Coast & Country News - November 2019

Walking into Rob Pinkney’s workshop near Waipapa, Te Awamutu is like stepping back in history. The coking coal-fired forge dominates the scene, with the anvil next to it. A more modern stamper sits in the corner, and a vast number of tools are hung all over the workshop. Rob is one of New Zealand’s few remaining traditionally-trained blacksmiths, and he’s dedicated to saving the craft. Read his story on pages 24-25. Photo: Catherine Fry.

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Page 2

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Collaboration is the key It’s a scary old world out there for food producers.

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Not only do you have to play the weather’s game to grow and produce high-quality products, you’ve got operate within the confines of legislation. And ou’re also at the mercy of possible biosecurity threats, the global markets, the banks, among many other factors.

I often look at calendars of events on offer throughout the primary industries and think: wow, why so many? Would you be able to get off-farm or off-orchard even to attend even half of them? But I believe they hold huge value in finding solutions to issues, keeping vigilant, or just keeping informed of where things are heading. Yes, collaboration is another of those words chucked around. But a lot of these events enable people from different areas, situations, backgrounds, viewpoints and mindsets to come together and share knowledge, experiences, ground-breaking technology and so much more.

As the saying goes: ‘Knowledge is power’. And I believe to strive towards success, in whatever form that may be, requires building your knowledge base continuously. Being knowledgeable enables you to set strategic ways to operate in order to achieve success.

Collaborating – or sharing – is building your knowledge base. So with all that’s happening these days it is encouraging to see many primary producers getting off-farm to attend events that offer

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information-sharing and collaboration.

In Coast & Country News this month, we cover key messages from the first-e er BOP Future Farming Symposium. See page 3.

The aim of the symposium was to get BOP farmers and growers ahead of the game, in terms of regulation coming their way. Climate Change Minister James Shaw was supposed to attend and address this pan-sector symposium.

He provided a video instead as he was with Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Agricultural Minister Damien O’Connor announcing that agriculture was being left out of the Emissions Trading Scheme – with government joining forces with the industry to develop practical and cost-effective ways to measure and price emissions at farm level by 2025. More on this on pages 40-41.

We cover the second annual Tauranga Moana Biosecurity Capital excellence symposium, with a theme ‘This is personal’. See page 13.

And we have many other stories that share wisdom or food for thought for fellow primary producers. Opotiki dairy farmer Shane Armstrong is on a journey to making his operation organic. See pages 20-21.

NZ Avocado is planning the World Avocado Congress here in NZ in 2020. See page 35.

Congratulations to Jen Scoular and her team for the huge work they put into winning the hosting rights.

And the NZ Effluent & nvironment Expo on this month in Hamilton will offer education on effluent management and much, much more. See pages 48-51. So get off-farm and into the minds of others.

And be strategic going forward.

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Locals can solve freshwater quality issues Landowners are best placed to implement measures to improve water quality in their catchments, and there is funding and assistance to help meet new regulatory freshwater requirements is what 280 growers, dairy, sheep, beef and deer farmers were told at the Bay of Plenty Future Farming Symposium in Te Puke on October 24.

The day-long event organised by the Pan-Sector Industry Alumni Events subcommittee of the Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards – and the first of its kind in New Zealand – was addressed by politicians, a government official and farmers.

Minister for Climate Change James Shaw, who had agreed to attend the symposium, did not front in person as he was part of a government announcement of major reforms to the Emissions Trading Scheme made in Wellington that day. See more about this on pages 40-41.

However, he did send a video in which he said New Zealand farmers are the most adaptable, resilient, productive, efficient and innovative in the world and have the capacity to feed 40 million of the world’s projected nine billion population by 2050.

than one, can you say that the river is not healthy?

Imposing such tight guidelines risk farmers saying: ‘It is too tough I’m going to plant pine trees’.”

Newly re-elected Bay of Plenty Regional Council chairman and dairy farmer Doug Leeder said his council uses a range of non-regulatory tools including advice and funding to support people to get action on the ground.

“Together with landowners we have delivered more than 2000 environmental plans across the region focused on reducing run-off to waterways, protecting local rivers and streams. A lot of those programmes are industry-led; and in order to get those outcomes, council offers between 25 to 100 per cent in terms of funding required.”

Land Environment Plan

The plans aimed at improving water quality, soil protection, increasing biodiversity, fencing, planting and pest control. “In my view local problems are best resolved by local people,” said Doug.

“There is a place for national policy and national regulations, but the people who understand their catchment and subcatchment better than anyone else are those who live there.”

Whakatane dairy farmer Fraser McGougan told the symposium that taking positive action, including implementing a Land Environment Plan, Many leading the way The Ministry for the Environment director of water is rewarding for the environment as well as personally and financially.

Martin Workman said the report ‘Environment His comments were backed up by Rikki James, Aotearoa’, released in April showed while some manager of the large NZ waterways were mixed dairying, grazing improving, many, both and orcharding enterprise in rural and urban areas Cameron Farms near Matata. were not, and action Eight years ago, the property needed to be taken. began implementing a riparian “Thousands of farmers management plan which throughout the country has led to extensive changes are doing their bit for the in land use and ultimately environment to pass on increased profitability. to their grandchildren, Katikati drystock farmer and leaving the land in a kiwifruit grower John Burke, better state than they NZ Landcare Trust BOP received it. These farmers are leading the way. What Ministry for the Environment’s Director Water Regional co-ordinator Janie government is proposing Martin Workman says the report Environment Stevenson, and Beef + Lamb to do is to ensure Aotearoa shows while some NZ waterways were NZ’s environment strategy everyone is contributing improving, many, both in rural and urban areas manager Simon Stokes spoke of the value of catchment to that.” were not, and action needed to be taken. groups in bringing together Bay of Plenty MP and neighbouring landowners and urban residents with National spokesperson for agriculture Todd Muller a common goal of improving water quality and said NZ must play its part in addressing climate environmental outcomes in their specific areas. change and when it came to improving freshwater The event was attended by growers, farmers and quality the way forward was collaboration. rural professionals from the dairying, drystock, kiwifruit, avocado and fertiliser industries and such Onerous levels was the positive response from attendees, the plan is He expressed concerns at what he described as to hold a similar event next year. “onerous” water quality measurements, especially To find out more about Land Environment Plans around dissolved nitrogen, set by the current go to the websites of Beef+Lamb, Dairy NZ, Zespri, government. “We [the National Party] are asking Avocado NZ or the Bay of Plenty Regional Council. if you can demonstrate you have got good macro invertebrates and good eco-system health, but because Information on how to start a catchment group is also available from The Landcare Trust. of the particular nature of surrounding land you have a DIN [Dissolved Inorganic Nitrogen] higher Elaine Fisher

Climate Change Minister James Shaw addressed the BOP Future Farming Symposium by video. Photo: Elaine Fisher.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Slim pickings for hiring A Waikato strawberry grower and sector representative says the biggest challenge to operating a successful business in his industry today is staffing.

Darien McFadden, who has worked in the industry for 20 years and took over Strawberry Fields on Woodside Rd, Matangi, from his parents seven years ago, feels it’s up to the Government to provide more staffing options.

“It is imperative that there is easier access to more workers,” says Darien, whose family have been growers for the last 35-odd years.

“Four decades ago it was enough to be a good horticulturalist and grower,

but now you also need to be a good business manager, good at recruiting and retaining seasonal staff, and good at marketing and selling,” says Darien, who is a Strawberry Growers NZ executive director.

The McFadden’s farm 24 acres of strawberries. They employ fi e people year-round, a core group of 25 every harvest season for planting, defl wering, bedding and pre-season maintenance jobs and for three-four work blocks during winter, and a total of 120 people from November to January – the height of the season.

Handled twice

Darien says strawberries have to be handled twice as they are picked and packed by hand. The only automation

Waikato strawberry grower Darien McFadden has a lot to organise. Photo: Supplied.

The only automation currently available in strawberry picking in NZ is a forklift for moving bins and conveyer belt to move them along in the packing shed. Photo: Bridget Jochems.

available at this time is a forklift for moving bins and conveyer belt to move them along in the packing shed. Internationally, there’s research into further automation for the strawberry industry, but it’ll be 10-15 years before the technology is available in New Zealand.

“Years ago, when my parents ran the farm, getting employees was easier. Unemployment levels were higher and so more Kiwis wanted the work and more people were immigrating to NZ and looking for work,” says Darien.

Some of Strawberry Field’s core employees have been working with the McFadden family for 15 years and recommend friends and family as pickers.

However, many of these core employees are getting close to retirement age – and Darien worries there are no replacement options coming through.

Other recruitment pools are recent immigrants, who he says are great workers and sometimes stay longer than a season and become core workers, but usually use the job as a means to establish themselves and move to something else. Then there are people on working holidays or university break; and jobseekers who often hear about the work through Work and Income NZ. Other pools are retirees who want summer work, people on probation, high school students and community groups.

Not enough people “We try to offer flexible hours to accommodate people. A hardworking picker can make up to $1000 a week, but it’s hard physical work, and seasonal.

There are often just not enough people to do it.”

...continued

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

strawberry labourers

Page 5 Strawberries have to be handled twice as they are picked and packed by hand. Photo: Bridget Jochems.

continued...

Darien knows of strawberry growers who’ve been able to only pick three-quarters of their planted land because they couldn’t access the staff required. One couple he knows of was forced to leave 250 tons of strawberries unharvested last year. Another has left the strawberry growing business entirely. “Making decisions like these is gut-wrenching stuff; the opposite of the goal.”

The best money is in the export market, but requires strawberries to be picked every two days – for the domestic market the requirement is every three days. Darien says he’d like to be able to export more of his produce, but he would need access to more employees.

He says New Zealand’s horticulture industry is dependent on its Recognised Seasonal Employers scheme, which brings workers into the country from the Pacific Islands to pick and pack fruit. The Government recently increased the RSE worker pool by 1550 to a total of 16,000 – but the scheme’s timeframes are difficult to work with, and outside the capabilities of many small and medium sized

farmers, says Darien. “Our season is underway now and we can’t just click our fingers and get people over here from the islands. There are processes which need to be addressed a couple of years in advance for growers to become Recognised Seasonal Employers – and you need to be a certain size for this to be a viable option anyway.”

Two-part solution

Darien suggests a two-part solution: Working Holiday Visas dedicated to horticulture work; and WINZ processes that would allow workers to re-access the Job Seekers Benefit without too much bureaucracy, cost and delay when the season ends.

“This would make seasonal work much more attractive,” says Darien. “WINZ’s current policies are prohibitive for many would-be employees to do seasonal work, particularly those with dependents.”

And while it’s been traditional to have strawberries for a Kiwi Christmas, Darien says today’s consumer expects them on retail shelves during the whole of daylight saving. “Growers want to deliver, but can only do so with access to an adequate labour pool.”

He predicts that due to lack of labour and additional costs of recruitment, strawberries will be very expensive this year. “All I want to do is employ people, pay my taxes and have a bit leftover for myself and my family.”

On September 26, when Immigration Minister Iain Lees-Galloway announced a two-year increase to the RSE quota, he said the move “will help address industry concerns that a lack of certainty on RSE numbers makes it hard for them to plan for labour needs and accommodation requirements”.

Coast & Country News approached the Minister’s office for comment on this story but did not get a response by the publication’s print time.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Nelson grower’s fruitful win in the BOP “Some of the past winners have gone on to do amazing Nelson fruit grower Jono Sutton is the 2019 things in horticulture, so to have my name next to theirs Young Grower of the Year, a title he won after is overwhelming,” says Jonno. two days’ competition against six other top “The competition was tough and tight the whole young growers at Mount Maunganui in October. way through. This was my second time at the nationals It was the first time the national event had been held in the Bay of Plenty, following two successive wins by Bay of Plenty women growers. In 2017 Erin Atkinson of Te Puke became the first woman ever to win the title in the competition’s 11-year history, and in 2018 Danni van der Heijden took the top award too.

Jono, who is a 26-year-old apple and boysenberry grower, was overwhelmed to win what he describes as “one of horticulture’s highest achievements for a young person”.

and I’ve had a few swings at the regional competitions, which I won twice. I had a massive time during national competition week and during the last few months and really enjoyed the experience.”

BOP’s Alex Ashe

Jono also won the best practical award and the award for the best speech while Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year Alex Ashe, 25, won the best business, innovation and leadership awards. Austin Singh Purewal, 18, won the Young Vegetable Grower of the Year award.

Edens Road Fruit in Nelson, the orchard owned by Jono’s family, grows three varieties of boysenberry and nine varieties of apples. Jono carries out a wide range of rolls within the family business, from staff supervision, machinery operation, and packhouse manager to block development and long-term planning.

At the national event, the seven contestants took Specialising in Specialising in part in three theory tests on insurance, computer skills • Removal chipping of whole trees and four practical events involving and innovation • Removal / chipping/ of whole trees tractor driving, repairing water systems, managing On site for chipping for pads standpests off and pads diseases and the safe handling, use and • On site •chipping stand off storage of hazardous substances. They also participated • Wood chip for sale • Wood chip for sale in a leadership panel, followed by a speech before an

audience of 270 people.

Other contestants were: Ellen Watt, 23, Central Otago Young Grower of the Year; Regan Judd, 23, Hawke’s Bay Young Grower of the Year; Sam Tietjen, 26, Gisborne Young Grower of the Year; Craig Botting, 24, North Canterbury Young Vegetable Grower.

Vibrant careers

HortNZ Chief Executive Mike Chapman says the Young Grower of the Year is important because it highlights horticulture as a vibrant career for young people.

“Our $6 billion industry continues to grow in response to worldwide and domestic demand for fresh healthy food. At the same time, our industry is responding to new requirements, particularly in the areas of freshwater,

land use, food safety, and health and safety.

“These areas offer young people many and varied career opportunities. I’m positive that all entrants in 2019’s Young Grower competition have benefited from the experience and will continue to grow and support horticulture.”

The annual competition is run by Horticulture NZ and supported by platinum sponsor, the Horticentre Elaine Fisher Charitable Trust.

Jono Sutton.

Orchardremoval shelter removal • Orchard• shelter • Stump removal • Stump removal Woodlot marketing all tree species • Woodlot• marketing of all tree of species

A little light fruit and vegetable relief – contestants in the Young Grower of the Year event were challenged to make creatures from fresh produce as part of the competition. All photos: Brydie Thompson.

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Austin is the youngest ever winner At 18 years old Austin Singh Purewal is the youngest ever winner of the New Zealand Young Vegetable Grower of the Year Award, taking out the title after two days of competition at Mount Maunganui in October.

Currently part of the T&G Global key accounts team, Austin grew up helping out and later working in the family business, Purewal Growers Ltd, at Pukekohe.

He credits his father Charnjit Singh Purewal with developing his passion for growing. “Dad has always encouraged me to try new things and to spread my wings by joining T&G. I wouldn’t be where I am without his mentoring.”

Working in the family business carrying out harvesting, irrigation, seeding/drilling duties, staff management, sales and shipping of product nationally helped Austin hone his industry skills. He also completed NCEA Level 3 Agriculture/Horticulture at Pukekohe High School and holds a Growsafe Certificate and an Approved Handler Certification.

In his role with T&G Global, Austin is responsible for the distribution of fresh produce – currently cucumber – throughout the country and to supermarkets. He also aims to support growers as much as he can by helping them connect with customers.

Keen to see other young people, including women and those from diverse backgrounds enter the horticultural industry, Austin has reservations about the future, in light of new government environmental regulations that look likely to impact the industry.

“It’s an industry I enjoy but whether I stay in it comes down to what the Government does and what future it offers for young people.”

HortNZ chief executive Mike Chapman says that competitions like these are essential because they highlight horticulture as a vibrant career for young people. “Our $6 billion industry continues to grow in response to worldwide and domestic demand for fresh, healthy food.

“These areas offer immense opportunity for young people, with

many varied career opportunities ahead of them. I’m positive that all entrants in 2019’s competition have benefited from the experience and will continue to grow and support horticulture.”

The annual Young Vegetable Grower of the Year competition is run by Horticulture NZ and supported by platinum sponsor, the Horticentre Elaine Fisher Charitable Trust.

The 2019 New Zealand Young Vegetable Grower of the Year, Austin Singh Purewal received his trophy from Ben Smith of Turners & Growers.

Photo: Brydie Thompson.

Austin became joint winner of the Young Vegetable Grower title with Craig Botting, 24, of North Canterbury, back in May, with both going on to the national finals. Preparing for that event was almost like another job, says Austin. “It takes up a lot of your time if you are really dedicated to it.

“If you put a lot of effort in, you get lots out of it.

From meeting new people to opening up my mind to opportunities within the industry, that’s what I wanted to get out of the competition. I didn’t necessarily want to win. I wanted to come out of it with more opportunities.”

Throughout the leadership panel and speech events, Austin voiced his views on the importance of diversity and encouraging young people into roles within the industry. He hoped that by entering, he has shown his peers that they can also achieve great things in the industry.

Wind farm hearing delayed A combined Hauraki District and Waikato Regional Council hearing for a proposed wind farm on the north-western area of the Kaimai Ranges is now unlikely to happen before the end of this year.

Iwi have raised specific concerns about the proposal and are currently in discussions with Kaimai Windfarm Ltd. The company lodged resource consent applications with HDC and WRC in July 2018.

HDC planning and environmental services group manager Peter Thom says negotiations between iwi and the company will determine what should be included in a Maori Values Assessment, which looks at the relationship of Maori and their culture and traditions with their ancestral lands, water, sites, waahi tapu and other taonga. “The assessment will be considered along with other submissions by three independent commissioners jointly-appointed by HDC and WRC to decide on the applications.”

The applications, which are being processed jointly by the two councils, cover the proposed construction of 24 largescale wind turbines on 1304ha near Rotokohu Rd, south of Paeroa.

Seven of the proposed turbines would be 180m high to blade tip standing upright, and 17 would be 207m high. The proposed wind farm will have the capacity to provide an estimated 400 GWH of power per annum,

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The applications also cover the removal of vegetation and earthworks associated with the construction phase of the project.

Copies of the application documents and all supporting technical information are available on the councils’ websites.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Dung beetles at work Copris hispanus destroying a cow pat with subsoil brought to the surface as the dung is buried clearly visible. (Right: Male and females have horns.)

For many years, New Zealand farmers have had to manage a broken manure recycle system, according to internationally recognised entomologist Dr Shaun Forgie.

The pastures have been void of dung beetles since the introduction of livestock, which he believes has resulted in an imbalance of the natural soil ecosystem, and associated environmental issues.

Pasture fouling, flourishing livestock pests including gut nematodes, low soil fertility, biology and structure, reduced water infiltration and increased surface runoff, low water quality, no sequestering carbon, and lower pasture productivity are all familiar issues.

Pastoral earthworms were imported but are difficult to establish being susceptible to variations soil pH and soil type, and slow to spread.

However, dung beetles have been around for 100 million years, and evolved alongside dung-producing animals to recycle animal waste and restore the natural balance of the soil ecosystem.

In, 2014 Dung Beetles Innovations was founded with a mission to rebalance New Zealand’s pastoral farming systems through leadership, the sale and research of dung beetles.

Shaun, who has a PhD and MSc (Hons) degree specialising in dung beetle reproduction, ecology and evolution, is part of the Dung Beetle Innovations project. “Dung beetles complete a broken nutrient

• • • • •

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Dr Shaun Forgie of Dung Beetle Innovations.

cycle, thereby increasing the sustainability of livestock farming. As with many environmental issues, nature offers a solution.

“They provide a proven, self-sustainable range of ecosystem services, including reducing through the incorporation of nutrients in the manure into the soil,” says Shaun.

Dung beetles nest in soil with little regard of soil type or soil conditions and rapidly bury fresh manure within days of it being deposited on the pasture, managing manure self-sustainably. The significant improvements to structure of any soil, and its health from the tunnelling and burial of surface dung (organic carbon) is a common-sense benefit to the farmer for long-term sustainable farming, says Shaun.

Large-scale deployment

The Environmental Protection Authority granted approval to import 11 species of dung beetle suitable for NZ, based on a stringent risk cost benefit analysis and iwi consultation. This process was reviewed twice over by external impartial auditors, taking into consideration all pros and cons in the published literature, reports, reviews, etc.

“If they were deemed to be a waste of time, no benefit to farmers and the country, or a health/ environmental risk, then they would not have been given approval for release in NZ,” says Shaun.

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By doing so, the ecosystem services they provide will contribute significantly towards the sustained restoration of NZ’s natural environment, says Shaun.

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Page 9

Restoring a natural balance to soils continued...

Otorohanga lifestyle farmer and beekeeper Rob Atkinson was one of the first in NZ to embrace the commercial aspect of dung beetles.

Lifestyle block

His 30 acre effective ‘glorified’ lifestyle block, consists of medium hill country with Maeroa Ash soils and a sprinkling of limestone tomo. He runs around 10 cows, 40 sheep and a few pigs, and describes his land as not very fertile. “The dung beetle concept fascinated me,” says Rob. “It’s a long-term solution and once numbers are up, they reach a natural equilibrium as they only eat dung.”

Rob hopes to see worm numbers up, more aeration and water absorption, resulting in reduced run off into the waterways.

In 2016 Rob bought and released a selection of dung beetle types onto his land: Paua beetle (Geotrupes spiniger), Mexican dung beetle (Copris incertus), Taurus beetle (Onthophagus taurus),

Copris hispanus.

Lifestyle farmer and beekeeper Rob Atkinson was one of the first in NZ to introduce dung beetles commercially onto his land. Photo: Catherine Fry. and Binodis beetle (Onthophagus binodis).

“The variety was deliberate, using their different breeding cycles and different activity periods to try and get Bubas bison as near to all-year-round male. activity for the pasture.”

Rob sees activity from the Paua and Mexican beetles by the little mounds of subsoil on the grass where there was once a dung pile. He’s yet to see proof that the smaller beetles are at work but it is early days. “They take about two days to demolish a dung pile, which is pretty good going.”

Neighbours who have not released dung beetles have reported activity on their property, so they are spreading naturally.

Rob has also bought and released dung beetles on friends’ properties in Awakino and Kawhia. “Call it my ecoservices to the community,” says Rob with a laugh.

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Research project

As Rob’s property was one of the first release sites, a PhD student from Waikato University started a research project last month.

During two years, this will monitor the activity of the beetles, including how they are spreading, and the effect on the soil and run-off. Rob is very happy that he “jumped in boots and all”.

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Page 10

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

New hut for Kaimai Range users A new back country hut that’s now available for public use in the southern Kaimai Range is the first in a plan to establish a network of huts along the Kaimai Ridgeline from State Highway 29 to Karangahake Gorge.

Godfrey Mackersey cutting the ribbon at the Te Whare Okioki opening celebration.

KRT chairman Roger Montgomerie speaking at the opening of Te Whare Okioki.

The Kaimai Ridgeway Trust, an affiliation of tramping, walking and deerstalkers groups last month officially opened Te Whare Okioki – ‘The Resting Place’ – the name bestowed by local iwi Ngati Hinerangi.

The 12-bunk hut sits on the Kaimai North South Track within the Kaimai Mamaku Conservation Park administered by the Department of Conservation – and is between three-six hours’ walk into the forest from one of seven southern Kaimai entry points.

Following an opening blessing by Ngati Hinerangi, an opening celebration last month was attended by 80 people – more than half walking in and the remainder arriving by helicopter.

Speakers included KRT trustees, Godfrey Mackersey, Peter Wilson from Federated Mountain

Some of the 80-strong crowd at the Te Whare Okioki opening last month.

Clubs and the Backcountry Trust, David Thompson from Ngati Hinerangi, and Ken Raureti from the BOP Conversation Board.

KRT chairman Roger Montgomerie says everyone present was very impressed with the new hut and the opportunities it provides as a great place to stay while exploring the Southern Kaimai.

The project was brought to fruition

by KRT to promote a national iconic walkway through the park where people can find a place to stay every six hours of tramping. “There are 28 entry and exit points into this forest – so the possibilities are fantastic,” says Roger.

“The idea is people can walk into

the park, stay the night then keep walking and link up to the next hut – and so on.”

Unique

Roger says construction of Te Whare Okioki is unique as it is built using aerated concrete to prevent fire risk. It also features a large covered deck, wood burner and solar-powered lighting.

“You walk in the door and flick a switch and there is light – this is still very new in a backcountry hut.”

“There’s a 5000L water tank, a washing sink on the deck, taps and picnic tables outside, and a proper toilet.

People can cook inside but we encourage them to eat on the covered deck.”

...continued

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 11

The start of a future hut network for walkers continued...

The hut is built to DOC Serviced hut standards and Matamata Piako District Council building regulations.

The NZ Deerstalkers Bay of Plenty Branch, led by KRT trustee Stan Lowe, took the lead role in the hut’s construction. “It includes a meat safe and dog kennels for hunters with DOC hunting permits,” says Roger.

Wide groups of users

pest control activity to encourage a return of more birds to the area.”

A major funding contributor was the Backcountry Trust – a partnership of Federated Mountain Clubs, NZ Deerstalkers Association and Trail Fund NZ. Other donations and grants were received from the Lion Foundation, tramping clubs, BOP Deerstalkers branch, individuals, rotary clubs, and MPDC. And Whakamarama Community Inc members helped with painting, landscaping and final touches.

“DOC has been a major supporter of the project, assisting with documentation and approvals and providing a range of logistical support and resources,” says Roger.

“They’re also producing new signage to show walking time and map information for Te Whare Okioki for all road ends and major track junctions.”

Roger says visitors must book the hut on DOC’s website, or by phoning DOC’s Tauranga office, prior to arrival.

The hut’s location was previously covered in ponga fern. Whakamarama residents may recall a flurry of helicopter activity in winter 2018 as everything to construct the hut was flown in – even a 1.5 tonne DOC digger to clear the site, which saved many hours of hard labour.

“Used through construction, behind the hut is a new helicopter pad that offers a useful facility for future search and rescue operations,” says Roger.

“There’s also ample room for camping.”

Roger expects the hut will be used regularly by tramping and walking groups, hunters, youth and school groups, families, nationwide and overseas visitors, KRT volunteer working parties, SAR training The future groups and for pest control activities.

As for the future, Roger says KRT and DOC need “It would be great for a local group to adopt the hut to work closely with iwi, lead partners and all other as their pest control base and embark on a targeted interested groups to identify further hut locations.

“The long-term plan is to build three more huts so trampers who start from Karangahake, or from the Kaimai Summit, after every six hours of tramping will have a comfortable hut to stay in.”

Formed in 2015, KRT currently maintains Daly’s Clearing and Te Rereatukahia huts, and six smaller huts originally used by deer cullers.

Roger says KRT members have now surpassed 13,000 hours of voluntary work. “We’re looking after about 150km of tracks.”

For him, the Kaimai Range is unique – with breathtaking scenery and a very diverse forest providing a great variety of environments for everyday tramping.

Volunteers helped to ready the site for “We want to encourage a wide range of groups, construction to begin. especially including schools, youth and family groups

Ready for the roof, the hut is built using aerated concrete to prevent fire risk.

Chris Middleditch lent a helping hand to build Te Whare Okioki.

to use the new hut to set youngsters on a path of appreciating and wanting to look after our great outdoor environments.”

Merle Foster

The 1.5 ton digger flown in to help clear the site for the new hut.

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 12

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Page 13

More emphasis on victims in future Biosecurity New Zealand did not pay enough attention to, or work hard enough with affected farmers and communities in the early stages of the response to Mycoplasma Bovis, says the organisation’s director of readiness and response John Walsh.

not always focused on the people and communities affected. In particular, M.bovis, which is by far the largest response we have ever run, taught us hard lessons. “While we were focused on getting rid of this pernicious disease, early on we probably didn’t pay enough attention to the victims of the disease including farmers and communities.

This is personal

“Going forward we will put increasing emphasis on victims and I’m keen to bring that focus to the work that we do,” says John.

His comments were particularly pertinent to the daylong symposium, which began with a ‘This is personal’ theme, featuring addresses by four speakers about how biosecurity incursions have affected them.

Riki Nelson of Ngati Tewai, and DOC lead track ambassador for the region, said for Maori the death of a kauri was like losing a family member so preventing kauri dieback disease spreading to the Kaimai Ranges is intensely personal for local iwi.

He outlined the ongoing work of track ambassadors to encourage trampers to clean their footwear, the feet of animals going into the ranges, and to stay on the tracks as measures to stop the spread of the disease.

Regan Fairlie and his 11-year-old daughter, Te Waiotu Marino Fairlie, presented a video highlighting the importance to Tauranga Moana iwi of native crabs (papaka), which feature in carvings on local marae, in oral traditions and in the logo of the Rangataua Rugby Club. These crabs are threatened by Asian paddle crabs now found in Tauranga Harbour.

Former Zespri chairman Peter KVH monitoring and investigation advisor McBride said among the toughest impacts Karyn Lowry and biosecurity advisor Erin on BOP growers when Lane with playing cards featuring pests vine disease Psa-V was unwanted in NZ. discovered in 2010 was the loss of control of their But he says increased emphasis will orchards and uncertainty be placed on victims of biosecurity of what lay ahead, as well incursions in future. John told the 80 significant fi financial as the signifi people who attended the second Tauranga implications including Moana Biosecurity Capital excellence immediate losses in the symposium in Tauranga in October that values of orchards. hard lessons had been learnt from the M.bovis response. “We are good at hunting KVH communications advisor Negative reaction down, containing, controlling and in Lisa Gibbison with a brown Negative reaction of other some instances eradication [of unwanted marmorated stink bug keyring organisms], but we are not always as good at to raise awareness of what the growers and the public to an orchard declared taking the wider view. unwanted pest looks like. as having Psa-V was also “We have learnt a lot in the past two to hard to take. Peter said those attitudes could be a three years, which have been an intensive period barrier to growers reporting future incursions such involving significant responses including to M.bovis; as the brown marmorated stink bug. No one wants Bonamia osteae, the oyster disease at Bluff; myrtle to be that grower who reports they have a disease or rust; and kauri dieback, to name a few. unwanted insect. Dairy farmer Shirley Trumper said “While we have focused on the organisms, we have

the negative, and uninformed, criticism by farmers about those affected by TB was particularly hard to endure. She gave a moving address which described the impacts, both emotionally and financially on herself, her husband, family and staff of the discovery first of TB in their dairy herd and then

of M.Bovis. The cow that carried TB had been in the herd, undetected by testing, for years and the source of her infection was eventually traced to wild pigs. Shirley said both experiences had brought home how crucial it was to record all animal movements in order to trace the source of infections.

Elaine Fisher

Page 14

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Common woes of planning subdivisions Subdivision planning on rural land is becoming a much more complex process as the years pass by.

It is not just about protecting the productivity of our land. There is an expectation, at least from some, that the rural landscape will remain unchanged.

In reality, with changing land use forced upon us by the global economy, that position is unrealistic. As is often said: ‘The only thing that is certain is change’.

As a means of controlling the effects – and perceived effects – of subdivision,

local councils have a District Plan that sets out many rules controlling subdivision planning. These rules are reviewed every 10 years and continue to get tougher as the country develops further.

Because subdivision is something people don’t do that often, we get involved right at the start when we are asked: ‘How to subdivide my land?’

Since we have carried out many subdivisions over the years in many local council districts, we generally have a very good idea.

However, since rules are changing often and since every piece of land has a differ-

ent history and landform, we need to research both the legal title to the land and the District Plan.

This document is a minefield of interrelated chapters covering minimum section areas and dimensions, land use allowed, landscape, ecological protection, vehicle access, house sites and construction of services – such as water, wastewater, power and phone.

Many of us remember how the Resource Management Act was sold to us. “You can do what you like, as long as the effects are mitigated”.

Well that sounded great at the time, until the list of effects was published. Unfortunately, this list continues to grow. It seems every time the RMA is overhauled – often on the pretence of streamlining – life gets harder in relation to resource consents for land development and subdividing.

Today’s common problems when planning rural subdivisions include

satisfying council that any new house site proposed will not impact on natural landscape features, will protect archaeological and ecological features, and will not impact on the outlook of the general public or other people already occupying surrounding sites. We must do this all while utilising a stable building site with safe access onto the road.

Juggling all these, and many more issues during the planning exercise, requires skill and experience to produce a quality economic subdivision design that will pass the scrutiny of council and any affected persons. Obtaining the resource consent from council then requires significant patience on top of this.

If subdividing or adjusting boundaries are on your radar this year you should contact a professional

surveying company to set you in the right direction. It is a complex legal process and you need to get off on the right foot. Looking on council’s website or discussing with a duty planner at council can clarify minimum section areas required but there is much more that they aren’t able to assess without a full professional application. I’m more than happy to discuss your opportunities for now and the future, so don’t hesitate to give me a call.

Brent Trail, managing director of Surveying Services, specialises in resource consent applications for subdivisions across the Coromandel, Waikato, and Bay of Plenty. For further information, call 0800 268 632 or email: btrail@surveyingservices.co.nz

Vaccinating young calves for Leptospirosis Leptospirosis is a serious threat to the health and livelihood of all people who either work with or simply come into contact with animals on-farm.

Leptospirosis, also referred to zoonosis, is a known human health risk with disease transfer well recognised from a variety of animal species to people. Those most at-risk include farm workers, vets, meat workers and hunters.

While routine control of lepto in New Zealand dairy cattle has improved thanks to widespread vaccination, evidence

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remains that there is still room for improvement on all types of rural properties.

Every year almost 100 cases of leptospirosis are reported in humans, and it is estimated the numbers of unreported or undiagnosed cases are even higher.

Leptospirosis vaccination of young calves is very important to protect those most vulnerable on-farm. It is also a formative part of evaluating risk factors on-farm and undertaking preventative measures to manage this easily transmissible disease.

Current recommended precautions based on recent NZ studies include the following.

Vaccinating all livestock under advice from your veterinarian; it is essential calves are vaccinated and protected before they become infected because vaccination will not clear an established infection. For spring-calving herds, two doses of vaccine before Christmas are recommended.

Do not keep pigs on dairy farms or have unvaccinated pigs or their effluent in contact with other livestock.

Control rodents and wildlife: seek advice on baiting and trapping, vermin-proof buildings and feed stores.

The emergence of Leptospira tarassovi and the presence of Leptospira ballum suggest rodents may be involved in spreading infection to livestock.

Minimise contact with animal urine through the use of personal protective equipment, good hygiene practices and taking care to avoid any other risky exposures. For example, effluent, aborted material, assisting calving, home kill, hunting.

Be aware and share your awareness with visitors who could be exposed when on your farm. If you have a ‘flulike’ illness be sure to seek medical help early and raise the suspicion of lepto to your doctor.

For further information about early calf lepto vaccination and lepto control on your property, speak with your local vet clinic today.

RURAL HOMES & BUILDINGS

Page 15

Retractable roof a first The Cravo automated retractable roof greenhouse at Barham Avocados.

Photo: Barham Avocados.

An Australian couple are trialing what they think is a world-first – g owing avocados under an automated retractable roof greenhouse in the state of New South Wales.

Katrina and Tim Myers, from Barham Avocados, are trialing growing the fruit under what they call a Cravo, which they’ve built with financial help f om a longterm, low-interest rate loan from the New South Wales Government’s Farm Innovation Fund NSW farmers can apply to the fund to build permanent on-farm infrastructure that improves farm productivity, manages adverse seasonal conditions and ensures long-term sustainability.

The couple say on their Facebook page that they are looking for ways to mitigate climate change and adjust to a future with less water and protected cropping might be the answer.

In a video posted to Youtube, Tim says the trial is

going really well. “The roof is fully open and the walls are down – that’s because it is winter time so we are trying to retain as much heat in here as we can. We had a frost last night so the roof would have been fully closed protecting [the trees].

“That’s the idea – to protect them [the trees]. Protect them from the heat in summer and the frosts in winter – and from the wind all year round.

“They’re going really well so far; the greenhouse is going well and the trees all look great. It is all automated according to temperature, humidity, wind and all working really well.”

The trial has about .5ha of trees, which are about nine months old. “They have really good root development and we’re also seeing quite a lot of floral buds quite early – so that might be encouraging.”

Tim says they’ve also been using 20 per cent less water on the trees. “We’re hoping that saving will be even more as the trees get older.”

Cutting red tape to make way for more prefabs More prefab homes are set to pop up around the countryside as the Government moves to allow more houses to be built more quickly by cutting through red tape of the Building Act. Prefab, or prefabrication, refers to any part of a building that is made away from the final building site, whether a single component or a complete building.

It is also referred to as offsite manufacturing and falls within an area of construction known as modern methods of construction.

Prefab homes will be part of the solution to tackling New Zealand’s long-term challenge of housing, says Building and Construction Minister Jenny Salesa.

Her government is aiming to make high-quality, large-scale manufacturing of prefab houses easier.

For manufacturers who prove their systems and processes are compliant, there will be a new streamlined nationwide consenting process for prefab buildings to enable mass factory production of high quality buildings; slash the likely number of building inspections for factory-produced buildings in half; and ensure only the location where a prefab house is installed requires a building consent, removing the possible need for two separate consents.

“Prefabrication and off-site manufacturing are the future of construction as they help produce highquality buildings more quickly than traditional building approaches,” says Jenny. “I’ll be introducing a Bill to the House early next year to ensure this process is in place as soon as possible.” See: www.building.govt. nz/getting-started/building-law-reforms

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RURAL HOMES & BUILDINGS

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RURAL HOMES & BUILDINGS

Home-grown timber creates unique build

Page 17

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Often when we move to a new home, we wish we could take a piece of the property we have left behind with us.

The home was architecturally designed by Mia Jenkins, formerly of Carling Architects. Viv says she went to them with plenty of ideas in the pot.

“The position of the house was to be entirely governed by the view,” she says, referring to the That’s exactly what Viv Barr did in 2012, when panoramic outlook taking in the Rangitaiki Plains and she and her late husband used historically significant a glimpse of the Raurimu Islands from the front of the timber to build a new home at Awakeri, on their dairy house, and Mount Putauaki from the rear. farm runoff.

“We also wanted raked The home – a unique build, incorporating hebel ceilings to showcase block construction – features the heavy use of timber the timber we had harvested from the home farm, located just 3km put aside.” down the road and part of the family since 1908.

Construction on “When we decided to build we wanted to take a the home started piece of the farm with us, and timber seemed like a in 2011, taking wonderful way to do that,” says Viv. just over a year to complete.

The core construction material of the home is hebel block – an aerated concrete block oneseventh the weight of concrete – which is celebrated for its thermal properties.

Viv Barr loves her new The blocks were home. Photo: Anne Boswell. braced with rods and 10 tonnes of plaster was applied to the interior and exterior of the home; a task that took one plasterer five months to complete.

The interior plaster was applied with an ‘imperfect’ finish, as per Viv’s request, and covered in a layer of beeswax.

To break up the monotonous white plaster and timber tones, Viv incorporated a liberal amount of colour throughout the home.

Various shades of dye were mixed with the interior plaster to complement the seven pieces of art Viv brought home from South America just before construction started.

Viv says growing your own timber is very rewarding, though often it is the following Eucalyptus, harvested at an incredible 90 years old, generations that benefit. was used to create the home’s floors, ceiling beams, “I’m so happy with how our home turned out...I kitchen trim, internal doors and bathroom joinery. can’t think of anything I would change about it.”

Photo: Carling Architects Ltd.

The build incorporated two species of timber: Eucalyptus saligna and Cupressus lusitanica, which was felled, kiln-dried and stacked by Bill Clark.

The eucalyptus, planted by Viv’s husband’s grandfather, was harvested at an incredible 90 years old and used to create the home’s floors, ceiling beams, kitchen trim, internal doors, and bathroom joinery.

The lusitanica, harvested at 35 years old, was planted by Viv’s father-in-law and her husband and used in all the architraves around the doors and windows, and joinery in the living room.

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY KEEP YOUR SPOUTING CLEAR

Anne Boswell

The unique build, incoporating hebel block construction, features heavy use of timber harvested from the Barr’s farm.

Photo: Carling Architects Ltd.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 18

Farmers need to be listened to I’m currently travelling around the country listening to our frustrated farmers.

The message is clear. These last two years have felt like an onslaught from a government that doesn’t get rural New Zealand.

It started with the proposed Capital Gains Tax and further Tax Working Group’s report, which apart from decimating one of the key drivers of rural investment was littered with

additional rural taxes from water to nitrogen and fertiliser. While this didn’t eventuate, the Government’s direction of travel was clear.

Next up was climate change policy.

We all understand the need for New Zealand to play a part to reduce global emissions. But rather than a proportional response the Government served up a draft Zero Carbon Bill that had methane reductions of up to 47 per cent by 2050. Never mind it’s impossible to get there

without destocking; never mind every other country subsidises their food production system; never mind we are the most emission efficient food producers in the world; they decided our farms are for the chop, or at the very least serious constraint.

Proposed freshwater reforms

Luckilly, the Government last month took agriculture out of the Emissions Trading Scheme, and has instead approved a jointpartnership with the industry to make a difference over time.

The big issue currently is the proposed freshwater reforms.

They’re asking for an average nitrogen reduction of 27 per cent across the country, with some areas facing 80 per cent. There’s no economic analysis, no social analysis, just anti-farming ideology cloaked in freshwater rhetoric that tries to frame opposition as environmental vandalism. Add in to the mix Mycoplasma Bovis and proposed ute taxes and there’s a bloody good reason farmers have had a gutsful.

Next month there’s a march on Parliament and I’m not surprised. But there is a risk that through the anger and frustrations the messages get lost. I hope that through the chants, tractors and placards, a clear message descends.

Courtesy

Our farming community is not one that denies climate change, not one who sets out to degrade water, not one that doesn’t want forests to play their strong part of the NZ export story. Our battle is not with urban New Zealand, it is not with foresters planting for future market value, or even with CO2 emitters and foreign investors planting trees who are using the Government’s policy to make

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understandable commercial decisions. Our battle is with a Labour/Green/NZ First Government that has, from its first day in office, turned their sights on a sector Helen Clark famously passed the last rites on in early-2000.

We are not a sunset industry, we are 23,000 families, who work day in day out for our family’s futures, which in turn underpins our communities and indeed this country.

We expect the courtesy of a two-way conversation on how we continue to lead the world in sustainable food production, not a one-way lecture on our perceived inadequacies. In short, we are farming, we are New Zealand, listen to us.

EASTERN BOP FOCUS

Page 19

Agfest returns to Opotiki for second year The Eastern Bay AgFest is returning to Opotiki this month – and this year has a broader focus and involves a wider range of community organisations, says organising committee member Sandra Elia.

The event, in its second year, was born out of a recognition “that the traditional A&P Show format was no longer meeting the needs of the community,” says Sandra. “And so Opotiki A&P Society set about building an event that did.”

Entry to this year’s November 9 AgFest at Opotiki War Memorial Park is by gold coin, but exhibitors don’t pay anything to be part of the day, says Sandra.

“It’s part of our kaupapa. Our priority is to celebrate our rural community. At this point, and as we build momentum for AgFest, our focus is on community engagement. We’re intentionally taking a holistic approach to arrangements.

“We want to focus not just on the agricultural side of things, but also support the mental wellbeing of our community, the work of our community groups,

Clydesdales were among the attractions at Agfest 2018 and there are many activities for children also.

schools and our local businesses.”

About 70 exhibitors are expected at AgFest 2019, says Sandra, with the Mussel Festival being a real drawcard.

The mussel shucking competition at 10am, supported by local deep-sea mussel farm Whakatohea Mussels, is expected to be popular. Shucked mussels don’t go to waste, says Sandra. “They’re turned into seafood chowder, mussel fritters and other delicious delicacies by local schools to support their fundraising efforts.”

Working in partnership with the local community is a hallmark of the new-look event, and so AgFest 2019 will again feature a Sustainable Art competition where local high school students create a 3D art piece using sustainable materials.

Artwork is on display at AgFest and the winner of the Nga Whenua Rahui, Department of Conservation and BOPRC-sponsored competition, wins a trip to nearby Motuohora Island.

Other highlights are the gumboot throwing competition and fencing contest. A new addition is a baby animal petting zoo, giving young children the opportunity to interact with and feed baby ducklings, piglets and other animals, says Sandra.

Plus a dog agility demonstration and live music from local artists are also lined up.

Sandra says learnings from last year’s AgFest are

helping organisers make this year’s event bigger and better. “Sustainability, music and wellbeing are big features, but as more resources become available other areas like a job expo to match employers with potential employees are among the priorities for future AgFests.”

Sandra says A&P Society chairperson

Robynne Tibble has been instrumental in getting AgFest off the ground.

“Robynne has had the passion, energy, drive and experience to get things going.”

The Eastern Bay AgFest is on November 9 from 10am-3pm at Opotiki War Memorial Park.

Josephine Reader

EASTERN BOP FOCUS

Page 20

Opotiki dairy farmer Shane Armstrong is very passionate about moving his operation to a more biological way of farming. Photo: Anne Boswell.

Curiosity and a book recommendation has developed into a full-blown passion for organic farming for Opotiki dairy farmer Shane Armstrong.

Several years ago Shane, who milks 370 cows on his family’s 160ha effective farm, read an article about an organic farmer that included his top five book recommendations.

“I read the first book, ‘Folks, This Ain’t Normal’

by Joel Salatin, and I was hooked,” says Shane.

He subsequently devoured all literature on organics he could find – a practice that’s not slowed even today – and is now in the process of transitioning the farm to organic status, on track to qualify for full organic status in the 2020/2021 season.

Shane, alongside wife Alice, a GP, and children Evie, 4, and Cooper, 2, were variable order sharemilkers before purchasing all stock, machinery and dairy company shares from the Armstrong Farming Trust in the 2018/2019 season. They now lease the land and buildings from the trust.

Their move to a more biological way of farming started about five years ago when they overhauled their fertiliser practice.

Balancing the biology

“I was just not happy with the conventional treatment of land and animals,” says Shane.

“Previously we just did what our fertiliser rep told us to do. Despite never having used an excessive amount of urea, we used plenty of super phosphate and potassium.”

Shane employed soil consultant Michael Cashmore of Integrity Soils to help him balance the biology on the farm and create some diversity within the farm system, with fantastic results.

“In past years we have spent around $60,000 on fertiliser alone; this season we’ve spent only a couple of grand,” says Shane.

Encouraged by the improvement in the soil biology, Shane started looking more into organic principles, and found they resonated with his family’s philosophies around farming.

“We decided that organics ticked a lot of boxes for the farm and the family, and we started the conversion to organics last October.

Threefold

“The benefits of going organic is threefold: a lower cost structure, a premium price for the milk, and a healthier product for people to eat.”

Next on the agenda is a focus on animal health.

“At this stage the herd is still conventional, and not expected to start conversion until May 2020,” says Shane.

“However, the only animal health problem this season has been mastitis, and most of those cases have been self-curing.

“We are hoping it is due to the herd’s increased immunity from a healthier soil and therefore, healthier pasture.”

Their transition to organic is only part of a larger, comprehensive overhaul of land, pasture, and animal management on-farm.

The farm has adopted a once-a-day milking regime, now in its second season.

“The reason behind the change was to look after cow health – reducing foot problems and increasing in-calf rates – whilst reducing stress on staff and improving our own family lifestyle as well,” says Shane. “It’s going well.”

Diversification

Diversification has also played a huge part in the new direction the farm business has taken.

“We’ve planted thousands of trees so far, and have thousands to go,” says Shane.

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‘We want to see what nature can do for us’ brother Shanon farms at Matata, both of whom are also in the process of converting to organics.

Shane believes anyone interested in organic farming should read and watch as much on the subject as possible. “The only downside to having so much information at your fingertips is that I’m always learning, and I keep changing my mind on things!”

Shane expects that almost a decade will have passed before they get the farm to the level they are aiming for.

“It takes time to change your entire system,” says Shane.

“We want to see what nature can

The Opotiki farm’s conversion to organics began last October. do for us, not a sales rep. We need to get chemicals out of our environment. Whether organics will have any effect on milk

production – who knows?

“It’s really exciting to see how this is going to unfold for us.”

Anne Boswell

Shane Armstrong milks 370 cows on his family’s 160ha effective farm. continued...

“We also planted 3ha of avocado trees in October. We’re going grow the avocados organically with no chemical inputs, and no focus on profits; we’ll just call it a holiday fund.”

Shane says getting nature to work for them has been one of the most rewarding, and challenging, parts of transitioning to organics.

He believes one of the biggest hurdles they have faced has been veering away from conventional grazing of 3000kgDM/ha pre-graze to 1500kgDM/ha residual.

“We are experimenting with longer pre-grazes and leaving half of the plant behind once the cows have grazed it,” says Shane. “Plant roots mimic what is happening to the top of the plant, so an over-grazed plant will have shrivelled roots; however,

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if only half the plant is grazed it can photosynthesise straight away and it doesn’t affect the roots.

“With high soil temperatures in summer, more plant residual will keep the ground shaded and hopefully will rectify any persistence issues.”

Read and watch

While far from being the status quo, Shane says there are a number of farming families nearby who are also biologically-minded, making for some educational and uplifting local discussion groups. “People are starting to think about different pastures, lower stocking rates, and looking after the land better,” says Shane.

This includes his extended family: his sister Tina farms at Whakatane and his

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Page 23

Gavin collects machines and history For Morrinsville vintage machinery restorer and collector Gavin Mellow, his interest is so much more than just the acquisition of the machine.

The ‘OneOff ’ hybrid tractor, fashioned from vintage parts by Gavin Mellow and his son Paul.

He likes collecting pieces that have a known history – he loves delving further into the background, unearthing aspects of how the people using it would have lived and worked.

Gavin is a fitter/turner by trade and has a farming background, and has always had an interest in mechanical things.

“In my mid-twenties I bought my first machine, a 1918 Anderson dairy shed engine, but of course one machine wasn’t enough,” says Gavin.

For more than 30 years, Gavin has sought anything from the late-1800s onwards, but the majority of his

collection is from the earlyvintage machinery shows. He’s 1900s. happy to demonstrate how his “I mainly buy from other machines work, and loves nothing collectors, at swaps or online more than a big event where he or via word of mouth. can swap stories, see other people’s “I particularly seek rarer tractor machines, and possibly pick up items that are petrol, kerosene attraction another for his own collection.

Tales of ‘Pet’ Tractors or steam engines dating from Does your farm or boss have a & Machinery alike 1900 to the 1920s.” pet tractor? Or a pet digger or Gavin was recently part of a bulldozer? If so, we’d love to hear group of eight like-minded enthusiasts about it! Email: merle@sunmedia.co.nz who went to Pennsylvania in the US, with a photo of it and a contact name and visited Coolspring Power Museum, and phone number. We might even throw which is America’s finest antique engine a prize your way for a good yarn. collection.

Catherine Fry “For me it was like dying and going to heaven,” says Gavin.

A favourite piece in his own shed is a 1911 Shanks kerosene engine, originally from Scotland with a history in Paihia, Northland. It was most likely used in the boat building or flax industry.

Another treasured piece is a post-1900, two-cylinder Frisco Standard, 6hp petrol engine, which has an extensive known history.

“From the early-1900s it was used to drive the winch gear on the 1835 sailing ship, A.S. Isabel, an Irish coal hauler that ended up working in Canada, then the Pacific, before its fiery end in the 1950s.”

Gavin’s 12m by 7m workshop is full of lathes, milling machines, patterns and castings. He can now restore his machines from scratch himself. “I get a real kick out of working out how parts were made using old techniques.

“Quality and aesthetics were important back then and I like to replicate that.”

When his son Paul was 12, he and Gavin built a hybrid tractor together. It has a 1920s Associate 3hp petrol engine, and they fashioned a seat, wheels, frame and gearbox from pre-1920s parts, some from horsedrawn equipment.

“It’s called the ‘OneOff ’, and we are quite proud of it.”

Gavin enjoys attending A&P and

HARVEST GRASS EFFICIENT AND

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Sprout Accelerator is looking for registrations from both traditional agritech and future-food focussed startups from New Zealand and abroad.

Innovations at all stages of development are encouraged to come forward and work with the Sprout Accelerator.

Primary production areas covered in Sprout’s definition of agritech include dairy, apiculture, horticulture, arable crops/cropping, sheep and beef, fisheries, pipfruit, forestry and future food.

Eight NZ start-ups will be selected to join the six-month accelerator starting in January 2020. The accelerator offers $75,000 worth of business coaching, mentoring, network access and MBAstyle block courses held around NZ. Sprout partners have stepped up to subsidise this opportunity for NZ’s most promising innovations.

Partners include the Government's innovation support agency, Callaghan Innovation, agricultural innovation funder Agmardt and a host of NZ’s most prominent agribusinesses including Fonterra, Zespri, Gallagher,

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FARM VEHICLES, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Keeping blacksmith traditions alive Blacksmith Rob Pinkney at his purpose-built forge.

There are very few traditionally-trained blacksmiths left in New Zealand and the knowledge is not being passed on to future generations to keep this skill alive, according to Rob Pinkney.

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He’s one of the remaining traditionally-trained blacksmiths – and he’s dedicated to saving the craft, from his purpose-built forge near Waipapa, Te Awamutu.

Kowhai Forge is built how things used to be, with a coal-burning forge, traditional tools, and is run by a man passionate about his trade of more than 30 years.

Rob spent his childhood in Hokianga, Northland, and his late teens in the Northern Territory of Australia, mustering and shearing, and working with horses.

He started an apprenticeship to become a blacksmith at age 21 with Malcolm Telfer in Matamata.

Malcolm was one of the last general smiths and farriers, and had been trained by John Carter.

John had been trained in England, and was the Head of the Harbour Board Blacksmiths working on the Auckland Docks. Rob appreciates being part of this chain of blacksmiths.

“At one point in time, every settlement had a general blacksmith, who covered everything from shoeing horses, making tools, axes, ploughs, nails, bolts, hinges and knives, re-tempering, re-tipping, and basically anything that was needed that required being forged from iron, or tools that they needed to make other items,” says Rob.

“In the early days in New Zealand, a general smith was adaptable, creative and pioneer-like, frequently having to work with the materials available to him.”

Rob is quick to point out that a farrier shoes horses, but a blacksmith shoes horses and also works in the other areas of the traditional blacksmith trade. Rob himself still shoes horses for a handful of loyal clients, to keep his “hand in”.

Nowadays

Nowadays, metal is cast, not forged, and sand casting has put many a blacksmith out of their trade.

After his training, Rob spent 14 years in Japan as a farrier and general blacksmith, before returning to New Zealand in 2007. His sister and her husband owned a farm in Waipapa, and Rob had his eye on around 1.8 acres of the farm, an idea to save and convert the dilapidated old woolshed on the farm into a house, and a plan to start a traditional forge on the land.

When Rob was invited to speak at a demonstration conference for a Dutch horse shoe manufacturing company, he met Arja, who worked for the company.

Rob invited her to visit him in NZ. “We rode over the farm on horses and when I told her what I wanted to achieve, she encouraged me to follow my dreams and that she may well come back and join me!”

Arja went home to the Netherlands returning a few months later, to start her life with Rob. In addition to saving and renovating the woolshed, the couple built a replica colonial building for the forge.

FARM VEHICLES, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT Blacksmith Rob Pinkney at work in his forge.

Walking into the 80m² workshop is like stepping back in history. The coking coal-fired forge dominates the scene, with the anvil next to it. A more modern stamper sits in the corner, and a vast number of tools of the trade, many made by Rob himself, are hung all over the workshop.

The forge burns around 25kg of coal a day when Rob is hard at work. His blackened hands, the coal smudges on his face and burn marks on his arms are just part of the territory.

Coking coal

“The coking coal is very high grade and is hard to get. We are supplied by a dealer in Huntly, but it is mined from Stockton Mine on the West Coast.”

One wing of the forge is a beautifully detailed living area, in keeping with turn-of-the-century décor, but catering to modern needs. Forged items are on display throughout the building.

The couple run workshops to let people try out the art of blacksmithing, and are passionately behind this project.

“Arja handles the marketing, bookings and catering, and I concentrate on the practical side. It’s very much a joint venture and we rely on each other’s input to make it succeed,” says Rob. The courses have also become an outlet for struggling young teens, offering a positive experience with sense

of achievement and purpose.

As there is no official blacksmith qualification in NZ, Rob is working with the Worshipful Company of Blacksmiths in London to try and bring a standard into the country.

“I’d like to see NZQA-accredited standards, and a curriculum to achieve this. It would be great to bring back the trade in modern society, and I’d love to teach people.”

There is a growing demand for unique pieces to be made, and the people Arja and Rob meet are supportive and interested as they realise this trade that was once the heart of every community, is slowly slipping away – but not on Rob Pinkney’s watch.

Catherine Fry

Examples of traditionally forged and crafted knives.

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Page 27

Machine to find new life in hemp industry Deep in a dark shed in rural Waikato is a monster of a machine, which with the help of the local community and Lawrence Cresswell has been lovingly restored. It’s ready to be reinvented and start a new life.

Nancy King, who owns the Cross Lapper Carding Machine, has a vision of it being used as a part of the regenerative farming movement to create hemp fibre products that can be used to insulate and build houses.

The machine has been out of action for the last couple of years but formerly was used night and day processing sheep wool. Most recently it has been used to turn daggy wool into weed matting.

Nancy bought the machine 18 months ago with the dual purpose of saving it from being sent overseas – where many of our old no-longer-used machines end up – and wanting to see it be put to good use in a New Zealand community.

“My passion to see hemp used as a building material is not a new thing and in my opinion

hemp is a vital way forward, as it doesn’t need pesticides to grow and it can consume and break down environmental pollutants,” says Nancy.

“I think that growing hemp will help to rejuvenate and create a quality resilient agricultural economy.”

A variety of wood-like products such as fibreboard, roofing tiles, panelling and insulation can be made from hemp – and many of these products are virtually fireproof.

It has taken Lawrence the best part of a year to bring the machine back to life. “Because it’s in a storage facility I couldn’t use a water blaster to clean it.

“It took six months to scrape and clean the dags and lanolin off,” says Lawrence.

The Lapper Carding Machine has been repainted as close to its original colour as possible. “Resene paint specialists came out to give me some advice on how to paint it and what to paint it with,” says

Lawrence. They had to make the colour specially, which they have since named ‘Lawrence’.

Nancy is not sure where the machine will go to just yet “as the industry is still very new in New Zealand and due to the machine’s massive size it will have to go where the plant is being grown”.

“But the machine is ready to go and

I’m delighted with what Lawrence and all the other people involved in this restoration have done,” says Nancy.

Lawrence is going to a seminar in Wanaka next month to learn more about how to make earth houses and he’d very much like to be a part of this machine’s new life and see where that takes him.

Bridget Jochems

Right: The Lapper Carding Machine mid-transformation. Photo: Lawrence Creswell.

Spr Lawrence Creswell says there is still a few wheels and cogs to put into place after the machine is moved to its new location. Photo: Bridget Jochems.

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Freshwater proposals: No change for some The saying in the investment world: “You’re No-one I’ve spoken to applauds the introduction of recently-announced freshwater standards, soon to either a contrarian or a victim” could equally the become a legal requirement – and yet no-one has been apply to the farming community. surprised.

As the ramifications of the required reduction in nitrate, phosphorus, and sediment loss become apparent, more than 95 per cent of the farming community will be figuring out how they might in time comply.

And yet there is a small group of farmers that will not be required to make any changes to their current farming practices. They’ve anticipated the changes from as far back as 2002, and have steadily made the changes necessary to be compliant.

The key difference is their non-reliance on fertiliser nitrogen as the driver of pasture growth.

Fertiliser nitrogen may be used as a development tool to good effect, however its regular use on grazed

permanent pasture is counterproductive.

Data from the late1970s shows pasture production from wellmanaged high fertility sites has steadily declined, however not on farms where nitrogen fixed by clover is the driver of growth.

These farms regularly grow in excess of 18 tonne of drymatter/ha.

Quality is also enhanced, resulting in less kilograms required to produce a kilogram of milk, meat or wool.

The spread of feed during the year is more even with stronger growth during the summer and early-autumn period.

Study

Based on a study in the 2011/2012 season there’s also a 70 per cent reduction in the concentration of Nitrate N lost to groundwater compared to a neighbouring property, with subsequent measures supporting the difference between the two systems.

Given the magnitude of the differences, an independent study was commissioned to measure differences in farm performance; the summary contained the following.

“Based on the last 2011/2012 season it appears the Biological farm had an advantage over the Conventional farm in all areas analysed. The Biological farm had a lower stocking rate and grew more pasture per hectare therefore had a reduced reliance on grazing off and applying nitrogen.

Financially it had a $500 per hectare advantage. It also had a significantly smaller environmental footprint in terms of nitrogen leached from the farm and nitrate concentration in the groundwater. This biological farm is a good example of what

is possible for many conventional farms that have a desire to improve profitability as well as reduce environmental footprint.”

The data has been widely circulated amongst farming organisations, political groups and councils.

There is always initial interest, however when the ramifications to the wider rural community become obvious the ability to discuss further stops.

It’s not an unusual phenomenon.

Fundamental change benefiting the wider community nearly always causes short-term social upheaval, resulting in organised resistance becoming increasingly resolute before inevitable acceptance.

Two reasons

There are two reasons why the farming community should prioritise discussion with those in a position to facilitate change.

Firstly, regulation will become more draconian as times goes on and it becomes apparent that there is no silver bullet solution coming from research institutes.

Although farmers have a right, some would argue an obligation, to push back and claim the standards under the timeframe are not achievable, there is already enough data from a large enough group of farmers that demonstrates the opposite.

The second and more compelling reason is that the problems with increased nitrates and leaching of phosphorus is due to steadily declining soil carbon levels, and with less soil carbon nitrogen and phosphorus losses escalate and farm production declines.

For more information, call Peter Burton 0800 843 809.

Fonterra ups forecast milk price

GRUNDFOS ®

Fonterra Co-operative Group Limited has increased its 2019/2020 forecast Farmgate Milk Price range from $6.25-$7.25 per kgMS to $6.55-$7.55 per kgMS. The Advance Rate Fonterra pays its farmer owners will be set off the mid-point, $7.05 per kgMS, of the revised range.

Fonterra chairman John Monaghan says the co-op has been achieving good prices for its milk so far this season.

“Demand for Whole Milk Powder has been firm, and for the full season we’re expecting it to be above last year. Global WMP production is down yearto-date and expected to continue to decrease for the remainder of 2019.

“We’re also continuing to sell our skim milk powder at higher prices than EU and US dairy companies in Global Dairy Trade events.”

Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell says there are positive signals for milk price. “It is still very early in the season and a lot can change. There are a number of factors we are keeping a close eye on, which is why we’ve retained a wide forecast milk price range.

“These factors include global trade tensions and political instability in some of our key sales regions.

“And, as is always the case, we cannot predict the weather and clearly weather conditions play a big role in global supply.”

Miles says the strong demand for the co-op’s milk and the prices that are being achieved, relative to other milk producing regions, “demonstrate the rationale of Fonterra’s new strategy to prioritise NZ milk”.

DAIRY

Page 29

Dairy workshop from a cow’s perspective Do you know how to effectively manage a high-producing dairy cow to optimise her health and in turn her production?

Dairy Production System Limited’s Farm Tutorial Workshops have been carefully designed to fill the gaps in knowledge, and they are taught from a cow’s perspective, says DPSL principal and tutor Bryan McKay. “We place a strong emphasis on the dairy cow: how she works, what she wants, and what she can tell you about how your farming operation affects her.”

The intensive 10-day course runs one day per month for 10 months – and follows a full lactation schedule of a

dairy cow, in sequence, including young stock-rearing.

“We try to time the course so issues coming up are dealt with a month or so beforehand,” says Bryan.

Tutorials begin with academic cow nutrition and rumen function lessons, progress to practical animal management and performance, and then include a farm visit after lunch.

Bryan says the course has been going for 15 years and is well patronised. “We’ve run it in the Waikato every year, and sometimes

in Manawatu, Southland or Otago depending on demand.”

While not NZQAqualified, Bryan qualifi says the course was designed because there was nowhere in NZ to learn about how to manage a highproducing dairy cow. “That’s why

DPSL principal and tutor Bryan McKay.

we did it.”

“The main thing we teach is management – managing cow health, cropping and managing feed – which is an integral part of the process – and we cover ruminant nutrition throughout the course.

“We also cover the pasture topic from a cow’s perspective, to try to balance the picture as there hasn’t been much done from this side.”

Bryan says the course has struck a chord with all levels of people in the dairy and cattle industries.

“We have sharemilkers, managers, farm owners, right through to farm

Successful farmers

Why do some farms always succeed regardless of size, location, climate or payout?

Extra funds to support farmers The Government is allocating an extra $250,000 to allow Rural Support Trusts to help farming families in the wake of many current challenges their industry is facing.

Rural Communities and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says the extra funding will help with RSTs’ work talking to farmers on the ground.

“I know that rural families are worried about some of the challenges facing them, including the ongoing uncertainty created by the Mycoplasma bovis outbreak.

“Those concerns sit alongside ongoing worries about bank debt and how best to meet the challenges of improving our waterways and meet New Zealand’s climate change commitments.”

Damien says the RST will develop a plan for using the money, in addition to the other farmer support mechanisms provided by the M.bovis programme, and the DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ Compensation Assistance Teams, known

consultants, veterinarians, feed reps and service groups from farmingrelated industries who attend.”

While the course has some heavy pieces, Bryan says they try to teach it in a practical way so it’s easy to understand. “We do a lot of work on interpreting cow signs – so much of the course is about how do we manage cows to make them stress-free, happy, to keep them in the herd a long time?”

“Cow signs is about interpreting how the cow is feeling, is performing – is she comfortable, is she well, and is she being well-fed?

So we do a lot of cow-watching.”

understand their cows, environment, farm system and business risks.

DPSL Farm Tutorial Workshops owners, managers

advisers,

as DBCAT. Designed for and “The RSTs do a fantastic job and are this unique, popular and in-depth course well placed to deliver additional help.

They’re experienced and practical people combines classroom and on-farm practical teaching. who can coach farmers through difficult times,” says Damien.

“The Government has already boosted DPSL Farm Tutorial 2020-21 Workshop funding for the RSTs from $386,500 a includes 10 x 1-day tutorial sessions (April 2020 – March 2021) year to $626,000 for their daily work. based in the Waikato.

Outside of that, the trust is budgeted to We are receive more than $1m in the next year for M.bovis-related work.

Workshop tutors are DPSL principals Bryan McKay BVSc and Sue Macky BVSc. Damien also with all the major banks DPSL is a long established, successful cow management and nutrition and RSTs last month, asking financial We are now your local a institutions to ensure they are working consultancy group. alongside RSTs and others to help farmers where required.

“A Farm Debt Mediation scheme We are now your local authorised OriginA will be a safety net for farmers and We dealer for parts improvements to NAIT willare helpnow or for more information contact: We are now your your local local authorised authorised OriginAg OriginAg dealer for sales, sales, parts and and service service prevent some of the tracing issues we’ve We are now your local authorised OriginAg dealer for sale experienced with M.bovis.

“Soon we will release an industryEmail: dps@dairypro.co.nz | Tel: 07 858 2224 backed plan to ensure the sector gets the skilled workers it needs.”

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Feast your eyes on a ham on the bone or boneless leg ham. Yours this season, when you purchase selected Boehringer Ingelheim products from your local vet clinic.

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DAIRY

Page 31

Disbudding pain can be managed NZ to develop a label claim for use at disbudding.

“Studies looking at Metacam 20 globally show a single injection 10 minutes prior to disbudding can

provide genuine long-term pain relief for calves, having a significan impact on their recovery.

“Recognising the level of pain such a procedure can cause, and

having the tools to deal with it for a repetitive seasonal task, means Kiwi farmers can be proud of taking the lead in best practice for a big animal welfare issue,” says James

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Farmers can now aspire to best practice of disbudding calves with a product that provides longer pain relief.

As October 1 marked a major change to dealing with pain management in livestock – now farmers, vets and contract disbudders are legally required to ensure they use a local anaesthetic when disbudding calves.

The legislation also puts New Zealand at the leading edge of animal welfare through recognition that animals’ pain experiences are real.

On a ‘pain scale’ the common practice of disbudding ranks as one of the most painful routine procedures performed on farms throughout NZ, says Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health NZ technical veterinarian James Laidlaw.

He says pain and stress research has revealed use of a local anaesthetic does not sufficiently manage the le el of stress disbudding creates for calves.

“One aspect of the initial pain response can be measured by looking at a stress hormone, called cortisol, in the blood and this peaks at around 30 minutes following disbudding.

“Following this there is an ‘inflammato y’ phase where cortisol levels remain elevated for approximately seveneight hours.

Combining a local anaesthetic with a non-steroidal anti-inflammato y pain

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relief treatment when disbudding has proven the two treatments used together can have a highly positive impact in reducing the amount of pain the animal experiences overall, says James.

“Use of the non-steroidal treatment helps mitigate the inflammato y pain that comes some hours after the initial procedure.”

James believes a better understanding of pain in animals would help farmers to appreciate the timelines that animals can experience pain and stress following a procedure.

“In the case of disbudding that’s been shown to extend anywhere from a couple of days to three weeks afterwards, depending on the outcomes measured – that’s significantly longer than the two three hours the local anaesthetic nerve blocks last.”

Timing of administering pain treatments can also impact how effectively pain is managed after a procedure, says James.

“Typically, pain management treatments always work better if given prior to treatment.”

James says research shows the drug meloxicam is one of the most effective at dealing with inflammato y pain, helping to manage and minimise pain for up to three days after a single injection.

“It is with good reason that Boehringer Ingelheim Animal Health’s meloxicam drug Metacam 20 was the first p oduct in

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New truck handles all boom spraying needs A new 18m boom truck specially built to handle maize crops and all Owner-operators Paul other boom spraying needs has put Eastern Bay Sprayers ahead of and Shona McDowell, who have 15-plus years’ the pack in what they can offer clients. experience in agricultural

“The sprayer is operated with a joystick rather than many switches and has so many high-tech advantages spraying, say the new that we’re all still learning truck is equipped with about, which is really the most up-to-date exciting.” computerised equipment For maize, spring growth and GPS. brings weeds, says Shona.

“It’s quite something “Timing of weed control to look inside the cab,” is imperative to get the says Shona. “Paul spent most from weed spraying much time going and crop, but also keep through options of what in mind the weather can would work best for our play a sometimes-annoying clients, our business, our operators and the outcome Eastern Bay Sprayers’ new 18m boom truck can part in the timing of your handle all boom spraying jobs. well thought-out plan. has exceeded all of our “We work closely with maize planters and make it expectations! our top priority to get all maize crop pre-emergent “Our new machine excels in maize blocks, can spraying done on time. move between blocks quickly as opposed to the “But to make the most of post-emergent spraying tractor option, and is built with safety of the operator you should monitor crops to know the ideal time to in mind.” spray for weeds and what weeds are prolific.”

Main operator Jack Turner has been a valued Shona says most agrichemicals work best when member of Eastern Bay Sprayers since the weeds are a certain size, with enough leaf for McDowells bought the Whakatane sector of the agrichemical uptake. “If that boat is missed it can business in 2012. mean the ‘make or break’ of a good crop.

“Gone are the days of climbing up and down from “Usually these agrichemicals are quite costly, so the back of the truck. This truck has a dedicated talk to Paul about your best option. He has a huge mixing station for the operator to mix his chemical safely from the ground and enclosed chemical storage amount of experience in all aspects of ag spraying and is happy to help clients get the right advice and cabinetry for safety of our environment and the make the most of our work on-farm.” public,” says Shona.

Two farmers elected to DairyNZ board

Attention Farmers

Problems with Iron and Manganese?

Two dairy farmers, Tracy Brown and Elaine Cook, were elected onto DairyNZ’s Board at its Annual General Meeting in Hamilton on October 22.

The Waikato-based dairy farmers are two of five farmer-elected DairyNZ directors and three boardappointed directors who contribute to DairyNZ’s strategy and priorities on behalf of dairy farmers.

Tracy has held roles as DairyNZ Dairy Environment Leaders chair, Ballance Farm Environment Awards Alumni chair and Dairy Women’s Network trustee.

She lives near Matamata on a 700-cow, 310ha (240ha milking platform) system three farm ‘Tiroroa’, which won the Waikato Ballance Farm Environment Supreme Award in 2010.

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“We need to drive the delivery of creative solutions and innovation to evolve our farming systems for the future, increasing profitability and lowering our footprint.”

Elaine and her late husband took the traditional progression through the industry to farm ownership, farming both in the Waikato and Southland, going on to win NZ Sharemilker of the Year in 2006.

She currently has farming interests of a 300ha family farm in Southland, but lives in the Waikato.

“I believe DairyNZ’s role is increasingly vital. As farmers we are innovative and world-leading, we do need a framework that links all these great things we do, to tell our story about sustainable and ethical food production,” said Elaine.

DAIRY

Page 33

‘The way it’s always been done’ is rarely the best way As a biological farming consultant, there is nothing more frustrating than helping a farmer create a healthy effluent pond dominated by good bacteria – only to see someone undo all their hard work by “doing what they’ve always done”.

We’ve had clients who have enjoyed a clear, crustfree effluent pond for two years, having created an environment that encourages the dominance of good bacteria in their effluent pond.

Then, they call me to say their effluent pond has suddenly, and within a matter of weeks, crusted over.

Upon investigation I’ve found that a new staff member has arrived on-farm and – calling bulls!*t on the current practice – has decided to do things “the way they’ve always done”.

And that usually means reintroducing chlorine-based dairy hygiene products into the shed.

For the last two years, the farm owner had been using a non-chlorine cleaning system, for very good reason.

Chlorine, which has long been promoted as an effective cleaner and sanitiser for dairy sheds, does exactly what it says on the bucket. However, it also kills all bacteria like a bomb, and that includes the aerobic bacteria which would have helped your farm.

I discovered this some years ago when I found that the green slime and green bubbles on the surface of several of my clients’ effluent ponds were confirmed, by lab test, as containing dead bacteria in the presence of chlorine.

These dead bacteria contained a

high level of aerobic, or good bacteria, which had previously kept the effluent pond healthy.

So, when we revisited these farmers, whose previously clear ponds were now crusted, we reminded them that when choosing to farm biologically, it is critical to use dairy hygiene products The ‘after shot’ of a pond that was formerly that support the success of exposed to chemicals. the system, rather than work water leaves their dairy shed, and what is happening against it. inside their effluent pond.

When I first started They are choosing to use these effective, economical advising my clients to stop using harsh chemicals in their dairy sheds, their first and biology-friendly products that work together question was always: ‘What should I use to support the health of their effluent pond – and therefore, the health of their land and their animals. then?’

At that point, I couldn’t suggest an alternative; we had a market for nonchlorine cleaning products, but no products.

I needed to find a chlorine alternative than cleaned as well as chlorine, or even better.

In the end we made our own nonchlorine dairy hygiene product, DX50, Ezi-flo pit gates completely Ezi-flo pit gates completely clear exit ways and cannot and went on to complete the nonclear exit ways and be touched by cowscannot leaving chlorine cleaning system by working be touched bythe cows leaving milking area. the milking area. with a company that made hot alkali and hot acid detergents.

The fully galvanised gates Trial results were outstanding, proving are available in kitset for The fully galvanised gates speedy that this system not only met but are available in installation kitset for speedy installation exceeded the demanding hygiene tests required before heading to market.

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The more harmful chemicals that farmers use, the more they move away from the natural biological processes that create an optimal farm environment.

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Attracting more talent Zespri has launched a new scholarship for up to fi e students each year studying Massey University’s Bachelor of Horticultural Science degree.

The move is prompted by the kiwifruit marketer recognising its industry will need more trained people to help reach its massive growth goals in the next 10-plus years. “Zespri is on track to nearly double global sales from 2010 levels to $4.5 billion by 2025 and we can only do this by attracting the right people with the right skills,” says Zespri’s innovation team leader of supply chain Dr Kylie Phillips.

She says the Zespri Science Scholarships are aimed at students considering a career in the fast-growing kiwifruit industry.

Each scholarships is worth up to $15,000 during three years and include mentoring opportunities, exposure to and support from the wider industry.

“Zespri’s extensive research and development programme is building scientific understanding of h w best to grow and deliver premium quality kiwifruit to consumers all over the world.

Different skillsets

“Technology and science are changing our industry and the horticulturalists of tomorrow will need different skillsets from the growers and postharvest operators of today,” says Kylie.

“With the industry growing strongly in NZ and around the world, we want to attract talented young people with the skills to support our value chain supply premium Zespri kiwifruit that our consumers demand. This is a really exciting time to be starting a career in

the kiwifruit industry,” says Kylie. Head of Massey’s School of Agriculture and Environment Professor Peter Kemp says this investment will be a great opportunity for students and the kiwifruit industry.

First cohort

“As one of the world’s leading horticultural companies, Zespri’s investment shows additional support for the degree and the students that it will produce. The Bachelor of Horticultural Science welcomed its first coho t this year, aiming to fulfil a real need in a booming industry.

“It was created with close engagement from industry leaders, including Zespri. By working closely with industry, we will continue to produce students with the broad knowledge they will need to excel within this exciting industry and prepare them for future jobs,” says Peter.

Scholarship applicants should show how they’re helping, or planning to help, develop the NZ horticultural industry, with a particular emphasis on kiwifruit. They should show their own personal passion and commitment to NZ kiwifruit and horticulture as a career.

The scholarship is part of Zespri’s broader programme of education and personal development at every age and stage from science in junior schools, to scholarships for tertiary study, and career development for future and current industry leaders.

Applications close January 31, 2020. Visit: www. massey.ac.nz/massey/ admission/scholarshipsbursaries-awards/ other-scholarships

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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.

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AVOCADO

Page 35

Persuasive campaign wins WAC for NZ

The NZ Avocado team in front of the ‘Vote New Zealand’ billboards at the World Avocado Congress in Columbia.

A very persuasive campaign focused on this country’s avocado industry and the opportunity to enjoy an experience of a lifetime helped New Zealand win the bid to host the 2023 World Avocado Congress.

NZ Avocado CEO Jen Scoular says winning the support of 64 per cent of 1100 delegates was the culmination of “an awful lot of work by the immediate team from NZ Avocados, New Zealand growers and fantastic support from the wider NZ Inc team to get our bid across the line”.

The bid was endorsed from the top.

In a video clip, Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern invited voters to come and experience NZ’s natural beauty, unique adventures, friendly people, and to see its incredible avocado industry. She encouraged attendees at the Medellin event to choose NZ as the destination for the 2023 WAC. NZ Avocado’s bid was also supported

by Tourism NZ, the NZ Embassy in Colombia and NZTE. And NZ’s ambassador in Colombia, Lucy Duncan, hosted a VIP event and spoke at the congress, strongly supporting NZ Avocado in their bid to win.

Te Reo and Spanish

Well prepared to win hearts and minds, every single presentation NZ made had the same background and consistent key messages. “We included Te Reo and talked about NZ culture.

A very obvious ‘Please vote for NZ’ in Spanish ended each presentation,” says

NZ Ambassador to Colombia, Lucy Duncan, with NZ Avocado chair Tony Ponder and NZ Avocado CEO Jen Scoular at NZ Embassy-hosted World Avocado Congress dinner.

Jen. “Winning the vote is the result of fantastic support from my team at NZ Avocado, who have shown an amazing commitment, enthusiasm and passion for this bid.

“NZ Avocado market manager Bevan Jelley implemented a fantastic programme, which worked really well.

We had real buy-in from all NZ growers who very happily wore the ‘Kia ora’ and ‘Vote NZ’ t-shirts we provided.” Guests who attended the lunch sponsored by NZ Avocados received gifts of NZ souvenirs too.

The venue for the NZ congress and how many delegates are expected are yet to be determined – but Jen says NZ Avocados, as host, has the support of fellow international organisations.

International support

“We have positive support from the CEOs and chairs of avocado producing organisations who are happy to help with what we may need to ensure a very successful congress.”

Jen says 2023 WAC will have a line-up of top national and international speakers. “The congress will be a platform for NZ researchers to demonstrate new science to the avocado world and for leading international scientists to do the same. It will also be an opportunity for NZ growers to learn what is happening around the world in new research and innovations.”

The 2023 WAC has the potential to boost NZs economy too as many delegates are expected to combine attending with a holiday here.

No additional ETS tax on fert Horticulture New Zealand has welcomed the Government’s endorsement of the Primary Sector Climate Change Commitment, saying it has already started working with growers on challenges associated with climate change. “We believe that audited Farm Environment Plans are a vital tool for the horticulture industry to use to show it is following good practice in responding to climate change,” says HortNZ chief executive Mike Chapman.

“Work already underway with growers around Levin shows that HortNZ is serious about acting on climate change and supporting its growers to meet new requirements, while ensuring their businesses are sustainable and NZ continues to grow fresh and healthy vegetables and fruit.

“We’ve also started work to identify the research and development the horticulture industry needs if it is to be able to meet medium to long-term climate change commitments and continue to prosper.”

Mike says the industry’s biggest challenge is to be as effective as possible with fertiliser application. “This is why research and development, and tech transfer in the area of precision horticulture are so important.”

Menawhile, last month’s government announcement that agriculture, including horticulture, will not go into the Emissions Trading Scheme next year means there will be no additional ETS tax on fertiliser for growers. “In return, the pastoral sector and horticulture have undertaken to make progress on climate change mitigation in partnership with the Government.”

NZ Avocado CEO Jen Scoular encouraging delegates at the World Avocado Congress in Columbia to vote for New Zealand to host the 2023 congress.

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Page 36

AVOCADO

The future importance of the f lush It’s important to get a ‘flush’, or you might call it the ‘spring growth’.

This is because it carries next year’s flowers and the following year’s fruit. If you don’t get the flush, you won’t have fruit in 18 months’ time. Its impact occur over a long time period.

The flush needs to be red, growing fast and strong at the moment, and will harden off through December. Too thin and it’s whispery and weak, too short and it doesn’t carry enough flowers.

Just right is having new growth that is more than 300mm, a single shoot and about as thick as your thumb. You’ll get it by feeding your tree, having a good

active root zone and not too much flowering. A tree needs to be in a good balance, roots to canopy.

Fruit to nutrient status.

Unfortunately it’s a trade-off between getting lots of flowers, getting them pollinated and growing and getting enough growth for next year.

The growth needs to be strong and vigorous. Such growth will reflect the tree’s health, will grow this year’s fruit strongly and sets the tree up to continue its good health and vigorous fruit-sizing during this all-important pre-January

growing cycle. It needs to happen at the end of flowering – to early and it grows over the flower, too late and it doesn’t reach its best. It’s tricky but I feel being bold and striving for growth is important.

If you don’t have the growth now you need to get it. Feed the tree, remove foliage, remove flower, irrigate, inject, add compost, and use seaweed.

That’s seven actions you can take

to get some red tip.

You can do one single action, a mix or bits of all seven. But doing nothing won’t help you next year and the following year. It’s a cycle and pathway that has ramification for the future productivity.

Do we have much control over it this time? I reckon no, but ensuring we do our best with tree health and vigour will help influence the outcome.

How to tackle the new challenges...

Current ways and means will not meet the challenges of improving freshwater quality and mitigating climate change.

In other words the Resource Management Act, and central and local government rules and processes, need to change.

Similarly, reform of vocational education will not be successful if current central government structures around training and education are not updated to support the system. All changes the Government is talking about at the moment are revolutionary and intergenerational. They require everyone to embrace new ways of doing what’s been done in the past.

The real risk though is that central government tries to deliver the new world with the same processes, rules and structures.

Currently, organisations such as HortNZ are making submissions to central government on the vocational education reform proposals and their implementation.

However, design and detail of the new policies is being done with a high degree of replication, albeit with new names, of the structures we have now. If delivery and administration structures stay the same, it is likely that what was delivered in the past will be the same as what is delivered in the future.

Ask growers or farmers to name the biggest challenge

to making environmental changes and adopting new growing systems, and they will answer regional councils. So why aren’t we looking at new ways to deliver environmental improvement and mitigate climate change?

When it comes to implementing these changes on orchard and in the garden, it’s the growers who’ll make these changes. This can best be done through independently-audited Farm Environment Plans based on risk assessment and good management practice for each property, with regional councils setting the catchment outcomes but leaving how this is done on each property to the owner. Keep the regional councils out of what happens on-farm.

Simultaneously, we need to ensure the price of healthy vegetables and fruit remains affordable for New Zealanders. Deloitte estimates NZ consumers could face price increases as high as 58 per cent by 2043 if vegetable production does not increase.

What could central government do? It could help fund R&D of new techniques and technologies to underpin the careful balancing act needed to meet environmental and climate change challenges, and feed Kiwis healthy food at affordable prices. See this column in full at: www.coastandcountrynews.co.nz

AVOCADO

Page 37

Latest research presented in Columbia Avocado producers may compete in the marketplace, but they came together to share the latest research and information for the benefit of all at the World Avocado Congress 2019 in Colombia, says NZ Avocado research manager Phillip West.

“The sharing of information both during the formal presentations and informally during networking was very open as we all face similar issues,” says Phillip.

The three-day September congress attracted a record 3200 attendees from around the world. “There were representatives and growers from the major growing countries, including South Africa, the USA, Mexico, Peru, Chile and Kenya and also from the post-harvest, logistics and marketing sectors including from Europe.”

NZ Avocado was represented by a team of six including CEO Jen Scoular, chairman Tony Ponder and

with smaller seeds, or which are more productive, was also presented. Research into the biennial bearing of avocado trees is ongoing.”

The congress included pre-congress and post-congress tours which gave delegates the chance to see something of Columbia and experience its culture, plus visit avocado orchards and other Columbian primary industries.

Phillip says NZ, which is the world’s ninth largest avocado exporter, is well-respected on the international stage for the fruit it produces and its research, which is reflected in the fact NZ won the bid to host the 2023 WAC. “Winning the bid was a major focus for us and we had wonderful support from growers and the Government.”

Elaine Fisher

NZ Avocado research associate Logan Whenuaroa presents a paper on electromagnetic soil mapping at the WAC in Columbia. board members, and were joined by more than 30 growers, researchers and other representatives of the New Zealand industry.

The world’s leading experts in avocado research, plant breeding, postharvest, marketing, health and safety and food safety, including scientists from NZ’s Plant & Food Research and members of NZ Avocado’s team were among the congress speakers, says Phillip, who

made two addresses himself. Jen made a presentation on building a sustainable avocado industry in NZ and four papers were presented by Plant & Food.

Phillip says there was a focus on the economical use of water and fertiliser, on new rootstocks, and canopy management and trellising or espalier training of trees.

“Work on new varieties which are more salt tolerant and varieties

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Avanza launched its season in Bangkok with in-store promotional activity.

Zealand exporters, and this season Avanza will supply 90 per cent of the country’s export volume there.

Avocados appeal to wealthier consumers, which bodes well for Avanza, says Henry. “India is receiving avocados from multiple origins now and that is positive from our perspective because it all helps to grow awareness and consumption in the long run.

“We expect India will slowly develop into a very attractive, large size fruit market for us.”

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Avanza, New Zealand’s most recognised supplier of premium avocados to Asia, is targeting younger, healthconscious consumers as it puts effort into developing avocado sales across the subcontinents.

The 2019-2020 export season is in full swing for Avoco, whose Asian marketing brand is on track to handle approximately 22 per cent of the company’s total volume.

Of its Asian shipments, about 30 per cent are destined for the subcontinents of India and the South East Asian markets of Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia.

The season was officially launched in Thailand with a promotional event at Gourmet Market in Bangkok, attended by officials including New Zealand Trade Commissioner to Thailand, Ryan Freer.

It marked the start of a 14-week sales programme to the region where Avanza is targeting consumers aged 22-45, who tend to already have an awareness about avocados, and are health-conscious and digitally-savvy.

To ensure consumers make New Zealand avocados their first choice in an increasingly competitive market, Avanza is reaching them with marketing campaigns using social media.

Market manager Henry McIntosh says social media allows Avanza to easily reach and educate a huge audience across all markets. “We reached more than 20 per cent of all Singaporeans with our activities last season, so we’re replicating the campaign in Thailand this season.”

Influencer marketing, in particular, is a very effective marketing tool, says Henry.

“As our markets mature and awareness about avocados continues to grow through in-store sampling, we begin to introduce other activities to further educate consumers.”

Avanza is launching new campaigns this month and next, to lift its brand profile and drive sales.

“This year is more about showing the different ways to eat avocados, while also highlighting the nutritional benefits,” says Henry.

As demand for avocados has steadily grown across South East Asia, exporters from various nations have increased their supply to the region. This season has also seen a lot of smaller fruit from New Zealand being shipped there.

Peruvian exporters have been granted access to Thailand, which will affect the early part of New Zealand’s supply season from next year onwards.

In this now highly-competitive environment, Avanza is paying stricter attention to fruit quality in order to command prices at the premium end of the market.

“Peru will ship into Thailand and India at lower values, but we’re not focussed on trying to compete with them,” says Henry. “Instead, we’ll delay our start slightly in both markets to secure better value for our growers.”

India is still a relatively untapped market for New

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Page 38

CARTAGE & EARTHWORKS

Waikato issues with koi carp A pond edge showing exposed plant roots being undercut by koi carp.

All Photos: Courtesy of DOC.

Koi carp are high on the list of animal pests at the Department of Conservation, and have become an increasing concern throughout the lower Waikato River basin.

And there is cause for alarm for farmers Koi carp in a range in wetland areas, or who have low lying of colours, after lakes, or waterways on their farms. draining a pond.

This ornamental native of Asia and Europe was thought to be introduced to eradication of koi carp during the next 10 to 15 years, New Zealand in the 1960s as part of a funded from a new freshwater biosecurity fund. goldfish consignment. Their release into the wild was Under operations director David Speirs DOC is caused by largescale flooding, and illegal introductions looking at Australian research that plans to release for coarse fishing. the koi carp herpes virus into their waterways.

With no natural predator in the ecosystem, they can Determining whether this is a viable option for live for 30 to 40 years, preferring still waters. A female New Zealand will be a long process but work has is capable of laying 300,000 eggs a year, and breeding commenced on initial legislative requirements. is prolific.

DOC is also working with local iwi to consider When koi carp feed, they stir up the bottom of baiting, netting and trapping the carp, and processing waterways, sucking up everything and blowing out them into nutrient rich fertiliser during the eradication what isn’t wanted. Dislodged aquatic plants and operation. On a smaller scale in non-flowing habitats, undermining of stream banks causes habitat loss for farmers are involved in projects such as containment, plants, native fish, invertebrates and waterfowl. one-way traps, rotenone (pesticide), netting, and This year Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage electric fishing. In the containment area between asked the Department of Conservation to investigate Auckland and Hamilton recreational fishing is allowed ways of eradicating the fish. A new Waikato pest fish provided all koi carp are killed. coordinator is in place and is implementing a number Primary Stakeholders Catchment Trust (Lake of key projects including a strategy around long-term Waikare) chairman Jim Cotman has been involved with farmers in Whangamarino wetland and their concerns.

“Every time there is a flood, they move further up the drains, become trapped and die in their hundreds.

“Our farmers see firsthand the havoc caused to their farm waterways, and subsequent nutrient and sediment loss to rivers, lakes and wetlands they feed. This sets the scene for increased erosion and sediment loss downstream.”

North Waikato farmers have sent submissions to Waikato Regional Council for the Waikato Healthy Rivers Plan Change 1 to include provision for control of koi carp, as they see the pest fish as part of cumulative effects on the Waikato River.

Last month Parliament passed a Conservation (Indigenous Freshwater Fish) Amendment Bill to update legislation to look after fish spawning areas, ensure culverts and drains don’t block fish passage in rivers and streams, and manage fishing on conservation lands. Learn about this on page 39.

Catherine Fry

CARTAGE & EARTHWORKS

Freshwater fish survival at the heart of new Bill Offering effective tools to look after fish spawning areas, ensure culverts and drains don’t block fish passage in rivers and streams, and manage fishing on conservation lands, is the aim of the Indigenous Freshwater Fish) Amendment Bill.

The bill, which was passed in Parliament last month, is part of the Government’s work to renew freshwater fish legislation, which Conservation Minister Eugenie Sage says is 20 years out of date.

“Indigenous freshwater fish have been treated as second class species compared to indigenous birds and plants.

“They are currently less protected on conservation lands, outside of national parks and reserves, than virtually all other indigenous wildlife and plants.

Today, I’m delighted that we’re changing that,” says Eugenie.

She believes the future for New Zealand’s threatened indigenous freshwater fish looks brighter with the passing of the Bill. “We’re acknowledging that our indigenous freshwater fish deserve the same treatment on conservation land as kiwi, kaka, whio and other indigenous wildlife.

New Zealand has 56 species of indigenous freshwater fish – many of which are only found here.

“But they’re in trouble – 70 per cent are threatened or at risk of extinction. Lamprey, eels and some whitebait fisheries have declined dramatically during

the last century,” says Eugenie. “A better legislative ‘toolbox’, will enable the Department of Conservation to work with iwi, councils, landholders and the public to improve fisheries management and help native fish thrive.”

The Conservation (Indigenous Freshwater Fish) Amendment Bill will allow better management of the main threats to indigenous freshwater fish such as barriers to fish passage, loss of spawning sites and noxious fish such as koi carp.

It will also enable better management of activities such as drain clearing, which can kill large numbers of eels and other fish.

“The legislation enables the Director-General of Conservation to introduce authorisation for whitebaiting in conservation areas if necessary in future, to better manage whitebaiting.

“We can’t ignore that of the six species that make up the whitebait fishery, four are threatened or at-risk of extinction – giant kokopu, shortjaw kokopu, inanga and koaro.

Eugenie says any new authorisation process will not come into force any earlier than two years after the bill becomes law. “There will be public consultation on any changes to the whitebaiting regulations.

“We want to improve the prospects for all our indigenous wildlife and plants. The need for action to save our precious indigenous freshwater fish has never been greater.

“This bill is a step towards a future of healthy, sustainable freshwater fish populations,” says Eugenie.

UDLY SUPPORTING PRO

2019 - 2020

Page 39

ENVIRO FRIENDLY FARMING

Page 40

Agriculture’s removal from ETS welcomed Farming groups have welcomed the Government announcement that it will not include agriculture in the Emissions Trading Scheme and instead join forces with the industry to develop practical and costeffective ways to measure and price emissions at farm level by 2025.

Late-October the Government launched the partnership to reduce primary sector emissions, calling it a world-first.

But it also cautioned that in 2022 the

independent Climate Change Commission will check on progress – and if commitments aren’t being met, it can bring the sector into the ETS at processor level before 2025.

The five-year joint action plan called He Waka Eke Noa will involve establishing a price on agricultural emissions by 2025 – but crucially this won’t happen through the ETS but at the farm gate.

The action plan includes: improved tools for estimating and benchmarking emissions on farms; integrated farm plans that include a climate module; investment in research, development and commercialisation; increased farm advisory capacity and

capability; incentives for early adopters; and recognition of on-farm mitigation such as small plantings, riparian areas and natural cover.

Partnership approach

The Government says it recognises partnering with Maori will be critical to the success of this joint action plan.

DairyNZ has welcomed the move to build an enduring farm-level emission reduction framework in a partnership approach.

Chief executive Dr Tim Mackle says government initially wanted to implement a broad-based tax on farmers. “This would

have piled on more cost with no environmental benefit,” says Tim. “We’re pleased the Government has instead listened to the strong advocacy from our sector and will be working with agricultural groups, including DairyNZ, on a plan to drive real behaviour change on-farm, rather than introduce a new tax.

“A new tax, in the form of a processor levy in the ETS, would have taken money out of farmers’ pockets at a time when it would be better invested on-farm to prepare for and start the process of reducing emissions.

“We are not alone in our thinking, with the Government’s Interim Climate Change Committee noting that ultimately the ETS is not the right mechanism to achieve the best outcomes at a farm-level in the long-term.”

Tim says farmers are committed to playing their part and want to take action to reduce agricultural emissions, but the mechanism to incentivise action needs to be right.

“He Waka Eke Noa is credible five-year work plan, developed in partnership with other sector groups, that includes clear and measurable actions, outcomes and timeframes that will facilitate and support action across a number of environmental improvements such as climate change, water quality and biodiversity.

“This includes rolling out Farm Environment Plans for all farms by 2025 to ensure every farmer knows their emissions footprint, where those emissions are coming from, and what they can do to manage them.”

Beef + Lamb New Zealand and the Meat Industry Association are also pleased to have reached an agreement with government to deal with agricultural emissions at farm level.

B+LNZ chairman Andrew Morrison says the agreement represents a good outcome for farmers and acknowledges that the current ETS is unsuitable for agricultural emissions.

“By working with the Government, we now have the best opportunity to develop a framework that’s practical and simple for farmers, rewards positive change and supports the sector to reduce and offset farming’s emissions,” says Andrew.

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MIA chairman John Loughlin says the sector had been concerned at proposals to introduce a price on emissions at the processor level through the ETS from 2021 “which would in effect have been a blunt tax on farmers”.

“A farm-based approach will incentivise and reward farmers who are already doing the right thing. Pricing emissions at the processor level through the ETS would have done nothing to reduce on-farm emissions.”

Andrew says establishment of a farm-level emissions budget “is pragmatic and sensible”. “It will lead to farmers paying for emissions fairly, based on their own circumstances, and enable them to count their offsets such as from trees on their farms.

“We’ll also be able to help develop an approach that not only reflects methane is a short-lived gas, but also recognises sequestration.

Andrew says NZ is the first country to price agricultural emissions “and through this agreement, our sector has a shot at designing this system to ensure that it is fair for farmers”.

But DairyNZ, B+LNZ and the MIA are concerned the Government is introducing legislation to have a back-stop in place ahead of a review of progress on setting up the pricing system in 2022. If it is not happy with progress, the Government will revert back to the processor inclusion in the ETS. “We are disappointed with the approach as it is unusual to introduce legislation that may never be implemented,” says Andrew. “However, the onus is on us to work with the Government constructively and effectively on what we all agree is the preferred approach.”

Tim agrees. “Our future is now in our own hands as we work in partnership with the Government to deliver against our commitments.”

ENVIRO FRIENDLY FARMING

Page 41

Partnership to tackle carbon emissions a world-first…

Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern is hailing her government’s plan to tackle the long-term challenge of climate change by working with the agricultural sector “a world-first agreement”.

“And we’ve done that by reaching an historic consensus with our primary sector.”

The Prime Minster says for too long politicians have passed the buck and caused uncertainty for everyone while the need for climate action was clear.

“This plan provides the primary sector with certainty and puts us shoulder-to-shoulder on a path to reduce emissions, with ongoing

support to help with the plan such as the $229 million Sustainable Land Use investment. This will reduce emissions by giving farmers the autonomy to plan to do so and reward those who do.”

Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters says the decision shows they've listened to farmers.

“We welcome the cooperation of our primary sector organisations who have been advocating for a smooth transition towards meaningful emission reductions.”

Major reforms to the ETS have also been announced to make it fit for purpose, with a cap on industrial energy and transport emissions, and forester incentives simplified.

Minister for Climate Change James Shaw says

this will help keep our planet safe for future generations. “With the world changing at break-neck speed, these changes will drive us towards a low emissions country.

“Changes also align the purpose of the ETS with the Zero Carbon Act and the Paris Agreement, so NZ doing its bit to limit global warming to 1.5C,” says the Minister.

Agricultural Minister Damien O’Connor says farmers understand a changing climate affects them and many are already making changes on-farm to meet that challenge.

“The agreement with sector leaders shows the value of collaboration and provides certainty for farmers, but the hard work begins now to develop the tools and systems to account for

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on-farm emissions in 2025,” says Damien.

Meanwhile, the NZ Taxpayers’ Union is calling the plan the right decision to give the agricultural sector a chance to design its own strategy in mitigating environmental damage.

But Greenpeace is calling the Government’s “surprise backdown” on its commitment to put farming into the ETS “a major sell-out”.

“The Government has buckled to lobbying pressure from the dairy industry and big agri-business,” says Greenpeace campaigner Gen Toop.

“Agriculture is our biggest climate polluter.

“An ETS without the sector in it is a joke and won’t be able to combat the climate emergency – the greatest threat humanity has ever faced.”

Page 42

FORESTRY

Carbon forestry research recognised The University of Canterbury’s Head of the School of Forestry, Professor Bruce Manley, has won a Forestry Science Award for his dedication to, and leadership within, forestry research, and his innovative work on carbon forestry.

Professor Manley has led research groups responsible for the initial research on carbon capture by planted forests and analysis of commercial forest resource quality.

Instrumental in the wider adoption of estate-modelling techniques for

forest planning, he regularly advises government on policy related to his research interests.

Forestry Minister Shane Jones presented the award to Professor Manley at Parliament at an October event marking the State Forest Service’s centenary.

“It was a very special moment for me,” says Bruce. “It was great to be recognised in a room full of people I have worked with over many years.”

After completing a Bachelor of Forestry Science with Honours, Bruce joined the NZ Forest Service in 1976 at the Forest Research Institute in

Rotorua where he became and harvest age, and on the a highly respected senior decision of whether to even manager. He has also harvest or grow a stand on for completed a PhD in carbon. This work has led to Forest Management and research on ways to improve a Bachelor of Business the ETS.” Studies, Bruce says a career highlight He joined UC’s School has been research on the of Forestry in 1999 and lifecycle of harvested wood was appointed Head of products.

School in 2006. Bruce is “In a project for Ministry internationally recognised for Primary Industries and for his research in Ministry for the Environment, modelling both quantity Associate Professor David and quality of forest Evison and I visited the major Forestry Minister Shane Jones presents the resources, and says he markets for NZ logs – China, Forestry Science Award to Professor Bruce enjoys seeing the ongoing South Korea and India.

Manley at Parliament at an event marking the “We tracked what NZ logs developments in the State Forest Service’s centenary. forestry sector. are being used to produce, and quantify these opportunities and the end-use and life of these “The NZ Emissions risks,” says Bruce. products. The results of our work Trading Scheme was a world first “My research has looked at are being use by MfE for Kyoto and provides opportunities and risks the potential impact of the ETS Protocol carbon accounting and for forest growers. I have enjoyed on afforestation, silviculture UNFCCC carbon reporting.” doing analysis and modelling to

Why are we so low in productivity?

Apparently, New Zealand is down with Italy and Greece as one of the lowest productivity countries in the OECD. This is frightening!

The country has a good surplus of about $7.5 billion, farm production is solid and interest rates are at an alltime low, which should stimulate the economy, but nothing seems to be working.

It would seem there are so many handbrakes and impediments to business that many people are giving up and opting out. It is interesting to have been to the US and Australia and find that their economies are much freer of regulation and handbrakes.

We had an English doctor show up in our community about five years ago and he worked as a locum in the district. He said that he’d got away from

the English bureaucracy only to find it followed him here and to also find our medical administration is full of English bureaucrats.

ACC – this monster business was started to provide a better system for the public and those injured. We pay into it as a ‘tax’ and they pay out for injuries etc. Their agenda now is to minimise accidents and payouts so they are trying to wrap us in cotton wool so they do not have to pay out.

Worksafe and cones – this is a body to stop you having accidents in the workplace and if you do hurt somebody they will lower the boom on you and look out, it can get very expensive.

I wish I had gone into road cone manufacturing a few years ago.

Clean streams and dirty dairying – more regulation and form-filling for farmers. And, yes, I agree a few do need sorting out, but by and large farmers are good custodians of the land. Farmers are now in the doldrums as more pressure comes on them too.

Anti-Money Laundering – for any of you who have tried to buy property or lease out your buildings this is another “handbrake”. So much so that I ended up giving this process or form-fill job to my solicitor and an independent company to meet the requirements under AML. It is a real “put-off ” and a cost to your business and slows the whole process down again.

Building Consents and the Resource Management Act – I accept that some tidying was necessary, but when it takes two years to get a building consent and the engineers and soil reports done, let alone liquefaction reports on hillsides, you start to wonder.

It is all just another cost to business and impediment and big handbrake.

There are many other limitations on productivity, and you will know many I have not mentioned, but this stuff is real.

I hate to admit it, but many senior people are just giving up and option out because it is all just getting to heavy and too hard to do business. ...continued

FORESTRY

Page 43

Forestry industry researchers’ accolades A diverse range of researchers were recognised at last month’s Forest Growers Research Awards in Wellington.

Winners included Scion’s Dr Amanda Matson, who won the Communication and Sector Engagement award. The Innovation for Sector Value award went to Scion’s Dr Graham Coker. The Science of International Quality award

Giving forestry workers a voice championing health and safety A new initiative is aiming to give forestry workers a stronger voice on workplace safety by appointing roving regional safety champions as part of a one-year pilot scheme.

The pilot is aiming to create ways for workers to have an influential voice in health and safety and work design decisions, according to FISC national safety director Fiona Ewing, who says the scheme replicates a model that’s had success in the UK and Australia.

“We’ve done lots of good work with the sector since the establishment of FISC, but we still need to crack the gnarly problem of how to ensure there is a strong workers’ voice,” says Fiona.

It can be difficult for workers to have an influential voice, she says, because the nature of the workforce, crew size, remote locations and the way work is organised make it hard.

“Workers know what makes work successful on a day-to-day basis and they play an essential role in reducing work-related injuries and ill-health.

Therefore, good worker participation is critical to successfully managing work-related risks,” says Fiona, of the philosophy underpinning the new role.

While there’s been a downward trend in injuries and on-the-job deaths in recent years, there remains room for improvement in the industry’s record on health and safety with three forestry worker deaths so far in 2019, and six in 2018. continued...

Government – recent polls have confirmed what we all think. This government is so busy doing all the ‘soft’ social stuff and has forgotten that people need to be able to share a vision. They need to be able to see ahead. People want to feel there is a bright future.

So, if you put all this together, all the blockages to business and people plus an inability to see where we are going, it is little wonder that our real productivity

Recruitment starts this month for the Worksafefunded health and safety champions, called ‘Toroawhi’, which means “collectively we create the momentum for change,” says Fiona.

Worksafe and FISC have worked together to co-design the Toroawhi role, which will report to FISC. The Toroawhi won’t just be on job sites, says Fiona. They will also engage with workers and their whanau in the community, at events or wherever they are needed. “They won’t be a WorkSafe inspector or union rep so they won’t have any regulatory powers or be on a membership drive. What they will be doing is working collaboratively to find solutions to health and safety or work design problems. They will be coaching, mentoring and educating workers.

“We’re looking for someone that has an understanding of the culture of the bush and knows enough about health and safety to know what good looks like and what’s not OK.” While it is hoped that one Toroawhi will be appointed in the South Island and another in the North Island, it will really depend on where successful applicants are based, says Fiona.

Josephine Reader

is so low. Yes, I accept that we are all working harder, but the blockages and cost associated as above are preventing our efforts and reflected in our low productivity. Move over Greece, here we come with the lowest productivity!

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 principal of Fraser Farm Finance and a consultant to the farm industry. Contact him on 021 777 675.

went to the Phenotyping Team from Scion and University of Canterbury’s School of Forestry. The Research Participation and Implementation award was won by Hamish McPherson of PF Olsen. The Collaboration in a Science Team award went to Scion’s Loretta Garratt. And the Young Scientist award went to Dr Stuart Fraser of Scion.

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 44

The easiest way to keep the pool clean A range of pool cleaners from the latest robotic equipment with Wi-Fi and smartphone technology plus traditional suction cleaners and the ever popular Floatron pool purifier is what Floatron NZ can offer you this summer.

If you want put an end to spending hours manually vacuuming, testing and dosing your pool, Melissa Growden is the person to speak to.

She has owned and operated Floatron NZ Ltd for more than 23 years, and now runs the business from her and husband Craig’s other business, Gateway Caravans, at 2 Gateway Drive, Whakatane.

“You certainly can make pool care easy and more ecofriendly,” says Melissa.

She began selling Floatron swimming pool purifiers in 1996 after her family were so impressed with the results of this solarpanelled device and how clean it kept their pool with minimal chemicals.“We’d tried it as a last resort after ongoing frustration in maintaining our pool, and were so amazed with the results and the simplicity that we knew we were onto something special.”

Melissa says the Floatron is “the easiest way to keep your pool clean” because it reduces the need for costly pool chemicals, which can average between $500 to $1000 a year depending on pool size and conditions.

Melissa and Craig have used their own Floatron in three different pools during the last 20 years, and have used a range of different Zodiac cleaners too. “The Floatron releases mineral ions into the water which help combat algae and bacteria. This allows pool owners to reduce chlorine use up to 90 per cent.”

Melissa has even tested her own pool water and found it has less chlorine than tap water.

See the Floatron advert to contact her, or call in to Gateway Caravans.

The Floatron gives users a stress-free summer with easy pool care.

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The tawny brown tussocks soon turn to verdant beech forests on the West Coast Explorer Tour.

The West Coast Explorer Tour is as different from NZ Adventures’ other more easterly trips as you can possibly get, according to Robbie and Connie Crickett, who operate back country tours throughout the South Island.

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“The main difference is that trees are as plentiful in the west as they absent in the east,” says Connie.

“Nowhere is the east-west contrast more notable than on the first day of the West Coast trip when the tawny brown tussocks of North Canterbury, St. James Station and Western Molesworth are left behind as the tour suddenly plunges into the verdant beech forests that are a feature of the journey.”

Early highlights of the West Coast Explorer include the tracks on St. James, Lake Tennyson and the highest road pass in New Zealand.

Overnights on the coast include two nights in Murchison, a night in Westport and another in Reefton before the tour’s final night in Greymouth.

“Along the way this trip is rich with a diversity of content. Scenery is to the fore but there is also plenty of human and natural history,” says Connie.

For an information pack, phone, email or visit the NZ Adventures website.

COUNTRY LIVING

Voting on summerfruit levy New Zealand’s commercial summerfruit growers have until midday November 8 to vote on whether they want to support ongoing industry funding for biosecurity, crop protection, export market access and other activities.

Industry body Summerfruit NZ has been consulting growers nationwide on renewal of the sector’s commodity levy order, which expires before the start of the 2020 summerfruit season.

The new order will allow Summerfruit NZ to levy growers for a further six years – and outcome of the referendum should be know within a few days of voting losing.

Summerfruit NZ represents more than 220 growers in NZ’s main growing regions. Based on figu es from the 2017/2018 season, the summerfruit market is worth $127 million

annually with 69 per cent being export sales.

Summerfruit NZ chairman Tim Jones, a Cromwell cherry grower, says directors and staff have been meeting growers, many of them more than once, in the lead-up to the vote.

“We found almost unanimous support for our current levy calculation method, which is based on a percentage of sales value,” says Tim. “So we’re putting this option forward for growers to vote on in the levy referendum. We’re also proposing no increase for the maximum levy rates – currently one rate for apricots, nectarines, peaches and plums, and another rate for cherries. Cherries are treated differently because they have higher value and lower overall production per hectare than the other fruits covered by our levy.”

With levies providing more than twothirds of Summerfruit NZ’s funding, an independent industry review will follow the

Manage your tank water levels from anywhere With summer approaching, people using tank water can now manage their water level from anywhere –and know when to top-up before things go dry – with a new monitoring system called TankMate.

Better still, founder Gavin Sheppard has designed TankMate as a DIY-install with no need for professional help – and water levels can be monitored remotely via the TankMate app.

“It’s just a matter of connecting the system to your home WiFi, then drilling a hole in the tank.”

The battery-run TankMate WiFi Water Level Sensor is mounted on top of your tank and sends information via WiFi to an app – accessible by phone or computer – showing tank volume, how many days water is likely to last, recent water usage trends and local rainfall forecast.

“TankMate takes the hassle out of water management for households, bach owners and holiday home users alike.

“It’s designed for people using tank water as their main supply – so it really comes in handy in summer.”

The product idea sprouted two years ago when Gavin and his neighbour wanted a better way to measure what was in their tanks. “We couldn’t find any existing products that did the job, so we started testing a few ideas.”

TankMate founder Gavin Sheppard installing a TankMate WiFi Water Level Sensor to a water tank.

Gavin launched TankMate in October 2018 and spent 12 months improving it. New features include multi-tank sensor options and a leak alert from the system checking levels every 60 minutes.

And with users seeing how much water they consume daily, it encourages reducing wastage. “It really helps you to manage your water use through summer – so you can plan for when you need to fill up or ha e a topped-up resource for arrival of guests.”

levy vote and provide an opportunity for growers, exporters and others with an interest in the industry to have their say on what Summerfruit NZ will look like in future and the scope of work it will be involved in.

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COUNTRY LIVING

A childhood adventure with meaning

ric Turme C P with O

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the night. Perhaps love might look like a little kitten. The picture book offers a powerful message of empathy and kindness, which is well worth the read. Thanks to Exisle Publishing, Coast & Country News has a copy of ‘Ella and Mrs Gooseberry’ to give away. To be in to win, email captions for the photo to the right with your name and address to: merle@sunmedia.co.nz Or post these details on an envelope to: Country Funnies, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140 to arrive by November 15.

Winner of September’s Country Funnies is Sharron Ruiterman of Bombay, for her caption: “It’s boxing day. We’re off to the races!” She wins a copy of ‘Mind Kind’ by Dr Joanna North.

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The charming tale follows grumpy old Mrs Gooseberry from next door, who has lost her love. Young Ella did not know you could lose love, so she begins her quest to find out what love looks like and how she can help Mrs Gooseberry to rediscover it. Her mother says love is like home-cooked pie.

Her teacher says it’s like lanterns in

Y

A gentle and heart-warming story about a child’s understanding of love, selfless giving and how it makes you feel is within new children’s book ‘Ella and Mrs Gooseberry’ by authors Vikki Conley and Penelope Pratley.

‘Ella and Mrs Gooseberry’ is the book prize for November.

The impact of turmeric’s active ingredient My motorcycle tour in India a few years ago was a feast for my senses including, of course, my tastebuds.

Abundant Health

Most curry recipes contain the brilliant yellow spice turmeric. It has been a mainstay of Indian Ayurvedic medicine where it is used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immune supporting qualities. The active ingredient in turmeric is curcumin.

I have many clients who’ve benefitted from curcumin, often to calm tissue affected by inflammation. One client had a troublesome Baker’s cyst behind his knee. Taking my curcumin product has greatly reduced swelling and discomfort.

A study titled ‘Curcumin: a new paradigm and therapeutic opportunity for the treatment of osteoarthritis’ (Henrotin, 2013) investigated the application of curcumin in osteoarthritis. The study concluded: “curcumin represents a new paradigm since it is not yet a recommended intervention in osteoarthritis but should be considered based on its safety and efficacy”.

The study outlines the impact of curcumin on anti-inflammatory pathways including inhibiting inflammatory enzyme COX-2.

This is the target of most anti-

inflammatory drugs and while effective, these come with a range of often side effects.

I use a standardised extract of 95 per cent curcumin extract and have created a proprietary blend to improve curcumin absorption into damaged joints and tissue.

The normal daily dose of two capsules daily gives 1000mg of this high potency extract. This is equivalent to about one tablespoon of raw turmeric. This is especially effective when combined with high potency grape seed extract.

I use curcumin mostly for joint support and wherever tissue is affected by inflammation. Contact me for an email copy of my Anti-Inflammatory Nutrition Guide.

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 all new newsletter at: www.abundant.co.nz

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COUNTRY LIVING

Roam Rotorua’s best gardens

More than 40 of Rotorua’s finest gardens will be on show for three days this month.

More than 40 of Rotorua’s finest gardens will be on show from November 15-17 as the city’s 2019 festival of gardens unfolds.

This year the “world famous in NZ gardening circles” Lynda Hallinan is keynote presenter.

Visiting gardens, answering questions, providing expert advice and delivering hands-on demonstrations, Lynda will cover a range of topics and activities for gardeners of all ages and stages.

On Friday night, November 15, she’ll host an inspiring edible gardening session to make the most of your backyard bounty.

“Lynda will share practical tips for growing fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as her favourite seasonal recipes and modern preserving methods to tempt your tastebuds,” says festival organising committee vice president Jude Livingston.

On Saturday morning, November 16, she’ll offer fresh ideas for spring gardens. “Here, Lynda will present an entertaining and practical workshop at Palmers, showcasing the best new plants and old-fashioned favourites for picking, produce, pollination and pleasure,” says Jude.

“Learn tricks and techniques, plus eco-friendly options for pest and disease control. And bring your questions for Lynda to answer!”

Jude says several of the festival gardens will feature musicians and artists from the Rotorua Arts Community throughout the weekend. “And garden owners will be on-hand to talk about their gardens, provide growing tips and insights, and to share in the joy of gardening.

In its 20th year, the biennial festival is considered a ‘must do’ for avid gardeners of all ages, and is the highlight of the Rotorua district’s gardening calendar, says Jude.

A comprehensive festival garden and visitors guide

Lynda Hallinan is keynote presenter of 2019’s Rotorua Festival of Gardens. is supplied with ticket purchase, offering a review of gardens and map of Rotorua, with all gardens marked for ease of planning visits.

Festival tickets are $45 each and provide access to all festival gardens during three days. Children under 14 enter for free.

Tickets are on sale at Palmers Garden Centre, Sala St; McLeods Booksellers, Pukuatua St; Living Colour, Eruera St; at: www.rotoruagardens.org.nz or email: rfogtickets@gmail.com Or write to: Rotorua Festival of Gardens Ticket Sales, PO Box 2264, Rotorua, 3020. Or Phone: Phil Painter on 07 345 6755.

This year the festival’s designated charity is Rotorua St Johns Ambulance Hospital Shuttle. Plus donated festival tickets will go to local community and charitable organisations.

Festival profits will be donated to Rotorua St John Ambulance Hospital Shuttle

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15, 16, 17 November 2019

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Website: www.rotoruagardens.org.nz Palmers Garden Centre, 147 Sala St, Rotorua Telephone: Treasurer, (07) 345 6755 McLeods Bookshop, 1148 Pukuatua St, Rotorua Email: rfogtickets@gmail.com Living Colour, 1197 Eruera St, Rotorua

Visit: www.rotoruagardens.org.nz for tickets and further information

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EFFLUENT EXPO

Clean green design does the job

When Shane Armstrong from Kybush Surf Trust at Opotiki phoned Clean Green Effluent System’s general manager and designer Lindsay Lewis, he was on the next plane north.

The opportunity to install a Clean Green Effluent System in a new area under a different regional council is always inviting.

“Shane was wonderful to work with as he knew what he wanted and understood the system’s operational requirements,” says Lindsay.

To design and install a new system to an existing cowshed while incorporating a feed pad under construction was an exciting challenge.

“The system was installed in the last week of September 2018, which allowed Shane to process the effluent f om the cowshed while the covered feed pad was being completed.”

The outcome Shane and Clean Green Effluent Company have achieved is proving to be able to cope exceptionally well with the farm’s infrastructure, creating a user friendly operation, says Lindsay.

“The fully automated effluent system all ws external yarding and the feedpad to be washed automatically with recycled filte ed green water.

“This has reduced Shane’s fresh water usage to about 20L/cow/day – well below the industry standard of

Opotiki dairy farmer Shane Armstrong with his new Clean Green Effluent ystem.

50L-70L/shed and 100L/barn.”

Lindsay says this reduction in fresh water usage allows the Clean Green Effluent-patented l w depth/ low rate system to operate effectively through a minimal disposal area.

“Effluent can be applied on any day whe e we have a 1mm soil deficit, the efore reducing the need for effluent storage to a minimum “This automated system is user-friendly for Shane and Kybush Surf Trust staff while being fully compliant and environmentally friendly.”

Lindsay says it was a pleasure working with Shane.

“And we look forward to assisting other forwardthinking farmers with a Clean Green design and installation.”

To find out mo e, visit the Clean Green Effluent System team at the NZ Effluent & nvironment Expo at site no 14.

EFFLUENT EXPO

Page 49

Learn to lean farm Lean farming expert Jana Hocken is one of several specialists leading “challenging everyday thinking” seminars at the 2019 National Effluent & Environment Expo at Mystery Creek Events Centre this month.

Toyota, where Jana has spent a good portion of her career, pioneered the idea of lean manufacturing, which is all about minimising waste without sacrificing productivity.

Lean thinking can fix many common problems that farmers face every day, says Jana. For example, long work hours, high staff turnover, repeat problems, breakdowns, wastage, safety issues and high costs.

Sound too good to be true? Not so, says Jana. Great results are achievable without investing in new plant, equipment or staff – you just need to do things differently, she says.

Jana’s expo discussion will be peppered with examples from the 1000-cow Manawatu dairy farm she runs with husband Mat Hocken. Standardisation of processes – common in a manufacturing environment, but not so common on farms – is a core aspect of the lean approach, says Jana.

“For example, we implemented a standard process for dry-cow therapy this year,” says Jana.

“We used an assembly-line like system where each person was responsible for a particular aspect of the task, and dry-cow took one-quarter of the time of previous years, and was far less stressful for both people and animals.”

She believes visualisation of farm data is also critical

Jana and Mat Hocken run a 1000-cow dairy farm in Fielding, Manawatu.

– that’s about getting stuff out of the farm owner’s head and onto a well-structured visual management board, which is updated at least weekly.

“This develops shared understanding about priority tasks, maintenance, production, animal health and whatever other metrics are important. Visualisation can have the largest positive impact on a farming business. A weekly stand-up meeting in front of the board gets everyone on the same page, and benefits the farm and farmer alike. Stress and hassle are reduced, because everyone knows what is expected.”

Jana, who has run workshops in NZ and Australia and authored ‘The Lean Dairy Farm’, says lean farming is “about working smarter – not harder”.

She believes the concept’s momentum is growing as farmers look for ways to respond to more regulatory, cost, employment and environmental pressures.

Visit our website for more on how the

The best in flexible tank storage Do you need a solution for your dairy effluent, water or fuel storage needs, which is designed to suit high risk soil areas throughout New Zealand?

“All of our effluent tanks include quick-connect, no-mess stirring valves that allow stirring in all directions.

“Our flexible bladder tanks sit alongside any existing separation infrastructure – many farmers If so, Flexi Tanks NZ offer the best have found them an economical, value, simple, safe and economical easy solution to becoming farm option for flexible effluent and water compliant fast.”

Flexi Tanks NZ’s liquid tanks storage tanks, says development Ideal for rain water or fuel offer a safe and economical manager Andre Meier. storage too, Flexi Tanks are option for flexible effluent and “Based in the heart of the Waikato, manufactured in France by water storage tanks.

Flexi Tanks NZ is the original Kiwi Labaronne Citaf, who invented distributor of the Flexible Tank. the tank system 60 years ago for “Our flexible liquid tanks are made French agriculture. from the heaviest fabric and are best “Labaronne held the world described as a bladder – think 1980s patent for 30 years and has led waterbed bladders on steroids!” the world in design, reliability Flexi Tanks are constructed of heavy and product development.

1400 g/m2 fabric and specifically They’re the original flexible tank designed for effluent, and handle manufacturer.” high or low PH levels.

To find out more, visit the “This system is fully enclosed, so it’s Flexi Tanks NZ team at the NZ The Flexible Tank is best safe and also encourages anaerobic described as a bladder made Effluent & Environment Expo at from heavy 1400 g/m2 fabric and site 74. Or see their advert on this activity to break down the contents, specifically designed for effluent. page for contact details. making it an easy system to manage.

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EFFLUENT EXPO

Small company’s major leap in water filtration

Forsi Innovations, a small familyowned and operated company, has been at the forefront of groundbreaking water filtration technology for more than 15 years.

In that time, they have made impressive moves to help farmers and industrial companies deal with water related issues, says Forsi’s Craig Hawes.

The team at the Matamata-based company have spent many years testing and refining their water filtration systems to help farmers and industrial companies with water quality issues.

“Our flagship system for i on and manganese removal has sold right throughout the country from Mangawhai to Invercargill and has succeeded where other filters ha e failed,” says Craig.

“Nationwide interest was sparked in 2015, with the release of Forsi’s effluent filtratio system; our company’s largest system is situated at a dairy in Massey University in Palmerston North. “The system separates the solids from effluent and filters the water until it i completely clean with no pathogens, viruses or smells,” says Craig.

A big advantage to the Forsi effluent filte system is it eliminates the need for large ponds, meaning farmland is not wasted for storage.

The screening and solids separation process has been developed to work effectively, with minor maintenance. Separation includes a solids slope and vibrating mesh screen and the SSR system, which separates and removes fine pa ticulates. All this technology combined makes the complete separation

Forsi Innovations’ solids separation process at Massey Uni Number 1 dairy, with the slope screen, clarifier and vib ating screen. system so versatile, it will work perfectly for any industry, not just farming.

For water quality issues, big or small, see the Forsi team at the NZ Effluent and nvironmental Expo, site 40.

IN, OUT, OR ANYWHERE IN BETWEEN

COME AND VISIT US AT THE EFFLUENT EXPO 19-20 November, Mystery Creek Hamilton, STAND #8 Come and have a chat with us to learn how to ensure your farm is worry-free for future generations. To learn about the Prosump call Scott on 027 777 1329

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EFFLUENT EXPO

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Talking soil biology at expo

Effluent Expo speaker Jacqueline Rowarth.

Around 95 per cent of New Zealand soils have already reached their target range for organic matter, according to the ‘Our Land’ report from the Ministry for Environment, and are the envy of many other countries, including Australia, says soil and agricultural scientist Jacqueline Rowarth.

“My colleague, Nanthi Bolan, Professor of Environmental Chemistry at the University of Newcastle, Australia, says his goal is to assist Australian soils to become as productive as those in New Zealand,” says Jacqueline, who is a speaker at this month’s NZ Effluent & Environment Expo.

Dynamic equilibrium Adding to the eight per cent – on average – of organic matter in NZ’s pastoral soils, won’t be easy, says Jacqueline. “Most of our soils have already reached a dynamic equilibrium and if you want to increase the soil organic matter, you need to increase an input or reduce an output.

“We could add fertiliser to make more grass but keep the same number of animals, or keep the same fertiliser and reduce stocking rate so that grazing pressure is reduced.

“Taking less off allows more vegetation to fall onto the soil for bugs to eat. But each time a bug eats organic matter, approximately 60 per cent of its carbon is released. At the same time, nitrogen, phosphorus and sulphur are also released. They might be taken up by more bugs or plants, but they can also

be leached during rain.”

Professor Surinder Saggar of Landcare and Massey University, has said that within two to three years of a change – depending on conditions – soils reach a dynamic equilibrium again, and applying the same inputs, or retaining the same stocking rates won’t lead to any further increase in organic matter, unless something else is changed.

in producing milk with low greenhouse gas emissions compared to other countries is that the two years’ growth of a dairy cow before she joins the milking herd is distributed across five years, on average, in milk. “ In America cows are in the herd for an average two lactations so their greenhouse gases emission during two years of growth are spread over only two years’ lactation.

“Other countries may say they can manage with M. bovis but the implication of greenhouse gases per kilogram of milk solids is that a competitive advantage will be eroded, and costs of production will increase.”

Jacqueline, who has a Bachelor degree in Agricultural Science with honours in Environmental Agriculture, and a PhD in Soil Science from Massey University, will welcome questions and discussion from those at her seminar ‘Challenging Everyday Thinking Soil Biology’ at the NZ Effluent & Environment Expo on November 19-20 at Mystery Creek events centre, Hamilton.

Elaine Fisher

‘Bug’ farmers

In effect NZ farmers are ‘bug’ farmers, whether the bugs are in the rumen or in the soil, it is feeding them that drives the economy. Jacqueline says the problem with the bugs is that they are uncontrollable. “They operate according to temperature, moisture and available nutrients. One of my concerns as a soil scientist, is that if we put soil carbon into the Emission Trading Scheme, there is a limited time to sequester carbon – far less than decades as with trees. And against the large background of carbon already in the soils, small changes are hard to measure. “If there is a drought you have a liability on your hands as you lose carbon. Dr Harry Clark, the director of the NZ Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre has warned against putting soil carbon in the ETS because farmers could inherit a big financial burden.”

M.Bovis impacts

Jacqueline warns of another potential problem around greenhouse gas emission should the disease Mycoplasma bovis fail to be eradicated in NZ. Among its effects is to shorten the productive life of dairy cows.

“NZ dairy cows are productive for a long time compared with most of the world. Part of our efficiency

Don’t miss Sir Graham

If you’ve ever wanted to meet Former All Blacks coach Sir Graham Henry – then head to the 2019 National Effluent & Environment Expo at Mystery Creek Events Centre on November 19-20.

Sir Graham is the event’s keynote speaker – and will speak at 4pm on Tuesday, November 19, the first day of this year’s expo, in the demonstration area of the Event Centre pavilion and is free to listen to.

Expo organiser Amanda Hodgson says this year’s event has been rebranded and opened up to include more than just effluent due to feedback from the farming community.

“We wanted to deliver a combination of education on effluent management and something for the top few inches too in our speaker slots this year,” says Amanda.

“Making sure farmers are sorted in terms of their own wellbeing and mental health is crucial, so we’re so pleased to have someone of the calibre and experience of Sir Graham on our speaker list.”

This year’s event has a new layout, with extra sites, that takes in the entire Event Centre pavilion at Mystery Creek, meaning more than 100 exhibitors are expected.

More information is at: https://effluentexpo.co.nz/

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Page 52

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

FERTILISER

Carbon and profit are inseparable About two-thirds of world carbon emissions come from burning fossil fuels.

Over recent time, carbon dioxide in the atmosphere has increased from 280ppm to 400ppm. It needs to go back to 280350ppm to help mitigate climate change.

Does the Government really believe that a country that contributes to 0.1 per cent of the world’s greenhouse gas pollution can lead the way?

When running dairy farms, some years ago, I noticed that our fertiliser regime was not meeting expectations.

Production stagnated, weeds increased, toxic chemicals increased, animal health deteriorated, and profitability suffered. The corporately-run fertiliser co-ops got the boot. Their annual programme was the same, year in and year out. Some years prior to this, we signed up to a financial programme where the inputs and outputs were analysed on a cents/ kg basis, e.g. feed grown, feed eaten, milk produced, stock sold etc. The analyses showed quite clearly that the less feed that was bought in or supplement made, the greater the profit. Research also shows the more the cows’ diets stray from pasture, the higher the greenhouse gas emissions. The more grain, PKE and other inputs they eat, the less healthy the milk and meat.

Balance date

The key is to match feed supply with feed demand.

Make every day a balance date. You can’t of course, but you can increase the number of balance dates you have from two or four a year, to many times more.

The more cows/ha you run, the further from this concept you get. Matching supply and demand means choosing a stocking rate that suits the pasture growth.

This drives profit. Identify the factors that increase profit; not those that increase production. Once you do that, optimum production follows. Chasing production increases costs, not necessarily profit.

Putting this into perspective, one farm that was most like Lincoln University Dairy Farm in Canterbury

produced an annual ROI (Return On Investment) of 12-13 per cent. The best LUDC ROI was 6.4 per cent. NZ average was 2-3 per cent. Our worst was 6.5 per cent when the farm seriously flooded in 2004. Our nitrogen use was 30kg/ha buffered with carbon. LUDC N use was >8 times that, unbuffered. Our production was half LUDC. Our profit was double. It also became very apparent most of the farmers that joined the financial programme also ran alternative fertiliser programmes. They arrived at their decisions independently, being spread all around NZ. In other words, they were free-thinkers, unencumbered by the commercial alliances and constraints that dominate NZ agriculture.

Organic matter

The National Australia Bank discovered some years ago that the most profitable farms had a common theme. That was organic matter. In short, carbon. Carbon and profitability, sustainability, and reduced greenhouse gas emissions all go hand-in-hand. They are inseparable. We at Kiwi Fertiliser source the highest quality fertilisers we can find.

We mix our fertilisers from lime to nitrogen with a carbon source Biochar, which has been manufactured locally under strict regulations.

Up until recently we had little choice but to source humates from Southland. Biochar is cheaper and is win-win for Kiwi Fertiliser and the farmers and growers that work with us.

Page 53

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FERTILISER

Page 54

Robin Boom

CPAg MBSPC

Independent Agronomy & Soil Fertility Consultant

Different phosphate options In recent years some smaller fertiliser importers have been bringing in high analysis phosphatic fertilisers such as triple super, pure dicalcium phosphate, RPR and DAP, and selling them considerably cheaper than what the two big fertiliser co-ops have been selling them for.

There’s also been serious question marks regarding the efficacy of some of the RPR fertiliser blends the two co-ops have been selling to farmers, and through my columns in this newspaper I seem to be the only whistleblower out there rising the alarm on these.

However, I’m pleased to say Ravensdown is now mixing in Algerian rock with their Sechura RPR, which is considerably better than their Sechura/Moroccan BG4 blend or straight BG4 it was selling as ‘Direct Application Phosphate Rock’ a couple of years ago which really was only suitable for pine trees.

Ballance has also upped its game and is now offering a serpentine super/Sechura blend, and I will be suggesting this option to many of my hill country farming clients as at 11 per cent P and $310/tonne it certainly stacks up.

Solid and Liquid Fertilisers Liquid BioChar/Humus Builder /Cal-Phos Increase soil humus and biological activity – from $15/ha Soil Force Biological Phosphate Fertiliser Re-Charge/Nano-Cal/Multi-Cal Calcium-Carbon Fertilisers

Biological Fertilisers

Stock Primer – Mineralised Carbon Drench Build immunity, suppress pathogens; e.g. Rotovirus & E.Coli for as little as 4¢ per cow per day

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Cricket, Cicada, Argentine Stem Weevil, Clover Flea – all added into solid and liquid fertiliser programmes.

Biological PSA management options. Reams Soil Testing, Home Garden Fertiliser.

Since the old Te Kuiti Research Station trials, which finished 25 years ago, there have been no comparative phosphate fertiliser trials that I’m aware of.

However, I was approached by a couple of Australians, who run a company across the Tasman called Fert Direct and who’ve been marketing a sulphur-infused triple superphosphate product called Triple Plus, to run a trial comparing their product against a whole lot of commercially available phosphate products sold here. So in June I laid down a four replicate trial comparing Ravensdown superphosphate, Ballance Triple Super/Sulphur blend, Triple Plus from Fert Direct, Replenish Dicalcium Phosphate from Terracare, Dicalcium Phosphate from Fertilisers Direct, Sechura RPR from Kiwifert, Algerian RPR from Quinfert and granulated Egyptian RPR from Dickie Direct.

All plots received the equivalent of 45kg/ha of P plus 30kg/ha sulphur on a site with low pH, phosphorus and sulphur levels.

Trial site

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The trial site has cages from which pasture cuts will be harvested and DM growth determined intermittently during a 12-month period.

Biological PSA management options. Reams Soil Testing, Home Garden Fertiliser.

The above photograph shows the trial site where trim cuts were performed and cages placed from which pasture cuts will be harvested and dry matter growth determined intermittently during a 12-month period.

Although the Australian company will be funding it the first year, as they are confident their product will outperform the local products, thereafter a local RPR importer has offered to fund the trial (assuming he’s happy with the performance of his product).

As this will be the first comparative phosphate trialling of so many commercially-available products for more than 25 years, the results will be of interest to all farmers and their consultants – and through this column I hope to keep you updated with results. What needs to be factored in obviously is the economics, as the cost per unit of P from the various products is quite variable, particularly when cartage and spreading costs are included.

More expensive

Also it was interesting to learn from the Australians that fertiliser prices are more expensive here than in Australia. One product, which gets hardly a mention here is MAP – or Mono Ammonium Phosphate – which is the highest P fertiliser with 11 per cent N and 23 per cent P and is listed on the Ravensdown price list for close to $900/tonne. But these gentlemen believe they could sell it for under $700/tonne and still make a profit. Sales of their Triple Plus product in Australia have gone from 5000 tonnes five years ago to 30,000 tonnes last year, so it’ll be interesting to see how they get on when they make a foray into the NZ market in the next few months. Don’t, however, expect your fertiliser reps to inform you of these options, as they are only interested in promoting their particular products.

Robin Boom, CPAg, member of the Institute of Professional Soil Scientists.

Ph: 027 444 8764.

FERTILISER

Page 55

Planning fert use in spring is crucial With a refreshed National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management around the corner, there’s increasing pressure for farmers to improve nutrient management in their farming systems.

As the soil starts warming up, farmers will be preparing to fertilise their paddocks. Finding that balance between getting best bang for buck while protecting economic and environmental bottom lines is critical for farmers and requires advice from their fertiliser reps and consultants.

That’s because healthy soils are a balance of biological, physical and chemical properties, and are a dynamic mixture of minerals, organic residues and living micro and macro organisms – all of which support farm production and provide various ecosystem services.

Tools

As there are a range of risks when applying fertiliser, and strategies to help you avoid them, it’s recommended all farmers have a nutrient budget and a nutrient management plan for their properties and discuss their situation with their fertiliser rep.

There are a range of tools to help practise sustainable nutrient management.

Nutrient budgeting is widely

accepted as the appropriate first step in managing nutrient use and it’s also the preferred tool for evaluating the environmental impact of farm management practices.

Overseer, a computer decision support model, is being used to advise on nutrient management and greenhouse gas emissions. It predicts what happens to nutrients that are brought onto the farm in the form of fertilisers and supplementary feed in the same way a financial budget can track money.

When doing nutrient budgets in the Waikato, bear in mind recent soil quality monitoring results that reveal high fertility and compaction remain problems on dairy and some drystock sites.

N leaching

Another issue to consider is nitrate leaching. Plants need nitrogen for healthy leaf growth.

But N is an extremely mobile nutrient. If more nitrogenous fertiliser is applied than plants can take up, most of the unused nitrogen ends up leaching down through soil into groundwater.

Sometimes N will also be lost to waterways as run-off and some is always released back into the air as gas.

The amount of N leaching from pastures can be reduced by: • Timing fertiliser application to avoid periods when plant uptake of N will be low, such as when

soils are saturated, during heavy rain, colder periods and times of low soil temperatures.

• Applying N fertiliser in split dressings, as many split doses as possible.

• Irrigating farm dairy effluent to a large enough area.

• Adjusting fertiliser policy for effluent irrigated areas to account for nutrient value of effluent.

• Using fenced wetlands and well-managed open drains as nutrient traps.

A clear assessment of fertiliser requirements will both improve economic returns from pasture and help avoid contamination of ground and surface water with nutrients, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus.

In New Zealand, the common nitrogenous fertilisers are urea (46 per cent N), ammonium sulphate (21 per cent N), DAP (18

per cent N) and calcium ammonium nitrate (27 per cent N). The form of nitrogenous fertiliser best used depends not only on the cost per unit N, but also on the overall efficiency of the fertiliser N. Bala Tikkisetty is a sustainable agriculture advisor at Waikato Regional Council. Contact him at: bala.tikkisetty@ waikatoregion.govt.nz or 0800 800 401.

Bala Tikkisetty

Phosphorus

The nutrient phosphorus behaves very differently to N because it binds with the soil and only dissolves slowly in water over time.

This means it doesn’t readily leach to groundwater. But it can damage the health of waterways through soil erosion and surface run-off into water.

Farmers can reduce the amount of phosphorus run-off by keeping Olsen P to optimum agronomic levels.

Other tips include: • Following the Codes of Practice for FertMark and SpreadMark.

• Applying fertiliser when grass is in an active growing phase.

• Leaving a grassed buffer strip between paddock and waterway – the strip filters the phosphorus before the run-off reaches the water.

• Controlling run-off from tracks, races, feed and stand-off pads.

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FEED MANAGEMENT/HAY & SILAGE

Focusing on ‘quality in, quality out’ Fickle weather is certainly a challenge this year. Soil temperatures have been the lowest we’ve seen for a very long time in September and October.

They were sitting at about 10 degrees Celsius at the usual maize planting time – it should be around the 14 degree mark and rising. So we didn’t start

planting as early as normal, we held off for about a week and it still wasn’t what I would call warm! Grass growth has also been slow because of this and there are still people feeding out.

Showery weather has also stopped us getting things done. In late-October we’re waiting for the ground to dry out so we can finish cutting silage and plant more maize. It’s interesting given that weather forecasters predicted average

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Maize Silage

rainfall for this time of year and equinox winds that could dry out the ground too much. This is forecast for November, with predictions of slightly windier and slightly dryer-than-normal conditions, with normal temperatures developing.

A boost

Six weeks after planting, maize farmers will need to give it a kick along with a Nitrogen boost. Obviously people using effluent on paddocks may not need to do this, or might not need as much. Using dairy effluent is always a saving while being a good way to utilise the resource.

Farmers will also be side-dressing and monitoring plant populations for insect damage and weed issues.

Sometimes pre-emergent sprayers don’t activate as well in very wet or very dry conditions. A follow-up postemergent weed spray is required in most situations.

The same goes for turnip and winter crops.

I’d predict not as much winter cropping will be done this year, with potential for the freshwater policy proposals to come in, pugging and N leaching, and the emphasis on Southland farmers in recent years.

One farmer I spoke to believes he’s well within the limits for the proposed legislation as he feeds plantain to his cows in winter along with maize silage. Feeding maize silage helps dilute dietary protein, as it’s a lowprotein food stuff, which helps reduce nitrate leaching in cow urine. He’s not concentrating on a small area either. This is something people may want to look at going forward. Some say ‘it is all too hard to aspire to the proposed policy’, but it’s about altering the way you operate to meet your goals and the proposed new legislation.

Last month Formula One champion Lewis Hamilton, a vegan since 2017, launched international vegan burger restaurant Neat Burger. With the likes of him getting on the

bandwagon, vegan and plant-protein based diets are gaining traction worldwide. He’s got a big audience with 13.2 million Instagram followers, and 5.6 million on Twitter, so it’s more likely our younger generation might pick it up; and the likelihood is we’ll have future generations of more vegetarian or vegan eaters as some countries become more affluent.

But, in saying that, a lot of people want to stick with eating meat, so there’ll still be worldwide demand for good quality cuts of meat. Traditionally, patties are ground meat of cull cows, which is what the plant-based protein products are replacing. There could be an issue there, but the average beef farmer producing good quality beef and good quality cuts of meat should be okay. As more and more, consumers want to know where their food comes from and how it is produced. This is always good for NZ farmers as people like our clean, green image.

Feeding animals

Farmers need to focus on ‘quality in, quality out’.

They need to be aware of what feed they put in and at what time, to ensure they get the results they’re after.

We’ve got the breeding sorted, now farmers need to learn the feeding aspect of animals. We have to start feeding them quality feeds with good starch, high energy and low proteins. Maize silage is ideal. It’s got the grain for starch and energy; and is low in protein to help reduce N leaching. If harvested and processed at the right time, it will serve farmers and stock well.

We’re currently taking orders for maize silage to be delivered in March from Rotorua and Tauranga areas.

We can also supply grass silage, averaging 11.9 ME so far this year, and hay and straw to anyone in need.

Mother Nature lends hand in rook control Mother Nature has both helped and hindered Waikato Regional Council control breeding rooks this year.

A callout to the public resulted in six rookeries being found in the Waikato, with four needing control.

“Due to some extremely strong winds and adverse weather conditions, two of the rookeries had either nests blown out, eggs blown out and predated on, or chicks blown out of the nests,” says WRC biosecurity officer Andrew McConnell. “And it would have been great if we could have carried out control prior to the strong winds [around October 20].”

Rooks generally build rookeries at the top of pine or eucalyptus trees; to control them a toxin is

applied directly to the nest by a person hanging from a helicopter.

WRC asked landowners to report rook sightings for targeted pest control before the bird becomes a problem on farms.

Rooks, which were introduced to NZ in the 1860s to control insect pests, are one of the most destructive farm production pest birds worldwide.

They feed on newly-sown crops and can destroy entire paddocks and silage in search for grubs. “Rooks can form breeding colonies of up to several hundred birds; that’s definitely not something we want to be seeing here in our region,” says Andrew.

He estimates the population is now less than 50 birds.

“However, this small number means it’s like looking for a needle in a haystack.”

FEED MANAGEMENT/HAY & SILAGE

Page 57

Methane-reducing feed one step closer A project that could substantially reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions from cattle now has government support via the Sustainable Food & Fibre Futures fund.

“It’s currently worth $600 million a year and employs more than 3000 people.”

As such, he believes this project could lay the foundations for a new highvalue industry, along with the jobs that go with it. “There is also export potential and on-farm economic

The Cawthron Institute will receive $100,000 from the Government’s SFF fund to turn a native red seaweed (Asparagopsis armata) in to a greenhouse gas-busting cattle feed supplement for domestic and global markets.

The announcement came as Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor visited Nelson’s Cawthron Aquaculture Park last month.

What the native red seaweed (Asparagopsis armata) looks like.

Possible game-changer

Damien says if successful, this project could be a game-changer for farmers here and around the world. “In previous trials Asparagopsis has proven to reduce greenhouse gas emissions in livestock by up to 80 per cent. Other products typically provide reductions of between 10 and 20 per cent.

“Australian research estimates that if just 10 per cent of global ruminant producers adopted Asparagopsis as an additive to feed their livestock, it would have the same impact for our climate as removing 50 million cars from the world’s roads,” says Damien.

Pilot scale

This project will undertake research into the effect of Asparagopsis on greenhouse gas emissions and develop an early proof of concept of the production systems needed to develop the feed supplement at pilot-scale.

SFF Futures, through the Ministry for Primary Industries, is contributing $100,000 during the oneyear life of the project, and Cawthron is contributing $150,000. Cawthron is also collaborating with Australian researchers and the University of Waikato on the project; if successful it will provide the impetus for further work.

It is believed possible domestic demand of the new feed supplement could be hundreds of tonnes per year domestically. There is also export potential and new jobs could be created from harvesting and

benefits, including price premiums for milk and meat.

“We want to be the most productive, sustainable country in the world.

Projects like this will contribute to NZew Zealand’s reputation in sustainable and innovative aquaculture and agriculture.”

processing the seaweed.

Asparagopsis armata is a native red seaweed, which grows abundantly throughout NZ waters.

Australian research shows the seaweed, once harvested and dried, can be used as supplementary feed for dairy cows, cattle, sheep and goats. Current research also shows the potential to reduce methane emissions from dairy cows and livestock by up to 80 per cent. The active ingredient, bromoform, is the key to emission reductions.

While cows themselves do not produce methane, they produce a group of microbes called methanogens which live in the rumen – the first stomach in the digestive system – and produce methane from hydrogen and carbon dioxide as the feed breaks down. This particular seaweed contains chemicals that have been found to reduce microbes in cows’ stomachs that cause them to burp when they eat grass.

Damien says farmers know better than most about the effects of climate change and many are innovating so they can drive down on-farm emissions. “They need technology like this to help them get there though.”

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Damien says aquaculture is a growth industry for NZ and has the potential to play a more significant role in our economy.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 58

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trades & services

LIST YOUR RURAL EVENT HERE! email your listing to: merle@sunmedia.co.nz with ‘Rural Event’ in the subject line.

Nov 6

Spray-Free Gardening, 10am-11.30am, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati. Ph 07 549 4522.

Sauerkraut & Other Ferments, 6-8pm, Katikati

Community Centre, $18. See: tinyurl.com/y27fl6lh

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Day, 8am-noon, Matua Hall, Levers Rd, Tauranga. Ph: 07 576 7711.

Garden Design, 9am-3pm for two weeks, Fraser High

School, Hamilton, $89. See: tinyurl.com/y8xx4ctc

Nov 9-10

Katikati Garden Ramble,

9am-5pm, $20 to visit 12 gardens in the area. Tickets from Katikati information centre, or gardens on the day.

Event happening wet or dry.

Nov 10

QuarryFest, 10am-4pm,

Te Puna Quarry Park (off SH2 north of Tauranga), $5 donation.

Fonterra’s Open gates day.

Find a working dairy farm to visit at: www.fonterra. com/nz/en/whatwe-stand-for/ community/open-gates

Nov 14-17

Pacific Rose Bowl Festival, Rogers Rose Garden, Hamilton, free.

Nov 15-16

Nov 24

Nov 28

$40. See: gardenwalkstaupo.nz

(NZ), 11 gardens, $40 (seniors $30). See: www.cgf.nz

Society: Fairfield Project, 7.30pm, Hamilton Gardens Gate 2, $5. Ph Carmel 07 855 3404.

Garden & Art Trail, Taupo,

Nov 15-17

Rotorua Garden Festival,

$45. See rotoruagardens. org.nz

Nov 16

Open rose garden

and nursery at Kaiaua. Free entry. See: www. grassrootsroses.co.nz

Nov 16-17

National Rose Show, noon-

5pm (Sat), 10am-4pm (Sun), Hamilton Gardens, $5 ($2.50 seniors).

Nov 19-20

NZ Effluent Expo Event,

Mystery Creek events centre, Hamilton.

See: www.effluentexpo.co.nz

Garden Festival, Cambridge Bonsai Workshop,

2-4pm, Bunnings, Te Rapa, Hamilton, free.

Crank Up Day by Hauraki Vintage Machinery Club at Kerepehi Flax Mill, 668 Kaihere Rd. All welcome.

Nov 26

Te Puna Quarry Park AGM, 1pm, in the gallery at park (off SH2 north of Tauranga).

Ph 07 549 5202.

Nov 27

Drop-in Gardening Group, 10-11am, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati, free.

Ph 07 549 4522.

Waikato Horticultural

Nov 30-Dec 1 Tauranga Fuchsia Show, 1-3.30pm

(Sat) and 9.30am3pm (Sun), Arts & Crafts Centre, Elizabeth St West, $3. Plants for sale.

Ph Pat 07 579 1655.

Dec 1

Rotorua & Waikato Botanical Societies Field Trip, Oruanui/Marotiri podocarp forest remnants, north Taupo.

See: tinyurl.com/h4zph2x

Dec 4

Summer Gardening,

10am-11.30am, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati. Ph 07 549 4522.

Ngahinapouri dairy farm open to the public Peter and Helen Butler will open their small dairy farm at Ngahinapouri to the public on November 10 as part of a Fonterra initiative, which will see 14 dairying operations welcome inquisitive visitors across the nation.

“This is a new thing for us,” says Helen.

“We’re not used to showing off our farm but it is an opportunity for people to come and see what we do, to see that we are trying to do what’s best for the environment, farm our animals well and produce good quality food.”

Peter and Helen try hard to solely grass farm their 150- cow Friesian and Ayrshire herd on their Ngahinapouri property, so all production comes from their land and they don’t need to bring in supplementary feed.

“We don’t say that we never feed supplements as there could be a time when it is a requirement if there is a major drought, but we plan not to. Our aim is to be a lowcost, low-stress operation,” says Peter.

The couple both milk the cows. “We think it is better for the cows’ health, as you have time to notice things like if a cow is limping

Helen and Peter Butler chat about future planting. have 65 calves born.” or just behaving differently to the way The move back up country to the normally do, which could be an early Ngahinapouri was an attempt to slow down. indication of a health problem.

“We wanted a small farm that we could take Peter and Helen were brought up on dairy it a bit easier on.” farms in Taranaki and have dairy farmed So far between 14,000 and 15,000 plants in Matamata, Ngarua and Mid-Canterbury have been planted on their dairying property before returning to the Waikato and to their and 13ha along a river boundary has been farm in Ngahinapouri. completely retired.

Peter started milking cows when he was at Peter and Helen began this on their primary school and there has been very few own but have since received support from days since that he has not milked a cow.

Rivercare and Waikato Regional Council And the Butlers are no strangers to hard with some funding and labour. work. In Ashburton they converted a sheep Find out more at: www.fonterra.com/nz/ farm into a dairying operation that milked en/what-we-stand-for/community/open1050 cows. “We enjoyed the challenge of gates/open-gates-farm.html Bridget Jochems that. There were some days when we would

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Joshua and Phoebe checking out the all-day feeder for the calves.

‘Smoko time’ with ‘Sooki’ the kid in Tauranga.

Georgia Caudwell patting her new ‘friend’ while visiting the calves in Tauranga.

BS! PRIZandEdetUailsPcan beFemOaileRd (highGresRolutioAn jpgy,s)POto Box 240,

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Fred McLeod, aged 2.5 years, visiting his grandparents’ farm at Tauranga.