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Set to take on the AussiesP2-4

GuardianASHBURTON

FarmingGUARDIAN

OCTOBER, 2013

The competitors in next month’s trans-Tasman Tux dog trial test will be approaching it like any battle

between the All Blacks and the Wallabies. With passion, determination and � ght.

The test is the main attraction at the Ashburton A&P Show, on November 1 and 2, and a good ole arm wrestle is expected.

The eight dog trialists will be working their superbly trained dogs on a mob of Romney hoggets provided by Dromore livestock farmer Mark Copland, who knows a thing or two about trialling himself.

Copland has represented New Zealand in dog trial tests eight times, both here and in Australia. He is a reserve for next month’s test at the Ashburton show. He would love a chance to battle the Aussies, but his champion dog, Skip, was injured by a cattlebeast last month and would only just be back to health if called upon at the last minute.

The New Zealand team has plenty of � repower anyway, he says. The team includes Stuart Millar (captain), from the Rakaia Gorge, with his dog Rose; Graeme Dickie from Lawrence with Tweed, Murray Child from Whangarei with Dice and Steve Murphy from Taranaki with Kahu.

The four were at Copland’s Somerton Road farm a fortnight ago, training as a group and going over subtle rule changes or interpretations that could a� ect their performances. Sometimes there is a change in the rules, just like a netball or rugby game.

He said the training session exposed a few areas the triallists needed to work on. “It also gives us a month to get the sheep in order.”

From about 800 hoggets on farm at the moment, he will pick a mob of 150 that could end up in the Tux arena. He and son Todd will work them a bit, “to weed out the rogues”, and whittle numbers down to around 70 for the tests.

The New Zealand team will be back at Copland’s farm the day before the show for more practice and then head up to Stuart Miller’s Peak Hill station with the

Australian trialists for some sightseeing.Copland has been dog trialling for

30 years after giving up rugby. He has accumulated 35 island and national placings in championships, and captained the New Zealand team � ve times.

“My father had pretty good working dogs and it was a natural transition.”

His desire to compete well and win has never dropped o� , that competitiveness is seen in he and Robyn’s sons, Hugh, Todd, and Kent, who have played top level hockey – Hugh for New Zealand.

Over the years, he says three or four dogs have stood out for him, having the close-to-perfect mix of ability to work hard and ability to be trained.

“The good ones you remember . . . and some of the bad ones. Some dogs don’t take ‘no’ for an answer very well.

“You see it early on in the pup pen when you are feeding them but it is in the � rst six to eight months that you know which ones might be good.”

Copland breeds a few of his own dogs and has a pound with at least eight dogs of varying ages. Past champ Mary, now graying around the muzzle, has her own peace and quiet in a separate kennel.

His dogs are bred to work on the farm and they do, every day. He selects two for extra work at trials. These dogs are pleased to work hard, do as they are told and be rewarded with a pat or kind words.

There is plenty of work to do on the farm. Copland has 670ha of irrigated and dryland paddocks. He runs 3000 commercial ewes and 200 Border Leicester stud ewes. From July to October the property � nishes 600-700 bullocks for Silver Fern Farms.

The farming property, Westmere, also

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Dog trialists set to take on the Aussies

Linda ClarkeRURAL REPORTER

Dromore livestock farmer Mark Copland with his dogs Skip (left) and Zoe.PHOTO TETSURO MITOMO 300913-TM-020

Any feedback is welcome,any comments about our magazine, letters or story suggestions.

Please direct any correspondence to: Linda Clarke, on 307-7971email: [email protected] write to PO Box 77, Ashburton.

Advertising: Phone 307-7974Email: [email protected] date: October 8, 2013

Next issue: November 5, 2013

An advertising feature for the Ashburton Guardian. Any opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Guardian Farming or the Ashburton Guardian.

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Dog trialists set to take on the Aussies

grows winter feed and cereals.The sheep stud is one of just 37

Border Leicester � ocks in the country and Copland says dwindling numbers means fewer opportunities to source stock. It is a good dual-purpose breed, for both meat and wool, and Westmere usually competes successfully at the Ashburton and Christchurch A&P shows, and others around the region.

“Showing is a great way to gauge ourselves against our peers,” he said.

He takes the same competitive nature into growing his winter feed – his crops have won competitions and he relishes the chance to learn more and improve what he is growing.

“When we � rst started entering the A&P winter feed competition, we were growing swedes at 14.5 tonne per hectare. With trial and experiment, we are now growing upwards of 23 tonne per hectare.”

He grows swede and fodder beet and

says he has learned to make good use of science to grow better crops.

Westmere has been in the care of both his father and grandfather and despite being surrounded by dairy farmers, he has no desire to milk cows. Never is a long time though, he says, not dismissing the possibility that his sons might see it di� erently in the future. He sees more of a future in growing other crops.

Right now the focus on farm is tidying up after the windstorm and working the test hoggets. He says Ashburton people should see the trans-Tasman test as it is an honour for the A&P association to host it.

“It is a national test. You have one man working with two di� erent types of mammals, dog and sheep. You put it all together and get it right, it is a big achievement.”

Continued next page

ABOVE: Mark Copland with his dog Mary (second from right) and fellow Kiwi team-mates after winning the trans-Tasman test at the Ashburton A&P Show in 2007.

4

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Dogs are a main feature at this year’s Ashburton A&P Show. The o� cial theme is Farming Friends: Family, Community and

Business, but man’s best friend, the dog, has pride of place. The Trans-Tasman test between New Zealand and Australian dog triallists will be held in a special arena at the western end of the showgrounds, near

Drummond and Etheridge.The dogs in the test must herd a small group of sheep around obstacles and into a pen, against the clock, and in response to commands and whistles from their owners.Elsewhere in the showgrounds, a team of dogs from the Ashburton dog obedience club will be showing visitors their skills.

Show president David Bennett, himself a sheep farmer with dogs, said the working dog was de� nitely man’s best friend and deserved special status at the 136th show. Mr Bennett hoped plenty of visitors would get in behind the Kiwi test team as they took on the Aussies for two tests over the course of the two-day show.

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Sebco diesel stations are prov-ing to be popular on farmer’s/contractor’s yards and in certain industrial settings. “Driving around farms all across New Zealand you don’t have to go very far until you spy a unit sited on a farm some-where,” says Ed Harrison, owner of Ashburton-based Fuel Storage Systems Ltd, manufacturers of the Sebco brand.In fact, a lot of these units have now pumped several hundred thousand litres with known quanti-ties going through a Sebco 4800 of up to 200,000 litres a year. “The feedback we are getting from customers is fantastic,” says Ed.

“I even had one chap ring me up and tell me the Sebco 4800 was the best thing he had ever bought for the farm. He was also confi rm-ing another Sebco purchase at the same time.”When looking at the build quality, the use of quality components and how the set-up all works, it is easy to see why these Sebco diesel stations are gaining a reputation of a “must have” in farming circles. “With the onset of the common-rail diesel engine, the need for clean fuel is never more crucial,” says Ed. There are many stories in the marketplace of late model vehicles failing in the injector pumps and

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If the winds of September 10 and living in Canterbury has taught us anything, it

is the necessity to expect the unexpected.

Along with earthquakes and snow events, the frequency of interruptions to power supplies, normal routines and production comes around at least once every 20 years.

Now that the winds are yesterday’s news, and damage control and repair programmes have fully kicked in to the credit of the irrigation service industry, where to from here? What level of risk management is appropriate to avoid the pain of business interruption?

When operating irrigation equipment prone to wind, there

are options to protect against damage.

IrrigationNZ has received a number of queries asking if putting water in tyres of pivots and laterals is a good solution. The jury seems to be split over this action.

The extra weight makes a di� erence holding the irrigator down but there are cases of irrigators with water-� lled tyres tipping over. Adding water also contributes to the overall weight of the irrigator potentially amplifying rutting issues.

If during a severe event, a pivot or lateral does collapse, they tend to do more damage as the fall is harder and once upside down the structure may not be able to hold the extra weight.

Another consideration is that it is not the towers that need stabilising but the spans. Like an albatross an irrigator has a large wingspan compared to its weight. The spans catch the wind and move in a backwards

and forwards motion (they vibrate).

If the towers are more secure the damage can change from impact damage, when the irrigator hits the ground after being “blown over”

(they actually “jump over”), to twisting and tearing damage which can be less salvageable.

Another option is securing the irrigator to a series of anchor points set in the ground.

Again the critical part to

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anchor is the spans; even though it may be easiest to anchor the towers.

There does not appear to be many “o� the shelf” kits to use for securing irrigators, but with this event some innovative solutions will be found.

As a risk management tool a series of concrete blocks or

piles set in the ground in a line and some strops could be a cheap option.

Some of the questions we need to ask are does the solution need to be portable?

For example, a series of weights (concrete blocks or the like) engineered and calculated to cope with the

expected loads that can be carted to wherever the irrigator is positioned.

Would that be suitable for a cropping situation with damage to crops while accessing? What loads would the anchor have to cope with and what does an anchor look like?

Permanent anchor points could pose problems if the irrigator is some hours away from being in that particular position and power outages are likely.

So an emergency action plan and reaction to a severe

weather warning is required. Forecasting these severe

weather events and warning systems have considerably improved since the last big blow of this magnitude in 1975.

The Isobar maps for August 1,1975, and for September 10, 2013, were very similar. In 1975 there were few if any pivots or laterals.

So there needs to be some questions answered in terms of quantifying what strength of wind gusts or conditions actually cause damage?

Is it gusts up to 150 kilometres an hour, or 100km/hr?

Where and how should a weather warning be placed and what timeframes are necessary to enable action?

In the absence of more sophisticated anchoring, the simple action of positioning an irrigator in a sheltered place or pointing into or away from the direction of the wind is the � rst step.

Always be mindful that if parking a travelling irrigator next to a shelterbelt that windblown limbs could be

equally damaging. There is a considerable

amount of talk for dairy farmers in particular to have generators to protect against power outages.

The necessity of keeping milk � owing and then cooled and having pumping capacity for the basics of drinking and cleaning water is a risk that many farmers are not prepared to carry.

But having a generator on hand is not the same as having it ready.

Like the All Blacks who regularly practice with 14 men, a backup system needs to be regularly practised and operated so all players know how it will work.

The recent events have focussed minds on risk management and there are plenty of questions like those posed above.

IrrigationNZ will look to answer these questions and others over the coming months. If you have any ideas or suggestions, we’d be interested to hear from you.

August 1, 1975

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Last month we considered some legal elements of the farm-sale process

from the seller’s perspective. This month I will focus on two key aspects that may assist prospective farm purchasers in a hot market. For the purposes of this contribution, I am assuming that we are operating in a “seller’s market”.

The key consideration is that for every property listed, there will be several potential bidders, creating a competitive environment. Preparation and due diligence

Before making an o� er, key steps will include physical inspections, capital expenditure and operational expenditure budgets, con� rmation of � nance and insurance, getting the professional team together and reviewing the sale and property documentation. The earlier this is done, the more likely the purchaser is to understand all risks, issues and opportunities associated with the property. Legal due

diligence will cover a range of matters, extending from legal title of review, through to water, regional and local authority matters and the contractual documents themselves. This should extend to water scheme documentation, given the signi� cant development that some of our schemes are undergoing. A thorough review of the contractual documents will reveal the vendor’s requirements and position in respect to the various matters raised in last month’s contribution. The lawyer will often “project manage” the associated professionals in the team including the rural banker, accountant, insurer and others, pulling the various work streams together ahead of the due date for submission of o� ers.

Because of evolving environmental issues around

Options for your o� er

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LAWYERS

land use and water, it may also be appropriate to have a separate due diligence exercise carried out by an environmental consultant. Allowing professionals su� cient time to look at the issues and risks will increase the quality of the advice.

Preparation becomes even more crucial in joint purchase/equity partnerships scenarios, where several parties may need to enter into binding arrangements before submitting an o� er for the property.

Rather going to the cost and hassle of the above steps before submitting a bid that may not be successful, a purchaser can always circumvent this by including a “due diligence condition” in its o� er. Such a condition can cover one or a range of speci� c inquiries, or be general in nature. If the conditional o� er is accepted, this will allow the purchaser time to fully consider the property and all related aspects. The downside is that a purchaser putting in a conditional o� er is unlikely to be successful against an

unconditional o� er at a similar price.

A purchaser must weigh up the cost of going through a full due diligence exercise before bidding, against the opportunity cost of putting in a conditional o� er that is unlikely to succeed.

The same applies to changes to the vendor’s prescribed sale terms. In a hot market, any attempt to alter the balance of risk or bene� t away from the vendor must be carefully considered against the possibility that competing comparable o� ers may be “clean”.

All of this comes down to the purchaser’s assessment of opportunity, risk, and economics of the property, and the terms upon which it is being sold.

PriceThis can be the most di� cult part of the process. I have seen countless purchasers agonise over where they should pitch their o� er in a competitive environment. Unlike public auctions, the purchaser has no visibility of the purchase

price that other buyers may be prepared to pay.

Only the vendor will have this information and then only when the o� ers are opened. For this reason purchasers are shooting blind and can only rely on sentiment and historic sales data to establish “the market”.

What the market was on historic sales, and what the market will be for the target property on closing date can be two di� erent things, as a rising market sets new benchmarks with each comparable sale.

Lawyers will often be asked to advise on price. This is di� cult, as di� erent purchasers will be prepared to pay di� erent amounts for a property depending on their own circumstances. For example, one purchaser may look at a particular property as a stand-alone economic unit carrying out a particular type of farming. Because of perceived greater economies of scale, a neighbouring farmer may be prepared to pay more.

Taking this into account, I think the best advice a lawyer can give in terms of price is

to consider the economics of the property for the particular intended (and permitted) use, and pitch accordingly.

When considering the economics of the property, sensitivity analysis on the key variables is useful. Will a particular property remain attractive under a combination of the following adverse variables?

• Low production.

• Low production prices.

• High interest rates.

• High production costs.

While sounding pessimistic, this re� ects that slight changes in one or a number of the above variables could have a signi� cant impact on the economics of a particular property. A good farm accountant or consultant can easily model these variables.

Every year, we will see a number of “referential o� ers”. A referential o� er is a purchase price stated as being “$50,000.00 higher than the next highest bidder”. Often the sale documentation will expressly prohibit referential

o� ers. Aside of that, I have rarely seen a referential o� er secure a property.

To summarise, the price pitch is often the hardest part. It all comes down to what a particular property is worth for a particular purchaser, and how much that purchaser is prepared to pay. This analysis is within the purchaser’s control.

Whether the resulting o� er is high enough relies entirely on the decisions of others!

ConclusionSecuring a farm property in a competitive seller’s market can be frustrating for a purchaser. Even when the purchaser has done everything right, there is always the possibility that a competing bidder is prepared to pay more.

That said, the odds of success, and more importantly purchasing the right property at the right price, can be increased through a comprehensive pre-purchase due diligence exercise.

Good luck to those looking for a new farm property this season.

9

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Corner South Street and East Street, Ashburton

$1850+GST

Calf Sheds(Gate Extra)

2507

13

(Ramp Extra) $350.00+GST

BAYS: 3x3.6m | Depth:6.0m | Height: 3.6 - 3.0Competitor’s price (special) $6,697+GST | ITM PRICE $5,325+GST

DARE TO COMPARE PRICES3 BAY LEAN-TO3 BAY LEAN-TO3 BAY LEAN-TO 6 BAY GABLE6 BAY GABLE6 BAY GABLE

BAYS: 6x4.5m | Depth:6.0m | Height: 3.6 - 3.0Competitor’s price (special) $14,597+GST | ITM PRICE $13,120+GST

3 BAY LEAN-TO WITH ONE LOCKABLE BAY

Bays: 3 x 4.5mDepth: 9.0m (2x4.5m)

Height: 3.9 – 3.0

Competitor’s price (special) $12,697+GST

ITM price $10,820+GST

Phone Allan McCormick today on0274 331 869 or email on [email protected]

for all your farm building enquiries

Rural and Outdoor Timber Yard

Call us today on 308 6444 for all your timber needs

Calf Pens

Come see our team today for more details on our calf pens, shelters & sheds

$1835+GST

Corner South Street and East Street, Ashburton

$1850+GST

Calf Sheds(Gate Extra)

2507

13

(Ramp Extra) $350.00+GST

92 Dobson Street, Ashburton | Phone 03 307 0412 | Hours: Mon – Fri 7am – 5.30pm | Sat 8am – 12pm

Product may vary from photo

Product may vary from photo

10

Waitaki Boys’ High School and Don House Boarding

establishment is a superb choice for education and

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Early applications are advised to avoid disappointment

For school and boarding enquiries please contact 03 437 0529 or Director of Boarding Troy Looms on 03 433 1137 or 021 243 3115 Email [email protected]

www.waitakibhs.school.nz

FOREST AND BIRDMary Ralston

Most conservation e� ort in New Zealand is directed at the

conspicuous wildlife such as our native birds, and rare plants. But how many people know about our native lizards?

Not many. Few people realise that many lizard species are threatened by the same factors that a� ect our native birds – predators such as cats and stoats, and loss of habitat.

Fortunately, by preserving and restoring areas to protect plants we can also protect the lizards. The kanuka reserve near Tinwald is a good example – it preserves plants that were once characteristic of the Canterbury Plains and is also home to many lizards, and the traps around

Lake Heron that catch predators of the grebes also bene� t the local skinks which love living among the tussocks and rocks.

We can do a lot for lizards in our own farms and gardens. Lizards need warm dry shelter such as piles of stones. Originally the Canterbury Plains had lots of areas of dry stony habitat but development for farming has cleared many of these natural sites and some stony riverbeds are now covered with weeds. Fortunately the stones farmers piled up in the paddocks or along fencelines provide perfect warm, dry shelter, and they attract insects and other invertebrates which are food for the lizards.

The more intensive farming practices such as irrigation and the change to cattle rather than sheep have reduced available habitat for lizards: many of the piles of stones have gone and irrigation means the habitat is

no longer hot and dry. Some farmers have piled stones in the corners of paddocks where the centre pivots do not reach and this provides great habitat for lizards.

We can also do a similar thing in our gardens – place piles of stones in a warm dry area, making sure there are gaps of about 5mm to 20 mm for the lizards to escape into. Old concrete, roo� ng iron, dead wood and bricks are also perfect places for them to live (in other words, don’t be too tidy). Reducing predator pressure will bene� t both birds and lizards – trapping predators and putting bells on cats.

Lizards also like the fruits of native plants such as coprosmas, and the fewer chemicals used the better so that there are invertebrates (such as spiders, beetles and slaters) for them to eat.

New Zealand has about 80 species of lizards. There are

many di� erent types of lizard in the world but New Zealand only has skinks and geckos. Skinks are the shiny brown ones, and geckos have loose baggy skin and large eyes that cannot blink. Skinks are active during the day; green geckos are active during the day but the brown geckos are nocturnal.

Lizards deserve our attention: they are an important part of our native fauna, like fantails,

grebes and kanuka. By retaining piles of stones in our paddocks or along fencelines we can help the lizards.

Sheep grazing doesn’t a� ect the stones or the lizards but if the paddocks are to be grazed by cattle, a hot wire along the edge can help keep them o� the stones and the piles intact.

Even a small pile of stones or wood in a warm place can make a di� erence – this sounds like a good spring project.

Love your lizards

A skink sunbathing on a rock.

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Full range of engineering supplies & accessories for all your repairs & maintenance.Kerrick Hot & Cold Waterblasters & Industrial Vacuum Cleaners. Esseti Welders & Accessories. Stockists and distributors of Trailer Equipment.Locally owned & operated family business for 60 years.

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There is a quiet revolution under way to get people rethinking waste. It’s

good for business, good for households and good for our planet. Read on and be prepared.

Wearable Waste Ashburton A&P Show

Locally the Wearable Waste Competition is running again this year. This is the third year and entries just get better.

Creating wearable waste is a fun project for a family, household, school class or workplace. Have a look and see what is lying round the workshop or shed, visit your recycling depot to � nd some more materials and get creating. Entries close October 22. Be in to win a share of the $500 prize money. For more information contact [email protected] or www.ashburtonshow.co.nz

Imagine a mobile phone that runs on urine power powered by a smart toilet

Scientists working at the University of Bristol have developed a novel way of charging mobile phones using urine as a power source to generate electricity.

Dr Ioannis Ieropoulos is an expert at harnessing power from unusual sources using microbial fuel cells (MFCs). He says “we are very excited as this is a world � rst. Using the ultimate waste product as a source of power is about as eco as it gets.”

One product that we can be sure of is an unending supply is our own urine. By harnessing this power as urine passes through a cascade of microbial fuel cells we have managed to charge a mobile phone.

The beauty of this fuel source is that we are not replying on

the erratic nature of the wind, or the sun, we are actually using a waste product to create energy.

So far this microbial fuel source generates enough power to enable SMS messaging, web browsing and to make a brief phone call.

The microbial fuel cell is an

energy converter which turns organic matter directly into electricity via the metabolism of live micro organisms. Essentially the electricity is a by-product of the microbes natural life cycle so the more they eat things like urine the more energy they generate.

The scientists believe that

Rethinking your waste

Judith Edgar was the winner of last year’s wearable waste competition.

MASTAGARD ASHBURTONSheryl Stivens

13the technology has the future potential to be installed in domestic bathrooms to harness the urine and produce su� cient electricity to power showers, lighting or razors as well as mobile phones.

Funding is now being sought to develop smart toilets to separate urine for energy.

You can use microbes for bokashi composting and healthy gardens

Do you know about bokashi bucket composting?

It is an easy way to compost food scraps right in your kitchen. All you need is a bokashi bucket system and some bokashi zing.

Put your food scraps into the bucket, sprinkle with bokashi zing and put the lid on. The zing will ferment your food scraps, including meat, so there is no smell or � ies and your food scraps will soon be teaming with microbial life.

Once the bucket is full you can bury it in your vegetable garden. As I found out when I planted out some broccoli

seedlings recently, after a few weeks the trench you buried the contents of your bucket in will be teaming with tiger worms and full of fertility all ready for planting your summer vegetable garden.

For help with composting food scraps with bokashi call 0800627824 or email [email protected] or [email protected]

Composting demo October 23

At the Eco Education centre alongside the Mastagard Recycling Shed: To learn about food waste composting with bokashi or worms come along to the Eco Education Centre Wednesday October 23, 1pm- 2.30pm or contact us for free advice.

Happy spring gardening to all – Hope to see you at the Ashburton A&P Show.

Sheryl Stivens is the Eco e� ciency Co-ordinator for

Mastagard Education Food scraps, including meat waste goes into a bokashi bucket.

For many New Zealanders, September 2013 will be remembered for all the

wrong reasons.From a national perspective, the

lack of success of the America’s Cup challenge was seen by many as a disaster.

From my own perspective the ongoing e� ects of the North Island drought and the as yet unknown cost to the productive sector of the windstorms of September and associated damage provides a more serious concern.

Firstly to the America’s Cup. Remember, it’s only a sport. Yeah!

I, for one, am glad the cup was won on the water and not in the courtroom – despite many lawyers feathering their considerable nests along the way.

Yes, we lost the � nal 9–8 to an American entry, skippered by an Australian, but funded by the man described as one of the richest

in the world. Oracle was built at Warkworth, New Zealand, the team “boss” was kiwi Sir Russell Coutts, and the majority of the crew New Zealanders.

To claim we will lose $100 million in the boat building industry is drawing a very long bow.

With Oracle and Emirates Team New Zealand the fastest catamarans in the world, historically right at the forefront of mono-hull design and construction, and a worldwide reputation in super yacht building, clearly we are far from a spent force.

World titles even in the last week in yachting and Olympic medals at most recent Games, entrenches New Zealand as a top yachting nation.

Pride in our sporting achievements for such a small nation is inevitable, but I struggle to believe that professionalism in any sport is more about sport than money.

It certainly de� es my logic that any wind-powered vessel can travel at twice the speed of its power source? Amazing!

As for spending another $36 million tax payer dollars to repeat

14

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15

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the dose – forget it, at least in the current economic climate. America’s Cup is a plaything for rich nations.

A much better return to taxpayers would result if this level of funding was used to assist young families into their � rst home, upgrade roading in our productive rural hinterland, increase e� ciency and capability of our rail corridor or release irrigation water sustainably to expand export production.

My real fear is that any further huge government incentive for world sporting events in Auckland will see further taxpayer largesse used to prop up transport issues in that city at the expense of greater New Zealand.

The much vaunted “trickle down” theory as an excuse for tax spending in one region, has proven time and again to be fallible.

Can anyone seriously quantify the South Island bene� ts of the World Rugby Cup – or for that matter the Christchurch 1974 Commonwealth Games to the greater South Island? Figures released certainly don’t withstand close scrutiny. How about

concentrating on farm production where we constantly shine on the world stage.

And what a challenge Canterbury Farmers have faced this winter. The heaviest snowfall for many years, 200 mls of rainfall in a week in coastal areas and gales close to those of 1975 intensity across the District, have all made for a challenging season.

Damage to an estimated 800 irrigators has the potential to cause signi� cant loss of production not only in this season but well into 2014.

If a dry October eventuates, low pasture production coupled with a clean-out of last winter’s reserves due to snow and mud could lead not only to poorer mating percentages and lower spring production, but a de� cit of silage and hay next year.

I believe irrigation companies are making huge endeavours to source manpower and parts to a� ect repairs as early as possible, but arable farmers, dairy and sheep enterprises may all face production losses of some signi� cance.

Here’s hoping for a moist October and November.

Congratulations to EA Networks for their massive e� ort to restore power in such a short time frame to most consumers.

It was disappointing that some individual consumers with on farm damage, who quite correctly were last in the queue, were the same properties compromised in the 2006 snow event. Maybe, the ongoing call to keep trees clear of power lines will now be heeded?

On a similar issue the Rural Support Trust, (of which I am chairman) were disappointed at the number of dairy farmers who lacked back-up generators to maintain water supply and/or dairy shed operation.

Although the Trust was able to source – at considerable cost – a number of portable generators from as far away as Buller and Central Otago, again we were dismayed that some were the same enterprises caught short in the 2006 snow event.

Surely a $20-$40,000 investment in insurance on a multi-million dollar business is greater priority than expensive overseas annual holidays?

The Trust was pleased to again assist, but hope that some lessons

have been learnt.Another September item of

really bad news for the Rural Support Trust was the black grass biosecurity misadventure. The role of the Trust is yet to be clearly de� ned this debacle.

That contaminated seed sent for multiplication ever crossed the border de� es logic – that a specialist grain � rm could be so irresponsible to allow its escape during transport plainly intolerable.

It’s hard to imagine a grain growing area in New Zealand where the potential for disaster is more real. Added irresponsibility was the delay in advising authorities of the spill, with roads along the route being used by herds of cattle and vehicles to all destinations.

Damage control will be on-going, labour intensive and expensive and not necessarily successful.

Most farmers are prepared for and can cope with nature’s severest challenges, but when industry a� liates are careless to this degree; it’s a bitter pill to swallow.

16

16

HM

DG

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16HMDG2020 Ashburton Guardian

irrigation wellspotable water supplieswater quality testingground source heatinggeotechnical assessment

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SMITHSWELLDRILLING LI

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Domestic, Dairy Stockwaterand irrigation wells

Supply & installation of pumpsystems

For a non obligation on siteconsultation, contact:

Barry KewishPh 03 324 3799or 027 433 8245

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ATTENTION FARMERS!SILAGE SEASON IS UPON US

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Arable Farmers - Don’t forget to book in early for all your windrowing requirements. We operate the latest MacDon M series windrowers with 9 different front options.

Five years ago 600 hectares of New Zealand vineyards were certi� ed as organic.

But last year that � gure was pushed out to about 2500ha at the end of the 2012 vintage, and it is expected to grow.

At the forefront is Hawke’s Bay’s Mission Estate Winery. For the 2010-11 grape-growing season Mission joined up with Wither Hills in Marlborough and Gibbston Valley in Central Otago to pioneer a trial of organic grapes alongside conventional grapes.

The study, initiated by Organic Winegrowers of New Zealand, whose aim is to have a � fth of all vineyards accordingly certi� ed by 2020, is now into its � nal year and the results so

far have been encouraging, says Mission viticulturist Caine Thompson.

“One of the real surprises for us has been that after only two years the berry quality is on a par with conventionally grown grapes.

“I think there’s a perception that it takes longer to transition to organic production, but the trial has shown that’s simply not the case.”

Mr Thompson says that although the 2011 vintage in Hawke’s Bay was one of the more challenging of his career the organic programme still produced “ very pleasing” results.

The � nal year of the trial will see the participating wineries make wine exclusively from

organic grapes and then evaluate the quality against wine made from the trial’s conventionally grown grapes.

Mr Thompson has been more than convinced by the results.

“If you can grow the same quantity at the same quality for the same cost by going organic, then why not go down that route?”

Mr Thompson is monitoring 16ha of Gimblett Gravels vines – half being grown in

the conventional style and half under strict organic controls.

He has long been interested in organics and says Mission was well placed to be part of the project as it has a tradition of nurturing the environment.

The results so far looked good. Harvest data and disease control were virtually identical for both growing systems, while the costs of organic production were lower.

Mr Thompson says the

challenges included controlling weeds and disease prevention, maintaining soil standards and ensuring strong yields “while keeping a rein on costs and producing fruit quality”.

He says quality was high in the test merlot and syrah blocks for the recent harvest.

“One of the real surprises for us has been that after only two years the berry quality is on a par with conventionally grown grapes,” hesays. –APNZ

Organic grape growth strongBY ROGER MORONEY

Organically grown grapes are doing well in a trial comparing them with non-organically grown grapes.

Rural Solutions• Stockwater • Cattle Underpasses

• Drainage • Culverts

Phone 0800 502 112 for your nearest HumesSales Centre or visit www.humes.co.nz

Timaru Sales Centre10 Racecourse Rd, Washdyke, TimaruPh: 03 688 2079





















• Stockwater • Cattle Underpasses• Drainage • Culverts

Phone 0800 502 112 for your nearest HumesSales Centre or visit www.humes.co.nzTimaru Sales Centre10 Racecourse Rd, Washdyke, TimaruPh: 03 688 2079

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When part of the Mid Canterbury arable farm he managed was con-

verted to a dairy farm, Millan Bun-gard was presented with a unique

opportunity to go into business for himself as a contractor.

He and wife Michelle purchased a tractor, drill and spreader from Wright Farms in April of this year and set up Methven Contracting, servicing not only Wright Farms but other properties in the district.Millan, who has been working for Wright Farms since 2001, is still able to use his highly developed crop husbandry skills managing the remaining arable side of Methven farmer John Wright’s 500ha farming business, while growing the contracting business.“John and Jane Wright are very sup-portive employers, they have encouraged Michelle and I to take up a couple of busi-ness opportunities with them over recent years and are being very understanding

as we grow Methven Contracting,” Millan said.And the new business is growing well, already the spreader has been replaced with a new Bredal spreader from Eu-roAgri and the tractor set up with auto steer for drilling (GPS was already being used for spreading). Plans to purchase an additional tractor are being fast-tracked due to growth, and business plans are currently being � nalised to purchase a combine harvester (in partnership with Woods Contracting) to add contract har-vest to the range of agricultural services Methven Contracting provides.Millan is known as a meticulous, hard-working operator, and wife Michelle is just the same when it comes to handling the company’s administration. With two young children and Michelle’s own busi-ness and community commitments to juggle it is a busy schedule, but one they love.

Meticulous, hardworking couple start new contracting

� rm

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/13

18

17

























• Stockwater • Cattle Underpasses• Drainage • Culverts

Phone 0800 502 112 for your nearest HumesSales Centre or visit www.humes.co.nzTimaru Sales Centre10 Racecourse Rd, Washdyke, TimaruPh: 03 688 2079

dpi 2

5756

/13

When part of the Mid Canterbury arable farm he managed was con-

verted to a dairy farm, Millan Bun-gard was presented with a unique

opportunity to go into business for himself as a contractor.

He and wife Michelle purchased a tractor, drill and spreader from Wright Farms in April of this year and set up Methven Contracting, servicing not only Wright Farms but other properties in the district.Millan, who has been working for Wright Farms since 2001, is still able to use his highly developed crop husbandry skills managing the remaining arable side of Methven farmer John Wright’s 500ha farming business, while growing the contracting business.“John and Jane Wright are very sup-portive employers, they have encouraged Michelle and I to take up a couple of busi-ness opportunities with them over recent years and are being very understanding

as we grow Methven Contracting,” Millan said.And the new business is growing well, already the spreader has been replaced with a new Bredal spreader from Eu-roAgri and the tractor set up with auto steer for drilling (GPS was already being used for spreading). Plans to purchase an additional tractor are being fast-tracked due to growth, and business plans are currently being � nalised to purchase a combine harvester (in partnership with Woods Contracting) to add contract har-vest to the range of agricultural services Methven Contracting provides.Millan is known as a meticulous, hard-working operator, and wife Michelle is just the same when it comes to handling the company’s administration. With two young children and Michelle’s own busi-ness and community commitments to juggle it is a busy schedule, but one they love.

Meticulous, hardworking couple start new contracting

� rm

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/13

18

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34 High Street, GeraldinePhone (03) 693 1403Wayne 027 221 1467 Nigel 0274 822 315www.barberdrilling.com

IRRIGATION & DOMESTIC WATER WELLS

• Latest Well Drilling Equipment• Licenced owner operators• Generator for hire service• Well - Vu Camera

NOW IS THE TIME TO DO WELL

MAINTENANCE

LOCALLY OWNED & OPERATED

BARBERWELLDRILLING

SERVICES

After many years working in Australia, contracting to mining giants like Rio Tinto ad BHP Billiton, the Barber Well Drilling team have quickly become leaders in dual-rotary drilling in the South Island, answering the call for straight wells that provide a long well life. Established in 2001 and based in Geraldine; Bruce and Wayne lead an exceptional drilling team who, with a wealth of drilling experience, bring an abundance of skills and expertise to South Island farmers. Demand for well maintenance and old well redevelopment is increasing as regulatory costs increase to control demand. Barber Drilling can video and test existing wells, and fi nd ways to help farmers bring old wells back into use again. These services include: Down hole video, Well monitoring and fl ow testing equipment for Ecan consents, Well redevelopment, Advice and prob-lem solving Barber Well Drilling prides themselves on their very high standard of effi cien-cy and, meaning less breakdowns and inconveniences for the farmer.Barber Well Drilling operates one rig on drilling and screening the bore and a second rig specialises test pumping and confi rmation of water volume be-ing accessed. “Our method of testing is

to the highest standard to ensure cus-tomer satisfaction, and we specialise in testing pump and well performance in older bores to maintain reliability and productivity,” says Wayne. “It’s our abil-ity to provide advice and be involved in problem solving onsite with our clients that sees us currently booked three months in advance.”“Our dual-rotary drilling rig is designed to prevent sticking or breaking in your well. We can drill to a depth of 300m with well diameters from 150mm to 400mm.” says managing director Wayne O’Donnell. Barber Drilling uses only thick-wall steel which doesn’t buckle, so your well stays straighter, giv-ing you a better quality, long-life well.While much of their work involves 300 mm bores and big pumps that drive huge pivot irrigators they also do a lot of 150 mm bores for stock, domestic lifestyle blocks, and dairy sheds. Barber Well Drilling has also been involved in the drilling of monitoring wells for Environment Canterbury in the last 12 years.When you use Barber Drilling to drill your water well, you can be reassured that you have chosen Canterbury’s experienced, well trained team of professional drillers whose knowledge of local conditions will ensure that your new water well is an asset to your farm.

ASSET TO YOUR FARM

34 High Street, GeraldinePhone (03) 693 1403Wayne 027 221 1467 Nigel 0274 822 315www.barberdrilling.com

IRRIGATION & DOMESTIC WATER WELLS

• Latest Well Drilling Equipment• Licenced owner operators• Generator for hire service• Well - Vu Camera

NOW IS THE TIME TO DO WELL

MAINTENANCE

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Roger SmithC O N T R A C T I N G

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The first Claydon Drill to be brought into New Zealand has been run success-fully this last Autumn by Roger Smith Contracting. Imported by Agronomy Solutions for the specific purpose of planting Oil Seed Rape and wheat on the heavier soils of South Canterbury, the results have been so successful it is now available for establishing Green Feed Crops and most spring options.The Claydon Drill is unique in that it has a leading front tine that cultivates ahead of the seeding mechanism to create a slot for the roots of the crop to follow into the soil. This front tine

breaks surface compaction and allows for easy root development. The strength of root development has been the key to the success of this drill in Europe and being a direct drill all moisture and nutrients are saved in the soil during the drilling process. Rolling following the drill is an essential part of the operation to give good seed to soil contact. This is a very cost effective way to establish crops however it is not the answer to all situations. With Pugged ground and very heavy trash loading the plough/cultivater option is still a wise choice.

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NFS are a progressive accounting � rm 100% committed to the � nancial growth and success of its clients. They utilise the latest technology and support tools to provide their clients with smart, e� cient � nancial management. NFS believe it is imperative to actively look at the underlying � nancial health of their clients business. “From asset protection to succession to capital replacement, we work with our clients to achieve their goals and realise their dreams”.

NFS have a team of experienced people with specialised skills in rural accounting. They make it their business to understand the unique issues that often surround the farming industry, along with the practical considerations of working together. “We’ll help you manage your business, and because we establish a one-on-one relationship with each of our clients, our advice will be tailored for your individual needs. That means we’ll call on you if that makes life easier

plus we have the tools to make your farm accounts easy to manage from our end and hassle free from yours. The last thing farmers need is to be bogged down with paperwork.”

”We’ve developed our traditional accounting practices in to innovative client-focused services. Our � exibility and adaptability will ensure we can help you get the best results.”

Nick Noone, Ant Ford and Tom Simpson have all been heavily involved in the rural and business community in South and Mid Canterbury. Together with their team of over 25 specialised sta� they continue to lead the way in innovative, individualised accountancy services in this region.

“We know how hard farmers work to achieve their results. We see our role as providing the tools and expertise to maximise your pro� ts and future-proof your business.”

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NFS have a team of experienced people with specialised skills in rural accounting. They make it their business to understand the unique issues that often surround the farming industry, along with the practical considerations of working together. “We’ll help you manage your business, and because we establish a one-on-one relationship with each of our clients, our advice will be tailored for your individual needs. That means

we’ll call on you if that makes life easier plus we have the tools to make your farm accounts easy to manage from our end and hassle free from yours. The last thing farmers need is to be bogged down with paperwork.”




To truely understand rural accountingwe reckon you sometimes need to get your gumboots on.

Ph. 03 687 2080 E. offi [email protected] www.nfsca.co.nzWoollcombe House, 2nd fl oor 18 Woolcombe Street, PO Box 540 Timaru 7910

Accountants & Business Advisors


NFS have a team of experienced people with specialised skills in rural accounting. They make it their business to understand the unique issues that often surround the farming industry, along with the practical considerations of working together. “We’ll help you manage your business, and because we establish a one-on-one relationship with each of our clients, our advice will be tailored for your individual needs. That means we’ll call on you if that makes life easier

plus we have the tools to make your farm accounts easy to manage from our end and hassle free from yours. The last thing farmers need is to be bogged down with paperwork.”




Noone Ford Simpson LtdThe modern accounting � rm with traditional values

The modern accounting � rm with traditional values The Canterbury A&P Show won the Champion Canterbury Supreme Award Small Enterprise at the 2013

Champion Canterbury Business Awards last week. The event was also awarded the top title in the Champion Tourism/Hospitality Small Enterprise category.

Supported by the Canterbury Employers’ Chamber of Commerce, the awards celebrate excellence, passion and the success of businesses in the Canterbury region and are a platform for paying tribute to those enterprises who are building the economy and community.

The Canterbury A&P Show, hosted by the Canterbury A&P Association, is the largest Agricultural and Pastoral Show in the country and the largest single event in the South Island. The award was in recognition of the association’s 150th anniversary which was celebrated at last year’s show.

“The win isn’t the outcome of one governance or management group performing well. It is the contribution of a wide diversity of people, all contributing in a co-ordinated and integrated manner to provide

something special and enduring that entertains 100,000+ people,” said Canterbury A&P Association president Mark Fleming.

Running over three days in November, the show generates close to $17 million in direct spending plus a further $26 million in estimated trade exhibitor revenue. Visitors from outside of Christchurch make up more than 53 per cent of the spending generated from the event. The show brings nearly 8700 tourists to Christchurch annually, from other parts of New Zealand.

“The history of the Canterbury A&P Show is very much linked to the survival and growth of the region, with the show acting as an event to promote developments in farming and animal welfare, generating new pastoral and agricultural initiatives. Showing, like any competitive element, is an ideal performance indicator, giving farmers the opportunity to distinguish themselves and promote their success, which has a direct impact on the bottom line come sale day.”

This year’s 151st Canterbury A&P Show will be held November 13 to 15.

Show wins award

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The New Zealand Sustainability Dashboard Project It’s a new type of dashboard – not on your car but

on a farmer’s computer, and indicators show environmental, economic and social performance not speed.

The New Zealand Sustainability Dashboard is a sustainability assessment and reporting tool that will help New

Zealand farmers and growers improve their farm performance and allow them to respond more easily to international market and regulatory demands. A pilot trial of the system is under way with 30 Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand vineyards and wineries.

Developers of the dashboard say the software will provide farmers and growers with crucial information on their farm’s environmental, economic and social performance.

Information from “key performance indicators” can then be used to improve results in areas such as energy use, nitrogen loss, carbon footprint and maintenance of biodiversity. Data from the dashboard can also be used to ful� ll requirements of local and international regulators.

“Farmers are under pressure to meet reporting requirements from all sorts of regulators – regional councils, GlobalGap, Marks and Spencers etc. This system will be a one-stop shop: data can be entered once and di� erent reports generated. Administration will be reduced,” said Professor Caroline Saunders of Lincoln University’s Agribusiness and Economic Research Unit. “Types of data to be entered will be similar to farm accounts and spray diaries – electricity use, water, fertiliser.”

The dashboard is designed not just for compliance and accreditation but also as a learning tool. Growers can see what works and make decisions based on the outcomes of the indicators, said Professor Henrik Moller, from the Centre for Sustainability at the University of Otago. “The indicators are mostly quick to do and can be scored by the farmers themselves, and they are scienti� cally defensible so farmers, regulators and consumers trust them.”

Sustainability Dashboard project team leader Jon Manhire says the dashboard framework has the potential to improve environmental and economic performance in the New Zealand primary sector by providing feedback to growers so they can lift farm performance. Feedback to government could also aid policy development.

“The system will not only improve farm sustainability and resilience, but also reduce monitoring and regulatory costs, build consumer trust, help secure market access and raise the pro� le of farming in the eyes of the wider New Zealand public,” Mr Manhire said.

Five industry partners have been involved with the development of the dashboard: New Zealand Winegrowers, Zespri, Te Runanga o Ngai Tahu, Forest Owners’ Association and BioGro New Zealand. Links have also been made with Dairy NZ, Beef + Lamb, and Aquaculture New Zealand. The research programme for the dashboard project builds on work done for the ARGOS (Agriculture Research Group On Sustainability) programme.

Feedback so far is positive with winegrowers saying the software is � exible enough to cope with reporting requirements of large businesses with multiple vineyards and wineries as well as small single-vineyard businesses.

“Our members can use the dashboard to ful� ll their reporting needs but can also use the information to showcase their own sustainability,” said Sally van der Zijpp of Sustainable Winegrowing New Zealand. “The system is adding bene� t to our members without extra work.”

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The Opuha dam.

The logic for water storage is irrefutable with the Intergovernmental Panel

on Climate Change (IPCC) predicting New Zealand could face a future climate of heavier extreme rainfall, stronger and more extreme winter winds as well as longer periods of drought.

Whatever one’s views on the causes of climate change, climate change is a constant on our living dynamic planet.

There are three basics to growing pasture and crops and they are soils, sunlight and water. While many countries

have the � rst two, it is water, or the lack of it, which limits food production in a world where the supply and demand for food sits on a knife edge.

Aside from being a net food exporter in a world of increasing food shortage, New Zealanders can be proud that our farmers are among the most carbon e� cient in the world.

This extends to our country’s role in the Global Research Alliance on agricultural greenhouse gases and the Palmerston North-based Pastoral Greenhouse Gas Research Consortium.

This e� ciency saw the Daily Mail last year write, Buy New Zealand lamb to save the planet. In May, Britain’s Observer on Sunday ran a feature entitled, Why worrying about food miles is missing

the point. In it, our carbon e� ciency was lauded.

Victoria University of Wellington’s Dr James Renwick, who is an IPCC lead chapter author, said on One News, “We’ll see more high temperature extremes, so higher frequency of hot days and less cold days”.

Newspapers are reporting that New Zealand can expect a climate on average 0.9 degrees Celsius warmer by 2040 and 2.1 degrees warmer by 2090.

We have two options for adaption. First, is researching new crops and pasture varietals in the knowledge that farms will face greater environmental stress. This demands an on-going and bipartisan ramp up in both our agricultural research and development spend and science capability.

The second of course is the huge opportunity we have to

store rain water.South Canterbury’s Opuha

dam, the most recent dedicated water storage facility which started operating in the late 1990s, has proven itself by insulating South Canterbury from drought.

It is schemes like Opuha, such as Ruataniwha now being proposed in the Hawke’s Bay, which New Zealand needs to build resilience into our economy and society.

The constant for water remains irrespective of what current land uses are or what they could be in the future. As we saw on the West Coast when it su� ered a rare drought, sections of rivers do dry up. The IPCC report indicates that as temperatures increase and weather patterns change, such outcomes may become a more regular occurrence.

Stored rain water provides the means to maintain minimum � ows. Water storage is as much environmental infrastructure as it is economic. Every region should be looking at storing rain water and many currently are. This report should hasten that work.

While I do not know a lot about trout � shing, what I do know is this; trout live in water and not in dry river beds.

If water storage is being opposed for purely political grounds, then those same people who talk about the need to respond to a changing climate need to recheck their logic.

• Dr William Rolleston is the Federated Farmers spokesperson on climate change.

The logic for water storage

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While the drought of 2013 is now o� cially over, some farms, especially meat and � bre will

see its aftermath linger for years to come.

“While the, thankfully, benign winter and spring has seen a most remarkable come back in terms of pasture, North Island sheep farmers in particular lost capital stock and quality genetics,” says Katie Milne, Federated Farmers adverse events spokeswoman. “Not to mention their wool crop too. The shame being that it came at a time when wool seemed to be � nding its feet.”

Federated Farmers says there could be upwards of three million fewer lambs this year. “Replacements will naturally cost more so it could take � ve years for farms to fully recover and that assumes there are no further climatic or market shocks,” Mrs Milne said.

“Yet the drought of 2013 should make us wake up to two realities. First, rain-water storage is sorely needed in key farming areas and second, there is no such thing as ‘farmer welfare’.

“Having been interviewed during the drought, it amazed me to encounter people who believed every farmer was getting a cheque from the government. There was some harsh things said about farmers.

“Despite the worst drought in 70 years, covering the South Island’s west coast and the entire North Island, only 146 applications for Rural Assistance Payments were granted. There are, after all, tens of thousands of farms in New Zealand.”

However, Mrs Milne acknowledged funding also for the Rural Support Trusts. “They provided counselling and advisory services to help farmers and their families to get through the most trying of times. The $320,000 in funding that the Rural Support Trusts received from the MPI was not only cost e� ective, it worked.

“Set against the billions of dollars that the primary industries generate for New Zealand, the drought has cost taxpayers just over $1.13 million in assistance,” Mrs Milne said.

Drought over but e� ects predicted to linger

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Sheep and goats may not be known as party ani-mals, but they’re increas-

ingly at the centre of the cele-bration as petting zoos grow in popularity for birthdays, gradu-ations and other bashes.

Petting a gentle animal of any kind seems to appeal to young, old and in between.

Daycare centres, schools, churches and even nursing homes rent mobile zoos that will bring animals and handlers to them or organise trips to petting zoos.

“You can see the absolute joy as they are sitting there stroking some animal, particularly if it’s the � rst time in their life they have touched one,” said

Sky Shivers, superintendent of Fairview Farms at the Los Angeles County Fair.

“There is tranquility, an exchange of emotion that’s amazing to watch.”

Ms Shivers, 63, of Prague, Oklahoma, said a good zoo is as educational as it is entertaining, reeling o� several fun facts: baseballs have wool in their cores; doctors use the intestinal lining from some animals to

graft serious burns; female goats have beards like males; and while sheep prefer grass to weeds, goats want it the other way around.

Sheep and goats are popular because they only have bottom teeth and are safer around children.

“Ponies and donkeys have

teeth on the top and bottom and are more likely to nip � ngers,” Shivers said. Even so, pony rides are often coupled with petting zoos, and can often be found during the holidays at many pumpkin patches and Christmas sales lots.

Rental fees range from $US200 to $US325 ($NZ241-$NZ391) an hour, depending on the

number of animals and the particular business.

The animals run the gamut from tortoises to hares.

Some include exotic critters like wallabies and llamas while others o� er creatures that can be found closer to home, such as deer and donkeys.People often like to see babies, so Brendon Kline features baby chicks, ducks and bunnies,

small potbellied pigs and a baby goat at Party Animalz Farm in Brogue, Pennsylvania.

“A lot of the older people enjoy it as much as the children do,” Mr Kline said. “A lot of them grew up on farms and these are animals they don’t see every day anymore.”

All God’s Creatures in Chino Hills features Serenity the silly goose and Goliath, a 36 kilogram turtle.

Owner Lori Bayour takes the animals on the road to hospices, city neighbourhoods, parties and a rodeo.

Faith Lundgren loves to watch her grandson at Bayour’s petting zoo each October at the Industry Hills Charity Pro Rodeo.

“The animals don’t shy

Party animals at the zooBY SUE MANNING

Jacqueline Solis, two, from Burbank, California, plays with the sheep at the Fairview Farms petting zoo at the Los Angeles County Fair.

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away from the kids at all,” Mrs Lundgren said. “Sometimes they even make the � rst move. They enjoy being there as much as the kids enjoy having them.”

Not everyone thinks petting zoos are a good thing. “We think they’re a bad idea,” said Meredith Turner, spokeswoman for the national advocacy group Farm Sanctuary.

“Animals are often not in good health, they’re kept in an unnatural environment, and they teach kids that animals exist for our entertainment, when in actuality, they exist for their own reasons.”

Animals need to be clean, healthy, gentle and insured. Handlers should provide feed for the animals and clean up after them. Another must is a sanitising station so those who pet the animals can wash their hands.

A bad experience for a child can last a lifetime.

“You can’t leave them alone,” Ms Shivers said. “They will get knocked down and scream and cry and be afraid of animals for the rest of their lives.” –AP Rafael Ventura, three, from West Covina, California. apprehensively mingles with the sheep at the Fairview Farms petting zoo.

How many countries in the Western world play Russian roulette and

hope for a mis� re? For this is the way I feel New Zealand and the Ministry of Primary Industries is treating our county.

If we continue to import products that carry a form of disease to our livestock or infestation of weeds to our farmland, sooner or later it will happen.

We as a country need to wake up to the threats we put ourselves under. To me, threats we don’t have to face.

The honourable Nathan Guy, Minister of Primary Industries’ statement and responsibilities says: “New Zealand is a

biologically based economy. The primary sector is New Zealand’s most productive sector and earns the majority of our merchandise export earnings. The sector needs to be protected from pests and diseases, and the harm that they cause. A signi� cant biological incursion could put the Government’s economic growth aspirations at risk. For this reason, biosecurity will continue to be my top priority for the primary industries portfolio.”

Fonterra’s issues point out how every other country in the world is looking for a reason to stop us exporting our primary products.

The episode with black grass, one of the worst invasive plants of arable farming systems in Europe, becoming established in Mid Canterbury is a prime example of poor regulation, or good regulations not being

carried out. I ask – how did a grass seed

crop that was supposed to be exported from Denmark to New Zealand manage to pass inspection in the � eld, and yet have such a high black grass count, not get pulled up?

When it was picked up at our port, why was sent back on the boat where it came from? How did, or who decided it should be screened here and then the dressings destroyed? Why wasn’t the container it came in sealed, not just put in a covered truck. No spillage should have happened covered or uncovered truck.

Now with the latest wind storm that seed could be anywhere from the known route to the coast. Heavy infestation of black grass in wheat crops in Europe has reduced yields by 25 per cent or more. The cost to Mid Cantabrians and the New

Zealand economy could be high. This cost should not land on the taxpayer but be paid by the seed importer.

The Fonterra problem may have come from MPI making a botch of its testing procedures.

The import of palm kernel coming to New Zealand, from what appeared to be a poorly operated factory, that allows sheep, goat or deer legs in it, from a country that has a history of foot and mouth is ridiculous. I understand MPI is sending a senior manager to Malaysia and then Indonesia to work with authorities there (not before time).

About 1.5 million tonnes of pork is imported from Canada, a country that has several serious diseases we don’s have and I wonder how controlled this procedure is.

How many other near misses have we had? I’m not saying stop importing goods but make

sure they are 100 per cent safe or don’t let them in the country.

Our lamb got stopped in China because of bad labelling. Australia stopped our apple imports for decades because we had � re blight (despite it being proven not to be carried in the fruit). But New Zealand just opens its doors and says, come on in!

If we get one of these diseases New Zealand would end up a third world country overnight. Do you want this? – I don’t!

On a brighter note, the new selling season is under way at Property Brokers. After a slow start we have a 215 hectare dairy unit on the market with several others following.

If you would like to discuss sales or indeed have some ideas for my next Guardian Farming column please call me on 0274 342 545 or email [email protected]

26

For under $80.00/ha* we can apply 27 units of Nitrogen plus ProGibb

onto your freshly grazed pasture

Spray your WHOLE farmMore GRASS = More PROFIT

We have special rates for larger areas.

Applying Liquid Nitrogen with ProGibb onto newly grazed pasture can give an immediate lift to dry matter

production.

LET US HELP YOU GROW MORE GRASS!

* Special Conditions Apply, Valid till 31st October 2013

In conjunction with

For more details and pricing callOffi ce 302 8098David Mangin on 0274 802 216Gary Rackham on 0274 362 459

WINTER SPRAYING PROMOTION

JUNE - JULY - AUGUST• ThisTles • lucerne

• clover seed crops • Gorse and General clean up

We can assess on a paddock to paddock basis (Costs Apply)

Chemicals supplied at very competitive prices

For more details and pricing callOffice 302 8098David Mangin on 0274 802 216Email: [email protected]

*Conditions apply

WINTER SPRAYING PROMOTION

JUNE - JULY - AUGUST• ThisTles • lucerne

• clover seed crops • Gorse and General clean up

We can assess on a paddock to paddock basis (Costs Apply)

Chemicals supplied at very competitive prices

For more details and pricing callOffice 302 8098David Mangin on 0274 802 216Email: [email protected]

*Conditions apply

Chris Murdoch

We’re playing with a loaded gun

The mild, moist winter has provided an ideal environment for slug

numbers to multiply. Now the slimy molluscs are ready and waiting to damage emerging pastures and crops.

Last autumn’s booming slug populations put huge pressure on establishing pastures and crops. The mild winter has done nothing to quell these numbers, which will cause signi� cant damage to spring pastures and crops if not brought under control.

Monitoring the slug population present in paddocks is extremely important because just a small number will cause serious, yet barely visible, damage. To monitor the slug population, place a number of sacks in the paddock concerned

and leave them for a couple of days. If around three to four slugs are found sheltering under each sack, they are likely causing economic damage to crops and pastures.

Controlling slugs is an ongoing process that must continue throughout the season, until crops are well established. To complicate the situation, slug baits act di� erently on slugs at di� erent developmental stages. There is always a range of slugs at various developmental stages at any time in one paddock.

Managing the di� ering life stages of slugs may require multiple applications of slug bait to ensure crop damage is reduced. The more slugs present, the more applications of slug bait needed to control numbers.

The active ingredient of slug bait in� uences the number of times you can apply it each year to an establishing crop.

Metaldehyde-based baits such as Endure can be applied multiple times to increase the overall e� ectiveness, thus reducing crop damage. Endure causes no negative e� ects on other bene� cial species such as earthworms, which are vital to soil health. However, baits with a methiocarb base can only be applied once each season, because they have the potential to damage earthworms and non-target arthropods.

Slug bait should be applied either “down the spout” or broadcast with fertiliser just before, or soon after sowing, depending on sowing method. Trials have shown Endure is most e� ective when broadcast. Slug bait can be reapplied 21 days later, with or without a side dressing of fertiliser, to ensure e� ective slug control.

When selecting slug bait, farmers should ask whether it is FertMark tested, so it spreads consistently every time when

mixed with fertiliser. The consistency of spreading is important to ensure that all areas of paddocks receive the desired amount of slug bait, for more e� ective control.

Farmers should also look out for slug baits that can be mixed with fertiliser, such as Endure, which can be mixed for free at any Ravensdown store.

Be aware that slugs can

survive the spray-out process,

hidden beneath rubbish and

animal waste, to start feeding

as soon as the sown crop or

pasture is germinating.

• Dan Pavey is a Ravensdown agrochemical technical manager.

27

Crop Storage Specialists Crop Storage Specialists

Tel: 03 303 7266 Mobile: 0274 151 390Email: [email protected] Web: www.pmr.org.nz

PMR GRAIN SYSTEMS work in the following fields – product storage, handling and drying, timber drive on ventilating floors, seed cleaning industry, milling and mixing equipment,

electronic monitoring equipment including temperature, RH and grain moisture equipment. Dairy Feed Systems now available.

PMR GRAIN SYSTEMS supply a full service from initial contact, site surveying, planning in drawings, machinery selection, supply of machinery, installation and commissioning.

Q-SAGE SEED CLEANING EQUIPMENTQ-Sage air screen cleaners can be supplied in a variety of sizes to suit application. Screendecks can be sized to accept existing sieves.

PMR GRAIN SYSTEMS CROP STORAGE AND HANDLING SYSTEMS

Visit us at the South Island Field Days Site 740-741

GSI SILOSFlat bottomed or hopper. 10 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes. Can be fitted with stirrers and unload systems. Dairy Feed Systems now available.

MASTER DRIERS• Manually or fully automatic systems• Master dust extraction – increased

bushel weight and improved operating environment

• Capacities from 10-40 ton• Mobile or static units• Tractor or electric drive

HARVEST MAXI-STIRRERBy adding a Harvest Maxi-Stirrer to your bulk storage you can have guaranteed drying performance with even airflow.

CHC GAS HEATERSAvailable to match all sizes of fan units. Fully automatic gas fired, with computerised control. Single & double units available.

PERRY GRAIN DRIERS, ELEVATORS & CONVEYORSWhen the pressure is on to get your grain dry and moved, you can rely on PMR equipment to deliver year after year.Suppliers of: Driers, belt & bucket elevators, conveyors and intake conveyors.

WAKELY ROLLER MILLSPMR are pleased to be able to supply the Wakely Roller Mill. Wakely Engineering have been manufacturing Roller Mills for the last 30 years and manufacture mills from 1.5tph through to 30tph plus.Visit our stand to view this prod-uct. Mr Wakely will also be on our stand to answer any questions.


Crop Storage

Specialists

Crop Storage

Specialists

GRAIN DRIERS, ELEVATORS & CONVEYORS

Suppliers of:Driers, Belt & Bucket Elevators, Conveyors, Intake Conveyors.

When the pressure is on to get your grain dry and moved, you can rely on Perry equipment to deliver year after year.

Harvest CHCAvailable to match all sizes of fan units. Fully automatic gas fired, with computerised control. Single & double units available.

CROP DRYING FANS & GAS BURNERS

PMR are pleased to announce that they have been appointed the sole distributor for the range of Harvest International Augers in NZ.Harvest Augers come in sizes from 8” through to 13” dia and 32’ long up to 113’ long.Harvest Augers are available with either hydraulic lift or winch lift, swing away hoppers or standard inlet hoppers.

• Iron edge fl ighting 50% thicker than standard

• New tapper bearing gearbox• Independent drive kit

available• Tubulators available

HARVEST INTERNATIONAL AUGERS


Crop Storage

Specialists

Crop Storage

Specialists

GRAIN DRIERS, ELEVATORS & CONVEYORS

Suppliers of:Driers, Belt & Bucket Elevators, Conveyors, Intake Conveyors.

When the pressure is on to get your grain dry and moved, you can rely on Perry equipment to deliver year after year.

Harvest CHCAvailable to match all sizes of fan units. Fully automatic gas fired, with computerised control. Single & double units available.


HARVEST CHCAvailable to match all sizes of fan units. Fully automatic gas fi red, with computerized control. Single and double units available.


































Flat bottomed or hopper. 10 tonnes to 10,000 tonnes. Can be fi tted with stirrers and unload systems. Dairy Feed Systems now available.

GSI SILOS

















MASTER DRIERS

































• Manually or fully automatic systems• Master dust extraction - increased



CROP STORAGE SPECIALISTS

Slugs: They’re on the wayDan Pavey

RAVENSDOWN

Monitoring slug levels in paddocks is important because just a small number will cause serious damage.

Rural FeaturesGuardianASHBURTON

To advertise in these publications, please contact Desme on

03 307 [email protected]

Publication PublicationDate

Advert Booking Deadline

Feature

GuardianASHBURTON

Irrigation PreparationHerd GeneticsFarm Education

ThursdayOctober 11

TuesdayOctober 22

South ISland wIde

August 2013

Pages 2&3

The Wright stuff

Dairy FocusDairy FocusGuardianAshburton

Page 2

Dairy Focus

GuardianFarming

CRT PagesEducation FeatureSeed FeaturePreparing for Winter GrazingFertigation / Fertiliser

ThursdayOctober 24

TuesdayNovember 5

Ashburton / Methven / Rakaiawww.ats.co.nz0800 BUY ATS / 0800 289 287

Have you got unwanted weeds or pests?

Solvo® is a pre-emergent herbicide for the use against certain broadleaf and grass weeds in various crops.

Slugout® is a granular slug bait that offers excellent control of slugs and snails particularly during crop establishment.

If you require technical support for your spring pasture or cropping requirements contact the ATS Arable Key Account Managers today on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287).

For all your spring pasture and brassica seed requirements contact the ATS Seed team today on 0800 BUY ATS (289 287).

ATS has a wide range of herbicides, fungicides, and insecticides to ensure you get the best possible yield from your crop.

ATS_Guardian Farmer_276x100mm_0813.indd 1 2/9/13 3:25:50 PM

Facts on � axDogs bene� t

from � axseed oilP2-4

GuardianASHBURTON

FarmingGUARDIAN

SEPTEMBER, 2013

Pasture CountEnergy SolutionsSummer Bloat Issues

ThursdayNovember 7

TuesdayNovember 19

South ISland wIde

August 2013

Pages 2&3

The Wright stuff

Dairy FocusDairy FocusGuardianAshburton

Page 2

Dairy Focus

28

We build for industries. Starting with the primary ones.

COMMERCIAL•INDUSTRIAL•RURAL

At Calder Stewart we’ve never forgotten where we

started, building quality farm buildings for the Kiwi

farm industry. And over the course of the last 55

years of involvement, we’ve developed something

of a knack for it. Our dedicated team’s expertise

in constructing custom woolsheds, covered yards,

wintering sheds and state-of-the-art dairy sheds

ensures practicality, quality and a professional

build - matched to your exact farming needs.

We pride ourselves at being a Rural Design &

Build specialist and have gained a considerable

reputation in meeting the needs of many a farmer

over the years. Let us put our expertise to work for

you; call your nearest Calder Stewart Construction

Representative today and see how we can deliver

a farm building that suits.

(03) 307 6130211 Alford Forest Road, Ashburton

Donald Sutton

Premium Grade Construction Materials Used

Best Value-for-Money in the IndustryDurable & Rugged Design is Standard

Over 55 Years Farm Building ExperienceA Rural Design and Build Specialist

www.calderstewart.co.nzTo learn more visit our website:

Federated Farmers North Canterbury has selected dryland sheep and beef

farmer Lynda Murchison as its new provincial president.

Mrs Murchison thanked former president Neil Stott who has stood down since � rst holding the role in 2010.

Another change has seen grain and seed chairman Murray Rowlands opt to swap his Federated Farmers hat to focus on arable farming.

“Murray was inspirational during the 2010 Canterbury earthquake and worked tirelessly to help growers recover grain from toppled silos,” Mrs Murchison said.

“He is a talented and enthusiastic farmer who

will undoubtedly pursue his new interests with the same commitment and vigour. We hope to see Murray back at the Federated Farmers table in the future.

“I am also pleased to say we have a new team in place for North Canterbury.

“My senior vice-president is dairy spokesperson, Vaughan Beazer, while Oxford dairy farmer Grant Evans has been elected as the junior vice-president.”

She said Federated Farmers ensured farmers’ interests were represented across myriad central and local government decision-making; as well as providing assistance to members on anything from

adverse events to employment law.

“I joined the executive of Federated Farmers to advocate for improved outcomes for farming; including opportunities for red meat and wool. My passion is sustainable agriculture.

“Farmers tend to hide their environmental lights under their bushels and tolerate, at

times, some unfair wraps. “Now, more than ever, farmers

need to be committed to sustainable farming practices and be brave enough to lead the management of land and water for the bene� t of whole the community.

“As we are one community, the tremendous response we had from Christchurch folk after the recent windstorm clearly

demonstrates that people remembered the Farmy Army’s help from 2011.

“While we had to turn down many o� ers of help due to OSH requirements, especially where trees were concerned, their response showed how much they wanted to reciprocate,” she said.

Mrs Murchison farms in partnership with her husband Jock Murchison on a dryland sheep and beef farm in the Weka Pass, North Canterbury. They have been in the area since 2005 and hail from Lake Coleridge, where the Murchison family has farmed since 1878.

She has also worked in resource management in Canterbury for 18 years, for both district councils the Regional Council, and Ngai Tahu. She now runs her own consultancy and lectures part-time at the University of Canterbury in resource and environmental management.

Mrs Murchison has also taken up the Roper Scholarship to study for a PhD looking at environmental ethics in New Zealand farming.

New team in North Canty

Lynda Murchison is the new North Canterbury Federated Farmers provincial president.

Guardian Farming, October 2013

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