Coast & Country February 2016

WINNER BEST ASSOCIATE NEWSPAPER 2015

BAYGOLD PAGE 6-7

ROWLANDS PAGE 16-17

WINNER BEST ASSOCIATE NEWSPAPER 2015

COUNTY FUNNIES PAGE 19

SHEEP & BEEF PAGE 29-31

WINNER BEST ASSOCIATE NEWSPAPER 2015

PASTURE RENOVATION PAGE 32-33

RURAL DRIVER PAGE 40-41

EDUCATION PAGE 44-45

countr

February 2016 Issue No.186

Bay of Plenty & Waikato Farm, Orchard & Rural Lifestyle

Successful ref lection The past few years have been challenging for Stephen Kenna and Phillipa Wright as they, like everyone in the kiwifruit industry, worked to recover from the impacts of the vine disease Psa-V. Now, they can reflect on a brighter future. The couple are among the entrants in this year’s Ballance Farm Environment Awards. Read their story on pages 4-5. Photo Elaine Fisher

WHAKATANE

07 308 7299

0800 4 TRACTORS TAURANGA

07 543 0021

Page 2

COAST & COUNTRY

‘They're not making it any more’ “Buy land, they're not making it any more” is a famous quote from Samuel Langhorne Clemens. He died 116 years ago, but obviously had considerable foresight, because, of course, he’s right – righter now than during his lifetime.

Better known as Mark Twain author of ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’, Samuel’s advice today to those who own land would probably be “hold on to it”, and thats exactly what several entrants in this year’s Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards are doing.

The awards are about environmental and financial sustainability, but what also stands

out among this year’s entrants, is the focus on protecting and preserving ownership of the land for future generations – see their stories from pages 4 to 17.

This is even in the face of escalating land values and in the case of dairying – falling incomes.

These families aren’t temped to sell up and take the capital gain, nor is their confidence in the future of their dairying industry shaken enough to tempt them to exit.

They have built legacies through hard work and often financial hardship and want their descendants to retain the ownership and benefits from the land. For the Dibley’s that’s a 130-year-old tradition, enjoyed now by a sixth generation – see pages 14-15.

Thanks to modern governance and ownership structures, it’s not

countr countr

APARANGI V i l l a g e

necessary for children to be committed to work the land, if their career paths take them elsewhere, but they can retain an interest, and an income, and the enterprise should also support their parents in retirement.

As well as their sons, kiwifruit growers Peter and Marnie Anstis have also involved key staff and members of their wider family in their governance board, offering a unique opportunity which ensures skills and knowledge are retained.

These strategies are good for the individual farm and orchard businesses but also for the wider rural economy as they provide stability and industry expertise and should ensure productive land remains that way – something Mark Twain would no doubt approve of.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 3

Succession planning also part of sustainability Farmers and orchardists are living longer and the value of their businesses are increasing, making succession planning more difďŹ cult but still vitally important, says Margaret Wright, judging co-ordinator for the Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards. “Several of the entrants in this year’s awards hold regular meetings with their children or have set up governance structures with their children, to prepare for the future of both themselves and their businesses and that’s great to see.â€?

The awards are about celebrating agribusinesses which are sustainable environmentally and ďŹ nancially, and increasingly inter-generational sustainability has become part of the picture too. “As we farmers live longer; we need to prepare for an income during our retirement while having a business which can also support the next generation. Making that happen isn’t easy. “Many families, including those among this year’s entries, are managing the process really well, often involving their children at quite an early age so they have a good understanding of the business. Staff are often part of the process as retaining excellent people by allowing them to invest, protects the future of the business and its intellectual property.â€?

High standard

Margaret says this year’s awards have been among the hardest to judge because of the high quality of all the entrants. “In the early days of the awards it wasn’t so hard to pick category winners. This year all were of a very high standard and decisions came down to the wire as we pulled entries apart to ďŹ nd a half a point difference between them.â€?

The increasing proďŹ le of the awards and the standards of winners could put some farmers off entering, but Margaret hopes that’s not the case. “Many farmers and orchardists may look at the winners and think “I’m not that good. I can’t enterâ€? but if you asked previous winners, they probably thought the same about themselves.

much smarter they are thinking. “As judges we ďŹ nd it a privilege to visit these farmers and growers. We get a lot from the process and hope the entrants do too.â€?

The only disappointment this year is that no sheep and beef farms entered, especially given that last year’s regional supreme winners John and Catherine Ford of Highlands Station, Rotorua, are dry stock farmers who went on the win the national supreme award. “We have to be realistic in that the Bay of Plenty is not a big dry stock farming region, but it would have been nice to have some entries from the sector because there are lots of very good farmers out there doing great things for the environment. “It is, however, very gratifying to see the kiwifruit industry so strongly represented in the entries once again after the severe impacts of the vine disease PsaV.�

Phillipa Wright and Stephen Kenna are involving their sons Daniel, 21, William, 19, and James, 17 in the management of their kiwifruit orchard.

Good practices

FULLY OPTION YOUR HOTSPRING SPA

The awards are different from others in that they recognise and celebrate good farming practices, which promote sustainable land management across a diverse range of industries, so that orchards can be judged alongside dairy or drystock farms.

What’s important is how environmentally and ďŹ nancially sustainable the operations are and each industry can learn from the others. “Just because the supreme winner, who hosts the annual ďŹ eld day, is not from your industry, doesn’t mean other farmers and growers can’t learn from what they are doing. “Often the thought processes and the way issues are addressed are equally relevant what ever you are farming or growing.â€? Elaine Fisher

of the 2016 Bay The winners ofFarm Environment e nc Plenty Balla announced at a gala Awards will be February 26 from 6pm Truman diner on Friday ena Suites, 81 at the ASB Ar Maunganui, Tauranga. nt ou line at Lane, M purchased on Tickets can be.nz rg .o ea bf www.

Ease in with Spa Steps

Low Water Maintenance with ACE

With ACE Salt Water Sanitising installed you can cut water maintenance activities while reducing chemical side-effects with water that is softer on your skin and gentler on your eyes.

Making it easy to climb in and Sound System out of your spa, Hot Spring spa side steps are designed to be with BluetoothÂŽ attractive and practical. Made Enjoy entertainment wirelessly from 100% recyclable material, as you wind down in your spa, our proprietary-designed polymer by streaming live music or steps are also highly durable. listening to your own music library from a BluetoothÂŽ enabled device.

ON ANY FEATURE-RICH SPA FROM THE LIMELIGHT RANGE

Quite reticent

“Most farmers and growers are naturally quite reticent, will not wave the ag about what they have done and so take some convincing to enter.

However, when they do they ďŹ nd it really worthwhile to stand back and look at what they have achieved, and how

ON ANY LUXURIOUS SPA FROM THE HIGHLIFE RANGE

Bay of Plenty Ba llance underway at th Farm Environment Awards ju e Dibley farm. dging Photo: Doug Lin eha m.

The 2015 HighlifeÂŽ Collection.

Designed by:

FORD SPA POOLS

34 CHAPEL STREET, TAURANGA 07 578 5866 | FORDSPAPOOLS.CO.NZ Terms & conditions apply. $5,000 of Extras FREE are ACE Salt Water Sanitising System, Bluetooth Music System & Polymer Spa Steps with any spa purchase from the Limelight or Highlife spa pool ranges sold at RRP. 0GGFS FYUFOEFE VOUJM 'FCSVBSZ EVF UP TIPXSPPN SFGVSCJTINFOU See hotspring.co.nz for more details.

NEW HOLLAND PROTECTION PLAN 3 YEARS/3,000 HOURS1 PREMIUM PEACE OF MIND2 For more information contact your local New Holland dealer today.

www.newholland.co.nz

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 4

Couple exceed their own goals Four years ago the KWKIWI Ltd kiwifruit orchard at Ongare Point was in survival mode, with owners Phillipa Wright and Stephen Kenna focused on its recovery from the vine disease Psa-V. In 2012 the orchard harvested just 2830 trays per hectare but remarkably, last season produced a total of 72,000 trays of fruit from the ďŹ rst crop after re-grafting vines to the gold G3 variety.

That’s 2000 tray in excess of the couple’s own goal for 2015 and now the orchard is on track to achieve 150,000 trays in ďŹ ve years as redevelopment of an orchard that had to be pulled out comes on stream.

Last year Phillipa and Stephen

entered the Ballance Farm Environment Awards for the ďŹ rst time, winning the Zespri Kiwifruit Orchard Award, the Massey Innovation Award and the Hill Laboratories Harvest Award. “We enjoyed the experience of judging, the awards ceremony, meeting other like-minded people and attending the ďŹ eld day hosted by the supreme winners, dry stock farmers John and Catherine Ford so much, that we decided to enter again for 2016,â€? says Phillipa.

The couple, who purchased their ďŹ rst orchard block in 1995, have always taken an innovative, slightly unconventional and environmental approach to growing kiwifruit.

Twenty-plus years ago, and out of step with most in the industry, they stopped using herbicides for weed con-

trol within the kiwifruit spray strip. “A sward developed, which effectively manages itself. We see this fantastic for our soil biology and various ora and fauna including insects, worms etc. Skinks in the ‘weed strip’ zone are regularly found,â€? says Stephen.

Soil biomass

“Grass between the rows is only mowed to allow staff to carryout tasks. We try to mow every second row in the rotation just to keep owers going. We are trying to increase the soil biomass and organic matter with all these actions. Our shelter trees are homes for many birds. Pheasants and quail love the longer grass, which is a great habitat for them.â€?

Phillipa believes not mowing the sward, along with other good management practices, may contribute to the fact the orchard consistently produces high tasting, quality fruit. “It may be more about â€˜ďŹ‚avour’ rather than dry matter, an area they would like to explore further.

Around 25 years ago Phillipa Wright beg Stephen Kenna and the water way which an planting the banks of run orchard and into the s through part of their Tauranga Harbour.

REE FELLERS BIG OR SMALL - WE DO IT ALL

New young vines will help the Kenna-Wright orchard achieve its owners’ goal of 150,000 trays in ďŹ ve years.

Implements irect

over 100 implements ONLINE www.implementsdirect.co.nz

Call Now 0800 73 33 55

HazardCo will help you sort it out, quick smart!

You need an effective system that helps you fulďŹ ll your health & safety obligations without a lot of fuss and paperwork.

That’s what we do.

HazardCo member beneďŹ ts: ! Keep your valuable people safe; ! Simple, practical resources to use on-site; ! Full support via our 0800 number and

SIERRA BOX BLADES Heavy duty built for Grading, leveling , earth moving FROM.......$1295 Inc GST

FERRONI PTO ROLLER PUMP Self priming 180LPM 365 PSI 7m washdown hose kit....$595 Inc GST

POTATO PLANTER Single row, Other models available to order and diggers in stock........$2995 Inc GST

BALE FORKS euro hitch,1100mm over all Forged tines European made........................$950 Inc GST

BALE GRAB euro hitch, heavy duty european model, 1200KG capacity wide hands..............$2995 Inc GST

BISON GRADER BLADE NVHL 270XHD 2.7m 3 way hydrualics to 160HP...*SPECIAL* $8995 Inc GST

SEE DEMO VIDEO ONLINE

SEE DEMO VIDEO ONLINE

access to regional Sales & Support Reps;

! 24/7 accident support service; ! Meet your H&S obligations from $385 (+gst); ! An effective system that meets Worksafe New Zealand requirements.

0800 555 339

SEE DEMO VIDEO ONLINE

www.hazardco.com

SIERRA PTO LOGSAW 700mm TCT Bde 240mm cut$1995 Inc GST

HANMEY FLAIL MOWER 1.55m HANMEY PTO WOOD CHIPPER 4 inch ,Self feeding .$2595 Inc GST Cut mulching Hammer Flail ,Other sizes available .....$2895 Inc GST

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 5

Drone images part of orchard management “Delivering fruit that exceeds consumers’ expectations is what we aim to do, and I also believe the industry could do more to promote sustainable orchard management practices with growers in a similar way the wine industry is now doing.�

She and Stephen have established their own “KWKIWI Kiwifruit Sustainability Pillars� focused on biodiversity, soil, water, air, energy, chemicals, people and business as a focus for their on-going development.

Much of what the plan sets out under each pillar is already happening on the orchard, but there are new initiatives too which reect the couple’s drive for consistent improvement, and use of innovation.

so they appreciate the challenges and successes. A key pillar to succession planning is having a strong business platform, this has been our number one focus,� says Stephen.

During the recent university and school holidays, the trio have been given responsibility for speciďŹ c areas within the business including as nursery manager, young plant manager, and technology and systems manager which saw them develop and implement speciďŹ c plans in each of those areas.

Around 25 years ago Phillipa and Stephen began planting the banks of the water way which runs through part of the orchard and into the Tauranga Harbour. Cabbage trees, ax, pittosporums, kowhai, totara were initially planted on the northern NIWA trial side of the drain to proThat innovation vide shade in the summer includes commissionfor the aquatic life. ing Precision Hawke, In 2014, following up on which uses a drone to y some Lincoln University over and photograph the Research which showed orchard blocks, providmanuka has the potening information on vine tial for nutrient capture, performance, showing up these trees were planted areas where the canopy on the southern side of is less dense, and even s on the drain. A 5-6m-wide under vine ect ed ac pl h identifying Psa. sward has been left on White clot ght orchard helps re ri “Now we have the ďŹ rst sets of either side of the drain the Kenna-Wup into the canopy. images and a video we can build light to help capture nutrients on this information to make from the hill runoff. decisions about where and when There are also additional buffer zones at the bottom irrigation and fertiliser is required, of most of the hill blocks. An area of poor-performing or about poor performing bays.â€? kiwifruit has been removed from one block with water issues, and become a “wetlandâ€?, where the grass has The orchards are also part of a NIWA Irrimet trail, been left long to aid with any runoff issues. which provides inter-active information on weather, soil moisture and possible nutrient leaching on which Waterway project to base decisions around irrigation. “We have measured the temperature of water in the Phillipa is downloading comprehensive informadrain as it enters our property and found a 0.7 degree tion on all aspects of the orchard business into QGIS, drop as it exits which must be of beneďŹ t to the aquatic a user-friendly open source geographic information life,â€? says Stephen. system that allows information to be overlaid to proInvolvement in the 2015 farm environment awards vide a more detailed analysis of what’s happening on has inspired the couple to take this waterway project orchard. several steps further. “We hope to establish an Ongare Point Waterway Succession planning Restoration Project, involving the Bay of Plenty Severe as the impacts of Psa-V were, Stephen and Regional Council and neighbours whose properPhillipa never considered giving up on kiwifruit. ties the waterway also runs through, with the aim of Instead they developed off-orchard sources of income improving the water quality along its length and so the and embarked on a strategic orchard recovery plan, habitat for aquatic and other wild life.â€? closely involving their sons Daniel, 21, William, 19, With a philosophy that there’s much to learn from and James, 17. other primary industries, Phillipa and Stephen are “With the challenges of Psa over the last few years we again part of organising a study tour to Central Otago have involved them more in our ďŹ nancial discussions for themselves and other growers this month.

“We plan to visit a high country station (winners of the Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards in 2015), wineries with a strong platform of sustainable practices, cherry orchards, and an organisation which is involved in

CLIMBER 7.13

FD220R

%ULJJV 6WUDWWRQ +3 ,QWHN 2+9 PP FXWWLQJ ZLGWK 'LIIHUHQWLDO ORFNLQJ DQG UXJJHG W\UHV IRU VDIHU PRZLQJ LQ VWHHS DQG VOLSSHU\ FRQGLWLRQV

%ULJJV 6WUDWWRQ +3 9DQJXDUG 2+9 PP FXWWLQJ ZLGWK OLWUH FDWFKHU +LJKO\ PDQRHXYUHDEOH UHDU ZKHHO VWHHULQJ

$8,490 553 ,1&/ *67

$11,490 553 ,1&/ *67

,'($/ )25 528*+ 7(55$,1 $1' 6/23(6 83 72 ƒ %ULJJV 6WUDWWRQ +3 ,QWHN 2+9 3UR PP FXWWLQJ ZLGWK 'LIIHUHQWLDO ORFNLQJ DQG UXJJHG W\UHV IRU VDIHU PRZLQJ LQ VWHHS DQG VOLSSHU\ FRQGLWLRQV

$14,490 553 ,1&/ *67

NO-OBLIGATION ON-SITE DEMO FOR ANY MODEL, ANYWHERE ACROSS WAIKATO & BOP

Hamilton

Tauranga

Katikati

â*DOODJKHUâ'ULYH 0HOYLOOH 3Kâ â â 0RQ )UL ² 6DW ²

â:DLKLâ5RDG -XGHD 3Kâ â â 0RQ )UL ² 6DW ²

â0DLQâ5RDG 6WDWH +LJKZD\â 3Kâ â â 0RQ )UL ² 6DW ²

LQIR#DFWLRQHTXLSPHQW FR Q]

ZZZ DFWLRQHTXLSPHQW FR Q]

Elaine Fisher

$700

,'($/ )25 &2//(&7,1* '$03 *5$66 $1' /($9(6

FD450 %ULJJV 6WUDWWRQ ,QWHN 3URIHVVLRQDO 6HULHV 9 7ZLQ PP FXWWLQJ ZLGWK OLWUH FDWFKHU +\GUDXOLF FDWFKHU OLIW DQG GLVFKDUJH XS WR P KLJK

$22,490 553 ,1&/ *67 FD280

CLIMBER 9.22

mapping, drone technology and information systems. There will be many ideas that we can implement in our own businesses, as well as sharing what we’ve learnt with those we visit.�

%ULJJV 6WUDWWRQ +3 9DQJXDUG 9 7ZLQ PP FXWWLQJ ZLGWK OLWUH FDWFKHU +LJKO\ PDQRHXYUHDEOH UHDU ZKHHO VWHHULQJ (OHFWULF FDWFKHU GXPS

$13,990 553 ,1&/ *67

Page 6

COAST & COUNTRY

Growing more than fruit ‘Grow the Future’ is the core purpose of Baygold, one of the kiwifruit industry’s largest orcharding companies, and it’s a value which encompasses more than the fruit on the vines.

For the Paengaroa-based company, growing the future is about producing top quality kiwifruit but it’s also about growing opportunities and skills for its staff, benefiting the wider community and enhancing the environment.

Part of the Baygold Group is Baygold Joint Venture partnership which has a number of shareholders and directors who make up the equity partnership. It all began in 2005 with the development the Coach Road Orchard. The larger La Vigna Orchard was started in 2007.

Today Baygold Limited’s General Manager is Leighton Oats and with Matt Nelson as orchard manager for Coach Road Orchard, while Keiran Harvey manages the La Vigna property. All the Baygold Ltd team are proud to be part of the company and share its strong focus on sustainability, people, kiwifruit and innovation.

As well as owning its own orchards, the group has a management company called Baygold Ltd. This company manages the shareholder interest and some private interests. It is Baygold joint venture which has entered the 2016 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards.

Busy harvest

This season that company expects to harvest 1.4 million trays of G3 kiwifruit from its own orchards, with 200 people in 16 teams, picking up to 1000

Going for Gold!

We are proud to be a part of Baygold’s journey to success!

Working with excellent local businesses that excel is what we are most passionate about. If you would like to learn about how to improve and implement good practices in your business, then give Hilton Joll from Deloitte Private Hamilton a call on 07 838 4806.

bins of fruit a day.

That busy harvest scene will be in stark contrast to 2013 when just 30,000 trays were picked from the orchards d which, like all in ach Roa r for Co general e g the region, were a n a hard m old Limited’s h this severely affected it yg elson orc Matt N (left) and Ba ts are happy w by the vine disease rd Oa n rcha . to O p h o ig Psa-V. r Le ifruit cr manage G3 kiw Leighton says the impacts of the disease, which caused Remarkably the industry, and the thousands of vines of the Baygold orchards, are now well and previously lucrative Hort16 A gold truly in recovery mode, thanks largely variety to be cut out, was a dramatic to the Psa-V tolerant variety G3. reminder of how vital the kiwifruit Careful management industry is to the country and the Te However, Leighton and Matt say Puke region in particular. the disease is here to stay and requires “We had to let staff go, which meant decreasing our permanent staff careful and consistent management. by 50 per cent. The disease’s affects As well as following industry standwere felt across all aspects of the ard Psa-V management strategies and kiwifruit industry from orchards, to protective sprays, Baygold is conductcontractors, to post harvest operators ing trials on one block at La Vigna and in the wider community among Orchard, to measure other applied local shops, businesses and schools.”

Psa-V control strategies.

deloitteprivate.co.nz

About 200 people in 16 teams will pick up to 1000 bins of fruit a day from Baygold’s orchards this kiwifruit harvest.

KIWILINER

CROPLINER SELF-PROPELLED

» 2000 litre fibreglass tank

» 2000 litre fibreglass tank

» Fieni stainless steel front-entry fan – reduces litter blockage

» Fieni stainless steel front-entry fan – reduces litter blockage

» Reduce horsepower demand by up to 17% – significant fuel saving

» Selectable 2 or 4-wheel mechanical drive and steering

» Noise reduction by up to 8 Db – more opportunity to spray

» Turbo-diesel 63 kW engine

» Improved utilisation of air – better coverage to maximise disease control

» Dual range high/low gearbox » Fully enclosed cabin with air-conditioning, rear vision camera, stereo, and electrically adjustable mirrors.

SEE THE SELF PROPELLED CROPLINER 2000 IN ACTION Scan the code or visit bit.ly/1AWXVUs

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 7

Bringing back the birds with native tree plantings Baygold is optimistic about the results it is getting from the trial block and is well aware that more tests need to be done.

On all its orchards Baygold strategically drives nutrient management, ensuring the efficient use of nutrients to avoid or minimise adverse environmental impacts.

The plan involves looking at all sources of nutrient input and output and considering manufactured fertiliser use as part of the mix.

Compost is applied, along with nutrients supplied by fertigation, and nitrogen is fixed from the atmosphere by clovers and other legumes. Baygold also works to increase microbiology levels in the soil with the use of fish, seaweed and humates.

Native trees pla nted ar provide ound th d a hab is pond itat for have biodive w ildlife a rsity on nd incre the Bay ased gold orc hard.

Biodiversity

The company also has a strong focus on biodiversity which its owners believe contributes to everyone’s wellbeing. On both properties, it has planted native trees (manuka, kanuka, flax, coprosma, akeake, and makomako) around ponds and any steep areas that are difficult to control.

The plants are supplied from a local land care group and grown from ecosourced seed from within Coach Road and La Vigna orchards.

“When choosing the specimen trees to collect seed from, we choose the trees that are covered in flowers and seed as these are the most viable specimens and have shown that they have “adapted” to the local environment,” says Matt.

“Our pest management strategy is constant control of stoats, possums, rats and cats. During the 2014/2015 season, we trapped 46 stoats, 152 rats, three cats and numerous possums, and with this consistent pest control, both staff and management have noticed an increase in nesting ducks on the ponds, and more native birds within the orchard.

Kaka nesting

“This season we were lucky enough to have a nesting pair of kaka in a hollow tree, something that is rarely seen.”

Over the years Baygold Ltd has built a strong team, intellectual property and infrastructure and a reputation for competently managing shareholder and independent orchards to a high level of return.

Baygold Ltd employs staff from Vanuatu for six months under the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme, to assist with the kiwifruit harvest and winter pruning. In addition to its permanent team, the company also employs seasonal workers on a casual basis.

As well as employment opportunities, the company supports local mission and community work, which are part of its larger vision to ‘Grow the Future’.

Elaine Fisher

$

G MAX 135 6 cylinder.

54 x18 powershift transmission.

P *T&Cs apply.

was ST 112,900+G

$

LY RATOR ON DEMONST +GST $

T MAX 100 CABIN R ONLY ONSTRATO 36x12, 3 speed powershift DEM $ 67,900+GST transmission, power shuttle.

84,900

07 573 4910

was 77,900+GST

M

022 573 4910

A

$

was 60,900+GST

LY 5H ROPS 36x12, RATOR ON DEMONST 3 speed powershift $ 54,900+GST transmission, power shuttle.

295 Jellicoe Street, Te Puke www.boptractors.co.nz

$

POWERMONDIAL 120 36 x 12 power shift transmission, 5 remotes.

was ST 103,900+G

LY RATOR ON DEMONST +GST $

73,900

HORTICULTURE

Page 8

‘Amazing yet complex’ trees focus for Sue A love for working outdoors and a determined spirit is rewarding avocado grower Sue Withy on her picturesque orchard, just north of Tauranga.

She’s notched up another successful season and is confident a bumper crop is on the way for the next one.

“I flower-pruned late last year because there were so many flowers and I thought the trees were starting to look a bit stressed.

“I’m interested to observe the impact this will have on fruit set and flush. It’s good to try new methods.”

Sue, a former teacher and dairy farmer, manages the Aongatete orchard on her own after her husband Phil passed away more than two-and-a-half years ago. Keeping the orchard going has motivated Sue and been a helpful distraction.

“People have suggested that I sell the orchard but it has given me a focus,” she says.

“I’ve worked outside most of my life. I just carry on doing it.”

KIW IB

C

O

LD

O AV

AD

OS

Phone 07 573 0303

www.seeka.co.nz

SU

NG

to grow your returns

Bare land

Sue and Phil bought the property with Sue’s late sister and her husband after first selling their dairy farm at Awakaponga, near Whakatane in 2000.

That farm had been their home for 30 years but they were ready for change after their children left. Unsure what to do, they spent a year living in Tauranga before coming up with a plan.

They bought 16ha of bare land and sought help from consultants

Better results through working together

Former school teacher and dairy farmer Sue Wit hy scho For nowolrun mer s her teac her own and avo cadfarm o orch dairy erard Sue. Withy now runs her own avocado orchard.

David Lushington and Colin Partridge to get them started. The two couples planted their shelter trees first before planting 1500 Hass avocado trees in 15 blocks over two years. After the trees became more established, they took out every second tree to let more light into the orchard and give the remaining trees more room to grow.

Sue calls on canopy management specialist Brendon Cheshire when she needs advice on pruning.

Together, their strategy is to keep her avocado trees no taller than 8m high, retain space between the trees and keep them open so enough light penetrates the canopy to allow fruit to grow around the lower limbs.

This also allows better spray coverage.

Pruned hard

“All our trees get pruned reasonably hard every year,” says Sue. She picks twice – once in early October and again in December.

About 12 picking platforms were used last October and under the leadership of contractor Mike Royacker, the picking happens “very quickly”.

Sue now packs with Apata and has supplied Team Avocado (one half of export supply group AVOCO) from the get go. Since becoming a grower, she’s taken every opportunity to attend local field days and learn from those with experience.

Her orchard benefits from free-draining soil and a mostly flat contour. Sue is aware of a couple of blocks that dip low enough to get hit hard by frosts which has happened once or twice.

However, the orchard is fairly well protected with two irrigators next to each tree doubling as frost protection, automatically going on when the temperature falls to 2degC.

Always learning

www.avoco.co.nz

CCQP1115

D AR

RY ER

HA YW

More Options

Pests are regularly monitored and sprayed accordingly, although Sue admits she’s reluctant to do it.

“It’s necessary to combat things such as the six-spotted mite and leafroller which have been a problem in the past. I use a contractor these days but I do all the weed spraying and mowing myself.”

With so many “amazing yet complex” trees to look after, she feels she’s never stopped learning.

Sue has taken an active role in supporting the industry to make improvements by participating in AIC pruning trials and with Plant, Food and Research scientist David Pattemore, her orchard is involved in a trial to establish where bumblebee pollinators most like to nest.

“When we started out we knew nothing and even after all this time, I still have a lot to learn.

“The Avocado Industry Council and other growers continue to do research to discover better ways of growing avocados and that’s exciting for the future.”

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 9

Page 10

COAST & COUNTRY

Forty year legacy set to endure into future Two mountain streams, mature and re-generating native bush, kiwifruit orchards and a dairy farm are among the legacies developed and protected during the last 40 years by Marnie and Peter Anstis of Woodlands Road, Opotiki.

Marnie and Peter Anstis have gone from dairy farmers to orchardists and are now involved in dairying once again.

To ensure those legacies endure, environmentally, economically and through the generations, they have appointed their sons, Chris, and Michael, niece Nat Wilson and orchard manager Aimee Curley to a board set up to govern and manage Anstis Orchards, Anstis Dairies and the young peoples’ own venture, a new development Anstis Orchards II. It’s the 35ha Anstis Orchards enterprise which has entered the 2016 Ballance Farm Environment Awards, at the encouragement of its post-harvest provider OPAC. Peter’s family bought the Woodlands Rd farm in 1974 and Peter 50/50 sharemilked there until 1978 when he and Marnie purchased the property.

The dairy business funded their gradual diversification into horticulture, which began in 1980 with 2.5ha of passionfruit.

“The passionfruit also provided finance to build a home for our expanding family. We continued to milk cows, grow and harvest passionfruit, tamarillos and kiwifruit for a number of years until we realised that if we put our efforts solely into kiwifruit and cows, the returns were even higher. Kiwifruit and cows proved to be a successful combination, as usually one industry would carry the other during lean times,” says Marnie.

State forest

In 1997 the couple sold their 120-cow-dairy herd when it became uneconomic, and have run drystock on the balance of the home farm ever since.

The ‘home’ farm backs on to state forest, from which two streams flow. During the last five years, Peter and Marine have funded and carried out the work of fencing off the bush from stock with just one paddock left to go.

“The re-generation under the mature trees has been startling,” says Marnie. A steep grassy hill-

side of about 0.4ha was planted last year in native trees, again self-funded, and more areas are planned.

To provide shade and beautification, exotic trees have been planted over the home property, selected for their fresh spring colour, or for their leaves in autumn.

The orchards are protected from prevailing winds by cryptomeria trees, which are pruned every couple of years. Future shelter may include native plantings – carefully selected so as to not host pests and bugs that could be detrimental to the health of kiwifruit.

Visual impact

“We do not enjoy the trend to white artificial or overhead shelter because of the visual impact. Where necessary we use green under-vine wind cloth,” says Peter.

The vine disease Psa-V which hit the Te Puke kiwifruit industry so badly in 2011/2012, arrived in Opotiki around 12 months later. “We were lucky to have some advanced warning and be able to learn from the Te Puke experience,” says Peter.

However, cutting out previously productive vines meant a significant decrease in income until newly grafted plants came into production. Peter and Marnie had been among the first orchardists to grow the new, more Psa-V tolerant G3 in pre-commercial trials for Zespri so they had an understanding of the variety which has proved to be the industry’s saviour.

“We also grew some G9 in trials but that didn’t meet the storage requirements of Zespri.”

The industry’s recovery from Psa-V has been nothing short of amazing, the couple believe, and they credit the success to the investment made in plant breeding and technology, the united nature of the industry and the way all sectors responded to the crisis.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 11

Recovery seen as ‘nothing short of amazing’

Your co-operative, your community.

“We attended regular meetings arranged by OPAC which gave everyone a chance to share their concerns and hear about all the research that was going on into Psa,” says Marnie.

Farmlands Opotiki is proud to support Peter and Marnie Anstis.

Remain vigilant

For all your rural and lifestyle requirements in-store and on the Farmlands Card. followed a similar trend of ‘firm fairness’ with employees.

“We try to hire locals and generally try to keep people permanently employed. However, there are certain peak times when temporary staff are employed to keep on top of the workload. We have been exceeding an annual million-dollar payroll for some time.”

Marnie has also written, published and promoted a children’s book ‘Taketakerau – The Millennium Tree’ based on a 2000-year-old tree growing in the Hukutaia Domain, close to the Anstis property. The story covers the history of New Zealand, environmental aspects of seasons and eras; extinctions and introductions of various fauna and reflects Marnie’s own love of native flora and fauna.

Through careful planning and investment the couple’s goal is to establish an enterprise which will take care of their retirement without compromising the sustainability or lifestyle of those following them.

Elaine Fisher

My Name is Neil Woodward.

I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run business, our team consists of three, being myself, my son and my brother.

Our organisation has been established for over 18 years. I have been involved in applying crop protection programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966.

We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We have the equipment to spray orchards with our two Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing.

Our Atoms are set up with radar speed sensors, this combined with fully automated sprayer controllers and three nozzle rings enhances application efficiency and accuracy.

We also use a quad bike for strip weed spray applications.

We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap compliance.

We look at all challenges to help ensure we protect your crop with excellence.

FAR_04491

Despite the seriousness of the situation, the couple never considered giving up on kiwifruit but instead, in line with the rest of the industry, have learned to manage Psa, remaining vigilant in its control.

“Over the past few years we have applied five to 10 ton of compost on varying kiwifruit blocks to lift the organic levels of the soil. This hopefully helps to balance the copper applications we have had to apply since Psa became established in kiwifruit.”

Outside of orchard and farm management, Peter has been quietly involved in the community for many years – most recently as the founding chairman of the Eastern Bay Community Foundation (similar to the Acorn Foundation in Tauranga), which has grown from conception in Opotiki, through to the merger with Whakatane and Kawerau communities.

He has been supportive and involved in the establishment of the ‘Opotiki Mussel Farm’ from inception through to now.

Five years ago, Marnie retired from day-to-day canopy/staff management, and Aimee has since

Opotiki Corner King Street and Potts Avenue (07) 315 3008 opotiki@farmlands.co.nz

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 12

Vocal frogs ‘sing’ of lake’s restoration Resident ‘vocalists’ greet visitors to the Birchall family dairy farm with a delightful sound once familiar but now seldom heard – that of frogs croaking in unison.

It’s the same across the road at Lake Okaro. The fact the frogs are there to sing at all is thanks to the concerted efforts of local farmers and councils which has brought the lake back from

the brink of death to a thriving habitat for wildlife with water good enough to swim and fish in.

Helping restore the lake’s water quality has been the focus for the Birchall family for at least the last five years with two hectares of constructed wetland formed on the 220ha property and all three water courses fenced and planted in native trees and flaxes.

Shane and June Birchall, their son Daniel Birchall and daughter Megan

Schutt, have entered their Waionehu dairy farm in the 2016 Ballance Farm Environment Awards, and are proud of the part they have played in the successful Okaro Catchment Lake Restoration Group.

Formed in 2009, from representatives of each of the landowners in the lake’s catchment, it is chaired

by Shane. In 2010 the group was granted Sustainable Farming Funding, with Megan elected as project manager. Using the Overseer programme as a benchmark for each property, a whole catchment action plan was put together and landowners worked closely with the Rotorua District Council and the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to improve the quality of Lake Okaro’s waters.

Taking the plunge, Millar (9), Cadell (5) and sister Teyani (7) Fairgray of Te Awamutu enjoy a swim in Lake Okaro south of Rotorua.

Nutrient plans

Today Shane and Megan are involved in Project Rerewhakaaitu, which encompasses the catchments of Lakes Okaro, Rerewhakaaitu and Rotomahana with the aim of getting every property within their catchments to have nutrient management plans.

It was in 2002 that Shane and June bought the Waionehu Farm from Shane’s parents who had owned it since 1982. They are closely involved in the management and day-to-day running of the farm alongside Daniel and Megan who have worked together on the property for the past seven years.

Shane’s nephew Jason Birchall is in his fourth season working at Waionehu and other members of the Birchall family are relief milkers and weed sprayers, with 14 of the extended family living on or bordering the property.

For seven seasons, the 530 crossbred cows have been milked once a day all season.

Once a day

Phone: 07 362 8433 Authorised Dealers

s Dairy Shed installations and upgrades

“It’s one of the best things we’ve ever done on the farm,” says June. “Milking once a day has reduced the stress on cows and on us and production hasn’t suffered.”

Shane is surprised more farmers don’t adopt oncea-day milking. “When we took over the business we were milking twice a day; had huge empty rates, wintered off all young stock and

produced 100,000kgMS. We now winter on all young stock, rear extra to sell, milk once a day, maintain great low empty rates and produce 160,000kgMS. I still feel there is potential for improvement.”

The second “best thing we’ve ever done” is invest in two HerdHomes, says June. “When it’s wet and cold at night, Shane sleeps better knowing the cows are under cover and the pasture not being pugged.”

The majority of the farm is covered in Rotomahana mud, which is a very fertile but heavy clay soil prone to pugging. “We have a no-pugging policy that can be almost impossible to achieve. However, the HerdHome has helped us achieve this for most of the winter which has seen huge improvements within the pasture sward.

“Every second day grazing of paddocks throughout the winter has also helped reduce pugging, as cows only enter/exit the paddock half as often reducing pugging around the gateways. We also have a standing pad that can be used for the late calvers in the spring when the barns are full with colostrum cows and springers.

Considering the contour of the property, we have very little erosion.”

HerdHomes

To reduce pasture damage and nutrient leeching through the critical winter period the mature cows are housed in the HerdHomes and put out onto grass for four to six hours every second day through the winter receiving the balance of their diet in the form of hay and silage once they return to the shelters.

s Service and parts for all types of milking machines s Drench pumps, teat spray systems, hoses and supplies s Machine Testing s Effluent and Irrigation Supplies s Pumps & Water fittings – Galvanised, PVC and Alkathene s Rubberware s Stainless Steel manufacture and repair s Trenching

Daniel Birchall, his parents Shane and June and sister Megan Schutt with Megan’s son Ryan are all very much involved in Waionehu dairy farm at Okaro.

PK / SILAGE BUNKERS

DESIGN – SUPPLY – BUILD

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 13

Animal shelters reduce environmental impact All effluent from the HerdHome is caught in the bunkers below and then applied to the sidelings and silage paddocks during the dryer months when the risk of runoff and leeching are low. The stored effluent is applied to pasture using a slurry tanker and solid effluent spreader owned by the farm.

Careful management of the land and stock, plus fencing waterways and creating the wetland all contribute to the environmental sustainability of Waionehu Farm. Now the focus is on inter-generational sustainability too.

Different strengths

“We are very lucky to have both of our children actively involved in the farm. Both children have strengths in completely different areas,” says June.

“Daniel’s passion lies with machines and engineering, and he is very practically minded. Megan has a head for numbers, breeding

and loves the stock side of farming. We hope that they will be able to successfully integrate their strengths in the future. They have proven that they can successfully work as a team – not many brother and sister combinations could work together for seven years,” says Shane.

Moving forward, Daniel will focus more towards sharemilking on the property, while Megan will work towards taking over the drystock part of the block. Both will continue to be involved in the other parts of the farming business too.

Daniel has his own contracting business and tractors and dry hires the effluent spreading machines from Waionehu Farm carrying out all of the effluent application for the property. As well as having regular clients, he is also on call for the community if any effluent emergency occurs including effluent system break downs.

Megan and her husband Dan Schutt have a number of beef cattle and their small herd of breeding cows is used on the Waionehu

young stock block to improve pasture quality and reduce worm burden.

June and Shane hope that in the near future, while Megan and Daniel continue to grow their own businesses outside of the farm and start making their own families, the debt levels for Waionehu Farm will be reduced.

“Once we can all achieve these goals, the next step in the succession of the farm should be smooth.”

Elaine Fisher

Creating two hectares of wetland is among several initiatives taken by the Birchall family to help improve the water quality of Lake Okaro.

CCTV - SECURITY ALARMS - ALARM MONITORING GPS TRACKING - GATE ALERTS - FUEL TANK ALERTS

BOOST THE SECURITY ON YOUR PROPERTY! We can help you to do the following - and more: Ɣ Install Crystal Clear cameras that allow you to actually “see” things instead of fuzzy images Ɣ Keep an eye on the calving pen from your house or on your phone Ɣ Receive a message in the house or on your phone when there is movement at the fuel tanks Ɣ Install Driveway Alerts so you know when someone comes through your gates Ɣ Install CCTV cameras on your Cow Sheds, Milk Vats, Fuel and Implement Sheds. Ɣ Know where your bikes and machinery are in real time* Ɣ Carry a GPS alert with a panic button* Ɣ Install Wireless Data across the farm so you can have Internet on your phone at the Cowshed We ask more questions than other companies - to help you get the solution you need.

For a One Stop security solution provider - Call the experts now!

Introducing

GPS Tracking System

Fleet Management - Ignition Control - Real Time Vehicle Location Container Tracking - Personal Security - Web and Smartphone Apps * Requires Vodafone coverage

www.smartway.co.nz

0800 93 63 63

WE ARE No. 1 FOR CCTV

Page 14

COAST & COUNTRY

Family has farmed land for 130 years Lake Rotorua forms a stunning backdrop to the Dibley family farm, For 130 years, members of the Dibley family have farmed in Oturoa but its existence is also dramatically changing the land’s future.

Road, and now for the first time there are question marks over that tradition because of strict measures to protect Lake Rotorua’s water quality.

The Bay of Plenty Regional Council’s rule 11 has capped both production and fertiliser inputs on the Dibley and other dairy farms in the Lake Rotorua catchment.

Current owners Mark and Sophie Dibley say conditions are only likely to get tougher, which will impact on the economics of dairying in the area.

“No farmer wants to add to the Mark and Sophie Dibley are the fourth generation of the Dibley pollution of the lake. I wake up every family to farm land in Oturoa Road, Rotorua. morning and look at the lake and I ronmental plan which will see subtle changes reduce really care about what happens to it,” says Mark. this by 20 per cent over the next three to five years.”

The couple strongly believe dairy farming and the lake can sustainably co-exist, which is among the reaSubdivision plan sons they have entered the farm in the 2016 Ballance To further reduce leaching, Sophie and Mark plan Farm Environment Awards. to subdivide off part of the land not on the original They are already demonstrating that, with careful family farm, and create lifestyle blocks with covenants management, per-cow production can be increased including no grazing of animals. while nitrogen inputs are decreased.

“With the potential inclusion of the subdivision, A more robust soil testing regime has brought a the reduction in leaching has been modelled at excess better understanding of the nutrients limiting growth. of 50 per cent, not to mention the additional three No nitrogen is applied over winter and ‘Progibb’ tonnes of nitrogen which will have been taken out is used as a grass stimulate in early spring. The first of the catchment from 2001 to 2004 under Rule 11 round of spring nitrogen is undertaken in early Sepbenchmarking due to retiring 60ha from dairying. tember.

“Operating within the Rotorua catchment we take our obligations around protecting water quality very Nitrogen reduction seriously.

“Since 2001 we have increased total production “All waterways on farm including all major ephemerby 31 per cent, per cow production by 33 per cent, als are fenced and totally stock excluded with riparian reduced nitrogen applied by 53 per cent which in planting surrounding all,” says Sophie. turn has reduced nitrogen leaching by 38 per cent and “The main gully system which runs through our improved nitrogen conversion efficiency by 41 per farm which carries the nutrients from several dairy cent.” farms higher within the catchment is almost comPart of that lift in production is due to an in-shed pletely retired and planted, this has a significant feeding system. “Although this means bringing further filtering effect on phosphorus which is one of the nitrogen onto the farm it also means we can better limiting nutrients entering the lake.” control our cows’ feed inputs during the fluctuating The family is immensely proud of the environment climates experienced in recent years.” which they have developed on the farm. This includes The couple also give credit for the improved perapproximately 20ha of native bush which is retired formance to the strategic management of the farm by and fully fenced. An additional three hectares has been their 50/50 sharemilkers David and Jenny Ingram. retired and planted in natives “We have also changed our cropover the last couple of years, ping practices to reflect better using thousands of trees nutrient outcomes, growing propagated by Sophie more maize and less turnips. from seeds she collects “Nutrient management from native trees, shrubs continues to be an evolving and flaxes, and raises in a practice on our farm, but nursery by their home. given the environment which “Gradually we are we operate in it's always kept fencing and retiring all front of mind,” says Mark. remaining gullies and “We acknowledge that we Providing food and habitat for native birds – in hills on the bottom of are still having an impact and have some way to go, we this case a tui on flax – is among the aims of the the farm. We have a Dibley family’s extensive planting programme. stand of redwoods and have developed a farm envi-

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 15

Protecting water quality obligation taken very seriously oaks which is more than 100 years old, originally planted by my grandmother. Pest management on farm is sound,” says Mark.

“We have maintained a close working relationship with Bay of Plenty Regional Council over the years and have worked with them in implementing several phosphorus retention dams around the farm and on surrounding properties.”

Mark and Sophie say effluent management taught them the hardest, but ultimately one of the most valuable lessons, in their farming career, “that you can never become complacent”.

“I have always considered myself environmentally conscious and after years of full compliance following council inspections of my effluent system I never considered it an issue. Following one of the heaviest rain storms we have experienced our system was inspected and overflow of effluent was identified as our system couldn't keep up with the volume generated on this day. We ended up being identified as non-compliant and were later prosecuted.

“Although I am incredibly embarrassed by this event I have also taken ownership and accountability and consequently spent a large amount of both time and money ensuring that our system can handle these extreme weather events in the future and that we better utilise the nutrient potential of this valuable resource.

Effluent pond

farm began 130 years ago when Austrian immigrant Charlie Karl rode his horse into the Mamaku Ranges, hunting for pigs to feed his family. He was so impressed with the land that he bought it from the government.

It was Charlie’s daughter Susanna, who married returned serviceman Douglas Dibley, Mark’s grandfather.

Succession plan

“Succession is something which we have been always taken very seriously, we are incredibly proud of the fact that the original farm has been in the family for as long as it has and want to do what we can to preserve that,” says Sophie.

“We have undertaken significant planning in recent years to investigate the potential to subdivide the bottom of the farm. As well as being able to significantly reduce our environmental impact this will also provide the financial impetus to be able to support our children into continuing to run the original part of the dairy farm.”

Eldest daughter Amy provides physio services to small rural communities through her Physio Direct company, which has clinics in seven smaller towns and communities. Daughter Tina, who has worked on farm for both its sharemilkers, is currently taking time out to be a mum, meaning the sixth generation of Dibleys are

“Yes, people make mistakes, but ultimately it's how people respond to those mistakes and consequently learn/develop as individuals that should define them — we have certainly learnt a huge amount through this incident.”

The Dibleys built a 3000m3 fully lined effluent pond, which is more than the dairy effluent storage required and the effluent is spread to 36ha of pasture, also more than required, through a low application travelling irrigator, which can achieve rates of 6mm application.

The Dibley Mark Dibley made this coffee table from a slab of timber family links with the Oturoa Road from a macrocarpa tree planted by his great grandparents.

now living on farm. Her brother Doug is the demonstration manager at Owl Farm, a joint venture demonstration dairy farm between St Peter's School at Cambridge and Lincoln University.

There’s no doubt their ancestor, the

pioneering Charlie Karl would be proud of what his descendants have achieved, and that he would want his legacy to the family, the land and the environment to continue for generations to come.

By Elaine Fisher

FARMOSH Helping Farmers Reduce OSH Risk

HiFLO PUMPS HiFLO PUMPS & IRRIGATION LTD

GRUNDFOS ®

WE CAN

HELP

s Keep your milk production flowing this season and increase your profits. s Give your stock good quality, clean water.

To find out how we can help give us a call 14 Waihou Street, Matamata

Ph: 07 880 9479 Email: sales@forsi.co.nz www.forsi.co.nz

6864621AA

HiFLO PUMPS HiFLO PUMPS & IRRIGATION LTD

Page 16

COAST & COUNTRY

Profitability of simplicity

Farming, fa mily are the focu and the environment s of Rowlands’ da Gary and Debra irying busin ess.

RORISONS RMD

Keep it simple and do what you do do well is the philosophy Gary and Debra Rowlands operate by – and it’s put their performance above the top 20 per cent of North Island dairy farms.

“We aim to keep it a simple, low-cost dairy operation, run by ourselves,” says Gary.

The couple have entered their 88ha farm near Edgecumbe in the 2016 Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards at the request of their Rabobank manager Tony Van Veen, who is impressed with their financial and environmental sustainability.

Simple though the system 2 operation may be, Debra and Gary still aim for consistent improvement and to benchmark themselves against others in the industry. They are foundation members of the Bay of Plenty Focus on dairy farm systems DairyBase study and have DairyBase financial and physical data dating back to 2007.

The couple milk 273 crossbred cows on 83 effective hectares of flat land, through a 24-a-side herringbone shed.

In 2015 the cows produced 416kgMS

which equates to 1,368 milk solids per hectare. Their low cost system and focus on debt reduction means the Rowlands have a 31 per cent higher average operating profit than the top 20 per cent of owner operator farms.

Outstanding result

Their operating expenses of around $2.97 per kgMS is well under the national average and an outstanding result, especially given recent low pay outs. However, there’s no scrimping on animal health or feed, which is reflected in the fact that production as a percentage of cow live weight is 90 per cent which is excellent, especially for a low-input farm.

Days in milk increased in 2014-2015 by 14 to 252 compared with 238 in the previous season and empty rates are at very low seven per cent for an 11-week mating period, showing cows are in good condition at calving.

COAST & COUNTRY

Whey and fish use improves soil fertility Neither Gary nor Debra, who are both from Kawerau, grew up with dairying. Gary undertook a sheep and beef cadetship and Debra was training race horses when they decided to travel together, ending up working on a dairy farm in Tasmania.

from fish frames and seaweed, which he believes has increased the worm life on the farm.

Few chemicals

Effluent from a newly installed effluent system is spread over 20ha of the farm which is well above Fonterra shares what is required. Very few chemicals are used on the Returning home in 1986 they got a job milking farm. on a farm at Matata and later at Waimana. Then In 2004 around 80 per cent of the property was the couple worked for Norm and Maureen inundated by significant flooding which affected a Brunning at Papamoa as lower order wide area around Whakatane and Edgesharemilkers. cumbe.

“Norm gave us a big boost “We didn’t get the silt, just water by allowing us to rear 40 but had to move some of the heifer calves, which he stock off to higher land. Eveleased back from us,” ryone in the district rallied says Gary. They then round to help, including leased a run-off, raistruck drivers who did a faning more animals and tastic job of getting stock in 1996 began 50/50 to safety,” says Gary. sharemilking for Debra and Gary say the Don and Katheryn dairy industry and the Walker on the farm at farmers they have worked Edgcumbe. for have been good to them, Creating a healthy environment for “Four years later Don giving them opportunities to wildlife and livestock is the aim on offered us the chance to achieve farm ownership. the Rowlands farm. buy their Fonterra shares However, the couple have and lease also got where they are the farm. It through hard work and was a tough careful management. decision with They could progress to a lot of money a bigger business but to raise during that’s not what they a down turn in want. pay out, but it “We are happy was also a great with the business, opportunity for the income and the us,” says Debra. lifestyle we have. We Ultimately switch to once-a-day Debra and Gary milking probably bought most of earlier than others the farm in stages but that gives us from the Walker time to spend with family and today our grandchildren operate it in and enjoy boating conjunction with and family,” says a leased 13-hectare Debra. support block.

Life for the Whey from the Rowlands is about enjoyment and sustainability nearby Fonterra – in terms of their business, the environment and dairy factory has been irrigated onto the farm and their family.

Elaine Fisher the Rowlands use regular soil testing to determine what, if any other, fertiliser is required. This is usually in the form of sulphur, Rorison Lime mag, with ‘Progibb’ used to stimulate grass growth. Gary, a keen fisherman, also spreads his own special ‘brew’ made

Page 17

DAIRY

Page 18

Why boron shouldn’t be ignored One problem farmers face today in relation to fertilisers is just whose advice to follow, since opinions between scientists, independent consultants, farm advisers and different fertiliser company reps is so wide and varied.

Robin Boom

CPAg MBSPC

Independent Agronomy & Soil Fertility Consultant

When it comes to the application of boron we have a classic example. I personally believe the non-application of boron on many farms is costing farmers dearly in the areas of stock health and poor pasture production, particularly from clovers.

Although there is debate over the primary function of boron in plants, it is known that boron deficiency reduces the ability of root cells to absorb phosphorus, chlorine and rubidium (used to mimic potassium).

This will result in stunted clovers, not only above the soil, but also below as far as the root mass is concerned, thus reducing the plants’ ability to exploit the soil.

Responses to boron become most marked when all the other elements are in good supply. Farms which have regularly received good applications of lime and potassic super, yet on which pasture growth is not really firing, could well benefit from boron.

Ruakura research

A pot trial at Ruakura showed production responses to boron on a boron-deficient soil near Taupo in red clover of up to 107 per cent increase, 74 per cent in lucerne and 43 per cent increase in white clover (NZ Journal of Agricultural Research 1983, p. 197-203).

Boron has also been associated with calcium deficiency in plants and animals. Boron appears to be a catalyst for the absorption and transport of calcium.

When cows go down with milk fever, Calcium Boroglucanate (calcium, boron and glucose) is often used as a remedy, and this contains four per cent Boric Acid (soluble boron).

On one of the Caribbean islands, the high incidence of arthritis was attributed to a very low boron status in the soil. Interestingly enough, New Zealanders also have one of the highest incidences of arthritis in the world.

In apple trees, bitter pit, which is caused by a low calcium level, has been corrected through boron applications.

Low calcium levels in pasture plants can sometimes be attributed to the low levels of boron, even though the calcium level is good in the soil.

Seed formation

Boron deficiency has also been linked to poor seed and flower formation in grasses and clovers. In another pot trial at Ruakura in 1983, the effect of boron on seed production from red and white clover cultivars and lucerne was tested on a known boron deficient soil. The results were that seed production was multiplied many times with the addition of boron.

In red clovers and lucerne, this was caused by a big increase in flower numbers, whereas for white clovers the increase was in the number of seeds per flower (NZ Journal of Experimental Agriculture 1983). This increase in seed production can be very significant for permanent pasture where a lot of natural reseeding takes place.

Boron can also give plants increased resistance to pests and disease. Clover flea tolerance in clovers is greater when boron levels are righted in the soil. In some crops, there is less tolerance to frosts on boron deficient soils. In Canada, field trials showed the application of boron increased drought tolerance in pasture plants.

In ryegrasses, boron may lower the infection of smut and ergot in the seed

head, thus reducing the incidence of ryegrass staggers.

Liming reduces the availability of boron in soils, a feature which boron has in common with most other trace elements (molybdenum and selenium being exceptions).

Testing required

Plants have different requirements for boron. Boron tolerance levels, and toxicity vary considerably from species to species.

Crops such as asparagus, brassicas and clovers have high requirements for boron, whereas grasses, wheat and barley have relatively low requirements.

Some kiwifruit orchardists who have liberally applied boron have run into trouble with splitting vines.

What is most important is that boron is applied only when either a soil test or herbage test shows it to be lacking.

If soil test levels for boron are below 0.8 ppm or a clover leaf test is below 18 ppm, then a response to boron is likely.

The amount of boron to apply should be determined by the severity of the deficiency and the form of boron used.

As a student at Lincoln University, my soil science lecturer the late Prof Walker, maintained that boron deficiencies were widespread in the North Island. Even back in 1974, the Annual Report of the Ministry of Agriculture recorded field trials applying nine kg/ ha of boron fertiliser, gave total pasture dry-matter production increases from 10 to 30 per cent.

In these trials it was noted that clover growth increased significantly, particularly in periods of high rainfall. All of this begs the question - why is boron so often ignored by so many in the fertiliser industry today?

Robin Boom CPAg, Member of the Institute of Professional Soil Scientists 021-2684615

Dairy cow numbers down The number of dairy cattle has dropped for the first time since 2005.

The latest Statistics New Zealand figures show a total of 6.4 million dairy cattle at the end of June 2015.

"We have 300,000 fewer dairy cattle than in 2014, which is a reversal of the trend of increases in the

www.facebook.com/KineticElectricalRotorua

last 10 years," business indicators senior manager Neil Kelly says.

"Both the national dairy milking herd and the replacement herd have declined. This comes at a time of falling international prices and lower milk solid pay outs."

In the same one-year period, sheep, beef, and

deer numbers also fell.

The number of sheep declined by 300,000, to a total of 29.5 million as at June 2015.

These provisional figures are from the 2015 Agricultural Production Survey, which Statistics NZ conducted in partnership with the Ministry for Primary Industries.

DAIRY

Page 19

No kidding – these captions are good The Country Funnies photo of goats having fun on a trampoline obviously amused Coast & Country readers who suggested suitable captions for the image.

O U NT R

FU

N NIE

Trophy hunters

This is the author’s first venture into fiction writing. He’s already published four non-fiction books.

However, Gary’s extensive hunting background, including 22 years running a successful guided hunt-

S

C

Jenni is photo by Caption th be in to win a to Templeton urn to Lucifer et copy of “R Gary Joll.

Creek” by

Y

Dianne Watson send in: “Stop acting the goat”. Linda McCready of Te Puke suggested: “Gruff family playing around.”

L R Crafar of Tauranga came up with three captions: “Keep tramping kids, it’s nearly grounded”; “Billy is such a show off ” and “Hooray it’s Nanny’s day off ” and wins a copy of the book “I Power” by George Dieter, published by Exile Publishing.

This month’s Country Funnies image is supplied by Coast & Country reader Jenni Templeton of Te Kuiti and it’s of the family husky Keisha and cows.

Send in your captions for this photo to be in to win a copy of the book “Return to Lucifer Creek” by Gary Joll, published by Halcyon Press.

ing business for visiting international trophy hunters, informs his fiction writing.

The story is set at the head of Lake Tekapo at Lilybank Safari Lodge and the author’s intimate knowledge of the property, its valleys, mountains and the game roaming there gives his writing authority and accuracy.

The book tells the story of Barry Morton, who is hunting illegally on Lilybank in the Southern Alps. When he returns to what he thought was a camping spot only few others knew about, “Return to Lucifer he finds a young woman called Creek” by Gary Joll is Helen swimming in a hot pool the February Country there. Shortly after he encounters Funnies book prize. and kills two individuals he believes to be terrorists, intent on killing him and anyone else in the area.

Barry and Helen must then play a deadly game of hide-and-seek, becoming the hunters not the hunted.

To be in to win a copy of this book, email captions for the photo (above right), along with your name and address, with Country Funnies as the subject, to: elaine@thesun.co.nz Or put these details on the back of an envelope and post to: Country Funnies, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140.

DAIRY TECH

- ]Ê " -/,1 / " Ê Ê 1/" / " Ê-9-/ -

New light on facial eczema control

Sub-clinical facial eczema is a problem on at least a third of dairy farms in the North Island, and the Bay of Plenty would be no exception.

Spore counting is good for detecting trends, but to be most relevant, the same paddocks need to be tested each week on your farm. This clearly has implications on the value a farm can gain from grass samples submitted during the FE season.

Chicory and plantain, planted in pure swards, protect against facial eczema, while tall fescue may have some protective effect. Lime on the other hand has no effect on spore counts.

Of most importance is that zinc remains the best protection tool but under-dosage is common. In particular zinc in the water is the most common method, but the least effective at achieving adequate

Innovative Design Improves Efficiency Ezi-flo pit gates completely clear exit ways and cannot be touched by cows leaving the milking area.

The fully galvanised gates are available in kitset for speedy installation

0800 226974 2 C OW S H E D Ph Jim 07-850 5971 Mob. 0274 936 693 Ph Chris 07-849 3630 Mob. 0274 936 692 P.O. Box 10 188, Te Rapa, Hamilton www.dairybuilders.co.nz

ezi-flo

PITGATES

zinc levels in the cows. It is possible for all zinc treatments to work but all methods can fail if the dosage is incorrect.

The method is more likely to fail if a cow has control over her intake of zinc (via water or feed).

Once zinc treatment is initiated farmers need to test a selection of cattle for zinc concentration in the blood and liver damage.

Monitoring is important to provide assurance that your efforts are providing adequate protection.

DESIGN, CONSTRUCTION & AUTOMATION °°°° > }ÊÞ ÕÀÊ LÊi>Ã iÀt A well designed, well constructed milking facility is crucial for a profitable dairy farm business. Dairy Tech is a company providing dairy design solutions and construction integrity that withstands the increasing demands of dairy farm management.

UÊ,"/ ,9ÊÊUÊ ,, " ÊÊUÊ ,/ - ,Ê -ÊÊUÊ "6 , Ê Ê* -ÊÊUÊ , Ê , -ÊÊ UÊ*, -/Ê- "Ê-/ -ÊUÊ*, -/Ê 1 /Ê-1 *-ÊÊUÊ/"*Ê " ÊÊUÊ /, Ê -ÊÊ UÊ,"/ ,9Ê7 / ,Ê -ÊÊUÊ 1// , 9Ê / -ÊÊUÊ / ÊÉÊ, * ,

Contact us today to find out how we can help you improve your efficiency and milking processes.

,9Ê/ Ê / ÊÊ£ÇnÊ > Ê, >`]Ê, ÓÊ"Ì À > }>ÊÎ ÇÓÊÊ P: 07 873 0819ÊÊ \ÊÊäÇÊnÇÎÊänÎ ÊÊ \ÊÊ v J`> ÀÞÌiV °V ° â

www.dairytech.co.nz

c1304kwDairyTech

A recent study has thrown new light on the common pit falls of facial eczema control in New Zealand. The full article was released as part of the last edition of the Dairy NZ Technical Series, with a number of key points raised by Waikato veterinarian Emma Cuttance as follows.

DAIRY

Page 20

Summer rain like ‘pennies from heaven’ Fickle is probably a polite term for the weather – or at least the weather predictions – over the holiday period. Not that I’m complaining.

The rain in late December-early January was extremely welcome. We had 87ml in the first 10 days of January and made a big difference to maize crops which had been starting to show signs of moisture stress.

However, everyone (including me) had been talking about a summer drought brought on by the El Nino weather pattern and as yet, it hasn’t arrived, at least not in the North Island. Canterbury farmers are still in a drought which doesn’t seem to end.

The recent rain doesn’t mean we won’t get drier conditions later in the season because El Nino is all about weather events – like long dry periods or the storms, which hit holiday campers hard this summer.

That rain is money from heaven for farmers and has increased soil moisture levels which can only be good – but it’s not the time to get complacent – we could still be in for a drought.

The rain and subsequent humid conditions may

also spark an increase in facial eczema counts so watch out for signs and take early action.

Brassica crops also need close monitoring for white butterfly and army caterpillars. Apply sprays before these pests get out of hand.

Now is a good time for farmers to plan for next season. Make a note of paddocks which are not performing as well as they should, perhaps because of a lot of kikuyu, paspalum and mercer grasses. It’s no good trying to spray out these grasses in spring because they are not actively growing and glyphosate won’t work as well. But it will work in February and March, which is a good time to spray and under-sow or cultivate the paddocks, planting an interim crop before resowing with pasture in spring or putting into summer crops or maize.

Low costs

With the dairy payout down it’s vital to look at relatively low costs methods of providing good feed while giving some insurance against a dry mid-summer.

Look outside the square and consider other options such as Lucerne which has saved the butts of many farmers in dry seasons. It’s not only great for dairy cows, but also for increasing weights of lambs and beef cattle. Chicory is another option which is more drought tolerant and can provide multiple grazings.Growing these doesn’t have to be expensive and they can be fed out by

simply installing electric fences and break-feeding stock. The same can be done with a silage stack and many sheep and beef farmers have found using electric fencing an efficient way of feeding silage, without having to have big machinery to take it to the animals.

Clean up

Cleaning up or grinding old stumps and improving the drainage and condition of under-performing paddocks is a worthwhile summer job.

Before re-sowing, take soil tests to find out what fertilisers are required, then talk to your seed merchants or reps about what varieties of grass will do best for you.

One variety won’t necessarily be right for the whole farm. There are many new hybrids with different traits which suit varying conditions. We always carry out our own trials and it’s worth doing if you can.

If you always do what you’ve always done, you’ll always get the same result.

Being resilient in tough times is about being prepared to make carefully considered changes and looking for new opportunities to do more with what you have in terms of land and animals.

We still have good quality silage available for milking herds and have made one cut of hay, with paddocks shut up for the second round. Hawke’s Bay companies are harvesting barley and wheat so good quality straw will be available soon, but it’s important to get orders in quick as they won’t be stockpiling feed in this low-pay-pout environment.

Diverse topics on agenda for Limestone Downs open day Limestone Downs is an attractive property, with the ocean on its boundary.

Laser Electrical Morrinsville Your Local Farming Electrical Specialists 0800 PH ACTION | Ph:07 889 3344 | 0274 927 133 x &RPPHUFLDO x ,QGXVWULDO x 5XUDO x 5HVLGHQWLDO x 0DLQWHQDQFH 6HUYLFLQJ

www.morrinsville.laserelectrical.co.nz

Stream monitoring, reducing sheep losses, dairy beef breeding and broken shoulders in dairy cattle are among the topics under discussion at the Limestone Downs open day on Tuesday February 16.

The 3219 hectares dairy, sheep and beef property near Port Waikato is a large-scale commercial farm supporting the work of the charitable trust set up to fund agricultural research and development after founder and former owner Charles Alma Baker died in 1941.

Today the property is administered by a New Zealand-based committee, appointed by the English trustees of the C Alma Baker Estate.

The open day begins at 10am at the farm woolshed with a series of speakers, starting with an outline of the physical and financial performance of Limestone Downs.

Dr Rebecca Hickson, senior lecturer in animal breeding and genetics at Massey University will talk about a major project with the station’s dairy herd mated to beef sires and progeny reared and monitored on the sheep and beef farm.

The topic for Kate Griffiths, lecturer

pastoral livestock, Massey University, is the trust-funded project looking at the causes of sheep losses, which are an ongoing challenge to resolve.

Managing director, senior ecologist and environmental planner of Kessels Ecology Gerry Kessels will present his findings on stream monitoring and the ecological impact of Limestone Downs’ dairy conversion.

After lunch, which visitors bring for themselves (tea and coffee is provided), there will be guided, self-drive farm tours of either dairy or sheep and beef unit.

Visitors are invited to bring a 4WD vehicle if they can. Motorbike helmets are required to be worn by those using quads, and no passengers are permitted on these machines. Riding on tractors is also not permitted.

The open day will go ahead wet or fine, so wet weather gear may be needed.

Anyone interested in Limestone Downs, its operations and the research underway there, is welcome to attend.

The farm and trust has strong links with Massey University, with the trust providing some funding for agricultural and horticultural research at the university; and every year the farm hosts four members of the UK Young Farmers Club, who work on the farm for three months.

EFFLUENT

Page 21

Small farms thrive - even in tough times Although dairy and lamb prices will inevitably rise sometime, most projections indicate no marked improvement during the next 12 months.

In his recent predictions for farming, Honorary Professor of Agri-Food Systems at Lincoln University, Keith Woodford, suggests that the number of smaller family operated farms will steadily decline. However, we’re not so sure.

Our work is primarily with smaller owner-operated farm businesses and we see a number of advantages that they have.

In tough financial times family owned and operated businesses reduce personal spending, well aware that the downturn is temporary, and that new vehicles, kitchens, and overseas holidays can be deferred.

Because the really efficient operators have developed excellent observational skills to go alongside their technical expertise, decision making is more rapid, and often made almost in anticipation of events.

Future course

They’re not waiting for historical data to be entered into a model to tell them what’s happening, or relying on the model for the ‘correct’ answer and future course of action.

Models are essential, but they’re only as good as the information entered. In times of turmoil the ability to trust your own judgement and move quickly means short term pain is minimised, bringing the inevitable upside significantly closer. Advantages are also found in the detail, in the areas where fine tuning makes a real difference. Empty rates in smaller dairy herds we work with are consistently below 10 per cent and often close to five per cent, due to careful observation.

With excellent reproductive performance herd quality steadily improves, culls are often sold as replacements for larger herds. Financial savings are considerable.

Pasture management and its role in persistence is an

area where smaller operations often have a real advantage. The worst performing paddock on a farm is usually the furthest from the shed, simply because it is seldom carefully observed.

Performance lift

When focus shifts to that area and grazing takes place when pasture is just past its rapid growth phase, and when sufficient animals are introduced to graze it to the ideal residual without re-grazing, performance immediately lifts.

It is now well accepted that the performance of permanent grazed pasture has steadily declined in the last 20 years, and that the future of industry is based on the ability to maximise low cost pasture production.

The increase in pasture performance from the Functional Fertiliser monitor properties compared to district average is around 30 per cent, the difference between 14,500kgDM/ha annually and 19,000kgDM, and the extra 4500kg is produced at no extra cost.

The first question asked by the head agronomist of a large national farming organisation when visiting one of the properties recently was, “What’s the pasture renewal programme?” The question was answered correctly, “There isn’t one.”

The paddock we were standing in has regularly grown in excess of 20t of highly nutritious pasture in a 12-month period, and there’s no record or recollection of it being renewed in the last 50 years.

Permanent pastures should be exactly that – permanent. When the conditions under which clover flourishes is established, a wide range of higher fertility grasses establish and persist, year upon year.

Pastures are characterised at this time in the season by a mat of large leafed long solid-stemmed clover, with no patches of bare soil. Recent testing shows high levels of active mycorrhizal fungi, just one of the reasons growth over dry periods remains strong. Because the soil has a large number of granular aggregates, plant roots are able to extract both nutrient and moisture

well below 250mm.

With carbon being continuously sequestered, moisture holding capacity increases.

In eight years of monitoring, the pasture production trend line has lifted, providing owners and sharemilkers with the ability to steadily reduce costs without jeopardising total farm production.

For more information call Peter on 0800 843 809.

REE FELLERS BIG OR SMALL - WE DO IT ALL

Page 22

EFFLUENT

Dual purpose ‘best backyard pond’ ever The scale of the Pondco frost protection pond on a Katikati orchard is obvious from this image take during its construction.

The million litre pond built by Pondco on a Katikati orchard is multi-purpose – it provides water storage for irrigation, frost protection and fire-fighting, as well as being a natural swimming pond.

“It’s the coolest swimming pond, the best backyard pond you could image, filled with chemical-free water which the family can enjoy all year round, and know will be available to help fight winter frosts, drought and for firefighting,” says Hamish Forbes of Pondco.

The pond, which Hamish describes as a “kidneyheart shape” was excavated by Paul Steiner Contracting Ltd, then lined and commissioned by Pondco early in January and is an example of the kind of ponds Pondco can create.

“We can construct ponds to any shape or size you like. Add a sand entrance if you like the beach theme or we can theme the pool to your company’s profile or any theme you prefer.

Floating jetty

“Pondco also has a range of jetty designs for natural swimming ponds, including semi-floating and fixed jetties with gazebos and a unique stair options for entry and exit from pool,” says Hamish who installed New Zealand’s first ‘natural commercial swimming pool’ some years ago.

“Natural swimming ponds are totally chemical free, with no ongoing expense in adding costly poisons.

Choline is becoming an issue in dairy shed wash down water that enters the effluent pond and it is definitely not good for human beings to swim in.

“Most of these natural swimming ponds use an

Pondco’s Safety Escape System is designed to enable anyone falling into an effluent pond to get out.

Oase NSP pump which runs four hours a day initially with 65-85 watts of power consumption, which is less than a standard lightbulb.”

Building swimming ponds and frost ponds is yet another aspect of Pondco’s diverse business. The company is also well known for its dairy effluent storage ponds and the Pondco Safety Escape System and pond design.

Escape system “It will soon become mandatory for effluent ponds to have at least two forms of escape system and ours is designed so that whatever side of the pond a fall may occur, there is always a rope close at hand.

“Our Safety Escape System is made of 100 per cent marine grade materials, and for most ponds only four corner posts are required.”

All ropes are machine-spliced and manufactured in NZ from blended polypropylene and polyethylene resins. The materials are UV-stabilized to meet extreme UV conditions and 12mm ropes have a breaking load of 2654kg, with 16mm ropes have a breaking load of 4600kg.

The system includes 70mm high buoyancy floats, also manufactured in NZ from marine grade UV stabilized PVC, and seam-welded for maximum performance.

‘Egg floats’ at about every two metres keep the system visible and on the surface, and large corner buoys stabilize the entire system.

“We also offer single pull out corner ropes, life rings and danger warning signs.”

Anti-slip and liner protection wear pads are also available at www.pondco.co.nz

EFFLUENT

Page 23

Effluent ponds a reflection of general farm health Dr Linus Pauling, winner of two Nobel Prizes, stated: "In my opinion, one can trace every sickness, every disease and every ailment to mineral deficiency."

unpleasant or not. Another factor is the feed input. Extra supplements such as PKE and to a lesser extent, grain and other additives decrease the pH throughout the animal and soil environment and in particular, the effluent pond.

If you accept this statement, and have stock health Health compromised problems; insect problems; fungal and bacterial disThe greater the deviation away from clovereases; fruit and vegetables that rot and do not keep; based pasture, the more difficult it is to maintain need to regularly re-grass areas of your farm; regularly that balance. In other words, cow health can be dip, dag and drench stock; then you really need to compromised. That compromise also ends up in change your fertiliser as the fertiliser programme is the pond. not working for you at all.

The increase in the crust The digestibility If your effluent pond is crusting over, smells and on an effluent pond is of PKE has in some needs to be cleaned out every so often, you also need a sign something is out cases been measured to change your fertiliser policy. of balance in the farm at 52 per cent. Sludge It’s quite simple: If you are running a balanced system. on the bottom of farming system, working with nature and not against her; the whole farm environment will be running at a pH of around 6.3-6.4.

That is, the soil, the plants and the animals.

But the effluent pond will be one higher, ie 7.3. To get a correct 6.3 or 6.4 on the farm, the right balance of calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium and hydrogen is required.

A healthy effluent pond has active bubbling, clearer That can be difliquid and a lot less, if any crust. ficult to achieve if excess nitrogen is used, as nitrogen decreases calcium in particular. A balanced environment will begin to flourish throughout all sectors of the farm.

Most importantly the dairy cows producing the effluent will enjoy healthy lives with few, if any metabolic issues.

Metabolic problems

It’s not a good idea to just apply lime to change the pH. The correct calcium and magnesium in particular needs to be properly calculated. We do that from a PAL soil test. The addition of lime alone leads to a reduction of magnesium that we usually find to be too low in the first place. That in turn can lead to lower pasture production and metabolic problems in stock.

As far as the effluent goes, the aerobic microbes passing through the animals gut will end up in the pond and flourish. When that correct balance is upset, the anaerobic microbes dominate. The particles in the pond are not broken down, causing extra maintenance on the pond and blocked nozzles.

When the aerobic conditions are restored, the microbes devour the crust that forms on top of the pond which then clears up. A good test, other than the presence of a crust, of whether the pond is not working properly is whether the pond smells

the pond and crust on the top is undigested and wasted feed. It is a costly wasted opportunity and an added expense.

Symptomatic benefits of a fully functional pond include: greater organic matter digestion; greater effluent nutrient levels; less fertiliser required on the farm, particularly N, P and K; reduced odours; greatly reduced effluent maintenance costs, and a safer environment owing to less pollution. This is an absolute winner.

It is easy to see that a pond is functioning correctly as there will be active bubbling, clearer liquid and a lot less, if any crust.

The increase in the crust can alert you to something being wrong, calling for corrective action to fix the cause, not treat the symptom. It all starts in the soil.

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Page 24

Times changing for rural subdivision opportunities After decades of relatively flexible and simple subdivision rules, times are a- changing. Until relatively recently most districts have allowed lifestyle blocks to be created throughout their regions without too much fuss. That has changed significantly and will undoubtedly keep doing so.

PHONE 0800 BAYBLINDS NOW FOR A FREE MEASURE & QUOTE Huge Savings direct from the manufacturer Quality Blinds | 100% made in the Bay 8 Maleme Street, Greerton | 07 578 7794 | bayblinds.co.nz

Many councils have now made subdivision creating blocks under 40 hectares in size extremely difficult, particularly in areas of high productivity. Western Bay District is the only council in this region that has a rule allowing the subdivision of six hectare blocks for horticultural land.

In general, councils are trying hard to push future lifestylers into rural residential enclaves of self-serviced blocks as small as 2,500 square metres. Some, including Hauraki District, are providing zones where a variety of lifestyle block sizes are encouraged.

Less productive These are being established on the foothills where the land is less productive and the chances of interrupting large scale farming are lower.

Lifestyle blocks can still be created in rural areas by way of boundary adjustments or relocation of existing titles, if you have additional titles or are selling the farm to a neighbour. Existing titles can also be reduced in size in the process.

Many councils also allow small blocks to be created in return for protection of ecological and cultural features such as bush, stream

banks or wetland. This is seen as a win/win where the environment is being protected for the good of the community and the landowner gets a significant return for their investment.

This environmental protection has led to the latest type of subdivision – that of Transferable Development Rights. Basically, if a landowner is prepared to register a covenant on their title to protect an ecological feature, council will sometimes allow them to subdivide and/or sell this ability to someone else in the district.

Amalgamate titles

These subdivisions are popular in most districts, including Thames-Coromandel, Waipa, Waikato, Western Bay and the old Franklin District. However, TCDC do not allow the transfer of these rights and Waikato does not allow transfer except for within that part of the old Franklin District that they administer.

Another type of subdivision that has gained some traction recently is where two existing titles are amalgamated into one, leaving one right that can be sold to create another title somewhere else. These titles cannot be moved to another district.

There are also restrictions on where they can end up and what type of subdivision they can facilitate.

This type of subdivision is common in the old Franklin District, Waipa and Western Bay. If you wish to clarify any subdivision strategies mentioned here please feel free to give me a call. I am happy to discuss the situation with you to see if it is worth pursuing.

Brent Trail, Managing Director of Surveying Services, specialises in resource consent applications for subdivisions across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Coromandel. For further information call 0800 268 632 or email btrail@surveyingservices.co.nz

China-NZ veterinary exchange set up

EMILIO’S TIMBERS EST1981

A new veterinary exchange programme with China will help build closer relations in the equine industries, says Primary Industries and Racing Minister Nathan Guy. “China is a growing and important market for New Zealand-bred horses. This programme will train Chinese vets to learn from New Zealand and increase their skills and experience in animal health and welfare.”

The Equine Veterinary Professional Development pilot is a partnership between Rider Horse China, the New Zealand equine industry and the Ministry for Primary Industries.

The nine week programme

provides training on areas such as basic equine anatomy and physiology, diagnostic approaches to musculoskeletal ailments affecting performance racehorses, treatment of common equine reproductive conditions and equine artificial insemination.

Three Chinese veterinarians from the China Rider Horse Group are currently in New Zealand as part of the programme.

“This includes four weeks study at Massey

University and five weeks clinical placement with local vets, working in the field.

“It also has the potential to be expanded into professional veterinarian development between the two countries for dairy and sheep sectors as well.

“This programme is an important way of helping to further grow relationships between New Zealand and China.”

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Page 25

Techniques for home orchard pruning Much of the available information regarding fruit tree management is published from a commercial perspective.

While this deďŹ nitely has its place, that place may not be in your home orchard, says Sheryn Clothier a tutor of learning to live sustainably courses.

The day starts at 10am and will ďŹ nish about 4pm.

Refreshments and a lunch of home-grown organic food will be provided.

Registration is essential. For more information go to: www.lals.nz/pruning-and-maintaining-a-homeorchard.html

That’s why she’s conducting a course in pruning and maintaining a home orchard on her property near Tirau on March 5. “Where commercial growers want a tree to produce as soon as possible, you may prefer to produce nutrient-dense fruit. Where orchadists aim for high production, you may want hardy, spray-free trees. “Over the years I have questioned, researched, experimented and learnt a lot about how to get my trees to produce what I want.�

Aspects which will be discussed, demonstrated and practiced during the one day course will include: pruning timing, techniques and theories. Formative pruning and pruning for citrus, stonefruit and pipfruit will be examined.

Heavy pruning with a chainsaw, harvesting techniques, orchard hygiene, mulching and composting techniques, making your own organic fertilisers, organic pest control strategies, tools and tool maintenance, orchard machines and mowers and understories, and understorey and grass management are also on the programme. “Participants will see the results of my methods in a mature orchard, get an opportunity to practice various pruning techniques and see how the theories can be applied to real trees in a real home-orchard situation.�

Sheryn Clothier tutors in “Learning to Live Sustainably� courses.

6NLQ &DQFHU LV E\ IDU WKH PRVW FRPPRQ FDQFHU LQ 1HZ =HDODQG DQG WKH QXPEHU RI GLDJQRVHG FDVHV FRQWLQXHV WR ULVH HDFK \HDU 6NLQ &DQFHU FDQ EH OLIH WKUHDWHQLQJ VSHFL´FDOO\ PHODQRPD LI QRW WUHDWHG HDUO\ VR HQVXUH \RX UHFHLYH WKH ULJKW DQDO\VLV DQG WUHDWPHQW DW DQ HDUO\ VWDJH &DOO WKH 6NLQ &HQWUH WRGD\ WR DUUDQJH DQ H[DPLQDWLRQ

6NLQ &DQFHU

Many advantages to staying at home As the population ages and more elderly people choose to stay in their own homes, the demand for in-home care is growing fast.

Miranda Smith Home Care – the most experienced private home care agency in the country – says its carers have never been busier. “The baby boomer generation are now in, or heading towards, retirement and the trend is to keep people in their own homes as long as possible,� says company founder Miranda Smith. “Research that shows allowing adults to stay in their own surroundings has advantages in terms of longevity and happiness. People respond better if they can stay in their home and maintain a degree of independence.�

Miranda began providing care in the community 17 years ago, after working for a similar style agency in the United Kingdom. She introduced the concept here, becoming one of the ďŹ rst private home care agencies in the country and now has ofďŹ ces throughout New Zealand. “We’ve grown very quickly, with referrals coming via health professionals and friends and relatives of existing clients,â€? Miranda says. “Some clients need only a few hours a week to assist

6SRW WKH GLIIHUHQFH"

with shopping, cooking and housekeeping whereas others with higher or more speciďŹ c needs may require round-the-clock care. “Clients also get to choose which carer they prefer and often form a very close bond with that person.â€?

In the Bay of Plenty, the company has more than 60 independent carers it can call on to assist with helping people remain living independently.

HOMECARE

Independence is vital to maintaining a quality of life.

(;&(//(1&( ,1 '(50$72/2*<

&DPHURQ 5RDG 7DXUDQJD )UHHSKRQH ZZZ VNLQFHQWUH FRP

Page 26

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Biggest range, best deals, for everything horsey Hoofcamp Saddlery is now the only saddlery business covering the Eastern Bay, through to Gisborne, Tauranga and Rotorua.

It is also one of the largest saddlery stores in New Zealand and what makes it so popular is that it carries a wide range of gear for all disciplines.

“Hoofcamp is well known for Western and stock saddles. We also cater for the show jumping rider, dressage, endurance, the bushman/hunter and the stockman / shepherd,” says Catherine Cook.

“We are still increasing our range of products. New suppliers continue coming on board to enhance the wide range of gear, equipment, products and supplements for customers. As always Hoofcamp has a comprehensive range of everything equestrian.

“The large secondhand corner which has saddles and much else equestrian is very popular.

“We sell on behalf and this service takes all of the hassle out of dealing with buyers for the private person selling gear.

“Hoofcamp deals with questions and makes the sale for you. You just collect your payment after the item is sold.

Currently we want second hand West-

ern and stock saddles to sell.”

Hoofcamp's workshop is busier than ever with everything imaginable coming in for repairs. Anything that needs a heavy duty machine, stitching, rivets, domes, clips, buckles or zips, they can do.

Horse cover repairs are their specialty and they also launder horse rugs and re-proof them.

Hoofcamp Saddlery will have a stall at the Opotiki Show Jumping event on February 13 and 14 which will be held at the Northern end of St Johns Street, Opotiki.

“Our stall will be situated by the food caravans and we will have a huge range of our gear at this show where some of New Zealand’s top show jumpers will be competing over the two days.”

Hoofcamp's Face Book page is proving very popular and Kathryn is encouraging people to "like" Hoofcamp on Face Book.

Help needed to identify this tool The propose of an unusual piece of equipment found among its collection has the team at Western Bay Museum stumped.

of the Opotiki District Museum’s collection. The portable machine was used for treating nervous diseases.

A crank handle at the front turns gears which are connected to electro magnets.

The patient holds the metal rods and a mild alternating current is delivered.

The force depends on the speed at which the crank is turned. The makers claimed that it would relieve pain as well as cure numerous disorders.

The mahogany box contains two magnets and brass gears, and this apparatus was made by S Maw, Son & Thompson in London, makers of medical instruments.

Museum manager and curator Paula Gaelic believes it could be one piece of a larger device.

“It is about one meter long and made from cast iron, with a handle on the top.

“I believe it may be an agricultural tool. It looks a little like an old style of silage knife but is a different shape, length and size and we think it may be part of something else.

“If Coast & Country readers can help us identify it, we’d be delighted,” she says.

If you think you know what it is and how it was used, we’d love to hear from you.

The team at Western Bay Museum Send your entry to have no idea what this item is. elaine@thesun.co.nz, with Mystery Item in the subject line, or post to: Mystery Item, Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3140.

Therapy apparatus

No one correctly identified the mystery item from December’s Coast & Country, although nine-yearold Gina Taylor thought it might be an old hair curling kit.

It is in fact a Magneto Electric Therapy Apparatus c1885 which is part

This Magneto Electric Therapy Apparatus c1885 is part of the collection at the Opotiki District Museum.

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Page 27

Western Bay Museum ‘over the moon’ Granting of NZ Lotteries Commission funding to the Western Bay Museum is fantastic news for Katikati and the wider region, says Western Bay of Plenty District Council councillor Mike Williams.

“We are over the moon that the funding has been granted. I truly believe the museum in Katikati’s main street will assist with the town’s arts and crafts culture and give visitors another reason to stop and spend time in Katikati.

“I take my hat off to museum manager and curator Paula Gaelic who has fought so long and hard for the museum and for this grant,” says Mike, who has been closely involved with the museum

for several years.

The museum will tell the story of the Western Bay region from pre-Maori times to the current day, through constantly changing exhibitions, based on the collection of the former Katikati Heritage Definitely open for business: Paula Gaelic, Museum.

Western Bay Museum manager is excited Paula says after about the new developments ahead for the three years of Katikati based museum. hard work, she is “Lotteries Commission has very ecstatic about the strict criteria for funding and we grant and the on-going support had to make sure we ticked every from the Western Bay of Plenty box. This grant is confirmation District Council, Katch Katikati, we are on the right track with the volunteers, local businesses and museum.” the wider community.

The $75,000 funding will be used to fit out the former Katikati Fire Station, which has been extensively renovated and prepared to house museum exhibits. It is currently hosting ‘Unexpected Heroes’ which continues until the end of March, featuring local people involved in World War I. Now the funding is approved, work

can begin on making the cabinetry for the museum’s most precious and delicate items, including the 1860 ‘Killen gown’ donated by descendants of the pioneer family, which hasn’t been displayed before.

“It will be part of our first exhibition Fun and Games, which isn’t just for children.”

Elaine Fisher

Vibrant rural village community Built more than 42 years ago, Aparangi Retirement Villages is one of the few not-for-profit community facilities in the country that offers a lifestyle choice in retirement, including rest home, hospital level care, palliative care and day support.

“We are a vibrant, growing community set in the heart of Te Kauwhata with excellent road access to Auckland, Hamilton and the coast,” says Jackie Long of the Te Kauwhata Retirement Trust Board.

Aparangi Village is an active community which is very much part of the wider Te Kauwhata township.

The local bowling club will attest to that.

“We offer a range of housing options from purchasing an existing property, build your own home

as we have sites available or have a spec house built for you. We currently have new properties being constructed as well as a new two bedroom spec house about to be built.

“We are also able to support you when you need care as we have our own residential care unit set in the village grounds.

“Interested? Then come and visit. Walk around and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Meet current residents and staff. You will be surprised at the space we offer and our price structure.”

Call into the office to meet Jackie, Glenda or Tiffany, care unit manager to learn more about the care unit.

Attention Farmers

Problems with Iron and Manganese?

Aparangi Village offer a range of retirement options in an attractive, rural setting.

PLA SY

TIC T E M S LIMITED

NZ Designed Rural Filtration Systems for the Removal of Iron and Manganese and Other Rural Problems

5HVXOWV JXDUDQWHHG )XOO\ DXWRPDWHG 6\VWHPV GHVLJQHG WR VXLW /DWHVW LQ HOHFWURQLF WHFKQRORJ\ DQG DOHUW V\VWHPV x 2SWLRQV IRU ZLUHOHVV FRPPXQLFDWLRQ x x x x

)XOO VFDOH SRUWDEOH GHPRQVWUDWLRQ SODQW DYDLODEOH &DOO QRZ DQG HQTXLUH DERXW RXU IXOO VFDOH SRUWDEOH SLORW V\VWHP DQG VHH ILUVW KDQG UHVXOWV IRU \RXUVHOI

ϬϴϬϬ ϭϬϵ ϮϬϮ ĞŵŽŶƐƚƌĂƟŽŶ ƉůĂŶƚ ŽŶƐŝƚĞ͘

ǁǁǁ͘ĞĐŽǁŽƌůĚ͘ĐŽ͘Ŷnj

;Ύ ŽŶĚŝƟŽŶƐ ŵĂLJ ĂƉƉůLJ ĚĞƉĞŶĚĂŶƚ ŽŶ ĐŝƌĐƵŵƐƚĂŶĐĞƐ͕ ĚĞŵŽŶƐƚƌĂƟŽŶ ƉůĂŶƚ ĚĞƉĞŶĚĂŶƚ ŽŶ ĂǀĂŝůĂďŝůŝƚLJ ĂŶĚ ůŽĐĂƟŽŶͿ

FORESTRY

Page 28

‘Textbook El Nino’ heightens fire risks El Niño is here and already making its presence felt.

Recent fires that blazed through plantation forests in Waikakaho Valley, near Blenheim, are perhaps the first of the summer’s casualties in what Scion’s Research Leader and atmospheric dispersion specialist Dr Tara Strand calls “a textbook synoptic El Niño weather pattern for New Zealand”.

El Niño is a natural occurrence that returns every three to seven years, usually around winter or spring and diminishing late summer or autumn. Over this time, winds tend to be stronger and more frequent from the west in summer, bringing more rain to the west and drought to east coast areas.

Tara says, “Initially, weaker easterly trade winds bring stronger south-westerly flows, which lead to cooler temperatures and higher rainfall in the south and western parts of the South Island.

“At some point, parts of the South Island will switch from these wet south-westerlies to north-westerlies, which bring dry, hot winds and will put areas like Canterbury and Otago at risk for high fire danger. We are already seeing high fire danger in the Marlborough area because the moist south-westerlies are not reaching the northern end of the South Island.

“In the North Island, a pressure ridge builds over the northern regions, resulting in less rainfall in the Auckland, Northland and Gisborne/Hawke’s Bay areas.

Fire danger

“Historically, El Niño has brought severe drought to Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne, and this year’s event is shaping up to be similar in strength to those in 198283 and 1997-98. Both events saw severe fire dangers across large parts of the country and major fires in Northland, the central North Island, Nelson and Otago.”

The hot, dry and windy conditions typical of an El Niño create the ideal environment for wildfires that are likely to burn more intensely with a greater potential for escape, therefore posing greater risk to property, natural resources and people.

On average, around 3,000 wildfires occur each year throughout the country, laying waste to about 6,500 hectares of rural land with considerable environmental and economic impacts.

In comparison, more than 45,000 hectares were burned during the El Niño event in 1982-83, in the central North Island alone.

Reduce risks

Increased uptake of science and fire behaviour tools by New Zealand fire managers over the past 24 years is helping to reduce wildfire risk and protect life and property, and to build more resilient rural communities.

Scion’s Rural Fire Research Team provides the science and technical expertise in fire research to the rural fire sector, providing fire managers with a greater understanding of fire behaviour under various conditions and fuel types, and with a range of fire management tools.

This was demonstrated last year year when fire scientist Veronica Clifford served as technical specialist for the National Incident Management Team deployed to manage wildfires that swept through 600 hectares of forest at Onamalutu, in Marlborough, and more recently during the Waikakaho fire.

It’s estimated about 450 hectares of forests were destroyed in the Waikakaho Valley wildfire, the majority of which was close to harvest. Veronica used the fire behaviour model Prometheus and the New Zealand Fire Behaviour Toolkit to provide fire weather forecasts, and fire behaviour and growth predictions for the Marlborough/Kaikoura Rural Fire

Authority, which formed the basis of their operational decisions.

“By taking into account weather conditions, the lie of the land and vegetation, and the way they interact, we can go a long way to predicting the behaviour of most fires,” says Veronica.

“I used up-to-date weather forecasts for the area and other information to predict what the fire was likely to do over the next 12-hour period. Then I briefed management and the fire crews at twice daily shift changes.”

The team has also been evaluating the weather data and fire danger indices used in the development of fire management plans for the Nelson and Marlborough regions. The information is being used to identify “trigger points” for high fire risk activities, such as roadside mowing and access to forestry and recreation areas that can be included in strategic and tactical fire management plans.

Science Leader for Forest Protection Lindsay Bulman says fire is just one of the issues for forest growers likely to be exacerbated by El Niño conditions.

“Strong winds can cause catastrophic damage to planted forests, so it’s best to delay activities over this period that normally increase wind exposure to trees, such as thinning and felling.

“Increased drought also stresses the trees, making them more vulnerable to insect and pathogen attacks. Diplodia whorl canker could be a problem this summer - and can cause up to 30 per cent tree loss. Infection usually occurs through wounds, particularly from pruning, so it’s best to avoid pruning over summer if expecting drought conditions.”

SHEEP & BEEF

Page 29

Future of NZ farming is conference focus International politics, consumer demands, weather, constantly changing technology, fluctuating incomes and succession planning are among the issues and opportunities farmers confront.

All these topics and more will be addressed by leading experts and farmers themselves at the NZ Future Farms Conference on March 16 and 17 at the Palmerston North Convention Centre.

The conference is a two-day gathering of corporate farm executives, farm managers, owners of privately held farms and agri-business stakeholders to discuss the business and governance issues around New Zealand Future Farms.

Future Farms is designed to shrug off traditional legacy models and answer important business issues, ensuring farm owners and operators are abreast with the knowledge to succeed in farming for the future in agriculture.

The conference will navigate the themes around equity and ownership models, capital funding, succession planning, innovation and technology all of which present new opportunities and risks in an increasingly competitive global landscape.

Among the speakers will be representatives from Government, B+LNZ, Federated Farmers, Dairy NZ, NZ Young Farmers, MyFarm Investments, Vodafone and universities and farming stations.

The third New Zealand Future Farms Conferenz is a core event in the inaugural NZ Agri Investment Week 2016 and features an intensive two-day programme of seminars and discussions.

versus risk mitigation in the present will be covered. Those taking part will be Tim Mackle, CEO, Dairy NZ, Dr Scott Champion, CEO, Beef + Lamb NZ, Boyd Macdonald, GM, Lone Star Farms and Colin Glass, Chief Executive, Dairy Holdings.

Maori land

The contribution of iwi and collectively-owned Maori-land to the future of NZ farming and coinvesting with Maori for the future

is the topic of a session lead by Hinerangi Edwards, Director, Aatea Solutions and Jamie Tuuta, CEO, Te Tumu Paeroa.

Building sustainable long-term relationships with Maori partners, what motivates Maori in business especially in the agri-sector and bringing the next generation into the agri-sector will also be discussed.

For more information on the programme and speakers visit: www. conferenz.co.nz/conferences/2016nz-future-farms

The future of New Zealand’s agri-businesses will be under intense discussion at the NZ Future Farms Conference in March.

WAIKATO

MURRAY GREY BREEDERS Servicing From Waikato to the Far North

Dairy debt

Assessing the present, an economic overview is a session led by Frank Scrimgeour, Professor of Economics, University of Waikato Business School which will look at the price volatility and debt in the dairy industry; the effects of the EL Nino phenomenon in monetary terms; gains from increased domestic and foreign direct investment into the agri-sector; what the signing of the TTP means for the NZ agri-sector and the impact of the falling dairy prices on farm property valuations.

Changing global dynamics and what it means for NZ farming is another session led by Ian Proudfoot, Global Head of Agribusiness, KPMG and Graham Smith, Chief Executive, Federated Farmers. This will investigate the rise of innovation and technology in Asian markets. Their young population and their proximity to world markets has left NZ in a space where the biggest need of the hour is to differentiate.

Building productivity and profitability for the future is another session which will focus on NZ’s biggest farming companies’ views of the future in the face of global demand volatility and mounting debt in the agri-sector. Overseas investment and the opportunity for competition or collaboration and future planning including the cost of innovation

Hopping mad at Texan A Texan farmer goes to Australia for a vacation.

There he meets an Aussie farmer and gets talking. The Aussie shows off his big wheat field and the Texan says, "Oh! We have wheat fields that are at least twice as large."

Then they walk around the ranch and the Aussie shows off his herd of cattle. The Texan immediately says, "We have longhorns that are at least twice as large as your cows." The conversation has, meanwhile, almost died when the Texan sees a herd of kangaroos hopping through the field. He asks, "And what are those?"

The Aussie, fed up with the Texan's bragging replies with an incredulous look, "What, don't you have any grasshoppers in Texas?"

ADD VALUE TO YOUR AGRI BUSINESS WITH PROVEN ATTRIBUTES OF

EASY CALVING EARLY MATURITY GOOD TEMPERAMENT BEST PROVEN IMF PRODUCING HYBRID VIGOUR

For Sale R1 & R2 Bulls & Heifers. All enquiries Welcome WAIKATO MURRAY GREY BREEDERS CLUB T BEER ...............................Laynedowie............. MT MAUNGANUI............................ 07 574 8551 G & C CARTER .................. Thistledu ..............WHANGAREI ..............09 432 9331... thistledu@clear.net.nz TC & MT CLARK................. Oaklands ..............PUKEKOHE ................09 233 4794 Est. WE & JE GRAY ........... Marire ........................................................07 886 6548 J GRAY ...............................Marire ........................................................07 886 7265 B HAMMOND..........................................................................................027 611 6151 A & P HAYWARD ................ Oakview................WAIKATO ....................07 827 1847 R & M HAYWARD ..............................................WAIKATO ........................................... haywardgroundspread@xtra.co.nz WC SCOTT .........................Cruden Farm ........MORRINSVILLE..........07 889 7144...

T & R TRENBERTH ................................................................................07 824 0744... trenberth@xtra.co.nz B & J WATKINS .................. Aniwanawa...........TIRAU..........................07 883 1443

You too could enjoy the flavour, texture and quality of Murray Grey meat, just like the 1000’s who enjoyed the steak sandwiches at the Mystery Creek Fieldays, by introducing Murray Greys to your herd.

Page 30

SHEEP & BEEF

Genome mapping aids blowfly battles Researchers have decoded the Australian sheep blowfly genome, adding ammunition to the battle against one of the nation’s most insidious pests.

Around 2000 genes not seen before in any other organism were discovered.

These genes can now be investigated as potential drug and vaccine targets.

This blowfly, which is responsible for about $280 million in losses to Australia's sheep industry each year from flystrike, is also a major pest in New Zealand.

All 14,544 genes of the blowfly (Lucilia cuprina) were identified by the

international research team, led by the University of Melbourne, in partnership with the Baylor College of Medicine Human Genome Sequencing Center, and funded by the United States National Human Genome Research Institute and Australian Wool Innovation.

The research, published in ‘Nature Communications’, provides insights into the fly's molecular biology, how it interacts with the sheep’s biology and, importantly, shows its potential to develop insecticide resistance.

Eaten alive

Blowfly maggots live on the skin of sheep and invade open wounds, where they feed on tissue and cause severe skin disease, known as myiasis or flystrike. It is an aggressive and notoriously difficult pest to control.

Lead researcher on the project Dr Clare Anstead, from the University of Melbourne Faculty of Veterinary and Agricultural Sciences, says the genome map

has ‘limitless potential’ for fighting the blowfly at home and abroad.

“Lucilia is a beautiful name, but it is an extremely nasty parasite. The sheep is literally eaten alive. It's horrific.

“The Lucilia species is responsible for more than 90 per cent of flystrike in Australia and New Zealand.

“This fly is especially good at evolving to resist insecticides. There has been a massive amount of research into prevention and control of flystrike, from developing a vaccine, new insecticides, to targeting weak areas of the fly, and even biological control with bacteria and fungi. But none are completely effective.

New control

“It’s exciting that we have now identified more than 2000 genes that have never been seen in any other animal or plant. Some of these ‘orphan’ genes hold the key to the parasitic relationship between the blowfly

Strategies to reduce facial eczema risk Every summer we watch the spore counts rise around the districts with bated breath. When is the best time to start prevention of the resulting facial eczema disease? What products should we use and for how long?

Spores can be found in the dead litter at the base of pasture in warm and moist conditions. They contain the toxin sporidesmin, which when ingested by stock damages the liver and bile ducts resulting in photosensitivity and sunburn.

The initial phases cannot be seen but there are signs to look out for that will help you get ahead of the disease and treat it early. For dairy cattle a drop in milk production is a tell-tale sign.

Animal Health Summer Savings Pick up your order and save on dips, drenches and other products when you spend $600 or more*.

Order $600 = $50 credit Order $1200 = $100 credit Talk to us today! *Order must be picked up from nominated RPUP (Ravensdown Pick-Up Point). Limited time only.

Terms & Conditions apply.

Call your Agri Manager or the Customer Centre on 0800 100 123 ravensdown.co.nz

Driven. For your success.

Zinc is the most commonly used preventative strategy for facial eczema. Either orally drenched, capsuled, added to the water system or feed at levels which will neutralise the sporidesmin toxin.

There are times where the spore counts are so high you may not be able to supplement enough zinc. The high levels of zinc required for protection are close to toxic levels and have potentially negative health effects. These include reduction of feed and water intake, red water as well as milk fever. There are alternative methods that can help prevent the disease.

Fungicide spraying kills the facial eczema spores. The costs of application can sometimes put people off but there are some definite advantages to using a fungicide.

Your Ravensdown agri manager or animal health technical manager will be happy to work through the cost benefits of any treatment you have considered.

Consider your supplementation programme. It may be wise to stop copper supplementation during the risk period because it can interfere with the uptake of zinc as well as exacerbating the harmful effects of the disease.

Keeping an eye on your farm’s spore counts at the end of the season is important. Sometimes a late warm rain in the early autumn can really spike those spore counts and a one-off high hit can cause some real damage. The important thing is to know your farm, identify hotspots that can be avoided and put in place risk strategies to reduce the fungal loading.

SHEEP & BEEF

Page 31

Working to find parasite’s Achilles heel Professor Phil Batterham at the and the sheep. They could be targeted University of Melbourne’s School of to develop a completely new method of Biosciences says this work now enables control.” scientists to predict gene mutaUniversity of Melbourne tion in flies that could Professor Robin Gasser, make them resistant to who oversaw the chemicals. research, adds, “If That may means you want to develop avoiding the type effective intervenof crisis that the tions against this medical commufly, you need to nity now faces with know it inside out antibiotic resistance and understand its The blowfly (Lucilia cuprina) in bacteria. biology, starting by is a major pest for New “The next step is identifying all the Zealand and Australian to isolate the parasite’s genes. And we have sheep farmers.

Achilles’ heel – genes done that.” that allow the parasitic Insecticides can be effecinteraction between the magtive, however, the blowflies gots and the sheep. rapidly evolve to develop resistance to “A vaccine that targets this gene could these chemicals.

stop flystrike in its earliest stages.

This vaccine could access vital proteins in the maggots, which would kill them. Alternatively, genomicguided drug discovery means we could develop insecticides that selectively kill fly maggots but do not harm the host animal.”

Sense of smell

To decode the genome, researchers used a combination of supercomputing and bioinformatic

techniques to handle huge reams of data.

They aim to use a powerful new technology called CRISPR to investigate switching off a number of genes, including the gene responsible for the blowfly's extraordinary sense of smell.

“Flies have an extremely sophisticated sense of smell.

“They can smell the difference between sheep that are resistant to the fly and those that aren’t.

“We want to produce a fly that cannot smell, so that we can understand how important that sense of smell is in the initiation of fly strike.”

Australian woolgrowers have invested about $4 million via research, marketing and development body Australian Wool Innovation to look at genetic, genomic and chemical preventative opportunities to control Lucilia cuprina.

Genetics maximising opportunity working to enhance the genetics we are delivering.”

Focus Genetics has 16 breeding partners throughout New Zealand.

Formed in 2011, it has since grown its market share, serving more than 750 commercial farm operations.

Gavin says the company has continued to build a very strong genetic base, focusing on the traits that deliver better performance.

Focus Genetics genetic advancements proved to be a winning ingredient at the last two Beef+Lamb Sheep Industry Awards – most recently being awarded the overall terminal sire gold award for both lamb growth and yield with the Waikite Lamb Supreme, from Waikite Station in Rotorua.

Waikite Station Farm manager Peter Strawbridge with some of his award winning flock.

TRACTOR & LOADER

$99,900.

Plus GST

Farmers’ growing demand for highquality livestock genetics is driving business for New Zealand’s largest red meat genetics company, Focus Genetics.

The company’s top sheep, beef and deer genetics are at the cutting edge of international research and development, and are helping increase production and profitability for farmers.

Focus Genetics chief executive Gavin Foulsham says the company aims to help farmers identify the best genetics so they can maximise their opportunities.

“Quality genetics are continuing to improve results for farmers. Genetics are the driving force behind any production system and we are continually

ARION 430.CIS 130 HP tractor

With CLAAS FL100 loader t 4

cylinder 4.5L turbo charged engine

t Flexible

QUADRISHIFT 16F/16R Transmission

t ELECTROPILOT t Factory

- armrest loader joystick

fitted CLAAS loader

*Terms and conditions apply. 1.9% rate subject to minimum 40% deposit. GST back within 3 months.

36 monthly payments. Offer ends 31/03/16. Image is illustrative only

BAY OF PLENTY 292 Te Ngae Road, Rotorua Contact: Vaughn Carson 027 223 3365 Glenn Davidson 027 223 3363

Page 32

PASTURE RENOVATION

Renewal solution to declining pasture Pasture growth can decline over time due to a number of factors and the most successful solution is often complete pasture renewal.

DairyNZ has put together a series of guidelines and pasture renovation methods which describe how to improve the longterm production and persistence of poor performing paddocks.

BeneďŹ ts of pasture renewal and include increased total pasture yield (1.0 - 8.0 t DM/ha/yr), increased milksolids production (if the extra growth is eaten) and improved pasture quality.

Renewal can make pasture management easier by using late heading varieties to minimise the drop in pasture quality as seed heads appear in late spring and can lead to reduced animal health problems.

To get a return from investment in pasture renovation requires the identiďŹ cation of underperforming paddocks and estimating the potential extra pasture production.

For example, where the yield can be increased by 2t DM/ha the return is around 130kg MS/ha. The return will be greater if the extra growth occurs at a time of the

season when animal demand exceeds pasture growth.

Many New Zealand farmers are managing pastures that have less than desired density of ryegrass and clover as a result of insect and drought conditions incurred during the previous summer or treading damage this spring.

A DairyNZ led industry group comprising researchers, seed industry and contractors have agreed on an approach for farmers faced with this situation. This group recommends farmers carry out a paddock by paddock assessment of the damage by ranking paddocks one to ďŹ ve based on the extent of damage.

Target - 10% pasture renewal The Pasture Renewal Charitable Trust is working towards a national target of 10 per cent annual pasture renewal across New Zealandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s pastoral farms, based on analysis by BERL Economics.

At that level the productivity and performance gains from new pasture species donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t tail off over a 10-year cycle. While this target wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be appropriate for all farms, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a good guide for encouraging more pasture renewal across the sector.

Established in 2007 the trust is an independent entity funded by agribusinesses, aimed at raising awareness of the beneďŹ ts of pasture renewal for the New Zealand economy.

It carries out research projects to deďŹ ne pasture renewal baselines on beef and sheep, deer, dairy and cropping properties. It liaises with government to ensure the signiďŹ cance of pasture renewal is recognised at policy level; conducts market research direct with farmers; under takes literature reviews and conducts communications campaigns.

As a result of the trustâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s advocacy work at government level, a question on pasture renewal is now included in the ďŹ ve-yearly agricultural census, ensuring progress towards the 10 per cent target. be accurately measured.

Winning pasture ďŹ eld days Winners of the Pasture Renewal Persistence Competition to identify the Waikato and Bay of Plentyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best new and renewed dairy pastures will host ďŹ eld days at their properties in February.

Te Pahu farmer Noldy Rust and Aaron Price from Morrinsville, won the contest run by the DairyNZled Pasture Renewal Leadership Group. As well as an overview of the winning paddocks, topics at the ďŹ eld days will include discussion about the Forage Value Index, black beetle control and grazing for persistence.

Event details: February 3 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Best pasture more than three years old, 12.30 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 2.30pm, (BBQ from noon) Noldy Rust, 2 Godfrey Rd, Te Pahu, SN 73267.

February 23â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Best ďŹ rst year pasture, 11am-2pm Aaron Price, 276 Pioneer Rd, Morrinsville, SN 76406 (BBQ lunch provided).

THE FASTEST

& MOST

AFFORDABLE WAY OF INCREASING SOIL pH ON HILL COUNTRY FARMS

pH x New patented application technology x Only the Finest grade Ag lime applied evenly x /HVV FRVWV EHWWHU HIĂŞFLHQF\

They should then establish a plan for each paddock.

For pasture damage during winter, research carried out in Taranaki during the 1980s found that over-sowing and undersowing ryegrass seed into damaged pastures increased dry matter production by 1-2t/ha in year one and year two following sowing.

For more information and tools to help with decision making, visit the DairyNZ website: www.dairynz.co.nz

6

5.9 5.8 5.7 5.6 5.5

CALL US TODAY 0800 2 ROTOR (0800 276 867) | WWW.ROTORWORK.CO.NZ

PASTURE RENOVATION

Page 33

Modern forage cultivars bred to suit all farm types There can be a big difference between a farm’s poorest and best paddock and the difference is the quality of the pasture which has a pronounced effect on the farmer’s bottom line, according to the Pasture Renewal Charitable Trust.

The trust was established in 2007 by a small group of agribusinesses which realised that collaborating to increase the level and rate of pasture renewal in New Zealand would benefit the whole sector, as well as the economy.

Its sole focus is encouraging farmers to renew more pasture, and does this through research, communication and advocacy. Its web site includes detailed information about the benefits of pasture renewal.

Pasture renewal is the process of replacing older, less productive pastures with new grass and forage species, through crop rotation. Modern forage cultivars have been bred to suit every farm type and operation.

Designed to improve productivity, they also establish quickly; produce more dry matter; resist pests and disease better; are more palatable and easier to manage; have a higher feed value so stock do better and grow more feed than weed grasses in winter and summer.

Productive plants

Most pastures deteriorate from a number of causes - weed invasion, particularly low quality grasses like paspalum and Mercer grass, dry conditions, wet/flooding, poor fertility, poor drainage, diseases, insects, pugging, soil compaction, overgrazing and poor management.

Over time, the population of desirable, productive plants in a pasture declines, while undesirable or unproductive plants increase and pastures become ‘runout’. Old pastures produces less dry matter, are lower in ME and stock preference, and this decline compounds as the pasture ages.

Successful pasture renewal can increase dry matter per hectare per year by around three to six tonnes. This is true for all farms – the extent to which the extra production can be converted into additional income varies.

Modern pasture cultivars enable farmers to choose when a new pasture will be most productive and when it goes to seed. Cultivars can be chosen to produce

more grass in winter, summer and autumn than traditional pastures. Ryegrasses offer more than six week’s difference between the earliest and latest seeding dates

Higher ME

New pasture is more attractive to grazing animals, and easier to manage during late spring and early summer. And because new pastures are grazed more uniformly, it’s easier for farmers to control the quantity of residual dry matter when animals are moved. The optimum postgrazing residual means optimum ME regrowth and increased animal performance at the next productive grazing.

New pastures consistently produce an average of 0.5 more megajoules of ME/ kg DM - on top of the extra dry matter produced by a new pasture. This is due to a higher proportion of desirable species; later and more uniform flowering; leafier sward with fewer seed heads produced and less dead leaf material.

New endophytes

Most new perennial ryegrass cultivars are available with new endophytes developed to solve particular problems in different regions. The endophyte occurring naturally in New Zealand ryegrass pastures – “standard” or “wild” endophyte – makes its host ryegrass plants resistant to some insect pests, but was found in the 1980s to cause ryegrass staggers and heat stress in animals.

New endophytes are continuing to be developed to maintain good animal health while enhancing pest resistance. As well as Argentine stem weevil, new endophytes provide resistance to pasture mealy bug, black beetle and root aphid, with more pests likely to be added to this list.

DairyNZ carried out a three-year study comparing pastures with the novel AR1 and standard endophyte – the former produced nine per cent more milksolids than the latter.

Animals on new pasture graze more grass, which is leafier, higher in ME and more palatable, resulting in: more milk production; faster liveweight gains; higher stocking rates and more contented animals.

Pasture renewal can have significant benefits for animal health. It contributes to: changing endophyte status; reducing facial eczema; altering internal parasite dynamics; positively impacting on sheep fertility; reducing ryegrass staggers and possible dag reduction.

(Source www.pasturerenewal.org.nz/)

Parts & Service support for all ISEKI

MOWING & CATCHING - HORTICULTURE & VEGGIES - COMPACT & MANOEUVRABILITY ISEKI PROFESSIONAL MOWERS

ISEKI HEAVY DUTY COMPACT TRACTORS

SXG326 – 23 HP, 2WD, 3 Cylinder, Hydrostatic, mower tractor with 600 lt hyd tip catcher SZ330 – 33 Hp 2WD, 3 Cylinder, Hydrostatic, Zero Turn Mower SF310 – 31 Hp 4WD, 3 Cylinder, Hydrostatic, 60” or 72” Outfront Mower SF370 – 37 Hp 4WD, 3 Cylinder, Hydrostatic, 60” or 72” Outfront Mower

TG5330P – 33 Hp 4WD ROPS, 3 Cylinder, 12 x 12 Power Shuttle TG5390H – 39 Hp 4WD ROPS, 3 Cylinder, 3 Range HST TG5470P – 47 Hp 4WD ROPS, 4 Cylinder, 12 x 12 Power Shuttle or 3 stage HST TG5570P – 60 Hp 4WD ROPS or Cab, 4 Cylinder, 12 x 12 Power Shuttle

Page 34

AUTUMN FERTILISER

Timing of seasonal management vital Timing and teamwork are two key components for running a successful kiwifruit orchard, says Allan Dawson, managing director of Aongatete.

“At Aongatete we are fortunate to understand both of these factors and to have an integrated approach to orchard management.”

The company’s Hort team formulates specific individual plans for each

managed, leased and independent orchard based on pleased to note pest levels are down on the majority their unique needs. Flexible orchard management of our orchards opening up access to the lucrative plans provide growers with the option of contracting export markets offshore. specific work to Aongatete’s Hort Department.

“The application of a well-managed spray These customized plans are frequently programme and an experienced pest moniupdated by the grower services team toring team has played a crucial role in to help keep up with changes on working towards one of Aongatete’s the orchard. top goals of producing fruit for all Supported by a technical markets enabling more money in team, this sees Aongatete the bank for our growers at the co-ordinating a wide range of end of the day. activities including pruning, New coolstore thinning, Psa control, fertiliser “Excellent quality systems are programming, crop estimation, in place in our packhouse, and monitoring, pest management t wifrui innovative practises operational in and general plant vine health prosperous ki Producing a timing of orchard our new coolstore built last year. right through to harvesting. on s lie re ng crop We have a team of motivated tices, includi agement prac ications. an m Fine-tuning staff including young talented up fertiliser appl “Having achieved 2015 orchard and coming horticulture specialgate returns results for green and ists and knowledgeable and service focused grower gold that we are very proud of, we’ve set the bar service reps, so here at Aongatete we believe we have to match this or do even better for our growers in the competitive advantage to offer an above average total service package to kiwifruit growers.

2016.”

“Endorsements from our current growers that they As well as further fine-tuning its processes, Aongacan relax, put their feet up and leave the worries of tete has refreshed its branding with subtle changes growing prosperous crops to us, encourage and spur to more closely refelect Aongatete’s commitment as a us on to protect and enhance their investment and specialist kiwifruit grower and post-harvest operator. produce higher returns for our growers in 2016.”

“In terms of pest management this year, we are

Crusty problem of poor digestion The more I study effluent, the more I question the sanity of the general management of the problems associated with it.

Yes, we can fix a crusted pond and there are numerous options for doing so: weeping walls, solids separators, and the biological treatment whereby aerobic bacteria digest the solids into a liquid. How ever crust removal is done, one gnawing fact remains: in dealing with pond solids, we are merely dealing with the symptoms of a much bigger problem: the poor digestion rate of our cows.

Pond crust 101

We now know that pond crust is mostly the undigested feed which has passed through our animals. Some of that undigested feed ends up as effluent in our paddocks.

The bulk of undigested feed ends up in our ponds which then becomes crust and sludge. Here is the number one thing to understand. Our pond solids are merely the symptoms of the prior problem of poor feed digestion.

Feed digestion 101

When it comes to feed digestion, good bacteria are a farmer’s best friend. These beneficial bacteria are responsible for breaking down plant matter and converting plant nutrients into forms that can be efficiently utilized by animals.

These good bacteria live in the soil, the grass, and the rumen of cows. They thrive in an environment with a pH of

6.4. But what if you soil has is pH that is significantly lower than 6.4?

Increased soil acidity actually slows down the reproduction levels of good bacteria (the acidity of some fertilisers can even kill these good guys). With insufficient numbers of beneficial bacteria in the soil and cow’s gut, digestion is hampered which results in a lower conversion of food into milk.

More milk

The difference can be dramatic. Dr Roy Fawcett, leading Scottish rumen scientist says: “The difference in rumen pH 5.8 and 6.4 is equivalent to an extra three litres of milk per cow per day.”

A significant clue that your soil pH is too low is the crust on your pond. A crust of 200mm indicates that your pond has a pH of 6.8. From our tests, we know that a farm’s soil is 1 pH lower than the pH of the pond. If your pond is 6.8, your soil will be 5.8 pH. Also, every cow’s rumen, being conditioned with grass from that soil, will have a corresponding pH of 5.8.

What does it all mean? It means that if the soil condition isn’t favourable to good bacteria, there will be an unavoidable drop in feed digestion. Poor digestion means less milk in the vats and more effluent solids in the pond.

Farmers have a choice. Spend more fixing the crust and sludge or invest in getting a higher digestion percentage from your cows? I know what I’ d do.

AUTUMN FERTILISER

Page 35

The frightening traverse of ‘hero to zero’ phase There has been a lot written about our aging farmers and the issues they face over succession and “moving on”, but the stark reality for most is that it is absolutely frightening.

What I am talking about here is the transition from being important and fully engaged in your business to being unimportant and disengaged. I thought it appropriate at the start of 2016 to explore some of the issues around it. More than that, I am experiencing it myself so can speak from a personal point of view too.

We work hard, build a big farming business, take on other roles in governance, drainage boards and so on, but suddenly we reach an age where no one wants us anymore. Industry leaders get pushed aside by young blood and given a “life membership” as a parting handshake.

Your role in local affairs suddenly ends just as abruptly as others push you off, or you are no longer voted for.

The reality is fellows, that they don’t actually want us “old farts” anymore. There is the next generation who look and speak sharper than us who want our roles. More than that their lack of experience is quickly covered by a lot more noise

Hard decisions

Realtor friends commented regularly on farmers who had stayed on the farm too long. They will not make a decision to move, it is difficult to make decisions and consequently things start falling apart and there are health issues. I guess we all do not want to accept that we are getting older and the thought of giving up our “life” around farming seems impossible.

Where will I live, what will I do and where will I invest my money? Most of all “I am not going to town!”

At the risk of repeating myself on the issue of where to invest your money, I have witnessed far too many “onto it” farmers who have sold up their farm, made bad investment decisions only to see the lot vanish and become poor. Not a good look.

Health sacrificed

When asked what surprised him most about humanity the Dalai Lama said ... “Man sacrifices his health in order to make money. Then he sacrifices money in recuperating his health. And then he is so anxious about the future that he does not enjoy the present; the result being that he does not live in the present or the future; he lives as if he is never going to die, and then dies having never really lived.”

Fundamentally, we are trying to stay alive and what can we do to maintain quality of life as long as we can?

My solicitor tells me his biggest issue now is with his aging farmer clients is that when they retire, many die within two years. The issue here is we need to

Join the National 'Down to the Wire' Initiative 40+ years experience Proven reputation for excellence

Trust the experts Direct from truck to hopper Fast Accurate Even spread

start creating new interests and another life well before “retirement”. I think retirement should be deleted from our vocabulary and rephrased to “having enough to do what you want, when you want”.

Obituary space

So back to the Hero to Zero point. We are heroes to those who remember what we did, our contributions to society, farming and family and if we are lucky somebody might write an obituary in the local paper when we die, but that is it! Because newspapers need money to run them, they will probably need money for your obituary space.

I am fortunate to be chairing a Probus group at Waihi Beach where we are talking about all these issues. I am also fortunate to have a Professor of Social Sciences to chat to. The issue of aging is a massive area which has been poorly traversed in the past and warrants a lot of our focus

and attention.

If you are feeling like a ‘Zero, not a Hero’ it might be time to find somebody to talk to.

Disclaimer – These are the opinions of Don Fraser of Fraser Farm Finance.

Any decisions made should not be based on this article alone and appropriate professional assistance should be sought. Don Fraser is the principal of Fraser Farm Finance, and a consultant to the farming industry. Contact him on 0800 777 675 or 021 777 675.

CENTRAL PLATEAU

Page 36

Ploughing, tractor pull contests at live day

Eric & Erna Cullen Agricultural Contractors’ will have some of its big machinery on display at the Rotorua Tractor and Machinery Club’s show day.

The popular Rotorua Tractor and Machinery Club’s show day and swap meet is on again on Sunday, February 28 at Mamaku, near Rotorua and everyone is welcome.

“It’s always a great day out for farmers, tractor and machinery enthusiasts and townies and there will be plenty to see do again this year,” says club president and show day host Eric Cullen.

The gates open from 9am on the Mamaku property owned by agricultural contractor Eric and his wife Erna in Oturoa Road and the venue will be signposted from State Highway 5 at Mamaku.

This year Andrew Rayner of Hamilton will be bringing his tractor pull sledges for competitions similar to those at the Mystery Creek Fieldays where tractors compete to see which can pull the heaviest load.

Ploughing demonstrations are also part of the event with modern and vintage machinery taking part.

Every year Eric makes paddocks available for ploughing demonstrations, recultivating and sowing

them after the event as part of his pasture renovation programme.

“There will be vintage tractors and stationery engines on display too and the swap meet where people can buy, sell, or exchange parts and equipment and this is always popular.

“We often get vintage or classic car clubs come along too – sometimes we don’t know who is coming until the day, which just adds to the interest,” says Eric who will also have some his modern contracting machinery in action and on display.

A 1917 International Titan tractor, which assisted with Britain’s food production during World War 1, was among the oldest tractors on display at last year’s event.

The tractor, which belongs to John Couch of Whakatane, was bought by his grandfather at the end of the war and accompanied John and his family when they immigrated to New Zealand eight years ago.

“I believe it is one of only seven in New Zealand.

The Titan was among 3000 shipped to Britain to help increase food production during the war,” says John.

As always at the live show days, food and refreshments will be available. Entry is $10 for adults and admission for children under 10 is free. For more information, call Eric Cullen on 07 332 5886.

Last year’s Rotorua Tractor and Machinery Club’s show day featured the 1917 International Titan tractor owned by John Couch.

RANGER 570 H.D. FINANCE OFFER

1/3

UPFRONT

1/3

IN 12 MONTHS

1/3

IN 24 MONTHS

GST 0% P.A. OVER 24 MONTHS $19,495 INC

Phone us today on 07 895 7994, Taumarunui. runui.

Ian Atkins 0274 46 48 49 | Joel Rees 027 279 5425 Subject to credit approval, fees, terms and conditions apply. Based on a 24 month Hire Purchase Contract. To approved Registered GST No Holders for business purposes only on applications for Polaris Ranger 570 HD models. Offer expires 31/03/2016. Polaris Finance is a program operated by De Lage Landen Ltd Company No: 135515.

0800 440 290 | www.polaris.co.nz |

/PolarisNZ

CENTRAL PLATEAU

Page 37

Ranger impressive addition to range The Ranger ETX features on-demand true all-wheel drive, independent rear suspension with MacPherson strut front suspension.

BREAKING NEWS

direct to your mobile - register for FREE

er, X has a 31 horsepow The new Ranger ET ed ProStar engine. ect inj l fue electronic

The new Ranger ETX is an impressive addition to the popular Polaris range, says Russell Josiah of Bike Torque Taumarunui and Otorohanga.

It features a 31 horsepower, electronic fuel injected ProStar engine with an internal counter-balance shaft for smooth, low-vibration power.

The dual overhead camshafts and a four-valve cylinder head work with the advanced engine management system to precisely deliver the fuel charge for impressive power and instant, predictable throttle response; while the lightweight efficient transmission captures every ounce of power to deliver it to the ground.

“Like all ProStar engines, the design reduces internal friction, which dramatically reduces noise and significantly increases efficiency. The addition of electric fuel injection on this entry-level model ensures easy starting, improved run quality and elevation compensation to ensure reliability normally found on

higher priced models.”

The Ranger ETX also features on-demand true all-wheel drive, independent rear suspension with MacPherson strut front suspension, high ground clearance, 226.8kg of cargo capacity and 453.6kg payload, with the addition of 20 per cent more towing than its predecessor the Ranger 400 (680kg).

It also has 2.54cm additional front and rear travel, styling upgrades, PROFIT compatibility, speed key capability and seat belt interlock.

Russell says the Polaris Ranger ETX is yet another excellent machine from Polaris, the brand which is increasing in popularity in this country.

“Since its launch in 2015, the Polaris Ranger 570 HD has become the number one selling model in the New Zealand market.

“A major point for Polaris is the extensive range of accessories for the Rangers – to make your farm ride more versatile, easy to use and unbelievably – more comfortable,” says Russell.

www. sunlive.co.nz

Download your FREE App today!

Irrigation award entries open The deadline for nominations for IrrigationNZ’s Ron Cocks Memorial Award which recognises outstanding leadership within the irrigation industry is February 9.

The award will be presented the organisation’s biennial conference in Oamaru on April 6 and is to acknowledge a person who has made a significant contribution to irrigation in New Zealand.

J.R (Ron) Cocks was a Mid Canterbury farmer who was recognised as a pioneer, visionary and leader in farming affairs. The Ron Cocks Memorial Award acknowledges his legacy and encourages others to follow his leadership.

The nomination form for the award is available on IrrigationNZ’s website at www.irrigationnz.co.nz or copies can be obtained by phoning (03) 341 2225.

RANGER ETX FINANCE OFFER 1/3

UPFRONT

1/3

IN 12 MONTHS

1/3

IN 24 MONTHS

0% P.A. OVER MONTHS 0% P.A. OVER 2424MONTHS

LIMITED TIME ONLY

$10,430 EXGST $11,995 INC GST SAVE $4000

Phone us today on 07 895 7994, Taumarunui.

Ian Atkins 0274 46 48 49 | Joel Rees 027 279 5425 Subject to credit approval, fees, terms and conditions apply. Based on a 24 month Hire Purchase Contract. To approved Registered GST No Holders for business purposes only on applications for Polaris Ranger ETX models. Offer expires 31/03/2016. Polaris Finance is a program operated by De Lage Landen Ltd Company No: 135515.

0800 440 290 | www.polaris.co.nz |

/PolarisNZ /PolarisN

MAIZE & EARTHWORKS

Page 38

Increasing harvest options +$< 6,/$*( 675$: 6833/,(6

E t ^ ^KE^ ^WZ/E' > ' s /> > EKt 'Z ^^ > ' ͕ >h ZE > ' ͕ ^KZ',hD > ' ͕ h>< D / ^/> ' KEdZ d^ s /> > ĞůŝǀĞƌĞĚ ĚŝƌĞĐƚ Žī ƚŚĞ ƉĂĚĚŽĐŬ ƚŽ LJŽƵƌ ĨĂƌŵ Ăƚ ƌĞĚƵĐĞĚ ƉƌŝĐĞƐ

This season Sean Cuff Contracting has invested in a round baler and in order to provide customers the option of doing round silage and hay bales.

The bales size can go from. 1.1 meter to two meter, 20 equivalent hay bales if required.

“When it comes to grass and maize harvesting our John Deere 7980 forage harvester has the highest tonnage per hour output in the Bay,” says Sean.

“This means a fast and efficient job for

our clients which saves them both money and time. The forage harvester also has Harvestlab on it which gives farmers a lot of information about their crops for no extra cost.”

For example dry matter percentage, total dry tonnage, total wet tonnage, neutral detergent fibre, starch and protein of the crop is recorded. The system can also yield-map the paddocks.

“All this information is very accurate. We sell a lot of maize that goes over a certified weigh bridge and after cutting a 10 hectare block the difference from what the weigh bridge got and what the Harvestlab got is within a ton or so.

“You could argue which one is more accurate as the Harvestlab is measuring dry matter from the time it drives in the paddocks till when it drives out where normally dry matter samples just come out of every second truck.

“Last but not least I urge farmers to keep an eye on their maize crops this year because the dry weather crops will dry off very quick and this could catch farmers out with getting the optimum harvest, crop yield and nutritional value.

“Farmers, feel free to ring for a price as we have the best harvest prices in the Bay.”

͘K͘W͕ t /< dK͕ , t< ^ z͕ D E t dh

Sean Cuff Contracting’s round baler give farmers more harvesting options.

^ hZ zKhZ ^hWW> D Ed &KZ d, KD/E' ^ ^KE , z Θ > ' ͕ W s/E , z͕ >h ZE , z͕ Z >Ks Z ^KZ',hD Θ Z > > ' ͕ d,Z ^, Zz 'Z ^^ Z> z ^dZ t͕ t, d ^dZ t͕ W ^dZ t͕ K d ^dZ t

E t d,/^ ^ ^KE͗ Zd/&/ KZ' E/ , z &Z Z z >/E' K& > tZ W s /> > dK >> KhZ >/ Ed^

WZK h Z^ E ^hWW>/ Z^ K& Yh >/dz , z WZK h d^

: ^KE ,/>> ϬϮϳϰ ϱϴϱ Ϯϵϱ ŵĂŝů͗ ŚĂLJͺŵĂŶΛdžƚƌĂ͘ĐŽ͘Ŷnj

Bag your maize silage and save dollars The maize season is just around the corner and with the low dairy pay-out it is all about saving costs without compromising quality, says Japie Jordaan from Jordaan Contracting.

According to Japie, silage bagging is becoming

increasingly popular in New Zealand due to the excellent and consistent quality of the end product.

Jordaan Contracting has purchased an Ag-Bagger and it is proven to be a huge success with the local farmers who have been using it. All of them are pleased that they can cut at least 15-20 per cent off wastage.

“We have very positive feedback on the AgBagger,” Japie says.

When harvesting, the machine packs the silage crop and covers it at the same time. It reduces harvest losses to a minimum because of the way the bagger works. Compaction is always consistent and not reliant on the competency of the stack operator. Bags can be placed in different areas of the farm depending on individual requirements.

“Because the bag is a set diameter, bag volumes can be easily calculated.

There are markings on the bag for feed calculation. For every meter, there is about 1,500 kg/DM of maize silage.”

According to Japie this make sit a lot easier for feed budgeting.

After the last truck has finished unloading, there is no requirement to have the whole team covering the stack, as the job is already done. No tyres needed and no cover to roll back.

Jordaan Contracting is ready for the maize season, with services which cover everything from harvesting, jockey bins, bagging or stacking. Farmers will also start thinking about under-sowing or direct drilling after the maize is harvested.

“Please feel free to call us about your requirements,” Japie says. “I am here to help and to deliver an excellent service.”

MAIZE & EARTHWORKS

Tips for successful maize planting Rapid, uniform germination and emergence of corn help set the stage for maximum grain yield at the end of the season says Bob Neilsen of Purdue University in the publication FAR Maize Action Report.

Without such a successful start to the season, the crop is behind the proverbial "eight‐ball" right from the beginning.

The good news is, says Bob, that there are only four simple requirements for uniform germination and emergence of corn. The bad news is that one or more of the requirements are sometimes absent in one field or another.

Adequate soil moisture is most simply defined as not too dry and not too wet. Most growers know what "adequate" looks and feels like. Uneven soil moisture in the seed zone can be caused by variable soil characteristics, tillage patterns, unusual weather conditions and uneven seeding depth. Uneven soil moisture throughout the seed zone is the primary cause of uneven emergence, the results of which can easily be yield losses of eight to 10 per cent.

Useful tip: When seedbed conditions are dry, make sure that your choice of seeding depth ensures uniformly adequate soil moisture for the germination of the seed.

Even though a 1.5 to 2 inch seeding depth is a good choice for many conditions, don't hesitate to increase seeding depth to 2.5 to 3 inches if that is the depth where the uniform soil moisture is located. Planting shallower than 1.5 inches increases the risk of poor or uneven germination during subsequent drying of surface soils.

Corn will germinate and emerge slowly and unevenly when soil temperatures are less than 10 degrees. When

soils warm to 15degrees or warmer, emergence will occur in seven days or less if soil moisture is adequate. Uneven soil temperature in the seed zone can be caused by variable soil texture, soil colour, soil drainage, surface residue cover in reduced tillage systems and seeding depth control.

Temperature variability during germination and emergence is most critical when average soil temperatures are hovering about the critical 10 degree minimum threshold value.

In order for the kernel to absorb moisture quickly and uniformly, soil must be firmed completely around the kernel. Seed‐to‐trash contact results from "hair‐ pinning" of surface trash into the seed furrow during no‐till planting when soil and/or trash are too wet for adequate coulter cutting action. Seed‐to‐clod contact results from planting into cloddy fields created by working soil too wet.

Severe surface crusting or compaction will restrict emergence of the coleoptile and cause underground leafing or plant death. Severe sidewall compaction can also limit elongation of the mesocotyl and emergence of the coleoptile.

Useful tip: Avoid excessive tillage prior to planting the crop, especially if significant rainfall is forecast prior to emergence of the crop. Avoid excessive downpressure on the closing wheels of the planter. Avoid planting "on the wet side".

FAR Maize Action Report was prepared with current information at the time of publication. Neither FAR or its staff may be held liable for any crop damage or loss from interpretation of the information. Information contained in this Maize Action is intended as a guide only.

Page 39

Page 40

RURAL DRIVER

TEL is proving a popular piece of road The new Tauranga Eastern Link highway came into its own over the holiday period, with traffic on the toll road increasing 58 per cent ahead of NZ Transport Agency expectations.

The busiest days were between Christmas and New Year. On Dec 27, 10,164 vehicles paid tolls. Dec 28, 10,828 vehicles, December 30 – 10,312 vehicles.

Average use remains 25 per cent more than the 6000 vehicles per day that the agency expected. Average to date is 7500 per day. Over the holiday period the average was 9500 vehicles per day.

Since the highway was opened in August 2015, about 1.2 million trips have been made on the TEL. Most of them 85 percent are cars, motorbikes and light trucks. Trucks heavier than 3.5 tonnes make up 15 per cent of the traffic.

The amount of tolls taken will be made public in

the financial report due after the end of the current financial year.

Not only are more people using the TEL than expected, they are praising the road in letters, emails and phone calls to NZTA. One Auckland man called the Tauranga office in December to say he didn’t mind paying the toll because the road was “simply gorgeous” and “surely the eighth wonder of the world” – adding that he hasn’t enjoyed driving on a road in a long time.

A letter this month from a local organisation congratulates the NZTA on opening the TEL to such a high standard, ahead of time and on budget. The writer called the TEL a “fantastic piece of road” and said they were “proud to have it in the district.”

People have also told the NZTA office staff they feel safer on the TEL, that the drive between Tauranga and Paengaroa takes much less time, that the new tolling website is nice and easy to use, and that the Transport Agency Contact Centre team are great to deal with.

Regional road works on-going this summer Roadworks continue of a number of highways in and about the Bay of Plenty and Waikato over the next few months.

SH2 between Tauranga and Waihi will be undergoing a major safety upgrade over the next four months and motorists using the road are advised to take extra care.

A section of highway between Wainui South Road and Sargent Drive will be repaired and widened, and a wire rope central median barrier installed to prevent head on crashes.

SH24 Matamata

Work is under way to repair Matamata’s main street - known as Broadway/SH24.

The works are at night for the town end with mostly day works for the section down to Burwood Road.

Contractors Broadspectrum will

be there until mid-February.

Roadworks are under way on a large section of State Highway 3 between the Hamilton Airport turnoff and Ohaupo, the NZ Transport Agency says.

The six-week job will see repairs to a 1.2km section of highway south of SH21 (Airport Road), side-by-side passing lanes removed and a section of wire rope barrier installed.

Passing lanes will be retained south-bound for 1km from the new roundabout being built at the SH3/21 intersection.

Similarly there will be two lanes north-bound from Kaipaki Road for 1km.

The roadworks will be completed by late February. The roundabout project will be completed by late May. The Transport Agency says speed restrictions will be in place during

BEST IN

CLASS

CROSSOVER/SUV/UTE

cx5.co.nz

the work, and while the roundabout is built, so motorists on this route should add a few minutes to their journey times.

To enable the roundabout to be built “offline”, a temporary road is being built for traffic going in and out of SH21 and that will be in use until the project is completed.

Waikato Expressway

Traffic management and speed restrictions are in place along some sections of SH1 as work continues on the Rangiriri and Huntly sections of the Waikato Expressway.

People can get information on road works and detours in the region they are in, or travelling to by going online and checking www.nzta.govt.nz/summerjourneys, by calling 0800 444 449 or following the Transport Agency on Facebook or Twitter.

RURAL DRIVER

Page 41

Drifting at sunset ‘spectacular’ Some of the best drifting in the nine-year history of the series in New Zealand was experienced by drivers and spectators at Baypark last month, says Brendan White of the D1NZ National Drifting Championships.

“For the first time we held a night event at Baypark and the atmosphere was fantastic. The scene of cars drifting against the backdrop of the setting sun was spectacular and resulted in some of the best images of drifting we’ve had,” says Brendan.

The event, round 2 of the series, was filmed

from around the world as well as throughout for national and international television chanthe country and Brendan says its screening on nels and will be screened, along with others in global tv channels also showcases the Mount the series, on TV 3 on Sundays from the first and Tauranga. week in March.

“The event is becoming a signaWinner of the ture one for Tauranga round was Nico and the Mount Reid of South and we’d Auckland. like to see it The event at grow, but to the ABA Arena do so need in Tauranga has more local become globally support recognised and attracts Jodie Verhulst was among the drivers taking part in the D1NZ includcompetitors National Drifting Championships at Baypark. Photos by Tracy Hardy ing from

Time to prepare for demo-derby The SunLive Baypark Demolition Derby is on April 9 so now is the time to start preparing vehicles for the event says Bernie Gillon.

“Last year we had 70 cars take to the circuit and this time were aiming for even more.” All the details about how to prepare vehicles and drivers, plus entry forms for the event are on the Baypark Family Speedway website.

“Basically the vehicle must be stripped of all windows, anything that can break, have all seats except the drivers’ removed, a roll cage fitted and a four point seat belt installed. Drivers must wear helmets and gloves, plus study boots and flame retardant overalls – good quality workshop overalls are suitable.

A neck brace must also be worn.”

For $500 Baypark will supply and prepare a car to race standards for contestants. “There’s no need to be put off entering because of lack of time or skills to prepare a vehicle.”

The derby, the last race of the right, includes ramps on both straights which competitors are obliged to drive over. “We have

“sheriffs” in the form of stock cars on the in-field who are ready to deal with any competitors who break the race rules, which all adds to the spectators’ enjoyment of the event.”

Tauranga’s Shane Morgan, winner of the 2015 SunLive Baypark Demolition Derby.

QUALITY HORTICULTURAL EQUIPMENT

council.

“We really Cole Armstrong was among appreciate those competing in the the support D1NZ National Drifting we have from Championships at Baypark.

ASB Arena and are making plans for next year, keeping in mind the scheduling for other events like speedway and jet sprints which are also on during the summer.

“We had a capacity crowd of 6,500 on the second day, and around 60 competitors with their support teams, trade stands, and BMZ and FMX competitors too.”

Page 42

FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 43

Agri-businesses’ social licence to operate Last year the Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, talked about the social licence to operate, noting that this concept is gaining traction and is one that all horticulture and agriculture businesses need to consider adopting.

There is no issuing organisation or agency for a social license to operate. Companies cannot get one from a Government department or from an agency such as the AA, as we do to get or renew our driver’s licence.

It is something the community in which the company operates gives to the company.

There is no formal process and there is really no way of knowing when a company has the licence.

It is intangible, informal and non-permanent. The company has to earn it and then maintain it. It is an expression of the quality of the relationship between the company and the community and its consumers.

The challenge for companies is that a social licence to operate is subjective, it is not a certificate. It is based on the company’s continued actions and interactions with the community. The terms are different for every company. It is based on what the community thinks of the company.

nutrient management, riparian planting and for meat and milk producers, animal welfare.

New Zealand’s horticultural industries are focused on these issues and continue to earn their social licence.

There are always areas where we can improve, and these areas are

being progressively addressed.

The future wealth of New Zealand depends on the success of our exports.

Today horticulture is NZ’s fifth largest export earner. In the future it is likely that horticulture will increase its export earnings and its ranking. The plan is to double horticulture earnings from $5

billion to $10 billion by 2020. However, these goals can only be achieved if we have a social licence to operate.

The views expressed are those of the authors.

Other issues relevant to the social licences include riparian planting like this area on the award winning Pukekauri farm near Katikati.

Local community

Social licences to operate were developed by mining companies due to the adverse effects mining has on the environment, and because mining is a high risk industry. For mining companies to continue to operate they need to get and maintain the support of the local community. In developing countries, hotels for example, use this concept by having aid programmes running with the local communities, supporting education and infrastructure development.

The social licence is a way to get support for the company’s activities from the local community and consumers, particularly where there are adverse environmental impacts. Minister Nathan Guy’s definition of social licence is “the ability to produce our products sustainably, bringing the community with us, and earning their respect and understanding”. The Minister’s view is environmental performance across the sector is no longer a “nice to have”, it is a necessity from the New Zealand public and our consumers.

Premium prices

Both the global supermarket chains and consumers demand, and will pay premium prices for consistent high quality food that is produced ethically and sustainably. Retailers and consumers want to know what they are eating, where it has come from, who grew it, how it was produced, is it residue free and were the workers paid and treated fairly?

Other issues relevant to the social licence include

THERE’S ALWAYS SOMETHING TO DO AROUND THE YARD. THEY’RE QUICK, COMPACT CONTACT YOUR LOCAL CERVUS AND ANYTHING BUT BASIC. EQUIPMENT BRANCH TODAY: These compact utility tractors ROTORUA - 07 345 5490 are built for hard work without 52 Vaughan Road

1025R tractor only FROM *$13,500 + GST

the hassle. They’re tough, adaptable and offer a level of comfort and peace of mind you won’t find anywhere else.

X758 with 60” mower deck- FROM *$19,500 + GST

GISBORNE - 06 869 0006 226 Stanley Road cervusequipment.co.nz 0800 333 734

4105 with H165 loader - FROM *$31,300 + GST

* All prices listed are GST exclusive. Price for the 1025R is for the tractor only, X758 includes a 60” mower deck and the 4105 comes with a H165 loader. Additional attachments available for an additional cost. Images are sample only as some attachments may not be available on NZ models.

Page 44

EDUCATION

Building on tradition Since its establishment in 1869, Auckland Grammar School’s vision has been for all of the young men who attend the school to reach their full potential in all aspects of their lives.

Today, the school retains the traditional values that it was founded on

and it remains committed to offering young men the best opportunity to succeed in the classroom, on the sports field and in musical, cultural and social activities.

Nearly a century after Auckland Grammar School was founded, a boarding hostel was opened opposite the school in 1962 to allow students from outside the local area to benefit from attending Auckland Grammar

School.

Named after the school’s fourth headmaster – Mr J W Tibbs, who was headmaster from 1893 to 1922 – Tibbs House opened its doors to 46 boys. The roll of Auckland Gramma Tibbs has now grown facility offers you r School and its Tibbs House board ng men the ing to 120 young men. full potential in all best opportunity to reach their aspects of their liv “The school’s es. boarding establishment offers a blend of excellence and opportunity to young men boarding institutions in the counwho live beyond the school’s Tibbs House boarders are try. Boys have comfortable rooms zone. By attending Tibbs House, expected to conform to the highwith no more than five to a room and thereby Auckland Gramest standards of behaviour and at junior level and even fewer at mar School, a whole new world maturity, to participate widely in senior level. opens up for our young men,” In addition to excellent facilities, school life and to develop into says director of boarding Daniel well-educated and well-adjusted eight full-time teaching masters Oram. provide daily supervision, pastoral young men.

“The friendships formed at Located at the foot of Mount guidance and assistance during Tibbs House are lifelong and Eden, Tibbs House provides the nightly prep sessions, while a their experiences will be richly modern and comfortable facilities team of matrons meet the boys’ rewarding.” which makes it one of the leading maternal and medical needs.

Bruce House – place to call home

To apply please download an enrolment application at www.ags. school.nz/at-grammar boarding/ or or contact contact Mr Daniel Oram, Director of of Boarding at d.oram@ags.school.nz or (09) 623 5432.

Founded on strong Christian values, Saint Kentigern College is an independent Presbyterian school for boys and girls in years seven to 13 (ages 11-18).

Providing a unique learning environment, students in the middle school (years seven to 10) are taught in single-gender classes, while in the senior school (years 11–13) girls and boys learn together.

The college is located on 100 acres, bordering the Tamaki Estuary, 16km from the centre of Auckland.

Students attain internationally recognised qualifications and receive the best pastoral care.

A dedicated team of teachers and personal care specialists monitors the students’ progress socially, academically and emotionally, ensuring they settle well into school.

Bruce House, the college’s specialist boarding facility for boys and girls, is the place that boarding students call home, says Rev David Smith, chaplain and head of boarding.

Boarders are involved in every facet of college life and develop a strong sense of school spirit.

“We challenge our students to excel; academic suc-

cess is expected. An unparalleled range of subjects is taught in modern, specialist facilities. Senior students have a choice of qualifications pathways, in the final two years of school they can choose NCEA or the International Baccalaureate programme.”

The college is a wireless campus and students can collaborate with their peers and work with their laptops and tablets to do class work, research and homework.

“Our sports facilities and coaches are among New Zealand’s best and we enjoy success in regional and national competitions. We are deeply committed to performing arts.

“Drama students learn in dedicated spaces and perform in a professional performance venue. In addition, our separate music centre provides superb, sound-proofed facilities for our choral and instrumental enthusiasts.

“Please contact us by email, phone or in person.

We look forward to introducing you to a world of opportunity for boys and girls.”

Tibbs House 87 Mountain Road Epsom Auckland 1023 New Zealand www.ags.school.nz

Saint Kentigern College prefects are leaders that younger students look up to.

EDUCATION

Page 45

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 46

trades & services

To list your rural event please email: julie@thesun.co.nz with Rural Event in the subject heading.

Sunday February 7

Katikati A&P Show Uretara Domain. Gates open 9am – horse events, entertainment, trade stands, refreshments and more.

Every Sunday in February Athenree Homestead Open Days

at 360 Athenree Road Athenree. Homestead 12pm - 3pm. Station Cafe 10am - 3pm. Entrance Fee to the Homestead Tour – $5 per person.

Saturday 13 February

Te Puke A&P Show at show ground Paengaroa.

Fun day of town meets country events for all the family.

Saturday 13 February Jazz in the Park

Whakatane Rose Gardens 5pm. Part of Whakatane Summer Arts Festival. For more www.artswhakatane. co.nz

Saturday 13 February

Haiku Reserve Anna Hawkins and Friends. Gates open 5pm, music from 6pm.

17 0( $7

3 (33( 5

Saturday 20 to Sunday 28 February Sunshine and Plate:

Katikati Twilight Concert

%(5 75 7,0 ( 6

with swap meet, big rigs, remote control cars and food available.

Gates open at 9am. For more information - contact Todd Sherburd on 0274927337

Saturday and Sunday February 13-14 Morrinsville Motorama.

Saturday Drive in Movie gates open at 6pm. Movie starts at 9pm. Truck night glow once dark enough.

Sunday Show Cars and 2000 Public - fun for all the family

Culinary Arts. Part of Whakatane Summer Arts Festival. For more www. artswhakatane.co.nz

Wednesday 24 February Festival film

Whakamax 5.30pm Exhibition Series Vincent van Gogh.

Part of Whakatane Summer Arts Festival. For more www. artswhakatane.co.nz

Sunday 28 February

property wanted

Art House: Art & Craft Market 9am to 1pm Memorial Complex Short St. Part of Whakatane Summer Arts Festival. For more www. artswhakatane.co.nz

Sunday 28 February

Vintage Tractor Working Day & Show Vintage tractor ploughing, horse ploughing, hay making (weather permitting), demonstration of silage bale making & wrapping with large modern machinery.

Rotorua Tractor Club Showground, Oturoa Rd, off SH5, Mamaku 10am – 4pm.

Adults $10, children under 10 free. Gate sales only. Ph John 07 308 0571

runon listings curriculum vitae

for sale

advertise

cars wanted WE ALWAYS PAY MORE!

$1000 CASH per week

0800 382 828

real estate

COAST & COUNTRY

New principal for St Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School As with many who enter the teaching profession, St Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s School new principal, Dale Burdenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s decision to train as a teacher came in his school years.

Christchurch-born Dale left Papanui High School for Canterbury University to study a Bachelor of Arts in Classics and History and on to the Canterbury College of Education.

His ďŹ rst position saw him move north to teach history at Whanganui Collegiate. After six years he took up head of social sciences at Whanganui High School. â&#x20AC;&#x153;I was pretty green at 28 to take that position but it was a very important move, because thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s where I met my wife Yevette.â&#x20AC;?

It was on the side-line of a 1st XI football match that Dale met the headmaster of Westlake Boysâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; High School, which led him to his

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The facilities and environment next role, as deputy headmaster here are unique, there is certainly at the North Shore school. It was nothing like this place in Australanot a long spell at Westlake, sia. moving to Mt Albert â&#x20AC;&#x153;I believe a school should be an Grammar School where he environment where all students spent the last 13 years, 10 can achieve their potential and as the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s headmaster. where excellence becomes a habit Now he heads up St Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s in all areas of school life. as the schoolâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sixth â&#x20AC;&#x153;To achieve this, schools principal, moving to need to be goal focused, and Cambridge with his have a culture of continuous family â&#x20AC;&#x201C; wife Yevette improvement.â&#x20AC;? and 10-year-old daughter Zoe. Dale Dale Burden is St As the school year begins, says, â&#x20AC;&#x153;The most Peterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s new principal. he intends to spend time looking, listening and learnimportant factor ing. in taking up this role was that St â&#x20AC;&#x153;Education is all about relationPeterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ticked both the professional ships,â&#x20AC;? he says. â&#x20AC;&#x153;So it is important and personal boxes.â&#x20AC;? to spend time building positive Dale has a strong personal faith bonds with people, getting to and is pleased to be leading a faith know them and understanding school. He is clearly passionate why things are done the way they about his new role and the chalare done.â&#x20AC;? lenges it will bring.

Page 47 Are You a Small Business Owner?...

021(< 72 /(1' 72 Conditions apply

5HTXLUH 6KRUW 7HUP :RUNLQJ &DSLWDO

D D 5HTXLUH /LDELOLW\ ,QVXUDQFH

6WDQ -RQHV )LQDQFLDO 6HUYLFHV 3K RU (PDLO VWDQMRQHV#[WUD FR Q] ZZZ IZMILQDQFH FR Q]

0 R U W J D J H , Q V X U D Q F H ) L Q D Q F H % U R N H U

Honouring those who sustain our community Recently our local community farewelled John Linton. I suspect few beyond Te Puke will know his name, but his character and integrity spoke to the value of community service.

Total commitment to family, farming, friendships, the environment, community, and to his personal faith in something larger than himself. Indeed he was honoured with a Queens Service Medal for his lifelong commitment to Te Puke. By all accounts he was chuffed with the acknowledgement but simply saw these projects, and many more besides, as jobs that needed doing, so just cracked on with it. I couldnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t help feel as his life was eulogised, that the mourners were being reminded of the very best of our natures. Many of our more rural communities have been built and are still sustained by people like John. Last year I was asked

AUCTION

Phone Stan for an informal chat Disclosure documents available

to speak at the Te Akau School fundraiser. What felt like the entire community turned up, all donating, all bidding each other up to maintain the school bus and its vital connection with the small community school. There is always an argument that the â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;Governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; should be paying more, contributing to the hall redevelopment, to the school bus, to the local swimming pool. But actually, communities like Te Puke and Te Akau are arguably stronger because locals look out for and provide for locals. It strengthens individual and community bonds, both professionally, socially and personally, and creates the environment for people like John to determinedly and humbly step forward. We all know these people in our community, letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s take a moment to reach out to assist and thank them for their respective commitments to our communities and the wider country.

AUCTION

Tauranga Central Office â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 07 578 0879 Cherrywood Office â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 07 576 8770 Bethlehem Office â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 07 579 2206 Mount Central Office â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 07 575 6384 Papamoa Office â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 07 542 9012 Te Puke Office â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 07 573 4754

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 48

d 9 with

arsen age Blake A

Templeto n

his calf.

grandkid s

visit the

farm.

Funny faces on the farm.

COAST & COUNTRY

PRIZE UP FOR GRABS! g grandad

in Lenny help

tor.

on the trac

Pictures and details can be emailed (high resolution jpgs) to amy@thesun.co.nz â&#x20AC;&#x153;Country Cameraâ&#x20AC;? or posted to Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga. Please include a name, address and phone number with every entry.

rol.

ng pest cont

Jordan lovi