It is a story of both happiness and heartache as this hard-working couple - Deanne and Phillip Crowder - seek to fulfil their dream of an outdoor lifestyle See Page 20-21. Photo: Catherine Fry.
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A Fest’ of Avocados PG 15
Planting for Bees PG 18
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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS
Eventful start to the year We are only a month into the New Year and already there is plenty to ruminate over.
As I write this on January 21, the only storm clouds on the horizon are the Omicron kind, with soil moisture evaporating from paddocks faster than a beer on a balcony. Given the disruptions to just about everything along the supply chain, by now most rural business owners should have a plan to get through what appears to be the inevitable arrival of Omicron. Go to page 6-7 to see what lot of farmers are doing. All we can do is plan, boost our immunity and get on with the job, order everything well in advance and carry as many spares parts and consumables as the store shed can cope with. Our columnists have plenty of good advice and ideas for managing the day-to-day things as well as the stuff that can trip us up so make sure you have a good browse. Most industries are going great guns at the moment and dairy businesses will be relishing record high payouts, although inflation is taking care of a fair bit of that, I guess. Other industries are doing it tough this year, but triumph is always sweeter after adversity. The avocado industry is going though that right now with low prices and labour shortages. Exciting developments in Asian markets give something to look forward to and will hold the industry in good stead in years to come. You can read all about that on page 16. And, of course, we have been out there talking to those farmers doing things differently. A big theme this month is the number of people that are entering the industry for lifestyle reasons.
They would rather be out there in the sun than stuck inside, looking at four walls. Sometimes that’s a nice reminder when you’re up to your eyeballs in work. Getting people into the farming industry is an issue that has been brought sharply into focus by the current shortage of international workers and it’s good to see DairyNZ launching a new campaign to help with that. See page 3 for that story. We need to be more resilient and less reliant on imported labour, so, once again the difficulties being faced now in that regard won’t be so bad in the future if we learn to adapt. Here’s to a productive February and we’ll see you Dan Hutchinson again in March.
COAST & COUNTRY NEWS
Page 3
Life is better down on the farm farmers, and how they are working to provide a better future for their farms, the land, their families, their communities, and New Zealand. “Dairy farmers are a core part of the economic, social, and environmental wellbeing of communities throughout New Zealand, and our wider ‘Here For the Long Game’ is a platform for dairy farmers to share with other Kiwis who they are and what they do in a way that’s open and fun. “Welcoming and supporting new farming talent is vital to the sector’s
long game, so we’re excited to launch a new campaign encouraging young Kiwis to get into the dairy sector.” The Join Us campaign gives people a look into daily life on a farm from working with machinery and technology, to caring for animals and the land. “It’s about showing young Kiwis that, for those keen to get stuck in, dairying offers a truly rewarding career and lifestyle. By joining us, you’re not only securing your own future, but becoming part of creating a better one for all New Zealanders.”
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A young farmer with a love of rural New Zealand is helping to launch DairyNZ’s latest campaign. The ‘Join Us’ campaign aims to give Kiwis a better understanding of what it means to be a dairy farmer and attract more people to dairy. Dairy farmer Shannon Munro has been dairy farming for about 10 years and is fronting the campaign. With her husband Steve and three children, Shannon says they opted to move away from urban city life to provide a different upbringing for her young family. “I grew up in the Northland countryside as a kid and moved to Te Puke when I was 11. I always had fond memories of living in the country when I was growing up, and always planned to return one day.”
Moving up the ladder
Steve was a builder, and after the birth of their first son, Benson, they agreed that a city lifestyle wasn’t what they wanted for their family. They moved from Te Puke to Ngakuru, a rural community in Rotorua Lakes, where Steve found a job as a farm assistant. With her son in tow, Shannon helped with calving and rearing the calves. Over the next decade, as their family expanded, they progressed into farm manager and 2IC roles, and then into contract milking, moving around the country as opportunities came up, including farming in Canterbury and the Waikato.
“We are now about 30 minutes from Whakatāne and are in our first year leasing a 66 ha dairy block, which was previously leased by Steve’s parents. “We bought their 170 herd as they purchased a dairy farm.”
Learning life skills
The land and location of the farm offers plenty of opportunities for Shannon to enjoy two of her favourite hobbies: hunting and fishing. Shannon says their three kids, aged between three and 11, love being on the farm, riding motorbikes and being hands-on. They especially enjoy making huts in the bush and staying at the family’s glamping spot next to the creek. “The kids can enjoy a lot of freedom on the farm. “At the same time, they have lots to keep them busy and they’re learning life skills they may not have otherwise learned in the city.” The family is planning to stay on their farm for the next few years, but ultimately want to own their own small farm. Shannon says that as a young, Māori woman she is proud to be presenting a different face to dairy farming and to be associated with the campaign to show people what dairy farming has to offer as a career. “Dairy farming offers really great opportunities and a great lifestyle. There are lots of opportunities for people to progress quickly and it’s very rewarding.” DairyNZ chief executive Dr Mackle says DairyNZ’s ‘Join us’ campaign is part of a wider project – Here for the Long Game - aiming to help communities understand what drives dairy
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A new year and a new concept I started this article writing about ‘normalising’ everything, and in discussion with my son-in-law on that subject was introduced to the term ‘pluralistic ignorance’.
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In short pluralistic ignorance means that we all have a sense about a topic or issue that it is not right or true, but we choose not to say anything because no one else has said anything against it. It is like we are normalising things. So, an example of this might be that we know 3 Waters is probably not the best model for the nation, but because it has been televised and widely sold to us, we have gone quiet. It has ‘sort-of ’ been accepted even though we know it is probably wrong for the country. This is where ‘pluralistic acceptance’ kicks in because we assume others are accepting and so should we. But should we? In the middle of a pandemic, the government decides to amalgamate and restructure the health system and with a new name. We know they should be focusing on preparing for a hospital overload with more ICU beds, but we just ‘kind-of ’ accept it because no one else is saying much. That equals pluralistic ignorance or normalisation of an issue. Look at all the new regulations being dumped on the backbone of the country. It is crazy when we need every farm dollar to support our country and service the ever-increasing government debt this government is creating. Farmers initially, and rightly so, leapt up and down, but they all seem to have gone quiet because nobody is making much
noise about it now. Here comes another one - ‘love our forests’ - and you know what that means and what is coming eh! The $785 million Auckland cycle bridge is another great example. When it was mooted, the noise was stupendous. It was televised, normalised and the people eventually went quiet. Fortunately, the government were able to read the ‘will of the people’ in this case and cancelled it, not without about $51 million already spent. Groundswell must be another good example. All these amazing people ran a protest, and rightly so. The farmers and the public seemed to get behind it and there was a lot of support. The government ignored it, it became ‘normalised’ and pluralistic ignorance set in. It has all gone very quiet now. Pluralistic ignorance is quite a hard concept to grasp, and it does run parallel with normalisation. It seems that governments understand all this and use it as a method of bringing about change without upsetting the public too much or their popularity. Or have I got this wrong? So, a new year and a new concept. Pluralistic ignorance seems to be alive and well and one wonders if governments realise all this and use it as part of their strategy to bring about unpopular changes to our laws, our people and the farming community, or am I just an old fart! 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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Work begins on Tokoroa dairy factory Tokoroa is a step closer to becoming home to a new state-of-the-art dairy processing plant with the lead contractor being appointed to construct the facility.
Ofi has appointed GEA New Zealand Ltd with First Principles Contractors as a building partner, to construct its dairy plant in South Waikato. The company says the factory will include technology designed to reduce pollution, minimise water and energy use and ensure waste is handled in the most sustainable way possible.
The latest technology
Paul Rennie, operations director for ofi in New Zealand, says the company is delighted to work with a partner of GEA’s calibre. “GEA has a proven track record of developing sustainable solutions for sophisticated production processes, which aligns directly with our goal of building a plant that operates as sustainably as possible. “The new facility will place Tokoroa at the forefront of advanced dairy product processing and technologies, open up new
options for farmers in South Waikato and create career opportunities for local people.” He says the project is expected to involve up to 300 construction workers during peak phases of the build, which will be a boost for the local economy and a catalyst for wider investment in the community. The new plant is expected to be ready in the third quarter of 2023. It will be developed in stages, starting with a spray dryer with a capacity of one million litres of milk per day, and capable of producing more than 45,000 tonnes of milk powder annually.
Expressions of interest
A second phase of construction will see more facilities added to extend the range of high value dairy ingredients that can be manufactured at the site. Rennie says ofi greatly appreciates the support of local stakeholders, including Powerco, which has been assessing power options to support the infrastructure of the plant, and the South Waikato District Council. Greg Martin, GEA senior director, liquid and powder division, says the plant has been designed to optimise productivity,
A render of the proposed new factory when it is completed in the second half of 2023. flexibility, and sustainability and will support local manufacturing. Ofi is taking expressions of interest from farmer suppliers, including those looking for winter milk supply options, as well as local employees, contractors and trade suppliers. When fully operational, the plant is expected to generate 50 to 60 full-time jobs, with more anticipated in the future. The development will include a plant nursery to grow native plants for farmers’ riparian planting projects, which will be irrigated by site water. Clearing of the site is underway in preparation for the first stage of works to begin. They are also exploring renewable energy sources to power the facility.
Entries open for Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Award long exhibition at Hamilton’s ArtsPost Galleries & Shop, opening this year on Friday 22 April. Entries close: 1pm, Monday March 14, 2022. Competition criteria and forms are at www.waikatomuseum.co.nz/no8wire
The annual call for Kiwi creatives to flex their skills has arrived. The Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Award challenges artists from across New Zealand to transform the iconic agricultural product, No.8 wire, into inspiring art. It has a prize pool worth nearly $10,000, and entries for the annual awards are now open. Hosted by Waikato Museum Te Whare Taonga o Waikato and supported by the New Zealand National Fieldays Society, the event has seen incredible talent manipulate the infamously difficult product into stunning works for sale. Approaching its 25th year, the Award is now recognised as a celebration of true ingenuity. In 2022, the competition will be judged by carver, sculptor, and multidisciplinary artist Eugene Kara. New Zealand National Fieldays Society president James Allen says they are proud to continue supporting a platform for “expression of creativity and the grass-roots of agriculture in New Zealand, whilst also connecting a community of like-
Last year’s winner of the Fieldays No.8 Wire National Art Award, Auckland artist, Gina Ferguson, with her work ‘Wear n’ tear.’
minded individuals”. A digital judging platform will be used to review photos and select the finalists. This platform also keeps the entrant identities confidential, enabling the judges to focus solely on the art. The winner will receive $7000, and prizes of $1000 and $500 for the second and third place respectively. Further prizes are also awarded for People’s Choice and President’s Choice. The award culminates in a month-
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Tatua farmers brainstorm Covid-19 During the March 2020 Covid19 lockdown, Tatuanui dairy farm owners Wayne and Selina Berry shut the farm gates and locked down in their farm bubble with their contract milkers Hayden and Heather Brown. Selina still left the farm for work as she is a midwife, but life pretty much carried on as normal for the farm. It wasn’t until a conversation in November 2021 between Wayne and Hayden that they started to think of how they would manage if Covid-19 came to their farm. “Things are different now. The
elimination strategy is over, and we are opening up and will learn to live alongside Covid. If anything, we are more at risk from Covid reaching us,” Wayne says.
A tailor made plan
The Berrys live in a house on the 70-hectare farm, and their contract milker milks 230 cows. Wayne oversees the business side of the farm but works off-farm as a farm consultant. “If Hayden got Covid, I could take over milking, but if it took us all out, what then? The herd still needs milking and feeding.” Wayne’s research online led him to DairyNZ’s Business Continuity
Wilton Rd Tatua Dairy suppliers Roger Wilton, Wayne Berry and Selina Berry (absent Bruce Wilton). All Photos: Catherine Fry.
Template, which has been specifically updated for Covid-19 and is a helpful tool for planning. The Berrys supply The Tatua Co-operative Dairy Company (Tatua) and sought advice from them. While they had protocols in place, Wayne realised that they were more around milk collection and processing, whereas he needed to consider things at farm level. “We looked through the Ministry of Health website and read the fact sheets on isolation and realised we had been a bit naïve about how that would work. If one of us got Covid, we would all have to isolate and not be part of the milk collection process during that time,” Selina says. It was at this point that Wayne approached the four other Wilton Road farmers, who also supply
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Tatua, for a meeting. Mitchell Coombe, Roger Wilton, Bruce Wilton, and Kirsty and Stephen Singh attended.
Identifying the risks
The terms ‘close contact’ and ‘isolation’ were clarified with the realisation that a group plan needed to be in place to facilitate this. “As we all live and work on the farms, we had to consider what constituted as isolation, with the general consensus being that it should be the boundary fence of your dwelling and you didn’t go onto the farm at all.” The relief milkers for each of the farms were contacted and asked to be part of the back-up plans. The skills of all staff were identified because
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contingency plan
The Tatua Co-operative Dairy Company (Tatua) at Tatuanui.
Wilton Rd Tatua Dairy supplier Stephen Singh.
continued...
tasks like tractor work need experience. The people who might be most at risk were also identified. Every farm ensured their standard operating procedures were up to date for starting up their milking sheds and milking. Easy access information was compiled for things like feed suppliers, paddock rotation, which cows are excluded from milking, feed requirements, electricians, plant engineers, water supply, cultivation or harvest work due. “It was awesome to see everyone coming up with ideas of how we could take over the operations of someone else’s farm if required.”
“The younger generation suggested accessing farm technology for information on each farm. We also set up a WhatsApp group for fast communication between all the parties,” Selina says.
Farmers working together
At the moment the group is looking at life in four-month blocks, and they have identified calving as the highest risk period, where the most staff are required and Covid could have a huge impact. “In the weeks leading up to calving, everyone on all the farms will have to be mindful of their social interaction and movements,” Wayne says. Allocating tasks Each farm now has its own plan for Covid, and It was decided that one person would bring in the reassurance that experienced neighbours are on their own knapsack sprayer and PPE to do the standby if needed. deep clean on the dairy shed and equipment before “It has been a really productive discussion and milking resumed. Then someone else would do the was very reminiscent of farmers working together milking and a call would be made whether to drop even as recently as 15 years ago, a real sense of to once a day milking on that farm. co-operation,” Wayne says. The same applied to tractor or machinery work, Although no-one is leading the group, as a farm with the assisting farmer bringing their own consultant, Wayne should “in theory be able to run machinery onto the farm to complete the work. any dairy shed”, so he acknowledges that he may be called upon for advice. “This is a great example of farmers identifying a problem and working together to come up with solutions that work for them. “We encourage all farmers to replicate what they have done,” says Tatua supplier relations manager, Liam O’Halloran.
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Waikato Regional Council’s monitoring of effluent management has had mixed findings, prompting a reminder to those in the dairy sector who may have taken their ‘eye off the ball’ in recent months.
Following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions in the Waikato late last year, the council’s Rural Compliance team is back monitoring effluent E info@containment.co.nz W www.containment.co.nz management systems across the region’s 4000 E info@containment.co.nz W www.containment.co.nz dairy farms.
“Weather conditions have been pretty good for irrigating, and we would have expected to see effluent being used effectively as a fertiliser and not having a negative impact on the environment,” says rural compliance team leader Stu Stone. “But we’ve found one in 10 of the farms visited either has not got adequate infrastructure in place, or their management practices have slipped. “It is unfortunate that we are placed in a position of having to formally investigate the worst of these cases, and there is a real possibility that some of them may result in prosecution. “We strongly encourage farmers to connect with the wider industry to get good guidance on dairy effluent infrastructure. “Accredited designers listed by DairyNZ are the appropriate people to get guidance from. “They will design an effluent infrastructure system that is fit for purpose for that particular farm.” NATION WIDE Stu says even with a good level of infrastructure there still needs to be investment in staff training and all farm staff need to be vigilant on a day-to-day basis to avoid mishaps.
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The land’s kidneys Wetlands are like giant kidneys, protecting the health of waterways by helping to dilute and filter harmful material.
With World Wetlands Day occurring on February 2, it is a good time to reflect on these and other benefits that wetlands provide. Wetlands once covered large areas of the country. Now they are some of our rarest and most at-risk ecosystems. They contain a diverse range of plants and animals and are home to many rare and threatened species that are remnants of the original biodiversity of the area. It is estimated that about 90 per cent of New Zealand’s wetlands have been drained over time, with wetlands now occupying only about two per cent of the country’s total land area. This is one of the largest wetland losses anywhere in the world. Wetland is a generic term for the wet margins of lakes, ponds, rivers, streams, estuaries, lagoons, bogs and swamps. Natural wetlands have been appropriately termed the ‘kidneys of the landscape’, because of their ability to store, assimilate and transform contaminants lost from the land before they reach waterways.
Wetlands remove nitrates
One of the practices for reducing the effects of intensive agriculture is to strategically incorporate wetlands into farming systems. Sometimes it may be as simple as fencing out existing wet areas, or it might involve creating one with a low bank. Many farms have low-lying and wet areas that can be managed as small wetlands with minimal impact on farm production, but potentially major benefits for water quality and biodiversity. Nitrogen, phosphorous, sediment and pathogens enter waterways through groundwater and surface runoff. Wetland vegetation uses these nutrients for growth. Research indicates that wetlands remove up to 90 per cent of nitrates from groundwater through a process called denitrification. Wetland plantsGEOGARD trap sediment suspended in water, GEOGARD GEOGARD improvingGEOGARD water quality. In riparian areas, their roots hold a stream bank together, reducing erosion. Nutrient loss fromL farms is greatest when the iLniinnign gf of ro rl i fl ief™ e™ volume and speed of runoff water is greatest, either L iLniinnign gf of ro rl i fl ief™ e™
Seek good quality advice
Bigger is generally better, but within a farm, small areas are good because you can create more of them, they are generally well-suited to fit into a farm’s budget and topography, they treat the contaminants close to where they come from, and they can generate a more widespread biodiversity benefit across your farm. Waikato Regional Council can offer free advice to landowners on managing wetlands, including information on fencing, planting and weed control. It’s important to check the rules and regulations, and to seek good quality advice to ensure our wetlands are properly cared for as complex, delicate ecosystems in a productive agricultural landscape. Before undertaking any excavation work, always check with your local council on regulations regarding earthworks in and around natural waterways and wetlands. Councils generally have rules regarding the height of embankments and
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through surface runoff or through the soil profile. Therefore, slowing down and controlling water movements across farmland is a critical factor in reducing nutrient loss into waterways. A series of small, shallow sediment traps or sediment retention dams can be constructed throughout the catchment to take some of the energy out of the water. If these are managed to remain wet for most of the year, they will replace those kidney-like functions and enhance the farm’s environmental outcomes. Wetlands will also regulate the flow of water by soaking up excess floodwater and then slowly releasing it to maintain summer flows or recharge groundwater.
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PASTURE RENOVATION
Page 10
Stitch in extra certainty this autumn ED DRESS IN & S E
Imagine if your average paddocks came out of summer ready to grow as well as your best ones.
ID G E CRSEEDS
GR
A
IN G
Perfect for undersowing – thin pasture, with few weeds.
Undersow them with Shogun NEA hybrid ryegrass in coming weeks, and you won’t have to imagine! For the next two to three years, they’ll give you tonnes of high quality, home-grown feed, with no machinery, feed pad or supplement bill required. All you have to do is select paddocks that need a shot in the arm to recover from summer; book the contractor if you need one, and order seed.
QUA LITY PASTURE SEED
Bounce back faster
The beauty of undersowing Shogun NEA is that it turns thin, brown pasture thick and green again quicker than virtually anything else you can do. It’s a great way to help the farm bounce back after summer, with the added benefit of knowing you can milk well off those paddocks for another season or three before they need full renewal.
High energy feed
Your cows will thank you, too, because Shogun NEA is a tetraploid - soft, easy to eat and high in metabolisable energy. That translates to more milk in the vat, on top of more feed per hectare than you would get if you left those average paddocks as they are after summer.
Thin pasture to undersow.
Reap full rewards
Success with stitching in Shogun NEA is all about a good plan. Pick the right paddocks now – look for thin, poorer producing pasture. Undersowing also works well on paddocks with lots of summer grass. Remember to check soil fertility. If you need a contractor, organise this early. The same goes for seed. That way there’s less chance of delay if services or supplies are disrupted this year. Barenbrug area manager Paul Hames
A IN &
SEED DRESSI
Studying the impact of soil health
CRID G E
GR
NG
SEEDS
QUA LITY PASTURE SEED
New research on farms across New Zealand will measure and provide farmers with tools to enhance soil health, including identifying where regenerative agriculture practices can make a difference. Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor recently announced a “unique partnership” between food producers Synlait Milk and Danone, science provider AgResearch, and the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund. The project will study soil
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health on 10 farms in Waikato, Canterbury and Otago over five years, to determine the impacts of changes in soil health on production, farm resilience and the environment, including climate change. Two paddocks on each of the 10 farms will be dedicated to a comparison between conventional practices and regenerative practices, focusing on greater pasture diversity and reduced nitrogen fertiliser use. “A focus on soil health will be a key part of our industry’s journey to keep making milk in
the most sustainable way. We are proud to have six Synlait farmers working alongside their industry peers to innovate, experiment, and lead our sector to explore the benefits of regenerative practices,” says Hamish Reid, Synlait director – sustainability, brand, Beverages and Cream. “Ultimately, we want to support farmers and provide solid guidance based on scientific evidence,” says Danone New Zealand director Steve Donnelly.
FERTILISER
The science of facial eczema Thirty years ago, in autumn 1992, I was visiting a sheep and beef client, Barry Hill, who farmed 240 hectares west of Huntly.
I had been advising Barry for the previous three years and had been recommending blends of RPR (reactive phosphate rock), elemental sulphur, plus the trace elements copper, zinc, boron, and selenium as well as some lime. He commented to me that since he had been using my mixes that he no longer had facial eczema problems, whereas his neighbours who were using straight superphosphate were being hammered by eczema every year. There have been various theories expressed as to why this was happening, and how the soil mineralogy can affect fungal spore growth.
Spore numbers
One was offered by a student who presented a paper at the NZ Grassland Association conference at Taupō 16 years ago, who found that applying lime in late summer reduced spore numbers, something her grandfather had anecdotally noted. She asked the scientists, consultants and farmers attending this conference to explain why this was so. I was the only person to offer some suggestions as to why lime reduces spore numbers. I explained that fungi generally do better in more acidic conditions and that their enemies – bacteria – prefer less acidic conditions. By lifting the pH, you get more bacteria which attack the fungi, reducing spore incidence. A teaspoon of soil is a warzone between fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes and protozoa, and changing soil chemistry can give certain microbes a competitive advantage over others. Secondly, the lime particles, being quite alkaline, may kill eczema spores if they come into contact with them. Lime also promotes earthworms, and worms feed on dead plant material and
give protection to facial eczema challenge alone, as thatch at the base of the zinc required by animals to protect against pasture where the spores grow, so with greater eczema is more than what the plants can earthworm numbers, actually take up. Even a 50 per cent lift in zinc there is less thatchy levels from say 30 ppm to 45 ppm may provide material for spores to a small benefit for eczema. develop in. For dairy farmers, the simplest measure for Since then, DairyNZ facial eczema is to give animals zinc via drench, has disputed the claims in-shed feeding, or inline water dispensers, of lime reducing facial spray pastures with fungicide or give livestock eczema, as many dairy slow release zinc boluses. There has been a big farmers have good pH push for breeding resistant animals, particularly levels and regularly lime sheep, and beef breeds which tend to have their farms, but still get greater tolerance than dairy breeds. With more facial eczema, although dairy-beef animals used for fattening on hill dairy breeds in particular country, and the popularity of Friesian bulls, are more susceptible. There may be something in the type of the genetics for facial eczema tolerance is not there. Unless the dairy industry begins selecting for eczema phosphate that is applied. tolerance, facial eczema is going to be a problem. Superphosphate is very acidic, with a pH of about two, whereas RPR has a Robin Boom is a member of the Institute of Professional Soil Scientists. pH of eight, and serpentine super and dicalcium phosphate fertilisers have a pH of about six. The strongly acidic superphosphate may temporarily lower the soil pH around where the granule lands, reducing bacteria numbers and creating an environment for toxic fungi to proliferate. It could be this effect my client was observing when he was using RPR compared to his neighbours who used superphosphate. Fertiliser on hill country is often applied over the summer/autumn when access to airstrips is easier, and this big hit with acidic fertiliser may be a factor to increasing spore numbers.
Mineral deficiencies
Another possible explanation could be the application of trace elements, particularly zinc and copper which both have fungicidal properties, killing spores or inhibiting their growth, and possibly promoting soil bacteria which wage war on the fungi. A factor could be that neighbouring farms have had the same initial trace mineral deficiencies, but because these were not being tested for they were not being applied to the soil. Barry’s animals could have been healthier with the extra minerals, and more resilient to the liverdamaging sporidesmin toxin. Although zinc was being applied to Barry’s soil, there would not have been enough zinc taken up by the plants to
Page 11
Robin Boom
CPAg MBSPC
Independent Agronomy & Soil Fertility Consultant
FERTILISER
Page 12
Unlocking the carbon to nitrogen secret Foundation of Arable Research, senior field researcher Sam McDougall has been with FAR for six years.
He works at FAR’s Northern Crop Research Site and one of its projects is researching how the carbon to nitrogen ratio of cover
a Req uest le ! p m a s f re e
crops affect soil N levels and how that impacts maize growth and development after no or reduced tillage cultivation. “We have seen maize established better after legume cover crops such as faba beans or annual clovers, than traditional maize grass cover crops such as annual ryegrass or oats.” Initial research was around different cover crop termination times, revealing that legume crops can be terminated at any time, and plant available soil nitrogen levels are adequate for the developing maize plant. However, with the grass crops, at later termination times, and despite adding considerable amounts of nitrogen, there was still low soil nitrogen levels. Earlier cover crop termination helped improve soil N levels. “We’re trying to develop no tillage and reduced tillage methods as a profitable alterative in New Zealand, so we wanted to explore further, as for these establishment methods, legume cover crops may make soil nitrogen management easier.” For the 2021 maize season, 0.2 hectares is being used for 48 different plots, with cover crops of faba bean only, faba beans and oats together, and oats only. Four different liquid nitrogen rates were overlaid providing a second variable. All the cover crops were terminated at the same time by flattening them to enable spraying and this was FAR senior field research officer, Sam McDougall at FAR’s Northern Crop Research Site in Tamahere, Hamilton. All Photos: Catherine Fry
Graphic showing the faster breakdown of faba bean stems compared to oats over the same time period in a no tillage situation. Adaption to the planter so liquid nitrogen can be applied with precision control while planting.
carried out just after planting the maize. “We have an adaption to the planter, where liquid nitrogen is placed right beside the seed.” During early stages of growth, the maize planted in the faba beans plots established quicker than where there had been oats. Whether this pattern continues throughout the season will be revealed when each plot is hand harvested. As the maize grows, the cover crop stalks are clearly distinguishable between the rows, with faba beans breaking down much faster than the woodier oats and releasing carbon and nitrogen into the soil much quicker. “In dry years, cover crops don’t break down as much, and take more moisture from lighter soils before the maize crop, so earlier termination is an option to mitigate this. Conversely cover crops could be terminated later and used as a tool for managing heavier soils.” FAR trials will continue over the next few years as results identify other avenues of research. By Catherine Fry
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FERTILISER
Page 13
Fine balance of calcium and magnesium Calcium and magnesium should both form the basis of soil fertility programmes.
that calcium and magnesium be Dolomite will raise both Ca correct for the soil to be in and Mg in the soil. Coupled top condition. with calcium carbonate, On a Perry Agricultural correct amounts can be Other nutrients are more effective Laboratory test, in most soils, calcium needs to be at 68 per cent when calcium and magnesium and magnesium at 12 per cent. are at optimum levels. They are In lighter soils, the amount of vital for soils, microbes, plants, magnesium increases, while and animals alike. Deficiencies calcium decreases. or excesses of either result Magnesium holds water in serious economic better than calcium owing consequences. to the smaller size of The percentages of Ca the atom, giving a larger and Mg on a soil’s base surface area. Soils with saturation are critical inadequate Mg will dry out to the success of any faster. The total percentage growing operation. of Ca and Mg should Don’t let anyone tell not exceed 80. It is the you it is a ratio. It is not. percentage that determines An ideal soil is 45 per mineral adequacy, not cent mineral, five per the kilograms. cent organic matter and Crops respond in different 50 per cent pore spaces occupied ways when the ideal percentage is equally by air and water. not achieved. Calcium and magnesium are the If magnesium - a determinant of minerals that determine this pore info@slidingroofs.co.nz nitrogen and phosphorus efficiency space configuration in the soil. In www.slidingroofs.co.nz - is outside 10-12 per cent, maize turn that determines the physical yields will reflect that by tapering drainage characteristics and water/ away from the optimum. With air holding properties of that soil. other plants, the yield reduction Too much Mg will mean too can be more abrupt. much water and not enough The relationship between calcium air. That may mean suboptimal and magnesium is direct. A soil with conditions for beneficial microbes, 80 per cent Ca and 5 per cent Mg or optimal conditions for diseasestill has Mg there, but not available causing microbes. for plants. Excess Too much Ca calcium has will translate suppressed it. into too much Lower calcium air, dry soil, and to 73 per cent to deficiencies of end up with 12 per other nutrients. cent magnesium. Optimum When soil pore space then calcium is below translates to an 60 per cent ideal environment however, the soil for soil biology will be too tight to to thrive. Plant allow magnesium yields are not to move out. only determined The calcium – Deficiencies are by soil nutrients, magnesium percentage. far easier to deal but also by root Calcium inputs on their own with than excesses. depth. Without will displace magnesium on It is a matter of the correct soil the colloid. With every one adding the correct structure, high per cent Ca added, one per material that will yields of quality cent of magnesium will raise the nutrients will not happen. be lost. in the soil. It is mandatory
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For further information on calcium and magnesium, see our website: www.kiwifertiliser.co.nz
Page 14
FORESTRY
Carbon price pushes pasture into forestry An analysis of data by Beef + Lamb NZ shows the increasing carbon price is continuing to drive wholesale land-use change, particularly for carbon farming. In mid-December B+LNZ released analysis of farm sales for the first half of 2021, undertaken by Orme & Associates.
Forestry is taking over farmland at a greater rate thanks to the price of carbon credits. Photo: Dan Hutchinson.
It shows more than 14,000 hectares of sheep and beef farmland was purchased with the intent of planting into trees. This data is provisional and is expected to be higher, given there is a long lag in farm sales being formalised and more sales are likely to have occurred in this period ahead of being formally reported.
Growing concerns
A further 8800 hectares of sheep and beef farm sales in 2020 were formally finalised since B+LNZ’s
previous report in August, meaning the revised amount of farmland purchased for exotic forestry in 2020 totalled 24,864 hectares, despite Covid-19 affecting sales. B+LNZ chief executive Sam McIvor says B+LNZ has been calling for changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme for some time and there are growing concerns about the “unbridled ability” of fossil fuel emitters to offset their greenhouse gas emissions by planting trees on productive sheep and beef farms.
“We’re extremely concerned the sale of sheep and beef farms into forestry will only accelerate as the carbon price increases. “These policy settings are estimated to have helped drive the loss of around 800,000 stock units and there are also worrying signs that carbon farming interests are spreading into new areas and onto more productive land.
There’s a better way
“Based on discussions with real estate agents, land sales across 2021 are expected to surpass those in 2019 (36,824ha) – meaning the amount of exotic planting will again far exceed what the Climate Change Commission has projected as a sustainable amount – that is, 25,000 hectares – per annum.” “We frequently hear from many farmers and others related to our sector, such as vets, who are deeply concerned about the loss of sheep and beef farmland for carbon farming and the effects on rural communities. We’re working hard to put pressure on the Government, and we encourage you to contact your local MP about this issue. “In terms of solutions, B+LNZ is co-funding and working with a group of 14 local councils and Local Government New Zealand to identify potential policy responses. We’re hoping an initial report will be released in the next few weeks.” Sam says regardless of the policy changes, a better overall approach is clear. “ There’s a much better way to increase planting to improve environmental outcomes and that’s the integration of trees on farms. Farmers know their land best. “We’re not anti-forestry – exotic planting can be integrated where appropriate – but it’s about planting the right tree in the right place. “We need the Government to listen – and to act, before too much more damage is done to rural communities and to New Zealand’s economy.”
AVOCADOS
Page 15
Sun, sounds and avocados
Thousands tuned out for the Katikati Avocado Food and Wine Festival on January 15 and were not disappointed. The sun was out, the shade was
plentiful, allowing people to enjoy a huge range of food and beverages, some great entertainment from local bands plus the headline act of Dave
re in the belly. A sunny day and some fi
Dobbyn. Enjoy these stunning photos from the day, kindly provided by Anna Menendez Photography.
It was all action in front of the stage as Dave Dobb yn entertains the crowd.
ile festival Dave Dobbyn takes a break wh ckett and stin Cro organisers Jacqui Knight, Kri on the action. eye an p kee s tkin Wa ie Kyl
Festival organise rs wen this year with D t big on the main act ave Dobbyn to be a huge hit. proving
Avocados for everyone, big and small.
the of tastes to keep There were plenty rs happy. connoisseu
The photo booth proves to be popular diversion for ma a ny.
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AVOCADOS
Page 16
Tough times lead to new markets It’s been a tough season for avocado growers but Asian markets are showing huge growth with potential for more.
An oversupply of Australiangrown avocados into the Australian
market means Kiwi growers are oversupplying their own domestic market this year. In December growers were advised by industry body NZ Avocado to hold fruit on the trees and delay the supply until market conditions
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improve. Fruit can be held for up to six months on the trees. NZ Avocado chief executive Jen Scoular says the Australian market made up 80 per cent of exports. “They had a very low production the year before and the regions that harvest at the same time as the New Zealand crop, they had three times as much volume as the year before. “Our exporters recognised that they couldn’t push more supply into markets that weren’t able to take it. If they don’t have the flow-through you can’t just keep supplying avocados.” She says there has been a lot of planning over the six-month season with many growers doing three picks instead of two. “They don’t store in cool stores, they store on the tree so definitely a lower percentage of the crop was harvested pre-Christmas just to see if we can get a better return for growers.” Prices are still low but there is still about another three months left in the season.
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The wild card in the local industry at the moment is the huge supply disruptions in the Australian market at present with the wholesale avocado market “devastated” by staff shortages. “There are further supply chain disruptions because the workers in the distribution centres in wholesale markets are not able to get to work because they have Covid or they are close contacts.”
The good news
The shining light for growers is the rapid growth in Asian markets. Last season, New Zealand growers sent 600,000 trays into Asia and this year that is set to be almost 1.6 million trays. “The exporters are absolutely building markets and it has been a long-term aim to increase our volumes into Asia. “This is not the optimal way of doing it - being forced into doing it - but it has meant there are lots of new market channels that have been opened this year.” And there is still a big upside to the Asian
Jen Scoular says productivity and new export markets are the keys to future success in the Avocado industry.
market. On average people in Japan eat just two avocados each, per year and that figure is thought to be lower in China. “There is a lot of potential still and there is still lots of wonderful hype about the amazing health attributes of avocados. “The markets that we do have access to, which is most of them, there remains a lot of opportunity. “It is making everyone recognise that we have had some glorious years from a return perspective and we are now getting back to more realistic levels.”
Productivity the key
She says the strong message for growers is that they need to focus on getting good productivity from their orchards in order to be economically viable. “Basically now, growers are focusing on next season. “We have got another crop on the trees and we are really just about irrigating, if they have irrigation or just caring for the soil around the trees if they don’t have irrigation because it is a very long, dry hot period that we are having.” Dan Hutchinson
AVOCADOS
Hasn’t summer been a great one; hot, hot, hot and now dry, dry, dry. This is in quite a contrast to pre-Christmas. From the start of the avocado season through to Christmas our picking teams were lucky to get four picking days in a week, now all days are picking days. As a result of the slower start pre-Christmas there’s now a lot of pressure on to get the crop off. This season is pushing problems at us from all angles. Not only the exceptionally low fruit returns but also unprecedented labour issues.
Seasonal labour crunch
growers are consolidating their focus to where those that can, get services they need. Orchard management with supporting core services is in a stronger demand phase. Aongatete Avocados is now prioritising its work. It means we are more organised, more planned and better in our communication. This is a win-win for our growers and our staff. I raise this in the column as just recently my team at AAL have received more inquiries than we can handle. We are now formulating our injecting for autumn and winter work programmes. It also sends a message to growers to make sure your own plans are well developed and well communicated with your contractors.
In our business - one of growing, harvesting Loyalty policy pays off and packing avocados - we thought we would Not only is the issue of labour impacting but we be reasonably sheltered and wouldn’t be greatly are also impacted by cost increases, parts shortages, affected by Covid-19 issues. support services demand (mechanics, plumbers When Covid-19 first hit we had plenty of staff and electricians). available to work and we were able to recruit Luckily over the years AAL has had a single additional travellers and backpackers that decided minded policy - to support local business as If terrain a problem get If terrain is is a problem get anan and I have to mention that in these to stay longer. a priority Now it’s completely different. There are no demanding times, we are seeing that loyalty backpackers, no short-term international travellers paying off. terrain isavailable a problem get an and fewer NewIfZealanders and wanting So I say a big thanks to those local businesses to work in Horticulture. that have given us their loyalty and support Our demand for labour now reflects the changes during these high demand times. across the whole horticultural industry. Thanks for the quick responses and thanks for I had thought that we were a bit sheltered being the skilled staff you make available to AAL to fix a specialist to avocados and located in a rural our utes, our lights and pumps, our computers community however it has now caught up with us. and so on. Aongatete Avocados Ltd could employ another In turn, this keeps AAL’s services - growing, 20 staff. The work demand is there, our training harvesting and packing avocados - going every day, and reporting systems are in place. all week and all year in your local community. The impact of Covid-19 on our industry is And also I say thanks to those growers that send holding our business back. us the little notes of thanks for what we provide to There has been a shift in more recent times where their avocado growing operations.
Page 17
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Page 18
Creating a
around farm planting
A handbook offering practical guidance on how to plant strategically to feed bees is now available free to New Zealand farmers.
“It’s a useful tool to assist “That includes ensuring a wide range of farmers to support the bees flowering plants in spring and autumn when bees and incorporate into their are most at risk of pollen and nectar shortages.” on-farm planting for Dr McPherson says the biodiversity and other handbook’s principles and environmental benefits guidelines can be adapted that customers are now to any type of farm, demanding,” says Dr Angus from pastoral to McPherson, Trees for Bees arable and farm planting adviser and trustee, horticultural farms. and one of the lead researchers for “The same the handbook. principles can also “The beauty of our approach is that be applied when farmers don’t need to set aside land deciding what to especially for this planting. plant in public parks, “We show farmers how to incorporate a on lifestyle blocks and in low-maintenance bee forage planting plan into home gardens.” planting they’re already establishing to increase Steve Penno, MPI’s Demonstration hives director of investment production and improve their farmland.” outside the Huka The handbook covers ten different types of programmes, says MPI plantations: riparian protection; land stabilisation; Honey Hive in Taupō is proud to support this show how different shelterbelts; paddock shade and shelter; native important research. plants provide bush biodiversity; roads, avenues, and laneways; “Honeybee health is different tastes. amenity; edible plantations; apiaries and beekeeper crucial because bees are the Photo: Dan Hutchinson. yards; and mānuka plantations. foundation of agricultural Each plantation type is described with examples, production in the New Zealand economy. illustrations, advice, and plant lists. “Planting essential bee forage as part of farm “We aim to help build more resilient and management will ensure a viable and sustainable sustainable farms by taking the best possible care future for our bees, beekeepers, and farmers.” of our star performer – the honeybee,” says Since 2011, Trees for Bees has planted more than Dr McPherson. 75,000 bee forage plants in 32 demonstration “Bees all around the world are facing a number farms throughout New Zealand. of threats, including pests, disease and pesticides. The Handbook for Planting Trees for Bees on “The best weapon against these threats is to Farms is available as a free PDF on the Trees for provide our bees with a steady supply of forage to Bees website at treesforbeesnz.org/handbook. help them stay healthy and strong. Limited softcover print copies are also available.
The document brings together knowledge from 10 years of field and laboratory research by the New Zealand Trees for Bees Research Trust, with significant financial support from the Ministry, industries and other funders.
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Calls to report People are being asked to report any wallaby sightings this summer.
Wallabies are much like possums and can affect food and shelter for native birds and animals as they destroy native bush by feeding on seedlings, ferns and grasses. In large numbers they can also cause problems for forestry and farming by feeding on pine and eucalyptus seedlings and competing with stock for pasture. Wallabies are classified as an unwanted organism in the Biosecurity Act and possession of any live wallaby is an offence, unless by exemption. Generally, exemptions will only be considered for petting zoos or wildlife parks that meet certain criteria. Dama wallabies were first released near Lake Ōkāreka in 1912, says a post on the Bay of Plenty Regional Council website. “Since then they have been steadily expanding their distribution. “It is estimated that if no control work is undertaken, a third of the North Island could be impacted by the spread of wallabies within 50 years.” Why are wallabies an issue? Wallabies have a huge appetite for Wallabies. many of our native Photo: BOPRC. seedlings, shrubs,
ferns and grasses which prevents their regeneration, changing the structure of forests and reducing their ability to support native birds and other wildlife. Wallabies love pasture grasses, which means they compete with livestock for food. As wallabies are nocturnal and cautious, they can be hard to find. The Bennett’s wallaby, found in South Canterbury and spreading into Otago, is also threatening native ecosystems, farms and forests. If both species are not controlled, wallabies could spread across one third of both the North Island and South Island over the next 50 years and could cost New Zealanders $84 million a year by 2025, including lost farm production and ecosystem services. In 2020 as part of the ‘Jobs for Nature’ funding, $27m was allocated over a four-year period to control wallabies in New Zealand. This control is for Bennett’s wallabies in the South Island and dama wallabies in the North Island. Administered by Biosecurity NZ (MPI), the four-year funding will be delivered through partnerships with regional councils, Department of Conservation, iwi, landowners and the community. Seen a wallaby? Report the sighting at: www. reportwallabies.nz
Page 19
sightings
FIRST
HOUR
FREE
Page 20
Waikato couple fulfils small farm Towards the end of 2021, Deanne and Phillip Crowder hit the local news with people captivated by their beautiful sunflower paddock - an eye-catching display for anyone driving past.
Phil Crowder brings in the remaining late calves. All Photos: Catherine Fry.
Their full story is one of both happiness and heartache as this hard-working couple sought to fulfil their dream of an outdoor lifestyle where they could work together and be their own bosses. Phil, 58, is a former dairy farmer, and Deanne, 41, worked in retail but was raised on a dairy farm. They found their 34 hectares (27 hectares effective) in 2018, renting nearby until their house was completed in June 2018.
leaving the farm when they are 110kg. The spring calves start arriving in July with the last coming on August 20. “It becomes a bit of a juggle at that point as we start planting maize as soon as the first calves start leaving the farm. When calf numbers reduce, we free up paddocks for the maize,” Phil says. The juggle happens at the other end too, with maize being harvested and annual rye grass being planted ready for the calves. Contractors are brought in for all the planting and harvesting. The paddocks are all large to accommodate the contracting machinery. Their expected maize yield is 20,000 kgDM/ ha.
Sunflowers
These giant yellow flowers have a bittersweet connection for Deanne. Her sister Leisha was tragically killed in a car Calves and maize accident in 2001. “We built a shed for storage “It’s left a real hole in our family and raising calves, and use the which is still felt 20 land all year round, rotating years on and times like Christmas Deanne has a sunflower tattoo in just don’t feel the same.” between calves and maize,” memory of her sister Leisha who passed The sunflower has huge says Phil. away after a car crash at just 18. meaning to Deanne’s family Four-day-old autumn bobby calves from local farms arrive from mid-March after one of her cousins painted one on Leisha’s onwards. casket. They associate the flower with her, and It’s full-on for the Crowders as the calves are Deanne even has a sunflower tattoo on her taught to use the calfeteria in the shed. forearm. The two of them can manage about 350 calves “In 2020, we decided to plant sunflowers all on the property at one time, hence the staggered along our road frontage to surprise my parents arrivals, and the shed only holds 65 calves at a time. when they came to visit. “Unless they are too small and need a bit longer “It didn’t work too well as the seeds got caught in in the shed, after four days they are put into little the contractor’s planter and many were dispersed blue ‘smurf ’ raincoats and are out in the paddocks through the maize,” Phil says. and fed once a day. We have good shelter in our It wasn’t just Deanne and her family who gained paddocks,” Deanne says. pleasure from seeing the big, happy flowers, it was a real hit with locals too and the Crowders picked The calves are sold through a stock agent,
...continued
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Page 21 Right: A bird’s eye view of the maize paddocks, sunflowers, homestead, gardens and calf rearing shed.
Left: Park-like gardens have been planted on 2500 square metres around the house.
continued...
Deanne and Phil Crowder in the tropical themed garden they designed and planted.
them and sold them at the gate. “We were blown away by the response, so with 2021 being such a hard year, we decided to plant our 1.7-hectare front paddock with 150,000 sunflower seeds which certainly raised the contractor’s eyebrows!” Deanne says. This year there are paths cut through the sunflowers and families come from far and wide to pick their own and just enjoy the spectacle. “We have a stall set up and we love meeting people. It just makes people smile and for me it makes me feel my sister is watching over us.”
Using every last hectare The couple of months over the summer is usually “downtime” for the couple. The sunflower venture has changed that, but they wouldn’t have it any other way and are already planning next year. “We’re looking at how they can be commercially viable. We’re thinking of planting them in a maze pattern and erecting an elevated viewing platform,”
says Phil. Both love gardening and despite only being three years old, the 2500 square metres of garden around their home looks like it has been there for years. The couple were married on the property in 2019. Beautiful formal gardens with a tropical theme, reminding them of a wonderful Hawaiian holiday they had, produce an abundance of blooms that are sold to the markets. Phil has his eyes on the seven hectares of swampy land in the centre of the property for “some sort of 4WD venture, maybe buggies”. “It’s lovely being able to make a living from our land, we’re both hard workers and full of ideas, but we do make sure we get down time and go hiking two or three times a week,” says Deanne. If another larger property caught their eye, the couple are unfazed by the thought of starting again. “We know how to do it now!” Catherine Fry
Tauranga - Taupo - Gordonton
Page 22
Down south off the
track
Whether you picnic amongst scenery off the communication and the only requirement that people have all terrain tyres in good beaten track or enjoy lunches on stations with iscondition and a ‘low range’ transmission. the runholders – the views will be the same. All accommodation is in motels and meals “Unrivalled,” says owner-operators of NZ Adventures 4x4 Tours, Robbie and Connie Crickett, who operate back country tours throughout the South Island. A radio is supplied for commentary and two-way
are in restaurants. Run in January, the Eastern Explorer Tour starts in Geraldine and heads south-east through the mountains of South Canterbury. Over five days people travel through the old gold workings of Naseby and Ranfurly, the Oceania Gold Mine at Macraes Flat, farmland in Strath Taieri, the Lammermoor and Lammerlaw ranges. The route then follows the Clutha River, then turns into the mountains and old gold mining routes through sparsely-settled country before arriving at Alexandra.” The six or seven day High Country Heritage Tour starts in Blenheim and travels through Molesworth Station. Highlights include travelling the hills from Wairau Valley into Awatere Valley, Orari Gorge and the huge stations of the Mackenzie Basin and Lake Benmore. Travellers enjoy the Oteake Conservation Park, quaint St. Bathans and Vulcan Hotel
Great views and off-the-beaten-track experiences combine with quality accommodation and restaurant dining. and the Dunstan and Pisa Ranges. The six-day Big Sky is the most challenging tour. Starting in Fairlie it heads out over the Hunter Hills and takes in many highlights of Central Otago. A trip into Macetown is always popular. Overnights are in Omarama, Cromwell, Cardrona and three nights in Alexandra. The popular five-day 46 South tour follows a line from the Catlins to Fiordland,
before turning north to end in Cromwell. The farm focused, five-day Roll on Waitaki visits farm properties from High Country merino stations to intensive dairy, with semi-intensive sheep properties in between. The West Coast Tour is a Five-day tour held in April and November. It takes in the beech forest tracks and mining history of the Tasman, Buller and Grey districts as it winds from Hanmer Springs to Greymouth.
Dealing with facial eczema outbreaks in grazing livestock Facial eczema is a mycotoxic (fungal) disease of grazing livestock.
The toxic liver injury commonly results in photodynamic dermatitis which is high UV sunlight skin damage. The disease is especially common in the North Island but with changing climates it is becoming more prevalent in southern regions. Sheep, cattle, alpacas and farmed deer can contract the disease and it is most severe in younger animals. Sporidesmins are the toxic products of a specific fungus (known as Pithomyces chartarum) which grows on dead pasture litter. The warm ground temperatures and
high humidity required for rapid growth of this fungus restrict disease occurrence to hot summer and autumn periods, shortly after warm rains or heavy dews. By observing weather conditions and estimating toxic spore numbers based on pasture spore counts, danger periods can be predicted and proactive action taken. The sporidesmins are excreted via the biliary system and produce severe biliary disease in the liver. Biliary obstruction may occur, restricting excretion of bile pigments and resulting in jaundice.
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Similarly, failure to excrete phylloerythrin in bile leads to photosensitisation. Previous ingestion of toxic spores can cause potential for a build-up in signs, with a succession of small intakes of the spores leading to subsequent outbreaks.
Clinical presentation
Few signs are apparent until photosensitisation and jaundice appear about 10–14 days after intake of the toxins. Animals regularly seek shade. Even short exposure to the sun rapidly produces the typical reddening and swelling of photodermatitis in non-pigmented (white) skin. The animals suffer considerably, and deaths occur from one to several weeks after photodermatitis appears. Characteristic liver and bile duct lesions are seen in all affected animals whether photosensitised or not. In acute cases, livers are initially enlarged, yellow and have a marked lobular pattern. Later, there is shrinking and thickening of the liver.
Control and prevention
To minimise intake of pasture litter and toxic spores, short grazing should be avoided. Other feedstuffs should be fed during danger periods. Variation in sward composition can also be useful such as encouraging clover dominance in pastures to reduce facial eczema spore growth in litter. The application of fungicides to pastures restricts the build-up of fungal spores. When danger periods of fungal activity are predicted, animals should be allowed only on the sprayed areas. The fungicide is effective four days after spraying, provided that no more than 2.5 cm of rain falls within 24 hr during the four-day period. Pastures will then remain safe for about six weeks, after which spraying should be repeated. Sheep, cattle and alpacas can be directly protected if given adequate amounts of zinc. Head to: www.coastandcountrynews.co.nz for more details on dosing methods. Blood sampling a representative group of animals can show if zinc levels are at a protective level and blood samples can provide evidence of any liver damage. A new method to monitor zinc protection in dairy herds uses a bulk milk screen test called ZincCheck. Sheep can be selectively bred for resistance to the toxic effects of sporidesmin. Ram sires are now being selected for resistance either by natural field challenge or by low-level, controlled dosage of ram lambs with sporidesmin. Cattle also can be bred to improve resistance, with genetics now available. For more information on this condition and control options feel free to contact your local vet clinic.
Page 23
all year round with a serious incinerator Fire ban? No problem. You can burn all year round with a Serious Incinerator. Made by Northland company Iron Tree Products, the corten weather steel incinerators are built to conform to New Zealand Fire and Emergency regulations. Iron Tree Products’ Milton Brown says the Serious Incinerator was originally manufactured by Newman Engineering “and we are aware of some which have been in use for more than 15 years”. “With the addition of an optional Spark Arrestor and Ash Guard the Serious Incinerator can be used as an approved
from farmers and horticulturists to lifestyle block and rural homeowners across New Zealand. “It’s not unusual to receive orders from as far afield as Southland,” he says. Iron Tree Products is a family-owned business operating from a workshop in Titoki, Whangarei. Their focus is on producing products which are well engineered and manufactured “so they last for decades”. The product range includes animal shelters and pens and flat decks for Toyota Landcruisers. Peter Brown, Alex Scott and Milton Brown from Iron Tree Products. This is then followed by unwanted inflammation in the joint capsule that further damages cartilage. Eventually the bone itself becomes compromised and the net result is more pain and restricted mobility. Nutritional therapy can help, especially in reducing inflammation, slowing the rate of cartilage loss and improving the function of existing cartilage. For example, therapeutic levels (800+ mg) of chondroitin can have significant effects on the health of chondrocytes and therefore cartilage protection and repair. Glucosamine also helps maintain cartilage while curcumin from turmeric helps reduce inflammation and fluid accumulation. An ex-builder contacted me two years ago with significant knee pain from advanced osteoarthritis. An orthopaedic specialist had recommended knee replacement. Two years on a personalised joint health programme and he now has very little pain and no longer needs surgery.
incinerator even during a restricted fire season without a fire permit – although there could be regional variations depending on the proximity to such things as forestry. “The Serious Incinerator comes in three sizes – small 600mm diameter, medium 750mm diameter and large 900mm diameter. Each feature a lid which safely latches back to the chimney and a heavy duty grate. “Ash can easily be removed through the large access opening at the base of the incinerator.” Milton says Serious Incinerators are extremely popular with everyone
Protecting and repairing your joints Osteoarthritis is all about loss of cartilage, subsequent inflammation and changes to bone and joint structure. The result is pain and loss of mobility.
The ends of bones such as the femur are covered in tough, flexible articular cartilage. It may surprise that despite its tough appearance and texture it is actually 80 per cent water which acts like a shock absorber. Cartilage is a combination of living cells, the matrix they produce plus water. These specialised cells are called chondrocytes and their job is to secrete and maintain cartilage. They repair small amounts of damage as it occurs. Osteoarthritis starts when chondrocyte cells die causing cartilage to breakdown. While there are a number of things that can damage chondrocytes, in most cases these are a combination of free radical damage from insufficient antioxidants and biochemical changes caused by trauma to the joint. While the triggers vary, the outcome is chondrocyte death and cartilage loss.
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FEED MANAGEMENT/HAY & SILAGE
Making the most of feeds like maize silage When driving milk production and going through mating, a balanced diet is essential for success.
The use of supplementary feeds, such as maize silage, is a great way to supply starch into the diet to support
milk production in early lactation. When looking at the total diet, it’s important to look at the mineral requirements of the herd and see how this is being met by the composition of what is on offer. Not all feeds are created equal and the same goes for both pasture and maize silage.
In spring, pasture is low in certain minerals such as calcium, and magnesium. Maize silage is also low in these key minerals as well as phosphorus and sodium. Low dietary intake of these key minerals can cause stock health issues, but they can also reduce the cow’s productivity. Reviewing both pasture and maize silage enables them to be matched with what is needed by the cow. An easy way to achieve this is to add
missing or deficient nutrients directly to the maize silage. Mineral Max Maize Silage Balancer is uniquely formulated to deliver calcium, magnesium, sodium and phosphorus to balance out mineral deficiencies in maize silage. It is the epitome of easy-touse. Just spread it over the silage before feeding out. Because all nutrients are blended together, there is only one product to add, meeting a range of nutrient needs at the same time.
FAR nitrogen use efficiency trial Foundation of Arable Research Field Research Officer, Steven Payne, oversees the operations side of the FAR Northern Crop Research Site at Tamahere, Hamilton. He has been with FAR for four years and carries out the majority of the precision planting, and herbicide and fertiliser applications. He manages both on-site and off-site FAR trials. FAR is in its second year of a nitrogen use efficiency trial, which looks at nitrogen uptake by maize over the season. This trial is using 0.2 hectares with 24 different plots. “We’re using conventional cultivation for all the plots, as that is the most common establishment system currently used in New Zealand at this time,” Steven says. Two cover crops are being used in the trial with woolly pod vetch as the legume and annual ryegrass as the grass. There are four replicate plots of both vetch and rye. “Three variables are being used with respect to nitrogen rates, from zero application to high application as this will offer a good range to
analyse. In all other respects the plots will be treated the same.” The first treatment will involve no nitrogen application, which will depend on the maize using nitrogen already in the soil from previous crop residue. The second treatment follows the FAR good management practice for nitrogen application where soil testing indicates how much nitrogen is required. The third treatment is a high nitrogen treatment, where soil and residue nitrogen supply aren’t considered in the fertiliser decision. The amount of nitrogen required by the crop is calculated using FAR’s AmaizeN Lite tool and estimates an economic silage yield of 24 t DM/ ha and an economic N rate of 240 kg N/ha. “The cover crops were
harvested and sprayed, and the maize planted. In the early stages of establishment, there were already clear signs of nitrogen deficiency in the maize where the annual rye had been, whereas the vetch areas were looking quite healthy.” Regardless of whether the soil data was to be used for nitrogen application calculations, a 90cm soil test was undertaken prior to planting to establish baselines, then again before maize side dressing. A final soil test will be carried out after the maize is hand harvested and the maize biomass will also be tested to determine plant N levels. It is expected that this trial will be ongoing for a number of years.
By Catherine Fry
FAR field research officer, Steven Payne oversees the operations side of FAR’s Northern Crop Research Site. Photo: Catherine Fry.
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Page 25
Prepare for dry weather and Covid
It might have been a dry start to the year but the rest of 2021 was certainly kind on the rainfall front.
There was 1207mm of rainfall at the Paengaroa yard in 2021, compared with just 926mm in 2020, so it was up quite a bit. It’s not unusual for dry periods at this time of the year and 26.5mm recorded from January 1-18 was only 2mm shy of that recorded for the same period last year. Just up the road in Tauranga, on the other hand, there was just 8mm this year compared with 62.5mm last year. With temperatures getting into the thirties in late December and January, it’s certainly drying out fast in Tauranga and other areas. Actually, a high of 31.9 degC was recorded in Tauranga on January 17 – the fourth highest temperature for the area since records began. It’s hot and dry and while hopes were high for a bit of rain to spin our way off Cyclone Cody last month, all it did was blow wind at us, push the sea up and dry things out even more. There has certainly been a lot of events at the start of the New Year – extreme heat and tsunamis and stormy seas. It’s been a bit of a fiery start.
Carbon neutral exporters
Silver Fern Farms have joined the ranks of carbon neutral exporters, getting its first lot of carbon zero certified meat to the US. They have joined a few other companies that are
going for the carbon zero market like Fonterra and Waitoa chicken and beverage company Lion Nathan so it is good that we have a meat processing company that is looking at their zerocarbon footprint as well. Certainly a lot of overseas buyers will be looking at our carbon footprint going forward and looking at buying from carbon zero countries for their products and produce so it’s certainly a good step for New Zealand going forward anyway.
Looking at prices
We start harvesting maize in February and with these heat units we could bring it on as early as the 15th. It certainly enjoyed the rain before Christmas, and certainly the crop was looking good in mid-January but that could quickly change without rain. Prices were down a bit at the second Rangiuru Sale on January 18th. Store cattle steers were $2.50-2.80/kg range which is back a bit from $2.90-$3 in the first week of January. There was definitely a trend there of dropping back which is pretty standard for this time of the year. The dry reflects the price. Culled cows will start coming on the market too which in turn will see the schedule drop a bit but the dollar is at quite a good rate at the moment. We have had a few calls with people wanting to increase their orders and others just wanting a price for maize so we haven’t got a lot left. If it stays dry that will quickly get gobbled up so if people are wanting some more maize they had better get onto it quickly. We have plenty of bales of quality grass silage on
hand and we’ve just started to deliver hay orders. Barley straw will be starting towards the end of January and into February. We have got plenty of feed on hand at the moment but that could soon change if it remains dry. The next thing to think about will
be re-grassing so people need to get their seed ordered and have stock in hand because of the disruptions from Covid-19. Omicron could be a real threat – it’s not if it will get into the community it is when it does so order in advance. Be proactive – not reactive!
CARTAGE & EARTHWORKS
Page 26
New contracts up for grabs The Ruapehu District Council will be tendering its road maintenance contracts this month. In a notice on Government tendering site GETS.govt.nz,it indicated the scope of the work packages and the “possible contract periods”. It includes the following work packages. Road network maintenance and renewals contract with an eight-year term. Road network vegetation control; five year term plus three-year renewal. Roadside spraying and plant pest control; five plus three years Road network marking; five years, plus two year renewal and then one-year renewal. Streetlight services; five years, plus two year renewal and then one-year renewal. Structural maintenance and renewals; five years, plus two-year renewal and then one-year renewal. Sealed pavement rehabilitations; Two-year contract. The above packages are subject to approval of the procurement plan by the council and the actual timing of the contract will be confirmed in the tender documents. “It is intended that the new contracts will commence October 1, 2022. “The road network maintenance and renewals
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contract will include network inspections, sealed pavement maintenance, unsealed pavement maintenance, sealed pavement resurfacing (reseals), some minor improvements, pavement rehabilitation and attending to the general maintenance of the network.” Aggregate supply contracts will be procured separately with an estimated start date of July 1, 2022, subject to the approval of the procurement plan. “Council’s preference is for the entire tender process, including downloading RFT documents, raising queries and submitting registrations, will be managed electronically using GETS.” The organiser of the contracts is Andrea Nicol of Ruapehu District Council. On its website the council describes the Ruapehu District as “one of New Zealand’s largest districts by land area but with one of the smallest permanent population counts. It is made up of many small, diverse and geographically spread out rural communities”. “The council manages a road network of over 1400km of which two-thirds is unsealed, including 344 bridges spanning 4.4km that covers some of the most challenging terrain in New Zealand, plus servicing more than 67km of footpaths and 1700 street lights.” Dan Hutchinson
Page 27
DAIRY
Rules ease for overseas workers Applications are now open for dairy farmers to recruit much needed international workers including farm assistants and herd managers, under changes to a class exception scheme.
“While we acknowledge the situation is uncertain, there is no point having the class exception if people can’t actually then get into the country due to border restrictions.” “We have put a number of suggestions to Government for how we could manage the health risk and the labour needs. “We are exploring on-farm isolation with MPI as an option. Farms are already away from communities, and farmers are used to maintaining good hygiene standards.”
Initiatives
Dairy worker shortages have received some recognition from the Government.
DairyNZ, Federated Farmers and Dairy Women’s Network also made a request in November 2021 for a further 1500 international workers to be allowed to enter New Zealand in 2022. Dr Mackle say the workforce shortage is a critical issue for the dairy sector. Alongside work to recruit international
workers, DairyNZ has a range of initiatives underway to attract Kiwis into dairy, including GoDairy. A new campaign will also soon be launched to give Kiwis a better understanding of what it means to be a dairy farmer. DairyNZ is also leading the development of a Dairy Workforce Resilience Plan which will involve farmers, dairy companies, sector groups and the Government in creating an evidence-based roadmap to put the sector on a sustainable path to recruit and retain people. Salaries for people working on dairy farms have increased significantly over the past two years, and many roles offer accommodation on site. “There are many different job opportunities in dairy and it can offer a rewarding career path. “We encourage New Zealanders to
This follows months of DairyNZ advocacy requesting changes to the 2021 class border exception process which resulted in the Government announcing in December that more dairy farm assistants would be allowed across the border to meet strong demand on farms. NZ DISTRIBUTOR In June 2021, Government provided provisional approval for 200 international dairy workers Pond crust is caused by pathogenic bacteria in the to apply to enter New Zealand under a class effluent that separate the effluent fibres and send them exception scheme. to the surface. This included a limit of 50 farm assistants, with the remaining positions to be filled by herd How do you counter these bad bugs? With good bugs. That’s what manager and assistant managers. NZ DISTRIBUTOR Slurry Bugs are – helpful bacteria that eat the pond crust. Literally. “We know many farmers are having difficultyNot only do Slurry Bugs remove the crust, they transform the effluent finding Kiwis to fill dairy positions, and the nutrients into organic forms that are easily used by plants. In other words, Pond crust is caused by pathogenic bacteria in the they liquefy your pond and turn it into an effective, spreadable fertiliser. demand for farm assistants is particularly strong,” effluent that separate the effluent fibres and send them says DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle.Using Chlorine will kill these good bugs! We to the surface. “We have been pushing hard for the Government have the solution! DX50 is an eco-friendly How do you counter these bad bugs? With good bugs. That’s what sanitiser that kills pathogens 2.46x to recognise the need for changes to the quotachlorine-free Slurry Bugs are – helpful bacteria that eat the pond crust. Literally. chlorine but leaves the good Slurry to allow for greater flexibility and more farm better than Not only do Slurry Bugs remove the crust, they transform the effluent Bugs alone. A chlorine-free Alkali assistants to enter New Zealand.” nutrients into organic formsand thatAcid are easily used by plants. In other words,
More workers needed
completethey theliquefy cleaning system. your pond and turn it into an effective, spreadable fertiliser. Using Chlorine will kill these good bugs! We
The Government said in December it will remove have the solution! DX50 isOur an eco-friendly environmental initiative to reduce Total restrictions on the number of farm assistants that chlorine-free sanitiser that kills pathogens water pollution2.46x is by implementing an Replacement but leaves the good Slurry are part of the quota of 200 workers, and allow the better than chlorine 8-step method leading farmers from a Therapy alone. A chlorine-freechemical Alkali andfertiliser Acid system using synthetic quota to be made up of any mix of farm assistants, BugsTotal Replacement complete the cleaning system. nitrogen applications, to a quick and profitable clover-based biological herd managers and assistant managers. Therapy Total system that enhances feedReplacement quality, animal health and effluent. While the changes are positive, Dr Mackle says Therapy Our environmental initiative to reduce DairyNZ is continuing to strongly advocate for NEED TO KNOWwater MORE? pollution is by implementing an another 1500 international dairy workers to be Go to www.forwardfarming.co.nz and www.totalreplacementtherapy.com 8-step method leading farmers from a allowed into the country this year to help fill to read more or call David Law on 027fertiliser 490 9896. chemical system using synthetic a critical shortage of dairy staff – estimated at nitrogen applications, to a quick and profitable clover-based biological between 4000 and 6000 workers. system that enhances feed quality, animal health and effluent. “Border closures and an unemployment rate at 3.4 NEED TO KNOW MORE? per cent are creating ongoing stress for dairy farmers. Go to www.forwardfarming.co.nz and www.totalreplacementtherapy.com “Without the right number of people on farm, it to read more or call David Law on 027 490 9896. puts animal welfare at risk, constrains the sector’s ability to make environmental progress, and places a greater burden on increasingly stretched teams, with staff often having to work extraordinary hours.
visit: www.godairy.co.nz if they are interested in getting into dairy,” says Dr Mackle. Farmers can find out more about the border class exception process online at: www.dairynz.co.nz/border
Application process To be eligible to apply to bring an international worker into New Zealand, employers must show they have been unable to fill the position within New Zealand. The starting point is an application for nomination by an employer and their prospective international employee to be submitted to DairyNZ. If the applicant is successful in receiving a nomination, then the employer files an expression of interest with ImmigrationNZ. If that is approved, ImmigrationNZ then issues an invitation to apply for a visa to the international employee.
DAIRY
Page 28
Two types of dairy farming With a solid first season behind him, and the second in full flow, Rhys Darby is in a position to reflect on the sheep milking venture he started from scratch in 2019.
Rhys and his brother Phil are the third generation farming at Kauri Moor Farms, Huntly. They are equity partners with their parents, Bruce and Kay Darby. Rhys runs a 600 cow dairy
Rhys Darby with his flock of 900 Spring Sheep Zealandia breed ewes. All Photos: Catherine Fry.
• Ideal for Cattle Troughs • High Flow • Side/Bottom Mount • Detatches to Clean • Compact/Robust
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operation and a 900 sheep dairy operation, with Phil running a 400 cow dairy operation, and Bruce and Kay working across all aspects of the farm. Eight full-time staff work with several casual lamb and calf rearers and relief milkers. “We all have our designated farm areas within the 700 hectares total, but we work together for the greater good of the whole farm,” Rhys says. Activities such as growing feed on farm, distribution of all solid and liquid effluent, fence maintenance, tractor work and fertilising are viewed holistically and they all muck in as one to achieve them. Flexible boundaries allow the best grazing to be used for dairy animals, and the poorer quality to the drystock. The sheep pasture contains 30 per cent chicory, as does their silage. Brought in maize grain is fed through the shed. “We allow for around 150 kilograms of maize, and 100 kilograms of silage, per ewe per year.” The larger family farm and its financial stability has enabled the sheep operation to be explored with less pressure on it. Rhys describes it as a learning curve but credits the “impeccable support and knowledge base” of their dairy company Spring Sheep Milk Co. for navigating the first season.
Lambs are fed adlib from autofeeders on the outside of the pens.
produced in the yards and shed, and animal health is noticeably better, with much less mastitis. With the ability to directly compare cows to sheep on the one farm, Rhys sees the cows making 1500 to 1600 kg/ms per hectare (averaging at 600 kg/ms per cow), and the sheep producing 1250 kg/ms per hectare (averaging at 50 kg/ms per ewe). The A2, low lactose sheep milk has twice the fat and protein content to cow’s milk and is processed Working with dairy sheep into high end infant formula. Initially Rhys had 600 ewes on the 42-hectare Rhys uses Spring Sheep Milk Co. Zealandia sheep dairy platform, but has already increased to breed sheep and describes them as the equivalent of kiwi cross cattle. 900 with no issues on the same land. “They are a cross between the East Friesian, “Sheep definitely have a lower environmental which are known for milk volume and multiple footprint than cows. There’s less ammonia, less lambs, and the Lacaune, a hardier animal for New urea, and less nitrogen leaching.” ...continued Zealand conditions.” Milking is cleaner, with very little effluent • Ideal for • Id C • Hig • Side/Bo • • Detatch • • Compa
DAIRY
Page 29
under one family business
Rhys Darby in the 42-bail sheep milking parlour at Kauri Moor Farms.
continued...
Rhys Darby with some of this season’s replacement lambs.
The dairy cows calve in the autumn, and spring is dedicated to the lambing. They milk from August 1 through until May. Spring Sheep Zealandia rams go in for eight weeks in late February, with one ram for every 40 ewes. The 900 ewes, half milking sheep and half hoggets, run as one flock and all the rams go in. “Across all the ewes we had a one to two per cent empty rate, and around 15 to 20 per cent in the hoggets.” The mixed age ewes scanned at 200 per cent and over the whole flock, they scanned at 160 per cent. “Our multiple births were mainly twins, but some triplets, and even quads.”
Labour intensive lambs
Lambs stay with their mothers for 48 hours for the colostrum, and are then removed to the lambing sheds. “Lamb rearing is a whole new mind-set. We use calf bedding in the pens, but soon learned that we could only put 40 in a pen
otherwise the ammonia build-up leads to conditions such as scabby mouth and pink eye. “Hygiene has to be really good.” Lamb rearing is labour intensive, but Rhys feels this will reduce as they learn more. Neutered male lambs need to leave the farm once they’ve had colostrum from the flock. They were given away in the first season as Rhys tested the waters for demand. “I wanted to get people involved before pricing them. I believe there’s a great opportunity to rear this breed for meat on a large scale.” Replacement female lambs remain in the shed for a minimum of six weeks, until they weigh 16 to 18kg. After the initial colostrum, they are fed powdered milk adlib. Automatic feeder machines mix and warm milk and supply as the demand dictates, with no set feeding times. “Lambs self-wean, and you can go cold turkey with them as their rumens are developed.
“They can go straight onto meal and pasture.” Having future proofed the sheep milking shed for 1200 sheep, Rhys is looking to expand to that capacity, without necessarily increasing his dairy platform.
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DAIRY
Page 30
New Waikato subdivision rules shock many To anyone monitoring ongoing district plan revisions, the outcome of the Waikato District Council subdivision rule review could be seen coming. From what was originally notified, the change is extraordinary.
If not successfully appealed this could effectively end lifestyle subdivision as we know it in the Waikato. However, it does still offer limited opportunities for some landowners, particularly those in the ex-Franklin area. I found it interesting when the
Waikato District Council notified its proposed subdivision rule change back in 2018. The documents clearly proposed keeping the 20-hectare minimum farm size required to enable a lifestyle block to be cut off. This included the entire General Rural Zone including the ex-Franklin area of the district.
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This was never going to happen, given that the Waikato Regional Council fought hard at the last district plan review to force the minimum size toward 40 hectares. They even indicated back then that they would fight harder next time around. The Hearings Committee has now published its decision following an extended period of deliberations due to the Covid-19 outbreak. These rules are now open for appeal to the Environment Court for 30 days from the date of notification which was made on January 17, 2022. Anybody that submitted or made a further submission to the rule changes can appeal Council’s ruling. The downside is that the costs are high and you are fighting the establishment with their substantial resources. So, as predicted, a property in the General Rural Zone will now need to be more than 40 hectares in size with a Qualifying Title dated before December 6, 1997, before it can be considered at all for subdivision. Only one lifestyle section can be cut off which must be between 8000 square metres and 1.6
hectares in size. What’s more, this new section can have no more than 15 per cent of its area in high-class soil.
Complex rules
This is going to seriously restrict the number of properties that qualify for subdivision. This 15 per cent rule also puts paid to many relocations of existing titles on any property of reasonable contour with fertile soils which were possible in the past. The proposed rules also contain provisions for limited scope boundary adjustments and relocation of existing titles within the bounds of an existing farm. However, Council appears to have deleted the provision allowing subdivision of up to three new lots when a qualifying ecological feature such as bush or wetland is permanently protected. This is most unusual, given that most district councils allow such activity. With complex rules like this adding to the requirements to have a safe house site with good access to the road as well as meeting other servicing requirements, you must talk to a specialist subdivision company if you have any desire to subdivide your property. We are always open to a chat about the potential effects these changes might have on your property development plans, so feel free to give us a call right away. 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
DAIRY
Page 31
How to profit from high urea prices Functional Fertiliser Ltd developed two soil improvers more than 20 years ago. These were designed to be applied as part of a total nutrient programme that contained both essential phosphorus and sulphur, along with any other necessary input. CalciZest containing lime was designed specifically to stimulate clover growth. DoloZest containing Golden Bay
Innovative Design Innovative Improves Design Efficiency Improves
The key to success is creating conditions that favour the growth of large leafed, strong stemmed clover.
The short and obvious answer is to stop buying it. Where then does nitrogen come from? The atmosphere that we breathe is 78 per cent nitrogen so there’s absolutely no shortage of it. How then do plants get enough of it for maximum growth. Plants grew abundantly long before the Haber- Bosch process was developed and urea was available for farmers to purchase. The ammonia urea plant at Kapuni in the Taranaki was built not because New Zealand pastoral farmers required more nitrogen, but because there was an abundance of cheap energy from the development of the off-shore Maui gas field. As it is only since the late 1990s that the regular use of urea has become widespread, the reliance on it for growth has been an experiment and we are yet to fully appreciate the long-term consequences.
Dry matter drop-off Official pasture growth data from the Ruakura Research Station prior to the use of urea, showed annual pasture growth to be regularly above 18,000kgDM/ha from a number of sites in the Waikato. Today, annual growth of 13,000kgDM/ha for the same region, a drop of more than 25 per cent, is regarded as common, and even normal, with increasingly wide seasonal fluctuations blamed on climate change. That’s not the experience of all farmers. An increasing number of farmers have, over the past 20 years, profited from growing clover to provide more than sufficient nitrogen to maximise annual growth. Profiting because they are not spending as much as $500/ha on something that is not necessary and in the long term has shown to increase nitratenitrogen in ground water. The key to their success is creating the conditions that favour the growth of large leafed, strong stemmed clover. That is done by increasing the amount of calcium available for plant uptake, necessary because clover contains up to four times the calcium of grasses.
Dolomite provides both calcium and magnesium. Both contain the same proprietary mix of beneficial fungi and bacteria selected for their role in digestion and increased nutrient uptake. An application of either this autumn is a low cost and highly effective way of reducing over time the dependence on urea as the provider of nitrogen. For more information call Peter on: 0800 843 809.
Agricultural lime is the cheapest and most abundant soil fertiliser available and therefore is often undervalued. However there is another important step. The calcium in lime is not water soluble and for plants to access it, beneficial soil biology must be present.
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FARM VEHICLES & MACHINERY
The ‘machinery mad’ contractor and farmer At 19 years of age, Ross Tetley-Jones was buying his first tractor, a used John Deere 2850, eager to start his own contracting business.
Ross Tetley-Jones loves working with animals.
Now 30 years on, he runs his own contracting company and a 404-hectare dry stock farm. He acknowledges this was possible through the support, advice and encouragement of his parents, Rod and Yvonne. “It wasn’t a matter of handing out large amounts of cash, it was support such as letting me run my first contracting business from a shed on their farm, and then guaranteeing the loan for my dry stock farm. They gave me that helping hand, but it was up to me to make them work,” Ross says. Brought up on a sheep and beef farm in Taumarunui, with his father running a small contracting business, Ross has always been obsessed with farm machinery. “In 1988 I went tractor and truck driving in Otorohanga, and I never left.” By 1993, at the age of 22, Ross was involved with a small-scale contractor, and carried out his first season of silage making. When his parents moved to a 200-hectare dry stock farm in Otorohanga, he was able to operate his own business out of their shed. “I spent three New Zealand winters in the United Kingdom doing five months’ contracting during their summers. One year I ended up running the irrigation side of a lettuce farm over there.”
When the 200ha adjoining his parents’ farm came on the market in 2003, Ross bought it, with his parents guaranteeing the loan. The two properties were run alongside each other, but as separate entities. While no money changed hands, Ross and Rod worked together on jobs and even shared a worker at one point. The rolling to steep hill country is all in grass and used for dairy support, beef fattening and dairy service Jersey bulls. Younger cattle are smaller, and by running them in smaller mobs, this lessens the impact on the steep pasture. “Dad fought the gorse on his farm for 15 years and won the battle, but we still have to get contract knapsack spray teams in each year to spray both farms.” When his parents retired in 2015, Ross bought their farm, and now runs the property as one large one with a farm manager, John. His dad still helps out a bit and enjoys being part of farm life. Ross winters 1000 cattle made up of about 500 rising one dairy grazers from off the farm, 400 mainly white face, dairy beef heifers and steers, and 165 rising two Jersey service bulls.
...continued
Listening to Dad’s advice
Contracting is hard work, but the pay is good, and Rod had wise words for his son. “He advised me to use the money I had earned from contracting to buy a non-devaluing asset, or all I would end up with is a pile of rusting junk.”
Jersey service bulls on the farm.
FARM VEHICLES & MACHINERY
Page 33
Ross’s contracting yard. All Photos: Catherine Fry.
continued...
“We’ve been sourcing the Jerseys from about six suppliers over the last 24 years. I have an on-farm auction every year in early September to sell the two-year-olds, then buy in another 165 yearling bulls.”
Managing two businesses Despite his dad telling the young Ross not to “be a magpie and collect too much of the shiny stuff”, Ross
has a fairly large fleet of tractors and farm machinery. “I like the shiny stuff,” he says with a smile. The contracting business has grown from one man to four fulltime, one digger operator and two seasonal workers. “It wasn’t really planned, it just evolved from customer demand.
“We have a really good yard culture, and some long-standing relationships with customers.” For the 2021 season, Ross would have liked three seasonal workers, but a labour shortage due to Covid-19, has meant he has just had to go with the team he has, and they have all worked hard to meet the demand. “By mid-May the contracting side of things has died away, and we do some earthmoving
in the winter to generate winter work for the boys, and they also help on the farm.” The farm has always had an established 32ha of native bush under Queen Elizabeth II covenants. During the winter, fencing upgrades for the waterways is carried out as they flow into the Waipa River. “We grow 1000 rounds of grass silage on the farm each year, and sometimes a little extra is bought in.
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“The boys do a lot of feeding out in autumn and winter.” Ross is grateful for Dad’s mentorship and support from his parents, and believes it is a good thing having lots of fingers in lots of pies, even if it means a lot of hard work. “I’m machinery mad and I love dogs and animals, so this agriculturally based life, with the mix of contracting and farming really works for me.” Catherine Fry
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Quality solutions for your tractor Ruakura Motors Tractor Parts has been helping the Agricultural community since 1961.
Several hectares are covered in tractors which get stripped down and recycled into parts to keep the New Zealand farming fleet moving. Ruakura managing director Brett Hopkins says more tractors arrive every month and sometimes it is a challenge to find a place to put them. The yard is well organised which really helps people find the part they need. “We have a great storage system which moves on tracks to optimise space since we carry a huge range of genuine new parts for Belarus, Leyland, Massey Ferguson, Simplicity, Ford New Holland, Case IH and Zetor. “We are located in Hillcrest Hamilton.” They source and supply tractor parts and send to repair shops, farmers and tractor owners. They can be new, used or aftermarket quality parts. They
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also carry oil and filters and can service older tractor or send customers home with the parts to do it themselves. Staff include parts people, mechanics and engineers, with extensive experience and knowledge in both late model and old tractors of most makes and models. “Such a huge knowledge base only comes with years of experience and sharing information. “We pride ourselves on service and the parts team goes the extra distance to help you with a good result. “This may include sourcing parts from overseas, using our many contacts to find a hard-to-get
There’s so many spare tractor parts at Ruakura Motors that it can be a challenge to find a spot for them.
part or a smile and a coffee on a hard day.” They also have more than 3500 books on tractors and machinery from 1940s to 2000s - available to help people with their tractors. These are listed on the website: www.tractorparts.co.nz
Demand leads to big delays Large deliveries of tractors and equipment reflect strong demand throughout the country on the back of strengthening commodity prices, says the Tractor and Machinery Association.
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President Kyle Baxter says the second half of 2021 continued the exceptionally strong sales growth of the first half compared to 2020. Overall tractor deliveries to the end of November reflect an average increase in demand of 27 per cent. “There has been significant growth across the traditional lifestyle 0-60hp segment, which increased by more than 35 per cent, while the 60-100hp horticulture, orchard, viticulture segment is up 20 per cent and the 100120hp dairy sector up nine per cent.” The biggest increase was in the 120-250hp mainly arable and dry stock farming sector, which increased 42 per cent compared to 2020. The big agriculture outlays of 250hp-plus increased by almost 36 per cent. “Tractor sales are only one measurement of the state of the industry and we’re also seeing increased
equipment demand. Both locally manufactured and imported equipment are all reporting strong demand.” While New Zealand is experiencing fantastic growth in tractor and equipment deliveries, so are many other countries across the globe as commodities prices remain favourable. “Many local and overseas suppliers are stating that production for 2022 is already nearing maximum capacity on large, specialised equipment. There is limited capacity to accommodate new orders that haven’t already been forecasted or placed with the manufacturer.” Delivery times in the first half of 2023 are becoming ‘very much a reality’ for a lot of this type of product.” Global demand plus the inflation of shipping costs and extended ocean shipping timetables all add to the challenge of ensuring equipment deliveries to local customers, Kyle says. “TAMA is encouraging its members to discuss equipment requirements for spring, summer 2022 and autumn 2023 with their customers as soon as possible.”
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KIWIFRUIT
Page 35
Watching gold become the new green Gold kiwifruit continues to dominate fruit exports in an otherwise challenging market, Stats NZ has released.
In the year ended November 2021, gold kiwifruit made up 47 per cent, or $1.9 billion of total fruit export value, while green kiwifruit made up 23 per cent $923 million worth. Both increases were quantity driven,
Annual gold and green kiwifruit export values ($), year ended December 2010-November 2021
with prices falling compared with the previous year. Gold kiwifruit have a traditionally higher unit price than green. Since the kiwifruit season in 2016, which is typically from March to November, gold has overtaken green in terms of value. In the 2020 season, gold kiwifruit also overtook green in terms of volume. “While green kiwifruit continues to be in high demand, growers in New Zealand are
increasingly planting gold, and now red kiwifruit, to capture greater export value in markets like China and Japan,” international trade manager Alasdair Allen says. Total fruit exports remained relatively flat, up 1.3 per cent in the year ended November 2021 compared with November 2020. Kiwifruit made up 71 per cent - $2.8 billion - of the total value of fruit exports, while apples made up 21 per cent $843 million.
Apple exports fell 7.2 per cent in value, with quantities down 11 per cent this season, which traditionally ends in November. “It’s been a challenging season for apple growers, with some adverse weather events and continued labour shortages earlier in the year contributing to lower than usual output,” Alasdair says. China is the top export market for New Zealand apples, overtaking the European Union for the 2021 season.
Graphs illustrate how gold kiwifruit has overtaken the green variety when it comes to both export dollars and volume. Graphs: Statistics NZ Annual gold and green kiwifruit export quantities (kg), year ended December 2010 - November 2021
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The Kiwifruit Breeding Centre is announcing the appointment of Dr Roger Hellens as its first chief technology officer. KBC is a 50/50 joint venture between Plant & Food Research and Zespri. It has been established to drive innovation within kiwifruit breeding, and to create healthier, better tasting and more sustainable varieties. KBC’s CEO Dr Matt Glenn, says the appointment of Dr Hellens follows an extensive recruitment search. “We are delighted to have been able to attract such a high quality and experienced candidate. “The CTO role is a strategic, externally focused role, exploring commercially available technologies and germplasm to bring into KBC to support us to deliver ‘better cultivars quicker’. “The role will be an integral part of the senior leadership team focusing on external relationships with universities, research centres and industry, both domestically and internationally, and will lead the strategic direction of the science at KBC,” Dr Glenn says. Roger will take up the new role at the end of February.
Dr Roger Hellens.
Institute for Future Environments. From 2000 to 2014, Roger worked for The New Zealand Institute for Plant & Food Research (formerly HortResearch). He held several senior roles, including leading the institute’s genomics research and kiwifruit breeding programmes.
Areas of interest
Roger’s research interests at Plant & Food Research included developing red-fleshed apple and kiwifruit varieties and exploiting next-generation sequencing techniques to help accelerate the development of new cultivars. He also maintained a keen interest in postAbout Dr Hellens transcriptional gene regulation, which has Roger is a scientist with more than 30 years’ become relevant in understanding the experience leading and conducting industryregulation of vitamin C. oriented transdisciplinary research. Before moving to New Zealand, Roger worked at In 2020 Roger joined Scion (New Zealand the John Innes Centre in Norwich, UK, where he Forest Research Institute Limited) as general developed the first genetic map of pea. manager - forests to timber products, This fed into his PhD determining the molecular overseeing research from tree breeding, forest basis of Mendel’s white flower phenotype. establishment, forest protection, and wood He also developed the pGreen plant processing to timber construction. Prior to this, Roger was a professor of agricultural transformation vector and studied gene silencing in petunia. biotechnology at Queensland University of Roger received a PhD in Molecular Genetics Technology. He worked in the Centre for Tropical M7040 SUHD - WITH QVX26 Crops M9540 DH from the University of East Anglia in 1995 and and Biocommodities, holding several MGX SERIES LOADER M7040 SUHD - WITH QVX26 FRONT END M9540 DH a Bachelor of Science from the University of leadership positions, including associate dean, FROM $79,500 + GST MGXFront SERIES Optional QVX36 End loader $13,139 FRONT END LOADER and deputy executive Liverpool in 1989. FROM $79,500 + GST director of the Optional QVX36 Front End loader research $13,139 100-135HP common rail engine with
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KIWIFRUIT
Page 37
Tongan industry receives Kiwi support The horticulture and wine grape industries in New Zealand are collecting donations to help with the recovery in Tonga, following last month’s tsunami.
Growers Relief Fund
The Growers Relief Fund is a charity that helps to support growers in an adverse event, with wellness or when additional support is needed. The fund also helps people working in the horticulture industry who need assistance, to help nurture the
“Our industries, in particular those who employ workers from Tonga, have been saddened by news of the tsunami and its impact,’ says a joint statement by the horticulture industry labour collective, comprising NZ Apples & Pears, NZ Kiwifruit Growers, Summerfruit NZ, NZ Wine, NZ Ethical Employers, and HortNZ.
Focus on recovery
“Our focus is on helping the economy of Tonga recover. That’s because the immediate response is in hand, thanks to the efforts of governments, civil defence and agencies like the Red Cross. “We are using the Growers Relief Fund to collect donations to support the recovery. “As has happened previously, money donated by our industry will be used to help small businesses, such as market gardens, recover. As well, in
whole horticultural community. The Growers Relief Fund Incorporated (RN: CC55709) is an incorporated society incorporated under the Charitable Trust Act 1957 and Charities Act 2005, meaning it has full charitable status.
The 2021 kiwifruit picking season gets underway with the help of international seasonal workers, including hundreds of workers from Tonga.
some areas, the donations will be used to rebuild community buildings. “Our industries will also be ensuring the approximately 1000 workers from Tonga currently in New Zealand working are well supported, now and in the coming months. We are working with our growers and employers on that.”
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MATAMATA TRAC & MACHINER
Our Atoms are set up with radar speed sensors, this My Name is Neil Woodward . MATAMATA TRACTORS combined with fully automated sprayer controllers and &family MACHINERY I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are run three nozzle rings enhances application efficiency and
business, our team consists of three, being myself, my accuracy. MATAMATA TRACTORS son and my brother. We use a quad bike for strip weed spray & also MACHINERY Our organisation has been established for over 18 applications. years. I have been involved in applying crop protection programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966. We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap compliance. We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We We look at all challenges to help ensure we protect have the equipment to spray orchards with our two your crop with excellence. Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing.
My Name is Neil Woodward. I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run business, our team consists of three, being myself, my son and my brother. Our organisation has been established for over 18 years. I have been involved in applying crop protection programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966. We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We have the equipment to spray orchards with our two Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing.
Our Atoms are set up with radar speed sensors, this combined with fully automated sprayer controllers and three nozzle rings enhances application efficiency and accuracy. We also use a quad bike for strip weed spray applications. We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap compliance. We look at all challenges to help ensure we protect your crop with excellence.
216 Pongakawa Bush Road Te Puke
To contact us: Phone: 021 907 621 E-mail: zcl@zanadu.co.nz
216 Pongakawa Bush Road Te Puke
To contact us: Phone: 021 907 621 E-mail: zcl@zanadu.co.nz
COAST & COUNTRY NEWS
Page 38
classified listings curriculum vitae
CV’s THAT STAND OUT. Don’t let your C.V. get lost amongst all the others. Get the WOW factor. A C.V. For You can provide you with a personal and professional touch. From scratch or update existing ones. Check out samples on www. facebook.com/acvforyou or Ph/text on 021 27 27 912.
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PULLETS HY-LINE BROWN, great layers. Phone 07 824 1762 www.eurekapoultryfarm.weebly.com
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DO YOU HAVE something to sell or looking to buy or promote your business? List it here for only $23 for up to 20 words. Email office@ thesun.co.nz or call 07 578 0030.
professional services
LIST YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT HERE! email your listing to: merle@sunmedia.co.nz with ‘Rural Event’ in the subject line.
Feb 15
Feb 24
7pm, Wesley Church Hall, 13th Ave, Tauranga (vaccine pass/ mask required), cash only. Ph: 07 576 2231.
Feb 18-27
of NZ, 7.30pm, Waikato Horticultural Society talk, Gate 2, Hamilton Gardens. All welcome, $5 nonmembers. Ph Carmel: 07 855 3404.
Festival. See: hgaf.co.nz
Feb 26
Orchid & Plant Auction,
Feb 9
Hamilton Gardens Arts
10-11am, learn to build a rat trap, 188 Commerce St, Hamilton, free but koha appreciated. See: tinyurl.com/yckmnuup
Feb 20
Predator Free Hamilton,
Edible Weeds & Green
Smoothies, 10am2pm, Greerton, Tauranga, $85. See: juliasedibleweeds.com
Moths and Butterflies
Rotorua Dahlia Show, 10am-3.30pm, Ngongotaha Hall, Rotorua. Floral Art Workshop,
9am-3pm, Fraser High
School, Hamilton, $45. See: tinyurl. com/5hauc66c Home Composting
Workshop, 1.30pm, Turangi & Taupo, free. See tinyurl.com/yygxfnju
March 4
Morrinsville Dahlia Show, 11am-3.30pm,
Campbell Hall, Canada St, Morrinsville.
March 5
Crop Swap, 9.30am-10.30am, 45
Beach Rd, Katikati. Ph: 07 549 2337.
March 5-6
Mercury Bay Artists;
Open Studios, 10am-4pm, eastern Coromandel area, free. Repeated March 12-13. See: mercurybayartescape.com Women’s SelfDefence Workshop,
10.30am-4.30pm, 512 Mackay St, Thames, free. Ph/txt Charlie: 027 368 9245.
Everything rural in one place The Morrinsville A&P Show brings rural life to town for everyone to enjoy.
On March 5 every aspect of country living will be on show at the Morrinsville Recreation Grounds. Farmers and townies alike will be able to enjoy the popular sheep dog trials, and see the finest alpacas, goats, dairy and beef cattle, Clydesdales, Gypsy Cobs, hacks and ponies compete for their respective championships. The calf club competition is returning after three years and bouncy castles, outdoor puzzles, the teddy bears’ picnic and petting zoo will keep the kids entertained. Live music, including the Wai Taiko drummers, highland dancing, and the Hamilton Brass Band, as well as a strong man competition, will run throughout the day, along with entertainment from the Morrinsville Country Music Club. Morrinsville A&P Society president Bruce McRobbie says the show covers all aspects of what the A&P movement stands for and it is a great family day out. “Families can come to the show and it’s not going to cost them mega bucks to be there.”
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Phone 07 557 0505
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Morrinsville A & P Show punters enjoy the 100th anniversary of the event back in 2017.
The trade section will showcase the latest farm machinery, equipment, tractors, cars and motorbikes, while the large variety of food stalls will satisfy the ‘inner man’. The Morrinsville show is the largest
one-day A&P event in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. Tickets are $8 for adults, $4 for 12 to 16-year-olds, free for children under 12 and a family pass is $20. Gates open at 9am with free onsite parking and eftpos at the gate. Please note that vaccination certificates will be required for entry into the show. Don’t miss the opportunity to be amongst the winners of the New World Morrinsville-sponsored gate prize. You will need to be at the stage at about 2.45pm for a chance to win.
COAST & COUNTRY NEWS
Page 39
FARMERS
WE T U O
W O N
IN
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T
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4 YEAR
POWER
TRAIN
WARRANTY**
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Kioti tractors are exported to
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over 70 years
are made in
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CS2610 26HP
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Power Farming NZ PUKEKOHE
0800 570 571
MORRINSVILLE
07 889 5059
Terms and conditions apply. ** 4 year or 2000 hour power train warranty.
TE AWAMUTU
07 870 2411
TAURANGA
07 543 0021
ROTORUA
07 349 6528
GISBORNE
06 868 8908
COAST & COUNTRY NEWS
Page 40
Maylee, 1, ready and waiting to get on with the job in Tapapa.
Hollie cuddles her favourite cow ‘Sweet’ in Ngongataha. Maisie, 1, feeds her lamb ‘Noah’ in Ramarama.
Zavier, 1, tells his mates a bedtime story in Putaruru.
Alaska, 6 months, feeds her lamb in Te Awamutu.
FARM BUILDING SPECIALISTS.
CONTACT US
07 889 6314 or 021 775 310 info@oneillengineering.co.nz www.oneillengineering.co.nz 73 Thames St, Morrinsville
c1902kwO’neill
GABLE & CIRCULAR BUILDINGS.