Coast & Country News November 2015

Page 1

WINNER BEST ASSOCIATE NEWSPAPER 2015

O CIDER PAGE 6

UP THE GARDEN PATH PAGE 8

WINNER BEST ASSOCIATE NEWSPAPER 2015

GRAMPIANS MERINO PAGE 12-13

NZ ADVENTURES PAGE 20

WINNER BEST ASSOCIATE NEWSPAPER 2015

DAIRY PAGE 28-31

EFFLUENT FIELD DAY PAGE 33

NEW FARM DAIRIES PAGE 34-36

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November 2015 Issue No.183

Bay of Plenty & Waikato Farm, Orchard & Rural Lifestyle

Charolais charmers Temperament among her pure-bred Charolais is important to Jan Bell, pictured with Wairoa Eleanor, an affectionate cow she bred at her Wairoa Charolais stud near Tauranga. Eleanor’s sire is Wairoa Comanche C20 and her dam, Wairoa Claire C15, is part of a pedigree herd Jan has developed over many years. Read her story on pages 4-5. Photo Elaine Fisher.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 2

Pains and gains of TPP A Japanese journalist attending the IFAJ Congress in Hamilton believes suicides among Japanese farmers may increase because of the Trans PaciďŹ c Partnership Agreement.

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He fears competition from cheaper imports will reduce their income, and increase levels of stress. New Zealanders farming in the 1980s when government subsidies were removed can sympathise. The dramatic exposure to the markets without 40 per cent subsidies caused our farming families much anguish and suffering with suicides and mortgagee sales. Today our farmers are proud to be subsidy free and the removal of subsidies has been a catalyst for productivity gains. At the same congress Minister for Trade Tim Groser said there’s merit in some governments retaining subsidies to support farmers and preserve farming practices which have traditional values to their nation - so long as those subsidies aren’t used across the

borders, affecting trade. There will be pain from the TPP, even in New Zealand, but as Tim also says, this country cannot survive without trade. The International Federation of Agricultural Journalists Congress was attended by 154 journalists from 30 countries who were also addressed by (among others) Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy and industry leaders from Fonterra, Zespri, HortNZ, Scion, DairyNZ, AgResearch, Plant & Food, Meat Industry Association and NZ Winegrowers. The journalists quizzed Bill Falconer, Chairman, Meat Industry Association on the 82.22 per cent Silver Fern Farms shareholder vote in favour of the partnership with Shanghai Maling which will invest $261m in cash in the business. His personal view is that the company needs new capital and:

“I have some conďŹ dence that the Silver Fern model will workâ€?. Despite recent low pay outs to farmers, Fonterra’s chief ďŹ nancial ofďŹ cer Lukas Paravicini and director John Monagh presented an optimistic view of the dairy industry’s future, citing the potential of new markets such as India and the company’s growing value-added and ingredients business plus its partnerships and facilities in Indonesia, Latin America and Europe. Organised by a small team from the NZ Guild of Agricultural Journalists and Communicators, the four day congress gave international agricultural writers and broadcasters a unique insight into New Zealand’s primary industries and the stories which are owing from it can only beneďŹ t our economy. Tourism will no doubt also receive a boost – the Friday night dinner was at the Green Dragon Elaine Fisher at Hobbiton.

The winners of last month’s book prizes are: “Paradise Eastern Bayâ€? Marie Berger of Putaruru and Judith Reid of Katikati. “Lessons from Great Gardenersâ€? goes to Reg ProfďŹ t of Gisborne.

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COAST & COUNTRY

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Water quality - townies, farmers must work together

By her own admission, Libby was a “townie” with no idea what farmers were doing to help improve the water quality of Rotorua Lakes – until she visited John and Catherine Ford’s station. “I was blown away by what I saw and learned. John and Catherine are both so environmentally conscious and what they are doing on their property to help protect water quality is impressive,” says Libby, who is chairperson of the Lake Tarawera Ratepayers Association. The field day she attended was organised by the Bay of Plenty Ballance Farm Environment Awards after John and Catherine and their farming team won the district’s supreme award earlier this year. The couple went on to win the national Ballance Farm Environment Awards, selected from supreme winners from each of the regions involved. John says having Libby attend the field day is among the stand outs of taking part in the awards. “As well as Libby from the Tarawera Ratepayers, Doug Leeder, chairman of the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and five staff came along.” Being able to showcase to council and the public that farmers are serious about caring for the environment and water quality in particular, was a fantastic opportunity and a boost for the Fords and their staff, says John.

Lake valued

Lake Tarawera is very special to Libby who has spent every summer since she was a child holidaying there. She was living and working in Auckland until deciding, three years ago, to retire to her lake-side property – “best decision I ever made”. Once elected as chairperson of the ratepayers association, Libby set about finding out as much as she could about the issues facing the

who have invested in expensive lake which she and other residents effluent schemes on their farms. value so highly. “Like so many other townies, all I They can’t understand why this community does not have a ever read in the newspapers about reticulated sewerage scheme to help farming was that it was dirty and protect the lake.” farmers were ruining the environment. Then I’d talk to someone who said farmers were doing a lot to help the environment. I was confused and didn’t know what I believed.” The Highlands Station field day, says Libby, opened her eyes to the passion farmers like the Fords have for the environment and sustainable farming. “It made me realise that we have to get over this ‘them and us’ thinking and work together to improve the water quality of our lakes and wider environment. Lake-side residents have to play their part as well as farmers.” A field day changed chairperson of the Detention dams Lake Tarawera Ratepayers Association As well as a large stand of Libby Fletcher’s views on what farmers QE II covenanted native are doing for the environment. bush, Highland Station’s Most of the homes are on septic detention dams, built by John to tanks but new builds have to install stop nutrients entering the lake, and the farm’s grazing management expensive high-tech treatment systems. plans also impressed Libby. However, Libby says, the majorJohn is a member of the Tarawera ity of residents want a reticulated Lake Restoration Plan committee, sewerage system, but are concerned to which Libby also belongs. about the cost. “I have been impressed by what John says at meetings. He is so sane and sensible and doesn’t get worked Reticulated system up when people are critical of “Lake Tarawera is the only signififarmers, instead explaining calmly cant Rotorua lakeside community what they are doing.” not serviced by, or planned to have The Lake Tarawera community, implemented, a wastewater reticumade up of 91 permanent residents lation system.” and 318 absentee owners, is playThere is currently a working group considering a draft Tarawera ing its part in lake protection, but Lakes Restoration Plan document most of the property owners want that has wastewater reticulation as to do more. the main priority. This document “About 75 per cent of property is unlikely to be completed by owners belong to the ratepayers mid-2016. association which is a non-political “The ratepayers association is community based organisation very concerned about the lack of which endeavours to act for the progress and unanimously supports benefit of the community and to the urgent implementation of a care for the lake’s fragile environwastewater reticulation scheme at ment. Lake Tarawera.” “Among the owners are a number In recent summers there have of farmers, including dairy farmers

been algal blooms in the Wairua arm in Lake Tarawera and health warnings issued advising not to swim in the affected water.

Voluntary fund

That property owners care about the lake is also evidenced by the fact that since 2006 residents have contributed $52,500 to a voluntary fund to finance research by the University of Waikato to further the knowledge of the lake’s water quality issues These funds have assisted the installation of a climate station on adjoining land, the establishment and ongoing maintenance of a monitoring buoy, and measuring the volume of, and analysing

the nutrients in the surface flows to the lake. This work, says Libby, has highlighted the complexity of the Lake Tarawera situation as 80 per cent of the inflow is believed to enter Lake Tarawera as groundwater, probably from the seven surrounding lakes (Lakes Rerewhakaaitu; Rotomahana; Okaro; Rotokakahi; Tikitapu; Okareka and Okataina. Libby believes more ‘townies’ should visit farms and find out what farmers are really doing. Protecting the lakes for future generations, she says, requires a concerted and unified effort by farmers, urban residents, councils and Elaine Fisher government.

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A visit to award-winning Highland Station near Rotorua has turned around the views Lake Tarawera resident Libby Fletcher held about farming and the environment.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 4

‘Granny farm’ realisation of a 20-year dream Cover story

Although she’s far too young to retire, Jan Bell enjoys her purebred Charolais cows, calves and bulls – so much, she’s delighted to have given up full-time paid employment to stay on the farm and look after them. “Not that they take a lot of looking after to be honest. After 20 years of owning and working on this property, it’s finally at the point where I call it

my ‘granny farm’ because it’s so easy to run,” says Jan. The Crawford Road property, home to the well-respected pedigree Wairoa Charolais Stud is “easy care” because, in between full-time employment, Jan worked hard to setup the farm, including restructuring fencing and water reticulation. In 2009 she was joined by Graeme Daniel, who added to the mix his knowledge of pasture management and renovation, stock grazing, crops and grasses and “lots of other farmie things,

like cutting our silage and doing tractor work that I am too scared to handle,” says Jan. At one time in her working career, and before she owned the farm, Jan was legal executive, then for a while a stay-at-home mum bringing up three children, before she began work in the kiwifruit industry. “I worked mainly in the quality and auditing field and studied for a post graduate diploma in quality systems, going on to be a tutor, teaching post harvest horticulture and quality control at the Bay of Plenty Polytechnic.”

what you can do better next time.” All of the Wairoa stud’s purebred animals are recorded. Calves are weighed at birth then at 200, 400 and 600 days and each assessed by her expert eye for confirmation. The stud’s breeding cows are moderate framed with good bone, good muscling and are structurally sound. “All the cows must be manageable so a good temperament is essential. We use French, Irish and New Zealand genetics in the breeding herd.” Jan ranks temperament highly.

“Most of the time I’m working with the animals on my own so I have to know I’m safe. I have no problem picking up calves to weigh and ear tag at birth – in fact, the mothers seem to treat me a bit like an aunty and wonder off to the next paddock, expecting me to bring the calf along.”

Terminal sires

The mothering traits of her cows, their ability to produce plenty of milk for their offspring and their longevity is also important.

Vine disease

In 2013, when due to the impacts of the kiwifruit vine disease Psa-V, student numbers dropped, Jan happily accepted redundancy becoming, for the first time, a full-time farmer. Her love of Charolais began when she helped her family show pedigree animals at A&P show. “I enjoyed the shows, still do. It’s a lot of work getting the animals ready, and it’s great to win. Losing is also great – once you get over the upset – because you take a long hard look at the winners and figure out

All of Wairoa stud’s pure bred Charolais are recorded and weighed at birth, then at 200, 400 and 600 days.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 5

Charolais easy to handle, lovely to look at Jan’s bulls are used as terminal sires, crossing with other breeds predominantly Angus, Hereford cows or dairy beef cows. “Recently there’s been a demand for polled animals from our buyers so we breed and use sires that will produce polled cattle. We will keep any dam polled or horned who proves herself a good breeder and a good mother. “Our goal is to ensure that the bulls we sell as terminal sires will be structurally sound and create no calving problems over mixed bred cows. The calves they sire will be early maturing well-muscled cattle. To achieve this goal we use American or Canadian genetics over our French cows. The resulting calves are often polled and are smoother in the shoulder than the dams.” Wairoa Charolais bulls go to farms all over the North Island and six or seven clients have standing orders for the animals.

Fieldays stand

The herd of 50, including 30 breeding cows, is raised on the 29ha of home farm and leased land, which has contours from flat to rolling to steep. Jan is on the council of the New Zealand Charolais Cattle Society, established in 1968 and a keen advocate of the breed, which she says is known for its quiet

few cows, and get together to make cheeses, from halloumi to feta to mozzarella. “We have a lot of fun. Cheese making and gardening are two things I really enjoy now, which I didn’t have time for when I was working full time.” By Elaine Fisher

temperament, growth rate, muscle and meat quality. Next year Jan is helping organise a stand for the society at the Mystery Creek Fieldays. “Sadly there are no longer many animals at Fieldays, so we plan to have Charolais on show.” Wairoa Charolais are trained for showing at an early age as Jan enjoys attending A&P shows. “I think it’s important for the public to be able to see and enjoy the animals but you also learn a lot from the judges who are happy to tell you what’s right and what’s wrong with your animals,” says Jan, who is a judge herself. “Also it is a good benchmarking tool and a social day out meeting other breeders.”

Cheese makers

The advent of EBVs (estimated breeding values) has been beneficial but has reduced the number of breeders showing animals now. “That’s a pity because you can’t judge temperament and overall confirmation from figures on paper and I think it’s important especially for young people to learn how to judge stock by eye.” As well as rearing pure bred calves, Jan uses the old five-aside herringbone dairy on the farm to milk a small herd of dairy cows to provide milk for the calves she buys in to rear. When the calves are gone, Jan and a group of friends milk a

This Wairoa Charolais yearling bull called Jet Star is by Cedardale Tyrant.

Jan Bell is proud of the Wairoa Charolais sign carved by her son Andrew, using tools which belonged to his late uncle Mac Bell.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 6

GFC helped brew Te Puna cider business What do two talented young wine makers, on holiday in Mexico, do when they discover the GFC has left them jobless? Go to New Zealand, plant an apple orchard and start making cider, of course. Well, it wasn’t initially that obvious to Simon and Rowena Pearce, but the Global Financial Crisis did serve as a wake-up call for the couple who had been travelling the world, working for wineries along the way. “We would move between hemispheres for work

during a vintage, then travel for a few months after. While travelling through Mexico after a vintage in Canada we had been completely out of touch with what was happening in the world,” says Rowena, who grew up in Wellington, while Simon was born in Western Australia. “When we realised, because of the GFC, there were virtually no jobs for us, we wondered what on earth we were going to do. I guess it was more than a wake-up call to make a plan – it also made us realise it was time to ‘grow up’ and settle down.”

Rowena and Simon had fallen in love with each other, and with cider, while working for a winery in the small town of Nannup, three and a half hours’ drive south of Perth near Margaret River in Western Australia. When Rowena’s family offered the couple the use of their rural property at Te Puna, they decided to begin a new career in cider making.

Tasting shed

“Nannup was pretty isolated, and very hot, and so those of us working there had to make our own entertainment, including hosting dinners, which began with wine matchings until someone brought along some cider,” says Rowena. Initially sceptical, the group nonetheless put the cider to the test, quickly gaining an appreciation of the best of the apple and pear beverages. Today Simon and Rowena make their own fine cider, under the brand name O Cider, at their cidery in Oikimoke Road, Te Puna. They’ve also set up the Tasting Shed for customers to sample their range of apple and pear ciders, and learn something of the cider making process. The couple are also establishing an orchard, so far planting 300 apple trees of 20 different heritage varieties, selected for their cider-making attributes. Their own crops are small at present but those apples are used to produce their reserve cider Resident Hawk, a 750ml methode traditonelle cider made from hand sorted, crushed apples, which are partially fermented with wild yeast, barrel aged in seasoned oak, riddled and disgorged to create a premiere cider.

Mills Reef

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Simon and Rowena Pearce have planted heritage apples to supply their O Cider business.

Tim Preston of Mills Reef Winery has offered the couple advice and support, and made available the use of the company’s kiwifruit wine-making equipment to process the fruit, with the final steps completed back at O Cider base. Until the home orchard’s production increases, apples and pears are sourced from the Waikato, with the apples ideally processed after being left to sit in the sun to enhance their flavour. Rowena and Simon say the techniques essential to making excellent cider are much the same as those required to make great wines, so the transition hasn’t been too difficult. Committed to making traditional ciders, they use whole apples and pears, not concentrates, and yeasts they know will give the flavours they seek. Cider may be an ancient beverage, but it’s relatively ‘young’ in this country. It is finding favour with health-conscious consumers who want a light, refreshing drink which is gluten-free and natural.

Simon and Rowena, who are members of the Fruit Wine and Cider Makers of NZ association, say they are excited to be involved in an industry still in its infancy and to be part of its evolution. To complement the ciders, Rowena is making her own line of French-inspired charcuterie products under her Mercado label. “We hope, with licensing permission, to extend our offering here at the Tasting Shed during summer to allow our guests to stay and enjoy a cider or two with a Mercado charcuterie platter.” Rowena credits Kate Lamont of Perth, one of Western Australia’s well-known chefs and authors, for the inspiration and courage to create her own specialty food range.

Pursue dreams

“I was fortunate enough to work for Kate and her family in Perth. I didn’t even know who Kate was when I went for the interview, but she and her family embraced Simon and I and encouraged us to pursue our dreams.” Those dreams haven’t focused solely on food and cider. They’ve also included starting a family, with baby girl Leigh born in July. O Cider's Tasting Shed at 50 Oikimoke Rd, Te Puna is open Thursday to Sundays from 10am to 5pm. They can also be found at www.ocider.co.nz , which includes information about their range and stockists. Rowena Pearce turns a bottle of Resident Hawk, a 750ml methode traditonelle cider, made by O Cider.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Fire risk greater for rural homes Dry powder fire extinguishers in the house and outbuildings can be a first line of defence but these must be regularly serviced. “Keep your garden hose connected and make sure it is long enough to reach around the house so you can use it to extinguish a small fire.”

Rural properties are a higher fire risk, largely because of the very factors which make living in the country so attractive – there are fewer people around so help is further away. Senior Fire Fighter with the BOP Coast Fire Area Shane Baker says if a fire starts on a rural property it may not be detected quickly, because there are fewer people living close by to spot it, and emergency services will take longer to respond because of the greater travel distances involved. “It is wise for people living in the country to be prepared and think about how to reduce the risk of fire, and how to react if one starts,” says Shane. Smoke alarms, which are properly installed and tested regularly are a must for all homes, rural or otherwise, so is designing an escape plan and practicing it, especially if children are involved.

Safety zone

Keeping the grass green and mown or grazed around a home and creating a safety zone of at least 10m by clearing any dead or dry material, and replacing flammable plants and trees, such as pines and eucalyptus with more low flammable species is advised. Making sure emergency services, especially fire appliances can find your property is essential. “Keep you RAPID rural property identification number on the road side clear of vegetation so it can be easily seen.”

Four by four

All driveways should have a clearance of 4m-wide by 4m-high and adequate turning space for large vehicles. If water sources are available, have them clearly signposted so fire fighters can access them. Shane says storing fire wood and other flammable materials away from the house is vital. “Gas or liquid fuels must be stored and handled safely. Buildings containing hazardous substances should have a sign fixed to the outside. The building user should have Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS) available, and preferably stored away from the building, with a list of what chemicals are stored, so that fire crews can contact their communications centre for advice on how best to

handle the fire. Using water on some chemicals can cause explosions so we need to know exactly what we are dealing with.”

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Maintaining machinery and equipment in good working order and keeping them free of dry debris not only means they operate more effectively, they also pose less risk of starting a fire. “It can’t be said often enough how important it is to dispose of ashes from a fire safely. They should be put in a metal container until completely cold and if you are burning anything outside, use an approved incinerator. “It is so easy for a fire to start from a stray spark or ashes which have been put into a plastic container or spread on the ground while still hot. “Rural fires can costs lives and livelihoods and with this summer predicted to be very dry, now is a good time to think about and take action over risks to your family and property,” says Shane.

Emergency services can take longer to reach rural fires.

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Page 7

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 8

‘Rooms’ filled with colour and form A woodland of Japanese Maples, hellebores and primroses is among the features of this Pahoia garden. It took a special vision for Lorna and Chris Yandle to see beyond thigh-high grass, a few goat-chewed trees and a swampy hollow to image how a 4ha Pahoia property could become a beautiful garden.

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But vision they had and 17 years, and a great deal of hard work on, the property is a stunning garden set around a lovely home on the edge of the Tauranga Harbour. For the ďŹ rst time Lorna and Chris are opening the garden they have lovingly created to the public as part of the Katikati Rotary Club’s ‘Up the Garden Path’ ramble on November 14 and 15. After 30 years living and working in Washington DC, Chris and Lorna bought the Pahoia property when they returned to New Zealand, keen for the challenge the blank (but somewhat overgrown) ‘canvas’ provided. Chris credits Lorna for the garden design and she in turn credits Chris, and gardeners Andrew Townsend of Townsend Landscaping and Fritz van Rensburg with turning her vision into a reality. “There was a small patch of native bush but hardly any other trees apart from a few stunted by the goats chewing them, lots of grass and weeds,â€? says Lorna.

Large pond

The swamp in front of the home the couple built was excavated to form a large pond, and Chris and Andrew constructed the waterfall and stream which meanders through the gully to ow into it. “I really admire people who can create a beautiful garden on a completely at site as I think having a property with a variety of contour, such as this one, helps when it comes to decisions about what to plant where.â€? Lorna loves trees, especially those with interesting bark as well as foliage so the almost treeless site is

now full of evergreen, deciduous, native, exotic, ornamental and fruit trees too. Among them is a tree which probably saved the lives of the crew of the vessel ‘Elizabeth’ in the late 1570s. Captained by John Winter, it was one of four ships accompanying Sir Francis Drake in the ‘Golden Hind’ on his round the world voyage of exploration. “Winter was unable to round Cape Horn with Drake and turned back. His crew were sick with scurvy and went ashore to get help and were given tea made from the bark of this tree,â€? says Lorna. In honour of Captain Winter, the tree is called Drimys winteri or ‘Winter’s Bark’ and its bark has since been found to be high in vitamin C. It’s a tall tree with attractive white owers and grows among colourful perennials and annuals alongside a gently sloping lawn. “Apparently it doesn’t taste anywhere near as nice as orange juice.â€?

colour, ourish in the gully with its pretty stone waterfall. Clever groupings of plants for colour and texture create the grey garden, conifer room and rhododendron walk with its spring bulbs and violets. The focal point of the garden is the large pond with an island in the middle. The pond’s banks are closely planted with a mix of native and exotics, including iris which love the boggy environment. It’s also popular with visiting wild water fowl, including ducks and shags. The garden’s colour and form changes with the season. “I don’t have a favourite season. I love the way the garden looks at all times of the year,â€? says Lorna. It’s taken 17 years to develop the garden but for Lorna it is and always will be a “work in progressâ€? and one she thoroughly enjoys.

Garden path

She and Chris have decided to share their garden with the public through the Katikati Rotary Clubs ‘Up the Garden Path’ ramble because all the Subtle changes Lorna has planned A moss-covered proceeds go to help the Katikati community. the garden in a series of sculpture in It is one of 13 stun‘rooms’ so as you stroll the native bush ning gardens open on along its lawn or pathpart of the Saturday and Sunday ways, the plantings subtly garden. November 14 and 15. change in a merging of Tickets cost $20 per person for colours, forms and species. two days and there is a discounts There’s a woodland of Japanese for coach parties. Maples, hellebores, daffodils and For further information phone primroses. Native trees and shrubs 07 549 1837 under-planted with exotics for Elaine Fisher

COAST & COUNTRY

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Page 9

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 10

Down to Wire campaign for ag-air safety Farmers can be held responsible for crashes caused by agricultural aircraft hitting wires on their properties, even if the pilots were not contracted by them, warns Alan Beck, chair of the New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association. “Many farmers don’t understand that even though a pilot may not be working on their farm, if his machine hits a wire on it, the farmer could face prosecution for an unsafe workplace. “The Civil Aviation Authority says the workplace is the airspace or the area required by a pilot to turn, manoeuvre or manipulate the controls of an aircraft so he can fly. “So unfortunately, if the neighbouring farmer has a wire strung across a gully, this is classed as a hazard in the way of a pilot for which the farmer is likely to be prosecuted.”

Alan is actively promoting the NZAAA’s Down to the Wire campaign which aims to inform farmers about the risks wires pose for pilots and to encourage their removal. Federated Farmers is supporting the campaign with Taranaki president Bronwyn Muir saying the simple solution is to eliminate the wires.

Prison term

Not only will that save lives, it could save farmers a $600,000 fine or a prison term in the case of an agricultural pilot being injured by hitting a wire on their property. She advises anyone arranging aerial work on their land to talk to neighbours to identify hazards before the pilot starts the job. "Farmers who can't get power to the back of their farms have options other than wires. They can use solar power. “There are solutions other than just drawing off the main power unit at the front of the farm, and they could save someone's life."

Alan says a number of farmers are removing electric wires and finding other ways of controlling stock, and he applauds that, especially as he knows from personal experience the consequences of flying into wires. Alan broke his back when the helicopter he was flying struck wires in 1992. Recently his son David Beck had a near-miss when applying fertiliser on a beef farm near Midhurst.

Brutally high

“New Zealand has had a brutally high fatality rate. There have been 23 wire-strike fatalities in New Zealand in the last 40 years. “Agricultural pilots must be constantly alert to hazards in their daily operations, such as short airstrips, improvised landing areas, obstacles, wires and changing weather conditions.” However, unmarked wires strung across gullies can be incredibly hard to see from the air and farmers must play a part in improving pilot safety by removing them, he says.

Aircraft safety is farmers’ responsibility too, says Alan Beck, chair of the New Zealand Agricultural Aviation Association.

Elaine Fisher

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Grass silage is the most cost-effective supplementary feed farmers can give their livestock but they also need to know how much, and the quality of the feed in their stack, says Karl Schultz of Bluff Country Contractors. “Our brand new Lely Tigo PR 60 loader wagon has on-board scales so we can give farmers information on exactly how much has gone into the stacks and that added information is important in a tight year,” says Karl. Investing in the new wagon, which has a capacity of 36m3 of silage, is part of the Ngakuru-based company’s commitment to harvest-

ing silage efficiently and on time. The wagon is the second one the company will operate this season, enabling the team to get more silage done in shorter period of time. “Quality is vital and that comes down to harvesting at the right time so farmers need to know their contractors have good reliable gear and the operators to get the job done. We are able to do the complete job from mowing to stacking and cover supplies.” Karl says the new Tigo PR 60 wagon has hydraulic levelling suspension and large flotation tyres which make it stable and able to get around hills with ease.

Bluff Country Contractors services predominantly the Rotorua region from its Ngakuru base and as well as making pit silage, also carries out a wide range of other agricultural contracting including baling silage and hay, cultivation, direct drilling, fertiliser spreading and earth works. The company also has lease land, from which it harvests grass to sell as either bulk or baled silage. During the quieter months the company’s focus is on rock crushing, road stablishing and mulching, and thanks to owning a transporter unit, offers these services North Island wide.

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SHEEP & BEEF

Managing flystrike in sheep Two quite different fly species are responsible for most of the blowfly strike in New Zealand livestock. Originally it was the European Green Blowfly and more recently the Australian Green Blowfly. The European Green Blowfly is a parasite of temperate regions and can survive for most of the year in New Zealand. It attacks susceptible parts of the body, such as wounds, dags and urine-stained skin. It can complete its lifecycle in other food sources, such as road kill. Although the eggs are readily killed by heat and the soil dwelling pupae cannot hatch below 15°C, these flies can survive in the wide variety of climatic conditions found in New Zealand. The Australian Green Blowfly does not need an ‘excuse’ to attack. It will lay eggs on a completely clean fleeced sheep, with no wounds or dags, for instance ‘shoulder strike’ in a clean sheep.

Epidemic proportions However, the AGB is a tropical fly and cannot survive and complete its lifecycle in such varied climatic conditions as EGB. These flies normally start breeding in spring and reach epidemic proportions during warm humid weather.

This is generally between November and March, although fly season can extend from October to June. The blowflies lay their eggs in the damp wool and maggots can start hatching within a day, then start to eat the sheep’s flesh. Flystrike can occur rapidly, and sheep should be checked at least once a day in hot weather. Best practice management is to have all sheep shorn and with clean bottoms in the warmer months. This reduces the attraction for flies, which seek damp smelly wool in which to lay their eggs. Dirty bottoms are usually due to high worm burdens and/or changes in feed quality. Well-nourished animals will cope well with parasites, as their natural immunity is strong. Malnourished animals will succumb quickly and respond slowly to treatment. Bear in mind shearing alone is effective prevention for a few weeks, although shearing cuts and other wounds will attract flies. Affected animals can be seen nibbling their wool, stamping their feet and twitching their tails before becoming depressed. Dark patches

may also be seen on white fleece. Colonies of maggots may be difficult to find so the wool should be systematically parted and checked. Areas most commonly affected by flystrike are: around the tail end; on the backline; on the belly where the feet touch when the sheep lies down; around the pizzle (prepuce/penis) in males; between the ears of rams after fighting and head bashing.

Fly resistance Chemical prevention six weeks post shearing is timely, as the wool length will hold the insecticide. It can be applied earlier as required. Earlier treatments involved organophosphate dips and showers, but these rapidly became ineffective due to fly resistance. Current treatments involve using high-powered jetting races and insect growth regulators such as Clik and Cyrazin. These work very well, but if sheep move through too quickly then the duration of activity may be reduced. IGRs work by interrupting the lifecycle of the maggot stages, preventing them from forming or casting their external skeleton.

‘Undercover agents’ protect farm investments The many highs and lows that come with dairy pay outs, export prices, feed prices, stock prices and levies can result in unwanted stress and difficulties on the farm. With more than 18 years’ of farming experience, Shed It director Alan Hockly understand the needs of the farmer. He has learnt what is needed within the industry to run a tight farming business. “Although Shed It cannot alleviate these common stresses we can

protect and look after the many investments that you have in your farming business.” Implement sheds, covered feed pads, stables, calf sheds, barns, worker accommodation, utility sheds, the team at Shed It have you covered. Specialising in sturdy, storage solutions is what Shed It do best; and at a great price. Building with Shed It gives peace of mind. They are proud of their work and they do not compromise on supplying

the best prices on solid, sturdy, essential storage facilities across the farming sector. That is not all that Shed It do – they also construct the highest of quality

commercial buildings in the North Island. “All work is guaranteed and you will not find a more personable approach for on farm building expertise.”

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Resistance to some IGR products is thought to have developed due to continued use of sole products for all fly and lice prevention and treatment. While still effective for lice, their use for prevention of fly strike is limited. To control future resistance we should consider blowflies and lice separately, and use different products for prevention and treatment of clinical cases. There has been no significant resistance to Clik observed in New Zealand. Note: Long-acting products tend to have longer meat withhold periods, so for lambs approaching their finishing weights careful attention needs to be paid to the product used.

Page 11

SHEEP & BEEF

Page 12

Fine wool sheep the Grampians’ passion While many hill and high country properties have changed their sheep breeds from ďŹ ne wool to strong, at The Grampians Station near Culverden in North Canterbury, Merinos have remained the breed of choice for many decades. It has been owned by the Reed family since 1973 and current owners, Graham and Ann Reed, started farming the property on their own account in 1989, having previously been in partnership with Graham's brother. Their ďŹ ne wool sheep are Graham's passion: “I get a lot of fun out of growing a decent product,â€? he says.

Ranging from 330m to 1700m above sea level, The Grampians run around 6400 sheep, with 2700 ewes going to the ram, a wether ock of 700 and the balance hoggets. Wintering 3000 hoggets this year, an extra 1000 lambs were purchased at the beginning of autumn. Nine hundred are kept each year as ewe and wether replacements. Son Jono takes care of the Angus breeding operation on the farm

and the Reeds lease another 260 hectare property near Waikari, which this year has been used as the wintering block for the hoggets. When Graham and Ann took over The Grampians, they wanted a ďŹ ner wool ock than the predominantly half breds already there, so phased in pure Merinos from the late 1980s.

Adaptable sheep

With a range of climates, from very cold, to hot and dry and times of high rainfall from the Nor West, Graham has tried to select over the years a sheep that can withstand the variations of both climate and topography. The land changes from a small area of irrigated ats, to developed hill country and then native high country, so the sheep have to be adaptable.

As the wool is a major component of the sheep income, Graham selects animals that have eeces that are dense on top to keep out vegetation from scrub. It is also important the eece is able to withstand times when there is heavy rain. The hoggets are shorn from late September/ October and a couple of weeks prior, Graham will go through the ock to select his replacements based on their wool type and constitution. The ewes and wethers cut an average 5kg eece of 18.5 to 19 microns, while the woolly hoggets cut about 3.5kgs of 17 microns.

Graham Reed (left) and John Philp sort wool during shearing in the The Grampians shed.

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SHEEP & BEEF

Lambing when snow threat passed The ock of 700 merino wethers are kept until the eece starts to lose quality, if they produce good wool and have good teeth they stay on the farm. About a quarter of the ewes are mated to a terminal sire – Romney, or black face, which gives a number of lambs that can be sold early.

The Gums

Lambing starts around October 10, when the main threat of snow has passed and ewes lamb on the top dressed hill country. Graham sources his Merino rams from The Gums, a large commercial property near Cheviot and has done so for more than 20 years. They have suited The Grampians’ breeding programme and Graham has no complaints about the offspring. The straight Merinos are carried through to hoggets and sold off shears. As they cut their two teeth a bit later than strong wool sheep, they can be carried a little longer. The system has worked well for Graham, but with a severe drought this year it has been a struggle and he is expecting wool weights to be back a bit on most years.

Some rape was sown at Karaka Downs (the lease block), this year, which ďŹ nally grew after a bit of autumn rain and the hoggets have been break fed on this over winter. Graham says he has also bought in a lot of barley for supplementary feed. The aim of having the two properties, in a normal year, is that they complement each other. The Grampians is better summer country, and Karaka Downs good winter country being lower in altitude and warmer, although the drought has taken its toll on both properties.

Page 13

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Merinos’ bright future

Despite the stressful year, Graham says the sheep have held their own, but a lot more extra feed has been fed out to keep condition on. He sees a bright future for Merinos with rapid advancement made in breeding sheep that are plainer in the body, faster maturing and with a longer staple. The major breakthrough for many merino and quarter bred growers has been the development of a gene test for footrot resistance. “It has been a game changer for us here, the merinos would have gone years ago if it hadn't been for the development of the footrot gene test. We haven't had to inspect feet or foot bath sheep for years. “It is quite exciting to see how rapidly the Merino has made progress towards becoming an easy care, truly dual purpose sheep.� By Amanda Bowes

Vitamin B12 treats more than deficiencies Vitamin B12 is a very important vitamin for ruminants (eg sheep and cattle) and is involved in digestion and maintaining appetite. In these animals, vitamin B12 is manufactured in the rumen (main stomach) by micro-organisms (eg bacteria) and requires adequate levels of dietary cobalt, because cobalt is a central part of the vitamin B12 molecule. Cobalt deďŹ ciency (commonly called Bush Sickness) therefore causes vitamin B12 deďŹ ciency, of which the main symptom is ill-thrift. DeďŹ ciency is mainly seen in weaned lambs, and less often older sheep, in parts of the country where soil cobalt levels are naturally low, eg the central plateau in the North Island. Critical levels in the diet are around 0.11 mg/kg DM (ppm) which means if the dietary level is consistently lower than this then deďŹ ciency is likely. Cobalt deďŹ ciency is very rarely diagnosed in cattle, especially adult cattle, because their dietary cobalt requirements are so much lower than sheep, and are usually easily supplied by the pasture.

Diagnosis and monitoring of supplementation is best achieved by herbage testing and analysis of blood and/ or liver samples. The value of soil testing for cobalt is debatable. Reference ranges for blood and liver B12 levels in sheep are well deďŹ ned. Animals that are sufďŹ cient (in the normal range) will not respond, while animals that are marginal may or may not respond, to supplementation. Prevention strategies include cobaltamended fertilisers, pasture spraying of cobalt, cobalt boluses, vitamin B12 injections (short or long-acting) and various oral cobalt supplements. Injectable vitamin B12, as well as treating and preventing cobalt deďŹ ciency, is also an appetite stimulant in its own right, independent of an animal’s cobalt status. This means that many responses to vitamin B12 are due to this effect, rather than remedying a deďŹ ciency, but can give rise to the mistaken belief that the animals were cobalt deďŹ cient. I am a great fan of vitamin B12 for the appetite stimulant effect, because animals appear to visibly respond to treatment, so it is useful in periods of stress.

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Page 14

Humus is vital to feed hungry world Of late I’ve been reading a lot information people have sent me on the increases, worldwide, of land degradation and its huge financial costs to humanity (many trillions of dollars per year are being quoted). There’s a double whammy to this because degraded land takes a lot to fix, in money and time, and meantime we also have to cost in the loss of productivity we could have achieved if we hadn’t degraded the land. In all this the word ‘humus’ kept appearing, along with the fact that

many people don’t know what it is and what it does. To put it simply, it’s the dark brown or black organic stuff (which has a slippery feel in your hand) that makes everything in soil work, and provides the medium which allows it to do so. The humus component is generally a

darker colour than the subsoil it rests on. Soil isn’t humus, but humus becomes part of soil, if allowed. So what is it? Encyclopaedia Britannica defines it as “non-living, finely divided organic matter in soil, derived from microbial decomposition of plant and animal substances”. Humus, which ranges in colour from brown to black, consists of about 60 per cent carbon, six per cent nitrogen, and smaller amounts of phosphorus and sulphur. As humus decomposes, its components are changed into forms usable by plants.’ Before man came along and started cutting down or burning forests, ploughing up land, and generally stirring things up, nature had had thousands of years to work on decomposing any plant or animal matter which landed on the ground, and creating thick layers of humus for the soil life to live in and work on.

Soil life

Since then, and especially in the last half century or so, man has either ignored what humus actually does, or poured on chemicals, which upset various parts of the system, causing imbalances which often allow the ‘baddies’ to gain the upper hand and become pests. So what does humus do? It allows soils to absorb and retain moisture, protecting it from drying out when rain isn’t regular. There is much less requirement for irrigation on humus rich soils. It provides a reservoir for soil plant nutrients, allowing maximum growth and preventing leaching. At the same time it supports soil bacteria and mycorrhizal fungi, the good guys who do the passing back and forth of nutrients.

On the basis of ‘more is better’ with humus, how do we check whether we are making it or losing it? You can dig some holes and see how far down the blackish stuff with the slippery feel actually goes. If it’s only 10cm then that’s probably about how far plant roots (particularly grasses) will grow down to. If it’s 30cm or more your pasture stands a much better chance of making it through the next ‘dry’.

Soil carbon

If you do comparative holes both below a long term fenceline and further out, you’ll be able to see the increase or decrease between where the soil or pasture gets trampled or disturbed, and where it doesn’t. And no matter what some scientists claimed, about 15 years ago, of an inability for our pastoral soils to sequester more carbon, it has since been proved that those soils, treated well, can indeed sequester lots of carbon when humus is increased. In a world which needs to find long term homes for our atmospheric carbon, keep in mind that our pastures could provide lots of suitable storage. However, we shall have to stop thinking that man and science know everything, and go back to putting our trust in that female deity, nature. Thus, stop messing up her systems, and work with her. If we don’t look after humus, then the world could be getting very hungry sometime later this century. Next month I’ll tell you how to make humus.

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Page 15

Examining the effect of lime on pasture palatability Farmers have often mentioned to me over the years that lime appears to have a sweetening effect on pastures, making them more palatable. This effect has not been scientifically validated in New Zealand up until now, but recently I have secured some funding from Beef and Lamb NZ to do a Farmer Initiated Technology Transfer trial investigating this apparent improvement in pasture palatability. It is on a property near Te Akau in the western Waikato, where local farmers have observed significant improvements in pasture utilisation after they have applied lime. One farmer after flying on lime over his property for three consecutive years at 1.5 tonnes/ha annually, increased his stocking rate from 5000 to 6000 stock units, and hillsides which had dry stalky un-grazed grass seed heads were green and evenly grazed after his liming programme. There is one historic trial I am aware of which suggests some extra benefit from lime outside of any straight dry matter production. This was done at the old Te Kuiti Research Station in the mid 70s which showed that lime gave an overall 3 per cent increase in pasture dry matter production, but the animal response in terms of ewe and lamb live weights and

extra wool production was in the vicinity of a 15 per cent increase in production. I discussed this issue with a retired Ruakura soil scientist a few years ago who had looked into this phenomenon back in the late 70s and early 80s, and they did a trial feeding hoggets inside on equal amounts of limed versus un-limed grass and found the live weight gains were similar. His conclusion was that the improved animal performance on limed pasture was from increased consumption.

Low fertility

However his trial work was never published and other soil scientists disputed this effect and suggested that lime brought about a change in pasture species, with a higher legume and ryegrass component in the pastures compared to browntop, danthonia, goose grass, sweet vernal and other species which are prominent on low fertility soils. What my trial is attempting to do is identify what factor or factors are causing this palatability effect. It will run for 12 months and there are four rates of lime – 1.25 tonne/ ha, 2.5 tonne/ha, 5 tonne/ha and 10 tonne/ha plus a control (un-limed).

Onions NZ now part of biosecurity agreement Onions New Zealand Inc had signed the Deed of the Government Industry Agreement for Biosecurity Readiness and Response, becoming the first vegetable group and the sixth signatory to sign the deed. “We are pleased to join the GIA partnership to help deliver the best biosecurity outcomes so that we can protect our sector,” says Michael Ahern, Chief Executive Officer of Onions New Zealand, the industry body representing onion growers in New Zealand. “The onion industry is an important primary industry exporter with 85 per cent of New Zealand onions shipped and sold in global markets. Onions

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are New Zealand’s third (equal with avocados) largest fresh horticulture export crop with an average value of $80–100M.” By signing the deed, Onions New Zealand joins organisations representing the kiwifruit, pipfruit, equine, and pork sectors, along with MPI representing the government as GIA partners. Approximately 215,000 metric tonnes of onions are produced from 5,000 hectares in the regions of Franklin/Pukekohe (52 per cent), Waikato/ Bay of Plenty (13 per cent), Hawke’s Bay (15 per cent), Canterbury/ South Canterbury (14 per cent) and Manawatu/Horowhenua (6 per cent).

So five treatments and four replicates of each treatment. The trial site is on an area of the farm which stock have avoided grazing and where the pH is a very low 5.1 and where aluminium toxicity has been identified. I will be looking at overall dry matter production between treatments, grazing heights, pasture species changes, and also looking at changes in protein, ME, fibre, carbohydrates, brix levels and elements such as calcium and aluminium which have been suggested as causes of this grazing effect.

Pasture growth

The trial has only been going for three months yet within a couple of weeks of the lime being applied, the farmer could see a clear difference in the amount of pasture grown under the 10 tonne/ha cages compared to other treatments, with the control treatments having the least growth. Being such a low pH soil to begin with, this is probably a biological response, as the big 10 tonne/ ha hit of lime will lift the soil from a pH of 5.1 to 6.1 (one tonne/ha of lime will normally lift the pH by 0.1), which will result in a huge lift in the number of soil microbes which will be going on a feeding frenzy breaking down plant thatch material at the base of the pastures. On each plot I am also taking 25 height measurements with a pasture sward stick, and here too, there is an overall trend of slightly lower pasture canopy heights with increasing rates of lime. Once all of the data has been collected over 12

Robin Boom

CPAg MBSPC

Independent Agronomy & Soil Fertility Consultant

months the results will be published and a field day will be held at the site discussing these results. The benefits of lime however are not just in a single year, as lime keeps dissolving over several years, and if these effects are shown to be positive I hope to be able to secure further funding for doing ongoing measurements. Robin Boom CPAg, Member of the Institute of Professional Soil Scientists

FEED MANAGEMENT

Page 16

Still early days but grass performance is promising Frustrated at having to re-sow “new” pasture, Morrinsville dairy farmer Justin Downing went looking for a new grass to replace modern ryegrass varieties he says were failing to last beyond four or five years.

“I had given up on the new ryegrasses. They’ve come from chasing the wrong traits, chasing yield and then blaming the drought, or black beetle, or the farmer for overgrazing it. “I had gone looking for an old fashioned grass, like the ryegrass on the top of our hills. It’s never been resown and keeps bouncing back after a

Justin Downing (right) discusses the performance of Aber Gras with Nick Rayner, Germinal Seeds sales agronomist.

“WE HAVE MORE TH AN 30 YEARS EXPERIEN CE BEHIND US”

drought or any amount of grazing.” A Lincoln graduate who returned to help his parents Lloyd and Olwyn Downing on the farm 14 years ago after working on farms in England, Justin has the 530-cow herd producing 1,000 kg milksolids (kgms) per hectare across the whole farm and they’re on track for a target of 400 kgms per cow. He knows how to manage grazing when the ground is too dry or too wet but the cows’ pulling of whole clumps of pasture to leave behind bare ground, for weeds to take over, has presented a difficult, costly and seemingly unsolvable problem. “I talked to a former AgResearch scientist who recommended the Aber grass and then talked to two guys growing it at Cambridge and Tokoroa. I figured it was worth a shot,” says Justin, who planted almost seven hectares as an Aber High Sugar Grass (Aber HSG) trial. The following year he planted 25 hectares in AberMagic and plans to continue re-grassing with perennial Aber HSG varieties.

Pull out

“It’s still early days but I am now even more convinced it can handle the conditions because it has an awesome root structure. I have tried to pull out clumps of AberMagic by hand and you can’t do it.” In contrast other ryegrasses can be pulled out by hand, and certainly pulled by a grazing cow, despite two or three years’ establishment.

“It’s our biggest problem; new pasture that’s pulled and it’s stuffed within four or five years. You end up chasing your tail trying to improve pasture quality. “I was told the problem was how I worked up the paddocks. I was also told to shift the cows sooner to prevent overgrazing and not to graze them in a drought.”

Boxes ticked

Justin sees some irony in having to protect new pasture by shifting cows into old pasture that supposedly needs replacing, or into the hills that dry out quicker than the flats. “So far the Aber is ticking all the boxes and we will be absolutely convinced when it’s come through a third or fourth year. “Looking at this 16 months old AberMagic, it’s a healthy paddock, it has a lush and dense sward, it’s not pulling and there’s no problem grazing it.The cows are not keen on some paddocks but they have never had an issue with an Aber paddock.” Justin is not expecting to see the bare patches and weed invasion seen in other ryegrass paddocks where the clover also fades as grass cover recedes and open patches dry out. “The Aber was grazed hard in summer but was ready again for the next round and it was well grazed in the wet when we put in the heifers. “I am a lot more confident gambling on this than anything else I have planted.”

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FEED MANAGEMENT

Page 17

To keep partnerships in good heart–communicate Partnerships are very easy to get into, but extremely hard to get out of. I know, I have “rabbited” on about this in the past, but the pattern keeps repeating and the problems remain. Many people just fall into a partnership as friends, because of related skills or investment, and hey presto you have a partnership. Yes, they are a great vehicle and many do work, but I am sorry to say that in my opinion, most do not. The most common problem appears to be that everybody is keen to get in, but there is no understanding or agreements on how it will end if it has to and how to get out. The equity partnerships that were all the rage had very distinct agreements about the expiration and how it would look with regard to people’s exit rights and strategies. Some generic partnership examples may include: • A keen young farmer who had

insufficient funds to purchase a development dairy farm. The bank suggests an equity partner: little documentation, the payout drops, the half share partner panics and is now forcing the sale of the farm through his lawyer to get his capital out – after only two years. It will be carnage and expensive. • Two brothers are left the farm. They form a partnership, which is logical enough. Things go okay. New wives appear and suddenly what was a realistic set-up is now in tatters with four very unhappy people. How do they unwind it and who will get what? • A marriage, no matter how you look at it, is really a partnership. You buy a house together then a farm, business gets busy, stress rises, communication falters and your basic partnership is under threat. If it fails, how do you unwind it, and who gets what? • Even a lease agreement or a grazing contract is like a partnership. You are working together to provide an outcome. If the terms of agree-

MPI gets tough on ‘stink bug’ vehicle risk Untreated vehicles arriving from the United States could be sent back at the shipper's expense under strict new rules intended to keep New Zealand free of brown marmorated stink bug. A directive from the Ministry for Primary Industries came into force on October 15 making it compulsory for all bulk imported vehicles and machinery from the US to be heat treated or fumigated before being shipped to New Zealand. In previous years MPI biosecurity staff have found increasing numbers of brown marmorated stink bug during border inspections of vehicles arriving from the US, says Andrew Spelman, MPI's Border Clearance Manager, Central and South. "The new rules will minimise the risk of stink bugs establishing in New Zealand well before imported vehicles reach New Zealand. This is about pushing the biosecurity risk offshore," he says. "We will be assessing each arriving vessel on a caseby-case basis, but ultimately some ships could have to return untreated vehicles and machinery to the US at their own expense." MPI introduced mandatory treatment requirements last December for all vehicles and machinery imported from the US, but allowed some treatment of bulk imports on vessels before landing, or on the Auckland wharf. "We're taking the restrictions a step further now that treatment facilities are fully operational at the main US vehicle export ports in Baltimore and Savannah. "We have worked closely with importers on this issue. There is agreement that sufficient facilities are

now in place in the US to allow them to comply with MPI’s requirements." Brown marmorated stink bug could cause serious damage to New Zealand's horticulture industry. MPI is currently running an awareness campaign highlighting the dangers of the pest. It encourages any suspect sighting to be reported to its pest and disease hotline – 0800 80 99 66.

ment are not kept on, one party gets grumpy and it can all fly to bits really fast. • You see solicitors, accountants and all manner of professionals in loose or organised partnerships. They often work for a while, then one wants out because he feels he is doing all the work and carrying the other partner. So, you can see how easy it is to get into a partnership, but how do you make it stay in good heart? • Communicate - communicate – communicate. • Have a partnership agreement setting it out in writing with clear exit strategies, particularly around how it will end and who can do what. • Appoint someone you both trust as a sole “mediator” to whom you can both go, to seek help and a resolution before it gets grumpy or on to the lawyer’s table. • Try desperately to allow common sense to prevail. Sadly common sense is no longer so common. Try to get help with logic and the elusive common sense at the beginning and keep it there. • Hold regular documented meetings so that everybody is involved and knows what is going on and where it is all going. • There is no substitute for communication and common sense. Faced with a problem I will often say “this is not going to go away, it is my problem and I am going to step up and sort it out now”. In summary, please be wary of partnerships and enter into them with caution and agreements. The quickest way to lose a mate is to go into business with him. If you are in trouble in a partnership, start talk-

ing, have meetings and try to resolve the issues. If you can’t, find someone who can mediate and assist you. 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.

Phone: 07 362 8433

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Page 18

Fireworks extravaganza snuffed out If anyone has $10,000 to donate to Opoutere School near Whangamata, principal Clare Humphreys-Grey would love to hear from you. This is how much the primary school stands to lose after deciding to cancel its Fireworks Extravaganza fundraiser after

a local farmer complained about the effect the event had on animals. Each year the extravaganza has been held the event has raised upwards of $10k for the Coromandel primary school. But Clare says that some weeks ago it was brought to the school’s attention that animals on neighbouring farms had been harmed when the event had taken

place in the past. She is unsure to what extent the animals had been harmed, but believes that “they were definitely distressed”. “Once we found out that animals were being harmed we felt our only decision was to cancel the event because it’s important to us that no person or animal is hurtt. “Knowing that animals had been harmed in the past just simply wasn’t good enough as far as we were concerned.” While it was a hard decision to make, the local rural community is extremely important to the school. “We take pride in the fact that we’re a rural school, so we felt it was best option to cancel the extravaganza so we can work with the community to find some sort of a resolution.”

But until a resolution is found, Opoutere now has to deal with the $10k dent in its budget and is looking for ways to recoup the shortfall. Clare is hopeful the school can work with the local community to discover a way that it can to bring the event back in 2016. “That may mean we have to look at options such as quieter fireworks or reducing the length of time the event runs each year, or things like that. “I’ve received feedback from many people in the community who are devastated because it wasn’t only a fundraiser for us, but a really good family community event. “We’ve heard some really good ideas that we could employ in the meantime as a stop gap, but as I say, we’re very hopeful that the fireworks extravaganza has not gone away forever.” David Tauranga

Drive a ride-on at Whakatane demo-day matic park brake, decks from 36 to 72 inches, and backed by an industry leading seven-year warranty. “For power, superior cut quality, and dependability, you can’t beat a BigDog.” Stihl Shop Whakatane also care about more than your lawns. “All proceeds from barbecues at the demo day will be donated to the Edgecumbe Fire Brigade, plus we will donate $50 from each BigDog sale for the month of November to the brigade too. “Come demo drive a BigDog mower to see why so many Kiwis give a BigDog a home.” A selection of other brands will also be available for demo on Thursday, November 12. Finance Many Kiwis are giving a options are available and Q Card, BigDog mower a home. Farmlands Card, etc welcome.

Considering buying a new ride-on-mower? Stihl Shop Whakatane invites you to test drive the latest lever steer, zero-turn BigDog mowers at their Ride-On Demo Day, on Thursday November 12 at 408A Awakeri Road, Edgecumbe (Main road between Awakeri and Edgecumbe).

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Proudly made in the US, with a lever steer, zero-turn BigDog mowers halve your ride on mowing time (when compared to a steering wheel lawn tractor), says Paul Henricksen of Stihl Shop Whakatane. BigDog mowers are Kawasaki powered, with patented auto-

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Page 19

Free solution to serious peacock problem There’s a property near Gisborne with a real bird problem – the peacocks which live there are eating as much grass as 300 sheep. To the rescue, and with a free solution, have come Whakatane couple Dave Barrett and Mawera Karetai and Coast & Country News. Dave and Mawera’s pest control and creative feather business Feathergirl was the cover story of the August Coast & Country and when the station owners read the story, they were quick to get in touch. “We had such great feedback from the story and now have five new properties on which to harvest peacocks and other pests, including the station at Gisborne which has 1000 peacocks,” says Mawera. It’s estimated that three peacocks eat as much grass as one sheep, so 1000 birds are taking a lot of food away from the sheep. “We carried out one operation in October using three different shooting teams and then another next year but it will take time

to control that many peacocks.” The other property owners who contacted the couple as a result of the article are at Katikati, South Auckland and Pukehina. “We’ve already been to some and as well as peacocks, shot possums and rabbits, harvesting more meat which we can share with friends and family.” Dave and a team of experienced hunters cull birds for farmers who want them removed; and Mawera and Dave sell their plumage to clients throughout New Zealand and overseas through Feathergirl. “We started the business 10 years ago and are delighted at how successful it’s been,” says Mawera. “The free service we provide to farmers means they can get rid of pest birds without using poisons, which has to be good for the environment; and we are able to harvest birds for meat and feathers. Nothing is wasted.” Dave and Mawera are keen to hear from other property owners who want to use their free pest control service. For inquires, email mawera@feathergirl.co.nz

Hunters Tony Newth of Auckland, Dave Barrett of Whakatane and Blair Anderson of Tauranga with some of the peacocks shot for meat and feathers.

Travel dearer thanks to border levy Arriving and departing from New Zealand will cost an extra $21.57 for air passengers and $26.22 for those on cruise boat from January 1 next year when the new Border Clearance Levy comes into force. The levy comes into effect on January 1, 2016 and will be NZ$18.76 + GST ($21.57) for air travellers and those arriving and departing on private craft, and NZ$22.80 + GST ($26.22) for cruise passengers. The higher rate for cruise passengers reflects the additional biosecurity assessments required at ports. The levy is supported by Kiwifruit Vine Health and chief cxecutive, Barry O’Neil, says MPI has carried out a thorough consultation process which the kiwifruit industry has been actively engaged in. “KVH has always supported the levy as it will provide sustainable funding into the future and address New Zealand’s increasing biosecurity risks as more and more passengers enter New Zealand. As a Government Industry Agreement partner we provided input during the consultation period to ensure the best possible outcome was achieved for the kiwifruit industry and New Zealand.”

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Page 20

LIFESTYLE FARMING

4WD ideal way to see South Island

NZ Adventures offers 4x4 journeys throughout the South Island of either five or six days duration and recently, through the acquisition of High Country Trail NZ, is also are able to offer one, two or three day tours primarily in the Central Otago region. Of the five day tours, the Eastern Explorer and the Mackenzie Explorer are among the most popular, and for Robbie and Connie Crickett, owners-operators of NZ Adventures, these trips are the ones they most enjoy hosting. Both trips start in Geraldine but the Eastern Explorer heads south-east through the mountain ranges of South Canterbury to overnight at the end of day one at Oamaru. “The highlight of the first day has to be the rare chance to drive through Four Peaks Station,” says Robbie. The second day route takes the trip high into the Kakanui Mountains of North Otago and a chance to have a look at the volcanic landforms on the northern edge of Central Otago. Overnight is in Ranfurly.

NZ Adv dramati entures take to u c South Island h rs into the igh coun try. Day three includes a visit to the massive Oceania Gold mine at Macraes Flat, as well as some great 4x4 tracks in the little known Strath Taieri area heading down to an overnight in Mosgiel. Day four takes the trip into the Otago hinterland and a mixture of forest and farmland.

River route

“Expansive views over some very big country abound on this day. The afternoon sees the trip cross over the Lammermoor Range through the Te Papanui Conservation Park to the overnight in historic and quaint Lawrence.” By day five the route follows the mighty Clutha River for a time, before turning into the mountains again and follows old gold mining routes through some very isolated and sparsely settled country before arriving at the journey’s end at Alexandra. “We at NZ Adventures are very proud of the Eastern Explorer tour. Introduced in 2013 and refined since it’s become a very popular addition to our tour line-up.” The Mackenzie Explorer turns rather more inland towards the Southern Alps and shows off the vast scenic region first discovered for Europeans by the well-known and now fondly remembered “Sheep herder” James Mackenzie.

Lake Tekapo

“He can't have been too bad because a beautiful part of our country was named after him.” Day one of the Mackenzie Explorer takes in both the Four Peaks Range and the Hunter Hills of South Canterbury, before reaching the overnight at Lake Tekapo. “On day two, if the

river levels are safe, we cross and follow the Macaulay River well up into the Southern Alps in the morning, then head out across the river beds of the once mighty Tekapo, Pukaki and Ohau Rivers in the afternoon to our overnight in Omarama.” Day three is the longest day on any NZ Adventures tour, and it’s a fantastic drive taking in a long loop in the Hawkdun Mountains high above the Waitaki River valley. Most of the day is spent in the Oteake Conservation Park where iconic South Island scenery abounds. Day four is Robbie and Connie's favourite day of any tour. It takes in the vast pastoral area either side of the Lindis Pass. “Lunch at a station homestead is always a highlight and the scenery and driving is simply amazing. Overnight is in Cromwell.”

Iconic scenery

Finally day five takes in new tracks in the North Dunstan Mountains, lunch in historic St Bathans before venturing onto tracks over the Oteake Conservation Park on the way north back to Omarama and the final overnight in Twizel. “This is a great way to see some of the most iconic scenery in New Zealand and learn something of the pastoral heritage, modern sheep and cattle farming, mining and its history and modern conservation management all on the one of these five day tours with NZ Adventures 4x4 tours,” says Robbie. Contact us for further details using the advertisement on this page or at www.nzadventures.co.nz

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Page 21

Girly indulgence, Christmas shopping at Piako Fete Grab your girlfriends and head to Matamata for The Piako Fete, the best ladies day out this summer. The fete is being held on Thursday, November 19, at Daltons Plantation and will host an eclectic mix of high quality stalls along with demonstrations, food and drink, a pamper tent, live music entertainment and the new exciting game – Bra Pong run by the Waikato Brest Cancer Trust. “Piako Fete is all about ladies having a great day out. We’ve rounded up fashion, beauty, cuisine, gardening and shopping against Daltons Plantation’s backdrop of 10 acres of beautiful landscaped display gardens,” says organiser Lynsey Champion. Among the entertainment for the day are garden tours of the Daltons Planta-

tion gardens conducted by award winning landscape designer Xanthe White. Sue Lyons from World Organics Skincare will introduce the new make-up range and give advice on the ins and outs of sunscreen.

French Toast

High teas are available at the Plantation homestead, where the three piece band French Toast will entertain with a repertoire of authentic French chansons (songs), along with Cambridge musician Paul Vincent. There will be dozens of stall holders Award winning offering exclusive shopping landscape designer opportunities including plants, Xanthe White will clothing, crafts and arts for conduct garden sale. tours at the “It’s an opportunity to have Piako Fete. a girly indulgence day and get

Modelled some Christmas on the shopping done,” supremely says Lynsey. successOrganisers of the fete, Lynsey ful fetes in the South Champion, one of NZ’s finest cloth Island, which Lynsey has hat makers, and Michelle Lewis, a attended several times graphic designer, started plotting as a stallholder, their their ideal preHigh tea, live music, stalls and fun are all part of Christmas day out aim is for the Piako Fete 2015. Piako Fete to when the Ellerslie become a well-established annual event and Flower Show moved to Christchurch leaving earn the title of the ultimate ladies day out. a void for a North Island ladies day out. Advance tickets to Piako Fete 2015 are $19, Annual event available from eventfinder.co.nz ($20 at the In 2012 the Waiheke-based duo teamed up gate) and a donation from profits will go to with Daltons Plantation to host the inaugural support the Waikato Breast Cancer Trust. Piako Fete in Matamata, the epicentre of the To find out more go to www.piakofete.co.nz North Island, (almost). or www.facebook.com/piakofete

Roadman’s dance

A story her father told her, of a dancing Eastern Bay roadman back in the 1970s, is the inspiration behind children’s author Nikki Slade Robinson’s latest book ‘The Roadman Boogie’. In the book Nikki’s roadman is bored and wet, so he decides to brighten his day, and drivers stuck behind the ‘stop-go-stop’ sign by dancing to the beat of music blaring from passing vehicles. With each musical genre he hears, his dancing gets Muddle – the duckling increasingly impressive – which helped inspire from disco to mambo, he does it all. But the weather Nikki Slade Robinson’s book ‘Muddle & Mo’. worsens... until the road has to be closed. Not to worry, the Roadman has a solution to suit everyone. In a case of life imitating art – last year 19-year-old Malifa Chapman took to dancing when he was given the job of controlling traffic at a Wellington roundabout, to the delight of motorist, with many videoing his moves on their cellphones. Nikki, who lives at Ohope, is a wellknown children’s author/illustrator and commercial illustrator who has worked on more than 70 titles. Her previous Nikki Slade Robinson’s latest book ‘The Roadman Boogie’. children’s book ‘Muddle & Mo’ released in February 2015 is based on a duckling and a goat she and her family raised on their rural property. In the book Muddle is a slightly confused yet enthusiastic little duckling who always has lots and lots of questions. Mo is a long-suffering, not very adventurous white goat who has lots of patience. They are best friends, but Muddle is rather confused about what type of animals they both are. Fortunately, during the course of their walk together Mo helps Muddle get his duck identity sorted out. Both are published by Duck Creek Press, an imprint of David Ling Publishing.

Author Nikki Slade Robinson with Mo, the goat who stars in her first children’s book.

Paradise Valley Rd Rotorua Ph 07 348 9010 Fax 07 348 9041 Email: rhodohill@xtra.co.nz

RURAL BUILDING & FENCING

Page 22

Hen Houses

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“We had been considering installing CCTV for a while and when I saw what they were demonstrating, it all made sense to me,” he says. “We had experienced some problems at night and wanted to control who was entering the property, plus we wanted a CCTV system to keep track of the horses.” In addition to installing cameras, a part of the work to be carried out was for Smartway to install wireless data throughout the property to connect the cameras and then they added long range WiFi at strategic positions around the complex. “With the WiFi we now have about three quarters of the main farm covered, which has been extremely useful for our Farm Management Software Programme as it enables the staff to update their records as they go, instead of writing it down and then entering it when they get back to the office. They now do the updates direct on their smart devices.” As staff had not used CCTV previously it was important that the system was easy to use and they have found that looking back and downloading footage is a breeze. “I have a really good team working here, they loved the idea of

le stud Keeping valuab s safe al fo d an mares with is made easier g. rin CCTV monito

getting the cameras and are really proactive about the safety of the stud and the horses, but the best benefit we have had, is having the cameras in the foaling boxes, it has been massive,” says Mark. “To be able to keep an eye on the mares remotely while working around the farm provides a fantastic time management advantage. They are not only used during foaling but all round the year when we have sick horses that needs attention, it is a feature that every breeder should look at. “There is a good general feeling that with an up market property like this and with the valuable stock here, the cameras give us a better sense of security and also I

want to look after my staff, so a having a system like this in place, it just takes it to another level.” Mark’s favourite features of the system are that it is a deterrent when people see there are so many cameras around. “Also the WiFi has been invaluable for all of us, but my absolute favourite is the remote view on my phone so I can go in and look at the cameras whenever I like.” Director of Smartway Security Roger Bull says, “It is really good having quality clients such as Waikato Stud and we love seeing systems and products we have designed being used in the way that Waikato Stud do. It makes your job more satisfying.”

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COUNTRY LIVING

Page 23

Image sparked clever captions Goneâ€? by Dave Ratcliffe, published by The Halcyon Press. It’s the story of New Zealand’s unique professional and recreational hunting days told by Dave, who has lived and worked through the transformation of the venison industry when foot hunters were replaced by helicopters, and the era when logging of native timber ended. “I have lived, hunted, eaten and drank with some of the best there “Bom Voyage!!â€? was the caption were. The skills and professionalism of Allan Harris of Pukehina sent in, those operators in the venison recovery while S Brown of Pukehina suggested business would never be beaten. “Then I had this bright idea!!â€? “Some were fearless, but none Peter Oliver submitted “Igniwere heartless, and all of them tion sequence is normal, lift possessed an adventurous spirit. off in T minus 3.â€? They knew how to play hard and “I didn’t expect my face lift they knew how to drink hard, to turn out like this.â€? came but they also knew how to work from Michaelle Kennedy of hard,â€? Dave writes. Hawkes Bay, and “It’s a hard The book, he says, is all about grindâ€? from Chris Pickering of an era gone, where respect, freeTauranga. J Appleton of Mount dom of speech, hard work, risk Maunganui wrote “It’s not taking, freedom of choice, comrocket science – is it?â€? monsense and a daily adrenalin e) ur ct pi ’s th For his winning caption rush were the norm. (Last mon “Sparking Mad,â€? Robin Lawry It’s also ďŹ lled with adventures and of Tauranga has won a copy of hardships, triumphs and disappointments and great “Hawkesâ€? by Andrew Grant, published by The Halhunts in both islands. Well illustrated with black and cyon Press. white and colour photos, it’s an entertaining, insightful This month’s Country Funnies book prize is “An Era and personal record of this country’s hunting history

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The consequences of his actions might not have been obvious to the welder featured in last month’s Country Funnies photo but our readers certainly could predict what was about to happen as demonstrated by their caption suggestions.

this Caption be image to ur o in to win ze. book pri

which those lucky enough to be part of it will relate to, and those too young to know, will still enjoy. Thanks to Halcyon Press, Coast & Country has a copy of “An Era Gone� to give away. To be in to win, a copy of “An Era Gone� email captions for the photo (above), along with your name and address, with Country Funnies as the subject, to: elaine@thesun.co.nz Or put these

“An Era Gone� is this month’s Country Funnies book prize. details on the back of an envelope and post to: Country Funnies, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110, to arrive no later than November 20.

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Avoid carer stress and burnout Caring for a loved one can be rewarding, however it can also be overwhelming if the right help is not in place. “It is so important, that, when a person takes on the responsibility of caring for a loved one they make time for themselves,� Miranda Smith, owner of Miranda Smith Homecare says. “The risk of stress and burnout increases when a carer tries to take on everything alone, and the negative impact on their health, relationships and ability to continue providing care is huge.� Miranda advises carers to take steps to avoid this happening. “Speak up,� she says. “Please don’t assume people know you need help. Spread the responsibility and get as many friends and family involved as possible.� Make sure you take regular breaks by investigating any help you may be able to utilise. “Many of our clients use the carer support subsidy which helps towards the cost of paying for someone else to come and look after their loved one in the comfort of their own home.� Respite care is another option and can be used in short blocks, such as a half a day to several weeks at a time. Community organisations such as, Alzheimer’s and Age Concern also run volunteer visiting services and often will have trained staff able to visit members on

a regular basis. “Most importantly, if at any time you are feeling as though you cannot cope, please see your GP.�

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COUNTRY LIVING

Page 24

Minden area focus for WBOP rural subdivision After a significant slowdown following the GFC and major changes to the subdivision rules in the Western Bay of Plenty District, increased demand is again driving rural subdivision. Due to the climate and great coastal lifestyle, the Bay is a popular destination for those escaping the urban environment for the good life. The sale of a modest house in a main centre can buy you an income producing block of kiwifruit or avocados. Following recent changes to the subdivision rules there are few new rural production or lifestyle blocks being

created - the minimum area is now six hectares. If you want a smaller one you will often have to buy an existing block. The emphasis for rural living blocks is now in the Minden Lifestyle Zone, although I would describe this as more of a rural “residential” zone than lifestyle. The blocks here are a minimum of 2500 square metres with many being closer to 5000 square metres.

No animals

This is really just a residential size, allowing for only a house and spacious yards but not animals or any production. Those seeking a lifestyle block will have to find an already established larger

block of a few hectares in size. Many of the rural properties that once could subdivide can sell their past subdivision potential to people in the lifestyle zones, which are also located close to Katikati and Te Puke.

Capacity reached

These are called transferable development rights (known as TDRs) and sell for around $20,000. TDRs can also be created by protecting ecological features and amalgamating existing titles together in the rural zone. Without purchasing these TDRs you cannot subdivide in the lifestyle zone. Development in the Minden Zone is limited pending construction of the Tauranga Northern Link. Some parts are now reaching their capacity, due to the design of their intersection on to the state highway. Once capacity is reached there will be a long wait before

the highway is upgraded and more subdivision is allowed. In the rural zone a few rules still allow limited subdivision to proceed but you will generally need over 12 hectares of “horticultural land”, a qualifying cultural or ecological feature worthy of protection or a stream over 250 metres long passing through your property. For example, protecting a wetland area of at least half a hectare can produce an additional subdivision lot. Areas of scrub or bush also qualify, depending on their size and significance. If you wish to clarify any subdivision strategies mentioned here please feel free to give me a call. I am happy to discuss the situation with you to see if it is worth pursuing. Brent Trail, Managing Director of Surveying Services, specialises in resource consent applications for subdivisions across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Coromandel. For further information, call 0800 268 632 or email: btrail@surveyingservices.co.nz

Look younger and more energetic Blepharoplasty is the ultimate procedure to help restore a more energetic and youthful appearance, according to Skin Centre specialist Dr Paul Salmon. “Sometimes even after a good night’s sleep it can be hard to feel vibrant when you see your eyes looking tired,” says Paul. “The loose skin over your eyes and the fat bags under them make you look more tired and older than you feel inside.” Eyelid Lift or Blepharoplasty cannot only correct sagging eyelids, remove fatty pouches beneath the eyes and remove excess skin from the upper eyelids, but it can also correct eyelid problems that may be interfering

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with your vision. Excess skin around your eyes can be removed making you look alive and refreshed. “The results are stunning and the recovery period short.” The eyelid lift procedure is performed under local anesthesia and takes between one and two hours. Fine incisions are made in the eyelid creases to remove excess skin and treat bulges. After surgery the area around the eye may be swollen for about four days and there may be some bruising, especially after lower lid blepharoplasty. Make-up can normally be worn five days after surgery. The resulting hairline scars which follow the natural contour of the eyelids tend to fade in about two months.

“The procedure leaves you with a softer, more youthful appearance.” Dr Paul Salmon has been performing eyelid lifts for more than10 years and has lifted more than 1000 eyelids. In some cases your health insurance may cover this procedure.

No offence taken Man walks into a bar. Barman says, “What takes your fancy Donkey?” Man orders a beer and finishes the drink. Barman says, “Do you want another one Donkey?” Man finishes drink again and asks for a third. “Sure Donkey,” says the barman. Another chap in the bar hears all this and commiserates with ‘Donkey’. “Oh don’t worry” he says. “Eeaw, ee-aw, ee-always calls me that.”

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 25

RETIREMENT

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Health food at roadside Providing travellers with healthy “road food” is the aim of Belinda Girl and Maurice Flanagan of Waipapa Bay.

The couple do just that from the hard-to-miss roadside premises with a huge crayfish on the roof on the main road north of Kaikoura. “We don’t sell live crayfish, but have cooked ones in store, and crayfish pies,” says Belinda. The menu also includes bacon sandwiches made with their gold-medal winning bacon and a yoghurt sauces flavoured with homegrown herbs. The couple run the store and manage the Kaikoura Crayfish and Camp, a private campsite 32km

north of Kaikoura and 98km south of Blenheim. Across the road is the beach offering fishing and diving and a resident seal colony. There are good walking tracks and the Clarence River is just up the road for rafting, hiking, tramping or fishing. “The campsite is situated on a significant tribal (Te Rununga o Ngai Tahu) site and is steeped in local history. “It’s popular with regulars who return year after year to enjoy the coast,” says Belinda.

Elaine Fisher

Belinda Girl of Waipapa Bay outside the road side store with its over-sized crayfish.

Can readers shine a light on this lamp? Readers will recognise this month’s mystery item from the Morrinsville Heritage Centre as obviously a lamp, but we’d like readers to tell us who used it – and any memories they have associated with such a light.

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This strange-looking device, which was last month’s Museum manager Barbara Dalziel says the lamp mystery item, is a 1940s has red and green glass shutters and measures 14 kerosene heater incubator for inches high x 5 five in circumference. hatching chicken. If you know what it is you could be in to win a visit for two to the Morrinsville Heritage Centre. 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 November 20. The museum, at 41 Canada St, Morrinsville, is open Tuesdays to Fridays from 12.30-4pm, and Saturdays from 9am-2pm. To find out more, visit www.morrinsvilleheritagecentre.org.nz or phone 07 889 4190. Fitted with red and green Last month’s mystery item from the Te Aroha and glass shutters, this lamp is District Museum had readers stumped. No one was part of the collection at the able to identify it as a kerosene heater incubator Morrinsville Heritage Centre. used in about 1940 for hatching chickens.

RETIREMENT

Page 27

Rural retirement close to cities and the coast

Aparangi Retirement Village at Te Kauwhata is very much part of the rural community.

Aparangi Retirement Village is a vibrant, growing community set in the heart of Te Kauwhata where new roading networks make for easy travel to Auckland, Hamilton and the coast. “Aparangi is more than a retirement village. It is a life style choice,” says Jackie Long of the Te Kauwhata Retirement Trust Board. “Enjoy the local attractions including easy access to bowling and golf clubs. Aparangi village is an active community which is very much part of the wider Te Kauwhata township. “We offer a range of housing options including the ability to build your own home or have a spec house built for you. We currently have new properties being constructed. “We are also able to support our residents when they need care as we have our own residential care unit set in the village grounds.” Aparangi Retirement Village offers rest home, hospital level care, palliative care and day support. “Built more than 42 years ago, we are unique in

New homes are currently being built at Aparangi Retirement Village. terms of retirement villages and are one of the few not for profit community facilities in the country. “Interested? Then come and visit. Walk around and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. Meet current residents and staff. You will be surprised at the space we offer and our price structure,” says Jackie. Call into the office to meet Jackie, Glenda and Ashlee.

DAIRY

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Ahuwhenua Trophy dairy farming entries open

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Chairman of the Ahuwhenua Trophy Management Committee, Kingi Smiler is urging farm consultants working for Maori farmers to encourage their clients to enter the 2016 dairy competition. Consultants do hold some influence over many Maori farming operations and Kingi says he’s sure they will see the benefits of their farms entering Ahuwhenua. Entries for the 2016 Ahuwhenua Trophy BNZ Maori Excellence in Farming Award for dairy are now open after the competition was officially launched by the Minister for Maori Development Te Ururoa Flavell at the annual Federation of Maori Authorities conference in Wellington last month. “For too long Maori have failed to tell their own people and all New Zealanders their success stories. Maori farming is one of these and throughout the country there are some great things being done on land owned by Maori. “The rise and rise of Maori dairy farming should be showcased and celebrated. I just wonder how many people realise that Maori farmers produce 10 percent of the milk in NZ, or the scale and sophistication of some of our farming operations. The Ahuwhenua Trophy competition is a brilliant way of showing this,” Kingi says. The Ahuwhenua Trophy is the longest running primary sector competition

in New Zealand and was inaugurated in 1932 by the great Maori leader Sir Apirana Ngata and the Governor General at the time Lord Bledisloe. Its purpose is to showcase achievement in the Maori farming sector to all New Zealanders, in particular successful approaches to governance, financing, management, environmental sustainability and the incorporation of tikanga Maori in their business activities. Another key objective is to acknowledge the significant contribution that Maori make to the overall New Zealand economy. Kingi says entering the competition offers a unique opportunity for individual Maori farmers, trusts and incorporations to get valuable professional feedback on their farming operations. “The judges of the competition are highly skilled professionals in the agribusiness sector and they have access to data which can benchmark individual operations. All previous participants in the competition have said it was an invaluable exercise and they gained feedback that they otherwise wouldn’t have got. The modest cost of entering the Ahuwhenua Trophy is more than made up for by the benefits that can accrue – including becoming a finalist and winning the award.” Entries for the competition are now open until 5pm, Friday November 27, 2015. Details are on the Ahuwhenua Trophy web site www.ahuwhenuatrophy.maori.nz

DAIRY

Could this be a ‘train wreck’ of a season? Everyone is talking about it and even the early-flowering pohutukawa seem to be signalling an El Nino summer drought. The timing for a drought is never good but combined with the low dairy pay out, which has caused farmers to dramatically reduce orders for supplementary feed, I have serious concerns we may be heading for a “train wreck” of a season. Orders for maize silage have been so low we have dramatically cut back on plantings, instead re-grassing pasture and grazing drystock and I know we are not alone in this. All the signs that we’re in for a tough summer are there. We’ve had a cold winter and spring and while rainfall of 182mm in September was up on the 148mm of the same month last year, October was pretty dry. Soil temperatures were mostly behind what they were last year until about September 20 when they crept above 13 degrees. By late October they had risen to 15 degrees. Grass growth slowed with a drop in temperatures in October and while pasture in lowlying coastal swampy areas continues to do well, high country farmers are struggling.

Grass silage

Many farms have not made grass silage so with a drought looking almost a certainty it’s time to make plans to be prepared for what’s ahead. Nitrogen is probably the cheapest form of producing supplementary feed, when applied before rain, to stimulate grass growth. It’s too late now for planting maize and turnips if you are expecting good yields. There is still time in the next few weeks for farmers to put in sorghum and millet which can handle drier conditions but are planted at 17 degrees and rising so can handle November/December planting with good results. These crops are relatively easy and low cost to establish and are good quality feed.

Palm Kernel prices are already rising – it’s gone from $188 a tonne to $240 plus freight and if demand increases, supply will be tight as it takes approximately six weeks by sea for new shipments to arrive.

50/50 mix

PKE can be 50/50 mixed with maize silage to bring back costs while continuing to provide good quality feed. If you check out the Pioneer maize feed cost calculator at www.pioneer.co.nz/ maize-silage/tools/feed-cost-calculator/ you’ll find that $240 per ton of PKE equates to 0.29 to 0.30c per kilogram of drymatter on farm. This would mean you could afford to pay 0.35c for maize silage in the stack if comparing feed values. If you mix the maize silage 50/50 with PKE it brings the total average bought in feed cost back to around 32 cents a kg – which is good value for money.

Big shortage

My biggest concern is that farmers have been holding back on making a commitment to buy in supplementary feed, probably on the advice of farm consultants and the banks, but with nowhere near as much maize grown as normal (maybe down 30 to 40 per cent), I predict there will be a big shortage of supplementary supply right when it’s needed most. When feed gets tight farmers do a have a few options including culling cows, drying off early or going to once a day milking. They must maintain the body condition of their herd – 5 for mature dairy cows and 5.5 BCS for second calvers in order for them to continue to be productive into the following season. Also keeping as many cows in milk as possible so when the grass grows again in autumn, farmers are able to take advantage of the extra milk produced. I think we are in for a tough few months ahead – but I hope I’m wrong. Doing nothing however, in my opinion, is not an option so I am urging clients and all others in the industry to plan for the worst and not just hope for the best.

Waikato hit by dairy drop The Waikato economy has been hit by a $1.8 billion reduction in milk production in the 2014-2014 season, due to the drop in pay out to farmers. Outgoing DairyNZ chairman John Luxton says the 2014/15 season’s low milk price has affected all farms, as owners and sharemilkers strive to remain profitable. “The value of milk production to the Waikato’s economy is huge – the region takes a big hit when farmers do.” Provisional figures for the 2014/15 dairy season, released at DairyNZ Annual General Meeting in Morrinsville in October, show $2.4 billion worth of milk was produced in the Waikato. This is $1.8 billion less than the previous 2013/14 season when the high milk price ($8.47 average dairy pay out) boosted the Waikato region’s coffers by $4.2 billion. The Waikato’s 4020 dairy herds produced 518 million kg milksolids in 2014/15, contributing 27 per cent of New Zealand’s total milk production. New Zealand’s dairy farmers across the country produced 1.9 billion kilograms of milksolids in 2014/15.

PK / SILAGE BUNKERS

DESIGN – SUPPLY – BUILD

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DAIRY

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We must nurture and sustain precious soils Intelligent grazing must be encouraged or incentivised to the point of legislative management, says Graeme Sait of Nutri-tech Solutions Australia in an article published by Acres USA. The full version of the article is on our website www.kiwifertiliser.co.nz and in this extract we look at Graeme’s views on learning from nature rather than attempting to improve on nature. The dictionary definition of the word science is "adherence to natural laws and principles". Real science involves learning from the perfect blueprint of nature, rather than the futile attempt at improv-

ing upon nature that has characterised much of profit-based, scientific endeavour. In this context, we might examine nature to determine which soils on the planet have been most productive. The Great Plains in the US captured more carbon and produced more biomass than any other region on Earth. This amazing productive capacity was driven by huge herds of bison that moved into one area for a day, depositing massive amounts of urine and dung, and creating a seedbed with their hooves for improved germination of the diverse range of seeds present in their dung. In effect, they facilitated a cocktail cover crop, or pasture crop in this case.

Carbon-building

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The whole carbon-building mechanics of the pasture are impacted by the length of the leaf because the roots, which are being fed by the leaves, prune themselves back in accord with leaf size. If you have grazed down to a bowling green, the root mass has reduced accordingly and you no longer have a carbon-building pasture. Researchers such as Dr Christine Jones in Australia have conclusively demonstrated that correctly managed pasture has the most carbon-sequestering capacity of any crop. Ruminants may yet be our saviour, but only if we learn from nature and broadly adopt grazing practices where a post-grazing leaf length of four inches becomes the gold standard. 2015 is the International Year of Soils. This UN initiative encourages a timely focus upon the importance of the thin veil of topsoil that sustains us all in so many ways.

The soil glue that stabilises topsoil is humus. We have lost two thirds of our humus as a result of industrial, extractive agriculture and it is now time to address that issue.

Precious soils

The words ‘human’ and ‘humus’ mean the same thing. They mean “of and for the earth”. If our core purpose is to nurture and sustain the precious soil that supports us, then we have strayed a little on our path. It is not too late to recognise that mistake and move forward to make this critically important year the turning point. Humates become the most important of all farm inputs, from a humusbuilding perspective. Humic acid is the most powerful known stimulant of the cellulose-digesting fungi that build stable humus. It also holds seven times its own weight in water, which, of course, benefits crops and soil organisms. Humates improve root growth and soil structure and buffer the dehydrating (biocidal) impact of salt fertilisers. Biochar is based upon the discovery of terra preta soils in the Amazon that seem to be self-generating and expanding. They feature humus-rich topsoil metres deep and they expand out beyond the villages from which they originated. It has been found that this remarkable fertility appears to originate from charcoal that was added to the soil from cooking fires. On the basis of this finding, the concept of manufacturing biochar as a humus-building soil additive has attracted considerable interest and associated research funds.

DAIRY

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TPP – on-going benefits are significant I have always admired trade negotiators. They are a special breed, who live and breathe trade nomenclature in a manner that can be truly bewildering for us mere mortals. They are often arguing into the small hours of the morning about in-market tariff rates on every single line exported to a particular market. It’s complex work and their intellectual capacity and resilience is a credit to them. We owe them and our Trade Minister Tim Groser a huge debt. Firstly to imagine how we could morph a small free trade partnership between Singapore, Chile and Brunei and New Zealand into a global trade game changer such as the Trans Pacific Partnership, covering 11 countries and connecting us to 812 million consumers accounting for 36 per cent of global GDP. It was great vision and successive Governments and officials should be congratulated. The benefits are significant. The numbers of circa $259 million a

year are extraordinarily conservative, assuming no volume or value growth as the agreement comes into force. If we take our experience with the Chinese free trade agreement, the benefits will be many more fold as relationships and commercial opportunity fuse across a backdrop of certainty around ongoing tariff reduction. It’s this imagining around what could be achieved that is the real power of the TPP. When I worked for Fonterra I would traipse around Washington with the Fonterra chairman, seeking to inspire US lawmakers to imagine what opportunities existed in Asia, rather than grimly focusing on holding to their protectionist and defensive tariff and subsidy regime. TPP has been partially successful in achieving tariff reductions in the US. However, one of the huge additional potentials of this

agreement is that as Canada, USA and Japan pivot to the commercial opportunities that exist outside their borders, it will set free their imaginations around the value of free movement of goods and services around the world. New Zealand remains world class in offering what global consumers are willing to pay for. As a country of traders we will relish the opportunity to apply our latent skill and experience to such a dynamic environment. We need to make sure we keep increasing our innovation, understanding evolving and diverse supply chains and keeping close to our end consumers. Finally, we must always prioritise the value long term trusted relationships. They have assisted in negotiating this agreement, and they are the underpinning reason we will gain from the deal.

Many uses for new tough ground anchor It took many kilograms of force to pull a new anchoring screw out of the ground, says Hamish Forbes of Pondco which is introducing the Anchorman, to the New Zealand market. “We did a test on the Anchorman to see how hard it was to remove and were impressed at the force needed to pull it out,” says Hamish. The test involved an IANZ calibrated and certified hydraulic tension tester called a Hydra Jaw. When it finally let go, the pressure gauge was reading 11.5 kN (kilonewtons). One kN is equal to 101.97 kilograms. “Different ground conditions of course, produce different results so we cannot guarantee that all ground conditions will produce the same result. “Due to its unique shape and helix angle the Anchorman will hold ropes or stays of many kinds, tarpaulins or associated ground sheeting products

down with amazing force. “It is extremely strong but not brittle and is made from a 30 per cent glass-filled nylon. Anchorman will hold firm in nearly all soil types.” Pre-drilled, it will also hold into wood, concrete, ferrous metals, fibreglass, polystyrene, asphalt, plastic and more. The Anchorman can be installed by hand, cordless or power drills. It has applications for outdoors leisure, camping and events and marquee hire industries, as well as the building and construction industries. It can be used with ground stabilisation and erosion products, in the containment lining industry and has applications for farming, agricultural and earth works. “Anchorman will not rust, bend, or snap like many ground pins or pegs on today’s market. It comes with its own handle or can be screwed in with a 3/8 drive socket head with any cordless or power drill.”

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EFFLUENT

WAIKATO DAIRY EFFLUENT

OPEN DAY 19 NOVEMBER 2015

Come along and catch up with the latest on Effluent Management and compliance in the Waikato area, and enjoy a great day out (and grab a free roast lunch!) โ ข Industry leading presentations from a great line up of speakers including Fonterra IDUP DGYLVRUV RQ WKH FXUUHQW NH\ IRFXVHV RI HองXHQW PDQDJHPHQW LQ WKH :DLNDWR ZKDW WKLV PHDQV IRU \RX DQG ZKDW UHVRXUFHV DUH DYDLODEOH WR KHOS \RX VXFFHHG โ ข Farm tour including a demonstration of the Prosump on-site and FREE Roast lunch

BOOK YOUR SPACE NOW! View the full program and register online at www.presco.co.nz/openday

HOSTED BY:

EFFLUENT

Page 33

All things effluent at open day industry leading presentations on the current key focuses of effluent management and regulations in the Waikato, what this means for the farmer, and what resources are available to help the farmer succeed,” says Oliver Prestidge of Presco environmental’ s infrastructure division. Among the speakers will be representatives from Fonterra and Waikato Regional Council. “I chose to go with Presco to build my pond Presco Group staff will conduct a tour and because of the quality of their products discussion on the Prosump installation and the extra service they provided and along with Stefan. A question and I’m delighted with the end result. I answer session with all presenters is think the pond looks smart, doesn’t planned for 12.30pm, followed by a detract from the landscape and prize draw and giveaways before a because it is concrete, I have peace free roast lunch. of mind that it won’t leak,” says The event runs from 10.30am to Stefan. 3pm on Thursday November 19, While the new pond will be part at the Reichmuth farm - 4873 State of the focus, the team at Presco have Highway 29, Dairy number 77531. put together a programme designed to For additional event information and help farmers learn more about the current to register for the day, go to approach of relevant authorities to effluent www.waikato-openday.eventbrite.com management regulations. Attendees can also register through “The day is promising to be very Dairy farmer Stefan Reichmuth is co-hosting an open day www.presco.co.nz/openday valuable, with a great line up of this month with Presco Environmental Infrastructure.

Stefan Reichmuth of Hinuera is so pleased with his new effluent pond, he’s co-hosting an open day on his dairy farm this month with Presco Environmental Infrastructure, the company that designed and installed the 630m3 circular concrete Prosump.

Crusty ponds can be sign of inefficiency Every farmer wants to do well and there are many indicators of a successful dairy farming operation. Top of the list is a farmer’s bank account. If the cashflow levels are high, a farmer feels secure. If money is running low, the farmer’s first thought is to get more of it. The bank manager’s first thought, however, is to find the cause of the drop and to look for ways to work the money more efficiently. Another indicator of a successful dairy farming operation is a farmer’s effluent pond. A clear liquid pond which is easily pumped and irrigated is an indicator that other key aspects up the farming chain – such as soil nutrition balance, grass health and animal digestion efficiency – are in spot on. On the other hand, a thick crust on the top of the pond joined with the corresponding sludge on the bottom, is a

WE CAN

HELP

sign of inefficiency up the chain. The crust and sludge in the pond is feed that has been paid for but not efficiently utilised by cows in digestion. Instead of looking for the cause of this feed wastage, as a banker would do with money problems, the farmer spends thousands getting machines to deal with the symptoms of the real problem. He buys solids seperators, weeping walls and stirrers to liquefy the effluent in order to pump and irrigate it onto pasture. Throughout the country, we have observed a very clear link between the state of a farmer’s effluent pond and his soils, feed, and cows. A liquefied pond with no crusting has a lot of good biological activity in the effluent – you can actually see the beneficial bacteria at work on the surface. In every case, we find that same positive biological activity in the soil of that farm. In other words, a sign that a farm is performing well is the presence of

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

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

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these beneficial bacteria throughout the whole biological cycle – from the soil, through the feed, in the cows stomachs, and in the effluent pond. Farms need beneficial bacteria. Aerobic bacteria are vital to a farm’s health; they are responsible for efficient digestion of the feed that is made available to the cow. The more the cow digests, the less solids go to the pond, which in turn reduces the problem of crusting and sludge build up. If conditions are not correct at any stage of the biological cycle, these beneficial bacteria will die. It is the killing of these bacteria that is the cause of the undigested feed which then becomes the crust and sludge in the effluent pond. When we are called in to fix a problem pond, the first thing we do is introduce these beneficial aerobic bacteria. Before we begin however, we test and treat the pond so that it is favourable to these bacteria. These good bugs then eat the crust and liquefy the effluent. Bottom line: Farmers, keep these good buggers alive.

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Page 34

NEW FARM DAIRY’S RECAP

Leaving behind 112 years of farming history Venturing into the goat dairy industry has been a bold and emotional move for Bruce and Maryann Blaymires of Riverside Dairy Goats, near Matamata. The couple were sheep and beef farming on a Te Puke property which

had been in Bruce’s family for 112 years when they attended a meeting called by the Dairy Goat Co-operative (NZ) Ltd to encourage Bay of Plenty farmers to consider converting to goat farming. “We were very interested but when we discovered there weren’t enough Bay of Plenty farmers prepared to convert to warrant the co-operative sending tankers over the Kaimai Range to collect milk, we decided we Riverside had to move to the Waikato,” says Bruce. Dairy Goats “It was a hard decision to make because of my strong is a ‘cut family ties to the Te Puke farm.” The couple bought a and carry’ operation 60ha dairy farm in Old Te Aroha Road and began the with fresh conversion to goat farming. grass brought Currently the farm milks 900 goats but has the capacto the goats in ity for up to 1200. their barn. Wade Contractors demolished the existing herringbone shed and prepared the construction site. “Because Austin says it has been gratifying to work with the of our experience in building our own goat dairy, we Blaymires who are newcomers to the industry, and, were able to make suggestions to help Maryann and together with Shaun, help them with decision-making. Bruce with their decision making,” says Klinton Wade. As well as being able to supply the technology for That advice was appreciated, as was the work Klinton the new dairy, including the 80 bale rotary platform, and the team did to prepare the construction site. Austin says the installation and back-up service pro“We levelled it to within 100mm with the digger and vided by GEA local agent Milk ‘n’ Water Services is then used our laser blade to complete levelling to plus crucial to the smooth running of the dairy from instalor minus 10ml which was of significant advantage to lation to commissioning to its day to day operation. the builder who could put in the boxing and pour the Shaun is pleased the Blaymires decided on an concrete knowing all the levels were right.” internal, rather than external, milking system for their Wade Contractors also formed the new tanker track rotary. “By working inside the rotary they can observe to service the dairy. Shaun Jellie of Milk ‘n’ Water Services and Austin Heffernan of GEA Farm Technologies NZ Ltd are acutely aware of how destructive and clever goats can be, and on the other hand, how delicate is the milk they produce. “Goat’s milk can be easily ‘bruised’ if not handled correctly so the GEA systems we have installed are as gentle as possible, using gravity, rather than air, to move it through the system,” says Austin. “Our systems for all milking animals, are fast, safe, gentle and complete, which means they are efficient in terms of time taken to milk, safe for the animals and Austin Heffernan of GEA Farm Technologies NZ milking staff, gentle on Ltd and Shaun Jellie of Milk ‘n’ Water Services the animals and the milk, were involved in the installation of the milking and harvest all the milk systems at Riverside Dairy Goats. available.”

Bruce and Maryann Blaymires have taken a bold step in becoming goat farmers – but they are loving the challenge.

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all the goats, and milkers can easily move from one position to another if there’s a problem anywhere.” At 80 bales, this complex is just 20 short of the biggest goat rotary Shaun has been involved with and like all goat facilities, special attention has been given to ensuring there is nothing the goats can damage by chewing. Instead of rubber, the milk lines are made of silicone. “It’s more flexible than rubber and longer lasting,” says Shaun. The GEA milking system can easily be up-graded in future by the installation of automatic cup removers and milk meters. Two Lobe milk pumps gently deliver the milk to the cooling system in the milk room which resembles that found on a conventional dairy farm, with a plate cooler and two large vats. Shaun and the team also installed the yard washdown systems. “Goat dairies use significantly less water than cow dairies because goats excrete a lot less effluent.” By choosing to install GEA systems, the Blaymires have gained the advantages of the company’s extensive international experience with dairy goats along with its New Zealand made components, all backed by the local knowledge, expertise and 24-hour on call service of its agent Milk ‘n’ Water Services. Bruce and Maryann are enjoying their new roles as goat farmers, despite the sharp learning curve they’ve had to traverse and the expense and hard work of conversion. By Elaine Fisher

NEW FARM DAIRY’S RECAP

Page 35

Spectacular dairy built at Tau Ke farm Tau Ke is nestled in among a geothermal area adjoining the Poihipi Road, Taupo, and, at the time of my visit, was the most recent conversion project for the owners, Ged and Vanessa Donald. Gibson Rural Ltd are particularly proud of this dairy, having already built three of Gardons’ previous dairy sheds, the theme and layout remained the same. Once the site prep was complete, The Gibson Construction team stepped in and started work on what has transformed into a truly spectacular looking dairy. It is very roomy, with easy to clean Trimklad walls, it has the usual array of storage rooms located to one side on a raised level to the pit area, plus it has a large circular yard. The dairy provides an abundance of natural light and has good air flow. The enormous feed pad was constructed by Gibson Construction, as well as the calf shed. The calf shed has a wash-bay to one end so that calf feeders can be washed out, plus it has a roller door in the back so that calves can be easily moved to outside

Blair Atkinson from Gibson Construction in front of the calf shed.

areas as required. Arc Engineering were sub-contracted by Gibson Construction, and were on hand to do the steel work for the holding yards, backing gates and the vet platform.

Vet platform

Matt Nash from ARC Engineering explains that the new design for the vet platform is now being constructed mostly of Plaztuff rather than fiberglass. The Plaztuff vet platform is made of a plastic polymer Hytread sheet. It is light, easy to clean, durable and with a higher rating than most platforms for grip. Qubik Putaruru installed the new 60 bail rotary shed, the auto plant and vat wash, as well as installing the full water works for the cowshed, which included all the pipe work, hot water cylinders, wash down pump, cooler pumps and also the chilled water pipes, plumbing and pump. They have installed quality DAB and Grundfos water pumps. A 10hp Grundfos variable speed wash

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down pump was set up in the shed. The cooler pump is a DAB pressure system, which supplies low pressure water on demand.

Fast milking

Moa Milking from Taranaki manufactured and installed the orbit concrete platform. Servicing the dairy industry for more than 20 years, concrete rotary platforms have a well-earned reputation. They have been designed specifically to integrate seamlessly with Waikato Milking Systems and accessories, Orbit platforms are well featured and known for strength and engineering integrity. The Orbit rotary platform design has provided

Mark Craig from Qubik Putaruru.

Looking into the shed from the side yards.

the milkers with a clean fast milking environment, easily accessible milking equipment and excellent cow flow on and off the platform. Standing to the side of the yard, in the tanker track area, is a BCL grain silo. BCL Feed Systems from Matamata supplied and installed the meal feeding system which consists of two 16 tonne silos, an auger feed line into the cow

shed and continuous stainless steel trough. Each cow gets the same ration of feed. New dairy sheds are a huge investment, and in my opinion it is so important that these assets are looked after properly and kept clean and tidy. This farm and the Tau Ke shed are certainly being well cared for, which is a credit to owners and By Lois Natta workers alike.

NEW FARM DAIRY’S RECAP

Page 36

Back to dairying for fourth generation family farm Mike Hammond, who is fondly known as Jugz, share-milks on the family farm in Ohakune. Ruaview farm is a fourth generation family farm that has been in Mike’s family for 100 years. Mike is justly proud to be back there carrying on the family tradition on the farm his parent parents John and Helen Hammond own. Born and bred on the farm Mike ventured off to Telford for a couple of years upon leaving school, then moved to Rotorua and became a truck driver for 14 years.

Deciding to go back to dairying he had to start at the bottom and work his way up with farming jobs around the Rotorua area. Mike’s great-grandfather cleared the farm from bush while milking cows and managing the local cheese factory. Both Mike’s grandfather and father milked on town supply until the mid-1980s as there used to be a factory in Raetihi. When John and Helen were milking cows on the farm they were supplying milk to Longburn, but after three years Longburn pulled the plug on collecting milk as the travelling distance was too far. The Frisian herd that John and Helen

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John, Helen and Mike Hammond of Ruaview, which their family has farmed for 100 years.

Dave Goddard & Nathan Paul from Camco Dairy Services.

Looking into the shed. had bred up from good stud stock, then had to be sold, and the farm went back into drystock. John and Helen have a Simmental stud called Ruaview Simmentals, and an Angus stud also called Ruaview Angus. In October 2013 The Hammonds decided to convert back to dairying and build a new shed. The aim, says Mike, is to increase herd numbers to about 250-260 without requiring any more land. “The next five years we want to focus on an intensive re-grassing programme, as we are after high cow production,” says Mike “We are hoping to get close to 500-530 milksolids per cow.”

Pleasure to deal with

Mike had previously had many dealings with Dave Goddard from Camco Dairy Services in Reporoa and he had been so good to deal with, so it was a natural for him to use Camco to install his new milking system. Mike was originally aiming at doing a 20-aside herringbone install, but opted for a 30-aside herringbone after doing a cost structure. “The cost of the extra 10 sets was not that much

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more,” says Mike. “Now we are set up for any future increase in herd size as well.” The vacuum pump has a new smart drive variable speed pump, which controls the blower pump BP 200. The system has a 90L receiving can with a 60L sanitary trap. The receiver collects the milk from the milk line and separates the milk and air. The sanitary trap prevents cross-contamination and is part of an effective cleaning system. The milk pump enables the flow of milk to the milk tank. Dave wants to reiterate how easy it has been to deal with John, Helen and Mike and says “They were an absolute pleasure to deal with.” Matt Nash from ARC Engineering in Taupo covered all the engineering aspects of the new build. Matt did all the steel-work, yard work and erected the snow loading high pitch gable in the shed. The steel-work in the AI area was all put in place by Matt as well as the large sliding doors at the end of the fully enclosed shed. All in all a lovely new build and an outstanding looking shed – the entire setup of this farm is brilliant. By Lois Natta

FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 37

Firmly-grounded Land management takes off

Spraying weeds and crops or spreading seed remotely is now possible thanks to Yamaha RMAX unmanned helicopter. “We’re proud to be releasing this new technology to a wide range of New Zealand industries. RMAX has the ability to increase productivity, while reducing the risks surrounding the use of traditional farming equipment in adverse conditions,” says Yamaha Sky Division New Zealand general manager, Darryl Lovegrove. The introduction of the Yamaha RMAX unmanned helicopters will enable property owners, licenced operators and contractors to maintain the land and crops remotely, from the air, and without the hassles that come with more traditional farming methods. Weighing 99kg, with a total length of 3.63m and a height of 1.08m, each helicopter has a load capacity of 28kgs and runs on a two stroke, horizontally opposed two-cylinder engine. Because RMAX is completely airborne, terrain is no longer an issue. Spraying aquatic weeds or accessing uneven ground is all part of the package, and can be done in a time efficient way. Liquids and granules can be dispersed across a 400m range from the location of the operator, covering up to two acres in just six minutes depending on the target and payload. The Yamaha RMAX unmanned helicopter has become the first drone to be certified for flight in New Zealand under Part 102 of the Civil Aviation Rules.

Sustainability the aim Gisborne farmer Sandra Faulker has joined the Campaign for Wool New Zealand Trust bringing with her a depth of experience and a reputation for being actively engaged in building a strong future for wool, particularly New Zealand wool. Sandra and her family run a farming business in Gisborne which includes sheep and beef, annual cropping and citrus. She and husband, Rob, have two boys aged nine and 12. Their Wairakaia Partnership won the Supreme Award in the 2014 East Coast Ballance Farm Environment Awards Sandra is a Nuffield Scholar, has participated in the Kellogg Rural Leaders programme and completed an Institute of Directors Governance, Strategy and Finance course. She is a currently vice chair of the Federated Farmers Meat and Fibre group, provincial president of Gisborne/ Wairoa Federated Farmers and chair of the Eastern North Island Beef + Lamb Farmer Council. Her focus is firmly on the future with an aim to increasing sustainability across New Zealands primary industries – economic, environmental and social. “We are, truly, a global community. There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that seeing the world around us through the eyes of other people enhances our own view.”

Flying high, with pilot firmly on the ground, the Yamaha RMAX unmanned helicopter is being billed as the future of farm and land management.

Coming into effect in August 2015, the new law establishes a framework for the safe operation of unmanned crafts in New Zealand. Yamaha Motor New Zealand received its operating certificate on August1 and wasted no time in conducting its first flight under the new CAA rule regime at its test site near Auckland. A high-performance Global Positioning System combined with the Yamaha Attitude Control System makes operation incredibly simple, says Darryl. These sophisticated technologies, combined with a highly capable operator, ensure that the Yamaha RMAX maintains consistent and controlled speeds in all directions, as well as excellent flight stability. It is this reliability that guarantees accurate and even spraying every time RMAX takes off. The Yamaha RMAX is available for purchase for individual owners, as well as through leasing and franchises. This is the first time that users will be able to buy one of these technological marvels outright, including financing and insurance which Yamaha will cover for the buyer. New owners will be run through the CAA guidelines and pending approval will be able to operate their very own RMAX. Yamaha’s RMAX unmanned helicopters are an innovative and exciting addition to what is already an extensive catalogue of high quality products. Incorporating unparalleled performance with high quality safety systems, RMAX is truly the future of farming and land management, says Darryl.

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FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

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Page 39

CLAAS upgrades Jaguar forage harvesters CLAAS has introduced a number of improvements to its industry-leading range of Jaguar self-propelled forage harvesters. These include advanced engine and control technologies, an exclusive tyre pressure control system for the drive and steering axles and two new ‘long chop’ cracker rollers. Landpower Group Product Manager – CLAAS Greenline, Luke Wheeler, says CLAAS now offers 10 models across the Jaguar 900/800 series, making it the widest range of forage harvesters worldwide. The seven largest of these now feature the optional dynamic power automatic engine power control and cruise pilot systems. “The intelligent management of harvesting operations is just as important as the efficiency of the engine itself,” Luke says. “The operator can choose from the three engine power settings – maximum power, high power or normal power – and dynamic power automatically adjust the engine speed to suit. In the wide-open throttle range, the system achieves maximum efficiency at 1800rpm. “In the partial-load range of 1800 to 2000rpm, it automatically reduces the engine speed in 10 increments to best suit the prevailing conditions.

Efficient setting

“Another new function allows the machine to drive into the crop at maximum engine power before the system

This means Jaguar now shares exactly the same operating system as Lexion combine harvesters, Xerion 4x4 tractors and those Axion or Arion models equipped with CEBIS.” Other cabin improvements include the introduction of an optional leather driving seat with integrated heating and cooling functions, optional LED lighting systems and a keyed lock system for the cab door, ignition, fuel tank and urea tank. The five models in the 900 series can also be fitted with the optional automatic tyre pressure control system, which has been extended to both the drive and steering axles. Previously this technology was available on the drive axle only.

Ride comfort

“This system has proven itself to significantly improve ride comfort and traction in the field, and improve stability and fuel efficiency on the road,” Luke says. “The driver sets the specified inflation pressure for the driving and steering tyres. The control line checks the air pressure every 30 minutes during usage, while the inflation/deflation line automatically adjusts the pressure depending on the position of the road travel switch.” CLAAS has also introduced two new roller profiles for its multi-crop cracker and a new direct disc 600/500 fronts. The new MCC Max roller has been developed for conditioning maize silage with chop lengths of between seven and 22mm, while the MCC Shredlage cracker is capable of intensively conditioning maize with a long chop length of 26 to 30mm. The new units complement the exist-

LED lighting systems are among the cabin options offered in the Jaguar range.

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CLAAS now offers 10 models across the Jaguar 900/800 series, making it the widest range of forage harvesters worldwide. automatically matches the engine speed to the most efficient setting.” Cruise pilot automatically maintains the desired vehicle speed, engine speed or throughput, maximising efficiency. “The driver simply enters the desired target vehicle speed, engine speed or throughput via CEBIS terminal and then activates the system using the push button on the multifunction lever,” Luke says.

Multifunction lever

“The CEBIS system itself has been improved to include the addition of the ‘Cmotion’ multifunction lever, which provides fingertip control of up to 13 key functions. “This simple and intuitive lever is fully integrated into the right armrest.

ing medium roller diameter and large roller diameter units, which produce short-cut silage with chop lengths of four to 12 mm. The new direct disc 600/500 fronts incorporate the new max cut cutterbars. “The cutting discs are positioned very close to the front and produce a very clean stubble pattern,” Luke says. “The intake augur on the new attachments also has a significantly larger diameter, which makes them particularly suitable for harvesting very tall crops up to 4m. Lateral knives are also available for harvesting crops with a high level of intergrowth. The two-stage activation process allows the front to be activated at high engine idle speeds.”

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Page 40

RURAL DRIVER

Ripping it up and having fun Tauranga’s Phil Campbell and Rotorua’s Sloan Cox where just two of the Bay of Plenty’s top rally drivers in action at the purpose-built rallycross track at Tect All Terrain Park – the first time the track was used competitively in October. Although the track is not quite complete, organisers of the event,

Motorsport Bay of Plenty, ran an autocross on the track. An autotrack is one of the cheapest forms of motorsport and sees a lot of different cars turn up and race, from road cars to purpose-built hill-climb specialists. About 50 drivers took part in the event. Each competitor entered into a cat and mouse competition, where one driver is given a head start and races three times around the track. The second driver takes off a short time later and the fastest time from

the two drivers wins. The rallycross Track at Tect Park on Pyes Rd, is about 1km in length and about 12m wide. The track itself sits inside the natural contours of the land leaving some great spectator views. The project to build the track is a joint venture between Motorsport Bay of Plenty and Rotorua Car Club.

ell Phil Campb of Tauranga gets some ng pace up duri his run. Photo: Jason

Byrne.

Greg Taipari

Shane Wright showing his skills behind the wheel. Photo: Jason Byrne.

Rotorua’s Sloan Cox ripping it up at the Auto Track event. Photo: Jason Byrne.

RURAL DRIVER

Page 41

Mazda BT-50 makeover extends credentials

The Mazda BT-50 has been given a facelift but when you consider the changes, and additional features found in the 2015 BT-50 it feels more like a complete makeover. The 2015 BT-50 extends its credentials as an ‘Active Lifestyle Vehicle’ with a freshened design treatment; while maintaining its acclaimed practicality and performance. Andrew Clearwater, Managing Director Mazda New Zealand says like anyone in business, ute buyers are looking to get real value for their dollar. The design changes and additional features of the BT-50 are great and when you combine that with the capped price servicing costs of only $200 per service and comprehensive factory warranty of three years or 150,000km (whichever occurs first) recognising the extra distance that business operators cover, this makes it a most compelling proposition for buyers. “For tradespeople their BT-50 becomes their mobile office and just like office rental if you can reduce the overheads while at the same time offering them additional features/ options it has to be good for business. “When you also take into consideration the mix of design, driving performance, exceptional towing capacity and the very comfortable and highly functional cabin the 2015 Mazda BT-50 really ticks all the boxes.”

the tail-lamps goes from chrome to black with lens colour changed from clear to deep red. The overall result is a BT-50 that looks more rugged compared to the outgoing model. The interior cabin of the BT-50 is one of the bestlooking, functional and most comfortable in the segment. Changes have been made to the seat trims and decoration panels have adopted a gunmetal colour resulting in a sturdier appearance.

Turbo diesel

The BT-50 is powered by a 5-cylinder 3.2L DOHC intercooled turbo diesel engine with 147kW power and 470Nm torque giving the new BT-50 class-leading braked towing capacity of 3,500kg.

Distinctive style

The 2015 BT-50 maintains its distinctive style but a restyling of the front face has resulted in a more aggressive and muscular appearance. The grille has been squared off and Mazda’s sixth generation signature wing has been adopted which extends into the headlamps horizontally from the lip of the bonnet. The headlamps also get the sixth generation treatment and the prominence of the indicator lamps reduced which further enhances the impression of strength and stability. From side on the changes to the grille provide the vehicle with a more powerful look. The trim around

The Mazda BT-50 is great for on and off-road motoring. It’s available in 6 speed manual or 6 speed automatic (with manual mode) transmissions. “I believe the Mazda designers have done a fantastic

job in enhancing the look of the BT-50 along with other changes to deliver a vehicle that is great for on and off-road motoring with the all the comfort and features normally found in a passenger vehicle. “When you take into consideration the pricing for the new BT-50 starts at $35,295 along with Mazda commercialcare the 2015 Mazda BT-50 really delivers a great ROI for vehicle buyers,” says Andrew. The 2015 BT-50 range features 2WD and 4WD options available in Single Cab, Freestyle Cab and Double Cab body styles in GLX, GLX Sport and GSX grades. There are seven exterior colours, Titanium Flash, True Red, Alu-

minium Metallic, Deep Crystal Blue, Blue Reflex, Cool White and Jet Black. Every new BT-50 comes with Mazda “commercialcare” providing comprehensive cover with Fixed Price Servicing for 3 years or 100,000km (whichever occurs first) which means you only pay $200 (incl. GST) per service at scheduled service intervals every 6 months or 10,000km (whichever comes first) and all carried out by Mazda factory-trained Service Specialists using the latest is vehicle diagnostic equipment. As well as 3 years of Mazda On Call Roadside Assistance plus an industry leading 3 years or 150,000km (whichever occurs first) comprehensive Mazda Warranty at no extra cost.

Page 42

EARTHWORKS

Agreement boost for rural contractors Agricultural contractors around New Zealand will soon find it easier to bring in overseas workers following a deal struck between its national body and Immigration NZ. Rural Contractors NZ president Steve Levet says his organisation has been working with Immigration New Zealand for a long time in an effort to resolve the problems around contractors bringing in overseas workers for the harvest season. “After many meetings and a lot of hard work by RCNZ – together with Immigration NZ – we believe have come up with a solution that will solve many of the problems that rural contractors currently experience every year and make it much easier to bring in overseas workers. “Members who are registered with RCNZ will now be able to apply to bring in overseas workers under our umbrella, rather than go through all the hoops and hurdles they currently have to as individuals.” Steve describes the new scheme as great news for the sector and believes it will streamline and simplify the whole process of bringing in overseas workers – rather than the current rigmarole agricultural contractors currently have to endure. The new scheme will see RCNZ applying for an Approval in Principle (to be known as AIP) on behalf of all members of the national body and contractors. Contractors will then be able to apply online for a visa for the person being recruited – without having to advertise, go to WINZ or any the other requirements currently causing so much difficulty. “As RCNZ will hold the AIP, there are a number of responsibilities placed on us and it will be important that all those contractors who wish to use this scheme comply with all these conditions and requirements. “For starters, there will need to be a written contract between RCNZ and each member com-

Rural Contractors NZ president Steve Levet.

pany participating in the scheme – to ensure each knows their responsibilities and that RCNZ and other member companies are protected. If these conditions are not complied with, the AIP can be rescinded.” These conditions include that the AIP is only available members of RCNZ and that the contractor or company must also hold Registered Contractor accreditation with national body. “This is a safeguard to ensure that the appropriate statutory and regulatory compliances are being met,” Steve explains. “Those applying to the scheme will also have to fully comply with RCNZ’s Code of Ethics and our Code for Employing Overseas Staff.” Due to the amount of the work involved in setting up the new scheme and the imminent start of the new season – RCNZ aims to have it up and running by June 1,2016. It is not known exactly how many temporary, overseas workers are needed by rural contractors around each year, but it is thought to be around 900. “Every year, in many parts of the country, it’s often impossible for rural contractors to find skilled New Zealanders to carry out this seasonal work. That’s why it is necessary for us to look overseas to find experienced people to fill this need.”

KIWIFRUIT

Page 43

Controlled environment trials for Top Gold Controlled environment trials to reduce Psa-V risk to the early maturing gold kiwifruit Y356 are showing very promising results, say Simon Dickie, who owns the plant protection rights to the variety. The cultivar, which is similar to Hort16A gold, is being grown under cover and Simon says this has presented a new set of challenges, but has also yielded much valuable information. “Y356 is a diploid similar to Hort16A which was heavily challenged by Psa-V,” says Simon, who has registered the fruit under the brand name of Top Gold. A diploid is an organism with two sets of chromosomes, one set from each parent. “Because a cultivar is challenged by a bacterial disease does not mean it has no value. In the case of Psa-V we are learning that the disease activity is influenced by climatic conditions and if we can control the climate it is possible to re-establish some value for the fruit.” Hort16A, which is highly susceptible to Psa-V, (first discovered in New Zealand in 2010), has been removed from all but a few remaining commercial orchards. The variety, for which Zespri holds the PVR, was bred by Plant & Food, but is considered too difficult to grow now the vine disease

Psa-V is widespread in kiwifruit growing regions. Trials growing Top Gold under cover are being conducted in New Zealand and “other jurisdictions” but Simon won’t say where.

Investment rewarded

“We are working out how to get enough control over variations in climate. However, growing under cover presents some challenges such as what to do about rainfall and water. Pollination is another issue as we know bees do not work well under plastic. Also how does increasing the temperature affect maturity?” The research is costly but Simon believes the investment will be rewarded. “Significant resources have been required and invested and we have got some really interesting information which is part of our IP. “The outcomes could be significant because the diploid gold cultivar has a more appealing taste in certain markets than other gold varieties and those are high return markets,” he says.

Variety rights

Y356 is described as “a kiwifruit plant particularly distinguished by very early maturing fruit, hairless fruit surface with conspicuous mid-brown lenticels, yellow fruit flesh, ovoid longitudinal and circular cross section fruit shape, slightly blunt protruding stylar end”. Simon, who has been growing kiwifruit since 1979, offered Y356 to

Zespri but it was turned down. “It was not unexpected that Zespri would choose to look at alternative options out of Plant & Food, over which it would have exclusive plant variety rights.” Plant & Food bred Zespri’s SunGold or G3 which has proved more tolerant of Psa-V and has virtually replaced Hort16A since the arrival of the disease, with

Trials growing the kiwifruit variety Top Gold under cover are underway in an effort to reduce the risk of the vine disease Psa-V.

growers cutting out the former gold and progressively re-grafting to the new variety. Under current government regulations, kiwifruit grown in New Zealand can only be exported by Zespri, with the exception of fruit going to Australia. Simon says a collaborative marketing arrangement for Top Gold with Zespri may be possible

in future. It wouldn’t be the first time the fruit has been exported this way. In a landmark collaborative marketing agreement in 2011, industry regulator Kiwifruit New Zealand gave approval for First Fresh NZ Ltd of Gisborne to launch a consumer trial of First Gold, in Thailand and Hong Kong supermarkets.

Elaine Fisher

My Name is Neil Woodward. I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run business, our team consists of three, being myself, my son and my brother. Our organisation has been established for over 18 years. I have been involved in applying crop protection programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966. We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We have the equipment to spray orchards with our two Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing. Our Atoms are set up with radar speed sensors, this combined with fully automated sprayer controllers and three nozzle rings enhances application efficiency and accuracy. We also use a quad bike for strip weed spray applications. We hold all certificates needed to meet Globalgap compliance. We look at all challenges to help ensure we protect your crop with excellence.

Agrizest

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MAIZE

Page 44

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MAIZE

Page 45

Ways to reduce costs this maize season With the lower value of maize silage and grain for the 2016 harvest season, it is important to focus on the costs associated with producing a successful crop, and minimising spending where possible. The FAR Maize Action Report suggest several areas where some savings may be made, without impacting on yield and returns. Cultivation costs can be minimised by not overworking soil. Eight years of research at the FAR research site in the Waikato has found no signiďŹ cant difference in yields between crops sown following ploughing and a single pass of a roto crumbler, strip till, or no till establishment; but it has identiďŹ ed signiďŹ cant differences in the establishment costs between the three techniques. Consider your speciďŹ c situation

carefully before deciding on crop establishment techniques. Research results from many seasons have shown no signiďŹ cant response to starter fertiliser applications of phosphorous. Consider using nitrogen only at planting as an option for reducing costs. Research has also shown no yield differences between maize crops where all of the N fertiliser was applied at planting and those where applications were split between planting and a side dressing. Consider applying all N up front at planting as an option to reduce fertiliser and application costs. Maize crops sown into paddocks planted in permanent pasture, annual ryegrass or oats over winter will require insecticide treated seed. However, when planting into maize stubble or other crop residue, insecticide treated seed may not be necessary. Consider using untreated seed and monitoring for cutworm, then use a synthetic pyrethroid spray if required.

This FAR Maize Action Report was prepared with current information at the time of publication. Neither FAR or its staff may be held liable for any crop

damage or loss from interpretation of the information. Information contained in the Maize Action is intended as a guide only.

HAY - SILAGE & STRAW SUPPLIES

Important field day at FAR’s Tamahere site In recognition of the fact that the research carried out on FAR's research site at Tamahere is applicable to a wide geographic area, the site has a new name - the Northern Crop Research Site. The site will be hosting a major event: on Thursday December 10, 2015, featuring

12 speakers from a range of research organisations covering weed, pest and disease control, crops options and agronomy, environmental issues and more. This event is aimed at growers from throughout the North Island. More details will be published in Maize Action as they are

conďŹ rmed. For more information contact Mike Parker, ph 021 960 078, email parkerm@far.org. nz, Diana Mathers ph 027 544 2236, email mathersd@far.org. nz; Allister Holmes ph 027 833 1155 email holmesa@far.org.nz; Sam McDougall 027 468 8803 mcdougalls@far.org.nz

AVOCADO

Page 46

Taking out the intruders Around New Zealand, farmers, orchardists, lifestylers and conservationists are learning that the best way to manage pests is to have a system that’s always ready and waiting to take out the next intruder. They’re finding that out by using Goodnature’s automatic self-resetting trap technology. Morrinsville farmer, Laurence Giles was an early adopter of the Kiwi made technology and has been enjoying its benefits for nearly three years. “You don’t see rats anymore. You used to go down the cowshed at night and they’d be on the rafters and all around,” says Laurence. Like many farmers, he had previously used the usual methods of control only to be presented with the usual eventuality: rats returning and ongoing damage. In one night alone Laurence suffered $1,000 of rat damage to his califont gas water heating system. These stories are not uncommon in rural New Zealand. Otaki lifestyler Stephen Forsyth had rats cause $2,500 of damage to his Hilux, before he took decisive action in purchasing a Goodnature A24 rat trap, killing five rats on the first night.

traps means increased probability of a pest encountering a trap. You don’t know when or from where they’ll re-invade, so you want to have an active and broad network that’s ready and waiting.” It’s no different with possums, and Banks Peninsula farmer Kerry Sixtus has found kereru wood pigeons re-establishing in his bush block after investing in 10 Goodnature A12 possum traps. “I got eight possums under one trap in two nights,” says Kerry.

Toxin free

Because Goodnature traps are toxin free, there’s no risk of secondary poisoning to pets, working animals and livestock. They are low maintenance requiring monthly visits to refresh the long-life lures making them a cost effective way to proactively manage pests. The Department of Conservation has used Goodnature A24s to wipe out an entire rat population across 600 hectares of Fiordland forest within two months. The traps are now retailed through Farmlands and PGG Wrightson.

No poison

Laurence found the best results came from having multiple traps. He recognises that on his farm rats come from all around and so invested in five A24 traps. “I thought the more traps the better. Better to have too many than not enough. I’ve been able to rid two sheds and the house of rats without using poison.” Goodnature director and trap inventor Robbie van Dam, explains why networks of traps work so well. “A higher number of

iles Laurence G refreshes the e on on long-life lure ature of his Goodn ing tt A24 self-rese traps.

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AVOCADO

Avocados help fuel top kayaker An avocado – or two – a day are helping fuel New Zealand’s top female kayaker Luuka Jones in her build up to the Rio Olympics. Assisting her on the road to success is Just Avocados which has, as well as avocados, also supplied Luuka with a 2015 VW Polo while she is in New Zealand. Earlier this year Luuka, who is New Zealand’s top female canoe slalom paddler, a two-time Olympian and Rio 2016 Olympic contender, was appointed brand manager for Just Avocados. The provision of the sign written vehicle is a further development of that partnership. Ben Tuck Operations and Logistics Manager for Global Fresh NZ Ltd/Just Avocados Ltd says the company is delighted to assist and work with Luuka. “Having Luuka as our ambassador is not only great for Just Avocados but for the whole New Zealand avocado industry as she is helping spread the message about what a wonderful, nutritious fruit avocados are.” Now Luuka is training for the Rio Olympics, whenever possible, New Zealand avocados are part of her diet. “I love avocados

on toast or in salads. They are a great food during training, before an event and an avocado smoothie is an ideal recovery drink after competing.” Luuka’s role as an Olympic Ambassador is also applauded by the company as through it she is helping inspire young people to achieve their dreams by telling school students about her own journey to become among the top women kayakers in the world.

Rapid water

Mental agility is as important as physical fitness and skill, says Luuka, who competes, against the clock, on made-made courses of rapid white water. “There is so much going on, you have to be thinking all the time about how to get round the course as quickly as possible without penalties.” Failing to clear the slalom gates or hitting one of them as they hang above speeding white water incurs penalties which, in a sport where winners and place getters are separated by points of a second, can be disastrous. Disastrous too can be flipping the kayak. “I got caught by a wave just after completing one course.” Upside down, the force of the

water held Luuka and her kayak hard against the walls of the course and her only option was the release herself from the kayak and swim to the surface. Injury is a constant concern for elite kayakers too. “Shoulder dislocations are the most common problem and it’s vital to maintain a high level of fitness and strength to try to avoid injury.” For Luuka that means a diet of fresh, whole foods, including avocados and daily training. Currently Luuka is based in Nottingham in the UK and is competing in events across Europe. Luuka’s love of water and kayaking was sparked when her family moved to Bethlehem,

close to the Wairoa River. “I used to help out at Waimarino Adventure Park in return for kayaking lessons and went over my first waterfall in a kayak when I was about 14.”

Page 47 with keep up You can progress on s Luuka’ ebsite: her w om kajones.c www.luu

British team

At 18 she moved to Nottingham to train alongside the British kayaking team. “Qualifying for Beijing in 2008 was a turning point for me. I was 19 years old, naive to the world of professional sport and totally inspired by the occasion.” Following Beijing, Luuka joined the Waiariki Academy of Sport in Rotorua, receiving sports science input for the first time and immersing herself in a fun and supportive athletic environment.

“I received support from High Performance Sport NZ, enabling me to work with a full-time coach for the first time. This has made a huge difference and in two years I have gone from being in the top 30 in the world to finishing in the top 10 at the World Championships in 2014.”

Luuka Jones, her new car and the Just Avocado team.

Sharing avocado meals – on social media The consumer obsession with posting images of what’s on their plate to social media is driving a new marketing campaign in Asia for New Zealand’s export supply leaders. Across the AVANZA export markets, including Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia, consumers will be encouraged to post photos of themselves sampling avocados and drinking avocado smoothies. The competition will feature on popular social media channels Facebook and Instagram, and will be tied to AVOCO export other promotional activity in these growing manager for South Asian markets. East Asia, Carwyn This activity will be key to maintaining Williams. awareness of New Zealand avocados across Asia this season where growth is being hampered by a shortage of premium grade export fruit. AVOCO ships avocados to Asia under the AVANZA brand with another New Zealand exporter, jointly handling 75 to 80 per cent of avocado exports outside Australia. In Thailand, the low volumes expected has already forced AVANZA to reduce the number of Thai distributors it works with from five down to two. Export manager for South East Asia, Carwyn Williams, says Thailand had previously been a “rock star” market for AVANZA. “Market investment in various promotions in 201415 saw us achieve significant sales growth in Thailand. We’d love to continue that same level of growth but this season’s supply shortage has forced us to be more realistic about what we can achieve. “Essentially we’re aiming to maintain our shelf space and use social media marketing to maintain a positivebrand presence.” The good news for New Zealand growers is that the supply-demand conditions will help to achieve strong values in the market. Sharing photos of their food online with friends and followers is already popular throughout Asia. The AVANZA campaign hooks into this social trend with the expectation New Zealand avocados will gain extensive online coverage. In general, images of avocados have been popping up more and more on Instagram which is a site popular among foodies and fitness fanatics. These images feature avocados used in a variety of ways, including on toast, in smoothies, sushi and in salads. It’s the health benefits of avocados that have fit-

ness enthusiasts all abuzz. Avocados are popular menu ingredients in this consumer sector for being a nutrientdense, cholesterol-free fruit. It also helps that they’re a great source of energy, keeping consumers fuller for longer. These health messages will be further promoted by AVANZA this season among market influencers, including bloggers and industry celebrities. Other promotional activity this year will include

in-store tastings and a highly visible avocado smoothie wagon on the streets of Tokyo. This season, it’s estimated that New Zealand will produce a total of 4.4 million avocado trays, with 2.9 million for export. AVOCO is expected to handle about 1.7 million export trays, with 80 per cent destined for Australia, which is New Zealand’s largest and highest value market. The remaining 20 per cent will be sent to Asia under the AVANZA brand and split across Japan, Singapore, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia and India.

Experience the AVOCO advantage A new season is upon us and AVOCO is ready to export your fruit to the world. The expertise of our people and planning, coupled with our commitment to the industry and focus on the big picture, means you’re in safe hands.

www.avoco.co.nz

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Be part of the AVOCO team and know you’re on to a winner.

HORTICULTURE

Page 48

Growing pasture with little or no N possible The rules of the dairy game have changed, and will change again. As one farmer recently stated “the pressure is relentless”. For years the supposed demand has been for increased production, regardless of cost, the health of the soil, and the welfare of animals (despite the original request asking for increased ‘productivity’.) As a result, the focus of Fonterra has simply been processing volume, and that has meant manufacturing low priced commodity product. With the International Monetary Fund now stating that lower commodity prices are here

to stay, and with many dairy farmers locked into high cost milk production, there is a need for the manufacture of more high grade specialty products, to put extra money in the pockets of farmers. To do that requires suitable milk of consistent quality, and that’s currently not available from every farm. Increasing the amount of pasture fed, with a reduction in the amount of supplement used, is the first step in securing a steady supply of acceptable milk. Fonterra have already made initial moves on this with their limitation on daily PKE feeding.

Milk urea

The second step is likely to be ensuring milk urea levels are sufficiently low, and our international customers may well have a say in that. It would appear that our levels are currently at least twice what is considered acceptable in Europe, where they calculate milk urea from feeding total mixed rations. Lowering milk urea levels will require limits to the amount of nitrogen fertiliser applied, which neatly fits with regional councils’ requirement to reduce the amount of nitrate nitrogen entering groundwater. For some farmers less ‘cheap’ supplement, and a reduction in nitrogen

applied, will be a fundamental and challenging shift to make, but one that in hindsight they will be pleased they have made. There are a growing number of farmers already using little if any nitrogen fertiliser, and growing significantly more total pasture than their high-N input neighbours. A comparative study a few years ago showed that a low-N input (16kgN/ ha applied only in April) Functional Fertiliser monitor property grew 16.2 tonne DM/ha/yr, compared to the local DairyNZ Focus Farm’s 12.9 tonne, despite them applying 235kgN/ha over the whole year. A pasture production differential of 25 per cent. The low-N property grew a comparative extra 2450kg/ha (27kgDM/ha/day) in the three months of November, December, and January, with an extra 1420kg/ha (16kgDM/ ha/day) in the February, March, April period.

Extra feed

In short, nearly all of the extra feed grown without reliance on fertiliser nitrogen was grown during the main production period. The practice on many high-N dairy properties is to reduce grazing intervals when pasture production is declining in late December. This inevitably results in a sudden and substantial shortage of available feed in summer, and early autumn. This interval reduction is not necessary on low-N farms.

The reasons are simple. Without the use of nitrogen more clover is grown, and clover thrives during the warmer period from early November to late March.

Clover dominant

Clover dominant swards maintain quality for longer, so a genuine 30 day interval between grazing can be maintained, with the feed being ideal milking tucker, rich in calcium and highly digestible. With few, if any, bare patches in a paddock with ample clover, the loss of soil moisture is minimised. And with a maximum of one grazing per paddock per month, there is time for regrowth to occur. In all but the driest of years there will be a genuine surplus of pasture which can be made into high quality hay that can be fed next spring when grass is low in energy and fibre. Hay is, and always will be, the perfect supplement for cows during early lactation. It’s high in fibre and energy compared to rapidly growing spring pasture. Loss of body weight after calving is reduced, and because the rumen is able to function efficiently milk production increases. However it’s the extra feed grown without nitrogen over summer that is the immediate benefit, and in a low payout year with a predicted dry summer it’s the current season that should be the focus. For more information call Peter on 0800 843 809.

Wide scale benefits from FTAs The recent conclusion to the Trans Pacific Partnership free trade agreement has been a newsworthy event for many reasons. The TPP is a free trade agreement liberalising trade and investment between 12 Pacific-rim countries: New Zealand, Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Singapore, the United States and Viet Nam.

Tariffs gone

It is a significant agreement as NZ$28 billion of New Zealand goods and services were exported to the TPP countries in 2014. Once fully implemented, the TPP Agreement will result in the elimination of annual export tariffs to the 12 Asia-Pacific countries in

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the deal, equalling around $26 million for New Zealand fruit and vegetable growers. The most significant result in the agreement for kiwifruit growers is the elimination of tariffs into Japan saving around $15 million per year from eliminating the six percent Japanese tariff. Most of the savings in the Japanese tariff will find their way back to New Zealand which means this a good result for the country. Other primary sectors to benefit were: dairy by an estimated $102 million; meat by an estimated $72 million; forestry by an estimated $9 million; fish and fish products by an estimated $8 million; wine by an estimated $10 million; and fruit and vegetables, including kiwifruit, by an estimated $26.3 million. So the gains are substantial and with the negotiations for a free trade agreement with the European Union commencing, further savings will in time be created. As New Zealand is a small country with a small population, our primary sectors do not make their money from selling within New Zealand.

Export vital

The only way to make significant money for New Zealand is to export what we grow and produce. Tariffs take money from New Zealand producers and the New Zealand economy and directly pay the Government of the importing country who collects the tariff. Tariffs are not only used to generate income for those Governments, but also to protect primary producers in the importing country. Often tariffs create perverse outcomes. For example, New Zealand kiwifruit pays a 45 per cent tariff to Korea. However, our Chilean competitors do not pay a Korean tariff at all. So to compete with the Chileans, New Zealand kiwifruit growers have to accept a lower return from the Korean market. This results in other markets, where tariffs do not force a reduced return, receiving greater volumes of fruit. Thankfully, the situation in Korea is about to progressively end as Minister Groser and his team earlier this year negotiated a free trade agreement with Korea. The Korean agreement will eliminate the 45 per cent tariff on New Zealand kiwifruit over five years, creating significant savings of about $3 million a year. So on behalf of the country’s kiwifruit growers, Minister Groser and his negotiators are thanked for their efforts that have produced such significant financial results. The above views are those of the author.

HORTICULTURE

Page 49

Comfort and capacity part of SAME’s appeal Capital Tractors, Tauranga has a new shipment of the popular SAME Frutteto Natural 75 orchard tractors arriving this month. “We had such a successful launch of the Natural 75s in June at the Fieldays, we needed to let people know we have more coming shortly,” says Reg and Michelle Hedges, owners of Capital Tractors. The Frutteto Natural 75 is ideal for avocado orchards in the Bay of Plenty and the orchardised version, where the tractor is lowered to fit under the canopy, is ideal for kiwifruit orchards. A rear lift with a capacity of 3000 kg - among the highest in its class - means that the tractor has no difficulty working with even the heaviest implements. The PTO is just as versatile and reliable as the rest of the tractor, offering total peace of mind when working with sprayers and mulchers. The Frutteto Natural 75 is designed and built around the need for simplicity and functionality. Driver comfort is a crucial factor in this, so these tractors offer a

comfortable, spacious driver area with suspended pedals and transmission control levers all situated on the right of the seat for unimpeded access to the driver seat. The all new SAME Frutteto Natural 75 embodies the essence of simplicity, with a single piece cowl, SDF engine, short wheel base and outstanding manoeuvrability and agility. “We are following up current enquiries for these machines; they are such a great price for what they deliver, so I’m not sure how long our stocks will last,” says Reg. Adrian, kiwifruit orchardist of Pukehina was one of Capital Tractor’s first purchasers of the SAME Natural 75 back in June and he’s delighted with the tractor. “It’s been brilliant under the vines, power steering is so easy. I’ve done 70 hours since I’ve had it and I can hop off the tractor and I’m not at all fatigued,” says Adrian.

Happy customers – Reg Hedges of Capital Tractors with Adrian, a kiwifruit orchardist from Pukehina who is very happy with the SAME Natural 75 he bought from the company.

Sweetness that’s good for you New Zealanders are well aware of the great taste and health attributes of green Hayward kiwifruit but not so familiar with the new Zespri SunGold variety. That’s all changed this season as production of the variety rampsed up and more becomes available for the local market. Zespri’s health and nutrition leader Juliet Ansell says SunGold tastes sweeter than green fruit and has similar great health properties too.

Zespri’s SunGold is filled with good sweetness.

“It is a stand-out fruit for Vitamin C with three times the amount of that found in an orange. Adults need 45mg to 100mg of Vitamin C per day and one SunGold fruit provides 200mg a day.” SunGold is also a great source of dietary fibre, folate, Vitamin E and minerals and antioxidants, making it one of the most nutrient-dense fruits available. Zespri Kiwifruit is also a low glycaemic index food. “Even though it tastes sweet, eating SunGold doesn’t cause a large spike in blood sugar levels because of the properties of the fibre contained in the fruit, which means not as much sugar diffuses into the blood stream. It’s sweet, but it’s a sweetness that’s good for you.” Green kiwifruit is recognised as excellent for keeping bowel movements regular due to fibre and actinidin, an enzyme that breaks down proteins and aids digestion and comfort, says Juliet. And SunGold has about half the fibre of green kiwifruit and 25 per cent of actinidin levels, but it possibly also has bowel health benefits. Juliet says clinical trials will be conducted to determine its effectiveness in that important health area. “The fact that the smooth skin of SunGold can be eaten too means an increase in fibre for those who enjoy their fruit that way.” While some people do eat green kiwifruit skin and all, most prefer to peel them first, or scoop out the flesh, rather than eat the skin. SunGold is high in potassium but low in sodium and contains the same amount of potassium as a banana. Clinical trials have already been completed with SunGold kiwifruit, using university students as trialists, and have shown daily consumption has a positive influence on mood, increasing the feeling of wellbeing, vigour and vitality while reducing fatigue.

Come and see us for a ‘JOLLY’ good deal! Barkes Corner, Tauranga Ph: 07 543 0021

0800 4 TRACTORS www.capitaltractors.co.nz

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 50

trades & services Tauranga

HOMEKILLS

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

Sunday 1 November

Tuesday 3 November

Education bursary/scholarship opens for women applicants with connections to Franklin District undertaking tertiary study. Ph Kelly 027 622 9866 or email: kellyj@franklinlaw.co.nz

Tracking your cash interactive workshops, focused on furthering your understanding of the flow and management of cash through your business. Held at Tokoroa Events Centre, 25 Mossop Rd, Tokoroa 9.30am – 2pm. Ph Michelle 021 280 8405

Business & Professional Women (BPW) Franklin

Wednesday 4 November

Dairy Women’s Network

Dairy Business of the Year Waikato Come and see first-hand what happens on these high performing farms and take the opportunity to ask questions, learn and expand your farm knowledge. Lunch provided. Held at Butterworth Enterprise, 188 Campbell Rd, Walton 9.45am – 1pm. To register ph Brenna 0800 735 588

Friday 6 November

Waikato Healthy Rivers Otorohanga Council plan change will affect you – make sure you have your say. Join a farmerled meeting to find out: the likely cost to the regional economy; policy options and their potential impact on farm; what the changes will mean for your business. Held at Otorohanga Sports Club, Orahiri Terrace, Otorohanga 11am – 2pm. Ph Sarah 021 770 859

real estate

Saturday 14 November Waihi A&P Show

77th annual show Nov 14 & 15 at Waihi A&P Show Grounds, SH2 Waihi. Arabian horse events, show jumping, hunters, ponies and standard horse events. Pet lamb, kid goat and calf club sections, plus food stalls. Entry $5 adults, $2 children, car/family pass $12.

Wednesday 18 November B+LNZ Dinner

Performing at the top – from red meat to the Rugby World Cup. Hear from two New Zealanders who know the meaning of high performance at this free dinner. Don Ticker, All Blacks high performance manager, will give us an insight into what keeps the All Blacks performing at the top. David Cameron-Smith, University of Auckland, will discuss the benefits of red meat. This event includes the B+LNZ Mid-Northern North Island farmer council AGM. Held at the Don Rowlands Centre, 601 Maungatautari Rd, Karapiro 5pm. Registrations essential, limited spaces. Ph Rachel Jukes 07 839 0282 or email Rachel.Jukes@ beeflambnz.com

Sunday 22 November

High tea at Parkview Estate Retirement Village 2pm. Gloves, hats and pearls. Fundraiser for Business & Professional Women (BPW) Franklin Education Scholarship/Bursary. Lee 09 239 1854 or 0272 474 865 email: Lesley.a.walter@gmail.co

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Wednesday 25 November

Business & Professional Women (BPW) Franklin Dinner at Portobello, Pukekohe 6.30pm. Speaker: Barry Holland, voice consultant. News & sports presenter for Radio Network. Ph Noelene 09 238 1140 txt 021 148 0859 or email: johnsuns@ xtra.co.nz

Friday 27 November

Festival of Flowers And Franklin Rose Show, St Andrews Centre cnr Queen & Kirk St’s, Waiuku Nov 27 12-5pm, Nov 28 10am – 7pm and Nov 29 11.30am – 4pm. Entry $5pp, no Eftpos. Trading table, morning, afternoon tea and lunches available. Ph Alison 09 235 0866

Saturday 28 November

Cambridge A&P Show Cambridge Raceway 8am. 112th annual show. Trade stands & stalls. Equestrian, cattle and goat judging from 8.15am. Free gate entry to public and competitors.

Saturday 5 December

Tokoroa A&P Show 78th annual show held at Memorial Park. Featuring equestrian, Clydesdales, Kaimanawa Horses, Dexter Cattle, Calf Club, Axemen events, trade stalls, food stalls, local entertainment.

runon listings curriculum vitae NEED A C.V.? A C.V. For You can provide you with the professional touch. From scratch or alterations. “Get the interview….Land the job” Contact via www.facebook.com/ acvforyou or 0204 037 6034

free delivery SILAGE TYRES BOP, Waikato. Truck holds about 700 tyres per trip. You must take a whole truck, completely free. Ph 07 578 2381 or 027 289 9484

for sale PULLETS HY-LINE BROWN, great layers. Phone 07 824 1762 www.eurekapoultryfarm.weebly.com

situations vacant ALAN LEE AUTOMOTIVE in the Sunny Bay of Plenty require the services of a Skilled Mechanic who is keen to learn more. If this is you contact me Kerry 07 573 8496 Cell 027 242 2520

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

phone 07 578 0030

email ads@thesun.co.nz

web www.coastandcountrynews.co.nz

COAST & COUNTRY

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Book warns of biodiversity losses NZ is facing Since the importance of this book, published by the Environmental Defence Society, was raised in an earlier article I have now read it, and also attended a meeting where Marie Brown, lead author, was the guest speaker, and talked about how it came about and its implications. As with all their publications, this one has been researched in depth, including comparisons with the handling of biodiversity loss in other countries, including Australia. In brief, it outlines the shortcomings, gaps and overall lack of cohesion in legislation, between government agencies and councils. As well it looks at the heroic efforts being made by small groups all over the country in pest control, habitat restoration and community slog which despite the effort, because of lack of sure funding, achieve only local improvements. It covers the strong points and inadequacies of the various legislation, including of course the RMA and the Wildlife Act. The RMA has come in for some pretty strong criticism since it came into effect in 1991. But I worked as Environment

Private Secretary to the Rt.Hon. Geoffrey Palmer in 1990, and can assure you that there were clear plans for a defined set of guidelines on its interpretation to be issued to all councils. A plan which never came to fruition due to the change of government and Minister Upton’s decision to allow each council to ‘Vanishing Nature - facing New Zealand’s interpret it accordbiodiversity crisis’. By Marie A Brown, ing to its own ideas. R T Theo Stephens, Raewyn Peart and This has been a Bevis Fedder. Price $45, available from strong influence in Environmental Defence Society. the outcomes, particularly where there bring back extinct species. have been moneyed corporate While the inadequacies of our interests allowed to dissipate the current funding and management sections which they felt put them systems are covered in depth, the at a disadvantage. book also has a significant series

Extinct species One of the more telling comments throughout the book is that private interests have been given carte blanche to destroy species and habitats at no cost to themselves, and the costs and deficiencies have all fallen on the public good’s entitlements. As we are finding with fresh water, dollars spent on mitigation will never

view the problem from all angles, with advice on what might work and what probably wouldn’t. It ends with a well-defined summary and vision.

Comprehensive look

The latter includes the following: • Funding for conservation (currently below levels which allow for meaningful work and results). • Alignment of divergent interests. • Public mobilisation to elicit leader-

ship and vision. • Accountability and monitoring. • Effective legislation, implemented well. • Fighting on the front line. It’s not a cheerful book to read, but it provides the reader with a very comprehensive look at the current deficiencies in our efforts to protect indigenous biodiversity, and intelligent thoughts on how to improve things. Reading it is well worth the Sue Edmonds effort involved.

REE FELLERS BIG OR SMALL - WE DO IT ALL

of sections on possible solutions - strategic, tactical and practical - and the inherent strengths and weaknesses of various options. The media has made much of one proposal for an environment tax, but this is just one of a number of options covered, both from the “polluter pays” angle and from various forms of education and support for biodiversity protections. This allows the reader to

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

COAST & COUNTRY

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RY COAST & COUNTABS!

PRIZE UP FOR GR Pictures and details can be emailed (high resolution jpgs) to amy@thesun.co.nz “Country Camera” or posted to Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga. Please include a name, address and phone number with every entry.

Smudge loves to , the heading do ride in th g e wheel pup barrow.

Joel, 3 a nd R the baby hys, 11 with chickens.

Isabel, 10, an d he chicks “Spot an r winter d Soot”.

Brooke, 7, with Snowy - her 3 day old Ag Day goat kid.

Layla, 7 months learning to drive Fergie.

Yana, 7, with one of her

pet chicks.

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st uty, be ys on d an be. a lw a c e y" "Luck ing dog ther head

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