Coast & Country News - 2023 Fieldays Liftout

Restore Native founder Adam Thompson is exited to be exhibiting at Fieldays 2023. See more on Pg 14-15. Photo: Catherine Fry.

Fieldays has always been the home of extreme and unique agriculture competitions and demonstrations, and 2023 will be no exception.

From the latest agricultural technology and ground-breaking innovations, to shopping, competitions, demonstrations and live shows showcasing the best of New Zealand’s primary industries – yes, the New Zealand National Fieldays is here.

And this June 14-17 Fieldays – the largest agricultural event in the Southern Hemisphere on an 114ha at Mystery Creek.

Sustainability takes centre stage at Fieldays 2023.

A Sustainability Hub is one of the fresh new features set to capture attention when Fieldays returns to its winter dates at Mystery Creek in June.  Fieldays remains the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event and the ultimate launch platform for cutting-edge technology and innovation.

“Sustainability is a strong focus for the Society, and it’s fantastic to be collaborating with the Environmental Protection Authority on the Fieldays Sustainability Hub under the theme of The Time to Act is Now,” says New Zealand National Fieldays Society chief executive Peter Nation.  “We’ve made a strategic decision to use the scale of Fieldays to help educate both visitors and exhibitors so that future generations will benefit from improved sustainability practices for New Zealand’s food and fibre sector.”

The new hub will feature a select number of sustainability-focused organisations, including Toitū Envirocare, Wilderlab and RiverWatch.

The new Fieldays Sustainability Hub will be located on site E38, on the corner of M Road and E Street, next to the Village Green.

From health checks in the Fieldays Hauora Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing Hub, to 40 organisations under one canopy in the first ever Fieldays Forestry Hub and future career pathways highlighted in the Fieldays Opportunity Grows

Here Careers Hub, there is something for everyone. Thousands of site and exhibitors will display products, services, experiments and ideas on everything that features agriculture, horticulture and country living at its best.

Plus there’s a huge variety of events, competitions and showcases to appeal to one and all.

Watch mud fly at the noisy Tractor Pull Competitions. Contestants battle it out in three different classes – the weight transfer class is a battle of grunt, while speed fanatics can get their fix watching the weight adjusted class with the first to 100m winning.

And the modified tractors are a must-see for all visitors as the showmen of Tractor Pull take to the track with up to 800hp each. Visitors can sit in the grandstand for prime viewing. Competition fencing has been part of Fieldays since the event began. So it’s worth checking out The New Zealand National Fencing Championships, which showcases NZ’s top fencers in a match of skill, speed, endurance and sheer tenacity. So set the alarm for early, and layer up your clothing!

FUTURES FOR NZ FARMS

A guide to growing an forest

There is more to forestry than radiata pine. That’s the message a team of scientists and industry experts wants to give farmers and growers – both new and experienced.

A New Zealand Guide to Growing Alternative Exotic Forest Species is a booklet funded by the Ministry of Primary Industries and created by Scion in partnership with Te Uru Rākau, Forest Growers Research, New Zealand Dryland Forests Innovation and New Zealand Farm Forestry Association.

The booklet compiles decades of knowledge from research and experience of experts and growers.

It outlines commercially available, exotic alternatives to radiata pine describing the suitability and management conditions for each species.

Informative

It’s designed to support both experienced growers looking to diversify and new growers looking for information about commercial species and could be used by small landowners through to industry key players, says Scion Silviculture and Forest Carbon scientist Alan Jones.

The booklet was launched at the end of March by Te Uru Rākau at the New Zealand Farm Forestry Association annual meeting in Timaru and its 1000-copy first print run has been so well-received there are plans to print thousands more.

Copies will be available at Fieldays 2023 where Scion will feature at the Forestry Hub.

The dedicated hub, themed Wood – our low-carbon future, acts as a one-stop shop for everything forestry.

Scion will be among sector organisations and companies in the hub showcasing the possibilities of forestry and wood processing, its initiatives and capabilities, and its vital role in mitigating climate change and moving towards a circular bioeconomy.

This year’s hub includes hot topic talks and two forums moderated by New Zealand Herald’s Jamie Mackay across the four-day event.

It is the second year Fieldays has had a dedicated forestry hub.

Forest diversity

At last year’s hub, Te Uru Rākau launched the Forestry and Wood Processing Industry Transformation Plan which includes a goal to increase planting of alternative species (non radiata pine) from about 10 per cent to 20 per cent of all planting by 2030 – something the booklet directly plays into.

Benefits of this include increasing forest resilience and productivity, improving resilience to climate change and biological and economic risks, and increasing forestry’s wider environmental benefits.

Alan says there’s an obvious need in New Zealand to diversify forests because this improved resilience to climate change, pests and diseases and resulted in diverse timber products.

“The idea is to enable transformational change in industry and part of that is enabling cultural change … This enables that to take place by giving people the information or the roadmap they need to start thinking about other species.”

Scion’s Trees to High Value Wood Products portfolio leader Andrea Stocchero says the book will help a “new wave” of growers such as those not yet interested in planting or seeking alternatives to radiata pine.

Scion scientist Toby Stovold and Wood Science Design team lead Tripti Singh authored the book alongside Jones and Stocchero.

All-in-one

Forest Growers Research Specialty Wood Products Partnership programme manager Marco Lausberg helped bring the team and their knowledge together. He says this is the first time

this information is in one place.

He says information about species other than radiata pine is hard to come by and this work helped break that barrier.

Scion chief executive Dr Julian Elder says Scion’s 2030 Strategy of right tree, right place, right purpose was also relevant for rural New Zealand.

“Our innovations and technologies can be applied to trees and fibre on farms in new ways.”

Julian says future rural landscapes and communities will include a mix of farming, productive forestry, trees and new manufacturing and processing activities.

“All this will play into the goal of a circular bioeconomy and grow jobs and resilience for farmers and rural communities.”

Fieldays 2023 is June 14-17 at Mystery Creek, Hamilton. The MPI website has a downloadable copy of the booklet.

A regular at Fieldays

Being in the pump trade came in handy for a Matamata-based business at one of the first Fieldays.

Farm effluent systems specialist Reid & Harrison has been a regular fixture at Fieldays since the second ever edition.

Bob Dalley, who took over directorship in 1980 after working for the company for 20 years, says Reid & Harrison was on site when Fieldays used Mystery Creek for the first time after the inaugural event at Te Rapa racecourse in 1969.

Memories

He remembers Mystery Creek as a “bit of farmland” with no amenities except an electricity supply.

Needing water for their “live” displays, they used one of their own pumps to tap into a small stream fed by the Waikato River on-site.

They even helped out neighbouring exhibitors with a similar need.

Bob says this system worked pretty well, apart from the odd bit of dirt and grit emanating from the drain.

In those days, Bob says exhibitor stands were “down in the gully” and public parking up top, the opposite to the set-up today. “It was just bare land originally.” There were no buildings then at Mystery Creek, with exhibitors being almost purely

farm orientated.

“There was tractor-pulling and ploughing,” says Bob. “Certainly, a lot less retail.” Nowadays he says you can buy anything from clothing to spa pools, while also having access to services including advisors and consultants.

“There is a wider variety of exhibitors and visitors.”

Bob says exhibitors moved “up top” out of the gully after about the first five years of Fieldays.

Signing up that first year simply involved a phone call to Reid & Harrison from Fieldays’ organisers.

“We hadn’t done any exhibiting previously,” says Bob. “That was the first time the pumps had been out of the workshop.”

Growth

In its early years, he says Fieldays was over just two days instead of the four of today.

Just two staff were needed on the Reid & Harrison site which “featured” a 3HP and a 5HP pump.

“There were no tents or marquees,” says Bob. “There were no food halls, so we took our own food.”

The access road to the gully site was little more than a track.

Bob says there were “on the spot” buyers at Fieldays in those days who came prepared with cash and chequebooks.

Reid & Harrison chief executive Keith Cooke, who has served on the company stand for the past 10 years, says the Fieldays’ focus has moved away from products to information.

“It has completely changed over the years,” says Keith. “We used to set up a mini office and sell pumps (the company’s trademark Yardmaster brand).

In later years he says the company, based at the Mangawhero Road Industrial Estate after

a shift from Matamata in 2013, turned to brochures to promote their cause at Fieldays.

Now, he says Fieldays’ patrons have “done their research” and want to physically see products and verify the information they have taken on board.

Keith says for Reid & Harrison today, attending Fieldays is a branding exercise.

“It’s more about supplying information.”

He says those attending are “well prepared” in their product knowledge before coming to Fieldays.

“The focus has changed from pure rural to retail.”

Keith says Fieldays has become more family-orientated in recent years.

“Previously it was just farmers.”

Some local farmers once came by boat to the site, while today arrivals by helicopter are familiar.

Reid & Harrison only ever missed Fieldays during Covid and last year’s re-scheduled November event.

Bob Dalley pops in now and then but is a “bit over” the crowds.

“I might have a peek at the opposition,” he laughs. Steve Edwards

Reid & Harrison chief executive Keith Cooke with director Bob Dalley. Photos: Steve Edwards.

A Reid & Harrison site at Fieldays from about the year 2000.

The Ceus-2TX trailed disc harrow-cultivator combination, in working widths of 4 m to 7 m, is the most flexible soil tillage implement in this sector. The combination of discs and tines offers the maximum potential output.

Connecting New Zealand communities since 1923

CAA licensed drone spraying

South Auckland/North Waikato based owner/operator of Phylogeny, David Hall, says he’s delighted to be licensed by the CAA to operate a drone for aerial spraying.

“Drone spraying fills the gap between ground and helicopter spraying and is of particular relevance for anyone with a lifestyle property, orchard, wetland or farm with 20 hectares or so that requires strategic application of such things as fertiliser, herbicide or chemicals.

“The DJI Agras T 30 drone is 1.5m wide and is capable of carrying 30 litres of spray, the drone is very efficient and cost effective, spraying three to four hectares per hour.

“The drone can be manually flown with GPS guidance or under completely automatic flight after a scan of the area and programming of the drone is

This year marks the 100th year that Humes has been part of building New Zealand’s rural infrastructure and shaping kiwi communities.

“It is with a huge amount of pride that we welcome you to our centenary year,” says a spokesperson for the company.

“Connecting New Zealand communities for over a century is a massive milestone and one that we look forward to sharing and celebrating our remarkable history with customers, suppliers and our

Humes team.

“As you can imagine, there are many relationships (staff, customers, supply partners), products and projects that have contributed to the rich and unique heritage of Humes.

“Throughout our centenary we will relive, retell and share some of these legends, stories and wisdoms that help guide and drive the Humes team of today.

“Come and visit us on site at this year’s Mystery Creek Fieldays and have a chat with any of our passionate team members that will be able to assist with all your rural needs.”

completed, this works really well if it’s likely to be repeated anytime in the future.”

David Hall says the manoeuvrability and precision of drone spraying makes it the ideal mechanism for plant or wetland protection, crop spraying, revegetation preparation, difficult access sites and also roof cleaning. Phylogeny drone spraying is available across the greater Auckland, Waikato, Coromandel and Bay of Plenty region.

Humes will be at Fieldays at Mystery Creek.

Example of the DJI Agras T 30 drone on the ground.

Change of guard

The New Zealand National Fieldays Society has elected Waikato farmer and businesswoman Jenni Vernon at their recent Annual General Meeting.

Their first female president/board chair in the organisation’s 55 year history.

Jenni has held the position of vice president for the past three years, while having been on the board for the past 10 years. Jenni was elected unopposed at the society’s AGM held on March 21.

The role of president/ chair governs the society which owns and operates Mystery Creek Event Centre and is also the owner of Fieldays, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event.

Jenni farms a dry stock unit in partnership with her husband Gordon and son Simon, at Te Akatea, in northwest Waikato.

Initially training as a teacher, Jenni has spent more than four decades in farming and governance. She was also the first female Nuffield Scholar and the first woman chair of Environment Waikato.

Jenni’s first encounters with Fieldays date back in her NZ Young Farmers days helping with car parking. She says she feels privileged to take

Time Out with

Ewe and calf cradles saving lives

up the role of president for the society.

“This organisation has a proud history of delivering world class events, including Fieldays. In the past 55 years many before me have worked hard to create what we now see before us. “Given a large part of my career has been involved in Agriculture it seems natural for me to continue to contribute to the Society, supporting the growth in Agriculture through our purpose of advancing the primary sector through Innovation, Education and Globalisation.

Jenni takes over the reins from outgoing president James Allen, who following the constitutional rules of the society has completed his third and final year as president.

Jenni acknowledges the contribution that James made to both the Society and the wider agricultural sector.

“As a volunteer board member, James provided leadership during the incredibly uncertain times of Covid-19 and his tenure was met with a mixture of extreme challenges, but he navigated these while also running his own business.

“James can also celebrate many highlights and areas of growth in his time on the board and as chair of the board.”

Jenni is looking forward to working with the new board.

Cradles which support ewes which have been cast or newly born calves are saving lives around the country.

Ex-shearer Sean Blenkin designed the Ewe Cradle to provide the portability and design flexibility required to support today’s multiple birth and milking ewes.

“Today’s ewes tend to be larger and taller than they were a few decades ago so I worked with farmers to develop a cradle which could easily be adapted to provide comfortable support for virtually any size

ewe up to 120kg,” says Sean.

The Stock Ezy Ewe Cradle is portable, easily transported on a farm 4x4 so it can be quickly set up to support a cast or down ewe, holding her comfortably until she recovers her equilibrium and allowing any lambs to feed.

Farmer uptake of the Ewe Cradle led to demand from dairy farmers for something similar for newly born calves. “The survival rate for calves which are down for any reason, for example scours, improves if they are able to stand – with support – and be

treated or tube fed.

“Like the Ewe Cradle, the Stock Ezy Calf Cradle, which features a head support, is portable and easily adjusted to varying size calves.

“Feedback from farmers and calf rearers confirms that the Calf Cradle has significantly lifted the survival rate of young, sick calves.”

Sean says it’s important for farmers, wanting a Stock Ezy Ewe or Calf Cradle to “order ahead of time so it’s on hand when you need it.”

Check the Stock Ezy cradles out on site S4 at Fieldays.

Jenni Vernon.

Dairy is our economic backbone and of late, our national kicking point.

After 23 seasons of the Fonterra certified organic dairy farming programme, there are still original farms and many new ones. The

Growing topsoil and banking the profits

system works on farm and the payout backs that. $10.80 per kg milk solids is about where Fonterra organic farmers expect the final 2022/2023 price to be.

This is not a subsidised price, this is the market return.

Farm production can be what you want - the inputs need to be organic,

choose your farming intensity. One Hauraki farm is producing more than 600kg milk solids a cow season on season - and at these pay-outs, that is a true cash-cow!

This is not about saving the planet - it is a by-product.

This is about getting the best return you can from your production system with longterm surety of market access by producing the very best food, nutrient dense, good storage and very functional.

The world is after high value food and more-so food with a very strong provenance’Organic, Integrity though transparency’, and they are willing to pay for it.

Open Country processing organic dairy in Southland pay $2 above non-organic farmgate price.

Need growth

Many countries have government support packages for their organic sector - to encourage change, both the USA and Europe have very strong government backed programmes and targets of food production land under organic management.

European Commission has set a target of “at least 25 per cent of the EU’s agricultural land under organic farming and a significant increase in organic aquaculture

If NZ wishes to continue to trade, if you as a farmer/grower wish to continue to trade, we as producers of the world's best all round food need to meet the market. We need serious growth

in the NZ organic sector.

This year marks 40 years of certified organic production. This is where a third-party verifiers that your inputs and farming system meets the importing market expectations, and we do.

The measurement of farm inputs, rather than establishing if an input product contaminates the end consumer goods, is fundamental to the organic global expectations.

When a farm is running a biological system (I know all are biological to some extent), this is what an organic system is based off, many countries use the bio/ biological instead of organic, the question is why would you then use a bio-cide, something that kills or harms the biology?

This is the basis of the organic codes of practise in all aspects of production inputs.

People often ask if the residues in food tell the story. The short answer is, in the fullness of time.

We have many examples of inputs that were industry approved and recommended, DDT is probably the longest

lasting in our soils and still today is tested for in food from certain areas.

Join us...

So, join those that have certified, not just tried a diverse pasture (established with herbicide), those that have reduced animal health interventions (without dry-cow), those that have systems that are robust in drought and wet seasons. As a trading nation and as food producers, we need to stop green-washing and step up to the real food expectations of the market. NZ farmers are the best adapted to do this any where in the world. We as producers, be it dairy, kiwifruit or any food/ fibre line have done so for a long time.

The farms that show it can be done and done well, those that have supported them to get there will be at Fieldays. Come and ask at site F81/83 at Fieldays, a team covering all aspects of production and market expectation will be on site.

Bill Quinn

Black is now the new green

Activated Carbon NZ is the only Activated Carbon producer in New Zealand.

The Waikato-based company uses Pinus Radiata sawdust from local mills.

“In 2021, we started making High-Grade Biochar, a stock feed supplement, it promotes weight gain, digestion, blood levels, boosts immunity, nutrient intake efficiency, adsorption of toxins due to its permeability and extended surface area, reduces enteric methane emissions by enhancing gut microbial fermentation and growth of beneficial microbes in the gastrointestinal tract, which ultimately improves animal health and productivity,” says a company spokesperson.

“Although it’s widely used overseas, Biochar is a relatively new concept to New Zealand farmers, we were fortunate enough to have it trialed in calf pens last year to replace previously used Bentonite.

“Results were, overall improved health and appearance, increased vitality, no scours, and a decline in mortality rate.

“We have also had reports of very happy healthy laying hens after the addition of biochar to their feed, results included eggs with thicker, harder

Activated Carbon is helping Kiwi farmers create a sustainable future.

shells, an increase in egg yield, and a noticeable difference to the hygiene of the coop.

“Come and see us to learn what we can do for you and your animals, suitable for dogs, horses, poultry, sheep, goats, cows and pigs of all ages.

People are invited to check out the Organics hub at Fieldays this year.

Answering organic questions

The OrganicAg marquee at Fieldays has the answers to many an issue on farm and in the marketplace relating to organic/biological practise and realisation. With a range of exhibitors covering aspects of organic/biological production and marketing. It is of little point telling someone to stop doing something without providing a viable alternative, at the OrganicAg marquee you will get the alternative!

Whether this is one of Natural Sugars product range in supplying animal nutrition, Activated Carbon NZs range of biochar and activated charcoal products for animal and soil health.

Chaos Springs range of cyclone spray tanks and compost or the soil and compost activating range from Penergetic.

Other exhibitors cover farm-scape design, certification, soils and livestock management and a wealth practical knowledge from decades of organic practise.

Future crops

The knowledge and product range on show is what has aided and supported those producers who are now organic or have adopted organic/biological practises while still using chemical and conventional inputs. The use of hay tea,

browse grazing, weed management etc. will all be explained.

This year we are also introducing our carbon trading team, they have returned millions of dollars to farms over the last 20 years and continue to do so with minimal fees.

iHemp is a great soil improvement crop with a growing future now that some of the industrial development has occurred with fibre and hurd processing at commercial level, contr act growing, and some exciting export opportunities now the sector is getting to a volume proposition.

Growing demand

The international demand is for certified organic iHemp, and is paying at top level, this crop can fit into a pastural or cropping farming rotation to add a bit of diversification.

So site F81/83/j17 is a must visit for anyone looking at profitable farming/ growing, multiple exhibitors will be able to answer your questions or point you to those that can.

Hemp is a popular organic alternative.

Come in and spend some time exploring how true carbon trading will return your business dividends.

Industrial Hemp is an exciting crop for the future, it has grown over the last decade as a developing economic option for farming. The Hemp Assn is advancing all aspects of the ‘wonder crop’ (industrial hemp) from the food values, fibre products to the by products that can be used as soil amendment with some outstanding results.

We have a range of iHemp retail products from clothing to sunglasses, footwear to food.

Organic horticulture and pastoral has many 20 plus year success stories, as a nation we need to celebrate this and expand on the organic opportunity the discerning buyer of the global market is willing to pay for. Whether kiwifruit, apple, cropping or milk and meat, we do have as a nation a depth of knowledge and practical application of the knowledge to meet all of the global market access requirements.

It is down to farmers/growers to join this supply train and not join the greenwash trail of the marketers that are promoting chemical/conventional production as climate smart agriculture. The discerning world market will not tolerate the greenwash.

This home built by Landmark Homes Waikato in rural Te Kowhai makes a strong impression as soon as you step through the main entrance.

And that was exactly the intention when this large country home was dreamed up.

“We wanted to create a bold, head-turning country home with a bit of wow factor,” says, Landmark Homes Waikato franchisee Nigel Watson, who

was involved at every single stage of the project, from design to build to décor decisions. This was originally a showhome that Landmark Homes Waikato built on a lifestyle block, and the substantial size of the house is designed to work with the

The principles of maintaining farm equipment

Farm equipment works best when it has been thoroughly developed, built well, and needs only basic inputs to operate.

That’s the message from KJ Smith Engineering. The PICSystem embodies these principles to reliably fail-safe the application of farm effluent to pastures when using a travelling irrigator, says a spokesperson for the engineering company.

“The system was developed and trialled over an extended period of time where challenging farm topography, seasonal and climatic variables, changing effluent qualities and the extended opportunity for things unforeseen to occur, made the PICSystem what it is now.

“The system’s most salient features are the total non-reliance on cell phone or radio coverage for GPS mapping and irrigator to pump communication, low capital, installation and

Above: A travelling irrigator trailer unit.

Left: An example of the manifold.

running costs, comprehensive irrigation protection functions, and ease of operation. “

For further details look on their website www.papd.co.nz or view their advert on this page.

5000m2- section.

The team started at the drawing board with the popular ‘Waihi’ Ready to Build plan and modified it to suit the site and their goals for the property – increasing the overall floor plan from 346m2 to 422m2, adding storage, and upping the garage from two-car to three-car. You’ve got to make sure you have room for gardening tools and a quad bike, after all!

While in some ways this is a classic country home, with a weatherboard

exterior and outdoor living spaces, it is also daring, different, and opulent. The colours were carefully chosen to turn heads, with black and white providing a strong contrast throughout.

If you’re planning on building your very own rural retreat, or simply want to have the latest, utilise Landmarks proven Ready to Build plan collection, modify a plan to suit or start from scratch with our Design and Build service.

A rural home in Te Kowhai.

With viticulturist great grandparents, market gardener grandparents, and farmer parents, it wasn’t a surprise that Restore Native founder Adam Thompson ended up becoming a grower himself.

After 15 years in finance as a mortgage broker, which he really enjoyed, he stepped back to owning a third share of the company he set up.

“We bought a 175-hectare farm outside Cambridge in 2018, running 250 beef cows, and I was farming alongside mortgage broking,” says Adam.

The need to retire some areas of his farm kickstarted Adam’s lifelong interest in native plants and conservation.

He is known for starting Predator Free Cambridge in 2017, an operation aligned

with the nationwide government and Department of Conservation initiative, Predator Free 2050.

“Initially funded by Adam, the group now has a full-time facilitator and has made hundreds of trap boxes that are distributed around the area to people willing to trap pests on their land.”

Planting trees

His property has 20ha of covenanted bush, which provides the perfect source of seed and fruits for Adam to collect and grow his own seedlings.

“I’ve always grown stuff, but this was on a new scale. It started off with 1000 trees grown, then 10,000, then 50,000 and so on until four years on since we started growing commercially we’ve now grown one million trees this year.”

Adam is using around two hectares of the farm for the native plant nursery and during the Covid lockdowns he spent the time building greenhouses on the land.

“I truly believed that the pandemic would be

the end of my mortgage business and I decided to concentrate on getting the native plant nursery in shape for going into a larger scale operation.

“I was thankfully wrong about the mortgage business as two of the biggest years of growth that I have ever seen in the housing market followed Covid.”

However by then, Adam was being slowly pulled towards his new venture and away from the life of finance.

“I love farming, I love native bush. I am doing my dream job and living my life aligned with my passion. It’s in my blood and growing things brings a real sense of purpose.”

Growing natives

“I only grow natives, with a focus on finding easy, affordable options for farmers to retire land. I deal directly with my customers and there is no middleman.”

The yearly cycle in the nursery starts

A precision irrigation system in the greenhouses.

Photos: Catherine Fry.

with seed collecting from various native plantings around the Waikato. Using local seed means that the trees will already be suitable for the environment they will eventually be planted in.

Sowing and germination occur mainly in autumn and Adam has invested in machinery, including an Italian precision seeder, to speed up and automate some of the processes. He says all the machinery has been well worth the investment.

“Larger seeds such as kahikatea, rimu and totara have to be sown by hand in boxes, which is more labour intensive, but these are trees that grow slowly and live a long time.”

Adam has a special customised seed raising mix for his natives. Once germinated the small plants are put into

the greenhouses which have precision irrigation systems that can be adjusted to one millimetre an hour mimicking soft, gentle rain.

Plants are re-potted into larger pots over winter and spring and moved outside. They remain here for one to three years depending on their species.

“With young native plants, everything seems to want to kill them. Pest range from mammals, birds, insects, fungi and bacteria and each plant species has different threats. We walk the nursery every day and look at the plants as this way we catch issues early and can act.”

The goal is to try to minimise spraying and use organic-based products.

“I’ve been through the process for many years on my own land. I’ve lost plants and learned the

hard way. This has helped us to develop techniques that are resilient and efficient on farms. “Vigilance and knowledge of each species is very important, as is the huge amount of planning and variety of skills involved when starting a new project.” Having established bush on his own land, plus acres of his more recent plantings and the nursery, means Adam has a living showroom onsite to show clients.

Since 2019, Adam has expanded to 12 staff, rising to 16 at peak and dropping to eight during down time.

“Sometimes we just supply plants and give advice, but

other times we prepare the site and carry out the planting. We can also maintain and monitor plantings until the trees are large enough to make it on their own.”

With a smile, Adam says that rain or shine, hot or cold, every day working in the nursery is a happy day, and he’s well and truly in his happy place.

• 6 sizes ranging from 70,000 - 190,000 Litres

• 25-year design life

• Small footprint. 6.9m or 9.2m diameter

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• 2 people, 2 days to install. Or get our team to install for you (charges apply)

• Minimal pipework and connections

• Lifestyle TankTM optional accessories available

All hands on deck with some planting.

A calf rearing game changer

Calf rearing is a critical aspect of the dairy industry and ensuring the health and growth of young calves is essential for the future productivity of heifers.

Two probiotic supplements that have been proven to be effective for calf rearing are Calf Xtreme and BioRescue, both of which have been introduced into New Zealand in recent years by Probiotic Revolution, says Chris Collier from Probiotic Revolution.

“Calf Xtreme is designed to allow high intakes of milk during the first few weeks of life and is formulated to promote a healthy gut microbiome and support the

calf’s immune system.

“By improving rumen digestion calves can be weaned earlier. A total of 90,000 calves were reared on Calf Xtreme last

year and 67 per cent of farmers surveyed reported savings in milk and meal, and on average calves were weaned 11 days earlier.

Fieldays encouraging healthy habits

There’s no shame in caring about your health.

Fieldays isn’t just about farming equipment this year with people encouraged to visit the Health & Wellbeing Hub.

The Hauora Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing Hub is back at Fieldays this year and should be the first stop for you and your whanau at this year’s event!

There are loads of free health check-ups on offer this year that could easily cover the cost of your Fieldays

ticket. Operated in collaboration with Mobile Health, the Hauora Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing Hub is the place to visit for non-invasive, free health checks. Get easy tips on how to look after your most important asset – you!

Full details of the exhibitors can be found on the Fieldays App. Don’t get stuck in the mud. Talk about it in the Hauora Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing Hub.

The Hauora Taiwhenua Health & Wellbeing Hub will be located near the intersection of E Street and N Road.

“For many farmers the ability to feed high rates of milk once a day after one week of age, with no issues, is a game changer.”

Chris says BioRescue like Calf Xtreme is formulated to support the digestive health and immunity of calves, but is in a convenient paste so it is easy to use on newborn calves or specific calves that are not doing well.

“It also contains vitamin E for a

quick pick-up.”

Chris says by combining BioRescue and Calf Xtreme, it can help change the way farmers rear their calves ensuring the best possible outcomes.

He says results point to improved nutrient absorption, reduced risk of digestive issues such as diarrhea, and a stronger immune system, all of which are crucial for the health and growth of young calves.

 Ideal for shearing sheep, alpacas, goats & cow tails.

 Variable speed from 2600-3500rpm.

 Latest brushless motor technology means minimal heat build up

1400gms means 100-200gms lighter than standard handpiece.

 At 2800rpm the 12v lithium battery will crutch 300-400 sheep or trim up to 400-500 cows tails.  Tough alloy switch box with auto rest fuse for overload or lockup – clips to belt.

Live yeast protects against nutritional scours while developing the rumen

Potent bacteria supports health

Calves reared on Calf Xtreme - 155kg by mid-December.

SAM ORCHARD SPREADER - A game-changer! (now with load cells for added accuracy)

SAM TOPCON - It’s ISOBUS!

As the demand for affordable and flexible housing continues to rise, Compac Homes offers a solution that is both practical and versatile.

Perfect for rural living, workers accommodation, independent living for family members, a holiday home, extra income, and more.

Compac Homes specialises in transportable homes on wheels, varying in size up to 56m2, each one is individually designed to suit your needs and budget, says a company spokesperson.

“With an overwhelming sense of spaciousness, while maintaining a minimalistic footprint on your site, you will find they feature all the comforts of a traditional home. The homes are built with NZ Colorsteel to withstand the harsh

Sustainability to take centre stage

A Sustainability Hub is one of the fresh new features set to capture attention when Fieldays returns to its winter dates at Mystery Creek in June.

Fieldays remains the Southern Hemisphere’s largest agricultural event and the ultimate launch platform for cutting-edge technology and innovation. “Sustainability is a strong focus for the Society, and it’s fantastic to be collaborating with the Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) on the Fieldays Sustainability Hub under the theme of The Time to Act is Now,” says Peter Nation.

“We’ve made a strategic decision to use the scale of Fieldays to help

educate both visitors and exhibitors so that future generations will benefit from improved sustainability practices for NZ's food and fibre sector.” The new hub will feature a select number of sustainabilityfocused organisations, including Toitū Envirocare, Wilderlab and RiverWatch.

Paula Knaap, General Manager Engagement at the EPA, says visitors will be able to explore sustainable farming research and science, urban and rural waste management. The new Fieldays Sustainability Hub will be located on site E38, on the corner of M Road and E Street, next to the Village Green.

Liz Voorend

P 027 755 6501 | E farmsafety@wfss.co.nz workablefarmsafety.co.nz

Liz Voorend

Liz Voorend

Liz Voorend

Kiwi climate and finished to a high standard that exceeds expectations.

“Family owned and built in Ohinewai, North Waikato, with delivery available nationwide.

Customers are welcome to visit the Ohinewai factory and view the two thoughtfully designed showhomes that showcase the high end workmanship and multiple options available. “

The experienced design team can guide you in creating a personalised layout and home that will suit your unique style and living arrangement.

Compac Homes will be showcasing their stunning 14x4 two-bedroom coastal showhome at Fieldays 2023.

The Compac team will be located in the Rural Living Precinct and on hand to answer all your questions.

Liz Voorend

Liz Voorend

P 027 755 6501 | E farmsafety@wfss.co.nz workablefarmsafety.co.nz

P 027 755 6501 | E farmsafety@wfss.co.nz workablefarmsafety.co.nz

P 027 755 6501 | E farmsafety@wfss.co.nz workablefarmsafety.co.nz

LOWEST PRICE

P 027 755 6501 | E farmsafety@wfss.co.nz workablefarmsafety.co.nz

P 027 755 6501 | E farmsafety@wfss.co.nz workablefarmsafety.co.nz

LOWEST PRICE

LOWEST PRICE

The ONLY Health & Safety company that:

LOWEST PRICE

LOWEST PRICE

The ONLY Health & Safety company that:

The ONLY Health & Safety company that:

Brings the farm up to compliance standard

The ONLY Health & Safety company that:

The ONLY Health & Safety company that:

Brings the farm up to compliance standard

Brings the farm up to compliance standard

Brings the farm up to compliance standard

Organises hazardous substances, safety data sheets, inventory and plan

Brings the farm up to compliance standard

Organises hazardous substances, safety data sheets, inventory and plan

Organises hazardous substances, safety data sheets, inventory and plan

Organises hazardous substances, safety data sheets, inventory and plan

The ONLY Health & Safety company that: Brings the farm up to compliance standard Organises hazardous substances, safety data sheets, inventory and plan

Provide easy to use templates

Organises hazardous substances, safety data sheets, inventory and plan

Provide easy to use templates

Provide easy to use templates

Provide on the farm follow-up services

Provide easy to use templates

Provide easy to use templates

Provide easy to use templates

Provide on the farm follow-up services

Provide on the farm follow-up services

Provide on the farm follow-up services

Provide on the farm follow-up services

NO MEMBERSHIP FEES!

NO MEMBERSHIP FEES!

NO MEMBERSHIP FEES!

NO MEMBERSHIP FEES!

Provide on the farm follow-up services NO MEMBERSHIP FEES!

NO MEMBERSHIP FEES!

Compac Homes specialises in transportable homes on wheels, varying in size.