22,300 copies DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address in Taranaki and Manawatu
20
Taranaki/Manawatu FARMING Lifestyles December 2012 Edition 22,300 copies DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address in Taranaki and Manawatu Generating a passion for Herefords Page 8–9 Local lamb springs onto market Scholarship programme an eye- opener Farming for now and for succession P4 P6 P19 P12–15 Showhome open at 81 Denbigh Street, Feilding – View by appointment Call now Tollfree: 0800 776 777 Central Office: Call Ricky 06 323 8380 www.latitudehomes.co.nz Have you always wanted to build your own home but been put off by the thought of it being too difficult? Now Latitude Homes has made it easy. Visit our website and register for our First Home Builders Guide and see for yourself how simple the whole process can be. Latitude Homes is proud to present the Cook. This design features four bedrooms, large living and dining rooms, separate laundry and a family room perfect for children to play in. The house has been very cleverly designed to have the bedrooms and bathrooms along the length of the house with the kitchen well and truly at the heart of the home. 214m² Design build options available Price and build from your own plans Flexibility to alter standard plans Delivered from local suppliers Delivered anywhere in NZ TM Cook $265,947 * Full Build *Terms and conditions apply as per the pricing specifications, for more details contact Latitude Homes on 0800 776 777 Let us build your new home Dairying
December 2012 Edition22,300 copies DELIVERED FREE to every rural delivery address in Taranaki and Manawatu
Generating a passion for HerefordsPage 8–9
Local lamb springs onto market
Scholarship programme an eye-opener
Farming for now and for succession
P4 P6 P19 P12–15
Showhome open at 81 Denbigh Street, Feilding – View by appointment
Call now Tollfree: 0800 776 777 Central Office: Call Ricky 06 323 8380 www.latitudehomes.co.nz
Have you always wanted to build your own home but been put off by the thought of it being too difficult? Now Latitude Homes has made it easy. Visit our website and register for our First Home Builders Guide and see for yourself how simple the whole process can be.
Latitude Homes is proud to present the Cook. This design features four bedrooms, large living and dining rooms, separate laundry and a family room perfect for children to play in. The house has been very cleverly designed to have the bedrooms and bathrooms along the length of the house with the kitchen well and truly at the heart of the home.
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2 DECEMBER 2012 TARANAKI/MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
The Taranaki/Manawatu Farming Lifestyles is published with
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Taranaki/Manawatu FarmingLifestyles Distribution area
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It’s also been a year during which the benefits of farming in New Zealand have been richly appreciated, and vital sub-sectors of the primary economy (such as aquaculture) have received a great prognosis for further growth.
For the team here at Taranaki/Manawatu Farming Lifestyles it’s been a landmark year as well. We’ve brought you twelve months of rural news, opinion, new scientific developments, and stories about real Kiwi people working the land, and we hope you’ve enjoyed reading our publication just as much as we’ve enjoyed producing it.
We’ve met some real characters in 2012, and though our stories and pictures we’ve introduced you to their unique lifestyles. Some have adopted new livestock, new practices or new technology to expand what we think of as ‘New Zealand Farming’. Others
2012 — the year in farming2012 has been a year of challenges and turning points for the rural sector, from the Fonterra share float to stricter controls around environmental management, along with a super-buoyant NZ dollar and ongoing economic fluctuations on the global market.
Betty Willetts and Kelvin Green wising everyone and safe and happy Christmas
have been preserving our heritage, reviving traditional crafts, or finding interesting new ways to farm smarter. Some you might even know as neighbours and friends!
As we come into the ‘holiday’ season we know that many of you will be working harder than ever, making hay while the sun shines. We’d like to offer warm Christmas greetings to all of our readers, customers, and their families.
Have a happy and safe Christmas and we will see you all in February 2013, with another year of the issues, triumphs, personalities and people of rural New Zealand to share with you.
Travel safely
From the team at the Taranaki/Manawatu Farming Lifestyles
TARANAKI/MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES DECEMBER 2012 3
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The first recordings of this wilding plant were made in the 1960s, in a few sites around the lower North Island and Gisborne. Since then, pink ragwort has spread rapidly from Mana Island, Wellington and along the coastal belt as far as Taranaki.
Horizons Regional Council environmental co-ordinator Craig Davey said the most heavily affected area on the North Island’s west coast is the sand country south of Wanganui, and areas near Maxwell and Waiunu.
Pink ragwort is also known to have been found in Ohakune.
“It only grows at 100 metres above sea level in South Africa, and is unlikely to establish infestations but seed could be carried by wind or vehicles to new places,” said Mr Davey.
Pink ragwort reproduces by seed from its flowers which are produced over a short period in October. Some plants have a second burst of flowering in January/February which set seed in March. Wind disperses seed at least
Pink ragwort moving inlandby Denise Gunn
Photos on this page: Horizons
Pink ragwort (Senecio glastifolius is on the increase in the southern North Island
Pink ragwort (Senecio glastifolius) is on the increase in the southern North Island with reports of this South African perennial plant moving further inland.
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The flower colour varies through shades of purple, mauve and pale to deep pink.
Although a native species in South Africa, pink ragwort is listed as a problem plant in that country, occurring naturally in pastoral areas and becoming a troublesome weed in new plantations.
In New Zealand, the plant tends to favour forest margins, disturbed pasture, coastal sites and waste places.
Mr Davey said as pink ragwort is a coloniser, it prefers drier and open country.
Livestock will eat the plant when it is small but if left to grow, pink ragwort hardens and becomes unpalatable.
Mr Davey advises farmers to pull pink ragwort out and get rid of it as soon as it is seen.
“It’s not known as a pasture weed and doesn’t do well in good grass, but areas that are poorer and drier will end up thickly covered.”
4 DECEMBER 2012 TARANAKI/MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
Turakina Valley sheep and beef farmers, Chris and Linda O’Neill, farm 480ha as part of the Maewa Partnership, and are one of four South Taranaki-Wanganui-Rangitikei farming families supplying lambs throughout the country under the registered brand name Coastal Spring Lamb.country under the registered brand name Coastal Spring Lamb.
by Denise Gunn
An initiative of Turakina farmer Richard Redmayne, the Coastal Spring Lamb consortium began marketing and
supplying lambs to local markets, beginning with a number of New World supermarkets in 2010.
“He was united with other like-minded farmers who believe that New Zealanders should get some of the best spring lamb produced in this country,” said Chris.
“During his first season of Coastal Spring Lamb, Richard asked us to supply some lambs to meet the growing demand.
“Obviously happy that our product met his high demands, we have been supplying Coastal Spring Lamb since.”
Consumers are now able to purchase the brand at numerous New World supermarkets and other retail outlets throughout the North Island.
In addition, Coastal Spring Lamb features on the menus of an increasing number of high-end restaurants in New Zealand and is also available to purchase in Hong Kong.
The Maewa Partnership is a third generation O’Neill family farming business covering a total of 5042ha and operated by brothers Patrick, Mike and Chris.
“Historically land was purchased in the Wanganui area, including on the Parihauhau Road in 1908 by our grandfather, and great uncle, and is still owned by the family,” said Chris.
“Later land was purchased in 1913 in the lower Turakina Valley, of which our farm is part, and in 1918 near Fordell.”
Further land acquisitions have been made in more recent years in the Turakina Valley and Santoft areas.
Turakina Valley sheep and beef farmers, Chris and Linda O’Neill, are one of four families
supplying lambs under the registered brand name Coastal Spring Lamb
TARANAKI/MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES DECEMBER 2012 5
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In the past 2 weeks I have been attending a nutritional medicine clinic in Sydney. Most of the time we were taking cases, assessing diet and nutritional status and creating programmes to help address any underlying problems.
I recall one particular client who appeared to have a problem with every body system. I assessed her as early 60’s and was surprised she was early 50’s. Our initial client consultation included a 1 hour assessment of all body systems and it seemed there was a tick and comment beside every conceivable problem. During discussion of these complex cases the � rst question was to identify a starting point. In most cases treatment was a little like a long set of stairs. The only way to get to the top is one step at a time.
We identi� ed the � rst step and included some measures to improve just a few problems. When facing multiple health challenges it is important for people to experience progress to give them hope that further improvement is possible. In her case our initial plan was to make some adjustments to her diet and some supplements to improve her digestive system and energy. In particular we wanted to include protein with every meal to help regulate her blood glucose and to remove the highly in� ammatory fats in her diet.
This completely contrasted with another case where the person looked like she was early 40’s to � nd she was early 50’s. She had paid great attention to her diet, exercise and other positive lifestyle factors and was in amazing health. Her only complaints were a minor digestive problem and slightly lowered bone density. For her, all we needed was a slight dietary adjustment and supplements to optimise bone density.
You may be incredibly healthy and all you need is to ensure your diet and nutrient intake is able to retain your health as you enter the next phase of your life. You may have multiple health challenges and need a detailed plan to start to deal with the underlying causes of the problems. Addressing these over time will usually mean real improvements but you need to identify the � rst step. Give me a call if you need help.
John Arts is the founder of Abundant Health Ltd. If you have questions or a free health plan contact John on 0800 423559 or email [email protected]. You can join his weekly email newsletter at www.johnarts.co.nz or visit www.abundant.co.nz.
One step at a timeChris and his two brothers, Patrick and
Michael, were raised on the family farm ‘Annbank’. The farm is now run by Patrick, his wife Catherine and their family, Michael and his wife Anne-Marie, along with their family, farm at Fordell.
Chris said fourth generation O’Neill’s, Tim and Sam, are now also an integral part of the Maewa farming operation.
“Tim’s young family make up the fifth generation living in the Turakina Valley.
“Individual properties are farmed by the brothers with everyone sharing labour and plant, especially at times like docking and cropping.”
Chris and Linda moved onto their farm, 25km south of Wanganui, 17 years ago. Sixteen-hundred ewes, sourced from the Parihauhau property and mated to terminal sire rams, are farmed on the property with all lambs finished on the farm.
The region’s temperate climate provides warm conditions for early lambing between mid-June to mid-July.
Fifty steers are wintered on the property with this number rising to 400 during the summer. Cattle are either finished on farm or moved to the Santoft feedlot in June.
Fifty hectares of green feed, made up of herb and clover mixes, including plantain and chicory, are grown as supplementary feed. Forage brassica and forage rape are also grown.
Since moving onto the farm, Chris and Linda have set to work making additions to the existing woolshed, fencing, re-grassing, upgrading and extending water reticulation, and fertilising.
Chris said their main focus in recent years has been the drainage of the heavier country.
All of the farming families involved in Coastal Spring Lamb take pride in delivering their product from paddock to plate. Lambs graze on herb and clover pastures, sprinkled with sea salt blown in each spring from the Tasman Sea. ‘Naturally seasoned
by the sea’ features strongly in the sales marketing side of the operation. And the consortium follows a strict protocol of no growth hormones, no promotants and no antibiotics.
Coastal Spring Lamb supplies lambs each week through spring and summer until the end of January. Lambs are processed at Land Meats in Wanganui.
“We are excited knowing our product is now sold locally, enjoyed locally, from the BBQ to the best restaurants in New Zealand,” said Chris.
An initiative of Turakina farmer Richard Redmayne (centre), the Coastal Spring Lamb consortium supplies
lamb to numerous New World supermarkets and other retail outlets throughout the North Island. In addition, Coastal Spring Lamb
features on the menus of an increasing number of high-end restaurants in New Zealand and is also available to purchase in Hong Kong
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In 2010 he was nominated for the New Zealand Young Farmer’s national vice president position at the annual AGM and was
successfully voted in.
Paul said this was very much a learning curve, taking on a junior governance role at the time.
“But this very much gave me the desire to further develop my leadership and governance skills.”
To further enhance his skills, Paul completed a series of courses and programmes. These included the New Zealand Horticulture Industry Leadership Programme in 2008, the Kellogg’s Rural Leadership Programme in 2011, and this year completing an Institute of Directors (IOD) course.
Following his year as New Zealand Young Farmers national vice president, Paul was re-elected to the board in 2011, taking over as national chairman — a position Paul will hold until the next New Zealand Young Farmers AGM in 2013.
Paul previously studied farm management at Lincoln University, working summer holidays on a mixed cropping and lamb fattening property in the South Island.
He said this working experience gave him a great introduction into integrating different farming operations with crop harvesting and livestock production systems.
After graduating from Lincoln University in 2004,
Paul returned home to his family’s Opiki farm where he took on an active role within the cropping operation.
His brother Shaun returned to the farm around the same time after graduating from Telford Rural Polytechnic and took on the dairy division.
Paul and his brother Shaun are fourth generation on the family farm which is run very much as a team environment.
“My brother Shaun and I take charge of the daily operations and my mother and uncle still play very active daily roles within the farming operation,” said Paul.
“We are milking 750 cows on the home property and growing anywhere up to a maximum of 75ha of potatoes.
“We farm around 400ha which includes some lease land.”
by Denise Gunn
New Zealand Young Farmers national chairman Paul Olsen initially became involved with his local Opiki Young Farmers Club in 2004. And it didn’t take long before he began to take up roles within Manawatu and later regional positions within the Taranaki/Manawatu region. These positions, mostly in the chairman’s seat, all gave him a general grounding with the organisation.
Paul is the current New Zealand Young Farmers national chairman and he recently returned from a
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The family rear all their own herd replacements as well as rearing and fattening some beef progeny.
“We have a share in an equity partnership milking another herd of cows outside of Opiki also,” he said.
Paul was recently one of two successful applicants to be chosen from New Zealand to take part in a Woolworths Agricultural Business Scholarship programme.
He said the programme, which contained 54 sessions across two weeks, included everything from introductions and building an understanding
of everyone’s own operations whether it was cropping, livestock production or marketing; through to sessions on learning styles; strategy; financial planning; social media; building rural communities and succession planning.
“We attended the Australia National annual Landcare Awards which was very memorable to say the least, climbed the Sydney harbour bridge and even had a few beers in the city.”
Paul said the network between the other participants will be invaluable in the coming years.
“The understanding of what Woolworths are
achieving as the biggest and best home-grown and freshly produced products was amazing.
“The development of systems and the behind the scenes work which goes into meeting consumers needs/demands is just mind boggling.”
Paul said attending the programme has given him a better focus for what he needs to be doing within house to better align him with markets and developing those business relationships.
This also lines up with Paul’s plans to further develop and add to the family business, implementing technology to aid in efficiencies where possible and build a successful, positive staff team.
Paul said his long term goals are to build scale within farming and add diversification all within a sustainable farming business.
“I see this as a large part of completing the puzzle and building a successful business.
“I would also like to be involved within industry, whether it is as a director or on boards as I see large merit in associating with successful positive people.”(From left) Paul and Shaun Olsen are fourth generation on the family’s Manawatu farm
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Septic tanks and multi-stage septic systems are delicately balanced environments. It does not take much to upset them. Common practice is to ignore the septic system until problems occur. Good and best economical practice is to always keep your septic system well maintained.
A malfunctioning septic system can become a health hazard. When a system is not maintained or operated as a delicately balanced environment, problems occur. These problems include nasty odours, leach line blockages, untreated liquid rising to the surface, toilets gurgling and taking time to empty. At this stage your septic system is a serious health hazard to you and your children. Human waste produces faecal coliform bacteria, a source of viral and bacterial gastroenteritis as well as Hepatitis A and other diseases. Hepatitis can be a debilitating condition and cause long-term harm to children.
There are only three remedies. One: stop using the septic system until it recovers. This can take over a month and is not normally practical. Two: excavate your septic system and relocate it. This is very costly and time consuming, sometimes requiring new resource consents and different systems. Three: treat your septic system with Septi-Cure™ every six months.
Septi-Cure is Cost effective. By far the most cost effective solution is to pour one litre of Septi-Cure™ down each toilet bowl every six months. This simple action will help keep your system working at top efficiency by reducing solids and scum. Instead of emptying your tank frequently, the reduction in solids and scum saves you expensive pump out costs. Your irrigation field and leach lines will become clear of slimes and blockages so nature can handle the gradual seepage and evaporation for you. When this is happening your system will be operating effectively and not endangering you or your family’s health.
What is Septi-Cure™ Septi-Cure™ is a concentrated mixture of selected naturally occurring microorganisms. These harmless tiny organisms live and multiply by feeding on waste material. When introduced to your septic tank system, they go to work straight away digesting waste material, reducing solids and scum, allowing your septic system to start operating to its maximum efficiency. As they progress through to your irrigation field they feed on the slimes
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that prevent seepage and evaporation. When seepage and evaporation return to normal, you have reduced the risk of contaminating groundwater and the environment as well as reducing the chances of infection for you and your family. Eventually, they get washed out of the system and have to be replaced to continue their work. This is why you introduce Septi-Cure™ to your septic system every six months for maximum efficiency.
A satisfied customer in Hamilton has been using Septi-Cure™ for three years. He says this allows them to have an odour-free septic tank with low maintenance costs. He also says that his service person is amazed at how well Septi-Cure™ works, keeping their tank in very good condition.
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When Kim and her husband Jeff purchased their first property on the outskirts of New Plymouth in 1988, her father gave the couple two in-calf two-year-olds. They steadily built up their Hereford herd through purchasing stock at dispersal and heifer sales.
Kim and Jeff later purchased another block of land adjoining their property, increasing their land size to 55 acres. The farm, situated at 129m above sea level, is a mixture of undulating, steep and flat land.
“We run about 40 odd head on the property, consisting 15 breeding cows, seven two-year-old calving heifers, eight yearling bulls, eight yearling heifers and two stud sires,” said Kim.
Each year they sell one or two yearlings
to other local Hereford breeders and the rest are sold to the dairy industry.
The couple aim for bull weights no less than 450kg but the better bulls can reach 600kg by October 1 when they leave the property.
“We prefer to breed bulls for the beef industry but the market around here is the dairy industry which requires a different type of bull,” said Kim.
Jeff and Kim place great importance on sourcing sires that are not big in the shoulder and still have the sound Hereford qualities, length, depth, thickness and quiet temperament.
“All heifers are kept to two-year-olds, but only the best run with a yearling bull as yearlings, calving as two-year-olds,” said Kim.
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Taranaki Hereford breeder Kim Lucas inherited her father’s passion for the breed. Raised on a Northland farm where her father, Ray McEvoy, ran Moana Polled Hereford Stud, Kim has fond memories of feeding out when cows were calving and checking on the newborns.
by Denise Gunn
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TARANAKI/MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES DECEMBER 2012 9
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Weaning takes place at the end of March and culled cows along with the remainder of the two-year-olds are sent to the works.
“We do not sell any cows or heifers that aren’t good enough for our herd to other breeders,” said Kim.
“Unfortunately it has been a practice for breeders in the business to sell cattle that should be culled and this has meant inferior stock is being sold, weakening the strong characteristics of the breed.”
The couple put the bull out on October 1 and calving starts around July 10.
“We calve this early as we find September can be very wet and as we break feed, the cattle make too much of a mess in the paddocks.”
Kim said the Hereford are well suited to handle the hill country, are great grass converters and survive on little feed.
“However they are not so great on our wet areas and we have to manage those paddocks carefully.
“We try to keep the cows on the steeper, rougher parts of the farm, except when calving, and the young stock on the flat areas.”
Jeff and Kim moved a house onto their Taranaki farm from Gisborne
The farm, situated at 129m above sea level, is a mixture of undulating, steep and flat land
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a great draw-card for Kim as this makes it easier for her to handle them on her own, although they have a good set of yards and cattle crush for stock management.
“I also enjoy the challenge of getting the right genetics for the traits required,” she said.
“One of the main challenges in farming Herefords is to earn acceptance from the larger farms that breed the Hereford for a living rather than a lifestyle.”
Kim has taken a break from showing their cattle over recent years but would like to return to the show ring.
“I mainly showed calves to get exposure
with other breeders to show them what I was producing,” she said.
“The time and cost is huge but hopefully when I’m not so committed to other things, I will get back into it.”
Jeff and Kim are currently aiming for animals that are structurally correct, good milkers, have low to average birth weights, and produce offspring to grow on at yearling stage. They are also working on reducing gestation lengths for their cattle.
“Our long term aim is to consistently produce Herefords of a high standard and sought after by breeders,” said Kim.
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They’re calling it the ‘future of MX’, and with bold words like these you just know that the engineers at Honda were going to deliver a masterpiece with 2013’s all-new CRF450R. The latest generation of what is widely known as one of the world’s best off-road bikes had some big shoes to fill, but a more than positive reception from the motoring press and the riding public has proven once again that evolution, not revolution is the key to honing and sharpening up a bike for serious competition.
Or serious fun — because the key to the new CRF450R is ease of access. With greater mass centralisation to add stability, fully adjustable air suspension and a more ‘gentle’ pull out of the corners to make endurance riding more about the mental than the physical, the new Honda does what few top performance motorsport machines can — it puts superhuman performance into the reach of us mere mortals.
Think about it — even the best road car
is nowhere near the level of Formula 1. Your yacht won’t be winning the America’s Cup anytime soon. But for a fairly modest price any dirt-riding enthusiast can own a bike which is being heaped with praise by the heavyweights of motocross.
The scalpel has come out to cut weight from the CRF450R — and to lower that all important centre of gravity. This fourth generation bike comes with pneumatic spring forks, compact, lower muf� ers and a host of other tweaks which make it handle
more like it’s diminutive 250cc brother than the powerful off-roader it is.
Honda’s latest looks like being hard to beat in 2013, not only for technical re� nement and cost, but on the track as well. Added to the checklist is the fact that it really looks the part, too! A redesign of the planes and angles of the CRF has lent it a lean and
predatory aspect, and under all the stylistic cues there has even been space to slightly expand the fuel capacity of its tank, and accommodate those adjustable shocks.
After four generations, the CRF450R has been tamed of its sometimes terrifying bite, but it’s still ready to devour miles and miles of dirt!
TARANAKI/MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES DECEMBER 2012 11
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by Our Motoring Correspondent
Sensational seven-seater points the way forwardThe SUV market has come a long way since the days when these vehicles were seen by many as diesel-drinking behemoths of the highways, irresponsibly large and unsuited for the more refined tasks of the school run and the weekly shop.
But times have changed — or rather public perceptions have been changed by the hard work of automotive designers and engineers, who have turned the SUV from a ‘civilianised’ slab of army hardware into a sleek and practical urban ‘swiss army knife’ — the vehicle for all seasons, all families, and all situations. Case in point — luxury marque Porsche already enjoy success with their Cayenne, and it’s been strongly rumoured that both Bentley and Maserati are considering concept four wheel drive machines.
That’s why it was a quiet revelation to find myself behind the wheel of the new Kia Sorento R — the eminently euro-styled SUV crafted by Korea’s most go-ahead auto manufacturer and styled by industry legend Peter Schreyer. Since leaving Germany to work with Kia the redoubtable Mr Schreyer has redefined how the world sees the Kia brand, and if this has been his mission then the Sorento R is his tour de force.
Much effort has gone into making large sports utilities feel more like the big sedans they have all but replaced in recent years, and with this seven-seat 2.2 litre turbo diesel it all seems to have clicked. This might seem to belittle the years of R and D which have honed and tuned the Sorento into a vehicle which glides through the corners flat and smooth, handles better than many cars on the road and still has space for seven full-grown adults, but effortlessness is at the core of why the Sorento works.
Take the engine, for example. The Sorento does with 2-and-a-bit litres of turbo-assisted power (that’s 145kws and a generous 436 newton-metres of torque, for the mathematicians) what the SUVs of the 1990s required vast sixes and eights to accomplish. Chop down with the neat little tiptronic shifter and you’ll pass most anything on the highway, all with a whisper rather than a Kenworth-like rumble.
Then there’s the sheer sense of space inside — not just seven comfortable seats with ample legroom even for this somewhat bulky correspondent, but also clever niches, cubbies, cup holders and a boot which can engulf a whole holiday’s worth of luggage.
Far from Spartan practicality, the Sorento achieves a well-constructed sense of real luxury, too — check out the full-
Sensational seven-seater points the way forward
length moon roof on the deluxe Premium model, the heated and ventilated seats, and a suite of electronics including voice activated stereo controls and phone. In a world first, this SUV even parks itself, a feature which should prove much beloved by the urban families who are its target market.
The revolution, then, appears to be a fait accompli. Kia have delivered an SUV which is full sized, capable on and off road — and yet still frugal with fuel, quiet, comfortable and even better — it looks amazing, from its eye-catching alloys to the kinetic lines which run front to back. If you’re still of a mind that SUV’s are lumbering, ungraceful things, this should make you think again. And if you think that nothing this good
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Soil Matters — with Peter Burton
For an individual farmer or general farm consultant to be able to decide on the quantity of nutrient to be applied this spring, particularly deciding on
whether the phosphorus input, should it be required, be applied in the form of rock phosphate, locally made single superphosphate, or perhaps DAP requires
Why models are not all badWe have spent the last twenty years focussed on soil fertility, particularly fertility under grazed pastures and there are still times when parts of the picture are cloudy, sometimes even decidedly murky.
a great deal of information and a sound understanding of soil and plant requirements.
This is where models may be useful. A good model allows decision making to be relatively rapid and accurate. For a model to be useful it must contain correct information, particularly the initial information on which all further assumptions are made.
Should any part of the information on which a model is based be incorrect, the final outcome will almost certainly be nonsense regardless of the accuracy of the logic used.
An example of a logical argument based on a faulty premise is that land produces a base level of pasture without fertiliser nitrogen being applied and that each kilogram of fertiliser nitrogen applied provides an annual growth increase of 10kg DM.
A little nitrogen used strategically, when available nitrogen is the limiting factor and there are no other nutrients limiting production, may provide an increase far greater than 10kg dry matter for every kg of N applied.
More nitrogen does not mean a further increase of the same magnitude for each kilogram of nitrogen applied. Pasture response to the application of any nutrient depends on a large number of factors and there is no model available today that can accurately predict an outcome in every situation, and probably never will be which is why capable competent people in the field are so important.
A recent independent report on the Berryman property near Edgecumbe where the soil fertility programme has been based on DoloZest and CalciZest
since August 2004 and has applied less than 20kgN/ha in each of the last four seasons states that it grew 30% more feed for the 2011/12 season than the ‘average’ farm for the district.
The report also shows that the Berryman property produced 47% more milk solids per hectare than the ‘average’, had a substantially higher gross margin measured in $/ha, and a lower impact on the environment.
When any model or research provides a response that is favourable to our position, as has the independent on-going nitrate leaching work at the Berryman’s which showed average Nitrate-N leaching levels of less than 5ppm for last season, we tend to view it favourably, when it doesn’t the tendency is to be critical.
What we believe is essential is that models should never drive behaviour. Farming is a practical exercise and changes should be driven from the field with science providing the reasons for the outcomes, remembering that substantial change nearly always comes from the fringes rather than mainstream.
For more information on a soil fertility system that grows and produces more without reliance on fertiliser nitrogen, and provides a positive environmental outcome phone Peter or Coralie on 0800 843 809 or visit www.esi.org.nz
TARANAKI/MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES DECEMBER 2012 13
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Every now and again I get this question thrown at me on a hoof trimming course. It is an interesting question which you can answer in different ways. Obviously, the ideal is ZERO.
The reality is quite different. When you have livestock you have health issues, and lameness is a part of that. I think it is good to explore this question a little more. The question is: “how many lame cows are acceptable?” The question is not: “how much time is it acceptable for a cow to be lame?” The answer to the second question is irrelevant because we have the responsibility to care for our cows and lame cows should be dealt with as soon as possible. We had a discussion about that within our team, and it made me realise how easy it is to mix up these two questions. I guess a different way of asking the same question is: “At what point is it necessary to put lameness up in the priority list?” I would suggest that the answer to that question is different per farm or per manager. I would even argue that it may be unwise to address lameness for some farmers. Let me explain that — when we run a business we always have issues to deal with. The
smartest thing to do is to deal with the issue that puts the biggest restriction on business effectiveness and efficiency. You could compare it with a water pipe that has restrictions in it that slows down the water flow. In the diagram you have a waterpipe with a number of issues or restrictions reducing the smooth flow through the pipe.
How many lame cows are acceptable?
Hoof PrintWith Fred Hoekstra
Water PipeM
echanical problems
Feed quality
Milk quality
Time
Irrigation problems
Lamness
In this scenario it makes more sense to concentrate on feed quality than on lameness because that is the biggest limiting factor for this farmer. When the feed quality is improved to the point that time is the biggest restriction (not necessarily when the problem has been dealt with completely) that is when the focus should shift to the time issue and see what can be done about that until milk quality becomes the biggest restriction. After that feed quality may need to be readdressed before the focus goes onto lameness. So the question of how many lame cows is acceptable is different per farm. Naturally we want all those problems to go away and have a farm that runs very smoothly and there are different strategies around to achieve that. One of the main difficulties is to identify the biggest restrictions in our businesses. It needs careful consideration. Some small issues may need to be dealt with earlier because they could turn into big issues if left alone for too long. Another issue is that of course, when you improve one problem it may have an effect on the other problems as well. So, I don’t think there is a clear guideline on how few lame cows
you should strive for — you just need to be constantly reviewing and evaluating the various restrictions at any given time and prioritise accordingly.
Images from
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This landmark commemorative book by Paul Campbell tells the story of the Albertlanders’ arrival and settling of the Kaipara area, and features many of Harold Marsh’s photographs that have been painstakingly restored.
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Harold Marsh 1876 — 1948
farmer, father, early Albertlander and adventurous photographer captured a time of enchantment, when life was lived at a slower pace and governed by a different set of values, priorities and ambitions.
This landmark commemorative book by Paul Campbell tells the story of the Albertlanders’ arrival and settling of the Kaipara area, and features many of Harold Marsh’s photographs that have been painstakingly restored.
The focus of the day was ‘how to maximise returns by integrating dairy housing with pasture’, and the centerpiece of interest was Aztech’s recently completed stand-off barn, the perfect venue for attendees to escape from the early summer heat.
“Using the dairy barn during the summer months is one way Bruce gets a return on his investment,” says Simon Clare of Aztech Buildings. “That’s because cool cows produce more milk. One degree celsius drop in cow temperature can equate to one additional litre of milk per cow every hour.”
Keynote speakers on the day, such as Dr Sue Macky from Dairy Production Systems and Dairy NZ’s Cameron Bierre agree — smarter ideas such as this to tackle the warm summer climate can really boost farmers’ bottom line.
“One of the aims is to improve feed conversion ef� ciency and get more milk for the same amount of feed given to the herd,” says Simon. “But
it doesn’t stop there — cow comfort and welfare is of primary importance. Aztech focus on managing cows’ rest, feed, space, water, air and light. Once these primary welfare principles are met, that’s when happy cows produce more milk.”
As Dr Macky says — “Cow’s don’t belong in greenhouses!” It’s important to build the right structure to maximise returns when integrating dairy housing and pasture.
“Dairy Housing is more than just getting the cows off the pasture. If you are going to do it, do it properly” says Simon. Aztech have conducted extensive research and development to bring the agricultural sector a range of dairy housing options, and they now offer a free dairy housing ‘blueprint’ to introduce farmers to the eight key bene� ts of their completed systems.
This is available online at www.aztechdairyhousing.co.nz or via phone on 0800 298 324.
A recent open day held on the property of Edgecumbe farmer Bruce Woods has proven a huge success for organisers and rural industry guests alike.
TARANAKI/MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES DECEMBER 2012 15
For a no obligation consultation of your farms soil contact:
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consultation of your consultation of your farms soil contact:farms soil contact:
Ron McLean North Island Sales Manager
For a no obligation consultation of your Fconsultation of your
BASE SATURATION PERCENTCalcium (60 to 70%)Magnesium (10 to 20%)Potassium (2 to 5%)Sodium (.5 to 3%)Other Bases (Variable)
By simply correcting your soils calcium and magnesium base saturation levels with calculated application of fine ground Golden Bay Dolomite you will significantly reduce your farms liming/animal health & fertiliser outgoings.
Dairying
14 If lucerne, oats and similar crops have hollow stems, calcium is lacking and yield will not meet potential. Adequate calcium also translates into better stock growth rates and weight gain.
15 Not all N, P, K, Mg, S etc is equal. Natural forms are far superior to chemical forms, and some chemicals are worse than others. The bioavailable forms of nutrients are the healthiest options.
16 A fertiliser programme must feed the microbes first, which will then feed the plants. Microbes include bacteria, fungi, protozoa, nemotodes, algae, ciliates, arthropods and earthworms.
17 Bacteria have a carbon nitrogen ratio of 5:1 which means for every six bacteria eaten, five parts of N are released. Nematodes are 100:1, so for every 20 bacteria they eat, 19 parts of N are released into the soil. This is why it’s so important that the soil life be in balance.
18 The number of earthworms in the soil
is an excellent visual sign of a healthy soil, and they can produce 30-300 tonnes /ha of casts per year. Worm casts from 20 worms per spade square contain 5xN (1.2/ha), 7xP, 3xMg,11xK and 1.5xCa, far more than ordinary soil (62 earthworms per square metre). Sulphur iron, zinc and trace elements also increase. Pasture fibre increases by over 100%.
19 Sixty percent of the sugars manufactured in leaves are transferred to the roots at night. Because sugar content in leaves is highest then, endeavour to cut hay or silage in late afternoon or evening.
20 Fifty percent of that root sugar is exuded into the soil to feed the microbes. Microbes in turn make minerals available to the plant. The nutrient responsible for that happening is boron.
21 Brix levels are a measurement of soluble solids (superior nutrition). Urea-fed pastures have low Brix readings. The minimum reading for pastures able to resist pests and diseases is 12, while an
by Brett Petersen
Forty three facts about fertilisers and soils
Part Two
Continued from last month excellent pasture will measure 24. A bee will not work flowers/nectar with a Brix level below 7; otherwise it will expend more energy in collection than it will get back. Using a refractometer regularly will aid in monitoring Brix levels.
22 There are 74,000 tonnes of free nitrogen above every hectare. This can be sequestered in the soil by having Ca at 65-70% and Mg at 10-12% of base saturation, available phosphorus, iron, cobalt and molybdenum. If one of these five requirements is missing, you may have to import nitrogen.
23 Dr Linus Pauling, winner of two Nobel Prizes, stated: “In my opinion, one can trace every sickness, every disease and every ailment to mineral deficiency.” If you accept this statement, then:
• Stock health problems are caused by poor fertiliser practises
• Insect problems are a system of poor fertiliser programmes
• Fungal and bacterial diseases are symptoms of poor fertiliser programmes
• Fruit and vegetables that do not store have been grown with incorrect fertilisers
• If you are dipping, dagging and drenching, your fertiliser programme is not working
• If you have to constantly re-grass areas of your farm, your fertiliser is failing you
24 Most people confuse symptoms with causes. This is deeply ingrained in our lives. The disease itself is not the cause; it is a symptom of an already failing and deficient
system. Once you accept that, you will have control over whether you and your property will be as susceptible to disease and other stresses (eg drought) or not.
25 Replacing the nutrients removed on an annual basis will not keep your soils in top efficient working order if you do not do that from a balanced platform.
26 Organic matter (OM) is the single most important factor determining profit, yet just one kilogram of excess nitrogen will account for a loss of 100kg of soil carbon, so organic matter will decline slowly but surely.
27 Most farm soils being ‘fed’ by chemical fertilisers are losing organic matter and the ability to hold nutrients and moisture. They are becoming more drought-prone, and pasture growth rates are decreasing, especially with applied chemical urea.
28 Over time, correct fertiliser policies substantially drought-proof the soil, build organic matter and improve health.
29 If 1% humus soil can only hold 24,000 litres, or the equivalent of 24mm rain before the water runs off, then 5% humus soil can hold 144mm of rain. More than 144mm of rain falling on soil with 5% humus will be lost to runoff, (depending on intensity). If soil does not have good levels of humus, it will not store enough water to feed rivers over summer, which is why summer river flows are decreasing.
30 On average, 73% of acid phosphate products complex (tie up) with aluminium, calcium, manganese and iron within six weeks of application. Alkaline phosphate products cost more, but are better value, as they do not tie up and become fully available.
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16 DECEMBER 2012 TARANAKI/MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
Indeed it was, and still is a landmark estate. Constructed entirely from native timbers — rimu, matai and totara — from
the estate, Highden emulated her Victorian English brothers and sisters with a Natusch designed melange of popular styles of the time — four-metre-high ceilings, period features including a wood-panelled entry foyer and main staircase, and carved wooden appointments on its façade.
After the passing of the Johnston family, Highden became a Marist Novitiate for the ensuing 70 years, affectionately known by the locals as ‘The Pope Factory’.
The Catholic Church still owns nearly 1,000 acres of surrounding farmland.
The chapel and accommodation section were rebuilt out of materials which in the time of the Johnstons had been the stables, coach sheds and grooms’ quarters but were excellently preserved.
Another disaster stuck in November 1955 when a fire broke out in the chapel and although it was detected early it was already climbing the walls of the corridor between sacristy and the chapel. The fire spread at a remarkable pace through the dry, old building as the onlookers watched in helpless despair. The fire was a serious blow but eventually it
In its day, the third largest home in New Zealand, Highden Manor Estate has stood as a valiant reminder of Manawatu’s economic prosperity since 1896. Built by local MP Walter Woods Johnston, the manor was his personal declaration that he was a ‘success’.
the Manawatu’sthe Manawatu’sthe Manawatu’sbest kept secret
bore fruit in a new separate chapel and better accommodation (now known as the lodge).
Brothers Kevin and Joachim set out to make Highden an economic farm unit capable of supporting a community of twenty to thirty people as well as maintain the huge homestead. This involved making a bold decision to clear a large area of native bush, 10 to 15 acres a year, and developing a system of farming that fitted with the brothers’
Highden Manor Estate, Manawatu.
Highden Manor main entrance
Highden Manor lounge
From 1990 to 2008, Highden was owned by a number of individuals and organisations, fulfilling the demands of a private residence, boutique wedding venue, a Shambala spiritual learning centre, and as an alternative schooling system for international students.
In late 2008 the current owners purchased Highden and transformed its appearance with the accumulation of ornate furniture and decor from every lamp and bedside table to the glamorous chandeliers and elegant drapes. After nearly three years of renovation and restoration, the ‘Jewel of the Manawatu’ began once again to shine brightly.
Highden now operates as a Category 1 — Historic Places Trust luxury hotel, with restaurant, bar, and conference facilities, as well as being the Manawatu’s leading wedding and function venue. Casual diners are welcome to experience the culinary delights created by Highden’s three chefs from Wednesday to Sunday nights. During November and December, Highden will also be offering High Tea on Sunday afternoons from 2pm to 4pm. Bookings are essential.
“After nearly three years of renovation
and restoration, the ‘Jewel of the Manawatu’ began
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religious life. Eventually Highden became self-sufficient consisting of 30 acres of pasture, a low maintenance piggery, sheep, cattle, chickens and eventually having a bee-keeper.
TARANAKI/MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES DECEMBER 2012 17
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Application of the ‘Body of Knowledge’ as Important as new research and developmentIn my monthly column I often remind people about how research and development is the only way to achieve long term, sustainable competitive advantage. What is often not stated, however, is that this is predicated on consistently and correctly applying the current best practice or body of knowledge. If this is not done, optimal outcomes will be compromised (at best), or even destroyed, by poor execution or poor quality.
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For an example of this involving pruning, see Wood Matters Issue 8: ‘Stark reality of poor pruning hits home at harvest time’.
With an increasingly large proportion
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18 DECEMBER 2012 TARANAKI/MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
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SUPER STEER
Fishing, Hunting Outdoors
Similarly, the Predator kontiki (a favourite of Kiwi anglers) has been fettled and engineered to perfection over the years, developing into the sleek and deadly system seen today. That’s because it’s the passionate project of a group of New Zealand fishermen who really know their stuff — a team who promise you years of fun and successful catches with the latest iteration of their creation.
With up to 54 pounds of thrust from its motor, controlled by both an innovative power management system and with the option of an advanced ‘autopilot’, the Predator is made to slice through the waves, handling the rough conditions of the west coast when other rigs would fail. Even snags and foul-ups are avoided with an inbuilt safety system to protect the motor.
For fishing fun this summer, take a
Nature’s design reels in the big onesWe all know that the shape of a shark works well when it comes to catching fish — the hungry predators of the ocean aren’t known for their lack of appetite, and they have been honed into swift hunters by millions of years of evolution.
“ 54 pounds of thrust”
KSN LED HUNTINGSPOTLIGHT SPECIALS!
Buy with confidence – 14 day right of return if returned in original condition.
www.ksnproducts.comPhone Karen or Simon on06 377 5522 or 021 298 0688Email: [email protected]
KSN LED HUNTING
KSN 250 Lumen LED Spotlight.
only $99Buy Now for Christmas and get the mount and extra battery free of charge! That’s an extra saving of $95*
*Limited quantities — while stocks last.Overnight delivery available to most places.
Makowhai Station is 22,000 acres of hill country situated in the upper reaches of the Waitotara Valley. Retreat to our rustic accommodation, hunt for wild
pigs, deer, bulls and goats, fish for trout or eels, ride our tracks or tour our beekeeping enterprise.
Your adventure… our backyardMakowhai Station
2012 Trail Bike Ride Nov 25th
2013 Horse Trek Jan 19th-20th Trail Bike Ride Feb 25th
Trails open daily for riding, trakking and tramping or book your hunting adventure now!
2012 COMING EVENTS
look at the latest advancement in kontiki technology — a shape literally millions of years in the making and all the better for it.
TARANAKI/MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES DECEMBER 2012 19
TARANAKI/MANAWATU FARMING
CLASSIFIEDSPhone 0800 466 793
For Sale4WD FARM Trucks — the ultimate replacement for a quad bike. These Suzuki 4WD are ideal for all farming disciplines including dairy. Combined Motors 06 756 8693 [email protected].
STOLEN QUAD-BIKES? You won’t find any listed here, but you can pre-empt this kind of thing happening and protect your fuel too. Visit www.parabeam.co.nz or call 0508 727 223 for more information.
Situations Vacant
ServicesFULL WORKSHOP/SERVICE Facilities — Everything required to keep your vehicle on the road. Highly trained staff, new modern workshop. No job too big or small. Combined Motors 06 756 8693 [email protected].
HOLES R US is the Taranaki region’s dependable drilling and foundation specialist. With over 13 years within the contracting industry, we deliver both exceptional and experienced service and versatility to all projects undertaken. Call Warren 06 756 6562.
NEED DRILLING? For efficient Drilling, Foundation, Soak and Waste Testing, and site investigation services — executed by a company with a wealth of practical expertise to afford all projects: Call Warren, Holes R Us, phone 06 756 6562.
DRIER. CLEANER. HEALTHIER
SOUTH TARANAKI & WANGANUIChem-Dry is the world’s largest carpet cleaning company
24 HOUR FLOOD & URGENT STAIN REMOVALCarpet and upholstery cleaning and 3protectionWe move the furniture 3Free quotes, residential and commercial 3
Available from CRT, PGG Wrightson, FarmlandsUV Protected Polycarbonate. Fits on any container with a flat surface. Instructions supplied with the fitting.$20 plus p&pGORDYS FLYTRAP FITTING21 LITCHFIELD ST, BLENHEIM
Cooper Rapley has an efficient, professional team of legal advisors who care, listen and
communicate. We work with our clients to achieve
their desired outcome
It is never too early to have your farming business so structured that you farm it now in a cost and tax effective way and so that your plans for succession mean that your successors will simply be able to step into your shoes.
Farming is a dangerous business with exposures to the elements, the public at large, employees and visitors.
To address the above we suggest the farm be structured so that a limited liability company be the owner of the livestock and plant and a family trust be the owner of the land and buildings.
The needs of the business banker would have to be accommodated. Normally this would entail providing the Bank with a general security over the Company assets and a mortgage over the Trust assets. Those securities would allow the Bank to make advances up to a certain agreed sum. It is important that any family moneys be similarly secured.
Whether the family debt is going to be repaid or forgiven by way of gift is a matter that should be reviewed at regular intervals. At the same time, any guarantees which have been entered into would also be reviewed so that they are removed if and when they are no longer needed. The amounts of any such guarantees need to be reasonable and under no circumstances should the provision of an unlimited guarantee be contemplated.
Farming for now and for succession
You would then put in place your proposals for what is to happen when you no longer wish to be actively involved in the farming business and as long as the appropriate steps are taken, then those desires are bulletproof.
If you have any doubts about the present set-up of your farming business and its ability to cope with your plans for the future, then do something about it.
We are expanding our telephone sales division, due to our community focus and belief in the NZ economy.
What you can bring:• Enthusiasm – heaps of it; actually you
need truckloads!
• The ability to build relationships – it’s true, some of your clients will become great friends.
• Great communications skills and the ability to work as part of a team… Okay, so not just someone who can yak and socialise, but actually empathise with clients and commit to your workmates.
WE arE oFFEring:• Opportunity – We are going places
and we’ll take you with us!
• Stability – our growth has been through the roof.
• Ongoing Training – we know we can always learn more – and we’ll teach you!
If you think you can keep pace with us (If you can then you will already know it…), then call in the first instance – we are local and we want your first contact with us to be easy – and we’ll all work out if we’re a good fit for each other.
09 439 6933 [email protected] you have what it takes to accept our challenge?
Publishers of Kaipara Lifestyler, Northland Farming Lifestyles, Waikato Farming lifestyles, Taranaki/Manawatu Farming Lifestyles, and Canterbury Farming.
20 DECEMBER 2012 TARANAKI/MANAWATU FARMING LIFESTYLES
Call our team on0508 TALKMILK
(0508 8255 6455)
EXPERIENCETHE NEW TRADITION IN DAIRYING
Cash FlowOur Settlement Payment System provides you with a superior cash flow to the industry standard model.You receive your money sooner.
ChoiceChoose a milk supply partner that works as your milk supply partner, a Partnership by Choice.
CapitalNo requirement to buy shares which means you have control over your capital.
ControlNo caps, quotas or capacity adjustments.You produce, we pay. It’s that simple!
With Open Country Dairy, you’re moving your business towards a better future, a future where you take control, a future where you flex your power as a milk producer, a future where you have the
ability to invest your profits straight back into your business.ability to invest your profits straight back into your business.
Experience the benefits and join the revolution, the new tradition in dairying. Choose Open Country and a community of like minded suppliers.
