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FONTERRA PAGE 3

FIRE PAGE 6-7

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NEVILLE MARSH PAGE 14-15

SHEEP & BEEF PAGE 18-19

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DAIRY PAGE 20-25

LIFESTYLE FARMING PAGE 32- 35

MYSTERY ITEM PAGE 22

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December 2015 Issue No.184

Bay of Plenty & Waikato Farm, Orchard & Rural Lifestyle

Hayward ‘outstanding’ Welcome Bay orchardist Mike Smith has a good problem – his Hayward kiwifruit vines are producing so well he’s having to strengthen and replace their support structures. Despite being grown commercially for six decades, Mike believes the full potential of Hayward kiwifruit is yet to be realised. See his story pages 8-9. Photo Elaine Fisher

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Wishing for a peaceful Christmas I like Christmas – not for the presents or shopping hype – but for the focus on family and friends, the full stop it brings to another year, and the chance to focus forward on the next. Christmas is the celebration of the birth of Jesus, who tried to change the world, and succeeded, but perhaps not entirely in the ways he had hoped.

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The place of his birth is still at the heart of bitter conflict, as are the lands surrounding old Bethlehem and the ‘shock-waves’ from that unrest spreads around the globe, affecting us all. Some claim religion is the reason for their aggression but no religion, except a twisted version created by evil minds, supports the atrocities committed on a daily basis – or the terror raids in Paris. New Zealand may not be directly in the firing line but what’s euphemistically referred to as ‘geo-political conflicts’ in Ukraine, Afghanistan, Syria, and the millions of refugees these wars have created, do impact on the world economy. The exodus for thousands of people out of Africa, desperate for a better life adds to the mounting pressures and tensions in Europe. Politicians meet to find solutions, sanction bombing raids on believed terrorist strong holds, and countries erect fences along their borders to keep refugees out, while children and adults die when

over-crowded boats sink in the Mediterranean. All this and more has me thinking about my wishes for Christmas. I’m too blessed in years to be naive enough to wish – in the traditional words of beauty queens – for world peace, but lasting solutions to the horrors of conflict half a world away are top of my list. Not sure how that will come true, but nothing is more certain than solutions must be found. Among the answers has to be making life in the lands where citizens are filled with hatred or are empty of food more peaceful and prosperous. I also wish for politicians with wisdom, compassion, and open minds to put aside differences and egos to find answers to issues so big they truly threaten all our futures. Here in our peaceful land I wish for a summer of sunshine and rain. I hope the predictions of an El Nino drought are wrong, and our farmers and orchardists enjoy enough rain to keep their pastures and crops in healthy production. The Coast & Country team wish all our readers and clients a safe and Happy Christmas and a prosperous 2016.

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Fonterra cream and cheese winning in China “There are five forces at work in China,” says Theo. “Demographics, technology and e-commerce, aging population, greater global connections, and an adjusted government plan.” China has changed its policy from one to two children per family, offering opportunities for Fonterra’s infant formula ‘Kid’s Milk’, and products for pregnant mothers. The Chinese middle class is predicted to grow from 400 million to 500 million, and up to 200 million Chinese will be over the age of 65 by 2020.

China’s growing middle class, changes to its one child policy, and the high regard in which food nutrition is held offer significant opportunities for the co-op and its Fonterra sh farmers. of Te Aroh areholder and dair a y “We sell premium qualcream ma Vilma Schriber enjo farmer de with Fo ys an ice ity products that Chinese at the co-o n p’s annua terra ingredients people have a strong need l Number one Waitoa in general meeting at for. Amongst foreign playNovember. E-commerce is enabling more ers, our level of commitment is people to buy on-line, and up unrivalled, and we have all the key elements in place to 20 per cent of premium milk with our integrated supply chain. No one else has brands in China are bought this way, opening further this in China. opportunities for Fonterra. “We will unlock huge value when our supply chain “Our ambition for China is to be a $10 billion is fully connected up.” business, and the number one dairy player.” Christina says Fonterra’s partnership with the The product mix aim in China is 60 per cent Chinese company Beingmate is key to the strategy, as ingredients, 20 per cent consumer products and 20 investment in that company brings access to the fast per cent food service, with Fonterra aiming to be the growing $18bn infant formula market. preferred ingredients supplier. Gift packs of Fonterra’s Anchor milk drinks pre“Fonterra’s ambition is to build a globally relevant sented by guests to their hosts, instead of alcoholic or co-op that is making a difference in the lives of two fizzy drinks, is becoming trendy, and because of the billion people by 2025.” nutritional value of the drinks is seen as a bestowing To achieve that the company needs to become the wishes for good health. number one or two consumer business in its eight strategic markets, and number one ingredients supDouble 11 plier through its NZMP company. Christina says e-commerce is playing a significant Fonterra managing director global ingredients role in sales in China. The biggest one-day on-line Kelvin Wickham says the imbalance in dairy shopping event in the world ‘Double 11’ (on supply and demand is reducing, with supply up November 11) saw total sales this year of above by one per cent in both the EU and USA, and US$14.3 billion, a 60 per cent growth on 2014. up three per cent in Australia. Production was “Fonterra delivered a 217 per cent increase up two per cent in New Zealand for 2014in Double 11 sales in 2015. The total value of 2015, but is forecast to drop by five per cent Fonterra product sold was NZ $9.2 in NZ in the 2015-2016 season. million.” Imports are up by one per cent in Fonterra CEO Theo Spierings says the Middle East and Africa, and 11 “the winds of change” are blowing per cent in Asia, with the exception across the globe and while they of China, where although imports can be disruptive, they also offer have risen in recent months, they opportunities for businesses well had previously been down by 15 placed to take advantage of per cent. them. Fonterra is in that position, Premium extracted following strategic investments New Zealand’s access to International volatility continues which include $690m spent on Russia has re-opened, but that to be a challenge says Fonterra growth in New Zealand and country’s embargo on EU CEO Theo Spierings. $450m on accelerated capacdairy imports remains in ity; $360m in China Farms place. and $750 m in the partner Fonterra has extracted a company Beingmate.

price premium for its ingredients of plus 17 per cent or $550m in increased value, while reducing the time it takes customers to pay for product, so creating $150m in savings. Customer satisfaction has also increased. “Our clients like us more,” Kelvin says. Elaine fisher

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More than half the pizzas eaten in China contain Fonterra mozzarella cheese, and the cream in at least half the cheese cakes the Chinese enjoy also comes from Fonterra says Fonterra’s managing director for greater China Christina Zhu.

COAST & COUNTRY

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Growing enough food for world is easy part Growing enough food to feed a world population of 9.5 billion by 2050 will be easy, says Minister of Trade Tim Groser. “FAO (Food and Agriculture Association of the UN) statics calculate that from 1960 to 2005 global food production increased by over 140 per cent. “If we do half that in the next 35 years we will produce what is needed.” The issue is not how much more food can be produced, but being able to produce it sustainably and without undue impact on water availability and quality. Only one per cent of the world's fresh water is accessible for direct human use; 97.5 per cent of all water on Earth is salt water, leaving only 2.5 per cent as fresh water. Nearly 70 per cent of that is frozen in the icecaps of Antarctica and Greenland. Most of the remainder is present as soil moisture, or in underground aquifers as groundwater not accessible for human use. Tim says 70 per cent of the available fresh water is used in food production,

and 30 per cent for all other human uses. Already water quality issues are huge in China, and Californian agriculture is facing serious water supply problems. New Zealand, on the other hand, has abundant water but can’t take its availability or quality for granted. Water exporter (side head) This country is a ‘virtual water exporter’. “Water is central to the issue and we do not lack water. We are gifted with water – we think we use only three to five per cent of the water we have.” This country is, however, in an ideal position to provide

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food security for a hungry world, and free trade agreements can help dissuade countries such as the Gulf States from using limited water resources to grow foods with high water demands. “Before Britain joined the common market in 1973, New Zealand sent 60 per cent of its exports to Britain. Now it’s about three per cent, and three times as much as that goes to the Gulf States.” The world is now in the early stages of globalisation of agriculture, and agreements such as the recently signed Trans Pacific Partnership is a further

step along the way. It aims to remove tariffs among member countries, and introduce measures to protect natural resources including fish, wild life, and forests, as well as supporting sustainable agriculture practices.

No subsidies

While many nations are grappling with the concept of agriculture without subsidies, New Zealand farmers have decades of experience in facing the true effects of the markets and also of producing for export rather than domestic consumption. “New Zealand agriculture didn’t have a choice – it was ‘export or die’ from the early days of settlement.” This is one reason New Zealand is the world’s largest dairy exporter, despite accounting for just three per cent of global milk production. However, agreements such as the TTP may eventually see New Zealand become a relatively small exporter in international terms as other nations realise the benefit of trade, says Tim. Tim Groser was among the key note speakers at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists’ Congress in Hamilton in October. Elaine Fisher

Minister of Trade Tim Groser addressing journalists at the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists’ Congress in Hamilton.

Beef + Lamb nominations open Nominations are open for two farmer-elected director positions on the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Ltd board, and also as directors of the New Zealand Meat Board. Current Central South Island Director, Anne Munro, has served two terms on the B+LNZ Board and is not seeking re-election. Kirsten Bryant, who has served two terms representing Western North Island farmers, has signalled she will seek re-election. Nominations for the two positions need to be made to the B+LNZ Returning Officer, Warwick Lamp by 5 pm on Friday December 18. Farmers interested in making a nomination can call him on 0800 666 030 to get information on how to do so. Voting forms will be posted to registered voters in the two electorates in early February 2016. To be eligible

to vote, farmers must come from either of the electorates and must have owned at least 250 sheep and/or 50 beef cattle and/or 100 dairy cattle on June 30, 2015. They must also be registered on the B+LNZ electoral roll. Farmers registering or checking their status on the B+LNZ electoral roll can contact B+LNZ on 0800 233 352 or fill out the online form on the website beeflambnz.com/register There are six farmer-elected directors on the B+LNZ board and two farmer-elected director positions come up for election each year, on a rotational basis after a three year term. Written remits for the 2016 B+LNZ Annual Meeting are also being called for now and need to be received by the Returning Officer by 5 pm on Friday December 18, 2015.

COAST & COUNTRY

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Buzz around finding new pollinators Man-made high tech, extremely small radio transmitters and ancient highly efficient natural detection ‘equipment’ are being deployed at AgResearch in Hamilton, to find alternatives to the honey bee for crop pollination.

Pollination scientist David Pattemore and his team have successfully fitted a 1.2 gram radio transmitter to bumblebees to track their movements. They have also trained a dog called Ollie to sniff out bumblebee queens in their underground nests. The aim is to discover if bumble bees can replace honeybees as pollinators, especially in kiwifruit

orchards, says David. The varroa mite and other pests and disease which would, without human intervention, destroy bee colonies, and the high value of Manuka honey has increased the cost of honeybee pollination hives from around $180 to $200 per hive to as much of $300 or more. With eight to 12 hives required per hectare of kiwifruit, that’s becoming a significant cost for growers. Honey bees have been domesticated for centuries, but little attention has been paid to bumblebees as they don’t make honey. They are used for greenhouse pollination of crops which as tomatoes and beans, but have not been widely used in open orchard situations.

Cost-effective

Bumblebees, which may prove to be more cost-effective than honeybees, are not susceptible to the varroa mite. Better at flying in wind and rain, their big, furry bodies allow one bumblebee to do the work of up to 50 honeybees. David says ‘wind tunnel’ tests of bumblebees fitted with the tiny radio transmitter show they can fly effectively with the device. In another aspect of the research, Ollie the Hungarian Hunting Hound (or Magyar Vizsla) sniffs out queen bumblebees in their nests so researchers can identify the locations and conditions queens prefer to nest in. The aim says David, is to create a box which will attract bumble bee queens and their workers. These boxes can be placed in kiwifruit orchards where

Examples of potential pollinators are neatly pinned to labelled trays.

the bigger bumblebees will hopefully prove as efficient, or even more efficient, at pollination as honey bees.

Other pollinators

However, AgResearchers are not limiting their quest for efficient pollinators to just bees. “There are a whole lot of beetles and flies which are also effective pollinators.” David’s lab has examples of potential pollinators, many of which are also under investigation, neatly pinned to labelled trays. Meanwhile Ollie and his bumblebee finding abilities, has become so popular he has his own Twitter account – @TheOllieBuzz David Pattemore’s lab was among the AgrResearch facilities visited by journalists attending the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists’ Congress in Hamilton in October. Elaine Fisher Ollie the Hungarian Hunting Hound sniffs out queen bumblebees in their nests so researchers can identify the locations and conditions queens prefer to nest in.

FAR outdoor field day this month

The Foundation for Arable Research is holding its first ever major outdoor field day, at the Northern Crop Research Site, 82 Oaklea Lane, Tamahere, from 11am to 3pm on Thursday December 10, 2015. During the day FAR, CRI and international experts will discuss

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research and issues of relevance to New Zealand’s crop growers, processors and exporters. FAR’s Northern Crop Research Site has a range of trials and will provide an excellent backdrop for an interesting and informative day. The full programme includes talks on crop biosecurity, nitrogen man-

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agement, agrichemical resistance and weed and pest management, as well as a presentation from Dr Mike Wilkinson from the University of Nottingham, who will discuss the production of quality supplementary feeds for the dairy industry. To find out more go to: www.far.org.nz

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The escape plan which saved Caroline’s life “Fire is life, and this stove is the heart of our home,” says Caroline Wade as she adds another log to the firebox of the stove which not only cooks meals, but also heats water and warms her Glenhope house. The irony is that, in 2009, fire nearly took Caroline’s life when it destroyed her home. She and husband Kevin, and their farmland are still recovering from its devastation. Their experience is a lesson for others. “The big lessons I take from what happened is for people living in rural areas to talk about the threat of fire, come up with a carefully thought-out plan and

BARBARA KURIGER

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review it from time to time. It might save your life. “Always have an escape route, try to create a green belt around your property. Don’t take anything for granted and most of all never say it will never happen to me,” says Caroline. The Wades, formerly of Katikati, moved to the Tasman district in 2006 buying 500 acres of self-sown pines and scrub with plans to clear the land, convert it back into pasture and build a new home. The couple were living in temporary accommodation when on November 26, 2009, a fire swept through their property and adjoining forestry and conservation land. “I was inside doing some book work when I smelt smoke and went outside,” says Caroline. Kevin was away at the time.

Kevin and Caroline Wade and friend Willy McKay outside the house the Wades built following the fire which swept through their land in 2009.

Get out

“I realised pretty quickly that it was serious and that I had to get out. Kevin and I had discussed what we would do in the case of a fire and that helped. It stopped me panicking. I grabbed a drawer with our legal documents and photos, and put them in the truck.” Caroline moved the tractor to a position where she thought it might be safer, then drove to the kennels getting all seven dogs on the tray. In the few minutes this took, the pine trees around her were engulfed in flames. “I’d been told never to look back at a fire but I did and I’ll never forget what I saw. The fire was sucking everything in. It was terrifying.” Trees lining the main driveway were ablaze with flames leaping tens of feet into the air. Caroline knew another route was impassable because of a tree which had fallen down in an earlier storm. That left one way out – along a steep, rough farm track. “Flames were coming up the gully to meet me. I was driving through flames higher than the ute, but I kept going, thinking I owed it to my dogs

and my family to get the hell out of there.” It was only thanks to Caroline’s driving skills and calm head that she burst through the flames onto a rural road, and made it to a neighbouring farm.

Lucky missing

“Later on a rural fire officer asked me how I knew what to do, and how I didn’t panic because he said that’s what kills so many people. I guess it was because Kevin and I had talked about the risk of fire and what we would do. We had always told each other to do everything possible to get out and that’s what I did.”

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Couple re-building lives, home after fire When Caroline arrived at Tom and Judi Jelinek’s home she realised one of the seven dogs was missing. “By then a policeman was there and he tried to stop me when I said I was going back to look for Lucky – I was so fired up (pardon the pun) I just wanted to rescue my dog. Fortunately fire fighters found Lucky later on.” When Kevin got the word of what had happened he raced home, just grateful Caro-

line was alive. The couple lost their home and all it contained. The fire was so intense even the steel gun cabinet melted. An old caravan on the property survived and for the next two years became their home, as after much soul searching, they decided to stay and build the house they had always planned. Their new home, built of timber from a massive 100-year-old tree they felled and milled, has commanding views of the Hope Range, which is snow-covered in winter, and work has begun on fencing and breaking in land for pasture.

Court action

Insurance helped with the re-build but as always so much

which is irreplaceable was lost. “We have each other, which in the end is all that matters,” says Kevin. The insurers of Nelson Forests, along with the New Zealand Fire Service and the Waimea Rural Fire Committee took court action against the Wade’s neighbours, Steve Garnett and Tracey Lynch, blaming Steve for starting the fire by tipping out ashes from a homestay cottage onto the ground. The couple were ordered by the High Court to pay close to $1.5million in damages. The fire raced through 500ha of forest, conservation reserve and farmland and took fire fighters and helicopters days to bring under control. No lives were lost but forestry machinery, the Wade’s home and tractor were destroyed. Elaine Fisher

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A ‘hole’ lot of logic in argument A fellow stopped at a rural gas station and, after filling his tank, he paid the bill and bought a soft drink. He stood by his car to drink his cola and he watched a couple of men working along the roadside. One man would dig a hole two or three feet deep and then move on. The other man came along behind and filled in the hole. While one was digging a new hole, the other was about 25 feet behind filling in the old. The men worked right past the fellow with the soft drink and went on down the road. "I can't stand this," said the man tossing the can in a trash container and heading down the road toward the men. "Hold it, hold it," he said to the men. "Can you tell me what's going on here with this digging?" "Well, we work for the county," one of the men said. "But one of you is digging a hole and the other is filling it up. You're not accomplishing anything. Aren't you wasting the county's money?" "You don't understand, mister," one of the men said, leaning on his shovel and wiping his brow. "Normally there's three of us--me, Rodney and Mike. I dig the hole, Rodney sticks in the tree and Mike here puts the dirt back."

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Hayward green still to reach full potential Cover story

Hayward green is the industry’s oldest kiwifruit variety at 63 years, but orchardist Mike Smith believes its full potential is yet to be recognised. “When my family began growing Hayward 36 years ago, 3000 to 5000 trays a hectare was considered a good yield. Now many orchards are producing 10,000 trays and 18,000 isn’t unheard of,” says Mike, who is a HortNZ Board member and chairman of the Green Growers Association.

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“Hayward green has set a very high bench mark for any new variety to meet.” Zespri and Plant & Food Research have raised the issue of the future of the green variety, which launched and has sustained the New Zealand kiwifruit industry for 63 years. Zespri CEO Lain Jager says other countries, including China, are already breeding new green-fleshed cultivars. “If we don’t replace Hayward, others will. It is better we cannibalise it ourselves before someone else does.” While Zespri is not revealing exactly what Hayward’s successor will be, together with Plant & Food Research, the kiwifruit Some support structures on Mike Smith’s Welcome Bay orchard are exporter has new greens under developbreaking under the strain of the Hayward crop. ment, although none are ready make the grade. taste. Its future as a commercial crop is in for commercial “Growers will doubt. release. need strong assurA second gold variety, G9 has been deMike says finding ances about any commercialised and Hort16A, once the a replacement for new green before star of the gold category, has succumbed to Hayward, which they will replace all the vine disease Psa-V. Some years ago the Zespri would hold their Hayward.” industry also did away with an early green the plant protecMike, who grows variety called Tomua. tion rights to, will kiwifruit on land be good for the in Welcome Bay Psa disease company, but not which has been in Mike’s Hayward vines are the ones his necessarily good his family for three family planted 36 years ago, and he’s been for growers, unless generations, has running the orchard for 20 years, most the fruit meets or Haywards as well as recently nursing the vines through the exceeds Hayward’s This early poster for Chinese Gooseberries the new gold G3 and disease Psa-V. attributes. (later re-named kiwifruit) hangs in the the sweet early green Despite the disease, his care and Tauranga offices of NZKGI. G14. attention has seen the Hayward vines Grower risk While G3, marketed as SunGold, is a recover to produce 11,000 trays a hectare “I’m not opposed to change nor growing prolific producer and well received by the last season, equalling the orchard’s best ever new varieties, but making the change can markets, G14 has some issues with yields, production in 2009, the year before Psa-V be risky for growers. So far three out of five even though consumers enjoy its sweeter was discovered. new varieties have gone because they didn’t

COAST & COUNTRY

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Very high bar set for new variety to meet When Hayward Wright bred, early last century, the variety named for him, Mike says he hit on a winner with outstanding attributes, including the hardiness of the plant, and especially the qualities of its fruit. Hayward green has excellent storage abilities, is nutrient dense, benefits digestive health, and has a colour and flavour enjoyed by consumers. “It’s also versatile. With the right management it can produce early start fruit, or fruit with high dry matter and great taste, or long-storing fruit, but not necessarily all three at once.” Better understanding of management techniques, including good nutrition and girdling, are leading to increased Hayward production, and Mike believes the upper limits of yields are yet to be reached.

Support structures

In his own orchard increased crop loading is putting strain on support structures, to the extent that some of the original wooden pergola frames are bending and breaking. Mike’s currently replacing these with steel Ag-Beam in preparation for what he hopes will be another record crop in 2016. The future of Hayward Green was among the topics at Zespri’s recent inaugural Kiwifruit Innovation Symposium, where a workshop session called ‘Beyond Hayward - The Future of the Green Category’ was addressed by speakers: Zespri CEO Lain Jager; Zespri general manager marketing and innovation Carol Ward; Plant & Food Research and Zespri International

Operations Manager - New Cultivar Development Bryan Parkes; kiwifruit grower Robbie Mayston; and Apata Group Ltd CEO Stuart Weston. Hayward will be hard to replace, says Lain. It is a fruit with excellent storage qualities, taste, digestive and nutrient attributes, and a loyal following among international consumers. Its production of 30 to 40 tonnes of fruit per hectare is ‘not that flash’, although the fruit yields good financial returns for growers.

Zespri premium

Consumers rank their preference for Hayward green at 6.5 out of 10, while the new Zespri SunGold already ranks 8 out of 10. “Hayward has a small eating window which is not as long as some fruit.” The variety is grown throughout the world, and while Zespri earns a premium for its branded green, it does not have exclusive rights over it as it does with the new gold variety SunGold. “If we had a green variety with good storage qualities, pest and disease tolerance, high yields, and consumer ranking of 8 out of 10, the fruit would take market share off other fruit, and be highly successful.” The idea of replacing Hayward will not sit well with many growers, Lain acknowledges. “The average age of New Zealand kiwifruit growers is 58. Some have been growing Hayward for a very long time and the idea can be provoking and upsetting, which is why it is important to have

the dialogue now. We don’t want to disengage or disenfranchise growers.” Carol says any new green will probably have a more consistent sweeter flavour in the upper ‘Y-band’ of taste attributes. Hayward’s digestive health properties and its nutrient rich attributes would also be desir- Hayward Wright, the talented able in a new green. horticulturist who bred the highly High bar successful kiwifruit Robbie says variety Hayward switching to a Green. new variety can be financially challenging for smaller growers, who lose cash flow while waiting for new vines to produce. “Any new green would have to be better than Hayward, which has set the bar very high.” Growers would also need assurance about how many hectares of the new variety Zespri would permit to be planted, and what the cut-over costs would be.” However, if the new variety promises good results, growers would not want to miss out on the opportunity. In the end the decision has to be one growers make for their individual orchards and businesses. Stuart says the industry is still learning about how to grow, pick, pack, and store the new gold variety G3.

“We still know relatively little about it and what will happen as vines mature.” With a new green, Stuart says as a post-harvest operator he’d be asking, “Does it complement or collide with our existing programme?” SunGold currently complements Hayward, but a new variety may need a different storage environment and the construction of new facilities. However, the industry has the scale and experience to meet those challenges, says Stuart. Whatever the future holds, it appears fairly certain that, thanks to its outstanding attributes, Hayward Green is unlikely to ‘retire’ any time soon. Elaine Fisher

REE FELLERS BIG OR SMALL - WE DO IT ALL

KIWIFRUIT

Page 10

Applying best practice every step of way Aongatete’s kiwifruit growers have had a good year. They have, on average, been promised and are receiving a top orchard gate return.

answer is- It comes from innovators. Many of the best practices adopted by Aongatete are through the use of, or perfection of, innovation. I will mention just a few here.

The OGR per tray is one of the best ways for growers to measure post harvest performance. The full revenue received however, is the product of the tray price (OGR per tray) and the yield (trays per ha). The functions, undertaken by post-harvest, affect the grower’s yield of saleable product and should be considered when evaluating the return. These functions are: “the yield per bin (or as we prefer trays per 100kg delivered to the packhouse), the repacking loss and total fruit loss, both onshore and offshore, all affect the yield and importantly the money in the bank. Good OGRs cannot be achieved without addressing performance in all these areas. This season the outturn of the Sungold (G3) has been exceptional but at the time of writing the average Hayward fruit loss for the industry had ballooned to over four per cent and a further estimated three per cent offshore contributed to significant supplier accountability bills for many suppliers- fortunately Aongatete isn’t one of them. At Aongatete we believe that the application of “best practice” every step of the way is critical in achieving top results. You might ask “But where does best practice come from?” The short

This plastic bin was used exclusively on gold crops and on a limited number of Hayward crops this season. Best practice emphasises that careful harvesting cannot be underestimated in the quest to be able to store fruit longer. This year along with our well recognised harvesting processes we continued the improvement by a significant investment in the new Hort. Bins. These bins have many advantages, cooler fruit, reduced damage or pressure marks and higher yields for export. They are easier and safer to handle on the orchard and sanitation is hugely improved. We are moving as quickly as we can into the Hort.Bin as part of our best practice.

Aongatete director Allan Dawson and the new Hort,Bin which is cooler for fruit, reduces damage or pressure marks and bring higher yields for export.

New Hort.Bin

Sinclair IQ

We have successfully integrated the Sinclair IQ machines into our repacking line so that no fruit ever needs to be squeezed by hand to check for softness (hand squeezing is a proven way to shorten its life). IQ means “internal quotient” and these machines, properly operated, give an accurate non-destructive measure of fruit firmness and in addition detect storage breakdown disorder while hand squeezing can’t.

NIR and ozone

We have continued to develop our NIR (near infrared) capability. This is also a non-destructive tool that is ideal for measuring ‘colour’ and dry matter and is beginning to prove its worth with Sungold in particular. We are achieving superior ethylene control in our coolstores by using ‘ozone’ (O3)gas. This innovation has allowed us to dispense with expensive high temperature catalytic ethylene scrub-

bers. Ozone has been extensively used in other food industries very successfully for a number of years and has the distinct advantage of leaving product residue free. For many years we have been actively involved with Plant and Food. Their science has greatly helped us innovate. In summary it is “Best Practice through innovation” – achieving top results for our growers. - Aongatete – We tell it how it is Aongatete director Allan Dawson

Zespri tertiary scholarships awarded Zespri has awarded tertiary scholarships worth $5,000 a year to two outstanding students – Elizabeth Boyle from Wellington and Jack Keeys from Hamilton. These new scholarships are designed to encourage New Zealand’s top students to take up careers in the fast-growing kiwifruit industry. Zespri General Manager Grower & External Relations Dave Courtney says the two students stood out as the kind of future leaders Zespri is looking to support and develop in the horticulture sector.

Elizabeth is finishing her final year at Wellington Girls’ College and will study towards a Bachelor of Applied Science at the University of Otago next year, focusing on food consumer science and marketing. Elizabeth is an outstanding sportswoman and has represented New Zealand in the under-21 handball team, as well as playing in her school first XI hockey team. Jack is studying a conjoint Bachelor of Management Studies and Science at the University of Waikato and spent time this

year volunteering on community and conservation projects in the Amazon and Galapagos Islands. He won a gold medal for New Zealand in the 4km running championships and is the former Head Boy of Paeroa College. The scholarship contributes to tuition fees up to $5,000 a year for up to three years, as well as mentoring and support throughout the course of study, which includes the chance to build networks in the kiwifruit industry. Two scholarships are offered each year.

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.

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KIWIFRUIT

Last Zespri ship to Europe When the Lady Racisce left the Port of Tauranga in October, it brought to a close Zespri shipments to Europe. That market performed well this season with Zespri expecting to reach sales of around 48 million trays, up from 39 million trays last year. Zespri’s shipping manager Mike Knowles says Seatrade, which operates Lady Racisce, has been the company’s valued shipping partners for the past 15 years. Seatrade has carried more than 115,000 pallets in 21 sailings to the North European port of Zeebrugge, Belgium, this season, accounting for a significant proportion of Zespri’s crop to Europe. Seatrade manager Tim Evans says Lady Racisce reached Zeebrugge, via the Panama Canal in just 27 days.

“This is the fastest shipping service from New Zealand to Europe, and for Zespri has the advantage of no stops in other ports.” The Lady Racisce is a specialised reefer (refrigerated) vessel with a crew experienced in handling perishable cargo such as kiwifruit. “There is a lot of monitoring for the kiwifruit during the voyage. “Zespri demands very high standards to ensure its fruit arrives in first class condition, and this is among the reasons Zespri is a world leader in kiwifruit.” Tim says significant advances have been made in monitoring and handling kiwifruit in the 15-plus years Seatrade has been

carrying fruit for Zespri, all aimed at ensuring the best possible quality fruit reaches the markets. Lady Racisce won’t be returning to New Zealand this year – instead she is likely to carry fresh produce to Chile. During the kiwifruit season, Seatrade has a liner service carrying kiwifruit directly to Zeebrugge and return to New Zealand.

The last Zespri kiwifruit bound for Europe are loaded onto the Lady Racisce at the Port of Tauranga.

Page 11

Scale increases winning chances evaluated. Scale gives us New Zealand’s 30 years of more chance of finding a kiwifruit breeding experiwinner, says Bryan. ence gives it an edge over That winner will need other countries also seeking to meet tough criteria, new and lucrative varieties including tolerance of of the popular fruit. the vine disease Psa-V and However, the industry can’t other pests and diseases, ease afford to be complacent as of orchard management, others, including China, are high fruit production, and also involved in large scale storage ability. It will also breeding programmes, says need to have a flavour Plant & Food Research which consumers love. and Zespri International The latest Zespri cultivar, Operations Manager the gold G3 marketed as New Cultivar Development SunGold, is proving to be a Bryan Parkes. huge success in the markets. Zespri, Plant & Food “There are 7000 ha in Research, and the governG3 around the world and ment are investing in a $20 we aim to sell two billion million per annum project worth by 2020, which to find new cultivars, with is three times as much as 50 ha growing 100,000 Hort16A at its peak.” plants at Plant & Food Plant & Food Research Research’s Te Puke site. The ideal line-up – Every year 30,000 to gold, green, and red has a promising red in 40,000 new seedlings are Zespri kiwifruit. pre-commercial trials.

Katikati service centre opens new store at 10B Lockington Road, Katikati and Katikati can rightfully claim the best open air talked to Emma or Erica about your cropping or art gallery in the country with 60 artworks in and gardening situation and enjoy the excellent customer around the town. service the hub offers. Of greater significance is the abundance of volcanic soil and favourable climate that encourages the locals to plant vast areas of kiwifruit and avocados along with home gardens the rest of the country must envy. The Horticentre Group have supported commercial growers and home gardeners since the early 80s and has continually look for opportunities to improve their service and product range Know what you’re really paying When a Lockington Road property came on the market the group’s BOP manager Daniel Green for your packing? Know what you’re really paying secured the site so this main road location now for your packing? proudly marks the group’s ninth commercial crop and home garden supplies store. Know what you’re really paying No Reject Penalties No Reject Penalties The location also boasts a thriving café/bar, rustic outdoor furniture shop and small engine/engineering for your packing? No other hidden costs or penalties No other hidden costs or No Reject Penalties business that make the corner of State Highway 2 ONLY discounts and rebates and Lockington Road a handy place to be. No other hidden costs or penalties penalties The vision the local Horticentre team have is the discounts and rebates // E: grow@humepack.co.nz P: 07ONLY 549 1011 Maximising Your Profits promotion of a service hub that is capable of supplyONLY discounts No Reject Penalties and rebates ing all cropping and gardening supplies and expert // E: grow@humepack.co.nz other costs or penalties P: 07No 549 1011 hidden Maximising Your Profits technical knowledge, a place to meet fellow growers, ONLY discounts and rebates discuss the merits of what’s new, the weather and of Hume Packing Cost 100x70 Advert 01.indd 1 10/02/15 course earn that free coffee with one of the in-store No Reject Penalties // P: 07 549 1011 E: grow@humepack.co.nz Maximising Your Profits promotions. Hume Packing Cost 100x70 Advert 01.indd 1 10/02/15 The store, managed by Katikati locals Emma No other hidden costs or penalties Taylor and Erica Meyer, is open Monday to Friday ONLY discounts and rebates 8am to 5pm and Saturdays 8.30am to 1pm with Hume Packing Cost 100x70 Advert 01.indd 1 10/02/15 weekly in-store promotions and a team that will source your ‘hard to find’ items. 1011 // E: grow@humepack.co.nz Maximising Your Profits So if you are looking for a commercial crop and P: 07 549 The team at HortiCentre Katikati are Erica garden supplies merchant that offers more choices, a Meyer (left) and Emma Taylor with BOP wider distribution and an enhanced technical support manager Daniel Green (centre). capability then it’s time you called into Horticentre’s

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Page 12

Phosphorus

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HORTICULTURE

Page 13

Australia still highest paying avocado market Avocado export supply group AVOCO is confident growers understand the value in continuing to supply off-shore markets despite heavy demand for fruit at home. A low national crop this season means there is a shortage of fruit, with demand in both the domestic and export markets outstripping supply. This has created competition between domestic suppliers and exporters for growers’ fruit but AVOCO director Alistair Young says most growers still see value in supporting the export markets, especially Australia. “Australia simply can’t grow enough avocados to fill the demand they face. New Zealand fills that gap and for us, Australia is still the highest paying market in the world. Growers aren’t likely to forget that in a hurry.” In Australia, AVOCO fruit competes for retail space with Australia’s own domestic crop. Climatic conditions and biennial bearing has forced many growers there, especially in Western Australia, to revise

down their crop estimates, creating a high-value market opportunity for AVOCO early next year. This year’s harvest started in the Bay of Plenty in early September with growers having already AVOCO directors John Carroll and Alistair Young. made their volumes are down 40 per cent. first pick. The low volumes create signifiAVOCO is encouraging its growers cant challenges for exporters like to delay a second pick for as long AVOCO and its marketing partner as possible in order to supply Australia after the New Year when fruit AVANZA who have invested heavily in developing markets all will be larger and returns are likely through Asia where new consumpto be at their highest. “Growers like to get their fruit off tion growth has been generated. early for orchard husbandry reasons but we believe there will be a real High-value financial benefit in targeting the This season AVOCO has to make December-February window.” the 1.4 million export trays from its The 2014-15 season was a record 700-plus growers stretch over seven year for the industry with New markets, including Australia. Zealand growers producing 4.5 AVOCO director John Carmillion trays. This year, avocado roll says the lure of a high-value

Australian market is lined up against the reality of needing to keep customers happy across Asia. “Our aim is to ensure there remains strong interest in AVANZA avocados, despite the reduced volume. We’ve maintained a presence in all our Asian markets and continued with retail demonstrations and other highprofile activity, such as having an avocado smoothie wagon on the streets of Japan. “Our customers there are willing to

accept that due to the supply/demand imbalance, values will be higher and that’s good news for our growers.” Keeping these customers happy despite the fruit shortage is important because Asian markets, especially Japan, will be called on to take much larger volumes again next year. “It’s early days but many growers are reporting a heavy fruit set for next year. A much larger crop will mean the Asian markets will once again play a critical role.”

Industry needs innovators of the future

The success of many organisations, particularly industry good organisations, depends on how well they can collaborate across networks and lead their industry by influence. Tony Wagner, a prominent educator, author and founder of Harvard’s Change Leaders Group, identifies collaboration as one of the essential requirements for making innovators. In the book “Global Achievement Gap”, he argues that today’s students are not only unprepared for work, but they are unprepared for college and for citizenship and are not innovators. Tony’s comments apply equally to our industries. There is always someone somewhere who can make your product cheaper and get preferential entry into your markets. Chilean kiwifruit is a good example. Their production costs are half of New Zealand’s, they are closer to many of our key markets and have preferential tariffs in three: Japan, Korea and the EU. The only way to get the better of your competitors, especially when they have key advantages, is to innovate. So what we need to be developing through our school and tertiary education systems is innovators.

deliver its strategic plan as the peak industry body protecting and creating value for members. This leads to common outcomes in HortNZ’s four focus areas: biosecurity protecting our growing operations, resource management and natural resources so that we have the right to farm, recruiting, training and retaining people and having effective industry input into critical industry wide laws, regulations and issues for the benefit of growers.The views expressed are those of the author.

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The key, according to Wagner is using academic content to teach thinking and problem-solving skills, rather than using the content as items to be memorised. His point is that it is easy to access information; therefore it is not necessary for schools to teach rote learning. He believes schools should be teaching students how to access and then use information. He wants students involved in more personalised, hands-on, team-based projects that require them to apply knowledge and develop new “survival skills” like questioning, problem solving, accessing and analysing information and communicating effectively. Tony Wagner reasons that innovation is today’s most essential real-world skill and that there are seven survival skills young people need to learn from parents, teachers, and employers to become future innovators. One of those is collaborating across networks and leading by influence. It is also a skill vital for industry good organisations such as NZ Kiwifruit Growers and the overarching industry good organisation, HortNZ. HortNZ, at a national level, represents all the major and most of the fruit and vegetable crops grown in New Zealand and has a membership of 5,500. Worth $5 billion, it is on target to reach its goal of $10 billion in value by 2020. Collectively, we are New Zealand’s fourth largest export industry providing more than 50,000 jobs and covering over 100 crops that are exported to over 120 countries. HortNZ succeeds when it achieves operational collaboration across all crops and growers so it can

FARMING THROUGH THE GENERATIONS

Page 14

Fourth Marsh generation now at the helm The Marsh family has lived on and worked land at Pongakawa for 95 years. Now the fourth generation is stepping up to take a leadership role in the family business, Marsh Contracting. Neville and Jill Marsh founded the company, then called Neville Marsh Contracting, 30 years ago. Their children Tammy and Daniel, who grew up with the business, are now shareholders. Daniel organises the contracting work and Tammy runs the office and helps with planning. Neville and Jill are still very much involved, and their knowledge and expertise are assets their children appreciate. It was succession planning seminars which first got the family thinking about the long term future of the business. They gained a clearer picture of what succession planning involved and how to effectively implement it. “Daniel and I respect and value what our parents have done in founding and building up this business – something we probably didn’t when we were younger,” says Tammy. “We appreciate that they have given us the opportunity to take the business to the next level, but it hasn’t been handed to us on a plate – we have to prove we have what it takes to continue its success.”

Family tradition

Their son Edward (Ed) harvested flax from swamp land for sale and dug drains by hand to prepare the land for pasture. Later on, as well as working on his own dairy farm, Ed also managed the Arawa Trust at Maketu for many years, and his son Neville worked on that property as a stockman and shepherd as a young man. In 1987, while Neville and Jill were dairying at Pongakawa, they began their contracting business with a John Deere tractor and a Buckton loader wagon. “We were dairy farming on the main highway – on Neville’s family farm, and had so many vehicles crash through the fences we decided enough was enough,” says Jill. When the opportunity arose in 1997 to buy a farm in Old Coach Rd near Pongakawa, right next door to

the original run-off, Neville and Jill decided to take it. They established their growing contracting business around existing farm buildings, and during the years since have increased the fleet of vehicles, machinery, and staff. No longer dairy farmers, Jill and Neville run a few cattle, and grow kiwifruit and avocados.

Back injury

A back injury 30 years ago was causing Neville so much pain when driving tractors, he thought he’d have to give up contracting. “I was offered a drive in a JBC tractor and found the ride so smooth I could keep working. I’ve stuck with JCB Frastracs ever since and we have probably got the biggest fleet of JCB tractors in the country.”

meets

In taking leadership roles Daniel and Tammy are continuing the Marsh family traditions of innovation and hard work, which goes back to their great, great grandfather William (Bill) Marsh who arrived in the district with his wife Doris Price around 1920. “They took three and half weeks to get here by bullock wagon from Taranaki to take up a 90 acre ballot farm,” says Neville.

Neville Marsh credits JBC tractors and their smoother ride for the fact he has been able to continue contracting, despite a back injury.

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The Neville Marsh Contracting team harvesting team in action in 2000.

FARMING THROUGH THE GENERATIONS Page 15

Local knowledge and modern fleet benefits clients carries out work in Papamoa, Pyes Pa, Rotokawa, Te Teko, and Maketu. With Neville, Jill, Tammy and Daniel at the helm,

the future of this family business seems assured, especially as there’s a fifth generation of grandchildren waiting in the wings.

In 2002 Neville Marsh Contracting had six tractors, now that’s increased to 15. From modest beginnings the company has grown to a fleet of 15 tractors, four trucks, three trailer units, and 46 implements including Buckton Feedout Wagon, graders, manure spreaders, mowers, balers for hay and silage, maize harvester with Shredlage Processor, and implements for discing, harrowing, rolling, under sowing and planting. Daniel, who has worked for the company since he left school, knows the owners and properties of the company’s loyal clients very well. This

silage, stacking, round or square bale silage, and also hay and maize silage. Truck and trailers for hire include a JCB teleloader, three tip trucks, and tip trailers. The company carries out all cultivation work such as aerating, discing, power harrowing, planting, under sowing, rolling, and seeding, and has a Centaur machine which pan busts and cultivates in one pass. In addition Marsh Contracting can supply and spread chicken manure on orchards or pasture, and spreads onfarm waste with an Orbital spreader,

The Neville Marsh Contracting fleet of 1996. is invaluable in saving time becoming familiar with any hazards, and also understanding the most efficient ways of carrying out the work required. “We aim to get jobs done on time and as efficiently as possible,” says Daniel who further honed his big machinery skills through a harvest season spent working in America.

Experienced staff

Marsh Contracting’s experienced staff offer services such as mowing, scattering, and rowing; using two eight metre and one 14 metre swathers for overall efficiency. The silage options include loader wagon silage, fine chop harvester

which can distribute old calf bedding, slurry, or dried manure. With a 20 metre throw, it is exceptionally efficient at covering sidelings.

Nuffield tractor

Despite the brand new hi-tech tractors and machinery, there is still room in the contracting yard for a 1970 Nuffield tractor – one of the first to arrive in the district – and a 62-yearold International baler that Neville drives to make conventional bales of hay for clients who prefer something smaller than the large square bales. While most of the company’s clients are in the greater Te Puke area, it also

The first portable weighbridge Neville Marsh designed and built. The company continues to manufacture the affordable and easy to set up certified weighbridge system, which is available for purchase or for hire.

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FEED MANAGEMENT

Legumes and their role in fattening lambs This yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Zealand Grasslands Association conference was held in Masterton in November and several on-farm visits to properties in the Wairarapa region occurred over the three day event. Local farmers discussed the merits of alternative plant species being used as specialist crops in this drought prone

region and also there were a number of scientific papers presented by scientists and consultants as well as workshops

which looked at using mixtures of clover species and plantain. Past NZ Grasslands Association president Anders Crofoot, who owns the dry coastal property Castlepoint Station, opened his farm up to attendees on the Monday and we saw first hand the success of over-sowing plantain, red clovers and annual clovers as mixed herbal leys on steeper hillsides. On the Wednesday we visited Ngahere Station which is run by Andrew Freeman who has around over 40 ha of straight legume paddocks based on red clover mixed with annual Balansa and Persian clovers close to his woolshed which he uses for fattening lambs. He has used straight plantain and found that lambs could put on 300-350 gm/day on this which is very

good, but on the legume mixes they were able to put on a whopping 500 gm/day in the peak of the season which is phenomenal.

Fattening capacity

This ties in with old trial work done over two decades ago which compared lamb growth rates when fed single plant species. This historical work showed that for every 100 gm of lamb growth rate per kg of ryegrass fed to lambs, feeding the equivalent amount of white clover resulted in 200 gm of lamb growth rate, essentially showing that the legume had twice the fattening capability per kg of dry matter that ryegrass had. For Andrew Freeman on Ngahere, his lamb fattening swards were straight legume, with grasses and weed species sprayed out, and even white clover was discouraged in these specialist swards. However a word of caution is that these species are suited to more drought prone and frost free environments, and may not work as effectively in other areas which are wetter and more prone to heavy frosts. Nevertheless the value of having a high legume The Wairarapa region played host to this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s New Zealand Grasslands content in pasture Association conference. swards for fattening lambs and even milking cows on cannot be over-emphasized. It is known that cows produce 20 per cent more CPAg MBSPC milk on clovers than they do on ryegrass, and if lamb growth rates can more than double, it is important Independent Agronomy & to encourage as much clover in the pasture sward as possible. Soil Fertility Consultant

Robin Boom

Encourage growth

Applying artificial nitrogen makes grasses more competitive at the cost of legumes like red and white clover, and oneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fertiliser programme should be to encourage legume growth by getting as close to optimal levels of phosphorus, potassium, sulphur, soil pH, calcium, boron, molybdenum, magnesium and copper, and in extreme situations there may even be responses to cobalt, zinc and manganese if they are deficient. On my own block of land near Hamilton I was able to send half of my new season lambs off to the works last year in November and the other half in December and averaged 22 kg carcase weight and they never get drenched. However this year my first lot in mid November only averaged 20 kg which I put down to a colder and wetter spring, resulting in slower pasture production. Having a good balance of minerals in the pasture, as well as a healthy clover content, I believe is the key to lamb productivity.

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Breeding efficient grass to milk converters Producing the same amount of milk from cows with lower body weights is among the drivers of breeding programmes at CRV Ambreed. Jersey genetics are coming back in favour for breeding efficient grass to milk converters, says CRV Ambreed’s global product manager grazing Peter van Elzakker.

production system gets more production out the grass and decreases the cost price.” Easy to manage and profitable cows are those which have a lifetime of efficiency, with lower cull rates, increased feed efficiency, increased health and fertility, and increased milk production. CRV aims to provide the right breeding programme for every farming goal, from conventional dairy and beef herds, to exotic breeds, says Peter. In New Zealand it is doing that from the purposebuilt CRV Bellevue Production and Logistics Centre, near Hamilton, which opened last year.

Zealand, Germany, Luxembourg, South Africa, Brazil, the USA, the Czech Republic, and Spain. CRV also exports semen to about 50 other countries through a loyal distributors’ network. CRV is a co-operative owned by the Dutch Co-operative CR Delta and the Flemish Co-operative VRV.

About 27,000 dairy and beef farmers in the Netherlands and Flanders are member of these co-ops, and have great influence on CRV’s policy and decision-making through advisory bodies and member committees.

By Elaine Fisher CRV Ambreed was among the facilities visited by journalists attending the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists’ Congress in Hamilton in October.

Future proof

Operations manager Andrew Medley says the facility future-proofs the company, and provides additional capacity to meet the market’s growing demand for its bovine semen products. It houses a semen collection facility, a semen CRV Ambreed Operations manager Andrew Medley. processing laboratory, However, other pressures are also at play, storage space for export and domestic prodincluding those from consumers. “Consumers ucts, a warehouse with farmer AI banks, and are now more concerned about what they eat, 38 hectares of grazing paddocks. which means longer living, healthier animals Bulls in the breeding programme are kept requiring less antibiotic use. In other words, behind high wire fences and yards for safe animals which are more trouble free.” handling, and an indoor facility for harvestNew Zealand, with a population of 4.4 miling semen is designed to ensure the safety of lion people and 4.78 million dairy cows, is a staff and the bulls. long way from the world’s markets, to which it The operation outgrew the facility it occuexports 95 per cent of its dairy production. To pied since the company was established 45 remain competitive, this country needs lowyears ago. cost, efficient farming CRV Ambreed is part of systems, says Peter. the third largest artificial CRV is focusing on the breeding company in the whole herd, and what it world, with around 25 per calls ‘grazing genetics’ cent market share in New which Peter says help Zealand. It exports semen deliver premium milk. to South America, South Africa, Australia, parts of Productive days North America, the UK, “High fertility will help and Ireland. generate a higher level Currently close to 1.8 of productive days, and million straws of semen so higher farm producare distributed across New tion. The animals’ Zealand and exported to increased efficiency will overseas markets from generate more with less, CRV facilities each year. and increased health CRV Bellevue Production and Logistics Centre has The company has offices improves animal welfare. a large tank for storing liquid nitrogen used in the in The Netherlands, “Making cows fit the storage of semen. Belgium, Australia, New

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Page 18

SHEEP & BEEF

Does money spent on expensive genetics pay off? Beef + Lamb New Zealand Genetics exists to help farmers make the The test involves about 2200 cows and heifers and is being run most profitable breeding choices for their operations. To that end, it has launched a beef progeny test, which will show how bulls of different types perform under comparable commercial conditions.

over two years, across five large properties, including Landcorp Farming’s Rangitaiki Station situated on the Napier-Taupo Road. The station’s 8350 effective hectares are nearly all flat and carry 83,000 stock units. At 700 metres above sea level, cold hard winters dictate much of the farm’s policy. Rangitaiki employs 20 staff and is home to New Zealand’s largest deer herd – 7500 breeding hinds and their progeny. There are 22,000 Romney ewes and 6,500 replacement hogget’s. Both sheep and deer young stock are generally finished on the property.

The cow herd is 1350 head of Angus mixed-age cows and 350 rising-oneyear-old heifers. Up to 1000 steers are finished as two-year-olds, at a target carcase weight of 310 kilograms. Steer numbers are made up of the homebred males with additional steers bought in, as the season dictates. Up to 300 bulls are also bought in annually for finishing.

Beef policy

Manager Sam Bunny says the property’s beef policy is pretty settled and the only significant change is a reduction in cow

Rangitaiki Station manager Sam Bunny (centre) with Tracy Gage-Brown and Emmett Thurston-Paris. numbers – from more than 2000 seven years ago. The slack has been taken up by 1500 contractgrazed dairy heifers, which arrive as 100 kilograms weaners and leave 18 months later as rising two year olds.

Prevention of flock abortion storms Both Toxoplasma and Campylobacter are well known causes of abortions in sheep. Protect your ewes this coming season to ensure that they have the best chance of bearing a lamb to full term, as abortion storms can mean lamb losses of 20-30 per cent which can impact significantly on your flock’s profitability. Vaccination over the next few months can be regarded as an insurance policy for next season’s lambing. Toxoplasma gondii is considered present on 100 per cent of farms. Cats act as an intermediate host and can shed thousands of infective organisms in their faeces. Controlling feral cat populations can help

to minimise the disease spread however this is very difficult on most farms. Also note that this disease can be contracted by humans so pregnant women should be extremely careful handling cat faeces. Toxoplasma can lead to early embryonic death, abortion or weak lambs if infection occurs during pregnancy. Abortions tend to start off with low numbers but can quickly escalate. Given these challenges, the best protection is vaccination. Fortunately giving your hoggets’ a single dose of toxoplasma vaccine at least four weeks prior to tupping will provide lifelong protection. Campylobacter fetus fetus and Campylobacter jejuni are present on approximately 88 per cent of farms. It generally causes abortions in the third trimester. Infection can be transmitted via contaminated feed or water but the most common route is contact with infected foetuses and placenta. Much like a snowball effect, the more sheep that abort leads to even more infected animals. Campylobacter can also cause significant subclinical loses via increased dry ewes and weak lambs. Vaccination is again the best way to protect. Two vaccine doses are four to eight weeks apart with completion prior to mating. An annual booster is required to maintain immunity.

SHEEP & BEEF

High ME feeds vital

Page 19

CATTLE HANDLING

th1872m 29/9/15

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Rangitaiki livestock operations manager Emmett Thurston-Paris with a mating herd. (photo courtesy of B+LNZ Genetics)

“Overall, we run a high-cost operation, with an imbalance of high-priority stock that make more money, versus stock that can live off rubbish. The climate dictates our pasture growth curve and we need to manipulate the curve with supplements and cropping due to our winter deficit. We need high ME feed – and a lot of it – all time.” So, when it came to cow numbers, management looked at the minimum number the property could get away with, to ensure feed quality, therefore freeing up stock units for more profitable options. The cow’s calving date is relatively late – October 25– reflecting the reality of farming in the North Island’s Central Plateau. The 350 replacement heifers are selected based on weaning weight, with the remainder sold store. Both heifers and cows are mated to Angus bulls.

Bull selection

As a Landcorp property, bulls come from Focus Genetics. In the case of Rangitaiki, the bulls are sent from Rotamahana Station near Reporoa. Sam requests bulls that will leave cows of medium frame but with high growth. “I’m looking for a bull that bends the genetic curve a little bit. I want a low mature weight and high growth rates.” The B+LNZ Genetics beef progeny test involves artificially inseminating 400 of the cows and all 380 heifers on Rangitaiki Station in the 2014/15 and again in the 2015/16 season. While Sam is overseeing the project, the day-today logistics are being managed by the station’s Livestock operations manager Emmett Thurston-

Paris and finishing cattle stock manager Tracy Gage-Brown. Both the cows and heifers are DNA recorded before being inseminated with both internationally-sourced semen, as well as New Zealand semen. At Rangitaiki, a range of Angus bulls are being used, in line with the station’s breeding cow policy. In addition – with the large number of cows and heifers available – some were mated to Hereford and stabiliser bulls, as alternative maternal breeds, and some cows were mated to Simmental bulls, as a terminal sire option. Using a range of breeds will provide an interesting comparison on the value of these genetics in commercial beef production.

Carcase traits

All progeny are then tracked, with their parentage verified. Steers and cull heifers will be assessed on their carcase traits, while replacement heifers will be tracked for their maternal characteristics. “Sires costs in commercial operations are quite expensive for beef. You normally mate cows at a rate of one bull to 40 cows. If you have a 95 per cent in-calf rate and a 90 per cent calving, that might be only 30 to 35 live calves annually. Assuming a bull is used for three to four years, the sire cost per calf is quite different for a $3000 bull, compared to a $10,000 bull. I can’t wait to see how top EBVs offset that cost. “From this test, I want to observe the value of EBVs and prove that more money spent on decent genetics pays off. Also – long term – observing whether the heifer replacements coming through make a difference.”

Now is season of high flystrike risk for sheep The Sheep and Beef Code of Animal Welfare states that: All reasonable steps must be taken to prevent, or identify and manage, the risk of flystrike in sheep; Affected sheep must receive appropriate treatment at the earliest opportunity. Flystrike in the North Island is most at risk from November to March, and can be longer depending on environmental conditions. The typical warm and moist conditions are a breeding ground for flies and can result in a 'fly wave'. Flies live for two to three weeks, and in warm weather are ready to mate within 15 days. Females hatch from the soil and find a high protein food source such as carcasses, manure, and ‘wet’ skin on which they thrive. The females then mate and produce between 50 to 250 eggs, usually hatching within 12 hours. Prevention of flystrike requires an effective Integrated Pest Management programme to minimise the risk of occurence. Factors such as faecal/urine stains, fleece rot, footrot, and wounds attract flies. Any IPM programme should include strategic shearing, crutching/dagging, drenching, footrot, and Dermatophilus treatments, which will reduce the attractiveness of sheep to flies. In addition the

strategic application of chemicals (‘dips’) such as diflubenzuron and cyromazine are critical for flystrike prevention. Just as important is the application method to ensure a good coverage of dip wash to the skin area most prone to flystrike such as the shoulder/back, rump, and pizzle (rams). Most effective dips will ensure flystrike prevention for up to 12 weeks. If in doubt, get expert advice on the appropriate dip chemicals to use, along with the correct application method and timing.

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DAIRY

Page 20

Waterway and wildlife protections wins The Bay of Plenty Regional Council has exceeded the targets set for waterway and wildlife protection according to a report presented to the regional direction and delivery committee. Environmental delivery general manager, Warwick Murray says that by working with landowners, regional council staff had protected an additional 61.7 kilometres of the region’s waterways and 1100 hectares of erosion prone land in the past year. “Clean water and good soil is

essential for a thriving healthy community and economy. Reducing farm related sediment, nutrient and effluent run-off are key parts of our work to care for the region’s waterways. “Fencing, planting, detention bunds, treatment wetlands, nutrient management plans and

Riparian protection on an Oropi property is an example of what can be achieved by the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and land owners. land conversion assistance through our riparian management programme are some of our main tools for achieving that. “On July 1, 2012, we set a three-year target of 67.5 kilometres of stream protection, but we’ve been able to achieve more than that. We’ve invested $2.2m over the last three years to get a total of 251 kilometres of stream length protected. That’s 502 kilometres of fencing,” says Warwick. The committee report noted that while the protection targets had been exceeded, some landowners had asked for agreed work to be cancelled or deferred last year, due to tight fiscal conditions for their businesses. The committee approved a policy change that will make it easier for landowners to complete environmental protection work this year by offering subsidies of up to 50 per cent for eligible work at high priority sites. Warwick says council wants to help the farming community maintain momentum on improving water quality and adopting more sustainable land use practices. “The adjustment will align Bay of Plenty subsidies

more closely with those offered in other regions. We’ll still work within our existing budget, but having more subsidy flexibility will help us to achieve our increased target of 95.3 kilometres of waterway protection this year and 101 kilometres each year after that. “Staff are working hard at regulatory and operational levels to improve water quality throughout the region and in particular in the Tauranga, Kaituna, and Rotorua catchments. Offering more attractive incentives to landowners will help us address the water quality concerns that locals have told us are a priority for them.” The report also noted that in the 2014/15 financial year, 207 special forest, estuarine or wetland sites and 97 kilometres of coastal sand dunes were protected in the Bay of Plenty through regional council funding and assistance with pest control, fencing and restoration work. Landowners can find out more about regional council subsidies and assistance by contacting their local land management officer on 0800 884 880 or visiting www.boprc.govt.nz/landmanagement

Council calls for reports of wallabies Bay of Plenty Regional Council is keen to stop further expansion of wallabies within the Bay of Plenty. The council is reminding people to report these pests if they see them west of Rotorua, east of Kawerau, or south of Rainbow Mountain. The reminder comes after reports of wallaby sightings in Ohiwa, Opotiki, Whakatane and Papamoa. Wallabies are listed as a containment pest in the Bay of Plenty Regional Pest Management Plan

and are unwanted organisms in the Biosecurity Act, which means it is an offence to move or release them. The animals cause significant damage to native bush by feeding on native seedlings, ferns, and grasses. They can also cause problems for forestry and farming by feeding on pine and eucalyptus seedlings and competing with stock for pasture. Once established in native bush, wallabies feed on seedlings, altering the species composition and ulti-

PK / SILAGE BUNKERS

DESIGN – SUPPLY – BUILD

mately depriving native birds and animals of food and shelter. The regional council controls wallabies in partnership with the Department of Conservation and Waikato Regional Council. Wallaby sightings can be reported by calling 0800 STOP PESTS. Wallabies are grey/brown in colour, with adult animals having a paler grey underbelly. Females weigh up to 5.5kg and males up to 7kg.

DAIRY

Page 21

The day goats conducted their own research Research to discover the best ways of weaning goats took an unexpected twist when the kids carried out a little investigative research of their own.

the best weaning methods based on those currently used in the dairy goat industry. AgResearch has three programmes of dairy goat research underway; two funded by the Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment, and the third by the Ministry for Primary IndusSome of the young animals housed tries through the Sustainable Farming in AgResearch’s Ruakura goat facility Fund, with significant cash and in kind figured out how to co-funding from Dairy Goat Cooperaopen the latches of tive. their pens, trotGosia Zobel, who has a PhD in animal ted upstairs to the behaviour and welfare, is studying the kids in the research facility and 80 young goats from 16 different farms, following them from birth to lactation. The research will look at the transition from milk to hard feed and grass. Part of it involves observers sitting in a small grandstand overlooking the pens, watching and listening to the kids to see how they react when hungry. Research has also looked at what constitutes the best bedding for kids and adult goats, and what affects their hoof health. The dairy goat industry is in its Gosia Zobel one of the scientists working infancy. With cows the best-practice at AgResearch’s Ruakura goat facility. guides are on the shelf, says Warren, who works in the innovative farm offices above, and created havoc. systems group at AgResearch’s Ruakura Dr Warren King, who is overseeing campus. the research project, says the kids pulled “With dairy goats there are no farming tissues from a box, climbed over desks manuals to follow, and a wide range of scattering papers, and generally views on best practice farming had a wonderful systems.” Over the course time until they of the remaining five were “busted”. years of the six “We had year project, to review AgResearch’s video Dairy Goat footage to Project team discover will share its just how research and they best practice worked in a series of the latches articles on two open. key topics: forage Fortunately they supply systems and couldn’t escape animal performance the building,” says Kids at AgResearch’s Ruakura goat and welfare. Warren, who has an An established facility figured out how to open the obvious liking for research and devellatches of their pens. goats, despite their opment relationship wayward natures. exists between AgResearch and Dairy Latches and kids now firmly secured, Goat Co-operative (NZ) Ltd, with the research continues, to establish continuing science-based evidence

QUALITY

WATER

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QUALITY

MILK

underpinning value-added product development. Now AgResearch science is targeting on-farm productivity improvements, both within sustainable and cost-effective farm systems. The annual revenue turnover of DGC has increased steadily from less than $100 million to around

$150 million in the last 10 years. DGC formed in 1984 and is based in Hamilton, with manufacturing facilities at its Gallagher Drive site. The co-operative produces dairy goat infant formula (birth plus), follow-on formula (six months plus), and growing up milk formula (one year plus).

Most dairy goat farms are based in the Waikato, although there are a few suppliers in Taranaki and Northland. AgResearch’s Ruakura goat facility was among those visited by journalists attending the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists’ Congress in Hamilton in October. By Elaine Fisher

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DAIRY

Page 22

November rain welcome, hope more is to come November was quite kind with the rain it delivered to the Bay of Plenty and Waikato. It was, however, maybe a little over-generous in the normally dry Hawkes Bay. They had so much rain that maize planting and silage harvesting were delayed. By the end of the month we had recorded around 100ml of rain at Paengaroa (with our average over the last 11 years being 50ml). This was ideal because at this time of year an average of 25ml a week is needed to get good grass growth. Long may it last. Our early planted maize crops are almost fence high, which is where we want them to be at this time. Some of our maize at Maketu got hit with a late frost, but will grow out of that. We also had a flurry of enquiries for supplements

for Soils

lciZest

3 809 or go to

org.nz

following the revised Fonterra pay out. Fortunately I was able to meet the demand, though we have just about sold all we brought in. In fact, after a slow start we have sold more than we did for the same time last year, probably helped by the affordable price we put on it, followed by a tough start to the spring and the threat of a dry summer.

Less supplements

However, contractors are reporting there is not a lot of work around, with some saying they are 50 to 60 per cent down on work, meaning less supplements are being made. Grass growth appears pretty good in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. In the Gisborne to Hawkes Bay regions contractors have often been side dressing with urea and then planting on the same day. Maize planting is also behind in the Manawatu because of wet weather. However, the Central Plateau and Taupo appeared to be drying out, and it’s also very dry in the Eastern side of the South Island and Northland, where farmers are quite worried about what the summer might bring.

Farmers need to weed spray their crops before they reach the row cover stage to stop weeds sucking up moisture and nutrients needed for the crops. It’s not worth cutting corners by not spending on spray as the cost is more than off-set by the improved quality and yield of the crop. Now is the time to put around 150kg/ha of nitrogen on turnips. About six weeks after sowing, spray for weeds and white butterfly. These sprays can be applied at the same time. Chicory also needs nitrogen to get well established, and may also need spraying for weeds.

Topping helps

On farms with good grass growth, a light cut for silage or topping will help maintain quality and get rid of seed heads. This is best done ahead of the cows if possible, as they will also eat most of the weeds once they are wilted, and a nice even cut pasture encourages better regrowth. Rotation should be out to 30 days now to help preserve good quality feed, which is what cows need. Long and rank feed might be OK later in the summer but

make the most of the good feed now. Keeping the pasture clean also helps reduce the risk of facial eczema.

Young stock

Keeping a close eye on young stock, which are the replacements for your future herd, is vital. Don’t put them down the back of the farm and forget about them because that’s when animal health issues can arise. As I’ve said so many times before, if farmers are concerned about what to pay for supplements, go to our website billwebb.co.nz or check out DairyNZ Feed Calculator, which will show the extra value achieved by buying high ME supplements and how much more farmers can afford to pay for good quality feed. If you are unsure or have any queries on how to use the feed calculator, give us a call and we can talk you through it. There are cheap supplements out there, but cheap doesn’t always mean it will bring the desired response for their hard earned cash that farmers need. As another year draws to a close, the team at Bill Webb Feed Solution’s wishes everyone a Happy Christmas, good times with family and friends, safe travels, and a bright and prosperous New Year.

Shining coloured light on lamp’s use

mprovement

Being a shunter when lamps were the only communication between locomotive drivers and shunter was a dangerous job, says Peter Kelk, who has first-hand knowledge of those times. The retired locomotive engineer well remembers shunters and drivers moving trains in the yards, with the help of signals from lamps like the one which featured as the mystery item in last month’s Coast & Country News. Shunter’s lanterns were used to signal the train drivers at night when shunting of their train was required and were also used by shunters in shunt yards where trains were made up and sorted to go to different sidings for customers,” he writes. “There was actually three colours as one lens is clear so the driver would see a white, green or red light. A white light waved sideways across the body was “Come towards the Last month’s shunter”: green, was “Come slowly” mystery item and red was “Stop”. is a shunter’s “To signal the driver to go away from the signal the lamp was lifted lamp.

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

up and down in a vertical movement – eg white was “Go away from the signal”; green “Go slowly away” and red was “Stop”. “I remember working with one shunter who when waving the driver towards the signal lamp on a white used to wave the lamp that vigorously that if he had let it go it would have gone into orbit. “The colours were changed by a mechanism under the handle which was rotated in a circular movement, a third of a turn at a time. “With modern technology and remote controlled shunting locomotives the old lamps are a thing of the past. “Shunting years back when these lamps were used was a dangerous operation.” The shunter’s lamp was fuelled by kerosene or paraffin oil so had a wick which the shunter had to light. “These lamps were looked after with pride by the shunter whose responsibility it was to keep the lens clean and wicks trimmed.” For his excellent description of the shunter’s lamp, Peter has won admission for two to the Morrinsville Heritage Centre. This month’s mystery item is a portable machine used for treating nervous diseases and is among the collection at the Opotiki District Museum. If you think you know what this device is we’d love to hear from you and you could be in to win a visit for two to the Opotiki Museum. Send your entry item to elaine@thesun.co.nz, with Mystery Item in the subject line, or post to: Mystery Item, Coast & Country, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110. The Opotiki Museum is open Monday to Friday 10am-4pm and Saturday from 10am-2pm.

DAIRY

Page 23

The upsides to steps to healthier future The financial situation that dominates activities of the farming community right now is not new. In the late 1980s the dairy and sheep industries were in similar straits, compounded by interest rates of 15 – 20 per cent at that time. In one sense it was easier to handle then, because the hole being so deep, and money so expensive, there was little an individual farmer could do; it was just a case of box on and hope for the best. In the case of the sheep industry the landscape changed for ever. Many small efficient farms were amalgamated, and skilled diligent farmers were lost from the industry. Productive pastoral land was planted in pine trees and whole communities simply disappeared. Research changed from an industry and farmer good, to a short term commercial focus, and people with much knowledge and expertise went elsewhere, along with vast amounts of historical data. Farmers, being a resilient and resourceful bunch, battled on, but the loss of important research, along with the pathways that ensured wisdom was handed from one generation to the next, have never been recovered and our industry is poorer for it.

Farmer resilience

And as if the present financial pressures are not enough, there are rapidly approaching environmental regulations that will further stretch farmer resilience and adaptability. It’s an unfair burden to place on farmers when there is such a shortage of long term research work to provide them with practical everyday answers.

However, there are alternatives, which an increasing number of farmers have been implementing for the last 15 years. They don’t come from mainstream industry and research groups, but from the edge, where significant and far reaching change always comes from. Science will in time work out why it works, and likely claim it as their own. In the interim both science and farmers need to be aware that alternative systems to the current heavy applications, and subsequent losses, of nitrate and phosphorus from intensively farmed pastoral land are already available. These solutions result in an increase in pasture grown, with the benefits immediately available. The reason the process works so efficiently is that it focusses on building humus, by modifying both soil chemistry and biology.

Soil biota

Gaining sustainable increases in production through modifying soil biota is not new. Thirty years ago government invested significantly in this work, and the results were positive. That revolutionary technology and some of the people involved at that time are still around, with a commitment to seeing the work come to fruition. Humus is the filter that effectively stops excess nitrate and phosphorus being lost to water ways. It’s formed by a wide range of fungi, bacteria, and earthworms that adapt and change activity throughout the seasons. During winter organic matter from the growing season is digested, with nutrient stored, and then released on an on-demand basis as soil temperatures and sunlight hours increase. It’s incredibly efficient as lengthening daylight is also the trigger for an increase in pasture growth.

Still time to plant feed crops With a dry summer predicted, many farmers will be wondering if they will have enough feed to see them through. DairyNZ’s senior developer feed and farm systems, Kim Mashlan says that even though sowing time is nearly over, there is still time to plant crops that will provide a valuable summer feed buffer in some areas. “There are still some crops that can be planted up to early December. Crops like sweet sudan grass, sorghumsudan grass hybrids and green-feed maize maintain relatively high levels of production during hot and dry conditions and can reduce the risk of having inadequate forage during the summer,” says Kim. Sudan grass and sorghum-sudan grass hybrids are primarily used for grazing and cutting because of their high regrowth potential. They regrow faster than forage sorghum and recover quickly after grazing or cutting. Warm soil temperatures, 17°C and rising, are required for germination. Sorghums are known for being drought tolerant. They absorb water more efficiently because they have twice as many secondary roots per unit of primary root as maize and have half as much leaf area and a waxier leaf surface; traits that help withstand drought and provide a source of feed during summer pasture shortages. Sudan grass and sorghum-sudan grass can be grazed 35-45 days after planting when the crop reaches a minimum

height of 0.8m (0.8-1.2m recommended) and will normally be ready for a second cutting or grazing within 28-35 days ( at 0.8 m). Sudan grass and sorghum-sudan grass hybrids that are 0.8-1.0m in height have on average, a dry matter content of 15 percent, an average energy content of 9.0-10.0 MJME/kgDM and yield 3.54.5tDM/ha per cut (2-3 cuts/grazings depending on moisture levels) Intake should be restricted to 30-40 percent of diet. The quality and feed value drop drastically once the grass begins to mature (greater than 1.4m in height). To maximize quality, feed when the crop is between 0.8-1.0m in height. Greenfeed maize can yield large quantities of green fodder per hectare relative to most other alternative summer fodder crops and summer pasture. It has an energy content of around 10-10.5 MJME/kgDM and crude protein of 8-12 percent. It can be cut and carried to the herd or break fed. Intake should be restricted to 25-50 percent of diet. It can be planted once soil temperature is 10°C and rising and greenfed from 42-56 days of planting. Yields of 10-18T DM/ha are possible but will be less in dry years. Nitrate poisoning is a potential issue with any crop that grows rapidly, has been drought stressed, or has been frosted. Crops should be sampled and analysed before grazing/cutting if nitrate build-up is suspected.

Humus also acts as a sponge holding moisture for uptake during drier periods, and with plant roots able to delve deeper into the soil, dry summers are more easily managed. Without the regular application of fertiliser nitrogen long-stemmed large-leafed clover steadily dominates the summer sward, fixing more than enough nitrogen for a steady increase in pasture production.

Calcium content

With clover being more nutritious and digestible, as well as containing several times the calcium content of grass, animal production lifts, without reliance on worm drenches and other ill-health remedies. There are management changes to be made to maxlid Food for Soils imise the benefits of the system, but theyS oare logical and easily learned, and when embedded, result in a peace of mind that comes when working in harmony with natural systems. A question often asked by farmers as they begin to appreciate the benefits is, “why do not more farmers do this?” The answer is fear. Apprehension D o l o Zat e sthe t CalciZest 0800 843 809 07 362 7288

or go to

www.esi.org.nz Eco-Logic Soil Improvement

thought of change can often be a natural safeguard against unnecessary diversion. But it’s fear of ridicule by, and isolation from, peers that is the tough one to overcome. Change is always challenging. However the right to clean fresh drinking water is a right of every citizen and stock animal, and there are only upsides to steadily implementing the steps to a healthier future. For more information call Peter on 0800 843 809.

DAIRY

Page 24

Journalists take interest in dairy cow urine It’s not often journalists show intense interest in cow urine, nitrogen leaching and water quality but the 20 who visited DairyNZ’s Scott Farm in Hamilton found the subjects fascinating. The journalists from Europe, the USA and one from the Philippines were part of the International Federation of Agricultural Journalists 2015 World Congress held in Hamilton in October. All were well aware of the environmental pressures facing farming world-wide and were keen to learn what New Zealand is doing to address these issues here. They spent an hour in a paddock with Scott Farm’s “Future Herd” of 34 cows grazing on pasture grown with reduced nitrogen inputs. The cows are part of the larger Pastoral 21, Next Generation Dairy Systems five year farm programme. It’s aim is to show that an average Waikato farm can increase annual milk production by up to 200kg/ ha with increased profit per hectare, while reducing

nitrogen leaded from 35-50+ kg/ha per year down to 20-30kg/ha per year.

Future herd

Since the start of the 2011/12 season, two 13ha farmlets at Scott Farm have been compared. One represents a typical Waikato farm, with a stocking rate of 3.2 cows/ha. The other with a stocking rate of 2.6 cows/ha, represents a farm managed more efficiently. The cows in the future herd have a breeding worth among the top one per cent of the national herd and were chosen for their production potential to compensate for a lower stocking rate than the conventional herd grazed next door. Project leader and Dairy NZ senior scientist Kevin MacDonald, together with DairyNZ farm systems specialist Chris Glassey and Dr Diana Selbie, a scientist in the AgResearch nutrient management and environmental footprinting team explained how the project is being run and results measured. Diana says the aim is to implement management practices which can easily be adopted by farmers and their staff. There is little point, she says, in developing complex system which are too time consuming or just impractical to fit into day to day farming chores.

Water quality

However, to establish which systems work best does require accurate gathering of data and Diana demonstrated how probes, inserted horizontally into the ground under plates in the pasture, are being used to monitor ground water quality. Five years into the project, four regionallyfocused Pastoral 21 trials in the Waikato, Manawatu, Canterbury and South Otago are showing how farmers can reduce losses of

nitrogen, phosphorus and sediment, but at some cost to profit. Pastoral 21 research farmlets have achieved up to a 30 per cent reduction in N loss and up to 80-90 per cent reduction in P and sediment loss, with little change in production. Pastoral 21 Phase II is even bolder and will draw on the work of its predecessor, as well from other public- and industry-good research and development programmes, to create proven solutions that can be practically applied on farms. Its twin goals are: • a $110/ha/year increase in average profitability from dairy production, with a 30 per cent reduction in nitrogen and phosphorus losses to water • a 3 per cent annual meat productivity increase, while containing or reducing environmental footprint. Delivering on these goals will mean changing the current relationship between production and environmental footprint, says AgResearch’s P21 Science Leader Mark Shepherd. “Thanks to science, better farm management practices and other tools, we have found amazing ways to increase farm production over the years. “We’ve also found ways to reduce environmental footprint – but not at the same pace. “Our goal is to reverse that trend – to ensure efficiency gains to reduce our environmental footprint are larger than production gains.” So who wins in this scenario – farmers or the environment? “Both,” says Mark.

Dr Diana Selbie, a scientist in the AgResearch nutrient management and environmental footprinting team explains how ground water quality is being monitored in the Scott Farm’s Pastoral 21 project. The chain around her neck is used to measure effluent patches on the ground.

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Phosphate on the brain not helping production ‘Cows don’t have carburetors’ is the title of an article written by Agri-Dynamics of Pennsylvania former managing director, the late Jerry Brunetti, which seems absurd, but is extremely relevant. The following is an extract from his article, published in Acres USA, May 2012. “Unfortunately, livestock operators, especially in New Zealand, are being sold a big lie as to how to grow forages, applying huge amounts of urea and super phosphate for yield while dropping the energy levels of the forages; increasing the “funny protein” (nitrogen), obliterating the biodiversity of forbs (forage herbs) rich in phenols, carotenoids/terpenoids, and complexing those vital elements in the soil, namely calcium, magnesium, sulfur and boron that are responsible for creating quality protein and forage diversity. “Many New Zealand farms have acidic soils (eg pH of 5.5). Yet, their soil analysis showing a P2O5 “deficiency” was derived from an “Olsen Test,” to be used on alkaline soils. Thus these soils show a continued “need” for super phosphate, even though some soil tests that I reviewed contained 4,000 pounds per acre of phosphate when they were analysed. “All of this excessive phosphate locks up whatever calcium and magnesium is present, denying the plant an ability to synthesize both quality protein and quality forage calories in the form of pectins and hemi-cellulose.

Excess phosphate

“Moreover, the excess phosphate drives the critical mycorrhizal fungi out of the rhizosphere, depriving that organism’s contribution of phosphatase enzyme, needed to extract complex phosphate and trace elements out of the soil. Thus over-applying phosphate ironically leads to a deficiency of plant phosphorus, needed to produce adenosine triphosphate, the energy currency in the Krebs cycle for both plants and animals.” What does it all mean? Kinsey Agricultural Services owner Neal Kinsey advises his clients, who include consultants in over 70 countries, to use Perry Agricultural Laboratories for their soil tests. PAL uses the Bray II (root acid soluble) test for soils with pHs up to 7.5. Once the pH gets to 7.6 and above, an Olsen P test result is provided.

Since there are at least twelve tests to choose from, why do NZ labs use the wrong one? The Americans use it appropriately and we in NZ have been led to believe it is a true measure of our soil phosphorus and fertility, when it is far from that. Perhaps 73 per cent, of acid phosphates complex (tie up) with aluminum, iron, manganese and calcium, within six weeks of application. But, superphosphate’s marketing ploy is its low cost. How cheap is a material that may only be 27 per cent effective?

Self-serving

Remember, chemical agriculture is a self-serving, input-driven system. You are advised to apply an unbalanced fertiliser to an unbalanced soil to help sustain a state of imbalance, which will then require constant chemical intervention. We have an inappropriate P test and an inappropriate product. When compared to alkaline phosphates the answer comes out in favour of products such as Sechura RPR, and in certain circumstances DAP. If needed, you can quickly build soil P levels with these products without those availability problems. The late Dr Allan Sinclair, AgResearch, Invermay Agricultural Centre et al (1997) took the average curve and examined how good it was at explaining the relationship between percentage relative pasture yield and Olsen P values at 17 of the 19 sites. The result is somewhat sobering. Sinclair concluded, “Olsen P soil tests from farms could not accurately predict relative pasture yield. These data, however, did show that when Olsen P values exceed 20 a near maximum relative yield can be produced”. Source: (NZ National Series Figure 4.1.16 of the Massey University ‘Sustainable Nutrient Management in New Zealand’ manual). Not only do we have criticism from USA regarding the use of the Olsen P test; we also have it from Massey University. It appears the use of the Olsen P test was chosen in the 1970s for no other reason than it being the most modern test. In general, but depending on location, Kiwi Fertiliser finds phosphate levels of NZ soils to be excessive. Where phosphate is required, we recommend Sechura RPR. Jerry Brunetti was managing director of AgriDynamics, which specialises in products for farm livestock and pets, and consults on a wide variety of other issues. website www.agri-dynamics.com

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EFFLUENT

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Effluent pond feature of field day It was a picnic by the pond with a difference when farmers gathered at Stefan and Wendy Reichmuth’s Hinuera farm for the Waikato dairy effluent open day hosted by Presco Environmental Infrastructure in midNovember. Close to Stefan and Wendy’s new 630 cubic metre circular Presco Prosump was a marquee where speakers talked about the Reichmuth project and dairy effluent systems in general. Later those who attended were treated to a spit roast lunch and had the opportunity for a closer inspection of the pond. Rob Woolerton, sustainable dairying advisor with Fonterra, was among the first people Stefan contacted when he began planning a new effluent system. “Many Fonterra farmers prefer to talk to one of our advisors first when considering an effluent scheme because we can give general independent advice and a basic idea of what storage capacity they may need by using the effluent storage calculator,” Rob says. Colin Kay, agricultural consultant with Opus International Consultants says tests he has carried out show applying effluent can result in significant savings for farmers. “Based on recent fertiliser prices, farm dairy effluent contributes

The 630 cubic metre circular Presco Prosump on Stefan and Wendy Reichmuth’s Hinuera farm. $104 per hectare in nitrogen, $30 per hectare of P and $178 of K which is $312 per hectare of fertiliser gained from correct application of effluent.” Stefan has yet to install a pump in his new Prosump, but Reid and Harrison had a shore-mounted self-priming pump, and a pontoon-mounted pump and stirrer installed in the pond for the field day. Martin Prescott, production manager, for Reid and Harrison says the company has submersible pumps and will soon release a submersible stirrer as well. Martin says until Stefan’s budget permits a new pump for the pond, Reid and Harrison could mount the farm’s existing pump on pontoons as a temporary measure.

Oliver Prestidge, general manager of Presco Environmental Infrastructure says the Hawera company is a family business, founded by his father Steve Prestidge. The Prosump was developed in response to a need from dairy farmers for a more versatile and durable effluent storage solution that would work well in locations with high water tables and other difficult site conditions. The purpose built concrete construction of the Prosump provides flexible installation options and durability that can’t be achieved with alternative pond options. Stefan says he chose the Presco Prosump because its appearance does not detract from the landscape and it future-proofs his farming operation.

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EFFLUENT

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Exactly what is killing effluent ponds? Dairy farmers are often squeezed between two powerful forces. One is the regional council. The other is the dairy company they supply milk to. These two powerhouses write the rules and guidelines that farmers must abide by. Over the last 18 months I have become increasingly concerned about one such guideline: the promotion of chlorine as a cleaner and sanitiser. On the surface, such promotion seems reasonable: chlorine is an effective sanitizer, so widely regarded, farmers

Pond crust gone for 10th the cost?

True!

have been increasing their use of this “go-to” chemical in preparing for shed inspections. Sounds good, what’s the problem? The problem is when two facts collide. The first fact is this: Some kinds of bacteria are absolutely necessary for a successful farm. These good microbes convert nutrients into plant-friendly forms which helps pastures grow and reduces soil leeching. They also help cows digest their food properly in the gut which leads to healthier animals and more profit in the vat. Fact No.2: Chlorine kills all bacteria, including these beneficial bacteria. Where do these two facts collide? In your effluent pond. If your effluent pond is healthy, it is alive with good microbes. On the pond surface you will see bubbling activity which is the

Dairy feed ‘not cause of Indonesian fires’ The NZ dairy industry’s use of the supplementary feed palm kernel expeller is not to blame for forest fires which burned for weeks across Indonesia, says Federated Farmers Dairy Industry Chair Andrew Hoggard.

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aerobic bacteria busy digesting solids and turning your effluent into liquefied fertiliser. But most farmers don’t see that. What they see is a green slime on the surface where the good bug activity had been. After testing these green samples in labs, I now know what it is: dead bacteria in the presence of chlorine. Chlorine, washed into your effluent pond, kills the good bacteria that would have helped your farm. So what can a farmer do? I can see three options. 1. Divert the chlorinated water into a separate tank. 2. Spray the chlorinated water directly onto your pasture. 3. Use another chemcial that kills only pathogens but leaves the good guys alone. To discuss any of these options or to talk about other effluent issues you may have, give me a call (027 490 9896). I’ll be glad to help.

However, Federated Farmers echoes the concerns of Greenpeace and others regarding the devastation and environmental impact of the forest fires. “It’s important to remember that PKE

is not the reason for these fires or tropical deforestation. It is a by-product of the extraction of palm oil and palm kernel oil, which would otherwise be treated as waste. “Dairy farmers are taking this waste product and making use of it as a supplementary food source. It is used mainly as an alternative to pasture during adverse weather such as droughts, to maintain the welfare of herds and the productivity of New Zealand’s vitally important dairy industry.” Greenpeace responded to the fires in Indonesia by attacking Fonterra with allegations linking them to fires through the deforesta-

tion of rainforests and peatland for PKE – claims which Andrew says ignore both the core product being sought (palm oil) and the realities of Fonterra’s procurement strategy. “This is typical tall poppy stuff. Fonterra and its dairy farmers source their PKE from a single suppler that operates on a sustainable basis. “This provider – Wilmar – has a ‘no burning, no deforestation’ policy and its plantation operations are audited by The Forest Trust, an independent, non-government organisation. To lay any of the blame for these fires with Fonterra is utterly unfair.”

Rising phosphorus levels have a significant impact on NZ waterways & your fertiliser and effluent dispersal strategy. Annual soil analysis (pH, salinity, chloride, phosphorus etc.) is the key to devising effective salt reduction strategies. Realise your irrigation targets by annually applying Gypsum across the entire farm to combat sodium and improve soil structure. Talk to your farm advisor to learn more about the benefits of Gypsum.

EFFLUENT

Water quality - which system will work? The NZ Association of Resource Management’s recent conference in Hamilton began with sessions on the planning and implementation processes for water quality being carried out in Waikato, Canterbury, Manawatu and Otago. The most interesting factor to me was the very different ways each region has approached the problem. As happened in 1990 with the Resource Management Act, there have been no centralised guidelines on either what should be done, or what should be achieved by defined timeframes. Thus each regional council has been left to work things out for their patch, with their geography and their populations. Waikato, the last to get started and perhaps the most constrained (by the legislatively approved vision and strategy document for the Waikato River which defines what should be achieved as suitable for swimming, taking food and healthy biodiversity) is going through a fully collaborative process involving a multiplicity of interested parties. We are yet to see the shape of resultant plan change proposals, and how well they will work. Work to date has included a process of integrated assessment worked through using scenario modelling. Recent public meetings have indicated that possibly land use capability and farm mapping will form part of the process. Initial scenario costings have indicated a very long process to achieve what is required.

Zone committees

Canterbury (represented by Ian Brown) explained that their region divided itself up into 10 areas (after all the mayors took over the process in 2008), each with a zone committee which included local Maori

PLA SY

involvement. Their view on nutrient limits is to ‘hold the line’ through good management. The zone committees each came up with individual sub-regional plans, and the target date for their solution package is 2019. They have now set up six zone implementation process teams to make the ideas work. One major difficulty they are still overcoming is to achieve a mindset change among the populace - from working to the RMA, to making the RMA work for each community. It’s all about people. Nick Peet of Horizons (Manawatu/Wairarapa) referred ruefully to the problems they had faced over their nine years of planning. He explained that the region contained three river catchments with different problems - water quality vs quantity, erosion, biodiversity loss and sedimentation. The values and targets held by interest groups have been both direct and indirect, involving numeric measures versus values, and the focus on quantity in their consenting process.

One plan

They ended up with both regulatory and non-regulatory processes for water quality, and a leaching maxima based on land use capability. In effect they have used a process which is backwards to Waikato’s CSG, but planned their monitoring process to be a CSG one. Farmers and monitors are going to need to be adaptive, but their one plan will now be used as a foundation for growth. Nicola McGrouther of Otago advised that the region is now 18 months into implementing its plan, and using workshops to start the community education process. Their aim has been to protect water quality using minimum constraints. The policy is effects based, including setting limits to river contamination levels, rather than focusing on catchment loads. The aim is to place the onus on land managers to monitor contaminants (par-

TI C T E M S LIMITED

ticularly e.coli and sediments) to produce acceptable levels by 2020. Monitoring will involve measuring effluent discharges, ensuring stream buffers when using winter crops, making regular visual checks on sediment (no colour change) and water clarity. By working with a list of prohibited activities, they are already finding that farmers are banding into groups to collectively work out how to manage their areas. For example, 150 farmers at Pomahaka have contributed $250 each to employ experts to advise them on what they could do.

Tirau farmer

As one who would need to adjust to future limitations in Waikato, James Bailey, a sheep and beef farmer from Tirau on land in his family for a century, who is on the Waikato CSG, described the steps he had already taken to adjust vulnerable areas of the farm to prevent erosion and leaching. A 32ha paddock with a long steeply sloping area bordering a stream, formerly used for wintering stock, had undergone a series of changes. First the bush areas had been covenanted with QEII Trust, the flatter areas had been fenced into smaller paddocks with reticulated water, and the stream slopes fenced and riparian planted and wetlands created. In all of this no urea had been used, and the focus had been on land optimisation. With other councils approaching the problem in yet more different ways, which system/s will succeed remain unknown at this time. Sue Edmonds

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LIFESTYLE FARMING

Page 30

With correct care sun-damaged skin not ‘doomed’ The ozone layer is shrinking, the rates of skin cancer are rising, and you can still recall the blistering sunburns you had as a kid or those deep dark tans you (regrettably) worked so hard on as a teen.

FARMOSH Helping Farmers Reduce OSH Risk

But does that mean your skin is doomed and there is little point in continuing to protect it from the sun? Absolutely not says Dr Salmon Dermatologist at the Skin Centre. "Careful sun avoidance and safe sun practices at any age can greatly reduce your risk." Nearly 80 percent of your lifetime sun exposure happens after the age of 18, so it's still vitally important to protect yourself from the sun—and the havoc it wreaks on your skin. “What's more, new research shows that what you consume and how you treat the damage can help further safeguard your body's largest organ. The bonus: The steps you take to ward off skin cancer also fight wrinkles and other signs of aging. Take action today.”

Use sunscreen

Avoiding the sun as much as possible is unquestionably the most effective way to prevent both potentially fatal melanomas and other less dangerous, but still serious, skin cancers. Ultraviolet light generates free radicals, highly charged molecules that damage cells and DNA, and suppress the cancerfighting immune system. “Experts recommend seeking the shade, heading to the pool or beach in the late afternoon (rather than midday when the sun is strongest), sporting a broad brim hat and long sleeves, and wearing sunscreen— a lot of it.” Slather It On: Most people use way too little sunscreen. "If you're applying it to your face, neck and arms, you need two teaspoons. “For your entire body, use at least a shot glass full. Even more if you're out in the sun longer than two hours and reapplying after swimming and sweating. Studies show people tend to use one-quarter to onehalf of the recommended amount, turning that SPF 30 into a 10.” Read the Labels: Buy a sunscreen with at least

   

SPF 30 and broad-spectrum coverage, and check for these ingredients: avobenzone, mexoryl, oxybenzone, titanium dioxide and zinc oxide. For Everyday Use: When you're not planning to be out for extended periods, you still should wear an all-day moisturizer with a sunscreen. A Layer of Protection: While you always need sunscreen on exposed skin, ultraviolet protection factor (UPF) clothing can protect the rest of your body. "There's no chance you'll miss a spot." Look for UPF clothing with a rating of at least 30—a typical cotton T-shirt has a UPF of 5. Monitor Your Skin: Monitor your skin, checking for new and changing moles and skin lesions. Check your skin regularly and make a full body skin check with your doctor today where you will be advised on the best protection and treatment you can offer your skin. “You can manage the damage your skin has endured when you were young by ensuring you identify skin cancer early and treat it appropriately and definitively the first time.”

Dr Paul Salmon Dermatologist at the Skin Centre.

Over 65s at increased risk from falls

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The repercussions of a fall can be huge, not just for the person who has fallen, but for their loved ones as well.

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“It’s not just broken bones and bruises,” says Miranda Smith, owner of one of New Zealand’s most experienced private home care providers. “It’s the erosion of a person’s confidence and the impact this has on their independence that can be where the real cost lies. “Statistics show that if you are aged over 65 you have a one in three chance of falling each year, and this risk increases to one in two by the time you are 80.” Having worked in the aged care industry for over 20 years, Miranda has seen first -hand the negative

effects of falls, and is passionate about increasing awareness of how to prevent them. “All our company’s carers are educated about falls prevention and we run falls awareness seminars in the community.” She urges people to use the ‘ACC Home Safety Checklist’ to try and create a safer home environment. “It can help you identify potential hazards such as mats, poor lighting, lack of hand rails, and slippery surfaces.” She emphasises that regularly participating in exercise designed to improve strength and balance, such as Age Concerns’ Steady As You Go programme, and maintaining a healthy balanced diet can help to reduce risk. Low Vitamin D has also been shown to decrease falls risk, and ACC recommend you check with your GP if treatment for this could be right for you.

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LIFESTYLE FARMING

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LIFESTYLE FARMING

Food, wine, and stars part of Coromandel odyssey Nuts, fruit, vegetables, Limoncello, communal living, and star gazing are among the highlights of a Coromandel field trip by members of the Waikato and Thames Coromandel Branch Tree Crops Association. First stop was with Brian and Sue Pilkington of Cathedral Cove Macadamias, members of the NZTCA, where Sue gave a brief history and a tour of the property. The main trees planted 35 years ago are the Beaumont variety.

Other varieties introduced include ones that drop their nuts, whereas the nuts from the Beaumont are handpicked. Soil and leaf analysis provide vital information, with minerals and fertiliser applied depending on the results.

Fruit liqueurs

Over the years the Pilkingtons realised the profit wasn’t in the growing of nuts, but in added value. So they created other products including an ice-cream, chocolate macadamias, flavoured crumbs, cereals, and a gluten free macadamia flour. The Pilkingtons

also have an extensive vegetable patch and fruit orchard with 80 citrus, plums, figs, apples, pears, bananas, and cherimoyas. Susan Grierson who lives next door is an enthusiastic organic gardener who loves to have visitors taste the fruit grown on her property. Shelterbelts were planted 30 years ago shortly after buying the property, which was just grass at the time. Susan doesn’t use pesticides, just a lot of mulch. She has every variety of fruit tree, including some rare items like umeboshi, a Japanese plum which is used as a digestive aid, for the prevention of nausea, and to combat fatigue and protect against aging. We visited a yurt at the Purangi Garden Accommodation which Susan and her partner run. A brief visit to Purangi Estate gave members a tasting of fruit liqueurs, ports, and wines developed locally. The Limoncello was enjoyed, along with the aged port. The last event for the day was a visit to Stargazers, Alastair Brickell’s observatory in the middle of the bush with a large telescope. It was a perfect night to view the sky, although very cold. Alastair told us about how stars were formed, pointed out some of the zodiac, showed us Alpha Centauri, and taught us the difference between the satellites and the space junk which we followed in

Susan Grierson (in red skirt) grows a variety of unusual fruits in her organic orchard. the sky. On the Sunday we heard there was a market at Coroglen so packed up and raced south in time to buy plants and fruit before heading up to Wilderland Trust.

Small community

Shai was our main host, but other members of the trust came to help, and to hear some of the comments from our members who are very knowledgeable in the growing of fruit and nut trees. The trust covers 60 ha of mostly hilly land north of Coroglen and down to the head of the Whitianga estuary. It is a small community which has been there on and off for about seven years. It needs people with a specific belief

in that way of life – living and working in a sustainable way, sharing the work, the proceeds being divided only when there is excess, and following both organic and permaculture principles. Lastly was a trip to Gavin Kenny’s place. Previously a Tree Crops member in the Hawkes Bay, Gavin purchased this 7.5 ha property with a long term view.

Solar power

He is in the middle of building his new house, and lives in a solar-powered caravan. We learned about the legal issues involved in obtaining water from streams some distance away, looked over the various paddocks, and discussed future options. There is an impressive stand of maturing eucalyptus where the bigger trees have already been felled and milled for the flooring and decking of the house. Blackberry is a major issue, with being sprayed out the only real option, but afterwards it is hoped to manage trees and stock organically. For information on the NZ Tree Crops Association visit www.nztca.org.nz Beryl le Grove

LIFESTYLE FARMING

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Never rely on subdivision rule changes Waikato, Franklin, and Thames-Coromandel take note: if you are lucky enough you may benefit from a change to the subdivision rules, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it. In general terms, when it comes to rural subdivision, councils are trying to tighten up and keep properties large and, in their view, economical. That doesn't mean that opportunities won't arise through changes, but the real ones are those that already exist. They are tried and true and, believe me, for most those opportunities won't survive the proposed changes. Major changes are currently under way for Thames-Coromandel, Waikato (including the old Franklin part), and Auckland. TCDC has completed public hearings and is due to announce decisions early next year. Waikato has begun its review process and will also be announcing its intentions next year.

Average lot

If you have been contemplating any subdivision or boundary adjustments in these areas you would be well advised to advance your plans now. TCDC earlier proposed to retain their main rural subdivision rule with a minimum average lot size of 20 hectares, however there were many submissions to the plan and the final rule might differ

somewhat. Likewise, the rule allowing conservation lots (based on the protection of bush and wetland) was proposed for major change, reducing chances for many and prompting submissions. Council are still accepting applications based on the existing rules, but that won't last much longer. The old Franklin District subdivision rules were always going to change after redrawing the boundary between the new Auckland Super City and Waikato District but what is probably less expected is the further review of the Waikato Subdivision Rules that were only rewritten recently. Waikato is reviewing the whole district again and will, no doubt, tighten things further.

Anyone’s guess

Apart from subdividing conservation lots, the old Franklin area relies on transferable titles for much of the subdivision opportunity. We believe that this method of subdivision is 'on the block' with this review so the message is perhaps ‘use it or lose it’. How councils will find any common ground between the Franklin Plan and the Waikato Plan is anyone’s guess. Waikato has a rule allowing a lifestyle block to be subdivided from an older title over 20 hectares in size but have signalled, in the past, a rise to a 40 hectare requirement. Franklin has a rule that sets a minimum size for any rural lot at 40 hectares, where you are not purchasing a transferable entitlement. Whatever rules councils advance, they need consistency across the entire district, a tall order since both regions have their own history

Purifying water to protect families Farms and lifestyle block owners are coming “We have a range of filtration options, from a basic three stage design under increased pressure to protect their with pre-filter plus carbon block filters; families from water pollution. through to a full

four stage system Creeks, springs, dams, with the three or and bores used to be clean more filters and a and clear, and not regarded final ultra violet as a health hazard, says unit, providing Arctica Pure Water Tauranga 99 per cent+ director Alan Jones. protection.” “With intensification and The pre-filter increased utilisation of the removes dirt, land, the quality of many sediment, supplies has changed. Giardia, and rust. cryptosporidium, and even They come E.coli are now prevalent, in densities plus the taste of the water has (microns) deteriorated. This 30Watt UV water purifying from about “The farming family, who system is among those available from 100 down have lived continually on the Arctica Pure Water. to the more land, don’t notice the changes usual five microns. as their immunity has built Carbon block filters are the work up over many years. However, family and friends coming to stay often find the water distasteful at best, and may suffer other more serious problems.” Arctica Pure Water, which has been improving the quality of household water since 2007, can provide an efficient and reasonably priced solution to the problem.

horses of the system, removing algae, bacteria, microscopic worms, giardia, cryptosporidium, and E.coli. Impurities such as chlorine, chemicals, and volatile organic compounds are also absorbed, greatly improving the taste and safety of the water. Carbon is one of the most absorbent materials known to man, and can absorb thousands of tiny pores; 500 grams of activated carbon can give up to 125 acres of filtering surface. A carbon block is essential in any safe filtration system “The ultra violet unit is the final protection,” says Alan. “This kills any of the small remaining organisms of bacteria and their spores. The unit needs to be sufficiently large for your consumption, but small enough not to be excessively expensive to purchase and operate. See our web site for more details.”

and individual issues. Perhaps a different zoning will emerge for the highly productive horticultural land around Pukekohe. Whatever way it goes, nothing is more certain – opportunities will slip away, and perhaps if you are really lucky something will come your way. My advice to those who need to subdivide for some reason is to utilise the current rules in your particular area and don’t hold out hope that things are going to get easier; they won't necessarily. If you are interested to find out what opportunities might potentially be lost, feel free to give me a call and discuss your situation without delay. Surveying Services Managing Director Brent Trail specialises in resource consent applications for subdivisions across the Waikato and Bay of Plenty. For further information call 07 838 1571 or email btrail@surveyingservices.co.nz

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LIFESTYLE FARMING

‘Luxury’ outdoor adventures

The Great New Zealand Trek is the ultimate adventure holiday, if you are into mountain biking, walking or horse riding says Kitty Johnson, trustee of The Great New Zealand Trek Charitable Trust. “You could call it luxury trekking with its hot showers, flush toilets, gourmet catering and marquee to seat 350 people. “Each day the campsite is moved to a new location in the middle of nowhere. All you have to do is pack up your gear, make a lunch, take a day bag and trek through some of New Zealand’s most picturesque countryside as all your other belongings will be transported by the crew. “You only need to bring is your personal effects, tent, horse, bike or boots and a great sense of humour. The rest will be supplied.” The 2016 trek is from February 20 to 28 and will begin at Annavale Station, Springfield in Canterbury. In 2006 the Great NZ Trek began at

Cape Reinga with the intent, over the coming years, to traverse the length of New Zealand, at the same time raising funds for Multiple Sclerosis research. After 10 successful events the trek has made its way from the far North to McDonald Downs in the South Island. Thanks to the generosity of landowners this trek will take you where no trek has been before. “With an average of 240 trekkers and a strong team of around 70 volunteers it is a week filled with adventure and fun, you will make friends for life and experience challenges you will be proud of.” Since 2006 the trek has raised $280,000 for Multiple Sclerosis and The Great New Zealand Trek Charitable Trust is proud that the money donated to The Malaghan Institute of Medicine has enable

The Great New Zealand Trek is an adventure of a life-time for horse and mountain bike riders, and tampers. them to trial different drugs which has led to a clinical trial, based in Wellington, for secondary progressive MS patients to begin early 2016. To join the Great NZ Trek and help make a difference for MS patients contact Kitty 06 874 3262, email c.johnson@xtra.co.nz website www.greatnewzealandtrek.org.nz

The Great New Zealand Trek Stage 11— Springﬁeld to Fairlie 20th to 28th February 2016 ZaiƐing ĨƵndƐ Ĩor DƵlƟple SĐleroƐiƐ ǆperienĐe a ǁeeŬ oĨ a liĨeƟŵe oī tŚe ďeaten traĐŬ not norͲ mally accessible to the public with 300 likeminded people, trekking where no trek has been before. For walkers, Mt Bikers & Horse Riders. Luxury trekking with Hot Showers, Flush Toilets, Gourmet Catering, Massage, Entertainment...we have it all͊ nũoǇ a ǁeeŬ oĨ adǀentƵre in tŚe ďeaƵƟĨƵl SoƵtŚ /Ɛland with your horse, seeing great country and making new friends. Visit our website www.greatnewzealandtrek.org.nz WŚone <iƩǇ Ĩor inĨorŵaƟon or ďroĐŚƵre ph 06 874 3262 email c.johnson@xtra.co.nz

LIFESTYLE FARMING

Special birthday for saddlery As a horse-mad teenager, it was Kathryn Cook’s wish to have a horse and go riding.

New suppliers continue coming on board to enhance the wide range of gear, equipment and products for customers and their horses. “Our new season stock has arrived in store with a massive range of new and exciting products from Horze, B-Vertigo and Cavallino clothing range. Hoofcamp has a comprehensive range of bridles, breast plates, saddles, also Western gear and also stocks horse feed and supplements and everything equestrian. “We have a large second-hand corner with saddles and everything else equestrian, we sell on behalf and this service takes all of the hassle out of dealing with buyers for the private person selling gear. “Hoofcamp deal with questions and makes the sale for you. You just collect your payment after the item is sold.”

“I was from a family of six children and my father was a barber, who in the 1960s-70s found cutting hair a dying business with all the young men growing their hair long to look like the Beatles, so money was tight,” says Kathryn, co-owner of Hoofcamp Sadlery in Whakatane. “To buy a horse I had to do many a baby sitting job and after school work, but finally I owned a horse and so my equestrian passion began. Joining pony club and competing at A&P shows was my discipline.” At 20 years old Kathryn decided to give up riding and it was traveling, marriage and having a family which kept her busy for a further Hoofcamp's workshop is busier 20 years. than ever with everything imagi“I finally felt the desire to nable coming in for repairs. ride and own a horse again Anything that needs a heavy when my daughter Nadesha duty machine, stitching, rivets, was four years old and was domes, clips, buckles or zips, keen on horses also. they can do. Horse cover repairs “This time I decided to try Nadesha Cook, at age seven on Tasha are their specialty, as is launderWestern riding and comand mum Katheryn on Melody, ing and re-proofing rugs. peting, a discipline I really loved trekking together. Hoofcamp's Face Book page is enjoyed. Nadesha came along proving very popular for updates on new gear arriving, to all the Western clinic’s and training days with me specials and clearance items and Kathryn is encouragon her little grey pony and followed me over many a ing people to "like" Hoofcamp on Face Book. trail out trekking over farm land, bush and forestry.” Hoofcamp is now celebrating seven years in business Whakatane did not have a saddlery store and Kathryn was keen to start a business, so in 2008 Hoofcamp and has a promotion with 1XX radio station. Spend just $30 and go in the draw to win a trip to Houston Saddlery opened. Texas for four people. Seven years on and situated on Commerce Street, For everything horsey head to Hoofcamp Saddlery, Whakatane it is one of the biggest saddlery stores in 197 Commerce Street, Whakatane. New Zealand.

Page 35

Grain, legume consumption drops Dieting fads and self-diagnosed intolerances are dramatically altering the consumption of grains and legumes in New Zealand according to a national survey. More than 500 people aged two to 70 years participated in the recent New Zealand Grains and Legumes Consumption and Attitudinal Study, which compared New Zealander’s eating habits with those of our transTasman counterparts. The survey, run by the Grain and Legumes Nutritional Council, considered the consumption of different food categories, quantities and consumer profiles to gather a broad and accurate picture of consumer behaviours. It found that New Zealand consum-

ers have had a dramatic overall change in attitudes and consumption since similar information was collected in 2011. The study found that 95 per cent of New Zealanders are consuming grain foods, with men eating more than twice the number of serves per day than women. Results also showed that females are significantly more likely to avoid gluten and grain foods than males, attributing this behaviour mostly to weight loss. Respondents from this group said the gluten-containing products made them feel ‘bloated’ and they avoided them to ‘maintain energy throughout the day.’ Females aged 19 to 30 were the most likely to self-diagnose.

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Page 36

Kiwi self-sufficiency in Australia Tauranga’s academically talented Liz Beavis grew up here and attended Otumoetai College, before heading to Massey University.

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quite big enough to be self-sustaining because they always needed to buy hay in winter. They were also worried they would run out of water as it doesn’t Along the way, and thanks to her parents Brian and Mary rain much in winter and Hodge, she developed a love of the outdoors. the farm relies on a small What no one saw coming was she would one day be a farmer dam for stock water. on a journey to self-sufficiency in Australia, sharing what she’s “About three years ago learning through a blog with readers around the world. we decided to buy a larger “When I came over in 2005 I thought it would be just a property, so we found few years, but then I met my husband Pete, who is Australian, and we decided to stay here.” 258 acres that we liked. It Today Liz and Pete own two farms, one of just 3.23 ha didn’t have a house, just and the other 104 ha, in South Burnett, a region north west hills and trees, with some Pete and L of Brisbane. “Pete and I want to be out of debt and living iz Beavis a cleared patches. This was of debt an on a self-sustaining property where we can grow our own d living on re working to be ou exactly what we were lookt th eir property n food and learn old skills, like tanning hides and butchering ing for. After everything we orth west self-sustaining of Brisban our own meat.” had read about soil fertility, e. They have a way to go to get there. Liz works in Brisorganic farming, and permabane, which means commuting away from the farms every week, culture, we knew we needed while Pete has employment close to the properties. hills and trees. “We moved a house onto the property nearly two years ago. It came Rural jobs from another farm 14 km away. It’s a 100 year old ‘Queenslander’ “It’s really sad it’s hard to find jobs in rural areas, as it makes it hard style cottage. We call it our second-hand house and we are working for people who would like to try living on a small farm to afford to on renovating it, so we can live there soon. get started. I won’t be commuting forever, but for now it helps to “We have two dairy house cows, lots of chickens, and a large vegepay to set up our farm.” table garden at our smaller property. Initially we were just interested Farming isn’t easy, says Liz. “As American farmer, author and one in feeding ourselves. of our mentors, Joel Salatin, says, we need more smart farmers. “When we bought the larger property we realised that we could “I think there is plenty to stimulate the mind in trying to figure out eventually have excess produce to share with others. At the moment, how your farm could be more productive. I think it’s a real shame we are just using the property for a few beef cattle, but we have lots that our culture does not respect farming as a technically difficult of other ideas for when we live there.” and intrinsically important profession, as well as plain hard manual labour.” Eight Acres Pete and Liz haven’t chosen the easiest of locations either. They are Sharing their experiences to help inspire others to self-sufficiency, nearly directly west of the Sunshine Coast, with a mountain range in even on a smaller scale, has also become part of their lives. between. Five years ago when they just had the small property Liz started The properties are about 400m above sea-level in a sub-tropical cliher blog ‘Eight Acres’, to share what the couple were learning about mate, with rainfall of only 780 mm per year, mainly in the summer/ growing their own food. wet-season between December and March. Winters are dry, but also “Back then, I used to find it difficult to get the information I needed, cold, with several frosts each year, while summer temperatures can be although now there are more blogs about ‘homesteading’, and there is in the high 30 degree C range. a really great community of bloggers sharing their own experiences. After four years on the smaller block Liz and Pete decided it wasn’t

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RURAL BUILDINGS & FENCING

Page 37

Stunning fencing system enhances horse stud It’s not by chance that the four kilometres of post and rail fencing recently installed on a top New Zealand horse stud looks so impressive.

The BTD Interlock fence is constructed of carefully selected, kiln-dried timber. The post rebates and rails are precisely machined ensuring a snug fit when slotted together, all supplied by Beams & Timber Direct Ltd of Tuakau. The stud manager says at 1.5m, the custom fence is higher than standard and is a feature of the attractive property. “The first stage has been up for six years and there’s been no warping, despite being painted black, which attracts the heat.

“A fence such as this is no small investment for the stud owners. I’m impressed at how it looks and how it all fitted together, a bit like a jig saw. It accurately follows the contours of the land, thanks to the contracts recommended by BTD.”

On time

The installation went smoothly with careful planning and good communications between the manager, the fencers and BTD, with the company delivering the fence components on time for each step of the project. The fence, like all BTD Interlock fences, is made from 100 per cent New Zealand grown, environmentally sustainable, highgrade pine logs. The fencing system has been used in many subdivisions including those in Tauranga,

Cambrdige, Waiuku, Kamo, Flatbush, and New Plymouth. Beams & Timber Interlock fencing is equally suitable for residential use, as well as farms, lifestyle blocks, equestrian centres, council parks, and schools, says Julie Fox, who with husband Graeme owns Beams & Timber Direct Ltd. The BTD Interlock fence enhances any property, rural, or urban. The system is easy to install, delivery can be land to commercially manufacture this square mortise arranged nationwide and Julie and Graeme fence. We have invested heavily in processing equipare now making gates to match their fencing, ment and fine-tuned the fence to make it, the best in the same high quality timber, and can possible fence it can be,” says Graeme. build wooden gates to customer’s individual designs. “We were the first company in New Zea-

Chicken tractors a novel way to till the ground “Most of the people who follow and comment on my blog are living on small farms, or want to one day. Almost half are from Australia and almost half from the US, the rest are from New Zealand, Canada, and the UK. “I really like to learn from people in different locations with different climates, and I have made friends with people who I may never meet in person, but who share so much in common with Pete and myself. The climate here in Australia is very different to where I grew up in New Zealand, so I have really had to start from scratch.” Liz has also written two ebooks; ‘Our Experience with House Cows’ and ‘Design and Use a Chicken Tractor’.

Writing ebooks

“I was inspired to write that first ebook because we had got started with the cows ourselves by reading a book called ‘The Healthy House Cow’, which is about one family’s experience with house cows in Australia. There are not many books written about house cows, and this is the only one I know about with the Australian perspective, and it was nearly 30 years old. I thought it was time to provide an update. I don’t pretend to know everything about cows, but I share what we have learnt so far.”

One of the most popular topics on Liz’s blog is the couple’s chicken tractors. “This is a term from permaculture, as originally chicken tractors were used to move chickens over ground to till the ground, hence the word ‘tractor’. However, now any movable pen may be called a chicken tractor. “We started building our own chicken tractors nearly 10 years ago. We find they are the best way to keep chickens, as it’s a combination between free-ranging and keeping them in a fixed chicken coop. “We have made six chicken tractors now and each time refined the design. In this ebook I share my thoughts on how to design a chicken tractor using your skills and the materials available. I also explain how we use chicken tractors, and a few general tips about keeping a flock of chickens for eggs and meat. “I try to keep the design ideas very general so that they could be applied to other climates and conditions around the world. I think the best thing about chickens is you can keep them nearly anywhere and they provide a consistent source of protein in the form of eggs.” The chicken tractor ebook can be found at www.chickentractorebook.blogspot.com.au, the house cow book is at www.housecowebook. blogspot.com.au, and Liz’s blog at www.eight-acres.blogspot.com.au

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Page 38

RURAL DRIVER

Thrills of dirt racing at beach The Waihi Beach Dirt Track enjoys some of the most spectacular views of a race track anywhere, not that those who use it are there for the scenery. It’s the thrill of racing cars on dirt which is the focus for drivers and spectators.

TYRE WORLDga n a r u a T d a o R y e n t r u Co

The track sits high on a hillside overlooking Waihi Beach, and has recently been extended to give drivers even more room to race. It grew from humble beginnings, and today boasts club rooms, a licensed bar, and public toilets. Compressed air and water lines are installed in the pits, which are also equipped with ses of racers. attracts all clas ck fire extinguishers and first aid kits. ra T t ir D Waihi Beach The club’s next meeting is on Sunday December 13 and club vice-president Rick Purcell says everyone is welcome to go along to enjoy the action. The track is as ‘a group of likeminded people who just love to off Waihi Beach Road, admission costs $4 per person, race on dirt. We believe in racing with a sense of fair and racing starts at 10.30. play and sportsmanship; winning not being the most important thing (most of the time). We have a strong Hire car social aspect and have classes to suit beginners and less “We have a car which can be hired for a drive by experienced drivers, right through to all out - anything anyone who wants to find out if dirt track racing is for goes’. them,” says Rick. Rick says the club is keen to attract new members “Some of our competitors’ cars have a passengers’ seat and at times they will take people for a ride around the and the hire car has been a very effective way of introducing people to the sport. “We hired it to a family track for an extra thrill.” The club began informally in 1996 when three locals, last Christmas and now they have three race cars. “It’s a sport which can be as cheap, or as expensive Dennis Boyd, Terry Dalton, and Travis Kingsford as you want. Among our competitors are a lady in her formed a rough track from scalping from the adjacent 60s who drives an Escort and a young lady of 16 who Waihi Beach Quarry, operated at the time by Cedric Mathers. The trio did a ‘few’ laps in their cars, and had drives a BMW. such a good time friends were invited to join them. Roll cage Permission and much help was given by the Brown “Almost any car, so long as it has a roll cage and no family, who owned the land, and those early drivers glass, can be raced on the circuit,” says Rick, who has went out to get sponsorship from such businesses as been a member of the club for six year. Waihi Earthmovers, The Commercial Hotel, Chris He began with a Mark 1 Escort with a Commodore Mullin Contracting, Edwards Transport, Kelly Dean V6 motor and had a lot of fun. Now he races an alerted Contracting, Porter Engineering, Waihi Mitre 10, saloon with a fibreglass Monaro body and an LS Chevy Goldfields Auto Electrical, Carters Contractors, and motor ,and is among the club’s top competitors. Waihi Tyre. While many clubs race anti-clockwise on their tracks, “If it wasn’t for all these businesses, plus much help the Waihi club races clockwise round its circuit, as does from many others, the track would not have had the its sister clubs Waiuku and Meremere. “We have reguchance to grow to what it is today,” says Rick. lar interclub challenges with Meremere and Waiuku as Eventually the Waihi Beach Dirt Track Club (Inc) was formed. Club rules and race rules were introduced, well as our own club competitions,” says Rick. For more information email waihibeachdirttrack@ and a points system was adopted to which trophies are gmail.com or go to the website awarded at the end of each season. waihibeachdirttrack.co.nz The Waihi Beach Dirt Track Club describes itself

RURAL DRIVER

Page 39

Battery’s life extended by years thanks to treatment Lead acid batteries usually die prematurely from sulphation build-up on internal lead plates.

one chemical reaction to counter another. “Once treated a battery is essentially running at full capacity, provided the lead plates are still in good condition. Prevention is the key. Treat them early, repeat every According to Gerard Anselmi of Recharge Battery two to three years and keep them charged and stop Revitalizer & Conditioner, sulphation is very easy the lead plates corroding away to get maximum batto treat and prevent premature battery failure with tery life.” the simple recharge battery conditioning Recharge is available from Farmlands and programme. Auto-One stores. The 500ml farmer “We have been saying for years pack works out at $4.50 per car that farmers are getting eight battery or $8.50 to treat an to 10 years use with our N-70zz light commercial battery conditionbattery. ing programme. A more cost However, at most effective two-litre shows we do these commercial pack days we meet is also available people using and can also our Recharge be purchased battery on line or on conditioning Ebay. program with As Recharge 12 and 14 year is acid based old batteries it is dangerstill going,” ous goods and says Gerard. expensive to “In fact, last year we had freight; the two several farmers litre bottle is with 17 year old therefore, the only batteries. The last one that the comone was a Canterpany sells directly. bury farmer at our The two-litre pack last show of the year, the treats 42 x N-70 batteries Christchurch A&P show or 22 x N-150 truck batin November. He was very teries or about five sets of pleased with the results. electric golf cart batteries, “After 17years on the Gerard and Debbie Anselmi of Recharge about $6000 to $8000 market in NZ and 11 years Battery Revitalizer & Conditioner, worth of batteries treated in Australia I would not be demonstrating their product at a field day. for $340 delivered. surprised if we bettered that “And yes you can treat sealed batteries simply by figure given time. The real problem is every battery drilling into each cell; treat and re-seal with silicone, you buy is already sulphated from sitting since it was sika-fl ex or a plastic bung. Recharge is also great for made.” A Recharge treatment will dissolve the lead sulphate deep cycle batteries like forkifts, golf carts, scissor hoists and lighting system batteries. build-up turning those sulphur ions back into “The big deep cycle batteries we get a very good sulphuric acid electrolyte holding electrons. “We are chemically reversing the sulphation build-up process, result with and they should go for a long time.”

Olympic BMX goal for Jessie Fourteen-year-old Jessie Smith from Hamilton is the regional recipient of the Rothbury Hamilton Regional Scholarship, receiving $5,000 to help her achieve her dream of representing New Zealand in BMX racing at the 2020 Olympics. “BMX is my passion. It all began in 2005 when I starting BMX racing. I had a fire in my tummy to have fun, learn, share, achieve and the want to do more while riding my bike,” she says. “My absolute aim is to get to the 2020 Olympics. Given the right opportunity, I have every chance in reaching that goal and I will continue to ride my bike and learn what it takes to achieve this.” Jon O’Connor, General Manager, at Rothbury Life, says: “Jessie is only Jessie Smith’s aim is to get 14 years old and already to the 2020 Olympics she’s demonstrated a

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Page 40

EARTHWORKS

Measuring soil stock and valuing natural capital Have the words ‘ecosystem services’ or ‘natural capital’ been part of your farming language framework up till now? Quite possibly not, or not in ways that include all the underground stuff, including what makes soils work. In fact, as I found out when I attended last year’s Soil Science Conference, the sub-disciplines of land evaluation and soil quality assessment have for decades been largely independent branches of soil science. But an article about Dr Allan Hewitt from Landcare Research, alerted me to some work being done to bring the two together, with the aim of getting our land use knowledge to a more sustainable footing. Soil biology and soil functions are climbing out of the ‘old stuff ’ box they’ve been locked in for 30 or 40 years, and being found to have real relevance and a

lot of value to the “sustainability” problems, erosion and water pollution we are trying to “mitigate”. After making a few phone calls to likely contacts, and being sent some recent NZ authored papers I am now much better informed, and thought to share with you my findings. Until now land use consents made by regional councils have been based on land evaluation models which include limited information, about the soil quality or soil “natural capital” or “soil stocks” of the land to be used, and how it relates to the benefits obtained from nature, the “ecosystem services”, and environmental outcomes under a specific use. Therefore there have been few limitations on what land could be used for, particularly when it came to cutting down forests and turning land into dairy farms. The regional councils have claimed they have no mandate or permission to limit what is done with land, unless the proposal is for housing, which would require them to put in drainage and water supplies etc.

Lone voices

Hence the feeble bleating from Waikato Regional Council over the Central Plateau forest conversions, both by Landcorp and other private buyers. Rather than tackle things before they happen, mitigation, at whatever cost, has become the apparent only answer. Any attempts, by lone scientific voices, to put dollar values on this mitigation, has been shouted down by the “land evaluation” cohorts. And trying to quantify “ecosystem services” which, if valued at all, might have changed the views on land use, hasn’t made it to the starting gate. According to recent media releases, the Waikato River will be receiving an extra 1200 tonnes of nitrogen a year near its source, which those in the lower reaches will have to cope with. With the emphasis

always on what happens above ground, the capability of the soils to produce what is needed (the services) never gets measured. Instead the mantra is to pour on yet more chemical fertilisers, particularly urea, and feel satisfied that the chemists have all the answers.

Feed shortfall

And yet, in the Waikato at least, surveys show that pasture growth now is less than during the mid-80s. Until this significant milk price drop season this hasn’t been too much of a worry, because the advent of imported supplements like PKE has made up the shortfall without affecting profits. Well we’re probably years away from any top down limitations on land uses, and as the papers I’ve read indicate, we still lack the tools to create soil based definitions of what particular areas of land can cope with, there’s a lot of work to be done before we come up with a fix. But with worldwide “gloom merchants” forecasting that the world’s soils (including ours) will be totally destroyed in 30 to 60 years, we’ve got to start somewhere. There has already been much work done on soil characteristics, but these have focused on structure, porosity, minerals, water holding capacity and other physical elements. What hasn’t been looked at in great detail is how these affect the hugely varied soil life which actually works with soil physical structure and the above ground flora to make things grow. Most of the chemicals aren’t actually in forms which plants can use directly. It takes the soil life to transform the chemicals into plant usable forms. And if the soil life (or soil biological stocks) isn’t there, or has been diminished by the chemicals or physically destroyed, the valuable stuff either goes back into the atmosphere, or permeates down past root depth and into

ground waters. Either way it’s wasted, and just compounds the problems. But if no value or quantitative assessment is placed on all these invisible ecosystem services, then they never feature as a credit in the true cost of land uses. As a simple example, soil may be touted in farms for sale as ‘well drained’ but does that mean its permeability renders it not strong enough to withstand heavy animal footprints, particularly during wet periods? So it then gets pugged, which destroys its productive capability and ability to filter nutrients. We haven’t linked properly soil physical structure to the performance of soils under use, ie what services it can and can’t provide. Nature’s workings are never simple, and just because the characteristics say it’s OK, unless we are aware of the soil processes working there, we may be getting an entirely false idea of just how much nitrogen is likely to be stored or taken up.

Ecosystem services

So we need soil process models to tell us in more detail about the potential ecosystem services available on that farm (based on its soil resource, use and management), or in that district or region. And we also need a generalised universal soil natural capital evaluation for regional or national soil stock inventories, to serve as a base of what we can expect the performance of that soil to be under a specific use. Farmers prefer simple answers, but unless we start recognising that Nature is much more complex than us, and we go on insisting that manmade must be superior, then in 30 to 60 years our soil isn’t going to grow anything. Let’s start thinking about soil stocks, soil life and ecological systems, and figure out how to take care of them so they can sustainably provide for us. It could reduce your farm working expenses if you get it right.

Sue Edmonds

4WDs & ATVs

Page 41

‘Doggone’ good animal captions They must be the best of friends – the pony with a hound asleep on its back which featured as the “Country Funnies” image for November, and attracted some great readers’ captions. "I think I am onto something here," was the suggestion from Murray Le Bagge of Tauranga. Dawn Wagner of Gisborne thought the pair were more than a little confused – pony pointing one way – the dog the other so her caption is: “Which way are we going?” “Comfy quarters for a big girl kip,” comes from Jan Caudwell of Tauranga and Anne Emms of Pahoia suggested the obvious: “Doggone it”. Cindy Edwards of Tauranga suggested “Hey, it beats having a monkey on your back” and L R Crafar of Tauranga wrote “Outlaw stole my saddle” – and “Why did they call him Rider?” while the caption from A Sutherland also of Tauranga was “He is covering my back”. For her captions “Don't nag! Can't you see I'm dog tired,” and “Is this a Big Softie or a Lazy Boy?” Linda McCready of Te Puke wins the book “An Era Gone” by Dave Ratcliffe, published by The Halcyon Press. The best caption for the photo of the goats will win “I Power- The Freedom to be me” by George Dieter, published by Exisle Publishing. It’s what everyone wants – the tools to handle troublesome

Caption this image and be in to win a book prize.

“I Power- The Freedom to be me” by George Dieter is the book give-away from December. situations in relationships and rise above conditions such as anxiety, depression and chronic pain. The answers, writes psychologist George Dieter, may be found in the way we think. The key to happiness, he says, is taking responsibility for our own actions, and accepting that we are not ultimately responsible for how others respond to what we say or do. In fact he says nobody can “make” you feel or do anything. “Only you are responsible for how you feel.” Thanks to Exisle Publishing Coast & Country has a copy of “I Power- The Freedom to be me” to give away. To be in to win, email captions for the goat photo, along with your name and address, with Country Funnies as the subject, to: elaine@thesun.co.nz Or put these

N NIE

O U NT R

Exports to Chinese Taipei are up We’re on a good run trade-wise at the moment. Bay of Plenty growers and exporters are in a fantastic position. As we saw historical agreements gaining momentum this year – notably, the Trans Pacific Partnership, Free Trade Agreement with Korea; work beginning on an FTA with the EU – we just received news of the surging growth to Chinese Taipei. Cherry exports are up 150 per cent ($12.4 million) since 2013 and kiwifruit exports are up 24 per cent ($19.3 million). When tariffs on our goods go down our exporters benefit in those savings as well as value-added growth. Our goods become more affordable to potential customers, so more people

details on the back of an envelope and post to: Country Funnies, PO Box 240, Tauranga 3110.

buy more of our produce. Having worked previously in companies like Zespri and Fonterra, I appreciate that one of the best things a government can do is create free trade agreements which level the playing field our businesses compete on. Opening those markets helps grow local businesses, which in turn employ more staff and support the region. Building a strong economy creates the capital to deliver meaningful benefits for our community, such as the Tauranga Eastern Link, or expanding our local schools, increasing paid parental leave to 16 weeks, and delivering free doctor visits for children under 13.

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Racing career asset for motorcycle business Opening a motorcycle business was the obvious move for Russell Josiah, one of New Zealand’s top competitive riders and 29 years on his customers continue to benefit from his extensive knowledge and experience through Bike Torque Taumarunui and Otorohanga.

Russell had a long and successful racing career beginning with motocross then moving to Superbikes and F1, becoming New Zealand Superbike F1 champion in 1992 and 1994, and representing New Zealand at the Isle of Man where the Kiwi team won the Maudes Trophy. Today Russell and the team at both Bike Torque outlets specialise in ATVS and motorcycles for rural customers and those with a love of the outdoors. As authorised Suzuki, Yamaha and Polaris

“Our pronounced growth in a challenging marketplace speaks volumes for the innovation and value offered by Polaris, along with our diverse product range designed to meet local customer’s needs.

dealers they offer a complete range of machines for sale and in their service departments they work on all makes and models as well. Russell first established Bike Torque Taumarunui in 1986 followed by the Otorohanga branch in 2004, bringing a comprehensive service to the King Country and wider region.

“Importantly, a lot of our growth is driven by our desire to keep our product accessible to farmers during challenging economic times by Same passion extending the offer of The dedication and Bike Torque owner Russell Josiah with the deferred payment and low passion Russell has for top-selling Polaris Ranger 570 HD. interest finance packages to racing is also evident in assist with cashflow management.” his business and among his staff who are all motorbike enthusiasts with a thorough knowledge of their Three brands products. Polaris is the only brand to have posted year-on-year “We’re all enthusiasts. I like to employ people who growth in the New Zealand market. have the same passion that I have; it’s not just a job,” With the three brands available through the two he says. stores, Bike Torque is able to offer a quality range of There have been significant changes in the industry since Russell founded Bike Torque but he’s always kept products to suit your needs. With everything from up with the latest developments. As a long-time Suzuki children’s and agricultural bikes to farm quads and side dealer, he has become a highly successful retailer of the by sides, plus a wide range of fun bikes – road, adventure and motocross, “we have something for your work brand’s innovative and revolutionary quad ATVs. and play”. And in the past two years there’s been significant “Our brands work well alongside each other: all growth in side by side UTVs (utility task vehicles) market, with Bike Torque becoming one the biggest renowned for offering products and services that cusretailers of UTVs nationwide. tomers can rely on and that make it easy for customers Polaris New Zealand Country Manager, Alan Collins to get tools for the job when they need them,” says says Polaris now boasts the highest-selling model in Russell. the New Zealand ATV and side x side market, with Bike Torque offers premium products including the Ranger 570 HD a crowd favourite with 297 sales complete finance and insurance packages, genuine up to the end of July 2015 – almost 20 per cent more parts and quality accessories which make the stores the sales than the next highest-selling model. perfect one-stop-shop for all your motorcycle needs.

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4WD & ATV

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Come ‘play’ at Hampton Downs Riders will be putting their own bikes through their paces at a twilight Honda Track Day at Hampton Downs circuit on Thursday December 3. Those taking part will meet and ride with superbike legends Aaron Slight and Tony Rees at the “Playday” event which is open to riders of all abilities. The track, in Hampton Downs Rd, Te Kauwhata, is the perfect place to experience the handling and performance potential of a motorcycle on a predictable surface, with no oncoming traffic and no speed infringements. There are a range of levels to suits everyone’s riding ability with the option of choosing to join a novice, medium or fast groups and the event is a great opportunity to have some fun with fellow riders, develop riding ability, and test your bike in a track environment.

Safety gear

It also gives the opportunity to explore a bike’s performance in a safe, professional and non-competitive environment. Almost any bike is eligible to take part, so Honda invites all bike enthusiasts come and join the track day. Bookings to take part are made through Honda dealers. To be eligible, riders must have a valid driver’s licence, and either single piece leathers or two piece leathers with a 270 degree zip, motor cycle

boots, gloves and a helmet with no previous impact damage. A back protector is highly recommend. Riders take part in 15 minute sessions throughout the day and on a typical track day will get up to six sessions.

Track Day

Honda is h If a bike motorcyc osting a track da y for le rid complies with Downs o ers at Hampton n Decem normal road ber 3. safety regulations then it should be eligible to take part in a track day. competitive track days catering Riders with a specific track bike are asked to ensure that it is safe for for all levels of drivers and all makes of cars or motorcycles. At the intended use on the track day and be capable of passing motorcy- every Playday at Hamptons there is a combination of groups with cle scrutineering. cars, motorbikes, karts or prestige, The Honda Track Day is at however it is always limited to four Hampton Downs, Thursday groups only. Cars will be grouped December 3, 2015 (twilight Event by speed. 5-7pm). Entry is $60 for Honda No prior track experience is riders and $80 for other riders. required, just a civil or motorsport Anyone paying on the day attracts license. an additional $15 fee. Book by The focus is on providing a contacting your local Honda friendly, safe and controlled enviDealer. ronment where those taking part Hampton Downs’ Playday on get maximum track time. Track Ltd gives the public the It’s ideal for those who want to opportunity to bring their own car, advance driving skills or just test motorcycle or go-kart along to an their performance. adrenaline fun filled track day. To find out more go to: Operating for four years Playday www.hamptondowns.com specializes in affordable non-

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Bright blue Dexta has new lease on life In a shed on a Hinuera farm, under dust covers, sits a bright shiny blue Ford Dexta tractor, looking almost as good as it did when the Reichmuth family bought it brand new about 60 years ago. “It’s done a lot of work for our family,” says Stefan Reichmuth, who with his sons Christopher and Samuel, are restoring the tractor. “It’s amazing but most of the parts are still available, and this blue is the colour it was originally.” It was Stefan’s parents, John and Elizabeth Agnes Reichmuth, who bought the diesel tractor near new with their first farm when they immigrated to New Zealand from Switzerland in the late 1950s. The couple’s first farm was at Galatea, where they used the Dexta extensively on their dairy property. So reliable was the tractor, they took it with them when they later moved to the Waikato. Stefan used the tractor too, and while it’s no longer up to the demands of modern dairy farming, he couldn’t see it leave the family, so now it’s a restoration project for him and his sons.

Stefan Reichmuth r with the Dexta tracto his in en which has be s. family since the 1950

Fordson tractor design was headed by Eugene Farkas and According to the website vintagetractorengiJózsef Galamb, both involved neer.com, the Fordson Dexta (sometimes known in the design of the successful as the Ford Dexter) tractors were manufactured Ford Model T automobile. from 1957 to 1964. Fordson made the Dexta Ford continued to produce and the Super Dexta (badged the Ford 2000 tractors but it was not until diesel in the USA). post-World War II that the Stefan’s Dexta tractor can trace its beginnings to Dexta tractors came into Henry Ford, who revolutionised the automobile being, launched to compete industry by mass producing and making cars with the Massey Ferguson 35. affordable to the public, through his Ford Motor After 1964, the Fordson name Company. was dropped and all Ford Four years after founding that company, Ford tractors were simply badged produced his first experimental tractor in 1907 as Fords in both the UK and calling it the ‘Automobile Plow’. the US. Elaine Fisher

Henry Ford

Deer velvet tax to be lifted The South Korean Government is planning to remove a special excise tax on deer velvet, an impost that has been a source of frustration for the New Zealand deer industry for several decades.

The tax is applied to several ‘luxury’ products, including dried and frozen deer velvet. For velvet, the excise tax is seven per cent, however when additional taxes were added to it, the effective rate was 10.1 percent. DINZ market manager Asia, Rhys Griffiths, says the tax is being eliminated in two stages. The first cut, which removed 30 percent of the tax, took effect in late August. The second cut, which will take it to zero, depends on final approval of legislation now before the South Korea National Assembly. Reports suggest it will take effect on January 1, 2016. “In addition to the removal of the tax, legislation is being considered that will give effect to South Korea’s free trade agreements with China, Vietnam and New Zealand. Under the Korea-New Zealand FTA, the 20 per cent tariff on dried velvet imports from New Zealand will be reduced by 1.33 per cent a year. “The first (2015) cut of 1.33 per cent will take effect once the FTA

becomes law. In New Zealand the legislation that will bring the FTA into effect has passed its third reading and we are hopeful the Korean government will approve and implement the FTA this year. If this happens, it will be followed by the 2016 cut of 1.33 per cent on I January 1, 2016. “Taken with the removal of 10.1 per cent in SET-related taxes, this could mean a reduction of nearly 13 per cent in taxes and duties on dried velvet exports to Korea during this season. There will be no change to the duty rate on frozen velvet, but removal of 10.1 per cent in taxes is still significant.” Rhys says these changes are “hugely meaningful” for the NZ velvet industry over the longer term. “Import duties and excise taxes are an unnecessary burden carried by producers and consumers for no real benefit. Also, tariff reduction and removal of the SET will make NZ processors more competitive with their overseas counterparts, making it more attractive for Korean buyers to source their velvet directly from

New Zealand.” He says the industry is getting a growing number of approaches from corporates, as well as suppliers to oriental medicine doctors, who want to source their velvet directly from New Zealand using transparent channels. This is in the interests of NZ producers because it helps ensure the integrity of NZ velvet on its long journey to the customer.

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FARM MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Baby Blake prompts couple’s country focus Country Engineering’s main highway location, and its well-deserved reputation for quality machinery and services, are among the reasons Jason and Natasha Knowles decided to buy the Katikati business. for Soils

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Those attributes are also valued by Country Engineering’s loyal customers. “We have been delighted at the welcome we received from customers, and their continued loyalty,” says Natasha. The couple recently bought the business from Phil and Averil Rose, owners since 2006. While ownership has changed, mechanics Cory Mills, Daniel Wilton, and Shane Webb are still running the work-

shop, giving customers the same high standard of repairs and maintenance they are accustomed to. “We also like the fact that Country Engineering specialises in providing equipment, machinery, and mechanical repair services across almost all aspects of the farming and orchardist industry, which is so important in this area,” says Jason. For Jason and Natasha, owning Country Engineering is a big change. The couple had previously been involved in very different careers; Jason in insurance for 23 years and Natasha in accounting and business management for 13 years. It was the arrival of baby Blake which saw Jason and Natasha leave city ‘suit-and-tie’ lives for a more family-friendly lifestyle. They and their children, 12 year-old Timothy, four-year-old Cooper, and Blake, are loving the experience. Jason is enjoying all the ‘boys’ toys’ Country Engineering has in stock, from ride-on mowers, quads, and side-by-side vehicles, to power tools, chainsaws, and chippers. “I’m quickly becoming familiar with the operation and attributes of all our machinery and equipment. We intend to continue offering our customers

a choice of brands and prices, with a strong emphasis on quality, reliability, and after sales services. “We will also be stocking agricultural safety equipment including helmets for quad bikes and chainsaw work.” Country Engineering sells and services a wide range of well-known machinery, equipment, and vehicle brands to suit the needs of the home gardener, those with large lifestyle blocks, and, in particular, kiwifruit and avocado orchardists. “We are now providing discounted competitive oil, and oil and air filter products for all machinery, trucks, and tractors. We are also introducing a full range of ag hats with options of earmuffs, visors, and trendy safety glasses.” Country Engineering has available the full range of Holts products, including brake and parts cleaner, silicone spray, carb cleaner, spray grease, and more. The workshop services and repairs all the brands it sells, as well as a wide range of other machinery and equipment. So while it has new owners, Country Engineering’s traditions of reliable, friendly sales and service hasn’t changed.

Country Engineering new owners Jason and Natasha Knowles, pictured with baby Blake, are enjoying their business and the change in lifestyle it brings.

2014-15 dairy statistics The average New Zealand cow lives in a herd of 419 cows, and has 146 hectares to graze. Most cows live in the North Island (60 per cent), but two million cows now call the South Island home (40 per cent). Fifty per cent of cows live in a herd of between 100 and 349 cows, 29 per cent in herds of 500 or more and 12 perc ent are part of herds of 750 or more. Only five per cent are in herds of 1,000 cows or more. The cow you are most likely to see in a paddock is a Holstein-Friesian/Jersey crossbreed, as they make up 45.6 per cent of the New Zealand herd. However, Jersey cows are more common in Taranaki, Tasman and the West Coast. Two thirds of New Zealand herds of cows are run by owner-operators, with 17 per cent in herds owned by 50:50 sharemilkers and 15 per cent in herds run by variable order sharemilkers. Sharemilker herds continue to decline. For a copy of the New Zealand Dairy Statistics 2014-15 go to www. dairyatwork.co.nz

FORESTRY

Forestry joins Government biosecurity agreement New Zealand’s commercial forests are highly vulnerable to introduced pests and diseases which is why a biosecurity agreement with the government is a vital part of the forest industry’s defence system, says the Forest Owners Association. FOA chief executive David Rhodes and Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy have signed what is known as a Government-Industry Agreement defining where responsibilities and costs will fall in the event of an outbreak of a serious forest pest or disease. “For 50 years we have had a forest health surveillance scheme that is seen by overseas experts as one of the best in the world. But being ‘best’ is not good enough, we need it to be as near to perfect as we can make it,” says David. “Forest products are the country’s third biggest export earner, but our forests are highly vulnerable to introduced insect pests and diseases. As are our native forests and the amenity trees in the country’s parks and gardens. “There are some real nasties out there that could do a huge amount of damage if they became established here. Having healthy forests is also critical for New Zealand meeting its greenhouse gas emission targets.” During 2015 forest owners will have spent more than $1 million on forest health surveillance and even more on biosecurity research.

Proud history

“While we have this proud history of funding and driving biosecurity in our own forests, the biggest risks probably lie at the country’s borders, with imported goods and the personal belongings of travellers. So, for the last five years we have been integrating our scheme with the biosecurity operations of the Ministry for Primary Industries, identifying gaps and weaknesses and fixing them. “The only missing element has been a formal agreement with government on who will make decisions and fund the response to an exotic pest or disease

Research for possible pampas solutions Researchers have found two plant-hopper insects and a fungus from South America which may serve as biocontrol solutions for pampas grass. Often known as ‘cutty grass,’ pampas, an invasive weed from South America, threatens New Zealand’s native toetoe. The weed also poses a threat to forestry and kiwifruit orchards because of its aggressive nature and ability to affect ecosystems. Landcare Research is now carrying out further testing at its biocontainment facilities to assess the suitability of the fungus and insects, including whether they will only affect pampas. MPI Acting Director Aquaculture, Growth and Innovation, Alice Marfell-Jones says this initiative, supported through the Sustainable Farming Fund, is a worthy investment as the research benefits the primary industries. “We are very aware that pampas is a shared problem, and saw value in committing $335,000 in to the project. The weed affects forestry and kiwifruit growth and it’s important MPI plays a role in protecting and growing these industries.” Landcare Research traced the pampas back to its South American origins in what science team leader Lynley Hayes refers to as a ‘needle is a haystack’ search. “We were quickly able to confirm that New Zealand purple pampas (Cortaderia jubata) comes from Ecuador/Peru. However, finding the origins of common pampas (Cortaderia selloana) was more difficult.”

outbreak. We are pleased to have negotiated such an agreement. “It provides for joint decision making. Also the funding formula takes into account the industry’s big investment in forest health surveillance and the many social benefits of forestry and trees.” Most exotic insect pests are likely to attack a wide range of tree species, both native and exotic. And even if a pest or disease is specific to radiata pine, NZ’s main plantation species, the social and environmental benefits of radiata plantings are significant. They are widely used for recreation, shelterbelts, sand dune stabilisation, water catchment protection, erosion control and so on.

Page 47

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Office: 07 347 8344 • Fa Office: 07 347 8344 • Fa

Decision making

The idea of a GIA comes from Australia where government and industry share response decision-making and costs. On this side of the Tasman, the concept has been extended – with forest industry encouragement – to include readiness, on the basis that early detection and preparedness have a huge bearing on whether an exotic pest or disease can be cost-effectively controlled. The forestry industry has become the sixth industry group to join the GIA biosecurity partnership. “It’s great to have the New Zealand Forest Owners Association on board, working with the Ministry for Primary Industries to manage and respond to the most important biosecurity risks,” says Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy. “Biosecurity is my number one priority as Minister and this is reinforced with an extra $27 million in Budget 2015 to fund more detector dogs, x-ray machines and inspectors. “We also have the new passenger levy, which will mean increasing passenger numbers will fund services at the border from next year onwards. “Biosecurity is a shared responsibility and we need the input of industry and the wider public to make the system as effective as possible.” The Forestry Owners Association joins Kiwifruit Vine Health, Pipfruit New Zealand, New Zealand Pork, New Zealand Equine Health Association and Onions New Zealand under GIA.

Unit 6, 1318 Pukuatua St, PO FOREST HARVESTING & Unit 6, 1318 Pukuatua St, PO MARKETING SOLUTIONS FOREST HARVESTING & MARKETING SOLUTIONS

Office: 07 347 Office: 8344 • 07 Fax: 347 8345 34707 8344 • Fax: 07 347 8345

Unit 6, 1318 St, PO Box 525, Rotorua Unit 6, 1318 Pukuatua St, Pukuatua PO Box 525, Rotorua

Page 48

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Reducing stress when it is not easy out there A lot has been said and written on the topic financial stress and risk mitigation. Bankers, DairyNZ representatives, fertilizer representatives and all associated with the dairy farming industry have been briefed on this matter. Some of the key issues that I see to reduce stress are as follows. The bankâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s budget should not be your budget. They are bulk money lenders and if there is heaps of security they may well lend when it is obvious your debt is too high to effectively service the debt. Do not over state production and under estimate your costs. It is fatal.

Do take a realistic view on all matters pertaining to your business. Avoid hire purchase like the plague. Yes, you can justify a new tractor and yes a new one might make you feel a bit better for a couple of months, but once the monthly drag of HP payments start the euphoric feeling soon passes. Go floating on all loans where possible. Try to get all your debt into one big loan. Staggered fixed loan amounts put the bank in control. (I recently saw $3,000,000 fixed until 2017! At 7.35 per cent. Oh the pain). Watch out for snake-oil sales people. They make commission on sales of product to you claiming all sorts of benefits to your business. Stick to the basics. Realistic stocking rate maximising production from minimal inputs and cost. Run your business parallel to your budget.

Best friend

Ensure your wife is your new best friend and look after her. It will be she who talks to you in the middle of the night when it is rough, not your mates. Call a business meeting, get a facilitator and go through assets and liabilities, your historic financial performance and your budget. Include all stakeholders,

bankers, insurance broker, accountant, consultant and so on. Get them focussed on your business for a day. It will pay huge dividends. If you are terminal, take great advice and accept it. There is no point in staying in the high dependency ward. I have seen some tragic cases of people holding on when it is clear their business is incurable. This has included broken marriages, bankruptcy, receiverships and cancer. Try to somehow maintain some outside interests and get off the farm on a regular basis. If you go to the pub you are likely to find a whole lot of farmers with exactly the same problems.

In summary

Get a realistic view on yourself and your business. Avoid non-essential expenditure if you are under pressure. Look after your best friend and keep talking to your professionals. Finally, avoid a catastrophe as its effects will plague you for years to come if not your whole life. It is not easy out there. These are the opinions of Don Fraser of Fraser Farm Finance. Any decisions made should not be based on this article alone and appropriate professional assistance should be sought. Don Fraser is the principal of Fraser Farm Finance, and a consultant to the farming industry. Contact him on 0800 777 675 or 021 777 675. A disclosure document is available on request.

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PROUD LOCAL

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

Thursdays until 26 March. Dinner in the Domain

A selection of only the best food trucks, coupled with top local chefs performing live food demonstrations, each Thursday night over summer at Papamoa Domain from 5.30-9pm. Free entry.

trades & services

Saturday 5 December

Tokoroa A&P Show

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

Thursday 3 December to Wednesday 13 December

Museum. Adults $10, school children $5, preschool $2. Paeroa Historical Maritime Park 6894 Puke Rd, SH 2 (by the Puke Bridge) Check Facebook page for wet weather cancellations.

Saturday 5 December

Morrinsville Christmas Parade 1.30pm.

Lions Club of Katikati Christmas Parade & Santa in the Park. Theme: ‘The Twelve Days of Christmas’. Cash prizes will be awarded for best floats. Parade starts at 3pm.

Come along and be amazed at the spectacular display of lights dancing to music, the laser light show, and discover the Amazing Magical

Saturday December 12

The New World Kawerau Santa Parade

Saturday 12 December

Theme: ‘What dreams are Made Of’. Categories: best themed float, best nativity float, best commercial float, and best community float. Be in to win excellent prizes. Entry Forms Morrinsville Information Centre, 251 Thames Street, Morrinsville or phone 07 889 5575.

Wednesday 9 December to Thursday DecemSaturday 12 ber 24 December Paeroa Christmas Lights 8.30-11pm.

Sausage sizzle, barista coffee, bric-a-brac, arts & crafts, entertainment, competitions, and face painting.

TimeBank Christmas Market

9am-12.30pm. Pou Whakaaro at 40 Te Tahi Street, Whakatane. Grab yourself a Christmas bargain.

Will set off at 11am from the Ron Hardie Recreation Centre and complete two laps of the township. Prideaux Park will be the site for the Radio 1DoubleX Community Christmas Concert during the afternoon before the Grand Finale with some of New Zealand’s finest talents performing on stage. Free entry.

Tauranga Pipers Club. $5+ donation per car, cash only. Come early and enjoy a stroll in the Quarry Park before the concert. Bring your own picnic dinner. (On-site refreshments are limited.) If the weather is unpleasantly wet or windy, the concert will be held at the Quarry Gallery, at the end of the carpark. Look on Facebook for updates.

Wednesday 16 December

Christmas at the Races

3pm Matamata Racing Club. Santa on course, children’s entertainment, and food court. Free admission into the grounds and grandstands.

Sunday December 13, Christmas carols

Come and sing traditional Christmas carols with the Te Puna Quarry Choir - 6.30pm. Special guests the

PROMOTE YOUR BUSINESS HERE!

BER TR TIM E

NT ME AT

PEPP ER

‘Once upon a Christmas - The Pirates Christmas Show’

Write a letter to Santa, Enchanted Christmas tree forest. Open every week day until 16 December from 10am. Bookings essential. Venue: Future Te Aroha Centre 13 Boundary Street. Contact Future Te Aroha 07 884 9489. Email futureta@ xtra.co.nz

Talk to Aimee

07 928 30549

aimee@thesun.co.nz

runon listings curriculum vitae

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

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advertise

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

real estate

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Tauranga A&P Show launches Lifestyle Expo Tauranga’s popular rural show has been rebranded as the Tauranga A & P Lifestyle Show. The theme for 2016 is ‘What you need to know about owning a lifestyle block. “All you need to know about owning and managing your lifestyle block will be on display at the 121st annual Tauranga A & P Show on January 23,” says the events manager for the show Sue McDonald. “Aimed at helping people to understand the process around

FMG to coordinate what promises to be a fun and interesting day.” Local Farmlands manager Lyall Holmes says every week new lifestyle block owners are moving to the district and many are thirsty for information about how to best manage their land. A major focus in the Lifestyle Centre will be livestock, with emphasis on equine, poultry, and canine. “If you’ve been asking questions like ‘Where can I get my lambs shorn?’, or ‘What should I feed my chickens?’ then this is There is something to please everyone at the Tauranga something you A & P Lifestyle Show. owning and running a lifestyle block, we plan to run a series of short, informative seminars to assist both prospective and existing lifestyle block owners. “The A & P Association is collaborating with Farmlands and

won’t want to miss.” A & P secretary Terry Woodmass says this is a natural progression for the A & P Show, which traditionally had an emphasis on educating farmers. Since most of the rural land in the Tauranga district is now held in small holdings it is logical to shift that educational focus to the small land owner. The Tauranga Agricultural

and Pastoral Association has been running shows since 1895. In recent years the show has attracted around 7,000 people and offers a variety of equestrian, sporting and traditional A & P events, along with trade sites and entertainment. There is something to please everyone. Check out the Tauranga A&P Show FaceBook page for more information.

Consultation on freshwater management is planned A report by the Land and Water Forum on the next steps needed to improve management of freshwater will be carefully considered by Government and help contribute to a public discussion paper to be published next year, Environment Minister Dr Nick Smith and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy say. “These ideas on requiring good management practice, of how we can maximise the economic benefit of water within environmental limits, integrated catchment management, stock exclusion and enabling more efficient use of water are a further

contribution on how we can achieve that,” Nick says. “The detailed proposals from the forum on excluding stock from waterways are a major step forward. “The comprehensive recommendation to exclude pigs, deer, dairy and beef cattle from waterways in New Zealand relative to the type of farming terrain and the timetable for achieving it provides a sensible way forward. “Getting all parties to agree on this proposal is a good result, and we intend to publicly consult in early 2016.”

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

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Jakaiah L

awrence dad Joel , 5yrs helping his feed out . Gypsy taking in

Jakaiah with his lamb, Bo

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the view.

ding calves.

Ayhla Lawrence 2yrs fee

Harry & Milo out on the tractor.

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rabbit.

Y R T N U O C & T S A CO S! AB

PRIZE UP FOR GR

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