduce or not apply any nitrogen the next day. Convenience is another big factor why farmers are requesting that we install fertigation units, says Pile. The four to five days that it takes between ordering urea and for a truck to get onto the paddocks are days that the pasture doesn’t receive the optimum nutrient levels to grow. With fertigation they get the nutri-
“One farmer would spend a whole day sorting out how much urea to apply on what paddock based on the maps the managers gave him.” cation is friendly to the environment.” Pile has worked with fertigation for ten years and joined forces with Andy Nurse in 2018 to establish Fertigation Systems. He says the company vision is “helping farmers enhance their environment and protect their future”. “Given the numerous government and regional council demands being placed on farmers along with questions around a ‘license to farm’, we like to think we are the ideal answer,” Pile says. He says fertigation helps solve several issues that are facing all irrigated farmers. Fertigation increases nitrogen efficiency, meaning farmers can apply less fertiliser and produce the same milk volume. Achieving more with less, allows them to beat the 190kg N cap government regulation. He says the other plus of fertigation is to successfully address the N surplus or N quantity that farmers need to reduce by up to 35% in the next three to five years. Fertigation allows farmers to quickly and easily adjust how much fertiliser they apply, based on seasonal and weather
ents on the next day after grazing, allowing them to grow more grass. “Farmers and their partners have told us they feel more in control of their fertiliser applications through fertigation, which allows them to focus on other important tasks,” says Pile. “One farmer would spend a whole day sorting out how much urea to apply on what paddock based on the maps the managers gave him. Now, he has allocated that task back to the managers and he reviews what they have completed by looking at his phone or computer each week.” Fertigation Systems custom designs a system based on the farm’s existing irrigation system, farmer requirements and fertiliser types. Pile points out that a fertigation unit is not just a dosing pump and a tank. It includes robust injection pumps, flow meters, tank level indicators, text alerts and control from a smart phone or office computer. Pile says Fertigation Systems installation fully complies with ECAN regulations, permits for chemigation valves, interlocking power supply and bunding if required. “We train all the staff
who will be using the system and show them how to get the most out of the unit,” he says.
Fertigation could help solve several issues that are facing all irrigated farmers.
THE SMART CHOICE FOR A
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DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
18 //  EFFLUENT & WATER
The Effluent and Environment Expo will take place on November 10 and 11 in Hamilton.
Effluent Expo to include biosecurity a rs e y 5 A
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THE NEW Zealand Effluent & Environment Expo will be held in November. Organisers say that, in response to feedback from exhibitors and inquiry from farmers keen to attend, they have locked in November 10 and 11 at the Mystery Creek Pavilion, the same venue used for the previous two years. Expo spokesperson Amanda Hodgson says the focus for this year’s Expo would be broadened out to create a wider dairy field day event to fill the gap left by the axing of this year’s National Fieldays. “We’re opening up the scope of the event and offering an invitation to any dairy sector companies outside the normal effluent and environment scope to take a site and engage with farmers,� she says. “The strong feedback we have had is that farmers and businesses alike are eager for some face to face interaction.� Hodgson says the broader focus for this year’s Expo means farmers
can cover off their effluent management challenges and also get around the other sites to check out the latest products and services. “This is the continuation of the journey to keep the Effluent & Environment Expo relevant to all those involved in the dairy and the wider agriculture sector,� she says. The Mystery Creek venue offers easy access, plenty of parking, a large indoor pavilion and extensive outdoor sites that will all be equipped with power. Respected industry professionals will present at a series of seminars throughout both days. “We’re keen to hear from any company keen to participate this year,� Hodgson says. The event’s main sponsors are Farm Source, Rabobank, DairyNZ, Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Waikato Regional Council. The first Effluent Expo, as it was known back then, was started in February 2011 by the Waikato Regional Council.
It says the goal was simple – to provide farmers with a one-stop shop for easy and free access to the information they needed to manage dairy effluent. “Planning for the expo stemmed from repeated enquiries received by the regional council on effluent systems, as well as a survey on what farmers wanted to know about effluent storage,� the council says. The event was handed over to the industry two years ago because the council felt “the message was best coming from within industry rather than council�. “But that original goal of being a one-stop-shop for farmers still remains, and it’s the reason why we continue to get behind this event as a sponsor. “It’s especially exciting to see the expo expand this year to include information for farmers on biosecurity. With disease and pests a very real threat to farms in the Waikato, on farm biosecurity is more important than ever.�
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MECHANICAL SEPARATOR FOR DAIRY SHEDS Key benefits of effluent separation: • Preservation of nutrients natural fertiliser returned to the land in a controlled manner • Up to 80% reduction in greenhouse gases Off the tank as well as eliminating unpleasant odours • Stable treatment process • Cost effective reduction in fertiliser costs as returned to the land CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DEALER: South Island
Phone
Region
North Island
Phone
Region
On Farm Agri Centre Ltd
03-547 3276
dmfarm@xtra.co.nz
Stoke
Geo. Hutchinson & Co. Ltd
07-889 5202
brendon@hutchies.co.nz
Morrinsville
Thinkwater West Coast
03-768 6993
westcoast@thinkwater.co.nz
West Coast
Thinkwater Taupo
07-377 6344
ryan.wood@thinkwater.co.nz
Taupo
Rakaia Engineering Ltd
03-302 7305
john@relgroup.co.nz
Rakaia
King Farm Services
07-304 9640
service@kingfs.co.nz
Edgecumbe
Canterbury Farm Services Ltd
03-308 8226
shaun@canterburyfs.co.nz
Ashburton
Elite Farm Solutions
06-761 7265
elite.fs@xtra.co.nz
Opunake
Orari Irrigation Ltd
03-971 1979
wayne@orariirrigation.co.nz
Orari
Bromley Dairy & Pumps Ltd
06-323 9660
steve@bromsdp.co.nz
Feilding
Kirk Irrigation Ltd
03-689 8474
admin@kirkirrigation.co.nz
Waimate
Ordish & Stevens (Forwater)
06-370 0700
scott.forbes@ordish-stevens.co.nz
Masterton
DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
20 // EFFLUENT & WATER
Finalists for irrigation awards FOUR NEW Zealand farmers have been selected as finalists of the inaugural Zimmatic Sustainable Irrigation Awards. They are Ben and Anna Gillespie (Central Otago), Brock & Gemma Hamil-
ton (North Otago), Ted Rollinson (Mid-Canterbury), Nick Webster (North Otago). The awards aim to celebrate excellence in sustainable irrigation and encourage Australian and
New Zealand farmers to share ideas for achieving sustainable freshwater management. Each entrant was judged on: sustainable irrigation management; irrigation-driven improve-
ments, which may include cost reductions, environmental outcomes, yield improvements and/ or improved efficiencies; waterway protection; stewardship/community. Irrigation NZ chair and
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Irricon Resource Solutions principal, Keri Johnston, is head judge for the awards. She says all four finalists demonstrated a high level of achievement across all four categories, which set them apart from the others. “Our finalists all have farm businesses with values and philosophies based on environmental stewardship, care of the land, water and community, and being caretakers for the next generation.
“These finalists also demonstrated a level of considered decision-making in relation to irrigation system design. “They are all using technology to their advantage, while taking steps to maximise efficiency and minimise environmental impacts. “It was obvious these farmers have a deep understanding of their properties and their unique challenges. They have used clever think-
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ing and an innovative approach to tackle these challenges, rather than just trying to tick the box. “From supporting their peers to helping with education in schools, we were also impressed by the outstanding community leadership demonstrated by some of our finalists.” Johnston says while only four NZ farmers were chosen as finalists, all entrants should be commended for their commitment to responsible water management both on and off the farm. Awards coordinator Sarah Elliot says the judges were impressed by the standard of entries and effort that went into many of the submissions. On-farm judging will take place in the spring before the supreme winner is announced. The competition is run by agricultural irrigation systems leader, Zimmatic, with support from New Zealand Awards partners IrrigationNZ, Vantage NZ and Irricon.
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DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
EFFLUENT & WATER // 21
Putting effluent to good use MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
THE INCREASED focus
on utilisation of natural fertiliser is pushing technical development by manufacturers to deliver a wide range of nutrients to the paddock. Spreading organic liquid fertiliser combines the benefits of reducing the use of inorganic fertilisers and timeliness with regards to crop needs and
Recessed tankers enable users to fit axles with larger diameter wheels, with the total volume of the tanker preserved by adjusting the length or diameter to adjust the loss of volume created by the recess. Spreading options include a fully galvanized dribble bar, mounted on a hydraulic rear linkage, with working widths from 9m to 24m and the option of single or twin vertical macerators to deal
machines are a fully galvanized heavy-duty construction, using a 6mm thick chassis with recessed heavy-duty square beam axles for
improved stability. Oversized diameter beaters enable users to spread all kind of products with accurate spread pattern and high-volume outputs.
Delivering organic waste to the soil will naturally speed up the growth of your crops thanks to its high nutrients content. between efficiency and quick savings. Delivering organic waste to the soil will naturally speed up the growth of your crops thanks to its high nutrients content. Located near Brest, France, Pichon SA is a company with more than 45 years experience in the design and manufacture of a comprehensive range of agricultural machinery and handling equipment. The company controls its complete manufacturing process in order to guarantee the quality on which its reputation is based. After initially developing equipment for soil preparation, in 1976 the company turned to the manufacture of slurry tankers and muck spreaders. Pichon specialises in custom builds and every tanker is designed to strictly meet the user’s specifications. Pichon slurry tankers range from 2,600 to 30,000-litres, in single axle, tandem or triaxle configurations. The unique TCI (Tanker with Chassis Integrated) range sees the tank welded directly with the chassis, offering the lowest centre of gravity on the market. Various thicknesses of tanker, from 5mm to 8mm according to the overall diameters, are brought together with end caps, before being welded inside and out, using a submerged arc process.
with thick slurry, straw or other solid particles. Using a drip-hose boom enables slurry to be place on the soil surface which increases nitrogen’s efficiency, while also helping to reduce odour. Injectors are available in two versions, with the EL8 Trailing Shoe available in 7.5m and 8.8m widths, specially designed for grassland applications. The shoes part the grass and create a shallow furrow into which the slurry is injected. The EL61 option with Vibroflex tines works the soil to a depth of up to 20cm and offers 3m to 6m working widths. Mixing the contents of a slurry store properly makes it easier to fill tankers and spread the liquid evenly and accurately. Pichon B-Mix slurry mixers use a spiral-shaped mixing screw that carries two sharp blades at its base and works in conjunction with an adjustable counter blade fitted to the frame to chop and mix material. Adjustment is via a single hydraulic ram, while all models from the B-Mix 65 are fitted with centralised greasing as standard. The Pichon Muck Master range of spreaders provides the ability to spread semi-solid or solid manures with capacities ranging from 9 to 23 cubic metres. Like the tankers, the
Farmer Brad Burling and his daughter
TOGETHER WE VALUE YOUR TIME
Growing pressures to operate in our changing environment places greater demands on resources. And just like water, time is something that farmers don’t have a lot of. We’ve focused on giving you back control through FieldNET®. This industry leading solution offers full remote control of your entire irrigation operation. So for less time in the field and more time doing the important things in life, talk to your local Zimmatic dealer today.
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Zimmatic® is a registered trademark of the Lindsay Corporation. © 2020 Lindsay. All Rights Reserved
DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
22 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
OPD argument raging on MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
WHILE THE debate
rages on both sides of the Tasman about the efficacy of Operator Prevention Devices (OPD’s) on ATVs, a stoush is brewing with the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries (FCAI) heavily criticising Farmsafe Australia’s recent Safer Farm Report. The FCAI says more work should be done to help understand the factors contributing to accidents and fatalities, so
more “viable” safety solutions are adopted, rather than the “one size fits all” legislation that will mandate the fitting of OPD’s to all new ATV’s sold in Australia from October 2021. The FCAI goes on to suggest that the Safer Farms Report is overreliant on the belief that OPD’s would improve the safety of ATV’s. FCAI takes issue with the report’s statement that ATV’s were the most common vehicles involved in on-farm fatalities, saying the report did not
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to look closely enough at comparative data. Indeed, data available from Safework Australia shows that, between 2003 and 2017, ATV fatalities numbered 83, while tractor fatalities numbered 145. Chief executive of the FCAI, Tony Weber, pointed to the problem of recreational ATV’s being ridden on farmland, which, based on Safework Australia data, showed more than 50% of fatalities were during this type of use. The data also provides a detailed insight
into riders’ ages, the use of safety helmets and carrying passengers, which needs to be understood in more detail. Between 2011 and 2019, information available shows that 69 non-working fatalities occurred, compared to 64 events over the same period. Alarmingly, 18 deaths were of children under the age of 16 years who were riding full-sized adult machines. In addition, only nine of the children were wearing safety helmets, while five were being carried
Legislation will mandate the fitting of OPD’s to all new ATV’s sold in Australia from October 2021.
as passengers on singleseat machines. Looking at the overall picture, Weber
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suggests that although safety helmets are considered the most beneficial safety equipment for ATV’s in the case of the adult fatalities recorded, very few riders were wearing them and in the case of the non-working fatalities, only five of the 34 people involved were wearing helmets. Weber also draws attention to the comparison being drawn by Farmsafe of tractor ROPS structure and the OPD’s being used on ATV’s, saying ROPS are only really effective when the driver is seat-belted into position, so they do not fall outside the protection zone in an overturn situation. This is not possible with an ATV as riders need to shift their body position as they deal with changing terrain. This means that riders of OPD-equipped machines will need to fall into the
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“right-spot” to benefit from the device. The FCAI CEO also noted that Israel is often promoted as a country which has adopted and requires OPD’s to be fitted to ATV’s- when the facts are that no other countries in the world, including Israel, mandates the fitment of OPD’s. As a result of the upcoming legislation in 2021, most of the major players in the market look likely to leave the ATV sector, rather than operate in an area where they are forced to fit an OPD, contrary to good science and real-world experience, where such an action does not show a quantifiable nett safety benefit. Weber closed by commenting, “manufacturers believe that fitting such devices is ethically unsupportable and equates to using farmers as crash test dummies.”
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DAIRY NEWS SEPTEMBER 1, 2020
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 23
Simmm twin water blasters AES WATER blasters
are the NZ Importers and distributors of the Italian made Simmm Power Cleaner 100/11 and Power Gun 100/11 singlephase (230 volt) electric water blasters, which are proving popular in many applications, including cow sheds, factories, vehicle maintenance and for general cleaning. The Power Cleaner features a heavy-duty powder coated steel chassis and tough ABS wrap-around cover to protect the motor & pump unit from damage. The Power Gun utilises the same pump and motor unit, but is supplied in a metal chassis with a top mounted hose reel as standard. Both units utilise low-revving 4-pole motors running
at 1450 rpm for long life and low maintenance, which in turn are coupled to the patented Simmm pressure pump that can run in by-pass mode for up to 5 hours without damage. The ultraefficient pump produces a useful 11 L/ min flow rate at 100 Bar (1450 psi) and the unit draws 10 amps, so is supplied with a standard 230 volt
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three pin plug. AES supplies the Power Cleaner with a 10-metre wire braided hose, while the Power Gun carries 15 metres on the hose reel plus a professional style gun & lance with swivel. The ceramic nozzle is well protected by a rubber protector holder which is also used to activate the chemical venturi. Simmm cleaners are backed in New Zealand by AES who pride themselves on their “on the shelf” spare parts back-up and a commitment to exceptional after-sales service. www.aesblasters.co.nz @dairy_news
essential for anyone involved in agriculture or the great outdoors. NARVA’s hardy new ‘Colt 1000’ L.E.D Handheld Spotlights are available in corded or a rechargeable battery format, succeeding the popular ‘Colt 100’ handheld halogen spotlight. The new Colt 1000 is said to be a more robust and reliable night-time light for demanding users, with the corded unit (part no.71001) offering a beam pattern range of up to 285 metres at 1 Lux and 4000 Lumens, while the rechargeable variant (part no. 71000) provides a beam pattern range of up to 244 metres at 1 Lux and 2500 Lumens. The light output for both models comes courtesy of its six high-powered, 3W L.E.Ds, which deliver 5700°K of crisp white light. The new duo are compact, portable, easy to handle and comfortable, with an ergonomic handle design and a fold-
away hook for storage. Heavyduty casings make them fully sealed and waterproof to IP66 standards to ensure ongoing performance. The rechargeable unit features a 7.4V lithium battery, offering up to 2.5 hours of constant usage time, while recharging from flat takes only 1.5 hours using the 240V charger included. For off-grid users, additional spare batteries (part no. 71007) are available, while the corded Colt is supplied with a 12/24V accessory plug is included for use across a wide array of vehicles.
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IN BRIEF Norwood acquires Johnson Gluyas NORWOOD HAS increased their footprint in Canterbury, acquiring the Johnson Gluyas business, a dealer group that operates out of Ashburton, Timaru, and Oamaru, adding to an existing dealership in Christchurch. Norwood CEO Tim Myers has signalled his commitment to building on existing customer relationships, as well as expanding on the advice, support, and product solutions available in the region. “Canterbury is home to some of New Zealand’s largest, most progressive cropping and seed production operations. Norwood’s suite of professional cultivation, seeding and harvest products, from world leading manufacturers is well suited to serve these operations.” The acquisition, alongside Norwood’s investment in precision agriculture business Vantage New Zealand, is said to confirm Norwood’s high level of commitment to providing customers with optimal support for their suite of product brands and technology solutions.
Kia tops survey for 6th Year KIA HAS been named the number one non-luxury automotive brand for the sixth consecutive year in the 2020 JD Power Initial Quality Study, meaning Kia owners are the most satisfied with their vehicles in the first period of ownership. Every model sold by Kia in the US placed in the top three of their respective categories in the survey, with the Kia Cerato, Kia Carnival, Sorento and Soul heading their segments. According to JD Power, about a third of all problems in the study of 87,000 vehicle owners within the first three months of ownership, related to issues with infotainment and technology. In many cases, the systems are not faulty, just difficult for owners to use or they do not work as well as they should.
Changes at the top of AGCO AGCO HAS announced that it current chairman and CEO Martin Richenhagen will retire, to be replaced by Eric Hansotia, effective January 1st 2021. Richenhagen, who joined the company in 2004, was always well known for his outspoken views of the agricultural industry and the need for change. His tenure saw AGCO evolve into a global manufacturer of high-tech solutions, expand its product portfolio and enter many new markets around the globe. Hansotia, who joined AGCO in 2013 following a 20-year term at Deere and Co., currently holds the position of Chief Operating Officer.
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GOOD CALL. At FMG, we know that almost one-third of our milk claims are due to antibiotic contamination. It’s this kind of specialised rural knowledge that allows us to pass on valuable advice to farmers to help manage risk. Like advising dairy farmers to mark cows that need antibiotic treatment, so they stand out. At the end of the day, if we can help you avoid loss, it reduces stress, lost production and downtime. So why not get in touch with FMG to see how we can help you make some good calls on your farm. Call us on 0800 366 466, or go to fmg.co.nz
We’re here for the good of the country. FMG0915DNFP_S