Rural News 2 September 2014

AGRIBUSINESS

MANAGEMENT

Wine exports on track to hit $2 billion by the end of 2020. PAGE 29

Don’t start spray programmes too early advise FAR. PAGE 34

NUTRIENTS Various sectors must overcome differences to develop common principles.

RURALNEWS

PAGE 16

TO ALL FARMERS, FOR ALL FARMERS

SEPTEMBER 2, 2014: ISSUE 568

www.ruralnews.co.nz

Payout may go up!

PA M T I PA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

FONTERRA EXPECTS dairy prices to rise during the season but advises caution amid very high volatility, says chairman John Wilson.

Fonterra held its forecast farmgate milk price at $6/kgMS for the 2014-15 season, which has just kicked off. With a dividend of 20-25c, the forecast cash payout for the year is $6.20-6.25.

“We’re cautioning our farmers in their business planning and budgeting that this is a risk around this number,”

Wilson told a media briefing last week.

But Wilson later told Rural News the cooperative expects prices to rise during the season. It is watching this carefully and will update farmers as its gets more information. “But please be very cautious, manage your business prudently,” he urges.

“We’re obviously seeing global dairy trade drop significantly but we’ve seen the currency come back which is good.

“We’re three and half weeks into the financial year. Looking at global analysis [by our peers] and ourselves, it is our view that prices will come up during

the season.

“This [price] point now is the result of very high prices about six months ago and the reality of those high prices is that farmers around the world have increased their milk production.”

With very high $4500-5000/t powder prices earlier this year demand fell off in some consumer categories in some emerging markets. Customers and other global cooperatives have seen that as well.

“We now expect with prices coming back we will start to see demand increase at the consumer shelf.

No flash in the pan

“So the fundamentals we still see are strong, but we undoubtedly have significant volatility at the moment. You’ve seen prices come from $4500 to $5000/t as recently as 10-11 months ago to where they are today at $2800/t.

“Our management team is doing a lot of work to formulate a view going forward on the information we have and it’s not just about where prices are today.”

Production has kicked off well around the middle of the country, with Northland and Southland facing some challenges, but it is very early in the season.

The next forecast will be at the end of September when Fonterra will also announce its final milk price for 2013-14.

– Fonterra’s Chinese move page 4

GUY GETS HIS GREENS Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy was one of many people thanked for helping commercial vegetable growers in Manawatu, Horowhenua and Tararua districts. He got his thank you in the form of a box of produce, dished out by George Sue, secretary of the Tararua Growers Association.

Guy said the area covered by Horizons Regional Council has huge potential and could double its value of primary exports from the present $1.9 billion to $3.8 billion by 2020. A government study to see how this can be done is being planned. Guy told the growers horticulture offers good opportunities in the region, as do sheep and beef.

$

3495*

$

GOOD PRICES for lamb and beef are not a flash in the pan and should hold for the medium-long term, says Rabobank.

Hamish Midgley, national manager food and agribusiness, told Rural News it’s been a good year for the sector with none of the wild price swings of past years.

The steady increase in price throughout the year have been “fantastic”.

“We are confident there is a reasonable medium long-term shift in the market. The reason is demand for beef in the US is high at the moment, but the herd there is at a 60-year low so they are going through a rebuild.

“Obviously that rebuild will take a number of years to come to fruition, so we expect to see good demand there from the beef side.”

The bank also expects good demand for sheep because China is taking 44% of NZ’s lamb and mutton.

“You also see increasing demand from Europe, so we’re expecting reasonable prices for sheep and beef for the next two-three years.”

Midgley says all indicators point to more lambs this season. Higher scanning percentages and weather, so far, favour a higher lamb drop than last year.

Lower ewe numbers may prompt some farmers to hold some better ewe lambs to rebuild their flocks.

TO PAGE 3

2495* Set up – made easy

5000 Series

Visibility – made easy Data storage – made easy

Weigh Scales Hard work Made easy

P ET ER BUR K E peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

Data capture – made easy Data transfer – made easy

Call us for an on farm demonstration * Pricing includes GST

How are you tracking?

Let’s talk.

0800 263 278

L I G H T HIGH SPEC. PROTECTION & PERFORMANCE.

NEW

www.skellerupFOOTWEAR.co.NZ

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

NEWS 3 ISSUE 568

www.ruralnews.co.nz

Wool levy a ‘dumb idea’ claims former finance minister PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

NEWS ������������������������������ 1-21 WORLD ������������������������ 22-23 MARKETS �������������������� 24-25 AGRIBUSINESS ����������� 26-29 HOUND, EDNA ������������������� 30 CONTACTS ������������������������� 30 OPINION ����������������������� 30-33 MANAGEMENT ����������� 34-39 ANIMAL HEALTH �������� 42-47 MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS ������������������ 48-57 RURAL TRADER ���������� 58-59

HEAD OFFICE Top Floor, 29 Northcroft Street, Takapuna, Auckland 0622 Phone: 09-307 0399 Fax: 09-307 0122 POSTAL ADDRESS PO Box 331100, Takapuna, Auckland 0740 Published by: Rural News Group Printed by: PMP Print CONTACTS Editorial: editor@ruralnews.co.nz

THE PROPOSED wool levy on all growers to raise $4.7m for wool promotion and research is a dumb idea says chairman of NZ Merino Company and a former finance minister Ruth Richardson.

“What has wool done to deserve having the old and failed idea of compulsion visited on it – again?” she asked Rural News.

The fact that the Commodities Levies Act (CLA) allows a tiny fraction of wool growers to impose a compulsory burden on all is the tail wagging the dog, she says. The CLA does not allow any levy money to be spent on commercial or trading matters.

“Rather than fall for the rhetoric ‘if you love wool, you must love the levy’, let’s look at the evidence,” she says in a statement. “Historically wool compulsion in all its guises – whether compulsory acquisition, the Wool Board and ultimately the wool financial fiasco – were abject failures and a colossal waste of wool grower funds.”

Public disclosures by the Wool Levy Group so far show the biggest chunk, $2.7m, will be devoted to education and promotion. “The lion’s share of that, $1.4m, will go to the Campaign for Wool, a cause most noted for

Rural News online: www.ruralnews.co.nz Subscriptions: subsrndn@ruralnews.co.nz ABC audited circulation 81,232 as at 31.12.2013

Ruth Richardson

but $500,000 is not going to move the needle, she says.

“Let’s concentrate on the real R&D prize which is to make better use of the $1.5 billion of taxpayers’ money currently ‘invested’ in science by the government of the day. If ever there was an R&D tree to be shaken by agriculture it

In a nutshell Richardson’s opposition to wool levy: • The proposition that a compulsory levy will advance the profitability of the wool sector is flawed • It has been tried before and failed • There is no new evidence tabled by the Wool Levy Group to suggest it will now succeed • Growers would be commercially worse off if they pursued the proposition.

is that expenditure.”

Of the remaining $1m Richardson says $500,000 is “ominously” heading for governance and administration.

She says that is a lot of money incurring “dead weight” costs.

“I went in search of the missing $500,000 fearing that it too would be swallowed up in unaccounted-for administration costs. The Wool Levy Group chairman replied that no decision had been made about the quantum of funds sought and that the amount may in fact be lowered.”

Richardson says what the wool industry needs is not more levy, but more market. “The NZ Merino Company, a breakaway from the producer board model, has been profitable from its inception and has demonstrated that facing and making markets from grower to consumer is the formula for moving up the value chain.” Growers are unambiguously better off.

“The last thing our suppliers want is a new levy charge; it is tough enough competing in demanding and fast changing markets without being weighed down by a feel-good cost. “ Rural News last week sent an email request to Wool Levy Group chair Sandra Faulker asking if any estimates had been done of possible financial returns from each of the types of wool levy investment. We received no reply.

Red meat outlook more positive FROM PAGE 1

Advertising material: davef@ruralnews.co.nz

being espoused by the Prince of Wales.

A worthy cause with a royal seal of approval is faintly quaint – an echo of how business was done yesteryear.

“The next bucket of expenditure is $500,000 for communication and advocacy. A voice for wool we’re told and the first point of contact for government, business, banking and universities. Really? Tell that to the commercial banks, let alone businesses who want to undertake commercial transactions with woolgrowers.

“And even more ‘woolly’ is the claim that this $500,000 is also to be used for consulting ‘key stakeholders to ensure a better understanding of lead markets including the most effective ways to create demand’. Markets are made by those undertaking the hard commercial yards not by a levy funded talk-shop putting out press releases.”

Another $500,000 is earmarked for innovation/research and development,

“With the outlook being more positive than negative some farmers are taking the opportunity to do re-grassing and are putting on additional fertiliser to take advantage of that uplift.”

Also challenging the sheep and beef sector is the change in land use to dairying or dairy support, Midgley says.

The word is that 100 conversions are

CF500 500cc CLASSIC ATV

planned for this season.

“The conversions are going to continue to play havoc with the flock numbers, but with sheep farmers banking $100 plus per lamb we’ll see further investment and reinvestment in the farming systems, which will allow them to intensify their production.”

Midgley predicts farmers, especially in dairying, will take a conservative

U8

800cc UTV

approach to budgeting.

“Our managers in the field, working with farmers on their budgets, say cashflows for the season look ok, especially with deferred payments from the dairy sector still coming in.

“But we think things could get pretty tight in March or April next year and it will depend on where the exchange rate and the commodity prices are then. I

Z8

think, given things are looking tight at the end of the season, dairy farmers will be reasonably conservative on the way through to try to lessen the impact of any fallout in the 2015-16 year.

“This season is going to be the problem, from a cashflow perspective, unless commodity prices swing up. But it’s only going to be bad in ‘15-16 if things continue to deteriorate.”

800cc SSV

$7,250 EX GST

GST $12,700 EX

GST $13,550 EX

INCLUDES $1200

INCLUDES $3000

INCLUDES $2600

WORTH OF ACCESSORIES!

WORTH OF ACCESSORIES!

WORTH OF ACCESSORIES!

• 500cc water cooled engine • Stable independent suspension • Smoother riding gas shocks • Canadian CVTech transmission • Winch, Towbar, Hand Guards, Alloy wheels, 6 ply tyres included

• 800cc water cooled engine • Selectable drive modes • Canadian CVTech transmission • Alloy wheels and 6 ply tyres • Roof, Winch, Screen and Tow pack included

• 800cc water cooled engine • Canadian CVTech transmission • Engine braking system • Downhill braking • Lockable diff • Roof, Winch, Screen included

CFMOTO NORTH ISLAND • Experience Motorcycles of Kingsland, Auckland (09) 845 5950 Northland Powersports, Whangarei 021 346 449 • Northwest Motorcycles LTD, New Plymouth (06) 759 9059

www.cfmoto.com.au

CFMOTO SOUTH ISLAND • Ag and Auto Direct, Balclutha (03) 418 0555 On Farm Agri Centre, Greymouth (03) 768 4078 • On Farm Agri Centre, Nelson (03) 547 3276

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

4 NEWS

Fonterra to tackle Chinese tiger PAM T I PA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

A GLOBAL partnership with Beingmate to capture a lucrative share of China’s infant formula market will be faster and less risky than going it alone, says Fonterra’s chief financial officer Lukas Paravicini.

But the key to the deal is capturing the opportunity to work with a “local giant” in China and having access to that market with such a strong partner, he says.

Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings says it’s a “game changer” providing a direct line into the infant formula market in China.

Beingmate will sell Fonterra’s infant formula brand Anmum into China. The $615m deal also includes setting up a joint venture to take over Fonterra’s Darnum plant.

The comprehensive deal is subject to regulatory approvals which will take a couple of months, says Paravicini.

The deal includes: Up to 20% investment by Fonterra in Beingmate Establishing a joint venture in Australia to deliver high quality infant for-

mula production to Beingmate for Chinese customers A distribution agreement with Beingmate for Fonterra’s Anmum infant formula in China Further joint cooperation including possible dairy farms in China.

Beingmate has 10% of China’s infant formula market. Fonterra wants to use Beingmate’s extensive network including 80,000 outlets to access the infant formula market. This market, worth NZ$18 billion, is expected to reach nearly NZ$33 billion by 2017.

Fonterra is starting the process to issue a partial tender offer to gain up to a 20% stake in Beingmate with an initial offer of RMB 18 per share. The shares last traded at 14.36 yuan before being halted from trading, according to Reuters data. Fonterra’s total investment in the global partnership will be about NZ$615 million (including proceeds from the JV in Australia), funded through debt.

After gaining regulatory approvals and Fonterra satisfactorily completing the partial tender offer, Fonterra and Beingmate will set up a joint venture to buy Fonterra’s Darnum plant in Australia and establish a distribution agree-

Fonterra chief Theo Spierings describes the deal as a ‘game changer’.

ment to sell Fonterra’s Anmum brand in China.

The joint venture will manufacture nutritional powders, including infant

formula and growing up milk powder, at Darnum for Beingmate and Fonterra.

Beingmate will own 51% of the JV to satisfy Chinese regulatory requirements

and Fonterra 49%, operating the plant under a management agreement. The JV will be governed by a board, and Fonterra and Beingmate will each appoint two directors.

Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings says Beingmate is one of the best partners in China – a top player with modern facilities.

With the Chinese Government’s move towards consolidation and focus on food safety and security, within fivesix years the infant formula industry will be focused on five-six big domestic companies teamed with the same number of multi-nationals, Spierings says. “It’s good that we’re very proactive here.”

Fonterra chairman John Wilson says the entire package using New Zealand milk, technologies and assets globally to maximise the return for farmers.

“It is a market for our product which is really important, it creates value out of our technology and assets globally, so both contribute to total payout for farmers,” he told Rural News.

The deal also links in whey specialty ingredients made at Fonterra’s plant in Heerenveen in the Netherlands and in an alliance with Dairy Crest in the UK.

A rain gauge is so simple yet so vital.

It has a simple task: measuring rainfall. But what can be gained from it is vital. What we do is vital to your business too. We’re an agribusiness bank. This exclusive focus enables us to meet the specific needs of your business and help secure your long-term future.

Rabobank. One focus.

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

NEWS 5 Fonterra’s Edendale plant in Southland will get a $197m upgrade.

Westland drops its forecast

$555 million vote of confidence PA M T I PA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

THE $398m Lichfield processing plant for whole milk powder in South Waikato is scheduled for completion in 2016, says Fonterra chairman John Wilson.

The $197m Edendale plant in Southland for milk protein concentrate and AMF will be completed next year, Wilson told Rural News.

Building of the two plants, announced last week, will start immediately.

Fifty more jobs will be created at Lichfield and 25 at Edendale, once completed.

Wilson says this brings Fonterra’s investment in peak processing capacity in the last two years to $755m, including Pahiatua.

Fonterra’s chief executive Theo Spierings says these latest investments, totalling $555m, will allow for more flexible options to better optimise production.

“Our strategy is to increase earnings by driving more milk volume into higher value categories globally by turning the wheel from commodities to higher-margin products.

“By creating more options for our New Zealand operations we are better placed to be able to make the product mix that

delivers the greatest returns to our farmers and meet the needs of our consumers and customers worldwide.”

The Lichfield site in South Waikato will be: Capable of processing up to 4.4m L/ day Similar in size to Darfield Up to 30 metric tonnes of WMP per hour and 700 tonnes per day.

Three plants at Edendale: Milk protein concentrate plant – up to 1.1m litres a day Reverse osmosis plant which increases capacity of existing drier by 300,000L Anhydrous milk fat capable of processing 550,000 L/day of milk into cream.

Fonterra managing director global operations Robert Spurway says the cooperative has invested at least $1.8m in more processing capacity since 2011.

“We are investing ahead of the milk curve to give us the flexibility to take advantage of relative market prices, including during peak season. It will also accommodate growth from existing farmers and new volume from joining farmers.”

He says they have to ensure the right balance to cope with peak season but to avoid millions of dollars of infrastructure standing idle in quieter months.

WEST COAST milk processor Westland Milk has revised its payout prediction for the 2014-15 season to $5.40-5.80/kgMS. The 60c drop announced last week is a response to the conditions all New Zealand dairy companies are now experiencing, chief executive Rod Quin says.

“While the season is only just underway, we have always maintained a monthly revision process to provide shareholders with the most up to date forecast possible.

“The reduction is driven by the falls in prices across the globe and the continued high value of the New Zealand dollar.”

The last GDT auction saw an overall price drop of just 0.6% but Quin noted that the skim milk powder price ­– which represents much of Westland’s production – dropped 12%; there is still lacklustre demand from China and stock levels in distributor and customer warehouses was reportedly high, he adds.

“Higher prices last season caused a growth in milk supply growth in Europe, the USA and New Zealand, giving customers more options.”

Quin says the reduced payout will cause farmers to review their budgets; Westland’s board and management know

the stress this will put on some suppliers.

“We’ll be monitoring the situation and working with shareholders to help ensure they have the resources and tools to manage their way through this,” he said.

“Westland will also continue its strategy to grow its capacity to produce higher value nutritional products such as infant formula. Our traditional

Westland’s Rod Quin.

reliance on bulk dairy commodities such as skim milk makes us more vul-

nerable to the cyclical swings of the international dairy market.

“Our recently announced investment in a $102 million nutritionals dryer at Hokitika will give us the capacity to shift more of our production to this end of the market where profits are higher and opportunities to lift payouts are better.”

Birdproof kitset sheds

 BIRD PROOF  Solid and robust  Protects your assets  Free delivery na�onwide  Galvanised box sec�on ra�ers

www.alpinebuildings.co.nz

Phone now for your free brochure pack on

0800 428 453

As New Zealand’s only dedicated agribusiness bank, we understand the unique financial needs of farmers. That’s why we’ve created the All In One account. With a single account, you have all the advantages of working capital with term debt. And what’s more, there’s the everyday convenience of ATMs, online access and Debit MasterCard®.

To discover how our All In One account can benefit your business, call Rabobank to arrange a visit.

®

MasterCard is the registered trade mark of MasterCard International Incorporated.

facebook.com/ruralnews

ALPINE CLEARSPAN

All In One account. All your business finance needs in one.

Call 0800 722 622 or visit rabobank.co.nz

@rural_news

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

6 NEWS

Landcorp profit no accident!

P E T E R BU R K E peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

LANDCORP CHIEF executive Steven Carden says he’d hate to think people may attribute the company’s profit of $30 million this year to an “accident”

of higher commodity prices.

He told Rural News that while prices have been a factor in the dairy side of the business, and to some degree in sheep and beef, much of the increased profit has come from pro-

ductivity improvements across the business. The $30 million profit is up $17 million on the previous year and total operating revenue is up 37% to $241.7 million.

Carden says high dairy prices and success with

The changing environment...

A WAVE of change is rolling through Landcorp on many fronts including farm safety where they are working on changing the whole culture of the company.

Likewise the environment, part of the new Landcorp strategy, spanning the whole organisation, largely in dairying, particularly nutrient run-off, Carden says.

“It’s making sure we’re optimising the different land classes we farm, achieving a balance between optimising profitability and driving environmental rejuvenation across each farm.

“It’s not restricted to dairying, but obviously some of our biggest challenges

are dairy farms set in sensitive catchments.”

Landcorp’s environmental strategy has a strong focus on sustainable farming systems, but not producing more for the sake of it, Carden says.

Rather it is to produce more profitably and sustainably.

“It can even mean reducing production in certain areas. Certainly with the dairy payout last year there was pressure to [spend more on] winter feed to boost production. But you need a consistent strategy onfarm that you adhere to and not be distracted by payout levels.”

Getting caught in high-cost systems risks these being unsustainable.

partnerships for expanded production increased milk revenue by 70% to $129 million. Landcorp has strengthened its productive capacity and secured economies of scale through new partnerships with landowners like the Hauraki Collective.

“We’re introducing a state-of-the-art farm management software system, and a companywide initiative to reduce costs and streamline decisionmaking at farm level. We’ve also made solid gains in feed production per hectare and have achieved a 10% lift in dairy production.”

Landcorp has been focussed on initiatives to raise productivity and efficiency across its operations, Carden says.

“In many respects, we’ve been fortunate in species because we

Landcorp chief executive Steven Carden.

have had a real lift in production. Some of that has come off our new farms in the central plateau region of the North Island and a new farm down in Canterbury.

“We have some ongoing productivity improvements across our livestock businesses. For example, our lambing percentages are going to be 140% for the coming year, which is really pleasing. I’d like to think the operating matrix suggests effective management supported by good commodity prices.”

No news on Lochinver sale NO WORD from the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) on the fate of Shanghai Pengxin’s application to buy Lochinver Station in the central North Island.

Chief executive Gary Romano told Rural News he’s heard nothing. The company has applied to the OIO but Romano has no idea how long their process will take – anything from two to five months.

“They will come back and say either the purchase has been approved or… not. Or they will say ‘we think you need to make some changes to your application’.

There is nothing we can do until that determination is made by the OIO and the recommendations are made to the ministers.”

Obviously a lot of people are interested in the outcome, he says, joking about the idea of sending a card to Judith Collins to thank her for taking the controversial sale out of the headlines.

He knows of concern that Shanghai Pengxin may convert some of Lochinver Station to dairy farming, but this is separate from the purchase of station, he says.

“Firstly you have to purchase the farm and to do this you need to get OIO approval. If we get this we still need to apply for consents and even if we do get these there will probably be conditions that may apply to that.

“So is there is a valid concern – yes. And is there a valid process to deal with that concern. The RMA process is set up to balance economic growth and environmental protection and stakeholders get a say in the process.” – Peter Burke

TRX500FM1

TRX500FM2

TRX500FPA

$13,387 EXC GST

$14,257 EXC GST

$14,778 EXC GST

TRX420TM1

TRX420FM1

TRX420FM2

TRX420FA2

$9,300 EXC GST

$11,300 EXC GST

$12,170 EXC GST

$12,865 EXC GST

TALK TO YOUR LOCAL HONDA DEALER TODAY!

ATV Rural News Ad.indd 1

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

NEWS 7

Fert to hit the fan at Ravensdown?

A NDR EW SWA L LOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz

A MOTION proposing Ravensdown redeems shares in thirds over three years on request seems set to spark debate as its annual meeting approaches.

Currently, a five year “dry” period of not trading with Ravensdown is required before shares will be redeemed to farmers continuing to farm, but sourcing fertiliser elsewhere.

South Canterbury farmer Jeremy Talbot believes that lead time to leave the cooperative is too long and has historically made the board complacent, hence the motion he’s filed.

“The motion is to remind them [the board] of their duty to shareholders,” he told Rural News.

Large-scale lower

North Island farmer Hew Dalrymple told Rural News his first reaction to the motion was that it’s “a great idea,” though he admitted he hadn’t had time to look into the detail of what’s proposed.

“We put just about all our business through Ballance now but we are still a big shareholder in Ravensdown.”

Lack of confidence in Ravensdown’s former senior management was his reason for moving and he says he won’t be moving back just because there’s been a change of guard at Ravensdown.

Hawkes Bay farmer Hugh Ritchie made a similar move to Ballance about a decade ago due to concerns about preferential treatment of some shareholders and product quality.

“We’ve finally got our money out but it’s taken

nearly seven years….

Redemption at the board’s discretion is a crazy system.”

He believes the redemption structure of many of the cooperatives needs reviewing.

Charlie Pedersen, who farms near Palmerston North and Ohakune, is also a shareholder in both cooperatives but says he

creates a problem for won’t be supporting everybody else. It’s the Ravensdown very similar to a redemption dairy cooperative.” motion.

His dual share“I think a holding is more for coop has to have logistical reasons some glue…. If the than anycapital starts thing else, to move he says. out “Where of the Ravensdown chair John Henderson we farm in busicould be in for a lively time at the co-op’s AGM. the middle ness it

What all the fuss is about AFTER A nil dividend from $6m profit last year, Ravensdown last month reported trading profit before rebate and tax of $46m for 2013/14 with $15/t rebate and $22.38/t issued as shares.

Ballance’s group trading profit was $89.5m. It paid an average rebate of $60.83/t plus 10c/share dividend, equivalent to another $4.17/t.

Ravensdown’s withdrawal from Australia saw net debt down from $200m to $49m but trade losses, impairments on

product and drops in the book value of assets associated with that withdrawal wiped $20-$23m off profit from continuing operations.

Tonnage sold in New Zealand, judging by charts in Ravensdown’s annual report, was up from just over 1mt to 1.2mt, on par with 2010-11 and 2011-12 but behind 2005-06 through to 2007-08.

Ballance’s annual report shows it sold 1.55mt in 2013-14, a 16.5% increase on 2012-13’s 1.33mt.

of the North Island we can get a better service out of Ballance because there’s a store within sight of our main operation. It makes a big difference to us because it is literally just down the road.

“Obviously there’s some dissatisfaction with Ravensdown’s performance in recent years, particularly the Aussie losses, and as shareholders we know we have to wear that… but sometimes you have to make a bit of a cock-up before you realise you have to change course….

“The thing that makes me not too worried about Ravensdown is we have a very strong cooperative beside it. That more or less ensures there’s a driver for competition.”

Mid Canterbury crop and livestock farmer David Clark, who raised concerns with Ravensdown’s board

at last year’s annual meeting over the company’s performance, says he will support the motion.

He estimates being a Ravensdown shareholder, rather than Ballance, has effectively cost him $15,000 to $20,000/year for the past two years.

“Cash-wise we’re $50/t worse off with Ravensdown this year. Yes, there’s been a bonus share issue but that’s of arguable value if you can’t use it until such time as you cease farming.

It’s essential to give the shareholders some ability to redeem shares they’re not using.”

Ravensdown chairman John Henderson says the board isn’t supporting the motion in its current form, but a constitutional review, which could include changes to redemption rules, is underway. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

.

H T A P W E N A E G R .

E O G F N A R DA ATV N O H 4 1 0 2 W E N E TH

Available while stocks last. At participating Honda dealers only. Specifications may not apply to all models. Contact your local Honda Dealer for more information.

www.hondamotorbikes.co.nz 9/06/14 3:12 PM

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

8 NEWS

Tussle looms for Fonterra seats CANDIDATES ARE lining up for Fonterra’s board elections.

Nominations close on Friday (September 5); sitting Fonterra directors David McLeod and John Monaghan have confirmed they are seeking re-election.

Jim van der Poel, Waikato, is stepping down after 12 years. Three candidates confirmed by Rural News are Leonie Guiney, South Canterbury, Gray Baldwin, South Waikato and Grant Rowan, Southland.

Nominations must be received by returning officer Warwick Lampp by noon, September 5.

Candidates will be announced on September

Gary Baldwin

23 following assessment by a panel for the purpose of providing shareholders with more information to help them make an informed vote. This assessment is open to all

Leonie Guiney

candidates but is not compulsory.

The assessment panel comprises independent chairman Bill Falconer and two members appointed by each of the Fonterra

board and shareholders council. The panel interviews candidates who choose to be assessed and sends the results to shareholders with voting papers.

Grant Rowan

Guiney is a former consulting officer who, with husband Kieran, has for ten years built a multiple dairy farm business around Fairlie, South Canterbury. She was often at the forefront of debate on TAF (trading among farmers). She said last month she is standing because of the importance of Fonterra to farmers and the wider New Zealand economy.

“Governance is about purpose and direction which is where my passion lies. The co-operative model has given so much to my family…. I by no means claim to have all the skills the Fonterra board needs, but if I can bring something different to the current board I can make a contribution.”

Baldwin, who stood in 2011, has three farms in various ownership structures around Fonterra’s Lichfield factory, Waikato.

He’s also on the board of Ballance AgriNutrients, LIC and Trinity Lands, a dairy and kiwifruit farming charitable trust.

He sees the biggest issue for Fonterra as staying relevant globally and

getting more milk.

“The rest of the world’s dairy production is growing significantly and Fonterra has a large slice of the world trade at the moment but if we don’t grow our milk supply over-

seas in ten years we could be only 10% of that world trade.”

MyFarm director Grant Rowan stood in 2012 and is standing again.

“I’m very positive about Fonterra and believe we need a strong intergenerational cooperative that adds value to the dairy business of New Zealand for New Zealand dairy farmers,” he told Rural News.

Asked what he sees as the key issue for Fonterra’s future, he says internationally it’s staying relevant, succeeding and growing, particularly in emerging markets, but

domestically it’s making sure Fonterra is the cooperative and processor dairy farmers want to belong to and can afford to belong to.

Rowan has three dairy farms in Southland of his own, and leads farm procurement and management for MyFarm.

Director retiring by rotation and seeking reelection David Macleod was pleased to hear other candidates are standing.

“It’s good for the governance of the cooperative that shareholders have a choice.”

Besides his Fonterra directorship, Macleod is chairman of Taranaki Regional Council, managing director of Greaves Electrical and a director of PKW Farms, Fonterra’s 13th largest supplier.

“When I stood three years ago I made a commitment that if I was successful I would be there long-term, as long as shareholders want me to be. They’ve invested three years in me. It would be remiss of me not to seek re-election.”

Macleod sees delivering on Fonterra’s strategy as a key issue for the cooperative.

“When I started, the chief executive was as new as I was but now he has his feet well and truly under the table. It has been an interesting journey over the past three years, almost a baptism of fire you might say with the issues we’ve had to deal with, but we have a clear strategy in place – a strategy I’m totally behind and believe in... it will deliver great value to shareholders.”

... And for the cheap ones ELECTIONS ARE also being held for 22 Fonterra Shareholders Council wards.

Due to these boundary changes, this year there will be elections for 19 new wards, they come into existence after the elections. Shareholders affected by boundary changes will have the opportunity to vote for their preferred representative for their new ward.

Elections will be held in three wards; central Taranaki, northern Manawatu and Wairarapa due to directors retiring by rotation.

Council chairman Ian Brown says it recently completed review of the

council ward boundaries so all Fonterra farmers have sufficient local representation.

The review has shown a significant increase in Fonterra farm numbers in the South Island, he says.

“So the council approved three recommendations to improve the alignment of councillors to farmers throughout the country.”

The number of wards remains at 35; one councillor will represent each ward. Representation in North Island had reduced by 3 councillors; two extra councillors will be elected in Canterbury and one in Southland.

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

NEWS 9

Strong demand for dairy specialty CANTERBURY MILK processor Synlait Milk says it expects strong global demand for its lactoferrin to continue.

According to managing director John Penno, since Synlait began commercially producing and selling the valuable milk protein earlier this year, response from customers about the performance of its lactoferrin in their product applications has been positive.

“Our initial focus on its application in infant formula and over the counter nutraceutical products such as health tablets is paying off. Globally, consum-

ers are increasingly looking for nutritious and safe food that contributes to the long-term health and well-being of their families. Lactoferrin can help meet these needs.”

Used in the manufacture of infant formula, health food and pharmaceutical products, the bioactive protein provides anti-inflammatory protection and other health benefits.

“It is an important step forward for the business. We have had interest for some time from customers looking to enhance the performance of lactoferrin

Synlait’s John Penno.

as an ingredient in their infant formula products,” Penno adds.

He says that following the upgrade of its specialty milk dryer earlier this year, Synlait Milk became one of only two manufacturers world-wide with the capability to produce lactoferrin as a spraydried powder. The company is targeting 15 metric tonnes of spray dried lactoferrin sales in the current financial year.

The market for lactoferrin has grown from 45,000kg in 2001 to 185,000kg in 2012 and is projected to grow to 262,000kg in 2017.

Prepare now for docking/tailing.

Wild weather puts pressure on mating GA R E T H G I L LAT T

CONSULTANTS and rural leaders say farmers need to do whatever they can to prepare for mating.

The winter has been miserable in Northland, Manawatu, Wairarapa and the West Coast where calves were born into mud and farmers had to cut deep into their supplement supplies.

Forecasters predicted warmer conditions for the northern regions in August. But many Northland farmers say they have endured the worst August in a while – incredibly low soil temperatures and buffeting winds in the first week of the month and flash flooding of 50-150mm hitting the Far North, Kaipara and Whangarei areas in mid-month.

As a result, most farmers in the region are dealing with a pasture wedge deficit. DairyNZ Northland regional manager Tafi Manjala says some farmers could be feeding 50% of their herd’s diet in supplements to put cows on a rising plain of nutrition as they go into mating.

A lot of this feed is being bought in says Rural Support Trust coordinator Julie Jonkers. After four droughts and four floods farm-grown supplements are at best scarce.

“People are trying to buy haylage and baleage and there’s not a lot in Northland.”

While forage crops and pasture supplements were likely to be in short supply PKE is more accessible say analysts; spot market prices have fallen to $240 a tonne and other imported feeds may be cheaper because of bigger global harvests.

Mating is likely to start on Northland farms in midSeptember and on the region’s west coast soon after, but because Northland herds’ body condition scores are typically only 3.0-4.5, Manjala says farmers should explore supplement options now not later.

“It’s been a challenging season and one of the biggest risks we face is getting cows in calf.

“People need to try to contain the impact of this storm to this season and not let it spread over multiple seasons.

If they let go of the early in-calf rate it will take a couple of seasons to get back.”

Some indications are this has already happened: professionals and farmers are commenting that calving patterns weren’t as tight this year as in previous years.

Free

22 L FOR THE PRICE OF 20 L

30

$

1 L ZOLVIX

22 L FOR THE PRICE OF 20 L

19) (VALUED AT $3HA SE A WHEN YOU PURC O PACK OM PR L 10 IX LV ZO

Zolvix® 10 L Promo Pack Includes 2 x 5 L Zolvix, backpack and drench gun.

Pyrimide® 25 L

Normally $629

599

$

Valid 1/8/2014 - 31/10/2014

CLiK® Spray-On 22 L Promo Pack

CLiKZiN® Spray-On 22 L Promo Pack

3

9

$ 60

Leader Rubber Rings Blue or Orange

LAMB VACCINE 500 ml Plain Selenised

500 pack Normally $12.10

2,000 pack Normally $51.30

Leader Economy Applicator

Normally $30.60

$ 90 $ 27 10 47 129 132

$

$

$

Valid 1/8/2014 - 31/10/2014

Valid 1/8/2014 - 31/10/2014

$ 50

Leader Ring Dispenser Normally $74.50

65

$

Valid 1/8/2014 - 31/10/2014

Terms and Conditions: Offers and prices valid for dates specified or while stocks last. Prices include GST and are subject to change.

Some products may not be available in all stores but may be ordered on request. Prices do not include delivery, delivery is additional. Images are for illustrative purposes only.

Freephone 0800 10 22 76

www.pggwrightson.co.nz

Helping grow the country

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

10 NEWS

Farmers keep up fertiliser applications P E T E R BU R K E peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

CONFIDENCE IN better prices seems to have prompted North Island sheep and beef farmers

towards earlier-than-normal interest in spreading fertiliser.

Two fixed-wing and helicopter companies have told Rural News orders are coming in much earlier

W E’ VE

than in the past.

Neil Miller, Super Air, says inquiries are higher than normal for this time of year from sheep and beef farmers. He hopes to see this take some pres-

Reports of fertiliser applications as strong, or even stronger, than last year.

sure off the peak period for spreading fertiliser – late summer and autumn.

“There is general talk that the economics in sheep and beef are going to be better this year and we’re seeing some genuine interest in getting in early. While it’s too early to gauge exactly what the year will be like, generally we’re predicting it to be as good as last year, if not better, which is positive.”

Positive signals from the sheep and beef sector are also giving a lift to Alan Beck, who runs a helicopter business in Taranaki. He spreads fertiliser mainly for dairy farmers, but says there is now greater interest from sheep and beef farmers.

“We’ve just had an order from a sheep and beef farmer we haven’t heard of for 25 years – he’s ordered 60 tonnes. For us there is no slowdown.

“We probably had our best year last year and this year so far it’s the same.

More and more fertiliser is going on and the biggest increase has been in the sheep and beef areas.”

Traditionally much of the fertiliser has been applied by fixed-wing aircraft, but Beck sees a move to helicopters, which are not weather-bound and don’t have to fly off airstrips that can be difficult to access.

“Often farmers want the fertiliser on when the ground is wet and we can do this even though it’s more expensive. We

ADDED

UR E A NE W F E ARTTS 54 0 TO W EE D M A S TE TH IS S EA S O N ...

3 LITRES

FREE WITH EVERY 2X20L

PURCHASE

can put fertiliser on more accurately. The problem for fixed-wing operators is getting large trucks up to airstrips on poor roads.

“In some hill country areas there are times when you simply can’t get a 50 tonne rig to an airstrip.”

Beck says he sees a trend, in the sheep and beef and dairy sectors, to high-analysis fertilisers. Farmers are spreading lower tonnages, but the quality is higher.

“For example, we’re now selling a lot of palletised lime.

“Where once a farmer would dump 100 tonnes of super on their farm, they now might put on 40 tonnes of triple super or DAP.” Beck doesn’t agree with suggestions that dairy farmers might cut fertiliser use because of the lower payout this season.

“The general consensus is the dollar will drop and that while dairy farmers may not buy the new Falcon or some other luxury items, they will put on at least as much fertiliser as they put on last year to try to keep production up.

“The days are gone when the farmer used to cut fertiliser. Now the last thing they drop is fertiliser.”

CAMBRIDGE FARM ROLLERS

NEW 10ft Roller with Extension Drawbar & Screw Jack $6900 Vee Ring Roller Seeder Drill with Vee bottom seed box, hydraulic clutch, ext. drawbar, ...................... $18,800 Special rollers made to order, • All prices ex-Factory, Excl GST • Spare parts, Rings and Bearings. Competitive freight rates to the North Island 26"dia rings ................... $90.00 24"dia rings ................... $85.00 Ph: 0800-838 963

Now WeedMaster TS540’s Twin Salt™, high strength glyphosate formulation comes with even more. As well as its unique Activate™ surfactant delivering superior absorption and faster brownout, you’ll get 3 litres FREE*.

And of course, you’ll still get 20-minute rainfastness (with Pulse® Penetrant) and a product-replacement performance guarantee.

AUSTINS FOUNDRY LTD 131 King Street, Timaru www.austinsfoundry.co.nz

GET SOCIAL

*3 litres free with every 2x20 litres WeedMaster TS540 purchased in the same transaction.

Offer available from 01 September to 31 October or while stocks last.

weedmaster.co.nz

facebook.com/ruralnews

®WeedMaster and Priority Partnership are registered trademarks of Nufarm Ltd. ®Pulse is a registered trademark of Nufarm Technologies USA Pty Ltd. ™Twin Salt and Activate are trademarks of Nufarm Ltd. BT3122

twitter.com/Rural_News ruralnewsgroup.co.nz/rss www.ruralnews.co.nz 3122 NUF WeedMaster Spring 14 Ad 28x5-1.indd 1

7/08/14 10:47 AM

HC SKP0 8 0 8

Ron: the next generation.

Follow us facebook.com/redbands

Red Bandals are now available in children’s and junior sizes.

Plus adults sizes 3-14. www.redband.co.nz

WORKHORSES FOR

A NEW GENERATION ALL NEW MF4700GLOBALSERIES | 74 – 82 HP A NEW TRACTOR FOR A NEW WORLD With the new Global Series, Massey Ferguson has taken the concept of a utility tractor and re-engineered it from the ground up to meet the needs of present and future farming. On offer in this power bracket is an array of build specifications, options and accessories, all designed to help tailor your machine exactly the way you need it for your farming operation.

3 and 4 cylinder AGCO POWER engines 12x12 synchromesh transmission with synchronised mechanical or power shuttle

Footstep Operator Station or Semi Platform Electro-hydraulically engaged differential lock and 4WD available

ALL NEW MF6600SERIES | 120 – 140 HP THE MOST POWERFUL, COMPACT 4 CYLINDER TRACTOR Powerful Perkins engine Dyna 4 semi-powershift transmission (16F/16R) Unique styling enhances visibility for loader work

Superb power to weight ratio New design delivers exceptional ground clearance

SEE YOUR NEAREST MASSEY FERGUSON DEALER FOR HUGE VALUE TODAY www.masseyferguson.co.nz | Freecall: 0800 825 872

Electronic Linkage Control (ELC) 2 Auxiliary spool valves

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

NEWS 13

Quietly confident in the hill country The $100 lamb is seen as achieveable.

P E T E R BU R K E peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

THE NEXT few weeks are shaping up as critical to a good outcome for central North Island and East Coast sheep farmers.

Martin Walshe, from the Hunterville Veterinary Club, told Rural News that so far only about a third of farmers in his area have lambed; the rest are about two weeks away from doing so. But the outlook is good assuming the weather behaves, he says.

“The scanning percentages were generally fairly good, particularly for the ewes mated in March.

For those mated in April it got a bit dry so there was a bit of loss of body weight in some of these later flocks and the scanning percentages were back a bit. Overall it was probably a lot better than last year, but not as much as people were hoping for.”

Things are picking up in the area and people are positive, the $100 lamb seen as “achievable”.

“Some people have averaged $90-100 or more for their lambs, so things are looking pretty good.

The countryside has had a decent amount of moisture, which we needed, and we just have to wait for the snow on the ranges to go and

for things to warm up a bit.”

Cold spells have been few, except in the west of the region where lambs were lost to cold. But soil temperatures are now lower than three weeks ago.

“We need a warm 10 days. We have had the moisture, but after the moisture we’ve had a lot of cloud and some frosts – so we need the

soil to warm back up again and we’ll be away.

“Feed supply is not critical, but no-one has any big surplus and quite a bit of nitrogen is being put on. Nitrogen has come back into the equation because it has dropped significantly in price. It’s a good equation to use a bit in the spring.”

Despite the drop in the ewe flock, Walshe doesn’t expect farmers to build up numbers in the flocks. He says there may be some limited retention of ewe hoggets, but this won’t be great. His message to farmers, right now, is maximise the potential of ewes by feeding them well and staying on top of animal health issues.

“Feed now. The next five-eight weeks is so critical – if you underfeed your stock they will underperform.” @rural_news

Let the sun shine!

ON THE other side of the ranges in Hawkes Bay, Richard Hilson, VetServices Hawkes Bay, says scanning results, up 10% on last year to 163% for ewes, indicates lamb numbers will be up.

Hilson says farmers have yet to dock so it’s not possible to get an accurate number, but the cold spells have been relatively short and losses low. His gut feeling is it won’t be a bad lambing.

“The big issue now is high parasitism in the ewes.

And the last three or four weeks of cold dark weather has really beggared up our spring. Farmers are saying the grass hasn’t grown at a time you’d expect it to be kicking in. The animals have been a bit colder and hungrier so the covers have vanished quickly.

“We’re missing the front end of our spring basically and that’s affecting ewes: they’ll miss a bit of that peak lactation and that could have spinoffs in respect of weaning weights of lamb.”

Hilson says though the East Coast was not badly hit by the drought, it wasn’t an easy autumn and winter – the rain coming too late to set things up for spring.

“While the winter was quite kind, the grass wasn’t in any state to take off because the weather has been so cold, dark and wet. If this continues for a bit longer it’s going to be an abnormally grey wet spring. But if we get two weeks of sunshine everyone will have forgotten about this.”

Overall, Hilson says farmers are not too depressed by the conditions and are just waiting for the sun to shine.

facebook.com/ruralnews

Dave Twaddle, ANZ Northland Agri Manager.

He’s made farming in the region his business.

When Dave first moved to Northland he immediately fell in love with the region. In the 8 years since he has spent his days visiting local farmers as an ANZ Agri Manager. The first hand knowledge of farming he has gained in this time has seen him represent

the region as a finalist in the ANZ Young Farmer Contest. Dave is part of ANZ’s Agri Business Team of ten dedicated to providing expert local advice to Northland. To find your local ANZ Agri Specialist, visit anz.co.nz/rural or call Dave on 09 430 1623.

Best Agribusiness Bank New Zealand 2012 - 2014

anz.co.nz/rural ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited

ANZ1551/RN/10

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

14 NEWS NEVER MISS A STORY FACEBOOK.COM/RURALNEWS

TWITTER.COM/RURAL_NEWS

KEEP UP-TO-DATE WITH OUR WEEKLY NEWSLETTER. Registration is FREE!

www.ruralnews.co.nz/enewsletter

‘Lambcam’ taking retailers on-farm PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

e weed

Th

er -

JFM

ip

e ge n

w

u

in

s

UNITED STATES retailers can log onto a website and watch ewes and lambs on New Zealand farms go about their business through a ‘lambcam’.

They can also ‘Adopt a Lamb’ in New Zealand for a year and get updates on their lamb’s progress.

They also get to name the lamb, and have chosen everything from ‘Lamby’ to ‘Satay’ and ‘Roast’.

It’s all part of getting engagement with the Primary Wool and Elders carpet wool brand Just Shorn. And it’s about educating the potentially huge market about wool.

“We set up a lambcam and a GoPro (camera) on a farm and filmed sheep continuously – people who have adopted a lamb so they can log on and look at a farm. The farm we did the first GoPro on is a beautiful setting. We take a bit of New Zealand to the world,” says Elders head of marketing and communications Jane Carey.

“It works. People have an interest in New Zealand, they have an interest in animals but there is a high perception of ‘golly if you shear a lamb, how long does it take to die?’. They think

you are skinning the lamb.

They don’t understand the natural sustainability.

“It’s an engagement piece with New Zealand because people see these stunning farms, look at beautiful oceans… it starts this love affair with New Zealand.”

A tuft of wool at the end of the lamb adoption, monthly communication with retailers and other techniques are part of keeping them talking about Just Shorn. They are also starting digital initiatives to talk with customers in the US and Canada.

The importance of education and training in the US and Canada markets has been emphasised to Carey after returning from two flooring conventions in the US. Just Shorn does a lot of educating through retailers in its partners in the US, CCA Global Partner and J.Mish.

“With the US economy coming out of the downturn and the GFC, there’s new housing being built and an increase in employment. The industry stats and research are saying as those people get back on their feet they are more likely to choose a more ecological product.

People will now start

Primary Wool and Elders ‘Adopt a Lamb’ concept is about tying end-users to NZ.

to ask ‘what’s a natural product you can give me?’

“People can afford to make a choice; let’s hope that continues.”

Attending conferences twice a year allows for invaluable feedback which provides insights from a brand perspective.

“The big issue in the US is education about wool and the key attributes of wool. Once retailers are educated we find them saying that it’s an easy sell.

“A handful of New Zealand products in the US and Canada are making their mark and New Zealand seems to be on everyone’s bucket list as a place to come and visit. It is great for New Zealand tourism and New Zealand products. To encourage that we offer sales incentive trips, take people to stay on farms, to

do some shearing… take them through the whole process.”

Just Shorn was launched in Australia through 50 Carpet One outlets “with very positive results and feedback”.

“The Australian market is a little more familiar with wool. Retailers are enthusiastic and keen to get involved – it is new for them. “There’s an emotional story about Just Shorn which is farm to the floor. It’s an all-engaging process.”

The ranges are named after a place, a sheep station, farm or river. “We are trying to encapsulate New Zealand and we go back and educate the retailer about what the name means. It gives retailers something to talk about on the range to consumers.”

the beginning of a legendary journey

Rugby World Cup 2015 Tours & Packages Three great options available now: • Semi-finals & the Final Corporate Package • Quarter-finals to the Final Hosted Supporter Tour • English Coaching Inns & Pubs; quarter-finals to the Final Tour Register online today or call BCD Travel on 04 891 1000 www.bcdsport.co.nz/rwc2015 TM © Rugby World Cup Limited 2008 - 2014. All rights reserved.

in

ce

198

7

THE VERSATILE ALL ROUNDER. High dry matter yields Single or multi-graze Superior regrowth potential Rape x Kale Aphid tolerant Goliath the multi-purpose forage rape that fits all farm systems. Goliath performs strongly from spring/summer/ autumn establishment, delivering feed when and where you need it. Very good aphid tolerance means Goliath will go the distance.

“Goliath provides quality feed all the way from the leaf to the stem and we get good weight gains.

There’s nothing left when the cows have finished.”

Need more feed? Contact your local seed retailer, go to www.pggwrightsonseeds.com or Freephone 0800 805 505

PWS1353

MIKE NORTON, CHEVIOT

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

16 NEWS

Sectors need to aim for common ground on nutrient management principles PA M T I PA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

THE DIFFERENT primary sectors must overcome differences to develop common principles on nutrient management, or outside parties like Fish

& Game will have undue influence, says HortNZ’s business manager Chris Keenan.

HortNZ has developed a set of its own 13 principles on nutrient management and is among a number of primary sec-

tors looking to reach a common ground on allocation management.

“We are trying to come to a common position on nutrient management given many other areas of the community are very interested in the way the

RAINER IRRIGATION where the grass is always greener Centre pivots and laterals

Installation and repairs of Centre Pivots, RotoRainers, Electrical, Pumps, Effluent, Mainline, and more Electrical systems

10 Robinson Street, Ashburton.

P: 03 307 9049 | E: rainer@ashburton.co.nz

visit our website www.rainer.co.nz

primary sector is managing their environmental issues,” Keenan told Rural News.

“It is not as simple as saying other areas of the community don’t have an interest in doing that because they do, for example Fish & Game choosing an allocation approach based on LUC in the Horizons One Plan.

“Basically it is better if the primary sector can try to come to an agreement on a set of allocation principles and an allocation structure instead of having that determined for them by other parties.

That’s what we are seeking to do.”

Keenan says plan changes are occurring around the country on managing nutrients, mainly nitrogen, and limiting the effects of farming on water quality. The National Policy Statement has also come into play requiring setting limits for contaminants into catchments.

“Once those limits are set according to the community’s values, if you are over-allocated you have to phase them out by a certain date.

“The National Policy Statement also requires the development of an accounting system which tells you whether you are managing within a limit which is set within a catchment or not. Nutrient allocation principles become important. To manage within a limit, that has

to be divided up among farms.

“The initial allocation of those nutrients becomes something of value just like a water right. The way that is allocated becomes particularly important. Whether you’ve got enough nutrients or not to change land use or be flexible in the way rural land is maintained will have great implications for the value of your property.”

Keenan says for the primary sector to have a conversation, different sectors need to establish common nutrient allocation principles.

HortNZ has businesses that leach very little and others that leach more. “The set of allocation principles we’ve developed is reflective of that. Many other sectors don’t necessarily have the significant range we have.”

Keenan says it is a complex area of policy so it’s important the governance level understands what will drive discussion points with the other primary sectors. “There are significant financial effects that may occur.”

HortNZ spent $1 million on Horizon’s One Plan including legal fees

through the court system.

Last Thursday it lodged expert evidence on the

ferent allocation system for each catchment it would be completely unworkable.

The more consistency we can get in the

HortNZ’s Chris Keenan has called on different sectors to overcome their differences on nutrient management.

Selwyn Waihora plan. In the latter case it looks like farmers and growers will have to cut back nutrient use substantially to meet the ECan targets. “There will be a lot of debate over who is required to cut back and the principles that should apply to that cutback.”

Nationally he hopes principles can be applied across the board rather than region by region given that most growers operate outside more than one catchment and many operate across different councils. “If we have a dif-

system, the less transaction costs for any of the growers and the easier the system is to understand.

“That’s one of our principles to make sure the system is easy to operate and is reasonably cheap to operate. In the end the number-one business for farmers is not managing nitrogen, it is growing food. It has to be simple to understand and operate.

“A lot of farmers are getting very worried…. it is driving some decisions the banks are making on the value of their land.

TO PAGE 17

Get more out of your land with ANZ.

Our new ANZ Pasture Productivity Loan is designed to help you increase output and profit of your farm by reinvesting in your pasture. Increasing the quality and amount of feed enables you to finish more stock and be more resilient to the climate. It could be the highest returning investment

you can make for your farm. Talk to your local ANZ Agri Manager today about including pasture productivity investment in your farming plans with our highly competitive rate of 5.00% p.a*. To find an ANZ Agri Manager near you go to anz.co.nz/rural.

anz.co.nz/rural *Rate current as at 28 July 2014. Floating interest rates are subject to change. ANZ lending and eligibility criteria, terms and conditions and fees apply. ANZ Bank New Zealand Limited.

ANZ1971/RN

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

NEWS 17

New boss for Primary ITO settles in MARK JEFFERIES has been appointed the new head of Primary Industry Training Organisation (ITO).

He has worked 27 years in primary industries in Australia and New Zealand, including group general manager of LIC, and chief executive of the NZ Meat Board and Meat & Wool NZ. Most recently, he was chief executive of Agri One, a joint venture between Massey and Lincoln universities. Agri One held a contract with DairyNZ to

facilitate the Lincoln/Massey Centre of Excellence in Farm Business Management.

Jefferies says Primary ITO’s “knowledge of skill needs places it in a strong leadership role to advocate for strategies harnessing the goodwill among commercial, industry-good and government partners. My key focus will be to drive these partnerships, facilitating cost effective outcomes for the industry.”

Jefferies says the recent MPI report ‘People Powered’, urging a doubling of New Zealand’s primary sector exports by 2025 and 50,000 more skilled people to achieve this, “is where Primary ITO steps in”.

“As the ITO for the primary industry it is our role to deliver the knowledge, practical skills, confidence and business expertise people need to meet the demands of the global export market.”

Mergers during the past two years

have seen Primary ITO emerge as NZ’s largest ITO. Jefferies wants to get “all those teams working together, aligning the backroom and our training advisers to leverage our work across different sectors”.

Part of the Primary ITO role is to provide NZQA endorsed qualifications and training to people in the agriculture, horticulture, equine, water, sports turf and food processing industries.

Mark Jeffries

Complex decisions DAIRYNZ SENIOR policy advisor Oliver Parsons says DairyNZ is working with the other primary sector organisations including HortNZ, Beef + Lamb NZ and Federated Farmers on suggested principles for a nitrogen management framework.

They are also looking at the information and good process that would be important for making local decisions on allocation frameworks as part of limit-setting processes.

“Essentially, like the other organisations involved, we think discussions will differ from catchment to catchment depending on the local considerations such as the current state of water compared to the limits, and the specific make-up of the current and potential land uses within the catchment,” he says.

“The work is aimed at supporting these local conversations by sharing our learnings as a group on how to progress through these complex considerations.

“These are extremely complex decisions that will need to be led by people with good local knowledge, as part of local limit-setting processes.”

Along with good local knowledge, the local decision-making will also need to be supported by robust science and cost benefit analyses, he says.

IF YOU CAN MILK, FEED OR STORE IT.

WE CAN HOUSE IT

BECAUSE YOUR STORAGE NEEDS

CAN BE MET Regardless of size or design, we’ll be pleased to come in and help.

Common ground FROM PAGE 16

Farmers and growers are seeking leadership from the primary sectors. We’ve been working through a number of issues in a group format to resolve those issues.”

Keenan says there’s an increasing consensus across the primary sector but still some big differences. “The big difference sits around how you allocate nutrients in the first place and whether you give the nutrients to the existing land-use activities based on their footprint currently or whether you do it in some other way.

“If you allocate just on the existing footprint and the market changes or you have a biosecurity event, it means flexibility of rural land use is gone and the value of your rural land use might change.

“You need to be able to move nutrients to where the most value is – that’s one of the problems

because we don’t look at nutrients as a transferable quality.

“Often there is land which is not up to its full production potential: do you say it is always going to have an allocation of nutrients which allows for a substandard result?”

There’s another argument about whether people farming on heavier soils should have to compensate for the environmental effects on someone farming on lighter soils, such as in Canterbury, with high nutrient inputs and irrigation.

“There’s a great range of positions … it’s a pretty complex area to get into and we tread with real caution which is why we are structured on the way we develop policy.

“We’ve spent a lot of money on science modelling for catchments to understand nutrient flows and hydrology.”

BECAUSE UNCOVERED FEED-PADS NEGATIVELY OVERLOAD EFFLUENT VOLUME Cover your feed-pad to separate rainwater and reduce effluent volume.

BECAUSE HAPPIER COWS & GOATS PRODUCE HEAPS

MORE MILK Goat and cow housing, feed d pads & farm build buildings. din ings gs..

®

phone 0800 298 324

aztechbuildings.co.nz hbuildings.co.nz

O ST NTR PR OL ICE! †

C T E S B BE HE AT T

Opus has been New Zealand’s market-

Unlike Opus, Opus Ultimate is a

it), but that doesn’t mean we couldn’t improve it! Especially when it means

against all fungal diseases.***

leading cereal fungicide for many years.

We know you still love it (and swear by

you can increase your income by an average $95 per hectare!* Introducing Opus Ultimate, the Opus upgrade with the trial-proven potential to increase yield by boosting disease

single-action emulsifying formulation - for faster, more effective, action

†

Don't take the cut rates too far.

When it comes to early season disease control in your wheat, Opus Ultimate and Opus at full label rates offer the best control at the best price on Speckled Leaf Blotch.

control in barley, wheat and ryegrass by up to 15%!**

Available from your local rural supplier or call BASF on 0800 93 2273 Details at www.agro.basf.co.nz *

In four irrigated trials Opus Ultimate, at eld rates, consistently out-yielded Opus by an average of 237kg/ha grain. At $400/tonne, that’s a tidy $95/ha. ** In ve trials in 2011, Opus Ultimate out-yielded the untreated by more than 3 t/ha. grain on average. *** In the 2010 season, the Opus Ultimate advantage was clearly seen on stripe rust and powdery mildew; in 2011, on brown rust and speckled leaf blotch.

Opus® and Opus Ultimate® are registered trademarks of BASF Always consult the product label before use.

BSF 0044 08/14

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

NEWS 19

More water resource consents on horizon GA R E T H G I LLAT T

FARMERS are facing a new level of red tape for water access.

Conditions for water uptake, set four years ago by the Ministry of Environment (MoE) and due to take effect from the end of this year, will require farmers to install water meters and apply for water consents.

MoE requires councils to get ratepayers using over 10 cumecs/day to obtain a resource consent, conditional on installing at least one water meter on the main bore.

And while ‘dryland’ farmers in Waikato, Auckland and Canterbury and other regions with pressures on water supply have monitored their water takes and been working on resource consents for at least a year, most councils have placed legislation in the ‘too hard basket’ though two central government-set deadlines are not far away.

Water standard policy set in 2010 requires farmers with pumps capable of drawing 10-20L/sec to apply for resource consents by this November; those drawing 5-10L/sec must apply by next November.

Northland Regional Council started talking with industry groups early last month to try to guarantee minimum water levels for the region.

Council operations director Tony Phipps says discussions have started in catchment groups. “Farmers who shouldn’t have been were living off permitted activity but it wasn’t something the council wanted to push.

“Council saw a bigger issue in effluent treatment standards and

water quality. Now allocation needs to be given a higher priority.”

Phipps says little is known about exactly how much water is available and how much water is actually used, so consents would be as much a factfinding tool as a means of improving year-round supply.

Northland Federated Farmers president and Bay Of Islands drystock farmer Roger Ludbrook says he is concerned about the possibility of another level of bureaucracy. “We’ll get a lot more benefit by simply listening than we will standing up and roaring at people.

“What worries me is whether this will create a new level of regulation, then the council will need to employ new regulators.”

Northland farmers who have already applied for consents to draw water for cowsheds have had a mixed experience with the process.

John Greville milks 500 cows on his Kaipara farm southwest of Dargaville on the Pouto Peninsula.

Five years ago he applied for consent to draw 95 cumecs/day for farm supply, conditional on installing a water meter.

While Greville’s normal intake was well below the 95-cumec limit – 30 cumecs in winter and 80 cumecs in summer – twice a ballcock had come off at a trough and the pump drew over the consented amount. “I got a letter soon after I furnished my readings for the year saying I was in breach of the consent.”

He says this is stingy considering how little water he normally uses, and more should be done to find ‘middle ground’. “On the basis of the consent I could take 95 cumecs/day and put it in a tank somewhere but I don’t want to do that.

“There should be some tolerance

Farmers are facing a new level of red tape for water access.

for the fact that occasionally a float can come off.”

Unbending council staff have also riled Canterbury farmers says Canterbury dairy farmer and Federated Farmers Environment spokesman Ian Mackenzie. Council staff have called farmers about the lack of information from water meters after daylong power outages. He says farmers can make gains by getting involved in policy discussions while there is a chance to make changes.

The then Auckland Regional Council – now Auckland Council – has worked well with farming sector representatives to come up with a plan which works for ratepayers, says Auckland regional Federated Farmers president and Glenbrook dairy farmer Wendy Clark.

After dialogue with farmers the then Auckland Regional Council set limits of 15 cumecs as of right for

Fed Farmers water spokesman Ian Mackenzie says farmers can make gains by getting involved in policy discussions while there is a chance to make changes.

ratepayers. It allowed all farmers in highly subscribed catchments to bring the initial resource consent application for access to more water under the same consent provided they installed their own water meters.

“They wanted to know exactly what people were drawing out of the ground.

It’s not punitive, they’re just making sure there’s sustainable use of farm water.”

Mackenzie says all ratepayers have to face these issues and the least farmers can do is to get involved in the discussion to make sure the leastonerous bureaucracy is in place while the environment reaps the most awards.

He commended the dairy industry’s establishment of the Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord which set the goal for 85% of dairy farms to have water meters by 2020. He suggested meat processors take similar steps. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

POWER FARMING

FLEXI-FINANCE • RATES FROM 1.99% * • TERMS UP TO 5 YEARS YOU CALL THE SHOTS

POW0399C

Contact your local Power Farming dealer today for unbeatable finance deals tailored to your requirements across the entire range of award winning Deutz-Fahr tractors.

Visit www.deutzdeals.co.nz

*Normal lending criteria applies. Consult your Power Farming dealer to discuss specific terms and rates. Loaders pictured may vary from those provided with tractor.

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

20 NEWS

Fonterra denies practicing ‘dirty politics’ PAM T I PA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

INFANT NUTRITION Council chief executive Jan Carey does not believe Fonterra had anything to do with posts on the Whale Oil blog internet site making disparaging comments about breastfeeding advocates.

However she says it raises the issue of how things escalate when ‘extreme’ comments are made by both sides.

Some blogs on Whale Oil hit out at breastfeeding advocates after they made comments about the marketing of infant formula.

The Dirty Politics book by Nicky Hager infers they

could have been requested or paid for by Fonterra.

Fonterra says: “We have never, directly or indirectly, requested or paid for posts on the Whale Oil blog.”

Carey says Fonterra is not a marketer of infant formula in New Zealand and she does not believe they were involved. “I don’t know what Fon-

terra would have gained by doing such a thing and they’d have everything to lose.

“They are a good quality member of the Infant Formula Council, they adhere to our code of conduct and members would not be allowed to be members of the council if they were engaging in the behaviour

alleged.

“I haven’t spoken to Fonterra about it because they have responded themselves that they weren’t involved and I would accept that.

“I don’t condone what was in the blog…. As far as this industry is concerned we are all providing the best possible nutrition for

infants. Breast milk is the best.

“But there is absolutely no need to be thinking that because you are a breast feeding advocate you are at war with the infant formula industry and vice versa. That’s ridiculous.”

Dirty Politics claims a public relations company posted several blogs attacking breastfeeding advocates, labelling them as the ‘breastapo’. Hager implies they were posted on behalf of Fonterra. The book, based on the hacked emails of Cameron Slater who runs the Whale Oil internet site, claims they were among a number posts written by a public relations man under different pseudonyms and paid for by food or tobacco companies.

Infant Nutrition Council members include Fonterra, Nestle, Synlait and Nutricia and 25 associated members. Carey says members have agreed to uphold the values of the council – to be truthful, ethical and accountable and not bring the council into disrepute. And the industry supports “breastfeeding as the first and best form of nutrition for

Jan Carey

infants”.

“All our companies have agreed to that and do that.

We are in the business of infant formula to provide a breastmilk substitute, not to compete with breast milk.”

Members who breached standards would go before the board. “We’re not afraid to kick people out if they don’t adhere to our code.”

Carey says she has worked with Fonterra for years and it is a company with high values that doesn’t engage in dirty politics. “In the whey protein incident they put their hand on their heart and came out and said ‘we might have a problem here’, knowing it would do them enormous damage.

That demonstrates they are a company with integrity.”

‘Whale Oil’ not the good oil CAREY SAYS she understands some Whale Oil blogs were responding to comments breastfeeding advocates had made at a forum about the marketing of infant formula.

Some ideas raised by breast feeding advocates such as plain packaging for infant formula “were not terribly helpful”.

“But I don’t think you then respond to those ideas in a negative or nasty way. They are entitled to their views and beliefs.” But the blog responses were “an extreme response to an extreme view”. “How helpful is that? If someone says something critical of you that’s nasty it makes you react – people get in their corners.

“But there are some good organisations promoting the benefits of breastfeeding.”

There was criticism from breastfeeding advocates and comments made at the forum about women who had stopped breastfeeding amid the earthquake aftermath. Carey felt these comments showed little sympathy for mothers in a disaster situation. She would not hesitate to again donate infant formula under emergency situations.

She does not see any need to get into war with breastfeeding advocates because they are people who care about infant nutrition. “I am a breast feeding advocate myself,” she says.

“Some people as advocates have quite extreme views, then people respond to those extreme views and you get people pushed into their corners and not engaging with each other.”

But she notes that a high quality infant formula is the only recommended substitute for infants not being breastfed.

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

NEWS 21

Muck slingers not keen on getting boots muddy A NDR EW SWA L LOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz

A SOUTH CANTERBURY dairy farmer’s invite to newspaper letter writers to see and discuss cow welfare first hand has gone unanswered.

Following a string of letters in the Timaru Herald last month slamming dairy farmers for having skinny cows, muddy paddocks, lack of shelter, once-a-day milking and/or calf feeding, John Gregan invited readers to visit his farm.

No-one replied.

As a once-a-day calf feeder, he defended that practice.

“The calves have 24-hour access to calf meal and our contented, outstanding young stock are testament to how well calves thrive when reared in this manner.”

Gregan told Dairy News it had been very wet in the Waimate area in autumn and early winter which meant many paddocks were muddier than normal.

One farm with stock next to the main road had been visited twice by the SPCA

As for the lack of response to Gregan’s invitation, he says he’s not surprised. “You’d

South Canterbury dairy farmer John Gregan was disappointed noone took up his offer to see his farm in action.

never convince the individuals who wrote those letters it is any different anyway.”

Get more out of this season with Lely!

“As a dairy farmer I feel we’re often put under the pump by the public and it would be nice to get them to engage and get a bit more understanding about what goes on onfarm.”

“It’s a little disappointing because it was a genuine offer,” Gregan, a Fonterra Shareholders Councillor and former regional Feds Dairy rep, told Rural News.

“As a dairy farmer I feel we’re often put under the pump by the public and it would be nice to get them to engage and get a bit more understanding about what goes on onfarm.”

The letters, which also touched on calf euthanasia and ill-treatment of cows by staff, were probably “based a bit on ignorance, and a bit on misunderstanding,” said Gregan.

“I felt enough was enough. I’d never feel I have the right to be critical of a nurse or a lawyer when I don’t understand their occupation.”

Gregan’s letter did not criticise the correspondents. Instead he offered to help them contact authorities whose role is to investigate alleged animal welfare abuses.

He wrote, “Our industry has no place for those who do not care for the welfare of their animals…. When it is happening we all need to work together to stop it.

We need the public to be proud New Zealand has a world-class dairy industry.”

following complaints by passers-by, but the SPCA had found the stock in good condition.

“I admit it’s not a great look to have cows standing in mud but it doesn’t last long and they are often fed twice a day when it is like that. These animals are meant to live outside; we can’t house them all.”

Federated Farmers South Canterbury Dairy chairman Ryan O’Sullivan echoes Gregan’s comments.

“It looked bad but by and large – and I’ve had a vet confirm this – cow condition across the region is pretty good. We had R1 calves on fodder beet up to their guts in mud at times and they still put on 0.91kg/day liveweight over 60 days. Cows on kale have done well too. Most people have been able to feed stock well despite the wet.

But it’s been hard work, shifting them two or even three times a day.”

O’Sullivan says in some parts of the region the autumn rains were a 1:70-year event so the conditions had been exceptional. “It’s atypical for South Canterbury.

Wintering stock in high densities on crop isn’t normally an issue here.”

HIT THE GROUND RUNNING AND RAKE IN MORE PROFIT! Lely will help you to have a more sustainable, enjoyable and profitable future in farming, starting with; Lely Splendimo Mowers: • The unique drive system ensures a considerably lower power requirement - fuel savings of up to 1 litre/ha!

Lely Lotus Tedders: • The best spreading and drying tedder on the market due to the unique Lely hook-shaped tines.

Lely Hibiscus Rakes: • The Ro-tine harvests results - not dirt! The most efficient rake, minimising contamination.

Call 0800 535 969 NOW or email lelynz@lely.com

HARVEST RESULTS.

www.lely.com

innovators in agriculture

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

22 WORLD

Cooking at your fingertips COOKING RED meat has just got easier, thanks to a new smartphone app from Meat and Livestock Australia.

The ‘Meat Cuts’ app shows consumers how to best match meat cuts with cooking methods – with just a few taps on their mobile.

MLA’s regional marketing manager Australia, Lachlan Bowtell, says matching the right cut with the appropriate cooking method is vital.

“An app that helps consumers increase their understanding of cuts and their most appropriate cooking method is a step

to filling the knowledge gap, and increasing the number of beef, lamb, veal and goat dishes in meal repertoires.

“We know from research that many consumers find the variety of available beef and lamb cuts confusing. Chuck might be called chuck

steak, but works best as a slow cook option and should not be grilled as a steak. No chuck at the supermarket? Try some blade or gravy beef. That’s the type of information ‘Meat Cuts’ can provide,” says Bowtell.

The app has 41 beef cuts, 25 lamb cuts, 21 veal

and 20 goat cuts, explaining where on the animal each cut originates, the most suitable cooking methods and why.

The app also has 107 recipes, one recipe for each cut, and alternative cut suggestions for each recipe should the selected cut not be

available at retail.

Bowtell says MLA research found that after price and nutritional value, difficulty in preparation and a lack of cooking confidence most bothered consumers buying beef or lamb.

“Providing consumers with a resource like the ‘Meat Cuts’ app to boost their confidence in cooking with different cuts helps break down the purchasing barriers and increases their knowledge about different

cooking options.

“Each red meat meal success will spur their confidence to try something new, but ultimately it’s the information they can find in the app on matching cuts and cooking methods that is essential to their success.”

‘Meat Cuts’ is the third consumer smartphone app released by MLA, joining the ‘LambRoast’ and ‘SteakMate’ app downloaded 44,000 times since last November.

Manage BVD. Vaccinate with Bovilis®

GE impact to be studied “It was so frustrating. We didn’t know what the heck was going on − why did we have so many empties?”

ELE-01500W-RN

David Williams

It was 2010, we’d had a high number of empty cows for several years, and we couldn’t understand what the problem was. We just couldn’t make headway. It was pretty distressing. So we looked at our production, we looked at the fertility of the cows, and we came to the conclusion that we should do blood tests and see what the problem was.

“It was my vet who put me on to it and did the testing.

We tested 10 or 15 empty cows and… the results came back positive with BVD.”

BVD was one of the things in a mix of things it could’ve been. I didn’t know a great deal about it at that time, or how prevalent it was in the area. It was actually my vet who put me on to it and did the testing. We tested 10 or 15 empty cows and… the results came back positive with BVD.

I took it all in my stride; I was just relieved to know what the problem was. The vet recommended that we vaccinate all the cows, but I considered that too big a hurdle, so in the first year I just vaccinated

AVAILABLE ONLY UNDER VETERINARY AUTHORISATION ®Registered trademark. ACVM No. A8237.

MSD Animal Health. msd-animal-health.co.nz Phone: 0800 800 543 NZ/BOV/0814/0031

half the herd, and from then on I’ve vaccinated all the heifers going in. We used the Bovilis vaccination, and it’s made a real difference. Because we vaccinated at a time when we had the cattle in the yards, we just fitted it in with our normal programme.

I’ve recently had more tests done and the prevalence of BVD in the herd is a lot lower, “I was just and we came up with a fresh set of recommendations relieved to − to blood test and vaccinate all the heifers going in know what the to make sure no PIs (persistently infected animals) problem was.” get into the herd.

Now that we know what the problem is and we’re dealing with it, things are looking up. With better feeding levels and better management with the Bovilis vaccine, I reckon we’ll get on top of the BVD problem.

David Williams Beef Farmer, Aorangi.

Hear how other farmers tackled BVD at bvd.co.nz

THE US National Research Council is doing a twoyear study of the impact – good and bad – of genetically modified crops.

The council argues that consumers in the US and elsewhere are getting conflicting information about GE crops: proponents tout the benefits while opponents emphasise the risks.

“There is a need for an independent, objective study that examines what has been learned about GE crops, assesses whether initial concerns and promises were realised since their introduction, and investigates new concerns and recent claims,” the council says.

The council is an arm of the National Academy of Sciences created by an Act of Congress signed by President Abraham Lincoln in 1863.

A committee appointed by the council will review information on GE crops in the context of global food and farming. It will examine the development and introduction of GE crops in the US and internationally, including GE crops that were not commercialised, and the experiences of developers and producers of GE crops in different countries.

It will assess the basis of purported negative effects of GE crops and their technologies, such as poor yields, harmful effects on human and animal health, increased use of pesticides and herbicides, the creation of ‘superweeds,’ reduced genetic diversity, fewer seed choices for producers, and negative impacts on farmers in developing countries and on producers of non-GE crops.

Purported benefits of GE crops and their technologies will be assessed, such as reductions in pesticide use, reduced soil loss and better water quality through synergy with no-till cultivation practices, reduced crop loss from pests and weeds, increased flexibility and time for producers, reduced spoilage and mycotoxin contamination, better nutritional value and potential, improved resistance to drought and salinity.

The committee is to also review the scientific foundation of environmental and food safety assessments for GE crops and foods and their technologies, plus evidence of the need for and potential value of additional tests. The study will examine how such assessments are handled for non-GE crops and foods.

It will also explore new developments in GE crop science and technology and the opportunities and challenges those technologies may present, including the R&D, regulatory, ownership, agronomic, international and other opportunities and challenges.

The committee is charged with indicating where there are uncertainties and information gaps about the economic, agronomic, health, safety, or other impacts of GE crops and food. – Alan Harman

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

WORLD 23

MLA cuts out the fat MEAT AND Livestock Australia aims to slash fixed costs by $6 million over the next 12 months.

It expects to shed jobs and downsize some regional offices overseas as it responds to a forecast A$6 million fall in producer levy revenue over two years.

Managing director Richard Norton says this is a response to a 2013 review of levy spending on on-farm R&D, and it responds to levy payers’ criticism via a Senate inquiry.

Norton will visit all the overseas offices in Brussels, Washington, China, Jakarta, Tokyo, Seoul and Dubai to look for savings and realign MLA’s marketing spend towards new and emerging markets in Asia and away from traditional markets.

Changes announced two weeks ago include revamped R&D and extension to better meet levy payer needs.

“We have listened to levy payers and industry, and [will address] the criticisms of the past and establish a future-looking organisation that will deliver value to the farmgate,” says Norton.

He says the review gave MLA clear

focus and the recommendations were now being addressed systematically.

MLA will overhaul its R&D investment model so that all levy payers can have their say via a more accessible, simplified system.

“We recognise the Northern Australian Beef Research Council (NABRC) structure is operating more robustly than its southern counterpart and that it provides a sound model from which to develop similar industry consultation in the rest of the country.”

Under the new model, producers nationwide will be allowed input at a local level on R&D priorities that feed into regional R&D investment plans.

These plans will mesh with a reinvigorated Southern Australia Meat Research Council (SAMRC) and a new regional group encompassing southern West Australia.

The chairs of these groups and representatives from peak industry councils and MLA will then develop the national R&D investment plan to be informed by the national R&D framework and the meat industry strategic plan.

$19,126 SAVE

past decade. This busi“Having this level of ness unit will include direct consultation – on MSA, Breedplan, Sheep an annual cycle – will be CRC and genetics. resource intensive but “The restructure also this structure will allow recognises that MLA true two-way engagemust [reveal] how Govment on the levy investernment funds and proment.” cessor levies work, and Norton says indus- Meat and Livestock Australia managing show that sheep and try consultation will be director Richard Norton. cattle levies are not spent a high priority.

The consultation process will be a on processor initiatives,” Norton says.

“With most growth likely to come responsibility of MLA’s onfarm innovation and adoption unit, which under out of emerging markets, the distributhe restructure will also include exten- tion of marketing resources between our mature and emerging markets will sion.

“This team will drive our new also be under discussion.

“But core to this will be the develapproach to R&D, working with industry to identify and develop big, bold opment of a more sophisticated, eviprojects that address the needs of dence-based approach to provide the industry now and into the future, and basis for marketing strategies. ensuring our R&D spend is leveraged “The strengthening of insight capathrough strategic partnerships with bility or thought leadership will mean world leading providers of R&D.” MLA provides industry with data Livestock productivity and eating and analysis on consumer and retail quality will also get higher priority trends, domestically and globally.” and an independent focus under the MLA’s full efficiency and effectiverestructure: a livestock productivity ness review is nearly finished and the unit will redress the lack of produc- new structure should be operating by tivity gains in the industry during the October.

·

EX GST

$2000

*

Making things more transparent

· · · · · ·

AS PART of its review, Richard Norton says MLA wanted to acknowledge and address the perceived lack of transparency highlighted in the Senate inquiry.

“In the first instance, we are reviewing specific requests and issues raised by levy payers through the Senate inquiry. We will address each of these individually.

“To address the concerns about the voting entitlement of levy paying members and transparency in how this is calculated, we have begun assessing the automation of levy payments to voting entitlements. With that information, the industry can make an informed decision on costing and implementation challenges of automated voting.”

At a board level, MLA has also faced questions about the influence of different industry players and sectors within MLA on the board selection process. The MLA board is skills-based and embraces corporate governance best practice.

“It is through changes to the board selection committee that we hope to address industry concerns about influence and equity across industry. We intend to work with industry to put forward a resolution to this year’s annual meeting that meets industry expectation regarding the composition of the board selection committee,” Norton says.

904cc 3-Cylinder Diesel Engine with Polaris Variable Transmission Towing Capacity - 907kg Dump Box Capacity - 454kg On Demand True All-Wheel-Drivee (AWD) with Turf Mode Adjustable Independent Front & Rear Suspension Certified Roll-Over Protection Structure (ROPS) Built for New Zealand with Heavy Duty “HD” Features

FOR A LIMITED TIME FO

GRAB A FREE

FARM KIT INCLUDES: BULLBAR SIDE RAILS MUDFLAPS

KG 556

HEAVY DUTY FEATURES

556KG TOWING CAPACITY

VALUED AT $784* 567CC EFI

ELECTRONIC POWER STEERING

TILT BOX WITH PACITY 180KG CAPACITY

ENGINE BRAKING SYSTEM & 4 WHEEL DESCENT CONTROL (4WDC)

*Offer ends 30/9/14 or earlier if st stocks run out. Only available at participating Polaris dealers.

Not valid with any other offer. Excludes Exc fleet clients. $784 is RRP including GST for Farm Kit

0800 440 290 | www.polaris.co.nz |

/PolarisNZ

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

BEEF MARKET TRENDS

MARKET SNAPSHOT 







 

 

 

 





















 

BEEF PRICES

















NI

Change +3

P2 Steer - 300kg

Last Week

2 Wks Ago

Last Year

5.08

5.05

4.70

5.03

5.00

4.50

P2 Cow - 230kg

+3

4.13

4.10

M Cow - 200kg

+3

4.08

4.05

Local Trade - 230kg

+3

5.13

5.10

4.80

Mutton

P2 Steer - 300kg

n/c

4.63

4.63

4.35

SI Lamb

M2 Bull - 300kg

n/c

4.13

4.13

4.15

P2 Cow - 230kg

n/c

3.25

3.25

M Cow - 200kg

n/c

3.20

Local Trade - 230kg

+5

4.90











5.56

5.58

3.65

PX - 19.0kg

n/c

6.02

6.02

5.60

3.55

PH - 22.0kg

n/c

6.03

6.03

5.61

MX1 - 21kg

-5

3.65

3.70

3.25

YM - 13.5kg

n/c

5.98

5.98

5.46

PM - 16.0kg

n/c

5.98

5.98

5.48

3.10

PX - 19.0kg

n/c

5.98

5.98

5.50

3.20

2.95

PH - 22.0kg

n/c

5.98

5.98

5.51

4.85

4.50

-5

3.03

3.08

3.15



Mutton

MX1 - 21kg







  



 

   

 



5.98

6.00





5.98

6.00





Last Year

n/c





n/c

2 Wks Ago

PM - 16.0kg







YM - 13.5kg

Last Week

Slaughter





NI Lamb

+3

Slaughter



Change

c/kgCWT

M2 Bull - 300kg

SI



 

LAMB PRICES

c/kgCWT



LAMB MARKET TRENDS























 



 



















 















 















Export Market Demand 

 

Change













2 Wks Ago

Last Year

5yr Ave

+3

2.89

2.86

1.92

1.83

NZ$/kg

+15

7.58

7.43

5.40

5.29

 

 













Change











1.82

1.82

8.28

8.06

8.43

       

 







  















2Wks Ago

3 Wks Ago

Last Year 5yr Ave

% Returned NI

-0%

73.6%

73.9%

69.4%

72.4%

% Returned SI

-0%

72.1%

72.5%

68.2%

73.2%



2Wks Ago

3 Wks Ago

Last Year

5yr Ave

% Returned NI

-1%

66.0%

66.6%

83.27%

77.4%

% Returned SI

-1%

54.5%

55.2%

76.8%

71.3%







    

 











 





 

 





 





















 



























  





 

2.10

8.32









Procurement Indicator



 

2.10

+4

Change

 



 

n/c

NZ$/kg





Last Year 5yr Ave

UK Leg £/lb

Procurement Indicator

 









2 Wks Ago





Last Week

95CL US$/lb







Last Week

Change

 

  



Export Market Demand







Venison Prices









Change



 Beef  & venison prices are reported as gross (before normal levies & charges are deducted). Lamb & mutton prices are reported nett (after levies & charges are deducted).

Last Week

2 Wks Ago

Last Year 5yr Ave

NI Stag - 60kg

+15

6.65

6.50

7.05

7.74

SI Stag - 60kg

+15

6.85

6.70

7.30

8.08



Play your part Record all your stock movements in the NAIT system

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

NEWS

PRICE WATCH



WOOL PRICE WATCH

BEEF

Change

21-Aug

14-Aug

Last Year

Coarse Xbred Indic.

-8

5.32

5.40

4.57

Fine Xbred Indicator

-8

5.65

5.73

5.01

Lamb Indicator

-

-

-

-

Mid Micron Indic.

-4

7.51

7.55

7.65

How high will NI beef prices go?

Indicators in NZ$

With $5/kg the new level for both export bull and steer in the NI, farmers are now questioning just how high these prices will go. Last week saw further increases across the board as competition stepped up. Procurement pressure has been intensified by an increased capacity for processing bobby calves this year, and with individual processors weekly kills resultingly down they are looking for cattle to fill the shortfall. Export bull and steer both ranged between $5.00-$5.20/kg last week, with the local trade range creeping slightly higher with $5.30/kg the top of the range.

Schedules in the SI are firming with some attractive spot premiums available on quality cattle. While local trade and export steer can achieve between $4.70-$4.90/kg, bull and cow prices remain significantly behind reflecting the lack of numbers for this time of year.



        















Cheddar

3964

4234

4980

-254

4112

4366

5754

-447

3552

3999

6125

-282

4952

5233

5444



 





 













 





 

 











Last Year

Overseas Price Indicators 21-Aug

14-Aug

-12

4.45

4.57

-12

4.72

4.85

3.97

-

-

-

-

-11

6.28

6.38

6.06

Mid Micron Indicator



3.62

Indicators in US$/T









Last 2 Wks

Prev. 2 Wks

-225

3488

3713

4650

-388

3013

3400

4950

-250

4200

4450

4400

Change

Butter

-238

Skim Milk Powder Whole Milk Powder Cheddar







Overseas Price Indicators

Change

Lamb Indicator

A hint of stability was seen at the last global dairy trade auction where the overall price index fell only 0.6%. Wholemilk powder prices, the largest category by volume, lifted by 3.4%, however demand is still slow and the market is waiting for activity from China to increase. The auctions downturn, while slight, was lead by skim milk powder which fell by 12%. Economists report that there is still a gap between Fonterra’s current milk payout of $6/kgMS and the prices achieved in the last two auctions and that it will take a period of rising prices, as opposed to stabilised prices, for $6/kgMS to remain achievable.

-270



LAMB

Dairy prices show signs of stability

Last Year



Coarse Xbred Indicator

DAIRY

Whole Milk Powder

 



Fine Xbred Indicator

Low numbers and solid demand have kept store lamb prices throughout NZ firm in recent weeks. In-paddock trades are more limited and most of the action is in the saleyards. In the NI lambs weighing under 38kg are largely making between $3.20-$3.40/kg both in the yards and in the paddock, with heavier lines ranging between $2.80-$3.00/kg. Quality lines of medium ewe lambs sold for breeding purposes have achieved up to $3.60/kg. There has been some competitive bidding at SI saleyards for a limited number of lambs with $90-$110/hd taking the majority of lambs weighing between 32-37kg. In NI regions where lambing is almost over,the ewes with lambs at foot (LAF) market has been solid with $70-$80 all counted taking most offered at both Stortford Lodge and Feilding.

Skim Milk Powder



Indicators in US$/kg

Solid demand for store lambs keeps prices firm

Prev. 2 Wks



Supplies of imported beef to the US spot market continue to be limited, resulting in a continued lift, albiet slower, in imported beef prices. While we know there are large quantities of imported beef from Australia destined for the US, these have been purchased directly from particular end-users in a bid to secure inventory, resultingly leaving those buying from the spot market short bought and forced to increase bids. The next main indicator for market direction will be after US Labour day holiday in early September.

Most processors appear to remain comfortable with lamb numbers in both islands at present, though capacity is very limited given the bobby kill is in full swing. While some reports suggest there may be some gaps appearing in the next couple of weeks, there is no hint of schedules lifting in response. It is possible that processors are trying to protect this seasons profits by delaying any schedule movements for as long as they are able. Demand for mutton from China appears to have run its course and processors are subsequently pulling mutton schedules back quickly. Demand for mutton is expected to remain sluggish at least for the remainder of the year while the Chinese work through large inventories.

Last 2 Wks

Change

Butter







Lamb schedules remain plateaued

Indicators in NZ$/T





Imported US beef prices continue to firm

DAIRY PRICE WATCH

3363

Last Year

3600

4025

 

 



 







 













 



       

 







 







     















 

  

CURRENCY WATCH vs. NZ Dollar

Last Week 2 Wks Ago 4 Wks Ago Last Year



0.840

0.848

0.858

0.783

Euro

0.633

0.635

0.637

0.587

UK pound

0.507

0.508

0.505

0.503



Aus dollar

0.902

0.910

0.912

0.868

Japan yen

87.24

86.95

87.28

77.53

 

Euro





  May





US Dollar

 









Jul

Aug

Sep

Oct



UK Pound

  

 Jun





 





US dollar





 















A&P SHOW

Farm to farm

Mating

Events

Grazing

Gypsy Day

From a sale yard

To find out more go to www.nait.co.nz | info@nait.co.nz | 0800 624 843

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

26 AGRIBUSINESS

Milking the goat industry WORK IS underway to lift earnings from the fledgling goat industry.

Goat milk products bring in at least $100 million annually; there is growth potential in key overseas markets.

AgResearch has partnered with the Dairy Goat Co-operative (DGC) to research the attributes and benefits of goat milk and best practices in formula processing. A new on-farm project, Dairy Goat Supply Systems, aims to develop best practice guidelines for farmers.

DGC formed 30 years

ago and is based in Hamilton, with factories at its Gallagher Drive site. The cooperative produces dairy goat infant formula (birth plus), follow-on formula (six months plus) and growing up milk formula (one year plus).

Most dairy goat farms are in Waikato, and a few in Taranaki and Northland. This season 69 farms will supply about 30,000,000L of milk to the cooperative.

Goat milk infant formula is a niche, premium, value-added product with excellent export pros-

pects. It is now exported to 20 countries including China and Australia, and recent legislative changes in Europe offer new opportunities.

However, dairy goat farming is a small industry compared to cows.

“With cows the best practice guides are on the shelf,” says Dr Warren King, who works in the Innovative Farm Systems group at AgResearch’s Ruakura campus.

“With dairy goats there are no manuals to follow and people with experience in the indus-

Email: hecton@xtra.co.nz Visit our website www.hecton.co.nz for a full list of products

COVERING HARROWS

Call in & see us at

73 Preston Street INVERCARGILL Ph: 03 215 8558

HECTON SHEEP HANDLER – FAST & VERSATILE

try are thin on the ground.”

In the past decade the Government has spent $10 million on dairy goat research, reflecting interest in the industry. The Ministry for Business, Innovations and Employment is funding two AgResearch programmes: $860,000/year for five years to study the health and nutritional proper-

This season 69 farms will supply around 30,000 litres of milk to the Dairy Goat co-op.

ties of goat milk formula and $1.4 million/year for six years for onfarm goat research. MPI’s Sustainable Farming Fund has also spent $200,000 over three years for researching

best practices on forage supply.

Over the next 18 months AgResearch’s dairy goat project team will share its research and best practice in articles on,

e.g. different forage types, how to get the best quality and quantity forage, environmental sustainability and animal welfare. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

Ravensdown appoints new manager USING INNOVATIVE technology as a core platform for keeping in touch with customers is an exciting step forward for Ravensdown, claims new national services manager Kimberley Bray.

“Communicating the value of innovation has been a key part of my previous work at organisations such as the Bay of Plenty Health Board,” Bray says.

“Because Ravens- Kimberley Bray down connects directly with farmers with no retailers in between, the co-operative has invested in its customer centre people and technology like Smart Maps.”

Bray believes the fertiliser coop’s 45 customer centre employees

– spread across two sites in Christchurch and near Napier – do a great job at building strong shareholder relationships.

“Farming can be a lonely profession and our customers like to call in and enjoy it when they feel they know us and we know them,” she adds. “Increasingly though, customers are looking to buy our products online or access their records and nutrient plans at any hour of the day. This is where our digital channels can help as part of the customer service experience: not to replace face-to-face or over the phone support, but in an integrated way to meet their needs.”

She says a good example of this is

Smart Maps an electronic tool that shows soil test results, nutrient budgets and maps where a product has been applied to pasture.

“Putting that kind of data in the hands of customers makes it a powerful tool. If customers have any questions, they can use live interactive chat or phone up directly,” Bray adds.

“It’s an exciting challenge building on the success of the Ravensdown ICT and customer centre teams. I’m looking forward to continuing to develop our resources to meet customer demand and service expectation.”

Bray says she is looking forward to working in the rural sector.

“Especially with an organisation such as Ravensdown – which plays a key role in helping to generate wealth for New Zealand by fuelling a successful agri-sector.”

A TYRE TRUSTED BY A TYRE PROFESSIONAL

R

emember when washing machines and refrigerators lasted a generation? And tyres lasted for years too? Things were made to last back then. Now it seems things are made to wear out.

The reason for this is original tyres fitted to new vehicles are made to the vehicle manufacturer’s price.

This may result in a compromise on the tyre performance and life.

Cooper Tires are better value.

One tyre company, continuing to construct quality aftermarket tyres that last, is Cooper Tires.

Drivers choosing quality American made Cooper Tires are finding they are getting a lot more mileage and better value for money than

original tyres. This is because Cooper Tires make tyres that last without compromising on high quality tyre components.

Cooper Tires are only sold through appointed local tyre professionals, so they know your conditions and can advise the right tyre for the job.

Auckland. Raymond from TyreLAND explains why they trust Cooper Tires for their customers; Raymond ‘Mothy’ Hunter

TyreLAND Store

TyreLAND are one of the leading independent tyre specialists in New Zealand with 9 stores in the south Island and a store newly opened in

“We have been selling Cooper Tires for over 25 years and believe they are the best 4WD tyres available on the market. This is because they have deeper tread

depths and a stronger casing, which means Coopers last longer and perform better. We always offer Cooper Tires to customers who want the best.

We keep records of our customer’s performance so they can see the money they save. We had a customer come in for his second set of Coopers; he got 65,000kms out of his first set, while he only got 30,000kms out of the original equipment set.”

Cooper S/Tmaxx

GUARANTEED to last up to 80,000kms!

If you’re looking for decent tyres for your 4WD call 0800 4 tread for your local TyreLand store. If there isn’t one in your area, call 0800 mileage (0800 645 243) or visit www.coopertires.co.nz to find your nearest Cooper retailer and request your free info pack.

Want more power AND smarts?

Problem solved.

M5800i Energizer More power to the back of the farm when it matters Includes Energizer Controller to view fence performance at a glance in a convenient location Add: • Fence Monitors for instant multi-zone monitoring • Remote to turn energizer on/off, check fence status and fault find Available now from your local Gallagher stockists.

www.gallagher.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

28 AGRIBUSINESS Ag sector interests foreign investors P E T E R BU R K E peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

LARGE US private equity funds are interested in investing in New Zealand agriculture but few of our businesses are big enough for the US$150-200 million the Americans prefer to invest, says KPMG’s global head of agribusiness Ian

Proudfoot.

“The large private equity funds are interested in buying into New Zealand agricultural assets [because the country] is more stable than many others.

“They want to be able to invest generally more in the underlying land asset rather than the farming business that sits on top because they can generate

the more stable returns they are interested in.”

But New Zealand tends to have one-off farms for sale rather than large transformational businesses.

New Zealand lacks the capital needed to make the “transformative changes” agriculture needs, Proudfoot says.

“The long term future for New Zealand farming [depends on] sustainability and increasing productivity, producing more from less, and that will require a huge amount of capital to be invested in farms in technology and infrastructure.”

Foreign investment will always be required to fund those changes, Proudfoot says.

SELL YOUR LAMBS EARLIER, HEAVIER

Creep feeding can increase liveweights by 8-10kg at 14 weeks!

Creep feeding is the process of exclusively feeding lambs before weaning Creep feeding increases the growth rates of lambs because it: • Develops their rumen at a younger age, enabling them to start consuming and processing pasture at an earlier age.

• Provides a carbohydrate and starch supplement, increasing rumen efficiency.

An average ration of 200 grams of barley is an adequate feed for creep feeding. This amounts to a cost of 9 cents/day with the barley price at $450/tonne. An investment of 84 days of creep feeding costs $7.54 and can pay for itself many times over with higher liveweights, selling earlier at a higher price and freeing up more of your farm to run more ewes.

To ensure early rumen development, creep feeding should start before lambs are 4 weeks old.

How does the Creep Panel stop ewes from feeding?

The Creep Panel (Patent application number: 2010903466) is a horizontal panel positioned over the trough. It denies ewes access to the feed because their head is too large to fit in the

bs m a l 0 20 feed from eep can cr 1800 F G N 1x

call us now on

gap between the Creep Panel and the trough.

The Creep Panel can be pivoted up to also allow the feeder to operate as a standard feeder for sheep or cattle.

09 431 7276

PM John Key with Brian Eccles after opening of CRS Software’s new building last month.

Cloud software claims to lift farming performance IMPROVED BROADBAND and cloud software are set to help farmers better manage their businesses, says farm management software firm CRS Software, Masterton.

The company last month opened new offices – Prime Minister John Key officiating – and it now has 600m2 of space for at least 60 staff, says managing director Brian Eccles.

Real-time access to information will lift farmers’ ability to decide their responses to climate, environment and market pressures, Eccles says. Accurate, timely information is the key.

“Our vision is to provide farmers with software tools that assist day-to-day management, including physical and financial indicators, while supporting the ‘bigpicture’ plan.

“Armed with good information, farmers are better equipped to deal with variable seasonal and economic conditions.”

CRS Software in 2009 released a cloud-based financial management system especially for farmers.

The benefits of being able to access the same information from any PC has surprised everyone, Eccles says. “It’s a success well beyond expectations.”

The company’s next round of innovations will include: enabling data to just arrive – coded and ready to analyse; apps for mobile phones; connections directly to cloud software becoming available to farm accountants; and providing systems needed by large farming businesses.

And despite the intermittent broadband plaguing some farmers, CRS products will deliver the goods.

The new building will house a rapidly growing team of developers and sales staff, Eccles says.

“I am immensely proud of how our team has come together in the past few years to help us become New Zealand’s leading rural financial software company.”

www.youtube.com/watch?v=c7e5-P3fj5M

GO-AHEAD IN WAIRARAPA ❱❱ Masterton based and established in 1981 ❱❱ The first New Zealand-based farm financial software company to launch a cloud product ❱❱ Turnover of farmers using the product at least $10 billion ❱❱ Currently hires 40 staff including sales, developers, help-desk and management personal ❱❱ Double-digit growth during the past five years.

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

AGRIBUSINESS 29

Wine exports on track to hit $2b NZW’s 2014 annual report that the reputation New Zealand wine has built up sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz over the years must be preserved.

For the year ending June 2014, wine THE WINE industry is on track to become a $2 billion export business exports rose 10% in volume and value; by the end of 2020, says New Zealand overseas sales earned a $1.33b.

The average value per litre remained Winegrowers chairman Steve Green.

This will place wine firmly among steady at $7.11 for all wine and $8.32 for New Zealand’s top-five traded goods on packaged wine; a solid performance current figures, he says. But he warns in given the deadweight of continued high currency levels.

Australia remains the leading export destination – 53 million litres or 28% of total export volumes.

But North America ❱❱ Export volumes have doubled and Northern Europe ❱❱ Export value has increased by 60% are fastest-growing; ❱❱ Export returns have grown by 8% per the US grew 16% in annum on average against a national the past 12 months and average of 2% the hub markets of the ❱❱ Direct contribution to GDP of $700 million Netherlands and Gerannually many were up 33% and 52% ❱❱ Wine tourists spent $814 (each) annually respectively. China includ❱❱ 7700 people directly employed full time. ing Hong Kong have slowed SU DES H K I SSU N

WINE ACHIEVEMENTS SINCE 2008

considerably but the potential in these markets is undiminished, says Green.

In the domestic market the story is different: total sales hover around 90 million litres. New Zealand wine sales slipped about 6% as wineries prioritised export markets. The successful sales year left stocks needing replenishment and even greater demand forecast; in 2014 445,000 tonnes of grapes were harvested.

“The 2014 harvest may seem like a drop in the ocean compared to major producers, but it was a record for New Zealand and signals the drive for export growth in the year ahead” says Green.

Strong sales have made wine a star performer; wine exports now earn more foreign exchange for New Zealand than butter, finfish or kiwifruit, says Green.

The impetus of the 2014 vintage will likely take wine to about $1.5 billion in exports next year; current growth estimates are for exports to climb to $2 billion by the end of the decade.

Bumper crop for 2014

NZW’s annual member survey shows that strong sales and forecast demand signals confidence among growers and wineries; 80% indicate a positive outlook for the year ahead. This reflects a lift in vineyard and infrastructure development in the past 12 months.

But Green cautions that investment counts for little without the premium reputation New Zealand wine has built

up. He referred to recent food safety scares.

“The past 12 months have seen some challenges to brand New Zealand and hopefully some lessons learned.

“From the perspective of the wine industry, these challenges [show] that everyone who trades on our national reputation has an obligation to look after it.

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

30 OPINION EDITORIAL

EDNA

Smart move!

FONTERRA’S PLANS to team up with Chinese infant food manufacturer Beingmate and form a global partnership to chase China’s ever-growing demand for infant formula is a smart move.

China truly is an Asian tiger whose hunger for dairy produce is unlikely ever to be sated.

It is a clever strategic move by the co-op to team up with a Chinese partner to tackle this lucrative market.

The partnership will create an integrated global supply chain from the farmgate direct to China’s consumers, using Fonterra’s milk pools and plants in New Zealand, Australia, and Europe.

Fonterra claims this partnership will increase the volume and value of its ingredients and branded products exported to China. The proposal will see Fonterra and Beingmate set up a joint venture to buy Fonterra’s Darnum plant in Australia and make a distribution agreement to sell Fonterra’s Anmum brand in China.

Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings describes the new partnership as a “game changer” that will provide a direct line into the infant formula market in China – the world’s biggest growth story in paediatric nutrition.

The term ‘game changer’ is used too often these days in referring to political announcements, sporting analogies, business and so on. But in this case it is appropriate, especially if the joint venture succeeds in promoting NZ dairy products as leading in quality and safety standards in China.

The lesson from last year’s botulism botch-up, and the San Lu disaster in 2008, is that Fonterra and New Zealand cannot afford damage to its reputation for providing highquality, world-leading infant formula to the Chinese market. Hard-fought markets and value can be destroyed overnight.

China is our number-one market and this venture with Beingmate will be important in helping Fonterra drive volume and value and in stepping forward as a globally relevant co-operative.

As Spierings says, “The partnership with Beingmate will show the benefits of an integrated and secure supply chain where we are fast-tracking investment in milk processing capacity to meet global demand.”

RURAL NEWS HEAD OFFICE POSTAL ADDRESS: PO Box 331100, Takapuna, Auckland 0740 PUBLISHER: Brian Hight .............................................. Ph 09 307 0399 GENERAL MANAGER: Adam Fricker ........................................... Ph 09 913 9632 CONSULTING EDITOR: David Anderson .......................................Ph 09 307 0399 davida@ruralnews.co.nz

“Hell no! – I wouldn’t vote for them – it just keeps our MP on his toes!”

THE HOUND

Want to share your opinion or gossip with the Hound?

Send your emails to: hound@ruralnews.co.nz

Seriously?

Awful

YOUR OLD mate has a big problem with the hoo-ha of commentators and beltway-types about Nicky Hager’s book Dirty Politics. The Hound is flabbergasted that rehashing of emails between a nasty, egomaniac, unemployed blogger and other nobodies seems to have drowned out media coverage of election issues like policies on health, education, economics and law and order to name a few. But what really concerns this old mutt is how anyone can take seriously the writings of a grown man who still calls himself ‘Nicky’.

THE HOUND nominates Labour primary industries spokesman Damien O’Connor as having made the worst pun so far in the election campaign. Your old mate has a fair bit of sympathy for O’Connor, who has a hard job convincing the primary sector voters that a coalition of Labour, the Greens et al will be good for agriculture (yeah, right!), but a bad joke is still a bad joke. On the media release announcing Labour’s fisheries policy, O’Connor says ‘By Hoki!

It’s Labour’s fisheries policy.’ Sorry Damien, but that wins the Hound’s ‘hokiest’ media release headline of election 2014.

TECHNICAL EDITOR: Andrew Swallow ................... Ph 03 688 2080 PRODUCTION: Dave Ferguson ........................Ph 09 913 9633 Becky Williams ........................Ph 09 913 9634 REPORTERS: Sudesh Kissun ....................... Ph 09 913 9627 Pamela Tipa ............................ Ph 09 913 9630 Peter Burke .............................Ph 06 362 6319 Tony Hopkinson ......................Ph 07 579 1010 SUB-EDITOR: Neil Keating ............................Ph 09 913 9628 WEBSITE PRODUCER: James Anderson .................... Ph 09 913 9621

Really?

APPARENTLY THE planet’s biggest farming enterprise is purely imaginary. According to KPMG agribusiness head Ian Proudfoot, who recently returned from the latest NZ agribusiness bootcamp in Silicon Valley, the largest international farming business is a virtual farming game called ‘Farmville’, played on Facebook and other social media applications.

More tractors were ‘sold’ last year on Farmville than in the entire US. Who says farming is not a game?

Not interested!

THE HOUND tips his hat to South Canterbury dairy farmer John Gregan who, tired of the carping of anti-dairying letter writers in his local newspaper, invited all the poison pens to visit his farm to see real dairying demonstrated. Despite a string of letters in the Timaru Herald slamming dairy farmers for skinny cows, muddy paddocks, lack of shelter, and oncea-day milking and/or calf feeding, no-one took up Gregan’s invitation.

Your old mate reckons this accurately portrays how dedicated to finding out the truth these antifarming types are.

Shrek off!

YOUR OLD mate notes the Aussies are at it again, trying to steal another NZ icon. Not content with claiming Phar Lap, Split Enz and Sonny Bill Williams – and no doubt still smarting from the latest Bledisloe Cup pasting – our cobbers across the ditch are now attempting to claim the record for the world’s woolliest sheep Shrek!

But now a huge Tasmanian Merino has appeared on the scene after spending six years in the wilderness. Dubbed Shaun the Sheep. The Aussies believe his fleece would rival Shrek’s 27kg cover.

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER: Ted Darley .......... Ph 07 854 6292/021 832 505 ted@ruralnews.co.nz

WELLINGTON SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Mark Macfarlane .Ph 04 234 6239/021 453 914 markm@ruralnews.co.nz

AUCKLAND SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Stephen Pollard ....Ph 09 913 9637/021 963 166 stephenp@ruralnews.co.nz

SOUTH ISLAND SALES REPRESENTATIVE: Kaye Sutherland Ph 03 337 3828/021 221 1994 kayes@ruralnews.co.nz

ABC audited circulation 81,232 as at 31.12.2013 Rural News is published by Rural News Group Ltd. All editorial copy and photographs are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions or comments expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of staff, management or directors of Rural News Group Ltd.

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

OPINION 31

New York nonsense shows the value of a wool levy Rick Powdrell believes meat and fibre producers need to lift their game in winning the hearts and minds of consumers.

RI C K P OW D R E LL

NO DOUBT you’ve seen the kicking Aussie and American wool got recently when an old video flashed around the world.

It was put out there by PETA, in the US – People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals. The animal rights brigade is also keen on testtube meat, the first patty of which cost US$330,000 and no, that’s not a misprint.

Apparently the reviews were mixed so they are planning to add fat cells for flavour. Aside from making Mary Shelly proud I bet they’ll be lining up to buy artificial milk-like stuff called Muufri.

As meat and fibre farmers we’ve got to seriously lift our game when it comes to hearts and minds. Just look at the way saturated fats – demonised for decades – are now being reappraised by scientists as neutral and some saturated fats may in fact be good for you.

On social media, I’ve seen eager young things in New York City protesting against wool outside retailers, holding placards that’ll make you blood boil. These call on people to boycott wool which means they must be wear-

ing nylon and polyester.

Who’d think they’d be champions of big oil? Of course, no animal has suffered in the production of oil and there’s no pollution either. These activists love oil so much they wear it next to their skin.

These protests in New York weren’t just against Australian wool, but all wool. Placards said ‘wool hurts sheep’ and one had a photo of sheep that looked like a stock truck had run over it. This isn’t new.

Our wool exporters will tell you some people overseas think wool is like fur, for which the sheep

has to die. Activists have even carried ‘boycott wool fur’ placards. Some do not realise wool is natural, sustainable and renewable. This is what we’re up against.

So where were the farmers outside those stores next day demonstrating shearing? And handing out wool to passers-by, the newly shorn sheep alive and well, sending a most powerful message. Nobody there.

This is why we need a collective voice to educate, innovate and invest in wool’s future. Alas not one single dollar is set aside

Say hello to unbeatable hire rates

The wool levy referendum takes place on October 10 and asks wool producers, like me, to back a new industry-good body to be funded by a levy on each kilogram of wool, at the first point of sale.

It is rare for me to say ‘yes’ to more spending

but, speaking personally, I will be voting for a levy.

Speaking as your chair of Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre this is, of course, your individual business decision.

As wool growers we’re in at the grassroots, but so are some animal rights

movements. These movements are better organised and funded than we are.

There is no place for complacency on this and a simple Google search will tell you why.

• Rick Powdrell is Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre chairman.

for what I propose above.

There’s not one dollar to counter the lies of activists. This is why we farmers need to look at a wool levy.

Wool prices may be up 15% on 2013, but this is supply and demand. With sheep numbers now below 30 million and genetic research skewed towards meat, we are going backwards.

You cannot celebrate higher prices when wool exports in Australia are expected to fall 7%. This is race-to-the-bottom stuff and we shouldn’t kid ourselves otherwise.

FROM

32

per hour*

Hire an award winning Deutz-Fahr tractor this year for as little as $32 per hour* and see for yourself why Deutz-Fahr is rapidly becoming one of New Zealand’s best-selling tractor brands. We think you’ll be so impressed with its comfort, power and unparalleled fuel efficiency, you’ll want to keep it at the end of the hire term. If so, we’ll help you out by deducting all you’ve paid in hire fees ** from the overall purchase price.

For all the details contact your local Power Farming dealer.

POW0396

0800 801 888 | powerfarming.co.nz

* Excludes GS GST. Rate applies to specific M Series models. **Less set up costs.

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

32 OPINION TRIALIST TAKES ISSUE WITH COLUMN RE ANNA Holland’s story ‘Shunned dog gets second chance’ (Rural News August 19): I am disappointed to see her using cadet training farms to try to prove how good she thinks she is at training working dogs.

I spend time, on a regular basis, with a cadet scheme in the North Island, working

with the cadets and supporting them in training their dogs.

I have also supplied dogs to this scheme. This is a free service which I give to and have great satisfaction working with these young shepherds.

I am a dog trialist, a sport

Anna seems to despise.

I will put my experience where my mouth is as I have yet to see her front up to a dog trialling contest.

I am also a professional musterer.

I back myself and my team of dogs and disagree with Anna Holland’s comments.

Colin Bolton

HANDY REPLACEMENTS!

THE ONLY THING

that goes better with lamb is

RE TRIPLET calves (Rural News, Aug 19): we also had a set of triplets born this year. They were born the night of Northland floods in mid-July. The attached photo shows the calves at a few hours old. Three lovely replacement heifers, all doing fine now.

Howard Cole Maramarua North Waikato

AND 3 MORE!

SMARTShot

®

RE TRIPLETS (Rural News, Aug 19) born to a first-calving heifer: we also had three girls born to a heifer on July 3 this year. My father suggested a phone call to tell Rural News but I felt the poor mum had been through enough.

Mark and Lee Fletcher No 7 Road, Waitoa Waikato

SHOW ME THE MONEY!

The SMARTShot® family of long-acting B12 and Selenium products have been developed and trialled

by AgResearch and are made in New Zealand.

One simple and convenient 0.5mL injection in lambs from 3 weeks of age can ensure that vitamin B12 and selenium levels remain sufficient for up to 4 months, delivering greater liveweight gains across the board.

With fewer injections there’s less stress on your lambs and less labour for you to worry about.

Why choose a short acting B12 injection when for as little as 1 cent a day, a long acting SMARTShot® B12 Prime Lamb or SMARTShot® B12 can help your lambs grow to their full potential?

VIR-0349_RN_28x5

Your vet knows the science and benefits behind SMARTShot® and how it can add value to your farming operation. We entrust SMARTShot® to your veterinarian - your animal health expert.

Restricted Veterinary Medicine.

Available only under Veterinary Authorisation.

GET A FREE

JAR OF Min t & Apple Jelly * with every purchase of 2 x 500mL SMARTShot®# from your vet, to go with your perfect lamb.

*While stocks last. #Minimum purchase of 1 x 500mL SMARTShot® B12 Prime Lamb and 1 x 500mL SMARTShot® B12 plus Se or 2 x 500mL SMARTShot® B12 Prime Lamb or 2 x 500mL SMARTShot® B12 plus Se to qualify.

I AM pleased we still have people prepared to apply their time and energy to improve the returns from wool. My biggest disappointment, in farming 40 years, is the low return from wool and the total lack of benefit from several schemes promoted to improve the situation.

Millions of dollars have been wasted, which as a wool grower I have contributed to. The articles on the upcoming referendum do not convince me that what is proposed by the use of the fund will be any more successful than previous investments in wool promotion.

To be creditable, there should be at least an estimate of what the likely financial return will be from each of the proposed fund investments.

Responsible people and companies do not spend their money without doing this and I think it is even more important to do it when spending the money of others.

I would be delighted to see a convincing estimate of a positive return from each of the proposed fund investments. It would mean the job has been done properly and I am sure it would improve the chance of the levy being supported.

John Mackintosh RD 4 Whakatane

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

OPINION 33

Is methane actually a problem?

RECENT MONTHS have seen many articles (eg Rural News, August 19) on the need to solve the methane emissions problem of livestock. There have even been calls to cease consumption of ruminant protein altogether.

I wonder how many of these people working so hard to save the planet have ever stopped to quantify how much warming would be prevented if they stopped our animals producing methane? Or have they just accepted the oft-repeated ‘logic’ that methane is a powerful greenhouse gas so its effect must be significant?

Let’s unpack the real effect of livestock methane on the climate. The August 19 article repeats the claim that about 45% of New Zealand’s emissions are from livestock.

Two thirds of these are deemed to come from methane and one third from nitrous oxide.

The only way possible to achieve this figure is by counting all the emissions from our livestock.

But it is basic science that a constant number of livestock maintain the atmosphere at a constant level of methane or nitrous oxide. For every molecule they produce today, one they produced in the past breaks down. If there is no change in the atmospheric levels of methane or nitrous oxide there can be no global warming from these gases.

To suggest charging farmers for the emissions from our base levels of livestock is similar to charging someone for the emissions from their biofuel-powered vehicle. How this gross error was made that includes these base levels of livestock emissions in our nation’s total emissions confounds me. Why has this mistake been allowed to persist for years?

The only way livestock can possibly cause warming is through the emissions of any increase in the numbers of animals. The question is how much warming can they produce? Thanks

to Dr Wilson Flood, a Scottish chemist, I realised it is very little. His paper can be seen here: http://www.climaterealists. org.nz/sites/climaterealists. org.nz/files/The%2520Met hane%2520Misconceptions %2520published%2520ver sion.pdf I have since derived my own figure based on the relative concentration of carbon dioxide and methane and the proportion of methane that comes from livestock.

Two assumptions are needed. The first is the relative warming of methane compared to carbon dioxide. I have used the figure of 25 that will be used in any post-Kyoto agreement. The second is the amount of warming a doubling of carbon dioxide will cause. I have used a figure of 2oC of direct warming from carbon dioxide and another 4oC resulting from feedbacks. These feedbacks are used by the IPCC in its models of future temperature, even though there is a large uncertainty as to what extent these feedbacks exist.

If all the farmers in the world were to double their number of livestock tomorrow and kept them at that level for a century, the amount of warming at the end of the century would be only 0.04oC. I have circulated this figure to relevant scientists in recent months and challenged the recipients to respond with their figures if they disagreed with mine. To date, no alternative has emerged. This leads to me to a solid confidence that these figures are in the ballpark.

I fail to see how anyone could possibly get excited about the need to reduce the amount of methane our animals produce if they knew how small the effect would be.

I also fail to see why any of our farming lobby groups, who know this figure, are not lobbying hard to drop any sort of carbon price on livestock, be it a carbon tax or a carbon trading scheme.

After all, if we don’t lobby for the truth, what is there left to stand for?

• Neil Henderson is a sheep and beef farmer at Motu, west of Gisborne. He says he was at first a global warming believer, but when he discovered the intention to ‘tax’ livestock emissions he began reading and learning about

global warming from both perspectives. He has emailed and talked to scientists on both sides of the fence. His quest continues.

Neil Henderson and some of his non-global warming sheep.

Our profits don't go up in the big smoke.

As a mutual, we’re 100% owned by our rural policyholders.

That means our profits are put straight back into our business and the local community. And without city investors or overseas shareholders to please, we can offer you and all New Zealanders a better deal.

Ask around about us, or for some advice call 0800 366 466.

FMG0336

NE I L H E N D E RSO N

That’s what works out here.

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

34 MANAGEMENT

Don’t rush first fungicides The Foundation for Arable Research held a series of spring field walks on farms across Canterbury recently. Andrew Swallow relays some of the key messages.

FUNGICIDE RESISTANCE means a change to disease control strategies in cereals will likely be needed this spring but while disease risk has increased, the answer is unlikely to be spray earlier, the Foundation for Arable Research says.

Starting spray programmes too early will either stretch spray intervals, leaving crops unprotected at more important growth stages or, if stretched intervals are to be avoided, too many sprays will be required putting margins and chemistry at risk, explains FAR director of research and extension Nick Poole.

“The problem with the T-nought (T0) timing is it starts to dictate other timings. You’re better to ask

‘When is the most important spray timing for the crop?’ and work back from that,” he told growers at one of two South Canterbury spring field walks recently.

“We work on the basis that some leaves are more important than others.”

The most important leaf is the flag leaf, the last to emerge. Protecting that is paramount to optimise yield, with leaves two, three and four, as you go down the stem from the flag leaf, declining in importance.

From a grain yield perspective, the leaves below those, the ones on wheat plants now, contribute next to nothing. But they do indicate what diseases are present in the crop which could cause yield

losses later in the season.

One that’s increasingly likely to be seen is septoria tritici, and it’s the reason spray strategies need reviewing.

“Last year septoria tritici was, wall-to-wall, the most important disease in wheat. It resurfaced in 2011 so last year was the third season we faced it and it took over. The reason, as we now know, is the strobilurin products – Comet, Amistar, Fandango etc – weren’t working against septoria.”

Samples of the disease taken from crops in most regions of New Zealand and sent to Europe for analysis were found to be resistant to the previously highly effective fungicide group. (Rural News, April 3).

“It doesn’t mean they won’t work against the rusts or other diseases, it’s just septoria and, as we’ve known for some time, powdery mildew.”

Meanwhile, efficacy of the triazole group of fungicides is also waning, though with the triazoles it’s a case of the disease’s sensitivity to the chemistry gradually reducing, which can be overcome with higher rates, rather than the all, and now nothing, septoria control of the strobilurins.

That reduced sensitivity to triazoles undermines the case for so-called T0 sprays, applied before the conventional spray timings for wheat. If they’re to have any impact on septoria present at that time, typically about growth

Fungicide included? Strobilurin resistant and increasingly triazole tolerant septoria makes the pre-T1 decision more tricky.

stage 30 of the crop, much higher rates than the 0.20.3L/ha of Opus (epoxiconazole) historically used will be needed.

Where septoria tritici pressure is high, probably because of early sowing with a susceptible cultivar, there’s a case for using a three-quarter rate of triazole, 0.75L/ha in the case of Opus. Other than that,

FAR says T-nought sprays “should not be routine” as “yield increases are usually small and can be uneconomic.”

However, T-noughts can buy some flexibility with subsequent timings which can be needed if weather or other circumstances prevent spraying.

At the traditional first spray for wheat, the ‘T1’

at growth stage 31-32, the first of the really important leaves from a yield building perspective is emerging: leaf three. To protect it, a T1 application of triazole at three-quarter rate or more should be considered and where disease pressure is high, a fungicide from the relatively new group of TO PAGE 35

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

MANAGEMENT 35 Cultural considerations WITH SEPTORIA’S re-emergence as a key disease – it caused severe losses in 2002 then all but disappeared for a decade – and the growing fungicide resistance issues, Poole says more use of cultural techniques to reduce pressure on fungicides is needed.

Choosing disease resistant cultivars is a good first step, particularly for early sowing, and, from a disease control point of view, avoid sowing too early, though there’s a balance to be struck between reducing disease pressure from sowing later and losing yield potential.

“These are going to be important components in how you manage your rates and timings with fungicides.”

Septoria spreads by airborne ascospores so first wheats are as much at risk as second or subsequent wheats and good post-harvest hygiene – removing volunteers and burning or burying stubble – has little impact.

“You could say it’s a social disease, though not quite as bad as stripe rust which blows spores all around the district if you leave your volunteers!”

That’s in contrast to tan spot, another disease which has caused problems in wheat in recent years, which depends on spore release from stubble. Consequently second wheats are at much higher risk than first wheats with that disease.

Poole notes this year’s wheats fall into two distinct groups: those sown before wet weather in April; and those sown several weeks if not months later due to the mid-autumn standstill.

“I don’t think we’ve ever had a season when nothing was sown in that main sowing window.”

Those sown before the rain will be at much higher disease risk than those sown after.

WHEAT FUNGICIDE STRATEGY

❱❱ Septoria risk high if weather wet. ❱❱ Consider cultivar and sowing date to assess risk. ❱❱ Forget strobs for septoria but may be best bet with rusts. ❱❱ Use robust triazole rates to combat reduced sensitivity. ❱❱ Use mixtures, particularly with SDHIs to reduce resistance risk.

Don’t rush it FROM PAGE 34

chemistry, the SDHIs, added, says FAR. Besides Syngenta’s Seguris Flexi (isopyrazam), two new SDHI’s are on the market this spring: Aviator Pro (prothiaconazole + bixafen) from Bayer Cropsciences, and Adexar (epoxiconazole + fluxapyroxad) from BASF. While both contain a triazole as well as an SDHI, the formulations mean a top-up with straight triazole such as Opus (epoxiconazole) or Proline (prothiaconazole) is needed to reach that three-quarter rate of triazole.

FAR says that in general, where rust’s been

absent and the principal disease is septoria tritici, Proline has performed better than Opus, particularly in South Canterbury and Southland.

Poole stresses it’s important “not to fire this (T1) shot so early you miss that leaf [three] completely.”

If that happens, leaf three can become severely infected with septoria, and infect leaf two before the flag leaf emerges and what is usually the most important fungicide application of the season, the T2 at GS39, is made.

“Try to keep the gap reasonably tight between T1 and T2. Don’t let it go out beyond four weeks.”

Protecting leaf three is the target for the first main fungicide application, says FAR’s Nick Poole.

Aphid alert!

RECORD HIGHS of aphids caught in the suction trap at Lincoln during autumn don’t necessarily mean there will be a barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV) epidemic this spring, but if numbers lift again soon, late sown crops could be at risk.

“In 2005 some of the worst hit crops were those sown in winter: June and July,” FAR’s Nick Poole notes, recalling the last bad year for the aphid-born disease.

“Then we saw high temperatures and aphid numbers come away in

the spring when crops were still at very vulnerable growth stages.”

The gap between when protective seed treatments such as Gaucho (imidacloprid) run out and when cereal crops reach GS31 is when they need to be closely monitored and, if aphids are found, an insecticide applied.

“Growth stage 31 is when cereals become more tolerant to BYDV but there is an exposure there before that,” adds colleague Rob Craigie.

Aphid numbers can vary consid-

erably paddock to paddock and region to region so individual crops should be checked for infestation, particularly as the suction trap only catches winged aphids, not wingless in-crop second generations.

FAR says normally a few aphids escaping treatment in the autumn is not a problem as they don’t multiply but a lack of aphid killing southerlies and mild weather conducive to aphid reproduction could allow in-crop populations to balloon and BYDV become an issue.

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

36 MANAGEMENT

Pushing south with grazing maize Stock on crops was the theme for a recent Beef + Lamb New Zealand field day in South Canterbury. Andrew Swallow reports.

GRAZING MAIZE is helping a South Canterbury and Otago farmer fill a regular summer feed gap, pushing the boundaries for where the crop is considered viable.

Paul Brown farms

320ha at Levels Valley, near Timaru, and 1400ha in two blocks in the Ida Valley, Otago, running up to 6000 cattle. He first tried the crop at Levels in 2010-11, and hasn’t looked back.

“We’ll have 150ha this year, 134ha for grazing and the 16ha or so for harvesting which we’ve always done,” he told a Beef + Lamb New Zealand field day last month.

The grazing area will

be split between Levels and the Ida Valley. It will be the third season he’s grown it in Otago, the first having gone well but last summer’s crop was hit by an exceptionally hard and late frost in Decem-

ber. With the growing tip affected, he decided to “cut our losses” and graze it off early.

“For the coming season we’ve got irrigation down there, which will help. Last year it was really dry as

My idea of financial freedom

Taking the family some place new, yet really old Whatever your idea of financial freedom, we can help keep your vision on track.

on grazing maize” for that period. “We couldn’t have carried those heifers in the years before we had grazing maize.”

Initial grazing leaves stalks littered across the paddock but Brown told field day delegates bulls and heifers “do go back and eat them”.

The maize is followed by ryecorn, sometimes banged in behind a backfence before the whole paddock is cleared. He reckons to get 6tDM/ha off the ryecorn with autumn, winter and early spring grazing, before putting the ground into fodder beet which he says averages 20tDM/ha. “So we’re getting 12t/ha or more of maize, 6t/ha of ryecorn and 20t of fodder beet in two years.”

Brown presented figures putting the growing

KEY POINTS

At Spicers we have been providing specialist investment solutions and financial advice to Kiwis for more than 25 years. We help our clients achieve their ideas of financial freedom and are trusted with over $1.3 billion of funds under advice.

Call us today to arrange a free, no obligation consultation on 0800 102 100. Eligibility criteria apply. spicers.co.nz

Your Spicers Adviser has a disclosure statement that is available on request and free of charge.

well as being hit by that late frost,” he explained to Rural News.

It was problems getting maize silage harvested off paddocks in the Levels area in the wet autumn of 2010 that got him onto the idea of grazing maize. “We threw the bulls in and they just chewed into it.”

A few enquiries revealed Pioneer sold a special mix of hybrid maize seed for grazing and while it wasn’t recommended for the South Island, Brown decided to try it out. “If you chopped it for silage it would just end up as slurry and slush down here.”

Drymatter yields averaging 16-17t/ha in Waikato made him think 15-16t/ha should be achievable in South Canterbury, but he did his budgets on 12t/ha, and it still stacked up. As it

32518_DAIRY_C

❱❱ Sown Nov 7 – soil temp 10oC and rising. ❱❱ Grazing early Jan through to late April. ❱❱ Fertiliser: 300kg superphosphate presowing; 300kg DAP at sowing; 250kg urea later. ❱❱ Budget of 12tDM/ha regularly exceeded. ❱❱ Rainfall only about 500mm/year. ❱❱ Not suitable for silage but can be grazed late. ❱❱ Followed by ryecorn direct sown into stubble. is, it seems yields are regularly beating that budget figure. “All the time we’ve ended up with extra maize left over at the end,” he told the field day.

Metaboliseable energy (ME) content of the crop at grazing is about 10.3MJ/ kgDM, “about the same as summer leafy pasture,” he says.

Other than the first year, he’s ignored suggestions extra protein should be offered – and advice to do on-off grazing to transition stock onto it – with no ill-effect.

Last year 48ha was sown November 10 at Levels and was “absolutely amazing”, nearing deer fence height by mid January. It allowed him to carry 825 in-calf heifers from the start of February to the end of April, with 600 of them “solidly

cost of the maize at $1300/ ha, giving a feed cost of 10.8c/kgDM at the 12t/ ha budget yield. Similarly a 4.5t/ha crop of ryecorn costing $450/ha to grow, including 150kg/ha of seed, tractor work and 200kg of urea, put the feed cost of that at 10c/kgDM. Across the 320ha farm, with 80ha of fodder beet, 65ha of maize (grazed and harvested), and a few tweaks to pasture species and some lucerne around “rocks and rubbish”, he reckons the whole farm averaged 12,600kgDM/ha last year. That compares to 9500kgDM/ha/year in 2009 when cropping was limited to the maize silage, and a little summer brassica. “It’s allowing us to do an awful lot more stock than we could if we didn’t get into these two new crops.”

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

MANAGEMENT 37

Fodder beet tips aplenty RESTRICT SUPPLEMENTS, don’t worry too much about protein, and keep stock on it were just a few of many fodder beet utilisation tips shared with the field day crowd on Warren and Andrea Leslie’s farm near Cave.

“If you really want to push your intakes you’ve got to have beet in front of them all the time,” stressed Lincoln University’s Jim Gibbs.

Providing a fibrous supplement such as hay or straw with beet is a must but offering fibre ad-lib will just erode growth rates and increase costs, he warned.

“It’s a common sentiment that animals will balance their diets themselves so give them all the hay and straw they want, but they don’t eat to balance the rumen: they eat to make you go broke.”

Hay or straw is easy for cattle to eat and makes them feel full but they don’t realise it lowers energy intake so reduces growth, he explained.

Protein supplements such as blocks in the paddock also got a “makeyou-go-broke” blast. “The only question is whether they’re the fastest or second-fastest way to go broke!”

He acknowledged there’s a “grain of truth” that raising protein content of the diet could increase growth rate but the gain is small and doesn’t justify the cost. “If you ever have to supplement protein, you’re in trouble, as a rule.”

Bulb and top combined is typically 11-13% crude protein and there’s “no class of livestock that won’t support, except finishing lambs,” he explained Lighter R1s, 180-230kg, can have “a mild protein sensitivity” so Gibbs rules out using hay or straw as the fibre supplement for R1s as it dilutes the diet’s overall crude protein content, recommending grass or lucerne silage instead.

But for R2s or dry dairy cows such feeds are an unnecessary luxury and only add cost: use the cheapest form of fibre supplement available – typically hay or straw – and

WHO:

Warren and Andrea Leslie WHERE:

Cave, South Canterbury WHAT:

Fodder beet

only at 2kg/head/day. As a rule of thumb, every kg of fibre eaten reduces beet intake by 1.5kg, he pointed out.

Transitioning stock onto beet needs care as too much, too soon, will cause acidosis but such problems are “entirely avoidable”, he stressed.

Host farmer Warren Leslie said they are “very careful” transitioning onto fodder beet and in four years of grazing the crop hadn’t lost one animal.

He admitted to some-

Fodder beet growing costs

times departing from Gibbs’ recommendation to keep stock on the beet 24/7 once transitioned because he’d put hay feeders in a laneway “so they had somewhere dry to sleep at night” when it got wet in the paddock. “It probably was to the detriment of growth rate but it made me sleep better, knowing they had somewhere dry to go.”

As one of the farms in Beef + Lamb’s Fodder Beet Profit Partnership (FBPP), trials on the farm found heifer weight gains on the crop on par or slightly better than off kale or rape

and grass in 2012.

In 2013, trials found no economic benefit to supplementing beet with lucerne baleage or a protein lick to boost diet protein content, one mob averaging 538g/day, another 321g/day.

This winter Murray Grey beef heifers have done 762g/day over 71 days on the crop, while two mobs of dairy heifers have done 614g/day and 694g/ day. “The target liveweight gain [for the dairy heifers] in June, July and August is 300g/day.”

Putting in contractor growing costs, stan-

dardised across all the farms in the FBPP, the beet has cost Leslie $2353/ha to grow, yielding 19-25tDM/ ha, to give a feed cost of

ENTRIE

Canterbury Agricultural Park www.theshow.co.nz Infoline: 0800 800 970 Email: info@theshow.co.nz www.facebook.com/CanterburyA.PShow

Be part of the action with over 3000 animals, 7000 livestock and feature competition entries, 600 trade exhibitors and 100,000+ Show visitors.

Establishment (plough, disc x2, maxitill, roll x2, drill

$475/ha

Compete for showing success against the best of the best at New Zealand’s largest A&P Show.

Seed (Brigadier @ 80,000 seeds/ ha)

$280/ha

Chemical (5 passes inc knockdown spray)

$845/ha

There’s over $100,000 in Show prize money up for grabs - don’t miss this year’s Canterbury A&P Show!

Concessions available for exhibitors travelling more than 400km to compete.

Fertiliser (3 passes)

$753/ha

Total

$2,353/ha

As supplied at BLNZ South Canterbury Farming For Profit field day. Assumes contractors used.

Murray Grey heifers on fodder beet: for growing stock the aim is to have 25% left at the end of each day’s allocation.

EQUESTRIAN ENTRIES CLOSE FRIDAY 19 SEPTEMBER LIVESTOCK ENTRIES CLOSE FRIDAY 26 SEPTEMBER

S

8.9-14.3c/kgDM. But as Leslie pointed out to the field day, with some of his own machinery actual cost did not exceed $2100/ha.

W NO

OPEN

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

38 MANAGEMENT

Getting the silage right for goats IN FEEDING and forage supply, dairy goat farming is completely different from dairy cow farming.

Most dairy goats are housed indoors and farmers provide fresh pasture by the cut-and-carry

Getting silage right for dairy goats is completely different from dairy cows researchers say.

DO

HOW WE TRANSITION OFF

OUR FARM?

If the time is approaching to leave your farm, you’ll want to do it on your terms and in your time. You only have one opportunity to get it right, maximise the value of your life’s work and provide certainty for your future.

A Heartland Farm Transition Loan will allow you to borrow against the equity in your farm to carry out deferred maintenance, make farm improvements you haven’t had the cash flow for, or even buy that retirement home.

• Designed to help you transition off your farm • 7 year loan term - principal and interest repayable at the end of the loan term • Ability to repay the loan at any time • No repayments required during the term of the loan For more information call us today on 0508 432 785.

At Heartland Bank, we pride ourselves on finding products for people, not people for products.

We’re Heartland. New Zealand’s specialist bank.

method. This fresh-cut pasture in a dairy goat system is what makes New Zealand unique, says AgResearch senior scientist Warren King.

“Typically one-third to one-half of total forage

supply for dairy goats is fresh-cut pasture,” he says.

However, there are challenges; fresh-cut grass is not available yearround. To help farmers achieve the best practices for silage and forage supply for goats, AgResearch is next week holding a silage workshop at Ruakura, Hamilton.

King says most dairy goat farmers rely on grass silage as a large component of their total forage supply system, more so than dairy cow farmers; some dairy goat farmers rely entirely on grass silage. Grass silage offers consistency all season, and is used alongside supplements such as maize silage and brewer’s grain.

Some farmers make their own grass silage, others get contractors to make it for them, others buy in silage when they need it, notes King.

“Silage is a way of dealing with the massive flush of spring pasture growth in September and October, and to ensure good feed resources year-round, especially in February and March when grass dries off.

“There is an extra cost to producing silage but it’s cheaper to make your own than buy it in later on.”

Silage quality can be quite variable, however.

“Over the past two to three years we have studied silage – including silage that dairy goat farmers have made themselves, silage they have had contractors make, and silage bought in – and there is a wide range in moisture and energy content.”

Researchers visit farms frequently to take samples of grass silage for lab testing. Over the past 12 months, scientists have

looked at four case-study farms to help build a picture of the role of silage in the total forage supply system.

Benchmarks for good quality silage include 30%DM, a metabolisable energy (ME) greater than 10, and a protein level greater than 16%. Testing

by AgResearch revealed silage on Waikato dairy goat farms ranges greatly in quality. DM content ranged from 17 to 46%.

“Getting it to the right moisture content is vital,” says King. “If silage is too wet then all this nasty soup drains out the bottom of the silage stack.

That means a lot of the goodness drains away.”

Farmers can expect losses if dry matter is less than 25%.”

Research also found some silage had less-thanideal metabolisable energy levels, one below eight and a handful below 10 units of ME. Some protein levels also measured low, with numbers as low as 10%.

“More protein in silage is good. Like all lactating animals, goats require a high quality diet to perform at their best.”

Silage bale and stack handling is important too.

There are some risks with feeding mouldy silage, which can result in goats contracting the disease listeriosis, which can be fatal.

These plant-soil-based bacteria thrive in spoiled silage, generally occurring when stacks or bales are poorly covered or stored.

To attend AgResearch and the Dairy Goat Cooperative’s silage workshop at the Ruakura Research Centre, contact Warren King to register your interest: warren.king@ agresearch.co.nz or tel. 07 838 5159.

GET SOCIAL BUFFALO/HB5296

facebook.com/ruralnews

0508 432 785

www.heartland.co.nz

*Heartland Bank Limited’s lending criteria, fees and charges apply. For further information please contact us on 0508 432 785.

twitter.com/Rural_News ruralnewsgroup.co.nz/rss www.ruralnews.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

MANAGEMENT 39

Financial tracking program boosts focus farmers’ profit good to be able to see what is above or below previous years.

“We looked at the costs and asked A CRS financial tracking program has ourselves why the high ones were so contributed to a Northland monitor high and noted where we could make dairy farm’s $200,000 lift in profsavings.” its, say its owners Alistair and Lynn The results have been noticeable, Candy. the software providing the couple and The Candys milk 320 cows from committee with data they need to see a 103ha milking platform and 251ha what parts of the business needed fine support block and QE11 covenanted tuning. farm west of Okaihau. It has been A tight rein on costs meant that a a DairyNZ focus farm since 2011, 52% rise in production to 111,745kgMS intending to show the profitability resulted in $200,000 of extra profit. gains possible on a typical Northland Initially launched in 1981 dairy farm.

by Wairarapa farmer Ian A seven-person manCampbell as a whole-ofagement committee visited “We looked at the costs and farm performance tracking monthly for three years to asked ourselves why the system.

CRM records look at ways the farm could be high ones were so high and weather, stock movements, improved. earnings and more, allowing In the first year committee noted where we could make farm information to be members and Northland farmsavings.” benchmarked against similar ers Peter Flood and David Gray sized operations elsewhere. suggested the couple use the While focus farm facilitator CRM program to get a better handle initely wasn’t available through the Gareth Baynham has been taking care last system.” on the farm’s performance.

Since picking up the program she of benchmarking, Candy says she will While the couple used Banklink to send financial information to has done two more one-day courses. take over that task, something she is their accountant, Lynn Candy says “The same gentleman took both now comfortable doing. “It’s all there, they didn’t review the information courses; they get to know you and that all I have to do is to sit down and spend the time doing it.” themselves more than once a year was helpful.”

The software can be run comWhile she is reluctant to spend when doing the books. “We were using it more to get information to time at the computer Candy says she fortably on Windows 7 from a Farmhas got more from the software which side satellite broadband connection. the accountant.”

Learning how to use the software has been instrumental in keeping Candy says she is able to complete accounting work without any lag. was challenging as they had never things on track.

“We’ve been able to compare Tel. 0800 888 707 done that level of financial analysis before. The curve was made steeper data as line graphs and pie charts; it’s www.crssoftware.co.nz GA R E T H G I L LAT T

by the couple’s wish to spend time on the farm.

“I don’t really like to spend time on the computer. But I probably would have picked it up faster if I had used it more.”

One thing that impressed Candy was the level of help offered by the company.

The couple received an hour of one-on-one training on how to set up codes and the basics of the software as well as receiving further training through courses. “That def-

Alistair and Lynn Canday say the program has provided data showing them what part of the business needs fine tuning.

STRENGTH & RELIABILITY

FINANCE FROM

1.95%*

DM RAPIDO POWER HARROW

FALCO

An ultra heavy duty 3m unit available with either a cage or packer option making it well suited to a wide range of soil types.

• • • • • •

4 - 4.6m working widths

3 & 3.5m working widths 200Hp gearbox Quick fit tines Cam clutch standard Packer and cage options Heavy duty gear tray with double reinforcement

FALCO

4 - 4.6M WORKING WIDTHS • • • • •

1000 rpm gearbox Cam clutch Stone guard deflectors Bolt on tines Rear levelling bar

Designed for 130-200Hp tractors

Contact your local Power Farming dealer today for more information * Normal Lending Criteria & Conditions Apply

www.powerfarming.co.nz

Introducing BASF’s XTRAORDINARY new chemistry for unprecedented cereal crop protection.

BASF’s research and development of new fungicides is based on innovative chemistry.

As a result, we’re introducing a remarkable new active ingredient, Xemium®.

Global studies and New Zealand on-farm trials show that Xemium® (uxapyroxad) performs better on wheat and barley crops than other carboxamides previously on the market.

The superior disease control provided by Xemium® results in consistently higher yields and better crop quality, while also offering greater exibility in your spray programme.

A new generation of fungicide for sustainable cereal crop protection Utilising the proven benets of Xemium®, Adexar® offers a new level of exible and sustainable disease control giving cereal crop growers another important string to their bow.

Adexar® offers a new level of exibility for wheat growers via two applications to the crop. While in Barley, a combination of Systiva® (BASF’s rst postemergence fungicide spray applied to the seed), and one application of Adexar will deliver optimum results.

In both crops Adexar® provides an eco-friendlier solution with the widest window of application, exibility, disease control, minimum washoff and maximum coverage plus sustainability!

Proven Efcacy in Wheat and Barley ADEXAR® - PROVEN EFFICACY IN WHEAT Stripe Rust

Brown Rust

Speckled Leaf Blotch

Glume Blotch

Powdery Mildew

ADEXAR® - PROVEN EFFICACY IN BARLEY Scald

Leaf Rust

Net Blotch

Ramularia Leaf & Awn Spot

Powdery Mildew

Available from your nearest Rural Supplier or call BASF on 0800 93 2273 www.agro.basf.co.nz BSF 0017 06/14

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

42 ANIMAL HEALTH

Tail docking trial data building andrews@ruralnews.co.nz

“HAVE I told you anything you didn’t already know?”

“No,” answered 74% of farmers at a Beef + Lamb New Zealand field day in South Canterbury after hearing tail length trial results from Abacus Bio’s Jo Kerslake.

But Kerslake, who’s been leading the trials for Alliance Group and

UK supermarket Sainsbury, was unphased by the answer.

The findings, which show docking has no effect on growth rate but does on dags, provide the scientific evidence which will be needed if overseas buyers start asking questions about tailing practice here, she explained.

There were two parts to the work: quantifying current practice and

Main reason for docking/tailing

Reduce dags

40%

Minimise flystrike

32%

Keep crutching cost down

20%

Processor / Govt requirement

25%

Keep shearing cost down

2%

Other

4%

How low do you go? A survey found secondly examindocking to about 3cm to be the most ing whether docking common practice, Abacus Bio’s Jo flush, short, long, or Kerslake told field day delegates. not at all makes any difference to lamb growth, carcase quality, dag score, and flystrike.

A nationwide survey of sheep farmers found 6% dock flush, 59% dock short (about 3cm) and 32% dock long (about 6cm). The remainder are left intact, though only 1% of farmers leave tails on maternal lambs, compared to 3% for terminals.

The trial to assess lambs in total. farms, two in the North the impact of the difThe aim was to see if ferent approaches was run Island and two in the claims that leaving tails South, and involved 3200 over two seasons on four

co m p Et i ti o n

Win a STiHL MS 251 CHainSaW & SafeTy paCkage We have a STIHL MS 251 CBEQ Chainsaw plus a safety package, total value of $1337, to give away in celebration of the Canterbury A&P Show, to be held Wednesday 12 to Friday 14 November 2014. Simply answer the question below, and we’ll put you in the draw!

Where will the 2014 Canterbury A&P Show be held?

Enter at www.ruralnews.co.nz/stihl-competition

LESS HARD YARDS IN THE YARDS. Direct effective delivery plus longer acting formula equals supremely conditioned stock.

intact enhances carcase quality, and that docking causes a growth check, are born out in practice. With one exception – a farm in Southland which found a 100g better yield/lamb if tails were intact – it doesn’t, Kerslake told the field day audience.

“Are we missing out on any production gains? I’d say no.”

If tails are left on, once skinned there’s 200-230g of possible product in the tail. When docked it’s more like 100g.

Reducing dags and minimising flystrike were the main reasons given for tailing in the farmer survey (see table), reasons which the trial results suggest are justified. While no correlation between tail length and flystrike was

Dectomax’s powerful, long-acting formula provides persistent activity against Ostertagia meaning more time to get on with other things.

Winter is here and Ostertagia is becoming more prevalent. Control the No.1 production limiting parasite with Dectomax®, NZ’s No.1 injectable cattle drench1. Dectomax Pour-on and Injection keep killing Ostertagia for up to 28 days so if time and money are important to you - use Dectomax.

Buy Dectomax and receive a FREE* Hunters Element 5-piece clothing pack Ask for Dectomax at your vet. dectomax.co.nz

*Terms and conditions apply. See your Vet Clinic for qualifying purchases. While stocks last. For full terms & conditions visit www.dectomax.co.nz. DECTOMAX is a registered trade mark of Zoetis Inc. or its subsidiaries. ACVM Registration No. A6199 & A7101. 1 Data on file.

ZOE 1173 Dectomax Refresh 2014 FW 120x265_ƒ.indd 1

found, there was a very low incidence of flystrike overall.

“In other work there has been a direct line between dags and flystrike,” Kerslake noted.

In the Alliance work, which was supported by MPI’s Sustainable Farming Fund and Beef + Lamb New Zealand, intact tail mobs always had more dags than docked, but there was little difference in dag score between long, short and flush docked lambs.

The time to crutch a full tailed lamb was 36 seconds but that rose to 70 seconds for those with high dag scores.

Kerslake told the field day that in light of the results Alliance is simply recommending its suppliers follow the welfare code guidelines and it would not be accepting lambs docked flush.

One of the farmers at the field day said that needed to be communicated to some breed societies because their rules still stipulate docking flush.

• Official statement soon – see page 43

ZOE1173

A N D R EW SWA LLOW

6/26/14 4:05 PM

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

ANIMAL HEALTH 43

Report shows 1080 contractors not to blame for cattle deaths AN INVESTIGATION into two cattle deaths following an aerial 1080 drop in May concludes proper control processes were followed by Waikato Regional Council and its pest killing contractors.

The investigation found all 32 resource consent conditions for the drop were met and there was no unlawful discharge of a contaminant to land or water.

The two cattle, part of a mob of 36, found their way into bush treated with 1080 through a gate inadequately secured with a wire latch, said the

report. They had moved several hundred metres from the insecure gate, crossing the Awakino River to reach the treated area. The farmer had also been alerted to the 1080

drop before it began and told of the importance of excluding stock from the treatment area.

On the balance of probabilities the cattle deaths were more likely related

to eating 1080 poison in the treatment area than not to have been, however no definitive conclusion could be reached, says the report. The two cattle died within two days of being removed from the treatment area.

“This was an unfortunate incident for all concerned,” says Waikato Regional Council biosecurity group manager John Simmons.

“It’s clear our staff and contractors did all the right things but unfortunately it seems the cattle were somehow able to force their way through an inad-

equately secured gate. We will take this into account during pre-operation discussions with landowners

productive, economic and welfare aspects of docking lamb tails.

This situation leaves New Zealand farmers vulnerable to any concerns from international markets in regards to the actual length of tails docked.”

Behrent said it’s important welfare issues concerning consumers and which could become barriers to exports are addressed scientifically with trial data. The study should allow New Zealand to do that.

use group at the request of the biosecurity group. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

OFFSET DISCS VEL 3.15m

Ideal for New Zealand hill country due to the ultra short chassis with floating draft bar & drawbar.

• Heavy Duty under carriage • Short beam length with hydraulic draft bar • Independent front and rear hydraulic gang adjustment • Offset & tandem discs available in all sizes

Results and official statement soon?

AN OFFICIAL statement on the second year of results from the three year project is expected from Alliance, Beef + Lamb NZ, and Sainsbury this week.

Alliance general manager livestock, Murray Behrent, last year said first year findings were “useful early confirmation on the effect of tail docking on growth rates and we will be looking forward to the final results in 2015.

“There is currently a lack of scientific information addressing the

adjoining any future treatment areas.”

The investigation was by the council’s resource

• 26 inch scalloped front and rear blades • Solid steel beam

FINANCE FROM

1.95%*

*Normal lending criteria & conditions apply

Contact your local Power Farming Dealer or visit our website www.powerfarming.co.nz Murray Behrent

www.powerfarming.co.nz

Only LAMB VACCINE provides immediate, protection against Tetanus.

Available

now from your anim al health retailer .

E IMMEDIAT ION ECT T O R P S U TETAN Available in Plain and Selenised

®

Registered trademark. ACVM No’s: A1009 &A1011. COOPERS Phone: 0800 800 543. www.coopersonline.co.nz NZ/LBV/0714/0002 ELE-01457-RN

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

44 ANIMAL HEALTH

Ferrets link to TB raises question IN MY letter to Rural News August 5, I made the point that TBFree NZ / OSPRI NZ had not informed the general farming community through the rural newspapers that five Southland herds were infected with TB. Last June TBFree Southland said three of these herds were infected

by either possums or stoats and two herds by other means. In the Southland Times I questioned Southland TBFree as to the real cause of the TB infections. In their reply TBFree Southland said there were now six TB infected herds. Three were infected by ferrets and three by herd movement. So what

happened to the possums and stoats that were the main culprits in TBFree Southland’s June news release? Once again the possum was a scapegoat but time proved it wasn’t the culprit. As usual herd movement also played a big part in these TB infections.

Why aren’t TBFree NZ

/ OSPRI NZ not targeting the ferret when it is quite clearly a major vector in transferring TB to livestock?

Being a carnivore the ferret doesn’t eat cerealbased 1080 toxin baits. A July 17 update by TB Action North Canterbury/Marlborough stated: “In New Zealand, possums are

Possums are not the only pest spreading TB.

targeted for control. While ferrets can pass TB to deer and cattle, it is not possible for cost effective control of them.” Why not? They caused 50% of the Southland TB infections.

TBFree Southland’s Mike O’Brien said in Southern Rural Life in November 2012: “Our programme is not focused

YOUR SPRING GROWTH T F O T S O HIS S EM H T EAS KE ON A M

on eradicating the possum but eradicating the disease from the possum population.” What about eradicating TB from the ferret population? It appears TBFree is treating the ferret as a farmer does his stock. By virtually

ignoring the ferret TBFree NZ is ensuring the ferret continues the TB infection cycle that, along with public monies, fuels the TBFree NZ / OSPRI NZ gravy train.

Ron Eddy Wairau Saddle

TBNZ responds...

All part of the problem

TREAT WITH MERIAL ANCARE PRODUCTS TO GET THE BEST OUT OF YOUR STOCK, AND FOR A LIMITED TIME WE’LL GIVE YOU ONE OF THESE FISKARS AND GUBBA GARDENING PACKS TO HELP OUT AROUND THE HOME WITH QUALIFYING PURCHASES.*

or

QUALIFYING PURCHASES: ARREST ® Hi-Mineral 20L, ARREST ® 20L, EXODUS ® Se 20L, FIRST ® Drench Hi-Mineral 20L, GENESIS ® Hi-Mineral 20L, GENESIS ® Tape Hi-Mineral 20L, GENESIS ® Ultra Oral Hi-Mineral 20L, IVER MATRIX® Tape Hi-Mineral 10L or 20L, MATRIX® 20L, MATRIX® Hi-Mineral 20L or 50L, MATRIX® Mini Dose 10L, MATRIX® Tape Hi-Mineral 10L or 20L, SWITCH® 20L, SWITCH® Hi-Mineral 20L.

PROUDLY AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL VETERINARY CLINIC.

In response to Ron Eddy, TBfree New Zealand acknowledges ferrets are part of the complex web of bovine tuberculosis (TB) transmission. Various research projects have been completed on ferrets and their role in the TB disease cycle which directs our science-based control plan. TBfree New Zealand undertakes ferret operations, but this is usually for TB surveillance purposes.

Ferrets contract the disease by scavenging on TB-infected possum carcases. Put simply, remove the disease from possums and it will naturally die out in other scavenging wild animals, such as ferrets and pigs. This method has been successful in several areas, most recently in parts of north Canterbury, where TB infection in ferrets was rife a decade ago and has now been totally removed after intensive possum control.

Mr Eddy regularly uses information out of context.

In this instance, his comment about ferrets not being “cost-effective” to control omits several other important pieces of information in the newsletter to which he refers. Namely, independent, peer reviewed studies show that in most parts of New Zealand, ferret numbers decline during winter and, where there are fewer than three ferrets per hectare, TB cannot be maintained in their population.

Possums are the main carrier of TB and source of the disease in cattle and deer. Take the West Coast, which is not a habitat for ferrets, yet has the highest number of infected herds in the country. DNA strain typing of infected livestock links the majority of the region’s herd infections back to TB in possums.

Nick Hancox TBfree New Zealand

*WHILE STOCKS LAST.

Merial is a Sanofi company. MERIAL NZ LTD. LEVEL 3, MERIAL BUILDING, OSTERLEY WAY, MANUKAU, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND | WWW.MERIAL.CO.NZ | ARREST®, EXODUS®, FIRST®, GENESIS®, IVER MATRIX®, MATRIX® & SWITCH® ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MERIAL. REGISTERED PURSUANT TO THE ACVM ACT 1997 | NO’S: A6416, A6417, A10018, A6859, A7189, A7212, A9822, A10120, A9544, A9390, A10132, A9418, A9964 & A9970 | ©COPYRIGHT 2014 MERIAL NZ LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NZ-14-MAL-138.

LATEST STORIES EVERY DAY Get upto date news at www.ruralnews.co.nz

MAL_Sheep Spring Promo 2014_28x5.indd 1

13/08/14 11:18 AM

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

ANIMAL HEALTH 45

Varroa links bees susceptible to other issues A NDR EW SWA L LOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz

A JOINT New Zealand-French study showing varroa makes bees much more susceptible to other problems confirms what beekeepers have learnt from experience, say industry leaders.

“We have been totally aware of the impact of varroa and the subsequent issues over viruses and bacteria in the hive and how they impact bee health,” Federated Farmers Bees chairman John Hartnell told Rural News following publication of Otago University and INRA, France, pHD student Fanny Modet’s paper in online journal PLOS Pathogens.

“Where trouble starts is if the hive is not treated for varroa, or treated too late and varroa place huge pressure on the bee colony.”

Problems can be accentuated by poor bee nutrition, particularly lack of pollen, adds Hartnell.

“Hence for the last six years we have been driving the ‘Trees for Bees’ programme. If the hive has access to good pollen and nectar sources it has a far better chance of producing new

healthy bees.”

Hartnell points out varroa’s size relative to a bee is like a dinner plate to an adult human. “So it does serious damage to the honeybee.”

His comments are echoed by National Beekeepers Association president Ricki Leahy. “Beekeepers are very aware that the first two years or so of varroa establishing in an area are the most critical.”

Otago University said the study would “provide important insights for future management of threatened bee populations world-wide” as honeybee colonies are dying at alarming rates but the exact cause, and hence how bees can be saved, remains unclear.

Modet studied the interplay of bees, mites and viruses as varroa spread through New Zealand.

Of seven virus species monitored, deformed wing virus (DWV) was the most strongly affected by varroa’s arrival. It can multiply in mites and is thought to be a direct cause of varroa-induced colony collapse, a phenomenon almost never seen in New Zealand pre-varroa.

Another highly virulent varroa-

transmitted virus, Kashmir bee virus (KBV), also showed a close association with the mite but unlike DWV, KBV abundance peaks two years after an initial varroa infestation then disappears, leaving DWV as the dominant virus in long-term varroainfested areas.

“The results of this study strengthen the idea that in varroa infested bees, multiple virus species interact to create a dynamic and turbulent pathological landscape, and that viruses play an important part in the survival or collapse of honeybee colonies infested by varroa,” says Mondet.

The researchers hope the study, which was supported by a grant from the New Zealand Honey Trust Industry Fund, will highlight the importance of beekeeper awareness, of mite monitoring, and the timing and efficiency of varroa control.

But Hartnell says most beekeepers “are fully conversant with varroa and the management practises required” and are “doing a great job”. @rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

Rumensin Capsules are your best defence against bloat.

Suitable for beef and dairy cattle over 250kg liveweight, one capsule provides 100 days of proven bloat control.

Control bloat and benefit from improved growth rates in beef cattle and improved milk production and cow condition1 in dairy cattle.

BLOAT • MILK PRODUCTION • KETOSIS COW CONDITION 1 • FEED EFFICIENCY 2 You can trust Rumensin. With over 2300 scientific papers to its credit, it is one of the most researched products in the world. Talk to your veterinarian or animal health stockist about bloat defence today.

Feral threat explained LEAHY SAYS feral hives, by nature unmanaged and untreated, pose a particular threat now that varroa is endemic.

When such hives collapse due to varroa infestation large numbers of absconding, mite-laden feral bees can suddenly re-infest nearby managed hives.

Meanwhile bees from the managed hive may also rob the weakened feral hive, unintentionally

bringing mites and all their viruses back with them.

“Suddenly the beekeeper has another unexpected infestation problem.”

DWV infected bees can’t fly and forage so repeated re-infestation with virus laden mites “has an obvious devastating effect on the health and strength of the hive,” he adds.

“The effects of deformed wing

virus are easily identified and are a key indicator that treatments are overdue.

“This research (see main story) is very interesting and possibly explains why beekeepers at times witnessed hives succumbing so fast at the critical stage….[But] most beekeepers manage varroa pretty well once the infestations settle down to a more predictable nature.”

INLINE

DRENCH

INFEED

CAPSULE

MOLASSES

Available in drenchable Liquid, 100 dayELANCO capsule, in-feed Premix and Water Trough Treatment from leading animal health stockists. Elanco Animal Elanco Helpline 0800 (352626) Health, division Data of Eli Lilly and Company (NZ)pursuant Limited, 123 Ormiston Botany No. South, Auckland.

Helpline: 0800 (35205/12 626).

1,2.aElanco on File.

Registered to the ACVMRoad, Act 1997, A9676. www.elanco.co.nz RCapELANCO Weapon 39x3 Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No’s. A3553, A9676, A7450, A8278.

R Weapon RN07/11

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

46 ANIMAL HEALTH

Industry agreement on induction ban A NDR EW SWA L LOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz

FEDERATED FARMERS was likely the last to sign an industry agreement consigning scheduled inductions to the farm management dustbin, it has emerged.

Inductions policy has been managed by a group of signatories to a memorandum of understanding including the New Zealand Veterinary Association, Dairy NZ, the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand and Feds.

In 2010 rules were imposed requiring non-emergency inductions to be scheduled 90 days in advance, and limited to 15% of the herd. The ceiling tumbled to 8% in 2011, and 4% in 2012, and has stayed at that level since; about 30% of farms took advantage of that last year.

Feds’ Dairy chairman Andrew Hoggard says the decision to ban the practice from June 1 next year was made “at a high level” back in February though Feds didn’t sign to it until after an incommittee debate at its annual conference.

“I think we are the last to decide,” he told Rural News last week.

Hoggard says the decision has had “a mixed reaction onfarm” among the 30% of farmers who still used the practice. “A number were disappointed that they hadn’t had the opportunity to speak on the matter through their networks.”

However, given the sensitivity of the issue in the mainstream, it always had to be dealt with discreetly, he says.

“70% of farmers didn’t induce last year, so we assume they’re not worried and a number have said ‘a good job too’ since the ban,” he adds.

Kimberly Crewther, executive director of the Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand, says the ban was seen as “a logical next step” by the association. “It reflects that from the industry perspective the acceptability of the practice had changed over time.”

When pressed, she acknowledged there were concerns about a public and consequent market backlash against New Zealand product had the practice continued. “There’s potential for that with any of these [animal welfare] issues.”

With inductions gone, she says there are no other common practices on dairy

clean | safe | secure

A pan industry agreement consigns scheduled inductions to the dust bin of farm management practices.

farms that “spring to mind that are not consistent with the [animal welfare] codes”.

Farmers who’ve been using inductions that Rural News spoke to accepted the ban is probably a necessary step, albeit with some hesitation.

“With the internet and media today, perception is far greater than reality,” James Houghton, Waikato, said. “It was

Diesel Tanks Optimum clean fuel Easy and safe to fill and dispense Fully Compliant Minimise fuel theft Bunded

Also manufacturers of Waste Oil Recovery Containers, SCR Stations for Adblue and Transportable Tanks

Smart Fuel Storage

a convenient tool and economic to do, but we just have to accept it’s gone and move on.”

He’s hopeful “getting smarter” in various areas of the business can recoup most of the $13,000 or so of extra milk income inducing 17 cows in his herd of 430 this season is likely to bring.

South Canterbury Federated Farmers Dairy chairman Ryan O’Sullivan

also accepts the ban was necessary, but again more because of public perception than reality. He says there will be downsides which the public wouldn’t be aware of.

“The 50 or so we would have had [induced] next year will be in the latecalving mob, calving in October, and they will be as fat-as because we just won’t be able to keep the weight off them calving that late, which means we’re more likely to have metabolic problems – more milk fever.”

As such, the risk to the cow is greater than an induction, and calving so late the chances of her getting in calf in time for the following year are slim so she’s likely to be culled, whereas a one-off induction could have reset the clock for what was otherwise a good cow.

“If the [induction] process was managed properly I don’t believe there was a huge animal welfare issue.

“It was quite a valuable tool and one we’re sad to lose but that rationale’s hard for the public to accept.

And no-one wants to see a video clip of a premature calf being pulled from its mother and euthanased going viral on the internet.”

SHEEP MEASLE EGGS CAN SPREAD IN THE WIND FOR UP TO KM

10

Visit our website for a full list of products and features

0800 473 226 | www.sebco.co.nz Proudly made in Ashburton, New Zealand

ONE DOG CAN CONTAMINATE A NUMBER OF FARMS (NOT JUST YOURS)

1x =6

months contamination

For more information contact your veterinarian, phone Ovis Management on 0800 222 011 or go to www.sheepmeasles.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

ANIMAL HEALTH 47

Mating advice – no more inductions!

A NDR EW SWA L LOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz

WITH SCHEDULED inductions banned as from next season the annual barrage of mating management advice seems set to be more intense than ever.

LIC fired a salvo earlier this month, saying start planning calving without inductions now, and DairyNZ’s September Inside Dairy, due in mailboxes any day, has mating advice “referencing the new policy”.

DairyNZ has also updated induction information in the reproduction area of its website and regional teams are informing farmers personally, says DairyNZ technical policy advisor, veterinary, Nita Harding.

“We’ve got information out to farmers before the start of mating, so they have time to work with their advisors and can manage mating this year knowing that routine inductions will not be permitted next year.”

Harding says further advice from veterinarians and DairyNZ’s InCalf programme can also help better manage calving pattern (see www.dairynz.co.nz/incalf ).

LIC’s veterinarian and reproduction solutions manager, Joyce Voogt, says make a robust plan to minimise the number of late calving cows.

“The most natural way to do this is by focussing on the herd’s 6-week in-calf rate, with a proactive approach to mating management, all year-round. For many farmers that needs to start this spring.”

Voogt points out the industry target for cows in calf after six weeks of mating is 78% but the national average is 65%, so there’s a big opportunity.

Minda records show many farms achieve the 6-week conception target without inductions and these farms are also substantially closer to target three-week submission and conception rate targets.

While there will always be some late cows, the key is to be proactive in managing them, she says.

“It’s not as simple as pulling the service bulls out early this year.

Mating-length decisions should be made with your veterinarian or farm management consultant. Gathering and using the right herd testing and pregnancy testing information will be crucial for making the best mating and culling decisions.”

Analyse which cows will calve late and why, so that underlying causes of slippage in the calving pattern can be addressed.

“The key areas to look at now are heifer liveweight and mating date, cow condition at calving and mating, and early identification and

GET SOCIAL Keep up with the latest stories from Rural News by following us on:

facebook.com/ruralnews twitter.com/Rural_News ruralnewsgroup.co.nz/rss www.ruralnews.co.nz

LIC’s Joyce Voogt

management of noncyclers.

“Heat detection is always crucial, but don’t forget the natural mating period too. Farmers with enough pregnancy test data can check out their new pregnancy rate graphs in Minda reproduction to see how things went after AB finished in their herd last year.

“Many things can impact a cow’s ability to get in-calf. Now more than ever, as an industry, we need to focus maximising performance in the first half of mating.”

LOW FINANCE OPTIONS AVAILABLE

LIC'S MATING CHECKLIST ❱❱ Will R1 heifers hit target weight to mate at 15 months? ❱❱ Mate R1 heifers 7-10 days before herd to allow more time to cycle post first calf. ❱❱ 85% of herd at BCS 4.0-4.5 by start of mating. ❱❱ I s nutrition sufficient? Calculate need from production. ❱❱ ID non-cyclers, underlying causes, and plan response. ❱❱ Check heat detection skills and systems. Train if necessary. ❱❱ Check bulls and plan natural mating management. ❱❱ Use advice and tools available: LIC’s six week challenge (www.6weeks.co.nz) and Dairy NZ’s InCalf.

Be quick off the Blocks in the race to 40kg. plan now.

Scabine® is a simple and effective way to protect your lambs against Scabby Mouth and avoid production losses.

So ask your vet about Scabine, and visit www.sheepvax.co.nz/scabine to make sure you get the best results from your vaccine.

New Zealand’s No. 1 Scabby Mouth vaccine.

AVAILABLE ONLY UNDER VETERINARY AUTHORISATION. ® Registered trademark. MSD Animal Health Limited.

Phone: 0800 800 543. www.msd-animal-health.co.nz SCB-295-2013 ELE-00938-RN

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

48 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Growing trade in lifting beet

Not only are more farms turning to fodder beet as a winter and shoulder season feed, but an increasing number are having it lifted for stock located elsewhere. Andrew Swallow caught up with one of the larger machines operating in Canterbury.

FEW FARM machines in New Zealand can harvest 100t/hour: South Canterbury-based contractor Ken Caird has one of them.

It’s a Vervaet Beet Eater 617, built for Europe’s sugar crops but now making short work of fodder beet between the Rakaia and Waitaki Rivers.

“We can do 0.8-1.0ha an hour,” he told Rural News.

Depending on the yield of the crop and drymatter content, that can be over 100t/hour piling into the machine’s massive central hopper.

“It’s meant to take 17t but that’s probably with sugar beet which is a bit smaller and more uni-

form so they pack more in.

We’re getting about 15t in there with fodder beet.”

Unloading takes about one minute, either direct into a truck driving alongside the lifter so no harvesting time is lost, or on the headland if it’s too wet to have trucks in the paddock.

Alternatively tractors and trailers run alongside the lifter if it’s wet.

The harvester’s able to keep going in all but the stickiest conditions thanks to four-wheel drive and even weight distribution over its R32 800/65 tyres.

Mud sticking to the roots, rather than lack of traction or compaction, is gener-

ally what stops it, explains Caird.

“Everything’s adjustable from the cab so if it’s wet you can drop the tyre pressure to improve traction, then pump it up again for the road when you leave the paddock, without even getting out of the seat.”

At the front of the lifter a flail spits the beet tops to the side, before six pairs of oscillating shares tease roots from the ground at up to 23 tweaks/ second, and onto a series of stars or turbines. The turbines tumble the beets around at speed, shaking the soil off at the same time as passing them back-

Beet Eater Canterbury contractor Ken Caird with his harvester.

wards under the machine and onto an elevator into the hopper.

Adjusting the height of the turbines allows stones to be spun out the side, though if too-large a gap

is left fragments of small beet escape too.

“Stones in with the beet is no good if you’re putting it through a feeder wagon or chopper, but if you’re feeding them out

whole they’re less of a problem.”

Not surprisingly, given Canterbury’s alluvial soils, Caird’s come across some seriously stony paddocks already and while they’re

hard on the machine, so far it has coped well. However, he advises those thinking of growing crops for lifting to choose their least stony paddocks.

Cultivar choice is another important consideration, harder, higher dry matter types being better suited to the cut and carry approach.

“High dry matter keeps the cartage cost down.

You can get the same yield without the volume.”

Growing an even crop so that flails take the tops off all beet, but no more, is also important, so go for a mono-germ seed, he says. The lifter can handle either 45cm or 50cm rows but the narrower spacing is preferable as it achieves canopy closure earlier, helping shade out weeds and making for a more even, higher yielding crop.

Besides lifting the beet, TO PAGE 49

OFFSET AND TANDEM DISCS

L A E D A R O F L L A C , W O N K C O T S N I E G N A R HUGE 5m working t models available up to 7.2 en Ind t. igh we de bla Kg le from 79-124 ings. heavy duty models availab d, double taper roller bear to ale m se diu ple me tri s, th dth wi wi rd g da kin an 4kg. St 2.9 – 4.9m Wor and blade weights up to 24 width, 660-810mm blades,

EMAIL US FOR MORE INFO sales@farmgard.co.nz

REGISTER ONLINE FOR A DEMO ON YOUR OWN FARM www.farmgard.co.nz DOWNLOAD A FREE INFO PACK OR BROCHURE www.farmgard.co.nz

RA75

TRUSTED AND PROVEN BRANDS : ABBEY // BERTI // BONDIOLI & PAVESI // CELLI FARMGARD // JF // ÖVERUM // RZ RANGE STANHAY // SLURRY MATE

CALL FARMGARD NOW FOR INSTANT ADVICE on 09 275 5555 or 03 437 9000

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 49 Hard to beet!

CAIRD’S VERVAET 617 is one of two in Canterbury, and there’s one about to go to a contractor at Clinton, South Otago.

There’s also one of the 617’s predecessors, a 12-T (still a selfpropelled 6-row harvester but with 12t bunker instead of 17t) on a farm at Balfour, Southland, and there’s an Agrifac-6, another make of 6-row harvester, also doing the rounds in

Southland, says Marcel van Hazendonk, of Agritotal, Gore, the New Zealand agent for Dutch manufacturer Vervaet.

“I believe there’s another [Vervaet] operating in the North Island,” he told Rural News.

Van Hazendonk says he anticipates there will be at least two more in the far south by next winter, with some looking to chip and ensile crops

for use as a supplement throughout the milking season instead of just as a winter feed.

“When people know there’s a harvester around and possibly more coming they become more interested in the crop and think they will grow more. For example, one farmer I was talking to [last] week had 10ha this winter and is going to put in 40ha for next year now.”

Rotating stars carry beets under the machine, separating soils and stones in the process.

FROM PAGE 48

the machine’s shares guide it down the rows allowing hands-free operation from the Claas built cab.

Four-wheel steer means rear wheels follow the front wheels exactly even when turning, minimising tracking and risk of driving on beet.

Monitors in the cab show key points along the lifting line so performance can be assessed and any problems, such as blockages, spotted early.

There’s also a reversing camera to eliminate blindspots behind the machine’s massive bulk.

Power comes from a 6-cyl, 430hp DAF engine, delivered hydraulically to wheels and other moving parts. The 1000L diesel tank allows at least a day and a half’s work without refill.

As of early this month Caird’s machine had clocked up 400 hours in the paddock and he hopes to hit 600 hours before the season’s out. Next year he reckons 1000 hours could

be required.

“We were busy for a month or two after it arrived, then it went a bit quiet over the middle of winter and now it’s picking up again as cows come

back onto the milking platforms.”

He’s also going to be sowing the crop this spring with a 12-row Kverneland planter expected to arrive any day.

Looking for results in demanding agricultural applications?

Think Vredestein agricultural tyres — the product of over 80 years of innovation, technology and design evolution — and start enjoying greater operator comfort, lower machinery wear, improved traction and increased fuel efficiency.

Contact us now to find a dealer in your area.

Tel. 0508 140 140 info@vredesteintyres.co.nz www.vredesteintyres.co.nz

A view from the cab.

Guarantees to catch grass any time, any weather Why choose a Countax?

• Lawn tractors with unrivalled cutting and collection • Cuts and collects completely without clogging, even in the wet • Leaves the perfect striped lawn finish • Tough and durable construction

• Large range of cutter decks including Combi and mulching • Power take-off to drive attachments • Exceptionally quiet operation • Four wheel drive models available

Brushes rotate against the forward motion of the tractor, throwing clippings to the rear of the collector’s hopper.

Freephone 0508 77 88 99 to arrange a Free demonstration Like us on Facebook! countax ad 14x7-2014.indd 1

visit www.steelfort.co.nz 28/07/2014 9:32:00 a.m.

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

50 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Seeder/spreader suits all seed types on multiple seed types, says the importer Origin Agroup.

Its South Island sales

tinger Terrasem C6 air seeder/fertiliser spreader have shown it can achieve a more consistent finish

GA R E T H G I L LAT T

AUTUMN TRIALS of a new version of the Pot-

The Pottinger Terrasem C6 air spreader can handle ryegrass to turnips and fertiliser as well.

Accurately spread and conserve fertiliser

FREE NATIONWIDE DELIVERY

Don’t spread more fertiliser than your paddock needs

OUR NEW, PATENTED ROBERTSON/TRANSPREAD TF (twin floor/twin drive) trailing spreader applies accurate quantities at corners, bends and turns.

The TRANSPREAD TF has a ‘split’ floor, i.e. a chain-and-bar conveyor each side with its own gearbox, driven by its corresponding ground wheel. During turns the inside wheel slows, while the outside wheel accelerates. Load capacity can be increased as each drive is sharing the load.

Result: spreading accuracy that saves money

And on narrow strips and tapered runs, simply disengage the spreader you don’t need.

MODELS AVAILABLE Horticultural/Vineyard Row Crop Agricultural Linkage Spreaders

FEATURES Digital rev counter

Stainless steel bin

Brakes

Lights

Wheel options

Hydraulic spinners

Tyres

Covers

Variable speed spinners Twin spinners

Self steering

Load cell weighing

Ground drive floor chain

Computer drive

Twin floor/twin drive

Tandem or single axle

Some options not available on all models

ROBERTSON TRANSPREAD DIRECT SAVE MONEY... BUY DIRECT FROM THE FACTORY

SPREADERS FROM 1.4 TONNE TO 12.5 TONNE CONTACT US TODAY FOR SHARP PRICES NEW MODEL

300 SERIES 1.7, 1.9 & 3.5 TONNE

500 SERIES 5 & 6 TONNE

700 SERIES TF 7.0, 8.5 & 12.0 TONNE

For your free catalogue of all our products.

M

A

N

U

F

A

C

T

U

R

I

N

G

est turning circle possible. Individually mounted packer wheels keep the soil level with no smearing. Chambers says extra work on the suspension makes it possible for the drill to work effectively quickly, resulting in faster seeding times. “The drill can do a good job at 10-12km/h.”

The seeder can handle from rye grass to turnips and fertiliser. Fertiliser and seed are kept in separate hoppers with a lever underneath controlling the ratio of seed to fertiliser.

Everything on the seeder can be controlled from a cab-mounted remote control.

Power required is 200300hp.

Tel. 07 823 7582 www.originagroup.co.nz

Wireless reward

OPTIONS AVAILABLE

Simple rate adjustment

manager Darryl Chambers refers to the drill’s improved controls and running gear.

He says the maker has improved the unit’s ground contact. Its side frame has been engineered for ‘unlimited’ upward movement and up to five degrees downward movement to maintain constant work pressure, with nitrogen accumulators equalising pressure right across discs.

Chambers says this gives it precise working depth adjustment, and produces a homogenous seedbed and elimination of power peaks.

The unit has aggressive discs to offer accurate seed placement and to make sure the ground is left in an ideal state for seeding with the small-

Please contact Andrew 027 443 4777 or Don 027 433 2212 P O Box 6 Hinds, Mid Canterbury • Ph 03 303 7228 www.robfarm.co.nz • email: andrew@robfarm.co.nz

SATELLITE BROADBAND onseller Wireless Nation (using the Optus satellite service) is working with PGG Wrightson in a new deal for farmers.

As part of PGG Wrightson’s rewards scheme, account holders get a deal on Wireless Nation’s satellite and fixed wireless (rural broadband initiative) broadband plans, chargeable to their PGG Wrightson rewards card.

Wireless Nation’s offer will be promoted through PGG Wrightson’s retail outlets and technical field reps.

“We know how important fast, reliable internet is to farmers,” says Shannon Galloway, general manager marketing PGG Wrightson.

“We also know farmers don’t want to have to spend time trying to work out plans and gigs or worry about getting caught with penalties and hooks. Wireless Nation [can] make the process simple and jargon free.”

Wireless Nation’s technical director Tom Linn says the company offers PGW account holders, regardless of where they live, “a fast consistent internet connection”.

“Additionally we offer bespoke solutions to provide coverage to large farms or particularly remote areas, like we’ve done on the Chatham Islands.”

Paul Sheridan, vice president Optus Satellite, says it operates dedicated transponders on its D2 satellite that provide line-of-sight to New Zealand’s land mass.

“This means Wireless Nation can be confident in the delivery of quality broadband services to their customers regardless of where they are based.”

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 51

Electrics safeguard valuable fodder crop ROTOKAIA FARM’S new Gallagher i series fence energiser is effectively protecting a valuable fodder beet crop from overgrazing, say the farm managers.

Canterbury farmers Dave Jackways and Steve Booker, who manage the syndicate-owned farm, bought an M5800i energiser in June to beef up their electric fencing system on a 230ha runoff between Rakaia and Ashburton.

This runoff is used for grazing young stock and for wintering many of the operation’s 1950 cows from the 750ha home farm near Dorie.

This year the runoff is growing 70ha of fodder beet for winter feed.

While fodder beet can be expensive to grow, its high metabolisable energy content makes it an ideal crop for wintering cows. But cows have to be gradually transitioned onto the crop through careful breakfeeding.

“We don’t want the cows getting too much too soon because that could be fatal,” Jackways says.

This is where the new M5800i energiser comes in, keeping electric fences hot.

Packing 58 joules of energy, the

unit can power fences up to 240ha.

“We needed something with plenty of power, and the M5800i is right for the job.”

The unit comes with a controller that can be positioned away from the main energiser. This controller enables the farmer to monitor the condition of the fence and performance of the energiser. It can also be used to turn the energiser on or off, set alarm levels and fine-tune the target output voltage.

Jackways says their energiser is mounted inside an irrigation pump shed and the controller is mounted on the outside of this shed “where it’s easy to see when you are going past”.

Four monitors spread around the runoff recognise any drop in performance at their location and immediately relay this information to the controller.

The M5800i was also supplied with an energiser remote and fault finder which enables the farmer to quickly locate faults, turn the unit on or off remotely, and test a fence once a repair is completed.

Jackways says the remote saves a lot of time and effort when shifting

temporary fences on pasture or crops.

“Most of our breaks are big, long faces, so if we come across a problem when moving the fence we can turn the power off using the remote, fix the problem, turn it back on again and carry on. “It tells you exactly which part of the farm the fault is in and where it is, so you don’t have to trudge over the whole farm looking for it.”

Rotokaia Farm also bought an optional SMS energiser controller that requests and receives fence performance information via SMS text messaging.

This system notifies the farmer via mobile phone if there is any problem with the fence.

“Our cell coverage here is dodgy, but Gallagher is working on getting this up and running for us. It’s going to be useful.”

The M5800i is one of four Gallagher energisers owned by Rotokaia Farms. Jackways says the operation also runs Gallagher W810 weigh scales, used for monthly young stock weighing.

Tel. 0800 731 500 www.gallagher.co.nz

On the straight and narrow The New Zealand ploughing team departed, late last month, to compete at the World Ploughing Contest to be held near Bordeaux, France on September 5 and 6.

The team from left: Colin Millar, Rotorua, NZ World board member and vice chair of WPO; Malcolm Taylor, Putaruru, reversible contestant; Alan Begg, Ashburton, manager and conventional coach; Allan Baker, Matamata, reversible coach; Mark Dillon, Riversdale, conventional contestant.

Farm manager Dave Jackways with fence controller mounted on the wall in the background.

DIRECT SEED DRILL Made in NZ 4 inch spacing Includes Front Disc

Unique 100mm or Standard 150mm Row Spacing • • • • •

RICE SPECIAL P Y NOW ONL

$

500 litre seed & fertiliser hopper standard Stainless agitator shaft for optimum corrosion protection

34,990 PLUS GST

Durable spring tine with tungsten point provides excellent penetration characteristics Heavy duty galvanised frame Calibration is made simple with the variable speed gearbox & seed collection tray

Contact your local Power Farming Dealer for more information www.powerfarming.co.nz

Fast mowing simplified!

Simple robust mowers that are easy for staff to use day after day without worrying about breaking anything!

The fast and efficient alternative to toppers and disc mowers.

www.maxam.net.nz Call us on 0800 362 776

- still the ultimate farm mower!

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

52 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS Attention to detail keeps customers coming back T0N Y H O P K I NSO N

GOOD QUALITY, upto-date machinery keeps owner-operator contractor Darryl Isaac, Te Puke, ahead the game, underlining the old adage: no farmer wants to see you turn up with old gear.

Efficiency and performance stay high, and over-

heads down, as a result, he says. “Nothing will touch good gear for fuel efficiency and productivity.”

He employs no staff.

“All my clients appreciate dealing directly with me.

Personal service sets me apart from other contractors.”

For six years he has ranged Bay of Plenty from

Kaimai/Ohauiti/Pyes Pa and Oropi in the north to Thornton, near Whakatane in the south.

He does ground preparation in the spring for all crops including new grass and maize. In late spring and summer he mows grass for silage and hay and backs up with conditioning and raking. In

Tunnelhouses

• Ideal addition to your block • Grow vegetables all year round and reduce your grocery bill • Very affordable and easy to install • Totally NZ made by family business making tunnelhouses for 30 years • Range of models from 2m to 8m long

T/F 03 214 4262 E morrifield@clear.net.nz

www.morrifield.com

BeTTer producT (sTill) aT a GreaT price

The popular MG mobile feeder is now better than ever.

The new manifold design delivers efficient flow during feeding and keeps milk clean from dirt and other contaminants.

The new retractable draw bar ensures hassle-free transport and easy storage, and our innovative click-and-clean’ washing system makes cleaning fast and effortless. The new improved MG range: great feeders (still) at a great price!

7093F

order now on - 0508 688 688

the autumn he returns to ground preparation following crops for new grass, and does large areas of undersowing.

Some of his gear includes Hooper discs with a 4.5m cut, a 5.0m Amazon power harrow and Claas mowers with a 3.1m cutting width.

His two latest purchases from Piako Tractors, Rotorua, are a Fendt 927 with Vario transmission (the new 900 range) and a Duncan 3000e triple disc for crop sowing and undersowing.

The Fendt is his third, rated at 270hp and a top road speed of 50km. The extra power enables him to operate wider gear more efficiently, the economy of scale passed to his farmer clients. He has front mounted three point linkage and front

Contractor Darryl Isaac (left) believes in the adage that no farmer wants to see you turn up with old gear.

PTO. The rear PTO is 540/1000rpm, the front 1000rpm.

Piako Tractors product manager Nick Pilcher rates the fuel efficiency per hectare and per kilometre as the tractors’ most important attribute.

“There are many others of course but the lower fuel costs, which make up half the cost of a tractor, put this one well ahead.”

Both men also rate highly the comfort of the cab and its layout aligned with the Vario transmission enabling the driver to

work comfortably and efficiently for long hours.

Isaac looked at many drills before choosing the latest Duncan 3000e; the main feature he wanted was 115mm row spacing with 27 rows in its 3.1m working width.

“Most other drills have 150mm row spacing, which requires two passes to give good coverage. With this drill only one pass is needed to get top results.”

Adding to the machine’s efficiency is that its weight is directly over the discs, drills and

press wheels, exerting up to 80kg pressure ensuring optimum soil compaction for seed germination.

Electric drive gives even and accurate sowing rates which can be adjusted at the touch of a button. There is built in radar for accurate area count which is relayed to a cab mounted console.

“I like also that calibration can be done with the computer or manually adjusted.”

Tel. 027 274 7004 www.piakotractors. co.nz

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 53

New baler a hero in Flash’s universe A CONTRACTOR named Flash Gordon needed a super-hero baler – so in November 2013 he bought a Lely Welger 245 Tornado baler/wrapper.

Gordon was named Graham by his parents, but since school he has picked up the name Flash, hence his Winton contracting business is Flash Agri.

He decided he wanted a fixed chamber baler, he wanted a combined baler/wrapper, he was impressed with a Lely Welger baler he trialled, and he likes dealing with his local Lely agent JJs, Invercargill.

The main attraction of a combi baler is saving time and manpower. “One man, one tractor and you do the job.

I don’t want to wrap where I stack them. My theory is if you need to do that, then you’re not using the right plastic.”

Flash trialled a Lely variable chamber baler in 2012. “We were impressed with that, and probably would have bought it, but I knew a fixed chamber model was coming out.”

He prefers the fixed chamber as he says it makes a better-shaped bale. “At the start and end of the season, in short fluffy grass, a vari-

Southland contractor Flash Gordon says his Welger Tornado 245 combi baler is excellent when baling wet grass and it makes professional quality bales.

with five sets of tine bars.

Grass is fed into the rotor and chamber on 18 steel rollers.

Blockages are easily dealt with. The floor is flexible to allow most lumps to pass through but if that’s not enough, it has a drop floor.

The bale is wrapped in two layers of net and slides out onto the wrapping platform.

“The transfer from netting to wrapper takes about 10 seconds. It’s not like a table has to slide forward and back, so you can keep baling the next one while wrapping.”

He applies six layers of plastic, but the number can be changed from the cab.

The baler can be set to automatically release the wrapped bale, or it can be done manually, for example on hills when you want to place the bale.

www.lely.co.nz

BALE FEEDERS

able chamber can make an oval bale. I believe a fixed chamber makes a visually better bale – it’s more flat across the top.”

Part of the business is buying and selling bales so good looking bales are important and it’s better for clients having hard-

shouldered bales lined up in a paddock.

Most of Flash Agri’s work is baleage and the Tornado 245 is said to be excellent in dealing with wet grass, even in thick swathes. “It has a huge rotor, and once it picks it up it just swallows it.

Taking out the corners on the headlands is no problem.”

The Tornado also does a good job with lucerne and whole crop. It has the Xtracut 25-knife chopping system. Gordon generally does not use the knives for grass – he says there’s

too much wastage at feeding out – but he does cut whole crop. He engages half the knives and can do that in the cab. He also bales hay and straw with the Tornado and it works just as well.

The Tornado 245 has a 2.25m cam-less pick up

SERIES 2 KINGHITTER

September Special 2014 SERIES 2 KINGHITTER $

He is often baling on hillsides and says the transfer to the wrapper is just as easy whether going up or down hill. He isn’t interested in how fast he can push the bales out.

“It’s not a slow baler but I want to make every bale a good one, so I don’t talk about how fast I go. Farmers remember the dodgy ones. Clients are happy with the bales the Tornado produces, and I’m pleased with the amount of dry matter in the bales.”

Everything is controlled from the monitor in the cab.

“It’s daunting at first but it’s like when you get a new cellphone: the old one was always the best because you knew how it worked.

“But once you get to know the new one, it becomes the new best.”

20,990

+GST

Offer Ends 30/09/2014 Complete with: • 270 KG Hammer • 4.25 (150 UC) Beam • 6 Bank Valve • Hydraulic Hinge • 900mm Terminator Base Side Shift • 250mm Super Side Shift

www.fairbrotherind.com | 0800 476 868 | sales@fairbrother.co.nz

FROM ONLY $6800.00 PLUS GST

TRAILERS

• Low profile 13 inch or standard 14 inch wheel give a deck height of 60 or 72cm • Comes complete with spare wheel and jockey wheel • Hydraulic disc or electric braked front axle • LED lights • Now hot dip galvanised

SHEEP CONVEYORS • Unique lead up race helps loading by 15% • Power draw 3-5 amps • No belt tensioning • No belt slippage • Fully sealed electrical system • Full length foot stop/start bar on both sides • Adjustable speed • Tare weight 400kg

Ph Stuart 0274 387 528 Workshop 06 370 1329 124 Lincoln Road, Masterton Email: daytech@wise.net.nz Leaders in farm machinery design

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

54 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Wide variety in green machine baler range A NEW John Deere 800 series mower-conditioner and three new 400 series fixed-chamber round balers, including a wrapping baler model, are

among the company’s 2014 offerings.

The European 830 centre-pivot mower-conditioner comes in 3m and 3.5m working width, with

a choice of impellers or adjustable rubber rollers for the conditioning process.

The modular cutterbar allows high-speed

mowing, and it duplicates the load conditions of a self-propelled machine.

Balance and high ground clearance give best possible field performance;

a new floating suspension system allows close following of ground contours.

The 830 has six discs and 58 preloaded tines,

NO.1 PERFORMER ON EVERY PADDOCK Once you’ve played and worked with the best, there’s no settling for less. That’s why Tony Woodcock kits up on a Suzuki. And just like New Zealand’s most capped prop, the DR200 Trojan has measured up to the test for years.

With a tough 200cc engine, greater suspension travel, higher ground clearance, and a lower seat height than any of its competitors, it’s rugged, reliable and easy around the paddock.

The 13-litre fuel tank means it won’t be stopping half way through the game. When you add top level details like alloy hand guards, rubber insulated steel footpegs, dual side stands and a large 12V headlight it’s clear no other farm bike can compete.

The C44OR wrap;ping baler.

giving a marked increase in capacity and crop flow under various harvesting conditions. Even in heavy, wet crops and at high working speed, the parallelogram design of the conditioning hood maintains the optimum distance between the impeller tines or rollers and the hood at all times, John Deere says.

“These are premium specification balers with longlife components, specially designed to operate well in wet silage conditions.”

The F440R round baler and C440R wrapping baler suit large livestock farms and contractors making at least 3000 bales per season with a focus on silage production. “These are premium specification balers with long-life components, specially designed to operate well in wet silage conditions,” John Deere says.

There is a choice of 2.0m or 2.2m pick-ups feeding a high capacity inline MaxiCut HC rotor with 13 or 25 knives. In addition to the rotor, these machines use other components from the 900 Series variable-chamber round baler, includ-

PROVEN TOUGH. GREATER ENDURANCE. NO COMPETITION SZM0037

ing a five tine bar pick-up with heavy-duty bearings, and a full width drop-floor system allowing “instant” blockage clearances from the tractor cab. Cab monitoring and control systems include a GreenStar Display 1800 or new implement display 1100.

The F440M round baler is a multi-purpose machine aimed at small-

WWW.SUZUKI.CO.NZ The F44OR round baler.

to-medium size farms.

Designed to produce between 1000 and 3000 bales of hay, silage or straw per season, this model offers a choice of 2m RotoFlow HC or MaxiCut HC 13-knife rotors, and is available in MultiCrop or silage special versions.

It also features the 900 series baler’s high-performance feeding system, new driveline and rotor, stronger shielding, wider and bigger tyres and other improved components.

All three 400 series machines offer a choice of CoverEdge or edge-toedge netwrap or double twine wrapping systems. johndeere.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 55 A member of the family

Myrtle has been owned by Bob Appleton since 1975.

‘Myrtle’ the tractor; world famous in NZ! TO NY H O P K I N SO N

‘IN THE future everybody will be world-famous for 15 minutes,’ said pop-artist Andy Warhol in 1968.

Myrtle, a TEA Ferguson 28 tractor (1952), got her 15 minutes in 2003 when MP Shane Arden drove her up the steps of Parliament during Federated Farmers’ FART (‘fight all ridiculous taxes’) protest against the Labour government’s plan to tax methane emissions from farm animals.

She carries the rego number 48 WCP, ‘birth certificate’ number 206476625-00, VIN number 404221 and engine number SC 79067E. Rated engine size is 1274cc.

Her owners since 1975 are Bob and

Doreen Appleton, farming at Eureka, Waikato. He is a self-styled ‘graduate’ of Motuamaho University, Morrinsville, where they 39% share milked, staying 16 years.

After 10 years they bought 73ha at Eureka and installed a 50:50 share milker. Six years later they had saved enough to buy a herd and shifted to Eureka, farming there 37 years before selling in 1996.

While at Eureka they also bought 17ha and converted it to a deer farm (110 hinds) and a separate 13ha grazing block. He trained and raced successful racehorses, was active in Federated Farmers and was a longtime chairman of the Waikato farm cadet scheme. “Most of the cadets we

employed still keep in touch with us.”

After selling Eureka he doubled his land area, buying at Reporoa, setting up a dairy farm and employing a share-milker.

Then with an equity partner he bought a 264ha ex-forestry block, converting it to grazing and eventually running 1400 yearling dairy heifers. Health problems prompted him to sell his interest in 2013, the same year buying a 102ha farm with 5ha of riparian rights at Te Poi, Matamata in the lee of the Kaimais. Daughter Carole became farm manager.

Myrtle gets to help out there, starting ‘first pop’ even on frosty mornings and still doing faithful service as farm ‘hack’.

BOB AND Doreen Appleton bought Brookside Farm, Te Poi, in June 2013 and employed their daughter Carole as farm manager.

Her only stipulation, says Appleton, was she had to have Myrtle.

The first year (June 2013 - May 2014) they grazed 550 dairy yearlings and spent the year re-fencing the farm to mainly 1ha paddocks all feeding into a central race for easier stock control and movement.

Says Carole, “I started farming as a kid two steps behind dad, helping with the cows, and when I was big enough riding his horses doing track work. I’ve always been big on animal health and welfare.”

She employs no dogs, to minimise stress. Most stock are called, two gates being left open if necessary so stock find their own way at their own pace between paddocks.

This season they wintered 400 grazers, 330 Friesian-cross and 70 straight Friesian animals. The straightbreds are charged at $1/head/week

extra. A change this season is 300 extra weaners arriving in November.

All the stock are owned by just three farmers. “We had enquiries from another 25 farmers before the season started”.

Supplements are 400 bales of silage harvested on the farm and some bought-in hay. Owners are welcome and pay regular visits. Extra to paying grazing they are required to pay for and do any drenching needed.

Bob and Carole have planted 5000 mostly native trees and will plant 1000 more this year where animals find it difficult to graze, around new and old ponds and streams, to beautify land and attract birds and bees.

Myrtle gets any required TLC only from Bryce Henderson at Te Poi garage.

He alone is allowed to touch her “private parts”.

Apart from that she remains unchanged. “A repaint would ruin Myrtle,” says Carole. “She is part of the Appleton family and always will be.”

Carole Appleton sits on Myrtle, while father Bob looks on.

TAARUP DISC MOWERS 2600 & 2800 SERIES MOWERS Suitable for a quality cut under a range of conditions these mowers feature spring tension breakaway and adjustable working positions.

The 2800 series is also centrally suspended for the most perfect ground contour following capability.

• 2.8m to 3.6m working widths • Fully welded Kverneland cutter bar • Quick fit knives

• Vertical transport position • Ample clearance of swaths during headland turns • 2 year driveline warranty

Contact your local Kverneland dealer for more information www.powerfarming.co.nz

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

56 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

Loyal to brand because it keeps delivering on marginal country REPOROA DAIRY farmers Robin and Annette Broderson have only ever owned Massey Ferguson tractors, finding no reason to look at other brands, says distributor Agco.

The Brodersons run a 150ha dairy unit on the central plateau, milking 380 cows. They also have a 46ha runoff and a 190ha dry stock unit they’re breaking out of trees.

Broderson, who is the master of the Taupo hunt, grew up on his mother’s farm where Massey Ferguson was always the brand to buy.

“Mum had three MF 35s at that stage before she bought a new 135. I’ve had 11 Masseys myself over the years and we’ve had a good run out of them.”

Today they own a two-year-old MF 7475, an MF 5445, which they’ve had for five years, and an eight-year-old MF 6465.

“They’ve been reliable and user friendly. I just like them. They’re easy to handle and good on the hills, as we work in quite a bit of steep country. The two big tractors have duals. We do a lot

of silage and cultivation and some of the land we drive over is marginal.”

He uses the large MF 7475 for most cultivation work and for mowing and fertilising. The MF 6465 is used to feed out and cultivate, while the MF 5445 is used for feeding out on the home block.

“We do most of the farm work ourselves and the Masseys are good for towing. The new MF 7475 has a Vario transmission and we’re pleased with that. It’s easy to drive and you can do any revs at any speed.

“The MF 7475 also has front suspension and is comfortable to drive.

It’s meant to be 140hp and I think it’s all of that. We do a lot of steep work and that’s where we found we were running out of power.”

In the cab the MF 6400 and 7400 series tractors offer space, visibility and low noise levels, Agco says. The result is that working long, hard hours becomes less stressful and more productive.

Broderson’s MF 7475 and MF 6465 tractors also deliver high power and torque and give outstanding perfor-

Robin Broderson’s Massey Fergusons keep them on top of their hill country north of Taupo.

mance in a wide range of applications, with excellent fuel economy.

His 90hp MF 5445 model has Massey Ferguson’s Dyna-4 transmission and T-bar shift.

“The MF 5445 is a general-purpose farm tractor and its transmission is useful. It has a good power-to-weight

ratio. I did all our mowing with it before we got the big tractor and it was surprising how it handled it. It’s a handy frontloader tractor.”

High visibility and generous hydraulics make the MF 5445 perfect in dairy applications, the company says. Alternatively, with its high ground clearance,

stability, powerful engine and robust chassis, it’s an ideal arable tractor. It is straightforward to operate, has easy access and is comfortable.

Brodersons bought their fleet from Terry Cameron at Taupo Tractors.

Tel. 0272 708 027 peter.scott@agcocorp.com.

Reese Agri’s range of UFO Mowers are known for their robustness, dependability and honest ability to get the job done. With 8 models to choose from, there is a mower to suit your every requirement.

Built with the quality workmanship you’d expect from a company that has been building and marketing agricultural mowers for more than 40 years, the UFO range consists of 5 drum mowers and 3 disc mowers, from 1.6m up to 3.4m cut.

So if you are in the market for a mower, look no further than a UFO Drum or Disc Mower.

UFO DRUM MOWER FEATURES ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱

FROM O N LY $ 6 ,9 9 5 + G S T !!

FROM O N LY $ 1 2 ,9 9 5 + G S T !!

Available in manual, hydraulic and trailed models Cutting widths range from 1.6 to 3.4 meters Heavy belt drive system Low maintenance, low cost operation

SPECIFICATIONS Cutting width No. Drums / Blades Type Weight Power requirement (at 540rpm)

UFO1600 UFO2070W UFO2400 UFO2400HL UFO3400 1.6m 2.0m 2.4m 2.4m 3.4m 2/6 2/6 2/8 2/8 4 / 12 Manual Manual Manual Hydraulic Hydro/Trailed 390kg 460kg 580kg 690kg 1180kg 30hp 45hp 65hp 65hp 80hp

UFO RD DISC MOWER FEATURES ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱

Available in 3 popular sizes, 2.4, 2.8 and 3.2 meter cutting widths Features a leading European manufacturer cutter-bar Heavy duty Headstock Built tough for New Zealand conditions

SPECIFICATIONS RD2400 RD2800 Cutting width 2.4m 2.8m No. Discs / Blades 6 / 12 7 / 14 Weight 485kg 550kg Power requirement 45hp 50hp (at 540rpm)

Contact your nearest Reese dealer for more information. All prices are exclusive of GST. Freight charges may apply

Reese Agri

Ph: 06-357 9323

Email: jon@reese.co.nz

Ph Jon: 021-433 129

www.reeseagri.co.nz

RD3200 3.2m 8 / 16 615kg 60hp

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS 57

Boost to speciality tractor market TRACTOR MAKER New Holland says its newest offering, the T4.105 F/N/V, has new safety and ergonomic features.

Claiming a 60-year edge in specialty tractor innovation, the company says this new model “further enriches its industryleading range”.

The distributor’s operations manager Kyle Baxter says “the entire T4 F/N/V range has an upgraded hydraulic and PTO offering, and our customers operating on steep terrain will appreciate the mechanical park lock, which holds the tractor dead still when parked”.

Speciality customers are demanding more and are doing more specialised work that necessitate a high power output in a compact package, Baxter says. The T4.105 satisfies this requirement.

Power comes from a 4.5L turbo charged and intercooled Nef engine fully compliant with B100, 100% biodiesel. Maximum power of 106hp is achieved at 2300 rpm and a 31% torque rise means the T4.105 is able to tackle the most demanding tasks, such as power harrowing.

Operator comfort is much enhanced by a complete overhaul of the cab on the entire range.

All controls have been precision placed: all key tractor functions have been repositioned and grouped on the right hand console for immediate and intuitive operation includ-

ing the rear remote valve controls, together with the front and rear linkage controls. The front part of the rear fenders has also been completely redesigned to offer a more natural operating position for the throttle and clutch pedals.

The T4 F/N/V range now features a factory-fitted dedicated mid-mount block with up to four remote valves.

The zero-leakage, proportional electronic mid-mount valves are controlled by a new electronic joystick which “falls perfectly to hand” on the end of the right-hand control console.

A dedicated motor connection guarantees up to 20L/minute of flow is always available, and it is activated in the cab via an on-off switch; a specific dial guarantees precision flow control.

The T4 F/N/V is good for gradients up to 45%.

So for maximum parking safety New Holland has developed the mechanical park-lock to work with the Dual Command transmission. This ensures a 100% lock on the transmission, and prevents any forward or reverse creep when parked on steep inclines, even when a fully laden trailer is hitched. The park-lock is engaged either via a dedicated lever or via a specific ‘gate’ on the creeper lever. The parklock must be manually deactivated before drive can be engaged.

The reduction in the

PTO operating speeds by as much as 5% has cut fuel consumption. 540 PTO speed is now attained at 1958 engine rpm, whereas 1000 speed is achieved at 2000 engine rpm.

Improved PTO flexibility is a standout, New Holland says, as the speed at which maximum engine power is achieved has been matched to that of the PTO for greater flexi-

bility under load.

New Holland is imported in New Zealand

by C B Norwood Distributors Ltd. Tel. 06 356 4920 www.newholland.co.nz

WORK WITH

THE BEST V660

VARIABLE BELT BALER • Drop floor for unblocking • Heavy duty drive line • 2 metre wide galvanised pickup • 15 knife chopping unit

• The V660 is capable of producing a bale between 0.7-1.68 metres in diameter with a soft or hard core depending on individual requirements

991T

WRAPPER • Transport width of 2.45m and 1900kg weight - a compact unit with minimal power requirements • Full road lighting kit

• Patented damper system: eliminates stress to the chassis by gently lowering bales to the ground • Twin film dispensers

BALE

HS2000 WRAPPER

• Twin satellite dispensers • Reliable cut and holds • Film break sensors

• High output bale wrapping • Capability to operate behind a baler • Load sensing hydraulics

1.95%*

FINANCE FROM WHANGAREI DARGAVILLE PUKEKOHE MORRINSVILLE TE AWAMUTU TAURANGA WHAKATANE ROTORUA

Power Farming Northland Power Farming Northland The Tractor Centre Maber Motors Power Farming Te Awamutu Capital Tractors Jacks Machinery Truck & Tractor Services

www.powerfarming.co.nz Power comes fro a 4.5L turbo-charged engine.

The new New Holland T4-105.

09 438 9163 09 439 3333 09 238 7179 07 889 5059 07 870 2411 07 543 0021 07 308 7299 07 349 6528

GISBORNE HASTINGS HAWERA FEILDING MASTERTON NELSON BLENHEIM GREYMOUTH

WRAP

*Normal Lending Criteria & Conditions Apply

Power Farming Gisborne Power Farming Hawke’s Bay Power Farming Taranaki Power Farming Manawatu Wairarapa Machinery Brian Miller Truck & Tractor Tractor Repairs & Spares Power Farming West Coast

06 868 8908 06 879 9998 06 278 0240 06 323 8182 06 377 3009 03 544 5723 03 572 5173 03 768 4370

CHRISTCHURCH ASHBURTON TIMARU ALEXANDRA DUNEDIN BALCLUTHA GORE INVERCARGILL

Power Farming Canterbury Power Farming Ashburton Power Farming Timaru Peter Watt Machinery Power Farming Otago Power Farming Otago Power Farming Gore Power Farming Invercargill

03 349 5975 03 307 7153 03 687 4127 03 448 8490 03 489 3489 03 418 3393 03 208 9395 03 215 9039

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

58 RURAL TRADER

MOBILE FEED TROUGHS 4.5M (3 Wheel) Jumbo Culvert PK Feeder $3499.00 inc

6M Culvert (mobile) $1375.00 inc

6.0M (6 Wheel) Jumbo Culvert PK Feeder $4999.00 inc

1700 Litres

4M - 800L Budget Drawbar $2050.00 inc

2400 Litres

McKee Plastics, Mahinui Street, Feilding | Phone 06 323 4181 | Fax 06 323 4183 McKee Plastics, 231 Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton | Phone 07 847 7788 sales@mckeeplastics.co.nz | www.mckeeplastics.co.nz

DAIRY FLOOR REPAIRS

Chicken Litter

• Available to south Waikato dairy farmers to be picked up from site • About 3000 tonnes per year • Just over 480 tonnes available approximately every six weeks • Available for long term contract

™

Cretex TR

Epotread SL250

Incredible adhesion Rapid cure Chemical resistant Extremely hard in 6 hours

Non Toxic, Solvent Free Chemical Resistant Self smoothing, easy to spread Covers eroded & pitted floors

™

TROWEL GRADE EPOXY FILLER

EPOXY SCREED FOR ERODED FLOORS

Be ahead of the scramble for natural fertilisers

www.ruralnews.co.nz

VETMARKER Docking Chute ORDERS AND ENQUIRIES

0800 DOCKER

www.regiscoatings.co.nz

www.vetmarker.co.nz

(362 537)

0800 542 542

NewSINGLE TOP DOG BOX

DOG BOX $495

incl GST

Accommodates up to 4 dogs 6 individual air vents Removable centre board 2 lockable galvanised gates In-house drainage Tie down lugs on each side Fits all wellside & flatdeck utes (2 models) ❱❱ Raised floor for insulation ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱ ❱❱

$699

“The world is finally waking up to the long term damages of artificial fertilisers and the resulting loss of topsoil.”

Secure a long term Email your interest for discussion to supply contract now. Lucyann45@yahoo.com.au

GRAZING

Phone: 0800 80 8570 www.burgessmatting.co.nz

CRAIGCO SENSOR JET DEAL TO FLY AND LICE • Cost Effective • Complete Package • Unbeatable pricing

44 Hectares available from 1 June Tokoroa South Waikato Email: lucyann45@yahoo.com.au

• Performance Guaranteed

P 06 835 6863 - www.craigcojetters.com

FLY OR LICE PROBLEM?

FLYSTRIKE AND LICE ❖

Fantastic Penetration

❖

NO ONE BEATS OUR PRICE • Make a big job quick & easy • Total body coverage, 2.5 litres/sheep • The magic eye sheepjetter since 1989 Unique • Quality construction and options self adjusting • Get the contractors choice sides • Direct from the manufacturer • Efficient application and unequalled cost savings

PPP Super Jetter

Phone 07 573 8512 • www.electrodip.com

Culvert Pipes New Zealand’s CHEAPEST Culvert Pipes!

FREE joiners supplied on request.

ONE STOP WATER SHOP 300mm x 6 metre ................................ $410 400mm x 6 metre ................................ $515 500mm x 6 metre ................................ $690 600mm x 6 metre ................................ $925 800mm x 6 metre .............................. $1399 1000mm x 6 metre ............................ $2175 1200mm x 6 metre ............................ $3475 ALL PRICES INCLUDE G.S.T.

• ATV Carrier Mats • Exit/Entry Areas • Calf Trailers • Horse Floats & Trucks • Weigh Platforms • Bale Mats • Comfort Mats for Wet & Dry Areas • Utility Deck Matting

Long Term Lease

incl GST

Phone 0800 625 826 www.mckeeplastics.co.nz

Rubber Safety Matting

• Lightweight, easy to install • Made from polyethylene

McKee Plastics, Mahinui Street, Feilding Phone 06 323 4181 Fax 06 323 4183 McKee Plastics, 231 Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton. Ph 07 847 7788 sales@mckeeplastics.co.nz www.mckeeplastics.co.nz

Phone

0800 625 826

for your nearest stockist

Joiners supplied FREE with culvert pipes

RURAL NEWS // SEPTEMBER 2, 2014

RURAL TRADER 59 FLEXISKIN RAINWEAR & RAINWALK SALE! OFFER AVAILABLE 2 WEEKS ONLY! COMFORTABLE, HIGHLY BREATHABLE & LIGHTWEIGHT! $48 valued at

$66 valued at

$66 valued at $180

$120

$140

$48 valued at

$42 valued at

$140

$42 valued at $120

Please add $10 Freight per order

POLY SILOS

 Minimal Sweating  Longer Lasting  No Rust

 Fast Easy Assembly  No Blockages

 Polyethylene

DOLOMITE

NZ’s finest BioGro certified Mg fertiliser For a delivered price call...

0800 436 566

CHECK OUT OUR WEBSITES

Full Range of Sizes Available

Call: 0800 668 534

$110 Rainwalk is ultra light nylon.

More breathable, but less waterproof than Flexiskin.

Market Data Every Week

Weatherstations, unusual gifts and science support for over 40 years...

WE’RE ONLINE!

Check out the latest market data at www.ruralnewsgroup.co.nz/markets

Performance, Style, Quality

Three pontoon models available:

The Met Shop

Scott Robson Designed

Phone: 04 384 7683 • Fax: 04 384 7689 Email: info@metshop.co.nz 66 Dixon St, Te Aro Wellington PO Box 9254, Wellington 6141 www.metshop.co.nz

www.ruralnews.co.nz www.dairynews.co.nz Rangiora

www.advantageplastics.co.nz

@rural_news facebook.com/ruralnews

Finlay Sports 5900

Be Safer With Clic Dual Wheels

Drive Rats Out!

L.O.A: 6.295m HULL LENGTH: 5.900m BEAM: 2.310m INTERNAL BEAM: 1.860m Honda 135hp

Electromagnetic Plug-In Pest Free Expellers Drive Out Rats and Mice. They Won’t Return.

• Pest Free puts 50Hz pulse along power cables 100% 60-DAY • Rats and mice stress, dehydrate, exit MONEY-BACK • No harm to humans, pets, computers, etc.

GUARANTEE • Models to suit buildings/plant 200sq.m to 1000sq.m • NSW-made, patented, science proven • Used in ten countries • 2-year warranty BUY WITH confidence from authorised rural sales agent N + J Keating, 70 Rimu Street, New Lynn,

Auckland 0600.

Tel. 09 833 1931 (cell 021 230 1863); email keating@orcon.net.nz

TWO WAYS TO ORDER/PAY: 1) POST: cheque to N. Keating telling us the product(s) you want, plus your name, address and telephone number.

2) INTERNET: direct credit ASB 12 3039 0893559 00 (your surname as reference) PLUS telephone or email us, saying which product(s) you want.

Finlay Centre Console 5900 L.O.A: 6.295m HULL LENGTH: 5.900m BEAM: 2.310m INTERNAL BEAM: 1.860m Honda 135hp

NEW OFFER

Buy One Pest Free PRO

Finlay Ignite

For your large home, office or factory (400m2) $399.90 incl. GST and post And get a domestic model FREE

on Duals for more traction, stability, flotation, towing power, versatility.

The original Pest Free domestic has thousands of satisfied owners throughout New Zealand.

Or Just Buy Pest Free domestic at 159 $

Clic Wheel Systems Ltd, Rotorua

.90

(RRP)

including GST and post

Ph/Fax 07 347 2292

L.O.A: 6.752m HULL LENGTH: 6.300m BEAM: 2.430m INTERNAL BEAM: 1.955m Honda 225hp

www.clicdualwheels.co.nz

All model s come com plete with: Auto Capstan, EP IRB, Chart Plott er/ GPS, VHF Radio, Fushion Ip od player

P: 03 929 2677 | E: info@finlayboats.co.nz W: finlayboats.com

PHONE 0800 625 826 for your nearest stockists FREE STANDING GRAIN & MEAL TROUGHS

CALF HAY/GRAIN FEEDER Feeder on skids

3m Culvert on skids

$

530.00

80L on skids

$

Includes GST

435.00 Includes GST

Fence Mount

160L on skids

$

520.00 Includes GST

$

$

250.00

Includes GST

Includes GST

McKee Plastics, Mahinui Street, Feilding | Phone 06 323 4181 | Fax 06 323 4183 McKee Plastics, 231 Kahikatea Drive, Hamilton | Phone 07 847 7788 sales@mckeeplastics.co.nz | www.mckeeplastics.co.nz

630.00

3m Culvert on legs

$

360.00 Includes GST

GRAIN FEEDER

VDA466/FA/RN1

Blackhawk is a Ready Business Blackhawk Tracking is ready to take New Zealand innovation to the world – on a quadbike. Developed in conjunction with Honda and Vodafone, Blackhawk’s Farm Angel helps keep ATV operators safe and efficient.

See the full story at vodafone.co.nz/readybusiness

FORAGER F

S p r i ng 2 014

S p r i n g ORAGER 2 014

Germinal Seeds

H e l p i ng d a i r y, b e e f a n d s h e e p f a r m e rs p ro f i t f ro m f o rage

Palatable grass is priority for high producing dairy The need for high quality pasture that can grow good and reliable yields without irrigation has led to Aber High Sugar Grass being planted on one-third of the Mawle family’s farm at Methven.

About 2,000 cows are grazing the 615 hectare farm owned by John and Jean Mawle where sons Rob and Tom each manage their own half of the farm using separate dairies.

“The Aber varieties suit our needs and climate here. We don’t have irrigation and they hang on when it gets dry and then come back strong once we get some water,” says John, who had farmed in England and was well aware of the highly rated AberHSGs before moving to New Zealand.

“I was a subscription member of NIAB (National Institute of Agricultural Botany) and would look through their magazine; it has a lot of independent information, more so than here.”

NIAB, based in Cambridge, is a not-for-profit research group that publishes an annual ‘Herbage

Varieties Guide’ to show UK farmers and seed merchants its independent assessment of different forage varieties.

The AberHSG diploid perennials consistently score highly for yield, ground cover, digestibility and metabolisable energy and the new variety AberGreen offers a proteinto-energy ratio close to the optimum balance for rumen efficiency.

The Mawle farm has 180ha of AberDart and AberMagic perennial ryegrass and more is being sown each spring because palatability is a key requirement and the grazed Aber paddocks “look like a mower has been over them”.

“The cows look well-fed, satisfied and are enjoying the Aber,” says John.

Rob, an experienced sharemilker before taking on the dual management role at home, agrees that the cows like grazing AberHSG pasture.

“Some other varieties possibly yield more during the season but the cows don’t perform as well on them. They would much rather graze the Aber than any other variety we have tried.”

Rob (left) and John Mawle are again sowing AberMagic this spring for its palatability, persistence and recovery after grazing and pugging.

Rob points out that milk production can be affected by many variables, such as weather conditions and stocking density, but quality feed intake has the biggest impact.

“We feel the Aber varieties offer a dense sward of highly palatable grass which the cows can’t get enough of.

Their milk production definitely rises the more Aber we put in them.”

The two brothers have the farm operating at a top level of milk production – the combined herd, stocked at 3.2 cows/ha, averaged 412kg milksolids per cow in 2010-11, 450kgms/cow in 2011-12 and 435kgms/ cow in 2012-13 despite a drought.

Tom has observed the dense and even sward of Aber pasture withstanding relatively significant damage from pugging and recovering well.

“The low growth point aids with post-grazing residuals returning more quickly back into production.”

The cows were definitely more content in Aber paddocks, says Tom. “Even when they have finished what’s there, they don’t seem to want to move on too quickly as compared to some of the other paddocks we have.”

A trial paddock of the new high sugar diploid AberGreen mixed with the high sugar tetraploid AberGain was drilled last Christmas and despite

severe wind erosion and some areas needing to be resown has come through the winter “looking pretty good”, says Rob. “This trial has had a rough start but it’s usually after some urea and the first grazing round (for the new dairy season) that the Aber kicks into gear.

“It’s from the second grazing round onwards that we need grass at its best for the cows to reach their peak.”

The brothers were recently selecting paddocks to spray out and sow in AberMagic, again chosen for its persistence and recovery after grazing and pugging.

Must read:

Aber High Sugar Grass delivers

more digestibility = more rumen energy = more production.

Caucasian and white clover hybrid is exciting advance.

www.highsugargrass.co.nz

GSL 0634-g1

FREEPHONE 0800 171 825

See page 3

S p r i ng 2 014

FORAGER

Germinal Seeds

Councils favour high sugar grass for N-use efficiency The deep rooting AberDart and AberMagic varieties are producing high quality silage crops as part of Masterton’s $30 million upgrade to its water treatment plant and nutrient recycling.

Using treated wastewater to grow high quality pasture is now a core business function for many local authorities, particularly those in rural areas, and

G

C w i

Masterton District Council is the latest to embrace this option for recycling nutrients.

In addition to seven new oxidation ponds that treat wastewater, the Homebush site has extensive border dykes for flood irrigation where a perennial grass crop can produce more than 3,000 large rounds of balage annually.

“It is still early days in the lifecycle

of these pastures, but if the average ME value for the first cut of 10.8KJ/ kg dry matter is any indicator, the feed quality of the balage will be high,” said Patrick Nelson, an agricultural commerce graduate and experienced farmer who is managing the flood irrigation system.

“A dry matter range between 35% and 40%, and a crude protein level in excess of 100g/kg of dry matter are positive signs for the long-term productivity of the site.”

Patrick was attracted to the irrigation project because it fits with his personal philosophy.

“The main components of treated wastewater are nutrients such as

nitrogen and phosphorus, and water.

Using this resource to produce high quality balage makes sense.”

The grass is harvested at about 40 cm in height to optimise its quality and quantity and ensure the balage has a high metabolisable energy value for non-lactating dairy cows, beef stock, sheep and deer.

Meanwhile a recent advisory article from Waikato Regional Council recommends farmers use high sugar grass as a way to lessen the impact of nitrogen leaching during winter grazing.

The council’s sustainable agriculture coordinator, Bala Tikkisetty, said farmers should take special care to

protect both profits and the environment from the effects of increased nitrogen leaching during winter and one of the options is to grow high sugar grass.

“Some of the research on mitigating nitrogen losses has focused on growing pasture with more rooting depth for better take up of nitrates. Other ideas include reducing the amount of time animals spend on pasture and feeding high sugar grasses for reducing the amount of nitrogen excreted by grazing animals.”

Nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) has long been a primary goal of the plant breeding team that’s developed Aber High Sugar Grass varieties such as AberMagic and AberDart.

AberHSG is a win-win for NZ farming

“You have to go in with the bike to get them out and the cows will run back”

By David Kerr, Brand Manager, Germinal Seeds

Vaughan Jones, Hinds

A w A

Try your stock on Aber® High Sugar Grass for free!

Register online at www.highsugragrass.co.nz for a chance to win 5 hectares of Aber® High Sugar Grass*.

Former AgResearch soil scientist Mike O’Connor (right) at a Tokoroa field day with David Kerr of Germinal Seeds.

Terms & Conditions apply.

*

RicHARd Weld

Te Puke

VAuGHAn JoneS

Hinds

GRAeme BARR

Tokoroa

600 Jersey cows: 310kg milksolids/cow/season

750 cross-bred cows: 469kg milksolids/cow/season

180 Friesian cows: 410kg milksolids/cow/season

AberHSG first sown 2009: Earliest Aber looks dense and growing well on low-lying land that dries out fast but can be under water in winter.

AberHSG first sown 2004: The farm is prone to pugging in winter but the dense growing and finely tillered AberHSG has proven its persistence.

AberHSG first sown 2005: The Aber was able to fully recover from grass grub damage.

“The AberMagic and AberDart were the green paddocks on our farm during the last drought.”

“This (Aber) leapfrogs other paddocks on a 28-day round and is always ready. You have to go in with the bike to get them out and the cows will run back to a high sugar paddock.”

“We get an extra litre per cow when they graze the Aber paddocks for 24 hours. They totally nail the Aber.”

FREEPHONE 0800 171 825

www.highsugargrass.co.nz

GSL 0642 - PE

2

The on-farm benefits of AberHSG pasture are well established and now the environmental benefits are being studied in New Zealand.

At the July 2014 conference of the NZ Society of Animal Production, AgResearch scientists reported a methane yield nine percent lower from sheep fed AberMagic compared with sheep fed the standard ryegrass Alto, with the tetraploid Base fed sheep in between.

Ruminant nutrition scientist Arjan Jonker and his colleagues concluded that the methane yield reduction in sheep fed high sugar ryegrass “suggests a potential method for methane mitigation that could be readily adopted by NZ livestock farming”.

The trial verified a lot more water soluble carbohydrate (WSC or sugar) in AberMagic - the WSC was 38

and 57 grams/kg drymatter higher in AberMagic than in Alto and Base respectively, which works out to be a difference of 17% and 28% more sugar.

The extra sugar increases grass digestibility and therefore animal productivity, with less gas exhaust, so it’s a win-win for farmers growing AberHSG. Finally I want to express our gratitude to Mike O’Connor, a former soil scientist with AgResearch at Ruakura, who passed away this winter.

In his retirement Mike had visited farmers growing AberHSG pasture, compiled detailed farm reports for Germinal Seeds and shared his knowledge at our field days.

Everyone listening to Mike knew that his views were genuine, were based on the research done and were offered for the benefit of farmers.

c d is t

a r c n

th c li a g

s p li a d

A

s

S p r i ng 2 014

FORAGER

Germinal Seeds

Caucasian and white clover hybrid is exciting advance

3

For longer lasting pasture.

nt n e

Densely tillered and resilient...

g g r s e g e y

s nt r s

with excellent ground cover...

n

e il a,

d e, r s

at n r

A Canterbury seed crop of AberLasting performed well into its third year despite clover root weevil damage in the area. Inset: The influence of rhizome genetics is evident in this close-up of AberLasting’s dense root growth.

A caucasian clover and white clover hybrid with roots growing deeper than typically seen in clover is the latest advance in more drought tolerant pasture.

Germinal Seeds’ AberLasting is a hybrid clover that combines the rhizomes (underground roots) of caucasian clover with the nutritive and nitrogen fixing qualities of white clover.

The result is a deeper rooted clover that makes the most of the caucasian clover’s strengths, which are its long life, resistance to pests and diseases and ability to tolerate heavy and continuous grazing once established.

Caucasian clover on its own can be slow to establish and has poor seed production while white clover can be limited by its stolons (rooting stems) at ground level being less effective in dry soil.

But the plant breeders behind AberLasting have developed a clover

hybrid that exploits the rooting vigour of caucasian clover while retaining the high nutritive value and year round growth of white clover.

In AberLasting the best of both parent plants are combined to offer farmers the agronomic payback of a reliable clover coupled with an inherent drought tolerance.

A small leaf clover, AberLasting is suitable for use in all grazing systems and particularly in permanent pasture where water is limited – and all Aber clovers are bred to be fully compatible with Aber high sugar ryegrass varieties.

Dunedin-based Farmlands technical field officer Drew Carruthers says the roots and overall growth of AberLasting sown late October at Stoneburn, near Palmerston, look promising.

“The farmer and an agronomist were both impressed by the plant’s establishment and the size of its roots for a relatively young clover plant.”

AberLasting had been distributed in seed mixes by Drew to east and central Otago farms as a pre-commercial release of AberLasting so they could trial the deeper rooting clover.

“In theory, if AberLasting is half as good as its breeding suggests then it should be more tolerant of clover root weevil,” said Drew, a TFO for 17 years who previously farmed sheep and beef near Gore.

Clover root weevil has caused a widespread decline in clover performance and consequently set back lamb growth rates in damaged pasture.

“Anything that can retain a deeper rooting system should be more resilient and that’s got to be an advantage.”

Germinal Seeds says further good news for farmers is that medium and large leaf white clover/caucasian hybrids are in the Aber pipeline to benefit a wide variety of pastoral farm systems.

AberHSGs are persistent, high performing and proven throughout New Zealand.

David Jones, Hinds Dairy Farm 7 year old AberDart HSG with 32 cm root depth.

FREEPHONE 0800 17 1825 www.highsugargrass.co.nz

GSL 0634-g2

r e a . s al t, g

and deep roots for persistence.

S p r i ng 2 014

4

FORAGER

Germinal Seeds

Sheep industry awards won by farms growing high sugar grass Blackdale owners Marion and Peter Black.

“The ewes are always in very good condition and the lambs are full of vigour” Blair Gallagher, ‘Rangiatea’ Mt Somers

Try your stock on Aber® High Sugar Grass for free!

Register online at www.highsugragrass.co.nz for a chance to win 5 hectares of Aber® High Sugar Grass*.

Terms & Conditions apply.

*

BRenT PATeRSon

‘Glencoe’ napier

800 dairy grazers: Weaned calves and 2-year heifers Suffolk stud ewes: 2,500 Texel-cross lambs finished AberHSG first sown 2007: AberHSG accelerates liveweight gain and is relied on during a summer period of peak feed demand.

“The new heifers (making 330kg in 18 months) grow better on the Aber than the heifers not on it. They can make massive weight gains.”

AndReW WelSH

‘Twin Farm’ Gore

BlAiR GAllAGHeR ‘Rangiatea’ mt Somers

Stud ewes: 1,000 TEFRom, 680 Suftex 10,000 sock units: 80% sheep 20% cattle commercial ewes: 6,000 TEFRom ewes/hoggets Stud flocks: Perendale & Cheviot lambs: 7,000 (5,000 terminal, 1,500 Angus cattle: Cows to 20 months, ewe hoggets, 500 stud rams). steers finished, in-calf heifers.

AberHSG first sown 2004: A strong grazing AberHSG first sown 2007: Grazed evenly, preference, solid weight gain and carries holds quality and seems more palatable. more stock – 16 twin-bearing hoggets/ha “The Aber is grazed cleaner and the sheep and compared to 10 on other pasture. lambs are cleaner. There’s no doubt the ewes “Some of those lambs can pack on over on Aber are always in very good condition 500 grams a day at times on mum.” and their lambs are sappy (full of vigour).”

www.highsugargrass.co.nz

GSL 0642 BG

FREEPHONE 0800 171 825

Three Southland sheep farmers fast tracking lamb growth on Aber High Sugar Grass (AberHSG) pasture have won top awards in the 2014 Beef + Lamb New Zealand Sheep Industry Awards.

About 230 people attended the third annual awards dinner in Napier where 10 genetics-based awards and five sector excellence awards were presented.

Within the genetics-based categories, two gold awards were presented and both went to farms in Southland growing their stock on AberHSG pasture.

Mount Linton Station’s Suftex stud at Ohai received the Alliance Group Limited terminal sire overall award.

The Telford dual purpose overall award went to Peter and Marion Black’s Blackdale Coopworth stud at Riverton.

B+LNZ Chief Executive Officer Dr Scott Champion says the awards are already a flagship event for the sheep industry that “highlights the fantastic genetics available to New Zealand sheep farmers and how these can drive improved farm performance”.

Mount Linton Station, which has more than 1,200 hectares in AberMagic and AberDart perennial pasture and is extending its pasture renewal into higher hill country, won the Gold Award-Alliance Group terminal sire award for lamb growth and meat yield and the SIL-ACE terminal sire for lamb growth award.

Mount Linton’s Suftex flock consists of 530 mixed-age ewes and two-tooths that run alongside the station’s commercial sheep operation of 39,000 ewes.

The breeding focus is to maximise returns through increased meat and growth without compromising survival – a goal achieved without the ewe flock having to be drenched.

The Mt Linton management team are seeing more rapid finishing of lambs and an extra 30kg on the carcass weight of Angus steers.

Significant roll-on benefits include an improved flock pregnancy rate and less winter attrition when ewe hoggets have earlier access to prime pasture to

build body condition.

AberDart and AberMagic were first sown in 2008 at Mt Linton and after seeing the positive effect on stock the owners sold their four finishing farms as they were no longer required.

The Blackdale Stud and Blackdale Coopworth first sowed AberDart in 2002 and has received the Gold Award-Telford dual purpose award for reproduction, lamb growth plus adult size and wool production.

Blackdale also won the Primary Wool Cooperative dual purpose for wool award and was a finalist in the SIL-ACE dual purpose for growth (lamb growth & adult size) award.

Blacks’ Coopworth stud is one of five studs within the Blackdale operation, which in total incorporates 2,300 stud and 1,500 commercial ewes.

Blackdale, started in 1971, is an intensively stocked, all-grass, all-sheep operation with a focus on breeding rams with the best genetics to achieve optimal net returns for clients.

Peter and Marion Black’s son Leon was a finalist in the Farmlands award for individual or business making a significant contribution to the New Zealand sheep industry.

Twin Farm at Mandeville, near Gore, won the SIL-ACE dual purpose for growth (lamb growth & adult size) award.

A finalist in this year’s Telford dual purpose award and the Progressive Meats dual purpose for meat yield, Twin Farm is owned by Russell and Pam Welsh and their family.

Their son Andrew, with his wife Katherine, manages the farm where lambs grow at a rapid rate on AberMagic – by as much as 500 grams a day at times So far 100ha, or a sixth of the farm, is in AberMagic and this spring AberGreen, a new AberHSG perennial, was sown into 15ha as a trial while AberEcho, a new hybrid HSG, was blended with AberMagic for earlier growth in the cooler seasons.

s

st er e s

e rt d or lt

S p r i ng 2 014

FORAGER

Germinal Seeds

Aber High Sugar Grass leads D-value comparisons A three year trial has confirmed that Aber High Sugar Grass (AberHSG) varieties are more digestible than standard ryegrasses.

The results scientifically validate in New Zealand conditions the experience of farmers that cows produce more milk when grazing AberHSG pasture while lambs and beef cattle gain weight more quickly.

Research conducted by Lincolnbased Plant Research NZ Ltd at its planting site near Ashburton found the digestibility values (D-values) of AberHSG perennial varieties were averaging at least five extra D-value units across multiple harvests – a gain calculated to produce an extra one litre of milk per cow per day.

Plant Research NZ found the perennials AberMagic and AberGreen averaged 70.4% and 70.9% dry organic matter digestibility (DOMD%) respectively in the trial’s third year while Alto, a standard diploid ryegrass, averaged 65.4% DOMD over five harvests from spring to autumn.

The values were determined independently by Hill Laboratories’ near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) of plant samples and show AberGreen, for example, averaging 704 grams of digestible organic content in 1kg of total drymatter, which is 70.4 DOMD% or a D-value of 70.4.

Drymatter yields were within a 3% difference with Alto offering slightly more drymatter yield in the first two

y r e h

ABER® HIGH SUGAR GRASS

n p g e

ar e e)

al e d, d

s m n s

e g l, e s er

years but behind AberMagic and AberGreen in the third year.

D-value is an important measure for farmers because it shows the amount of digestible content in a plant – a combination of crude protein, carbohydrates (including digestible fibres and sugars) and lipids (oils) that are essential to the ruminant performance of cattle, sheep and deer.

Each unit increase in D-value equates to gains of 0.26 litres of extra milk per dairy cow per day, 40g per day of extra beef liveweight gain or 26g per day of extra lamb liveweight gain, according to tests by the independent and not-forprofit National Institute of Agricultural Botany in Cambridge (UK).

Higher gains for each D-value unit

increase have been reported by other respected research bodies.

In the Plant Research trial the threeyear pattern of perennial ryegrass D-values showed a constant advantage from early October to January and a leap of up to 12 D-value units ahead of Alto in autumn – a result that aligns with AgResearch finding a 10 percent increase in autumn milksolids from cows grazing AberDart compared to cows on standard ryegrasses.

Germinal Seeds Ltd (UK) science consultant Dr Peter Wilkins, who initiated the breeding of high sugar ryegrasses in Wales 30 years ago, says Plant Research NZ’s results confirm the grazing behaviour and production results seen by farmers.

“Digestibility is the key measure.

You have this twin benefit of greater intake and greater utilisation of the grass that’s eaten,” said Dr Wilkins, who visited New Zealand farms and trial sites three years ago.

The Plant Research trial also found a consistent D-value advantage in Aber tetraploid and festulolium ryegrass varieties.

The festulolium AberNiche averaged 6 D-value units (6% DOMD) ahead of Tabu for spring and summer harvests over two years while the Aber tetraploid was 3 D-value units ahead of Bealey.

Germinal Seeds NZ commissioned the Plant Research trial as there was little science-based information available in New Zealand on the digestibility of different ryegrass varieties.

T h e D i f fe re n ce i s D i g e st i b i l i t y

e n, d

n d a w

5

70.9 5.5 1.4L 140g 220g *

**

**

**

Cell fibre

More sugar

Digestibility

D-value

Extra milk

Extra weight

Extra weight

D-value

gain

cow/day

lamb/day

cattle/day

65.4 0 *

High sugar grass breeder Dr Peter Wilkins visits the Tapawera Valley (Nelson) 232 hectare dairy farm of Warren (right) and Louise Berry where their Riverina Jersey herd produces an extra 1-to-1.5 litres per cow per milking when grazing AberDart or AberMagic.

MODERN RYEGRASS

* Mean values across five harvests Oct-to-Mar 2014: Plant Research NZ Ltd. ** Animal production gains per D-value: National Institute of Agricultural Botany, Cambridge, UK.

New seed representative open to ideas from farmers Pasture performance is a top priority for Massey University graduate Nick Rayner in his new role as Germinal Seeds’ sales agronomist for the upper North Island, above Taupo.

Based in Hamilton, Nick starts on September 1 and is looking forward to discussing with farmers their ideas on getting more value out of grass.

While studying for his Bachelor of Science degree, majoring in agriculture, Nick worked on farms, designed and

built pivot irrigation systems and designed and built an environment to encourage free range chickens to leave the sheds and venture outside.

“I am very open to better options and the ideas that farmers have about how to make a grass-based system more efficient,” says Nick, who helped run pasture trials at Massey University.

“There is an increasing expectation for grasses to be more productive, more resilient and easy to manage so there’s

0L 0g 0g

an ongoing interest in new pasture varieties like the high sugar grasses.”

The environmental benefits from grazing more digestible forage are a further consideration, says Nick, born in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, and growing up at Otaki where his parents sharemilked before buying a dairy farm in Taranaki.

Nick is a keen deer hunter and fisherman.

Nick can be contacted at 0800 171 825 or nickrayner@germinalseeds.co.nz

Nick Rayner.

S p r i ng 2 014

6

FORAGER

Germinal Seeds

The Cerne Abbas Giant sports a ‘mo’ for Movember For the past two years Germinal Seeds GB (Great Britain) has been a big supporter of Movember in England to raise awareness, and much-needed funds, for groups confronting three of the biggest health issues facing men – prostate cancer, testicular cancer and mental health.

Last November a Germinal Seeds team showed the company’s support by giving England’s world famous Cerne Abbas Giant at Dorset a giant grass moustache, for one day, and it’s expected Germinal Seeds’ next project for the coming Movember campaign will be just as ambitious.

10% MORE

*

GSL 0634-b9

*AgResearch trial 2007, compared to production from cows grazing a standard perennial ryegrass.

www.highsugargrass.co.nz

“Movember is an important charity and with so many men working in our industry it’s one we are keen to back.

The giant is an iconic male symbol which fits the campaign well.”

The origins of the Cerne Abbas Giant are uncertain but one theory is that it was intended as a mocking representation of Oliver Cromwell, in which case the grass moustache was

appropriate as Cromwell is shown in portraits to have had a moustache.

To promote the previous year’s Movember, an even bigger grass moustache, measuring 36m by 12m, had been grown on a Somerset farm by Germinal Seeds GB, a family business with nearly 200 years of history and the largest privately owned seed company in the UK.

Persistence starts with hidden half of plant

MILKSOLIDS IN AUTUMN

FREEPHONE 0800 17 1825

The huge ‘mo’, 12 metres long by 3 metres deep, had been grown off-site and then carefully installed in sections to add a rakish look to the imposing 55 metre long landmark, which is Britain’s largest chalk hill figure.

Germinal Seeds GB Managing Director William Gilbert said he appreciated the National Trust’s help in making the idea a reality.

Persistence remains a hot topic because many ryegrass varieties are failing to meet farmers’ expectations, says Germinal Seeds’ South Island key accounts manager Shaun Neeley.

“It does appear that some plant breeders have focused on plant yield above ground and not given due attention to the other half of the plant hidden under the ground.”

While drymatter yield in varying conditions is critically important, and often given as the sole measure of performance and limited to a short period of three years, it was the plant’s roots that mainly determine its resilience when under stress.

“Hopefully a shift in focus is happening with AgResearch’s decision to look at improving the root function of ryegrass and other forage plants in order to minimise nutrient losses to waterways and develop more sustainable pasture.”

Shaun says the plant breeders behind Aber varieties have long been on the path of plant root development because of the direct link to plant persistency.

“A further correlation is tiller density, as is characteristic of Aber varieties that also have a large root mass to better cope with dry conditions and pest challenges.”

A high level of water soluble carbohydrate (sugar) content, as found in Aber High Sugar Grass (AberHSG), may also enhance plant persistency because it’s the energy reserve for plants needing to withstand adverse conditions.

Those three persistency factors – larger root mass, denser tillers and higher sugar content – are bred into all AberHSG varieties in the market and explain their performance exceeding 10 years on farms throughout New Zealand, says Shaun.

Shaun can be contacted at 027 577 7034 or shaunneeley@germinalseeds.co.nz

Shaun Neeley.

S p r i ng 2 014

n

’s e, n B, of d

FORAGER

Germinal Seeds

7

AberGreen “looking good” The new Aber High Sugar Grass variety AberGreen is “looking good so far”, says Winton (Southland) dairy farmer Peter Erb. Sown during November last year it is difficult to tell how the AberGreen compares with other pasture because most of the farm is now sown in Aber pasture and the split herds’ production all goes into one vat.

“We like the Aber’s persistence and high tillering which down here is a great ally because our paddocks can get soft when it rains.”

At least 70 percent of the home farm, milking 800 Jersey cows, is now in AberHSG pasture while their second farm, which is sharemilked, has 800 Friesians and crossbreeds and is about half sown in AberHSG perennials.

Peter runs a low-cost farming system and he likes the idea of pasture offering cows a free dose of natural sugar to

Peter Erb and his son Dwayne, who manages the Erb family’s home farm.

New generation grasses are more stress-resistant AberNiche is the first ryegrass and fescue hybrid from Germinal Seeds to be made available to farmers throughout Australasia and heralds a new generation of stress-resistant ryegrasses.

AberNiche is a festulolium (90% Italian and 10% meadow fescue) and like the new hybrid clover AberLasting, a caucasian clover and white clover cross, is drought resistant and marks the future for grass development.

The goal is to make high quality grassland farming more sustainable and tolerant of climate change and AberNiche ticks both boxes as an Italian-type ryegrass and meadow fescue cross that’s derived from natural hybridisation to increase drought and stress resistance.

Winter hardiness is another strength, as proven in trials in Sweden where AberNiche performed well in comparison to other Italian ryegrass varieties and was the equivalent or better than other hybrid ryegrass varieties.

According to grass breeding team leader Dr Mike Humphreys at the Institute of Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences (IBERS), based at Aberystwyth University in Wales, AberNiche demonstrates that a transfer of more stress resistant fescue genes into ryegrasses can be achieved without negatively affecting yield or quality.

“Increased drought tolerance is a major objective and we have already recorded an improvement in water use efficiency (forage yield/unit of water consumed) in some festulolium of 88 percent,” said Dr Humphreys.

Germinal Seeds has exclusive rights to forage varieties developed by IBERS where the grass breed programme is working towards the introduction of beneficial fescue genes into perennial ryegrasses.

Meanwhile a new grass to emerge from IBERS’ development of diploid perennial Aber High Sugar Grass (AberHSG) varieties is AberGreen, now available to New Zealand

WIN

5ha

Aber

AberNiche – a new generation grass. farmers as a variety offering high yields as well as a near optimum protein-to-energy balance.

This is achieved through a higher level of water soluble carbohydrate (sugar) content without a proportional increase in protein and enables greater nitrogen utilisation by grazing animals – and consequently more production with less nitrogen wastage.

The usual imbalance between energy and protein results in only 20 percent of herbage protein typically used for animal production and the rest excreted.

As achieved for AberHSG varieties, the clover breeders at IBERS are aiming for a better energy to protein balance too and a Aber clover trial currently underway shows a protein level 5-to-10 percent below current varieties on the market.

Different mixes of grass and clover are being tested for the same purpose of increasing rumen efficiency and other projects are aiming for more phosphate use efficiency, to lessen phosphate fertiliser requirements, and lower nitrate leaching.

A major project called ‘Surefoot’ is using the National Plant Phenomics Centre at Aberystwyth to develop ryegrass and fescue hybrids that will lessen the impact of flooding by enhancing root architecture.

boost their milk production.

“Until there’s a better grass we will keeping putting in the Aber.”

“The cows are more content, they get their fill and lie around to chew their cud and seem more settled.

“When you drive to a paddock the cows hear the bike coming and head to the gate but in the Aber you usually have to go in there and bring them out.”

Peter says the Aber pasture was first sown on their home farm in 2006, is grazed evenly and doesn’t shade out the clover.

“It’s in balance and we are more than happy with the way it’s going.”

Peter and his wife Maralyn own two 400-hectare farms and have a half share in a 240ha dairy farm with their oldest son Jason, who is regrassing his own dairy farm at Orepuki with AberHSG. “The right grasses for a farm have huge significance,” says Peter.

HSG

Register online at www.highsugragrass.co.nz for a chance to win 5 hectares of Aber® High Sugar Grass*.

Terms & Conditions apply.

*

FREEPHONE 0800 171 825

www.highsugargrass.co.nz

GSL 0642 ENT

s

S p r i ng 2 014

8

FORAGER

Germinal Seeds

Nick excited by new crop science Timaru-based Nick Walters starts as a sales agronomist for Germinal Seeds on September 1.

Nick has a Bachelor of Commerce from Lincoln University majoring in farm management and valuation and after seven years in arable support with another seed company is well qualified to advise on forage and arable crops.

Nick sees an exciting future for New Zealand farm systems as more advanced genetic material becomes available, as

seen in Aber High Sugar Grass.

“Like many farmers I am looking for ways to decrease nitrogen leaching and work towards a more sustainable farming future for the generations to follow,” says Nick, who is involved with a sheep, beef, dairy support and cropping farm.

“It’s exciting to see the sciencebased work being done on nitrogen use efficiency and with the Aber varieties there’s no detrimental effect on

production. In fact it’s gone the other way - we can get more liveweight gain and milk yield.”

Nick, previously a keen rugby player but now more interested in hunting and fishing, was born and raised in rural Timaru and is pleased to have the opportunity to help Canterbury farmers plan their crop options.

Nick can be contacted at 027 807 0348 or nickwalter@germinalseeds.co.nz

Nick Walters.

The new name behind Germinal Seeds Building on its longstanding involvement in the New Zealand agricultural seed industry, the Yates family has established a new company named NZ Seed Houses Limited (NZSH) to represent Germinal Seeds in the local market.

“For Germinal’s retail distribution partners, farming customers and suppliers, it will be business as usual.

However, the intention is to further grow and develop the business in New Zealand, building on the solid foundation set by Germinal Seeds NZ Ltd, which has successfully established the brand here over the last ten years,” says Will Yates, who oversees his family’s involvement in the agricultural industry, including its representation of Pioneer Brand Products in New Zealand.

David Kerr, who has worked for Germinal Seeds in the UK and NZ for 14

years, is the Brand Manager-Germinal Seeds for NZSH. David says “the new business will continue to provide the same high quality products and service to the New Zealand market, following on from the good work done by the Germinal Seeds NZ Ltd team since that business began marketing Aber branded High Sugar Grasses (AberHSG) here in 2004.”

Based in Northern Ireland and dating back to 1825, Germinal Holdings is the largest family-owned forage seed business in the British Isles. Chairman John Gilbert, a direct descendant of the founder, says the relationship with NZSH aligns with his Company’s global strategy and positioning.

“Outside its home markets in the UK and Ireland, Germinal has licence agreements in 17 other countries around the world. Accordingly the change to New Zealand Seed Houses is consistent with how Germinal operates

elsewhere in the world. Germinal Seeds NZ Ltd has successfully achieved its goal of establishing the merits of AberHSG on New Zealand farms. Now with promising local research showing the improved animal performance of ruminants grazing AberHSG, it is an opportune time to change how Aber products are represented in New Zealand,” says John.

The Germinal group of companies has the worldwide marketing rights for the highly successful range of Aber grass and clover varieties, through its funding of ryegrass and legume breeding at IBERS Aberystwyth University in Wales. The Company also has significant involvement in key areas of plant and animal research, and works collaboratively through the whole food supply chain from plant breeding to the retail food sector, thus playing its part in the development of sustainable livestock production.

The Difference is Digestibility FREEPHONE 0800 171 825

GSL 0634-f1

www.highsugargrass.co.nz