Coast & Country News December 2014

BEST ALL ROUND NEWSPAPER 2014 · BEST ALL ROUND NEWSPAPER 2014 · BEST ALL ROUND NEWSPAPER 2014 · BEST ALL ROUND NEWSPAPER 2014

KAKA BEAK PAGE 6-7

LIVESTOCK JUDGES PAGE 17

PIGEONS PAGE 40-41

ALPACA PAGE 42

RURAL DRIVER PAGE 26-27

ROTORUA A&P PAGE 48

AVOCADOS PAGE 52

December 2014 Issue No.172

Bay of Plenty & Waikato Farm, Orchard & Rural Lifestyle

Farming under NDAs Alex Richardson of Bracken Brae, is farming under nitrogen discharge allowances designed to protect the quality of Lake Taupo’s waters. To the same end most of his neighbouring farms have been planted in pines. See his story pages 4-5. Photo by Elaine Fisher.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 2

Personal robots ‘bring happiness’

Brian Rogers Director/ Editor

Claire Rogers Managing Director

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Elaine Fisher Editor 07 928 3046

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Writers have been predicting the emergence of domestic robots for decades, but now that fiction has become reality.

Sarah Adamson Graphic Designer Page Coordinator

By early next year ‘Pepper’, the world’s first personal robot, which can read emotions, goes on sale in Japan for US$2000.

It’s been developed by SoftBank Group, Japan’s leading mobile operator and Aldebaran Robotics SAS, a world leader in humanoid robotics.

The companies say the role of robots will be: “As kind and emotional companions to enhance our daily lives, to bring happiness, constantly surprise us, and make people grow”.

They’ll also be able to do household chores and care for the elderly, and accordingly are on my Christmas wishlist.

Less friendly robots are replacing humans in the some Japanese factories, doing the work of three people, 24 hours a day, never taking sick leave or holidays, and

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receiving no payment either.

Robotics may be one of the solutions to handling rapidly increasing volumes of kiwifruit grown in New Zealand and development of a robotic picker is well advanced. Some pack houses already have robots staking and wrapping pallets or operating forklifts.

Using robots for mundane, respective, physically demanding

jobs sounds great. But unless jobs are found for the employees they replace, who is going to have the money to buy the products they produce – and indeed pay taxes to keep countries running?

Global retail futurist Doug Stephens says thanks to technology, the way we buy is rapidly changing, and advances include algorithms to predict what we’ll purchase before we even know we want it – see page 3.

Technology of a more basic kind – an abseiling rope and a skilled climber, is helping in the race to save one of this country’s rarest plants – see page 6-7.

Despite its best efforts, science hasn’t been able to unlock the secrets of how pigeons find their way home – see page 40-41.

Coast & Country News wishes all our readers and advertisers a safe and happy holiday season and we look forward to bringing you more great articles in 2015.

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Head-on crash into end of an era Predicting what consumers buy before they know they want it, drones delivering packages to online shoppers and the ability to not only see but ‘touch’ consumer goods remotely are changing the face of retail.

E-commerce is growing 19 per cent year-on-year and before long 30 per cent of everything consumers spend will be spent online, believes global retail futurist Doug Stephens.

“During the last Christmas holiday season Amazon.com had 426 transactions per second in one day. That’s 37 million transactions” Doug says the challenge for e-commerce retailers is “to deliver the things we are buying to us fast enough”. Shipping has become the new moon race.

“Google is buying start-up digital lock boxes where consumers can pick up the things they buy 24/7 and eBay wants to deliver in one hour.

Doug Stephens says search engines will follow you like “Amazon is looking at drone helicopters, a cloud suggesting what to buy. but the German Post Office is already using them to deliver some packages. what to buy. Google now has an android device that Amazon is also looking at predictive shipping; connects on-site browsing to off line shopping. shipping something a little closer to you before you order.”

Everywhere store Doug says virtual reality goggles mean shoppers can “A transformation is taking place. The store is evebe “transported” to a shop on the other side of the rywhere around us, anywhere we want it to be.” world and have a conversation with sales staff.

In China a retailer has established 1000 virtual Now “haplography technology” is able to replicate stores, which can only be seen through smart devices the feel through sound vibrant by passing a stylus customers use to shop in them. One virtual store across a pad. “I’ve been told the feel of denim is so has been placed right in from of its major competiaccurate you can’t tell the difference from the real tor’s real store “but they can do that, as no one owns thing.” digital real estate”.

At five billion, there are more connected devices However, Doug doesn’t believe this means the end than people on earth and the number is set to swell of traditional retail. “We don’t shop purely for the to 50 billion. acquisition of a product no more than we go to a great restaurant for calorie intake. There’s more to Sensor pills shopping than that. Shopping is a way to relax, be “The future includes things we can’t even image, entertained and is social.” like ingesting pills with sensors which talk to our If “bricks and mortar” retailing didn’t have a place, physicians, healthcare providers or life insurance online retailers like Amazon wouldn’t be building real companies about our health. off-line stores.

“The refrigerator will know when we run out of say “Everything about how we shop and where we shop kiwifruit, know which brand we prefer and place an is changing. This is a not temporary thing, not blip. order. All we have to do is approve it.”

“I believe what we’re really seeing here is full headDoug says Ray Kuzweil of Google has predicted on crash into end of an era. It’s been a long era. For “in the future search engines won’t wait to be asked.

50 to 60 years retail always operated the same way.

They will already be listening, with your permission”.

“Mass media was dependable and effective. You That means when you’re out and about, a search could say with relative certainty how many people engine may give a “digital tap on the shoulder” would see you ad on TV or in the paper. The average through a mobile device, telling you the item you’d consumer’s tastes and preferences were relatively the been looking at online – such as a blender – is in a same.” store nearby.

“With our approval, search engines will listen to our Mount Everest lives in the background and make recommendations People today use their mobile devices in the TV about things we want or need,” says Doug. ad breaks. “Each of us experience 34 gigabyte of “Algorithm will follow you like a cloud suggesting information, 100,000 words every day. There are 400

million Twitter tweets a day and 4.5 billion Facebook likes.

“If all of the Instagram photos taken every 12 hours were printed, they’d pile up higher than Mount Everest.

“As a marketer this fast-moving herd of consumers flying everywhere is hard to hit with a message to buy. There is no more Joe Average.”

Doug Stephens was among keynote speakers at November’s Zespri Momentum Conference.

Retail isn’t dead – it’s just different, believes global retail futurists Doug Stephens.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 4

Alex Richardson believes in the need to protect Lake Taupo, but doing so comes at a cost to his farming business.

Cost of protecting lake Cover story

Alex and Anne Richardson’s property was once surrounded by other farms – but today it’s pines, not sheep and cattle, which largely populate their part of Taupo’s Western Bays.

The Richardson’s Bracken Brae farm and those of their immediate neighbours in Hingarae Rd have become islands of pasture surrounded by forestry in a dramatic change to land use designed to protect the quality of the waters of Lake Taupo.

Anne and Alex, who bought their 310 hectare farm in 1993, now need resource consent to farm;

and there’s a cap on the amount of stock they can carry.

“In effect we are required to work within our allocated nitrogen discharge allowances, which prevents us from further development to increase overall stock numbers or adopt higher leaching systems which may provide better returns,” says Alex.

“There is some room to increase productivity within our current system without impacting too greatly on our N leaching,” says the farmer, who believes similar restrictions, commonly known as NDAs, will be imposed on farms throughout New Zealand over time.

The cap is set under the ‘grand parenting’ system, which allocated the Richardson farm an NDA of 15kg/ha.

Alex says because farms are now valued partly on their NDAs, the need for resource consent and uncertainty around how successful farming under those restrictions will be, he estimates the value of their farm has dropped by at least $300,000 over and above normal market adjustments.

Grand parenting

“This reflects the fact our property is below the catchment average.

“This one of the inherent disparities of the grand parenting system in that farms are allocated their NDAs based on a snapshot in time meaning neighbouring farms, one a traditional breeding property and the other say with winter grazing dairy cows could achieve 15kg and perhaps 23kg respectively.

“That’s a difference of 8kg and based on a $300/kg value repre-

sents $2400/ha. It is a bitter pill to swallow.

“Over time, as more farms come under similar caps, I think the stigma will reduce and that will probably be reflected in land values too.”

Anne says the resource consent to farm requires the farm’s accounts to be submitted to Waikato Regional Council annually to assess production and stocking levels to ensure they remain within the cap.

“We are also required to pay for council to audit our books; and recently had to pay to have the person auditing the books, audited too.

“It doesn’t make sense to me as if the Inland Revenue Department decides to do an audit, they don’t charge you to do it,” says Anne.

Anne and Alex accept the need to protect the quality of the lake’s waters and agree those who contribute to nutrient leaching should play their part in reducing that impact.

Alex is now chairman of the Taupo Lake Care group of farmers and land owners, set up to work with council when the changes to land use rules were first mooted.

The science around nitrogen leaching says, in part, that nitrogen, particularly from urine excreted by

livestock, rapidly eventually finds its way into ground water, and so the lake.

Bush reserve

“There is a reserve of native bush between our property and the lake shore, we also have around 28ha which was retired from grazing in the late 1970s early 1980s as part of a scheme to protect the lake; so early on we thought we were doing everything required to provide a buffer between our farm and the lake,” says Alex. He wonders what impact forestry will have longterm on water quality. Currently, nitrogen leaching from forestry has been assessed at 3kg nitrogen per hectare, compared to 15 kg for the Richardson farm.

“However, not only is pine pollen rich in nitrogen but you only need look around the catchment to see how prolifically broom flourishes within forestry blocks and retired areas. The nitrogen leaching under broom is uncertain but there’s some conjecture that it’s considerately higher than our 15kg.

“Fifty years down the track will these actions be achieving the desired results? I also wonder what impact that will have as the trees mature and wind blows pollen into the lake.”

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Page 5

Bracken Brae now surrounded by pine plantations location is so strong he couldn’t do it.

“I think it would be tragic if all this was planted in pines and no one could ever again enjoy this stunning view,” says Alex, as he stands overlooking the lake.

He’s also sorry to see what were productive farms converted to forestry, much of it now owned by overseas superannuation funds.

Pines cast long shadows and it was to prevent the forestry depriving part of the farm of afternoon sun that Alex and Anne approached the forestry company to see if they could purchase 18.5ha on their road frontage.

This was agreed to and done, although with only 5kg of N, which doesn’t allow for any increase in stock.

The changes to farming around Lake Taupo have come about since the Waikato Regional Council enforced Variation No. 5 - Lake Taupo Catchment in 2011.

The new policy and rules aim to manage land use in the catchment, with some farming practices controlled or requiring consents. It also contains tighter controls for new urban development in the Lake Taupo catchment.

Buy nitrogen

New rules in the variation include limits on the annual average amount of nitrogen leached from rural land use activities; and dairy and drystock farming now require resource consents.

The rules allow nitrogen offsetting between properties, which council says is to provide flexibility for landowners to meet the new rule requirements.

In effect, if farmers want to exceed their nitrogen use, they must “buy nitrogen” from owners whose land use generates less nitrogen than is permitted under the rules – in other words, nitrogen trading. Currently, nitrogen sells for $300 per kilogram.

As part of the process to change land use and reduce nutrient leaching, an $80 million fund was set up to buy land in the catchment.

Although many of their neighbours decided to approach the Lake Protection Trust and offer their farms for sale, Alex and Anne didn’t.

It’s true Anne was tempted but Alex’s love of the land he’s worked so hard to farm well, his livestock, and the beauty of the Western Bay’s

Deep gully

Bracken Brae, a former Lands & Survey ballot block, begins from Hingarae Rd and rises steeply to a flat plateau.

About 20 per cent is steep country, with the remainder flat and rolling. The farm is bisected by the deep gully, and it’s along that rim that during the years Alex’s planted 28,000 trees, many exotics, including timber trees and others that provide food for native birds.

The farm runs 1406 mainly Perendale ewes, 436 hoggets, 20 rams, 121 Hereford cows, 52 yearling heifers, 59 yearling bulls, 45 twoyear-old bulls and four breeding bulls.

“A lot of the decisions we make for our farming systems are done for personal satisfaction, hence having breeding cows is largely due

to the fact I get a lot of pleasure from farming them rather than the economic returns being the primary consideration,” says Alex.

“In saying that, the demand for bulls from the dairy industry do make the Herefords a bit more lucrative than your standard beef cow operation.

“I love the challenge of continually trying to improve performance in our ewe flock and if you achieve your aims, this of course equates to improved returns.

“I like Perendales, their hardiness and spirited [some would say flighty] nature suits me and they do well in this land and climate.”

Alex is open to introducing other genetics to improve performance and put a shot of East Friesian through the flock 10 years ago.

“This had a positive impact on fertility and milking ability particularly in the hoggets but a negative impact on hardiness and wool quality.

“I think every breed has its strengths and weaknesses; it’s all about achieving the right balance to suit your purposes.”

At about 520 metres above sea level, winters can be harsh with frequent frosts and occasional snow, so hardy animals are essential.

Keeping the stock well-fed takes careful management, but fortunately the farm has sufficient flat land and good grass growing areas to make its own silage.

Lamb monitor farm, to put our calving date back a month.

“This freed up feed at a critical time for the ewes.”

Hoggets lambing has been practised for some years and he’d also like to achieve better performance there.

“It is vital we protect our environment not only for future generations but also because it’s more and more becoming an important marketing consideration, which we could perhaps use to greater benefit.

“But we need to set realistic achievable targets remembering that economic sustainability –both for the individual and the nation – is a major consideration.” By Elaine Fisher

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of the cycle trail called the Great Lake Trail, which opened in April.

“It’s a fantastic project and we were proud to be part of it.”

As to the future – Alex believes hard though the caps are, ways will be found to continue to farm profitably and sustainably.

That’s one of the reasons he’s keen to increase his lambing percentages from 143 and this spring has enjoyed some success achieving 154 per cent.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 6

Head for heights helps glorious NZ native Garry was just one badly-tied knot away from lying broken and twisted at the foot of the cliff against which he was hanging. A sheer drop to the weather-worn boulders 60 metres below. A fall now would kill him. No question.

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As he dangled precariously, knocking fist-sized chunks of loose rock into the void, my insides seethed with anxiety.

And I started to question the wisdom of what we were doing deep in the backblocks, seemingly a million miles away from any help.

I manage the operations of the Forest Lifeforce Restoration Trust, which runs eight regeneration and restoration projects involving threatened or near-extinct native New Zealand flora and fauna.

One of these is NZ’s rarest wild shrub, the Kakabeak, a member of the pea family also known by its botanical name of Clianthus maximus or as ngutukaka in te reo.

So severely have imported fauna impacted the plant that at one point there were only 80 specimens known to be growing in the wild throughout NZ. Exactly three months before, though, I’d found three more. They were one kilometre away, across inaccessible

Forest Lifeforce Restoration Trust patron Rachel Hunter, in a Kakabeak nursery. terrain and clinging to the side of a cliffface. But their spectacular, large, crimson flowers drew my eye and they were clearly visible through a spotting scope.

Curved bloom

The Kakabeak flowers in spring. The curved blooms hang in heavy bunches and look just like the beak of the parrot after which they’re named.

In years gone by, hundreds of plants grouped together would create a stunning spectacle. But today only a few lonely specimens remain in the wild, clinging to the inhospitable cliffs in a desperate defence against goats, deer and other exotic browsers.

Although grown widely in gardens, these domestic plants are all derivatives from just one or two wild plants. They’ve been interbred and have little or no genetic value.

The result is this magnificent plant holds the highest possible threatened plant ranking: Nationally Critical.

They’re so rare, these plants, that they all have names and I christened the three new discoveries Alan’s Plant, Helen’s Plant and Rachel’s Plant.

This was in honour of the sterling efforts being put into Kakabeak conservation by DOC stalwarts Alan Lee and Helen Jonas. And in appreciation of the ambassadorial role of Forest Lifeforce Restoration Trust patron, Kiwi icon Rachel Hunter.

Material gathered from newly-discovered Kakabeak play a crucial role in hauling the species back from the brink of extinction.

Seeds inject added vitality to the gene pool and enhance the robustness of the population, helping wild Kakabeak avoid the genetic flimsiness of their nursery-bred cousins.

And cuttings are used by Landcare Research plant geneticist Dr Gary Houliston to generate DNA profiles for each plant. These help greatly in the conservation effort.

Bush-bashing

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This is why, early that morning, four of us set out for the bluffs on which I’d spotted the three new plants.

My colleagues were a friend of mine, Gus Garaway, and keen climbers Garry Kane and Brett Gilmore.

A long drive and a tough bit of bush-bashing had brought us to the edge of the cliff from which Garry swung, his life hanging by a thread – by the look of his abseil rope.

Garry was hanging above one of the bushes, carefully harvesting its seed pods, each packed to bursting with small black seeds.

As my guts writhed at the sight of the cliff-face falling away, and the sound of loose rock clattering onto the boulder-field below, I was comforted marginally by the look of intense concentration and matter-of-fact calmness on his face.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 7

Endangered plant ‘dangling by a thread’ Here was a man in total control of his environment, doing what he loves to do.

That was when I realised my earlier misgivings were unjustified. The work is vital and exercises like this are absolutely necessary if some of our less well-known species aren’t going to slip away, unnoticed, into obscure extinction.

Our work with Kakabeak has been particularly rewarding because, given the rarity of the plant, the results are exponential. Where once science knew of just 80 wild-growing plants there are now nearly twice this number, many grown from wild seed and put back into the bush.

300 seedlings

The seed gathered by Garry in this single expedition alone resulted in 300 seedlings. Many of these will find their way back to our wild places, re-planted in places where they’ll be safe from predators.

The rest will be cared for in four specially-designed ‘seed nurseries’ we’ve established, or helped establish, around the North Island – from the Bay of Islands to Hawke’s Bay. We hope these nurseries will, during time, yield millions of seeds and masses

Garry Kane collected 300 rare Kakabeak seeds on this climb.

of seedlings conservationists nationwide can use to re-establish viable colonies of wild-growing Kakabeak.

It is this vision I held on to while Garry swung round in his harness and flashed me a smile of triumph. “All good now, mate, I’m starting the climb back up. Job done.”

About the Forest Lifeforce Restoration Trust was established in 2006 to provide direction and funding for the restoration of threatened species of fauna and flora, and to restore the ngahere mauri (forest life-force) in New Zealand native forests.

It runs eight main regeneration and restoration projects, involving native New Zealand flora and fauna, on three properties in the central North Island. It also owns a property in the South Island’s Fiordland National Park.

In addition to its work with Kakabeak the Forest Lifeforce Restoration Trust is fast carving out a name for itself with one of the most prolific and successful kiwi conservation initiatives in the country, the Maungataniwha Kiwi Project.

Other native flora and fauna regeneration projects include the re-establishment of native plants and forest on 4000 hectares currently, or until recently, under pine.

Pest-free NZ the aim

A group of New Zealanders and independent businesses are joining forces with government agencies to pursue a predator-free New Zealand – eradicating all rats, possums, stoats and other predators, so our native wildlife can flourish. The group has formed the Predator Free New Zealand Trust and will engage everyday New Zealanders in their quest. Predator Free New Zealand chairman Devon McLean says the secret weapon in this battle is the countless number of New Zealanders, mainly volunteers, already dedicating millions of hours to controlling predators. However, becoming predator-free will not be an easy task and will require new innovation and real commitment from all New Zealanders. “We believe the only way New Zealand can be predator-free is if all Kiwis, in every community, in every region, join in the fight.”

Regions growing

All 14 New Zealand regions recorded an increase in economic activity in the September quarter, according to ANZ’s latest quarterly Regional Trends.

Annual growth in economic activity was the strongest in: • Northland, up 6.3 per cent • Canterbury, up 4.7 per cent • Waikato, up 4.4 per cent • Otago, up 4.4 per cent • Bay of Plenty, up 4.3 per cent.

Growth was slowest in Hawke’s Bay, up 2.3 per cent, Gisborne, up 2.7 per cent, West Coast, up 2.8 per cent, and Taranaki, up 2.9 per cent. Auckland’s growth was 3.4 per cent and Wellington’s three per cent.

Farm sales up 17 per cent

The latest rural market statistics shows there were 346 farm sales in the three months to end of October 2014, down 0.9 percent on October 2013.

In total 1920 farms were sold in the year to October 2014, and although this is 17.9 per cent more than were sold in the year to October 2013, the annual rate of annual increase is slowing. The median price per hectare for all farms for the three months to October 2014 was $27,898, up 13.5 per cent on the same time last year.

But the REINZ Farm Price Index, which adjusts for differences in farm size, type and location, was up a more modest 1.9 per cent on the same time last year.

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Pete Shaw is a trustee of the Forest Lifeforce Restoration Trust, a privately-funded organisation providing direction and funding for the restoration of threatened species of fauna and flora.

Page 8

COAST & COUNTRY

‘Dark stores’ shine light on retail’s future Dark stores may be part of an enlightened revolution in grocery shopping with significant benefits for fresh produce such as fruit, vegetables, meat and cheese.

Market Intelligence managing director Chris White says supermarket shopping is not pleasurable, but a chore for many.

Market Intelligence is publisher of ‘Eurofruit’ and ‘Asiafruit’ among other fresh produce trade magazines.

Thanks to dark stores, fresh produce may be part of the rejuvenation of enjoyable shopping, as evidenced by what’s happening in Europe; and dark stores in France are a model for how

retail might evolve.

Chris explains dry goods, like toilet paper and detergent, are ordered online and collected from a drive-in dark store, where the customer present a receipt for the groceries.

“The guy from the big black box brings out the shopping and puts it in your car. There are 3000 of these drivein stores in France.”

Next to a drive-in Chris visited is a big, fresh market offering fruit and vegetables, meat and cheeses from all over the world.

Beautiful store

“This does not seem like normal supermarket. It feels like a traditional market in a French town on a Sunday morning.

Market Intelligence managing director Chris White says consumers want some excitement in the way they buy food.

The building is a huge archway, which has a ceiling decorated with images of fresh produce.

Another innovation is the emergence of a small retailer owning five to six outlets, which are essentially farmers markets with difference.

“They didn’t want to be amateur, but want to borrow all the high skill expertise of retail.”

They’ve brought together producers from the regions, partnering with only one supplier of each product such as eggs and poultry in each region.

“What this is doing is making sure the producMarket Intelligence managing director Chris White, ers feel they have an investment in that store; and with an image of the “architectural masterpiece” which they don’t have to compete with other suppliers.” is Rotterdam’s farmers market.

“It is a beautiful store, the kind of store where I’d like to buy fresh fruit and vegetables.”

Another example found in the port city of Rotterdam is “a farmers market which is an architectural masterpiece where people sell primarily fruit and vegetables”.

Supply chain

The retailer also wants to democratise the supply chain. “Each and every trolley in supermarket has signs, which talk about cutting out all bits in middle to make sure the producer gets to the consumer through a retail outlet with a short supply chain.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 9

FTA saves millions The free trade agreement with South Korea will eventually save exporters millions of dollars in tariffs.

Horticulture Export Authority chief executive Simon Hegarty says South Korea is NZ’s seventh largest export market with exports in 2014 amounting to NZ$64 million.

However, these exports attracted an estimated NZ$25 million in tariffs at an average 39 per cent of the value.

New Zealand exports 60 per cent of its horticulture production at a value of NZ$2.4b and South Korea is the destination for almost three per cent of that.

However, Simon says tariffs have contributed to the decline in trade to this market in the last two years.

The 45 per cent tariff on kiwifruit alone amounted to a cost of $20m or an average $7820 per grower, while the cost to the 40 buttercup squash growers was $2.9m or an average of $73,000 per grower. The new deal eliminates 93 per cent of NZ’s current tariffs within five years, on kiwifruit and buttercup squash that make up 85 per cent of our current trade. (Source HortNZ newsletter)

Bricks and mortar retailing at ‘tipping point’ “I thought this was bizarre.

I thought people don’t want to know about supply chain, but talking to shoppers I found they did understand what it’s all about and responded favourably.

“What the retailer is also doing is showing exactly what the costs of the supply chain are. “For a product that costs three Euro the supplier gets two Euro, the retailers takes 81 Euro and the customer pays 19 Euro in tax.”

Despite the fact the supply chain isn’t short, Chris says the retailer does stock New Zealand kiwifruit because its customers want it.

Tipping point

“We have reached a tipping point, where standard brick and mortar retail has got to find ways to interact with consumer who want some excitement in the way they buy food.”

Big supermarket chains like Tesco are losing market share to discounters and other competition. “Tesco, I would suggest, is not doing what it needs to do to market fruit and vegetables and the rest of its offering as it should.”

Chris believes it’s important producers, including kiwifruit orchardists, understand consumers and the markets – “as knowledge is vital to their business”.

Rotterdam’s farmers market in the Netherlands.

The market for fresh fruit and vegetables is constantly changing and there’s an increasing demand for quality, taste and novelty.

Chris is impressed not only with the taste and appearance of the new Zespri gold variety G3 but also its name SunGold.

“That’s a good name, which will attract new interest to the category.

“When it comes to fruit it’s all about taste. People remember a really good taste experience and that prompts them to purchase again.”

For the last 26 years Chris has travelled the world writing about fruit and vegetable growing, harvesting and marketing; and it’s a job he loves, even if it’s not the career he set out on.

Chris went to university in England to study languages and speaks French, German, Italian and Spanish. “I’d always been interested in journalism but didn’t know anything about trade magazines, until I was offered a job with one.”

Today Chris is managing director of Market Intelligence, the publisher of ‘Eurofruit’, ‘Asiafruit’, ‘Americafruit’, ‘Fresh Convenience’ and ‘Produce Plus’, as well as the ‘Fresh Produce Journal’.

Chris joined Market Intelligence in 1988, becoming ‘Eurofruit’ editor in 1992. He helped to launch ‘Asiafruit’ in 1996 and ‘Americafruit’ in 2000. He was among the keynote speakers at November’s Zespri’s Momentum conference in Tauranga.

By Elaine Fisher

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 10

Over-liming cause of farmer’s woes A farmer, we’ll call him Mr X, purchased a dairy farm in 2005.

It has about 240 effective hectares and runs 650 milking cows, with about 200 rising one-year-old heifers.

Another 200 rising two-yearolds are grazed off the farm.

Little did he know the farm had been subject to poor fertiliser activity and was rundown.

Stock health was consequently shocking, with more than 200 lame cows and “average” milk production.

Up to 2014, between 250 and 450 cows had to be wintered off for eight to nine weeks.

Calving just could not take place in certain paddocks, as milk fever in particular was a huge problem.

Raincoats had to be worn at milking time, and that wasn’t because there was no roof on the cowshed.

Nitrogen-rich with potassium more phosphates were applied, exacerbating the problem even further.

Meanwhile, Mr X sought advice from vets and several fertiliser companies once soil tests showed problems that needed correcting.

Things actually worsened when bad advice resulted in the farm being overlimed.

That was 2011; and it ultimately resulted in 30-35 dead cows from milk fever and the soil collapsed under the weight of the cows.

The soil had just lost what little structure it had, and cows were knee-

deep in some paddocks.

Tuberculosis became an issue as trace elements continued to decline.

None of the consultants put their finger on the problems, and none of them solved a thing.

That included high-profile consultants from Hamilton. All who tried failed – and 10,000kg DM/ ha plummeted to 6000kg DM/ha.

Rainfall on the farm was 2800mm per annum, and the grass wasn’t growing.

Pasture-pulling was rife. The amount of purchased feed increased. Potassium chloride was

used on hay paddocks and the soil became hard and compacted in summer.

Clover was non-existent with few earthworms surviving. High chlorides had been measured in the soil and plants. They are still high, despite no chlorides being applied for three years.

Mr X met Ron McLean, founder of Kiwi Fertiliser and Alastair Dagg, a fertiliser consultant in 2012.

Year 2012 2013 2014 2015

Cows 650 680 500 630

MS 243,000 192,000 217,000 255,000 (est)

Supplements high feed input moderate input reasonable input none planned

Sometime soon after this meeting, Alastair decided to join up with Kiwi Fertiliser.

Farmer X did the same. He was attracted by the science Ron and Alastair told him.

Soil samples were taken and sent to Perry Agricultural Laboratories in Missouri; from there results were forwarded to Kinsey Agricultural Services for recommendations, and back to Kiwi Fertiliser for fine-tuning.

The problem was obvious: overliming. Calcium was 82 per cent of base saturation, when on the PAL soil test, when 68 per cent is the correct amount.

Over-liming reduces magnesium and ties up trace elements, among other problems.

(Refer to Neal Kinsey’s article about too much lime at www.kinseyag.com).

BASE SATURATION PERCENT Calcium (60 to 70%) Magnesium (10 to 20%) Potassium (2 to 5%) Sodium (.5 to 3%) Other Bases (Variable)

}80%

EXCHANGEABLE HYDROGEN (10 to 15%)

The farm received a high dose of magnesium sulphate, some trace elements and was on the way to recovery.

This is a hill-farm. Pasture production has recovered from a low of about 6000kg DM/ ha, to 11,000kg Dm/ha in 2012 and 2013 and is currently tracking towards 14,500kg DM/ha.

The target is to get to 18,000kg DM/ha.

Recent production has been as below.

R 2yrs all off-farm all off-farm (dry) 100 on farm 120 on farm (silage made)

Some of the improvements since applying Kiwi Fertiliser recommendations include the cows getting their full quota of energy. Pasture growth has improved in quality and quantity.

Clover has reappeared. The milk tastes better and is still improving.

Milk fever cases have dropped from 10 per day to nil.

Copious quantities of minerals used to be fed. Only salt and dolomite are offered now.

The cows are on a longer rotation and the grass keeps quality for longer.

Wintering off is no longer practised. All paddocks can be used for calving and worm populations have recovered to 20-plus per spade spit.

About a year after starting with Kiwifert, Farmer X read Neal Kinsey’s book ‘Hands on Agronomy’. The rules governing soil fertility are all there. He’d been looking for answers for years; now he’s finally found them.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 11

Crying ‘fowl’ wins competition

A photo of two rosters playing soccer published in last month’s Coast & Country News amused many readers but it’s Beverly Hurst of Te Puke who has won the caption competition with: “Did you see that Ref? A definite Fowl (foul)”.

For her entry Beverly will receive the book ‘Hunters and the Hunted’ by Graeme Sturgeon, published by The Halcyon Press.

Shane Avison of Tirau’s caption was also spot on - “The Roosters practice for their big game against the Phoenix”.

November caption Prize

Every hunt, every expedition into the backblocks broadened Greg Fagg’s appreciation of what it is to be a hunter.

“I believe every novice begins as a shooter and only with the learning tools such as gained by guidance, success, failure, embarrassment, regret and

N NIE

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FU

to shoot accurately and finding time for important things – like hunting.

Greg has hunted over all of New Zealand’s three islands in pursuit of game animals and tested himself and his fitness hunting big red deer, tahr and chamois.

To be in to win ‘Hunting under the Southern Cross’ email your suggested captions for the photo above, along with your name and address and with ‘Country Funnies’ as the subject: to elaine@thesun. co.nz Or put these details and captions on the back of an envelope and post to: Country Funnies, Coast & Country News, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110 to arrive no later than December 17. The winning caption will be published in Coast & Country News January issue.

If you have a ‘Country Funnies’ photo, we’d love the chance to publish it and invite readers to submit their caption suggestions.

Post your photos to Country Funnies, Coast & Country News, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110 or email them to elaine@thesun.co.nz with ‘Country Funnies” as the subject. Don’t forget to include your name, address and phone number.

Y

C

O U NT R

Specialising in Specialising in • • • • • •

• Removal chipping of whole tr Removal / chipping/ of whole trees On site for chipping for pads stand off p On site •chipping stand off • Wood chip for sale Wood chip for sale Orchardremoval shelter removal Orchard• shelter • Stump removal Stump removal Woodlot marketing all tree s Woodlot• marketing of all tree of species

general experience, does one develop an appreciation of hunting,” he writes in his book ‘Hunting under the Southern Cross’ published

by Halcyon Press.

Greg’s introduction to hunting began when his father took him duck shooting at aged four – “because a father wanted to introduce a son to something he was passionate about…something manly and primal”.

To go hunting and return with food for the table or freezer was as primal as one could get, Greg writes.

This book tells Greg’s story from those early childhood memories, to working in the South Island high country, without much time to hunt, to joining the New Zealand Army and learning how

Cosmetic Medicine

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Page 12

Front mower suits cut and carry Maxam has recently released to the New Zealand market a new front mount mower that has proven ideal for cut and carry operations.

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This is, as well as the more traditional dual mower, the set up often used by contractors.

Nick Barnes of Maxam Machinery Ltd says the new mower leaves a tidy and compact windrow that suits the pickups on the wagons typically used in these systems.

The 2.8 metre cut width is also well matched to the wagon’s grass filling capacity. The outside PVC-covered wings fold up hydraulically for a narrow transport width, which is important not only on the road but in the shed when emptying and manoeuvring around the yard.

“A key feature of the Maxam FM2800 front mower is the rugged simplicity of the whole unit, and the amazing groundfollowing capabilities.

“A radical new design uses a floating headstock to allow the mower to

The Maxam FM2800 front mower features rugged simplicity and amazing ground-following capabilities. glide freely over all contours, yet still handle the knocks that so often wreck other front mowers.”

This system doesn’t rely on springs or complicated linkages, so is extremely easy to put on and take off the tractor.

“In keeping with the rest of the Maxam Mower range, the FM2800 front mower is extremely simple and robust.

“The headstock incorporates a spring loaded crash protection system and the single V Belt

drive compliments the two purpose built cutting discs.”

The mower is just as happy to be paired up with another rear mower (can be a disc mower), and used as a dual combination.

The mower is very gentle with the cut grass and consequently creates very little radiatorclogging dust – a common problem with other front mowers. Contact the Team at Maxam Machinery for more info, or if you’d like a live demonstration. Freephone 0800 36 27 76.

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then decisions on how best to treat the symptoms.

Tineke Verkade provides assistance with both steps in the second edition of her book ‘Homeopathy for Horses’.

Beautifully illustrated and clearly and concisely written, this handbook begins with an introduction to homeopathy, instructions on how to care for homeopathic products and steps to successful prescribing and administration of the products.

The section on animal ailments gives a detailed description of homeopathic remedies for a comprehensive range of ailments; and how to select the most appropriate product for each condition and animal.

Tineke, who has a BHSc in complementary medicine and is a former registered nurse, founded her company Homeopathic Farm Support in 1997 initially to help dairy farmers with the use of homeopathy in a safe and effective way.

Since then she and the company have won a number of awards, including the Enterprising Rural Women supreme award and the

Federated Farmers Cream of the Crop award, both in 2010.

She has also won a strong following among farmers and horse owners, thanks to the successful results they’ve achieved using her homeopathic products.

Among those endorsing Tineke and ‘Homeopathy for Horses’ is Janine Dunlop, of Phoenix Park, who has been using homeopathic products for 22 years.

“Homeopathy is a wonderful and economical way to heal my horses’ ailments. Homeopathy has made my life much easier because horses don’t like needles; and with homeopathy I can just walk up to the horse, even without a halter, with no fight from the horse.”

Tinker says homeopathy is a safe and effective form of treatment, which treats the whole animal, works on the body’s defence mechanism to effect improvements, shortens duration of the disease, is economical and there’s no withholding periods, as in drug testing, before a race.

Coast & Country News has a copy of ‘Homeopathy for Horses’ by Tineke Verkade to give away.

To be in to win, email your name and address, with Book Prize as the subject, to: elaine@ thesun.co.nz Or put these details on the back of an envelope and post to: Coast & Country Book Prize, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110, to arrive no later than December 17. The winner will be announced in Coast & Country’s January issue.

FEED MANAGEMENT

Wasp control losing ‘sting’ The parasitoid wasp introduced in the mid-1990s to control Argentine stem weevil is not as effective now as when first introduced.

The Foundation for Arable Research, along with Beef+Lamb and DairyNZ are currently working with AgResearch on an MPI Sustainable Farming Fund project to develop a better understanding of the extent of damage the insect is causing on farms.

The research also looks at the effect of the bio control agent and how farmers are managing the weevil, commonly referred to as ASW. This information will be used to determine the risk of ASW to ryegrass and cereals and gain an updated understanding of the role of the parasitoid in ASW control.

It’s hoped by the end of the project, farmers and growers will have new strategies for best management of ASW in the face of reduced parasitism.

Argentine stem weevils occur throughout New Zealand and are a perennial pest in seedling maize. Larvae are the damaging stage and peak numbers in spring coincide with the main period of maize planting.

Maize sown after pasture, annual ryegrass or cereal crops, or cropped areas with lots of grass weeds, are likely to suffer ASW damage, says a report compiled by Paul Addison, AgResearch, Ruakura Research Centre, Hamilton, on the FAR website.

Damage is characterised by the centre leaf of the seedling wilting and turning grey-green in colour.

Removal of the plant from the soil will reveal a pin head sized hole at the base of the plant.

Fallow period

The best method of controlling ASW larvae is the implementation of a fallow period of four-six weeks prior to planting. It’s important to note the fallow period starts only when all vegetation, especially grass,

Page 13

is completely buried.

During the fallow period, the ASW larvae move to the soil surface where they die from starvation and desiccation. Cultivate to achieve a fine, even seedbed ensuring all clods are broken up to hasten vegetation breakdown.

In crops planted following a short fallow period into areas where there’s a risk of ASW damage an insecticide should be used.

Argentine stem weevil, Listronotus bonariensis, were first recorded in New Zealand in 1927 but it wasn’t until 1933 the species was recognised as a pest.

Now they’re regarded as one of the country’s major insect pests. Both adult and larvae feed on a wide range of graminaceous host plants including grasses, cereals and maize.

Distinct snout

The weevil has a wide distribution, occurring as a pest throughout New Zealand. Adult weevils are threefour millimetres long, hard-bodied and light to dark grey-brown in colour. They have a distinct snout, like all weevils, and three whitish stripes on the thorax.

Adult weevils are excellent fliers with large dispersal flights in mid-summer. Adults overwinter on the crowns of the plants and mate in early spring. The adults can be a problem in newly-sown grass but causes no damage in maize.

First generation larval numbers peak OctoberNovember, coinciding with the main planting period for maize.

New adults begin emerging and laying eggs from early December onwards. Egg laying ceases early March when females enter a winter resting stage. Climatic variations from year to year have little impact on ASW populations.

Maize can become infested with ASW larvae if it’s sown too soon – less than four weeks –after cultivation from pasture, annual ryegrass or cereal crops, or in previously cropped ground where grass weeds are present.

Supplementary feeds all wrapped up Independent Wrap are importers and wholesalers of quality agricultural products to assist New Zealand rural contractors with harvesting silage and hay.

the agricultural industry has to offer.

Lydia travels overseas not only to source agricultural products, but to keep up-todate with the latest trends and technological advances, selecting those most-suited to New Zealand conditions, to add to the company’s inventory.

Every few years during visits to Europe, to develop rela“We source high quality tionships with suppliers and products from Europe and The right wrap to protect supplementary source new products, she takes we are competitively priced feeds is crucial. the opportunity to attend the because we are dealing direct,” agricultural field day in the UK manager in the Waikato area, Rob says Independent Wrap owner and called Grasslands – to increase her Haynes, joined the team in 2014. founder Lydia Dickinson. knowledge and be up-to-date with The company imports silage film, Rob is based in Cambridge and current trends within the industry. services the North Island. bale net, bale twine for big square, Quality is high among the attribHe has a background in selling medium square, conventional fuel to rural areas of Northland and utes Lydia looks for in products, and round bales and pit covers. the Waikato, enjoys being outdoors especially those used to wrap and “We also offer a reliable efficient and meeting new people. Rob is protect valuable supplementary service.” also excited about the challenges Independent Wrap sales area feeds like maize and grass silage.

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JCL

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Silage stack protection guaranteed Throwing old tyres onto a silage stack is possibly the least popular seasonal farm job, consuming time without guaranteeing maize silage quality when it comes to opening it up again.

Secure Covers can now offer a silage cover that promises to protect your winter feed while eliminating the need for tyres.

It also ensures feed quality is locked in and makes stack manage-

ment easier.

Another important benefit is bird and rodent damage is minimised when using Secure Covers.

Secure Covers silage covers are widely used in the UK and US and have proven popular with NZ farmers for the four years since the covers have been introduced to NZ. The polyethylene UV-resistant netting is placed over a standard polythene sheet and is held down along the seams and edges using bags made of the same material and filled with pea metal.

The dense, strong nature of the

knitted cover places it close to the polythene’s surface, reducing windlift and minimising unwanted air intrusion to damage silage quality.

Some farmers may prefer to continue using the tyres they’ve accumulated over the years, and the tough nature of the cover means tyres can be thrown onto the stack without fear of ripping a hole in it.

A full Secure Cover system, including Secure Gravel bags, for a typical 12m by 30m silage stack costs about $2200.

The polythene below can also be used again and covering it will be quicker without messy tyres.

Loyalty and trust vital in industry PRE-CAST CONCRETE & STEEL CONSTRUCTION SPECIALISTS

It could be two to three years before USA and South American beef producers recover from recent droughts, which is good news for New Zealand farmers.

Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre Industry Group chairperson Rick Powdrell says while farmers don’t wish their international competitor’s ill, the fact is it will take some time for cattle numbers to recover, leaving markets open for NZ meat.

While tough times for competitors is currently financially benefiting Kiwi farmers, Rick says the focus must be on long-term profitability of the industry – and that’s why it’s important for farmers to be part of discussions about the shape of the industry going forward.

This includes considering proposals put forward in Federated Farmers’ meat industry options discussion paper ‘Meat & Fibre and Environment’ complied by

policy advisor Sarah Crofoot.

“Farmers have to realise that as producers, we hold a lot of power and need to be part of the decision-making for the future.”

Rick says farmers also need to remember the companies involved in processing and exporting their meat have invested significantly in the industry.

“They are successful and efficient businesses, which have done great things for farmers. They need farmer loyalty to continue to do so,” says Rick.

“Loyalty and trust between farmers and meat companies is very important.

“There are still farmers who conduct the ‘Sunday night auction’ ringing around to see who will offer the best price.

“On the other hand, companies also appear to be rewarding quantity over quality. Not paying a premium for quality is sending the wrong message.”

By Elaine Fisher

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 15

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Page 16

FARM, SAFETY & SECURITY

Seven steps to firearm safety When it comes to safety with a firearm there are normally no second chances. But if everyone adheres to the seven basic rules, by rights there should never be a problem.

Mind you we are human; and we do make mistakes.

Listed are the basic rules, which every firearm owner should know and have committed by memory.

Rule 1: Treat every firearm as loaded.

Basically even if you know the firearm is empty and the bolt is removed, treat as loaded. If the firearm is handed to you check for yourself that the breach is clear, always keep your finger off the trigger. Never look down the muzzle (the business end of the firearm).

Rule 2: Always point firearms in a safe direction.

This rule should be self-explanatory. Always know your environment never point it at people or yourself, never point it at walls as you don’t know who or what is on the other side. Remember to pay attention to where you place firearm as to the environment you are situated in.

Rule 3: Load a firearm only when ready to fire.

Only load your firearm when you are ready to shoot.

For example, if your rifle is being carried it should done so with an empty chamber. It only takes one second to load your firearm. When you arrive at your cabin or hut completely unload your firearm, including the magazine, and double check it.

When it comes to semi autos shotguns and rifles always have your safety on, be very aware of your environment. This includes where the muzzle is pointed.

Have your safety checked on a regular basis.

Rule 4: Identify your target beyond all doubt.

When checking your target it is always human unless proved otherwise. Never shoot on movement. Never shoot on sound. Never shoot on a shape, and last of all never shoot on colour.

Rule 5: Check your firing zone.

When firing at a range, on your own property or out hunting, always know your zone. Always think what

will happen if I miss; if the round or projectile goes straight through; deflects and what is the carry range or the limits of the round you are firing.

Rule 6: Store firearms and ammunition safely.

Always store your firearms safely this includes air guns. Always store them in a certified safe (from your favourite shooting store), always have it locked and the keys put in safe place. (Only you should know where the keys are stored). All ammunition should be stored separately and safely Rule 7: Avoid alcohol and drugs when handling firearms.

Drinking or taking drugs while in control of a firearm is a big no. This should never be done. EVER!!! I cannot stress this enough.

If you’d like to know anything about how to handle or the safest way to use a firearm, please do not hesitate to contact us.

We also coach clay target shooting, so we can go through form, fit and function of your chosen firearm.

If you like to give it a go you can also contact the Bay of Plenty Clay Target Club.

If rifle shooting is your thing contact the Tauranga NZ Deerstalkers Association or if pistol is your thing contact the Tauranga Pistol Club. All of these clubs are up at TECT Park.

Last note: Firearms have never in their history hurt someone. People hurt people.

By Glenn Tuck, Bronco’s Outdoors Tauranga

DAIRY

Page 17

Fostering the next generation of judges The next generation of livestock judges is being fostered with impressive results, by the Royal Agricultural Society Young Judges Competition.

Following his win in the contest at the Waikato A&P Show last year, St Paul’s collegiate pupil Gordon Fullerton, 17, of Hamilton, will represent New Zealand at Sydney Royal Easter Show in 2015.

Gordon won the right to represent New Zealand when he competed in Hannah Cameron and Rhea Nelis during the Royal Agricultural the national stock judging finals at Society Young Judges Competition at the Waikato A&P Show.

Manawatu A&P Show, winning the dairy judging and dairy parading sections. of these competitions at A&P shows around the disGordon also came tricts; and hold a district final to find competitors third in the wool eligible to compete for the national titles.” and beef judging The 2014 Waikato A&P Show contest competitions. attracted eight contestants, three from HamWinner of the ilton Boys’ High School, one from Hamilton competition Girls’ High School, three Hamilton City at this year’s Young Farmers Club memWaikato A&P bers and a member Show is Graham from the North Johnson, 16, King Country from Hamilton Club.

Boys’ High School, Second who’ll compete at place-getter the 2015 Royal is Hannah Show in the Cameron Rhea Nelis judging a fleece Hawke’s Bay. from the during the Royal Agricultural Waikato A&P Hamilton Society Young Judges Show senior City Club.

Competition at the Waikato vice-president Although A&P Show.

Doug Lineshe hails from ham, who is a a dairy farm member of the executive combackground, mittee for the Mid-Northern Hannah’s Brothers William District A&P Society, says a qualified and James Robertson pilot and an the competitions for those were contestants in aged 15-25 are part of a instructor at the Royal Agricultural the Hamilton deliberate strategy to engage Society Young Judges Airport. young people from all Competition at the backgrounds in agricultural Her second Waikato A&P Show. placing at activities.

“This year we held the show also a training day at the qualifies her to participate in 2015’s Frankton Sale Yards to national finals of the Young Judges teach young people how Competition.

Contestants try their hand at judging to recognise the key Sophia Clark from the North rams during the Royal Agricultural points in livestock judg- Society Young Judges Competition at the King Country Club was third. ing. That was followed She’s a herd manager on dairy Waikato A&P Show. by the competition at farm but was a general shepherd the Waikato A&P Show. on Te Kuiti sheep and beef stations and is from “Looking ahead to 2015 we hope to run a number a non-farming background.

Young Farmers Upper North Island field officer Casey Huffstutler was among those co-ordinating the Waikato A&P Show event and she too is enthusiastic about the contest.

“This is the second year the Waikato A&P show has resurrected the Royal Ag Society Young Judges Competition,

starting something that seems to be on the revival.

“It’s fantastic to see young people having a go, honing their skills in judging wool types, dairy, sheep and beef breeds. The contest also helps these young people with public speaking skills.”

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Page 18

DAIRY

Tick disease is spreading rapidly The ‘tick disease’ theileria has continued its march through the dairy cattle herds of Auckland and the Waikato, but also in the Bay of Plenty.

holding period and an 18 month meat withholding period and some other conditions of use.

An additional option is to give a blood transfusion, which does give an immediate response in the worst affected cows. Some cows will recover with just supportive care, vitamin injections and tonics.

“Nationwide more than 1000 cases have been reported since September 2012 but we know many more have Tick control occurred and are unreported,” says Dr Phil Rennie of Tauranga Vets says the best “The most important preventative David McDonnell of Tauranga Vets. preventative measure for theileria is controlling measure you can take is to control With 29 new farms being infected ticks on cattle. ticks on your cattle with Flumethrin or each week it’s now virtually certain destruction of the red blood cells.

Bayticol. every cattle farm, both dairy and beef, Symptoms include: lethargy, weakness, “Summer is a good time for this with the will become infected at some time. depression, loss of appetite, poor milk aim of reducing the number of ticks before Distribution generally follows the known production, mortality, pale or yellow mucous winter. “However, if you have seen ticks, or distribution of the cattle tick, but there have membranes ie gums, vulva and sclera, you have cows sick with theileria, the best been confirmed cases on the West Coast of increased respiration and heart rates, raised time to treat for ticks was yesterday; the next the South Island and other random occurtemperature, bloody urine. Farmers who sus- best time is today or tomorrow.” rences outside the tick zone. pect they have animals with anaemia should Don’t forget stock movement including Many cows are infected without becoming contact a veterinarian for advice. bulls – all stock should be treated coming on clinically ill, while others are devastated by to or leaving the farm. the infection and do not survive.

Flumethrin is available in five litre packs, September is the peak month for new infec- Treatment options enough to treat 100 adults, at a cost of less There is a treatment (Buparvaquone) availtions, no doubt associated with the stress then $4 per animal. There is no milk or meat able, which will improve chance of survival, of calving and weather. The effect of the parasite is to cause anaemia in the cow due to but the drug comes with a 43 day milk with- withholding period applicable.

Animal health – does risk outweigh cost?

In our farming enterprises do we manage, ignore or gamble with risk?

In some farming sectors the economic outlook in the short-term is a little muted as the inventory cycle rebalances internationally. Discussion has centred on blanket expense reduction and capital deferral, but this

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may prove risky.

Many outside observers acknowledge NZ farmers can and do live with risk.

Our competitive low-cost pastoral grazing system is the envy of the world.

However, it does bring with it a set of challenges.

Namely, it’s vulnerable to climate and to environmental responsibility.

This is, without the legislative and market forces, affected your business too.

In all there’s a lot of moving parts to go wrong.

A reduced economic forecast is a time to reassess many expenses, but you need to assess the impact of risk – not just economic response or return to an input. Many farmers understand the environmental and legislative risks in their business in the areas of effluent management and farm staff.

They’re working hard in this area with support of industry organisations and affiliates. For the purposes of this discussion we’ll focus on some risks that arise from animal health and productivity.

It’s important to assess some of the key animal health risks and potential financial cost if systems, procedures or costs are saved.

It’s worth talking to your veterinary health advisor when you assess your animals’ health. The impact of a disaster in animal health could effectively push stretched overdrafts to their limit.

Mastitis costs an average NZ Dairy farmer about $11,500 per annum.

Consider what would happen to that figure if teat spraying costs of $3471 were reduced or even dry cow therapy?

Machine checks or a liner change? The increase in mastitis may cost a lot more than what would have been saved.

Lameness in a herd is valued at $500 per clinical case. NZ data suggests lameness can be as high as 10 per cent in many herds. So for an average farm it could be $15,000.

Can you afford to defer expenditure to maintain races?

Data suggests an empty cow costs $1000 and every one per cent reduction in six week in-calf rate costs $1200 for an average dairy herd.

How much money is left on the table by not ensuring all cows are submitted and mated within the three-four week mating period? What risks do you run by only having one or two bulls? What happens if one goes lame?

Bovine Viral Diarrhoea is a risk when you cannot guarantee biosecurity of your farm. The bulls used in your beef or dairy herd must be vaccinated and tested as BVD non-carriers. The economic impact of BVD can be $11,334 in a herd.

Theileriosis is a new threat that has emerged in the last two years, with economic costs quoted from $1000 to $200,000.

What is your grazing management policy with regard to controlling the tick environment? Is quarantine and strategic treatment of off-farm grazed stock or stock on-farm with Flumethrin justified for the risk?

The good news many of these risks in the animal health area don’t necessarily incur direct costs, but require a considered and robust policy that doesn’t expose your business to further downside risks and financial impact in what is a compromised season.

DAIRY

Page 19

Heifer-rearing focus for farm open day An open day will be held at the Waikato focus farm near Te Kuiti, owned by graziers Murray and Janet Easton, on December 9

from 11am-3pm.

Both graziers and dairy farmers are encouraged to attend with key topics including target weights and feed planning, animal health issues, managing the grazierdairy farmer relationship and setting calves up for the run-off.

The focus farms will showcase good practice, provide a forum for sharing experiences and be actively involved in the development of knowledge, tools and resources for both graziers and dairy farmers.

DairyNZ is establishing the focus farms in collaboration with dairy farmers, graziers, grazing companies and industry organisations Beef + Lamb and LIC. Other focus farms will be located in Northland, Manawatu, and North Otago.

The Waikato heifer-rearing focus farm field day is on Tuesday, December 9 from11am-3pm at Murray and Janet Easton’s farm, 617 State Highway 4, Te Kuiti.

Lunch is provided.

Lower payout unmasks the real problem The simple remedy for a lower dairy payout is to produce more kilograms of milk solids; but in nearly every situation that works only if the extra is generated from pasture.

To produce more from pasture, an increase in the total amount grown is required. And the unpalatable truth is annual pasture production is on a steady decline and has been for the last 20 years.

Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries pasture growth figures from various areas in the Waikato for the years 1978 – 1982 were as high as 18,250kgDM/ha, without the use of fertiliser nitrogen.

Figures from DairyNZ Monitor properties are no longer measured by monthly cage cuts, however there’s a general consensus that anything over 15,000kgDM/ ha from permanent grazed pasture now is exceptional.

The reduction in pasture production has followed an increase in the use of fertiliser nitrogen, and at ESI we believe the two are linked.

Total pasture production last season from the two ESI monitored dairy properties, one an irrigated farm at Galatea, and the other non-irrigated near Edgecumbe in the Bay of Plenty grew 21,504kgDM/ha and 21,397kgDM per hectare respectively.

Not only is the quantity greater than district average the quality is also superior based on an independent analysis. This may seem counter-intuitive however in all natural systems the healthiest and strongest are also the most productive.

ESI based total nutrient programmes contain all essential elements but are not reliant on fertiliser nitrogen. In its place is nitrogen fixed S o ldirectly i d F o o d from for Soils the atmosphere as well as that fixed by bacteria in the nodules of clover.

Soil conditions are altered to ensure that the wide range of selected fungi and bacteria are able to speed the rate at which nutrient is cycled resulting in an increasingly efficient system producing strong even growth throughout the growing season.

A benefit often mentioned is the outstanding growth in November and December, a timeDwhen o l o Z econventionst CalciZest 0800 843 809 07 362 7288

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ally fertilised properties often struggle. It’s an important time and becoming increasingly so as a reduction in spring inductions means improved mating performance is essential.

With typically twice the clover content in the pasture as a result of no nitrogen being required from September until April, production in all respects is enhanced.

Growth rates of young animals improve as well as weight gain and milk solid production.

Damage by flea and weevil is minimal as is damage by grub and beetle. Pasture performance is outstanding with pasture renewal often becoming a recreational rather than an essential autumn activity.

As is often discussed, the ability to consistently produce a cash surplus is the ability to control costs. As a result well managed properties implementing full ESI nutrient programmes are financially better placed to cope with wide fluctuations in product return.

It’s important to appreciate that farming is a highly competitive activity, with the top echelon being continuously profitable and those with the highest costs most vulnerable to increasing interest rates, compliance charges, and reduced income.

Being able to implement a low cost system with steadily increasing pasture production reduces the risk of outside agencies becoming dominant decision makers in your farming operation.

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A Waikato heifer-rearing focus farm is being established along with four others around the country as part of a DairyNZ-led initiative to provide graziers with the tools, knowledge and resources to grow dairy heifers more effectively.

DAIRY

Page 20

Nitrate poison? Don’t blame the sun

Nitrate accumulation cannot be entirely swept under the carpet as a lack of sunshine.

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While sunshine, or the lack of it, contributes to transformation of incoming nitrates to full-blown proteins, a lack of sunlight on its own is a very small cog in a very complex wheel.

In the case of nitrate poisoning the following has to be asked.

Was there an application of fertilisers containing nitrogen applied to the farm? Did the farm receive nitrogen from the bag? If so, when was this applied? And what was the nutrient status of the soil to which it was applied?

To boost pastures with N at any time is an irrational and unwise practice. Nitrogen is only a symbol or precursor to the formation of protein substances. All other systems must be up and running at the time N is applied, and seldom ever is. Only Mother Nature has the ability to do that, given the right tools.

The net effect of the application of nitrogen outside nature’s window is the production of poorly-formed amide nitrogen compounds, or accumulation of nitrates resulting in death.

Soils boosted with nitrogen oxidise much of the humus while

many plant nutrients are purged as well.

Farmers see this purging as plummeting pH levels; and in an attempt to re-establish the pH they’re encouraged to apply lime.

The soils pH is only a measure of the presence or absence of hydrogen, it isn’t an indication for the need for lime.

The pH doesn’t measure the nutrients lost and these must now be addressed. The pH measures the presence of hydrogen in the soil, not the lack of calcium.

Low soil pH indicates high levels of hydrogen; it’s a reverse logarithmic scale of the hydrogen ion concentration. The soil has lost calcium, magnesium, potassium, sodium, iron, manganese, copper, zinc, cobalt and nickel – all essen-

tial to plant growth.

Soils low in potassium and/or iron tend to be more prone to nitrate accumulation in plants growing on them than when these elements are in adequate supply and application of urea is suppressing both, along with some of or all of the others.

If nature is provided with the necessary tools, production of nitrogen via biological processes will coincide with the availability of the all other systems necessary and required for the growth cycle. Try to push nature outside her natural window and the net result is death. Nitrogen availability is a result of the nitrogen cycle – not something you buy out of a bag.

Correct worm diagnosis important Barber’s pole worm (Haemonchus contortus) can be a significant health and production issue in sheep and goats in the North Island, anytime from January through to May depending on the season.

Internationally it’s one of the most important worms in sheep. The parasite does occur in cattle but generally doesn’t cause disease.

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Haemonchus is different to other worms in that it is much larger – about 20mm to 30mm long – so is clearly visible in the abomasum (fourth stomach), and is blood sucking.

The common name comes from the female worm, which has its white eggs wound spirally around its blood-filled, red intestine, giving the characteristic ‘barber’s pole’ appearance.

Barber’s pole is the most dangerous of all the parasitic worms due to the large numbers of eggs the adult lays, the speed the eggs can develop on pasture, and the speed it can cause the death of its host, even before worms are mature enough to lay eggs.

Severely infected animals, especially lambs, quickly develop signs of blood loss (anaemia) including white gums and membranes, bottle jaw (swelling under the jaw), lethargy, rapid weight loss and death in severe cases.

Moderate to severe infections of ewes at, or around, the time of mating can significantly reduce ovulation and conception rates.

Control of Barber’s pole involves careful grazing management plus strategic use of specific worm drenches.

Unless there’s drench resistance, which is not common in Haemonchus, any broad-spectrum drench will kill it but during periods of high larval challenge animals can be quickly re-infected.

This means short-acting drenches re-treatment could be required within 10-14 days, which is impractical and not sustainable.

Adequate control therefore requires a persistent drench, usually oral moxidectin, which usually means extending the drench interval to four-six weekly during the risk period.

However, sometimes disease – particularly in dying lambs – is caused by another worm called Trichostrongylus, especially in later autumn. This can be mis-diagnosed as Barber’s pole.

The issue is while moxidectin drenches have several weeks’ persistence against Barber’s pole, they have none against Trichostrongylus. Therefore, correct diagnosis is important.

DAIRY

Page 21

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Cold dry spring slows feed growth The weather has gone into reverse, putting the growing season for maize and grass four-six weeks behind normal.

Back in late-September the soil temperature was about 14 degrees Celsius and by mid-November it was still at 14 degrees Celsius with

one of our clients reporting on average it’s been the coldest soil temperature for November he’s recorded in the last eight years.

To make matters worse some of our maize crops were hard hit with the November hail storm, which also damaged kiwifruit orchards around Papamoa and Welcome Bay. I’m hoping the maize will

recover, but if the growing tips have been badly damaged they won’t.

We’ve not had the warm rains we normally get this time of year; in fact, rainfall from August to midNovember is well behind last year.

When it has rained, the strong cold winds have dried up most of the moisture, affecting crops and pasture growth.

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This time last year our early maize was up to fence height. This year it’s not much past half-way up the fence, which is about 300mm behind 2013.

This means we’re looking at a very average maize crop, nothing like the exceptional yields of last season.

Turnip crops are looking okay at this stage but will need spraying for weeds and have nitrogen applied afterwards.

It’s vital to maintain weed spraying because with maize slow to grow, we’re not getting the row cover which helps shade out weeds.

We’re applying side dressings of urea to boost soil nitrogen, so when the rain comes the plants have access to it.

Not a lot of silage is being made as farmers, running short of pasture, are grazing paddocks they earlier shut up for silage. Partly because of this, contractors aren’t as busy as usual, but also because what little rain there has been has slowed up the harvest.

It’s quite likely we’ll get more rain in December but any silage made at this late stage will not be of high quality, as grass has started going to seed and some farmers are reporting their production has dropped and cows are losing condition.

What’s worse is forecasters are saying this cold, dry spring is more like the conditions of 2004 when rainfall was

also low; and is keeping with an El Nino weather pattern, which could result in a dry summer.

On top of the weather problems, dairy farmers are facing a lower payout, which means it’s even more important than ever to be sure money spent on supplementary feed goes to buying only top quality feed.

Cheap feed is not necessarily the best and while it may maintain animals, it won’t keep them milking or put on condition so they’re ready for calving, which will affect next season’s returns.

Wise farmers will be working with their accountants and banks to adjust their budgets to the new low payouts and doing this sooner rather than later makes sense; and making sure they’ve allowed for the important things like animal health, supplementary feed and fertiliser.

Farm production is sold into a commodities market; the pricing and volume changes continuously. The dairy prices don’t make for happy reading at the moment but we remain optimistic they’ll improve soon.

The team at Bill Webb Feed Solutions wishes all our clients a Merry Christmas and a prosperous New Year. We hope you all have a great holiday, spending time with family and friends. Travel safely and all the best for 2015.

Massey to host food safety research centre Massey University will host New Zealand’s new $5 million Food Safety Science and Research Centre.

The centre will promote, coordinate, and deliver food safety science and research.

It was a key recommendation from the Government Inquiry into the Whey Protein Concentrate Contamination incident.

Opening in 2015, the centre will be managed by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment and the Ministry for Primary Industries and will have strong links to industry.

DAIRY

Page 23

Applying lime valuable on hill country Lime has in many instances been a much under-rated input on farms. Nitrogen is generally acknowledged to be the most limiting factor for grass growth on most pastoral farms.

On strongly acidic soils, you can apply as much phosphorous and potassium as you like, but if the soil is too sour to encourage the rhizobia bacteria on clover roots, which fix nitrogen from the atmosphere to thrive, then pasture growth will still be restricted.

Most positive soil bacteria prefer a pH of 6.0-7.0, although the higher the soil pH, the availability of some important trace elements is compromised.

At pH levels below 5.5, the soil microbial population is dominated by fungi, although the various forms of microbial life change seasonally according to moisture levels and temperature.

On some soils, where there has been a lack of attention to soil pH and liming, manganese and aluminium toxicity are major issues.

Ryegrass and white clover roots are particularly sensitive to aluminium

toxicity, whereas low fertility grasses, such as brown top and Yorkshire fog, are tolerant of high aluminium.

‘Unlocking’ phosphate

The application of lime causes the aluminium to change from the toxic Al+ and Al++ forms to the stable and relatively innocuous Al+++ form.

Lime has also been credited with ‘unlocking’ phosphate which has been ‘fixed’ or ‘locked up’ by aluminium and iron in the soil.

How much phosphate is chemically ‘unlocked’ by the direct application of lime is probably negligible, as its more likely the promotion of soil microbes and earthworms, reduction of aluminium and manganese toxicity, or enhancement of molybdenum availability observed.

Lime also has a ‘phosphate-sparing’ effect on some soils, which means less phosphorous is required to achieve a given response.

This effect is mostly observable with superphosphate-type fertilisers, and may partly explain why on some properties the application of di-calcium phosphate fertilisers with smaller amounts of total P is credited as giving

Tools to predict dairy outcomes The NZX has launched two online dairy forecasting tools to help farmers predict milk production and milk prices.

A milk production predictor and a farmgate milk price calculator have been developed by NZX’s agricultural research arm, NZX Agri, and

Massey University, with funding support from Callaghan Innovation.

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as good, if not a better response, than superphosphate.

When RPR fertilisers are used, the application of lime is likely to slow down the release of phosphate, so pH should not be above 5.9 on RPR farms.

Animal benefits

Lime is also an important source of calcium, particularly where a lot of urea, sulphate of ammonia or DAP is used and the calcium is being stripped from the soil.

Lime is often credited with animal benefits such as reducing drench requirements and reducing facial eczema incidence, both of which may be related to soil bacteria attacking some of the toxic fungal spores which can cause animals ailments.

In a three-year trial from

1975-1977 at Te Kuiti Research Station, lime only gave a three per cent increase in overall dry matter production, but animal responses from sheep grazing these pastures were in the range of 15-20 per cent.

Farmers often say lime ‘sweetens’ the grass and this increased animal response, probably due to increased consumption of the pasture, either through better pasture species or palatability of grass.

Te Akau farmer John Randell observed this several years ago, when after having applied superphosphate for 20 years, he

addressed his low pH levels (5.2-5.4) with three consecutive yearly applications of 1.5 tonnes/ha lime totalling 4.5 tonnes/ ha, lifting the pH up to 5.8.

As a result his stocking rate increased more than 15 per cent and the hillsides, which once were rank and unpalatable, are now nice and evenly grazed; and stock performance has improved significantly.

Although the cost of application is more than the lime itself and cartage, the benefits from flying capital lime onto his property has turned his farm around.

Robin Boom

CPAg MBSPC

Independent Agronomy & Soil Fertility Consultant

REPOROA ENGINEERING

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Herd gates even more robust and efficient For more than 25 years Reporoa Engineering’s backing gates have been industry leaders –and now they’re even better.

breech sensor option, if the gate comes into contact with a cow it will automatically back up and wait for further commands.”

The gate has an alarm system, which warns the cows when it’s moving, and alerts staff it is in operation. As the gate Reporoa Engineering director John lowers, the gate pauses to provide clearPerrin says the company has refined the ance for cows before it moves into the design and construction of the original vertical position.

Reporoa High Lift Backing Gate to make “This recent upgrade complements it more robust and reliable. the other ‘Top End’ gate – the Herdflow “There are more than 600 of our Crowd Gate,” says John. The Herdflow Reporoa High Lift Gates in use around Crowd Gate is stronger again and while it the country. We’ve listened to what our also runs in an ‘I’ beam its drive system is clients say about their operation; and on the side of the beam. as a result have incorporated additional In addition it has more technology than While the Herdflow Crowd Gate runs in an ‘I’ beam, its features to overcome de-railing, and the standard, such as drive system is on the side of the beam. the breech sensor P to prevent bulldozing the Cul roud lim t cows and a fully automated ore o sup wash system.

Eng por ine t John says it’s always erin g recommended to install a Dungbuster on the HerdFlow gates.

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The HerdFlow High Lift Gates are “Once milking is finished a push of a custom-made to fit yards of any size or Suppliers to All Industries View our product range at: www.saecowilson.co.nz Suppliers to All Industries View our product range at: www.saecowilson.co.nz button is all that is needed to wash the shape and the purchase price includes emailenquiries: enquiries: enquiry@saecowilson.co.nz email enquiry@saecowilson.co.nz yard, using the minimum of water.” installation, the ‘I’ beam and electrical As well as the in-dairy control panel, components and motors.

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THE WRANGLER

Page 25

Culture of innovation wins award Agricultural equipment manufacture The Wrangler Ltd has won Hamertons Lawyers’ Excellence in Innovation at the 2014 Horizon Business Excellence Awards.

Motocross is a ‘metaphor for life’ The Wrangler, well-known in farming and horticultural circles for developing clever inventions, is also involved in developing another invaluable resource – the region’s young people.

Thanks to the Wrangler’s owners Wilco and Waverley Klein Ovink of Whakatane, the company is now major sponsor of the Encounter Race Team, one of four programmes run by Youth Encounter Ministries Trust.

YEMT was founded by ‘Scary’ Mary Perkins, now Mary Wanhill, who is the internationally-renowned world record-holder for her achievements in the sport of motocross and freestyle motocross.

Waverley says the aims of YEMT are ones she and Wilco admire and support.

“We are delighted to be sponsors and to help the trust in its valuable work.”

The trust aims to create a community “that strengthens, offers hope and gives purpose to help explore one’s wellbeing and identity, by the means of camps, mentoring and personal development programmes for teenagers and young adults”.

One of the YEMT programmes, Dirt Bike Encounter, is developed for ‘at risk’ youth – those struggling with school, behavioural issues, and by being practical in nature and by virtue of their circumstances are statistically more likely than others to fail academically.

Motocross has proved a valuable and appealing way to work with these young people.

“Mary and her team teach that riding a motocross bike is a metaphor for life – the bike goes in the direction you point it; if it goes off-course or crashes, you have no one to blame but yourself,” says Waverley.

“It’s amazing how young people blossom and gain selfconfidence through being part of YEMT,” says Waverley.

Team Encounter are week-long camps for 13-18 year olds held during school holidays.

Riders bring their own bikes with the group riding at motocross and trail tracks during the week.

The Wrangler Encounter Race Team will be taking part in local, regional and national motocross competitions this season – and wherever they go, the Wrangler logos will be to fore on their uniforms and team marquees.

Judged by the University of Waikato Business Management School, the biennial awards were setup to showcase business talent and capability and pay tribute to those building the economy and community.

The judges said The Wrangler “is a very clever company, very adaptive and entrepreneurial, with a culture of innovation”.

“This is a sound business and has the potential to grow and become a significant player in the agricultural business sector. The Wrangler’s proactive stance and innovations along with the associated IP place the business in a strong position moving forward.”

Although best-known for the Wrangler dairy crush, the company has a range of clever products including the Ride Over Gate, Kiwick Alpaca Shearing Table, and products for the kiwifruit industry.

The Wrangler has been lauded for innovation previously, including Fieldays Prototype and New Equipment Awards, David Awards for Most

Winners of the Horizon Business Excellence Awards’ Excellence in Innovation trophy are Wilco and Waverley Klein Ovink of The Wrangler (second left), with sponsors from Hamerton Lawyers Angela Kershaw (far left), and Steve Franklin, and Brian Carter.

Innovative or Quirky Business and Most Inspired Use of Marketing, and the Eastern Bay of Plenty Chamber of Commerce’s Triple A Award for Manufacturing and Distribution.

Wrangler inventor and managing ceo Wilco Klein Ovink is stoked with the win.

“It’s great to be acknowledged for innovation, as we like smart ideas and making products that solve a problem and make every farmers’ life easier.

“We have a great team around us, which this award is a testament to.”

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Page 26

RURAL DRIVER

Wrestling the mighty Colorado We’re not in Kansas anymore, Toto. We’re not even in the Lone Star state, we’ve migrated north to the mighty Colorado.

Imposing, rugged and ready. The new Colorado from Holden is so strong and tough that when you’ve finished driving it for the day, it goes off on its own to hunt wild bores, drink beer and quite possibly wrestle bears too.

Who said utes had to be ugly? Probably no one, but Holden didn’t listen to them anyway – she’s a beaut.

What first hits you about the new Colorado is its sheer size. This vehicle is massive.

Our LTZ test model is the crew cab version, and not only will it seat four or even five adults comfortably, you’ve still got room in the tray on the back for a couple of motorbikes. And if that’s not enough, the Colorado also boasts an industry-topping 3.5 tonne towing capacity. That’s enough to pull a sizeable trailer,

a big boat or a house down.

With all that load capacity and towing ability, you’d probably be expecting it to be powered by a nuclear reactor. Well, you’re not far wrong.

The new Duratec 2 diesel produces a mammoth 500Nm torque from the 2.8 litre engine when coupled with the auto transmission, or 440Nm in the manual variant. With a peak power of 147kW it’s no slouch either.

The Colorado is at home around town, in the paddock or out on the highway. This brute of a machine becomes a refined passenger vehicle when it hits the black top. In two-wheel-drive mode, sometimes the power is all too evident; and you can get a squeak from the rear wheels if you’re too keen at a junction.

In four-wheel-drive mode, the Colorado comes alive even more. It’s much more able to put the power to the floor, and the performance difference is pretty much unnoticeable compared to two wheels. Of course, there would be a bit of a fuel penalty in 4WD, so for most situations, 2WD extra room behind) in chassis, or Photos or movies?! Sound dangerwould still be best. The 4WD pickup form and the crew cab for ous? Don’t worry, this feature only system is also switchable between five passengers; also available in works when the vehicle is stationhigh and low ratio, all from a dial chassis only or pickup forms. ary. It can also use your phone’s in the comfort of the cabin.

Then there’s your trim level Speaking of the cabin, the interior data connection for services such as Pandora, a music streaming service, options – the DX, which is your would match that of any good car. workhorse option, available in a BringGo Satellite Navigation All the comforts of home are here; single cab with manual transmisclimate control, electric seats, cruise (GPS) and various other options. sion only.

If you have a newer model control etc. Everything is well The LX is the entry to the work iPhone, it can also talk to Siri with appointed and feels quality. and play world, also with transmisthe ‘Eyes Free’ service.

The build quality is also evident, sion only, space and crew cabs, the There’s a range of configurations it all just feels so solid. You also MyLink system and many other to suit most needs, from a single benefit from the Holden MyLink refinements. cab, chassis only option, throughsystem, the in-dash command Then you step up in to a bit more centre. The MyLink features a 7” space cab (two seats with a bit of luxury with the LT varitouchscreen – the smarts of Model: Colorado LTZ ant, this time with optional your in car entertainment, Engine: Four-cylinder common rail injection Duramax 2 automatic transmission and and other little toys. The Displacement: 2776cc, 147 kW, 500Nm (Automatic) many other toys; and finally MyLink system is a breeze 440Nm (Manual) into the range-topping LTZ, to use.

Transmission: Six-speed manual or automatic Drive System: 2WD or High/Low ration 4WD the premium work/play It hooks up to a smart vehicle. phone and from there, you Price From: $44,990 Dealer/Contacts: Ebbett Holden Tauranga, Cnr Cameron Prices start from $44,990 can play your own music, Rd & Wharf St, Tauranga. for the DX, up to $59,990 make calls, even view Ph: 07 281 1933 or visit www.ebbettholdentauranga.co.nz for the LTZ. By Jay Burston pictures or watch movies!

The All-new

M{ZD{ 2 has arrived

RURAL DRIVER

Page 27

on a huge range of models

BARINA BARINA BARINA RSRS AUTO RS AUTOAUTO AUTO BARINA RS AUTO BARINA BARINA BARINA RSRS AUTO RS AUTOAUTO

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$ $$ 990 990 $ 990 990 $ $$ 990 990 990

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INCLUDES INCLUDES INCLUDES $2000 $2000 CASH $2000 CASH BONUS CASH BONUS BONUS INCLUDES $2000 CASH BONUS INCLUDES INCLUDES INCLUDES $2000 $2000 CASH $2000 CASH BONUS CASH BONUS BONUS

TRAX TRAX TRAX LS LS AUTO LS AUTOAUTO AUTO TRAX LS AUTO TRAX TRAX TRAX LS LS AUTO LS AUTOAUTO

27, 27, 27, 27, 27, 27,

$ $$ 990 990 $990 990 $ $$ 990 990 990

FROM FROMFROM FROM RSP RSPFROM RSP RSP RSP FROM FROMFROM RSP RSP RSP

+ON ROADS +ON ROADS +ON +ON ROADS ROADS +ON ROADS +ON ROADS +ON ROADS +ON ROADS

INCLUDES INCLUDES INCLUDES $2000 $2000 CASH $2000 CASH BONUS CASH BONUS BONUS INCLUDES $2000 CASH BONUS INCLUDES INCLUDES INCLUDES $2000 $2000 CASH $2000 CASH BONUS CASH BONUS BONUS

CAPTIVA CAPTIVA CAPTIVA 5 LT 5 PETROL LT 5 PETROL PETROL PETROL CAPTIVA 5 LT LT PETROL CAPTIVA CAPTIVA CAPTIVA 5 LT 5 PETROL LT 5 LT PETROL PETROL

29, 29, 29, 29, 29, 29,

$ $$ 990 990 $ 990 990 $ $$ 990 990 990

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+ON ROADS +ON ROADS +ON +ON ROADS ROADS +ON ROADS +ON ROADS +ON ROADS +ON ROADS

INCLUDES INCLUDES INCLUDES $2000 $2000 CASH $2000 CASH BONUS CASH BONUS BONUS INCLUDES $2000 CASH BONUS INCLUDES INCLUDES INCLUDES $2000 $2000 CASH $2000 CASH BONUS CASH BONUS BONUS

COLORADO COLORADO COLORADO 4X2 4X2 LS 4X2 LSLS COLORADO 4X2 LS CREWCAB CREWCAB CREWCAB MANUAL MANUAL MANUAL CREWCAB MANUAL COLORADO COLORADO COLORADO 4X2 4X2 LS 4X2 LSLS CREWCAB MANUAL

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INCLUDES INCLUDES INCLUDES $2000 $2000 CASH $2000 CASH BONUS CASH BONUS BONUS INCLUDES $2000 CASH BONUS INCLUDES INCLUDES INCLUDES $2000 $2000 CASH $2000 CASH BONUS CASH BONUS BONUS FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENT FLEXIBLE ARRANGEMENT Centred Centred

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BUSINESS

Page 28

The perils of shoebox accounting Freddy Farmer finally got round to clearing out the glove box of his ute and sorting out the pile of receipts and EFTPOS dockets, to make life easier for his accountant.

Glovebox, shoebox, Freddy’s fairly basic with his filing system when it comes to paperwork for GST claims. But, he’s also very aware it’s not very cost-effective – or great for relations – to hand his accountant a box full of paper, coins and lolly wrappers.

So, Freddy starts the task of sorting out the paper pile. He knows the basics. No GST tax invoices are needed for purchases under $50 but he does need to keep those EFTPOS dockets to prove the expense so he can still also make a claim for income tax purposes.

Then there are the purchases between $50 and $1000 for which he needs only a simplified tax invoice with date, name and GST number of supplier, description of goods, total amount payable and that GST is included.

Large purchases

But for larger purchases, of $1000 or more, Freddy needs a more detailed tax invoice with additional information including Freddy’s Business Advisory

Corporate Finance

Audit

Taxation

Chartered Accountants & Business Advisors TAURANGA The Hub, 525 Cameron Road TE PUKE Corner Jocelyn & Queen Streets 07-571-6280 www.bdo.co.nz

trading name and address as the recipient, a full description of the goods and/or services supplied and quantity/volume along with the GST and the total amount payable.

Freddy’s learnt the hard way it pays to file these invoices straight away – thus his glovebox system – because the GST-registered supplier can only issue one original tax invoice for each taxable supply. So, if Freddy loses it, the supplier may issue a ‘copy only’ version, but that’s a hassle – especially in retrospect.

Then there are the rules about secondhand goods. Freddy can’t claim GST on some secondhand goods such as primary produce (unless previously used), goods supplied under a lease or rental agreement, livestock and secondhand goods consisting of any fine metal of any degree of purity.

But for all other secondhand goods the same

Trusts

rules for GST and tax invoices apply as for all other goods liable for GST.

Milk feeder

For instance, Freddy recently bought a small mobile milk feeder from his neighbour for $2500 plus GST. The neighbour wrote the invoice out to ‘Freddy’, but as Freddy actually trades as a company, he needs to go back to the seller and ensure he gets the tax invoice issued in the right name ‘Freddy Farmer Ltd’. If he operated as a trust, it would need to be issued as ‘Freddy Farming Trust’.

Then there’s the case of secondhand goods bought from people who aren’t GST-registered intended for use in taxable activity. Like the motorbike Freddy bought on TradeMe from a hobby-farmer who isn’t GST registered. As long as Freddy has the name and address of the person who sold it, he can claim 15 per cent of the purchase price in his GST return period the payment was made in.

Freddy ends up spending all weekend sorting through this pile, ensuring all the paperwork is

valid for each purchase and filed for the ease of his accountant. And, there are a few cases – like the secondhand milk feeder invoice – where he’ll have to go back and get some updated details.

Filing system

Freddy really needs to organise a better filing system, not just because it’s more efficient and makes for a happier accountant; but if he ever has a tax audit, for example, good and complete records will make life easier and not result in GST claims or tax deductions being denied.

Electronic record storage has been acceptable for some time now, but only recently has Inland Revenue recognised and approved the ability for records to be stored offshore or ‘in the cloud’ by certain approved online accounting providers with offshore data centres.

Or for those who for whatever reason still prefer the old tried and true method of paper copies then a hole-punch, folder, monthly filing routine and dedicated storage space appropriately categorised for records and original receipts would do a good job.

Jenny Lee is a director of BDO Tauranga Chartered Accountants, specialising in rural and horticultural services. Phone Jenny 07 571 6280 for considered accounting and business advice.

Insolvency

Make right decisions now What if I can’t pay for the cost of my resthome or private hospital care?

cant’s spouse or partner is living in the community.

Proper care and understanding of the residential care subsidy policy is essential when structuring your assets during your lifetime to ensure decisions made now don’t come back to haunt you.

This is because eligibility may be different if the applicant’s home is owned by a family trust, which is more complicated.

In this situation, MSD looks at gifts made to the trust during

the applicant’s lifetime.

MSD allows gifting of $27,000 per couple per year.

Any gifts above this set amount are treated as an asset in the asset test – now including gifts by a deceased spouse or partner.

A government subsidy If gifts being treated as assets may be available based total more than $218,423, the on your assets and subsidy may be declined. income. An asset test, MSD policy surrounding trusts set by the Ministry of and gifts is based on “deprivation Social Development, of assets”. is the first hurdle, folEssentially, we’re required to lowed by the income test. retain sufficient assets to ensure To be eligible for the subsidy, an we can pay for our care rather applicant must have assets totaling than ‘gift’ assets away. less than $218,423, or, $119,614 ‘Gifts’ includes gifts to family plus a house and car if the applimembers, a trust, charity or friend. In some cirAre You a Small Business Owner?... cumstances an applicant may be required to ask for the assets back, or a gift’s recipient may be required to pay for the Conditions apply applicant’s care.

Unfairly, MSD policy Require Short Term Working Capital has no regard for intentions as to separate Require Liability Insurance property. If an applicant Phone Stan is in a relationship, the for an informal chat Disclosure documents available assets of the applicant Stan Jones Financial Services and their spouse or Ph: 07 533 1028 or 0274 813 818 Email: stanjones@xtra.co.nz partner are pooled by MSD for the asset test, www.fwjfinance.co.nz regardless of any Con M o r t g a g e  I n s u r a n c e  F i n a n c e B r o k e r tracting Out Agreement.

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EFFLUENT

Page 29

Reducing N excretion from livestock Substantial growth in the economic value produced

by New Zealand livestock industries will require increases in feed production for animals from grazed pastures, plus a greater contribution from forage crops, but within nutrient discharge limits set by regional councils.

That’s according to report called ‘Forage systems to reduce nitrate leaching’ by Ina Pinxterhuis of DairyNZ, Mike Beare of Plant & Food Research and Grant Edwards of Lincoln University, published in DairyNZ’s October Technical Series issue 24.

The report says growth in both pastoral and cropping sectors must come within the nutrient discharge limits set by regional councils under the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management.

The new DairyNZ-led programme ‘Forages for Reduced Nitrate Leaching: a cross-sector approach’ will address this challenge by providing new knowledge, tools and technologies for forage production that: • reduce livestock urinary nitrogen (N) excretion • sustain high levels of forage and animal production • improve plants’ N uptake efficiency to reduce reliance on N fertiliser and the amount of potentially leachable N • maximise yield and N use efficiency in forage crop phases of arable crop rotations • can be readily integrated into arable, beef/sheep, dairy or mixedfarming systems.

The programme is addressing three main areas including the benefits of alternative plant species in pastures and will focus on pasture species and pasture management options, irrigation, grazing and fertiliser, which can reduce N excretion from livestock and improve the uptake of N from soil.

Pasture species

Diverse pastures, including herbs such as chicory and plantain, and grass species other than standard perennial ryegrass, have been reported to reduce urinary N excretion or increase the efficiency of plant uptake of soil N. Pasture species now available to farm-

ers will be systematically compared for yield, N content in the dry matter and N uptake.

The effects of management on these processes will also be investigated before simulation models, animal studies and grazing experiments are used to develop options for testing at commercial farm scale.

The production and urinary N excretion of animals grazing forage crops with high nutritive value, but relatively low N content in the dry matter, will be investigated.

High yielding crop rotations will be developed to maximise N-use efficiency and minimise N losses.

Crop and effluent management systems will be developed to reduce N losses from continuous cropping, while reducing reliance on fertiliser N inputs.

For example, the use of manure from dairy milking platforms and support blocks to replace some fertiliser used on mixed-cropping farms will be evaluated to gauge the potential for improving the N use efficiency of both enterprises. Farm systems that incorporate the best options for improving N-use efficiency and reducing N leaching – as identified in the first two research aims – will be developed in this part of the programme.

decision support tools and extension of the results.

The involvement of farmers, researchers, developers and farm consultants is an important point

of difference for the programme.

It will create better opportunities to bring the knowledge of all participants

to bear on the challenge; and should substantially improve the chances of successful change occurring on-farm.

Potential risks

Farm system modelling will help identify potential risks and test how well the results hold in situations beyond those encountered in the research trials. For example, in different climatic zones and on different soil types.

Ten leading farmers in Canterbury representing dairy, beef and sheep, arable and mixed farm systems will participate in the programme to co-develop, test and demonstrate successful options.

The farmers will also assist in developing communication material,

NATION WIDE NATION

NATION WIDE WIDE NATION

EFFLUENT

Page 30

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EFFLUENT

Page 31

Farmers who’ve installed Prosumps have experienced large reductions in costs.

Saving costs - protecting the environment

Before spreading the valuable bystack of bills to pay. product of milk production back onto “Lower pumping costs are achieved due to not needlessly pumping the the land, there’s some real money to be saved by ensuring your effluent colextra rainwater captured – we’re talklection and holding sump is designed ing quite a few million litres per year right, says Presco Group’s contracts here and some say this leads to up manager Oliver Prestidge. to 30 per cent reduction in pumping time. Reduced energy costs “If you don’t have a serious look into come from more efficient this, you’ll end up trying stirring.” to push the same brown ...you can have The Prosump is a stuff uphill with a rake circular sump with when it comes to controlpeace of mind a special inverted ling costs.” knowing the cone floor design, Presco Group’s farm traditional pond which helps to stir dairy effluent consultfailures such as up effluent in a ants have found farmers quarter of the time who’ve installed Procorrosion, punctures it takes to stir up a sumps have experienced or leaks are gone rectangle pond – and such large cost reductions for good. without blowing it even their accountants are out over the edge. enthusiastic about the invest“This smart design massively ment. reduces the amount of solids build-up.

“In fact, some progressive accountThis means the full nutrient benefit ants are also excited about the farmer’s from the effluent can get straight back reduced environmental footprint and onto your paddocks reducing your increased operational efficiencies.” fertilizer bill and not lurking about on The initial stand-out benefit of a the base of the sump. vertical walled holding pond is first “Reduced solids build up saves noticed when doing the holding another bucket of cash by not having capacity calculations to meet regional to call in the pond cleaning contractors council requirements. A lined, earthen every season. pond needs sloping side walls, which result in a much larger ‘footprint’ to Built tough achieve the same holding capacity as “Last, but certainly not least, the Procompared to vertical walls. sump is built tough. It is made from “This greatly increases the rainfall 150mm thick pre-cast concrete walls collection area of the earthen pond, and features triple-sealed panel joints.” which in turn increases volume of Presco consultants say you can have effluent to be managed, resulting in peace of mind knowing the traditional having to increase the amount of storage capacity required – a vicious circle. pond failures such as corrosion, punctures or leaks are gone for good.

“Presco has had some farmers in “A Prosump will just laugh at the odd higher rainfall areas being able to knock from a stirrer blade or digger reduce their storage capacity requirebucket and you can kiss goodbye ments by 20 per cent by installing the to expensive liner repair bills,” says Prosump – not to be sneezed at.”

Oliver.

Lower costs “So if you want to move to the front The second benefit of the Prosump of the herd get yourself a Prosump design is not seen in the paddock, but Effluent Storage Sump and be the very visible when it comes to a smaller leader of the district.”

Better soil. Better future.

As a non-water soluble natural fertiliser Viafos offers limited leaching and runoff as well as:

Ask about any of the following Viafos products today: •

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The benefits of Gypsum go well beyond soil treatment • Can be used to address the issue of sodium from applied effluent • Reduces surface run-off of phosphorus and other nutrients, reduces preferential flow of water run-off in soil • Can be applied by a number of different means to target risk zones such as laneways • Assists with addressing high soil potassium levels

To read more about Natural Gypsum visit www.gypsum.co.nz

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FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 33

All-terrain solutions make the cut Trying to maintain those hard-to-reach areas of vegetation can be tricky – but G-Razer in Te Puna can offer the all-terrain solution.

Focusing on safety, productivity and the environment, owner Eugene McMahon says the company’s newest industrial-type machine

Eugene McMahon with the G-Razer’s latest machine – the Irus Delrak – which is the answer to ground care in challenging situations.

– the Irus Delrak – is the answer to all ground care solutions in challenging situations.

“It’s an adaptable, powerful and fully remote control mulching machine with the latest technology, enabling it to safely and effectively operate on difficult terrain including slopes of up to 50 degrees.”

Consider the steep slopes and land covered in scrub and noxious weeds that have been left to grow due to difficult access – and now pose a problem of clearance.

Eugene can access these difficult and unsafe environments for conventionally-manned machinery risk-free due to remote-controlled operation from a safe distance.

“The Deltrak

is perfect for the New Zealand environment. It’s a more cost and time effective solution than scrub cutting and achieves a better result.”

Weighing slightly less than a tonne and under one metre tall and 1.25m wide, the Deltrak is ideal for clearance around orchards, specimen trees, lifestyle farms, shelterbelts, roadside berms and many other allterrain areas, says Eugene.

“The broad tracks distribute its weight effectively, minimising ground disturbance which in turn reduces environmental impact.

“It’s transported by a low-level trailer towed by a 4WD enabling easy access to most sites and reduced transportation charges.”

G-Razer covers Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Coromandel. For an obligation-free quote, call them today.

By Zoe Hunter

Road rule changes for farm machinery Farm vehicles and forklifts present unique safety risks when travelling on public roads.

Their size, shape and the speeds at which they travel can be an issue for other road users. There are legal requirements which must be followed when using these vehicles on the road to ensure your safety and that of others on the road.

Many vehicles constructed for use on the farm also need to use the road. For example, a rural contractor wanting to move machinery from one farm to another.

However, a forklift is designed primarily to lift, carry or stack goods using one or more tines, clamps or other attachments.

To drive a forklift on the road you need to have the correct licence class for the weight of your vehicle and a forklift (F) endorsement on your driver licence.

Whether it’s on the road or elsewhere, to operate a forklift you need to meet the requirements of the approved code of practice for training operators and instructors of powered industrial lift trucks. You can find the code of practice on the Department of Labour website.

To recognise that modern agricultural trac-

tors are getting longer, the allowable front over-hang has been increased from three to four metres from the driver’s seat.

High visibility paint is an acceptable alternative to hazard warning panels for highlighting front over-hangs beyond four metres.

Pilot vehicles are required for vehicles exceeding 3.1 m wide and 40km/h or 3.1 m wide and during hours of darkness regardless of speed.

Up to three oversized agricultural motor vehicles may now travel in convoy as long as they’re accompanied by front and rear pilot vehicles.

Category 1 and 2 agricultural motor vehicles are now exempt from travel time restrictions on public roads. However, they may not travel during periods of unusually heavy traffic volumes.

To make agricultural motor vehicles more visible when operated on the road, one or more amber beacons must be fitted to agricultural motor vehicles registered on or after June 1, 2013.

The beacon must be visible for up to 100 metres

from the front or rear of the vehicle.

Several variations of work time hours have been introduced to allow the agricultural sector to complete tasks such as harvesting, where time is an issue. These include: • Making anyone who drives a tractor or agricultural vehicle requiring a Class 1 licence exempt from work time limits • Providing the option for farmers and agricultural contractors to apply for a variation to allowable work time or required rest breaks for the purpose of critical agricultural operations • Introducing a simplified process to assess and approve alternative fatigue management schemes.

Drivers of agricultural motor vehicles, weighing more than 18 tonnes, or driven in excess of 40km/h are subject to work time, but those drivers don’t have to maintain logbooks if they drive less than 50km on a road in any day.

Requirements for coupling pins, tow-eyes and safety chains used when towing agricultural trailers have been updated to reflect current practice.

The details can be found at www.nzta.govt. nz/resources/agri-vehicles-guide/ (Source NZTA website).

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Page 34

FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Tui chooses Mazda for its fleet Safety, reliability, space and power are among the reasons Tui Products Ltd has chosen Mazda station wagons from the Ultimate Motor Group for its new fleet vehicles.

Tui Products national sales manager Lianne Wilson says the service plan of 100,000km or three years was another deciding factor in the decision to purchase five Mazda 6 GSX 2.5 petrol station wagons.

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“The service plan means all our territory managers have to do is take the car in to the Ultimate Motor Group, or another Mazda service provider, and the service requirements are taken care of.”

The Mazda 6 safety features also appeal.

“The territory managers are travelling every day, so it’s imperative they’re in safe vehicles which have the power required to pass cars safely when needed.

“Also, the spaciousness of the vehicles makes them ideal for transporting product and point of sale material.”

Tui Products Ltd has a fleet of Mazda 6 GSX 2.5 petrol station wagons for its territory managers.

Lianne says the service the company received from Christine Donaldson of the Ultimate Motor Group also helped seal the deal. “Christine is so good to deal with.”

Christine says is delighted the order for five new vehicles was received earlier this year.

“The Mazda 6 station wagon is ideal for what Tui needed; and we’re very pleased to be able to help find the right vehicle for them.”

The station wagons for the territory managers are white and have been attractively sign-written in Tui Products branding.

Tui Products has its headquarters at Mount Maunganui and is a New Zealand-owned and operated company, which says it’s been helping Kiwis produce great results in their gardens for generations.

Today Tui Products Ltd produces a mix of Tui branded products, other-brand products, and distributes many well recognised international brands in the NZ market.

Before Tui’s recent move to larger premises in Truman Lane, Mount Maunganui, the company was close neighbours of the Ultimate Motor Group, which has held the Mazda Dealership in the Bay of Plenty for 15 years, with branches in Tauranga and Thames.

“We provide exceptional sales and service support for all of vehicle requirements and we strive to exceed the expectations of all our valued customers, suppliers and industry partners.”

Last year the Ultimate Motor Group was awarded with Mazda's Top Dealer Performance Award, following its win of the same award in 2012.

Its modern service department is fully equipped with the latest computer diagnostic equipment operated by qualified technicians, who service all popular makes and models of cars, 4x4s, utilities and light commercial vehicles.

The parts department offers a full range of genuine parts and accessories for all models of Mazda vehicles, including rotaries, plus a comprehensive range of aftermarket products.

FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Page 35

It’s a lot later than you think - so act now You’ve probably noticed lately that we meet people who’ve left making decisions to downsize, relocate, retire and strengthen their cash position far too late.

Their lives have been changed forever due to strokes, heart attacks, cancer and so on.

As result, their opportunity to make some essential decisions has been left too late. In other words, the decision-making has gone into other people’s hands.

I too am considering my options at the tender age of 68. In fact, it was a depressing thought on my birthday day to realise in 12 years I’d be 80 – and in 22 years I could be dead. Fortunately, it only lasted a day when I woke up to the fact I was actually still alive and had choices, as many do not.

I stood beside my brother at the funeral of our last remaining uncle of the older generation and explained to him we were next to die.

I nearly had to call an ambulance because of the look on my brother’s face – just kidding, but you can see where I’m going with this.

Like it or not, it’s later than you think. I recently sat with my daughter and her partner in the Hamilton birthing unit, with their brand new baby. She was telling me how neat it was to create the next generation. My response was they

needed to do that to replace us.

Relating this back to the farm decision-making process, have we made the necessary changes to provide for our surviving partner?

Have we got a proper will in place? The worst thing we can do is die intestate or ‘will-less’ for the surviving beneficiaries.

Do we have power of attorney signed and in place? Do we have enduring power of attorney signed and in place in case we cannot make a decision?

Who will that be, and do they know what you really want?

Scrapping over assets of the deceased, and those alive too, seems to be a new pastime for many – not to mention lawyers, who may be short of work.

As a mate often says: “Where there’s a will there’s a way – and, where there’s a will there’s a relative”.

Recently a friend had a stroke while out running and is frozen all down one side but fortunately he can still think.

Do we have our trusts up to standard and do our trustees really know what we want?

Is there some cash in the system or are you fully committed? Do our children/beneficiaries understand what will happen, what we expect and how it may look?

I recently met a New Zealander who is very successful in Australia, the world in fact, only to be told

she has a brain tumour.

A week later her new partner was advised he had prostate cancer. It was not a great week for them, but they were really upbeat because they had a workable plan, enough money and the desire to start doing what they wanted when they wanted. I asked her what the turning point of acceptance was.

She said it was in the shower one morning, realising they still were alive and had options.

She decided to exit the corporate world and do what she wanted, when she wanted.

The key point here seems to be they had ability to make that choice.

I see many farmers hanging onto farms and properties too long to their own detriment.

There is life after farming; it just takes a while to adjust.

We were recently fortunate enough to talk to a professor of social science, who reminded me of how the age demographic is changing. With a bit more care and focus, our generation will live into their 80s – that’s quite a few years of retirement or semi-retirement we need to plan for.

In summary, this article is about reminding you, and myself, that it’s later than we think. We need to ensure we’ve done everything we can around the future planning for everyone important to us.

We need to ensure we’ve got enough money for retirement; but most importantly we need to focus on being in a position to do what we want, when we want.

Whole generation giving up driving Mass production of the motor car last century dramatically altered retailing but another change is looming as millions of people are about to give up the ability to drive.

Global retail futurist Doug Stephens says people are living longer but as those in their 70s, 80s and 90s give up driving to the store, they’ll need goods delivered to their homes.

It’s almost a return to the way things were, when home delivery of milk, groceries, meat and medicines was common.

The modern twist is today’s home deliveries are ordered online – and Doug says even octogenarians are using the internet to shop.

“The uptake of technology is more about mindset than age set.

“If you are say 65 to 85 and you are not afraid of technology and see it for its benefits, you may be more

inclined to use it than a 35 year old with a different attitude. A lot young people look at technology as a necessary evil not something to enjoy.”

The world’s aging populations are bringing about other changes in the car industry too. Doug says Ford is increasing the size of its instrument panels to make them easier to read for the older generation.

Taking account of their needs makes commercial sense. “By 2029 every baby boomer in the world will be over the age of 65.

“We are getting older, but not getting older the way our parents did. We are living longer and different, but lives nonetheless changes are taking place.”

Today’s older generation are more active, adventurous and many have more disposable income than their parents. Doug Stephens was among keynote speakers at November’s Zespri Momentum Conference.

By Elaine Fisher

There’s a lot of detail required, and if like me you’re not good at detail, my strongest recommendation is you find someone who is, to help you with the process.

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.

Page 36

FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Soils

iZest

809

go to

g.nz

vement

The Lake Waikaremoana Water Quality Monitoring Buoy.

Buoy back on duty A buoy, which collects and sends out useful data, has been anchored back out in the Lake Waikaremoana after a makeover.

The Lake Waikaremoana Water Quality Monitoring Buoy was installed several years ago in a joint venture between Fish& Game, Genesis Energy and the Hawke’s Bay Regional Council.

Eastern Region Fish & Game officer Matt Osborne says the buoy is a boon to both anglers and boaties because its sends out information including weather variables such as wind strength and direction, along with water temperature profiles they can access online.

“As Lake Waikaremoana is somewhat remote, it means you don’t have a wasted trip from somewhere else due to unexpected high country weather conditions.

“A boat owner can decide from wind readings, which boat ramps will be best, and anglers can work out where the thermocline is and

where the fish hang out from temperature readings.”

Anglers can best target fish by matching the thermocline depth (area of most dramatic temperature change) where it meets bottom contours.

The buoy was given a refit and maintenance at Waikato University, and a deep water ‘dissolved oxygen’ sensor funded through HBRC was fitted.

“Measuring oxygen concentrations at the bottom of the lake provides an insight into the quality of the lake’s water.”

Boaties are urged to keep well clear of the buoy because of mooring lines and technical equipment they could get tangled in.

“Please don’t interfere with this buoy that’s collecting valuable data; one of a number which form a network of monitoring buoys on lakes including Rotorua, Rotoiti, Tarawera and Tutira.”

To access the buoy’s information, go to easternfishandgame.org.nz and then click on ‘river flows and lake data’ and Lake Waikaremoana.

Funding boost river cleanups The Waikato River Authority will allocate $6 million to 33 river clean-up projects this year following its latest funding decisions.

Two major projects, both in the Waipa River catchment, will each receive $1 million of funding.

These include implementation work for the Waipa Catchment Plan, particularly around soil conservation schemes.

The work will be coordinated by the Waikato Regional Council; and the authority’s funding is subject to the council committing funding to the project in its Long Term Plan.

The other $1 million Waipa project is a partnership with DairyNZ, to develop sustainable milk plans for dairy farms

in the catchment.

The project follows a similar undertaking in the Karapiro catchment that’s shown improvements in the environmental effects from dairy farming around water quality and nutrient loss.

Waikato River Authority co-chairs John Luxton and Tukoroirangi Morgan say the level of collaboration between groups and organisations on major projects is becoming more evident every year.

“We’ve stated from the beginning with the need for groups to coordinate resources and work together on projects.

“We’re pleased to see the depth of this approach coming through in successful projects together with a significant level of co-funding,” says John.

The latest funding decisions are for the fourth funding round carried out by the

Waikato River Authority.

To date 141 projects have received funding of $22 million and it’s estimated the total cost of the projects, including cofunding, is approaching $50m.

Tukoroirangi says the authority’s strategic focus has been on the Upper Waipa and the Lower Waikato.

“Clearly the Waipa has benefitted from significant funding this year but it’s an area with significant need. Improvements from clean-up and restoration in this catchment will also have a direct effect on the lower Waikato River.”

The $6,065,737 of funding will see 23 projects receive more than $50,000 and 10 projects under that level. The smallest project being funded is the Mangakotukutuku Stream Care Group in Hamilton, which received $9500 for riparian planting.

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Page 38

SPRING FERTILISER

Inaccurate fertiliser spreading costs farmers Farmers collectively may be losing millions of dollars in lost production because the fertiliser they buy isn’t applied accurately.

It’s to improve the performance of fertiliser applications that the Spreadmark programme was established by the NZ Groundspread Fertilisers Association in 1994.

It was subsequently expanded by a group with representatives from Federated Farmers, the NZGFA, fertiliser companies and FertResearch.

The Spreadmark scheme is a fertiliser placement quality assurance programme. It’s objective isplacement of fertilisers in locations where

they can be of the most agricultural benefit and cause least environmental harm.

The scheme will register spreading companies provided they have certified spreading machinery, trained operators and an appropriate quality management system which ensures that farmer/grower outcomes are met and environmental sustainability is protected.

Overall systems will be subject to an independent audit to ensure both farmers/growers and regional councils can have confidence in the programme.

The proper placement of fertiliser is of considerable agronomic benefit to farmers and growers and will help protect the environment from the undesirable side effects of poor

fertiliser spreading practices.

The precision placement of fertiliser requires a number of factors. It depends on the careful integration of operator skills, sound spreading equipment and appropriate fertilisers.

It’s the integration of these factors that’s at the heart of the Spreadmark scheme. Registration is voluntary but the scheme is designed and will be operated and promoted in such a way to encourage all operators to become involved.

The Spreadmark scheme is governed by a council consisting of representatives from fertiliser user groups, fertiliser applicators and fertiliser manufacturers.

The Spreadmark scheme oper-

ates closely with its sister scheme, Fertmark.

The two schemes operate to ensure high quality fertiliser is manufactured, mixed and spread in a way that precision agriculture is fostered

and the environment is protected.

Both programmes have strong links to the Code of Practice for Fertiliser Use. To find out more, go to www.fertqual.co.nz

International collaboration urged UK and European farming leaders understand the important role Kiwi lamb plays in 12 month’s supply, says Beef + Lamb New Zealand chairman James Parsons.

Collaboration between Kiwi sheep and beef farmers and those in the UK and Europe may improve returns for farmers on both sides of the world, he believes.

James says his recent meetings with European sheep and beef farming leaders have confirmed the opportunities to cooperate are bigger than the areas for competition.

“A lot of good work has been put in over the years to build strong relationships with farmer groups in the UK and Europe; and there is now a good understanding of the value of having lamb on supermarket shelves 12 months of the year, and the role New Zealand lamb plays in that.

“Any issues with NZ lamb being sold in the European peak season are better understood these days; and it’s acknowledged that it’s far better to cooperate on this for our collective interests.”

Europe is virtually self-sufficient in the supply of lamb, importing about 20 per cent of its needs, with 18 per cent coming from NZ. “We ship a lot more meat to China and currently can only supply 70 per cent of our quota.”

James recently returned from Europe where he completed the annual round of meetings with farmer organisations in the United Kingdom and Europe – his first as chairman of Beef + Lamb New Zealand.

In the UK James was part of a panel discussion that included UK National Farmers Union president Meurig Raymond and Mike Petersen, of NZ’s Special Agricultural Trade Envoy.

James was able to press home the importance of farmers focussing on what can be managed and achieved on-farm.

“Too much focus is given to price per head rather than profit per hectare, or production per hectare.”

James is also clear about NZ’s ambitions for an economic partnership with the European Union, given the $77 million in tariffs paid on Kiwi red meat each year.

“New Zealand has been and continues to be a good partner to Europe, but is now one of six WTO members the European Union hasn’t committed to developing an economic partnership with – so we’d like to see progress there, especially as the WTO has 160 members.”

There’s currently a good level of confidence among sheep and beef farmers with top performers achieving good returns.

James believes farmers in NZ should be focusing on returns per kilogramme of meat and wool.

“When we break it down to that level, the top performers have a lot lower costs.”

SPRING FERTILISER

Page 39

Finding the truth about nutrient losses A research programme measuring nutrient losses from cropping farms is up and running, with a network of special measuring devices being installed underground in paddocks up and down New Zealand.

pipe during drainage events. Drainage volume can be measured and samples of drainage water tested for nitrate concentration.”

The project will collect data from a diverse range of crops and cropping rotations across sites and seasons.

These will include arable and vegetable rotations, with crops including grains and seeds, onions, maize, potatoes, beetroot and process and green vegetables.

The impact of stock grazing will also be measured, along with drainage and nutrient loss data, weather, soil moisture, crop management details, crop biomass accumulation throughout the season, and crop yields.

The Rootzone Reality project is funded by the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Farming Fund and led by the Foundation for Arable Research.

It aims to scientifically prove what’s happening under cropping systems and ensure accurate Soil profiles reporting of nutrient losses from them.

At each site, one paddock Project manager Diana is selected and 12 fluxmeters Mathers, from FAR, says the are installed in groups of four. project grew out of a need to Variability between individual “ground truth” or back up nutrifluxmeters is reduced by targeting ent loss models being developed areas within the paddock with by regional authorities looking similar soils and soil profiles. The for ways to improve freshwater top of the fluxmeters sits one quality, with real and reliable metre below the soil surface, well local data. below the cultivation management “Many councils are looking at zone. Once placed and the soil has the development of farm enviFluxmeters installed under crops re-settled, the fluxmeters have no ronment plans, complete with an influence on the crop above. throughout the country is part of Overseer nutrient budget and a Tubes for collecting drainage research into nutrient losses. commitment to address nutrient samples come from the fluxmeter losses through a change in management practice. to the soil surface, and samples are collected through“Cropping farmers are often suspicious of models and out the season after drainage events. question whether the results truly represent losses from Diana says installing the fluxmeters is hard work. their farms,” says Diana.

“Because we want the data to represent the cropping system, the fluxmeters must be installed with minimal disturbance of the soil in the rootzone.

Cropping components “A hole is augered out, and the soil horizons are “This is fair enough, because in reality, there has been preserved so they can be repacked, in order, after the little measurement of nitrogen losses from the root fluxmeter is dropped in.” zone of cropping rotations and we’re short of data to There are some limitations to consider in site calibrate the cropping components of the models.” selection. Paddocks need to be flat with no artificial That’s where this SFF project comes in, funding drainage, the rotation must be representative of the installation of a permanent network of fluxmeters main arable and vegetable rotations; and the host under cropping rotations in Canterbury, Manawatu, farmer must be willing to share information about the Hawke’s Bay, Waikato and Pukekohe. cropping system.

Diana says Fluxmeters are a simple but clever design Paddocks with shallow top soils and stony secondfor collection of drainage water. ary layers are unsuitable because of the difficulty in “They are essentially a drainage pipe with a funnel, repacking the stones and soil above the fluxmeter in a and have a wick which draws water into the collection

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way that guarantees the integrity of the drainage data.

Soils with high water tables are also problematic because of risk of the fluxmeter being flooded every time the water table rises.

“During the life of the project we’ll be running Overseer budgets for the crop system that the fluxmeters are under.

This will give us two sets of numbers, the actual N loss from the rotation and the modelled N loss from Overseer.

“It’s important to remember Overseer uses long-term average weather data to model nutrient losses during a 12-month period while actual leaching losses relate to real-time rainfall.

“When comparing the two sets of data, we’d expect the real data values to be either higher or lower than the Overseer values, depending on whether it’s been a wet or a dry season. This data pattern will enable us to see whether the Overseer model is doing a good job.

Page 40

COAST & COUNTRY

Birds’ homing instincts a winner for Ron The distinctive whoosh of wings heralds the return of the little travellers, who left Blenhiem six hours ago.

“They’ve come in from the wrong direction, so we won’t win this one,” says Ron Simonsen, who is nonetheless pleased to see his pigeons glide down to their loft at Putaruru.

He thinks his birds have probably over-shot the loft, perhaps travelling with a flock flying further north before peeling off for home.

It’s 2pm on a Saturday afternoon and the birds were released at 8am near Blenheim – more than 415 kilometres away – as the pigeon flies – but more like 583km by road – which is how they got there.

As the first birds enter the loft, cooing in response to the welcome from within, the information on their leg bands is read by a scanner which records the bird’s individual number, and time of arrival.

Later, when all 19 of Ron’s birds are home, information from the scanner – a bit like a supermarket bar-code scanner – will be fed into the computer at the Waikato Pigeon Racing Federation’s clubroom in Putaruru.

So too, in clubrooms around the North Island, will details be recorded of the more than 140 other birds racing that day.

The winner will be decided on a calculation which takes time and distance into account.

Distance x time

“It’s not necessarily the first bird home which wins. It’s the one which has the highest average speed, worked out by distance divided by time,” explains Ron, who began

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racing pigeons as a child at Whakatane.

A pigeon’s average speed is 80km per hour in relatively still conditions, and more than 120 km per hour with favourable wind assistance.

How his birds find their way home from locations as remote as Stewart Island is still a mystery to Ron – and he’s not alone. Scientists haven’t figured it out either.

“The best theory seems to be they use magnetic fields, through a

sort of compass in their head, to navigate.”

How ever they do it, even after six decades of raising and racing pigeons, their homing

Coming home – Ray Simonsen’s racing pigeons fly in from Blenheim.

and meet the team and check out our new innovative products

Come and meet the team and check out our new innovative products +

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 41

Young fed on ‘pigeon milk’

Pigeons inside Ray Simonsen’s loft, where they happily return after racing flights. instinct still impresses Ron. “With today’s technology, you don’t have to be at the loft to record when the birds come home anymore, but I still get a thrill out of waiting and watching for them to come in.”

Winning families

In the backyard loft of his Putaruru home Ron has 60 birds, and most of them race. He has a reputation among pigeon fanciers for the quality of the racing birds he breeds, which during the years have won a flock of trophies, including the 2005 North Island Long Distance Championship for the race from Invercargill. “I only breed from winners and winning families.”

Every morning Ron lets his pigeons out for an exercise flight, while he cleans the loft. “Cleanliness of the loft is very important to the health of the birds.”

So too is diet. Racing birds are fed a complex blend of nuts and grains; and

Ron Simonsen of Putaruru with one of his champion male racing pigeons.

breeding birds also receive a diet specific to their needs.

“It’s almost impossible to raise a chick by hand.

That’s because pigeons produce ‘pigeon milk’ for their young in the first few weeks after hatching.”

Pigeon crop milk, described as looking like pale yellow cottage cheese, is a suspension of protein rich and fat rich cells that detach from the lining of the crop, and is impossible to artificially replicate.

Racing pigeons are transported in special cages, on trucks operated by clubs, to locations throughout the country on a regular basis. At a designated time, and from a designated location, the birds are released to begin the race home.

Low-key

“They usually gather in a flock over the release site at first, before heading off.”

Pigeon racing is a low-key sport in New Zealand but it involves dozens of competitors and hundreds of birds throughout the country.

Pigeon Racing New Zealand Incorporated is the New Zealand national body of the racing pigeon fraternity, and has 36 affiliated member clubs and three affiliated federations.

PRNZ provides support and guidance in decision making with regards to animal welfare matters, to ensure all members adhere to good husbandry practices in all aspects of the sport. It also provides advocacy for racing pigeon enthusiasts and clubs in dealings with local body and central government, and the general public.

For racing purposes, each loft is accurately surveyed so the distance covered by each bird can be calculated to an accuracy of plus or minus one metre. The shortest races are generally about 100km and the longest up to 1200km.

To find out more about pigeon racing, go to the Pigeon Racing New Zealand Incorporated website: www.prnz.org.nz

By Elaine Fisher

Did you miss out on NCEA Level 2 at school? Do you like working outdoors? Are you interested in Agriculture or Horticulture?

Introductory Rural Skills Full-time courses starting in January 2015!

Freephone 0800 475 455 www.agnz.co.nz

Our free 8 month Introductory Rural Skills course is suitable for school leavers, unemployed people and farm or horticulture workers who didn’t achieve NCEA level 2 at school.

You’ll learn about dairy farming, sheep & beef farming or horticulture and gain literacy and numeracy credits while working towards NCEA Level 2 and National Qualifications in agriculture or horticulture.

The specially designed programme begins with a block course, and once ‘Farm Ready’, your training continues on a commercial farm. Other courses can give you ‘the piece of paper’ ... our ‘point of difference’ is that you get to experience the reality of a working

life ‘on-farm’, with the added bonus of being introduced to potential employers.

The programme includes: • The Rural Industry • Looking after yourself • Keeping safe at work • Quad Bikes & Tractors • Fencing • Weather and water • Agrichemicals • Writing CVs and job application letters • Dairy, Sheep & Beef or Horticulture module • Literacy & numeracy • Communication skills Course is approved for student allowance, for those who meet the StudyLink criteria.

Apply now for a place on our next intake!

Helping grow the country

ALPACAS

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Improving coloured fleece quality the aim Breeding alpaca which take coloured fleece quality to the next level is the aim of Bruce and Wendy Johnstone of Wainui Heights Alpaca.

“I believe we are close to achieving that goal,” says Bruce.

“We specialise in producing coloured fleeces in shades from soft fawn to black, because we don’t want to use harsh dyes on what is such a

wonderful natural fibre.”

To assist breeding decisions to constantly improve fleece quality, fleece samples are sent to Australia for testing.

The fleece from white alpaca is traditionally finer and superior than that from coloured animals but testament to the Johnstone’s aims to change is the fact one of their brown alpaca, Wainui Heights Panea, won the Supreme Champion title at 2014 Kumeu Show as a 10 months old.

“It’s not often a coloured Wainui Heights Expo, a male animal will win a supreme with stud title so we were delighted.” potentials, Wainui Heights aniwhich has mals have won two other extremely soft, supreme champion titles at fi ne, dense fl eece recent New Zealand shows. backed with Panea is soon to begin a great colour new life in Norway. The genetics. brown female alpaca is so outstanding she’s been selected as part of a shipment of NZ animals to go to an overseas buyer early in the New Year.

Bruce and Wendy also have two young stud males for sale, Wainui Heights Emmerson and Wainui Heights Expo.

“These both have potential as good stud males which have won their classes at the Christchurch show, but we need to sell them because they are the same genetics as the rest of our animals.”

Both have excellent colour genetics. Wainui Heights Emmerson has a soft, fine, dense fleece while Wainui Heights Expo’s mid-fawn fleece is extremely soft, as well as fine and dense.

When they gave up dairy farming, Wendy and Bruce looked for animals which would be easy on their hilly property near Whakatane.

“Our first consideration was the environmental impact of animals and alpaca, which aren’t hard on the hill country, seemed ideal so we bought 12 females. They are such delightful animals we were very quickly hooked.”

That was in 2009.

Now the couple have 80 alpaca and Wendy, who enjoys handcrafts, has gone on to develop a line of garments made from their coloured fleece which she sells at alpaca shows and through the stud’s Facebook page.

As well as valuable top breeding animals, Wainui Heights also has for sale animals ideal as pets or for farmers just entering the industry.

“Alpaca are easy animals Wainui Heights to farm. While Expo winning they require the the intermediate normal good mid/dark fawn animal husmale award bandry care, they at the 2014 are not prone to National Alpaca hoof rot or fly Expo held in strike as sheep Christchurch. and are easy on the pasture.

“More than that, they are gentle, friendly animals which are a pleasure to work with,” says Bruce.

Wendy Johnstone of Wainui Height Alpaca makes a range of handcrafts from the fleece produced by the stud’s alpaca.

COAST & COUNTRY

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CPAg MBSPC

Independent Agronomy & Soil Fertility Consultant

BayMulching The Total Job Wishing all a Merry Christmas and festive New Year Ph 027 497 4061 A/Hrs: 07 552 4144 www.baymulching.co.nz Land Clearing from Pine to Grass

Page 43

RETIREMENT

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Radio theatre show in Cambridge Going back to the time to when radio ruled the airwaves delighted those who attended ‘The Radio Theatre Show’ in Cambridge, hosted by the new Bupa St Kilda Retirement Village and Care Home.

Care home manager Minoo Baker says the November event attracted more than 100 people and was so popular there have already been

calls for it to be repeated again next year.

“It was a wonderful afternoon of fun and laughter which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.”

The free show, run by a professional theatre company, featured the best music and comedy from the 1950s and 1960s presented as a fun-filled hilarious live radio show, complete with ads and news flashes.

Complex to open ahead of schedule

The St Kilda Retirement Village’s brand new community centre is now open.

Construction of the new Bupa St Kilda Care Home is ahead of schedule with all three types of care available early in the New Year.

Care home manager Minoo Baker says the first phase of the resthome and hospital will open on January 19, along with beds in the secure dementia care unit.

“That means all three levels of care will be ready earlier than planned.”

The new care home has a number of “premium rooms” which, at 17 square metres of living area plus an ensuite, are larger than usual and have a rural or garden outlook.

Two showrooms are open by appointment now; and Minoo welcomes those interested to come in and enjoy a cup of tea or coffee, view the rooms and take a look at the floor plans. “Several people have chosen rooms from the floor plan already.

“People who come to live at St Kilda are assured of warm, friendly, professional care by well-trained staff in a community where we will have lots of fun.

“There is an opportunity for people to stay with us for just a short time too – we have a summer holiday option. We understand that everyone caring for a loved one needs and deserves a break from time to time. During summer we will guarantee a bed booking so that you can make holiday plans, while your loved

one stays with us on respite or carer support.”

Right next door to the care home is the St Kilda Retirement Village, where the brand new community centre has just been completed.

“Our residents have already nicknamed the community centre ‘The Club House’ which has a fantastic ring to it,” says Christine Bax the village manager.

The centre includes a large dining and lounge area with floor-to-ceiling windows and patio doors, a spacious kitchen, stylish hair salon, a sizable library and a comprehensive men’s workshop.

The community centre also provides wifi internet access for all residents to use, plus free Sky TV to enjoy at any time.

“People adore the large open floor plan, they just love to sit, relax and have a coffee from the espresso machine. It is the heart of our community and a fabulous space to hold daily activities and social events.”

Christine says the stylish north-facing villas are available in five different designs.

“The continuum of care, knowing that assistance is available seven days a week, 24 hours a day, if required, means people can feel safe, content and secure within the village.

“There is a strong sense of community, shared with other like-minded people. The peace of mind of knowing day-to-day responsibilities will be taken care of, frees you up to enjoy a quality lifestyle.”

ST KILDA CARE HOME AND RETIREMENT VILLAGE

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We understand that for you, lifestyle is important. So whether you’re looking for some interesting conversation and a great coffee at our coffee club, some extra help and support for a few days or full time residential care, we have an option to suit. Our dedicated team will ensure that your care is tailored to match your individual needs – all in the privacy of our new care home.

So when you’re ready to begin your care home conversation give me a call and together we’ll work to find the best option for you.

Phone (07) 827 0371 or 027 836 5300.

I’m Minoo and I’m your local St Kilda Care Home Manager. I look forward to meeting you.

ST KILDA RETIREMENT VILLAGE Brand new one and two bedroom villas priced from $288,000. For more information call Village Manager Christine Bax on (07) 823 9026 or 027 886 1219. www.bupa.co.nz

RETIREMENT

Ingenious device start of seed industry Kiwi ingenuity devised the mystery item featured in last month’s Coast & Country News.

“When we lived in Te Puke some 20 years ago we visited a chestnut orchard, exporting to Japan, and they used a gadget very similar to the one depicted for sweeping up the fallen chestnuts.

“It was commercially-made but specially for sweeping up golf balls on driving ranges but was ideal for the chestnut orchardist’s use.

“It was obviously much lighter, but had the same type of handles to push from behind and the wheels drove the rotating arms to sweep the chestnut or golf balls, into the catcher – rather like a hand lawn-mower,” he writes.

This month’s mystery item comes from the Te Aroha and District Museum and is probably among its oldest exhibits.

If you think you know what it is or have a story to tell about such a device, we’d love to hear from you – and you could be in to win a visit for two to the Te Aroha and District Museum. Send your entry to: elaine@thesun.co.nz or post to: Mystery Item, Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110, to arrive no later than December 17.

Designed to harvest seeds from grass for re-sowing and sale, instead of importing seed from Britain, the grass stripper is Morrinsville Heritage Centre’s mystery item from last month.

This model was originally used on the Canterbury Plains during the 1880s and is entirely hand-made.

It went to Raglan at the turn of the 20th Century before being extensively used in the Kiwitahi area from 1920-1924.

For maximum efficiency it was used in bright sunny weather between noon and 3pm and its output was 200lbs of clean seed per hour.

The body was rebuilt in the 1920s and this stripper is probably the only one of its kind left in New Zealand.

Stan Fretwell of Whakatane recognised it immediately. “This machine was used to collect coxfoot grass seed for replanting in the 20s or 30s.

“It was called a hand-pushed stripper.

I farmed in the 1940s but have never used one,” writes Stan, who has won entry for two to the Morrinsville Heritage Centre.

Chris Hooton writes that the device had him “scratching the brain a bit here, but am pretty sure the mystery item is a grass-seed stripper used for collecting seed, which was then used in pasture reestablishment in the days before specialised machinery we are so familiar with today”.

Do you know Trevor Mitchell of Tokoroa what this month’s thought the mystery item might mystery item is? be for picking up fallen chestnuts.

The winner will be announced in Coast & Country’s January issue.

The Te Aroha and District Museum is in the domain in the town’s main street, Whitaker St. It’s open seven days a week from noon-3pm in winter and 11am-4pm from Labour Weekend to Easter, and other times by appointment.

Page 45

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 46

Subdividing gives landowners options Often, when presenting submissions to council at the time of district plan changes, I’m asked: ‘Why do people want to subdivide?’

There’s obviously no single answer to this question, however it could be sum-

marised by saying that it provides them with options.

In general, the more titles you have the more options you have. It doesn't always mean, as some believe, that the land is then physically fragmented. Until land is sold to nonneighbouring owners the subdivision is only ‘lines on paper’.

Many rural land owners have several titles which could have been created in a number of ways.

Over time many large titles were subdivided smaller to accommodate land uses that didn’t require as much land.

Boundaries have been adjusted between owners, creating even more titles if the rules have allowed at the time.

Therefore, we have a mosaic of titles bought and sold and held together in various combinations over time.

In another twist, as a farmer wishes to retire and sell to family it’s desirable to retain a block for his/her personal security.

This could be one of the existing farm titles or, subject to the rules, a smaller block could be subdivided for this purpose.

Alternatively a family member working on the property, or in the process of buying into the farm,

could need a separate title in order to obtain mortgage finance to build a house.

Lifestyle blocks

Some district councils have allowed further subdivision of rural land into so-called ‘lifestyle blocks’.

These blocks were justified by different councils in different ways, but basically they recognised a need for smaller rural properties to support intensive production or just country living.

This led many into subdividing to increase the value of their land; and, if not sold these properties offered some security akin to ‘money in the bank’. This type of subdivision is only now supported by some councils on land of low productivity.

Some councils, such as Waikato, Auckland and Hauraki – only in the old Franklin parts that they have inherited – and Western Bay

actively encourage the amalgamation of some of these old smaller titles and allow the rights to be sold to others wishing to subdivide.

So the business-minded continue to plan their estates to provide choices for them and their family’s future.

They take advantage of the current rules because they know inevitably the rules will tighten and remove their opportunities.

We’re seeing a definite move from all councils to restrict further subdivision and it’s clearly only going to get harder and cost more.

Some, who border rural residential enclaves or cities, will get opportunities not shared by all – but most will be controlled.

So, if you’re interested to find out how the changing scene may affect you, feel free to give me a call and discuss your situation.

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

Bring out the best in each other No matter what your job is, we all have the ability to bring out the best or worst in those around us.

Bringing out the best in those around us makes for a happier and more productive work environment. How do you impact on those around you? Below are some practical tips to help you bring out the best in those around you.

Focus on what works

As humans, by default we tend to look for the biggest problems, obstacles and weaknesses to solve at work.

Yet research shows us by taking a more positive approach, focusing on what works in our organisa-

tion and cultivating a sense of meaning and purpose at work, we can achieve results that exceed normal performance.

Stop trying to motivate others

New employees initially feel motivated to do well. This motivation is often eroded away unwittingly by managers, who then spend a lot of time and money trying to re-engage their team.

As humans we have natural inherent motivation, we just need the right conditions to flourish.

Spend time ensuring your team has autonomy, are allowed to do what they’re good at, and have a sense of being connected.

Having a sense of purpose and a sense of belonging are hugely important to human beings, yet are often missing from workplaces.

Cultivate meaning at work

Leaders often underestimate the power of how they make people feel. Remember the last time you felt isolated at work? How was your productivity?

One of the most powerful positive feelings a human can experience is a sense of belonging. To create a sense of belonging in the workplace a leader must be clear about the meaning of their workplace; and this meaning must be about more than money, it must be for a greater good. What does your organisation stand for? Does your team know this?

The Ultimate Toilet

Employment Law Services

This article is intended as a point of reference and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional advice. Specialist advice should always be sought in relation to any particular circumstances and no liability will be accepted for any losses incurred by those relying solely on this article.

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EMILIO’S TIMBERS EST1981

COUNTRY LIVING

Affordable - dignified farewells Warren, Carol and Amber McCarthy of Simply Cremations Funeral Services.

Simply Cremations Funeral Services are a family owner-operater business with a team who share families’ concerns over funeral costs and endeavour to reduce the pain of losing a loved one by offering caring and professional services.

Their core funeral plans are a no service ‘Simple Cremation’ as well as their ‘Simple Farewell’ which is a small, intimate and

informal committal service.

Both funeral plans are affordable and dignified that allow for a simple way of farewelling a loved one. They also offer a ‘Traditional’ funeral option for those wanting a formal, ceremonious farewell.

“Families want costs communicated from the outset, and we believe in transparency and honesty at a very sensitive time,” says Warren McCarthy.

“The loss of a loved one can place not only an emotional, but financial burden on those left behind.

“A big expense that can be avoided is

embalming, as it’s not always necessary.”

Simply Cremations Funeral Services offer hire of a casket and support the use of eco-friendly cardboard caskets, which are becoming more and more popular.

Visit Simply Cremations Funeral Services website for further information, or contact the team to obtain a free copy of their booklet ‘My Essential Information, Personal Matters when it Matters’.

This booklet highlights the benefits of pre-arranging funeral wishes and recording all important information before the need arises.

Christmas gifts to delight horses and their riders Whakatane’s Hoofcamp Saddlery has an extensive range of Christmas gifts for horse lovers, including clothing from B-Vertigo, one of the world’s leading brands in riding apparel.

part in community float parades.

“We have just imported a new line of cowboy hats from America and have belt buckles too, which make great gifts.”

Hip flasks, key rings and horsethemed jewellery are also available; and Kathryn and staff are able to help choose the right gift for “horsey” people. Gift vouchers are also a popular choice.

“We have a sales rack with items for as little as $10, and many marked

“The B-Vertigo clothing for men, women and children is exquisite in style, fabric and colours,” says Hoofcamp owner Kathryn Dick.

“The fabrics are lovely to wear; they breathe and stretch and come in a range of styles and great colours including hot pink and navy blue,” says Kathryn.

In order to better display its extensive range of horse riding gear, clothing, gifts, saddles, bridles, blankets, horse feeds and more, Hoofcamp has undergone a makeover with a new layout, upgraded lighting and new mannequins.

Hoofcamp also has reindeer hats for horses and Santa hats for riders, which fit over riding helmets, just right for Christmas parties or taking Even horses can dress up for Christmas.

down 70 or 80 per cent so it’s a chance to find a real bargain.”

This year Hoofcamp will be at the Opotiki Rodeo on December 28, with a full range of Western gear including T-shirts, hats, buckles and even some Western saddles.

Kathryn is encouraging people to ‘like’ Hoofcamp on Facebook and go in the draw for a $50 vouchers.

“Once you’ve liked us you will be the first to know about specials we are offering and what’s new in store. We are now accepting Farmlands Cards with additional discounts for card holders,” says Kathryn.

Hoofcamp is also happy to courier purchases to out-of-town customers.

Page 47

COUNTRY LIVING

Page 48

Defence Force and military vehicles at show Tanks, military vehicles and machinery from throughout New Zealand will be at the Rotorua A&P Lifestyle Expo in January to mark the 100th year anniversary of the ANZAC landings on the Gallipoli Peninsula in Turkey.

This includes fighting alongA&P Association Presiside allies in a combat zone, dent, Ann Howard says going in after a natural disaster after the success of last year, to help save lives and rebuild the expo is back ready for communities, or assisting in another great show. search and rescue missions.

“We are going to be “It’s the variety defence honouring the ANZACs careers offer, which make them during their centennial so rewarding.” year, through large military The Rotorua A&P Lifestyle displays, memorabilia, Expo once again offers great film, and ANZAC prizes – and among the attracmemories,” says Ann. tions will be travelling TV chef The New Zealand and cookbook author Nici Defence Force repreWickes demonstrating how to senting navy, army and Travelling TV chef and cook culinary delights. air force is setting up cookbook author Nici There will be competitions camp at the show to Wickes will show how to for horse, cattle, alpacas and recruit, provide inforwhip up great food at the goat as well the Agrodome mation and take part Rotorua A&P Lifestyle shears, woolhandling and in the show’s ANZAC Expo in January. axemen events. commemorations.

The Rotorua A&P Lifestyle is on JanuRepresentatives of the services will be The Rotorua A&P Lifestyle Expo will be the showcasing their roles in protecting the ary 24-25. Tickets are $10 for adults and place to find out about varied careers the NZ country, its resources and interests. children under 15 enter for free.

Defence Force offers men and women.

Possum success its downfall Possums were introduced to New Zealand in 1858 to establish a fur trade for colonial settlers; and initially they were so rare hunters were paid to catch breeding pairs for liberation in other parts of the country.

DVD Release For Xmas Victim or Villain

Victim or Villain

Since its first release in 1837 into the forested hills behind Riverton, Southland the possum has become both a villain and a resource. Travel a poison line with veteran possum hunter Murray Mcintosh still catching possums in his eighties and Bruce Dawson who has turned a pest into a resource. Learn about the controversy of 1080 and the endless bureaucracy affecting possum trappers. Join DOC scientist Josh Kemp as he explains the battle to save the birds.

Available Available from from Farmlands, Farmlands, Hunting Hunting & & Fishing, Fishing, Opotiki Opotiki Paper Paper Plus Plus and and South South Coast Coast Productions Productions Inclu.

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It wasn’t too long, however, before the possum adapted to life here and lived up to the early expectations by creating a highly lucrative export fur industry.

However, the marsupial’s reputation for damaging native trees, eating native birds and insects and for spreading TB among farm animals has promoted it to Be in to win a a top ecological “villain”. copy of ‘Victim or Attempts to control Villain, The New Thanks to South Coast possum numbers with Zealand Brushtail Productions, Coast & aerial drops of the poison Possum’ DVD. Country News has two 1080 continues to cause DVD copies of ‘Victim or Villain’ outrage among many sections of the to give away. To be in to win, tell us community. your favourite possum story – be it of The story of the possum and those possum encounters, possum huntwho hunt them is told in South Coast ing or trapping – email you entries Production’s latest DVD ‘Victim or along with your name and address, Villain’. with Possum video as the subject, to: Shot in both the North and South elaine@thesun.co.nz Or post these islands, the documentary features hunters and trappers including Murray details to: Coast & Country Possum Video, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110, and Joan McIntosh, who reckon they’ve killed 450,000 possums in their to arrive no later than December 17.

The winner will be announced in many years of trapping.

Coast & Country’s January issue.

Bruce Dawson of Whakatane,

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another long-time trapper and furbuyer believes possums could be a $200million industry for NZ. He’s making possum and wool duvets, possum garments and has a popular line of possum pet food.

DOC scientists Josh Kemp makes the case for the use of 1080 to save the birds, by targeting not just possums but rats, mice and stoats. The timing of poison drops around the forest ‘mast’ or heavy fruiting periods, is crucial to control pest populations which peak when there is abundant food, says Josh.

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COUNTRY LIVING

Page 49

Two days of jetsprint action at Mount

Mount Maunganui’s ASB Stadium will again be transformed into a jet-sprint circuit for high adrenalin action in 2015.

After thrilling, near sell-out crowds of 15,000-plus in 2014, the V8 jetsprint boats are set to power their way into Mount Maunganui’s ASB Stadium again in 2015.

Combining Kiwi’s love of V8s and boating, the two-day Auckland Anniversary weekend racing extravaganza promises 14 hours of fast-paced, highoctane racing and entertainment.

The stadium setting gives spectators the unique opportunity to get up close to the racing action and in-field family entertainment.

The two-day racing extravaganza features round two of the PSP New Zealand Jetsprint Championship and the inaugural international ENZED Stadium Jetsprints Cup. As proven last year, this event is not just for motor sports enthusiasts.

The thrills extend beyond the racing track with fun-packed family entertainment planned throughout the day and night – both on and off the track.

There’s a dedicated ‘kidzone’

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with bouncy castles, watersides and loads more fun.

The pits area will be open for limited sessions, to allow the public to check out the boats and meet race teams first-hand.

As many as 60 teams from New Zealand, Australia, with guests from the US and Canada, will compete in three classes during two days, reaching speeds of more than 125 kilometers per hour, and an impressive zero to 100kph in 1.8 seconds.

Tickets are available from www.eventfinda.co.nz And, a ticket is a perfect gift for Christmas.

Jet sprit competitors will be reaching speeds of more than 125 kilometres per hour.

EXCELLENCE IN DERMATOLOGY

RADFORDS

Page 50

Civil engineer became IT pioneer Phil and Sandy Radford probably broke most of the cautionary rules around commercial risk when they began their own business in 1989.

Sandy was nine months pregnant, they had few financial resources and their software business was in a field dramatically different from Phil’s qualifications

as a civil engineer.

Yet in true entrepreneurial tradition, from those at-home-office beginnings, Radford Software Limited has grown into a success story with 27 staff and an enviable reputation for designing and developing inventory and inventory-related software applications for the horticultural sector.

Initially, Phil had just a handful of clients and taught himself to write software to meet their needs. He combined an understanding of the practical issues involved in managing and tracking crops, with the IT know-how to create custom-designed programmes.

Much of his early work was for packhouses and coolstores in the kiwifruit industry, driven by the then New Zealand Kiwifruit Marketing Board, itself a leader in using technology to track and trace pallets of kiwifruit.

Today Radford Software has the ability to track fruit from the time it’s picked in an orchard right through to the moment it reaches the port for export, and growers and postharvest operators are using the systems to enhance their businesses.

Post-harvest operators have worked closely with Radford Software’s team in the development of the web-based kiwifruit orchard management programme Grownote, which is already well used within the apple industry.

The programme provides a database to manage one or several orchards and includes an event diary for orchard tasks such as spraying, and detailed orchard information down to individual blocks.

A mapping overlay can track different

Phil Radford – centre front, with some of Radford Software Limited team. orchard operations, such as the placement of pollination hives or which blocks have been picked.

Among kiwifruit orchardists using Grownote is Zespri director Nathan Flowerday.

Phil says being able to accurately record and access information about all aspects of crop management is becoming increasingly essential.

That’s not only for the efficiency of the businesses involved, but also because of the food safety and traceability demands of international customers and consumers.

Apollo Apples in the Hawke’s Bay was among early adopters of the Grownote system; and orchard operations manager Lachlan McKay says the programme has been very beneficial.

“For our business, the implementation of Grownote has been hugely valuable. We now manage harvest a lot better.

“Our efficiencies have improved greatly.

Grownote has become a crucial tool in the growth of our business.”

Leading supplier of hot house produce, NZ Hothouse, is another enthusiastic user of Radford Software. The custom-design programmes are used in its packhouse and glasshouses to track and manage a diverse range of produce dispatched to a diverse range of clients.

Recently, the Radford team has been working with Meadow Mushrooms to design and build solutions to help improve efficiencies in that business too.

Custom-designed software is a hallmark of Radford Software, which takes into account the different needs of each horticultural crop.

Phil is a strong supporter of the Zespri single point of entry marketing system and admires how the marketing company has continued to maintain premium prices for fruit offshore.

As well as designing custom software for specific clients, Radford Software is also working on a new reporting module called Insights, which it believes will have wide application for a number of industry sectors.

By Elaine Fisher

TWO BIRTHDAYS ON ONE DAY. TYPICAL. 1989 heralded the arrival of the world wide web, and the birth of Radfords Software. Those of us who rely on Radfords Software to run our packhouses have no problem deciding which one we want to celebrate. Cheers Radfords for making our lives much, much better.

At Just Avocados, our aim is simple; to provide growers the best range of services available. Check out our new website www.justavocados.co.nz and take your pick from the menu of specialist services on offer. We know Growers. We know Markets. We know Avocados…Now you know it.

APATA KATIKATI (TURNTABLE ROAD SITE) 9 TURNTABLE HILL ROAD, RD4, KATIKATI PHONE 07 552 0911 APATA TE PUKE (MENDS LANE SITE) 15 MENDS LANE, RD6, TE PUKE PHONE 07 533 6212

WWW.APATA.CO.NZ

KIWIFRUIT

Page 51

Succession planning – the ‘vine right’ Every year the average age of kiwifruit growers gets older.

Currently, the average age is about 60.

For the industry’s continued prosperity and longevity, we need to encourage younger growers to join the industry and, once in the industry, retain them.

To do this, we need to give them good reasons to stay in the industry. One way to achieve this is for younger growers to invest in an orchard and progressively build up their ownership share.

Currently, there are a number of ways to achieve orchard ownership.

The problem is productive orchards aren’t cheap to buy or develop.

Few people, particularly at the start of their working career, can gather enough money to buy an orchard outright.

There are other options, but none are as good as the share milking option in the dairy industry.

The main options for staged purchase are as follows. If the orchard owner is a company, there can be a staged purchase of shares.

If the owner is a natural person or persons or a partnership, there can be some form of co-ownership.

The other is a lease option.

Depending on circumstances of the new entrant, some of these options may be workable. What we need is

as many options as possible, so new entrants have as many choices as possible.

One concept we’re developing on a pro bono basis with Sharp Tudhope is a ‘vine right’.

This is like a forestry right; however, it would look like a registered orchard lease with a land transfer title. The objective is to enable young orchardists to enter the industry with a clear and more secure path to orchard ownership, and allow older orchardists to exit on a secure,

but financially acceptable basis.

Legislation is required to put the vine right in place, perhaps by amendment to the Forestry Rights Registration Act, and could apply not just to the kiwifruit industry but to any plant, vine or tree.

The vine right may work best in situations where: • A landowner wants to retain ownership of the land but remove themselves from orchard operations.

• A landowner doesn’t want to, or can’t subdivide and sell their orchard block, but wishes to retain their dwelling or other parts of their property.

• A landowner doesn’t wish to lease to a packhouse, but wants to pass on ownership and management

Roles honoured in industry Two men with very different personalities and philosophies, who worked together to win support for the marketing structure of today’s kiwifruit Hayward Medal winners Paul Heywood and Leo industry, have Mangos, with Hayward Medal sponsor Fresh Carriers received its president Takao Takeshige (centre). highest award.

Paul Heywood and Leo Mangos are joint recipients of the 2014 kiwifruit industry excellence award – the Fresh Carriers Hayward Medal – for their vision in laying the foundations for today’s industry.

Chairman of the judging panel, Paul Jones, says the two kiwifruit growers worked as a team during the late 1980s to win support from growers and government for a single point of entry for kiwifruit export, allowing growers to own and control their own industry.

The 1988 stock market crash and the subsequent effect on the kiwifruit industry coincided with a steep drop in prices in Europe, the industry’s major market.

The industry, which at that point was very fragmented, was heavily at odds over how to recover from its slump.

Nelson kiwifruit grower Paul Hey-

wood was the president of the powerful industry group, the Fruitgrowers’ Federation.

Fellow Bay of Plenty grower Leo Mangos was the director of the Bay of Plenty section of the Fruitgrowers’ Federation and chairman of the Labour Party’s Primary Producers’ Council, which set policy for the primary sector.

“With their very different personalities and philosophies, Leo and Paul were both committed to having their industry run by growers and cooperative marketing,” says Paul. “Against strong opposition, they worked tirelessly, speaking at grower meetings up and down the country.

“And they did it. Leo and Paul succeeded in persuading 84 per cent of growers to back their call for a Kiwifruit Marketing Board with statutory powers to buy all export kiwifruit – a precursor to the Zespri of today.”

of the orchard to someone who wants to make a career out of it.

• A grower/investor who doesn’t want to invest in an orchard property with an expensive residence on it.

We’re working with Sharp Tudhope to further develop the vine right and to ultimately approach the Government to enact the required legislation.

We need to get support for this concept and ask you to contact us on info@nzkgi.org.nz to express your support and to find out more about the vine right.

The author acknowledges John Gordon and Hamish Murray from Sharp Tudhope, for their contribution to the development of the vine right and this article.

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.

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.

Agrizest

®

Our Atom combined three noz accuracy.

We also u applicatio

We hold complian

We look a your crop

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.

Ph E-ma

AVOCADOS

Page 52

Strong competition in Australian market With the New Zealand avocado industry on track for its biggest season on record, exporting giant AVOCO is confident it has the ability to overcome challenging market conditions across the Tasman.

Wholesale market prices for New Zealand avocados have come under intense pressure on Australia’s eastern seaboard during recent weeks as a result of an increase in New Zealand exports and significant volumes of fruit coming out of Western Australian orchards.

The three months before Christmas are always expected to be testing due to the heavy volumes of fruit being shifted, but AVOCO director John Carroll is optimistic the tide will eventually change and prices will start to lift.

“Right now, fruit from both countries is clashing head on and that’s softened the wholesale market.

“It’s a situation we knew was coming but we’re sticking to our business plan for Australia and honouring AVOCO’s pre-season marketing commitments.”

Fruit flow

John says this season is very different to what was faced in 2011-2012 when the value of fruit nose-dived.

“Back then, every exporter held their

cards very close to their chest and no one was prepared to divulge too much about their flow plans with the competition.

“But fortunately, for the benefit of everyone in the industry, communication between most exporters is flowing more freely – and this means we’re aware of what others are doing both here in New Zealand and in Australia.

“We can better manage the flow of fruit and plan ahead for market dips, so we still come out of these periods in good shape.”

Much like NZ, Western Australian crops are enjoying a bumper season, with their peak supply period running from October-January.

Flow planning by AVOCO indicates NZ crops will be 75 per cent harvested

by Christmas, so as crops on both sides of the Tasman start to thin out the Queensland and New South Wales markets are expected to become hungry again for NZ fruit, driving prices up.

Export volume

AVOCO is expecting to handle almost three million trays of fruit in 2014-2015 – the equivalent of about

two-thirds of the industry’s projected export volume. By mid-November, it had packed and shipped more than 1.5 million trays of fruit.

Australia is still NZ’s biggest market, but during the last two years, much effort has gone into developing new and existing markets outside of NZ through the associated AVANZA exporting body.

AVOCO, as the biggest exporter within AVANZA, sends about 34 per cent of its fruit through the AVANZA channel to growing Asian markets like Japan, Singapore, Korea and Thailand. New Zealand shipments have also returned to the US for the first time in many years with the last shipment due to arrive at the Port of Los Angeles before the end of December.

Packing for the Japanese markets continues until early in the New Year.

AVOCO director Alistair Young says AVANZA fruit has performed strongly in Japan’s “in season” sales window, with customers and distributors very pleased with the quality of NZ fruit for its quality and taste.

In-store sampling of AVANZA avocados in Thailand designed to educate Thai consumers about the versatility and high quality of New Zealand fruit.

Fruit companies integrate Global Fresh NZ Ltd has purchased a 33 per cent stake in Zeafruit Ltd, the Gisborne based citrus and avocado domestic marketing company.

The strategic investment is designed to support the company’s diversification strategy, says Global Fresh NZ Ltd and Just Avocados Ltd marketing

director Steve Trickett.

The part-purchase provides Global Fresh with the specialist resources required to manage domestic sales programmes for an increased range of New Zealandgrown produce to both retail and wholesale customers in the Kiwi market.

“Global Fresh is now well

underway with its own diversified Australasian import programmes and is serving retail accounts directly.

“At some future point Zeafruit could also provide a service platform for the import range, but in the immediate term will continue to focus primarily on expanding opportunities for NZ products.”

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FORESTRY

Page 53

College offers pathway to forestry career Joe Gilvray, a Year 12 student at Lytton High School in Gisborne, shows no fear when he operates heavy duty machinery in the Mangatu forest as part of his school curriculum.

College student Joe Gilvray at work on a forestry.

He’s working hard because he has aspirations to manage his own logging company in the future.

At the start of this year, Joe with the encouragement of his teachers, decided he wanted to focus his learning on the forestry industry.

As part of this, he’s been working as a logger for Stewart Logging one day a week during the last two terms to earn 20 sector-related credits toward his vocational pathway award in primary industries.

This will help him progress more easily to tertiary study and work in forestry.

“I was nervous at first, but now I love what I do and am more confident; although safety is very important and it is challenging work.

“I don’t want it to stop here; I don’t just want to be a logger, I want to be a manager.”

As a result of his hard work, Joe will be completing his NCEA Level 2 this year with a Primary Industries Vocational Pathway.

Next year, he’ll progress to year one of his diploma in forestry management at Turanga Ararau. The following year he moves to Waiariki Polytech in Rotorua to complete the two-year course.

Joe has also done maths and engineering, as he knows these will be important as he forges his management career.

“My uncle has been helping me learn about forestry and is one of my tutors.”

Joe’s mum, who is an accountant, and dad who is

Stump to pump Tree stumps could one day fuel cars according to a study which shows it is technically feasible to produce transport biofuels from radiata pine forest waste.

The Stump to Pump PGP programme, led by commercial partners Norske Skog Tasman and Z Energy, is being followed by studies into the commercial viability of the technology and to ensure that the biofuels produced meet market specifications.

The study looked at key aspects in the value chain, from feedstock characteristics and availability, to design and technical viability of a test plant, to fuel distribution and logistics.

It found that a sufficient volume of forest residues is available to support biofuel production in New Zealand, and the volume is predicted to grow over time.

The technology exists to convert forestry residues to hydrocarbon liquid biofuels and efforts are underway to enhance the process and improve the quality of both the petrol and diesel fractions.

The partners believe that the establishment of a viable biofuels business from forest residues will have a significant positive influence on investment elsewhere and particularly upstream in the forestry and wood processing sector. (Source Ministry for Primary Industries)

Wedded bliss – Italian-style At the local Catholic Church, they have weekly husbands’ marriage seminars.

At the recent session, the priest asked Giuseppe, who said he was approaching his 50th wedding anniversary, to take a few minutes and share some insight into how he’d managed to stay married to the same woman all these years.

Giuseppe replied to the assembled husbands: “Wella, I’va tried to treat her nicea, spenda da money on her, but besta of all is, I tooka her to Italy for the 25th anniversary”.

The priest responded: “Giuseppe, you are an amazing inspiration to all the husbands here!

Please tell us what you are planning for your wife for your 50th anniversary?”.

Giuseppe proudly replied: “I gonna go picka her up”.

ABLE TASMAN FORESTRY SERVICES LTD

a plumber are also supportive. “They know I enjoy working outdoors and am good at managing that heavy machinery.”

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 54

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

Saturday 6 December

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Intensive native planting and floating wetlands

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$1000 CASH

PHONE 0800 495 777

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0800 382 828

At Memorial Showgrounds, 28 Mossop Rd, Tokoroa.

Ph Sheryl 07 886 8030 or email: tokoroaap@xtra.co.nz

Saturday 13 December

Te Kauwhata A&P Show

At 31 Mahi Rd, Te Kauwhata. Ph Jo 07 853 2824 or email: joandjack.daviews@ xtra.co.nz

Saturday 17 January

Te Puna Speed Shear

Celebrating 15years, starts at 5pm after Tauranga A&P Show at Te Puna Top Shot Bar. Come watch some of the worlds best shearers. Gold coin entry. Live Band, Hot Food, Spot Prizes. Want to try win some money enter on the day. Contact John for shearing enquires 027 577 2632

Saturday 25-26 January A&P Lifestyle Expo

trades & services

From 8.30am-4pm at Rotorua A&P Showgrounds, 141 Western Rd, Rotorua. Part of WW100: Remembering WW1 – 100 Years On. Large military displays, memorabilia, film, ANZAC memories and more.

Competitions with horse, cattle, alpacas and goat, plus axemen events and woolhandling. Adult aged 16-plus $10, children up to age 15 enter for free.

Ph 07 357 2979 or email: rotoruashow@gmail.co.nz

runon listings for sale

PULLETS Hy-line Brown, great layers. Phone 07 824 1762 www.eurekapoultryfarm.weebly.com ONLY $20+gst for 20 words to showcase your services as a Run-On Listing. Ph Tasha 07 928 3677 today!

house for sale

WATERFRONT PARADISE WHITIANGA Stunning private Waterfront Studio and spacious three bedroom home with unique harbour access and views, solid home, with double garage, internal access, 2 toilets. Harbour views, large section. $680,000 Trades considered. TradeMe Listing #: 797534785 Ph 0274 996 747

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email ads@thesun.co.nz 0800 843 809 web www.coastandcountrynews.co.nz 07 362 7288

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join a club

WIN $500 CASH Monthly.

Join Te Puna Hunting & Fishing club for only $10 per adult and enter our monthly competition Prime Explosives 500, you could win $500 Cash every month. Check out www.tepunahuntfishclub.co.nz or check out our facebook page to keep upto date www.facebook. com/tepunahuntďŹ shclub

COAST & COUNTRY

feature properties & auctions ADVANTAGE REALTY LTD MREINZ

Page 55

www.harcourts.co.nz

Advantage Realty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent REAA 2008

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

Page 56

Kaitlyn Van Marrewijk, aged 2, off to feed her calves in Te Aroha.

Sent in by Sarah Van Marrewijk.

COAST & COUNTRY Caleb Upperton visiting from the North Shore. He’s ready to tow the ‘OFF’ – that’s what he calls trailers.

COAST & COUNTRY NEWS PRIZE UP FOR GRABS!

Sent in by Christine Tomsett.

Pictures and details can be emailed (high resolution jpgs) to sarah@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.

Sinita Moody, aged 12, took this picture of her best friends in the whole world: ‘Tegan’, ‘Moo Moo’ and ‘Sweetpee’. Sent in by Sinita Moody.

Country Cousins at Calf Club at Oropi School Calf Club. Sent in by Jan Pendergrast

Summa Roskam, aged 9, with ‘Daisy’ at a previous calf club calf.

Sent in by Tim and Jolene Roskam.