Coast & Country News - March 2021

Meet Antony and Matt Snodgrass – two brothers who have turned their passion for the outdoors into a native tree planting venture.

They have put their farming background and tree knowledge to use by re-vegetating harvested pine forests and working with farmers to fulfil their riparian obligations. Read more about how they do it on page 6-7. Photo: Chase ten Hove.

Effluent & Irrigation PG 9-11

Education/Boarding PG 16-17

Coping with Drought PG 23

Pasture Renovation PG 24-25

Farm Vehicles & Machinery PG 28-29

Fertiliser PG 31-33

Kiwifruit PG 39-41

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Tractors on tour and saving planet earth Summer is done and dusted, meaning a tractor will soon be heading to Mount Maunganui to return a Surf Lifesaving tower to the main beach.

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Yep, that’s a thing.

Every year a tractor tows the tower, which sits on an eighttonne concrete slab, to swimming spots further down the beach to cater for the influx of summer beachgoers, before it’s returned in March.

Seeing a 300hp, 14.5 tonne John Deere cruising along the beach makes for quite a sight.

So did the two carcarrier trucks transporting more than 20 hort tractors from Hamilton to Te Puke, which is something that the truck drivers, and long-time tractor dealers, had never seen before. See the photos and read the story on page 26-27.

March also means the arrival of the kiwifruit picking season. A surprise has come along with it this year: an out-of-court settlement on Psa, which has resulted in a $40 million payout to growers – read more on page 3.

A wave of environment news came in last month, starting with a Dairy NZ study finding that New Zealand dairy farmers are the most carbon efficient dairy producers in the world. We talk to the lead researcher on this project about the study’s findings on page 8.

The release of the Climate Change Commission report followed – read the farming industry’s reactions to its recommendations on page 4-5.

On page 38 we delve into the story of Mary Sutherland – the first woman to be qualified in forestry who started in the industry not 50, but 100 years ago.

We talk to Vivien Edwards, a Bay of Plenty author who has written a book about Mary’s life and career, which takes place in both the United Kingdom and New Zealand.

“Not that many women work in forestry today,” says Vivien.

“I thought: ‘how on earth did a woman get a job with the state forest service in 1923 and stay there until 1933?’ It started from there.”

MacKenzie Dyer

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 3

The Crown and kiwifruit sector plaintiffs have reached an out-of-court settlement to bring the lengthy Psa saga to an end.

The plaintiffs, Strathboss Kiwifruit Limited, representing a group of kiwifruit growers and post-harvest operators including Seeka, have agreed to accept a Crown offer of $40 million. This includes a significant contribution from the Crown’s insurers of $15 million.

Ministry for Primary Industries director general Ray Smith says all parties agree that it is time to move on and bring to a close the legal challenges that have been running since 2014, when the claimants filed against the Crown for what they alleged was actionable negligence in allowing Psa into the country.

“This payment to settle is a sensible one on a per-head basis given the number of claimants in the class action, and their legal and litigation funder costs,” says Ray. “But the settlement acknowledges the grievance felt by the kiwifruit sector plaintiffs.”

Mixed feelings

“We have mixed emotions about the settlement,” says Seeka CEO Michael Franks.

“We are happy that it’s behind us and we’re also comforted because generally MPI has developed a new approach to biosecurity over the 10 years and the previous cavalier attitude they had to it has gone.”

Michael says the $40 million settlement is an acknowledgement by MPI that their actions or inactions caused a lot of pain and suffering to New Zealanders and kiwifruit growers.

“But $40 million compared to what was lost is a very small settlement, if you take into account that the Crown paid more than $800 million to the dairy industry for Mycoplasma bovis.

“Mycoplasma bovis wasn’t a breach by MPI, whereas it was the actions and inactions MPI made around Psa that was a breach.

“But at the end of the day, the claims committee decided that they should settle it and we support them and thank them for their significant efforts made on our behalf.”

Moving forward

Ray says settling confirms the earlier judgement of the Court of Appeal.

“In its decision of April 2020, the Court of Appeal found it would not be fair, just or reasonable to make the Crown legally responsible for losses of this kind and that therefore, no legal duty of care was owed by the relevant MAF staff to the plaintiffs. The staff were protected by a statutory immunity, as was the Crown.”

The claimants had appealed this ruling in the

Healthy kiwifruit, 10 years on from Psa. Photo: Shaun Mathis.

Seeka CEO Michael Franks.

Supreme Court with a hearing set down for five days, beginning on Monday, February 15, 2020.

Ray says the settlement gives immediate financial certainty for the Crown and avoids a complex Supreme Court hearing and the wait for the court’s decision.

“It is good that all parties can now move on from this event, which goes back 11 years.

“Since that time, much work has been done to enhance and improve the way we manage preborder risk, import processes at the border and incursions that inevitably occur.

“New Zealanders can have confidence in our current biosecurity system.”

Rosalie Liddle Crawford

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 4

Farming industry The primary industries are in for some significant changes if the government adopts the Climate Change Commission’s draft report, which provides recommendations on how the Government can achieve its carbon emissions targets.

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• • • • • •

These targets include reaching net zero emissions of long-lived gases and reducing biogenic methane emissions by 24 to 47 per cent by 2050.

The report makes recommendations regarding several industries, including construction, transport waste, forestry, and of course, agriculture.

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and hui with different sectors, groups and organisations, including Beef + Lamb NZ and the Dairy Companies Association.

This report is the first of several. Public submissions are open until March 14, and can be made at: www.haveyoursay.climatecommission.govt.nz

Advice overview

“There are changes farmers can make now to reduce emissions on their farms while maintaining, or even improving, productivity,” says the report.

“This includes reducing animal numbers and better animal, pasture and feed management. Policy support is needed to make this happen.”

The report recommends that dairy, sheep and beef animal numbers reduce by about 15 per cent from 2018 levels by 2030. The projected reduction under current policies is eight to 10 per cent.

Transforming dairy farmland into horticulture at a rate of 2000ha per year from 2025 is also recommended. With these changes, the report says the 2030 biogenic methane target could be met without relying on new technologies.

But, it says long-term, targeted research and development of emissions-reducing technology is also part of the solution.

The report takes a split-gas approach, developing separate emission trajectories for carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxide.

Focus on forestry

The report says forestry has a part to play in reducing emissions, “but we can’t plant our way out of climate change”.

It suggests planting 25,000ha of native trees every year from 2030; which is 13,000ha more than MPI’s planned plantings in 2021. ...continued

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Page 5

responds to climate report Sam says the report’s split-gas approach is also a positive, as it recognises that long-lived and shortlived greenhouse gases should be treated differently.

Pros and concerns

But, he says “we’re concerned about the focus on emissions targets rather than warming impact”.

“The Commission’s advice around a further 15 per cent reduction in livestock numbers within the next nine

years is highly concerning, given the efficiencies already achieved.

“We’re doing more work to understand how the Commission arrived at this, and we will be submitting alternative approaches to meet our commitments.

“The recognition of sequestration or offsetting within your farm business will be a key platform for this advocacy.”

To read the report, visit the Climate Commission website.

MacKenzie Dyer

The Climate Change Commission.

continued...

Exotic afforestation – and the percentage of permanent exotic forests – will continue as projected under current policies.

The report assumes that no more deforestation will take place after 2025, and recognises forestry’s importance in the development of bioenergy (read more about biofuel and forestry: Coast & Country News, February 2021, p26).

“Our sector has been the leader in New Zealand with a 30 per cent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions since 1990 – and significant sequestration is occurring from natives and exotics on-farm – and we are certainly doing our bit.”

Sam commends the report for recognising largescale exotic forest planting isn’t a long-term solution.

Dairy NZ DairyNZ say the report is a welcomed acknowledgement that methane doesn’t need to reduce to net zero.

The Commission’s science-based approach is ambitious and challenging for the entire country and farming is no exception, says DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle.

“Climate policy is incredibly complex. Yes, science sits at its core – but there are also economic, social and political implications to be considered.

“We will be looking at what this advice could mean for dairy farmers and how the Government will partner to support our sector through this transition.

“New Zealand dairy farmers are already the world’s most emissions efficient (see page 8), so it’s a balance between farming sustainably, maintaining international competitiveness and running a viable business.”

Tim says DairyNZ will examine the report’s proposals and underlying assumptions closely before making a submission.

Beef + Lamb NZ

Beef + Lamb NZ chief executive Sam McIvor says there are some positives for beef and sheep farmers in the report.

“The advice is underpinned by the principle that everyone needs to do their part and we need to decarbonise the economy by reducing emissions,” says Sam.

Beef + Lamb chief executive Sam McIvor.

“This has long been B+LNZ’s position. Our sector and communities have been adversely affected by an increase in the conversion of sheep and beef farms into forestry for carbon farming in the last couple of years and it’s heartening to see these concerns reflected in the report.

“We also welcome the recognition that indigenous habitats have multiple environmental benefits, such as long-term stable sequestration and enhanced biodiversity.”

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Matt and Antony loaded up with seedlings and ready to plant using their special spades. Photo: Chase ten Hove.

For brothers Antony and Matt Snodgrass, the Covid-19 pandemic triggered a positive change in both their lives, as they followed a new path that combined two of their passions – the environment and the outdoors.

Growing up on the family’s 650ha sheep and beef farm in Port Waikato, which has an area of QEII covenanted bush, they describe their upbringing as “very focused on the outdoors and outdoor pursuits”.

Pre-COVID, Antony, 30, was working as an industrial designer, designing aluminium trailer boats.

Matt, 26, was in the middle of his OE in Canada when his job planting pine trees ended with the onset of COVID. He returned to New Zealand early in the piece and found work planting trees.

It was Matt who sold it to Antony that this was something that the two of them could do together. From his observations in both Canada and here, he could see that there was a niche for an efficient crew to come in and provide a gold standard in native planting – and so began their business, Koroneiki Developments.

Covering the Waikato and the Bay of Plenty, the scope of the work is wide.

From re-vegetating harvested pine forests, to working with farmers to fulfil their riparian obligations under Regional Council’s environment plans, planting shelter belts and native tree plantations for future generations.

“We aim to recreate what would have been there originally, as that is best suited for the land. It’s important to create an environment with a diverse food source where birds will come and drop seeds, and bees will pollinate the flowers,” says Antony.

weeds, so spot spraying a 40 centimetre diameter area for each seedling means the remaining grass will hold moisture and maintain the soil’s microclimate and worm life, rather than leaving expanses of dry soil open to erosion.

“Grass also offers some protection from weather and camouflages the seedling from introduced pests, such as rabbits and hares, which love native seedlings.

“However, on old forestry blocks, there are potentially lots of invasive weeds, and this may require more extensive spraying,” says Matt.

Once the seedlings are planted, post planting maintenance includes release spraying after six months and some release scrubbing (manual weeding).

This continues once or twice a year for up to two years, until the seedlings are hardy and established enough to thrive alone.

Tailoring the seed mix

“We tailor the species to the land and climate, and have seen many different ways of planting and know what works,” says Matt.

...continued

The process

Matt explains that re-vegetation done properly is a process that is carried out over multiple years.

“In neglected riparian margins, there is usually high rank grass rather than

Matt using their planting technique that is safe for the plant and the physical health of the planter.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 7

Two brothers find new direction with native planting continued...

“It’s all about building relationships with the farmers and the nurseries,” says Antony.

A lot of their riparian work is paid for through multiple government-funded programmes. Set backs are already documented and the fences are already in.

The brothers plant within the fenced area.

For areas with moving water, planting water tolerant plants on the water’s edge, such as harakeke (flax), will help stabilise the banks and provide flood protection. Wetland loving plants, such as grasses and sedges, are planted in standing water. Dry tolerant species are planted further away from the flood zone.

Regeneration of forest blocks is a long process, with native grasses and quick growing colonising plants taking over at first, binding and re-establishing the soil’s microclimate. Over many years, as the larger canopy trees such as totara and kahikatea grow, these smaller plants slow down and the rich, leaf litter forest floor is formed. Native birds and animals settle to complete this ecosystem.

what seedlings they require for a job.

“We punch in the species we want, the planting area, distance required between plants and the percentage of each species, and it calculates how many of each seedling we need.”

Matt and Antony Snodgrass at a family property.

Strong, healthy plants Photo: Catherine Fry. are paramount to the business, and the brothers have formed relationships with suppliers they have confidence in.

THE HIGH YIELDING PERSISTENT ITALIAN RYEGRASS “We use quality, gold standard planting techniques, which are good for both the physical health of the planter and the plant itself,” says Antony.

Bearing in mind that most planting by farmers is a necessity and doesn’t make them money, Koroneiki Working smarter and harder Modern technology plays an important role and the have perfected their efficient planting technique, and Very persistent, even under harsh management conditions charge by the plant rather than by the hour. planting area is calculated using an app. Matt shows Consistently high yields and cool season “We work from 6am until dark, during April to the spreadsheet that they have developed to work out performance September, and are set up well for Bounces back from hard grazings well those smaller jobs of 1000 to 5000 Safer to animals - won’t cause grass staggers or heat stress trees, although we can do any size Very late heading (+28 days) for carrying of job that is required.” pasture quality longer into spring Summer months are for the Very low aftermath heading (returns to maintenance work. vegetative state quickly after heading) Very palatable The brothers hope to grow their Ideal for use as a short term, high quality team, finding hardworking, likeAPPEAL IS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL FARM feed, or for over-sowing into damaged or MERCHANDISE OUTLETS AND SEED RETAILERS minded people who are passionate run-out pastures to extend their life about the environment, and want Your only 100% New Zealand owned FOR FURTHER INFORMATION grass and forage crop breeding to learn.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 8

NZ dairy best for carbon efficiency New Zealand dairy farming is leading the world in emissions efficiency by producing the lowest amount of greenhouse gas emissions per kg of product, according to a recently released study.

The results show that New Zealand’s carbon footprint is the lowest compared to 18 other countries. The research analysed 55 per cent of global milk production by including major milk producing countries.

Commissioned by DairyNZ, the study was independently produced by AgResearch and peerreviewed by an international specialist in Ireland.

The results

The carbon footprint of each country’s farming industry is calculated by dividing the total on-farm emissions by the amount of milk produced.

New Zealand is the most efficient producer at 0.74kg CO2 emissions per kg of fat and protein corrected milk.

Uruguay is the next lowest at 0.85, followed by Portugal at 0.86, Denmark at 0.9 and Sweden at 1.

Peru produces the most emissions among the countries studied at 3.29 kg CO2e per kg FPCM.

From the researchers

AgResearch scientists Andre Mazzetto and Stewart Ledgard led the literature review study, which took six months.

Dr Mazzetto says the researchers have converted multiple studies about on-farm greenhouse gases emissions from the focus countries, so they’re all in-line with International Organisation for Standardisation. This means the results can be directly compared.

“Every time there is a new paper published, a comparison table is always produced – but direct comparisons are complicated because the authors use different approaches.

“The difference with this study is that we have extracted the information and have performed

The results, showing each country’s carbon footprint of milk production. recalculations to make them all as directly comparable as possible, because some countries still use different factors that couldn’t be accessed by the review. I’m not aware of a study on this topic that has done this before.”

Farmer feedback

Waikato dairy farmer and climate change ambassador George Moss says pasture-based farming and genetic improvement are important components in New Zealand’s positive result.

“Grass-based farms and sophisticated animal breeding are key components to our low carbon footprint but there is more we need to do as we play our part in addressing climate change,” says George.

“We must continue to adapt and adopt new technology and knowledge. Our global competitors are never far behind.”

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EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION

Page 9

Finding a better way to do water While out on a job fixing another water leak, Jim Oliver wondered if there was an easier and more efficient way to stop these leaks happening frequently.

He got in contact with some new technology, ElectroFusion Welding fittings; a plastic coupling that when the welder is attached it fuses the pipe and coupling permanently together.

Since then, business has become busy installing irrigation systems for kiwifruit, avocado and fruit orchards.

“Stock water is a large part of our business installing troughs, pipe, fittings, dosing systems, tanks and pumps,” says Jim. “Also installing Effluent, hydrants, pipe, stirrers and pumps.”

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No job is too big or small with the Ditch Witch Trencher that can handle any job.

“We can also service and supply pumps for any of your water needs, and have great suppliers of all pipe and parts.”

Being based in the Matamata area means Jim is central to a lot of places making travelling to any job no problem.

“Our latest product is installing sprinkler systems from SSS Irrigation based in the South Island, which are a sprinkler that covers a 66m diameter and sit on posts in the paddock and are controlled from your mobile device with wifi or 3G/4G coverage.”

Visit the Jim Oliver Farm Services Facebook page for updates of projects or new jobs, and get in touch now for a no-obligation quote on any job you may be thinking about.

Spotlight on Fonterra’s cut and carry farms Fonterra’s cut and carry farms are in the spotlight after a report revealed they contaminate nearby private boars with nitrogen above safe levels.

colorectal cancer and blue baby syndrome: a fatal condition for babies up to 12 months old that occurs when too much nitrate is consumed during pregnancy, or within the first year of a child’s life.

A Hautapu mum drinks bore water when her tank supply empties – and did so while pregnant with her The RNZ report focussed on Buxton Farm near son, who is now a healthy one-year-old.

Cambridge, where wastewater from Fonterra’s She wasn’t made aware that her bore water was at Hautapu processing factory – which contains risk of nitrogen contamination nitrogen from cleaning from being close to products and small Buxton Farm. amounts of milk “Finding out through the residue – is irrigated. news rather than from Fonterra Nitrogen in water isn’t on – especially since can’t be detected by they’re a company you expect taste, or boiled out. to do all of the right things.”

Fonterra say that Midwives in Canterbury, near when their ongoing Fonterra’s Clandeboye plant, monitoring detects warn expecting mums about nitrogen levels nearing the risk of blue baby syndrome. the unsafe limit, This wasn’t something the they contact nearby Hautapu Mum was residents and offer to warned about. install filters to their “We were just told to boil the water supplies. tank water our son drinks.

Dangers of drinking “At least now people are aware water with high A Fonterra Factory. of the risk.” nitrogen levels include

Page 10

EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION

Equipment that doesn’t let you down BOP manufacturer Numedic, proud sponsor of the New Zealand Dairy Awards Central Plateau, believe it is a privilege to see so many of Numedic’s customers entering the competition.

“Let’s face it – managing dairy effluent is not exactly the most attractive task on a farm,” says one of Numedic’s directors Marina Millar.

“But having customers say things like our products are ‘the best thing since sliced bread’ or that we have ‘the best

hydrants on the market’ is testimony to our products exceeding expectations in reliability, effectiveness, simplicity of use and lifelong value.

“The key is to ensure you are maximising your return on every dollar spent on-farm.

“Profitability, reliability and sustainability are important aspects to any business.

“It is no different when investing in your effluent system – apart from the need to deal with farm waste correctly and comply with an ever changing environment, you are looking at maximising your return, by reducing operating and maintenance, compliance and fertiliser costs, among other things.”

Numedic will help with a detailed assessment of requirements, usually recommending a number of alternative solutions that will work for your farm, with the maximum return on investment in mind and of course working within the available budget.

“I have yet to meet a farmer without an equipment wish list!”

Numedic director Marina Millar says while dairy effluent management isn’t the most attractive job on farm, it can be made easy with Numedic.

Contact Numedic Ltd by phone on: 0800 686 334, email: info@numedic.co.nz or visit their website: www.numedic.co.nz

Irrigation research wins innovation award Research organisation, Aqualinc, have won the Irrigation New Zealand Innovation in Irrigation Award for 2020.

The award recognises Aqualinc’s research on N-Wise irrigation strategies, completed for the Fertiliser Association of New Zealand. The work shows that by changing irrigation management practices, an average of 27 per cent reduction in modelled nitrogen loss to water is achievable with minimal impact to average annual pasture production.

The award-winning research team includes project lead Dr John Bright, Ian McIndoe and Birendra KC. To mark the win, award sponsor Ballance Agri-Nutrients presented the Aqualinc team with a plaque

The Aqualinc team: Ian McIndoe, John Bright and Birendra KC. Photo: The Fertiliser Association.

and trophy at the Irrigation NZ AGM in February.

Aqualinc researchers are now establishing a field trial site for further work to test N-Wise irrigation strategies, taking place on a commercial dairy farm under realistic conditions of water-

supply uncertainty.

This work is funded by Ministry for Primary Industries Sustainable Land Management and Climate Change programme, and is supported

by DairyNZ, Waterforce, and Central Plains Water.

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EFFLUENT & IRRIGATION

Page 11

Logical, simple and efficient system an inexpensive consent preparation, providing a system that will remain compliant into the future.

As Regional Council requirements are compliance driven, finding a consultant that can design a

compliant system that meets the needs of your property will be a challenge.

Clean Green can meet those needs with independent designers and compliance applications.

A Clean Green Effluent system.

The award-winning Clean Green Effluent system has been successfully installed throughout New Zealand for more than 15 years.

The business say the system can be adapted to any form of effluent disposal, primarily designed for dairy application in high rain fall areas.

Clean Green Effluent have adapted the system to be used in transport yards as stock truck wash, any form of animal effluent disposal management, on any soil type.

Eliminating leaching

The system starts with a patented weeping wall to remove solids and nutrients from the effluent.

This filtered liquid is now suitable for cleaning

external yarding. Automated green washing of external yarding can reduce fresh water usage by 60 per cent.

The automated distribution system allows a low depth, low rate application to land that eliminates nitrate leaching and ponding.

Remain compliant

This low rate application allows effluent to be applied safely to land throughout the entire year and therefore reduces storage requirements to a minimum – no mega ponds are required.

Education and preparing effluent consents are now a major part of the service provided by Clean Green Effluent, along with problem solving designs.

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Page 12

COUNTRY LIVING

ric Turme C P with O

Tackling inflammation

Too much Omega 6 and too little Omega 3 push our bodies towards inflammation.

Abundant Health

There is, however, another group of food compounds that have a huge impact on inflammation.

One of the main reasons to target plant foods is that they are loaded with antioxidant compounds. These are called phytonutrients (phyto = plant) that promote healing and are very anti-inflammatory.

They help protect plants against free radical damage and disease.

When we eat the plants, they help prevent disease and reduce inflammation. Antioxidants are a vast range of compounds found in food, or made in our

body that control free radicals and prevent cell damage.

These include many vitamins, some minerals and but are mostly phytonutrients.

Great diet sources are dark berries, deep coloured fruits and vegetables, green tea, blackcurrant and pomegranate juice.

Make sure you add plenty of spices such as turmeric, ginger and chilli as these are anti-inflammatory.

In supplements, the great sources are extracts from grape seeds, blackcurrants, green tea, resveratrol and curcumin from turmeric.

Well-formulated supplements can

make a real difference in helping shift the body towards and antiinflammatory position.

As part of a nutritional support programme I include maintenance supplements such as Omega 3, Vitamin D (in cooler months) and a good multimineral/vitamin/ antioxidant complex.

Depending on the type of inflammation we could add joint specific compounds.

For general inflammation I like to add quality grape seed extract at about 200mg and curcumin at 1000mg. When combined with a good diet supplements can help shift the body away from unwanted inflammation.

Just doing these simple things can make our lives much more comfortable.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For personalized advice, contact John on: 0800 423 559 or email: john@ abundant.co.nz Join his full weekly newsletter at: www.abundant.co.nz

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 13

An off-road view of New Zealand as this trip takes in the Beech Forest Tracks and mining history of the Tasman, Buller and Grey districts as it winds from Hanmer Springs to Greymouth.

The Eastern Explorer, a five day tour, starts in Geraldine and travels over Four Peaks Station at the start of the first day before heading over the Hunter Hills and down to Otematata for the first overnight.

The following nights will be in Ranfurly, Mosgiel, Lawrence and finishing in Alexandra.

Big Sky is a six day tour, and the most challenging.

A visit to Macetown is always a real highlight on this trip. Overnights are in Omarama, Cromwell, Cardrona and three nights in Alexandra.

Five-day tour 46 South remains extremely popular with no vacancies for

On the road with NZ Adventures.

NZ Adventures owner operators Robbie and Connie Crickett have a good line up of trips for 2022.

Demand is high on all trips with the High Country Heritage six and seven day tours, which travel down the spine of the Island from Blenheim to Cardrona, filling quickly.

The six day tour will be run in March and April and the seven day tour will be run from January 28 to February 3, 2022.

The ever popular West Coast Explorer tour takes five days, and will be held in April and November 2022.

This trip is completely different from the other NZ Adventures Tours

Australian bushfire photo wins people’s choice is about telling a story to make a A blazing line of fire burning through Queensland woodland is difference for the environment and our planet,” says Robert. the winning image of the Wildlife Photographer of the Year People’s “I feel it is particularly special for this image Choice Award. to be awarded, The drone not only as photo shows a profound a snippet of last year’s personal Australian honour but also as a bushfires, reminder of as it burns our effect on through land near the Steve the natural Irwin Wildlife Bushfire by Robert Irwin, Australia. world and our Reserve in Winner 2020, Wildlife Photographer responsibility to Cape York. The of the Year People’s Choice Award. care for it.”

Wildlife photographer, Robert Irwin, is the late Steve Photographer of the Year is Irwin’s son. developed and produced by the “For me, nature photography Natural History Museum, London.

2022. This tour follows an imaginary line across the far South from the Catlins to Fiordland before turning north to end in Cromwell.

Roll on Waitaki is a five-day tour in early May 2022. This tour is very farm focused with visits to a range of farm properties from High Country Merino Stations to intensive dairy and a number of semi intensive sheep properties in between.

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 14

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Dr Ganesh has been appointed by the government (Grant Robertson) to chair the Productivity Commission.

Dr Ganesh is no spring chicken but comes with a lot of experience. He was inspired by Professor Bryan Philpott at Victoria University as was I at Lincoln College. Bryan was a founder of Business and Economic Research Ltd and a very wise man.

He was always on about producing something to sell and that is just what agriculture does. We have land and people and produce we do. In fact, it comes as no surprise that agriculture is holding this country up as our product is in strong demand around the world.

A great friend of mine travelled through Sri Lanka and observed that the wealthy there were the farmers.

They produced something!

all the time, yet houses are listed on your Assets and Liability schedule as a liability. Why? Because they tie up a lot of capital and produce nothing, but because we have a billion a week flowing into the economy as the government prints more money, a lot of it has found its way into the housing market. People are therefore ‘farming’ the tax-free housing gain.

Jacinda tells us she will not let house prices drop so more money goes in as a result. Is it starving the productivity section of much needed capital?

Do we need that capital to go into the productive section? You bet we do!

New Zealand is lagging in productivity output on a world scale. Our output is dismal. Our economy is dominated by tax free gains in housing. So, how might we increase productivity? I am sure that is the question Dr Ganesh is asking himself and that is what the government is looking for from him.

Ideas to ponder

More government involvement and encouragement to ‘produce something to sell’.

House and farm Broaden our understanding of the economy.

The farmers here should be wealthy too. I know it Stop the ‘race to the bottom’ by charging less for is a generalisation, but we need to produce or make products to get a sale. Add value in New Zealand something to sell to the world. before the product leaves our shores, e.g: timber.

Halt the crazy over-investment in housing to get The housing market seems to dominate the news tax free gains.

Get the government to give some better tax breaks on R&D. Have a 100-year view – ours is just three years to the next election.

So, there are some ideas to ponder. They may not all be right, but it does make you think.

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Disclaimer – these are the opinions of Don Fraser of Fraser Farm Finance.

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COUNTRY LIVING

Page 15

Preparing for the future The Beef + Lamb New Zealand Mid Northern North Island Farmer Council has a vision to help farmers transform their farming businesses for the future.

The Council guides extension activities in their region which extends from Auckland to Taupo including the Bay of Plenty and Taumarunui.

“It was identified that an event with a range of topics would be a good way of reaching large numbers of farmers and providing options as to what information and expertise they could take home,” says Beef + Lamb New Zealand Mid Northern North Island extension manager Maria Shanks.

“The first event planned in 2020 was hit by the COVID-19 lockdown but the Council are keen to forge ahead in 2021.”

The event on April 8 at the Don Rowlands Centre near Cambridge starts with keynote speaker

Wayne Langford, also known as the YOLO Farmer and co-founder of charity, Meat the Need.

“Wayne’s positive outlook is contagious and the Council is looking forward to hearing his insights as to why it’s a great time to be farming,” says Maria.

The following three sessions are ‘pick and mix’ allowing farmers to select the topic most relevant to them for each session. The day will finish with a panel discussion facilitated by Lindy Nelson (farmer and founder of AWDT and Amplifying Us). The panel includes Julie McDade (Greenlea), Jack Keeys (KPMG), Dan Brier (Beef + Lamb NZ) and Wayne Langford.

“This will be an opportunity for farmers to hear their views and ask questions about the future of the industry and where they see the challenges and opportunities,” says Maria.

Tickets are on sale now and anyone requiring further information can contact Maria on: 027 556 8836 or: maria.shanks@ beeflambnz.com

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Keynote speaker Wayne Langford.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand Mid Northern North Island

Transforming our farm businesses for the future.

Conference

Sir Don Rowlands Centre, Maungatautari Road, Cambridge Thursday, 8 April 2021 | 10:00am - 6:00pm The MNNI Farm Smart conference will look at the challenges facing farming businesses and how we can transform our businesses to a changing environment.

This is the chance for you to pick three topics of most relevance to your farming business.

The day will commence with Keynote Speaker Wayne Langford also known as the ‘YOLO Farmer’ and co-founder of Meat the Need, followed by a selection of ‘pick and mix’ sessions covering topics including technology, marketing, business management and environment.

We will finish off the day with canapes and a complimentary drink, followed by a cash bar giving you a chance to network with other farmers and rural professionals.

The closing session for all participants will be a panel discussion with four leading rural professionals and facilitated by Lindy Nelson looking at what the future may hold for our industry.

Tickets cost $65.00 and are on sale now!

0800 BEEFLAMB (0800 233 352) BY FARMERS. FOR FARMERS

For more details and to buy tickets go to our events page www.beeflambnz.com/events

Page 16

EDUCATION/BOARDING SCHOOLS

Funding student talent Seven promising tertiary students working towards careers in the primary industries have been awarded scholarships to support their studies.

Scholarship programme. Each year, scholarship applications are open to all New Zealanders, of any age.

Stoked recipients

Those awarded scholarships receive $4000 per year their scholarship is active.

Sarah Wilson from Te Puke received a three year Ballance scholarship, which will total $12,000.

“I’m beyond excited to look into the agricultural industry and figure out how New Zealand’s premium products get from the farm right through to the consumer,” says Sarah, who is studying a Bachelor of Agribusiness at Massey University in Palmerston North.

“I’m particularly looking forward to the marketing papers.”

Joe Ward from the Hawkes Bay received a one year scholarship, which will assist him in obtaining his Bachelor of Commerce at the University of Canterbury, with a double major in finance and strategy, marketing and entrepreneurship.

“I am looking forward to getting out in the agricultural industry and seeing where my career takes me.”

Funded by Ballance Agri-Nutrients, the scholarships will provide a financial boost to students looking to work in agriculture, agribusiness or horticulture.

The Government’s goal of increasing New Zealand’s export returns by 2025 means more skilled people will need to enter the primary sector quickly, says Ballance Agri-Nutrients science strategy manager Warwick Catto.

Funding development

“One in seven people work in New Zealand’s primary industries. Into the future, much of the growth in employment opportunities will come in the form of highly skilled jobs,” says Warwick.

“By 2025, it’s anticipated 62 per cent of primary industry employees will have formal, post-school qualifications, up from 44 per cent in 2012.

“These scholarships are a way to make a small but meaningful contribution to future success of agricultural and horticulture in New Zealand, and the communities and businesses that rely on them – Ballance included.

Epsom Girls Grammar School

EPSOM HOUSEBoarding EPSOM HOUSE BoardingPositions Positions2021/2022 2021/2022

Ballance scholarship recipient Joe Ward.

“The calibre of our scholarship recipients for 2021 was extremely high, both academically and in terms of wider community and cultural contributions. They cover a crosssection of the primary sector, from agribusiness to vet work, science and marketing” Since its inception in 2003, more than 80 students have benefited from the Ballance Agri-Nutrients

Waikato Diocesan School for Girls

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•• We We encourage encourage self-esteem self-esteem and and confidence confidencewith withstrong stronglinks linksbetween betweenhome and school. home and school.

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10.00am – Principal’s welcome in the All Saints Chapel followed by tours of boarding and the day school.

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with caring and supportive staff in a safe living environment.

For further information please contact: Epsom further information-please contact: HouseFor Boarding Administrator Chris Barnes Phone Epsom House Boarding Administrator Chris Barnes (09) 970 6808 Email: cbarnes@eggs.school.nz Phone (09) 970 6808 Email: cbarnes@eggs.school.nz Limited places available for 2021

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EDUCATION/BOARDING SCHOOLS

Student gains highest mark in the world

Page 17

SONNINGHILL HOSTEL

OPEN DAY Wednesday, March 17th Starting 9.30am

Prospective boarders and Parents/Caregivers are invited to meet at Ngaa Puawaitanga, Hamilton Girls’ High School, Gate 4, to meet the Principal and have a tour of the school, followed by refreshments and a tour of Sonninghill Hostel.

Top ranking student Joanna Li and her teacher Jane Spenceley.

Joanna Li has been ranked top student in the world by achieving a mark of 99 per cent in her International General Certificate of Secondary Education Chemistry examination.

This achievement is a first for a student at St Paul’s Collegiate School.

IGCSE is a two-year programme leading to externally set and marked examinations from the University of Cambridge. Any student who takes an IGCSE subject gains a qualification that is recognised globally.

St Paul’s offer students the opportunity to complete dual qualifications – NCEA and Cambridge International Examinations – depending on students’ academic ability and their career prerequisites.

“The significance of achieving the highest subject honour in an examination sat around the world cannot

be overstated. Joanna’s achievement is testament to her superior knowledge and diligence, and to the outstanding skill and dedication of her teacher, Ms Jane Spenceley,” says St Paul’s teacher in charge of Cambridge examinations, Jason McGrath.

In addition to her chemistry result, Joanna gained an impressive 97.5 per cent average across all of her Cambridge exams.

Other St Paul’s students who chose the Cambridge programme in 2020 achieved an impressive 97 per cent overall pass rate. A record 28 per cent of the grades were higher than 90 per cent, and 51 per cent of all grades were higher than 80 per cent.

“After a difficult year of a COVID-19 lockdown and online learning, it’s pleasing to see students achieving at such a high level.”

During lockdown, St Paul’s kept the same structure as a normal school day by teaching six online lessons each day via Google Meet.

Sonninghill Hostel is a modern boarding hostel, which provides a safe, supportive environment for girls attending Hamilton Girls’ High School.The hostel is located in Marama Street, a short walk to Hamilton Girls’ High School.

Vision: Hamilton Girls’ High School aspires to empower young women to dare to excel as innovative individuals who are globally connected.

Our Intent: To empower young women to aspire to excellence, make a difference and respond to the diverse needs of individuals.

Values: Excellence, Resilience, Identity, Courage, Creativity, Curiosity

For more information, please contact: Director of Boarding Sonninghill Hostel PO Box 512 Waikato Mail Centre Hamilton 3240

Telephone: (07) 839 0074 Email: director@sonninghill.school.nz

Hamilton Girls’ High School Ward Street, PO BOX 1267, Hamilton 3204 Phone: 07 839 1304 Fax: 07 834 1394 www.hghs.school.nz administration@hghs.school.nz

BOARDING AT...

”WHEN WE FIRST ARRIVED, THE YEAR 13s OFFERED TO TAKE OUR BAGS IN.

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DAIRY

Page 18

Carbon positive farming? Absolutely!

The last article was written prior to the release of the Climate Change Commission’s draft plan for slashing New Zealand’s emissions.

The Government is calling for a 15 per cent reduction in animal numbers, less reliance on brought-in feed and a marked reduction in methane and nitrous oxide emissions.

Interestingly, Federated Farmers’ response has been along the lines of: they’re tough standards but knew they were coming, and probably doable provided the solutions are science-led.

The solutions in our view will not be science-led because agreement amongst scientists doesn’t – and will never – exist.

Carbon dioxide in-demand

Emotion drives decision making and when, after considering how a proposal will affect us personally, we take a position and then look for the data, or ‘science’, that supports it.

The Government will roll out data that shows the pastoral industry must mend its ways and farm within regulations determined by bureaucrats far removed from practical day to day farming reality.

It should never have got to this point when it is pastoral farming that can significantly reduce atmospheric CO2 levels, and with a marked reduction of this gas there will be a corresponding drop in methane and nitrous oxide.

It is rapidly growing plants that are hungry for carbon dioxide as it is essential for the formation of both proteins and sugars.

When pastures are operating efficiently, the carbon content is held in the soil in the form of humus which provides increased storage for plant nutrients and moisture.

Carbon provides the filter reducing the loss of nitrogen as well as other nutrients. Because pasture is being regularly eaten and therefore in a constant growth phase, carbon dioxide is always in demand.

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Forestry is useful while trees are rapidly growing however when they reach maturity the gains are no more than the natural losses. The same applies to mature native bush which at maturity is carbon neutral.

It is permanent grazed pasture that provides the best long term means of New Zealand meeting its carbon targets, so why is pastoral farming not trumpeting

its virtues?

The answer is that not all pastoral farming is capturing carbon dioxide and storing the carbon component.

A focus shift

A 2011 article by Bay of Plenty Regional Council contains the following: “Most pastoral soils in New Zealand are generally considered to be rich in organic carbon… However, recent research has shown that in intensive lowland livestock systems (e.g. dairying), soils have lost organic carbon by an average of 1 tonne carbon/ha/yr over the last 20-30 years while in hilly land soils organic carbon levels have increased.’

The key difference between hill country farming and intensive dairying is the use of urea. Urea relies on soil carbon for the initial growth response and with continuous use soil carbon can be steadily lost.

We suggest that the science fraternity focus on this because there are systems that use no urea and grow more total pasture annually, produce more from fewer animals, and have a markedly lower overall environmental footprint.

Urea is reliant on the continued supply of large amounts of natural gas and there is already a determination to reduce its production.

For intensive dairy to change from a net loss of carbon to one that is carbon positive requires only a change of attitude by industry leaders.

The data required is already available and although the urea industry will take a hit, pastoral farming in this country can, by the end of this parliamentary term, be regarded as an essential provider of health food with an unchallenged long-term future.

For more information contact Peter on 0800 843 809.

DAIRY

Page 19

Autumn transition – why is it so easy? deficiencies impeding her ability to It’s a commonly held view that mobilise calcium at calving. calving cows in autumn is much The second main reason is that the grass is easier than the more common spring usually not nearly conducive to the typical mineral deficiencies that we see in spring. (it’s really winter) calving.

But why so? Or more importantly, is it actually easier or does it just seem that way because the sun is out, the days are longer and it’s not freezing cold?

It’s fair to say there has been no robust statistical analysis performed on this conundrum so I can’t categorically state autumn is easier than spring.

However, when I analyse the nutrition/ environmental factors involved, it’s true that autumn calving should be much easier for the cow.

There are two main reasons for this.

The first is because the cow is coming off the back of summer and should be at the peak of her natural annual vitamin D cycle.

This ensures that there are no

To elaborate, vitamin D status is variable during the year, with the peak being in late summer and the trough in late winter early spring (see the black line in the below graph).

This is important for cows that live outdoors. While the late winter level of vitamin D is not clinically deficient, it does mean that the cow has less resilience against other nutrient imbalances at calving time.

Cows that live in TMR barns have their levels of vitamin D kept at the red line on the graph.

That’s because nutritionists understand the key role that vitamin D plays in calcium, phosphorus and magnesium control.

So in autumn we have this vitamin D ‘tool’ working in our favour. Does that mean we don’t need to monitor what goes in our transition cow’s diet? No. However, it does mean she has a greater chance of dealing with dietary mistakes.

The second variable is linked to the first.

The amount of nutrient imbalance in grass is usually less in autumn than spring.

The primary nutrients of concern

carotenoids and alpha-tocopherols coming through the grass. These are important for immunity and reproduction.

Nitrates can be an issue in the grass, but in general these two negatives are less common than the positives, so are outweighed.

For a high producing herd, however, they should certainly be taken into account.

I think we can safely say from a nutritional perspective, on most farms in most years and under the same management, an autumn calving will generate considerably less milk fever than winter calving.

The question is, are you able to handle all the other challenges associated with autumn calving on your farm?

Sollus head nutritionist Dr Joe McGrath

Innovative Innovative Design Design Improves Improves Efficiency Efficiency

are nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, magnesium and sugar.

Generally, problem pastures or highly imbalanced pastures are due to poor soil nutrient profiles.

In this case, when I mean poor I don’t mean under fertilised, I mean over fertilised.

Ezi-flo pit gates completely Ezi-flo pit gates completely clear exit ways and cannot In many cases it’s because we’re pushing clear exit ways be touched byand cowscannot leaving be touched bythe cows leaving too hard for the next tonne of dry matter milking area. the milking area. growth without considering who the customer is (the cow!).

The fully galvanised gates are available in kitset for The fully galvanised gates Autumn grass tends to have more fibre, speedy are available in installation kitset for hence more calcium and less phosphorus, speedy installation sulphur and most importantly potassium.

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Page 20

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Page 21

Encouraging nose-to-tail dining see the subscription service as a continuation of this.”

The cost of processing small numbers of animals is high.

Tracey says the way forward is to go back to older methods of farmers selling straight to the consumer.

“The whole process needs to be brought back to the community, and encourage people to experiment with the many different cuts of meat available.”

Catherine Fry

Tracey Bayliss of Grandad’s Beef. Photo: Camilla Rutherford.

Grandad’s Beef pulls meat from small, family-run farms that use regenerative farming practices.

Their latest venture is subscription meat boxes, as the family continues its mission to improve the health of their animals, the environment and the waterways.

While Cliff and his wife Maureen concentrate on the farming side of things, their daughter Tracey Bayliss is responsible for their meat reaching the table.

Whole-animal approach

“Initially I went to the farmers’ markets to sell our meat, and although there was a good following of people wanting to support local, sometimes we only sold half a carcass,” says Tracey.

Tracey believes that if you kill an animal, ‘nose-to-tail dining’ should be adopted so that very little of the edible content is wasted. In her experience, supermarkets and

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restaurants only want the familiar cuts such as mince, steaks and sausages.

“When the animals are killed through the abattoir, due to regulations, only the meat comes back and the processing plant keeps all of the offal, which is then mostly exported overseas.”

Using a mobile abattoir

Tracey hopes to increase the numbers being processed to enable her to use the services of a mobile abattoir that recently passed the stringent process of being certified. Then, animals can be killed on farm and the offal may be kept for New Zealand consumers.

“We really need to get better at eating all of the animal – that’s what we hope to encourage with our subscription boxes.”

Using their own meat, and meat sourced from other like-minded farmers accredited by the Bayliss’, the carcasses are butchered

by Hannah Miller from A Lady Butcher.

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“Hannah’s sustainable approach to butchery, and desire to encourage nose-to-tail dining, fits in with our own philosophy and practices.”

Hannah prepares the cuts, vacuum packs them using a home compostable product, and makes up the boxes. Each box has a surprise mixture of cuts and advice for cooking them from Hannah, who previously worked as a chef.

Back to old practice

The packaging has been carefully thought through, marrying the fresh meat transport requirements of MPI with Grandad’s Beef’s sustainability goals.

“It’s a hard sell asking people to trust us by allowing us to choose their selection, but in the past we have had overwhelming support for the quality of our meat, so we

DAIRY

Page 22

Bill says touching tyres and high quality plastic makes for a good stack.

Photo: MacKenzie Dyer.

The land looked very brown before we got some very welcome rain recently.

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But, it still didn’t get as dry as last year. In the first half of February 2020 we had 8mm compared to 16mm this year and there’s plenty more rain predicted, with a tropical front coming down.

In saying that, some farmers say their land is dryer this year compared to the same period last year, which may be due to the scattered showers that keep happening – some places get 5-10mm while nearby properties get 40-50mm.

Planning

We started harvesting maize on the week of the 15th, so that’s early for the third year in a row. The increasingly hot weather we’ve been having the last few years

brings it on sooner by about 10 days.

We’re getting 34 degree days – we never used to get temperatures that high, and used to think 28 degrees was sweltering hot.

Farmers’ pasture renovation plan should be on hand by now, and if not, it’s time to be looking at what paddocks to renovate, and which ones to put aside for cropping next year.

Target those paddocks that haven’t performed during the season. For the ones that get too wet in winter, it’s good to do the drainage on them now while it’s still dry.

If farmers have paddocks that are dry and sparse, they need to be selecting good permanent pastures like rye and clover that are resistant against bugs and dry conditions.

Slugs can be an issue when drilling grass, as they come up through the rows and chew away at the new grass.

Putting a damp sack down overnight and seeing how many slugs are underneath it in the morning gives you a good indication of the population.

Be kind

GRUNDFOS ®

People will be feeding out their crop and turnip paddocks at the moment. The sooner you can get them drilled back into new grass the better – get in before the contractors get too busy.

If you’re getting maize delivered, be sure to identify your hazards with your contractors before they arrive.

Don’t put stacks near power lines and ensure the ground is level.

Dead-level is best, otherwise it creates hesitancy for the

trucking operators – it’s bad enough thinking about your gear getting damaged, let alone injuring someone.

Put the stack well away from drains so no runoff gets into waterways.

Secure stack

Putting your stack on high ground that is free draining is ideal, so it doesn’t get wet in winter when feeding out.

Keeping the stack well covered is also important, by using good quality, heavy plastic, sealing it off at the bottom, and making sure your tyres are touching. You can now get double layered plastic with an oxygen barrier to help reduce the spoilage on the top of the stack. Fencing off the stack is important for keeping the stock off it, and shade cloth over the tyres will help keep the ducks and pukekos away.

Set up rat bait stations because as soon as they smell the feed they’ll want to have a go at it.

The tyres are the perfect home for the little critters – it’s warm and insulated, and they have feed on their doorstep. Oh to be a rat on a maize stack!

Autumn is ideal for feeding out on the pastures, as the dry ground reduces waste.

In winter and spring you tend to lose a lot and then your cost of feed goes up due to wastage, and nobody wants that.

So if you haven’t got a feed pad, feed out soon to get condition on the cows, extend the round out, and keep production going.

With a $7-plus payout on the way, there is no better time.

We have maize silage available but supply is limited, so don’t delay.

COPING WITH THE DROUGHT

Page 23

Dedicated to deer farming “I had a small International when I was doing the hay, and 15 years after I bought the farm where I couldn’t afford a lot, but then I bought two Case IHs: a 115 and a Puma 165 off Giltrap.”

Malcolm does all the cultivation himself and prizes his machines, which have always given him a degree of farming independence.

He makes 1500 baleage wraps a year. Being able to cut hay on demand is priceless for the deer.

“Deer are that fussy that we cut the lucerne every 30 days.

“If it’s left any longer it’s not very palatable for them.”

Malcolm Cane has always had a DIY attitude, from silage and haymaking to drilling and cultivating.

with GAZ

Diversifying

They have continued to diversify over the years, with ventures including a hunting block partnership.

Three generations of the Cane family are Case IH fans, and Malcolm and Sam now have a sponsorship deal with the brand.

Looking back over 30 years of deer farming, it’s probably been a big part of his success.

He and his wife Kathy farm 390ha at Reporoa, of which 146ha is leased to a dairy farmer.

The Canes run about 1000 stags and 500 hinds, plus about 500 mixed-sex weaners at any one time. It’s a gentle contour on their part of the volcanic plateau; good, rolling tractor country and wellsuited for deer as long as it rains every so often.

You’d be right to recognise the last name – Malcolm and Kathy’s son is All Black captain Sam Cane, who they describe as “a farm boy at heart”. The Canes also have two daughters, Sjaan and Lia.

Getting started

As a teenager, Malcolm began a hay-carting business and in the off-season he was contract fencing.

He was able to make a downpayment on an 80ha block at age 22.

Bankers were pretty pessimistic about farming and there was little to spare.

“We had 50 grand and 50 deer.

“And we still had to go to about three banks because interest rates were Kathy, Sam and Malcolm Cane. about 19 per cent.”

Even 10 years later, the Canes “The fluctuations in the hadn’t fully stocked those 80ha.

They owned their own animals and deer industry have been pretty significant – you can’t really grazed for others.

“I used to fence off the place, so survive unless you diversify.”

Malcolm says another I could afford to buy fencing gear challenging year awaits as to fence it up in the weekends.

European restaurant and border “It’s a little bit different now, we’ve been able to borrow against closures continue.

“That excludes probably 30 to the rising property values and 40 per cent of our income which keep developing.” has been from trophy stags in Malcolm says he’s as much as recent years.” stockman as a machinery guy.

On the positive side, interest His dad, Laurie, a Reporoa rates are low “so you just batten dairy farmer, only ever had Case down the hatches, be smart and Internationals and Malcolm got not spend too much money”. started with the brand, too.

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PASTURE RENOVATION

Page 24

Cow’s ‘salad’ bowl gets seal of approval Help from the weather gods and industry experts is paying dividends for a Waikato dairy farmer’s mixed feed crop programme.

Rape and maize blocks on 96ha owned by Mark and Fiona Speake near Cambridge, reported on soon after planting in Coast & Country News, November

2020, were given a stamp of approval prior to harvest

by Waikato Farm Source technical sales representative Neil Dunderdale.

A varied diet

Mark and Fiona have 6ha in maize and 4ha in rape on the peat property, along Cambridge Road, to supplement the diet of their 245 Friesian-cross herd.

Waikato Farm Source technical sales representative Neil Dunderdale and Mark Speake in front of a maize paddock on the Cambridge Rd farm.

The rape will be break-fed to the cows, with the maize silorated and stored in a bunker near the dairy shed ready for feeding-out as required.

After experimenting with turnips and sorghum, Mark says he turned to maize for energy and rape for protein.

Added to the varied diet is chicory mixed in regular pasture, with PKE (palm kernel extract) fed in the milking shed. Hay is also brought in as a winter supplement from a nearby run-off at Maungatautari.

Successful yield

On a recent visit, Neil initially took samples from three areas of a rape field on the Speake farm.

A bag of rape was collected from 1m squares, covering ‘good, average and not so good’ parts of the paddock.

The ‘wet weight’ of each bag is multiplied by a dry matter average, which equated to 16 tonnes/ha on the Speake farm.

“If you have 14 tonnes or more you are doing a good job,” says Neil.

The yield from the three samples was “better than expected,” he says, through a good mix of sun and rain since planting coupled with sound management by Mark.

Mark has sprayed the rape crop with herbicide, for weeds such as knightshade, and pesticide for leaf miner, plus ‘two lots’ of nitrogen.

He also planned to spray for white butterfly before grazing started this month.

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During his recent visit, Neil also checked aspects of the maize crop including height, stalk strength and – most importantly – cob development, along with any presence of insects (army worm) and a clean base around the plants (so weeds and grasses are not competing with the maize).

Neil says the maize looked fantastic and is “right on target” for the goal of 25 tonnes/ha.

Since planting, Mark has sprayed for weeds and grasses. The maize silage is due to be cut this month.

Keeping farm records for the past 10 years, Mark predicts a five to seven per cent increase in milk production compared to last year at the end of the current season.

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Waikato Farm Source technical sales representative Neil Dunderdale taking rape samples with Mark Speake.

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Page 25

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Well past their prime: Becky Reith, with second year chicory plants.

What a waste of great feed, right?

In fact, why spray it out at all?

Why not carry it over winter to feed stock next summer?

Local agronomist Becky Reith is no stranger to such comments, especially in dry autumns, when 501 Chicory is often the only green feed on otherwise brown farms.

However, she’s also no stranger to what happens when these annual crops are sprayed out late, poorly, and/or not at all, and the story rarely ends well.

At best, dry matter yield and persistence for new pasture sown after 501 is compromised; at worst, farmers end up growing next to no feed through winter, followed by poor chicory yield and quality the following summer.

Becky, from Barenbrug, agrees that spraying out a crop when it is still green and lush can go against the grain.

“501 might still be growing 40-60 kg DM/ha/day in autumn. With reasonable moisture, daily growth could be 80-100 kg DM/ha. It can be very tempting to hang on for another grazing.”

Her advice? When you’re looking at that chicory, remember the crop has already filled its purpose of feeding animals through summer and visualise it next to a huge volume of high quality grazing.

It’s a valid comparison: wellestablished perennial pasture sown in autumn can grow 10-15 tonnes DM per ha every year, far more than one extra grazing of chicory.

But new pasture can only achieve this if it is sown on time, with a clean start, free of competition.

That means spraying chicory in March, regardless of how good it looks. The longer you delay, the cooler and shorter the days become, and the slower new pasture gets going, particularly clover.

Slow establishment means smaller, weaker plants heading into winter, setting up reduced production in spring and vulnerability to dry conditions the following summer.

Another key reason to spray chicory while it’s still growing well is the herbicide needs adequate leaf area to land on so it can kill the plant properly.

“You really don’t want large numbers of chicory plants popping up through new grass and clover. It might seem like a bonus but it’s not.

“They will disappear and when they do, they leave behind gaps for weeds and summer grasses.”

So what happens when farmers carry 501 Chicory over for a second year summer crop?

“Usually not a lot, which is the problem! Chicory doesn’t grow in winter, so you lose paddocks from the round. And in some winters, disease will kill it.

“Even if you do get it through winter, second year chicory isn’t nearly as good. It will go to seed, with large, poor quality stems, and become harder to manage.”

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FARM VEHICLES & MACHINERY

Page 26

Twenty two tractors hit the road Many heads turned when two double decker car carriers loaded with 22 TN Major series Antonio Carraros travelled from Hamilton to Te Puke.

The stares continued when those 22 tractors parked in formation at their new home at Seeka headquarters, in front of the iconic kiwifruit monument.

22 brand new Antonio Carraro 50hp TN Major series tractors, ready for this year’s kiwifruit season. Photo: MacKenzie Dyer.

The 26-tonne tractor delivery marks Jacks Machinery’s biggest sale ever, says director Steve Jacks.

“We’ve sold multiple tractor units before but only about six at once,” says Steve.

“This certainly takes the cake.” This is part of an order for over 30 tractors destined for Seeka, some orchard contractors, and some individual orchards.

On the orchard

The tractors’ primary job will be towing trailers during the kiwifruit picking season on Seeka’s 1500 leased and managed orchards in the Bay of Plenty, and in other areas as far as Kerikeri.

Prioritising worker safety motivated the big purchase, says Seeka orchard operations manager Roy Anderson.

“It’s about reducing unnecessary risk. These tractors have decent brakes, are four wheel drive and have power steering. They’re built for under the vines.”

The new tractors join Seeka’s fleet and replace orchard classics, like Massey Fergusons and David Browns that are 20-30 years old.

The low seats on the Carraros sets them apart from other horticulture tractors says Jacks Machinery salesman Steve Donoghue.

“I don’t think anything can go as low as these tractors – we can go as low as 680mm,” says Steve Donoghue.

Most of the tractors’ features are manually operated – from the hydraulics to the lift arms and PTOs. “Having predominantly manual features means there’s less chance of the tractors breaking down on the orchard.

“In this case, the less automatic technology there is, the better.”

Making it easy

The trucks’ arrival at Seeka. Photo: Steve Jacks.

Jacks Machinery are selling more and more Antonio Carraro TN5800s to orchardists.

“Many orchard owners want a second tractor, or don’t need a 100hp tractor but do need a four wheel drive.

“Maybe they don’t have $70,000 to spend on one piece of machinery. These tractors fit within reasonable budget, while being perfect for the lighter orchard jobs.” ...continued

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Page 27

Two car carriers transporting the 22 tractors. Photo: Steve Jacks. continued...

Despite already having nine Carraros that are 80-90hp, Roy says hours of research went into picking the brand for their big purchase.

Steve Donoghue says sticking to the same brand will make it easy for workers.

“They won’t need to re-familiarise themselves with the gear when they work between different orchards, they can just jump on and drive it.

“The bigger Carraros have a very similar layout, too, so they’ll know straight away how it drives.”

The easy-driving of the model was proven when the truckies delivered the tractors.

“The drivers said: ‘it’s not a Suzuki Swift, I don’t know how to drive it’ but we gave them a quick lesson and it was absolutely no problem.

“They picked it up just like that.”

To be in time for harvest, Roy knew the tractors had to arrive from the

Antonio Carraro factory in Italy by February 15.

“There was time pressure, as we knew COVID-19 may cause delays,” says Roy. “We put the order in on September 2 last year, and 22 tractors arrived exactly on the day.”

Steve Jacks says selling to Seeka helps them give valuable product feedback to their suppliers.

“Seeka’s machinery does a lot of hours – they do as much in a year a s some orchards do in more than 10 years.

“That helps in terms of product development, as we can go to our suppliers and point out where the issues are under those conditions.”

The tractors are soon to be on their way to Seeka orchards throughout the country, with locations including the Coromandel, Northland and all over the Bay of Plenty.

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Jacks Machinery salesman Steve Donoghue, Seeka orchard operations manager Roy Anderson and Jacks Machinery director Steve Jacks. Photo: MacKenzie Dyer.

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FARM VEHICLES & MACHINERY

Page 28

A gutsy, little octogenarian Semi-retired farmers Noel and Sally Yearbury are enjoying life on their lifestyle block near Cambridge. Noel has a passion for vintage vehicles, mainly tractors, and is fully supported by Sally.

They have been overseas together numerous times, hunting for additions to their extensive collection.

The tractor collecting started in the 1980s. Initially Noel collected any make and any model, later specializing in Allis Chalmers and selected other makes, including a Ferguson-Brown tractor.

“I always wanted a Ferguson-Brown and heard about a 1937 model Type A while on an extended UK trip in 2014. They’re extremely rare and we believe only two

originally came to New Zealand, now there are approximately four known to be with collectors,” says Noel.

Enjoying the hunt

Their sought-after Type A wasn’t for sale but after some introductions and conversations, Sally was soon ringing their shipping agent and booking a container. ...continued

Rear view showing the original tyres.

The carefully renovated four cylinder, 20hp, Coventry Climax engine.

The original brass plate with the serial number 525 and the patents.

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Noel Yearbury with his renovated Ferguson-Brown 1937 Type A tractor.

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continued...

“We both enjoy the hunt. We then gathered a lot of other stuff from swap meets in the UK to ship home as well,” says Sally.

“This little tractor may be small in size, but it was normal for its time, and was the first tractor to have a three-point hydraulic linkage system designed by Harry Ferguson,” says Noel.

“The tractors were built by David Brown with around 1300 made.”

refinery in the North East of England, so had never done heavy agriculture work.”

The Type A was in good original condition, with its original tyres, which are still on it today.

Noel thinks new tyres can probably be sourced from overseas when required.

Noel, who has panel beating experience, fully renovated and restored the tractor.

“If I need a part, I make one.” He reconditioned the engine, overhauled the hydraulics and painted it in traditional Ferguson grey.

DIY parts The engine is visible as only later model His model, serial number 525, Fergusons came with full bonnets, and was one of the last ones built with guards were an optional extra. The foura Coventry Climax motor, before cylinder, three speed, one reverse, 20 David Brown engines were used. horsepower petrol engine runs well.

The aluminium body doesn’t Today the little octogenarian tractor has rust, and while it may be less pride of place in the Yearbury’s collection, robust, it made the tractor lighter.

Front view with the starting occasionally being taken to vintage machinery “It had spent all its life doing shows and meets in New Zealand. handle at the bottom. ground maintenance at an oil Catherine Fry

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Page 30

CARTAGE & EARTHWORKS

New flood and drainage bylaws in BOP An Opotiki stopbank.

People who live, work or use the land around a stopbank or other flood defence and drainage areas in the Bay of Plenty may need to check out the new rules from Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council.

Flood Protection and Drainage Bylaws 2020 came into effect last month following an extensive review and consultation process during the past 18 months.

BOPRC rivers and drainage assets manager, Kirsty Brown, says the bylaws coming into effect is a significant milestone for Toi Moana.

“Our flood protection and drainage structures form the backbone of our flood defences and it is really important that they work when they need to,” says Kirsty.

“This is why we have these in place and we encourage people to check in to see if they are in a bylaw applicable area.

“If you are planning any works in and around stopbanks or pump stations, please check with the Regional Council first, because you may need our approval before starting.”

Kirsty says the rules are about striking a balance between public use of these spaces, and safety.

“Council needs to know about any risks to the integrity of the flood protection structures or of any activities that we might need to keep an eye on.

“It is worth noting that this applies whether it is an urban or rural environment – flood assets are found in both.

“There are some really practical rules in place like ‘look up and live’ so people don’t hit overhead wires, or ‘check before you dig’ to make sure you don’t hit an underground cable.

“If you are considering constructing or removing a building or structure, installing a culvert, planting or removing trees, or undertaking something largerscale like converting land to horticulture, please take a moment to visit our website and check what you need to do.

“Or, feel free to ring and talk to someone in the assets team. We can let you know if you are in an applicable area and provide advice on how to apply for a bylaw authority if you need one.

“Make sure you know the rules before you start work to prevent any issues.”

The bylaw will be reviewed every 10 years.

More information is available on the Regional Council website, or call: 0800 884 880.

Powered by hydrogen A new agreement between a US motoring company and a kiwi hydrogen fuel business could mean that hydrogen is the future fuel for New Zealand’s heavy vehicles.

Hyzon Motors and New Zealand business Hiringa signed a vehicle supply agreement last month, which aims to have 1500 hydrogen powered heavy goods vehicles on New Zealand roads by 2026.

Hiringa’s hydrogen production and refuelling network project is currently underway.

The network will service 100 per cent of the North Island and 82 per cent of the South Island’s heavy freight routes.

The hydrogen fuel cellpowered trucks will be assembled at Hyzon’s facility in The Netherlands, and will be designed to meet New Zealand road requirements.

FERTILISER

Page 31

Sulphur fertiliser requirements Sulphur is an essential element for all plants.

Legumes (clovers, beans, peas, lucerne) have a higher requirement than grasses, although symptoms of sulphur deficiency are often seen in grasses and cereal crops like maize which can look yellowy and often is confused with nitrogen deficiency, and it can also exacerbate nitrogen deficiency.

In many horticultural crops, sulphur deficiency is often seen in the yellowing of younger leaves in particular.

Soil testing for sulphur can sometimes give conflicting results, where sulphate sulphur, organic sulphur and total sulphur levels are measured, and soil conditions at time of sampling and time of year is important when interpreting lab results.

Leaf tissue testing can also be a reliable indicator for diagnosing sulphur deficiencies.

then mineralised during microbial breakdown of the organic matter.

Therefore, sulphur deficiency in pasture is unlikely to be seen over the summer and autumn due to the build up of biologically mineralised sulphur, and with less rain, it remains available for plants to utilise.

Sulphur deficiency is more likely to occur over the winter and spring, after rain has flushed this mineralised sulphur beyond the root zone and microbial activity naturally slows down because of wetter and cooler conditions.

Allophanic soils

Sulphur deficiencies are common throughout all of New Zealand with the exception of the volcanic ash (allophanic) soils found in parts of the Coromandel, Waikato, Bay Of Plenty, King Country and Taranaki regions.

Allophanic soils cover about 12 per cent of the North Island and are so named because of the tiny nanocrystalline clay mineral formed in them, allophane.

These allophanic soils are made up of very fine grained interfingering tephra sequences from rhyolitic and andesitic volcanoes over the past 10,000-50,000 years.

They are very responsive to phosphatic fertilisers because of their high aluminium content and have developed dark, carbon-rich top soils that have built up over the years from pastoral agriculture. Allophanic soils retain sulphur much better than pumice, peat, clay, sandy and silty soils, which readily leach it out, particularly during periods of high rainfall.

Deficiencies

On most soils, the majority of sulphur is held in the soil organic matter and this is released and

elemental sulphur such as found in Sulphur Super 20 or Sulphur Super 30, which would last through the winter and spring.

Best time to apply

The same can be said for sulphur containing nitrogen fertilisers. The sulphate sulphur found in Sulphate of Ammonia is going to be of little benefit in the autumn and is better applied in the spring, whereas the elemental sulphur found in the Ballance product Phased N is a better option for autumn application as the sulphur it contains will become available over the winter and spring period.

Superphosphate and sulphate of ammonia based fertilisers are therefore better to apply in the late winter and spring period when the sulphate sulphur will give an immediate response, whereas elemental sulphur applied in the spring will be less effective when oxidising over the summer and autumn.

Other sulphate sulphur containing fertilisers like kieserite (magnesium sulphate), gypsum (calcium sulphate) and potassium sulphate are also likely to be of greater benefit applied in spring rather than autumn.

Compared to the other major elements needed by plants, sulphur is relatively cheap to correct in the soil, and therefore should be one of the first elements to consider on a limited budget.

Getting value

I had a recent discussion with a hill country farmer comparing the immediately available sulphate sulphur found in single superphosphate vs slow release elemental sulphur.

Sulphate sulphur is prone to leaching out the same as biologically mineralised sulphur and therefore its application in the autumn is unlikely to benefit as much as spring application, since there is plenty of microbially oxidised sulphur present in the soil in the autumn.

For this farmer, it was better value for him to consider a blend of Triple Super or RPR and Sulphur 90, which has slow release elemental sulphur that would break down and become available over the winter and spring when it was most needed. info@slidingroofs.co.nz If he was to apply a single superphosphate based fertiliser in www.slidingroofs.co.nz autumn, it should be fortified with

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On most soils, 30 -35 kg/ha of elemental sulphur is all that is required, and at $450-600/ tonne, depending on supplier, works out at $14-20/ha.

Too much sulphur can be a bad thing for animal health as it reduces copper and selenium availability in livestock and if overdone in brassica crops like kale, it can cause red-water.

Robin Boom

CPAg MBSPC

Independent Agronomy & Soil Fertility Consultant

FERTILISER

Page 32

It’s not pH, but how it’s constructed Some published papers claim the ‘Albrecht’ system of soil fertility does not work.

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A better explanation is the authors of the papers and their publishers do not know how to make it work. When it is used after all else has failed, there is no going back.

This article is about pH. How the pH is constructed is more important than the pH itself. It concerns an example near Brawley, California, just north of Mexico and close to the Colorado River, which has 800ppm of sodium (one tonne of sodium per acre-foot of water).

Annual rainfall is 50mm. Crops do not grow without irrigation.

The owners had trouble growing crops for 40 years, and no wonder as the calcium was 46 per cent, magnesium 30.3 per cent, potassium 3 per cent and sodium 17 per cent. pH was 8.1. In this valley, you are not going to get to 6.

Desired base saturation levels in this case are 80, 10, 5 and 3 per cent respectively.

Although these levels are extremely deficient or excessive, these figures are very common in Imperial Valley.

The principles for correction are the same for all soils, although the desired range may change.

A US example

The crop grown was sugar beet. This part of the property did not perform at all. Recommendations by an employee of Helena Chemical Co. who follows the Albrecht system included 9000kg/ha of lime.

Potassium was also added along with trace elements, but the main thrust is to reduce the excesses, being sodium and magnesium. Lime was incorporated into the soil and all broke down in 18 months. At that point, another soil test was taken, and the results were calcium 62 per cent, magnesuim 24.5 per cent, potassium 4 per cent, and sodium 6.6 per cent.

The difference is an increase in calcium of 16 per cent and a decrease of 16.2 per cent for magnesium and sodium.

This is exactly what was predicted would happen. pH had hardly moved from 8.1 to 7.9. The calcium increase made little difference to pH as magnesium and sodium have a greater effect on pH than calcium.

The role of PH

Many soils researchers get caught up in the pH trap. We want to know what the pH is to inform us how available the trace elements are going to be to the plant.

But the calcium:magnesium percentage is the critical factor. The soil mechanics are correlated to this per cent.

Calcium pushes the soil particles apart, increasing pore spaces and magnesium pulls particles together.

In these high total exchange capacity soils there is a high percentage of magnesium (a soil ‘tightener’) which makes it hard to leach the sodium out.

Good drainage is needed to accomplish the removal of sodium.

Balance is key

It would be great to teach our professors the importance of knowing the TEC’s, calcium:magnesium percentage and how they affect the real-world farming situation.

An 80:10 per cent is appropriate for high TEC soils, but a 60:20 per cent is more appropriate for low TEC soils.

These figures relate to a PAL soil audit and are not relevant to other soil tests. If we could reach and teach everyone the importance of balanced soils, the production of our soils would skyrocket.

Proper balance and nutrition have the potential to reduce hunger and most health problems.

The crop looked extraordinary as the sugar beet closed the metre-wide furrows for the first time in 40 years.

FERTILISER

Page 33

Fert’s full circle history The history of fertiliser use on New Zealand farms has really come full circle, from seabird droppings at the birth of the industry to liquid seaweed today.

Worm compost is commonly used in alternative fertilisers What has not changed however, is fertiliser’s part in boosting the growth of pasture, crops and commercial forests.

The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand says most soils contain some nutrients and can support plant growth even if it is very slow.

“But, when faster growth is important – as in farm crops and pasture – then so long as soil moisture levels are satisfactory, fertiliser will be needed.”

The fertiliser industry began in this country in 1867 when guano (seabird

droppings) was first imported for use on farms.

FANZ says this was at a time when nutrients from the ash of forests burnt during land clearance had run out, and crops and pastures began to fail.

Sulphur Point, now part of the Port of Tauranga complex, takes its name from a sulphur works set up for fertiliser production in 1878.

The raw material, previously coming chiefly from Sicily, was sourced from White Island in the Bay of Plenty.

Next came the ‘super’ era, with the first shipment of superphosphate

Seven decades of pasture data Data is now available from the world’s longest-running sheep grazed fertiliser and irrigation trials.

The study showcases resources and data that has been gathered since 1950 at the Winchmore long-term fertiliser and irrigation trials on the Canterbury plains.

Fertiliser Association of New Zealand chief executive, Vera Power, says the consistent treatments provided by this site have enabled examination of issues and impacts that would not have been

foreseen when the site was first established.

“The Fertiliser Association of New Zealand has taken a long-term lease of this land to ensure that the grazed phosphate fertiliser trial data will remain available for scientific research for decades to come, even though the long-term irrigation trial has been discontinued.”

Read the study at: www.nature.com/ articles/s41597-021-00841-x

landed in New Zealand in 1880. A lack of phosphorous had been identified as the main deficiency in most of this country’s soils.

Two years later, New Zealand production of superphosphate got under way including a plant at Mt Maunganui.

Manufacture and use of superphosphate grew dramatically from less than 50,000 tonnes in 1885 to a peak of 3.1 million tonnes in 2001-2002.

From the early 1990s came the ‘urea era’ as farmers strived to get greater production from their land.

Urea is rich in nitrogen, which the FANZ says promotes leaf growth in pasture.

By 2003, the use of urea and diammonium phosphate had surged, but recent years has seen the industry produce or import a much greater range and

quantity of ‘multi-nutrient’ products.

Many ‘niche businesses’ make, import or sell alternative fertilisers.

These are derived from raw materials including worm compost and liquid seaweed.

This is known as ‘biological farming’, with a focus on healthy soils via diverse soil microbes.

Some companies now also use a combination of conventional and organic systems.

The environmental impact of fertilisers on farmland has increasingly come under the spotlight of local authorities and advisory agencies.

Recommendations include a nutrient budget and a nutrient management plan for all farms.

For further information, talk to your local fertiliser company rep or farm consultant.

Steve Edwards

Page 34

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Blackleg in cattle and sheep Blackleg is an acute, febrile, highly fatal disease of cattle and sheep caused by Clostridium chauvoei (C chauvoei).

It is characterised by emphysematous swelling, commonly affecting heavy muscles and is found worldwide.

‘Blood poisoning’ background

C chauvoei is found naturally in the intestinal tract of animals. Spores remain viable in the soil for years and are purported to be a source of infection. Outbreaks of blackleg have occurred in cattle on farms in which recent excavations have occurred or after flooding. The organisms probably are ingested, pass through the wall of the GI tract, and after gaining access to the bloodstream, are deposited in muscle and other tissues (spleen, liver and alimentary tract) and may remain dormant indefinitely.

In cattle, blackleg infection is sourced from bacteria already within the animal. Lesions develop without any history of wounds, although bruising or excessive exercise may precipitate disease in some cases. Commonly, the animals that contract blackleg are of the beef breeds, in excellent health and gaining weight. Outbreaks occur in which a few new cases are found each day, sometimes for several days. Most cases are seen in cattle from six to 24 months old, but thrifty calves as young as six weeks and cattle as old as 10-12 years may be affected.

The disease usually occurs in summer/ autumn and is uncommon during winter.

In the case of sheep, disease is almost always the result of a wound infection and often follows some form of injury such

as shearing cuts, docking, crutching, or castration.

The case fatality rate approaches 100 per cent. In New Zealand, blackleg is seen more frequently in sheep.

Clinical presentation

Usually, onset is sudden and a few cattle may be found dead without any warning signs.

Acute, severe lameness and marked depression are common.

Initially, there is a fever but, by the time clinical signs are obvious, body temperature may be normal or subnormal.

Characteristic swollen and crepitant (gas pockets) of muscles develop in the hip, shoulder, chest, back, neck, or elsewhere. At first, the swelling is small, hot and painful.

As the disease rapidly progresses, the swelling enlarges, there is crepitation on palpation, and the skin becomes cold and insensitive with decreased blood supply to affected areas. General signs include prostration and tremors. Death occurs within 12–48 hours. In some cattle, the lesions are restricted to the myocardium and the diaphragm.

Diagnosis and control

Typically this is a rapidly fatal, feverish course of disease in well-nourished young cattle, particularly in beef stock, with crepitant (gas filled) swellings of the heavy

muscles suggests blackleg. The affected muscles are dark red to black and dry and spongy, have a sweetish odour and are infiltrated with small bubbles but little swelling. The lesions may be seen in any muscle, even in the tongue or diaphragm. In sheep, lesions of the spontaneously occurring type are often small and deep, they may be overlooked. Field diagnoses are confirmed by laboratory demonstration of C chauvoei in affected muscle. The samples of muscle should be taken as soon after death as possible to get a reliable result.

Multivalent vaccines containing the C chauvoei antigen are normally safe and reliable for cattle and sheep. Calves three to six months old should be vaccinated twice, four weeks apart, followed by annual boosters before the anticipated danger period (usually spring or early summer).

In an outbreak, all susceptible cattle should be vaccinated and treated prophylactically with penicillin (antibiotic) to prevent new cases for as long as 14 days. Cattle should be moved from affected pastures, and carcasses should be destroyed by burning or buried deeply in a fenced-off area to limit heavy spore contamination of the soil.

Subdivision – Should it be part of your retirement plan?

Some of the savviest farmers have subdivision at the heart of their future plans – and not just for retirement.

Having your farm in as many titles as possible has always been a great idea.

Be it part of a retirement plan, resilience plan or straight forward self-insurance; it’s a must to implement if you can.

And with rural subdivision becoming harder by the day, it is something that should be given priority in your financial planning process right now.

Since a subdivision takes some considerable time and expertise to carry out, it is something to plan well ahead.

Many a time people have cashed up a title to overcome an impending financial hurdle, such as urgent surgery, a sudden downturn in commodity prices or indeed to buy a neighbouring block.

Having built-in flexibility with their landholding has enabled many to ride out the storm.

Then there is the issue of retiring on the land or providing a home block for family in your care or taking over the land.

Since planning rules don’t accommodate that issue these days, you need to be looking for alternative ways to set yourself up for the future.

Whether the titles making up your farm were there before you purchased, adjoining blocks purchased or a result of a subdivision that you initiated, they are a

big asset.

As resource management legislation tightens, the opportunity to create these additional rural titles is disappearing very fast.

Many districts now restrict rural subdivision to a 40-hectare minimum size, but that’s not always the case.

There can be unique opportunities where the land is less productive, zoned for lifestyle blocks, or where smaller blocks are allowed for horticulture.

Another big opportunity these days relates to protecting ecological features.

If your land has native bush, wetland or stream margins that can be protected, councils may allow subdivision as a trade-off for the long-term protection of these features.

Taking advantage of these rules, whilst they still exist, will provide you with great flexibility.

Once established, these titles can often have their boundaries altered within the extremity of your land holding.

There are many technical details to be considered when proposing a subdivision, apart from the land size, so you must consult a specialist subdivision company for advice pertaining specifically to your land as a first step.

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

AVOCADOS

Page 35

Chasing quality Last month I rambled on about my views on growing fruit with the best quality through best quality practices.

I’m still on about that and now I want to focus on what will get you producing the best quality.

Remember this again is only my view. It’s a view that has formed from growing for more than 18 years and on a good number of blocks throughout the Bay of Plenty.

Without doubt, I bluntly say focus on tree vigour and the components to help increase tree vigour.

Beneath the surface

the root zone applies to the tree mass.

Pruning gives an opportunity to keep the leaf mass, root mass and fruit volume in proportion to the productive capacity of the tree. I recommend all tees should be visited by the pruner every year.

Thirdly, a focus on pest and diseases is about producing the most fruit available into a class one pack out. Class one provides the best financial returns.

Prioritising tree health

Firstly, a big focus is about nutrition.

Getting your mineral and nutrient levels correct and readily available form is a target.

The accepted practice is to fertilise regularly and often in small amounts.

However, to achieve the best long term results you also need to understand the impact of pH and other minerals on each other. There are good sources of information readily available that discuss this in more detail.

The lower the pH, the less some minerals are available and vice versa.

Secondly, vigour it’s also a focus on tree health. A healthy tree grows with vigour and this includes the leaves and branches, the fruit and the roots.

It’s no good putting fertiliser on if the roots aren’t functioning. Getting the root zone active and in good working order is a high priority.

While mulch trials some years ago by the AIC struggled to identify a specific recipe for a best practice, the group involved all agreed mulch was an important consideration to tree health and vigour.

A tree with good vigour will grow better fruit and possibly more of it and to a better size. This focus on

Keeping your pack-outs high, above 75 per cent, should be a target however, these will slip as a two pick programme can see more time affected fruit.

AAL picked two orchards in a second pick strategy, grown under the AAL management programme in mid-February with 70 per cent pack-outs.

This reflect good tree health and good pest management.

Fourthly, another focus on tree vigour.

Pruning fertiliser, injecting and tree health all contribute to tree health and tree vigour.

Recent fruit sizing trials indicate fruit grows all years albeit at varying rates. The spring/summer and the summer autumn flush are important.

First the spring summer flush is the most important as it carries the flowering wood for the following year. This wood needs to be strong and more than 300m long. The secondary flush in the autumn is not so successful in producing fruit and reflects a growth that shows a tree with vigour. AAL uses injecting as a tool to maintain tree health and tree vigour. This autumn injection programme has proven to be quite successful. It’s a simple receipt focus on tree vigour and growth.

Seasonal work scheme attracts 16 people A financial scheme set up to attract people to seasonal work is enticing 16 people to the Bay of Plenty region.

they must have continuing accommodation costs at home.

More information about the scheme can be found at: www.workandincome.govt.nz/ products/a-z-benefits/nz-seasonalwork-scheme.html

The New Zealand Seasonal Work Scheme, which offers up to $200 a week for accommodation costs and a $1000 incentive payment for workers who completed jobs of six weeks or longer.

The scheme is available to anyone who moves off a benefit and is aimed at addressing the labour shortage in the horticulture and winegrowing industries.

Nationally, a total of 54 people have signed up to the scheme.

Applicants need to move to take up a seasonal role of six weeks or longer, for example to a different region, in order to receive accommodation costs and the incentive payment. For the accommodation costs,

Nationally, a total of 54 people have taken up the scheme.

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AVOCADOS

Page 36

Student set on hort career Avoco provides $5000 to one worthy tertiary student each year to encourage research and study in subjects that could benefit New Zealand’s avocado industry.

The recipient of the 2021 Avoco scholarship is Kazi Talaska.

Kazi is in her final semester of a three-year undergraduate degree at Massey University in Palmerston North, where she is studying a Bachelor of Horticultural Science. The 22-year-old moved to New Zealand from Indonesia in July 2018 to pursue her interests in plant production, research and technical extension work with growers.

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to connect with the avocado industry while learning from other experienced researchers and scientists.

“The horticulture industry, in general, is really tight-knit and supportive and that creates a really nice environment to step into after graduating.”

As well as excelling academically, Kazi is also an active member of Massey University’s Horticulture Society, the Indonesian Student Association and Caretakers of the Environment International, a global organisation that educates young people on responsible food production as a sustainable development goal.

The big picture

With COVID-19 making international travel difficult in the Industry insight short term, Kazi counts With her sights firmly herself lucky to have fixed on graduating midexperienced life overseas year, thanks to financial – both growing up with support from Avoco, her family in Indonesia, as Kazi hopes to work in well as travelling with fellow New Zealand’s horticulture Avoco scholarship recipient university students after being industry and apply her skills to 2021, Kazi Talaska. selected for the Prime Minister’s solve some its biggest challenges.

Scholarship to Asia in 2019. As “With all the disruption caused by part of the agribusiness immersion COVID-19, the world is still a volatile programme, she spent time touring place. Although nothing is certain, I’d love South Korea, returning to New Zealand in to stay in New Zealand and work in a research, December that year before COVID-19 became a extension or project management role and be on the front line of all the exciting things happening in major international health crisis. horticulture right now.”

“I’ve learned so much about horticulture and life in Kazi got a glimpse of what a career in horticulture New Zealand, but always in my peripheral vision, I and the avocado industry could look like when she have my experiences of living in Asia where a lot of worked as a summer intern for Tauranga’s PlantTech New Zealand’s high-value produce is exported.

Research Institute. Her project was designed to “All my education and international experiences support NZ Avocado and research being carried out combine to help me understand the bigger global that examines management practices in New Zealand picture of why growing sustainably is so important to avocado orchards.

New Zealand’s export story.

She prepared and administered a grower survey “When I’m doing research in a paddock or to help the industry body better understand the orchard in New Zealand, I know I’m working to practices that contribute to an orchard’s success. improve practices that help New Zealand growers “To improve national crop production, NZ and exporters market their food globally, while also Avocado needs to identify the best management demonstrating how sustainable farming practices can practices and also look at what other factors feed the world.” contribute to productivity as well.

Previous Avoco scholarship recipients include “I really enjoyed the project because it enabled me Caitlin McCulloch and Alex Tomkins.

Competition postponed Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year has been postponed due to the country’s jump in alert levels.

Change is coming.

Are you ready?

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There are signs the road ahead will require a steady pair of hands on the wheel.

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avoco.co.nz

The event was set to be held on Thursday, February 18 at the Te Puke A&P Showgrounds.

A new date has not yet been set.

Eight young growers spanning from Katikati to Opotiki are competing for this year’s title.

Due to Covid-19, the prudent measure to postpone both the competition day and gala dinner has been made, says a NZ Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated spokesperson.

The spokesperson says the event will likely be held later in the year after the kiwifruit harvest.

“Recognising that many of the contestants are heavily involved in harvest over the coming months, it has been decided that a new date will be set for the period after harvest.”

Event organiser Renee Pritchley says the postponement is “disappointing”, but it is what it is.

“We were ready for something like this – it is just the climate at the moment with events.”

AVOCADOS

Page 37

Positive export results despite challenges is something our domestic marketing partners, Zeafruit, continue to improve.”

Health focussed

Just Avocados’ focus on orchard health and return crop encourages harvest of large volumes in the first half of the season.

“We offer three marketing options which suit different growers depending on their individual goals. The first export pool is designed to accommodate production focused growers who want to get a large portion of their crop off prior to flowering to assist

with tree health and return crop.”

Jacob says the initial plan was to have 70 per cent of fruit loaded out by November 18, 2020, putting it into the early pool and consignment marketing options; however, through leaving fruit to size and forecasts of good returns from the Australian market, this changed to 50 per cent, with 50 per cent in the remainder of the season.

“Production and returns are the key drivers to profitability, and we need to ensure as an export company we focus on orchard health while delivering premiums out of the marketplace especially

in a season like we have just had.”

Just Avocados’ returns for small fruit (30 count size - 36 count size) range from an OGR of $22.30 to $18.70 per tray.

Overall, for export pool 1, Just Avocados has produced an average OGR of $24.99 for all class one sizes including 42 count size.

“Individual growers will have different OGRs based on their own individual size profile and specific packhouse’s packing and packaging rates.”

Just Avocados’ export pool 2 results will be finalised following the their export programme.

Just Avocados and Darling Group’s Andrew and Jacob Darling are pleased with their export ‘pool 1’ results delivered to growers in early February.

Results for Just Avocados’ export ‘pool 1’ for the 2020-21 season have been announced with an average orchard gate return across premium sizes of $27.27 per tray.

The results are very encouraging after a challenging year says Just Avocados’ general manager of sales and marketing Jacob Darling.

“We are really proud of the results for export pool 1 as the season to date has had some significant challenges, both from a grower perspective and a packing and marketing perspective.

“We really appreciate the support that Just Avocados growers have shown as we have collectively navigated our way through the season.”

Higher returns

Good returns were hard won amid volatile demand through COVID-19, shipping delays, and an industry-wide issue with small fruit of 28 count size and smaller.

“Where small fruit was identified as an issue on orchard, most growers recognised the opportunity to size this and as a result they increased both their dollars per tray return and total volume

harvested.”

In one case analysed, Jacob says select picking early and leaving smaller fruit to size for later harvest resulted in an increased overall return of upwards of $0.85 orchard gate return per tray over the total volume harvested. “Through management of size picking in the early pool, the volume of 28 count and smaller being harvested was close to 38 per cent.

“We managed to remain under 50 per cent for the entire season, whereas the industry overall is circa 56 per cent. This will have a material positive impact on Just Avocados growers’ overall orchard gate returns.

“When looking at total profitability from export and domestic markets, our top performing growers are now doing circa $70,000 per hectare orchard gate return.”

Jacob says the domestic market to date has been stable with average class two orchard gate returns ranging from $26.75 to $20.53 for 16-28 count sizes.

“Growth in this category and the ability to extract a premium through direct supermarket channels

Proud to be associated with

WE’RE INVESTING IN YOUR GROWTH At Just Avocados, we believe it takes a fresh approach to yield the best results.

That’s why we are focused on optimising orchard health through an innovative model that grows stronger orchards for healthier returns.

If you’re looking to partner with a high-performance team, who are goal oriented and future focused, talk to us today.

Visit thetruthaboutOGR.co.nz

Kyra Fielden

John Emett

Grower Services (Bay of Plenty and Gisborne)

Grower Services (Northland and South Auckland)

027 257 5028 kyra@justavocados.co.nz

027 476 9087 john@justavocados.co.nz

@justavocados info@justavocados.co.nz www.justavocados.co.nz 027 472 9490

FORESTRY

Page 38

Celebrating a women’s forestry trailblazer The life of the world’s first woman forestry graduate, Mary Sutherland, has been documented by a Bay of Plenty author in a recently released book.

It was a journey that started back in 2009, when author Vivien Edwards was taking a stroll through the Redwood Forest at Whakarewarewa.

She came across a plaque commemorating Mary’s life and work and was immediately taken aback.

As a former contributor to the now defunct New Zealand Forest Industries magazine, the idea of a woman working in the New Zealand forestry industry nearly 100 years ago seemed novel.

“Not that many women work in forestry today,” says Vivien. “I thought:

‘how on earth did a woman get a job with the state forest service in 1923 and stay there until 1933?’

“It started from there.”

Gathering information

Vivien then embarked on a decade-long process endeavouring to discover as much as she could about this trailblazing woman.

Finding the information needed to put the book together was a long but rewarding process for Vivien.

Vivien chased down leads across New Zealand and the United Kingdom to tell the story of a remarkable woman. She found source material from various locations including the Scion Crown A Path Through the Trees author, Vivien Edwards. research institute in Photo: John Borren.

Rotorua, Archives of Plenty area including kauri, redwood, Douglas fir, New Zealand in and larch, among others. both Auckland and Her responsibilities in silviculture included, but Wellington and the were not limited to, managing and utilising native New Zealand Institute forest, nursery plantation research, studying seed of Forestry. collection and thinning methods, conservation Many of these records of native bush, taking a lead in afforestation, were uncatalogued, studying growth habits and aiding improvement posing another of the national ‘forest consciousness’ by educating problem for Vivien, but children in schools about forestry. undeterred, she persevered Managing to do all of this amongst a near and was rewarded with universal male workforce, in a country where she memos, letters, articles and reports which told the story of Mary’s life in forestry. was not native to the culture, only further endorses “Each time I found something it was quite exciting. the work Mary achieved. Whilst this often proved a barricade to her work she also won over plenty “I’ve sort of lived with her for quite a while.” of sceptics. The rangers at Whakarewarewa even Mary graduated from the University of North endearingly dubbed her ‘our lady ranger’.

Wales, now Bangor University, in the United Unfortunately, Mary twice lost her job due to Kingdom in 1916, the first known woman’s forestry retrenchment, once in the United Kingdom in 1921 graduate in the world. She immigrated to New and again in New Zealand in 1932.

Zealand in 1923 and went on to work extensively On neither occasion could it be claimed her within the State Forestry Service across Aotearoa.

Mary worked with several species of tree in the Bay expertise or knowledge of forestry could be to blame.

Mary’s Legacy

UR LOVE O

S FOREST

OES IMATE D OUR CL

The Climate Change Commission wants our industry to expand by another 380,000 hectares in the next 14 years, to offset greenhouse gas emissions from other industries.

We are only too happy to help fight climate change.

Our plantations absorb carbon at a great rate.

They are also, quite frankly, great export investments and employment providers.

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Mary went on to become a botanist and farm forestry officer whilst travelling extensively.

All the while she championed higher education opportunities for women. The New Zealand Institute of Forestry has awarded the Mary Sutherland Scholarship since 2011, and a precursor to that award has been handed out since 1957. Bangor University introduced the Mary Sutherland award in 2016, 100 years after her graduation from the same institution.

Mary became ill during a field trip to Otago in 1954 and passed away the following year.

Vivien is in no doubt about the legacy of the woman she’s grown to know during her years of work on this book. “Mary was conscientious, hard working and a conservationist.

“She was resilient – twice she lost her position, but she picked herself up and got on with it.”

A Path through the Trees was published in December 2020 by Wrights Hill Press, with thanks to the Stout Trust and the New Zealand Institute of Forestry, and is available on the Wrights Hill Press website at: www.bookpublishing.co.nz Mathew Nash

KIWIFRUIT

Page 39

The benefits of getting off your ‘dung heap’

Fruition Diploma students participating in fieldtrip at AS Wilcox Ltd.

While dung heaps can create real value in terms of adding organic matter and nutritional value to a soil, getting off your dung heap can add real value when building skills, knowledge and understanding of the wider horticultural sector.

In mid-February, the first Fruition Diploma of Horticulture Production class and tutors participated in a fieldtrip/workshop that did exactly that – got people off their respective dung heaps.

The first paper in the Diploma is focused on making production enhancements.

The focus of the fieldtrip and workshops was to look at industries outside of those with which we are involved to consider how they are collecting and using data to make these production enhancements.

We visited large scale tomato and root vegetable producers who provided dynamic presentations on their collection and use of data.

We had presentations from an economist from MyFarm, which enables eligible investors to invest in hard-to-access primary industries.

MyFarm targets double-digit annual returns from investments in meticulously chosen businesses and land-based horticultural assets including vineyards, apples, avocados, kiwifruit, hops, cherries, forestry, manuka honey and rural commercial property.

These are a combination of longer term development opportunities and investments in established assets offering immediate cash returns.

MyFarm uses data to forecast trends and make investment decisions and from a charitable trust Figure.nz whose reason for being relates to the democratisation of data – trying to make data accessible and understandable to all.

The participants of the programme enjoyed, not only getting to know one another in a more informal setting, but also being challenged by the presenters regarding the use of data and how it can help businesses to make better decisions.

They were also encouraged to not be slaves to data as it only tells one part of the story and it is people who, in the end, are more important than numbers in a spreadsheet.

While on the fieldtrip, the class had the opportunitiy to visit AS Wilcox Ltd, A. S. Wilcox and Sons Ltd was established in 1954 and has continued to grow and market potatoes, onions, and carrots ever since, becoming an integral part of New Zealand’s agricultural industry.

During our workshops at AS Wilcox Ltd we were also able to be a part of the data gathering process but partaking in a taste test of the seedless watermelon being grown by this family owned business. Our opinions were gathered

and collated to show our preference for the three cultivars being grown.

The fieldtrip really did take the learners and tutors off their dung heaps and in doing so gave us a lot to think about the way in which we collect and use data on a daily basis for making better decisions.

For more information on any of the training offered by Fruition go to their websites: www.fruiton.net.nz or www.fruition.ac.nz Fruition managing director Sandy Scarrow

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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 accuracy.

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

We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap compliance.

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

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

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

We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap compliance.

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

216 Pongakawa Bush Road Te Puke

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

113 Broadway, Matamata

216 Pongakawa Bush Road Te Puke

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

Kiwi Fa Kiwi Farmers Kiwi Farmers Love Gypsum wi Farmers Love G Kiwi Farmers Love Gypsum Page 40

KIWIFRUIT

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KIWIFRUIT

Page 41

Update: Zespri and unauthorised G3 in China “To be successful, we need 75 per cent of those growers that vote to be in favour, as well as 75 per cent of those who vote relative to their kiwifruit production.

“We’ve always said that a commercial trial is a part of our multipronged

It will be up to New Zealand growers to decide whether Zespri should progress with a trial partnership with unauthorised growers of G3 kiwifruit in China.

A producer vote, funded by Zespri, will assess grower attitudes towards the potential trial. It is planned to take place later this year to avoid interfering with the New Zealand harvest season.

It is hoped that the results will come in time for the Chinese kiwifruit season that begins in September, says Zespri International China strategic project lead Matt Crawford.

The vote comes after independent Zespri regulator, Kiwifruit New Zealand, found Zespri’s initial proposal posed “more than a low risk” to the interests of producers.

“We’re now in discussions with the industry on the merits and

approach to controlling the issue.

“We still believe it’s the best way to work alongside the Chinese government and industry, to help control the spread of unauthorised G3 plantings.”

MacKenzie Dyer

Zespri International China strategic project lead Matt Crawford. risks of the proposed trial and the reasons we think it is the best way forward. We’re also working

closely with KNZ as part of that process to ensure we get the regulatory process right.

Winstone: the benefits of gypsum Gypsum is a highly available calcium and sulphate sulphur source.

sulphate sulphur, which is readily available when using gypsum.

It’s an easy way to get the start of a crop’s development right.

Gypsum: a soil conditioner that improves soil quality, drainage, aeration and particle size, 23.3 per cent calcium and 18 per cent Sulphate sulphur.

It assists with in-row trafficking or compaction issues, which helps the root zone and air-filled porosity of the sub soil, as well as the roots of the vine, be their best.

Calcium increases the postharvest conservation of apples and subtropical crops such as kiwifruit, and is a vital element for fruit quality, cell growth Made in and cell wall rigidity.

Soil applied calcium Australia sources can augment and substitute the foliar AV150 AGRIVATOR AERATOR applications traditionally used in apple orchards, 1.5m wide Aerator 420KG Heavy duty in order to lower 70mm axle bearings100mm box secproduction costs, provided there is no tion M7040 SUHD - WITH QVX26 M9540 DH suit 30hp +....$7595 Inc GST water shortage.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 42

classified listings * your listing *

DO YOU HAVE something to sell or looking to buy or promote your business? List it here for only $23 for up to 20 words. Email debbie@thesun. co.nz or call 07 578 0030.

curriculum vitae

CV’s THAT STAND OUT. Check out samples on www.facebook.com/acvforyou or Ph/text on 021 27 27 912.

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OLDER FARM APPLIANCES f/s, Welger disc Mower, PZHS360 Hay rake, Gallager Rotadisc, Klough Molder, Transport tray, etc, Thames 07 280 0151.

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

March 6

Crop Swap, 10am-11am, PULLETS HY-LINE BROWN, 14 Jocelyn great layers. Phone 07 824 St, Katikati.

1762 www.eurekapoultryfarm. Veges, fruit, weebly.com seeds, baking, books, eggs, etc. Ph: 07 549 4522.

professional services

March 6-7 Plant Sales, 9.30am-3.30pm, Hamilton Gardens.

March 7 Sustainable Backyard Tour, 10am-11am, Katikati, $2.

See: tinyurl.com/2r8lwly4

Whio Whanau Fun Day, 10am-2pm, Tongariro National Trout Centre, SH1, Turangi, free.

March 9 Western Bay Wildlife Trust Information Evening, 7pm, Mt Maunganui Surf Club, free.

March 13 Rangataiki River Festival, fishing competitions for all ages from 7.30am, Thornton Domain. See: tinyurl.com/1y04rn7o

March 14 Dahlia Show, Hamilton Gardens. Ph Jennifer on: 07 863 7563.

Mediaeval Fair, Hamilton Gardens.

March 14

March 20-21

April 3

Music in the Reserve, 11am-3pm, Waipahihi Botanical Reserve, Taupo, gold coin. See: tinyurl.com/324k7w3h

Rotorua Walking Festival, choose from 10km-42km events. See: rotoruawalkingfestival. org.nz

March 19-28

March 26

Crop Swap, 10am-11am, 14 Jocelyn St, Katikati.

Veges, fruit, seeds, baking, books, eggs, etc.

Ph: 07 549 4522.

Plant Sales, 9.30am-3.30pm, Hamilton Gardens.

Carving Symposium & Art Exhibition, 10am4pm, Memorial Hall, Whakatane. See: tinyurl.com/3sm8ahgc Cambridge Autumn Festival. See: tinyurl.com/1b1411cu

March 20 Kiwi Avoidance Training for Dogs, 9am3pm, King Hill Reserve, Mamaku, Rotorua, free but please register. See: tinyurl.com/9x0z4cie

Climate Change Speakers Forum, Holy Trinity Church, Devonport Rd, Tauranga, $10. See: tinyurl.com/ynomdov7

March 27 Grow On Harvest Festival, 10am-4pm, Katikati, free with a shared plate / $5. See: tinyurl.com/2ygkcn8z Free Home Composting Workshops, 1.30pm, Taupo and Turangi.

See: tinyurl.com/yygxfnju

April 8-24 Echo Walking Festival, Coromandel to Kaimais.

See: echowalkfest.org.nz

April 9-10 BOP Orchid Show, 10am4pm, Memorial Hall, Te Puke, $3.

Ph: 07 573 9710.

Pasture symposium looks to the future Registrations for the Resilient Pastures Symposium 2021 are open.

NZGA president Warren King and RPS organising committee chair David Chapman. range of keynote presentations, including strong focus on farmers’ own experiences and observations.

Q&A sessions and workshops will also

feature. The NZGA Resilient Pasture Symposium will be held on May 11-12 at Karapiro.

Register at: www.grassland.org.nz

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The event will bring farmers, scientists and rural industry leaders together to map out a secure future for New Zealand pastures.

Pasture is a significant global advantage for New Zealand, but faces increasing pressure from climate change, environmental regulation and social and market expectations, says event organising committee chair and DairyNZ principal scientist, David Chapman.

“The uniqueness of New Zealand’s high value animal protein exports – their embedded naturalness and low per unit emissions compared with competitor countries – rests on our pasture base,” says David.

“We want to make sure our market strength continues to grow from this base, because that is critical to New Zealand’s economic future.”

A key goal for event is to achieve broad-based primary sector collaboration and direction for further pasture development.

It also seeks Government and industry recognition of the pressing need to invest in future proofing pastures for the good of all New Zealanders. The two-day programme will feature peer-reviewed research papers and a

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

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Deutz Fahr NZ

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The optimal steering capacity and three steering modes allow for superb manoeuvrability and ease of use in all Axles: designed as an integral part of the product for maximum performance. Merlo axles: fully integratedterrain in the product for higher functionality and superior conditions quality.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 44

A NEW ‘GAME CHANGER’ PERENNIAL RYEGRASS

Pippi Adams enjoying summer on Nana and Poppa’s farm in Rangitoto, King Country.

Freya Simm, 6, and Darcey Simm, 7, feeding their cousins lambs, Chase and Lilly in Matata.

NEA

Avatar is a very high yielding, late heading (+22 days) tetraploid perennial ryegrass containing the NEA endophyte, bred for a combination of improved animal safety and persistence against insect pests.

It has strong year-round growth performance, with high pasture quality and metabolizable energy content for high livestock performance.

Based on high yields in company and industry trials, Avatar is expected to become the benchmark amongst tetraploid perennial ryegrasses.

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Tetraploid quality with high yields and persistence AVATAR NEA IS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR LOCAL FARM MERCHANDISE OUTLETS AND SEED RETAILERS

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Noah Sim, 2, and Milo are great mates in Kauri Point.

Rogue, 8, Lennox, 12 and Zoey, 5, enjoying a day on the farm during docking in Waikite Valley.