Canterbury Farming, February 2012

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INSIDE

Canterbury Farming

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Page 5

Conversion is never a

decision that is made lightly

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District councils should direct lifestyle block sub-divisions away from the fi ve per cent of New Zealand land classifi ed as being of high productive value.

That’s the opinion of John Dymond of Landcare Research who, in a paper co-authored with Robbie Andrew and submitted to the Royal Society of NZ, demonstrated that 10% of the land capable of horticulture or arable farming has already been lost to the nation because of lifestyle sub-divisions.

Dymond told Canterbury Farming that steering lifestyle blocks away from highly productive land could be as simple as the Government giving a policy direction to district councils, and furnishing them with a map of the Class One and Two lands to be protected.

The paper shows that the number of lifestyle blocks nationwide has reached 175,000, up from 100,000 13 years ago.

They presently cover 873,000ha, including 17% of New Zealand’s 1.4 million hectares of high-value farmland, which itself comprises 10% of all land.

In Canterbury, 34,671ha (10.8%) of the 284,868ha of high-quality land is taken up by lifestyle blocks.

Dymond said that lifestyle blocks — roughly defi ned as those under 40ha, and averaging

Keep Lifestylers off best soils — researchers’ plea

By Hugh de Lacy

around 4ha nationwide — are not necessarily less productive than economic farms units on a hectare-by-hectare basis, but they usually are.

And that matters to a national economy which derives a quarter of its income from soil-dependent industries.

“It matters because sub-division of rural land into lifestyle blocks tends to be an irreversible process,” Dymond said.

“Once it gets sub-divided into smaller lots, the value of the land becomes higher and higher.

“To put it back into large farming blocks, the land is too expensive to purchase.

“We need to think nationally about our total stocks of high-quality land: having 10% already locked up from agricultural production — do we want any more?

“In another 20 years it could be 20%,” Dymond said.

The amount of land presently in lifestyle blocks is “okay, but if it increases, what happens?”

Landcare already had maps of the nation’s stock of high-quality land, and could provide them to district councils if central government were to implement a nation-wide policy of protecting them.

“There should be a national policy statement saying something like: ‘If you are to

develop on Class One and Class Two land you have to make a very good case for it to be there rather than somewhere else’,” Dymond said.

Nor should rural sub-divisions be confi ned to the four hectares that many district councils specify, since many if not most true lifestylers want only enough space to distance themselves from the neighbours, and the actual productive capacity of the land is largely irrelevant to them.

In addition to the quality land lost to lifestyle sub-divisions, Dymond’s and Andrew’s paper showed a further 25,000ha had disappeared under urban sub-divisions between 1990 and 2008.

This comprised 29% of all the land turned into suburbs.

In Marlborough, 50% of the land turned over to urban housing during that period was on high-quality soils.

In Hawke’s Bay, another intensive horticulture and viticulture region, the fi gure was 49%.

The paper conceded that ‘there are signifi cant benefi ts to rural sub-division, such as re-invigoration of rural communities, increasing rural school rolls, building resilience through diversifying production methods, and the improved quality of life of those with lifestyle blocks’.

But this raised the questions

of whether lifestyle blocks constituted loss of productive land, and whether such lands were adequately protected.

The paper also noted the phenomenon of ‘reverse sensitivity’ — such as when newly-arrived lifestylers objected to existing farming practices — which could also have the long-term effect of reducing farm production.

Dymond told Canterbury Farming that some district councils were becoming aware of high-value lands and the need to protect them from sub-division.

One of these was the Palmerston North City Council whose new land-use policy specifi cally directed lifestyle sub-divisions away from Class One and Two lands.

“I don’t think it’s a strict direction — they should make it stricter,” Dymond said.

Federated Farmers national president Bruce Wills, a former banker and valuer, told Canterbury Farming that, in an

ideal capitalist world, a person should be able to buy a piece of land of any size for any purpose, regardless of the land’s intrinsic worth.

But even with New Zealand’s relatively low density of rural population, this was plainly impractical.

“It’s a bit like the overseas ownership thing: there’ll always be some who say, ‘Let the market do its thing’, and there’s the other side that says, ‘We need a bit of structure and organisation around this issue’,” Wills said.

A lack of foresight in rural sub-division around the Pukekohe and Pukekawa districts of the Waikato had seen big chunks of the local potato and onion industries driven out to the South Island.

“The big thing that we need to be concerned about is that 873,000ha of productive agricultural land is now under housing — that’s half the total size of our dairy industry,” Wills said.

2 February 2012

1016 Weedons Ross Road, West Melton, RD1, Christchurch Ph 03 347 2314 Email [email protected]

Canterbury Farming prints material contributed by freelance journalists, contributing columnists and letters from readers.

The information and opinions published are not necessarily those of Canterbury Farming or its staff. Canterbury Farming takes no responsibility for claims made by advertisers.

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Kate Wilkinson, Minister for Food safety

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Fonterra has not always been the best at telling its story. It is our largest and most successful business and it is owned and controlled by New Zealand farmers. But the price of milk and effl uent in waterways has tarnished the image of the dairy industry. There have also been investment commentators criticising the industry for their inability to invest in this successful sector. So Fonterra has embarked upon a new strategy of lifting its image and promoting the many positive aspects of its far reaching benefi ts. Milk to schools is one of its latest positive campaigns.

But the effort to hoodwink farmers into the trading of its shares is not a good use of its

There has been a lot of talk in the community and media coverage of the Food Bill recently and I’ve noticed repeated concerns about what this means for farmers’ markets.

I love farmer’s markets. In an age dominated by the internet they have become community hubs, where people can get together, chat and share news while buying their weekly groceries.

They also nurture our budding food industries, where stall holders can experiment with new food ideas and test them out on the local palate.

These are both wonderful things that I fully support and really want to encourage.

Recently I visited a few of the markets in my electorate where I was able to speak with stall holders about the Food Bill and address their concerns.

It’s true, there are confused and worried people out there but they needn’t be.

Those selling low risk foods like fruit and vegetables directly to the public, which includes roadside stalls, will simply be directed to free food safety information. That’s all.

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TAF OFFnew structure will demand returns on their investment at the expense of milk price. Redemption risk has been overplayed and farmers exiting the company should be paid out over a three-year period just as they can buying new additional shares.

There has been a lot of money, people’s reputations and personal egos committed to TAF. But it is a sow’s ear and no amount of last minute manipulation by slick public relations will turn TAF into a silk purse.

Unless of course you are an investor in the NZX or a government determined to fl oat shares in blue chip companies. Fonterra farmers should be very worried and very active if they are to save their company.

Talk to an apple grower and ask them about the assurances they were given on their ENZA when shares were opened to trading. Look at the history of large companies traded on the NZX and ask how many remain committed to New Zealand ownership.

Dairy farmers should tell share traders and the National Government to TAF off and help grow the cake not divide it up for consumption which is their agenda for Fonterra.

communications and publicity expenditure. The timing of the National Governments draft changes to DIRA, expanding by 200M litres, the milk available to competitors was too cute. It distracted Fonterra shareholders from the crucial issues around Trading Among Farmers (TAF) at so called consultation meetings and many questions remain unanswered.

There is a growing number of concerned dairy farmers who are starting to realise that TAF will start the breakdown of the co-operative and farmer control of Fonterra. Any trading of shares will result in shifting control and focus from returns for milk and payments for farmers. Bond holders, unit holders or shareholders in any

Farmers Markets not under threat

from Food Billfoods which can be riskier to eat — there is some regulation. There would be an annual registration fee, probably between $50 to $100 dollars, and their operation may need to be verifi ed every few years.

It’s important to remember that under the current Food Act it is illegal to make foods like this in a home kitchen. A registered commercial kitchen is required. The current law also has some very prescriptive rules, like a certain colour lino, that have nothing to do with food safety.

Unlike the current law the Food Bill is very broad and has been designed with fl exibility in mind to support and promote innovation.

For example a jam maker wanting to expand into another type of product may fi nd they only have to make minor changes to their processes or equipment.

To further protect the small food seller, for example someone who has no staff and cooks at home, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry are able to grant exemptions from any regulation. If we see a lot of the same exemption requests are coming through, that whole food sector could be exempted.

Meats and cheeses are deemed to be at greater risk of causing food poisoning so they require a higher level of regulation. The Food Bill is about ensuring food the public buys is safe to eat so these foods types will require a more detailed Food Control Plan and more regular inspections.

All producers of meat and cheese, regardless of their size, are already regulated under the current law. The Food Bill will make it easier for them. Free templates which will help them meet safety standards are being designed.

The Food Bill is not about taking away people’s rights. No one will ever stop home-grown food being swapped amongst friends and neighbours. But when it comes to food being sold I want to make sure the public are protected and businesses are supported to make a living.

We do not want compliance costs to be a barrier for those wanting to enter the food market, nor for those already in it. The bill is intended to reduce compliance costs and red tape while ensuring the food you and your family eat is safe and suitable.

Please call 03 347 2314

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3February 2012

From the MinisterDavid Carter, Minister of Agriculture

I was interested when a mate rang me recently to tell me that his irrigation charges had gone through the roof and that when he rang up about it he was told that the charges were for the right to irrigate not for the actual water pumping. That is he was being charged for having the ability to use the power if he needed or wished too.

That is suggesting every male should be charged with being unfaithful because they have the equipment, despite the fact they would never have the inclination.

A couple of days later he rang me again to say he challenged the company’s right to charge the extra fee and was delighted when the man at the other end of the phone ‘sorted it’ and the extra charges were dropped.

It seems if you ask for attention and an answer the chances are you will win.

Now I am not suggesting you haggle over everything you buy from your merchant, vet or retail store, but sometimes that will work as well.

What I am suggesting is that you shouldn’t roll over and take a hiding without asking why prices have rocketed or extra charges have been put on.

It seems, for example, that it is legal for companies to charge interest on overdue accounts, but it isn’t great for their PR and doesn’t help with client supplier relationships. A quick call to the supplier to explain that the cheque will be a bit late will normally get you off the hook.

My dear Uncle Jack would always say that a penny saved was a penny earned, and he is still right. It is a well used phrase that farmers are the only people who sell onto a market that the buyers set the price and that they buy from sellers who set the price they have to pay for their goods. Plus that they, the farmers, pay the freight both ways.

Yup, it is an old one, but again it is very true. Take pride in your product and don’t sell it short and you’ll feel a lot better. What you produce is the best in the world and you should be rewarded for it.

However I know how hard it is to ask for more or ask for a discount. We have been taught from a very early age that we should accept our lot. Sort of goes back to Victorian times I suppose, the old stiff upper lip and accept your lot mentality.

Nah, you are the most important person in your life so give it a go.

Ring the company who have hiked your charges up and when they back down, spend the savings you make on yourself and someone you love.

I enjoy the story about an old couple who got a quote for their medical insurance from a second company after constant price hikes from the company they had been with for decades. The money they save every year is spent on an annual trip to Aussie. Great isn’t it.

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The range of views about proposed amendments to the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act and the Raw Milk Regulations is not surprising. This is a complex piece of work that will shape the future of the New Zealand dairy industry.

But what is concerning is the amount of misinformation circulating about the proposed changes to DIRA and the Raw Milk Regulations.

This is counterproductive because everyone involved in New Zealand largest exporter earner wants it to prosper and this will only happen if we have the most effi cient dairy industry possible. But we must have the correct facts on the table.

Ten years on from the formation of Fonterra, the dairy industry has changed substantially and it’s timely to review both the DIRA and the Raw Milk Regulations. No one seems to disagree with that. The proposals refl ect the industry’s changing structure, the need for greater transparency in milk pricing, and support for the continued growth of the sector.

Unfortunately much of the clamour over the proposed changes has missed the point that a comprehensive document is currently out for consultation, and everyone has an opportunity to have a say.

Reaction to the review includes an incorrect claim that Fonterra will be required to subsidise its competitors. None of the proposals involve subsidising independent processors.

For the dairy sector to continue to grow and remain internationally competitive and innovative, it’s vital that milk is priced correctly for all dairy farmers, including Fonterra suppliers.

To argue that Fonterra is providing ‘subsidised’ milk to competitors can only mean that Fonterra is not paying an accurate farm gate milk price to its own suppliers.

It’s also claimed that Fonterra will be required to supply more regulated raw milk to its competitors.

When Fonterra was established in 2001, Parliament agreed that in order to avoid a near-

monopoly situation, up to 5% of Fonterra’s milk supply be made available to other milk processors, including providing a pathway for new entrants.

It’s not proposed to change the 5% threshold. The actual annual amount available is stipulated in the Raw Milk Regulations — currently 600 million litres (about 4% of Fonterra’s milk supply). The proposal is to make the regulations consistent with the Act. I don’t accept that the proposed changes will lead to an additional 200 million litres of milk being taken by competitors.

Other than DIRA milk provided to Goodman Fielder for the domestic market, no single competitor is currently permitted to take more than 50 million litres per year. It is not proposed to change this threshold. That is, the six major dairy processors that currently access DIRA milk will not have access to more DIRA milk under the proposed changes.

Further, under current regulations, an independent processor can continue to take DIRA milk indefi nitely (while the Regulations remain in place), even when it sources a substantial amount of raw milk from its own farmer suppliers. In my opinion, such processors are no longer ‘new entrants’.

It’s proposed that processors with their own supply will only have access to DIRA milk for three seasons. This means that all six of the large dairy processors will lose access to DIRA milk at the end of the 2014/15 year under this proposal. This will reduce the amount of DIRA milk that Fonterra has to supply its competitors by approximately 300 million litres per year.

This largely accords with the 1,500 submissions received by MAF on an earlier discussion document.

This review is a complex piece of work and I urge anyone with concerns to study the proposals on www.maf.govt.nz/news-resources/consultations.

Everyone wants to make sure that the regulations are delivering the most effi cient dairy industry possible. It’s also essential that we are working with the correct facts.

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Interesting thing about all the modern ways of communicating with each other — e-mails, txt, Facebook and goodness knows what else, but while it has made contact fast and constant, what has happened to talking?

I’m not even thinking of talking about the way the Queen’s English has been slaughtered by some indescribable form of abbreviations and the fact that the American language (for the want of another term) has infi ltrated into our everyday speech.

Coming from the era of never appearing in a TV studio without a jacket and tie on, I am very quick to lash out and state my total disapproval of network news reporters using words such as skedule rather

than schedule. Anyway, that’s another story.

Perhaps it’s partly the fact that people are too busy to join clubs and attend meetings, or would rather watch the 200 or so television channels available, but the art of speaking in front of a crowd seems to be disappearing faster than a young man being asked by his girlfriend for some sort of commitment.

The Freemasons are still very good at getting people to recite things and to propose and answer toasts, but in many cases the men learn by a form of osmosis rather than being trained.

Toastmasters are great at training people, but don’t seem to be as strong as they were, and other service clubs are quick to admit that numbers

are hard to get. Drama groups also seem to be a thing of the past, and again I suggest they are victims of the modern pace we put ourselves through.

So where do you go to learn to speak in public?

If you listen to people making speeches at prize giving, you’d think there’s nowhere to go and no-one teaching or mentoring anyone.

However looking at the professional sports people on the television, they are all very well spoken, put the right words in the right place, and normally have nice things to say about why they won or why they came second.

Yup, they are coached. Here’s your own little coaching session.

Relax when you are speaking. Putting all your weight on one leg helps to do that.

• Explain your message and don’t deliver it.

• If you aren’t good at telling jokes, don’t ever attempt to tell them.

• Don’t read your speech, read off ‘bullet points’ because that will mean you talk normally.

• Get someone else to listen to you before you do it for the real audience.

• If it’s not interesting, leave it out.

• Smile when you are talking, it gives you warmth in your delivery.

• Talk to the audience rather than at them.

• Slow right down. It will seem to be slow but the audience will love you for it.

• Pauses are a must, even mid-sentence to get the effect across.

Public speaking

5February 2012

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The conversion of land for dairying is a regular occurrence in the Canterbury and North Otago area, with up to 40 farms converting each year.

As a FarmWise Consultant, I am often asked why.

A number of reasons play a part in the decision process, depending on the farmer’s situation.

These statistics from the 2011 MAF Farm Monitoring reports show the differing costs for the three key types (see table below).

It is important to note that the greater levels of expenditure, labor required for dairy and farm surplus are before interest. Also, these statistics come after a year of signifi cantly higher product prices, however the difference

between the returns is what I would expect.Reasons for converting to dairy:

• More profi table industry with a more reliable future.

• Family and future — for the next generation or to help with retirement.

• More family members can be employed on the farm, allowing owners to ease-off.

• Some want a new challenge, which they certainly get!

• For overseas investors a conversion proposal is received positively because of the increased employment, capital expenditure and increased export income.Reasons for not converting:

• Some prefer the sheep or cropping lifestyle.

• Increasing debt, especially if the existing level of profi tability is satisfactory.

• Land suitability. Certain characteristics will affect the economics of any conversion, including shape, size, water availability, slope, location and altitude.

Basically, it’s a mix of personal and professional preference but it is never a decision that is made lightly.

For many, conversion is not the best option, but whatever the circumstances, a conversion to dairy farming requires careful planning and discussions with everyone involved.

I am certain that conversions will continue, but it will be interesting to see what impact the improved

Conversion is never a decision that is made lightly

EFS/Assets (equivalent to a return on assets)

Net Cash Income/ha

Farm Working Expenses/ha

EFS/ha (equivalent to profi t before interest)

Wages plus Wages of Management per ha

Canterbury Dairy 8% $10,536 $5,588 $4,336 $1,433

Canterbury Arable 3.2% $3,112 $1,890 $963 $423Canterbury/MarlboroughSheep and Beef 2.2% $1,113 $619 $285 $225

profi tability of sheep and cropping has.

Eric JacombFarmWise Consultant027 563 [email protected]

by Eric Jacomb

6 February 2012

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Restricted Building Work relates to work which is vital to the integrity of the building especially in respect of it being weather tight and structurally sound. Most major alterations to dwellings and the construction of new dwellings will be caught by the defi nition. The major question which a property owner needs to be aware of is, ‘does the work involve the basic structure or weather tightness of the dwelling’. If the answer is yes then it is highly likely that the work will be defi ned as restricted building work. There are a variety of alterations for which a Council consent is required but the work will not be classifi ed as restricted building work eg.

erecting a fence around a pool or installing a new kitchen.

From March 1, 2012 only a ‘Licenced Building Practitioner’ can carry out or supervise the work. Licenced building practitioners include designers, carpenters and other tradesmen involved in construction work. Other specialists like architects, engineers, plumbers and gasfi tters can carry out some of the restricted building work, but they would be limited to the scope of their expertise.

All building consent applications for restricted building work must include a building design by a registered architect or

someone in a closely related occupation.

If you are contemplating building, or altering a dwelling I strongly recommend a meeting with Council staff to make sure you are on the right track.

This article has been prepared by Bessie Paterson, a Partner with Ronald Angland & Son solicitors, who may be contacted on Tel: 03 349-4708 or e-mail [email protected]

New residential building rules

The end of summer is not far away now although in many parts we seemed to have missed plenty of the traditional warm weather that we are used to. With the end of summer brings the start of the Super 15 and many local rugby fans will be looking forward to having the Crusaders playing at home again even if it is just a temporary location.

This month I wanted to have a closer look at the local New Zealand equity market and the outlook for 2012.

Locally, growth is beginning to improve and may well positively surprise over the next year driven by exporters particularly agriculture and a modest improvement in consumer demand.

We see the New Zealand share-market as still being cheap on valuation metrics with positive forecast returns over the coming 12 months. These returns are expected to incorporate a combination of capital growth and gross dividend yield. For example, the market median gross dividend yield is approximately 8% versus a fi ve year government bond rate of 3.3% and investors are being well compensated to wait for earnings growth as the economic recovery strengthens.

In the current environment of continuing low interest rates that we fi nd ourselves in, we have been fi elding plenty of enquiries around what other different investment options are around for those seeking to generate an income. After the deduction of tax and infl ation costs, the actual net returns for cash is negligible or in many cases actually negative.

These low rates ultimately get investors to consider other options, be it in corporate bonds, property, additional land, shares etc. and the continued global uncertainty coupled with these low interest rates has created a focus on the local share-market which is unsurprising given our high dividend yield and skew towards defensive stocks. The Listed Property Trust sector is offering a median forecast gross dividend yield of 8.9% and other examples from well-known listings include Sky City 6.6%, Fletcher Building 7.2%, Auckland Airport 5.4% and Freightways 6.1%.

Many investors who are comfortable owning some shares would be quite happy with these types of ongoing income streams coming through, with the prospect of some capital growth over the medium-term.

Finally, during the last few days we have had market updates from some well-known New Zealand retailing stocks which are worth a closer look. The reports were varied from a sector which tends to be a very good indicator of just how the local economy is ticking over.

Firstly, the not so good news came from The Warehouse where sales growth has come at the expense of margins to the extent that it has lowered its full year NPAT (Net Profi t after Tax) profi t guidance from $70m to between $62m and $66m. They noted that apparel margins in particular were quite weak.

In contrast we had great reports out from both the Briscoe Group and Hallenstein Glasson. Briscoe Group confi rmed that both

sales and profi ts were better than expected following a sound pre-Christmas and post-Christmas period. They experienced growth in both the Homeware chain and in the Rebel Sport chain, no doubt boosted by the success of last years Rugby World Cup. Overall sales were up 6.5% compared with the previous period, the forecast full year profi t is up, margins have been stabilising and the company pays a forecast dividend yield of approximately 9.6%. All in all, very encouraging numbers.

Hallenstein Glasson was the third retailer to update the market and again the news was very positive. They have advised the market that the fi rst half profi t to February 1 is expected to be up 25% on last year to between $8.7m and $9m with group sales up 7.9% and on the back of improving margins. To cap this all off the retailer pays a forecast gross dividend yield of approximately 12.5%. It would seem that the apparel loss suffered at The Warehouse has been Hallenstein Glasson’s gain!

That’s all for this month. If you would like to confi dentially discuss your investment position in particular regarding portfolio management, fi xed interest or share investments please give me a call.

Andrew Wyllie is an Authorised Financial Adviser with Forsyth Barr in Christchurch. He can be contacted on 0800 367 227 or [email protected]. This column is general in nature and should not be regarded as personalised investment advice. Disclosure Statements are available on request and free of charge.

In an effort to avoid a repetition of the leaky homes debacle, new rules will apply to most residential construction and alteration work from March 1, 2012. Henceforth it will be called ‘Restricted Building Work’

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7February 2012

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It is all go. Everyone is having a shot at it. Commentators, pontifi cators, national and local media as well as Auntie May down the way.

The Crafar Farm sale started it all. So did movie maker James Cameron who wants to live here. As far as I know the Chinese buyer(s) don’t want to live here.

But, realistically, these purchases are just peanuts compared to the 650,000 odd hectares already in overseas ownership (and that does not include a fair slice of plantation forest land). The total sales according to the OIO of the latest purchase totalled less than 10,000 ha. It seems Fairfax Media are all for foreign investment for our farm land.

The (Christchurch) Press has said so. After all the company is a foreign owned corporate with substantial holdings in this country. It apparently believes corporate ownership was the answer for increasing production, conveniently forgetting the capability of the soil’s carrying capacity.

Corporatising NZ farmland

So this writer will attempt to put in his two bucks worth. Ten percent of our available total land area, including in the cities, is currently overseas owned. When do we cry halt?

I refuse to take on board various government spokesmen saying that reaction to the Crafar Farms purchase was xenophobic. Some references have been made in talk-back radio. It has little to do with the purchasers being Chinese. Those with some degree of common sense see it more as the fi nal straw that various governments have been quietly fl ogging off plots of land and the populace are now asking pointed questions. Federated Farmers president Bruch Wills put it reasonably simply. Why wasn’t each of the 16 Crafar farms sold separately giving local buyers a chance to put in a bid. At least maintaining a fast vanishing breed, namely the family farmer with a far greater commitment to the land than big city corporate boardrooms.

What seems to have occurred (and I could be wrong) is that Crafar Farm creditors, bankers, fi nance houses and sundry investors, wanted pay back on loans. That put pressure on receivers KordaMentha to put all the farms up for sale as one entity. Selling each farm individually would take time. Thus investors with considerably deeper pockets than local farmer buyers were more capable of putting in exorbitant bids. This has now pushed the prices of more intensive high carrying capacity farmland to astronomical heights.

And it is happening elsewhere in both islands. German buyers have spent some $100m buying up Southland dairy units. Other buyers from the United States, Britain, Switzerland and various South Asian states have been nibbling away at pockets of good farmland, much of it during the previous government’s tenure. Also a large proportion of our southern highcountry stations are in foreign hands, mostly buyers from the USA. One instance, at the head of the Rakaia River, a foreign owner was making it tough for local fi shermen to enter the property to fi sh the streams. Some billionaire buyers may simply be looking at bolt holes and do not intend putting undue pressure on the land to produce more. Or plainly wanting to get back to nature through initiating conservation projects. I guess we could live with that providing they actually become residents. Even part-time residents.

In my opinion, with the corporatisation of our farmland, it is the lack of affi nity with the land, its soils, biodiversity, lifestyles and community input that has been the basis of generations of family farmers whose prime aim is to improve the land with balanced production for future generations to make a reasonable living. Corporates are there to make money, look at quarterly balance sheets based on short term profi ts rather than instigating long term policies. Weather and environmental changes do not follow corporate predictions.

Back in the 1890s the then minister of lands Sir John McKenzie broke up the large estates of the ‘squattocracy’ to allow increase of farm ownership, and closer settlement of the land. Sir John witnessed, as a child in Scotland, the destructive effect of the Highland clearances. Thus, is increased corporate ownership of farmland by absentee foreigners New Zealand’s 21st-century version of the Highland clearances? However, knee-jerk reaction will not help. The development of a coherent policy on ownership is badly needed.

In more recent years with businesses owning a multiple number of dairy units there has been recurring instances of polluted waterways coupled with ever increasing tonnages of fertilisers, chemical sprays, irrigation from diminishing underground sources and potential overstocking on land not suitable for intense farming operations.

To allow some investment in our farming land I would favour the suggestion from one source that leasehold could be the way to go. Say 21 year renewable leases strictly regulated to enhance and improve management with emphasis on research and development. This country is already lending expertise to help food production in a number of overseas nations which should be earning kudos — and hard cash.

What does not make sense with the so called free trade deals, particularly with reciprocal nations such as China, is policies of land purchase where those countries will not allow fee-simple ownership of land. We cannot be that hard up that we sell the family silver. That is productive land to get out of hock.

This could also apply to mining and fossil fuel extraction. The big catch cry is jobs created. But what is not forthcoming is what this

country gets out of such deals. Mining royalties here are the fouth lowest internationally. The paltry millions (or the odd billion), of dollars deposited into government coffers would be miniscule to what the multi-national mining companies will be paying their investors, directors and CEOs. And there is a strong possibility we would be left to clean up the mess in the event of catastrophe. Or restoring opencast mining operations to the original plant cover and animal habitat after mining operations had ceased, gone broke or other forms of cheaper energy have been developed.

Couple this with the discrepancy of incomes between the very rich and average worker (including farmers) it would seem this country’s leaders need to be severely brought back down to earth. There is a dire need for some crucial legislative changes to protect our resources, our environment and our way of life.

8 February 2012 WAter

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Farmers are also adapting new technology to suit their own individual farm systems.As there are now a fair number of fertigation systems operating around the country, I have asked a few farmers for some feedback and comments on what products they are using and why

The overall theme was simplicity and ease of use. It has to be easy to use and easy to train another staff member to use it. One farmer thought that it would be too hard to adapt to a new system which was simply calling up the urea truck, but once he understood the benefi ts — dollars and cents, animal health and environment — it was well worth the small effort.

How are farmers using their Fertigation systems?

by Graeme Pile

Products they are using surprised me. One farmer in the Waiarapa told me he has used mono ammonia phosphates and other expensive tech grade fertilisers. When asked why, he said they were simple to use and a local business was selling it. Yes, it grew the grass but at what cost per c/kg dm.

Cropping farmers are applying United Fisheries ‘BioMarinus’ to stubble paddocks to stimulate the microbes in the soil to speed up the decomposition process. Add some ‘Liquid N’ to it and you will give the microbes an added kick. When they irrigate before they sow down the next crop, they get a better and even strike. Add this to more livestock (bugs) in the soil and they are onto a winner.

Sheep farmers are applying trace elements that will increase the fertility of the fl ock. This ‘fertility boost’ is a mixture of selenium, iodine, zinc and boron. As one farmer told me, “It’s easier to apply it to the pasture via the irrigator than down their throats.”

Dairy farmers are applying a product called BSM. This is high in magnesium and potassium with a natural balance of trace elements and minerals. This helps increase the magnesium in the pasture, giving it more guts and the cows love it. Easier to apply

A close up veiw. Poly pipes are for stock water and fertigation injection point which will be on the downward pipe — at Lincoln, Canterbruy, NZ

magnesium via the pivot than through the water trough!So who is investing in fertigation? In last week’s Farmers

Weekly, Ngai Tahu chairman Mark Solomon is quoted as saying; “The key thing is that the science is there, the technology is there; you’ve just got to use it and use it effectively, to ensure that your farming can be sustainable.” What’s more, Ngai Tahu doesn’t accept that investing in sustainable practises isn’t affordable.

“Same with fertiliser, you don’t just have to dump it on by the truckload all over the paddocks. Our fertiliser is being applied as liquid using irrigators, so we can control the amount of fertiliser we apply to the land.”

It’s great to see and hear farmers adopting this new technology regardless of farm type or size.

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9February 2012WAter

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Many irrigation consents include a condition restricting the volume of water taken per year. This ‘seasonal volume’ is important — exceed it and you’ll be forced to turn off. This can be costly if you’ve not yet reached the end of the season!

Most of us can remember what happened in the last year or two, so those with seasonal volumes will have an idea of how close to reaching this limit they have been. But how would the last season or two compare to long term irrigation demand?

Aqualinc has looked at the last 30 years of climate data at Winchmore to see how the last few irrigation seasons compare to the long term average. They assumed an irrigation season from 1 October — 30 April, and this is what they found:• Last year’s irrigation demand was just below average,

compared to the last 30 years• 2009-10 was about average too• 2007-08 and 2008-09 were both high irrigation demand years,

requiring 50 and 90 mm extra irrigation (respectively) over the long-term average

• 2005-06 and 2006-07 were low irrigation demand years, requiring 30 and 100 mm less irrigation (respectively) than the long-term averageAlthough many traditionally use rainfall amounts as an

indicator of irrigation demand, there are actually other as important factors at play. For example, the timing of rainfall is much more important than the total depth of the rain that fell in a given year or even in a given irrigation season.

Also, the climate statistics show that irrigation demand is more dependent on evapotranspiration (ET) rates than on rainfall. For example, in 2008-09, Canterbury received more rainfall than average, yet irrigation demand was at a 10-year high, due to very high ET that season. Therefore, our discussions about ‘what kind of year was it?’ should be based more on ET measurements than rainfall. This is contradictory to many people’s traditional views!

With many water metres and loggers being installed in recent years, more people will now be getting to grips with how much water they use. If water use has been approaching the consented annual volume in the last couple of years this information suggests that, unless irrigation management changes, that farm will be short of water during seasons with higher demand. If this is the case for you, contact Aqualinc to discuss what measures you may be able to take to prevent exceeding your allocation.

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10 February 2012 WAter

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Watermetrics is an Ashburton company that specialises in water � ow monitoring and helping farmers and water consent holders manage any risks in an informed way. In November they welcomed a new water meter installation and service specialist to the team, Darcy Aker

Darcy joins Watermetrics at a crucial time for farmers, as water metering regulations are still coming into effect nationwide. He also brings considerable experience and knowledge to the team, including a degree in electro-technology. Before Watermetrics Darcy was at Streat Instruments where he specialised in telemetry which is basically what he will carry on with at Watermetrics.

Darcy’s role will be pretty much the same thing as what

he was doing previously, with the emphasis on installation and servicing but this will broaden into development work in the not too distant future.

Darcy grew up on a dairy farm near Temuka and says he has done his days of early morning milking. He says his farming background means he can deal with farmers as he can interpret what they want in an engineering sense.

He has a wife, and two children of four and three years, and lives in Rolleston. He jokes that they are not on a farm but at the moment he is too busy concentrating on his new role where his clients must come fi rst.

The company is looking at opportunities to provide more of a complete on-farm service so that farmers can manage their farm more effi ciently and productively. “To date the bulk of the company’s work has been centred around compliance but we are keen to be seen as defi nitely adding value to your day-to-day operations” says Darcy.

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11February 2012WAter

Forecast — Canterbury

Rainfall Temperature Sunshine Airfl ow

Late Feb

Drier than normal

Colder than normal

Cloudier than

normal

Light, often

NEasterly

Early Mar

Near normal

A little milder than

normal

A little sunnier

than normal

More Westerlies and cold

fronts

Mid to Late Mar

Wetter than normal

Colder than normal

Cloudier than

normal

More Southerly

and Easterly airstreams

AprA little

wetter than normal

Near normal

A little cloudier

than normal

More Easterly & NEasterly

airfl ow

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January was a cool month for Canterbury with regular periods of southerly and southeasterly airfl ow in the second half of the month bringing rainy periods with snow to relatively low levels for summer on the eastern ranges. Airfl ow patterns for January showed little in the way of westerly airfl ow, with plenty of days bringing on-shore airfl ow to the region. February has so far continued that pattern, with anticyclones sitting in the western Pacifi c and bringing prolonged periods of northeasterly airfl ow onto the South Island. This usually brings 5-7 day periods of low cloud and high humidity to the Plains, but clearer skies and warmer temperatures inland.

January saw mean temperatures for Canterbury around -1.0 to -1.5deg colder than usual, with both day time maximum temperatures and night time minimums colder than usual. Late in the month there were several very cold nights for the time of year, with minimums under 5deg and light ground frosts recorded. Exceptions to this trend were in the inland basins of South Canterbury which saw near normal temperatures, due to day time maximums being warmer than usual.

Sunshine hours were near normal across the central Plains, but a little below normal near the coast, and signifi cantly above normal (by 20-50%) near the main divide and in inland parts of South Canterbury. Rainfall was near normal across the Plains, a little above in North Canterbury, and a little below in South Canterbury and on Banks Peninsula. Rainfall was well below normal (under 50%) in inland parts of South Canterbury and near the main divide.

So far in February temperatures have remained colder than usual, with departures of at least -1.0deg across the Plains, but a little above normal in inland South Canterbury. Sunshine hours are well below normal, running around 30-40% down across the Plains, but a little above in the far west.

Rainfall is well down, with no signifi cant falls observed by the middle of the month. Humidity levels are signifi cantly higher than usual, with easterly quarter winds persisting.

In the tropical Pacifi c the Southern Oscillation is continuing to show clear signs of a La Nina event, but with some weakening from a month ago. A slow and gradual weakening of the current La Nina is now expected over the next few months, through the autumn, but with weak La Nina conditions still likely to be in place through early winter. There is currently no suggestion in the models of a move to El Nino later in the winter or spring, and indeed some suggestion that the weak La Nina may persist through winter or even begin to intensify again.

So long as La Nina continues to prevail we expect unsettled weather with highly variable airfl ow over Canterbury to continue. While there will be some periods of westerly airfl ow over the South Island, there will also be frequent cold fronts and troughs moving across the Tasman Sea, leading to a rather unsettled time for Canterbury.

Pressures are expected to remain low over the northern Tasman Sea, and the current trend for anticyclones and higher air pressures across the south Tasman Sea and extending onto the South Island from the Southern Ocean should continue over the next few months. If La Nina conditions persist through late autumn and into winter, expect a colder and cloudier than usual winter.

We expect weather patterns for the rest of February to continue to be rather weak over New Zealand, with anticyclones to the east and weakening troughs or fronts moving over the South Island. This may lead to a continuation of the current cloudier and more humid conditions, with a risk of reduced rainfall and on-going cooler temperatures. Around the end of the month and early in March we should see a short period with more westerly airfl ow, some drier norwesters and a few clear cut southwesterly changes with brief rainfalls. However, troughs will become more frequent and more intense as the month moves on, and from mid-March we expect to see a return to anticyclones pushing across

the southern Tasman Sea and low pressure systems affecting the North Island, bringing more southerly and easterly quarter airfl ows to Canterbury. April is likely to see low pressure systems developing in the north Tasman Sea and moving over New Zealand regularly, which should again bring more easterly quarter airfl ow to Canterbury with increased cloudiness and humidity, and few if any sustained periods of westerly airfl ow.

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January and February log sales have progressed pretty much in line with expectations with domestic logs settling at slightly lower levels and export logs firming by $10–12 per cubic metre. Indeed we see a market relatively settled with pricing levels within the realms of acceptability rather than anything to get excited about.

Just around the Christmas period we saw most domestic prices ease, generally by $3–5 per tonne and primarily in the larger small-branched framing grade logs. This reduction can be directly attributed to the sell down antics of the larger suppliers particularly from the North Island.

As these mills scrap over the morsels which are the Christchurch re-build market, they are prepared to barter away price in favour of volume, thus bringing downward pressure on profitability for all segments of the business, not the least being the forest owner.

With the Christchurch re-build programme we are starting to see a small surge

in demand. As reported last month, that demand is tending to be in the fencing and other exterior timber segments rather than the core volume framing market. However some signs are encouraging at least heading toward the positive with local mills reporting a continuing improvement in optimism and enquiry levels.

Given the very large inventories of framing lumber in store sheds throughout NZ, one report suggests a surplus of 200,000+ cubic metres, it is unlikely that any immediate surge in demand will see great productivity or price excitement. That inventory alone represents about 13,000 new house starts.

For the export log sector, prices firmed in CIF terms about US$5 per cubic metre for January sales and another US$5 in February. The combination of these has seen wharf gate prices firming $12–15 over the two months. Those increases have been softened by the frustrating strength of the Kiwi dollar against the US — not helpful at all.

Demand in the now determinant market of China has been good with Chinese New Year coming and going without great change to expectation or outcomes beyond those expected. Prices are holding in this key market. Most players appear motivated

About 10 years ago an American company came to NZ to look at planting redwoods for their Californian market. As like NZ, the government there were restricting the felling of their native redwood trees. Therefore in order to offset an imminent shortage in 30 years’ time they looked at NZ to supplement this shortage. Earlier provenance trials had suggested that like pine, redwood growth grew much faster here than in their native land of California. Promised returns of $200k per hectare were suggested to encourage further establishment of this species in NZ. As previously mentioned in these articles, several Canterbury foresters took up this challenge producing amazing results, if initial correct establishment procedure were adhered to. One such guy was John Hawkins.

Hawky had a 70-ha block up near Tapawera, Nelson. The block was covered in old man gorse/broom and other brushweeds. An aerial kill spray was applied and once the vegetation had cured the whole block was roller crushed. The beauty of this type of site preparation is that not only it

doesn’t retain nutrients through recycling it also hinders the re-infestation of germinating brushweeds. Five years ago the area was then planted with high quality redwoods at final crop spacing. In order to get the soil boron up to 150ppm he applied 160kg/ha hydroboracite.

It is no coincidence that these trees are called ‘Coastal’ redwoods, nor is it a coincidence that Pinus radiata or Cypress are native to the coastal region of California, as this is where they get their high boron levels, from the sea fog. So it is logical if we are to simulate these conditions but intend growing these species away from the coast it is imperative that we supplement their boron requirements in other ways, and by raising the soil boron more than 1.5ppm is the only way.

I suppose the only negative thing about planting at final crop spacing is that canopy closure is slower and therefore it pays to aerial release the odd patch of brushweed which manages to emerge through the crushed debris.

This is what he has been doing with the result Hawky

would have one of the best stand of redwoods in the south Island. As the enclosed aerial photo depicts his top 10% have reached a height of seven metres with a basal diameter exceeding 30 cms. Not bad for five-year-olds. In fact even our fastest growing exotic species, namely P. radiata would be hard pressed to top this growth.

Well done Hawky!!!

Joke TimeEver wondered what the

difference is between grannies and granddads is?

A 5-year-old granddaughter is usually taken to school, daily, by her granddad and picked up after school by her mother. However one day granddad had the flu so granny took the little girl to school. When her mother picked her up to take her home she asked if she had a good day.

The little girl looked puzzled and told her mother that it was different. “What do you mean different,” asked her mother.

“Well” the little girl explained “We didn’t see a single tosser, a blind twit or even one dick-head on the way to school today.”

Coastal Redwood update

to see this continue after all the price fluctuation antics that pervaded the market late 2011.

There are some worrying additional vessels on their way from the Pacific North West, primarily the US, to China. These will be looking for some discharge space mid-February. This additional volume has the potential to see prices do a seriously unwanted hiccup if demand does not remain flat to strong.

If sales drop off post CNY we should plan for further very unwanted maintenance shut downs in NZ to try and curb production. All eyes are looking at this situation but also taking a glance toward the antics in Europe and the cumulative effects the decline in consumption will have on commodities. For the moment at least, most commentators are suggesting the impacts for wood commodities should be minimal with internal consumption in China more than offsetting the declines in Europe.

Thus we find early 2012 to be one of general optimism and stability but eyes are up and looking for key international trade trends which may impact negatively in the short term. To repeat that which will be obvious to those with a tilt toward our wonderful industry, the only way forward for climate and country is to get out there and plant more trees.

13February 2012

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My point of viewAllen Cookson

Production forest owners can benefi t from accumulation of carbon credits as their trees grow, but lose them once the trees are felled, though they can recover them again if they replant. In the long run there is zero net benefi t to forest owners from the present ETS.

What is not acknowledged in these arrangements is the possible ongoing sequestration of carbon in buildings, furniture, vineyard posts, boats, musical instruments, etc. From the scientifi c viewpoint it is desirable to maximize the use of wood to produce durable objects.

The purpose of the ETS forestry regime is to reduce the concentration of the greenhouse gas carbon dioxide in the atmosphere. If the ETS instead of crediting forest owners, credited builders, etc. correspondingly for the timber content of a building, etc., we would soon achieve a vast sequestration of carbon, almost certainly to

our national economic benefi t as enforced global rules became the norm. Forest owners would benefi t from the increased local demand for wood. This would be ongoing.

Since a major portion of NZ forestry’s output is destined for export as logs, there needs to be a way of including this in an improved ETS. It would use the estimated carbon content of the wood, minus the estimated scrap left after the foreign timber mill had done its work, as the basis for carbon credit allocation. Allowance for the differing species’ carbon densities would be included in the assessment.

Engineers have designed strong six storey wooden buildings which would be ideal for densely-populated, earthquake-prone places such as Turkey and the Middle East. Could we export kitsets for these? My proposal would make processing of logs here more competitive. Our plantation timber has an added

ETS forestry regime fl awed

advantage which would be relevant to some markets.

It is compliant with Forest Stewardship Council and similar standards.

At present the local sawmilling industry is in crisis, with ongoing closures of mills. In the timber industry, as elsewhere we have become a supplier of a commodity, rather than adding value as has happened in dairying.

Successive governments must share responsibility for the situation, as they constructed tax and trade regimes which in some regards are inimical to a healthy forestry industry.

A sound emissions trading scheme would provide incentives to sequester carbon, and disincentives to emit

greenhouse gases, especially carbon dioxide from fossil fuels

Most serious, in my opinion, is the very high level of foreign ownership of our forests. Labour and particularly National, by facilitating the sale to offshore ownership of income-earning assets, have created a situation where some of the payments New Zealanders make for using fossil fuels, will go offshore to foreign carbon creditors — owners of NZ forests. Maybe this is why National has produced such a weak forestry ETS.

14 February 2012

Septic Tank OwnersHow you can save money by keeping your septic system effective and healthySeptic tanks and multi-stage septic systems are delicately balanced environments. It does not take much to upset them.Common practice is to ignore the septic system until problems occur. Good and best economical practice is to always keep your septic system well maintained.

A malfunctioning septic system can become a health hazard. When a system is not maintained or operated as a delicately balanced environment, problems occur. These problems include nasty odours, leach line blockages, untreated liquid rising to the surface, toilets gurgling and taking time to empty.At this stage your septic system is a serious health hazard to you and your children. Human waste produces faecal coliform bacteria, a source of viral and bacterial gastroenteritis as well as Hepatitis A and other diseases. Hepatitis can be a debilitating condition and cause long-term harm to children.

There are only three remedies.One: stop using the septic system until it recovers. This can take over a month and is not normally practical. Two: excavate your septic system and relocate it. This is very costly and time consuming, sometimes requiring new resource consents and different systems. Three: treat your septic system with Septi-Cure™ every six months.

Septi-Cure is Cost effective.By far the most cost effective solution is to pour one litre of Septi-Cure™ down each toilet bowl every six months. This simple action will help keep your system working at top effi ciency by reducing solids and scum. Instead of emptying your tank frequently, the reduction in solids and scum saves you expensive pump out costs. Your irrigation fi eld and leach lines will become clear of slimes and

blockages so nature can handle the gradual seepage and evaporation for you. When this is happening your system will be operating effectively and not endangering you or your family’s health.

What is Septi-Cure™Septi-Cure™ is a concentrated mixture of selected naturally occurring micro-organisms. These harmless tiny organisms live and multiply by feeding on waste

material. When introduced to your septic tank system, they go to work straight away digesting waste material, reducing solids and scum, allowing your septic system to start operating to its maximum effi ciency. As they progress through to your irrigation fi eld they feed on the slimes that prevent seepage and evaporation. When seepage and evaporation return to normal, you have reduced the risk of contaminating groundwater and the environment as well as reducing the chances of infection for you and your family. Eventually, they get washed out of the system and have to be replaced to continue their work. This is why you introduce Septi-Cure™ to your septic system every six months for maximum effi ciency.

A satisfied customer in Hamilton has been using Septi-Cure™ for three years.He says this allows them to have an odour-free septic tank with low maintenance costs. He also says that his service person is amazed at how well Septi-Cure™ works, keeping their tank in very good condition.

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the primary sector group of ITOs,” Kevin Bryant, AgITO Chief Executive says. “There will be no interruption of service to trainees or employers in the equine industry, and we anticipate that given AgITO’s larger size and access to resources, service provided will improve.”

Benefi ts to the equine industry include retaining the ability to deliver national qualifications to trainees, access to AgITO’s considerable expertise in resource development, policies and procedures, as well as support services not currently available to NZEqITO like information technology, qualifi cation recording systems, fi nance, marketing and communications, qualifi cation development and printing services.

“The integration of the NZEqITO within the AgITO is a great outcome which will provide a strong base for the extension of industry training throughout the NZ equine

industry”, NZEqITO Chairman Greg Purcell says.

The number of staff employed is also set to increase, with AgITO looking to recruit up to three part time training advisers with knowledge and experience in the equine industry, improving the service delivered to trainees and their employers in the industry.

Off job training will continue to be delivered by training provider New Zealand Equine Education Trust (NZEET) and NZEqITO qualifi cations offered through other accredited providers and through Gateway programmes in secondary schools will continue to be available.

“AgITO is committed to supporting growth in the skills and knowledge of those in the equine industry,” Mr Bryant says. “We will continue to work proactively with and consult stakeholders in the equine industry.”

A shared history of working togetherThe New Zealand Equine Industry Training Organisation (NZEqITO) has joined the Agriculture Industry Training Organisation (AgITO)

Continuing pressure on funding means it is more cost effective for NZEqITO to operate in AgITO’s framework. AgITO’s industry coverage has been extended to include the equine industry, including the

thoroughbred, harness and greyhound racing industries. Equine Industry Training will operate as a business unit within AgITO.

“AgITO and NZEqITO already have a shared history of working together through

15February 2012

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Hosted by the Golden Shears Society, this year’s World Shearing Championships will see 25 countries from across the globe represented at the event. That’s almost double the number since the previous World Shearing Championships hosted by Golden Shears in 1996.

Golden Shears president Mavis Mullins said interest in the event has been growing over time.

“We’ve had a really good dedicated team consistently planning towards the event for the past two years,” said Mrs Mullins.

“It’s going to be a marvellous event.”Over 200 volunteers are involved in all aspects of the

competition to ensure the event runs smoothly.This includes farmers and other sheep owners presenting their

animals in the best condition possible.“No matter what the weather, they will have their sheep at

Masterton when needed,” said Mrs Mullins.“The work that the Wairarapa community has been doing has

also been marvellous.“We’re pretty committed to making this special.”The 2012 World Shearing Championships takes centre stage in

Masterton from February 29 to March 3.Wales held the previous World Shearing Championships

in 2010.

Golden Shears to host 2012 World Shearing Champs Blood Brothers Musical is at fi rst, a heart-warming

story of Mickey and Edward — two brothers separated at birth, brought together again through friendship. However, their familial relationship is concealed by their guardians who strive to keep them apart because of superstitious beliefs.

Despite relocating, their lives continue to intertwine, although the deep divisions between the privileged life of Edward and Mickey’s poverty-stricken existence are wholly apparent.

As adults, they are caught up in a vicious love triangle with Mickey’s childhood sweetheart Linda. Mickey’s imprisonment and subsequent depression pushes Linda into the arms of the conciliatory Edward.

Since October last year, a dedicated cast of actors drawn from throughout North Canterbury and Christchurch, have been gathering at the North Canterbury Musical Society rooms in Rangiora to rehearse. Even the set back of losing the use of their normal performance venue, the Rangiora Town hall, has not daunted the cast and crew as they count down the days to opening night at the Chervier Centre, Victoria Street, Rangiora.

Tickets are available from John Harrington Showcase Jewellers in High Street, Rangiora. Bookings can also be made through the North Canterbury Musical Society’s website: www.ncms.co.nz.2008 open winner, John Kirkpatrick

With the countdown on to this year’s World Shearing Championships, shearers, wool handlers and wool pressers will be brushing up their skills and re� ning their techniques.

Blood Brothers Musical

16 February 2012 CoUNtry MotorING

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In the late 70s the word electronic or letter E such as in EFI started to become commonplace. The era began due to the need to reduce vehicle emissions as mandated by US law. Cleaner burning engines required electronic intervention that most visibly lost the choke control to the silicon chip. The time for ECU’s in cars to control various functions had well and truly begun. Over many years it was the Mercedes S Class that was the fi rst to receive such luxury items we now fi nd standard such as Airbags ABS and even inertia reel seat belts. That was just the start with ESP now almost universally adopted recently for safety as well as Cruise Control, Crash Avoidance, Roll Over Mitigation, Lane Departure warning Blind Spot elimination as well as Bluetooth and myriad entertainment offerings all requiring massive computing power. It seems we will continue to develop the computer guided vehicle.

So the entry of the computer into the automotive world preceded the home computer by more than a decade. Today most cars have far in excess the computing power of even the most powerful home systems.

Unlike the PC the computer guided cars we have today use the technology to seamlessly make the drive safer and easier.

These two vehicles I drove recently have stepped up a cog

from the original computing systems that were powered by the commonly used controller area network CAN bus systems. In 2006 the BMW X5 heralded in the new Flex Ray system now seen on most luxury cars, that is at least 20 times faster at 20Mb sec than the CAN bus.

All very interesting but what does it all really mean? Put simply the A6 and the X5 have expensive super quick state of the art electronics that explains their price tags and their performance across the board. The Audi A6 for example has 17 ECU’s and a further 40 optical extra control units managing all the computing functions.

Audi A6. I’ve always liked and respected Audi’s. First to introduce the quarto AWD system in rally cars, Audi have allowed to migrate to almost their entire range. This makes them stand out from all other luxury brands as it makes a huge difference in the way they can get the power to the road and the handling, road holding and traction.

The Interior: Audi have made every touchable surface and control a tactile experience the quality of fi ttings and attention to detail is impressive. From the sculptured heated leather seats to the multi use 10” LCD screen {for entertainment, phone, engine

settings and the Sat Nav} that slides out and tips through to just past vertical, (see photo) the well sorted interior is easy to live with.

The doors open wide and allow easy access egress for four with space for a third on the wide comfortable rear pew slightly compromised by the transmission tunnel.

I liked the wide centre console that contains the transmission selector entertainment and engine/suspension selectors as well as a scratch pad you can use fi nger on to work the very user friendly SatNav and enter in phone numbers. For right handers it requires some upskilling to use the left paw, though it is surprising how accurately it identifi es even the most childish scrawl correctly

The sound system is concert hall crisp and clear and infi nitely variable. Strangely I couldn’t use my USB as it required an adapter cord not available or supplied to plug it in.

All the surfaces in the A6 feel nice to touch and the switchgear is easy to use and also has a pleasant feel to it.

The capacious boot held three hay bales or as my townie cousins said 4 golf containers!

Deep and nicely rectangular it has a high lift boot lid and rear seat backs that fold forward and almost fl at making it very user friendly.

We drive the Latest Audi A6 and BMW X5

BMW X5 handling of road conditions

17February 2012CoUNtry MotorING

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When fi rst released the new Audi face as seen in the photo with the deep radiator grill bisecting the bumper looked out of place. Now it has been softened and had some subtle changes in shape that identify it immediately as an Audi, though it looks much more cohesive and sits well with the design of the A6 and in fact the Audi range.

On the Road: The A6 shines on the tarmac allowing power all through bends thanks to the variable torque bias which prevents the traction control spoiling the fun. Still with its fi rm suspension the big Audi rides very well negating the need for sports suspension in the S line option pack that many buyers might be tempted with. I drove the $150,000 car with some extra caution over some very rutted and potholed gravel roads and was astonished at its ability to dismiss the surface without protest.

Audi like BMW provide an options list that could almost double the base price.

The A6 from Audi is unashamedly a luxury car that occupies the mid-size segment, smaller than a Commodore or Falcon, more akin in size to the spacious Ford Mondeo.

The A6 will perform double roles as daily transport and sports tourer over long distances and all with the distinctive LED running lights on day and night.

It is a very easy vehicle to live with and the AWD gives assurance of tenacious grip on any surface. Economical and luxurious it’s easy to see why Audi’s are held in such high regard by their owners.

BMW X5. I rang BMW NZ and asked for a 5 Series petrol sedan to compare with the Audi I had booked. The only vehicle they had available was an X5 Diesel. After thinking about it, the decision was easy. I would compare the two as they are remarkably similar in size performance and specifi cation levels. In fact if you were in the market for an AWD at around $150K both are likely to be on your must try list.

There is a sense of occasion about the X5, a feeling of real signifi cance of having arrived, without ever leaving; it’s hard to put into words to describe.

Some say it is the ultimate driving machine, though I feel it’s more the consummate tourer with power performance, great visibility, and with seven seats allows huge versatility.

There are several models in the X5 range three diesel and two petrol, including the 408 kW M Sport spec. We drove the top spec twin turbo 3 litre diesel 40d sport. I think this is the pick of the range. It had several options fi tted which made the base price rise by nearly $20,000. These included heads up display heated rear seats (as well as the front) DVD player for rear seats with cordless headphones (3) and the electronic Lane Departure, and Radar Braking systems.

Interior: Open any of the doors and the wafting leather smell greets satisfyingly. Although this is a proper SUV that will tow 2700kg braked, it is the inside that makes a real statement. As well appointed as any luxury sedan the X5 is clearly aimed at the premium market.

The SUV underpinnings allow for a huge interior space with a stunning super quiet diesel never making its presence felt. Like Audi the cockpit of the big Beemer is very intuitive and well set up. An eight-speed automatic is the only transmission though in deference to its role the electronics include a very effective Down Hill Assist Control hinting at the likely use off road or indeed off piste. It works brilliantly in rain wetted long grass on slopes that you can’t use the ABS brakes to anywhere near the same rate.

I liked the heads up display just below the line of vision of the road ahead. Even in bright sun it’s clear and easy to read when wearing sunglasses.

The heated leather seats for four are a treat — my passenger’s front and rear enjoyed the cool leather. Front and rear head leg and hip room is impressive holding four six-foot guys and one slightly smaller lady on a short trip with ease. The real benefi t of the X5 comes from the boot area that has my favourite system of a lift up glass and drop down platform that can serve as a table or seat at the local A+P Show.

BMW attains a fi ve-star safety rating with ESP ABS EBD Hill Descent and 10 airbags around the cabin.

On the road most of the X5’s miles will be driven on the tarmac and so the quiet low rolling resistance tyres both improve economy and tyre life, while also providing real stickability traction in all weathers. We drove through the Hunderlee’s hills south of Kaikoura fi ve up in solid rain and found while the climate air-conditioning held the temperature the tyres gripped the sodden road with equal success. It is a road I have the utmost respect for — oil and slick tar seal are often present on the very slow corners. The 1900kg X5 shrugged off the conditions and is confi dence inspiring. The limits of adhesion were never tested with passengers and pilot enjoying the ride at sensible speeds. The three-litre twin turbo diesel accelerates out of corners and maintains speed uphill in a way that defi es its capacity. 225kW’s and 600nm of endless torque from 1250- 3800rpm makes light work of the steepest

grades and though we didn’t try out towing, there was no tow bar, it should be equally at home with the largest of boats or fi nd horses rubbing the tail bandages as the fl oat rockets forwards, should you be so inclined.

Off the road: As with the Audi I was careful not to outstay my welcome at BMW NZ though I was amazed at just how well a single range 4WD will go. Supple suspension giving good wheel articulation allied to Active Traction Control and 30/26 degree approach departure angles allowed access to the usual off-road course I drive on the farm with 4WD’s equipped with low range. Ultimately it was the tyres on that long wet grass that denied further exploration. A set of snow chains would have taken the X5 as far as most people would sensibly ask of it, all done without driver intervention by the electronics.

If all my driving was to be on the seal or country roads the A6 is easily the right choice, though I’d like to drive their turbo diesel version. If my lifestyle needed a vehicle to be a highway screamer and a byway cruiser with real towing ability it would be hard to look past the X5.

Computers will continue to provide safety and driving aids and as in the past the latest technology will migrate across all brands and ranges and that is great because both these vehicles amply demonstrate just how good the silicon chip makes the modern vehicle.

the luxury interior of the Audi A6 with its multi-use 10” LCD screen

18 February 2012 DAIry

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Sometimes I get annoyed with experts who give the wrong advice or only tell half the story. I get to talk with many people who struggle to keep lameness under control

Farm staff is often being blamed for causing a lameness problem on the farm. They are told that they are pushing cows too hard on the tracks and over using the backing gate. I am sure that this is a contributing factor on many farms but I believe that this is just about never the only reason for a problem, and I think that it isn’t fair to point the fi nger at the staff and not look any further.

In many cases farm staff can’t avoid getting lame cows because the owner is not giving them the right management tools to achieve that. I talk with staff that do their best to minimise the physical pressure on cows but they still get a lot of lame cows coming through. They don’t know what else to do and are living in despair.

Let me put it this way, if cow’s feet are

healthy then any physical pressure won’t make them lame. Our biggest problem in NZ when it comes to lame cows is laminitis. In the 18 years that I have trimmed cows in NZ I haven’t seen many cows that haven’t got laminitis to some extent.

I am talking about haemorrhaging or holes in the sole or other defects. Often experts refer to those injuries as stone bruise and sole penetration. If that really caused our lameness then farm owners are right in pointing the fi nger at their staff for pushing the cows too hard. If that was the cause of lameness you could even go as far as taking farmers to court for animal abuse. All you need is to show that a farmer has lame cows.

What other evidence do you need?The problem is that stones don’t bruise

cow’s feet and stones don’t penetrate soles. If you want me to believe that they do, you will have to show me evidence. As far as I am aware nobody has ever shown evidence but everybody is saying it, and when you say something often enough it becomes true.

Let’s talk about the sole penetration argument. The only thing that I have seen that penetrates the sole is a staple or some other sharp metal object. It is impossible for a stone to create a hole in the sole of a cow’s foot. Look at your hoof knife. Even when it is blunt it is still a whole lot sharper than a stone.

You know how hard it is for you to push that knife through a cows hoof. How realistic do you think that it is for a blunt stone to cut a hole?

Look at mountain goats or tar. They are big animals who jump up and down sharp rocks. Imagine the amount of penetration they would suffer from if their hooves were not tough enough to handle that sort of abuse. Cow’s hooves are very similar in texture to their hooves but they can’t stand on a stone once in a while?

You can take a test yourself and see how likely it is for a stone to create a hole. If you take a slice of cow hoof and a stone of about fi ve mm diameter and squeeze them together with a pair of pliers what do you think is going to happen?

When I did it the stone disintegrated to dust well before it even left a mark in the hoof.

So when you have lame cows, by all means minimise the physical stress but also look further and see what can be done to make the hooves healthier — and think about what advisers and experts are telling you.

“It is impossible for a stone to create a hole in the

sole of a cow’s foot”

19February 2012DAIry

Soil Matters — with Peter Burton

Contact us for a free mail out analysis on 03 3184 707 or email [email protected]

Or contact your local spreading contractor

Ivan Stubbs Oxford 021 312 080Frews Transport Darfield 03 318 8516Plains Groundspreading Kirwee 027 283 8522McCarthy Contracting Cent. Canty 03 329 6655 Frews Transport Oxford 03 312 4016 MA Bruce Hororata 027 489 2201Ellesmere Transport Dunsandal 03 325 4039

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0800 436 566Soil is a living breathing organism, and as with any other oxygen dependent organism potential performance increases with improved ability to suck air in and breathe out gases. Conversely when unable to breathe soil dies and what remains is no longer soil

In an ideally structured soil, by volume 25% is air and 25% moisture. Air and moisture are inversely related meaning that after rain moisture levels will increase as fi rstly large pore spaces are fi lled displacing air.

As soils dry out in summer the amount of moisture in the soil will decrease relative to air. Where soils are dominated by very small pore spaces they tend to be poorly aerated, with moisture tightly held and slow to move. These soils after rain are also slow to become suffi ciently moist for strong pasture growth.

Maybe a useful analogy is a vehicle fuel tank. When designed with a very small breather they are frustrating slow to fi ll, however this is not necessarily related to the rate at which fuel is consumed.

Likewise soils with a higher proportion of space as macro pore space are not necessarily the quickest to lose moisture in dry weather. Macro pore space relates to the space in the soil large enough for excess moisture to percolate freely through.

The ability of the soil to hold onto moisture during periods of hot dry weather is largely related to the amount of humus in the soil. Humus is sometimes referred to as the ‘glue’ in the soil. It acts as a sponge and has approximately fi ve times the moisture holding capacity of a clay soil containing very little humus.

Humus and organic matter are often confused. Humus is the result of fully decomposed organic matter and is very stable. Organic matter is supplied to soil by dead roots, dead leaf matter, dung and urine. To become humus organic matter needs to be worked on by soil organisms and these organisms require air.

Hence the situations where humus is formed most rapidly is where air is able to enter most quickly and gases to leave

freely. These soils are therefore able to store more moisture and produce the most pasture growth over summer.

With more pasture grown there is more dung deposited along with increased root matter and uneaten pasture to further build humus and stimulate even more growth, and it requires only a little assistance from us. Grazed soil is regularly subjected to considerable pressure from animals’ feet. When the effect of this pressure is not relieved compaction occurs and macro pore space is reduced and consequently growth slows.

This can often be fully relieved by an annual application of Golden Bay Dolomite containing 11.5% magnesium and 24% calcium.

Dolomite is unique as it contains calcium and magnesium both in the carbonate form. Calcium has the ability to force soil particles apart and stimulate benefi cial biological activity. Magnesium adds a little stickiness giving dolomite the ability to increase macro pore space by clumping together very small soil particles. This process is known as fl occulation.

For more information call 0800 4 DOLOMITE,0800 436 566.

soils need to breathe


Nutritech recommend starting a control programme early to avoid lost production and costly animal health issues.

WHATEVER NT-0469

Call Customer Services0800 REMEDY (736 339)

www.nutritech.co.nz

Better fermentation, better silage, better production.

It is estimated that for every cow showing clinical signs of facial eczema, thirty others may be subclinically a�ected. Don't let facial eczema a�ect your production this season.

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The EPS Stirrers come in a number of different Hp sizes and all of them are very low kW/Hr, starting at .75kW.

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Take your Effl uent Pond from crusty to aerobic

Thenumber of different Hp sizes and all of them are very low kW/Hr, starting at .75kW.

This pond took only 12 weeks to go from crusty and stagnant to aerobic and biologically active.This pond took only 12 weeks to go from crusty and stagnant to aerobic and biologically active.

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The regular rainfall across much of the country during late spring and early summer has been estimated to be worth more than $100 million to the dairy sector, from a predicted 5% increase in milk production over last year. The increase would have been higher but for the exceptionally dry weather during December in the south and east of the South Island.

The increase in milk production has been largely driven by feeding cows better over a longer period during lactation, as opposed to a dramatic improvement in genetic merit. Higher genetic merit cows increase their milk production in response to higher nutrient intakes than lower genetic merit cows, so there is a benefi t in improving herd genetics. However, few if any farmers feed their cows to their genetic potential, so feed intake and quality, as well as nutrient balance, are the major constraints to milk production, not genetics.

Profi tability can be increased by spreading farm overheads over more litres or milk solids. Therefore, increasing milk production from feeding cows better, to attain fl atter lactation curves and more days in milk, results in higher profi ts, as long as the value of the additional milk produced is higher than the cost of the inputs to achieve it.

If pasture growth is favourable, then this extra production may be achieved from effi cient utilisation of pasture. Under less favourable conditions, such as in the lower South Island this year, then bought in feeds (forage or concentrates) should be considered. The additional benefi ts of improved cow condition and in calf rates also need to be factored in, as these are a direct responses to better feeding.

As always, diets need to be properly balanced to ensure effi cient utilisation of feeds, with the primary response being increased production as opposed to improving body condition. This

includes energy yielding nutrients, effective fi bre, protein, minerals and vitamins. The easiest way to achieve this is to make use of an appropriate, user friendly feed rationing program.

Better feeding of cows also requires tackling issues associated with anti-nutritional factors such as mycotoxins, which can reduce feed intake and adversely affect health and metabolism, thus milk production and fertility. The two major sources of mycotoxins for grazing cattle are; Neotypodium lolii endophyte which produces ergovaline and lolitrem-B, and the saprophytic fungus Pithomyces chartarum which produces sporodesmin the toxin associated with facial eczema.

The AR1 and AR37 ryegrass varieties were developed or mycotoxin binders have been used to overcome the endophyte issue. Facial eczema prevention relies heavily on zinc being dosed at near toxic levels to reduce the harmful effects of sporodesmin toxin.

Zinc helps prevent sporodesmin producing free radicals which cause liver damage. The production of free radicals is dependent on the presence of suitable transition metals, such as iron and copper, which may be an issue in areas with high iron levels in soil and water. Copper is the more reactive of these two metals, which is why farmers are advised to supplement with organic copper sources as opposed to copper sulphate during high zinc dosing periods.

Zinc dosing should be well under way before sporodesmin spore counts spike, and several organisations provide weekly regional forecasts from early January. However, spore levels vary widely between farms and individual paddocks, so regional forecasts are of only limited use, so using a simple kit test on-farm would be advisable on high risk farms.

by Dr Julian Waters

Improved pro� tability through better feeding

0800 HYNDS RD (496377) www.hyndsrural.co.nz

FARM DAIRY EFFLUENT SYSTEMS


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FARMING FACT INCREASED PROFITABILITY STARTS WITH HEALTHY SOILBy simply correcting your soils calcium and magnesium base saturation levels with a calculated application of fine ground dolomite you will significantly reduce your farms liming/animal health & fertiliser outgoings.

For a no obligation consultation of your farms soil contact:

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Use Waikari Lime Rubble for your cows dairy lane

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HARBOURS NO BACTERIA SO CAN HELP IMPROVE HOOF CONDITION

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Murray Andrews is a dairy farmer with a 115-hectare milking platform and a herd size of 460 cows and produces 1,000 dry tonnes of maize silage per annum for his own feed requirements. Murray also runs his own contracting business in Taranaki which processes 10,000 dry tonnes of maize silage. He uses two John Deere 7500 Harvesters. Murray has been using inoculants for 16 years. ‘There is no question you should use an inoculant to help protect the quality of maize silage. The question is — what inoculant should I use? In the past I have used inoculants with live bacteria and whilst they worked I had problems when I needed to mix the product and there was no readily available clean water source. I tried Maize King as it is specially formulated to address the high starch content of maize silage and has no live bacteria so no mixing or water is required. It is so much easier to use versus traditional inoculants. As Maize King has no live bacteria it signifi cantly increases the product’s stability with a shelf life of three years so you can continue to use any surplus product next season and it also requires no refrigeration. Maize King has reduced my wastage and saves money over traditional inoculants with live bacteria. Best of all it works fast delivering a quick and effi cient ferment. My customers are very happy when the maize stack is opened and the face remains cold and doesn’t re-ignite with secondary ferment and they report no pasture damage when it is fed out’.

So how does an inoculant with no live bacteria work? Grant Kay, National Product Manager for Maize King explains. “Traditional inoculants rely on introducing

live bacteria to colonise the crop. Maize King uses new technology with a concentrated blend of fermentation extracts containing secondary metabolites, enzymes, signal molecules and bacteriocins to preserve maize silage. Maize King contains no ‘live’ bacteria because it uses bacteriocins and signal molecule technology.

Bacteriocins are a peptide produced by some strains of bacteria which inhibits the growth of, or kills, other bacteria. Bacteriocins are non-viable (not live) so they deliver the benefi ts of ‘live bugs’ without the shelf stability issues of a product that contains live bacteria.

Signal molecule technology works by sending signals to the benefi cial lactic acid producing bacteria which are naturally occurring in the maize to ‘wake up’ and reproduce leading to a rapid rise in

populations. By combining the use of bacteriocins and signal molecule technology Maize King works quickly delivering a rapid and effi cient ferment. Contractors have noticed the difference when working on large pits the second day.

Farmers who have had Silage King and Maize inoculant added to their silage say they have been impressed with the palatability, it’s freshness and sweet smell, with less waste and importantly, not damaging their pasture where it has been fed out. Plus the added bonus of labour saving keeping the front cover off without silage heating up. Maize silage shows impressive visual benefi ts from being treated with Maize King as the reduced spore’s means less mould growth and spoilage from secondary fermentation.

Maize King can be applied through any applicator and is available in both liquid and

granule form. The granules fl ow through a Narrowdale granule applicator or a standard Gandy Box. The liquid Maize King can be applied using one of the New Zealand-developed and made 20lt or 100lt applicators available through BioStart. With the dash mounted cab

controller application it is reliable and simple. The controller allows the application rate to meet light, medium or heavy crop loadings. The New Zealand-made applicators are great value for money with maintenance and parts readily available.

Murray Andrews’ John Deere 7500 Harvester with a 100lt applicator mounted

Maize silage treated with Maize King

Technology preserves silageMaize King’s new technology preserves silage without the hassle of importing live bacteria using the same technology proven by many Canterbury contractors and farmers who use Hay King and Silage King


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Zinc is essential for every class of enzyme and plays many other roles in micro-organisms, plants and animals alike. It also plays a key role in the construction and copying of DNA. Partly because of the DNA link, zinc defi ciency in animals is commonly associated with fertility problems both female and especially in males given its important role in the prostate, production of sperm

Zinc in soil, plants and animalsDr tim Jenkins

Zinc is also particularly benefi cial for activities that involve fast growth including maintaining skin condition, hoof or foot condition, wound healing and foetus development.

The mineral is also one of the important ones for antioxidant functioning for general health. Despite its many benefi ts to animal condition and potential productivity (and the fact that zinc is required at higher levels than many other traces such as copper), zinc is often missed out from livestock trace element supplementation programmes.

Therapeutic levels of zinc are commonly used to control facial eczema and can also be effective against some viruses but such high doses can sometimes create issues with the availability of other essential elements, most commonly copper. Attention needs to be paid to copper availability but without supplementing too much copper when the high zinc doses are given as high copper can restrict zinc availability.

Zinc is often diffi cult for organisms to absorb and it is zinc availability (including

phosphorus). Grazing livestock can benefi t from forbs such as chicory and narrow leaved plantain with naturally good zinc levels.

Zinc defi ciency in plants is often characterised by light green to white stripes in between the veins of young leaves (magnesium defi ciency can have similar symptoms but more in older leaves while sulphur defi ciency also affects younger leaves — zinc defi ciency in maize can be confi rmed by seeing purple discolouration inside the internodes). As well as its importance for photosynthesis, zinc has a general role in carbohydrate metabolism and low levels can cause issues with seed and fruit yield (cereals and stonefruit are among the crops affected). Zinc defi ciency is less likely to occur in acid soil conditions but, above pH 6.4,

an element that perhaps more than all other elements can benefi t from application in a chelated form both for animal uptake and plant uptake. In an animal’s digestive system zinc is easily complexed with natural phytates in the feed which bind the zinc tightly from uptake; chelated forms of zinc can better resist that binding and also reduce antagonism from some minerals that reduce induced zinc defi ciency can

be an issue for many crops. Plants growing in sandy soils and other soils low in organic matter can be more prone to low zinc levels. Zinc availability and uptake is commonly very low in spring which can cause seasonal related defi ciency in plants and grazing animals.

Zinc is not commonly added as a fertiliser in New Zealand but if a requirement is seen it can be applied as zinc sulphate. If foliar application is practical, this can improve uptake effi ciency and overcome soil issues such as high pH and high phosphate levels that may limit uptake from the soil. Mycorrhizal fungi in association with plant roots are effi cient at zinc uptake from soil and can be encouraged by reduced cultivation, liming overly acid soils and avoiding overgrazing.

“Zinc defi ciency in plants is often characterised by light green to white stripes in between the

veins of young leaves”


With the payout high and interest low, it’s a really good time to fix the things that are causing some grief around the Dairy.Before you upgrade to new Milfos cup removers or a Milfos Variable Drive Vacuum System it would be sensible to evaluate things that could impact on your proposed upgrade.Sparkies generally do a great job, however, we regularly come across wiring of all sorts that has been installed incorrectly.For instance we see the right cable used on say, a milk pump controller, but still bundled with everything else so it creates interference with the controller and bingo, a slightly crazy controller. Unless you know what to look for it can be a painful process to find as it looks like a faulty controller.This is important for all sorts of systems from pulsation controllers to cup removers and the more sophisticated the system the more careful you have to be. We recommend keeping data cables as far away from power as possible.We have all heard about stray voltage, yes it does exist and can cause all sorts of issues, we have found a major source is the cable and terminations between Variable drives and Motors.There is a lot of documentation supplied with variable drives with regard to the cable to be used and metal glands for terminations etc, these are minimums and a good Sparky will follow manufacturer’s recommendations or better. If in doubt get it checked.Don’t forget the effluent or water pump, same deal, and move the electric fence unit to the implement shed, they can be an interference nasty in the dairy.For sensible advice on Upgrades, find your local Milfos dealer or Area Sales Manager at www.milfos.com.

Notes from the shed with Mark McKewen

It’s fair to say it’s not a cheap exercise, but one that can save you money, not only on grades etc., but also in ongoing costs.

Large dairies with big herds are no problem; twin filters with isolating valves (use one at the start of the season, and in the flush change filters between herds) or maybe a large top load option.

But the bulk of dairies are smaller and a good few years older. Most will have one or two small filters that have been okay until now.

With two small filters you use two filter sleeves per milking. While upgrading your shed we can install a larger single filter, which would halve the number of filter sleeves used, saving you money and of course meeting regulations.

Your local Milfos Service Partner can advise on the filter size required

once they know your herd size, any increases you are planning, and size and type of parlour. Easy!

When you contact your Milfos Service Partner ask about the Special Milk Filter Upgrade Deal!

While we’re on the subject of upgrades, we’ve had a tremendous response to our iCR cup remover promotion. Thank you!

Because of the huge response we’ve decided to offer the iCR deal again. Register your interest now as it’s for a strictly limited time.

Find your local Milfos Service Partner details or Milfos Area Sales Manager at www.milfos.com.

We look forward to hearing from you soon,

Mark

We have had a lot of enquiries lately about milk filters, compliance with the regulations and the filter size that is suitable for your dairy

Here is what a few past attendees of our training courses are saying:“I finally realise how the hoof becomes damaged and why our procedures affect the healing process. The course also helped my understanding of the correct hoof shape and how it affects the cows locamotion.” Duane Kristensen, Gore

Call us on 0800 833 463 to enquire - act fast, places are limited

Are you struggling totrim your cows’ hooves?trim your cows’ hooves?

Veehof Dairy [email protected]

Now you and your team can learn how to trim hooves safely and efficiently with the Veehof Advanced Hoof Trimming Course.

You will learn information about: • Foot anatomy and function You will learn information about: • Foot anatomy and function • Recognition and treatment of claw diseases • Lameness protection • Relationship between nutrition and lameness • Preventative hoof trimming (Shaping the claw correctly) • Lameness treatment • Knife sharpening • Hoof trimming tools and accessories • Application of claw blocks • Use of angle grinder for hoof trimming • Plus much more!

HOOF TRIMMING SERVICES, EQUIPMENT & TRAINING

Soil is the ‘holding pen’ for the nutrients which must be balanced and in the correct proportion. For example a one-litre bucket will never hold two litres of water. Nor will some soils hold ‘capital dressings’ of fertiliser.

Soil chemistry can be quite complex and it is important that each element is used correctly. Some elements such as phosphate can easily be locked up in the soil. It is possible sometimes to unlock the locked-up phosphate.

Soil biology is very important and includes the use of benefi cial microbes and soil fungi. The best come from Labs both here in New Zealand and overseas. Fertilizer New Zealand gets theirs from the best Labs available. One particular microbe can control grass grub. Our experience is that it will take more than one application of the grass grub microbe to gain effective control. With the use of various benefi cial microbes and fungi, farmers have reduced their fertiliser accounts and increased their animal health.

As well as providing bulk nutrients to the soil, it is also benefi cial to apply liquid elements to the leaf of the plants. Other additives can be included to provide more energy for the stock that graze the pasture. Work conducted ten years ago showed that lambs would fi nish two weeks earlier and be a grade or two better when killed. This was of signifi cant benefi t for the sheep farmer who required the best price for their lambs and often went summer dry around Christmas time. Dairy farmers who apply a liquid fertiliser often speak of better animal health and better milk production which ended in a better profi t margin at the end of their fi nancial year.

To see how we can help you reduce on-farm costs and give you a better profi t, give us a call on 0800 337 869.

raising healthy animalsEcology is about various disciplines within farming, � tting together to form a whole. Every part must be sustainable and be able to complement a healthy holistic system. This will lead ultimately to healthy animals and a better pro� t line for you, the farmer

To advertise in the Canterbury Farming – 03 347 2314

24 February 2012

Love your chooks? But hate being tied to daily feeding?

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Automatic chook feeder

…are made to save you time and money by eliminating the need for daily feeding and stopping the significant amount of food lost to rats, mice and wild birds. This is the ideal feeder for 1-50 chooks, allowing you to enjoy the goodness of your own farm fresh eggs without attracting pests and their associated diseases.

GRANDPA’S FEEDERSdeveloped and sold in New Zealand for over 12 years have become hugely popular and are now considered standard equipment for keeping poultry.

Feeder lid opens when chook stands on platform

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We were on the look-out for a building we could use as a shelter to protect our horses from the weather. We hoped to fi nd something that could also be used as a holding stall/stable for grooming and feeding etc. Outpost Buildings had a design that was a great size and they were able to include some variations to the building to suit our requirements.

The building design was ‘skid mounted’ which we really liked the idea of. It meant that if we wanted to, we could easily shift the building to a different paddock or a new property if we were ever to move house. The building can be towed or lifted by crane. We chose to get a dividing wall added in the middle so that the stable is separated into two. This wall is all just screwed in so that if we want to remove it in the future it can be easily dismantled.

New stable for our horsesAin’t nothing like great friends who’ll help you build your stable!

A building to suit our requirements

It came as a kitset, and we were lucky enough to have some great friends and neighbours that would help us to get it built. It was a great project that we could build with just basic hand tools and we really enjoyed it. One of our neighbours had a digger so we used that to get the site ready, spread and roll the crusher dust for the pad so we had a nice level site that provides excellent drainage.

Outpost Buildings were able to match the colour of our existing buildings with the colorsteel cladding in a nice red (Scoria). The wooden parts of the building we just left natural although we could have chosen a wood stain if we had wanted.

We are very happy with our stable and our two horses seem to be enjoying it too! If you want to take a look at some more photos go to the Outpost Buildings website: www.outpostbuildings.co.nz/product_pgs/products_horsepg.html and click on Testimonial. For more information about Outpost Buildings call them on 0800 688 767.

To advertise in the Canterbury FarmingPlease call 03 347 2314

25February 2012

Wool PerspectiveFrom Rob Cochrane

GM, Procurement, PGG Wrightson Wool

WooL

KA

1200

2

As an Elders Primary Wool client you can expect great service from a nationwide team of wool experts who will support you with the advice and expertise to deliver improved returns for your sheep business.

• Specialist advice for merino, mid-micron or cross-bred wool• Elders is the world’s largest broker of greasy wool• No marketing levies

Talk to your local Elders Primary Wool Representative about maximising the returns on your wool clip.

MORE RETURNS FOR YOUR WOOL WITH ELDERS

www.eldersprimary.co.nz

CANTERBURYMark Greenlaw 027 227 8898Roger Fuller 027 683 6993Tim Black 027 600 5067Grant Andrew 027 481 6219

WOOL BUYERS

TO DISCUSS YOUR REQUIREMENTS, ON FARM - IN YOUR SHED:

Rakaia River North - Don Kars 0274 500 769Rakaia River South - Gavin Crump 0274 316 555

Email: [email protected] Website: www.hdfarmdirect.co.nz

Providing direct wool links from farm to user with a low cost marketing pipeline

Freephone 0800 946 000 Helping grow the country

Doug McKayPh: 027 432 6910

Peter McCuskerPh: 027 432 4926

Rob LynskeyPh: 027 591 8454

Dave ParsonsPh: 027 436 2603

Contact a PGG Wrightson Wool representative today:

Consign your wool with

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Email: [email protected] in New Zealand/Australia

Although six wool auctions have been completed for the calendar year (by the time this reaches your mailbox) the market has not delivered too much good news for wool growers, apart from the odd line here and there which has had ‘the right micron’ or ‘just the right colour’ managing to bring a smile to the vendor. A large proportion of wools offered for sale during the past six weeks have struggled to maintain previous value with buyers deliberately selective when spending their money, and with the busiest months of the current wool selling season still to come, the outlook is somewhat blurry.

Wool catalogues offered to the export trade during the past few weeks have contained large quantities of poorer (washing) colour wool types, a direct result of the season, and as earlier eluded, there will be more volume of similar wools

The primary sector is taking a lead role in supporting Christchurch’s economic recovery with the announcement that The New Zealand Merino Company’s 2012 conference will be held in the city. Leading industry fi gures including Jeremy Moon, founder of Icebreaker, and Keith Cooper, chief executive of Silver Fern Farms, will join around 500 merino growers at the event in a major show of support and confi dence in Christchurch and its future. The conference is the fi rst event of its type to return to Christchurch since last year’s devastating earthquakes.

John Brakenridge, chief executive of The New Zealand Merino Company (NZM), said, “The people involved in the merino industry are innovators and adaptors. This conference will be strongly future-focused, which makes it a great fi t for a city that is rebuilding.”

The conference will highlight the value that is being realised through differentiating meat and fi bre in global markets and leveraging international business partnerships. The merino industry is performing well, with both meat and wool trading at high prices and The New Zealand Merino Company

Buyers deliberately selective

Merino industry leads return to Christchurchis working closely with the government to further enhance productivity and returns for growers through the Primary Growth Partnership-funded New Zealand Sheep Industry Transformation Project (NZSTX).

The bi-annual merino conference has traditionally been held in Christchurch, however alternative options such as Auckland and Queenstown were considered for the 2012 event before deciding that now, more than ever, it was important to demonstrate a commitment to the company’s home town.

This year’s event will run alongside the Otago Merino Association’s annual Merino Excellence Awards, which are being held outside of Otago for the fi rst time. Brakenridge

said the conference and awards would celebrate industry success to date and encourage innovative thinking to drive ongoing developments.

“We need to look beyond our industry and understand new technologies, global consumer and retail trends in order to grow the market and support our growers and brand partners. Our aim is to challenge, motivate and drive creative thinking,” explained Brakenridge.

The New Zealand Merino conference will take place at the CBS Canterbury Arena on 30 April 2012. Delegates will include merino and mid-micron growers from around New Zealand, along with business leaders and international brand partners.

to come during the balance of February and March. Whilst all prices eased considerably, prices for poorer colour wools were most affected during the January/February period. Lambs’ wool has begun to come forward in larger volumes during the same period and prices for those types also refl ected the easing of the market in general. Compared to good colour adult crossbred second-shear types measuring around the 35 to 37 micron ranges, lambs’ wool of similar length but measuring around 32 to 33 microns was fetching approximately 10 to 20 cents clean less, perhaps signalling a lesser infl uence than usual from a range of buying interests, although fi ner crossbred second-shear and full length fl eece types of both good washing colour and style were still demanding premiums of around 50 cents clean compared to similar wools in the 36 to 39 micron ranges which could indicate good interest

from China and Indian buying representatives.

With the Kiwi dollar hovering at around $US0.833 and €0.635 at time of writing, manufacturers around the world have come to realise that although New Zealand wool is very good, it has become quite expensive. Retailers in both Europe and the USA have also been struggling to quit stock at sustainable profi t levels of late, and the price of raw inputs has again become an extremely important part of the equation for all who take ownership within the processing chain. Often when price becomes unsustainable for individual manufacturers, they are forced to make the simple economic decision to replace wool with man-made fi bres. It must be noted that there are also a number of spinners around the globe who deliberately blend natural wools sourced from several countries of origin in order to make a high quality yarn of specifi c type and texture, to satisfy their particular manufacturer customers, and a large number of these spinners do include a majority percentage of New Zealand wool because of its length, strength and colour. At the levels currently being paid for New Zealand wool it’s comforting to note that many carpet and rug manufacturers remain cautiously optimistic that wool is still the fi bre of choice for their customers and, provided economies do not take a further turn for the worse, they will continue to sell high-quality woollen products containing New Zealand wool fi bre. This confi dence must be re-inforced by growers’ continuance of good preparation standards in the wool shed. Maintain the standard and the demand will continue. That’s my view.

26 February 2012


To find out how Tribute can maximise production on your farm,


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The Role of Trace Elements and VitaminsVitaminsTrace elements are well known for Trace elements are well known for the importance they play in ensuring the importance they play in ensuring healthy and productive livestock, and healthy and productive livestock, and the effect they can have on production the effect they can have on production when deficient is equally well recognised.when deficient is equally well recognised.

Trace elements are a group of 15 elements essential for the health and productivity of Trace elements are a group of 15 elements essential for the health and productivity of all animals, however the elements of prime importance with well known deficiencies are all animals, however the elements of prime importance with well known deficiencies are Selenium, Copper, Cobalt and Iodine.Selenium, Copper, Cobalt and Iodine.

Adequate daily intake of these is required for maintaining efficient metabolism, resistance Adequate daily intake of these is required for maintaining efficient metabolism, resistance to disease, detoxification processes, healthy growth, good reproduction performance and to disease, detoxification processes, healthy growth, good reproduction performance and efficient feed conversion.efficient feed conversion.

If levels of these elements is inadequate, or if the daily requirements are above what can be If levels of these elements is inadequate, or if the daily requirements are above what can be obtained from natural feed such as can occur during pregnancy, reproduction or periods of obtained from natural feed such as can occur during pregnancy, reproduction or periods of stress, then a vitamin/mineral supplement should be considered.stress, then a vitamin/mineral supplement should be considered.

It is with this in mind that Vetpak has developed a product containing a combination of It is with this in mind that Vetpak has developed a product containing a combination of these essential minerals and vitamins to help boost levels in sheep during those crucial these essential minerals and vitamins to help boost levels in sheep during those crucial periods.

Healthy Ewe is a water soluble multi- mineral, multi- Healthy Ewe is a water soluble multi- mineral, multi- vitamin powder containing Iodine, Selenium, Cobalt and vitamin powder containing Iodine, Selenium, Cobalt and Zinc and Vitamins A, D and E.Zinc and Vitamins A, D and E.

Healthy Ewe comes in a 1kg pack and is mixed with clean water to make to 5 Litres of liquid product, which should water to make to 5 Litres of liquid product, which should be drenched at 10mls per Ewe and 5mls per lamb.be drenched at 10mls per Ewe and 5mls per lamb.

Healthy Ewe has no meat or milk witholding periods.Healthy Ewe has no meat or milk witholding periods.

For more information please contact you local veterinary clinic.

Healthy Ewe Part of your Pre-Tup Strategy

27February 2012

SEEDSQQUALITYTYT PAPAP SASA TSTS URE SEED

CRIDGECGRAIN & SEED DRESSING

Outstanding in the field

NORTHERN MIX:Riley, Canterbury perennial ryegrass, striker annual ryegrass, huia white clover, red clover, chicory and plantain.29kg – Cost including gst and freight $168 per haSOUTHERN MIX:Enticer long term ryegrass, cutter tetraploid Italian huia white clover, red clover, timothy ryegrass, plantain.30kg – Cost including gst and freight $162 per haNATIONWIDE ANNUAL MIX:Cutter, striker, white clover, red clover.29kg – Cost including gst and freight $150 per haMixes above are only a suggestion and can be altered to suit your farming requirements. All prices include gst and freight over 100kg, our place to yours.Stuart Cridge has owned the company since 1982 and has been involved for over 40 years. He can assist you with sowing requirements and mixes for your area.We are known for our high priority customer service, competitive prices, amazing results and prompt deliveries nationwide.

Please phone 0800 4 SEEDS or 03 324 3951Cellphone 027 432 3834 and talk to us

Website information www.cridgeseeds.co.nzEmail [email protected]

Neal of Kinsey Agricultural Services, Charleston, Missouri is a soil fertility specialist who lectures and consults to

farmers and horticulturists world-wide serving 66 countries.

Golden Bay Dolomite Limited and the Neal Kinsey NZ group is pleased to inform that again in 2012 we are to sponsor this “dean” of soil fertility to visit Taupo, Bay of Plenty and Invercargill, Southland to present his three day “Principles of Building Soil Fertility” workshop.

Neal is one of the foremost practitioners of the Albrecht – style soil fertility balancing and is the author of his book “Hands on Agronomy.”

Many of the attendees of the previous years’ courses followed up on Neal’s teaching and advice. As a result they have proved to themselves and others that biological farming is the

new way forward. Many have reported positive changes to pasture, animal health and profit! This is especially pleasing considering the challenging seasonal weather conditions and recessionary times.

Often farmers become bogged down in the detail of a sophisticated soil audit and are confused as to whom to believe.

Neal conveys the message of soil fertility in a simple to understand manner that just makes sense to his audience.

Neal offers world-wide examples

of how and why the system works including examples from New Zealand.

What we learn from the successful Albrecht system of soil balancing is that when calcium and magnesium and all other nutrients including the micro-nutrients are in proper balance in the soil, crops thrive, animal health improves, weed and insect pressures lessen and yields and soils improve season after season.

This year’s sponsors Golden Bay Dolomite Limited and the Neal Kinsey NZ group would like to extend an invitation to you to attend this course.

We believe that the investment of $560.00 (plus G.S.T.) and the time in attending these three days will enhance your knowledge and perhaps the knowledge of your colleagues into the future – we look forward to you participating in a three day course.

We are passionate about the services

and products we provide as healthy soils are a prerequisite for healthy crops, healthy animals and healthy people. It is the informed farmer who is at the forefront of this chain. The goal of all farming operations must be to produce top quality nutrient dense food for our generation, our children and our grandchildren.

“Principles of Building Soil Fertility”

Course Venues & Dates:

TAUPO Huka Falls Lodge Taupo

March 5th - 7th 2012INVERCARGILL

Ascot Hotel Invercargill March 12th - 14th 2012

Neal conveys the message of soil fertility in a simple to

understand manner that just makes sense to his audience.

Neal Kinsey, by popular demand is returning to NZ in 2012 for the third time to present his three day courses.Peter Norwood, well known animal nutrition expert from Australia will be joining Neal at these events

To check out Neal Kinsey’s credentials:• www.kinseyag.comTo check out our website containing further information and to register:• www.nealkinseynz.co.nz• [email protected]• www.goldenbaydolomite.co.nzOr Contact:Anna Mayne 0800 546 [email protected] McLean 0800 549 [email protected]

The Science behind the Neal Kinsey NZ group

Kinsey Agricultural Services specialises in building and maintaining soil fertility for optimum quality and yields. As a consultant, Neal Kinsey’s job is to advise those who want guidance on how to improve their soils, crops, pastures and animals, so the clients’ production targets are better achieved.

Certain fertiliser materials are recommended; they may not be the cheapest materials to buy, but they are the best, when considering the superior results achieved. Recommendations are solely focussed on improving each client’s specifi c soils and crops. The soils’ needs are determined by a specifi c set of tests that may differ from other labs, but are based on mimicking the plants ability to extract nutrients from the soil.

Neal Kinsey studied soil science under Dr. William Albrecht, Emeritus Professor of Soils and former Chairman of the Department of Soils at the University of Missouri; College of Agriculture.

Dr. Albrecht was born on a farm in Illinois. He grew up with an intense interest in the soil and all things agricultural. These he approached, however, through the avenues of the basic sciences and liberal arts. As he and his associates unlocked the secrets of nature, they recorded their fi ndings over the decades between the 1930s and 1970s. Dr. Albrecht held four degrees — BA, BSc,

MSc, and PhD. from the University of Illinois. He travelled and studied soils in Great Britain, Europe and in Australia. During his long teaching and learning lifetime, Dr. Albrecht wrote no less than 445 papers on sound agriculture, and almost all have been reprinted in the world’s major languages.

Each agricultural practice is now being rightly questioned as to sustainability. Despite that, many diverging parties claim to occupy the moral high ground, leading to farmer confusion.

Soil Scientists are not familiar with all laboratories, tests and procedures that exist. Like everyone else, they only know what they know. Sometimes they feel threatened by certain developments, because it challenges what they believed and awhat they still believe. Time after time we hear “Where’s the proof?” Put simply, lack of proof for these doubters is a lack of effort on their part to do the research and fi nd out for themselves. They simply do not take the time or effort to educate themselves to understand the science behind the programme, and have therefore failed to correlate such testing with actual fi eld results in terms of yields, stock health and production. Some, from our institutions in New Zealand even claim that overseas soil tests do not work for NZ soils. If that were true, then how can they explain the

superior results we obtain?

We are committed to encouraging farmers to understand the “true science” behind soil testing and fertiliser application. So what is that real science?

Dr, Albrecht emphasised that to be true science, it must be highly repeatable. What science does the growers or farmers need to know to produce the best possible result? To begin with, the soil test must be accurate. If you can’t measure it; you can’t control it. It controls you. In these circumstances, you are subject to the whims of nature and fl uctuating yields, diseases and results. A worthy soil consultant, working with a truly scientifi c soil test must be able to differentiate between soils that produce top quality crops and those that don’t; and be able to tell why. Furthermore, he must be able to improve the situation for the client.

The proof of the pudding is in the eating. You can only prove what is being said here by doing it in the fi eld. In some cases, the complete response may take up to three years to achieve. In most cases, results are evident within a month or two, but almost certainly within the fi rst year. If you still have doubts about the effectiveness of the programme; try it on a small scale. You will not regret it. The results you get will prove; this is true science.

The Neal Kinsey NZ group has been recently formed to bring superior fertility to as many farms as possible. It is responding to a trend of declining results, particularly with pastures, but it is very relevant to all crops. It strongly recommends using the expertise of Kinsey Agricultural Services to assess the soils’ needs

28 February 2012

15319 – K

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Kverneland DXB Discs$18,500

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Alpego KER7-300 Cracker Chisel Plough, 7 leg, 3m width, Shear bolt legs, Easy to pull due to specially angled legs. RRP $26,450

X Demo Special Deal $21,000

15210 – T

Alpego RH300 Power Harrow +PackerRRP $36,990X Demo Special Deal $28,000

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Duncan MK3 renovator, Dual box, 1 s/s boxRRP $38,943Special Aged Stock Deal $35,500

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Duncan 16R Eco seederSpecial Clearance Price $25,600

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John Deere 1590 Drill 3.1 meter, Seed & Fert, 90 Series OpenerGHM Deal $62,000

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Alpego MG 300 Maratona 3m Roller & WeightsRRP $26,450X Demo Special

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Aitchison drill, 22 Run trailed direct seed drill, 3 boxes. Disc coulters.$28,000

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Aitchison 8122CT Seedmatic Pro (2007), 22 Run Direct drill, Disc openers, Good order. $30,000

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BLENHEIM Warwick St Ph 03-579 1111GrEyMoutH 3 Charles O’Connor St Ph 03-768 5116KaIKoura 80 Beach Road Ph 03-319 7119NELSoN 16 Poutama St Ph 03-543 8041oaMaru Main North Road Ph 03-437 1111tIMaru 40 Racecourse Road Ph 03-687 4005 www.gordonhandy.co.nzwww.gordonhandy.co.nz

Pasture First is a professional pasture advisory and supply company providing the highest quality pasture products (seed, agrichemicals, plant stimulants) and pasture management advice to help farmers maximise their pasture production and farm profitability.

Pasture First has access to all varieties of seed from all of the leading seed companies, and can provide true independent advice on what variety will suit your requirements.

We also have access to all leading agrochemicals for protecting and enhancing pasture and forage crop production.

All products are backed up by professional, independent advice from a leading Pasture Agronomist.

Would you rather buy your seed through a salesman or an independent Pasture Agronomist?

Re-grassing this Autumn?

For all of your autumn re-grassing requirements - call Pasture First.

Pasture First 942 Ellesmere Junction Road Springston.

Ph: 03 347 6440 or 027 777 2877 E: [email protected]

29February 2012

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A Northland dairy farmer was recently prosecuted in the Environment Court for effl uent spillages that occurred on his farm. His defence was that his farm manager was the person responsible for the operation of the effl uent system and therefore the farm owner was not responsible and liable. The Judge did not agree with the employer’s submissions, However, he stated that dairy farm managers could be held legally responsible and liable to prosecution for unlawful effl uent spillages resulting from any breaches of the farm resource consent conditions, resulting in substantial fi nes which recent prosecutions have shown, may exceed their annual remuneration package as an employee. The Judge’s comments raise a number of interesting issues as to whether the farm manager should be responsible for such breaches when the employee is not an independent contractor, such as a variable order

or 50/50 sharemilker. There is case law which clearly demonstrates what the status is of an independent contractor and an employee. Under the Employment Relations Act employees are not required to have Public Liability Insurance as they have no ownership stake in the business and do not share in the risk of the business.

Employers are required under the Employment Relations Act to give very clear directions to the

employee, providing a Job Description showing the employee the required standards to be met. Employers are also required to provide the necessary training as to operation and maintenance of plant such as effl uent systems.

It is the farm owner/employer, who must obtain the necessary resource consent from the local authority to dispose of effl uent and

Dairy farm effl uent systems liability warning for employees

provide the systems for the disposal of that effl uent and provide to the farm manager (the employee), a farm effl uent disposal operational and maintenance plan that meets the resource consent requirements.

The farm manager is required to lubricate the pump and spray unit and notify the employer of any defects immediately. It is the farm owner/employer’s responsibility to meet the cost of maintaining the farm effl uent system and

to rectify any defects immediately and record it.The issue of whether a farm manager or

employee is responsible will be tested no doubt, in future Environment Court proceedings.

Employees and farm managers should be aware that they should ensure that they receive qualifi ed third party advice before they sign their employment agreements. Farmers of New Zealand employment agreements specifi cally deal with this farm effl uent disposal issue.

Bill Guest, Farmers of New Zealand

Farm employees and managers could face bankruptcy through large dairy farm effl uent prosecution fi nes, if recent warnings given by the Environment Court are upheld, that farm managers and employees could be held liable

by Bill Guest, Farmers of New Zealand

30 February 2012

• Stock Water Troughs (in various sizes) • Holding Tanks• Cattle Underpasses/Box Culverts • Certified Farm Bridges

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The offi cial date is approaching extremely quickly — have you thought about your requirements for National Animal Identifi cation and Tracing (NAIT) using Radio Frequency Identifi cation Device (RFID) Tags? Do you comply with the new tagging rules and regulations that are being introduced? These are some of the many questions that are being asked of farmers, in order to get everyone up to speed with the changes that are happening in the deer industry.

The mandatory date for the change to RFID tags of deer leaving a property is March 1 2013, however now is the time that farmers should be looking

to tag their replacement deer with RFID tags.

NAIT compliant RFID tags will be a different colour to the cattle RFID tags, which are currently a double white button. For deer farmers you have a few more options — your RFID (female button) must be orange, but can have a coloured male button combined with it. All NAIT approved RFID tags in deer and cattle must be a double button — no other types or sizes are offered.

The key to having a high retention rate with your RFID tags is making sure the female tag is applied to the inside of the ear and the male on the outside

by Jordy Bell

Are you ready for the new tag changes

(back of ear). This is because the male is designed to bend/fl ex, and with both deer and cattle only scratching on the back of their ears, this reduces the chance of the tags being ripped out. It is suggested that the RFID tag should be applied in the animal’s right ear, as the majority of the readers will be set up on the right-hand side, and this will assist with 100% accurate reading. However, you can still tag your animals in the left ear with RFID, but it might reduce the chance of tags reading accurately every time.

The reading range for RFID tags can vary depending on what type of reader you have. Trusted brands of panel readers can read up to 900mm, whereas handheld readers are designed to read short distances only, which ensure that you’re reading the animal that the

handheld reader is directed at. A handheld reader can be very useful when your animals are in a pen and you want to read a selected few only. Although, if you are running your animals through a race, a panel reader would be more useful as it doesn’t require someone to stand there and hold it, instead you can stand back and make sure the animals are running through nicely in single fi le.

After March 1 2013 the

person in charge of animals (PICA) is required to record the movements of deer and send this information through to NAIT, however if sending your deer to a meat works or registered sale yards, you will not be required to read your animals. Instead both meat works and sale yards will read the animals, and then send the recordings through to the NAIT database.

How many tags are required when sending deer to the meat

works or sale yards? If your deer are going direct to slaughter after March 1 2013 you will only require the one RFID primary tag to be compliant. However any deer being sold at sale yards or privately will still require a secondary tag along with their RFID tag. For further information on tagging feel free to contact Zee Tags on 0800 493 382 or have a look on their website www.zeetags.co.nz.

HINDSITECanterbury Branch NZ Deer Farmers AssnSponsored By Mountain River Processors Ltd

31February 2012

KINGQUAD – 500 4WD AutoFuel-injected performance with push-button 2WD/4WD select with diff lock.

Torque-sensing front differentialIndependent front and rear suspensionGate-style leverDigital dashComfortable T-shaped seat

LT-A500X $12,170 EXCL GST

Savings not available in conjunction with any other promotional activity. Offer valid until 31 March 2012 or while current stocks last. Savings shown are based on recently published recommended retail prices and include GST.

ARTHUR BURKE LTDNorth Canterbury Suzuki Dealer

Markham Street, AmberleyPhone 03 314 8121

LIMITED NUMBERS

$2,495.00 GST incl.Lifestyle Tractors & Machinery LtdTel. 03-347-4956 • Fax. 03-347-4958Email. [email protected]. www.lifestyletractors.co.nz

Never be affected by a power cut again! — Our diesel generator can be directly connected to house switchboard

for automatic start/shut off.

Quake safe your electricity supply!

✓ Silent operation (69db)✓ 11 hours run time✓ Diesel economy

✓ 5 kw single phase ✓ 230 V (AC) 12 V (DC)

FARM, LIFESTYLE & VITICULTUREEQUIPMENT SPECIALISTS

SALES + SPARES + SERVICE + HIRE + FINANCE

NEW MACHINERY IN STOCKUFO 2400HL 8' hydraulic lift drum mower ��Special DealUFO 2070W best value 7' drum mower ��Special DealRAPTOR 12 reel vee rake, c/w steering ��$19,500UFO 3100 10' trailing drum mower ��Special DealAITCHISON 8122 direct drill c/w disc openers ��SpecialSPRAYERS; C-Dax, Silvan – full range for farm & lifestyle�POSTDRIVERS Kinghitter, Fieldmaster & Fencepro �� from $5,900HOOPER & LYNDON chain and leaf harrows�� from $465FERTILISER SPREADERS; C-Dax, Vogal, Aitchison, full range �� from $1,575RATA grabs, forks, handlers, trailing grain feeders �� from $1,270RZ 11 ex chisel plough, c/w auto reset��$19,500DUNCAN DD30 all new 3m disc/air-seeder drill ��Enquire nowDUNCAN renovator & eco drills �� IN STOCKBERENDS 12' chisel plough – simple and robust ��$6,000SHIBAURA & EUROLEOPARD tractors, 25-60hp from ��$20,000EXTRA SPECIAL PRICES ON GENERATORS�� Phone now for a priceRZ multidisc 3m, c/w packer, excellent stubble machine �� DEMO NOW $17,500

USED MACHINERY IN STOCKCLAAS 255 multicut baler, excellent condition ��$30,000DUNCAN 701 20 run seedliner c/w eclipse box ��$4,750DUNCAN 10' roller drill c/w wheels as new ��$25,000MAXAM 2500 Mk 3, c/w wilter, very good order� ��$6,750TONUTTI 10 reel vee rake hydraulic lift & fold ��$9,250REESE 3100 10' trailing mower, excellent condition ��ArrivingHOOPER 2400 28 blade offset discs��ArrivingQUIVONE 28 blade trailing discs ��ArrivingSHIBAURA SX 24 Sub-compact tractor ��$15,000HOOPER 30" 7 aside B&B discs, excellent condition, new blades ��$15,500BERTI TSB 220 mulcher mower, top order ��$9,250HOWARD 3m PTO tedder/rake ��$3,950ROBERTSON Super Combi c/w rear forks ��$16,0006m folding rollers 3 sets in stock ��Enquire now

Prices Exclude GST

53 Main Road Amberley

03 314 8213

LARGE RANGE OF HIRE EQUIPMENT - Phone for a list

No.1 on the FARM!

XR125 Duster $3,477+GST

CTX200 $4,885+GST

NEWMODELNEW

MODEL

+GSTTRX500FM/FPM

Fuel InjeCTeD$13,905

FROM

+GSTTRX420FM/FPM


FROM

No.1 on the FARM!

XR125 Duster $3,477+GST

CTX200 $4,885+GST

NEWMODEL

+GSTTRX500FM/FPM


FROM

+GSTTRX420FM/FPM


FROM

Rangiora Motorcycles10 Albert St Ph 03 313 4593 Kevin a/h 027 4361 974

www.rangioramotorcycles.co.nz

MADEIN USA

FARM 4X4ElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectricElectric

Multi-Terrain Vehicle0800 38 44 50

Demo from authorised

dealers

■ Range 50km ■ Top speed 50kmh ■ Hi/low ratio ■ Quiet motion ■ Plug-in recharge

MORE RANGE NEW AC MOTOR

Demo from authorised

dealers

MORE RANGE NEW AC MOTOR

0800 38 44 50Multi-Terrain Vehicle

Range up to 70km Top speed 50kmh Hi/low ratio Quiet motion

Plug-in recharge Low maintenance costs

0800 38 44 50

22HP 42” / 27HP 48”USA MADE / LOW NZ PRICE FULL RANGE AVAILABLE

NEW

ZERO TURNMOWERS

FROM

$6,590PLUS GST

MADEIN USA

WID210

WWWWWWWWWeeeeeee’rrrreeee uupp aaannnddddddd rrrrruuuuuuuuuuunnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnniiiiiiinnnggggg iiiiinnnnnnnnn ttttthhhhhheeeee CCCCCCBBBBDDDD

CHRISTCHURCH | 379 3440 | teamhutchinsonford.comEntrances off Tuam Street and St Asaph StreetTeam Hutchinson Ford

108 SAWYERS ARMS RD CHCH PHONE (03) 354 5616

2WD/4WDELECTRONIC DIFF LOCK2WD/4WDELECTRONIC DIFF LOCK

32 February 2012

Branch Manager: Terry Gordon 027 260 7820

Sales Consultant Christchurch: Nick Wilson 027 498 7044

Service Ashburton: Christoph Kalin 027 260 7833

Service Christchurch: Dave Paris 027 260 7822

Sales Consultant Ashburton: Michael Dewes 0272 607 821

24 hour service 03 344 5645 / 03 307 6031

JJ LTD Christchurch

36 Hickory Place

Hornby

Christchurch

Ph 03 344 5645 24 Hours

Fax 03 349 8241

www.jj.co.nz

JJ LTD Ashburton

9a McGregor Lane

Ashburton

Ph 03 307 6031 24 Hours

Fax 03 307 6025

www.jj.co.nz

SOUTHLAND • OTAGO • CANTERBURYMF 8220 Dyna shift power shuttle, front axle suspension, Datatronic 2, SMS joystick. 4,600 hours $70,000+GST

MF 6265 Dyna shift fitted with a Quicke Q740 front end loader 5,200 hours $59,000+GST

Scannell 2 Bale Trailing Feeder

$8,000+GST

MF 6455 Dyna 6, fitted with Pearson 20-39 self levelling loader, 1,800 hours $75,000+GST

Welger RP 220 Round Baler 43,500 bale count Profi rotor-25 knife unit, E-Link controller $25,000+GST

Webco Centre Feed Silage Wagon

$8,000+GST

MF 7480 Dyna VT, 50 KPH, climate control, 8,000 hours $59,000+GST

MF 185 3x3 Baler would suit farmer choice of 2 from $25,000+GST.

Lely Centreliner SL 2500 Fert Spreader

$6,000+GST

MF 3075 Dyna shift bare tractor 10,500 hours $14,000+GST

McHale Fusion baler wrapper 63,000 bales $60,000+GST

Maxum 3300 Twin Wilter Drum Mower

$8,500+GST


To find out how Sensation can maximise production on your farm,


Bred for persistence under close grazing.

Upright growing, high-yielding cultivar.

Reduced levels of formononetin (oestrogen).

Canterbury Farming, February 2012

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Transcript of Canterbury Farming, February 2012