Dairy News 26 November 2013

Rural communities vulnerable to any cuts to dairying. PAGE 3

HOUSING COWS Farmers impressed PAGE 20-21

SOFT AND SURE

Bale grab made easy PAGE 38 NOVEMBER 26, 2013 ISSUE 303

// www.dairynews.co.nz

WARNING: AVOID THE SHACKLES OF DEBT

“We have seen price growth in rural land, particularly dairy farms, and we are seeing the ingredients that have in the past led to rapid debt build up.” – Ben Russell, Rabobank. PAGES 6-7

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

NEWS  // 3

Communities could fold if dairying’s reined in PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

A STUDY commissioned by DairyNZ and Hori-

Stabilising trade in Sri Lanka. PG.08

Southern vanguard for robotic milking. PG.22-23

zons Regional Council (HRC) shows small rural communities are economically vulnerable to any reduction in the amount of milk produced in their regions. The study analyses the economic effects of HRC’s One Plan. It looks at three scenarios for reducing nitrogen leaching while seeking to retain economic viability in rural areas. The first scenario modeled implementation of the One Plan as handed down by the Environment Court; the study shows that farmers and their communities would in some cases be economically devastated. The second scenario modeled the effects of farmers reducing their N loading by reducing stock numbers. This showed that though farmers may survive, their communities may not, says DairyNZ’s Dr Rick Pridmore. Central to this is milk volume, which is “just as important as the profitability of the farm when you look at communities,” Pridmore says. “The simple explanation is that farmers could

hunker down. It might be a very unpleasant life but they could have hunkered down and met the targets to an extent. But that community would have lost a lot of jobs with the lower volume of milk. That’s why, if you do only a ‘section 32’ analysis or an economic assessment looking at farm profitability, you can make a big mistake.” Pridmore points out that to grow milk volume you buy in more feed and labour so more money is spent in the community. “When you look at all those multipliers, the community does rather well out of higher milk volumes. But if people want to go backwards and reduce the footprint it does have big ramifications to communities like Dannevirke.” By leaving production at present levels there are ways to take out nitrogen and improve the quality of water in rivers, Pridmore says. “We have found a solution that allowed the economy to stay ok, farmers to do ok and the river to be improved. That’s what the third scenario models and Horizons has agreed to implement it.” A defining meeting brought all this to a head in Dannevirke early this year when 300 people turned out to express concern at the effects of One Plan on their town which is dairy dependent.

Pridmore notes that HRC is saying that farmers would be ok if they reduced stock numbers to comply with the plan, but it was the community that alerted HRC to greater downstream impacts. “I think the council and the farmers are Rick Pridmore now building this relationship, which is healthy. The council has taken a step forward which says they value the community, they value farming and they value the river and we have found a solution that does all three.” @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

Finding the right balance Stirrer set to cause a stir. PG.28

NEWS ������������������������������������������������������3-15 OPINION ���������������������������������������������� 16-17 AGRIBUSINESS ������������������������������18-19 MANAGEMENT ������������������������������ 20-23 ANIMAL HEALTH ���������������������������24-27 EFFLUENT & WATER MANAGEMENT ������������������������������ 28-37 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS ��������������������������������������38-42

SOME NEW Zealand farmers may not be able to continue farming as at present because of their farms’ environmental impact, says Federated Farmers president Bruce Wills. He told Dairy News last week at the Feds national council meeting that perhaps “the pendulum had swung too far in intensive dairying” and its long term impact on the environment had better be assessed. Water is the number-one issue – far above all others – for Feds, Wills says. And it will remain so for some time. Complex water and environmental issues stem mainly from 10-15 years of massive land-use changes – especially dairy conversions. He voices no concerns about the rise of dairying

from an economic standpoint, saying the market side “is working great”. “But… what we are now seeing, and what the science is telling us, is that in areas of intensive dairying, especially on lighter soils, we have issues with defuse nitrogen working its way into waterways. The parliamentary commissioner for the environment, in her latest report on water quality, highlights the issue of land use change,” he points out. Wills says there are ‘hot spots’ where despite farmers’ best efforts in management practices, fencing stock from waterways and riparian planting, the science is saying ‘no go’. Farmers are doing their best to control effluent but some areas need change to ensure sustainability long-term.

“This is the conundrum Federated Farmers and many others are grappling with…. I spend most of my day trying to find the right balance between farming that pays the bills… and protection of the environment.” Pressure from the Government to grow agriculture from $30 billion to $60 billion annual exports by 2025 is an exciting challenge, Wills says. But doing this and reducing agriculture’s environmental footprint is an equally big challenge. Communities face a conundrum: retaining their prosperous local economy due to dairying or sacrificing some of this for improved water quality. Feds now has six staff dealing with water quality issues. – Peter Burke

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

4 //  NEWS

Industry doing its share to lift water quality SUDESH KISSUN sudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz

FONTERRA SAYS it shares concerns about the pressure on New Zealand’s waterways and recognises its role to improve water quality. Commenting on the water quality report by the parliamentary commissioner for the environment (PCE), Dr Jan Wright, the co-op group director cooperative affairs Todd Muller says it is working with scientists and primary industry organisations on improving nutrient use and providing farmers with information to manage farming systems efficiently. “This year we’ve collected nutrient data from nearly 4000 farms which will provide information to farmers on how to mitigate the impact of nutrients. We are committed to lifting environmental performance and ensur-

ing onfarm management practices meet national and regional limits that preserve New Zealand’s clean green image,” says Muller. He notes that for 20 years dairy farming has grown as global demand has increased, benefitting the New Zealand economy. And farmers have responded well, managing their impact on water by fencing waterways, managing raceways, tracks, paddocks and effluent, and reducing run-off through riparian planting. “Fonterra and our farmers have [worked hard] to protect waterways, but we recognise there is more to do,” says Muller. The report recognises that water quality has been shaped by the cumulative effects of increased land use by a multitude of industries and highlights the effects of nutrients, he adds. DairyNZ’s strategy and investment leader for sustainability, Dr Rick Pridmore, says the report

highlights an issue being addressed by a lot of work. (Its context is the impact of land-use change and nutrients on water quality by 2020.) He notes that central and local government and industry are already at work on defining how New Zealand’s freshwater resources should be managed. “We are working with farmers, regional councils and other stakeholders to contribute to desired water quality outcomes,” says Pridmore. “The PCE’s report highlights the critical importance of this limit setting process, because uncontrolled growth is unsustainable. Unfortunately the report paints an unrealistic picture of the future that ignores this limit setting.” Pridmore says under the National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management, communities are required to define their values and set limits for water qual-

ity. There is multi-stakeholder support for doing this in cooperation. “We are pleased to see the PCE recognising our industry’s Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord and its commitments to fencing waterways, and to water, nutrient and effluent management.” In Upper Waikato 700 farmers are working together to improve the health of the Waikato River, with 3000 actions onfarm underway. Similar work is in progress around Lake Rotorua, the Manawatu River, the Hurunui River and the Waituna Lagoon. “We are working openly and constructively with every regional council in the country”, says Pridmore. “We are confident this partnership will achieve a positive outcome for our communities, economy and environment.” @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

New head for DWN ZELDA DE Vil-

liers, currently managing director of DeLaval NZ, will be the Dairy Women’s Network’s new chief executive. With at least 20 years experience in the international agricultural industry, de Villiers has worked for DeLaval International in Sweden and New Zelda de Villiers Zealand where she has been based since 2009. She takes up the DWN Hamilton role in January 2014. Prior to joining DeLaval, de Villiers spent the first 10 years’ of her career in the agricultural finance and rural banking sector in South Africa. She holds a B.AgSc (Hons) and a Diploma in Animal Nursing from Pretoria University. Dairy Women’s Network chair Michelle Wilson says de Villiers has an exceptional understanding of the challenges New Zealand’s dairy farming women face and will be a valuable addition to the leadership of DWN and the wider agricultural sector.

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

NEWS  // 5

‘Same-old rhetoric’ PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

NITROGEN IS the “elu-

sive” pollutant, according to the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment, Dr Jan Wright. Her latest report on water quality in New Zealand reiterates that largescale changes in land use – notably dairying – are putting pressure on water quality. These changes demand that decision makers be aware of the consequences, Wright says. “The report is focused on the two nutrient pollutants nitrogen and phosphorus. On land they are

valuable nutrients, helping plants to grow. But when there is too much of them in water they become pollutants and can lead to excessive growth of weeds, slime and algae. “Over recent years, hundreds of thousands of hectares used for sheep and beef farming have been converted to dairy farming… and forestry. Conversion to dairying increases nutrient loads on water, conversion to forestry does the opposite.” But the report contains nothing new, says IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis. “It only continues with the same old rhetoric we all know

and have accepted – that the status quo will not lead to a sustainable future. “IrrigationNZ believes win-wins are possible for agriculture and the environment and we have many examples in New Zealand of how intensive land use can be managed to significantly reduce its footprint, particularly under irrigated agriculture. “It’s disappointing the report disagrees with this. However that’s what happens when you get carried away with gross assumptions that are then modelled. The commissioner needs to take more note of recent innovations in landuse management.” Wright says she

Job losses at Nutricia NUTRICIA ANZ is looking at restructuring and possible job losses in Australia and New Zealand following the botulism scare. The company’s Karicare infant formula brand was hit hard when it had to recall 60,000 cans during the Fonterra false alarm botulism scare. Nutricia ANZ last week said it had begun consulting its workforce to “improve operational efficiency following the recent Fonterra botulism scare and precautionary product recall”. “All options are being considered to reduce costs which include the possibility of reducing the workforce across Australian and New Zealand sites,” it

says. “Whilst there have been welcome indications of consumer confidence and trust returning to Nutricia, along with signs of recovery in the domestic market of NZ, overseas demand remains slow to respond.” Nutricia ANZ is consulting with employees over a proposed restructure of its ANZ operations. It was committed to keeping job losses to a minimum. Wherever possible, Nutricia will undertake to redeploy employees within the Danone group. French dairy giant Danone has previously said it is seeking “full compensation” from Fonterra over losses caused by the precautionary recall. – Pam Tipa

applauds the effort going into environmental mitigation on dairy farms. But she points squarely to the difficulty of controlling nitrogen which, she says, in the form of nitrate is so soluble it is the “elusive” pollutant. “I am pleased fresh

water policy is very much on the Government’s agenda with the recent release of a discussion paper on setting ‘bottom lines’ for water quality. I hope this report will better inform the general public and those who make decisions on their behalf.”

Dr Jan Wright

A POTENTIAL LOSE-LOSE SITUATION FARMERS ARE less than happy and environmentalists forsee the end of the world – destroyed by the cow. Such is the reponse to commissioner Wright’s report. Associate professor Russell Death, of the Institute of Agriculture and Environment, Massey University, says as the son of a retired dairy farmer and a country lad at heart he would love to see the win-win for the economy and environment to which Wright alludes.

“However, her report clearly illustrates what many scientists and economists already know: if we continue increasing dairy intensification, without some drastic changes in how we farm, the most likely outcome is lose-lose. “Agriculture creates pollutants, so increasing agriculture, even with the best mitigation practices, will still result in more pollutants entering our waterways. More pollutants, lower water quality – it’s not rocket science.”

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

6 //  NEWS

Silly prices for land FEDERATED FARMERS dairy section chairman Willy Leferink says he shares some of the concerns the Reserve Bank has about high levels of debt in the dairy industry, but that a huge opportunity exists to shore up that debt because of the high payout. That said, farmers don’t fund new developments enough out of retained earnings. “Farmers spend already what they are going to earn next year and you can see example of this now with the silly prices being paid for land – hard to sustain in terms of profitability. “Imagine if we get inflation: how are people going to survive? At the moment

a lot of farmers pay 5% interest but imagine if they have to pay 8% again. It’s important they have a prudent level of equity in their businesses.” Leferink says he would be “uncomfortable” with farmer equity less than 40%, and he says for a stand-alone business he wouldn’t go below 50%. “Farming is cyclical and if you think the dairy prices we currently have are going to sit idle you are dreaming.” Farming is not alone in its capacity to drive up inflation, he says. Building in Christchurch and Auckland may also. It’s a competitive market for selling debt and banks are “fighting for customers”, he says.

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Debt-growth warning signs there to see PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

THE HEAD of Rabobank in New

Zealand, Ben Russell, says the ingredients are there for a more rapid buildup of debt in the dairy sector. His comments to Dairy News follow the Reserve Bank expressing concern at the buildup of dairy debt, a view also expressed by MPI earlier in the year. Russell says the ingredients for such a scenario are good dairy prices globally, a likely record payout this year, high farmer confidence and a banking sector in strong shape and open for business. “We have seen price growth in rural land, particularly dairy farms, and we are seeing the ingredients that have in the past led to rapid debt buildup. At the moment rural debt is growing at about 5% annualised and

relationship between low that is close to an acceptequity and loan defaults.” able level. He says it’s hard to “The Reserve Bank generalise about what is will be reasonably and is not a good dairy relaxed if it stays at 5% conversion. But increasor below growth level. ingly those doing conBut in the mid 2000s versions need to factor we saw debt growing at in the costs of the chang15-20% per annum and ing rules on water quality if it shows signs of going and the environment. back to those levels we Ben Russell “Farmers planning dairy convercan expect the Reserve Bank to take sions need to [know] the environaction.” Russell says while the issue of farm mental issues, what the current rules equity is important, it’s just one part are and what the likely rule changes of the puzzle. Probably more impor- will be in the future. They have added tant are profitability and cashflow, but an extra layer of complexity to dairy the bank wants to see a combination conversions and it’s part of the landof a track record of practical farming, scape these days.” Also emerging with dairying profitability and equity. “I agree with Willy Leferink that by expansion is a need for better goverand large 40% equity is at the lower nance and systems when farmers are end. There are good farmers operat- running a number of farms. Russell ing at less than 40% equity but once says it’s easier for farmers managing you go under 40% there is quite a good only one or two farms.

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BEN RUSSELL says Rabobank believes the long term outlook for dairying is very positive, based on the bank’s analysis of strong, long-term demand for dairy products. “Generally we think there is going to be good demand for dairy products over the next generation. However there will be plenty of short term volatility. Rabobank’s view is that global dairy commodity price will ease in 2014-15 as more

supply comes on line. For example, in New Zealand we are having a great year and production will be up. “We also think the northern hemisphere will be ramping up to 2014; they have low grain prices and high commodity prices so we think there will be an easing of commodity prices next year.” Russell predicts the Reserve Bank will lift interest rates next year and that, combined with

a predicted drop in the payout of up to $1.50, will affect dairy farmers. “Our advice to farmers is to use slightly more conservative budget figures for dairy prices and interest rates over the next couple of years. We think it unlikely the good growing conditions, record prices and low interest rates will be repeated next season.” @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

NEWS  // 7

Borrow wisely – academic PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

AN EXPERT in banking

at Massey University says he shares the concerns of the Reserve Bank about the high level of debt in the rural sector, especially in dairying. Dr David Tripe, senior lecturer in banking studies at Massey, says he’s concerned at rising rural debt levels and says one or two disasters in the sector could prove costly. He’s also concerned about some banks growing their rural debt levels faster than others. Tripe says the situation is similar to that in 2001-2008 during the growth in the housing market. But in the same period, lending to the rural sector – on a proportional basis – grew by more than to the domestic housing market. Tripe says the country is now in a situation where farm debt is rising on the same sort of basis as housing debt, for a number of reasons. “I remember ten years ago taking the inland route in Hawkes Bay from Takapau to Napier and suddenly coming across this patch of green looking grass geared up for dairying. I thought this is not sustainable in the long run because it’s dependent on irrigation.” Tripe is not sure what is causing the rise in debt

Nitrogen is the most effective way to grow more grass when you need it –

“The dairy process is very volatile; so is sheep and beef but I don’t see anyone rushing to banks to invest on the basis of a temporary lift in meat prices.” in the dairy sector. “Certainly some of the debt arises from the amalgamation of dairy farms into even larger dairy farms… it’s conversion related. I worry about the number of conversions taking place in Canterbury and the sustainability of water supplies to support that long term. It seems ok in the short term but not in the long run.” The dairy sector depends heavily on commodity prices, unlike the housing market, Tripe says. “The dairy process is very volatile; so is sheep and beef but I don’t see

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anyone rushing to banks to invest on the basis of a temporary lift in meat prices.” Tripe says he would advise farmers pay down debt and make sure their farming businesses are sustainable at significantly lower milk prices.

more growth for every unit of nitrogen applied. It’s the smart way to maintain milk production through summer by holding pasture quality for longer as well as increasing crop yields. If you need to apply potassium with your summer nitrogen application, SustaiN K is what you need. It replenishes David Tripe

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WHAT THE RESERVE BANK SAYS

to support clover growth RURAL DEBT, especially in dairying, poses a risk to the financial stability of the country, all the more because of the volatility of commodity prices. In its six monthly ‘Financial Stability Report’, the Reserve Bank note that international dairy prices are boosting farm incomes. It also notes that in recent times the growth in farm debt has been modest, but warns that any return to pre2007 credit growth and spending patterns within the sector would present a risk to financial

stability. A similar point was made by MPI in June when it noted that 50% of the debt in the dairy sector was held by 10% of farmers. The Reserve Bank says with the high payout it hopes dairy farmers will take the opportunity to retire debt, however they say there is a risk farmers will make borrowing decisions based on the assumption of consistently high future commodity prices. They say that could be “capitalised into farm

land prices and encourage further borrowing”. The bank notes signs the rural property market has picked up; the value of farm sales is up 5% since the start of 2013. It also notes that farm price inflation has picked up in recent months as confidence returns to the sector after the drought. Finally the Reserve Bank predicts a significant increase in milk production this season but says the downside of this is that it may put “downward pressure on prices”.

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

8 //  NEWS

Sri Lankan agreement to brings trade stability PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

A STABLE environment in Sri Lanka for Fonterra to operate in will be one outcome of the Dairy Cooperation Agreement

A Fonterra supplier in Sri Lanka. Under the deal, the co-op will help develop the country’s fledgling dairy sector.

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between the New Zealand and Sri Lanka governments, says Fonterra director and farmer-shareholder John Monaghan. It will also help develop the local dairy industry in Sri Lanka which is Fonterra’s third largest market

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for whole milk powder. Monaghan told Dairy News he believes the blocking of Fonterra products and protests against the cooperative in Sri Lanka earlier this year must be viewed against the background of Sri Lanka’s trade deficit where it imports twice as much as it exports. Over 70% of its milk is imported. Helping Sri Lankan farmers to develop their own milk pool will contribute to stability. “Fonterra welcomes the signing of the dairy agreement and we have been working with our Government towards this,” says Monaghan, who has been in Sri Lanka representing Fonterra at the Commonwealth Business Forum. “It provides an important framework from which we can work with the Sri Lankan Government to help the local dairy industry. We have unique capabilities and commitment where we can make a difference to the Sri Lankan dairy industry, as we do in many other countries in the world.” Fonterra already provides a farmer education programme to enhance production and quality. The demonstration farms are a further enhancement of that model. They are yet to be developed and a “stable environment” will be needed for that. “In Sri Lanka we have 3000-4000 farmer suppliers and we want to enhance that. But to enable us to do more good in Sri Lanka we need to have a sustainable and profitable business. We recently faced a challenging operating environment which caused temporary suspension of operations and we are recovering from that now.” It makes sense to build Sri Lanka’s own liquid milk capacity because Fonterra wants to remain committed to that dairy market where New Zealand has a 35-year history. In Sri Lanka Fonterra has a number-one position in full cream, growingup milk and adult milk. It has two manufacturing plants where it employs 750 people and it sends

John Monaghan

60,000 tonnes of powder there. “We are the fifthlargest collector of milk locally, that’s about 30,000L. They are mainly smallholder farmers. We had a progamme in place for some time where we have worked on strong farmer development as part of corporate and social responsibility. Sixteen years ago we started with 200 farmers and now we have 3000-4000. “We need overseas supply but we also need a stable operating environment for us to continue to commit and expand. We want to help them with demonstration farms and help them increase their volume production and quality and lend some of our expertise. “The Sri Lankan Government has a stated desire to become self-sufficient in milk production. It is in our interest to help with liquid milk and the quid pro quo is that we have that stable environment and be able to continue to import New Zealand milk powder into that geography.” As a general observation about Sri Lanka, Monaghan says after years of civil war the Government “is now trying to win the peace”. “It is a fast growing economy; they have had rates of economic growth since the end of the war in 2009 of up to 8%. It has slowed a bit to 6% but it is very strong economic growth and it’s an important market to Fonterra. “We’ve made a considerable investment there… the new agreement is a very positive step in creating a more stable operating environment. “It is one of Fonterra’s important markets globally. It is Fonterra’s thirdlargest for whole milk powder and it’s a significant revenue market for Fonterra.”

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

NEWS  // 9

Westland plans $100m dryer ANDREW SWALLOW andrew s@ruralnews.co.nz

WEST APPEARS to be winning over east when it comes to priorities for investment at Westland Milk Products. The Hokitika-based cooperative last week announced its board has approved the first stage of a plan to build a $100m,

3.9t/hour, nutritional dryer complex at its Hokitika headquarters. The move follows supplier meetings earlier this month and leaves resource consents gained in February for three 6t/hour dryers at Rolleston, Canterbury, sitting on the shelf. Some shareholders have voiced concerns the cooperative’s move to collecting milk

from Canterbury is the thin end of the wedge, and if it starts processing there too it will lose its West Coast focus. The board’s approval is for an initial $2m investment in the new nutritional complex at Hokitika, aimed to get it through the resource consent process by February 2014. Subject to consents being granted, final

‘GENUINE’ ANNUAL REPORT AT THIS week’s annual meeting Westland’s shareholders will vote on whether to adopt the recommendations of a comprehensive constitutional review. “We recognised that if Westland is to develop as a company and succeed in its strategic approach, we need to ensure that the constitution remains fit for purpose and secures a platform for success well into the future,” chairman Matt O’Regan says in the cooperative’s annual report. He also pays tribute to independent director David Spence

who stands down at the annual meeting after 12 years with the cooperative: “an incredible record of service for an independent director,” says O’Regan. Westland’s annual report carried the single word “Genuine” on the front cover, a theme touched on in both O’Regan and chief executive Rod Quin’s reports, plus four separate sections, headed “Genuine New Zealand…Farms; Quality; Products; Support”. While neither O’Regan nor Quin

were available for comment last week, the theme appears to be a strategic move by Westland to stress its New Zealand-only supply and grass-roots cooperative structure as a point of difference. “Westland has its roots in a genuine New Zealand dairy culture with a tradition of excellence,” wrote O’Regan. Westland’s annual meeting starts 11am in Shantytown, Wednesday November 27.

A new dryer will be commissioned at Westland’s Hokitika plant in 2015.

board approval for funding to complete the plant should follow, with building starting April 2014 for commissioning August 2015. “The dryer will build our capacity… and give us increased versatility and capacity in the plant to make speciality, high value, products that deliver better returns to shareholders,” says Westland chief executive Rod Quin. “Westland is well placed to fit with the new regulatory market in China and demand for our nutritionals capacity is

already accelerating,” he adds. In February Westland commissioned a $25m nutritional formula plant at Hokitika and last season saw “marked progress” in Westland’s strategy to improve use of its facilities by growing milk supply, processing winter milk for the first time, and entering new markets with value-add products, Quin says. So for the time being at least, the scores on the investment doors at Westland appear to be Hokitika 2, Rolleston 0.

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

10 //  NEWS

Dairy worst culprit in farm injuries, deaths – Govt PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz

WORKPLACE SAFETY inspectors will

be visiting dairy farms in Taranaki and Bay of Plenty in the next two weeks to check on vehicle safety. Information is being gathered for a new farm vehicle safety programme to be implemented next year. The inspectors will look at all vehicles – not just quad bikes – considering everything from maintenance to staff train-

ing and health and safety plans. Enforcement action will be taken if necessary by the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) safety group inspectors but they are also gathering information for the new safety programmes. Dairy farms are the primary focus, says Francois Barton, who heads the ministry’s workplace safety programmes. He told Dairy News this focus was based on ACC entitlement claims figures, where

someone has been away from work for more than five days, indicating serious injury. “Dairy has got the bigger contribution to harm across the agricultural sector as a whole,” he said. Taranaki has the lowest rate of those ACC claims in dairy and Bay of Plenty the highest. “We thought it useful to compare the area with the lower rates versus the area with higher rates.” Barton says the ministry has focused on quad safety for two-three years and it remains a top prior-

ity. But the statistics show a broader vehicle safety programme is needed. This is in the development phase, working with the Agriculture Health and Safety Council, ACC and others. “We want to ensure the approach is fit for purpose, appropriate and realistic. In these two weeks of workplace assessments, when we see things that aren’t right we will call it, and take the appropriate enforcement action. But the purpose is not to catch people. It is to help our understanding of how

Government inspectors will be visiting farms to check on vehicle safety.

vehicle safety is being managed on farms.” Maintenance, training and use, such as guarding, will be looked at. The right vehicles are not being used for the task at hand, leading to accidents. Overarching that are on-farm health and safety

A formal report on findings will contribute to a new vehicle safety plan to be launched in the second half of 2014. The MBIE will also talk to the wider community to assess what organisations are taking leadership on health and safety.

systems and plans, says Barton. They determine how a farm can keep farmers and workers safe. The Taranaki and Bay of Plenty inspections are scheduled for about now – the last week of November and first week of December.

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CHILDREN ARE dying in farm accidents and yet agricultural health and safety performance can only be described as “stubborn”, says Barton. “I know of at least two children in the last year that have been killed on farms; the impact on the community and on the family directly involved is terrible. “Too many people are getting killed and injured on farms. Farming is a critical sector for the New Zealand economy, but it is also a community. “A change is needed and that’s why we are working closely with ACC and want the agricultural community to step up and take ownership on changing behaviours and attitudes towards working safety. That’s what’s needed if we are going to turn the dial on safety performance.” Barton says he would describe health and safety performance in agriculture as “stubborn”. “We are seeing some pockets of improved leadership around the sector but we are not seeing that flow through to people working in a safer way. “The level of performance around accidents and fatalities and other things is stubborn and we need people to do more not less… if we are to get some progress.”

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

NEWS  // 11

Too easy to criticise dairy PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

FEDERATED FARMERS dairy head Willy Leferink believes it’s hard to undo a ten year smear on ‘dirty dairying’ in one year. Speaking to Dairy News last week at the Feds national council meeting in Wellington, Leferink said the environ-

ment is a huge issue for dairying. And while he doesn’t want to lay the blame with the media for the present problems, he says there seems to be no desire on the part of journalists to do deeper research or understand the issues. “It is easy for dairying to be in the dogbox while many cities are not prepared to invest in sewage treatment plants. An example of that is Palmerston North which says it can’t afford a sewage

Farmers backing typhoon-hit Filipinos NEW ZEALAND’S dairy farming community is express-

ing support and sympathy to the Filipino community in the aftermath of Typhoon Haiyan. Filipino dairy workers here have friends and family affected by the typhoon which damaged 500,000 homes and displaced three million people. DairyNZ chairman John Luxton says 8% of employees on New Zealand dairy farms are from the Philippines and are valued in the industry’s workforce. Farmers concerned about affected staff are supporting them through it. Filipino dairy workers in the lower South Island held a ‘Bayaninhan’ – a talent showcase – in Ashburton on Saturday to raise money for typhoon victims, who John Luxton will get all the proceeds, says Maria Cristina Tawatao, Migrante coordinator, Ashburton. Migrante is an organisation which supports urban and rural Filipino migrant workers in New Zealand. Many Filipinos live and work on dairy farms in Canterbury and Southland, Luxton says. “This is a busy time on farms so we are conscious this may be adding to their stress levels, following a hectic spring. I’d urge any workers who have been affected to talk to their employers…. I know a lot of support has already been shown by farmers. “Filipino employees are a vital and much appreciated labour resource for our industry, and for many this will be a tough time – trying to get information about relatives and friends and grieving for lost loved ones and their damaged homeland. “We know they are a close community who actively support each other. We have been in contact with the Filipino Dairy Workers in New Zealand (FDWNZ) group to offer our support and have asked them to let us know of any assistance they might need. “Farmers can also contact us if they need any help or advice in supporting their Filipino staff. We also support the Federated Farmers recommendation that farmers help by donating money to the New Zealand Red Cross.” Federated Farmers told members they should back the international community “just as they backed us during the Canterbury earthquakes”. Many Filipino workers helped out in the aftermath of the earthquake. www.redcross.org.nz

plant but yells and screams about what the farmers put in the river.” Leferink says people are often misinformed by the media about environmental issues, but he doesn’t blame them because they are only as good as the information they get. The farming community has been slack at responding. Farmers must get environmental matters right so they can speak from the “moral high ground”. Leferink says a

recent report by ECAN shows that farmers in mid Canterbury have significantly lifted their environmental performance. This shows in reports that there are few serious breaches of environmental regulations. Leferink says he’d like to see the onus for sustainability not only on farmers but also the wider community. “If people have an opinion on sustainability then I’d also like them to have an

opinion on where their rubbish goes and how sustainable they are in their own households. “They are happy to have a opinion on somebody else but they forget what they are doing at home. For instance, here in Ashburton I am quite saddened to see the amount of rubbish that youngsters leave everywhere. There seems to be two sets of values: one for yourself and one for the others.”

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

12 //  NEWS

Dairy sales lower but REINZ upbeat ANDREW SWALLOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz

DESPITE A record

payout forecast and low interest rates, prices for dairy farms eased in the three months ending October 2013, latest Real Estate Institute of New Zealand (REINZ) figures show. However commentators report some strong sales recently which probably came too late for the data released last week. REINZ rural spokesman Brian Peacocke acknowledges the data may seem a little surprising at first glance but suggests it’s because it’s based on limited sales. Even in October, traditionally a month when turnover starts to pick up, there were only 19 dairy farms exchanged: five in Waikato, four in South-

land, and the rest dotted around the country, he told Dairy News. “There’s a lot of promotional activity in October which typically concludes towards the end of October and through into November.” Anecdotal evidence is of strong sales concluded recently, such as a Canterbury dairy farm that made $52-53,000/ha without shares, he notes. But there is a subtle hardening of attitude among buyers, reflecting market commentary that milk prices will ease next season and beyond, interest rates will start to creep up, and that the kind winter and growthy early spring has turned a little more tricky for many. “Good properties are continuing to generate good demand and sell well but sales are struggling where the vendors’

expectations are out of line with where the market is at. There’s a reasonable supply on the market, but not a great number of top quality properties.” The median price/ ha for the 37 dairy farms sold August-October was $32,701, compared to $34,912, for the three months ended September, when 28 properties sold. The median for the corresponding period last year was $27,368, when just 13 properties sold. However, REINZ’s Dairy Farm Price Index, which adjusts for farm size and location, fell 2.3% compared to October 2012, and by 0.6% in the three months to October compared to the three months to September. Median size of farms sold Aug-Oct this year was 107ha, with median production of the 19 farms sold in October being

846kgMS/ha. Peacocke notes there’s a dairy influence in the better grazing, and in particular, finishing property data too, with dairy buyers looking for farms to grow feed crops and/or rear replacements. “There is a shortage of that type of property.” For the three months ended October the finishing farm median was $21,331/ha across 71 properties sold, compared to $25,338/ha for the three months ended September and $20,402 a year earlier. For grazing farms, the median ended October was $18,750/ha on 157 sales, compared to $17,517/ ha for the three months ended September and $11,671/ha ended October 2012. Across all farm types there were 349 sales in the three months to end of October, and 1629 farms

in the year ended October, 15.6% more than were sold in the year ended October 2012. Not since 2009 have annual sales topped 1600. Median price across all types was $24,590/ha AugOct, compared to $19,872/ ha in the corresponding period a year ago – a 23.7% increase. However the REINZ All Farm Price Index, which adjusts for

differences in farm size, location and farming type, was only up 7.4%. REINZ listed nine

market highlights in its latest rural property report, all of which featured dairy in some way.

‘PREMIUM’ FARMS ON THE MARKET PGG WRIGHTSON predicts four “premium-quality” Mid Canterbury farms will “reanimate” the market in dairy properties. Two established midsize dairy farms at Lowcliffe, and one arable and one livestock unit at Pendarves have been listed for private treaty sales closing early December. “Over the past few months, due to restricted supply, rural property sales activity has been low,” notes local PGW Real Estate manager

Robin Ford. “ While there are plenty of motivated buyers in the market, farm owners have preferred to take the good returns on offer from staying put and making the most of record milk payouts, rather than cashing up and moving on. “As a consequence, demand has exceeded supply and, as highquality properties come onto the market, prices should respond accordingly,” Ford says.

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14 //  NEWS

Technology tour down south ANDREW SWALLOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz

A GROUP of North

Island dairy farmers got an insight into cutting edge dairying in the south earlier this month courtesy of ANZ. The bank took 24 customers from Taranaki, Waikato and Manawatu on a tour of four farms in Canterbury to help them “collaborate on ideas for their own farms and learn from the insights of the farmers in the South Island,” ANZ managing director commercial and agri, Graham Turley, told Dairy News. “The tour enabled us to show insights from different famers in Canterbury on a larger scale that are embracing robotic technology to produce better quality products and higher yields.”

Four farms were visited, including Alvin and Judith Reid’s Riverholme robotic dairy farm, near Pleasant Point, the first farm in the south to install De Laval’s robotic milking system. “It’s great to see how farmers people like Alvin are exploring options of using technology such as automated calf-feeders and robotic milking machines to enhance productivity of the herd while ensuring the wellbeing of each individual cow,” says Turley. The group also visited Pannetts Dairies, a 215ha spray-irrigated cut-andcarry operation with 950 cows fed a total-mixed ration in a free-stall barn and milked through an adjoining 60-bail rotary. While they’ve not gone to robotic milking, there’s a high level of automation in other areas, such

as walk-over weighing and milk metering. The aim is to be sustainable in all respects at high levels of production, maximising return on feed, achieving a good work-life balance for staff and running a healthy herd with minimal environmental impact. Long term the aim is to produce double the milk of a similar sized conventional farm. The third dairy farm on the tour was Camelot Farm, a grazed herd of 560 cows using robotic milking. Cows are individually supplemented to maximise productivity and the Holstein Friesian and Brown Swiss herd includes some of the top producing cows in New Zealand. Another visit was Turley Farms, a 4000ha cropping operation with vertical integration into processing and packaging, notably for wheat through

FORMER

Pleasant Point farmer Alvin Reid talking to the group.

the recently opened Farmers (flour) Mill, Timaru. Turley says tours like the Canterbury one allow the bank to better connect with customers, and it endeavours to do them as often as possible. “A recent international example was our tour to India in April this year. We took 13 of our New Zealand food and beverage customers on an eight-day trip to learn more about the opportunities available in that country.”

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Besides gaining a better understanding of India and its opportunities they were able to tap into ANZ’s network of prospective buyers, customers, business partners and other Kiwi companies already working there, he notes. “In 2012 we hosted a similar trip to Vietnam… Based on the interest in this trip to Canterbury I’m fairly certain we’ll host more in the future.” Riverholme goes robotic – pages 22-23.

DAIRY industry leader Doug Leeder has been appointed chairman of Bay of Plenty Regional Council. He chaired Dairy Insight which merged with Dexcel to form DairyNZ. He is also a former chair of Bay Milk Products. The Bay of Plenty dairy farmer is pleased with the con- Doug Leeder fidence of his fellow councillors. “I’m looking forward to leading this council as we tackle challenges and decisions. It’s an exciting time, and… we are looking to advancing the interests of the region. “As a region, we’re fortunate to have an extensive and impressive environmental landscape that enables us to capture development and recreational opportunities for the benefit of everyone.” Leeder succeeds John Cronin who served four consecutive terms as chairman. Says Leeder, “I would like to acknowledge the huge contribution John Cronin has made to this council and the region over many years. I look forward to working with him and using his institutional knowledge of council and local government.”

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

NEWS  // 15

Co-op farmers reach 90% fencing target FONTERRA FARMERS will by this Sunday

(Dec 1) be only 4000km short of achieving 100% stock exclusion from waterways, says the coop’s chief executive, Theo Spierings. Farmers are expected to reach this 90% mark by their self-imposed deadline after erecting 20,400km of fencing. Of the outstanding 10%, some is likely to be fenced already, but is awaiting inspection. “We can be proud of our cooperative and farmers; it’s been a huge effort to get where we are today,” Spierings says. “Every kilometre completed is added protection for waterways and contributes to clean and green New Zealand.” Of the outstanding 4000km, inspection was still required to verify the work had been done. “This takes time but means our data is accurate and robust,” says Spierings. “The remaining waterways to be fenced are the tough stuff. In many cases, the terrain can be hard to access but we all remain committed to having 100% of waterways with stock exclusion in place. It’s been a massive effort especially given we’ve had farmers who have gone back to square one after having fencing knocked out by floods or storms.” Outside of the Taranaki

region, where the regional council already has a scheme to exclude stock from waterways, Fonterra has mapped all farms. The mapping shows every waterway and fence and, by going farm-to-farm, the cooperative has a clear picture of stock exclusion, and farmers can see clearly which waterways needed fencing. Fonterra is committed to helping farmers lift their environmental performance and reduce their impact on waterways, Spierings says. “Our Supply Fonterra programme makes that commitment real. It makes clear our requirements and offers support on fencing and effluent and nitrogen management… creating change, and continuing to do so. “We share New Zealanders’ concerns about water quality and we recognise we must continue to lift our game in environmental sustainability.” Fonterra visits each of its 10,600 farms and environmental practice is a key topic of discussion, Spierings says. Farmers continue improving and investing in upgrading their effluent management infrastructure to meet co-op and regional council rules. “All this work is part of a 10-year plan for a sus-

Fonterra director global sustainability Bruce Donnison, farmer shareholder Grant Wilson, RD1 managing director Jason Minkhorst and Fonterra chairman John Wilson load up some fencing supplies in February this year.

tainable future that… protects natural resources and underpins the resilience and profitability of our farmers.”

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FENCING EFFORTS IMPRESS FEDS FEDERATED FARMERS has commended Fonterra and its farmers for fencing off 20,400km of farm waterways. “This is a great feat by our dairy farmers to help improve water quality, as about 90% of our dairy members are Fonterra farmers,” says Willy Leferink, Federated Farmers Dairy section chairman. “In two weeks we are looking to have 24,400km of waterways fenced, which is halfway around the world, and if you count the second wire we’ve gone all the way. These are the first steps… to a positive and sustainable dairy future. “It is important to celebrate these successes as tomorrow we have to focus on the next hurdles. With the consultation under the National Policy Statement on Freshwater Management, New Zealand will come together to make workable and long term solutions in everybody’s interest.”

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

16 //  OPINION RUMINATING

EDITORIAL

The conundrum of dairying

MILKING IT... Dunga’s amazing discovery

THE US Department of Agriculture’s agricultural research service (ARS) does some great work on dairying but Milking It had to chuckle at the name of a scientist looking into whether dust and smells from dairy farms carry harmful bacteria, fungi or viruses. Rob Dungan discovered that bio-aerosol concentrations return to normal background levels fairly close to dairies. “So people near these facilities can hopefully breathe a sigh of relief about potential bio-aerosol exposures,” the ARS magazine reports. Good on ya, Dunga’s!

Fenced in by negativity

Robot rounds up cows

Glitches’ end in sight

GUESS WHO’S not happy with Fonterra farmers getting 90% of their waterways fenced by December 1? Fish and Game New Zealand says the fencing “does not go far enough”. It says excluding stock from waterways is only a “small” part of the serious problem New Zealand has with intensive dairy industry degrading freshwater. While it may be a small step towards preserving our waterways, Fonterra farmers should be congratulated on the achievement. Instead of bagging Fonterra, Fish and Game should give credit where it’s due.

TO HERD their cattle, dairy farmers worldwide use everything from specialty dog breeds to quads. Now, researchers at the University of Sydney have come up with a game changer – a robot cowboy named Rover. A video by the university shows it bringing a herd of cattle from field to dairy for milking. The cows were not bothered by the robot’s presence. This is seen as necessary for the broader adoption of robots in the dairy industry. Rover was adapted from a robot used to monitor trees in a fruit orchard.

FONTERRA’S RECENT computer upgrade is not without teething trouble: distribution software glitches have put pressure on milk supplies to supermarkets. The co-op says the new SAP software system had affected the distribution of its Mainland and Anchor products nationwide. But it expects a solution by the end of next week. Fonterra was busy changing its computer system when the false botulism scare erupted, hampering resolution of the crisis.

AT LONG last some decent hard data is starting to emerge about the impacts of the dairying on the environment, and the national and local economies. The recent Nimmo Bell and the Parliamentary Commissioner for Environment reports, on the impacts of various scenarios on ‘controlling’ dairying, highlights how important the cow is to New Zealand. We once lived off the sheep’s back – not any more. We now depend on a creature with four teats that dominates our landscape from North Cape to Bluff and in places where it was assumed only sheep could graze. Conversion shows no signs of stopping. Dairying is to many regions what coal is to the West Coast. The economies of many rural towns and communities are dominated by the cow. It’s not just the money the farmer earns from good dairy prices, but all the associated industries dairying has spawned. Dairying may be a dirty word to some, but the cow is king or queen when it comes to dollars. The conundrum facing communities is that curbing dairy production to reduce the environmental footprint may come at the cost of jobs in heartland New Zealand. Cutting cow numbers to cut N leaching means cutting jobs down the line. The answer is hopefully in new farm systems, better technology and quality data that will drive better policy decisions. Projects at the Massey University dairy farms are expected to provide answers. But it seems inevitable that farmers themselves will have to change the way they farm and the community will have to accept those changes in order to retain wealth in rural New Zealand. Communities may be faced with sacrificing jobs for cleaner waterways. These are some of the most challenging times the rural sector has faced in recent years. What emerges in the next five years may be very different from what we see today.

GOT SOMETHING ON YOUR MIND? GOT SOMETHING on your mind about the latest issues affecting our dairy industry? Put your pen to paper or your fingers to your keyboard, and let our readers know what you think. Contact us by either post or email. Don’t forget to put your name and address. Note: Letters may be edited. POST TO: LETTER TO THE EDITOR PO BOX 3855, AUCKLAND 1140. OR EMAIL: dairynews@ruralnews.co.nz

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

OPINION  // 17

NZ-Thai trade on the move PRIMARY INDUSTRIES Minister Nathan Guy last week addressed the Executive Roundtable in Bangkok, Thailand. He spoke about challenges facing New Zealand agriculture and our trade with Thailand. Here are edited excerpts from his speech:

a priority for New Zealand farmers, who have invested heavily in sustainable and efficient farm management systems. This has led to industryled voluntary initiatives helping reduce environmental impact, and improving efficiency and enhancing brand value. An increased focus on animal welfare has led to stronger animal welfare laws, and cooperation between government, NGOs and industry. We are also investing heavily in science, research and development. The Government and industry are jointly investing $684 million in what is known as the Primary Growth Partnership. And increased focus on consumer welfare has led to the development of a world class food safety system. A lot of publicity has surrounded New Zealand’s food safety systems in the wake of the recent whey protein contamination issue – a false alarm. This incident should not have happened and the fact it was a false alarm is no excuse for doing nothing. The New Zealand Government is undertaking a full inquiry to identify the causes and ways to further strengthen our system. New Zealand is committed to openness and transparency in food safety. If there is a chance our food poses a health risk, we will come forward. Nothing is more important to a food producing nation than its reputation, and we are committed to upholding ours. I recently attended the launch of ASEAN strategy by our Prime Minister John Key in Auckland. The strategy centres on a strong shared history and a stronger future for 12 South East Asian nations including New Zealand and Thailand.

The ASEAN - Australia - New Zealand FTA is to provide a platform for regional growth for the 650 million consumers in our region. This is not a zero sum game, because New Zealand’s growth is not at Thailand’s expense and vice versa. Thailand, the second largest ASEAN economy, is in the fastest growing region in the world – a region with an expanding middle class increasingly demanding high value, high quality and sustainably produced food and beverage products. It is in the interests of both New Zealand and Thailand to do business together, share ideas and learn from and build on each other’s strength and expertise. Two way trade between New Zealand and Thailand is currently worth $2.2 billion, a doubling since 2005. About 100 New Zealand companies export to Thailand or are interested in doing so. Dairy products account for almost half our exports to Thailand, worth close to $300 million. In total, our food and beverage exports to this nation total about $450 million. More opportunities are opening for New Zealand companies in the higher priced commodities and valueadded food and beverage products as Thai incomes increase. Both our prime ministers have committed to doubling trade by 2020 and that’s why this visit is so important to keep us focused on that end goal. One of the biggest challenges over the coming decades will be how to ensure our food production keeps pace with the ever growing demand. This presents challenges for our two countries, but by working together we can all prosper together. @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews

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Thai Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra on a South Auckland farm earlier this year with Fonterra chairman John Wilson.

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

18 //  AGRIBUSINESS

Dairy world’s sustainability push will raise its mana and Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand director Kimsudeshk@ruralnews.co.nz berly Crewther showed initiatives were underway in these countries. Crewther spoke about the ‘SusTHE GLOBAL dairy industry’s tainable dairying; water accord’ holistic approach to sustainability launched by the industry earlier will improve its credentials, says this year. International Dairy Federation Hill expects the DSF to continue president Jeremy Hill. to grow. Apart from reducing dairy’s “It’s already part of impact on natural resources, the way we are looking it will contribute to dietary “Can you imagine if we addressing sustainabilquality and nutrient adequacy had hundreds of different ity in New Zealand and worldwide, says Hill. it’s already part of the The IDF launched its ways of determining water Dairy Sustainability Frame- footprints, carbon footprints way FrieslandCampina work (DSF) last month at the and of tackling issues related is looking at sustainability as part of its World Dairy Summit in Yokoto biodiversity?” commercial operation. hama, Japan. The summit heard that in some our sector to take a leadership posi- That’s to be expected because we did not create this DSF in the countries, like New Zealand and tion in sustainability.” The DSF was finalised earlier abstract and then look to persuade Netherlands, industry-led initiatives were already underway to this year after at least 100 individ- people to use it. We’ve used pracmake the dairy chain more sus- ual interviews, several global work- tical experience in order to help shops and reviews of 80 dairy and shape it. “ tainable. One of its great strengths is Hill told Dairy News the DSF 20 non-dairy sustainability initiathat it “spirals both ways”. “As will help those countries whose tives worldwide. Designed on three principles – we get greater understanding on sustainability credentials aren’t as advanced as New Zealand’s and align, connect and progress – it can how we need to look at biodiverNetherlands’ to learn from their be integrated in existing and new sity from a global perspective that activities at all levels in the dairy understanding spirals down into experiences. the regional, national or organisaWithout global standardized value chain. Presentations at the summit tional view. methods a concerted sector wide “But at the same time the underapproach to sustainability it would by Dutch co-op FrieslandCampina SUDESH KISSUN

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standing we gain from looking at the specifics of the biodiversity issue at the local level can spiral upwards to help our understanding at a global level. This applies to all 11 categories in the DSF.” Hill says the DSF is flexible and doesn’t impose on organisations. “We are not saying we all have to arrive at the same place in all the areas; we are saying this is how sustainability should be looked at collectively by the sector. “It’s not about standard or prescriptive outcomes but about common understanding enabling a more aligned approach to progress in all important aspects of sustainability. “This common understanding cascades all the way down to where the rubber hits the road… where people actually do something. It helps with alignment for those organisations that are active already and also for those organisations less advanced or that haven’t looked at particular aspects of the complex sustainability picture to learn from other organisations.” • Sudesh Kissun attended the World Dairy Summit with assistance from Asia NZ Foundation.

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extra cost of $11/ha for SustaiN (applied at 100kg N/ha) was readily recouped, the company says. While in one wheat trial SustaiN only produced slightly more grain yield than urea, at the second site, SustaiN at about 100kg N/ha outyielded urea at the same rate by at least 0.5 t grain/ha. This highlights the risk of reduced nitrogen efficiency through ammonia volatilisation with urea. At a grain price of $400/t, the extra 0.5 t grain/ha would be worth an extra $200/ha, making the extra $11/ha for SustaiN worthwhile. In the maize trial, at 100kg N/ha

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the $11/ha extra cost resulted in an even greater increase in grain yield of 2.6 t/ha. At a maize grain price of $500/t, this would return $1300/ha more, easily recouping the added fertiliser cost. Ballance science manager Aaron Stafford says the maize yields could have been better given the trials took place during the drought, so lower-than-average grain yields were achieved. “This trial work carried out by independent researchers supports our position that [spending] a little more is worth the money, given the results of the trials.” The trials were done in plots

10m x 3m; there were 10 replicate plots for each treatment. This was done to ensure large areas were harvested with high replication, so as to minimise background crop yield variability, which can easily mask product performance benefits. In one Waikato maize trial, SustaiN applied at 100kg N/ha achieved similar yields to standard urea and SustaiN applied at 200kg N/ha. This highlights the need to apply only the amount of nitrogen required to grow the crop, but at the same time ensuring the nitrogen being applied is effective.

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

AGRIBUSINESS  // 19

Fonterra backs super typhoon relief effort FONTERRA HAS

donated $100,000 towards the typhoon relief and recovery efforts in the Philippines. The co-op’s donation to ChildFund New Zealand will help provide food, water and essential hygiene items, and help to establish safe spaces for children. Asia programmes manager for ChildFund New Zealand Sally Hewlett praised Fonterra’s support and understanding of the need for urgency. “They have also kindly offered their local Philippines staff as volunteers for ChildFund’s relief efforts.” ChildFund’s first efforts are in three of the hardest-hit areas: Ormoc, Roxas and Tacloban. “ChildFund was among the first international aid workers to reach the city of Ormoc, reporting almost total devastation. The chaotic conditions will be frightening for already vulnerable children so we urgently need

to set up safe spaces and get aid to them,” says Hewlett. Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings says the cooperative is encouraging its farmers and employees to make personal donations. “We have close ties with the Philippines having been in the market for many years with a considerable local workforce. Our thoughts are with our Fonterra family in the Philippines and we are confident the funds raised through ChildFund will be used in the best way possible.” Hewlett says it’s vital everyone, from individuals to organisations, work together. “We applaud Fonterra’s commitment and hope other businesses will follow suit.” Since 2011 Fonterra has partnered with ChildFund in the development of children under five living in extreme poverty in Asia by supporting early childhood development services with health

Milk scheme gets green light for recycling FONTERRA‘S MILK for Schools scheme has gained accreditation to the Ministry of Environment’s recycling product stewardship scheme. This recognises effective disposal of used packaging and education efforts in schools and their communities. Fonterra director of global sustainability and social responsibility Carly Robinson says all schools that sign up to the scheme get a recycling bin, bin liners and free collection by Fonterra to ensure all milk packs are recycled. Not only is it recycling, “it’s also to educate Kiwi kids on the importance of recycling [via] recycling guideline packs, a recycling video, and visits by representatives to each school to ensure they understand the programme.” All packaging collected is taken to a Fonterra site to be baled, then is sent overseas to complete the recycling process. The milk packs are made into roof tiles, books and paper. “There are no facilities in New Zealand able to recycle this type of packaging. Facilities in Malaysia and Thailand are the nearest and most eco-efficient,” says Robinson. Almost 7000 recycling bins have been made by New Zealand manufacturer Sulo-Talbot for Fonterra Milk for Schools. It provides discount-price bins made of up to 60% recycled milk bottles. Fonterra Milk for Schools is the tenth product stewardship scheme accredited in New Zealand under the Waste Minimisation Act 2008.

and education, and rehabilitating early childhood centres. ChildFund has worked in the Philippines for nearly 60 years. It is coordinating its relief efforts with local partners, other

aid agencies and the government. Donations to ChildFund’s Philippines emergency appeal can be made by either calling 0800 223 111 or online www.childfund.org.nz

Trail of destruction... the aftermath of Super Typhoon Haiyan in Tacloban.

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

20 //  MANAGEMENT

Uni’s farm trial impresses PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz

FIFTY MANAWATU

dairy farmers went back to university for a half day last week to hear about and see a major research project that could benefit them and others nationwide. The Tokomaru/Linton DairyNZ discussion group were guests at Massey University’s No 4 Dairy farm where a four year trial to compare the use of a cow house system versus the standard grazing system is getting underway. The project – Pastoral 21 – involves DairyNZ, Fonterra, Dairy Companies Association of New Zealand, Beef + Lamb NZ and the Ministry of Business, Innova-

tion and Employment. It is intended to show how to profitably increase pastoral production while reducing farm environmental footprint. The visiting farmers farm on Tokomaru silt loam, notoriously prone to pugging or cow treading damage during winter and early spring. Research by Massey soil scientists shows that the soils can be prone to such damage for up to eleven days in a row. Managing the trial is Dr Christine Christensen, whose Massey PhD looked at ways of reducing nitrate leaching by reducing urine spots on pasture. “What we are doing here is seeing how to increase our productivity by using housing, while reducing our environmental footprint. We aim to do the research so farmers

can make informed management decisions. “We’ll house cows for some of the time to reduce treading damage in the winter and early spring, and through the late summer-autumn months to reduce nitrate leaching and the urinary load on paddocks. “While the cows are being housed inside we can collect the effluent and spread it back onto pastures evenly and we anticipate high pasture production from doing that as well as reducing treading damage.” The original herd at No 4 has been split into two, with 200 cows in each group. Christensen says because of the large number of cows involved in each herd, the data will be relevant to farmers “It’s a real farm and we are

The Tokomaru/Linton discussion group at Massey’s No4 Dairy farm.

demonstrating real situations. There are farmers doing it all over New Zealand and we are just putting the numbers to it.” Working on the project are soil scientists, agronomists, farm systems

experts and animal behaviouralists; the leader is Professor Mike Hedley. Massey has set up a farmer reference group to provide feedback to the scientists throughout the trial. This is a concept

Massey has also adopted at its new once-a-day research project at No 1 Dairy farm. While No 4 Dairy is not in a ‘sensitive’ catchment as defined by Horizons Regional Council’s ‘One

Plan’, researchers on this project will take a ‘measure-everything’ approach to gain as much data as possible for the ultimate users of the information – farmers. Farmers, who attended

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MANAGEMENT  // 21

farmer visitors the discussion group, were impressed. For many the concept of a ‘cow house’ appeals given the pugging or treading problems they have to deal with each year. For some cost is a factor. Alistair White, who runs 350 cows at Tokomaru, was most impressed. “I think trials like this are brilliant. It takes farmers’ opinions out of it. It’s an important trial with herd homes becoming a hot topic for dairying. Running two trials on two farms side by side under one management system is great.” Others were equally impressed, especially by Massey involving farmers in their research work to make sure there is a practical dimension to a highly technical trial.

HOUSING COWS NOW MORE COMMON WHEN DRIVING down the tanker track to the No 4 Dairy shed, one’s eyes are automatically drawn to the new $1.4 million free stall barn that will house the 200 cows. Cow houses multiply as environmental regulations get tighter and cows are being farmed in climates and on land where 20 years ago sheep reigned supreme. The cow house is an impressive sight and the finishing touches are being done before the cows move in. The trial will look at cow comfort and will include quantifying how cows adapt to being housed indoors for part of the time. “For the initial feeding trial they’ll be split into subsets of 50 cows and they will get to choose their own bed,” Christensen says. “The split will be based on their weight and production. “For bedding we are using a variety of systems to see the activity of cows when they come into

The new $1.4 million free stall barn.

the barn because the longer they spend lying down, the higher the milk production. We have different bedding systems including sand, canvas-covered foam – some with sawdust spread on it – and a rubber wing flex material.” Lighting will also be controlled with lights out normally about 9 pm. But while the cows will be housed inside for part of the time, they will get most of their feed from pasture. It is certainly not envisaged to run a ‘cut and carry’ feed system, says Christensen. “So they will be put out to graze and brought back at critical times. In the winter and early spring they’ll be brought in to reduce treading damage and they’ll get pasture and maize silage inside. In the autumn they’ll be brought in at night to reduce urinary loans on paddocks, Christensen told Dairy News.”

Christine Christensen says the project looks at increasing production while housing cows.

Impressed... farmer Alister White.

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

22 //  MANAGEMENT

Southern vanguard De Laval has sold 10,000 of its Voluntary Milking System (VMS) units globally but only a handful are in New Zealand, and until recently all were in the North Island. Andrew Swallow reports. RIVERHOLME ROBOTIC dairy farm is

Pleased as punch... Alvin Reid watches cows coming in for milking and/or to go to new pasture. The VMS drafts them accordingly.

at the forefront of dairying in the South Island for more reasons than one: not only is it the first with De Laval’s robotic milkers installed; it’s also among

the first to feel the constraints of Environment Canterbury’s Land and Water Regional Plan. The 132ha (eff) farm, just outside Pleasant Point in South Canterbury, is owned by the Reid

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family trust which has several other dairy farms in the district. This one was previously used to raise replacements and for wintering. Then nearly a year ago the trust started the conversion process, firstly seeking consents. Pretty quickly they ran into the complexities of Canterbury’s new regulatory process, which was notified August 2012. “Ten months ago, rather like a lot of farmers I expect, I didn’t think these nutrient limits were going to be an issue for us but we spent six months trying to get a consent and we had to learn pretty quickly what we might have to do in the future,” Alvin Reid told a visiting group of ANZ bank staff and clients recently. When the decision on his application came through he was “pretty grumpy” to find he would be limited to 400 cows on a farm he’d hoped to milk 550 on, but after a few days mulling things over with a consultant, they decided to proceed and work on management tweaks over the coming years to increase cows and output within their nutrient loss limit. “The resource consent is for 42kgN/ha leakage… When the farm was in drystock the model Cupping on... the robot finds the first teat.

[Overseer] came out with 38kgN/ha so we can only go 10% over that or the consent would be notified,” explained Reid. An example of their efforts to drive down losses, while increasing production, is pasture choice. All paddocks being renewed are sown with a ryegrass, clover, chicory and plantain mix, for which there’s strong science to show it reduces cow nitrogen excretion. However, as Reid commented to the ANZ group, at present Overseer doesn’t differentiate between those and standard pastures. He’s hopeful in due course that will become part of the model, and while frustrated by the constraints on his business, he welcomes the output approach Environment Canterbury has taken to implementing central Government’s National Policy Statement on Freshwater Quality. “The last thing we need is an inputs model. That would just stifle innovation.” Innovation is something Reid’s no stranger to: he was the first in the region to feed cows on vegetable waste from local processing factories; he’s built his own automated calf-feeders (Dairy News,

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

MANAGEMENT  // 23

for robotic milking August 28, 2012) and sold a number commercially; and now he’s the first in the South Island to deploy De Laval’s Voluntary Milking System (VMS). Including the six-robot shed, races, fencing and a little irrigation development – “we had to put in a new well and pump” – the conversion has cost $2.5m. In Europe some farms using the VMS have cows coming in for milking three times a day, but typically that’s for indoor herds on total mixed ration feeds. Reid’s set-up allows them to come in every eight hours if they wish but in practice he expects they’ll settle into a routine of coming through the shed, on the way to fresh pasture, twice daily. Dominant animals will likely stick to the times they’re used to, especially as the herd will be introduced to the VMS mid season. Less confident cows will likely learn to avoid the rush and, ironically, become the leaders in terms of spreading milking times. “We’ve a lot to learn over the next few months. De Laval tell me the farmer’s habits are harder to break than the cows’,” Reid commented to the ANZ audience. Once the herd is trained, the aim is to run the farm with a manager and two part-timers, but over the next month there will be some long days,

Cows stroll in to be milked by robots.

and nights, with more people on hand getting the herd trained. First milking for any cow through the VMS in particular takes longer as the cow’s teat configuration is scanned by the robot and stored in its memory. Despite that Reid put 150 cows through his VMS shed on its first day of operation. As part of a DairyNZ voluntary milking system discussion group he’s spent several months looking and learning from others who have already gone down the robot route. He also acknowledges the considerable support the manufacturer has, and is, giving. “The De Laval technical and system teams have added immense value to this whole development.” To break even each robot needs to be collecting at least 2000L/ day of milk, Reid calcu-

lates. Long-term the aim is to have a herd of 500kg crossbred cows pumping out at least their own bodyweight in milksolids every year. He won’t be winter milking, or using a lot of meal, though he notes putting more grain into the system seems to reduce the nutrient footprint as calculated by Overseer. “So we may be forced to [use more meal] by our resource consent.” Down the track Reid reckons activity meters will be a useful addition to the automation, notably for heat detection. When there’s the technology to do that reliably, it will be a big breakthrough. It’s a subject he’s put considerable personal effort into in the past, spending weeks up a stepladder taking photos of tail paint – rubbed or not – as proof of concept for LIC.

Automated sensors at milking will likely be part of the solution too, he believes. His VMS measures speed of milk letdown, which can be one indication of heat, and other indicators such as body temperature may well be integrates in the future, he believes. Exactly how herd testing will be done is still to be determined but Reid anticipates they’ll set up two robots to take samples so the whole herd can be sampled within three days. “It costs about $12,000 extra per robot to set it up for milk samples.” Yard washdown will be automated, triggered once a set number of cows have passed through but only when there are few or no cows in the yard. Operator accuracy in recording details such as antibiotic treatments will be essential, he notes.

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

24 //  ANIMAL HEALTH/NUTRITION

Maximising the productive value of heifers SOME HEIFERS are

calving at only 82% of their mature weight rather than the target of 90%, says animal nutrition company SealesWinslow, citing recent dairy industry statistics. And the company says because some farmers struggled to keep condition on stock during the drought last year, more feed may be needed to help heifers to reach target

weights. SealesWinslow nutritionist Wendy Morgan says helping heifers to reach their target weight by the time they calve results in the animals being more profitable in the herd, using the nutrients and energy from pasture for production of milk solids rather than for growth. “Research has shown that well grown heifers are

more successful at getting back in calf, cope better in the herd with mature cows and produce a higher level of milk solids,” says Morgan. Good nutrition will also boost chances of heifers conceiving, because underweight cows will prioritise their energy to support maintenance. “If the cow is not getting enough energy to support maintenance and

growth, she will not have the spare energy available for getting in calf, or even to show she is cycling, which in itself is an energy demanding activity.” The lack of size of heifers is shown clearly in the data available from the LIC/DairyNZ New Zealand Dairy Statistics 2011-12, Seales Winslow says. The data reports an average weight of a Holstein-Friesian at 2 years of

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age (first calver) at 420kg, whereas by the age of 6 (fourth calving) she has grown to about 515kg, an increase of 95kg. Therefore, she is only calving in at 82% of her mature weight rather than the target of 90% (464kg). If heifers are being grazed on a run off block away from the main farm, there are convenient feed

options available. “Products such as Ricebran pellets, rich in essential fatty acids important in improving herd fertility, can be fed out in troughs in the paddock due to the slow release starches they contain. “They are also rich in starch and contain most vitamins including B and E, phosphorus and other

minerals, protein, fat and easily digested fibre… a concentrated combination of starch and high quality fat which supports condition and energy balance for mating.” Morgan recommends agreeing liveweight targets for heifers with graziers to ensure growth stays on track throughout the duration of grazing.

Non-chem Cali control GOT THISTLES? Are they the Californian, creeping type? If so, and a few of them look like the one pictured here, Lincoln University’s biological husbandy unit wants to hear from you. The reason is they could be suffering from white tip fungus, Phoma macrostoma, which Canadian scientists have developed as biological herbicide. “If white tip disease were found to be already present in New Zealand, this may help streamline the importation of the bio-herbicide and give Kiwi farmers and growers a new option in the battle against Californian thistle,” says the university’s Charles Merfield. There are no records of the disease in New Zealand but that doesn’t mean it’s not here, hence the unit’s search.

Thistle rust, puccinia punctiformis, is here, but rust affected thistles aren’t quite so pale and they have pustules all over the underside of leaves. Email charles.merfield@bhu.org.nz, ideally with an image of the affected plant(s), or call 021 02318901.

0800 745 297 – garyb@ipnz.co.nz

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

ANIMAL HEALTH  // 25

Are you antimicrobial aware? ANDREW SWALLOW andrews@ruralnews.co.nz

VETS HAVE called on

rural New Zealand communities, dairy included, to work with them to ensure antimicrobial medicines are used wisely. In a statement to mark International Antibiotic Awareness Week (November 18-24) the New Zealand Veterinary Association said it was timely to remind New Zealanders of the potential threat of resistance.

News he’s not aware of any recorded case of resistance to products used in the New Zealand dairy industry, but that’s no reason not to be vigilant, especially as numerous cases have been recorded overseas. “A lot more information needs to be gathered [here] and awareness raised.” Besides the potential for resistance to render products ineffective, this having animal welfare and production considerations, there’s a danger

avoided. “For example, using dry cow therapy because of poor hygiene. That sort of thing may mean we don’t have access to products in the future.” The right product for the right disease is also a key. There have always been antibiotics that don’t

Dr Steve Merchant

work, or don’t work well, against certain pathogens. In some cases it may be that an older, probably cheaper product is the best to use, without going to the “top-shelf” range. Equally, there will be times where the cheapest and easiest to use product isn’t the most appropriate.

Merchant stresses the importance of working with the vet, not just asking for the prescription. “Consumer demand for antimicrobials to treat animal disease must be balanced by client/consumer education [including pet owners, as well as

farmers and farm managers] to protect against poor or ineffective use which can encourage resistance to develop…. Veterinarians play the predominant role here, supported by industry and regulators to ensure consistent messages are delivered.”

“Animal and human health have always been interlinked.” “After more than 70 years since the first use of penicillin in human medicine there are a number of bacteria in circulation across the world that are resistant to one or more antimicrobial drugs,” says NZVA president Dr Steve Merchant. “Animal and human health have always been interlinked, and bacteria resistant to drug therapy can be passed from animals to humans, and vice versa. Therefore veterinarians and human health physicians have an obligation to continue to work together on this key issue.” Merchant told Dairy

products which are effective in dairy may be withdrawn by “the powers that be” if there’s correlation, or even just a concern of a correlation, between veterinary use and human [pathogen] resistance. That’s particularly the case with drugs used in food producing animals, such as dairy cows, he notes. To mitigate those risks, inappropriate use of antibiotics in farming – either because the antibiotic isn’t the best for that purpose, or because alternative methods of treatment or prevention could have prevented the need for the antibiotic – need to be

‘DON’T INFECT, DON’T EXPECT, DO PROTECT’ EUROPE NOMINATES November 18 as European Antibiotic Awareness Day and the British Veterinary Association (BVA) issued animal owners a similar reminder to the NZVA’s, with the message ‘Don’t Infect, Don’t Expect, Do Protect’. Don’t infect – keep animals healthy through preventive treatment, good nutrition and hygiene. Don’t expect – like in human health not every illness requires antibiotics. Do protect – antibiotics must be used according to instructions on the label and a course must be completed even if the animal is getting better. “Our simple message of Don’t Infect, Don’t Expect, Do Protect should help owners to follow good practice and ensure that antibiotics continue to work for all animals and humans,” says BVA past president Peter Jones. The BVA says the problem of antibiotic resistant bugs in humans is primarily the result of antibiotic use in people, rather than veterinary use, but animal use is an important factor contributing to the wider pool of resistance.

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

26 //  ANIMAL HEALTH / FEED

Crop options for late planting IF YOU are farming in a warmer district and your feed budget is showing a summer or early autumn feed deficit, it is not too late to plant forage sorghum x sudan grass or hybrid maize for silage or greenfeed. These crops are also excellent options if you have encountered establishment issues and have “patchy” brassica crops. Forage sorghum x sudan grass Forage sorghum x sudan grass is an excellent option for summer feed in warmer districts, producing good yields in a relatively short time-frame even under dry growing conditions. Because it grows rapidly, forage sorghum x sudan

grass can be grazed or harvested at 80 - 100 cm in height in as little as 35 - 45 days after planting. Unlike many other crops which must be grazed when they are mature, forage sorghum x sudan grass is versatile. It can be grazed, but if the feed is not required it can also be harvested as silage or hay and stored for feeding at a later date when there is a genuine feed deficit. When harvested at the optimum stage (80 100 cm in height) it has good energy and protein levels. Pioneer® brand Bettagraze is a proven forage sorghum x sudan grass hybrid. Key benefits of Bettagraze

Crop End Use

Method of Planting

include: ■■ Rapid early growth and quick recovery after grazing ■■ Delayed flowering for easier management ■■ High sugar content, fine stems and a high leaf-to-stem ratio for excellent palatability and feed value. Hybrid maize Maize is also an excellent late-planting option producing high yields of quality drymatter even under dry growing conditions. There are two options if you are planting a crop in late November or early December. In warmer districts it is possible to plant a short maturity maize hybrid (e.g. Pioneer® brand 38H20, 38V12 or 39G12) and have it ready for silage harvest in April. Alternatively a crop of greenfeed maize (e.g.

Seed Option

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Pioneer® brand maize hybrid – please contact your local Pioneer area manager for your region-specific recommendation

Forage King) can be green-fed throughout the late summer and autumn. The method of planting and maize seed choice will be determined by how you plan to use the crop. The feed value for greenfeed maize is in the range 10.3 - 10.8 MJME/ kgDM with higher energy levels being achieved as the grain content increases. Utilisation will be maximised if the crop is cut and carried to the stock. Harvesting options include single row choppers (though the crop must be precision planted in 76 cm rows to allow efficient harvest) or flail type silerators. Greenfeed maize can also be breakfed. Feeding behind an electric wire

reduces crop wastage from trampling. Care should be taken when greenfeeding crops which have high amounts of grain present, as excessive grain intake can lead to acidosis (also known as grain overload). Maize silage If you are looking for total drymatter yield and don’t require the feed until April, a short maturity maize silage hybrid is the best option. Talk to your local merchant representative or phone the Pioneer advice line toll-free on 0800 PIONEER (0800 746633) for a regionspecific hybrid recommendation. • Ian Williams is a Pioneer forage specialist. Email iwilliams@genetic.co.nz.

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

ANIMAL HEALTH  // 27

Vets’ team efforts help productivity TURNING VETS into an

advisory team for Waikato dairy farmers makes sense, says Anexa Animal Health spokesman Terry Youngman, commenting on the practice’s Herd Plus advisory service. Anexa Animal Health is an association veterinary practice with clinics in Morrinsville, Matamata, Te Aroha, Rototuna, Gordonton, Huntly, Te Kauwhata, Ngaruawahia and Raglan. The practice has an R&D arm called Cognosco.

says. This could include better understanding of specific bacteria causing mastitis, and breaking down infections by cow age, lactation stage and repeat offenders. Cognosco is headed by dairy researcher Dr Scott McDougall. Cognosco enables the Herd Plus advisors to pick up the latest in herd research work and apply it to their clients’ situations. A cluster of experts “under one umbrella brand means a problem

“Farmers need to regard vets as more than an ‘ambulance’ service called in to repair problems as they arise in dairy herds.” Youngman says farmers need to regard vets as more than an ‘ambulance’ service called in to repair problems as they arise in dairy herds. Instead, vets are ideally suited to helping raise the productivity of dairy herds. And for dairy farmer clients the advisory service helps make the most of the strong payout without ramping up farm expenses as happened in 2007-2008. Says Youngman, “The aim is to deliver advice on key areas of concern for dairy farmers who want to lift herd profitability, without necessarily having to incur major capital or operating expenses in the process.” Herd Plus has ten staff, including vets said to be known locally and nationally to dairy farmers – Andy Collier, Katrina Roberts and Katie Denholm. Collectively they have expertise in nutrition, reproduction, mastitis, hoof care and body condition scoring. Roberts helped set up DairyNZ’s InCalf programme nationally and has extensive dairy research experience. Roberts and Denholm both have post graduate qualifications in veterinary epidemiology, enabling herd data analysis to help farmers better understand the ‘whys’ behind dairy herd problems, Youngman

shared is a problem solved,” says Collier. “It could be one consultant is focussing on reproduction issues, and recognises body condition score is a problem. They can discuss that and bring the expertise of another consultant to assess what can be done there.” Such advice adds value, not cost, to a farmer’s business, he says. In some areas it can be straight cash benefits. For example, an increase in a cow’s body condition score from 4.0 to 5.0 will result in an extra 15kgMS production, with extra health and reproductive gains on top. “But there are other benefits not purely financial. Specialty advice on lameness may mean less time spent trimming hooves, a job no one likes. Every farmer will be different in what they want to get from the advice available.” With farmer clients, the vets work through a ‘plan-do-review’ process. During regular visits throughout the year, progress towards goals is reviewed and discussions held on what has, and has not, been achieved during the season before it is too late to adjust. Denholm sees the Herd Plus approach putting the farmer “at the centre of their own farming universe”.

“They then have these experts orbiting around with their skills, and can use them as specific issues arise in their farming business. ” This is said to contrast with the more

common approach of one vet as an expert in all areas. Herd Plus vets (from left) Andy Collier, Katrina Roberts and Katie Denholm.

“We’ve had a great run - thanks to our vet support, and the proven performance of Eprinex®” Tom Goodwright, 2nd generation dairy farmer, Waiuku

EPRINEX® delivers on herd reproduction, and more milk. For more information on EPRINEX® and getting the most out of your stock, visit your local vet. PROUDLY AVAILABLE FROM YOUR VETERINARY CLINIC Merial is a Sanofi company. MERIAL NZ LTD LEVEL 3, MERIAL BUILDING, OSTERLEY WAY, MANUKAU. AUCKLAND CITY, NEW ZEALAND, WWW.MERIALANCARE.CO.NZ REGISTERED PURSUANT TO THE ACVM ACT 1997 NO. A7191 | SEE WWW.FOODSAFETY.GOVT.NZ/ACVM/ FOR REGISTRATION CONDITIONS | NZ-13-EPR-069.

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

28 //  EFFLUENT AND WATER MANAGEMENT

New stirrer needs little maintenance A NEW effluent pond stirrer to be released soon will require limited maintenance and carry a two-year warranty – almost unheard of in the dairy industry, says manufacturer Plucks Engineering. The company, which invented and developed the cone-shaped ‘enviro saucer’ pond, expects its new offering to impress farmers. Plucks first introduced its range of effluent pond stirrers four years ago, using only 1.1kW of power for 24/7 stirring to keep ponds biologically active by supporting oxygen and day light input. By keeping most of the solids in suspension all the time, such a pond can be pumped out any time. The new stirrers retain the low-pow-

Pluck’s latest offering – a new pond stirrer.

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ered motors and large blade under the surface, as well as the drive system and steady bearings above the water line, But the new models are now powered through an in-line planetary gearbox/ motor combo, supported by two 40mm steady bearings that do not need greasing. They also have a new style of anti-snag blade. The machines arrive onfarm ready to be assembled and afloat “in just a few minutes”, complete with under frame blade protection to prevent damage to the pond liner. The new range will be offered in a motor range from 0.75kW for small sumps and tanks to 5.5kW for ponds typically 2 million litres and bigger.

Tel. 0800 PLUCKS

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

EFFLUENT AND WATER MANAGEMENT  // 29

Capture and spread effluent evenly A FARM dairy effluent system’s main purpose is to capture and apply effluent to land, but it must also be safe and comply with the rules, says DairyNZ. Spreading effluent maximises the beneficial use of nutrients for plant growth and minimises contamination of water, DNZ points out. Key objectives to be considered at the design stage include: capturing all effluent, timely and uniform spreading of effluent, controlling application to within the boundaries of the application area, safety, and complying with respective regional council regulations. DairyNZ says while system management is ultimately left to the buyer, the design must achieve a high standard – assuming the farmer runs it correctly. “A FDE system must collect all the animal excreta deposited in contained areas, as well as any other material coming into contact with it. In addition to the milking shed, this must include

any stand-off areas, feed pads, housing areas and stock underpasses where effluent collects.” The FDE system must handle the required volume and consistency of effluent being produced and the peak flow rate without blocking, overflowing or leaking. Collection systems must be capable of removing all FDE from the milking area after each milking. Stormwater runoff from areas not in contact with effluent (e.g. from the dairy shed roof ) should be diverted away from the FDE system, unless the extra water is wanted for a specific reason. Water is required for washdown of the dairy shed, and periodically for washing other areas such as stand-off areas and feed pads. Drains must handle the peak flow of effluent without blocking, overflowing, or leaking. A minimum operating water veloc-

ity of 0.8 m/s should be maintained in all drains so that solids do not settle and cause blockages, says DairyNZ. “All drains which contain or transport FDE must be sealed to prevent any seepage. If a venturi or a pump is required for discharging FDE from a milking pit, provide a recess in the floor. The sides and bottom of this recess should be finished to a smooth surface and must be sealed to prevent seepage.” If slats or grates are used, they must hold their own weight plus the weight of animals, humans and equipment operating within the collection area. The openings should be large enough to prevent undue slat or grate blockages yet small enough to reduce risk of animal injury or application system blockages. All sealed areas within 45m of the farm dairy that may be contaminated by faeces or urine, and all other sealed areas (regardless of the distance from the farm dairy) where animals are contained (including feed pads, stand-

At last:

Effluent storage has to comply with all regulatory requirements.

All storage units must be adequately sized and must not leak. All storage units must comply with all regulatory requirements and accepted civil construction standards. Storage period is the length of time FDE is stored between emptying events. “This must account for local climate, the potential for periods of saturated soil conditions and periods of limited staff availability (e.g. calving),” according to DairyNZ.

off areas and underpasses), must be directed to a FDE system. FDE storage must be designed so effluent can be held until applied to land when it is most beneficial to plants, and least likely to cause environmental contamination. Effluent must be stored “in an appropriate location that minimises its effect on human health and wellbeing and is least likely to cause environmental contamination”.

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

30 //  EFFLUENT AND WATER MANAGEMENT

Effluent pond boom saves time – and no swimming GARETH GILLATT

NEW NEVADA brand

pond booms facilitate the maintenance of central pumps on effluent ponds, says supplier Midwest Machinery. The 7m and 9m PondBooms make the retrieval and maintenance of flotation pumps as easy as that of shore-mounted pumps, says marketing manager Andy Thomas. He says though floating pumps tend to be cheaper and more reliable than progressive cavity pumps, the work required to retrieve them negates

this benefit somewhat. This has prompted farmers to move towards bottom-loading pumps, even though there is a greater risk of them burning out when blockages occur. “You get a much longer service life out of floating pumps, they chop solids, the servicing cost is a lot less and the pump heads are always in fluid.” Thomas says traditionally the pumps are kept afloat on a pontoon, hence the retrieval difficulty. Most of the danger and expense of floating pump maintenance can be

attributed to extraction and re-installation. “You have to get a digger to get them out, and then you need a digger again to put them back in.” The PondBoom holds the pump pontoon in place. When work is required on the pump, a winch and pivot mechanism is used to draw it out of the water and pull it back to shore along the top of the bar in two minutes – and there’s no need to go out onto the pond at any time, says Thomas. “It’s easy to bring the pump into the shore, check it out, do whatever

maintenance is required then put it back out in the water again.” The boom can hold a 25hp or 30hp pump. Midwest Machinery does the installation: “We pour a third of a cube of concrete into a section of the pond perimeter around a galvanised post, and use steel rods to handle torsional strain.” Though cost is about 15% more than a typical pontoon and gantry arrangement, it pays for itself in operational safety and convenience, Thomas says. “When this is paired with a shore mounted

Nevada pond boom.

electric stirrer, managing effluent becomes a set and forget operation. “You can set it up so

the pump works on a timer, and if it’s a smaller pond you can set it so when the boom rises

above a certain level the pump is triggered.” Tel. 0800 464 393 www.nevadanz.co.nz

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

EFFLUENT AND WATER MANAGEMENT  // 31

Pond blowout led to plastic-lined replacement AN OVERNIGHT efflu-

ent pond blowout had Putaruru dairy farmer Jack Scheres scrambling to find a solution. He awoke to find the pond had emptied overnight from the base, as though the plug had been pulled out. He called Environment Waikato to tell them what had happened, and so began a major investigation including an assessment by Fonterra. “It was nerve wracking; an Environment Waikato investigator scrutinised all our operations and staff. We were given the all-clear to continue operating under difficult parameters.” The Scheres needed to act quickly to avoid prosecution. The first step was to reroute effluent into two other smaller ponds while they sorted out problems with the main pond. Using their own effluent spreading gear they had to constantly monitor the effluent levels in the two ponds and apply to land at every opportunity. Luckily, the weather enabled them to keep the effluent flowing onto paddocks. “We were con-

under such scrutiny it was important everything was done correctly; we needed to get it 100% right in the eyes of Fonterra, EW and DairyNZ.” The old pond was demolished and the contents spread on the surrounding paddock. A layer of geotextile

scious when the weather was right, we were into it.” The Scheres 130ha dairy farm, Grangeland Farms Ltd, is a family business, with Jack and wife Liz now taking a step back as son Paul manages the farm, and son-in-law Chap Zwiers also working on the property. Although the Scheres have owned the Putaruru farm for 15 years, they moved onto the unit eight years ago. The Scheres are now into their seventh year of high input farming, using a feedpad system, lifting their overall cow numbers to 450, and allowing higher production per cow, and extending the milking season. The high input approach will be expanded further with the intention of going into winter milking in 2014. With quick action from Bruce Nickalls Earthmoving and I.S. Dam Lining, a new lined pond with a capacity of 5500m3 was established. I.S. Dam Lining managing director Adrian Mannering says they calculated the pond size to Environment Waikato and DairyNZ requirements. “Because it had come

was laid in the pond to act as a cushion to ensure sharp objects wouldn’t pierce the liner. Scheres says he chose an HDPE lining system as weld seams of the HDPE can be tested and guaranteed. “We also looked at concrete but it is very

IS dam lining manager north Corey Taylor during construction of the pond. Jack Scheres inset.

expensive.” Sheets of liner were joined using a fusion weld; the double track weld creates a test cavity between the seams which can be pumped with air then tested to ensure it holds pressure and are guaranteed not to leak. Gas

venting was also added to expel possible methane and carbon dioxide build up from the pond. Now the cycle is complete, with the two ancillary ponds emptied out and contoured one month ago. The effluent disposal system deploys a trac-

tor mounted PTO driven stirrer and high pressure pump. Effluent is pumped through lay-flat hoses to a cannon which is dragged across the paddocks. “With the high input feed system we do have a lot of effluent,” says Scheres.

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

32 //  EFFLUENT AND WATER MANAGEMENT

Engage experts to design FDE systems THE DESIGN and construction of an effective dairy effluent system is a complex process. DairyNZ says it requires the assistance of experts who are qualified and experienced in the field. Communication with the system designers, installers and contractors will be crucial to ensure the end result is fit-for-purpose in your farming situation, it says. According to DairyNZ, a good effluent service provider will offer certainty that their product will perform, guarantees and producer statements, aftersales care, service and support, and farm team training on the operation and maintenance of the system. “Designers and installers should be involved in the project from start to finish supervising the quality and standard of workmanship during the installation and commissioning of the system. They should be willing to stand by their work.” DairyNZ recommends farmers use suitably qualified and accredited effluent system designers. A list of accredited designers can be found on effluentaccreditation.co.nz. It says farmers must make sure the system will be up to the job.

“Designers and installers should be involved in the project from start to finish.” A poorly designed system will be expensive and frustrating in the long term, particularly for the farm team. Like milking too many cows through a dairy, it can be done but it takes longer and the likelihood of fatigue, breakdown and general frustration is extremely high. A system which is poorly designed may result in problems such as: ■■ High risk of non-compliance with regional council requirements ■■ No contingency for adverse weather events, staff absence or system breakdown ■■ High demand on labour and time ■■ Expensive to operate and maintain ■■ The need to irrigate on days when ponding, runoff, and leaching risk is high ■■ Additional pressure on the farm team over calving or wet weather ■■ • Unrealised investment in the system if it is not user-friendly or doesn’t achieve compliance, and ■■ Little room for future expansion.

Pumps, Stirrers & Hydrants

It is important to think about potential changes to the farm system, especially intensification, including an increase in cow numbers, greater use of stand-off and feed pads or the addition of wintering facilities. If these are desired but finances don’t allow you to accommodate these now, plan for a staged expansion to the system as you require it. Get the system designed with the changes in mind; it can save a big expenditure in the future. Use accredited FDE system designers.

EFFLUENT APPLICATION PLANS ALL FARMS contain high-risk and low-risk areas for effluent application. An effluent application plan can help to identify suitable areas of the farm for effluent application, and areas to avoid. All staff need to be aware of the effluent application plan. DairyNZ recommends farmers check consent conditions for any restrictions (minimum distances, application area, irrigating after rainfall or minimum irrigation intervals for example). It is usually recommended paddocks are rested for 10-14

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days between application and grazing or further applications. Make a map of the farm, identify waterways, natural drainage patterns, soil types and subsurface drainage, slope, prevailing wind direction and neighbours’ dwellings. Low risk areas are ideal for effluent application, high risk zones include mole or tile drainage areas and no-application zones include all land within 20m of a drain, waterway or bore, or the boundary of a neighbouring property.

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

EFFLUENT AND WATER MANAGEMENT  // 33

Irrigation workshops to upskill farm staff ‘IRRIGATION MANAGER’ workshops

in North Canterbury this week are aimed at upskilling farm staff, managers and owners, says IrrigationNZ. The events will be at Culverden, Nov 26 and Rangiora Nov 27, outlining core knowledge needed for “high performing irrigation”. “IrrigationNZ trialed these workshops last summer after requests for practical support to help farm staff better manage irrigation,” says chief executive Andrew Curtis. “With water quality and quantity limits coming into force, knowing how to irrigate effectively is crucial. “These workshops provide the skills and core knowledge irrigation managers need to

streamline procedures to minimise problems and maximise farm profitability.” Dairy farmer Richard Greaves, who recently attended a workshop at Dunsandel, says since he was coming from a nonirrigation background the workshop was valuable. “Irrigation is fundamental to our business and we need to understand it better to increase efficiencies. Water is probably one of the most important aspects of our business.” Greaves expects to implement ideas from the workshop this season including “measuring the pivot to see what we’re putting on and what it means”. “It is interesting that we assume our irrigators are applying x, but in fact

when we measure and use the software provided it can be totally different. This can have a huge impact on our businesses as they say you can’t manage what you don’t measure.” Dairy farmer Alex Quigley says while they thought their irrigation set-up was already pretty good; it was reassuring to have this confirmed at the workshop. “Everything they were talking about we’d already done but it’s nice to know we’re doing it correctly.” Centre pivot and calibration topics included an exercise using buckets to check the uniformity of irrigation distribution and application. Ruwan Wijayasena from Synlait Farms Ltd says he will recommend the workshop to his

Murray McEwan and Matthew Rice.

GEA gains accreditation GEA FARM Technologies (GEA) is now an accredited farm dairy effluent system designer. The knowledge and skills of its two effluent specialists helped achieve the required standard, the company says. Murray McEwan, effluent solutions technician, helps install and commission systems. He has worked in dairy processing sector and for Ballance Agri-Nutrients, applying his knowledge of soil physics, biology and chemistry, and an appreciation of effluent’s value to soil productivity. McEwan joined GEA in 2010, attracted by the company’s Houle effluent management brand, said to be the market leader in effluent systems in North America. “Feed management on New Zealand dairy farms has changed, and farmers need equipment built specifically to manage effluent, rather than based on a history of pumps designed to handle water. Houle is miles ahead in its design, some of which has no moving parts, so really nothing can go wrong with it.” Working with McEwan is Matthew Rice, GEA’s effluent solutions manager. He graduated in ag science from Lincoln University in 2007, with a focus on resource and nutrient management. He says he is seeing greater interest from farmers looking for system upgrades that deliver easier, more flexible effluent management and make liquid suitable for reuse. Fourteen companies have achieved accreditation in this New Zealand programme. www.effluentaccreditation.co.nz

company. “We already use Aquaflex and can check via computers and smartphones our water usage and moisture levels so the content of the workshop wasn’t new. But it was refreshing.” www.irrigationnz.co.nz/ events-and-training

IrrigationNZ is holding workshops to help farm staff better manage irrigation.

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

34 //  EFFLUENT AND WATER MANAGEMENT

Chance for science, consistency, in national water debate DAIRYNZ SAYS the Government’s

proposed objectives for freshwater will provide a nationally consistent and scientific basis for assessing water quality. Environment Minister Amy Adams and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy recently released proposals for improving freshwater management, including national water standards. The Government is now consulting the public on a discussion document and a draft amended National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. “Water is fundamental to our way of life,” says DairyNZ general manager for policy and advocacy, Kimberly Crewther. “It underpins many aspects of our national economy including agriculture, it is culturally important and central to many of the recreational pursuits we enjoy. “[We need] the best possible framework for making decisions about water. That starts with science and an evidence-backed framework…. “The proposed framework comes with some clear [outcomes] for eco-

system and human health…. The framework allows for staged timeframes. “DairyNZ also considers it important that where values for water are still to be quantified, that we see a similarly rigorous scientific process.” Crewther says DairyNZ supports community involvement in helping to set water policies. “Farmers are willing to step up and be a part of those community processes and play their role in taking actions along with other players like councils.” Crewther says DairyNZ supports the proposal to require councils to account for water quality and quantity by tracking all water takes and where contaminants are coming from – urban, industrial and rural. “The industry is already collecting some of this data through the new Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord because we know we need this kind of information to help us manage our environmental footprint. The new requirement will mean that all sources - not just farming ones - are clearly tracked and monitored.”

The Government has released proposals to improve freshwater management.

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EYES WIDE OPEN ON PLANNING FEDERATED FARMERS environment spokesman Ian Mackenzie says the freshwater proposal represents a significant change in how communities will plan for water. “This is a collaborative response to a collaborative process – an accounting system for measuring water quantity and quality. This reduces much of the subjective emotion that has typified the discussion and sets bottom lines for water quality. “[And it gives] communities the power to set their own aspirations for water. For the first time this will be scientifically, culturally and economically informed…. Just as some farmers may face greater restrictions, some cities and their ratepayers may face wastewater upgrades costing hundreds of millions of dollars. The proposed amendments introduce the concept of time: many issues may have taken decades to build and may take decades to resolve,” says Mackenzie “It is a challenge that rightly starts by giving communities the full facts. This is helped by input provided by 60 of New Zealand’s foremost freshwater scientists. For the first time we can build up a picture for what the impacts are and where they are coming from. “It will also be helped by giving communities an idea of what the costs of water options being considered are. As long as the community goes into decisions with its eyes open, as farmers, we cannot really complain.”

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

EFFLUENT AND WATER MANAGEMENT  // 35

Water consent deadline looms WORKSHOPS ON

applying for resource consent in Waikato under the regional council’s ‘Variation 6’ will run for the next two weeks. Applications are due by January 1, 2015, at the latest. DairyNZ environment policy manager Dr Mike Scarsbrook says farmers had best act now, especially if they have grown their herd or converted to dairy since 2008. Variation 6 requires dairy farmers to get resource consent for water takes greater than 15m3 per site, per day (or about 215 cows), used for milk cooling and dairy shed wash down. “Farmers could miss out on allocation if they don’t get applications in

early,” says Scarsbrook. “Water takes that did not exist at October 15, 2008, for example, if a farmer increased cow numbers or converted to dairy, will not have the same level of protection as farms with water takes before that. “So far only about 50% of farmers have lodged their applications. Some areas will reach full water allocation, meaning later applications are at risk of not being granted, as they are being processed on a first-in-first-served basis.” The DairyNZ workshops give step-by-step support for farmers to complete the application form for consents. Specialists will advise farmers on complex situations.

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE Paeroa, Nov 26 - Paeroa Hall, Normandy Rd Matamata, Nov 28 - sports club, Bedford Park, Tainui Street ■■ Tokoroa, Nov 29 - Tokoroa Club (Red Room), Chambers Street ■■ Waihi, Dec 3 - RSA, 99 Beach Road ■■ Huntly Dec 4 – war memorial hall, Wight Street ■■ Taupo Dec 10 - Central Plateau REAP, 73 Titiraupenga Street. Essential to RSVP email variation6@dairynz. co.nz or tel. 07 858 2768. ■■ ■■

State’s water plan praised IRRIGATIONNZ SAYS it supports the fresh water National Objectives Framework released recently by the Government. “It’s good to see the recommendations of the Land and Water Forum being put into action and IrrigationNZ applauds the scientists and planners behind the framework. It’s a sensible, well-informed first iteration and we look forward to its further development,” says IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis. He says communities will now be able to make informed decisions on the values of local waterways. “The framework delivers a more consistent approach to the setting of freshwater objectives and limits throughout New Zealand. IrrigationNZ is particularly excited by the breadth of community values that have been captured. Long term sustainability requires the marrying of socioeconomic and environmental aspirations and the framework achieves that.” Another highlight is recognition within the framework that communities need flexibility as they work towards meeting freshwater objectives. “This is important as there are many factors impacting on water quality and a range of management approaches that can be taken as a result,” says Curtis.

To complete the resource consent at the event farmers need to bring a farm map showing the locations of ground or surface water takes or waterways on the farm,

evidence of cow numbers before and after October 15, 2008, and any information about the bore (depth, well construction) or surface water intake structure.

Waikato farmers have until January 1, 2015 to apply for water consents.

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

36 //  EFFLUENT AND WATER MANAGEMENT

Changing rules tipped balance to new system TONY HOPKINSON

GRAHAM AND Sandra Fouhy’s effluent system worked to the rules but had reached the end of its run. Time for a new one. “We had little or no storage and we had to do something so after making some enquiries we were advised to talk to David Manning of Envirotech,” said Graham. This company designs and builds dairy effluent systems under design accreditation by DairyNZ. The Fouhy farm at Te Poi straddles the Matamata-Rotorua highway near the SH29 junction. The two parts are linked by a tunnel. The farm is 120ha (eff) – 63ha freehold and 57ha

leased – flat to rolling, centrally raced, with the last paddock 45 minutes for the cows from the shed. Fouhys have farmed there for 17 years, now milking 370 Friesian-cross cows in two herds most of the season on 24 hour grazing. They grow 8ha of maize for silage. This was formerly stacked but they intend to build a bunker to reduce wastage. This season they have been able to conserve baleage from 15ha as surplus grass became available. They also supplement with PKE and feed straw a month before calving to expand the cow’s rumen and capacity. Sandra helps manage and is the full time calf rearer. Calves are absent the farm from weaning

until due to calve. They have one single worker who has been with them for five years. They rear 90 calves each year and use Ambreed/CRV bulls. The cows are milked through a 34 aside herringbone dairy shed. They do not drench, and use a Dosatron meter to supply minerals to the stock throughout the season. Contractors do all maize work and grass harvesting. Effluent system upgrading coincided with installing a new feed pad 65m long x 21m wide with two rows of feed bins and holding 250 cows. First came a 90,000L mixing tank with a stirrer and pump. The shed effluent is pumped from the origi-

nal holding tank to the mixing tank which also collects effluent from the pad which is flood washed three times a week or when needed. After mixing it is pumped to a Reid and Harrison Yardmaster YS 200 model separator. A 3mm screen removes any maize waste entering at the feed pad. The solids are stored in a 12 x 10 x 2m high bunker which Fouhy believes would hold a year’s output if not emptied. He intends to spread the solids on their maize ground and paddocks not being spray irrigated. The liquid or green water is stored in a lined, 4 m L tank (40m x 35m) with a working capacity of 3.5 m L. The liner is 1.5mm

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Graham Fouhy (inset) has invested a lot of money to future-proof effluent disposal.

HDPE and the joints are welded and pressure tested. The pond has a free floating pontoon with a 10hp stirrer and a 20hp pump and can be shifted to any part of the pond and anchored, ensuring no long term build-up of sludge on the bottom.

The pump spreads to travelling irrigators on 50ha of the farm. With a tap change it pumps green water to two 30,000L holding tanks which flood wash the feed pad. “We have invested a lot of money to futureproof our effluent disposal

and we believe that with the feed pad and better supplementary feeding we will lift our production from the present level of 156,000kgMS to 180,000kgMS.

‘BIG GREEN TICK’ DAVID MANNING has since it is a total package,” says leaving school worked in Manning. dairy effluent processing Manning has earned and spreading. His busithe “big green tick” from ness, Envirotech, was DairyNZ, showing his firm founded 21 years ago near conforms to a standard that Matamata and has been allows it to advise, design on its Waharoa site for five and build, estimate pond years. storage capacity and engiDavid Manning The company designs neer irrigation systems. and builds to the new code stipuThe process requires being able lated by councils and DairyNZ. to tick all boxes with the respective “Our full designs include such councils re the RMA, and to solve things as nutrient budgets to gauge onsite issues. output, soil analysis for effluent www.envirotech.net.nz absorption and load carrying ability; Tel; 07 880 9703

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

EFFLUENT AND WATER MANAGEMENT  // 37

Taking soils into account while applying effluent BALA TIKKISETTY

TAKING DIFFERENT

soil types into account is essential if dairy farmers are to better manage effluent and associated issues. Farm dairy effluent is a major contaminant of water, either by direct run-off or nitrogen leaching. The amount of water (‘hydraulic loading’) in soil, and various soil properties, influence the effects of contaminants. For example, soil texture and structure determine how much water can enter and be retained in a particular soil, and the rate of transmission of excess water through soil. So these various soil properties should be weighed up when deciding on effluent irrigation systems, and when applying effluent to pasture, to both maximise nutrient benefits and to protect waterways. Consider the following when discussing such decisions with your

effluent advisers. Leaching occurs in response to movement of excess water from the soil, meaning soils with lower water holding capacity are more susceptible to leaching. Conversely, soils with high water holding capacity (deep silt loams) can store a lot of effluent. The soils that have low available-water holding capacity are the shallow to moderately deep soils, and sandy or stony soils. Usually, lower water-holding capacity is the result of restricted rooting depths due to the shallow nature of the soils and high water tables. Effluent irrigation on shallow soils with high water tables is likely to result in leaching. Permeable soils with a deep water table and no drainage limitations are best for putting effluent on. However, on stony soils the risk of effluent draining directly to groundwater must be considered. In such situations, application depths and rates

should be adjusted to account for this risk. Meanwhile, it’s important to take into account the rate at which effluent can infiltrate soil. If too much is put on too quickly, this can lead to runoff into waterways. The nature of the effluent and cattle treading on soils can affect the infiltration rate. Treading damage by stock, which occurs most when the soils are wet, significantly reduces infiltration rate. For some soils this can result in accumulation of effluent below slopes and hollows. It can then enter surface waterways. Transmission of water through soil pores is generally described as hydraulic conductivity. When hydraulic conductivity of the soil is low, irrigation of effluent will result in ponding and run-off once the total water capacity of the soil is exceeded. Low rates of hydraulic conductivity are found in soils that are poorly

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drained, and ponding and runoff often occur with high rainfall. Many of these soils need to be artificially drained to reduce the incidence of ponding and water-logging. For pugged soils affected by treading, application rates of effluent greater than 10mm/hour are likely to result in ponding of effluent if soil water content at the time of irrigation is high. When effluent application rates are higher than infiltration rates, water can enter macro-pores open at the soil surface, and then move very rapidly via so-called ‘bypass

Soil properties should be weighed up when deciding on effluent irrigation.

flow’ through a relatively dry soil matrix. This gives little opportunity for the water to be retained within the root zone and high leaching of nitrate is likely to occur. Bypass flow of farm dairy effluent can occur in soils that undergo shrinkage and fissuring during drying, especially when these soils have been previously compacted by treading.

One way to avoid overapplication can be to have adequate effluent storage so that farmers can defer irrigation if conditions aren’t right. DairyNZ has recently released a new smartphone app to help farmers apply effluent more efficiently. The dairy effluent spreading calculator app provides dairy farmers and effluent spreading contractors with guidance on

nutrient application rates based on the depth and type of effluent they apply. The app allows for nutrient application rates for dairy effluent to be easily calculated, based on a number of customisable inputs so effluent nutrients can be applied with greater precision. • Bala Tikkisetty is a sustainable agriculture co-ordinator at Waikato Regional Council.

DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

38 //  MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS

Round, square bales easy to handle ROUND BALES and four-foot

squares are said to be handled with equal ease by Hustler Equipment’s new “low cost” bale grab, the CXR Softhands. “The CXR has a fixed hand, designed specifically for handling round bales, although the shape also allows four-foot squares to be handled with ease,” the company says. Going for a cheaper fixed-hand unit pointed to limitations so the company consulted operators during its search for the “ultimate shape”. Four key aspects of traditional fixed-hand design stood out as needing change: less bale damage to bale shape, wrap and adjacent bales; ease of use when loading and stacking; more versatility to handle bales in any position; and tough enough to withstand New Zealand conditions. “The slim hands make stacking easier, the compact design offers

unbeatable visibility, and the new patented technology, with details to be released in December, is a major leap in bale handling equipment,” Hustler says.

An optional equaliser bar will keep the hands moving simultaneously for extra safety and precise bale control. The machine carries a two-year warranty.

Price $3100+GST including Euro hitch brackets and free freight nationwide.

Tel. 0800 487 853 www.hustlerequipment.co.nz

Clever tractor takes award NEW HOLLAND’S new T8 Auto Com-

mand tractor has won ‘Machine of the Year 2014’, announced at Agritechnica farm machinery and equipment show in Hannover, Germany. The award is for technological innovations that offer immediate practical benefits to farmers. “This new tractor with its stepless Auto Command transmission, a longer wheelbase and even more power, is set to improve its already impressive all-round performance and it complements the existing PowerShift model range,” says Luca Mainardi, head of tractor and telehandler product management at New Holland. The judges – farm machinery journalists – assessed the T8.420 Auto Command as being able to offer ultimate in-field performance in high speed cultivation tasks, ideal for large scale cash crop farmers, hay and forage contractors and large dairies and transport intensive operations. “This award testifies the hard work and dedication of all those involved in the development of the T8 Auto Command,” says Carlo Lambro, brand president New Holland Agriculture.

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS  // 39

Time right to sow seeds for feed WITH A long hot summer

looming, now is the time to start making important decisions on feed supplements for early next year, says Pacific Seeds. The company reports that last year Central Hawkes Bay farmer Sue Wylie planted Pacific Seeds BMR Rocket with “really impressive results”. “We planted BMR Rocket in mid November and were able to put our bulls on it 56 days later,” Wylie says. “Despite the really bad drought they averaged weight gains of 2kg per day while they were on it and we were able to get them off to the works one month earlier than the previous year. On average they were also 20kg heavier than the previous year.” Pacific Seeds says its summer forages provide growers with diverse and high yielding quality feed options developed especially for environments prone to extreme summer conditions. “With our range of maturities, plant types and agronomic traits, we have a summer forage solution to suit growers specific needs”, says Pacific Seeds

territory manager Barry Smallridge. Pacific Seeds forage options include BMR Rocket, BMR Octane and Sprint. Rocket, which flowers earlier than Octane, is better suited to intensive management, whilst Octane’s longer growing season provides for greater flexibility. Both these Sorghum x Sudan hybrids have excellent vigor and regrowth rates, with well-balanced energy and protein levels. Each of these hybrids has the BMR-6 gene which provides for enhanced digestibility, palatability and increased ME levels. Both forages suit dairy and cattle. Sprint – which is a Sudan x Sudan hybrid – is ready for grazing or cutting in 50 days, with rapid regrowth allowing for some farmers to get five grazings from it. It is extremely palatable with fine stems and is ideally suited to shorter seasons, or where it can be well managed. Sprint is suitable for sheep, cattle and dairy stocks. “Because Rocket and Sprint are so fast growing they provide farmers with

a number of management options,” says Smallridge. “Firstly, they let growers get an extra rotation out of their grass pasture. On top of that there is also the option of grazing or cutting for hay,

baylage or silage. “They also provide our growers with greater flexibility than they would have with summer brassica,” he adds. Tel. 027 494 7706 www.pacificseeds.co.nz

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

40 //  MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS

Optima promises safety, style and class in 2.4L package THE 2014 Kia Optima

has gone on sale in New Zealand, equipped with new safety technology. The car is said to combine style and substance in an “affordably priced vehicle”. Starting price is $42,490. Kia’s Frankfurt design-

The 2014 Kia Optima: more safety and convenience in a fourdoor mid-to-large sedan.

Helping you give your calves the best start A Hot pAyment offer from you locAl lely centertm It's never been easier to purchase the Lely Calm automatic calf feeder! Purchase for next season now, and take advantage of our special finance offer. 10% deposit on confirmation Installation in May - June 90% final payment payable October 20th 2014! No interest The Lely Calm follows the natural feeding pattern of suckling calves, eliminating digestive stress and reducing competition. The Lely Calm is an absolute must for farmers that want to rear healthier calves, reduce labour and wastage and be certain that calves are fed consistently and accurately every time!

ers have improved the vehicle’s front and rear styling, the company says. The new grille is “bolder and classier”, with the LED daytime running lights lifted from the lower bumper to a position just above the headlights. New rear diffusers and a sweeping trunk lid replace the previous rear boot lid spoiler. It has front LED quad-lamp fog lights (on EX & Limited models), and newly designed LED rear lamps. Inside, switching on the ignition lights up two new displays: a 4.3-inch touch-screen TFT LCD instrument cluster, with an 8-speaker Infinity sound system, on the LX and EX models; and a high-resolution 8-inch navigation and telematics screen incorporating the sound system. The SatNav system will be standard on LTD models from February 2014, including SUNA realtime traffic information for drivers in the Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, Wellington and Christchurch regions. The SUNA function is a lifetime component of the Kia SatNav system; the navigation maps are

updated and supported by Kia Motors NZ free for the first three years of ownership. The Optima LTD is the first Kia sold in New Zealand with blind spot detection (BSD) and lane change assist; this detects other vehicles out of the driver’s sight, flashing a warning in the door mirror and sounding an alarm if the driver uses the indicators. There’s also rear crosstraffic alert built into the rear parking sensors, useful when backing out of a car park, where it senses laterally to warn the driver of approaching vehicles. Front parking sensors are also standard. Power comes from the maker’s Theta II 2.4L engine with petrol direct injection, driving through a six-speed automatic transmission with Sportmatic clutchless shifting as standard. Drive-mode-select allows the driver to choose a driving mode from eco to sports mode. This adjusts settings in the throttle and gear change points to enable the driver to make the selection via a button near the steering wheel.

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS  // 41

Top quality chop from new chopper CHOP QUALITY

is more uniform and throughput better from New Holland’s new FR series harvesters because of an all-new chopper body, says local marketer CB Norwood Distributors Ltd. The range has five models of 424-824hp. New features include a high performance grass pickup header. All models in the FR range are compatible with a wide range of headers. “The FR has the latest advances in blower design, which have optimised crop transfer from the cutterhead to the processor and trailer, even when working in the lightest grass crops. “The paddle type blower has increased the mass of smooth flowing air by 40% to transport higher volumes of crop more efficiently and to reduce the risk of crop accumulation in the chopper body area for much less crop buildup, reducing maintenance demands.” Because the optimum harvesting window for guaranteed nutri-

tious silage is tight, the new 300FP grass pick-up was developed for higher speed, reliable, smooth harvesting in all conditions. The 3.0m-wide pickup makes light work of even the widest grass swaths. The pickup tine reel now has five tine bars instead of four, enabling higher ground speeds, “perfect when working in unstable climatic conditions or for operators looking to increase productivity and profitability”. When working in muddy fields, the pickup support wheels prevent bulldozing and maintain uniform header height. Sturdy reinforced steel tines (replacing the rubber mounted tines) reduce tine breakage even in uneven fields or in stony conditions, the company says. Cab access is said to be easy and the operator platform has been widened with sculpted hand rails for safe entry and exit. The side panels open wide as a single unit on

self-supporting gas struts for easy servicing access. Daily maintenance has been further simplified by advances in feed roll packaging. The entire area has been sealed with the addi-

tion of precision placed plates which form a protective seal around the feed roller to prevent the build-up of debris, which can substantially reduce cleaning.

Chop quality is better from New Holland’s new FR series harvesters the company says.

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AGROTRON K610

AWARD WINNING IntelliFill technology enables the operator to accurately fill the trailer with minimal losses, even when visibility is limited. A 3D camera mounted under the spout guides the crop flow into the trailer, ensuring a uniform fill. This system lifts operator comfort and can boost productivity, CB Norwood says. Operators can concentrate on harvesting without having to continually check over their shoulder to monitor crop discharge. The automatic spout guidance will consistently reduce crop spillage increasing the forage harvesters’ overall quality of work.

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DAIRY NEWS NOVEMBER 26, 2013

42 //  MACHINERY AND PRODUCTS

Dishing out feed made easy WAIKATO FARMERS

Rebecca and Len Walling are dishing out 10 tonnes of feed daily using an Irishmade Abbey VF (vertical feeder) 2850 mixer wagon, reports the supplier, Farmgard. “We feed out 10 tonnes a day, twice a day, so we need a good, reliable machine that is going to last,” Rebecca says. “Our

old mixer wagon wasn’t able to handle a 10 tonne payload when we added molasses so we started looking at new machines.” The VF2850 is the largest in the Abbey range – 28m3. It consistently delivers 10 t on the Wallings’ 900-cow farm at Wharepuhunga south of Te Awamutu. They milk twice daily, every day of

Abbey’s twin vertical feeder range is designed to handle tough conditions.

the year. “Our old machine was supposed to produce a 10 tonne payload but this was totally dependent on the sort of product you put in. The Abbey can reach the 10 tonne payload with any feed combination.” Abbey’s twin vertical feeder range is designed to handle tough conditions, and is constructed using

the highest grades of materials, Farmgard says. The machines can handle precision-chop silage, large round or square bales of silage, hay, straw and roots. Additional feed products such as maize and meal can be added at any stage of the mixing process. Wallings mix mainly maize silage, grass silage, palm kernel and molasses; sometimes straw, minerals, and kiwifruit, apples and bread when available. “We mix this up twice a day and feed on the feed pad and into feed troughs all year round. It’s a fairly basic diet but it works for our system and is cost effective,” says Rebecca. The shape of the mixing auger and tub is said to ensure a “perfect” blend of ingredients. The machine’s DigiStar weighing system

The Wallings feed out 10 tonnes a day.

allows consistency of the feed ration and lets the operator know “exactly what’s going on”. The mixed feed is then evenly discharged, with the feed flow rate controlled by a hydraulically operated discharge door. The VF2850 has a rear self-steering axle allow-

ing it to turn it in a tight circle without having to manoeuvre and back around. Rebecca and Len Walling are principals of Walling Contractors, servicing the Waikato district. “We know machinery pretty well and the importance of it doing

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NATIONWIDE DISTRIBUTION NETWORK KAITAIA: KAITAIA TRACTORS (09) 408 0670 DARGAVILLE: KAIPARA AGRI CENTRE (09) 439 6544 WHANGAREI: BRYANT TRACTORS (09) 438 1319 PAEROA: PIAKO TRACTORS (07) 862 9064 SILVERDALE: AGROWQUIP (09) 427 9137 PUKEKOHE: AGROWQUIP (09) 237 0043 HAMILTON: AGROWQUIP (07) 847 0425 CAMBRIDGE: AGROWQUIP (07) 827 5184 MORRINSVILLE: PIAKO TRACTORS (07) 889 7055 ROTORUA: PIAKO TRACTORS (07) 345 8560 GISBORNE: D.P WIllIAmS (06) 863 2612 NEW PLYMOUTH: A.m.T (06) 758 2274 STRATFORD: FIElD TORQUE TARANAKI lTD (06) 765 8643 HAWERA: A.m.T (06) 278 5119 WAIPUKURAU: STEVENSON & TAYlOR (06) 858 6041 DANNEVIRKE: lANCASTER TRACTORS (06) 374 7731 FOXTON: 4AG lImITED (06) 363 7193 MASTERTON: WAIRARAPA mACHINERY SERVICES lTD (06) 377 3009 NELSON: GORDON HANDY mACHINERY (03) 543 8041 BLENHEIM: GORDON HANDY mACHINERY (03) 579 1111 KAIKOURA: GORDON HANDY mACHINERY (03) 319 7119 ASHBURTON: COCHRANES OF CANTERBURY (03) 307 8027 GREYMOUTH: GORDON HANDY mACHINERY (03) 768 5116 AMBERLEY: COCHRANES OF CANTERBURY (03) 314 9055 LEESTON: COCHRANES OF CANTERBURY (03) 324 3791 TIMARU: GORDON HANDY mACHINERY (03) 687 4005 OAMARU: GORDON HANDY mACHINERY (03) 437 1111 MOSGIEL: J.J. lTD (03) 489 8199 GORE: J.J. lTD (03) 208 9370 INVERCARGILL: J.J. lTD (03) 211 0013 ALL OTHER AREAS: ORIGIN AGROUP lTD (07) 823 7582

the job efficiently and reliably.” Abbey also makes slurry tankers and muck spreaders. Wallings bought the Abbey machine from Waikato Tractors. Tel. 09 275 5555 or 03 437 9000 sales@farmgard.co.nz

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