Coast & Country News - February 2024

Doug Brewer is the proud owner of a 1920s Fordson Model F tractor. His interest in American vehicles has led him towards owning Fords. Read his story in full on pages 38 and 39. Photo: Catherine Fry.

Te Aroha Photographer PG 5

Dairy Industry Awards PG 12-15

Pasture Renovation PG 17-19

NZ Dairy Expo PG 20-23

Avocados PG 26-27

Farm Housing PG 30-31

Feed Management PG 36-37

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 2

February 2024 Coast & Country News

The pack house melting pot I was able to put aside the aching back, tired bones, broken fingernails and long draining hours that came with working in a kiwifruit pack house, simply because of the people and the experiences.

Like the day I stood in a side door during smoko watching a beautiful big Kenworth semi-trailer roll into the yard to pick up an export load. All gussied up with exhaust stacks, chrome, fancy paint job and that aggressive throaty sound - just a beautiful beast.

trying to outwit and outrace you nine hours a day.

But the people made a joyless job eminently enjoyable - the Argentinians, the Chileans, the Brazilians, French, Japanese, Koreans, Filipinos, Indian etc, etc and of course Maori and Pakeha lives, loves, losses, disappointments and triumphs, hopes and dreams, all laid out to be picked over, day in and day out. Real people and real stories.

Culture

How can people engage, talk and laugh all day when they don’t understand a word of each other’s language?

The kiwifruit pack house can bridge Convoy cultural divides.

When I laughed and started What about the mumbling ‘Convoy’ - “Was Bangladeshi women who the dark of the moon on the delighted in sharing their You’re never too old to realise your sixth of June, In a Kenworth dreams. Something I found out recently. lunchtime feast. pullin’ logs…..” the woman There was chatter but no driver heard me. understanding – but we did understand the eye I had an unfulfilled fantasy about riding a talk and other facial expressions. Nothing was lost.

“K-Whopper” ever since CW McCall delivered They loved you loving their food. The Indian ‘Convoy” in 1975. It had to be a Kenworth. guy who could conjure up a magic red lentil curry “We’ll put that right,” said the driver. and the charming Korean who knew the best She liked her truck being noticed. pot noodles in the world and introduced me to Next minute, I’m doing two laps of the pack corndogs. And the delightfully cheeky, pale faced house compound in the cab of a Kenny. Wow! Pom we called ‘Three Pies’. Because that’s how he And yes, I can tug on that roof mounted cable to fed his engine every day - three pies. blast those quad-horns. Magic!

He never shared.

For a bloke who has enjoyed a sedentary work I loved those times. career, the toil of a pack house was hellish.

The best worst job in horticulture.

Competing against a production line that was

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Page 3

Calling time after 21 years Zespri CEO Dan Mathieson will leave Zespri to take up a new position as president of the Americas for global berry company Driscoll’s.

growth set to continue in the coming years. Through that time he demonstrated his ability to bring talented people together, to set and execute strategy

Dan has been at Zespri for 21 years, almost seven of those as CEO and will remain at Zespri to oversee the 2024 harvest and start of the sales season and until a new CEO is appointed, with the industry poised to deliver one of its largest-ever crops to meet growing demand for Zespri Kiwifruit around the world.

World-class

Zespri chairman Bruce Cameron says Dan leaves as a world-class CEO who has helped turn Zespri into a leading sales and marketing company and with the industry well positioned to continue to succeed.

“Under Dan’s exceptional leadership Zespri grew sales from almost $2.3 billion in 2016/17 to a peak just over $4 billion in 2021/22 prior to the Covid-19 pandemic, with that

Dan Mathieson is leaving Zespri after 21 years.

and ultimately to deliver great outcomes for the industry.

“Dan leaves the company in a strong position to build on the industry’s success, with strong and stable management and a clear strategy the team is committed to executing well.

“I’m excited about the future and know we have the right people to continue to create

value for our growers and partners and we know Dan will have great success in his new role.”

Growing demand

Dan says it’s a difficult decision to leave but does so confident the industry is well positioned, while also excited by the personal challenge ahead.

“I’m so passionate about this industry. It’s filled with incredible, deeply committed people providing a world-class product and its future is so bright. We’ve had an industrywide focus on addressing the quality challenges imposed

by Covid restrictions and on delivering the premium-quality product we’re known for and we’ve seen the results of that this season. We know demand is growing strongly and with what has so far been a good growing season, we’re focused on delivering a large, great-tasting and high-quality crop to our customers and consumers and delivering great value back to our growers and partners.

“While I remain focused on the upcoming season, I’m really proud of what the industry is achieving.

The industry has a track record of making bold, forward-thinking decisions.”

The Board will carry out an executive search for Dan Mathieson’s replacement to take Zespri and the industry forward.

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New storm and fire notification feature MetService will send notifications to people in the paths of extreme storms or in areas with a high fire risk.

The weather monitoring agency is rolling out the feature in its app, which will notify users if a severe storm is on its way to their current location.

MetService weather communication head Lisa Murray says the feature is partially a response to the widespread confusion during last year’s floods in Auckland.

“It’s close to a year since the devastating impacts of the Auckland storms, closely followed by Cyclone Gabrielle.

“These notifications are one of the ways we’re aiming to warn more Kiwis of dangerous weather.”

She hopes the early warnings will give people time to react and protect themselves.

“Obviously, the quicker the public can get information [and] the more information they can get gives them what they need to make decisions to protect their families, their properties and their livelihoods.”

The impacts of climate change are pushing the agency to step up its warning systems.

“Climate change obviously has been feeding into

our weather warnings for a long time, it’s why we changed to a colour-coded warning system in 2019 and introduced the red warnings.”

Notifications are the next step, maximising the amount of time people had to react and seek shelter.

“The most important thing for people to do [when they get a notification] is to react and take immediate action,” says Lisa.

“If it’s a wind warning, tie down the trampoline or secure tiles on the roof. If it’s a rain warning, check gutters or drains to make sure they’re clear.”

MetService has also partnered with Fire and Emergency to include fire danger warnings.

“More and more weather is causing these really extreme conditions in regards to wildfires, you have the winds that will spread the fires, the dry conditions.”

To avoid unwanted notifications, users will only be notified if their current location or home is in the danger zone.

“They will be tailored to wherever you are in the country, if you’re in a region where a red warning is issued you’ll receive a notification.”

An update to MetService’s app is expected to roll RNZ out from Thursday, January 25.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Primary sectors preparing for El Niño summer

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Hot and dry conditions are being forecast for this summer. for hot, dry and windy weather,” says New Zealand A dry hot summer is being forecast, and growers and farmers alike are being urged to Kiwifruit Growers Inc. CEO Colin Bond.

“Farmers and growers should plan ahead now as prepare for the implications of economic factors may mean many will not be able an El Niño season. to buy their way out of feed shortfalls,” says Bay of Plenty Federated Farmers president Brent Mountfort.

The Bay of Plenty Primary Sector (Adverse Event) “Consider deferred grazing, crops, silage or maize Coordination Group recently met to discuss such contracts now before the dry weather settles in.” implications this season.

“The new Drought Forecasting Dashboard In September, NIWA declared El Niño conditions developed by NIWA and MPI can provide a better are present in New Zealand and predict these will forewarning on the coming 35 days. This gives an remain throughout the summer with a 75 per cent opportunity to develop decision points and allows chance of continuing through Autumn 2024. growers and farmers to remain more in control of their operations,” says Miles, who is also the chair of Lingering impacts the Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust.

For the Bay of Plenty region this generally means hotter, drier and windier conditions than normal.

Useful tools “It is important to plan ahead for what El Niño “There are useful tools to help prepare early for a may mean for your orchards and farms and to wrap prolonged summer dry period, helping farmers align your support team around you,” says Primary Sector feed demand and feed supply, manage animal welfare Coordination Group chair Miles Mander. and farm finances all on our website or by contacting Bay of Plenty farmers and growers are likely to face the DairyNZ Bay of Plenty team,” says DairyNZ’s compounding challenges with the lingering impacts Mark Williams. of the wet weather events this year, lower commodity “Beef+Lamb New Zealand have a wealth prices, increased costs and higher interest rates. of information on their Extreme Dry “I strongly encourage growers take the impacts of Management website,” says Laura Davis from the year’s wet conditions, such as raised roots, into Beef+Lamb New Zealand. consideration. Talk to those around you, including The Rural Support Trust has been actively planning our industry experts, to ensure that you are prepared with Coordination Group members including the Ministry for Primary Industries, Federated Farmers, DairyNZ, Beef+Lamb NZ, NZKGI and other Horticulture representatives, BOP Civil Defence Group, and others, added Miles.

The Bay of Plenty Rural Support Trust has facilitators who work with industry partners to help access the information you need. They are local rural people who have faced the challenges of rural life.

Their services are confidential, and they only reach out to their network for support with your permission. If you want a hand, please call: 0800 787 254 (0800 Rural Help) or visit: Rural-Support.org.nz

February 2024 Coast & Country News

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Page 5

An early Te Aroha photographer The Te Aroha Museum was alerted to a Trade Me listing of a large quantity of glass photographic plates which had been taken by one of Te Aroha’s bricklayers in the 1920’s.

His name was Alfred Norris Holmes and the Museum knew of him.

The opportunity to acquire these glass plates was successful and on picking them up, we discovered there were more than 400 of them.

The probability of there being unpublished images of Te Aroha was soon revealed to be true; there were also many genealogical images of Mr Holmes’ eight children as they grew up.

It was a simple process to convert the negative images on the glass plates to a positive digital image which could then be enhanced to reveal details of Te Aroha over a period of 25 years from 1915 when Alf and the family arrived from Invercargill.

Alf and two of his sons were bricklaying in Te Aroha up to the 1960s. A grandson of Alf ’s was Morrie Holmes, a gifted drummer in the ‘Satellites Band’ of the 1960–70s. His father was well known around town as ‘Ockie’.

Many of the glass plates were of the stereoscopic type with two identical images with the positive print on a card being viewed through a hand held stereoscope to give a three dimensional view.

A copyright tag.

A photo negative.

A stereoscope card.

A stereoscope viewer.

Many of the images overlooking the town from the slopes of Mt Te Aroha can be dated by the knowledge of when certain buildings were built, if they are, or are not, in the image then the date can be ascertained within a year or so.

The Museum has a display of 16 images from the Holmes’ collection with related stories involving his children.

There is also a 33-page research document on the family in the Museum Archives.

Geoff Clark, Te Aroha Museum

The final image looking out over Te Aroha.

Alf Holmes would have developed and printed many of his favourite images to be viewed by interested people. He put his name and ‘copyright’ on each The image of the boy sitting on the steps of the ‘Kiosk’ in the Te Aroha Domain shows in the foreground the playing lawns plus the Grand Hotel, Picture Theatre, Billiard Saloon and other shops on Whitaker Street.

Converting this negative to a digital positive and using enhancing programs on the computer, the background can be studied in great detail when magnified.

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COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Developing strategies to limit The shy, nocturnal Dama wallaby may look cute and cuddly, but it’s a major pest issue in the Rotorua area.

With sightings from Rotorua east to Kawerau, and south beyond Rainbow Mountain to the Paeroa Range (between Reporoa and Waikite Valley), exact numbers are not known, but the area of the sightings is expanding.

Dama wallabies were introduced to Kawau Island

by Sir George Grey in 1870 and later released into the Rotorua area in 1912.

Bay of Plenty Regional Council biosecurity officer Dale Williams manages contractors carrying out wallaby surveillance and control within the Bay of Plenty Region.

“Wallabies eat all seedlings within their reach of some native trees, ferns and grasses. This prevents native forest regeneration, destroying the habitat and food sources of native species. They can also

damage newly planted pine and native seedlings.

“They compete with stock for pasture, reducing available pasture by 10 to 15 percent on some farms as stock avoid areas where wallabies have defecated.”

Around 10 to 12 Dama wallabies eat the same amount of pasture as one stock unit.

Wallabies can live for more than a decade and female wallabies can hold a fertilised embryo in ‘diapause’, so as soon as a joey becomes independent, the embryo will migrate to the pouch and continue developing.

Tackling the issue

The government allocated $27 million over five years (2019 to 2024) to address Wallaby droppings near the 300mm ‘skirt’ of the wallaby containment fence.

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The shy, nocturnal Dama wallaby is a major pest issue in the Rotorua area.

the wallaby issue in both the North Island and South Island. The funds which are administered by MPI, for the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, Canterbury and Otago Regional Councils. This is now an MPI budget giving some assurance of continued funding.

The programme, named Tipu Mātoro - Wallaby-free Aotearoa, is a national eradication programme and a partnership of central and local government agencies working with iwi, farmers, landowners and businesses.

Around 200,000 hectares are affected in the North Island, with a

particularly dense population around Whakarewarewa Forest.

“We’re building a 1.2m high, 12km long wallaby fence from Whakarewarewa along State Highway 5 and then back inland to Lake Rotokakahi.

“Wallabies won’t attempt to jump the fence but will attempt to push through or under, hence the importance of the small gauge netting and a 300mm skirt laid flat along the ground.

“By containing the wallabies within Whakarewarewa Forest we can begin eradicating wallaby populations south of SH5.”

Landowners

Highland Station owner John Ford, on his land with BOPRC biosecurity officer Dale Williams. Photos: Catherine Fry.

Several landowners are farming within the containment area.

Highland Station has been in the Ford family since 1931, and has always been home for the current owner, John Ford. He is responsible for 1240 hectares, with 920 hectares effective for their beef stock and breeding ewes and the rest in covenanted QE II bush.

“Wallabies have been on our property for as long as we can remember. I learned to shoot around the age of nine and joined many wallaby shoots over the years.”

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Page 7

wallaby numbers The wallabies live in the bush which was stock fenced when it was retired and covenanted, but there is no further funding available to build wallaby fencing. They come out into the pasture to feed at night.

“Most Dama wallabies are under 10kg, so it’s hard to shoot them with a .22 rifle from a distance,” says John.

“I allow contract companies to come in and carry out night shooting to reduce numbers on my land, and that helps with the overall effort to control them.”

Lowering numbers

Dale confirms that this strategy is effective for lowering numbers but not eradication.

Thermal rifle scopes have been a huge advance for wallaby control allowing hunters to locate and shoot wallabies in complete darkness without startling them. John has previously seen 150 kills on his land over a two to three night period.

Bait stations are less effective for wallabies as possums will aggressively dominate access to the bait.

“An important part of the containment effort is finding out where the wallabies are.

“We have seven wallaby indicating dogs working with two contractors to locate wallabies and trail cameras to confirm the breeding status and delimiting populations.”

Dale’s ute is colourfully sign wrapped and there are large road signs around Rotorua encouraging people to report wallaby sightings to the regional councils. The public are encouraged to go online at: reportwallabies.nz to report evidence of wallabies, either from droppings or foot prints, or visual sightings of them dead or alive.

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• On site chipping for stand off pads • Wood chip for sale • Orchard shelter removal • Stump removal Woodlot marketing of all tree species BOPRC biosecurity officer Dale Williams at•the 12km, 1.2m high, wallaby containment fence around some of the Whakarewarewa Forest.

Dale doesn’t beat around the bush regarding the measures that will be needed for eradication.

“The most effective control method in dense forest is aerial 1080 which will reduce the populations by 95 percent. Getting the final five percent to achieve eradication will probably come down to professional hunters using thermal imaging and dogs.”

For that approach to be successful, everyone in the containment area would need to be on the same page and in agreement with the often controversial measures required.

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Page 8

February 2024 Coast & Country News

The pain of economic and weather cycles Who could have foreseen that the strong drought causing El Nino would turn into a relatively wet one for most areas of New Zealand!

As I write this article in midJanuary, it’s a hot sticky night following another 14mls of rain in two day. The regular falls of rain we have received, with some nice fine periods, has really set the season up well for all farmers. Contractors have had a strong grass season and made record amounts of grass silage, and

any drought that occurs now is likely to have little impact.

As you read this, you will be well focused on the new year, with kids back to school, the time spent at the beach a distant memory and the regular stresses of everyday life taking hold.

Elevated prices

One person recently said to me that “no one has any money”. I had

to concur that we live in some very challenging times - whether you are farming or if you live in a town. We are at the stage of the economic cycle where we all feel the pain of elevated prices following a couple of years of high inflation, and must face high interest rates as the Reserve Bank uses their only real tool, the Official Cash Rate, that can only be described as a sledgehammer, to bring inflation under control.

For those of you feeling the pain all I can say is that you must hang on and do what you can to fight your way through as it will get better.

Markets

Formerly known as

Looking at the agricultural markets it is great to see that milk prices are not only holding but lifting slightly with the most recent Global Dairy Trade auction rising 2.3 per cent.

The current season’s milk price futures are sitting just under $8/kgMS, a long way from the season low of $6.70/kgMS. It would be great to see a similar trend across the board for all agricultural markets, however, it is not the case with lamb remaining at historical lows and the beef schedule falling slightly.

Given the abundance of grass the prices of young stock at the yards have risen, and with the schedule dropping, any margin to be made on these animals is now being squeezed.

We live in a world that seems to get more volatile, with the likes of the Russian-Ukrainian War, the Israeli-Gaza conflict or more recently the attacks on ships in the Red Sea by Houthis.

This all has significant effects on world markets. These influences are ones to watch out for in the year ahead.

I guess when we think about

Andre Lietze checking a maize silage crop.

the challenges we face we can be thankful we don’t live in one of these countries currently at war. It is needless to say that we have plenty of feed available for sale at present. But now is the time to order your straw or hay requirements, whether that be for feed or bedding, as it is significantly cheaper to buy it straight from the paddock rather than later in the year due to no double handling.

We have some great prices currently so do get in touch.

Weather statistics

Christmas 2023/2024 122.5ml compared to 139.5ml for the same time last year.

July 1, 2023, to mid-January 2024 584ml compared to 1339 for the same time the previous year.

September 1, 2023, to midJanuary 519ml compared to 965ml the previous year.

Average temperature for the first two weeks of January – 22.8 compared to 20.6 the previous year.

DAIRY

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Page 9

Full steam ahead for wood biomass boiler Fonterra’s Waitoa manufacturing site is now using around 50 per cent less coal as its new wood biomass boiler swings into action.

Waitoa is the third Fonterra manufacturing site to reduce coal use this year, as part of the Co-op’s plan to reduce its Scope 1&2 emissions by 50 per cent by 2030 (from a 2018 baseline).

The new wood biomass boiler will reduce the site’s annual emissions by at least 48,000 tonnes of CO2e, the equivalent of taking 20,000 cars off New Zealand’s roads and is another significant step in the Co-op’s transition to a low carbon future.

Sustainable options

Fonterra acting chief operating officer Anna Palairet says Fonterra is committed to moving to more sustainable fuel options as part of its ambition to be net zero by 2050.

“Being a leader in sustainability is a strategic priority for the Co-operative and we know we have a part to play in helping New Zealand meet its climate targets.

“Fonterra has invested around $90million in this new boiler, which will make a 3 per cent reduction in our emissions. It is just one of the many decarbonisation projects underway across the Co-op.

“Earlier this year we moved off coal to wood biomass at our Stirling site and announced projects at Hautapu where we are converting the coal boilers to use wood pellets, and at the FBNZ Palmerston North site where we have installed a heat pump and solar thermal system. These projects follow earlier wood biomass projects at our Te Awamutu and Brightwater sites.”

“When you add together the emissions reductions from all projects complete or underway across our manufacturing operations, they reduce our CO2e emissions by a forecast 16 per cent from our FY18 baseline - 279,000 tonnes per annum - the equivalent of 116,200 cars off NZ roads.”

The installation of the new boiler at Waitoa will also give a boost to the local wood biomass industry, with Wood Energy NZ supplying wood chip to power the biomass boiler.

Electric tanker

Waitoa is also the home to the Co-op’s first electric milk tanker, Milk-E, which to date has collected over 5.5 million litres of milk and completed 1004 farm collections.

Fonterra is trialling the electric milk tanker as part of its plan to reduce transport emissions.

Fonterra expects to further reduce its emissions through a combination of energy efficiency initiatives and switching fuels at our six manufacturing sites that will still be using coal in 2024, and ultimately stop using coal by 2037.

Fonterra is in the process of converting the A look inside the site. coal boilers at the

GET MORE DONE

An aerial view of the Waitoa site.

Hautapu site to wood pellets.

Once complete in early 2024, the Hautapu site will reduce its carbon emissions by a forecast 15,785 tonnes per annum - the equivalent of taking about 6500 cars off New Zealand’s roads.

Energy

The Stirling wood biomass boiler has been commissioned, moving the site to fully renewable thermal energy for its process heat. Changing to this boiler will reduce the annual carbon emissions by 18,500 tonnes – the equivalent of taking about 7700 cars off New Zealand’s roads.

In 2020, the Te Awamutu manufacturing site converted its coal boiler to wood pellets, reducing the Co-op’s national coal consumption by 9 per cent, saving more than 84,000 tonnes of carbon emissions per year – the same as taking 32,000 cars off the road.

The Brightwater site near Nelson switched to co-firing biomass, helping reduce CO2e emissions by 25 per cent, or the equivalent of taking 530 cars off the road.

The Co-operative is developing plans to transition its manufacturing sites that use natural gas to other more sustainable energy sources such as biomass, biogas, and electricity from renewable sources.

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Page 10

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Subdividing to get ahead Subdividing your land to balance the books might seem extreme, but for those with qualifying land, it can be a way forward.

If you are lucky enough to have more than one title in your hands, most councils will allow you to rearrange the boundaries to enable you to sell off a small portion of your farm. Lifestyle blocks can sometimes be cut off farms containing lower

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productivity land.

It’s not surprising that farmers are looking at subdivision opportunities right now, given the regulations that have been forced on them in recent times. It can’t be a good feeling seeing all your profit and more being thrown into fencing off waterways, upgrading effluent ponds, nutrient management and resource consents for anything and everything.

Looking ahead

Coupled with low commodity prices, the immediate future is not looking good for many.

If you can carve off a lifestyle block or two from the edge of your farm without losing too much productive land, the balance sheet is going to look a lot better to both you and the bank. Knocking the top off that mortgage when the interest rates are at a comparatively high rate and commodity prices are low just has to be a priority for many.

Subdivision rules vary considerably between neighbouring districts according to local politics, social and environmental considerations.

So initially, a little look at your district council’s subdivision policy will guide you but beyond that, you should talk to a specialist subdivision company.

Recently we have been saved from another period of legislation changes by the election of a new government. However, subdivision of rural land is becoming harder as the years move on, particularly where the land has high productivity.

Opportunities

As mentioned earlier, if you are lucky enough to have a farm that has multiple titles, you could be in a good position, and if not, there are still some other subdivision opportunities.

These include subdividing a section off in return for the environmental protection of a wetland or native bush. In parts of some regions, councils have designated areas where lifestyle blocks are allowed.

One thing is certain, if you have ever considered subdividing off a block to guarantee your independence in retirement, give your family financial flexibility or have the ability to sell some land to pay off some debt in a tough economic environment, there is no better time to get started.

If a subdivision is something that you have contemplated and never got around to, please feel free to give us a call to discuss your options before it’s too late.

We’ll see how we can ‘help you make the most of your land’.

Reducing antibiotic resistance in animals

New Zealand agriculture continues to lead the way in its approach to antimicrobial resistance one of the top 10 global threats to human health.

Agriculture remains ahead of the game in the use of antibiotics, due to a concerted effort from vets, farmers, and industry.

Sales of veterinary and horticultural antibiotics in NZ have dropped by a massive 43 per cent in the five years until 2022, according to the Ministry for Primary Industries.

“This demonstrates that our farmers and growers are adopting sustainable farming practices, including managing pests and diseases before antibiotics are needed,” says Animal and Plant Health NZ. “By identifying animal health issues earlier and treating them quickly and responsibly, we can decrease disease levels and, with it, the need for antibiotics. Examples include monitoring for diseases such as mastitis and vaccinating animals.”

DAIRY

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Page 11

Are overseas purchasers calling the shots?

To achieve top prices for meat, milk, apples, pears, and all other produce, overseas consumers want to know fertiliser, fungicide and pesticide inputs, and are becoming increasingly demanding.

Explaining that we are the most efficient farmers and growers is not enough. The standards required are becoming ever more stringent and for continued access to top end markets NZ growers and farmers must comply.

Doubtless there are less fussy purchasers, however, the price they pay is probably lower than required for profitable enterprises here.

is often introduced and therein lies a problem. Although dairy cows are extremely efficient convertors of almost anything edible the quality of the milk becomes variable.

This means there is A close up look of less scope clover in field. to meet the demands of niche markets that return significantly more than high Recent pasture growth volume commodity ones. We require December pasture growth in both, however with costs including most regions was strong with astute interest on loans escalating, more highoperators able to push grazing end returns are required if the industry intervals out and build covers is to prosper. heading into summer.

Its not just dairy production Grazing to a cover of 1500kgDM/ha, under pressure, the meat industry or even slightly lower, allows sunshine is now asking their farmer suppliers into the base of the pasture stimulating for input details. clover growth.

The requirement to show that our A 30 day grazing interval, the time pastoral enterprises are carbon positive between when animals last exited and i.e: steadily sequestering carbon, is the next grazing takes place, provides already being made. sufficient time for clover to fix enough nitrogen for maximum yield.

Measuring soil held carbon Work undertaken at Ruakura The measures required are as yet Research Station some years ago unclear and fudging the issue will in showed that when synthetic nitrogen time be counterproductive. The Visual was applied the amount fixed by clover Soil Assessment developed by Landcare declined. The percentage of clover in Research is first rate, however, takes the sward was also reduced. time and there’s too few competent Those who have throughout their people available to fully assess all farming careers applied synthetic farming operations. nitrogen in December and into summer The Hot Water Carbon test provided find it difficult to break the habit and by the major soil testing labs is allow natural systems to flourish. essentially a measure of biological In place of vigorous protein-rich activity in the soil at the time of testing.

That activity is dependent on clover-dense pasture cheap supplement

moisture, temperature, and recent grazing management and therefore varies. It is only over a number of years that a clear trend becomes sufficiently obvious for it to be used as an effective marketing tool.

The last Government appointed people to assess the merits of soil fertility systems outside mainstream. Whether they still have or will retain that role is uncertain.

Governments and ministers come and go, meanwhile the big fertiliser companies have unprecedented influence.

It is up to their farmer shareholders to demand that they pay more than lip service to systems non-reliant on cheap water-soluble nutrient inputs supplemented by maximum allowable inputs of synthetic nitrogen.

In time the required changes will take place.

Having them forced on us by markets is the easy option when getting ahead of the game and having greater self-determination will take real effort, but the outcomes are preferable in all respects.

Experimentation is not necessary. There are systems proven over more than twenty years that produce more at lower cost and are genuinely sustainable in all respects. A commitment to innovation and excellence has never been more important.

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Page 12

DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS - BOP

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Learning news skills on the farm Since being awarded Dairy Manager of the Year for the Bay of Plenty at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in 2023, Chihiro Hanyuda has spent the past 12 months continuing to do the thing she loves.

She is still a dairy manager for this season on a Waikato farm and will be moving to another farm next season. “Since this is my second year on this farm as the manager, I knew what was going on. Last season was all about me getting my head around the whole system.

Learning environment

“This farm has been really good for me to learn. The owners are supportive and they let me make my own mistakes and learn from them.”

Chihiro says the biggest lessons she has learned over the past 12 months have been about stock handling and grazing.

“The weather has been quite different this year compared to last season, it was just wet all of last season. This year is a little bit drier.”

The change in weather in comparison to last season has meant that she has learnt the difference in grazing by the weather.

The great outdoors

“My favourite part of the job is just being outside and getting some fresh air.”

Chihiro says her biggest strength has been her willingness to learn and get to know her co-workers.

She says her weakness has been efficiency.

When asked if she would be entering the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards for

Chihiro Hanyuda encourages others to join the industry.

2024, she says “I can’t, I’m on the committee.

The FARMit team are proud to be a sponsor of the “So I’ve been organising this year’s entrance for 2020 NZ Dairy Industry Awards. A great opportunity for entrants to learn the manager’s category.” and grow, along with encouraging best practice within the Dairy For others considering getting into the industry, she says: “You’ve got nothing to lose, just go for it, Farming industry.

and enjoy the whole experience because at the end of the day, it’s just learning and opportunities and getting to know other people that you would never have met otherwise.”

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Chihiro says the biggest lessons she has learnt over the last 12 months have been about stock handling and grazing.

DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS - CENTRAL PLATEAU

February 2024 Coast & Country News

pair stand out in the industry they say: “It’s not that we stand out or better than anyone else, we aren’t afraid to take risks that are going to improve our business and or develop ways of farming.

“We would give anything a go once if we think it’s profitable and will improve our business.”

Page 13

Kevin and Nicole’s advice others in the industry is not to be afraid to take risks and put yourselves out there.

“There’s no one set way to for the same outcome, don’t be afraid to take different paths. Networking is a great tool in farming, going to discussion groups meeting new people.”

Ayla Yeoman

NZ Farmers Livestock proudly supporting the 2024 Central Plateau Dairy Industry Awards

Kevin and Nicole aren’t afraid to take risks. Photos: Kevin and Nicole Oppert/DIA.

It has been a busy 12 months working on the farm and learning new skills for Kevin and Nicole Oppert.

The couple won the Central Plateau Share Farmer of the Year award for the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards in 2023.

“Our past 12 months have been in full swing, we have had many great offers and opportunities come to us.

“We have learned a lot about ourselves our business and our career path where we want to

head for the near future.

“We have taken on board all the judge’s feedback.”

The past 12 months have been about “bigger opportunities that can grow our knowledge and portfolio”.

After the awards, Kevin and Nicole sat down and went over everything together. “We have always had our areas in farming Nicole sticks to the causal on farm help when needed, calves and office work. Kevin has learned more about the financials. Kevin is the hands-on

man, Nicole has learned more about the pasture and soils.”

When asked if the pair would be entering the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards for 2024, they say: “No we cannot enter again as part of the requirements but we highly recommend anyone thinking of giving it a go to just do it, it’s an incredible experience and you learn and gain a lot from it all. Such a great way to network with great-minded people in the industry.”

When asked what makes the

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Page 14

DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS - WAIKATO

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Pursuing passions on the other side Natasha Price won the 2023 winner of the Waikato Dairy Trainee of the Year award.

Photos: Catherin Fry.

Since winning the 2023 Waikato Dairy Trainee of the Year award at the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, Natasha Price’s life has changed quite a bit.

She finished up her job in Morrinsville in June and moved to England with her partner to start her OE.

Frozen farming

“We have been working on a 300 cow autumn calving dairy farm since August and are loving the experience. We’ve done one calving and now are nearly finished with the mating season. We’ve farmed in snow and had frozen milking cups but are loving the challenge of learning a new system of farming. “ Besides moving across to the other side of the world, Natasha has made some incredible achievements over the past 12 months. “I completed my ITO level 3 qualification before leaving for England. I also have applied some of the skills I learned throughout the dairy awards such as goal planning and CV building to earn myself a job in England with progressive employers. I have also gained a great deal of confidence in myself and my career plan.”

Over the past 12 months, Natasha says she has learned a lot. “The biggest takeaway from the dairy awards for me was the importance of networking and building connections in the industry. Since starting my job in England, I have expanded on my calfrearing and AI knowledge. Our employers Sarah and Duncan have allowed both my partner and myself to sit in on-farm meetings with a nutritionist. They also have invited us in to learn the business side of the farm and we even have a book club where we read business books and relate them back to farming such as The Diary of a CEO and The Lean Dairy Farmer.”

Growth and confidence When asked about Natasha’s strengths she says: “I would say personally my major strength that has changed over the past 12 months is the growth in my confidence since entering the dairy awards. This has helped me set off on my OE and still be able to grow my farming career while doing so.

“Another strength is my willingness to learn.

“I think there’s so much new knowledge coming into the industry all the time and you need to be willing to adapt to it.”

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February 2024 Coast & Country News

DAIRY INDUSTRY AWARDS - WAIKATO

of the world

Due to having moved across to the other side of the world, Natasha says: “My biggest weakness right now is missing my family, friends and NZ. “I’ve found that farming in England has given me a new perspective on how good we’ve got it in NZ in terms of our efficiency and simple trusted systems. And almost everyone I’ve met in England has either farmed in NZ before or plans to - I’ve even had one couple say they’d live in NZ permanently if it was only five hours away instead of 24 hours.”

Natasha says she will not be entering this year due to not being in the country. “I will be back farming in NZ in 2025 and plan to enter the awards again when the time is right.”

When asked what makes Natasha stand out from the rest in the industry she says: “I wouldn’t personally use the

words ‘stand out’ but I’ve found that reputation is extremely important in the industry. So I try and get the basics right - be a good employee (show up on time, have a good attitude and be passionate). Always keep learning is a personal motto I try to live by, and by that, I try and attend as many discussion groups, farm tours and local young farmer events as possible. And this hasn’t changed since moving countries, for example, I recently attended The Positive Farmers Conference in Ireland which focuses on the ‘Grass rich and low cost’ approach to farming. They use a lot of DairyNZ research and examples from NZ farms. It’s amazing how highly regarded NZ farming is globally.”

Lastly, if Natasha were to give anyone some advice for the dairy industry, she would say: “It’s cheesy but I always

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Natasha Price. advise people just starting out to enter the dairy awards. I was told you have nothing to lose and everything to gain and that’s so true. I would also suggest building your networking skills early on.

It’s surprising how many great opportunities can come from having a few good connections.

Dairy awards bring new promises With a theme combining The Year of the Dragon and the dairy industry, the 2024 Waikato Dairy Industry Awards dinner promises to be an evening not to be missed.

One of the highlights of the dairy industry calendar, the winners will be announced at an Awards Dinner at Claudelands Event Centre on March 13, 2024, with categories for Share Farmer of the Year, Dairy Manager of the Year, and Dairy Trainee of the Year.

For the first time, regional nominees of the Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award will be acknowledged at their local dinner.

The three winners of each category and the three FRDA finalists will then go to the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards National final, with national winners announced in Queenstown on Saturday, May 11.

The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards attracted 340 entrants from across the country, working in all levels of the dairy industry.

Page 15

The three categories give entrants the chance to challenge themselves, earn a regional or national title and to share in substantial regional and national prize pools.

Waikato regional managers Rachel and Brian Basi say the regional awards dinners are always a night of celebration, and not just for the winners.

“The regional dinners not only focus on the regional winners and those in other categories, but provide another opportunity to meet, network and socialise with like-minded people who live and breathe the dairy industry.

“It’s also an opportunity for the volunteers and sponsors to be acknowledged as they provide invaluable support in so many ways to the entrants and the Awards.”

The theme of the dinners centres around ‘The Year of the Dragon’, which according to the Chinese zodiac, is associated with strength, prosperity, and good fortune and signifies the beginning of new adventures.

“And lastly I would say to remember to enjoy farming. It’s a challenging career but there are special perks not many other careers have. Pat the cows every now and again and appreciate your outdoor office in the sun.”

Ayla Yeoman

Helping you find mind, time and financial freedoms. p] 0800 866 191 e] mail@cooperaitken.co.nz

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CARTAGE & EARTHWORKS

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Fears new bridge will hinder trucks Residents of a rural road in Te Puke are worried the location of a replacement bridge won’t be suitable for the large trucks needed to haul kiwifruit, logs and livestock.

The original bridge over the Raparapahoe Stream on No 4 Road washed out during severe weather in January 2023.

A temporary Bailey bridge was installed and opened in March 2023.

Western Bay of Plenty district councillors endorsed a new $2.75 million, 30m single-lane bridge which will be located 5-10m upstream of the former bridge, at a meeting in December.

Known as Option 1, the bridge’s construction is subject to the appropriate geometric alignment being achieved that will enable trucks to cross safely.

However, residents raised concerns about this option at a meeting with council in October and proposed another solution.

They suggested the Bailey bridge be moved upstream then the permanent bridge be built in the same place as the former bridge (Option 5).

Orchardist George Muir is worried moving the bridge closer to the S-bend on the western side of the stream will make it harder for trucks.

“If it’s too close between the two corners then the big rigs might not be able to get around because it’s quite hard even as it is.

“We think that by moving the bridge closer to the corner it’s going to make it even harder.”

The Muir family have around 40 hectares of kiwifruit on their No 4 Road properties.

George says the residents asked council staff to investigate the alignment and cost of their

Residents are worried if the bridge is moved closer to this corner it will be difficult for trucks to navigate. Photo: John Borren.

suggestion before decisions were made by council but this didn’t occur.

During December’s meeting, Te Puke-Maketu ward councillor Grant Dally said he was “flummoxed” that there was no costing for the option presented by residents or an answer to the alignment issues they raised.

“Surely there must be a way to do a quick analysis to actually determine these things [the road and bridge alignment] based on a quick geometrical check.”

Council senior transportation engineer Calum McLean replied they could investigate that option further but it would impact the programme of delivery for the bridge.

The next stage of the project is to find a consultant for a specimen design which would show if the option chosen was viable, he said.

Council hadn’t done an assessment into the cost of Option 5, but McLean said he did not believe it was the

cheaper option.

It would also cause disruption and the road to be closed while the Bailey bridge was relocated, he said.

Access is available through a private road, but McLean said it was unlikely the owners would allow it to be used because they opposed a previous request when the bridge needed maintenance.

Local Democracy Reporting asked McLean if the council had investigated the alignment of the proposed new bridge or costed Option 5.

He replied: “The next phase of the project is to engage a contractor to undertake design and construction of the new bridge. As part of that process a design will be produced to confirm that Option 1 can be implemented, and if found to be unfeasible, council will choose an alternative option.”

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February 2024 Coast & Country News

Page 17

Forge has efficiency written all over it.

Efficiency top of mind this season?

You’re not alone! Achieving great performance without breaking the bank is the order of the day, no matter where or what you farm.

All the more reason to catapult one or two poor paddocks into the big league this autumn with a grass that cares for both your animals, and your finances.

Growing 14 per cent more feed than anything else of its type, Forge hybrid ryegrass has efficiency written all over it, says pasture expert Graham Kerr.

As commercial manager for Barenbrug, he’s seen many paddocks lately that aren’t looking their best.

“Whatever the cause, they are already putting the brakes on production, right when you need all your land – and your animals

– to perform as well as possible on a tight budget.”

Left as they are, such paddocks will continue to go backwards, putting animals off grazing, looking ugly, and forcing you to spend more time and effort on management.

Sown or undersown in Forge, on the other hand, they will literally grow (and regrow) tonnes of high quality, energyrich tetraploid pasture for the next three to five years.

You can use all that premium home grown feed to finish lambs or cattle faster, milk cows to their full potential, fuel hungry mums through lactation, and/or grow bigger, stronger replacements.

Even better, your animals will happily help you utilise every bit, Graham says: “Animals love tetraploids, because they’re so tasty and easy to eat.

“It’s like a double serving of efficiency – first you increase the amount of feed grown off the same area of land, and second, that feed drives better animal performance through enhanced quality and intake.”

Forge doesn’t mind cooler weather, either, helping fill the feed gap in autumn, winter and early spring, and soaking up soil nitrogen in the process.

The secret to success? “Avoid the temptation to cut corners,” Graham says. “If the budget’s tight you’re always better off doing a great job of sowing or undersowing a smaller area with quality seed like Forge than doing a bigger area with cheaper seed.”

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Sleeper weed poses potential billion-dollar threat The “sleeper weed” Chilean needle grass, if nothing was done to stop it, could spread through most of New Zealand and eventually cost the country over a billion dollars, according to newly published research.

Chilean needle grass (Nassella neesiana) is known to have already taken hold in Hawke’s Bay, Canterbury, and Marlborough. Its sharp penetrating seeds cause blindness in livestock, pelt and carcass damage, and the loss in pasture quality and grazing access leads to farm production taking

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PASTURE RENOVATION

Page 18

Maintaining healthy farms

Renewing pasture is crucial for maintaining healthy dairy farms, and there are four primary methods to consider.

Undersowing

Cultivation

Involves breaking up the soil prior to sowing with the likes of a plough, power harrow, discs or rotocrumbler.

It is necessary where there is a need to eliminate compaction or levelling, or lime incorporation is required.

Spray and drill

A direct-drill is used to sow treated seed into an uncultivated paddock after existing pasture is killed.

a iN &

Use a direct-drill to sow treated seed into existing pasture.

Works very well in the narrow window of time when a pasture has thinned out but has not yet been overtaken by weed ingression.

Oversowing

Treated seed is broadcasted on to the surface of the soil.

Generally used to repair smaller areas, for example after pugging damage, or to establish white clover in spring into pastures where the land is too steep or stony for cultivation.

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February 2024 Coast & Country News

Renew pasture with both quality and bulk Renewing pastures that have inferior growth may give instant high financial returns.

The enduring benefits come from both increased feed quality and seasonal pasture production.

Late summer early autumn pasture sowing creates the opportunity to provide a short term pasture that provides critical feed mass for late autumn and winter.

The beauty of grass is that it regrows, variety dependent, will regrow for eight months (Annual Ryegrass) to several years (Perennial grasses).

Afterburner is a tetraploid annual ryegrass with all these attributes and will last through the summer months, says a spokesperson for Pastoral Improvements.

The addition of other species such as annual legumes, herbs, brassicas and cereals when sowing.

“Afterburner can create a High Diversity Cover Crop offering added benefits.

“Pasture mixes are designed to provide bulk winter feed with regrowth in the spring that addresses the feed deficits associated with the colder months.

“Key attributes to these mixes are that they are proven to be fast establishing, winter active, provide great regrowth after grazing and have dynamic DM yields.

“Long term permanent pastures can be successfully sown in early autumn.

“You can establish pasture whilst not providing the initial bulk of an annual pasture mix will last several years producing quality feed.

“For livestock, farming top quality feed is converted into milk, meat and fiber. A dynamic seed mix whether short rotation or permanent will provide results, quality nutritious feed, improved soil structure and feed when conditions are challenging or the seasons changing. You will be rewarded with the right high diversity seed mix.”

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February 2024 Coast & Country News

PASTURE RENOVATION

Page 19

A fix for pasture pugging problems Pugging often has an underestimated negative impact on pasture returns.

The issue of pugging, or soil compaction caused by livestock hooves, is a significant concern for farmers wanting quality pastures for economic and sustainable livestock farming.

Pugged vegetation is torn and buried resulting in compacted soil that disrupts soil structure, and limits water infiltration and root development. The result is

poor drainage, increased runoff and erosion that impacts pastures longterm after damage without remedy. Bare patches allow opportunistic weeds to take root and proliferate, competing for valuable pasture sunlight, nutrients, and water.

There are several ways to mitigate the impacts of pugging, advises Redback Global.

Some of the most common include rotational grazing, rest and recovery periods, using machinery, and investing in strategic infrastructure.

A Redback Harrow paddock.

An example of pugged paddocks.

Testing method unlocks healthy soil

A study arising from a partnership with Ravensdown, AgResearch and Ngāi Tahu Farming, has created a benchmark approach to testing the health of soils.

The study assessed the quality of soil at Ngāi Tahu Farming sites in Canterbury against a new suite of metrics.

Chief scientist and author of the study, Dr. Ants Roberts, says the new, holistic testing approach provided a greater in-depth analysis of soil health compared with just testing for nutrients at the different sites.

“We developed a suite of tests with AgResearch that gives a more comprehensive assessment of the

soil, allows effective long-term monitoring, and can be easily rolled out on-farm.

“The results give Ngāi Tahu Farming a clear and functional picture of soil health at each site that hasn’t previously been available.”

The study tested samples from five different sites, including forestry and irrigated dairy pasture that had been converted from forestry only a few years prior. The tests evaluated soil fertility, organic matter, soil physical condition, and biological activity.

The study found that a wider range of indicators can help to better understand and manage soils across all pasture systems, to help ensure wellfunctioning and productive soil.

A specific popular and common way to revive a pugged pasture is harrowing, says a spokesperson for the company.

In Neolithic times, the soil was harrowed or cultivated with tree branches, and the Romans made harrows with iron teeth. These days, there is a huge range of modern harrows designed and manufactured right here in New Zealand with NZ conditions in mind.

The Redback Agriculture Triangle & Chain Harrows are a proven

favourite with exceptional clodbusting and levelling capabilities.

The unique design has spikes in the front half to alter aerating aggression by the way you pull them. The middle smasher bar levels any material, while the plain chain sits flat and close to the ground spreading material effectively for a brilliant finish.

Proactive investment and pasture renovation after pugging damage are key for successful long-term returns and the well-being of livestock.

Page 20

NZ DAIRY EXPO

February 2024 Coast & Country News

A dynamic dairying display This month’s inaugural New Zealand Dairy Expo is a grass-roots event in more ways than one.

Dairy Expo.

Going from effluent to dairy means “we get to keep it going”.

Information sharing

The No.3 rugby ground at Matamata’s Bedford Park will be transformed into a dynamic dairying display area for the February 20-21 event.

Organiser Amanda Hodgson says 73 exhibitors have laid claim to all 100 sites at the traditional home of United Matamata Sports Club.

“Matamata is the heart of the Waikato. It’s super grass roots.”

Gumboots will replace rugby boots at Bedford Park in Matamata for the inaugural New Zealand Dairy Expo. Photo: Steve Edwards.

She stresses that the Dairy Expo is not a hard-sell of agricultural equipment or involve any seminars/presentations.

“It’s showcasing what farmers need – weekly, monthly and yearly.”

Exhibitors cover a wide cross section of big and small businesses offering a range of goods and services related to the dairy industry.

This includes farm machinery suppliers, excavation contractors, effluent disposal and water supply specialists.

Added to this is dairy farm technology providers covering everything from milking to mating, including animal health and welfare.

Also on hand will be a number of advisors and farm consultants, plus feed suppliers and nutritionists.

“There will be a broad range.

“Farmers will be able to find out what’s hot and what’s not.”

Event experience

Running the NZ Dairy Expo is a bit different from “concrete wife life”, but Amanda has a solid track record in event arrangement to call on.

She organised the annual Effluent and Environment Expo at Mystery Creek for several years but says that event effectively ended through Covid.

“It was hard to keep a focus on effluent.”

With greater use of feed-pads and associated technology, Amanda says it’s a “natural” progression to develop a New Zealand Dairy Expo.

Helping make the concept a reality was a component of the Gisborne A&P Show, which she and Matt attended last October.

On her return to the Bay of Plenty, Amanda “called a few people”, including farmers, who welcomed the idea of a

“There’s no better way to tackle it than to get farmers in a room (or on a rugby ground).”

Amanda says the first-time New Zealand Dairy Expo will deliberately be “super low key”.

Such events are needed in these challenging economic times, she says.

“It’s tough out there... really hard for companies to get in front of farmers.”

She says dairy farmers also need to be aware of advances in technology and innovation relating to their sector.

“At the expo they can come and find solutions to their problems.

“It’s all about collecting information and talking to the right people in the same room.”

NEW ZEALAND DAIRY EXPO When: Feb 20 & 21, 8.30am-3pm Where: Bedford Park, Tainui Street, Matamata Tickets: (free): events.humanitix. com/nz-dairy-expo-matamata/ tickets Information: nzdairyexpo.co.nz

NZ DAIRY EXPO

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Any farmer will tell you farming isn’t an eight-hoursa-day-business; more often than not breakdowns or malfunctions in machinery or technology take place in the hours of darkness or during weekends.

“Being able to obtain service, when you need it is a critical component of dairy farming today,” says Daniel Peake who, along with wife Aimee, own

and operate Waikato based McGregor Farm Services.

“We bought the business in 2017 and our mantra has always been to provide full back-up for the products and services we provide – and that means 24/7,” says Daniel.

“Outside of the cows, McGregors either sells or services most aspects essential to modern dairy farming.

“We are well equipped with the skills to advise, design and plan your new farm dairy – from

the milking system, through to building layout, effluent, electrical and plumbing.

“Our team are specialists in the supply and maintenance of water pumps, water reticulation and dairy effluent systems, Deepwell lifting and submersible bore pumps, industrial pumps, trenching, pipe laying and pond stirrers.

“We stock a wide range of dairy detergents and chemicals along with filtration, water treatment and UV

A cheap, eco-friendly effluent system Clean Green Effluent Company has developed an eco-friendly and affordable dairy effluent system that requires minimal storage.

only pumping out 25 litres per cow for the whole season, where most systems are pumping out somewhere between 50 to 70 litres a cow for wash down and what you use in the shed, plus they might be pumping out another two to three million litres of rainwater.”

The system utilises a lowA common misconception rate, low-depth application is that you need storage method that can handle and you don’t, you any herd size with just need to reduce your 60,000 litres application rate to a of storage. level that any soil Conventional can cope with, systems would says Lindsay. need 3.5 to 4 The standard million litres system requires of storage. between four “Our application and 12 hectares is only 0.75 of a per 100 cows. millimetre.

“We only “It means we need two hectares can apply it on per 100 cows so days that you could the distribution area normally not apply is minimal.” effluent,” says founder Th e system is Th e Clean Green Effl uent Lindsay Lewis.

Company and Lindsay Lewis environmentally friendly “We can apply 360 odd Photo: Merle Cave. at Fieldays 2022. as there are no emissions, days of the year, so we only no nitrate leaching, 100 per need storage for those rain cent fertiliser utilisation, and it stays event days.” aerobic, making it plant-acceptable. Ayla Yeoman “With the greenwashing of external yards, you’re

sterilisation technologies.

“Inhouse expertise extends to stainless steel welding and we also stock a comprehensive range of dairy rubberware, drench and house hold water systems.”

Daniel says the company also

Page 21

provides advice and solutions to help farmers remain compliant with the raft of dairy regulations.

Based in Matamata and Morrinsville, McGregors service the greater Waikato.

NZ DAIRY EXPO

Page 22

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Strong rebound in rural confidence Following its plunge to an historical low in September, New Zealand farmer confidence has rebounded strongly off the back of improved dairy farmer sentiment, the fourth quarter Rabobank Rural Confidence survey has found.

Despite this sizeable uplift, farmer sentiment does however remain low overall with a majority of primary producers expecting the performance of the broader agricultural economy to worsen over the coming 12 months.

The latest survey - completed during the last two weeks of November - found farmer confidence in the agri economy was up to a net reading of -47 per cent from

-72 per cent previously. The survey found 58 per cent of farmers were expecting conditions in the broader agricultural economy to worsen over the next 12 months (down from 77 per cent last quarter) with 11 per cent expecting conditions to improve (from five per cent previously).

The remaining 29 per cent expected conditions to stay the same (15 per cent previously).

Rabobank senior agriculture analyst Emma Higgins says while farmer confidence remained weak, farmers across all sectors were now more optimistic about the prospects for the agri economy than they were three months ago.

There’s no doubt the economics of farming is presenting a challenging environment right now.

However, there is one thing you can do on-farm to help mitigate rising costs and inflationary pressure and that’s grow your own feed.

“Our core business is investing in the research and development of forage options and in the advancement of endophyte technology to increase profits returned back to farmers,” says an Agricom spokesperson.

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and spring. In dairy systems Mohaka AR37 is a flexible grass that can be used as the basis of a highly productive short to medium term pasture or as an undersowing option to extend the life of existing perennial pasture. Mohaka is well suited to silage systems or for use on run-off blocks. Compared to perennial ryegrasses, Mohaka AR37 is fast to establish and with its strong cool season growth it makes Mohaka AR37 a great option for undersowing into pastures that may need a full renovation in two to four years’ time.

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NZ DAIRY EXPO

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Page 23

Clean and clear drinking water Imagine a water filtration system capable of turning wastewater from a vineyard or dairy farm into drinking standard water.

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Unique ceramic water filtration systems are enabling regional councils, industry, and farmers to achieve unheralded standards of water quality, from dirty and contaminated water sources.

Forsi Innovations was formed in 2005 by Terry Hawes and his sons Craig and Darren to provide a solution to the growing demand to conserve water use.

Operations manager Craig Hawes says Forsi water filtration systems are in demand across a variety of industries for their ability to transforming dirty water into clear, clean water which meets New Zealand’s drinking water standards.

“In the viticulture industry, for example, it is not uncommon for wineries to be faced with having to pay hundreds of

thousands of dollars each year to dispose of waste-water into town sewer systems.

“Our filtration systems avoid that need and expense, transforming the waste product into clear, clean water which can be used for washing yards, vats etc.

“Similarly on dairy farms, Forsi filtration systems enable farmers to, for example, transform dirty water into clear drinking standard water which

can be used for stock, washing yards etc.

“Forsi filtration systems offer a solution that is cost effective and very energy efficient so the need for high kilowatt pumps is no longer needed.

“Our water filter systems are providing a wide range of industries with an ability to conserve water and meet – if not exceed – environmental standards.”

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Nationwide survey shows farmers wintering well Results from DairyNZ’s nationwide survey highlights dairy farmers continue to focus on wintering well and caring for their animals and land, no matter the conditions.

DairyNZ lead advisor Justin Kitto says he is pleased to see that the wintering survey showed significant improvements in wintering practice on previous years.

“In 2023, 74 per cent of farmers implemented at least five good management practices to support their cows and manage winter conditions,” says Justin.

“Importantly, 96 per cent of farmers also said they had strategies to provide comfortable lying conditions.

“These findings emphasise what we have seen previously – that farmers use a range of tactics to care for cows over winter. These strategies include shifting them to a drier, lower risk paddock, or using crops positioned in drier or more sheltered areas for grazing during bad weather.”

Other strategies used to minimise mud and improve lying conditions include back fencing (temporary fences to protect previously grazed areas), portable troughs, providing extra straw as a dry bedding material and moving the break fence multiple times a day.

The survey also saw a significant rise in farmers having a written wintering plan, with an increase to 80 per cent of respondents.

“These are important findings as written plans help to identify environmental risks and encourage thinking around keeping cows comfortable and healthy,” says Justin.

“It helps ensure that the right decisions are made at critical stages over winter, especially during significant weather events, or during long periods of rain.

“We also saw farmers with written wintering plans also implemented more good practices to look after cows and the environment compared to those without a written plan.”

Additionally, the results showed that 98 per cent of farmers had stock excluded from waterways, while 94 per cent had a buffer around their waterways to filter contaminants before they reach a waterway.

“Farmers should be proud of the work they are doing to improve their winter management for the best outcomes for their animals and the environment.

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KIWIFRUIT

Page 24

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Wet supplementary pollination Grant Luscombe of Bay of Plenty based All Terrain Pollination says wet supplementary pollination is an efficient and extremely effective method of pollinating crops for kiwifruit farmers across the upper North Island producing consistent and excellent results.

A recent Hayward trial has confirmed that wet artificial pollination positively impacts yields, taste, size and shape of kiwifruit.

“The Hayward trial was run alongside dry supplementary pollination application and demonstrated that wet supplementary pollination results in bigger and better shaped fruit and a larger number of first-class trays with a positive impact on grower returns,” he says.

“In addition to fruit and crop attributes, wet

The 2024 kiwifruit harvest season is about to begin.

supplementary pollination – in contrast to dry supplementary pollination or bees - can be applied in most conditions and will work in instances where bees may not.”

All Terrain Pollination applies wet pollen directly onto the flowers using a patented process which, was designed and tested in New Zealand, mitigating numerous environmental variables that can come into play during the crucial pollination period.

“Pollen supply was extremely tight through gold pollination, so it is extremely important to maximise the value in its application. On orchard costs have increased significantly hence it is crucial to effectively pollinate to in turn create opportunity for maximum profits.

“Wet Supplementary pollination as a system can become a significant insurance policy in creating quality results year in and year out despite many environmental challenges.”

Fewer SunGold kiwifruit licenses to be released

Kiwifruit marketer Zespri will release fewer licences to grow the gold variety next season and it won’t release any for the RubyRed variety.

has approved an indicative range of 350-500ha of SunGold Kiwifruit licence per year, subject to annual review.

The company says no Ruby-Red licenses will be released because In an update to it needs to better growers it says understand the 250ha of SunGold fruits performance kiwifruit license will including size, yields be released in 2024 Boxes of Zespri kiwifruit leaving the and storage. down from 350ha Port of Tauranga.

Zespri expected this year. to release 100ha of RubyRed licence in 2025 and The 250ha is just half what Zepsri signalled it 100-300ha each year from 2026 to 2028. would release in the 2023 outlook it published at “Additional onshore packing and coolstore the end of 2022. capacity will need to be built in the coming Chairman Bruce Cameron says the decision to two to fi ve years to absorb that future growth, release a reduced amount of SunGold Kiwifruit with post-harvest indicating that increased hectares acknowledged the constraints its supply volumes and revenue are required to support chain is experiencing, balancing this with the further investment. need to increase SunGold production to meet the “We recommend growers work with their growing demand for its fruit. post-harvest partners to understand their future The amount of licence sold was expected to lift packing and coolstore capacity prior to making in the future. any licence-purchasing decisions.”

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KIWIFRUIT

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Page 25

Red Sea attacks spark higher shipping cost fears New Zealand consumers could soon pay the price for shipping networks being disrupted by attacks in the Red Sea. In recent weeks there have been several attacks

by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on container ships travelling through the busy cargo route.

Nearly 15 per cent of global seaborne trade passes through the Red Sea, which leads to the Suez Canal, linking the Indian Ocean with the Mediterranean.

Joint statement

New Zealand and 11 other countries have issued a joint statement calling for an immediate end to attacks on container ships in the Red Sea. Massey University supply chain lecturer Carel Bezuidenhout says the conflict means that passing through the Red Sea is pushing up insurance costs for shipping companies.

“Most of them are actually avoiding that and taking the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope down at the bottom end of Africa. That adds substantial distance and delays to the supply chains, so in time we may start seeing a slower and non-responsive supply chain.”

Carel says all industries could be impacted if the conflict continues, but some sectors - like the kiwifruit industry - might be hit particularly hard.

“When we start harvesting kiwifruit and we want to get those fruit to Europe as fast as possible, then it is going to become problematic for us to add another two weeks to get around the Cape of Good Hope.”

He says uncertainty around when the attacks will end, makes the situation worse.

“We don’t know when it will be safe enough or when our insurance will allow us to actually get back into the Red Sea and actually start making commercial sense to run through that space.”

Maritime Union national secretary Craig

Harrison says shipping companies might charge more to cover the increased cost of moving goods.

“I wouldn’t be surprised if the shipping companies want to up their freight rates.”

Craig told RNZ port companies will be keeping an eye on events in the region.

“I think the ports will be concerned if they see a drop in trade and if costs go up but I think at the moment they’ll be analysing what’s going to happen.”

Flow-on effects

Retail NZ chief executive Carolyn Young says the attacks on ships could have flow-on effects.

“With the longer voyage that they have to take to miss the conflict that’s happening there’s some likely increases in costs that could be passed on to business owners and consumers.”

Carolyn says they will talk to businesses about dealing with any disruptions to the supply chain.

She says they have seen conflict have an impact on shipping in the past - such as at the start of the Ukraine war.

“A number of ships were having to divert their cargo into a different pathway due to the conflict that was happening in various areas and that did put pressure on timing of goods coming to New Zealand and the cost of goods getting here.”

A Zespri spokesperson says, via a statement: “Our kiwifruit is shipped to Europe using the Panama Canal and isn’t routed through the Red Sea. Each season we work closely with our longstanding shipping partners to deliver our fruit using a mix of charter and container vessels.

“We will continue to monitor the global shipping environment closely including the potential impact on other routes as we prepare for our first fruit to depart for Europe in mid-March.”

Nick James/RNZ

The kiwifruit industry may be impacted with exports taking longer to reach international markets. Photo: Susan Murray/RNZ.

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AVOCADOS

Page 26

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Horticulture forecast to outpace forestry The Ministry for Primary Industries’ Situation and Outlook for Primary Industries shows a strong future for New Zealand horticulture with forecast export revenue rising to $8.19 billion by 2025.

“The report shows the horticulture industry overtaking forestry to be the third largest earner of export revenue in the food and fibre sector by 2025,” says Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Nadine Tunley.

“This is fantastic news for our growers and our rural communities who have shown amazing resilience through some challenging times with 2023 weather events.

“The report is an upbeat look ahead and a huge vote of confidence in the sector.”

Forecast reports

The report, which outlines the export performance of New Zealand’s food and fibre sector over the past five years and out to 2025, shows that while horticulture export revenue is forecast to decrease one per cent to $7.0 billion in the year to 30 June 2024, this is primarily driven by lower volumes of wine and vegetables.

However, increased export prices are forecast, supported by strong global demand and constrained global supply.

Recovering crop yields in 2024 are expected to offset lower volumes for some crops, largely

resulting from the tail end of weather-affected 2023 harvests.

“It’s heartening to see that with these increased yields, strong consumer demand and prices, our sector’s export revenue is expected to rebound by a significant 17 per cent to hit $8.19 billion in 2025.”

While avocado exports are expected to take a short-term hit due to Cyclone Gabrielle damaged crops, combined with strong domestic production in Australia which imports most of New Zealand avocados – strong growth is anticipated in Asian markets.

Promising crops

Meanwhile, cherries are an increasingly promising crop with export revenue up eight percent to $84 million in the year to June 30, 2023, due to production

expansion and forecast to grow 14 Frozen and processed per cent to $96 million in the horticulture products year to June 30, 2024. mainly contributed to the “We have some favourable 2023 export value with winds blowing for cherry onions, nuts, and potatoes growers. With a later Chinese reaching their highest New Year falling on February export values in decades.

10 this season, our cherry Further export growth growers will have for onions is longer window to forecast with make the most of an additional the key markets who 400 hectares of are apart of these planted area. celebrations and The recently receive premium negotiated free trade prices. Additional agreement with the Horticulture New Zealand chief EU, currently in the airline routes from executive Nadine Tunley.

Christchurch to ratification stage, China and Hong is also expected to Kong during the cherry export season boost vegetable exports. will also be favourable for Central “We want NZ to prosper by Otago growers.” exporting our world-leading apples, kiwifruit, avocados, onions, cherries Exports and many other products to millions of customers all over the world.

Export revenue for fresh and “This report is a boost. We are processed vegetables grew 18 per cent to a record $737 million in the year to confident we can double farmgate revenue by 2035 in line with the June 30, 2023, largely due to elevated Aotearoa Horticulture Action Plan. export prices, which more than offset “But we need the Government a large drop in export quantities to recognise and understand the caused by disruptions resulting from importance of horticulture.”

Cyclone Gabrielle.

Local industry legend It’s now nine years since Paul and Margaret Holmes purchased Citipac - a family run business specialising in packing citrus and avocados for the local market.

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Bronwyn Watkins at Citipac, graded and about to despatch more quality fruit.

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Bronwyn has herself been a grower kiwifruit as well as hothouse orchids - and has worked in other packhouses before her long association with Citipac. It’s a family affair for her, working alongside son Jeff and grandson Layton, with other family members sometimes drafted in when it gets busy.

“Bronwyn knows the industry backwards and is the sort of manager who allows me to be out on the road talking to growers,” says Paul.

“In the office doing admin or even being on holiday, knowing everything is humming smoothly at the packhouse, and the growers are always happy with her grading which has a big bearing on their returns.”

AVOCADOS

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Page 27

Tough times in the avocado world After mowing my orchard again and looking at the fruit set on the trees, I wonder how much the crop will be worth next season, writes Daniel Birnie, head of avocado at Trevelyans.

more secure work to their staff, including more extended hours. We need our contractors to survive, so when we get through this spell, we will have people available to do the harvest and pruning work on orchards.

Looking ahead

However, even with these challenges, there are several reasons why we can look ahead with some confidence.

Avocados are a versatile fruit that both consumers and supermarkets love.

Consumption in New Zealand and Australia continues to track upward. The opportunity in Asia is enormous! Additionally, looking around our industry, some great people have been through tough times and found solutions to overcome the problems.

Someone once said: ‘The farmer has to be an optimist, or he wouldn’t still be a farmer’, and it probably rings true about the current environment. In the meantime, I will put more fertiliser on my trees before the next rain, as the crop looks promising.

Will it be enough to cover the running costs of the orchard? I know several growers are thinking the same.

Cost cutting

It’s tough times in the avocado world. Growers are cutting back on inputs (fertilisers/sprays) and returns as low as we have seen from both the export and domestic markets. Sometimes, it’s hard to be optimistic about the future.

A few packhouses have stopped packing avocados as they were not

Some of the Trevelyans team after a pruning workshop on a Lindsay and Wendy Marshalls orchard.

profitable (I hope consolidation brings some efficiencies), and several harvest contractors have decided to leave the industry.

Once again, we hope the ones that stay find efficiencies and offer

Battered orchards get high-tech helping hand A Hawke’s Bay startup whose sensor for plants is being trialled by NZ’s largest horticultural producers, has closed a $4.25m seed funding raise and launched a series of commercial pilots.

The raise is the third New Zealand investment for US-based VC Ubiquity Ventures, after being early backers of Rocket Lab and Halter, with additional funding from Icehouse Ventures.

Croptide works by supplying

a small IoT device that ‘plugs’ into the stem of horticulture plants and can analyse and assess its hydration, all available to the grower through an app.

CEO and co-founder Hamish Penny says the plant by plant analytics have brought a new dimension of understanding to growers. “Croptide’s insights have shown us there’s an opportunity to be much more precise through having irrigation decisions driven from the plant.

“The plant can literally tell you when it needs to be watered.

“In some cases this can reduce

water usage by more than 50 per cent, while maximising yield and fruit quality outcomes,” says Hamish. The $4.25 million seed funding raised is being used for the company’s first commercial irrigation pilots this summer, and to expand the Croptide team as the company prepares to scale. The US-based investment reflects the international ambitions of Croptide, which already has active trial sites across California, Washington State, Spain, France and Italy.

Hamish believes that building a globally leading horticultural

technology business out of NZ just makes sense.

“Our newly installed commercial pilots across NZ will allow us to validate the difference our plant based sensing can make on both fronts.”

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Page 28

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Granulating fertiliser a winner As farmers and growers we all know that if we feed plants with enough of the right kind of nutrients, they will feed us. If only it was that simple!

More than ever, we need to develop fertilisers that simultaneously look after our environment, our food production, and our food producers. We need fertilisers that reduce environmental loss, while being economical, safer, and easier to use. Over the years, many farmers have discovered that dicalcic phosphate, as opposed to mono-calcium phosphate (Super), provides these benefits alongside

improved soil health.

One way to address these issues is to investigate alternative nutrient chemistry and methods of manufacturing, such as the granulation of controlled-release dicalcic phosphate.

Granulation is not new technology, being widely used by the pharmaceutical industry to make tablets and capsules.

In regard to fertiliser, the earliest granulated products were thought to have been made in 1926 in the USA.

DCP granules coming off a conveyor belt.

Dusty process

But, as a process that can take fine, dusty powders and turn them into free-flowing, dustfree granules, granulation can mitigate many environmental

concerns while still providing the nutrients vital for plant growth such as NPK (nitrogen,

phosphorous, potassium), calcium, magnesium, and sulphur. This is new for those manufacturing and providing dicalcic phosphate fertiliser.

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A major advantage of granulating fertiliser involves product placement. Granules can be spread more accurately so they go where they are actually needed, and don’t end up where they shouldn’t be. That’s a tick for a healthier environment, and likewise for a reduction in product wastage.

And of course, less wastage means more ‘bang for your buck’.

Another benefit is that the granules can be manufactured from more than one element to make blended fertilisers. This means fewer applications for farmers and growers, so savings in time and energy. For example, Fertco’s RePlenish and KingPhos fertilisers are phosphate fertilisers, but they can negate the need to apply a separate application of lime since they also contain calcium carbonate.

The blended fertilisers can also be made with different concentrations

of elements. Again, Fertco’s phosphate fertilisers, Kingphos and RePlenish, are examples of this, being formulated for farms needing different amounts of phosphate and calcium.

User safety is also improved when granulated products are used. Not only are granulated fertilisers largely dust-free, which is better for spreaders and farmers, they flow freely.

This is a crucial attribute for safe aerial application.

An added bonus with fertilisers that have been blended by granulation is their consistency; none of the individual elements segregrate out, so what is in the top of a fertiliser bag or spreader is the same as what is at the bottom.

Products

Because of all these benefits, Fertco is moving to granulate all its dicalcic phosphate fertilisers. And the next innovation is already underway with trials to test the viability of adding micronutrients and biostimulants during the liquid phase of the granulation process.

Currently, it can be difficult to add small amounts of these kinds of ingredients to a large fertiliser order, and ensure that everything is evenly distributed through the mix.

With granulation, every granule can have a measured dose added.

So the farmer can have confidence that the soil and plants are getting what they need.

At Fertco, we believe that granulation will continue to play a key role in reducing environmental pollution and wastage in time and money, all without compromising pasture and crop growth in New Zealand.

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Page 29

Restoring soil to its original condition carbon sequestration and providing feedstocks to meet growing demand for bioenergy, and for high-value products that offer an alternative to those made from fossil fuels.

Committed research

“Forests will be at the heart of a low-carbon biological-based future and reduce greenhouse gas emissions on a scale unmatched by any current technologies.

“New Zealand needs to rapidly decarbonise the economy at the same time as establishing significant areas of new exotic and indigenous forest.

“Scion is committed to research that explores how current forest management practices need to be modified so that the value of forests can be optimised in terms of how they protect and enhance the environment to further benefit economic, social and environmental goals.”

Planted forests on pastoral land.

Rather than damaging soil in New Zealand, planting trees on pasture restores soil to be similar to its original condition.

A recent news story highlighting changes in soils from converting pasture to plantation forests are giving a misleading impression of soil health, says Scion principal scientist Dr Peter Clinton.

“Soils that have naturally developed under forest, like most soils in New Zealand, are acidic in their natural state.

“When forest is cleared to make pasture, soils need to be made less acidic through application of lime to reach a pH level that is best for pasture.

“It’s no surprise to see those changes reversing when forest is re-established.”

These changes have been well documented in long-term studies, he adds.

Soil health

“When we have measured soil health under pasture, planted pine forest and indigenous forest, we have found that soils under pine are much more similar to those under indigenous forest than they are to soils under pasture. In fact, lime needs to be regularly added to pasture soils to maintain the pH suitable for pasture growth.

“We see these similarities in a range of measures.

Nutrient and water runoff under pine forest are much more like the nutrient and water runoff under natural forest than pasture too.”

Soil pH is only one measure of soil health that is different under forests. “We see that soils under intensively managed pasture can be more compacted by animals and farm machinery than what we typically see under forested land.”

This can make it harder for roots to grow, and for soils to absorb water during heavy rain. In the worst cases, pugging of soil becomes a problem.

Most forests established under the Emissions Trading Scheme have been on classes of land that have serious limitations for intensive agriculture but are well suited for forestry.

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Additionally, well-managed plantations of trees on farms, exotic as well as indigenous, provide a range of benefits for sustainable and economic farm management.

Forested landscapes

Extensive research also shows that forested landscapes improve water quality and soil structure, reduce erosion, enhance biodiversity, and support regional economic development.

Export earnings from forestry make a significant contribution to the national economy and locally grown timber is a key input to the New Zealand housing and construction industry.

Forests will also have an increasingly vital role to play in helping New Zealand meet its net-zero emissions targets by 2050 through

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FARM HOUSING

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Transporting smaller dwellings is a smart way to use your land, says ADH.

In New Zealand’s evolving housing landscape, Advantage Designer Homes is a trailblazer with its transportable homes, offering innovative solutions for subdividing and adding minor dwellings.

This approach is gaining traction among Kiwis looking for flexible, efficient housing options.

Subdividing property to include a minor dwelling is a smart way to utilise land effectively, whether for generating additional income, housing extended family, or creating a separate workspace, says an ADH spokesperson.

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“ADH’s transportable homes are an ideal match for such projects.

“They combine practicality with modern design, ensuring each home not only meets diverse needs but also enhances the overall property value.

“ADH’s homes range from compact one-bedroom layouts to larger, more spacious designs, all characterised by their stylish aesthetics and high-quality construction. These homes integrate seamlessly into both urban and rural settings, complementing existing structures and the natural environment.

“What sets ADH apart is their commitment to a streamlined process. The ADH team expertly handles everything from securing necessary consents to the final

setup, making the journey towards adding a minor dwelling as stress-free as possible. This is particularly advantageous for those navigating the subdivision process for the first time.

“Moreover, ADH places a strong emphasis on sustainability. Their transportable homes are constructed with eco-friendly materials and designed for energy efficiency, aligning with the growing demand for environmentally responsible housing solutions.

“For property owners in New Zealand, ADH’s transportable homes for minor dwellings represent a smart, stylish, and sustainable investment, perfectly aligning with the Kiwi lifestyle and values.”

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Page 31

Enjoying retirement with peace of mind stress-free, and they highly recommend working with Exeter Homes.

Exeter Homes are a Rotorua-based construction company specialising in transportable homes. They provide a wide range of pre-designed homes and are thrilled to collaborate with clients to design affordable, quality custom-designed homes. Exeter

Homes are committed to quality construction that surpasses industry standards; they offer homes built to endure the test of time and provide a containerco.c 10-year Master Builders Guarantee.

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Geoff and Gaylynn Travis found retirement bliss in their new Exeter home.

When Geoff and Gaylynn Travis made the decision to embrace retirement, they realised quickly that they would need to downsize from their lifestyle block but didn’t want to move into the city.

They were also getting past the point where they could fix up an older home or deal with maintenance issues.

They wanted to enjoy their retirement peacefully; that meant at least an acre of land, and it meant a brand-new home.

Their local real estate agent knew of a farm the next community over, in Waikite Valley that had begun to subdivide off a few sections.

This piece of land perfectly matched their criteria— manageable size, a picturesque rural setting, and proximity to Rotorua, only a 30-minute drive away. Although the land offered room for a vegetable garden and a small orchard, it lacked a home. They envisioned a twobedroom home with a spacious kitchen and a large master bedroom with an ensuite and walk-in wardrobe. They wanted a built-in computer area and an undercover deck to span the entire length of their home, so they could enjoy their rural view.

The home had to be brand new, and they needed someone to take care of the entire project for them. Most importantly, the project had to be stress-free.

Enter, Exeter Homes.

Exeter Homes collaborated with Geoff and Gaylynn to design a custom home, now known as the Patricia, named after Geoff’s sister. Exeter Homes took care of the entire project and within four months’ time a brand-new home was delivered to their site. Opting for a transportable home allowed the couple to reside on-site in their converted bus during construction, enabling them to sell their existing property and fund the new home without involving a bank. They spent six months in their bus, moving into their new home just before winter without the Callenduring us today chaos of a construction site.

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Heat comes out of construction sector As pressures on residential construction supply chains and capacity ease, annual growth in construction costs has reduced to the lowest level in around seven years.

CoreLogic’s latest Cordell Construction Cost Index recorded a 0.8 per cent rise in the fourth quarter of 2023.

Despite a slight uptick in the pace of growth compared to each of the previous three quarters (0.4 per cent-0.6 per cent), it remained below the long-term average of 1.1 per cent.

This brought the annual change to 2.4 per cent, well below the 10-year average of 4.5 per cent.

This is the slowest annual rise since Q3 2016 (2.2 per cent), and the second slowest since records began in Q4 2013. CoreLogic says the pace of construction cost growth could remain subdued.

“The surge in net migration may help to restrain the pace of construction sector wage growth, which could also cap overall cost growth, considering that salaries account for 40-50 per cent of the total cost of a new-build, excluding land.”

Page 32

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Do I need extra Magnesium? (Part 1) Magnesium is one of my most frequently prescribed supplements.

This is because magnesium is used in multiple enzymes and effects most tissue types. In particular, it relaxes both nerves and blood vessels.

Relaxing nerves is helpful for sleep and restless legs while relaxing blood vessels helps with lowering blood pressure and helping circulation.

Magnesium is involved in numerous body processes and can help problems in a different tissue types and body systems especially muscles.

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I recommend it for cramp, restless legs, PMS, hypertension and heart rhythm problems.

I usually recommend that magnesium be taken 30-60 minutes before bed for maximum impact on muscles, nerves and to help with sleep. If taken for hypertension and daytime and evening dose is recommended.

Cramp free

I have many clients now largely free of night cramps and restless legs.

In stubborn cases I also add a multimineral/antioxidant complex to help with nighttime circulation and improve muscle function.

It is rare that we cannot get improvements with these problems that can significantly disrupt our sleep.

Unfortunately, many magnesium supplements have just one form of magnesium and are ‘one-a-day’, making dose experimentation almost impossible. In my experience

the required dosage differs a lot between people with similar problems.

Additionally, many supplements use cheaper low-grade ingredients which are harsh on the digestive tract.

Different absorption

I prefer to use three different forms of magnesium. While this makes manufacturing more expensive, each form of magnesium is absorbed differently. I combine

bioavailable marine (seaweed) sourced Magnesium with amino acid chelated Magnesium di-glycinate with Magnesium citrate. I deliberately formulated the capsules to have a dosage range. Normally two capsules before bed will suffice but short term doses of four capsules can be used. Please contact me for personalised advice.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@ abundant.co.nz. Join his all new newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz

A great introduction to the South Island

NZ Adventures offers a wide range of tours across the South Island of New Zealand.

“The tracks we use are easily enough covered by competent drivers in suitable four wheel drive vehicles (low range transmission) and all terrain tyres in good condition. No other special preparation of the vehicle is required,” says Robbie and Connie Cricket.

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For some, there is no better way to tour NZ than by 4X4.

Accommodation provided is hotel/motel and for the most part evening meals and breakfasts are in restaurants on site.

Lunches are either station catered or picnic.

One of the most popular and longest established tours is the High Country Heritage in a six and seven day format.

These tours are run as a six day in November, February and April. The six day tour has overnights in Hanmer Springs, Methven, Fairlie, Omarama, Cromwell and finishes at the iconic Cardrona Hotel.

A seven day in March with overnights in Hanmer Springs, Methven, Geraldine, Twizel, Omarama, Cromwell and Cardrona.

The High Country Heritage in either format is essentially the journey down the eastern alpine foothills from Blenheim to Cardrona that NZ Adventures pioneered in the late 1990s and remains so popular still today.

Both tours include a wide range of high country stations and conservation estate tracks. The High Country Heritage is a great introduction to the South Island and to the NZ Adventures range of tours.

NZ Adventures also offer the following tours: Big Sky, 46 South, West Coast Explorer and Trax of Gold For more information, see NZ Adventures advert on this page.

Page 33

February 2024 Coast & Country News

A free workshop is coming to Te Puke to support people experiencing weather-related anxiety, following Cyclone Gabrielle and recent flooding.

While severe weather can have a devastating impact on property and infrastructure, it also has a significant and ongoing impact on people’s mental health and wellbeing.

Blueprint for Learning’s new workshop, Weathering the Storm, is designed to help.

The four-hour in-person workshop explores weather-related anxiety and the range of impacts extreme weather can have on individuals, whānau and communities.

The workshop helps those who have been personally impacted by extreme weather to build resilience, as well as give tools to people who are working in communities supporting others.

“We have seen an increase in severe weather events in Aotearoa and we know this is causing

ongoing stress and anxiety for many people,” says Weathering the Storm project lead Lotta Dann.

“Unfortunately, we can’t stop it from raining but we can ensure people have the knowledge and tools to manage the stress and heightened emotions that rain and extreme weather can cause. They’ll also get practical advice on how to support others, including children, and tips

Recent flooding and heavy rain has affected people in one way or another.

Supreme science award for pest-fighting pioneer A long-serving scientist who took the fight to pasture pests in New Zealand and reaped huge benefits for the country has won the highest honour at the 2023 Science New Zealand Awards.

AgResearch emeritus scientist Stephen Goldson was recently named the Supreme Award winner in recognition of a career in which he and his team found a way to control pasture-consuming weevils costing the country hundreds of millions of dollars a year.

Stephen led the identification and introduction to New Zealand of wasps that are the natural enemies of the lucerne, Argentine stem and clover root weevils.

The “parasitoid” wasps proved highly effective in seeking out the weevils and killing or sterilising them by laying eggs inside the pests.

The judges said Stephen stood out among the finalists for the economic and environmental benefits of his work “and the excellence of his research sustained over a long period of time”.

The arrival of these weevils on NZ’s shores decades ago “ripped the pasture to shreds many times”.

“It was problem insecticides weren’t able to deal with, for many reasons. These pests together were costing about $400 to $500 million a year to the primary industries. We had three weevil pests and we’ve suppressed them all, using natural enemies we’ve brought in from where these pests came from.”

Dr Goldson described it as “one chance in a thousand” to get a good result from the effort of introducing the wasps.

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The in-person workshop is free to attend, thanks to funding from Te Whatu Ora, and includes lunch.

The free Weathering the Storm workshop will be held in Te Puke at the Orchard Church, Youth Hall on Monday, March 18, 10 am to 2pm.

Places are limited. Book your place at: www.blueprint.co.nz/workshops/ weathering-the-storm.

Page 34

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Keeping gutters clear ready for autumn

Gutter protection ensures this home is ready for autumn leaf fall.

Fallen leaves clogging gutters is a significant maintenance issue and now’s a good time to permanently keep your gutters clear for autumn, says NZ Gutter Protection owner Martin Smith.

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“It will also save you the risk of a fall from

Wild goats removed in successful competition DOC and the New Zealand Deerstalkers Association say they’re thrilled by the strong support from communities across the country for the National Wild Goat Hunting Competition.

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A total of 10,134 wild goats were shot for the competition. The competition encouraged hunters to target wild goats on either public or private land and raised awareness of the damage they cause to New

Zealand’s precious native ecosystems and farmlands.

Nearly 700 hunters entered the competition, and many reported they would be more likely to hunt wild goats because of the competition.

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February 2024 Coast & Country News

Show

The first Morrinsville A&P Show was held in 1917 and, 107 years on, show committee chairman Bruce McRobbie says it’s a tradition which endures – and grows.

“A&P Shows, held up and down New Zealand, provide an opportunity to celebrate various aspects of rural life and, as importantly, provide an avenue for the community to get together,” says Bruce.

“The Morrinsville A&P Show is a showcase for some of the country’s top and aspiring

equestrians with events from lead-rein ponies, through to champion hack and hunter events. Clydesdale and carriage horses are always a crowd pleaser.

“The dairy section will, this year, be complemented by the Milking Shorthorn North Island Championships and there are strong entries in beef cattle, alpaca, dairy goats and calf club pets.

“The day’s programme also includes shearing demonstrations and sheep dog trials.

“The show features one of the largest trade displays,

spanning 107 years

throughout the day), food stalls and a display of vintage equipment.”

The Morrinsville A&P Show will be held at the Morrinsville Recreation Grounds at Avenue Road, Morrinsville on Saturday, March 2.

Gates open at 8am. Parking is free and entry to the show is $10 for adults, $5 for 12 to 16 year olds and under 12 are free. A family pass is $25. The gate fee is the only fee with children’s entertainment free.

There will be lots to see at the Morrinsville A&P Show.

outside the National Fieldays, with tractors, farm machinery and vehicles. There will also be a full complement of entertainment (bands

Grant to search for new battery materials As the world moves to more sustainable forms of energy, efficient rechargeable batteries are becoming more and more important.

At present the lithium-ion batteries used for everything from mobile phones to EVs include materials such as cobalt, which are in short supply and are also toxic to the environment.

New materials that are less expensive, less toxic, provide more energy for the same size, and make it easier to recycle lithium could bring sustainable energy a step closer.

Lincoln Agritech Research Scientist Joseph Nelson has just been awarded $360,000 from the Marsden Fund to find some of those new

materials – using his computer.

“Finding new, improved materials that hopefully lead to more efficient batteries and lower environmental impact can happen in one of two ways.

“In the past, we’ve used mainly lab-based experiments, but that takes a lot of time and a lot of labour, so is quite expensive.”

Theoretically, it should be possible to mix any combination of elements to create a new material.

The key is to find new compounds with the right thermodynamics and structure to use in batteries.

Dr Nelson’s Marsden Fund Fast-Start project will use high-performance computing to predict the structure of new compounds.

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Page 36

FEED MANAGEMENT, HAY & SILAGE February 2024 Coast & Country News

An essential crop for NZ dairy farmers Maize is an essential crop for New Zealand dairy farmers, helping enhance feed supply, manage climatic risks, and support pasture renewal.

Growing maize on a dairy farm can also extract soil nutrients and reduce costs in high-fertility effluent areas.

Ensure you feed maize to genuinely fill feed gaps and manage it to cut down on wastage. Think about factors like sowing location, date, and hybrid

choice which influence maize yield.

Ploughing has benefits but can be hard on the soil, so consider other tillage options. You can use dairy effluent as fertiliser for maize, but apply it with care and knowledge.

Lastly, for a successful maize crop, choose the right site, prepare the soil adequately, and understand maize’s nutrient needs.

A vital crop

Maize is a vital crop for many New Zealand dairy farmers and represents

a significant investment in time and resources.

Maize grown on the dairy farm can add value to farms’ feed supply, help mitigate climatic risk, extract soil nutrients from high fertility effluent paddocks, and be used as a ‘break crop’ in the pasture renewal process.

Maize should be fed to fill genuine feed deficits for economic responses and be well managed to reduce feed costs and wastage.

Sowing location, sowing date, hybrid choice and population will all influence the potential crop yield. Potential yield can be reduced by weed and pest presence, moisture stress, disease, and nutrient limitations.

Should I plough?

Ploughing is a quick and effective way to bury plant residues that might otherwise impede secondary cultivation

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or cause weed problems.

A comment often from dairy farmers is that maize is ‘hard on the soil’ and one of the main causes of this is associated with ploughing. Ploughing buries and makes fertile topsoil out of reach for new grass trying to establish after maize.

Talk with your contractor about alternatives to ploughing such a discing. Be aware that you may need a longer fallow period (time between spraying out pasture and first cultivation pass); you need to balance this against the long-term damage to your soil fertility.

There are other reduced tillage options for maize such as strip tillage and direct drilling, however these require more attention to detail and are best suited to specialist maize growers.

Dairy effluent can be used as a nutrient source for maize provided the crop requires the nutrients and good effluent

practices are followed.

If the paddock is just out of grass, the soil can supply plenty of N and further additions through effluent are probably not needed. Paddocks with a history of cropping are most likely to benefit from effluent application.

Costs and benefits

Maize cost can vary depending on where and how it is grown.

If maize is grown on the dairy platform in an effluent paddock the cost could be as low as 12c/ kg DM before storage.

Maize purchased off-farm is generally more expensive.

However, allowance needs to be made for the value of extra nutrients bought in with the maize and a reduction in risk due to maize being grown off the dairy platform.

Maize silage can be used to support pasture-based systems at times of the year when pasture is unreliable

February 2024 Coast & Country News

FEED MANAGEMENT, HAY & SILAGE

Page 37

Early monitoring advised for maize pest Early detection and action is key to keeping fall armyworm populations under control, preventing economic damage to maize and sweetcorn crops.

Foundation for Arable Research biosecurity spokesman Ivan Lawrie says that early monitoring of crops is advised, especially in milder regions such as Northland, Auckland and Waikato where the tropical pest may over-winter.

Effective control

There was also one find in North Canterbury in sweetcorn, but this was late in the season with other pests responsible for most crop damage.

FAW has no dormant period and so needs a food source to overwinter in frost-free regions. “Anything that is green will enable it to overwinter and it has Insecticide use been observed on ryegrass and clover in a harvested maize paddock, as well as volunteer maize.”

Growers are advised to avoid Research is being targeted at understanding the use of insecticides that are potential green bridges, the pest’s overwintering ineffective on FAW and potentially capabilities, biological control, insecticide efficacy harmful to beneficial insects such and management and the development of an as the parasitic wasp Cotesia sp. online FAW alert tool using real-time climate which appears to be having an data to provide growers with an indication of impact on FAW populations. high-risk periods.

Overseas, FAW has become resistant FAW is a moth species native to the tropical to some insecticides. and subtropical regions of the Americas. It is polyphagous (feeds on many different plants and ore crops) and has rapidly spread to several countries trol is more effective, bef including Australia in 2020, where it is believed Early fall armyworm con nt. of a maize pla orl wh the in e hid to have been blown by wind to New Zealand. can e larva

sweetcorn crops, with other products expected to become available.

Early action also means a ground application can be made rather than a more expensive aerial treatment.

Fall armyworm can attack crops at all stages, but its control is much more effective when larvae are small and are feeding on leaves.

Treatment is best between maize plant emergence and growth stage V6, before larvae can hide in the whorl.

Application of an insecticide is only economic for maize if more than 20 per cent of the plants have significant foliar damage.

FAR biosecurity spokesman Ivan Lawrie Application is more effective with a fall armyworm pheromone trap. on FAW up to the third larvae An initial biosecurity response from instar as they are more prone on April 2022, when FAW was first the plant’s foliage and have not yet confirmed in New Zealand, has become entrenched. now shifted into long-term “International literature says you only need to hit it once. The key is to management which will be led by industry groups including Seed and get it early,” says Ivan.

Grain Readiness and Response of An insecticide treatment also which FAR is a member. controls the first generation of FAW, More than 80 per cent of inquiries slowing down populations. from growers about pest activity are For serious economic damage not FAW as there are a lot of look-ato occur, more than one or two generations of FAW are required on a likes including tropical armyworm, cosmopolitan armyworm and corn crop to build up numbers.

Modellers suggest that there should earworm, says Ivan.

FAW larvae has key identification be only three generations doing features including an inverted ‘Y’ active damage in New Zealand and marking on the head area and four probably one more in Northland. large spots in a square arrangement Living up to its “fall” name, on the second to last segment.

FAW builds up its population towards autumn, as it completes Pest sightings more life cycles, so later sown Last season most early sightings, crops are more vulnerable. as expected, were in Northland and “FAW is less of a problem for silage later in Waikato with a scattering growers and more of a problem for of confirmed cases across the North maize grain growers and particularly Island. “What we weren’t expecting sweetcorn producers.” were finds on the South Island’s West The insecticide Sparta is on label Coast although we now realise the for aerial and ground applications region has frost-free pockets.” for controlling FAW on maize and

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FARM VEHICLES & MACHINERY

Page 38

February 2024 Coast & Country News

A rare vintage Fordson find Although he was raised on a dairy farm, Ford enthusiast Doug Brewer completed a painting apprenticeship and spent 40 years, and still counting, working for himself.

“I’ve always lived on the land though and I’ve always had tractors,” says Doug.

“At one point we had 30 acres at Taupaki where we ran beef, and I had a 1947 Fordson E27N tractor for general farm work.”

Doug’s interest is American vehicles, with a strong leaning towards Fords. His collection has several Fordson tractors and Ford vehicles including a Ford Model T truck and a 1929 AA Truck in beautiful condition.

He is the proud owner Steering wheel and very of a 1920s Fordson simple “dashboard”.

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Ford enthusiast, Doug Brewer, with his Fordson American Model F 1920s tractor. Photos: Catherine Fry. Model F tractor. He thought it was made in 1920 but a friend looked up the serial number and it is likely to be from 1925.

“I acquired it in very bad condition from the North Shore Vintage Machinery Club. It had probably been donated to them. I know of three others in New Zealand, so they are quite rare.”

The F series was American made but most likely to have been imported via Canada.

It was the first mass produced tractor sold at an affordable price around the world. It is credited with triggering an agricultural revolution.

“It’s a heavy tractor built with lots of solid cast iron. There’s no chassis as such, the gear box is bolted to the engine and the whole thing sits on the two axles.

“The petrol engine requires a crank start, with a black box on the side of the engine containing four wooden trembler coils and there’s a magneto on the flywheel.”

Doug always starts the tractor on the battery, using a 12 volt flick switch and the crank, but it

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can be started using the magneto.

The front wheels are made of steel and the rear wheels are steel with cleats making it suitable for general farm work.

The 20hp engine has four cylinders, with three forward gear and one reverse. Doug has an original handbook for his machine.

An original Fordson American Model F handbook.

February 2024 Coast & Country News

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

Maize conference targets future challenges Adapting to future consumer and environmental requirements while retaining profitability is one of the key talking points at the Foundation for Arable Research’s 2024 maize conference.

The “Maize Profit and Productivity” conference is on February 12 and 13 at the Claudelands Event Centre in Hamilton.

Its programme will explore and discuss how to build profitable and resilient maize systems and will feature international speakers.

It will also include an afternoon at FAR’s Northern Crop Research Site at Tamahere, near Hamilton where trial work will be discussed.

Discussion topics

FAR senior maize researcher David Densley says the conference will start with a global view of sustainability and carbon emissions targets being set by food companies like Nestle, what this means for New Zealand, and then zero in on ways maize growers can and are adapting to these changes.

Three grower panels will discuss what they are doing on-farm, including

“I took everything apart as it was all ceased and rusty.

“Someone cleaned it all up and I put everything back together and painted it, matching the colour to areas that still had paint on them.

“All the parts are original and can still be ordered from The Fordson House in Escanaba, Michigan.”

Doug would like to credit Dave Chowan who completed the engine and electrical work and got it all running.

A keen member of the Hauraki Vintage Machinery

Connor Sible’s research focus developing soils that are more is plant growth regulators, resilient to climate variability, biologicals and bio-stimulants reducing nitrogen fertiliser in maize and soybean without compromising cropping systems. His profitability, the role primary focus is working of biologicals within to categorise these products the production system and the application of based on their active precision agriculture. components and the mode “So, these farmers are of action designed to create saying that it may sound an agricultural advantage, and Scott Shearer. daunting, but this determine in which situations is the journey we are these products perform best and bring on and we are continually their greatest value to growers. refining our production Connor Sible will be in New Zealand system to make this work for a week as a guest of FAR. for us. The message is Guest speaker don’t be overwhelmed.

“It’s a balance of how The other overseas speaker, Scott do I get more profitability, Shearer, professor and chair of Food how do I get more Agricultural and Biological Engineering resilience in my system and at Ohio State University, will present via how do I meet environmental video link. He will discuss the current requirements,” David says. and future role of precision agriculture International speakers include Dr in US maize systems. Scott Shearer says Connor Sible, a United States expert on that farmers are turning to technology to biological options. reach their goals.

Connor Sible is a post-doctorate “We’ve evolved from precision research associate at the University of agriculture to digital agriculture,” he says.

Illinois and works with internationallyHe will be followed by FAR’s renowned maize researcher Professor technology manager Chris Smith on Fred Below, who attended last year’s precision agriculture in New Zealand FAR maize conference. maize systems.

Club, Doug takes his Fordson Model F to shows and crank up days.

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Garden Party, 2-5pm, Hot Springs Rd, near Katikati, $39 (limited tickets). See tinyurl. com/y5f2mrh8 Seasonal Forest Highlights Tour, 11.30am, Sanctuary Mountain Maungatautari, 99 Tari Road, Te Awamutu, $39.

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The Tempest, 7.30pm, Te

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Feb 10

Paeroa Highland Games & Tattoo, 9am-

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Feb 17-18

Hamilton Gardens

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Feb 10-11

Feb 20

Highlights Tour, 12.30pm, $25 (adult).

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Hamilton Gardens

Feb 11

Morrinsville Motorama, from 9am, Recreation Ground, Morrinsville, $10/ visitor car. See tinyurl.com/4jctxx3e Steam Day, 10am4pm, Settlers & Steam Museum, 43 Robinson Ave, Rotorua, $10, under 16 free. Ph 07 345 9525.

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Feb 14

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Page 39

Bike Ride, meet 5.45pm, Te Awanui Waka, The Strand, Tauranga, free but booking essential. Ph/ txt 021 360 480.

Feb 15-24 Heritage Walk,

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Feb 15

Pekapeka Night-time

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Feb 17

Art by Bike, 10am-noon, meet Te Manawa, 1249 Tutanekai St, Rotorua, free but bookings essential. tinyurl. com/3dxnwb44

Orchid & Plant Auction,

Feb 23-25

BOP Open Studios,

9.30am-4.30pm, Western Bay of Plenty & Tauranga, free. See bopopenstudios.co.nz

Feb 23-Mar 3

Hamilton Arts Festival,

many events at Hamilton Gardens. See hamiltonartsfestival.co.nz

Feb 24

Mary Bumby’s Hive of

Story, 1.30pm & 4pm, English Flower Garden, Hamilton Gardens. See hamiltonartsfestival.co.nz Home Composting Workshop, 1.30pm, Turangi & Taupo, free.

See tinyurl.com/zsvdvub Whānau Day, 10am3pm, Sir Howard Morrison Performing Arts Centre, Rotorua, free. See tinyurl. com/55v2c867 Rotorua Dahlia Show, 10am-3.30pm, Ngongotaha Hall, Rotorua.

Wild Food Festival, 2-8pm, Mahy Reserve, Ōhope, $15 (17 and under free). See tinyurl. com/3xvuf6se

LIST YOUR COMMUNITY EVENT HERE Email: editor@coastandcountrynews.co.nz with ‘Rural Event’ in the subject line. *Must be a free event or under $50

Page 40

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS

February 2024 Coast & Country News

Tessa McPherson, 10 months old, helping dad with the maize season in Tirau.

Landon Goodman, two, in Honikiwi, loves everything farm related!

Mason Milne, seven months old. Future little farmer and hunter in Ngatira.

Ryan, 11, with his calf Chocolate, left, and Alex, eight, with his calf Biscuit in Springdale.