Coast & Country News - December 2021 by Sun Media

The Woodward family run dairy cows and angora goats. Turn to page 24-25 to find out how they use technology and good management to take the stress out of farming. Pictured are: Michael, Charlie, Jack, John, Kylie and Susie. Photo: Catherine Fry.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Feed for thought Here we are at the pointy end of the year and what a year it’s been.

appreciated by everyone. Another example of that is the wilding pine project going on in the Coromandel, courtesy With Fonterra’s dairy pay-out well on its way of a motivated group of farmers. See page 34 to a new record and a free trade agreement for that story. pencilled in with the United Kingdom, there is Hopefully everyone has a chance to enjoy a plenty to celebrate. break over Christmas and manages to A slew of new regulations and work some stress relief into the uncertainty over the Three schedule on a regular basis. Waters changes means There could be a New there has certainly Year’s resolution in been plenty to there somewhere. protest as well. We catch up with It’s important the surfing farmers that people get out on page 6-7 to there and make find out how they their views known improve the body when it comes and the mind with to government some wave action. legislation. But, at For many, the best The milk price is on the rise which is a the end of the day, stress relief comes from welcome shot in the arm for the dairy the government is only being prepared so read some sector. Photo: Dan Hutchinson. there to smooth the way for of the expert opinion we have on everyone to get on with the job. offer in these pages for the latest advice Everyone must make the most of the and observations. hand they are dealt and that’s why we enjoy On page 38 Bill Webb is urging farmers to make visiting some of the people doing things well. sure they have enough feed. With a la Nina upon Our cover story this edition on the Woodward us, the weather could be very wet or very dry so family is a good example of yet another rural best not to take too many chances. family that takes their role in business and as a So, from all the team here at Coast & Country custodian of the land seriously. News, we wish you a merry Christmas and a very The amount of habitat restoration going on around the country, courtesy of landowners successful and stress-free New Year. daniel@thesun.co.nz everywhere, is astonishing and probably not truly

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

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Rural rumble hits town Hundreds of farm vehicles, tractors, trucks, utes, vans and cars converged on cities around the country on November 21 as part of a national protest.

Hailed as ‘The Mother of all Protests’, motorcades in the North and South Islands gridlocked traffic in a planned stand by Groundswell NZ against what many feel are unworkable regulations. At the Tauranga protest, utes, tractors, trucks and cars left from Pyes Pa, Katikati, Kaimai Range, Oropi, Te Puna, Paengaroa and Te Puke at 11am heading towards Tauranga. Once at the city outskirts, the vehicles joined in a large city loop, from Barkes Corner to Adams Ave, aiming to be circling Tauranga by 1pm. At 1.35pm every driver stopped, turned off their engines, opened their windows and turned up the volume on their radios where a Groundswell statement was played over the airwaves on Newstalk ZB. Groundswell NZ is a volunteer group of farmers and rural professionals advocating for grass roots farmers and rural communities. The organisation came about earlier in the year with Groundswell’s Howl Of A Protest which made international headlines back in July. Although it started with a tractor protest about the National Policy on Freshwater, overwhelming national support has grown to encompass far more. Groundswell NZ is also seeking a halt to, and rewrite of, unworkable regulations – freshwater, indigenous biodiversity, climate change and Crown Pastoral Land Reform bill. It aims to offer a strong advocacy voice on behalf of rural communities. It seeks solutions to environmental issues that are tailored to regional/district differences; and supports the hundreds of grassroots initiatives like catchment and landcare groups, QEII covenants, and biodiversity and conservation trusts. On the two occasions that Groundswell has been in Wellington, prime minister Jacinda Ardern has declined to meet with them. “She’s ignoring the 60,000 people that went out and protested against her Government’s regulations in July,” says Groundswell NZ leader Bryce McKenzie. “We’re not against improving the environment, but we want it to be done in a common sense way because the new regulations just don’t make on-theground, practical sense. “Kiwis are common sense hardworking, practical people. We think these regulations are unworkable, unfair and unreasonable, and have to cease. “The Government must have the wisdom and compassion to hear and see this.” Bryce says the stress of Covid has been tough enough on one and all - both rural and urban. “The raft of what we see as unworkable

Groundswell protest in Tauranga. Photos: Daniel Hines.

regulations has only added to everyone’s worries and frustrations.” There were concerns within the Groundswell NZ that it could be taken over by other protest groups, who could hijack the intended message. “We’re not anti-vaxxers, we’re not aligned with any churches. We’re about unworkable rules for farmers and our rural communities, the ridiculous ute tax and the Three Waters debacle, and that’s it, and we’ve stuck with that. We the people of New Zealand demand an end to these regulations Groundswell protest until genuine in Whitianga. consultation takes place that treats all New Zealand citizens in a fair and equal manner resulting in acceptable solutions for all.” Bryce says enough is enough. “It’s time to unite and force government to take notice and acknowledge Groundswell. “If the Government is not forthcoming in addressing these issues, we call on all New Zealanders to join with us in our protest in Wellington in February next year,” says Bryce. The latest protest is part of the plan to build momentum towards the ‘Groundswell Gathering’ that is taking place in February 2022 at Parliament in Wellington. To find out more, go to” www.groundswell.co.nz

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

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Accidental career proves a winner Melissa van den Heuvel has won the Young Grower of the Year award for 2021.

Run by Horticulture New Zealand, Young Grower of the Year is an annual competition comprising regional finals in major fruit and vegetable growing areas and a national final. The competition is to encourage young people to take up a career in horticulture as well as celebrate the success of young people in the industry. Melissa, who is based in the Bay of Plenty, is an avocado grower services representative at Apata Group. The 25-year-old says the competition was “amazing”. “I was up against a bunch of strong competitors and I think we all went into the competition with the

Melissa van den Heuvel.

same nerves. Some of the challenges were completely out of our comfort zones as well. “I am pretty chuffed with the big win and taking out the title. “The whole experience of the competition and having the opportunity to meet new people and learn new skills can’t be beaten.” Melissa says she fell into the horticulture industry. “I never really thought of horticulture when I was studying at university but now that I am in the industry, I wouldn’t change it for the world. “I don’t think you can beat the satisfaction of getting to the end of the season, overcoming challenges, and delivering the best pieces of fruit to our consumers. “The beauty with the horticulture industry is that even though I don’t have a definite idea of where I am going to be in five or 10 years, there are so many options and paths I can go down, while staying in the industry. “I love the challenges that horticulture brings. No two days or seasons are the same. I love the challenge of growing – there are so many factors and things at play, which need to be accounted for in order to deliver the best piece of fruit to our consumers. “It was great to be part of this competition and get to know my fellow competitors. We’d all like to

thank the sponsors and HortNZ for giving us this opportunity.” HortNZ President, Barry O’Neil, says supporting young people and encouraging more of them to join the horticulture industry is critical to the industry’s continued success and growth, in what is the new normal – life affected by Covid. “At times like these, having a cause and taking time out to celebrate it is even more important than it was before. “This year’s regional finals were oversubscribed, which shows the inherent optimism in our industry as well as the pride inherent in providing New Zealand and the world with tasty and healthy fruit and vegetables.” The national final was held at the Lower Hutt Events Centre on October 20 to 21, following all alert level two health and safety protocols. This year’s Young Grower of the Year finalists were: • Heather Feetham, Pukekohe • Jamie McIntyre, Gisborne • Melissa van den Heuvel, Bay of Plenty (2020, but rest of competition cancelled due to Covid) • Bryce Morrison, Bay of Plenty (2021) • Regan Judd, Hawkes Bay • Jonathan Bates, Nelson • Jordan Carroll, Central Otago. More details at: www.younggrower.co.nz

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Just tell the truth After I chose this topic, I noticed many people insinuating they were telling the truth, or stood by what they perceived as the truth, but not so.

Donald Trump is starting his own social media platform site called Truth Social. Can you believe it? Mr Google talks about a state of being true as “the facts of the matter”. When I was a little tacker I remember being impressed by some of my mates who told porkies all the time. I tried it at home but got it severely beaten out of me. I guess I wasn’t very good at it. When I went on to be a valuer, truth was at the next level - truth, and nothing but the truth, so help me God. But there always seems to be a cross-over, of conflict over telling the truth.

‘No fees for Fraser’

Earlier farm discussion groups were also a place where production was overstated by a few. You were struggling to match their figures only to find out later they were exaggerating. I used to feel half depressed after a discussion group and ceased going. I wanted to start my own farming for fun, profit and the truth. I travelled to the South Island to claim my fees after I had helped a farmer out of an incredible hole and saved his business, but he refused to pay my costs. So, off to the small claims court to witness him telling bare faced lies. I was dumbfounded and speechless, so much so that I couldn’t even yell out: ‘you are lying’ – and he got away with it. No fees for Fraser. I felt gutted that I had allowed this client to beat me with a bunch of lies. What about lawyers acting for murderers who are clearly guilty, getting to say they are not guilty and trying to get them off the hook? We men are also very bad at facing our own reality, particularly when the chips are down. The sky could be falling on our head, and someone asks us how we are, as they do, and I would say I was fine, yet inside I was in such a turmoil I was barely functioning. I think I was about 60 before I could be really honest about how I felt. Crazy stuff eh! Working in finance throughout the country, a common thread with farmers who had failed was dishonesty. When they bought, they would overstate the production of the farm and their livestock. Banks would lend against the inflated

production and then when they never fired for many reasons, it was basically because they had overstated their ability. Don’t get me started on non-disclosure of unpaid debts, hire purchases and money sliding out of the business. If I identified that someone was telling me lies, I would close my folder, thank them and walk off. Lies equal liability.

Setting a bad example

What of politicians It just seems that they are professional liars, stretching the truth, slipping, and sliding under pressure. They make promises that can never be achieved either. They are setting a terrible example to everyone. Sadly, some of our immigrants have since gone into business and their culture is that it is acceptable to be dishonest. Not all, but many play very dirty tricks to avoid paying their taxes, they even under pay their own people. Some of those businesspeople lie and cheat their way along. It is very sad really and again they set a bad example to our largely honest and innocent nation. So, in summary, I think we need to think about the dishonesty that is creeping, too quickly, into our society. We men, particularly, need to try and get in touch with our feelings and be more honest about what is going on inside our bean cans. We need to be more aware that some people are avoiding the truth for their own advantage. In many cases they are not just avoiding the truth, they are telling blatant lies and they know it. Life is way easier if you face it up and tell the truth. You can sleep easier and you don’t need a big memory to cover the last lie.

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Disclaimer – these are the opinions of Don Fraser (an old fart). Any decisions made should not be based on this article alone and appropriate professional assistance should be sought. Don Fraser is the retired Principal of Fraser Farm Finance and was a consultant to the farming industry for many decades. You can still contact him on 021 777 675

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Surf and turf Surfing for Farmers is returning for the upcoming summer season with locations running across the Bay of Plenty.

Farmers looking Specialising infor an escape from rural life can head to Mount

• • • • • •

or Ōhope. Surf meet-ups usually happen once a week for 13 weeks from December. Phil Williams takes the surfing sessions at Ōhope Beach – the first location to get underway on November 1. It was an early start, but Phil points out that Ōhope Beach was crowned

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New Zealand’s best earlier this year, with its warmer waters a key reason behind the success. “We are lucky that we have got some warmer water so we can start a little bit earlier,” says Phil. “This is the second year we have been the first to start, so we are happy about that.” Surfing for Farmers was launched in Gisborne by

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Get away from it

Phil got involved with Surfing for Farmers through his work with sponsors Rabobank. He knows himself how the stresses of work can be overwhelming and believes getting out in the sets gives farmers in the region a chance to get away from the job. “I thought it was a good partnership to start up over here and a good initiative for the local farmers and growers,” says Phil. ...continued

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“You know some of these kiwifruit growers and dairy farmers they live at work,” says Phil. “During their peak season they work seven days a week. “Unless you have an excuse, you go out and do that extra job on the farm. “This is something where, it happens weekly, everything is provided and the uptake has been really good. “So it is pretty cool.” Surfing for Farmers sessions will begin at Mount Maunganui and Pukehina from Thursday, December 2 and Waihi Beach from Tuesday, December 7. For more locations and information, visit: www.surfingforfarmers.com/locations. Budding surfers getting a lesson at Mount Maunganui main beach.

continued...

“Yeah it is really just good to bring everyone together really to get out in the water and get away from it.” Ballance Agri-Nutrients is a founding sponsor of the Surfing for Farmers programme, which this year will run at 22 locations, up from last year’s 16. Ballance general manager of sales Jason Minkhorst says the company is as committed to ensuring positive health and mental wellbeing for growers and farmers as it is with their own employees.

A culture of care

“The pressure from the job does have an impact on their wellbeing and mental health,” says Jason. “Suicide rates in the rural sector are 40 per cent higher than urban areas.” Jason says that as one of New Zealand’s oldest farmer and grower co-operatives, Ballance has a culture of care for its clients that is deep-seated. “Farmers are becoming more open about their Surfing for Farmers is for all ages.

mental health; however, they still don’t have enough support. “We wanted to help, if only for an afternoon, by supporting Surfing for Farmers.” Last year Surfing for Farmers recorded roughly 3000 surfs nationwide, giving agriculture workers a chance to break up the often all-encompassing work-life relationship. “The learn-to-surf programme provides an opportunity for farmers to step away from what can be an all-consuming business, get fresh air, exercise and interact with other farmers, rural families and industry professionals,” says Jason.

A good excuse

“It’s a fun activity that provides a change of scene and social interaction that farmers don’t get on the farm.” Equipment and a feed are provided at events, including the one in Ōhope, and Phil says people from Whakatāne, Ōpōtiki, Galatea, Taneatua and even Reporoa and Rotorua have attended in the past.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 9

Land plan for lifestyle blockers Water is the word on everyone’s lips at the moment with reports and opinions on the Three Waters reform flooding the media.

However, the concept that we need to safeguard our waterways did not come down in the last rain shower. New Zealand Landcare Trust has been knee-deep in helping landowners to protect water catchments for 25 years. Rural Women New Zealand played a key role in the formation of the nongovernment organisation in 1996 when it recognised the need for an independent body to empower, rather than dictate to,

communities wanting to be part of the solution to environmental degradation.

A key link

Today the NZLT Board of Trustees still includes representatives from the wide variety of organisations responsible for its formation, including the Federation of Maori Authorities, Federated Farmers, Federated Mountain Clubs, Fish and Game New Zealand, Ecologic Foundation, and Royal Forest and Bird Society of New Zealand. The current RWNZ representative is President Gill Naylor. The purpose of NZLT is to support, give advice, and act as a link between government departments, agencies, care groups and landowners, from farmers and horticulturists to lifestyle block owners.

The common goal

While the protection of individual streams is important, NZLT’s ultimate goal is to conserve entire catchments from the mountains and hills to the estuaries and lakes. It is especially keen to encourage the formation of catchment care groups around the country. These groups are generally made up of landowners, farmers, growers, workers and community members, people who

have a common goal to maintain good land and water quality for themselves and the generations to come. As you may be aware, the Government is making it mandatory for farmers with more than 20 hectares of land and growers with more than five hectares of land to produce Farm Environment Plans or something similar. Last year NZLT produced regional webinars to help those affected navigate through the maze of requirements. Landowners of less than 20ha have increasingly become part of the rural landscape over recent decades. Many lifestylers farm animals, grow crops, use fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides, have land that contributes to runoff into waterways, etc.

The lifestyle plan

Although lifestyle block owners are not currently required to prepare an FEP, NZLT has recently produced videos specifically aimed at helping lifestylers who are interested in finding out how to manage their land more sustainably using a voluntary environment plan as a guide. If you are interested in learning how an environment plan could help you to look after your natural world NZLT is a great place to start. You can find the videos at: www.landcare.org.nz/resource-item/farmenvironment-plans-feps

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FERTILISER

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‘Funny proteins’ obliterate forage herbs a Req uest le ! p m a f re e s

Below is a passage written by Jerry Brunetti, as part of an article titled “Cows don’t have carburetors” and was published in Acres USA, May 2012. The title seems absurd; it is extremely relevant. Unfortunately, livestock operators, especially in New Zealand, are being sold a big lie as to how to grow forages, applying huge amounts of urea and super phosphate for yield while dropping the energy levels of the forages, increasing the “funny protein” (nitrogen), obliterating the biodiversity of forbs (forage herbs) rich in phenols, carotenoids/

terpenoids, and complexing those vital elements in the soil, namely calcium, magnesium, sulfur and boron that are responsible for creating quality protein and forage diversity. Many New Zealand farms have acidic soils (e.g. pH of 5.5). Yet, their soil analysis showing a P2O5 “deficiency” was derived from an “Olsen Test,” to be used on alkaline soils. These soils show a continued “need” for super phosphate, even though some soil tests that I reviewed contained 4,000 pounds per acre of phosphate when they were analysed using a Mellich III extraction procedure, the appropriate method of testing acidic soil. All this excessive phosphate locks up whatever calcium and magnesium is present, denying the plant an ability to synthesize both quality protein and quality forage calories in the form of pectins and hemi-cellulose. Moreover, the excess phosphate drives the critical mycorrhizal fungi out of the rhizosphere, depriving that organism’s contribution of phosphatase enzyme, needed to extract complexed phosphate and trace elements out of the soil. Thus, over-applying phosphate ironically leads to a deficiency of plant phosphorus, needed to produce ATP (adenosine triphosphate), the energy currency in the Krebs cycle for both plants and animals.

Use the right test

What does it all mean? Neal Kinsey, of Kinsey Agricultural Services (KAS), a true adherent to the Albrecht principles of soil fertility, advises all his clients, (which include countless consultants all over the world), to use Perry Agricultural Laboratories for their soil tests. Bob Perry uses the Bray II (root acid soluble) test for soils with pHs up to 7.5. Once the pH gets to 7.6 and above, they provide an Olsen P test result. Since there are at least 12 tests to choose from, why do NZ labs use the wrong one? The Americans use it appropriately and we in NZ have been led to believe it is a true measure of our soil P when it is not. On average, 73 per cent of acid phosphates tie up or complex with aluminium, iron, manganese, and calcium, within six weeks, sometimes

within hours of application. But super’s big marketing ploy is its low cost. How cheap is a material that is only 27 per cent effective, even less than that on some soils? Remember, chemical agriculture is a selfserving, input-driven system. You are advised to apply an unbalanced fertiliser to an unbalanced soil to help sustain a state of imbalance, which will then require constant chemical intervention. Now we have an inappropriate P test and an inappropriate product. When compared to alkaline phosphate products the answer comes out very much in favour of alkaline products such as guano, RPR, dicalcic and DAP. If needed, you can quickly build soil P levels with those products without those tying-up problems.

Phosphate on the brain

When we add the demise of mycorrhizal fungi (VAM) into the equation, the situation becomes even clearer. There is little or no reason to use super, as the VAM increases the effectiveness of phosphate uptake of roots by 10-1000 times. Loss of VAM leads to increased soil erosion and leaching of nutrients from the soil. When the VAM is lost, some other organism will take its place. Usually, it is a pathogenic organism. Since properties I have worked with have no facial eczema, it seems a good bet that those using alternative phosphates will also not be bothered by that terrible affliction. As for excess phosphate in the soil, on reviewing soil tests taken on flats, 90% had an excess, some being in the plus 700kg bracket. The hills were a different proposition as 86% were deficient. Phosphate on the brain? There comes a point when some properties at least need to address other nutrients. The best way to assess that is to get a KAS soil test. However, while the public doesn’t suffer from phosphate on the brain, the high aluminium released from using super-phosphate is certainly a real threat to the health of humans particularly their brains. Jerry Brunetti is managing director of Agri-Dynamics, which specializes in products for farm livestock and pets, and consults on a wide variety of other issues. He can be reached at Agri-Dynamics, P.O. Box 267, Martins Creek, Pennsylvania 18063, phone 877-393-4484, email info@ agri-dynamics.com, website www.agri-dynamics.com

FERTILISER

Trace elements are the key Drench resistance is becoming a more widespread issue on many sheep and beef properties in particular, but it also occurs on dairy farms among calves and yearlings. Older sheep and cattle tend to develop immunity to internal parasites and it is mainly in the first year that drench resistance can be particularly devastating on animal performance in young stock. One reason for drench resistance is drenching too frequently, and another cause is under-dosing at lighter rates than recommended, resulting in worms developing resistance and tolerance to various drench families.

Don’t go too low

Certain soil fertility factors can feed into drench resistance problems, such as pasture quality and grazing height. Low fertility properties with poorer, lower growing pasture species like browntop, danthonia, chewings fescue, sweet vernal and flat weeds result in animals grazing lower to the ground where there is a greater chance of ingesting high numbers of larvae. Higher protein and ME species improve animal performance and grow taller and more vigorously resulting in less worm larvae being ingested per kg DM consumed. Applying spring nitrogen and/or gibberellic acid can benefit in that the grass is taller so the larvae numbers consumed are lower. In the case of nitrogen, if pastures are too lush with excessive nitrates and not enough minerals and sugars, animals scour more and the farmer thinks it is parasites so drenches stock more frequently than required. When these artificial growth stimulants are applied to pasture, the mineral levels in the pasture can get diluted. Clovers have higher mineral levels and are of greater feed quality than grasses, so improving clover content of pastures will also improve resilience in livestock to internal parasites.

Summer or winter crops, or using deferred grazed pastures will result in lower parasite numbers consumed

as animals will not graze these as low as normal pastures. Sheep and goats share many of the same internal parasites, cattle and horses don’t, so integrating sheep and cattle on the same pasture can dilute larvae numbers. Techniques to avoid drench resistance include; breeding animals resistant to parasites, changing drench types, and putting drenched animals back onto recently grazed pastures rather than into a fresh paddock so non-resistant worms breed with resistant ones, lowering their tolerance to drenches.

The dead or alive test

Copper deficiency can be confused with worm burdens, resulting in daggy sheep and scouring cattle, in which case drenching animals for parasites will be a waste of money and time, increasing the risk of developing drench resistance. Copper also has an anthelmintic effect. Before modern drenches, copper nicotinell and CNA (copper, nicotine and arsenic) were used as worm drenches. Because it was easy to over-drench sheep with copper, farmers would drench test a couple of sheep with a certain rate, leave them for half an hour, and if they were still alive and looking bright, then would carry on drenching the rest. Applying copper sulphate to the soil can be an effective treatment for copper deficiency, and its physical application can temporarily lower worm larval numbers as well as fungal spores. It also gives animals which would otherwise be deficient in copper, greater resilience to larval challenges. Other trace element deficiencies can also make animals more vulnerable to parasite challenges, and although some worm drenches contain minerals, these only last a short time in the animal and a more permanent solution is to address soil deficiencies. To assess the need for trace minerals,

soil and/or herbage tests should be conducted. High nitrogen, phosphorus, sulphur, molybdenum and iron can all impede the absorption of copper in plants and/or animals, so getting the correct balance is important. With the comparatively low cost of trace elements, getting the soil mineralogy right can be a good start for improving animal resilience to parasitic challenges long term. Robin Boom. Member of the Institute of Professional Soil Scientists

Page 11

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Independent Agronomy & Soil Fertility Consultant

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High stakes on herbicide review The Environmental Protection Authority is analysing 465 responses received to its call for information on the herbicide glyphosate.

General manager hazardous substances and new organisms Dr Chris Hill says he is pleased with the range of responses the EPA received. “There has been a pretty even split between responses from the public, and users and suppliers of glyphosate. “Information from the public made up just under half of the overall responses, at 45 per cent; professional users - such as councils - account for 44 per cent; organisations seven per cent; and responses from those involved in the supply chain made up four per cent. “Over the coming months we will be reviewing and analysing the information that has been provided and plan to publish a summary report in early 2022.”

Watching closely

The European Chemicals Agency and the European Food Safety Authority are in the process of reviewing the classification and approval

agriculture. Glyphosate will eliminate nearly all weeds, which many other herbicides cannot. Without it, the report says producers would face substantial weed pressure as weeds compete with crops for light, water and nutrients.

of glyphosate, with their conclusions set to be released in mid-2022. “The information we have received from our call for information will enable us to have a greater understanding of the New Zealand context by the time the EU findings are published. “It will ensure we’re better prepared to assess those findings and inform our next steps.”

No serious concerns

Dr Belinda Cridge is a mechanistic toxicologist and technical lead for drinking water at the Institute of Environmental Science and Research. She does not have serious concerns about the toxicity of glyphosate, but welcomed the call by the EPA for information. “Our understanding of chemicals develops over time and it is incumbent upon the

EPA to continually reassess current literature, knowledge, and social acceptance of the chemicals we use. She says there are major reviews of glyphosate occurring in the US and Europe available to update the understanding of the risks and benefits of glyphosate use. “It is important that the EPA has New Zealand-relevant information to allow decisions as to the future use of the chemical here.” Glyphosate is widely used to prevent deep-rooted weeds from taking over crops and decreasing productivity, says a report by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research NZIER on the benefits of glyphosate.

Billion dollar question

The report estimates that herbicides are worth up to $8.6 billion to New Zealand

Pressure also exists with meeting climate change goals and farmers can reduce their environmental footprint by minimising tillage - benefiting soil health, lessening carbon emissions, conserving water and reducing labour and fuel costs.

CARTAGE & EARTHWORKS

Page 14

Carbon consideration Contractors will need to show innovation in carbon reduction as part of tenders for New Zealand Upgrade Programme projects.

Waka Kotahi NZTA is committing to a 10 per cent reduction in carbon emissions during future large scale, NZUP projects. Penlink, a project to create a new transport connection in north Auckland, is the first Waka Kotahi project to use the new approach. Projects worth more than $100 million will include the aim to reduce construction emissions by at least 10 per cent, with suppliers encouraged to look for ways to make even greater reductions to carbon. National manager infrastructure delivery Mark Kinvig says Waka Kotahi has a vision for a low carbon, safe and healthy transport system. “This will be challenging to achieve and we’re at the start of the journey. One of the areas where Waka Kotahi can quickly start to tackle carbon emissions is project construction.

ADDLINE TRANSPORT LTD

A Keestracker B4 jaw crusher and a fuel efficient diesel electric H4e cone crusher work in tandem. Photo: Dan Hutchinson.

“Construction of infrastructure projects use significant resources. “Concrete, steel, asphalt, and fuel used in earthworks are the biggest sources of emissions from building transport projects. “We are aiming to reduce these impacts as much as possible and lead the transport sector on reducing construction emissions. “Empowering the industry to use their expertise to tackle this issue is key, so we will encourage our suppliers to innovate and come up with ways to lower emissions

“The contract to build Penlink, which has just gone out to tender, will include a financial incentive for meeting a carbon reduction target. “This new approach to procurement also encourages design competition and challenges our standards to reduce construction emissions. “Changes to standards would still need to deliver essential outcomes like safety,” Mark says. Waka Kotahi plans to use a similar approach to reduce construction emissions on other major New Zealand Upgrade Programme projects.

CARTAGE & EARTHWORKS

Two new mobile cranes arrive at Eastland Port.

Two mobile harbour cranes at Eastland Port in Te Tairāwhiti Gisborne will ensure safer and more efficient handling of cargo for port workers and truck drivers. Port logistics company ISO installed the two cranes in November. Chief executive Paul Cameron says the “world leading” technology would help transform the port operations. “The new technology will remove our people from high-risk areas on the wharf and enable cargo to flow more efficiently through the increasingly pressured supply chain.” The company is upskilling and training staff and moving them out of high-risk areas into other machinery-based roles within the business.” The German-manufactured Liebherr mobile harbour was chosen because it suits the operating environment, with advanced technology and safety specifications. Four of the cranes were installed at the Ports of Tauranga at Mt Maunganui last year with good results. One of those cranes will be shifted to Te Tairāwhiti so there is three cranes at each site. ISO chief operating officer Andrew Davies says they have seen significant improvements in safety and productivity in Mt Maunganui with the introduction of mobile harbour cranes, including a 75 per cent reduction in incidents. “The cranes provide a safer, more efficient and reliable method of loading logs directly from trailers into the vessel’s hold with mobile cranes instead of ships’ cranes. “We expect to see similar results in Te Tairāwhiti. “The mobile cranes allow us to handle all types of cargo for a wider range of vessels, which

increases handling cycles, lift capacity and vessel turnarounds – which means a better result for our customers, our business, and the port.” Eastland Port infrastructure manager Marty Bayley says they have the largest infrastructure developments in a century happening at Eastland Port over the next few years, including stage one of the Twin Berth project beginning in a few months. ISO is the sole stevedore operator at the port, and its new mobile cranes will help keep exports moving as volumes grow in Te Tairāwhiti. The mobile cranes weigh 465 tonnes each, with a 51 metre maximum lifting height, 54 metre maximum outreach, and a maximum load of 124 tonnes. ISO handles more than half of New Zealand’s log exports, and is applying robotics, automation and IT across its operations nationwide to minimise exposure to hazards and move its people into more skilled roles. Over the past three years, 13 robotic scaling machines, for scaling logs, have been installed across ISO’s North and South Island operations to automate the accurate volumetric measurement (scaling) of export logs on trucks and trailers. The world-first robotic technology was developed by Tauranga-based Robotics Plus in collaboration with ISO. Earlier this year, ISO started the rollout of its Automatic Tally Stations, developed by its technology team, to replace manual scanning of tickets on packets of logs at the wharf following scaling through the RSM off-site. When the truck drives through the new stations, tickets attached to the logs are scanned automatically while drivers safely stay in the truck. In addition, mobile harbour cranes allow logs to be loaded directly from trucks onto vessels.

Page 15

KIWIFRUIT

Page 16

The fruitful education Horticulture is an industry where demand for skilled employees is expected to grow during New Zealand’s recovery from the impacts of Covid-19. This will mean more businesses requiring more people in management and technical roles to lead their teams. Fruition Horticulture have a long tradition of offering education and training for people seeking to advance their career in horticulture. The Fruition Diploma in Horticulture Production is a Level 6 NZQA-accredited course available in person for those in the Bay of Plenty and online, nationwide through Fruition Horticulture. The Fruition Diploma is designed to support career advancement by providing the opportunity for people to earn as they learn.

“It’s gratifying to see people who have gone through our programmes, now in senior management positions within the industry,” says Fruition Horticulture director Ruth Underwood. “One of the pillars of our business, and something we are very passionate about, is the need to support the ongoing professional development of people within the horticultural

Tech enabled learning

“Without the online option I would have not been able to study this Level 6 course especially with restrictions due to Covid19. With the online option I can learn from lecturers, interact and share information with them and co-learners and access to videos if I missed some information. This is such a progress in the way we Sandy Scarrow and Ruth Underwood, directors are learning. We do have great IT of Fruition Horticulture. support as well, making this learning industry and we do that, and have done so material easily accessible to anyone,” for many years, by offering quality training says a current Fruition Diploma student. to those entering or already working in the As part of her research into technology-enabled industry,” says Fruition Horticulture manging learning, Miranda Donovan of Scarlatti spoke to director Sandy Scarrow. Fruiting learners to gain insights into the way in which they were able to access the programme. Making informed decisions She was very complimentary following The industry’s demand for innovative solutions these discussions. “And it sounds like we’ll be holding up Fruition means the course will also develop students’ ability to assess the merit of products, processes as the gold standard for tech-enabled learning. or technologies so they can be introduced to a “Such glowing reviews.” Miranda says. horticultural workplace. The programme will enable graduates to make informed strategic Professional development business decisions and the industry will benefit The Fruition Diploma is designed to develop by having experienced technical specialists with the skills and knowledge of those employed within horticulture production, enabling them to the skills to optimise workplace efficiency and lift contribute at an advanced technical or managerial the competitive edge of their organisations. “Fruition Horticulture is gratified at the level. It focuses on the specialist requirements for ‘process improvement’ for the purpose of meeting number of learners who have put their trust in us by engaging in the inaugural year of delivery. domestic and international market requirements It can only get bigger and better from here,” and emerging opportunities for horticultural M7040 SUHD - WITH QVX26 products. M9540 DH Learners who successfully complete the says Sandy. MGX SERIES LOADER M7040 SUHD - WITH QVX26 FRONT END M9540 DH programme willFront beEndawarded the New Zealand FROM $79,500 + GST For more information see Fruition’s advert on MGX SERIES Optional QVX36 loader $13,139 FRONT END LOADER $79,500 + GST Optional QVX36 Front End loaderDiploma $13,139 this page. inFROM Horticulture Production (Level 6). 100-135HP common rail engine with Powerful performance with a 95HP, 4-cylinder 68HP E-CDIS engine massive torque turbo charged engine common rail engine with 100-135HP Powerful performance with a 95HP, 4-cylinder 8-speed mechanical synchro shuttle massive turbo charged engine 24-speed powershift transmission with auto shift Designed for heavytorque duty work and equipped with 1500kg lift capacity on the M7040SU hydraulic Creep Speed and Autohitchwith for auto shift 24-speed powershift transmission Designed for heavy duty work and equipped with shuttle, Super-quiet deluxe cab 1500kg lift capacity on the M7040SU a more hydraulic Creepheight Speedand and Autohitch for productive and practical operation Kubota loaders offer shuttle, ample lifting Super-quiet deluxe cab a more productive livestock and practical operation Bi-speed turn that speeds up front wheels for capacity, ideal for demanding farming Kubota loaders offer ample lifting height and M9540 DH Bi-speed turn that speeds up front wheels tight for turns capacity, ideal for demanding livestock farming M9540 DH MGX SERIES tight turns Available with narrow vineyard kit MGX FROMSERIES $79,500 + GST Optional QVX36 Front End loader $13,139 Available with narrow vineyard kit 5-year extend warranty FROM $79,500 + GST Optional QVX36 Front End loader $13,139 100-135HP common rail engine with Powerful performance with a 95HP, 4-cylinder 5-year extend warranty massive torque turbo charged engine with a 95HP, 4-cylinder 100-135HP common rail engine with Powerful performance massive torque turbo charged engine 24-speed powershift transmission with auto shift Designed for heavy duty work and equipped with hydraulic shuttle, Creep andequipped Autohitchwith for 24-speed powershift transmission with auto shift Designed for heavy duty Speed work and P.A. Super-quiet deluxe cab a more productive and practical operation hydraulic shuttle, Creep Speed and Autohitch for P.A. Super-quiet deluxe cab a more productive and practical operation Bi-speed turn that speeds up front wheels for 68HP E-CDIS engine

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KIWIFRUIT

Page 17

New shoes for a global journey The Year Three and Four teacher is hoping her students will be thinking about the need to not only be active, but to eat fruit and vegetables every day if they can. Zespri CEO Dan Mathieson says the kiwifruit industry is proud to have helped entertain 20,000 kids and

families involved in this year’s programme, and to have helped build healthy habits for them and their families. “We’re really proud to support the Zespri Young and Healthy Virtual adventure as we know it brings positive benefits to the lives of thousands of New Zealanders, helping ensure

happier, healthy young people and communities,” says Dan. “We’ve seen first-hand how investing in the wellbeing of our people and communities helps them thrive and we know this year’s adventure will have a huge impact on kids – whether they are back at school or joining in from home.”

Logan Woodcock, Pranay Patel, Jamie Chen, Nabhya Patel, Alis Patel got to meet Chiefs’ rugby player Naitoa Ah Kuoi during their virtual adventure.

A Bay of Plenty teacher hopes her pupils have learnt some healthy habits after taking part in a virtual adventure for the past month. About 20,000 children have taken the trip of a lifetime thanks to the 2021 Zespri Young and Healthy Virtual Adventure. This year’s Zespri Young and Healthy Virtual Adventure provided classes across Aotearoa with an important opportunity to discover the world virtually and embrace healthier lifestyles. The health and wellbeing programme, which kicked into gear in November, allows kids to go on a virtual trip around the globe, instilling healthy habits along the way like exercising, eating extra fruit and vegetables, drinking more water and reducing leisure time spent on screens.

Making the best of it

With the school year once again disrupted by Covid-19 lockdowns, the programme’s use of technology meant it could still take place while observing all necessary safety protocols across regions with varying Covid-19 restrictions. Young and Healthy Trust founder Kim Harvey says the team has been monitoring the situation closely, and adjusting the programme accordingly, to ensure children could still have the chance to participate, even if they weren’t necessarily physically back at school given Covid-19 restrictions. “This year has again been a really challenging period for parents with the disruptions caused by Covid-19 and we’ve been determined to make sure that we still deliver an amazing programme to provide kids and their families with some much needed fun and encouragement.” The virtual classes gave children the opportunity to meet their sporting heroes who showed them around and shared some interesting facts about

local history and geography, as well as some of their personal health tips. Children were given the chance to track their steps every day and to record these on a website. They also recorded other healthy habits such as fruit, vegetables, water, sleep and mindfulness. As they tracked their steps and habits, they moved around the virtual world map.

Moving with new shoes

Participation in the Virtual Adventure is free thanks to the support of partners like Zespri and ASICS with The Young and Healthy Trust ensuring teachers in participating schools have the resources and support they need to encourage kids to succeed. Katikati Primary School is one of many schools around the country who took part in the initiative. Katikati Primary School team leader and teacher Jayne Harray says anything that is encouraging tamariki to be active is a good thing. “The children loved the chance to wear a pedometer and be able to log into their own website and add in their steps. They can see the virtual world map and were excited about visiting other countries and learning something about them. “It was absolutely amazing for our tamariki to get the chance to get a brand new pair of ASICS shoes each. “They were thrilled and very excited to get moving with their new shoes. “The children have enjoyed skipping and bouncing balls as ways to gain steps. They are learning that being active doesn’t have to involve just running, but having fun and playing games. “We were also lucky enough to meet Naitoa Ah Kuoi, who is a young Chiefs’ player. “This was an amazing experience as many of our tamariki, especially the boys, love rugby. So to hear the message to get active and to do some star jumps and running with Naitoa was a great opportunity.”

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Page 18

MORRINSVILLE FOCUS

Dairy farm is

The Martin family – Shane, Olly, Melanie, Carly, Karen, Adelene and Peter.

Watching six-year-old Olly Martin looking excitedly through the cowshed office window at milking time, it’s not hard to envisage a fifth generation continuing a family farming tradition in the Waikato.

Olly is the son of Shane and Melanie Martin who are in an equity partnership with his parents, Peter and Karen, on Kereone Rd near Morrinsville. Peter’s grandfather set the ball rolling, running a dairy farm near the former Kereone School. Son Laurie – Peter’s father – came on board there in the 1950s and in 1969 started the Kereone Rd operation. Laurie Martin bought part of a property owned – in separate shareholdings – by former Piako MP and Government minister (later Sir) Stan Goosman and Butland Industries (of Chesdale cheese fame). Peter says his grandfather knew Stan Goosman, who originally ran sheep and beef on the property, pretty well.

Business and politics

During the Great Depression of the 1930s Stan Goosman started a transport business at Waihou, near Te Aroha, and was later a roading contractor. He was the Member of Parliament for Waikato, Piako (twice) and Waipa through the late 1930s into the early 1960s. In the first National government (1949 to 1954) he held six portfolios including works, transport, marine, housing and railways. He became Sir Stan Goosman in the 1965 Queen’s Birthday honours, for political and public services, passing away in 1969. Peter Martin attended Kereone School until age 9, completing his education at Morrinsville Primary, Morrinsville Intermediate and Morrinsville College.

Laurie Martin ran 350 cows when he came on board in 1969 and at the time was the biggest supplier to the former Morrinsville Dairy Company. He passed away earlier this year, aged 88.

Through the generations

In 1975 Peter started milking on the home farm, but left in 1983 at the age of 22 and spent 19 years on a dairy farm along Matuku Rd on the other side of Morrinsville. From a family of five – four farmers – Peter then returned to Kereone Rd. More land was acquired over the years, now milking almost 1250 cows on 300ha. Peter and Karen, who married in 1982, started out on the 127ha Goosman block milking 450 cows in a 30-a-side herringbone shed. In 2007 an adjoining 67ha property was added to the portfolio, with 240 cows milked in a separate 20-a-side herringbone shed. Shane and Melanie came on board in 2013. After attending Tauhei School, Shane went on to Morrinsville Intermediate and Morrinsville College. Born in South Africa, Melanie is a proud “Morrinsville girl”. After leaving secondary school Shane became a builder, but injury saw him change to working on a sheep and beef property. He did have some previous farm experience through a “holiday job” fencing. Shane says he started thinking about going into dairy, particularly with Melanie – then a personal assistant at an accounting firm in Hamilton – wanting to tackle a farming job with her husband. After a “bit of scouting”, his father asked the pair to come and work for him and Karen. Shane and Melanie started out on the smaller block and two years later entered into an equity partnership with Peter and Karen. ...continued

The Martin farm, near Morrinsville, has a long and colourful history.

MORRINSVILLE FOCUS

Page 19

growing with the family

will probably see him become “the boy” and Shane “the boss”. While not getting too far ahead of themselves, Shane and Melanie says young Olly is already “very farm-driven”. Watch this space… Steve Edwards

For a For more efficient dairy Foraamore more efficientfarm farmdairy dairy efficient farm Specialising in farm dairy design and construction Specialising farm dairy design and construction Specialising in in farm dairy design and construction

With a lifetime of With experience designing and building With a lifetime of experience designing building a lifetime of experience designing andand building farm dairies, we’refarm well equipped to create a design that farm dairies, we’re well equipped to create a design dairies, we’re well equipped to create a design thatthat suits your exact needs, noexact matter what. suits your exact needs, matter what. suits your needs, no no matter what. Our customised design process provides aprovides choice of Our customised design process provides a choice Our customised design process a choice of of options in shed styles, yard layout, plant room design options in shed styles, yard layout, plant room design options in shed styles, yard layout, plant room design and pipe work confi guration. and pipe work confi guration. and pipe work confi guration. High cow flowHigh effi ciency cow flow effieffi ciency High cow flow ciency Herringbone or rotary design Herringbone or rotary design Herringbone or rotary design & low maintenance Permanent & Permanent low maintenance Permanent & low maintenance AllAll surfaces easy to clean All surfaces are easy toare clean surfaces are easy to clean

Laurie Martin, who passed away in June aged 88, in the new rotary shed. continued...

It involves two companies – Martin Parks and Martin Dairies – dividing the land and stock/ milking sheds’ interests. The “Parks” name comes from the first initial of family members – Peter and Karen and children Shane, Abbie and Regan.

High-tech shed

Recent years has seen the operation add on a 180ha run-off at nearby Tauwhare and a lease of 46ha on the other side of Kereone Rd. This year a spectacular 70-bail rotary shed was completed in the centre of the two adjoining farms on Kereone Rd, bringing the milking operations under one roof. Shane says they put through 950 cows in two-and-a-half hours in a shed which blends high-tech with staff and cow comfort, coupled with top quality materials and a visually

attractive finish. The Martins supply both Fonterra and Tatua, through the previous farm set-up. They currently employ five full-time and two part-time staff. Karen says the family farming partnership is now in a period of consolidation. Although Shane chips in that a fourth “herd home” will be erected before Christmas. The previous three went up in recent years, along with a new silage bunker. Peter admits he “can’t sit still”, so retirement to the beach may be some time away. He can claim, rather proudly, to have removed the last set of cups in the final milking in the old shed and put on the first lot in the new complex. Peter laughs that the 10-year plan

Call Don today forfor an an on-site Call Don today for an on-site Call Don today on-site design consultation design consultation design consultation Chapman Dairy Ltd Ltd Chapman Dairy Ltd Chapman Dairy 027 478 Morrinsville 027 478 3433 027 4783433 3433 Morrinsville Morrinsville

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EXPLORING NZ

Page 20

Alpine lakes and snowy peaks, hot pools Any opportunity to sneak away in the motorhome is taken in our house! Queen’s Birthday weekend of 2021 was perfect for a quick four nights away.

The striking Makatote Viaduct on State Highway 4 between National Park Village and Ohakune.

We decided to follow the most scenic route we could find and have it all – mountains AND coast – using dog-friendly campgrounds. Living in the central Waikato gave us an easy after work drive to the secluded Waikite Valley Thermal Pools. A night at the motor camp there comes with free and exclusive out-of-hours pools access. While a twilight winter soak at Waikite Valley is bliss, an early morning soak on a frosty June morning, where the rosy glow of the sunrise mingles with the mist and thermal steam, is totally magical.

Snowy mountains

A wild, wet and windy Ohope Beach in winter and Bear the schnoodle living his best life. All Photos: Catherine Fry.

Day two was a deliberate attempt to drive through some beautiful scenery to Ohakune, taking most of the day to achieve a trip that would normally take around three hours. The route down State Highway 30 and State Highway 1 to Ātiamuri, then through Tirohanga and Mokai to join State Highway 32 at Marotiri, is full of forests, hills, and rivers, and skirts the southern end of Lake Taupō. Once you turn into State Highway 47 towards the Tongariro National

Park, the scenery changes to alpine lakes and snowy mountains. If it’s sightseeing you want, then good weather is essential as the snowy mountains are a stunning sight on a sunny day. National Park Village has accommodation for all budgets, and Whakapapa Village is home to the iconic Chateau Tongariro hotel, which offers a luxurious glimpse of a bygone era. A full range of winter sports are available at the Whakapapa ski field, complete with clothing and equipment hire. The Sky Waka gondola ride takes sightseeing visitors right up to 2020 metres above sea level and the Knoll ridge Chalet café. This side of the mountain is also a good base for hiking routes, including the famous Tongariro Crossing. The road between Whakapapa and Ohakune has several must do stops. The bright red Makatote Viaduct takes the North Island Main Trunk railway across the Makatote River and is a striking piece of engineering. Smash Palace at Horopito, made famous by the 1981 New Zealand movie of the same name, will delight both young and old. The acres of rusting vehicles dating back to the 1930s are a sight to behold and are a real insight into New Zealand’s motoring past. The wrecker’s shop there is full of parts and memorabilia. ...continued

EXPLORING NZ

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and wild beaches continued...

I’ve always loved Ohakune, with its quaint mix of old and new buildings, especially around the old railway station, where there are several historical buildings. The Top10 Holiday Park is convenient for walking to town and has very cool wooden ablution blocks.

Charming Kinloch

The drive up to Mount Ruapehu via the Old Mountain Road is long and winding but the views up at the Turoa ski field are breath taking, especially nearer to sunset. Ski clothing and equipment hire

is available on this side of the mountain, and Ohakune has varied accommodation options. After a frosty start and brisk sunrise walk around Ohakune, day three was another scenic drive from Ohakune to Waiouru and then north along the notorious, windswept Desert Road to Taupō. The National Army Museum at Waiouru is well worth visiting, with good displays showcasing New Zealand’s military history. The drive north along Lake Taupō’s eastern shore hugs the lake for several kilometres, with plenty

The iconic Chateau Tongariro, with Mount Ruapehu as the backdrop.

Spectacular sunset and view from the Turoa ski field on Mount Ruapehu. Photo: Amanda Duggan.

of reserves and beaches for picnics and leg stretching. Lured by the pretty images Google showed us, we stayed at Kinloch on the northern point of Lake Taupō. Despite it being the middle of winter, it was a charming place, with a beautiful beach and attractive marina, and it definitely lived up to its photos. As members of the New Zealand Motorhome and Caravan Association we were able to use one of the powered sites at the marina available to members. For our final night, as the rain

set in, we headed for Ōhope through Rotorua. In nice weather, that drive along Lake Rotorua, Lake Rotoiti, Lake Rotoehu and Lake Rotoma is amazing, but it was still beautiful, even when shrouded in grey mist.

Wild weather

We stayed at the Ōhope Top10 Holiday Park, right next to the beach in the Surf and Sand Park, accompanied by a few other hardy motorhomers and caravanners. We had an exhilarating night

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buffeted by wind and lashed by rain, but our spirits certainly weren’t dampened. Before we left on our last day, we went for a long walk on the deserted beach in the rain and wind, enjoying the salt air and beauty that Ōhope Beach never fails to deliver. As we headed back to the Waikato, we reflected on the huge variety of scenery we had encountered in only four days - forests and rivers, volcanic mountains and plateaus, and lakes and beaches. Beautiful New Zealand at its best.

Catherine Fry

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EXPLORING NZ

A six-day back country road tour People assemble in Feilding on the night prior to the trip with a briefing at 8pm. The following morning the group sets off from Feilding, driving through the rural scenery of Colyton and into the Pohongina Valley. We visit the Kahikatea Reserve where the forest giants are the stars of the walkway area. A beautiful drive takes us to a farm property where we will be met by the farm owners and taken to view the Boulders. Millions of years ago when this land was underwater, these boulders started as a fossil. As the land flooded and sediment from the land was flowing out to sea, the sediment seemed to follow a channel where the process began. The fossil attracted the sediment and grew layer by layer as each flood brought more calcium carbonate with it. They have not rolled out of the hills but rather sit where they were created. An interesting drive to our overnight at the River Valley Lodge on the banks of the spectacular Rangitikei River. We will be here for two nights. Day two – we head out on a big loop, initially west from Taihape. About the

Big farms and stunning scenery greet members of the tour.

same distance to the west as our overnight accommodation at Pukeokahu was to the east. We are heading to Papanui Junction where we will turn north along the Turakina Valley Road then west again onto Papanui station to admire the magnificent views. Our lunch will be provided by the Papanui Junction school. From here we head to the Tangiwai Disaster Memorial. The memorial sits on the old main road adjacent to where the road bridge was severely damaged by the 1953 volcanic Lahar and just downstream of the railway bridge which was destroyed just a few minutes before the Auckland bound

passenger express arrived at the scene. A short walk up to a lookout above the replacement bridge built on a new alignment of the rail line and two metres higher above the swirling sulphurous waters of the Whangaehu River. Our overnight is at the River Valley Lodge at Pukeokahu again tonight. Day three – we initially drive east towards distant Napier across the big country of the Inland Patea area, or the area straddling the Taihape-Napier Road before it drops away into the Hawkes Bay on the Gentle Annie. The farmed land of the inland Patea is made up of some big sheep and cattle stations including the

largest farm in the North Island and a number of others that are widely well known. We will visit one of these large and iconic properties as we travel east. The view as the central Hawkes Bay suddenly comes into view is certainly worth the stop. We will overnight in Napier for two nights with a harbour view. Day four – a more leisurely day with much less travel. We enter the property of the Hawkes Bay Farm Forester of the Year in 2002. It is a real privilege for the farm owners to guide us and talk to us about stages of development, and show us this magnificent property. After our picnic lunch we will visit a local attraction, quite different to our previous stops but as so many Kiwis would say: ‘sweet as’. From approximately 3pm is free time until dinner at 7.30pm. We will be at the same accommodation as last night.

The mountains of central North Island.

Day five – today marks a big change as our tour initially heads north along the coast and then inland along one of the longest gravel roads in New Zealand. We are heading through the fabled Urewera country. We wind along the shores of Waikaremoana formed by a massive landslide. And then over a couple of major mountain ranges forming the spine of the island. But all covered in lush native forest. Eventually the road comes out in the Murupara area and across the Rangitaiki River. We leave an immense area of native forest and enter the largest area of exotic forest in the Southern Hemisphere which is the Kaiangaroa Forest. Our overnight will be in Rerewhakaaitu. This district was settled for farming by returned serviceman in the late 1950s on land transformed out of volcanic wasteland. The local community which we know well from 11 years of residence is home to a wonderful group of people who will billet us for the night with a shared evening meal. Day six – we will travel south, back along the Western faces of the Ureweras, visit a nursery and look at some unique geological features. From here we will make our way to the town of Taupō with the route dependant on the time of day. Robbie and Connie Crickett

oin

FORESTRY

Restoring the forest A group of Coromandel farmers is leading the charge against wild pines in otherwise pristine places.

More than 34,000 wilding pines have been removed from Black Jack Reserve in Kuaotunu. The work is one of nine wilding pines, community-led projects in the Waikato to receive funding from the Government’s Jobs for Nature programme. Kristina Pickford, a trustee of Kuaotunu Peninsula Trust, says the number of wilding pines removed from the 83 hectare site is testament to the threat they pose to the environment. Cruze Williams, David Ngawaka, Lily Neilson and Max Lowe Kristina and her husband purchased have collectively hand pulled and hand sawn more than 34,000 land in Otama about five years ago, wilding pines from Black Jack Reserve, Kuaotunu. having moved from Christchurch, so she’s aware of the wilding pine A young local crew hand-pulled and hand sawed tens of problem in the South Island and was determined to thousands of young wilding pines at Black Jack Reserve, address the problem within the Kuaotunu Peninsula. and are now working at Matarangi Bluff Reserve. “I could see that good work had been done in the Larger pines are being felled or poisoned from a area and learned that a couple of landowners had been helicopter, by specialist contractors, depending on what personally funding wilding pine control in Black Jack can be safely achieved. Reserve since 2010. Contractor Travis Boyd says it’s been a great “We got together and formed a charitable trust that opportunity for his crew. They’ve acquired various new has a range of environmental objectives, including the skills and qualifications – for example, certification for control of wilding pines.” GrowSafe, chainsaw use and tree-felling – which will open employment opportunities for them in the future. Threat to biodiversity “It’s been quite impressive to watch. They’ve been The trust successfully applied for Community crashing through the bush, pulling out and cutting the Partnership Project funding of $375,000 from the smaller pines. They’ve built confidence and muscle; National Wilding Conifer Control Programme for they’re a lot fitter than when we started. the project which is being administered by Waikato “It is tough terrain and really hard work, but they’ve Regional Council. thrived – I am proud of them.” The funding is for work, not just in the Black Jack The Government in 2020 allocated funding of $100 Reserve, but also for wilding pine control at Matarangi million over four years to expand the National Wilding Bluff Reserve and tracts of land between WhauWhau Conifer Control Programme. This funding is managed Beach and Opito Bay. by Biosecurity New Zealand, which is a business “I see pines as a massive threat to biodiversity,” management unit of the Ministry for Primary Industries. says Kristina. To date, around $1.3m has gone towards nine “They are everywhere you go, covering New Zealand. community projects in Coromandel and Taupō. “The Coromandel is blessed with quite a lot of To find out more about the community projects go native bush, but take some time to look at the to: www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/wilding-pines land, what is disturbing is the sheer scale of wilding pine infestations.” Wilding pines are a fast-spreading pest plant that, if left unchecked, will take over more than a quarter of New Zealand within 30 years. For this project, the trust worked with Rings Beach Wetland Group, Opito Bay Ratepayers Association and Project Kiwi Trust. “There’s a lot of important, established and regenerating coastal forest that we are trying to keep the pines out of.”

Hard graft pays off

Wilding pines are a threat to biodiversity and the primary sector because they can take over iconic landscapes, unique natural habitats and productive land. “They’re also a fire risk,” says Kristina. “The Port Hill fires, just outside of Christchurch, demonstrated this all too clearly. Each pine tree is like a bomb the amount of fuel and energy they have. We need to keep them out.” The majority of large wildings in Black Jack Reserve had already been felled and the National Wilding Conifer Control Programme funding largely addressed the regrowth which presented a threat to the gains made.

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Putting family, animals and It’s Michael and Susie Woodward’s third season as farm owners, after they left their Canterbury 50/50 share milking position to buy 170 hectares near Otorohanga in 2019.

Farm owners, Michael and Susie Woodward.

The Woodwards are Gold Plus level suppliers to Synlait and were finalists in the 2021 Waikato Balance Farm Environment Awards. They won the Bayleys People in Primary Sector Award and the Norwood Agri-Business Management Award. Michael and Susie work on the farm,

Tauranga - Taupo - Gordonton

Angora fibre is called mohair and is a luxury, high end commodity.

employing extra help during calving, and using contractors where required. The hard-working pair are also raising their four children, Kylie 11, John 9, Jack 7, and Charlie 4. The farm is roughly equal thirds of steep, rolling and flat country, with Mairoa ash soils. They run 300 Angora goats and milk 300 crossbred cows. The two species are grazed sustainably with each contributing to the pasture management. “With different soils and contours to Canterbury, we’ve had to review and change our farming practices,” says Michael. Being part of Synlait has been beneficial to the farm in so many ways.

‘Daunting’ but worth it

“Their four pillars under the Lead with Pride best practice system can be a little daunting at first, but it actually makes things easier in the

long run,” says Susie. The best practices cover environment, animal health and welfare, milk quality, and social responsibility. By milking once a day, this allows time to tackle other work. “If you think of it as doing the basics and doing them well, using technology to record what you do, and to remind you when tasks are due, it actually removes stress from the job,” says Michael. The Woodwards are creating Standard Operating Procedures for every process and job around the farm. The goats can graze the steeper land, but as browsers, they take the seed heads off the pasture and will eat weeds such as dock, thistles, barbary, and gorse seedlings, so they can be put through the cow paddocks before the cows. The smaller droppings, different worm issues, and minimal ground ...continued

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first

continued...

damage caused by goats, ensures the cows can go through and eat the lower parts of the pasture they require. “To keep PK free, we’ve found a pellet feed suitable for both cows and goats and can request different recipes depending on the seasonal mineral supplements required,” says Michael. Each year they make 300 large rounds of baleage and grow chicory and lucerne to supplement during drought. To be standalone, Michael reckons they need to make 500 baleage rounds, but a wet summer is needed to sow more pasture.

Environment care

With the farm sitting at the head of a catchment area leading to the Mangawhero Stream, the Woodwards acknowledge a responsibility to properties downstream. Susie says they have widened the distances from the stream edge to the fences as they have been systematically replacing fences and carrying out riparian planting around their waterways. To avoid blanket coverage, GPS technology is used for proof of placement fertilising, and spot weed spraying is carried out, with manual thistle grubbing a regular family chore. Worms can be an issue with the goats, and they are selectively drenched after faecal egg counts. Calves are all drenched and weighed monthly to monitor growth. The farming year is balanced around the needs of the goats and cows and streamlined for Susie and Michael to manage this. The goats are shorn in July, so it is out of the way for calving, and the goats give birth in September after calving, and are shorn again in January. Mohair, the fibre from Angora goats, is a

valuable commodity, and the Woodwards receive and class the mohair from 60 per cent of New Zealand’s mohair producers.

Record keeping

The partnership with Synlait involves an in depth three yearly audit, and a shorter yearly one. Record keeping identifies problems quickly so Jack and John they can fix them. helping with the “Records of things like our planting. vat milk temperatures and well water levels, a WoF on our effluent system, blood testing for minerals, up-todate hazard maps, and cultures for mastitis, are all small things individually,” Susie says. “However, they allow us to identify an issue fast and act fast before it becomes a bigger issue either with animal health, or our farm environment, or our milk quality - all of which can cause a financial issue,” says Michael. The couple hope to take on a full-time worker in the future and are preparing for that by ensuring they use a properly accredited employment process, with workplace training and goal setting. ] They want to provide a career path for future staff and build a strong business for their family. The new season’s goals include retiring steeper land, further riparian and shade planting, and environmentally conscious drainage of the farm tracks. “Often it’s the simple things and not the big showy things that make the biggest difference,” says Michael. Catherine Fry

The Woodward family: Charlie, Susie, Kylie, John, Jack and Michael. All Photos: Catherine Fry.

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The

Children with lambs and calves have been busy strutting their stuff at recent school Ag Days.

Rural Women New Zealand has also been actively thanking the amazing women who volunteer

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their time to ensure the events create lasting memories for all involved. Calf Club Days have been part of the New Zealand landscape since 1911 when the Boys and Girls Agriculture Group first began in Otago.

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Serious machinery for serious work. Kylie McHannigan receives a token of appreciation from Rural Women NZ for the 14 years she has been helping to make the Oropi School Calf Day a memorable occasion.

Sarah White (top right) has been helping with the Pahoia Calf Day since 2015.

Pongakawa School, which opened its doors in 1882, was probably one of the first schools in the country to hold a similar event. Carol Scott has been judging goats and stewarding calves at the school for nearly that long. For the past 20 years, Carol has been a driving force behind the Pongakawa Ag Day, even though her own children left 15 years ago. Sarah Murray’s first Calf Day was also at Pongakawa School 30 years ago. Her fond memories of the experience led the mother of two to play an integral part in organising both the Te Ranga School Ag Day and the Te Puke Group Day for the last five years. This year Sarah roped in her mum Marie Peterson, to help with the massive time and energy commitment these events entail. Since 2015 Sarah White has been integral in making sure the Pahoia School Ag Days took place. As well as organising animals for children, judges, sponsorship and setting up pens, Sarah has been highly valued for making herself available at all hours of the day and night to answer questions from families raising animals. ...continued

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be harvested in summer to be fed out, to improve P and N cycling. 8. In acan nutshell, for maintenance of P levels any genuine RPR (not an RPR/Boucraa mix please!) can be used. Just check the Cd content. For low fe situations orFact lowstrips rainfall, use a blend of RPR and high-analysis soluble P. low rainfall,urea, usefor a blend of RPRurea, andof high-analysis soluble P. prior Factthan 8.orIn a nutshell, maintenance P levelsimmediately any genuine RPRto, (not an RPR/Boucraa mix with please!) caninhibitor. be used.Use Justofcheck Fact 9. For N,situations rather granular use prilled sprayed or during, the spreading urease N can th b Fact 9. For N, rather than granular urea, use prilled urea, sprayed immediately prior to, or during, the spreading with urease inhibitor. Use of N can b situations cut in half with big savings.or low rainfall, use a blend of RPR and high-analysis soluble P. cut Fact in half9. with Forbig N, savings. rather than granular urea, use prilled urea, sprayed immediately prior to, or during, the spreading with urease Fact 10. Fact 10. cut in half with big savings. annual amount you are using now. Easy to mix with your prilled urea. Leaching of anions like nitrate will will be minimised as as well. annual amount you are using now. Easy to mix with your prilled urea. Leaching of anions like nitrate be minimised well. Fact 10. For more info, bert.quin@quinfert.co.nz, or phone 427 572, visit Foremail moreBert info, Quin emailon Bert Quin on bert.quin@quinfert.co.nz, or 021 phone 021 427or572, orwww.quinfert.co.nz visit www.quinfert.co.nz annual amount you are using now. Easy to mix with your prilled urea. Leaching of anions like nitrate will be minimised as we For more info, email Bert Quin on bert.quin@quinfert.co.nz, or phone 021 427 572, or visit www.quinfert.co.nz

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NEW FROM FROM NEW Margaret Scrimgeour, presents Carol Scott with a token of appreciation from Te Puke Rural Women NZ, to acknowledge the 20 years she has been helping at the Pongakawa School Ag Day.

Julie Midson’s family have been involved in the Kaimai School Calf Club Day since the school opened in 1913. Julie’s grandfather was a founding member of the school and the tradition continued with her mother, Julie (nee Coster) herself, then Julie’s children and this year her step-grandson took his lamb Rosie to the Kaimai Calf Club. For nearly 30 years Julie has been the community pillar that the event has been built around. Not only does Julie organise judges and steward the animals but she also supplies half of them from her farm to children wanting to take part at Kaimai, Tauriko and Oropi School events. Before Covid put a stop to chicken trafficking, Julie would also transport up to 400 day-old chicks over the ranges to all of the rural schools in the area. And if that wasn’t enough,Julie was involved for 15 years, as both president and secretary of the Tauranga Boys’ and Girls’ Agriculture Group Day before the event was put on ice in 2018. Robyn Rosie was Principal of Otamarakau School from 2002-2007, when she supposedly retired, but 20 years later you can still find her at the school including at the annual Ag Day. Mrs Rosie’s twodecade contribution to the local community was acknowledged at the Ag Day prize giving with a gift basket from Western Bay of Plenty Rural Women New Zealand. Calf Club Days have been a part of Kylie McHannigan’s life since she was a child, having raised both lambs and calves herself. “I am really passionate about continuing the Calf Club tradition for our children,” says Kylie who has been helping Oropi School organise Calf Days for 14 years. “Sadly the number of animals has continued to dwindle over the years due to a number of factors including Mycoplasma Bovis, Covid-19 and the fact that these days, most families have two parents who work, which makes raising an animal an unrealistic commitment. But those children who do take part have experiences that will last their lifetime.”

Kylie McHannigan with her own cup-winning calf.

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Page 27

Mother and daughter, Marie Peterson (left) and Sarah Murray (right) receive ‘thank you’ gifts from RWNZ Te Puke President Maureen Champion for helping to organise both the Te Ranga Ag Day and the Te Puke Group Day for the past five years. continued...

Page 28

Portable cool and freezer rooms in demand The ability to hire a cool room or freezer room sized, and to the demands of business, has remained popular during the Covid lockdowns and is predicted to grow as the economy opens-up.

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term additional facilities.” Les Dobson says Port-a-Cool services an area defined by Auckland to the north, Taupō to the south, the Bay of Plenty and Coromandel Peninsula. “Each unit is delivered to the site and positioned

The founder and owner of Tauranga based Porta-Cool, Les Dobson, says demand for cool rooms and freezer rooms has remained constant across a broad cross section of the business community – cafes, restaurants, bars, produce, flowers and honey producers to name a few. “The majority of our hires are long term, by the year. We have found that, in good times and bad, businesses whose product is perishable tend to prefer a monthly hire, which is a taxdeductible expense, versus tying up capital. “Hiring also provides Les Dobson chilling out in the cool room. them with flexibility on wooden bearers. There are no maintenance or so they can scale the size of the unit to match service costs and we provide a 24 hour breakdown market demand. service – all included in the rental cost.” “This flexibility is vital for seasonal businesses Port-a-Cool also has a range of trailer coolers which only require cooling or freezing for a which are in demand for outdoor functions and defined period each year or where, for any public gatherings in the Tauranga region. reason, storage is insufficient calling for short-

Animals and When Oruanui residents Bev Roberts and her husband Paul Dingle were given the opportunity to buy a local miniature farm park, they took it.

Page 29

in one farm park Bodhi feeding the experience with each one is what the llamas – Starsky park is all about.” (front) and Bev has noticed that the cellphones Hutch (back). are put away, and families really

Familiar with the Taupō area, and living locally themselves, it seemed a good skill set match for them. “I’d run a tourism adventure business previously, so I knew the ropes, and I’d helped out at the animal park before,” says Bev. Lilliput Farm had been set up in 2001 by a couple who had built it up into a real rustic and old-fashioned day out. By 2019 it was time to retire, and pass the park onto someone else to continue its legacy. “I’ve always loved animals, and we have a 15-acre block down the road with cattle, sheep and horses.” Bev’s primary concern for the animals she now looks after is their health and welfare, and the appropriate land management of the four hectare park. “I enjoy learning, so I did a lot of research about the animals that are now in my care, so I could be sure I was meeting their needs.” Bev rotates animals through the paddocks to avoid worm issues and sour pasture, and also rests each Chupachup the kunekune Park owner Bev Roberts with paddock in turn. pig. All Photos: Catherine Fry. her bearded dragon, Topaz. The larger animals include donkeys, cockatoo has a liking for male visitors and is ponies, deer, llamas, alpacas, sheep, always a hit with the kids. goats, pigs and a mule. Each breed has its own The rabbits and guinea pigs can all be cuddled vaccination, drenching, shearing, foot care and by visitors. Bev has several lizards and is working feed requirements, and Bev has learned how to on expanding their habitats so they can get handle each animal. “The llamas and alpacas are harder to manage, so outside during the day and bask in the sun while safely contained. when they are contained for shearing, they get the Feeding includes specialised diets depending on full spa day works with teeth filing, toe trimming, each breed’s needs, but a large part of the feeding if vaccinations and vitamin injections!” carried out by park visitors. Ostriches and emus can be unpredictable if you “The majority of the warm-blooded animals enter their paddock, so Bev regularly spends time can eat a multi-feed pellet containing grain and with them. Other birds include chickens, geese, vitamins. Visitors being able to hand feed all the peacocks and ducks, which roam the park freely. animals through the fences and have an up close Squeak, the 37-year old, sulphur-crested

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interact with each other and relax in the atmosphere of the park. She talks to her visitors about the animals and enjoys Squeak, the 37-year educating old cockatoo. the kids with animal facts. Covid-19 and the lockdowns have hindered Bev’s plans for upgrades and alterations she wanted to make to the park. “During the first lockdown we fostered out the smaller animals to people we knew, and many of the

larger animals we took and put them in our home paddocks.” Concern for the animals’ mental health was genuine as they are used to company and interaction from visitors. Bev went to the park daily to feed and check on the animals that remained there. Day to day care is carried out by Bev, with assistance from shift worker Paul and some teenage animal lovers. Cleaning enclosures, paddocks and hutches is a constant and important part of the animals’ welfare. The park is full of mature trees, and has a gently undulating contour and older style playground equipment. It’s exactly the experience Bev wants to offer - a respite from the busy lives we lead and a connection with the animal world. For more information, see the advertisement below.

Page 30

The convenient cabins The need to provide portable, comfortable accommodation for family or staff – often at short notice - is a familiar challenge to farmers and horticulturists.

Abundant Health

The need for additional accommodation can often be at short notice and for a defined term and Tauranga based Complete Cabins is meeting that need. Grant and Karla Rule established Complete Cabins to meet a demand which is shared by families and small business but say they are receiving a lot of enquiry across the agribusiness sector. The contemporary cabins come in three sizes – 6m x 2.4m, 4.8m x 2.7m and 4m x 2.4m. The large cabin accommodates a queen size bed and bedroom furniture and has the option of a bathroom. Prices start at $20,990 including GST. “The latest addition to the range, the middle sized cabin, is proving very popular The simple yet and provides plenty of room for a queen size stylish Complete bed and furniture. Prices start at $18,990 Cabin is at including GST. home in any “The small cabin is a perfect size for additional surrounding. accommodation or office space with prices starting at $14,990 including GST.” Karla Rule said all that’s required is a flat site which Complete Cabins are built to withstand New Zealand weather conditions, framed in galvanised steel can be easily accessed. “We are currently booked through to Christmas but and arrive on site fully lined and painted with a choice are taking orders now for the New Year. of floor coverings, double glazed windows and door “Building will commence on January 10, 2022.” and full insulation.

You won’t know unless you try I enjoy relating with clients and often joke that I am secretly developing a supplement that will reverse aging.

While that is wishful thinking we can ensure that our bodies do not age prematurely and ideally have a biological age less than our chronological age. You may be 70, but your body can be that of a 60-year-old. To achieve this you firstly need to eat well by having a diet based on freshly prepared plant foods, good fats and quality protein. Try to extend the range of foods that you eat and target vegetables with stronger colour because the pigments in fruit and vegetables contain potent antioxidants that prevent free radical damage which is the primary cause of premature aging. Secondly be active and try and keep your weight within public health guidelines. Thirdly, supplement wisely by taking those supplements that can make a real difference. For most people, most

of the time, I recommend three supplements. Firstly a well formulated multi mineral/vitamin/

antioxidant complex. This is the most important supplement. A good multi should firstly have all essential major and trace minerals. The trace minerals are very important as these are responsible for among other things maintaining your immune system. It should then be a full multi-vitamin and multiantioxidant ideally with naturally extracted OPC (grape seed extract). Secondly Omega 3 supplements to help balance the dominance of Omega 6 in our diets; thirdly vitamin D especially in the cooler months. I take 4000IU daily from Easter till Labour Weekend. My multi has 1000IU which is plenty for the warmer months. Outside of this we only use additional supplements for specific problems for example a joint product for osteoarthritis or extra magnesium for cramp, sleep or heart rhythm. John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv. Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@abundant.co.nz. Join his all new newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz

Coming together for the Comvita, global market leader in Mānuka honey, has announced a major partnership with social enterprise, For the Love of Bees, The partnership will see the two organisations working together to protect bees and the natural ecosystems they live in. Since its establishment in 1974, Comvita has been guided by its founding principle of Kaitiakitanga, or guardianship and protection over nature – building on co-founders Claude Stratford and Alan Bougen’s passion for connecting people to nature, while caring for the environment. This purpose is one shared by For The Love of Bees, which started in 2016 as an Auckland-wide social sculpture initiative by artist Sarah Smuts-Kennedy. It has since evolved into a non-profit movement advocating for bee-welfare. Under the new partnership, activity will include the establishment of Comvita-led beekeeping operations across three existing FTLOB sites in Auckland, and ongoing collaboration with local beekeepers to ensure bee health in those communities.

communities of bee advocates – supporting them in their efforts to produce tangible results. “With Aotearoa’s bee populations under threat as a result of factors such as habitat loss, pesticides, and disease, it’s our role as global leaders in the Mānuka honey sector to do all we can to protect our friends, the bees, and support our pollinators in keeping the planet healthy and flourishing. Comvita beekeeper Noelani Waters and For the Love of Bees FTLOB’s vision trustee Sarah Smuts-Kennedy get busy for the bees. holder and trustee Comvita is also providing funding Sarah Smuts-Kennedy, describes the partnership to support the expansion of FTLOB’s as especially timely given the diffi cult operations, especially in Auckland circumstances Covid-19 had created. and Paengaroa, where Comvita’s “The support from Comvita comes at the perfect main site is located. time and will help us to support our community of Comvita CEO David Banfield says urban farmers and scale out across the country. they are aiming to create a movement that enables bees and people to thrive in harmony. “This new partnership with For the Love of Bees is an important step in bringing that movement to life, by working with like-minded

Time is of the essence

Pink eye is a nasty disease that usually occurs in the summer and autumn seasons causing sore inflamed eyes.

Pink eye develops fast.

Pink eye is caused by highly contagious bacteria. In the case of cattle, Moraxella bovis is the main culprit, while Chlamydia spp is the primary cause of infection in sheep. The disease can be

transferred easily from animal to animal by way of flies or by simply brushing up against common things like the seed heads on long grass. Pink eye can range from a mild irritation to painful eye ulcers and if advanced it leads to irreversible blindness. Any sign of eye irritation in your animals deserves a closer look especially during these warm summer months. An important part of control is to separate out affected animals from the rest of the group. Blindness can develop as soon as 2-3 days after the initial infection so time is of the essence in terms of tending pink

eye individuals. Fortunately there is effective antibiotic medication and the ability to prevent the disease through pre-emptive vaccination before the onset of the typical seasonal challenge. For these options and more information on this condition contact your local vet clinic.

Page 31

“Our Biology-First farming concepts are proven, and our Earthworkers Programme is creating a network of change-makers. Comvita shares our goals of creating a world of difference focused on restoring the environment, while advocating for bee welfare and climate change first and foremost.”

SHEEP & BEEF

Page 32

Bright future for strong wool There is more swagger in the step of strong wool merchants thanks to a tide of ecoconsumerism and innovation amongst Kiwi producers.

The Strong Wool Action Group (SWAG) is an organisation set up to promote the strong wool sector and it estimates producers are sitting on a $500 million opportunity.

The export price of strong wool has tanked from a high of about $10 a kilogram in the 1980s, to just over two dollars today. Strong Wool Action Group executive officer Andy Caughey says for the first time in 40 years the market conditions are optimistic for strong wool. “In June this year Price Waterhouse Cooper’s Global Consumer Insights Pulse Survey, found half of all

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people surveyed say they’ve become even more eco-friendly. This is up from 35 per cent of respondents in 2019. “This illustrates the global opportunity to meet changing consumer needs. It’s no coincidence that the strong wool price started to plummet around the time nylon plastic flooded the market. But now that plastic is quickly losing popularity and consumers want to make sustainable choices, strong wool is making a comeback. “From premium coats, bags, rugs, acoustic panelling, to components in paints, cosmetics and skin care – strong wool is making the shift from a commodity to a component of premium sustainable products shoppers want.” In the year ending June 2020, New Zealand exported 71,028 tonnes of clean strong wool. It was sold at an average price of $2.27. Lifting this back up to $10 a kilogram would transform the industry from a $200 million nearly $750 million. “Clearly we’ve got a long way to go to get back

up to $10 a kilogram. But even $5 a kilogram would pump nearly $200 million extra into the New Zealand economy. “We’re already seeing examples of strong wool selling for $4.50 a kilogram, so we’re heading in the right direction for the first time in decades. “Now’s the time for clever people to stand up for the strong wool businesses that capitalise on the sustainability movement. “In the past five years, online searches for sustainable goods have grown by 71 per cent. “There is so much potential for the strong wool sector with the growing diversity of applications that support healthier and safer living. “The world is turning away from plastics and retailers are already responding. “We’re seeing major carpet and furniture companies abandon synthetics and the emergence of new companies innovating with strong wool in applications far beyond how the fibre has traditionally been used.”

Farm awards continue with a Covid twist

Despite the interruptions of Covid-19, the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust is delighted to confirm that the 2021/2022 Ballance Farm Environment Awards will proceed as planned throughout the country, including the new

Festive Feast

Catchment Group Award. Even with the disruptions caused by the changes to alert levels in Auckland, Northland and Waikato, the awards have received a pleasing number of entrants across the country allowing the

programme to continue albeit with some adjustments to ensure the safety of all involved. Judging will be limited to one round and all entrants and judges will need to be fully vaccinated against Covid-19.

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SHEEP & BEEF

Page 33

New ceo for Beef + Lamb

Grazing on grass gives these animals a healthy advantage. Photo: Dan Hutchinson

New research from the Riddet Institute indicates there are differences in meat quality relating to health and digestion, depending on how the animal is raised. A research team led by Dr Lovedeep Kaur and Dr Mike Boland from Massey University compared pasture-raised New Zealand beef to grain finished beef, and a plant-based alternative. They found differences in the fat content of the beef, potentially leading to better health outcomes. The team examined how the human digestive system responds to the differing food compositions and how the nutritious proteins and lipids (fats) are released for the body to use.

Greater levels of good fats

The researchers found the protein from both the pasture-raised and grain-finished cuts of beef digested in a similar way, whereas significant differences were observed for fat or lipid digestion. Digestion of meat from pasture-raised animals released greater levels of good fats, relative to the generally considered ‘bad’ fats. Meat digested from pasture-raised New Zealand beef, showed higher total amounts of free longchain omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and lower amounts of free, long chain saturated fatty acids (SFAs), than meat from grainfinished cattle. The role of long chain SFAs in increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease and conversely that of omega-3 PUFAs in providing health benefits is well established in food science research. This suggests potential health benefits of

consuming pasture-raised beef. The plant-based alternative tested in this study had no long chain omega-3 PUFAs.

Part of wider research

Dr Kaur says the research highlights that meat protein is generally highly digestible and meat with higher digestibility is better for your body. As plant proteins are generally known to be less digestible than meat proteins, the plant-based meat substitute showed relatively lower protein digestibility. “Scientists generally agree that higher rates of release of amino acids [protein building blocks] during the digestion of meat leads to beneficial effects in muscle, such as maintenance or gain in muscle mass. This is particularly important for the elderly in managing sarcopenia [muscle wasting] and for athletes who want to increase muscle mass. “What was interesting to see in our research was that whilst an animal’s protein composition is largely determined by its genetics, and the samples we tested contained highly digestible proteins, the composition of the fat in an animal, particularly the long-chain PUFAs, is largely affected by what it has been eating,” Dr Kaur says. This research forms part of a larger programme currently underway examining the nutritional value of New Zealand pasture-raised beef, as compared with grain-finished beef and with a plant-based substitute. The research is funded by the Meat Industry Association of New Zealand, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, the High-Value Nutrition National Science Challenge and the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand has appointed Kit Arkwright as the organisation’s new chief executive. Kit has been with t he organisation since 2017, most recently as general manager – marketing and has been acting as interim CEO.

Kit Arkwright.

He has previously worked in the UK for Great British Racing – the central promotional body for the British horseracing industry. He succeeds Rod Slater, who retired earlier in the year after 27 years in the role.

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AVOCADOS

Page 34

Healthy avocados critical for long journey market Exports to Asia is becoming the norm for Katikati avocado firm Darling Group, and the focus on orchard health has also increased as growers strive to produce fruit that can meet the rigours of long-distance travel.

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Andrew Cutfield, general manager of investor relations and supply, says Darling Group is constantly working to develop its understanding of on-orchard and harvest management practices that impact the quality of the crop. “We are focusing intently on the things that we can do to assist our marketing team in producing quality fruit that is able to be utilised for the longer shipping journeys that are needed to deliver avocados to markets across Asia.”

Monitoring

More than 70 per cent of the avocados picked and packed by Darling Group to date will be exported to Asia with most of the fruit travelling via sea freight on trips that take an average of three weeks. “As we move into spring and damp, warm orchard environments increase, so does the incidence of rot in the fruit. It’s important that as growers, we carefully monitor the climate in the orchard to ensure the crop isn’t damaged by these conditions. “While we’re now at the tail end of the longship-time, sea freight export window and we are transitioning to air freight and shorter shipping time frames, we’re still carefully monitoring quality to ensure we limit any wastage.” The 2021 crop has exceeded expectations with fruit size and volume up on the past season. “Given the weather constraints this season, we’ve seen really pleasing results. Most orchards continue to be picking more volume than estimated, with

good flowering for the season ahead. “Average fruit size is proving to be larger than last season, while the only issue has been a high incidence of ridging occurring in the fruit. “This appears to be particularly prevalent in younger, high-density orchards. This is most likely linked to weather events post flowering last season,” Andrew says.

Orchard health

With more than half of the 2021 crop now picked and packed, Andrew says late spring and early summer is a crucial time on the orchard for prepping next year’s crop. “The focus for our growers now turns to overall orchard health as they look to set up an excellent foundation for the next crop. Pruning, fertiliser and soil moisture management are important tools in the coming months,” he says. Darling Group has been working with global agricultural company Agri Technovation to install leading edge soil moisture management tools in avocado orchards over the past 12 months. “One of the surprising key insights we have gained is that, on average, we have been over watering – a key cause of tree stress. “Maintaining irrigation systems is one of the most effective ways to reduce wasted water, reduce over-irrigation, and improve plant health by applying the correct amount of water, (and fertiliser) where it can be utilised by the tree.”

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Students considering a career in New Zealand’s growing horticulture industry are encouraged to apply for Horticulture New Zealand’s scholarships. Applications for HortNZ’s annual undergraduate and postgraduate scholarships are open until December 10, 2021 for the 2022 study period.

HortNZ chief executive Nadine Tunley says that the scholarship programme supports students who have a special interest in the fruit or vegetable industry. “Young people are the future of the horticulture industry. That is why HortNZ offers these scholarships - worth up to $10,000 - to support the next generation of innovators and leaders.

There are HortNZ undergraduate scholarships worth $1500 available for each region, with the top three candidates receiving an additional $3000 to support their studies. There are two postgraduate scholarships available, each worth $10,000. Visit www.hortnz.co.nz/ scholarships for full information.

AVOCADOS

Page 35

Your Solution for all things Irrigation Call Our Experts on 0800 130 905 www.irrigationexpress.co.nz The Croplands Avoliner has been specifically designed for avocado growers.

Designed specifically for avocados, the Croplands Avoliner air blast sprayer is proving popular with growers. The highly efficient Fieni 920 DSV fan is designed to generate more air with lower horsepower – 70hp. A high pressure AR BHS-200, four-diaphragm brass pump comes as standard. Whangarei avocado grower Peter Lawrence bought a Croplands Avoliner in November and says it certainly puts out a good volume of spray and a lot of air. Brass roll-over nozzle bodies are fitted with one set of 28 stainless steel disc and brass cores and one set of 28 ALBUZ ceramic hollow cone nozzles. This allows for a wide choice of application rates. Peter’s Avoliner was fitted by Croplands with all 56 nozzles being a combination of the ALBUZ ceramic hollow cone type and the superior ceramic disc and core. He also got the optional ‘Top Gun’ assembly which is designed for taller trees. “Our orchard has trees one metre to 10 metres high and that’s in one row. The in-cab rate controller adjusts the pressure to maintain the desired rate, and I have six switches in the cab to switch on and off the six separate sections as I see fit, depending on the size of trees I am driving past at the time. There is lower, mid and upper on left and right sides, hence the term six section sprayer.” Once the operator has set the rate of application, the machine will apply that rate regardless of the speed of travel. Other features of the machine include a low profile 2000-litre UV-stabilised polyethylene tank, fitted with a 120-litre flush tank and four-litre hand wash tank. The chassis and axel are hot-dipped galvanised and it has a full length chassis with adjustable draw bar and single step.

Fewer farms sold in October Data released by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand shows there were 114 fewer farm sales (-31.1 per cent) for the three months ended October 2021 than for the three months ended October 2020. Overall, there were 253 farm sales in the three months ended October 2021, compared to 270 farm sales for the three months ended September 2021 (-6.3 per cent), and 367 farm sales for the three months ended October 2020. The median price per hectare for all farms sold in the three months to October 2021 was $34,265 compared to $27,950 recorded for three months ended October 2020 (+22.6 per cent). The median price per hectare increased 9.6 per cent compared to September 2021.

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AVOCADOS

Page 36

Avocado market reset in five year plan Trimax has been designing & building premium horticulture mowing equipment in Tauranga since 1981.

Strengthening fruit quality to endure longer transit shipping timelines will help ensure prospects remain positive for New Zealand’s fast-growing avocado industry with its longterm focus on developing markets outside of Australia. New Zealand is on track to significantly lift volumes of export avocados over the next five years, following investment by growers in new orchard planting. Historically, the New Zealand industry has shipped the bulk of its fruit across the Tasman but industry leaders say changing market dynamics is forcing a reset, with an understanding that Asia will be expected to take on a significantly greater market share in years to come. The New Zealand Avocado Industry recently released a five-year market plan which coincides with Avoco presenting its business plan to the grower governance group Avoco Grower Relationship Committee. Avoco marketing and communications manager Steve Trickett says with good planning and a collective industry

Challenges

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Growing competition and reliable logistics remain significant challenges to be met.

Growth

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Significant growth on the horizon but investment required to develop emerging markets.

All-market compliance is key to providing the fl exiblity to reliably service customers.

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Focus Australasia and the Pacific Rim are very much the focus for the next fi ve years but new markets are coming into view.

effort in addressing certain challenges, the horizon still looks promising. “Although it’s hard to be accurate this far out, the forecast is for significant growth. Industry projections see the export crop growing from current levels of 4.5 to 5 million trays to around 7.5 million by 2026/2027, while the exporter group forecast is even higher. “Australia remains New Zealand’s largest and most important market, however as volumes build, we need to find more homes for fruit in other global markets and we will continue to concentrate on Asia, and perhaps even see the USA back on the radar,” says Steve.

New markets needed

The industry has a long history with Australia and Steve is careful to point out that this market remains significant and Avoco has plans and commitments to continue to supply their key retailers and wholesalers. “These relationships have been built up over more than 30 years and we are not giving up on that market. We just need to be realistic about increased production there and where we will place all of New Zealand’s increasing crop volume.” The progressive reduction in the percentage of crop allocated to Australia will lead to a significant projected increase in volumes for markets beyond. Steve says while it is important to pursue new opportunities, addressing current challenges around product quality, market compliance and shipping will be a prerequisite to success. “While fruit quality remains critical, growers will also need to strive to achieve ‘all market compliance’ to give marketers flexibility and reliability in serving markets. Orchard yield and export pack percentage will become a key focus area also to underpin sustainability long term,” says Steve.

Adding countries to the market mix

As global competition heats up, there are more countries accessing New Zealand’s new and emerging markets, using price as a point of difference to penetrate. “Success also relies on investment to develop markets. Not only in building our brand story to create a localised and compelling consumer message for each market, but more investment is needed in technical support both onshore and offshore. As well as continuing spend in trade and consumer education, Avoco is considering investment in providing in-market resources to support our customer network in selected markets.” Although the industry focus is very much on Australasia and the Pacific Rim for the next five years, China features heavily in the future. “Five years out we hope to see Vietnam and Indonesia added to the market mix and subject to the development of new shipping technologies and shipping services, other markets further afield can be explored,” says Steve. “It isn’t all doom and gloom, especially when considering per capita consumption and significant population markets with a low base for growth, and the growing wealth and appetite for healthy foods – it just takes time, a lot of effort and significant investment.”

AVOCADOS

Page 37

Optimise growth with balanced nutrients It’s warm, muggy and great growing conditions.

In fact, I’d suggest we are seeing such good growth you can almost hear them growing! On that note it’s timely to check on the type of growth. I’m seeing a lot of flowering and in

fact overflowing. We’ve had a great run of warm nights during November and fruit set should be heavy. Nutrition demands are at their peak and so too is photosynthetic activity and water demand. My soil moisture sensors have started dropping at both levels and at this rate I expect to be altering late November. We are reviewing our nutrients programme and nutrient budgets. This period of December is a very important growth time. Having good, balanced nutrient availability helps optimise growth and of course leaf growth. This weather has been very hospitable for bugs. While sustainability is a big, long-term goal, keeping bug levels low helps you use less chemical and less carbon credits. On the other hand, sustaining friendly and supportive bugs should be encouraged. Using selective, targeted and modern chemicals - correctly applied using a calibrated sprayer adds up to the best equation. So it’s December. It’s a time to look for the red tips hardening off, a time to prepare for Christmas relaxation and of course the New Year. At Aongatete Avocados we are anticipating a big fruit set and high demand for injecting and pruning. Part of my message is to plan for a relaxing Christmas and importantly book your injecting and pruning crews. Labour availability is a hot topic. Happy Christmas break team.

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FEED MANAGEMENT/HAY & SILAGE

A feed plan is the best stress remedy Rainfall in the first half of November is in stark contrast to last year.

There has been plenty of rain days to frustrate contractors and farmers but there hasn’t been a lot of rain in most places.

Just 24mm fell in the first 18 days of November this year, compared with 182.5mm for the same period last year at our Paengaroa yard. Contractors have been really frustrated because the showers just keep coming all the time. Farmers are getting frustrated because the showers are not coming to their place and they could be getting silage made. The contractor is somewhere else, where the weather is not suited to cutting silage. Rainfall is down for the year (January 1 – November 18) at 926.5mm compared with 1052mm for the same period last year. Average soil temp is up on last year at 18.6 degC for November, compared with 18 degC for last year, at the same point in the month.

Watch out for cut worm

Early maize has been very slow and didn’t do a lot of growing in October but it has certainly taken off in November with the warm rain. We have noticed a bit of greasy cut worm this year. It’s a caterpillar that chews through the stem. We haven’t sprayed cut worm in many years. I can’t even remember when we last did it. If we are seeing it, then it will be in other places as well. People should now be putting urea onto maize paddocks and spraying out post-emergent weeds. Crops have been fairly clean for weeds this year. They are looking good because of the moisture we had in October. There was enough moisture to activate the chemicals and because of the slower growing conditions, weeds were slower too. Spray them anyway, before you get row cover in the maize, because now the maize is growing the weeds will take off as well. Same thing with winter and summer crops – spray for weeds

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now and apply a dressing of nitrogen just to give them a boost. Watch for white butterfly and leaf miner. If you are spraying weeds anyway, it is easy, and just a few dollars a litre, to add a simple pyrethrin-based insecticide at the same time. Keep monitoring right through the next 3-4 months. Sometimes you will need up to three sprays.

Get plenty of feed

Who knows what the weather will do when you have a la Nina – sometimes you have a dry la Nina, sometimes, if you get those tropical fronts, it can be wet. To be safe make sure you have feed on hand. You talk about mental health, there is nothing more stressful for a farmer than running out of feed. If you haven’t made silage this year make sure you order some up now. It’s cheaper now because it is the off the paddock price. There is not a lot of surplus maize around either so don’t bank on being able to get it in February or March because the grain price is up this year. Growers will likely contract early for the grain to capture the good price. Just make sure you have got enough feed to get yourself through and cover any shortages that could occur. It is looking like the dairy pay-out will make a record high this season with a forecast Fonterra pay-out of $7.90-$8.90 per kg of milk solids. We have still got a bit of maize available and plenty of silage bales – good quality milking feed. We will be looking to make hay shortly too, so we will be in touch soon to start booking orders.

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DAIRY

Page 39

Why the cart is before the horse The parallel between the farming situation now and the late 1970s is eerily similar and comes with a cautionary message.

Meat, milk and wool prices are steadily climbing but if the pattern follows, farmers may still struggle to generate a worthwhile surplus at the end of the season. One of the reasons is that farm costs are also increasing due to more expensive energy in the form of fuel and electricity costs, and they must be paid before the return from the sale of produce is received. The other is the cost of money. Interest rates are steadily lifting, and an example recently was a shift in interest from 3.5 per cent to 4.1 per cent for a farm related business. That’s a 20 per cent increase in the cost of debt servicing. The owner wasn’t concerned because he saw it as a 0.6 per cent lift that could be easily covered by a small increase in the price of his services. That would be fine if farmers were in the position of being able to recover the extra cost in the price received for the meat, milk, grain, or whatever else is being produced. Farmers aren’t in that position.

Productive capacity of the land

An example of healthy pasture.

find that although there is a short-term lift in pasture production, the following slump largely offsets the initial gain.

The foundation of growth

Recently it has become increasingly apparent that long-term use of synthetic nitrogen results in a decline in soil carbon, and soil carbon is the foundation of all growth. Louis Schipper of Waikato University in 2007 wrote, “Modern farming practises of high nitrogen use have and continue to erode soil carbon and nitrogen levels in spite of purported conservation measures and contrary to what agricultural ‘experts’ have espoused and continue to claim”. That nitrogen is essential for high levels of pasture production is not in question, however clover in a well-managed sward can provide all the nitrogen necessary for optimum annual production. Over the past 25 years Functional Fertiliser products and programmes have been shown to outperform all synthetic N dependent schemes with a measured 70 per cent reduction in nitrogen lost Successful farmers to groundwater. Programmes tailored to understand … individual farms ensure that the transition phase ✓cows does not result in the often-discussed drop in ✓business risks production. Call Peter on: 0800 843 809.

Everyone providing essential goods and services also recover their costs in advance of farm income being received. Imported fertiliser costs are soaring, the cost of DAP moving from $750 to $1200 for example, with suppliers handing on most or all of that. There’s another perhaps more serious issue involved that should be examined, and that is the productive capacity of the land. There is often the ability to lift production by more efficient management of pasture, crops, and animals, with minimal extra costs, however fundamental changes must be made. Reorganisation of resources when margins are tight is scary. Any innovation is seen as risky and farmers being commendably conservative are reluctant to go there. Meat and milk processing businesses have fixed costs and a lift in animal numbers or litres of milk processed means increased costs can be spread. However, the only sustainable way more meat or milk can be produced is by increasing pasture production, and in recent times that is not happening, the reality is pasture production is declining. When animal numbers are prioritised without more feed being available, underfeeding occurs with an inevitable reduction in farm income as more goes into maintenance with less available for production. It was tried in the 1970s with farmers being financially incentivised to carry more sheep. It became known as the skinny sheep scheme and soon axed. Over the past 30 years, Supports a healthy a healthy faecalfaecal egg egg ever-increasing amounts Supports of synthetic nitrogen have countcount for intestinal for intestinal healthhealth been applied, only to

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REACTION

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Natural solutions It’s hard to change the habits of a lifetime – or an understanding of what is possible - when your education is based on accepted, but limiting, chemical science.

So, if one-metre-long ryegrass roots don’t surprise you, then you’re already streets ahead of the status quo. Whakatane dairy farmer Alan Law, whose farm has been on the Total Replacement Therapy programme for two years now, was digging a drain in his paddock when he uncovered unusually long ryegrass roots. Ryegrass and clover make up a standard New Zealand pasture cover, but conventional scientists and seed sales people will tell you the only way to grow roots that long is to plant traditionally long-rooted plants, such as chicory and plantain – certainly not ryegrass, which has an average root length of 150mm.

ideal pH in which to curate a healthy soil, with prolific clover growth able to photosynthesise organic nitrogen, is 6-7. The right pH will encourage the natural synergy between biology and plant: thriving biology in the soil allows long roots to establish, which in turn encourages biology to thrive. Another challenge we’re targeting is the sequestration of carbon in the soil and reducing methane emissions. It is commonly believed by mainstream science that the only way to sequester

Natural science solution

CONTACTS Greg Spanton greg.spanton@agritechnovation.com 021 227 4027

Horrie Burges

George Freeman

h.burgess@xtra.co.nz 021 663 872

georgefreeman@gmail.com 021 021 98323

27A Wicklam Lane, Greenhithe, Auckland 0632 09 954 5411 info@agritechnovation.co.nz www.agritechnovation.co.nz

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The efficacy of long-rooted plants to reduce nitrate leaching by 30 per cent is the reasoning behind the riparian strip planting solution, a ‘solution’ that scientists say will likely need to increase to 10 metres to meet regulations. However, it doesn’t take a rocket Ryegrass roots are found, growing up to one metre long. scientist to see that one-metre-long carbon is by growing trees, but again, that comes ryegrass roots across a whole farm would mean down to a poor understanding of natural processes nitrogen leaching basically coming to a stand-still. or knowledge of the sciences: chemistry, in symmetry We have used natural science to achieve what we with biology, will change the physiology of soil, roots, have today. We first had to reduce Alan’s dependence on applied plants, animal health and human health. There are two types of carbon – carbon in the nitrogen, but we had to replace synthetic nitrogen top layers of soil (litter) that decomposes over time with something for the pasture to continue to grow. The target became growing clover so prolifically that and stays fairly static in its carbon readings; and the liquid carbon pathway, which takes carbon down the it harnesses nitrogen from the atmosphere itself. roots of plants. We went against conventional science again, which Chemical scientists are overlooking the role of insists the ideal soil pH is 5.8-6. We have found the the liquid carbon pathway, because what we are measuring via soil carbon testing is proving that we can indeed gain carbon in soil. NZ DISTRIBUTOR

Need for modern political thinking

A lot of the scientific theories we use originate outside of New Zealand, but we are comfortable with that; it would be foolish to assume that New Zealand-based science is the only correct science. If the government is looking to radically challenge How do you counter these bad bugs? With good bugs. That’s what NZ DISTRIBUTOR farmers to change their practices, to reduce future Slurry Bugs are – helpful bacteria that eat the pond crust. Literally. Not only do Slurry Bugs remove the crust, they transform the effluent carbon emissions and clean up our waterways, then it nutrients into organic forms that are easily used by plants. In other words, needs to overhaul its quickly-becoming-archaic advice Pond crust is caused by pathogenic bacteria in the they liquefy your pond and turn it into an effective, spreadable fertiliser. for modern political thinking. effluent that separate the effluent fibres and send them Because 95 per cent of New Zealand’s fertiliser Using Chlorine will kill these good bugs! We to the surface. comes from chemical fertiliser companies, that means have the solution! DX50 is an eco-friendly How do you counter these bad bugs? With good bugs. That’s what 95 per cent of the advice given to our politicians is chlorine-free sanitiser that kills pathogens 2.46x Slurry Bugs are – helpful bacteria that eat the pond crust. Literally. better than chlorine but leaves the good Slurry based on chemical solutions. Not only do Slurry Bugs remove the crust, they transform the effluent Bugs alone. A chlorine-free Alkali and Acid nutrients into organic forms that are easily used by plants. In other words, Even if a biological opportunity like Total completethey theliquefy cleaning system. Replacement Therapy was presented, the die-hard 95 your pond and turn it into an effective, spreadable fertiliser. per cent would challenge it. Using Chlorine will kill these good bugs! We To move forward, the 95 per cent needs to be have the solution! DX50 isOur an eco-friendly environmental initiative to reduce Total culled heavily because the danger of keeping these chlorine-free sanitiser that kills pathogens water pollution2.46x is by implementing an Replacement better than chlorine but leaves the good Slurry advisers is that they will use their energy to defend 8-step method leading farmers from a Therapy Total Bugs alone. A chlorine-freechemical Alkali andfertiliser Acid system using synthetic their old traditions, which have got us into the mess Replacement complete the cleaning system. and pollution we are in today. You can’t fix a problem nitrogen applications, to a Total quick and profitable clover-based biological Therapy with the same advice that created it. system that enhances feedReplacement quality, animal health and effluent. Therapy Our environmental initiative to reduce The underlying worry for farmers going forward is NEED TO KNOWwater MORE? pollution is by implementing an that Government won’t recognise the progress made Go to www.forwardfarming.co.nz and www.totalreplacementtherapy.com 8-step method leading farmers from a in mitigating pollution and sequestering carbon and to read more or call David Law on 027fertiliser 490 9896. chemical system using syntheticwill bash everyone with the same club in the form nitrogen applications, to a quick and profitable clover-based biological of a tax. system that enhances feed quality, animal health and effluent. Government must listen to biologically thinking NEED TO KNOW MORE? scientists without being cross-examined by the Go to www.forwardfarming.co.nz and www.totalreplacementtherapy.com old guard. to read more or call David Law on 027 490 9896. There has been a lot of brilliant work done in New Zealand and overseas to meet the challenges ahead, but this progress is being slowed by a reluctance to think laterally about the solutions already on our doorstep. Pond crust is caused by pathogenic bacteria in the effluent that separate the effluent fibres and send them to the surface.

DAIRY

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Dairy sector calls for 1500 international staff Dairy sector partners are calling on the Government to allow 1500 international dairy workers into New Zealand in 2022 to help meet the sector’s workforce shortfall, if borders continue to remain closed.

made changes to appeal to local employees, with farmers reporting improved rosters, reduced hours, flexible milking schedules and increased salaries. However, we still have a significant workforce shortage and that’s why we need to reintroduce international staff to help fill some of the gap.”

DairyNZ, Federated Farmers and Need to act now Dairy Women’s Network have asked Federated Farmers immigration for changes to be made to class spokesperson Chris Lewis says exceptions by agriculture minister farmers need certainty they will be Damien O’Connor. able to access international workers Along with the request for for next year. additional international workers, “The border processes Government the organisations also support used this year were hugely frustrating Workers harvest international farm workers being for farmers. If our borders do remain grass on a able to quarantine in separate Broadlands farm closed, we need processes streamlined housing on-farm, if fully vaccinated near Taupō. to provide farmers with confidence and following Covid-19 safety Photo: Dan Hutchinson. they can recruit staff and get them requirements while in quarantine. into New Zealand much faster.” DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim “The Government needs to commit Mackle says difficulty in obtaining MIQ space has been a key frustration to acting now so we can access the people we need for next season.” which has hindered the arrival of Dairy Women’s Network chief workers granted dairy class exception executive Jules Benton says the visas this year. current workforce shortage is “Severely limiting the dairy sector’s creating high levels of stress for access to international labour is farming families. creating unacceptable levels of stress “Farming families need assurance for farmers and their teams, which they will be able to fill vacant roles. presents some risks to animal welfare “Levels of physical and mental and limits dairy’s future productivity fatigue are not sustainable and as a at a time when our contribution to New Zealand is critical for our wider sector we are hugely concerned about the wellbeing of our people. economy,” says Dr Mackle. Anton Meier | | W Mßexitanksnz.com 021 289 5999 | P 07 829 5940 | E anton@ßexitanksnz.com | W ßexitanksnz.com Anton Meier | M 021 289 5999 | P 07 829 5940 | E anton@ßexitanksnz.com “Farmers are uniquely positioned to be able to offer new international Tight labour market workers safe home quarantine in In a recent joint DairyNZ and rural areas, taking the pressure off Federated Farmers survey, half of MIQ facilities.” dairy farmers reported they were The organisations are seeking a short-staffed. The request comes as New Zealand meeting with minister O’Connor unemployment rates fell to 3.4 per as they call for border exception cent to equal the lowest level seen applications to be open by February Anton Meier | M Anton 021 289 5999 | | MP 021 07 829 | W ßexitanksnz.com Meier 2895940 5999 | | EPanton@ßexitanksnz.com 07 829 5940 | E anton@ßexitanksnz.com | W ßexitanksnz.com since 2007, shortly before the worst 2022, so farmers have staff on farm effects of the Global Financial Crisis before the calving season starts hit the economy. in July. “We are seeing many core sectors DairyNZ has a range of initiatives facing challenges filling vacancies due underway to attract new people to low unemployment rates. into dairy, including a GoDairy Anton Meier | M 021 289 5999 | P 07 829 5940 | E anton@ßexitanksnz.com | W ßexitanksnz.com “We know from our recent farmer programme focused on attracting survey that 87 per cent of farmers capable New Zealanders into dairy.

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Be prepared for Covid-19 complications The agri-sector and Ministry for Primary Industries is working together to ensure farmers are prepared in case key staff are affected by Covid-19.

The initiative is a checklist for farmers so that they can tick off preparation in terms of personal wellbeing, and everything a neighbour or someone else coming onto the farm would need to know should key people have to go into MIQ or hospital - right down to the names of dogs and where their food is located.

The checklist is available on the Federated Farmers website and from the other groups that helped put it together: DairyNZ, Beef + Lamb New Zealand, NZ Pork, Deer Industry NZ, Poultry Industry Association of NZ and the Egg Producers Federation of NZ. “It’s only a matter of time before we get more positive cases of Covid19 turning up on farm,” Federated Farmers national board member and employment spokesperson Chris Lewis says. “Distance from health and other

There is plenty to ponder on the farm most days so a Covid-19 checklist is important insurance. Photo: Dan Hutchinson.

• Ideal for Cattle Troughs • High Flow • Side/Bottom Mount • Detatches to Clean • Compact/Robust

facilities, workforce shortages and the need to the “case by case” decisions on how and where continue to look after animals and crops raise all isolation would happen if someone tested positive. sorts of complications. “The latest data out of the USA indicates if “As DHB medical officers of health will be making you’re not vaccinated you’re 11 times more likely the decision on whether it’s practicable for a farmer to die from Covid-19 and ten times more likely to or key farm staff member to self-isolate on the farm, be hospitalised.” evidence of pre-planning and preparedness will be Immunologist and Otago University associate an important factor,” Chris says. professor James Ussher told the webinar a doubleIn a Federated Farmers-hosted webinar, vaccinated person had a 75-80 per cent lower Southern DHB medical officer of health Dr chance of being infected with the virus. Michael Butchard emphasised being double“If you don’t get infected, you can’t pass it on to jabbed was the “very best defence” if a farmer or other people. So it’s about protecting yourself and key team member who tests positive sought to protecting others.” self-isolate on farm. The checklist can be downloaded from Vaccination rates of people on the farm would the Federated Farmers website: weigh heavily on medical officersIdeal as they made www.fedfarm.org.nz • for • Id C

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Environmental benefits boost subdivision hopes When deciding to allow rural subdivision, councils consider many factors with the issue of demand for the blocks being very low on the list, if at all. In this context, I am not talking about rural residential subdivisions where there might be a hundred or more half-hectare blocks grouped on the outskirts of town. Rather, I am talking about small farms and lifestyle blocks where you might like to escape to from the chorus of ride-ons on a Saturday afternoon. The sections where you can build a house without covenants, have a few animals and raise a family away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Over the years, I have been approached by many wanting to rezone a rural area to allow for lifestyle subdivision. In their mind, it would be a good use of land where the blocks are already small and located on unproductive soils.

Plans all now recognise the benefits of protecting these features. Using the Western Bay as an example, half a hectare of wetland can be enough to justify the subdivision of one additional section. Also, if you have a waterway running through your property there is a good chance that you can get a credit for a subdivision – you’ll need 250 metres of bank planted in natives, 20 metres wide. Established forest or regenerating scrubland also qualifies, with various size limits of several hectares as in other districts. If your land has a feature similar to those mentioned in this article and you want to subdivide your property, I am happy to discuss the prospects with you. Please feel free to give me a call and discuss your situation. Brent Trail, Managing Director of Surveying Services, specialises in resource consent applications for subdivisions across the Waikato, Coromandel, Hauraki and Bay of Plenty. For further information call 027 4993 778 or email btrail@surveyingservices.co.nz

Huge undertaking

Well, it makes sense doesn’t it? Yes, it does, but from my experience it needs scale and it needs to be promoted by Council. The process is huge in terms of both time and cost, and the likelihood of success is extremely low, unless there are extenuating circumstances. For a start, Council will want all the effects of the future subdivisions addressed at the outset of any proposed rezoning. These effects can include traffic so you won’t want to be too close to a state highway or city, nor too far from one. Then there is rural character, soil productivity, archaeological, wastewater, stormwater and ecological to consider to name but a few of the issues to be reported on. By far the best way to go is to approach Council with your concept and see if you can talk them into it being ‘their idea’. If council officers think that your proposal has merit they can advance it through their periodic Plan Change process with the bonus that Council will cover the cost to a large extent. If they don’t like it then the way forward is very risky. With courage, you could either put a submission in to their next plan change or promote a Private Plan Change at some point, but the cost would be all yours.

Environmental benefits

Often unproductive land goes hand in hand with environmental attributes. It is here that we are finding that councils allow a little more flexibility with rural subdivision. This is not rezoning over several properties but it can allow some additional lifestyle blocks on farms with qualifying features. Wetland areas, regenerating native bush and stream banks are some of the most popular features with councils. Western Bay, Waikato, ThamesCoromandel, Franklin (now partly in Waikato and Hauraki), Waipa, Hauraki, South Waikato, Matamata-Piako, Whakatane and Opotiki District

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Page 44

FARM VEHICLES & MACHINERY

Crawlers in construction British born Gary Skepper has a long association with the construction and earth moving industry with his father and uncle running a company there in the 1970s, which Gary took over in the 1990s.

It was in the UK that he was first introduced to Caterpillar earth moving machinery. After immigrating to New Zealand in 2000, Gary is now employed by HEB, and was the construction manager for the Cambridge Expressway.

Gary Skepper and his 1957 Caterpillar 933 Series E Traxcavator.

Photo: Catherine Fry.

Rear view of Gary Skepper’s 1957 Caterpillar 933 Series E Traxcavator.

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The distinctive yellow Caterpillar machines are an American brand and were imported into New Zealand by Gough, Gough and Hamer from 1932 onwards. “I had been collecting in the UK during the 1990s but sold them all when I came over to New Zealand.” He has now built up his collection to three Caterpillars, starting with a D2 bulldozer in 2005. “In 1951, Caterpillar purchased the Trackson Corporation of Milwaukee, developing their loader attachment into a purpose-built loader based on the Caterpillar crawler tractor range. These ‘Traxcavators’ were used for excavation on roads and general development.” Gary has a 1957 Caterpillar 933

Series E Traxcavator, which would have been brought into New Zealand as a new vehicle. It has a Caterpillar D311 diesel engine with a petrol driven starting motor. The 50-horsepower engine is situated at the front of the vehicle. They were placed at the back in the 1980s. With four forward and two reverse gears, the 933 is not quite as stable as a full bulldozer and requires care when the bucket is raised and the centre of gravity changes. Gary found his 933 in 2010 while looking on Trade Me. It was still being used on a farm in Christchurch for farm maintenance and in the farm’s small sand and river ...continued gravel quarry.

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“I wanted another project and the Traxcavator appealed. I remember playing around with an old one we had lying around in the yard back in England.” While it was in good running order, the 933 had several missing panels, for which Gary made templates to have replacements made. He also needed to fix a leaking fuel pump. Gary painted the 933 himself, using the original Caterpillar Yellow colour. He had transfers made up to duplicate the style of the ones used

in the 1950s era. The Illinois, USA based Antique Caterpillar Machinery Owners Club (ACMOC) started in 1991 and Gary is a member of the New Zealand chapter. A few hundred members swap information and contribute to the newsletters. Gary uses his Caterpillars for odd jobs around his property, and takes them to earth moving events organised by the Waikato Vintage Tractor and Machinery Club Inc.

Page 45

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Farm show returns from ‘hibernation’ Rotorua’s Agrodome is reopening for Christmas following an 18-month break.

The classic Kiwi farm experience is set in 142 hectares of lush farmland, just 10 minutes from the city centre. Over the past 18 months, the staff at Agrodome have been caring for the animals and the land, while things have been in hibernation due to Covid-19 restrictions. But with the pandemic landscape changing and with border openings just around the corner, management has decided the time is right to open the doors once again to visitors. There will be two farm tours and one farm show a day to start with. Ngāi Tahu Holdings Manahautū Te Whakaawa GM of corporate services Jo Allison says the focus is to give manuhiri/ guests a special insight into how and where their food is grown and produced. “Our team at Agrodome are delighted to be showcasing this journey at this time, 50 years on from when Agrodome first opened. “We want all our manuhiri to experience an interactive culinary immersion and to gain an insight into where and how their food is grown. There will be something here for everyone,” she says. Agrodome’s legendary farm shows showcase 19 breeds of sheep including rare and endangered breeds, live sheep

Shearing demonstrations are a popular attraction at Agrodome.

shearing and a fun sheep auction. There will also be remarkable farm dogs, cows, ducks, and a lot of laughs. Meanwhile, the farm tour groups are guided through a working farm where visitors can hand-feed animals and visit the farmyard nursery which features all kinds of cuddly baby animals. In the future, as border re-openings expand and Agrodome hosts more visitors, the offering will be expanded to a full agricultural experience featuring show jumping, western riding, woodchopping, honey spinning and more.

Incoming Agrodome general manager David Blackmore says the future vision for Agrodome is a reimagined attraction that will appeal to absolutely everyone. “We will be both honouring the past and embracing innovative thinking around food production. “We want to immerse visitors in experiences which are fresh, exciting, and sustainable as we position Agrodome for future domestic and international visitors alike,” David says. Look out for giveaways and promotions leading up to the grand opening.

Big names locked in for first ever Dance Farm Festival Whangamata’s Dance Farm Festival has revealed indie pop superstar Benee will headline the inaugural summer festival.

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The event is being held on January 8 at Joe’s Farm in Whangamata. Twenty-one-year-old Benee is joined by Mitch James, Sachi, Ladyhawke, Niko Walters, LA Women, Georgia Lines and Aacacia. With Platinum Awards piled up around the globe and having just released her first

2021 single Doesn’t Matter, Benee can’t wait to kick off her touring schedule as headline act for Dance Farm. “I’m so stoked to announce that I’ll be heading to Whangamata this summer for Dance Farm Festival. We all have a part to play to save this summer and keep everyone safe, so please get vaccinated so you can attend. I can’t wait to get back to playing more shows and sharing a bunch of new music I’ve been working on throughout 2021! See ya soooon!” Benee says.

Benee is headlining the Dance Farm Festival.

Event organiser Denis Beaver from Coro-Events says Whangamata is more than ready to play host to some of the biggest names in Kiwi music.

“With Benee having joined our incredible home-grown line-up, Dance Farm is a summer festival that you won’t want to miss. “The countdown is on.”

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

nd oper

TRAIN • lev

4 IN 1

gra

• G

loader

RAD

• el

scoo

WARRANTY**

•

†

BUILT KIOTI

LOADER COMBO 105-115HP CABIN Power Shuttle

TOUGH

Kioti NZ

WHILE STOCKS LAST

Kioti tractors are exported to

COUNTRIES

Kioti tractors

South Korea make

MANUFACTURING

SOUTH KOREA

like Samsung & Hyundai

over 70 years

are made in

GLOBALLY

MACHINERY FOR

HIGH QUALITY PRODUCTS

SUMM ER MOW-AWAY DEAL

MOUNTED DISC MOWER

YEAR DRIVELINE WARRANTY

FINANCE

NON-STOP BREAK-BACK DEVICE

kiwi

4 YEAR

KIOTI PX SERIES

owneD

POWER

0% INTEREST

100%

y all

OF OUR NATION

ly oud loc

o w ne

FARMING IS THE

Page 47

OPTIONS

AVAILABLE

The cutter-bar will swing backwards and up when hitting an obstacle and return to working position automatically (instant reaction / non-stop).

EASY LIFT ON HEADLANDS

The mower is lifted via the hydraulic cylinder – there is no need to activate the three point linkage of the tractor.

MOWERS FROM

THE CUTTERBAR WITH ROUND DISCS

15,990

The only mower with round discs. This gives better cutting and it leaves no pinch point for rocks to get caught.

+GST

PERFECT TRANSPORT BALANCE

Perfect balance in transport folded over the gravity point, which spreads the weight more evenly across the rear of the tractor.

Power Farming NZ PUKEKOHE

0800 570 571

MORRINSVILLE

07 889 5059

TE AWAMUTU

07 870 2411

TAURANGA

07 543 0021

ROTORUA

07 349 6528

GISBORNE

06 868 8908

Terms and conditions apply. Offer for a limited time or while stocks last. Images may differ from product advertised. * Terms and Conditions apply contact your dealer fro more info. ** 4 year or 2000 hour power train warranty. † Finance terms are 1/3 deposit, GST in month three, with 0% interest over 36 months, and is for PX Range loader combo only.

Page 48

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS Three-year-old Cuba Jefferson helping Gramps feed the deer in Katikati.

Poppet feeding her best friend in Matamata.

Payton with her favourite heifer Liquorice in Tauranga.

Perry, 9, and Kingston Williams, 6, enjoying the great outdoors in Taumarunui.

FARM BUILDING SPECIALISTS.

07 889 6314 or 021 775 310 info@oneillengineering.co.nz www.oneillengineering.co.nz 73 Thames St, Morrinsville

c1902kwO’neill

GABLE & CIRCULAR BUILDINGS.