September Rural Lifestyle Magazine

Issue 48

Rodney's

september 2011

Farming Matters: Australian Lowline cattle pg 3

Lifestyle: growing your own beef pg 7

Managing your pond pg 8

Five steps to better pasture pg 10

Landscaping: shady deals pg 14

Horsin’ around: buying a float pg 16

Visit rurallifestyle.co.nz for a FREE subscription

2 RURAL LIFESTYLE ISSUE 48

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Letters or enquiries to rodney’s rural Lifestyle, rD marketing Ltd, rD1, Kaukapakapa. phone 09 947 3580. email: [email protected]

Advertising enquiries: Marlene Brown 021-854-946 Rodney’s Rural Lifestyle ©2011. All rights reserved. Reproduction in any form without permission of the publisher is prohibited. No responsibility accepted for any direct or indirect consequences arising from reliance on any content within Rodney’s Rural Lifestyle. Editor: Neville Walker. Sub Editor: Helen Martin. Writers this issue: Helen Martin, Sandy Reid, Grant McKechnie, Dave Beattie, Neville Walker. Designer: Dan Stenhouse, Bgraphix. Printing: PMP maxim.

Visit rurallifestyle.co.nz for a FREE subscription

Neville Walker – Editor & Publisher

Does anyone remember seeing snow in Rodney before? It was certainly hard to believe, but it happened. Thankfully that wintery blast from the depths of Antarctica that passed through delivering the snow is now just a memory. Hard to believe now.

In this issue, the cover shot, taken by Christine Clee shows husband David relaxing in front of one of their Lowline cattle… and why not, now that spring is finally here? Given how well Lowlines have taken off in Australia as a good beef breed, it is surprising how long they have taken to establish a reputation in this country. Helen and I talked to David about Lowlines to find out what they have going for them.

I’m sure it’s no surprise to many readers that growing your own beef is more economical than buying from a retail outlet, but when we did the sums for our article we were surprised just how much you can save using the homekill method – we think you may be too.

If you haven’t looked into horse transportation you may be amazed at what

is involved in terms of costs and float requirements. In this issue Sandy Reid explains some of the basics to look for when it comes to buying a horse float or truck.

In response to reader requests around the topic, Dave Beattie offers some tactics for cleaning up our ponds. I would never have guessed how advanced approaches to correcting weed and algae infestations have become. That said, Dave shows how ongoing management and control are very straightforward.

Speaking of weed control… along with spring warmth comes the attack on pasture quality. Everybody loathes weeds and there never seem to be enough hours in the day to get on top of them – they not only cut into our spare time but they also have the potential to affect the health of our animals. In my article I spare you the technical detail on improving pasture and soil quality and tell you about a straightforward process that works.

Lastly, Grant McKechnie helps with inspirational options for turning shaded areas into features with plants and trees with colour and structure – just the kind of tips we need while the planting season lasts.

And lastly, remember to jump onto our website to post feedback on the articles – thanks and enjoy the read.

Snow in Rodney!

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VEGETATionMAnAGEMEnT

LowlinesAustralian

David and Christina Clee. Phone 09 422 0492Fax 09 422 0493. Email [email protected]

Grow beef, not bone.RANCHO RADIATA

Lowline Stud

Compact beef cattle for

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Can you tell us where and how they originated? They were developed in New South Wales where an established Angus herd was studied over 19 years to see what happened when small Angus were bred only with other small Angus. The result was a consistently small, early maturing animal. In 1992 they became a distinct breed known as Australian Lowline Cattle.

What’s the source of their genetics? They have 100% Angus genetics. A Lowline is an animal with a DNA proven link, via both parents, all the way back to the original herd. If an animal is not DNA-proven there is no guarantee it is a

Lowline. They’re about two thirds the size of standard Angus but they’re not miniatures.

Would they hold appeal for landowners here with smaller blocks? Because of their size they’re very suited to small acreages so they’re a good choice for people on lifestyle blocks. Naturally polled (hornless) smaller cattle are more easily managed by lifestylers who are not professional farmers.

In NZ the main commercial function is supplying bulls to the dairy industry. They have been mainly used over Jersey heifers

Having heard about the promise the Australian Lowline is showing for dairy farmers and small block holders, Helen Martin and Neville Walker talked to breeder David Clee about the ins and outs of the breed.

By Helen Martin

Lowline bull, 5-6 years.


because of doubts among dairy farmers about their ability to service larger cows. They are now increasingly used over Friesians and this year we sold 5 bulls to a Taranaki Friesian dairy farm. The small size of the calves makes for easy

birthing and because of this, and the fact that the gestation period is up to a week shorter than that of other breeds, they get cows into the milking shed early and unstressed. The first cross offspring weigh 400-450 kg by 18-20 months and

are prime at that age. (The bull in our

photos weighed 600kg at 4 years and over

700 by 6 years.)

Many small block owners buy a Lowline

bull to breed with their beef cows. The

Lowline mother 2 years old and calf 2 months old, plus David Clee, to give a sense of proportion. 2 y/o will get maybe 3-5 cm taller over the years. Lowline bull calf a couple of months old.

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crossbreds give someone wanting to produce freezer beef a cow that is lighter on the ground in winter and gives a fast maturing, beefy calf. The meat produced has all the tenderness, taste and natural marbling associated Angus beef. Another advantage is that they convert feed to weight really efficiently.

Managing stock is easier if the animals have a mild temperament – how do Lowlines compare?They have a good reputation for docility and we’ve never had one we didn’t get along with, and we’ve had lots of experience with temperamental cattle of other breeds.

How did you get involved with the breed to begin with?

We sell purebred and crossbred Lowlines to lifestylers, dairy

farmers and beef farmers.

We became involved when my wife, Christina, and I planted pine

trees at Ahuroa and bought cattle to control the grass and weeds.

We fell in love with cattle in general and after a lot of thought

about mud and pugging decided to breed Lowlines. In my career

as a GP I was passionate about obstetrics and caring for cows and

calves offered a natural transition. There’s nothing like it.

3 yr old bull.Calf about 18 months old - to get them this humanised you need to handle them almost every day.


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If so, you will be aware that this comes with certain requirements – whether you have a herd of one or several cattle (or deer) they must be registered with the Animal Health Board (0800 4 824 636), which will periodically test for TB. Another consideration is that you may need to build or borrow yards for vet or TB testing visits and drenching or moving stock.

Eventually, you may consider using a homekill service for the beef you want to keep for your own use, rather than sending those animals to the works. The abattoir will pay good prices for your beef, and it is tempting to have the cash in your hands, but then you have to buy your own meat from the supermarket. So how does homekill beef in your freezer compare with supermarket / retail meat prices?

Supermarket beefProcessing a 235kg carcass of homekill beef, which will weigh about 147kg once you’ve lost around 35% to 40% to bone, moisture and fat, would cost out, at fairly typical supermarket prices, at $2399.75 by our estimation (assuming you were to buy all the cuts of meat, including sausages.).

Negatives› You don’t know the health and history of the supermarket meat.

› It is very likely inferior to the beef you just sold, as the best beef from the works is often exported.

› It’s an expensive way to buy meat.

› Stock that has traveled on a crammed cattle truck and been held over in the freezing works yards with other unfamiliar stock while they are fasted prior to processing will have induced stress and adrenalin, affecting the meat quality.

Positive› You don’t know the animal, so can pretend you had nothing to

do with its demise.

Homekill beef To process, cut and pack this weight of meat, the homekill providers we contacted quoted between $1.00 and 1.75 per kilo of carcass weight. With some providers, this processing charge includes freezing. When it doesn’t, you have to be prepared to pick the meat up when it is ready and freeze it yourself. So if we take

an average cost of, say, $1.45 per kilo to process the 235 kg carcass, the total cost works out at $507.25 (note that this includes 18kg of sausages, killing fee, and offal removal.)

Even if you paid $500 for a 250kg beast at the sale yards, then added another $200 - $300 for vet costs and any supplementary feed over the winter/s, that still compares very favourably with the $2400 retail price of the meat.

Negative› You will need to purchase a decent sized freezer (360L or larger)

but as mentioned the savings are there, so that could be a one-off investment.

Positives› You know the history of the beef.

› Meat is ‘aged’, unlike supermarket meat, for superior tenderness and flavour.

› There is a quick, humane ‘dispatch’, without stress to the animal.

› Cattle don’t have to be ear-tagged or require a cattle race.

› Because it is sitting in your freezer, it motivates you to learn to cook some of the cheaper meat cuts you would normally pass up.

› Gluten-free, preservative-free is usually also an option with many of the homekill operators.

There is something deeply satisfying about harvesting your own produce – sitting down to a wonderful meal with friends, plates piled with food you have raised. Soft benefits aside, the straight numbers reveal just how economical growing your own beef can be.

beef?Why grow your own By Neville Walker

Living on a lifestyle block, you may have decided to run some cattle on your land.


www.national.org.nz

Rt Hon John Key MP for helensville

365 Main Road, Kumeu p 412 2496 e [email protected] www.johnkey.co.nz

Given the number of requests I’ve received this month, it’s

timely to write about cleaning up ponds and wetlands. This is a

battle that needs to be fought on several fronts.

As the weather begins to warm up, nutrients from surrounding

land run / leach into your pond, causing rapid plant growth.

There are several courses of action you can take to prevent this,

depending on your situation. Some measures have a short term

effect, however a longer term strategy is desirable. This can be

structured to fit your budget.

Shorter term strategy›The offending weeds on your pond and in the surrounding

wetland areas can be controlled with specific chemicals

that are designed to sink into the water and penetrate the

weeds. Although they are safe for aquatic life they are highly

specialised treatments and require trained registered chemical

applicators (vetted by the Rural Contractors’ Assoc) who have

the knowledge of how they can be applied safely to provide an immediate result.

›There are also pond treatments (as opposed to weed killers) which remove the nitrates weeds feed on, causing the weeds to die off and sink to the bottom. This process is completely harmless to valuable plants and wildlife. Once the weeds are

pondManaging yourBy Dave Beattie

With the arrival of spring, the usual nasties are starting to rear their ugly heads.


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under control, ongoing maintenance with monthly treatments is much easier. This is a simple process you can carry out yourself.

› If you prefer, you can treat your pond to remove that soupy green look and replace it with a blue tint. By adding a dye specifically designed for ponds, it not only reduces UV light levels in the water, retarding the algae growth, but it also helps improve the aesthetics. These dyes are also environmentally friendly and completely harmless to aquatic life.

Longer term strategy›Check your waste water system. Has it been regularly maintained? Are the soakage lines “breaking out” i.e. is the waste water overf lowing from your soak lines and running into your pond or wetland? It may be necessary to look at having some maintenance done or upgrading your system to a more modern system to ensure there is no chance of contaminated runoff to nearby streams, wetlands or ponds.

›Fence off your pond or wetland to prevent livestock access and create a buffer zone with a minimum of 10m between your new fence and the pond or steam. This can significantly reduce the nutrient levels before they reach your pond.

›Have a look at the plants growing in your new riparian area. It is important to remove any exotic weed species. There is a whole range that could be there, too vast to really get into here, but some of the more common could be blackberry, gorse and Arum lily.

›Once you have the weeds under control it is time to consider planting. Use nursery crops such as Manuka, cabbage trees and f lax on banks and wetland sedges, and grasses at the water’s edge. Planting buffer zones in this way will greatly reduce the leaching of nutrients. The best time to plant is late autumn, when water levels are low, but it can be done into early spring.

pond

the soupy green look can be replaced with a blue tint which helps prevent algae growth.


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How can we improve the pasture? We have only just enough grass to graze, how can we lift our pasture growth enough to take off hay as well?”

Whether the focus is on horticulture or farming, these are typical comments and questions I hear.

Soil health drives the health of everything above it. After 9 years of going down all sorts of paths to improve the pasture quality, I have found the steps needed are simple and straightforward.

The process is simply this:› Test your soil first to see what it’s lacking.› Feed the soil with fertiliser and lime

appropriate to your needs and objectives (organic or traditional).

› Re-sow under-performing areas if needed.

› Control the weed growth and monitor the results.

› Rinse and repeat (and re-test your soil every 2-3yrs).

Test your soilFor a soil test, you can DIY or pay someone

pastureFive steps to better

By Neville Walker

“Our grass has quite a few weeds, thistles, docks… Our horses turn our pasture into weeds in no time… but do we have to spray out and re-sow the pasture?

to do it for you. Hills Laboratories will send soil testing kits on request (see pg12) for you to collect the soil samples and return via courier. Results take about 7 days (you can see an example report on their website). Alternatively, you could pay an independent soil consultant to come and take the samples, discuss your needs and provide a full report. However, the most economical, yet independent, option I have found in this regard is to buy a basic soil test package from Wise Earth (see pg12). This includes a soil sampling tool, post analysis and recommendations for around $160.

Your fertiliser supplier can also provide recommendations (they will suggest a copy of the test results be sent directly to them as well) and this can be the least expensive option. You’ll still have to pay for the lab reports regardless (around $67 for a basic test).

Apply fertiliserThe advantage of having someone provide the post-analysis is to find the appropriate level and fertiliser mix for optimal results. For example, too much nitrogen can leach

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into waterways. To reduce your nitrogen needs over time, you could also try re-sowing white clover into the pasture to boost the nitrogen levels.

If you’re on a smaller acreage and prefer the DIY option, your fertiliser can be supplied in 25kg bags, which you can either spread by hand out the back of a trailer or hire a spreader if you are able to tow it behind a quad or tractor.

Control weeds The presence of weeds can be another indicator that your soil is out of balance.

When buttercup, dock, carrot weed (parsley dropwort) and thistle take off, they can spread fast. Not only do they make your paddocks look an unsightly mess, they will also significantly affect the quality of feed and potentially the health of your animals. It is easier to control weeds when they are smaller and also before they flower. Another key reason to control weed growth now is to improve the quality of feed you store as hay or silage. Autumn and winter are when the animals need the nutrition and energy most.

Applying too much or inappropriate herbicide can affect the quality pasture you’re trying to maintain. A bigger problem emerges when spray-drift encroaches on your neighbours.

This can be a major concern in this region, as there are many horticultural operations here. Crops can be adversely affected or even destroyed, (maybe several kilometres away) impacting not just a business but dozens of families whose livelihoods depend on them. This is one reason why I strongly recommend chemical applicators with the appropriate professional qualifications.

Controlling weeds is all about managing a plan (something I find I have little time to do). Getting weeds under control can sometimes require more than one application and sometimes a combination of herbicides. The cost for a spray contractor is relatively inexpensive for small blocks when you consider the time involved (researching, buying and applying chemicals, let alone obtaining your Approved Handler’s certification). If you have only a small area of say 1 hectare, expect to budget around $180-200/ha, but the more hectares you have done, the more economical it becomes.

Useful references Independent soil/plant/crop testingwww.hill-laboratories.com 07 858 2000

John Ferens, WiseEarth Solutions, www.soiltest.co.nz 0800 7645 8378

Fertiliser & Lime Supply FertCo, visit www.fertco.co.nz for their range of bulk and bagged product in both organic (advert page 11) and traditional fertiliser, 0800 337 826Weed control, fertiliser spreadingDave Beattie, Registered Chemical Applicator, www.vegetationspecialists.co.nz (advert page 9) 027 551 9851

Lance Pawley, www.blockbusters.co.nz, 0508 256 252 (advert pg 18)

Under-sowingLyndon Knowles, Kaurivew contractors 021 752 632

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In some cases, they give you the chance to use plants you might otherwise struggle to include in your landscaping. Most ferns, for instance, are best grown in part or full shade and perhaps slightly damp areas. If you have such a spot, ferns can turn it into a real feature. If it’s an area of taller trees with scrappy undergrowth, clean out the undergrowth and replace with a mass planting of ferns. Use them as if they were a ground cover, which in this scenario they will be. If you would like a little colour, add some clumps of clivia.

And if it’s an area you can view at night, put in some lights to shine up your tree trunks. We’ve just done a nice planting like this for a customer, using big kauri with ferns massed underneath as ground cover and adding bark mulch to give a finished look. What started as a bare bank is now a feature of the garden.

Shady gardens close to your house are an opportunity to add scent to your garden. Daphnes and gardenias are happy in dappled shade or a spot that avoids the hottest midday sun, and their scent is heavenly. Actually, there are quite a lot of choices when it comes to choosing flowering plants for the shade.

Tried-and-true camellias are such versatile and tough plants. Excellent as hedges or border specimens, they’ll grow in full sun or shade, and if you hack them back hard they’ll forgive you and come away again — not that you are going to let yours get to the point where they need a hack, of course. And if ever you need to shift them, you can, with a bit of care, dig them up and transplant them elsewhere. On top of all that, they are strong in the wind, tolerant of most soils except wet and give you flowers through the colder months when there’s not much colour in the garden.

Another couple of flowerers that have perhaps been considered a touch old-fashioned, but are making a comeback, are rhododendrons and azaleas. For both, there is quite a range of shrub sizes and flower colours available. Both will appreciate a trim after flowering, particularly the azaleas (and that’s a trim, not a hack).

Also on the comeback trail are hydrangeas, which will perform to full potential with some shade. The newer varieties are better at keeping true to their colours without the need for special applications of fertiliser. Remember to cut the stems back to two fat buds in winter.

lan

dsc

apin

g

Shady areas are sometimes a challenge when it comes to planting, but they can also be an opportunity.

pieris (lily of the valley) is a great shade specimen.

dealsShadyBy Grant McKechnie

Visit us online at www.watertechplus.com or ourshowroom at 6 Worker Road, Wellsford. Ph/fax 09 423 8061

We’ll get you pumpingwith the right pump for the right job

Talk to the pump specialists at...

Starting from just $399


THE LIFESTYLE BLOCK SPECIALISTS

Robinson Rd, Coatesville. Ph/Fax 09 415 8806. [email protected]

Let Grant & Julie help you select the best plants for your place!

• Hedging • Shelter • Natives• Landscape plants• Bulk pricing available for most plants• Revegetation natives & planting service

HOURSMon–Fri - 8.30am - 5.00pmSaturday - 9.00am - 5.00pm

RURAL LANDSCAPINGDesign/plans

PlantingGarden tidies

Regular garden maintenance

For something a little different for the shaded side of your house or a woodland area, have a look at the pieris (lily of the valley) cultivars, which come in a variety of sizes from 1m to 2m. New growth can be bronze, coppery, pink or red, and their panicles of bell flowers are pure white, pink or purplish, depending on variety. Pieris is a very pretty and much under-utilised plant.

If you want to use a native, shade provides the perfect place for a stand of nikau. In nature, they push up from the forest floor

through the bush canopy and stick their heads out the top into the sunlight. They are quite happy when mature to be in the sun, but as youngsters they are better in the shade. Yes, I know they are slow-growing, but I reckon they look great at any age and at any size. Plus they provide food for the birds.

I hope that’s inspired you to turn that shady corner into a stunner, and I’ll be back next month to talk about more shade-lovers in the garden. Till then, happy gardening.

Nikau copes well in the shade of the bush. Camellia ‘plantation pink’.


Under-bench and normal 1-micron filters won’t stop you drinking the harmful germs

from bird or possum poo but Ultra-violet steriliser units and membrane filters will!

There’s no need to add chemicals – your water is sterilised and safe!

UV Kills E.Coli

We solve your water problems. Call Steve today

0800 PURE WATER0800 787 392

Just how safe is your drinking water?

www.purewaterservices.co.nzHOURS: Mon-Fri 8.00am to 4.30pm, Saturdays 9am-3pm

Eftpos, cash or cheque (sorry, no credit cards)

RhondaNursery Plants Manager

ToniAdmin/Office Manager

09-422 [email protected] Jones Road, Omahawww.libertypark.co.nz OPEN TO THE PUBLIC.

SPRING INTO PLANTINGHardy Corokias make great shelter plants and excellent

hedges, are ideal for mixed plantings in dry sunny situations and tolerant of exposed conditions and salt winds.

Emerald Jade (2mx1.5m)

Frosted Chocolate (1.5m x 8m)

Geenty’s Green (2.5m x 1.5m)

Cotoneaster (grows to 1m-3m)

These plants are bushy, healthy, and currently 50 to 70cm tall. Buy up to 49 plants and pay only $7.50+gst each.

At 50 or more they’re only $6.00+gst each.

Back in the old days most children rode to pony club, myself

included, but the roads are so busy now the obvious thing is to

look for a horse f loat.

The first thing you will need is a suitable vehicle such as a large

car (e.g. a Falcon), or a four wheel drive ute, capable of towing a

f loat weighing 700kg or more and up to two horses weighing up

to 500kg each.

Finding the right horse float If you have just one small pony a good single f loat is fine, but it’s

worth looking for one with tandem wheels for stability on the

road. Look for one with reasonable space and wide enough for

easy loading.

Most people tend to go for a double f loat as this is wider and has

the option of taking another horse.

For more than two horses there are triple angle f loats on the

market, but these need a substantial towing vehicle (towing

capacity of at least 2.5t). Another option is to purchase a truck,

but as this is a separate vehicle it needs a COF (Cert. of Fitness)

and a lot more maintenance. (I will discuss trucks in a future

article.)By Sandy Reid

OK, so you have the pony and everything is going well and now the kids want to go to pony club!

ho

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floatBuying a horse

G O W E S T I N W A R K W O R T H

Email:[email protected]

Composite Joinery Limited

• VANTAGE joinery• timber joinery• exterior and interior• residential & commercial

VISIT OUR SHOWROOM:7 Glenmore Dr, Warkworth

09 425 7510 or visit www.compositejoinery.co.nz

Email:[email protected]

You can rely on the team at Composite Joinery!

NEW COLOURS AVAILABLE

Memb:Window Assoc Of NZ Reg. Master Joiner

C o m p o s i t e J o i n e r yL i m i t e d .

• VANTAGE Joinery

• Timber Joinery

• Exterior and Interior

• Residential & Commercial VISIT OUR SHOWROOM:7 Glenmore Dr, Warkworth

09 425 7510

R e g i s t e r e d M a s t e r J o i n e r

Capture your view withVANTAGE windows and doors!

RODNEY GARAGE DOORSCustom made for you

Rodney Garage Doors 1998 Ltd.29 Glenmore Drive, Warkworth

Ph 09-425 0258Mob 0274 425 025

• Sectional-tiltingRoller• 22coloursorpowder-coated

tomatchyourjoinery• Weserviceallmakesof

doorsandautomatics• Freemeasureandquote

Installation • Sales • Service

Serving Rodney for over 30 years

Coloured glass splashbacks Mirrors, table tops, pet doors Glass showers and balustrades

Paul & Kat KayllPhone 09 425 8678

20 Glenmore Drive, [email protected]

Domestic and commercial glazing and re-glazing.

New windscreens and stone chip repairs All insurance work

Horse Trucks & FloatsRebuilds • Conversions

Reid Equestrian Engineering - Wellsford For a free quote phone Ron or Sandy

09 423 9666 evenings or 021 157 9669

Rebuilding • Converting • Refitting • Repainting • Rubber mat supply Window supply & fitting • Lighting • Ramp springs • Quality workmanship

PriceYou may pick up a sound older f loat for around $6000 to $7000. A later model would go for between $9000 and $12,000. Expect to pay up to $25,000 for a new float or angle loader with a kitchen and some accommodation as well.

Points to consider› Is there any structural rust (be aware of fancy paint jobs that

can hide this)?

›A galvanized f loat is preferable.

›Most later model f loats have underbody ramp springs which are safer. Make sure the ramp is also light and easy to lift.

›Head dividers are worthwhile, especially if you are transporting another horse not familiar with yours.

›Make sure it has solid rubber mats that don’t slide around.

›For a double f loat brakes are a must.

› It must have a current WOF.

It is well worth taking a knowledgeable engineer with you to inspect the f loat before you make your purchase. Do your homework, shop around, talk with other people to find out how they feel about their f loats and at the end of the day find one that is practical and right for your needs.

3 Morrison Drive, WarkworthPhone 09 945 0090

Mobile 021 297 0615

Daniel’s deals

Chainsaw & Mower Services

And we can now service your small tractor or quad.

DANIEL’S GREATFIREWOOD DEALS

Firewood split $60m3

Firewood Slabs $30m3

Call in or phone me for a REAL DEAL on outdoor

power equipment.I'll tailor it especially for you!

Sales | Sharpening | Service | Repairs

A float with tandem wheels provides extra stability on the road.

Call Ian 0274 955 262offi ce phone/fax 09 422 9358

Water tanks and drainage systemsHouse sites – engineer-certifi ed cut and fi ll specialist

Subdivisions • Driveways • Lifestyle block and farm workMetal, sand and topsoil cartage • Diggers, roller, truck and trailer hire

Landscaping and retaining walls • Footings and fl oor preparation

Serving Albany to Ruakaka

Kaipara Coast Plant Centre - Best Plants & Prices 1481 Kaipara Coast Highway (SH16), Kaukapakapa. 4km North of Kaukapakapa Village Hotel & Café. Ph 09 420 5655. OPEN 7 DAYS 9am to 5pm. www.plantsnz.co.nz Huge range, including fruit trees, natives, garden shrubs, driveway trees, wetland plants. Wholesale direct to the public prices. FREE QUOTES. Established 1988

Specialists in plants, natives & fruit trees

suitable for the Auckland region

Established 1988

CLIP THIS COUPON FOR FREE FERTILISER WITH EACH PLANT PURCHASED!

• Beautiful plants at wholesale direct-to-the-public prices

• Book a FREE site assessment and quote

Ph 09 420 5655 • OPEN 7 DAYS 9am to 5pm • www.plantsnz.co.nz

1481 Kaipara Coast Highway (SH16), Kaukapakapa. 4km North of Kaukapakapa Village ph 0800 420 565

Best Garden Centre (N.Is.)

2008

S E R V I C E D I R E C t o R y

www.blockbusters.co.nzFree call 0508 256-252

Help and advice is a phone call away

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Topping/Mowing/Mulching

Gorse Removal and Control

Weed Spraying (boom or gun)

Lime and Fertiliser Application

Pasture and Lawn Renewal

Paddock Smoothing

Facial Eczema Control

Need Sales? Talk to us now... Deadline for October issue is 23 September. Deadline for November issue is 21 October. For rates and availability,email [email protected] or phone 09 947 3580 / 021 377 580 or Marlene on 021 854 946. Don’t delay – space is limited.

R E G I S T E R E D V A L U E R SLifestyle Block Specialists for Southern Rodney.

BATLEYDAVIES

Telephone: 09 414 7170Facsimile: 09 414 7180Mobile: 0274 953 163A/H: 09 420 4776Email: [email protected]

William Pickering Offi ce Park,29 William Pickering Drive

PO Box 302 730North Harbour

North Shore City 0751

34 yearsexperienceAlan Davies Dip, URB Val, SPINZ

email: [email protected]

Septic and Water Tank CleaningHave your Water Tank or Septic Tank cleaned for Winter.

BurnettsBurnetts Ph 09 412 9210or 0274 924 494

BULK WATER0800 888 158

Steve Crawley10,000 LITRES - GUARANTEED!

www.aucklandtreemasters.co.nz

24hr Emergency ServiceQualifi ed ArboristSpecialists in: Fine Pruning, Rose, Tree & Shrubs, Hedge Pruning, Tree Removal, Crown Reduction, Branch Chipping, Stump Grinding, Land Clearing. $5mil Public Liability.Pensioner Discounts • Free QuotesPhone Matt (09) 426 7912or 021 124 6478email: [email protected]

S E R V I C E D I R E C t o R y

Call Ken Borg0800 600 500 | 021 63 55 77A/Hrs 09 425 4520 | Fax 09 425 [email protected]

With our new fixed-tooth mulching head, fitted to our 22.5t machine,we can go where no one has gone before!

IS GORSE OR SCRUB ERODING YOUR LAND’S PRODUCTIVITY?

Ph/Fax 09-420 3107 Mob: 0274-902 516email: [email protected]

Farms • Lifestyle Blocks • DomesticDeer • Post & Rail • 7-Wire • Stock yards

• Property Fencing Plans

• Mulcher mowing • Digger hire

COLIN HAWKEN FENCINGD E S I G N A N D B U I L D

Need Sales? Talk to us now... Deadline for October issue is 23 September. Deadline for November issue is 21 October. For rates and availability,email [email protected] or phone 09 947 3580 / 021 377 580 or Marlene on 021 854 946. Don’t delay – space is limited.

Sheep Goats Alpacas Llamas

MR CLIP LIMITEDMobile Shearing Services Bombay to Kaiwaka

Shearing • crutching • flystrike • drenching (worming) • footrotting • tailing • castrating • one or more animals

Reliable, specialised information on sheep management and careExperienced, Certified Shearers (machine and blade).

Ces & Jan MayallPhone Warkworth 09 425 7104 or Fax 09 425 7134

Auckland 09 276 1219 or Fax 09 276 1261

Or Mobile 0274 853 234

STRENGTH Stronger than all other shed systems available.

SIZE Perfect for arenas, shade roof covers, wintering sheds, industrial workshops.

CLADDING All common claddings; weatherboards, plaster, board and batten, sheet and steel.

CUSTOM BUILDING Any roof pitch and no need to work to standard bays or heights.

NZ MADE Proudly designed engineered and manufactured in New Zealand.

QUALITY Our priority is to deliver you the best steel building on the market.

SERVICE We service from West Auckland/North Shore to Dargaville/Brynderwyns.

thebarncompany.co.nz

Clearspan American

Gable with Lean-to

35 Woodcocks RoadWarkworth09 425 7088

NATIVE REVEGETATION SPECIALISTSBulk Suppliers of Revegetation – Landscape & Specimen Grades.

Special bulk rates apply to 1,000-50,000 plant lots or more. Enquire for details.

Deciduous Trees • Shelter & Hedging • Ornamentals Olives • Citrus • Fruit & Nut Trees • Avocados • Subtropicals

September Specials – While Stocks last – Be quick!

* Pip & Stone fruit from $12.50ea or 10 for $100 * Griselinia littoralis Broadway Mint

Bare root; field grown bushy plants 3yr old 1.2-1.4m $20ea, 50+ $17.25ea, 100+ $15.50ea incl GST.

& 2yr old approx 1m, $15.50ea, 50+ $14.50ea incl GST.

Everything you need at the one location!

Order in advance and save.

Email [email protected] Catalogue – www.tehananurseries.co.nz

PHonE orDErS WELcoME! (09) 425 7754

Prices valid until 1 October 2011 or while stocks last. All prices include GST unless otherwise stated.

Spring Loaded Deals!

2-4 Morrison Drive, PO Box 378, Warkworth. Ph 09 425 7754 Fax 09 425 7560 [email protected]

Your farm and lifestyle goods specialists. Local, convenient, passionate.“whilst stock lasts” Promotion offers valid until 20th Jan 2007

$79.00

$215.00

RX Plastics - A. 300ltr Rectanglular trough $215.00 B. 500Ltr Round $275.00 * small quanity of manufactureres seconds available still with 5 year warranty at heavily discounted prices - please enquire. C. Drainaway Pipe 65mm x 30mtrs $79.00 D. Alkathene polypipe 10m to 200m available. Large range of fittings available.

A. 2.5 kg Pestoff Possum Bait $29.50 B. Tunnel Trap $63.50 C. Timms Possum Trap $49.50 D. Rodent Bait Station $18.50

$29.50

Top quality AKUBRA Australian

hats for summer all 20% off

C.

A.

D.

A.

Tired of those pesky Pests?

$18.50

B.

D.

C.

$275.00

B.

WE ARE HERE!

2-4 Morrison Drive, PO Box 378, Warkworth. Ph 09 425 7754 Fax 09 425 7560 [email protected]

EUROFENCE Advanced Fencing Systems - A. Wire Chainlink 30m 50x2.5x900 $199 B. Euro wire coil 2.5mm HT wire $69.00 C. Treeguards with stakes $34.95 D. 8 wire Hinge Joint Netting - light - 2.0mm 50m roll $135, 100m roll $260

B.

C.

SILVAN - A.SILVAN - A.

A. Tux Energy 40kg bag $69.95 B. Tray of Whiskas cat food $29.95 C. Vita bites 2.5kg at $14.90 D. Proplan for cats and for dogs

$69.95

$29.95

$135.00$34.95$69.00

Under NewOwnership

A. D.

Full range for all your cat and dog requirements

2-4 Morrison Drive, Warkworth.call us to arrange delivery

(09) 425 7754email: [email protected]

www.farmandlifestyle.co.nz

10%OFF

1000 ltrTank & Pump

Only $899

•Fullyinternalpump-nopossibilityofleakingdownyourback.

•Testedfor1500hourswiththeharshestchemicalswithnobreakdowns(VitonSeals).

•Easytoservice-fieldservicekitincluded.

•Large16litrecapacity.

Hustler HD-400 Professional Sprayer

Only $169.95 Save $45!

Only $189 each

Buy together and save $$$

•Anon-selectiveherbicideforthecontrolofannualandperennialweedsinawiderangeofsituations.

•Spraythoseweedsandgrassesnow!

•Availablein1ltr,5ltr,20ltr

20 ltr only $119.95 Save $20 50 mtr Only $269.95

Orion G360 Glyphosate Weed Spray Electric Hot Netting•Fullyportabletemporaryfencingsolution.

•Onlytakes5minstoerectorremove.

•Lightandeasytohandle.

Ultrasonic Pest Repeller •Idealforthegarage,basement,workshop,shedorattic.•Usesquietultrasonicsoundstoevictmice,rats,spiders,cockroachesandcrawlinginsects.

•Theunitissafeforusearoundhumans,children,andpetssuchasdogs,cats,birds.

Monoway Trailers – Tough trailers built to last!•Veryversatiletrailer•NZ-madeforNZconditions•Stockcrateandrubbishcrateoptions

7 x 5 tipper-trailer Only $2320 +ORC

ExtEndEd SpRing HouRSnow opEn till 2pm SatuRday!

Kong’s Dog Toys – Chuck it fetch game toys

Fencing wire 2.5mm HT 25kg coil•Minlength650metres

•Twolifewire

Only $86 + GST each

EVERYDAYLOW PRICE!

Long Handle Spade •Longhandlefordeeper/smallerdiameterholes.•Robusthardenedsteelconstruction.•Beveledshovelheadedgesforcleanersoilremoval.•D-handlespadealsoavailable.

Normally up to $140Our price only $69.95

Spinning Jenny •Acceptedthreearmdesign•Fullycollapsible•Adjustableforvariouswirecoilsizes

Normally up to $180Our price only $119.95

Post Hole Rammer 1.8m•Steelhandleforlonglife•HeavycastironHeadforbettersoilcompaction•Halfroundheadfortighterfittingholes

Normally up to $59 Our price only $40.95

WOODCOCKs rOAD

tO WeLLsFOrD

WE AREHERE! tO AuCKLAND

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Rain harvesting •Idealforsupplyingwaterforthegarden,washingcars,sprinklersandsmallirrigationsystems.

•Pre-wiredelectronicpumpcontrolwithrundryprotection.

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