Coast & Country News - February 2021

Three generations of the Kung family are the green-fingers behind Strawberries on Seddon, a strawberry growing business in Gordonton, Waikato. The Kung’s may have first been known in the district for their dairy farming, but now bright and juicy Camarosa strawberries are their speciality. Read more about how the Kung’s became in the field for strawberries on pages 6-7. Photo: Catherine Fry.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Hats off, plates full With the demands that come with many jobs in the primary industries, you have to take your hat off to anyone who decides to put more on their plate outside of work.

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And if there’s a theme to this month’s paper, it’s celebrating the people who make the most of life’s buffet, with a chocka plate in hand.

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are back for another year, with regional judging taking place in the coming days.

NZDIA Central Plateau regional manager Colin Tremain says the competition’s emphasis on development and the large workload required means driven, busy people can be found even at the entry-level stages.

We catch up with NZDIA organisers and past entrants from the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Central Plateau to see how each region is gearing up for the competition, on pages 10-13.

A bank-branded cap or Farm Source beanie should also be taken off to the people sticking up for farmers at a governance level.

We talk to two women doing just that: Waikato Federated Farmers president Jacqui Hahn reflects on a challenging first ear in the role on page 19, and

Waikete Valley farmer Shirley Trumper talks about juggling farm and Council on page 17.

The Barnett family have turned their outside-of-work passion for ‘the queen of fl wers’ into a business, where they import and establish unique rose varieties that are entirely new to New Zealand, read more on page 8-9.

We talk to another hardworking family, the Kungs, about how they went from dairy farming to growing strawberries on page 6-7.

As always, stories about industry innovations are dotted throughout our pages. A multiyear research project looking at on-farm N2O emissions is discussed on page 37, and find out why pine may be the power behind the biofuels industry on page 26.

Our columnists are also looking into the future.

Horticulture NZ CEO Mike Chapman discusses how automation won’t save us on page 24, and in his new-look column, now called Carbon Positive Farming, Functional Fertiliser’s Peter Burton reminds us that in farming, and in life, the only constant is change, page 20.

MacKenzie Dyer

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 3

Lab and on-orchard positions with the new testing service providers are available now. Photo: Shaun Mathis.

Six new sampling and maturity clearance testing providers are ready to go for the 2021 kiwifruit season, replacing Eurofins Bay of Plenty – the country’s only provider for more than 10 seasons.

EastPack CEO Hamish Simson.

The changeover follows Eurofins’ unsuccessful bid to renew their sampling and maturity clearance testing contract with Zespri, which expired at the end of the 2020 season.

“Basically, we were unsuccessful,” says Eurofins sales and marketing director Mark Inglis.

New approach

“We’re still providing other services for Zespri, including residue testing and some R&D work in collaboration with other parties.”

The new testing providers are contracted for the 2021, 2022 and 2023 seasons.

Zespri chief global supply officer Alastair Hulbert says the new system has limited changes for growers and other users, but it will have a new look and feel.

“The main changes for growers include a longer turnaround time for results in order to provide more time for sample testing and reporting.

“For some regions there will also be more than one provider visiting orchards.

“Details on pricing for sampling and maturity

clearance testing are still being finalised but these will increase compared to previous seasons.”

Zespri will provide further information and education on the new system before the start of the 2021 season.

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Pinpoint Laboratory Services is one of the new providers, which launched in November last year.

The organisation is a subsidiary of EastPack and will deliver an independent commercial sample collection and testing service.

Pinpoint has been set up in an existing EastPack laboratory at their Quarry Road, Te Puke site following a significant renovation.

EastPack CEO Hamish Simson says Pinpoint will process about 25 per cent of tests in the Bay of Plenty, the number of which depends on demand.

“When Eurofins ceased to test for the industry last year, we had to take over,” says Hamish.

“We weren’t testing as many or doing as detailed a test, but effectively we had to test all of our fruit for export.

“So we know what we’re in for, but this will be on a much larger scale.”

Following their appointment, EastPack had about three months to have Pinpoint ready for testing.

The lab has created 80 new jobs in addition to the existing lab staff.

“It’s a very exciting opportunity, as Pinpoint will broaden the types of roles we can offer.”

Looking to the future

Hamish says he is feeling optimistic about the new testing system.

“The Eurofins model didn’t work in the end.

“So from that point of view, having more providers spreads out the risk, and creates headroom for growth in a strongly growing industry.

“The industry is good at coordinating at the same time as competing and we have very similar standards.

“Zespri’s new model is a good one and I think it will work.”

The other new providers are Agfirst Hawkes Bay, Agfirst Nelson, Hill Laboratories in a newly established Tauranga lab, Seeka independent Verified Laboratory Services in Te Puke and Linnaeus in Gisborne.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Projects in Waikato and BOP to clean waterways, create jobs A package of 19 projects will help clean up and protect waterways and create local jobs, Environment Minister David Parker announced recently – including three projects in the Waikato/Bay of Plenty regions totalling more than $3.7 million of Government funding.

The 19 projects have been awarded $36 million of Government funding in total.

The projects are planned to work

collaboratively with farmers, iwi and community and follow Te Mana o Te Wai, the guiding principle of the recentlyreleased Essential Freshwater reforms that gives priority to the health of freshwater, then the needs of people followed by commercial uses.

“The funding will support councils and landowners to implement the new freshwater regulations and give effect to Te Mana o Te Wai by supporting stock exclusion, fish passage remediation, the development and implementation of freshwater farm plans and sediment control

activities like riparian planting,” says Parker.

Together with council and other contributions, the package will see more than $70 million invested in improving New Zealand’s freshwater.

Projects in the Waikato

For the Waikato, NZ Landcare Trust’s Maungatautari To Pirongia Ecological Corridor Project was granted $800,000 of Government funding, which will contribute to the $2,386,983 total project value.

Over five years, this project will create an

ecological connection between the waterways which flow from Maungatautari to Mt Pirongia.

An ecological corridor reconnecting these areas will be created through biodiversity plantings.

The project is expected to create 17.7 jobs in the project’s lifetime.

Colville Social Services Collective’s Moehau ki te moana project, also in the Waikato, was granted $1,213,315 to contribute to the total project value of $1,650,855.

Over five years, this project will work collaboratively with farmers, iwi and community to restore the waters of the Moehau region.

This will be achieved by excluding stock from waterways and planting native trees around waterways and wetlands.

The Moehau ki te moana project is also expected to create 17.7 jobs in the project’s lifetime.

Projects in the Bay of Plenty

In the Bay of Plenty, Uretara Estuary Managers’ Project Parore was granted $1,748,000 of government funding, to contribute to the total $4,924,899 project value.

Over five years, Project Parore will develop collaborative Catchment Management Plans, prepare Farm Environment Plans, support farmers to implement these plans and undertake an ecological monitoring programme and is expected to create 32.5 jobs.

Freshwater improvement

The money for these projects comes from the Freshwater Improvement fund, which is part of the Government’s $1.245 billion Jobs for Nature package that aims to create significant environmental benefits and create thousands of regional jobs to aid the COVID-19 recovery.

Funding deeds will be negotiated with the successful recipients following the announcement, with boots on the ground expected in the second quarter of 2021.

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 5

Saving bees and helping growers in New Zealand populations to see if this is a major concern, and whether we need to consider the possibility of importing genetics.

Rearing mites

MPI Investment Programmes director Steve Penno says this project could help increase the productivity of bumblebee hives dramatically.

“Enhancing bumblebee activity would mean better pollination for growers, which means higher yields and better quality produce.”

As well as the bumblebee research, the project will also look at developing technology to rear

New research backed by the Ministry for Primary Industries could help bumblebee hives to live longer and be more efficient.

The new project is researching ways to protect the long-term sustainability of New Zealand horticulture, including how to enhance the performance of bumblebee hives using pheromones.

MPI is contributing $160,000 towards the $400,000 project through its Sustainable Food & Fibre Futures fund.

Dr Gunjan Gera of Gourmet Waiuku Limited is leading the project, supported by consultant Dr Jo Stephens.

Dr Gera says bumblebees are often used for pollination in berryfruit crops, glasshouses and other covered crop areas as the bees tend to travel only about 200 metres from their hives and don’t mind enclosed spaces, whereas honeybees prefer to fly to flowers further afield.

Limonicuspredatory mites.

This mite is effective in controlling thrips, whiteflies and other mites in greenhouses and protected culture systems. While it occurs naturally in New Zealand, it is currently only reared overseas and is re-imported for New Zealand growers.

“This is expensive, time-consuming and there’s always the risk of supply shortages,” says Dr Gera.

“If we can successfully rear these mites for commercial production and release them in New Zealand it will be far more cost-effective to control pests.”

Increasing the lifespan of bumblebees and improving hive efficiency is the focus of new research. way of complementing nature, using a pheromone substitute.” Dr Stephens says the technology is in its infancy overseas and commercial companies using it haven’t yet released much information.

“We’re hoping to lead the way in New Zealand, but it will involve a good deal of trial and error given the limited progress globally in this area.”

Dr Stephens explains that bumblebees were introduced to New Zealand from the United Kingdom by the early pioneers, so there is limited genetic diversity.

Although commercial breeders incorporate new genetic diversity from the wild occasionally, the gene pool is limited.

“Another important part of the research will be screening bumblebees for diseases, including those associated with inbreeding.

“We’ll be looking at the levels of inbreeding

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Page 6

From dairy to strawberries The hard-working Kung family are known in rural Waikato for their dairy farming and more latterly, their strawberry ventures.

Raj, 40, is the youngest son of Harkrishen, 84, and Satwinder, 64, and is taking the lead on the family’s second strawberry endeavour, Strawberries on Seddon.

Raj and his two brothers Kriss and Khush and sister Narinder, were born and raised on a dairy farm in Gordonton, but Raj moved to Auckland for three years to work in the banking sector.

The purchase of a second family dairy farm brought him back to the Waikato, where he managed the farm for 17 years.

As Harkrishen neared retirement, the family farms were sold and they invested in a liquor store.

Strawberries on Seddon owner Raj Kung is hands-on in the business, working long hours.

All Photos: Catherine Fry.

In 2018, they purchased 1.6ha outside Gordonton, with the intention of building a beautiful family home for Raj, his parents and his three daughters, Jasveen, 12, Raveen, 11, and Savreen, 6.

“The plans were going slowly so my mother suggested we used the land for strawberries in the meantime,” says Raj. The family grew strawberries for a couple of seasons on another property, so they set up again for the 2019 season on around 1.5 acres of the land.

Raj, his parents and daughters

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Raj was gradually moving into real estate, but was curtailed by the COVID-19 lockdown.

“Our liquor store manager went on holiday to India at the end of February 2020 and we weren’t prepared for the speed of the events that followed.”

With his manager unable to return on his work visa, Raj stepped in to run the liquor shop.

This coincided with the need to

prepare the strawberry field for the season, making 2020 a stressful year in yet another way.

Strawberries are replanted each year, with the land lying fallow from the end of the season in January to April.

“Someone once told me you can grow strawberries anywhere, so on our previous property and this one, we threw ourselves in at the deep end and learned as we went.

“The soil here is fairly good for growing strawberries, with around a foot of peat over a free draining, ...continued sandy loam.”

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Page 7

Rabbits are another strawberry-loving pest, so Raj’s gun and good aim come in handy.

The strawberry cycle

Harkrishnen Kung, 84, works in the family run business. irrigation drip tape laid, and the beds sealed with plastic film.

“We just hook up the irrigation system and we’re ready to plant.”

Susceptible strawbs

Jasveen, 12, Raveen, 11, and Savreen, 6.

continued...

Around April the soils are tested and using the soil test results a customised strawberry mix is ordered from Ballance. Calcium keeps the texture and firm skin and potash helps with flavour.

“For a relatively small area such as ours, it is cost effective to use an outside company to prepare the land for planting.”

Leicesters Soil Solutions are contracted to form the strawberry beds. Beds are pre-formed and shaped, injected with fumigant,

The Kungs plant Camarosa, a high yielding, medium sized strawberry, which is suited to the Waikato, and demanded by the Waikato public.

The strawberry field takes 30,000 plants.

“We plant throughout May and it’s absolutely back breaking work, there’s no other way to describe it.”

Strawberries are susceptible to almost everything.

“It’s unrealistic to expect to achieve a full crop without using insecticides and fungicides.

“Thrips, mites and aphids can destroy a crop, as can fungal diseases such as botrytis, leaf spot and crown rot. Slugs and snails love ripening fruit.”

Although essential to growth,

water itself can be a problem.

Water-logged roots and soil are ideal conditions for fungal diseases to get a grip. The heavily ferrous water from the farm bore can clog the irrigations systems.

Straw between the rows helps retain warmth in the soil and reduces splashes of dirt when it rains, which reduces the risk of soil borne disease reaching the plant.

The raised beds allow more air flow and water can’t collect there.

Rain is a big cause for concern as rain at the wrong time can ruin a crop.

“In the lead up until Christmas, when the demand is very high, every strawberry grower is anxious that prolonged rain could result in pale, damaged, weak tasting strawberries.

“Everyone wants bright red, juicy, sweet strawberries.”

The crop is not safe from birds, and Raj is looking at getting a bird shooter.

Morning picking is carried out in a three-day rotation of blocks.

Once the berries start ripening, it’s full on, with all the family, extended family and some workers helping pack the berries and transport them to local shops and cafes.

Pick-your-own sessions are in the afternoon.

Jasveen, Raveen and little Savreen enjoy serving, and help with making homemade strawberry milkshakes and ice creams.

The plants usually stop producing in January and after spraying and leaving them to dry out, the family can relax for a couple of months, before the strawberry cycle starts again.

Catherine Fry

Jasveen, 12, enjoys making ice creams for customers.

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Page 8

Life is a bed of roses “It’s all Paul’s fault, he started this!” says Janette Barnett, referring to her husband’s part in the conception of their company Amore Roses.

Fourteen years on, Paul Barnett is immersed in his own business while Janette and the couple’s daughters, Briony and Melanie, run Amore Roses.

The Waikato rose nursery is filled with new roses that have proven themselves in New Zealand and have never been seen or sold here before.

Janette wanders through the stunning trial beds, bending and smelling her favourites and explaining how one of the recent trends is freckled rose petals.

She knows all the names, where they came from and how they are doing.

She has always been enamoured with roses and is an international rose judge.

Her grandfather wrote the Rose Notes column in NZ Gardner magazine for 30 years.

During their marriage, Paul and Janette have travelled all over the world attending rose conventions.

Their four children sometimes travelled with them, growing up with a love for both roses and travel.

Janette Barnett amongst her roses.

In Japan in 2006, while Janette was attending lectures, Paul was having interesting conversations with other rose breeders over a beer or two.

“He was talking to the late Frank Bernadella, an American who hybridised some of the finest roses in the world, but they could never get those roses into New Zealand,” says Janette.

“Frank said we should start importing roses from the rest of the world.”

The start of Amore Roses

A rose with a characteristic ‘freckles’ still under trial. All Photos: Catherine Fry.

Inspired by the concept, Janette and Paul worked with the Ministry of Primary Industry and brought in their first consignment in 2011.

After starting on their urban property, they moved to their current 17 acres in 2014.

Their plant quarantine facility now has six units.

“Anyone entering has to use a foot bath and wear latex gloves and a lab coat.”

Janette applies for a permit to import after she and Paul have attended that year’s overseas rose trials.

Around 30 varieties per unit are ordered Northern Hemisphere in autumn and are air couriered to New Zealand. ...continued

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Janette Barnett of Amore Roses, centre, with her two daughters, Mel Barnett, left, and Briony Nash, right.

“Each plant comes as budwood, which is just a stick with vegetative buds, wrapped in a damp cloth.”

Consignments are kept separately in quarantine for their first year, with their own watering and drainage systems so no cross contamination occurs.

MPI inspect the plants four times during their growing period and test for bacteria and viruses.

It is vital that several diseases from Europe aren’t let into New Zealand, as roses are from the same genetic family as important export products like raspberries, cherries, apricots, plums and apples.

The trial beds

Once cleared, the roses are planted in the trial beds and observed for at least three years. Briony and Mel laugh as they remember laboriously hand-filling 188 raised beds with compost.

“The trial beds are the ultimate test for the roses in New Zealand conditions and climate,” says Janette.

The peat soil on the property is a “glorious medium” for the roses, acting like a good potting mix, as long as it is kept damp. The 17 acres offers a buffer zone from any spraying activities from neighbouring properties.

The roses have been bred overseas to be disease resistant and are occasionally sprayed in their first year if struggling.

Winter applications of copper and oil are required as you can’t breed resistance to rose scale.

In year two and three they have to stand on their own two feet and deal with the New Zealand droughts, humidity, frosts and pests.

“We do get aphids, but as long as we don’t spray, the harlequin ladybirds are never far behind, and do the job for us.”

to the market if it’s not unique.”

Mel helps during busy times and does social media, rose shows and open days.

“I grew up looking after roses and I love them, and enjoy being part of what Mum has built.”

Briony and her husband Alan grow roses themselves for Amore on a part-time basis.

“They are very easy care and disease resistant.

“I love being part of Mum’s business. “ It’s hard not to get caught up in her passion for such beautiful flowers.”

When asked why Janette puts so much of her life into her roses, her answer is simple.

“Roses are the queen of flowers.

“What other flower blooms for nine months of the year and has such variety of shape and form, with so many beautiful colours and amazing scents?”

For more information, visit: www.amoreroses.co.nz Catherine Fry

New roses for NZ

If the roses haven’t succumbed to disease and are considered to be marketable once the three years is up, Janette starts propagating from them.

“Even a healthy rose may not make it

Mel Barnett and Briony Nash wandering though the rose trial beds.

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Galatea farmer Adam Barkla describes entering the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards as “a massive undertaking that is absolutely worth it”.

Adam and his wife, Maria Barkla, run an 1800 cow dairy operation across three properties in Galatea.

The couple won Share Farmer of the Year 2020 for the Bay of Plenty region, as well as the Federated Farmers Leadership Award at the national competition.

“Last year was the second time we entered, and this year we’re Share Farmer team leaders for the BOP region,” says Adam.

“The highlight for us is getting to connect with others. It’s an awesome opportunity to go over your business and benchmark yourself against others in order to develop.”

touch and support each other along the way.

“It’s not all about winning – just participating in the awards is an incredibly valuable networking experience.”

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Adam hopes the competition can proceed as normal this year, free from the effect of COVID-19.

“When we entered, our final round of judging was smack in the middle of lockdown so we ended up being interviewed on Zoom, which was very odd.

“Normally the judges come to the farm for a few hours – showing your passion for your business is much easier on the farm Passing the baton than in the office.”

The 2021 competition For the first time, the has officially kicked off; national awards dinner in regional entrants are locked July 2020 was televised, in and the first round so entrants could watch of judging, which will safely from home on determine each region’s top Country TV. It hasn’t been five finalists in each category, confirmed whether this is on February 2-4. will be adopted again for The three categories the 2021 competition. are Share Farmer, Dairy Despite the challenges Manager and Dairy of 2020, Adam says Trainee of the Year. the NZDIA 2021 has NZDIA Share Farmer of the Year 2020 winners great backing.

It’s usual passage for for the BOP, Adam and Maria Barkla. previous winners to take on “People throughout NZDIA leadership roles, the region have shown which made it a no-brainer for Adam and Maria. tremendous support for the awards this year, from They’re looking after the BOP’s eight Share Farmer sponsoring businesses, the BOP farming community, entrants as they prepare for the judging stages, where and of course, the entrants themselves. all aspects of business, from finances to human “Entering is a big job, and I take my hat off to resources, will be assessed. anyone who is up for the challenge.”

MacKenzie Dyer “While the competition is fierce, entrants do keep in

A look into the trophy cabinet The three main categories - Trainee, Manager and Share Farmer - aren’t the only awards up for grabs at the regional NZDIA. Thanks to regional sponsors, the Bay of Plenty had 20 additional prizes to present.

These merit awards recognise a broad number of skills and attributes, ranging from promising entrant to pasture management and community engagement.

Last year’s awards included the Stem Rural Accountants Farming Knowledge Award in the

Trainee category, and the DeLaval Livestock Management Award in the Manager category.

The winners of the competition’s top titles at the national competition have been evenly spread across the regions over the last four years. During that time, Waikato and Northland famers have won a top award twice and Canterbury/ North Otago has won three times.

The BOP, Hawkes Bay/Wairarapa, Manawatu, West Coast/top of the South and Southland/Otago have all achieved one win each.

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DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS - BOP

Page 11

Nominations for Responsible Dairying Award still open Entries into the Dairy Industry Awards’ main categories may be closed, but keen farmers can still enter into the Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award.

Nominations for the award, which recognises dairy farmers who demonstrate innovation and passion in their approach to sustainable dairying, are open until March 20.

Any New Zealand milk suppliers, 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.

BOP’s turn for the title?

The award has been a part of the NZDIA line-up since 2018.

The last three winners have been well spread among the regions, with the winners stemming from Hawkes Bay, Taranaki and the Waikato.

NZDIA general manager Robin Congdon says it’s 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 a positive effect on the environment,” says Robin.

“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, their employer or someone in their community.”

“This Award gives us the opportunity to recognise farmers that have

progressed to ownership, demonstrate leadership in their farming practices and are a role model for our younger farmers coming through.”

How to enter

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors Westpac, DeLaval, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda, LIC, Meridian Energy, and Ravensdown, along with industry partner DairyNZ. Nomination forms are available at: www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz with entries closing on March 20.

From those nominations, three finalists will be selected and interviewed by a panel of judges at the National Final to be held in Hamilton, with the winner announced at the Awards dinner on May 15, 2021.

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DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS - WAIKATO

Page 12

Waikato DIA entries double Excellence in Agriculture

Entries into the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards have almost doubled in the Waikato region, jumping from 35 entrants in 2020 to 67 this year.

Waikato candidates placed strongly in last year’s national awards, taking out major categories Trainee of the Year and Share Farmer of the Year.

NZDIA Waikato regional manager Nia Jones says last year’s success may have something to do with the increase in entries.

Upping the competition

“The results really put Waikato on the map which I imagine inspired others in the region,” says Nia. “Waikato is the heart of New Zealand dairying so we always get a good amount of interest, but this year is even better.”

The increase has intensified the competition, as only five candidates per category will be selected for the regional final.

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The Jones family on farm.

Entrants into the Share Farmer of the Year say that wanting to benchmark and improve their business is what drew them to enter.

“This will be the second time we’ve entered,” says the entrant.

“It was a really good experience, and we enjoyed meeting people in the industry with a similar drive.

“Now we are busy preparing for this year’s judging.”

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Nia and her husband, Marc Jones, won the national Share Farmer of the Year title in 2019.

“We’re contract milking 950 cows in Tokoroa at the moment. We’ve been able to grow a lot here and have an exciting share milking opportunity coming up next year,” says Nia. “The awards have definitely helped us move forward in our careers. It’s such a valuable networking opportunity and shows credibility on your CV. “It’s also good at keeping you on top of all this little things on the farm’s to-do list, like keeping your cash flows

up to date and analysing your KPIs.” Nia says the NZDIA experience has made her a more confident person.

“We were team leaders for the awards last year and are general managers this year. If you told me three years ago that I would be running committee meetings and talking to sponsors, judges and entrants I wouldn’t have believed you.

“It pushes you to be your best.”

MacKenzie Dyer

Nia and Marc Jones at the 2019 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards.

DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS - CENTRAL PLATEAU

Page 13

Central Plateau focus on development Renee Tremain.

“We have an awesome committee that makes our job much easier.

“It’s full-on, but going to events and engaging with other entrants and sponsors reminds you why you do it.”

Central Plateau regional managers Colin and Renee Tremain.

There’s no way to fake it when entering the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, says Central Plateau regional manager Colin Tremain.

“A major amount of work is required when entering the awards and entries are assessed thoroughly, so there’s nowhere to hide,” says Colin.

“That’s why it says so much to have the awards on your CV – it shows employers that someone is willing to commit, open themselves up to critique and invest time into their own development.”

A new event

To help Central Plateau entrants get the most out of the awards experience, the region’s team set up a new

upskilling event focused on fencing and troubleshooting grading issues.

The event was open to all of Central Plateau’s 33 entrants across the Trainee, Manager and Share Farmer categories.

The evening was run by industry professionals from SRS Fencing, ABC Milking Solutions and Ecolab.

“As well as providing an opportunity for entrants to learn, the skills evening allowed some of our sponsors to interact with the farmers they’re investing in.

“Honing in your skills is one of the greatest benefits to the awards regardless of where you place, so adding a new event to help this happen made sense.”

A seasoned entrant

Colin knows the perks and challenges of the NZDIA all too well – he hasn’t had a year off from being an entrant or organiser since 2015, when he was named Central Plateau’s Dairy Trainee of the Year runner up.

The following two years he entered the Dairy Manager of the Year category and took out the Central Plateau title in 2018.

That same year, he was awarded the DeLaval Livestock Management Award at the national NZDIA awards ceremony.

Two years of being a team lead followed before Colin became the region’s general manager this year with his wife,

Colin Tremain at the 2018 Dairy Industry Awards, where he won the DeLaval Livestock Management award.

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Doing the mahi

Colin’s advice to entrants is the more you put in, the more you will get out.

“The biggest challenge is time.

“The more time you put into your entry, the better you tend to

do in the competition, but juggling that with other responsibilities, both on and off the farm, isn’t easy.

“The amount of work required is a testament to the entrants.

“They are busy, driven people.”

MacKenzie Dyer

PASTURE RENOVATION

Page 14

Increased pasture density and resilience from deferred grazing a iN &

SEED DrESSi

On Allen Coster’s ‘summer-safe’ farm in the Lower Kaimai, Bay of Plenty, with standard rotational grazing and deferred grazing were compared side-by-side.

ID G E CRSEEDS

Gr

NG

qua lity paSturE SEED

A glasshouse study investigated the impact of simulated ‘deferred grazing’ on the root mass when ryegrass plants were grown in 1m deep tubes. The root mass was much smaller in the simulated ‘standard rotation’ treatment (left) than in the simulated ‘deferred treatment’ (right).

A pasture management system common in the days of lower stocking rates and haymaking is enjoying a revival.

Trials by farmers and scientists are showing that deferred grazing can increase pasture density and resilience, and saves money by removing the need to make or buy in feed or under-sow pastures.

Deferred grazing or summer fallow takes ryegrassbased pasture paddocks out of the grazing rotation during late-spring and summer to allow the ryegrass to flower and re-seed and build root reserves before being grazed in autumn.

Typically carried out on hill country where mechanical harvesting of surpluses is impossible, taking a paddock out of rotation allows grazing to be concentrated and therefore pasture quality retained on the balance of the farm.

Regenerative agriculture

Katikati drystock farmer and 2014 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards supreme winner, Rick Burke, says deferred grazing is a saviour for Pukekauri Farms during dry summers.

“A lot of the deferred grazing principles were part of the way we farmed years ago,” says Rick.

“Now there is much talk about regenerative agriculture and deferred grazing fits exactly with that.

“For me it’s a simple low-cost, carbon-friendly and low-stress way of maintaining quality in the latespring by shutting up paddocks and shifting the surplus feed to be grazed at a time of need in latesummer/early-autumn.

“Deferred grazing is a tool that helps take the stress out of a drought situation. I shut-up 10 per cent of my farm, which means I can break feed the deferred pasture with dairy heifers or store cattle, leaving a large area of the farm to recover from the drought.

“The big benefit is that you grow up to 25

per cent more grass in deferred paddocks in the year of deferring.”

Feed costs

Kaimai farmer and Ballance Farm Environment awards winner, Allen Coster, says buying in or making feed at 45 cents or more per kg of dry matter isn’t viable for sheep and beef farmers.

He targeted paddocks that had suffered pugging and where ewes and lambs had been grazed in the late-spring.

“This form of integrated grazing helped keep internal parasites at bay and gave us a worm-free pasture in the following autumn when we re-opened the paddocks to dairy heifers, which are good at mowing down that sort of feed.

“We had good weight gain from the stock.

“I plan to reduce the number of dairy heifers I graze in future and shut up 20 to 25 per cent of the farm for deferred grazing.”

Rygrass resilience

DairyNZ’s Wendy Griffiths was part of a team conducting trials at Scott Farm near Hamilton.

The aim was to look at ways of recovering perennial ryegrass populations through grazing management.

Through discussions with a group of Waikato dairy farmers, two management interventions were identified: extending the spring grazing rotation and deferred grazing of pasture in spring and summer.

These were compared with two other management interventions: autumn under-sowing, and current ...continued

PASTURE RENOVATION

Page 15

Flower power: How’s your clover?

There’s no missing white clover this time of year – unless, that is, white clover is missing from your farm.

And that’s a lot more common than it used to be.

In fact, today, not many paddocks are thought to contain the 30 per cent clover recommended for optimal pasture and animal performance.

Fortunately, it’s not gone for good.

If you want more clover in your pasture, you can get it back, with forward planning and attention to detail. flowers, says local The best place to start is with those fl agronomist Becky Reith.

“Summer is the perfect chance to observe how much clover is actually growing on the farm, simply because it’s so visible when the plant flowers.

“You only have to glance at your paddocks to see if there are heaps of flowers, or not many at all.”

Newly appointed to the Barenbrug pasture systems team, Becky

covers the upper North Island.

She encourages farmers to take note of pastures where clover is missing and to earmark the most obvious for a helping hand this year.

“There are many reasons clover might be struggling. The beauty of thinking about this now is that you have time to trouble-shoot if necessary before looking to restore clover populations with techniques like over-sowing seed in spring.

“Soil and herbage tests, for example, can be really useful in identifying the potential cause of poor clover content. But if it’s needed, remedial fertiliser and/or lime take time to work, so it’s best to give yourself a head start.”

White clover remains a must in New Zealand farm systems, providing superb animal nutrition: signifi significant amounts of free, natural nitrogen, and higher overall New Barenb pasture dry matter yield. urg team mem ber, Becky R To fi find out more, visit: www.barenbrug.co.nz or phone eith.

Becky Reith on: 021 775 387.

Perks of deferred grazing backed by research continued...

Deferred grazing on Pukekauri Farm after a wet summer in 2018.

Deferred grazing on Pukekauri Farm during a drought.

best practice spring and summer management.

“Deferred grazing is a viable option for rye grass pasture regeneration,” says Wendy.

“It allows the recovery of the tiller population and the shedding of seeds to recruit new plants.

“There are also cost savings from not having to under-sow.”

The findings

“My observations are that a mass of seedlings become established under the mulch and that mulch, in a drought situation, helps retain soil moisture.”

Another advantage of the system could be a reduction in soil

degradation due to cropping.

“Seed sales data indicate that 30,000ha to 50,000ha has moved to annual crops and pasture in New Zealand since 2007.

“From what farmers are telling us we believe that some of this increase is due to failure of perennial pasture to persist.

“This is a significant cost and also carries an increased risk of lasting damage to soils.”

Wendy says while there is more research to do, DairyNZ will produce a simple manual to help inform on-farm decisions about how to implement deferred grazing.

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Page 16

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Farm and community Left: Shirley and Steve Trumper on their Waikite Valley farm.

Right: Shirley Trumper.

All photos: Matthew Martin.

She’s the Rotorua Lakes Council’s Resource Management Act Committee chair, leads the Reporoa Community Patrol, volunteers at Reporoa Community Policing and has volunteered at the Citizens Advice Bureau since 2007.

Shirley and Steve Trumper have been farming together in the Waikite Valley near Rotorua since 1985, but nowadays you’re more likely to see Shirley in the council chamber than the milking shed.

Helping landowners

Shirley says she’d like to use her newfound experience to help rural landowners through some significant challenges.

“Both the Bay of Plenty and Waikato regional councils plan changes are placing pressure on the way we will need to manage our farms.

“Our rural villages also need critical infrastructure to achieve the type of growth our urban counterparts are seeking.”

As far as the new freshwater legislation goes, she’s a bit more pragmatic.

“I see this legislation as aspirational, but I do not believe the timeframes are realistic.

“Farming is not a static industry and income is dependent on a number of factors, therefore any change needs to be methodical and sustainable.”

The couple bought Steve’s parents’ 56ha farm in 1985 and since then they have added more than 300ha to their landholding that carries 500 milking cows on 190ha. The rest is used for beef and dry stock with about 40ha of runoff.

Hector ‘Hec’ and Natalie Trumper gained their foothold in Waikite Valley when they acquired a ballot farm in 1963. Shirley and Steve still own the original farm and now one of their two sons, Darrell and his wife Jasmine, are 49 per cent equity partners in the family business.

Farm and Council

While Steve works the land with his son and their two workers, Shirley has an active governance role in the local rural community and in October 2018 was elected for her second term to the Rotorua Lakes Council’s Rural Community Board, of which she is now chairperson.

Although she won’t describe herself as a politician, Shirley’s a straight talker and likes to get things done.

“That’s not always easy when working with local government, things move a lot more slowly there than they do on the farm.”

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Probiotics help revolutionise mastitis control Over the last two seasons, Probiotic Revolution has been using their probiotic products to help farmers control mastitis – even to the extent of moving towards zero use of antibiotics.

“There is some very good science behind this,” says Probiotic Revolution’s Chris Collier.

“We adjust our formulas for different times of the year.”

Scientists have long maintained that an animal’s immune system can be stimulated by administering oral doses of targeted strains of live probiotic bacteria.

A University of Otago study also showed that cows with a consistently low SCC have high levels of bacteria present in the udder that inhibit mastitis.

In high doses, with oral treatments, it is maintained that these same bacteria are colonising the udder by means of the lymph system.

“Our standard daily treatment is designed to improve feed conversion and long term helps drive down somatic cell counts.

“But it doesn’t contain high

enough doses of bacteria to prevent mastitis, so we formulated ImmunoMax to treat clinical cases.”

John, who milks 360 cows at Kaponga, had 25 clinical cases of mastitis last year.

All were treated with ImmunoMax for four to seven days.

Twenty four cows recovered and only one was culled.

John thought some cows would never come right.

“One cow had a rock-hard quarter and when I’ve treated those cows in the past with antibiotics I’d maybe get a 30 per cent cure rate.

“With this treatment the quarter was still rock-hard after five days, staring to soften on day six and by day seven she didn’t have a trace of mastitis.”

The results Chris sees are not always this good.

When there are poorer results he suspects there may be an underlying mineral deficiency that may need to be corrected.

The final two steps that farmers can take to move towards zero

antibiotics are to treat springers prior to calving and high somatic cell count cows at drying off.

“We have seen good results with springers because we are boosting cows’ immune systems when it is weakest and helping counter the effects of sub-clinical ketosis, which has a well-established link to calving mastitis,” says Chris.

“While we are very confident about treating springers with probiotics we are taking a more cautious approach about replacing dry cow therapy. We want to see how cows treated at drying off fare in terms of mastitis in the following season.”

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Page 19

Challenging first year for Waikato Feds president A strong will and good grounding in the organisation helped Jacqui Hahn through an obviously challenging first year as Waikato Federated Farmers president.

“I say what I think,” says the King Country farmer.

“You know where you are at with me.”

Waikato Federated Farmers’ annual meeting last April, where Jacqui stepped up after three years as vice-president, was held via Zoom amid the COVID lockdown which set the scene for the year to come.

She bunkered down in her ‘Rangitoto bubble’ near Te Kuiti, leading Zoom meetings every fortnight.

“We were in the middle of a drought as well.”

One of her key focuses from the outset as president was Waikato Federated Farmers’ budget, with COVID-19 actually helping the bottom line – travel costs for meetings were cut.

“COVID played into our hands. We had some quite significant wins.”

She says Zoom suits many members, with the region stretching from Ohinewai to Tokoroa.

Jacqui Hahn making sure calves on the home farm, near Te Kuiti, are well fed.

Waikato Federated Farmers president Jacqui Hahn at home in the King Country.

She similarly didn’t miss the threehour round trip to the organisation’s headquarters in Hamilton.

Jacqui says COVID had hit the farm labour market, but this was improving going into the New Year.

“Farmers will try and do it themselves. It’s challenging.”

With farm amalgamations, Waikato Federated Farmers’ membership has fallen, but Jacqui says it remains important “to keep farmers’ voices heard” by local and central Government.

The organisation lodged a legal challenge to the Waikato Regional Council’s Healthy Rivers policy, Plan Change 1, calling it “unclear and unworkable”.

With the matter before the Environment Court, Jacqui did not wish to comment on the appeal in detail but says areas of the policy “missed the mark”.

Effluent disposal is another hot topic between the regional council and Waikato Federated Farmers.

Jacqui says a majority of farmers are complying with council rules and regulations.

“We are not going to defend people who are doing the wrong thing.

“The rules have been around for a long time.

“We have just got to get on and do it.”

Jacqui is part of a Federated Farmers’ working group on climate change, also involving central government and other industries.

She says her own farming experience, where she farms dairy, sheep and beef across four properties with husband, Sofus, helps in her role as Waikato president.

Involved with Federated Farmers in Waitomo for 12 years, Jacqui has a three-year term as provincial leader.

Steve Edwards

Page 20

DAIRY

The greatest constant is change In the last 60 years, walk-through cowsheds have been replaced by step-ups, then herringbones and now rotaries. And robots!

Fifty dairy cows used to be an economic family farm in the 1960s, and in the 1970s a 150cow unit was regarded as the maximum that could be managed by a single person with casual labour in spring.

Change, whether we like it or not, is ongoing and it is the speed at which it happens that can take it from invigorating to unsettling, however Kiwis, particularly Kiwi farmers, take it their stride and emerge stronger and more resilient as a result.

Pushing back against enforced change is not only important, it’s essential as it provides time to fully examine the immediate and future benefits ensuring resources are well utilised.

Flourishing through change

Pastoral farmers historically and currently enjoy a somewhat privileged position in this country because the money earned from the sale of meat and milk related products significantly lifts the standard of living of every New Zealander.

But could that be about to change? Sometimes change is forced on us by things that are near impossible to envisage and the changes that have taken place in the tourism industry in the last nine months is a case in point.

Visiting overseas tourists, we were told, contributed considerably to our economy, however the money that Kiwis spend on their overseas trips was not factored in and it appears that they may cancel each other out.

Instead of Queenstown, Wanaka, Rotorua and other tourism hotspots dying as many expected, they have flourished and there is no indication currently that the situation will change.

Behavioural change can also occur when most of the population decide something different is required, and the speed of change can be astonishingly rapid.

The demise of plastic bags happened almost overnight with hardly a dissenting voice; peer pressure can be extraordinarily powerful.

Edgecumbe farmer Peter Berryman cutting the growth from a monitoring cage.

Is it too far-fetched to suggest that our lakes, rivers and pristine water may take priority over the income from intensive pastoral farming in the minds of the majority?

Farm owners around Lakes Rotorua and Rotoiti have already accepted a government buy out even though there was no compelling evidence that farming was the major contributor to regular algal blooms.

An inevitable tide shift

The de-intensification of pastoral farming won’t happen overnight. One farmer politician described the process as death by a thousand cuts, and that will take time. Market returns will have to escalate to compensate for lower volume and that won’t happen immediately.

Farmers can front foot the inevitable tide shift and put themselves in a much stronger negotiating position by making the changes to soil fertility practises that sequester carbon markedly reducing carbon dioxide levels and greenhouse gas emissions.

The most rapid way to sequester carbon is under permanent grazed pastures, the science is clear, however nitrogen needs to be fixed by clovers to reduce nitrate-N losses sufficiently.

Annual pasture production increases as essential changes to grazing management are implemented.

Although these changes may initially seem to be onerous, as the benefits to total farm performance become apparent they soon become standard practice.

Pastures containing more protein and less nitrate naturally result in increased milk solid production and more rapid weight gain in rapidly growing animals.

Weed and pest pressure decreases and the requirement for regular pasture renewal diminishes as pastures with a strong clover base naturally move from lower to higher fertility species.

The data necessary to support these claims has been painstakingly collected over the past twenty years and there is a steadily increasing client base keen to share their experiences.

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DAIRY

Page 21

Reducing the impact of facial eczema Once sporidesmin pasture spore counts are above 20,000/g, nutritional strategies are a vital tool to reduce the impact of facial eczema in a herd or flock.

The use of zinc in the diet of grazing stock, as a drench, in water or in feed, has long been recognized as one of the most effective methods of minimizing the impact of facial eczema.

The use of zinc as a means of prevention was first disc vered in the early 1970s by Mrs. Gladys Reid.

It’s sometime thought of, however, as the only tool available.

And the challenge with facial eczema is that when spores are in really high concentrations, zinc is often not enough to prevent damage. What’s more, like many strong medicines, zinc comes with some unfortunate side effects.

For example, therapeutic doses of zinc are likely to be antagonistic to other minerals, especially calcium, increasing the likelihood of hypocalcaemia (milk fever).

Nutritional approach

With a bit of planning however, these side effects can be minimized and other means of bolstering immunity and minimising exposure to spores can prove highly valuable additions to

the tool kit.

Feeding non-pasture feeds during summer allows for the amount of spore intake to be reduced, effectively diluting

of micro minerals, vitamins and antioxidants, in particular vitamin E, can further contribute to the resistance of animals to facial eczema (Munday et. al.). Sollus

thought to be critical to the creation of the superoxide radicals.

To summarise:

• Zinc may inhibit the generation of the superoxide radical by sporidesmin.

• Copper is required to enable damage by sporidesmin.

• Zinc reduces the absorption of Copper which catalyses the reaction.

• Using non-pasture feeds over supper will help limit spore exposure.

• Zinc may be antagonistic to calcium,

thereby increasing the risk of hypocalcaemia. The use of Hy-D can improve calcium absorption.

• Vitamin E has been shown to have a separate mode of action to zinc in helping to prevent damage by free radicals involved with facial eczema.

Talk to your Sollus account manager about how you can deal with inevitable stress during this period as well as continue to build stronger cows – ready for next season.

Sollus encourage planning ahead to combat facial eczema. intake. Sollus customers will have already made a lot of silage this spring as they realised the benefit of feeding non-pastu e feeds during peak grass production in spring.

There is another benefit of feeding meals/silages during this period. It enables zinc oxide to be used in feed instead of water dosing with the much more aggressive zinc sulphate (ZnSO4).

It has also been demonstrated that feeding the right proportion

incorporate antioxidants and key nutrients that aid in the repair of damaged organs caused during the inevitable oxidative stress produced by sporidesmin.

Sollus also incorporate Hy-D. Hy-D increases active absorption of both calcium and phosphorus, helping offset the antagonism of zinc, thereby reducing the risk of hypocalcaemia.

Also, remember to watch the level of copper intake while spore levels are high. Free copper is

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AVOCADOS

Page 22

Taking a quality stance on growing fruit I had an interesting one-sided, receiving chat with a grower the other day. It was a rant about costs, focused on skinning costs out: don’t spray reduce fertiliser, don’t prune, single harvest, sell for cash…

My argument is clear and concise: grow the fruit the market wants.

It gives you more options at harvest time. Luckily, at Aongatete Avocados Ltd, we have a good numbers and figures to back that position.

At present, returns from the market indicate the best fruit is 20-28 count fruit, or in local market terms, 65-100

count. To get this, I suggest you need to grow the fruit rather than starving the fruit.

There are also other factors including wind, rain, pests, vigour.

One orchard AAL recently picked, there has been a significant upswing in the volume of reject fruit.

Thrips damage, fruit rub, leafroller and now colouring has all impacted the pack-out and therefore the returns per hectare.

The fruit hasn’t grown and with tight export standards, much of the fruit has missed the best returns.

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In kiwifruit, growing the historical model has been to hang fruit numbers rather than size, but this model is changing as the market demands a bigger, sweeter tasting fruit. I got caught with the drought last year and my returns were heavily impacted.

This year it’s quite different because I spent money on irrigation. I grew the fruit early and I can visually see the impact of lower fruit numbers and bigger size.

This argument also applies to avocados. AAL grows and manages fruit on many blocks around the Bay of Plenty.

Our analysis indicates that top end growers are getting significantly better returns than the average because they are spending money and dollars on inputs.

Starting early

I stand by my case that, in general, if you want to be a successful grower you have to spend on inputs, make sure it’s at the correct time, and ensure the job is done well.

This year the biggest debate is on size picking. I am impressed with the fruit growth we have achieved with our harvesting strategy, particularly in the fruit size difference between our first picks and our latest rounds.

Size picking has definitely given an advantage and timing has contributed to this. AAL’s early work with Zeafruit and Freshmax on the local market has paid off this year.

Next year, the avocado industry may be challenged with more competition, such as international markets also having access to cheaper grown fruit than we can

produce here in New Zealand.

To be successful, orchardists will need to manage their inputs, but make sure they do the basics. Our top performing orchards (which are also ranked in the New Zealand groups) always prune, always fertilise monthly and always inject once if not twice.

It’s this combination of a focus and sustained vigour that gives AAL-managed trees an early start to the season and a better strong first pick volume.

I recognise this column has taken a strong position but I’ve spend many years growing fruit, chasing top performances and time and time again I come across comments about focusing on costs rather than income.

It’s a weak argument and unsustainable. I’ve seen my crop set and it’s a ripper on the back of a very heavy set last year.

I pruned heavily, in fact three times last year, to reduce stress.

I’ve grown my new flush and have trees that will flower again next season.

I’m all about growing big, ready to eat, yummy, fresh avocados!

Export season wrapping up on local market At the time of writing this, the avocado export season is coming to a close for Just Avocados, with 90 per cent of the supply group’s forecast volume shipped by mid-January.

General manager of group sales and marketing Jacob Darling says programmes to Australia, Thailand, Hong Kong and India are making up the final part of their export season; however, he says a lower proportion of fruit across the industry was sent to Asia this year, with exporters favouring an undersupplied and high performing Australian market.

STILL GOT FRUIT? WE'VE GOT OPTIONS... z e a f r u i t . co. n z

It is these inputs (pruning, fertiliser, water, spraying) that are resulting in better pack outs, bigger fruit, more fruit in the tray and more trays per hectare.

There is an increasing debate that freelance fruit sellers can return better net per hectare outcomes.

I’m yet to see this and am happy to take examples.

justavocados.co.nz

“Asia continues to be an important part of our strategy and continuing to build relationships with our partners in these markets is critical for future trade.

“This season we maintained a good percentage of volume to Asia while balancing the need to capture the great returns from Australia; we will finish up with around 20 per cent of our total export volume having gone to markets in Asia.”

Prepacks of small fruit was a focus for Just Avocados into Asia as they looked at different ways to deal with the influx of small fruit this season.

“The volume of small fruit has been challenging; however, our prepack programme has been successful and is a strategy we will continue to develop going forward.”

Jacob says that the company is considering further investment into Asia and is working with NZTE to help them validate their market selections and brand approach.

“To get really serious in Asia we need personnel in-market, especially with the possibility of travel restrictions long-term, so that is something we’re investigating.”

New facility increasing efficiency

Shipping delays into Australia appear to be the new norm currently, but Jacob says that parent company Darling Group’s investment in a new warehousing and logistics facility in the Brisbane Markets has mitigated some of the severity of issues for Just Avocados.

“The new facility has allowed us to receive and clear product as efficiently as possible under the current conditions.”

Jacob says Just Avocados put an emphasis on air freight to Australia in the latter part of the season as rising maturities increasingly challenged the time frame to deliver a premium product to market.

“All things considered, we are pleased with how the team and all stakeholders have handled the range of challenges that have come from managing supply through a global pandemic.”

Jacob says that, while Just Avocados is nearing completion of export, they will continue to work with their domestic partner Zeafruit to pack for the New Zealand market.

...continued

AVOCADOS

Page 23

Industry stalwart steps down from top job Hugh Moore and John Schnackenberg.

Hugh Moore may describe himself as an ‘average-size’ avocado grower, but the contribution he has made to the development of Avoco can only be seen as gigantic.

The avocado and kiwifruit industry stalwart stepped down from his role as chairman of the Avoco Grower Relationship Committee last October after serving eight years at the top.

He handed the reins to John Schnackenberg but will continue to serve and have input into Avoco’s direction as a committee member.

Reflecting on his tenure, Hugh believes his greatest input came from ensuring Avoco operated under rules very similar to those he established as chairman for Team Avocado Trust.

“In combining Southern Produce as the licensed exporter for Team, and Primor Produce as exporter for the Primor group, we created what everyone now knows as Avoco,” says Hugh.

“Having two major competitors come together like that is still very unique. Exporting is still carried out by the two exporters who own the licences and Avoco itself doesn’t employ any staff.”

Prioritising grower input

Critical to Avoco’s formation was a Memorandum of Understanding to address how each party worked together. “When we wrote that, we wanted to make sure we also had a grower representative body to work with Avoco. That’s where the MOU enshrined the rights of the AGRC.” Efforts to reach a consensus around the rules of engagement for Avoco and the AGRC took about 18 months and a lot of hard work behind the scenes.

“The AGRC’s role is to monitor Avoco’s activity and the export pool prior to Free on Board.

“The agreement is our foundation document and requires that Avoco is led by the AGRC and its policies. We made sure that growers will always have major input into how the Avoco pool operates.”

Direction is evenly split between growers contracted to Team Avocado Trust and Primor Produce, with each body having five representatives around the AGRC table.

“Everything is in the planning and the detail but I’m very happy with how it has worked out.”

After eight seasons, Avoco accounts for more than 60 per cent of industry exports and has created stability across the industry, with growers receiving more consistent Orchard Gate Returns.

Upcoming challenges

Looking to the future, Hugh says Avoco and its growers must continue to prioritise fruit quality and tree health.

“The AGRC is doing that by committing revenue from the grower pool to go back into in-market monitoring.

“We last had that between 2000 and 2003, and Avoco’s technical and quality teams are promoting new systems and best practice right through the supply chain.”

He says New Zealand’s climate is one of the worst in the world for fruit rot and body rot, with phytophthora and biennial bearing continuing to challenge the industry.

“We want to grow volumes and more consistent production but that all comes back to good tree health and phytophthora control.”

He says scientific research is needed to better understand how to get the most out of New Zealand’s avocado trees.

“We are still a young industry compared to other parts of the world. We must get our heads around the right response to our unique climatic conditions and what’s right for New Zealand.”

In following in Hugh’s footsteps as the new AGRC chairman, John Schnackenberg acknowledges the significant contribution that Hugh has made to both Avoco and the wider industry.

“I also succeeded Hugh as chair of the New Zealand Avocado Growers’ Association a few years ago and someone with Hugh’s experience is always a hard act to follow.

“Not only has the Association recognised Hugh’s contribution to the avocado industry as a life member, but also Hugh has been awarded the Horticulture New Zealand pre-eminent award, its own Bledisloe Cup, for services to horticulture, which is well deserved.”

Whangarei grower Deon Cartwright was appointed as vice-chair on the AGRC.

Shipping the last avos

WE’RE HERE FOR GROWERS

continued...

“There is still fruit out there post export and particularly this season because of the prevalence of small fruit that had been left to size and a predicted strong New Zealand market.”

Jacob says across the industry there will be growers who have more fruit than first estimated and others who might not make it into the export window with the entirety of their crop; however, they still have options to return value.

Strengthening market

Avoco’s Tech Team supports growers to lift production and supply the best quality fruit possible.

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Zeafruit avocado procurement for fresh produce marketer Rick Hannay says the company anticipates the New Zealand market will continue to strengthen between now and April.

“The demand during the summer months has been consistent with medium and larger sizes likely to attract strong values.”

Rick says Zeafruit has direct relationships with both supermarket chains in New Zealand.

“We have very strong retail programmes in place which allow us to offer consistently strong and risk-free returns.”

If growers would like to discuss options for fruit they still have hanging, they can get touch with Zeafruit’s avocado procurement team Rick Hannay on: 021 242 0994 or Glen Dunseath on: 027 597 4726.

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Page 24

KIWIFRUIT

Automation will not save New Zealand There is a belief that the way to get New Zealand out of the economic recession we are in is through automation: robotics and artificial intelligence.

I have to say that in Government circles in Wellington, this is often a firmly held belief.

Automation, they say, will replace the need for workers to pick and pack fruit and vegetables and automation will drive an export-led recovery.

They believe this drive will result in New Zealand becoming a high wage economy, which will in itself pull the country out of recession.

The automation conviction is not new and surfaces every few years.

In the past, it has not resulted in the economic transformation that was predicted and, in my view, it will not see the economic transformation that is now being sought.

Over the past few decades, automation has been progressively adopted across New Zealand industries in areas where automation can be readily applied. For this progressive movement to continue, continued encouragement and funding support is needed.

In many respects, automation has taken hold in areas where it can be readily applied.

New Zealand is a world leader in many of these initiatives.

But as far as export returns are concerned, automation is worth around $1.5 billion according to Statistics NZ, making it our 13th largest export earner.

So as a driver of export returns, automation will not be leading our economic recovery.

The driver for New Zealand is the primary sector, which collectively earns more than $45 billion each year.

Seafood alone produces as much export return as automation and has the potential to earn greater returns more quickly if the regulatory settings are right.

This is not to say that automation is not an

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.

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 MATAMATA TRACTORS accuracy. & MACHINERY 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.

alone roll out across the primary sector. important accelerator within the Secondly, it takes money to fund primary sector, particularly for the development and adoption of processing, although there are automation. Money is in short supply initiatives for field work that are in the majority of our sectors at present, progressing well. due to the impact of COVID-19 The issue is that it takes many years to develop the automation needed for field on sales and the increased costs of producing produce and shipping it work and how crops are planted often to market. needs to change so that automation The third is that there will always be can work.

– at least in the next decade – jobs that Our primary sector is a rapid adopter automation just can’t do. of automation. There is nothing around world not been Ourthe Atoms arethat set has up with radar adopted speed sensors, thisFinally, there’s nothing that has been combined fully and automated sprayer and developed overseas that is not being in Newwith Zealand we have somecontrollers three nozzle ringsprojects enhances application efficiencyadopted and here. leading-edge underway. accuracy.

In summary, New Zealand is In the next decade, changes will developing and adopting216 automation. happen butstrip not weed noticeably Pongakawa Bush Road Weprogressively also use a quad bike for spray This is changing the way the primary in the next few years. applications.

Te Puke sector operates, but as explained above, Even if we could automate more, Wethere hold will all certificates needed to meet Globalgap this is a time consuming and still be the need for workers compliance. expensive process. To contact us: to perform a whole range of tasks, current021 economic able toto maintain andwe protectIn terms of the Weincluding look at allbeing challenges help ensure Phone: 907 621 your crop automation with excellence. repair when it doesn’t work. crisis, automation will not be the E-mail: zcl@zanadu.co.nz solution to generating greater export So, the belief that the primary sector returns or replacing permanent and can be forced to develop and adopt seasonal labour. automation in 2021 is misplaced for a In the longer term, automation has number of reasons. real potential to make significant The first is that automation for field work is under development and will not changes, but it will never replace our be ready for 216 trialsPongakawa in the coming year, let need for workers.

Bush Road Te Puke

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KIWIFRUIT

Page 25

Fruition owners and directors Ruth Underwood and Sandy Scarrow.

Rollout begins for Fruition Diploma The directors of Fruition Horticulture BOP Ltd are excited about the first year of delivery of the Fruition Diploma in Horticulture Production (Level 6) beginning in January this year.

Ruth Underwood and Sandy Scarrow, the owners and directors of Fruition, have worked closely with the horticultural industry all their careers and are well aware of the need to grow and develop the skills and knowledge of those working in the industry.

Sandy reflects on her own career and looks at the opportunities that still exist. “The horticulture industry is on a growth trajectory and provides New Zealanders with a buoyant environment for career development and opportunity,” she says.

Global demand for quality, sustainably-grown, clean and green New Zealand primary produce continues to grow, even during the difficult period experienced through the COVID-19 pandemic.

This has led to unprecedented growth in the horticulture industry, resulting in demand for a skilled workforce to meet the needs of horticultural enterprises across the country.

The Fruition Diploma meets the needs of the industry in building this skilled workforce.

“The programme has been designed for people working in the industry,” says Ruth.

“We focus the teaching and learning on the learners workplace so that they can take the theory taught and

apply it in a meaningful way straight away.”

By mid-January, there had been a strong level of interest and formal enrolments.

This interest is heightened by the fact that the programme is completely free for the learner.

Fees, normally paid by the learner or their employer, will be covered under the Targeted Training and Apprenticeship Fund and available for any New Zealander looking to enrol until December 31, 2021.

The programme is also approved for delivery both in class and online, allowing for enrolments to come from throughout New Zealand.

To date, enrolments have been received from across the North Island.

The online and class-based group will have the opportunity to meet physically during a three day fieldtrip in February.

Sandy described the three day session as: “an opportunity to see other horticultural producers, see the challenges and the opportunities that they face and also the opportunity for some teamwork and learning together”.

The Fruition Diploma adds to a raft of training offered by Fruition from those new to the industry through to those currently employed but keen to grow their skills and knowledge to add more value to their current role or seek promotions internally or in other businesses across the country.

For more information on any of the training offered by Fruition, visit: www.fruiton.net.nz or: www.fruition.ac.nz

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FORESTRY

Page 26

Forestry to play a role in the future of fuel Te Uru Rakau is moving ahead with the next stage of research into creating a New Zealand biofuels industry, following a successful first stage.

The organisation’s director of sector investments, Jason Wilson, says the Wood Fibre Futures project early in 2020 identified viable wood-based

alternatives to high carbon emitting products such as transport fuel, concrete, steel, and coal. “Having identified the options, we are now looking to accelerate to stage two of the project, which will be to build business cases for attracting international investors to New Zealand.”

Jason says there is considerable interest in biofuels and biomass energy from organisations such as Air NZ and Fonterra.

“We are now putting out a tender, seeking an organisation with extensive international contacts and experience that can develop compelling business cases for investing in the biofuels and solid fuels sector in New Zealand.”

These business cases are expected to be completed by mid-2021 and will focus on wood-based products that will provide a large source of residues that can be used to produce three priority products identified in stage one: biocrude oil; liquid biofuels such as sustainable aviation fuel; and solid fuels such as wood pellets.

Pine power

“We have a huge amount of pine in New Zealand that can be used to create these fuels, but we need to attract investment and prove that there is both the demand and a viable supply; and that is what we are aiming to do by developing these business cases.

“The growing demand for alternatives to fossil fuels has the potential to transform the forestry sector into a provider of biofuels, bioenergy, and a range of renewable bioproducts alongside more traditional wood products. The Government is committed to moving

A Fonterra wood pellet trial at Te Awamutu in 2019.

New Zealand to a low carbon future and forestry has a major role to play in that.”

Jason says biofuels will also have the added benefit of supporting regional development with biofuel manufacturing centres being in areas where forestry is prevalent.

Create employment

“We are already seeing sizeable investment in wood pellets to replace coal use in New Zealand and this will only increase as the domestic carbon price rises. In North America and Europe, government policies

targeting transport emissions are beginning to catalyse investment in biofuels, which also have the ability to benefit New Zealand economically and environmentally, and create employment in our regions.”

Te Uru Rakau is leading this work as part of the Forestry and Wood Processing Industry Transformation Plan, which is one of six transformation projects given priority by the Government.

The other five are construction through the Construction Sector Accord, agritech, advanced manufacturing, food and beverage, and digital technologies.

Gifting trees A record breaking number of people opted to gift a native tree through Trees That Count this Christmas, meaning 62,686 native trees will be planted in this year’s winter planting season.

This figure is a 119 per cent increase from December 2019 and will add to the charity’s total tree count of more than 32 million.

Trees That Count is a programme of the Project Crimson Trust that has run since 2016.

“We know 2020 has been a challenging year for many of us, so we’re really thrilled to have seen so much support for New Zealand’s big backyard this Christmas,” says Project Crimson CEO Adele Fitzpatrick.

“We’re very grateful to generous New Zealanders for helping our native forests have an even bigger positive impact on the climate.”

To gift a tree, visit: www.treesthatcount.co.nz/gifting

FARM VEHICLES, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 27

Old baler stacks up to the new New doesn’t mean best – and when it comes to farming machinery, the old does the trick for contractor Bill Webb of Bill Webb Feed Solutions.

Helping hands stacking some of the 1550 bales from a day’s work.

Bill Webb’s 214T John Deere baler.

He has purchased a 214T John Deere baler made between 1957 and 1964 and it’s pulling its weight – during a summer re-baling job, the 214T made 1550 conventional hay bales in one day’s work in Maketu.

“It goes extremely well,” says Bill. “I’m a John Deere freak and this has made me even more so.”

The 214T has its own motor, which is what convinced Bill to click the ‘Buy Now’ button on TradeMe. “This year we wanted to break down straw bales into conventional bales in summer ready for winter, because they’re really popular with the lifestyle

block owners and gardeners.

“During this time of year the big tractors are busy feeding out, so it’s good to have a baler with its own motor as a substitute because it can pretty much be pulled by anything.”

Bill has owned a newer baler with its own engine in the past that “went really well”, but he’s impressed with how the 214T stacks up at 56 to 63 years old.

“As my old man used to say: ‘many a good tune played on an old fiddle.’”

The perfect hort trailer The TRANSTAK Bin Carrier has been developed to improve bin handling on orchards over the past 25 years.

Jacks Machinery sales manager Bruce Donald says this makes the trailer a great option for New Zealand horticulture businesses.

“Ten different models of this registered design of bin carrier are now available for local and export markets, and Jacks Machinery are proud to be the Bay of Plenty, Poverty Bay and Waikato agents,” says Bruce.

While the TRANSTAK Bin Carrier is suited to various fruit crops, Jacks Machinery has concentrated on supplying the local kiwifruit industry.

“You can carry up to six bins, though the two most popular models are the standard three-bin, and the LE model, which can either be a three or four bin.

“The trailer can efficiently move up to 150 bins of fruit from the orchard per

The TRANSTAK 3500N. day. It is solid no frills construction and features soft ride technology.

“Plus, it has a good angle of lift, which reduces ground damage. Our users report greater efficiency, needing less units to service their pickers.”

The TRANSTACK Bin Carrier can be used with forward or reverse drive tractors.

Bruce says additional options include road or work lights, towing hitches and stands. Jacks Machinery has models in stock now in both their Whakatane and Katikati yards, plus more on order.

“See our advertisement on the front page for contact details.”

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Page 28

FARM VEHICLES, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

The distinctive Series 3 Field Marshall Retired school teacher, Ken Haine, developed a love of old machinery from a young age.

While growing up on a dairy farm until he was 12, he had plenty to do with tractors.

Today, his interest has expanded and he owns 15 tractors, plus two fire engines and several cars, most being pre-1948.

“It fascinates me how these machines were part of people’s lives at a time

when their very survival depended on them,” says Ken. Bought in the 1980s, one of Ken’s more unusual machines is a 1950 diesel, agricultural model of the Series 3 Field Marshall. It was imported from Gainsborough in the UK to Canterbury and has some unusual features setting it apart from other tractors of that era.

“It was used for cropping and was expensive to buy.

“Cropping was more lucrative than farming in the South Island and the

Retired school teacher Ken Haine with his 1950 Series 3 Field Marshall tractor, with it’s vertical exhaust and a dome housing the air filter on the bonnet. All Photos: Catherine Fry. control, driving it can take a bit of getting used to!” farmers could afford Ken grins when he describes the starting method, to maintain it.”

Weighing more than one that is far removed from today.

“It uses a wick and cartridge start, and is one of the four tonnes and with last tractors to need its engine heated to start.”

40 plus horse power, A lit wick, inserted into the cylinder head, heats the the Series 3 was a favourite with the metal to the point at which the fuel can ignite.

A blank shotgun cartridge had early contractors to be fitted into a breech on the who moved intake manifold and covered from farm to The single cylinder engine farm towing all with a steel cap. lies flat under the bonnet their machines, Once the engine was hot with a radiator on enough to run, with a strong trailers and either side. blow from a hammer, the even baches. cartridge would be fired into The single cylinder, two stroke engine runs horizontally down the length of the bore, with Original serial number the engine, hopefully creating plate on the Series 3 enough detonation to move the the exhaust positioned vertically, helping the Field Marshall tractor. piston through its first full stroke. two stroke engine run better.

“Once you’ve heard one running, it’s a very The large dome on the top houses the air filter and distinctive sound that only a six litre, two stroke a radiator runs down each the side of the bonnet, engine can make.” rather than one at the front.

Ken’s Series 3 Field Marshall is still driven today The six-speed manual gear box has two sticks and is as he is an active member of the Waikato Vintage shifted sideways and not front to back.

Tractor and Machinery Club Inc. “With left foot braking and right foot clutch Catherine Fry

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889 7055 Rotorua I 490 Te Ngae Phone/Email/Website Glen Autridge Corey Williams Matiu Weko / Jess Willis Rd 07 345 8560 Dealer Name US TODAY Dealer Address CHANCES ARE IT’SStNOT Dealer Phone/Email/Website SUPPORT PARTS SUPPORT CONTACT /PARTS Annemarie Barnhill PARTS SUPPORT PARTS SUPPORT Morrinsville I Thames 07GENUINE!!

889 7055 Rotorua I 490 Te Ngae Rd 07 345 8560 US TODAY Dealer Address SERVICE SUPPORT Phone/Email/Website PARTS SUPPORT PARTS SUPPORT GlenAutridge Autridge / Corey Williams Matiu / Jess Willis Morrinsville St Dealer 07 889 7055 Rotorua I 490 TeWeko Ngae 07 345 8560 Glen Corey Williams Matiu Weko / Jess Willis Rd USI/ Thames TODAY SERVICE SUPPORT Mark Koopal Dealer Phone/Email/Website SUPPORT PARTSWeko SUPPORT /PARTS Barnhill Glen Autridge /Barnhill Corey Williams Matiu / Jess Willis /Annemarie Annemarie Simon Levings / Brendon Manning SERVICE SUPPORT SERVICE SUPPORT PARTS SUPPORT PARTSWeko SUPPORT Glen Autridge / Corey Williams Matiu / Jess Willis /SERVICE Annemarie Barnhill SUPPORT Mark Glen Autridge / Corey Williams MatiuKoopal Weko / Jess Willis /SERVICE Annemarie Barnhill SERVICE SUPPORT SUPPORT Koopal SERVICE Mark SUPPORT www.piakotractors.co.nz Simon Levings / Brendon Manning /Simon Annemarie Barnhill SERVICE SUPPORT Mark SERVICE SUPPORT SERVICELevings SUPPORT/ Brendon Manning Mark Koopal Koopal SERVICE SUPPORT Mark Koopal Dealer Name Simon Levings / Brendon Manning www.piakotractors.co.nz MATAMATA TRACTORS & MACHINERY Simon Levings / Brendon Manning www.piakotractors.co.nz www.piakotractors.co.nz Dealer Address Broadway, Matamata I 07 888 6292 Dealer Name www.piakotractors.co.nz www.piakotractors.co.nz MATAMATA TRACTORS & MACHINERY

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FARM VEHICLES, MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 29

Keen support for nation-wide tractor show A Thames Valley vintage tractor enthusiast is keen to adopt a national event like colleagues across the Tasman.

Jeremy says there does not seem to be a coordinated show season in New Zealand, with many events clashing with others.

He believes every club in the country should have one representative on a national committee, which would decide where the national show would be held.

As in the Australian scenario, Jeremy says each club or group of clubs wishing to host the national show could lobby the committee with their proposal.

He says a national show could also feature vintage farm machinery and ploughing, to complement the vintage tractors.

“I just want to start the ball rolling and get a discussion going,” says Jeremy.

He believes a high profile ‘big’ event may be more attractive to the public and enthusiasts rather than a plethora of small shows.

“It would be great to have a bigger spectacle.”

The Australian shows he has attended featured more than 1000 vintage tractors, trucks and stationary engines from across the country.

Jeremy says taking his idea further requires “conversation from interested parties” to gauge interest.

From a farming background at Thames, he has been interested in model vintage tractors and farm machinery since the 1980s.

Check out: www.vintagebarn.co.nz or contact your local vintage tractor and machinery club.

Steve Edwards

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Jeremy Welsh with his first model tractor, a Case L, on the first tractor he restored, a 1939 Case R.

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100 - 130 hp Jeremy Welsh, who runs the Model Barn at Thames, has attended the Australian National Historical Machinery Rally on a number of occasions and believes this could be replicated in New Zealand.

While Kiwi vintage tractor and machinery groups have regular individual events, Jeremy says the only collective show is in the Lower North Island, with four clubs taking turns at hosting an annual event on a rotational basis.

He has attended national rallies in Western Australia, Queensland and

South Australia, with an organising committee receiving proposals from collective groups of clubs from the respective states to host the biennial event.

In New Zealand, Jeremy says a national show could be alternated between the North and South Islands and held annually or every second year.

“You have got to move it around so the public and the various clubs get the opportunity to attend,” says Jeremy.

“The clubs’ own events could become the national one in a particular year.”

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Page 30

LIFESTYLE FARMING

This is a mycotoxic (fungal) disease of grazing livestock, the toxic liver injury commonly results in photodynamic dermatitis.

In sheep, the face is the only site of the body readily exposed to ultraviolet light, hence the common name.

The disease is most common here in New Zealand, especially in the North Island.

It also occurs in Australia, France, South Africa, several South American countries and parts of North America.

Sheep, cattle, alpacas and farmed deer of all ages can contract the disease, but it is most severe in young animals.

Cause of disease outbreaks

Sporidesmins are the toxic products of the fungus Pithomyces chartarum, which grows on dead pasture litter.

The warm ground temperatures and high humidity required for rapid growth of this fungus restrict disease occurrence to hot summer and autumn periods shortly after warm rains or heavy dews.

By observing weather conditions and estimating toxic spore numbers on pastures, danger periods can be predicted and owners alerted.

The sporidesmins are excreted via the biliary system, in which they produce severe biliary disease in the liver.

Biliary obstruction may be seen, which restricts excretion of bile pigments and results in jaundice. Similarly, failure to excrete phylloerythrin in bile leads to photosensitisation.

Previous ingestion of toxic spores can cause potential for a build-up in signs, with a succession of small intakes of the spores leading to subsequent outbreaks.

Clinical presentation and diagnosis Few signs are apparent until photosensitisation and jaundice appear 10-14 days after intake of the toxins.

Animals regularly seek shade. Even short exposure to the sun rapidly produces the typical reddening and swelling of photodermatitis in non-pigmented skin.

The animals suffer considerably. Deaths occur from one to several weeks after photodermatitis appears.

Characteristic liver and bile duct lesions are seen in all affected animals whether photosensitised or not.

In acute cases showing photodermatitis, livers are initially enlarged, yellow and have a marked lobular pattern.

Later, there is shrinking and thickening of the liver.

The bladder lining also commonly shows blood or bile pigment staining with focal swelling.

The clinical signs together with characteristic liver lesions are diagnostic. In live animals, high levels of hepatic enzymes also reflect extensive liver injury.

Control and prevention

To minimise intake of pasture litter and toxic spores, avoid short grazing.

Other feedstuffs should be fed during danger periods. Variation in sward composition can also be useful such as encouraging clover dominance in pastures to reduce facial eczema spore growth in litter.

The application of fungicides to pastures considerably restricts the build-up of fungal spores and reduces pasture toxicity.

When danger periods of fungal activity are predicted, animals should be allowed only on the sprayed areas. The fungicide is effective within four days after spraying, provided that no more than 2.5cm of rain fall within 24hrs during the four-day period.

After this time, heavy rainfall does little to reduce the effectiveness of spraying, because thiabendazole (the fungicide) becomes incorporated within the plants.

Pastures will then remain safe for about six weeks, after which spraying should be repeated to ensure protection over the entire dangerous season.

Sheep and cattle can be protected from the effects of sporidesmin if given adequate amounts of zinc.

Zinc may be administered individually by drenching regularly with a zinc oxide slurry or administering long acting zinc boluses.

Alternatively for larger groups of stock spraying pastures with zinc oxide may be helpful or adding zinc sulphate to drinking water.

Sheep may be selectively bred for natural resistance to the toxic effects of sporidesmin. The heritable trait for resistance is high. Ram sires are now being selected in stud and commercial flocks for resistance either by natural field challenge or by low-level, controlled dosage of ram lambs with sporidesmin.

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Page 31

Waikato Regional Council proposes increase to minimum area for subdivisions There are many technical details to be considered when proposing a subdivision apart from the land size, so its important to consult a specialist subdivision company for initial advice pertaining to your land, prior to proceeding with a proposal.

If you have any desire to create

If you have been watching Council proposals for updating rural subdivision rules in the Waikato District, you will well know that change is afoot. Be aware that this may take away some ‘rights’ that you currently enjoy.

Whilst some farmers in Northern Waikato (the old Franklin District) may benefit from this change if they haven’t subdivided in recent times, the impact for those within the old District Boundary could well be negative, depending on the size of their current titles.

Following amalgamation of Waikato with part of Franklin some years back, Council needs to create a single set of subdivision rules for the entire District.

In the Franklin area, there have been more restrictive subdivision provisions over recent years, with most options relating to either environmental protection blocks or transferable titles – a complex process involving the amalgamation of titles to justify the creation of lifestyle blocks on less productive soils. That rule is destined for history now since the current Council does not support this type of subdivision.

It’s a different story for those farmers located within the old Waikato District Boundary where the subdivision of lifestyle blocks has been allowed in the past but appears to be being quickly stamped out. Even though the proposed subdivision rules support the status quo, we believe that following

hearings they will change.

The reason is that Regional Council have opposed the continuation of the lifestyle subdivision rule which enables subdivision where your title is at least 20 hectares in size. They submitted that a minimum title size of 40ha should be required before you can subdivide a lifestyle block off. In my opinion, Regional Council will fight this right through to the Environment Court, and they have the finance and clout to achieve their goal.

I personally see it as a fate accompli.

Therefore, there is some urgency for landowners, particularly those with titles between 20ha and 40ha, to instigate an application to Council.

If such an application was lodged prior to Council’s decision following hearings P ROFESSIONAL being announced, H ARVESTING it’s likely that a subdivision consent YSTEMS S could be granted.

With this decision due soon, time is running out. Those who wish to create a lifestyle block for sale or family reasons should act now to avoid disappointment.

additional titles from your land, please feel free to give me a call to discuss your options before it’s too late.

Brent Trail, managing director of Surveying Services, specialises in resource consent applications for subdivisions across the Waikato, Hauraki, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty. For further information, call: 027 499 3778 or emai:l btrail@surveyingservices.co.nz

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Page 32

TRAVEL & HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS

Wildlife take flight

It’s no secret that air travel has taken a major hit due to COVID-19 and that includes domestic flying: Air NZ domestic passenger numbers dropped from 17.6 million in 2019 to 8.4 million in 2020.

But despite a turbulent year, different species of passengers still managed to take a trip.

According to recently released statistics, Air NZ flew 508 threatened wildlife species and 60 conservation dogs across the country in 2020.

The company transport a range of endangered species including birds, reptiles and invertebrates for

a variety of purposes, including genetic and population management, vet treatments, or to establish new populations at safe breeding sites.

Through its partnership with DOC, Air NZ also established an additional 5000ha of sustained pest control areas on NZ’s Great Walks, bringing the total controlled area to 43,247ha.

Air NZ CEO Greg Foran says 2020 was a year like no other for the airline industry.

“Returning to usual levels of air travel will be complex, but we are working closely with government agencies on preparations for safe travel.”

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Your own pets are welcome at Pahoia Beach Stay - and that includes the horse, as long as you bring your own fencing to protect the surrounding newly planted native trees.

The property is always evolving. Owner-operator Tracey Lankshear has been working on and

upgrading Pahoia Beach Stay for the past six years with the help of volunteers.

“It’s a gentle beach that’s safe for kids to swim in and is perfect for kayaking; and we have kayaks available,” says Tracey.

The cabins, called Shell Hut and Crab Hut, are fully contained and can be rented separately or as one whole facility.

The Camo Hut is a cabin with a queen-size bed and a quirky extra room: a car completely decorated in camouflage, from its dark green exterior to the patterned mattress inside that sleeps one to two people.

It has its own kitchen, composting toilet and a new shower overlooking the duck pond.

Tracey says Pahoia Beach Stay is perfect for families with animal-loving kids, self-contained motorhomes and campers.

“Volunteer help on the property is always welcomed and appreciated.”

TRAVEL & HOLIDAY DESTINATIONS

Page 33

Ramp regulations New rules to stop the spread of aquatic pests across the Bay of Plenty have come in to force this summer, with boat ramp users now required to self-certify that their vessels and trailers are free from freshwater fish and plant pests.

The rules contained within the Bay of Plenty Regional Pest Management Plan 2020-2030 ensure that lake users take an active role in protecting the long term health of the region’s lakes and rivers, says Bay of Plenty Regional Council biosecurity manager Greg Corbett.

“Ultimately everyone benefits from these new rules,” says Greg.

“Preventing the spread of aquatic pest plants and fish that can choke the lakes, making them murky and causing the decline of native species, is vital.

“The rules themselves are very much based on common sense and are essentially an extension of the Check, Clean, Dry behaviour that has been promoted nationally for many years.”

Starting from January 30, biosecurity staff from Te Arawa Lakes Trust will be visiting the most popular boat ramps in the area to help lake users to understand the new rules and check that they are complying with them.

“This summer is focused on educating people on what the rules are and what is required of them before they head out on the water.

“Based on last year’s boat ramp checks around the Te Arawa Rotorua lakes, we are confident that the new rules reflect the actions that many boat ramp users

are already undertaking.”

In addition to ensuring that vessels and trailers are free from freshwater pest fish and pest plants, occupiers of vessels must ensure that no ballast water is transported between locations and that trailers are not left in the water other than for launching or retrieval.

Self-certification checkpoints have been set up at the most popular boat ramps around the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes.

The checkpoints are clearly signposted and have forms that should be completed and displayed on the dashboard of the vehicle used to launch the vessel.

The new rules

The Bay of Plenty 2020-2030 Regional Pest Management Plan states: 1. No person shall leave boat trailers in any water body other than for the purposes of launching and/or retrieving boats.

2. No person shall transport ballast water from any water body to any other location.

3. All occupiers of vessels or craft entering any water body within the Bay of Plenty shall ensure their vessels or craft, including trailers, are free from freshwater pest fish and freshwater pest plants including fragments.

4. All occupiers of vessels or craft using a boat ramp with a selfcertification checkpoint must complete the supplied certification form and display it in the vehicle used to launch the vessel or craft.

New boat ramp signage at Lake Rotoma. Photo: Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

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FEED MANAGEMENT/HAY & SILAGE

Page 34

Weirder weather in La Nina We’re well into the New Year now, so I hope everyone has had time to take a good break, reflect, and set goals for the future.

At the time of writing this in midJanuary, the place is still looking reasonably green and it’s only just starting to show signs of drying off.

Last year we had 94.5mm of rain in December, and this year we only had 43mm.

The reason the pastures have stayed green is because we’ve had 27mm of rain from January 1 to January 12, compared to only 9mm in the same period last year. The little showers every now and again are keeping things ticking.

Expect the unexpected

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We’ve had some abnormalities with the weather due to the La Nina phase that we’re in.

We’re in the peak of La Nina, so the upcoming weather will be more of what we have now, mixed with a few abnormalities.

It can be wetter than normal in La Nina. There will likely be an increase in isolated showers, where one property may get rain but one just down the road won’t.

I had a classic example of this over the weekend.

Matata experienced 150mm of rainfall and was flooded, while we were cutting hay in the fine weather only 6km away.

Then there was the thunderstorms and heavy hail that a few central North Island towns experienced around Boxing Day, with farms in Galatea and Reporoa looking completely white following sunshine just days before.

So while we remain in La Nina, it pays to expect the unexpected.

We’re likely to ease back into a neutral phase in the next quarter, around April.

Crops and payout

We had a call in early December regarding leaf miner in the swede crops, which is really early for leaf miner.

So from now on people need to be really vigilant by spraying their swede, turnip and kale crops with insecticide to keep the damage to a minimum.

It’s always good to do a weed spray at the same time if it is required.

Keep an eye out for white butterfly, too, because they can also cause a lot of damage.

The pay-out currently has a seven in front of it which is really good news.

Heavy hail turns a Galatea farm house white.

Photo: Kielee Mathis.

So, farmers want to be looking at buying in maize and silage to continue lactation while the cows are milking well.

Feeding out on the pastures in the summer and autumn while it’s nice and dry is the best way to reduce losses and extend the round and put condition on before winter and with a $7 pay out, why not spend a bit on supplements to enjoy the benefits a higher income can provide.

Cheaper feed

Now is the best time to order feed, because it goes straight from the paddock onto the truck and to the farmer. Getting feed from ‘behind the baler’ as we call it is ideal, as it eliminates the double cartage and storage, therefore reducing the cost.

Maize is looking good across the area, in both high ground and low ground areas, showing they got off to a good start.

We still have a bit of maize and silage left and we’re taking orders for hay and straw for the coming period.

It’s a good position to be in compared to last year when the cost was high and there was limited amounts available.

So expect some big machinery on the road from mid-February to about early April with maize harvesting. We apologise for the nuisance, but it’s what we have to do to keep the backbone of our country moving.

FERTILISER

Page 35

Final: Is our food still thy medicine?

The last two articles have measured the decline of nutrition in our food over the past 80 years.

This is a worldwide phenomenon.

I will touch on why it has happened and what can be done about it.

Most farmers have been taught to use the cheapest source of NPK. That produces substandard food.

Most trace elements are neglected altogether or under supplied at best.

In New Zealand, the major employers of soil fertility advisors merely sell what their employers’ stock.

This does not bear any resemblance to what the soil needs in most cases.

The input products are repeated year after year.

The results are degraded soils with very little microbial diversity.

Excesses and deficiencies

Lack of diversity leads to lower quality and quantity of produce, brought on by fertility imbalances.

An excess of any nutrient, usually NPK, will ensure deficiencies of others.

When trace elements are not applied, food quality and quantity suffer.

At Kiwi Fertiliser, we consistently promote actions that improve soil quality. It all starts in the soil. Without a balanced soil, quality cannot happen.

Those on our program for a few years are not usually bothered by things such as facial eczema, pests, mineral deficiencies, diseases, or low conception rates, even when the neighbours are. The bottom line is improved, and farming becomes a pleasure, not a struggle.

It is working with nature at its best.

That does not mean we cannot

improve. Miraka has more than 100 suppliers and two lists of 10 farms each; one for farms with the best milk quality, and the other for the lowest somatic cell count of the milk produced.

Kiwi Fertiliser services six farms that supply Miraka. Both lists include four Kiwi Fertiliser farms. Those six per cent of farms are contributing to 40 per cent of the top-quality milk.

Superior pasture and diverse species can be baled for silage within four days in June and July.

The key is to grow quality forage.

When the phosphate, calcium, magnesium and boron are at correct levels in the plants, the plants are packed with sugars, not water.

They are higher in dry matter. When stock eat the forage, baled or not, they respond with extra and faster weight gain or milk and they eat less of it.

There is less wastage. Even the calves can be weaned onto high quality baleage without complaint. Horses show an excellent response, too.

Feed the soil

Fruit grown with our system tends towards earlier and longer storage capabilities because the nutritional integrity is there.

Correctly grown produce, even if cut, will tend not to rot over time, it will merely dehydrate.

The take home message is feed the soil. Let the soil feed the plant.

This is achieved by using appropriate materials.

These are soil building compounds,

not necessarily the cheapest.

Do not use temporary plant-feeding materials that are repeated time and time again. The ones that are more effective are the best investments.

Balance the soil properly.

That means chemical or nutrient balance, biological balance and correct physical soil structure that allows the microbes to flourish.

Feed the microbes, do not destroy them. It is a medium-term plan that is built upon each year.

It is soil building, not degradation. Everyone consuming your produce will benefit. They will then demand it.

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Regenerative Ag under scientific spotlight December’s issue of The New Zealand Institute of Agricultural and Horticultural Science (NZIAHS) magazine, AgScience, is solely dedicated to the subject of Regenerative Agriculture.

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It comprises articles by 14 senior New Zealand agricultural scientists and professors, each addressing their concerns about Regenerative Agriculture from their respective fields.

In his opening foreword, the current president of the NZIAHS Professor Jon Hickford from Lincoln University wrote: “‘the cycle of life creates its own fertiliser’ is one such statement creating confusion.

It sounds attractive, but it is biological, chemical and physical nonsense.

“Farming and politics are abuzz with discussions about ‘regenerative agriculture’.

There are loud proponents for it in the farming community and politicians are bandying the words around.

“It is a cornerstone of the Green Party’s agricultural policy and taxpayer money has already been directed towards its advocates.” Professor Hickford rightly asks for the peer-reviewed science behind all of the claims and advocacy of RA, saying: “science demands these things because science is driven by the quest for knowledge and understanding... it relies on repetition and critical analysis, and scrutiny via peer review and assessment. Science is not something you can choose to believe in, because it is something that is true whether or not you believe in it.”

Regenerative Ag’s history

In an article discussing RA’s history in New Zealand, Lincoln University agronomy senior lecturer Dr Warwick Scott and NZ Institute for Plant and Food Research general manager of science Dr Derek Wilson, write: “Regenerative Agriculture is a philosophy that

has the improvement of ‘soil health’ as its central focus. RA originated in the United States in response to soils becoming damaged by inappropriate land uses, notably exhaustive cropping in unsuitable conditions with little or no livestock farming.

Evidence argument

“Recent advocacy of RA in this country is based on the presumption that our agricultural systems are degenerated. They are not and the current claims that RA is needed to rescue them are misplaced.

“New Zealand’s world-class agriculture is based on a history of high quality science that underpins the integrity, sustainability, productivity, and economic success of its farming systems… Many aspects of RA echo current best management practices in New Zealand’s agriculture.”

They caution that ‘there is no evidence to support some of the more radical practices of RA, such as the recommendation to sow pasture seed mixes containing up to 60 different species.

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“Arguably the biggest benefit from this could be to those who promote the sales of these seed mixes.

“Among these marketers, scientific literacy and technical knowledge of agricultural production systems appear to be absent.”

This is something I have commonly observed in the ‘alternative’ fertiliser industry the past three decades, where fantastic claims are made with no science to back the claims made by people who are scientifically illiterate and who never darken the doorways

of reputable scientific institution conferences and workshops such as the NZ Grassland Association, the NZ Society of Soil Science or the Farming Landscapes Reseach Centre Workshops at Massey University.

Drs Scott and Wilson conclude: “RA is an ideology, and history shows that most ideologies have self-serving extremists.

Their ideas should be subjected to scrutiny and, if appropriate, debunked.”

Writer’s view

From my own assessment of RA in relation to pastoral production, I think that increased pasture species diversity may have a place in certain situations.

Ryegrass and white clover have been the main species used in New Zealand because of their resilience and adaptability to our short rotational grazing system where ME and protein are deemed important productivity factors.

Plantain, chickory and red clover have proven successful alternative species in many situations, and for South Island dryland farming, grazing lucerne cultivars have been a game-changer.

However long rotations will not suit dairy cows in peak production or fattening lambs. For kikuyu based pastures in Northland and the Coromandel, letting kikuyu get out of control can reduce its feed value to little better than cardboard or rope.

Soil biology does not make nutrients out of thin air, as plants take up chemicals, or as Dr William Albrecht once stated, “food is fabricated soil fertility”.

That said, I think that on the moisture stressed soils of places like Otago, focussing on building soil organic matter through longer rotations of diverse species and hoofing the thatch into the soil surface has a place.

FERTILISER

Page 37

Nitrous Oxide: a greenhouse gas of concern “New Zealand is unique in that its national greenhouse emissions are dominated by nitrous oxide and methane, rather than carbon dioxide,” says post doctorate researcher, Jordan Goodrich.

either processed by soil microbes releasing N2O, or leached from the soil into waterways. Previous research into N2O emissions has been limited to small plot trials.

The power of plantain

Jordan’s research involves measuring emissions at a paddock scale, over multi-year periods, on a commercial farm in Waharoa, near Matamata.

“The farmers farm as they wish and we set up monitoring equipment along the fence line, gathering data constantly from year to year.”

Using the eddy covariance technique, with sensors set about two metres above the land, the concentration of N2O, as well as CO2 and methane, is measured to calculate the emissions of a paddock.

“We’ve partitioned the data by wind direction to cover two adjoining paddocks, allowing us to compare these paddocks.”

Current research is to determine whether planting plantain in with the usual rye and clover mix

have now re-grassed including plantain.”

The initial process of spraying off the paddock, followed by direct drill planting causes a pulse emission of N2O. “In order to be sure we can make up for that initial pulse the paddock will be monitored for a two-year period, which

allows for the new planting to settle.

“We also look at all of the factors in real life, such as rotationally grazed paddocks, that could affect our research.”

This project is funded by the NZ Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Catherine Fry Research Centre.

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“Nitrous oxide (N2O) is a greenhouse gas of concern, as it is 300 times more efficient at trapping heat than carbon dioxide (CO2).”

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This localised nitrogen application is too much for the surrounding plants to process, and the excess is

reduces the emissions from that paddock. While environmental factors such as humidity, rainfall and wind vary from year to year, small plot trials have shown good evidence that plantain does slow down the nitrogen cycle.

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Page 38

Getting truckies on the road to better mental health National Road Carriers Association has partnered with Sir John Kirwan’s mental health organisation, Mentemia, in a bid to ease the mental stress of their truckies.

NRC member companies collectively operate 16,000 trucks throughout New Zealand and the association is encouraging them to get as many of their staff as possible to download and use the free Mentemia app.

“The industry’s health and wellbeing are important to everyone and should be

talked about,” says NRC CEO David Aitken.

“People in the road freight industry work tirelessly to ensure freight is being delivered on time, and COVID-19 is contributing to an increase in stress and anxiety levels.”

Mentemia co-founder Sir John Kirwan says the app is packed with evidencebased ideas and tools to help people learn how to be well and stay well.

“It helps users deal with the most common stressors we experience in the modern connected world today – poor sleep, anxiety and stress.

“These stressors, if left unattended,

can significantly impact quality of life at home and work. Mentemia is the fence at the top of the cliff rather than being the ambulance at the bottom.”

Taking a toll

David says NRC had been looking for a mental health tool for members when he heard about Mentemia.

“Many of the NRC team have used it and embraced the tools available.

“We checked it out and we really liked what it had to offer.”

He says the appalling state of many New Zealand roads takes a physical and mental toll on truck drivers, and

NRC is campaigning to improve this.

“Navigating the country’s poorly maintained roads is a major health hazard that makes them ‘unsafe workplaces’ for all drivers who use them.

“NRC is very concerned about the mental stress drivers are under trying to keep these heavy vehicles on substandard roads.

“Drivers spend a long time in their vehicles and it’s a demanding enough job without having to constantly negotiate these safety hazards.”

Spreading hope

Concern for the mental wellbeing of truck drivers is an on-going issue in the industry.

Truck rental company TR Group last year painted a Mack Superliner truck and trailer black and displayed the message ‘I am hope’ on its side.

“This truck and trailer is an expression of love and support for all who have experienced, or are experiencing, mental health struggles – either directly or via someone you love,” says TR Group Auckland general manager Brendan King.

“What we wanted to achieve with Mack was to give love and support to everyone affected by mental health issues and raise awareness in the community.

“You are not alone, there is always support here and there is always hope.”

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COUNTRY LIVING

Page 39

Economic rumination from an old fart I have been writing columns for approximately 25 years.

I have about 500-plus philosophies around the articles I have written. As I am now a senior, the younger generation pay scant regard to our wisdom. They think they know best and that we are ‘old farts’.

There is a story right there, but I am going to talk about New Zealand and how I see the economy going forward and yes, I know, the younger people will cry: ‘you don’t know what you are talking about’, but common sense and experience really do count.

he can rebuy at a bargain. John Key, economists and bankers are all trying to caution us, but hey there is a

billion a week flooding the economy and she’ll be right mate. But will it?

My strongest recommendation is to

make informed decisions and do not take on too much risk and debt. Listen to the wise who have largely been silenced by the media and realise what has gone up will come down. I make no apology for my economic ruminations of an old fart.

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 consultant to the farming industry.

Contact him on: 021 777 675.

Reliant on exports

So, I have just returned from a trip around the East Cape. I had time to reflect as I looked at and considered our position, much of it from the seat of my electric bike.

Most of the younger generation have never been through the tough times we have.

We are a small farming nation at the bottom of the world and yes, we punch well above our weight. Our national income is largely from the sale of product – dairy, kiwifruit, avocados, beef, lamb, wool and horticultural products and logs (and I say logs advisably as it is sold cheaply in ‘log’ form to be processed overseas).

Add to that some industrial manufacturing and some excellent technology, and that is about it.

About $50 billion in income for a nation of around five million people.

Tourism has virtually gone and looks unlikely to restart anytime soon.

We are reliant on the flow of exports overseas to provide funds to purchase the materials we need and all the basic stuff.

Wise warnings

While I do accept that this government has done a great job in most respects, the ‘printing of money’ at an alarming rate sends false messages to us all.

They are releasing a billion dollars a week – that is about how much we earn every week as a nation.

It has inflated the economy and a lot of it has found its way into the housing market, which is booming, and it is little wonder New Zealand is printing money faster than any other country in the Western world. In essence they have doubled the amount of money in circulation.

It’s irresponsible of the government because it sends the message that everything will be fine, and the future is rosy.

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COUNTRY LIVING

Seventy years of hunting Many memorable hunting moments have passed through New Zealand Deerstalkers’ Bay of Plenty Branch, which recently celebrated its 70th birthday.

The club has been instrumental in teaching locals how to hunt safely, both independently and in collaboration with other organisations and their Hunts Course programme.

Back in the day, the club worked with the Mountain Safety Council to teach people first aid and the skills needed to get a gun licence.

In the 1990s, many NZDA BOP members were part of Land Search and

But NZDA BOP president Clyde Rogers says the club is about much more than hunting game.

“I’ve been a part of four deerstalkers clubs and this is the most familyorientated one by far,” says Clyde.

The BOP Deerstalkers clubhouse today.

“The club often works with other community groups on projects and the end results from these collaborations is something we’re really proud of.

“The hunting is one of many reasons why we go bush.”

Looking back

It was 1950 when 28 keen hunters met The freshly built BOP Deerstalkers clubhouse in 2000. at Haymans Hall, Tauranga, to discuss the formation of a Bay of Plenty branch of NZ Rescue Tauranga, putting their extensive knowledge Deerstalkers – and the club was established a of the bushland to good use. “This club has strong month later. morals and safety has always been one of them.

Since, countless competitions, hunting weekends, “There are good hunters and bad hunters, just party hunts and other events have taken place. like there are good and bad drivers. People who join Today the club is still going strong with more than our club start off on the right foot by surrounding 500 members, attracting both rural and urban themselves with experienced hunters,” says Clyde. dwellers alike. Membership peaked last year at more than 560 people.

A few families have several generations of club Conservation members, says Clyde. “While we’d like to have more Looking after the land is another moral the club junior members, many experience the club through holds dear. “Nature requires balance – going in there Scouts with organised shoots at our range.” and killing everything doesn’t work. Being out in the bush teaches you that.”

The Aongatete Forest Project went to NZDA BOP when they needed help protecting their king fern from being eaten by deer. “The area is close to Aongatete Lodge and tracks, so it was unsafe for us to hunt the deer.

“So instead, we built a fence around 1ha of land to allow the king fern to grow and three years later it’s thriving.”

NZDA BOP’s Tauriko base sits on about 1ha of land. It was previously part of a dairy farm owned by club life member John Jefferson, who sold it to the club in the late-1980s. John was club president from 1983-1986. ...continued

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Page 41

and community work

continued...

Above: Life member Stan Lowe was the driving force behind the Te Whare Okioki Hut, built by BOP NZDA.

Keith Theobald has been with the club for 30 years. He was president from 1993-1998, and is a life member.

Building the clubhouse, which opened in August 2000, is his highlight.

“We’re lucky that many people in the club were tradesmen,” says Keith, who was a builder and the clubhouse project manager.“Our last clubhouse was a small cottage, so we moved it further up the property and extended it.”

The building is still under Keith’s wing today – he’s the building custodian.

He’s seen the clubhouse walls fill up wit hunting achievements during the past 20 years.

Six out of New Zealand’s seven deer species are displayed, as well as a few pigs and a moose.

In recent years the club sold part of their land, used as a shooting range, to the neighbour for development. Now they have a new shooting range in TECT Park, where club members run public open days on the last Sunday of every month.

History repeats

MacKenzie Dyer

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NZDA BOP’s oldest display: a Red Stag shot in Katikati between 1938 and 1939.

Twenty years on, the club is showing that volunteer builds are still their strong suit. They maintain three huts including Te Whare Okioki Hut in the Kaimai Range. Club members built the 12-bunk hut from scratch last year, in association with the Kaimai Ridgeway Trust and tramping groups.

The build site could only be accessed by a threehour long tramp or helicopter.

“Logistically, it was a real challenge for the group,” says Clyde.

“The majority of the supplies couldn’t be carried in, so we spent a lot of money on air time.

“About eight people worked on the hut at one time. A few times they’d arrive by helicopter, but the conditions meant they couldn’t be picked up again, so they had to walk out to get home.”

Life member Stan Lowe was the driving force behind the build. “We’ve achieved a lot during our 70 years thanks to the efforts of our members, particularly our life members, who have put so much into our club.

“We’re very grateful for the grants we have received over the years from generous organisations like TECT that allow us to do what we do.”

The clubrooms were built entirely by volunteers.

Page 42

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

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Feb 12 Behind the Scenes Tour, 9.30am, Hamilton Gardens, $30. Book at: tinyurl.com/yyy3lfn4

Feb 13 Pests, 9.30am-2.30pm, Whakamarama (near Tauranga). See: tinyurl. com/y6vm379z

Seed Saving Workshop, 1-4pm, Papamoa Hills, near Tauranga, $40. See: tinyurl.com/yykza2l8 Highland Games & Tattoo, 9am-9pm, The Domain, Paeroa, $15 earlybird / $25 at gate. See: paeroahighlandgames. co.nz

Feb 13-14 National Dahlia Show, noon-4pm (Sat) & 9.30am-3.30pm (Sun), Hamilton Gardens, Gate 2. Ph Jennifer: 07 863 7563.

Feb 16 Orchid & Plant Auction, 7pm, Wesley Church Hall, 13th Ave, Tauranga.

All welcome, cash only.

Ph: 07 577 6676.

Feb 18 BOP Young Grower of the Year Competition, Te Puke A&P Show. See: www. bopyoungfruitgrower. co.nz

Feb 27 Rotorua Dahlia Show, 10am-3.30pm, Ngongotaha Hall, Rotorua.

Companion, Bird & Insect Planting, 9.30am-2.30pm, Whakamarama (near Tauranga). See: tinyurl. com/y6vm379z Free Home Composting Workshops, 1.30pm, Taupo and Turangi. See tinyurl.com/yygxfnju

Reserve, Katikati. See: tinyurl.com/y5a7xxvf March 6 Crop Swap, 10am-11am, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati.

Veges, fruit, seeds, baking, books, eggs, etc all welcome. Ph: 07 549 4522.

Feb 28

March 6-7

Rootbound, our relationship with trees, Waikato Museum, Hamilton, free.

March 13

March 6 Festival of Cultures, 10am-1pm, Haiku

Plant Sales, Hamilton Gardens.

Summer Fruit Tree Pruning, 9.30am-2.30pm, Whakamarama (near Tauranga). See: tinyurl. com/y6vm379z

Celebrate all things farm and country The Morrinsville A&P show brings rural life to town for everyone to enjoy.

On March 6, every aspect of country living will be on show at the Morrinsville Recreation Grounds.

Farmers and townies alike will be able to enjoy sheep shearing demonstrations, the popular sheep dog trials and see the finest alpacas, goats, dairy and beef cattle.

Congratulations Congratulations to Talia Montgomerie from Thames who won Coast & Country’s December woolly nightshade competition prize pack. Thank you to everyone who entered. For more information about how to control woolly nightshade, visit: boprc.govt.nz/environment/ pests/pest-plants/wipe-out-woolly-nightshade

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Alpacas are just one of the many animals and attractions that will be on display at the Morrinsville A&P show.

The calf club competition is bucks to be there.” returning after three years and The trade section will showcase the bouncy castles, a rock climbing latest farm machinery, equipment wall and petting zoo will keep the and tractors. kids entertained.

The Morrinsville show is the largest Live music, including the Wai Taiko one-day A&P event in the Waikato drummers, highland dancing and and Bay of Plenty. a strong man competition will run Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for throughout the day.

12 to 16-year-olds, free for children Morrinsville A&P society president under 12 and a family pass is $20.

Bruce McRobbie says the show Gates open at 8am with free onsite covers all aspects of what the A&P parking available. movement stands for and is a great Every person through the gate has family day out. a chance to win a prize up to the “Families can come to show and value of $500 donated by it’s not going to cost them mega New World Morrinsville.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS Right: Kensley, aged 7 months, has a first encounter with a lamb in Te Awamutu.

Above: One year old Ted Michie on a farm in Gisborne, with one of the first lambs of the season.

This is 15 month old Oscar Symes checking fruit quality on his parents avocado orchard at Pongakawa, Te Puke.

Right: Hunter Mead with his winning calf ‘Tomac’ at upper Atiamuri school Ag Day.

Below: Jess’ chocolate lab ‘George’ chilling out in the back of the ute after a big day helping mum move and feed four mobs of calves in Reporoa.