C&csep

September 2013 Issue No. 157 Bay of Plenty & Waikato Farm, Orchard & Rural Lifestyle news

Ph 07 578 0030

From the good earth Rural Driver Page 11-13

Dairy Developments Page 27-30

Maize Page 20 - 26

Potato prize pack Page 5

Mike Taylor of A S Wilcox & Sons with Fraser potatoes being harvested in a paddock near Matamata, an area better known for dairying and horse breeding. Read more on pages 4 and 5.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 2

Who’s for lab-grown meat and 3D printed pizza? New Zealand without dairy and dry stock farms, but instead a nation of gardeners, growing crops to produce protein to feed a hungry world – that’s a view of the future conjured up by a recent conversation with a scientist. We were chatting, off the record, over dinner, when he said he doubted New Zealand could continue to intensively farm the way it does now. Our environment is too fragile and nitrogen leaching into lakes, rivers and streams is the ticking time bomb which will explode, despite the best efforts of scientists, government and farmers. He painted a picture of vast paddocks of crops, some grown specifically to manufacture protein. Growing grass to feed livestock to produce meat and milk as protein was not an efficient use of land, and much more food per hectare can be produced from plants. It all seemed a little too fantastic to believe. Then, within days, there were news stories that scientists at Maastricht University

in the Netherlands had developed lab-grown meat from bovine stem cells coloured by beetroot juice. Professor Mark Post of the University of Maastricht, the scientist behind the first in-vitro burger, believes that test tube meat will be better for us. “We gain greater control over what the meat consists of, for example its fat content, and the reduction in the number of farmed animals reduces the chance of zoonosis, or infectious diseases that spread from animals to people.” Later, I learned from my food tech son about the possibility of 3D printers, the kind that can reproduce seemingly anything from a cup to an artificial knee, being able to produce food on demand from slot machines. I had my doubts but then discovered Nasa apparently plans to send a 3D, zero-gravity printer to the Space Station next year to produce tools and maybe food for astronauts – and I thought Star Trek was science fiction.

I’m not entirely convinced growing meat in the lab or “printing” pizza will make food any safer, or tastier, or if the public will even trust such processes. But then there’s currently a fair degree of nervousness about milk protein thanks to the food safety scares involving both Fonterra and Westland Milk products. For a different glimpse into the future read about Emeritus Professor David Hughes’ predictions for food retailing on page 6 and Tauranga farmer David Blackley’s novel suggestion for the future use of aging cruise ships – see page 15. Spring is when farmers and contractors make decisions about which maize varieties to plant and where – see our seven-page feature beginning on page 21. The Rural Driver team give the Jeep Grand Cherokee a workout on page 11. And on page 42 meet the couple, who after 60 years of market gardening, still believe growing food is a service to mankind. By Elaine Fisher

The winner of the August Coast & Country book prize “To Hound a Hog” by Brett Huddleston, published by Halcyon Press, is Kevin Stables of Tokoroa.

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COAST & COUNTRY

Page 3

Councils taking action over climate change Dune planting to help reduce coastal erosion at Buffalo Beach, Whitianga.

Claims that local and central government are failing to address the threats of climate change on Coromandel communities, made by Massey University PhD student and Thames Coast resident Paul Schneider, have been challenged by local councils. Paul, who has spent four years researching the barriers to, and opportunities of, climate change adaptation on the peninsula says his findings show lack of leadership over the issue. “Local government awaits initiative and foresight from regional government, which is not prepared to take the lead without the backing from central government.” Fifty-two people, including those living in the Coromandel, government and local body representatives, scientists, insurers and coastal developers, were interviewed as part of his research. Paul says he found an almost complete absence of leadership and that many people had low levels of understanding of climate change risks. His research is thought to be the first place-based and ethnographic approach to climate change. It also combines political ecology and environmental planning to understand the “bigger picture”. Paul presented his research at the New Zealand Climate Change Conference in July, where he was runner-up in the oral presentation award. However, local council’s don’t accept his criticism.

Preservation

The Thames-Coromandel District Council invests a great deal of time and money on ways to preserve the

MS1442

coastline including working with landowners of properties affected by coastal erosion, says council chief executive David Hammond. “We do realise that the magnitude of climate changes for individual beaches is hard to estimate and will need more work over time. “Climate change is increasing this risk. Most settlements are very lucky that there are large beach reserves between the houses and the coast. This makes the risk and solutions less severe than for other parts of New Zealand like Hawkes Bay, Kapiti Coast and Dunedin. The areas without enough of a reserve buffer (for example, Buffalo Beach, Whitianga) have the biggest risk. But the cost of protecting houses, roads, structures and reserves is still significant, and will only increase as climate change continues.” TCDC has also been working in partnership with its communities and regional council on coastal protection works, predominantly on the eastern side of the Peninsula. “This has involved numerous dune planting days, with hundreds of people involved in planting native plant species along coastal dunes to prevent further erosion. TCDC is also working on building coastal protection structures around areas that are highly vulnerable to coastal erosion, particularly in Whitianga,” says David.

Rising temperature

John Tregidga, Mayor of the Hauraki District Council, says in his view council is taking a reasoned and responsible approach to the issue of climate change and sea level rise. “As part of our recent District Plan review process, the District Plan Committee considered climate change and included this in our proposed district plan. “The main effects of climate

change include temperature, changed rainfall patterns and extreme weather conditions, storm surges and sea level rise. In the Hauraki district it is anticipated that the predicted increases in temperature rising from 0 to 4.1 degrees Celsius over the next 72 years, based on 1990 figures, may cause increase in the frequency of droughts or heavy rainfall causing flooding and increase in extreme weather events. “The predicted changes in storm surges, tides and sea level may increase the risk to the Hauraki Plains area. Our coastal area of Whiritoa is at risk of tsunami, and sea level rise may result in saltwater intrusion in coastal zones, and potential flooding to coastal developments. “In recognition of this, the proposed plan has addressed this with the identification of flood ponding areas and the highlighting of the building act requirement for floor levels above predicted flood levels across the plains.”

Significant issue

Waikato Regional Council’s community safety programme manager Adam Munro says that Paul raises a number of important issues about adaptation to climate change “which we agree will be an increasingly significant issue for Waikato coastal communities to address”. “The reality is that all low-lying properties, particularly within about 100 metres of an active coastline, may be prone to the future effects of sea level rise.” Adam says the regional council feels it is working very well with councils and local communities in coastal areas, to address these types of risks and coastal erosion issues. “We acknowledge that clearly there is more to do and we are committed to doing more as required. We

are very willing to listen to new ideas. “Central government has also recognised the issues in its Resource Management Act reforms. These specifically address the need to further manage natural hazards, including climate change and coastal erosion issues. We will be paying close attention to developments in this space.” However, Paul doesn’t believe the councils have done enough to safeguard lives and property from climate change impacts. “None of the documents produced so far truly encourage coastal communities, such as on the Coromandel, to address adaptation.”

Paul says councils and government must take a stand on the hazards of climate change, and implement robust policies to adapt to changing conditions. The implications of putting restrictions on coastal development or requiring the managed retreat of at risk properties will be costly, in terms of money and potentially political careers. However, Paul says action is needed, and urgently. In the end, it may be the insurance industry which becomes the unofficial regulator as insurers refuse cover for properties deemed to be at risk from climate change, he says. By Elaine Fisher

Page 4

COAST & COUNTRY The Grimme 170-60 harvester drawn by a 275 hp Fendt tractor harvests potatoes at around five kilometres an hour.

Technology helps deliver potatoes from paddock to plate At the far end of the extensive paddock near Matamata, five people are harvesting potatoes, and not one has a spade.

Norm Bruning -

Bay of Plenty Regional Council (Western Bay of Plenty General Constituency) Do you want rural representation on the Regional council? My family and I are Western Bay of Plenty dairy farmers who understand the balance between economic land use and the natural environment. The Bay of Plenty’s economy is largely rural based producing food for the world. When good environmental practices are demonstrated in agriculture, horticulture and lifestyle enterprises, we have winning products the consumer requires. Our small towns play an important

part in servicing our rural industries. I am advocating for public debate on financial and service delivery reform of councils across the region. The Port of Tauranga shares, owned by the regional council, must be retained but the benefits need to be measured across the whole spectrum of service delivery by Local Government in the Bay. Prioritizing expenditure including some debt servicing of costly utilities would have huge benefits and economic impact for the region.

Growing potatoes on the scale of this A S Wilcox & Sons Limited operation requires automation and technology far beyond spade work to make it viable and efficient. The huge Grimme 170-60 harvester drawn by a 275 hp Fendt tractor travels at about five km/h. It gently extracts the vegetables from the earth, removing any attached vegetation, undersize potatoes and much of the dirt, before delivering them to the enclosed platform where four women carry out an initial quality check. It’s the role of Aaron Mudgway to drive the tractor and control the harvester which has the capacity to hold six tonnes of potatoes. Once full, another tractor towing a trailer pulls alongside and Aaron raises a delivery shoot to deposit the potatoes into six bins. ”This trailer was designed and manufactured by Wilcox engineers to reduce damage to the potatoes,” says Mike Taylor, Wilcox Matamata manager. The trailer is fitted with an upper structure which looks a little like over-sized fruit picking bags, with canvas shoots and straps to slow the potatoes’ descent into the bins. Innovation and quality in potato growing is

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vital in a market competing with other foods and in which customer quality demands are high. “Around a third of our Matamata production is for the domestic market and two-thirds for processing and we grow different varieties to suit the seasons and customer demands,” says Mike – who has been with Wilcox since he left school in 1966. Back then to most consumers a potato was a potato – to be boiled, mashed, fried or roasted and eaten virtually every day.

Varieties

Now there are specific varieties packed and labelled for different cooking qualities, and Wilcox has become a leader in growing gourmet potatoes for salads. Then there are the varieties needed by processers who turn them into potato chips, frozen chips and French fries. Although pasta, rice and other vegetables have affected potato consumption, they are still the number one vegetable, with 87 per cent of us eating them at least three times a week and 35 per cent of New Zealanders eating them daily. Growing potatoes has come a long way since the company’s beginnings.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 5

Potatoes for all seasons, and occasions The late Syd Wilcox founded the company in 1954 after growing potatoes on his Pukekohe dairy farm during the depression of the 1930s to supplement his income. In 1943 he took the bold step to convert his whole property to potato and onion cropping. In 1984 the operation expended to Matamata with the purchase of 300 acres of land for growing crops. “Now we grow on around 800 ha of both company and leased land at Matamata,” says Mike. Wilcox grows potatoes and onions in Pukekohe, Matamata and Ohakune to ensure year-round supply. “Matamata fits in between the early potatoes in Pukekohe and later varieties in Ohakune although there is some overlap.”

Soils

The move to Matamata was also partly to preserve the more fragile Pukekohe soils which can be hard to work in winter. It’s Mike’s personal belief that Matamata soils and environment provide one of the best growing regions in the country, despite the fact it is dominated by dairying and horse breeding. “The land is generally flat, the soils of high quality and the weather ideal for cropping.” Preserving soils has high priority for the company and the use of GPS navigation systems is one way of achieving this. “Ever since I started working for the company I’ve tried to drive in perfectly straight lines but it’s not easy using just your eyes and judgement. Now our drivers can do it without thinking as the machines are guided automatically. “This ensures that each tractor or sprayer which passes over the field follows exactly the same wheel tracks, reducing compaction. Once each crop is har-

Win a potato prize pack Potatoes are a Kiwi favourite and such an excellent source of nutrition they are dubbed the “super food”. This month Coast & Country has a special reader’s prize to give away, thanks to A S Wilcox & Sons and Potatoes New Zealand. The pack includes one bag each of Wilcox Red Jackets (winter red potato ideal for baking/roasting), Vivaldi Gold (great tasting general purpose potato) and Perlas ( new season salad potato), a baking dish, a Bosch oven mitt, potato scubbing gloves, potato slicer and grater and a copy of Who’s Cooking Tonight? by Claire Gourley which features a variety of potato and other vegetable recipes. To be in to win send your favourite potato recipe (and photo if you wish) by email to Potato Contest along with your name, address and phone number to elaine@thesun.co.nz or post these details and the recipe to Potato Contest, Coast & Country, PO Box 240 Tauranga 3110 to arrive no later than September 17. The winner will be announced in the October Coast & Country.

vested, wheel track ripping equipment is used to aerate the soils again. Controlling soil erosion is another key consideration as up to 90 square meters of soil can be washed away from a heavily contoured 14 ha vegetable field in heavy rain. Wilcox uses contour drainage, silt traps, cover crops and tilling techniques which create minimal disturbance to the soil structure to conserve soils and reduce erosion. The rotation at Matamata includes potatoes, maize, grass and onions. “The aim is not to mine the soils but preserve them.”

Psyllid

Growing potatoes has always been challenging, but never more so than in Ireland during 1845 to 1852 when blight caused crops to fail and one million people died of starvation and a Wilcox engineers designed million more left this trailer to reduce their homeland. damage to potatoes. “Blights are still a problem and so are a whole lot of other pests and diseases which we have to keep on top of,” says Mike. The latest pest is the small insect known as the potato/tomato psyllid, a native of North America which arrived in New Zealand around 2006. Nymphs, and possibly adults, inject a toxin into the plants when they feed which causes discolouration of leaves and the plant to become stunted exhibiting ‘psyllid yellow’ and ‘purple top’. Importantly there is no food safety risk with this complex condition, but there can be considerable crop loss. In potatoes, the psyllid can cause a reduction in the numbers and size of tubers and production of secondary tubers. The insect can also carry the bacterial pathogen Candidatus Liberibacter solanacearum which can cause a condition known as “zebra chips”. This produces black lines in potatoes infected with the bacteria when they are fried. Mike says Wilcox has learned to control the insect with a combination of measures and by planting host plants for predator insects such ladybirds and spiders, around the edges of paddocks. The weather is another factor to contend with and while irrigation helps in a dry summer, like all primary industries, croppers are at the mercy of the elements. It’s these challenges, the satisfaction of producing food for thousands of people and the ethos of the company itself which is why Mike has made cropping his career. “The company structure has changed but Wilcox is still a family company with family values and a third generation, some of them just youngsters when I started, now involved,” says Mike. It helps that he also likes potatoes – especially the Wilcox variety called Vivaldi, mashed or roasted.

COAST & COUNTRY

Page 6

Technology brings the ‘personal touch’ to retailing When professor David Hughes walks into his local supermarket, the store greets him (on his mobile phone) and will more than likely make him a special and exclusive offer on a product it knows he likes. It’s not that David is a celebrity (even though he is emeritus professor of Food Marketing at Imperial College London). It’s that he’s a great customer and the supermarket has the technology to recognise and reward his loyalty – and

David doesn’t mind. “It’s not scary nor intrusive. I like it,” he says. Tesco uses the information gained every time David swipes his loyalty card to gather data on his preferences. Now it has taken that even further with the offer of free Tesco Telly, which screens BBC programmes with advertising targeted at David. Supermarkets have been forced to become smarter and use technology to their advantage because of the impacts of the global recession and a reduction in consumer spending by a population in which it has “become fashionable to be a ‘SuperScrimper’ who wastes not wants not”.

“Online shopping is going like a train. Ten years ago by a spread called Luripu which suggests spreading its it was eight per cent. By 2020 it will be more like 20 per product on broccoli. cent,” says David. Shoppers make their purchases any Supermarket chains are also opening small contime of the day venience stores in or night online neighbourhoods. and chose to “Some people are have the grocerweighing up the cost ies delivered; or of time and money they can drive by travelling to a large the supermarket supermarket against and pick them paying slightly more up when it suits. from a convenience “The ‘Big store.” By shopping Night In’ is more frequently a successful they can also limit department at their spending to ASDA store the money they have which puts available on that day. together a packType 2 diabetes age of products. is costing the UK How fruit and taxpayer $140 bilvegetables are lion a year and the consumed is also Government is now changing. “You putting pressure on are more likely consumers to eat to drink a pear more healthy food than eat one.” because it can’t afford Combinations the spiralling health of juices, which costs. The British media had a field day with the ‘horsegate’ provide almost David says the scandal, says professor David Hughes. all of the recomeconomic centre of mended daily requirements for nutrients, are popular gravity is shifting away from Europe to Asia, which is to for children’s lunches and among women. the advantage of New Zealand producers. “More people Not everyone wants to eat meat and vegetables, and with more income is good news for fresh produce. producers are now targeting ‘Flexitarians” who like ‘veg Should growers lie back and relax? No, buckle up your and 3 veg’ for lunch with a gluten-free, cholesterol-free, seat belts and put your crash hats on – it’s never a vegan product called ‘Chicken-free strips’ – plant-based straight line to the north. protein made from soyabeans and peas. Apparently, says “Regional and bi-lateral trade agreements will bring David, they are ‘quite tasty’. terrific opportunities, but also strong competition. In The smart way to increase consumption of fresh future, fewer, larger, more sophisticated businesses will produce is to team up with the producers, of sauces and survive and prosper.” By Elaine Fisher spreads, who want to benefit from the good image fruit # Professor David Hughes, Emeritus Professor of Food Marketing at Imperial and vegetables have. “These companies want the halo College London, was the keynote speaker at the Horticulture New Zealand effect of fresh products.” An example is the marketing Conference in late July.

COAST & COUNTRY

From rallying to offroading

Page 7

Free vet checks for Ag day pets

Children getting their pet lamb or pet calf ready for school Ag Days are being offered a helping hand by Tauranga Vets. Once again, its vet clinics in Katikati, Te Puna and Tauranga are offering a free health check, vaccination and docking service for pet lambs and calves to get them ready for the show. Vet Kate Heller says the annual offer has always been popular with children trying to get their pets ready for the big day. “We do this because as your animal health professional we are proud to be supporting our local communities,” says Kate. “The pets have to be brought into one of our three clinics for the free treat-

ment. Just make an appointment and bring your pet calf or pet lamb into one of our veterinary practices and our skilled staff will sort out everything for you.” Each pet will receive its first Ultravac 5 in 1 vaccination, and the second vaccination dose of Ultravac 5 in 1 will also be dispensed free of charge. On top of that, each pet will get a free clinic health check, and if requested veterinary staff will perform tail and castrate ringing for lambs. The details can be found on Tauranga Vets’ Facebook page or visit www.getvets. co.nz. The contact phone numbers are Tauranga 07 578 4044, Te Puna 07 552 4015 and Katikati 07 549 0215.

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After getting a taste for the speed and excitement of motocross, a major back injury prompted Ben to switch to racing cars four years ago where he has gone on to stamp his mark in rally and hillclimb events culminating in his win of the national hill climb championships earlier this year. In April he made an impressive debut racing in the all-terrain vehicle (ATV) section in the first round of the New Zealand Offroad Racing Champs in Meremere, winning the section. Ben’s winning form continued on the offroad circuit last month, when he once again won the ATV category at round two of the national championship series at the Best Forysth Gwavas 200 enduro event. But what really had people sitting up and taking notice of the young Tauranga driver in his Polaris RZR, was his success making New Zealand offroad racing history to become the first UTV-class competitor to also claim the endurance race, in what he describes as a great training run ahead of the marathon offroad Taupo 1000 race from September 13-15. His Hawkes Bay success earned him the North Island championship title and Ben is now sitting in the lead for the national championship series with its final event coming up in Hamilton in October. “It definitely felt very good. Admittedly the conditions down there suited me, it was really wet weather

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and the Polaris was just in its element. It was handling everything that I threw at it,” says Ben. While the ATVs are “turning a lot of heads”, with models like the Polaris RZR900 he drives offering quite an economical unit compared with the more expensive higher horsepower machines he’s been competing against and beating, Ben admits a lot of traditionalists don’t like them. “Some people are calling them the ‘weed-sprayers’, but a lot of others really like them because they are helping make it more accessible.” Ben rates his mixed motorsport experience as a major benefit for his offroading, saying it’s a cross between motocross and rallying. His rallying experience helps with car control and the type of racing is similar to being on a motorbike, with him picking good lines. Following Hawkes Bay, his attention is all on the Taupo 1000, which he will be competing in with fellow Tauranga rally driver Phil Campbell, who is more familiar with racing his Fiesta as leader in the national 2WD series. Phil and Ben will alternate driving the 100km laps at the Taupo event. Ben plans to cover 300km a day and Phil 200km. During summer Phil was also Ben’s co-driver in the national hillclimb series, sharing lots of helpful advice on the roads to help Ben go onto claim the title. Ben now is looking forward to defending the title in the coming season, which kicks off in October. But for now, offroad events in the ATV is his main prority, along with hopes to squeeze in a few rally events – including the Possum Bourne Rally on September 7. “It definitely keeps most weekends tied up and a lot of work in the evenings getting ready, but I’m really By Hamish Carter loving it,” says Ben.

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EQUIDAYS

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EQUIDAYS

High intensity derby will be crowd pleaser

Equidays will feature and wide range of horse events over three days. cal ability and confidence, particularly for showjumping horses, which may, for the first time, be experiencing the undulating ground with banks, ditches and natural fences. “It’s a fantastic opportunity for spectators of all ages to see New Zealand’s best riders in action. They can catch the action from the grandstand or various viewing points around the course to get a close up view of how riders

Fifty riders will compete for a prize pool of $20,000 in the fast-paced Hyundai Derby at Equidays in October. Equidays spokesperson, Sarah Riches, says the event – the result of an inaugural partnership between Equidays and Hyundai – will attract a lot of interest as a derby event is rare on the New Zealand equine calendar. “We’re really excited to introduce the Hyundai Derby event. It’s the first time an event of this calibre has been offered both at Equidays and within New Zealand. It will attract top riders who are keen on the challenges a derby course offers. There will also be huge excitement among spectators too, as it’s something New Zealanders don’t have the opportunity to see very often.” Equidays 2013 will be held at Mystery Creek Events Centre, Hamilton, from October 18 to 20 with Hyundai NZ general manager Andy Sinclair saying Hyundai is excited to be supporting the inaugural Hyundai Derby. “As a 100 per cent New Zealand-owned company, we take great pride in supporting local events and

look forward to seeing some strong competition from NZ’s best riders.” Sure to be a crowd pleaser, the derby’s high intensity, technical course – generally touted as a mix between cross country and showjumping – showcases speed and precision, providing plenty of entertainment for spectators. One of New Zealand’s top course designers, Gerrit Beker, in association with Showjumping Waikato, will ensure the high intensity course is designed and built professionally to the highest standard. Sarah says spectators can expect to see a course that will test both horses and their rider’s abilities. “The Hyundai Derby event will be a test of techni-

Committed to all things equestrian Hoofcamp Saddlery in Whakatane is one of New Zealand’s largest specialist equestrian stores. Locally-owned it has been operating since 2008 and stocks leading brands including Equistar, Flair, Pessoa, Trainer, Tekna, Cavallino, Wild with Flair from Arion, Bates, Wintec, Saddlecraft, Saxon, Kincade from Weatherbeeta as well as Horze brand gear and clothing. “We custom-make belts, pouches, collars, knife sheaths and any other leather items, and are now producing Hoofcamp-made large canvas saddle bags, pack saddle bags and farrier chaps,” says Kathryn Dick of Hoofcamp. “We import a line of Western saddles, bridles, breastplates, cruppers and bareback pads. Hoofcamp Saddlery repairs, launders and re-proofs horse covers; and we fix tents, tram-

navigate the various challenges of the course.” Sarah also says that with Hyundai and Gerrit Beker on-board, the Hyundai Derby will eventually attract interest abroad, including international riding talent. The Hyundai Derby will be limited to 50 riders, with entries closing September 27, 2013. For more information go to: www.equidays.co.nz

poline mats, zips in oilskin vests or leather jackets, and many other things requiring a heavy industrial machine. We also do saddle repairs, re-packing, re-lining, all leather strapping and other stitching and arrange courier pick up for out-oftown customers.” Hoofcamp also stocks supplements including Nutritech, Domhealth, VetPro and Ethical and horse feed from Dunstan, Cambridge Grains and FibreFresh. Committed to all things equestrian, Hoofcamp sponsors Riding for Disabled, Eastern Bay of Plenty Hunt Club,

Tauranga Western Riding Club, Opotiki Showjumping and Te Teko Showjumping Shows, Edgecumbe Pony Club and the Eastern Bay of Plenty Dressage group. Hoofcamp makes large canvas saddle bags and stock Western saddles.

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MODEL: TD1635 5.2M TED WIDTH 3point linkage tedder 5.2m working width 4 rotors. Ocillating headstock, low mounting point and integrated pendulum provide great stability. Easy adjust spread angle.

Retail

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Model: DM1309

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Page 11

RURAL DRIVER

®

Jeep Grand Cherokee true American grit

There are few four wheel drives that can tackle the transition from smooth highway cruiser to serious off-road performer. The Jeep Grand Cherokee is one. The inherent qualities of the biggest Jeep would seem to be the ideal combination of style and rugged ability, for the New Zealand rural family. Equally at home running the ridge track to the south forty; towing the horse float or stock trailer to town; or whipping down the Central Plateau for a roadie to the snow – the GC ticks all the boxes. The modern day Jeep is a far cry from its rough and ready war-time ancestor. Yet even the swish modern 4WD carries haunting reminders of its battleground roots – and the symbolism of true American grit. It seemed a fitting salute to the heritage of Jeep to take the latest Grand Cherokee on a mission befitting its bloodlines – for a photo session under gunfire. Locked and loaded, the Rural DRIVER crew packed an assortment of fine American armaments and headed for the range – the Loaded NZ clay shooting venue off Pyes Pa Rd for a mix of highway and off-road driving. And as luck would have it, we met some real American gunslingers at home on the range. These days the new generation Grand Cherokees come in a

SPECS

e Limited

Jeep Grand Cheroke

Engine: 3.0L V6 Diesel.@ 4,000rpm. Power 184kw 0rpm. Torque N.m 570 @ 2,00 matic auto eed 8-sp on: issi Transm ift transmission with E-sh 11 Trac adra Qu : tem 4WD Sys System. active full - time 4WD .00

Price: RRP $85,990 er AutoVillage Contact: Graham @ Farm or mobile 0272 947418 07 578 6017

wide range of configurations, so make it your mission to check them all out at Farmer AutoVillage. Basically, the range takes you from the Laredo 2WD at $65,000, that is perfect for the troops and their gear; right up to the breathtaking SRT8 with a 6.4 Litre V8, capable of outrunning missiles at zero to 100km/h in five seconds. It will invade your bank account to the tune of $110,000. And it’s reviewed very well in the luxury, high performance market. The Laredo offer 3.6L petrol eight speed autos and the 3L CRD diesel. The Limited series marches out with a 3.6L, a 5.7L petrol and also the 3L diesel, which was our test vehicle, list price $85,990. Stepping up the ranks is the stylish Overland series with the same engine selection as the Limited series. And there’s options throughout the range for the Quadra-Lift air suspension.

Level of luxury

So what has changed with the new GCs? Clearly, a bit of design flair has rubbed off, with the European influence; Jeep is hitched via shotgun wedding to the Fiat family. But it’s nothing radical compared to the new Cherokee due here next year, which turns its back completely on the square boxy look (that some say rightly should have remained the domain of the Wrangler) with a radical style makeover. But that’s a story for another day. The GC’s new look has slim-line, bi-xenon headlamps leading the way, although there’s no escaping the iconic seven slot grille up front. It has indicator lights on the outside of the wing mirrors; optional air suspension; re-tailored rear, including shapely lights; a fin aerial and larger spoiler. The level of luxury seems to never end. After two days with this remarkable vehicle, we were still making little discoveries. The automatic opening and closing rear hatch. Little LED lights everywhere – shining down from the wing mirrors, in the internal door handles – you name it. All the usual features you’d expect are there, and more. We particularly liked the huge 8.4-inch multi-view display, which automatically flicked into massive rear view backing display.

The climate controls are outstanding, even the mirrors and steering wheel are heated. The rear passengers get their own air controls on the lower centre console. I loved the single stick wiper/indicator/lights control. Jeep has packed a lot into one lever. It took me a while to discover all its secrets, but once revealed, it was a joy to use and very intuitive. The GC doesn’t seem a big vehicle from the outside. I was concerned, at first glance, that it looked from the outside to be more mid-sized. However, once the rear hatch is opened, this Jeep becomes the tardis – the space opens up before your eyes. Now for the advances under the hood. The eight speed auto is an absolute delight. Always in the right gear to make use of the torquey CRD three litre, the GC feels firm, sure and determined. Behind the wheel, it impresses like a sporty little crossover, rather than one of the biggest SUVs on the market. Surprisingly nippy for its size, the Jeep would not feel intimidating to a driver of any stature. It handles quite nimble, yet sure-footed at the same time.

Eight speed auto

The ride is incredibly smooth and quiet. There’s a lot of gear changing going on, all quite seamlessly, but it’s noticeable that eight speeds means there’s plenty of action behind the scenes. I liked the way it oozed down through the gears almost inappreciably, on hill descents, so it was ready and willing in the perfect gear for acceleration on the up-hills. Motorists in the region will have noticed the current genocide of passing lanes, an apparent determination by roading authorities to eliminate the few remaining chances to get past slow traffic. Discerning drivers therefore appreciate a vehicle that is a capable of decisive and confident overtaking. There is one scientific word to describe the overtaking ability of the 3Litre/eight gear combo: Woosh. It’s smooth, safe and almost surgical in its delivery of power with control. The sure-footed Jeep is ably assisted with the 20 inch wheels and we drooled over the 265/50

R20s underfoot. Arriving at the shooting range, the Americans were suitably impressed with the new Jeep. As the Rural DRIVER team gushed about things American-made, the shooters from South Carolina cast doubt on whether anything these days was made at home any more.

Born in the USA

I assured them, Jeeps still roll off the production line in Detroit, Michigan. They were pleasantly surprised, then admitted they didn’t know much about Jeep. Typical, it takes the Kiwis to show them the benefits of their own concepts. Next they’ll be expecting us to show them how to sail… So even with its townie tyres on, we let the Jeep loose on the hilly terrain of the Loaded shooting range. We were awestruck at the 4WD competence of the Grand Cherokee. It switched from luxury highway cruiser to all-terrain hill paddock mauler with the flick of a dial. Choosing from mud, rocks, sand or snow, there’s also a hill-descent mode and a low ratio to select from. We gave the Jeep a workout over the bush tracks and steep farmland of the Loaded range, and came away with grins as wide as the South Carolina Plains. Hell, even the Americans looked impressed! As our US friends settled into their work, and the shotguns blasted overhead, we switched the magnificent beast back to townie mode, turned for the highway, and our ‘transformer’ assumed the role of elegant road car again. This is a vehicle that really makes travel a pleasure. From the smooth power, the feeling of safety and sure-footedness is backed up in reality, with active full-time 4WD, electronic stability control and trailer sway control; and a solidity and soundness that is American and proud of it. Dang, I want one. Thanks to the team at Farmer AutoVillage for the driving privilege and to Blackie and the guys at Loaded for the photo “shoot” venue. By Brian Rogers

116 Hewletts Road Mount Maunganui, Tauranga City Tel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz Follow us on Facebook

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Taking on the world The standard battle ground for flatmates is over dishes and cleaning duties, but two former Mount Maunganui housemates have joined forces to take on the world. Reigning New Zealand MX1 champion Cody Cooper and fellow Mount motocross star Rhys Carter, who are also Moto City Suzuki teammates, have been

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116 Hewletts Road Mount Maunganui, Tauranga City Tel: 07 578 6017 www.farmerautovillage.co.nz Follow us on Facebook

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10”. Josh is excited to be team manager for the first time and is pleased with the calibre of riders he had to choose from. He also hopes it is the start of a new era in the motorsport, with the next wave of youth talent stepping up. His own retirement from international competition along with that of Tauranga’s Ben Townley and Hawera’s Daryl Hurley has “opened the way for new blood”. “It will be a first for Rhys to ride this event and it is a huge undertaking but we will be calling on the experienced Cooper to step up and make another huge effort as our lead rider. These three riders are currently racing in Australia and they are extremely fit.”

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Photo by Andy McGechan, BIKESPORTNZ.COM.

Team manager Josh Coppins, who competed with Cody last year, has not decided who will have the team’s MX1 (450cc) or MX3 (open class) role, saying there are “strategic aspects” to be considered. “Sometimes, strategically, it is an advantage to list your number one rider as the MX3 rider [so they could, potentially, avoid battling throughout the event with the number one riders from some of the other nations].” The Kiwi team is putting together a plan to build on the number 15 ranking achieved at the same event in Belgium last season, when it begins for 2013 near Leipzig, on September 29, with Josh hoping the team can “slip inside the top

the all-new 2013 nissan patrol. FROM

Mount Maunganui’s Rhys Carter will join forces with his former flatmate Cody Cooper to take on the world’s best in Germany later this month.

picked for two of the three spots in the New Zealand squad competing at the Motocross of Nations in Germany this month. Joining them in the event, affectionately called the ‘Olympic Games of motocross’, is Kayne Lamont, who was last year’s Australian Under-19 motocross champion. Kayne will ride a KTM motorcycle in the MX2 (250cc) section, while Cody and Rhys – who both ride Suzuki RM-Z450’s – have yet to finalise their role.

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RURAL DRIVER

Page 12

The IRD decides to audit Grandpa, and summons him to their office. The auditor was not surprised when Grandpa showed up with his lawyer. The auditor says: “Well sir, you have an extravagant lifestyle and no full-time employment, which you explain by saying that you win money gambling. I’m not sure the IRD finds that believable”. “I'm a great gambler, and I can prove it,” says Grandpa. “How about a demonstration?” The auditor thinks for a moment and says: “Okay. Go ahead”. Grandpa says: “I'll bet you $1000 that I can bite my own eye”. The auditor thinks a moment and says: “It's a bet”. Grandpa removes his glass eye and bites it. The auditor’s jaw drops. Grandpa says: “Now, I'll bet you $2000 that I can bite my other eye”. Now the auditor can tell Grandpa isn’t blind, so he takes the bet. Grandpa removes his dentures and bites his good eye. The stunned auditor now realises he has wagered and lost three grand, with Grandpa’s lawyer as a witness. He starts to get nervous.

“Want to go double or nothing?” Grandpa asks. “I’ll bet you $6000 that I can stand on one side of your desk, and pee into that wastebasket on the other side, and never get a drop anywhere in between.” The auditor, twice burned, is cautious now, but he looks carefully and decides there’s no way this old guy could possibly manage that stunt, so he agrees again. Grandpa stands beside the desk and unzips his pants, but although he strains mightily, he can’t make the stream reach the waste basket on the other side, so he pretty much urinates all over the auditor’s desk. The auditor leaps with joy, realising that he has just turned a major loss into a huge win. But Grandpa’s own lawyer moans and puts his head in his hands. “Are you okay?” the auditor asks. “Not really,” says the lawyer. “This morning, when Grandpa told me he’d been summoned for an audit, he bet me $25,000 that he could come in here and piss all over your desk and that you’d be happy about it!”

RURAL DRIVER

Naval architect now car designer

Page 13

Warning to watch out for livestock Watch out for farm animals on the road, particularly in rural areas is among the warnings to tourists in a New Zealand Transport Authority pamphlet.

The Zetini Haast Barchette is designed by New Zealander Martin Foster.

When the man with a foreign accent rang to ask Martin Foster to design and build him a yacht, Martin wasn’t impressed. “I thought it was one of my mates and hung up.” Frenchman Bruno Trouble wasn’t to be put off so lightly. He rang back and finally convinced Martin to take him seriously. “I was stunned. It really was Bruno Trouble, America’s Cup and Olympic skipper – and the creator of the Louis Vuitton Cup.” Bruno tracked Martin down after seeing the designs which won him the New Zealand Naval Architect of the Year Award. “He wanted a low-tech, 57 foot yacht with a canting and lifting keel. He didn’t want it built of carbon fibre, because his wife said those yachts were ‘too noisy’.” Bruno called the yacht Martin built ‘Wanaka’ and ordered another for his son. Martin didn’t set out to design and build yachts. His business career, until then, had included restructuring an ailing New Zealand electronics company into a world class, rural telecommunications award winning export company, working for CSIR in

Martin Foster, of Zetini Marine, designs and builds true high performance cruising yachts.

South Africa, for the New Zealand Trade and Enterprise agency and the Bank of New Zealand. However, a love of learning and design led to the ‘hobby’ of yacht design and the unexpected commission from one of the world’s top yachtsmen.

New hobby

Now Martin has a new hobby – designing and producing a hand-built carbon fibre or aluminium bodied car he’s calling the ‘Zetini Haast Barchette’. “I had an E-Type Jaguar and loved it.” So did his mechanic. “When he was a bit short of money he’d ring up and ask me to bring the Jag in – he knew he’d find something which needed fixing.” So Martin decided to indulge his love of the ultra-cool retro looks of old school class and style, and build his own reliable car. The concept and design is his, enhanced by graphic designer Adrian Lamb, with suspension by Pfadt Race Engineering. “The Barchetta is not a race car, but someone will race it one day.” The first Zetini Haast Barchette two door convertible is currently under construction, with the aluminium body being hand tooled in Queenstown. The custom made cars will have two ‘envi-

ronmental” engine options: the E-ROD 6.2L LS3 which delivers 430hp and 424 ft.-lbs. of torque, and the E-ROD 7.0L LS7 which delivers 505hp and 470 ft.-lbs. of torque. Transmission is a Getrag 6-speed manual transaxle. “Using a transaxle ensures optimal weight distribution.” High performance Brembo brakes and bespoke three-piece forged alloy wheels, with hexagon centre nuts, add to the car’s classic look. Cost for the 6.2L engine car is $215,590 (excluding any GST). Lead time is six months from receipt of deposit.

Zetini

“The progression of advance design, combined with a close relationship with our target market, will ensure Zetini will continually be leading the field in true high performance automobiles and yachts,” says Martin. Martin Foster was among the speakers at the HortNZ Conference in Wellington in late July where he told his audience success came to those prepared to be leaders, with integrity in everything they do, without tunnel vision, who ask for help, assess the risks – and aim to the ‘best of the best’. By Elaine Fisher

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“When you see them, slow down and do not sound your horn – it may startle them. You may need to stop and let the animals go past or move slowly up behind and follow the farmer’s instructions.” The seven-page publication sets out information on “road hazards” such as livestock and one lane bridges, which Kiwi drivers take for granted but which are, of course, foreign to visitors.

Page 14

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

Vacuum cleaners for home and work Happy with our lot

SMAC Electrical Karcher Technician Peter Hull compares a20 year old machine with the latest models.

A business which installs and maintains automotive air conditioning units, and sells commercial cleaning equipment, may not seem the obvious place to buy a vacuum cleaner. But SMAC Electrical is the place to find robust, reliable cleaners for all situations. “Not many people think of us when they think of vacuum cleaners but clients who have bought one of our Karcher range for their home are very impressed at how efficient and long lasting they are,” says Kim McCarthy of Tauranga Karcher agent SMAC. Karcher’s innovative filter technology means it has a range of vacuum cleaners

suitable for contract cleaners, tradesmen and domestic use with a choice of wet, dry or brush-type upright vacuums. The Karcher range of dry vacuum cleaners have been developed to meet the requirements of contract cleaners and hotels, and Karcher’s small mobile dry vacuums are ideal for daily maintenance cleaning. There’s even a cordless broom which is perfect for those quick in-between clean-ups at home, in offices, shops, bars and restaurants. It operates so quietly it is ideal for day time cleaning. SMAC also stocks the range of Karcher water blasters, including the versatile HD 801B which is a mobile high-pressure cleaner with combustion motor for universal use where no power supply is available. “This is an awesome machine for farmers and lifestylers as it can be used almost anywhere, provided there is a water supply. Buying Karcher quality products that are backed by warranties, parts and service, always makes sense,” says Kim. Karcher has changed the colour of its professional range of products. All new professional machines will not be the traditional yellow, instead being coloured the new anthracite (grey) colour. The colour change creates a clear differentiation between consumer use products (yellow) and commercial use products (anthracite).

I read with interest Don Fraser’s article ‘Do low debt farmers have an edge’ in the Coast & Country, August 2013. With no family money behind us my husband and I didn’t buy our own farm until we were in our 50s. We purchased 37 hectares in 1998 and milked 90 cows. We paid off our mortgage and accumulated some savings. When we sold our cows and shares in 2007, people assumed we used that money to pay off debt. We didn’t enlighten them. We now graze dairy heifers and have a comfortable lifestyle. Our savings continue to grow. We can afford whatever we want – new car, travel, etc. We were told many times that 100 acres wasn’t enough. We don’t understand why people want more. We are happy with our lot and know we have not had the stress of so many others with more. Names Supplied, Morrinsville.

Environment not saved It is a sad indictment of our society that an event essentially glorifying the wholesale slaughter of large numbers of sentient beings is paraded as "family entertainment". Yes, possums cause some depredation to the environment, almost as much as developers and dairy farmers in some places, but the environment will not be saved by the loss of a few possums in more accessible areas where the native environment has already been compromised. It is sad that people become environmental zealots only when they have an urge for slaughter, and do not show the same degree of environmental keenness when it comes to modifying their own destructive lifestyles or political action to modify the destructive lifestyles of others. The four day possum hunt advertised on your (August) front page is not environmentalism, it is thinly disguised sadism. Dr Michael Morris, Director, Environmental Education Ltd, (Critical Thinking for the Environment).

FARM STORAGE SOLUTIONS

More courses for your horses There’s more under the bonnet of a CLAAS ARION 400 advanced technology tractor than 100, 110 or 120 powerful European thoroughbreds. With its four speed PTO, clutchless reversing, 6500 kg rear linkage lift, spacious cabin and a host of other smart features to make your working day as productive and comfortable as possible, ARION 400 delivers all the features of a high capacity tractor. Except the price tag. Fitted with the optional Stoll front end loader or front linkages, hydraulics and PTO, ARION 400 becomes an even more versatile and efficient work platform. Contact us today and find out how ARION 400 gives you more courses for your horses.

Kitset PKE Bin + NEW Sliding Roof Add-on With current tough weather conditions, we know how important it is to reduce wasted PKE and ensure feed storage is secure, weatherproof and long-lasting. Interbloc PKE Bin DIY kitsets available or have our experts install for you. • Interior dimensions: 4.2m wide x 9.6m deep x 1.2m high = 48m3 • 150mm thick concrete pad available • Add on the NEW Interbloc Sliding Roof for $6,500* to ensure easy access and sealed protection all year round *Costs exclude freight and gst; terms and conditions apply

Our dedicated Rural specialists can handle your next project from start to finish. Call us on 0800 468 375. For more information, visit www.interbloc.co.nz

WWW.INTERBLOC.CO.NZ 0800 468 375

Page 15

MACHINERY & EQUIPMENT

‘Cruise ship to killing ship’ proposal Converting aging cruise liners to floating abattoirs would deliver savings and efficiencies for farmers, believes David Blackley, dry stock farmer of Tauranga.

expenses are too high. There are high capital costs per output from our current facilities and high costs of transport to market – all of which add up to insufficient profit margins for farmers.”

The radical idea, David says, could also result in an up to 40 per cent improvement in returns for farmers. David says cruise liners are ideal for conversion to mobile abattoirs because they have air conditioning, water, a pen-size layout (for example, former cabins), stabilisers for creature comfort; and are

Australia

self-berthing. He sees such vessels calling at ports around New Zealand to take on board livestock, which would then be slaughtered to order on route to market, to be delivered as fresh or chilled meat. The vessels would be able to relieve the pressure on existing facilities in times of adverse weather, such as the summer drought which meant some farmers found it hard to have animals slaughtered when their feed supplies were running low.

all would be supplied onboard.” David’s vision includes the ships being converted at the Port of Tauranga, providing additional employment in the region. However, the ‘cruise ship to killing ship’ idea hasn’t won favour with Federated Farmers president Bruce Wills. “I applaud David’s innovative thinking, when we are in a time where we need to be looking at all options for the sector. However, my initial response would be that any plan that involves processing livestock on ships, when we already have over capacity of processing here on land, would not be widely accepted.” What the industry doesn’t need right now is even more processing capacity, says Bruce.

Diversify

David believes wool and skins could also be processed on-board and could be waste stored for use as fertiliser as it is in conventional abattoirs. The floating slaughter houses would reduce the need to transport refrigerated containers around the world, many which return empty to New Zealand, he says. “We need this kind of long term thinking because New Zealand is further away from our markets; and our current labour costs and carcass

Floating abattoirs could also collect animals from other countries, including Australia, to keep the plants operating year round. There would be savings in staffing too. “No transport costs, not housing or food costs, as

“We need to come up with a long lasting answer to the meat industry’s problems, rather than any quick fix. Social acceptance of live shipments, even if the outcome at the destination

anonymously. This is about building up intelligence on when and where the theft took place and what was taken.”

small tractors & mowers

By Elaine Fisher

ag tractors

Quick fix

Online tool to help foil rustlers ‘Stop Stock Theft’ is New Zealand’s first ever online map designed to report and track suspected stock theft, and is a joint initiative between Crimestoppers NZ, NZX-Agri and the Police. “Stock theft is reportedly costing the country $120 million a year,” says Katie Milne, Federated Farmers rural security spokesperson. “Stock theft, also known as rustling, is a low blow because once you lose stock you cannot replace them. They are gone and it robs your farm business of vital income,” says Katie. “While the Police do take theft seriously, the new website ‘Stop Stock Theft’ allows victims to report things

was processed product, is also not particularly positive. “Different parts of an animal have different values in different markets, so as soon as you put them on the ship you would lose the advantage of being able to send respective pieces to the best-paying market,” says Bruce. “I am not sure where funding for this proposed ‘floating processing’ would come from. The meat sector already faces multi-million dollar bills for shutting down plants on land before finding money to start anew on the high seas.”

orchard tractors

MOWERS

CONTRACTORS

Page 16

Metering to manage water use on dairy farms “We read the water meters every morning,” says Tony Chamberlin. “It’s part of our routine now. We’re much more conscious of how much water we use since we put in the meters.”

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Tony manages the Chamberlin farm, running 480 cows on 220 hectares of rolling land near Mangakino in the South Waikato. A former sheep and beef farm, it was converted to dairy in 2011. Working along with his father, Wayne, the Chamberlin operation was one of a dozen farms involved in a water-use study conducted by DairyNZ during peak milking time last season. The study focused on measurement of water use in the farm dairy (and stock drinking water on some of the farms). It also considered the farmers’ practical experiences with metering and monitoring water use. From this study, the rationale and benefits of metering water became apparent pretty quickly. “The most important thing is costs,” says Wayne Chamberlin. “We need to stop any leaks. It’s power that’s costing us, and wear and tear on the pumps, so we need to be on to that. Vigilance is the key.” On another study farm near Te Awamutu, Phill Swney put it bluntly: “You learn a lot when you put in water meters … like you can use pretty much double the water if you have a leak going all night”. On the Tuit Farm, milking 920 cows near Tauhei in the North Waikato, it was about observation and training. Clem Schollum, farm manager at the time of the study, and now farming in the Hawke’s Bay region, says different staff have different techniques for running the shed. “With water meters you can identify who is most efficient with water use and use their skills to teach the whole staff.”

Meters are definitely the to install water meters by 2020. They will coming thing. In the Waikato monitor and report progress toward this region, Variation 6 to the goal, beginning in 2014. proposed Waikato Regional Farmers looking to put in meters can draw on the experience of those involved in Plan requires all dairy the DairyNZ water-use study. farms taking more than 50 The first step to accurate monitoring cubic meters of water per is appropriate meters, properly installed. day, for shed use and stock water combined, to meter Meter or meters at the farm dairy must their water use and report be placed carefully to isolate the shed for twice-yearly to accurate monitoring (and reporting as the Regional needed). Council. Telemetry adds to the cost, “We have Other but eliminates the need for to be proactive about manual readings. One farm regions will no doubt in the study started just be following suit. efficient water use. with meters to save money. But the industry There’s going to be Two weeks later they added telemetry for ease of monipressure on everyone in toring. New Zealand, not Systems are available for transmission of water just farmers...” usewireless data on farm. These can also be used to monitor pumps, water-loss alert devices, etc, for efficient farm management. In the DairyNZ study, metering led participants to be analytical about their farm water set-up and day-to-day operating practices. Two farms with rotaries made adjustments from continuous to intermittent water flow for some applications. Two other farms prepared staff procedural manuals for water management. Study participants were universally positive about their experiences with metering and monitoring water use. It was viewed as a valuable tool for good farm management and beneficial in its own right (in addition to any role Wayne Chamberlin at work: Careful use of it might play in meeting regulations). DairyNZ has five short, YouTube-style water in the farm dairy makes a difference. videos featuring farmers involved in the study. For their observations, tips isn’t waiting for council regulations to force and advice, check out the videos at: www. change. dairynz.co.nz/smartwateruse With the new Sustainable Dairying: Water Accord, dairy companies have comGord Stewart is a specialist in water use and conservation. mitted to requiring 85 per cent of all dairy He is assisting DairyNZ with implementation of the Smart Water Use on Dairy Farms programme. farms (including all significant water users)

Page 17

CONTRACTORS

New rules offer greater flexibility for contractors Expect more tractors and possibly over-size vehicles on rural roads in coming weeks as farmers and contractors begin preparing for the cropping season ahead.

cate for rural contractors in New Zealand – executive director Roger Parton says the new rules offer agricultural vehicle owners improved compliance and greater operational flexibility. He says Rural Contractors NZ has worked collaboratively with Ministry of Transport, NZTA and NZ Police to develop them. “These changes are a long time coming and have resulted in rules that are easy to understand, comply with, and enforce. These changes recognise the unique operating characteristics and environment that

agricultural vehicles require to travel on the road.” The new rules will also reduce compliance costs for rural contractors and farmers. The changes include: a two-tier system for agricultural vehicles has been established based on a 40km/h operating speed. Vehicles operating below this speed will have Travelling to a from cropping sites should no compliance other than they must be be a little easier this season, thanks to new roadworthy. rules for agricultural vehicles which came The changes mean that agricultural vehiinto force on June 1. cles first registered from June 1, 2013, must Rural Contractors New Zealand – the use a flashing amber beacon at all times national association and the leading advowhen on-road to alert other road users to the presence of agricultural vehicles. A new licence endorsement now allows for a greater range of agricultural vehicles to be driven by the holder of a Class 1 (car) licence once they prove they have the skills to do so. Other changes have improved and simplified the rules on pilot vehicles, work time variation schemes, hazard identification and vehicle visibility, says Roger. Watch out for over-sized vehicles on rural roads as contractors get into “Rural Contactors spring cultivation. NZ has run a series of

seminars around the country to help educate our members and the agricultural sector about the new regulations and ensure the industry is up to date with its responsibilities.” More information on the new rules for agricultural vehicles can be found on the Rural Contractors NZ website: www.ruralcontractors.org.nz

Dairy awards turn 25 The 2014 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards will celebrate the 25th anniversary of the sharemilker competition with a special launch event and celebration ball at its annual awards dinner. National convenor Chris Keeping says the milestone anniversary creates an opportunity to delve into the sharemilker competition history and to celebrate its success. Entry for the 2014 awards will be launched in Taranaki on October 22. The sharemilker competition began in Taranaki and the first national winners, Kevin and Diane Goble, represented the same region. Organisers have also confirmed that a 25th anniversary ball will be held following the national awards dinner in Auckland on May 9 next year. “It’s pretty amazing to think that over those years thousands of sharemilkers have participated in the competition, relishing the opportunity to have their business analysed and enhance their progress in the industry while having some fun and meeting lots of people.”

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DESIGN – SUPPLY – BUILD

FORESTRY

Page 18

Rejection of unsafe work practices vital Lax attitudes to safety are prevalent in New Zealand and even with the best will in the world, it is a battle to get safety to be seen as the number one priority by every individual in the workplace, says Forest Owners Association president Bill McCallum.

– that we have a collective and personal responsibility for health and safety. This is a responsibility to and by the worker, as well as to their workmates, their families and the businesses they work for.” Bill says members of the FOA and the Forest Industry Contractors Association aim to do better than the Government goal of reducing workplace injuries and deaths by 25 per cent by 2020. “We are acutely conscious of our workplace death toll and the huge impact this has on the families, friends and workmates of those involved. No workplace fatality is acceptable. “Forest owners have implemented a number of major safety initiatives, but we are open to new ideas about how we can do things better and, in conjunction with FICA, the FOA is initiating an independent review of forest workplace safety. “The reforms are significant and will reinforce the efforts of both FICA and FOA towards creating a zero harm workplace. But while strict enforcement of regulations is critical, without strong leadership from all forest owners and contractors and 100 per cent commitment to safety from all involved in the industry we will not achieve the zero harm goal we are seeking.”

That’s why the association is welcoming the recently announced government workplace health and safety reforms, called ‘Working Safer’, which addresses the recommendations of the Independent Taskforce on Workplace Health and Safety. “The Government has a vital role to play in improving safety in the workplace. It has the power to pull a range of levers that will influence attitudes, understandings and behaviours of all involved. “What we desperately need is a change in culture at all levels of our society, so that unsafe work practices are rejected as being socially unacceptable. We have seen huge changes in social attitudes to drink driving and tobacco smoking, thanks largely to government support for campaigns addressing those issues. “We now need the same focus brought to bear on cultural attitudes that portray risk-taking as being acceptable. “The real game changer will be when we get acceptance from everyone involved – from the boardroom through to the worker in the forest

Biofuels from forest waste holds promise Forest owners are hopeful that a project designed to convert forest waste into liquid biofuels will provide growers and mills with extra income streams. In what is known as the ‘Stump to Pump’ project, the Government has approved $6.75 million in funding to be matched by partners Norske Skog and Z Energy. The $13.5 million project will be based at Norske Skog’s Tasman mill in Kawerau. The initial 14-month study will examine the feasibility and economics of making biofuel from sawdust, bark and harvest residue, which currently has little or no value. If successful, a test plant will then be built in Kawerau. “The success of the venture could prove to be a shot in the arm for forestry

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as well as timber and paper mills. We congratulate the partners for making such a big investment in such an important opportunity for the sector,” says Forest Owners Association chief executive David Rhodes. “Forest owners have been working with the Bioenergy Association for several years with the aim of getting government to recognise the opportunities that lie in bioenergy. This is a significant step forward.” David says, in uncertain times, investors are unwilling to invest in new forest planting unless they can see higher returns than they are getting now. For their part, timber and paper mills face stiff competition from overseas log buyers and mills that have much lower cost structures, or enjoy government

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subsidies of one kind or another. “Making biofuel from forest and wood waste is the focus of hundreds of scientific projects around the world. While most of them are motivated by a desire to break the world’s dependence on fossil fuels, they also have the potential to make forestry and wood processing more profitable.” The Stump to Pump project aims to produce biocrude oil from sawdust which can then be refined into diesel or petrol. Meanwhile, David says Scion Research in Rotorua is working with enzymes to convert chemically-pulped softwood into simple sugars, which can then be converted to fuels and biochemicals. And at Canterbury University, scientists and engineers are working on a package suitable for small to medium-sized sawmills to produce bio-crude oil from the gasification of wood waste.

Bogey replica

ABLE TASMAN FORESTRY SERVICES LTD

A replica of the bogeys used to convey timber out of Whakamarama hinterland to the wharf at Plummers Point in the 1920s has been constructed in Puketoki Reserve. Terry Edwards, the founder and leader of Friends of Puketoki, designed and fabricated the life-size replica and with helpers set some of the original rails on sleepers and re-constructed the bogeys on them. Eventually signs explaining aspects of the early milling history of the area, together with reproductions of photos of the time will be sited along the short loop track, which passes along the two tramways that traverse the reserve.

Page 19

EARTHWORKS

Fire’s role better understood Fire is a land management tool and now that Federated Farmers has a representative on the Forest & Rural Fire Association of New Zealand Committee, its role should be better understood, says Federated Farmers national board member and rural fires spokesperson Anders Crofoot. His comments follow the election of Gavin O’Donnell, Federated Farmers’ Nelson provincial president, to the FRFANZ committee. “Having a farmer represented on the FRFANZ committee is useful to getting balance in the decision making around rural fire and Gavin will be an asset to the team,” says Anders. “Farmers have long been using fire as a land management tool, but sometimes there has been a disconnect between fire authorities and land owners. The knowledge and understanding around the risks verses benefits has long been overlooked. “Having farmer representation on the FRFANZ committee will help ensure the consents and permits in place are founded on good advice. Fire is an intrinsic way of integrated land management, so we need to ensure the past generation’s knowledge and skill will not be lost,” says Anders. “The Department of Conservation has often welcomed information from Federated Farmers, and have been investing in using fire as a tool for land management by sending people to Australia to learn the techniques. Farmers, especially high country and arable farmers, can make good use of this knowledge but getting those trained people involved in planning burns. It also provides practice for them to keep their skills up in dealing with fire in a controlled situation. “Farmers are often neighbours to forestry blocks, as well as having them on their property, so they need to be an integral part of the communication and collaboration process, ensuring best management practices in managing fire risk and community safety,” says Anders.

Versatile mulcher goes almost anywhere Allan Hedge has a machine which makes short work of limbs from 40-year-old avocado trees, gorse, blackberries and all manner of invasive vegetation. It is the highly maneuverable Positrack 100 skid steer loader with a hydraulic forestry mulcher fitted. Allan of Ecomulch purchased the machine to clean up avocado orchards after he had pruned the trees. However, he is now using the machine to clear areas of gorse, and other unwanted vegetation and weeds “My machine is one of the few of its type in New Zealand; and owing to its small size and low ground compaction I have been asked to work in a blueberry orchard removing rows so as to plant new varieties. The Positack just fits in nicely between the work done by large tractor mulchers and the massive tracked machines. It is perfect in bush areas for clearing around the big trees such as in all terrain parks,” says Allan, who is well-known for his avocado pruning work. His avocado pruning takes him from Gisbourne to Kaitaia in the Far North. “It does a great job of cleaning up avocado orchards, and I find it satisfying to do the pruning, do the mulching and leave the orchard looking neat and tidy all in one go. One of the big advantages of this machine is it will suck branches away from trees, so there is no need to move branches after pruning. So, really, the Positrack can mulch almost anything anywhere .”

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MAIZE

Page 20

Feeding maize silage can lift profits Pasture is the major component of the New Zealand dairy cow’s diet. However, opportunities exist to improve profit through the strategic use of maize silage.

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The pastoral dairy farm is a balance between pasture supply and cow demand, which must be maintained to achieve efficient conversion of feed into milk and profit. Unless well integrated with pasture supply and feed demand, extra feeds such as maize silage, will produce extra milk, but not always extra profit. To use maize silage profitably, farmers must identify what they are trying to achieve through its use. This requires working out the key limiting factors for running an efficient and profitable grass-based system, and whether changes are in line with their goals. This can be done in conjunction with a farm consultant or forage specialist. A key driver of response to additional feed is energy deficit, the difference between energy demand and the actual energy supplied. Cows of high breeding worth ($BW), at high stocking rates and with lactations longer than 260 days, are more likely to be in energy deficit, and will be more responsive to additional feeds such as maize silage. Cows respond best to extra feed if the farm has a genuine feed deficit, created through calving earlier, more days in milk or carrying more cows per hectare. If all of the additional energy provided by supplement is converted into milk, the maximum possible response is 13g MS/MJ metabolisable energy (ME). This is equivalent to 137g MS/ kg DM maize silage (assuming maize

e & s e e t h e di

(Source: the Foundation for Arable Research publication ‘Best Management Practices for Growing Maize on Dairy Farms’. A free copy of the book is available by emailing: far@far.org.nz or phoning 03 345 5783. Or go to: www. far.org.nz/index.php/far-publications/entry/best-management-practices-for-growing-maize-on-dairy-farms

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silage is 10.5 MJ ME/kg DM). In practice, responses are usually much lower than this due to feed losses in transport, storage and feeding, the substitution of supplement for pasture, the partitioning of energy into live weight gain or the maintenance of extra cows. Trials in New Zealand have found production responses to maize silage between 32g MS/kg DM and 178g MS/kg DM. The highest response came from more days in milk created by feeding maize silage in a year affected by a dry summer. Analysis of more than 600 New Zealand dairy farms found on average, that supplements fed added only 50g MS/kg DM to annual milk solids per cow, and 96g MS/kg DM to annual milk solids/ ha. With such a variation in response possible, attention to detail is required in order to turn additional feed into additional profit. Maize cost can vary depending on where and how it is grown. If maize is grown on the dairy platform in an effluent paddock, the cost could be low. But maize purchased off-farm is generally more expensive. However, allowance needs to be made for the value of the extra nutrients bought in with the maize and a reduction of risk due to maize being grown off the dairy platform. On-farm management of feed potentially causes the greatest variation in feed costs. For example, a poorly managed stack can cause wastage amounting to a 30 per cent increase in feed costs. Also, grass wasted through feeding maize silage at the wrong time can result in reduced profitability.

Page 21

MAIZE

Drought-resilient farm systems way of future

The last summer’s drought hit many Bay of Plenty farms hard, decreasing production and profit and creating significant stress for farmers and their herds. NIWA predictions show most farmers in the North Island are in line to spend 5-10 per cent more time in drought by 2050. Developing drought-resilient farm systems will become increasingly important for farmers in the future. The solution every dairy farmer should consider is to hold an on-farm buffer of home-grown maize silage. There are a number of reasons why maize silage is an obvious choice to weather-proof your farm. Maize silage is cost effective. While the price of imported supplements varies according to global demand and changes in the exchange rate and shipping costs, the price of home-grown maize silage remains low and relatively constant. Most Bay of Plenty farmers can grow maize silage crops, yielding 20-24 tonnes dry matter/hectare for 16-19cents per kg DM. Maize silage can be grown in high fertility paddocks (including effluent paddocks) without the need for additional fertiliser. This reduces the feed cost to just 12-14c/kgDM. Maize is a drought-tolerant crop with a summer water use efficiency more than three times that of ryegrass. Its deep rooting system allows it to access water which has dropped out of the root zone of shallow-rooted pasture species. Maize silage can be stored on-farm for several seasons, providing a quality feed at a cost-effective price when it is needed most. Maize silage can be fed to milkers, dry cows and heifers. Modern high-genetic cows are milk-producing machines. Underfeeding results in significant loss in

JORDAAN

Home-grown maize silage helps ‘weatherproof ’ stock feed supplies.

body condition and the carryover effects of decreased production and poor reproductive performance can last for several seasons. Maize silage can be used to fill feed deficits and to extend lactation length, increasing milk production and farm profitability. Maize is the premium cow conditioner. It is highly palatable, can be safely fed in large amounts – and the energy from maize silage is used 50 per cent more efficiently for condition score gain than energy in autumn pasture. Young-stock growth rates are often compromised when feed is short. Always having a stack of maize silage on hand can help guarantee they always meet mating and calving liveweight targets. Growing and feeding maize can help improve pasture persistence. Maize is an ideal break crop, helping farmers to establish new, higher yielding pastures. The cultivation process allows farmers to apply fertiliser, incorporate lime and address drainage issues which may have been negatively impacting pasture persistence. Cropping removes the normal feed source for pasture pests including black beetle. This interrupts their breeding cycle and reduces insect pressure on seedling plants during the pasture renewal process. The combination of maize silage and a well-designed stand-off pad with feeding facilities allows farmers to keep cows off wet or drought-stressed pastures without compromising milk production or animal welfare.

maize GRAIN GROWERS

P0891 - GROW A SEA OF GOLD STRONG STALKS SOUND ROOTS Grain stocks down on last year NLB RESISTANCE YIELD STABILITY THE COMPLETE PACKAGE. Federated Farmers is urging grain and seed farmers to take note of figures, released by the Arable Industry Marketing Initiative, which show the strong demand for feed during the drought and other events has resulted in lower stocks of unsold feed grains – despite another year of high yield in cereals.

(Source Pioneer Brands)

“Based on these figures, and what I see around me, I would expect stocks of feed grain to be tight going through to next harvest,” says Ian Mackenzie, Federated Farmers Grain & Seed chairman. “According to the AIMI Survey, unsold feed barley stocks are down 40 per cent on last year’s total, ending July 1. This is a similar amount to 2011 when feed barley became difficult to source toward the end of the year. “Unsold feed wheat stocks look healthier, although they are still at a level somewhat lower than at

this time last year. “We have seen the price moving upward in recent weeks, which reflects that. My advice to livestock farmers is to secure feed grains sooner rather than later. “I would encourage all grain and seed industry participants to look at these figures carefully and make full use of the tool where possible. The undertaking of this survey is an industry initiative to address the knowledge gap between growers/sellers and buyers, who have professional staff, dedicated monitoring the supply and demand situation,” says Ian.

ROBIN BILLETT REGIONAL Manager phone 027 273 0497 or 07 544 0957

rbillett@genetic.co.nz

pioneer.co.nz Pioneer® brand products are provided subject to the terms and conditions of purchase, which are part of the labelling and purchase documents. ®, TM, SM, Trademarks and service marks of Pioneer Hi-Bred International, Inc.

MAIZE

Page 22

Researchers speak at FAR day Baler turning heads Working within nitrogen limits is among the topics at the Foundation for Arable Research Farmer Day on September 24, held in conjunction with the International Herbage Seed Group Workshop at Methven.

Rene Gislum of Denmark will speak on ‘Working within nitrogen limits in a Danish farming system’, followed by Phil Rolston, of AgResearch, who has the topic ‘The use of nitrogen fertiliser

within grass seed crops in Canterbury’. ‘New Zealand nutrient management used in herbage seed crops in Oregon’ is the subject for John Hart of the USA, and ‘Irrigation management of white clover seed crops’ will be explained by Nick Pyke, of FAR. Jen Linton of FAR will speak on ‘Factors involved in producing high seed yield of forage brassica seed crops’, and ‘An introduction to plant growth regulators for use on grass seed crops’ will be outlined by Tom Chastain of USA. ‘What does stem shortening actually do in perennial ryegrass seed production?’ is the question for Richard Chynoweth of FAR,

and William Young III of USA will talk about ‘the use of plant growth regulators on farm in Oregon’. ‘The future of breeding herbage seed cultivars, with a focus on white clover successes’, is the topic for Brent Barrett of Plant & Food; and Bede McCloy of NZ Arable will look at ‘The wish list of New Zealand seed producers and what’s coming up in the next 10 years’. Registration cost is $30 for FAR levy payers ($50 for others) and covers the full programme, including dinner. Registration closes September 17. Register and pay online at: www.ihsg.org/content/ international-herbage-seed-workshop-new-zealand

as well as hay Stronger, efficient John Deere baler preserves high quality hay.

The new John Deere 9 Series round baler, designed to preserve high-quality hay harvested for livestock feed, is really turning heads, says Owen Jessop, branch manager for Cervus Equipment, Rotorua.

far away and are able to offer them an even better service.” Cervus Equipment Rotorua (BoP) has eight service vehicles and technicians able to operate on-site, making it one of the largest fleets in the region. Their team of skilled technicians work on all makes and models of farm machinery, carrying out most service and repairs on location. “This new model is getting a lot Owen says the range of new and of attention from farmers and second-hand machinery and equipcontractors. By making the core “Strong ment, for contractors, farmers of the baler stronger, John and domestic or lifestyle use, on core Deere has built a machine offer at Cervus Rotorua has also that produces the best bales produces increased. possible, which in turn means “We encourage people to come better quality stock feed,” better and see what we have in stock says Owen, who has been and we also have access to new involved with John Deere for 20 bales” and used equipment in any of years, first as a mechanic, then in our other branches throughout the country.” sales and now as manager of the bigger John Deere has the largest product consolidated Bay of Plenty branch based range available in the industry, from resin Rotorua. idential to commercial ride-on mowers, “The move to consolidate our operacompact to heavy-duty agricultural tions to one main site has proved very equipment and leading golf and turf successful and our clients in Te Puke maintenance equipment and more. and Tauranga are realising we’re not too

Page 23

MAIZE

Maize pests and diseases Maize is a relatively hardy plant but is nonetheless affected by a number of pests and diseases.

‘Cash Back’ promo getting positive feedback

The main diseases include northern leaf blight (Setosphaeria turcica) and eyespot (Aurebasidium zeae), stalk and ear rots (Diplodia maydis, Gibberella and Fusarium spp.), root rot (Rhizoctonia solani)

and common rust (Puccinia sorghi). Insects can affect maize and also transmit diseases and these include aphids, which suck sap, slugs and snails, which are a threat to seedlings and young plants, nematodes, African black beetles and Argentine stem weevils, which can damage to young maize plants; greasy cutworms (Agrotis ipsilon), which severs young

maize shoots at the base of the plant and wheat bugs (Nysius huttoni), which infests a range of crops. Most pests and disease are controlled by fungicides and insecticides but increasingly biological controls employing beneficial insects are being used along with more resistant plants, crop rotation and even a change in planting dates. (Source: www.teara.govt.nz/)

Te Puke Contractor Daniel Dovaston (left) inspecting cobs from DKC57-83 with Barry Smallridge from Pacific Seeds.

“Our focus with this promotion is to reduce input costs for our growers,” says Pacific Seeds territory manager Barry Smallridge. The $50 Cash Backs apply to every single bag of Pacific Seeds maize (except Hygreen) sold between now and the end of the year with full details available at: www.pacificseeds. co.nz “An alternative strategy to increase sales staff was dismissed,” says Barry. ”At this point, our grower supportive marketing model has been warmly welcomed.”

This innovation coincides with the launch of Pacific Seeds 2013 Seed Catalogue, which features a number of the company’s new generation hybrids. These new hybrids are part of Pacific Seeds continuing focus on improved yields and stronger agronomic traits. Farmers are fast becoming aware of the value of maize silage that delivers high ME, and high starch levels – and these hybrids have been developed to respond to these demands. A number of the new hybrids have application within the grain market and these have been developed to provide grain quality and fast dry down, rather than a single focus on yield. DKC57-83, which is a forerunner to this new range, and has been a major success in recent years, is again available after being in short supply last season.

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MAIZE

Page 24

Plan for summer crops now Maize stripper no Growing maize and turnips is probably the last thing on the minds of farmers in the middle of calving – but rural contractor Sean Cuff says September is the time to plan for summer crops.

“Deciding which paddocks to use for maize or turnips and getting soil tests done is the first step, and we can help farmers with all that. I know they are flat out with calving but they just need to give us a ring and we’ll take care of everything,” says Sean, who is in his third season operating Sean Cuff Contracting offering services to farmers in the Te Puke, Whakatane, Rotorua and Te Poi areas.

Sean Cuff Contracting can manage maize crops from sowing to harvest for farmers.

He works closely with Darryl Isaac Contracting, and together they can give farmers a comprehensive contracting service from preparation, to sowing, to fertiliser, weed control and harvesting. As well as maize forage crops, they also offer silage-making services. After the feed shortages caused by last year’s drought, Sean says many farmers are planning to grow more of their own supplements. “It makes good senses because not only will they have their own feed on-site

but it is also cheaper than buying in maize.” Growing maize on effluent paddocks can save fertiliser costs, as usually little or no additional nutrients are needed and maize is an excellent crop to make use of the nitrogen in the soils. “It’s a great crop to grow in wetter areas during a dry season but maize also copes well in low moisture conditions because its big leaves soak up any available moisture.” Sean says there is a variety of maize to suit almost all soil, climatic conditions and maturity requirements – but early planning and preparation are important to ensuring a successful crop.

mystery to readers

Last month’s mystery item was correctly identified by many readers as a simple, but effective, device for stripping maize from dried cobs. “My father had one which he used a lot. It would be clamped to a bench to operate. Most farmers grew a patch of maize for the few pigs they reared,” writes Gordon Wardlaw of Opotiki. “It was spring loaded to handle different sized cobs, and for its day, worked very well; and my father later purchased a free-standing model which had a chute to load cobs into the top of the maize sheller and a chute at the lower part of the sheller to bag the grain. He later fitted a quarter hp electric motor to it, and this saved a lot of the hand turning. “Being a dairy farmer, he supplied the local dairy factory – Waimana Dairy Co – which made the Red Band cheese and the farmers could take home the whey product to feed their pigs. “My mother had the usual farmyard menagerie consisting of hens, turkeys and ducks and fed the maize to them also. She would take the stripped dry cobs home to burn in the chip heater which supplied hot water for the house.”

Winner of the August mystery item prize is Gordon Wardlaw of Opotiki.

Peter Kennedy of Kiwitahi near Morrinsville still has his grandfather’s corn cob stripper. “As a youngster, 65 years ago, I used to use this. It is bolted to a drum or bench. The handle is turned as a corn cob is fed into the top. It strips the corn off the cob as it continues turning. The corn goes into a container underneath and the cob comes out the side, dropping into another container. The corn had to be quite dry on the cob before it was stripped. The corn was used to feed the chooks.” Ralph Gore of Hinuera has one too which his father used as a boy to strip maize for feeding the chooks. “I also used it many years ago for feeding pigs, having gathered cobs left on the ground after the grain combine had harvested my grain crop. Although they are hand operated, it is quite surprising how quick you can fill a bucket if you can push the cobs in fast enough.” Rachael Hill of Pukekohe is another reader who instantly recognised the device. “The cob, with the kernels on, goes in the top hopper and by turning the handle the spiked teeth tear the kernels off the cob. The shelled husk comes out the side and the maize kernels fall out the bottom to be caught in a bucket. “It was one of my jobs as a child to husk the maize for Mum’s chooks, ducks, turkeys, and I would feed some to my pony if she was around at the time. The dry husks could be used for kindling to light the wood range. We also had a crusher to break the kernels up for young poultry. Our maize came from the Gisborne flats where we would bag up the cobs from a drying crib. We were in the high country near Matawai, so had to get the maize from a grower near town. Mine is still lying around in our shed.” Peter Van Berlo recalls using the machine when he worked at the Walton Maize Mill outside Matamata to strip the kernels off the cobs to be tested for moisture content. Steve Robinson of Katikati recalls his parents using the device. C Hamilton of Waiuku says his parents used the maize stripper which he still owns. Once belonging to his grandparents, it was used to produce food for a small flock of ducks. This month’s mystery item comes from the dairy industry. If you know what it was for and have a story to share about using something similar, or seeing one used, we’d love to hear about it and you could be in to win a Katikati Heritage Museum visit for two. Send your entry to Mystery Item elaine@thesun.co.nz or post to Mystery Item, PO Box 240 Tauranga 3110 to arrive no later than September 17. The winner will be announced in the October Coast & Country.

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MAIZE

Soil fertility requirements for lucerne and fodder beet Lucerne is a hungry crop. In the 1980s, at least around the Bay of Plenty, Lucerne underwent a revival. The crop area increased, but just as quickly decreased as farmers struggled to maintain weed, pest, and disease-free stands. In short, those stands were not well fed. Poor nutrition plays into the hands of any weed or any disease. Sort out the fertility and stay weed, pest and disease-free. It’s that simple. Chemical use will be greatly reduced once the crop nutrition is addressed. The starting point is a reliable soil test; one that you can stake your life on. At Kiwi Fertiliser we use PAL in USA, as that is the one that gives us the best information. The key to soil fertility is calcium and magnesium. If a particular soil has a Ca deficit of 440kg/ha, and a Mg deficit of 150kg/ha, plants will not be able to get their full ration of either nutrient. The deficits can be rectified by the application of calculated amounts of lime and dolomite. Those materials will release their nutrients during three years, so benefits will accrue well past application. Some soils we test are well below these figures. It can be corrected as fast or as slowly as you like. It all depends on budget. A 20t/ha crop of lucerne will remove 500kg of nitrogen; and 70 per cent of that will come from the air if the Ca percentage-to-Mg percentage is correct. That’s 350kg; about 100kg comes from the soil leaving 50kg to be added. How many of you add N to your Lucerne? Most P levels I see from flat land are excessive (for example, 1100kg/ha when 560kg/ ha is all that is needed). The few that are not

Ray Shearer of Kihikihi knee deep in the lucerne he grows, using KiwiFert recommendation, and sells by the bale as livestock feed.

most nutrients need to be on before planting. An opportunity for a potassium top-up arises at close-up when nitrogen is applied. The inputs KiwiFert recommend will grow the best quality and quantity lucerne. Usually, lucerne stems are hollow. Not only is a hollowstem crop lighter, but it also lacks quality. This programme will make those stems solid. The material that packs the stem centres is pectin. Pectin is made up of polysaccharides that contribute to quality and animal nutrition.

Fodder beet may build better with RPR or guano. Others may respond better to DAP. You can’t tell until you try one or the other. If you don’t get the expected increase in the soil, change the product. But, for best results, stay with alkaline phosphates if you have an acidic soil. We find the two most deficient elements, by amount and frequency, are sulphur and potassium. Get sulphur levels to 50ppm. Whether you get there or not will depend on humus levels. The better the humus, the more able you are to retain anions. That opens the door for compost. At Kiwi Fertiliser, we add 250kg/ ha or more of high quality compost whenever we can.

Potassium

Often potassium is half of requirement. Where animals graze pastures, adding potassium has its challenges. But if the crops are used for supplement, the opportunity to correct potassium must not be missed. Calcium and magnesium levels in the soil are vital for controlling K levels in the herbage. Potassium translates into quality and quantity. The life of your stand depends on it. And K is vital for quality and yield. It hastens

For winter crop, fodder beet is undoubtedly the best; and is certainly far more nutritious and higher yielding than brassicas. Farmers went off fodder beet as it was labour intensive. These days the plant breeders have increased the dry matter being produced above the ground, as below ground DM tends to be higher than that above ground. If there is a significant portion of the crop below ground, just grub it up and put the stock back on it to clean it up. Do not try and shortcut the herbicides with this crop either. Just add one litre of fulvic acid per ha of crop to any herbicides used.

recovery after harvest, and ensures long-life of a stand. Leaf-drop and spotting are eliminated. It also improves leaf to stem ratio, winter hardiness, and N-fixing. Sodium is rarely in deficit. There is 60ppm in rainfall. Never get sodium above 3 per cent base saturation. Only add Na for a fodder beet crop if you are certain the soil needs it. Sodium may be a requirement of sugar beet, not fodder beet, as their breeding has diverged in recent years. Concerning trace elements, boron is essential and needs to be at 1.75-2ppm. Copper 2-10ppm, but preferably 10ppm. Nutrient Removal Chart Zinc must line up with P. For example, high P, high Zn and vice 15t/ha N P K Ca Mg S versa. Iron must always read higher Lucerne 375 67 330 224 34 34 than manganese; not the other way 20t/ha around. Selenium confers insect Fodder Beet 200 83 500 100 75 75 resistance. Please remember, you grow crops primarily to produce high quality protein. (As distinct from crude protein, calcuLucerne has produced more than 21t/ha in lated as N x 6.25, and includes nitrate, which is New Zealand, and fodder beet – more than detrimental to plant and animal health). twice that. To get there and beyond, the plants With lucerne, the opportunity to fertilise must have proper nutrition. Any superior crop occurs at each cut or grazing. That is easier on in any soil must have luxury (but not excess) cash flow, particularly if some capital fertiliser amounts of calcium, magnesium, phosphorus requirements need addressing. For fodder beet, and boron.

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MAIZE

Page 27

WADE’S DAIRY DEVELOPMENT

Goats: Are they an option for the future of dairying?

“I did a little research and discovered it really stacked up. Took it to the financial advisor, accountant and the bank manager and they agreed.” BCL Feed Systems BCL Feed Systems

Incredible as it may sound, the facts suggest that dairy goats are a strong alternative to cows for the New Zealand dairy industry. By Graeme Dobson

about 25 years ago by goat farmers to process and market goat’s milk. In 1988 they developed the first goat milk infant formula and today collect milk from the Waikato, Northland and Taranaki, and export infant formula to some 20 countries. Goat’s milk has found such a ready market because of its unique properties – the casein protein structure is closer to human milk than cow’s milk and can be drunk by people who have a low tolerance to cow milk protein. So popular has goat’s milk infant formula become that DGC cannot keep up with demand, so they’re more than happy to hear from any prospective farmers in their area. So with advice and support from DGC, the decision was made to convert the 40ha block to a goat operation milking 600-700 dairy goats, leaving the 60ha to milk 300 cows, with the run-off supporting both units. In February 2013, K.R. Wade Ltd, which boasts four diggers, three trucks, three tractors with trailers and a scoop, a roller, a grader, muck spreader and a laserguided box blade (which levelled the site to within 10mm), began work on the foundations for a 4200m2 goat house and 40-aside herringbone dairy. The Wade family has a typical modern goat farm with a starting herd of 600 does housed all year round. Housing goats permanently has several health benefits, especially for breaking the worm cycle. Gary provides them with fresh cut grass each day, but they’re quite picky eaters (which belies their reputation for eating anything), and Gary collects up the rejected grass and feeds it to the cows next door. It’s vital for their health and production that the goats eat properly, so Gary employs the Dairy Business Centre to analyse what’s going in and coming out of his goats and to monitor the nutritional value of his pasture. Rensinus Schipper, senior consultant nutritionist with Dairy Business Centre (NZ) Ltd, advises him on the supplements he needs – mostly kibble maize and dried distiller’s grains (DDGS) – and regularly reformulates specific mineral supplement pellets to make good any deficiencies.

40ha block to a goat operation milking 600-700 dairy goats

Rising near vertically out of the plains just south of Te Aroha, the Kaimai Ranges form a dramatic backdrop to Kevin and Robyn Wade’s dead flat dairy unit. And the dark green –almost black – of the bush on the hills contrast sharply with the lush emerald green of the rich pasture. The farm belonged to Robyn’s parents and she and Kevin worked it with them until Rogernomics and rationalisation made the arrangement impractical. That was when they started K.R. Wade Ltd, drainage and earthworks contractors. The business blossomed, and after Robyn’s parents passed away they found they had two sizable businesses to run. Fortunately, they also had two capable sons, the older, Klinton, took over the contracting; and the younger, Gary, gave up being a diesel mechanic and took over the farm. But the same rationalisation that had made it uneconomic for Robyn and Kevin to share the farm with her parents was still at work. The family farm was becoming too small to be an economically viable unit so they bought an 18ha run-off, then a neighbouring 60ha dairy unit with the intention of combining the two dairies into one central modern milking shed. But, as good business people, they looked at the figures and struggled to justify the million dollar-plus price tag. “Then one day I was operating a digger on a client’s goat farm,” says Gary, “and he suggested I look at goats instead. The idea kept going round in my head, so I did a little research and discovered it really stacked up. [I] Took it to the financial advisor, accountant and the bank manager and they agreed.” A large part of the information Gary gathered was supplied by Hamilton-based Dairy Goat Co-operative NZ Ltd (DGC), an organisation that was started

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Page 28

WADE’S DAIRY DEVELOPMENT

Nutrition vital for milk production The Dairy Business Centre is a consultancy company established in 2006 in Canterbury by a group of farmers and rural industry professionals to provide farmers with a range of services, including budgeting, cash-flow and farm monitoring, feed and grass production tracking and dairy feed commodity trading. They also tutor their clients so they can take over the monitoring themselves within a few seasons. Fresh rye grass or lucerne and a little molasses are premium fodder for goats, with mineral supplements and dry food during milking. For both practical and ethical reasons, the co-operative has a strict policy that all feed for their supply herds be sourced from within New Zealand or Australia – so there’s no palm kernel on the menu. Rensinus says

Above: The Wades and the kids. Below: Aztech Buildings designed and built the goat house.

that generally a milking goat will eat about 1.5kg of green grass or 1kg of grain and 2kg of grass per day and convert it to milk more efficiently than a cow – meaning a 20-30 per cent higher return per hectare.

The goat house is open-sided for ventilation and has very good natural lighting from several clear roof panels. The impressive structure was designed and built by Aztech Farm Buildings, a family-owned business that has developed an ethic they call ‘The Aztech Way’ – a people-oriented view that emphasises the mutual respect they see as a solid base for maintaining client relationships and future growth. Aztech also fit well with the goat farmer’s environmental ethic by stressing sustainability through balancing economic, environmental and social responsibilities. Environmentally, goats have a very small footprint. Rather than a slurry they produce pellets, so the shavings in the pens only need removing by K.R. Wade’s grader and muck spreader a couple of times a year – a service they also provide for other goat farmers. Wash-down from the dairy still needs to be pumped to pasture, but it’s minimal. Sustainable timber is used throughout the goat house, including the virtual forest of poles that support the massive roof and the wood, used by Jamie McIntyre to neatly fence the series of pens that run down each side of the two internal raceways. “It’s a long way when you look down the shed, and we didn’t want wavy lines of fencing, so we got Jamie to do the job. He’s done a lot of other work for us so we knew from experience he’d do a top job and he hasn’t let us down,” says Gary. The dairy and associated yards (which are connected to the goat house by a roof so the pampered darlings don’t get wet, they hate the rain) were designed and built by Morrinsville-based farm dairy specialist Don Chapman Builders and Tatuanui engineers Leask Engineering.

WADE’S DAIRY DEVELOPMENT

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Design aims to outwit intelligent goats

feeding goats is becoming a major part of his business with systems installed in about eight farms in the Matamata region alone. The milking plant was especially designed and manufactured in Hamilton by Milfos International, a division of GEA Farm Technologies, and fitted by Allan Oliver from GEA’s local service partners, Piako Rural Services.

Farmers and contractors gathered to review the operation over a sausage sizzle. With 40 years of experience Don has accrued a formidable reputation for workmanship, quality and a hallmark refusal to compromise on his standards – standards that are obvious in this elegant, well-finished and highlyefficient dairy. As he does on many jobs, Don worked closely with Leask Engineering – they’ve got more than 50 years’ experience in farm dairies in New Zealand and overseas – and like Don, have built themselves an incomparable reputation in the field. “We’ve done a few goat dairies before, but not very many and you learn something new every time,” says Leask’s design and construction manager Rom Stellingwerf. “The Wades had their ideas, and Don and I worked closely with them. Kevin and his boys sorted out the lay-out and did all the ground work, we took it from there.” Don and Rom did their first goat dairy about six years ago and momentum built from there. Now, they’ve got several on the books this season and more next year. But they still find goats a challenge. “They’re too intelligent,” says Rom. “They don’t follow blindly like cows, they work things out – if they had

The goat’s accommodation.

hands they’d be lethal. They learn very quickly to open gates – it took one goat 20 minutes to work out how to open a sliding bolt, then they teach each other.” “On the other hand,” adds Don, “they don’t mind going around sharp corners that cows would baulk at, so when we designed the yards and raceways we could tighten things up quite a lot”. Once completed, the dairy was fitted out with Milfos’ specially-designed 40-aside iNDEXA rapid exit goat bails and a Milfos milking plant – all designed and manufactured in GEA Farm Technologies’ Hamilton plant. “This is the first of this design we’ve done,” says Mike Prendergast, GEA Farm Technologies’ area sales manager. “It’s all hot dip galvanised with PVC inlays. It gives the goats individual space and allows for a rapid exit of the entire line. Load up time’s also pretty quick.” The bails sit perpendicular to the pit with a gravity-operated swing gate behind, and a feed trough at the front. The goats very soon learn that there’s feed in the bail and they literally run in to the bail. As each doe (nanny) enters, a gate swings around behind her to

shut her in and open the next bail, and so on down the row. After milking, the fronts of the bails are raised and all the goats exit together. Gravity swings the bail gates back behind them, the feed troughs are re-filled, and the front is lowered ready for the next goat. The in-shed feed system central to maintaining goat-flow was designed, built and installed by nearby Te Poi company Bustercover. Owner and manager Buster Cover says that he imports Pax Valco silos, but most of his system components are designed by him and manufactured locally, either in Hamilton, Rotorua or right there in little Te Poi. He says that

KEVIN WADE

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Phone 0274 968337 or 07 884 6784

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WADE’S DAIRY DEVELOPMENT

Page 30

Plant can milk up to 800 goats “It’s an iXPRESS milking line with WestfaliaSurge Capri goat clusters for gentle milking. It has a nice stable vacuum that allows the milk to be taken away in an even slug so it’s not breaking down the fats and protein,” explains Mike. “Apart from a variable speed vacuum pump, the milking plant itself is kept fairly basic and provides a very cost effective way to milk up to about 800 goats,” adds Allan. “The pulsation rate is about 90 beats per minute, compared to 55-60 for cows; and the vacuum’s lower than would be normal for cows.” All up, the whole system cost about $150,000 – about $100,000 for the plant and another $50,000 for the bails. GEA have high hopes for the iNDEXA rapid exit goat system, and have another two or three on order for this year. The co-operative has very tight standards that must be maintained in their industry – feed, maintenance, opera-

tion and especially milk quality. Milk has to be kept at just 3 degrees Celsius. Because the refrigeration requirements are so demanding, the Wades brought in Paul Donderwinkel from Matamatabased temperature control specialists Centigrade right from the concept stage. Paul used Centigrade’s latest ‘Ice Bank’, an old technology that Paul has adapted and improved to the point where he offers farmers a very cost effective way to cool milk and maintain it at the required temperature. With everything in place, the Wades can look forward to a profitable business. Their goats start milking at 12 months old and have a working life of about six years during which each one can be expected to produce on average about 80-plus kg solids per 305-day lactation period. Production costs are about the same ratio as other dairies – about 50 per cent. But 50 per cent of $15-17 sounds better than 50 per cent of a $7-8 cow dairy payout. On top of

that, each mature doe will produce on average two kids per year which can be kept for replacement, sold to other dairies or raised for six weeks using the colostrum and milk from their cows and sold for the goat veal trade – a product called cabrito that’s very much in demand in Europe. And, although they still have some cows, goats don’t have the same environmental issues so their compliance problems are halved. And the Wade’s business definitely doesn’t have all its eggs in one basket. The goats are managed by Grant Bowman and assistants Shaleena Tucker, Peter Boyd and Helen Bowman, the cows are looked after by Stephen Coe; and the overall dairy operation is overseen by Gary. Meanwhile, Klinton looks after the contracting, Robyn handles all the accounts and general office work, while Kevin helps out wherever he’s needed. It was Robyn’s dream to maintain and improve the family farm to pass on to the next generations – it seems she has accomplished that and then some. By Graeme Dobson

The Milfos milking system.

Bustercover’s Pax Valco dry feed silos.

Paul Donderwinkel from Centigrade, with his latest ‘Ice Bank’ cooling system.

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Gary with the specialised grass cutter he uses to collect the goat’s fodder.

NGINEERING

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Page 31

Farmers - hit lepto before it’s too late

Leptospirosis is often mistaken for a bad bout of the flu by farmers. But is a disease almost entirely avoided if effective vaccination of livestock takes place, says Dr Roger Marchant, veterinary advisor to the New Zealand Veterinary Association’s Leptosure programme. He is urging farmers to head off the risk of leptospirosis infection, for themselves, their family, staff and animals, by making sure their animals are vaccinated at the right age. “The typical pattern for leptospirosis vaccination has not changed much over the years. That’s been to vaccinate calves at about six months of age. However, we can now be more specific about the timing – and vaccination needs to be earlier than this to be fully effective.” Farmers and veterinarians are in the front line for infection risk with about 120 reported human cases in New Zealand each year. However, as reported at the recent NZVA conference, estimates of under reporting may mean that the number of cases could be up

to 40 times greater. This rate puts New Zealand in the top bracket globally for serious human leptospirosis infections. It is also a disease with insidious downstream affects through the rural community beyond the farm gate. Back in 2008, a meat worker died from the disease, and process workers have a one in 20 chance of contracting the disease through infected carcasses. The estimated annual incidence in veterinarians is three per cent. The Leptosure programme has previously recommended the practice of vaccinating animals at about three to six months. However, a revamp of the guidelines is underway, with new ‘best practice’ vaccination standards coming out later this year. A key aim is to get vaccinations completed earlier before calves become infected – but not too early since maternal antibodies may interfere with the vaccine. Concern over the mixed messages behind vaccinations prompted the NZVA to initiate a review by Massey University’s epicentre on leptospirosis disease incidence. This work reported on the possibility of increased risk of leptospirosis infections in herds where calves had not been vaccinated until six months of age. A small pilot study by the university shows 30 per cent, of apparently vaccinated herds sampled, tested positive for leptospirosis – and 13 per cent of cows in these herds could have been shedding the bacteria. The risk of having a herd with one or more cows shedding leptospirosis bacteria appeared to be associated with the age at which calves were vaccinated for the first time.

Roger says the ‘window of infection risk’ is there when vaccinations are not conducted until six months of age. “An animal may well be infected with leptospirosis prior to that, and even if it does get vaccinated, that will not eliminate the infection.” From the Massey University review, the Leptosure ‘best practice’ advice now advises earlier vaccination than previously recommended, but not too early. For example, for the average mob age of dairy calves, the first vaccination needs to be about seven weeks of age on a farm with a high leptospirosis risk. For a typical dairy farm this

equates to 10 weeks after the seasonal start of calving as the earliest time for vaccination, with a second shot administered four to six weeks after the first. Even on low risk properties, farmers should aim to complete these two shots before 6 months of age. A “high risk” farm is one that experiences high rainfall in spring and summer, flooding and waterlogged paddocks, maybe has a history of leptospirosis infection, has a rodent population, and has livestock that may have contact with un-vaccinated animals, especially when grazing off-farm, or with bought in seasonal grazing

stock. For beef farmers, the principles remain the same – vaccinating calves before the risk of exposure to infection develops. Ideally, dairy grazers coming onto a beef property should have full proof of vaccination prior to arrival, and all beef stock on the property should be vaccinated. Animal health company Zoetis is working with Leptosure to get the message out about the need to ensure farmers understand the need to vaccinate earlier. This spring a road show throughout New Zealand is aimed at veterinarians, to lift vaccination programme awareness.

By Richard Rennie

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DAIRY

Young farmer entries open Young farmers from around the country will be sharpening their agricultural skills with entries now open for the 2014 season of the ANZ Young Farmer Contest. The competition gets underway Saturday, October 5, with the first district finals held at Hororata, Glenmark and Massey University. More than 300 young farmers are expected to contend in the district finals, the first round of the competition. The top eight contestants from each region will go through to their regional final and battle it out for their share of $14,000 worth of prizes and a spot at the grand final where they will vie for the coveted

title of ANZ Young Farmer Contest Champion and a piece of the $162,000 prize pool. The level of complexity and difficulty increases as contestants progress from districts to regionals – and finally to the grand final. The seven grand finalists, one from each region, will meet in Christchurch from July 3-5 2014, for a gruelling few days of competition where contestants will be put through a diverse range of practical, theoretical and technical challenges covering all aspects of agriculture including an HR challenge and a business presentation. The final challenge culminates in a live-televised show where the contestants are questioned on everything and anything. The 2013 ANZ Young Farmer Contest champion Tim Van de Molen from the Waikato had some advice for aspiring competitors looking to prepare. “It’s about getting out and getting involved in the industry and using those opportunities and connections to build your network and build your knowledge base.” The ANZ Young Farmer Contest is

New Zealand’s ultimate rural challenge. It inspires excellence, showcases the innovation and growth in the agriculture sector and helps develop young kiwi farmers become the leaders of tomorrow. The contest not only offers cash prizes and products from ANZ, Ravensdown, Silver Fern Farms, Honda, Vodafone and Husqvarna, there are also several scholarships and awards for career development programmes from AGMARDT and Lincoln University. Contestants of all skill levels are encouraged to enter to improve their personal and agricultural skills with New Zealand Young Farmers CEO Richard Fitzgerald stressing that it’s not all about winning. “The contest is a great way to meet new people, learn some new skills, have a bit of fun and try something new.” Entry for the ANZ Young Farmer Contest is open and free for all NZYF members between ages 15-31 (entrants must be under 31 years of age at January 1, 2014). For more information and a full schedule of events visit www.youngfarmercontest.co.nz

Cobalt’s role in vitamin B12 deficiency Vitamin B12 is a very important vitamin for ruminants (for example, sheep and cattle) and is involved in digestion and maintaining appetite. In these animals, vitamin B12 is manufactured in the rumen (main stomach) by micro-organisms (for example, bacteria), and requires adequate levels of dietary cobalt, because it is a central part of the vitamin B12 molecule. Cobalt deficiency (commonly called Bush Sickness) causes vitamin B12 deficiency, of which the main symptom is ill-thrift. Deficiency is mainly seen in weaned lambs, and less often older sheep, in parts of the country where soil cobalt levels are naturally low, such as the central plateau in the North Island. Critical levels in the diet are about 0.11 mg/kg DM (ppm) which means if the dietary level is consistently lower than this, then deficiency is likely. Cobalt deficiency is very rarely diagnosed in cattle, especially adult cattle, because their dietary cobalt requirements are so much lower than sheep, and are usually easily supplied by the pasture. Diagnosis and monitoring of supplementation is best achieved by herbage testing and analysis of blood and/or liver samples. The value of soil testing for cobalt is debatable. Reference ranges for blood and liver B12 levels in sheep are well defined. Animals that are sufficient (in the normal range) will not respond, while animals that are marginal may or may not respond, to supplementation. Prevention strategies include cobalt-amended fertilisers, pasture spraying of cobalt, cobalt boluses, vitamin B12 injections (short or long-acting) and various oral cobalt supplements. Injectable vitamin B12, as well as treating and preventing cobalt deficiency, is also an appetite stimulant in its own right, independent of an animal’s cobalt status. This means that many responses to vitamin B12 are due to this effect, rather than remedying a deficiency, but can give rise to the mistaken belief that the animals were cobalt deficient. I am a great fan of vitamin B12 for the appetite stimulant effect, because animals appear to visibly respond to treatment, so is useful in periods of stress.

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DAIRY

Lack of planning can create feed shortages Some farmers could have avoided the anguish of not having supplementary feed during last summer’s drought, if they had committed early on to buy feed from growers. To some degree, the feed shortages were created by lack of forward planning. It was a tough season but despite the warning signs some farmers would not place orders for supplements, no doubt hoping prices would drop. What happened during the previous spring was that many growers, ourselves included, committed a fair portion of their maize to grain because farmers weren’t prepared to enter agreements for maize silage. By February, when the drought

was really biting, we had farmers wanting maize silage but we had none to sell. The same may happen this year because maize silage is an expensive crop to grow and we can’t afford to do so without knowing for sure we have buyers. Successful farming is all about planning ahead; and every client who contracted feed from us last year received exactly what they ordered, and in some cases, more. They made a commitment to us and we looked after them in return. Having feed on farm is like money in the bank, because being able to feed your cows well is rewarded by milk in the vat. New Zealand-grown supplements have many advantages over imports such as palm kernel, including no bio-security risks, worries over what’s in it and surety of price and supply. The cheapest supplements are those ordered and delivered early in the season, especially if they are

trucked straight from the paddock to the farm as that reduces handling costs. Even though there’s plenty of grass growing now, feeding fibre in the form of supplements rewards the farmer with improved milk production. Combining fibre with the high energy grass means you are not milking off the cows’ backs, they are getting the best out of the grass and high energy feeds, will milk better and should get in calf easier. Federated Farmers is warning there could be a shortage of grain this season, and is urging livestock farmers is to secure feed grains sooner rather than later. The increasing trend to in-shed feeding of grains is also having an impact on the availability of maize silage. It’s much easier to grow maize for grain than for silage, and we will be deciding in the next couple of weeks what varieties we will be planting and how much we commit to silage and grain, based on the orders we receive. Like prudent farmers, we have to plan ahead and have already ordered much of our maize seed and will start planting near September 25, continuing right through

Glamour focus for cow teat sprayer boring piece of equipment, says Australian Judge Kylie Lyons, who was part of the panel of five judges for the competition.

Innovative Design Improves Efficiency What judges described as a “boring piece of equipment that one would find covered in manure in a cow shed” has won Tuakau wedding and portrait photographer Jan Maree a silver award in the national New Zealand Institute of Professional Photography Iris Awards. Her image of a WETiT Teat Sprayer was technically strong, showed creative flair in the use of lighting; and was a great interpretation of a probably very

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until late November. My advice to farmers is don’t beat about the bush – get your feed orders in

early and be assured you can feed your cows well whatever the season delivers weather-wise.

DAIRY

Page 34

Gas water heating efficiency for dairy sheds A new gas water heating system for New Zealand dairy sheds is designed to reduce water heating costs by up to 50 per cent and improve flexibility for the farmer. The Bosch dairy hot water system is available exclusively through Longveld On Farm. Longveld managing director Les Roa says the key benefits of gas water heat-

ing in the dairy shed are the lower costs of water heating, and the flexibility of always having hot water in the shed whenever it is needed. “With gas heating the system only comes on an hour or so before you need it, then switches off in between hot washes. “With electric heating your element is chewing through the power 24/7 and you probably still run out of hot water at times, especially if the tanker pick-up time changes.”

Les says farmers are increasingly aware of the need for their milking systems to be fully compliant in all aspects of food production, especially in light of the recent Fonterra food safety scare. “Effective cleaning systems are imperative, and this requires sufficient volumes of hot water on tap. The Bosch dairy hot water system delivers this.” The system can be retrofitted to an existing hot water cylinder, or installed with a new cylinder, depending on the condition of the existing equipment.

Water is our ‘oil’

he’s farming with

Water is to New Zealand what minerals are to Australia and oil to Saudi Arabia – yet most of the rain which falls, runs out to sea, says Nathan Guy Minister for Primary Industries. “New Zealand doesn’t have a shortage of water, but a shortage of water storage.” The Government’s planned irrigation schemes could boost the economy by $4 billion a year and create extra employment, he says. In June, the Government announced the Irrigation Acceleration Fund, intended to help

now new Zealand dairy farmers can have all the benefits of gas water heating in the dairy shed. efficient: up to 50% savings on your day to day electric water heating costs. fast and flexible: fully programmable to give you as much hot water as you need when you need it.

Retrofitting a Bosch hot water system ‘was an easy decision’, says Grant Rowe of Pongakawa.

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realise the potential for irrigated agriculture to contribute to sustainable economic growth throughout New Zealand. The 2011 Budget allocated $35 million during five years to support the development of irrigation infrastructure proposals to the ‘investment-ready’ prospectus stage. Irrigation infrastructure investment-ready proposals must be technically and commercially robust and demonstrate a high level of community support. The proposals will inform the analyses and decision making of potential investors in both scheme construc-

tion and commissioning. The IAF’s primary purpose is to support regional-scale, rural, water infrastructure proposals. It will continue the support for strategic water management studies and strategies and community irrigation schemes that were previously available through the Sustainable Farming Fund and the Community Irrigation Fund. The IAF, as far as is practicable, adopts a multi-year development programme-based approach, subject to achievement of milestones and confirmation that the proposed project continues to be viable.

Be vigilant about cow care Farmers and the dairy industry do not condone poor animal care but farmers must be conscious of the risks for their stock during adverse weather, says DairyNZ animal husbandry team leader Dr Nita Harding. She is encouraging farmers to ensure proper care is in place for their calves and cows. “All farmers have an obligation to properly care for their stock, by providing sufficient feed and water, and suitable paddocks or housing, appropriate for their age.” Nita says farmers know that this is a time to be extra vigilant, because weather conditions can be challenging and feed supplies need to be managed carefully.

“If farmers and graziers are struggling to meet animal needs, there is a host of resources available to help, and we encourage farmers to take advantage of these. We all want to see the best care and treatment of animals.” Nita encourages farmers to seek veterinary advice if they are concerned about the health of their animals. “DairyNZ also has an Early Response Service which offers farmers confidential support where animal welfare may be at risk. It has been successful in helping farmers manage challenging situations and get their animals and businesses back on track.” All farmers looking for support can contact DairyNZ on 0800 4 DairyNZ (0800 4 324 7969). Animal health and welfare resources and information is also available online at: dairynz.co.nz/animals. For specific New Zealand-based information for raising and caring for calves visit: nzcalfrearing.com.

Page 35

DAIRY

Wheel a driver for riparian planting decisions Louise “Planting the wrong plants around Clark, a senior waterways and wetlands can sometimes be ecologist with worse than not planting any at all,” says Boffa Miskell with the wheel, called the Louise Clark, a senior ecologist with ‘Plant Selection Tool for Boffa Miskell. Waikato Waterways’, which she developed.

Willow Wee d

By Elaine Fisher

Ox ey e Da

isy

What will your pasture bring you this summer?

The wheel, laid out a bit like a dart board, is read from the centre outwards in concentric rings. The middle ring lists four issues that can be addressed by riparian plantings – bank stability, contaminants, fish habitat and biodiversity. The next ring lists specific objectives to be achieved, followed by a choice of wet, normal or dry soil types in the next ring. The outer two rings contain numbers which relate to plants listed in tables on the reverse side of the wheel, those which are frost sensitive, and those which are frost tolerant. In all, 77 plants are listed with both their Latin and common names. Louise says, in compiling the list of plants, she reviewed 60 reference sources from early Forest Service publications to the latest NIWA research, seeking out plants which would perform in Waikato riparian environments. “The plants on the wheel are those that are specifically found in the Waikato and Waipa River catchments, and all their drain and stream tributaries; so it's important that the wheel isn't used in other river catchments.” From an original list of 158 New Zealand riparian plants, 117 are found in the Waikato. Of these, 82 are available in nurseries. “I then took out any which were toxic to stock or don't survive well in plantings and was left with 77.”

ill

cup

ksb or St

er

B ut

Dandelion

Dart board

D oc ks

However, knowing what to plant isn’t easy which is why Louise developed a ‘wheel’ to help farmers make the right choices. “It was one of those inspiration-inthe-shower moments,” she says. However, researching, designing and testing the ‘Plant Selection Tool for Waikato Waterways’ was to prove challenging – and only became a reality thanks to funding from the Waikato River Authority. The result is a dinner-plate size cardboard wheel, divided into sections, to guide users through the process of selecting plants best suited to the objectives to be achieved – and the soil and climatic conditions of the land near their streams and drains. Louise explained the background to the wheel’s evolution, and its use, in a series of workshops for farmers and consultants co-funded by WRA and DairyNZ which hosted the workshops. Those who attended the workshops also visited DairyNZ’s Scott Farm at Newstead for practical guidance on using the wheel.

amount of erosion along the river was huge, Establishing and the water was filled with sediment. The a grass filter impact of that tree removal has stayed with strip alongside me.” a farm race and However, the plants listed on the wheel aren’t building, such as this, all trees. Cutty grasses, toetoe, silver fern, is a low cost way to sedges, rushes, New Zealand blueberry, and of improve water course, flaxes are listed too. Louise is also an quality. advocate for using grass filter strips which are included on the wheel. She says they are especially beneficial alongside farm drains as a low cost but very effective way to help improve water quality. If you would like a wheel and pamphlet, they are available free of charge from DairyNZ, WRA, and Waikato Regional Council.

t

Simple

Her work was peer reviewed – and in a final test – Louise gave a wheel to her father, Kingsley Saunders, a retired farmer. “Dad figured it out pretty quickly which gave me confidence other farmers would also find it easy to use. I had aimed for a `simple is best’ format.” Louise suggests landowners take the wheel and the accompanying pamphlet out to their waterways and use their observation skills and knowledge to decide the best objective for their riparian plantings. “In some cases, there may be more than one objective and many plants will help achieve more than one anyway. Farmers know their waterways and land better than anyone else. They will know which areas are prone to flooding, which waterways have fish in them, and where erosion is happening.” It was her own experience growing up on a farm near the Waihou River which Louise credits for giving her an interest in riparian margins and their functions. “As a child, we used to get big trout and eels out of the Waihou River. Then the trees were removed, as part of a flood control scheme, and we lost the fish life. The

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Page 36

Mastitis is a health risk for workers as well as cows Cows getting clinical mastitis at calving, and in the first few weeks of lactation, have always been part of dairying. And things certainly have not improved during the years since dairy cows became milk factories.

Nutritionists working on new ways to feed cows are well behind the geneticists, who have made enormous leaps in increasing milk production.

What has been getting worse in recent years is the number of maiden heifers calving with mastitis. Ten to 20 per cent is about average, with some farmers having to deal with up to 40 per cent of cases. But these are not widely publi-

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cised figures by veterinarians or researchers, as it shows the size of this unsolved problem. It’s hard enough for heifers to get used to being milking, without suffering the added pain of mastitis when their extended udders are handled. It also greatly increases the risk of injuries to staff. And injuries to milkers at calving time are the last thing managers and herd owners want. When you ask the experts why things have not improved during recent years with all our current knowledge, they describe

the problem as ‘multifactorial’, which is really boffin code for ‘don’t really know how to fix it’. Mastitis has only been kept at bay during the last 30 years with antibiotics, with current best practice being SmartSAMM, which is based on widespread reliance on antibiotics and teat seal. But things may change with the G8 ministers now discussing the world problem of increasing antibiotic resistance and agriculture’s role in this. Extensive advertising in the farming press this autumn was urging farmers to book their heifers

Restoring ‘beaten up’ maize soil in 3 months Last year, we were given a challenge. One of our neighbours Tickle (named after one of the characters on the programme ‘Mooshiners’), down the road had a very poor maize crop. And after all the bills (seed and contractors), he was left with enough money to sow an annual crop of oats and tama – which failed to grow and he couldn’t even get a single grazing off it. I was told by one of the contractors truck drivers: “the soil is buggered”. Well, my response was: “you can’t blame the soil you guys have been running this for the past how many years, it’s the way you treat it – it not the soil’s fault”. Anyway, it appeared to be a challenge. Can I restore this soil within a three-month timeframe to make it good enough to get a crop that will return or allow a break-even return? First of all, I wanted to know why the oats and tama had not grown. It appeared, from a field inspection, the soil structure had been beaten to a pulp, as there was a lot of surface water lying around and this was not draining away even after a couple of days full sunshine. A Reams soil test (this soil test only tests for what nutrients are plant available) summed things up nicely. The nitrate-nitrogen and ammonium-nitrogen levels were none existent (2-6kg/ha and the desired level is 40-80kg/ha). The soil ERGs was also very low (70 and needs to be at 600-800cgs for cob fill) and this soil energy reading indicates how much energy is in the soil to allow for plant growth and fruit/seed production. The plant available calcium levels were one-seventh of

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The hunt is on for a property to become the new Hauraki Focus Farm. Information about the farm’s progress will be fed to the region’s farmers through field days and regular emails. The initiative is led by the P3 Dairy Trust which aims to increase the profitability of Hauraki Plains farms with a flow-on effect to the whole community. Those interested in becoming the new focus farm or wanting to be added to the weekly email updates can contact Fiona Wade on 021 242 2127 or Craig Strawbridge on 027 448 6650.

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what they should be (400kg/ha) with the desired level being 3000kg/ha. This low calcium level is going to restrict plant/grain weight, and plant health. I also did an Albretch-based soil test, so I could get some trace mineral information on the soil, but this information is secondary to the key limitations identified by the Reams Soil Test. So, with this information, we applied our fertiliser mix which was a combination of compost at 4 tonne/ha and composted soil minerals at 4 tonne/ha. It was important to get the soil nitrogen levels up, and the soil Ergs and calcium, and to hold them there. This is why soil humus is so important and we must adopt carbon positive farming practices. We did minimum tillage and waited until the soil was ready to be cultivated. We sowed a Corson Grains hybrid, and applied soluble humate granules with the 12:10:10 starter fertiliser (300kg/ha + 30kg/ ha Soluble humate granules). This crop was sown on December 1, and things were already getting dry. However, with all the inputs we were confident on a good outcome. We re-tested the soil with a Reams Soil Test just to check that we achieved our target soil nutrient settings, twice through the growing season. At the end of the season, we harvested an 18 tonne of green feed maize crop and we received 30cents/kg DM and only on 50ml of rain fall. Crops that were sown about the same time in the district, and followed conventional/traditional fertiliser and soil management procedures, produced 9-11tonnes/ha – and a couple of crops failed. The real answer in situations like this is collecting the correct information; and in this situation it identifying why the previous crop yields on this soil were in declines. You can’t blame the Soil – but who is running it. We also trialed a Hemp crop last year on this same soil, which will come next month.

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in for teat sealing before calving, which does not auger well for a fundamental change to finding a solution to heifer mastitis. It’s the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff. Farmers using Wormade’s OMS Nutritional Supplement Plan build up cow and heifer immune levels before calving have been able to avoid reliance on antibiotics. This has removed the risks of costly mistakes by milking cows treated with antibiotics, as well as greatly reducing staff stress and keeping animal health costs down to $20 per cow per year. (Source: Wormade.)

Biological PSA management options. Reams Soil Testing, Home Garden Fertiliser.

Page 37

DAIRY

Maize supplements help drive higher milk production Fuelled by an export driven philosophy, today’s dairy stocking rates are a far cry from those seen on New Zealand farms back in the early 1990s.

But this move to a more intensive farming model has not occurred without significant changes in farming inputs, particularly in regard to feed supplements. “It’s unrealistic for modern dairy farms with these higher stocking ratios to manage on grass alone,” says Pacific

In search of rural happiness I recently read a book called ‘The Practice of Happiness’ by John Kehoe, kindly given to me by my secretary. Farming with all its complexities, can bring a lot of stress and unhappiness. A culture of hard work, long hours and monotony, seems to go with the territory. Put on top of that issues with Fonterra and weather variations, and with a shortage of cash “rural happiness” seems to fly out the window. I have seen a number of farmers in tears recently. This shows how much pressure they are under. If we look at some Eastern cultures, like Vietnam, China and Thailand for example, they are mainly of Buddhist background. That belief is about kindness, happiness and contentment with life and what they have. Western societies and particularly farmers, have a belief in life, in agriculture, but most have never discussed or been taught, the belief of happiness. The Western world pumps out millions of anti-depressant drugs for our unhappy people. More than that, I know there are many farmers who are now finding themselves on “happy pills”. Pressures,

long hours, no breaks, and monotony may cause depression and the need for anti-depressants. However, back to the pursuit of rural happiness. Happiness is defined in the dictionary as “the quality of being happy” and “the state of pleasurable contentment of mind”. Happiness is one of our most basic human desires, and yet so little is understood about happiness. What exactly is this feeling of happiness, what causes it, what makes it come, what makes it go away, and could it be permanent? Is happiness about achieving our goals (more land) for example? Is it health, wealth, personal fulfilment, or is it a lot more? From reading the book, and my own understanding of agriculture, of life and life’s complexities, I have some ideas about what the issues might be. We’ll dig a little deeper into the pursuit of rural happiness in my next column.

Seeds territory manager Barry Smallridge. “Maize silage, because of the high energy levels it delivers, is an ideal feed supplement.” As well as helping to increase feed intakes, maize silage delivers a number of other important benefits for growers. These include improved milk solid production and a reduction in cow’s energy deficit during early lactation. Maize silage also helps reduce weather-related risk factors. “It’s is important, however, to realize that all maize silage is not created equal. While yield is important, farmers also need to look at a number of other agronomic characteristics.” That’s because the energy levels in

maize are mainly derived from carbohydrates, which as a crop reaches maturity, are deposited in the grains as starch. Because of this process, the importance of cob-to-stover ratio, cob size and grain fill, cannot be overstated. Dick Post of Tauwhare, running 320 cows on just 70 hectares, knows the importance of high energy silage from first-hand

experience. “Last year, in one of the worst droughts we’ve ever experienced, we planted PAC 456 and it really saved our bacon. “The stay-green in the conditions was really impressive and we were able to take some of it as green feed prior to the harvest in February. “The cobs were 18 round and when we opened the stack the face was yellow.” Pac 456 is a tall, high-yielding silage hybrid, with high grain content, and excellent rust resistance. It can be planted at 85 to 105,000 seeds per hectare depending on environmental conditions. Growers can also be assured of an excellent harvest window from planting Pac 456, says Barry.

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Remote-sensing of soil fertility An innovation programme that aims to develop precision fertiliser application for hill country is to receive government funding through the Primary Growth Partnership. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) has approved co-funding of $5.13 million for the seven-year Ravensdown ‘Transforming Hill Country Farming’ PGP programme. This amount will be matched by the fertiliser

co-operative Ravensdown, making the overall base funding for the project $10.26 million. The new PGP programme will combine remotesensing of soil fertility on hills with GPS-guided aerial topdressing, to improve hill country productivity and reduce nutrient run-off. The research partners are Massey University’s Precision Agriculture Group and AgResearch. The programme expects to generate $120 million a year in economic benefits to New Zealand by 2030. “This is an excellent example of harnessing modern technology to transform farming on hill country, which is facing some serious challenges,” says Scott Gallacher, MPI’s deputy director-general.

Hill country

“This research partnership will help enable hill country farmers to grow more pasture and increase returns, as well as reduce the environmental effects of fertiliser application,” Ravensdown CEO Greg Campbell says. “If we grow more pasture, our beef and sheep production will rise at a time when those farmers desperately want to reverse the gradual decline of the past years. The challenge has been: how do you better feed those hill country soils so they can grow more grass without wasting fertiliser or degrading the environment?” “Variability among hill country soils is high, and scattering a blanket of fertiliser from the skies leads to less than optimal use of precious nutrients – which is bad for farmers’ bottom line and the environment,” says Mike Manning, general manager of R&D. The research will develop remote sensors which can scan for areas that need different amounts of fertiliser to other areas. A fertiliser

plan can then be prepared and sent to the GPS-equipped topdressing planes. “This combination of technology is a world-first. Innovations like these all add up to a great export story for New Zealand farming,” says professor Ian Yule of Massey University. “New Zealand has been at the forefront of the development of the use of remotesensing in agriculture for the last 10 years and this project provides the opportunity to apply that technology directly to increasing production, and farm profitability, while improving environmental management in the hill country.”

Key role

AgResearch will play a key role in the development of integrated systems, so the benefits will be captured by including the all-important precision application of nutrient by topdressing aircraft. “New Zealand has been a world leader in the development of pasture measurement for the last 10 years and this project provides the opportunity to apply that technology directly to increasing production and farm profitability while improving environmental management in the hill country,” says Dr Robyn Dynes, senior research scientist at AgResearch. Meanwhile, auditable proof-of-placement maps provide better information to make future decisions, “and demonstrate compliance with regional council regulations”. The seven-year programme is planned to begin this year with the gathering of data from eight research farms, which will feed into development of the systems needed to apply the fertiliser to the land. The partners are in the process of negotiating a PGP contract, prior to programme commencement.

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SPRING FERTILISER

Only 17 years to peak phosphorus production nutrient leaching is about more than enhancing his farm business. Protecting the environment for future generations and for wildlife is important, and so is protecting water quality.

“Clean water is essential for life.” # Dr Gina Lucci and farmer Robert Carter were among the speakers at the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Farmer Road Shows. By Elaine Fisher

A planted riparian/ buffer area, reduces the leaching of phosphorus and sediment.

Phosphorus is essential for food production, however the world’s easily mineable phosphorus resources are limited, warns Dr Gina Lucci of AgResearch. “We don’t have an infinite phosphorus supply and the state of the resource has been compared to ‘peak oil’.” Predictions are that phosphorus production will peak at about 30 million tonnes by 2030, and then begin to decline to less than 10 million tonnes by 2100. However, population growth, influencing demand for food, will increase from the current 6.8 billion to 11 billion by 2050. That’s one of the reasons it makes sense for farmers to be judicious with applying phosphorus fertilisers, and reduce losses of phosphorus from their land, says Gina. Phosphorus is essential for life and phosphorus loss, along with nitrogen, into waterways is a contributor to the eutrophication of surface waters, which can in turn lead to the degradation of aquatic habitats and overall water quality. Phosphorus loss is closely related to soil loss and water quality issues, unlike nitrogen and sulphur which do not bond to soil. A number of factors influence phosphorus leaching, including soil types, topography, and the type of fertiliser applied. To help reduce nutrient

loss, farmers can create and foster a strong growing sward of grass to blot up nutrients. Reducing erosion and creating riparian strips (where possible), so deep rooted plants like flaxes and tree crops can absorb nutrients, are other options. Detention dams and silt traps created above culverts, and in conjunction with plantings for erosion prevention, also helps.Using RPR slow release phosphate fertiliser and elemental sulphur, instead of super phosphate, is recommended as acidic soils will allow slower acidulation and release of phosphorus and sulphur for root uptake. “Nutrient loss is an economic loss for the farm system, and excess nutrients and soil particles are polluters of waterways, as they reduce water quality. Clean water is an essential for life and economic, municipal and human activity downstream from farms,” says Gina. Farmers can use the online S-Map fact sheet, produced by Landcare Research (www.landcareresearch. co.nz/), to determine their soil type and its phosphorus retention capacity. The average soil P retention for each soil is included in the Soil Series Fact Sheets, also available from Landcare Research (http://smap.landcareresearch.co.nz). “Eighty-per cent of all phosphorus losses occur from 20 per cent of the farm area. Therefore, mitigation strategies should be prioritised in those 20

Excluding stock from vulnerable wet areas is a critical factor in reducing phosphorus leaching. per cent of the farm which are sources of phosphorus,” says Gina. “Soil is like a sponge, but at times it can’t absorb all the rain, which runs off the surface taking soil and nutrients with it. In general, May through to October are the riskiest months, so it is best to avoid applying phosphorus fertiliser during that time.” Grazing is a critical factor in reducing phosphorus leaching, and management practices include restricted grazing in some areas during rainfall events, lower stocking rates and excluding stock from vulnerable wet areas, Gina says. Robert Carter, who farms 333ha at Kirikau in the King Country, believes in reducing nutrient leaching and keeping soils on the hills to grow pasture. “Soil is our growing medium and is best left on the hills so we can grow grass.” Riparian strips around waterways, planted with deep rooted species including flaxes, is one method Robert has used. “We have left some scrub [mainly manuka] growing on hillsides where it is not economically viable to take it out, and control the grazing under it. “We have put a silt trap above of each culvert and scoop it out with a muck spreader and take it back to the top of the hill to grow grass again.” Robert applies a good quality RPR slow release phosphate fertiliser and uses Overseer nutrient budgets to determine what the soil needs and where. “We try not to apply fertiliser around waterways where possible.” For Robert, looking after the land and reducing

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Page 40

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Page 41

Subdivision rules for the Waikato As if the rules were not confusing enough – and then along came our first super city, absorbing most of Franklin District and forcing amalgamation of the remainder into Waikato and Hauraki districts. That’s when the phone started ringing and people thought they could start subdividing using the existing Waikato rules. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Under any such amalgamation, the area retains the rules that relate to that land under the previous council’s district plan until such time as the new council writes a new set of rules for that area. How the new council does that is entirely up to them. Currently, neither of these councils has publicly stated their intentions. A political decision will determine whether they act sooner or wait until a district-wide review of the rules is due. This is no easy decision, especially since the Franklin rules have just undergone a 13-year process including Environment Court challenges. The cost of a district plan rule review is high, involving a lengthy consultation period and legal process. However, I believe that it is going to be hard to justify such different rules within the same district unless they can be justified by real differences with the land use potential. This may be so in relation to the cropping land in the very north, near Pukekohe. But the hill country to the south is similar in nature to the old Waikato district adjoining. I believe that those hoping to see the ‘more allowing’ subdivision rules of the ‘old Waikato’ adopted will be disappointed. These have already been slashed by a recent plan change which is currently under appeal

by Waikato Regional Council which is requesting that no lot under 40ha be allowed to be subdivided. In my opinion, this would be the regime most likely to spread to the ‘new Waikato’ area. Currently, the operative rules in the ‘new Waikato’ (old Franklin) allow for subdivision of one or two lots, either by utilising transferable titles or by protection of ecological areas. This offers some real opportunities for those further north to create saleable lifestyle blocks. The rationale behind this is very different to that behind the ‘old Waikato’ rules which currently allow you to cut off a lifestyle block from an older title that exceeds 6ha in size (changing to perhaps 40ha). The transferable title concept is unheard of in the ‘old Waikato’ area and appears to have little support there. It might seem extreme, after the time it has taken to establish it, but I believe that we are more likely to see this concept dropped, rather than see it adopted across the entire Waikato district. There are still some opportunities to subdivide in the Waikato district but many are disappearing fast. So, if you have considered subdivision as a means to get the best value out of your land, now is the time to act. If you are interested to find out how the changes may affect you, feel free to give me a call but don’t delay. Brent Trail, Managing Director of Surveying Services, specialises in resource consent applications for subdivisions across the Waikato, Hauraki and Bay of Plenty. For further information call 07 838 1571 or email: btrail@ surveyingservices.co.nz

Flood information for land A new series of pamphlets has been produced by Waikato Regional Council to help property owners better manage the potential risks they face from river flooding. “River flooding is the most common hazard we face in the Waikato,” said community safety programme manager Adam Munro. “The new pamphlets are designed to help people identify what level of risk their individual properties face and what actions they may need to take to manage that risk.” The pamphlets have been produced following a rise in information requests and general enquiries about river flooding hazards. “In each of the past three years we’ve had more than 120 flood information requests on average. “The likes of the insurance sector, real estate agents and the wider community

have been more active in seeking information about risks generally. We suspect this may be to do with the number of natural disasters in New Zealand and overseas in recent years, which have raised the profile of and need for better hazard management. “Also, managing river flood risk is expected to become a more important issue in the region as the population increases over coming decades and the impacts of climate change become more evident. “Our information can help existing property owners, developers and people wanting to buy new properties.” The pamphlets cover owning flood prone property, buying flood prone property, the council’s flood warning services, and the Kauaeranga River flood protection scheme in Thames-Coromandel district.

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Page 42

HORTICULTURE

Growers’ service to mankind

Joe and Fay Gock with horticulture industry’s highest honour, the Bledisloe Cup, presented to them by Prime Minister John Key.

Growing food is a service to mankind, says Fay and Joe Gock, who with 60 years of dedication and achievement have been recognised with horticulture industry’s highest honour, the Bledisloe Cup. The market gardening pioneers of Pukekohe were presented the cup by Prime Minister John Key at the Horticulture New Zealand conference in Wellington. Joe Gock says he was overwhelmed by the honour. “I thank the Good Lord for this honour. I have a lot to thank New Zealand for. I came here in 1940 as a refugee and was supposed to leave after the war. But now I’m 85 and still here. New Zealand is so good not to have kicked me out. “I thank this beautiful land for what it has given us and the beautiful people who have been so kind and generous. I see growing food as a service to mankind. My father began by growing food for the troop. “I like growing and I like the outdoors. The work makes me feel young.” Fay says she was never a grower until she married Joe, but she too sees producing food as a service to mankind. “We need good food to keep healthy and all we want to do is grow good food.” In more than six decades of commercial fruit and vegetable growing, the couple have used innovation, including being the first growers in the world to put labels on individual pieces of fruit. HortNZ president Julian Raine thanked the Gocks, who are both in their 80s and still growing crops, for decades of selfless and hugely valuable service to the industry.

Pioneers

“Fay and Joe are completely passionate about horticulture. They have pioneered new approaches in growing, new packaging techniques and new technology which have hugely benefited many New Zealand growers. “They have given their time and their stock, generously providing advice, assistance and mentoring to other growers over many years, as well as providing work and support for several generations of local families; and they’ve donated to schools and the underprivileged of Manukau City over a number of years,” says Julian. “Their contribution to the industry, as well as their community, has been outstanding and we are delighted to recognise it in this way.” Joe Gock left his native China for New Zealand

My Name is Neil Woodward. I am a director of Z-Contracting- we are family run business, our team consists of three, being myself, my son and my brother. Our organisation has been established for over 18 years. I have been involved in applying crop protection programmes within the horticultal industry since 1966. We specialise within the kiwi fruit industry, We have the equipment to spray orchards with our two Atom sprayers and one recently purchased Tracatom Formula tractor which is also available for mulching and mowing.

with his mother in 1940 at the age of 12, to join his father who was market gardening in Hawke’s Bay. At 16 he began working alongside his father in Clive before they moved to Auckland, leasing 30 hectares of land in Mangere.

Fruiterer

In 1956 he married Fay, daughter of a fruiterer, and they started their own growing business. The Joe Gock business was the biggest market garden in Mangere – out of nearly 100 – from the 1950s to the 1980s. They have grown kumara for nearly 60 years and were the largest growers in New Zealand in the 1950s. They were the first to raise kumara tubers by using under-earth heating in modern hotbeds. Through rigorous selection they developed a disease-free kumara strain which became known as O-wai-raka Red. In the late 1950s, theirs was the only disease-free stock in Auckland and when Ruawai and Dargaville stock was devastated by black rot they donated their stock, through the then Department of Science and Industry Research (DSIR), to help re-establish crops. They also pioneered, with DSIR, a prototype kumara curing shed, reducing crop loss from 50 per cent to less than one per cent, enabling kumara to be marketed all year round. They pioneered the growing of seedless watermelons and, to distinguish this in the market, were the first growers in the world to place stickers on individual fruit – a practice which is now commonplace internationally and an important marketing and traceability tool. In the 1980s they grew large quantities of broccoli, a relatively new crop at the time. Unable to find suitable packaging for the freshness they required for transporting it, Joe developed and patented the Gock bushel-size polystyrene box, which can be packed with ice and are still used in the industry today.

Rhubarb

The Gocks are also among a handful of commercially-successful rhubarb growers, which they have exported to England and Japan. They also led the industry in the use of modern carrot washing equipment in the 1970s. They have been loyal and active members of the Chinese Commercial Growers Association since the 1950s, mentoring many young growers. They still grow dwarf beans, cos lettuce, capsicums, cauliflowElaine Fisher ers, rhubarb and kumara.

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Page 43

HORTICULTURE

Nitrate-N in groundwater “Nitrogen in groundwater, in the form of nitrate, is monitored for health and environmental reasons. Excessive levels of nitrate in drinking water have been linked with blood disease in infants (commonly known as ‘blue baby syndrome’),” says the Ministry for the Environment in July 2012.

The Nitrate-Nitrogen levels currently in our water are not high enough to harm infants. However, based on the same Ministry for the Environment document, the Nitrate-N levels in our groundwater since 1995 have steadily increased. “Nationally, about one-third of sites showed significant changes in nitrate levels between 1995 and 2008. Of these, more have increasing [deteriorating] trends in nitrate levels [20 per cent of all sites] than decreasing [(improving] trends [11.9 per cent of all sites].” and The sites that breach the health standards are most common in the Manawatu e. and Waikato and are attributed to market gardening E ore andand dairying. So at what point do we decide that nitrate levels in groundwater are high enough and change the way we anty do things? rs From a pastoral perspective, the claim that a reduction in fertiliser nitrogen usage will result in lower production is wrong – on two counts. EPDM liner The increase in nitrogen usage during the last 20 years has been mirrored by a reduction in total annual pasture production, an increase in animal ill-health cost, and less permanence of ‘permanent pasture’.

OTECTION DAMS

Economics

Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (now

part of MinistryLINERS for Primary Industries) STONE pasture growth data for the years 1978-

D WATER STORAGE

1982 show dairy farm pasture production from a range of sites in the Waikato averaged 16.8 tonne, with recorded figures l irrigation, now about 2 tonne per hectare less. Secondly, the effluent economics of continuing the dependence on fertiliser nitrogen simply doesn’t stack up. ne Warranty “In the long term, stallations. See us at thethe economy and environment are same thing. If it’s un-environmental NZthe Agricultural Fieldays it is uneconomical. That is the rule of nature,” says Mystery Creek nationwide site PB30 Mollie Pavilion Beattie, former director of the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Email from : sales@cosio.co.nz Production each dairy farm has increased during the last: http://www.cosio.co.nz 20 years, but analysis shows that a Website higher proportion of each milk solid is now attributable to feed brought in from outside the farm. Production from pasture has declined – and as that is where profit is generated, an increase in the current $7.50/kg MS payout may soon be required. Future payouts will also have to cover the cost of the implementation and monitoring of regulations governing the use of nitrogen fertiliser. These costs will be met by farmers – all farmers – not just those reliant on fertiliser nitrogen, so the question of fairness arises. fertiliser nitrogen major contributor of forgetAs recovering for up istothe 5 years increasing Nitrate-N levels in groundwater, maybe EVAthefor longer life enforcement should be cost of the regulation added condensation to the productdripping – with those using most, paying e to prevent on plants.

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Apple grower takes top title

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land in 2010, American Embassy staff voiced strong New Zealand’s Young Grower concern over two aspects of our present high-input, of the Year. high-cost conventional dairy farm model. They stated that the 800 per cent increase in The 28-year-old headed off some fertiliser N usage during the last 20 years was unsustough competition from Bay of Plenty tainable; there was no room for discussion. Young Grower of the Year Chris Anstis, At the Dairy NZ Scott Farm Open Day on the June Nelson Young Fruit Grower of the Year Firestone EPDMand Lined Pond advantages 18, 2013, the audience was told that a reduction in Jonathan Sutton, Young Vegetable nitrogen fertiliser usage on the Future Farmlet Grower of the Year David Winter, to Enable effluent to be stored and applied strategically during area had resulted in a reduction in total take the top at the HortNZ drier periods or inaward Spring and Autumn when grass growth slows pasture growth. conference in Wellington. However, the knowledge and ability to EaseThe of daily from troublesome fourmanagement contestants faced chal- effluent irrigators increase pasture growth, applying less lenges included a budgeting exercise on Realize the value of your effluent and utilise its real potential than 20kgN/ha, annually does exist; orchard profitability, testing of retail and the principles are those that under- 20knowledge year Firestone - best in the business forFactory fresh warranty produce, reassempinned successful pastoral farming 30 Insist on your Firestone issuedchemicals Warranty Certificate bling a gear box, using to years ago. control an orchard disease and public To rapidly implement this system speaking. Contact Cosio ph (09) 820 0272, email : sales@cosio.co.nz. or call Vaughan successfully (on a widespread basis)Industries Ltd next challenge is EPDM one he’s on 021 280 7266 for more Ben’s information on Firestone andsetyour nearest installation contractor. EPDM liner willINDUSTRIES require changes, the greatest being Cosio Industries Ltd are Firestone Building Products Australasian distributors himself. Heofficial wants to set up young an increase in the time spent carefully grower mentoring days, run through observing animals and pastures. a fruitgrowers association, to lift skills It’s old stuff but technology that can’t levels among young people in the be replaced. An increase in personal industry. responsibility by farm owners, with less He is a third-generation apple grower, Ben James - 2013 Horticulture New reliance on theoretical models, is one of the keys to Firestone advantages and worksEPDM for Mr Lined Apple atPond Twyford. Zealand’s young grower of the year. being able to continue farming in sensitive water catchment areas. Enable effluent to be stored and applied strategically during

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pasture production without reliance on fertiliser nitrogen. Contact Cosio in Industries Ltd ph (09) 820 0272, email : sales@cosio.co.nz. or call Vaughan Average Nitrate-N levels measured INDUSTRIES on 021 280 7266 for more information on Firestone EPDM and your nearest installation contractor. ground water from the property from Cosio Industries Ltd are official Firestone Building Products Australasian distributors June 2011- May 2012 were lower than the 5.65ppm, rated by the Ministry for Health as ‘good’. An independent report for the 2011-2012 season, by Mark Macintosh of AgFirst, shows total pasture production of 19.3 tonne (30 per cent above district average), milk solid production of 1,344kg/ha (38 per cent above district average) with an increase in profitability of $1621 per hectare. The nutrient programme being used was developed 10 years ago by Eco-Logic Soil Improvement Ltd. The programme speeds the rate of humus development in the soil, with independent measures on every aspect of farm performance available.

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Page 44

HORTICULTURE

How secure is our biosecurity border? In recent weeks there have been three significant biosecurity risks. Kiwifruit plants grown from illegally imported seeds found and destroyed in an Auckland suburb.

Tomatoes and capsicums from Queensland now being imported into New Zealand with special labelling requirements saying that the produce has been irradiated. And, a change in the fruit fly protection systems in Australia. First, the illegally imported seeds from which the kiwifruit plants were grown. The Ministry for Primary Industries has reported the seeds were brought into New Zealand with a container of household goods when the owner moved to New Zealand in 1997. They were not declared and subsequently not detected at the border. Thankfully, testing by the Ministry for Primary Industries of plant material, grown by the owner from the seeds, has according to MPI, ruled out the presence of any serious diseasecausing viruses, bacteria or fungi, including Psa-V. The ministry, therefore, assessed that the plants presented a low risk to the New Zealand kiwifruit industry, as the plants are at a location geographically removed from key kiwifruit growing areas. And the owner has stated that no plant material has been moved from the property. I understand that tracing of any other plant material that may have come from these seeds and a review of MPI’s response is underway. The NZ Herald reported on this incident and noted that MPI had known about these plants for more than a year before involving Kiwifruit Vine Health in the response. Two days after KVH became involved, the plants had been destroyed.

Second, tomatoes and capsicums coming from Queensland present a very high biosecurity risk of carrying fruit fly. To reduce that risk, the tomatoes and capsicums are to be irradiated. We are told that this is a treatment, which presents no risks to people who eat irradiated produce, is an effective killer of fruit fly. The remaining risk is any produce that inadvertently misses the irradiating treatment or if the irradiation plant is not operating effectively. Third, Australia is downgrading some of its fruit fly precautions in key growing areas (such as Riverina and Shepparton), to reduce the “regulatory burden” for growers and to ensure sustained market access from these regions. Reliance will be placed on treatments such as irradiation to protect New Zealand from a fruit fly incursion. The critical question for the kiwifruit industry is: How secure is our biosecurity border? These three examples represent, in my view, a weakening of our biosecurity border protections. The kiwifruit industry knows from the Psa incursion how much dealing with incursions can cost. The cost of coping with Psa is in the hundreds of millions, and is on-going. A fruit fly incursion has been estimated to cost the Bay of Plenty a possible loss of more than 3400 jobs and $820 million in lost earnings in the first year. What I conclude from of these three examples, the Psa incursion and the finding of a fruit fly last year in Auckland, is that industry needs to take a very proactive approach to biosecurity. The kiwifruit industry cannot take a back seat. Industry has to be involved in all aspects of New

Zealand’s biosecurity system. Industry also has to be very involved where there are incursions to ensure that the interests of the industry are protected. This is accepted by the Government, and for biosecurity, joint industry and government agreements are being created to get a really effective biosecurity partnership into operation. The other lesson we have learned is that industry and the Government need to work very closely together to meet and resolve biosecurity risks and incursions. This is not just my view. The Auditor-General in two reports released in 2012 and 2002 about the Government’s biosecurity system, and the Sapere Report also released in 2012 into the Psa incursion, make this as one of their most important findings. Industry and the Government need to constantly keep in contact, providing each other with intelligence and continually and jointly assessing biosecurity risks. Industry and the Government also need to work together to ensure all that can be done at the border is done to protect industry as much as possible. This is also one of the key aspects of the joint industry and government agreements for biosecurity. Therefore, to protect our kiwifruit industry, we need to be an effective and fully-consulted partner with the Government. The views expressed in this article are those of the author and are not necessarily the views of NZ Kiwifruit Growers Inc or Kiwifruit Vine Health. The author is a Director of KVH. KVH was set up by the kiwifruit industry to manage the industry’s response to Psa and other biosecurity threats and incursions. Its members are kiwifruit growers through NZ Kiwifruit Growers Inc, the post-harvest operators, Zespri and Turners and Growers.

Amazon now in food market

Competition is heating up now that Amazon USA is offering online fresh produce, says Marc Soccio, senior analyst, food and agribusiness research, Rabobank. “Amazon is the largest online retailer in the US – and now it has found an effective way to deliver fresh produce – it is more than likely to succeed in that business.” Without having to invest in ‘bricks and mortar’ of traditional supermarkets, it will be more than competitive. What that means for growers is more choice about who to sell their produce to and a chance to drive value from the farm gate, says Marc. Customers in Los Angeles and Seattle can order fresh produce from Amazon, which says” “Place your order by 10am and have it by dinner or by 10pm and have it by breakfast”, also offering apps for shopping from mobile phones. New Zealand is doing better than Australia in encouraging consumers to eat more fruit and vegetables, says Marc. “If you break down the market it’s obvious a lot more can be done to boost consumption, especially among the 18 to 45-year-old age group, who are busy and time poor – and for who convenience is more important.” Competition for fresh produce is also coming from dietary supplements, with manufacturers promoting their pills as providing the same amount or more of certain nutrients than several large servings of vegetables, meat or fish. “They are saying it is easier to take a pill than change behaviour and lifestyle.” This indicated that health and wellness is not just the fresh produce domain. Emerging markets such as China offer opportunities for New Zealand producers with the urban population growing by 50 per cent. But Western-style supermarkets are struggling with competition from the traditional wet markets and because of inadequacies in the supply chain. However, as China’s cool chain logistics improve, that will benefit New Zealand producers. # Mar Socco was one of the keynote speakers at the Horticulture New Zealand Conference in Wellington in July.

RURAL WEDDINGS

Wedding a rural neighbourhood affair

Page 45

Vickie and Ray Barriball with Grant Mc Lean grooms man Mike Roberts, best man pose for photos in an old woolshed.

When Vickie and Ray Barriball married most of their rural neighbours were involved – and not just as wedding guests. “Belk Rd is a very close community and our friends were just great,” says Vickie. “They helped out with locations for photos, photography, and transport. My bridesmaid, flower girls and I all went to a neighbour’s house to get ready for the big day.” The couple held the wedding ceremony and wedding dinner in the garden of their Belk Rd, Tauranga

lifestyle block, but went to neighbouring properties for the photos. “We had thought about going somewhere else and then we realised we had some great backdrops in our neighbourhood which meant we didn’t have to go far and our guests weren’t waiting ages for us to return.” Those backdrops for the March wedding included a partly restored old woolshed and a lovely garden with topiary shrubs and mature trees. Vickie and Ray wanted a simple wedding with a budget that didn’t break the bank, but nonetheless had a fitting celebration of their

special day with family and friends. “We had a big circus tent-style marquee and brought in caters who cooked a huge spit roast. There was a live band which had Ray’s workmate as a member and later a DJ who was also a friend. The atmosphere was fantastic and so was the weather.” If yours was a rural wedding Coast & Country would love to hear about it. Please send your photos (up to 3) plus your name, address and phone number to: Rural Weddings elaine@thesun. co.nz or post to Rural Weddings, Coast & Country PO Box 240 Tauranga 3110.

Historic building an engaging venue for weddings A wedding is an occasion for celebration and fun with friends and family, says Tony Breeds, of Tauranga’s historic function centre No 1 The Strand. The marriage service is the time for formality, and what follows should be filled with laughter and good times he believes – and the atmosphere Tony and his team create at the old Tauranga Bond Store encourages just that. “When guests arrive it’s like being welcomed into a home. We encourage people to mix and mingle, with food coming out all the time. There’s plenty of opportunity for speeches but also for people to enjoy each other’s company.” The building’s role as a wedding and function venue, catering for up to 80 people, is a far cry from its beginnings in 1883 as a warehouse for cargo transiting to the adjacent wharves, where the road reclamation is nowadays. It was built for James Alexander Mann, the first licenced collector of tax for such goods, holding the ‘Bond’ for receiving overseas goods and collecting the revenue for the Government. Hence the title ‘Bond Store’.

However, it’s the skilful use of huge kauri beams, red brick walls and arches inside, and its unpretentious exterior architecture, which give the building its charm and appeal both as a function venue and a location for wedding photographs. The adjacent Robbins Park with its harbour views and rose gardens, the railway lines, wharf, waterfront and Strand gardens offers an excellent, nearby backdrop for photographs. The old building also has amazing acoustics for live music or presentations too. Many couples choose to be married at the historic Elms church not far away, and Tony says the central location of No 1 The Strand for a wedding breakfast is hard to beat. “There’s plenty of parking nearby and a wide range of accommodation choices within walking distance. Waiting and bar staff are provided, and the premises are fully licensed. We close at midnight but for those who wish to party on, there are nightclubs just down the road. “Catering options are also wide to fit any taste. We can offer assistance in sourcing any special requirements. “Most of all we aim to create a truly memorable, pleasurable wedding function which is affordable and not over the top,” says Tony.

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COUNTRY LIVING

Sticky situations for our wildlife

Waxeyes are charming little native birds with great character but they end up at the ARRC Wildlife Trust needing care on a regular basis. Often they have been caught by a cat and have a broken wing or internal injuries. But recently ARRC have had a few that have been stuck with the sticky substance and seeds of the Parapara or birdcatcher tree. This can be deadly as it incapacitates these delightful birds and they are unable to fly and either get caught by cats or starve to death. Tui and

fantails are other native species that are affected by this tree. Thankfully, the waxeyes that have been rehabilitated by ARRC recently have been successfully released after their feathers were cleaned and they pigged out on a variety of fruit in their cage accommodation. Waxeyes, or silvereyes were first recorded in New Zealand in 1832, believed to have been blown here from Australia; and the Maori name, Tauhou, means “stranger” or more literally, “new arrival”.

By Dr Liza Schneider ARRC Wildlfie Trust

‘Friendliest club in the Bay’ Abundant Health

‘In just 40 years Omanu Golf Club has transformed itself into the largest club in New Zealand outside the metropolitan centres. It’s also known as the Bay’s friendliest club, says manager Barry Plank. “Membership options are numerous from junior to senior, from casual to competitive. We welcome casual green fee players, who have easy access to the course with a one tee and roll-up starting system through the holiday period. “The club has built modern lounge facilities, which members enjoy at the ‘friendliest club in the Bay’. Coupled with fully stocked pro shop and cafeteria, the club offers the complete package.”

The course has been developed from bare farmland into one of the finest club courses in the country. It is well suited to players of all levels of ability, providing a challenge to the skilled and encouragement to the not-so-skilled. Its 18 holes offer a pleasant and easy walk over gently rolling terrain. Well-defined irrigated fairways lead to high quality greens that are even paced and true. Barry says the presence of numerous elegant herons on the course are symbolised in the club’s logo.

Disease is about damaged cells There are apparently more than 14,000 diseases that can affect human beings. We develop chronic illnesses because various tissues and body systems have become dysfunctional. It is worth remembering that failing body systems are just accumulated damage to the cells that make up tissue, such as cartilage in our joints.

EXCELLENCE IN DERMATOLOGY

As an example, we now know that the main driver of osteoarthritis is the gradual destruction of the specialised cells (chondrocytes) that secrete and maintain joint cartilage. Research by K Yudoh (2005) demonstrated that free radical damage to chondrocytes resulted in a reduced ability to maintain cartilage matrix. Over time, these cells die and this results in loss of cartilage. This then leads to cartilage malfunction and then disease. Central to nutritional therapy with osteoarthritis is to significantly increase dietary antioxidants that are known to protect damaged joint cells. This same pattern of cells being damaged, leading to tissue damage, is really how most chronic diseases start. Nutritional therapy is designed to help restore cells back to normal function. If that is not possible, as in advanced osteoarthritis, our goal is to stabilise the immune response to prevent the body from making the problem worse through unnecessary inflammation. About six months ago I was contacted by a man with chronic shoulder problems, including rotator cuff damage and bursitis. We put him on a programme with therapeutic levels of antiinflammatory compounds including fish oils, acai, grape seed, resveratrol; and many others, including broad spectrum minerals and vitamins. By reducing the inflammation, his shoulder was able to repair itself and the result has been a return to almost normal joint function. He has also noted a distinct improvement in energy and general wellness. Email: john@abundant. co.nz for the extended version of this column. John Arts is a qualified Nutritional Therapist and founder of Abundant Health. Contact John on 0800 423 559. To read more go to: www.abundant.co.nz

COUNTRY LIVING

Richard Gee

Onewhero Tuakau Community Board

Pumpkin and turnips with cumin

Richard Gee, who has led the committee that produced the first community plan in 10 years, is standing for election to the Onewhero Tuakai Community Board. He is president of Tuakau Rotary, which runs a host of community projects. He created appeal that has so far raised $38,000 towards the Tuakau ambulance station and started the Terrific Tuakau Business breakfast club. He has advised council on Tuakau, raised funds for clubs and organisations; and is on the board of the Tuakau Development Assn, and the Tuakau Cosmopolitan club committee. Richard is enthusiastic, passionate, motivating, and an Tuakau experienced negotiator and business mentor Richard Gee and coach. He listens and acts quickly.

Health and safety laws tightened The Government has announced its plan to improve workplace health and safety systems. The Government’s key goal is to reduce the rate of fatalities and serious injuries in the workplace by at least 25 per cent by 2020. The Government has designed the plan around three foundation concepts: working smarter, targeting risk and working together. The new legislation will be based on Australia’s Model Work Health and Safety Act law, and is aimed to simplify trans-Tasman health and safety obligations. The key dates are: December 2013: WorkSafe New Zealand will be up and running as a new crown agency, and the Health and Safety at Work Bill will be introduced to Parliament. December 2014: the Health and Safety at Work Act will be in place with its supporting regulations and approved codes of practice. The new legislation will increase the penalties that can currently be imposed

by the courts. It is envisaged that the new fines will range from $500,000 to $3million for a body corporate, and range from $100,000 to $600,000 for an individual. Further, the new legislation will provide for imprisonment of up to five years for individuals that are reckless. Worksafe is also expected to enter into a new partnership with ACC. This co-operation will result in discounts on ACC levies for those businesses participating in voluntary incentive programmes. Employers will be wise to keep updated on these changes as they evolve. If you have any employment or HR queries that you would like assistance with, please email Wendy directly at: wendy@accordservices.co.nz This article is intended as a point of reference and should not be relied on as a substitute for professional advice. Specialist advice should always be sought in relation to any particular circumstances and no liability will be accepted for any losses incurred by those relying solely on this article.

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This warming dish is delicious at this time of year. Serves 4 Ingredients 400g pumpkin, peeled, de-seeded and cut into small chunks 6-8 baby onions, peeled 2 young turnips, scrubbed, cut into wedges 3-4 potatoes for roasting, scrubbed, cut into chunks 1-2 tsp cumin seeds ¼ cup olive oil ¼ cup lemon juice 2 Tbsp brown sugar freshly ground black pepper Method Preheat oven to 200°C. Place prepared vegetables in a baking dish. Combine cumin seeds, oil, lemon juice, brown sugar and pepper. Pour over vegetables. Mix to evenly coat. Bake in a preheated oven for 25-35 minutes or until tender and golden brown. For more vegetable information and great recipes go to: www.vegetables.co.nz

Employment Law Services

Community Board: Onewhero-Tuakau

Vote for Richard Gee

Richard Gee is passionate about Tuakau, involved with Tuakau Rotary, Terrific Tuakau, Tuakau Development Assn, Tuakau community plan, Tuakau Cosmopolitan club, the Tuakau Ambulance station funding development, local business and local schools. Richard is a Sales & Marketing Business consultant and International speaker, international author of 12 business books and many articles and runs his own business Geewiz Group Ltd from Tuakau. Richard encourages people he meets to believe in “Terrific Tuakau” and be proud of the community, we live and work in. Richard Gee wants the Community board to deliver more actions and more communication to the community and maximise the Waikato District budget and strategy contributions to Tuakau and surrounding districts. Richard’s experience in Business and the Community as a Negotiator, mediator, committee chairman, motivator, and speaker will help the Community Board deliver to the community. Richard Gee: 0274 720410 or 09 2369414 email: richard@geewiz.co.nz.

www.geewiz.co.nz / www.geewiztv.com / www.terrifictuakau.org.nz www.communityplantuakau.org : Find us on Facebook Richardgee. Or Tuakaurotary

COUNTRY LIVING

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Matamata celebrates a centenary of show days The way it was – the first Matamata A&P Show was held in 1911. Photo courtesy of Matamata Historical Society, photograph collection.

It’s 102 years since the first Matamata A&P show was held – but the war years and a polio epidemic caused the cancellation of two shows. And so the Matamata A&P Association is celebrating its 100th show on Saturday, October 5, 2013, with a modern event which still holds true to the pioneers

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who founded the show. Allan Smith, of the organising committee, who has sourced early history of the Matamata Agricultural and Pastoral Association, found that the first public meeting was on December 17, 1910, and the first show was on Thursday, March 30, 1911, at the Matamata Sale Yards. Thereafter, shows were held on Saturdays in February or March until the 31st show on March 1, 1941. Apart from the Jubilee Show, held 1936 and during the war years, there were no shows from 1942-1944 – but a gymkhana was held on March 4, 1944. The 33rd show was a Victory Show in March 1946,

while the 1948 Show was abandoned because of the polio epidemic. In 1962, the show planned for February was cancelled due to cyclonic weather conditions but that same year the first Spring Show, held on October 13, was at the request of Jersey cattle breeders and other interested parties. Spring Shows were held in subsequent years, including the 50th show in 1964 and the 70th show, held on October 13, 1984. “All that history now brings us to the Centennial Show on Saturday, October 5, this year, which will be a grand affair,” says Allan. The association now holds the show on private land at the property of 129 Station Rd, Matamata, which is located on the town boundary. “The Matamata A&P Association is indebted to the generosity of Nelson Schick for kindly allowing the use of his land for our show day and also to farm

manager Kevin Crawford. We have a great space to hold all our side shows, entertainment, trade stands and exhibitor sections from equestrian, dairy cattle and goats, calf club, pet lambs and kids and sheep dog trial,” says Allan. “This year we have new amusements for all the family: boot camp challenge, skateboard slide, ferris wheel, hot rod and mini jeeps, laughing clowns, pony rides, entertainment, sheep racing and shearing show, face painting, country and western singing, magician and much more. “Our sponsors get behind the show each year and we are very grateful for their support.” The Matamata A&P Show is an annual event which brings the country to town, and entries for its events are open now with the closing date being Monday, September 16, 2013. Some events accept late entries on the day. The schedule is available by emailing: matamataaandp@hotmail.co.nz

Designing rural homes for rural families A new home is often the biggest investment people ever make, and there is much to consider when choosing the company to build that home. This includes making the most of the building site, says Highmark Homes owner Bob Hunt. Since 1965, Highmark Homes has been successfully building homes

across the Bay of Plenty, Waikato and Auckland areas and has also exported homes to the Pacific Islands. Currently, Highmark Homes is building nationwide from Dunedin to Northland and has developed a friendly team of licensees across New Zealand. The company offers more than 40 standard plans, which clients can modify to suit their needs. From small homes suitable for second dwellings

Highmark Homes managing director Bob Hunt and contracts manager Ryan Hunt specialise in designs that maximise the building site.

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through to large luxury homes, the company has a plan that can be changed to suit each site. Highmark Homes is also able to custom-design a home to suit individual requirements. Bob says the company understands price is extremely important, which is why the company offers a fixed price contract. Once the design is completed, and the price clearly established, the quote is fixed. A specialty of the company is finding the right land for the client to build their new home on, says Bob. “We like to help clients make the right choice, taking all things into consideration. “Whether your chosen site is elevated, sloping or an interesting shape, we can maximise the use of your site and design to suit.” Highmark’s showhome at The Lakes in Tauranga, is open Saturdays and Sundays 1-4pm and on weekdays by appointment – and is a “fantastic” example of how the company created a home to suit the section size and shape, and sunny outlook.

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RETIREMENT

Village designed for more modern living Copper Crest, a village estate which provides independent living in a secure environment, is designed to meet the needs of its 21st Century residents. “Anyone who thinks they are not ready for ‘a place like that’ should think again and visit what’s on offer at Copper Crest,” says Astrid Martin, village manager. The village in Condor Drive, Pyes Pa, Tauranga, offers stand-alone villas and duplexs with garages from 3.5 to 6 metres wide for one or All villas are north-facing two vehicles (or a at Copper Crest Village. workshop). “The villas include double glazed and tinted windows with 2.7 metre stud height and doors at 2.2 metres high. The outside is cobbled brick, plaster rendered and painted – there’s no leaky homes here.”

All villas are north-facing, and building alterations are allowed on most plans. There is a place for campervan or boat parking and large garden plots are available. “The average age of residents in the village is 72, with some people still working. Every villa has emergency buttons which are linked into ambulance, police and fire. “We have a great social committee, and our huge 1300 square metre community facility is currently being built with completion due approximately February 2014. Right now we have the Meridian Centre which is our social hub until next year. Copper Crest is privately-owned and operated and our residents matter to us.” Brian and Shirley Rohan of Villa 76 are delighted with their lifestyle at Copper Crest. “We are so pleased we made the move to ‘your place’, which is now ‘our place’. “Our friends and family say we have chosen well. We love our new home, lifestyle and friendly folk within the village. Copper Crest really is a great place to live and to enjoy our retirement. Now this is the life. Thank you Astrid and Bruce – you are the best.” Astrid says Copper Crest is fast becoming the place to live for those who are looking for the village that has thought of everything. Service fees are CPI linked

until April 1, 2013; and to secure a new villa requires only a $500 refundable deposit.

“So what are you waiting for? Seeing really is believing, and we look forward to showing you around ‘our place’.”

COMPUTER PROBLEMS?

Speciality book business changes hands Liz‘s background is in amenity horticulture, after graduating from Massey Univeristy in 1987. Experienced in running her own landscape design business, six years operating a wholesale and retail nursery growing natives and camellias, and a further five years operating an 800 tree feijoa orchard, Liz has a broad-base of horticultural knowledge and an intense love of books. But says she has Touchwood books operalso learned alot about ated in the days well before mastitis and intestinal the internet and couriers as parasitic worms during a mail order business with the last few months. the good old catalogues, One of Touchwood’s coupons and cheques claims is that they making up the bulk of have a book on almost business. But it had to everything that grows move with the times and – and that if they don’t eventually create a website have it – they will try and online ordering faciltheir very best to get it. ity, which Liz is currently As such, Touchwood updating and expanding. deals with authors, What is really interestpublishers and dising though is that a good tributors around the proportion of Touchwood’s Liz Legge and Olla of world. customers still want to do Touchwood Books. Liz is amazed at business the old way, either the interest in New from habit or not having access to com- Zealand farming and dairying books puters or fast broadband. Liz is more from the UK and thinks it says alot for than happy with that and says Touchthe regard our farmers and practices wood‘s rural customers in particular are held in. Touchwood has books on are an important part of their business. viticulture, forestry, every sort of farmShe hopes that Touchwood‘s books will ing, landscaping, floriculture, organics, continue to appeal to both the working home gardening, every plant imaginaside of rural properties but also to the ble, technical and consumer subjects. amenity and home side (the girls). Visit its website to find out more.

OPEN DAY

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Touchwood Books was started in 1987 by Peter Arthur, a Hawkes Bay farmer who with his wife Diane, ran the specialist agricutlural and horticultural book supply business until earlier this year when they sold to Liz Legge.

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COME AND SEE HOW RETIREMENT LIVING SHOULD BE

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RETIREMENT

Latest designs in retirement living No more street life for Oscar A full range of retirement options along with the very best of care from friendly, caring staff can be found at Ryman Healthcare Retirement Villages.

The villages feature the latest designs in retirement living, including independent townhouses and apartments, serviced apartments, resthome, hospital and dementia care. They have more than 25 years’ experience in retirement living and rest home care, and are continually raising the bar of the service offered. Ryman Healthcare is passionate about delivering great service and exceeding the expectations of the residents and their families – they aim to provide elderly New Zealanders with a first class choice in their retirement. Whether it be a roll up with friends on the bowling green, a relaxed cuppa with family, or receiving the extra care you deserve – you’ll find it all at a Ryman village. The lifestyle in a Ryman Village offers so much more than many expect. The companionship, facilities, security, care packages, activities and outings available are second to none and residents often comment how they wish they had made the move sooner. The warmth and benefits of living in a Ryman village are surprisingly affordable as a Ryman village offers fixed fees for life – guaranteed. Living in a Ryman Village isn’t about slowing down, it’s about having time to do so much more. (Source Ryman Healthcare)

Oscar is happy to be off the streets, in a loving home.

After months on the streets as a stray Oscar now has a new home, thanks to the team at Tauranga’s ARRC Wildlife Trust. Dr Liza Schneider of the trust says since the beginning of its stray cat campaign nearly 12 months ago more than 180 stray cats have been re-homed and more than 300 cats have been taken out of Tauranga’s stray cat communities. “ARRC has had some wonderful stories of stray cats being placed into loving homes and Oscar is one of those lucky cats. “A vet check showed that he had severe dental disease and some rotten teeth that would have been very sore. Although, you would never have guessed it, with him being such a smooch and happy chap. “ARRC’s team extracted his rotten teeth and found him a wonderful new home where he is very loved.” Liza says anyone interested in adopting a gorgeous cat or kitten, all of which have been de-sexed, vaccinated, wormed and vet checked, should contact ARRC on 07 579 9115 or have a look at: www.arrc.org.nz or the Facebook page.

RETIREMENT

Views and space city village features

Tranquil village lifestyle has wide appeal

Melrose is one of the first villages of its kind in Tauranga.

Extensive views and spacious grounds are among the features of Melrose Lifestyle Care and Village in Waihi Rd, Tauranga. “Because it isn’t a concrete jungle where you’re squeezed in, people with a rural background will feel comfortable at Melrose,” says Village Manager, John Rothery. Melrose is one of the first villages of its type built in the city, and its 60 units set in more than 5 ha (14 acres) are surrounded by lawns and mature trees and gardens. “If you are looking for independent living options we have studio units to larger modern homes, all with parking. The bus stop is right outside the village and most days buses run every 30 minutes, and there’s the Melrose transport for weekly shopping trips,” says John. “We are close to all the city amenities such as the cinema, library, shopping, cafes and restaurants.”

Melrose is a friendly community with excellent staff and a range of activities available for those who wish to be involved. Many activities take place in the large community centre, and there’s also a hairdresser and an on-site shop which sells essentials such as milk, bread and birthday cards.

Fixed weekly fee

“Weekly fees for residents are fixed for life and residents have the assurance of knowing they will never face increases in their weekly fees, which are already among the lowest in Tauranga. In fact, they are probably the lowest” says John. A village nurse can visit residents, if required, and each villa has a nurse call alarm system to use in the event of an accident or emergency. Should health needs change, Melrose has a care facility with 39 rest home beds and 57 hospital beds (with a contract with the Bay of Plenty DHB to provide these services), where village residents get priority.

Tasman Village is a lifestyle village nestled in Morrinsville, in the heart of the Waikato. The village is surprisingly spacious, with plenty of room between units and lots of open ground. There is always plenty to do – providing companionship and activities for those that want it and the option of privacy and solitude for those that don’t. Residents in the village enjoy a comfy, modern home and are able to maintain their own independence while feeling safe in the knowledge that others are close by. One couple’s story sums it up: “We came to Tasman Village when we were in our early 70s, and knew that one day we faced the possibility of losing one of us. We looked for a place to spend our final years together – and we found it here. “This is a tranquil village with happy, friendly people. We have a comfy, modern home that is easy to maintain, with help nearby should we need it. We have the security of others nearby, yet the privacy of our

own place to retire to. Life continues with vitality and contentment for us here in this ‘happy place’ – come and join us.” For a limited time Tasman Village is offering sections at a discount of up to $40,000; and currently has a gorgeous, spacious, brand new two bedroom showhome for sale.

MELROSE LIFESTYLE CARE & VILLAGE: 159 Waihi Rd, Tauranga 3110 MELROSE LIFESTYLE CARE & VILLAGE: 159 Waihi Rd, Tauranga 3110 Retirement Village | Care Village | Hospital Care

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MELROSE LIFESTYLE CARE & VILLAGE:

Retirement | 3110 Care Village | Hospital Care 159 Waihi Rd,Village Tauranga Retirement Village | Care Village | Hospital Care

Alie de Jong and Anne Veldman enjoy a game of cards at Tasman Village, where companionship and activities are among the attractions.

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HOUSE, LANDSCAPE & GARDENING

Ancient tradition burns bright in Ireland During my visit to Ireland in July, I had the opportunity of going out turf cutting at the ‘bog’ near Dunboyne.

Peat is still used as a fuel for fires in many parts of Ireland. It is cheaper than firewood and coal, and the heat lasts a lot longer. The turf is collected during the summer months when the ‘bog’ is not as wet – this summer it was very dry and easily harvested. The ‘bogs’ are usually owned by one family and passed down through the generations. They work out the price and make sure everyone gets their right share.

The turf laid out in rows. Gone are the days when the peat was cut with a two-handled blade called a ‘slean’. The turf is now cut by a special machine on the back of a tractor. It is laid out in long rows and sold per row length. Once the bog farmer has been paid, the owner has the task of breaking the turf in smaller lengths and piling them in ‘two-by-two’ stacks to dry, or some are heaped up in larger piles. This is hard work – and usually the whole family is involved when it comes time to pick up the turf, put it in a trailer or sacks, and take it back to the home. There it is unloaded and stored in a dry shed ready for the winter. There is some controversy over the continued cutting of turf, as conservationists want the bogs reserved as wildlife habitats. Collecting turf for fuel has been going on for hundreds of years, and is part of Ireland’s rich cultural heritage. By Helen Wilson

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No it’s not snow. The wind blows fluff from the bog flowers on to the turf.

Too many snails may mean not enough ducks

The Bay of Plenty Permablitz network is gearing up for another great season. New hosts are working with volunteers to prepare permaculture plans for their properties, while the number of first-time blitz volunteers continues to build steadily. Permaculture is all about big picture thinking. When we concentrate on problems, we are often concerned with details or symptoms of more fundamental issues. Permaculture teaches you to put your hands in your pockets and think about the bigger picture first. Instead of having a surplus of snails, you may actually have a deficiency of ducks. Our industrial agriculture system tends to respond to plant pests, with solutions that focus on problems. Huge, bio-toxic multi-national corporations exist to serve this purpose. Our entire Western World food supply is founded on this basis. Find a solution to a problem and nail it – problem solved. But when we consider that everything is connected in nature, something else is likely to be affected. I believe the devastating consequences are not too hard to find. At permablitz events, volunteers learn, by getting their hands dirty, that plant pests are connected to unhealthy soil. A plant living in healthy, organic

soil grows healthy and strong. Plants in depleted soil are more affected. This is because complex sugars, produced by healthy plants, can’t be absorbed by the simple gut structures of pests. Pests evolve to prey on the unhealthy, so the answer is simple – improve the earth. This is an example of common sense, big picture thinking. Permablitz people are getting together to learn about a big picture approach to living called ‘permaculture’. They talk common sense and they voluntarily help each-other to redesign gardens to grow more food. The concept is simple, old fashioned reciprocity. You help me – I help you. It’s not hard and it works. Volunteers learn that what can’t be grown might be obtained through others by sharing. In abundant times, preserve and store. When there’s surplus, share with others. Learn to look after soil and learn how to eat what grows in your own backyard first before you go to the supermarket. They are choosing not to be fully reliant on an industrialised food system that depletes earth. Have you ever tried a weed smoothie, home-made sauerkraut or been to a green swap? The answers to living an abundant sustainable lifestyle lie in your backyard, your community – and in your understanding of the bigger picture. Attend a permablitz event or learn about permaculture – it will give you a breath of fresh air. Find out more at: www.permablitzbopnz.net

CLASSIFIED

Inspiration found in mature gardens

Family battle for possum hunt win A total of 149 possums were caught throughout the Whakamarama School’s possum hunt.

Clients wander through mature gardens with themes to inspire the vision for their own property at Trees and More in Pyes Pa, Tauranga.

Anton Pennell,6, with a pile of possums caught for the possum hunt. Goonies’ of Caleb and his friends Logan and Leroy Parkin,” says Karla. The draw for the Marlin XT22 unthreaded rifle package valued at $399, open to anyone who caught five or more possums, went to Ken Beatie. Karla says 22 teams, consisting of 56 adults and 39 children, registered for the hunt, which together with the Family Fun Day raised more than $4000 for Whakamarama School. “I want thank the team of eight organ‘Awesome Uncle and The Salubrious isers who all put in lots of hard work Slayers’ made up of James Corban, son to make the event come together,” says Nelson Corban, 9, and Whakamarama Karla. nephews, the Hardyment brothers, Karla says the hunting, from August 8 Darryl, 13, Shay, 9, and Luke, 6, won to the morning of August 11, went really the competition’s first prize of $800 well with 149 possums caught and prefor tallying 26 possums at the school’s sented before tallying finished at 10am, Family Fun Day and prizegiving on followed by prizegiving and the Family August 11. Fun Day providing activities galore for Organiser Karla Pennell says the team children. trumped their opposing family team “We had heaps of local people turn out ‘Triple Trouble’, which consisted of which was really cool – and we estimate the Hardyment brothers’ father Bruce about 200 or more came to our event Hardyment, their older sibling Anthony yesterday.” Hardyment, 15, and his friend Jordan “It was a typical ‘Whaka day’ with a Cooke – which tallied 23 possums – couple of showers coming through but coming second and winning a family the slightly damp weather was good for weekend at Waitomo Caves. the go-karts and digger ride and pony The prize of $100 for the heavirides and bouncy castle and the children est possum went to local man Caleb loved getting dirty.” Kirkham with his 4.56kg whopper. Proceeds from the 40-student school’s “He is a past pupil and his girls, largest annual fundraiser, “will be used Sitevah, 8, and Sahara, 5, got involved on the children and their school,” in the hunt with Caleb’s team ‘The says Karla. By Merle Foster

A visiting uncle, his son and two Bay of Plenty-based nephews plucked the top prize in Whakamarama School’s fourday possum hunt fundraiser last month – beating the family’s opposing team by three possums.

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The unique format, created by owner operators Christine and Bob Barker, began 13 years ago and is an “evolving” process. They understand the value of providing good advice and service to ensure customers get the best solution for their needs. By wandering through the venue, you begin to understand how great plantings can really change your environment.

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Friday 6 September Heat Detection Event

for sale

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SHELTER TREES Casuarinas, Cryptomeria, Macrocarpa, well established in PB’s. Strong Ready to plant. From $4.00. Ph Brian 552 0771, 021 940 390 Katikati.

horticulture

SHELTER TREES for sale top quality potted cryptomeria $5 and casuarina $4.50. Ph 573 4122

BER TR TIM E

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PEPP ER

trades & services

PULLETS Brown Shaver. Point of lay, good layers. Ph 07 824 1762

trades & services

CONTROL YOUR CHOOKS. No post’s, free standing fencing easily moved. Visit the website www. lifestyleproducts.net.nz or Ph Alan 027 432 1133 TRY PLACING your trade here for only $20+gst for 20 words! Ph me now to have a chat about what we can do for you. Tasha 07 928 3042

cars wanted

trades & services FRE QUOTEE S! Card

Know and recognize all signs of heat and know how to use and read heat detection aids for accurate heat detection. Whether you’re an experienced farmer looking to refresh your heat detection skills, or wanting to equip your staff with the required skills, come along to this workshop. Sept 6 at Matamata/Te Aroha at S&D Bay’s, 680 Manawaru Road, RD1, Te Aroha. Sept 13 Gordonton/ Taupiri at Colin and Karen Bird’s, Gordonton Rd (opp Hukanui Golf Course). All from 10.30am – 12.30pm. Email: ben.turner@dairynz. co.nz or ph 07 858 3865

Thursday 12 September South Waikato Progression Groups – Launch Event

AT Don Rowlands Centre, Karapiro Room (upstairs), 601 Maungatautari Rd, Karapiro 7.30-9pm. Forums for like-minded farmers, Progression Groups have been developed for those looking to enhance their skills and career options. Biz Start: designed to meet the needs of farmers in the lower order sharemilker, herd manager and farm manager positions that are looking to progress in the dairy industry. Biz Grow: designed to meet the needs of farmers in sharemilker and equity partners positions, that are looking to speed up their progression in the dairy industry. Interesting and exciting guest speakers for our launch event to inspire you further in your dairying career. Come along and see what’s on offer. RSVP by Sept 5 to andrea.clayton@ dairynz.co.nz or 07 858 2768.

Tuesday 17 September Employer’s Group – Otorohanga

At Otorohanga St Johns, Kakamutu Road, Otorohanga 11am – 1pm. New group for employers, focusing on resources and skills for improved staff management. Ph Amy Johnson 027 483 2205 or email: amy. johnson@dairynz.co.nz

Saturday 19 October Broadlands School Pet Day To list your rural event please email: julie@thesun. co.nz with Rural Event in the subject heading.

One 300gm complimentary roll Redeem this voucher at your nearest pet food retailer Available from the chill ed pet food section TCC No.11871

To the retailer from Retailer Name

VALID TO: 1st January 2014

Store Name

Store Address Amount Claimed: One Complimentary 300gm Pf5 Roll

5 Premium Formulations For Cats

$

Signature Offer is limited to one voucher per customer. This voucher cannot be redeemed for cash and is non-assignable.

Butch Pet Foods Ltd & Co will reimburse you the amount stated plus handling and postage by posting to: The Coupon Company, PO Box 47319, Ponsonby, Auckland 1144.

Pf5 .co.nz

REAL ESTATE

feature properties & auctions feature properties & auctions ADVANTAGE REALTY LTD MREINZ

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www.harcourts.co.nz www.harcourts.co.nz

Advantage RealtyRealty Ltd MREINZ Licensed Agent Agent REAA REAA 2008 2008 Advantage Ltd MREINZ Licensed

Tauranga Central Office – 07 578 0879 Cherrywood Office – 07 576 8770 Bethlehem Office – 07 579 2206 Mount Central Office – 07 575 6384 Papamoa Office – 07 542 9012 Te Puke Office – 07 573 4754

COAST & COUNTRY

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said I will 2 yrs old. Mum Candy. Chase Candy, tt Bre by in t Sen grow into him!

COAST & COUNTRY

PRIZE PACK UP FOR GRABS!

Max Raffills, he lp the farm. In M ing his Dad out on aihiihi, Otoroh anga. Sent in by Nicki & And rew Raffills.

Hollie, 2 1/2 yrs old . Sh get enough of her da e can’t d’s dogs and loves this one in parti Tui. Sent in by Philippa Kirk cular, land

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

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John, 4 yrs old an old helping fee d Zoe, 2 yrs d gorgeous Waika out hay on a to Winter day. Sent in by Amanda Howse

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WI NNE R! Sophie, feeding her lamb ‘Lamzsils’. Sent in by Sophie.