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Bay of Plenty and Waikato Farm, Orchard and Rural Lifestyle News

June 2011

Comrades in camo

Smoke is rising from maimais and the smell of cordite is hanging in the air across the countryside in the midst of duck shooting season. From left, Clive Mckenney and son Liam, Ian Adamson, Colin Jones (back) and Roger McDowell had a successful morning during the opening weekend at Te Puna in the Bay of Plenty. Photo by Sheryl Mckenny Photography.

Issue No. 130

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COAST & COUNTRY

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Coast & Country

Welcome to winter

Follow us on facebook www.facebook.com/CstCountry

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Coast & Country is the region’s widest circulating and most highly respected rural newspaper, produced by the most experienced rural specialists.

Directors Brian and Claire Rogers have more than 20 years experience in rural media.

After years of research they have finely combed all residential letterboxes to ensure every copy of Coast & Country is delivered to all land owners.

This means the Coast & Country, a FREE magazine-style monthly publication, is reaching a wider number of farmers, growers and lifestylers with no wasted copies!

We deliver to rural addresses across a wider

area than any other newspaper, from Gisborne through to Franklin County including the entire Bay of Plenty, Waikato, South Waikato and Taupo regions.

Coast & Country’s focus is to deliver readers an informative, balanced newspaper, which reports on the important issues in the regions.

Our editorial is aimed at real rural people and their stories on the land.

We cover a full-range of hard-core farm, orchard and primary industry news and also cover the huge lifestyle market.

Audited by ABC Audit Bureau, we print 30,800 copies – without question the best rural newspaper.

The first day of winter has arrived and brought with it a shift for those heading to new farms.

For those who have shifted to new areas, Coast & Country brings you our annual Welcome to the District feature with all the area contacts and information you need to help kick the season off to a success.

This month, writer Sue Edmonds tackles the issue of water and looks at the new fresh water policies the government has landed on councils’ tables.

Kiwi lamb with a pinch New Zealanders are paying top dollar to dine on Kiwi lamb.

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Sheryl Brown Assistant Editor

Gaylene Moore

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Speaking of councils – South Franklin farmers are still battling changes after they were herded under the Waikato District Council governance, starting with submissions against the Stock Movement Bylaw.

I met the successful Gordonton team who won the 2011 sharemilkers of the year and then got an insight into the work involved with running a free-range chicken operation in Gisborne.

Meanwhile, kiwifruit growers are still waiting for the more frosty weather to kick in to bring the sugar levels up in their fruit.

Clive Mckenney takes us through the adrenalin-pumped first morning of duck shooting in our Hunt, Fish, Eat feature, while chef Harry Geraerts from Fantail Lodge in the Bay of Plenty gives us our first mouth-watering game recipe.

Beef and Lamb New Zealand economic service executive director Rob Davison says the prices are reflective of the strong global prices.

“We export 92 per cent of what we produce – the world prices govern what we get here and the world prices are very strong at the moment,” says Rob. “There is also a tighter supply of lamb in New Zealand after our difficult spring.

“The world supply is short – generally flocks have been declining elsewhere in the world; that’s underpinning prices.”

Rob says the $7kg that sheep farmers are getting now for their lambs is a good price.

“In April, farmers were getting $118 a head, last year they were averaging $76; that’s a 53 per cent increase.

Rob says indications are that meat prices will remain strong.

“Part of that reflects new demand for protein products from China, India and South-East Asia.”

Rob says the traditional markets for lamb are also strong.

Meanwhile in the supermarkets in New Zealand, Kiwis are paying upwards of $20kg.

COAST & COUNTRY

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Permission problems for stock movement South Franklin farmers are paying 28 per cent less in rates than some in the Waikato District – a gap which is going to have to be bridged says Federated Farmers Auckland president Wendy Clark.

It is just one of the changes South Franklin farmers have to absorb after being incorporated into the Waikato district after the creation of the super city council.

Another is the change in the Livestock Movement Bylaw – which South Franklin farmers are actively fighting.

The Waikato District Council is running the two district plans side-by-side and is gradually moving through the long term plans, including the list of bylaws, to stipulate a new standard.

Council spokesperson Louise Belay says they are reviewing the rates system shortly as part of the Long Term Plan.

She says they are unable to comment on the outcome of that process as they don’t know what it will be yet.

Livestock Bylaw

The Livestock Movement Bylaw is the first to be looked at – the council is extending the bylaw district-wide to include the former Franklin area – a move which has attracted protest and numerous submissions

Some 33 farmers in Franklin are going to be required to put in an underpass.

from South Franklin farmers.

Waikato District Council roading and project general manger Ian Gordon says a district-wide bylaw will ensure there is no inconsistency in regulating stock droving and stock crossing activities within its area.

“The main purpose of the bylaw is to ensure the safety of all road users, including farmers moving livestock and to protect the structure and surface of our district’s roads.”

The bylaw includes a requirement for famers to obtain a permit to move stock on Waikato district roads.

Permits can be issued for a period of up to two-five years and individual permits are not required every time stock is moved.

Bruce Cameron is one farmer who has attempted to talk to council about keeping the old South Franklin bylaw in place.

“The council decided to roll the Waikato bylaw into the area before we even joined the Waikato. “When I read the Waikato bylaw, I thought ‘holy hell’.

“As soon as one animal puts a hoof on the road you must have a permit.”

Cost of permits

Bruce says the problem is in the cost of the permits – which he believes will be far in excess than the $140 council is suggesting – and the practical execution of the bylaw.

“You have to have flashing lights back and rear – we have

people that do it (shift stock) on horses. It’s really impractical.

“Any entranceway onto an untarsealed road has to be tarsealed – they haven’t policed that yet, but it’s in the fine print.”

Bruce says under the new bylaw and the graph, which determines whether farmers have to put in an underpass, some 33 farmers in Franklin are going to be required to put in an underpass – a cost of hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Bruce says one councillor told him stopping for stock crossing a road is “inconvenient”.

“The wealth that the farming industry brings to this country – and people can’t be inconvenienced for a few minutes?”

Council has received 119 submissions on the Livestock Movement Bylaw.

Forty wish to be heard at the policy committee hearing on June 22-23.

The hearing is being attended by the full committee including the mayor and councillors.

Wendy says the issue is that many Waikato farmers seem to be ignoring the bylaw, which is not good for anyone.

“If you don’t adhere to the bylaw and there is an accident, if you don’t have a permit, you are going to be in the wrong.

“We need a workable bylaw with community buy-in.”

Breakdown of supermarket lamb prices When asked to explain the mark-up from the $7kg farmers get, Rob gave the following breakdown based on lamb priced at $20.65 in a Wellington supermarket.

The $7kg sheep farmers are getting is a bone-in carcass weight price, which includes the lamb skin, wool and offal.

• $ per kg to farm business $7.00 GST exclusive • Less co-products (est) $ per kg - $1.00 • Bare carcase $ per kg - $6.00 The added value from slaughtering, processing, chilling and handling, needs to be added to the farm supplier bare carcass price to

arrive at the wholesale price for the carcass.

• + Added value processing $ per kg $2.50 estimated • = Wholesale price $ per kg - $8.50 bonein carcase weight The wholesale priced carcass arrives at the distribution and cutting centre for the supermarket – here more added value occurs, breaking the carcass down into bone-in cuts.

Excess fat is trimmed and other weight loss occurs from chilling – trim losses and bone removed to create retail-ready product is 30 per cent or more.

• Wholesale price at retail weight - $12.14 per kg (ie $8.50 / 0.7) Next to take into account is wholesale

to retail mark-up, which covers transport from wholesale, value added work breaking the carcass down into retail cuts, displaying, advertising, retail overheads and profit margin.

Rob says the component for fresh meat is around 33 per cent of the retail price (or 49 per cent of the $12.13 per kg wholesale price at retail weight).

• Wholesale to retail - $5.99 per kg 1. Retail weighted average price for lamb - $18.13 per kg all cuts and products GST exclusive ($12.14 + $5.99) • + 15% GST - $2.72 per kg • = Lamb retail average price - $20.85 per kg including GST

By Sheryl Brown

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Coast & Country

Farm ownership a short-term dream Farm ownership is not a long-term goal for former builder Jason and hairdresser Lisa Suisted, as they hope to achieve farm ownership in the near future.

Having just won the New Zealand Sharemilker/ Equity Farmers of the Year at the National Dairy Industry Awards, Jason and Lisa have opened the door to opportunity.

With the boost of $40,000 worth of prizes, as well as opportunities presented by the win, the couple hopes to be in a position to purchase their own farm in the next few years.

They are currently 50 per cent sharemilking 430 cows on 134 effective hectares in Gordonton, producing 140,000kgMS – Jason hopes to do 150,000 this coming season.

The next goal is a larger sharemilking position within the Waikato next year, milking 600 to 1000 cows.

They hope it gives them the equity to purchase a farm, but want to remain sharemilking and put a manager or contractor on their own farm.

Both grew up on dairy farms in the Piako region before going on to work in their own trades, but Jason and Lisa decided to go back dairy farming to obtain a more family-friendly lifestyle.

“It’s a great industry to be in; if people want to make a go of it they can – all the information is there for them to access – they’ve just got to want to do it,” says Jason.

“There is no shortage of people available – we have had a lot of help from all the rural professionals.”

To get started in the dairy industry, Jason and Lisa saved one wage and lived off the lesser one to save to buy cows, which they leased out.

Jason then started as an assistant manager before moving into a contract milking position with 600 cows.

After three seasons the couple got its first sharemilking job, milking 260 cows.

Now, 10 years and three children later, they are relishing in an industry which allows them a good family balance.

Lisa gave birth to son Beau two days before flying to Queenstown for the national awards dinner.

He is the third family addition, following Ryan, 5, and Fern, 2.

Lisa says bringing a family up on the farm is “awesome”.

“Family is first and foremost for us. It’s changed from when we’ve had children – and the more you have – the more time you need. Dairy farming allows us to be involved down at the school.”

Jason and Lisa entered the Dairy Industry Awards for the first time several years ago.

Personal development is a priority in their business; they are both committed to up-skilling every year, either through ATO agricultural courses or at courses and Fieldays.

awn a e

®

Dairy Industry Award national winners, Lisa and Jason Suisted, with daughter Fern.

So going through the process of analysing their business for the process of the dairy industry awards has been another huge step for personal development, says Jason.

“It was an opportunity to grow ourselves. The networking and personal growth is one of the best outcomes – getting your name out there.”

They have entered the Dairy Industry Awards three times, coming runner up for the Waikato region last year.

“You wouldn’t want to win the first time you enter because you wouldn’t get the feedback and analysis to improve your business,” says Jason.

“It (the feedback) has helped us a lot.”

Sharemilker/Equity Farmer judge Jo Bishell says Jason and Lisa were the “complete package”.

“We got a really clear and concise picture of their total business.

“They also had balance between their business, community involvement and their family life.”

Jo says their financial performance, pasture management and health and safety practices stood out.

Pasture management was one area Jason really wanted to be recognised for.

He has renovated 43 per cent of the farm in the last three seasons he has been on the peat farm in Gordonton.

“It was severely damaged by the drought and black beetle. It’s something I’ve put in a lot of time and effort into. In the first year we did 23 per cent of the farm.”

The pasture renovation programme was one of the aspects Jason and Lisa wanted to show judges when they came to their farm for their final presentation.

“We really wanted to showcase ourselves and give the judges an insight into our lives and what makes us tick,” says Lisa.

“It wouldn’t be an exaggeration that we spent hundreds of hours on our presentation.”

“We’ve done a lot of work on the lane ways, the pasture renovation and we have extended the effluent line to double of what the required amount is – purely for environmental reasons.”

COAST & COUNTRY

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Dairy farmer on African soils Waikato dairy farmer Mark Brown is travelling to speak at the South African Large Herds Conference on mastitis management.

Waikato Milking Systems distributor in South Africa, LacTech, extended the invitation to Mark to talk on how he uses systems to manage mastitis.

Mark works on his family farm, Aukati Trust, in Pirongia, milking

560 cross-bred cows on 170 effective hectares.

In 2006, in partnership with Waikato Milking Systems, Aukati Trust introduced the first Afifarm herd management software system into New Zealand.

In 2010, Afilab was also added, giving access to daily fat, protein, lactose and somatic cell count levels of individual cows – allowing Aukati Trust to have a better, more reliable mastitis management system in place.

Waikato Milking Systems has sponsored Mark to attend the conference.

Managing director John Anderson says it is a commercial gain to be able to send a person like Mark to attend the conference in East London, South Africa.

“It’s about getting all these people that have a knowledge of the system together.

“We want to be able to have advocates for the system so they can encourage other farmers to buy it.”

Waikato has sold about 40 systems to New Zealand dairy farmers since first trialling it at Aukati Trust.

Mark says the opportunity to speak at the conference and to network with dairy farmers to see how they are using the system, is a huge opportunity.

“It is a huge challenge to go and speak at the conference, but a great opportunity.

“It will be great to spend time with some of the top South African dairy farmers who are using these

Looking at South African farming.

Afifarm systems – and to see if it can be applied here. In particular Nigel Lok’s feed module to individually feed cows.”

By Sheryl Brown

And there’s not a drop to drink Water is a significant issue; as a country we stand or fail on where it is, how much is there, what we do with it and what sort of state it’s in.

Our Prime Minister, when interviewed on BBC television, insisted that we are ‘100 per cent pure’, a statement which was disbelieved by his interviewer and has been much giggled about at home.

Purity in water means different things to different people; can you swim in it? Drink it? Is it brown and turbid or does it have a green algal bloom decorating its surface?

Last year, 58 interest groups spent months arguing about what we should expect from our water and finally came to a consensus agreement on what they felt should be done to get it. Their recommendations were presented to central government, with the lead item a request to have a set of national standards for water quality – set by

that government and included in a National Policy Statement.

Well we got the National Policy Statement, but our ‘smile and wave’ government wimped out on any standards. Instead the whole task was passed back to regional authorities to sort out and set standards for their regions. There was a strong sense of deja vu, when an earlier National government had taken on a brand new Resource Management Act 20 years ago.

The intent of those devising the Act had been to devise clear guidelines and standards by central government, which could be utilised by those making decisions on resource consents. Instead, with the change of government, the whole responsibility was passed to individual councils, who have been making its decisions based on parochial influences ever since.

The task for Waikato Regional Council looks like being particularly difficult. On the one hand, it has responsibility for co-man-

agement of the Waikato River and coping with the expectations of the Waikato River Authority. On the other, it has the Hauraki Plains and Coromandel areas, including areas of population with widely different expectations of what ‘100 per cent pure’ actually means.

Chairman Peter Buckley expressed his disappointment at the lack of standard setting. With no defined goals to aim for, his organisation faces years of court battles with patch protecting interest and industry groups. There are supposed to be defined plans for each area in place by 2014 and the whole issue is meant to be cleaned up by 2030.

WDC’s task will be made yet more difficult by already having two variations to the regional plan under way. Variation 5, affecting nitrogen leaching from underground and wastewater on farm land in the Lake Taupo catchment, appears to be making good headway, after many initial hiccups over the process.

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The permitted activity level for farms of 15 cubic metres of water per day for domestic and stock drinking may sound a lot, but there’s an awful lot of water taken for other purposes, particularly for industry and dairy farms that’s never been measured.

Of the 7,800 farms in the region – 4,750 of them dairy farms – only 100 have consents for drinking or shed wash-

down. Getting those consents is going to present each farmer with an amazing complexity of measuring and recording of both supply and take quantities. Mark Davenport of WRC described the future consent process as potentially complex, contested, costly and uncertain of outcome, irrespective of the volume sought.

A read through Sue Edmonds article about Smart Water Use on farms may be a good place to start – see page 55.

COAST & COUNTRY

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‘Rolls Royce’ runs over grapes Beau Kirk traded in his devaluing grapes for a ‘Rolls Royce’ when he switched to a slightly bigger, firmer, product line.

Beau and Johnine Kirk found themselves with no secured contract for the harvest off their Gisborne vineyard in 2009 and had to do something to keep the bank manager away from the door.

They decided to make a clean cut away from the vineJohnine and Beau Kirk yard and found the answer in a brood of chickens. have traded growing grapes “After 25 years in the horticulture industry I was a for a brood of hens. little bit tired of being told what, when and how to do

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Coast & Country

everything,” says Beau.

“I felt my soul had more value than selling into some corporate.”

And from here, the free range Kirkfield Family Farm eggs production was hatched.

The decision to go free range was an easy one for Beau and Johnine and they recently received the Royal New Zealand SPCA Blue Tick, which is part of the national certification programme that identifies the animal food product it adorns as being produced in a humane manner.

Beau, who calls it his “Rolls Royce badge,” says they exceed the RNZSPCA standards in some areas.

“The SPCA standards are 10 birds per square metre in a shed, we have six birds.

“It gives them more space and it’s a lot cosier for them.”

Keeping them out of cages

The chickens get 21 hectares to roam about on.

“We certainly weren’t going to put them in cages – that wasn’t an option.”

Beau says as a grape grower, if his wife sent him to buy some eggs he would have chosen the cheapest ones – selected them on price.

“I wouldn’t have considered the living creature then.

“But after working with them for 18 months, you see they enjoy their freedom – it’s nice to see them happy.”

The Kirkfield operation has quickly increased from 1200 to 4800 laying chickens in 13 months, getting the chickens from Maketu poultry.

Johnine had to give up her job to handle the workload, while Beau is out a lot on the road selling the eggs.

Their neighbour helps out and they have just employed their first full-time staff member.

There is a lot of work to do.

The chickens are all hand fed – using buckets to feed out the grain – and all the eggs are hand collected and hand packed.

The chickens eat 130g of grain a day, which is a combination of mostly maize, together with all the vital trace elements.

Beau says it is amazing how “by the book” the chickens’ diet is.

“It says they eat 130g and that’s exactly how much they eat – they don’t over eat.

“They don’t need weight watchers.”

Beau was slightly reluctant on any more advertising of his eggs, which are available in selected Four Squares and New World stores nationwide, as well as the Gisborne Pak ‘n Save.

“We are struggling to keep up with demand as it is, but we’re working on expanding and looking for other suppliers.

“You can’t make a living out of small numbers – 5000 chickens is not a lot of chickens in the chicken world.”

The Egg Producers Federation say the flock size in New Zealand in 2010 was 3,350,290 hens and there were 960,177,000 eggs produced, according to Statistics NZ. The average New Zealander ate 230 eggs last year.

Approximately 88 per cent of New Zealand layer hens are housed in cages, 1.4 per cent in barns and 10.6 per cent in free-range systems.

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Harrie Geraerts, from Fantail Lodge is supplying Coast & Country with a delicious recipie to accompany our new Hunt, Eat, Fish feature, Pg 8-9.

Venison Pot Pie

Civet de Chevreuil en Croute Serves six people 1.5kg course diced venison meat 1 bottle of Morton Estate mercure 200gr julienne of belly bacon 1dl cream 2 nips cognac/brandy 30g chilled roux Thyme/rosemary 4 cloves 4 bay leaves Cinnamon quill

COAST & COUNTRY

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Game dish of the month

2 large carrots Vinegar 1/2 dl 150g tomato paste 200g mushrooms 10 pepper corns 2 onions Clarified butter (oil is fine also) Marinate Red wine (shyrah), one carrot, few branches of thyme and rosemary, four cloves, two bay leaves, one medium onion, half dl vinegar and 10 black pepper corns.

Cut the vegetables in cubes, add all ingredients to the wine and bring slowly to boil and let cool. Add meat and leave this marinate rest for at least 24 hours.

The longer you leave the meat in the marinate, the more the flavour comes through in the meat.

Preparation As the most common available venison meat is farmed, the flavour is not as strong as feral meat. Depending on how ‘gamey’ you like your dish, I recommend to marinate the meat for 24 hours in the marinate as described. After

marinating, take the meat out and dry. Melt butter and brown meat evenly. Remove meat from the pan and brown brunoise (cubes) from carrot, bacon and onion.

Halfway through this process, add two bay leaves and the tomato paste, which should start browning on the edges at about the same time as the vegetables and bacon will do.

At this stage add the cognac/ brandy and flame to remove the alcohol. Add the cinnamon quill, quartered mushrooms and meat to the casserole and cover the meat with the amount of marinate it takes.

Have this on a slow heat for one – one and a half hours. Check occasionally that the cinnamon doesn’t become too overpowering and remove if needed.

After this time the jus will have reduced considerably, but if needed, can be controlled with a little of chilled roux and season to taste.

Many variations can be made, try chestnuts or silverskin onions.

This dish serves well with kumara

mash, winter vegetables and poached fruits or compote.

For those who feel puff pastry is too heavy, try a layered filo pastry

which is much lighter and with a similar effect.

Recommended wine would be a firm red.

Agri-tourism opportunity The Bay of Plenty Amazing Maze ‘n Maize business is up for sale for land owners who are looking for an income from something a little different.

ABCAC20110520

Rosemary Williams has owned the operation at Edgecumbe in the Bay of Plenty for the last seven years.

She says it is a fun, exciting way to earn an excellent income from a small parcel of land.

The unique summer attraction involves cutting out a different maze every year in about 10 acres of maize – the minimum size of land you need for the operation.

It is open from December to April every year.

There are three other North Island Amazing Maze licences, including in Manawatu, Hawke’s Bay and Auckland.

The four businesses work together on themes every year and come up with marketing ideas. The Amazing Mazes are huge mazes cut out of the corn fields. There are ‘kernels of knowledge’ trivia within the maize maze and associated quizzes – great fun for family and team competitions says Rosemary.

“You walk along several kilometres of paths and make decisions at intersections as to which way to go.”

Some intersections have ‘Kernels of Knowledge’ or signs about the theme attached. These help people find their way and also keep them entertained.

The maze caters for corporate team building experiences, as well as providing a unique outdoor classroom for schools with themes and learning modules adapted to school curriculums.

The popular CornEvil Haunted Horror Maze, which is R16, involves ghosts, ghouls and monsters who have a very strict code of behaviour – “so help is always close at hand for the faint-hearted”.

Rosemary says they get people travelling up to two hours from as far as Te Awamutu and Taumarunui to come to the CornEvil Horror maze.

“About 300 plus victims (visitors) arrive each Friday night during the season. This number swells considerably for a Friday 13th.”

Surprisingly CornEvil attracts a wide demographic variation from older teens to business social clubs.

“But our record was a visitor attending a family reunion – at 92 years young.”

By Sheryl Brown

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Coast & Country

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Taking aim from the maimais The first weekend in May is the opening of the game bird season. The chance to get out and harvest some free range, non-steroid game fowl.

getting my 14-year-old son out of bed for a shoot as apposed to the average school morning – funny that.

Camo’d up we quickly munched down some porridge, filled the thermos, grabbed the sammies, shotguns, ammo, caller and we were out the door.

As we trudged along in the drizzly pre-dawn darkness out across the pond, a pukeko squeaked a wary greeting.

By Clive Mckenney Big droplets of water fell from the many walnut and Unfortunately, it’s also the oak trees which Roger has very same weekend that lovingly planted around many of the pine forests the edge of the pond. are opened for pig huntRoger has been a huntering. Being a keen pig gatherer all his life and his hunter, this causes a bit passion for the outdoors is of a conflict of interreflected in the way he’s set est. My son Liam really up his property. Like most wanted to go out for a hunter-gatherers, it’s not shot at the ducks though just about going out and and a good friend Roger shooting things. It’s about McDowell had offered us a balance. Taking what the opportunity to shoot you need, conserving, on his fantastic pond, so nurturing, managing and the pig hunting would respecting what’s left for have to wait a week. the future.

It was definitely easier Liam eyes up a mallard. Photo by Sheryl Mckenney photography Liam and I finally arrived at what was to be our residence for the next four or five hours. Over the years, many a keen duck shooter had stood in this same maimai waiting for the whistle of wings – empty cartridge cases lay in testament to exciting mornings had by others. The maimai, constructed of wood and corrugated iron, with an old camo net draped over the roof, had manuka and gorse grow tightly around it, helping to blend it into the surroundings and raupo bushs up to the front, giving us cover from the sharp-eyed ducks. About 40 metres to our left, Roger, Ian Adamson and Colin Jones settled into another similar refuge as they too waited for the birds.

We didn’t have to wait long before a distant quack alerted us to their arrival. In the gloomy light, a pair of mallards screamed in, flared and hit the water amongst the decoys. It was still a bit too dark for a confident shot, so we waited as another three ducks circled and called to the birds sitting on the pond. Eventually, they too made a final approach and splashed onto the water.

With every minute the sky lightened and as another

HUNT FISH EAT

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Big Four in sight Entry forms are starting to arrive as keen hunters organise their teams for the Polaris Big Four on June 23-26.

By Clive McKenney

Up to 200 teams of lads or ladies will be out in the hills hoping to bag the heaviest red stag and wild boar, shoot the best pheasant and land that elusive rainbow or brown trout. Not only do these species all make damn fine eating, served in the finest restaurants and dined on by royalty, but on this particular weekend they will also put the teams in the running for some amazing prizes.

Through the amazing generosity of our many sponsors the total prize pool is up around the $80k mark. The team which manages to get the most points for all four species walks away with a brand new Polaris Ranger 500, thanks to Polaris Industries

Ltd. On top of that, if they happen to get the heaviest and best in all categories and meet the terms and conditions, which need to be read and signed, they will upsize from the Polaris to a 2007 Toyota Hilux sponsored by Pacific Toyota. The Polaris then becomes second prize.

Every team member also goes in the draw for a 1988 Toyota Hilux which is drawn as a spot prize at the final weigh-in. Along with these great prizes, there’s also a portable sleepout valued at $12,000 thanks to Modcom Portable Buildings, an aluminium Dog Box thanks to A1 Dingo Services, a brand new Husquvarna Chainsaw sponsored

by Action Equipment, a helicopter trip thanks to Raukumara Red Venison Ltd and thousands of dollars more of other assorted goodies.

All put forward by our many generous sponsors who are all be named and famed at the weigh-in.

Without these businesses none of this would be possible. A big thank you also needs to go the Te Puna Farm-

lands, Coast & Country newspaper and their fantastic team, Radio Hauraki and Hooked on Boars magazine – all contributing valuable advertising and prizes.

Bill and the team from Base Camp Ltd are on hand at the Sunday weigh-in sizzling up succulent venison sausages and other delectable treats on the barbeque and also taking orders for the processing of any animals caught over the weekend, turning wild game into beautiful salamis, biersticks and sausages.

I better mention the venue is the Quarry Restaurant and Bar on the corner of Highway 2 and Te Puna Road, Tauranga (Google map it).

Denny and his lovely ladies will make sure nobody gets thirsty.

So mark your calendar and we’ll see you there. For rules and entry forms phone or text Clive McKenney 021 048 2833 email sheryl. clive@xtra.co.nz or Ken Griffin 021 533 075 email ken.griffin@ ihug.co.nz

No vegetables were harmed four circled I whispered to Liam that I would go for the ones on the left.

They circled twice more and came in straight towards us. I could feel the adrenalin pumping as I waited till the moment I knew they were in range.

Twenty feet above the pond they began to flare. Flicking the safety, I got the show on the road.

The tranquillity of the morning disappeared as a barrage of shots echoed out across the valley.

Smoke rose from the maimais and the smell of cordite hung in the air. As the smoke cleared and the ears stopped ringing, half a dozen tasty mallards lay still on the water. Twenty minutes later, four more ducks came straight in, flared and hit the water before any of us had a chance to raise a gun.

They sat on the water looking rather suspiciously

around. Roger had constructed a moving decoy which could be hand peddled to make the decoy swim back and forth across the water. The four mallards sat and watched as the life-like decoy happily swam one way and then the other. Cautiously they began swimming closer, bringing them into range...by the end of the morning, close to 20 ducks had been bagged.

We all got together for a hearty brunch on the deck at Roger’s house and re-lived the morning while devouring wild pork and bacon sandwiches and venison sausages. No veges were harmed that morning.

It was a great morning, shared with wonderful people. May it always be possible.

By Clive Mckenney

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An hour in the paddock For a stockman, there can be no better place than a paddock of high quality grass being grazed by contented animals on a gentle autumn afternoon.

At 3.15pm a high producing – and still milking – herd of dairy cows were contentedly grazing a fresh break of pasture. Obviously content because most were simply standing and grazing with jaws working at single speed, close to 50 bites per minute. Overhead conditions were cloudy, with brief chilly showers and just the odd patch of direct autumn sunlight.

A high fibre high-energy supplement had been fed out, yet pasture was preferred. Admittedly the haylage was not the best quality this herd has dined on, but certainly good quality filler.

Air temperature measured by holding the soil thermometer out of direct sunlight gave a reading of 13.2 degrees and the soil at 7.5cm 14.2 degrees – still warm for mid May in the Central Plateau.

Grass samples representative of the pasture being grazed gave Brix readings of 8 and 10, not uncommon readings for pasture to which DoloZest has been regularly applied. Pasture brix levels of 10 plus provide cows with sufficient energy for it to be preferred to all but the best quality high energy supplement.

The fact that the haylage was being ignored also indicated that there was unlikely to be a rapid deterioration of weather within the next 24 hours.

Observing cows’ preference for feed provides valuable clues to likely weather over the coming days.

Well-conditioned animals are able to easily withstand a cold night or a wet 24 hours, however, add to either a biting wind from the south and the demand for energy increases, markedly so if animals are to remain content.

High quality hay provides both extra energy and fibre necessary for optimum rumen function. Hay made from pasture that has gone through the full growth cycle, to the point of having mature seed, has maximum energy and when fully digested is an excellent energy and fibre source over winter.

Silage made from rapidly growing spring grass is higher in protein and lower in energy than mature hay and therefore a more suitable dry summer feed, although still a desirable and valuable supplement during winter months.

In the recent periods of wet, windy conditions, well-fed animals were seen lined up along fence lines with their tails into the wind and when the weather cleared within a few hours little mud was generated. With fresh feed made available as soon as the rain eased, pasture damage was minimal – although during prolonged periods of wet weather over the next three months some pasture damage is inevitable.

The end of the season is the time to feel satisfied with what has gone well since the start of spring, reflect on the things which may have been better managed and lay plans for the winter and coming spring.

Countries increasing production Maize silage is, these days, the supplement of first choice for North Island farmers.

By Sue Edmonds

So when Pioneer, who probably know more about maize than most, ran a road show with speakers from both New Zealand and the United States, about 300 plus farmers turned up to the Hamilton conference.

Professor Nicola Shadbolt of Massey University and the Fonterra board, gave a clear exposition of where New Zealand milk fits in an ever-more populous world.

While countries such as China and Russia are large importers of dairy products, both are working on increasing their own production to satisfy local markets. India and Brazil already have huge numbers of cows, but until recently milk has been mainly sold in informal markets, which go from the cow to the bucket of the customer.

Both are now increasing their formal market structures, still to satisfy local markets.

“E S I programmes consistently out-perform fertiliser N driven programmes with more total DM grown containing more energy resulting in higher levels of animal production.”

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Page 11

Feed efficiency for milk production Waikato farmers and contractors were interested to hear Barry McCarter, maize products manager for Genetic Technologies explain how Pioneer’s hybrid research programmes work.

With three million breeding plots and 130,000 hybrids being tested every year for traits – ranging from drought tolerance, nitrogen use efficiency, accelerated yield technology, laser assisted seed selection and what they are calling ‘fast maize’ which matures in 60 days rather than 100 plus days – they were doubling the rate of yield increase, while decreasing the environmental impacts.

New Zealand’s 230 trials were now able to be harvested with small plot research equipment and 23 hybrids are offered this season, with 11 of those deemed most suited to the Waikato. To achieve the best results, however, it was a case of putting the right product in the right pasture at the individual planting rates now being recommended.

Forage specialist Ian Williams gave a stirring presentation on reducing the impact of dairy farming on water and soil quality, citing the widely available Pioneer publication on this as a book to be studied before next season. Getting it right is, he says, a system issue, based on using five basic methods: To use effluent paddocks to provide the nutrienthungry maize with adequate fertiliser; use the Amaize-N calculator to get things right for each soil type; reduce tillage so as not to destroy soil structure; feed maize silage on a feed pad, both to reduce waste and to capture effluent which could then be spread on pastures when appropriate.

Dr Mike Hutchens, dairy extension specialist from the University of Illinois finished the day with

Ian Williams knows about maize.

Farming more produce New Zealand exports most of its production, but still represents only 27 per cent of the world dairy volume trade – and only two per cent of world supply.

In a world with increasing numbers of hungry mouths to feed and only 12 per cent more arable land available, Nicola pointed out uses for that land can vary between food, feed, fuel and fibre, depending on the perceived needs of individual countries. It wasn’t just a case of producing more food, but getting better nutrition from what was produced. Thus, in some places, fish farming could be seen as providing more nutrition than growing feed for cows.

In New Zealand, Nicola sees two kinds of dairy farms. Traditional pastoral farms operated at low cost – and high input farms. In settled years, 2006/08, research had shown there was no significant difference in the return on assets. In 2008/09, however, the drought had produced what she called ‘cost stickiness’, where input costs against milk price became very important. Also at this time, the complexities of

environmental risk versus market risk arose.

High input farms, with much greater assets, had to be structured towards resilience, so they could ‘bounce without breaking’. Research was still going on, but at this stage it appeared farming at System three (10-20 per cent of total feed imported) might prove the most reliable in times of volatility.

Dr Bill Mahanna from Pioneer’s home base in Iowa, US, gave an update on maize plant growth and yields, depending on both hybrids chosen and seeds planted.

An interesting focus was the findings traditional planting rates (eg 76,500 seeds/ha) could be comfortably exceeded with new hybrids, say up to 108,000 seeds/ ha, which considerably increased yield. While seed cost would be greater, yield income would well exceed cost increases. In the US, where highest yield rates could be 24 tonnes/ha, the equipment used was fine-tuned to achieve optimum rates at every stage.

Hybrids these days were being measured on five qualities in order – grain yield, whole plant dry matter yield, standability, relative maturity and quality (including fibre digestibility).

a rousing exposition on feed efficiency and milk production costs. In the US he was recommending a feed ratio based on 50:35:15, where 50 was forage (pasture, hay, straw etcetera), 35 was concentrates and 15 was what Mike called ‘swing’ which varied from farm to farm and could comprise more forage, by-products or more concentrates. For New Zealand, he used figures of 65:20:15.

Mike pointed out 5kg of feed was required to cover costs, with an extra 2kg required to cover the distance cows had to walk in New Zealand. To

achieve 30 litres per cow, each would require 20kg of dry matter daily. He recommended “listening to your cow” to ascertain individual problems. This could include checking faeces solidity which would give an indication of rumen bacteria make-up. Milk solids yield not only depended on feed efficiency, but also on getting maximum rumen performance.

After all that, anyone who thought maize silage was an easy solution, might well decide they had more to learn.

By Sue Edmonds

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Coast & Country

Bio-fertiliser – results to believe Peter Burton from Eco-Logic Soil Improvement Ltd has been running trials over the past nine months to determine how well his DoloZest and CalciZest pasture management system lives up to claims that it: • Reduces leaching of nutrients into the subsurface flow and the waterways.

• Promotes the growth of pasture by inoculating it with essential elements and beneficial microfauna (fungi and bacteria).

• Increases clover root mass and depth to provide all the nitrogen needed for healthy, high production plant growth.

Trials

At each of the trials being carried out in Edgecumbe and Reporoa, Peter is using two adjacent farms, one that has been using Eco-Logic fertilisers and one that has been using traditional nitrogen based fertilisers.

Nutrient leaching trials run for three years so there are no definitive results yet, but early data from Reporoa is very positive. Nitrate leaching on pasture using Eco-Logic fertiliser has come down to 0.5 parts

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the pats they leave behind and here they per million (ppm), whereas the neighlooked more like the sort expected on bouring property has spiked at about spring flush than autumn roughage. But 10ppm. The acceptable rate is 5ppm so Peter Burton pointed out as he poked it looks like good news for the environone apart with his foot, they were soft, ment. but well formed and without fibrous There is no nutrient data yet from material, indicating good digestion.

Peter Berryman’s Edgecumbe property, And there were no old pats to be seen but there are many records on grass anywhere, they’d all been absorbed into growth. Peter has used Dolomite on his the soil. pasture for nearly 20 “We’re looking at the years, then seven years Preliminary results show two main digesters here ago he switched to nutrient leaching is – the rumen of the cow DoloZest and CalciZdown to 0.5ppm, grass and the soil together est and it is now the production is around 20 providing a rapid nutrifourth season that he has applied less than tonne / ha and February ent recycling,” says Peter.

20kg/ha of nitrogen. milk production is at “Both have to work Peter Burton says that Eco-Logic Soil 26.8 L / cow – all good together, the functioning of the rumen Improvement’s basic indicators that the is dependant on the philosophy is: “The product is working. functioning of the soil soil, the plant and the and visa versa.” animal are all integrated when it comes to health. We’re looking to beef up the natural immune Clover production high systems of the soil, the animals and the The soil has a spongy feel underfoot plants.” and on closer inspection there is a very large number of worm castings, a lot of plant material and good cover. Clover Soil health production is high, the clover leaves are Checking the health of the soil is easilarge and the stems solid, both indicaest done by looking first at the animals tions of a healthy plant. Overall root and then the grass. If they’re healthy, depth is another indicator and that the soil probably is too, so how are the checks out at 900mm compared with animals doing? the neighbours at 400mm.

“After we started with Peter’s product, But grass production is probably the when the cows got to the end of that best indication of soil health and Peter round of paddocks they didn’t like the has been measuring that from the Berother grass, so we did the whole farm,” ryman’s farm for years by measuring dry says Peter Berryman.

“The animal health improvement is all matter production every 30 days accordanecdotal, but it looks better than it was ing to protocols laid down by Tom Gee from MAF in the 1960s. His figures are and the cows and calves are bigger.” remarkable, they show that The animals don’t appear grass production is sitting to get the diseases they at around 20 tonne used to, no bad / ha / year, way in bloat, eczema excess of that being seems to be elimiachieved elsenated and they where. haven’t drenched It appears that for years. Then, the product is of course, there’s living up to its the main factor claims to be good for for the farmer, both the environment milk production. In and the farmer – nutriFebruary 2011 the herd’s protein/fat ratio was 86 Grass samples are clipped ent leaching appears to per cent compared with down to about 2cm, covered be down, grass growth the district average of 75 with a cage and left to grow is good, animal health is per cent and his produc- for 30 days before being cut, good and production is up dried and measured.

– but is it cost effective? tion per cow was 26.8 “It would be no dearer, L compared the district but we save on drenching and vets and average of 14.3 L. Not surprising that we get better production,” says Peter Peter says he’s “Quite comfortable with Berryman, “So yes, I think we’re ahead.” what I’m doing.”

An indication of the animal’s health is

By Graeme Dobson

PH 07 578 0030

COAST & COUNTRY

essential minerals for animal health

Page 13

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 14

Coast & Country

Time to pay for platform An important service available to Federated Farmers members is the 0800 advice line.

Advice is available on everything from agricultural vehicles, animal welfare, ACC and employment, to rates, rating valuations and the Resource Management Act. Often farmers call just to have a

good beef and a yarn with someone knowledgeable and sympathetic.

The 0800 line is a good bellwether of topical issues and often the calls will drive the Federation’s response to an issue.

rural dog owners 1st july 2011

One of the perennial concerns – intensifying in recent years – is the challenge faced by farmers with electricity supply lines across their land.

Farmers in this position provide the bulk of the platform of the nation’s electricity supply – and many receive no compensation for the essential role that they play in keeping the lights on.

These lines and towers need to be maintained and upgraded and this is often the reason a farmer will call our advice service. There may be concerns about liability for accidents, annoyance at the contractors and the timing of the works or worries about trees and line locations which can become more inconvenient over time.

Underlying it all is a profound annoyance that the electricity suppliers and retailers command a profit from the power singing through the wires, yet there is no reward for landowners – other than perhaps a feeling that the imposition is somehow in the national interest.

I do not believe that the extent to which our electricity infrastructure relies on the goodwill of farmers is realised.

Nowadays, if a new line is designated

to go through your property there’s a one-off payout for the loss of value of the farm and the property rights taken, but for most of the network there has been no payment to the landowner at all.

We believe that this inequity hides a significant cost arising from the lack of commercial consideration for landowners. Many feel less than cooperative around access to the lines, resulting in considerably more effort to complete projects than would otherwise be the case. Some landowners have fought protracted battles with Transpower and power companies on projects, at everybody’s expense.

Federated Farmers believes the simple answer is the provision of an annual rental for the corridor of land used to distribute electricity. A proper market, working more smoothly, would be a spin off from the equity gained for landowners. We’ve developed a paper on the issue and will be taking it to government and political parties as the election looms.

Winners of three prize packs courtesy of Tux and Coast & Country

My best mate, Kim and I. Relaxing in the sun after a hard days graft.

Jennifer Forsythe, Te Aroha Above: A photo of my best mate Bear, an Australian Cattle Dog. He’s very intelligent and a great mate to boot. From Mike Vicars, Huntly.

Right: A photo of my husband Mark and our dog Oscar for your Tux Competition. A quiet lie down doesn’t last long with Oscar as he is so full of beans and likes to be on the go all the time – especially when he has snuck inside. From Sarah Manders, Tokoroa.

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WELCOME TO THE DISTRICT

Page 15

Welcome to your new home June 1 marks the first day of winter and the date also sees the official handover for many dairy farmers – owners, sharemilkers and managers alike – meaning many of you are now living in a new area.

Clubs to get you started. We have also included the contact details for your new council and the information centres for each town.

By Sheryl Brown

To help our readers get to know some of the key information and important farming contacts in their new area, Coast & Country has put together our annual Welcome to the District feature; where we focus on towns, big and small, across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato, South Waikato, King Country and Central Plateau regions. The team here hope you find some useful information to help you settle in to your new home and ensure your future success.

This year we’ve provided some useful contacts at DairyNZ, Federated Farmers, Rural Women New Zealand and Young Farmers

Welcome to your new effluent system You’re planning for day one on a new farm and you’re no doubt champing at the bit to kick off the season.

You’ll learn a lot about the farm in the first couple of months there and how well the effluent system runs should be high on the list of things to get to grips with before cows start milking.

Many employment contracts for sharemilkers, contract milkers and managers have clauses around an individual’s responsibilities for effluent management. If this applies to you, thoroughly assess the system before starting the new season. Liabilities for getting this area of farm management wrong lie with both the farm owner and the people managing the system on a daily basis, so you should treat this as an area of risk for your business and plan to get effluent management right.

Carry out some due diligence on the effluent system as you would on the rest of the farm before you start in the role so you’re comfortable with how the system will operate on your watch.

With new staff starting on your farm, having storage, ponds or tanks, with capacity to take on effluent during a busy calving period and a maintained effluent system is important.

Before calving, all team members should have a thorough run through of how to operate your particular system, including pointing out any risk areas on your farm.

Running over the whole system with staff, including getting the effluent irrigator going on a day suitable for applying effluent, kills two birds with one stone. Your staff learn how much importance is placed on managing effluent well; and you can drop the level of effluent in your storage ponds to give it some more room,

dairy nz

By Trevor Foley, DairyNZ Environmental Extension Specialist

which you’ll need at the start of the season.

Once calving starts, with high rainfall and soil moisture content and many demands on staff time, it may be necessary to hold the majority of the dairy effluent in the pond for several weeks.

Make sure clean stormwater from the yard and the dairy roof is diverted from your effluent storage pond as you want to have as much room up your sleeve as you can get at this time of year.

Starting the season with around a half to one metre of effluent sludge in your pond is a good rule of thumb to follow.

No one likes being in the situation where they wish they had got around to doing preventative maintenance on effluent pumps, stirrers and irrigators as they’re repairing a breakdown with all the other demands which come at them during calving. It’s in your best interests to pick preventative maintenance over breakdown repairs and winter is the time to focus on this maintenance.

You can use tools such as the Farm Enviro Walk and the appropriate regional effluent compliance checklist to help you assess the farm and its effluent system.

These are available through DairyNZ. For your peace of mind, it may pay to contact an effluent specialist to walk through the effluent system with you, to identify potential risks and to discuss how you can avoid falling into any traps for the unaware.

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WELCOME TO EASTERN BAY OF PLENTY

Coast & Country

A life to enjoy The Eastern Bay of Plenty is a beautiful stretch of New Zealand encompassing native forest, unspoilt beaches and clear flowing rivers.

The Whakatane District in the Eastern Bay of Plenty is one of the most diversely beautiful areas in New Zealand. Sandy beaches are predominant along the 54 kilometres of coastline that stretches from Otamarakau in the west to Ohiwa in the east. Central areas include fertile lowlands and farming areas on the Rangitaiki Plains through to Murupara. Te Urewera National Park in the south, which makes 41 per cent of the district, is protected native forest and is home to a rich array of flora and fauna. The total area of the district covers 433,000ha.

The climate is superb and many people are choosing to relocate, buy or set up business in a place where life can be enjoyed. Whakatane records the highest temperature in New Zealand about 55 days of each year. Average annual sunshine is 2332 hours with an average annual rainfall of 1207mm.

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Some of the best farms The district has a population of 32,814. The largest urban area Whakatane, with a population of 15,024, is the major service and administrative centre for the Eastern Bay of Plenty. Nearby Ohope has a population of 2,760.

Other settlements include Murupara 1959, Edgecumbe 1668, Taneatua 753, Matata 666, Waimana 654, Te Teko 630 and remaining rural areas 8706.

The region is rich in forestry resources and has some of the country’s best dairy farms, along with a Fonterra large dairy

Eastern Bay Contacts

processing plant located at Edgecumbe.

The fertile soil of the district supports a variety of horticultural activities including market gardens, apple and kiwifruit orchards and flower growing. Bottling water for export is an emerging industry.

The district has a strong forestry industry with up to a third of the area planted in exotic forests with an average age of 18 years. The pulp and paper mills at Whakatane and Kawerau are big employers in the region – aided by the Port of Tauranga, less than 100kms

By Sheryl Brown away.

DairyNZ - Whakatane Cameron Bierre 027 288 8238

Bay of Plenty Regional Council 5 Quay St, Whakatane 0800 884 880 www.boprc.govt.nz

RWNZ Tauranga Mary McTavish 07 543 2521 Rotorua Betty Fraser-Payne 07 366 6826

Bay of Plenty Regional Council also has two depots: Ngaio Place, Edgecumbe 72 Bridge St, Opotiki

Federated Farmers - Pearl Hamid– 0274 755 586 or phamid@fedfarm.org.nz

Whakatane District Council – Civic Centre, Commerce Street, Whakatane 07 306 0500 www.whakatane.govt.nz

Young Farmers: Jayson Thompson 021 227 9775 or jays.stac@vodafone.co.nz Brooke Hammond 027 254 5027 ebyoungfarmers@hotmail.com

Whakatane i-Site – Cnr Kakahoroa Drive and Quay St, Whakatane 07 3062030 Opotiki i-Site – Cnr St John & Elliott Street, Opotiki 07 315 3031

Page 18

WELCOME TO WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY

Coast & Country

Farming on the banks of the bay Western Bay is one of the fastest growing areas in New Zealand with a current population of more than 45,400 people – estimated to reach 60,268 by 2026.

The Western Bay District covers 212,000 hectares of coastal, rural and urban areas consisting of five wards – Waihi Beach, Katikati, Kaimai, Te Puke and Maketu.

Waihi

“Waihi reminds me of how Taupo used to be,” says Brian Gentil, Go Waihi

coordinator and co-owner of 96.4 Gold FM, the Waihi radio station. Brian and his family moved to Waihi from Taupo three and a half years ago.

“A small town with a lake and mountains and parking outside the shop you wanted to go to. Taupo has grown and I can see that Waihi is going that way too. We have a river, beach, tramping tracks and the historical Karangahake Gorge, all within 15 minutes from the centre of town.”

The Waihi area has very fertile ash soil and a good annual rainfall which supports dairy and dry stock farming and kiwifruit and avocado orchards.

“Although there is a good average rainfall there is still plenty of sunshine to keep the grass growing.”

The town is well stocked with all farming requirements and there are several transport companies operating between farms, meatworks and saleyards.

There are several primary schools to choose from and the secondary school, Waihi College has a separate farm unit attached to it.

“Waihi is not just a thoroughfare to pass through to somewhere else. It is becoming a destination and people are finding it an attractive town with great cafes, shops and sight seeing. We don’t have a rush hour, we have a rush five minutes,” says Brian.

A visit to the museum explains the gold mining history of the area and visiting the information centre brings visitors up to date with the current gold mining ventures in the town. Waihi is a town “with a heart of gold” and the support of a large diverse farming community says Brian.

Katikati

JORDAAN

Katikati is the gateway to the Bay of Plenty and is recognised as a lifestyle destination.

The town is on a level plateau bounded on one side by the Tauranga harbour, the other sheltered by forest clad hills. It continues to grow in popularity for its relaxed atmosphere and lifestyle opportunities.

Only two hours from Auckland and Hamilton and under half an hour from Mount Maunganui and Tauranga, which boasts the largest shipping port in New Zealand.

The hospitable community encourages a diversity of people and lifestyle pursuits and a sound economic base in the area is provided through market gardens, dairying and kiwifruit, avocado, olive and citrus orchards.

The wealth of Katikati lies in its soil below, the rain and sunshine from above and the skills of its growers labouring on the land.

Katikati’s commercial and industrial sector hosts some of New Zealand’s leading manufacturers as well as a number of small, unique businesses.

Te Puke

Welcome to Te Puke, the kiwifruit capital of the world. The district has always been stronger on horticulture than dairying because cattle in the area suffered bush sickness, until the cause, a cobalt deficiency in the volcanic soils was discovered in the 1930s.

Te Puke is built mostly on top of Taupo ash with the characteristic flat tops and steep gullies.

While dairying is not the major industry, the Te Puke dairy farmers are much like the rest of the dairy farmers in the Bay of Plenty. They tend to stay.

Te Puke itself is a growing town, a service centre for horticulture and agricultural support industries and not far from the works and saleyards at Rangiuru.

WELCOME TO WESTERN BAY OF PLENTY

Last month Bill noticed an increased number of Tropical Army Worm eating his rye grass. Since his warning to farmers in the May issue of Coast & Country, he has received a lot of feedback from farmers experiencing the same issue.

An insect scientist has also contacted Bill to discuss solutions for farmers, growers and contractors in dealing with the pest.

Bill says there is also a lot of rust around on permanent and annual rye grasses at the moment.

“The wet seasonal conditions are creating a lot of moisture stress – rust is another thing having a go at our grasses at the moment.

“We need some colder weather to check these insects and diseases.”

Bill says the excess rain is causing nutrient leaching, taking some important nutrients away from the plants. It is an essential time to spray out new grass paddocks for weeds which are competing for these nutrients.

The quality of the grass is essential for the next six to eight weeks while wintering cows before calving says Bill.

Bill Webb Contracting “You need to

make sure your cows are getting top quality feed. You don’t want to start the season with skinny cows.”

Focusing on fully feeding stock is a priority moving forward for farmers and Bill says he wants to be moving in the same direction.

“We have had a strategic look at our business and we believe we are best placed to put our emphasis on supplying supplementary feed to our clients.

“We are going to focus on our lease blocks and growing maize for silage and grass for good quality grass silage and for winter grazing dairy cows.”

Bill says the move to focus on feed requirements is in reaction to his observation of farming and what he has heard around the region.

“I know some farmers who have done better production this year with less cows – simply because they were feeding them better.

“It’s simple – you have to feed your cows to produce.”

Bill says he wants to be able to give advice to farmers on what sort of quality feed is available and make sure they have good quality protein, carbohydrate and fibre feeds on hand.

“We have got the breeding in our cows, but they are unable to utilise their breeding through lack of feed.”

Bill says with the price of land, farmers are better off to focus on what they have rather than expanding farm size.

“Most people don’t want to borrow more money to buy the neighbours farm or a run-off because of the volatility in the current market, banks are putting pressure on farmers to make a profit now and pay back debt as capital gain is no longer the focus.

“So farmers need to focus on what they’ve already got and fully feeding their cows is the quickest, easiest way to increase production and EFS (economic farm surplus) with what they already have.”

Bill says with high forecast payout it makes sense to be able to spend that bit extra on good quality feed to get a better production out of their cows.

“We have got the feed available for farmers – and we are wanting to focus on keeping doing that.

“This is an extension of what we are already doing – we want to move forward with farmers.”

Western Bay Contacts DairyNZ Waihi – Murray Perks 021 242 2127 Western Bay of Plenty Wilma Foster – 021 246 2147 Bay of Plenty Denis Collins – 0274 922 907 RWNZ Waihi Joyce Fawcett 07 863 7984 Thames Valley Bev Sanford 07 869 0080

Western Bay of Plenty District Council

Barkes Corner, Greerton, Tauranga 07 571 8008 – www.westernbay.govt.nz

Waihi Information Centre Seddon Street, Waihi – 07-863 6715

Katikati Information Centre

Federated Farmers – Pearl Hamid– 0274 755 586 or phamid@fedfarm.org.nz

36 Main Road, Katikati – 07 549 1658

Young Farmers – Jayson Thompson – 021 227 9775 or jays.stac@vodafone.co.nz

130 Jellicoe Street, Te Puke – 07 573 9172

ADDLINE TRANSPORT LTD

Te Puke Information Centre

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Te Puke contractor Bill Webb is always on hand with advice for farmers in the Bay of Plenty region.

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Contractor focusing on feed

Page 19

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Page 20

WELCOME TO WAIKATO

Coast & Country

collected by the drivers of the tanker fleet all over the country at each vat, are tested for bugs, cell counts, fat and protein. These vials are flown in throughout each day and the results appear on the milk docket for each farm the next day.

too. Among the most eye-catching of these are the Town Hall, The Clock Tower and the Water Tower.

It is also a major horse breeding centre with Sir Tristram and Zabeel just two of the famous horses to have been at Patrick Hogan’s Cambridge Stud.

Waipa District is also host to the biggest annual agricultural show in New Zealand, the Fieldays. This year’s event begins at the Mystery Creek Events Centre on June 15.

In the heart of the Waikato dairy country With its university and polytechnic, plus several farming related training businesses and the Agriculture ITO, Hamilton is intent on being a significant educational centre.

It may be trying to ‘overcome’ its former cow town image, but there’s still a lot of milky connections and organisations around the city.

Ruakura may no longer be the centre of the farming ‘universe’, but AgRe-

search is still there – plus the myriad farming related start-ups and get-ups housed in the growing number of buildings which are part of the Waikato Innovation Centre.

North of the town, is the mammoth Fonterra plant and AFFCO’s Horotiu works. On the Fonterra site are also its own large laboratory complex, which tests product from several other plants around the Waikato. Next to it are the laboratories of SAITL – formerly known as the South Auckland Independent Testing Laboratory. This is the place where all the little vials of milk,

Ohaupo

Te Awamutu

The Waipa District covers an area of 1477 square kilometres which includes the wards of Te Awamutu, Kakepuku, Maungatautiri, Cambridge and Pirongia.

The population of the district is 40,000 with 12,000 of those living in Te Awamutu, birthplace of the famous Finn brothers; Tim and Neil who found fame in the international music world through their bands Split Enz and Crowded House.

Located just 20 minutes south of Hamilton, Te Awamutu, which means ‘The end of the navigable river’ in Maori has the oldest museum in the Waikato.

Entry is by donation and among its attractions is a large collection of Maori taonga, New Zealand War and Colonial collections, natural history exhibits and a special Finn Brothers feature.

Just a few kilometres north of Te Awamutu is a former garrison town from the days of the New Zealand wars; Ohaupo. This historical settlement has preserved much of its past with at least four registered Heritage II category buildings and several more that have been lovingly and faithfully preserved despite not being registered.

Among the best known of Ohaupo’s historic buildings are Clockworld & The Longitude Cafe on the main road and The Old Creamery on Kaipaki Road, both of which are now operating as eateries. Ohaupo is also the location for the Vilagrad Winery which offers tours and tastings alongside its wine sales and luxury accommodation.

Cambridge

The largest population centre in Waipa District, with 16,000 residents is actually Cambridge, a town many would expect to be within the boundaries of Hamilton City. Cambridge is one of the most picturesque parts of the district and it is known as the town of trees. It has a quaint colonial feel to it, a feeling further reinforced by its excellent antique shops.

Cambridge has a large register of historic buildings

Important Waikato contacts DairyNZ: Te Awamutu Otorohanga Cambridge

Wade Bell 027 285 9273 Sarah Dirks 021 770 859 Phil Irvine 0274 839 820

RWNZ: Waipa/King Country Sue Hall 07 872 2470 Waikato Anne Fredrickson 07 846 5631 Federated Farmers: Pearl Hamid 0274 755 586 or phamid@fedfarm.org.nz Young Farmers: Jayson Thompson 021 227 9775 or jays.stac@vodafone.co.nz Cambridge - Tom Walker 027 429 6392 Tom.Walker@fonterra.com

Hamilton City Council - Council Offices, Garden Place, Hamilton 3240 07 838 6699 www.hamilton.co.nz Waikato Regional Council - 401 Grey Street, Hamilton 3240 (07) 859 0999 www.waikatoregion.govt.nz Waipa District Council – 101 Bank St, Te Awamutu, 0800 WAIPADC, www.waipadc.govt.nz Hamilton i-Site Visitor Centre - 5 Garden Place, Hamilton - 07 958 5960 Te Awamutu Information – 1 Gorst Avenue, Te Awamutu 07 871 3259 www.teawamutu.co.nz Cambridge Information Centre – Cnr of Queen and Victoria Sts, Cambridge - 07 823 3456 www.cambridge.co.nz

PH 07 578 0030

WELCOME TO KING COUNTRY

Page 21

Steeped in Kiwiana and Maori history The Otorohanga District is the northern gateway to the region known as the King Country, so named because it was where the Maori King Tawhiao mounted his resistance to the encroachment of European settlers.

Kawhia

of native and exotic birds as well as a key breeding centre for tuatara and it is just 15 minutes away from the Waitomo Caves.

Kawhia, a remote settlement on the far western coast of the district, is where the first Tainui waka (canoes) are believed to have landed, bringing the first Maori settlers to the district in the 14th Century. Nearby at Te Puia Springs you can find natural hot pools with heated water from a geothermal spring coming up through the sand. These days, Kawhia is a popular fishing, swimming and boating destination and venue for the annual Traditional Maori Kai Festival each Waitangi weekend.

Taumarunui

Otorohanga township

Te Kuiti

‘The shearing capital of the world’, Te Kuiti sits in a narrow valley through which runs the Mangaokewa Stream. The heart of what is now known as the King Country, it was off limits to Europeans and a Maori stronghold after the major land confiscations in other parts of the Waikato, until the completion of the Main Trunk Line in 1877. These days its hills are home for many sheep and its limestone geology allows for a number of quarries. For a small town, there have been many high achievers either born or lived there, from a prime minister (Jim Bolger), to sportsmen (Kevin Boroevich, Colin Meads and Rob Waddell), to writers (Tony Martin and Ruth Park). And of course it’s been home to world champion shearers such as David Fagan and the world championships which are run after Easter each year.

Important King Country contacts Federated Farmers: Lyndel Stone 027 475 5596 or lstone@fedfarm.org.nz DairyNZ: Otorohanga Sarah Dirks 021 770 859 or sarah.dirks@dairynz.co.nz South Waikato Amy Johnson 027 483 2205 or amy.johnson@dairynz.co.nz RWNZ Waipa/King Country: Sue Hall 07 872 2470 Young Farmers: Jayson Thompson 021 227 9775 or jays.stac@vodafone.co.nz South Waikato James Falconer 027 355 2892 or nz-v8-farmer@hotmail.com North King Country Leanne Reeckers 027 319 5091 or leanneclair21@hotmail.com

Otorohanga, the town has always been a bit of a ‘character’ town, making world headlines when the people changed its name to Harrodsville in the 1980s.

This came about after Mohammed Al Fayed of Harrods in London tried to stop a Kiwi restaurateur called Harrod from using his own name for his business.

Despite the fact the restaurateur was nearly 400kms away in Palmerston North; the shopkeepers of Otorohanga also changed the names of all their shops to Harrods in a show of sympathy. The British tabloids picked up the story and Al Fayed backed down following a

Otorohanga District Council – 17 Maniapoto St, Otorohanga, 0800 734 000, www.otdc.govt.nz Waitomo District Council – Queen Street, PO Box 404, Te Kuiti 3941. 0800 932 4357 www.waitomo. govt.nz Te Kuiti i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, Rora Street, Te Kuiti 3910. 07 878 8077.

Ruapehu District Council – 59-63 Huia Street, Taumarunui 3920 PO Box 1001, Taumarunui 3946.

07 895 8188 www.ruapehudc.govt.nz/Site/Home.ashx Ruapehu i-SITE Visitor Information Centre, Railway Station, Hakiaha Street, 07 895 7494.

Otorohanga I-site: www.otorohanga.co.nz

Precast silo pads

External Platform

Internal Platform

lot of bad publicity over the matter.

Since then, Otorohanga has established itself as New Zealand’s Kiwiana town. Their tribute to this part of our cultural heritage is expressed through murals, corrugated iron sculptures, exhibits in shop windows and an exhibition located in the appropriately named Ed Hillary Walkway, which runs between the main street and the beautifully restored historic railway station which is now a coffee stop.

Otorohanga also has the Kiwi House which is home to a wide variety

The meeting place of the Whanganui and Ongarue Rivers, Taumarunui is the largest town in the Ruapehu District – 65 km south of Te Kuiti and 55 km west of Turangi, the largest centre for a considerable distance in any direction.

The town is known for its farming, railway history, trout fishing, gardens and weaving. The golf course is listed amongst the country’s top 50.

The name Taumarunui is reported to be the dying words of the Maori chief Pehi Turoa – taumaru meaning screen and nui big, literally translated as Big Screen, being built to shelter him from the sun. There are also references to Taumarunui being known as large sheltered location for growing kumara.

By Ken Usmar

Page 22

WELCOME TO SOUTH EAST WAIKATO

Coast & Country

See the cows from amongst the trees Te Aroha is a small town with a lot of history tied up in its former role as a health spa.

By Sue Edmonds

Crouched at the foot of Mt Te Aroha, its wide streets and pleasant public gar-

dens, museum and walking tracks give it a charm all its own. Unfortunately, previous enthusiasm for mining on the mountain has left a sad and expensive clean up job on the tailings, which is finally being tackled after many years of battling over who was to pay for the work.

Te Aroha represents the southern access to the Hauraki Plains; an area of farming dominated by the vagaries and flood plains of the Waihou River which reaches the sea at Thames.

Between Morrinsville and Te Aroha is the area known as Waitoa, which not only has yet another Fonterra factory, but also has the large Ingham chicken processing plant hidden away from the main road. Both of these are major employers for the area.

Morrinsville

Morrinsville is a true country town, with a major focus on its Fonterra factory and a wealth of farming related businesses all around it. As it is also on the main route to Coromandel, there are a surprising number of boat builders and sellers, facing off with the tractors down the road into the town.

This year, Morrinsville has also donned a mantle as an ‘art town’ with the opening of its new Wallace Gallery in a huge old building on the main street. This now houses a rotating display of works from the well-known Wallace Collection, as well as a variety of exhibitions by artists from all over the Waikato and beyond.

For all your Building, Concrete and Landscaping requirements Putaruru

• Herring Bone Sheds • Rotary Sheds • Feed Pads • Silage Bunkers • Covered Bins

A service town on SH1, Putaruru was long known for its timber mills, with trees felled from the huge pine forests planted over much of what is known as the Central Plateau.

These days, it has an equal claim to fame for its pure water, drawn untreated from the springs and upper reaches of the same Waihou River. The Blue Spring near Putaruru contributes 42 cubic metres per minute, with the water estimated to have taken 100 years to reach it underground. Much of this is now bottled and sold all over the country. There is now also a 4.7km one way walking track known as the Te Waihou Walkway which now attracts about 25,000 trampers a year to its wetlands, waterfalls and native bush.

Paul Lowe

Mob: 027 413 0072 A/H: (07) 880 9053

Tokoroa

Email: lowebuilders@clear.net.nz 3222761AA

KEVIN WADE

FARM DRAINAGE & EARTHWORKS

Phone 0274 968337 or 07 884 6784

The ‘Town of Trees’ is still encircled by its fast growing pine forests, which for many years provided the wood pulp for the Kinleith Mill to make newsprint for a paper hungry world. With ownership changes and declining markets, Tokoroa has been busy reinventing itself to stem an exodus of its inhabitants.

These days many of the clear-felled blocks are being turned into dairy farms, initially marked by the huge piles of forest detritus scraped off before the grass could be sown.

To encourage these new farms to focus on profitability, rather than just production, a group of local farmers designed the Dairy Push programme, which both assists farmers to make plans and set goals. After its first three years, they are now setting up Dairy Push Two, which will not only focus on increasing profitability, but at the same time ensure their environmental footprint is lowered.

PH 07 578 0030

WELCOME TO SOUTH EAST WAIKATO

Page 23

Hobbits under the Kaimai Ranges Matamata

Matamata also became well known many years ago for its hot pools and camping grounds. It moved on to horse breeding and dairy farming, until some of its rolling hilly areas became homes for Hobbits. It became a tourist attraction, known as Hobbiton, after being the film setting for The Lord of the Rings films.

Now, it is gearing up for a second round when The Hobbit is finally filmed.

There is much limestone country surrounding Matamata, producing the creamy stone known as Hinuera, long used for buildings and now also the centre of attention for a week-long carving competition held each year.

With a railway line bisecting the town, a number of the wide streets run in parallel pairs either side, providing a spacious feel to the township. As with Te Aroha, the Kaimai Range provides a steep backdrop to the flat countryside of the Waikato River Basin.

Important Southeast Waikato contacts DairyNZ: Te Aroha/Morrinsville - Wayne Berry 027 293 4401 Matamata - David Swney 027 474 3258 Putaruru/Tokoroa - Amy Johnson 027 483 2205 RWNZ: Te Aroha/Morrinsville/Matamata - Margaret Osborne 07 884 5709 Putaruru/ Tokoroa - Anne Fredrickson 07 846 5631 Federated Farmers: Pearl Hamid 0274 755 586 or phamid@fedfarm.org.nz Young Farmers: Jayson Thompson 021 227 9775 or jays.stac@vodafone.co.nz Matamata-Piako District Council www.mpdc.govt.nz Te Aroha Office - 35 Kenrick Street, Te Aroha. 07 884 0060 Matamata Area Office - Cnr Tainui and Tui Streets, Matamata.

07 881 9050 Morrinsville Area Office 07 884 0060 56-62 Canada Street, Morrinsville Matamata i-Site - 45 Broadway, Matamata 07 888 7260 www.matamatanz.co.nz

ME

CO WEL

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Morrinsville i-Site 251 Thames Street, Morrinsville 07 889 5575 www.morrinsvillenz.co.nz South Waikato District Council Torphin Crescent, Tokoroa 07 8850340 www.southwaikato.govt.nz Tokoroa i-Site State Highway 1, Tokoroa 07 886 8872 Tirau i-Site State Highway 1, Tirau 07 8831 202

WAIKATO MILKING

SYSTEMS

Page 24

WELCOME TO CENTRAL PLATEAU

Coast & Country

Farming under the snow capped mountains The Central Plateau is a region of diverse landscapes consisting of lakes, lush native forests and sprawling pine plantations, snow capped mountains and a myriad of farms.

Easily regarded as one of the most stunning destinations in New Zealand, the Central Plateau is home to popular rural service centres including Taupo, Turangi, Mangakino and Kinloch townships.

From its dramatic Tongariro National Park backdrop flowing through to its lakes, streams and rivers and noteworthy tussock lands, it is without question

All Farm Work Siteworks Metal and Pumice Trucking Drainage Work Bulk Cartage Roading, Grading Civil Engineering Excavation Bulldozing Land Contouring Compaction Plant Hire Tree Pulling Ready Mix

CALL US TODAY FOR YOUR FREE QUOTE

Whakatane: Office: 07-308 8098 A/Hrs: 07-308 8900 Opotiki: Office: 07-315 6580 A/Hrs: 07-315 5287 Kawerau: Office: 07 323 6453 A/Hrs: 0274 945 694

Taupo is one the most popular of the lakes’ surrounding towns.

The town’s world class reputation is punctuated with a busy events calendar, including hosting the A1 Grand Prix, as well as Ironman New Zealand and the World Water Ski Racing Championships.

Café-lined streets, shopping, thriving businesses, attractive accommodation, agriculture, Māori history, outdoor pursuits and a strong tourism ethos make Taupo the perfect destination for holiday goers and adrenaline junkies alike.

But Rotorua is also a major destination for domestic and international tourists.

As well as the city’s natural attractions such as the geothermal parks Te Puia and Whakarewarewa and picturesque Redwood Forest, there are a multitude of fun family attractions on offer.

From Skyline Skyrides and Rainbow Fairy Springs to the Agrodome and Polynesian Spa, Rotorua has lots on offer.

A strong farming and forestry presence can also be felt in outer lying rural areas, particularly sheep and beef, lining the east and west pastures.

Central Plateau contacts DairyNZ : Central Plateau – Sharon Morrell 021 255 8345 RWNZ: Rotorua – Betty Fraser-Payne 07 366 6826

Dairying dominates the northern most of the plateau.

Ideal growing conditions give Taupo a great reputation for forestry as well.

For those who are new to the Central Plateau and involved in all rural, farming and agricultural facets, there are many groups available which provide support, advocacy, friendship and social orientated activities with other like-minded people.

Taupo District Council – Story Place, Taupo 07 376 0070 www.taupodc.govt.nz Rotorua District Council – Huia Street, Taumarunui 07 895 8188 www.ruapehudc.govt.nz

Federated Farmers - Lyndel Stone 027 475 5596 or lstone@fedfarm.org.nz

Taupo i-Site – 30 Tongariro Street, Taupo 07 376 0027

Young Farmers – Jayson Thompson 021 227 9775 or jays.stac@vodafone.co.nz

Rotorua i-Site – 1167 Fenton St, Rotorua 07 343 1723

l e’l ur W e yo s ic n Pr Pla

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 25

Strong growth for Korean brand Ssang Yong’s range continues to gain popularity among New Zealand drivers.

Ssang Yong’s Korando.

The Limited Edition Actyon Sports is fitted with factory accessories.

There was a .time, not that long ago, when New Zealanders would never have considered buying a Korean vehicle. With the ascendency of the Hyundai brand in the last decade, however, and now the rapidly growing Ssang Yong range of vehicles, those times are definitely changing.

SSang Yong, who has recently moved its New Zealand wholesale and parts operation to Taupo, is currently enjoying unprecedented growth across its range of SUVs and Utes.

They have built their reputation on quality and innovation and are now focussing on building a strong dealer network in this country.

Innovation and economy

One of those dealers and one of the first to sign up the Ssang Yong brand to market in New Zealand, is Sheaff Vehicles in Mount Maunganui. Owner Mike Sheaff says this year has brought renewed interest in the range.

“One of the most attractive features of the Ssang Yong brand is their innovation in the area of clean, green engines. They are the most environmentally friendly available, offering significant reductions in CO2 emmissions and with superior fuel efficiency.”

As an example, Ssang Yong’s all-new Korando SUV, released earlier this year, uses only 5.5 litres of fuel per 100km.

“With the significant rise in petrol prices lately, this has got to be seriously attractive to motorists,” says Mike.

Sun Media’s motoring writer Richard Rennie took the new Korando for a road test and was impressed with its monocoque body, which replaces the traditional chassis design and helps keep the weight down – inevitably contributing to super low fuel efficiency and improving the road handling. Richard also noted the minimal road noise and the comfortably proportioned cabin space.

Eco diesel engines

There are three new Ssang Yong eco diesel engines currently available in the range, each of which meet Euro 5 emission standards. In particular, the two litre active diesel engine has been developed to enhance torque at low-mid engine speeds, rather than focussing exclusively on high power. Torque has also been improved by 20 per cent.

PH: 575 6722

The two litre green diesel engine, as used in the Korando, has been designed to deliver superior fuel efficiency plus a 30 per cent reduction in CO2 emissions.

Eco efficiency is also to the forefront in Ssang Yong’s new generation ute, the Actyon Sports, which features a 2.0 litre diesel engine with an electronically controlled XVT turbocharger. The XVT runs much quieter and vibrates far less than other models, while optimised combustion also reduces exhaust emissions and delivers top class fuel efficiency. Ssang Yong’s flagship SUV, the new generation Rexton SPR, is another popular model that delivers reduced emissions and fuel consumption through its 2.7L five cylinder engine. This enhanced technology across the range is proof the Ssang Yong diesel vehicles are among the “greenest” available in this country.

Fieldays special

For Fieldays 2011, Ssang Yong has created a limited edition version of its popular Actyon Sports double cab manual ute. It has been fitted with new factory accessories, including a two inch lift kit, snorkel, Bridgestone Dueller MT tyres, roll bar and nudge bar plus a colour-coded front grille.

“With this limited edition offer, we are offering a quality, practical and tough looking ute for our rural customers,” says Mike.

“The Actyon Sports is perfect for work or play and has fantastic towing capabilities for a two litre diesel engine – 2300 kg braked. It is also very affordable.”

The Limited Edition Actyon Sports model is available at the special price of $35,550 + GST and on road costs. Ssangyong are also offering the standard 4x4 manual model Actyon at $29,990 + GST and on road costs until the end of June, plus the Rexton manual model at $39,990 + GST and on road costs.

Stock is limited, so call Mike at Sheaff Vehicles soon to book a test drive and secure one of these very special utes.

By Gaylene Moore Phone 07 575 6722.

www.sheaff.co.nz

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 26

Coast & Country

Nissans all the way From high performance sports cars to everyday “drivers” there’s really only one option for this Tauranga car enthusiast – it’s got to be a Nissan.

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OPEN:Saturday Monday-Friday 8.00am-5.30pm OPEN: Monday-Friday 8.00am-5.30pm 9.00am-5.00pm Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm Saturday 9.00am-5.00pm Roger Matthews: 029 222 3840 Mark Vercoe: 0274 441 769

116 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui.

116 Hewletts Road, Maunganui.

116 Hewletts Road,Mount Mount Maunganui.

076017 578 Tel: Tel: 07Tel: 578 07 578 60176017

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$33,995 + ORC

It was in 1995 when he bought his first Nissan – a 200SX – that Adrian Wortman’s love affair with Nissan really began.

It was his first purchase from Roger Matthews at Bay Nissan…now part of Farmer Autovillage complex in Hewletts Rd, Mount Maunganui. Nissan sales manager Roger.

So the Nissan tradition had begun and since then, Adrian has bought 11 Nissans from Roger, including the 200SX, a 350Z, two Murano’s, an 180B and an X-Trail.

Funnily enough, his most recent purchase was a traded ’95 Bluebird S for his son.

One of the most prized Nissans Adrian owns is a 2009 GTR. Although Bay Nissan are not authorised sellers of this rare model, Roger was instrumental in facilitating the sale. While there is no doubting Adrian’s passion for the GTR, it is his 1978 260Z, which he has re-built over the last 15 years which takes number one spot.

The 260Z, a very rare model is Adrian’s pride and joy.

He has lovingly restored it to such a high standard that he has been invited to display it at the Ellerslie Classic Car Show in 2012.

“One of the things that I enjoy about dealing with Farmer Autovillage,” says Adrian, “is the huge amount of help I have received over the years from people in the various departments. The parts team have helped me source all sorts of parts for the 260Z, with the guys calling Japan on many occasions to find some of the non-current parts I needed. They are absolutely superb.”

Adrian also chooses to have his Nissan “fleet” serviced at Farmer Autovillage and relies on Henry and his team of skilled technicians to keep all the cars in top condition. “Another thing that keeps me coming back is the first-rate service and attention I receive from Roger.

Here is someone who is genuinely interested in me as a customer, not just about what car he can get me to buy next.

By Gaylene Moore

PH 07 578 0030

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 27

More room with your zoom Mazda are onto a winner with their newly-released Mazda CX-9, the “big brother” to their popular mid-size SUV, the CX-7.

One smart alec I know suggested that this big seven seater wagon should borrow the label “BT” from Mazda’s ute and make it stand for “Big Truck.” But that would do no justice at all to this superbly crafted machine, which is about as far from a truck as you can get in terms of comfort and drive quality.

The new CX-9 is yet another example of Mazda’s unfailing adherence to offer a sports-like experience in every vehicle they produce, regardless of the model.

This is a big SUV, powered by a silky smooth 3.7 litre V6 engine, but it does not shout out “great big SUV” at first glance. It was not until parked stationary at the lights next to its little brother, the CX-7, that I fully appreciated how much larger it really is. It is a true seven seater and longer than other station wagons.

But it is the breadth that counts, as interior cabin space rather than extra exterior metal.

And it’s a sharp looker. Despite being shod with big 20 inch alloys, the CX-9 still manages to cut a low, sharp profile.

In New Zealand the CX-9 line-up is simple. There is only the one luxury model, fully spec’d and completely kitted

with all the extras you might expect to find on a European style SUV at over twice the price.

First class experience

The interior is a joy to drive or be driven in. The central console makes complete sense, while it is easy to programme and operate the quality Bose stereo system with MP3 compatibility and 10 – yes 10 – speakers to crank up the aural quality.

It is a blessed relief to slide behind the wheel into ultra-comfortable and heated seats and be able to simply dial up your favourite radio station, programme your mobile effortlessly into the Bluetooth system and drive on without feeling like you need a degree in avionics. There is also generous leg room both front and back, individual climate control system and a completely flat floor that enhances that sense of cabin space.

Until 30 June 2011, we’ve chopped prices across the BT-50 range. Pick from a choice of three rugged body styles that can handle whatever you throw at them, with a 3.0 litre turbo diesel engine and manual or automatic transmissions that punch out plenty of power. Inside there’s loads of luxury and a smooth car-like ride plus all the features you’d expect from a Mazda.

Don’t miss your chance to cut a Fieldays Deal at your local Mazda Dealer today.

But wait there’s more

When the rearmost seats are folded flat, a super-sized 930 litres of luggage space is created, 270 litres with them up, – more than enough for most families.

On the road, the sheer torque of the big V6 being delivered through all four wheels is obvious and there is a sense of sure-footedness that combined with a McPherson strut, multi-link suspension, delivers a thoroughly enjoyable driving experience. Drive the CX-9 even for a short time and you will soon appreciate the high spec level and practical usability of all those luxury features.

This could well be the “dark horse” of the year in the new vehicle stats. Call Christine or John at Ultimate Motor Group, Mount Maunganui, for more information or to arrange a test drive.

Phone 07 579 0180.

2wd double Cab sdX † From

$34,490

2wd double Cab dX † From

$31,390

• 2WD and 4WD • 5-speed Manual Transmission • 3.0L Common Rail Turbo Diesel engine • 115kW and 380Nm • Dual Airbags, ABS and EBD • Air conditioning • 3,000kg braked towing

• 2WD and 4WD • 5-speed Manual or Automatic Transmissons • 3.0L Common Rail Turbo Diesel engine • 115kW and 380Nm • Front & Side Airbags, ABS and EBD • Power Windows and Mirrors • Air conditioning • Side running boards and front fog lamps • Chrome exterior highlights • 3,000kg braked towing (2,500kg automatic)

bT- 50 eClipse speCial ediTion (30 onlY) † From

$43,990

• 4WD Double Cab SDX • 5-speed Manual Transmission • Black exterior colour • Branded Sports Lid • Stainless Steel Sports Bar • Deck Liner • 20-inch ‘Sabotage’ Alloys • Custom front bumper • Limited to 30 units worldwide

Promotional pricing inclusive of GST, excluding on road costs. Valid to 30 June 2011. Go to mazda.co.nz for terms and conditions.

†

FieldaYs deals aren’T around For long!

By Richard Rennie

For just $44,990* you could be driving a new Falcon XR6, complete with 6-speed transmission, 17” alloys and sports body kit. You wouldn’t want to miss out on that. Visit your Ford Dealer today.

umg.co.nz

Page 28

COAST & COUNTRY

Coast & Country

COAST & COUNTRY

PH 07 578 0030

Page 29

Rotorua Toyota Rotorua ToyotaToyota Rotorua Rotorua Toyota

FIELDAYS SPECIAL LIMITED TIME

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Month

above monthly payment figures are calculated

by Toyota Financial Services, the Vantage Methods, 36 months, includes GST. 45,000kms the following deposits: TheThe above monthly payment figures are calculated

by Toyota Financial Services, usingusing the Vantage LeaseLease Methods, over 36over months, aboveabove pricingpricing includes GST. 45,000kms and theand following deposits: Manual $11,050/Residual $35,630.

4x4 workhouse $12,675/Residual $34,036, 2WD $12,000/Residual value $22,282.

Available firstcustomers 1300 customers who purchase SR5SR5 Manual 4x4 4x4 $11,050/Residual valuevalue $35,630.

HiluxHilux 4x4 workhouse $12,675/Residual valuevalue $34,036, Hilux Hilux 2WD $12,000/Residual value $22,282.

Available to the fitorstthe 1300 who purchase a new Toyota Hilux, Hiace or Landcruiser 70 series.

Toyota Financial Services and Normal Lending Criteria apply. a new Toyota Hilux, Hiace or Landcruiser 70 series. Toyota Financial Services and Normal Lending Criteria apply.

Contact us now for your Fieldays pricing. Rotorua Toyota 304 Te Ngae Road, Rotorua. 07 345 9199

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NZ NEW Automatic, 7 seater,NZ fullNEW electrics, climate airAutomatic, 7 seater,7full electrics, climate airAutomatic, seater, full electrics, climate airconditioning, only 80,000km conditioning, only 80,000km conditioning, only 80,000km $207pw $ $ 39,999 NZ NEW NZ NEW $ 39,999 NZ NEW $32,999 32,999 NZ NEW 3.0 diesel turbo, Automatic, Colour coded 32,999 NZColour NEW coded canopy, 3.0 Diesel turbo, 3.0 diesel turbo, Automatic, Colour coded 3.0 Diesel turbo, Colour coded canopy,

$

Hard lid, Deck Liner, Multi Airbags, Air 3.0 Diesel coded canopy, Deck liner, turbo, NudgeColour Bar, Only 10,000 Km’s, HardConditioning, lid, Deck Liner, MultiBar, Airbags, DeckSuperb liner, liner, Nudge Bar, be Only 10,000 Km’s, Nudge etc Air p/w* Deck Nudge Bar, Only 10,000 example, quick. $176 Km’s, p/w* Conditioning, Nudge Bar, etc $207$207 example, be quick. p/w* Superb $176$176 p/w*p/w* Superb example, be quick.

2009 Toyota Hilux 4X4 SR52007 2007 Toyota Hilux 2009 Toyota Hilux 4X4 SR5 Toyota Hilux 4x24x2 “Extreme” Flatdeck “Extreme” Flatdeck

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2007 Toyota Hilux 2007 Toyota Hilux 2WD2WD 2007 Toyota Hilux 2WD D/Cab D/Cab D/Cab $ $

$207pw $207pw

2006 Toyota Hilux 2006 Toyota Hilux SR5SR5 4X44X4 2006 Toyota Hilux SR5 4X4 D/cab Flatdeck D/cab Flatdeck D/cab Flatdeck

42,999 NZ NEW 42,999

$222*$222* p/w* p/w*

37,999 37,999 37,999

$ NZ NEW $ NEW $ DieselNZ 3.020” Diesel turbo, 5 speed, 3.0 Diesel turbo, T/Bar & Wiring, 3.0 turbo, NZBumper NEW replacement alloys, fullintercooled, leather interior, S/S Nudge CD Player, just 49,000 Km’s.

3.0 Diesel turbo, Bumper replacement 20”bar, alloys, interior,Cover, S/S Nudge front bulbar, Colour coded running S/Sfull Rollleather bar, Tonneau T/Bar &CD Player, just 49,000 Km’s.

3.0 Diesel turbo, Bumper replacement front bulbar, Colour coded running bar,wiring, S/S Roll bar, Tonneau Cover, T/Bar & boards, LED Rear lights only 49,000kms front bulbar, Colour $273 p/w* $135 p/w* boards, LED Rear lights coded running wiring, only 49,000kms $196 p/w* $273 p/w* $135 p/w* boards, LED Rear lights

2007 Toyota Hilux 2WD 2007 Toyota Hilux 2WD D/cab D/cab

$196pw $196pw

2006 Toyota Prado VX 4.0 V6 20052005 Toyota ZL Toyota HiaceHiace ZL ZL 2006 Toyota Prado VX 4.0 V6 2005 Toyota Hiace

NEW Auto, factory alloys, 7NZ seater, multi airbags, Auto, factory alloys, 7 seater, multi airbags,$222* p/w*

25,995 NZ NEW $ 52,999 NZ NEW 52,999 NZ NEW NZ NEW 3.0 Diesel turbo, intercooled, 5 speed, 25,995 3.0 Diesel turbo, T/Bar & Wiring,

37,999 37,999

NZ NEW NEW Automatic, alloys, NZ 7 seater, full electrics, climate airAutomatic, alloys, 7 seater, climate airAutomatic, alloys, 7toseater, electrics, climate airconditioning, hardfull fielectrics, nd infull diesel conditioning, hard to find diesel conditioning, hardin to find in diesel $196pw

$ $

$

Month

Graeme WilsonMurray Murray McDonald McDonald 021 772 361 027 283 0277790 283 7790

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$

$499 per

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2008 Toyota Hilux $196 4x4 p/w* SR-5 2008 Toyota Hilux 4x4 SR-5 2008 Toyota Hilux 4x4 SR-5 2008 Toyota Hilux 4x4 SR-5 2008 Toyota Hilux 4x4 SR-5 D/cab D/Cab D/cab D/Cab D/cab

NZ NEW

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36,999 36,999

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$ $ $ NOW NZ NEW NZ NEW NZ NEW $ $ 3.0 Diesel turbo intercooled, 5 speed, Tonneau $ 3.0 Diesel turbo, Dual airbags, Air3.0 Diesel turbo intercooled, NOW NZ NEW 5 speed, NZ NEW NZ NEW cover, T/bar & wiring, Deck liner3.0 Diesel cover, turbo T/bar intercooled, & wiring, Deck liner Tonneau 3.0 Diesel conditioning 3.0Tonneau Diesel turbo intercooled, 5 speed, 5 speed, turbo, Dual airbags, AirTonneau cover, T/bar & wiring, Deck conditioning $192liner p/w*cover, T/bar & wiring, Deck liner

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Purchase anyhour of theseroadside used vehicles 3.0 Diesel turbo & intercooled, 5 speed, Tonneau cover, T/bar wiring, Deck liner coded canopy, T/bar & wiring, just 91,000km’s Air-Conditioning, Deck Liner, T/Bar & p/w*Colour Wiring, 108,000 km’s $146 $222p/w* $217 p/w* benefits like 24 hour AA Roadside Cover.

Tonneau cover, T/bar &$217 wiring, Deck liner Wiring, 108,000 km’s $146 p/w* 91,000km’s $222p/w* p/w* Purchase these vehicles and receiveany a 3 of year Noused worries power Purchase any of these used vehicles 2007 Toyota Hilux 4x4 2009 Toyota Hilux 4x4 2005 Toyota Hilux 4x4 SR-5 train warranty FREE of charge. and receive a 3 year No worries power 2007 Toyota Hilux 4x4 2009 Toyota Hilux 4x4 2005 Toyota Hilux 4x4 SR-5 and receive a 3 year No Worries SR-5 D/cab SR-5 D/cab D/cab * weekly payment based on 20% deposit, 48 months term, includes on road costs, classic finance, Toyota financial services,us termsabout &FREE conditionsyour apply, 31/05/11 Ask SR-5 D/cab SR-5 D/cab D/cab train warranty ofoffer charge. powertrain warranty FREE ofexpires charge.

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View our full selection @ www.rotorua.toyota.co.nz | 304 Te Ngae Road, Rotorua. Phone 07 345warranty 9199 Ask us about your Ask us about your FREE warranty today.

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$192 p/w*based on 20% deposit, 48 months $217 p/w* $125 p/w* * weekly payment term, includes on road costs, classic finance, Toyota financial services, terms & conditions apply, offer expires 31/05/11 30/06/11 * weekly payment based on 20% deposit, 48 months term, includes on road costs, classic finance, Toyota financial services, terms & conditions apply, offer expires 31/05/11 View our payment full selection @ www.rotorua.toyota.co.nz 304costs, Te Ngae Rotorua.

Phone 345 9199 apply, offer expires 31/05/11 * weekly based on 20% deposit, 48 months term, includes on| road classic fiRoad, nance, Toyota financial services,07 terms & conditions

View ourHours: full selection @ www.rotorua.toyota.co.nz | 304 Te Ngae027 Road, Phone 07 After Graeme 021 772 361, Danny 027 304 552 Te 1176, Murray 283Rotorua.

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PhoneRory 07 345 Hours: Graeme 021 772 361, Danny 027 |552 1176, Murray 283 7790, Rory 021 456 395 After Hours: Graeme 021 772 361, Danny 027 552 1176, Murray 027 283 7790, Rory 021 456 395

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 30

Coast & Country

Voted the best in its class BMW’s X3 has claimed the hearts of European motorists since its launch earlier this year.

Now it’s New Zealand’s turn. The new BMW X3 has rapidly become the shooting star of its segment, winning accolades from European motoring writers and owners alike.

The X3 was recently voted Four Wheel Driver Car of the Year for 2011 by specialist car magazine; Auto Bild Allrad – reinforcing its

exceptionally high degree of popularity. The BMW X3 was chosen by readers from more than 130 vehicles across nine categories, easily securing first place in the 25,000 to 40,000 Euros category.

The X3’s second title victory for this year came with success in a reader survey conducted by Europe’s biggest selling journal for four-wheel drive cars; Off Road – being voted as Off-road Vehicle of the Year. With a captivating design, a unique combination of sportiness and efficiency, as well as the largest

luggage compartment in the competitive SUV environment, the BMW X3 sets standards in driving pleasure, versatility and premium quality.

In a recent road test by Sun Media’s motoring writer Richard Rennie, he noted the classic styling and superior comfort features of the X3 as stand outs. Another feature which captivated Richard was the Auto Stop/Start, which shuts the engine down while idling and quickly restarts it as you move your foot from the brake to the accelerator.

Coombes Johnston BMW

Hamilton Tauranga

THE ALL-NEW BMW X3. from $ 87,900*

“It is a smart, flawless system,” he wrote, “that helps the X3’s 2.0 litre diesel achieve the best fuel performance in its class, averaging a claimed 5.6L per 100km. It is also helped by being matched to a closely geared eight speed auto transmission that moves quickly through its range, providing smooth transition up to cruising speed.”

Richard went on to write; “with typical German focus on engineering and technical input, the transmission links to the X3’s xDrive Intelligent all-wheel drive system. This masterfully engineered system electronically controls drive distribution across the four wheels, enabling it to adjust to road surface conditions, gripping with all wheels when things get slippery, but delivering power as a rear wheel drive for dry open road conditions.”

The BMW X3 has so much going for it with the iDrive controller the key to a kingdom of technology. This piece of wizardry navigates one around all of the vehicle’s audio, navigation and Bluetooth settings (including internet access through a compatible phone) plus the luxury comfort features – of which there are plenty to fulfil every requirement.

In the looks department, the new X3 is a true headturner that holds true to its BMW DNA. Access is easy too and the rear seats offer a stack of knee and head room, even for taller adults. The rear boot space is not compromised either, with generous storage space. Up front, the driver has a well-positioned perch, with excellent thigh and side supports in the electrically adjusted seat.

The X3 has set a new benchmark for the high end, mid-sized SUV sector. It comes loaded with standard features, super smart technology, typical BMW road dynamics and handling and wraps it all up in an economical diesel powered package with compelling looks.

It is most definitely worthy of being voted “best in class”.

By Gaylene Moore

BMW X1. from

$61,500

BMW X5. from

$114,900

BMW X6. from

$153,900

THE BMW X RANGE. DESIGNED FOR YOUR LIFESTYLE. The extraordinary has been revealed with the arrival of the all-new BMW X3.

Redesigned from the inside out, it features an uncompromising new level of luxury, safety, performance, economy and technology. With the addition of the all-new BMW X3, the BMW X Range delivers the unparalleled versatility you would only expect from the Ultimate Sports Activity Vehicles. From the BMW X1 to the BMW X6, the BMW X Range has a model to suit all lifestyles and needs. Make every drive an extraordinary xDrive, contact Coombes Johnston BMW for affordable finance rates or to arrange a test drive today.

*Manufacturer’s Recommended Retail Price for Automatic BMW X1 sDrive18i, BMW X3 xDrive20d, BMW X5 xDrive30d ES & BMW X6 xDrive40d. Prices do not include ORC.

DBM1350

Coombes Johnston BMW 575 Te Rapa Road, Hamilton, (07) 846 8888.

113 Hewletts Road, Mount Maunganui, (07) 575 5280. www.coombesjohnstonbmw.co.nz

AUTOS

RMVT

NEW WORLD Tweed St

COAST & COUNTRY

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Showroom Here

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Page 31

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 32

Coast & Country

Showcasing vehicles for farmers Driving is a necessity when living in a rural environment.

Whether it is a car, ute, tractor or motorbike, rural Kiwis all need a good, reliable set of wheels as well as the trailers, mowers or sprayers that go with them.

Showcasing vehicles and farming vehicle accessories to assist farmers and growers in Coast & Country’s Rural Driver is an exciting new feature which showcases all vehicles and farming vehicles accessories.

Rural Driver’s Gaylene Moore has been working in advertising and marketing for 30 years and has been spe-

cialising in motoring advertising and editorial features since 2002.

Gaylene has been successful in the greater Tauranga region in launching and producing popular motoring publications, including Auto Select, Bay Select, Bay Driver and now Rural Driver.

She is particularly enthusiastic about cars, loves writing about them and working with her motoring clients to create ads that bring results.

“I have seen many motoring publications come and go over the years, but Sun Media publications are the ones that continue to work for our clients, month in and

WHYTELINE L I M I T E D

39 Puke Rd, PO Box 254, Paeroa Telephone: 07 862 8783 Facsimile: 07 862 8782 Email: whyteline@xtra.co.nz

month out – regardless of the economic climate,” says Gaylene.

“I am grateful for the support of my clients who clearly appreciate my attention to detail and total commitment to produce the very best advertising for their vehicles with a minimum of fuss.

“I also really enjoy working alongside the creative and editorial team at Sun Media and Coast & Country – in a supportive and fast-paced environment.”

Contact Gaylene today, phone 021 775 505 or email gaylene@thesun.co.nz

History repeating itself They say that history never repeats, but for Suzuki, this is not the case with the re-introduction of their latest offering… the Farm Worker.

By Gaylene Moore

The Suzuki Farm Worker.

WHYTELINE L I M I T E D

39 Puke Rd, PO Box 254, Paeroa Telephone: 07 862 8783 Facsimile: 07 862 8782 Email: whyteline@xtra.co.nz

Many farmers and contractors will remember the very successful Farm Worker of the mid 1990’s. Whilst the latest offering from Suzuki is not identical, the basic layout and construction are very similar. One feature that is new is the powerful fuel-injected motor matched to a 5 speed manual transmission and the selectable 2WD/4WD and low range 4WD transfer case – giving ample power and traction when needed.

A quick look underneath the new Farm Worker is all the proof needed to see why Suzuki has a reputation in the off-road world for building robust vehicles. A full chassis supports the cab and well side with leaf spring suspension on all four wheels. This combination has been the mainstay of Suzuki’s iconic SJ series and now continues with the new Farm Worker.

This nifty little workhorse is equipped with standard MaxxisTrepador tyres so it can go almost anywhere, making those demanding “on farm” jobs a breeze. The fully enclosed cab space is an added bonus and offers true protection from the harsh New Zealand climate.

Solid work vehicle

Sales, Parts and Servicing for all Tractors, Machinery, Motorcycles, ATV’s and Cars

Gaylene Moore.

Unlike some competitor vehicles, the Farm Worker is not a converted ATV, but rather a solid work vehicle with real load carrying capacity and the ability to tow larger loads. Not only does it boast the largest deck in its class with a 500kg maximum load rating, the simple design of the towbar and the easy “connect and disconnect” function, means there is no issue with towing a trailer.

Seat belts are standard for both driver and passenger, and the adjustable seats make the cabin comfortable for drivers of all sizes. With long days on the farm

normal practice these days, the optional addition of a CD player is a popular accessory choice. Both the Wellside and Flatdeck models also have a void in the fibreglass roof that can accept a VHF radio.

Rugged functionality

Simple, yet functional features are standard with the Farm Worker. Take the manual window winders and easy to read analogue speedo for example. Or the graduated fuel gauge to keep an eye on the huge 40 litre tank. And yes, there are windscreen wipers to combat squally winter showers and an adjustable headlamp beam to allow the lights to be raised or lowered as required.

Suzuki has also developed a host of accessories made to enhance the already versatile Farm Worker. SmithsBullbars for the front and side offer greater protection and a handy stock crate, also engineered by Smiths, is another famer-friendly addition. Suzuki also recommends the optional rear window, made from reinforced glass, for both the Wellside and Flatdeck versions.

Cost effective solutions

There are currently two models of Farm Worker to choose from. The Wellside, priced at $18,990, features a double skinned gel-coated roof and fibreglass rear bulkhead that fully encloses the cabin. The Flatdeck version has the same tough cabin plus a galvanised steel deck and tubing with tough plywood surface. This carry-all surface makes the Farm Worker Flatdeck an irreplaceable farm tool and is priced at just $22,500.

Although the Suzuki Farm Worker is not road registerable, with a weight less than 1000 kg, so many rugged, practical features and such value pricing, it is clearly a viable option for anyone seeking value for money and a safe way to transport two people around the farm. It is also backed by a conditional 24 month warranty.

To find out more about the Suzuki Farm Worker, call your local agents, Whyteline Ltd, on 07 862 8783.

Mowers, Tedders, Rakes... We’ve got you covered!

S

1001

Support You Can Trust Full Range of Quality Farm Machinery | www.piakotractors.co.nz

ATVS & 4WD

PH 07 578 0030

Page 33

20 years in the market In 1999, Polaris introduced the Ranger sideby-side utility vehicles, which started a hugely successful range of these versatile vehicles.

Ranger models are now available in many different variants including two, three, four and six seater models – with both petrol and diesel options. There is even a full electric version.

Jacks Machinery has now sold and serviced over a hundred of these Rangers all over the Bay of Plenty and East Cape.

From humble beginnings, Polaris has grown to be one of the world’s largest manufacturers of off-road ATV and side-by-side machines and continues to lead the field with innovative features and the largest range of models.

MADE

“The legend of Polaris”, an early 1960’s farm trike and a two wheeler farm bike pictured above. Polaris has grown to be one of the world’s largest manufacturers of off-road ATV and side-by-side machines

DO YOU WANT FREE ACCESSORIES? THEN CHECK THESE OUT...

MADE

In 2011, Jacks Machinery is celebrating 40 years in business and 20 years as a Polaris dealer.

In 1990, Mowtown introduced Polaris ATVs into New Zealand and Jacks Machinery began selling and servicing the new brand. The Polaris quads were built in America and incorporated features the Japanese did not have, such as automatic transmissions and disc brakes.

The ATV market matured quickly, with farmer users demanding more and more from their machines. Reliable four stroke engines and shaft drives took over from the old two strokes and chain drives.

Although Polaris did build manual gearbox models, they soon saw the future would be for automatics and so switched all their production to automatics and have now built more automatic ATVs than all other manufacturers combined.

$2,000 FREE ACCESSORIES* MADE

For a limited time only, when you purchase a new Polaris Ranger, you’ll get $2,000 worth of o genuine Polaris accessories FREE! If yyou don’t want the accessories, then take $2,000 off the pprice of anyy additional new Polaris vehicle*

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Purchase any Polarisany Sportsman 549cc 549cc Purchase Polaris Sportsman and above,and andabove, you’ll get worth of worth of and$1,000 you’ll get $1,000 genuine Polaris accessories FREE! genuine Polaris accessories FREE! If you don’t want the accessories, take $1,000 offtake the $1,000 off the If you don’t want thethen accessories, then price of any additional Polaris vehicle price of new any additional new #Polaris vehicle#

Page 34

FIELDAYS

Coast & Country

Four days, best in the field The 2011 New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays is on again this year, June 15 to 18, at Mystery Creek Events Centre, 10 minutes south of Hamilton.

Developed by not-for-profit National Fieldays Society; the Fieldays event is proudly supported by strategic partners; ANZ and the University of Waikato.

The 42nd New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays held last year attracted more than 122,000 people over four days and organisers are expecting big numbers again this year.

New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays is the largest agribusiness exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere.

New Zealand is a world leader in agriculture and pastoral farming and the National Fieldays is the ultimate launch platform for cutting edge agricultural technology and innovation. With over 1000 exhibitors, National Fieldays is essential in keeping up with the latest trends and developments in the agriculture and farming industries.

National Fieldays is held over four days each June attracting in excess of 130,000 visitors from around New Zealand and internationally from 38 different countries. The current exhibition and demonstration space is over 40 hectares and boasts over 1,000 exhibi-

tors on 1400 sites. Held at Mystery Creek Events Centre, the agricultural Fieldays is located right in the heart of the Waikato, adjacent to Hamilton International Airport, close to State Highways 1 and 3; and just ten minutes from Hamilton, Te Awamutu and Cambridge.

The NZ National Fieldays Society is a not-for-profit charitable organisation; run by a committee of volunteers and a team of over 30 staff members with additional manpower during the event.

The New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays Society relies heavily on volunteer input. The Society was originally set up more than 40 years ago to provide a conduit between urban and rural business.

The land at the Fieldays venue, Mystery Creek Events Centre, was purchased by the Society in 1971 and has been developed constantly since that time.

More land has been purchased (now 95 hectares of land); buildings have been built; many of the roads have been sealed; power and water infrastructure has been installed; and a water treatment plant has been developed.

Fieldays was first conceptualised in 1968 by a group of local Waikato men and was first held at Te Rapa Racecourse in 1969 with a budget of $10,500 and attracted an estimated 15,000 people.

The event was then moved to the land known as Mystery Creek in 1971.

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Page 35

LIQUETEC Farm Services

Charlie Taituha

Christen Diamond

Bringing back the best of bachelors

Eight previous Fieldays Rural Bachelor of the Year winners are set to return in 2011 to compete in the ultimate challenge; the Fieldays Rural Bachelor Best of the Best competition.

The boys have been invited to contend in the special edition of the popular competition to determine who the supreme champion is. Many of the contestants now have partners, wives and children, but do they still have what it takes to be titled best of the best?

The competition will be fiercely fought as the boys battle against each other and prove to themselves they can still contend with the best. The heats will have a strong rural focus reflecting the knowledge and skills required on the farm and in the agriculture industry. The new challenges include; fencing, horse handling, general knowledge, dog handling and excavating.

Mat Sherriff

The Best of the Best competitors are: Mat Sherriff - Farm owner/manager from Te Awamutu, 2003 People’s Choice Award winner Tony Buckingham - Farmer from Wyndham, Southland, 2005 Golden Gumboot and People’s Choice Award winner Christen Diamond - Farm and bar owner from Waitomo, 2006 Golden Gumboot winner Paul Slater - Cropping farm worker originally from Te Pahu in the Waikato, now based in Western Australia, 2007 Golden Gumboot winner Mark Woodcock - Dairy farm manager/ owner from Dargaville, 2008 Golden Gumboot winner Charlie Taituha – Rural Supplies Account Manager from Piopio, 2008 People’s Choice Winner Mike Short - Bull farm manager from Sanson/Bulls in the Manawatu, 2009 Golden Gumboot winner Nick Torrens - Sharemilker from Te Aroha in the Waikato, 2010 Golden Gumboot winner The Rural Bachelor Best of the Best competition heats take place during the four days of Fieldays. The Best of the Best Golden Gumboot will be awarded to the overall winner on Saturday, June 18th at 12pm in the Ag Art Wear Pavilion.

The winner receives a huge prize package consisting of a luxury trip for two to Rarotonga, a Suzuki Trojan motorbike, a Swanndri clothing package, a STIHL voucher and a Skellerup voucher. The People’s Choice winner will receive a mountain bike from Cycle Time.

TEAT

SPRAYERS

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FIELDAYS

Page 36

Coast & Country

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AgriSea New Zealand Ltd is a company growing in leaps and bounds.

It has been manufacturing seaweed concentrates from New Zealand seaweed since 1996. In addition to its three existing factories in Paeroa, Agrisea has recently purchased a large brewing facility in Gisborne. Its distribution networks are expanding to ensure the best service possible for farmers.

AgriSea has a solid reputation for supporting farmers in the good times and the bad. They are clear about its primary focus – to partner with farmers to assist them

to become economically and ecologically sustainable, and to achieve higher levels of productivity and profit. AgriSea also focuses on selecting and training highly skilled field agents who are capable of providing excellent service and sage advice to farmers. During a recent two day conference, the well-known soil scientist and author Graham Shepherd further trained the team on visual soil assessments.

AgriSea supports NZ National Fieldays by sponsoring one of the big archways, along with other great companies like Gallaghers, Fonterra and the ANZ bank. AgriSea is proud to support Mystery Creek as the main

event for New Zealand farmers. This year the theme of Mystery Creek is ‘Breaking Barriers to Productivity’. AgriSea’s world leading liquid seaweed concentrates certainly fit into this category. Visit AgriSea at Main Pavilion site PB 38, 40 and 42 to discuss farm nutrition solutions to assist you to overcome barriers to productivity. You will be welcomed by friendly, knowledgeable staff, who will offer you the best flat white coffee ever.

See AgriSea specials and the great prizes their marketing manger sources from amazing Kiwi companies such as Magna-Sleep, Barry Ross Smith prints etcetera.

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FIELDAYS

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Page 37

THREE BROTHERS

Bumping up bunkers “Most farmers go for about a 5m by Many farmers are changing to high-input systems by increasing 10m bunker for their palm kernel.”

Steve says they have their own readytheir stock feed with more silage, mix concrete plants in Morrinsville, grain and palm kernel and need Paeroa, Matamata and Hamilton.

“So we can put down the concrete places to store it all.

The high-feed intensity requires high quality storage facilities, which is where Bowers Brothers can step in.

Steve Bowers says with the popularity of palm kernel and the increasingly intensified farming systems, people need better feed bins and bunkers.

Bowers Brothers makes its own concrete slabs and interlocking blocks to create feed bunkers to any length or width the farmer requires.

Steve says the concrete slabs come in different sizes, 1.6m high and 2.5m high.

“We make up the units to the right length. We can do a double bunker – put a roof on – whatever you want.

floors as well – we can deliver the whole package.

“There is a lot more going in – farmers now need feed pads, silage bunkers and PK bins.”

Steve says Bowers Brothers also have their own masonry plant where they make concrete blocks and pavers as well.

“We also make water troughs, feed troughs and stock under-passes for servicing farmers.”

They cover the whole of the Waikato up to the Coromandel and Bombays, across both coasts to Raglan and the Bay of Plenty and right down to Taupo.

By Sheryl Brown

‘Boring old killjoy’ Mr Kirtzels, Congratulations on getting one fact correct in your letter.

Indeed you are a boring old killjoy.

One, I might add, that surely needs to get a life.

Upon reading your comments, one could form the opinion that you had concern for the children in the photo.

However, read to the end of your letter and it seems that you only care for money and the high cost of your ACC Levy.

It is fools like you which are ruining our country with your PC misguided opinions and 'cotton wool' practices.

Are you any relation to Sue Bradford?

Being the wife of the 'brainless' farmer with the chainsaw (that is not going), I choose to educate my children on how to behave safely on our property.

And for the record, Mr Kirtzels, the chainsaw operator is wearing chaps and eye protection in the photo. I reiterate, the chainsaw is not going. If you are going to make accusations, get your facts straight. But that wouldn't be much fun now would it?

Right now my son and I are going out on our ATV - I might even let him drive.

Kim McCormack, Katikati

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Coast & Country welcomes letters from readers. Send your letters to the editor to win a prize pack. Email to sheryl@thesun.co.nz

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at-risk population groups.

While healthy people’s immune systems can fight small numbers of bugs, it takes a much lower level of pathogens to be present for pregnant women, young children, frail elderly and those with weakened immune systems (like people with a current or recent illness) to fall ill. Their illness is also likely to be more severe.

Mary Western, NZ Standards G Director, Ministry of Agriculture2 0 0 E O N and Forestry Y

The current Food Act 1981 makes provisions for people to buy unpasteurised (raw) milk from the farm gates.

Producers are permitted to sell up to five litres of raw milk at any one time to people who intend to consume it themselves, or to provide it to their families. The milk must have been harvested under an RMP that has been approved for this purpose under the Animal Products Act 1999.

It is however important to understand that as raw milk hasn’t undergone enough heat treatment to kill any pathogens that might be in the milk (such as Listeria monocytogenes and Salmonella), drinking raw milk can cause foodborne illness in more

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FIELDAYS

Page 38

Coast & Country

Delay on NAIT ear tags Farmers don’t have to hurry into purchasing automatic ear tags and accessories at the Fieldays in June after NAIT Limited and the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry announced mandatory implementation of the national animal identification and tracing (NAIT) scheme will be deferred to next year.

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However, NAIT Limited CEO Russell Burnard says NAIT will still be mandatory in 2012 so he encourages farmers to continue tagging new born cattle with NAIT-RFID ear tags to avoid having to retag older animals.

The original ‘go live’ date of November 1, 2011 for mandatory tagging no longer applies.

NAIT Limited’s board, MAF and government says they remain totally committed to the scheme, but to provide certainty to farmers and the industry, mandatory tagging will be delayed.

MAF deputy director-general Peter Thomson says mandatory tagging of cattle using NAIT-RFID ear tags was due to come into force later this year provided the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) Bill was passed in Parliament and the IT system supporting the scheme was in place.

Parliament, however, has a significant list of bills to consider over the next few months and it is becoming increasingly unlikely the legislation will be passed

SMARTER, FASTER, STRONGER!

before the general election.

Meanwhile, NAIT Limited and MAF are still continuing to develop an animal identification and tracing IT system that meets New Zealand’s needs.

NAIT Limited CEO Russell Burnard says this revised timing allows the opportunity to further refine and test the IT system before implementation.

“New Zealand requires animal identification and traceability to better manage livestock diseases and meet growing demands for assurances of the history of our livestock and animal products.

“NAIT will safeguard farmers’ incomes by protecting New Zealand’s excellent animal health reputation in overseas markets, meeting growing consumer expectations for traceable food products and by enhancing biosecurity.

“In order to provide farmers and industry with the certainty they need to plan ahead, we are withdrawing from the November 1 mandatory tagging date. A new target ‘go live’ date has been set as mid-late 2012, pending the passing of legislation.

“We are working with NAIT shareholders and partners on a revised implementation schedule and once timeframes become clearer, NAIT will provide an update to farmers and the industry.”

The Animal Health Board gave offering updated advice to cattle farmers following the announcement of the deferral of the NAIT system.

From November 1, 2011, NAIT RFID tags will be approved as an optional primary ear tag, but only for movements other than to slaughter.

Until further notice, all cattle being consigned to slaughter must be identified with either bar-coded primary tags, or bar-coded “direct to slaughter” tags. Both need to be AHB-approved.

NAIT RFID tags have previously been approved by the AHB as secondary tags and more recently, as a primary tag for cattle born after March 1, 2011 if moving other than to slaughter.

For movements other than to slaughter after November 1, cattle farmers will be able to choose as their primary tag either a NAIT RFID tag or an AHB bar-coded primary tag.

Farmers must also comply with existing requirements to use secondary tags.

AHB chief executive William McCook says “it is important for TB control and market access purposes that we continue to retain the ability to identify animals at slaughter plants. Bar-coded tags must continue to be used for this purpose until NAIT comes into effect”.

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FORESTRY

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Page 39

Looming exemption deadlines The Emissions Trading Scheme is seen by many landowners as having become so complicated and inconsistent that they can’t be bothered even trying to get their heads around it.

This is understandable, as it has become an unwieldy monster. To their credit, MAF have tried to keep it simple and user-friendly, but the complications caused by the international protocols have caused it to become something of a bureaucratic juggernaut. There are a couple of looming deadlines, however, which owners of forests

planted before 1990 should be aware of and take action on – as it is probably to their advantage.

Carbon credits

These forests do not qualify for earning carbon credits as they grow under the ETS. The owners of these forests are also unable to clear them and change the land use. In recognising the unfairness of this, the government is granting the owners of these forests a free allocation of credits, known as New Zealand Units or NZUs. To get this free allocation of credits, land owners have to apply before November 30, 2011.

Landowners who go down this path are obligated to keep this land in forest or incur a penalty

including paying back their credit allocation.

Owners of pre-1990 forests, with less than 50ha and may intend to change the land use out of forestry, have the opportunity to apply for an exemption from the deforestation rules under the ETS. This will allow them to clear the forest and turn it into, say, pasture without incurring any penalty.

This exemption from the deforestation rules has to be applied for

by September 30, 2011.

I have given here a very brief and simple outline of the situation regarding the looming deadlines.

For more detail, landowners should look at the MAF website. Computer savvy forest owners can make applications through this website.

NZ Forestry conference in Rotorua Rotorua is going to be at the centre of what is believed to be the largest forestry and wood processing event ever mounted in New Zealand just before the Rugby World Cup starts in September.

Grant Kilby, general manager of Destination Rotorua Economic Development, says Forest Industries 2011 would clearly mark Rotorua’s position as the forestry capital of New Zealand.

“FI2011 will attract a huge number of national and international visitors to Rotorua in the run-up to the World Cup and will be at the core of a nationwide showcase of New Zealand’s forestry and wood processing industry,” says Grant.

He heads a group that is organising the PF Olsen Forest Industries Expo on September 5-7, combined with 14 BNZ-sponsored technical clinics and a day-long BNZ-sponsored conference on innovation in wooden building design and technology.

Forest Industries 2011 also features a ministerial VIP launch on September 4 and will run in conjunction with the opening of an innovative new timber building at Waiariki Institute of Technology’s Waipa campus for the School of Forestry, along with a new gasification plant to use sawdust and woodchip to generate syngas to fire the school’s Windsor high temperature kilns.

In addition, the forest industries training organisation FITEC, has scheduled its prestigious national training awards dinner for the closing night of FI2011 in Rotorua. Kawerau is also holding its Woodfest and national woodskills competition on September 2-4.

“That’s a total of 20 events in and around the district to showcase forestry and wood processing,” says Grant.

“I don’t think a project of this size has been attempted in Rotorua before.

“With an estimated 85,000 international visitors coming to New Zealand for the World Cup, including a large number of people with industry and investment interests, FI2011 is an outstanding opportunity

to promote Rotorua and forestry and to show the world what we can do with wood.” FI2011 will be the core of a nationwide wood products showcase known as Winning With Wood, which will feature standing displays of innovative uses of wood around New Zealand throughout September and early October.

“FI2011 has sparked a national campaign to promote our timber industries to World Cup visitors,” says Grant.

“This will help to ensure maximum awareness among international visitors of forestry and wood products and will contribute not only to a major industry for Rotorua, but to the sector throughout New Zealand.”

Grant says he was grateful to NZ Trade and Enterprise for financial and planning support, and for promoting the event through its trade posts around the world.

“I’m delighted that NZTE has seen the potential of this initiative right from the start and has built its Winning With Wood campaign around FI2011.”

Although our core business at Woodmetrics is selling our clients forests, we are able to assist clients with this decision process and filing applications if needed.

The most important thing to realise is there are opportunities and risks for pre-1990 forest owners so they should take action before the looming deadlines.

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CALF REARING

Page 40

Coast & Country

Pinch of salt for calf wellbeing Sometimes calves need a helping hand, with added salts in their diet.

Domhealth calf salts are a blend of essential salts for calves under stress.

Salts are fed by mixing with water - most formulations are recommended to be fed at least a few hours before or after a milk feed. Including an additional feed time so that there are three feeds per day and alternating milk feeds with salt feeds is a popular method of administering salts. This method supports calf health and wellbeing because the calf is still getting the important nutrients and sustenance from milk.

Salts available in 3kg buckets and 25kg bags are a cost-effective essential to have as a stock item in any calf shed. Domhealth also make salts to customer recipe. There are recipes on file that can be used or they can be modified with addition of various vitamins and minerals or other water soluble ingredients (like probiotic) to cater for any need.

Domhealth calf salts contain dextrose, potassium chloride, sodium chloride, sodium bicarbonate, glycine and kaolin.

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A new Calf Rearing Planner aims to put more structure around the critical role of calf rearing, ensuring quality young stock are the result in the months that follow.

The Pfizer Animal Health Planner is supported by calf rearing guru Dr Bas Schouten and veterinarian Dr Renee Lodder.

Both acknowledge the growth in herd size, staff numbers and job delegation have all meant calf rearing is becoming a far more specialised, stand-alone operation in many larger herds, requiring specialist skills and planning to conduct successfully. The days of feeding a few heifers before shooting home for breakfast are well gone.

Presented in a hard wearing A4 format, the Planner has a checklist format to work through all aspects

of calf rearing from scours vaccination to housing.

Vet involvement in the programme is also supported, with the programme aimed at lifting vets’ role in providing more than “bottom of the cliff ” support to farmers wanting to rear good calves.

The initiative aims to involve veterinarians ahead of calving time, implementing its plans and systems before staff become overwhelmed with day-to-day calf influxes.

The numbers speak volumes about the potential for large farms to recoup significant value and gains by avoiding calf losses.

Estimates are 20 per cent of replacement calves not making it to their first lactation. Renee estimates 5-10 per cent are lost through mortality and 8-12 per cent as empties.

Those losses can continue well beyond weaning and into lactation.

“The cost of raising a heifer to her first lactation is around $1500 and

on average 60 per cent of heifers are lost by their fourth lactation. Here is a chance for us to grow better heifers, not just fixing problems after they arise,” says Renee.

She encourages farmers to appoint a “calf guardian” on farm.

The Planner kicks off with prenatal steps including vaccination of cows and then systematically works through all aspects of calf collection, transport, colostrum collection and storage, housing and hygiene.

“Colostrum is a critical element in any calf rearing system. There is little point in spending the money vaccinating cows prior to calving if the calves are not going to get adequate volumes of quality colostrum in the first 12-24 hours of life.”

The Planner includes insider hints for vets and calf rearers alike – aspects like taking the temperature of healthy calves, to provide a benchmark to compare against when diagnosing sick calves.

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CALF REARING

Page 41

Maximising milk production Sitting down doing the budget for this year, feeding ‘Queen of Calves’ is seen as an investment rather than an expense for Wayne and Kate Shaw.

After using it for one year in 2006, Wayne and Kate cut Queen of Calves out of the budget to save on costs.

“It is a hard time of the year for farmers to think about paying extra for product to feed calves, as they have a lot of bills,” says Kate.

“We thought ‘Queen of Calves’ was too expensive until we saw the heifers.”

When the ‘Queen of Calves group’ come in as outstanding heifers and then to stand out as three-year-olds, it made Wayne and Kate reassess their priorities.

“The return on investment is staggering when you work it out,” says Wayne.

“It definitely pays for itself.”

The Queen of Calves jersey group are producing 382MS/Kg to date this year, outperforming the five-year-olds by over 20MS/ Kg. “The five-year-olds actually have a higher BW as a group – so they should be dusting them,” says Wayne.

Wayne and Kate sharemilk 285 Jerseys on 76ha in Paterangi. Wayne says he runs a medium to low input system, feeding a maximum of 3kg maize silage and 2kg palm kernel in spring and about 2kg palm kernel during the rest of the year.

He says the Queen of Calves group are not only higher producers, they are bigger and more fertile.

“In the first lactation we realised they were quite gutsy heifers. They are bigger

and yield – they’re doing less growing because they’ve come in at a higher mature weight – so they have more energy to reproduce.”

Massey University is just completing a paper on improved milk production from heifers raised on the Queen of Calves programme at the University, for presentation at the US Dairy Conference in New Orleans this July. The cows produced significantly more milksolids and significantly more protein, than same-weight/-type cows raised and run as a mob at their Number four dairy unit.

By Sheryl Brown

Paterangi farmer Wayne Shaw sees Queen of Calves as a crucial investment in production.

than their peers. They are taller, have bigger stomachs.”

Wayne has culled one of the group this year for getting in-calf late.

“Most people would have had more culls during three lactations.”

Kate says it is a big statement for Wayne not to have culled more – as “he is tough on late calvers”.

The results encouraged the pair to invest in ‘Queen of Calves’ last year when the payout was still down. They have been rewarded with big healthy calves – which now stand out amongst other calves that have not been supplemented with Queen of Calves.

Bigger calves, better cows, more milk... significantly more milk!

Senior lecturer at Massey University Dr Jean Margerison, who is running a three year research programme on Queen of Calves, says early results show improved calf growth rates up to 50-100g difference a day.

She says early growth rates in calves up to three months old has a direct influence on productivity, reproduction and ultimately on economics.

“Early growth, before three months, will improve mammary development. Animals are a more mature weight and therefore they create more milk in the dairy herd. And they’re more likely to reproduce – that’s the important thing. They are not trying to grow

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Page 42

COAST & COUNTRY

Coast & Country

Count Size

16

18/20

23/24/25

28/30

32

28ct Team BOP Average OGR

$15.23

Per Fruit

$0.54

Whangarei

$18.33

$22.66

$22.56

$14.86

$10.49

25ct Team BOP Average OGR

$22.93

Per Fruit

$0.91

BOP

$18.69

$23.03

$22.93

$15.23

$10.86

PH 07 578 0030

AVOCADOS

Page 43

Time to get the avocado facts straight The illusion here may well be that it is easy to sell avocados and get high values. Let’s correct that notion quickly and analyse how we earned the money we did.

The high values we all earned in varying degrees this last season, were created by marketing systems and relationships that some exporters have invested in for the best part of 20 years. The market for your fruit is overseas in the supermarkets and stores of Australia, Asia and Japan. The potential competition lies offshore and to meet this competition, most growers work coherently with exporters to meet the demand and grow the industry opportunity.

Growers support different export camps for different reasons, but the confusion we see in the interpretation of the returns each year is now becoming predictable. The PR spin doctors go to print at the end of each season making all sorts of performance claims, but what evidence do they provide to back-up their statements? What standards of comparison do we use? What do growers want to see?

Let’s take this last season – 2010 – where we see a wide variation with return reporting.

Let’s first look at a FOB return versus coolstore door return versus orchard gate return (OGR): A FOB (Free on Board) return is the return the exporter receives at the ship or aircraft’s side. That’s a long way from the growers’ letter box or bank account and is before you pay commission, trucking, levies, packing, packaging and cool storage. That’s the highest figure an exporter can effectively quote without actually telling a porky. FOB reporting has been extensively used this season to camouflage results.

A Coolstore door return is the return before packing, packaging and cool storage has been deducted and is

the second highest return commonly quoted. This is the return growers get when they also receive a packing, packaging and cool storage bill directly from the packhouse.

OGR is orchard gate return and is the return you would get in your orchard letterbox if posting cheques was still common practice. Nowadays, it is mostly deposited directly into growers’ nominated bank accounts. This is the return after all other costs have been deducted – only your on-orchard production costs remain and only you know these.

Team Avocado has always published OGR’s which is the appropriate standard for comparison. Be aware that some packers and exporters declare an OGR and then send an internal freight bill to the grower. That means your OGR is reduced by the value of this bill.

That’s the returns hopefully explained, so now you can try to compare avocados with avocados. If you are still unsure, ask your exporter or packhouse what return they are showing you.

Opportunity and Security

Next you need to look at opportunity and security. Can your exporter handle the ever larger volumes of crop they are procuring? Do they have a market development programme to expand the market horizons and have they managed the market opportunities to get the best dollar on orchard for your size profile on farm. It is with the exporters working with retail supermarkets that the strength of the industry lies. They plan and market the fruit to flow the crop to the global market.

Originally only Team Avocado had a season pool and was heavily criticised for it. Now all the serious exporters have copied this system of payment to growers. The season pool requires capital to fund growers’ harvesting and packing, while creating cash flow to growers. Team Avocado paid in 2010/2011 season, $5 within 14 days for premium sizes 16 to 25ct and $3 for 28ct to 32ct as well as paying our growers’ packing bill. This gives our growers cash to fund harvesting and orchard overheads. Team then pays out funds continually through the season with a final in early April.

C1106jpsatara

The NZ Avocado industry has just enjoyed a stellar price year for its product.

Team was a founding member of the Avanza group, which has pushed out the boundaries of opportunity in Japan for its growers.

Team marketing personnel manage the import program to Avanza’s biggest importer in Japan. It is the proactive market development of organisations like this that will pave the way for our secure growing future. In my opinion, companies that claim to pay more, but do not supply the developing markets

do not add value to our industry. It is an absolute fact that size picking increases your net orchard return dramatically.

If you had sized your 28ct up to 25ct last season you could have picked up not only 37c a fruit, but another tray every eight or so trays. That’s a 10 per cent increase in production, but a massive 40 per cent in return. The numbers speak for themselves. Are you able to add value on farm this way?

Page 44

AVOCADOS

Coast & Country

Gearing up for a bigger crop The owners of specialised avocado packer and marketer Just Avocados Ltd are pleased to announce further significant capital expenditure at the Katikati facility which will see post-harvest capacity increase to 500,000 trays.

Development work is scheduled to start in mid June be completed in time for the commencement of the main season harvest in late August, early September, with a bumper crop projected.

Managing director Andrew Darling says “we successfully packed just under 150,000 trays in our first season of operation and are preparing for a projected throughput of between 300,000 to 350,000 trays in the coming season”.

The redevelopment design focuses on shed flow, grader capacity and packaging preparation, as well as cool-storage capacity and a ripening facility for domestic retail programs.

“Our recently completed survey of growers illustrated a high level of

satisfaction across all areas of the various services provided by Just Avocados and reinforced in our minds the need to build capacity for future growth if we are to maintain a good scorecard,” says Andrew.

An open day is being scheduled for late August to show existing and new grower suppliers the upgraded facilities.

Established in April 2010 and operating from a purpose-built facility located at Woodland Road in Katikati, the company is structured to provide growers with a dedicated ‘one stop shop’ focused on avocados, with services rangingfrom orchard management, harvesting, packing and marketing.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 45

Country captured onto canvas Around about last Christmas there were heavy suggestions made by long-time friend and tutor Pam Watson that it was time I got myself organised to complete and exhibit a series of paintings‌yes, I do that too.

There were two of us who had been working on rural themed canvases, so thought we should exhibit together.

The new and very large Wallace Gallery in Morrinsville was at that time still filling its calendar for the year. And when we sent in some photos we were immediately offered two weeks in May in the Community Gallery. This is a long and well lit space with around 22 metres of hanging space.

But both Ruth Manning and I had been working on smallish canvases and it was going to take quite a few to fill all those walls. So in between dashing off articles (me) and trotting round the countryside with husband visiting antique farm machinery shows (Ruth), we set to work.

My sense of humour had allowed me to take numerous photos of people attending farm field days and inadvertently creating small visual jokes with what they were doing. I proceeded to turn these into paintings with amusing titles. Ruth had been working on paintings of people with old machines.

She later called on her farm-based childhood to recapture what life had been like.

During the process, I alternated between enjoying what I produced and having blue fits that everyone would think they were ghastly. Fortunately, by May, when the fifteenth one was finished, I just hoped they would make people smile and perhaps they would like them. Ruth went through most of the same emotions with her 14 works.

Getting art ready for an exhibition is not just creating paintings. There’s the edges of the canvases to be finished, the choice of how one will sign them, the assertion of copyright on the back as well as the titles, the writing of a wall statement and finally, the agonising process of pricing them all. Plus, of course, all those screw eyes and stringing to hang them with.

Delivering them all some days before the opening gave me freedom to write some last minute articles and utter a huge sigh of relief.

On opening day we were asked to come at lunchtime to meet two classes of primary school children from a local country school – what a delight. And the curly questions they had prepared for us‌But they loved the paintings and each enthusiastically filled in their art visit notebooks with the title of their most favourite painting and why they liked it. Two small boys who adored my ‘Harem’ painting of two bulls admiring a yard of cows said it was just like their place. What a compliment.

In the evening, people came, and came, and came.

Around a hundred all up they reckoned. We weren’t the only new exhibition, but there were times when the Community Gallery was packed to the doors with people reminiscing and laughing.

Both Ruth and I felt very valued and supported by friends and fellow painters.

Now I have to find something different to focus my arty eye on. Animals perhaps?

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HORTICULTURE

Page 46

Coast & Country

Tractor a trusty compact Goldoni’s Star 3080 is the most popular “mid power” specialist horticultural tractor on the market.

The narrow orchard and vineyard tractor is designed for specialist crop work, thanks to power to weight ratio, compact size, comfort and reliability, it makes it an ideal partner for those who work in narrow rows or under pergolas

with low vegetation. The entire Goldoni ethos has been built on recognising specialised needs in the horticultural sectors and creating a product to meet those needs. The Quasar 90 and the Star 3080 are just two examples of the results.

“While the Quasar has become kiwifruits king of comfort with the larger kiwifruit growers and contractors, the Star 3080 finds itself ideally suited to those not needing the extra horsepower of the Quasar 90, but need a

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tractor that is equally at home with kiwifruit and avocado and pip and stone fruit growers, as an excellent all-rounder,” says Gayne Carroll the managing director of Agtek Ltd New Zealand distributor of specialist horticultural equipment.

The Star 3080 is the perfect compromise between weight and engine power, while guaranteeing excellent

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Zespri’s defence of denial

Zespri’s defence against Turners and Growers’ allegations of breaches of the Commerce Act is one of denial – or if Zespri did act uncompetitively, then law doesn’t apply outside New Zealand and certainly not in the future.

T&G’s complaint against Zespri is in three parts; Zespri’s three year exclusivity contracts which T&G says breach the Commerce Act and also position Zespri to take advantage of a future deregulated market.

Unpredictable law

Zespri counsel David Goddard QC submits that the courts can only apply the law as it stands and not predict what the law might be in the future and determine cases by reference to that future law.

“The plaintiffs’ claims in relation to the exclusivity provisions, proceed on the basis that full deregulation of kiwifruit exports, including abolition of the single desk, will occur at some time in the near future.”

Zespri is also attacked on its behaviour in the Australian market in the 2009 season where T&G says Zespri took advantage of a substantial degree of market power for the purposes of preventing or deterring exporters or potential exporters from engaging in competitive conduct in the Australian market.

No harm done

David Goddard QC submits the Australian service level arrangement didn’t harm the process of competition in any New Zealand market. They created a short-term commercial disadvantage for non-Zespri exporters in the 2009 season, a small minority of the 18 exporters to Australia in that season.

“Harm to a few competitors for a short period is not the same thing as harm to the process of competition: and that is what Part 2 of the Act is concerned with,” says David.

“In that season they were intended

to have, and did have, the effect of reducing the quantities of New Zealand class 2 kiwifruit sold in Australia and supporting wholesale prices in that market. But that is not a breach of the New Zealand Commerce Act, which is concerned with competition in markets in New Zealand.”

T&G also claims the Zespri new cultivars policy breaches the Commerce Act on the grounds that Zespri is taking advantage of a substantial degree of market power for the purpose of preventing or deterring exporters from engaging in competitive conduct in the various markets or preventing or deterring other rights holders from engaging in competitive conduct in the cultivar licensing market.

The answer

Zespri’s short answer is that the exclusivity provisions of the Commerce Act do not affect competition so long as the Kiwifruit Regulations remain in place.

T&G are seeking to define a separate cultivar licensing market says David.

Zespri considers that new cultivars are supplied as one input in a much broader market where land owners decide how best to use horticultural land, with the licensing of new kiwifruit cultivars being just one option where a change in use is contemplated.

There is a separate global market for the sale and purchase of intellectual property rights such as kiwifruit PVRs. Zespri does not have any market power in this market and has no ability to affect competition in this market.

“The Commerce Act is not concerned with protecting individual competitors, but with the competitive process, the structural conditions under which rivalry occurs.

“The relevant inquiry is as to substantially lessening competition.

This is not the same as substantially lessening the effectiveness of a particular competitor.”

Section 36 of the Commerce Act does not create a duty to aid competitors by providing them with a helping hand. A firm with lawfully acquired monopoly power is not required to assist its competitors.

...land owners decide how best to use horticultural land...

Page 47

FROST PROTECTION

Page 48

Coast & Country

No frosts; but no optimum sugar levels Warm weather during Autumn means sugar levels in the kiwifruit are not high enough at the moment to ensure quality, lasting fruit for export. Grower Ian Taylor says the brix levels are not coming up in the kiwifruit because of the weather conditions.

By Sheryl Brown and Andrew Campbell

“It’s too warm and too wet,” says Ian. “The brix levels are not coming up to the required levels.”

Ian says the levels need to get up help the kiwifruit last better for export – otherwise there is going to be an excess level dumped on the market all at once.

“New Zealand skites about how good our kiwifruit is at keeping. But without our brix levels being up about 7-8 it’s no good.

Market dump

“It’s not going to help – we’re going to have to dump on the market which affects prices.”

Ian says he hasn’t had a frost all year and although they don’t want damaging frosts –kiwifruit orchards are in need of some crisper weather to bring the sugar levels in the fruit up.

“We need a reasonably dry, cold winter.

“Usually at this time of year we are

coming home at nine at night frozen – but I’m coming home not wearing a jersey at the moment.”

Ian says there is going to be a massive crop this season too.

“Psa is not stopping production at the moment.”

He says Psa is something growers are just going to have to keep up with.

“I lost 200 stock with facial eczema before they came up with zinc – they’ll come up with something.”

Wet weather helps

Zespri senior communication advisor David Courtney says wet weather has meant there have been reports of occasional pieces of soft fruit, more so than in drier years.

The supply chain process means particularly soft fruit will be discarded during picking or packing.

“At the moment the reports are not of a major concern, but it is an issue we will continue to closely monitor as the season goes on.”

The wet start to the season meant picking was staggered, though Zespri did keep to its shipping schedule.

Perfect timing

Ten days of recent fine weather have been timed perfectly for the industry and the pickers have been flat out harvesting the fruit. As a result, the packing sheds have enough fruit to keep them going for a few days.

“We are two thirds of the way through the harvest and picking of the Gold crop is virtually finished,” says David.

The harvesting season should finish on time around mid June, with Zespri on target to export around 100 million trays of kiwifruit.

Helicopter frost pilot’s flying recognised Follow us on facebook facebook.com/ CstCountry

Beck Helicopters’ agricultural operations include fertiliser application in Taranaki and throughout the North Island, as well as work for the Department of Conservation in Egmont National Park, Southland, the West Coast and Whanganui.

The other half of their operational work is in heavy lifting for the construction industry and for power and cell phone companies.

Using hoppers designed by the company and GPS technology,

Beck Helicopters is able to apply solid fertiliser on pasture or forestry blocks extremely accurately. They also provide frost protection services to vineyards and orchards throughout the country.

The pilots at Beck are highly experienced in under-slung operations, particularly bucketing operations due to the thousands of tonnes of fertiliser they apply each year. With a maximum lifting capacity of 1800 kg and specially designed 1,500 litre water buckets, Beck Helicopters have proven very effective in fire fighting operations.

The company’s activities are not confined to operations though.

Its Eltham depot has a workshop where it services and overhauls Bell

helicopters for clients in the United States, South Africa, Australia, the Pacific Islands and Europe.

Last year at the New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association conference Alan Beck was presented with an award for his outstanding, long and dedicated contribution to the country’s agricultural aviation and helicopter industries.

At the same conference, David Beck a pilot with 15 years experience received an Aviation Industry Association gold safety recognition certificate for his accident-free flying career.

Also last year the company received the same award in recognition of 20 years without an accident.

PRE-CAST CONCRETE & STEEL CONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS

PH 07 578 0030

FROST PROTECTION

Page 49

Fan pays for itself of other fans – that is a huge difference.

“I can hear other fans from miles away – you can’t hear mine.”

Ian says the customer service he has received from FMR since he purchased the fan has been brilliant.

“The service after hours is such a relief. I can’t talk highly enough of them.

“The after hours service is incredible.

Ian and Faye Taylor lost half their kiwifruit due to frost in 2010.

The substantial blow to income could have been saved if they had better frost protection equipment in place.

Ian bit the bullet and purchased an FMR Defender Frost Fan for this season.

He says one frost now would mean the fan would pay for itself from the money he would save from not losing any fruit.

“I lost over half my orchard last year due to frosts.

“What I lost money wise, would have paid for my fan.”

Ian says the temperature this year hasn’t yet got down to less than one degree – the fan starts automatically when the temperature drops to below 0.8 degrees.

“This year has been a very warm year so it hasn’t been needed yet. We haven’t had to have it in action, but I start it up every three weeks.”

Ian says the fan easily covers his six hectares of kiwifruit in Pukihina, east of Te Puke in the Bay of Plenty.

“It covers up to eight hectares.

All the other fans only do about half of that.

“I have six hectares – and it covers that beautifully. It doesn’t

bash the wind, it cuts into it and throws it.”

Ian says a big selling factor for him was the quiet aspect of the machine.

“It’s very quiet and it’s very powerful.

“Out in the country, you are mindful of your neighbours – my neighbour cut up his farm so now we have people living right on our boundary – 300 metres away.”

Ian says he went and spoke to his new neighbours who said they were fine with a bit of noise – that they acknowledge it was their choice to move to the country.

“But the decibels on this are so low anyway – 3.8 compared to 68

They come up and visit you and check that you are alright and the equipment is working.

“They are there 24 hours a day for us – which is a big plus for anybody.”

Ian says the Defender Frost Fan is an investment.

“If you ever sell your property it will be a big plus.”

By Sheryl Brown

Page 50

COUNTRY LIVING

Coast & Country

Employment case for shift workers The outcome of the recent Court of Appeal case, Phillip Dickson v IDEA Services, may have far reaching implications for many organisations, not just those providing services and care to the disabled.

This case involved Mr Dickson, a community service worker, who was required to “sleepover” at the company’s community homes. During this period of time Mr Dickson, while having to remain available to attend to the needs of the residents, was able to sleep, study and or engage in other activities consistent with a quiet home environment. As compensation for having to sleepover, Mr Dickson was paid a shift allowance of $34 per night.

Mr Dickson’s case came before the Employment Court in 2010.

The issue the court looked at was whether these sleepovers constituted “work” for the purposes of the minimum wage legislation, thereby requiring the employer to pay the worker for all of the hours he or she was sleeping over – at a rate no less than the minimum wage, rather than just a shift allowance.

The Employment Court found

the sleepovers did constitute work and therefore the employer was bound by the minimum wage legislation. The recent Court of Appeal judgment upheld the Employment Court’s decision and IDEA Services have appealed to the Supreme Court.

The effect of this decision, particularly if it is upheld in the Supreme Court, is significant. Other workers may also have similar wage claims. Further, the impact of this case could effect a wide range of workers, including people who are required to be “on call,” either on site or at home; people who work as caretakers required to sleep over; stock workers required to stay on farms overnight; standby workers; workers at boarding establishments and teachers on school camps.

This case raises the important issue about whether the requirements

of minimum wage legislation are satisfied by “averaging” the wages for a period of work, so that payment at less than the minimum rate for part of the period, is balanced by payment at a greater rate for another part of the period. This issue may affect a number of salaried workers.

It will be interesting to watch what happens next with this case and to see if the government intervenes if this decision is upheld by the Supreme Court.

If you have any employment queries you would like assistance with, please email wendy@employmentlawservices.co.nz This article is intended as a point of reference and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional advice. Specialist advice should always be sought in relation to any particular circumstances and no liability will be accepted for any losses incurred by those relying solely on this article.

Is a good diet enough?

Most of the people who contact me have some form of diagnosed health problem and want to investigate the benefits from adding a complementary nutrient plan alongside their medical treatment.

Over the years I have seen a number of people who by just changing their diet have resulted

in major changes in their health. I have also seen people who despite making improvements to their diet have made little progress on underlying health problems.

I have no doubt that most health problems can be greatly helped by good food choices but question whether just changing food can result in enough change at a cellular level needed to bring about reverse established disease processes. For example, I have seen people improve osteoarthritis by avoiding

acidic fruit that might upset them, but rarely actually improve to the point of noticeable benefits. This is especially true of much more complex problems like the various forms of autoimmune arthritis.

Food can only deliver its actual nutrient content.

Only supplements can target specific nutrients and boost these to higher levels. This course is the advantage of well formulated supplements

whether they are being used in a health maintenance role or as a part of nutrient therapy to build disease defense systems.

There is a growing body of evidence linking health benefits to specific intake of certain nutrients. For example, author Ray Strand M.D recommends a daily intake of 200+ mg of grape seed extract for many inflammatory and vascular problems. The only realistic way to get this is from eating a bowl of dried red wine grape seeds or drinking a couple of bottles of good red wine – neither is recommended!

Of course, supplement formulators can add the specific amount of pure grape seed OPC to an antioxidant supplement to ensure people take the actual amount they need.

A more dramatic example is the need for Coenzyme Q10. Last month’s column looked at how commonly used statin cholesterol lowering medicines can restrict Coenzyme Q10 production resulting in muscle pain. The only way you can add the necessary levels is by targeted supplementation. Of course good food should be a central part of any person’s health strategy, but if health problems exist a well targeted supplement programme can greatly accelerate health improvements by helping a restoration of normal cell function.

John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health. For product information visit www.abundant.co.nz If you have questions or would like a free health plan you can contact John at john@johnarts.co.nz or phone 0800 423 559. You can join his email newsletter at www.johnarts.co.nz

COUNTRY LIVING

PH 07 578 0030

Page 51

Skin scan for skin cancer Skin cancer is the most common cancer known to mankind and living in New Zealand puts us at even greater risk than elsewhere in the world.

Dr James Spreadborough.

The Skin Centre has recently updated its Molemax camera and software to offer the most complete skin monitoring available, Skin ScanTM. The aim is early detection of Basal Cell, Squamous Cell, as well as Melanoma Skin Cancers.

Of course the latter is the most critical, as early detection of Malignant Melanoma can mean curative surgery for what is potentially a deadly disease.

Dr James Spreadborough runs through the Skin Scan process: “The first and possibly most important step is the full skin check.

This is performed by one of our Skin Centre doctors and serves two important purposes. We will pick up on any obvious skin cancer at that time, but also it allows us to identify moles that are ‘atypical’. This means that they are not entirely normal and should be monitored closely.

Immediately following this check, those lesions that are identified to be ‘at risk’ are photographed through a dermatoscope with a high definition camera. The dermatoscope allows us to see the

exact structure of the mole.

“The third step is scanning the whole skin with the same HD camera, giving us a baseline to work from and allowing the ability to review all areas of the skin for any future changes.

“The final step happens behind the scenes. A panel of doctors, including Dr Paul Salmon, specialist in Dermatosurgery, review all lesions that have been earmarked ‘atypical’. If any further action is deemed necessary at that point, then the patient is contacted and advised of such.

“Of course follow up is very important. The time interval for this will vary depending on the types of moles that a patient has, along with their personal history, family history, skin type as well as other factors. If a review of a patients moles is deemed necessary at less than one year, then the Skin Centre is pleased to offer this as a free service.”

People are aware now of the dangers of excessive sun exposure and how important it is to be sun smart, but it is also important to be “skin smart” and get those moles checked says James.

Confusion over future subdivision rules There is always going to be confusion over what rules apply once council announces a Proposed District Plan with new rules.

The latest amendment to the Resource Management Act has clarified this somewhat, but there are still some grey areas.

Hauraki District Council is the first local authority in this region to notify a Proposed District Plan under the amended RMA. As such, it is understandably challenged by some aspects relating to its ability to enforce the new rules. There are some exceptions relating to protection of soils and significant features of value to the community, but basically, its proposed subdivision rules cannot be introduced until they are beyond public submission and appeal.

That means we are still free to make applications for subdivision and land use under the old rules of the Operative District Plan. Many people are under the misconception the rules have changed – that is simply not true. There is still time to get approval under the old rules.

In Hauraki, the Proposed District Plan was announced last September and it is expected the council hearing of submissions to be held within a few months. So it could well be over 12 months from the start of the process before we see council’s decision. Following the decision, submitters have the opportunity to appeal to the Environment Court if they are not satisfied with the result.

Currently many of the rural district councils in the region are working through a review of their district plans, including subdivision rules. Along with Hauraki, Otorohanga, Waikato, (which now includes part of the old Franklin District) and Western Bay of Plenty are part way through the legal process. Waipa is due to announce its Proposed District Plan soon. Other districts, including Thames-Coromandel, South Waikato, Rotorua and Matamata-Piako have all signalled their intention to review their rules and will embark on the legal process in the months ahead.

In most areas rural subdivision will be harder to achieve in the future, so if you have plans you should consider instigating them sooner rather than later. The process of making a subdivision is a lengthy process, however, you only initially need a resource consent under the old rules and that is still well achievable in most districts.

Once you have that approved by council, the rest of the process can be spread out over eight years, giving you the opportunity to spread the costs if you don’t need the titles immediately.

For specific advice on your property’s subdivision potential you should immediately contact a professional surveying company very familiar with the evolving subdivision rules. Brent Trail, managing director of Surveying Services, specialises in resource consent applications for subdivisions across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. For further information phone 07 863 8962 or email btrail@surveyingservices.co.nz

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Page 52

COAST & COUNTRY

Coast & Country

COAST & COUNTRY

PH 07 578 0030

Page 53

Bloat on low calcium soils When the animal ingests feeds that have been grown on soils where the mineral balances are less than favourable, forage plants are unable to complete the necessary steps required for full protein production.

Such feeds when consumed by the ruminating animal have the tendency to decompose on reaching the first stomach. The resulting rapid decomposition culminates in the release of gasses; these gasses are revealed as bloat.

This is especially so if the soils are low in potash and or calcium – or the ratios of these two elements are unfavourable, in which case the production of full proteins is greatly curtailed. The ensuing decomposition of these un-combined amino acids or amid nitrogen compounds, result in the rapid build up of gasses in the rumen, thus increasing the likelihood of bloat.

When soil fertility is constructed so that the growing plant is able to uptake its nutrients – in the ratios

Peter Lester of Quantum Laboratories

from the lab it would if able to select its own environment – proteins produced in the plant are such that are not readily broken down in the first stage of digestion. These complex proteins move on through the rumen to the omasum and the abomasum and on into the duodenum, the small intestine and large intestine before being fully broken-down. Such proteins are classed as by-pass proteins, which due to their complex structure decompose slowly and do not result in bloat.

Calcium

Many soils contain high potash and low calcium levels, resulting in the production of poorly formed proteins, calcium being the catalyst for amino acid production and there is insufficient for the formation of these, coupled with the high potash levels means the plant has the tools to produce proteins (potash being the catalyst) but the formation of these amino acids has been greatly

reduced due to the low levels of available calcium. As stated, calcium is the catalysis for amino acid production.

Complex protein

The animal has too many nuts and not enough bolts in its gut.

The more complex the protein, the slower its decomposition. Protein synthesis is not a random process whereby a number of amino acids are joined together; rather, it is a detailed predetermined procedure.

Within the cell the DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) serves as an information centre in relation to the sequences of the variety of proteins to be synthesised in the cell. When the DNA is decoded, amino acids are linked to form a specific type of protein, which has its own particular physiological function.

In order for a protein to be synthesised, all of its constituent amino acids must be available. If one amino acid is missing, synthesis is halted.

Farmer giving up the city life A life-long city man, tired of the rat race, decided he was going to give up the city life, move to the country, and become a chicken farmer.

He bought a nice chicken farm and moved in. As it turned out, his next door neighbour was also a chicken farmer. The neighbour came for a visit one day and said,

"Chicken farming isn’t easy. Tell you what. To help you get started, I’ll give you 100 chickens."

The new chicken farmer was thrilled. Two weeks later the neighbor dropped by to see how things were going. The new farmer said, "Not too well. All 100 chickens died." The neighbour said, "Oh,

I can’t believe that. I’ve never had any trouble with my chickens. I’ll give you 100 more." Another two weeks went by and the neighbor stopped by again. The new farmer said, "You’re not going to believe this, but the second 100 chickens died too." Astounded, the neighbor asked, "What went wrong?"

The new farmer said, "Well, I’m not sure whether I’m planting them too deep or too close together."

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The missing amino acid is referred to as a limiting amino acid as it limits the synthesis of proteins. The quality of protein produced in the plant then becomes paramount. Certain feeds are noted for being deficient in particular amino acids, for example maize is deficient in lysine and lysine is essential for optimal growth of infants and for the maintenance of nitrogen equilibrium in adult animals.

Each sequence of amino acids forms a different type of protein and each protein has its own unique function. Therefore,

different proteins accomplish different functions in the body.

With 22 amino acids, the combination is endless. The animal has problems making proteins out of amid nitrogen compounds (un-combined amino acids) at the best of times, this is especially so if the ingested feed is also low in energy – or the mineral levels are insufficient in providing the necessary activator ions essential for their formation.

Bloat then is a man made problem.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 54

StockSense Calving Workshop Putaruru

Tuesday 7 June

Pasture Plus – Katikati/Waihi

At Warren Campbell’s property, Old Tauranga Road SN 75928 11am – 1.30pm. This is a winter management meeting. Bring your budgeting information, and we’ll review what’s happening cover information for Spring. Bring your farm budget and your lunch. Ph Wilma Foster 021 246 2147 or email: Wilma.foster@dairynz.co.nz

StockSense Calving Workshop Taupo

Interactive workshops to provide practical tips and skills to help your team improve performance at calving time.

Registration essential. To register and for more information go to www.dairynz.co.nz/stocksense

Whangamata – Hikuai Discussion Group

At Tanner’s farm, SH25, Hikuai 11am – 1.30pm. Use the power of the group to collectively solve on-farm issues and seasonal queries. Ph Duncan 021 245 8055 or email: duncan.smeaton@dairynz.co.nz

Wednesday 8 June

Kaharoa/Mamaku Whole Farm Assessment Group

At John Butterworth’s farm, R/10 Mamaku St, Mamaku SN OCC 324 11am – 1.30pm. The Kaharoa/Mamaku Whole Farm Assessment group discusses and investigates the farm system on the host farm. Discussion on current issues and upcoming seasonal topics. An open forum that utilizes the experiences of all members within the group.

Lunch supplied by Rabobank. Ph Sharon Morrell 021 225 8345 or email: Sharon.morrell@dairynz.co.nz

StockSense Calving Workshop Te Puke

Interactive workshops to provide practical tips and skills to help your team improve performance at calving time.

Registration essential. To register and for more information go to www.dairynz.co.nz/stocksense

Thursday 9 June Pasture Plus – Te Puke

www.gorringebros.co.nz

0800 382 828

At Micah Savill’s farm, 752 Taumata Road, Pyes Pa SN 21280 11am – 1.30pm. This group focuses on feed management and feeding strategies. At this session we will be reviewing and monitoring our feed budgeting for autumn/winter, and discussing variations to budget and our response to them. We will also be covering spring set up for a successful season. Ph Wilma Foster 021 246 2147 or email: Wilma.foster@dairynz.co.nz

Interactive workshops to provide practical tips and skills to help your team improve performance at calving time. Registration essential. To register and for more information go to www.dairynz.co.nz/stocksense

Westpac and Ravensdown sponsoring the BBQ lunch. Ph Sarah Dirks 021 770 859 or email: sarah.dirks@dairynz.co.nz

Thursday 23 June Waihi Farm Systems Group

Interactive workshops to provide practical tips and skills to help your team improve performance at calving time. Registration essential. To register and for more information go to www.dairynz.co.nz/stocksense

At John van Woerden’s farm, Waitekauri Rd, Waihi SN 75853 11am – 2pm. The group uses the whole farm system to identify and discus opportunities for the host farmer. Discussion on current issues and upcoming seasonal topics. An open forum that utilizes the experiences of all members within the group. Ph Gerry 027 247 8147 or email: wilma.foster@dairynz.co.nz

Wednesday 15 June

Tuesday 28 June

June 15-18 at Mystery Creek Events Centre, adjacent to Hamilton International Airport.

At Carl Williams’ farm, Lockington Rd, Katikati SN 21153 11am – 2pm. The group uses the whole farm system concept to identify and discuss opportunities for the host farmer. Discussion on current issues and upcoming seasonal topics. An open forum that utilizes the experiences of all members within the group. Ph Carl 021 222 1548 or email: wilma.foster@dairynz. co.nz

Tuesday 14 June

StockSense Calving Workshop Te Awamutu

Katikati/Matakana Farm Systems Group

National Agricultural Fieldays

Monday 20 June

Mihi Whole Farm Assessment Group

At Hayden Corbett’s, 1321 Tutukau Rd, Reporoa SN 78942 11am – 1.30pm.

The group discusses and investigates the farm system on the host farm. Discussion on current issues and upcoming seasonal topics. The host has grown fodder beet this winter, so the group will discuss this.

Lunch supplied by Rabobank. Ph Sharon Morrell 021 225 8345 or email: sharon. morrell@dairynz.co.nz

Tuesday 21 June

Waimana Farm Systems Group

At Jody and Greg Malcolm’s place, Raro Rd, Waimana SN22420 10.30am – 1pm.

Greg and Judy are large scale sharemilkers.

The discussion group focus will be centered around time efficiency and staff communication through the calving period. Along with seasonal topics. Ph Cameron Bierre 027 288 8238 or email: cameron.bierre@ dairynz.co.nz

Wednesday 22 June Maihiihi Discussion Group

At farm managed by Bruce Hopkins, 260 Maihiihi Rd, Maihiihi SN74542 10.30am – 12.30pm. Make the most of our next season by focusing on preparing for spring.

If you’re new to the community it’s a good opportunity to meet others in the area.

Keep your cows in milk over summer Plan your summer crops now • Pasture Sprayout

• •

Coast & Country

Waikite/Ngakuru/Atiamuri Whole Farm Assessment Grp

At Nigel Hick’s property, 633 Corbett Rd, Waikite SN 78782 11am – 1.30pm.

The group discusses and investigates the farm system on the host farm. Discussion on current issues and upcoming seasonal topics. An open forum that utilizes the experiences of all members within the group. Lunch provided by RD1. Ph Sharon Morrell 021 225 8345 or email: sharon. morrell@dairynz.co.nz

Wednesday 29 June Western BOP Biz Grow

At Scott and Charolette Jones’s farm, 1196 SH30, Awakeri, Whakatane SN21901 11am – 2pm. This is a closed group focusing on business development and growth. Discussion on earnings from the large herd 50/50 from the field trip.

Ph Wilma Foster 021 246 2147 or email: wilma.foster@dairynz.co.nz

To list your rural event please email: julie@thesun.co.nz with Rural Event in the subject heading.

Follow us on facebook and SunLive facebook.com/CstCountry and www.sunlive.co.nz/coast-and-country.html

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Page 55

Smart water use on farms Herds are dried off; allowing dairy farmers a breather before winter mud and calving begins.

So it’s the perfect time to take a good hard look at the concept of Smart Water Use, another of the bright ideas coming out of DairyNZ these days.

For Waikato farmers, there’s the spectre of the regional council’s dreaded Variation Six. There has been much grumbling that the implementation of this will place huge restrictions on herd sizes in the future, due to not having enough water to cope with more than about 300 cows.

But how much water do farmers actually use? And just how efficiently are they using that water? Unless they’ve already installed the odd water meter they are probably guessing.

Farmers who are working towards a new pond for effluent storage, need to think how fast it will fill up and will need emptying? If farmers only have a vague idea of how much water they are using, then getting onto the Pond Storage Calculator to get the size right may well be a guessing game too.

As with all these ‘new’ ideas – farmers first need to assess what they have got and then make a plan. As with the Enviro Walk materials, those at DairyNZ, particularly Gord Stewart who had the initial bright idea, have set

Gord Stewart - water wizard

out the steps, included all the things to look for and provided materials relating to the technical support farmers might need. As usual, it’s all free to levy payers.

Just ask.

It’s not just what farmers’ use that can be extravagant; it’s also what they might be losing from small holes in the farm water system. A hole in a pipe, no wider than the diameter of a three inch nail, can leak around 14,000 litres a day – 422,220 litres a month. When paying for water, this can really add up – not to mention the extra electricity used to pump the stuff. In summer, water can’t afford to be wasted. In winter, it just creates another bog.

If there is an older dairy shed, ask if it is set up to make best use of the water being used? Hopefully all new sheds had a water meter included at an early stage of planning.

Wayne Berry explained how enlightened someone can be by using the Smart Water Use documents. Wayne is a consulting officer for DairyNZ, who helped with the writing of the materials – but he’s also a dairy farmer at Tatuanui, with a contract milker and a not particularly new shed. He was also having to put in an effluent pond and wanted to make sure he got the size right.

First, Wayne used the assessment booklet to look at the operation of the dairy shed. They initially assumed about 70 litres per cow went for drinking water and another 70 litres was used in the shed. They bought a water meter to check and then discovered the water running through the plate cooler came from and returned to the same tank. So by the end of milking it was far less efficient at cooling. The purchase of a new second 6000 litre tank now takes the slightly warmed water and this is then used for washdown, with the yard pump re-plumbed. Power saved already.

The spouting and downpipes on the shed were improved and rerouted to the new tank to make use of all the water around. A visible float on the tank indicates the fill level. There’s a second bore for the trough drinking water with a water meter, which provides an easy check for any leaks in the piping, as well as keeping an eye on water usage for troughs.

Wayne and his contract milker are delighted to find their power bills have reduced considerably and the payback for the costs involved will be relatively short.

By Sue Edmonds

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COAST & COUNTRY

Coast & Country

Prize Pack up for Grabs!

Sophia Bryant, sidekick, Pitch - 13 months old and her off on farm. Melissa Br an adventure on the yant, Morrinsvi lle.

cee along for ctor with dog La Ethan on his tra upo Road in Putaruru. the ride - Old Ta d Jason Hemingway. an Janice Mcdonald

best mate helping out her Lucy on the bike u. Janice Mcdonald. ur Toby in Putar

Pictures and details can be emailed (high resolution jpgs) to contest@thesun.co.nz “Country Camera� or posted to Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga. Please include a name, address and phone numberwith every entry.

Princess Amberley Kindley, seven, from Waikino - Waihi.

Pumpkin weight 350kg.

Grandson James Walton wanted to paint so I thought we wo just hose the wind uld take the mess outside, ows down after - works Raywyn Lewer, Whakamarama well! .

a little know a pet goat Ethan getting to tu School pet day. better at Te Wao ngway.

Jason Hemi