Coast & Country News - February 2020

Riding high This month the Waikato Rodeo Association is preparing to host its 60th rodeo on February 15. President Wayne Raymond riding ‘Tank’, and partner Michelle Amlehn riding ‘Ollie’ are part of the committee busily putting the event together. Learn about the rodeo’s rich history in the Waikato on page 7. Photo: Catherine Fry. However, there are people with different views on rodeos. Meet The Gummy Bears on page 17.

Avocado PG 13-15

Fertiliser PG 19-21

Country Living PG 23-25

Dairy Industry Awards PG 30-31

Farm Vehicles & Machinery PG 34-37

Cartage & Earthworks PG 38-39

Rural Homes & Buildings PG 43-45

Page 2

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Farming in a warmer world We have all been watching across the Tasman in recent weeks in disbelief as deadly bushfires ravage many parts of Australia.

www.coastandcountrynews.co.nz

As Kiwis, our thoughts, prayers and support goes out to our Australian cousins battling fires in the hope of protecting their homes, animals, stock, farms, orchards, and livelihoods. And to those who have lost everything, we hope they can move forward by utilising the support on offer.

Back here in New Zealand, the Northland region is on the verge of a drought. And while it is known as the ‘Winterless North’ to many, and this may not be the harshest of dry spells they’ve seen, the more frequent nature of these dry conditions is cause for concern.

As always, farming is about adapting to conditions.

And whether it be due to climate change or not, we may need to adapt to farming in more drier conditions.

A few years back a Waikato company launched new heat tolerant dairy genetics, offering bull semen that produces dairy cows capable of performing in tropical countries. And last year a new $10m AgReseach study was launched to look at pioneering dairy cattle that boast better milk production, greater heat tolerance, and fewer emissions. So there is work going on in this space. But I’d say we’re likely to see much more research being undertaken to look at how we could farm in a warmer world.

Regional authorities are also starting to be proactive in pushing forward with how they tackle issues that affect the environment and people’s livelihoods.

Newly-appointed Waikato Regional Council chair Russ Rimington talks in this edition about how his council believes climate change is its biggest challenge and what work they are doing on this. See page 5.

Next-door, in the Bay of Plenty, Doug Leeder believes

Gypsum delivers Gold for Kiwi Orchardists

Hay, clothing and bedding donations are being transported from across Australia to New South Wales to help support victims of the devastating bushfires and their livestock. freshwater reform is going to be a big challenge for authorities to work on. See his story on page 4.

Regular columnist Don Fraser gives his take on where New Zealand and the world is heading in 2020, see page 11.

And have you heard of The Gunmmy Bears? Read page 17 to learn more about this vegan activist group and how they want to educate people about where food comes from. They also have beef with the Waikato Rodeo, which is celebrating its 60th event on February 15. Read about the show’s history on page 7.

Meanwhile, Zepsri’s Momentum 2020 conference with the theme ‘Standing Up and Standing Out’ is all about resetting the industry “in the midst of a period of real growth and success”, says CEO Dan Mathieson.

See more on page 40.

So things are already starting to wind up for 2020.

It’s looks like we’re in for an interesting year.

Merle Foster

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 3

Extra tool to fight illegal plantings in China Zespri International has become the first New Zealand company to be granted Key Trademark Protection Status in China – and it comes as our country’s kiwifruit markerter tries to legally challenge unauthorised growing of SunGold kiwifruit variety in the East Asian country.

Granted by the Shanghai Intellectual Property Bureau, the status ensures greater protections against copyright infringements and sees Zespri join a number of other famous international brands such as Disney and Ferrero Rocher in receiving the designation.

Only fruit brand

Zespri general manager of Greater China, Michael Jiang, says Zespri is also the only fruit brand to be recognised in this way. “This is a strong acknowledgement of Zespri’s high profile among foreign brands in China as well as our strong market share and our positive corporate reputation in one of our most important markets,” says Michael.

“This recognition also reflects the challenges Zespri is facing with counterfeiting in China, including with the unauthorised growing of our Zespri SunGold Kiwifruit variety there, and is

another demonstration of the brand. “This is a key milestone for support we’ve received from Zespri in Shanghai and a crucial Chinese authorities.” step towards achieving nationwide recognition, and is the result of Key brand protection status significant investment by Zespri is designed to strengthen and in efforts to build the the legal and administrative brand in China,” says tools available Michael. to approved “Zespri is grateful companies to the Chinese to fight the Government, challenges to which has intellectual consistently property. worked to help Michael says Zespri protect it also means its brand and IP Zespri will now – something we are be able to take committed to doing legal action against The Zespri brand now on behalf of our 2800 brands using similar has stronger protection. kiwifruit growers names and those around the world.” using packaging designs that copy Take action Zespri’s, and allows action against Michael says the key trademark companies using the Zespri name recognition will also give Zespri for product categories outside of the means to take action against fresh fruit – an action previously people trying to use Zespri unavailable. copycat brands to sell Zespri’s While the status has been SunGold variety grown without afforded by the Shanghai authorisation – a key focus for Government, the updated list Zespri. “Our brand is one Chinese of protected brands has been consumers know they can trust circulated throughout China with because they know Zespri’s a request that other provinces and kiwifruit is incredibly healthy, cities give priority to protecting safe and delicious and grown the protected brands. The in a way which is good for the Shanghai Intellectual Property environment.”

Bureau will also proactively coordinate with other local Last November Zespri told regulators to support Zespri’s its growers it would take legal

First case of M.Bovis detected in the BOP Bay of Plenty farmers are on high alert after Mycoplasma bovis was detected in the region for the first time last month.

Federated Farmers BOP president Darryl Jensen says a dairy farm in Waiotahi has a confirmed case of the bacterial disease – and he hopes it is the only one.

“One property is one property too many, to be honest. We’ve been very fortunate up until now that the BOP has had no M.bovis positive properties, but this one has occurred and we hope this is the first and the last one we get.”

M.bovis is a bacterial disease that can cause a range of serious conditions in cattle, including pneumonia, arthritis, late-term abortions and mastitis that doesn’t respond to treatment. The disease was first detected in NZ in July 2017. Since then government authorities have been working with the agricultural sector to eradicate it.

Darryl says there’s a slight risk the disease could

reach nearby farms or the wider BOP, so protocols need to be adhered to.

“As long as Ministry for Primary Industries protocols are adhered to that keeps the risk to a very low level and we just all need to comply. All those neighbouring farmers will be educated about what is the best practice and how to minimise the risk of contracting M. bovis.”

The infected farm is under MPI protocols which involves a lockdown, culling the entire herd and quarantine, says Darryl. “Then the property is all disinfected and we do the best that we can to make sure there’s no M. bovis on the property.

“Then after 55 or 60 days the property then gets an all clear and can be started to be repopulated. That process is taking place at the present time, and we hope it gets done as quickly and swiftly as is possible, so we can return that farmer to normality.”

The number of animals on the farm and where the M. bovis originated from is confidential, says Darryl.

action against unauthorised producers in China. Zepsri chief grower and alliances officer David Courtney says investigations indicate G3 is present in varying ages of maturity in several areas, including some larger growing operations. “We’re currently in discussions with officials in a small number of provinces where the unauthorised G3 is being grown as we work with them to try and prevent the spread. The orchards that we are aware of are at varying stages of maturity with some understood to be in the production stage. We’re also continuing our work to understand how much is in the ground, who is involved and where

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“It’s clear the scale of the planting and sales has recently intensified, which is why we’re taking action.”

David says the action being taken now is designed to stop this illegal fruit displacing NZ fruit from the shelf.

“However, we’re a long way off that.

Our targets are large scale growing operations.”

Based on investigations, Zespri believes there might be around 2000ha in the ground in several provinces “but that is an estimate and it’s hard to be certain”.

“It’s clear there’s an intention to scale up production with some bigger commercial players involved.”

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Water is big focus With councils heading into their first full year since being elected, we asked regional chairs in our coverage area what they think their authority’s biggest challenges are.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council chair Doug Leeder says his council has plenty of challenges ahead but by far, the biggest one is the proposed water reforms. “The Government proposals as they currently stand, will set huge demands for planners and other experts that understand the interface of the freshwater issues – which are generally rural – and there are simply not enough of them available in NZ right now,” says Doug.

“We all want clean water and it’s going to take investment, co-operation and compromise from everyone to achieve that.

But we’ve signaled to the Ministry for the Environment, capacity and the capability to deliver on the proposed reforms are going to be a big challenge for us and our local communities. Regional councils don’t currently have the resources that will be needed to deliver on the reforms within the proposed timeframes.”

The Government released its Essential Freshwater proposals ‘Action for Healthy Waterways’ on September 5. The proposals’ aim relating to the farming sector is to see the trend change towards water quality improving, as part of a broader aim towards a more sustainable future.

Key points

Some key points include requirements that farms must have a Farm Environment Plan with a freshwater module; avoid further intensification of land use until the new National Policy Statement becomes operational through regional plans; reduce excessive nitrogen leaching into waterways; exclude stock from waterways including crossings in some cases; ensure intensive winter grazing, if used, is managed within minimum standards, or apply for resource consent; and reduce pollution from stock holding areas. Government consultation closed October 31 – after assessing feedback it will look to introduce a new NPS for Freshwater Management and other

offer a meaningful local engagement process and a tailored approach for each area. “I think it’s a more motivating approach for our local communities, who all have different water quality interests, use priorities, topographical or economic challenges, values and concerns.

“That’s the whole essence of it – if you involve local people and say: ‘These are what we see as the key challenges for your local waterways, can we work on a solution to the problems together? You will get much more engagement than saying: ‘This is the problem and this is the way we are going to fix it’.

“The risk with the new Government proposals is that – because of the time pressure we are facing – we’ll have to combine it all into just one Plan Change across the whole region.

BOPRC chair Doug Leeder. legal instruments to enable freshwater resources, waterways and ecosystems to be restored to a healthy state within a generation.

As the regional authority, BOPRC will be tasked with monitoring progress and encouraging advancement by landowners to adhere to new rules once implemented by government.

Doug says for his council to undertake the proposed FEP activity monitoring, for example, BOPRC will have to employ another eight to 12 people.

“Plus, the discussion document suggests we’ll have to notify new plan changes by 2023 and have them operative by 2025 – this is five years ahead of our current schedule. It’s really going to compress the timeframes for our consultation with iwi and the community on the plan changes, and is likely to compromise the quality of our engagement work.

Pressure

“It will put real pressure on those we need to consult with, and will again require more staff, especially planners that are already scarce, than we currently have to get those plan changes through.”

Doug says under current NPS for Freshwater Management requirements, BOPRC established nine Water Management Areas for developing localised plan changes to maintain or improve water quality and quantity. By rolling out plan changes for each WMA, the regionla council believed it could

Voice

Asked if it takes away each WMA’s voice, Doug says: “Yes, I think it will”.

“Across the whole BOP – and you can roll this through NZ – the issues in terms of water quality and water degradation are not the same in every catchment. There are some areas where yes, the decline needs to be arrested.

But others, in terms of ecological health they are probably fine – so why should we apply a broad brush, one-size-fits-all approach to the whole lot?

“Each of the WMAs we’ve established are essentially a catchment, and within a catchment are many sub-catchments all with different water management issues – the people who are best able to address the issues in a catchment are the people who live or work in the area.”

One thing Doug would like MFE and the Crown take on board and implement is prioritisation of catchments “so we move first in the places that have an identified problem”.

“This means we’d work on the most vulnerable or degraded waterways and catchments first and can work more intensively by focusing effort and resourcing in those areas.

“Then in the catchments where no problems are evident – we can maintain the water quality there and roll out any further requirements at a later date.”

“It’s an approach we’re already taking for our operational work with BOP landowners through our Focus Catchments programme.”

Read this story in full at: www.coastandcountrynews.co.nz Merle Foster

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Climate change is top challenge NewWaikato Regional chair Russ Rimmington knows the importance of addressing climate change but also balancing the rural economy’s success.

Photo: Catherine Fry.

New Waikato Regional chair Russ Rimmington says the message, loud and clear, from his region’s voters in the election is their biggest concern is climate change.

And so his council has already began implementing new structures to put more focus on this.

Described as “ground-breaking”, the regional council has created a new committee with a specific focus on climate change.

“What I detected when standing [in the elections] was the wave of concern from residents – right up and down the country – of climate change and how that is affecting the world, and how we all are responding to it,” says Russ, who put public transport and freshwater as voters’

next two standout concerns.

Russ says his council’s Climate Action Standing Committee will especially address climate change issues and work to get more knowledge on what the issues are.

“From data, I believe the amount of carbon that’s been collected in the atmosphere over 300 years – it’s doubled in the last 30 years.

“While we don’t want to bankrupt the country, we will be looking at how we can reduce this. One would have to be blind if you couldn’t see the changes in the atmosphere. Much of Australia has been on fire recently, and when I was in Northern Russia in early-2019 the whole of Siberia for three days there was no sun, it was smoke.”

And so WRC has 12 committees, including four new committees: Freshwater Action, Climate Action,

Infrastructure and Special Projects, and Regional Connections.

“This means the work previously planned and monitored by the Integrated Catchment Management Committee has been reassigned to specialist committees of council to complete the significant volume of work expected of us.”

Russ says fresh water remains the number one environmental issue for Waikato residents and is a priority for central government.

“WRC has a big role to play in this space. We notified a groundbreaking plan – PC1 – three years ago to improve the health of the Waikato and Waipa rivers, and we’ve been providing strong direction to the Government on its own changes to improve the health of New Zealand’s waterways,” says Russ.

And with the council’s public

submissions process for PC1 closing last year, in what form it will finally be adopted could now be influenced by the Government’s similar but not-always-aligned freshwater proposals.

“WRC does not think all proposals in the Government’s Freshwater proposals do align to PC1.

“In some instances we see economic imposition on farms in the Government’s proposals – and we don’t want to see farming go broke. It’s our major export-earner, yet at the same we’ve got to say: ‘How we can make it a more sustainable environment?’ And move quickly to do so.

“And we are certainly working with the Government, not against them, but it’s got to be doable.”

Full details of WRC’s new committees are at: waikatoregion. govt.nz Merle Foster

Plan ahead to get through dry With many regions starting to experience increasingly dry weather, DairyNZ is warning farmers to plan ahead for the health of animals, staff and their businesses.

NIWA soil moisture deficit maps show soil moisture levels are significantly below historical averages across the upper North Island, parts of the Waikato, Taranaki, Manawatu, the North Island’s East Coast, Marlborough, Canterbury and Otago.

DairyNZ’s strategy and investment leader Dr Bruce Thorrold says ongoing dry weather can be stressful for farmers.

“Planning ahead for how to respond if the dry conditions continue will allow farmers to consider their options and provide confidence about having a plan in place.

The use of supplements needs careful consideration, taking into account the costs and benefits, including to cow health.”

Farmers looking to use supplementary feed to fill a feed deficit should consider a number of issues to ensure it is used profitably. Calculate the maximum

supplement price that is affordable, including additional costs associated with supplement use, while still achieving performance goals.

Manage the amount of supplementary feed used to achieve post-grazing residuals of seven clicks – 1500kg of dry matter per ha – or less on the rising plate meter, to ensure minimal substitution of pasture. Reduce feed demand by reviewing stocking rates and moving unwanted stock off-farm.

“Heat stress has a real impact on cows and it is one of the key factors affecting milk production, but farmers can take steps to manage this,” says Bruce.

While late-January temperatures have been above 21 degrees Celsius, humidity has been more than 70 per cent, which Bruce says is when Friesians and crossbreeds begin to feed less, and milk production reduces. “In Jerseys, production losses only occur when temperatures rise to 25C or more.”

More information on managing through dry conditions is at: dairynz. co.nz/summer. DairyNZ consulting officers are also available to offer advice – phone 0800 4 324 7969.

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Sixty years of rodeo For Waikato men Lance Limmer and Garry Cleave, the rodeo circuit has been their lives – both as competing cowboys and as volunteers running the Kihikihi-based rodeo.

This month the Waikato Rodeo Association stalwarts and their committee are hosting Waikato’s 60th rodeo on Saturday, February 15.

Founded in April 1960, the Kihikihi Rodeo – as it was originally called – was staged in a paddock on Gordon Bryant’s farm at Tiki Rd, Parawera. It had simple chutes and yards, a viewing area for the public, and a grass arena.

“If you landed on that ground, you got a good concussion,” says Garry, who competed in his first rodeo at 16. “The fences were a bit low and the odd bronc or bull was known to jump over.”

The day was hugely supported by Kihikihi School parents and staff, who ran food and activities stalls and organised the event. Proceeds went to the school.

Eric Olsen, Brian Limmer and Kihikihi School teacher Edith Dockery were significant driving forces behind the rodeo’s early decades.

Original crowds watched Open and 2nd division competitions for saddle riding, bareback riding, bull riding, calf roping and steer wrestling. Barrel racing and team roping are newer competitions. Each class regularly had up to 40 entries in their heyday.

Old favourites such as kid’s ram riding, wild cow milking, wild horse racing, and greased pig catching have been removed from modern rodeos. And while it’s still very much a man’s world, some women are competing professionally on the modern circuit.

Life on the circuit

Lance has been involved with the rodeo since he was 10, competing in his first division two competition at age 12. He remembers life as a cowboy through the height of rodeo popularity. “Most of us worked on stations and competed on the rodeo circuit. Station hands pooled their cash and set out together in a ute or truck. We slept outside during the rodeo, waking up to a quick wash under a cold tap, and into the day. It was a rough and ready life and very different from the professional cowboy life today.”

Garry and Lance are old friends after many years working and competing together. Garry doesn’t hesitate to remind Lance of when he was sleeping under the stars and was bitten by mosquitoes to the extent that his face “was puffed up to almost twice its size”.

In 1976 the rodeo was moved to Kihikihi Domain, joining other sporting clubs there, and set up their current base. “Using council and sponsorship funding, and donations, together with totally voluntary labour, the permanent set-up has suitably strong yards, gates and chutes.

“The sand arena is worked to loosen the top 4-5 inches, giving the horses more traction,” says Garry.

Lance’s father Brian broke horses for farm work, and those unsuitable for farms became the original rodeo string. “In those days, the horses and bulls weren’t wellhandled and were a lot wilder and rougher, with fresh stock coming through all the time,” says Lance.

Nowadays, the broncs and bulls are supplied by stock

Some of the current Waikato Rodeo Association committee: vice president Richard Mathieson, Garry Cleave, Lance Limmer, Michelle Amlehn, president Wayne Raymond and Rodney Limmer.

SEE DEMO VIDEO ONLINE

Garry Cleave and Lance Limmer, ex-cowboys and Waikato Rodeo committee stalwarts. Photos: Catherine Fry. contractors, and strings do the circuit. Rodney Limmer, Lance’s son, runs a string of bronc horses, and other contractors provide bulls and calves. “This stock is deliberately bred maintaining the traits of bucking and wildness,” says Garry.

He and Lance are a little skeptical about the current set-up, where cowboys get to know the stock and their characteristics and habits as they regularly ride the same animals. Back in the day the stock was an unknown to each cowboy.

The NZ Rodeo Cowboys Association Inc. provides gear for all rodeos during show season. The barrel racing equipment, and bull and horse flanks are transported from location to location. Cowboys provide their own saddle, chaps, spurs and bull ropes.

Celebrating 60 years

Waikato Rodeo president Wayne Raymond and vice president Richard Mathieson says committee members and volunteers are working hard to prepare the arena and yards for this month’s 60th rodeo. “While competitor numbers have dropped, crowd numbers remain high, and we expect between 4000-6000, many of whom have been coming for 30 years and longer,” says Wayne. “Some proceeds from the rodeo still go back into the local Kihikihi community,” says Richard.

As for Lance and Garry, they’ll pull on their boots and Wrangler jeans, don their cowboy hats, shine up their brass belt buckles and help – just like the last 60 years.

Catherine Fry

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Page 8

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

The ins and outs of

Jim Stewart in his chestnut orchard at Te Aroha West. Photo: Bridget Jochems.

Jim Stewart has been commercially growing chestnuts for the last 20 years on his 6ha property in Te Aroha West. He has 300 trees growing on 1.5ha.

fruiting for only two weeks, giving him the full sixweek season.

“We planted a grafted variety of trees that takes two to three years to produce; a non-grafted variety can take up to seven years.”

New Zealand is one of the few countries that does not have Chestnut blight, a destructive disease of sweet chestnut trees caused by the ascomycete fungus Cryphonectria parasitica. The blight has spread throughout Europe, Asia, the Americas and is now in Australia.

“I have to trust that Biosecurity NZ will stop it from crossing the Tasman,” says Jim, who since beginning his chestnut journey has found that growing the nuts is the easy part.

“I got into growing chestnuts because I wanted to retire from teaching and I needed to increase the income from our land.

“I thought growing chestnuts could be a good idea because when I was a child in Oamaru there was a chestnut tree down the street and my mother would often ask me to go and get the chestnuts from it.

“We also happened to have a very healthy and productive chestnut tree in the garden here that was planted by the previous owners, so we deduced that our soil was ideal for them.”

The chestnut season is short Jim Stewart’s attempt at three grafts from mid-March through to on one seedling, to achieve three April. Jim has three varieties varieties on one tree. Photo: Supplied. of chestnut trees, each type

Home-made machinery

Commercial chestnut growing in NZ is relatively new and the operational machinery is expensive and often not commercially viable for such a short season.

So Jim has made all the machinery he utilises for his chestnut-growing business himself. He’s crafted a chestnut sorting machine by hand...continued

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 9

growing chestnuts commercially continued...

drilling hundreds of holes in three 200L drums, which he then mechanised with machinery he got from the wreckers.

Jim has also made a chestnut ‘pickerupper’ which he uses at the end of the day after the pickers have been in “to get the ones that have been missed”.

The tool is “not ideal” to pick up the majority of nuts because it picks up all the debris on the ground as well, but it works well for those that have been left behind, says Jim. And it is this ‘can do’ attitude and ability he has to problem solve by way of ‘Jimmying around’ with stuff that has contributed to making his chestnut growing business a success.

There are a number of markets for chestnuts. Jim sells his at the Hamilton farmers’ market, to a middle man by

the 20kg sack full, at the home gate and people can come and pick their own.

“I advertise in the ‘Chinese Herald’ and from this people often travel down from Auckland to pick their own chestnuts. This year, for the first time, we had a tour bus call in with people who wanted to pick their own.

“We’ve also sent some overseas; I joined with some other growers and sent a container load to Japan, but the organising and sorting was very labourintensive. So I’ve found the local market more lucrative.”

Self-taught grafting

Despite the short season, Jim has no problem getting people to pick his chestnuts. “I advertise locally and there seem to be enough people who want a

Jim’s Stewart’s ‘Mark II’ homemade chestnut sorter. Photo: Bridget Jochems.

Chestnut trees grown from seed, soon to be grafted. Photo: Supplied.

bit of extra money in autumn. We have some retirees who pick early in the morning and I think they find it quite a pleasant activity.”

In the off-season Jim has taught himself how to graft chestnut trees. He grows the rootstock from chestnuts then grafts new growth onto these from existing trees.

And he’s been so successful with this that he was able to help another chestnut orchardist to set up his orchard. He also sells trees to the public.

“I’m currently experimenting with grafting three different varieties of chestnut onto one tree; if this is successful it means one tree will bear fruit for the whole six-week season.”

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Page 10

4WDs & ATVs

Farmers urged: Take safety seriously It’s not a stern reminder she likes giving. But after a very grim start to 2020, WorkSafe’s head of general inspectorate Jo Pugh is pleading with farmers to really make an active effort to ensure safety comes first when operating vehicles and machinery on the land.

Always wear a helmet and seat belts. “And never let children take control of adult farm vehicles,” says Jo. WorkSafe also strongly recommends the use of crush protection devices. Find out more at: https:// worksafe.govt.nz/about-us/news-and-media/ worksafe-strongly-recommends-crushprotection-on-quads/

“It has been a shocking start to the year with seven workplace fatalities, four of which have occurred on farms.

“There are now a number of families and workplaces that are starting 2020 under tragic circumstances,” says Jo. She believes as a country we need to be better when it comes to risk identification and management.

WorkSafe’s “Employers need to step up and take head of health and safety seriously to ensure general their workers are going home healthy inspectorate, and safe at the end of each day.

Jo Pugh.

“This is not a matter of compliance and paperwork; it’s about caring for your workers and family, doing enough for them to come home healthy and safe at the end of the day.”

Ahead the busy maize harvest approaching – which sees many farmers, workers, contractors and helpers use farm vehicles, tractors and machinery to produce supplementary farm feeds – Worksafe doesn’t want to see anyone else enduring the heartbreak that accompanies a workplace fatality.

As a result, Jo says the following tips are things workers should always consider. Choose the right vehicle for the right job. Make sure farm vehicles are maintained and being used correctly.

Also – health and safety shouldn’t be considered an add-on. It’s good for business and people should be at the cornerstone of operations.

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4WDs & ATVs

Page 11

New Zealand and the world in 2020 I was inspired to write this column after reading The Economist’s Special section on 2020 visions, given to me by my daughter who recognises my desire to understand and predict world and New Zealand economics.

Some of the key points I gleaned follow. Technology is an unstoppable force that can be harnessed for good and is here to stay.

Which basically means technology is part of our future and to embrace it we must so dust off those techno toys and start using them.

Banks will grapple with negative interest rates especially in Europe.

America will flirt with recession and fears of a new arms race is real. America, Europe and China are all trying to get to Mars.

YOLDS – that is us! It means ‘Young-Olds’, as the Japanese call people between 65 and 75. We continue to work and play.

Health worsens, but we YOLDS resist it better than most. YOLDS are busier.

We work longer and have slightly above average productivity. Not surprising really that our cognitive capacity holds.

Trump

‘Trump will bump’. The last thing Trump wants is a recession when he is going to the polls. Given the States is slowing and could well go into recession, it is a big ask. It will be a filthy campaign.

China is putting on a brave face but will slow

further with declining growth. China is likely to fudge its figures to make it look palatable.

Anglosphere versus Sinosphere.

America, Britain, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, as Anglospheres, need to get on better with Sinosphere which largely is the Peoples Republic of China. Pressures are rising as China flexes its muscles and tried to control the Pacific.

The world economy could be in for a very unusual downturn started by the trade barriers between China and the US. It is worrying the central bankers. The world is teetering on the brink of an unfamiliar type downturn never seen before.

Drinking alcohol is going out of fashion. Teenagers in Western countries start drinking later! Alcohol is carcinogenic even in small amounts, but most people don’t know that.

China is bucking the trend with increasing alcohol consumption.

China will come under increasing pressure with its ‘one country – two systems’ policy that they are talking about in Hong Kong.

revolutions are starting, and we are going into an unusual downturn and the share market has got the wobbles.

So hang-on to your hat because it is going to be a wild ride and it will not be for the faint-hearted.

Disclaimer – these are the opinions of Don Fraser of Fraser Farm Finance. Any decisions made should not be based on this article alone and appropriate professional assistance should be sought.

Don Fraser is the principal of Fraser Farm Finance and a consultant to the farming industry.

Contact him on 021 777 675.

Pressure

Australia will increase Liquefied Natural Gas from Queensland and Western Australia to an ‘eye watering’ AUS$54 billion. Exports of LNG go to China, Japan and South Korea. Pity about no more exploration in New Zealand for LNG! In summary, I could go on, but the world economy is slowing, there is pressure everywhere. Trump seems to have a huge influence on world affairs, there is pushback on democracy not working fairly and

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

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AVOCADOS

Page 13

Production boost for island orchard Along with improving the health of their trees, DMS’ back-to-basics management style has also seen a greater focus on cleaning up the island.

“We have a plan to further improve the Island’s ecosystem with a real focus on

sustainability,” says Phil.

“The more production we do allows us to reinvest in the island and in the whanau.

“We want to keep tidying up the whole island and bring its beauty back.”

The field day group listening intently under the shade of avocado trees on Motuhoa Island.

A back-to-basics approach to growing avocados has dramatically lifted production and restored beauty to one of Tauranga’s most treasured off-shore islands.

About 3600 avocado trees were planted on Motuhoa Island for domestic and export supply more than 18 years ago but, despite the best efforts fruit volume has been relatively low and irregular.

Under the care and management of lessee DMS Te Puna, production has more than trebled in recent seasons with crop estimates indicating the 2019-2020 season could produce its highest yield yet.

The newly-adopted management style and orchard transformation was unveiled to DMS and Avoco growers during a field day on the island. After starting with a half-hour barge trip leaving from Omokoroa, growers were greeted by the island’s owners and local iwi who presented the Motuhoa Island’s history and its significance to Maori.

fungus/bacterial disease pressure. A more open canopy policy also optimises spray coverage, resulting in higher class 1 pack outs.

They’ve also removed 1200 willow trees that were planted as shelter when the island orchard was established. Trimmings from the avocado and willow trees have been mulched and applied to the base of each tree to improve their health.

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Island history

Mike Bidois, one of the orchard owners and also the DMS Motuhoa Island orchard manager, and his 2IC, Chris Tangitu, spoke on behalf of iwi. They revealed that in the late-1800s, there were 2000 Maori living on the island, and 21 marae.

DMS Te Puna’s general manager of “There’s a lot of history here and this avocado business development, Phil island has provided for our people in a lot Chisnall, talks at the field day. of ways,” says Mike. “What’s great now is the investment we can see being made to fulfil the orchard’s potential and secure a better future for our young people.”

That investment has included recruiting technical consultant Lindsay Heard in 2017 to provide the DMS avocado orchard team with advice on fertiliser inputs, pruning and strategies to improve fruit set.

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The 2016-2017 harvest netted only 300 bins; the equivalent of just over three tonne/ha. Lindsay’s first impression of the orchard was that the trees were in good health but required heavy pruning and additional leaf mulch.

“With trees carrying such low fruit numbers, they needed pruning to open them up.”

Lindsay says avocado trees on the islands of Motuhoa and Motiti have vastly different growing habits to avocado trees on the mainland, and need to be cared for differently.

DMS Te Puna’s general manager of avocado business development, Phil Chisnall, says the company’s relationship with Lindsay is one of DMS’ key strategic partnerships which has contributed to the orchard’s dramatic lift in production.

In 2018-2019 season, the island produced 10.5 tonnes/ha, with 34,000 export trays and 26,000 trays for the domestic market. This season, it’s estimated to produce 18-20 tonnes/ha. “It’s really pleasing to see more fruit two years in a row,” says Phil.

DMS and its pruning contractors have opened up all trees on the island and have a policy of removing dead wood to help reduce wind rub and help alleviate

AVOCADOS

Page 14

Market plan comes to fruition in Asia Just Avocados’ plan for increasing business in Asia has gone well this season with some markets doubling their avocado volumes, says Jacob Darling, who is general manager of sales and marketing for Darling Group and avocado packer and exporter Just Avocados.

“With a market plan at the beginning of the season aiming for 50 per cent of our volume going into Asia, up from 20 per cent in 2019, we are pleased with having achieved 45 per cent and believe this will futureproof against some of the industry’s long-term challenges awaiting.”

Jacob says Asia performed well in comparison to the early Australian market. “Particularly through the first part of the season, the Australian market was filled

with an abundance of east coast volume.”

Just Avocados increased their volumes into Asia from 90,000 trays of avocados in 2019 to 185,000 trays in 2020. “Our sales and marketing team has worked on promotional activity to push the New Zealand avocado story and our volumes into Taiwan and Thailand have doubled, with Korea also up from last season.

“Achieving a significant lift in volume in 12 months goes a long way to suggesting we are on the appropriate path.”

Just Avocados carried out instore tasting and promotional activity across Thailand and Taiwan this season as well as introducing a new packaging format.

“Our focuses are to educate consumers in Asia on the NZ product and its point of difference, create a relationship between consumers and our brand, and

TM

provide products that fit in with consumers’ lifestyles.”

Just Avocados developed a custom-designed three-pack of avocados incorporating their Darling Avocado and Jake’s Avocado branding and sold them into Thailand and Taiwan for the first time this season.

“We created a three-pack of smaller avocados using our fun and eye-catching branding that’s easy to pick off the shelf and provides more space for us to share information about using avocados, we also used instore tasting and information online to educate consumers.”

Consumers can scan QR codes on Just Avocados’ new packaging, fruit labels and their trays and be shown information about where the avocados are grown and their nutritional benefits, recipes and

Just Avocados’ Asia season has gone well. handling information. “Feedback from instore tastings in Thailand showed that confidence is low among consumers when choosing and using avocados but through interaction with promotional staff, consumers reported they would buy avocados from knowing more about how to handle them.”

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On April 1, the minimum wage will increase to $18.90 an hour following a pattern of consistent increases over the years.

At the same time the Government is consulting on putting in place fair payment agreements that would apply to whole sectors of industry and set a higher wage rate than that imposed by the minimum wage act.

We could debate whether government has a role in setting how much workers are to be paid. It is a fact that no matter what political parties makes up the Government there will be legislation prescribing pay rates be that a minimum or what is considered to be fair pay. So there is not much point arguing that point.

I think the focus should be on what sort of pay rate legislation the Government uses. The minimum wage act came into force shortly after the end of World War II. Industrial relations and the country’s economic conditions were very different then. Today we

live in very different economic conditions such that the current Government is advocating fair pay agreements. My first point is that you cannot have both a minimum wage act and fair pay agreements. The Government needs to choose which pay rate mechanism it will rely on and look to the future of employment.

But neither minimum wages nor fair pay agreements, are futureproofing employment in New Zealand. They are measures focused on wages and focused on employment conditions that in the near future will not exist. We may be short of skilled workers today but artificial intelligence and robotics is rapidly developing those skilled workers and they are not people. I imagine that people will always be required if only to repair and programme artificial intelligence and robots. In the near future many of the jobs currently being performed, even highly qualified jobs, will not need people to be performed.

Read this column in full online at: www.coastandcountrynews.co.nz

AVOCADOS

Page 15

Prune, keep up nutrition and inject twice This time last year we were all sitting with our fingers and toes crossed, finally assessing our crop loadings for the coming year.

This year it appears we haven’t got enough fingers and toes to match the crop size. The crop set in our area looks big. It’s been a few years since we last saw a crop this big. Indications are there is plenty of fruit all over the Bay of Plenty and also in the Far North.

The crop set, along with the dryness we are experiencing in January, is impacting our ability to grow the flush required for next year. It may also start impacting fruit size.

At AAL we are planning our game plan to grow big fruit early. Also, we want to protect what flower we

can grow for the next season’s cropping. We are considering a number of tactics and these include nutrient feeding programmes, water and pruning. One tactic we’ve decided on, and we did this early, is to inject all heavy crop-carrying trees using the Avoject and HiPK at a 15 per cent rate.

For many years we have used injecting as a tool to stimulate flush and growth.

I was taught this by a very experienced grower, who is also a leading NZ grower.

He religiously injects his trees twice-ayear. His logic is to prevent tree decline rather than wait for it. He has big trees and has an orchard yield/performance in the top few. We use injecting as a key tool to stimulate flush. We do it tactically and timely. We do one in the autumn and will reassess after the winter, particularly where heavy cropping trees have gone through a wet winter. The spring injection is done tactically. The other key point is to ensure when you inject you do it correctly and well enough to get a result. That involves placing an injection every 120mm minimum and even down to 100mm apart.

A tree with a very heavy crop is under pressure in all systems. Lightening the load with tactical pruning and injecting can help stimulate flush and growth.

We want this growth to help provide more energy for fruit growth. The earlier we grow the fruit, the better the result.

I advocate pruning every year. Don’t be fooled into thinking you are cutting fruit off because it’s better to appreciate that continuing a regular pruning programme will enhance your ability to have fruit to harvest every year. In a year like this with a big crop set it’s very easy, as a collective of orchards, to throw the industry into a full on/off season cycle and heavily coordinate to be extreme. The impact of that is low pricing returns in big years and big returns for those few orchards with fruit in low years.

It also impacts our ability to meet international market demands and provides openings for competing continues to fill our supply gaps.

So the message is don’t stop pruning, keep up your nutrition and consider injecting twice during this next nine months.

The safer way to a pest-free 2050 Avocado growers aiming to reduce fruit damage from rats and possums – and in turn increase pack-out rates – should try using a fast-acting, potent, environmentally-friendlier pellet bait, says Connovation CEO Duncan MacMorran.

benefits when environmental persistence leads to adverse secondary poisoning and food safety concerns.

“That’s why Double Tap is an effective alternative. It’s less likely to accumulate in the environment, it still provides the potency required to be effective. And it’s safer for non-target species and the NZ environment.”

Duncan says both He says his company’s Double Diphacinone and Tap pellet bait has low risk of Cholecalciferol are poisoning non-target species, metabolised relatively is environmentally quickly, so less likely friendlier than to bioaccumulate alternatives but is and put non-target still potent, and species at risk. But is fast-acting and the product still has more humane. the potency of a Double Tap Double Tap is an ideal for option second generation is a mix of a for avocado growers wanting to rid anticoagulant. first generation “Double Tap achieves of rats and possums. anticoagulant this by combining (Diphacinone) the environmentally-friendlier features and Vitamin D3 (Cholecalciferol), and of Diphacinone with the naturallyno controlled substances licence are occurring substance Vitamin D3 required to use it, says Duncan.

(Cholecalciferol).”

“Anticoagulants effectively control rats Duncan says Double Tap also kills rats and possums. But studies show second and possums faster than Brodifacoum, generation anticoagulants compounds where sickness is protracted and time to using actives like Brodifacoum death is variable. accumulate and remain in the “The reduced time to death from environment for long periods of time.

Double Tap is more humane and “This residue leads to secondary poisoning. That’s fine in certain predator less bait is consumed compared to Brodifacoum. Less bait equals less cost.” control situations. For example, island See Connovation’s advert on this page. conservation. But the risks outweigh any

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Page 16

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Vegan activist group in Waikato and BOP The Gummy Bears, a vegan activism group best known for stickers and decorated road signs asking the public to ‘STOP eating animals’, has started a chapter in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

The newly-formed Bay of Plenty Gummy Bears have placed 20 billboards in prominent positions in the Waikato and in Tauranga.

The billboards urge the Government and the public to “ban the Waikato Rodeo” – the annual event being held this year at Kihikihi Domain on February 15.

“Bay of Plenty Gummy Bears are pleased to support Direct Animal Action, the SPCA, Anti-rodeo Coalition, SAFE and other animal groups opposing this barbaric past-time,” says Ursula Lilley, from Tauranga.

“Four horses died at rodeos last year that we know of, and the Rodeo Association’s own figures show a horrendous rate of injuries.

It is time the Government kept its promise to put an end to rodeo and other cruel practices.”

Gummy Bears spokesperson Dr Michael Morris says rodeo is not wholesome family entertainment.

“Quite the contrary. Research has shown that children who witness

trusted adults abuse animals are more likely to become abusers themselves.

“Conversely, children who are taught empathy with animals are more likely to grow up with the same traits.”

And while placing of stickers on government signs could be treated as a criminal offence by councils, The Gummy Bears are undeterred by this, says Ursula.

The Gummy Bears are also pushing “Most of the people that are doing these actions are absolutely for the Government to ban rodeos. willing to put their money where animal with a life of its own and it their mouth is and simply the was killed so that you could eat it. fact that it’s [placing stickers on “It’s to bring that to the surface road signs] illegal – we’re doing it and to remind people, you’re eating because it’s moral.” dead animals.”

Ursula says the group is placing Ursula says the group is antithe stickers to bring awareness speciesism, which is the notion that about where people’s food comes all species are equal. from. “It’s just a visible, immediate “Speciesism is the construct in connect for people’s brains, I the human mind that humans are think sometimes it’s a little bit of superior to other animals and we a surprise. Often people actually will use and abuse them as we see make a disconnect in their brain between themeat they’re eating and fit – and as anti-speciesists we reject the fact animals have been killed so that idea and extol the opposite values, which are that animals were they can eat them.

It’s about making that connection not put here on this planet for humans to use.” for people and reminding them As a result, Ursula says they will that the ham in your sandwich, continue placing the stickers on or the chicken in your burger signs. or whatever [meat] was a living

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Page 18

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Plants can poison stock Sporadically during most years vets are called to investigate sudden illnesses and unexpected deaths in otherwise healthy animals.

While they can occur at any time of year, summer is more common for poisonings as feed supplies shrink and hungry animals becoming less discerning with their diets. Hot, dry summer conditions are present throughout much of New Zealand, so we’re likely to see an increase in plant poisonings.

Other factors include stress on pasture and crop species, proliferation of weed species, fruiting and seeding of trees and shrubs and dumping of garden waste in paddocks.

Often, where no obvious sign of infection or trauma has occurred to the animals, we need to look at intoxication as the cause of the symptoms. While not exhaustive, in the next two editions I’ll cover some of the main plants known to be lethal to livestock.

Acorns/Oak (Quercus spp)

Fallen acorns and branches are sources of toxin, being most poisonous when green. Cattle and sheep are vulnerable, with young stock more susceptible than adults. Affected individuals show lethargy, anorexia and wasting with frequent urination.

Avocado (Persea americana)

All parts of the plant are toxic. A wide range of livestock are affected with goats and horses being most sensitive. Signs of intoxication include lethargy, respiratory distress, swelling, cyanosis, cough,

exercise intolerance and death from heart failure.

Horses may develop edema of the head, tongue, and brisket. The toxin persin also produces a sterile mastitis in lactating animals.

Foxglove.

Bracken Fern (Pteridium esculentum)

Toxicity occurs with grazing scrubby areas and rough pasture sward. Cattle, goats and horses can be affected. Various forms of disease can develop including bladder bleeding with discoloured urine, bowel tumour growths and neurological staggers.

Foxglove (Digitalis spp)

Sporadic consumption of these colourful flowers can occur by accident in gardens, on roadsides, in pastures and bordering bush. Although very bitter in taste and therefore not being very palatable, inquisitive young horses and cattle can be affected. The toxin digoxin causes heart failure preceded by drooling, weakness, collapse and seizures.

Karaka (Corynocarpus laevigatus)

Accessed by stock near bush blocks when grazing scrubby or bush areas and transporting stock along roadsides. As well as livestock it can also affect people and dogs. The toxin karakin affects the body’s energy supply, interfering with the Krebs cycle, which results in profound lethargy and collapse with neurological and muscular distress preceding death.

If you have any questions about possible toxins on your property contact your local vet before running the risk of exposing stock to the source. Vets are well placed to investigate any suspicious cases.

Column correction for January edition In the January 2020 edition of Coast & Country News, an error was made in regards to the column on page 23 titled ‘The simple solution is often better’.

David’s Foster’s name and photograph was incorrectly

published as the writer of this column. The correct author was David Law of Forward Farming Biological Consultancy, who is a regular columnist in this monthly publication.

We apologise for the incorrect publication of David Foster being attributed to this column on regenerative farming in our January issue.

David Foster also has no relation with company Harris Tate. Instead, David is a commercial and property lawyer and notary public with Checketts McKay lawyers in Wanaka. See: david@cmlaw.co.nz We apologise for any confusion this error has caused.

FERTILISER

Page 19

Can avos and blueberries thrive side-by-side?

When I am asked to do soil sampling on orchards and gardens, I often find extreme variations in soil conditions.

With avocados, the pH can often be over 7. When I test blueberry soil, the pH is mostly around 5. This is usually a target. Why do we have these extreme variations?

Well, pH should never be the cause of your fertility programme. It must be result of it. When the soil fertility is balanced, the pH will be correct. Do not aim at any figure. Aim to balance the soil with proper nutrients. Here is a partial example of local avocado soil analyses, from Perry Agricultural Laboratories in Missouri. These nutrients supply the most important readings relevant to pH. TEC 23, pH 7.1, OM 7.1, sulphate 70, calcium 90% (of base saturation) (+2,000 kg/ ha), magnesium 4.4% (-400 kg/ha), potassium 1.0% (-1,100 kg/ha). The + or – figures are elemental, not product.

What has caused the elevated pH? In this case it is extreme excess calcium that has driven down magnesium and potassium which are both extremely deficient.

Are the trees heathy and do they produce well? No. It is obvious that gypsum has been over applied.

All nutrients need to be balanced for superior results. A very good sulphate reading will not achieve that on its own.

Gypsum is fine if the circumstances suit, but you must know when to stop.

It should only be applied when the soil measurements allow it. This is where we at Kiwi Fertiliser have the knowledge, technical training and subscribe to the right laboratory to provide the correct figures to calculate superior recommendations on.

Blueberries suffer at the other end of the pH scale. TEC 36, pH 5, OM 10.2,

FAR recognises one of its own A cropping systems research manager at the Foundation for Arable Research, who has worked to support cropping farmers in the areas of economic and environmental sustainability since 2010, has been bestowed the organisation’s top honour for 2019.

are an efficient and inexpensive tool to help growers understand exactly how much nitrogen is available to crops at any given time, and therefore how much they need to apply to reach target yields.”

The judges’ citation says Diana has, and continues to be, actively involved in a number of national and regional research projects that focus on ensuring high quality information FAR CEO Alison is made available to Stewart says awarding farmers in a format that’s Diana Mathers the 2019 easy to understand and Researcher of the Year apply. “She’s led a number award recognises the of environmental and significant impact she’s had biodiversity projects such in her areas of work. as the Good Management “Working with growers Practices For Winter around the adoption of Dairy Grazing On new technologies is a Arable Cropping Land, current focus for Diana, the Building Better who helped to test and Diana Mathers.

Biodiversity on Arable calibrate DIY Quick N Farms, and the Trees for testing kits as part of Bees projects. She was also instrumental the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Farming Fund project in developing an FEP template for Nitrogen - Measure it and Manage it. cropping farms, which released in 2015 “The results of this project have has been extremely well received by confirmed that Quick N testing strips growers and regional councils.

Sulphate 75, calcium 37% (-4450 kg/ha), magnesium 4.7% (-650 kg/ha), potassium 1.7% (-1550 kg/ha). In this case calcium and magnesium are extremely deficient and potassium is very deficient.

Are the bushes healthy and produce well? No. Do you as growers believe that the plants, whether avocados or blueberries like deficient/excess calcium, magnesium and potassium, to satisfy a man-made goal called pH? pH is the negative logarithm of the hydrogen ion. Does hydrogen supply nutrition? No. With the avocado, the exchangeable hydrogen is zero. The blueberries have more than 40 per cent. Avocados and blueberries respond to the same soil conditions. Please think about these things carefully. Don’t allow yourselves to be led by the nose. These figures are insane. They are costing you big money.

We had worked on this BB soil for two years when this photograph was taken. Yield, 23t/ha; size of fruit, most 18mm or over; ‘bloom’ on fruit and leaves and plant health have all improved dramatically.

Ca and Mg are deficient, K is very good. The 2019 fertiliser results do not feature in these figures.

TEC 20, pH 5.6, OM 8.5, S 67, Ca 52% (-1250 kg/ha), Mg 9.1% (-140 kg/ha), K 5.1% (-300 kg/ha), H 27%.

FERTILISER

Page 20

Robin Boom

CPAg MBSPC

Independent Agronomy & Soil Fertility Consultant

New Phosphorus options Recently, Ballance Agri-Nutrients launched new phosphate fertiliser Surephos.

Although it is not a true dicalcium phosphate fertiliser, it has DCP characteristics in that it is only slightly acidic, and has a much lower water-soluble P content of around 30 per cent compared to straight superphosphate which is 85 per cent water soluble, but it is not low enough to be classified as a genuine dicalcium phosphate product. Pure dicalcium phosphate products, such as DCP 18, has almost no water-soluble P – at less than five per cent – but is around 90 per cent citric soluble P, whereas superphosphate is 90 per cent citric soluble P and Surephos has about 70 per cent citric soluble phosphorus.

Water solubility

With a much lower water solubility its suitability is mainly for soils where phosphate is prone to leaching, with low Anion Storage Capacity (Phosphate retention) characteristics such as the raw peat soils in parts of the Waikato, the podsol soils of Northland and the East

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Coast, and Pakahi Sand soils of Westland. Also parts of the country with excessive phosphorus in the waterways, using a product like Surephos can have considerable merit. But is still not as good as Reactive Phosphate Rock fertilisers which have no water soluble phosphorus, but between 30-50 per cent citric soluble phosphorus, depending on the source of RPR. Surephos is advertised as having 7.8 per cent total P, nine per cent Sulphate Sulphur, 22 per cent calcium and two per cent magnesium. And at $330/tonne it is about 15 per cent more expensive than superphosphate per kg of P. Compared to locally manufactured 50/50 lime/super based dicalcium phosphate products made by companies such as Hatuma, Avoca, Terracare and Fertco, it works out cheaper per unit of P, but not quite as cheap as some of the imported high analysis dicalcium phosphates. It should also be borne in mind that Surephos is not a genuine dicalcium phosphate. Serpentine Super made by both Ballance and Ravensdown has similar water soluble and citric soluble P characteristics to Surephos, but it has one per cent less total P and S at 6.8 per cent and eight per cent respectively, although serpentine super has a higher magnesium level of five per cent. Soils with very high ASC (Phosphate retention) levels such as volcanic ash soils, using less acid fertilisers such as Surephos, serpentine super and dicalcium phosphate products can have some merit as the P can remain plant available longer since it is not as rapidly fixed by the aluminium in the soil compared to strongly acidic superphosphates.

Selling quick

The first boatload of Triple Plus, imported by Australian company Fert Direct Pty Ltd, is a competitively priced sulphur infused triple super which arrived via Mount Maunganui midDecember, but was all sold within three weeks of arrival. Two more boatloads are due to arrive in February. Back of the envelope calculations show Triple Plus to

be 10-15 per cent cheaper than superphosphate once cartage and spreading costs have been included for hill country farms where fertiliser is flown on. It has other advantages of being fully granulated with very little dust, and logistic savings in terms of trucking and wear and tear on airstrips go, which can make this product attractive. The price advantage drops off for ground-spreading when Ballance and Ravensdown company rebates are factored in. Triple Plus has 18 per cent P and 11 per cent S with most of the sulphur in fine elemental form below 35 microns which should all work over a 12-month period, costing $610/ tonne ex Waharoa. This same company also hope to import some MAP (Mono Ammonium Phosphate) into the country in April which at 10 per cent N and 22 per cent P is the highest commodity traded phosphatic fertiliser, and are hoping to sell it for around $200/ tonne cheaper than what Ravensdown currently have it listed on their price list.

Competition

Competition by small companies like this one and the likes of Dickie Direct, Fert Wholesale Direct and Fertilisers Direct is good in my opinion. What has also been good to see is the drop in RPR prices by both co-ops this year, even though some of the rock components are questionable. Last year they were selling RPR blends for around $349/tonne, but currently Ravensdown are selling it for $329/ tonne and Ballance for $265/tonne, which at 13 per cent total P looks a better option than superphosphate (nine per cent P) at $310/tonne.

However there are things like current P status, soil pH, rainfall, citric solubility component, fine particle drift etc which need to be considered before embarking on a RPR fertiliser programme. Seeking qualified, informed advice on all of these products is important to ensure you are getting your best bang for your fertiliser spend.

Robin Boom, CPAg, member of the Institute of Professional Soil Scientists. Phone: 0274448764.

FERTILISER

Page 21

Soil properties key to applications Farmers agree there is an absolute need to work together to address water quality needs and achieve the objectives of the Governmentinitiated National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.

Dairy effluent can be a great resource for nutrients, but if application isn’t managed properly it can also be a significant source of contaminants and nutrient leaching and run-off that can seriously impair the health of waterways.

Soil properties should be weighed up when applying effluent to pasture to maximise nutrient benefits and the protection of waterways. Soil texture and structure determine the amount of water that can enter and be retained within a particular soil, and the rate of transmission of excess water through that soil.

So effluent irrigation systems should be matched to soil properties to minimise run-off and leaching.

Run-off

conductivity. When hydraulic a rate that keeps it in the root zone conductivity of the soil is low, so nutrients can be utilised by irrigation of effluent will pasture. result in ponding and Permeable soils with run-off once the total “Effluent irrigation a deep water table water capacity of the and no drainage systems should soil is exceeded or limitations are if application rates best for putting be matched to exceed infiltration effluent on. soil properties to rates.

However, on Low rates of hydraulic stony soils the minimise run-off conductivity are found risk of effluent and leaching.” in soils that are poorly draining directly to drained, and ponding groundwater would be and run-off often occur with an issue to consider. In such high rainfall. Many of these soils

situations, application depths and rates should be adjusted to account for this risk.

Bypass flow When effluent application rates are higher than infiltration rates, water can enter continuous macropores that are open at the soil surface, and then move very rapidly via so-called ‘bypass flow’ through a relatively dry soil matrix.

This means little opportunity for the water to be retained within the root zone and high leaching of

nitrate is likely to occur.

Bypass flow of farm dairy effluent can occur in soils that undergo shrinkage and fissuring during drying, especially when these soils have been previously compacted by treading.

A key to avoiding overapplication can be having adequate effluent storage so irrigation can be deferred, if conditions aren’t right.

Bala Tikkisetty is a technical sustainable agriculture advisor at Waikato Regional Council. Contact him on 0800 800 401 or email: bala.tikkisetty@ waikatoregion.govt.nz Bala Tikkisetty

are artificially drained to reduce the incidence of ponding and waterlogging.

Leaching

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The rate at which effluent can infiltrate soil must be adequate to avoid run-off into waterways. The nature of the effluent and cattle treading on soils can affect the infiltration rate. Treading damage, which occurs most when restricted rooting depths due to the the soils are wet, significantly reduces shallow nature of the soils and high infiltration rate. For some soils this can water tables. Effluent irrigation on these result in accumulation of effluent below slopes and in intersecting hollows. It can soils is likely to result in leaching.

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ENVIRO FRIENDLY FARMING

Page 22

Sustainable water systems for rural land Water is one of the most important resources for primary industry producers – and having a filtration system that works efficiently and is sustainable is key, says Temple Water Technologies Ltd’s founder and managing director Chris Temple.

His company can treat all types of water – bore water, dam water and stream water.

In particular, Chris says they have put much work into developing a range of systems for bore water that are fine-tuned to a customer’s particular water and requirements – but are also sustainable.

“First, we evaluate the water onsite. Then we look at our range of systems for bore water and fine-tune one of these to a customer’s particular needs,” says Chris.

“These systems are very robust, therefore the cost of ownership is low. We’ve got examples of a system we’ve installed running for 20 years before it has needed the media changed.

“Other systems may need to change media every couple of years, so the sustainability of our systems is high.”

Chris says the products are very reliable and lowmaintenance “and we always try to find a system that is low on chemical usage so it’s sustainable from that perspective”.

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COUNTRY LIVING

Page 23

Backstop for charity rearing programme Matamata farmer Maurice Turner can have a number of ‘orphan’ cattle on his Morgan Rd farm at any time. And whether stay until they are fully grown or will be fostered out to another farm varies.

Maurice is the co-ordinator for Mobile Missions Maintenance’s livestock donating scheme.

An international-based organisation, MMM’s vision is to see “the Church empowered and equipped with adequate facilities appropriate to God’s mission”.

The New Zealand branch was established in 1994 and has an office in Te Awamutu.

Money raised from the

livestock donating scheme is used to maintain church buildings, churches, residential facilities of church workers, orphanages, or youth camps – both in NZ and overseas.

Maurice could be considered the backstop for the animal donating programme. “If there is a calf-rearer who has completed the rearing job and cannot carry the animal for any longer and I cannot immediately find someone to graze it, then the animal will come to my place.

“Sometimes I carry them until they are finished but I try to find another home for them.”

Currently, 18 farmers either donate a calf, rear a calf, or graze an animal until it is finished.

Most of supporting farmers are from the Waikato or Te Puke at

this stage, but they could come from anywhere in NZ. Maurice says some people do the job from beginning to end.

“Sometimes it is people on small holdings who rear the calf and it is then moved onto a farm to finish off.

“Donated milk powder and calf meal makes the job easier.”

MMM is also well supported by stock carriers, who move cattle around promptly and efficiently. The abattoirs will credit any animal with the MMM eartag directly to the organisation’s trust account.

Maurice Turner with five weaners on his place who have been integrated into his own mob of weaner calves.

New tour for new season in the North Island This 2020-2021 season NZ Adventures is adding a new tour to its line-up, which is a first in the North Island and more of a back country than off-road tour.

Owner-operators of NZ Adventures 4WD tours Robbie and Connie Crickett says the new tour is called the Heartland Tour and is already fully booked for 2020.

“It will be available for 2021 in June from 9-14, finishing in Taupo the morning before the Fieldays begin at Mystery Creek.”

And you can trust that whatever tour you book with the Cricketts, it won’t disappoint. “NZ Adventures is a long-established company offering off-road and backcountry tours throughout the South Island,” says Connie.

“Participants generally bring their own 4WD or hire a suitable vehicle and get guided by us across a wide variety of the South Island’s back country, over sheep stations, forests and conservation lands.”

Especially popular among their five SI tours are the High Country Heritage six or seven-day tour and the West Coast Explorer.

South Island’s back country, over sheep stations, forests and conservation lands are sought-after feature of NZ Adventures tours.

“The High Country Heritage tours the foothills of the Southern Alps starting in Blenheim and ending in Cardrona with overnights in Hanmer Springs, Methven, Fairlie, Omarama and Cromwell. The seven-day March trip has an additional overnight in Geraldine.”

The West Coast Explorer is a total contrast. “The trees are as plentiful in the west as they absent in the east.

Nowhere is the east-west contrast greater than on day one of the West Coast trip when the tawny brown tussocks of North Canterbury, St. James Station and Western Molesworth are left behind as the trip suddenly plunges into the verdant beech forests. Overnights are in Murchison, Westport, Reefton and Greymouth.”

For more information, see NZ Adventures’ advert on this page.

Maurice has been co-ordinating the programme for the last six years. “In that time we’ve seen some growth, partly because we know there is more awareness and more people are donating an animal, but [the growth] is also due to an increase in the beef payout.

“And people do this out of the goodness of their hearts. It may be they want to donate and support a good cause but they are cash poor and donating an animal works well for them.”

Bridget Jochems

Page 24

COUNTRY LIVING

Protect your gutters before autumn arrives Fallen leaves clogging gutters is a significant maintenance issue for homeowners. And with autumn approaching, many people are considering ways to permanently keep gutters clear of leaves, says New Zealand Gutter Protection owner Martin Smith.

New enhanced formula

“When leaves build up in gutters, the blockage can cause flooding into a house. If left for long periods of time, it can cause the gutters to rust and disintegrate,” says Martin.

Now is also a good time to futureproof gutters against nesting birds in spring and to protect water collection tanks.

“Birds nesting in houses are noisy and make a mess. They can also contaminate tank drinking water and make it unsafe to use,” says Martin.

“Installing gutter protection is a permanent way to prevent bird nesting problems and ensure leaves and hail don’t get into gutters. It also keeps out rats and other pests such as possums.”

But for many, climbing on to the roof every few months to clear gutters is not practical.

“Gutter protection means peace of mind and no more scrambling

New Zealand Gutter Protection owner Martin Smith’s service can protect home, farm building and commercial property gutters.

up a ladder, risking a fall,” says Martin.

NZ Gutter Protection mesh is made from heavy-duty polyethylene and comes in a range of colours. It can be installed on any type of roof, and has a 15-year guarantee on materials and workmanship.

Martin does most of the fitting

himself, so clients deal with the same person from quote to completion of work on their property.

He’s been installing gutter protection on homes, farm buildings and commercial properties since 2005 and his service area covers the entire Waikato and Bay of Plenty.

How to ease unwanted inflammation I speak daily to people affected by inflammation.

Abundant Health

This commonly affects joints but can affect most types of body tissue.

While we can feel the discomfort of joint inflammation, we cannot feel inflammation of blood vessels until disease symptoms appear.

Our immune system responds to injury and sickness by generating inflammation.

This is an essential part of our in-built repair and recovery systems. While we cannot heal without inflammation,

unwanted inflammation can not only slow healing but create new problems.

The long list of problems with the suffix ‘itis’ are all inflammatory diseases.

One of the reasons we are told to eat lots of deep-coloured plants is the antiinflammatory antioxidants are locked into their bright colours. It is the yellow in turmeric that contains Curcumin.

It is the purple colour on grape seeds that contain the potent oligomeric proanthocyanidins, known as OPCs. While osteoarthritis is the most common joint problem, others such as tendonitis, bursitis and rheumatoid arthritis affect many people. The centre of any nutritional medicine programme is an anti-inflammatory diet. Adding well-formulated supplements with high grade ingredients can add healing compounds at levels much higher than through diet alone. Two of the most potent are Curcumin from turmeric and OPCs from grape seeds.

For example, adding 1000mg of 95 per cent Curcumin is equivalent to several tablespoons of turmeric. You’d also need to eat tablespoons of red wine grape seeds to get 100mg of pure OPC. I speak to clients on daily basis that are more mobile and more comfortable by adding potent natural anti-inflammatory compounds. One with rheumatoid arthritis is much more comfortable by adding 1000mg of Curcumin and 200mg of OPC daily. I’ve written a comprehensive AntiInflammatory Nutrition Guide. Please contact me if you would like an email copy.

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

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 25

Taupo triathlon for all types of kids The Taupo Ironkidz Triathlon on March 1 is for all school-aged youngsters – competitive or not – and even includes an option where kids aged five-seven don’t need a bike – they can just ‘Splash & Dash’.

Ltd is a major agricultural contracting company cultivating and harvesting large numbers of hectares in the Waikato/ Taupo area.

Blue Grass Contracting Ltd’s John Nettleton says his business is very focused on encouraging young people

“The event is all about participation, maybe achieving a personal best and having a heap of fun,” says Taupo Ironkidz committee chairperson Fleur Bromley.

“And those aged five-seven that are put off signing up because they don’t have a bike should not worry – the Splash & Dash section is a swim-and-run only event that doesn’t require any wheels.

“We’ve got this section available as we really want children who don’t have a bike, or may feel uncomfortable about taking part in a triathlon, to give it a go.”

The triathlon section – which has a bike, swim and run – is open kids aged seven-15 and there is an elite

Merle Foster

Left: Elite section competitor Ivan Abele running in last year’s event.

Adah Williams transitioning from the biking leg in last year’s Taupo Ironkidz Triathlon.

Left: Swimmers sit down at Lake Taupo’s edge, ready to race in the Ironkidz Triathlon. section for those youth who are more serious about the sport, says Fleur.

“Another thing parents should know is the Splash & Dash swimming runs along Lake Taupo’s edge. Only the elite section is a deep water swim. This is because safety is a top priority.”

The event attracts about 900 kids with 700 in the triathlons and 200 in the Splash & Dash.

All funds raised go to Waipahihi Primary School, which Fleur says will be used this year for upkeep of the school’s pool.

“For our school it is really important to keep our

pool open, because with the lake nearby we feel children learning swimming and water skills is crucial.”

The event is made possible thanks to support from two local farming businesses. Wairakei Estate has been naming rights sponsor of Ironkidz since 2012, with Blue Grass Contracting Ltd joining as a sponsor the same year. Blue Grass now sponsors the elite section.

Wairakei Estate is one of the largest environmentally-sustainable pastoral holdings in the Southern Hemisphere while Blue Grass Contracting

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Fleur says the school hugely appreciates the support from Wairakei Estate and Blue Grass Contracting, and other sponsors.

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Page 26

It’s getting dry – so don’t wing it!

Things are starting to dry out in parts of the country.

We had 96ml at our Paengaroa yard in December. The December before we had 300ml. By mid-January, as I write this column, we’ve had 7ml so far for January. Some parts have had more rain but generally it’s getting pretty dry and I can’t see any more rain forecast leading into February.

Because of this, farmers need to do their farm walks, check pastures and look at what their plans are for the

next six-nine months. A recalculation of feed budgets may be necessary.

They’ll need to look at how much they’re feeding with current feed stocks they have and how to keep a good core of cows milking through until autumn rains arrive. It may be a case of having to cull underperforming cows.

Northland is very close to being declared drought-stricken. This means farmers there will receive some help from banks – such as extending overdrafts to buy in feed. Whether this will happen here is still unknown but

with the predicted healthy milk payout it makes sense to keep milking through if possible until grass arrives. If farms dry off too early and the grass comes, well you’ve still got to feed the cows or pay to have them grazed so you might as well take advantage of the payout for as long as you can.

Other options are 16-hour or OnceA-Day milking – these decrease cow movement to the shed during hot afternoons, which burns a lot of energy.

Instead, milk mornings then leave cows in the paddock 24 hours and feed a bit of silage. This slows the round down and keeps them chugging along. It is important to keep an eye on Somatic Cell Counts and cull cows with high SCCs. There’s a bit that needs to be done to plan for future production and cropping into next season. As I often say: proper planning prevents pitiful performance.

Don’t just wing it – it doesn’t always pay off.

It is important to be prepared with supplementary feed when such a dry spell is forecast. It’s better to be pre-armed against possible drought than leave it to the last minute, so make sure you have plenty in stock. We still have maize silage available at a competitive price. It is a good energy feed so good to milk on, is useful to extend lactation and to prolong the round later on.

I feel it’s better to spend a little more money on quality feed o get good results rather than buying cheaper feed and risking getting poor quality, therefore potentially not achieving the desired results.

While checking pastures, farmers should assess which ones to target for renovation; those that are weedy or growing the likes of kikuyu, couch or mercer grass. These paddocks can be part of a spring cropping

programme, but it’s best to get rid of unwanted species first while they are active. Spraying out in summer/autumn while these are still growing will get a good kill rate.

Then you can put in an annual for winter feed then turn into your spring cropping programme. Weeds that are harder to kill in spring will have already been largely eliminated. Crops also need to be checked for white butterfly and leaf minor, and sprayed out if required.

This season we started planting maize up to 10 days later than normal and temperatures for December and early-January were down so we’ll probably start harvesting maize a bit later in February.

We struggled to make hay in December because of the weather and we came back in January and the wind blew strongly in the southwest – one day in the hay paddock was 12 degrees Celsius! Now we’re getting to 22-26 degrees but this time last year we were in the 30s. The crops are looking good at this stage and if February is hot the maize will still come ready on time, but if it keeps dry those in lighter soils may struggle with moisture stress. Lower paddocks seem to be growing better this year and higher ground crops are doing fine, so it looks like a good average season.

Please be careful travelling with all the heavy harvest machinery on main and rural roads, and with truck-and-trailer units using driveways.

We offer obligation free, competitive quotes to anyone wanting to purchase supplementary feed including maize silage, grass silage, hay and straw.

We also have blocks available for winter grazing – contact us for information.

DAIRY

Page 27

Farmers have been misled In October 2006 an article was published containing a summary of a report

by Tim Bromilow, a Scottish soil scientist after having spent six weeks travelling around New Zealand.

Although complimentary in regard to the ability of Fonterra, scientists and farmers to deal with impending problems, his report did mention the damage already inflicted. This included the $127 million per year cost of soil erosion, 60 per cent of water samples containing campylobacter, and the pollution levels in all lower Waikato waterways.

Bromilow also wryly noted the use of “an influential AgResearch promotional video that extolled the virtues of (synthetic) nitrogen as the cheapest source of fertiliser money can buy”.

Since 2006 the sale of urea, the cheapest form of synthetic nitrogen fertiliser, has escalated.

We’ve been told of instances where extra urea has been applied when farmers are unable to afford their normal phosphorus, sulphur, and potassium inputs.

Urea fertiliser was widely used in many European countries long before it became common practice in this country. It’s now highly regulated there due to problems arising from soil degradation, loss of soil carbon, and excess nitrate in drinking water.

Alternative

Perhaps because we were brought up believing we were the best pastoral farmers in the world, therefore there was nothing to be learnt from overseas, or maybe there was, and remains, a different reason for its use.

Either way we don’t seem to have learnt from others’ experiences and are now entering an era of government policy regulating animal numbers and management practices, ultimately dictating land use and prices.

There is an alternative to the current synthetic nitrogen dependent

programmes, where on average 230kg bag N/ha is being applied to our best land.

Pasture production using these alternative products and programmes is up by as much as 30 per cent and nitrate-N levels in ground water have been measured at 70 per cent less, with no increase in total fertiliser costs.

As pasture production increases feed quality also lifts. More of the nitrate in pasture is converted to full protein away from crude protein, resulting in higher protein in milk while fat levels remain unaffected. Plants photosynthesise more efficiently, with dairy herds peaking at 2.4kgMS/cow/day and not losing weight.

The problem

Soils using these inputs steadily sequester carbon leading to significantly higher moisture and nutrient storage capacity, resulting in stronger growth into a dry summer and quicker recovery when rain arrives.

Given ongoing submissions to regional councils and excellent political connections, there’s been no support at the Ministry for Primary Industries or Ministerial level.

Just recently two pieces of information have come to hand that help make sense of this perplexing situation.

The ammonia urea plant in Taranaki, one of the National Government’s ‘think big’ projects in the 1980s, is currently receiving annual carbon credits covering 90 per cent of its estimated CO2 emissions. A bizarre situation when legumes fix nitrogen organically from the air we breathe, for free.

In essence the manufacture of urea is subsidised by taxpayers, hiding its true cost – including the environmental downsides.

When the Maui gas field, which provided the energy for the plant, was developed in conjunction with Shell Oil, the government of the day agreed to pay for or take the gas; and the ammonia urea plant was built, against the advice of leading scientists.

Farmers are being told that cow numbers are the reason for the

increasing nitrate nitrogen levels in groundwater and soil degradation. In our view that’s not the case.

The problem is excess nitrate (crude protein) in pasture as a result of an addiction to cheap synthetic nitrogen fertiliser resulting from the Government’s obligation to purchase large quantities of natural gas.

Unless farmers individually and collectively act to control their own destiny, regulation putting their livelihoods and standing in the community in even greater jeopardy is inevitable and imminent. For more information, contact Peter on 0800 843 809.

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DAIRY

Page 28

Regenerative agriculture is sweeping NZ An agricultural commentator recently made the statement that “you can’t regenerate something unless it’s degenerated”, arguing that New Zealand had no need for a solution as ‘extreme’ as regenerative agriculture.

Naysayers

The term ‘regenerative agriculture’ was first used by the Rodale Institute in the early-1980s, and in his first book ‘The Restoration Economy’ author Storm Cunningham defined restorative agriculture as a “technique that rebuilds the quantity and quality of topsoil, while also restoring local biodiversity and watershed functions”.

The naysayers seem to be picking just one positive

a ‘bulldozer’ to their farming system, and instead of making a few management changes they are making radical changes at a huge cost to their back pocket, their animal health and production.

There’s no need to undertake such a dramatic system overhaul.

We are focused on a solution that is simple, easy to implement and opposes the saying ‘You’ve got to be in the black to be green’.

Farmers need leadership – but more importantly they need the tools to implement change.

We don’t need another money-gobbling bureaucratic body; farmers can do it on their own, with the guidance of someone who understands soil and biology, and who can manage their transition.

We can slide farmers into a biological transformation without a cost in extra systems, and without loss in production and grass growth.

The process of restoring soil health has been known by many different terms

over the years – biological, sustainable, restorative, regenerative – but we don’t need even more buzz words thrown into the mix by those who are making a mockery of what we’re trying to achieve. And whatever you choose to call it, you cannot minimise the importance of what we are trying to accomplish by insisting regenerative farming is a phase or a trend.

A biological scientist told me that a clear understanding of the biological system is necessary in order to understand the significance of regenerative farming; for those who oppose or challenge it, we intend to educate and encourage their participation.Total Replacement Therapy is a movement everyone is welcome to join.

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No, New Zealand does not have deserts, desertification or dust bowls, but it does have degenerated soil. Having conducted thousands of soil tests throughout the country, we can confidently say that NZ’s soil has, to a large degree, been stripped of its good biology as a result of decades of synthetic nitrogen overuse.

benefit of regenerative farming – carbon sequestration, for example – and arguing that this issue is not a problem in NZ anyway.

Maybe not, but we need to take a closer look and ask, where do we have a problem?

The major issue NZ is facing right now is water pollution.

Some of our most polluted rivers are high in nitrates – and so our immediate challenge is to reduce the use of synthetic nitrogen. In this case, to implement a regenerative farming practice means to regenerate or restore the soil, so we can reduce the use of synthetic nitrogen which in turn will minimise water pollution by reducing the leaching of nitrates.

A regenerative farming approach will also tackle the leaching of phosphates, sediment and Biological Oxygen Demand.

However, with the reduction of synthetic nitrogen a major focus going forward, there is the potential for farmers to commit to an overly-dramatic solution with a huge economic impact on their business. We are already seeing farmers who are taking

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DAIRY

Page 29

Farmers adopt bubble technology Five years of rigorous trials and testing are paying off for a revolutionary dairy plant and vat cleaning agent.

promoting the technology to its shareholders.

There is also scope to use microbubbles for cleaning purposes in NZ dairy factories, for plant and tankers, says Roger.

Manufactured in Japan, the specialist

Roger Gough, from Rotorua-based CIP Tech, says farmers and dairy companies are embracing the microbubble technology, which he claims is a “world-first” in the on-farm dairy sector.

Simplicity is the key, says Roger, with a special nozzle developed by CIP Tech “charging” washtub water with “microbubbles” which are sent through the milking plant or vat during the traditional washdown process.

nozzles simply come into play at the beginning of the wash cycle with a flick of the switch. “The nozzles don’t wear out and can be fitted retrospectively to any farm dairy,” says Roger.

For further information see their advert on this page.

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Bulletproof

“The microbubble generation is virtually bulletproof, and on-farm staff find the process simple to operate.”

Rotorua-based CIP Roger says the Tech’s Roger Gough. technology not only improves hygiene standards, but also results in a dramatic saving – of up to 50 per cent – in hot water costs as the microbubbles are so efficient that the Ministry for Primary Industries has approved a weekly wash programme of three hot washes as opposed to the normal seven.

Japan uses microbubbles as part of the cleaning process in its dairy factories, and Roger had a “lightbulb” moment to bring the technology to New Zealand dairy sheds.

So began a five-year journey to get microbubbles approved by the MPI and within the dairy industry.

This involved independent auditing of the product, coupled with extensive and rigorously monitored on-farm testing.

Roger says the results have shown a “significant reduction” in bacteria on the milk plant after a wash is completed.

“New Zealand’s total power production would be cut by 1.5 per cent if the technology was adopted across the dairy industry.”

The microbubble nozzle in situ next to the washdown tub in a dairy shed’s plant room.

Attention Farmers

Results

MPI asked for a further trial to be undertaken – “for confirmation” – with the results virtually identical.

“This Government stamp of approval has been backed up by four years’ of on-farm trials,” says Roger.

This included use on Landcorp properties at Wairakei.

“Feedback from users has been awesome,” says Roger.

MPI sign-off came six weeks before the 2019 Fieldays at Mystery Creek, where Roger launched the product to the market.

He says dairy giant Fonterra has been supportive from the outset, and he is in discussions with Waikatobased Tatua Co-operative Dairy Company about

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DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS

Forty vie for Central Plateau titles This pressure is on this month as 40 entrants in the 2020 Central Plateau regional competition of the Dairy Industry Awards enter the final rounds of judging in the highly-coveted contest.

Central Plateau regional competition team managers Tim and Melissa Parson say eight people have entered the Share Farmer of the Year category, 12 are

But Tim and vying for the Dairy Manager of the Year Melissa, who are still title and 20 are in the contract milking Dairy Trainee of the 920 cows on Trinity Year competition for Lands’ Tokoroa 330ha the region. property where they “The entrants are won the regional DIA spread relatively evenly title in 2018, say the around the Central effort is all worth it.

Plateau,” says Melissa, Melissa says there who with husband benefits are many benefi Tim won the region’s that come just from Share Farmer of the entering the DIAs, Year title in 2018. let along winning the And she knows competition. “The from experience those main thing to come in the Share Farmer of it for us was the and Dairy Manager Central Plateau regional competition team managers networking and getting categories will have Tim and Melissa Parson on Trinity Lands’ Tokoroa your name out there in spent much of January 330ha property where they contract milk 920 cows. the industry. I’ve started preparing for the judging working at rounds this month.

Farmlands and customers instantly recognise my “There is a fair bit of preparation involved for name from somewhere, the DIA awards,” says these two categories as you have to put together a Melissa, who with Tim are in their fi rst presentation detailing how you run your farming year of being managers of the regional competition. business.

Her advice to competitors is to prepare thoroughly “Meanwhile, Dairy Trainee contestants will have for the awards and to keep calm under scrutiny. one practical task to complete and will also have The CP regional competition winners will be to answer a series of questions on their farming announced at a Regional Awards Dinner on March capabilities and experiences. So there is some 3, at the Energy Events Centre, Rotorua. Regional homework for them too.” winners then go into national judging against With preliminary judging complete, the final winners from 11 other regions, with national round of the Dairy Trainee category judging winners announced in May. A regional Winners’ Field Day will be held March is on February 17. The 26, with the location to be on-site of the regional Share Farmer and Dairy Share Farmer winners’ farming business. For more Manager entrants are information, see: www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz/ judged from February regions/central-plateau/ Merle Foster 18-20.

Waikato contests advised preparation is key Don’t leave things to the last minute, do your preparation in bitesized pieces – and most of all enjoy the experience and embrace the networking opportunities the Dairy Industry Awards provide.

GRUNDFOS ®

That’s the advice of Waikato regional team managers Steve and Amy Gillies, of Putaruru, for the 31 entrants competing in the region’s DIA competition’s three categories this month.

For the Waikato region, nine entrants are to compete in the Share Farmer section, 13 in the Dairy Manager section, and 13 in the Dairy Trainee section.

“We have entrants from Taupiri down to Otorohanga and across to Putaruru,” says Amy. “The youngest is 19 and the oldest is about 35.”

As past entrants in the 2018 Share Farmer of the Year section, the Gillies believe preparation is the key to success in the awards – that bring benefits to all who enter, whether you win or not.

“Do your preparation in bite-sized pieces to keep it manageable. And use the knowledge and expertise of people around you to help with preparation,” says Amy. And besides wining, she says the main benefit to those who enter the DIAs is the networking opportunities with other contestants, generally likeminded people, plus judges and sponsors.

“It’s an easy way to get your name out there and be at the top of the pack with potential employers.”

Waikato’s preliminary judging round for the Dairy Trainee section is February 3-5, and takes place for Dairy Manager and Share Farmer sections from February 11-13. Final judging for the Dairy Trainee section is February 24, and final rounds for Dairy Manager and Share Farmer sections from February 25-27.

Winners will be announced at the Waikato Regional Awards dinner on March 11 at Sir Don Rowlands Centre, Karapiro. Tickets to the evening cost $90 each. For more information, see: www. dairyindustryawards.co.nz/regions/waikato Then a regional Winners’ Field Day will be held April 1, with the location to be on-site of the regional Share Farmer winners’ farming business.

DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS

Women feature strongly in this year’s line-up of contestants in the 2020 Bay of Plenty regional Dairy Industry Awards round, as final judging gets unde way this month.

DIA regional awards manager for the BOP, Mark Lawrence, says the regional competition has a total of 19 entrants this year and half of the Dairy Trainee category contestants are female.

“We have nine Dairy Trainee entrants, fi e Dairy Managers and fi e Share Farmer entries,” says Mark.

“Half of the Dairy Trainees are ladies – and entrants in all categories are relatively young. And those who’ve entered come from Whakatane, through to Te Puke through to Galatea, so a big diverse area of representation.”

Mark, who has been a dairy farmer for half of his life and a former manager of two BOP FarmSource stores, says today’s DIA competition offers much more diversity in entrants and what can be learned and achieved compared to a similar competition in his day.

“When I was working we had the Sharemilker of the Year competition – but it didn’t have the diversity we have in the DIAs now.

“I think this competition is great.

To me it has two benefits. irst, it profiles people for futu e jobs. And

The Bay of Plenty region’s Share Farmer of the Year award winners last year were Genna Maxwell and Matt Barr. judges’ analysis of their skills. the other thing it allows contestants “This competition is not for to learn about what others in their everyone but it just shows a level industry are doing on their farming of understanding of what is needed businesses – how they are doing it, to progress in this industry and a why they are doing it and so on – at dairying career.” an in-depth level.”

With preliminary judging for the Mark says contestants also have the BOP region complete, the final opportunity via the awards process judging round for the Dairy Trainee to question, glean advice and learn category is on February 17. The from the DIA judges, who are rural Share Farmer and Dairy Manager professionals and successful farmers entrants will be judged February – including some who’ve gone through the competition in the past. 18-20.

Winners will be announced at the “It is really neat that they can find BOP Regional Awards dinner on out how these farmers have got to March 4 at Awakeri Events Centre. where they are – so there’s some Then a regional Winners’ Field free valuable lessons on offer in the Day will be held March 24, with the competition.” location to be on-site of the regional Mark has even heard of entrants Share Farmer winners’ farming who have returned to work business. post-competition and brokered For more information, see: www. a promotion or professional development opportunity from their dairyindustryawards.co.nz/regions/ Merle Foster bay-of-plenty results in the DIAs and from the

At NZ Farmers Livestock Ltd we are committed to working with farmers for farmers.

We are 100% NZ owned and operated, and have a long-standing and established history in the livestock market. We are proud of our clients successes, and are proud to support the Dairy Industry Awards.

Responsible dairying award open Nominations are now open for a national award that recognises dairy farmers who demonstrate leadership in their approach to sustainable dairying and who are ambassadors for the industry.

The Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award, which was introduced by the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards to recognise those dairy farmers who are respected by their farming peers and their community for their attitude and role in sustainable dairying, is now taking entries via dairyindustryawards.co.nz NZDIA general manager Robin Congdon says the 2020 Award winner could come from any of the country’s milk suppliers and any farmer or farming partnership who demonstrates a high calibre of performance and leadership in the areas of responsible and sustainable care of people, animals, ecosystems and communities are eligible to enter.

And he says it is important to showcase the good work farmers

are doing within the industry – as it does not always get the exposure it deserves. “We have excellent, experienced dairy farmers creating and working on wonderful projects that have positive effects on the environment. We want to hear about the people who are farming responsibly, both environmentally and socially, and showcasing excellence on a daily basis. This is a chance for people to nominate their neighbour, employer or someone in their community.”

Robin says the also gives opportunity to recognise farmers who demonstrate leadership in their farming practices and are a role model for our younger farmers coming through.

Nomination forms are at: dairyindustryawards.co.nz Entries close March 20. From nominations three finalists a e selected and interviewed by judges on May 15 at the National Final in Auckland.

The winner will be announced at the awards dinner on May 16.

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Page 31

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PASTURE RENOVATION

Page 32

Re-learn the lost art of cultivating clover There’s a popular saying that everything old is new again. White clover is no exception.

For 100 years, it’s done great things for New Zealand farming.

And now more than ever, it still has a lot to offer – tonnes of feed, moisture permitting, in the heat of summer when ryegrass can struggle; superb animal nutrition; and a surprising amount of free, natural nitrogen.

That’s according to Upper North Island pasture specialist Richard Doney, who is area manager for Barenbrug Agriseeds.

Scientists say even though it has been overlooked in recent decades, white clover is a key tool to help meet new and pending environmental regulations on-farm.

“In other words, it’s time to go back to the future, and re-learn what we used to know about staying in clover.”

Richard says the chances are there isn’t much clover in your pasture at present – maybe 15 per cent, possibly 20 per cent if conditions are ideal – but almost certainly not the 30 per cent recommended for optimal farm performance.

“In some parts of the upper North Island it’s now more common to see pastures with no clover than with clover.”

White clover.

And there are no hard data available about the current state of clover populations on NZ farms.

“However, there is plenty of science that proves the more N fertiliser is applied to pasture, the more competitive ryegrass becomes, to clover’s detriment,” says Richard.

“And since our N fertiliser use has increased six-fold in recent years, pasture researchers agree there’s every reason to assume clover has taken a big hit nationwide.”

Add in clover root weevil, higher stocking rates, faster dairy grazing rounds, lighter clover seed sowing rates and ryegrass-centric nutrient programmes, and it’s no wonder clover is ‘MIA’ in many pastures today.

The good news is that it’s not gone for good, it just needs to be revived and looked after. And in return, it will reward you with environmental benefits and production gains, says Richard.

“Best of all, now is an ideal time to take stock of your existing clover, and to start reversing its decline.”

To start with, soil test paddocks that lack clover, and herbage test clover plants too.

“Clover needs 16 nutrients to thrive, and is often described as the canary in the coal mine, because it will reveal soil nutrient deficiencies sooner than ryegrass.

“It needs higher soil levels of phosphate (P), potassium (K) and

a Req uest m p le ! f re e s a

sulphur (S) than ryegrass, and sometimes more magnesium (Mg) and molybdenum (Mo). Clover is also sensitive to soil pH, growing best at 5.8 to 6.2.”

Richard also recommends spinning on clover seed. “In existing pastures with nil or minimal clover, oversowing 4-5kg/ha coated clover seed in autumn is a practical, effective way to start re-building clover populations.”

And be clover-friendly when renewing pastures this autumn. Clover seed is very small, and needs shallow sowing at 2-3mm. “Take care when drilling, and drill slowly as seed drills go deeper with more speed. Clover also suffers when sown tightly in the same row as ryegrass seed, so roller-drilling or broadcasting is better than standard row sowing with a coulter drill.”

Lastly, let the light in. This is absolutely vital for newly sown pastures.

Ryegrass emerges and grows faster than clover. “If it is allowed to get too long, too soon, it will shade out and kill baby clover seedlings before you know it.”

For more information on clover’s environmental and production benefits on today’s farm systems, visit: www.dairynz.co.nz or beeflambnz.com

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Locally-grown seeds to suit all pastures Specialising in top quality own-brand, locally-grown seed, cleaned to a high standard ready for sowing alone or in mixes to suit each pasture requirements is what Cridge Seeds Ltd offers their clientele. And purity and germination tests are available on request.

Based in Doyleston, Canterbury, Cridge Seeds is a long-established business and through the generations has been farming for more than 120 years.

Stuart Cridge formed the company in 1982 and is still available to give sowing suggestions and advice on pasture requirements. “He has more than 45 years’ experience and has dealt with a large number of farmers nationwide, throughout his ownership of the company,” says wife Julie Cridge, who is business and marketing manager.

“She too has a wide range of knowledge, being from a wellknown Canterbury family of generations working on the land, and communicating with farmers throughout NZ,” says Stuart.

January to April is their busy time

of year, followed by spring sowing from August to November.

Several staff are employed during summer harvest to make this operation successful.

“Delivery is aimed at a time of five working days from ordering, so please don’t leave it until a few days before you need seed!”

Julie says travel to trials in Australia and viewing of farms in China, Mongolia and the US, plus annual field days in North and South islands, have proved effective for Cridge Seeds.

Julie and Stuart Cridge with “Word of mouth, sightings the Cridge Seeds Ltd stand at of pastures, superior growth, a field day. competitive prices, high priority customer service and still being here year-after-year have also added to our success.”

Site manager Nick, Julie and Stuart’s son, has worked on cropping and dairy farms and has knowledge of sowing and growing seed. “He’s more than capable of helping with seed requirements.” To contact Nick, Stuart or Julie about your seed requirements, see Cridge Seeds’ advert on this page.

Cridge Seeds Ltd’s brands of grass seed are grown locally, cleaned at the company to a high standard, with purity and germination tests available on request

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FARM VEHICLES & MACHINERY

Page 34

Pulling people together in Te Puke All the action and excitement of tractors up on two wheels, smoking blowing from exhausts and dust flying – while drivers vie for bragging rights as the district’s best tractor pullers – is happening in Te Puke early this month.

The Tractor Pull New Zealand’s only North Island competition for 2020 is on at the Te Puke A&P Lifestyle Show on February 8 – and while promising to bring action to onlookers it’s also a great chance to bring the agricultural community together.

Tractor Pull NZ chairman Vaughan Coy says what he enjoys about the sport is the camaraderie. “It’s friendly and contracting and farming are quite lonely occupations, so this is a chance to all get-together and talk to people who are telling the same lies as you.

The group’s 43ft semi-trailer becomes a grandstand for competitors, and there’s a barbecue to encourage socialising after competing.

Vaughan says when you’re contracting it is easy to look at competitors and go: ‘That guy’s a so-and-so’ but when you actually meet the person and talk to them you often realise he’s not a bad joker, so you can make connections with people.”

The Tractor Pull NZ event has run at Te Puke’s A&P for about four years and usually attracts between 15 and 30 tractors across three classes. “The event has always been well-patronised and quite enjoyed.

“Local contractors are very supportive. We have guys travelling from Whakatane, Hamilton, and one guys comes from Auckland to compete,” says Vaughan, who says TPNZ has – thanks to some Kiwi ingenuity – designed its own unique sled which means it doesn’t

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Tractors up on two wheels, smoking blowing out of their exhaust and dust flying is all part of the action of tractor pulling that will be offer in Te Puke at the A&P show this month.

run weight-restricted classes as similar events do. “We use a load cell in the chain and we pull a percentage of the tractor’s weight. So if our pull factor is 80 per cent, this is entered into the computer at the start of a run and using a 10 tonne tractor to race 100m – the sled is trying to achieve 8 tonne weight resistance.

“The sled is continually monitoring and adjusting to the pull factor entered and will hydraulically lift the tractor to achieve the set percentage weight pull.

“So when you start the race you begin by towing the tractor on four wheels and progress to dragging it on two skid pans. The system is unique in the world.

Everyone else competes via weight classes.”

As a result, the competition offers a Standard Class that competitors call the ‘Pull on Sunday, Plow on Monday’.

“This has tractors from straight out of the paddock and is usually entered by contractors and anyone who wants to have a go. We’ve had bank managers, reporters, the works try it.”

The Pre-1985 class is for machines built before 1985 – catering to older tractors that don’t have the same technology of today’s machines, such as clutchless shifting. And the Modified class appeals to the ‘Boyracer rural-style’ guys who’ve modified their machines for maximum performance.

Vaughan says tractor pulling is a very safe sport. “Yes, they are very big machines to operate but they’re simple machines to drive – you can get in make them go forwards relatively easy.

Operating them to get the best out of them for contracting purposes is a different thing.

“So a lot of people can just get in and

FARM VEHICLES & MACHINERY

Page 35

Agritech could benefit small businesses With the rapid development of AI, machine vision, automation and robotic technologies, New Zealand agritech companies are able to develop solutions not possible even five years ago.

But while leading producers are investing in this opportunity, there are many smaller businesses that could certainly benefit as well, according to MobileTECH Ag conference director Ken Wilson.

The adoption of digital technologies is one of the key challenges facing the primary sector, says Ken. “The theme for MobileTECH Ag 2020 is

‘thriving on smart data’. While data has always been important to farmers and growers, the ability to automatically capture, analyse and act on an endless stream of business data is, potentially, transformative.”

This ninth annual event – attended by agritech leaders, tech developers, large producers and early adopters – is on April 7-8 in Rotorua and will showcase new, innovative and emerging digital technologies relevant to our agricultural, horticultural and forestry industries.

Ken says the agritech community is continuing to grow from strength to strength, with the NZ Government estimating agritech goods exports are worth $1.4

billion annually.

“In just over a year, the sector has seen the launch of a dedicated membership grouping, Agritech NZ and the Government’s crossagency agritech taskforce.

“Agritech NZ has been critical in giving the agritech sector a strong voice and opening up new international markets for NZ companies.”

Ken says the cross-agency taskforce is developing a plan to transform the agritech sector by creating a coordinated supporting ecosystem, drive innovation and increase technology adoption by the sector.

“Both groupings will be

Even playing field for all Tractor pulling’s origins So how did tractor pulling become a sport? Vaughan Coy has an explanation.

have a go – you don’t need huge tractor hours under your belt.”

All classes have a 15 tonne weight limit “to keep an even playing field for competitors” and the Te Puke event offers a practice run until lunchtime “so drivers can roll around, hook up and practise pulling” then competing starts in the afternoon.

“How it is run depends on how many and when tractors arrive – but the general scenario is two pulls, and best distance wins.”

Winners receive bragging rights as the district’s best and prizes sponsored by local agricultural businesses.

Enter, or find out more, at: www.tractorpull.co.nz Merle Foster

He says the competition’s origins go back to the days of horse and carts. “This pre-dates the motor being invented and is when people would debate over whose horse was stronger.

“So they’d hook their horse to a stump. If the first horse pulled the stump out, the second couldn’t do it. If the stump was partially pulled out by the first horse, the owner could claim their horse loosened it for the second competitor.

“So instead, they’d take a door off a barn and put it on the ground. People would line up alongside the track – and as the horse would pass towing the barn door, people would step onto it. So the load got heavier and heavier as the horse went down the track. It was all about whose horse could pull the furthest.

Today, we’ve modernised that concept with a hydraulic sled to achieve the same feat.”

presenting at MobileTECH Ag 2020.

“It is exciting to see the agritech sector grow and have an opportunity to promote industry collaboration and

technology development.”

For the MobileTECH Ag 2020 programme, see: www.mobiletech.events.

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Page 36

Eye-catching and fast on the road

Semi-retired dairy farmer and hedging contractor Richard le Fleming has a passion for vintage machinery and a decentsized personal collection at his Otorohanga property. He’s also on the committee of the Otorohanga Vintage Machinery Club Inc and is actively involved in club activities.

One of his favourite machines is a 1944 Minneapolis-Moline RTU. This American brand of tractor had amalgamated with Twin City in 1929.

He’d wanted one of these striking yellow-coloured tractors since he saw one on a friend’s farm in the 1950s.

They were a popular tractor in 1950s New Zealand.

“The RTU was designed as a universal tractor,” says Richard.

This petrol model has a manual

The tractor’s slimline body shape and row-crop front wheels.

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From weeding and spraying crops to taking care of cattle, digital technology is making its mark on agriculture, says Mark Ross, who is chief executiveof Agcarm, the industry association for companies which manufacture and distribute crop protection and animal health products.

“Self-driven vehicles are picking and grading fruit as well as detecting and pollinating flowers. Now the latest technology involves detecting and managing disease – helping farmers to become more productive and sustainable. “Modern agricultural machines take away some of the more time-consuming tasks and help to protect crops from disease with exact doses and targeted applications of products.”

In the last decade, there has been an unprecedented growth in precision farming – with about 80 per cent of new farm equipment using it.

“This advanced digital precision technology can help farmers to use land efficiently and maximise harvests while reducing costs and workloads,” says Mark.

“Robotic technology makes it possible to detect the precise location of weeds or disease and spray only the affected area. That means lower costs, lower environmental impact and a more abundant harvest.

“Farmers using advanced digital precision technology report reducing herbicide use by 10 per cent and diesel by 20 per cent.”

Mark says thanks to digital connectivity, smart farm equipment can provide farmers with field-specific information from cloud-based farm management software. Sensors collect data from a distance to evaluate soil and crop health and identify the presence of pests or diseases.

And with agricultural drone technology improving in the last few years it can now allow farmers to constantly monitor crop and livestock conditions – often more reliably than manual inspections.

“Drones mainly capture images and provide data, but they also monitor crops from planting to harvest – helping farmers to react faster to threats such as weeds, insects and fungi. This data is processed and translated into information on plant health and pest infestations.

Data can then be entered into smart machinery to adjust the amount pesticide used for a field. This saves time and improves the application of variable input rates in real-time.”

Drones can also be used to apply pesticides. Aerial spraying in Japan and China is done by drones. In Europe, they are used to distribute biological agents like wasp eggs. The potential for drones is sky-high, says Mark. “Water-resistant drones can monitor any type of crop, in any geographical area, in any weather.

They can also get higher quality and more precise images in real-time as they fly below the clouds and have high photo resolution — far superior to satellites, which only take pictures once a week or month and don’t work well when it’s cloudy. That’s some highflying technology that will hopefully be available in NZ sometime soon.”

FARM VEHICLES & MACHINERY

The colourful MinneapolisMoline logo four-speed gear box, and 165 cubic inch, 20hp engine. It came out from the United States to NZ in 1944, and Richard knows it spent its early life in Paihia, but he bought it from Ngongotaha in 2001. “It has row-crop front wheels, and a bar axel at the back to adjust the back wheel width.”

The body sits high off the ground to accommodate growing crops, and is extra narrow for good visibility.

Unusually, it features plugs and valves set horizontally on the engine head, with the manifold and exhaust set on the top.

“While it can travel quite fast on

Engine head with valves on the side, and manifold and exhaust on top. the road, it’s ‘tricycle’ wheel set-up means it can turn very sharply, and it can tip over fairly easily on sloping ground. “So its main use was as a cultivating tractor,” says Richard.

He’s completed substantial work to restore the RTU. Steel wheels were replaced with rubber tyres, panel work was replaced, and it’s had new rings and valves.

Richard’s son Nathan is an engine reconditioner and tended to that side, with other work being contracted out.

Many parts are still available from the US, but Richard salvaged a lot of what he needed from four

The row-crop two front wheels.

wrecked Minneapolis-Molines he has in his possession. Other parts were specially made in NZ. “I physically put everything back together and we did a bit of a home spray-paint job.”

The paint is Minneapolis-Moline Prairie Gold, and combined with the bright red and yellow logo, it makes quite a visual impact.

They are still some of these tractors left in NZ but they’re quite rare and are collector’s items.

Richard has been on a trek with the tractor, and enjoyed its fast road speed. Otherwise, it is mainly seen by other interested collectors.

Catherine Fry

Dealer Name Dealer Address Dealer Phone/Email/Website

Page 37

Page 38

CARTAGE & EARTHWORKS

Channel re-diversion to be celebrated

The newly installed re-diversion channel.

Twelve new flow control gates installed on the lower Kaituna River were being put through their final tests in late-January, before they are officially opened at a public celebration on February 12.

The gates have been installed along with a new re-diversion channel, and other construction works, so that freshwater flows can be restored from the Kaituna River into Te Awa o Ngatoroirangi/Maketu Estuary.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council project manager Pim de Monchy says the regional council funded the $16.6m Kaituna River re-diversion and Te Awa o Ngatoroirangi/Maketu Estuary enhancement project in response to calls for it from local tangata whenua and the wider community.

“Estuary health had been deteriorating ever since the Kaituna River was diverted out to sea at Te Tumu Cut in 1956. It had silted up, become choked with algae, and birds and fish had lost their breeding and feeding grounds.

“Through this project, we’re restoring up to 600,000m3 of freshwater flows into the estuary on every tidal cycle.

“That, along with the 20 hectares of wetland we’ve also re-created, will help the estuary to recover so that it will become healthier for fish and wildlife to live in, and people to enjoy,” says Pim. Construction works began in July 2018 – and work

Ford’s cut.

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Ford Loop. during the last six months has focused on completing works on a new channel and salinity block that minimises the salinity of the re-diverted river flows, fitting and testing control gate automation systems, and completing Ford Road boating facility upgrades.

“We pushed really hard to get the Ford Road boat ramp and carpark sealing finished ahead of time so that people could use it during the Christmas holidays. We were really pleased to be able to open that on December 24,” says Pim. “The contractor’s professionalism, along with amazing support and co-operation from tangata whenua, landowners and the local community have been key ingredients in helping the project to run smoothly.

“Now I’m really looking forward to February 12 when we can celebrate the start of a new chapter for the Kaituna River and Te Awa o Ngatoroirangi with the community and everyone that’s helped make this work possible.”

Pima sys it’s a great example of what can be achieved when everyone works together “and it won’t stop here”.

“We’ve got more work to do, and many projects are already underway, to keep improving water quality and wildlife habitat further up the Kaituna catchment too.”

The public opening event is 9am on Wednesday, February 12.

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Page 39

Time for mature conversation on water New Zealanders have a natural affinity with our water. Whether that be swimming at the beach in the beautiful Bay of Plenty, kayaking on a West Coast river, or pulling in a snapper on the Hauraki Gulf to take home for the family dinner.

There is no argument that Kiwis want clean and healthy waterways where we can swim, surf and fish. Nobody wants to see plastic in our oceans, polluted rivers or septic beaches that are unable to be used – yet these issues continue to prevail and in some cases are getting worse. The challenge is that while we all agree on the ultimate goal of improving water quality, there is disagreement on what needs to be done to achieve it, the pace and scale of change required, and whether we are open to storing more of it to assist.

The simple truth is that while everyone says they want clean water; many envisage it as being ‘someone else’ that needs to change their behaviour or spend the money to achieve the goal.

Our country’s reality is that we all need to play a role in the solution. We desperately need to shift the national dialogue away from one of blame and scapegoating to something more conducive to addressing the complex challenges we are facing.

First up, let’s celebrate the good work farmers are doing. There is an ongoing lament that our rural communities are largely to blame for the degradation of our waterways and if only they would do something about it, the issue would be sorted. The Government’s Essential Freshwater package was almost entirely framed as a rural NZ issue as well.

This is a simplistic interpretation of the state of our

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waterways and doesn’t give credit to the huge amount of work that’s been occurring on-farm over the last decade.

I accept historical farming practices caused significant degradation of our rural waterways, and farmers were not fully aware of the damage their practices were causing.

Indeed only a generation ago, putting a dairy shed close to the creek was seen as sensible, and the resulting effluent run-off helped grow good-sized eels that the local kids would haul out of the stream.

As farmers became more aware of their collective impact, they took steps to reduce it with significant investments in upgrading effluent systems, riparian planting and fencing off waterways. There is still more to be done but they have had huge success – we cannot expect farmers to undo the unwitting damage of successive generations in one. Moreover, it is bloody tough driving for constant improvement when all you hear is how bad farming is on the environment.

Can urban NZ say they have wholeheartedly embraced change in the same way? Only recently Wellington’s failing wastewater network was draining raw sewage at a rate of 100 litres per second directly into the harbour – and Wellington’s experience is not unique. Every year around two billion litres of sewageinflicted water ends up in Auckland’s Waitemata Harbour. That’s just under 5.5 million litres every day – or 63 litres every single second.

These issues haven’t arisen over night. They’ve been coming through the pipeline – for lack of a better term – for decades. Our country’s population has grown well ahead of our antiquated infrastructure, which is now groaning under the pressures of population

growth and urban sprawl. Councils know they need to spend money to improve it, but increasingly come under pressure from ratepayers to put off upgrades and repairs to keep rates low. Think back to October’s local body elections, can you recall anyone standing in your local town saying: ‘Vote for me, I’ll put your rates up but the water quality will be better’. On the off chance you can, I bet they didn’t win!

The coming decades of water infrastructure investment will be hugely expensive and the cost will be borne by all of us – rich or poor, urban or rural. Relatively cheap wins on-farm are now hard to come by and our failing urban storm and wastewater systems will need urgent repairs and

upgrades that come will a price tag in the billions. Overlay impacts of climate change, and in my view, water becomes one of those tough-but-required conversations for NZ. It’s time we brought more maturity to that conversation. A couple of suggestions to start those barbecues this summer: Talking water quality.

Let’s start the uncomfortable personal conversation around how much we are each prepared to pay for improved water quality in our town or city. But to really get those barbecue conversations humming, how about having another think about building dams to support significant water storage. Water will be the currency of global success in this century. Those who have it will prosper in an increasingly dry world. Water is one of our country’s strategic assets.

Maybe it could even power an economy less dependent on fossil fuels. But we are going to have to build some stuff and be prepared to pay for it?

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our environment. “And we’ll also do it by standing out – making sure we continue to innovate so that we stay ahead of our competition and ensure Zespri’s brand continues to be recognised as the world’s leading provider of premium quality kiwifruit.”

The two-day conference is on February 13-14 at Trustpower Arena in Mount Maunganui, where a range of international experts will be among the speakers. A series of workshops and panel discussion will also enable conference delegates to express their ‘Standing Up and Standing Out’ is the views too. conference theme and Zespri CEO Dan IRRIGATION ANDis WATER Among speakers is Cathy Burns, who CEO ofSTORAGE the PLANT AND CROP Mathieson says it is about resetting the PROTECTION FIRESTONEDiscussing EPDM pond liners. shade fabric Produce Marketing Association. the future MICRONET industry “in the midst of a period of realMICRONET is a white 15-20% designed to create a controlled microclimate for Forbe horticultural water of the Zespri brand will Zespri’s irrigation, chief marketing growth and success”. crop and plants. Air and water permeable allows storage, and pond liners. officer iunn Shih.

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Service your CA systems before harvest

The team at Hort Air Services are experts in providing CA and onsite nitrogen generator solutions to extend the shelf-life of fruit.

With kiwifruit harvesting just around the corner, it’s the perfect time to service your Controlled Atmosphere equipment and nitrogen generators to ensure things go smoothly this season, says Hort Air Services owner Jason Andersen.

“At Hort Air Services, we are CA and onsite nitrogen generator specialists for the horticulture, wine, grain and seed industries. And now is the ideal time to book a service for your equipment, or to upgrade before things get busy,” says Jason.

“We know the value of a top quality product, and we can help to extend the shelf-life of your fruit – be it kiwifruit, apples, pears, avocados, blueberries – with our products.”

Based in the Bay of Plenty – the heart of New Zealand’s kiwifruit growing region – Hort Air Services is a one-stopshop for servicing, sales, after-sales maintenance or upgrades.

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Our goal is to work with you find solutions with leading edge post-harvest/ industrial equipment and technology.”

Jason has designed CA stores for the postharvest sector, and worked with and used Absoger equipment – a world leader in CA products and

onsite nitrogen generation – for more than 20 years.

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My Name is Neil Woodward.

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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.

My Name is Neil Woodward.

I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run business, our team consists of three, being myself, my son and my brother.

Our organisation has been established for over 18 years. I have been involved in applying crop protection programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966.

We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We have the equipment to spray orchards with our two Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing.

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

We also use a quad bike for strip weed spray applications.

We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap compliance.

We look at all challenges to help ensure we protect your crop with excellence.

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

We also use a quad bike for strip weed spray applications.

We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap compliance.

We look at all challenges to help ensure we protect your crop with excellence.

216 Pongakawa Bush Road Te Puke

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

216 Pongakawa Bush Road Te Puke

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

FORESTRY

Page 42

Think safety before harvesting woodlots Did you know farmers need to notify WorkSafe if there is tree felling or logging operations happening on their property?

According to the safety authority, many New Zealand farms have small stands of planted trees – called woodlots – that were planted 25 to 40 years ago as part of diversification.

“For many, it’s now time to harvest these trees. But before you start, make sure you know what your

obligations are and what you need to do to ensure everyone is safe,” says Worksafe.

“Felling trees for commercial gain is notifiable work. The contractor must notify WorkSafe at least 24 hours before felling begins.

“If you decide to harvest the woodlot yourself, or use your own employees and your equipment, you will need to refer to the Approved Code of Practice – Safety and Health in Forest Operations when planning and undertaking the work.

Key points

“Even if you engage a contractor to do the harvesting work, you have health and safety duties.”

According to Worksafe’s ‘Harvesting

woodlot on farms’ online guide, there are few key points to consider about before tree harvesting begins.

First, engage an experienced contractor to do the harvesting work.

Work with the contractor to ensure workers and other people are not put at risk by the harvesting activities.

Check the contractor has a safety management plan. And make sure access roads and tracks to the woodlot are strong enough to support forestry vehicles.

“Trees were often planted on difficult and unproductive land, and/or to stabilise areas prone to slips. “They may also have been planted to provide shelter and have been untended and exposed to significant wind and weather.

“Harvesting trees is dangerous. Some woodlots are left until it is profitable to harvest them. This can mean the trees are more mature and need additional skills and experience to safely harvest them. A safe and productive harvest requires good planning and communication.”

Competent workers

Due to the risks involved, Worksafe says there are some special rules and guidance. “The work must be undertaken by competent workers. Unless you and your workers have experience and formal training in forestry operations, it is best to hire a competent and experienced contractor.”

And a safe and productive harvest requires good planning and communication. “Contractors should have trained and qualified workers, and the plant and equipment to carry out the work safely. Make sure they have an effective safety management system.

“Ask how they manage harvesting safety and look for answers that include things like – ‘all my people are trained’, ‘we have daily tail gate meetings’. Check out how experienced they are and what they have done in response to any notices or advice from WorkSafe, or incidents, or near-misses in the past.”

WorkSafe also advises talking with the contractor and your farm workers is important so workers aren’t put at risk.

“Everyday activities on your farm create hazards that forestry workers may not be aware of and forestry activities create hazards that farm workers need to know about.”

“You need to work with the contractor to make sure all hazards and risks from both the harvesting and your farm work are identified and effective controls are in place.

“The contractor will include this information in the harvest plan, which contains information about the forest site and how the work will be done.

“You will need to make sure that you explain these to your workers and others on the farm.”

New hazards

Other things to discuss with your contractor include how you and the contractor communicate new hazards; emergency management, including fires; accessing the work area; incident reporting; and work done near utilities. “Talk to the contractor regularly to make sure they are following agreed plans.

“You can also engage someone who has a sound understanding of forest operations to check the contractor is following the harvest plan and complying with forest harvesting safety work practices.

“If you have any concerns, discuss them with the contractor as soon as you can.”

Accessing the work area. Farm roads, culverts and bridges must be strong enough for forestry-related vehicles, such as log trucks and heavy harvesting equipment.

It is a good idea to get an engineer to check farm roads, culverts and bridges are strong enough for forestry-related vehicles before work commences.

“You will also need to work with the contractor to make sure there is sufficient controlled safe space to allow the harvesting to occur, including log storage and allowing of movement of machinery and trucks.

“You can mark this off on your farm hazard map.”

For more information, see: https://worksafe.govt.nz/ topic-and-industry/agriculture/tree-work-on-farms/ managing-a-safe-and-healthy-small-forest-harvest/

RURAL HOMES & BUILDINGS

Page 43

Solar power provides off-grid options Looking to the sky for energy solutions is no longer something for daydreamers as more rural landowners consider solar energy to power their farms and lifestyle blocks.

As electricity prices continue to remain stubbornly high, and with this forecastedto continue, the gap between conventional electricity supply and opting for ‘off the grid’ options has narrowed, helped by lower-cost advances in solar power and battery options.

The Energy Efficiency and Conservation Authority estimates about 20 per cent of New Zealand’s electricity demand, or almost $2.4 billion a year, could be saved through a combination of more efficient use and utilising more renewable energy sources. This includes solar, which is playing a growing part in NZ’s renewable options.

Passive solar

Higher sunshine areas like the Bay of Plenty, Nelson, East Coast and Canterbury provide opportunity to incorporate solar energy into power supply options. It can be as simple as building a home or building that incorporates a passive solar design into it, including the ability to absorb the sun’s warmth during the day and release it at night.

A well-designed dwelling can harvest

500 watts of heat in every square metre of north-facing window on a clear day, similar to having a small standard heater plugged into every square metre.

PV systems

For landowners in more remote areas, or those wishing to have a more diverse electricity supply, interest is greatest in solar electricity systems, called photovoltaic (PV) systems.

Kea Energy director Campbell McMath says in coming years he sees potential in rural communities for joint solar power ‘farms’ that enable communities to have a stake in their electricity supply’s construction, cost and supply. “We’re looking at options for communities where individuals could be part of a solar ‘farm’ with some equity in it, and it could even involve a type of community trust ownership model.”

Power can be supplied to group members with surplus sold back to the grid. Today’s pricing structures for selling to the grid have reduced to about 8c/kWh with a 10c/kWh cap on what can be sold, meaning consumers typically pay three times more to buy electricity than what they get selling it back. A cost-effective solution is to use as much self-generated solar energy as possible by working to shift more power use from morning and evening peaks to during the day.

On-farm this can involve using a solar variable speed drive. “You may install 100kW of solar power delivery

Fundraising for horticulture learning facility Enrolments for Katikati College’s innovative horticulture courses looks set to reach a record 70 students this year – and by June it’s hoped a new purposebuilt facility will be commissioned to house the programme.

Katikati Innovative Horticulture Trust is running a funding campaign to construct a $500,000 purposebuilt facility for college students and for training providers to run courses for young people not in education, employment or training to assist them into employment, as well as adults seeking to upskill in horticulture.

The project will support the growing demand for skilled workers in the horticultural industry by providing young people with skills and knowledge the industry needs, improving their

employability. It will also offer other community members the opportunity to upskill in a way relevant to local employment pathways the industry is increasingly finding difficult to fill.

Currently, Katikati College’s Horticultural department operates from small facilities adjacent to raised gardens and a tunnel house. However, it has a range of equipment, much of it donated by local companies and organisations, which enable students to carry out experiments.

With a full business plan, KIHT has support from industry – and so far financial pledges of $200,000 for the facility. To donate, see: https:// givealittle.co.nz/cause/innovativehorticulture-is-the-future Or email: kkhort_trust@katikaticollege.school.nz

for a 50kW pump and as the sun comes up the pump gradually winds up with it, reaching peak demand as the sun’s energy supply also peaks.

“This could be to fill an irrigation pond or irrigate during the day.”

Fence technology

Utilising solar energy to power specific parts of the farm operation in more remote areas is more common now too. And solar electric fence technology has boosted use of

smarter systems on remote farms that not only ensure reliable supply, but open up options for rotational grazing and feed breaks on country where it would not be possible without the power system.

The rapid advance of solar technology means options on where landowners choose to live, and how they operate their businesses are greater than ever.

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Come usour at our premises Come andand seesee us at newnew premises Tauriko Business Park. in in thethe Tauriko Business Park.

now Freephone 0508 298575 2989649 P 07 575 9649 Call now Call Freephone 0508 298 298 P 07 Poturi StreetTauranga Tauriko 3110 Tauranga 3110 26 Poturi26 Street Tauriko E info@letts.co.nz W www.letts.co.nz E info@letts.co.nz W www.letts.co.nz

Page 44

RURAL HOMES & BUILDINGS

0800 862 010

RURAL HOMES & BUILDINGS

Page 45

Resort-style living in the country From the outside the building deliberately looks like several different smaller pavilions, with a different roof gradients and styles, but inside it seamlessly flows from room-to-room. Photos: Catherine Fry.

Rural real estate agent Martin Lee and his wife Peggy live in an unusual and stunning 409m2 one-bedroom home that they devised together, incorporating both their ideas, and nods to their extensive travels.

After purchasing a 13-hectare property on the outskirts of Cambridge, the couple knew the future subdivision potential of the site demanded something that would set a benchmark for any future development.

After experimenting with initial designs, Fowler Homes Waikato was engaged as the project’s builder, and The Independent Design Co. completed the final design. The phrase “resort-style living everyday” was the brief.

The design incorporates corten steel, a steel alloy with a high copper content, developed to eliminate the need for painting, and form a stable rust-like appearance after several years’ exposure to weather. It is a challenging material to work with, but the results are simply eye-catching.

The traditional wood-framed house is partly clad in painted stria board, and partly in 3mm thick sheets of corten steel, with precise negative detailing.

The colours of the flax bush were inspiration for the external colour scheme.

From the outside the building deliberately looks like several different smaller pavilions, with a different roof

gradients and styles, but inside it seamlessly flows from room-to-room.

“I spent a considerable amount of time deciding on the colour schemes,” says Peggy. The light, white interior colour scheme and minimalist natural feel furnishing, works perfectly.

“We deliberately blurred the lines between inside and outside, using a glazed hallway, stacking sliders, and a large corner slider to really open the house up to the outside,” says Martin.

Combine the extensive cut concrete patio area, pool house and swimming pool, with the seamless indoor/ outdoor flow, and the desired ‘resort style living everyday’ theme certainly becomes a reality.

Martin is in the process of making corten steel sculptures for the grounds, and Peggy has overseen planting sympathetic with the house cladding.

The 13ha has been completely de-fenced internally and planted with lucerne, a crop that requires regular cutting by a contractor, but provides an expanse of green all year round.

The house has minimal landscaping around its exterior, and then immediately transitions into the open paddocks of lucerne, giving it an island-like feel, using land rather than sea lapping at its edges.

The property blends sympathetically into its rural setting, with a beautiful, sheep-dotted hillside as a backdrop. The corten steel changes colour with the ever-changing light, and the country views change with the seasons.

Catherine Fry

PROTECT YOUR PROPERTY KEEP YOUR SPOUTING CLEAR

0800 333 101 info@guttersolutionz.co.nz

www. guttersolutionz.co.nz

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 46

classified listings curriculum vitae

CV’s THAT STAND OUT. Don’t let your C.V. get lost amongst all the others. Get the WOW factor. A C.V. For You can provide you with a personal and professional touch.

From scratch or update existing ones. Check out samples on www. facebook.com/acvforyou or Ph/text on 021 27 27 912.

for sale

PULLETS HY-LINE BROWN, great layers. Phone 07 824 1762 www.eurekapoultryfarm.weebly.com

house sitters

HOUSE SITTING WANTED, active retired couple. Farm or lifestyle blocks or similar. Ph Brian or Julie 027 206 1605

trades & services

LIST YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT HERE! email your listing to: merle@sunmedia.co.nz with ‘Rural Event’ in the subject line.

Feb 3 Surrealist Garden Opening, 3.30pm, Hamilton Gardens, free.

Feb 5 Life on a Guano Island, 1.15pm, Tauranga Library, free talk about Harold Willey Hudson’s experiences on Jarvis Island with New Zealand photographer Henry Winkelmann.

Feb 8 BOP Young Grower of the Year Competition, at Te Puke

A&P Show. See: www. bopyoungfruitgrower. co.nz Worm Composting Workshop, 1pm-3pm, Memorial Hall, Te Puke, $34.50. Western Bay residents only. See: tinyurl.com/u4a4v52

Feb 8-9 National Dahlia Show, North Island, Hamilton Gardens.

Ph Jennifer 07 863 7563

Feb 11 Principles of Flower Arranging, 6.30pm8.30pm (8 weeks), Fraser High School, Hamilton, $89. See: tinyurl.com/ yk4zm2wb

Feb 15 Waikato’s 60th Rodeo, 8am slacks. Adults $20,

children $5. Under-fives free entry. Ph Wayne: 027 349 5786. No dogs!

No glass!

Garden Design, 9am-3pm for 2 weeks, Fraser High School, Hamilton, $89.

See: tinyurl.com/y8xx4ctc

Feb 20 A Walk in Hamilton Gardens, 7pm, music for piano and voice in the Medici Court, $37. See: hgaf.co.nz

Feb 18 Orchid & Plant Auction, 7pm, Wesley Church Hall, 13th Ave, Tauranga. All welcome, cash only. Ph 07 577 6676

Feb 19-March 1

Hamilton Gardens Arts Festival. See: hgaf.co.nz

Feb 19-23

Level Up, 6pm, Hamilton Gardens, $11.

An interactive walk for all the family. See: hgaf.co.nz

Whakamarama (near Tauranga), $68. Also March 3. See: tinyurl. com/y2p76cfe Home Composting Workshops, 1.30pm, Community Gardens Taupo or Awhi Farm Turangi, free.

March 3 Feb 21 Morrinsville Dahlia Show, Campbell Hall, Canada St, Morrinsville, 11am-3.30pm.

Feb 29 Rotorua Dahlia Show, Ngongotaha Hall, 10am-3.30pm.

Funky Ferments Workshop, 12.303.30pm, Papamoa Hills, $50. See: craftygatherer. co.nz Fruit Tree Pruning, 9.30am-2.30pm,

Sauerkraut & Other Ferments, 6.30pm, Katikati Community Centre, $20. See: tinyurl. com/y27fl6lh

March 4 Ciphering Love, 1.15pm, City Library, Tauranga.

A free talk about Captain Crapp and Dottie Gellibrand as they live, love and struggle in mid-19th century Omokoroa.

Dairy and Beef return to Morrinsville show Dairy and beef sections are returning to Morrinsville A&P Show next month on Saturday, March 7, after they weren’t run last year due to risk of spreading Mycoplasma Bovis.

S

BER TR TIM E NT ME AT

PEPP ER

ing demo, rock ‘n’ roll dancers, kapa haka groups and giant puzzles.

In the horse area will be one of the largest displays of Clydesdales in the Waikato, and competitions for harness horses, dunn horses, miniatures, hacks, ponies and donkeys. “Returning this year are two old favourites – Working Hunter and Round the Ring Jumping. The show also features Show president Bruce McRobbie says sheep dog trials, and dairy goats and the show will run all breed competitions alpaca competitions; and a young hanin both categories, however the classes that dlers’ event.” go ahead will depend on how many entries Bruce says trade sites will include are received. “We’re not sure how many tractors, motorcars, farm equipment, The tradition of showing dairy and beef competitions will feature – but it’s a start motorcycles, lawn mowers, chainsaws and cattle is returning to Morrinsville A&P Show to bringing back a traditional part of our more.

Plus, vintage machinery and cars next month on March 7. show.” will be on display.

Five lucky gate ticketNonetheless a raft of trade stalls, enter“Make sure you are there for the teddy holders will each win a $100 New World tainment and other animals will be onsite bears’ picnic from 11am-12noon, and don’t voucher donated by Farmlands Morrinsville to bring town and country together for forget the face painting, the petting zoo and to be drawn throughout the day with the Morrinsville’s 103rd A&P show.

Cherry the Clown. And there is something last draw between 2.15pm-2.30pm. Win“This year we will feature wood chopping special about the sound of the pipes that ners must be present when drawn. and strongman competitions and will also sets the atmosphere and the Highland For more information and entry forms, run a cowboy challenge demonstration in dancing is well-attended,” says Bruce. visit: www.morrinsvilleshow.co.nz Or see the equestrian section,” says Bruce.

Other entertainment includes the Wai the show’s Facebook page at: www.faceAn exciting variety of sideshows and rides Taiko Drummers, a rock climbing wall, book.com/themorrinsvilleshow will attract young and old alike. country and western music, a sheep shearMerle Foster

Ph: 027 294 3153 PO Box 284, Morrinsville 3340 Find us on facebook @themorrinsvilleshow

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 47

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

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An intriguing account of a Panzer Commander FU

N NIE

S

During World War II, Balck directed panzer troops from the front line and led by example, putting himself in extreme danger when rallying his soldiers to surge forward.

He fought battles that were masterpieces of tactical operations, utilising speed, surprise and a remarkable ability to motivate his men to achieve what they considered to be impossible.

Now an intriguing history of the man and his war efforts is detailed in a book titled ‘Panzer Commander Hermann Balck’ written by Australian author Stephen Robinson.

The book offers a well-rounded portrait of a complex and elusive individual who is an important fi figure in understanding the Second World War. He says the book provides insights into Balck’s personality and psyche, his thoughts on the burden of command, the art of leadership, command principles and the war itself.

As such, his journey takes readers through the fields of France, the mountains of Greece and the steppes of Russia.

Y

N T U R O

C

Panzer Commander Hermann Balck is one of the world’s greatest armoured warfare commanders.

Thanks to Exisle Publishing, Coast & Country News has a copy of ‘Panzer Commander Hermann Balck’ to give away. To be in to win, email captions for the photo above with your name and address to: merle@sunmedia.co.nz Or put these details on an envelope and post to: Country Funnies, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140 to arrive

by February 20. Winner of December’s Country Funnies is Elaine Garnett of Kaimai for her caption: ‘Whose for a yummy slide of bacon?’. She’s won a copy of ‘Stop Influencing’’ by Jared Cooney Horvath.

Talking, Start Infl

No.8 wire entries The annual call is out to turn an iconic farming product into art with Kiwi ‘No.8 wire ingenuity’ with entries now open for Fieldays’ No.8 Wire National Art Award and nearly $10,000 prize money on offer.

The annual award, hosted by Waikato Museum, challenges artists to create artworks made from agricultural products, predominantly No.8 wire.

Waikato Museum director Cherie Meecham says the award exhibition – in its 24th year – embodies NZ’s rural heritage and culture, and entries should take that into consideration. “No.8 wire is a tough, practical material, and we’ve had some really creative winning works over the years that have exploited its properties with amazing sculptural effects.”

Finalists are selected by viewing photos of work and artists’ statements on a digital judging platform, with entrants’ identities kept confidential. The winner receives $7000, with prizes of $1000 and $500 for second and third place-getters respectively.

Further prizes awarded for People’s choice and President’s choice.

The award culminates in a month-long exhibition at Hamilton’s ArtsPost Galleries & Shop, opening this year on April 24.

Competition criteria and entry forms are at: www.waikatomuseum.co.nz/no8wire Entries close 1pm on March 13. Winners are announced at a ceremony on April 23.

The exhibition at ArtsPost, 120 Victoria St, Hamilton, opens 10am-5pm daily from April 24-May 25.