Farmlander August 2019

INSIDE THIS ISSUE

INTEREST

3 Farmlands staff profile

3 From the CEO

4 We need your support

6 Choices Rewards is taking a break

8 5 minutes with Neil Bateup

10 Special Feature – That’s the community spirit

17 Board changes mean one Director sought for South Island

18 Telling rural stories online

21 Community outdoor course benefits Farmlander

23 Tom Cranswick Memorial Award

25 When pigs can’t fly

50 Buying Power Promise

51 August the peak for lost time through work injuries

53 ‘To the Core’ of rural governance

55 A float for the whole family

55 A chance encounter in Andersons Bay

57 Rural contracting on a roll

59 Century Farms – Farming firsts at Caythorpe

60 Real Estate market update

61 Farmlands Real Estate

PLAN365

Plan365 Nutrition

27 Feeding to increase the live lamb crop

29 The hard facts about lamb hard feeding

31 The once or twice-a-day calf feed debate

33 How to prevent failure of passive transfer (FPT)

35 Getting it right, right from the start

Plan365 Forage and Arable

37 From crop to pasture

39 Fodder beet improves yields on a winter budget

Plan365 Animal Management

41 When should I drench my dairy cows?

43 DNA sampling more efficient with tissue sample

45 Heat detection counters challenges of autumn calving

47 Spring dairy calf drenching

Plan365 Rural Infrastructure

49 Rotokaia Farm’s hard to ‘beet’ fencing system

FARMLANDER

ON THE COVER

Johnny Reedy’s involvement in the community, from horse track to rugby field and music hall to family farm, is wellknown in Westport. It’s a family value that has been passed down as the Reedy Farm folk believe “it’s just what you do”. Read more on page 10.

31

AUGUST

Tom Cranswick Memorial Award nominations

You have one month left to get your applications in. Turn to page 23 for more information.

1-30

SEPTEMBER

Blue September

Join Farmlands in the fight against prostate cancer.

FARMLANDS STAFF PROFILE

Mike Casey

Q: What is your current role at Farmlands?

A: Territory Manager, Fuel Sales South Island.

Q: What do you enjoy about your job?

A: I’m only one month in so I’m working my way around the patch. I’ve been struck by how helpful and friendly everyone is.

Q: What type of work were you doing before?

A: For the last four years my wife, Ange and I ran the Four Square in Twizel. We’ve owned multiple businesses in the retail/grocery industry.

Q: Tell us a bit about your family.

A: Ange and I have three adult sons, Matt, Josh and Sam. We’re stoked to be back in Mosgiel where the boys all live in the house they built and they often swing by after rugby training.

Q: What do you like to do most in your spare time?

A: Rugby is my passion and I’ve had many roles with the Taieri Eels over the years, such as managing teams and being Club Captain. I love seeing young guys enjoy their club experience and achieve higher honours.

Q: What would you do if you won $100,000?

A: Buy a nice racehorse. Back in my teens I was an apprentice jockey racing horses in the Anderton stable and I am still involved in racing.

Q: What is your signature karaoke song?

A: I don’t know about singing but I love all music, particularly Pearl Jam and Talking Heads.

Ange’s Fudge Cake

• 225g butter

• 170g sugar

FROM THE CEO

Welcome to the August edition of The Farmlander. The theme of this month’s edition is community values and as a proud member of communities throughout provincial New Zealand, this is something we pride ourselves on.

Communities are built on the perspiration of the generations before and the vision of the generations present. Our co-operative is no different. We were created to be our own community and while we have grown considerably over the past 56 years, we need to retain the values and results that caused us to ‘be’ in the first place. This is reflected in our Purpose – To re-invent the Farmlands Co-operative Spirit, putting our shareholders’ future success at the centre of everything we do. Various ways we put your success first can be found in this issue, from scholarships right through to helping to develop our next generation of rural leaders, so more shareholders than ever before have access to this part of our co-operative.

Another significant way we are putting your success first is through the Braveheart Programme. We are nearing ‘go-live’ for the biggest piece of this Programme so far and it is important all shareholders understand how the Programme will benefit them through the changes to come. The reality is we needed to do this Programme to continue to operate our business – the good news is we will get a number of benefits over and above that. Some of the major changes are discussed on page 4. I encourage you to read this update.

This go-live has been a long time coming and our people have worked exceptionally hard to get us to this point. In some cases it will mean less staff available on the shop floor due to training. In others, it will mean we need to shut early on some days as we transition to our new system. All of this will be communicated to our shareholders via email and in-store.

We ask for your patience during this critical time of change – we are doing it to benefit you and our co-operative.

• 2 eggs (slightly whisked)

• 2 tsp vanilla essence

Method Ingredients

• 2 Tbsp cocoa

• 1 packet of wine biscuits (crushed)

• 1 packet of malt biscuits (crushed)

1. Heat butter and sugar together slowly, then add the cocoa and vanilla essence.

2. Take off heat when almost boiling and let cool.

3. Add the egg before mixing in the biscuits. Note: sometimes you don’t need to use the full packets, depending on how moist you like it.

4. Press into tin and let set in fridge.

5. Can leave as is or ice with chocolate icing and sprinkle some coconut on top.

Thank you for your continued support. I wish you all the best for the month ahead.

Kind regards,

Peter Reidie Chief Executive Officer Farmlands Co-operative Society Limited

WE NEED YOUR SUPPORT

Braveheart is the most ambitious transformation programme our co-operative has ever undertaken. Over the coming weeks and months, we will be making some important changes our shareholders need to be aware of. We need your support to help us, so we can provide you with a better service in the future.

WHEN IS THIS HAPPENING?

We will be staggering the transition to our new system over a few months, starting in August. Some parts of the system can be changed over in a few hours, while others will take place over weekends. Our shareholders will unfortunately experience interruptions depending on where they are in the country. We will keep our shareholders informed through our Farmlanders in-store, our Contact Centre and with updates on www.farmlands.co.nz

PLEASE BEAR WITH US!

To make sure everything goes smoothly, there will be times when our system – both for staff (Contact Centre) and for shareholders (our website) will be unavailable. In addition to this, the Farmlands webstore will be closed during this time. We appreciate your patience.

WE’RE GOING OLD SCHOOL NEW IN-STORE EXPERIENCE

SYSTEM UPGRADES

Our new Point of Sale system will be rolled out over the coming months, providing an improved experience for our shareholders in-store. Our staff are learning how to use this new system as we speak, so please bear with us while we undertake our training.

ONE PRICE

One price will be displayed on products in-store. As a Farmlands shareholder, you will receive a rebate on the price shown on the ticket.

When we cut-over to our new system in early August, our Contact Centre and the MyFarmlands online service will be unable to process certain requests. This is because we need to transition everything from the old system into our new one, which will take some time.

Examples of requests that will be delayed include:

• Resetting your log-in for MyFarmlands

• Account queries

Farmlands hopes to have these services re-instated as soon as possible through our new system, however we appreciate your patience during these times.

As we switch over to the new system, shareholders may have a ‘blast from the past’ in-store! When one of our stores transfers to the Dynamics 365 system, other stores will not be able to access the system. During these times, we’ll be going back to the original shareholder experience – pen, paper and plenty of smiles.

STATEMENT CHANGES

We’ll be making minor changes to your statement, with more comprehensive category coding for those that use farm management software. If you have autocoding set up these may need to be adjusted. We’ve worked directly with farm accounting software companies to make this simpler for you.

WANT TO LEARN MORE?

Visit www.farmlands.co.nz/braveheart

Phone 0800 200 600

Email ask@farmlands.co.nz

CHOICES REWARDS IS TAKING A BREAK FOR THREE MONTHS – BUT IT’S A WORKING HOLIDAY.

We’ve spent a lot of time and energy revamping the Choices Rewards programme, to give you even more options on how you earn and redeem Choices Rewards Points.

To deliver all of this, we need to put the existing programme on hold for 3 months while the upgrade occurs.

What does this mean?

• From 1st August to 31st October, earning Choices Rewards Points and Air New Zealand Airpoints™ will be suspended for all Farmlands purchases.

• A streamlined redemption service, offering gift cards and e-vouchers from a range of Card Partners, will be available by calling 0800 200 600.

From 1st November, when we come back from our working holiday, there will be lots of exciting changes. You’ll even be able to redeem Choices Rewards Points on your purchases at Farmlands stores. Plus, we are embracing e-gift vouchers, so you can get your Choices Rewards vouchers faster. No more waiting for the mail!

We really appreciate your patience while we finish developing Choices Rewards into a great loyalty programme that gives you more choices than ever before.

As always please don’t hesitate to get in touch by calling on 0800 200 600.

5 minutes with Neil Bateup

Chair, National Council of the Rural Support Trust

How did you get involved with the Rural Support Trust?

I’m a dairy farmer from North Waikato and I got involved about 15 years ago because a group of us farming leaders were talking and recognised that there were few places for those under pressure to turn to for free and confidential support. Collectively, we got a wider group together and sought information on what services were available in other parts of New Zealand and using that insight we formed what is now the Waikato Hauraki/Coromandel Rural Support Trust. I was elected to be part of the original Trust and took over as Chair in its second year.

Do you have any figures that show the impact RST is having on rural New Zealand?

There are 14 Trusts across the country, and we have well in excess of 1,000 client contacts each year. That is over 1,000 people who reach out to our teams for support. On top of that, we are contracted by MPI to provide ongoing welfare support to those farmers affected by Mycoplasma bovis across the country. We also see a number of referrals, with the client’s approval, to our service from others in the local community such as bankers, dairy company reps, family members, field

staff. We are seen as the first port of call for many, which is great.

Of all the issues your facilitators deal with, which are the most common?

We get a spread of issues –ranging from employment or farm management issues to financial and relationship problems as well as stress, anxiety and depression. We have definitely noticed that more people are ringing when they are struggling with the pressures they face.

The John Kirwan, Doug Avery, Mike King and Sam Whitelock campaigns have helped so much – living the message that it’s ok to reach out.

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Issues range from employment or farm management issues to financial and relationship problems as well as stress, anxiety and depression.

What makes the RST so valuable to rural people?

We provide a totally independent, free and confidential service. When people are facing hardship and they need to talk to someone – they’re not going to open up to just anyone. They need someone they can rely

on, who can just listen and who they don’t fear being judged by. We’re not experts in any one thing but our facilitators are from farming backgrounds and they understand the specific issues faced on farms. They are trained to identify an issue and link that person up to the right resource. We are people who ‘get it’ and can help other people find the way forward. We support men and women right across the whole spectrum of ages, positions held in the rural community and type of agribusiness they are involved in.

The National Council was set up a few years ago now – how has it helped the Trust achieve its mission? It’s brought 14 regional Trusts closer together. These entities have their finger on the local pulse and can engage with individuals and families that need them. However, it’s undeniable that our impact has been amplified, by having one voice when we interact with sponsors, speak at events, fundraise, advocate to policy makers, interact with MPI and a host of other external bodies. It has helped us to focus on issues we all face and be more effective in generating broader engagement.

How do the facilitators reflect the communities they support?

Well firstly we try to select the right people to be our facilitators. Our regional Trusts often hear about locals who have the right experience and attributes, so we can identify people who are best placed to get out there and help rural men and

women. They are then given internal and external training for their roles. In the Waikato for instance, approximately 80 percent of those who make phone calls to our 0800 number receive visits. Which means we need people who can go out to a stranger and make them feel at ease, instil trust and encourage them to tackle the issues.

When there’s an ‘adverse event’, what role does your team play in that community response?

Across most of the country the Rural Support Trusts (RSTs) are a part of Rural Advisory Groups or Adverse Events Clusters, within which our members have relationships with other groups including Civil Defence, MPI, Dairy NZ, Beef + Lamb NZ, Federated Farmers, Rural Women, local and regional councils and some commercial organisations. That way, when an adverse event occurs, it is easy to call the group together. They all know one another and can plan a co-ordinated response, utilising each organisation who is best placed to contribute what they can to the effort. The RSTs are then usually contracted to provide an ongoing Welfare Recovery effort.

Can you give any examples of where that has worked particularly well in the last few years?

There are many that have worked very well but one I was involved in was the Waikato, South Auckland and Hauraki Plains ‘Tasman Tempest’ storm and subsequent rainfall events. We held conference calls within a couple of hours of it happening and assistance was provided promptly. Ongoing community activities were held and support was provided by our team and Enhanced Taskforce Green teams, co-ordinated by us.

| Neil Bateup wants to make ensure RSTs have the capability and resources to meet the needs of their communities.

You’ve certainly had a bit of practice over the years – from fires to earthquakes. How do you prepare for these emergencies?

Yes, there have been a large number right across the country and the best way we can prepare is to nurture those relationships with all the other organisations involved in the rural sector and develop plans on how to respond in case of an event. It is also important for each Trust to pre-plan scenarios, including working out how to upscale their own resources if there is a need. The rural sector is reasonably well connected with a lot of institutional knowledge held in many organisations. On a local basis, it is just a matter of being a part of the different groups getting to know the industry leaders and making sure we keep communications channels open. My phone gets a hammering sometimes!

What’s the one big thing you want to focus on in the next 12 months?

I would like to concentrate on making sure Trusts have the capability and resources to meet the needs of their own rural communities. Each Trust will understand their own community best and with the spread

of population densities, farming types and different geographical features across the country they are the right people to develop their own plans. How can rural communities support you to achieve that?

It is important that rural communities recognise the work that Trusts do for those facing challenges. We need them to promote us. To those who need assistance but also look at how they can provide resources and assistance, if they are able.

The RSTs are part-funded by MPI, part-funded by much-appreciated national sponsorship and part-funded by local sponsorship and donations. Some Trusts run community events and fundraisers. For instance in Northland they ran collaborative dinners during the drought, in Ngatea there was a comedy night after the floods which was a much-needed laugh. After the Tasman Fires the local Trust put on a BBQ that was attended by over 250 farmers. Coming together in tough times is so important. Any support that can enable us to keep this up is much appreciated. For a free, independent and confidential chat, phone the Rural Support Trust on 0800 787 254.

THAT’S THE COMMUNITY SPIRIT

Johnny Reedy is the type of bloke farming communities are built on.

The Westport dairy farmer doesn’t think he does anything special, but in fact, the hours of voluntary work Johnny puts in is typical of what keeps grass-roots New Zealand ticking.

Johnny Reedy is Catholic Irish, a third-generation Kiwi farmer and a family man. Community is his other cornerstone.

Rugby, musical theatre, harness racing – he is involved with them all, simply because “it’s what you do.”

Johnny was born and bred in Westport and he has never strayed far from this part of the West Coast. He was educated at St Canice’s Primary School and Buller High School, although reckons he wasn’t much into it and could see the hills beckoning from the classroom window.

As a young fellow, his weekends were full of hunting and hanging out with the boys.

“I played rugby when I was at primary school then I wandered off into deer hunting. Westport has great hunting, so in the weekends and after school we would be out having fun spotlighting and possuming,” he recalls.

Beyond high school, Johnny milked cows for his parents, worked for another couple of dairy farms and then returned home. He later bought into the family farm as a partner and 10 years ago bought the 150ha property from his parents, who still live on the farm.

Reedy Farm is only five minutes from town on the banks of the Buller River and being close to the community suits Johnny’s people-oriented nature.

The Reedy name is well known in Westport with Jacks and Johns abundant. Johnny loves the fact his family is entrenched in the area – he knows everyone and they know him.

Family is a major driver for Johnny and his parents, John and Margaret, are great community people too.

“There’s a lot of community spirit in farming and

that’s the way we were brought up. Mum was always volunteering, from the playcentre and at the Buller Heart Club and everything in between.”

Margaret was also one of the founding directors of Producers West Coast Limited which later became Combined Rural Trading that developed into Farmlands.

Dramatic arts a family affair

Johnny has three children – Sarah (20) and twin boys, Jack and Stanley (17).

Dancing is strong in Westport, which is how Sarah first became involved. She began dancing with the Beryl Collins School of Dance which was so popular that hundreds of students attended.

Now in her final year at the National Academy of Singing and Dramatic Art (NASDA) in Christchurch, Sarah has successfully competed in New Zealand and Australia and hopes to pursue a career in dance and acting.

“She’s a great little dancer and has heaps of cups and trophies.”

Son Stanley’s dance interest began through his sister. Johnny wasn’t convinced at first but thought learning dance moves would be good for his rugby sidestep.

“Turned out he was pretty good and his dance teacher suggested he should audition for the Billy Elliot production. So, he did and got one of the lead roles as Michael – Billy’s best friend!”

Debuting in 2016 for the Auckland Theatre Company production, Johnny says it was a long way for the little boy from Westport.

“He was only 14 at the time and had to stay up in Auckland for three months. There were three of them for each of the leading roles so he would have a night of acting, a night as the understudy and then a night off.”

Stanley also won the British Ballet Organisation’s Male Senior Dancer of the Year in 2015.

While the story of Billy Elliot who prefers ballet to boxing does have some parallels for Stanley, it appears the Westport boy has life well balanced.

Johnny recalls Stanley had to give up rugby for the season in case he injured himself while he was dancing.

“Just as well, as he snapped his collar bone the next season!”

Jack also has the arts gene and his debut performance was in the musical ‘Thoroughly Modern Millie’ at Buller High School in 2016.

“One of the advantages of farming is I can create time between milkings and have the flexibility to allow me to do what I want to do.

With the twins currently in Year 12, Johnny says Stanley is also keen to head to NASDA when he finishes school and Jack is looking at attending Lincoln University.

While proud of his children’s accomplishments, Johnny reckons they didn’t get their dance skills from him.

“I’m old school, the only time I would dance would be to pick up girls!” he jokes.

Senior debuts the goal

It was through his boys that Johnny’s rugby association was reignited.

“I started helping out with their junior rugby and stayed with the same group of boys right through – coaching, managing and just helping out.

“I’ve been with the same group of around 20 boys for a while now. I told them all they owed me was one game at senior level and most of them have done that.”

In fact, Johnny’s sons and some of the other boys Johnny had worked with recently made their senior debut. It was one of the youngest senior sides ever, playing with six 16-year-olds on the field.

“My best memory was coaching the Under-14 side. We were beaten every single Saturday. Then training night

would come around and I thought the boys would be ready to throw in the towel. Instead, every week they turned up with another new player which meant we had to play again the following Saturday and we would lose again.

“They never gave up, they kept bringing their mates to training and the next year we smoked everyone, we were the stars. They were a great little team.”

Most of the boys have gone on to play for White Star which is the Westport Marist side, so Johnny now helps that club.

“We had our local grudge match against Westport recently. We hadn’t beaten them in two years. I filled the beer fridge up, took a photo and put it on our Facebook group chat saying ‘it’s yours if you win’ and they bloody did!”

Reedy racing dynasty

Johnny has also continued the Reedy legacy of breeding Standardbred harness racing horses. His Grandfather, Jack Reedy, who farmed on the same property, began breeding the trotters after the war.

Johnny says Standardbred has always been strong in Westport.

“My grandfather borrowed a mare from well-known trainers, the Craddock family. From that cross, he bred the very successful Golden Rule which

went on to become a New Zealand champion and broke a New Zealand harness racing record.”

Golden Rule was the foundation mare for the Reedy racing dynasty. More than 100 progeny have been bred from that line with the horses still making their mark today.

After his New Zealand success, Jack Reedy leased Golden Rule to an Australian trainer, competing well in Australia before retiring home to Westport.

‘Rule’ horses are still being bred on the Reedy property with Ford’s Rule the latest.

Johnny helps with some of the track work and his Dad still does a bit of training, before the horses are sent to specialised trainers to get them race ready.

“The line has done very well, clocked up lots of wins and they are still being raced all over – from New Zealand to Australia and the States – and they are still winning.

“It is a pure hobby, not moneymaking, I guess it’s a bit like having a flash fishing boat.”

In true form, Johnny’s Dad, John, was involved in the community governance side of things – on the New Zealand Racing Board and past President of the Westport Trotting Club.

Johnny has been on the Trotting Club committee around 15 years and this year has stepped up as President.

“It’s a really good, strong committee of 20 plus people. I had always been pretty active on the committee and really, it was just my turn to lead. The club is financially successful and has a lot of heart.”

The club has three meets a year: one on Boxing Day, one a couple of days later on 28th December and another meet in March.

The Boxing Day meeting draws around 4,000 people – the size of Westport itself – and Johnny is quick to point out that it enjoys great support from Nelson, Marlborough, Christchurch and Auckland with some of those people coming for 50 years.

“It’s a real community event and it is a massive effort to organise and host but we all feel it is worthwhile,” he says.

“

I like people and groups who get on with it and are enthusiastic and if there is anything I can do to help a group that is achieving, I will.

The Westport way

Johnny says he doesn’t do “bludgers” and his no-nonsense, get-stuck-in approach directs where he puts his energy.

“I like people and groups who get on with it and are enthusiastic and if there is anything I can do to help a group that is achieving, I will.

“I’m pretty much involved in anything my kids and my family are involved in.

“Westport kids are naturally very active. We are always struggling for numbers so they are all into everything, always being roped into things, just so we’ve got enough to field a team.

“My boys play rugby then have basketball training and then hockey – that’s just what you do in a small community.”

Johnny says their latest interest is Hilux’s and hunting.

“They are probably reliving my youth a bit but mainly it’s because of the environment they are growing up in, that’s what there is for them to do.”

When he is not helping in the community

Johnny is milking his 300-cow herd.

“One of the advantages of farming is I can create time between milkings and have the flexibility to allow me to do what I want to do.

“I have staff to help and a rugby boy who milks weekends. Fortunately, rugby is a winter sport and the cows are dried off so he can still play.”

Reedy Farming has a unique approach to finding staff.

“Any worker who leaves finds their own replacement; it seems to work well. We have had a few ups and downs but I’ve always had someone there to milk and always managed to have good staff or we wouldn’t be able to do what we do.”

Johnny also believes the spirit of community-giving is still going strong.

“I can see this generation keeping the community spirit going, well at least in small rural towns. These kids pay it forward, they’re always keen to help out at the track and pitch in.

“Even at home, I like a nice, clean, tidy house but it can be like a bit of a train station. Twins means twice as many friends and because we are close to town, we are always a place to go to shoot a .22 drive around or hang out.

“There are a lot of good families in Westport. I grew up with most of them and they are always keeping an eye out for my kids and I keep an eye out for theirs. It’s just what you do in small country towns, it’s the way we were brought up.”

Board changes mean one Director sought for South Island

Farmlands Co-operative is calling for nominations for its 2019 South Island Director Election.

One seat is available, with Southland Director Murray Donald joining Farmlands Chairman Lachie Johnstone in standing down from the Board of Directors. Farmlands Director Chris Dennison retires from the Board by rotation and is seeking re-election.

The announcements from both Murray and Lachie gives the co-operative the opportunity to effect changes to the Board’s structure, as approved by shareholders at the Annual General Meeting in Hokitika last November.

The changes to the structure of Farmlands’ Board of Directors include:

• Reducing the total number of Directors from ten to nine

• Reducing the number of Shareholder Directors from eight to six (three in each Island)

• Increasing the number of Independent Directors from two to three (from either Island)

Lachie says with two Directors standing down – one from each Island – now is the right time to implement the changes.

“Our shareholders agreed unanimously at the last AGM that we should make changes to strengthen the governance capabilities of our Board,” he says. “With Murray’s decision to stand down, we have an opportunity to make the change seamless for our Shareholder Directors.”

While Lachie is standing down, there will be no North Island Director

Election this year. Aligned with the new Board structure, three Shareholder Directors will remain in the North Island – Nikki Davies-Colley, Warren Parker and Gray Baldwin.

“The Board positions of both myself and Murray Donald will not be replaced, leaving us with three Shareholder Directors for each Island. I want to commend Murray for his contribution to our Board during his term – he has brought significant expertise to the role and has been a strong advocate for our shareholders.”

One additional Independent Director is still to be appointed.

Please see below for more information on the election process and contact details.

Do you know someone who could make a valuable contribution to the Farmlands Board of Directors?

In accordance with the Society’s rules, the Board has confirmed a Director election will take place in the South Island.

If you know a South Island shareholder that would make a great Farmlands Director, criteria and nomination forms can be downloaded from www.farmlands.co.nz or by contacting Company Secretary, Catherine Walker, catherine.walker@farmlands.co.nz or 0800 200 600

Nominations must be received by post at Farmlands, 535 Wairakei Road, Burnside, Christchurch 8053, or email to the Company Secretary no later than 5.00pm on Thursday 29th August 2019.

Telling rural stories online

Educated, well-travelled, entrepreneurial and creative; many women on modern New Zealand farms want to connect with others like them and showcase the lifestyle they all have in common. They may live far and wide, with not a coffee shop in sight, but that is where online communities are proving a source of inspiration.

It was a turning point when Philippa Cameron came across the Facebook page of fellow Kurow ladies, Bex Hayman and Sarah Douglas, ‘Young Rural Ladies’.

“I thought it was a great way of bridging the gap between rural and urban people. These were two young women who had had other careers, had travelled the world but were now immersed in station life and were

celebrating that with others like them. Their projects really inspired me.”

Pip lives with her husband Joe and daughters Flora (4) and Evelyn (2) on the remote sheep operation, Otematata Station, which is owned by Joe’s father Hugh. As well as raising the girls and working on the 27,000 Merino and 200 cattle farm, the trained teacher’s main job is to provide food for the six live-in farm workers. The meal they have as a crew is smoko time and Pip sees this as a special time.

I wanted to feel worthwhile in this industry and to help others in the same situation to realise that what they do is important. “

“It’s a chance for everyone to come together, chat and get a good meal in them for the day. It’s important to help them feel connected and for their mental health,” Pip says.

Whether that’s a packed lunch up in the mountains, provisions for the 2-week muster or when they all make it back to the woolshed.

“They need hearty food –carbohydrates, sugar, the works. You never see a fat shepherd,” she muses.

“I wanted to share my recipes with others, to prove what I could put out every day and maybe make things

easier for other people. I wanted to motivate myself and provide inspiration, as it’s not always a farm job that is valued,” she says.

With over 3,000 followers, it seems Pip has got the flavour right. She points out that these are tried and tested recipes, they’re easy and quick, freezeable and use cupboard standbys such as UHT milk. After all, living 110km from the nearest supermarket means “if you’ve run out of an ingredient you have to make do,” she says.

While coming up with meal ideas every day prompted her to start the ‘What’s for smoko’ Instagram page, it has helped to fulfil other needs in her life.

“On my story, I share snippets of our day – like packing the girls up and heading out to sort some irrigation or whatever! I guess I’m trying to put life into my day. It helps me to be grateful for the good moments as it can be lonely out here.

“I wanted to feel worthwhile in this industry and to help others in the same situation to realise that what they do is important.”

It has also been a platform where Pip can promote her cause against single-use plastic and get ideas to live more sustainably – something she thinks farmers often get a bad rap for in the media.

She thinks Instagram is a great platform for Kiwi farmers to showcase their products. Pip is a big advocate of buying local and so was “stoked” to find her local Farmlands store had Farmer’s Mill flour, a manufacturer from South Canterbury.

“I’ll tag all the time, to champion products that people might not know about.”

Whether it’s supporting other farmers in the wake of the Kaikoura earthquakes, organising Food Fairy packages for new mums in the community or posting a pic of their own “massive woolly Shrek with 4 years’ growth on him”, Pip uses social networks every day to have a giggle and to feel good. Naturally, Pip’s feel-good factor has won her new friends around New Zealand and further afield. She has found the social interaction to be just the antidote to the

negativity voiced by some, who see these postings as a throwback to a “1950’s wife doing all the cooking for her husband”.

“I’m not chained to the kitchen,” she says. “We don’t have any childcare nearby so this is my job for now, it’s an important one and I’m making the most of it.

“Instagram isn’t as bad as Facebook for negativity. When I do get some I just ignore or hit back with a bunch of positivity.

“It can be hard for partners who marry into the farming community.

Social networking can let them know they’re not alone. None of us are perfect – I post about my burnt scones and that the trick is to smother them in lots of butter!”

With typical Pip-passion, she enthuses about the opportunities that the online world presents to her family.

“Te Kura correspondence school offers a pre-school programme that my kids do. It’s not advertised anywhere so when a package arrives I post that on my site too – so others can find out and benefit as well.”

www.instagram.com/whats_for_smoko

SHAREHOLDER CALENDAR PHOTO COMPETITION

Farming is hard yakka – but that is part of the reason we love it! We want Farmlands shareholders to send us their photos, to show why farming is so special. The best pictures will be selected for our 2020 Farmlands Calendar.

Entries close Friday 30th August 2019

To enter your photo, head to www.farmlands.co.nz/calendar

The 12 winning photos will receive a place in the 2020 Farmlands calendar and a $200 Farmlands voucher. The photo selected for the cover will receive an additional $300 Farmlands voucher!

Community outdoor course benefits Farmlander

Abseiling, kayaking, tramping, mountain biking and first aid were just some of the skills Jacqui Latimer learned as part of an annual outdoor course in Otago.

But it’s the confidence, selfesteem and teamwork she will benefit from the most.

The Farmlands Oamaru Salesperson was sponsored by the Waiareka Valley Lions Club to take part in the eightday Berwick Outdoor Experience course, about 40km south of Dunedin.

The Berwick Forest course aims to broaden people’s experiences in life by using teamwork to improve individual confidence and self-esteem.

She says as a shy person, the experience was a “once-in-alifetime opportunity” making her more confident and identifying her strengths and weaknesses.

“It’s not about fitness levels, it’s about being you – never giving up and believing in yourself,” the 29-year-old says.

Jacqui heard about it from local shareholders Callum and Bob Kingan and she now highly recommends it, both for its physical and mental challenges.

“It gave me a chance to think outside the square and challenge myself. It teaches you to speak your mind and believe in yourself because speaking up can never be a silly option as you might have the right answer.”

Jacqui says she has been applying what she learned to her work too – something Bob is happy about.

The Waiareka Valley Lions Treasurer

says they are always looking for local people to take part in the course and Jacqui’s learnings would benefit shareholders and the community.

“It’s a win-win all round.”

Shareholder’s idea changed lives

Shareholder Kevin Moore, who was a Taieri Lions member, came up with the idea for the course nearly 30 years ago.

The retired dairy farmer, who now lives in Twizel, says Otago needed a course that helped with personal development.

“I was a pretty shy farmer. I gave the idea to the Lions Club and they threw it back at me and said well let’s do something about it. It’s the best thing I’ve ever done.”

With the help of the club, his neighbour Rob Urquhart and Graham Foley, they set up the course which is now run by Taieri Lions volunteers and takes place every May at Berwick Lodge.

It’s not about fitness levels, it’s about being you –never giving up and believing in yourself. “

“It changed my life and I think it’s changed lots of other people’s lives too,” Kevin says.

Over the 28 years, they have had a wide range of people from across the country take part, ranging in age from 18-79.

Kevin, who received a Queen’s Service Medal for his services to outdoor education and the community in 2017, says the course naturally suits farmers because of the outdoor aspect.

“We do get a lot of rural people and a lot of people from dairy farms and other types of farms as well. We also get students from Primary ITO every year and staff from Trustpower.

“Everyone takes something different from it. Everyone has something to give, it’s just about drawing it out of them and giving them a chance.”

To find out more visit berwickoutdoorexperience.co.nz

memorial award Tom Cranswick

PROUD TO SUPPORT TOMORROW’S RURAL LEADERS

YOUR CHANCE TO RECEIVE ONE OF FIVE $2,000 STUDY GRANTS

Are you a Farmlands shareholder or the child of a Farmlands shareholder or staff member, currently studying at tertiary level in a discipline related to the primary sector? If so, you have the opportunity to apply for one of five Tom Cranswick Memorial Awards – each offering a $2,000 grant to help you during your primary sector study.

APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN

ABOUT THE AWARD

The Memorial Award is in honour of Tom Cranswick, a founding Farmlands Director who served on the Board until 1985, including 20 years as Chairman. His passion and dedication was a major influence in the establishment of Farmlands. The Cranswick family has been hugely supportive of Farmlands and it is an honour to offer this award in his memory.

WHAT ARE THE AWARDS FOR?

There are FIVE awards, valued at $2,000 each, to enable students through study to further their knowledge and experience and to achieve in their chosen careers, thus allowing them to contribute to the New Zealand primary sector.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?

Selection is contingent that as at 30th June 2019:

• The applicant is aged 25 or under.

• The applicant is a Farmlands shareholder or child of a Farmlands shareholder, whose shareholding has been continuous for two years or more; or a child of a current Farmlands employee whose parent has completed at least two years of permanent continuous service.

• The applicant is intending to enrol in a course of study in 2020, having already completed at least one year of tertiary education that is directly associated to the New Zealand rural/ primary sector. (Note: applicants who have not yet commenced their first year of tertiary study are ineligible to apply). Award applications open from 1st July until 31st August 2019.

For more information and to register, visit www.farmlands.co.nz/tomcranswick

When pigs can’t fly

Sometimes one person’s loss is another person’s gain. Indeed, this is the case with the outbreak of African Swine Fever in China and neighbouring countries. The disease has ripped through the Chinese pork industry, with some reports stating that up to 250 million pigs have been slaughtered.

As a result, Chinese consumers have had to fill the gap by switching to other proteins, including beef and lamb. In other words, Chinese pork producers’ loss is a gain for beef and lamb exporters such as New Zealand. That gain for our beef and sheep farmers is coming in the form of rising farmgate prices.

Firstly looking at beef prices, these have already begun to rise and are poised to surge further over the remainder of 2019 and potentially, well into 2020. We anticipate P2 steer prices may challenge the $6.00/kg mark over the spring and may even test the record high of around $6.15/kg, set back in 2016.

Underpinning this strong beef price outlook is the fact that China’s appetite for our product is surging. Beef + Lamb NZ report that over the eight months to May, the share of beef export volumes going to China has jumped to 37 percent from 22 percent over the same eight months a year earlier. Meanwhile, global beef production and export supply growth is modest on the whole. In particular, Australian supply is tight following drought. While US beef production is firmer, US beef exports are being held back

by Chinese tariffs, meaning that China has a large protein gap to fill. Lamb markets and prices are telling a similar story. Farmgate prices have lifted 90 cents/kg from their March 2019 lows. Moreover, prices look on track to crack $8.00/kg again in the spring, with prices currently at a similar level to where they were 12 months ago. Who knows? Lamb prices may also test last season’s record high of around $8.45/kg. China is accounting for a similarly large share of our lamb export volumes. Beef + Lamb NZ report that over the eight months to May, the share of lamb export volumes going to China jumped to 43 percent from 36 percent over the same eight months a year earlier.

Amplifying the potential for lamb prices to rise is that global lamb export supply remains tight. Both here and in

Australia, sheep flocks are shrinking. Conversions of sheep (and beef) land to forestry will reduce local lamb supply further over the coming few years. The good times are also extending to mutton prices and the prices of lower value lamb cuts. Beef + Lamb NZ reports that mutton prices are up 3 percent so far this season, on top of the 25 percent jump as at the same stage last season. We will finish on a note of caution, though. Global meat producers will respond to these higher prices. Accordingly, we point out that some of the anticipated price increases are likely to prove temporary. Notably, pig herds can rebuild very quickly, with a sow able to produce around two dozen piglets per year. In other words, pigs will eventually fly again.

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Articles in the Plan365 section allow Farmlands suppliers to share best practice and the latest advances in rural technology, to help shareholders with their farming needs all year round.

Feeding to increase the live lamb crop

Until recently, the strongest interest in compound feed for ewes at lambing time came from stud breeders who produce high-value stock and have an interest in demonstrating a high-lambing percentage.

With recent changes in the market, such as swine fever affecting global meat supplies and a general upward trend in lamb prices, it makes more sense than ever to feed ewes to minimise lamb losses.

Prolific ewes that produce more lambs are well suited to smaller farms and can help offset the cost of carrying a ram for a small flock. Indeed, improved lambing percentage makes the biggest contribution to higher profits on sheep farms1. Beef + Lamb NZ have found that average lamb death rates range from 5 to 26 percent between farms and are higher for multiples than singles. About 60 percent of lamb deaths are caused by dystocia (obstructed labour) in singles and starvation/ exposure mostly in multiples. High birth weights (mainly singles) increase the risk of dystocia whereas low birth weights increase the risk of starvation/ exposure (mainly multiples).

Dystocia is mainly caused by the difficulty of passing large single lambs but can occur with small weak lambs so it is worthwhile looking at the size of lambs being lost. Starvation and exposure losses are greater when lambs are small and lack body reserves born to ewes who lack colostrum. Triplets are at more risk

| Twin-rearing ewes can help lift profitability.

of exposure/starvation than twins but are important if the lambing percentage at tailing is to increase. Good ewe nutrition in late pregnancy and early lactation improves lamb survival and early growth rates but must be appropriate to the needs of the ewes. It is important to feed ewes, especially multiple bearing or those in thin condition, well during the last 6 weeks of pregnancy to minimise ewe body condition loss and improve fat reserves on lambs when born. This minimises the risk of ewe metabolic disorders and improves colostrum production and subsequent milk production which peaks 24 weeks after lambing then gradually declines. Low-energy, high-bulk feeds like hay and baleage are not good supplements to grazing for ewes in last pregnancy. Supplementary feeding with grain-based compound feed is a convenient way to fill a feed pinch and deliver essential major minerals,

trace elements and vitamins. NRM Sheep Nuts are a good option in late pregnancy to reduce the risks associated with underfeeding or stress from bad weather. Typical feeding rate is only 150g/head/day but more can be fed if required. With additional energy and by-pass protein, NRM Sheep Triplet Nuts are designed specifically for pregnant ewes bearing triplets (or more). They are typically fed at 200g/head/ day. Sheep Triplet Nuts can be fed to any ewes after lambing if pasture quality or quantity is lacking. Ewe lambs born to ewes fed well during pregnancy have been found to have better lifetime production than those from poorly fed ewes, meaning good nutrition can lead to increased flock performance in the long term. For further information, contact your local Nutrition Specialist.

1. Beef + Lamb NZ, ‘Making Every Mating Count’, 2013. Article supplied by Dr Rob Derrick, NRM Lead Nutritionist.

The hard facts about lamb hard feeding

Milk is an important food source for young lambs but it can also be a good idea to introduce a hard feed into the diet of hand-reared lambs as early as possible, to encourage rumen development and help set them up for weaning time.

Hard feeds do not stimulate the closure of the oesophageal groove, so when the feed is eaten it is deposited in the rumen where it stimulates rumen development. The rumen is the stomach compartment in the digestive system where grass goes when it is consumed by a lamb. The more welldeveloped the rumen is at weaning, the more energy the lamb will be able to get from grass at weaning so they will thrive rather than struggle at this key time. It is almost like going to the gym and training for a marathon – if we can get lambs using their rumens before they need to rely on them more heavily, it will help in the long run.

Top tips for hard feeding lambs

• Offer a hard feed during the first week of life. This ensures the lambs get used to the taste of the feed. Intakes will be very small at first but will increase as lambs get older – this early period is a training period for getting them used to the hard feed.

• Always go for a lamb-specific hard feed as it is better suited for lambs as opposed to a calf feed, which may be too high in copper and could cause copper toxicity in lambs.

• Avoid hard feed that has any by-product type ingredients such as palm kernel, copra or tapioca – lambs do not like the taste and will eat less of these feeds.

• Keep feed troughs clean and avoid putting lots of hard feed out as it could go mouldy or get contaminated by vermin/birds. A small amount of fresh feed every day is best and increase the amount offered to match intake.

• Ensure there is enough room at hard feed troughs so that all lambs can eat at once if they choose.

• After feeding on milk, lambs have a strong desire to consume so putting some hard feed in their mouths can help to get them used to the taste and texture of hard feed.

• Also offer some long fibre i.e. hay/ straw but ensure that lambs do not over-consume the long fibre source as this can decrease hard feed intake. This can be a particular problem if very palatable long fibre is sourced. A good idea is to make the long fibre a little trickier to eat by putting it in a hay rack or hay bag.

• Choose a lamb hard feed with a coccidiostat in it (such as Deccox®). Coccidiosis is a common parasitic issue in lambs so opting for a lamb feed with a preventative treatment in it is a good decision.

• It is a good idea to keep a hard feed in over the weaning period and beyond, to support lambs while on grass.

• Check out NRM’s range of hard lamb feeds. NRM Lamb Start Mix is a muesli-style starter feed, which is a molassed, highly palatable, textured feed designed to help start getting young lambs onto hard feed.

• NRM Lamb Performance is a pelleted lamb feed perfect as a next-stage hard feed for lambs as they get older.

For further information, contact your local Nutrition Specialist.

Article supplied by Stacey Cosnett, Nutritionist.

The once or twice-a-day calf feed debate

When I am presenting at calf-rearing events there is always one common question asked, “Should I feed my calves once a day or twice?”

It is mostly personal preference, as there are positives and negatives to both systems. However, the calf-rearing project that ran from the Poukawa Research Farm in Hawke’s Bay from 1999–2010 gave calf rearers clarity. The results from these studies have formed the basis of advice for farmers in the dairy and beef industries ever since.

The project found that the biggest advantages of using a lower volume of milk once per day were the reduction of labour costs and earlier consumption of calf meals. The problem with twice-a-day, highvolume systems, as evidenced at Poukawa, is that calves can be more satisfied – which leads to a slower meal uptake and tends to create slower rumen development. With a slower meal uptake, calves then tend to struggle when they go onto grass, as they can’t physically consume the correct amount of pasture needed to supply enough energy for weaning time. For these calves that are slower at feed uptake, milk feeding needs to be prolonged to ensure their development isn’t impacted.

In the Poukawa studies it was found that the twice-a-day system calves were considerably lighter at 12 weeks than those on the once-a-day system with a high-protein pellet.

In my own experience, especially around the calves’ health, the once-

a-day (OAD) system requires a sharp eye and good animal husbandry skills, being proactive at feeding time, not taking the “she’ll be right” attitude or “the wait and see” method.

With the twice-a-day (TAD) system, they are monitored more frequently so it is easier to notice any health issues. Whichever system you choose, all feed systems require all the basic needs to be met to a high hygienic standard and must include the important colostrum stage.

During the first 14 days, it is recommended to stay on TAD feeding especially if changing from one milk source to another. When calves are feeding on rich colostrum for the first 4 days (which is needed) we sometimes see a nutritional scour or “sulk” between days 4–7. This is often around the time calves are travelled, adding extra stress. This also occurs when calves are changed to milk replacers, a time when people can have a few scour incidences. A 50/50 mix of the current and new milk option for up to 5 days helps the transition. The use of electrolytes is important to keep the calf well hydrated when scouring.

To grow your calves on whole milk or milk replacer is costly per kilogram of live weight gain so the OAD system gets them well established onto high-quality pellets and straw, which can reduce the cost significantly. Milk feeding of calves does not assist rumen development and can also see the calves struggle to thrive at weaning. The great debate is totally a

personal preference and what suits you and your calves best.

Top tip: Preparation must be accurate e.g. consistent feeding temperatures and times, with no fluctuations.

Fact: Badly prepared milk replacer will not provide the correct nutrition and will cause poor growth and health. For further information, contact your local Nutrition Specialist.

Article supplied by Karen Fraser, Technical Specialist – Nutrition.

DON’T JUST SPRAY WEEDS, NAIL THEM.

When you’ve got really tough weeds to tackle, you want to nail the job once and for all. Nail 600EC is the new super strong companion herbicide to complement and super charge your glyphosate. With 600g per litre of carfentrazone-ethyl, a little goes a long way – so you can increase your uniform brownout in no time.

Visit your local Farmlands store today and ask about Nail 600EC. nufarm.co.nz

How to prevent failure of passive transfer (FPT)

FPT is a term for the condition that occurs when a newborn animal does not get enough quality maternal colostrum or absorb adequate quantities of immunoglobulin (from colostrum) in the first 24 hours of life – making it susceptible to disease and death as well as affecting long term productivity. FPT costs the agricultural industry millions of dollars annually.

What contributes to FPT?

• Feeding colostrum with inadequate levels of Immunoglobulin G (IgG).

• Feeding insufficient volumes of colostrum.

• Feeding colostrum too late after birth.

• Bacteria contaminating colostrum at harvest, during storage or at feeding.

These four attributes of colostrum management will help you increase the probability that your newborn animals acquire adequate levels of antibodies:

1. Quality – quality maternal colostrum should have a dry matter content of at least 20 percent.

2. Quantity – newborn animals should receive a minimum of 15 percent of their birthweight as liquid colostrum. This means that calves should receive a minimum of 100g of IgG and lambs or kids should receive 10.8g IgG. To account for variability in colostrum quality, a minimum of 4L (preferably 6L) of maternal colostrum is recommended for a calf, whilst a minimum of 400mL (preferably 600mL) is recommended for a lamb or goat kid.

Transfer of Passive Immunity

Transfer of Passive Immunity

Optimal IgG absorbtion into the calf’s bloodstream takes place as soon as possible a er birth. Between 24-30 hours, the ability of IgG to pass through the gut lining diminishes. By 48 hours, gut closure prevents IgG transfer into the bloodstream. The same applies with lambs and goat kids.

Optimal absorption of antibodies (lgGs) into a calf’s bloodstream takes place as soon as possible after birth. Between 24-30 hours, the ability of lgG to pass through the gut lining diminishes. By 48 hours, gut closure prevents lgG transfer into the bloodstream.

3. Immediacy – the first feed of colostrum should be as soon as possible following birth, preferably within 1 to 2 hours.

4. Cleanliness – proper hygiene should be used when collecting and handling colostrum to decrease bacterial contamination, which may cause disease in newborns. In addition, if maternal colostrum is not fed within 1 to 2 hours of collection, it should be refrigerated or frozen.

AgriVantage’s new Launchpad18 Colostrum Powder provides you with a new source of guaranteed quality colostrum. It can be used as a sole colostrum source or combined with maternal colostrum.

Made from first-day bovine colostrum (gold), Launchpad18 is unique in that it has a high concentration of IgG

- IgG

(18 percent) and is high fat (minimum 18 percent), making it the most balanced colostrum powder on the New Zealand market. 18 percent IgG provides high levels of immunity, while the high-fat content provides the animals with necessary fuel for growth.

Importantly, Launchpad18 Colostrum Powder is unadulterated, pure colostrum. In other words, it is collected at first milking, frozen, transported, thawed and dried. There are no additives and it is not manipulated in any way.

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

Article supplied by AgriVantage.

Getting it right, right from the start

Controlling worms in foals and young horses is important as their immature immune systems make them far more susceptible to worms than older animals.

They are also more susceptible to damage caused by worms, due to their smaller size. Immature lungs and digestive systems are easily damaged by migrating worms and a worm burden that may not cause a problem in an adult horse can easily block the gut of a foal.

Ascarids – the worms most dangerous to young horses

The large roundworm, or ascarid, primarily affects horses less than two years of age and is the most significant parasite in young horses because they are such large worms and can quickly develop into life-threatening numbers. They have the potential to cause liver damage, which is repairable and lung damage, which is permanent. Each female ascarid can lay 100,000 to 200,000 eggs each day. The eggs pass out with the horse’s faeces and can remain viable for up to 10 years. When the egg is ingested and after hatching the larvae immediately penetrate the lining of the intestinal tract, beginning a 30-day migration. It is important to remember that faecal egg tests do not detect migration of parasite larvae within the horse.

The ascarid larvae migrate to the liver and after eating that, continue to the lungs. Unlike the liver, which can regenerate, damage done to the lungs is permanent. When a horse is just a few months old it has

all the lung tissue it is ever going to have. Because lung tissue heals by scarring, damage means less functional lung is available. Horses whose lungs have been damaged may have to breathe harder and faster to meet their oxygen demand.

Ascarid larval migration can also lead to other diseases. It reduces overall thriftiness in foals and can be related to pneumonia. The larvae may have an immunosuppressive effect in the lung, reducing the ability of the horse’s immune system to respond to foreign invaders like bacteria and viruses.

Understanding mectin resistance and ascarids

Unfortunately, it appears ascarids will be the worm species that develop resistance to the mectins. Resistance has been documented in several countries, including New Zealand and some studies cite failures of multiple types of “mectins”. In almost all the studies, pyrantel was used effectively to control the worms.

Strategy T Oral Paste for Horses is effective in treating and controlling worms in young horses. The unique formulation of two synergistic ingredients is designed to combat mectin-resistance. The oral paste is particularly suitable for worming young horses from six weeks to 24 months as they need special protection from potentially mectinresistant ascarids. It also protects them from all other worms.

Studies have proven Strategy T Oral Paste for Horses to be safe for use on all types of horses including

pregnant mares, foals and breeding stallions1. Ideally worming of young horses should be performed on the basis of faecal egg counts and on a yearly basis. Talk to your vet for a programme that’s right for you.

Equimax LV Oral Paste for Horses can complement your worming strategies as it is a low-volume, broad-spectrum, easy-to-apply worming paste that treats all major parasites including all three species of tapeworm and bots. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

1. Virbac data on file.

Article supplied by Virbac.

Wind. Water. Sun.

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From crop to pasture

Plan to get everything right for establishing a new crop this season but also aim to set future pasture up to be more productive than the last run-out one.

“Pasture persistence following cropping is a challenge on soils damaged during forage cropping, as vigorous cultivation often leads to poor pasture persistence. If you want the soil to work for you, one key message is: leave the soil undisturbed,” Ballance Agri-Nutrients Forage Specialist Murray Lane says.

“Crops have been grown using no-tillage techniques for nearly 50 years, so if you’re still cultivating, it’s time for a change. Tillage creates a seed bed for primitive drills but no-till drills handle the soil as it is.”

Successful crop establishment starts in autumn with spraying to control perennial weeds such as browntop, couch, paspalum, kikuyu and Californian thistle.

“You’ll be more successful at killing these weeds and the paddock will produce more through winter when sown into a new, winter-active ryegrass. The weeds’ roots and stems rot over the winter, allowing easier, no-till drilling of the forage crop in spring,” Murray says. When no-till drilling a brassica, or chicory, plantain or clover crop, control slugs and drill with fertiliser.

“Without cultivation, slug populations will be large, so the drill contractor should have a slug bait spreader on the drill. Also, as there’s no soil mineralisation, drilling with 150kg of DAP or Cropzeal Boron Boost makes

up for this, giving seedlings an early boost towards canopy development.

“The next phase, protecting the new crop seedlings, is the difference between success and failure. If springtails weren’t controlled when the paddock was sprayed out, seedlings may appear not to germinate. The 30,000 plus springtails per square metre may have consumed them.”

About three weeks after sowing, a nitrogen side-dressing gives the crop the vigour to outcompete weeds.

SustaiN is the product of choice to reduce volatilisation losses. An Available N test, taken as part of the pre-crop soil test, helps determine the amount to apply. If under 100, then apply 200+kg SustaiN/ha.

Around the same time, an in-crop, postemergence herbicide may be needed to control germinating annual weeds.

“With tillage, herbicide will be required

but it’s mostly not needed with no-tillage, or maybe just for grass weed seedlings,” Murray says.

“Without genetically modified crops and the BT gene, we have to keep spraying to control white butterfly, leaf miner and diamondback moth caterpillars. With brassicas this can be as often as every three weeks in summer. A couple of new insecticides target only the pest and leave the predator to that pest, such as ladybirds that are unaffected and are able to keep working for you.”

“Lastly, after crop harvest and going back into new perennial pasture, don’t cultivate, simply drill the new seeds with DAP.”

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

Article supplied by Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

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Fodder beet improves yields on a winter budget

In the first year of using fodder beet, Knightlea Ltd Dairy Farm Manager and joint owner, Will Bailey was skeptical for a number of reasons.

The Swannanoa farmer was unsure whether the crop would fit well into his system and was wary of issues with transitioning his herd onto the crop.

Two years on and Will is very pleased with the results he has received from his fodder beet crop, with improved yields it has proved to be a successful fit on the winter feed budget.

Following strict guidelines for a structured transition of the cows onto the crop was key to receiving the results he did but Will now believes fodder beet is an essential part of his herd’s winter feed and supplementary feed for milking.

“The cows milked well off the fodder beet and they successfully held their condition,’ he says.

Choice of cultivar is a very important part of the equation when it comes to high yields and Jamon fodder beet is proven to be a persistent performer

in New Zealand trials. The high yields received from Jamon meant Knightlea Ltd Dairy Farm had excess fodder beet left after winter feeding. The left-over bulbs were kept until spring and fed to the milking herd at 2kg per cow, per day in August and September.

This year’s crop of Jamon was sown on the 6th of November and has been yielded at 28 tonne, with a bulb dry matter of 16.5 percent and a leaf dry matter of 12.1 percent. The crop got off to a rocky start with an incredibly wet spring, which merged into a latestarting summer where it didn’t rain for nearly two months. Farmlands

Technical Field Officer Malcolm Wyllie implemented a thorough weed and insect spray programme, with one fungicide application of Escolta completed in early February.

This season, Will started feeding the fodder beet on the 1st of May when it was lifted from the paddock and fed through the wagon. Following the transition period, each cow’s total diet will be 6kg of beet, 5kg of kale, 1kg of straw (fed ad-lib) and 3-4kg of grass silage.

Will says the cows have been transitioning well and utilisation of the leaf and bulb has been high.

“I’m planning on using Jamon fodder beet again next season as it has become a reliable source of feed on my farm.”

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

Article supplied by Agricom.

When should I drench my dairy cows?

When you drench dairy cows will depend on the goals you want to achieve.

If you are mainly focused on producing more milk, the decision is straight forward. A meta-analysis of 75 published clinical trials conducted between 1972 – 2002 showed the average increase in milk production (kg of milk per cow per day) to be

0.35kg for treated compared to untreated cows1. The analysis also showed that the endectocides (e.g. Cydectin® Pour-On) had higher milk production responses compared to the older anthelmintic products. Treatments applied in mid-lactation or strategically (several times during the year), gave higher milk production responses compared to treatments applied at other times.

If your focus is on reproductive performance, treating at calving may be more appropriate. Trials with an endectocide given to firstcalving cows at this time showed a significant decrease in calving to conception interval and an increase in first-time conception rate2

If your focus is on lice control or body condition, treatment at dry off may give you the best results. Other factors which might also influence drench timing are weather conditions and larval contamination levels. After a wet summer and autumn, larval challenge is likely to be high on pasture, which would infer that drenching cattle would give you a better response than after a very dry summer when larval challenge is likely to be low. Irrespective of what your goals are and when you choose to drench your cows, Cydectin Pour-On is a great choice due to its nil milk, meat and bobby calf withholding periods. This New Zealand-made product is also very well tolerated at recommended doses, easy to use and rain-fast. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

Cydectin is a registered trade mark of Zoetis. ACVM No. A6203

1. Sanchez, J, et al. (2004). “A meta-analysis of the milk-production response after anthelmintic treatment in naturally infected adult dairy cows.” Prev Vet Med 63(3-4): 237-256.

2. McPherson WB, Slacek B, Familton A, Gogolewski RP, Gross SJ. (2000). “The impact of eprinomectin treatment on dairy cattle reproductive performance.” Proc 17th Annual Seminar, Society of Dairy Cattle Veterinarians NZVA Article supplied by Zoetis.

ALLFLEX DAIRY, BEEF AND DEER TAG ORDER

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DNA sampling more efficient with tissue sample

Hair DNA samples are now considered at higher risk of cross-contamination compared with wet tissue sampling, which has become the preferred method for New Zealand beef and deer farmers.

Wet tissue sampling enables parentage verification, genetic selection and BVD screening. Samples are only required to be chilled to keep them viable. Allflex Livestock Intelligence have worked extensively with leading biotechnology companies, livestock genetic testing labs and leading livestock producers to produce an innovative Tissue Sampling Unit (TSU).

“The science of beef genomics testing is making big advances and so are the companion technologies that enable it. Having DNA sampling that is fast and clean makes it easier for the producer to adopt genomicassisted selection, management and marketing,” Jared Briggs, New Zealand Commercial Manager, says. The resultant TSU has many benefits for the farmer including:

• The ability to collect samples in seconds using minimal animal restraint thanks to the single-squeeze motion on the TSU applicator.

• The genetic material is sealed in a specially designed preservative that yields excellent lab results.

• The TSU applicator is an ergonomic sampling plier, which allows quick loading and sampling – most animals are not aware a sample has been taken.

Lifespan of the sample is supported Jared advises that wet samples should be transported to the lab via a reliable courier service (preferably a one or two-day service). This is made easier thanks to the TSU being fully sealed and positively identified with both a 2D barcode and an ID panel. For ease and accuracy, TSU’s can also be conveniently paired to match NAIT and visual management tags (TSU Birth Sets), creating an absolute sample-to-animal linkage. The testing system also now provides

for archiving, which is important to seed stock producers. Previously, once unsealed the vial unit was no longer useable. Today, labs can reseal tissue in the vial for archiving. This enables breed associations to: retest animals as DNA technology advances; resolve suspected errors in animal ID, pedigree or parentage; and confirm DNA when animals are sold or transferred.

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

Article supplied by Allflex.

Heat detection counters challenges of autumn calving

David Cole would be the first to admit farming in Northland has its challenges and choosing to mate cows in winter for autumn calving doesn’t make things easier.

While autumn calving brings some real advantages for the Dargaville farmer, namely matching cow demand to the region’s seasonal grass growth patterns, there is an Achille’s heel that comes with it. The shorter, colder days of winter have less sunshine hours which can compress a cow’s heat period and make detecting whether she is on heat a difficult job.

Despite 20 years of enjoying ideal ground and weather conditions at autumn calving time, David has struggled with submission rates stalling around 70–75 percent in the first three weeks, short of the desired 90 percent target.

“Between us two old guys, we have 50 years of detecting cows on heat at this time of year and even we can struggle to pick them all up.”

That difficulty is what puts many farmers off switching to autumn calving, despite how well suited it is to Northland weather conditions.

For David, herd submission rates are lower than he would like and they flow through to a six week in-calf rate that sits in the 60 percent range, short of the national target of 78 percent.

To try and improve his herd’s submission rate in winter, David decided to try the Gallagher Flashmate heat detection units.

Flashmate is a standalone heat detection unit that attaches to cows to monitor their heat behaviour. It identifies positive heat behaviour which causes it to flash red for 26 hours –ample time to identify the cow, draft her off and ensure she is inseminated.

“I do my own AI and I know the units have detected eight cows that were definitely on heat that we would not have detected ourselves, given the tail paint was not indicating they were on heat. Out of 220 cows, that is significant.”

The unit’s ability to operate over multiple heat cycles meant its cost was easier to justify than “oneheat” alternatives that require renewing after each heat event.

“We have got a few cows coming up to their third mating and the Flashmate is still detecting and flashing red for them when they do.”

Applying the units was achieved easily during milking, with new glue re-applied to them as cows came in on heat. He says the Flashmate retention rate has been excellent, with only 12 coming off his 220 cows over nine weeks of mating.

For David, Flashmate has provided not only greater accuracy in detection, but even greater reassurance given he only uses AI without any bull follow up.

“Aaron has said he hopes we are going to use Flashmate next year, this is the most relaxed mating period he has ever had. It can be hard to quantify, but it’s peace of mind when the flashing is so visual, they just draw your attention, you can’t miss it.”

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

Article supplied by Gallagher.

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Spring dairy calf drenching

The future production of your farm is very much reliant on the quality of your replacement heifers.

A major target for ensuring these heifers’ future production in the milking herd is their weight at first mating, around 15 months of age.

Once a healthy calf is reared and well-adjusted to a grass diet, farmers then need to optimise growth rates on pasture through to the first mating. A good parasite control programme is an important part of this.

In weaned calves, Scanda® is an ideal choice of oral drench for young calves heavier than 50 kilograms liveweight. Scanda is a double combination containing both oxfendazole and levamisole. Calves still feeding on milk rarely need drenching but if they are to be drenched it should be given with a drench gun and not mixed in with the milk.

Once calves weigh over 100kg other combinations of actives can be considered, the goal being to gain better control over the two most important parasites of calves: Cooperia sp. and Ostertagia sp. Cooperia is of concern, particularly in young stock, with significant burdens on pasture building up and supressing their appetite and growth. Cooperia worms are resistant to the ML or ‘mectin’ family of drenches. Levamisole has retained good efficacy against ML resistant Cooperia1

The other species we are concerned about in cattle is Ostertagia, which are the most harmful worms in cattle of all ages. The ML drenches are best for

the control of Ostertagia – particularly the potent, active abamectin.

Converge® is an ideal choice for calves above 100kg liveweight as it contains both levamisole and abamectin. For extra protection from resistance consider Alliance®, a triple combination that contains oxfendazole along with levamisole and abamectin. Although pour-on drenches are seen as more convenient, studies have shown that their efficacy can be variable2. Oral drenches are the most costeffective way to combat resistance and ensure excellent growth rates in your replacement heifers. Protection against clostridial disease is also an important consideration for your replacement heifers.

Clostridial diseases in cattle include malignant oedema, tetanus, pulpy kidney, black disease and blood poisoning. These are caused by bacteria found in the environment

and often the first you will see of these diseases is the sudden death of even the biggest calves. Prevention by vaccination is your only option and Multine® 5-in-1 is an excellent choice. Full protection requires an initial sensitizer and then a booster 4–6 weeks later. This programme can be started at any time after weaning (in combination with your drench programme) and if vitamin B12 supplementation is required, Multine B12® is easy to include in the same injection as your 5-in-1 vaccination. Please always refer to the product label.

For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

ACVM No: A10119, A10249, A000934, A7130, A11311 ®Registered trademark. Schering-Plough Animal Health Ltd. NZ/ALCE/0718/0006

1. National Drench Resistance Survey 2004-2005. Waghorn T S et al. NZVJ 54 (6), 278-282, 2006.

2. Leathwick, D M & Miller, C M. Vet. Parasitology 191 (2013) 293-300.

Article supplied by MSD Coopers.

FARM BUILDINGS THAT SUIT YOUR NEEDS

• Four standard kitset designs (2 Bays, 3 Bays, 4 Bays & 5 Bays)

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• Custom options for your farm building available upon request

• Made from H3.2 Gauged Timber, H5 Treated SED Poles

• Timber from sustainable forests

• PVC roller curtains available on request

• Suitable for high wind zone areas

• All flashings supplied

• Zincalume roof and cladding as standard (The roof and walls are 0.4mm Zincalume Custom Orb with the option to upgrade to 0.4mm Custom Orb COLORSTEEL® Endura)

Rotokaia Farm’s hard to ‘beet’ fencing system

Canterbury farmers Dave Jackways and Steve Booker, managers of syndicate-owned Rotokaia Farm, needed to beef up their fencing system to protect a valuable fodder beet crop from overgrazing.

They use a 230-hectare run-off between Rakaia and Ashburton to graze young stock, as well as for wintering many of the operation’s 1,950 cows from the 750-hectare home farm in Dorie.

The run-off grew 70 hectares of fodder beet for winter feed. While fodder beet can be expensive to grow, its high metabolisable energy content make it an ideal crop for wintering cows. However, cows have to be gradually transitioned onto the crop through careful breakfeeding.

“We don’t want the cows getting too much too soon because that could be fatal,” Dave says.

Dave was looking for an electric fence system to help manage the animals and to protect the crop. He said he needed a system that can deliver the power their farm needs and more.

“Most of our breaks are big, long faces, so if we come across a problem when moving the fence, we need something that can turn the power off using a remote – that allows us to fix the problem, turn it back on again and then carry on.”

This time-saving benefit is a huge drawcard of the Gallagher M5800i. Powerful, intelligent and highly functional, the mains-powered Energizer delivers exactly what Dave and his team need.

It comes with an Energizer Controller that can be positioned away from the main Energizer unit. This enables Dave and his team to monitor the condition of the fence and performance of the

Energizer. Dave says their Energizer is mounted inside an irrigation pump shed and the Controller is mounted on the outside of this shed “where it’s easy to see when you are going past”.

The Energizer Controller can also be used to turn the Energizer unit on or off, set alarm levels and make finetuning adjustments to the target output voltage. It not only shows that a fault has occurred but also its location.

The Energizer was also supplied with an Energizer Remote and Fault Finder which enables Dave to quickly locate faults, turn the Energizer on or off remotely and test a fence once a repair is completed.

“It tells you exactly which part of the farm the fault is in and where it is, so you don’t have to trudge over the whole farm looking for it,” he says.

Rotokaia Farm has four Fence Monitors spread around the run-off.

The Fence Monitors recognise any drop in performance at their location and immediately relay this information to the Energizer Controller (which can also be managed via SMS).

A complete and reliable electric fence system did not just save time for the team at Rotokaia Farm but also brought them peace of mind. They are confident that their animals are being contained well in a safe manner and their investment in fodder beet crop is protected from overgrazing. For further information, contact your Farmlands Technical Field Officer or the friendly team at your local Farmlands store.

Article supplied by Gallagher.

August the peak for lost time through work injuries

Having people off work sick or injured hits productivity and profitability. Indeed, August sees the highest number of workplace injuries on New Zealand farms resulting in more than a week off work.

The last month of ‘winter’ also has the highest number of on-farm ACC claims due to people being hit or bitten by an animal, muscular stress or suffering level falls.

Injuries involving vehicles on farms also start to rise sharply in August, continuing at high levels through September and reaching the highest annual levels in October.

These seasonal spikes are likely attributed to factors such as the demands of calving, darkness and fatigue along with wet, muddy, snowy or frosty surfaces and difficult winter driving conditions.

“More farmers are creating Health and Safety plans for their farm business – identifying their risks and how to manage them – winter is a risk factor to include in its own right,” says Al McCone, Agriculture Lead for WorkSafe New Zealand.

“Vehicles and machinery are a factor in almost all fatal accidents on farms and should be regarded as a critical risk at all times. Winter conditions increase those risks.”

Some critical preventative measures when using vehicles include:

• A vehicle maintenance record will help ensure no vehicles slip under the radar.

• It is always important to select the right vehicle for the job. Take

| Some critical preventative measures can be taken to mitigate peak winter conditions.

a few minutes before any job to consider what the risks are as well as the safest route and methods. Are there ditches or tomos that could be covered by snow? Can jobs on steep pastures be put off until the conditions are better and if not, can you do the job on foot?

• Talk with your workers about this before they take vehicles out, recalling any near misses in previous winters.

• Keep a close eye on conditions if you are considering crossing rivers. They can rise very steeply and vehicles can be washed away or submerged.

• Importantly, always wear a seatbelt in tractors and other vehicles. Most recent fatal injuries suffered in tractors would have been prevented by the operator wearing a seatbelt. While a fall on the same level may not sound too bad, statistics show it

is a major factor in farm injuries that result in more than a week off work.

To address slipping issues in winter you can wear stout lace-up boots that offer good ankle support. Gumboots are a farm staple but may not be the best choice in wintery conditions.

Non-slip matting can be used on potentially slippery indoor surfaces and non-slip mats, timber grips or chicken netting secured to planks can help make outdoor areas safer in winter. Handrails should be provided for steps. Wipe down tractor steps regularly and be aware if your footwear is wet or muddy to avoid slipping. When climbing on or off a tractor, always keep three points of contact – such as two hands and one foot, with the tractor or ground. Disembark facing the towards the tractor, as you would when getting on.

Article supplied by WorkSafe.

FARMLANDS 2020 SOUTH AFRICA TOUR

ESCORTED BY FRANK BUNCE

Join Farmlands and House of Travel on this shareholder exclusive tour to South Africa to see South Africa’s wildlife, culture and heritage. Departing October 2020. Along the way you will also take in a wide range of farm visits and experience the thrill of an All Blacks v. Springboks test match.

Spaces are limited, so register your interest today. www.farmlands.co.nz/africatour

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‘To the Core’ of rural governance

The second edition of To the Core brought 24 rural leaders from around New Zealand to Christchurch for three days of discussion, networking and presentations.

To the Core is a leadership and governance development programme jointly run between rural co-operatives Farmlands and Silver Fern Farms. Places are reserved for people that are shareholders of one or both co-operatives. The aim is to provide insight into the governance of these organisations and to foster the next generation of rural leaders.

“

All the speakers blew me away – I took a massive amount out of all of them. I’ve got confidence in the talent in this room for the future of farming.

The packed schedule shared governance knowledge and discussed opportunities and challenges for the future. Participants heard from experienced New Zealand directors and senior company leaders who freely shared their governance experiences and observations with them.

There was a diverse mix of participants from across the primary sector, which Farmlands Chairman Lachie Johnstone

says is crucial to securing the future of rural governance in New Zealand.

“Working alongside Silver Fern Farms, Farmlands has an opportunity to be a leader on both sides of the Board table,” Lachie says. “The calibre of people putting their hands up for To the Core shows we have bright minds that can bring success to our cooperatives. Providing our shareholders with an opportunity to learn from industry leaders is a vital step in their own professional development.”

Kate Faulks is Farm Manager of a Waitaki Valley dairy support and beef farm. She said that key messages were reinforced by multiple speakers – that of the importance of transparency, agility, sustainability and diversity of thought.

In 2018, To the Core won the Cooperative Business New Zealand Award for ‘Co-operation Amongst

Co-operatives’. Silver Fern Farms Co-operative Chairman – and Chairman-elect of Farmlands – Rob Hewett says feedback from the course continues to be overwhelmingly positive.

“We want to grow this programme to ensure the ongoing success of our co-operatives,” Rob says.

“Participants appreciate the access they get to industry leaders. They enjoy having their own line of thinking and perspective challenged and embracing the diverse views that come from these forums.”

This was echoed by Tane Little, a dairy farm owner from Hokitika: “All the speakers blew me away – I took a massive amount out of all of them. I’ve got confidence in the talent in this room for the future of farming.”

EXCLUSIVE FUEL SOLUTIONS FOR SHAREHOLDERS

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Regular scheduled deliveries of competitively priced fuel – direct to site.

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A float for the whole family

From February through April this year FMG ran an Equine Insurance campaign, with every quote going into the draw to win an Ifor Williams Horse Float.

There was a tremendous number of enquiries and the prize-winner, Ann Webster, couldn’t have been better suited. Ann and her family have been farming for more than 40 years in the Wairarapa and have a great working relationship with both FMG and Farmlands Greytown.

Ann originally enquired about insurance for a digger and a horse so she was over the moon to receive a prize.

“I was surprised and amazed to have won,” Ann says. “I’ve competed in dressage for many years. My daughter Robyn is getting back into riding and Sophie my granddaughter

is on a lead rein, so this float is brilliant for the whole family.”

Farmlands Greytown Business Manager, Tim Williams let Ann know that she’d won but noted one hitch.

“The funniest thing was that Ann doesn’t have a tow-bar on her car so it was important that her daughter’s vehicle was up to the task!”

FMG have experience and passion for the equine industry and their Equine Insurance consultants can provide specialist advice to shareholders. For more details about how FMG can help protect what you care about, visit www.farmlands.co.nz/FMG

A chance encounter in Andersons Bay

Smiths City’s 100 th birthday celebrations last year were particularly rewarding for longtime Farmlands shareholders, Colin and Valerie Weir.

Originally dairy farmers, Colin and Valerie retired to a 25-acre block just outside Balclutha and set about building a new house.

“We were between appointments in Dunedin and I suggested to Colin that we pop into the Andersons Bay Smiths City to look at some furniture for our new house. We ended up buying a bed as it was on sale and entering the prize draw, thinking nothing else of it,” Val recalls.

It wasn’t until a fortnight later that the call came through letting the new home owners know they’d won the $25,000 prize pack.

“We were stunned. There was a huge Beko fridge, a Dyson vacuum cleaner and a massive 65-inch TV which now takes pride of place in our living room. There was so much stuff that even our children got upgrades!”

Thanks to your Farmlands Card, shareholders always get exclusive deals and fantastic offers at Smiths City. More importantly, you never know when it could be you receiving that prize-winning call.

Rural contracting on a roll

A recent Infometrics economic survey for Rural Contractors

New Zealand shows the growing strength of the sector.

Economic output from the rural contracting industry, now valued at $1.5 billion, saw a significant turnaround between 2010 and 2018, rising on average by 5.8 percent per annum.

“This contrasts with the 1.5 percent per annum growth seen in the agriculture industry (excluding rural contracting) and 2.8 percent from the national economy,” says RCNZ President, David Kean.

“Obviously, we contractors are benefitting from some of the changes happening in the rural landscape as farmers look to us to deliver increasing amounts of work, often involving expensive pieces of machinery.”

The survey shows there are now nearly 7,000 rural contracting businesses that employ around 23,000 people – nearly 1 percent of New Zealand’s workforce.

Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Canterbury are the regions with highest employment in the rural contracting industry, reflecting some strong links to the dairy sector.

Key challenge for contractors

David identifies the biggest challenge for the booming sector will be finding enough skilled machinery operators for the spring-autumn season. For example, nearly 150 are coming in from overseas to work for 47 RCNZ members this season.

“We find most of these skilled workers are from Ireland and the UK. Our

agri-sector often relies on them to operate machinery and at present we can only get them via the Approval in Principle working visa scheme. RCNZ was able to secure this round of AIPs for its members, although we are hopeful that a review of immigration policy may assist more employerled recruitment of foreign workers in the future,” explains David.

A collective voice at conference

The Rural Contractors NZ 2019 national conference in June saw 140 delegates, as well as partners and trade exhibitors, convene in Nelson. Participants took the opportunity to robustly question MPI and Federated Farmers representatives about Mycoplasma Bovis. RCNZ Chief Executive, Roger Parton, said contractors had to travel from farm to farm so knowing which farms were suspected of having MBovis would allow them to take appropriate measures and mitigate the risk. Federated Farmers’ General Manager Policy & Advocacy, Gavin Forrest,

responded that all those with infected herds were required to have signs on their gate and it was traumatic enough for farming families without the risk of victimisation. If contractors were washing down equipment between farms the chances of spread were virtually nil. Joe Stockman, Manager Communications and Liaison at MPI, said the primary sources for transfer were cow-to-cow contact and contaminated milk.

David Kean also raised the issue of agricultural supply companies delivering bulk chemicals on farms with no chemical storage sheds, which is a safety issue when not all of it is used. Gavin Forrest said it would be safer and cheaper for farmers to only use chemicals that were needed and agreed to review the issue with Federated Farmers and RCNZ.

RCNZ offers its members access to a range of employment, training and accreditation as well as compliance and communications advice.

See www.ruralcontractors.org.nz for more information.

The New Zealand Century Farm and Station Awards aim to capture and preserve the history of our country’s farming families. Each month we will share stories from Farmlands shareholders who have worked their land for 100 years or more.

Farming firsts at Caythorpe

For almost 140 years the Bishell family has worked the land to cultivate a range of internationally recognised products.

David Bishell immigrated to New Zealand in 1876 with his wife, Mary and four young children in search of a better life.

In 1880, he purchased 50ha of farmland west of Blenheim and named it “Caythorpe” after his home village in Lincolnshire, England. The land was unproductive and covered in flax, but David saw the potential and set about clearing the property to allow him to grow food crops. Over the course of 50 years, the property grew to 190ha and saw many farming firsts and successes. David was the first farmer in New Zealand to grow red clover for seed in 1892. In the late 1890s, he purchased Lincoln and Romney ewes, which would later establish Caythorpe as an internationally renowned sheep stud. During the 1920s, David exported Lincoln ewes to both South Africa and South America. For three consecutive years he was awarded the title of “Best Worked Farm in Province” by the Marlborough A&P Association.

In 1958, one of the exported Lincoln rams bred by David’s son, Wally was named Champion Ram at the Royal English Show.

In 1972, David’s grandson, Mervyn Bishell was approached by out-of-

town businessmen with an offer to buy Caythorpe – he declined. The businessmen purchased the neighbouring property and it became one of the first parcels of land in Marlborough to be planted in vines by Montana (now Brancott Estate).

In the 1970s, David’s great grandson, Murray was one of the first in the district to use irrigation on process vegetable crops. In continuing the tradition of innovation, he also bought the first Axial-Flow combine to Marlborough, which allowed a greater range of seed crops to be grown at Caythorpe. The brutal economic climate of the 1980s proved the catalyst for diversification into horticulture and wine growing. Cherries were planted in 1986 and the family’s first vineyards of Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir were established by Murray and Diana Bishell in 1987.

In 1988, the New Zealand Ploughing Championships were hosted by Murray and Diana at Caythorpe Murray achieved the rare feat of competing in a national championship held on his own property.

In 2008, David’s great-great grandson, Simon won New Zealand Young Viticulturist of the Year. Caythorpe Family Estate was launched in 2015 as a super-premium, 100 percent estate-grown wine brand by fifth-generation descendants, Scott and Simon Bishell.

Today Caythorpe consists of 130ha of vineyard, 60ha of mixed cropping, 2ha of cherry orchard and a packhouse.

Real Estate market update

Data recently released by the Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) gives us insight into the current rural property market.

Rural update

The data shows that 1,409 farms were sold in the year to May 2019. This is 3.1 percent fewer than were sold in the previous year. By type, there were 26.3 percent more grazing farms sold however, dairy farm sales were down by 34.2 percent as were finishing farms (13.8 percent less) and less arable farms were sold (by 6.7 percent) over the same period.

If you are considering selling your farm, now is the time. With limited stock available, buyers are finding it hard to find a suitable property. We have buyers looking for dairy, horticulture and finishing farms.

Lifestyle update

6,870 lifestyle properties were sold in the year to May 2019, 424 (5.8 percent) fewer than were sold in the year to May 2018.

The median price for all lifestyle properties sold in the three months to May 2019 was $690,000 – $15,000 higher compared to the three months ended May 2018 (+2.2 percent).

We have buyers looking for dairy, horticulture and finishing farms. “

We have a number of quality lifestyle properties available for buyers across provincial New Zealand. Contact one of the team or view our lifestyle section on the website www.farmlandsrealestate.co.nz

Residential update

Our provincial sales figures are strong and we are seeing a number of first-home buyers moving from the metropolitan centres to the provinces. Timaru, Waimate, Masterton, Palmerston North, Whangarei

and Kaitaia are popular choices for buyers. Rotorua, Dunedin and Canterbury are also showing positive signs in the residential sector.

Join our team

At Farmlands Real Estate, we have a clear vision to double our size in the next three years by providing outstanding real estate services to our clients throughout provincial New Zealand, including those of our 68,000 shareholders who need to buy, sell or rent their property. We are looking for rural, residential and lifestyle real estate Sales Professionals to join our successful team. Whether you are a seasoned real estate professional or you are looking for a career change that allows you to reap the rewards of your hard work, we would love to hear from you. For a confidential chat please contact Jason Wills on 027 619 9784 or visit www.farmlandscareers.co.nz for more information.

Waikato | Pretty as a picture

177 hectare (approximately) dairy farm with a superior range of farm infrastructure including a modern 40 aside dairy, 400 cow feed pad and two 300 tonne concrete storage bunkers. There is a partial Protrack management system, 5-bay calf shed, 5-bay implement shed, 4-bay and 2-bay 1/2 round sheds. There are two comfortable homes on-site, offering three and four bedrooms respectively. 430 cows produce up to 172,000kgMS with 1,000kg of inputs being split with palm kernel extract and maize silage. A great opportunity here for the astute investor. Price by negotiation.

www.farmlandsrealestate.co.nz

Ian Morgan

Lifestyle / Rural – Matamata 027 492 5878 ian.morgan@farmlands.co.nz

Glen Murray

Lifestyle / Rural – Matamata 027 488 6138 glen.murray@farmlands.co.nz

Located in a premium forestry area is this 34.4 hectare wellmaintained G17 Pinus Radiata forestry block, which also includes a bonus macrocarpa stand of approximately 6 hectares. Planted in the year 2000 the block has been well managed. The gentle rolling contour is a bonus for harvesting and the property is a short drive to State Highway 1, just 45 minutes from Port Otago. Astute purchasers will see this as a sound investment prospect for the present and the future. Deadline sale closing 4pm, Thursday 22 August 2019.

You’ll spend untold hours sitting on the north-facing deck, drinkingin the peaceful vista. This 10-year-old double glazed home has four bedrooms, an office and sits nicely protected amongst established tree planting on 3.8 hectares of grazing land. The sunny master and guest bedrooms both have en suites. The two living areas are well designed for a family with two log burners. There’s a separate double garage, handy container and a horse float shed. This Pohangina Valley property is a great find and will be popular, so call us for an appointment to view today! Offers over $695,000.

Albert Voschezang

Lifestyle / Rural – Otago 021 215 7573 albert.v@farmlands.co.nz

Yvonne Forlong

Lifestyle / Rural – Feilding 021 456 565 yvonne.forlong@farmlands.co.nz.

Bill Milham

Lifestyle / Rural – Palmerston North 027 443 3324 bill.milham@farmlands.co.nz

Storage shed/workshop of around 300m², fully enclosed, with roller doors and a concrete floor, in addition to 166m² three room, insulated studio with bathroom. Other sheds include two, four-bay barns and a shed with high sliding doors measuring 18m x 10m. The attractive Summerhill stone home has had quite a makeover, with double glazing, a new kitchen, renovated bathroom and extensive painting. There is a modern log burner, heat transfer system and 9m x 9m attached garage. Deadline sale closing 4pm, Wednesday 7 August 2019.

Western Bay Of Plenty | The perfect lifestyle

Your own piece of paradise. Approximately 8.5 hectares of grazing paddocks for the horses, cattle or deer including about 6ha suitable for Green Kiwifruit. Good fertiliser history with modern pasture species. This property is fully deer fenced with netting in excellent condition. Possibly one of the best calf rearing set-ups seen. Huge opportunity here, with a good 4 aside cowshed and multiple indoor pens for rearing calves. The house and kitchen were newly renovated 5 years ago. Great house sites to build your new dream home. Price by negotiation.

Hamish Anderson

Lifestyle / Rural – North Canterbury 027 678 8888 hamish.anderson@farmlands.co.nz

Maurice Newell

Lifestyle / Rural – North Canterbury 027 240 1718 maurice.newell@farmlands.co.nz

Brett Ashworth

Lifestyle / Rural – Te Puke 021 0261 7488 brett.ashworth@farmlands.co.nz

Vanessa Charman-Moore

Lifestyle / Rural – Tauranga 027 242 7646 vanessa.charman-moore@farmlands.co.nz