QUAD SAFETY Innovative GPS technology tracks rider behavioural patterns. PAGE 13
MANAGEMENT A group of South Canterbury farmers take soil sampling to a new level. PAGE 30-31
RURALNEWS TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS
MARCH 18, 2014: ISSUE 557
pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
SOIL SCIENTIST Doug Edmeades says he is “appalled” at the poverty of technical advice given to farmers on soil fertility and levels criticism at the training given to sales reps by the two big fertiliser companies. The correct application of nutrients could bring out “tremendous potential” in our sheep and beef sector, he says. “It is so important – the big ticket on your farm and we are not getting it right.”
The need for greater innovation in food technology comes from growing competiton in global markets.
Ballance and Ravensdown both refute his criticisms, saying there is a high level of training for their representatives and good oversight of the industry. But Edmeades, managing director of a nutrient management company, believes fertiliser companies are more focused on a battle for market share than providing advice to their farmer shareholders. He made the comments at a recent Beef + Lamb NZ ‘Farming for Profit’ day held at Helensville, near Auckland. Edmeades worked at Ruakura Research Station for 20 years –
AHUWHENUA LINKS All three finalists in this year’s Ahuwhenua Trophy to determine the top Maori dairy farm have two things in common. Firstly, all the farms are in the hands of multiple owners, Maori trusts that have cooperated to bring together enough land to instigate a viable farming operation. Tiaki Hunia, who heads the Putauaki Trust – Himiona Farm near Te Teko, says the model his and other trusts are now adopting is the way of the future to unlock blocks of Maori land. Secondly, all three farms have links to Hunia himself. He is the chairman of the Putauaki Trust, which owns Himinoa Farm, named after his late father. Meanwhile, his trust is also a shareholder in nearby Ngati Awa Farms Ltd – Ngakauroa Farm and as deputy Maori trustee he has links to the third finalist Te Rua o Te Moko Ltd, near Hawera. Hosting a field day, last week, at Himinoa Farm, Tiaki Hunia is seen here at the Kokohinau marae, opposite the farm. More pages 10 and 11.
including 10 years as national science leader for soils and fertiliser research. Believing that science reforms had commercialised science he left in 1997 to set up his own company, Agknowledge. “I have learnt in the last 10-12 years wandering up and down this country looking at farms that there is considerable confusion out there about fertiliser,” says Edmeades. There’s no legal definition of fertiliser, no ‘fertiliser act’ and anyone can sell it. There’s no standard certification for
those selling fertiliser and any Joe Bloggs can call themselves a specialist in soil fertility, he says. Edmeades says many farmers could half their fertiliser costs by more focused application of nutrients, using soils tests to establish which are deficient. And New Zealanders have lost sight of the value of clover pasture as the cheapest nutritional feed available. They have forgotten how to grow it, but the hard seeds are still in pastures and could be brought back to life TO PAGE 6
Our view...
Lock the gate! RURAL NEWS believes it is time for farmers around the country to take a stand against the constant carping and attacks by Fish & Game New Zealand on the dairy farming sector. We are calling on all New Zealand farmers to refuse any further access to or across their land by fishers and hunters. It is clear that their governing body, Fish & Game, has no respect or regard for the dairy farming sector, and therefore do not want to be associated with the farming sector – including hunting and fishing on their land. Rural News acknowledges it is a serious call to ask farmers to block access and one not to be taken lightly. However, we believe as an advocate for the New Zealand farming sector and farmers it is time Fish and Game’s incessant and anti-farming attitude was challenged. The monopolistic lobby has been beating the same antidairying drum for more than a decade. Its myopic, negative view of the sector and clear non-appreciation of any of the work done by farmers and the wider agricultural sector to improve water quality over the years has become tiresome. Its latest offering – the dodgy online survey again attacking the dairy sector – is the latest example of the length to which the lobby group will go to tarnish the New Zealand economy’s star performer. Rural News says enough is enough. We believe that most fishers and hunters understand the importance of dairying to our economy. Most will also acknowledge the work and resources put in by stakeholders – farmers, workers and processors – to promote sustainability and improve water quality. However, it is clear the executive of Fish and Game does not. Therefore we are calling on farmers to lock their gates to all fishers and hunters until they can convince their governing body to drop its adversarial approach to the farming sector and play a more constructive role in working hand-in-hand with the sector. Until then we say to farmers, keep the gates locked! Let us know what you think: editor@ruralnews.co.nz See more on Fish and Game’s stance in this issue
One NZ asset that won't be sold. As a mutual, we’re 100% owned by our rural policyholders - and we plan on keeping it that way. By maintaining control and reinvesting our profits locally, we can give back to rural communities and offer all New Zealanders a better deal. Ask around about us, or for some advice call 0800 366 466. FMG0337_A
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Infertile advice? PA M TI PA
FOOD TECHNOLOGY
That’s what works out here.