Dairy debt – the perfect storm? PAGE 5
MEET V310 BIO FARMER No place for chemicals PAGE 20
JANUARY 21, 2020 ISSUE 438 // www.dairynews.co.nz
Detects cows on heat PAGE 25
FARM DAIRIES FEATURE
Dairy debt – the perfect storm? PAGE 5
MEET V310 BIO FARMER No place for chemicals PAGE 20
JANUARY 21, 2020 ISSUE 438 // www.dairynews.co.nz
ALL SET TO LEAD CO-OP Jessie Chan-Dorman becomes the first woman chair of a major NZ farmer co-op. PAGE 3
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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
NEWS // 3
Start of a new era NIGEL MALTHUS
KEEPING AN eye on the changing
Water display furore. PG.04
Slice of farm in city. PG.17
farming horizon is priority for the new chair of the Ruralco rural supply chain, Mid-Canterbury dairy farmer Jessie Chan-Dorman. Having served on the board for two terms, Chan-Dorman will become the first female chair of a major New Zealand agribusiness co-op when she formally takes over in June. Established as the Ashburton Trading Society in 1963, the co-op now boasts 3000 shareholders, three physical stores in MidCanterbury and an online store that delivers throughout the country, and a discount card accepted by more than 3000 retailers and service providers. Chan-Dorman says rebranding to Ruralco and offering the
ATV of the future. PG.28
NEWS ������������������������������������������������������3-13 OPINION ���������������������������������������������� 14-15 AGRIBUSINESS ������������������������������������16 MANAGEMENT ���������������������������������17-18 ANIMAL HEALTH ���������������������������19-20 FARM DAIRIES ���������������������������������21-25 MACHINERY & PRODUCTS �������������������������������������� 26-28
Jessie Chan-Dorman, chairelect of Ruralco.
card nationwide was the start of a new direction and the next stage will be looking at how to service farming needs in a changing environment. “I think we’re in a transition phase in terms of the way we farm and the nature of what farming looks like and over the next ten years. I think we’ll see quite a lot of change.” The 2017 Fonterra Dairy Woman of the Year, Jessie and her husband Hayden lease 420ha and milk 850 cows at Dorie on the south side of the Rakaia River. She is also on the boards of Alpine Energy, Ngai Tahu Farming, and the Bio Protection Research Centre. She has an honours degree from Massey University in animal science. As a scientist, Chan-Dorman emphasises the role of research and development. While there was uncertainty around fresh water policy and
carbon emissions, there was a lot of research being done on how to re-jig farm systems and employ technology to get the best outcomes. She acknowledges that the country is past “peak cow.” “You will see either a plateau or a reduction in cow numbers and I think Mid-Canterbury is quite cool in the sense that it’s already got really varied land use. I think you’ll see more of that varied land use in terms of future-proofing our businesses.” On their own farm, the couple has halved cow numbers from a high of 1700, recognising that their old system had a very wide footprint with young and wintering stock grazed off farm and a lot of feed brought in. Now they are self-contained with all stock staying on farm, and essentially all feed grown on farm. Chan-Dorman says it gives improved biosecurity and better control over their system and their costs. A new milking shed, feed pads
and variable rate irrigation add to the efficiencies. The couple have two sons. On the day Dairy News visits, Adam, 6, is out on the farm with his father while Noah, 14 months, is at the local Dorie preschool. “Without the amazing community with the school and the preschool I wouldn’t be able to do the things that I do outside of the farm,” says Chan-Dorman. When speaking to city groups, she uses the example of the Dorie school and pre-school, because before the advent of wide-scale irrigation with dairying and other land uses the school was “nearly shut,” she says. “Now you’ve got a roll of 80. It’s multicultural, they celebrate Matariki and Chinese New Year and all that, so it’s pretty cool. “I think it’s a great on-the-ground example of the benefits of irrigation and varied land use.” @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews
DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
4 // NEWS
Museum’s water quality display irks farmers PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
NATIONAL MUSEUM,
Te Papa is under fire over its exhibition on water quality in New Zealand. National’s spokesperson on agriculture, Todd Muller has accused the Te Papa of “oversimplifying” the complex issue of water quality and walking away from science in its exhibition. The museum is currently running an exhibition showing water quality in various parts of the country: farm streams, lakes and harbours. Bottles are artificially coloured to show what
they believe is colour of water in those places. It also has an interactive display where people can supposedly improve the environment by touching a screen which says less cows. Muller and other farming leaders had discussions with Te Papa before Christmas about some aspects of the display. According to Muller, Te Papa’s role is to reflect the voices of New Zealanders. “Where is the farming voice? What I am seeing is predetermined view that there should be less agriculture, less dairy and that the NZ future lies in it being less dependent on
Te Papa display showing artificially coloured water supposedly from different parts of the country.
agriculture. I reject that premise which is coming
from the government and its infusing our museum,”
he says. Muller says the prob-
lem is that water quality is complex and the number one objective of Te Papa should be to tell the NZ story with authenticity. The reality, he says, is that there are huge numbers of streams where the quality of water is improving due to the efforts of farmers. Federated Farmers vice president, Andrew Hoggard says the risk of dealing with a complex subject such as water quality so that more people including children understand it is that it becomes too simplistic. “The problem is that people often draw the wrong conclusions,” he says.
Hoggard says life is complex; the water issue is also very complex. He says it is no good pretending that every farm stream is crystal clear, because it isn’t. But he says it’s far too simplistic to label every farm stream as being in some way polluted. “There are plenty of example of farmers that have done a great deal to make sure streams are clean and don’t have negative impacts. So there is a need to promote that wider view of what is actually happening and not just the simplistic view,” he says. @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews
TE PAPA RESPONDS TE PAPA says the Te Taiao Nature exhibition, which includes the controversial dairy element, is designed to take a broad look at NZ’s environment, the threats it faces, and what can be done to protect it. Spokesperson Kate Camp told Dairy News farming is one of a wide range of human activities that is looked at. She says the exhibition content is based on various science and research papers including a report on NZs freshwaters values, state, trends and human impact, by Sir Peter Gluckman, a former Chief Science Advisor in the Prime Minister’s office. She says they also used the Royal Society’s 2016 reports on climate change implications and the transition to a low-carbon economy. But she says they didn’t consult any groups or individuals. Camp says Te Papa’s challenge is to take a complex and varied picture, and present it in a simple,
easy-to-understand way, that is still true to the overall picture. “We can’t be an encyclopaedia that presents the full complexity of an issue, but we can spark interest and get people thinking and talking. “We hope that our visitors will seek out more information, and that they’ll make changes in their own lives to help protect the environment. Te Papa is a place for New Zealanders to have important and sometimes difficult conversations – that’s something we don’t shy away from,” she says. Camp says there is very clear evidence that farming has an impact on our waterways, along with other activities, and that’s what the exhibition shows. But she says they acknowledge that there are many farmers and organisations who are caring for our waterways, and appreciate the work our rural communities are doing. “We have made changes to the display based on the feedback we’ve received. We had never
suggested that these are samples of actual water and have added a note to the display to make it clear that these bottles are not samples but are only symbolic,” she says. Camp says they have changed the image on the farm stream bottle to remove any misconcep-
tion that it showed a cow pooing in a stream. . “It now shows a cow standing on a solid background, with wavy lines nearby which symbolises that farm run-off is reaching many waterways, without giving the impression that cows are pooing
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directly into streams,” she says. Camp says Te Papa will make another addition into the exhibition later this year which will be video content of people taking action for the environment, including rural community groups and farmers.
DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
NEWS // 5
Dairy debt – the perfect storm? BANK LOANS ARE FALLING
PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
FEDERATED FARMERS vice president, Andrew Hoggard says some dairy farmers are trapped with debt. His comments come in the light of a recent report from the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) stating that about a quarter of NZ dairy farmers have debt to equity ratios of 70% or more: many also face challenging times ahead as government environmental reforms come into effect. Such reforms MPI says could mean that farmers would have to invest in new infrastructure or make other cost savings on farm such as cutting back on stock numbers. Hoggard agrees with MPI that the new rules will require changes and says it begs the question of how farmers are going to make such changes in a given time-frame. This is happening at a time when many of the major banks are pulling back from agriculture and dairy in particular. Hoggard says he’s had calls from farmers who have high debt and are in catchments where very strict rules are going to apply. “The banks are not going to want to foreclose on them or anything because if the farm gets sold they are going to lose money,” he told Dairy News. “But the banks are going to want them to stay there farming and will have their foot their throat the whole time wanting to get their money back. It’s not going to be a helleva lot of fun for the farmers in that situation where all you are doing is effectively being a bank employee. “People are feeling like they are trapped - they are not passionate about what they are doing and they are there because they are stuck
Dairy farmers owe banks over $41 billion.
there,” he says. Hoggard says this will lead to a whole lot of other issues emerging such as mental health which he says often leads to animal welfare issues
and other problems on the farm. “It’s a perfect storm of a whole lot of things that are interconnected and I don’t have the solution to unpick this whole thing. It does
need a lot of thought on how we move from where we are, to where we need to be without screwing up the lives of a whole lot of people,” he says.
MPI’S VIEW IN ITS latest Situation and Outlook report, MPI says a small number of dairy farms have as little as 4% equity in their properties while another 24% have debt to equity ratios of over 70%. MPI warns that with such high debt levels, owners of these farms may not be able to meet the challenges and changes which lie in store for the sector. While the report paints a generally rosy outlook for the sector as a whole with dairy export revenue expected to rise and a combination of factors likely to lead to high farm
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gate milk prices and robust profitability for the coming year, it devotes an entire section on the debt issue. It notes that over the last two decades conversions and profitability have resulted in a 20% increase in the dairy platform, a 25% increase in the size of the dairy herd and 58% increase in total milk solids production. But this it says has come at a price with dairy farm debt increasing by 267% since 2003 with the result that debt in the sector now stands at $41.4 billon. In a section headed ‘financial vulnerability in the dairy
sector’, MPI report notes that while the use of debt to fund business and industry growth can play an important role in economic success, it appears that with this expansion, the risk level has in the dairy sector has increased significantly. It notes for example that the average debt/ha on dairy farms now stands at $23.6k – three times what it was 20 years ago. It also points out that despite low interest rates in recent years, the annual cost of servicing debt from production has risen 11 cents to the present $1.22.
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RABOBANK NATIONAL manager for food and agribusiness banking, Hamish Midgley says while the dairy industry is sitting on debt to the tune of about $41 billion, there have been some encouraging signs in the last few months. There are signs that debt levels have started to drop because of the higher payout. But at the same time he acknowledges that some farmers are still heavily indebted. He says if land prices continue to fall and debt isn’t paid off some people will be facing testing times. “At Rabobank our policy is to lend up to about 60% of all assets. There will be a few cases where we would lend above that if there were strong mitigating factors and there is quite a buffer in there. But obviously if land prices retract and that debt isn’t repaid then something that is lent at 60% can become 70% or above depending on the movement in land prices,” he says. Midgley says so long as there is not a lot of volatility in the market and the pay-out remains high then it’s possible that people will re-enter the dairy industry. But he cautions that there are a lot of unknowns facing the sector around the impact of the environmental and freshwater reforms. He says the other issue is the lack of capital due to the new restrictions imposed by the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) on overseas people buying land. “We are getting a lot of feedback from farmers on environmental and freshwater issues,” he says. “Our view is that farmers have always been great guardians of the land and I think that by and large they have done a good job. They are working to try and meet the requirements of the legislation, but in some cases the rule changes are going to be very tough for some farmers. We have put a submission in on the fresh water reforms and we will do all we can to support our farmers to meet wherever the legislation ends up as but it is a very big change for most farmers,” he says. Midgley says while there are signs of improvement in the sector, there is certainly no appetite for any more dairy conversions. “That has dried up completely,” he says.
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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
NEWS // 7
Big dry handicaps irrigators PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
SOME NORTHLAND
dairy farmers have been asked to stop irrigating because of the low river levels. Parts of the region are experiencing some of the driest conditions in decades last year, the Northland Regional Council says. Group manager regulatory services, Colin Dall told Dairy News that Northland only has a handful of dairy farmers who irrigate. But a couple of the dairy farmers in the Ngunguru catchment have stopped irrigating and a farm taking water from the Awanui River has been asked to stop taking water as well. “There may be more
requests if we don’t get any decent rainfall in the coming weeks.” “It would only be the larger takes such as irrigation that may be asked to stop taking water.” It wouldn’t affect shed washes or similar. “River flows are very low for this time of year and most of the groundwater tables are below average.” Dall says Northland has had a series of dry years so farmers are much better prepared. Most farmers will have feed reserves they are now using. “If the dry weather continues that might become more of an issue and it might hit production,” he says. “Farmers might have to dry off earlier than usual and it will become stock management issue.”
Northland Regional Council hydrology monitoring officer Marcus Schlesier gauging flow rates in the Kerikeri area.
Tareen Ellis, DairyNZ regional leader, Northland, says no major concerns have been reported yet. The biggest issue might be around the water consents and farmers need to contact the regional council if they have concerns. “Summer dry tends to occur every year in North-
land. It just depends when it does and it seems to shift a bit. “We know it will come, it’s a matter of whether it is earlier or later, how long is it will be and how long that lasts. “I would hope most farmers would be prepared. It comes down to what scenario are they
preparing for? Are they planning for the worst case and hoping for the best? You want to be optimistic but you still have to plan for the worst.” Ellis says some farmers may have come up from elsewhere and are not as aware of how severe it can get. “If you have farmed in
Northland for a number of years the majority would have a grip that there needs to be planning. It is just to what extent they have planned and it depends on how long the summer dry lasts. “If you aren’t sure go onto the DairyNZ website. There are plenty of tips and tricks there. If you’re not sure about your water consents and how that could affect you get in touch with council. “Also look after your neighbours, keep in touch with them because we know it can put a lot of stress on people even if you have planned. We just want to make sure that people look after themselves.” Dall says a number of rivers are already below ‘minimum flow’ levels, and although this
isn’t unusual over a dry summer, it wouldn’t usually happen until February or March and is linked to last year’s drier conditions. Rainfall figures for 2019 had confirmed it had been one of the driest on record in many parts of Northland, and in one case; the second driest where those records stretched back more than a century. “Just 1100mm of rain was recorded in the Puhipuhi area north of Whangarei last year, a little over half the average 2000mm annual rainfall and making it the second driest year there since 1914.” The Kaitaia area had recorded the driest year since records began in 1949, Kerikeri was the third driest since records began in 1945.
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8 // NEWS
Co-ops help young farmers gain a foothold in dairying FONTERRA IS extending its MyMilk initiative to the North Island aiming to make it easier for more dairy farmers to get into their own farms, and to grow with the co-op. MyMilk provides a pathway into the co-op, by allowing farmers to supply MyMilk for up to five years without buying shares. It’s great for farmers who aren’t currently Fonterra suppliers, but want to be a part of the New Zealand cooperative story. “Fonterra’s been looking at ways to make it easier for farmers to join and grow in the co-op, ensuring our co-op is strong for generations to come,” says Farm Source group director, Richard Allen. “One way has been through MyMilk, a Fonterra-backed company that’s helping young and new farmers establish a foothold in the industry and ultimately take a stake in Fonterra. “After five successful years in the South Island, we’re extending MyMilk across the North Island to allow more farmers, espe-
HOGGARD EYES FEDS PRESIDENCY Farm Source director Richard Allen (right) with the Moore family.
cially young farmers, the chance to purchase their own farm and join the co-op. We’re also extending the initiative to help existing Fonterra farmers looking to grow through purchasing another Fonterra farm.” For young Southland farmers Don and Jess Moore, MyMilk has opened up an opportunity once beyond their reach. “We’ve always wanted to be Fonterra suppliers,” says Moore.
“It’s been awesome to have the opportunity that MyMilk gives us by providing a pathway through stepping from sharemilking to farm ownership. MyMilk is an opportunity to keep growing and stay with the co-op, and we’re delighted more farming families will be given that chance.” First launched in 2014 in the South Island, MyMilk has quickly gained traction, with more than 145 dairy farmers
involved over that time across Southland, Otago and Canterbury. MyMilk offers farmers the ability to supply milk for up to five seasons without a requirement to purchase shares in Fonterra. MyMilk farmers are required to meet the same supply terms and conditions as Fonterra shareholders with regards to milk quality, safety and sustainability, and have access to many of the
tools and services the cooperative offers. “We know farmers have choices when they decide who they supply, and we want Fonterra to be the best choice with a strong sustainable Farmgate Milk Price.” MyMilk will be available in the North Island for supply starting from June 1,2020. Eligibility conditions apply and MyMilk volumes are limited to 5% of Fonterra’s total milk collections.
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FEDERATED FARMERS vice president Andrew
Hoggard will be standing for president of the farmer lobby at this year’s annual meeting in June. Current president Katie Milne will automatically step down after spending three years in the role. Hoggard confirmed to Dairy News that he will be throwing his hat in the ring. The Manawatu farmer has been involved in the federation for many years in various roles and has played a leadership role in dealing with some difficult and controversial issues. One of these was, and still is Horizons Regional Councils ‘One plan’ which seeks to put significant pressure on dairy farmers in the region. Hoggard is an equity partner and manager of the family farm north of Feilding. The farm runs 560 cows, split into two herds on the 220ha property. He has an agricultural economics degree from Massey University and is a fourth generation dairy farmer. Originally the family farmed near Upper Hutt near Wellington but moved up to the Manawatu in 1998. Hoggard regards himself a supporter of the free market and as he puts it ‘I’m not into government running everything’. But while he has strong free market views he does believe that government does have a role in kick starting major infrastructure projects such as irrigation schemes. He says before June he has to sort out the arrangements on his own farm and make sure everything is structured right, given that the role traditionally requires the president to frequently be in Wellington or other parts of the country or the world. “I have spent god only knows how many years in feds now and it doesn’t sit well with me not to finish off what I started. I am definitely keen on doing the job, but who know someone else may decide they want to do it and get the backing of others. But I will put my name foreword at this stage because this has been my passion for the last few years,” he says. – Peter Burke
We’ve got the country covered Our team of trained and experienced Area Managers cover the country from Cape Reinga to Bluff. They‘re on the ground, actively helping dairy farmers do things right on farm – troubleshooting mastitis issues, achieving healthy teats and training your staff. Want to know more? Freephone 0508 434 569 or get in touch with your local GEA FIL Area Manager. Brian Salvigny Northland, Helensville m. 027 472 1501
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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
10 // NEWS
$8 payout possible PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
THE GUESSING game
has begun to predict what dairy farmers will get for their milk this season. The consensus in the sector is that the price will be positive: numbers ranging from $7.15/kgMS to $7.50/kgMS, although ASB rural economist Nathan Penny is sticking his neck out and suggesting it could reach $8/ kgMS. Fonterra says its forecast is in the range of $7.00 to $7.60 with the midpoint being $7.30. Meanwhile Rabobank dairy analyst Emma Higgins says her bank is forecasting the price to be in the range of $7.15/kgMS to $7.60/kgMS. In the banks Dairy Quarterly report, Higgins notes that the
Nathan Penny, ASB rural economist.
global market has picked up for skim milk powder now that EU intervention stocks are a thing of the past and that prices for skim milk powder have recently shot up. “New Zealand’s dairy industry is now in a new milk production era, where incremental growth
each season will be the norm as opposed to the large gains we’ve seen in previous seasons. With dairy conversions no longer featuring across the country, and future challenges to existing stock numbers via environmental legislation, the weather will play an even
more important role in determining the degree of production needle movement,” she says. Higgins says as market demand remains stagnant for butterfat, processors will need to re-evaluate the product mix in order to capitalise on this reversal from recent years. This she says could lead to greater price volatility than experienced previously. Meanwhile MPI is also talking up the fortunes of the dairy sector. It says there has been a positive start to the dairy season but overall it expects growth in this season to be relatively flat. But with strong demand from key markets and weakening international supply growth, it predicts strong prices for dairy at least in the short term.
NOMINATIONS OPEN FOR AWARD NOMINATIONS ARE being called for the Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award. Presented as part of the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, it recognises those dairy farmers who are respected by their farming peers and their community for sustainable dairying. Entry for this award is by nomination only via dairyindustryawards. co.nz Nomination forms are available at dairyindustryawards.co.nz, with entries closing March 20. The 2020 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award farmer could come from any of New Zealand’s milk suppliers and any farmer or farming partnership who demonstrates a high calibre of performance and leadership in the areas of responsible and sustainable care of people, animals, ecosystems and communities are eligible to enter. Robin Congdon, NZDIA general manager, says that is important to showcase the good work farmers are doing within the industry as it does not always get the exposure it deserves.
“We have excellent, experienced dairy farmers creating and working on wonderful projects that have a positive effect on the environment.” “We want to hear about the people who are farming responsibly, both environmentally and socially, and showcasing excellence on a daily basis. This is a chance for people to nominate their neighbour, their employer or someone in their community. “This Award gives us the opportunity to recognise farmers that have progressed to ownership, demonstrate leadership in their farming practices and are a role model for our younger farmers coming through” he says. Taranaki farmers Damian and Jane Roper won the 2019 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award and received the John Wilson Memorial Trophy. From restoring bush on their property to its former natural state to creating a lake and monitoring the water quality, the Ropers impressed the panel of judges with their commitment and passion. The winner announced at the Awards dinner on May 16th.
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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
NEWS // 11
Farm sales slump PETER BURKE peterb@ruralnews.co.nz
DAIRY FARM sales for November last year were down 83%, compared to what they were two years ago, according to Brian Peacock, the Real Estate Institute of NZ spokesman. He told Dairy News that sales of dairy farms have fallen dramatically and in the seven months up until December only one dairy farm had sold in Canterbury and that there had been few sales in Southland. Peacock says one of the reasons for the drop in sales is that the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) have changed their approval system, making it harder for people from overseas to buy farms. “The second reason is that the banks have clearly adopted the tightening of criteria for the rural sector and in particular the dairy sector. “The reason we are hearing is that they want to reduce their exposure to the dairy sector and channel some of those funds into areas that are less capital intensive and offer higher returns such as commercial and the like,” he says. Peacock says the drop in dairy farm sales doesn’t surprise him: he is constantly in touch with people around the country and monitors the activities of the banks. He says it’s the Australian
owned banks in particular that have tightened their lending criteria rather than the bank that is “European based”. Peacock says the prices that farms are selling for varies. He says for those people who are selling and then plan to buy another farm, there is not so much of a problem because they will be selling and buying on a falling market. “But those looking to exit the industry completely are more inclined to hold out for a price they perceive their property is worth. You can imagine for retiring farmers, it’s their last chance to get as much as they can get,” he says. While the banks are putting pressure on farmers to repay both interest and principle on their loans, Peacock says the prospect of good payouts over the next two years will give farmers some breathing space. “At this stage the lower interest rates and the good payout are helping to hold people together so we don’t anticipate a rash of forced sales. There may be the odd person that will make a decision to opt out based on the pressure from the banks to clear their debt. The way the season is going it’s been good production wise and some of the people that we have been aware of who were under pressure have been able to clear a considerable amount of
debt and that will ease the pressure from the banks,” he says. Peacock says with the focus of high debt levels in the dairy sector there is a risk of the whole primary sector being caught up in this problem. He says the fact is that there are high product prices for lamb, beef and
horticulture products and the land that is producing those products is in strong demand and selling strongly. “What I am saying is that there a great degree of resilience in the rural sector and dairy is only part of that and so overall the primary sector is doing well,” he says.
Dairy farm sales are down.
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IN BRIEF Oz fires FONTERRA SAYS its factories and farmers remain largely unaffected by devastating fires in Victoria and New South Wales. A Fonterra Australia spokesperson says however, it is keeping a close eye on developments. “Thankfully, the areas where our factories and farmers are located remain largely unaffected….. with no immediate end to the fires in sight and with the continued dry conditions as a result of the drought, we are staying close to any emerging risks and our priority is to ensure our people and farmers are safe,” she says. “With the huge challenges that these communities face, we are looking at what we can do to support them, as well as working with the dairy industry to enable support for affected farmers. “As a first and immediate step, we have donated milk powder to our charity partner Foodbank which will go into emergency relief packs for those in need.”
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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
12 // NEWS
Farmers welcome funding boost FARMERS ARE happy with the Government pledging financial support for community water projects in Wairarapa. Federated Farmers says it is a welcome signal of intent for the rest of New
Zealand. A $7 million investment in Wairarapa Water Ltd for pre-construction development of water storage and distribution infrastructure at Wakamoekau and $110,000 for
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development of a Wairarapa water resilience strategy will come from the Provincial Growth Fund. Wairarapa Federated Farmers president William Beetham says the investment is about water security and growth enhancement for the entire community, not just agriculture and horticulture. “It’s sprung from a realisation that if we don’t have improved water supply, some of our biggest companies and employers are under threat going forward. “Water storage and security is also crucial as back-up when domestic supply in our towns is under strain during dry seasons. “It’s also important for our environment with good storage we can lessen the need to take water from our rivers in the summer low flow periods.” Beetham, who is on the governance group for the Wairarapa Economic Development Strategy, says all sectors of the region had put any differences aside and worked together on the project, including rural water users, the regional council and three local authorities, businesses and all local MPs. “There is no rural/ urban divide in this case. And credit to the government for listening to the science and the strong business case.” IrrigationNZ says the move is a step in the right direction towards the
future of water storage in New Zealand. INZ chief executive Elizabeth Soal says it’s great for the Wairarapa region and reflects how important water storage is not only for the Wairarapa but also for New Zealand. “Water storage is crucial to the resilience of New Zealand, as weather extremes become more common under climate change and the importance of looking after such a precious resource is highlighted. Water storage projects such as this will benefit both the environment and communities” said Soal. The funding announcement means the project can now progress with the work required to complete feasibility studies, lodge a resource consent application and prepare for construction to start. The storage project, when ultimately constructed, will help reach the goal of providing a resilience of freshwater supply to Wairarapa. Federated Farmers national board member and water spokesperson Chris Allen said the prosperity of drier regions of New Zealand would increasingly hinge on water security as the impacts of climate change accelerated. “I take this as a sign we’re getting beyond the thinking that water storage is code for irrigation for dairying alone. Water security is about future proofing the prosperity of all sectors of our regions,” Allen said
UNLOCKING OPPORTUNITIES PARLIAMENTARY UNDER-SECRETARY for Regional Economic Development, Richard Tabuteau the PGF funding for the two water projects will help unlock opportunities for the Wairarapa. “Water is a critical enabler for the Wairarapa economy and supply is becoming increasingly under threat due to increased demand caused by a growing population and economy in the region, as well as rising temperatures, declining rainfall and river flows, as a result of climate change. I am very pleased to see the PGF make these incredibly important strategic investments to improve the Wairarapa economy and quality of life for generations to come,” Tabuteau said.
DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
WORLD // 13
Oz farmers need support KINDRED SPIRITS
PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
THE MESSAGE of support from New Zealand is clearly getting through, says Shaughn Morgan. “It is clear there is a kindred spirit between our dairy organisations and farmers and yours and it comes through. It is vitally important that continues to be the case,” he says. Once affected farmers are more settled, the possibility of getting some sponsorship to get them over to New Zealand for farm visits or a holiday may be very helpful, he says. Dairy Australia says the most effective method of helping fire-affected farmers and their families is via financial donations. Information on how to donate is available via National Farmers Federation http://farmhub.org.au/australian-bushfires-how-you-canhelp/
AUSTRALIAN DAIRY
farmers need support to stay farming as bush fire destruction comes on top of drought woes, says an industry spokesman. Farmers will take some time to recover as they also mourn the loss of a father and son well known to the dairy community on the southeast coast, says Shaughn Morgan, chief executive of Dairy Connect. Robert Salway, 63, a long-term Jersey Australia member, was killed alongside his son Patrick, 29, as they were trying to protect their farm at Cobargo NSW. Farmers need as much support as possible, Morgan told Dairy News. “Some may consider exiting not just because of the bushfires but because of the drought, lack of water and possibly no hay or fodder after March. “These are all big issues that the industry is trying to confront. While the processors are to be complimented that they are continuing to provide the milk pick-ups a lot more needs to be done by industry bodies and our
Shaughn Morgan, Dairy Connect Australia.
government both state, federal and local. “The community action has been overwhelming.” A major dairy industry forum was planned at Bega, a centre of the south-east coast fires last Thursday. Speaking before the meeting, Morgan says they needed to assess what was required to “restore balance back to those farmers that have been so devastated”. “They have been finally able to get tankers into most of the farms. Where power has not been restored they are getting diesel in, the generators are working and
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they are milking effectively now. A number could not do that when this was at its height. “Animal welfare issues such as mastitis are of real concern. Vets and dairy Australia have people on the ground going to the 30 odd farms that have been badly affected with damage to their pasture, loss of stock and infrastructure.” Morgan said while he was “no social worker or psychologist” he found a shoulder was often needed. “Hearing their voices, they are at wit’s end.” About 7000 stock were confirmed as lost in the
region but Morgan was hoping for a clearer picture later in the week. “Luckily it is not so much the dairy cows that have been lost, it is more the heifers. That will obviously have an impact on calving. “But to a large extent the dairy herds themselves were looked after under sprinklers, on concrete and the like.” Heifers on pasture suffered the most losses as they could not be reached in time. “It was just too ferocious and far too quick.” Morgan says vital dairy areas in New South Wales (NSW) had been hit with
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40 farms directly affected, and 30 with considerable damage. This was tough in a region where dairy farms had been decommissioning since deregulation and there were under 600 left. “Everything was tight as it was and it’s just made it even tighter. “Given the number of dairy farms was already decreasing this will have further impact on the south coast and far south coast. Those in the mid-south coast … they weren’t as affected as badly. They did have the fires but they didn’t come in like further south where they couldn’t con-
trol them and they joined to make larger bushfires.” Dairy Australia told Dairy News less than 100 dairy farms nationally have been impacted in total, with some sustaining significant damage to paddocks and infrastructure. “Overall, the loss of milking stock has been limited. There has been significant loss of young dairy stock, including pregnant heifers who have slipped their calves as a result of the stress.” Farms impacted by power issues now have generators and milk pickups have been restored to most affected farms.
The main areas hit are the NSW far south and south coasts, East Gippsland and NE Victoria and parts of South Australia (Kangaroo Island, Adelaide Hills and Yorke Peninsula). About 5.28m ha have been burnt in NSW, at least 1.4mha in Victoria and 300,000ha in South Australia. Federal and state government bodies are coordinating emergency support services and state agriculture bodies are working with organisations including Dairy Australia to assist with practical recovery assistance on farm. “Processing companies like Bega and Saputo are cooperating on milk ups to ensure that farms in areas with access issues continue to be serviced where possible. These companies are also facilitating cow parking between farms in fireaffected areas.” Dairy Australia will play a strong role in the recovery effort. “It is too early to estimate the impact on herd numbers and milk production. Access to water and fodder remain key challenges for farms in areas where there has been prolonged drought.”
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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
14 // OPINION RUMINATING
EDITORIAL
Let’s be fair to farmers
MILKING IT... Think again HAVE YOU given up milk in the name of sustainability? Think again. Your almond milk latte obsession may be doing more harm than good. Billions of bees across the US are dying reportedly due to the booming popularity of the almond milk industry - despite being essential to the growing process. According to The Guardian, during the US winter of 2018-19 more than 50 billion bees were reportedly wiped out more than six times the world’s human population and a third of commercial US colonies. The high demand of producing almond milk is one cause, placing strain on the hives of bees used to pollinate the orchards. “The high mortality rate creates a sad business model for beekeepers,” Nate Donley, a senior scientist for the Centre for Biological Diversity, told the newspaper. “It’s like sending the bees to war. Many don’t come back.”
Fake milk bites processors YOU think only Fonterra is in financial dire straits... the US milk industry is reeling from the decline in dairy sales. Within the past two months two of its largest processors have gone bust. While milk remains a household item in the US, people are simply drinking less of it, Dean Foods Co said in its November bankruptcy filing. “The decline in dairy sales has occurred in conjunction with the rise of oat, nut, soy and other alternative ‘milk’ products at retailers and food service locations across the country.” Circumstances were so similar that Borden Dairy Co. used the same language almost verbatim in court papers recently to describe its predicament.
Cow talk COWS DO talk, researchers say. A new study shows that cows communicate using unique voices, which remain consistent across a range of emotional circumstances. Alexandra Green, a PhD student at the University of Sydney’s School of Life and Environmental Sciences, headed to a free-range farm on the university’s campus, equipped with headphones and a shotgun mic. In total, Green and her colleagues recorded 333 high-frequency vocalisations from 13 heifers, none of which had been pregnant. The calls were collected during a number of different situations, like when the cows were in heat and when they were anticipating a tasty meal, which the researchers identified as “positive” contexts. Calls were also collected when the animals were denied food: physically isolated from the herd, and when they were both physically and visually isolated from the rest of the herd, which researchers identified as “negative” contexts.
Why steal Stihl? IF SOMEONE turns up on your farm, selling Stihl 461 chainsaws, please shout out. That’s the message from NZ Young Farmers. In a social media posting it says “a large number” oh chainsaws and other valuable gear have been stolen from NZYF container in Christchurch. NZYF runs the FMG Young Farmer of the Year competition, which includes competitions around the farm, where they use Stihl chainsaws.
MUSEUM OF New Zealand, Te Papa Tongarewa has made no new friends in the dairy sector with its farcical display of water quality ‘samples’ from around the country. The furore erupted a month ago after National MP Todd Muller tweeted a picture of a bottle of brown water, part of a display in the museum’s Te Taiao Nature exhibition. The bottle featured an image of a cow defecating in a waterway and a map indicating the water was from the Waikato. To their credit, Te Papa changed the label to show the cow standing on solid ground and no longer defecating. The map had also been removed and a note been added to the display to make it clear the bottles were not samples but only symbolic. However, farmers are rightly asking how and why the Te Papa got it wrong in the first place? It could have asked DairyNZ. After all, only days earlier they had hosted (and most likely charged NZ dairy farmers a hefty sum) a dinner for the annual Dairy Environment Leaders Forum to celebrate the great work dairy farmers had undertaken. Farmers were upset the museum had used dyed brown water in the display, rather than taking an actual sample from a farm stream. The display was an unfair body blow to the New Zealand farmers and the dairy sector, at a time when they are striving to win public support and recognition for the hard work they have done over the years to restore water quality on farms. Farmers demanded to know when and where this water was taken from. Te Papa confessed that the water wasn’t actually from a farm at all but was made up in a back room using brown dye. It is clear that the water in their display is not representative of an average farm stream. The group is also upset about how the bottle was labelled and how the sector was represented. DairyNZ says the imagery on the bottle of a cow standing in water defecating is highly deceptive and entirely out of step with the reality of dairy farming in New Zealand today, “where we are proud to have fenced off 98.3% of waterways in recent years”. “Farmers who have done the right thing and voluntarily invested their time and their money to fence off waterways and plant riparian strips deserve better than this from their national museum.” Let’s hope Te Papa has learnt a lesson. Dairy farmers aren’t asking for much, they only seek credit for the good work done on farms around water quality.
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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
OPINION // 15
Soil properties critical when applying effluent When effluent application rates are higher than infiltration rates, water can enter continu-
FARMERS AGREE
there is an absolute need to work together to address water quality needs and achieve the objectives of the Government-initiated National Policy Statement for Freshwater Management. Dairy effluent can be a great resource for nutrients, but if application isn’t managed properly it can also be a significant source of contaminants and nutrient leaching and run off that can seriously impair the health of waterways. Soil properties should be weighed up when applying effluent to pasture to maximise nutrient benefits and the protection of waterways. Soil texture and structure determine the amount of water that can enter and be retained within a particular soil, and the rate of transmission of excess water through that soil. So, effluent irrigation systems should be matched to soil properties to minimise run off and leaching. Run off The rate at which effluent can infiltrate soil must be adequate to avoid run off into waterways. The nature of the effluent and cattle treading on soils can affect the infiltration rate. Treading damage, 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 in intersecting hollows. It can then enter surface waterways. Movement 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 or if application rates exceed infiltration rates. Low rates of hydraulic conductivity are found in soils that are poorly
drained, and ponding and run off often occur with high rainfall. Many of these soils are artificially drained to reduce the incidence of ponding and waterlogging. Leaching 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 significant quantities of effluent. Most soils have moderate water-holding capacities. The soils that have low available water-holding capacities are the shallow to moderately deep soils, as well as sandy or stony soils. Generally speaking, lower water-holding capacities are the result of restricted rooting depths due to the shallow nature of the soils and high water tables. Effluent irrigation on these soils is likely to result in leaching. Drainage and the level of biological activity of the soil at the application site are important. Aim to apply effluent at a rate that keeps it in the root zone so that the nutrients can be utilised by pasture. 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 would be an issue to consider. In such situations, application depths and rates should be adjusted to account for this risk. Bypass flow
ous macro-pores that are open at the soil surface, and then move very rapidly via so-called “bypass
flow” through a relatively dry soil matrix. This means little opportunity for the water
to be retained within the root zone and high leaching of nitrate is likely to occur.
• Bala Tikkisetty is a sustainable agriculture advisor (technical) at Waikato Regional Council.
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Above: Alan Marx with his Tow and Fert Multi 4000 applying his brew in Taranaki.
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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
16 // AGRIBUSINESS
Synlait unveils tree-planting scheme NIGEL MALTHUS
SYNLAIT MILK is establishing an industrial-scale native plant nursery at its Dunsandel headquarters as the centrepiece of a wide-ranging environmental initiative. The programme is dubbed Whakapuāwai, which means “to cause to blossom, develop, flourish, prosper, thrive”. Synlait says it is the company’s commitment to restoring and regenerating native ecosystems, waterways and wetlands, flora and fauna. “It is about drawing people and groups together to improve water quality and restore biodiversity and re-establish mahinga kai – the places and natural resources that are culturally important to Māori and our commu-
nity.” Central to the programme is an industrial scale nursery to propagate native plants, on a 15ha site at the back of Synlait’s Dunsandel headquarters complex. It will be capable of growing more than one million native trees and shrubs annually, with the goal of planting four million native trees on farms and community land by 2028. Over several years the site will also be developed with a wetland to handle waste water from the factory, walkways, exercise zones and meeting pods, and eventually an education centre for staff and visitors. Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern recently officially opened Whakapuāwai by planting a kowhai among more than 1,000 natives already planted.
Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern and Agricultural Minister Damien O’Connnor planting a tree at Synlait’s Dunsandel plant.
Adern congratulated Synlait on the initiative, saying the Government can only do so much. “You are demonstrating true leadership. So I am here today just to acknowledge it and say thank you for working alongside us.” She said she gets a huge amount of mail from
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children, the vast majority of which is about their fears for the environment. Ten years ago, people questioned the science of climate change, she said. “I remember it because I went to some political meetings at that time and I remember talking about climate change and being booed.
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“We have moved a huge way in that time and now it’s not a question of if we do something it’s how fast and how far we go. “We’ve set our goals that we don’t want to see warming go beyond 1.5 degrees in New Zealand, we’ve embedded those targets in our legislation,
we’ve progressed a worldfirst agreement with our primary sector on how we will deal with emissions farm by farm and no-one in the world is doing that.” Synlait staff will also receive one paid day per year to plant natives, in support of the company commitments to its farmers and communities to land restoration in Canterbury. “We can’t solve environmental challenges on our own, but through Whakapuāwai we can lead by example and help connect our milk suppliers and community groups to make a real difference,” said Synlait CEO Leon Clement. “New Zealanders are passionate about creating a sustainable future for our country, and at Synlait, we are in an ideal
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position to shape the change needed in our industry. It’s our purpose to do milk differently for a healthier world, and Whakapuāwai brings this to life.” “Our customers, and their consumers, have rapidly shifting expectations when it comes to how we care for our planet, people and animals, and Synlait is responding to these demands to ensure a healthier world for all. It’s our business to shape a future that ensures agricultural and industry is fit for a better world.” The programme was launched on the day Synlait also officially opened a new electrode boiler, the first of its scale in the country and the first since the company committed to building no more coalfired plants.
Milk has reaffirmed its policy of building no more coal-fired boilers, with the official opening of the country’s first large-scale electrode boiler at its Dunsandel headquarters. The boiler, already in operation since March, was officially opened with a ribbon-cutting by Prime Minister Jacinda Adern in mid-December. Synlait chief executive Leon Clement said the boiler came out of the company’s commitment to sustainability stated about 18 months ago. He said it was more expensive to run and to install, but the company had to consider how the rising cost of carbon would impact its business over the life of the boiler. “We started to understand that even though today’s cost of carbon is $25 a tonne, at $40 a tonne this electrode boiler made economic sense as well as
environmental sense. “Whilst today our coal-fired boilers are economically better to run they are not good for the environment. The electrode boiler is good for the environment and in time it will also be more profitable for us. So that’s a really good example where we’ve been able to lead the way for New Zealand.” The 6MW, 11kV boiler generates high-pressure saturated steam at 180degC, used to pasteurise and sterilise milk, clean production lines and equipment, and assist in forming production packaging, among other uses. Clement said the boiler is providing the processing for Synlait’s new advanced dairy liquid facility, which produces pasteurized milk for South Island Foodstuffs supermarkets, and will also power a long-life ultra-heattreated milk plant now being commissioned.
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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
MANAGEMENT // 17
A slice of farming paradise in Auckland City PAM TIPA pamelat@ruralnews.co.nz
LIVESTOCK GRAZING on a farm with a
good view of Auckland’s Sky Tower is the story behind the latest Dairy Women’s Network visual story telling project Our People, Their Stories. Mt Albert Grammar (MAGS) student Rose Young says she knows she is not quite a typical Auckland city teenager. “It’s central Auckland, which is a bit crazy for me to be into agriculture I guess,” she told Dairy News, referring to the ASB MAGS 8.1ha working farm. “But when I’m here I don’t feel like I’m at school. I feel like even though I’m learning so much while I’m doing it, it’s more or less just something I’d love to do anyway.” The farm was set up in 1932, when the Auckland Horticultural Society decided that city children were losing knowl-
Mt Albert Grammar student Rose Young (on right) with Kaitlyn Sanders and Pippi Butterworth, attend to the job of feeding the calves at ASB MAGS Farm.
edge of farming practices and asked Mount Albert Grammar to teach agriculture and horticulture. The Auckland Savings Bank became involved, and special legislation was passed to allow the bank to buy land from the neighbouring Kerr-Taylor sisters’ farm and lease it back to the school at a peppercorn rental. Out of its multicultural roll of over 3000 it now educates over 200 stu-
dents annually from years 10-13 in agricultural and horticultural science, with these urban kids getting a unique opportunity to experience rural farm life without leaving the city. ASB MAGS farm experience centre development manager Peter Brice says the farm is all about connecting kids with opportunities at the heart of New Zealand’s national identity -- the agri-food and fibre sector.
“It’s about milking dairy cows, shearing sheep, pruning vines, whatever it might be,” he said. “It’s pretty special, 8ha in the middle of Auckland with 260 agri, hort and agribusiness kids, which we’ve grown from 180 18 months ago.” ASB MAGS farm advisory group chair Mark Heer says the farm connects and engages with city school students who would not normally be
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exposed to a rural environment. “A strength of the Dairy Women’s Network is engagement and connection, which aligns well with the goal of the ASB MAGS Farm to engage and connect the agri food and fibre industries with urban school students,” he said. Heer adds that it’s all about creating more awareness and understanding about rural farm
life and taking that to greater New Zealand. Young says there are days when she’s in school with her friends and looks out the window and spots Brice working on the farm and they contemplate writing a sign saying ‘get us out Peter, let us help you’. “It’s very different from what I’m used to, or what anyone in Auckland is used to,” she said. “It’s great to get outside and for girls it is really cool and especially because we have such great female teachers who get us into it as well.” In 2013, a new lease agreement was signed between ASB and the Mount Albert Grammar School board of trustees whereby the bank leases the land to the school for a 99 year term at a nominal annual rent of $1.
There are plans to build a new agri food and fibre experience centre which Brice says could be a central hub for agribusiness in Auckland. Dairy Women’s Network chief executive Jules Benton says it has been a wonderful experience getting into heartland New Zealand to meet fantastic people and tell their amazing stories. “It has been truly special,” she said. “The first two stories have been well received and we know this one will be too as it’s quite different from the first two.” For Young, who has set her sights on a career in agriculture after leaving school, the farm makes going to school much more motivating. “It’s our little slice of New Zealand right in the city which is awesome to have.”
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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
18 // MANAGEMENT
RESEARCHER OF THE YEAR She has led a number of environResearch (FAR) has named one of its mental and biodiversity projects such own as their 2019 Researcher of the as the Good management practices for winter dairy grazing on arable cropping Year. The award has gone to Diana land, the Building Better Biodiversity Mathers, who, since joining FAR as on Arable Farms and the Trees for Bees Cropping Systems Research Manager projects. Mathers was instruin 2010, has worked to mental in developing a support cropping farmers Farm Environment Plan in the areas of economic template for cropping and environmental susfarms which was released tainability. in 2015 and has been FAR chief execuextremely well received tive Alison Stewart says by growers and Regional Mathers’ award recognises Councils. The award says the significant impact she its success comes from has had in these areas. Mathers’ determination Working with growers Diana Mathers that it should able to be around the adoption of new technologies is a current focus completed easily by the landowner and for Diana, who helped to test and cali- form a valuable information base for brate DIY Quick N testing kits as part the farm business. The Farm Environment Plan is of the MPI SFF Nitrogen - Measure it and Manage it project. The results being delivered to farmers through an of this project have confirmed that on-going series of workshops and will Quick N testing strips are an efficient become an increasingly more imporand inexpensive tool to help growers tant tool for growers as the governunderstand exactly how much nitrogen ment increases its environmental is available to their crops at any given compliance requirements. Mathers has also had significant time, and therefore, how much they involvement in benchmarking Overneed to apply to reach target yields. Mathers is involved in a number of seer for crop farms and delivering national and regional research projects, information on nutrient management which focus on ensuring high quality on crop farms to arable and vegetable information is made available to farm- crop farmers through a series of nutriers in a format that is easy to under- ent management workshops across New Zealand. stand and apply.
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Do you know where it came from, or the journey it took to get to your plate? When consuming a meal, or creating one, we often think of how the flavours and textures work together, or how our family and friends will enjoy the experience of a meal lovingly created or dutifully thrown together last minute at the end of a busy day. We often don’t consider the farmers and plant scientists working diligently each day to maintain our nutritious food supply. Even before the first seed is sown, or animal is conceived, a range of science-based innovation and safeguards are in place to ensure that what ends up on the dinner plate is safe and good to eat. Some people imagine that food is simple to grow, not considering the multitude of factors that got it through the supply chain and onto
the plate. The threats that crops and animals face - from pests and diseases to harsh weather - can ruin a crop harvest or threaten the health of livestock. Even farmers may be more fixated on weather forecasts, the prospect of a drought or water quality, than the veterinary medicines and agrichemicals - such as antimicrobials and herbicides - needed to ensure an abundant and reliable product to sell. But these tools are critical to farm production, to effectively manage pests and diseases, and grow our primary sector. Protecting crops from pests and disease increases their quality and quantity, meaning a more abundant supply of less expensive food products, such as fruit and vegetables. Producing more food per hectare also means less destruction to our natural environment. In New Zealand and overseas, the crop protection and animal medicine industries continue to invest heavily in cutting edge innovations to help farmers protect crops and livestock
from pests. Agrichemicals and animal medicines have never been more thoroughly tested and screened to ensure safety as they are today. In the land of the long white cloud, we are fortunate that all products in our food chain have been thoroughly tested and are safe - something not always guaranteed in other parts of the world. As a New Zealander, I am proud to be part of an agricultural industry that is world-leading in the production of safe, healthy and sustainable food. So as you relax over the holiday break, consider a reality of food shortages and price increases for basic food. Imagine your supermarket with no food for the barbeque. It’s a dismal prospect. Enjoying a cool beer and grilling a good quality steak (or fake burger patty) in the sun is at the heart of many kiwi festivities at this time of year. • Mark Ross is chief executive of Agcarm, the industry association for companies which manufacture and distribute crop protection and animal health products.
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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
ANIMAL HEALTH // 19
Good weather, negative blood test results bring joy to farm NIGEL MALTHUS
THE SUN is out again for Southland bull beef farmers Ben Walling and Sarah Flintoft, who started the year in the fear of being struck down with Mycoplasma bovis for a second time. The Lumsden couple had been forced to cull 1700 calves from an infected farm in their first episode with the disease in early 2018. They described it as “a dreadful time in Ben Walling our lives and for our family to have to go through.” Early this month, various news outlets reported that another of their three farms was under suspicion, because of trace animals they had bought in to restock in September 2018 after their property was cleared from the initial outbreak. However, a first round of blood
tests on the herd has come back negative and as this issue of Dairy News goes to press, Walling said the second round had also shown the disease non-existent. “We’re just waiting for the paperwork but they’ve pretty much told us we’ve come through clear now.” “At the end of the day it’s good to know they are following up on all these traces if we are to have a chance to rid the disease from New Zealand.” Walling was full of praise for the Ministry for Primary Industries staff who handled the latest scare. MPI was a different beast to what it had been two years ago and there was no reason for any farmer to fear the process, he said. “They know what they’re doing. I could not rate them highly enough.” The good news also came on a
day when the actual sun was shining. Walling said Lumsden’s summer weather so far had been “absolutely horrific”, with wintery weather continuing right through to Christmas. “But every day it rains is a day closer to the sun coming out, so you just keep going.” Ben and Sarah run a large beef fattening and dairy grazing operation alongside an agricultural contracting business. The latest scare had resulted from a three-step trace – they had bought in some bulls which had been in contact with some animals which themselves had possibly been in contact with an infected animal. Flintoft said it was disappointing that some of the farmers they had purchased animals off in the past year were still not up with fulfilling their side of the NAIT requirements correctly. “We have seen firsthand the benefits of the system which can only work properly if everyone does their bit,” she says.
MORE INFECTED FARMS THE LATEST figures from the Ministry of Pri-
mary Industries (MPI) still show a slow but steady increase in the total number of farms confirmed as infected with Mycoplasma bovis. However, the number of farms under suspicion is also steadily decreasing. In its first update of the year, dated January 10, MPI said 228 farms were under active surveillance. That number is now lower than it has ever been since
MPI introduced new reporting and management categories last April. 254 were recorded as being under surveillance at that time. Meanwhile, 220 farms are under a Notice of Direction (NOD), under which movement controls are in place and testing is underway, either because the farm may have received an infected animal or it has recorded a positive bulk milk test. That figure is also continuing a decline since highs of more than 300 around September and October. As at January 10, there have been 218 confirmed cases of the disease, up by four since the last official update just before Christmas. 166 are in the South Island and 52 in the North Island. Of these, 193 properties have been cleared while 25 remain active. MPI has paid out almost $124 million in compensation. Almost 1500 claims were paid and completed: 126 claims were being processed, and MPI said new claims were being paid within 23 working days, on average.
DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
20 // ANIMAL HEALTH / ENVIRONMENT
Gong for working with nature NIGEL MALTHUS
A LEESTON dairy farm-
er’s adoption of a regenerative agriculture approach to the family farm has won him North Canter-
bury Fish and Game’s Working with Nature Award for 2019. John Legg, 32, is the fourth generation of the Legg family running the Lakeside Ayrshires farm, close to the shores of Te
Waihora/Lake Ellesmere. Back on the farm since 2012 after several years away, Legg has taken the view that agriculture is “a biological system not a chemical one,” and adopted regenerative
principles especially since attending a seminar with soil scientist and consultant Nicole Masters about three years ago. “Because of where we are in close proximity to Lake Ellesmere we had to
Leeston dairy farmer John Legg.
“These species are the ones that hold us through the dry times, they’ve all got tap roots and they persist when it’s dry so we’ve still got something to feed our cows.”
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change a lot of stuff due to our consents and Farm Environment Plans,” explains Legg. The main driver was to become more efficient with water use. “So we started looking to grow more drought-tolerant species like lucerne, red clover, chicory, plantain – stuff that didn’t need as much water as ryegrass and clover mix. It’s all to do with their root structures and root depths.” “These species are the ones that hold us through the dry times, they’ve all got tap roots and they persist when it’s dry so we’ve still got something to feed our cows.” He has also worked with Amy Duckworth from the soil consultancy company Soil Matters, which promotes the Albrecht-Kinsey system of soil fertility. Legg describes is “a different model of fertilising,” based around balancing out calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium cat-ions to build a better soil structure and better soil biology which in turn boosts nutrient levels. Only natural fertiliser is used, in the form of Poulfert, which is chicken litter sold as a byproduct of chicken farming. The system is giving better milk productivity, feed growth, improved fertility has improved and a reduction in animal health issues including mastitis. “I wouldn’t be confident to sit here and say it’s all to do with our fertiliser but I do think it plays a big part in it,” says
Legg. The Fish & Game award also recognises Legg’s environmental work. The farm is bordered by Harts Creek, which drains into the lake just 3km away and is where Legg first learned to fish for trout. He now chairs the Harts Creek and Birdling’s Brook Streamcare Group, which has been working for almost 20 years to repair and enhance the streams. Restoration work has included removing willows, gorse and broom and replacing them with native species such as kahikatea, totara, flaxes, kōwhai, karamu, manuka, kanuka, ake ake, pittosporum and ribbonwood. “We’re trying to get a real diverse mixture of stuff to enhance the whole ecosystem,” says Legg. The farm, a prizewinning Ayrshire stud for 100 years, now milks 200 pedigree Ayrshires. Late gestation Angus is used to finish mating and the beef calves are raised to 18 months. Now married to wife Holly and with children Isla, 4, and Blake, 2, Legg has been back on the farm since 2012 after several years pursuing a rugby career in Otago. Playing halfback for the Otago provincial team, Legg was in the Highlanders squad for one season before coach Jamie Joseph brought in Aaron Smith “and it was all over,” quips Legg. These days he is back playing, coaching and on the committee for the local Leeston club.
DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
FARM DAIRIES // 21
Take control of your cup removers MALFUNCTIONING CUP removers in the milk shed can be a major issue, just ask Gordonton farmers John and Sandra Shewan. Milking 520 cows in a 50-unit rotary system, built in 2005, the Shewans found the existing cup removers a burden. “It was frustrating milking cows every day without knowing what was going to fail next,” says John. He says they faced the same issues daily: going from one end of the rotary to the other just to ensure that the cups were coming off at the correct time. They were forced to take on a second person for milking, when the system only needs one milker. John says tired and frustrated with these reoccurring issues they decided to upgrade the existing cup removers to MilkTechNZ’s CR-1 cup removers. “The installation process was completed within a few days and without any interruption to the milking. “The rotary is now a one-man system again and the cows are milking out cleanly,” he says. The Shewans say they are now working in a worry-free environment once again and can continue with busi-
ness as usual. “It is a pleasure to milk cows again,” says John. MilkTechNZ, which specialises in electronic cup removers and accessories for both herringbone and rotary milking sheds, says its CR-1 electronic cup removers are a one-man operation: simple, and reliable.
They are designed and manufactured in NZ: featuring a durable threeinch stainless steel ram, an illuminated switch and a free-flow sensor. The CR-1 also uses electronic componentry that is mounted high and safe in the milking plant, thereby substantially reducing the exposure to moisture and muck.
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Integral technology sees a range of customisable parameters controlled by the latest software and programming of milking parameters using Wi-Fi connectivity to an enabled device, with the added benefit of software upgrades in ‘Real Time.” MilkTechNZ says this feature allows
mass adjustment of the units, rather than the more typical method of using control screens for individual units. Additionally, in-built diagnostics can alert operators to any issues that may occur during the milking cycle. While removing teat cups at the end of cycle, the CR-1 can also support inbail teat spraying and bail-gate control in rotary sheds alongside automated milk-sweep functions to clear lines and cluster drop functionality. MilkTechNZ chief executive Gustavo Garza says there are huge opportunities for NZ operators to reduce labour and increase productivity by upgrading plant to automated cup removers. “Our CR-1 cup removers offer a host of features to make life in the milking shed so much easier and can also be retro-fitted to existing systems as plant fails, usually at much lower cost.” Garza says the units are available throughout the country through an approved dealer network. On the export front, CR-1 cup removers are already making inroads into countries such as Australia, Brazil, Argentina and Chile. www.milktechnz.com
DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
22 // FARM DAIRIES
Do you need an upgrade? this case it is possible that the extra capacity released by the increased efficiency of a new set up could be used to help generate funds to pay for the investment. Sometimes the motivation for change may be a combination of both - for example, milking may be taking too long and extra income may be needed to cover increasing expenses.
DAIRY INFRASTRUCTURE can have a major
impact on milking efficiency and the comfort of cows and milkers, says DairyNZ. Upgrading an existing dairy or installing a new dairy are big projects that often require a large outlay. A decision to change the dairy should be based on a genuine need for improved infrastructure. It should be financially viable and support the achievement of the farm’s goals. It says generally, a change in the milk harvesting system cannot be assessed in isolation from the rest of the farm business. A major upgrade or a new dairy is not ‘just a shed’ but has implications for the whole farm system. Ask yourself - is it time for an upgrade? The motivation for undertaking a major change may come from a number of sources such as: ■■ Current system may be working well but may be too small to cope with future goals i.e. milking more cows, employing more or less labour. ■■ Current system may not be working well i.e. the milker is idle or flat out, dairy is too cramped, or it takes too long to milk. In
Other reasons for seeking changes include the desire to improve the working environment to get benefits like: ■■ Reduced OSH risks. ■■ Improved attitudes to the milking job and farming in general. ■■ More time to spend on management tasks or being able to attract (and keep) high calibre staff to take over the day-to-day operational tasks.
UPGRADING GOALS IT IS important to be very clear about what is motivating the desire for a change and to have a focused picture of the farm goals. If the primary goal is to increase disposable income there may be other ways to achieve this without undertaking a major building project. Not all of a farmer’s goals will be financially motivated but every decision made on the farm has a financial implication. The implications of building a new dairy need to be analysed from many different angles so the risks of financial failure are kept to a minimum and financial targets are reached.
General considerations ■■ Will the change be an upgrade or a whole new dairy? ■■
Will more cows be required to make an investment in a new dairy feasible?
■■
If extra cows are required, what will the impact be on the herd, feed, management, labour, infrastructure and debt?
■■
Make sure that all additional costs associated with a new dairy are taken into consideration when doing budgets and plans.
These costs can have a major impact on the financial viability of a project e.g. will the existing infrastructure meet require-
ments of an expanded herd (effluent, fencing, laneways and water)? Infrastructure checklist Checking that all necessary elements have been included before seeking quotes will mean quotes need be sought once only. Sending a single set of requirements to all suppliers also ensures they are all quoting on the same job, allowing meaningful comparisons to be made between quotes. MPI and your milk company have strict requirements around dairy infrastructure relating to milk quality and milk collection. Before beginning any construction or changes, consult your milk company.
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SUMMARY ALL DAIRY farmers should base their decisions on clearly defined personal and business goals. If you haven’t already defined goals for your farm business, make it a priority. When planning a new dairy it makes sense to draw up a wish list first. This initial planning is the first step in sorting out priorities. Once the ‘must have’ priorities have emerged, financial analysis of the cost implications can begin. Decisions on upgrades need to be analysed in terms of the impact proposed changes will make to milker and cow comfort - some things may be worth paying more for. Building a new dairy is a big undertaking. Most farmers are not project engineers and have plenty of other work to do on the farm. A project manager is a valuable asset on many dairy construction projects, however it is important to ensure yours is reputable and experienced in all aspects of dairy builds. It is their responsibility to make sure that things happen on time and the desired result is achieved. Also make sure you employ a builder with experience in dairy construction. Visit other farmer’s dairies, preferably during milking, for ideas and feedback on the performance of different products.
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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
24 // FARM DAIRIES
Ageing liners trigger BMCC blowouts A DAIRY farmer’s first
and best defence against mastitis and teat-end damage comes down to one decision. Industrial chemist Hamish Hunt says blowouts in bulk milk cell count (BMCC) are most heavily impacted by how often producers change
their milk liners. Industry best practice is to change liners every 2500 milkings. Pushing that deadline out – even marginally – to 3000 milkings, will have a 7% negative impact on milk quality and production. And, in addition to the production losses and
rising BMCC comes the veterinary and/or drug costs, the indirect impact on herd fertility, and the frustration, extra work and worry for the producer. Liners the heartbeat of successful dairies The liner, less than 2mm thick in the barrel,
Industry best practice is to change liners every 2500 milkings.
spends its entire life under tension and is expected to handle 2500 milkings (or 1.5 million closures). It is also exposed every day to environmental challenges. “What we often forget is that the liner is the centrepiece of the single most complicated piece of equipment from a foodharvesting point of view,” Hunt said. “The liner is also the sole direct point of contact on a cow’s teats, so it plays a big role in controlling mastitis and teat-end damage. “As the liner ages, its surface becomes like sandpaper. So using overly aged liners causes abrasion on the surface of the teat end. This promotes hyper-keratosis and mastitis issues.” He says milk, deter-
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gents, sanitisers, milkstone removers, ozone, UV light and variable temperatures also play their part in ageing liners. “Over time they cause them to harden and that accelerates cracking in the liner structure – particularly in the heavier rubber areas – which means it’s becomes a host point for long-term bacterial infection.” Hidden wear Skellerup’s national sales manager, Mark England, agrees, saying that by the time the triggers to change milk liners become obvious, it is often like trying to close the stable door after the horse has bolted. “Liners are hidden inside the cups, so you can’t see what happens to them when they wear out,” England said. “The
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first thing you might instead notice is a cow kicking the cluster off, damaged teat ends or a surprisingly high BMCC on the milk docket. “Our customers, who change their milking liners at the recommended 2500 milkings, routinely report an immediate reduction in teatend damage, cup slip, a lower BMCC, and faster milk-out times. “It also helps save power, labour and animal health costs and it can increase milk solid yields, while minimising the risk of penalty grades.” Proof in the pudding Several New Zealand farmers proactive about changing their liners say the documented science matches their experience. Ben McKerchar is operations manager for the 1600-cow Larundel Dairy Partnership, at Rangiora, North Canterbury. Larundel Dairy changes liners in its 70-stand rotary dairy every two months, because small issues such as split or worn liners quickly escalate into herdhealth challenges. “For us, it wouldn’t be just half a dozen cows with mastitis,” he said. “It would be 20, or 30, or more. “Once we hit that 2500-milking mark, if we don’t change the liners it will only be a matter of days and we’ll start seeing split liners. “It’s just not worth it. We’re better off staying ahead of the problem.” As a result, Larundel Dairy’s BMCC average sits comfortably between 180,000 and 220,000. And in Waikato,
Graham and Rebecca Barlow have been equally proactive on their 350cow autumn-calving herd at Gordonton. They engaged PureMilk consultant and vet Adrian Joe to refine their BMCC, which was close to industry averages at 190,000 to 200,000 in their 40-a-side herringbone dairy. By making some small changes, including moving to manual teat spraying (instead of the existing walkover system), switching milk liners and replacing those liners every 2500 milkings, they dramatically improved teat-end health and dropped their BMCC to a comfortable 130,000 to 180,000. Spending to profit Milking speed and financial gain was the positive spin-off of addressing liner life for Bruce and Carol Collinson-Smith. They sharemilk two properties at Otorohanga. The businesses are run as one: the first milks 1100 cows through a 44-bail rotary dairy (in partnership with Bruce’s father), and the second, a 50-aside herringbone (in a 50/50 equity partnership). With the help of their local Skellerup representative, and PureMilk consultant and vet Steve Cranefield, they have turned around a history of mastitis and a BMCC that peaked at around 290,000. One of their key changes is to now consciously change their liners every 2500 milkings. Cranefield estimated they achieved an overall annual gain of $38,000 per farm. On one farm, they are listed in the top 3% of New Zealand’s herds for low BMCC – finishing grade-free for an entire lactation. Bruce said, “In the long run it’s really cheap, considering what we’ve gained.” You can calculate how often you need to change your liners based on herd and dairy size and milkings per day. Visit www.2500change.co.nz • This article first appeared in Getting the Basics Right 2020 issue @dairy_news facebook.com/dairynews
DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
FARM DAIRIES // 25
Robotic milker now comes with heat detector DELAVAL SAYS its
latest addition to the VMS product line, the new V310 detects heat and pregnancy automatically during the milking process. The V310 comes with the new DeLaval RePro, a feature that DeLaval says extend the robotic milker productivity advantage to the next generation of cows and dairy farmers. The V310 builds on the success of the VMS V300, launched in 2018: InControl, PureFlow and InSight are standard on both systems with RePro standard exclusively on the V310. RePro provides dairy farmers with accurate insights into the reproductive status of each cow in the herd. Using progesterone based sampling and analysis, heat and pregnancy can be detected in real time as well as cows that are not cycling as they should. This new feature allows farmers to save both time and cost of
managing reproduction and unwanted open days. DeLaval says the new V310 is the first milking system that automatically confirms pregnant cows. This can result in healthier cows and reduced veterinarian costs due to cows becoming pregnant at the right time with more productive lactations. “With the VMS V310, the robot is in charge of 90% of our tasks. Before we needed ultrasounds, but with Repro we hardly need them anymore because the system tells us when the cows are pregnant”, says Christian Legret, a French farmer who uses V310. With two models available, it gives you options to choose the voluntary milking system that best matches your needs and farming style. Both the VMS V300 and the VMS V310 feature the core functionality that can help ensure your cows are milked to their full potential, additionally the VMS V310 automatically con-
firms pregnancy. The new VMS V310 will become available in Oceania during 2020.
De Laval’s new V310
REPRODUCTION TOOL! REPRO TURNS the ultimate milking and animal welfare system into a reproduction management tool as well. By providing a clear picture of each animal’s reproductive status using DeLaval DelPro BioModels, progesterone levels are taken automatically in milk samples. All critical reproduction questions can be answered automatically with notifications within DelPro applications. DeLaval says all of this adds up to healthier cows, reduced vet costs, improved AI costs. “Having cows become pregnant at the right time will result in more productive lactations – which means more money.”
CRAIG KELLY
+64 22 502 3369 craig@milktechnz.com PO Box 10301, Hamilton 3241
DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
26 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
Self-propelled mixer wagons saves time when feeding large herds MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
KUHN’S NEW SPV
Access and Power selfpropelled silage cutter and mixer models have been developed to provide users with a compact, low height, easy to handle machine, with a 126kW (170hp) engine. Available from 12 to 17 m3 and suited to farms with more than 80 dairy cows, the single vertical auger models are designed with a rear steering axle allowing for a short turning radius. This new range features several models to meet varying herd sizes, with the SPV Access offered in 12, 14 and 15 cu metre capacities with a 90hp milling head, while the SPV Power is available in 12, 14, 15 and 17 cube sizes with a 120hp milling head. The rear steering axle offers a 5.9m turning radius, making manoeu-
vring in silos or accessing narrow feeding passages easy, while the optional front steering axle can be specified to reduce the turning radius to only 5.0m The engine is placed
between the cab and the tub, so offering comfortable access to perform routine maintenance. Described as an “easy to drive” machine, precise machine control is actioned via an ergonomic
joystick, with an optional pedal-controlled layout if preferred. A choice of two different control terminals, the VT 30 or CCI 50, use a simple interface logic for control of the Loading, Mixing and
Feeding modes. The panoramic cab allows the operator to move safely within confined spaces, utilising 360° lighting for dark operating environments and forward-mounted electric retractable rearview mirrors. The design of the new range is said to allow large volumes while overall heights remain low. For example, a 15 m3 machine can now operate in build-
ings with less than 3.00m headroom, achieved by positioning the mixer tub low between the axles. The machines feature right and/or left-hand side discharge, allowing feed passages requiring simultaneous, bilateral distribu-
tion to be handled in one pass. Both units can be equipped with a retractable feed conveyor under the tub, that in transport mode, remains within the machine’s outline, so protecting against impact damage. The 2-metre wide milling heads are said to deal with all fodder and feed types, benefitting from automated control of the milling head on the downstroke to allow the force to be adapted to the density of the fodder being loaded The mixing auger is powered hydraulically with two speed ranges. In the “mixing” mode, it ensures complete cutting and mixing of the products at 15 rpm with the ACCESS models and 20 rpm with the POWER models. In the “feeding” mode, the tubs increase speed to 38 rpm for the ACCESS and at 50 rpm for the POWER versions. www.kuhn.co.nz
DEALS 25% deposit of the financed sum i n c l u d i n g G S T P LU S a p a y m e n t h o l i d a y. The interest rate for the loan is 3.79% and is based on a schedule of 36 monthly payments. To suit seasonal cash flow, there are no payments required through * Te r m s , c o n d i t i o n s & l e n d i n g c r i t e r i a a p p l y. June, July, August and September so customers can take a winter payment holiday, and maybe go on holiday instead! Preapproval is now a lot easier with online tools that can give a definitive answer within a few minutes. Preapproval can also be granted by answering a few simple questions over the phone, which makes the process simple and straightforward. These Krone finance offers apply to all new imported products so be in quick to ensure your order is made by the end of the second quarter and take advantage of these great offers. This loan also consists of a $375 documentation fee and $20 Personal Property Securities Register (PPSR). Any documentation relating to either package needs to be preapproved and supplied prior to the end of the second quarter to ensure the order is met. Lending and credit criteria apply.
I n v e s t i n l o n g e v i t y a n d q u a l i t y. Invest in the best. Fo r m o r e i n f o r m a t i o n c o n t a c t
www.tulloch.nz
06 370 0390
DEALERS NATIONWIDE
Bale feeding made easier HUSTLER EQUIPMENT is well known for its
range of chainless bale feeders. The introduction of an optional Even Feed Roller should be useful for those feeding high-density squares, making the job easier and delivering a more consistent windrow of feed to the livestock. The roller acts to hold the bale on the cradle, allowing tightly packed “wafers” to be teased out, or if used with rounds, to allow the often tightly packed core to be broken down. For those using both square and round bale formats, the roller can be switched to suit either without the need for tools. The unit is available for four- and five-feet wides machines and is retrofittable to pre2020 Chainless X-Series machines. www.hustlerequipment.co.nz
DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 27
Pocket-size inspection light AS SMALL as a pen, so easily popped into a shirt pocket, the new Narva LED Pen Light packs a powerful lighting punch, using COB LEDs, to deliver 150 lumens of portable light. At full strength, the Pen Light provides two hours of light before requiring recharging, however the battery life can be doubled to four hours if the pen’s lower setting is selected. For greater flexibility, the unit has two output functions, allowing it to operate as either a flood light or as a torch beam to provide directional light (at 100 lumens) with a run time of three hours. A further feature is a brightness memory function, that recalls the last light output setting, making it ideal for tricky start and stop jobs.
Charging is easy via the included USB charging lead, with a full recharge taking between two and three hours. For greater durability, the Pen Light is finished in a highquality metal
casing and features a secure metal clip so it can hold onto shirt pockets or similar clothing. Elsewhere in the range, three Narva ALS Utility Lights all combine a powerful inspection lamp with directional torches for
THE NEW 4 CYLINDER
greater flexibility. A 350-lumen inspection light / 100-lumen torch; 600-lumen inspection light / 500-lumen torch; and a 1,000-lumen inspection lamp / 500lumen torch are all a similar in
size to a smartphone, making them extremely portable and easy to store. The output from the main light function is crisp, smooth and broad, while the torch function delivers a powerful directional beam. Depending on the brightness adjustment, the units provide between two to twenty hours’ usage, while the directional torch delivers three hours of light. All three Utility Lights come standard with glow-in-the-dark locators, integrated magnets and hanging hooks as part of the built-in stand that provides a range of positioning options. The two most powerful Utility models are rated to IP67, making them fully water and dust resistant.
KUHN’S ELITE CUTTERBAR KUHN HAS announced the release of the new Optidisc Elite cutter-bar for selected Kuhn GMD mowers and FC mower conditioners. Developed through farmer testing in paddocks around the world, the cutter-bar design has an even lower profile, while retaining the performance and reliability features of the original Optidisc design. The design is said to create a smooth, clean cut with minimal ash incorporation due to a very flat cutter-bar angle even at low cutting heights. Additionally, differential disc spacing utilises narrower spacing at the diverging discs for extra knife overlap to create a clean cut even when the grass is short or light. Wider spacing of the converging discs provides more space for the crop to pass from the cutting area; improving the cut quality, while free-rotating Fast-Fit knives also help enhance cutting quality and provide longer knife life. Reliability is retained through Kuhn’s patented Protectadrive disc bearing stations, that upon striking major obstacles, are designed to shear outside the gear case protecting the components within the cutter-bar. The equal sized gears allow maximum power transfer with even torque loads across the full cutting width. Maintenance and downtime are minimized with a lubricated-for-life design requiring no routine oil changes. www.kuhn.co.nz
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DAIRY NEWS JANUARY 21, 2020
28 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS
SP sprayer by any name MARK DANIEL markd@ruralnews.co.nz
AMAZONE SUGGESTS its new FT1502
front-mounted auxiliary tank can turn any modern tractor into a state-of-theart spray rig at a fraction of the cost of a trailed or self-propelled unit. Purpose-engineered for use with the company’s ISOBUS-compatible UF1602 (1600 litre) and UF2002 (2000 litre) linkage-mounted units, the 1500 litre tank was released earlier this year. Claas Harvest Centre product manager – Amazone, Steve Gorman, says the combination makes a
cost-effective alternative to a trailed or self-propelled sprayer. “With Super-S2 booms from 15 to 30 metres, UF02 sprayers are highly efficient spraying units, incorporating the SmartCentre operating panel and optional ComfortPack system that automatically controls filling, agitation and cleaning. The addition of the FT1502 front tank extends their capacity to 3200 or 3500 litres, which makes them a great fit for medium or small cropping enterprises.” he says. Gorman suggests that the combo set-up is far more agile than a trailed unit and significantly
cheaper than a self-propelled unit, while its compact nature offers many advantages during operation and transport in odd-shaped paddocks or narrow roads. “The well-thought out design of the tank gives a clear view despite the front tank and it complies with all relevant traffic safety standards” he says. The FlowControl Plus system automatically monitors and regulates the fill levels of both tanks via the ISOBUS terminal, with two highperformance venturis, powered by the spray tank’s 150 L/min pump, continuously transferring liquid between the two
tanks throughout filling and spraying operations. This ensures that the spray solution is mixed thoroughly and ensures optimum weight distribution is always maintained. Alternatively, the automatic transfer function can be deactivated, enabling the front tank to be used for transporting clean water for subsequent spraying or cleaning operations.” The front tank’s pump boosts filling speed to 400 L/minute in combination with the spray tank pump. During
cleaning, the front tank sprayer utilises the 350litre freshwater tank of the spray unit.
Electric ATV of the future THE LOOK of All Terrain Vehicles (ATV) hasn’t really changed over the years, but CF Moto recently gave the market a glimpse of where things might be heading. Their electric Concept Evolution A has been built to meet a changing customer culture and a need to evolve to meet new directions. Like the automotive industry, the company suggests that it is looking at different propulsion methods, including an all-electric option to provide a
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zero-emission alternative. Featuring an all new chassis design to house the electric motor and drivetrain, the concept is said to be configured to allow the rider to choose different power modes and suspension on the move. The Evolution will also include smart phone integration, that will allow custom displays for navigation, vehicle tracking, notifications, social media interactions and of course, phone calls.
MSL LOADERS JOHN DEERE HAS announced the launch of its mechanical self-levelling loader (MSL) line for John Deere 1E, 1R, 2R and 3E Compact Utility Tractors sold in the New Zealand market, with availability from mid-2020. The MSL system allows the operator to automatically maintain the front implement position from the ground to the loader’s maximum height, offering better security, by preventing items or materials from falling onto the tractor hood or operator station. An increase in lift and breakout capabilities will allow operators to benefit from greater productivity by reducing the times. Mechanical self-levelling loaders for the 120R, 220R and 300E series will also be available with a third function kit, enabling the use of additional attachments needing a hydraulic feed, such as the 4-in-1 bucket. Loaders are equipped with the Quik-Park loader mounting system and Quik-Change attachment carrier, allowing rapid removal and re-attachment of the loader and implements respectively. – Mark Daniel
Take a holiday from mixing teat spray, forever We‘ve done all of the work so you don‘t have to. This is the new era of teat spraying. The Auto Mix + Spray automatically makes and dispenses teat spray at every milking, for every cow – maintaining teat condition, controlling mastitis and enhancing efficiency. The intelligent technology locks in fixed ratios of water, teat spray and emollient, helping to eliminate any error and guesswork from the equation. Talk to your local GEA FIL Area Manager about automating your teat care routine, freephone 0508 434 569.
fil.co.nz