Jersey breeder Dick Post, with ‘golden cow’ Posterity Man Susie (back) that sold for $55,000, and her mother. Story page 6-7. Photo: Catherine Fry.
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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS
Redwoods are being touted as a super tree for NZ, because of its ability to soak up carbon.
Take cover, the tree wars have begun. Budget 2022 didn’t deliver too many surprises for the primary sector, but it did create a bit of confusion about trees. The Government sparked an interesting debate with its focus on native tree planting as a longterm method of locking up carbon and helping the country offset its emissions. See our story on page 24. The Forest Owners Association says it has a soft spot for native trees like everyone else, but are quick to point out that native trees take forever to grow, compared with radiata pine. By the time natives are making a meaningful contribution to climate change, it could be too little, too late. We have previously covered concerns that blocks of productive pastoral land were being snapped up for exotic forests that would never be harvested. That was because returns from trading carbon are so good. The Government has since moved to block these permanent exotic forests from the Emissions
Trading Scheme, and in its budget released last month announced $256 million will go towards “maximising the contribution of forestry in boosting carbon sequestration”. Top of the list for this funding is scaling up native seedling production to increase native forest planting. But just when it seemed like a clear-cut case of pines versus natives, Scion releases research about redwoods that really put yet another a cat amongst the kereru. The authors of the study estimate that after 40 years, average carbon for redwood in the North Island would exceed that of radiata pine – in some places doubling the amount of carbon per hectare - 4000 tonnes, compared with radiata pine at just 1750–2500 tonnes. They grow best in Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Taranaki, however, in cold or dry areas of the South Island, radiata pine outperforms the big redwoods. Politics is a poor reason for planting trees. Let’s work out what the long-term goal is, and plant the appropriate trees for the occasion.
Dan Hutchinson
COAST & COUNTRY NEWS
Page 3
Fast forward to the future “I can only imagine the humour in 50 years’ time when the Ballance team open and read our stories and see the examples of innovation and reflect on how far they have come,” says Ballance CEO Mark Wynne. Ballance chair Duncan Coull says they are “a proud co-operative”, collectively owned by 17,000 farming and growing families throughout New Zealand. “Farmers and growers have intergenerational businesses. To be able to walk alongside them, we need
BOP MP Todd Muller and Ballance chair Duncan Coull open the newly renovated Balance Agri-nutrient building in Mount Maunganui.
Ballance Agri-Nutrient celebrated the opening of its newly extended and renovated building in Mount Manuganui by burying a time capsule.
The $5 million project includes a new wing and renovated offices. More than 70 items were included in the time capsule, which is to be opened in 2072. Items buried include a staff uniform, photos, utility
bills, company publications, newspapers, a Covid-19 information pack, product samples and more. Included is a list of predictions for what the world will be like when the time capsule is opened.
Elimination comes with ‘human cost’ The dairy and beef sectors are celebrating the almost-complete eradication of Mycoplasma bovis but questions have been raised over the “psychological trauma” felt by those farmers affected.
A joint Government and industry programme of eradication saw 271 farms cleared of the disease after four years. Only one property in Canterbury remains infected and agriculture minister Damien O’Connor says careful planning is under way to start clearing it later this year. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern says the partnership with the primary sector was critical because no-one in the world had attempted to eradicate Mycoplasma bovis before. “When we took our one shot to eradicate, we did so to protect our national herd from a painful disease, our economy from a sharp shock, and our rural communities from widespread anxiety. “I want to acknowledge how tough it’s been for those farmers who have lost their herds and stock genetics built up over decades. Your action has preserved our productive sectors that underpin the prosperity of all New Zealanders.” Planning is underway to transition the M. bovis
Eradication Programme to an agency under a National Pest Management Plan, for ongoing management and surveillance. Fiona Doolan-Noble, senior research fellow in Rural Health, University of Otago, says it is positive to have eradicated the disease but “there is always a downside to these programmes”. “In this case, apart from the culling of thousands of healthy animals, the human cost has been significant. “We are hopeful that our recommendations we made to the Minister in our ministerial briefing paper would be considered going forward to reduce the psychological trauma this programme caused to many farmers and their families.” Professor Richard Laven, Production Animal Health and Welfare, School of Veterinary Science, Massey University, says undetected spread of bacteria is “clearly a possibility” as not all outbreaks have been definitively linked, but it is unlikely. He says there will need to be permanent surveillance and questioned who would pay for that. “In any future eradication programme, social science - working with people and approach needs to be as important if not more so than veterinary science.
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to build resilience in our network. “This intergenerational investment to future-proof our home in Mount Manuganui is a small snapshot of our overall network investment.” At the opening, a Tōtara was planted by staff. Tōtara can live for 1000 years, signifying strength and longevity. It was donated by Turning Point Trust a mental health and wellbeing agency based at the Historic Village, 17th Ave, Tauranga. It offers vocational work streams, one of which is a Horticulture group.
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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS
Women’s health a key focus for RWNZ Last month was International Women’s Health Month, but the health of our wahine is a focus for Rural Women New Zealand all year round.
For the last 97 years, the organisation has been at the forefront of voicing the health concerns of rural women with DHBs and central government. Covid has put a considerable strain on our health system and our health workers. Nowhere is this more apparent than maternity care. While some health care can be deferred or dealt with remotely during a pandemic, the birth of a baby cannot. Maternity care is always on the list of priorities for RWNZ. Region 5, which covers from Coromandel to Central Plateau, recently sent a remit asking the “Minister of Health to review maternity services funding to ensure that women have access to reliable midwife support wherever they live in New Zealand”. Our nation was one of the first countries to register midwives in 1904, and, in the past, our maternity services were once lauded overseas. Changes in legislation and funding over the years suggest we no longer recognise that easily accessible, quality maternity services are essential
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Rural Women NZ Te Puke chair Maureen Champion and deputy chair Margaret Scrimgeour organised an educational health event about gynaecological cancers.
to family wellbeing. Although there are more than 4000 midwives registered in Aotearoa, only 2300 are currently active. With about 60,000 births each year, there continues to be a shortfall of midwives, especially in rural areas. Region 5 leader Mary McTavish says that despite a recent increase in funding, there are still few incentives or support systems for independent Lead Maternity Carers working in rural communities. The current RWNZ nationwide project - ovarian cancer - is another women’s health issue that does not get enough funding. Western Bay of Plenty RWNZ organised a health day to educate women about the gynaecological cancers - ovarian, cervical, uterine, vaginal and vulval. The ‘Let’s Talk About Cancers Down There’ event was held in recognition of Mother’s Day and World Ovarian Cancer Day. On May 6, at the Te Puke Hall, women who have suffered from ovarian and cervical cancer bravely shared their stories to help educate other women ...continued on what to look out for.
COAST & COUNTRY NEWS
Council drafts rules for stock crossing
Contest lifts spirits
The Hauraki District Council is reviewing its Stock Crossing Bylaw. Hauraki District Mayor Toby Adams says the Stock Control Crossing Bylaw helps Council to regulate the movement of livestock along and across local roads, in a way that helps to protect the surface and structure of the road while keeping other road users safe. “We’re taking the opportunity to incorporate the last Franklin bylaw - which happens to be for stock crossing - into this bylaw. “The busier the road and the more often stock are crossed the more likely you’ll need a permit.” The requirement for all stock crossings to have a permit has been removed, and replaced with a tiered
Sarah Dobson wins the 2022 Pukekohe Young Grower competition.
Sarah Dobson, a 25-year-old environment and sustainability technician at A.S. Wilcox, has won the 2022 Pukekohe Young Grower competition. The competition tested contestant’s vegetable and fruit growing knowledge as well as the skills needed to be a successful grower. “I was so rapt when they called my name to say that I had won, I couldn’t believe it. “I was quite nervous before the competition, but I did lots of preparation with help from my colleagues. Everyone there has been so supportive in helping me prepare. “I’ve learnt so much through the competition. “I even learnt how to back a tractor-trailer last week which came in handy today! I would encourage anyone thinking of entering to do it, it’s been a great experience.” continued...
Ovarian cancer survivor and founder of Talk Peach Gynaecological Cancer Foundation, Tash Crosby, says one wahine dies from ovarian cancer every 48 hours. “Educating women in New Zealand about when to go to their doctor to ask for a blood test and ultrasound could significantly reduce this statistic.” Tash says women ignore many of the signs as they are similar to those experienced during menstruation, menopause and pregnancy. Symptoms can include bloating, peeing more, unusual discharge, and pain in the abdomen, back, legs, bowel and vagina. A more extensive list of symptoms can be found at: talkpeach.org.nz or: nzgcf.org.nz “The only gynaecological cancer routinely screened for is cervical cancer - for all others, you need to ask for a test. “If symptoms persist for more than a few weeks, you should consult a doctor,” Tash says. Region 5 RWNZ hopes to hold another gynaecological education event in the future. To find out more, follow RWNZTAURANGA on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
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Page 5 system for stock crossing permits. Permitted Stock Crossings do not require a permit, where certain conditions are met. Conditional Stock Crossings need a conditional permit when certain conditions cannot be met, or the traffic volume is above a certain limit, the speed limit is above 70kmh, or the road is in an urban area. A $250 fee per application, is proposed for permission to operate a stock crossing. The council will revoke the Franklin District Council Livestock on Roads Bylaw 2010, so the whole district including the former Franklin District - is covered by one bylaw. Feedback closes at 4pm on Monday, June 20, 2022.
Sarah will now head to the national Young Grower of the Year competition in Nelson on September 21-22, to compete against six other regional finalists for their share of $30,000 worth of prizes. HortNZ President, Barry O’Neil, says that competition is a cornerstone event that brings together the Pukekohe growing community even in trying times. “It has been incredibly tough for Pukekohe and Auckland growers. The various lockdowns and weather events have been unprecedented. “Many growers’ businesses are under pressure, so it has been fantastic to be able to get a record turnout at the awards dinner this year and bring everyone together. “The turnout shows that Pukekohe growers share a commitment to supporting the next generation of growers, and the future of the industry.”
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Page 6
Retiring farmers hit jackpot with When their three-year-old Jersey cow Posterity Man Susie sold in an online auction for $55,000 breeders Faye and Dick Post couldn’t believe their eyes. The couple are semi-retiring and were selling 260 cows from their milking herd and 86 heifers, before
moving to a smaller run-off block. With several of the cows reaching over $20,000, it is not luck that gave these animals their good genes. They are the result of decades of thoughtful breeding by Posterity Jerseys. Dick Post was raised on the farm he owns today and has always had a deep passion for all things dairy farming, including becoming an AI technician at 17-years-old. He bought the farm from his Dutch
Jersey breeder Dick Post didn’t expect his cows to sell for such record prices. immigrant parents in 1984 and he and his wife They would put high BW bulls over lower cows Faye have been there ever since. and were always looking for a “powerful” cow. “It was quite an average farm when my parents “We wanted a bigger structure on our cows, had it, milking 125 Jersey cows on 48.8 hectares. not the more typical smaller Jersey build. I like “Today it is 76 hectares and we milk 325 Jersey them bigger.” cows. We also added a 35 hectare run-off in 2015,” Dick knows how to pick his sires and Posterity Dick says. Jerseys also has sires out for semen collection with Other than knowing he wanted to keep Jerseys, AI companies. He has performed all the AI on his Dick says there was no real plan in place for own cows for 45 years. developing the farm, he “flies by the seat of his As he reaches the end of his Jersey breeding days, pants” and is a “bit back to front like that”. Dick knows he must have done things right as his herd was averaging more than 400 kg/MS per cow Breeding before the dispersal sale. “I do have high standards and using herd testing His “golden cow”, Posterity Man Susie, was I started breeding to increase our milk litres as that one of the first group of heifers sired by Tironui increases the protein content. Jersey milk is high in Superman Et, a top Jersey bull with a BW of 524, fat content and lower in protein content.” and a BW Reliability of 90. ...continued
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their golden cow
Page 7
continued...
“Man Susie, who is in calf, has a 483 BW, Protein BV 23, Fat BV 54, Udder Conformation overall 8, and Dairy Conformation of 8. Those are really high numbers, so we really hit the jackpot with this breeding line.” Dick says that Superman’s straws are selling like hot cakes after his herd sale.
Feed and supplements
Well-fed cows is a top priority for the Posts. The grass is an AR37 mix which has made a huge difference to the paddocks over the past 20 years. “During seasons like this one, the black beetles are still in the soil, and the endophytes in the AR37 grass provide great protection against pests like that.” The farm is a mixture of Hamilton clay, Te Kowhai silt and Waihou sandy loam, which complement each other nicely through the different seasons. About 40 hectares of grass supplement was made on-farm, 10 hectares of maize, and a summer crop of five hectares of chicory mix. The cows were fed the homegrown maize on a feed pad, alongside bought-in PK, and molasses added in the spring. Alongside the paperwork and managing the staff, Faye looked after the calves, rearing them initially on herd colostrum, and then herd milk until they were 10 weeks old. Once weaned, the calves went to the couple’s 35 hectare run-off block and were fed meal, then PK and silage when grass is scarcer. Posterity Man Susie No 145 is a threeyear-old Jersey who sold for a record breaking price. All photos: Catherine Fry.
“You get 720 days to prepare a heifer for the milking herd, you need to look after them and feed them well. They can’t survive on air and water.”
Semi-retirement
The beautiful caramel coloured Man Susie and her mother Stride Susie are drying off before being trucked to their new home in Gore. “They will have a pen to themselves to the South Island, Jersey breeder Dick Post with the golden cow’s mother, Posterity Stride Susie No 45. complete with rubber matting, so they’re travelling business class! Their new owner will meet them in Blenheim and take them by trailer to their new home.” The Posts are in the process of leaving their farm and moving to their run-off. They still have last year’s calves there and have already booked straws for breeding with them this season as some are standout calves. Dick and Faye dream about a motorhome or a caravan and taking their time exploring the South Island but that isn’t compatible with farming, so a final sale next year is on the cards. “We might stop next year, but we might not… we’re still flying by the seat of our pants, so who knows what will happen!” Catherine Fry
COAST & COUNTRY NEWS
Page 8
Dry matter takes a hit in dry autumn Waikato farmers are being urged to reach out and speak up as drought conditions continue in the region.
Hamilton has had its driest April on record since records began in 1905 with just 13 millimetres falling during April. In mid-May, Niwa meteorologist
Serious machinery for serious work. Hamilton has had its driest April on record since records began in 1905. Photo: Daniel Hines.
Ben Noll says, looking forward, they’re still not seeing signs of persistent rain that will be needed to break the event fully.
It will take time
“Based on the impact of the low rainfall and the soil moisture deficits and the river flows I would say that we are 90-100 millimetres in deficit. “We would need a good three to four soaking rainfall events – It will take some time to ease those deficits. “This is the time of year that we expect rainfall to increase overall. We’re getting towards the winter now and that is our wetter time of year on average so that’s what makes extended dryness in the Waikato more unusual. “We expect it at some level in summer but to have it be so
prominent in late autumn is so unusual,” says Ben. Rural Support Trust Chairperson and Waikato dairy farmer Neil Bateup has his fingers crossed for wet weather. “Normally our grass cover would be around 2100 kilograms of dry matter and at the moment we’re at about 1600. “We’re about 500kgs behind where we would normally be. “It’s concerning as it’s something that we don’t have control of.”
Seek support
Neil urges farmers to not hide away, hoping it will come right. “Reach out and seek support. “If you know what position you’re in, it’s easier than worrying about something and not knowing.
“If you’re up to date on the situation and have a plan in place, it takes a lot of the pressure away.” The Rural Support Trust as well as Beef and Lamb and Dairy NZ are working together to run events in the region to get farms together and discuss possibilities and outcomes. “If they can share plans with their neighbours and just catch up, it’s all information that can help them going forward and a support system for them. “Talk to others and if you’re concerned, reach out. “If you’re needing some assistance to help them get your head around the situation then Dairy NZ, Beef and lamb or any private consultancies will be happy to lend a hand to develop a plan to go forward.” Jordan Boyd
Drought relief offered
Drought conditions in the Waikato and South Auckland have been classified as a medium-scale adverse event by MPI, enabling a package of support for farmers and growers. The support includes tax flexibility with IRD and the Waikato, Hauraki-Coromandel Rural Support Trust will receive extra funding of $30,000 to run events to connect people and provide mentoring support. The national Feed Coordination Service is also available for farmers if they are struggling to find sources of supplementary feed.
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CALVING, LAMBING & KIDDING
Page 9
Contented calves fed milk once a day Calves can be perfectly content when fed milk on a once-a-day feeding roster right from the start.
The trick is to get them onto a high rate of milk straight after they have had their gold colostrum and are drinking properly, says Chris Collier - founder of Probiotic Revolution. He says more and more farmers are successfully doing this thanks to the addition of Calf Xtreme provided by Probiotic Revolution. “It is the live yeast we use that helps stop nutritional scours when the high rate of milk spills from
the abomasum into the rumen. “And at the high rate of milk the digestive enzymes we use break down meal, hay and grass, resulting in surprisingly good levels of intake of these feeds. “We have been into sheds where the only calves bellowing at us are the ones on twice-a-day feeding.” Last season 80,000 calves were reared using Calf Xtreme, the great majority of which were on once-aday feeding within a week. A Te Awamutu farmer and customer Nick, first used Calf
The results of once-a-day feeding speak for itself.
New animal welfare rules for calf rearing The National Animal Welfare Advisory Committee is proposing two changes for calf rearing in its new draft code of welfare for dairy cattle.
NAWAC has reviewed the existing code of welfare for dairy cattle and is consulting on updated minimum standards and recommendations for best practice. Calf rearing is one of several areas being reviewed and the changes include feeding calves a minimum of twice a day for the first three weeks and not weaning them off milk before six weeks.
Proposed new rules
For the first three weeks after birth calves must be fed a suitable, good quality liquid feed at a rate of no less than 20 per cent of their body weight divided into no less than two feeds per day. A calf must be given suitable liquid feeds that satisfy Minimum Standard 6a, until the rumen has developed sufficiently to allow it to utilise solids as the sole feed source, but must not be fully weaned off milk before six weeks of age. All newborn calves removed from their dam must be offered sufficient good quality colostrum, or colostrum substitute as soon as possible after but within two hours of being removed, to ensure that any calves that have not sucked their dam receive colostrum within 24 hours after birth. Consultation closes on June 9, 2022. To view the proposed new code of welfare for dairy cattle and the regulations, and to make a submission, visit the MPI website.
Get more with less this calving season
In its background information for the proposed new rules NAWAC explains that “calves rely on a sufficient and timely consumption of colostrum to prevent failure of passive transfer to reduce the risk of calf mortality and morbidity”.
Importance of colustrum
Factors contributing to an increased risk of failure of passive transfer include calves not receiving colostrum within the initial 12-24 hours of life - before gut closure occurs, receiving an inadequate amount of colostrum during this period, being fed colostrum with low levels of immunoglobulins, or being provided colostrum that is contaminated with bacteria. “While it is considered that calves should receive colostrum within the first six hours after birth to ensure adequate absorption of immunoglobulins, this is not always possible in pasture-based systems where calves may only be collected from the paddock once a day.”
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Xtreme at double dose rates to help overcome a Rotavirus outbreak. “Now, after they have had their gold colostrum, his crossbred calves go straight onto once a day feeding, building up to six litres after a week.” Nick starts calving mid-July and by mid-December his heifers weighed 155kg. “Our calves are perfectly happy on this system and the results speak for themselves,” Nick says If calves are healthy and contented on this system farmers will find calf rearing very satisfying and rewarding.
CALVING, LAMBING & KIDDING
Page 10
140 years of frozen lamb Celebration events were held in London and Oamaru on May 24 to mark National Lamb Day, the 140th anniversary of the first shipment of frozen New Zealand lamb arriving in the UK in 1882 and the centenary of the New Zealand Meat Board.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand and NZMB chairman Andrew Morrison and New Zealand High Commissioner to the UK Bede Corry spoke at the celebration at Butcher’s Hall, home of the Worshipful Company of Butchers in London.
The event was attended by representatives of major UK lamb customers and featured a welcome and performance by Ngāti Rānana London Māori Club, and a New Zealand lamb barbecue. Meanwhile, Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd marked the anniversaries with a dinner at Oamaru’s Loan and Mercantile Building. Speakers included George Berry, former owner of Totara Estate, south of Oamaru, where the original shipment of lamb was processed before it left Port Chalmers for London aboard the vessel Dunedin on February 15, 1882. Sirma Karapeeva, chief executive of the
Meat Industry Association, and Nicky Hyslop, NZMB director and B+LNZ central South Island farmer director also gave speeches. Andrew says the National Lamb Day anniversary is particularly momentous, given the NZMB is also celebrating its centenary this year. The Board’s role as a foundation stone of the successful export industry is being recognised with the publication of Meeting Change, a new book outlining the organisation’s history. “The Meat Board was established in
1922 and while its role has evolved, the Board now oversees $2.3 billion of red meat exports to the quota markets of the European Union, United Kingdom and United States, financial reserves on behalf of the red meat sector and drives investment in industry good activities such as genetics.” Sam McIvor, chief executive of B+LNZ Ltd and the NZMB, says the event in the UK is a great opportunity to highlight the innovation and successes of the red meat sector.”
Improving lamb foetal growth of twins and triplets Speaking on a Beef + Lamb New Zealand Scene + Herd podcast, Professor Paul Kenyon from Massey University says large farm-scale studies have shown that mid-pregnancy shearing (between 50-100 days) can be a valuable tool to improve foetal growth in twin and triplet lambs so they are born within the optimal birthweight range. “This in turn enhances lamb survival, but this survival response will only occur if the ewe is well fed and has body reserves available- so a minimum Body Condition Score of 2.5. “You’ll only get an increase in survival response if
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she is fed well, so if you’re feeding to pregnancy requirements.” This also builds a case for not shearing lighter condition ewes at mid-pregnancy. Professor Kenyan says the idea of shearing ewes mid-pregnancy is the assumption that they would seek shelter at lambing is flawed. If the ewe is shorn with a cover comb, as is required by the Animal Welfare Act, then by the time the lamb is born she will have around 3cm of wool. At just 2cm, a ewe is thermal neutral - neither hot nor cold - at 0 degC with no wind chill. At 3cm, the ewe will be unaffected by cold, rain and windchill.
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CALVING, LAMBING & KIDDING
Page 11
Body condition a key factor Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s latest Beef Breeder webinar features a presentation by Professor Wayne Pitchford, Professor in Animal Science at University of Adelaide and B+LNZ Genetics’ Dr Jason Archer, science lead for the Informing New Zealand Beef programme.
The pair discussed findings from maternal research carried out in both countries. While there were clear similarities between research outcomes in both countries, there were some differences. One of the clear messages was the importance of body condition and fat cover in driving the reproductive performance of breeding cows from a management viewpoint. The Australian results found that while performance from mating heifers was lower under some pretty tough conditions, the performance of older cows was much higher. Professor Pitchford says while he advises Australian farmers to “nurture the teenagers” he encourages them to push older cows harder to better utilise pasture.
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Both Professor Pitchford and Dr Archer stressed the value of the Days to Calving Estimated Breeding Value as the best tool for genetic improvement of fertility. They say stud breeders should be recording this and recommend commercial breeders ask their stud breeders for this information if it’s not presented in the sale catalogue. While some Australian beef breeders have EBVs available for Body Condition Score, at this stage New Zealand breeders can only use EBVs for Rib Fat and Rump Fat as a very blunt instrument as an indicator of cow condition. These EBVs are however very effective for selecting cattle that will finish well within a finishing system, which is what they were designed for. It is hoped that an outcome of the Informing New Zealand Beef Programme will be a Body Condition EBV for NZ systems. Professor Pitchford reminds farmers that bull selection drives genetic gain and it is important commercial breeders “choose the right driveway” when it comes to stud breeders whose breeding objectives match their own.
“Select on a balance of breeding objectives, check for extreme EBVs that may be a problem and check for visual soundness.” Rather than focusing on individual bulls, think about the team of bulls and how they align with a farm’s breeding objectives.
CALVING, LAMBING & KIDDING
Page 12
Stop feed going to waste Time and time again, New Zealand farmers say they are frustrated with feed going to waste.
STOP FEED GOING TO WASTE
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of quality products that are practical and last a lifetime. Wilco feeders are user-friendly and easy to move around the farm – saving valuable time and money. To put the feed savings into perspective, if you are paying $10 per bale, this could amount to $20 per bale if livestock only eat half of it and the rest gets trampled through the mud. Wilco feeders reduce this problem helping to cut costs in the long-term. Whether it is a dairy unit, lifestyle block, alpacas, goats, sheep, or horses, Wilco have a feeder size that will make life so much easier. Stock can be fed without having to be checked on as often.
Feeders come as hanging, skid, or two or three-wheel mobile hay racks - with optional meal bins - sized from one to four bale capacity. Combining customers’ good ideas with their own is Wilco’s philosophy behind product development. All Wilco Engineering feeders and trailers are designed for everyday use on the farm or for transporting and are the ideal solution due to their strength and durability. The highly robust frames are made in New Zealand and fully galvanised, to ensure the best quality and performance. Wilco feeders are ideal for calving season.
Species compare in mega milk-off A new study will compare the health benefits of goat, cow and sheep milk for older adults.
A grant of $1,410,978 has been awarded by the High-Value Nutrition Ko Ngā Kai Whai Painga National Science Challenge to the Riddet Institute at Massey University. Warren McNabb, Professor of Nutritional Sciences at the Riddet Institute, Professor Nicole Roy and Dr Jody Miller from the Department of Human Nutrition at the University of Otago and NIG Nutritionals Limited, are conducting the research
Goat, cow and sheep milk
The three-year study will identify the impact on digestive comfort, nutritional status and skeletal muscle function from adding whole milk powders to the diets of older adults. The study will look at three different types of milk powder: goat milk, provided by NIGN; cow milk, provided by Miraka; and sheep milk, provided by Spring Sheep Milk Co. This study builds on research that indicates milk from different species have differing composition and structures that could lead to differences in digestive comfort and metabolism. NIGN is the lead industry partner and is co-funding the study. The project aligns with the HVN aim of developing high-value foods with validated health benefits to drive economic growth. Consuming milk confers nutritional and digestive health benefits in infants and children. However, the longer-term impact on nutritional benefits and digestive comfort in older adults has yet to be clarified. “The study aims to compare digestive and metabolic responses
and impact on the protein status of older adults to the daily addition of goat, cow or sheep whole milk powder to their regular diet for 12 weeks in a home setting,” says Professor Warren McNabb. Comparisons will be made between milk groups and a control group that will consume their regular diet, with no additional milk.
Economic benefits
“One of the main objectives of the study is to determine the longer-term impacts of milk consumption on the nutritional status and metabolism of healthy older adults, including body composition and muscle strength,” says Joanne Todd, director of the HVN National Science Challenge. Other objectives include measuring the acute and longer term effects of milk consumption on ease, frequency, and severity of gut discomfort symptoms of healthy older adults, and the longer-term impacts of milk consumption on biological markers of health of older adults utilising distinct Riddet Institute and Otago University capabilities. Collaborations will be part of the project including the New Zealand Milks Mean More Endeavour programme hosted by the Riddet Institute at Massey University and the HVN Digestive Health Priority Research Programme led by the University of Otago. The outcomes may support the formulation of unique milk products that will improve digestive comfort, diet quality, and measures of quality of life, sleep quality and mood, while also potentially bringing increased economic benefits to Aotearoa New Zealand’s goat, cow and sheep producers.
CALVING, LAMBING & KIDDING
Page 13
Metabolics - a precursor to herd diseases Major issues for New Zealand cows are the diseases of mastitis and metritis. One of the main reasons for these conditions is clinical and sub-clinical milk fever. About 40 per cent of the herd will experience either clinical or sub clinical milk fever. While cows are rarely culled for milk fever itself - outside of deaths - they are regularly culled for other reasons caused by milk fever. We know that herds with high incidence of metabolics have poor health, but is it related? Published research has shown milk fever - clinical or sub clinical - directly increases the incidence of many diseases (Curtis 1983).
Costly diseases
Mastitis and metritis are major reasons for cows leaving the herd and costing money. We can’t sell the milk, we need to treat them - costing staff time and their chance of getting in calf is much less, especially in our seasonal systems. Why does milk fever increase the risk of these diseases? The first reason is immunity. Research has shown that low blood calcium reduces a measure of immunity called neutrophil
oxidative burst (Martinez 2014), meaning cows with low blood calcium have less chance of resisting or fighting infection.
Think past initial symptoms
The second is smooth muscle strength which calcium is critical to. The ones we are concerned about are in the uterus and the teat sphincters. Poor teat sphincter closure means easy access for bugs post milking, and for the uterus it means the inability to crunch down and expel the placenta cleanly. At the end of the season, when reflecting on why cows have left the herd, think past the initial symptom and focus on the cause. Content supplied by Sollus, a NZ-based animal health company.
Focusing on the causes of disease is the key to healthy cows.
Page 14
CARTAGE & EARTHWORKS
Machinery keeps on rolling in Agricultural equipment deliveries have got off to flying start this year.
Tractor and Machinery Association TAMA president Kyle Baxter says he is “seeing and hearing first-hand” how strengthened commodity prices are giving farmers and rural contractors the confidence to invest in new equipment. He says the flow of equipment into New Zealand has increased dramatically, and this has offered welcome relief for customers needing a new piece of equipment, which is then being put to work straight away when it arrives.
Strong dairy influence on sales
“Overall, tractor sales are up more than 25 per cent for the year to date compared to 2021, which was already an increase on 2020 by around 19 per cent. “This trend looks set to continue with confidence in the agri-sector remaining strong.” Regional performances have a strong dairy influence, with Northland, Waikato, Taranaki, and Southland experiencing significant growth. “Many of our members are also turning their eyes to beyond 2022, as they look to confirm production slots of equipment that is expected to arrive into NZ around early to mid-2023, thus ensuring that supply continues to meet demand – whichever way it trends.” While the increase in commodity prices is a welcome relief for many producers, it also comes with a sting in the tail. Positive agri-commodity growth has seen a corresponding growth in the actual commodities
that are used to manufacture and supply the equipment, in the form of raw materials, labour, fuel and ocean shipping costs, all of which are having a subsequent flow-on effect that increases the cost of goods being delivered to New Zealand. “Continued inbound and outbound supply chain challenges are greatly impacting the TAMA members who are importers, exporters, and retailers.
Global shipping constraints
“Global manufacturing constraints are still very much a reality, as plants continue to work through Covid restrictions in their respective countries, and that coupled with constraints in component supply all contribute to disruption to the smooth flow of equipment into New Zealand. “TAMA members who manufacture in New Zealand are also experiencing continued growth in customer confidence, and report extremely strong demand for their equipment. “However, they too are also experiencing issues in fulfilling their export market commitments due to the global shipping constraints creating distribution challenges when it comes to getting product shipped out of the country. “The current border restrictions in place have left many TAMA members short-staffed. “This has created an extremely stressful environment for our individual members, staff, and their customers as they grapple with the strong demand for, and growing deliveries of equipment. “We know of course we are not alone in this problem as it’s affecting many industries.”
Farmers are buying up agricultural machinery at a rapid rate thanks to high commodity prices and confidence in the primary sector.
WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - CENTRAL PLATEAU
Page 15
Mass movement of farmers and stock The start of winter usually means hunkering down but for a portion of dairy farmers across the country, June 1 is Gypsy Day, when they move not only themselves but their entire families and herds - sometime hundreds of kilometres.
details of animals moving are recorded correctly,” Edward says. “All cows must be tagged with National Animal Identification and Tracing tags and registered in the NAIT system to help minimise the risk of spreading notifiable diseases.” Edward says it’s important all NAIT movements for animals returning from grazing on other farms are also recorded before moving. “Ensure your herd records are up to date so that every movement that has occurred is up to date. “Check who has access to your herd records and remove or add any permissions as required. “And if you haven’t been able to get your herd records 100 per cent up to date, use the opportunity to do so now. Edward says it’s also a good time to re-check the new farm is free from any notifiable diseases such as M. Bovis and TB and that adequate farm biosecurity measures are in place before they arrive, and gear and equipment is clean.
Moving solo
June 1 sees thousands of farm managers, contract milkers and sharemilkers loading cows into stock trucks, or walking them to new farms nearby, and packing up their equipment, families and belongings.
Coined ‘Gypsy Day’ because of its traveling connotations, June 1 sees thousands of farm managers, contract milkers and sharemilkers loading cows into stock trucks or walking them to new farms nearby, and packing up their equipment, families and belongings. National FarmWise manager, Edward Hardie says it’s also the day farms and cows are bought and sold. “For prospective farm owners, it represents a step towards realising
their dream of owning their own farm and moving up the farming ladder.”
Extra stock on the roads
Urbanites will need to watch out for extra stock on the roads around June 1, and farmers need to have plans in place to make sure their move goes without a hitch. “If you’re moving animals at any time, not just on Gypsy Day, it’s important to notify your herd record provider to ensure the
Phone: 07 362 8433
For those moving without animals, Edward suggests farmers make sure permissions have been removed from previous herd records so updates can easily occur once they’ve shifted. “Take time to check-in with your new farm owner (or relevant person) ahead of moving to ensure you have permission for updating records on your new herd and reconfirm that your new farm is free from any notifiable diseases to avoid any future headaches. “Also ensure any equipment you are taking is clean. And lastly, allow yourself enough time on moving day. Hiccups can occur and things often taken longer than expected so now is the time to plan for the unexpected as well as a smooth move.”
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WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - EASTERN BOP
Safeguarding the Whakatane stopbank Plantings and structures outside property boundaries have prompted the need for remediation works along the Whakatāne River stopbank. Construction work is finishing up on the first stage of a project focused on safeguarding the stopbank to ensure it continues to function the way it should for generations to come. Bay of Plenty Regional Council Engineering project manager Paula Chapman says the council has a responsibility to ensure assets – like stopbanks – are resilient and will keep communities safe in a significant flooding event.
“This means Council is constantly reviewing the town’s flood protection assets and looking at ways to protect them as we know some activities and practices can be detrimental to our stopbanks. “Over the years people have built structures and planted trees outside their boundaries and as time’s gone on these non-approved structures and different types of vegetation have gradually advanced or encroached beyond where they should have. “Along the Whakatāne stopbank we’re now at a point where some encroachments could compromise the stopbank so removing these needs to happen.” The first stage of works is being done upstream of the Landing Road Bridge and will continue over the next month. The council will reduce physical work over the winter period, but will continue to investigate other areas along the stopbank which will need remediation work later in the year. The project is spread across the next two to three
Remediation works are underway along the Whakatāne River stopbank upstream from the Landing Road Bridge. Photo. Bay of Plenty Regional Council.
years and the council will work with those residents directly affected by the works. Toi Moana is also reminding residents to check with Regional Council first if they’re wanting to do any work near the stopbank, as people will need to consider whether
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a Bylaw Authority is needed. This authority is written permission from the council, with certain conditions attached to it, that outlines what a landowner must do to ensure the flood protection structure is not damaged or compromised.
A ‘brilliant awareness’ of self outstanding communicator Thomas Lundman and as a career changer, the has excelled in the dairy industry is lucky to Dairy Industry Awards have him. Dairy Industry Trainee “He has a brilliant category, as runner-up in awareness of what’s the national finals. important to himself, the The Whakatāne farmer farm and to the industry,” also won the DeLaval says judge Mark Laurence, Communication & from DairyNZ. Engagement merit “Thomas has a real award along with Thomas Lundman. appreciation for his $5500 in prizes. Thomas, 24, grew up on a dairy farm employer and his animal breeding and is in his second season in the dairy knowledge is second-to-none.” “For someone who has only been in industry, working as a nature guide in the dairy industry for two years, what Fiordland for five years previously. He is now farm assistant for Michael he is displaying is exceptional,” say the judges. and Linda Mexted on their 140ha “We look forward to him being a Whakatāne farm, milking 550 cows. great ambassador for the industry.” The judges noted that Thomas is an
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WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - EASTERN BOP
Page 17
The importance of knowing the numbers allows people to drive with the lights on rather than working in the dark. For example, a farmer who knows their numbers sees the price of feed increasing and can take appropriate action. They forecast how much feed they will need this season and decide to buy more at the current low price. They clearly foresee this will create a cash-flow problem and they will need a short-term loan
from the bank. Having all their numbers clear and presenting these to banking professionals early means they have no trouble securing the loan and saving money in the long run.
Keeping up with the latest technology and software is a great way to futureproof the farm for the next generation.
The world is a very different place to what it once was, especially for the agricultural sector. There are new and unexpected challenges coming from all directions all the time. Extreme weather events, environmental obligations, changing industry standards, global market volatility, supply chain issues and labour shortages are a few challenges hitting the industry today. It is no longer enough to simply work hard and hope for the best. Using technology to understand a business inside and out, on a day-today basis, is needed to gain flexibility, foresee risks and stay ahead.
Creating clarity
Seek advice
It’s important to not only invest in technology but also to take the time to learn how to use it to its fullest potential. Use the help and resources provided with the software or ask your accountant. It is becoming increasingly important for rural businesses to have a network of stakeholders and rural professionals involved in decision making. Up to date, practical and financial information allows quick, easy communication between these parties. It is from a position of clarity and collaboration with your accountant, bank manager and any other relevant parties that the best, timely management decisions can be made. Technology and collaboration
Hayden’s ‘happy place’ pleases judges
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Hayden Purvis. Hayden’s awareness of the importance of having time off-farm to relax, and were particularly impressed with his golf handicap – seven! Hayden values his offfarm interests, namely his wife Deborah and daughters Lucy, 2, and Sophie, 1, who also provide him with the motivation to get up in the morning during challenging times. “He was also able to form credible opinions for or against different practices and shared his knowledge of regulatory requirements, both regional and national,” says Dairy
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Manager head judge Gray Beagley from DairyNZ. The 2022 Dairy Manager of the Year is Jaspal Singh from Mossburn in Southland.
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Eastern Bay of Plenty’s Hayden Purvis has made a strong showing in the national final of the Dairy Industry Awards. The Galatea farmer placed third in the 2022 Dairy Manager of the Year. Hayden is farm manager for Peter Overdevest and Tania Akehurst on their 148ha farm, milking 400 cows. On finals night, the judges revealed their opinion that Hayden will be “a great ambassador for the dairy industry, as he clearly takes pride in the assets he manages and respects the people in his team”. “The farm was clearly his happy place, he relaxed and was able to clearly articulate his passion and knowledge of all things stock and feed. “We were left with no doubt about Hayden’s dedication to his management role.” The judges noted
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Farm management software such as FarmIQ can be used to record and measure data relating to animal health, produce, land use, compliance, feed planning and staff. Seasonal and long term trends become clear and can be compared
against external market conditions. These measurements, when used alongside farm accounting technology such as Xero and Figured, create clarity around how all these factors interrelate and play out financially.
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WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - WESTERN BOP
Keeping the harbour healthy An estuary management group near Katikati is an entrant in this year’s Ballance Farm Environment Awards.
“This new initiative has been well supported throughout the country with catchment groups from north to south participating in this year’s awards programme. It is great to be able to share the great work they are doing and inspire others.”
The Catchment Group Award is supported by a new partnership between the NZ Farm Environment Trust and NZ Landcare Trust and is designed to showcase and celebrate the great work being done by catchment groups throughout the country. “We are pleased to introduce this new Catchment Group award that recognises the efforts of a rural community working together to improve water quality in local rivers, streams, lakes and wetlands,” says NZ Farm Environment Trust Chair Joanne van Polanen.
Enhancing biodiversity
The Catchment Group Awards winners will be announced at the upcoming regional Ballance Farm Environment Awards functions in June and July. Uretara Estuary Managers Inc’s Project Parore is one of three groups in the Bay of Plenty and East Coast region to enter the award. What began in 1999 as a group of concerned community members looking to improve the health of David Peters and Laurie Donald from the Parore Project have entered the initiative in the Balance Farm Environment Awards. Also pictured is Landcare Trust BFEA Judge Tereni Ratima.
the estuary and environs near Katikati has expanded to include all nine stream catchments that enter the northern Tauranga Harbour. The catchment group’s main objectives include conservation activities, supporting local recreational opportunities and enhancing indigenous biodiversity.
Management plans
To date, they have catchment plans in place with 25 properties within the Te Mania Stream catchment and a further 12 plans for the larger properties within the other catchment areas.
A founding member of the Bay Conservation Alliance, Project Parore has implemented catchment management plans and has undertaken work to assess the health of the estuary and waterways.
Kilometres of planting
Members have also carried out remediation to fish passages in the local streams, planted many kilometres of riparian planting in partnership with landowners and assisted with the development of five hectares of new wetlands. Endangered species identified throughout the catchment
includes long-tailed bats and rifleman. The catchment group entered the Ballance Farm Environment Awards to share good news stories with the public and farmers and to show that profitable farms, good land management, and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive. Tukipo Catchment Care Group in Hawkes Bay and Mōtū River Catchment Group in Gisborne are the other entrants from the BOP – East Coast region.
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A trip through the coastal countryside A wider section of the community is now able to enjoy some of the most popular trails around Ōmokoroa. Three stretches of trail Lynley Park to Plummers Point, around Cooney Reserve, and from Beach Grove Road to the Esplanade – were to be upraded last month to a bitumen chip seal surface to improve the experience for users, while also reducing long term maintenance costs. Western Bay of Plenty District Council’s reserve and facilities asset systems manager Scott Parker says that these trails are part of the Ōmokoroa to Tauranga cycleway/ walkway
new hard surface will require less maintenance to keep it in good shape, and provide more equitable access for mobility impaired reserve users, elders and tamariki. Scott says contractors were due to begin working on the relevant trail sections from May 16, starting with the trail between the end of Lynley Park Drive and the first bridge to Plummers Point. The other areas being
sealed were the trail section at Cooney Reserve and the last section between Beach Grove and The Esplanade. “We thank everyone for their patience while we get this work done, ultimately it means there will be less disturbances from maintenance in the long run.” The path upgrades are funded through the Long Term Plan 202131. The upgrades align with Council’s Walking and Cycling Action Plan which seeks to achieve more accessible paths across the district.
A section of the Ōmokoroa to Tauranga cycle and walkway being upgraded with bitumen chip seal.
and get a lot of use from the community. “We want to enable more of our community to get out and about, and we know that these kinds of trails can help people to
feel more connected and create a sense of belonging.” The trails were a gravel surface that can degrade relatively quickly when used a lot and are more affected by rainfall. The
Projects get a funding boost Bay of Plenty Regional Council has $300,000 available to community groups, organisations and schools through the Environmental Enhancement Fund which opens on July 1.
He Matapuna Akoranga a Hawea Vercoe (Hawea Vercoe Memorial Fund) grants are also funded Shelter belt belt trimming with 16-metre reach o Roadside Roadside mowing mowing o Shelter through the EEF to help Kurabelt Kaupapa Māori, Sawblading w/ Sawblading o Barberry Barberry hedgecutting hedgecutting w/ reach-arm reach-arm mower mower o reach Shelter trimming with 16-metre Roadside mowing Tree // shelter shelter belt belt topping topping o Mulching Mulching and and tree tree cleanup cleanup o Tree Kohanga Reo and bi-lingual schools in the region with environmental projects. Sawblading CALL NOW 07 542 4285 or 027 492 1363 Sawblading Barberry hedgecutting w/Email reach-arm mower Shelter belt trim : peter@bradstreet.co.nz TO SECURE More information on the fund can be found on 16 metre reach YOUR BOOKING www.bradstreetcontractors.co.nz the council’s website. Tree / shelter belt topping Mulching and tree cleanup
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The maximum amount groups can apply for is $25,000 and it runs on a first-in first-served awblading basis (qualifying 07 542 4285 or 027 492 1363 applications) until the Shelter belt trim Email : peter@bradstreet.co.nz TO SECURE fund is fully allocated. EEF supports local16 metre reach YOUR BOOKING www.bradstreetcontractors.co.nz projects that aim to enhance, preserve or Contact us on: protect the region’s natural or historic (07) 573 8065 o Shelter belt trimming with 16-metre reach o Roadside mowing character and Council chairman Doug Leeder says office@withefordelectrical.co.nz o Sawblading o Barberry hedgecutting w/ reach-arm mower the fund has helped a variety of groups over the o Tree / shelter belt topping o Mulching and tree cleanup past 20 years. - Dairy Sheds “Volunteers do crucial work and are the backbone - Workshops Sawblading CALL NOW 07 542 4285 or 027 492 1363 of what makes our region thrive so thisShelter fund isbelt onetrim - Water Pumps Email : peter@bradstreet.co.nz TO SECURE way we can support them.” - Lighting o Shelter belt 16 metre reach YOURtrimming BOOKING with 16-metre reach o Roadside mowing www.bradstreetcontractors.co.nz “Our Bay of Plenty community is made up of - Houses o Sawblading o Barberry hedgecutting w/ reach-arm mower so many skilled and passionate environmentalists - New/Alterations - Implement Sheds filled with innovative ideas.” o Tree / shelter belt topping o Mulching and tree cleanup In the last year, the Environmental Enhancement Fund had been able to support a diverse range of Sawblading 07 542 4285 or 027 492 1363 projects across the Bay of Plenty including creating Shelter belt trim Email : peter@bradstreet.co.nz TO SECURE a bush classroom, improving biodiversity and 16 metre reach YOUR BOOKING www.bradstreetcontractors.co.nz water quality, reducing pests and removing and eradicating pest weeds.
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WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - WAIKATO
Page 20
Gypsy Day risks With June 1 marking the start of winter, it’s also a day in every landowner’s diary.
Gypsy Day is traditionally the first day of the new dairy season when share-milkers load their cows into stock trucks, herd stock on roads and move equipment and families to new farms.
Biosecurity staff in the region are warning local land owners to check their machinery is clean and stock are empty before letting them through their gates. A Bay of Plenty Regional Council spokesperson says Waikato Regional Council is working to contain a velvetleaf infestation found within maize crops and silage in Waikato.
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Landowners should ask contractors and new tenants to remove all visible soil and plant matter from their machinery and stock before leaving their previous location. Photo: Waikato Regional Council.
Velvetleaf.
own border control.” Velvetleaf has yellow buttery flowers, distinctive seed pods with heart shaped leaves that are velvety to the touch and can grow up to 2.5m tall. A member of the mallow family, velvetleaf is notoriously hard to control and each plant can produce more than 17,000 seeds which can survive for decades. If allowed to germinate, it can cause up to 70 per cent reductions in crops. Farmers in the region can keep invasive pasture weeds
off their farms by checking where maize feed, stock or machinery has come from and ensuring they are not carrying any unwanted pests onto their farm. The spokesperson says key precautions landowners must take is to ask contractors and new tenants to remove all visible soil and plant matter from their machinery and stock before leaving their previous location. “Allowing stock to empty out before transport will also reduce the risk of seed being spread through cow dung.”
Don’t be coy Landowners are being asked to share their knowledge of koi congregation sites in the Waikato region.
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Waikato Regional Council freshwater biosecurity coordinator Michelle Archer is working with key organisations, landowners and stakeholders to understand the locations of koi infestations so contractors can target the sites in spring when koi movements intensify for spawning. A joint regional council and Department of Conservation koi carp programme has received $250,000 from the council and $488,750 from Waikato River Authority for a four-year project. “We ask that if anyone knows of any canals or drains or waterways in which these fish congregate then they let us know. “Koi control is dependent on understanding the locations of infestations and potentially doing targeted mass removal of this pest fish. “In the next six months we’ll be looking at what is needed to install koi barriers at the top three identified sites at Lake Rotomanuka and tributaries to Lake Waahi and Waitomo Stream.” Environmental DNA surveillance is being used at key sites in the region, including Lake Maraetai, Waitomo Caves and Lake Rotoroa, and estimates of koi carp biomass in the lower Waikato River is done using drones. The eDNA samples are being taken at 12 lakes in the region that are visited monthly. “These lakes are presumed to be pest fish free, but we have had no formal surveillance recently to confirm whether that is the case. “eDNA sampling is such a valuable tool for understanding the extent of species, as it can detect all species of plants and animals. For example, we had reports of a large orange fish in the Mokau River with concerns it was koi, but the DNA analysis confirmed it was a large goldfish.” The use of eDNA sampling also helps to build a greater understanding of other invasive species, aquatic and terrestrial, throughout the region.
WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - WAIKATO
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A bit of healthy competition during bingo at May’s club meeting.
South Waikato Young farmers is a space for locals to connect with similar people, improve self-development and find opportunities within the community. The club hosts events ranging from National Young Farmers competitions, to pool competitions, to club meetings on mental wellbeing. As a part of the NZ Young Farmers the non-profit organisation has a strong focus on connecting communities and helping to grow future leaders. South Waikato Young Farmers vice chair Olivia Wade says it’s just a good bunch of people. “We’re not just a social club but also a support network as well. “If people have just moved to a new area and they don’t know anyone, it just helps with their mental wellbeing, getting out and talking to someone. “Just talking about whether they’ve had a bad day or a good day and meeting new people and making new friends. “I personally reckon there’s just such a good social aspect to it. “Some days you might not leave the farm for up to a week or two and you could be fine with that,
but you need to have all aspects open. “You need to have a healthy life balance that’s not just work.” South Waikato Young Farmers meet on every second Wednesday of the month for club meetings while also catching up every fortnight for fun. “When new members join we do a welcome-in where we go bowling or do a bit of bingo or something. It’s just an ice breaker where we’re all on the same level. Just to have a laugh and get to know everyone. “We’ve got a few events coming up with our local cricket club too which is another club full of the ‘older’ farmers, I shall say. “They have a social club meet-up every Wednesday and we play pool and darts against them in our pink gumboot competition we have running with them. “We also have a mental health talk night coming up as well with farm Fit NZ. “Just take the leap, we’re all friendly and no one bites. “If you put yourself out there you’ll be a part of the group. “And then you’ll be stuck with us for life.” Jordan Boyd
Page 22
WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - WAIKATO
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“The cover comes over the top of the bunker wall to keep out the weather. We can fit our covers to all sorts of different bunkers – concrete and timber. “Farmers spend so much money on PKE so we know how heartbreaking losing product can be. We offer a smart solution that is a true investment in any farm. A PowerTarps bunker cover allows airflow keeping the PKE or fertiliser in top condition.” The covers are easily operated with a hand winch, eliminating
health and safety risks. It concertinas back to allow full tractor access and is strong enough to withstand severe weather. “Our unique lockdown system won’t pull off in high winds,” Gary says. “One tornado lifted the roof off a dairy shed and tore down a power pole on a farm, but our bunker cover was still intact.” With his background as a transport engineer, Gary also provides retractable tarps that
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price. This eliminates the need for drivers to climb onto the back of their vehicles and reduces the risk of injury. It’s an absolute win-win.”
New chair for Waikato Regional Council Barry Quayle has been voted in as the new chair of Waikato Regional Council. The new appointment comes after a majority of councillors backed the removal of Russ Rimmington from the top spot at a meeting on May 9. During the meeting, there was recognition of the extensive contribution made by Cr Rimmington to the Hamilton and wider Waikato communities over a number of years. However, some councillors expressed concern about the
culture amongst the governance arm and that the council position on a number of matters was not being well represented. Cr Rimmington said it was “disappointing” but “democracy has spoken”. He indicated there could be a judicial review. Nominations were then made for a new Waikato Regional Council chair, with only Hamilton constituent Barry Quayle put forward as a contender. Cr Quayle reassured the community that decision making would be unaffected by the leadership change.
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WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT - WAIKATO
Page 23
Keeping the water flowing An early start for Barham United Well Drillers.
There are few things more important on the farm than a smoothly operating water system.
Fortunately farmers in the Central North Island have the services of a whole family that is dedicated to ensuring water bores and water for
irrigation systems are well designed and well looked after. Barham United Well Drillers has been in business since 1936 and is now run by the Hermsen family Jeannie, Dirk and their sons Rӱk and Brad who are all shareholders and workers in the business. The company designs, drills and installs water bores for lifestyle, commercial, horticultural and farm use, they also provide the essential cleaning and maintenance that often gets overlooked. “It’s amazing what gets caught
Project fund too popular for its own good Waikato Regional Council is running a reduced Environmental Initiatives Fund round this year, with a total budget allocation of $50,000.
The fund is a contestable community grants programme that provides funding for worthwhile community projects that directly benefit the environment or provide environmental education in the Waikato region. However, the number of funding applications and total amount of funds requested has been increasing each year, and the fund is currently supporting 27 active projects which has impacted this financial year’s fund budget, a staff report to the April meeting of council says. Integrated Catchment
Management Committee co-chair (south) Stu Kneebone says many worthwhile community projects have been made possible by the fund, including planting projects, predator control, community engagement sustainability programmes and marae-based social enterprises. During the meeting councillors agreed to run a reduced funding round in 2022, with a $50,000 budget allocation and one-year applications of up to $10,000 only. It means $200,000 will be available from 2023/24 and beyond, while still maintaining a small reserve balance of $44,000 for future years. Multi-year grants may also be able to be re-started in 2023/24, the report says. Grant applications open in July.
in there. The guys cleaned one out the other day that was full of feathers.” Pumps are removed and cleaned, and serviced if needed, and then reinstalled. Proactive water bore servicing should ideally be done every three to five years. “We have farmers that hammer their bores all through summer and then book in for a winter service.” They also respond to plenty of emergency situations where pumps
or bores have failed and need an immediate solution. “We are ex-farmers so we know the stresses of having no water.” The company is based in Te Awamutu but serves the whole Waikato, Bay of Plenty and King Country area. Services include new water supply bores, servicing, test pumping, exploratory drilling and geotechnical services.
Page 24
FORESTRY
Natives grow ‘too slowly’ The Government is spending more than $300 million to boost the forestry sector and maximise its potential as a carbon sink. Forestry minister Stuart Nash says $73.5 million from Budget 2022 will go towards increasing woody biomass, which offers the best alternative to coal. “We want to ensure we have homegrown, clean energy solutions to replace the use of coal in industrial process heat. This will increase our energy security and means we are less reliant on coal. “This new funding will increase New
Zealand’s biomass supply by enabling planting of 10,000ha of forest. “A further $256.2 million will go towards maximising the contribution of forestry in boosting carbon sequestration to achieve New Zealand’s future carbon goals.
high-wage sector,” Nash says. The Forest Owners Association welcomes the Emissions Reduction Plan as an “unprecedented blueprint for reducing New Zealand’s gross emissions” but it warns that the emphasis on planting native trees ignores
High value, high wages
“New funding will scale up native seedling production to increase native forest planting and create long term carbon sinks. “It will also fund targeted research and development, and stimulate private sector investment to help transform our forestry and wood processing into a high-value,
Above: Geothermal steam rises from farmland behind a small farm-forest near Taupō. All Photos: Dan Hutchinson. Left: High-value wood processing can help boost the forestry sector.
the urgency of the climate change crisis. Association president Grant Dodson says species like rimu, kauri and pūriri are “fantastic trees” that produce great timber and wood. “But native trees are not capable of reducing our net emissions in any substantial degree this side of next century. They grow too slowly. “In many cases, expectations of carbon sequestration from natives are overstated in the current official data tables. That makes the problem worse.” “It’s a fact of life that exotics, such as pines or eucalypts, do a much faster job of locking up atmospheric carbon. That’s why the Climate Change Commission last year budgeted another 380,000 hectares of additional exotic planting by 2035. “We could plant enough huge areas to get some carbon volumes from native trees earlier than the year 2100. But I’m sure farmers wouldn’t like millions of hectares of farmland going into kowhai or tutu. “It’s also hugely expensive and difficult to establish forests of mixed native trees. Browsers, such as possums eat them. Weeds, such as old
man’s beard, grow all over them. “Future planting is always going to be a mix of both native and exotic. Native trees have their place. But there is a huge income opportunity for farmers from fast growing exotic trees. There are very compelling economic benefits to New Zealand if we diversify farm revenues this way,” Grant says. “We especially welcome the government’s plan to expand forestry extension services and invest in bioenergy. But we seriously caution the focus on native plantings as a way to help solve the climate emergency.”
Evolving consumer preferences
The Government is also allocating nearly $339 million to accelerate the development of highimpact technologies and practices to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions, including the establishment of the new Centre for Climate Action on Agricultural Emissions. Agriculture minister Damien O’Connor says the centre is about applied research that drives product development. “The He Waka Eke Noa partnership has highlighted the demand from farmers and growers for products that will shift the dial on-farm so our sector can hit our emissions reductions targets. “The sooner tools are ready for farmers the sooner we move on our goal of biogenic methane reduction of 10 per cent by 2030 and 24 to 47 percent by 2050.” The funding is coming from the Climate Emergency Response Fund. “Our economic security depends on New Zealand’s food and fibre sector. It’s our biggest export earner but also our largest contributor to emissions, and if we don’t take action now we will be at risk as consumer preferences evolve,” O’Connor says. “The key to our continued success rests on our ability to produce world-leading food and fibre products that keep pace with consumer expectations and maintain our clean and green brand.
FERTILISER
Page 25
Fertiliser supply issues unfolding We are beginning to see an interesting phase in the supply of standard fertiliser products.
Back in December Ravensdown promised it would hold the price of superphosphate until the end of May. This was a great announcement as it gave hill country farmers in particular, six months to get their phosphate to airstrips and flown on without pressure to get their fertiliser on the ground before prices went up higher. With a relatively dry autumn, access up airstrips has not been a problem in the Waikato and King Country and planes have been busy. However Ravensdown hierarchy decided in their wisdom that from the May 1, any new orders can not be uplifted until June, when the price goes up.
An unusual situation
This scenario has led to irate farmers who have held off purchasing product due to not being able to get livestock sold earlier, believing they would be able to order at the old price in May. Now they are being told they will have to wait until June, when the price will increase and when getting up their airstrips could be more problematic. My local Ravensdown store at Manunui was full of superphosphate, early in May but I could not get any for my own farm because of this policy. Ballance on the other hand had run out of superphosphate in most of their stores, but as a ship arrived on May 11, new product was to be available from after May 20. We had the unusual situation of Ravensdown having superphosphate in its stores, but refusing to sell it to anyone placing an order in May, and Ballance taking orders for superphosphate but not being able to supply it at the cheaper price until after May 20. Ballance is also increasing the price of urea on May 20, having dropped the price by $50/tonne for two months to assist farmers through the autumn feed pinch. As I write (May 12) their price for urea is $130/tonne cheaper than Ravensdown. Even before the war in Ukraine, commodity fertilisers were going up in price exponentially. Most of the trace elements that plants and animals require are also going up in price, particularly copper and cobalt as these are used in manufacturing. For dairy farmers contemplating planting maize
this coming season, I would recommend considering the use of effluent paddocks, or at least paddocks where cowshed effluent can be liberally applied as a cheap source of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, so that the need to purchase additional fertiliser products will be minimal.
Do soil testing early
Other options such as chicken manure, whey, sludge, biochar, humates and composts could also be an alternative to conventional fertiliser products. I have encouraged some of my maize growing clients to purchase their DAP and urea products in bags early before the prices went up, although there is the risk that these can go hard or lumpy and not flow well through planters and top-dressers if not stored well. I recommend getting soil testing done on maize paddocks sooner rather than later, so if the pH and calcium levels are down, lime can be applied to these sooner rather than later so that its benefits can realised for the new crop, rather than applying lime just before planting, when its dissolution in the soil is too slow to be fully effective. A fuller version of this column is available at www.coastandcountrynews.co.nz
Robin Boom
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CPAg MBSPC
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FERTILISER
Page 26
Reducing dairy cattle emissions with diet Evidence points to the conclusion that too much nitrogen in pasture leads to increased greenhouse gas emissions GHG and nitrogen pollution of groundwater and streams.
a Req uest p m le ! f re e s a
Urination, belching, flatulating and defecation of ruminants on a natural diet are not so much of a problem but the problem can increase when nitrogen applications are added to the mix. What we feed the stock has a major effect on what the stock excretes. Changing the input, changes the output. In short, the more nitrogen applied, the more pollutants occur to affect water and atmosphere, and ultimately, the climate. Better control of feedstuffs results in more milk, improved animal health, higher conception rates, lower somatic cell counts, better weight gain, better body condition score, and more lactations per cow. Problems occur in the rumen when low-fibre, high nitrate pasture passes through the rumen too quickly, causing low pH to develop in the rumen. This can be caused by high sugar grasses that are low in fibre, and low microbial diversity within the farm and the animals. The fast rotations encouraged by Dairy NZ are part of this problem.
Balancing feed
A 21-day rotation is based on the fallacy that ryegrass tillers produce three leaves before the first leaf starts to senesce. Ryegrass can produce up to five green leaves when properly fertilised. The pasture is too immature and lacks fibre. This increases GHG emissions. Other faults can include feeding PKE which is poorly digested. The NZ Dairy Goat Co-op banned it in 2008 and their milk formula was deemed by an international study as being the best in the world.
Introducing bio-active additives to improve rumen function has not been encouraged and there are problems within the system getting them registered for use. Balancing feed needs to be an individual choice, one that suits the property and the situation. There will be many different approaches. A global approach may not work. It starts with balanced soil fertility and must be developed from there. The protein levels in pasture are often too high. Protein is not measured, but pasture N x 6.25 is labeled as crude protein.
A Waikato case study
One way to reduce CP is by adding energy via maize silage at the appropriate times. The results improve digestion, reduce methane production, increase milk production, and increase profit. Here is an example from a Waikato dairy farm 2018/19 season: When 18.4 per cent of the diet is concentrates, with no imported forages, methane emissions reduced by 21.4 per cent (CNCPS) and 17 per cent (Overseer). Methane emissions - calculated as kg methane/kg fat corrected milk - reduced by 21.3 per cent. This was due to the combined effects of increased per-cow milk production and decreased fibre in the diet. Fibre quality was improved. There was an 8.5 per cent reduction in land required to maintain production. The stocking rate of 2.94 cows per hectare reduced to 1.98 – a 33 per cent decrease. There was a reduced requirement for replacement stock. When it came to whole farm systems modelling, moving to a PMR diet kept milk production stable, GHG (including youngstock) and N losses decreased by 16 per cent. Profitability increased by 32 per cent. (Tacoma et al., 2021) Kiwi Fertiliser has the expertise and the tools to improve your profitability while reducing the GHG footprint. Thanks to Dr Lucy Waldon PhD, R Nutr (NZ, UK), AAS, R Fellow (Massey), MRSNZ, MNZARN.
FERTILISER
Page 27
The hidden characteristics of landscapes What if there was a way to reveal the characteristics of a landscape so farmers and landowners could make informed decisions about the best use of their land, to reduce negative environmental impacts? That’s the goal of the LandscapeDNA tool created by Land & Water Science and supported by Living Water, a partnership between the Department of Conservation A new landscape DNA tool allows and Fonterra, with a vision of dairy farmers to drill down into the hidden farming and freshwater ecosystems secrets of their land. Photo: Dan Hutchinson. thriving together. Living Water national manager which builds on a previous project Sarah Yarrow says a key focus for the called Physiographics. partnership is finding ways to better Living Water contracted Land support landowners and farmers & Water Science Ltd in 2017 to with information and services. develop their ‘Physiographics’ “New Zealand is one of the most environmental mapping tool to geologically diverse countries in the study how water travels over land world. That means there can be very and below ground in the Waituna different nutrient losses from farm catchment in Southland. to farm, or even from paddock to This enabled landowners to make paddock, because of the differences informed decisions about where to in land characteristics such as place catchment-scale interventions topography, soil type and geology. like peak run-off control structures to “In some places, the landscape reduce nutrients and sediment inputs characteristics alone can be to Waituna Lagoon. responsible for at least two times the The success of the project led Land variation in water quality compared & Water Science to extend this to the type of land use on its own.” approach across New Zealand. Living Water is supporting the It has been developed into a mapinfo@slidingroofs.co.nz development of a new spatial based web tool that brings all the information together into one mapping tool called LandscapeDNA, www.slidingroofs.co.nz
platform: www.landscapedna.org “This is hugely significant because for years farmers have been changing aspects of their farming practices, such as their use of fertilisers to reduce nitrogen run-off entering waterways, often to little or no effect. “This has been intensely frustrating for farmers wanting to do the right thing for the environment and their farms. “The LandscapeDNA project provides an in-depth picture of landscape characteristics
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under our feet which will enable farmers to understand why and how their land is contributing to water quality.” The next stage is to develop an online service that provides automated reporting of environmental and spatial data in an understandable format and at a relevant scale, be that paddock, farm or catchment. Sarah says the goal is to develop an accessible online service that integrates accurate landscape and farming financial
information to enable land users to make informed decisions about land use to reduce impacts on water quality. “With access to accurate spatial landscape data landowners can make their own decisions on how to manage their land to minimise risks of pollution and maximise production. “Previously this information was difficult to obtain, often not presented in a usable format and expensive to tailor to a particular paddock or property.”
AVOCADOS
Page 28
Acknowledging industry diversity If there’s one thing NZ Avocado Growers Association chief executive Jen Scoular is proud of, it’s the diversity of the people in her industry.
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There are many shades to the avocado industry. Photo: NZ Avocado Growers Association.
“Not necessarily in terms of nationality or gender but diversity in terms of their ‘why’,” she says. “The size of their production, their age, their input and what they get out of it.”
pollinator. So even though the trees grow well, whether they produce a quantity of fruit that make them economically viable takes expertise.”
Lots of reasons to grow avocados
There’s still a lot of fine tuning to find the right recipe. “We still don’t know what the perfect soil, the perfect temperature or the perfect tree canopy is so there’s still lots of research going on. “We have best practice, but across the microclimates of our growing regions growers have some fine tuning to do.” There are 1800 orchards in New Zealand, and it’s estimated that 1300 are under four hectares in size. “That’s about 70 per cent,” Jen says. “Another 25 per cent are between four and 20 hectares and nearly five per cent are larger. “Quite often when you look at stats like that you’d think the smaller orchards aren’t that important but it’s those smaller orchards that are producing around 43 per cent of our crop. So, our industry does rely on the small growers just as much as the larger operations.” For many, it’s a supplementary income, with a large number also having other sources of income. “They might be retired and live on a piece of land that allows them to get a bit of income and some exercise. Many supply farmers markets, with dedicated customers loving locally grown, healthy avocados. Some enjoy the challenge of a complex tree, and certainly enjoy the appreciation of friends and neighbours who get a ready supply of delicious avocados,” Jen says. Whatever the reason their growers chose avocado, NZ Avocado Growers Association looks to support them by growing a stronger, more sustainable sector. “Last year was tough for growers and as an organisation we need to channel information and opportunity to those small growers wanting to be environmentally sustainable all the way to the 200-hectare commercial operation. “Our job is to look after everyone.”
Jen says at a recent workshop, she was amazed by the different reasons their members grew avocado. “We were specifically looking at sustainability; social, economic and environmental. Some said they wanted to make a profit out of the fruit, some said they’d purchased a house that happened to have avocados. Some talked about working to improve soil and tree health to allow them to mitigate the use of chemicals.” It’s particularly impressive to get the range in growers of a fruit that’s complicated. “Avocados come from Central America – not a wet, windy, cool country like ours. “The trees grow easily but the fruit doesn’t. By comparison, one kiwifruit flower produces pointnine of a fruit while with avocado, one thousand flowers produce about three fruit. It’s a very poor
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AVOCADOS
Page 29
Watching the avocados grow I feel it’s that time of the year to consider putting my feet up and relaxing while the days get shorter into the month.
If we don’t take the time for our own welfare then we may be better off to stop completely and reconsider what we need to do to make sure we enjoy ourselves. We all have different ways of relaxing.
recognise that time is important. Thirdly, and really off tangent, is that while relaxing I realised the next job on the orchard is winter pruning. We at AAL prune every year
between different pruners. It changes as the trees change but the message is the same; more than 30 per cent of foliage cut off, at least one cut at waist height ie. low and keep making cuts for height. We send instructions to our
and after 20 years growing avocados, I’m not sensitive about the cuts being made or the limbs being cut but I’m very sensitive that enough is taken off.
Better and bigger fruit
Heavy pruning is risky in that it can drop production and as harvesters we like lots of picking. What we get from our pruning regime is better quality fruit, big fruit earlier, improved spray coverage,
better return to crop and a more even yield between the years. So, while relaxing, plan to get your pruning done by someone else as it’s hard cutting fruit off but there’s a long game here - regular annual cropping. All the best with getting your feet up and find your own way to relax while your avocados are growing, growing, growing.
Just put the time aside
I was talking with my wife Wendy the other day on this subject as I’m keen to make some changes to my jobs. The question I raised was what am I going to do when I put my feet up? Her reply was just put the time aside and see what happens! I started considering my mates that have taken a more relaxed approach (retired or otherwise) and then reviewed what my daily work life was like say 10 or 15 years ago. My recollection is that it wasn’t as busy as it is today. I’m sure that as you grow older - maybe wiser maybe not - you become in more demand, but you do your work easier and hopefully smarter. Anyway, after a bit of thought, with my feet up, I recognised a couple of things. What I may do for relaxation maybe different to my mates’ thoughts on relaxation. Secondly, relaxation is individual - I just need to take time and
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pruners like; two side cuts, three height cuts. Our pruners at AAL work to those type of instructions and apply them to the tree. I like our pruners to target 35 per cent minimum foliage/ limb cuts. Pruning is very subjective, growers have their own views,
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Page 30
AVOCADOS
AVOCADOS
Page 31
Big changes for Darling Group This state-of-the-art camera setup has one colour camera and three infrared cameras, each taking 10 photos per avocado. With three setups per lane, each individual piece of fruit is photographed 120 times. It also features a wash bath with pre-soaking, ensuring the avocados are free of any debris and residues. “All the technology featured should allow the company to achieve a major increase
Just Avocados’ packing facility on Woodland Road will soon have the ability to load export product directly into containers.
Autumn of 2022 brings changes to the Darling Group business. Firstly, there is a change in the look of the leadership team with Jacob Darling filling the newly created chief operating officer role which will see him step up from sales and marketing manager, into the leadership of the wider businesses including Just Avocados. Managing director Andrew Darling says Jacob has been an integral part of the growth of Darling Group, and they are excited to see him with a title that reflects the work he does for the business. The next big change is the
rebuild of Just Avocados’ packing facility on Woodland Road, which includes making room for a new packing line.
The latest equipment
After removing the old machine last month, the company will spend the next six weeks installing a stateof-the-art MAF RODA Pomone two-lane sizer. MAF Roda has installed more than 300 avocado packing lines globally and is excited to be partnering with Just Avocados on this project, Andrew says. As part of this upgrade, Just Avocados will have the latest camera grading system – the Globalscan 7.
People are part of the solution Horticulture New Zealand has received funding from ACC for a project to look at reducing injuries and deaths in the industry. The first step is to understand the on-the-ground picture around how and why injuries and deaths occur and then create practical tools. Lewis Farms director Catherine Lewis says she is interested in the project as she has noticed a higher rate of minor physical issues with people this year. “We’ve had what seems like a greater number of people in our packhouse this year with sore backs and stiffness, due to both the age of our workforce and repetitive nature of the work. So, I am keen to look at ways to get on top of this issue so that our employees are fit, comfortable at work, and productive.” New Zealand Horticulture Health and Safety Council chair Kate Trufitt says safety interventions can target the human, or the technological and organisational environment. “Safety is measured mainly by the absence of negatives, but this is changing. Safety professionals are now looking at harnessing people as the solution rather than the problem.” “I really look forward to the outcomes of this project. That is, sustainable inventions to reduce harm in horticulture.” For more information or to participate, contact: emily.lake@hortnz.co.nz or 027 582 6655.
in quality and efficiency and drastically cut down on double handling of fruit,” Andrew says.
Big changes
The project is set out in stages, with stage two involving significant earthworks around the packhouse that will make way for new loading bays and eventually include the ability to load export product directly
into containers through a dedicated temperaturecontrolled loading dock. Andrew says he is pleased the business is now able to offer this service to growers and is excited by the efficiency and improved quality standards it will bring to customers. “We look forward to these changes positively impacting your relationship with the Darling Group of businesses.”
Page 32
Big
for small berries
Near the affectionately dubbed ‘Kiwifruit Capital of the World’ - Te Puke - Geoff Oliver grows 6ha of kiwiberry across three orchards.
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He also grows green, gold and red kiwifruit, along with avocados, managing 85ha of orchards in total. Kiwiberries are small (usually between 5g and 20g) with smooth, hairless, edible skins and shapes varying from round to elongated. Like grapes, they are a single mouthful, but unlike grapes they are considered a superfood due to the high density of vitamins, minerals, pigments and phenols. Geoff says they really are packed full of essential nutrients and are a great booster for the immune system.
The baby kiwi
He’s been growing kiwiberry on his Paengaroa orchards since they were first trialed about 14 years ago. Geoff is also the chairman of the New Zealand Kiwiberry Grower Association. Kiwiberry (or baby kiwi as they are known in some countries) is the name used in New Zealand for Actinidia arguta. The fruit grows wild in parts of China and is also found in
Yieldia general manager Hamish Fenton, packhouse manager Umu Renata, and kiwiberry grower Geoff Oliver check kiwiberries on the grading machine at Yieldia at Paengaroa.
north-eastern Siberia, Korea and Japan. Globally there is thought to be less than 200ha planted for commercial production.
High level of vitamin C
Harvested between early February and mid-March, the New Zealand kiwiberry is recognised globally for its high quality and nutritional value. It has higher levels of vitamin C (gram for gram) than kiwifruit and oranges.
The New Zealand commercial industry grows three main varieties: K2D4, Marju Red and Takaka Green which all provide slightly different flavours. They have been developed through private and Hort Research breeding programmes to develop varieties best suited to the New Zealand growing conditions. The main producing countries that supply the international market are New Zealand, the United States, Canada and Chile. ...continued
Page 33
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Septi-CureTM is: Geoff Oliver inspects kiwiberries in the orchard. “New Zealanders are probably the areas as kiwifruit, with the same highest consumers of kiwiberries per structures and the same layout. Every head of population. The returns aren’t second row is male. Kiwiberry does as good as export so it’s not viable to have high winter pruning costs. grow just for the domestic market. Hourly rate for quality “There’s still a lot of potential, Like their larger counterparts, particularly around food service and kiwiberries are susceptible to thrips in restaurants, which are both under a and scale, although the scale is only lot of pressure at the moment. One of our big markets is Australia, so we can on the leaf, not the fruit. “Overall, this season’s New Zealand airfreight it over there very quickly.” production will be down slightly. Set for a return to China “The extra rain in January meant Due to the limited shelf-life, thicker canopies causing some softer the fruit for export can only be fruit and a little more fruit drop, but transported by airfreight. prices have remained good at around “It’s a fruit that doesn’t have a $28 to $30 a tray.” hugely long shelf-life so it doesn’t Picking the smaller fruit is a lot travel that well. The Asian markets more labour intensive. are the best for us. As for the United “It costs around $1.50 a kilo to States, we compete with Chile who pick initially, rising to $3 a kilo for produce cheaper kiwiberries but the second pick. It’s not like green or lower quality. They also fruit earlier gold where you can pay by the bin so they control that market.” or container, it is best to pay by the It’s also a nervous and exciting wait hour and get the quality pick .” for growers as efforts are underway to Like the kiwiberry harvest, the re-enter the Chinese market. national red kiwifruit harvest has “Right at the moment we are very wrapped up, but Geoff was already close to getting back into China. picking gold kiwifruit across his “We had access there up until 2016 orchards starting in late March, a when Chinese authorities reviewed little earlier than previous years. the kiwifruit category and we were Finding enough staff to pick and dropped off.” pack fruit remains a big concern. “It will get pretty competitive Returning to the Chinese market between different sites with such a will help increase prices and make it limited labour force. It’s going to be more viable for kiwiberry growers. a massive challenge for the industry “Last year and this year the freight from now until the beginning of June, rates have gone up and the range of to get everything picked and packed. services is a lot more limited, with “We have a small packhouse here less planes flying. Overall, it’s been a where we pack a range of crops, and net extra cost for growers. Hopefully we’re 40 per cent down on staff today in the future we can get back to due to Covid-19.” something more reasonable.” The packhouse arm of operations Numbers of kiwiberry growers have dropped over the past few years while is rebranding from Kiwi Produce to Yieldia. It was established in 1986 returns have been lower, Geoff says. There are only about 25 commercial as a specialist kiwifruit packhouse, pre-packer and distributor. It is kiwiberry growers in the country. operational 12 months of the year “If you get really good production and handles a large range of New and good yields, you will do well. Zealand produce including avocados, “It’s the same with every crop.” kiwifruit, feijoas, kiwiberry, citrus, Kiwiberries are grown in the same continued...
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Not feeling your best? (Part 1) One of the most rewarding things I do is to hear stories from clients.
I have an older client who was healthy but had low energy and felt flat despite no medical reasons. I had started her on a programme that involved three supplements: A winter vitamin D booster to lift her immune responses, some Omega 3 fish oil to reduce inflammation and most importantly my multiantioxidant, multi-mineral, multi vitamin supplement.
Study the micro-nutrients
She reported her energy levels were steadily rising and felt so much better in herself. My standard advice is that if you feel unwell you should get a medical checkup. If there is no particular medical reason for feeling
low in energy we then turn our attention to micro-nutrients; the minerals, vitamins and antioxidants that are responsible for maintaining the health of our cells. As I often repeat, ‘a healthy cell is a healthy body’. When we improve the health of cells, we improve the health of the tissue comprised of those cells.
Benefits you can feel
In the case of my client, I suspect that we helped the processes that produce the energy our bodies need. Firstly, we need to make sure that we have plenty of the vitamins and minerals that directly affect energy.
Secondly, we need to protect our energy systems with antioxidants. The list of micro-nutrients needed for this is long. My multi-nutritional supplement has more than 50 ingredients and most of these play some part in energy. If you are low in energy and generally not at your best, I suggest you do what I recommended for my client for at least three months. You may well be surprised, with benefits you can really feel.
John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on: 0800 423559 or email: john@abundant.co.nz Join his all new newsletter at: www.abundant.co.nz
Taupō ponders lifestyle block sizes The Taupō District Council is proposing to split its Rural Environment rules into two sections.
Abundant Health
The Rural Environment section of the Taupō District Plan would become two sections: General Rural Environment and Rural Lifestyle Environment. The council is seeking the community’s views on a number of draft changes to rural and urban parts of the plan. When it comes to the rural area, a council summary of the changes says the goal is to keep large spaces of land available for productive use, but allow for smaller block sizes in appropriate areas. “This means we are aiming to keep property sizes large and limit the number and location of houses. “However, we have heard from the community that one house per 10 hectares is too restrictive.” The introduction of the rural lifestyle environment is to allow for the further development of lifestyle blocks around the district. “The Rural Lifestyle Environment will cover areas that are already being used for this purpose. “We are proposing to allow for some additional subdivision within these areas. “This will meet the demand for additional rural lifestyle blocks, while ensuring efficient use of our infrastructure and protecting the general rural environment from further subdivision.” Land owners may be able to subdivide down to two hectares in the Rural Lifestyle environment, if they meet requirements outlined in our plan. There will also be flexibility for lifestyle block owners to add one extra dwelling to a title, to allow for guests. Consultation closes on June 13.
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Spectacular scenery awaits those on the Roll On Waitaki tour.
NZ Adventures offers a wide range of four wheel drive and back country tours throughout the South Island. One of those is the Roll on Waitaki five-day which is popular with farmers or those interested in farming. It is largely based in the Waitaki River Valley and Mackenzie Basin. The tour takes in a wide range of countryside, farming types and systems and strikes a balance between discussing farming with the farmers in the area and looking around the back roads and tracks of a very scenic region.
country near Lake Benmore and the home of fine-wool merino sheep. Day Four sees the tour heading north through Twizel and onto a large scale but intensive sheep and beef farm where the scenery is spectacular, including Mt Cook in the background. In the afternoon the route is up into one of the alpine valleys above Lake Tekapo. Overnight on Day four is in Fairlie.
Day Five - the final day of the tour - takes in a visit to a Tekapo finewool farm. There is plenty of opportunity to drive over the big property and discuss farm management in a relatively extreme climate. In the afternoon a river valley track takes the tour through steep country out onto the Canterbury Plains with the tour ending in Geraldine. Robbie and Connie Crickett
Impressive limestone quarry
The tour sets off from the South Canterbury town of Fairlie, then heads into the hill country to the south. It travels through extensive sheep and beef country and then there is a chance to have an early morning tea with landowners in the Albury district. In the afternoon the tour continues in the Hunter Hills, breaks out onto the Waitaki Plains and then makes its way to Oamaru for an overnight. Day two sees the tour go to the impressive family-owned limestone quarry just west of Oamaru where limestone is mined for various purposes including construction material, special decorative works, fertilisers and roading materials. The tour continues up the Waitaki for a farm lunch and the afternoon is spent on a Kurow sheep and beef farm. The overnight for the next two nights is in Omarama.
The home of fine-wool merinos
Day Three and the tour visits a large scale and very impressive dairy operation close to Omarama before venturing east into the high and rocky
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Driving positive change The Ministry for Primary Industries has renewed funding for two successful programmes training farmers, growers and other rural people to manage pressure and adapt to change.
The Agri-Women’s Development Trust has been allocated $339,000 to expand its popular ‘Know Your Mindset. Do What Matters’ and ‘Our Resilient Farming Business’ programmes. Piloted across 2020 and 2021, the programmes have already supported more than 300 rural women and men to better manage stress, prioritise wellbeing, and cultivate financial resilience in the face of change. “Disruptions and supply chain issues caused by the Covid-19 pandemic are one of the many challenges facing farmers, growers and whenua Māori owners,” MPI’s acting director of rural communities and farming support Andrew Spelman says. “This training has helped boost people’s ability and confidence to cope, along with strengthening the resilience of their businesses to get through hard times.”
The two programmes are designed The next round of ‘Know Your Mindset. specifically for people living and working Do What Matters’ programmes start on in rural communities. The funding boost June 7 and 9. Attendees will learn how will enable them to be run again over to manage multiple pressures calmly the next year, starting in June. More and clearly, prioritise the wellbeing of information and details themselves, families, about how to register farms and communities, are available on the and build realistic action AWDT website. plans – big or small. The two-part online “The self-awareness training features a mix and action plans people of practical psychology developed on the lessons, personal stories programmes improved and facilitated their wellbeing breakout spaces. and connection to Past programme others, supported participants reported business decisions a range of practical and communication, changes in their lives. and drove positive These included more changes in their lives honest farm succession and businesses,” Agri-Women’s Development Trust conversations, better says AWDT general general manager Lisa Sims. family relationships, manager Lisa Sims. and more time for personal wellbeing or “MPI’s support will enable our team improvements to team culture. to work directly with more than 700 Ninety-six percent of participants people, and our experience has shown that the ripple effect of the new skills and expected to use the tools and training learnt during the programme in their confidence they gain extends far more personal life, family, business widely into rural families, businesses or community. and communities.”
Long-lasting changes that make the world a better place The University of Waikato is ranked in the top 100 universities in the world in the recently released 2022 Times Higher Education Impact Rankings. The updated rankings for 2022 place the University in the top 100 for its contribution to the United Nations’ 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) –
the key issues identified as the most pressing facing humanity and the planet. The University is now ranked sixth in the world in the Life on Land category, is in the top 25 for Life Below Water and in the top 55 for Climate Action and Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions. University of Waikato ViceChancellor, Professor Neil Quigley, says the move up
the rankings illustrates the University’s dedication to leading the way in science and climate change research and teaching. “To improve our ratings in these categories is a great achievement. It shows that we are not only teaching and researching the things that matter most to our future generations, but we are also making real, practical and longlasting changes to our planet.”
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SHEEP & BEEF
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A golden opportunity not to be missed
Fred, Chris and Jennifer Chesterman celebrate 50 years of Koanui Polled Herefords. females at any time, which is Koanui Polled Herefords why it really is a one-off. is celebrating 50 years and “Looking at the sires in their they are doing it in style at pedigrees and the dams they The 10 heifers being offered in the G the annual sale this month. are out of you can see they are olden Opportunity Heifer Sale. There are 60 rising two-year-old special. On top of this, is the of these heifers in their new bulls going under the hammer at fact that several are out of twohomes with great interest. I year heifers themselves and have the hybrid on-farm and online certainly wouldn’t hesitate to incredible mating sires. auction but it is the Gold Heifer purchase a bull from any of them “These heifers have real Sale which could steal the show. in the future as they all have potential to breed that next herd great pedigrees and a balanced Owners Chris and Jennifer sire. I truly believe that a calf Chesterman have a very rare set of figures.” from any of these females could offering of 10 rising two-yearKoanui Polled Herefords return many times more than old, in-calf heifers which is sure was established by Fred and the initial investment. to garner plenty of interest. Annette Chesterman in 1972. “We love the cow herd, and Chris says the Gold Heifer Sale Now, at more than is a golden opportunity to secure our young females represent the 800 registered females, Koanui a Koanui female in celebration of future of the Koanui herd, so they has built a legacy based on are hard to part with. Yet we are the 50th Anniversary. passion, commitment, honesty, proud to present this opportunity and integrity. “These females are at the to celebrate this 50th anniversary cutting edge of our programme Commitment to the Koanui and have real potential to breed a sale and we will still have more breeding programme has always than 800 registered females to standout future herd sire. This is been prioritised, sourcing calve this year. the best genetics from around why we don’t sell females.” the world. “We’ll watch the performance He doesn’t like parting with any
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SHEEP & BEEF
For the love of Limousin Limousin cattle breeder Peta Lean was raised on a sheep and beef farm in the Catlins, where her parents Tom and Joy Lean had bought and developed a farm.
Her father used to experiment with different breeds outside the usual Hereford or Angus beef breeds that were favoured in the 1960s. He used shorthorns but had to take them through to two-year-olds himself, because in
Peta Lean - Limousin breeder. Photos: Catherine Fry. that era, no one was interested in them as weaners. hectare block outside Cambridge and New Zealand in 1973 and since In 1995 Peta and her husband later acquired another eight hectares. then, a group of dedicated breeders Murray Kivell moved to an eight have concentrated on breeding a They decided on cattle and researched a number of breeds before Limousin that is more suited to New Zealand conditions. settling on the Limousin in 1997. “The classic French Limousin is “Murray came to the conclusion quite a large, ponderous animal, that that they were the most efficient beef breed, with a high meat to bone ratio, isn’t suited to the New Zealand terrain and climate, so we’ve been favouring well known for their healthy, low fat the more medium framed animal.” content meat, and a reputation for Kivlean developed its “signature” being good feed converters.” bovine as a medium framed, quiet, Established breed well fleshed, polled Limousin. The Limousin breed originated in With the use of selected overseas the rugged, granite country of central AI sires and good NZ bulls, their France, where the summers are hot Limousins are mostly polled, and and winters are severe. many are homozygous polled. The documented history of Kivlean’s first Limousins had UK Limousin goes back more than genetics and were a little lively. 15,000 years to an area surrounding American genetics were brought the French city of Limoges. in to increase the calving ease and Rough cave paintings show the reduce maturity time to 15 months characteristics of the breed. so calves go before summer droughts. The Limousin herd book was “We’ve spent 25 years not breeding established in 1886. with the silly ones. To have flighty The breed was introduced to ...continued animals of their size is
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SHEEP & BEEF
Page 39
Dose dogs to stop measles The tapeworm Taenia ovis causes sheep measles. A single T. ovis tapeworm can release up to 250,000 eggs each day after infecting a dog’s intestine. Wind, birds and flies can disperse eggs over large areas.
Sheep and goats eat the eggs that dogs defecate on the pasture. The eaten tapeworm subsequently migrates to the muscle via the sheep or goat’s bloodstream. The cysts are infectious for four to eight weeks and even when they die, they can linger in the sheep or goat’s muscle for the remainder of its life. Meat processing plants inspect the carcasses for infection. If a carcass has more than five visible cysts, it is condemned, resulting in financial losses for the processors and the supplier. Infection has the potential to risk New Zealand’s’ reputation for supplying quality sheep meat. Monthly dosing of dogs gives
maximum protection against sheep measles. Ensure the product you use is effective against tapeworms. Non-profit group Ovis Management Ltd recommends using an ‘all wormer’ every three months and a product containing a Praziquantal in between, for dogs in sheep measles-prone areas and dogs that are travelling. Sheep measles should be easy to eradicate in New Zealand, but strict adherence is essential. On pasture, T.ovis eggs can remain infectious for up to a year. As a result, the risk of one infected dog going untreated may be catastrophic for the sheep meat industry.
continued...
dangerous and not a trait you want.” A defining feature of a Limousin is the size of their rumps, or “rumps are trumps” as Peta says. Her herd has the classic large muscular rump that extends down their back legs to the rear hock. “Kivlean has also focused on two beef characteristics; the Eye Muscle Area - the fillet steak area that runs down each side of the spine, and the Intra Muscular Fat. “Limousin meat generally has low IMF, so breeders are looking to add a little more.” Docility is recorded and a rating of 1 is expected. “I’ve used AI for my polling genetics and using homozygous polling usually results in polled
offspring, even if the cow is horned.” Peta only breeds for the apricot and red colourings, although black Limousins are available. Black Limousins can be sold to Angus breeders to add a bit more rump into their animals. The Lim-Flex is a recognised sub-breed, and this half Limousin/half Angus cross produces good meat. Kivlean usually only buys in bulls that are proven or uses semen from proven sires for AI, with calving in both spring and autumn. Since retiring in 2014, Peta is full-time on the farm and is kept very busy with her beloved cattle and Kivlean’s dream of breeding that “perfect” Limousin.
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DAIRY
A bright future in the dairy industry As a child, assistant dairy manager Mitchell Young hadn’t considered a career in farming, although he has fond memories of visits to his grandparents’ deer farm and riding the quad bikes.
When it came time to pick a job, he started a diesel mechanic apprenticeship but realised halfway through that it wasn’t for him. Then, in 2018, he tried dairy farming and the lifestyle really appealed to him. “Getting up so early really sucked at the start but it’s a job I really enjoy so I accepted that was just part of it. No day is ever the same, it’s challenging but exciting, and you have to expect the unexpected.” Mitchell and his partner, Sam Henson, spent a season with Kylie and Mitch Griffin on their Ōpōtiki dairy farm. “They really drove home proper farming techniques and wanting to strive for more. They
Auckland/Hauraki 2022 Dairy Industry Awards, Dairy Manager of the Year - Emerging Talent Award winner, Mitchell Young
put a clear career pathway in front of me and I wouldn’t be where I am today without their help.” After the birth of Jaxon, 1, the young couple found it hard to be so far from their Waikato-based family, and with the Griffins’ full support, they looked for another dairy position in the Waikato. “Kylie and Mitch pretty much interviewed other farmers that were advertising positions to see if they would be right for me!” Mitchell’s own Facebook advert was answered by Brendan and Tessa Hopson in Paeroa. After talking to Brendan, Mitchell really wanted an interview. “It sounded awesome, their practices made sense to me, they had small children themselves and they wanted to be the best employers in Hauraki. I was very pleased to get that job.” The Hopsons encouraged Mitchell to enter the Dairy Industry awards in 2022.
“I was a bit unsure as it was my first season as a manager.” He enjoyed the journey and judging and was over the moon to be awarded the NZDIA Dairy Manager of the Year Auckland/Hauraki Emerging Talent Award. Mitchell was commended for his health and safety processes, his enthusiasm and great energy and it was suggested that he stay close to Brendan and Tessa and follow their lead as he had a bright future in dairy farming ahead of him. With a second baby due in June, next season will be busy for Mitchell and Sam. The Hopsons are expanding their farm and Mitchell is excited to be promoted to herd manager of his own herd. “There will be four families with small children living on the farm and that will be really great as we are all young and in the same boat, working and learning together.”
Catherine Fry
Mitchell Young, 24, Jaxon Young, 1, and Sam Henson, 23. Photos: Catherine Fry
DAIRY
Root pathogens more prevalent in Waikato soils Soil-borne pathogens cause extensive losses to agricultural production globally, and impact farm productivity and pasture production. AgResearch post-doctoral scientist Bryony Dignam is the lead author for a December 2021 research paper; Impacts of soil-borne disease on plant yield and farm profit in dairying soils. AgResearch senior scientist Nigel Bell, a soil biologist specialising in nematodes, brings his expertise to the research too. This research is based on collection of 30 farm soils, none of which had reported obvious root disease issues - 10 from each of the Waikato, Canterbury, and Southland. Soil samples were split into two, and one half was microwave pasteurised to release potential soil biological constraints on plant productivity. One hundred gram pots were used for each sample and planted with clover, plantain and perennial ryegrass, which are typical New Zealand pasture plants. They were watered and fed with soluble all-purpose food to ensure nutrients weren’t limiting plant growth. AgResearch post-doctoral scientist Bryony Dignam.
Relationships between soil chemical properties, particularly soil organic matter quality, and the presence of pathogens also need further investigation. It may be an option to manipulate soil organic matter to promote beneficial soil microbes. In a healthy soil microbiome, beneficial microbes are stimulated to act in competition with or to directly inhibit soil-borne pathogens. “We have already determined that the addition of certain organic amendments to soil evokes a change in disease levels in the soil,” Bryony says. Current research into soil organic matter and soil immune responses is being funded by AGMARDT and incorporated into a wider ‘Microbiomes’ research programme led by AgResearch. Catherine Fry
Waikato clover soil samples.
“In pasteurised samples, where disease pressure was present, there was an increase in plant growth compared to unpasteurised soil,” Nigel says. Plants were harvested after four weeks, with nematodes extracted from soil and root material examined by Plant Diagnostics Ltd for plant pathogenic fungi, oomycetes and bacteria. “The results suggest that root microbial and nematode pathogens were more prevalent in the Waikato soils,” Bryony says. So far, the exact reason that the Waikato soils contained more fungal, oomycete and nematode pathogens is unknown. This will require further research. “Climate could be a factor, as plant-feeding nematode populations were much larger in the warmer Waikato, and certain fungal pathogens also prefer warmer climates,” Bryony says. The Waikato has been under dairy for longer than Canterbury and Southland and these pasture specific pathogens may have had more time to build up. Clover has shown both greater susceptibility and symptom severity due to soil-borne microbial pathogens and nematode root infections. Research as to whether seasons change disease pressure and whether the pathogens are evenly distributed in the paddocks or in pockets is ongoing.
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DAIRY
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Feed gets tricky Rainfall has been patchy around the North Island but we have had some good drops of rain to keep us going in the Western Bay of Plenty.
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From May 1-20, we had 66.6mm at our yard in Paengaroa and 83.5mm at the farm in Ohauiti On May 19, our soil temperature was 16.5 degC at the yard and 15.2 degC at the farm. A week earlier, it was not so good and got down to 11.2 degC at the yard and 9.6 degC at the farm. So with the nice rain and higher soil temperature we are back growing grass again but it’s been a tough year so far, especially in the Waikato and parts of the South Island which are in drought. Farmers I have talked to who should be at 2300kg dry matter per hectare farm cover are reporting 1400kg and another at 1700kg – way down for this time of year. The dairy pay-out has had a bit of an adjustment down but it is still going to do well which is good as it means farmers can afford to buy in supplement. Our last lot of hay went out of the yard on May 18. We have been bringing it in from outside but that is running out too. We had 22 inquiries about it on one day last week and that is probably more than we had in the whole of last year. We are buying feed in from the South Island but we are struggling to get it on the ferry, so there are other problems than just grass growth. Feed is sitting down there but we can’t sell it because we don’t know when it will be delivered. Our winter grazers have started
arriving and it’s a welcome relief for farmers. Our blocks are in good shape and we have plenty of grass so even though the price of grazing is up quite a bit this year, my clients are happy to have the cows off their farms and well fed over winter. We all need to keep a vigilant eye out for nitrate poisoning at the moment, especially after the long dry spell. New grass, winter annuals and other plants take up the available nitrates. Test first before putting stock in and watch out for wet and overcast days. Sunshine will reduce the nitrates and remember never to put your stock onto new pasture when they are hungry. It’s a good idea to fill them up on straw first. Call your vet immediately if you suspect any issues as nitrate poisoning can kill animals very quickly. We can celebrate the eradication of Mycoplasma bovis. From 272 farms that either had it or were under watch we are down to just one in Canterbury. There has been a lot of hard work by everyone involved and it has paid off. It has been particularly hard for those farmers affected by it. Well done to all concerned. We have to be careful though as there is now Foot and Mouth in Indonesia. With international travel starting to increase again and diseases able to spread more freely, we must be vigilant. We don’t want Foot and Mouth in the country! We still have a bit of feed in supply for those who aren’t in a hurry but you will need to be in quick to order as it is being snapped up despite the transport delays.
DAIRY
Page 43
Reducing magnesium related disorders The late Emeritus Professor Tom Walker of Lincoln University wrote in Dolomite, a first class source of magnesium, “it makes good sense to me to correct animal deficiencies through the soil and the plant. “If my diet were deficient in protein and carbohydrate, I would rather correct it by daily increments than a great blow out every few months.” There are few soils in this country where an increase in plant growth can be expected as a result of magnesium being applied. Magnesium is for the benefit of animals - primarily high producing dairy cows -but the health of any lactating animal is likely to improve markedly with an annual dolomite application. The number and severity of magnesium-related metabolic disorders, in spring, grows each year and is due to induced magnesium deficiencies. Warm, wet growing conditions, along with the use of synthetic nitrogen and potassium, means the magnesium available from soil parent material steadily decreases. Without replenishment, more valuable time is spent treating animals and it is estimated that for every one animal treated for a calcium/magnesiumrelated disorder there are another nine animals where production is lower had the problem not arisen.
Single application for peace of mind
Imagine a situation where the number of cows requiring treatment in spring is no more than one in 50 with all those animals regaining their feet without assistance. There’s more farms every year achieving that status and with the cost of imported magnesium oxide escalating and the availability uncertain, we’re expecting more astute and forward-thinking operators to be joining the club. All it requires is a call to the below listed 0800 number for a price to be obtained and transport to be arranged. A single application between now and calving provides peace of mind knowing that regardless of weather conditions the health and well-being of valuable animals during calving and early lactation is largely secure. It gets better than that too. A single application is sufficient to ensure that the magnesium content of a mixed herbage sample at grazing is between 0.22 and 0.25 per cent throughout the next 12 months. Animals that are well fed on pasture with that magnesium content are unlikely to be magnesium deficient any time during the year. For optimum animal performance it’s essential that the rumen is functioning efficiently. During calving,
Well-fed cows enjoy their dolomite-fed pasture. when sunshine hours are down, extra energy and fibre will be necessary. Meadow hay is the best option as it is made over summer when sunshine and plant energy levels were at their highest and the fibre is at least 25cm long - the length required for a mat of fibre to form in the rumen. Baleage may also work well provided it was made from pasture with a minimum of 10 per cent seed head, however top-quality meadow hay remains the best.
Get a feel for what is possible
Hay was dismissed when we were milking cows, with the throwaway line, “cows don’t milk on hay”. That’s fair, however when hay is made freely available to animals in spring they eat not a mouthful more than is required to meet their requirements. On a frosty morning followed by strong sunlight animals will eat little hay but will make up for that by devouring every last skerrick on a wet morning with a blustery southerly blowing. The required rate of dolomite to provide peace of mind over spring is 250kg/ha. That applies close to 29kg of magnesium per hectare with annual maintenance on high performing dairy properties of about 21kg Mg/ha. Even if spreading across the whole property is not feasible, applying to just the calving areas will still be beneficial and provide a feel for what is possible, with a bin of dolomite available when grazing the untreated areas. For more information call Peter on 0800 436 566 (4 Dolomite).
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FARM VEHICLES & MACHINERY
Page 44
A passion for Former AUT electronics engineering lecturer Paul Moroney retired in 2018 and returned with his wife Sheryl to their hometown of Cambridge.
An original brass instruction plate and a recycled beer can as the waste fuel capture. Photos: Catherine Fry
KUBOTA’S LIFEST YLE RANGE
Now, he has about a dozen restored stationary engines and a few other projects on the go. “One day in the late 1980s, we drove past a display of farm machinery and gear and stopped to stretch our legs,” says Paul.
Do it yourself
After talking to the machinery owners, Paul was fascinated and realised that with his background, this was something he could do. “I’d built boats, sheds, fences, paths, and modified fourwheel-drive vehicles in the past. That’s what
you did in those days, you fixed and built things yourself.” Paul slowly started collecting stationary engines for himself and became a member of VERA (Vintage Engine Restorers Auckland). Since being in the Waikato he has joined the Waikato Vintage Tractor & Machinery Club and really enjoys the likeminded camaraderie the clubs offer. One of his favourite machines is a Trade Me find - a 1935 Lister CS 3/1 diesel engine, made in Dursley, England. “The CS stands for Cold Start and the 3/1 means it is three horsepower and single cylinder.” The very heavy crank case and two fly wheels had to be transported out of a paddock in Mercer. “The first thing I do is thoroughly clean up what remains of an engine and then mount it on a sturdy trolley so I can move it around easily.” The hunt for parts isn’t always straightforward and sometimes just good old Kiwi ingenuity is required to restore a machine. For the Lister, the piston, cylinder ...continued
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stationary engines
Page 45
continued...
and head, and oil pump came from various club members. A reconditioned Bryce injector came from the UK, and a few other parts were sourced from India. Paul has a collection of mid-century power tools including a lathe and a milling machine and does a lot of the fabricating work himself. “These older tools are very durable and allow very precise work. You don’t have to fight
them. I’m a great believer in buying once and buying right.”
Waste not, want not
The water tank was fashioned out of a wood-burner flue, and the stainless steel muffler was made by a golfing friend. The fuel tank is an old paint thinner tin, and the waste fuel capture is an old beer
can, both painted and cleverly disguised. Stationary engines such as the Lister would once have been used in New Zealand to generate house electricity in rural areas, and on farms to power things like water pumps, shearing sheds and vacuum pumps for milking.
This Lister engine was supplied by Levin and Co in Wellington.
Catherine Fry
Stationary engine enthusiast Paul Moroney with his restored 1935 Lister CS 3/1.
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KIWIFRUIT MULCH BRANCHES
UP TO 90MM IN DIAMETER
FLAIL MOWER and MULCHER The marmorated stink bug is considered the kiwifruit industry’s second most unwanted pest after fruit flies. Photo: Biosecurity NZ.
Stink bug’s billion dollar risk
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Biosecurity New Zealand is launching its winter campaign to help raise awareness of a particularly unwanted pest – the brown marmorated stink bug.
“BMSB poses a major threat to New Zealand’s horticulture industry, with the potential to cost the country nearly $4 billion if it established here,” says Biosecurity New Zealand’s manager of readiness, Dr Cath Duthie. “There is always the chance the unwanted pest could arrive in parcels and with other imported items. “We very much want the public to help us with our surveillance efforts.” The BMSB winter campaign focuses on showing people how to correctly identify BMSB and report it. BMSB looks like some other bug species but has elements that make it identifiable, including white stripes or banding on its antennae and abdomen. The bug is about the same size as a 10-cent coin. The winter campaign follows the spring-summer campaign of 2021/22, which saw stink bug ads appear on people’s phone and computer screens. The campaign had a great result, appearing on computer screens more than 13.5 million times. Dr Duthie says Biosecurity New Zealand asks anyone who thinks they’ve found BMSB to catch it, snap it (take a photo), and report it. BMSB can be reported at: report.mpi.govt.nz or: 0800 80 99 66. BMSB can be caught under a glass or in
a container. “Winter is the time when BMSB is most likely to be found in enclosed spaces and indoors. This can cause problems for homeowners. “As summer comes, any BMSB is more likely to be found outdoors, for example in gardens.” The 2021/22 BMSB season finished on April 30. There continues to be no evidence of any established BMSB population in New Zealand. There were 61 live bugs intercepted in New Zealand during the 2021/22 season. The interceptions were mostly associated with imported cargo. Dr Duthie says the number of live interceptions has dropped considerably over the past three years. “This is largely due to the introduction of import rules that make it harder for BMSB to enter New Zealand on risky cargo such as vehicles, machinery and parts from countries with established stink bug populations. Such cargo must be treated before arriving in New Zealand during the BMSB season.” “Biosecurity New Zealand further tightened its border controls during the just-completed season. “This included introducing targeted alerts on additional goods associated with BMSB detections. “Consignments covered by the alerts underwent full inspection to rule out the presence of live bugs.” “The fact we have no established BMSB populations suggests that the current biosecurity approach is working well. However, the risk of an incursion is never zero, which is why we all must play our part in keeping an eye out,” Dr Duthie says.
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KIWIFRUIT
Page 47
Kiwifruit industry joins Plant Pass scheme Plant Pass, the new multisector plant production biosecurity scheme, is now up and running and already has about 40 nurseries registered with 10 fully certified.
Plant Pass is the plant production sector’s commitment to Ko Tātou This Is Us. Ko Tātou is a Biosecurity New Zealand programme that demonstrates that every New Zealander and sector has an essential role in biosecurity. “On behalf of the Ministry for Primary Industries, Biosecurity New Zealand is proud to be the lead signatory to the Plant Buyers’ Accord and support Plant Pass, says Stuart Anderson, Biosecurity New Zealand’s Deputy Director General. “It demonstrates our commitment to support New Zealand plant producers and aligns with Biosecurity New Zealand’s role in protecting Aotearoa from the harmful pests and diseases that can cause damage to our environment, economy and culture.
Broad industry support
“Plant producers play a crucial role in New Zealand’s biosecurity system and we value this opportunity to work in partnership with other agencies, councils and plant industry bodies on this proactive certification programme.” Plant Pass is the result of three years
Pass gives us more confidence that we’re planting safely.” The Plant Buyers’ Accord has been established as a mechanism for buyers to influence, encourage or require their plant producers to participate in Plant Pass.
Risk mitigation
of work. Industry certification schemes are already operating in Australia, Britain, Europe, and the United States. It is being funded and organised jointly by MPI and primary sector industry bodies through the Government Industry Agreement. The GIA Operational Agreement partners are MPI, NZ Avocado, Kiwi Vine Health, NZ Winegrowers, Citrus NZ and NZPPI. Auckland Botanic Gardens Nursery is fully Plant Pass certified with the core standard plus the kauri dieback and myrtle rust modules.
Alongside Ministry for Primary Industries, four other major groups have signed the Accord: New Zealand Avocado and Kiwifruit Vine Health, the
Department of Conservation and Auckland Council. New Zealand Avocado biosecurity and programme manager Brad Siebert says New Zealand Avocado encourages their growers to purchase avocado plants from Plant Pass certified nurseries. Alongside this, New Zealand Avocado is requiring avocado nurseries to meet the Plant Pass core standard as a prerequisite for the industry’s own standard.
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.
Planting safely
Auckland Council biosecurity principal advisor Dr Imogen Bassett says commercial plant production and movement is a risk pathway that has not historically been well addressed. “It’s really great to see an industryled, collaborative approach to manage this risk. This is particularly valuable in Auckland as the region scales up our revegetation efforts. The last thing we want is for tree planting to result in biosecurity incursions. Having suppliers who are accredited with Plant
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“We see Plant Pass covering everything required for biosecurity risk mitigation in nurseries so now the AHHS is a module and complementary to Plant Pass. It streamlines the whole process right through to reduced auditing costs and makes achieving good biosecurity more straightforward”. For more information and to see the list of Plant Pass certified and registered nurseries, go to: www.plantpass.org.nz
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 Atom combined three noz accuracy.
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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.
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Page 48
TRADE MARKET
Smarter farming with TracMap TracMap is making life easier with its cloudbased job management system and an in-cab GPS unit that provides total visibility and more control of day-to-day operations.
All the information is at the fingertips of the drivers.
The intuitive, touch screen GPS provides full vehicle guidance for any job, be it spraying, spreading or irrigation shifts. All of the data from the cab is automatically transferred and stored in TracMap Online for proof of placement and nutrient records. With TracMap Online, people can draw maps of the areas that need to be maintained, mark out hazards and assign job details. They can then wirelessly send all the information to their drivers from their desktop or mobile device to ensure they are in the right place, doing the right job. The in-cab GPS display units accurately guide drivers to the right field, orchard or specific row, with
all the information they need to do the job right, showing them where the hazards are on the way. Field operations data collected by TracMap in-cab display GPS units is sent back to TracMap Online so people can view job completion data straight away on their desktop or mobile device. Don’t get left behind in farming technology. Start saving time and money now, and experience success with TracMap. To find out how to benefit from the capabilities of TracMap’s latest equipment and powerful online job management system, see contact details on the advertisement on this page.
The simple, f lexible solution
Anton Meier | | W Mßexitanksnz.com 021 289 5999 | P 07 829 5940 | E anton@ßexitanksnz.com | W ßexitanksnz.com E anton@ßexitanksnz.com
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Flexi Tanks are an astonishingly simple concept that provides farmers, horticulturists, and domestic clients with costeffective solutions for storing W ßexitanksnz.com water or effluent. Father and son Anton and Andre Meier, along with Anton’s partner Jacky van der Poel, have operated Flexi Tanks for almost eight years. Based in Cambridge, they supply a vast range of clients throughout the country with quality bladder tanks for all liquid storage needs. Flexi Tanks supply and install the best quality bladder tanks available in the New Zealand market today. They have been manufactured in France since 1959 from multi layered rip-stop technical fabric with tensile strength of 450kg per 5cm, so they
are built to last. The tanks come with a full 10-year manufacturer’s warranty for textile and manufacture and have an expected life, under normal conditions, of up to 20 years. Not only are they reliable but they are cost-effective too and come in as a cheaper and more economical solution to other effluent storage alternatives. Flexi Tanks can be depreciated as they are a tangible asset which can be rolled up and used somewhere else if needed. The tanks are fast and easy to install. Simply level a pad, unload the tank, roll it out, connect the valves, connect to your system and fill. Whether you are looking for a 1000 litre tank, right through to a two million litre tank, the team is keen to provide genuine advice to solve storage problems. Give them a call today!
Don’t miss farming’s big event Fieldays is encouraging people to apply now to exhibit at the iconic four-day event. On average 130,000 people walk through the gates at Fieldays each year but have had to wait Fieldays attracts 130,000, on average, each year. longer than usual November 30 to December 3 this this year, because of postponement year, opening up opportunities for amongst the complications and organisations that usually cannot uncertainty of exhibit during the event’s traditional the pandemic. June period. Fieldays is now set to run from
...continued
TRADE MARKET
Page 49
They love the lanolin A small Omokoroa company that makes natural, environmentally-friendly lubricant is getting noticed on the other side of the world. Prolan NZ makes high performance, protective industrial lanolin lubricants, corrosion inhibitors and antiseize greases. Almost 10 years after launching, Prolan owners Murray and Julie Shaw now export about half their product to Denmark, Sweden, Iceland, the UK, Netherlands, Canada and even Guam. “We spent a lot of money researching how to take the wool grease and blend it with natural oils to make industrial lubricant,” Murray says. “I’m so proud of the ground we’ve made in our export markets. We’re well ahead of our competitors. It’s solid progress and it’s exciting.”
Prolan is now used for wind turbines and cranes as well as by pump manufacturers and trucking firms. Rather than rest on their success, Julie and Murray are pushing ahead.
After Prolan is applied.
Before Prolan industrial lubricant and rust inhibitor is applied.
Their latest product has been developed for the switch blades on the country’s rail network. “Not only does Prolan keep the plates moving freely, but it lasts for months – even after heavy
rain. It’s also environmentally friendly which is big when you’re using it near farmland.” Now, its versatility isn’t just in demand by large firms. “Everyone should have a can. We live in a coastal country so anyone with a motorhome, a boat, a trailer or a quad bike would benefit from the anticorrosive properties. “Even small jobs like a squeaky door hinge or a sticky shower door are an easy fix with Prolan.”
continued...
With 80 per cent of exhibitor sites being retained for this year’s event, there are limited spaces for those wanting to position themselves as part of Aotearoa New Zealand’s food and fibre sector. New Zealand National Fieldays Society chief executive Peter Nation says it is a one-off opportunity for organisations to make the
most of a summer Fieldays. “We understand the frustrations directed at postponement for farmers, growers, and contractors who will be in their busy season. Though on the other hand, postponement creates opportunities for New Zealand businesses who may not usually be able to take part in winter.”
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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS
Page 50
LIST YOUR EVENT HERE Send us your FREE listing to: daniel@thesun.co.nz with ‘Rural Event’ in the subject line. *
*Must be a free event or under $50
June 5 & 9
Hamilton Gardens
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Art & Craft Fair,
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professional services
Community Centre, Waihi Beach, $4. See: waihi.org.nz
June 8
Restoring Mauri, talk by
Kimai Huirama, 7.308.30pm, 401 Anglesea St, Hamilton, free. See: tinyurl.com/4zeatb3d
June 11
Fruit Tree Pruning,
2-3.30pm, 53 Wellington St, Hamilton, free. See: tinyurl.com/26y7uax6 Banff Centre Mountain Film Festival World Tour, 7pm, PWC Lecture Theatre, Hillcrest Rd, Hamilton, $25. See: tinyurl.com/4sasvttw
June 12
Hamilton Bonsai Club
AGM & Sale, 2-4pm, St Francis Church Hall, Hillcrest, Hamilton. See: tinyurl.com/ yd6r6m3n
June 17
Kiwi Night Walk,
7-9.30pm, Scenic Reserve, Ohope. Family tickets available. Also July 1. See: tinyurl.com/ecpnzkbh
June 18
Kupu Māori Writers
Festival, Rotorua. See: kupufestival.co.nz Fruit Tree Pruning, 2-3.30pm, 46 Hyde Avenue, Hamilton, free. See: tinyurl.com/2p96bc4p
Banff Centre Mountain
Film Festival World Tour, 7pm, Great Lake Centre Taupō, $25. See tinyurl.com/3ewehdz9
June 19
Matariki Market, 9am2pm, The Incubator, Historic Village, 17th Ave, Tauranga.
June 20
Rotorua Botanical
Society AGM, 6pm, DOC office, 99 Sala St, Rotorua, all welcome. Guest speaker Catherine Beard.
June 22
Restoring Gullies Talk,
7.30-8.30pm, 401 Angelsea St, Hamilton, free. See: tinyurl.com/532y8j6x
June 23
July 2
The Tree Church,
Crop Swap, 9.30am-10.30am, 45 Beach Rd, Katikati. Ph: 07 549 2337. Tree Crops Sale, 9am, Gate 2, Hamilton Gardens. Email: waikato@treecrops.org.nz
Waikato Horticultural Society talk, 7.30pm, Gate 2, Hamilton Gardens, $5 nonmember. Ph Carmel: 07 855 3404.
June 25
Gully Whakapapa, talk by Wiremu Puke, noon-12.30pm, 2 Grenache Place, Hamilton, free. See: tinyurl.com/55mhmcja
July 1
Kiwi Night Walk,
7-9.30pm, Scenic Reserve, Ohope. Family tickets available. See: tinyurl.com/ecpnzkbh
July 3
Hamilton Gardens
Guided Tour, 11am, Cobham Dr, Hamilton, $20. No booking needed. Researching Mary Sutherland, 2pm, Brain Watkins House, corner Cameron Rd and Elizabeth St, Tauranga, $2. A talk on this pioneering Kiwi forester. See: tinyurl.com/3y3tr244
business opportunity
Knowing the numbers By the end of 2022, all farmers need to know their greenhouse gas numbers and by 2025 they need to have a written plan in place to manage emissions. To help with this process, B+LNZ is holding workshops in Te Puke and Putaruru in June. The workshops are called Responding to a Changing Climate – Know Your Numbers. Knowing the numbers and having a plan in place to manage emissions is key to the industry staying out of the Emissions Trading Scheme. The workshops will cover four parts: • An explanation of why every farmer should know their GHG numbers and have a plan.
• A case study demonstration of what the GHG calculation involves. • Completing the GHG calculation for your farm. • The workshop will explain how to complete a GHG action plan with examples of farm systems, and management actions that can be taken to sustainably manage emissions. The workshops are being held on June 8, 10am - 1pm at Te Ranga Hall, 1458 Te Matai Road, Te Puke and on June 14, 1pm – 4pm at Central Kids Kindergarten, 4 Glenshea Street, Putaruru. Go to: beeflambnz.com/events to register or for more information.
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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS
Page 51
FARMERS
WE
WHY BUY USED?
GO BRAND NEW! KIOTI PX SERIES
WARRANTY**
4 IN 1
• el
loader
RAD
Kioti NZ
gra
TRAIN
• lev b
POWER
scoo
p
• G
4 YEAR
LOADER COMBO 105-115HP CABIN Power Shuttle
E
•
We now stock a large range of Fliegl equipment. Contact your local dealer to find the attachment that suits your requirements.
GARANT CONCRETE MIXER - 602/802 SS
HYDRAULIC BALE GRAB
PTO driven from 80hp, 2 stage gear box, ideal for farm projects. FROM
Euro brackets standard, hoses and couplers included.
$7,450.00
FROM
+GST
$2,975.00
STANDARD PALLET FORK
2 tonnes lifting capacity per pair. Adjustable with spring loaded snap locks. FROM
+GST
$2,195.00 +GST
Power Farming NZ PUKEKOHE
0800 570 571
MORRINSVILLE
07 889 5059
TE AWAMUTU
07 870 2411
TAURANGA
07 543 0021
ROTORUA
07 349 6528
GISBORNE
06 868 8908
Terms and conditions apply. Strictly limited stock. Contact your local Power Farming dealer for more information. Offer ends 30.6.22. While stocks last. All prices exclude GST. Images may show optional extras and may differ from product advertised. ** 4 year or 2000 hour power train warranty.
Page 52
COAST & COUNTRY NEWS
Caize with Alaska having fun together on the water slide in Pukekohe.
Grace always dresses like a little lady and takes her dolly everywhere with her even when on the farm. Here she is multi-tasking with her pony Puzzle, her dolly and her cat Scout in Onewhero.
Indigo, 3, and Kevin the goat enjoy Kaiaponi farms apples in Taruheru, Gisborne.
Brooklyn, 14, doing jumps in the paddock on the farm in Te Awamutu.
Oliver, 5, and Connor, 9, take a stroll to move the heifers in Ohaupo.