Coast & Country News July 2015

Page 1

WINNER BEST ASSOCIATE NEWSPAPER 2015

EXPORT AWARDS PAGE 3

FARMERS’ MARKET PAGE 7

WINNER BEST ASSOCIATE NEWSPAPER 2015

YOUNG GROWER PAGE 8-9

SPACE PAGE 10

WINNER BEST ASSOCIATE NEWSPAPER 2015

KIWIFRUIT PAGE 30

FIELDAYS ROUND UP PAGE 39

VANUATU PAGE 52

July 2015 Issue No.179

Bay of Plenty & Waikato Farm, Orchard & Rural Lifestyle

Benefits of Isolation Beef & Lamb Mid-Northern North Island Council deputy chair Robyn Williamson says farming in a relatively isolated community helped prepare her for future leadership roles – read her story page 4-5. Photo by Elaine Fisher.

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Call for higher wages For a politician to suggest employers pay their staff more might seem risky, but that’s what Bay of Plenty MP Todd Muller did when he raised the issue at the Bay of Plenty Young Growers Award dinner. He told the 288 guests that he was expressing his own view in suggesting that, now both the kiwifruit and avocado industries are in good heart, perhaps it was time to start sharing some of the beneďŹ ts with employees. His comments received enthusiastic applause from at least one section of the audience, but maybe they were employees rather than bosses. However, Todd makes a very strong point, as was brought out by the speeches of the eight young grower contestants – see story pages 8-9. Their topic was “How can the horticultural industry support tertiary education providers to enhance the supply of a skilled workforce?â€? and each

spoke of the lack of understanding of what the industry offers and a perception that it is a low wage, low skill and a part-time industry. Zespri chairman Peter McBride also lamented the demise of horticultural tertiary students. “When I attended Massey University there were 160 students in my ďŹ rst year, 15 years later ďŹ rst year numbers had dropped to eight. Lincoln doesn’t have a horticulture degree now. There’s a big gap between my generation and the next, which offers a lot of opportunity for young people.â€? The horticultural industry has failed to promote itself and celebrate its success and yet it provides the foods the world desperately needs – foods which are high in all the good nutrients, with hardly any of the

negatives and which people are being encouraged to eat more of. There’s nothing boring about fruit or vegetable production and science and technical developments going on are exciting, as are the marketing and business opportunities – see stories pages 24 to 31. Farmers’ Markets are all about food and the nation’s best producers have been honoured – see page 7. Growing crops on Mars is a possibility as is ďŹ nding alien life believes Te Awamutu Space Centre owner Dave Owen – see story pages 10-11.

The winner of the book ‘Change the channel’ by Andrew Fleming, published by Rock Your Life is Vicki Davey of Waihi. Winner of ‘Where is Autism’ by Rowena Monds, published by Aries Publishing are Andrew Jamieson of Te Puke and Helen Haakma of Putaruru.

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Beca Export Achievement Award winner is Paramdip Singh, director, special projects international at the Waiariki Institute of Technology. The award recognises his work to increase the foreign student numbers at the institute.

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Head judge for the awards Kelvin Trask says, “We had an impressive range of businesses enter the export awards again this year, with strong entrants across the categories. It is exciting to celebrate the success of our BOP exporters and recognise their resilience and hard work.” The calibre and number of companies who were finalists in this year’s awards meant there was serious competition in each category with the judging panel commenting that they were impressed by the variety of businesses that entered across a range of industries. By Elaine Fisher

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Free trade agreements are already helping make that happen, with the Korean agreement alone set to save exporters $45 billion in tariffs, says Tim. “In 35 years I have been involved in three big (free trade) fights and we are now preparing for the TPP (Trans Pacific Partnership) negotiations and I will fight for the future wealth of exporters and New Zealanders,” he told those attending the Bay of Plenty ExportNZ awards night. Top award Todd McLay, The Tauranga family Associate owned business, Minister for Trimax Mowing Trade, and Systems NZ won the Rotorua MP says top award, the 2015 New Zealand’s Sharp Tudhope free trade Lawyers Exporter agreement with of the Year award. China has seen the Trimax which value of exports to has branches in that country grow the Australia, from $2 billion to r: ea Y UK and USA, the $22 billion last year. orter of rom left) p x E rs designs, develops, ye (f “That took the ope Law s NZ team are ievwright, h d u T manufactures Sharp edge off the Global g System right, Michael S ld. in w o M and distributes Financial Crisis for Trimax lin, Bob Sievw urray McDona p M a tractor-powered New Zealand.” Chris Ch McKeown and Jim mowing equipment. Trade deals with Trimax had its beginnings Thailand and Korea in the 1970s when modern are also benefiting New kiwifruit production was Zealand businesses and pioneered in the BOP. tariffs in Korea will reduce from The United Travel Business 47 per cent to zero over a short Emerging Exporter of the period of time. Year Award was won by “That will represent around Tauranga based Stoney $12,500 annually for every New Creek which designs and Zealand grower.” manufactures highly technical, The Ministers were among more rugged outdoor clothing and than 400 people who attended equipment, aimed to maximise the Zespri sponsored event at the customer experience in all Mount Maunganui, which saw climatic conditions. five prestigious awards presented. Ray Ellis recipient Page Macrae Engineering of the New Zealand Trade Innovation in Export Award Ray Ellis & Enterprise Service to Export. winner is Automation & Decades of service to the Electronics (NZ) which export sector by Tauranga’s Ray specialises in design, Ellis was formerly recognised when

programming and development of industrial control solutions and software for the solid wood processing industry in New Zealand, Australia and USA. The company also provides a service of installation in Papua New Guinea, South Africa and Chile.

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he was presented with the New Zealand Trade & Enterprise Service to Export. The award recognises Ray’s outstanding contribution to export success through years of work both regionally and nationally, including 20 years’ involvement with market access negotiations for a number of products at Government to Government level in six countries, working and travelling with MPI and MFAT negotiators. The managing director of Ellis Agricultural Services says he is humbled and honoured to receive the award and pays tribute to all he has worked with over the years and his wife and family.

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Exports are central to putting New Zealand back among the most successful nations in the world, says trade minister Tim Groser.

COAST & COUNTRY

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Isolation no hindrance to leadership roles Farming and raising a family in an isolated part of the country presents opportunities, rather than barriers, believes Robyn Williamson. “Like most rural couples Don and I have worked in the community and taken leadership positions on local school board and chaired other committees, all of which were great experiences,” says Robyn, who is now Beef & Lamb Mid-Northern North Island Council deputy chair.

Robyn and Don have been sheep and beef farmers for 23 years. They began with a lifestyle block in the Waikato before moving onto an economic sheep and beef unit near Kinohaku in 1992, supported by a calf rearing unit. In 2006 they purchased a larger property in the Owhiro Valley where they still farm. And it’s remote. The nearest settlement is at Kawhia on the harbour. But to get to Te Awamutu for farm supplies, business, banking and groceries the couple travel for nearly two hours along winding rural roads. Together they farm 262 hectares of

hill country with 60 breeding Hereford cross cows, 650 breeding ewes, 250 hoggets, 20 breeding rams, 70 dairy grazers, 30 rising one-year-old beef steers, 50 rising one-year-old beef heifers plus three breeding bulls. It’s attractive, but not easy country, and despite a reputation for high rainfall the property has been hit hard by drought in recent years. Virgin native bush is a feature of part of the farm and creates an attractive backdrop to the view enjoyed from the family home.

Whaleboat rowing

Don and Robyn have two adult daughters; Claire, who is a sports administrator in Cambridge, and Frances, who is currently attending Waikato l country University studying science technology. farms 262ha of hil Robyn Williamson with her husband Don. When the girls were growing up, Robyn ia wh land near Ka was actively involved in the community as chair of the Te Anga Playcentre and later two to three days of concentrated learning, with the Kinohaku School Board of Trustees. inter-modular work so time away from home is She’s also been involved with the local stock club, kept to a minimum. repertory and as a participant in the Whaleboat Rowing, exclusive to the Kawhia Harbour Escalator alumni community. When the girls left home Robyn The Agri-Women’s Development Trust Escalator was keen to further her personal development and programme had such a positive effect on Robyn took part in the 2010 Agri-Women’s Development that she became the inaugural chair of the Escalator Trust Escalator Programme for women living in Alumni, an incorporated society which is about comparative rural isolation. “I guess I was inspired by the possibility of learning support and communications between alumni members, new participants and the trust. the skills to contribute positively to the sheep and The Escalator programme not only gave Robyn a beef industry.” taste for further learning, but a realisation that she The 10-month course includes training in had skills to offer to the industry she’s passionate governance and leadership, which involved an about – sheep and beef farming. understanding of your own personality and building In 2012 she took part in the Kellogg Rural on your traits, critical thinking, communication Leadership Programme. skills, networks, individual learning, plus developing “For me, I hoped to gain more industry knowledge a five-year plan to ensure a pathway forward. and undertake a research project to present to a group It’s broken down for peer review. into five modules of

Virgin native bush is a feature of part of the Williamson farm.

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COAST & COUNTRY

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Every levy payer should have access to knowledge “It was pretty challenging as I had not been to university but I enjoyed the experience, which included flying to the South Island to conduct interviews for my research which was about wool marketing. “My work was an overview of the issues, options and types of marketing systems available to growers of strong wool, and the amount of value gained behind the farm gate.”

a growing sheep and beef industry, providing sustainable profits for future generations”. “As farmers we get frustrated by the things outside our control such as weather, markets, the processing sector, but businesses are always evolving and rising to face the challenges ahead. “The industry has so much potential for farmers to lift their profits behind the farm gate.”

Wool returns

Profit group

Robyn says because impartial data is It’s helping farmers achieve limited in the NZ wool industry it was that increase which is among the difficult to make comparisons between motivation for Robyn to continue the different options, in particular to serve on the Beef & Lamb determining the council; and volume of as well as her branded and role as deputy contracted chair of the wool. Mid-Northern Therefore, Farmers it was hard Council she’s to come to also chair of a definite the Waitomo conclusion Farming for but her Profit Group. research did While point towards there are the long-term opportunities benefits for to increase dership t of the Kellogg Rural Lea par As farmers who production son gramme, Robyn William Pro committed and profit, ng wool. ed the marketing of stro arch rese to contracts. there are Like all sheep also challenges and significant changes farmers, Robyn would like to see ahead, including increasingly strict returns for wool increase and a much environmental standards. wider understanding by the general “Throughout our region the public of the significant benefits of council has been running Land and a renewable fibre with such a wide Environment Plan workshops to assists range of uses. farmers to manage environmental “Wool is a fantastic product but has issues on their farms. struggled to compete with synthetic “It is important farmers are products. However, prices have empowered to act on their own terms; increased recently which is promising.” this means they can identify sensitive With a wider view of the industry areas on their farms and plan actions and increased confidence in her own to be taken over a period of time. abilities, Robyn stood for election “Every farm is different, landscapes, to the Beef & Lamb Mid-Northern natural resources, farming practices Farmer’s Council and was elected and business goals. in October 2011. “However, results from some of the “I have found personal alignment early adopters of LEP show using this with the council’s vision which is planned approach to assess production

opportunities, and improve farm practice, can actually add value to your farm long-term.” Compliance is a difficult area for landowners and many worry about their business rights when rules and regulations are put in place. Recent Beef & Lamb research shows more than 50 per cent of farmers are prepared to make changes to how they farm but want to see how it works first. “Farmers like to learn through practical application so we have set up three environmental focus farms within our region to demonstrate practice change. “Farmers also need to hear ideas from several sources before uptake. Learning about a change practice is fine but carrying it out behind the farm

gate is the key – support is required to encourage implementation. It’s this latter area that we as extension providers need to focus on more I believe,” says Robyn. “I’m really mindful of farmer sensitivity to feeling left behind, particularly those with minimal technological skills. Every levy payer who wishes to improve farm profits should be able to access knowledge and resources through Beef + Lamb New Zealand extension activities. “It’s also vital we encourage young people into the sector and we have an older group of people still farming, with a wealth of knowledge that could be tapped into.” By Elaine Fisher

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COAST & COUNTRY

Intrepid journey to self-discovery Brando Yelavich’s 8000 kilometre, 600-day walk around New Zealand’s coastline taught him, among much else, to like and trust himself. “Before I did the walk I didn’t trust myself. I didn’t believe I was good at anything but by the time I had ďŹ nished I’d proved to myself and all the teachers and other people who said I would never be any good, that I could do something amazing,â€? says the 21-year-old, who has written a book ‘Wildboy’ about his odyssey. “What I did show is anything is possible if you put your mind to it and you never really know the person who is behind what you see on the outside.â€? Brando was a young man fast going off the rails. Diagnosed with attention deďŹ cit hyperactivity disorder and dyslexia he’d struggled at school and after leaving found it hard to keep a job. “I was on the dole, smoking weed every day and being a prime example of a dropkick,â€? he admits. Brando had anger management problems, was by his own admission horrible to his parents, and was on medication to help keep calm. Inspired by the Christopher McCandless’ Alaskan adventure portrayed in the ďŹ lm ‘Into the Wild’, Brando decided a similar adventure might help turn his life around. His version was to walk the New Zealand coastline – and should take just six months, he thought. Brando left Cape Reinga, heading south on February 1, 2013. He walked back to the cape on August 23, 2014, which was 600 days since starting out. And along the way a new Brando emerged, one who likes and trusts himself and others. “I was constantly amazed at the people who helped me. “Growing up in Auckland, I hardly

Brando Yelavich and his girlfriend Ngaio Gregory met thanks to Brando’s epic walk around New Zealand’s coastline. knew my neighbours but everywhere along my walk there were people who welcomed me into their homes, fed me and helped me on my way. “It’s renewed my faith in humanity.�

Near-death experience

“When you’ve faced that moment it puts a whole new perspective on everything.â€? Brando also discovered another kind of peace. “I’ve since heard that walking is like a kind of meditation and when I was walking long stretches of beach I’d ďŹ nely end up with nothing to think about but the next step, and although I was acutely aware of everything around me, time just drifted by.â€? He also raised $32,000 for Ronald McDonald House, the charity he nominated when he began the walk.

Within days of starting out Brando wondered what on earth he had done and called his mum, saying he wanted to come home. She said ďŹ ne, but he’d have to walk. His parents exercised a very effective kind of tough love, keeping in touch with Brando by cellphone TV series and later satellite phone, Since he’s completed arranging ahead for his journey Brando has service clubs to host him, written his book, with posting parcels of ghost writer Nicola much needed McCloy. “That was supplies, almost as challenging including as the walk. Who would new shoes, believe I would write a but most book? I don’t even read.â€? of all He’s also become a giving public speaker thanks him the to the experience of encouragement addressing schools to keep going. and service clubs and Along the way Brando recently celebrated the Brando Yelavich is stopped taking his the ďŹ rst person to walk ďŹ rst anniversary of his medication. “I was taking relationship with Ngaio the entire coast on it to stop me getting angry Gregory, who he met New Zealand and with people around me he tells his story in the towards the end of his and on my own, there was journey. Brando is now book ‘Wildboy’. no one to get mad at.â€? working in an exotic plant Determined not to take the easy nursery at Hahei and hopes to make a option, Brando walked along beaches TV series about taking people into the and rocky coastlines as much as he wild and teaching them how to survive. could, often risking death or injury. Thanks to publishers Penguin, Coast In one incident his inatable raft ipped & Country has a copy of ‘Wildboy’ to in a river and he was caught under give away. To be in to win, email your willow branches and passed out, only to name and address, with ‘Wildboy’ in be swept free and regain consciousness the subject line to: elaine@thesun.co.nz shortly afterward. Or put these details on the back of an “I quickly came to terms with the fact envelope and post to: Coast & Country that I was about to die and it was the Book Prize, PO Box 240, Tauranga most peaceful moment of my whole life. 3110, to arrive no later than July 27.

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MasterChefs become farmers’ market judges too Tauranga Farmers Market chair with Sweetpoint capsicums grown on the family and vice-chairperson for property at Hinuera. FMNZ Lyn Paul. Competition was so tough for the Judging took place creamiest produce from the dairy in the kitchen of section that two winners were Rex and Imedla announced; Liz Mackay Tucker, of of Jersey Girl Organics, Tucker’s Cornish Matamata with fresh organic Pasties in jersey whole milk, and Chris Tauranga; and and Jill Whalley of Rex assisted Mount Eliza Cheese with the Ltd Katikati for a co-ordination. selection of cheeses. Maggie Wyn and Chris Daniell says the of Harbourside “The biggest challenge for us is not quality and Macadamias Katikati to eat too much – it’s all so delicious,” MasterChef sisters Karena and Kasey Bird and diversity of says Kasey. Tauranga Boys’ College hospitality students Caven won the tastiest nut entries shows The sisters took judging very seriously, Lane and Liam Ross-McAlpine during judging for the products category the high taking turns to read the information 2015 Farmers Markets New Zealand Food Awards. with their macadamia standards liqueur, and Jim Pringle entrants provided about their particular of food on offer at farmers’ markets of MaKutchens NZ Ltd, Tauranga, won the preserves product, before inspecting it closely, and winning an award is a coveted section with probiotic fermented vegetables. including using their sense of smell achievement for members. and then taste. “While the awards won’t be officially The winners “You can just presented until the Farmers Freshest Produce from the Paddock, Tastiest Pip Fruit; taste the love and Market New Winner – Grown (Cam and Melissa Booker), care the farmers Zealand Christchurch/Lyttelton – Winter Strawberries. have put into their conference in Dirt on the Roots; Winner – MPV Products (Phil Spence), produce and we love July, winners Gisborne – beetroot. reading about the Overall category winner of Freshest Produce from the are notifi ed stories that Paddock – Grown from the Christchurch and Lyttelton immediately after go along with judging so they can Farmers Markets with winter strawberries. the produce,” Best Produce from the Kitchen Bench; Bread/Baking winner – display information says Karena. Oliebollen (Anita Geuze), Gisborne - Oliebollen dutch donuts. on their stalls and Tauranga Overall category winner for the Best Produce from the the public can enjoy Boys’ College award-winning hospitality produce and products students Caven while they are still Lane and Liam available.” Ross-McAlpine Far mers' M Entries included were there to Maggie arket New Zea in-season fruit and land cha Asplet a prepare fresh nd ir vegetables; baked produce for Kasey B Karena and goods including ird. tasting, or to donuts and bread; cook it according preserves; butchery to the entrants’ and nut products. instructions. They came from “It’s not too Cromwell, Lyttelton, hard. The Christchurch, instructions Kaikoura, Nelson and are pretty Marlborough for the straightforward,” says South Island and from Caven, who while he Gisborne, Feilding, enjoys cooking, wants Whanganui, to join the air force Hobsonville Point, and train as a pilot. Grey Lynn, Parnell, Being a chef is not Britomart, and part of Liam’s plans Tauranga. d ir B either. He wants to a en Six Tauranga Kar Kasey and judging fresh study psychology at Farmers’ Market of Maketu uce. university. members are prod “But being able to among the appreciate and cook winners this year. Pauline good food should be a Alexander of Pahoia Fresh Produce won help while I’m a student,” he says. the juiciest stone fruit section with her Farmers' Market New Zealand avocado entry. chair Maggie Asplet was on hand to The winner of ‘dirt off the roots’ was co-ordinate the judging, along with Southern Belle Orchard’s Emily Meese

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COAST & COUNTRY

Katikati grower wins regional award a Bachelor of Applied Science in Horticulture from Massey University and a Post-Graduate Diploma of Agri-Science in Horticulture. He’s recently been promoted to technical manager with Apata and wants to hone his skills in the role. “The role changes quite a bit during the year, which is one of The 26-year-old technical manager with Apata the things I like about it. Group has no regrets about his choice of career “At harvest time I’m responsible and is keen for other young people to find a future for making decisions on pickin horticulture. ing, depending on fruit maturity, His own success story to date should certainly and at other times for technical serve as an inspiration. transfer of information to growers Craig won the top Craig Ward is winner of the 2015 Bay including through newsletter and regional title in June of Plenty Young Fruit Grower title. holding field days. following a closely“I’m also involved with spray pro“It was great fun to compete against fought competition grammes and pest control and working so many other talented young growers with seven fellow closely with our grower services team.” and I know we each put all our efforts contestants, which Craig also works with a small group into the competition,” says Craig. included a series of of growers, so he has an understand“I’m really stoked to walk away with challenges ranging from ing of what’s happening on orchard biosecurity to fungicide the top prize – I wasn’t expecting it at throughout the season. all, as I was so impressed by the work treatment, designed around the fundamental everyone else was doing. It was defiMentors appreciated nitely a close competition.” skills needed to run a The experience he gained from successful fruit-growing entering the awards last year was Hone skills business. certainly valuable. Craig entered the contest for the first The final test was “It gave me a better idea of what we time last year and his aim in 2015 was to deliver a speech to could expected from the challenges the 288-strong audience to finish in the top three – and his win and also giving a speech in front of a gathered for the awards exceeded his expectations. large audience last year gave me more Craig, who grew up on a farm and dinner at Mills Reef confidence for this time.” avocado orchard near Katikati, has Winery & Restaurant.

Developing future leaders and promoting the opportunities the industry has to offer are among the ways the horticultural industry can attract more young people, believes the 2015 Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower title winner Craig Ward.

EHC Orchard Management’s Simon Bowker, 28, took second place in the 2015 Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower competition, preparing an avocado tree for phytophthora treatment.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 9

Young growers’ skills tested in contest and as a Young Grower of the Year finalist, he He’s also grateful for the mentoring he also won a one-day media and presentation receives from Apata management, including course in Auckland and an all-expenses Neil Cameron and Sonia Whiteman, paid trip to Christchurch to compete in the and that from several national Young Grower of the orchardists who offered Year competition, run by advice and assistance Horticulture New Zealand in preparing for the on August 12-13. competition. “I know that the national Apata is a strong competition will be an even supporter of the young bigger challenge than this grower awards, and one, but I feel well prepared. was a gold sponsor this “To be honest I’m just looking year. Craig says the forward to getting stuck in, company focuses on doing my best and seeing what helping staff develop I can learn from the other their potential and competitors. Most of us work he was encouraged with different produce so it will be and supported interesting to see which skills are in entering the the same and which are different. awards. Plant id “I would definitely recommend Craig won a one of th entification w as e this competition to any young fruit $1500 cash prize, Craig d challenges faci Bay of P uring the 201 ng 5 len Grower ty Young Fruit competi tion.

growers. It’s a great way to push yourself in all elements of the job and you get the chance to meet some really supportive people who can help you with your career.”

Showcase talent

New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated president Neil Trebilco says the competition is an opportunity for young fruit growers to put themselves out there and showcase their talent. “This has been another excellent demonstration of the talent we have here in the Bay of Plenty and the wider region including Northland. “There are some tremendous opportunities in the fruit-growing industry, and we’re delighted this group is taking advantage of them and also encouraging other young people to consider a career in this sector.” Simon Bowker, 28, from EHC Orchard Management, Te Puke, took second place

Operating machinery was among challenges for Te Puke Seeka Kiwifruit Industries assistant quality manager Samantha Mansell during the 2015 Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower competition.

Industry support for Vanuatu appeal A charity auction at the 2015 Bay of Plenty Young Fruit Grower awards dinner raised almost $5000 for the people in Vanuatu who were affected by the devastating Cyclone Pam in March. “The kiwifruit industry employs more than 500 people from Vanuatu

under the Recognised Seasonal Employer scheme. June saw it launch a wider campaign to raise $100,000 to help with the recovery of Vanuatu,” says New Zealand Kiwifruit Growers Incorporated president Neil Trebilco. “The funds raised will be channelled toward projects in communities where workers from Vanuatu in the kiwifruit industry come from.” Zespri has also pledged $15,000 towards the fund.

and won $1000 cash, and Aaron Hokopaura, 24, from Aongatete Coolstores Limited, Katikati, secured third place with a prize of $500 cash. Reuben Wallis from Whangarei and Chris Clement, Courtenay McBride, Greg Brown and Samantha Mansell from Te Puke also competed. Photos by Visionmedia

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 10

It’s out of this world – in Kihikihi Dave Owen’s dream holiday is to visit the International Space Station. He’d even volunteer to go to Mars provided the mission was one he believes can succeed – always depending, of course, on whether his family will let him.

Fly me to the Space Station: Dave Owen with a Russian helmet, one of the exhibits in his Te Awamutu Space Centre. Dave is a self-proclaimed space enthusiast but it’s not just an idle interest. He’s made space his fullThese gloves are from a Russian SOKOL time job as the pressure space suit used during the lunch owner, curator and re-entry of the Soyuz space craft. and chief guide at the Te Awamutu Space Centre in Kihikihi. “I’ve been interested in space since I watched ‘Star Trek’ as a child,” says Dave, whose previous job was as a freelance television director working for news and sporting channels, specialising in outside broadcasts. He’s also a web designer, all skills which have come in more than handy at the Space Centre. About 15 years ago Dave began taking online courses to learn more about space and at the same time building on his childhood space collection, adding artefacts from the American and Russian/Soviet space programmes with the intention of starting a museum. He also joined the Hamilton Astronomical Society and was president for a period working to promote its work and improve facilities and equipment.

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Reading Stephen Hawking’s book ‘A Brief History of Time’ also helped galvanise Dave’s desire educate others about the universe and Earth’s place in it. In 2009 he opened the Te Awamutu Space Centre in Te Awamutu but in January moved to a new location in a church hall in Kihikihi where with the hands-on help of his parents Stephanie and Bruce Owen, wife Ange Holt and their children Jess and Floyd converted it into a working museum. Dave is equally fascinated with space and astronomy as with space travel and everywhere you look in the museum there are fascinating exhibits, many of them web and computer-based meaning this is a hand-on experience children – of all ages – just love.

Drifting off

Among the static exhibits is a green Russian sleeping bag, complete with side tabs to tie it and its occupant in place, making dozing off – but not drifting off – possible in the space station. There’s also a helmet, gloves and shoes from a Russian SOKOL pressure space suit used during the lunch and re-entry of the Soyuz space craft. The SOKOL suits were developed in the early 1970s and are still in use today.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 11

Alien life may be found in 10 to 20 years “I’ve tried wearing the gloves and using my hands inside them but it’s incredibly hard. It must be extremely difficult for astronauts to work in space wearing these suits.” Dave says it was reasonably easy to get authentic equipment and clothing from the Russian space programme following the collapse of the Soviet Union, but not so easy to buy anything from the American programme. However, the museum does have

an Apollo 9 cue card used in space in 1969. He generally buys exhibits only from reputable auction houses to be sure of their provenance. Thanks to his considerable IT skills, Dave has set up several large computer displays, one of which shows real time images of Earth from the International Space Station and graphics plotting its route in orbit.

Japanese astronaut

While he’s not been to space, Dave has spent time with astronauts, including Akihiko Hoshide, a Japanese engineer and a JAXA astronaut, who on August 30, 2012, became the third Japanese astronaut to walk in space. Akihiko gave Dave an autographed photograph of himself in a space suit, which has pride of place in the museum. “One of the things Akihiko comments on, and I’ve heard other astronauts says, is how thin the atmosphere which protects Earth appears to be from space. It’s quite a sobering comment.” The museum includes interactive stations where visitors can view images of celestial bodies, including planets, from all angles. In one part of the museum a Mars greenhouse experiment is underway in which Dave will attempt to grow plants in conditions as close as possible to those likely to be established on Mars, once humans finally get there. “I’ve used sterilised volcanic material which is about as close as I can get to what Mars soil is like. The atmosphere on Mars is about 95 per cent carbon dioxide so that might be quite good for plants as they breathe CO2.”

Toilet training

This Russian sleeping bag has side tabs to tie it and its occupant in place, making dozing off – but not drifting off – possible in the space station.

The Te Awamutu Space Centre is also active in the BOINC research community, using its computers to run astronomyrelated research for scientists around the world. One of the most interesting “exhibits” in the museum is probably Dave himself.

He is such an enthusiast about space it’s contagious and he’s also a mine of information, ready and able to answer questions. Among the one most children want to know is – how do you go to the toilet is the space station? And Dave can give the answer, which includes explaining astronauts have to receive special toilet training before leaving Earth. While he doesn’t believe the current privatelyfunded Mars One mission to establish a human settlement on Mars will happen, Dave does believe human colonisation will be possible at some stage in the future. He also believes other life forms may be found within 10 to 20 years. “It may not look like us but we will recognise life when we find it.” The Te Awamutu Space Centre holds open days, opens for special events and caters for schools and private bookings. To find out more visit the website www.spacecentre.nz or email info@spacecentre.nz By Elaine Fisher

Making space personal: Work out how old you are and what you would weigh on another planet at Te Awamutu Space Centre.

Solar flares and celestial bodies, such as Saturn from all angles, make for spectacular viewing with interactive stations at the Te Awamutu Space Centre.

HALF THE CALF REARING

WORKLOAD A much more gentle teat. Put a calf on a Peach Teat and it stays there. The calf won’t struggle to drink or suck your clothes when it should be on the teat. Peach Teats work like a cow’s milk let down. We guarantee your calves’ satisfaction.

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CALVING

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Of weird words, chicken shoes, swinging bulls A ‘red back’ isn’t a spider but a $20 note; a ‘mouse but only if it’s not to that potato’ is someone addicted to surďŹ ng the internet; bloody chicken dance ‘herbs’ means engine power – and oh yes – a ‘reptile’ again!â€? and “These is an unscrupulous reporter. shoes were made for Thanks to publishers Exisle, we have a copy of squawking, and that’s “The Essential Lingo Dictionjust what they’ll do....â€? ary of Australian Words and which have won him Phrasesâ€? to give away a copy of for the best caption All Black for the photo at left. Aaron CruEmail your sugden’s book gested captions for ‘The Beginner’s the photo, along Guide to Rugby’ thanks to with your name and publishers Random House. address, and with The prize for this month’s Country Funnies Country Funnies caption as the subject to: is ‘The Essential elaine@thesun. Lingo Dictionary co.nz of Australian Or put these Words and details and captions Phrases’. . on the back of an Moonbeam, to win and be in is picture envelope and post red back, Caption th to: Country Funnies, reptile, mouse Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga potato, herbs 3110, to arrive no later than July 27. The winner – all these and many more are words which don’t mean what will be announced in the September issue of Coast & Country. you think they might – that’s if you are in Australia. The Australia form of English is littered with misused and mispronounced words and while many Kiwis will understand most of it, a little clarity can still be required which is why author John Miller – who would no doubt claim not to be a ‘reptile’ – has written his latest book. It’s a warts-and-all look at notoriously hilarious and occasionally naughty Australian slang words, casting ‘The Essential Lingo light on quirky, intriguing – and often quite bizarre – Dictionary of Australian Aussie language. Words and Phrases’ is this A ‘moonbeam’ is a piece of cutlery placed on a table month’s Country Funnies prize. but unused in a meal and so doesn’t need washing.

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“All Dressed for the Talon quest?� was the suggestion from Al Smith of Cheddar Valley. “I’m all chook up,� wrote Shona van der Vegte of Whakatane. However, it’s Scott Ferguson of Te Puke who will be able to crow about his prize-winning captions: “Yes I’d love to dance with you,

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The ultimate in footwear for a hen’s night – pink shoes with chicken-feet heels cracked a few laughs for Coast & Country readers in May when we asked for captions for a photo of the shoes.

Perhaps it’s not child’s play after all A man was sitting on the edge of the bed, watching his wife, who was looking at herself in the mirror. Since her birthday was not far off, he asked what she’d like to have for her birthday. “I’d like to be eight again,â€? she replied, still looking in the mirror. On the morning of her birthday, he arose early, made her a nice big bowl of chocolate-avoured cereal, and then took her to adventure world theme park. What a day! He put her on every ride in the park; the Death Slide, the Wall

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of Fear, the Screaming Roller Coaster – everything there was. Five hours later they staggered out of the theme park. Her head was reeling and her stomach felt upside down. He then took her to a McDonald’s, where he ordered her a Happy Meal with extra fries and a chocolate shake. Then it was off to a movie, with popcorn, a ďŹ zzy drink and her favourite candy, M&Ms. What a fabulous adventure they had! Finally, she wobbled home with her husband and collapsed into bed exhausted. He leaned over his wife with a big smile and lovingly asked: “Well Dear, what was it like being eight again?â€? Her eyes slowly opened and expression suddenly changed. “I meant my dress size, you ----- retard!â€?

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BREAKING NEWS

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REPOROA - spring 2014

TIMARU – spring 2014

CALVING

Page 13

Teat manufacturer disputes rival’s claims Claims by a calf teat manufacturer about the feeding benefits of its brand of teats have been challenged by the manufacturers of Peach Teats following observations and weight gains from two recent on-farm trials. The rival company claims, released last spring, its teats delivered “significant” differences in curding, 17.5 per cent greater weight gains in the first week, and 11 per cent greater gains during a 42-day period. However, observational trials overseen by leading calf researcher Dr Bas Schouten indicate there is no significant difference in growth rates achieved when using Peach Teats or the rival brand. Nor is there any difference in calf health between the two teat types. Conducted last spring and this autumn, the trials observed the weight gains experienced between calves fed with both brand of teats

during a four-week period. Bas emphasises the study was purely an observational one, conducted using two groups of seven calves. “The results suggest it is well worth expanding this trial into a larger, more statistically significant one from which more specific analysis can be done rigorously.” Bas says the results suggest any claims about one teat type being better than another for delivering weight gain are not substantive, and the difference between the two is minimal. “These huge differences claimed are just wrong. My real concern is such claims do little to help us focus on what is really important when it comes to rearing calves. “That is they require good clean facilities, attention from operators who care about their health and wellbeing, and a consistent source of high quality milk to maintain their early stages of growth, to become valuable, productive members of tomorrow’s herd.”

The observations Bas has fed using the two different teats. made include a faster feeding “There was certainly no teat like a Peach Teat design difference in the curding would be a benefit to a calf within the calf ’s abomasum, that may be compromised in contrast to the images by poor health. the other teat “It will simply make manufacturer has it easier for that calf to put out there.” get the milk inside itself Bas has urged Peach that it will desperately Teats director Robert need if it is less than McIntyre to push on 100 per cent.” with plans to build a The rival company more comprehensive, had also made claims statistically robust trial to about better curding in compare the two teat types. the calf ’s gut occurring “But so far, from what with its particular teat. I have seen from the Dr Bas Schouten believes a However, Bas also trial we have done, any more comprehensive, statistically challenged that claim after claims about one being robust trial needs to be conducted better than the other conducting an informal to compare the performance of investigation himself on are purely commercial two rival teat types. the digestive tract of calves sensationalism.”

Accelerating irrigation growth Irrigation projects will receive a kick-start of $25 million in operating funding for five years from 2016 through the Irrigation Acceleration Fund, says Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy. “This funding boost will help to complete the investigation and development of new regional scale irrigation proposals,” says Nathan, who announced the funding. “The need for more water storage projects is obvious given that nearly every part of the country has suffered through drought at some stage over the past three years. “Providing a reliable water supply for farmers and growers has massive potential to boost growth, creating jobs and exports in provincial regions.” About 100,000 hectares of new irrigated areas are expected from IAF-funded projects to date, with about 36,000ha of that commissioned or currently being constructed. The IAF helps support the development of irrigation infrastructure proposals to the stage where they are investment-ready, which means they must be commercially robust and demonstrate a high level of community support. The Government also supports these projects through the Crown Irrigation Investments Ltd, which acts as a bridging investor for regional water infrastructure development. So far, $120 million has been allocated to CIIL during the last two years with the potential to provide a further 125,000ha of new irrigation.

WHAT DO YOU MEAN ‘‘CALVES

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A new set of Peach Teats on a calf feeder means your calves will make the right amount of saliva. This alone can provide significant health improvements to the calf. Health flare-ups in calf rearing are greatly reduced because the more the calves like the teat the better they do.

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DAIRY

Page 14

Opportunity now to lift milk production With any rise in the low dairy payout uncertain, farmers need to try to think of positive ways to increase milk production.

They also need to be thinking about reducing working farm expenses. One of the simplest ways is to increase total farm production from fewer cows with less bought-in feed. And we know it can be done. DairyNZ statistics are quoting a per cow production figure of 346 kilograms of milk solids. But there are a growing number of dairy herds throughout the country with cows producing milk solids greater than their live weight. Farm production of 520kgMS/cow from 500kg live weight cows was recorded from one herd this season. And although that’s a standout performance, we have close contact with a number of other herds that produced close to 500kgMS per cow. If you have fewer cows but the same total amount of feed, each cow gets more and per cow production will steadily increase. This is often commented on in

autumn when the first batch of culls leaves the property and daily milk solid production immediately increases.

Record culls

Reports show a record number of dairy cows are being culled this season, which provides the opportunity for a marked lift in per cow production. With many farm costs being per animal related, there’s a lift in gross margin to be had. And total feed doesn’t need to be based around supplements. Pasture production is the other area where there is substantial scope for increase, at no extra cost. Using our systems and products, a 26 per cent DM/ha increase from permanent pasture has been measured on one property during the last 10 years, with a lift from 14,100kgDM/ha to 17,800kgDM/ha being recorded. No extra phosphorus, potassium, or sulphur has been applied, and any use of fertiliser nitrogen has steadily declined. The nitrogen required for the average pasture growth of 49kgDM/ha/day is now largely provided by clover, with the balance fixed direct from the atmosphere as well as from dung, urine, and old plant matter. Less than 20kgN/ha fertiliser may be applied as part of the autumn total nutrient input, to help transition pasture from a strong clover base

to a more grass dominant sward, for the winter conditions.

Production life

As pasture production lifts so too does its quality, resulting in fewer kilograms of dry matter being eaten to produce a kilogram of milk solids. On another farm a 21 per cent decrease in the amount of feed eaten to produce one kilogram of milk solids has been calculated. When combined with the increase in total pasture production, a lift of about 50 per cent in production from pasture alone is achievable. Although farm indebtedness adds a variable, in our experience dairy properties producing close to 1000kgMS/ha from pasture, with hay and silage fed strategically, are profitable even at this season’s payout. At the predicted milk solids return for the next 12 months it is unlikely that bought-in feed at 30c per kg of DM will be profitable. With 25-30 per cent of production nationally currently coming from purchased supplements, there is substantial scope to reduce costs and increase both per cow and total farm production. The best pasture managers are once again becoming the most profitable and, as the skills required to maximise annual production take time to learn and fine tune, the next 12 months is an ideal time to develop the ability to be profitable regardless of income. For more information call Peter on 0800 843 809.

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DAIRY

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Positive effects of teat-sealing heifers The number of heifers coming in with mastitis in the first four days of lactation can be reduced by the use of Teat-seal. Mastitis is a potentially costly problem, as well as heifers often being difficult to treat. Trial work shows using Teat-seal in heifers pre-calving reduces subclinical mastitis at calving by 65 per cent and clinical mastitis in early lactation by 50 per cent. Most farmers are now aware of these benefits and every year there are more and more farmers using Teat-seal. Teat-sealing is normally done for heifers about four weeks before the start of the group calving assuming a normally two to three-month bull mating period was used. Trial work in Oamaru conducted last spring now shows it can be done up until one to

two weeks prior to calving with similar positive effect. As Teat-seal does not contain any antibiotics, it is essential teat-sealing is done under strict hygiene conditions. There are some potential risks associated with using Teat-seal in pre-calving heifers to be aware of: 1. Clinical infection before Teat-seal infusion: A small number of heifers may have clinical or subclinical mastitis already present at the time of Teat-seal infusion. If this is suspected it should not be treated with Teat-seal. 2. Clinical infection after Teat-seal

infusion: There is a minor risk of clinical mastitis in a quarter after infusion of Teat-seal if hygiene standards are not strict. Heifers should be checked, even in the paddock, for a couple of days after infusion and not trucked or stressed during this time. 3. Removal of Teat-seal postcalving: Teat-seal will not affect calves if they suckle. In a few cases weak calves may not ‘suck’ out the Teat-seal plug. These calves should be identified, as Teat-seal will still be present in all four quarters, and tube fed with colostrum. In order to give your maiden heifers the best possible start to the lactating career, talk to your vet to see if Teat-seal is appropriate for your herd.

Bold as brass – but lacking identity A 16cm tall strange-looking brass device, with no identifying marks has the team at the Opotiki Museum mystified. “We have been unable to get a positive identification from Te Papa or the Auckland Maritime Museum,” says Ann Paynter of the Opotiki Museum. She’s hoping Coast & Country will live up to its reputation of being able to solve mystery items thanks to the knowledge of its readers. If you think you know what this device is and even better, have a story to tell about seeing one used, we’d love to hear from you and you could be in to win a visit for two to the Opotiki Museum. Send your entry to elaine@thesun.co.nz, with ‘Mystery Item’ in the subject line, or post to: Mystery Item, Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110, to arrive no later than July 27. The winner will be announced in Coast & Country’s September issue. Meanwhile, the mystery item from the May issue did have readers stumped. It was a portable x-ray machine used by Te Aroha’s Dr Dick Lawrence and is on display in the Te Aroha and District Museum. Janice Nightingale of the museum says ‘Doctor Dick’ as he was affectionately known, came to Te Aroha in 1921 and continued to practice albeit part-time,

up until he died in the mid-1950s. “Doctor Dick made house calls to patients as doctors did back then, and was frustrated at the delays in getting x-rays done of suspected broken bones so the local community raised 500 pound to buy a portable machine for him. I think it must have been powered by a car battery.”

This month’s mystery item from the Opotiki Museum is indeed a mystery.

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DAIRY

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Plant-available nutrients essential in soil

Makers of Biological g Fertilisers We make fertiliser mixes suited to your soil using the Reams Soil Test (which shows what nutrients in the soil are available for plants). Our fertilisers nourish your soil & feed you microbes, enabling them to efficiently cycle nutrients. We’ll get your soil working for you again!

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With winter here, now is the time to reflect on whether your soil has adequate nutrition and energy to grow quality pasture through until the spring flush comes. Getting your head around soil test results can cause confusion for some. Most soil tests, or cation exchange capacity tests, look at what nutrients are in the mineral reserves – think of it as your bank balance. It can also test to see if you have any trace mineral issues, how much sulphur is available and phosphorus. For phosphorus testing, for New Zealand soils it is better to get a Resin P phosphorus test done over an Olsen P. This is because an Olsen P was originally developed in North America for alkaline soil conditions. Most NZ soils are acidic have a pH <7 to very acidic pH<5.5, in this situation an Olsen P can actually overestimate the amount of plant available P. See the following link for more information: www.soiltech.co.nz/ articles/article13.pdf A Reams Soil Test is helpful to

work out what nutrients are in the plant available form – think of this as your daily limit at the cash flow machine compared to your bank balance. It can highlight if you have microbe issues – you may have a high P reading from your usual test, but the Reams Soil Test shows that this is not available to plants. So you should look at feeding your soil biology so they can access your mineral reserves of P and/or changing your soil pH so P becomes more available. Phosphorus is most available between soil pH of 6 and 8. The Reams Soil Test also checks what your soil energy is like for example, is there enough energy to grow your winter crop or grass to feed your cows? Environmental Fertilisers make biological fertilisers. We are also able to work out what your soil needs in order to grow your winter grass or crop using the tests talked about above.

Help for flooded farms and animals Industry body DairyNZ worked with other groups to support farmers and ensure that about 5000 cows in central Manawatu and Horowhenua have enough feed for the winter after dozens of paddocks were flooded on dairy farms in mid-June. DairyNZ’s Lower North Island regional leader James Muwunganirwa says detailed advice on wet weather grazing management and pasture recovery is going out to all farmers in the impacted regions. “We are also providing feed budgeting support to a dozen or so dairy farms in Manawatu and Horowhenua that are seriously under water,” says James. A cross section of rural and farming organisations, co-ordinated by Federated Farmers, met within days of the storm to discuss support for farmers, share reports of the scale of impacts and discuss how to work together. DairyNZ is involved, along with Federated Farmers, Fonterra, the Rural

Support Trust, Horizons Regional Council, Manawatu District Council, Beef & Lamb NZ and the banking sector. Damage to farms includes flooded paddocks and farm tracks, slips and fencing down. “Some farmers are milking through the winter and others are wintering dry cows on the farm so keeping their stock fed is a top priority. DairyNZ is giving one on one advice to those farmers whose pastures are flooded,” says James. “There is already a lot of flood information and advice on our website www.dairynz.co.nz “We have learnt a lot from helping farmers through other floods, particularly in Northland. “Stock losses, power outages, slips, bridges washed away, silt covered pastures requiring re-grassing – there are a range of effects on a farm business. “Knowing what to do will reduce the immediate impact of the flood on your farm.”

DAIRY

Page 17

Prioritising trace elements for dairy cows Not all trace elements are as important as each other for New Zealand grazing ruminants. For cattle and sheep, there are only five trace elements that need to be considered in terms of deficiency; copper, selenium, cobalt, iodine and zinc. The first two are the main ones. Iodine is most important when cows are being fed on brassicas, and/or pre-calving and pre-mating. Despite the fact that only a proportion of dairy farms are naturally low in one or more these minerals, it’s become common practice to supplement the herd with a mixture containing all five, as an ‘insurance policy’ against production-limiting deficiencies. In the absence of considerable monitoring – for example, pasture, blood and liver testing – this strategy is not unreasonable.

There is little solid evidence at all that dairy cows will benefit from other trace elements such as chromium, boron, manganese or nickel. Even if cows do require these, the levels that naturally occur in the diet are sufficient. If you’re being sold a product containing these other mineral – or other ingredients such as probiotics or seaweed – particularly if it costs you more, ask to see real trial data of the benefits and beware of people using overseas data, or even worse data from other species, to justify their product. Selenium levels – what should they be? Recently, I read a report a farmer had been sent which stated the levels of selenium were mid-

way on the recommended range which was ‘fine’. The adequate level for liver selenium is greater than 850 nanomole per kilogram of liver – these levels were 7780nmol/ kg liver. These levels are nearly 10 times higher than they need to be and represent over-supplementation. The range given was 850-15,000nmol/kg liver but this is misleading as adequate is just that. However, it should be noted if the liver level gets to 25,000nmol/kg liver then the liver and kidneys are not fit for human consumption. This is only three times higher than the ‘fine’ average the levels are now. The concept that the middle of the recommended range – meaning

the supplementation is adequate – is so wrong. The report then went on to say these levels will help prevent Retained Foetal Membranes. There is no evidence of selenium deficiency causing RFM in New Zealand. The target is >850, not 8500nmol/ kg liver. We need to focus on education of our veterinarians, advisors and farmers and have a discussion on what these high levels achieve.

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The many benefits of irrigation control Installing Growsmart Precision VRI has helped dairy farmers Brian and Jo Bosch use their water more efficiently, save electricity, track maintenance and reduce the number of lame cows in their herd. The couple, who have 1150 cows, producing 400,000 kilograms of milk solids annually from their 320ha South Wairarapa milking platform, have three centre pivots irrigating 210ha – one of which has VRI installed. The Growsmart Precision VRI system was installed in 2008 by Precision Irrigation, now known as Lindsay New Zealand. “The reason I was keen on getting into it was we were having issues when the pivots crossed the tracks. We’d have a nice crowned track and water would run off into the water table, causing bad pivot ruts,” says Brian.

Not only did this hinder the performance of the pivots but it meant high track maintenance costs and increased numbers of lame cows.

No damage

With the VRI installed, Brian is able to turn the pivot off as it goes over the tracks. “Now the tracks are dry and we have no damage. There’s no damage to the cows’ feet.” The couple also have a large pond under the pivot and a number of open drains. They are able to turn the pivot off when it is over these as well, meaning water is not pumped to waste. “I worked out that the tracks, pond and drains probably add up to 10 per cent of the land under that pivot; so we can go and irrigate 10 per cent more productive land now. “It actually costs us to irrigate the track because we get more lame cows and do more track maintenance. “They [Lindsay NZ] put the programme in and I haven’t fiddled with it too much. I recently started upgrading to the latest version and they provide training for that. “There’s been no maintenance, this upgrade is the first money I’ve spent on it since installation – it’s just the software that needs upgrading, the hardware is fine. It’s just worked.”

Future benefits

Brian Bosch is delighted with the Growsmart Precision VRI system.

ADDLINE TRANSPORT LTD

Installing VRI has been a worthwhile exercise, Brian says, and he can see the future benefits too. “Going forward with the council, and for your own peace of mind, you can show you are using water efficiently on your farm and prove to council you’re not wasting water.” Growsmart Precision VRI is compatible with most centre pivot and lateral irrigators, the technology can be installed on new systems or as a retro-fit to existing systems. For more information on this or pivot irrigation, contact a Zimmatic irrigation dealer or visit www.growsmartprecisionvri.co.nz

SIX YEARS ON AND BRIAN IS STILL SEEING GREEN The Growsmart® Precision VRI system installed on Brian and Jo Bosch’s dairy farm in the South Wairarapa has been saving them precious water and dollars since it was first installed in 2008. The couple use the intelligent system to avoid watering the tracks, ponds and drains underneath their Zimmatic™ centre-pivot. The water saved by avoiding these areas is diverted to other areas of the farm, increasing their irrigated land area by approximately 10%. And after over six years of using the technology he’s pretty happy about the low maintenance requirements of the system hardware, “It’s just worked!” The Bosch’s are not alone in the great results achieved using variable rate irrigation. Trials show savings of up to 27% on dairy and cropping farms are realistically achievable. Why? Because Precision VRI controls every individual sprinkler allowing you to irrigate where it is needed. Find out how you could achieve great results like Brian and Jo by talking to your Zimmatic by Lindsay dealer today or by visiting growsmartprecisionvri.co.nz

© 2013 LINDSAY. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. ZIMMATIC IS A TRADEMARKS OF THE LINDSAY CORPORATION.

DAIRY

Page 18

Scholarship for Te Puke veterinary student A Te Puke veterinary science student’s ambition for farming has been rewarded with a $2500 scholarship from Agcarm.

Calum Linton is in his third year of the veterinary science degree at Massey University and plans to use his recently-won funds for completing the practical vet placements for his degree.

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“Work placements take up a lot of time in the holidays where I would normally be working on the farm,” says Calum. The 23-year-old is from a sheep and beef farm in Te Puke. He’s worked on a dry stock farm, a dairy farm as well as a kiwifruit orchard. “Growing up in a rural community, I gained a variety of useful attributes such as tenacity, workmanship and honesty,” says Calum. After his studies, Calum’s ambition is to pursue a career in large animal practice, as he’s passionate about farming and animal health – an area he sees as crucial to New Zealand’s economy. “A healthy national flock will mean a healthy Calum Linton receiving his scholarship award economy and a good return on what’s produced on from Agcarm chief executive Mark Ross at the the farm.” And Calum emphasises the importance of Massey University awards ceremony. veterinary medicines. “Vets need cost effective and reliable products to treat Agcarm chief executive Mark Ross says the bacteria, fungi and viruses. These organisms evolve association is pleased to contribute towards the future rapidly, so vets rely on animal health manufacturers of such a dedicated, intelligent and hard-working to research and develop treatments to manage them. student who is so committed to animal welfare. “For example, animal health manufacturers come up “Calum’s application was of a very with new animal drenches or combination high calibre. We were extremely drenches as parasites impressed with the passion he showed develop for animal health, and believe he will resistance to do well in his veterinary career.” the drenches Agcarm has two scholarships in use,” says to support education and raise Calum. awareness about careers in Agcarm“Without the related industries. The winner of the pharmaceutical horticultural scholarship is Leander industry, being Archer. Industry initiatives led by a vet would Agcarm include providing safe probably be and sustainable animal health and impossible.” crop protection technology for Outside of his the future of New Zealand, and studies, Calum can educating the community about be found playing the industry’s contribution. ke. Pu Te in tennis, hunting wild Agcarm is the industry on the farm on nt Li um Cal fallow deer, fishing association of companies in the Tarawera which manufacture, distribute and sell products that Lakes District or keep animals healthy and crops thriving. Member diving for paua and butterfish in Wellington. At home, companies are committed to ensuring these products he’s also training a heading dog. are used safely, effectively and sustainably.

Keep stock off stopbanks Rural residents are being reminded by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council to keep grazing stock off stopbanks as winter sets in. Stopbanks provide essential flood protection for thousands of people and while they can be grazed at some times of the year, especially when the ground is firm in summer, grazing should be kept to a minimum in winter. Wetter soil conditions, combined with heavy animals, can weaken and damage the region’s stopbanks, says BOPRC’s principal works engineer Tony Dunlop. “During winter it is common sense to keep cattle off the stopbanks as much as possible to prevent the pugging and damage they can cause. “Most farmers and lifestyle block owners know this and take care of our community assets.” It is an offence to damage stopbanks, and landowners can be held liable for any damage. Council manages and maintains almost 352km of stopbanks, protecting many millions of dollars’ worth of land and property.

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DESIGN – SUPPLY – BUILD

DAIRY

Page 19

Minimising impacts of sacrifice paddocks So-called sacrifice paddocks are a last resort option for protecting wet pasture from the effects of stock trampling in winter.

pasture productivity. It also creates the potential for sediment and nutrients to affect the health of waterways and groundwater. Research data indicates spring pasture production may be reduced by about 10 per cent for every 10 per cent of the paddock that is pugged.

It’s far better to use a dedicated and specially constructed pad to feed out supplements or to stop stock constantly wandering all over the farm Feed pads and damaging pasture along the way. Selecting a sacrifice paddock to stand However, the reality is that use of stock off other pasture or to feed out sacrifice paddocks is better than no is the last resort option. winter stock management at all to Usually a paddock with rundown pasture is protect selected. pasture. Ideally, there So a should be number enough shelof practices ter available are recomso stock can mended for be continuminimising ously housed the negain these tive impacts paddocks of using without sacrifice undue stress. paddocks As part if they have of ‘on-off ’ to be used. grazing, Before Bala Tikkisetty is a sustainable agriculture stock are going advisor at Waikato Regional Council. moved into those between practices in detail, it’s worth recapping normal pasture and the sacrifice on why winter stock management to paddock. If used in this way for more protect pasture is so important. than a few days, the sacrifice paddock will likely be severely damaged and Soil health require a full pasture renovation. Winter grazing can have a major Aside from that severe damage, other impact on the late winter and early disadvantages of sacrifice paddock use spring feed supply from pasture, damage include damage leading to improper soil health and result in the health of drainage, more runoff and a higher risk waterways being undermined. of sediment, effluent and nutrients getWith soil health, every effort must be ting in waterways and groundwater. made to keep soils in good physical and There’s also an increased risk of mastibiological health as they are the farm’s tis and lameness in muddy conditions, most valuable resource. and animals may not get their full daily Moist and wet soils are less able to feed requirements. A further risk is soil support the weight of grazing stock potassium levels can get too high, as a than dry soils and are susceptible to result of potassium being excreted in compaction and pugging. Treading on stock urine, which can predispose calvmoist soils can lead to compaction and ing cows to metabolic problems. Some grazing on wet soils can lead to pugging of these risks can be lessened by a range damage. of techniques. The resulting damage to pastures Don’t spread feed in the same area all influences their current and future use. of the time. Use different spots around Compaction and pugging influence the the paddock. Drag a set of light harrows supply of air, water and nutrients to around the paddock occasionally to help the roots, which significantly impacts break up excreta. This ensures good

exposure to sunlight that will kill any pathogens and parasites that could otherwise build up in the paddock. Avoid use of sacrifice paddocks closer to waterways, property boundaries and significant ecological features such as wetlands, caves and geothermal features. Direct any run-off in the paddock on to flat ground with rank grass. When use of a sacrifice paddock finishes, re-sowing should be done after a light cultivation. With any renovation it is important not to leave it too long before the first grazing. A simple way to check when pasture is ready is to grab some grass between thumb and forefinger and gently pull upwards. If roots come up, wait a bit longer. If not, it is ready for its first quick light grazing. Bala Tikkisetty is a sustainable agriculture advisor at Waikato Regional Council. Call him on 0800 800 401 or bala.tikkisetty@waikatoregion.govt.nz

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Soil health can save the planet

DAIRY TECH

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The UN has named 2015 the International Year of Soils. It is a timely focus, in light of serious challenges impacting our future. These challenges are clearly described by Graeme Sait of Nutri-tech Solutions Australia, in a lengthy article published recently by Acres USA. I have Graeme’s permission to reproduce extracts from this article in Coast & Country during the next few issues. Readers can access the entire article at the Kiwi Fertiliser website: www.kiwifertiliser.co.nz Soil health directly affects plant, animal and human health. It also impacts topsoil erosion, water management and ocean pollution. Most importantly, it’s now recognised global warming is directly related to soil mismanagement. A global soil health initiative can literally save a planet threatened with a man-made fever. There are five core threats that need to be urgently addressed and they all relate back to the soil.

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Core threats

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At the current rate of topsoil loss, we have just 60 years before our topsoil sustains us is no more. Loss of topsoil is a result of the decline in organic matter following the industrial extractive experiment in agriculture. We have now lost more than twothirds of our humus. Humus is the soil glue that determines whether rivers run brown following rainstorms or if the winds tear dust from the fragile upper layers of our food-producing soils. Nature teaches us that you must give to receive. This universal law is at work in photosynthesis, the single most important process in nature. The plant pumps one-third of the sugars it produces from photosynthesis back into the soil to feed the microbes, which in turn fix nitrogen, deliver minerals and protect against plant and soil pests. It is all about giving to receive. This is not a lesson we have applied to our farmland. We have overtilled our soils, oxidised the humus and ignored the replacement of key minerals that determine the health of humusbuilding microbes. We have burnt out humus with excess nitrogen at the rate of 100kg of carbon per every one kilogram of nitrogen oversupplied.

NPK-driven

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We have removed massive amounts of minerals and carbon

with ever-increasing yields from our NPK-driven hybridised crops. In many areas we continue to burn crop residues. This senseless practice floods the atmosphere with CO2, which should have been returned to the soil as humus. Burning also damages soil-life while oxidising organic matter in the process. The loss of topsoil has been increasing for a century and now, with the challenge of climate extremes, it is accelerating. Food security to feed the billions becomes a serious concern as climate change progresses. All countries have serious issues linked to climate change. Brazil, with its worst drought in 80 years; California, with a three-year drought; India, with a belated, substandard monsoon; and large areas of Asia, New Zealand and Australia impacted with unparalleled weather extremes.

Food security

It is likely these climate-related issues could serve to trigger economic recession and that is when the importance of food security becomes paramount. In uncertain economic times, you’re absurdly vulnerable if you’re a country like Qatar, with six per cent of the food security of Japan that produces just 40 per cent of its own food. Turmoil and international aggression comes hand-in-hand with financial collapse; it is easy to shut down the imported food supply of another country when seeking to fast-track capitulation. Soil health determines productive capacity. In fact, good soil and water are increasingly seen as “the new gold”. Warren Buffet is buying up farms with good soil and water, the Bush family has acquired a slice of the largest aquifer in South America – about 200,000 hectares of the massive Guarani aquifer which comprises 120 million hectares – and the Chinese are buying up good farmland across the globe. The GMO companies have sold us the story that their GM varieties are the solution to feeding world population. It is obvious that these finely tuned hybrids require very specific and precise conditions to deliver a crop. They really struggle in challenging conditions. They do not have resilience – and resilience is the single most important requirement in a world that’s becoming less predictable. The more mineralised and biologically active your soil, the greater the crop resilience. There are tens of thousands of examples of this phenomenon. In fact, the obvious validity of a soil health strategy could be clearly contrasted with the failings of the conventional approach in the face of changing conditions. The reality is the billions are better fed with humus-rich, living soils that store precious moisture more efficiently and sustain crops which can adapt to and perform in changing conditions.

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Trend is now to future-proof effluent storage Sustainable dairy farming is driving a growing appetite for world-class dairy effluent management systems, says Oliver Prestidge of Presco Group’s environmental infrastructure division. “Presco Group is noticing a distinct shift from low-cost, short-term thinking, as a growing number of progressive farmers invest in futureproofed, professionally designed and built effluent management systems.

What bugs eat pond crust? Me!

“The new focus is a marriage of maximising financial returns from this naturally derived, nutrient-rich waste and achieving best practice environmental sustainability.” The dairy industry has matured. The sayings “do it once, do it right” and “you get what you pay for” have never been as relevant as they are to farm dairy effluent management today. Oliver says a dairy farmer recently recounted his saga with a traditional, lined storage pond to Presco Group. “The initial lower ongoing cost swayed him in favour of a lined pond. “However, once a stirrer cut though the liner without being detected, the cost of the subsequent pond draining, liner removal, earthwork remediation, and liner repair and re-fit was more than a permanent concrete ProSump would have

been originally, and a lot more hassle.” The ProSump is becoming New Zealand’s preferred dairy effluent sump due to a number of unique features – its extra high vertical walls and the exclusive dished floor design deliver a smaller footprint, via reduced land use and rain catchment, and enhanced stirring which minimises solids build-up. “The combination of these two features and their multiple benefits mean the ProSump is the most efficient storage option on the market.” The versatility and durability of the ProSump are boosting its rise in popularity. The ProSump’s versatile design means it can be installed above ground, totally in-ground – aiding gravity flow – and even in high water table areas. “The most obvious benefit of the ProSump is the durable concrete

construction, which will outlast any other option and requires zero maintenance.” The ProSump is created for New Zealand conditions. Its robust design was developed by a certified IPENZ engineer to withstand large earthquakes and the worst of our rugged weather conditions. Presco Group provide a total package solution to take the mystery out of farm dairy effluent requirements. “Qualified consultants will calculate your long-term effluent collection and storage needs and provide a detailed project quotation for a system design which exceeds regional council and dairy company requirements. “Presco will project manage the entire installation from earthworks and construction to final land reinstatement and commissioning of the system, which includes a water-tightness guarantee.”

The most obvious benefit of the ProSump is the durable concrete construction.

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Light-loving bugs clean up effluent Microscopic bug are the answer to smelly, sludge-covered effluent ponds, says David Law of Slurrybugs. His eye-catching “I eat the crust” signs with a picture of a strange-looking green bug certainly attracted attention at the Fieldays. And David and his Slurrybugs team were kept busy explaining how good bugs counteract bad bugs to clean up effluent ponds. The crusts and bad smells are caused by anaerobic bacteria, which thrive in dark environments devoid of oxygen. The answer, says David, is to introduce aerobic bacteria which need oxygen and light to thrive.

“Introduce them to a pond and the first thing they do is begin eating the crust to let in more light and oxygen.” The Slurrybugs are introduced by emptying a container of dried bugs into a bucket, mixing with warm water, Dave Law with then hosing the Slurrybugs, which liquid into the clean up effluent effluent pond ponds. where they will start work. The right dose will clean up a badly crusted pond in about 10 weeks, says David.

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AVOCADO

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Revital 30 Avocado Blend

Heading into winter there are some important things to consider that will influence the revenue from your current crop, the overall health or your orchard, and how well set-up it will be for spring flowering and fruit set. Normal practice among many growers has been to do very little during winter, with perhaps some light maintenance dressings of an NPK avo mix, and maybe some capital dressings of lime. Clearly it’s not a time to stimulate growth, which any heavier applications could instigate – but there is a huge opportunity to size your crop, improve orchard health and set up your trees for spring by using a biological slow release organic fertiliser. Revital 30 is just the thing to help achieve the three S’s: Size your crop, Sustain tree health, and Set up for spring. The nutrients are immobilised by the organic matter, so therefore will not leach away during the high rainfall period of winter. The nutrients remain plant available allowing the

tree to pull what it needs, rather than having nutrients pushed into it – which would be the result using an NPK granular fertiliser. But the input of a “living fertiliser” with all the biology available from vermicast, chicken manure and high-quality compost will revitalise the soil and tip the balance between good and bad bugs. We can blend any fine and powdery base dressings that may be required – lime flour, lime, gypsum, magnesium oxide, boron and phosphate, which all have a tendency to blow everywhere in the wind – and they can be added to the blend. Everything goes on together and you only need to put the fertiliser spreader round once. There are some good crops hanging in the orchards this season, and as always size matters when it comes to export returns. Also, carrying a heavy crop into spring challenges your trees’ ability to be ready for the next flowering event, so by using a slow release product such as Revital 30 you are giving your orchard the nutrients and biology it needs to do the best job it can for you. Give me a call for an on orchard consultation and we can decide what the best blend is for you.

Online tool for spray management In just six months Victoria Hodge, the mum and entrepreneur who began her enterprising journey at Tauranga Startup Weekend, has built a product and a business around her idea to help rural communities, including growers and their neighbours,

decisions for their families and property. to work together better. With support from the team that Having already secured run Startup Weekend, Venture Centre the first customers, Seespray and their associates, Seespray is almost now wants to hear from other ready for its official launch, but want growers who spray their to offer a limited number of orchards, hate paperlocals the chance to get work and data entry on board now. and think notifying “It’s an opportunity for Bay neighbours about of Plenty growers of all spraying could crops to be easier. get behind Sun Live Media, a local owners of Coast business & Country News, and help it were instrumental develop,” in the successful says Jo Tauranga Startup Allum, Weekend event co-founder which gave Bay of of Venture Plenty technology company Seespray Victoria Hodge has built the online platform Centre. Growers its start. Seespray to help rural communities work who sign Since the event, better together. up before Seespray has built July 31 will enjoy heavily discounted an online platform where growers subscriptions, ongoing priority access can manage, track, notify and record to new features and one-on-one trainall their spray operations from start ing, and more. They may even qualify to finish. Seespray funder Victoria describes it as for a free hardware kit, which includes an iPad mini. “a mash-up of a spray plan, spray diary Seespray suits any growing business, and a notification platform that will save from large management companies growers and sprayers time and money”. Seespray had a vision of a solution that to private growers, private sprayers to employees and contractors. would make use of technology, create Victoria can show you how simple it is value for growers, be easy to use, and to integrate Seespray into your business. at the same time deliver timely, relative Contact her on 021 134 6890 or email and practical information to cominfo@seespray.nz munities, so they can make informed

AVOCADO

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Committed to grower power and OGRs than 30 years’ industry experience the KauriPak team is well qualified to help you with your crop. “Our attention to detail, careful harvesting and handling, and efficient packing, will help maximise export pack-outs and deliver quality that allows our marketers to achieve the best returns. Flow planning is critical and we endeavour to ensure all growers get equal opportunities.” In keeping with the growth of the New Zealand avocado industry, KauriPak is currently expanding and improving its facilities to increase capacity and futureproof it A flow-plan for grower avocado harvests is a vital seasonal tool for business to cater for KauriPak’s avocado team, Stuart Oates (left), David Webster growers’ needs. and Jenny Gilliver.

KauriPak is a 100 per cent family owned and operated business based in Katikati, serving the wider Bay of Plenty and packing solely for Team Avocado Trust members, who supply New Zealand’s leading marketers Southern Produce and AVOCO. “We operate a dedicated avocado only packhouse which allows us to provide a year-round service for our growers, including picking, bin delivery and pickup, packing, coolstorage, ripening and distribution,” says Linda Flegg of KauriPak. A key attribute is KauriPak’s ability to provide a complete service package which caters for all your growing, packing and

marketing needs. “We fully subscribe to the Team Avocado philosophy: ‘Grower Powered – Market Driven’, and are dedicated to ensuring you get the best possible Orchard Gate Return.” With more

“We are committed to our growers. Our mission is to maximise our growers’ returns through efficiency, attention to detail and quality professional, service, while maintaining standards set by the Team Avocado Trust, AVOCO and avocado industry,” says Linda. “This season has shown that the smart choice is to be a supplier to AVOCO, so come and join us.”

Avocados help power Olympic paddler Just Avocados has recently formed a sponsorship partnership with Luuka Jones, New Zealand’s top female canoe slalom paddler, two-time Olympian and Rio 2016 Olympic contender. Born and raised in Tauranga, Luuka is a huge fan of avocados and the nutrientdense fruit is a vital part of her diet. “Excellent nutrition is a huge part of being an elite athlete and an area I am really passionate about. I love avocados because they contain so many vital

nutrients, are delicious and can be eaten anytime with any meal,” says Luuka, who represented New Zealand at the Beijing and London Olympics. Luuka will act as brand ambassador for Just Avocados and be part of its promotional campaign during her time back in the Bay between September and April. Luuka is based in Nottingham and is competing in World Cup events across Europe in preparation for the World Championships in London, which doubles as the Olympic qualifier event. “Every day is an opportunity to be better and every day that is my goal. This year is about refining my routines

and processes so I can be sitting on the start line of the Rio Olympics having left nothing to chance and nothing behind. “There’s no easy way to get to the top. It takes a lot of patience to be constantly critiquing and challenging myself in order to get better.” A Business student at Massey University, Luuka is a full-time athlete supported by High Performance Sport NZ, as well as an Olympic Ambassador and What’s up Kids? helpline Ambassador.

Avocados are an important part of the diet for high-performance athlete Luuka Jones, New Zealand’s top female canoe slalom paddler.

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Page 26

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AVOCADO

Page 27

Avocados now the light of couple’s lives A light has been switched on in the lives of Te Puna avocado orchardists Dion Braden and Tracey Lougheed. Not only are they now enjoying a “lighter” life in the Bay of Plenty, but they are using the power of the sun to improve production at the 5.5ha orchard they purchased almost a year ago. The couple’s experience with horticulture had been limited before they came to Te Puna. In fact, it only involved growing chillies and nurturing seeds in a hothouse at Orakei, in the middle of suburban Auckland. But as Dion tells it, it wasn’t only the chillies that continued to

grow. The urge to escape became stronger too and when Tracey’s parents moved to a small block at Plummers Point, featuring about 60 avocado trees, that proved to be the incentive they needed. Dion says it’s hard to imagine a greater contrast – from highpressure city life in a suburb jam-packed with houses and people to an infinitely more relaxing environment in the Western Bay of Plenty.

Walk to work

“At times it is busier down here, but there is no traffic and very little noise. I just love walking out of the door and I’m at work. It’s great. We really love the peace of the place.” The co-operation, advice and assistance given initially by their orchard’s previous owner, then by

neighbours and their packhouse, have really impressed the couple. “We supply AVOCO and have found working with them really great. In fact, we have found everyone in the avocado industry to be incredibly supportive. I’ve noticed that coming from working in advertising. “To go from a dog-eat-dog mentality like that to a supportive state of mind has really been a lovely transition for us. There’s no way we would ever consider going back to what we left.”

Aggressive approach

After arriving at Te Puna, they’ve experienced their first harvest, with 15,000 trays produced – about 90 per cent suitable for export. Dion has also taken a more aggressive approach to canopy management, removing 25 mature Hass trees to leave just under 300 and heavily pruned what was left. This has alleviated crowding in the canopy and he agrees that there is a parallel between the opening up of the orchard to light and the new direction their lives have taken over the last 10 months. “Yes, we have had our lives opened up too, absolutely. That was the whole point of making the

Tracey Lougheed and Dion Braden are on a mission to produce more low hanging avocados at their Te Puna orchard.

Taking a stand against the law breakers Australia retailers have taken a stand against labour firms that are disregarding employment laws. The fresh produce industry’s Produce Marketing says major retailers, including Coles, Woolworths, Metcash and ALDI, have agreed to work with representatives of the produce sector to find a solution across the supply chain to some of the recent bad practices that have come to light in the labour hire industry in Australia. PMA Australia-New Zealand’s CEO Michael Worthington says all of the retailers want to see the end of labour hire firms that blatantly break employment laws.

“They want employers to consistently implement best practice in the way they manage their employment contractors and their direct seasonal employees. “There is recognition that Australia’s existing laws, if enforced, can address the issues, but improved management practices, tighter regulation and even some form of accreditation, will go a long way to solving the problem.” PMA is working with the National Farmers Federation on helping bring about these changes, which cover a range of farming sectors, especially those that rely heavily on backpacker and migrant labour.

move down here. In Auckland, we were living in Orakei, a Orchard canopy area: 3.5ha place of really high density Production: 18 tonnes/ha housing. We overlooked the Export pack out: 87 harbour, which was lovely, but Average fruit size: 23cm you have houses packed in right around you. And our lives were pretty full on.” “At night we were trying to Dion says apart from the distant get to sleep but everyone had their rumble of a train occasionally, the windows open because it was hot and sounds he hears most come from TVs were blaring out until the early hours of the morning. This mix meant hawks, pukekos and pheasants. “We are just so glad we have left there was always activity going on. it all behind.” Helicopters were always flying over.

Facts:

HORTICULTURE

Page 28

The kiwifruit industry’s growth potential For the purpose of the study, the region The recently released Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Growth includes Taupo – and interestingly enough Study is a stocktake of the key sectors and an assessment of the – recommends commercial trout farming commercial opportunities where there is potential to grow incomes, be considered as an option. Horticulture is included in the growth jobs and investment in the Bay of Plenty region. study. For the kiwifruit industry it recommends: 1. Developing support programmes to encourage the development of new kiwifruit orchards. 2. Investigating additional initiatives to strengthen the availability of labour to the industry, including the enhancement of collaboration with the avocado sector and other industries regarding the joint employment of crop pickers. 3. Supporting NZ kiwifruit growers to develop a business case for establishing a horticulture and agriculture academy in the Bay of Plenty. 4. Ensuring the Federation of Maori Authorities has sufficient resources to assist the growing number of Maori-owned orchards in improving their productivity performance. These recommendations are based on the growth study’s assessment that there is good potential for the growth of kiwifruit in the Bay of Plenty. The data in support of these recommendations is: • Zespri’s export earnings in 2014 were $1.5 billion and are conservatively predicted to grow to $2 billion by 2020. • This comes from an increase in volume from 95 million trays of kiwifruit in 2014 to 134 million trays in the 2019 season. • In 2014 the kiwifruit industry returned $857 million to the Bay of Plenty and this will proportionately grow as the export earnings grow. • The average Orchard Gate Return for all varieties in 2014 was $57,369. Production costs, wages and debt servicing need to be taken off this figure to get average profit. • The investment in orchards in the Bay of Plenty is currently $2.82 billion. • Only 8986 hectares of the 872,000 productive hectares suitable for horticulture in the Bay of

Plenty is growing kiwifruit. This is only 1.3 per cent of the suitable land. Therefore, ingredients for successful growth are: growth in export volumes and returns from existing plantings of kiwifruit, and available land to develop for further plantings of kiwifruit to capitalise on t hese returns.

Water demand

The major restraint to the development of land into kiwifruit is the availability of water for frost protection and irrigation. The growth study recognises this constraint and notes that further assessment work needs to be undertaken by recommending the expected increase in demand for water will require robust allocation regimes, as there is a severe lack of knowledge regarding current water use and availability. There is also good potential for Maori land to be developed into kiwifruit production as Maori freehold land in the Bay of Plenty totals more than 400,000ha. For example, in the Te Kaha area there is 200ha of land suitable for kiwifruit development provided water is available.

Maori employment

Labour is the other key restraint to the development of kiwifruit in the Bay of Plenty recognised by the study. The Bay of Plenty has a working age population of 238,500 with a 65 per cent employment participation rate in 2013. Maori account for 28 per cent of the region’s population with the median age being 25; non-Maori account for 41 per cent. Plus, 34 per cent of the Bay of Plenty Maori population is under 15 years old and 50 per cent is under 25 years. Therefore, a key source of labour for the industry will be Maori and strong synergies will be established if those kiwifruit developments are on Maori land. This is why the second, third and fourth recommendations noted at the start of this article have been made by the study. In summary, the growth study recognises the kiwifruit industry has potential for strong growth in the Bay of Plenty. However, that growth is linked to the development of suitable land with available water into kiwifruit production using Maori labour. The study concludes the kiwifruit industry should focus its development projects in the Bay of Plenty on Maori land and labour for the industry. The views expressed are the authors.

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Three Bay of Plenty organisations are among the winners in the 2015 KiwiNet Research Commercialisation Awards. Comvita and its research partner, the Institute for Innovation in Biotechnology at the University of Auckland, won the Minter Ellison Rudd Watts Research & Business Partnership Award for their collaboration, which is accelerating innovation by promoting research projects and producing commercially relevant outcomes. The PwC Commercial Deal Award went to Plant & Food Research, which has one of its research centres in Te Puke. The award recognised its work in revolutionising plant variety commercialisation. The Biopolymer Network Limited made up of Scion (Rotorua), Plant & Food Research & AgResearch won the Commercialisation Collaboration Award for their work to produce ZealaFoam, a sustainable alternative to polystyrene.

HORTICULTURE

Page 29

Upskilling for profitable fruit production

Graduates of the Bay of Bay of Plenty Polytechnic’s Fruit Production for Profit programme are in demand as employees for post-harvest companies.

The post-Psa kiwifruit industry has seen new varieties emerge, and with them comes a change in production, new orchard management techniques and the need for greater knowledge of the plant and how it grows. The Bay of Bay of Plenty Polytechnic’s Fruit Production for Profit programme aims to upskill those already working in the industry with this new and unique skill set. The programme, which is delivered part-time during the course of one year, is aimed at helping students gain comprehensive knowledge and skills needed to ensure orchard profitability. Topics covered include financial planning, crop viability, risk management and cash flow. The course also touches on employment relations,

which is a vital part of any successful business. Building effective teams, which are skilled and efficient in an orchard, is becoming a focus and trained staff are essential to any good business. Fruit Production for Profit is a blended delivery programme – meaning you attend classes in person, but submit all your work online – this creates flexibility for those already working in the industry. Bay of Plenty Polytechnic group leader horticulture Shelley Rose says graduates of this programme are quickly snapped up because the skills and knowledge they have is not yet widely available in the industry. “The graduates that come through this programme are head hunted by the big companies due to their unique skill set. Essentially there’s not enough of them to go around,” she says. The next intake for Fruit Production for Profit starts this July. Call industry liaison coordinator Marlia Fraser on 027 234 2534 or visit www.boppoly.ac.nz

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KIWIFRUIT

Page 30

Record results despite challenging season Seeka Kiwifruit Industries has packed a record number of trays in the just-completed 2015 kiwifruit harvest, handling more than 26.3 million class one export trays, compared to 20 million class one trays in 2014. The total volume of all classes of kiwifruit is expected to exceed 27.4 million trays this year. This compares to the 24.944 million forecast to shareholders in April 2015. Both Hayward green and gold class one volumes are up. The total number of Hayward packed or in store for 2015 is 21.8 million trays, compared to 18.1 million in the previous year. Gold volumes in 2015 totalled 4.3 million trays and compare against 1.7 million in the previous year. Seeka also packed about 200,000 trays of the Zespri G14 SweetGreen. Seeka chief executive Michael Franks says the volumes are likely to be positive to earnings in the current year but cautioned there is still a lot of fruit in storage

Seeka growers provided a clean crop and this aided smooth harvesting operations.

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and still to be sold. Zespri has already released lower forecast per tray returns reflective of the higher crop volume to be marketed this season.

average yield of 9300 trays (33.48 tonnes). Similarly the Hayward organic yield was up 29 per cent at 7852 trays (8.267 tonnes) per hectare.

Challenging season

Own orchards

Michael says this year’s harvest was a very “Seeka’s own orchard operations featured well in challenging season. Seeka did well to recover the increase, and in particular the long-term leases from a devastating fire at its mega postharvest site – that are now progressively coming back into full Oakside. This site handled more than nine million production having had significant investment in their trays in 2015. Adding to this pressure, the industry redevelopment.” In total the long-term leases yielded had to contend with inclement weather patterns and 928,000 trays in 2015, well up on the 441,000 trays load out inefficiencies produced in 2014. arising from the new Seeka increased cool market supply system. storage capacity by two Despite these million trays to handle challenges packing the additional harvest was completed on volumes predicted June 12 – only three for 2015. It invested days later than 2014. about $5 million “Green yields were in a new coolstore exceptionally good and at Oakside to store fruit quality excellent. about one million trays Supplying growers along with a second took particular care one million trays of to provide a clean storage constructed crop and this aided at the Pioneer site by Seeka’s own orchard operations featured well, smooth operations in the landlord through with a crop increase this harvest season. our packing sheds. a commercial leasing “All parts of the arrangement. Seeka supply chain, from orchard to coolstore Michael says the company is pleased with the performed well.” performance to date and thanks all supplying The Hayward crop, which has been the backbone growers, contractors and staff for their efforts, of the industry through the effects of the vine disease and again praises the efforts of the response teams, Psa-V, was well up on expectations. firefighters and contractors for their response to The average orchard yield across the Seeka the Oakside fire. catchment is 11,700 trays per hectare (42.12 tonnes) Seeka will provide current year financial guidance representing an increase of 26 per cent over last year’s when it updates stakeholders in October.

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KIWIFRUIT

Page 31

It’s a wrap for labelling problem Apata Group Limited appears to have a problem with fruit labelling all wrapped up, thanks to some innovative thinking, and materials and technology more commonly found in the building industry. The company has warmed and dried the environment in which SunGold kiwifruit is graded inside its Kaimai packhouse, by sealing off the area with plastic used to wrap leaky buildings, and installing a dehumidifier and a heating unit. Apata’s general manager of operations Damian Young, who came up with the idea, says the skin of SunGold kiwifruit becomes damp when it’s removed from controlled atmosphere storage and the brand labels just wouldn’t stick. “We had to find an answer as Zespri requires that 100 per cent of export fruit carries its brand label.” Last year, fellow Bay of Plenty post-harvest Zespri labels are successfully applied company EastPack experimented with using to SunGold fruit, leaving the newly a different type of plastic to create a stickercreated microclimate of the Apata friendly microclimate. grading tables. This season Apata teamed up with Zespri to run a much larger, commercial-scale trial utilising the kind of plastic wrap generally associated with leaky buildings. SunGold is held at around one degree Celsius in CA stores and when the fruit is taken to the packhouse for grading, labelling and packing, its exposure to the outside air temperature causes the fruit’s surface to become damp and labels won’t stick.

atmosphere” area in which to handle the fruit. Zespri commissioned two other companies, Drying Solutions from Tauranga and Air Solutions from Auckland, to set up systems to dehumidify and then heat the air in the newly enclosed area. “This means the fruit is graded in a dry, warm atmosphere, which stops the skin getting wet; and as a result we’ve been able to achieve 100 per cent labelling on all the fruit.” The project involved covering the grading area from floor to ceiling, installing zipped doorways, and tailoring the plastic wrap to fit around the bin tip and grader lanes where they exit to the packing area. Finding a solution to the labelling problem is a significant breakthrough for the entire kiwifruit postharvest industry because the volumes of SunGold held in CA storage in future seasons are set to increase significantly. “This season Apata put 76,000 trays of SunGold in CA storage and the fruit has held up really well.”

Controlled atmosphere

While much of the crop is graded, labelled and packed for export as it’s harvested, some is put into CA storage in large picking bins so it can go through the packhouse at a later date. CA storage is different from cool storage as the atmospheric levels are artificially controlled and temperature reduced to allow longer storage while maintaining fruit quality. Potential solution Putting fruit in bulk storage Seeing leaky buildings covered in white plastic wrap was the in CA stores spreads out inspiration Damian needed to come up with a potential solution the packing season as well as for the problem. preserves fruit quality – and Apata contacted Charlie Baxter of A1 Wrap Ltd, Tauranga, Apata li Damian says other postharvest to see if it was with a tr ne manager Lea companies are closely watching ay n possible to enclose each wit of SunGold ex ne Steens the Apata trial designed to h p the bin tip and thanks to a label firmly ort fruit, overcome labelling issues. grading tables attached an inno to “We’re happy with the results v a a previo in the Kaimai us label tive solution and will refine the whole ling pro packhouse blem. process before next season.” to create a new By Elaine Fisher “controlled

er of ral manag Apata’s gene ian Young checks am D t operations ture of SunGold frui g the tempera wly enclosed gradin ne inside the Kaimai packhouse. area in the

Humidity Control Units

Page 32

FOR SUSTAINABLE PROFIT

MAIZE

MAIZE

Page 33

Farmers still spending, but cautiously The mood was not all gloom and doom at Fieldays – despite the low dairy payout. I spoke to a number of machinery companies representatives, who said farmers are still buying new tractors and machinery as in many cases the cost of interest on a new purchase is less than the cost of repairs to unreliable equipment. And this more so the case now, given the recent interest rate cut announced by the Reserve Bank. Farmers need their machinery in good working order and can’t afford to wait days for repairs, as not being able to feed their herds comes at a cost to milk production. Implements like bailers and wrappers were also selling and deferred payment options were helping but sales numbers were nothing like they have been in the past. I also spoke to farmers who were also locking in forward orders for palm kernel so they can control the price they will pay. Others were ordering grass seed and fertiliser in advance too, as some companies are offering deferred terms and these are all essential items.

But this must be done with care, so not to deplete the levels too much as this could lead to lower pasture production and costly fertiliser bills later to bring levels back up in the soil. Urea prices have dropped but some of the high analysis fertilisers have increased in price, which is unfortunate for us as these are essential in our maize growing operation. I’m hoping the reduction in nitrogen costs will go some way to offset the increase so we can keep our costs to farmers at a competitive level.

Tight times

Tight times are nothing new and farmers with years of experience are good at finding ways to farm smarter. Combining palm kernel with high feed value maize silage is one way of ensuring animals keep milking while reducing overall feed costs.

quality feed is more than compensated for by maintaining or increasing production. You can go to our website for the Dairy NZ calculator to calculate actual feed costs. Pasture pugging is another issue and if there’s no stand-off pad or raceways available, using a sacrifice paddock is an option to preserving pasture. The paddock can be re-grassed or used for a cropping paddock in the spring with the transfer of effluent, reducing the growing costs of a crop.

Under control

There are many unknowns in farming and so much beyond the farmer’s control including international markets, politics, the strength of the dollar and the weather, but managing well what is under their control is vital – because just as quickly as prices take a downturn, they can go back up again. Being ready to increase production to take advantage of that swing is vital, so now is not the time to shut up shop and let the farm go backward. It is, of course, time for very careful planning and that’s exactly what we are doing now – as we work out how much maize we should grow this coming season.

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Deferred terms

All of this will help farmers get through these next couple of months when they will have no income. We are offering similar deferred terms for our feed products as well, as we know farmers need this facility to assist with cash flow. Please note: conditions apply. Kind autumn weather means grass has continued to grow because we haven’t had prolonged periods of frosts. Our own pastures and some farmers I’ve spoken to lately have had similar growth rates, producing 30kg/DM to 50kg/DM a day but there’s no room for complacency because the weather can turn nasty at any time. Farms with a good record of fertiliser application and with good P levels can possibly apply a little less this season, by mining what is already in the soil.

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However, as I’ve said so many times before – it is vital the supplement is of high quality. Recently, a farmer called me to say he was feeding grass silage (not bought from us) but his milk production was dropping. Grass silage with low Metabolic Energy is not going to increase production. The extra cost of good

Attendances were strong at this year’s Fieldays, even if spending on big items was not.

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Page 34

FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Marine, farming skills come in handy Mike Ryland of Te Puna has brought together the skills and experience he’s gained from servicing and repairing fishing vessels and farming equipment to launch his own business, Ryland Engineering.

For many years Mike worked on Sanford fishing vessels in Tauranga before he and wife Angela went dairy farming in the Waikato for seven years. “Now we’ve decided that with a young family of four it’s time to return to the Bay,” says Mike, who offers a wide range of services to the agricultural, horticultural and marine sectors. “I have access to a workshop at Sulphur Point in Tauranga to work on boats. I can also service and repair tractors and front end loaders on farms, orchards or wherever they are, and build or repair attachments and equipment.” Mike has the equipment and skills to carry out on-site or off-site work including welding, design and fabrication, mechanical maintenance, scheduled servicing, bearing replacements, pump repairs and installations, pipework and alterations, machining service, trailer repairs and builds on/off road trailers and calf crates. “I’m not just limited to metal work as I can work in wood too and I’m quite happy to carry out

Mike Ryland of Te Puna has launched his own marine and farm engineering business, called Ryland Engineering.

farming jobs, such as fencing.” Angela, Mike and family have settled on a small lifestyle block near the Te Puna Quarry Park, where they have a house cow, raise a few animals and

grow their own vegetables. “It’s great to be part of the local community and everyone, especially at the school and kindy, has been very friendly and welcoming.”

Partnerships give business traction Robert and Sharon bought their first dairy farm near Matamata. They’d been sharemilking for seven years, working up to managing a 500-cow herd. Now they have their own property where they milk 150 cows on 52 effective hectares. It’s a small farm and dairy payouts are looking questionable for this coming season, so it’s good

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hydraulics and all the operations for Robert has his contracting sideline the rams on the cutter are controlled business. Besides he loves machinery. from the factory joystick in the cab. “I’d been working for a mate who “I saved a lot of money, owns a contracting business for the as I didn’t have to fit an last eight years and after-market joystick,” I wanted to do says Robert. something myself. The joystick Sharon enjoys also has a milking and I forward/ could see a market reverse mulching barberry button so he hedges.” doesn’t have Robert looked to move his at second-hand hand during cutters but couldn’t find anything good Robert and Sharon love their tractors and operations. enough so he had have a new MF 7615 Efficient DynaVT He can constantly the local engineers for Robert’s hedge-cutting business. look at design and build where he’s going and also what the one for him. It’s like a giant mower mulcher is doing. tilted on its side with two big blades, The cutter is mounted on the left and a shroud around it. It mulches the side of the tractor, and Robert says it’s hedges and leaves everything tidy. “a piece of cake getting in and out the To operate it, Robert got the Massey right door. In some other brands it was Ferguson 7615 in December from just about impossible to get out”. Matamata tractors. There are also dual wheels on the “I needed a six-cylinder machine cutter side to balance the weight. with a long wheelbase because the “I’ve got a bigger footprint on the hedge-cutter is mid-mounted. left side, which makes it more stable. “I got the Dyna-VT variable Otherwise, if I hit a hole the cutter transmission as it goes down to would drop when I’m trying to keep 0.3km/h. I use it in foot mode. I just the hedge straight.” take my foot off and it stops. I hardly He doesn’t fit duals on the right side, ever use the brake or clutch. It’s like as it would make the tractor too wide driving a big forklift.” to get through gateways. The hedge cutter runs off the tractor’s The MF 7615 produces 150hp from a Tier 4a AGCO Power SCR engine, which uses AdBlue to minimise toxic emissions. “It’s no problem. I fill AdBlue every third tank of diesel. It’s got a gauge telling me when its low, and I always keep a bit on hand.” Robert says anyone can jump in and drive the tractor. “It’s what I like about them. “They've got all the technology but it’s user-friendly. Everything is simply laid out.” The cab also meets with his approval. “It’s comfortable and really quiet. That stood out when I first drove it. People ring me and ask what I’m doing because they can’t even hear the hedge-cutter.”

FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 35

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RURAL DRIVER

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‘Low-down’ introduction to motorsport Racing at 120 km/h while mere centimetres above the track is not only thrilling for kart drivers, but also hones the skills which have seen many Kiwis go on to succeed in much larger, faster race cars in the world of international motorsport. New Zealand racing drivers Earl Bamber and Brendon Hartley, who came first and second in last month’s Le Mans 24-hour endurance race, began their racing career in karts –

and each month at the Te Puke Auto Electric Raceway, the next generation of potential top performers compete. Club race secretary Jo Adlam says kart racing has been the path to racing careers for many other drivers including Richie Stanaway, who is a former champion of the Bay of Plenty club. Richie is now factory racing driver for Aston Martin Racing and GP2 Series driver for StatusGP. “Back in the 1980s Dane Harte, who started out in motorsport at the club, went on to America to win the award for the youngest ever crew chief in the sport and also to win the Indy

gone into recess 500 with Eddie and has continued Cheever’s team. to run monthly “He’s now club meetings returned to our and host national local club with events throughout his son and is an the years. Early inspiration to on it was a dirt club members. track but today “Kart racing is it’s sealed. a great family The sport of sport and it kart racing is certainly gives open to anyone drivers the aged six years experience of and older and close racing and the club has about dramatically The way it was – in the early days the race track 60 members in all improves their at Fagan’s Valley had a dirt surface. age groups. reaction times,” “It’s a great family sport with says Jo, whose parents involved in their children’s racing, or racing son Josh competes at a regional as well as national as well.” level in kart racing. The club has a hire kart for people to take a Fagan’s Valley test-drive to find out if the sport is for them. The Bay of Plenty club, with its circuit in Fagan’s “What happens most often is that a club member Valley between Papamoa and Te Puke, was founded will let a newcomer take a drive in their kart to in 1959 and is among the oldest – if not the see how they like it.” oldest – club in While it’s competitive on the track, Jo says New Zealand. anyone new to the sport quickly finds a It’s never mentor who encourages and advises them as they come to grips with the sport.

Other venues

“As far as motor sports go, it’s not too expensive to begin with as about $2500 will get you a good racing kart with extra for the personal safety gear, including helmet and gloves.

pay less, get

RURAL DRIVER

Page 37

Family sport for all ages However, as people progress and compete more widely, the cost of karts increases significantly.” As well as competing at the local circuit, keen racers can travel to other venues throughout the country and even to competition overseas. The club hosted the NZ Rotax Max Challenge and ProKart Series in June, which attracted drivers from around the country as well as Australia. A total of 90 competitors competed in six categories, in the ProKart series, which attracts the country’s elite KZ2 drivers competing in either masters, restricted or open classes. The next club day at Te Puke Auto

Electric Raceway in Fagan’s Valley is on Saturday, July 18; and at Labour Weekend in October the club will host the North Island championships when 180 competitors are expected to take part. The club holds monthly meetings except in January, and gates normally open 7.15am, with scrutineering and registrations 8am-9am. Drivers briefing is at 9.15am and racing starts 10.20am. On most race days each class has one practise or tuning runs and five heats. Jo says the public are very welcome to come and watch the racing and find out all there is to know about the exciting motorsport that is karting. To find out more and for instruction on how to reach the raceway, see the club’s website: www.bopkartclub.org.nz By Elaine Fisher

The Te Puke Auto Electric Raceway hosted the NZ Rotax Max Challenge and ProKart Series in June.

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EARTHWORKS

Nematodes: numerous, but not well understood Having recently discovered a few of the wonders of what goes on in our soils, and writing a piece about mycorrhizae, I met one of our very few experts on soil life – Dr Michael Wilson, a recent import from the UK and working at AgResearch, Ruakura. After an hour with Mike, my new fascination is nematodes, which are his speciality. So what are nematodes, and what do they do in the scheme of things? Apparently there are many thousands of different ones, varying in size between 0.1mm in soil, to a huge 8m long one sometimes found in the innards of sperm whales. It’s claimed they are the most numerous multicellular animals on Earth. Because most of them are tiny, only those researchers with strong microscopes and a lot of patience have been able to study even a few nematodes. As with many microscopic creatures, there are ‘goodies’ and ‘baddies’, meaning the goodies eat up bad stuff like nasty bacteria, and the baddies are parasitic on roots, plants, and are

known as ‘roundworms’ when they turn up inside animals and humans.

Free-living

There has been a lot of research done on the baddies, mainly because their efforts affect both health and the economy.

Nematodes are the most numerous multicellular animal on Earth. On the goodies we have some knowledge of some of the soil living ones, often referred to as ‘free living’. And apparently the goodies species outnumber the baddies by about 10:1. No matter what their size, nematodes have a recognisable body shape and structure. Basically they are unsegmented worms, which consist of a multipurpose digestive and egg-laying tube within a tougher outer cuticle like a very thick skin. All are pointed at the tail end, and have mouthparts which vary according to what they eat. The bacteria-eating ones have a sucking tube up front, while the parasitic ones have a spike which allows them to break into cell walls in whatever host they select. But like snakes and worms, they can wriggle, which allows them to move, mainly sideways. And like earthworms, they improve what they eat, and what comes out the tail end is more useful for the relevant bacteria and for plant roots to absorb. Some species have males, which do what males do to help make more, while others –particularly in plants and soils – have so few males they mostly manage with parthenogenetic reproduction. After the egg stage there can be up to four juvenile stages where the outer cuticle is ‘moulted’ but there is no metamorphosis.

Fungi munching

In most soils there are a variety of nematodes eating different things. Some eat only bacteria, while others munch on fungi. Both are needed in decomposition. There are predators which feed on other soil nematodes and on other animals of comparable size, while others seem to eat anything.

Some species load up on bacteria, then wriggle their way into any aperture in an insect. Then they exude the bacteria, which multiply madly and either kill the insect by poisoning, or just cause it to explode. While the bacteria do their stuff, the nematode produces eggs galore, which then go through three of the juvenile stages before moving outside to find a new insect to move into. They can cause significant reductions in harmful insect populations.

Pasture slugs

At present research is being done to see if nematodes of a certain species can assist in controlling slugs in pasture and maize crops at the time of shoot emergence. However, first they have to be able to prove this particular nematode was already in New Zealand, as the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act doesn’t want any new ones moving in, in case they develop a taste for something we value. One interesting experiment carried out here using superphosphate to stimulate growth, found the nematode population ballooned after application while shoot growth stalled, because the extra nematodes were eating the roots and the plants were trying to keep up root growth to cope. While chemicals have allowed farmers to boost pasture growth, after 30 years this has slowed, and we are only starting to realise just what we do to disrupt the complexity of soil life which we ultimately rely on for all of our food. For more information from a New Zealand source go to http://soilbugs. massey.ac.nz/nematoda.php By Sue Edmonds

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Doubling Irish milk production by 2020 Ireland will increase its milk production from 5.5 billion litres to about seven or eight billion litres now EU dairy quotas have been removed, says Noel White, the Irish Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand.

of these through technological innovation – something both nations are strong in. “Irish and NZ agriculture has much in common, including facing similar challenges. They come from the same traditions.â€? There’s an empathy between the two nationals with a signiďŹ cant number of Kiwis having Irish ancestry. When dealing with each other NZ and Irish people “get it – especially as agriculture is in our DNA,â€? says Noel.

end of March and Ireland is predicted to increase production by 50 per cent by 2020.

More jobs

Once production rises, Ireland is expected to export an extra $1 billion worth of milk from a national herd which will grow by 300,000 to 400,000 cows, creating direct employment for an additional 4000 to 5000 people. If forecasts are right, Ireland will Once Irish farmers can produce become the fastest-growing dairy as much milk as they like, they will producer in the world for the next be competing with New Zealand ďŹ ve years. Growing herd farmers for a share of the world’s The Irish agricultural sector has Ireland sees the quota removal dairy market. been the country’s star performer as an opportunity to grow its dairy Noel believes there are throughout the global ďŹ nancial industry and create 5000 new jobs, opportunities for co-operation crisis and is now in a good place Noel told Coast & Country. between the two countries which to grow, Noel says. The EU quota came off at the will bring mutual beneďŹ ts, much He was at the Fieldays as part of the Enterprise Ireland exhibit, featuring Irish companies which included Keenans, Hi-Spec, Samco, EasyďŹ x, Combilift and Crowley. European and North American may be closer to Ireland than NZ but this country is an important market for Irish manufacturers and the types of machinery, equipment and technology they produce are a good ďŹ t for New Noel White, Irish Ambassador to Australia and New Zealand at Fieldays.

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Zealand agriculture, says Noel. Irish companies are enjoying repeat business in New Zealand for their agriculture equipment and attending the Fieldays is an important way of showcasing the latest developments. The New Zealand National Agricultural Fieldays are the equivalent of the Irish National Ploughing Championships, however, attendances at each are very different. The Irish event attracts around three times as many people as the Mystery Creek event in New Zealand. The Irish dairy industry has operated within an EU quota system since 1983. Volumes were ďŹ xed but the EU effectively

provided a minimum price for milk through a complex system of intervention purchasing, export refunds, aids for storage and subsidies for industrial use. Farmer milk prices were relatively stable, but this did not prevent a dramatic reduction in numbers of milk suppliers, with a drop from about 65,000 in 1983, to about 18,000 today.(Source: the Irish Co-Operative Organisation Society at www.icos.ie). Enterprise Ireland is the Irish Government Trade and Technology Board which works in partnership with Irish companies to help them develop and compete in world markets.

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FIELDAYS FOLLOW UP

Page 40

Highly visible answer to tape troubles Neil McKinley had had enough of being caught round the neck by electric tape strung across raceways when riding his quad bike in poor light, so he set about finding an answer.

“Too often tape will be left up, or someone will forget to tell you it was there and standard race tape can be near-invisible,” says Neil, whose solution is an expandable plastic product he calls CeeMee Click. It’s made of heavy duty, brightly

Own the nectar

coloured plastic panels linked together by a patented flexi-hinge and looks quite similar to a paper chain that a child might make. It’s far more supplicated than that however, as Neil demonstrated in the innovation centre at Fieldays. He designed the dyes from which each section of the system is manufactured. Thanks to the hinges, the barrier, which comes in lengths from 5.8 metres to 7.6 metres, folds back on itself into a compact, easy

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CeeMee inventor Neil McKinley with Delwyn Wilkins and Bianca McKinley on the CeeMee stand at Fieldays.

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Mike Tuck holds a multi-coloured version of the CeeMee Click barrier on the company’s stand at Fieldays.

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Growing & Greening New Zealand with you

Rosie the DairyNZ cow was among the popular characters at Fieldays 2015.

to carry unit, ready for its next application. It’s not electrified but the colour and movement are enough to deter cows from walking through it. The system also had application in crowd control or to section off unsafe areas in a commercial or public space. “The biggest challenge I had was finding a material which would not break down in UV light,” says Neil, who, as well as being an inventor, is a full-time dairy farmer from Ngakuru, Rotorua.

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How to become a pest and weed sleuth Colin, who contributes to the information on website, says it helps people identify pests and weeds and is particularly useful for farmers and agricultural professionals in decisionmaking regarding biology, impact and management of pests and weeds. Colin and others on the AgResearch stand at Fieldays invited the public to view pests, including the black beetle, under microscopes – something that children in particular enjoyed. Since the AgPest website went live in mid-2009 it’s been well used but it also caused a few anxious moments when an email came through the website asking for help to identify an insect, which is native to North America and could be of concern if it was established in New Zealand. “We were very relieved Richard Campbell of Auckland and his son Cullen look at pasture pest the when we found out the black beetle, watched by Colin Ferguson of AgResearch at Fieldays. inquiry had come from

AgResearch scientist Colin Ferguson is keen for the public to become pest and weeds sleuths with the aid of online identification tools on the website Agpest.co.nz, which was promoted at Fieldays.

Rural Women back safe relationships Rural Women New Zealand is partnering with the Sophie Elliott Foundation and the “It’s Not Ok” campaign to present a series of safe relationships seminars this year. The purpose of the seminars is to increase public awareness and education to stop domestic violence in rural communities. Lesley Elliott MNZM will be the guest speaker and the event will include discussion about what makes a safe relationship. Lesley established the Sophie Elliott Foundation after the tragic death of her daughter Sophie at the hands of her former boyfriend. Lesley applauds this initiative by Rural Women New Zealand “and I am thrilled to have the opportunity to talk to rural groups”. “Domestic violence isn’t a problem just in towns and cities, every community and socio-economic group throughout the country is affected.” The first of several free RWNZ hosted seminars was held at Maungaturoto in Northland in June and included speakers and discussion. The Lotteries Community Fund is supporting the seminars with a commitment by Rural Women New Zealand members to safe relations and safe communities.

North Carolina,” says Colin. AgPest contains a number of New Zealand pasture weeds and pests, which have been chosen in consultation with key farming, industry and research personnel and it’s regularly updated. AgPest offers a single website that includes practical information to upskill farmers and their advisors on identification and management of more than 80 pests and weeds, and provides alerts emailed out to registered users. These alerts provide timely information, warning farmers of

pest issues in their region and suggest appropriate management responses. The project was initiated by a team of farmers from the Otago, Waikato and Northland regions who were struggling with a number of pasture pests on-farm. AgResearch’s Dr Katherine Tozer headed the project, which was previously known as Pestweb and first went live in mid-2009 with major inputs from Colin Ferguson, Dr Trevor James and other AgResearch entomologists and weed science teams. For more information, visit Agpest.co.nz

Page 42

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Bridging environmental and economic issues Bridges can prove to be kind to the environment and to farmers’ pockets, says Nigel Miller from Select Bridges, a Waikato-based civil construction company dedicated to bridge building. “However, farmers should have their farm bridges inspected every couple of years to ensure wear and tear has not led to degradation of the structure over time. “It’s far more cost-effective to inspect bridges regularly, and make small repairs rather than be faced with significant remedial work or a total bridge rebuild due to insufficient ongoing bridge maintenance.” According to Nigel, it’s not unusual to see bridges in frequent use on farms which were built 40 to 50 years ago from railway iron or carriages. “Clearly, these should be considered past their use-by date and wouldn’t meet current safety requirements. “Their exposure to the elements over this extended period of time means structural weaknesses will no doubt have occurred, increasing the risk of bridge collapse and potential injury to livestock and staff.”

High quality bridges and races ensure faster paddock-to-cowshed walk times. In these instances, the construction of a new bridge is often recommended. But engaging specialist bridge builders doesn’t necessarily have to come at a huge cost. Recently, an important set of national good management practice benchmarks has been agreed across the farming sector with the aim of lifting environmental performance on dairy farms. The Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord from DairyNZ recommends all points where cows cross and return on a waterway, more than once a

month, must be either bridged or have a culvert installed. Current targets for the accord are 100 per cent of regular stock crossing points must be bridged or culverted by May 31, 2018. Nigel says that most farmers agree good farm infrastructure is important. High quality bridges and races ensure faster paddock-to-cowshed walk times. In turn, this equates to better productivity and cost efficiencies over time – and in addition the investment in capital will also improve the farm value overall.

Forging knives from springs right because if it’s too hot, you risk the end of your knife blade melting off.” Rods of steel are heated, hammered on an anvil, and heated and hammered again as Dan draws the malleable steel into the shape he wants. At a crucial point he presses in his distinctive maker’s mark. Placing the hot blade in a bed of wood ash to slowly cool is another step in the process, followed by careful sanding and more heating. From rough blackened beginnings, highly polished, razor sharp blades emerge, then Dan adds the finishing touch – handles made of brass and NZ native timbers including rewa, pohutukawa, swamp kauri, swamp rata, kanuka and puriri. “Overseas visitors love the fact that I use native timber handles because it’s something different from them to have as a memory of their holiday.” Dan’s knives range from small vegetable to much larger kitchen knives, to filleting and hunting knives and come with sheaths Dan makes for each individual knife. The handcrafted knives are of high quality and take time to make, and this is reflected in the Portable forge prices which begin Dan made a portable cokefrom $300. fired forge in which he heats As well as car springs to the point where manufacturing the steel can be straightened knives, Dan also and cut to knife lengths. repairs and sharpens Each knife takes about two knives. He sharpens weeks to complete and each Dan Franklin hammers scissors and garden step requires care and skill. knife blades from car springs implements too. “You have to have the in his Te Aroha workshop. By Elaine Fisher forge temperature just They are designed to be an essential part of a car’s suspension system, to maximise friction between the tires and road and provide steering stability. However, Dan Franklin has a very different use for spiral car springs – he makes them into high quality knives at his newly-opened business in Te Aroha. “The steel in car springs is of high quality and it’s ideal for knife blades,” says Dan, who learnt the skills from his father, the well-known knife-maker Lloyd Franklin of Kuaotunu near Whitianga, Coromandel. “I forged my first piece of steel when I was a teenager but didn’t really begin learning properly until later. Dad is self-taught and he taught me.” Dan worked in engineering and welding before throat cancer caused a dramatic change – not just to his health but also his priorities in life. “When I got better I decided I wanted to change direction and when the chance came to rent premises in Te Aroha and open a shop I jumped at it.” He’s re-painted grey what was a purple-coloured building on Waihou Rd and opened Hand Forged Knives, which is both a retail outlet and manufacturing premises.

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Clubs fostering skills and friendships The network operates with an information flow capacity through which business, leadership and personal development programmes are aligned to provide a progression pathway within NZ Young Farmers, all while having a fun element to it. “From Taumarunui to Ngatea, Te Kuiti to “The competitions vary from stock judging to Edgecumbe and everything in between, there is a club photography and the ANZ Young Farmer Contest for everyone to join and embrace the opportunities to test their skills. Each club has its own identity and that we have to offer,” says Young Farmers national culture for people, aged 18-31, who come from on field team coordinator Casey Huffstutler. or off-farm. Young Farmers has been around for 83 years in “If there’s not one in your area, we can help you start New Zealand and is a great way to meet people when one,” says Casey. you move to a new area, as Casey found when she “You don’t need to be a farmer to join. We have many first went farming in 2007 in a quite isolated area. Casey’s employer encouraged her to get along to the members who are landscapers, electricians and lawyers.” Find your closest club on the national website local club to meet new people and get involved and www.youngfarmers.co.nz or contact Casey Huffstutler, she’s never looked back. who’ll point you in the right direction. Call her on “There is something about a good old woolshed New Zealand Young Farmers Club competitions at regional level 027 213 0043 or email casey@youngfarmers.co.nz party that beats going to town any day and the skills test a range of farming skills. and networking you accumulate through Young Farmers is something unique to our industry which isn’t really offered elsewhere.” INDUSTRIES NZYF is a national network which delivers events and development initiatives for young people Ü 440 Denier, 5 ply, 3 strand polypropylene twine in the rural sector.

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Original snakes had legs? A US reconstruction of the original ancestor of all modern snakes suggests it was a nocturnal, stealthhunting predator with tiny hind-limbs and ankles and toes. Analysing the fossils, genes, and anatomy of 73 snake and lizard species suggests the ancestral snake evolved on land in the Southern Hemisphere around 128 million years ago, they say. The study, led by Yale University, USA, analysed fossils, genes, and anatomy from 73 snake and lizard species, and suggests that snakes first evolved on land, not in the sea, which contributes to a long-standing debate. They most likely originated in the warm, forested ecosystems of the Southern Hemisphere around 128 million years ago. Snakes show incredible diversity, with more than 3400 living species found in a wide range of habitats, such as land, water and in trees. But little is known about where and when they evolved, and how their original ancestor looked and behaved.

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Worms and plants treat dairy effluent A system to reduce dairy shed water consumption by 75 per cent, use worms to break down effluent solids and vegetables to treat the liquid was on display at Fieldays. Coll Bell of Simple Water Solutions, based at Matakana in Northland, is the inventor of Clean Cow which he says is an efficient, natural effluent disposal system for dairy cows. “We can reduce the amount of water needed to wash down the yard by 75 per cent by using a water blaster,” says Coll,

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The Clean Cow natural effluent disposal system includes a solid waste digester and hydroponic tunnel houses. who has trialled the whole system on a friend’s farm. The effluent blasted off the yard goes into a solid waste digester and the liquid flows from that into hydroponic tunnel houses where it can be used to grow a wide range of vegetables, filtering the water at the same time. “The filtered, decanted water is clean enough to use in yard tipper drums and is also a valuable fertiliser which can be stored for later use.” Coll says the system will save

Coll Bell of Simple Water Solutions with a tomato grown hydroponically as part of the Clean Cow dairy effluent treatment system.

farmers money and overcome the need to have large ponds to hold effluent to be irrigated or spread on pasture when the weather allows. Using tunnel houses to grow plants hydroponically can also provide year-round food. “We’ve had good success with a range of plants including rhubarb which my grandkids call ‘poobarb’ because of how it’s grown.” The system is the latest in a series of innovations from Coll, who also came up with the “Short Drop”

worm composting toilet system, which is ideal for remote areas or water shortage situations as this does not require flushing. The company also produces the Solid Waste Digester, a verma-composting bin built from roto-mould plastic. All the solids from the toilet and kitchen sink are trapped on a bark filter where the worms turn it to compost. There is no smell and the liquid is drained into a series of plant filters for treatment.

Mums, not babies, must be in charge right feeding and settling techniques and sticking to Being a mother is the most important role in life a routine, babies will become happy, contented and – and in that role it’s essential mum is in charge, parents stress-free. says former Karitane Nurse Lyndsay Morgan. “But remember these steps – stick to the rules.” “Babies need boundaries to feel secure – this is called Like an instruction manual, the book is easy to read routine. They also need to quickly understand that you and thanks to its spiral binding, will stay open at any are the boss,” says Lyndsay, in her handbook for new page – there’s room for mothers to make notes in the parents called ‘Baby on Board and Mum is Driving’. book as well. “To be a happy mother with a contented baby you “Writing this book has been a delightful, and at must stick to the rules and not give in.” times stressful, nine-month’s journey and I am grateful The attractively illustrated, hardback, ring-bound to so many people who helped it come to fruition little book is based on the no-nonsense tried and true including publisher and mentor Leigh Elder routine Lyndsay learnt as a Kartiane trainee. and his wife Kate and talented designer and She taught this method to mothers and babies illustrator Emma Frederickson,” says Lyndsay. she cared for as a qualified Kartiane Nurse both ‘Baby on Board and Mum is Driving’ in New Zealand and overseas, and used the is available from most book sellers, technique with her own three children. and through Lyndsay’s website Lyndsay was motivated to write the book www.lyndsaymorgan.co.nz after frequent requests for advice to help parents struggling with unsettled and Thanks to Lyndsay demanding babies. and publisher Leigh Elder, “In a way it could be called tough Coast & Country has a copy love for babies but there’s nothing of ‘Baby on Board and Mum is ‘tough’ about it. It’s a proven, safe way Driving’ to give away and a free, and if parents follow the guidelines in one-hour personal or telephone my book, provided their baby is healthy, consultation with Lyndsay for a he or she will have a better chance of mother of a newborn or babies. becoming part of a family and not the To be in to win answer the entire focal point. following question: Where in New “Mothers and fathers still have a life to Zealand is the town Karitane from live and mothers are very important and which Karitane Nurses took their need some time each day to call their own.” name? Email your answer along with If a baby fails to settle and sleep well, you name, address and phone number especially at night, parents quickly become Lyndsay Morgan with to: lyndsay@lyndsaymorgan.co.nz distraught and worn out. her new book. But Lyndsay says with perseverance, the By Elaine Fisher

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Creating a ‘greenhouse’ environment for maize

Samuel Shine and daughter Stephanie with a Samco maize planting machine at Fieldays. grow, explains his daughter Stephanie Shine, who is part of the company’s market research and system development department. Samco was at Fieldays on the Enterprise Ireland stand and had on display Samco machines designed and manufactured in their facility in Ireland, which employs 35 staff. Sam says the Samco way of sowing maize is a complete solution based on five key elements; the Sam wanted to grow a crop on paddocks where he’d Samco machine, efficient weed control, the Samco spread effluent from his dairy herd but it was too cold Oxo-Bio-degradable film, the maize variety chosen to grow maize. by the grower and good agronomy practices. His answer? To sow the seed under a degradable Pre-emergence herbicide is applied by the Samco film, creating a greenhouse effect and protecting machine under the film and between the rows; the young plants from cold for the first month of growth. seeds are sown and film laid down, all by the same That was in 1996 and today the Samco 3-in-1 machine, which buries and covers the sides and ends machines he invented are used in more than 20 of the film to keep it anchored in the soil. countries worldwide. The film has ventilation systems which limit high “Using this system maize can be grown in areas temperatures under the film during warm spring days. usually considered too cold – even in places like When the maize plant is developed, it comes through Invercargill in New Zealand,” Sam told Coast & the film and continues to grow. Country at the Fieldays. The Samco film degrades with UV energy and Among the most challenging parts of his invention temperature allowing it to be broken down and eaten was producing the film. “We had to work with by micro-organisms in the soil. polymer companies to find a film which was strong “Through this process, earlier planting is possible. enough to be pulled through the machine, but also There is no need to wait until the optimum soil weak enough to allow the plants to break though at temperature is reached. As soon as the soil is dry, the correct stage in growth.” you can start to prepare the seed bed.” Being degradable is also important as the film can’t Samco has appointed Genetic Technologies as its be physically removed once plants have begun to New Zealand representative.

Irish dairy farmer Samuel Shine set out to solve a problem on his farm and ended up the inventor of a sophisticated maize plantings system – and something of an expert in bio-degradable agricultural film too.

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It’s not normally clothing – unless it’s art There’s a whole load of things found on the farm which no one would consider constitutes clothing – unless of course they are an entrant in the annual Fieldays Ag Art Wear Awards.

Classroom Couture 1st – ‘The Catch’ by Bayley Czepanski. 2nd – ‘Feeling Blue’ by Millie Law. 3rd – ‘Little Bo Peep Shearing Her Sheep’ by Taylor de Barres-Williams. Designer Traditional 1st – ‘Filtering Through’ by Jan Dew. 2nd – ‘Bucket of Fun’ by Deirdre Thomson. 3rd – ‘Parlour Maid’ by Sabina East. Avant Garde 1st – ‘Turbolina’ by Alice McIntyre. 2nd – ‘Flower Show’ by Nola Wallis. 3rd – ‘Fly Strike’ by Lianne tion sec e rd Ga t an the Av van den Bemd, Riley ards Aw r The winner of ea W t Ar eldays Ag Coleman and Karin Giesen. in the 2015 Fi a’ by Alice McIntyre. was ‘Turbolin

For the designers in the awards’ three categories there’s almost nothing off limits when it comes to creating a piece of wearable art and that includes chicken wire, rubber gloves, tarpaulins, nut shells, plastic tags, animal bones, ropes and much more stuff which is extremely impractical and uncomfortable to wear, but looks stunning on the catwalk. But it was Australian designer Jan Dew, who won first place in the 2015 designer traditional category with her garment ‘Filtering Through’, which also won first place in the Ag Art Awards at the Elmore Field Days in Australia in 2014, so qualifying for entry in the NZ awards. Jan says the garment was inspired from old tractor filters her son needed to get rid of. “My son brought me a tractor filter that was extremely dirty so I vacuumed it and just let it dictate which way it wanted to go. “The bottom part is all made out of one filter and

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then a smaller filter for the top which took me six months to complete.” The unique design uses tractor filters to form a layered skirt with a small fanshaped train at the back. The bodice has a high collar at the back as a result of the “fall of the filter” as the hook fasteners for the dress are made of wire casings and duct tape used for the trim. Among the 50 entrants in this year’s event were entries from college students in the classroom couture section – and the strength of their designs bodes well for future competitions. The awards were judged by Te Aroha sculpture Adrian Worsley and Ooby Ryn founder Robyn Brooks, who were impressed with this year’s fashion designs. ‘Filtering Through’ was an amazing design, the original material she used was really eye-catching. “A lot of the time, the same materials are used so it was good to see new ones coming through,” says Robyn. The judges hope other up-and-coming designers who may compete in future Ag Art Wear competitions show as much originality as this year. “For people wanting to compete in the Ag Art Wear competition, it will be good for them to try and think of original materials to use – that’s how you catch the judge’s eye.”

Australian designer Jan Dew won the 2015 Fieldays Ag Art Wear Awards Designer Traditional category with her piece ‘Filtering Through’.

‘The Catch’ by Ba yley Czepanski took first place in the 2015 Fieldays Ag Art We ar Classroom Couture Awards section.

lock in milk price IS YOUR DAIRY SHED WATER FONTERRA COMPLIANT? Farmers More than 400 New Zealand dairy farmers now have certainty about their income, after signing up for Fonterra’s guaranteed milk price. TURBIDITY? E-COLI? PROBLEMS WITH Fonterra has set the June Guaranteed Milk Price ŶƚŚŽŶLJ WƌĞƐƚŽŶ >ŝŵŝƚĞĚ

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at $5.25 per kgMS, the same price as the opening 2015/2016 forecast Farmgate Milk Price. A total of 45.2 million kgMS was offered by 443 farms, more than double the number of farms that applied this time last year. “More of our farmers are seeing GMP as a financial risk management tool and are choosing to lock in a price for a percentage of their milk production,” says Fonterra’s group director co-operative affairs Miles Hurrell. “We received a good range of applications from small to large farms from throughout New Zealand, who will now be able to use this income certainty to help to better budget and plan for this season.” Farmers had the opportunity to apply for a GMP for a percentage of their estimated production at one or more of five prices at and below the opening forecast Farmgate Milk Price. The applications totalled 45.2 million kgMS, which exceeded the 40 million kgMS available for GMP Agreements. Because the programme was oversubscribed, applications were accepted from the lowest price upwards with applications at $5.25 scaled back by 16.5 per cent.

FIELDAYS FOLLOW UP

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Fieldays is actually all about the food Fundamentally Fieldays is about food. All that machinery big and small, all the clever technology – and there’s plenty of it, all the clothing, footwear, gadgets, fencing, smart information technology, even the Customs Department beagle dogs are all about food – and improving or protecting its production and those who produce it.

So it’s only right that there’s a lot of food at Fieldays, and not just from the 42 of vendors selling something for every taste from dairy-free, vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and halal. Many of the exhibitors were offering taste tests or free coffee too, so it was just about possible to enjoy a complete meal, including – for the more health conscious – one which met the 5+ A Day standards by wandering from generous stand to stand. Among those on offer I sampled were sheep’s milk yogurt and toffee, kiwifruit smoothies, fresh apples and lemonade. As I was in charge of a camera, for which focus is essential, I passed on the fine malt whiskey and the equally stunning wines. The team from Seeka made delicious kiwiberry smoothies to give away but at the Zespri stand, growers had to work a little harder. There two specially adapted “stationary” bikes were set up so peddle power could be used to mix up a smoothie flavoured with red, green or gold kiwifruit, or a combination. But of course there was more to do than eat. At every turn there was something to see from the latest in dairy milking technology to treatments for effluent, to water tanks, to fencing, fertiliser, animal breeding technology, to tractors, machinery, cars, utes and essential clothing.

Must have

Despite declining dairy payouts and forecasts of gloom and doom in the rural sector, a total of 126,063 people attended the 2015 Fieldays, and as every year there’s the “Fieldays thing” – the must-have item which every second person seems to be carrying or wearing. This year it was cow-ear headbands with personally engraved ear tags, turned out in their thousands by the team at LIC, who were kept busy stamping names into ear tags for queues of people. Innovation is Fieldays’ strong point and every year there’s a chance for fledgling and established companies to display their latest inventions.

During the opening ceremony, Prime Minister John Key said innovation in the farming and science sector can lift New Zealand’s profitability. He also talked about the current economic Anne Smith, struggle of H of dairy approves of awke’s Bay, samples an sheep’s milk d farmers and yoghurt. the effect of the Psa-V bacteria on kiwifruit growers.

Korean delegates

NZ National Fieldays Society CEO Jon Calder says, “Fieldays’ mission is to advance New Zealand agriculture and with the Fieldays Innovation Centre, Innovation Accelerator and Innovation Den, we have an incredible number of Kiwi entrepreneurs making a difference to the way we farm.” Officials attending the opening ceremony included Minister of Science and Innovation Steven Joyce, Speaker of the House David Carter, Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy, Food Safety Minister Jo Goodhew, and Government delegates from Korea and Tonga. Korean delegates attended Fieldays for the first time after the prime minister’s successful trip to Korea earlier this year where the free-trade agreement between Korea and New Zealand was signed.

Heather Wilks of Katikati creates a kiwifruit smoothie using pedal power on the Zespri stand at Fieldays.

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COUNTRY LIVING

FARMOSH Helping Farmers Reduce OSH Risk

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Turning the discarded into art Anyone who looks at a shovel and sees an implement for shifting dirt, or a metal pipe and sees a means of channelling water, doesn’t think like artist Adrian Worsley. To his eye and in his hands, a shovel can become a motorcycle seat and a pipe – carefully cut and bent – its tyres. In the unwanted items others throw away, the Te Aroha sculptor sees potential and has the skills to turn the discarded into fascinating works of art so complex that it takes a close examination to discover the scores of individual pieces they are constructed from. It’s a skill, says Adrian, which he’s had since childhood. “As a kid, I used to make presents from bits and pieces for my family, but didn’t think it was anything very special.â€? Adrian is trained as a welder- ďŹ tter and stainless steel fabricator, and thanks to his design and construction skills developed a business making kitchens and furniture for private homes, bars and cafĂŠs. Among his best-known work is Ironique CafĂŠ, Te Aroha, which he and his workshop team completely ďŹ tted out – from the dining tables, to the serveries and toilets.

Exquisitely executed

Not for sale – This bike is among the ďŹ rst Adrian Worsley created from a myriad of bits and pieces. None, however, which were originally motorbike parts. Not one to make things easy for himself, Adrian didn’t use motorcycle parts to construct the replicas in his workshop. Instead, among other ingenious adaptations, a shovel became the seat, Vise-Grips the hand controls and hinges part of the petrol tank.

Horse-bike

A recent commission was to create a sculpture for a couple’s special wedding anniversary. “She loves horses and he loves motorbikes.� What evolved was a half-horse, half motorbike. The “horse-bike� was constructed of motorbike parts and the motorbike end from horseshoes and harnesses. “That was a great piece to work on because they were such neat people. When I do a commission I like to get to know the clients well, so I have an understanding of what they will like.� Adrian claims he knows nothing about horses, which is why he made a very close study of them for one of his latest pieces “Barrel Brumby�, a life-sized horse whose body is made partly from a wine barrel. “I took to watching horses in paddocks and followed a few around to observe them move before I started on this one.� It’s a sculpture full of movement, accentuated by the horse’s outstretched legs and its “wind-blown� reinforcing rod mane and tail. It’s currently for sale at $25,000.

Despite strong demand, Adrian says running both the workshop and business took him away from what he loves doing best: creating artwork. So he scaled back the business to a one-man operation and now works on commission pieces, and sculptures created largely for his own pleasure and for sale. His Historic Creations business occupies three sites in Rewi St, Te Aroha. One is a gallery (which is currently closed while Adrian works to re-stock it); the second a storage area for his raw materials and the third is his workshop. Walking through the storage area is like entering an enchanting museum of almost everything that generations of Kiwis have cast aside over the years. Each item is sorted into various categories and neatly stored in Elongated dog boxes, or hung above and alongside a neat Adrian’s also working on a bike rack boardwalk, which winds backwards and for Te Aroha’s main street, designed for forwards through the maize. cyclists enjoying the Hauraki Rail Trail. There are ring spanners, sockets, deep Of course, because it’s Adrian’s work, boxes of washers, bolts and nuts, tilly lambs, it’s clever as well as functional – chains of all sizes, pots and pans, Singer multi-functional, in fact. In the sewing machine tables and pieces of cast body of the very elongated male dog iron furniture, kitchen scales, old is where the bikes can rest and at its tin bath tubs, saw blades, wooden head will be a drinking fountain and cartwheels and much, much more. This elongated dog will serve a tap for ďŹ lling water bottles. The artwork is constructed in On the ground by its tail is a metal as an innovative bike stand Adrian’s immaculate workshop where bowl with a tap to provide water for in Te Aroha’s main street. the oor is clean and clear. There’s dogs. It’s all appropriately plumbed, nothing superuous lying around – in fact, I think his from the waste pipe for water to the drinking fountain motto must be “a place for everything and everything – ďŹ nding out where that goes is bound to entertain in its placeâ€?. youngsters of all ages. Visit his Facebook page, Adrian Worsley Gallery, for more information.

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EMILIO’S TIMBERS EST1981

COUNTRY LIVING

Waikato reviews subdivision rules again Waikato District Council has recently begun a review of its district plan rules after only resolving some of the major appeals. However, there is a good reason for this. Since Waikato absorbed part of the Franklin District, following formation of the Auckland Super City, it’s been operating under two sets of rules according to the original district boundaries. That situation is confusing for residents. Although both district plans have a similar attitude to rural subdivision, the current rules are quite different. Both plans aim to protect the productive soils in the region, allowing only limited subdivision opportunities outside of the settlements. Currently, the original Waikato area allows for lifestyle blocks to be subdivided off older titles more than 20 hectares in size. There is a limit of one block per title and council has discretion over certain aspects. This parent block size was increased signiďŹ cantly in the recent review and is likely to increase again, I believe. Other subdivision, apart from boundary adjustments and ecological lots, is restricted to the townships and rural residential zones. While the old Franklin area rules still support ecological lots, this is where the similarity ends. Subdivision is not restricted to 20ha lots but available to many rural lots. However, it relies upon the transfer of a title from another rural property – you can’t subdivide independently unless you have a qualifying ecological feature.

Ecological feature

Therefore, an owner who protects an ecological feature or owns several adjoining titles can transfer the subdivision potential to somebody else in the district who qualiďŹ es. Several constraints exist and

you must be careful to purchase a title that meets all the requirements. Early in the process Waikato has identiďŹ ed transferable titles have some merit, although I believe in the past they’ve resisted any suggestion of them. I’d be surprised if they are retained. I’ve been approached by many, hoping that subdivision will be freed up with this consolidation of the rules. Although council has indicated they have an open mind, I believe the future has already been signalled in the earlier plan change. In this change the Waikato Regional Council requested a minimum size lot of 40ha before a lifestyle lot could be subdivided. Council supported this but, following negotiation with appellants, this was reduced to 20. I believe council will propose a move to 40 again and probably cement this; in line with other councils.

Ray, 66, has led the EastPack Board for eight years and is a strong supporter of the grower-owned structure of EastPack and the kiwifruit industry. He’s decided to stand down to free up commitments and provide more time to spend with wife Lis. “The years seem to be ying by and my decision allows Lis and I to pursue our bucketlistâ€?. The EastPack Board has commenced a process to select a new chair and a decision is expected at the board meeting in July. “I’m conďŹ dent that we have some great talent around the board table and that it will be good for the company to have new leadership,â€? says Ray. A regular visitor to international kiwifruit marketplaces, Ray says he appreciates the importance of fruit quality in market and says. “I believe that

grower, post-harvest and Zespri performance need to be aligned to achieve the best outcome for growers.� Ray recently took an active role in the Kiwifruit Industry Strategy Project, reviewing the current industry structure. “If the changes advocated are put in place, our industry will be in a much stronger position going forward.� EastPack’s recently appointed chief executive

My advice to those who need to subdivide for some reason is to utilise the current rules in your particular area and don’t hold out hope that things are going to get easier. They won’t. The new rules will be advertised from as early as next year and you will have an opportunity to make submissions to them. It’s an increasingly complex process, but worth being involved in, if you stand to be disadvantaged under the new rules. However, taking action now is by far the best approach. If you’re interested to ďŹ nd out what opportunities for your land might potentially be lost, feel free to give me a call on the number below and discuss your situation without delay. Managing director of Surveying Services Brent Trail specialises in resource consent applications for subdivisions across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. For further information call 07 838 1571 or email btrail@surveyingservices.co.nz

ofďŹ cer Hamish Simson feels Ray has been instrumental in the company’s success. “Ray led the EastPack Board through a challenging period and will leave the company in a strong position. “The Psa-V incursion, a major company merger, and rapid recovery and volume growth provided signiďŹ cant challenges and yet the company has emerged as strong as ever.â€? This year EastPack

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Ray Sharp resigns as EastPack chair EastPack Chairman Ray Sharp is to step down from the board of directors from the end of July.

Page 49

processed more than 33 million trays of kiwifruit, up nearly 35 per cent on last season. Ray attributes a successful harvest season to advanced packing technology and asset utilisation strategies. “We are progressing with technology improvements and continue to identify key operational improvement opportunities to continue to manage a sustained period of growth,� he says.

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Page 50

COAST & COUNTRY

Feel and face the fear of family matters anyway Having written about succession, trusts, the next generation, helicopter parents and so on, a friend said that is all very well and good, but how do the generation you’re talking about see these issues? What a great idea, but who could I talk to? Finally, I settled on asking one of my daughters who embraces what I am trying to achieve with my clients and my own family. She’s a critical thinker, smart and willing to look at it from the other person’s point of view. She also has a psychology degree with honours... so she can understand her dad. The conversation went a bit like this: “Dad, you need to make sure you take control, ensure your legacy continues as you have visualised it and set it up while you are alive.” Ouch! This means three things all the family understands: 1. Your intent 2. What you want from the trust once you are gone 3. Make sure there are no surprises once you are not there to explain things.

Remember, I was the fellow who had to learn to stop putting out the cheese to my family, (see Coast & Country May 2015).

Independent chair

How do see all this being actioned, I asked? She replied: “I think it is best done with all the family members present to meet and discuss what the trust is, and means, etc. “This must be done well in advance, not waiting until someone is sick or gone, to try and understand things.” “So you want a meeting?” I asked. “I will chair it I guess.” Her reply was quick: “Would you advise your clients to chair their own meeting?” Well, no I wouldn’t. Okay, I get it. I will find an independent chair. “What about the meeting structure?” I then asked. The following were her thoughts: • What was the person/settler’s philosophy for the trust when it was set up and why? • What do you want from the trust in the future, non-negotiable and negotiable? • Ensure all beneficiaries of the trust understand how it was set up, and why it was set up in that way. • What it means to the family/beneficiaries upon your demise Dad.

(But, but ouch, I am not even gone). • How is it going to look when the settlor, (which is you Dad) has gone? • Everybody must respond to the issues as put forward. • You must listen, and not debate the issues as they are raised at the meeting, but to wait until all beneficiaries have had their say and then after consideration, reply. (Could I do that?)

Active listening

Then she went on: • All beneficiaries need to know that once it has been debated and agreed it is final and no longer up for discussion or debate. In other words once agreement is reached and it is settled then no further discussion can be entered into – or agree now and shut-up. • For tricky situations it would be good to include a protocol process for discussion concerning disputes. • Whoever is speaking must not be interrupted. • Active listening. • No grumping while the speaker has the floor. • No blaming or shaming. • Accept that it will not be what you may want to hear. • The role of the chair is crucial and he/ she must understand the issues and

particularly the family dynamics. (“Have you got someone in mind Dad?”) • The settler (or you Dad) do not want infighting once you are gone, so notes of the meeting might help here. By this time I was reeling because I realised I would have to face up to my logic and reasoning and justify my discussion. Was I fair? Given that I have a blended family it will get really interesting and there has already been a few words. Daughter’s footnote was interesting stuff. “Dad, I would love to have the skills you have to help people work through the issues in advance so that families can stay together and be happy once the person (settler) has gone. I do suspect the person setting up the trust in the first place is the main linchpin in the family, so it would be nice to think that the void left behind when they are gone is not filled with disputes.” So there you have it – a family meeting with an independent chair where we discuss the issues around the trust and see if we can reach an accord – no surprises. You will notice the word solicitor has not been mentioned and neither will it as this is family matters – not legal matters. 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. A disclosure document is available on request.

TE AWAMUTU / OTOROHANGA

Page 51

Family has long history with the land Tiki Road farm to bring on more cows and increase milk production by 30 per cent without buying extra land. “We lease a 40ha block of land in Tiki Road and grow 26ha of maize, plus graze up to 300 cows just before spring,” says David. “Scott leases another It was David’s 16ha for growing grandparents who maize as well.” first farmed in In total the farming the area, initially business grows 900kg milking cows and of maize per cow and running sheep. brings in 650kg of Later his father palm kernel. “ Gordon took over On average our cows the farm and when produce 420kg of milk he left school, solids, across a total David joined herd of 1250 cows.” him on the land. While farmers are About 45 years used to fluctuations ago the farm in income, David says converted to a the current levels are dairy unit and today David farms Builder Rob Broomfield from Broomfield Construction, not sustainable for the family business, nor part it with his farm owner David Bryant, his son and farm manager son Hamish, while Hamish Bryant and Darryl Kirk from All Brick Services. are they for many other farmers. Hamish’s brother He’s not keen on Fonterra’s fixed price milk pay Scott manages another 475 cow property out offer and is unlikely to take it up. near Hamilton as part of the family business. “I think it steps away from what co-operatives are The Bryant family chose well when deciding to all about and I wonder if some of the bigger players farm near Te Awamutu on land which is gentle in the industry know more about what is going on rolling to flat, with fertile soils and generally kind than we do.” weather. This autumn good grass growth has The number of smaller dairy companies entering continued well into June. the market is also cause for concern, but David says Careful management, growing maize for silage he’s not tempted to change to them. and building a new 60-bail rotary has enabled the

Four generations of the Bryant family have farmed in the Tiki Road area south of Te Awamutu and it’s a tradition David Bryant is understandably proud of.

Local company, local knowledge Aaron Hamilton of Hamilton Bros Quarry, Te Awamutu, has the knowledge and experience to visualise how an earth moving project will turn out before he even starts work.

That’s thanks to 20 years’ (or 40,0000 hours’) experience operating earthmoving machinery and a sound knowledge of local soil structures. Hamilton Bros has owned the Puahue Quarry for 10 years and it complements the company’s

earth moving operations. “The quarry produces all types of farm and roading materials, including fresh race rubble, crushed rubble, pumice sand and rhyolite requirements. “Having the quarry means we can complete most projects from start to finish, carrying out the excavations and earth moving, contouring, drainage or forming races, and provide the right grades of materials to finish off. “We are also certified to construct dairy farm effluent ponds and this is a growing aspect of our work.” Local knowledge is essential for

successful earth moving, says Aaron. “Every region has slightly different soils and we know our local area.” As owner-operator, clients deal directly with Aaron who provides the quotes and works on most jobs too. Hamilton Bros team of experienced operators carry out a wide range of rural, urban and commercial work, including site preparation for buildings, forming cattle underpasses, constructing retaining walls, tree and stump clearing, demolition work and dam construction.

PH: 06 358 5806 Email: centralsilosltd@xtra.co.nz

He would, however, like to see Fonterra lift its game and move towards more added value products

as smaller companies such as Tuatara have done, instead of relying on the milk powder commodity markets. By Elaine Fisher

All Types of Earthmoving Cowshed & Building Site Preparation Lined Effluent Ponds Farm Drainage Races & Tanker Tracks

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FORESTRY

Tauranga mills in Vanuatu re-build Hundreds of mature trees felled by Cyclone Pam’s storms have been saved from burning and turned into much-needed building materials, thanks to portable sawmills designed and manufactured in Tauranga. Two mills from Turbo Sawmills are being used by locals and overseas volunteers on the Vanuatu island

of Tanna to mill timber for rebuilding homes. Company owner and designer of the Auto Warrior mills, Jake Peterson, donated a small mill to the Vanuatu Forestry Department; and a larger Turbo Sawmill mill and the cost of air freighting it to the islands has been funded by Peter and Ali Moran from Toowoomba and the Garden City Baptist Church. Jake says as soon as he saw the destruction the cyclone had caused, he knew there was a role for his mills to play. “These mills are designed specifically for operating on the Pacific Islands in places where access is hard for vehicles. They are light enough to be carried in by hand and are quick and easy to assemble.” Sun Media director Claire Rogers and daughter Leah, in Vanuatu to help with the unloading of a container of donated goods from Tauranga, watched as Jake demonstrated the mill’s operation to Vanuatu government and forestry officials in Port Vila. “It was really impressive to see how portable and easy to operate these mills are. Having seen how many trees are down, and that many were being

Leah Rogers with a huge tree brought down by Cyclone Pam, before it was milled by the portable mill from Turbo Sawmills of Tauranga.

burnt to clear the land, it is wonderful Jake’s demonstration. Jake designed to know the timber is no longer going the Turbo mills based on a design to be wasted,” says Claire. originally With created by his milled father Carl. timber Designed readily and available constructed to rebuild in Tauranga, houses, what Jake says the islands demand for need now the mills is are more growing and volunteers, he’s especially especially pleased to builders, to see them help with the in use in construction Vanuatu. The Auto Warrior mills take one to process. The mills two hours to set up. “Now is a great are being time to visit as operated by the a ‘voluntourist’ and the message from humanitarian group Camp of Shining the islands is clear –‘Please don’t stop Light and CSL director Matt Meads coming to Vanuatu – we need your told Coast & Country that the mills tourist dollars’. are making a real impact on Tanna. “Better still, become part of The timber being milled is both the ‘voluntourism’ trend. Have a soft and hardwood, and can be used holiday and get out there and make for homes immediately, he says. a difference by helping people rebuild Matt, originally from Palmerston their lives,” says Claire. North, encourages anyone with basic And help they need. “When flying practical skills, especially builders, to into Vanuatu the devastation is still consider holidaying in Vanuatu and obvious, months on from Cyclone spend time helping villagers rebuild. Pam,” says Claire. “These people are wonderfully It was while she and Leah were in resilient and certainly not sitting Vanuatu to help with the unloading around waiting for help but help is of the container of donated goods, needed and they are grateful for it.” organised by Tauranga’s Courtney Anyone interested in helping out Tilby and her mum Kerri Tilby-Price, with the Vanuatu rebuild – especially they heard about the Turbo Sawmills builders – contact CSL director Matt and were lucky enough to attend Meads at reachvanuatu@gmail.com

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 53

BECAUSE YOUR STORAGE NEEDS

CAN BE MET Regardless of size or design, we’ll be pleased to come in and help.

BECAUSE B ECCOOL A US E COWS BECAUSE UNCOVEREDMORE FEED-PMILK ADS UNCOVERED FEED-PADS PRODUCE N E G AT I V E LY OVERLOAD O V E R L OA D NEGATIVELY

Keep your herd cool over summer E F Fpermanent L U E N T VOLUME Vdairy O L Uhousing. ME EFFLUENT through Cover C Co ov ve er y yo your our ur ffeed-pad ee e eededd-pa pad to to That’s we come separate and s se sepa epa para rwhere atte e rrainwater aiin a nw wa at ter er a nd n din. reduce effluent volume. rre ed edu du uc ce ee fffflu flu uen ent vo v olu lum me e.

BECAUSE HAPPIER COWS & GOATS PRODUCE HEAPS AZT0017

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COAST & COUNTRY

trades & services

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

Tuesday 7 July Welfare Matters

Stock welfare: the heart of your business. Interactive workshop where you gain an understanding of the animal welfare codes. Learn about the bobby calf supply chain and preparing bobby calves for transport. Know how to use and maintain a captive bolt stunning device and more. Free. Held at Kiwi 360, 35 Young Rd, Te Puke. 9.30am registration. For details and to register, phone 0800 DWN R4U or see www.dwn.co.nz

Saturday 11 July

Poultry & Pigeon Annual Show Waikato Table Tennis Stadium, Edgecumbe St, Hamilton July 11 from 12pm-5pm and July 12 from 9am-12pm. Hundreds of chooks, pigeons and ducks on display. Come see heritage breeds in their ďŹ nest. Adult $5, under 16 free with cover. Door sales only.

Saturday 18 July Tree Sale

NZTCA BOP Branch, Katikati A&P Showgrounds, Major St, Katikati, from 10am-12.30pm. Good variety of tree cropping and other plants for sale at reasonable prices. Cash only. Sellers phone Elizabeth 07 549 2795.

%(5 75 7,0 ( 6

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Council aims to make forestry safer Dame Alison Paterson has been appointed to chair a council which aims to make forests safer places to work, following recommendations of the Independent Forestry Safety Review Panel in 2014. The Forest Industry Safety Council board includes representatives of forest owners, contractors, workers, unions and Worksafe New Zealand and funding will come from the Forest Grower Levy and from the government – via ACC and Worksafe. “We are proud to have someone of the calibre of Dame Alison as chair, as well as a board made up of all those who can inuence safety on the forest oor,â€? says Forest Owners Association president Paul Nicholls. “All of us share a determination to build and reinforce a safety culture that embraces everyone in the forest workplace, from the forest owner, through contractors and crew leaders, through to the man on a chainsaw or at the controls of a hauler. “We all have a responsibility to each other, to ensure that safety becomes ahead of all other considerations, economic or otherwise.â€?

run on listings

cars wanted WE ALWAYS PAY MORE!

$1000 CASH per week

0800 382 828

employment wanted 24YO FEMALE requires drystock farming position. Has grown up on farms and has six years dairying experience. Wanting to move into drystock farming. Hard working, KRQHVW DQG FRQVFLHQWLRXV Âż W DQG in good health. Willing to learn new skills. Ph 027 308 3080

farm sitting WANT TO GO AWAY, but no one to feed the dogs, feed out & shift stock etc. horses, cows, sheep, cats. I have experience, references & animal nursing with Wintec. Ph 027 546 8448 Waikato areas.

for sale PULLETS HY-LINE BROWN, great layers. Phone 07 824 1762 www.eurekapoultryfarm.weebly.com TIMBA FORM TREE Protectors & Fence Panels. See our listings on Trade Me.

advertise ADVERTISE YOUR PRODUCT or service in the listing every month. Phone Julie on 07 578 0030 or email julie@thesun.co.nz

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 55

Wonderland comes to life One of the quirkiest and enduring children’s stories, complete with its crazy characters, will come to life next month when the Waihi Drama Society stages the pantomime ‘Alice in Wonderland’.

Produced by Noeline Loader, its cast of 19 includes nine adult actors and 10 Katikati and Waihi children, some as young as seven, who are guaranteed to charm theatre-goers as well as invite audience participation in what’s being billed as a marvellous musical play. Alice is Katikati’s Tyler Clarke and the White Rabbit is Madison EvettsJones. They are joined in Mike Carter’s adaption of Lewis Carroll’s whimsical tale by others playing wellloved characters including the Dodo, Duck, Tweedledee and Tweedledum, the Cheshire Cat, Mock Turtle, the Queen of Hearts and, of course, the Mad Hatter.

Noeline moved to Waihi last year from Thames, where she White Rabbit Madison also directed this Evetts-Jones and Alice pantomime in 1998 (Tyler Clarke) are for Thames Musical among the cast of the Theatre. For her Waihi Drama Society’s 36 years of service pantomime ‘Alice in to musical theatre, Wonderland’. Noeline has recently been awarded a Merit Award by Musical Theatre New Zealand. ‘Alice in Wonderland’ plays at the Waihi Theatre at 21 Boyd Rd, Waihi, from August 19-23 and August 26-29.

Expert consultants to XinBao Farm Massey University animal scientists have been appointed as expert consultants to the XinBao farm, Urumqi, China, to foster the business relationship between China and New Zealand. Professors Hugh Blair, Steve Morris and Paul Kenyon from Massey University’s International Sheep Research Centre have been visiting China during the last 10 years to establish relationships with the Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shihezi University staff

and, more recently chief executive officer of XinBao Dr Harry Gao. Their most recent visit involved visiting the XinBao sheep farming operation on Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps property. The immediate goals of this farm are to produce one million lambs annually from 500,000 ewes with year-round lambing, and to capitalise on co-products such as methane from animal waste and electricity from shed-mounted solar panels. During the visit the scientists designed a $400,000 research project to collect baseline data, which will allow the assessment of productivity and profitability

of any proposed changes to the farming system. A total of seven research projects are being developed during the next three to six months for which XinBao will contract Massey University’s expertise in sheep production and education. Blair says the rate of progress has been “incredible” and this comes down to sharing knowledge between the two countries. “We are occasionally challenged by New Zealanders who think we are giving away the country’s knowledge in sheep farming, however, we believe the opportunities for New Zealand to collaborate in Chinese tertiary

education and on-farm research provide major opportunities for New Zealand to learn, improve and share.” Blair says the benefits flow both ways. “We are discovering things about indoor sheep farming systems that might have a place in environmentally sensitive parts of NZ.” As well as environmental benefits, there is huge economic opportunity for New Zealand. “China is a significant trading partner for New Zealand and anything we can do to improve our relationship is beneficial. This includes research mentoring and collaboration.”

www.harcourts.co.nz ADVANTAGE REALTY LTD MREINZ

Advantage Realty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Tauranga Central Office – 07 578 0879 Cherrywood Office – 07 576 8770 Bethlehem Office – 07 579 2206 Mount Central Office – 07 575 6384 Papamoa Office – 07 542 9012 Te Puke Office – 07 573 4754

Page 56

COAST & COUNTRY

Joe Stewart, 20, and Ari Wilson, 19, from Whakatane, with their 157.7kg Samba deer.

Ben Sha w

with his

catch.

with atthews Wade M easant. h p his

Five-ye a with th r-old Calib To father ca e 2.685kg tro mbs ut ught in Lake R his otoiti.

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