Coast & Country News - August 2022

Edward Roskam already has his farming career mapped out at the age of just 19. Read his story on page 25. Photo: Catherine Fry.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 2

Farmers have been forced to take pivoting to a whole new level.

The wild and woolly world of agriculture continues to spin on its axis despite the best efforts of an angry universe.

With Vladimir Putin now bombing ports in Ukraine to prevent vital grain supplies from reaching those who need it the most, it looks like feed stocks will be hard to come by for some time yet.

Weaponising food seems like a new low and will result in thousands, if not millions, of needless deaths in developing countries. But it’s the world we live in these days.

Pivoting became the buzz word during Covid-19 lockdowns but I would suggest most farmers are now doing this so instinctively they wouldn’t be out of place in a performance of Swan Lake.

For others it will feel more like The Nutcracker.

Fortunately, New Zealand has been blessed with a climate that can grow most of what we need, albeit at a cost, but it seems even our domestic supply chain could do with an overhaul.

Feed merchants, like our own columnist Bill Webb on page 11, are even reporting lengthy

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transport delays in getting feed from the South Island to the North Island, where it would do a world of good right now.

An unseasonally warm and wet winter has taken some of the edge off the summer drought for Waikato farmers particularly, but it comes with its own challenges.

Meanwhile, endless environmental reforms seem to be rolling down the conveyor belt at a speed that is simply not sustainable, leaving a steaming pile of new rules for farmers to wade through.

Put simply, we have enough problems that are out of our control – high feed and chemical costs, freight disruptions, labour shortages and other pandemic and war-related issues.

The pace of reforms that are happening in multiple areas – health, water, climate change - has more to do with our short electoral terms and the rarity of a one-party Government, than common sense.

Regardless of the merits of various policies, doing too much too quickly is tantamount to economic vandalism given everything that’s going on right now.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 3

Orchardist goes bananas It was his fond childhood memories of eating fresh bananas in the Cook Islands that inspired Mathew Bergersen to try his hand at growing them.

“I spent four years living on Rarotonga so I got used to delicious bananas bought from roadside stalls or we’d be given a bunch by neighbours.

“There was no shortage of them and they tasted so good,” he says. “We came back to New Zealand when I was eight years old, but I’ve never been a fan of supermarket bananas.”

The untapped banana market

Mathew helps run his family’s four-hectare property at Te Puna growing avocados and kiwifruit and until a few years ago, calla lilies were grown in a 1000sqm greenhouse.

“It was going to be pulled down so I wanted to put it to good use. I looked into growing berries but they’re labour intensive so I thought of bananas and how they’re an untapped market. It was a last minute decision and a bit of a punt.”

Two years ago, Mathew bought 155 trees from a subtropical fruit tree grower in Northland.

“It was a long round trip towing the horse float and thinking about how much I needed to learn.

“I knew bananas could be grown here in the Bay – I mean, there are bunches hanging over garden fences all over the place and growers all the way down to Gisborne.

“But yeah, it was a bit of a reality check when I first unloaded them.”

In spite of caterpillar issues in the first year, Mathew has kept his bananas organic which appealed to local eatery Te Puna Deli.

Owner Sam Darragh jumped at the chance to sell locally grown bananas about two months ago.

“We love that they’re chemical free and there’s no freight involved getting them shipped from another country.

“Mathew simply drops them in as he’s passing, and people buy them up as soon as they arrive.

“The mini Cavendish are very sweet and creamy and the ladyfingers are popular. They have a tropical, fruity flavour.”

Everyone’s going bananas

It’s time to harvest the bananas.

Mathew is now selling about 15kg a week through the deli.

“It’s still only early days. Banana palms throw out bigger bunches the older they get. I was told I wouldn’t see fruit for 18 months, but we were picking bananas after eight months.

“I don’t mind the odd blemish but I’m tough on my grading so I still give a lot to family and friends. I’d estimate I’m producing between 20-25kg of bananas a week.”

The waste from the banana palms is used around the orchard.

“We chop and mulch the banana leaves to use around other plants. It’s quite fibrous so creates a nice, thick mulch around the avo’s.

“The ladyfingers grow five metres tall and only fruit once so when we chop it back to waist height, there are a lot of trunks to chop up.”

Bananas that have been imported from South America and the Philippines are harvested green so they don’t ripen during shipping and are fumigated on arrival to kill any bugs.

“I’m not taking my bananas far, so I can leave them to ripen naturally.

“In fact, an indicator is sometimes that a banana splits and that’s when the whole bunch is harvested. That means it’s at optimum flavour when it hits the store.”

It turns out Bay of Plenty is a great place to grow bananas.

“Banana palms are just a grass, really, so as long as they get heaps of water, they’re very happy. In fact, as soon as you get over 28 degrees they struggle.

Mathew takes a stroll through the bananas in the greenhouse.

“I’m even producing ‘double happys’ – two bananas in one skin. People aren’t used to them but once I get more confident with my product, I’ll add them in. For the moment, though, it’s a side line business and I’m just having fun with it.”

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Page 4

The show goes on - for 68 years Morrinsville farmer Walter Scott is retiring after a staggering 68 years of direct involvement with the Morrinsville A&P Show.

His career has seen him contribute on a regional level with the Mid Northern District Council and

at a national level with the Royal Agricultural & Pastoral Society NZ. When he retired this year, he was presented with a medal from the society for Excellence in Agriculture.

Walter was born in 1929 into a second generation dairy farming family on Scott’s Road, Kuranui outside Morrinsville.

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The Morrinsville A&P show was part of the annual calendar for the family.

Walter used to ride horses at the show as a child, not knowing that it was to become such a huge part of his life, spanning seven decades.

“I wanted to get into scientific animal work and was all set to go to Massey, but the war ended, and the places were given to the returning soldiers to refresh them ready to run their soldier settlement blocks.”

War’s over, it’s show time

He left school in 1944 and helped out preparing for the first post war Morrinsville A&P Show at a time when his father was the secretary.

“It had been cancelled two years in a row due to the war and the showgrounds needed a good tidy up. I dug posts in and put up horse jumps and helped rebuild the cattle stalls, and from that show on I was always involved in working bees and organising it.”

He started out on the Morrinsville Show committee and was president for three years.

He was also a judge of beef cattle, dog trials and horse events, and a trained equestrian measurer.

He bought the family farm in the 1960s, The Royal Agricultural Society NZ medal converting it to sheep for Excellence in and beef.

Agriculture awarded to Walter sat on Walter Scott. the MNDC as the Morrinsville representative and held the roles of secretary, vice-president, and president during his time there.

He describes the MNDC as “a really good place to share information and ideas from all the different New Zealand shows”.

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Walter and Tui Scott have shared an involvement with the world of A&P shows for 70 years. All Photos: Catherine Fry.

In 1979, Walter was elected to the RAS executive, rising to Vice-President and then President before stepping down from the role in 1995.

A world of agricultural shows

Walter and his wife Tui have just celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary and she has also enjoyed her husband’s various roles over the years.

Every two years the RAS from all the Commonwealth countries gather at a conference.

“We travelled to two in Australia, two in England, one in Canada, one in Trinidad and Tobago, and one in Ireland. We always took more time for a holiday and have wonderful memories of visiting those countries after conference.”

Walter was “hugely honoured” to chair two sessions of three-day conferences and always enjoyed meeting the 300 delegates, many of whom became lifelong friends.

Over his seven decades of involvement with the Morrinsville show, Walter has seen it be moved to a Saturday, cancelled twice due to flooding, cattle excluded due to M. bovis, and many other challenges and improvements as the town grew and legislation changed.

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Foot-and-mouth vaccines ready to roll Biosecurity officials say New Zealand has guaranteed access to vaccines for foot-and-mouth disease if it is detected here.

Concern has been growing in Australia and New Zealand’s primary industries since it was discovered in Indonesia in May. The disease, which can cause severe lameness and death in cloven-hooved animals including cattle, sheep, pigs, and goats, was also confirmed in the holiday hotspot of Bali last week.

Officials fear contaminated soil could be brought back on people’s shoes as they enter the country, leading to an outbreak.

Biosecurity New Zealand has launched an awareness campaign about the virus, requiring travellers to declare goods, equipment and food that could carry unwanted pests or diseases and state when they have been in contact with livestock.

There is also a one-week stand down period from the time that a person arrives from a country with the disease, to the time they go onto a farm in New Zealand.

Tricky roll-out

Foot-and-mouth vaccines can protect cattle once the virus is detected on a farm, but are tricky to roll out - the virus has a number of strains and the vaccine needs to match the strain that is circulating to be effective.

Biosecurity NZ deputy directorgeneral Stuart Anderson says if the disease is detected here, vaccines could

Working together

Vaccines could be available within days of a foot-and-mouth outbreak.

Photo: Dan Hutchinson.

Stuart says the risk to New Zealand from the Indonesian outbreak remains low, but officials are keeping a close eye on it and are working closely with their Australian counterparts.

An outbreak could have a severe impact on the economy.

Treasury data from 2018 showed an outbreak lasting six months in the North Island alone could result in lost export earnings of $15 billion.

Westpac senior agricultural economist Nathan Penny warned

be ready to roll out within days.

“We have 500,000-odd doses of vaccine covering the nine main strains of foot-and-mouth disease in the UK in a vaccine bank, which is available for our exclusive use, and they can rapidly ramp up manufacturing more if we were to need them,.”

Stuart says the vaccines could be shipped to New Zealand “within a matter of days” if needed.

“And also within a matter of days, they would be manufacturing further doses for us.

“We also have arrangements with other countries to share vaccines, so that’s Australia, Canada, the UK, the US and Ireland.

“We’re seeking research proposals to maintain and improve our agriculture, forestry and land-use inventory,” says MPI’s director of investment programmes Steve Penno.

“The inventory calculates and records greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture in New Zealand, as well as carbon sequestration from forests.

“It will be used to account for

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Funds available for greenhouse gas research The annual funding round for the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Greenhouse Gas Inventory Research fund is open, with $2.1 million on offer.

the rural sector will be hard-hit if an outbreak is detected.

“When we think about the provinces that are heavily exposed to agriculture, their economies are less diverse than somewhere like Auckland, Wellington, or Christchurch, which have a lot more diverse economies, they’ve got manufacturing, they’ve got service centres, and the likes of those economies would rebound faster than provincial centres.

“But that said, we do have some experience in dealing with these sorts of things, we’ve got recent experience in dealing with Mycoplasma bovis, we have got some of the best biosecurity systems in the world, and that could mean that there would be the possibility that rural regions could bounce back from this very quickly.”

“We are all countries that actively work to keep foot-and-mouth disease out, and so we have an arrangement in place that if any of those countries needed vaccines, we would also support each other by allocating some of our doses to each other.”

mitigation technologies as they are developed and implemented on farms in New Zealand.

“It’s also an important tool in enabling New Zealand’s reporting to the New Zealand Greenhouse Gas Inventory and the United Nations under the Paris Climate Agreement.”

Steve says this year MPI is seeking proposals on nine priority areas, ranging from methane to the effects of plants on emissions.

“Accurate information is essential for developing policy and verifying that we’re on the right track in efforts across Aotearoa to reduce agricultural emissions,” says Steve.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Rural women raise school bus concerns The safety of students travelling to and from school is one of the most critical issues facing rural school communities.

Rural Women New Zealand is working with the New Zealand Transport Agency - Waka Kotahi - to improve rural school bus safety and wants to hear of any concerns rural parents may have.

RWNZ is particularly worried that

many drivers are failing to observe the speed restriction for passing a school bus that has stopped to pick children up on the way to school or drop them back home. This is especially a problem in areas where the road speed is 100km/h.

Signs would help

When passing a school bus, vehicles are required by law to limit their speed to 20km/h. This limit applies even if the school bus has stopped on

the opposite side of the road to your direction of travel.

Mary McTavish, RWNZ Region 5 Leader says, for many years, RWNZ has been requesting signs on school buses warning passing drivers to travel at 20km/h if the bus is stationary.

“We have also been asking for all school buses in rural areas to have flashing lights activated by the driver when the bus is slowing to drop off or pick up children,” Mary says.

Such flashing signs on school buses warning of the legal passing speed have been trialled, yet national usage has not been made mandatory.

For some time, RWNZ has raised concerns that the safety of children travelling by bus is further compromised by busy rural roads frequented by large vehicles such as logging trucks and milk tankers.

Sharing experiences

The organisation has also questioned the inconsistent quality and irregular maintenance of rural roads. When combined with inappropriate speeds, poor signage and a diverse range of road users, these issues can lead to serious injuries and fatalities in rural regions.

The 2020 Waka Kotahi Safer Journeys for Schools: guidelines for school communities identified unsafe bus stopping locations and students walking from drop-off points to their homes as a problem, especially for rural schools.

Children keep an eye out as they disembark from a school bus in a rural area.

“Most of our rural roads do not have the luxury of footpaths and areas where a school bus can actually pull off the road are few and far between,” Mary says.

Other issues raised by RWNZ include students having to stand due to a lack of seating and whether there should be safety belts on school buses, particularly when the bus is travelling on the open road.

In order to pass them on to Waka Kotahi for inclusion in the project, RWNZ is calling on all rural residents to send in any experiences they may have regarding these issues to: angela.mcleod@ruralwomennz.nz

Putting farmers in the classroom Farmers are being asked to go back to school as a part of a new educational programme for children called Farmer Time.

The initiative links farmers with primary and intermediate school children through virtual classroom sessions using video call technology.

Students regularly chat live with their matched farmer, gaining an understanding of farming across the seasons and getting real-world examples.

Beef + Lamb Inc CEO Kit Arkwright is keen to see food producers from all sectors get involved.

“Farmer Time puts actual farmers in front of children and gives them genuine insights into how our food is being produced.”

Marie Burke, a sheep and beef and crop farmer from Tairāwhiti/Gisborne region,took part in the pilot.

She is paired with a school in Orewa, Auckland.

“The teachers and children we’ve been matched with have loved learning about what we do.”

Visit: www.farmertime.co.nz for more information.

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 7

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 8

Knowing your numbers Natural Resource Management consultant Warwick Murray is working with Beef + Lamb New Zealand to help farmers measure and manage their greenhouse gas emissions.

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Workshops are being held around the country to help farmers understand their farm emissions and potential mitigation options. The Climate Change Response (Zero Carbon) Amendment Act 2019 set targets for methane (CH4) emissions to be down by 10 per cent by 2030 and 24 to 47 per cent by 2050 – compared with 2017 levels and carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions to net zero, by 2050.

“Pricing agriculture emissions through the Emissions Trading Scheme would just be a tax on production at the processor level. This does not recognise farmers who are already taking steps to manage emissions on farm or create any incentive for behaviour change,” Warwick says.

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The He Waka Eke Noa Primary Sector Climate Action Partnership is a collaboration of 13 industry and government partners including B+LNZ. He Waka Eke Noa means we are all in this together.

“It’s a five- year programme with the aim of designing an alternative framework to the ETS and equipping farmers and growers with the information, tools and support they need to reduce emissions and build resilience to climate change.”

As an alternative to being included in the ETS, HWEN has developed and submitted a proposed farm level split gas emissions pricing scheme to the Government for its consideration. The outcome

will be known later in the year.

As part of HWEN’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gases, all farmers are required to know their farm’s emission numbers by the end of 2022 and must have a plan in place to manage them by January 1, 2025.

“Lots of modelling has been carried out on greenhouse gas emissions and B+LNZ has developed its own calculator to assist sheep and beef farmers to know their numbers.”

Free tools

The calculator is a free tool available on the B+LNZ website which farmers can use at home or attend a workshop.

All information submitted is completely confidential. The workshops help farmers use the calculator to work out their emissions profile and develop their own GHG action plan.

Understanding their emissions profile gives farmers information to assist in future decision making as well as assess the impacts of future emissions pricing or policy.

“While the methane reduction targets are a national target not a specific farm level target, every workshop has consistently seen farmers indicating that they want to do their bit and there are a significant number of farmers interested in attending the workshops.”

Farmers bring their latest set of accounts, fertiliser records and details of areas in native and exotic forestry and shrubland

and are taken through the calculations to understand their own numbers. Each has the opportunity to talk through what they could do to further manage and mitigate their emissions such as production efficiencies, reducing stock numbers or strategic nitrogen and lime use, as well as potential technologies currently under development.

“New Zealand is already a more emissions-efficient meat producer than say the UK or US, but there are still improvements that can continue to be made.”

Warwick cites the sheep industry as an example of breeding more efficient animals.

“In 1991 the average lambing rate was 102 per cent, but in 2021 it had increased to 129 per cent. So, for every kilogram of lamb produced, it’s from less breeding ewes, so less feed is going into maintenance and more into growing lamb so the methane emissions for every kilogram of product is less. I believe these efficiency improvements will continue.”

B+LNZ is rolling out workshops across the country to meet demand.

Thames eyes farmland for residential use Nearly 200 hectares of farmland beside Thames Golf Course is for sale, and agents say large-scale housing could be in its future.

The farm is on the southeastern boundary of Thames and Thames-Coromandel District Council has flagged it as a site for medium-density housing.

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Over the past decade, fewer than 40 houses have been built per year in Thames, and a council report says well-paying jobs are going unfilled and employees are commuting from areas such as Hamilton, Paeroa and Huntly.

But the 188-hectare farm block for sale – 9528 Paeroa Kopu Road – has been flagged as having potential for a future housing development.

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 9

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More fun than a sneeze Pine pollen containing a rare natural source of plant-based testosterone could give a lift to New Zealand’s forestry sector.

Pine Pollen New Zealand Limited, trading under the name Bio Gold, has received $288,500 in Government funding through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund (SFF Futures).

The funding is to lay the foundations for a pine pollen industry in New Zealand.

Pine pollen has been consumed for health and wellbeing in China, South Korea and Japan for more than 3000 years and contains naturallyoccurring testosterone.

The bee’s knees

“We’ve furthered our research and development work for the past 18 months with the help of SFF Futures funding to understand how the biochemistry of New Zealand pine pollen differs in relation to factors such as species, genetics, location, and more.

Bio Gold founder Carl Meyer says there has been a new wave of interest from the natural health industry in the United States and Canada.

People take pine pollen as a dietary Be involved “We’ve also compared our supplement to support energy levels, pollen to that from overseas hormonal balance, immune function, – and it’s looking very and overall wellbeing. promising,” Carl says.

Pine pollen is the fine yellow powder released by pine trees every spring, forming part of the reproductive life cycle of the tree. The powder is produced inside the catkin male flower - of pine trees.

“We’ve spent years working out which specific type of Pinus radiata yields the best pollen. It’s not a matter of using any old pine tree, it’s very complex and you’ve got to really know what you’re doing. Safety and quality are our top priorities.”

Carl says the final product is expensive because the seasonal window for pine pollen is often less than three weeks.

Pollen is harvested near Hanmer Springs and Researchers are hoping a bit of Kiwi Kaikōura from trees on land pollen could enhance performance, owned and operated by Ngāi libido, and vitality, to create Tahu Forestry. a whole new industry.

Carl says Bio Gold is open to exploring partnerships with investors, and health companies to help scale things up. other forest owners across “We encourage people to reach out New Zealand, and wants to to us.” connect with entrepreneurs,

Putting health and welfare first Tāne Mahuta NZ Ltd has made the forestry industry proud, taking out the Māori Agribusiness Award at the 2022 Primary Industries Good Employer Awards.

The Bay of Plenty contractors were also finalists in the Supreme Award.

Hosted by MPI, the Good Employer Awards are a time to celebrate their passion towards supporting employees by putting their health, welfare and wellbeing first.

Tāne Mahuta NZ Ltd directors Wini and Simon Geddes were in attendance to accept their award

for Māori Agribusiness, recognising employers who drive good employment practices.

Speaking about their win, Simon and Wini said: “We congratulate the Tane Mahuta team in making this achievement possible”.

“From our Rangatahi Kaimahi in the Ngahere to the Administration team supporting each one of us. They are the testament of what can be achieved by believing in the kaupapa (purpose).”

Tāne Mahuta has 45 years’ experience in the forestry industry. It’s kaupapa is to train, qualify, and employ rangatahi (young people) to work on their own whenua (land).

In 2014, the company launched a youth-focused programme for rangatahi who are unemployed and facing social issues like drug addiction, criminal activity, violence and a relationship breakdown with whānau, hapū or marae.

The programme has successfully reduced psychosocial issues that affect the ability of rangatahi to be employed and engage in healthy, positive whānau, and community activities and relationships. To date, Tāne Mahuta has trained, qualified and employed more than 450 rangatahi.

Forest Industry Contractors Association CEO Prue Younger says it is “awesome” to see one of its members doing forestry proud.

“Tāne Mahuta have got their people at the forefront of their business, and it shows in the results they’ve achieved through their innovative programmes,” Prue says.

“It’s great to see this positive forestry story on the national stage – they deserve all the recognition, and FICA congratulates directors Wini and Simon for doing us proud.”

MAIZE, CROPPING & SPRING PLANTING

Page 11

Peace of mind is undervalued

We have been getting a bit of rain for the past few months now.

From July 1-20, we have had 183mm at the yard in Paengaroa, compared with 45mm last year for the same period.

Up at the farm at Ohauiti, we have had 336mm for the first 20 days of July, compared with 109mm last year.

Soil temperature is ranging from 7.313.5 degC but now we are getting warmer rain so we are getting some good grass growth.

Since May 15 we have had 565mm compared with 364mm last year at the yard and 907mm at the farm, compared with 596mm last year.

It is bloody wet and we are getting more than 100mm most weeks. If you thought it was wet that’s because it is. At least we are a lot better off than those people further south.

along with fuel and wages.

Foot and mouth disease is in Indonesia, including Bali, so people have to be very vigilant. All they have to do is track mud back in on their shoes and we are in big trouble.

Australia has just had a scare with some imported pork from China testing positive for foot and mouth which was found in Melbourne. It is more likely to have come from imports than tourists but we all need to be very vigilant.

We are vulnerable so people need to be honest about visiting these places and clean their footwear.

Cows have started calving so farmers are gearing up for that. Continued wet weather will make it hard so people need to take care with their pastures because they take so long to recover after getting pugged.

A hard winter for dairy grazing

Be prepared for everything

The past few years has been dry but those water tables are well and truly built up now.

By the time you have read this all of our winter grazers will have gone home to their farms. It has been a hard winter for dairy grazers and getting condition on stock. Our efficiency has been pretty low because it has been so wet.

We have only just been able to maintain body weight because they use a lot of energy moving around the paddock when it’s cold and wet.

We have minimised pugging as much as we can by increasing break sizes and putting them on hillside stand-off areas and trying to give them the high ground areas.

It’s a real balancing act and that’s what most farmers are doing. It has certainly been a challenging winter for grazing.

We are still struggling with labour shortages as everyone is competing in the same market for labour – pickers and packers and even the construction industry and ports along with the farming sector.

I’ve spent four months trying to replace one staff member. It’s hard to get good staff and it’s going to be challenging for the next maize season ahead.

Fertiliser and chemical costs are still well up

There could be a feed shortage unless these mild conditions continue. I am still getting inquiries for feed. There is quite a shortage of silage and hay and straw still.

We will be making more by October but that is still a long way off.

We certainly don’t want the hot temperatures they have been getting in Europe. People just need to be mindful of what can happen and have a bit up their sleeve in case. If you don’t use it now, you will use it later and the cheapest option is to buy it out of the paddock on the day it is harvested.

You don’t want to be worrying about how to feed your cows and I’m going to be decreasing my stock numbers just in case.

We tend to follow Europe’s weather pattern and the forecasters are now saying we could be in for another hot and dry summer so be warned!

It could very well happen. There are weather extremes happening all around the world.

It almost seems like there are only two seasons a year now – a wet season and a dry season.

People need to be organised and plan ahead. If you get it ordered early it is money in the bank. In my opinion peace of mind is undervalued.

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Page 12

MAIZE, CROPPING & SPRING PLANTING

MAIZE, CROPPING & SPRING PLANTING

Page 13

Two new high-performing hybrids two new hybrids have the potential to help farmers grow more feed to utilise when they need it.

Excellent digestibility

VP399 (89 CRM) is a very short maturity hybrid for the upper North Island. It delivers the next level of silage yield performance with a tall, bulky plant with strong roots, stalks, and great drought tolerance. VP399 also has good staygreen which provides harvest flexibility while producing silage with excellent digestibility.

It is a widely adapted hybrid and will find its home in the Bay of Plenty.

VP611 (111 CRM) is a full maturity hybrid for the upper North

Barry Smallridge has two new high performing hybrids now available.

The weather in New Zealand can be a farmer’s nemesis, with regular challenges being thrown up at all times of the year.

Drier-than-normal summers and heavy rain experienced in the winter can limit pasture utilisation leaving farmers more reliant on supplementary feed.

A cost-effective option

Choosing the right supplement for a pasturebased system is a complex decision and with the cost of imported feed rapidly rising over the past 12 months there are few cost-effective options out there. However, maize silage grown on-farm, utilising excess nutrients in effluent paddocks, remains a cost-effective option.

At current prices PKE landed on-farm is over

50c/kgDM while maize silage grown in an effluent paddock can be harvested and stacked for under 20c/kgDM. Maize produces high dry matter yields allowing farmers to increase the total amount of feed harvested from high-cost dairy land.

These high yields help remove excess potassium and nitrogen that build up over time in effluent ground.

Island and is an imposing, highly productive hybrid. VP611 is a tall, erect-leaf hybrid with very good standability and drought tolerance.

In situations where you want to maximise yield, VP611 has great standability, notable late season foliar health and staygreen delivering a long silage harvest window. It also delivers high grain yields making it a great option for maize silage.

To discuss the benefits of maize silage and to see if either of these two new hybrids are right for you, contact Barry Smallridge - VPMaxx account manager, Bay of Plenty: 027 801 9992 or email: bsmallridge@nzsh.co.nz

Barry Smallridge - VPMaxx account manager, Bay of Plenty

STOCK TRACTORS

Potential to grow more

When it comes to delivering high-quality, cost-effective feed, VPMaxx is excited to introduce two new high-yielding hybrids to its line up this season.

In a year where yield matters VP399 (89 CRM) and VP611 (111 CRM) can provide high yields whilst maintaining good quality silage. These

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Page 14

MAIZE, CROPPING & SPRING PLANTING

Control YBG (before it seeds)

Yellow Bristle Grass is difficult to identify as a young plant.

It’s vital to knock it over before it seeds and really starts spreading in summer. That’s why you should spray with Dockstar ® now.

Increasingly prevalent on the North Island, particularly dairy pastures, YBG is a serious pasture production limiting weed. Dockstar, a selective herbicide, is kind to clover, ryegrass and tall fescue. And with a nil stock withholding period, using it makes grazing management much easier.

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MAIZE, CROPPING & SPRING PLANTING

A true ‘multi-tasker’ Gypsum is well known as the ‘clay breaker’ for improving soil structure in clay soils.

Often gypsum’s other benefits are overlooked.

Due to its many features, gypsum is a true multitasker that can support healthy crop establishment and plant growth by improving soil structure, aeration, and water infiltration.

New Zealand soils are known to be sulphur deficient and gypsum is an excellent source of calcium and sulphur for plant nutrition and for improving crop yield.

As an economical, low-cost option gypsum supplies 18 per cent sulphur and 24 per cent calcium.

Improved maize yields Calcium is an essential nutrient, affecting mineral uptake and is one of the priority nutrients to be balanced in the soil.

Having good levels of calcium is important as it governs cell wall strength, plant resilience as well as plant growth and crop quality.

Sulphur is part of an enzyme used in metabolising nitrates and in the production of quality proteins.

Gypsum also reduces phosphorus movement out of the field into waterways.

Used as a clay breaker, the sulphate in gypsum bonds with excess magnesium in the soil creating

magnesium sulphate which is very easily leached from the root profile.

With the correct ratios of magnesium, calcium, and potassium this will allow soils to breathe and increase water infiltration and drainage through the soil profile.

Research on crops of maize and wheat has shown gypsum applied at 1000kg/Ha with the recommended application of nitrogen fertiliser, improves maize yields.

Gypsum has been used for many years to improve soil particle aggregation and porosity.

Multiple benefits The Soil Science Society of America mentions that gypsum makes calcium and sulphur nutrients more available to plants than other common sources of these nutrients.

Finely ground gypsum particles are small and uniform in size making them quite reactive which can be a real benefit.

As a moderately-soluble mineral, surface-applied gypsum leaches down to the subsoil where it increases the precipitation of aluminium in acid soils, inhibiting aluminium uptake and promoting deeper rooting of plants.

When roots are more abundant and can grow deeper into the soil profile, they take up more water and nutrients, even during the drier periods of a growing season.

Gypsum can decrease and prevent crust formation on the soil surface which result from rain drops or sprinkler irrigation on unstable soil. Prevention of crust formation means greater seed emergence, more rapid seed emergence and establishment.

People can refer to the per cent base saturation on their soil lab test report. As a rough guide calcium should be between 60-80 per cent, magnesium 10-20 per cent and potassium 3-5 per cent.

This will depend on soil type; clay soil can hold higher levels of calcium than sandy soil. Talk to your fertiliser advisor for further information and guidance.

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Page 15

FARM VEHICLES & MACHINERY

Page 16

A very rare Ferguson

Rob van der Kooy’s Ferguson TEC 20 was in dire need of restoration.

The grin on his face says it all in the photo of toddleraged Rob van der Kooy, perched in front of his father Leen, on an early Ferguson.

He has loved tractors from a very young age, always favouring the Ferguson or Massey Ferguson brands he first knew as a child.

He’s been collecting for about 35 years and one of his favourites is a 1948 Ferguson TEC 20, with the TE standing for Tractor England.

“I bought mine from Masterton, from someone who had bought it to renovate but hadn’t done it.

“It was in a sorry state with a seized engine,” says Rob.

Making some modifications

The TEC 20 was made in the UK between 1948 and 1956 and there are only about 12 in New Zealand, so they are quite rare.

“They are a smaller tractor that was designed for orchard or vineyard type use and much narrower to get between the rows. They had solid centre wheels and early style tyres.

“The front hubs were covered with car type press-on hub caps to ensure that the crops didn’t become entangled in the hubs or wheel nuts.”

Other modifications included special brackets to inset the rear mudguards when the wheels were used on a narrower setting. The levelling lever was modified to a tommy bar type and the lower links had a set in them.

Due to lack of space, the two independent brake

Rob van der Kooy behind the wheel of the fully restored Ferguson TEC 20.

pedals were changed from an elliptical shape with a serrated edge for foot grip, to a flat bar turned up at the inside end.

Fully rebuilt

“The TEC 20 has a 4-cylinder petrol engine, and eight gears with a reduction box for slow, accurate planting and cultivation work.”

Rob took the tractor apart and put it all back together after cleaning everything, restoring or replacing parts. He says his friends at the Friends of Ferguson Heritage Ltd and Waikato Vintage

Toddler Rob rides with his father Leen on an early Ferguson circa 1955.

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TEC 20

Page 17

Rob van der Kooy behind the wheel of the fully-restored Ferguson TEC 20.

Rob has a selection of vintage attachments ready and waiting. continued...

Tractor and Machinery Club Inc. are always keen to assist with restoring each other’s tractors.

“I got parts from friends’ sheds, tractor wreckers, and many are also available new from several different companies.”

The TEC 20 now sits fully restored, looking like new with a smart Ferguson Stoneleigh

Grey paint job.

Rob shows the tractor and arranges shed visits for his tractor collection.

“At Queen’s Birthday weekend 70 people visited and we all sat down to a meal, so the tractors are a great way to socialise with like-minded people.” Catherine Fry

The fully restored engine.

Photo: Rob van der Kooy

Last section of Waikato Expressway now open The Hamilton Section of the Waikato Expressway is now open, marking the final chapter of a 30-year roading project to improve safety, reduce travel times, and boost economic growth.

Transport Minister Michael Wood says it’s “terrific” to see the last 22-kilometre piece of the Expressway falling into place.

“This road connects Auckland to the agriculture and business centres of the Waikato and will improve economic growth and

productivity in the region.

“The full 102km Waikato Expressway will also reduce travel times between Auckland and Tirau by 35 minutes for approximately 20,000 vehicles a day.”

The Hamilton section is the biggest roading project in Waikato’s history and runs from Ngāruawāhia in the north to the existing Tamahere interchange south of Hamilton.

It’s the final piece in the four-laning of State Highway 1 between Bombay and south of Cambridge.

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FARM VEHICLES & MACHINERY

Page 18

Milk moves with the current New Zealand’s first electric milk tanker, Milk-E, has been officially launched by the Minister for Energy and Resources, Dr Megan Woods, in Morrinsville.

Named by Fonterra farmer Stephen Todd from Murchison, Milk-E is part of Fonterra’s fleet decarbonisation work.

Fonterra chief operating officer Fraser Whineray says the team is constantly looking at how it can decrease emissions on farm, at processing sites and throughout the transport network.

“The team here at our Morrinsville Workshop have done a fantastic job of pulling this tanker together. Being a New Zealand first, there’s been a lot of creative thinking and Kiwi ingenuity to bring Milk-E to life.”

Changes to the battery configuration provide an opportunity to try other additions to improve milk collection efficiency, reduce safety concerns, and reduce the amount of work required to customise a Fonterra tanker.

A battery swap system is being The Milk-E has been installed at the adapted by Fonterra’s team at Waitoa site - where Morrinsville to make it even more efficient.

Milk-E will be based - to trial how this Authority group manager investment and could work within a fleet to minimise downtime engagement Nicki Sutherland says they are pleased from battery charging. to see the project come to life.

“It’s been great to see the team turn challenges “New Zealand has ambitious targets to rapidly into opportunities so in addition to trialling reduce carbon emissions, and transport is key, but Milk-E’s on-road ability, we’re also trialling a new heavy freight has proven hard to decarbonise. If electric pump, hose configuration and cabinetry,” successful, this project could be replicated across a Fraser says. number of New Zealand businesses.”

Fonterra received co-funding from the The electric milk tanker will operate out of Fonterra’s Waitoa site, which Fraser says is very Government’s Low Emissions Transport Fund, which is administered by the Energy Efficiency and fitting given it was the site of New Zealand’s largest fleet of electric milk trucks 100 years ago.

Conservation Authority.

Driverless tractors set to become a reality The Ministry for Primary Industries is giving $622,360 from its Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund to help develop a prototype tractor, which is set to transform the productivity of trellised orchards.

The Smart Machine Company is taking the lead on the project, and contributing $945,520.

“The tractor will be able to perform several tasks, including canopy spraying, mulching, mowing, trimming, and leaf defoliation,” says MPI’s director of investment programmes Steve Penno.

“As well as lowering carbon emissions, we could expect to see reduced spray drift, and improved soil and tree health.

“By improving orchard productivity sustainably, we could increase the value of crops like apples by meeting the growing demand for products made with less impact on the environment.”

Smart Machine CEO Andrew Kersley says the goal is to develop a fully electric tractor but they need to be sure it will be suitable for remote rural areas. Some orchard tractors run 20 hours a day.

Smart Machine is working on a diesel hydraulic system with some electric components, with the view to converting to full electric later on.

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FARM HOUSING

Page 19

Demand grows for complete package

It is common for the finishing – plastering, painting, wallpapering etc – of transportable homes to be conducted once they have arrived, safely at the client’s property. Not so with homes from Transportabuilt Limited.

Owners and builders Reece Croasdale and Peter Shaw say they are so confident in the unique aspects of the build quality of their homes that all finishing, with the exception of drapes, is conducted before they leave the yard.

“The various stressors of transportation often cause movement in transportable homes – our homes are not subject to that thanks to a subflooring system which features galvanized steel bearers as well as ply bracing installed precladding,” Reece says.

“Peter and I are both builders by trade with

more than 25 years’ experience and developed the company to design and build quality homes – both transportable and on site.

“We have a range of designs – from 10sqm to 140sqm – but our design team is able to adapt plans to suit the requirements of clients.

“Irrespective of size, our philosophy is to build a quality home which will last for years and generations. Demand for our transportable homes is growing with farmers, dependant persons, lifestyle block owners – anyone requiring additional accommodation.

“The quality of the build means that today’s buyers have the reassurance that, if and when the additional accommodation is no longer needed, the home can be sold and moved to another owner.”

Word of mouth by satisfied owners has seen demand for Transportabuilt homes grow across the greater Waikato, BOP and Auckland regions.

South Waikato retirees get set for a super village Putāruru born and bred property developer Tim Bartells is returning to the South Waikato town to build a $200 million, 254 villa retirement village starting in October this year.

Bartells says Putāruru Country Estate will include 254 mixed size villas from 95m2 to 185m2 along with a 2000m2 five-star resort quality recreation and community facility incorporating a heated

swimming pool, spa, gym, picture theatre, restaurant and café, library, doctors’ rooms, snooker and pool tables, grand piano, Menz shed, bowling green, virtual golf and more.

“The 16-hectare site on Kennedy Drive is a very attractive rural setting bordering the Putāruru Golf Course, rugby and soccer clubs. Putāruru Country Estate will have an aged care facility which will provide rest home hospital and dementia care.”

FARM HOUSING

Page 20

Enjoy peace of mind with a transportable EcoPod dwelling 30+ customisable plans | 10 Year Builder’s Warranty Full service project management available | NZ Made

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Fraemohs Homes has been building architectural, healthy and environmentally sustainable homes for more than 50 years.

Building homes with this ethos is what attracted Richelle and Fraser Marsh (Waikato) and Amy and Simon Hunt (Bay of Plenty) to bring the Fraemohs’ brand to the central North Island.

Both couples have young children and see the importance of doing their bit to preserve the planet, through the use of locally sourced products and materials that not only complement but accentuate the quality homes that clients love to live in.

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The Fraemohs’ range features Scandinavian inspired designs for modern, light-filled homes, ranging from 32m2 right up to 300m2.

The company builds conventional houses but the real point of difference is its solid timber homes.

Built from sustainable New Zealand pine, these homes are carbon negative on completion, meaning they actually reduce the amount of CO2 in the atmosphere.

The incredible self-insulating properties of wood make these houses warm, dry and healthy to live in.

They are strong and made to last – what’s

Wood provides stunning looks and exceptional natural qualities.

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Amy and Simon recently completed a stunning show home that you can visit in Tauranga and Richelle and Fraser are about to commence construction of the Manapouri – the jewel of the Fraemohs solid timber plan range - in the Waikato

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We will be at the Fieldays showcasing one of our solid timber transportable plans – the Mackenzie Gable.

Come and see them at site RL57. They would love to meet you and show you just how special these homes are.

Builders get breathing space over new rules

SADA MA

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New Zealand Certified Builders is welcoming the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment’s decision to delay new insulation standards.

Most of the changes to the energy efficiency ratings (H1) component of the building code, will now take effect from May 2023.

NZCB’s newly appointed chief executive, Malcolm Fleming says while the full suite of changes were due to take effect in November this year, the deferral of all of the changes other than

those relating to window glazing, gives the industry and government time to work together to address challenges to implementing the new requirements.

“The building industry is already experiencing significant pressure from supply chain constraints, skill shortages and price escalation for building materials, in the context of ongoing high levels of building demand. Deferring the timeframe for the new insulation standards recognises more time is needed to enable the industry to be ready to implement them effectively.”

The new regulations aim to reduce the energy needed for heating homes by up to 40 per cent. They double roof insulation requirements, increase the performance requirements for windows, and raise requirements for underfloor insulation.

“As well as the availability of products to meet the new requirements, builders need to adapt to new methods of design and construction, which requires system-wide training.”

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FARM HOUSING

Page 21

Quick and clever farm accommodation house building, especially in current market conditions, and a speed that seems to appeal to our rural customers.

“We also have pre-consented homes ready to be built now and with our good material supplies; we can still ensure reduced build times.

“Even better we can offer a fixed price contract.”

Rhys says farmers have a lot on their plates and must be experts in several fields within their farming business, but by dealing with Keith Hay Homes, they can choose a

house, have it delivered and have Keith Hay Homes deal to the septic tanks, water tanks, and other aspects required.

“They can have confidence their new house meets today’s standards, and we know that by providing quality accommodation, farmers are able to attract and retain staff.

“Farmers can be assured, not only will their house be warm, dry, and liveable, but they can have confidence Keith Hay Homes will be here next week, next month, and next year.”

Keith Hay Homes has plans specifically suited to farmers.

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Keith Hay Homes has proudly provided housing to the rural community since 1938.

“We understand Kiwi farmers have certain requirements for their farm housing,” says Hamilton branch manager Rhys Jellie.

“Things like a covered space to take off wet weather gear, attached carports or space for a deep

consideration in our house designs.”

Farmers often come to Keith Hay Homes saying they need a new house quickly.

“We carry a selection of prebuilt houses in our yard. We’ve had new homes on site in six weeks from first enquiry.

“That’s a time frame not normally expected of

Te Puke eyes more seasonal housing Western Bay of Plenty District Council is updating its local housing rules to reflect a new law being introduced by central government in a bid to speed up housing developments.

Some of the changes will mean more areas will be available for seasonal worker housing.

The Medium Density Residential Standards, which come into effect on August 20, enable up to three houses to be built three storeys high on most sections in medium density residential zones without needing resource consent.

Building consents will still be required.

There are nine rules that must be met for the activity to be permitted, including the height restrictions, and having a minimum outdoor living space.

Council’s senior policy analyst Jodie Rickard says the changes being led by Government mean Te

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Auckland 1147 0800 370 007 Some promising developmentsPhone: are Email: info@biorock.co.nz 021 645 199 already in the pipeline, including two large projects that will create WWW.BIOROCK.CO.NZ more than 700 new lots. These subdivisions are in the Dunlop Road/MacLoughlin Drive area and are either being marketed now or expected to come on stream this year.

A proposal for a private plan change, off the end of Seddon Street and Harris Street, is also being investigated and would create a further 145 lots.

New houses provided for under the MDRS include properties suited to renters and seasonal workers and multi-generational households, and could help to address overcrowding and better co-ordination of public and transitional housing.

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Third generation farmers, Raman and Tarj Singh moved to their current farm at Tauhei in 2014.

All Photos: Catherine Fry

There has been a member of Tarj Singh’s family dairy farming in the Waikato since 1913.

to school, sometimes in our overalls. Most days, Mum brought the cows in ready for when we got home, then we did the afternoon milking.”

Today Tarj and his wife Raman are proud third generation farmers. Their three children Savanna, 28, Sarj, 23, and Sanjana, 12, have all been encouraged to pursue their own careers, but they all have a fierce loyalty to their family heritage and view their lives as inextricably part of the farm.

The first family member to emigrate to New Zealand initially broke in land and dairy farmed in the Thames area. Their children remained in New Zealand when their parents returned to India.

Tarj’s grandfather kept upsizing his farms, finally settling in Gordonton for many years.

Tarj’s father worked at the dairy factory and his two uncles ran the farm.

“My twin brother Balraj and I loved helping our uncles on the farm, and when they went to Australia when we were 15, we decided to take on the milking for our grandfather,” Tarj says.

“We got up at 4.30am, milked, ate and went

In 1992 Tarj went over to India to marry Raman and the family say he asked her one question when he met her, “will you milk cows?”.

Luckily Raman had grown up on an arable farm in India and was more than happy to move to New Zealand with her new husband and milk cows.

The couple owned and sold two farms before moving to their current farm at Tauhei in 2014.

The flat, 95ha farm has a mixture of clay and consolidated peat soils which comfortably accommodates 250 Holstein Friesian cows.

“We have a stocking rate of 2.6 cows per hectare which suits our land and takes into account our big cows. The cows are also well fed, so they spend less time walking around foraging and damaging the pasture.”

Tarj’s grandfather had a “nice” herd of Holsteins, so Tarj and Raman bought Holsteins as their first herd. Using AI and embryo transfer, the family

Farm and family

...continued

Page 23

grow together continued...

have been incorporating overseas genetics into their herd and all their cows are registered.

The farm is a System 2-3, and the herd is fed all-year-round on the feedpad. About 450 tonnes of maize is grown on-farm, along with grass silage, and PK is brought in.

A rye grass and clover mixture pasture grows well on the land yielding an expected annual milk production of 125,000 kg/MS. Calving is split, but each season it is being adjusted until it is fully autumn calving.

“It’s better to dry the cows off in mid to late Feb as milking in 30 degrees isn’t pleasant for the cows or the people milking. The cows still milk well in lower temperatures as our winters are becoming milder,” says son, Sarj.

Wider horizons

While Tarj and Raman are still managing the farm between them, they have encouraged their children to go out into the world and get degrees and careers off farm as the farm will always be there.

“I worked on the farm as a child, but I went to uni and graduated with a Bachelor of Business Analysis, majoring in Economics and Agribusiness.

“It’s led to me working for Fonterra and then as a rural and a business banker,” Savanna says.

She now lives in Auckland with her husband Jas, who came off a dairy farm in India. He also has a keen interest in farming, but for now, both are working in the financial sector.

Sarj didn’t know what he wanted to do after school, so he attended Massey University and graduated with an Agribusiness degree.

“When I’d finished university, I realised that I actually did have a passion for farming.

The extended Singh Family – back, from left is Savanna Gill, Sanjana, Raman, and at the front is Jas Gill, Sarj and Tarj.

The fourth generation - Savanna, Sanjana and Sarj – continue to be passionate about the land.

“I’m currently working at Open Country Dairy as a milk supply manager.

“I work part time on the farm, but I love meeting people and learning as I go in my day job,” Sarj says.

Twelve year old Sanjana is considering becoming a vet when she leaves school.

The children describe Tarj and Raman as “old school farmers who work really hard”, and their parents are happy to leave the paperwork side of things to Savanna and Sarj.

Sarj is keen on bringing in new ideas and technology and is very much involved in the running of the farm, although implementing change can result in robust discussion with his parents.

The fourth generation is committed to the growth and continuity of their family farm.

“While I may never work on the farm myself, it’s our family’s legacy and we would never sell it. Who knows what the future holds, but one thing we do know is that we will always be part of it,” says Savanna.

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Page 24

Searching for sweet success A Tauranga couple has entered two unique New Zealand honeys to go head-to-head with the best in the world at an international competition.

Jody and Ralph Mitchell from Kaimai Range Honey are hoping to impress the judges at the Apimondia International Apicultural World Beekeeping Awards being held in Istanbul from August 24-28.

ApiNZ chief honey judge Maureen

Conquer says the Mitchell’s honeys - made from Tawari and Rewarewa - shine on the world stage as great examples of honey.

“We’re famous for our manuka honey but it’s an acquired taste and doesn’t always translate around the world. Both Tawari and Rewarewa honeys take a lot of skill from beekeepers to produce, “I’m very proud of our honey – it is some of the purest in the world and has exquisite flavour.”

Jody and Ralph have 1300 hives on their Kaimai Ranges property and they also provide local pollination services.

“They are extremely good beekeepers and have worked hard over many years. Their care of their bees is extremely high quality and they’re also developing a lot of organic hives,” Maureen says.

“They’ve done well at the nationals for many years, so I encouraged them to send honey to the worlds.”

Kaimai Range Honey has placed in the top three of the NZ Apicultural National Honey Awards every year since it first entered in 2009.

They’ve also won the Quintessential Honey of NZ and Commercial Beekeepers of the Year Awards.

“I’d love Jody to join the panel of judges at the national competition. I value her palate, her knowledge, and her enthusiasm.

She and Ralph have done a lot of research into what their consumers want and have travelled to Italy to study honey sensory analysis to learn how to create the best honey. They’ve put

Jody and Ralph Mitchell are heading to Istanbul for the World Beekeeping Awards.

in extra effort and the quality of their products shows that.”

Coast & Country News will visit the Mitchells in August after the awards announcement.

Debbie Griffiths

The end of the road for car thieves and crime Farmgate is planning to roll out up to 50 roadside stolen vehicle detection cameras across New Zealand, focused in rural communities.

Farmgate managing director Andrew Sing says they have an ambitious goal to reduce rural crime by 50 per cent through partnering with rural communities and will be investing in safe rural community strategies over the next 12 months.

Farmgate uses German-made Mobotix Artificial Intelligence cameras that detect number plates –

which are then compared to the NZ Police stolen vehicle database.

Police are also notified when a stolen vehicle is picked up on a Farmgate camera.

“Farmgate has invested heavily in the best possible tech to ensure we shut down stolen vehicles entering our rural communities.”

Members of the public are encouraged to download the free Farmgate Networks app on their device to be notified when a stolen vehicle is detected in their postcode.

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Page 25

and big goals

Ed Roskam talks about his future farming goals. Photo: Catherine Fry.

New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards Waikato Dairy Trainee of the year Edward Roskam already has his career goals mapped out at the age of 19.

because I knew what I wanted to do. My mum persuaded me to do a Gateway course first and I experienced several other areas of work, but it was always going to be farming for me.”

Since winning this year’s award, he has left his parents’ Matamata dairy farm to take up a 2IC role in Roto-o-Rangi and is excited about the new opportunity.

A fourth generation dairy farmer, Ed grew up on his parents’ dairy farm and has been milking since he was 11-years-old.

“I wanted to leave school at 16

Well rounded knowledge

awareness around industry issues and environmental best practice.

He was awarded the Milk Bar Farming Knowledge Award after he answered most key questions correctly, with confidence and clarity.

He also received the Dairy NZ Practical Skills Award, impressing the judges by completing tasks with enthusiasm, efficiency, and a positive attitude.

“When I entered the awards, I thought what have I got to lose? It was a really good experience and I look forward to entering other categories as my career progresses.”

Ed has completed his Level 3 - Animal Husbandry and is currently studying for his Level 4 - Dairy Farming.

Eager to learn

Supportive employers who help with his goals, learning new knowledge about the dairy industry, and using the new technology that is available is what motivates Ed. “My move to the new farm was because I wanted to learn a different production system and new skills. My parents run an all-grass based System 1 and this farm runs a System 4/5 with summer PK supplement,

and excess goat feed from a nearby farm and maize during the winter.”

Ed reports to contract milker Zac van Dorsten. His parents had a Jersey herd of 230, and now Ed is working with 550 Jerseys split into two herds and supplying A2 milk.

He has set himself the goal of becoming a dairy farm manager in June 2024 and entering the NZDIA Dairy Farm Manager of the Year. He has his sights set on becoming a contract milker in 2026.

For now Ed is enthusiastically embracing his new role.

He was completing his third season with parents Michael and Angela Roskam when he entered and won the Waikato Dairy Trainee of the year, also receiving two Merit Awards.

The judges noted his broad and wellrounded knowledge of dairy farming and that he showed a good level of

Food programme finds a way United Fresh New Zealand has won the Primary Industries NZ Summit Team Award for its work delivering 300,000 boxes of fresh fruit and vegetables to whānau during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

The management team of five were responsible for the development of the Fruit and Vegetable Box Project, which was set up to address food shortages and provide an outlet for fresh produce that had been destined for restaurants, tourism outlets, cruise ships and airline catering.

The project was an adaption of United Fresh’s Ministry of Health-

funded initiative, Fruit & Vegetables in Schools.

United Fresh general manager Paula Dudley says school closures meant the fruit and vegetables could not be delivered and more than 120,000 tamariki could miss out on vital nutrition every day.

With approval, funding was redirected and a proposal sent to the Ministry for Primary Industries for further assistance. They secured a donation of 700 boxes of fruit nd vegetables from Foodstuffs and used existing supply chain relationships to send over 10 tonnes of produce to foodbanks and City Missions.

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Page 26

the back country

NZ Adventures offers a wide range of four wheel drive and back country tours throughout the South Island, including the ‘Roll on Waitaki five day’ in 2023.

The natural splendor of the Waitaki River and Waitaki Basin are features of the tour.

Roll On Waitaki came about because many of those doing the tours are farmers or interested in farming. This trip is based around the Waitaki River Valley and the Mackenzie Basin.

Striking a balance

The tour takes in a wide range of countryside, farming types and systems and strikes a balance between discussing farming with the farmers and looking around the back roads and tracks of a scenic region.

The tour sets off from the South Canterbury town of Fairlie and almost immediately heads into the hill country to the south of the town.

It is extensive sheep and beef country and there is

a chance to have an early morning tea with landowners in the Albury district.

In the afternoon the tour continues into the Hunter Hills and eventually breaks out onto the Waitaki Plains and makes its way to Oamaru for the night.

Day two sees the tour head to an impressive family-owned quarry just west of Oamaru where limestone is mined for things like construction material, special decorative works, fertilisers and roading.

The mighty mountains

The tour then continues up the Waitaki for a farm lunch and an afternoon spent on a Kurow sheep and beef farm. The next two nights is in Omarama.

On Day three the tour visits a large and impressive dairy operation close to Omarama before venturing east into the high and rocky country near

Lake Benmore and the home of fine wool merino sheep.

The contrast from morning to afternoon could not be greater.

Day four sees the tour heading north through Twizel and then onto a large, intensive sheep and beef farm where the scenery is spectacular including the near constant presence of Mt Cook.

In the afternoon the tour heads 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 fine wool farm. There is again plenty of opportunity to both drive over the big property and discuss farm management in a relatively extreme climate with the farmers.

In the afternoon a river valley track takes the tour through steep country out onto the Canterbury Plains, with the tour ending in Geraldine.

Winning ways for Whiritoa Orchards Whiritoa Orchards is the 2022 Regional Supreme Winner in the Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Run by the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust, the awards champion sustainable farming and growing.

Led by orchard manager Helen Scott, Whiritoa Orchards grows both conventional and organic gold kiwifruit.

Since purchasing the property, Māori

Investments Limited has extensively developed the orchards into healthy, well-performing businesses.

Establishing good drainage and restoring soil health across the orchards has paid off with an additional 10,000 trays of kiwifruit per hectare. Whiritoa Orchards is focused on caring for land, plants and employees. The judges were impressed by how Māor knowledge provides a foundation to the team’s approach.

A field day was being held on July 26.

Page 27

Are you taking a joint supplement? (Part 1) They say death and taxes are the only certainties, but osteoarthritis must be close to this list.

The sales of worldwide joint and bone supplements are a staggering US$11.7 billion and expected to grow by another 50 per cent over the next five years.

The majority use joint supplements to treat joint problems, most for osteoarthritis, with about 40 per cent coming from developing knee osteoarthritis alone. Pain is a great motivator and people turn to joint supplements for

relief; but do they help?

There has been significant research into compounds found in joint supplements, especially glucosamine, chondroitin, and turmeric. It comes as no surprise that studies come to differing conclusions ranging from poor to excellent results.

While studies and research can be helpful, my criteria for assessing osteoarthritis supplements is simple; I assess the effectiveness of my supplements (and others) by whether they help.

An important part of my discipline of nutritional medicine is regularly reviewing progress. When someone commences my joint supplements, I contact them after six weeks, then again at three months to see how they are doing. The measure of assessment is again simple; is it working?

When someone purchases my joint products, I offer a joint health

Young farmers vie for ultimate prize Auckland Young Farmer Tim Dangen has been named the 2022 FMG Young Farmer of the Year.

The 30-year-old beef farmer and Northern representative brought the trophy home to his region which also hosted the Grand Final in Whangārei, after three days of gruelling challenges.

Waikato Bay of Plenty representative Chris Poole, 27, came in runner-up, just missing out on the title to his brother-in-law by a whisker.

Dunsandel Young Farmer Jonny Brown, 31, representing Tasman came in third place.

The winner was announced at the FMG Young Farmer of the Year Evening Show at McKay

Stadium on July 9, taking home a whopping prize pool worth more than $75,000.

Tim also claimed the FMG People’s Choice Award and three out of five of the challenges - Agri-Business, AgriSports and Agri-Knowledge.

He said he was overcome with Tim emotion, exhausted, excited Dangen. and relieved to have taken out the title.

“The competition within the Northern Region over the last five years has been so strong, so I just want to represent all those people well, keep the work up going forward and encourage young people to get amongst it,” he said.

It was Dangen’s first Grand Final after competing in four Regional Finals.

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I ask questions about the problem, its diagnosis and treatment, including symptoms and a description of limitations in mobility.

At the six-weekly review we compare progress to the initial assessment and modify the programme as needed.

One thing I can say for certain, if people do not get a tangible benefit, they will stop taking them. Results are my sole measure whether a supplement is helping.

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.

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CARTAGE & EARTHWORKS

Laying the foundations for everything Changes to new regulations governing wetlands is a “victory for common-sense” and will help the Government meet its own infrastructure and housing programme ambitions.

Rules are being smoothed over to ensure enough aggregates are available to keep the booming infrastructure and housing industry going.

Ministry for the Environment officials have released revised guidelines giving quarries a consenting pathway for extensions and new developments on property previously excluded by new definitions for wetland areas.

The new regulations were part of the National Environment Standards on Freshwater released in September 2020.

Regulations went too far

Some Auckland quarries said these would rope off new areas of planned development and worsen an already short supply of aggregate.

In June, Environment Minister David Parker acknowledged the wetlands regulations had gone too far and promised changes.

Aggregate and Quarry Association CEO Wayne Scott says the quarry sector’s ability to provide the foundations for all of the country’s infrastructure and housing now looks able to resume.

“We are pleased to see the Minister has delivered on his promise and his officials have accepted our recommendation to exclude damp pasture from the new modified definition of a natural wetland.”

This will apply if at least half of the pasture is covered in grass or other exotic pasture species.

Wayne says the consenting pathway for quarries will be discretionary, provided sites meet a gateway test.

Pete & M a

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The quarry industry still has some concerns about how this test will apply but it will not apply to quarries accepting cleanfill or other approved fill materials.

Quarries create opportunities too

Wayne says the sooner the consenting pathway is in place the better, as quarries in Auckland and around the country need to gear up production to meet the Government’s $60b+ infrastructure programme and a booming new home market.

“Quarries want to work with their councils on these issues. Often they enhance or create wetlands as part of their developments, so getting access to aggregate can be a positive for environmental outcomes.”

MfE officials reviewing submissions on the NES on Freshwater say they considered the provision of consent pathways for the proposed activities and the protection of natural inland wetlands from further loss “need not be mutually exclusive”.

“We consider that there is a clear need for specified infrastructure, quarries and mines to locate and operate in particular environments.”

The officials rejected submissions opposing a consent pathway for quarries. They say councils could exercise discretion in deciding whether to grant a resource consent which could include considering the significance of the natural inland wetland and impacts on surrounding land use.

CARTAGE & EARTHWORKS Crews clean up at Nuhiti Bridge in Tairāwhiti after floods in April this year.

Photo: Gisborne District Council.

About 50,000 cubic metres of material created by slips needs a permanent home across the areas of Waipaoa, Uawa, and Hikurangi.

Gisborne District Council needs sites near these areas to take material that has been removed during recovery efforts after the March 2022 weather event.

“If you have an area on your farm you think would be suitable, please let me know so a time can be arranged

for a site visit,” says Journeys Infrastructure manager Dave Hadfield.

“Over the past 12 months, the Tairāwhiti region experienced multiple rainfall events resulting in road closures and communities being isolated.

“The recent March 2022 event caused around $28m in damage to the roading network, 40 roads require engineered retreats, there are dropout repairs and retaining walls to construct.”

Dave says ideally, these sites will have reasonable access.

“However, if there is potential

for long-term use, Council is prepared to invest in access and track upgrades to make the sites work. Material destined for these sites will be clean fill and, at times, tree vegetation from the remedial areas.”

Council has a specialist team that can assess the area, complete any consent requirements and then oversee the site to ensure it meets the landowner and consent requirements.

If anyone has land that is suitable, please email: dave.hadfield@gdc.govt.nz or call: 06 867 2049.

Work scheme aims to fill labour gaps Worker placement initiative Ag Work NZ is aiming to fill the country’s huge farm worker and tractor driver shortage.

Ag Work NZ is affiliated with rural driver training provider Ag Drive, and will bring experienced staff over from the UK, Ireland and Europe on holiday working visas.

Director Andre Syben says the launch of Ag Work NZ is perfectly timed to fill the extreme farm worker shortages in New Zealand, while capitalising on the re-opening of NZ borders after the Covid-19 pandemic closures.

“What we’re hearing from New Zealand farmers and agricultural contractors is that they’re desperate for staff.”

Northern hemisphere workers will be recruited by Ag Works’ own UK-based team, who will interview and screen workers. Then, in conjunction with Ag Works NZ-based recruitment team, potential workers will be matched with NZ farm and agricultural employers for an online interview.

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Employers can then make a job offer and farm workers make their own way to New Zealand.

Upon arrival into the country, pastoral care support will be provided on the ground by Ag Work NZ, to make the transition as seamless as possible.

“Ag Work NZ finds skilled farm workers and places them direct with employers in NZ. “With the pastoral support we’re providing, there is less risk to the employer and the employee.”

All recruits will undergo a two-day machine operation course with Ag Drive, tailored to working conditions in NZ, as well as being set up with bank accounts, IRD numbers and local phones. Transport will then be arranged to get recruits to their new jobs around New Zealand.

Ag Drive is the Waikato’s largest agricultural vehicle training provider, and along with Ag Work NZ is an initiative of parent company Ag Technology Group.

NZ Employers can sign up with Ag Work NZ online to access UK staff, ready and waiting to work in New Zealand.

Learn more at: www.agworknz.com/findstaff

Page 29

Page 30

EFFLUENT IRRIGATION & ENVIRONMENT

Sector groups seek more time Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Federated Farmers and Deer Industry New Zealand have written to ministers requesting the Government pause its latest indigenous biodiversity proposals.

The joint letter, sent to ministers James Shaw, Damien O’Connor and David Parker, highlights the primary sector groups’ concerns over the

timing of the Indigenous Biodiversity National Policy Statement exposure draft.

The groups says farmers are already inundated by water, climate and conservation policy changes.

The indigenous biodiversity proposals are of particular relevance to sheep, beef and deer farmers, given the significant stands of native vegetation on farms throughout the country – some 2.8 million hectares according to

The Government is proposing a raft of new measures to protect indigenous biodiversity. Photo: Dan Hutchinson.

research by the University of Canterbury.

B+LNZ, along with other primary sector groups convinced the Government to pause the initial biodiversity reforms in 2020 and will be working to do so again.

“We’re requesting that the process be paused again, or at the very least, for the consultation period to be extended from six to 10 weeks,” says B+LNZ chief executive Sam McIvor.

“Farmers are already feeling overwhelmed with the environment-related policy changes that have come their way, and the latest proposals came just one day after significant He Waka Eke Noa announcements.

“This is on top of labour shortages, high on-farm inflation and managing Covid-19, so it’s frustrating that the Government expects farmers to grapple with even more environment legislation.”

One-stop-shop for all things water Urban and rural people and businesses in the Bay of Plenty have one place to go for all things water.

NATION WIDE

Water and Irrigation Works is a subsidiary of one of the region’s oldest plumbing companies – Plumbing Works.

Water Irrigation Works managing director Craig Coxhead says the new business was established to meet a wide range of water supply needs for lifestylers, farmers, orchardists, horticulturalists, market gardens and tunnel house operators.

“Our objective is to provide you with an appropriate, consistent supply of quality safe water.”

The company does everything from the supply of water tanks and ultra-violet filtered water systems for urban dwellers, to the design, installation and maintenance of large-scale farming and horticultural installations for pumps and reticulation of in-ground water piping systems.

The team at Water and Irrigation Works also does water blasting and drain cleaning for culverts and paving.

The shop at 4 Sheffield Street, Katikati, has a comprehensive range of equipment from garden

Plumbing works provides a comprehensive plumbing service for urban and rural needs.

sprinkler systems and fountain features, through to pump supplies.

“If we don’t have what you need in stock, we will generally be able to access it overnight,” Craig says.

Water and Irrigation Works’ service extends across the greater BOP area, from Waihi, Katikati, Te Puna, Whakamārama through to Te Puke and Paengaroa.

“Water Irrigation Services alignment to Plumbing Works means we are able to easily refer you for help with plumbing, roofing, gas fitting and drainage services.”

EFFLUENT IRRIGATION & ENVIRONMENT

Never too late to plan Farmers Ewen Mathieson and Ben Tosswill are working hard to protect their stock and the environment, by wintering well during the coldest months of the year.

Traditionally, July brings chilly temperatures, wet weather and an increased risk of snow. To help farmers stay on top of these challenging conditions, Southland dairy farmer Ewen, and Hawke’s Bay sheep farmer Ben, are sharing their experiences of managing winter grazing.

Speaking on a DairyNZ podcast, both Ewen and Ben agree that planning ahead, developing contingency plans, and carrying out daily checks are key to providing good animal care, protecting the environment and minimising stress for people and animals over winter.

“Having a wintering plan helps identify risks like slopes, water sources, and different soil types which helps us to plan our winter grazing to reduce the risk of contaminant and sediment runoff,” Ewen says.

Plan right and sleep easy

“Planning allows us to think through the different scenarios that could occur over winter and prepare for them. It helps reduce stress and allows you to get a better night’s sleep,” Ben says.

Ewen has developed small sawdust pads on his farm to provide cows with a comfortable space to move to, and lie on, in bad weather.

“Cows need to be able to lie down while they are digesting feed.

“They need to express their natural behaviours and lying is an important part of this.”

With new regulations coming in next winter, North Island farmers also need to have a wintering plan.

“We developed our plan for this year and are still learning about our impact,” Ben says.

Ewen says a particular focus on his farm is checking animals regularly - once or even twice daily, so small issues don’t turn into big problems.

Southland farmers Ewen and Diane Mathieson know how to winter well to protect their stock and the environment.

Have a Plan B

DairyNZ’s head of the South Island Tony Finch says during July and August the weather can be very cold and unpredictable, and farmers need to keep up their focus on caring for stock right to the end of winter.

“Daily checks on the weather forecast, paddock conditions and cows are all vital to protect your herd. You can use the gumboot test to check that the ground is suitable for cows to lie on. Planning ahead is also key to ensure that cows don’t calve on mud.”

Last winter, 89 per cent of farmers developed a contingency plan to protect their animals and the environment in bad weather.

Tony says it’s not too late for farmers to develop a Plan B if adverse weather strikes, using DairyNZ’s template.

Phone: 07 362 8433

Use the resources

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Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s environmental policy manager Heather McKay says the wintering grazing module in Beef +Lamb NZ’s farm plan will help farmers identify risks and take action to mitigate them.

“We encourage all farmers who are intensively grazing to use the resources available to develop a plan and take the stress out of winter grazing.”

Hawke’s Bay farmer Ben Tosswill says developing a plan for winter helps reduce stress.

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FERTILISER

Page 32

Findings published from long-running trial The British Society of Soil Science has published a research article in the Soil Use and Management Journal detailing the latest analysed data from the long-running Winchmore Fertiliser Trial in Canterbury.

The paper was written by Driss Touhami of the Faculty of Agriculture and Life Sciences, Lincoln University.

Touhami is also a member of the AgrioBioSciences Program,

Mohammed VI Polytechnic University in Ben Guerir, Morocco. The paper, titled ‘Effects of long-term phosphorus fertilizer inputs and seasonal conditions on organic soil phosphorus cycling under grazed pasture’, was co-authored by Leo Condron, Richard McDowell and Ray Moss.

The Winchmore Research Station fertiliser trials in the Canterbury Plains, funded by the Fertiliser Association, have provided valuable insights into fertiliser use for almost 70 years.

As the longest fertiliser trial under pasture in New Zealand,

the site has been invaluable in helping researchers understand the role of phosphate fertiliser on irrigated pastoral systems.

The original fertiliser treatments at Winchmore included a control (nil application of phosphate fertiliser), superphosphate applied at 188 kg/ha/yr and superphosphate applied at 376 kg/ ha/yr.

More than 30 years ago two additional treatments were included: 250 kg/ha/yr of superphosphate and application of an equivalent rate of phosphorus using reactive rock phosphate.

Findings from the Winchmore trial have been used on farms here and abroad.

Winchmore has allowed researchers to monitor and document the effects of consistent and uniform use of phosphate fertiliser over decades.

However, it has delivered far more. Many issues faced by farming were not envisaged when the trial was initiated, such as soil carbon sequestration, impacts on earthworms and soil biota, accumulation of contaminants are a few examples where the long-term trial has provided invaluable information above and beyond the pasture responses to phosphate fertiliser.

A significant change was introduced in the 2017/18 year, when the site’s irrigation system moved from a border dyke to a centre pivot system, to reflect the latest technology and comply with best practice and regulatory obligations under resource management.

The consistent management, meticulous record keeping and archiving of regular soil and plant samples have proved a rich source of material for many other studies.

Research findings have also been used to develop and validate several nutrient management models, such as Overseer.

The Fertiliser Association has been funding the annual maintenance and data collection at Winchmore Research Station for many years.

In July 2018, it renewed its commitment to the Winchmore Fertiliser Trials. To protect them for the future, it agreed to lease the trial site with AgResearch for the next 30 years.

For the full report head to www.fertiliser.org.nz

New name and a new plan Groundspread NZ is the new public face of the New Zealand Groundspread Fertilisers’ Association

Groundspread was established in 1956 to promote and protect the interests of individuals and companies involved in the groundspread fertiliser industry.

The Association is made up of 110 voluntary members from throughout New Zealand, with each member committed to promoting best practice fertiliser placement.

The skill involved in groundspreading

means that food production in New Zealand gets the best start possible.

The new name and website are initiatives driven by the association’s new and ambitious strategic plan, committed to ensuring best practice in the groundspread industry.

Farmers and growers can now visit: www.groundspreadnz.com to find a spreader in their area, learn more about how the association supports members to operate at the high level that they do, and learn more about the Spreadmark scheme.

FERTILISER

Good decisions save money Get a real feel for the soil.

Over the past 12 months I have seen the most turbulence in my 33 years of running my soil advisory business, in terms of fertiliser supply and price movements.

The upward surge in pricing has been driven by a number of factors, and is not the result of price gouging by the fertiliser companies. It is driven by international factors of supply and demand.

Last year the Chinese government decided to put a stop to exporting fertiliser products and this put pressure on global supplies with increased demand and the inevitable lift in pricing.

Here in NZ a lot of our Sulphate of Ammonia, DAP and Triple Super was being imported from China, and with the vibrant two-way trade between our two countries, shipping costs for containers had historically been minimal.

Then, with Covid hitting the planet and shipping constraints, the prices for shipping went stratospheric.

Global changes DAP, MAP and Triple Super prices principally drive the world phosphate pricing, and with China ceasing the exports of these three products, the international prices escalated.

Two years ago, DAP price from Ballance was $750/tonne whereas today it is $1795. Fortunately the phosphate rock price used for manufacturing superphosphate and RPR fertiliser prices have not gone up as much. The price of superphosphate in July 2020 was $295/tonne compared to $499/ tonne today, although Ballance’s super is now 9.5 per cent P compared to the standard 9 per cent P product and is now called SuperPlus.

For potassium, there are three main supplies – Belarus, Russia and Canada. Due to politics Belarus has had an embargo against it, and now with the Russian-Ukraine war, Russian potassium is not an option.

We are left with one source – Canada – so expect prices to go up.

In July 2020 Muriate of Potash was $660/tonne from Ballance, whereas today it is $1350/tonne.

There are now several smaller companies importing potassium carbonate based products out of Indonesia based on waste from the sugar cane industry. I have found it works well on highly leachable soils and have used it on my own pumice base hay paddock in Taumarunui.

Unfortunately, these too have risen in price relative to Muriate of Potash, but should be considered on light soils.

growing healthy vibrant clovers which fix nitrogen for free out of the atmosphere.

Farmers should seriously question the economics of applying artificial N, and with impending greenhouse gas taxes going onto the prices as part of the ETS, and the environmental benefits from reducing N applications, it is an all round win for cutting back on N fertilisers.

Trace elements on the other hand have not risen as muc, so addressing their deficiencies could be something to focus on this year as well as lime.

Relative to the current price of fertilisers, soil testing is very small, and this coming year will be a good year to do more soil tests and fine tune the application of only those nutrients which are deficient, rather than a general broad-brush approach.

I find when taking samples, I can observe the pastures and their make up, clover vigour, weeds present, etc as well as feeling the resistance of the probe going through the soil, noting things like compaction and tightness which can affect pasture productivity.

There is nothing like decades of experience and observation compared to novice reps armed with the latest econometric computer model or Overseer program. Independence is an important factor when fertiliser prices are so high.

Page 33

Robin Boom

CPAg MBSPC

Independent Agronomy & Soil Fertility Consultant

Up and up Sulphur 90 (Sulphur Gain Pure) was $550/tonne in July 2020, and now it is $1010/tonne, Sulphate of Ammonia was $399/tonne in 2020 and now it is $897/tonne.

Locally manufactured Phased N has gone up from $605/tonne to $995/tonne.

With international nitrogen prices affected by the Ukraine war, global demand for N for cereal and vegetable crops could increase, so one can expect food commodity prices to keep urging upwards.

Urea was $568/tonne in July 2020 compared to $1330/tonne today, so the cost of N boosted pasture has consequently gone from about 10c/ kg DM up to 25c/kg DM, so more importantly than ever.

The fertiliser budget should focus on

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Page 34

Are you ready to step up? (Part 2) Soil can make available some of the nutrients required, substituting for applied fertiliser.

To provide top performance a soil should be composed of 45 per cent mineral 5 per cent organic matter and 50 per cent pore spaces, being occupied by 50 per cent air and 50 per cent water to provide the correct environment for the microbes.

ETRACTING YSTEMS ertiliser dry or easy access cladding options cut waste

The Albrecht system of soil fertility uses chemistry, (Ca and Mg) to affect soil physical structure which determines the environment for the biology.

Complementing nature

Soil microbes interact with plant roots and minerals to release plant nutrients to provide nutrition to the plants.

Fertilisers need to be calculated to complement this natural process.

This is demonstrated with a

biological fertiliser program on a dairy farm, where production has shown an increase of .2kg of milk solids per cow per day with 50 per cent less nitrogen applied compared to traditional fertiliser practises.

Another dairy hill farm increased pasture production from 10.8tDM/ ha to 16.2tDM/ha over five years and only applied 3kgN/ha.

As one farmer put it; ‘You can’t grow 23t/haDM if you are fertilising for 13’. Yes, that was his farm’s improvement, not to

mention the increased quality, production, and profitability.

For cereal growing, soil scientists’ and agronomists’ calculations to determine nitrogen requirements to grow one tonne of wheat was 25kgN/ha, the calculation being, say 14 tonnes yield, minus N that was already in the soil, say 80 kg/ha and supply the rest from applications of nitrogen fertiliser, (14x25=350-80=270 kg N/ha).

Increased profitability

In a wheat growing competition organised by the Methven A&P Association in the 2021-22 season, Springfield Estate grew a feed wheat crop that yielded 16.1t/ha. This is nearing world record levels. More significant than the yield was increased profitability. This yield was produced with half the normal nitrogen applications, with less fungicide, herbicide, no insecticide, and minimal cultivations.

The previous crop was a daikon radish seed crop direct drilled into a grass-seed/grazing field. The soil provided 66 per cent of the N and mineral requirements for the crop, with sufficient in the soil to not require applied nitrogen.

Over the last decade the farm has taken a biological approach and focused on resetting the balance of minerals, enhancing photosynthesis,

carbon management and raising the microbiology levels in the soil.

This required studying, re-educating, and understanding of how soil and plants work, understanding the importance of biology, how it functions and the role of different microbes in the soil, how to support, feed and the management changes required, and to mitigate any harmful practices to soil and the biology.

Enhancing soil life

All these practices were designed to enhance soil life and improve nutrient efficiency to provide resilience in the farming operation. The objective is to increase farm profit rather than spend most of it on fertilisers, therapeutics and other costs that take a back seat when the sciences of chemistry, biology and physics are correctly combined by using the Albrecht system of soil fertility and the manuals published by Kinsey Agricultural Services.

The manuals are in turn based on the figures produced from soil samples tested by Perry Agricultural Laboratory.

At Kiwi Fertiliser, we religiously follow these practices with all our clients.

Many thanks to Don Hart of Springfield Estate.

You can read the full version of this article at www.coastandcountrynews.co.nz

AERIAL TOPDRESSING

z z

WAIKATO BASE MANAGER GLENN HAORA

M: 027 927 3726 E: glenn@farmersair.co.nz

www.farmersair.co.nz

DAIRY

Page 35

The embryo advantage

Nigel views and grades flushed embryos under the microscope.

Left: Five freshly flushed embryos.

Bovine embryo transfer specialist Nigel Juby administers an epidural to a donor heifer. All Photos: Catherine Fry.

Bovine embryo transfers are becoming increasingly popular in New Zealand, as an efficient way of fast tracking breeding programmes without live animal movement.

One of a handful of specialists in the country, Waikato-based Nigel Juby clearly loves his job.

“Embryo transfer describes the process that allows us to increase the number of calves that a single cow can produce in a year by removing embryos from her and implanting them into other cows.

“The recipient cow will give birth to the biological offspring of the donor cow.”

As well as being flushed locally, embryos of pedigree cows are imported, allowing movement of cattle without the biosecurity risks associated with moving live cattle.

High fertility cows are the best for ET, so young cows produce good results both as donors and recipients.

Nigel uses the Multiple Ovulation Embryo Transfer, or MOET, method, which requires hormone treatment to sync the cycles of donor and recipient cows, and to stimulate the donor to super ovulate before AI. Seven days later the embryos are flushed out, checked for viability under the microscope and stored in

an embryo holding solution or frozen using liquid nitrogen. The MOET method is 60 per cent effective using a fresh embryo compared to 50 per cent using a frozen embryo.

“On a dairy farm, we would flush embryos from around the top 10 per cent of the cows in the herd and use the lesser cows as the recipients. That really speeds up the genetic gain of the dairy herd.

“A lot of my work is with elite animals for animal breeding companies wanting to breed better bulls, and again ET fast tracks that process.”

Some beef breeders have a separate recipient herd, and that can be any breed that calves easily and has good motherly traits. ET is helping build numbers of Angus, Speckle Park and Hereford cattle in New Zealand, and Wagyu are also becoming more popular.

Nigel has a herd of Wagyu cows and uses them to help produce zero bobby calves in the dairy industry.

The smaller Wagyu breed is ideal for mating with yearling dairy heifers, offering an easy calving and offspring that have value in the meat industry.

“Taking it one step further and using ET with the yearlings, means their calf can be a pure bred Wagyu.”

Wagyu is considered to be the best beef in the world.

Catherine Fry

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DAIRY

Base saturation is just part of the equation The Base Saturation data on a typical New Zealand soil test is valuable but at best it’s only one component and not essential.

Maximum pasture or crop growth can be achieved by considering the actual nutrient extracted (me/100g) data, recent fertiliser inputs and putting a spade in the ground.

Soil test numbers are just that numbers on a piece of paper, or a screen. Formulating an effective fertiliser policy requires far more than a mathematical formula that provides a kilogram per hectare input of each nutrient.

Formulae may be useful when calculating the requirements of a high yielding fast growing crop in a well cultivated loam soil, but our pastures have different requirements.

Experience shows that the Base Saturation method nearly always results in higher-than-necessary inputs of expensive nutrients, often resulting in disappointing performance relative to cost.

Base Saturation figures are calculated from nutrient extracted relative to the holding capacity of the soil, expressed as the Cation Exchange Capacity.

The CEC of soil is influenced by the amount of organic matter in the soil, with peat soils often having a reading of 50+ and sand dominated soils with figures of 10 or below.

Early mapping of soil fertility throughout the country carried out by DSIR staff starting in the 1940s reported their findings in Base Saturation figures.

It’s not new, nor are the balances which have been well publicised for more than 30 years.

Exceptional plant growth

The purpose of soil nutrient programmes is not to provide perfect soil test results but to provide outstanding pasture and crop performance, and the two do not necessarily correlate.

Exceptional plant growth may be achieved with less-than-optimum soil nutrient levels. Conversely, those that have undertaken programmes formulated to balance Base Saturation numbers often find that

Soil testing needs to be more than just numbers on a piece of paper. regular nitrogen applications are required for reasonable performance.

When growth is disappointing the missing ingredient is biological activity. Without robust biology soils readily compact which is why the programmes provided by Functional Fertiliser provide ultimate performance.

They take into consideration current soil fertility levels, historical inputs, and physical structures. Soft carbon and a wide range of selected fungi and bacteria are combined ensuring rapid breakdown of semi-digested organic matter steadily releasing nutrient, including nitrogen, for plant uptake.

This means an immediate reduction in the reliance on water soluble nutrient and within 12 months, non-reliance on synthetic nitrogen for optimum pasture performance can be achieved.

The essentials for soil health

The science supporting this work is based on the following from Part 1 of the1968 DSIR Soil Bureau: “The continued decomposition of organic matter, its incorporation into the soil system and the formation of granular aggregates by microorganisms are equally as important to high fertility as an adequate supply of mineral nutrients….”

Total nutrient programmes from Functional Fertiliser combine all facets essential to optimum soil health and plant performance.

Should only biological stimulation be required there are two products DoloZest and CalciZest available that are suitable for ground spread at 300 – 400kg/ha.

Where magnesium is required DoloZest based on Golden Bay dolomite reduces the incidence and severity of calcium/magnesium related metabolic disorders in spring and maintains magnesium availability for 12 months.

CalciZest is the product of choice where magnesium levels are already adequate, and the focus is on stimulating sufficient clover to provide all the necessary nitrogen for 18 tonnes of dry matter annually. There is a widespread misconception that limiting urea usage will reduce both pasture and animal production.

Experience throughout the country over 30 years shows that replacing synthetic N by that fixed free-of-charge by clover can increase both production and profitability.

For more information call Peter on 0800 843 809.

DAIRY

Page 37

Revive and thrive – time to rebuild feed security Some will continue producing reasonably well, given the chance.

Some will be thin, open, weak and weedy. Others will be best cropped this spring.

Be sure to check new pastures sown last autumn. Many of these did not establish well, and will need extra care this spring, so they have a

chance to get strong before summer.

It’s not always easy to work out what’s needed to restore farm feed supply after a hard season.

For more ideas, book your free Pasture Health Check today at: www.barenbrug.co.nz

Paul Hames, Barenbrug area manager

Farm grown feed is cheaper than anything that comes on a truck.

If you’ve spent more on supplements than you budgeted for recently, you’re not alone.

It’s been a really challenging year feed-wise.

It’s time to look closely at on-farm feed growth.

But every challenge comes with opportunity.

In this case, it’s a chance to strengthen your system for the season ahead, and ideally build some more security into your farm grown feed supply for 2022/23.

Many choices are available; there’s no one-sizefits-all solution, and what works for you may be quite different from your neighbour. In all cases, planning ahead will give the best result.

Where’s the risk?

After a hard season, it’s always a good idea to condition score all your pastures, so you know how much, or little, they are likely to grow in the months ahead.

One way to tackle this is to look closely at when, how and why on-farm feed growth failed to meet animal demand during the 2021/22 season.

Was the system compromised at one single point, or were there multiple, compounding causes of feed shortages?

Is your ‘normal’ plan for spring sowing still fit for purpose in today’s unreliable climate? If there’s one thing you could have done differently to grow feed last season, what would it have been?

What’s the score?

Pick and mix

With spring sowing coming up, now’s the time to look at all the options for reducing your reliance on imported supplements, and restoring or enhancing your productive base.

Happily, there may be more options than you think!

As well as the summer standards of 501 Chicory and Dynamo turnips, for example, kale can grow good summer feed. Or you might find over-sowing Captain plantain into run-out pastures is a better fit for you.

Interval rape can also help increase farm grown feed, as do mixes of cultivars, such as chicory and Morrow red clover.

Plus there’s grass

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Depending on your farm system, perennial, Italian and hybrid ryegrasses offer a wide range of seasonal growth, persistence and flexibility.

Extra value $450/ha* 501 Chicory is very fast establishing and out-yields some other varieties. This could mean an extra 50kg MS/ha worth $450/ha*. *Based on 550kg DM/ha extra yield and $9/kg MS milk price. Yield data based on yield info from combined trial analysis of Cambridge 11-12, and Canterbury 12-13.

Make more green this summer with 501 Chicory. barenbrug.co.nz

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Page 38

DAIRY

Full steam ahead for Miraka A low-carbon milk processor is proving so popular it is looking to add 40 new farmer suppliers.

Taupō dairy processor Miraka uses geothermal energy and has one of the lowest carbon footprints in the world.

It is looking for new suppliers to help it meet growing demand for its low-carbonfootprint products.

Chief executive Karl Gradon says Miraka already has about 100 farmer suppliers and is actively looking to

increase its milk supply base to meet demand from customers across its 17 international markets.

Suppliers are normally within about 100km of Miraka’s Mokai factory – 22km north of Taupō – and includes the Eastern Bay of Plenty area.

“We’re preparing for new growth and looking ahead to the future as our business moves into food service areas and purpose driven brands which value carbon reductions.

“From our beginnings in 2010 as

a whole milk powder producer, our product range has grown significantly to include frozen milk concentrate, UHT and a range of specialty milk powders.”

Miraka’s modus operandi is underscored by a set of core values.

General manager on-farm excellence Chad Hoggard says top of the list is kaitiakitanga – caring for the whenua (land), taiao (natural environment and resources) and people, as best as is possible.

“Ensuring that our values align and new suppliers are committed to best

The Miraka factor is located 22km north of Taupō and is powered by geothermal energy.

Photo: Dan Hutchinson.

practice methodologies on-farm are important considerations.”

Miraka’s dairy plant at Mokai, about 20 minutes north of Taupō, emits 92 per cent less carbon than coal powered factories.

The company, which was founded upon Te Ao Māori principles, is one of the largest employers in the Taupō district with 145 staff from 16 different nationalities.

Dairy Companies welcomes new chair

The Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand welcomes Matt Bolger as its new Independent Chair, upon the retirement of Malcolm Bailey from the role on August 16.

The association provides an important mechanism for dairy manufacturing and exporting companies to work together and speak with one voice on pre-competitive matters of importance to the New Zealand dairy industry.

Tireless commitment

The DCANZ executive committee, comprising CEO’s and senior executives of the association’s 13 member companies, released a statement saying it is pleased to have Matt coming on board.

“Matt will bring an important independent perspective and deep knowledge of the New Zealand and global dairy industry to the role.

“He is the current pro vice chancellor of the Waikato Management School at the University of Waikato and held a variety of New Zealand and internationally-based roles with Fonterra Co-operative Group, from 2002-2020.”

DCANZ says farewell to Malcolm Bailey who has chaired the association since 2008.

“The DCANZ executive committee thanks Malcolm Bailey for his tireless commitment to advancing the best interests of the New Zealand dairy industry over the past 14 years.”

Lots of milestones

Malcolm’s tenure as the DCANZ chairman has spanned multiple trade negotiations of significance to the New Zealand dairy industry, including the establishment of the New Zealand Government and Industry Agreement on Biosecurity Readiness and Response. Other major inovlements during his tenure include the New Zealand Dairy Tomorrow Industry Strategy and the He Waka Eke Noa primary sector climate change partnership.

He oversaw periods of major changes in dairy markets, including the global financial crisis and Covid-19 pandemic.

“DCANZ and its members have benefited considerably from Malcolm’s vast experience, knowledge, and leadership,” the committee’s statement reads.

“The leading role Malcolm Bailey has played in New Zealand’s primary sector over a long number of years was recognised in 2021, when he was the recipient of the Primary Industries Outstanding Contribution Award.”

DAIRY

Page 39

A new face for the farmers An executive with extensive international and New Zealand experience in dairy farm operations, business strategy, agricultural extension and training is heading up DairyNZ’s farm performance team.

DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle says Sarah Speight is now the general manager for farm performance, in the organisation’s senior leadership team.

“Sarah is highly-regarded in the dairy sector and I am confident she will provide excellent leadership for our farmer-facing regional teams. This is where we have a focus on partnering with dairy farmers to achieve the best outcomes for them and our sector.

A wealth of experience

“She brings a wealth of experience to the position, both as a farmer and in advisory roles.”

Sarah has worked in the agricultural sector for more than 25 years.

After graduating with a Bachelor of Agricultural Science from Lincoln University, she began as a consulting officer with the Livestock Improvement

Corporation.

She later moved to Southland to farm with her husband Mark, and worked in extension and farm systems roles at DairyNZ predecessor Dexcel.

the dairy sector – delivering world class research and development, extension and support to dairy farmers.”

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demonstrates its importance to LIC and the Awards programme,” he says.

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors DeLaval, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda, LIC, Meridian Energy, and Ravensdown, along with industry partner DairyNZ and MediaWorks.

Entries open for the 2023 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards on October 1 2022 with registrations of interest able to be made now at: dairyindustryawards.co.nz An announcement on the date and location of the 2023 National Awards gala dinner is expected by the end of August.

ezi-flo

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JEFF ROBINSON ...is happy to ‘talk up’ the benefits of his JCB SERIES III to his contracting business.

We challenged him to see the advantages of owning a second one.

Here’s what he said...

“IT’S GREAT FOR DOING JOBS WE CAN’T GET A TRACTOR TO DO.”

Jeff Robinson of Three Rivers Contracting in Southland relies on his JCB SERIES III AGRI to speed up operations, both in the yard and out in the field. In fact Jeff loves his JCB so much, we thought we’d drop off a brand spanking new JCB SERIES III AGRI SUPER, leave it with him for a day and return the next day to see if he would consider the benefits of having two JCB’s in his fleet. Already familiar with the efficiency, manoeuvrablity and speed of his JCB LOADALL, Jeff was in no doubt how much his operation would benefit from having a second one.

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The Awards programme allows entrants to connect, learn and grow as individuals across the board, from trainees and new entrants to the industry, through to experienced share farmers.

NZDIA general manager Robin Congdon is thrilled to confirm LIC has renewed its sponsorship for the next three years.

“LIC has a long history of providing world-leading innovations for the dairy industry and the name change of the merit award to include Animal Wellbeing

Innovative Design Improves Efficiency

“Our farmer services are a key Many roles part of DairyNZ Since then, and I’m looking Sarah has worked forward to working in Pakistan, Chile, with our farmer-facing Ezi-flo pit gates completely team as they focus on Indonesia and Myanmar clear exit ways and cannot helping farmers navigate in senior agricultural be touched by cows leaving operations, management, the complex environment they the milking area.

Sarah Speight. operate in, and supporting them governance and consulting roles.

This includes working for the to be profitable and sustainable.”

Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Sarah fills the role formerly held by The fully galvanised gates Trade’s New Zealand Aid programme Sharon Morrell. are available in kitset for designing and managing dairy and The DairyNZ Board is supported by a speedy installation agricultural projects. leadership team led by chief executive Dr Sarah also served as Dairy Women’s Tim Mackle.

Network chief executive officer from It has a governing board of eight 2011 to 2013. Most recently, Sarah members. Five are farmer-elected led DairyNZ’s regional team in the Bay and three are independent, of Plenty. professional directors.

2 C OW S H E D She is excited about the new position.

DairyNZ invests dairy farmers’ money “I’m passionate about dairying and into a wide range of programmes guided Ph Jim 07-850 5971 Mob. 0274 936 693 farmers. DairyNZ is a huge asset to by the Dairy Tomorrow Strategy.

Support stays strong for Dairy Industry Awards Planning for the 2023 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards is underway with national sponsors continuing to back the programme.

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AVOCADOS

Page 40

Take time to plan the seasons

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By the time you are sitting reading this spring will be well on its way and all the good things about spring are happening.

Winter this year feels as if it’s been wet, wet, wet!

Particularly June. July started a bit better but I can well remember that we used to get a four week cold spell with no rain during either June or July. Not sure if this happened this year.

At this time of the season it is also timely to consider the orchard’s nutrition plan.

Your nutrition plan should have two budgets - a nutrient budget and financial budget.

We are increasingly becoming aware of the narrative around nitrogen, nitrogen leaching and sustainability.

So I ask you; what are you doing about this?

There aren’t a lot of courses available to upskill and some are pretty technical.

There is limited information on nutritional planning but it can be straight forward, we just need the tools and worksheets.

Looking at nutrition

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It’s timely that Avocado NZ has published some draft nutrition sustainable worksheets online that growers can use.

There have been a number of field-days on this and the fertiliser companies are taking this area of the orchard planning phases seriously, but I still can’t find worksheets that are simplistic.

These days nutrition is about managing overapplication and a focus on type, timing, availability and sustaining soils in their best production and environmentally sustainable phases.

Importantly, this look at nutrition is timely as we look toward the start of another production season.

The economics on the production are going to be challenging for a second year. This year, the start of the harvest season has seen pricing continue in the doldrums.

There is optimistic commentary around postChristmas and New Year pricing however this could well be speculation similar to last season which ended up being a failed economic season.

There is no doubt we have some challenges ahead of ourselves for our orchards.

Something has to give

I see the building industry has an annual inflation rate announced in mid-July of 18 per cent and the overall underlying inflation rate for NZ was running at more than 7 per cent.

Our industry has some real challenges ahead when we have negative incomes and significant increasing costs. Something has got to give.

It’s tough and a demanding.

It’s always good to be exiting winter and with spring on our doorstep maybe it’s timely to check on our fellow industry members and neighbours.

It might be timely to talk about our challenges and to share with others what we are doing to survive the fiscal and environmental pathways we see ahead.

This isn’t about mumbo jumbo stuff it’s about having the inner strength to openly discuss - with our neighbours, friends, industry colleagues - our pathways both short and long term.

It’s about us making the most of a tough time and it’s timely to take time for ourselves and enjoy the oncoming spring, summer and autumn.

AVOCADOS

Page 41

Smoothing the way for avocado extravaganza the world’s future.”

There will also be three breakout sessions: two for science and one for marketing.

Jen says it’s the perfect opportunity to network and get inspired.

“This is where everything we can and should know about

Jen Scoular (second from left) with the NZ Avocado campaign team in Columbia, 2019 winning the bid to host the next World Avocado Congress in NZ.

Excitement is growing in the Kiwi avocado industry as it prepares to welcome delegates from around the world.

The World Avocado Congress is in Auckland from April 2-5, next year.

NZ Avocado Growers Association chief executive Jen Scoular says the four-yearly event has never been held here before and – as one of the smallest producers – it’s not likely to happen again anytime soon.

Supporting the little guys

“We produce 1.5 per cent of the world’s avocado and the first time we put in a bid to host a congress, we lost to Colombia.

“So, in Colombia in 2019, we put up an amazing campaign with a 45-strong New Zealanders’ delegation. We were up against Mexico which produces 55 per cent of the world’s avocado and Kenya which grows about 10 per cent.

“They’re both much bigger than us

but we managed to get 61 per cent of the votes. It was amazing.”

A respectful theme

Now, preparations are well underway by the World Avocado Congress Committee.

“I’m currently the president of that committee because we’re the next to host it, so I’ve had calls with the eight other avocado producing countries: Mexico, Peru, Colombia, Chile, America, Australia, Israel and Kenya.”

The Aotea Centre can hold 2200 people, so Jen encourages local growers to take advantage of having the congress in their home country.

“We’re in the process of securing international keynote speakers for plenary sessions about sustainability.

“The congress theme is ‘respectful’.

“Respect for people, respect for the environment and respect for our future. So, we’ll be talking a lot about how to ensure avocados are part of

avocados is available to us in one place for three days.

“We are currently contacting experts around the world and inviting them to submit an abstract to present at the Congress. It means in April, we will have the best information available to growers to soak in

and then implement.

“It’s also an opportunity for us to put our growing and export systems and sustainability credentials up on the world stage. As New Zealand opens its borders, this in an amazing chance to promote New Zealand to the world.”

Page 42

AVOCADOS

Growing a new crop of talent Three outstanding women have taken out first, second and third place at the Bay of Plenty Young Grower of the Year contest.

Avocado grower Laura Schultz from Trevelyans is the winner.

The competition took place on July 20, at Mount Maunganui College, where eight competitors tested their skills and ability to run a successful horticulture business in a series of challenges. These were followed by a speech competition titled ‘What I’ll be

growing in 2050’, at a gala dinner.

Laura excelled in the individual challenges, and impressed judges with her speech on providing the best quality produce by adapting to climate change to grow crops which meet the changing environment.

Yanika Reiter came in second place, while Emily Woods was third.

Laura’s prize includes an allexpenses-paid trip Hon Kiritapu Allan crowns to Wellington to Laura Schultz 2022 Bay of Plenty compete for the title Young Grower of the Year. of National Young Grower of the Year for other young talent coming 2022, in September, through our industry.” and $1500 cash.

New Zealand Kiwifruit Laura grew up on Growers Inc. CEO Colin her family orchard in Bond agrees, and says these the Bay of Plenty. competitions show appreciation After a diverse for the need for skilled careers in of ty Young Grower career across different the horticulture industry.

2022 Bay of Plen nika Reiter (second Ya : rs countries that has ne in “As a horticulture industry, w ily the Year (winner) and Em ltz hu Sc a included studying ur we can often focus on kneeLa , place) e).

Woods (third plac fashion design, yoga jerk reactions required for the instruction, and working current season. But in order to BOP Young Growers says as a snowboard instructor, she continue to produce effectively that this years’ contestants returned home three years ago into the future, we need to were outstanding. and realised her interest lay in ensure we have young people “This years’ BOP Young growing avocados. with the right commercial, Grower contestants have shown She has leased the family technical and scientific skills. the great talent we already have orchard and now takes full “The 2022 BOP Young Grower within our horticulture industry. competition is a great way to responsibility for it, alongside “The competition has been her work within the avocado celebrate the high calibre of perfect to test their knowledge improvement group at Trevelyans. people coming through the Erin Atkinson, chair of the and I hope that it sets the bar industry to make us future fit.”

KIWIFRUIT

Page 43

The big buzz around bumblebees Pollination is at the heart of fruit cropping and the kiwifruit industry is increasingly looking to the super-pollinator – the bumblebee.

Introduced to New Zealand at the turn of the 19th century to boost growth of red clover, the bumblebee is today

recognised as one of the most prolific pollinators.

This is by virtue of their buzz pollination, which is the vibration created by powerful flight muscles that shakes and releases a more consistent contact for pollination.

Super pollinators

Biobees Limited is the largest and only specialised bumblebee supplier in New Zealand, selling

easily managed hives for the pollination of commercially grown crops.

Biobees pollination rechnical representative Dennis Park says bumblebees are “super pollinators”, with a single bumblebee capable of visiting 245 female kiwifruit flowers per hour.

“The Kiwifruit Journal extended this by saying that a single bumble is capable of visiting up to 2000 flowers over an eight-hour period. Plant and Food Research estimates that one bumblebee is worth 50 honeybees in a kiwifruit crop.

sustaining their hive’s integrity and producing gold-standard pollination.

“Bumblebees are more reliable in harsher, colder conditions as they will fly at temperatures around 5degC whilst still demonstrating

effective pollination rates.”

Biobees has a range of hives suited to the specific needs of kiwifruit orchards.

For more information check out: www.biobees.co.nz

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“Pollination, however is becoming more challenging as growing trends of covered crop conditions are increasing.

“Bumblebees, unlike honeybees, are happy to work under these conditions

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KIWIFRUIT

Page 44

Factors combine to shrink crop

industry the foresight to streamline processes.

“Growers and the wider industry were under immense pressure to ensure that New Zealand’s kiwifruit were harvested.

“Our industry plays a critical role in employing both permanent and seasonal workers as well as supporting local businesses associated with the industry in our kiwifruit regions across New Zealand.

“I would also like to make special mention of the RSE workers from the Pacific Islands who stepped up under extraordinary circumstances to fill roles where New Zealanders The 2022 kiwifruit harvest is now could not be found. Getting all the complete on 2800 orchards from fruit off the vines would have been unlikely without them.”

Kerikeri to Motueka.

To attract workers, NZKGI Before the harvest began a recordimplemented the fourth year of its breaking crop of at least 190 million campaign to advertise seasonal jobs trays was expected to overtake last year’s CEO of New Zealand to New Zealanders.

Kiwifruit Growers Inc record of more than 177 million trays.

Almost all packhouses told NZKGI Colin Bond.

However, this year’s volume looks like they would be paying at least the it will now be below 2021 due to labour shortages, living wage of $22.75 per hour. crop loading and weather.

Kiwifruit picking was also likely above the living This is the first year that Zespri’s new RubyRed wage. It paid an average of $27 per hour last year. kiwifruit has been picked commercially.

Growers have experienced a continuation of The sweet, berry-tinged red kiwifruit was picked increased costs this year. for supermarket shelves here and overseas.

The increase in areas such as labour, fuel and The success of the harvest hinged on the ability shipping, alongside the forecast lower crop volume to operate with a restricted labour supply. will impact upon grower returns.

The 24,000 seasonal workers required to pick Grower returns are important not only for and pack the crop were restricted due to Covid-19 growers, but also for the economic contribution infection rates as well as closed borders. that the growers bring to their communities.

CEO of New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Inc The kiwifruit industry is an important player for NZKGI Colin Bond says the experience of communities across New Zealand, contributing Covid-19 from the two previous seasons gave the $2.2bn in 2021.

A picker gets to work in the orchard to help get a big crop of kiwifruit off the vine.

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Page 45

Clash of the Kiwis bears financial fruit The Kiwifruit Industry netball team convincingly won its match against the Parly Ferns 38–16.

The Parliamentary Rugby Team prevails 7-0 in a wet and muddy game.

Photos: Jamie Troughton/Dscribe Media Services.

A sports day and charity auction at Te Puke has raised more than $41,000 to support Recognised Seasonal Employers scheme workers and their Pacific communities.

The event – organised by Zespri – featured rugby, netball, cultural events and a charity auction to raise funds for RSE communities in the Pacific that have been impacted by Covid-19 and associated travel restrictions.

The money was raised through the auction and donations at the event and online.

“The support of the industry and the Bay of Plenty community has been outstanding,” says Zespri’s head of global public affairs Michael Fox. “We had a great turnout at the event, in spite of the unfortunate weather, and people dipped deep into their pockets to help RSE workers, who are such an important part of the kiwifruit industry and the Bay of Plenty community.

“We’d like to thank everyone who came along, made a donation, sponsored items or bid at the auction.

“It’s so great to see the community come together, enjoy some great

sports, and show such generosity in support of a good cause.”

On the sports field, the Parliamentary Rugby Team managed a 7–0 win in driving rain and very muddy conditions, while the Kiwifruit Industry netball team convincingly won their match against the Parly Ferns 38–16.

“While the conditions made things tough in both codes it helped slow things down a bit which was no doubt welcomed by the players given the advanced years of most.

“It goes to show you’re only as old as you feel and the feedback since is everyone wants another go next year.”

In the curtain raisers, organised by the Bay of Plenty Rugby Union, honours were also shared.

In the boys’ match, the Pacific Island Invitational team beat Toi Ariki 36–0 while in the girls’ match, Toi Ariki won 35–5.

Funds raised will support projects in the home countries of RSE workers through the grassroots charities Tractors for Tonga and Village to Village Charitable Trust, along with the Kiwifruit Industry Community Support Fund.

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Aug 6

Crop Swap, 9.30-10.30am, 45 Beach Rd, Katikati.

Ph: 07 549 2337.

Family History Talks,

10am-4pm, Tauranga Library, Devonport Rd, free, registration essential. See: tinyurl.com/4kvzursx

Aug 7 & 11

Hamilton Gardens Guided Tour,

Saving the Mercury Island Tusked Weta,

11am, $20. See: hamiltongardens.co.nz

7pm talk by Ian Stringer, Pepper Tree Restaurant, Coromandel Town, free.

Aug 14

Aug 20

10am-1pm, Te Puna Quarry Park (off SH2), near Tauranga. Cash only.

See: quarrypark.org.nz

Millennium Hotel and Resort Manuels, Taupo, free. See: tinyurl.com/47ba55de

Plant Sale,

Steam Day,

10am-4pm, Settlers & Steam Museum, 43 Robinson Ave, Rotorua, $10 (BOP) or $15. Children free.

Ph: 07 345 9525.

NZ Camellia Show, noon-4.30pm,

Aug 24

Soy Candle Making,

1-2.30pm, Greerton Library, Tauranga, free, registration essential. See tinyurl.com/mr2n9k55

Aug 25

Organics, 7.30pm, a Waikato Horticultural Society talk, Gate 2, Hamilton Gardens. All welcome, $5 (non-member). Ph Carmel: 07 855 3404.

Aug 27

Waikato Daffodil Show, Hamilton

Gardens. Ph Robin: 06 751 0873.

Sept 2

Morrinsville Daffodil Show, venue tbc. Ph

Margaret: 027 788 6149.

Sept 3

Crop Swap, 9.30am-10.30am, 45 Beach Rd, Katikati.

Ph: 07 549 2337.

Planting by the Moon Workshop, 9-10.30am,

Waipahihi Botanical Reserve Clubrooms, Taupo, $45. See: tinyurl.com/n3e2j27y

Sept 4

Planting by the Moon Workshop,

1-3pm, Town Hall, Kihikihi, $45. See: tinyurl.com/39m5pmzc

Generating returns from the ETS Opportunities with Carbon workshops are proving a big hit with farmers.

attended workshops in Opotiki and Rotorua.

“It’s a complicated issue, and this workshop gives you a good insight of how to integrate trees The workshops aim to into your farming portfolio improve farmers’ for multiple benefits including understanding of the Emissions financial performance.

Trading Scheme and Zero “The workshop gave me a much Carbon Bill, help identify ways better understanding of the ETS to generate a financial return and how we can tap into it for from the ETS, localised treeour farm, so farmers should make planting and land-retirement the time to register.” funding programmes.

While B+LNZ is not anti“At the workshops, farmers forestry, it has been calling for the learn about the integration Government to limit the amount of trees into pastoral-based of offsetting allowed through the farming systems, the ETS, Farmers are being encouraged to learn the ins and outs ETS due to concerns over whole and opportunities to offset of the emissions trading scheme at a series of workshops. farms being sold and converted to greenhouse gas emissions,” says available to them. By the end of the carbon forestry, which has a significant, B+LNZ extension manager workshop, they have a clear idea of which negative impact on rural communities.

Maria Shanks.

“We know a lot of farmers are looking “B+LNZ sees trees as an important part of options are relevant to their farm business.”

Following successful pilot workshops in to integrate trees on farms, exotic and pastoral-based farming systems, providing Bay of Plenty and Waitomo, the scheme native, and that’s a good thing. Farmers shade and shelter for animals, protecting was rolled out nationwide. know their land best,” Maria says. indigenous biodiversity and helping meet Maria says the programme has received “It’s about planting the right tree, in the environmental goals of improving water positive feedback with more than 100 right place, for the right reason, and the quality and erosion control. farmers attending two workshops in Trees within Farms: Opportunities with “It’s important that farmers’ efforts Northland in May followed by 80 in the Carbon Workshops really help with that.” are recognised through their planting To find out about events in your area, Bay of Plenty and Waikato in June. programmes and these workshops help go to: beeflambnz.co.nz/events Rotorua farmer Richard Fowler to unlock some of the economic benefits

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

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Page 48

ffed to Bryar, 2, chu and m u be helping M ew tree n a t Dad plan k with in the paddoc er’s th her new bro kiri. ta placenta in O

gs Spot, Lucy, Myra, 3, with her farm do hed on the ols wo old Joe and Blue at the . hu Pa Te in m far

Matamata cousins Mason, 9, Choville, 10, Korbin, 11, and Levi, 7, go for a mid-winter dip in the water trough!

Blake, 2, saying hello to the German Shepherd pupp ies in Waimana.