Coast & Country - August 2018 by Sun Media

he s not your typical heavy machinery operator ut she s deďŹ nitely ood at what she does. hannan ell, , found her love for heavy machinery in a dump truck in . i ht years on she s worked on hu e pro ects such as the auran a astern ink, uakura nland ort ta e , and currently the untly section of the aikato xpressway. And she doesn t mind reakin down the stereotype of a male dominated industry she s unashamedly a irlie irl . ead her story on pa e . Photo: Catherine Fry.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

An Impossible Burger makes it impossible to please all

When you think of how businesses and industries aim to connect and make a positive impact with consumers, there’s been some iconic and impressive advertising campaigns in New Zealand over the years.

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One that springs to my mind when I was growing up was Toyota’s ‘Bugger’ TV ads. They took a light-hearted approach to farming mishaps that really touched their core market – rural folk – or at least made their sides shake with laughter. But sometimes such campaigns can go all so wrong. Air New Zealand’s launch of the Impossible Burger – a vegan offering on-board their Auc land- os Angeles ights – is obviously aimed at a modern clientele. One who take their environmentally-conscious choices right down to their palate, which is common these days. I’m not saying this campaign has gone wrong – but

it deﬁnitely seems to have missed the mark of supporting ‘local’ – another huge campaign in itself – and primary producers of NZ. Virgin Australia saw this opportunity and took it – introducing their ‘Got Beef?’ campaign shortly after the fallout. Virgin says its nationwide search for ’s ﬁnest meat supplier to supply produce for NZ- Australia ights highlights its commitment to supporting the country’s primary industries including NZ farmers. The meat supplier will be announced this September, and their meat could be available onoard ights from cto er Then there’s the wool industry. Farmers, brokers, scientists, fashion designers and familiar company brands met in Wellington in midJuly for a Wool Summit – to thread together a stronger future for our wool industry. Minister for Primary Industries, Damien O’Connor, said afterwards that the summit “put the right people in the room who are clearly united on taking a fresh approach to secure a stronger future for wool”. “They stressed the need

for the industry to tell the story of wool to consumers, at a time when the world is crying out for alternatives to plastic and synthetics.” So why hasn’t the wool industry used this recent trend, of turning away from unsustainable products, to really push their product and brand? If you google ‘Characteristics of wool’ you’ll ﬁnd endless information on the ﬁ re “ ool is biodegradable and kinder to the environment than oil-based synthetics...” “Wool has several sustainable attributes: it is rapidly renewable, biodegradable, recyclable, and can be produced organically.” “Wool is naturally ame resistant tc tc These qualities need to be pushed under the consumer’s nose – now! I never realised the true value of wool clothing until I had children. Now it’s my go-to. When I re-carpet my home I’ll choose wool over synthetic. The Minister is right – the wool industry needs to tell its story – and prove itself as a modern, sustainable and trendy option in whatever form of product it takes. Maybe Air NZ can help? Merle Foster

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Horticulture’s Bledisloe Cup awarded to McBride Zespri chairman Peter McBride has been presented with horticulture’s premier award to recognise his outstanding leadership in the kiwifruit industry, which he’s been involved with for 40 years. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor presented the Bledisloe Cup to Peter at an awards dinner at the Horticulture Conference 2018 last month in Wellington. Very similar to the famous rugby Bledisloe Cup, horticulture’s version is one of three cups Lord Bledisloe presented to New Zealand in 1931. Horticulture New Zealand president Julian Raine says the cup celebrates a person who has made an outstanding and meritorious contribution to the NZ horticulture industry “and Peter McBride certainly epitomises that”.

“n , Peter was ﬁrst e posed to the iwifruit industry through his family’s orchard in Te Puke. “ e went on to purchase his ﬁrst iwifruit orchard in 1989, and today he has responsibility for several large farming companies and heads one of NZ’s key horticulture companies, as the chairman of Zespri Board. “He’s fought hard for horticulture and is a key interface between growers, industry and the Government. He’s focused on innovation and also represents Zespri International as a director on the New Zealand International Business Forum, and as a member of the New Zealand-China Council.” Along with his work for the kiwifruit industry, Peter’s had an equally long history of service to charitable organisations. He’s a former director of Longview Charitable Trust Board in the Waikato and was a director of Centrefarm Zespri chairman Peter McBride and wife Aboriginal Horticulture. Linda, pictured with the Bledisloe Cup. Horticulture NZ also

presented for the ﬁrst time an nvironmental Award, which went to James Trevelyan from Te Puke. “On considering the nominees for this award, the Horticulture NZ Board was heartened by the vast amount of environmental work underway and the focus growers have on sustainability,” says Julian. “James proudly and publicly supports the environment while providing tasty, healthy, nutritious fruit to the world. “In 2017, his family-owned company produced a report ‘Our Journey Toward a Sustainable Future’ that states sustainability is a journey that requires ongoing development,

Kiwifruit Claim findings appealed by Crown The Crown has appealed a recent High Court Decision that found the Ministry for Primary Industries negligent in allowing the vine-killing Psa-V disease into New Zealand in 2009, which devastated the kiwifruit industry. The High Court decision, released on June 29, partially upheld a claim by a group of 212 growers for damages over the Psa outbreak in 2010. In a statement, dated July 24, 2018, MPI says a notice of appeal has een filed in the ourt of Appeal against the High Court’s decision in the Psa litigation. “The Crown appeal seeks to clarify the scope for government regulators to be sued in negligence.” MPI also adds it considers the igh ourt finding “has the potential to significantly impact on the Ministry’s biosecurity operations”. “MPI takes its biosecurity

responsibilities seriously, and while the decision is being appealed, it must still be applied in the interim. The impact of this for importers and others will be delays in decision-making.” The Kiwifruit Claim group, representing the growers, sued MPI – formerly operating as MAF – for approving a shipment of pollen products to come into NZ from China in 2009, which they argue is how the disease entered NZ. In her judgement released in late-June, Justice Mallon found Psa entered NZ through the anthers consignment imported pursuant to the permit granted to Kiwi Pollen by MAF. MAF had powers to control the entry of the risk goods into NZ – both pre-border and at the border – as well as powers for responding to the risk from a harmful plant pathogen once its presence in NZ is known, said Justice Malon. “The particular risk in this case, Psa in kiwifruit plant material, was known to MAF. It was obvious that if kiwifruit plant material was allowed to be imported without a proper assessment of the condi-

tions on which it could be imported and, if that plant material was intended to be applied to kiwifruit orchards, the vines and crops on those orchards were at risk of harm,” said Justice Malon. MPI says it is continually enhancing and improving the way it manages pre-border risk and import processes at the border. “ e have conﬁdence in our current biosecurity system and its continued robustness. “New Zealand enjoys a high level of freedom from the most damaging pests and diseases as a result of the diligent actions of P ofﬁcers, importers and others. “No biosecurity system in the world can prevent every pest incursion from happening, which is why our ability to manage risk offshore and respond to incursions if they occur are critical parts of the biosecurity system. “A strong biosecurity system needs government, importers, industry and the public actively participating and acting to identify and manage risk.”

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innovation, collaboration and commitment. “James really walks the talk and you can see him talking passionately about caring for the environment in the Horticulture NZ video ‘Healthy Food for All Forever’.” Other awards presented included a President’s Trophy to Gisborne grower and orchardist Tim gan for promotion of horticulture; Industry Service Awards to arry lliott and raham Martin; and a Horticulture NZ Life em ership to arnscy eaver The Horticulture Conference 2018 was held in Christchurch from July 23-25.

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A lifetime’s work in progress Bill and Sue Garland have farmed their 420ha at Rahiri Farm, near Roto O Rangi, Cambridge, for nearly 50 years. The couple have put considera le resources ﬁnancial and physical – into conservation and preservation of their land. And they’re very willing to share their experiences – both good and bad – with others

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arland y the . ha of replanted wetland with historical . ax ushes and rare plants. Photos: Catherine Fry.

wishing to put similar farm plans into practice. The Garlands hosted Environment Minister David Parker and Agriculture Minister Damien to launch the national Good Farming Practice Action Plan for Water Quality on their farm in June. The action plan is a national set of good practice principles and actions that horticulture and farming leaders, regional councils and government have agreed on to improve NZ’s freshwater quality. The aim is for every farmer and grower to have a farm environment plan to help them identify environmental risks and set out ways to manage them. Bill welcomes the plan’s vision. “My view is it’s not just water quality that will eneﬁt y having a farm plan you look at areas to be cultivated, pastures that can be improved and water reticulation. “Fencing and planting also means shelter and shade for stock, improved stock movement, increased

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“We were both raised on Cambridge farms with English trees,” says Bill. “This farm had very few other than natives, so we planted hundreds early on as we were redesigning the infrastructure of the farm.” A forestry project was started around 15 years ago. “We had a steep area that was prone to erosion and covered in gorse and other woody weeds,” says Bill. Calling upon his experience as part of a discussion team at the Whatawhata Hill Country Research ...continued

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productivity, habitat for birds, and offsetting carbon emissions.” The Garlands bought 120ha with its original ‘rehab’ house in 1969 and run beef and sheep. They’ve added to the land, resulting in 420ha over six titles. The farm has a long history, with evidence of early Maori settlement on this rolling hill country of fertile Maeroa ash soils, and the Mangapiko Stream with its numerous tributaries.

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Protecting the land for future generations continued...

Station, Bill modelled his plan on Whatawhata. Fifteen years in, the hillside is planted with Tasmanian blackwood and cyprus, and natives such as kauri, rimu and totara. Prior to the late-1980s, and de-regulation of the economy, substantial rural government subsidies were available for water and soil conservation work. When these subsidies were removed, the Garlands continued their work using their own money. Of the 45 wetland areas on the farm, one has specific significance from its Maori past. Five-hundred metres of waterway has been fenced and restored, making a large 1.2ha wetland area that cost around $50,000 to complete. Aware that the a from this area was used historically for weaving, Bill and Sue had the leaves sampled and confirmation that it was very high uality weaving a Sue collected hundreds of seeds from the original plants, and the resulting seedlings are now planted in the area, with further seed collections planned. “We also planted dozens of rare plants from the Tamahere nursery of gully e pert Peter orris, says Bill. “To protect it all, we’ve put a QEII covenant on the area, An aerial view naming it after my aunt and uncle, of the forestry Nelson and Mariana Garland, who block planted owned the land previously 15 years ago by Similar wetland projects the Garlands. throughout the farm have a big commercial enefit ullies that were once death traps for stock, and open to erosion, are now fenced off, planted wetlands. “It’s a balancing act to ensure there’s enough ground vegetation and areas aren’t overplanted, says Bill. “Getting it right means that water from higher ground loses energy, reducing ooding downstream ediment, phosphates and coli are filtered out in the wetland area, significantly reducing the amount entering the waterways

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Other areas with waterways are unsuitable for fencing off, so they have been left as paddocks and only less destructive sheep graze these areas. “Matching stock to the type of land is the key to minimising damage and erosion, says ill Bill credits his father’s knowledge of the farm with some decisions that have been made over developing scrub areas at the back while it was still owned by his parents.

tal project, Bill and Sue allow access through their land, and have planted acres of native plants that attract and feed native birds that leave the fenced area as numbers grow inside.

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A clean, protected waterway on Rahiri Farm. “He told us to leave one steep, unsta le area as ush, says ill, “He said that good water came out of the area, and one day water would be important. He was ahead of his time in his thinking. This area also has a QEII covenant The property shares 8km of the pest-proof fence surrounding Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, and 30ha of the farm is inside the fence and under QEII covenant. Sympathetic with the Sanctuary Mountain environmen-

The money for all the environmental work depends on the farm being a standalone usiness, e tracting as much commercial gain from the land as possible. Rahiri farm supplies beef to the American hamburger market, and lamb to Wholefoods, a top-end American supermarket. The latter enterprise requires adhering to stringent rules and standards around how the lambs are reared, but this only adds to Bill and ue’s commitment to e cellent animal welfare and environmental practices. Permission is frequently given to photographers, ﬁlm crews, researchers etc to access the farm, so others can

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New berries delight Blueberries growing under tunnel houses at Hidden Valley Orchard, Pahoia. Photos: Elaine Fisher.

When 240 people turn up on a winter Friday afternoon for a horticultural field day – it’s a sure indication the crop in question is exciting interest. BerryCo’s event in July attracted more people than expected, keen to visit two Bay of Plenty orchards growing new licenced varieties of high-producing, large-sized blueberries. Among attendees were existing BerryCo growers, prospective growers, bankers, lawyers, accountants and rural supply companies. plit into two groups, and travelling in five uses, the parties visited Hidden Valley Orchard near Pahoia, owned by Tony and Nicky Ponder and their son Michael, and a Katikati orchard owned by John, Cindy and Tracey Cotterell. BerryCo general manager Vaughan Judkins says the aim of the field day was to share information

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about growing and marketing the licenced blueberries with existing grower members and those who were interested in becoming growers, plus industry support partners.

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“Bankers, accountants and lawyers are being asked for advice from clients interested in growing under licence to BerryCo, so this was a chance for them to ﬁnd out a out the opportunity, says aughan BerryCo is a new company, formed around three years ago as a joint venture between two Australasia fresh produce companies; Valley Fresh and Southern Produce, which brought their separate blueberry growers under the BerryCo umbrella. In New Zealand, BerryCo growers are located from the top of the North Island through to the top of the South Island and grow a variety of blueberries, including about 60ha of the licenced fruit.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 7

Blueberries add diversity to horticulture continued...

The company is seeking more orchardists to grow its blueberries under licence, but is being selective a out ﬁnding ust the right conditions in which to grow the plants, says Vaughan.

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“We have varieties which will do well in many locations from Northland to the South Island. As we don’t want to set growers up to fail, we find out first, if necessary through soil, water and climate monitoring, and even by growing trial plants, if a location is suitable for our varieties.” The 1.5ha of tunnel houses at Hidden Valley Orchard, north of Tauranga, represent a new focus for the Bay of Plenty fruit-growing Ponder family. The tunnel houses protect 6000 blueberry plants and add diversity to the other crops, kiwifruit, avocados and forestry, grown on the 26ha property purchased in 2016. “We could have paid $320,000 a hectare to buy a licence to grow Zespri’s G3 gold kiwifruit, but instead have spent around $400,000 to develop a blueberry orchard,” Tony told those taking part in the erry o field day visit in early-July. Once the orchard is in full production, Tony expects it will return conservatively about Bumble bees in cardboard hives help $60,000 to $80,000 a year per with blueberry pollination inside the hectare. tunnel houses.

Plants in pots

As part of its development, the Ponders paid $12,000 for the licence to grow Mountain Blue Orchard’s varieties Southern Highbush under a licenced production model contracted to BerryCo Ltd, a company for which Tony is a director. Tony says development of the Hidden Valley blueberry orchard from an original citrus and kiwifruit block began in May 2017 and included some contouring. The tunnels are 8.5m wide and 110m in length, covering plants growing in 30L pots in a media of coco fi re, peat, pumice and ‘ A ’ ar fines The planting density is equivalent to 4000 plants per hectare at 80cm in-row spacings, with three rows per tunnel to allow machinery access for harvesting, spraying and mowing. A grass strip, planted between the rows to reduce dust, is kept short by mowing. A three-tank fertigation system housed in a new purpose-built structure, services four zones, supplying two litres per hour to each plant, via drippers. Water comes from a deep natural spring which, once it has undergone primary and filtration, fills two 30,000L holding tanks. The orchard has the Mountain Blue Orchard cultivar Eureka planted in June 2017. This is a high-yielding evergreen bush which produces, from September to November, extra-large fruit on open clusters with an even balance of sugar and acid. Pollinators called First Blush produce large sweet

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Signs hanging at the entrances to the blueberry tunnel houses are designed to help honeybees navigate their way back to their hives.

berries with Brix levels ranging from 13 to 16. Rabbit Eye cultivars Centra, Sky Blue and Velluto are also part of the orchard. Bumblebees in small cardboard hives are placed inside the tunnels while honeybee hives are positioned at either end. To help the honey bees orientate themselves, Nicky Ponder has designed and painted different coloured signs with symbols – one even with the words ‘ ees this way’ and directional arrows and hung them at tunnel entrances.

Prune hard

Tony told visitors he should have pruned the young plants much harder than he did. “My advice to anyone starting out is to prune hard, to help encourage root growth. There is no concern that these plants won’t grow well, because they do.” He also suggests creating gaps in the rows wide enough for machinery to pass through, avoiding the need to travel from one end of the tunnel house to the other before turning back. Putting in support structures and training systems should also be done early, because it is easier with smaller plants, he says. Independent agronomic consultant Stuart Doyle of Ag ista Australia Pty td told those at the ﬁeld day that the harvest of blueberries is very different from other fruits. “Unlike kiwifruit or avocados – you can’t leave fruit hanging when they are ripe. They have to be picked when they are ready, which is why there’s an advantage in growing them under tunnels because you can pick in the rain.”

He also warns that once picked, blueberries must be kept cool. “Every hour they experience over four degrees Celsius equates to one less day of shelf-life.” Elaine Fisher

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rower of the ear ﬁnal this month. Farms and facilitated by Horticulture NZ. Organisers say the event was unique – in addition to the formal title, an open com-www.functionalfertiliser.co.nz petition was run for apprentices with no ageThe Future of Farming or experience restrictions, to take part in the modules as well. There were 11 competitors in this open category. “This is the ﬁrst time is orne has hosted a Young Grower event, and we can certainly see the talent here,” says HortNZ director Barry O’Neil, who attended alongside fellow directors Leon Stallard and Hugh Ritchie.

Gisborne gets funds to grow bananas and new industry According to Statistics NZ, bananas are the most popular fruit in the country – now Gisborne is trying to develop a growing industry to satisfy our appetites. The Ministry of Business Innovation and Employment

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gave it our best. The whole competition was great, and I can’t wait to give nationals a go.” The event put contestants in a series of challenges designed to test their knowledge and skills around topics vital to management of a successful orchard, including fencing, biosecurity, and tractor safety. They also delivered a speech to a crowd of 110 people, including Gisborne Mayor Meng Foon, on the importance of innovation and technology in fruit growing. att got his start in horticulture ﬁve years ago as an orchard hand with Bostocks NZ. He now works as orchard leader at the Burnside Trust. As winner of the inaugural Gisborne Young Fruit Grower Competition, Matt will progress to the Young Grower of the Year national ﬁnal in apier on August There, he’ll join the winners of the Bay of Plenty, Central Otago, Hawke’s Bay, and Nelson regional fruit grower competitions, plus two Young Vegetable Growers, to contend for the national title of oung Grower of the Year. Krista Manuel from Kaiaponi Farms came in second in the Gisborne competition, while Emily Samuel of Thompsons Horticulture placed third. The competition last month was organised with the help of Scott Wilson of Kaiaponi

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will partner with AgResearch on a project to develop tissue cultures for growing banana crops, and the genotyping of cultivars. orthland already has a edging banana-growing industry – and many Gisborne folk have tried growing bananas at home

for personal consumption – but most of the fruit sold in NZ comes from Ecuador, the Philippines, Mexico, Panama and the United States. AgResearch scientists Dr Jane Mullaney and Dr Wajid Hussain will lead the project.

Future of Farming

Page 10

NZ AVOCADO CONFERENCE

Conference on growing avocados for the world

The three-day conference is being hosted at ASB Baypark, Tauranga from August 29-31 – and everyone in the avocado industry is welcome.

Latest research

“Hosted in the Bay of Plenty, the heart of the avocado industry in NZ, this conference will showcase the latest avocado research, with international speakers and avocado experts and offer the opportunity to connect directly with avocado growers, from NZ and Australia,” says NZ Avocado CEO Jen Scoular, whose team is organising the event.

Jen says the conference theme ‘Growing avocados for the world’ represents the exciting opportunity the industry has to continue to expand across an international marketplace. “The conference will inspire, connect and enable delegates to enhance their knowledge and be better prepared to grow premium avocados for the world.” The programme of speakers, which includes industry experts from NZ and China, Australia, and Colombia, will present the latest knowledge and opinions of issues important to maximising value for the NZ avocado industry. “The speakers will present on a useful cross section of topics including pollination and fruit set rates; using technol-

NZ Avocado CEO Jen Scoular says the conference will inspire, connect and enable delegates to enhance their knowledge and be better prepared to grow premium avocados for the world. ogy on-orchard to improve productivity; innovation of avocado; competing on a global stage; journey of sustainability within avocados; mitigation for irregular bearing; pruning; and much more.”

Networking

Attendees will have plenty of opportunities for networking and connecting with fellow avocado growers, social functions include the Avoco welcome event and Just Avocados Ltd conference dinner, which will be both entertaining and informative. There will be a full exhibition space open onsite, offering growers key information and fantastic deals – and attendees have the opportunity to visit a number of successful orchards and postharvest facilities in the Bay of Plenty. Technical experts from the industry will also speak and be part of a panel answering all those burning grower questions during an ‘on the couch’ session. Or growers can visit the NZ Avocado stand in the exhibition hall for further technical support and to get answers to specific uestions The conference returns after a five-year hiatus, with organisers pleased to have the support of Avoco as principal conference partner Avoco is a significant new company formed by the two leading exporters of avocados from NZ, Southern Produce Ltd and Primor Produce Ltd. For a full speaker line-up, programme, registration, tickets, see: www.avocadoconference.co.nz For conference updates follow the event on Facebook: www.facebook.com/avocadoconference

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‘Growing avocados for the world’ is the theme of the upcoming New Zealand Avocado International Industry Conference 2018, which has a line-up of speakers from around the globe and NZ, who will cover the latest research and information on the fruit.

NZ AVOCADO CONFERENCE

Page 11

Offering the latest knowledge and advice to industry Speakers from around the globe – who’ll talk on a cross-section of avocado industry topics – is what’s in-store at the upcoming New Zealand Avocado International Industry Conference 2018. The three-day conference is at ASB Baypark, Tauranga from August 29-31 – speakers from China, Australia, Colombia and New Zealand will talk on day two in three sessions followed by technical experts from the NZ industry, who will answer grower questions in an ‘On the Couch’ session.

Maximise value

NZ Avocado CEO Jen Scoular, whose team is organising the event, says the fantastic programme of international and NZ speakers will present the latest knowledge and opinions of issues Loren Zhao. important to maximising value for the NZ avocado industry. “Everyone in the avocado industry is welcome – this is an industry event not to be missed.” Session one has two speakers: Loren Zhao from China and Dr Nicholas Gill of NZ. Loren is cofounder of China’s largest online produce retailer, Fruitday.com, which began in 2009 and now supplies premium fresh fruit online to millions of consumers in hundreds of different cities across China. “Loren makes frequent trips to NZ, sourcing supply of premium fresh produce including avocados, for discerning customers in China,” says Jen. “He’ll provide insights into the current market for avocados in China, focusing on Chinese avocado consumers and what motivates them to purchase premium imported fresh produce.”

Dr Nicholas Gill. a culture of good health”. Session two speakers are Professor Neena Mitter, who is director of the Centre for Horticultural Science, at The University of Queensland; Carol Ward, who is Zespri’s chief innovation and sustaina ility ofﬁcer and Plant & Food Research’s Dr David Pattemore, who leads the Pollination and Apiculture team.. ...continued

Market of opportunity

He’ll also talk of how Mexico, Peru and Chile are promoting avocados in this market of enormous opportunity. “Loren will give his view on what makes avocados from NZ unique, and how we as an industry can use those unique points of difference to our advantage to achieve success in China.” Nic is the strength and conditioning coach for the All Blacks, Ironman, sport scientist and avocado grower. He’ll talk about what it takes to win consistently on a global stage – and how “avocados are perfectly positioned to help everyday Kiwis and consumers worldwide train for success and support

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NZ AVOCADO CONFERENCE

Answering burning grower questions continued...

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Neena is internationally recognised for her leadership in innovative, cross-functional research and exceptional industry engagement to address global challenges of horticulture and food security, says en “She leads an impactful research group to deliver global innovations, namely ‘Clonal propagation of avocado using plant stem cells and Non-GM and Non-toxic BioClay spray for crop protection’ Carol joined Zespri in April 2002 and has worked in a variety of roles at Zespri, which with a sales revenues of nearly NZ$2 billion is one of the world’s Neena Mitter. most successful horticultural marketing companies avid leads research projects covering behaviour of pollinators and the pollination of fruit ession three spea ers are raige ac enzie, agronomist, Greenvale Pastures/Agri Optics NZ Ltd; Plus Group director Steven Saunders;

Dr Philip Elmer. Plant & Food Research’s Dr Philip Elmer; and Jorge Restrepo, executive director of Corpohass Colombia – the Columbian association of Hass avocado growers and e porters raige runs two irrigated farm businesses in Canterbury and his focus is on utilising precision agriculture systems to maximise nutrient efﬁciency teve is founder of Plus Group, investor and founder of Newnham Park innovation centre, WNT tech incubator, and regional research centre PlantTech While Philip leads the Integrated Disease Control Team at Rua ura, amilton Jorge has a Master in marketing and in global Jorge Restrepo. mar et management The ‘On the couch’ session has Avoco technical manager Colin Partidge, Just Avocados Ltd orchard productivity manager Erica Faber, and Seeka chief technical ofﬁcer r onathan i on answering grower uestions For more information on the conference’s spea ers, see www avocadoconference co nz

oc do fie d d Avocado growers wanting to learn more on the in-depth technicalities of growing the fruit can gain really invaluable insights at the New Zealand Avocado International Industry onference ’s field day The conference is returning after five years since it last was held in Day three of the conference, on August 31 from ampm, is a field day tour of three avocado orchards and a packhouse facility in the ay of Plenty Here delegates will discuss pruning; how small trees open up potential use of ‘unsuitable’ land; gem plantings; avocado tree water use; frost protection; cultivar monitoring results; technology and machinery on-orchard; and packhouse operations Attendance to the field day, via a full conference ticket, includes bus transport, morning tea, lunch and refreshments For more information and tickets, see: www avocadoconference co nz

NZ AVOCADO CONFERENCE

Page 13

AVOCADOS

Page 14

One-stop shop for just avocados Just Avocados and Zeafruit will be exhibiting alongside each other at the NZ Avocado International Industry Conference in Tauranga from August 29-31.

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The two businesses collectively represent a full range of services for avocado growers from orchard development through to international and domestic marketing. The companies are not only partnered up for the upcoming avocado industry event but work closely together during the avocado season. “ e have a mutually eneﬁcial relationship with Just Avocados that is driving valuable outcomes for all stakeholders. The individual strengths of each business are working together to exceed market competition. An outcome we are very proud of for last season’s avocado crop,” says Zeafruit managing director Glen Dunseath. Just Avocados’ general manager operations and grower services Jarrod Redwood says that working with Zeafruit allows Just

Avocados to maximise the total return for their suppliers. “We are focused on extracting the best possi le financial outcomes for our suppliers, grower profita ility is not one dimensionally driven by export returns alone – every piece of fruit grown on the orchard has value and Just Avocados set itself the challenge to maximise that value in whatever market we engage.” The partnership between Just Avocados and Zeafruit allows Just Avocados’ suppliers to leverage both company’s capabilities in the export and domestic markets through joint strategy development around customer partnering, mar eting, logistics efficiency, coolchain management and added value service provisions. “We work with Zeafruit to find value mar ets for the total crop whether class 1, 2 or process grade. “If we can extract better value at certain times of the

season for class 1 in the domestic market then we will do this, or alternatively when we can get better values for class 2 or 3 via our export process programmes we will respond through those channels,” says Jarrod. Going into the current season, Just Avocados and Zeafruit are continuing to build on their total Orchard Gate Return strategy by pursuing value opportunities for their growers’ total crop.

The last thing hardworking families need is fuel tax On July 1 the Government’s Regional Fuel Tax came into effect after the Labour Government put the House into urgency so they could rush it through. The law was passed to allow an additional fuel tax in Auckland, but the Government has left the door open for other councils to follow suit – and a swathe of other councils right across

the Bay of Plenty and Waikato, and much further south, have already signalled they’re interested in doing just that. In my view, the last thing hardworking families, who are trying to get ahead, need is another tax! My concerns about

this Government’s economic agenda are continuing to mount. Already we are seeing usiness conﬁdence plummet, thousands of workers across NZ on strike, or announcing their intentions to, and the borrowing of $17 billion more than the previous National

Government planned. That’s the equivalent of what we invested rebuilding Christchurch following the Canterbury earthquakes. An eyewatering ﬁgure The Government is borrowing more, taxing more and spending more – but the borrowing isn’t the result of a glo al ﬁnancial crisis or a natural disaster.

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AVOCADOS

Page 15

New appointment reinforces export group’s technical excellence Avoco has expanded its technical team to provide more support for growers – a move that reafﬁrms its position as New Zealand’s leading avocado export group.

whole new level, says Danni. “The Facebook group makes it so easy to share our orchard observations and advice through images and video – it’s a really valuable learning and sharing space and we’re encouraging all our growers to join and be a part of it.” Danni and the AVOCO Technical Team will be connecting with growers again at this month’s New Zealand

Danni van der Heijden has joined Avoco as a technical representative and is now one of three dedicated people within the company responsible for grower technical support and orchard management advice.

Avocado International Industry Conference in Tauranga where Avoco is the principal sponsor. The three-day event starts August 29 and is an opportunity for growers from across New Zealand and Australia to hear international and domestic speakers cover the latest research and information from avocado industries worldwide.

Familiar face

The team, led by Avoco technical manager Colin Partridge, keeps up-to-date with avocado research and management best-practice, applying science-based methodology to help growers maximise production and become more proﬁta le in their orchards Danni hit the ground running in June, attending the Avoco Grower Conference in Auckland, visiting growers and establishing an Avoco Tech Team Group on Facebook. A familiar face to many growers, Danni has previously worked within Trevelyan’s Avocado business unit and prior to that was at NZ Avocado involved in technical extension with the wider avocado grower community. She also successfully competed at this year’s Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year competition, taking out the 2018 title and earning the right to represent her region at the national competition in Napier later this month. In taking up her position, Danni says she’s looking forward to using evolving technologies in her work

Avoco’s Danni van der Heijden and Colin Partridge. with growers and undertaking new research projects for AVOCO. “One of those projects will explore issues around post-harvest fruit quality but I’ll also be working with growers to identify trends in their orchards and across different growing regions,” says Danni.

Reviewing advice

Avocado research from Australia shared at the Avoco Grower Conference highlighted how there is always something new to learn about avocados, says Danni. “We’re constantly learning about the best ways to support avocado trees nutritionally. This means we’re always reviewing our best practice advice. “At the conference, research presented highlighted just how tricky it is to manage boron as there is a ﬁne line etween sufﬁcient and toxic levels. We also need to investigate more the role that calcium plays in tree health and fruit qual-

ity.” A conference presentation from Professor Andrew Robson explored how Australia’s avocado industry is using satellite technology to help orchard owners make better management decisions. The GIS mapping technology is also being used in New Zealand and Danni’s previous experience with it will eneﬁt a wider group of Avoco growers. “The technology can support growers planting new orchards by working out ahead of time the most efﬁcient way to lay out their trees and how many polliniser trees they’ll need.

Embracing technology

“ ut it also has eneﬁts when growers need to thin their orchards and remove trees too.” More growers were embracing technology and social media platforms like Facebook give the Avoco Technical Team the ability to connect with growers on a

Giant avocado variety released in Australia A giant variety of avocado, named the Avozilla, has recently hit retail shelves in Australia – causing much interest among consumers and horticulturalists alike. The Avozilla weighs an average of 1.2kg – some grow as big as 1.8kg – and is about four times the size of a regular avocado. The variety is being grown in Central Queensland by the Groves family, who are known for their talents in growing tropical and e otic fruits, and are the ﬁrst to bring the variety to Australia. The variety originated in South Africa, and growers cannot plant it without gaining permission and paying royalties to a South African company that owns the rights.So far the variety has been sent to grocers in Brisbane, Sydney, Adelaide and Perth. The Groves family has told Australian media the fruit have to be hand-packed into deeper boxes – and growing them comes with challenges.

Production per hectare is much lower than other varieties and Avozillas do not fare as well on trees. Being so heavy they tend to swing in wind and get marked by touching branches. And they can fall off soft – meaning some fruit can be lost. The Groves maintain the large variety tastes similar to regular-sized varieties.

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MAIZE

Page 16

New seed brand a serious option for growers Four seasons ago VPMaxx introduced maize hybrids that have now become a serious consideration for New Zealand maize growers. And since its inception sales have continued to increase, says VPMaxx account manager Barry Smallridge.

rowers can select a hy rid to ﬁt oth environment and required maturity, says Barry. “The introduction of VP383 [88CRM] sends a strong message to the industry that the VPMaxx brand has the mandate to deliver hybrids with improved agronomic traits.” For the shorter-growing regions, which includes the lower Waikato, the VP432 [93CRM] is a proven performer. “VP432 is complemented with VP483 [98CRM], which has a marginally longer maturity – both these hybrids have consistently performed above the industry mean for maturity,” says Barry. Meanwhile, VP577 [107CRM] is a mid-season option for Waikato, Northland and the Bay of Plenty, says Barry. “It sold out last season and VP577 is again in demand for the 2018 planting season. It has outstanding grain content, along with agronomic traits that include standability and husk cover, a stand-out option for both grain and silage growers, where feed analyses has revealed starch and metabolic energy levels in the exemplary category.” Also, VP601 [110CRM] has delivered ongoing continuity, requiring the need to make this hybrid an option in this maturity. And VP647 [114CRM] was introduced on a limited basis last season. “This hybrid has serious yield potential and should be considered where disease-resistant traits are an important component in the decision making. Orders for 2018 have already outstripped expectations,” says Barry. He says maize growers are experimenting with VPMaxx hybrids “and this is the catalyst for our increased demand”. “Some varieties sold out last year so my suggestion is to place orders early,” says Barry. Helen Wilson

VPMaxx account manager Barry Smallridge with a good-looking crop.

Book on hybrid selections The Foundation for Arable Research’s 2017/2018 Maize Hybrid Performance Trials book is now available. The second edition includes results from multiple sites and years, meaning some hybrid results are given as averages from four different seasons, and from up to 11 separate trials. Data from multiple seasons for a maize hybrids performance is more valuable than results from a single season because they show the hybrid’s ability to perform during a season with different weather patterns, according to FAR. “Ultimately, the most consistent performers will rise to the top of multiple year results. The more trials a cultivar has een in, the more conﬁdence can e ta en from its reported performance.” For the 2017/2018 season, the number of sites increased to eight, with two of the maize seed companies in the programme hosting, managing and harvesting MPT trials. The MPT system relies on companies collaborating and including their cultivars for the overall good of the industry. FAR encourages farmers and landowners to use the information in this booklet to help make sound hybrid selection decisions. “We welcome any queries or suggestions on how we might further improve these booklets. Please contact us if you have ideas, or if you require any additional information not included in this booklet.” To read the booklet, see: www.far.org.nz/resources/ publications/maize_hybrid_evaluation_booklets

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MAIZE

Page 17

Great growing weather and harvest conditions evels of conﬁdence are returning to ew ealand’s maize sector, with a healthy rise in average yields and prices remaining ﬁrm at around tonne

Federated Farmers’ Ara le ndustry roup vicechairperson, maize forage, Reu en arter says most growers en oyed e cellent growing weather and harvest conditions in and this is re ected in the latest Ara le ndustry ar eting nitiative survey ata from survey farms, scaled up for a national picture, show an average maize grain yield of t ha, compared to t ha in , and t maize silage dry matter ha compared to t in The A survey report noted some growers had said it was the est season they’d e perienced, says Reu en “ oming out of a really dry season the year efore in it did feel li e this year was one out of the o “ t was off to a slow start, with uite a wet cto er- ovem er ut then we had some great heat and rain and it set us up for fantastic growing and an early harvest The estimated total maize grain tonnage of , included unharvested grain is per cent up on the season ecause of increased harvest hectares, which is up per cent, and increased yield, which umped per cent For maize silage, harvest tonnes were up per cent on , with almost no change in harvested hectares and an per cent higher yield Another indicator of the settled weather at harvest time in most districts was that per cent of the maize grain crop was in y the time of the survey, on une , when at the same time last year only per cent of the harvest was completed “That early ﬁnish is good news for growers and contractors, says Reu en, who points to the evidence of good relationships etween farmers and contractors in managing wet paddoc s during the harvest t minimised damage and mud-spread around pu lic roads “ t was a good effort y all parties

The A survey shows a out per cent of the maize grain crop was sold y une , leaving , tonnes unsold For comparison, , t was unsold at this time last year and , and , in the two previous years “There is still a it of free grain oating around ut the prices have een creeping up a it every wee “Farmers who want to secure supply going forward need to get in touch with their grower or merchant, says Reu en ust on per cent of the maize silage harvest had een sold or used y une , leaving , tonnes unused unsold compared to , t in and , t in urvey responses show spring sowing intentions for maize grain are very similar to , and for maize silage they are up ﬁve per cent Reu en reminds farmers and contactors to remem er good iosecurity processes to restrict the movement of contaminated harvesting e uipment “This is particularly important in the ai ato to reduce the spread of velvetleaf around the region -According to R research on the economic impact of ara le production in , the ara le industry contri utes m to ross omestic Product annually, with sales of maize silage estimated to e million and maize grain million in And in , a total of people were indirectly and directly employed y the aize grain silage sector, according to the R Research aize is mainly produced as a feed source for the por , poultry and livestoc sectors aize silage is typically fed to dairy cows and Use Rorisons Lime and LimeMag to address Calcium maize grain used as a supplement in feed and Magnesium needs of your soil. Use Rorisons Lime and LimeMag to

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MAIZE

Trialling a game-changer AgResearch’s development of a new generation grass – that could prove a gamechanger for agriculture – is showing some impressive results in the lab.

over the next two years will help us with our application for those feeding trials.” DairyNZ strategy and investment leader for new systems and competitiveness, Dr Bruce Thorrold, says the ryegrass is a science breakthrough and holds great potential for NZ farmers. The genetically modified igh “ ryegrass could help Metabolisable Energy ryegrass us achieve less nitrogen leachhas been shown in AgResearch’s ing and reduce greenhouse gas laboratories to produce up to emissions, as well as improving 23 per cent less methane – the pasture quality and productivlargest single contributor to New ity,” says Bruce. Zealand’s greenhouse gas emis“This research could be sions – from livestock. Pictured is the preliminary trial last transformational in future and And it has shown it can grow year in the mid-west of the US, with so it is important we explore all 50 per cent faster than convenAgResearch’s Dr Luke Cooney and a US promising avenues which could tional ryegrass, to be able to store partner using equipment to measure help dairy farmers respond to more energy for better animal photosynthesis in the grass. the challenges we face.” growth, and to be more resistant to drought. however we did see the increased Keep options open photosynthesis that we saw with While New Zealand has not yet the plants in the greenhouses in Outside the lab approved the release of genetically Modelling also predicts less nitro- New Zealand,” says Dr Bryan. modified crops, ryan says it is Full trial underway (sidehead) gen excreted into the environment important the science keeps our “In this full trial now underway, by animals feeding on the ryegrass, options open, and there is strong and consequently less nitrate leach- we will be measuring the photoscientific evidence on any enefits synthesis, plant growth and the ing and lower emissions of another or risks that policy makers can markers that lead to increased greenhouse gas, nitrous oxide. draw on. growth rates. evelopment of the “As the Royal Commission on “While the growth has previously ryegrass is now progressing in the enetic odification found ‘ t been studied in glasshouses in pots mid-west of the United States, would be unwise to turn our backs and as plants spaced out in the where genetically modified organon the potential advantages on field, this will e the first opporisms can e field tested outside the offer’. We think the advantages tunity to assess the growth in a lab. here could e very significant pasture-like situation where plants After a successful preliminary with modelling to date showing the compete with each other.” growing trial last year confirmed ryegrass could oost farm ryan says t five-month timethe conditions were suitable, with revenues by as much as $900 per frame will allow his team to funding from the Government hectare, while providing a tool for determine if increased growth is and industry partners including farmers to manage nitrogen run-off consistent across the summer and DairyNZ, AgResearch principal autumn “and we will simulate graz- and greenhouse gas emissions.” scientist Dr Greg Bryan says the “The Royal Commission also ing by cutting plants back every full growing trial began in the talked about the need to proceed three-four weeks”. United States last month and will “Animal feeding trials are planned with caution, minimising and continue for five months managing risks – which is how we to take place in two years, which “The preliminary trial was only are approaching this work with two months, so it’s not over a time- we will need regulatory approvals the ryegrass.” for; and the information we get frame that has any statistical merit,

New levy orders for arable industry in force The Foundation for Ara le Research has ofﬁcially entered its seventh term of “adding value to the business of cropping”. The new levy orders for the arable industry came into force last month, following sign-off by the Governor General after last year’s successful referendum. FAR chief executive Alison Stewart says she’s looking forward to the next six years of developing FAR’s research and extension focus to ensure all programmes continue to meet the evolving needs of the industry. “We will continue to maintain a balanced portfolio

of production, environmental and social research, and to monitor national and international trends and developments in order to identify issues which may have an impact on arable farm productivity and proﬁta ility “Obvious things to consider at present are biosecurity, greenhouse gas emissions, plant proteins and agrichemical availability and use.” Last year’s vote covered all three FAR levies. Results were Ara le crops, per cent support maize, 78 per cent support; and cereal silage, 66 per cent support.

FERTILISER

Page 19

ustom approach to changing fertiliser needs

Carl Sisson on the job collecting herbage samples. “When making fertiliser buying decisions, we find emphasis too often on three of the six major elements – itrogen, Phosphorus and Potassium nown as , P, with assumptions other elements li e sulphur have been automatically taken care of. Or that all sulphur is the same, says arl isson, managing director of arsdenAgri. “Most of the time this is incorrect orrect sulphur levels in the soil are re uired for plant chlorophyll production and an important constituent of many enzymes in plants and animals Plant leaves ecoming lighter and yellowish can mean a sulphur deficiency, which is first noticea le in younger leaves n contrast, consistent reapplication of products containing and in fi ed ratios changes a soils limiting factors over time no longer generating initial level of sulphur response “Although MarsdenAgri stock and

recommend such products, our custom approach re ects these changing needs, says arl Research has shown sulphate sulphur as subject to leaching where elemental sulphur is not, says arl lemental sulphur is two to seven times more efﬁcient pending soil type and rainfall “There are currently two tests availa le the traditional soil sulphate and the mineralisable organic S test. The traditional testing provides a ‘snapshot’ from the day the sample is collected “ n our e perience etween test dates the same soil area can result in a variance of plus or minus per cent availa le sulphur rganic testing is then used to show the level of mineralisa le sulphur in the soil “At MarsdenAgri we routinely undertake both forms of soil analysis in con unction with her age testing, says arl

Helen Wilson

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Page 20

FERTILISER

Beware of mitigation After many years of getting farmers to apply fertilisers they don’t need, the New Zealand fertiliser industry has introduced mitigating programmes. This will allow the same bad habits to continue, albeit with some owery words thrown in. A leopard does not change its spots, so let’s just keep selling the same products to the farmers whether they need them or not. Oddly enough, those farmers who haven’t continued to apply these fertilisers do not need to be “mitigated”. To keep the faithful’s blind faith simmering, the word is that production will suffer if reductions in phosphate and nitrogen applications occur. This is simply not true. Look at the mega-data. In the 1960s and 1970s the Department of Agriculture was consistently measuring 17tonnes and 18 tonnes of dry matter grown on Waikato dairy farms. How many farms are growing anything like that these days? Up until 1979, urea was not used in NZ. The health of dairy cows has fallen to an all-time low. Urea does not produce good health or quantity. Its use has increased from nil to , tonnes ﬁve years ago. Since then it has doubled to

800,000 tonnes. The race to the bottom is well and truly on. Many of Kiwi Fertiliser’s clients produce more than 20 tonnes of high quality dry matter without urea and with very little bagged nitrogen in total. There are 74,000 tonnes of nitrogen above every hectare. This free source can’t be directly accessed by plants, but it can be captured via microbes when the soil is properly balanced and the microbes haven’t been nuked. Certain fundamentals are missing by those that keep on doing what they have always done for the same results or worse. These fundamentals need to be restored for farms to be able to move forward. Good microbes are common to soil, plants, animals and humans. Most have been obliterated by poor management practices including soil fertility, animal feed and chemical spray choices. Imbalanced and depleted soil and soil carbon has led to a reduction in the very organisms that can increase production and health. Naturally occurring highhealth regimes have been replaced by an increase in weeds, disease organisms and diseases. To counter disease symptoms and weeds, we have increased the use of chemical ‘therapeutics’. These chemicals do nothing to treat the causes and ...continued

FERTILISER

Page 21

A super easy fertiliser for horse paddocks – big or small Fertilising your horse paddocks is now a breeze. Finally, there’s a lime-based fertiliser that is said to look after paddocks and horses.

fertiliser, it helps to sweeten the pasture and encourages the horses to graze the paddoc s more evenly, recycling nutrients from dung and urine patches.

“ t is also comforting for horse owners to know that Equi-lise contains no synthetic chemicals or acids, says arah t is a super easy, convenient and

cost-effective way of loo ing after paddocks and making the most of the nutrients that horses deposit there

“Equi-lise is super easy to apply by yourself, no Achieve lush pastures for your horses with Equi-lise. big trucks are needed Sarah says horse padﬁnely ground and made and there’s no white docks need lime and into a pellet, it makes dust ying everywhere, Equi-lise is ideal. “Not it highly plant availa le says Sarah Morgan from only does this pelletised meaning you need much CP Lime Solutions. form of ﬁne lime reduce less to do the job. The Sometimes it is hard to application rates to pellets reduce the dust get advice and suita le 250kg/ha, it also contains and mess of fertilising fertilisers for horse padmagnesium, phosphate, your paddocks. And docks. Lifestyle blocks sulphur, and a bit of are usually too small for Sarah says Equi-lise can selenium. All key ingreany fertiliser company be applied with a small dients for keeping horse to be bothered with and tow-behind, walk-behind fertiliser truc s have trou- paddocks healthy and spreader, or by hand. palata le le manoeuvring around “ e love how ui-lise And because Equi-lise is is an all-in-one lime and small paddocks. continued...

prevent diseases in future n fact, they perpetuate the downhill spiral. Good aerobic organisms are replaced by anaerobic and parasitic organisms when industrial conditions are created instead of holistic natural biological systems that are conducive to high-health status onoculture and modern plant varieties suit the soluble fertiliser industry. They are not created to improve farmer’s proﬁta ility nor do they multi-species, pastures will. Running systems at low pHs alter the microbial spectrum for the worse in soil, vegetation, animals and humans ood micro es drive the immune systems of all animals including humans. Further, depleted microbial populations lead to reduction of soil carbon, erosion of soil and polluted water systems. A major limitation to plant growth in most agricultural soils is an inadequate supply of plant nutrients, regardless of supply in the soil. These are caused by human-induced im alances ron crystals have a large surface area and are highly charged. As a result nutrients such as phosphate, sulphate and trace elements are tightly bound to the crystals and

unavaila le to plants f anaero ic microsites are a le to develop, the crystals break down and release the nutrients for plant uptake. Ferrous iron is released into the soil. Other nutrients including calcium, magnesium, potassium and ammonium are held on the surface of clay and organic matter. The release of ferrous iron displaces these nutrients into the soil solution where they are availa le for uptake by plants. Farming techniques that encourage the o idation of the soil give short-term increases in plant growth. That creates long-term problems of nutrient depletion along with increased plant disease problems iseases are more prevalent when ethylene, produced y senescent vegetation, is reduced or absent. Management decisions that stimulate rates of nitriﬁcation the conversion of ammonium to nitrates such as e cessive use of nitrogenous fertiliser, or e cessive removal of plants y overgrazing urgently, need to e modiﬁed and improved References are available. See also ‘Change needed in fertiliser use’ by John O’Connor and other articles at www.kiwifertiliser.co.nz and www.siddc.org.nz/soil-nutrient-management-project

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KIWIFRUIT

Page 22

Growing South Korean confidence in Gold3 Zespri's orchard productivity extension leader Chrissy Stokes usually works with kiwifruit growers in regional New Zealand to improve orchard productivity and proﬁta ility ut she’s recently returned from a ﬁve-wee e pedition in South Korea, providing technical support to Zespri’s growers there who supply kiwifruit to their

local mar et under the rand when -grown fruit isn’t availa le t’s the ﬁrst time hrissy’s role has een deployed to help espri’s ﬁve-person outh orean lo al upply team That’s ecause espri s outh orean growers are in the process of transitioning from Zespri’s proprietary variety ort A to un old or old hrissy, who’ll o -share the role with colleague illiam a to ecem er, says espri’s partnered

Gold3 laterals growing up strings in a greenhouse – the plastic roof is rolled half-way up. with growers in South Korea for 17 years “ e have a -month supply strategy for our glo al mar ets our outh orean growers fill that gap from ecem er- arch, efore fruit arrives in April This eeps supermarket shelves full of Zespri fruit and our rand in front of consumers Chrissy says Zespri has 180 growers and 110ha of orchards on Jeju Island, where she is ased “We also have 15 growers in the southern part of the mainland The orchards are small average size is ha and the fruit is grown in greenhouses arvest is late- cto er to ecem er, ma ing hrissy’s presence significant She’s helping to grow the South Korean orchardists’ confidence to transition to old Most of Zespri’s South Korea orchardists still grow Hort16A, which was changed over to un old on orchards after Psa was discovered in a Te Pu e orchard in ovem er and the variety was highly suscepti le to it

FAMILY OWNED & RUN SINCE 1981

Greenhouses

“They’ve got Psa- in outh orea ut ecause of the climate all production here is in greenhouses This means they ve een a le to eep vines protected from Psa a lot more than we have ac home South Korean orchards are spread

A trunk girdling trial to see the impact of timing on fruit size and dry matter. out, helping protect vines and limit crop damage “ hat s een fortunate, in terms of Psa, is they haven’t got contract la our rowers do all orchard wor themselves so they’re not li e where workers travel to orchards, which can spread disease The plan is to release another 200ha of old licence over the ne t few years “We currently have 110ha of total production, and the plan involves all current growers transitioning plus new areas eing planted or non- espri growers changing to this variety and supplying espri Chrissy says all mainland growers have transitioned, and so have many on e u sland “ ut only a few on Jeju are into their second or third crop there’s a whole lot more in the transition process ne hurdle is most plants have een grafted at ground level “ o to convert they need to put in new vines There is a ig nursery production programme, we have four nurserymen and much technical expertise is needed Plus we’ve imported and ul ed up Bounty71 rootstock to use in areas where soils are challenging continued...

KIWIFRUIT

Page 23

Chrissy’s job on Jeju Island and its kiwifruit orchards

New Zealand Hayward kiwifruit sits alongside other fruit in a market in South Korea.

A Dol hareubang or guardian. These rock statues are all over the island and are a symbol of protection and fertility.

Translator and technical assistant Jaewoong Kim and technical manager Chunghyun Lee cooking delicious pork BBQ.

Chrissy Stokes climbing Seongsan Ilchulbong, also known as Sunrise Peak, in South Korea, while working there for Zespri.

...continued

“My role is really about trying to answer questions the growers have about Gold3. It’s very different growing it in South Korea to growing it in NZ. “The climate is different – and growing vines in a greenhouse is a different environment. For example, fruit size in NZ is massive but getting big fruit size in Northern Hemisphere countries is challenging. In South Korea size 30 is big fruit. In NZ that’s on the smaller end of the scale. “We look at things like how crop load affects fruit quality, and the impacts of different management techniques on crop outcomes.

Conﬁdence

“And for these growers to have conﬁdence to change – they need answers to these questions. But we also need mature crops to try out techniques, so this is the earliest we've been able to see what works and what doesn’t.” Chrissy says the greenhouses have a double skin – plastic on the outside, which can roll up or down, and a layer of netting underneath to keep out insects. “Most plastic rooves are open so rain comes through but we know things like plastic and netting cut out sunlight – so what impact does that have on the vines’ growing habits? “That’s the kind of stuff we’re looking at. Also, the

different fertilisers available here – how should they have that safety net.” language skills and technical knowlbe used to get the right kind of growth?” Chrissy has never lived overseas and edge isn’t easy. In South Korea it snows in winter and summer knows little Korean language – and “I’m a long way out of my comfort months are wet with high humidity. “Fungal diseases while the end goal is to hire local zone. But it’s an awesome opportunity become an issue, and managing vigorous vine growth e pertise ﬁnding someone with the to have a crazy experience.” – that isn’t good for dry matter – can be challenging.” Merle Foster Chrissy says the average orchard size is .5ha. “The sheds are about .3ha and growers mostly have one or two.” And unlike in NZ, where you can call on nearly any horticulture-related service, in South Korea that service industry doesn’t exist. “And because kiwifruit is a minor crop here products available, in terms of With new Health and Safety requirements changing, there is a real demand on farm crop protection, are limited. Kyle from Nexus Signs has been assisting owners by creating a very effective interch “The scientiﬁc community isn’t focused on iwiH&S Site Sign tailored to each farm or orchard. fruit as a crop of interest, so getting science support The sign consists of separate modules that can be updated as and when details or for research projects is challenging.” It also features areas in which staff can fill in and wipe off temporary or new hazards So are Zespri’s South Korean growers keen to Signs are made of Composite Panel Board, 1220 X 800 with high performance vinyl a transition? “Yes, but because their orchards are so Also available is a kitset with posts and fixings to keep things simple. little – and the crops are worth so much to them – This H&S Solution has been so popular that he is rolling them out across farms and or Contact Kyle @ Nexus Signs today to order yours. being out of production for a year or two while they convert is actually a really big deal for them. Nexus Farms Ltd: 62 College Road “Some have put up new sheds for Gold3, and once Nexus Signs Site Emergency Information Site E that's up and running they'll remove their Hort16A. “But it’s not like in NZ where a grower could say With new Health and Safety requirements changing, there is a real demand on farm & orchard owners to keep compliant. convert .5ha each year and still be producing cashKyle from Nexus Signs has been assisting owners by creating a very effective interchangeable ow from the rest of their orchard they ust don’t GPS Location: 176.944558, -37.978164

Contact Details for person in Charge of this orchard are:

This Site Address: Te Rahu Farm Ltd

Name:

220 Te Rahu Road Whakatane 3193

Ph:

027 2999 239

Position:

Manager

Nearest Medical Facilities:

Remember the emergency telephone Number for:

AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY!

Police:

Ambulance:

Phone:

07 307 0586

Hospital:

Whakatane Hospital

Phone:

07 306 0999

While on Farm, all persons shall take all take all practicable steps to ensure their own safety and the farm safe.

Edgecumbe

GENERAL

- All people entering the property MUST sign in and out.

DO NOT ENTER WITHOUT PERMISSION AND NOTIFICATION OF THE HAZARDS WITHIN

- This is a drug and alcohol free property. Zero Tolerance.

COMMON SITE HAZARDS

62 College RD

safety of others. They shall carry out work in a manner that will keep themselves and all others on

THIS IS A MULTIPLE HAZARD AREA

Persons entering this property must comply with all Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and its amendments

Medical Centre: The Doctors Phoenix

Fire:

This Site Address: Nexus Signs Orchard

Farm Health & Safety Rules:

Cam Bierre

- Live electric fences – Do Not Touch. Treat all fences as live.

- Open waterways (fenced off) and hidden drains in some paddocks

National Poisons Hotline: 0800 764 766

- Dairy Shed – slippery surfaces, pinch points, rotating platform, hazardous substance

- Effluent pipes may be hidden by grass

- Slips, trips and falls

in effluent area.

Remember the emergency telephone Number for: Fire:

have been trained

- If you open a gate, shut it. All road gates MUST be shut.

ORCHARD HYGIENE RULES

- Abide by the speed limit of 20Km/Hr, 15Km/Hr for tractors. - Covered footwear must be worn at all times

ACCIDENTS

- Report all accidents, including all near misses that could have resulted in an injury, immediately.

In case of any emergency, it is important you.....

-Vehicle movement – Motor bikes, tractors

1. Remain calm

- Dust

and feed wagons

4. First Aid Kit is located in the Dairy Shed in the toilet cupboard.

PHONE: 027 2999 239

PLEASE REPORT ALL NEW UNIDENTIFIED HAZARDS TO MANAGEMENT

Notes

Manager

Police:

AUTHORI

Ambulance: Power:

THIS IS

PERSONAL HYGIENE

This is a smoke free workplace

- Always wash your hands before eating and drinking - Toilet facilities are located at the dairy shed

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES PROVIDE FIRST AID, CALL 111

EVACUATE WORK SITE IF REQUIRED

DO NOT ENTER WITH

COM

Medical Centre: Riverslea Medical Cen Phone:

07 304 9106

Hospital:

Whakatane Hospital

Phone:

07 306 0999

National Poison Centre 0800 76 47 66

- MOVING VEHICLES - T

QUAD BIKES, SPRAYER

- RABBIT HOLES, UNEVE GROUND

- SPRAY DRIFT / CHEMIC

CHEMICAL CONTAMIN

- KIWIFRUIT CANES AND

- First Aider – Cam Bierre 027 2999 239

-Stock

VISITORS REPORT TO: CAM BIERRE

5. Farm Manager is a qualified First Aider

021 224 0732

Position:

Nearest Medical Facilities:

- Accident Register is located in the yellow letterbox.

- First Aid Kit is located in the Dairy Shed in the toilet cupboard

2. Contact the Farm Manager Cam Bierre as soon as possible – 027 2999 239

3. Move quickly to the evacuation point located opposite the vat stand at the dairy shed

Bas Overdevest

Ph:

Persons entering this pr

the yellow letterbox.

H&S Site Sign tailored to each farm or orchard. ASSEMBLY POINT The sign consists of separate modules that can be updated as and when details or maps change. It also features areas in which staff can fill in and wipe off temporary or new hazards. Our Atoms are set up with radar speed sensors, this My Name Signs is Neil Woodward . Panel Board, 1220 are made of Composite X 800with withfully high automated performance vinylcontrollers and Laminate. combined sprayer and available is a kitset posts and fixings to keep I am a directorAlso of Z-Contractingwe arewith family run three nozzlethings ringssimple. enhances application efficiency and Solution has been somyself, popularmy that he is rolling them out across farms and orchards all over the Country. business, our This teamH&S consists of three, being accuracy. son and my brother. Contact Kyle @ Nexus Signs today to order yours. Power:

Name:

- Always be aware of hazards on the property you are working on. Full register is located in - It is your responsibility to report all hazards / accidents / near miss to the Farm Manager

- Do not perform any task, operate any machinery, or deal with any substances, unless you

- Slippery / uneven surfaces and tracks

Contact Details for person in Charge of this orchard are:

In case of any emergency, it is important you..... 1. Remain calm 2. Listen to your supervisor 3. Move quickly to the Evacuation or Muster point identified below 4. Ensure you stay together with your group and take others with as you go 5. Remember to take your Orchard Health and Safety Folder 6. First Aid Kit with Supervisor (This Contains the names of everyone in your group. When you get to the muster point Check this list to make sure everyone is accounted for)

- PERGOLA WIRES AND LIMBS FROM VINES

- SECATEURD, LOPPERS HAND TOOLS

VISITORS REPOR

PLEASE REPORT

LIST OF NEW HAZARDS FOUND ON SITE

DATE

Full Hazard Register located in H & S folder in dairy shed. HAZARD CONTROL

216 Pongakawa Bush Road We also use a quad bike for strip weed spray Our organisation has been established for over 18 applications. Te Puke Nexus Farms Ltd: College Road Nexus Signs Orchard: 62 College Rd years. I have been involved in applying crop 62 protection Site Emergency Information SiteGlobalgap Emergency Information programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966. We hold all certificates needed to meet Ph: 07 32 compliance. To contact us:M: 022 67 We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We We look at all challenges to help ensure we protect Phone: 021 907 621 St, K 41 Liverpool have the equipment to spray orchards with our two your crop with excellence. Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom kyle@nexussig E-mail: zcl@zanadu.co.nz ASSEMBLY Formula tractor which is also available for mulching POINT and mowing. GPS Location: 176.944558, -37.978164

Contact Details for person in Charge of this orchard are:

This Site Address: Te Rahu Farm Ltd

Name:

220 Te Rahu Road

Ph:

027 2999 239

3193

Position:

Manager

Remember the emergency telephone Number for:

Nearest Medical Facilities:

Whakatane

Farm Health & Safety Rules:

Cam Bierre

AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY! DO NOT ENTER WITHOUT PERMISSION AND NOTIFICATION OF THE HAZARDS WITHIN

COMMON SITE HAZARDS

Medical Centre: The Doctors Phoenix

Fire:

Police:

Ambulance: Power:

Phone:

07 307 0586

Hospital:

Whakatane Hospital

Phone:

07 306 0999

- Live electric fences – Do Not Touch. Treat all fences as live.

- Open waterways (fenced off) and hidden

- Dairy Shed – slippery surfaces, pinch points, rotating platform, hazardous substance

- Effluent pipes may be hidden by grass

- Slips, trips and falls

in effluent area.

- Dust

and feed wagons

have been trained

62 College RD

VISITORS REPORT TO: CAM BIERRE

PHONE: 027 2999 239

Name:

Bas Overdevest

Ph:

021 224 0732

Position:

Manager

- If you open a gate, shut it. All road gates MUST be shut.

ORCHARD HYGIENE RULES

- Abide by the speed limit of 20Km/Hr, 15Km/Hr for tractors. - Covered footwear must be worn at all times

ACCIDENTS

This is a smoke free workplace

- Always wash your hands before eating and drinking - Toilet facilities are located at the dairy shed

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES PROVIDE FIRST AID, CALL 111

EVACUATE WORK SITE IF REQUIRED

AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL ONLY! THIS IS A MULTIPLE HAZARD AREA

Remember the emergency telephone Number for: Fire:

Police:

Ambulance: Power:

DO NOT ENTER WITHOUT PERMISSION AND NOTIFICATION OF THE HAZARDS WITHIN

COMMON SITE HAZARDS

Medical Centre: Riverslea Medical Cen Phone:

07 304 9106

Hospital:

Whakatane Hospital

Phone:

07 306 0999

National Poison Centre 0800 76 47 66

HAZARD

CONTROL

While on site, All workers shall take all practicable steps to ensure their own safety and the safety

and other workers or visitors safe.

GENERAL

- Never undertake a task if you feel it is unsafe.

- Always be aware of all hazards on the property you are working on.

- It is your responsibility to report all and health and safety related issues to your Supervisor.

- Do not perform any task, operate any machinery or deal with any substance, unless you have been trained. - SPS’s must be available at all times.

ACCIDENTS

- Report all accidents, including near misses that could have resulted in injury, immediately. - Make sure you know who your first aider is.

- MOVING VEHICLES - TRUCKS, TRAILERS

- BEES AND HIVES

QUAD BIKES, SPRAYERS OR MOWERS

- RABBIT HOLES, UNEVEN OR STEEP

- OPEN WATERWAYS / DRAINS / PONDS

- Keep your first aid kit in your work area at all times.

ORCHARD HYGIENE RULES

GROUND

- DUST

- SPRAY DRIFT / CHEMICAL SPILLS, CHEMICAL CONTAMINATION

PERSONAL HYGIENE

- Do not eat or smoke under the canopy.

- Always wash your hands after eating, smoking and toilet breaks.

- NOISE

- KIWIFRUIT CANES AND DEBRIS

ORCHARD HEALTH AND SAFETY RULES of others. They shall carry out work in a manner that will keep themselves

DATE

Persons entering this property must comply with all Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and its amendments

- Accident Register is located in the yellow letterbox.

PERSONAL HYGIENE

LIST OF NEW HAZARDS FOUND ON SITE

Contact Details for person in Charge of this orchard are:

Nearest Medical Facilities:

- First Aider – Cam Bierre 027 2999 239

- First Aid Kit is located in the Dairy Shed in the toilet cupboard

-Stock

PLEASE REPORT ALL NEW UNIDENTIFIED HAZARDS TO MANAGEMENT

Notes

- It is your responsibility to report all hazards / accidents / near miss to the Farm Manager

- Report all accidents, including all near misses that could have resulted in an injury,

-Vehicle movement – Motor bikes, tractors

3. Move quickly to the evacuation point located opposite the vat stand at the dairy shed 4. First Aid Kit is located in the Dairy Shed in the toilet cupboard.

This Site Address: Nexus Signs Orchard Edgecumbe

the yellow letterbox.

immediately.

In case of any emergency, it is important you..... 1. Remain calm

2. Contact the Farm Manager Cam Bierre as soon as possible – 027 2999 239

5. Farm Manager is a qualified First Aider

farm safe.

GENERAL

- All people entering the property MUST sign in and out.

- This is a drug and alcohol free property. Zero Tolerance.

- Always be aware of hazards on the property you are working on. Full register is located in

- Do not perform any task, operate any machinery, or deal with any substances, unless you

- Slippery / uneven surfaces and tracks

drains in some paddocks

National Poisons Hotline: 0800 764 766

While on Farm, all persons shall take all take all practicable steps to ensure their own safety and the

safety of others. They shall carry out work in a manner that will keep themselves and all others on

THIS IS A MULTIPLE HAZARD AREA

Persons entering this property must comply with all Health and Safety at Work Act 2015 and its amendments

- PERGOLA WIRES AND PROTRUDING

- ELECTRICITY

LIMBS FROM VINES

- Always cover cuts or grazes.

- Cover mouth and nose if you sneeze.

- Only use designated toilet facilities provided.

- No rubbish is to be left on the orchard or placed in harvest bins/bags.

- Appropriate clean clothing and enclosed sturdy footwear shall be worn.

- SECATEURD, LOPPERS, POWER AND

- SLIP, TRIPS AND FALLS

- Any jewelery likely to be a hazard must be removed.

- Where required clean footwear and sanitise your hands prior to leaving and entering Orchard.

HAND TOOLS

VISITORS REPORT TO:............................................PHONE........................

PLEASE REPORT ALL NEW UNIDENTIFIED HAZARDS TO MANAGEMENT

EMERGENCY PROCEDURES PROVIDE FIRST AID, CALL 111

EVACUATE WORK SITE IF REQUIRED

OPERATIONAL HYGIENE

- Grazing of livestock under the canopy is prohibited during harvest or at spraying times. - Animals must be kept away from harvest bins, including load out pads. - Any risk of contamination to product must be reported immediately.

SICKNESS REPORTING

- If you are feeling unwell, report it to your supervisor before it becomes an issue.

LIST OF NEW HAZARDS FOUND ON SITE

My Name is Neil Woodward. I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run business, our team consists of three, being myself, my son and my brother. Our organisation has been established for over 18 years. I have been involved in applying crop protection programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966. We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We have the equipment to spray orchards with our two Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing.

Full Hazard Register located in H & S folder in dairy shed. HAZARD CONTROL

Our Atoms are set up with radar speed sensors, this combined with fully automated sprayer controllers and three nozzle rings enhances application efficiency and accuracy. DATE

We also use a quad bike for strip weed spray applications. We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap compliance. We look at all challenges to help ensure we protect your crop with excellence.

EMERGENCY ASSEMBLY POINT

IN THE EVENT OF EMERGENCY OR SPILLAGE MANAGER: BAS OVERDEVST PH: IF ANY ONE IS HURT PHONE AMBULANCE: 111 Advise - Location, Number involved, Chemicals

FIRE INVOLVED PHONE FIRE SERVICE: 111 Advise - Location, Nature of incident, Type and quantity of chemical involved

SPILLAGE INVOLVED

Contain spillage, warn others, advise H&S Manager if waterways Land contaminated National Poison Centre (03) 477 7000

216 Pongakawa Bush Road Te Puke

To contact us: Phone: 021 907 621 E-mail: zcl@zanadu.co.nz

KIWIFRUIT

Page 24

Offering a full range of pollen requirements “Good pollination for gold and green kiwifruit is essential to maximise taste in gold; and taste, size and shape in green,” says All Terrain Pollination director Grant Luscombe.

Recent research in gold kiwifruit has shown that large count size fruit can be grown with minimal pollination. The result being low dry matter having a major effect on grower returns and in the worst scenario fruit unable to pass the minimum taste threshold.

Grant says gold kiwifruit are relatively easy to pollinate ut owers only have a viable fertility of two days. “To assure full pollination, artificial pollination should be employed.” Katikati-based All Terrain Pollination applies a wet pollen directly onto the owers using a patented process designed, tested and proven in New Zealand for the kiwifruit industry. Grant says the other major advantage is the application can be applied in almost all weather conditions, ensuing maximisation of pollination through adverse weather conditions where both dry application and bees are ineffective. “ reen iwifruit are difficult to pollinate and if there are any alternative owers bees will go elsewhere. Recent trial work has shown that to maximise size, shape and total first class trays, artificial pollination is an efficient and cost effective tool to achieve this. “Wet pollen application using recent trial comparing demonstrated significantly etter results than alternative artificial pollen applications resulting in igger fruit and larger value per first class tray,” says Grant. All Terrain Pollination will travel between the Hawke’s Bay and Northland, ensuring a full range of kiwifruit pollen requirements within the North Island.

Artificial pollination is an efficient and cost effective tool to maximise size, shape and total first class trays of kiwifruit.

All Terrain Pollination in action in a kiwifruit orchard.

Decision looms on Samurai wasp application A decision on whether or not to allow the release of the Samurai wasp into New Zealand – to combat any Brown Marmorated Stink Bug invasion – is expected later this month.

Earlier this year the Brown Marmorated Stink Bug Council – which includes groups representing the avocado, apple and pear, tomato, vegetable

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and wine industries – applied to the Environmental Protection Authority to seek pre-approval to release the Samurai wasp as a biological control agent for brown marmorated stink bug in the event that the pest is found in NZ. Public submissions on the application were sought in May and the Samurai wasp Environmental Protection Authority hearing was held in Wellington on July 11-12. One industry group that supports the BMSBC’s application is

Horticulture NZ, which spoke on its own behalf at the hearing. According to HortNZ, the decision to approve or decline the application sits with a three-member decision-making committee with a verdict expected late-August. Documentation relating to the application, including public submissions received and an EPA staff assessment report, is at: www.epa.govt.nz/publicconsultations/open-consultations/ samurai-to-slay-stink-bug/

KIWIFRUIT

Page 25

Seeka to sell orchards and construct Five new mem ers for forum new packhouse in Northland ee a td has announced plans to invest m in its orthland postharvest usiness during the ne t three years including in new capacity, pac ing machines, pac ing shed and coolstores in Kerikeri. ee a chief e ecutive ichael Fran s says the investment will signiﬁcantly lift capacity of the usiness and give growers etter harvest timing across all varieties handled iwifruit, avocados and citrus The news comes after Seeka announced early-July it intended to market nine horticultural properties it owns in Northland. The properties, to be sold by tender, will have orchard management and postharvest supply contracts ac to ee a and holdings include si properties recentlypurchased by Seeka from Turners and Growers orticulture td and in total cover title hectares arieties grown on the properties include iwifruit espri un old, A old, nzaRed and ayward along with avocados and lemons And there’s signiﬁcant are land suita le for horticulture development ee a has arranged for development to egin at Seeka Kerikeri this year with construction of a new pac house and grading machinery to e completed in time for ’s harvest ichael says alongside this investment, ee a is transforming information systems on-site efore construction of additional coolstorage later ne t year The coolstores will essentially see a dou ling of the precooling and cooling capacity ichael says the investment sighted his commitment to the region and growers supplying their fruit to the company. “ e’re here for the long term This investment will provide world class facilities in the heart of orthland e want to support the communities we’re part of and contri ute to the local economy through

investment and employment “The investment also delivers ee a a competitive edge “ e’re ensuring our local people have the right infrastructure to deliver uality, price and service in our postharvest usiness ichael says the moves position ee a to ta e advantage of the growth e pectations in orthland and is consistent with their strategy for the region The orchards’ sale process closes August Seeka chief executive Michael Franks.

COSIO COSIO INDUSTRIES

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc has welcomed ﬁve new Regional Forum mem ers for the upcoming three-year term.

Karen Pickford will represent Northland, Monty Spencer is Auckland’s representative, and hetu Rolleston is a newly-appointed member for the Tauranga region, oining reappointed member Mike Smith. For Te Pu e, elen Allan and Tammy ill are new mem ers to oin reappointed counterparts Ross awden and Simon Cook. Other members re-elected for their respective regions are ar ardiner for ai ato, Andrew awson for oromandel and aihi, ean arnachan and raig Pooley for atiati, atthew oore for ha atane, hris Anstis for poti i, oug rown for Poverty ay, Richard Pentreath for aw e’s ay ower orth sland, and Paul Thomas for the South Island.

chairman oug rown congratulates the newly and reappointed Regional Forum em ers “ ’m loo ing forward to seeing them engage with the growers from their regions and ring their constituents opinions to the forum, says oug “ ’d also li e to e tend a message of thanks to those forum members who have retired y rotation The contri ution that regional representatives play is often a thankless task but is crucial in contri uting to the voice of ew ealand’s iwifruit growers The forum comprises of 27 elected mem ers are regional representatives, nine are supply entity representatives and one is a representative of the aori iwifruit rowers Forum Forum meetings are held in ount aunganui a out eight times annually, with mem ers ma ing important decisions on ehalf of growers in their region, which impact upon the kiwifruit industry.

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FARM VEHICLES & MACHINERY

Some pink in a blue world

If you met Shannan Bell, 26, with her petite stature, mane of luxuriant dark hair, blue eyes, careful makeup, and pink manicured nails, you’d probably stereotype her as someone who works in the beauty industry, or a trendy ofﬁce ut you’d be so wrong. This bubbly young woman operates heavy machinery for a living, currently working with Fulton Hogan on the Huntly section of the Waikato Expressway – and she’s pretty good at it. Brought up on small farm blocks but with little exposure to machinery, Shannan remembers playing with Furbies

and dolls. There was a spark of interest in mechanical engineering at school, but after leaving at age 16, she studied for evel and ertificates in Accounting, aiming for a career in accounts. he vividly remem ers the first time she had firsthand e perience of some heavy machinery. “It was November 24, 2010, during a study break; I spent four hours in the dickey seat of a dump truck while a friend was driving,” she says. “I loved it! It was so much fun and so exciting.” Accounting was forgotten, much to the horror of her grandparents, and Shannan started to operate heavy machinery. By age 17 she had her full licence, and has since added Class 2 and Class 4 vehicles, and a Wheels, Tracks and Roller endorsement. “I learnt on

Shannan Bell, working on the Huntly Section of the Waikato Expressway. Photo: Catherine Fry.

the job when I started,” says Shannon. “I hate to think how bashed and battered those machines were; I was always breaking parts.” Shannan has been with Fulton Hogan for seven years, working on projects such as the Tauranga Eastern Link, and Ruakura Inland Port Stage 1. For the Huntly Extension project, her “baby” is a Komatsu D65-PX, a 22 tonne bulldozer with a blade almost as high as she is and seat covers with pin , spar ly utter ies he does ﬁnishing wor , and is uilding up the road level

Girlie girl

In this male-dominated world, Shannan gets no special treatment for being female. She’s up at 5am, and in summer she works 10-hour days in the heat like everyone else. She does get a reasonable amount of stick but after all these years, she rises above it. “It just doesn’t bother me anymore,” she says. “It’s usually from new people who think I won’t be able to do the job, and when I just quietly get on with things, they stop. My regular team are like family though.” She’s unashamedly a “girlie girl”, wearing a bright pink safety hat, because she “loves pink”. “I haven’t changed who I am just because I’m surrounded by males,” says Shannan, which explains the glossy hair, makeup, painted nails, and nose stud.

Some days Shannan spends 10 hours in the Komatsu’s cab, and admits she has to watch what she eats to stay in shape. “It’s a world of pies and sausage rolls, but I still bring in my spirulina and salads.”

Excavator competition

Four years ago, her bosses entered her in the National Excavator Competition, the Waikato Regional Event, at Fieldays. This involves operating a digger through an obstacle course against the clock. Competitors pour glasses of beer from a bottle strapped to the buckets of their diggers, and show off their a ility for ﬁne manoeuvring of the big machines via challenges. “I came seventh this year,” says Shannan. “I’m really pleased with that. I usually operate a bulldozer, so I have to hop into a digger that’s a make and model I don’t use, work out all the controls in about a minute, and then start.” Naturally, there’s a bit of talk when people realise she’s a girl in a traditionally-male world, and there’s been some media interest, but Shannan stays focused. “I’ll have to get off the gear soon. It’s been eight years, and I’d love to move into civil engineering, and be the boss!” This means going back to study for a degree, but it seems a natural progression. Catherine Fry

FARM VEHICLES & MACHINERY

Page 27

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LIFESTYLE FARMING

Explore amazing offroad scenery in the deep south NZ Adventures is a long-established company offering various offroad and backcountry tours in the South Island. Participants generally bring their own or often hire suitable four wheel drive vehicles and are guided by the experienced team of Robbie and Connie Crickett from NZ Adventures across a wide variety of the islands vast back country over sheep stations, forests and conservation lands. onnie says most popular amongst the ﬁve different tours on offer are the High Country Heritage six-day or seven-day tour and the ﬁve-day astern plorer The High Country Heritage is a tour down the foothills of the Southern Alps starting in Blenheim

and ending in distant Cardrona with overnights in Hanmer Springs, Methven, Fairlie, Omarama and Cromwell along the way. On the seven day March trip the additional overnight is in Geraldine. “The High Country Heritage tour is very much an overview trip offering a glimpse into the operations on the stations, the scale of the landscape above and away from the tourist routes, the size and power of the mighty rivers and the distances involved between some isolated and often iconic places,” says Connie. “Omarama to St Bathans by the most direct would be a good example. “And it’s NZ Adventures’ most popular and longest established tour is the High Country Heritage.” The astern plorer is the ﬁrst new trip that Robbie and Connie bought to NZ

Adventures when they purchased the business in 2013. tarting in eraldine and ﬁnishing in Alexandra the tour takes in the very diverse area of the eastern foothills of South Canterbury and inland Otago. Included are the Hunter Hills, Hawkdun and St Mary’s Ranges along with the Strath Taieri region and the Lammerlaw and Lammermoor and the Rough Ridge. “These are regions rich in New Zealand’s early- uropean history with the gold at Lawrence and the vast pastoral runs. “Modern industrial mining features at Macraes Flat alongside more than 100 years of mining history,” says Connie. “And really it offers ﬁve days of amazing scenery with the bonus of great and likeminded company in the deep south.”

The deep south has so much to offer – especially when venturing offroad.

New Waikato subdivision rules offer consistent approach Waikato District Council last month advertised their proposed District Plan. The plan, integrating the Franklin and Waikato sections, will introduce a consistent approach to development and growth for the ﬁrst time since the district’s boundary changed in 2010. Finally, the whole district will have a single set of subdivision rules. It brings us no real surprises, after

keeping ourselves informed during the process. However, we strongly believe that, as always, following public submissions and hearings, the rules will most li ely ﬁnish up completely different. As predicted, transferrable titles are gone. This was pretty well the only way landowners in the old

Franklin area could subdivide rural land, if they didn’t have significant ecological features on-site. Now those Franklin landowners have a new opportunity. The General Subdivision Rule proposes that a lifestyle lot of about a hectare can be cut off many older titles that exceed 20ha in size. However, don’t relax and sit back if you currently comply with this – I fully expect this will eventually refer to titles of more than 40ha in size. This rule provides ‘ex-Franklin’ owners a path to subdivide small lifestyle lots in a manner available to their Waikato neighbours for many years and who, at least for now, can continue to use the rule. Boundary adjustments between neighbours can be applied for. However, I believe this rule needs some tweaking in order to be workable. Also, a new ‘rural hamlet’ rule promotes the relocation and reduction in size of multiple titles, allowing for lifestyle living. And, in a last-minute turn around, council has opted to allow subdivision of up to three new lots, rather than two, when more than 10ha of qualifying ecological feature is permanently protected. ow that the new rules have een pu licly notified, you have an opportunity to make submissions to council during the next two months – and so you should, whether you like them or not. Being involved is the only way to have any in uence over something that can shape the future of your district. If you have any interest in subdividing a title of more than 20ha in size in the Waikato Rural Zone, now is the time to move The notified rules still allow this, ut don’t be complacent – in time that will change and, before you know it, you may only be able to subdivide more than 40ha. f you’re interested to find out what opportunities might potentially be lost or gained through this process, feel free to give me a call and discuss your situation without delay. Brent Trail, managing Director of Surveying Services, specialises in resource consent applications for subdivisions across the Waikato, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty. For further information call 0800 268632 or email: btrail@surveyingservices.co.nz

First, examine the vagina. Then examine the cervix – is it fully dilated? Then check – is the calf alive? If not and the cow is unwell, then call the vet. Have a look at how is the calf presented – normal is two front legs and a head. Also, a tail and two back legs is okay. Or is it head back, leg back, breech, with tail and no back legs; or are

nerves to the back legs as the calf goes through the cow’s pelvis. If there is very little or slow progress in 10 minutes then it is probably best to call for help. e t assess, will it fit through the pelvis? Usually, if the two front legs and head are engaged inside the pelvis the rest of the calf will fit through too Sometimes it can be necessary to slightly rotate the calf to make it fit etter through the widest part of the cow’s pelvis. Lastly, use gentle traction to pull the calf out and plenty of lube. Lube can make a big difference, especially if the calf is not particularly fresh and all of the normal

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there twins – you may see a front and a back leg; or is the calf deformed? Front legs have two e ible joints below the elbow that bend the same way, hind legs have one e i le joint below the hock that bends the opposite way to the hock. If you can’t convert the abnormal to normal or have no progress in 10 minutes then call for help. The 10-minute rule means calving paralysis is more likely to occur in longer calvings because pressure is placed on the

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“The Government recommends that tanks should be cleaned every 18 months to two years and I keep my clients on a two-year cycle,” says Roger Craig, who with his wife Trish own and operate Aquavac. Roger empties the tanks, sucks out all the sludge on the bottom, water blasts the inside then vacuums out any residue to a near-new ﬁnish and leaves the tan spar ling clean to e reﬁlled with fresh clean water. With summer and hotter weather fast approaching the tanks heat up and if not cleaned they provide an ideal breeding ground for harmful bacteria, says Roger. “With a lot of people it’s ‘out of sight, out of mind’ and when they see what is at the bottom of the tank they get a big surprise.

If clients collect water from the roof, anything that is on the roof gets washed into the tan ﬁnd decomposed irds, mice and sometimes rats,” says Roger. Now is also a good time to think about getting water tanks at holiday homes cleaned out and reﬁlled efore the family come to stay too. Aquavac can clean plastic and concrete tanks, they even provide a repair service for concrete tanks. They are a husband-andwife team based at Katikati and provide their service throughout the Bay of After it has Plenty, Waikato been cleaned and Coromandel by Aquavac. areas.

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FORESTRY

Page 30

Scion to build innovation hub at Rotorua campus Scion plans to build an innovation hub in the centre of its Rotorua campus. A $2.5 million grant from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s regional infrastructure fund helped get the multi-million dollar project underway. Scion CEO Julian Elder says the innovation hub will become the focal point of Scion’s campus and is part of a broader campus redevelopment that will foster innovation in the forestry, manufacturing, energy and sustainable land-use sectors.

“We, and our predecessors, have a proud history of innovation on this site but to take us into the future, our aging site needs upgrading. This investment will give us e i le and ﬁt-for-purpose facilities that re ect the world-class science we do here. “We are creating a unique and dynamic environment that will promote innovation, commercialisation and collaboration by bringing Scion staff and industry closer together. “Engaging with the public is important too, and we will be opening up parts of the campus to our neighbours, local community and tourists,” says Julian. Scion worked closely with Architects RTA Studio and Irving Smith in the design phase to ensure the building will be a showcase for timber and sustainable building principles. The innovation hub, to be

An image depicting what the innovation hub make look like, to be built in the centre of Scion’s Rotorua campus. Photo: Scion.

accessed from Long Mile Rd, will be the new entry point to Scion. The three-level building comprises an exhibition area, public café, main reception, meeting rooms, staff and tenant working spaces, and links to laboratories and testing facilities. Construction will start before the end of 2018, and be com-

pleted by December 2019. The entire campus redevelopment programme started last year with a reﬁt of cion’s ofﬁce loc The programme also includes upgrades of wood processing workshops and laboratories plus pilot-plant facilities. A landscape plan for the 112ha site is included to create a more

cohesive environment. Costing an estimated $18 million, the redevelopment is the largest in many years Scion is a Crown research institute that undertakes research, science and technology development for the forestry, wood product, wood-derived materials and other biomaterial sectors.

Two leaders in forestry recognised for their efforts Rotorua men Peter Clark and Russell Dale both headed for home with some beautiful pieces of woodwork to recognise their outstanding contributions to New Zealand’s forestry industry last month. The pair – for individual reasons – were each awarded a trophy for their contributions at the NZ Institute of

Forestry’s annual Awards dinner in Nelson in July. Peter received the NZIF Forester of the Year award, which recognises an NZIF member who has made an outstanding contribution to either the forestry profession, or the forestry sector during the last 12 months. NZIF president David Evison says the award recognises leadership, excellence and personal integrity, particularly where this demonstrates the character

and strength of the forestry profession, and it is one of the highest accolades the institute can bestow. “This award is a fitting recognition of the contri ution that Peter has made to the sector over a large number of years,” says David. Russell, also of Rotorua, was awarded the Kirk Horn and medal. David says the Kirk Horn Flask is the most historically valuable award in all NZ science – and NZIF awards it every second year, to recognise outstanding contri utions in the field of forestry in “Russell has proved himself to be an outstanding leader in forest management and in the management of major industry-funded forestry research programmes, over a long and distinguished career,” says David. “NZIF is delighted to celebrate the achievements and contributions to NZ forestry of Peter and Russell.” Election of Steve Wilton of Masterton as a Fellow of the NZ Institute of Forestry was also recorded – this special membership status is granted by a vote of members and recognises the eminence of Steve Wilton in the profession of forestry. And contribution of Trish Fordyce of Auckland to the NZ forestry sector and her long service in the areas of environmental and land use regulation, and application of the Resource Management Act to forestry and wood processing was recognised, by her election as an Honorary Member of NZIF. “NZIF believes it’s very important to celebrate the significant contri utions of mem ers and nonmembers alike and Steve and Trish are most deserving recipients of these honours,” says David.

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FORESTRY

Forest owners and farmers – look out for Dothistroma pine needle blight

Forest owners, including farmers with land in pines, may be unaware of the potential problems of Dothistroma pine needle blight, says the Dothistroma Control Committee. DCC secretary Don Hammond says the disease affects pine plantations of all sizes – from woodlots to major forests – and can have a dramatic impact on tree health and growth rate, and thus crop value. on says the is a non-proﬁt organisation with the sole function of coordinating the annual summer spray programme to control Dothistroma. He believes many may be unaware of the committee and its work controlling the disease – and how they can receive help. “We’d like forest owners to consider the problem on their property and contact the committee so, if necessary, their trees can be included in this summer’s spray programme.” Don says each spring and summer, affected forests are aerially sprayed with a copper fungicide to control the disease. The DCC is a sub-committee of the NZ Forest Owners Association

Untreated stands of Dothistroma pine needle blight create a source of infection to neighbouring forests. Photo: Scion.

Inc, which coordinates the spray programme on behalf of all forest owners. “The committee, which is non-proﬁt ma ing, is also responsible for monitoring the programme and reviewing new research and developments that might improve the programme.” Don says DCC is concerned forest owners or managers of small blocks may overlook the presence of the disease in their forests until serious damage to stands has occurred. “In addition, untreated stands create a source of infection to neighbouring forests,” says Don. “DCC’s services are available to

all forest owners – to ensure the best control of the disease in the most cost-effective manner.” DCC purchases bulk supplies of copper fungicide at competitive rates, spray oil, and contracts aerial spray application. “Committee members are from major forest growers, Farm Forestry Association and Scion,” says Don. “Forest owners are urged to act promptly so their forest can be scheduled on the work programme for this season,” says Don. For enquiries or assistance, phone 07 3323454 or 0274 885940. Or email: don@hrml.co.nz

New national forest policy proposed by NZIF Unlike many countries, New Zealand has no “If the policy is well implemented, it will result in better-managed forests which provide much national forest policy – and that’s something healthier, greater value to New Zealand and New Zealanders.” one industry group wants to change. At the sector’s annual conference in July, New Zealand Institute of Forestry president David Evison presented a document titled ‘Forest Policy for New Zealand’ to Forestry Minister Shane Jones, who formally opened the event. NZIF has proposed the introduction of a new national policy for the industry in an effort to help the Government “develop sound long-term strategies for forestry development”. “Government decisions on matters as diverse as climate change, water quality, taxation, overseas investment and land use have too often adversely affected our forests,” says David. “As trees live longer than most plants, a stable policy environment is critical for good forest management.” The proposal has been in the works for four years and covers all forests, management objectives, tenure types and all species, according to NZIF. avid says the plan “outlines ﬁve long-term policies to recognise, protect and enhance the many eneﬁts that trees and forests deliver to the environment, economy, society and culture”.

Page 31

FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 32

Old Blue and Graeme – both still working on the farm Most farmers – or farms – have a pet tractor. One that has been on-farm for forever – and just keeps going and going and going. Or one the boss nurses along, or keeps polished and tucked away in a shed. At Graeme and Jeanette Nee’s farm at Ohauiti, in the Western Bay of Plenty, that tractor is ‘Old Blue’. Graeme bought Old Blue about 50 years ago – and while she’s nursed along these days, she’s never missed

a beat. And is still on-farm working – just like Graeme, who has just turned 80. “It’s been here from new. Jeanette and I bought the tractor – it’s a Ford 4600,” says Graeme. “We used it for farm work and contracting too. For about eight or nine years I worked in with a local contractor doing the cutting and teetering of summer harvest hay-baling. “On-farm we it used it for the silage-making – we did all of our own. Years ago we had the land at the Tauranga airport at the Mount where we used to make big stacks of silage there. “The rules weren’t so strict those days – you could make the silage and keep it up the end in a corner of the airport land and just cart it out in winter when you wanted it.” And while Old Blue is still the farm’s everyday mechanical gopher, Graeme is now the farm’s gopher. He’s on a tractor most days – but instead he uses a Valtra, which he parks as close to the house as possible. “The Valtra is made in Finland and I use this one for the heavy work. The other day I was pushing out a big barberry hedge, which needed to be heaped up ready for burning. I use it for rotary slashing, silerating with a big basket on the back – that kind of heavy work. “Old Blue used to do this work but it got too old. We couldn’t ask it to do that now. “She’s done about 25,000 hours’ work time and has just had a valve grind. She’s never had an engine overhaul – not bad for a three-cylindered tractor. “But she is sort of being nursed along and looked after and does feeding of the round bales and other handy stuff.”

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Above: Farm manager Melanie McEntyre using Old Blue to cart round silage bales to feed out. Photo: Jeanette Nee. herd, bought their herd and added to it “the usual things that farmers do” and eventually bought the farm. “Then my Graeme Nee in front of the Valtra he uses to father came back and worked for us for eight years.” do the farm’s heavy-lifting. Photo: Merle Foster. Now Graeme, who still owns the farm with wife Jeanette, is Graeme started farming as a young farm gopher to his daughter Janelle and fella, helping his mother and father – partner Mel McEntyre, who runs the the late Thomas ‘Dick’ and Eileen Nee dairying operation, and herd manager – on the family farm, which is 96ha John Bergervoet, who has been a valued – with 21ha native bush and wetlands, protected with 6km of fencing along the staff member for 15 years. Graeme loves it. “I go and get things Keri Stream, and 75ha pastoral land. and give advice – they don’t always take “We came here in 1950 – it was the notice of it, but that’s normal.” same size it is today,” says Graeme. He hoses down after milkings, which “My father, he’d been a high country he ﬁnds “very therapeutic , and at calvmusterer in the South Island for 13 ing does the late-night checking of cows. years and he loved the sheep. “So we had half the farm in sheep at Does your farm or boss have a pet the bottom end and then the top end tractor? Or a pet digger or bulldozer? we ran the dairy cows. But there wasn’t If so, we’d love to hear about it! enough sheep to make it viable.” Email: merle@sunmedia.co.nz with a Leaving school, Graeme started working photo, name and phone number. for his parents. At age 20 he moved into We’ll even throw a prize your way sharemilking for them, bought his own Merle Foster for a good yarn.

EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION

Page 33

Study shows how irrigators can reduce nutrient losses IrrigationNZ says a new study by Aqualinc and the Fertiliser Association of New Zealand on how irrigation can be adapted to reduce nitrogen losses could help farmers and growers significantly reduce their environmental impacts. The study shows on 12 Canterbury dairy farms, an average of a 27 per cent reduction in nitrogen losses could be achieved through changing when irrigation was applied on the farms. The desktop study was led by Aqualinc Research Ltd’s director research and development Dr John Bright and funded by FANZ. Using computer models, including Overseer, researchers investigated the effects of different irrigation management rules on pasture production and nitrogen leaching. They also experimented with a different approach than the current practice of irrigating if the soil moisture content drops below 50 per cent of its plant available water. “We looked at lower irrigation trigger points to see if they provided any enefits, says ohn “This meant the soil was allowed to dry out more than usual. We also looked at different irrigation targets – varying the soil moisture content we aim to achieve through irrigation. “ e loo ed specifically at targets that left

quite a bit of capacity in the soil to store rainfall should it occur shortly after the irrigation ﬁnished “ e found that ﬁlling it up to per cent of plant-available water capacity and leaving 20 per cent for rainfall was probably the best target level from the point of view of reducing the nitrate leaching substantially, while avoiding pasture production losses

Trigger level

ohn’s “pleasantly surprised y the results “Before we started the project we didn’t know what the impact would be on pasture production, but this was not compromised. “We were even more surprised by the consequences of changing the trigger level. We found we could use a much lower soil moisture trigger value in spring and in autumn without having any signiﬁcant effects on pasture production. This was critical as it allowed the soil to dry out more by delaying irrigation and increased its capacity to store rainfall The research team also deliberately tested target levels that did cause a reduction in pasture production to gauge limits for irrigation triggers and targets. Applying the principles of adjusting trigger levels during the season and using an per cent irrigation target re uires the appropriate irrigation system. “It is essential to have a system that can be adjusted to relatively small application levels, with a short return period. Centre pivots and

solid set sprinkler systems were found to be the most suitable irrigation methods. These could most easily be operated using the irrigation rules developed through the research, says John. ther eneﬁts include reducing irrigation water use through improved efﬁciency and ma ing more effective use of rainfall when it occurs. “For some farmers, it may be possible to achieve some or all of these reductions simply by changing the way they manage their irrigation system, says ohn IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis says farmers and growers who use irrigation want to see improvements to waterways and environment and are working to achieve this.

Nitrogen losses

“Most irrigators now have challenging targets in their Farm Environment Plans to reduce their nitrogen losses. “The study has helped clarify when the most

gains can be made in reducing nitrogen losses through irrigation management, says Andrew “The message for farmers from the study is how you manage your irrigation in early-spring and autumn has a big impact on your overall nitrogen losses. In wetter, cooler conditions there is more risk of nitrogen leaching through soils as pasture growth is slower, so you need to ad ust your irrigation as result of this Andrew says based on the study results, farmers should look at not irrigating in September or April, because nutrient losses may outweigh the eneﬁts of some additional pasture growth In October and March, he recommends not irrigating as often as in the height of summer and allowing soil moisture levels to drop to around 40 per cent – lower than the 50 per cent level recommended. “This approach would work in most years, unless very dry conditions occur, says Andrew The Aqualinc and FANZ study ‘Reducing Nutrient Losses through Improving Irrigation fﬁciency’ is availa le online

Understanding and screening rural professional advice is so important Let me say at the outset that the vast majority of rural professionals provide outstanding advice and assistance to their clients. They work tirelessly for the best outcome. Eighty per cent of the professionals do a great job, but 20 per cent leave a lot to be desired. Isn’t that the case in all aspects of life?

refused to form trusts for most of his clients. The reasons seem unsure but it would appear he thought he’d lose control of the assets and his money ow upon their death And more clients who owned several valuable houses in a growing city; their accountant and financial advisor advised them to sell the houses and put the cash into his investment funds. Always remember these people need your money to give them enough critical mass of money to invest and get a return for you and themselves. The Remem er the rule in everything ighty per houses, in this case, were obviously going to rise cent of the fish are caught y per cent of the fisher- rapidly in value and would have more than doubled man. Nevertheless in some circumstances, and for some reason, much of the advice metered out often re ects in self-interest and money Examples may include a large family with lots of rural assets with a weak solicitor, who had been asked repeatedly over many years to provide a formal succession plan. In frustration the settlors looked for a new team to provide the plan and the solicitor finally acted and made some effort, which was inadequate in my opinion e sat on the file and did nothing until he was pushed. In whose interest was the solicitor acting? I’ve had clients whose solicitor would not form a trust to hold the hard assets. More than that, he

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in value. I was cross, gave my opinion once, and left them to it. Disclaimer – These are the opinions of Don Fraser of Fraser Farm Finance. Any decisions made should not be based on this article alone and

appropriate professional assistance should be sought. Don Fraser is the principal of Fraser Farm Finance. Ph: 0800 777 675 or 021 777 675. A disclosure document is available on request.

COAST & COUNTRY

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New roof for eff luent tank will save farmers time and money Presco Environmental Infrastructure has just released a new roof for its Prosump ef uent tan “which will save farmers considerable time and money when it comes to storing and processing their ef uent, says Presco nvironmental ey account manager Wayne Brown. The company has just completed its ﬁrst installation of the roof for a client located near nglewood, where annual rainfall can be up to four metres. The project includes 24 panels, giving a storage capacity of , litres “The roof will prevent around , , litres of rain water ased on mm rainfall year from

entering the tan each year, meaning less hassle for the farmer, electricity savings, prevention of wear and tear on the system and greater availability of storage capacity for what the farmer really needs it for ef uent, says Wayne. Prosumps have been available for a number of years and this is the latest development to enhance the popular product, which is constructed from high-strength, reinforced concrete The Prosump has been designed y a certiﬁed P engineer to suit ew ealand’s rugged weather conditions and comply with both dairy company and regional council requirements and the Farm Dairy f uent ode of Practice Wayne says Prosumps are extremely versatile and can be installed above ground, in-ground or anywhere in between. They require zero maintenance and come with a -year

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COUNTRY LIVING

Understanding how we sleep can improve our health

ric Turme C P O with

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Inside, you’ll learn how to identify your own internal biological rhythms, and synchronise them with your day-to-day life. Choosing from a menu of simple options, you’ll discover how to create your own sleep symphony, resulting in more energy, clearer thinking, steadier emotions and better health. Katharina is a human sleep and fatigue specialist living in London. Thanks to Exisle Publishing, Coast and Country News has a copy of ‘Sleep Sense’ by Dr Katharina Lederle to give away. To enter, email captions for the photo shown and send with a name

and address and ‘Country Funnies’ as the subject to: merle@sunmedia.co.nz Or put these details on an envelope and post to Country Funnies, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140 to arrive by September 21. June’s Country Funnies caption winner is Kym Davey of Te Aroha for her caption: “Riding high on life”. She wins a copy of book of ‘Reach Your Goals Without Stressing Out’ by Chantal Hofstee, published by Exisle Publishing.

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Everyone sleeps, yet few of us understand the importance of sleep – nor do we learn how to optimise our sleep ha its for ma imum health eneﬁts

In her debut book – titled ‘Sleep sense – improve your sleep, improve your health’ –international sleep expert Dr Katharina Lederle draws on the latest research to explore how sleep is connected to each of the three pillars of successful living: physical health, cognitive performance, and emotional wellbeing.

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Caption this photograph above to be in to win. Left: ‘Sleep Sense’ by Dr Katharina Lederle is the book prize for August.

Spotlight on curcumin and OPC – Part 1 Most have heard of curcumin from turmeric and some about oligomeric proanthocyanidins – known as OPC – from grape seeds. When used together these potent, biologically-active compounds can have profound health eneﬁts f you do some research you’ll ﬁnd an e tensive list

Abundant Health

of health problems these two compounds can in uence This shouldn’t be surprising because both are antioxidants that additionally help the body to turn off unwanted in ammation. As an example one of my clients with ongoing hip problems added my curcumin/ OPC formula and is now much more comfortable. OPC is extracted from the purple pigments on red wine grape seeds. My favourite OPC is ActiVin. This top grade Californian OPC is extracted from Nappa Valley grape seeds using a patented ActiPure water and alcohol method. P has significant enefits t’s e cellent for circulation because it protects the proteins that make up blood vessel walls from free radical damage. This can help with general circulation and is great support for those with hypertension. Additionally, it has strong anti-in ammatory functions y helping prevent immune cells from over-producing a number of in ammatory chemicals Curcumin is the active compound in turmeric. When we’re discussing food we talk about turmeric. hen discussing its health enefits we’re tal ing a out curcumin. Like OPC, curcumin is a potent antioxidant and has significant anti-in ammatory properties urcumin is possibly the most researched natural health compound. It’s excellent to add when looking to build our natural anti-in ammatory systems I use these compounds as part of nutritional support programmes for those with in ammatory pro lems t’s an ideal booster for those with serious osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or other autoimmune problems. When added at correct doses they can make a huge difference. Feel free to contact me for personalised advice. John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email: john@ abundant.co.nz Join his full weekly newsletter at: www.abundant.co.nz

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 37

Tim loves turning a piece of wood into a piece of art Self-taught sculptor and wood carver, Tim Aldrich, has been carving since he was five years old arefully sculpted female faces with serene expressions and closed eyes are among Tim’s most popular pieces An avid snor eler, fish also feature in Tim’s wor His love of wood as Tim Aldrich holding a medium is evident in his ‘catch’, a 1.2m every piece mooth fin- lon kin fish. ishes that pay homage to the eauty of the woodgrain and carefully sculpted contours of each design demonstrate the attention to detail and patience needed to turn each seemingly nondescript piece of wood into a piece of art “ get ored so change what carve might do fish for a while, then move to women’s faces ’ve done a

stingray and several full ﬁgure carvings of women I completed a VW Kombi van with a surfboard on top recently, which was uite fun “ ne of my favourite pieces is m long ingﬁsh, which now has pride of place in our lounge t gives me great pleasure, says Tim ost pieces are displayed in homes as far away as reland, ermany and Australia and around Tim’s studio is open during the annual ercury ay Art scape and y appointment “The pu lic en oy seeing pieces come to life in my studio and en oy the contact with them too Tim grew up in east London and emigrated to NZ years ago Today he splits his time etween employment as a carpenter and carving A favourite tool is a small carving gouge given to him as a young oy, y his father “ y ad was a policeman who had a love of carving e taught me the

basics and I started carving with him out in our wor shop when was ﬁve Tim also credits his uncle “who was

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Educators gain support and training in their role. ducators can care for up to four pre-school age children – which includes up to two children aged under two ational operations manager ac ui aywood says educators receive loads of support from visiting teachers, who help with implementing curriculum as well as forming ideas for play and care for each individual child, and the organisation’s networ managers and administrators “ ducators also get many opportunities to networ with fellow educators – while bringing together children in their care for socialising ducators

often uddy up and form close relationships These opportunities come in the form of spontaneous outings in the community, li e visiting the li rary or playgrounds, playgroups, community events and organised music groups and such li e “Plus, ids at ome provides a purpose- uilt playgroup setting on Waihi Rd, Tauranga; and another purpose- uilt playgroup in the ai ato, open for educators ﬁve-days-a wee ur services really are a out our personal relationships so we really encourage these larger group outings ac ui says eing a ids at ome educator “means you’re not on your own at all And Kids At Home believes in growing the capability of their staff “ e offer professional development to our educators via in-house training, and they can wor towards receiving a ualiﬁcation “Visit our website or contact us to hear more about how you could oin our friendly service as a homeased educator

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Page 38

COUNTRY LIVING

Well-known chook feeder brand has new automatic drinker cups Grandpas Feeders – the well-known and very popular style of chook feeder – now also have a very clever drinker to provide clean water to chooks.

Trying to keep a reliable source of clean water for chooks is a challenge, as anyone with chooks will know, says Alla Kirkham of Grandpas Feeders. “The team at Grandpas has spent many years trying to overcome this problem and now believe that they have finally cracked it,” says Alla. The unit comes with two small cups with a mini ballcock-type valve that automatically fills The cups are screwed in to a PVC unit, which will fit in to any container with a ung hole “We sell the unit only, not the container, as many people already have one of these containers sitting around home anyway. They are also available at many stores.” The cups are replaceable at any time as they unscrew from the rest of the unit. Simply screw the unit into your container, drill a breathing hole in the

Grandpas Feeders’ new automatic drinker cups will quench your chooks’ thirst anytime. lid at the top, or loosen the lid to allow air ow, ﬁll it up and watch your chook enjoy this clean supply of water. “These units are top quality and Grandpas is so sure you will be happy with their product it comes with a full two-year guar-

antee,” says Alla. Grandpas chook feeders have been for sale for many years and their name is so well-known many call their style of feeder ‘Grandpas feeders’ regardless of whether it is their product or not. “The team at Grandpas ask people to look for the Grandpas sticker on the front of the feeder to ensure you’re getting the genuine product.”

Human behaviour change the focus at animal conference

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The New Zealand Companion Animal Council is next month hosting the th iennial Companion Animal Conference in Auckland from eptem er and its focus will be on

human behaviour change. The conference will be the inaugural Australasian conference exploring the Human Behaviour Change for Animals’ theme, which discusses how everyone working

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behaviour is not as simple as telling or showing people that animals suffer. HBCA founder Suzanne Rogers says to effect meaningful change in people’s behaviour, we need to understand the attitudes and beliefs that motivate people to behave as they do; then ﬁnd the est ways to encourage and support them to make changes to improve welfare outcomes for animals. “If we do not understand why humans do the things they do, and what drives them to change, we will never be effective at making the world a better place for animals.” Keynote speakers will be Dr Ngaio Beausoleil from Massey University, UK clinical animal behaviourist Debbie Busby, Dr Sara Dubois of Canada SPCA, Dr Peter Thornber of the Commonwealth Veterinary Association and Queensland University, and r ynette c eod of the niversity of New England. The ompanion Animal Conference is being delivered in collaboration with SPCA New Zealand, Eastern Institute of Technology and is supported by Human Behaviour Change for Animals. To ﬁnd out more a out the conference, email: manager@nzcac.org.nz

COUNTRY LIVING

Tourists try their luck at sea This isn’t traditionally a busy time of year on the charter fishing scene ot many locals venture out but we’ve noticed a surge in the number of overseas tourists een to try their luc For many, the day out on the ocean is a first and we relish ta ing them out, teaching them new s ills and providing a uni ue e perience enerally they’re only een on ta ing enough fish for one meal as they’re travelling, so most are returned to the ocean t’s all a out creating memories with great scenery, local stories and the taste of fresh fish as sashimi or ar ecue-coo ed Most are amazed at the variety of species we’re able to catch here in the ay Tony and Kellie Hayworth from Memphis, Tennessee, , chose a great day to go for a fish The weather was due to calm down about midday so we planned a late leave of am and the s ipper fished inshore spots There were plenty of small snapper but as darkness fell the size definitely improved Tony caught a nice ingfish, which gave him a it of a run around ut was ust undersize so was released They got ac at pm and were planning to go out for dinner They ended up sitting in the engine room with Andy, which is nice and warm on a cold night, and chatting for an hour or so efore heading ac to their accommodation and straight to ed They assured him they will e ac Tyler uo rought his family out for a day of fishing onditions were perfect and the fish iting A photo tells a thousand words eanwhile, for the more adventurous, an overnight trip was in order athering a crew at this time of the year can e a challenge with most people preferring to stay snug and warm at home ut we did manage to get a few people prepared to brave the elements, so Te Kuia headed on out The weather report was for not winds and slight seas ut as often can happen, conditions further offshore around ayor sland were more li e nots with rough seas The evening fishing in m was good for snapper, tara ihi, porae they caught a few ingfish, one weighed g As conditions worsened around midnight they moved to rater ay for shelter and some sleep ifting the anchor and heading off at am they targeted one of the favourite spots in m or ing hard they pulled up five luenose in two drifts, all around g- g hallower spots weren’t producing so they decided to try deeper The ne t spot of m-plus produced nine luenose around g- g each Three alfonsinos were caught the largest the s ipper had seen They’re an unusual catch on our oats ut are very good to eat They’re right orange-red in colour and live in depths of m- m ecause of low light conditions at that depth they have disproportionately large eyes By 2pm the chilly bins were full so they pulled the pin and headed home Another successful trip, tired anglers and stories to tell

Tony Hayworth.

Page 39

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CALVING

Page 40

Having a calving plan paid off for Greg Edgecumbe dairy farmer Greg Malcolm has experienced a calving period in his career that could have been very different, had he not had a plan. Greg, who milks 220 cows on 71ha with wife Jody, says one particular season saw him struck down with cryptosporidium for three weeks in the middle of calving.

“Luckily we had good systems in place, such as a spring rotation planner, so we just found casual staff to come in and get us through that time,” says Greg. “Things can and do go pear-shaped, so it’s important to not only have a plan, but implement that plan.” Planned start of calving – known as PSC – was July 7 for the Malcolms, with a “realistic” target of having all cows calved by September 14. This season, Jody is scheduled for surgery

Edgecumbe dairy farmer Greg Malcolm has been struck down with cryptosporidium for three weeks in the middle of calving before. Photo: Anne Boswell.

during calving, so Greg will be relying on the help of their daughter and a relief milker for around three weeks. To help the calving season run smoothly, the couple prepares anything they can in advance. “We get all the calf pens and feeders ready in advance – even in summer if shavings are available,” says Greg. “We also give ourselves a head-start in training the heifers by running them through the milking shed half a dozen times in winter.” They are also great believers in proactive rather than reactive cow management, to minimise the risk of cows running into calving difficulties or animal health issues. “During calving we don’t check cows overnight, so we monitor any cows that might be close to calving and evaluate them for any potential difficulties, says Greg. “We also ensure stock mineral levels are correct, adding magnesium if required to minimise the chance of milk fever.” n the past the alcolms have managed up to five staff during calving, when they were sharemilking 1100 cows in Waimana. “The key to a smooth calving in terms of staff is really managing stress, so there is no fighting amongst themselves or with animals,” says Greg. “ e used to give our staff a good four-five day rea immediately before calving, and a two-day weekend during calving, to minimise fatigue. “Keeping an eye on staff to monitor their stress levels is a good idea, as is doing something kind, such as finishing mil ing for them or leaving snac ags in the cowshed.” The Malcolms also minimise physical activity wherever possible; their clever bobby pen design means calves walk up a ramp to the loading deck themselves, to eliminate the need for lifting them. They also prefer to pump or gravity-feed milk to calves. However, the most important aspect to a smooth calving can e the one that goes y the wayside first

“You need to take care of yourself during calving by eating well and getting enough rest,” says Greg. “Often we [farmers] feed our animals before we feed ourselves.” As the couple only rears their own calves with their own milk, the threat of Mycoplasma bovis is not imminent; however, they do sell some bull calves so will be observing stricter hygiene and quarantine procedures going forward. “We won’t be offering calves milk from sick cows and will be limiting the number of people entering the calf pen,” says Greg. “We’ll also be implementing foot and tyre washes for visitors on-farm and require machinery to be clean when entering the property to stop the transfer of soil and weeds. “M. bovis has been a wake-up call to remind us there are diseases out there that are transferable.”

Calving Tips:

• Calve in easy-calving paddocks – avoid those with steep hills, drains or holes. • Be proactive instead of reactive – monitor cows for potential calving difﬁculties efore they arise for example, milk fever, etc. • It’s all well and good having a “plan” – but make sure it is implemented. • Ensure you take care of yourself by eating and sleeping well during calving. • Place a bucket in the calving paddock so staff has everything they need at hand to assist a calving cow or treat a downer cow. • Reduce all unnecessary physical labour; for example, lifting calves, carting milk, if at all possible. • Try to give staff a good break immediately before calving starts. • Spread your workload by doing anything you can in advance; for example, preparing calf sheds and feeders, training heifers. • Try to work one day in advance with other farm tasks, so if you encounter a calving issue you can focus solely on resolving that issue. Anne Boswell

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‘Townie’ researches early detection of neonatal calf diarrhoea Gemma Lowe is a selfproclaimed ‘townie’ who has always had a keen interest in animal welfare. Nearing the middle of her PhD, her research is centred on automated measures for the early detection of neonatal calf diarrhoea. She has been awarded this year’s $22,000 National Agricultural Fieldays Sir Don Llewellyn Scholarship to assist with her investigation into using infrared thermography – also known as IRT– for early detection of the disease. Gemma’s interest in agricultural research started during her BSc (Tech) at Waikato University, where she completed two student work placements where she was involved in research focused on animal behaviour and welfare. After completing an Honours degree with InterAg, a Hamiltonbased research company, she further embarked on a PhD. Gemma was also awarded a Callaghan Innovation Student-Fellowship Grant. NCD typically affects calves during their ﬁrst days of life and, affecting about one-third of calves born per year, is a common health issue for New Zealand calves. Pathogens commonly associated with NCD include rotavirus, coronavirus, salmonella and cryptosporidium. “A major challenge with NCD is that often by the time symptoms including diarrhoea and dehydration are evident, substantial damage to the calf’s intestines has already occurred, and can be

fatal in severe cases,” says Gemma. Infrared Thermography is a noninvasive method of detecting radiated heat. Through assessing the thermal responses of different body areas – the eye, cheek, shoulder, side and back – which occur in response to NCD, Gemma’s research will investigate the suitability of IRT as a method for early disease detection. Gemma monitors calves on farms hosting research for InterAg. Through further analysis of her data Gemma’s research is aimed towards the development of a non-invasive, automated system that incorporates IRT and is capable of alerting farmers to animals presenting early signs of disease before symptoms such as diarrhoea and dehydration are evident. “The development of such a system has the potential to enable earlier treatment and isolation of diseased animals to prevent the spread of disease, reducing costs on-farm and to the industry and could ultimately improve calf health and welfare,” says Gemma. In addition to the use of IRT, Gemma’s research will investigate other physiological and behavioural changes – for example, feeding, drinking and lying behaviours and respiration rate – that occur in response to NCD and assess their suitability as early indicators of disease and the ability to also be incorporated into the automated system. Gemma is clearly loving every minute of her agricultural life and hopes to see herself working as scientist researching animal behaviour and welfare.

PhD niversity e at U to a ik w Wa emma Lo student G ura Research the Ruak Hamilton. Centre, ry. erine F

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Genuine opportunities for those with foresight Property markets react differently from region to region – however in our patch the rural real estate mar et is at, with nothing much moving.

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No ‘lag phase’

What if it was possible to gain a 30 per cent increase in pasture production during the ne t three years urrently, tonne of dry matter per hectare is regarded as top-tier performance from permanent grazed pasture. hat if that could e lifted to a tad more than tonne with no added cost And etter still, no ‘lag phase’, with increased growth availa le from day one

Securing farm dogs becomes a must Rules on how farmers transport working dogs on roads between properties are being tightened as part of new Animal Welfare Regulations the Ministry for Primary ndustries is introducing from cto er The owner or person in charge of a dog transported on the open deck or open trailer of a moving motor vehicle other than a moped, motorcycle, or all-terrain vehicle – on a public road must secure the dog in a way that prevents it from falling off or hanging off the open dec or trailer For e ample, by using a tether or a cage. The person responsible must also ensure a tether is short enough to prevent the dog’s legs from reaching over the sides of the open dec or trailer, but long enough to allow the animal to stand or lie down in a natural position. The rule doesn’t apply when farm dogs are on the open deck or open trailer of a moving motor vehicle on a public road when moving livestock from one paddock to another that is down the road – but will e re uired etween such o s A person who fails to comply can e ﬁned up to The raft of new regulations are aimed at improving the welfare of many animals in NZ including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, horses, don eys, deer, llamas, alpacas, crustaceans, layer hens and dogs And the rules will apply to many types of animalrelated usinesses such as farms, stoc transporters, live trappers, dog reeders, sta les, petting zoos, crustacean farms, restaurants and education providers – plus private owners and people in charge of animals. For more information, see www mpi govt nz protection-and-response animal-welfare

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Energy lift

And there’s more ith an increase in total pasture production, particularly when accompanied y allowing pastures to grow longer than usual, a lift in energy in the form of soluble sugars takes place. This means that animals re uire less feed to produce a kilogram of milks solids or gain a kilogram of weight ecause they’re a le to eat more in their naturally-allotted grazing period the performance of fully-fed animals lifts and that’s easily measured hat’s also een measured is the loss of nitrate nitrogen to groundwater, and the results of months of monthly testing showed a 70 per cent decrease when compared to a neighbouring property applying bag N regularly throughout the year. Functional Fertiliser has been working closely with farmers nationwide during the last years and the Functional Fertiliser Fertiliser increase of 30 perFunctional cent from well-managed grazed nutrient permanentsupplies pasture is an full often-occurring ﬁgure For supplies full nutrient Functional Fertiliser more information, call Peter on packages based on on packages based supplies full nutrient Functional® Fertiliser ® packages basedfull onnutrient supplies ® packages based on

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availa le for plant upta e, it’s essential no N is applied during the main growing season from early-September until late-March. The calcium content of clover is up to four times higher than that of grasses; and calcium is the nutrient in greatest demand for lactating or rapidly growing animals. Applying lime will help, however as one of our scientists often reminds us most of our soils are rich in calcium. Plant-available calcium is the key to the 30 percent gain available in pasture growth hange always re uires a catalyst and it’s a proprietary mi of eneﬁcial fungi and acteria that triggers an immediate lift in growth.

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There’s an old saying ‘ f it sounds too good to e true it pro a ly is’ in this instance there is a proviso. Pasture management will li ely re uire a re- ig to ma imise the Dairy farms are particularly slow to potential, and the success sell ellers are reluctant to reduce prices, lies in focussing on the potential purchasers are stand-offish, and intervals between grazing. banks appear to be playing a It takes a little time waiting game. to get used to grazing f prices drop sufficiently for the pastures of longer length market to pick up capital gains will be than is common, leaving trimmed, which is som re news for a slightly clumpy appearlong-term owners wanting to retire, ance, and accepting the highly-inde ted operators, and an s steadily changing plant composition of The consensus seems to be that the farm market each paddock. will stay at for may e the ne t three to five years The plants that grow are the result efore a sudden surge in sales, which may or may not of both soil chemistry and grazing coincide with a period of rampant in ation management. A lift in plant-available This means in the interim any financial shortfall is calcium can ring a out a uite proless easily accommodated, and cash surpluses ecome found change in pasture the ey to financial survival t’s a situation that composition as clovers have appears on a regular asis, which no amount of the environment in which wishful thin ing or pulling of fiscal levers will ultito ourish mately change. Clovers replace the Rates are steadily increasing, and the outlay re uired nitrogen necessary to to meet steadily tightening environmental standards sustaina ly grow -plus is yet to be fully appreciated. All of which paints a tonnes of pasture annually. somewhat lea picture, however this is where genuecause clovers fi nitrogen ine opportunities lie for those with foresight and the in response to declining nitrogen determination to prosper. Pasture is the lowest cost and most valua le feed, yet annual production from mainstream conventional fertiliser programmes is steadily declining. And a poor growing season coinciding with lower-thane pected financial returns could spell the end of some farming careers.

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Page 44

Josh’s unexpected journey into dairying

Despite being born and raised on dairy farms, Josh Cozens always swore he’d never be a dairy farmer. How things change. Coast & Country News visited Josh, wife Shaz and family at his new workplace – a 145ha Pyes Pa farm, owned by Perry and Shona Williams, contract milking 460 Friesian-cross cows.

And just after he’d placed third at the 50th National FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition. Winning 2018’s Bay of Plenty regional Young Farmer title, he em ar ed on the wee -long uly national ﬁnal, with seven men tackling fast-paced practical modules, technical challenges and an agri-knowledge quiz. Josh placed third overall and won the agri-knowledge challenge on July 7. So why did he return to dairying? Born in Dannevirke, Josh’s family moved around the Waikato dairy

farming. “In 2008 we moved to Edgecumbe and have been there ever since. “I kind of always looked at the work dad did and thought: ‘Bugger that!’ I’m not signing up for that’. I left school and trained as a mechanic. But once Shaz and I had kids of our own we felt it was time for a change.” When second child Lachie was three days old, Josh went for an interview on a farm. Josh and Shaz have since progressed quickly through the dairy sector, to contract milking. is ﬁrst contract mil ing o was in June 2014, milking 190 cows. Two

years later the couple stepped up to a 350-cow farm at Otakiri, Edgecumbe. “I’d previously been a herd manager on that farm before we returned to go contract milking on it,” says Josh.

High standards

“Reputation is a huge part of our farm business. We set high standards, which gives us opportunities.” Now they’re on a bigger farm and have moved near Tauranga. “Before coming here we milked on the plains so it’s a change coming up to the hills – but that’s what we wanted, a challenge.” ...continued

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Being a Young Farmer – and embracing all it has to offer continued...

Calving started August 1, and Josh will milk 450 cows in a 36-aside herringbone, with worker Ben Smith. “We’re not running the conventional set-up here. The farm rears every single calf that is born. So there are no bobby calves. Luckily, the farm owners do all of the calf-rearing. “They ﬁnish most through as steers and heifers they rear as beef animals and replacements. “There is no young stock on this milking platform. There is another block down the road and a 370ha runoff as well, which is 320ha beef and 50ha young stock. So we’re just here to run the farm and milk the cows.” Josh says the Williams have made it a very attractive workplace. “Environmentally we don’t use huge amounts of nitrogen here and everything is fenced off. We have massive bits of ush right through the farm there is a QEII reserve. “It’s a pretty cool spot being so close to the ush deer roam onto the farm We turned up here and fell in love straight away.”

the ne t year osh says grand ﬁnal week was busy. “Even getting ready for it, studying things and learning to use computer programmes you already use but the actual ins and outs…there’s a lot of technical stuff and theory to it.”

Biggest challenge

farm or something else”.“Our goals are e i le to the point that we don’t want to miss out on an opportunity.” In the short-term the couple hope to be 50:50 sharemilking, leasing a farm or in an equity partnership within ﬁve years They’re uilding e uity in several ways. “We sold a rental property in Edgecumbe and have owned cows and reared beef calves.” Josh can enter the Young Farmers competition one last time before his age eliminates him, so will he line Merle Foster up again? “Maybe.”

This was his biggest challenge – “I struggle with sitting inside a building behind a computer” but he enjoyed the upskilling. “The practical day was my thing that’s what I enjoy doing.” “We had a little farmlet project block, which we had to fence and build a maimai and pond on, swing a gate, put some rails up. Make a trough out of a drum and plumb that up o some firewood, ens in Josh Coz fencing plant some trees. d n u backgro ng Farmer “And we fit all this in t the You finals. a between modules. We rand had to calibrate a seed The lifestyle drill and plant seed, Freephone: 0800 562 382 Josh also likes the lifestyle dairying mix up spray at the right ratio and load offers their children aylie, , achie, it into a helicopter, dig a drain with a 8, and Travis, 5. “Yes, the hours have digger.” its ups and downs and uctuate Josh says health and safety was a big throughout the year – but it is what you focus. “We had 10 minutes to set up a make it. shed with chemicals before Worksafe “Especially when you get to where we arrived to inspect it.” are now. We’re self-employed so we can Shaz, with Josh’s grandfather and put in as much or as little as we want. brother, travelled to Invercargill to sup“For us it’s about getting that balance port him. Being the 50th Young Farmer of working when we have to and having competition, Josh also met many former a life when we want to.” winners “ t was surprising to find out Josh joined NZ Young Farmers not it was people you know that you didn’t long after entering the dairy sector and know had won it. The diversity of has met people from all over the country people that have won is huge.” “everyone from farm owners to leaders Josh was pitted against two fellow within Fonterra”. dairy farmers, and four from other He’s entered the Young Famers compe- farming sectors, with South Otago tition four times, made it to the regional sheep farmer Logan Wallace taking the  Commercial three times and this year placed third at national title. “The people are all good the national final  Industrial value – we couldn’t have had a better Why does he keep entering? “The bunch of guys to go through the  Rural networ ing side of it is ust huge ut it’s contest with.” dusted kind Farming’s of a bug. hard work and you can’t afford to muck around. Get it doneand Residential with of our They’re “The firstthe yearhelp entered ust Buckton for fun spreaders. Ultimate goala great combo of Kiwi engineering  Maintenance & Servicing Thenand won the districttechnology. final and placed The ultimatewill goalreturn for Joshnutrients and Shaz? to the field, European Our spreaders fast. third at the regional final ou start “Never moving ever again,” jokes Shaz. seeingGive where itthe goes team from there says land ownership “but we’re at– itPiako Josh Tractors a call –today. really just makes you want to do better www.morrinsville.laserelectrical.co.nz not fi ed as to whether that’s a dairy

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‘Muddy buns’ cleaning up the butter market Muddy Buns, Dirty Dirty Bread, or Zang Zang ao as they’re nown in China, are creating a social media frenzy and driving a further craving for butter around the world.

your face clean while eating. They are popular with celebrities who have ta en to social media to share images of their ‘muddy un face’ experience.”

Susan says demand for butter is as strong as ever. People

want natural products and are prepared to pay for them –and that’s why global butter prices, including here in NZ, are continuing to rise. “ ven in temperatures

And Fonterra dgecum e is gearing up to handle this global trend – commissioning a new butter line, which will nearly double the factory’s butter sheet production from 4500 metric tonnes to 7000 metric tonnes. Fonterra general manager mareting, glo al foodservice usan Cassidy says the Dirty Dirty Bread can best be described as a chocolate croissant People love the a y chocolate pastry that’s coated in rich chocolate ganache and sprinled with cocoa powder “ t ma es it impossi le to eep

Above: Fonterra Edgecumbe cream plant manager Doug Gerry with engineering project manager Will Rouse sharing their ‘muddy bun face’ experience.

In temperatures of minus 10 degrees Celsius, crowds of people are queuing for hours to get their hands on their Muddy Bun.

Fonterra Board of Directions election process begins Fonterra’s Board of Directors’ election – to elect three farmer-elected directors – is underway, as the Independent Nomination Process closed for nominations on July 23. Returning fficer arwic ampp of electionz.com will announce these candidates on September 10. The Self-Nomination Process, where farmers can put themselves forward as a candidate for the Board outside the Independent Nomination Process, will follow with a nomination period running from September 10-20. arwic will confirm all Farmer irectors’ lection candidates on September 24. The irectors’ lection will use the ‘first past the post majority’ system via postal and online voting by Fonterra shareholders. Incumbent directors Nicola Shadbolt, Ashley augh and ohn ilson are re uired to retire under the rotational retirement cycle. They may all stand for re-election if they wish – none have announced their intentions yet. The irector lection Rules allows prospective candidates to go through either the Independent Nomination Process or Self-Nomination Process, but not both, in the same election cycle. Nomination Papers and Candidate Hand oo s are available by phoning 0800 666 034 or

emailing: iro@electionz.com Nominations for the Shareholders’ Council and Directors’ Remuneration Committee elections will be called for on September 3, with nominations closing September 20. Respective councillors’ intentions will be announced closer to the time.

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of minus 10 degrees Celsius, crowds of people are ueuing for hours to get their hands on their Muddy Bun.” dgecum e’s operations manager Allan uggeridge says the ﬁrst utter sheet will roll off the new butter line on September 1. “ e’ve een watching demand for butter build for a number of years now. “The building part of the project started in ay, so it’s een a uic turnaround to get it up and running,” says Allan. Fifteen local contractors have been employed to complete the expansion at the site, which employees 380 people. “It’s been a real boost to the local business community, especially after the rough last months dgecum e has had,” says Allan.

Page 48

DAIRY

Challenges underfoot: wet paddocks and farm biosecurity The rain – it just keeps coming. This is the second year-in-a-row we’ve had a really wet winter. So everyone’s struggling with winter grazing. Some paddocks are in a bit of a mess due to too much moisture – even the high ground has pugging.

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There will be pugged pastures around the district this year, so some will have to be sprayed for weed and/or drilled in spring when it dries out, to get new grass in, or there may not be much growth. Spraying for willow weed, buttercup, penny royal etc in low-lying areas will be needed. It may be an opportunity to put chicory, turnip or maize in this spring to get some eneﬁt out of these paddocks then put them back into new pasture come autumn, when it’s a bit drier. Lots of rain during winter also creates sulphur-leaching – so check your sulphur levels and ensure you’re putting on sulphur with spring fertiliser mixes to bring them back up. veryone will e at out calving by now – by early-August all our winter grazing cows have gone back to their farms. This autumn was a good growing autumn – turnips have done really well, and so has the grass. Currently, we’re in a neutral phase. At this stage a mild El Nino weather pattern is predicted for next year so we could be heading into a drier phase next summer. So ensure you’ve got feed and crops sorted in case it turns dry

in summer. But so far, so good. Mycoplasma Bovis – this will be a real biggie going forward, for the whole dairying industry – even for those unconnected to it. There’s been nothing detected in the Bay of Plenty region that we know of yet – thank goodness! And we’re trying to keep it out – and keep tight in terms of biosecurity. This is really hard with movement of stock trucks, fertiliser trucks, contractors, machinery, rural sales reps, vehicles etc. Other industries outside of agriculture are affected too. Anyone who goes onto the land – moving from one farm to the next – should take precautions. The line is to stop at the cowshed – and if possible use the farmers’ vehicle to move around onfarm. The tankerloop is being used as the biosecurity safe area – so people should stop and wash vehicles there, to prevent contamination.

The concern for us is we drive down the farm race to deliver most silage stacks – so we’ll have to wash and spray trucks between each farm delivery. It could turn into an issue. It may increase costs to companies in time, spraying trucks, delaying deliveries. Farmers may need to station people on-site to wash trucks before they leave farms to speed up the process. It may be a good idea to consult with neighbours when grazing close to their boundary to avoid animal contact between paddocks, or on-road going to run-offs. And what if a cow breaks out and get mixed up with another herd? Sometimes it can’t be avoided, but the consequences could be dire. So we’ve got some challenges ahead of us. We’re spraying yards before and after we use them, both our own yards and others’ yards, in between cow movements, plus disinfecting our vehicles. We recognise the extra work and care we have to provide. From observation we don’t see in all circumstances the same attention to care that we apply, but believe in order to restrict this industrydebilitating disease, all farmers should insist on control over stock and vehicle movements on and off-farm.

DAIRY

Page 49

Learning the art of soil testing will certainly pay off Taking soil tests to ascertain nutrient levels for pasture and crop production is a very small but essential cost, which can pay back large dividends. Not only will a good soil test identify which elements the fertiliser budget should focus on applying and what quantities are required, but it will also identify which elements are not required. Applying unnecessary or excessive nutrients to the soil is not only a waste of money, but they can also be bad for the environment when these are leached into ground water or lost as runoff into streams. Too much of one element can also negatively affect overall plant or animal performance, making plants more susceptible to attack from pathogens, and affect the quality of crops grown and the shelf-life of certain fruits and vegetables. When taking soil tests, one

should identify any soil type, aspect or contour differences within the area being sampled. If the area is relatively uniform, with a known fertiliser history between paddocks, a random walk across the area taking 10-20 plugs should sufﬁce However, if there are ponding areas, or if there are distinct soil type or contour differences, these should be sampled separately – or not be included in the sample should they only be a small fraction of the area the sample is to represent. Including these anomalous areas in the bulk sample can skew the results and lead to incorrect diagnosis of what fertiliser nutrients are needed.

Areas to avoid

For soil testing pastures, areas around water troughs, gateways, shelterbelts, hedges or trees should be avoided because

these are areas where livestock will have congregated and will be higher in fertility than other parts of the paddock due to more dung and urine being deposited there. If the paddock has been recently grazed with cattle in particular, you should wait for at least two-three weeks after grazing to identify urine patches and avoid including these in the sample because this will lift the nitrogen and potassium levels in particular. Sheep and deer urine patches are not as big and concentrated so will not skew the sample as much as cattle urine patches. Soil samples should not be ta en if ef uent or fertiliser has been applied within the previous three months because this could contaminate sample. Nor should they be taken in drought conditions or if the soils have been at saturation point for an extended period of time. When grow-

ing a crop, sampling should be done when there is still plenty of time to take remedial action in being able to organise any base fertiliser before planting. Applying lime just before planting on an acid soil is unlikely to start having much effect in the ﬁrst two-three months which could impact on crop establishment.

Test depth

For most crops the standard soil test depth is 15cm. But if the soil is being ploughed deeper, then sampling to the plough depth is a good idea. When interpreting soil test results from the lab, knowing soil testing depth is important. Most soil tests on pastures are only taken to a depth of 7.5cm here in NZ, although in Australia and South America the recommended depth on pasture is 10cm and in Europe and North America a 15cm depth is normal. I like to do 10cm samples because I think this better represents where the bulk of the root mass is on client’s farms, with 7.5cm being

too shallow and 15cm being too deep for permanent pasture. Robin Boom, CPAg, member of the Institute of Professional Soil Scientists. Ph: 0274448764.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 50

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Whangamata Katch 4 Kidz

August 9

hunting and ﬁshing competition, see details at: www. facebook.com/katch4kidz

August 5

Waste-free Living Workshop, 6pm, Waihi Beach Community Centre, $15. See tinyurl. com/y87qml3s

Rotorua Botanical Society

Art Crime, 5.30pm talk by

Penelope Jackson, Te Runanga Tea House, Rotorua.

Field Trip, 8.30am, Ngamanawa kauri. See tinyurl. com/h4zph2x

August 11

Catching Fish

Using Wood, Bone, Stone & Shell, 7pm, talk by Te Papa curator Dr Chris Paulin,

Garden design, 9am-3pm

for two weeks, Fraser High School, Hamilton, $85. See: tinyurl.com/jxwolwf

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August 15-30

August 17-20

The Life & Times of Supervolcanoes, free talk by Volcanologist Professor Colin Wilson. Hamilton at 5.30pm, Southwell School Auditorium on August 15; Rotorua at Millennium Hotel on August 21, 6pm; Tauranga at Tauranga Yacht and Boat Club on August 22, at 5.30pm; Whakatane at Whakatane Little Theatre on August 23, at 5.30pm; Gisborne at War Memorial Theatre on August 29, 6pm; Taupo at Great Lake Centre Theatre on August 30, 5.30pm. Register: royalsociety.org.nz/events

NZ Camellia Show & Con-

Ph Carmel 07 859 0158.

August 26

vention, New Plymouth.

Bonsai Workshop, 2-4pm, Bunnings, Hamilton, free.

50 Years of Fieldays, Wai-

The Littlewood Treaty, 2pm talk by Carol Smyth about the ‘lost’ English draft of the Treaty rediscovered in 1992, Te Runanga Tea House, Queen’s Dr, Rotorua, $10 Museum Friends/ $15. See rotoruamuseum.co.nz

Until August 19 kato Museum, Hamilton, free. See: tinyurl.com/ya56lswt

August 20

Mangere Island, Chathams: A restoration story, 5.30pm talk by Catherine Beard, Waikato Botanical Society, Hamilton, gold coin. See tinyurl.com/yavslov

August 29-31

August 23

Waikato Horticultural

Society: Biosecurity, 7.30pm, Hamilton Gardens, $5.

The New Zealand Avocado International Industry Conference 2018 at ASB Baypark, Tauranga. Programme and registration details: www. avocadoconference.co.nz

Rutherford medalist talks supervolcanoes Colin, who is British-born but With Taupo being one of based his career in NZ, says the world’s supervolcanoes, there are several things that Central North Island resifascinate him about volcanoes. dents are being encouraged to “The finding of new things attend a free talk on ‘The Life that have not been recognised and Times of Supervolcanoes’ before; the challenge of trying by 2017 Rutherford Medal to work out what has gone on recipient Professor Colin in past eruptions, where if the Wilson. eruption were to be repeated, Colin is heading to 22 you would not survive; as locations nationally, includColin Wilson. well as the enjoyment of ing six in the Central North being able to work on things from the Island during August, where he’ll talk very largescale in the field down to the on supervolcanoes. This tour is presented by Royal Society microscopic scale in the laboratory.” Being on the south-western edge of the Te Aparangi in partnership with GNS ‘Pacific Ring of Fire’, a zone related to Science, the Earthquake Commission the tectonic movements of the Pacific and Victoria University. Plate that include more than 75 per The society’s most prestigious public cent of the world’s volcanoes, NZ has address given by a very distinguished researcher annually, Colin’s lecture is an had, probably since its infancy, active volcanism. unprecedented tour by a winner of Active and dormant volcanoes, associthis medal. ated geothermal areas and volcanic Colin, FRS FRSNZ, from the School remnants are visible throughout our of Geography, Environment and Earth landscape. However, in recent times, Sciences at Victoria University, was awarded the Rutherford Medal at 2017’s eruptions have only been in the Taupo Volcanic Zone and the Kermadec Arc, NZ Research Honours for his research since Mount Taranaki’s last activity into understanding large, explosive in 1854. supervolcanoes and the hazards Strikingly though, NZ is where the they pose. world’s most violent volcanic eruption The Rutherford Medal is the society’s happened within the last 5000 years – highest award, recognising eminent known as the Taupo Eruption. research or technological practice in sciTo register for one of Colin’s free talks ence, mathematics, social science, – in the events calendar above – see: or technology. An outstanding field-focused geologist, https://royalsociety.org.nz/events

BOAT | FISH | WATERSPOR T NZ

2018 Apr il

BER TR TIM E

NT ME AT

PEPP ER

Mark Hey.

DECEMBER 2017

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 51

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Page 52

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Left: Olivia Sefton, 4, is helping Daddy feed the calves in Morrinsville.

Right: Ella, 12, and Lily, 9, show off their big catch for the Dinsdale Hunting Competition. Florence, 11 months, getting checked out by one of the cows in Matamata.

Aiden, in the drain, and Lucas, having a great time getting dirty amongst the mud in Cambridge.

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Beau Conwell, 3, riding his pony ‘Missy’ in Rotorua.