Top Banner
RAPIDKILL MAGGOTS + LICE 2 POWERFUL COMPOUNDS WEEKS RAPIDKILL OF 12 FLYSTRIKE PROTECTION WEEKS UP TO UP TO Spinosad is the same active ingredient found in Extinosad® Liquid. Cyromazine is the same active found in Vetrazin®. The 5L pack of Cyrex makes 2500 litres of dipwash; 10L makes 5000 litres and 250ml bottle makes 125 litres of dressing fluid. Extinosad and Cyrex are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company Ltd.Vetrazin is a registered trademark of Novartis. Cyrex is registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No.A09917. With a lethal combination of two powerful active ingredients, spinosad and cyromazine, Cyrex Liquid provides dual protection from flystrike in one application. Cyrex delivers rapid kill of maggots, continued protection against flystrike for up to 12 weeks, plus fast-kill lice control at the same time. With two of the safest lice and fly compounds available, Cyrex is deadly on parasites but easy on animals and operator. Cyrex dipwash has no smell and is gentle on wounds. Available in 5L and 10L packs plus a convenient 250ml Flystrike Dressing pack. For more details on this revolutionary new treatment, talk to your animal health stockist now, phone us on 0800 ELANCO (0800 352 626), or view our website www.elanco.co.nz Fly, Maggot and Lice Eliminator DECEMBER 2012 NATIONAL POLICY Reform Bill progress The Local Government Reform Bill may be passed before Christmas, if all politicians start to work together P3 LaWF final report Communities finally have a road map to setting water quality limits p3 REGIONAL POLICY Not just water Regional policy issues around the country cover more than just water P8 Provincial Spotlight Taranaki tackles rural mental health P9 INDUSTRY GROUPS Diazinon findings now available P15 Meat & Fibre Practical industry training receives a much-needed boost P14 Federated Farmers’ Rural Photography award p23 Dairy LOOKING TO 2013 Diving in to agriculture’s issues: From water to broadband and beyond — p10 BOOK GIVEAWAY We have a copy of German photographer Antonia Steeg’s book, High Country New Zealand: The Land, The People, The Seasons to give away. To enter, email your name, address and telephone number before December 14 to: [email protected].
24

National Farming Review December 2012

Mar 31, 2016

Download

Documents

National Farming Review December 2012
Welcome message from author
This document is posted to help you gain knowledge. Please leave a comment to let me know what you think about it! Share it to your friends and learn new things together.
Transcript
Page 1: National Farming Review December 2012

R A P I D K I L LMAGGOTS+LICE

2P O W E R F U LCOMPOUNDS

WEEKS

R A P I D K I L L O F12 F LYS T R I K E

PROTECTIONWEEKSUP TOUP TO

Spinosad is the same active ingredient found in Extinosad® Liquid. Cyromazine is the same active found in Vetrazin®. The 5L pack of Cyrex makes 2500 litres of dipwash; 10L makes 5000 litres and 250ml bottle makes 125 litres of dressing fluid. Extinosad and Cyrex are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company Ltd. Vetrazin is a registered trademark of Novartis. Cyrex is registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No. A09917.

With a lethal combination of two powerful active ingredients,spinosad and cyromazine, Cyrex Liquid provides dual protectionfrom flystrike in one application. Cyrex delivers rapid kill ofmaggots, continued protection against flystrike for up to 12weeks, plus fast-kill lice control at the same time. With twoof the safest lice and fly compounds available, Cyrex is deadlyon parasites but easy on animals and operator. Cyrex dipwashhas no smell and is gentle on wounds. Available in 5L and 10Lpacks plus a convenient 250ml Flystrike Dressing pack. For moredetails on this revolutionarynew treatment, talk to youranimal health stockist now,phone us on 0800 ELANCO(0800 352 626), or view ourwebsite www.elanco.co.nz

Fly, Maggot and Lice Eliminator

DECEMBER2012

NATIONAL POLICY

ReformBill progressThe Local Government Reform Bill maybe passed before Christmas, if allpoliticians start to work together P3

LaWF final reportCommunities finally have a road map tosetting water quality limits p3

REGIONAL POLICYNot justwaterRegional policy issues around thecountry cover more than just water P8

Provincial SpotlightTaranaki tackles rural mental health P9

INDUSTRY GROUPS

Diazinon findings now available P15

Meat&FibrePractical industry training receives amuch-needed boost P14

Federated Farmers’ RuralPhotography award p23

Dairy

LOOKING TO 2013Divingintoagriculture’s issues:

Fromwatertobroadbandandbeyond—p10

BOOKGIVEAWAYWehave a copy ofGerman photographerAntonia Steeg’s book,High Country NewZealand: The Land,The People, TheSeasons to give away.■ To enter, email your name, addressand telephone number before December14 to: [email protected].

Page 2: National Farming Review December 2012

2 National Farming Review December 2012 www.fedfarm.org.nz Ph 0800 327 646

Think of it asyou insuring you.

That’swhatworks out here.

FMG0

279

We’re New Zealand’s largest mutual insurer, created by farmers over a century agoto give all kiwis a better deal. To keep your premiums competitive, any profits we makego straight back into the business, not to some anonymous overseas shareholders.Ask around about us, or for some advice call 0800 366 466.

INSIDEFeature:

Regulars:Farmers’ big year ahead 10

Perspective . . . . . . 2

National Policy . . . . 3-6

Counterpoint . . . . 6-7

Regional Policy . . . . 8-9

Weather . . . . . . 12

Economy . . . . . . 13

Employment . . . . 13

Meat&Fibre . . . . 14

Dairy . . . . . . . . 15

Other IndustryGroups 16, 17

Insider . . . . . . . . 23

PERSPECTIVE

BRUCEWILLSPresident

Progress made on waterWater has been themajor issue of the year, writes Federated FarmerspresidentBruceWills.

I am continuallyhumbled by theenormous effortsomany farmerscommit to ourorganisation.

It is nearly Christmas again and I cannotbelieve I am almost 18 months into myterm as president of Federated Farmers. Itis a bigger job than I envisaged, but I knowwe are making good progress. FederatedFarmers has achieved strong membershipgrowth this year and the job of supportingfarmers to achieve sustainable and profit-able farming is more important than ever.I am continually humbled by the

enormous effort so many farmers committo our organisation, in many cases atconsiderable cost. Your efforts are notedand very appreciated.This year’s number one issue was

water, particularly our efforts on the Landand Water Forum (LaWF). LaWF is aboutcompromise and the collaborative processhas been long and arduous, but my hope isthe outcome will be more enduring for itall.Decisions about how we farm with

water are better made by affected com-munities than distant judges. Yes, we havegiven some ground, but so have those whohave rallied against us. Our over-ridingfocus has been that farming must remain

profitable andmust be allowedto grow.Yes, we must

do better at ex-cluding stockfrom water, putmore effort intoensuring oursoils stay wherethey are sup-posed to and yes,we need to bet-ter manage ani-

mal effluent.None of this is new and many farmers

already meet these obligations, but wewill need to collectively ‘up’ our efforts.Sustainable farming is in all our interests.As we head toward the summer

holiday season there are a few clouds onour horizon. Our determinedly highcurrency and the economic weakness inour major trade partners is having anegative effect on farm-gate returns.There is little the Federation can do toalleviate this, but we are fighting for

farmers in areas where we can make adifference.The Federation remains committed to

reducing the regulation and unreasonablerestrictions to thewaywe farm, such as theManawatu-Wanganui regional council’sOne Plan.Hopefully, with the end-of-year holidays

coming up, there will be enough sunshineto be able to make the most of the summer,with just enough rain to keep thosepastures growing — the ideal Christmaspresent for all! I wish you all the very bestfor a happy and prosperous New Year.

CONORENGLISHChief executive

Banks can have good ideas too!My father always used to say, ‘‘it’s a goodidea to go look over the hill’’.In this spirit of seeking different views

and learning, I recently attended the ANZBank’s first agribusiness conference inSingapore.With chief executives attending from

around the Asia-Pacific region and fromvarious parts of the supply chain, therewere a range of perspectives brought tothe forum.Central to the conference was an ANZ

insight paper titled, Greener Pastures: theGlobal Soft Commodity Opportunity forAustralia and New Zealand. Among otherthings, this identified six key characteris-tics of successful agricultural industries.■ Access to and management ofresources — this includes access to keyagricultural inputs such as skilled labouras well as land and water.■ Targeted research and developmentinvestment — this consists of fundamen-tal R&D, often publicly funded, supportedby applied R&D where private invest-

ment is moreprevalent.■ Effectiveadoption of tail-ored knowledge— building andapplying know-ledge tailored tolocal operatingenvironments tomaximise adop-tion.■ Exposure tohigh-value

markets — strong trading and market-ing networks provide access to keyglobal markets, supported by robusttrade alliances.■ Sufficient access to capital — abilityto attract sufficient funds to supportindustry consolidation, farm turnoverand growth-oriented investment.■ Robust and cost-effective supplychain — highly competitive, well-capitalised and co-ordinated with the

ability of long-term investments.These key success factors made sense

to me, because they are very similar tothe strategic policy goals FederatedFarmers has in place as part of ourstrategic plan. It is good to see thebanking sector investing in thought lead-ership, especially so when it aligns withwhat we seek to achieve.Now we need our politicians to take a

similar strategic approach. As FederatedFarmers often says —we do not care whois in government, as long as they agreewith us.With party policy formulation under

discussion, I hope that all politicians notonly take notice of Federated Farmers’well-articulated views, but also those ofour largest rural banker.Both are about strategic solutions that

enhance profitable and sustainable farm-ing for the benefit of all New Zealand.

■ Conor English was funded to thisconference by the ANZ Bank.

Managing Editor:Conor EnglishPh: 04 494 [email protected]

Editor:FelicityWolfePh: 04 494 [email protected]

Memberships:MiriamBravenboerPh: 0800 327 [email protected]

Advertising Sales Manager:MatthewSherryPh: 07 343 [email protected]

■ ISSN1179-4526

Page 3: National Farming Review December 2012

Ph 0800 327 646 www.fedfarm.org.nz December 2012 National Farming Review 3

NATIONAL POLICY

By FelicityWolfeFederated Farmers senior communication advisor

WORKINGTOGETHER: Federated Farmers water and environment spokesperson IanMackenzie, on left of stage, talks to farmers about finding collaborative solutions to thecountry’s water challenges.

Federation backs land andwater reportAfter three years workingcollaboratively with industry, environ-mental and recreational stakeholders,iwi, scientists and other organisations,Federated Farmers backs the third andfinal Land and Water Forum (LaWF)report, released last month.The Federation’s water and en-

vironment spokesman Ian Mackenziesaid the report’s recommendations setprocesses for everyone to take thesteps toward raising New Zealand’salready high level of water qualitythroughout the country.‘‘New Zealand still enjoys some of

the highest-quality water on earth,’’Mackenzie says.‘‘The recommendations give rural

and urban communities a pathway toprotect this and make improvements.’’The aim is to better manage water

resources to fulfil the social, economic,environmental and cultural needs ofcommunities, using collaborative pro-cesses to set water-quality limits.‘‘We know the way we farm will

need to change and changes are alsoneeded beyond agriculture,’’Mackenzie says.‘‘These recommendations cover all

water, rural or urban, and we are allin this together.’’He said the Federation was con-

cerned some councils were settinglimits before the report’s release,meaning communities were not be-

ing informed about the effects thesewould have on jobs and living stand-ards.There needs to be debate and

consensus on what are reasonablecosts and timeframes, for farmers as

well as other sectors, including localcouncils. Some councils have raisedconcerns about implementation costs oflimits around wastewater. This is whyFederated Farmers supports havingcommunities make decisions after be-ing informed about the realistic costsand timeframes for setting and achiev-ing targets, not just for agriculture butacross all sectors of society.The Federation supports recommen-

dations around embedding good man-agement practice, the inclusion of farmenvironmental plans and, where appro-priate, audited self-management in theregulatory process as the preferredmethod. Mackenzie says these are amore holistic way to address water-quality issues, rather than focussing onnitrate.‘‘At the heart of the LaWF recom-

mendations is getting communities touse collaborative process in settingwater-quality limits.’’There needs to be genuine informa-

tion available about what limits willmean for individual communities sothey could make an informed decisionon what is feasible and what is not.‘‘This is about empowering com-

munities to decide where limits shouldbe set, so as not to cause social andeconomic damage,’’ Mackenzie says.

Local Government Bill progressesTheLocal GovernmentActAmendmentBill is progressing throughParliament and,with the right support, could bepassedbeforeChristmas, reports Federated Farmers general policymanagerNickClark.

The controversial Bill reforming whatlocal government should and shouldnot do could be passed beforeChristmas.Federated Farmers sees this Bill as

necessary to focus councils on thebasics and to keep rates down, but alsosays that reform of local governmentfunding is needed to reduce thereliance on rates to fund councilactivities.The reforms are a response to

excessive growth in the public sectorin both local and central government,over the past decade. In this time, localgovernment spending grew more than

119 per cent, rates revenue by 95 percent and its debt quadrupled. Be-cause of the way local government isfunded, through property valuerates, farmers get hammered par-ticularly hard by these increases.The Government wants councils

to be more fiscally responsible andefficient. The Bill will change localgovernment’s purpose by replacingthe activist promotion of the ‘fourwellbeings’ with an emphasis ongood quality local infrastructure,local public services and regulation.The Bill will also put in place

financial prudence requirements and

performance benchmarks, give theMinister of Local Government morepowers to assist and intervene in theaffairs of individual councils andstreamline local authority reorgan-isation procedures.Many in local government

strongly oppose the Bill withhundreds of submissions made to theLocal Government and EnvironmentSelect Committee. The Select Com-mittee is evenly split between Gov-ernment and Opposition memberswith Labour, the Greens, and NewZealand First all opposed to thechanges.

The Bill has been reported back tothe House with the Select Committeeunable to agree that it be passed.Given these parties’ stated concern

about the cost of living, it is disap-pointing they oppose the Bill. At thehearings they sided firmly with thelocal government sector and those whowant local government to be doingmore, rather than less.At the time of writing it is unclear

whether the Government has the num-bers to pass the Bill in its current form.As is often the case, a lot will dependon Peter Dunne.Watch this space.

Prince Charles supports New Zealand wool

IT SUITED: NewZealand’s nextmonarch, PrinceCharles, wore hisgrey New Zealandwool suit withpride during hisvisit here lastmonth.

With the Wools of New Zealand shareoffer on the table, last month’s visit byGlobal Campaign for Wool patron PrinceCharles was right on time.Federated Farmers national president

Bruce Wills and Meat & Fibrechairperson Jeanette Maxwell met PrinceCharles to discuss the future of theindustry here and abroad at the ShearBrilliance showcase, which was held inThe Cloud at Auckland’s Queens Wharf.‘‘Prince Charles spent more than an

hour at the Shear Brilliance woolexhibitions, showing his real passion forthe fibre and his ongoing commitment tothe global Campaign for Wool,’’ Maxwellsays.The prince announced to the guests

that his suit was made from ‘‘beautifulNew Zealand wool’’, giving his support tothe industry here.Maxwell said the meeting of the Wool

Unity Group also included Primary Indus-tries Minister David Carter and theimportance of wool to New Zealand’ssheep industry was made clear to all.‘‘At present the wool is under-

performing but it has the potential to earn

billions of dollars in export receipts,rather than the hundreds of millions itcurrently does,’’ Maxwell says.‘‘That is why the global Campaign for

Wool and His Royal Highness’ patronageis central to wooing consumers back towool.‘‘The innumerable health, safety and

natural benefits of wool are real, butunderleveraged.’’Unlike oil-based materials, wool is a

renewable and sustainable resource.The Federation was doing all it could

to support cohesion in the wool industry,which is currently lacking.‘‘Perhaps it is now time for Federated

Farmers to step up.‘‘This is something we do rarely and

only when something breaks down.‘‘Wool is arguably at that point right

now, given it was drifting even before thewool levy was lost,’’ Maxwell says.‘‘Perhaps Federated Farmers could

help drive unity from the growerup.‘‘That came through loud and clear

during the Wool Unity group meetingwith HRH and Minister Carter.’’

Page 4: National Farming Review December 2012

4 National Farming Review December 2012 www.fedfarm.org.nz Ph 0800 327 646

Designed and manufactured in New Zealand...Loved around the world

20mm, 25mm and 32mm inlet sizes

www.jobevalves.com

Available fromLeading Rural Supply Stores

CHICKEN MANURE FERTILISERA natural, cost effective

all year round N.P.Kfertiliser for pasture,maize crops, market

gardens & small blocks.We supply, cart & spread

We also supply:• Lime • Metal

• Sand

Neil 021 724 327 orBruce 021 270 6828Office 09 299 64 86

www.bennettfertilisers.co.nz

NATIONAL POLICY

Biosecurity adapts to timesByMark RossFederated FarmersGeneral manager of policy and advocacy

MAJORMENACE: TheQueensland fruit fly scare inAuckland this year raised the spectre ofanother pestwith thepotential to damageNewZealand’s primary industry.

The Biosecurity Reform Bill was passedinto law in September. This updates theBiosecurity Act 1993 accounting for newtechnology and risk managementapproaches and improved efficiency.This was a much-needed piece of

reformed legislation as the BiosecurityAct, last amended in 1997, had not keptup with the changing face of NewZealand’s biosecurity system.The reformed Act covers all aspects

of the biosecurity system, including;■ Border risk management —preventing the introduction of harmfulorganisms while facilitating safe trade.■ Readiness — preparing for the pos-sible introduction of harmful organisms.■ Response — responding to the dis-covery of new harmful organisms.■ Pest management — managing theimpacts of established harmfulorganisms.As a key part of the Act’s consulta-

tion process, Federated Farmersendorses the changes as a means ofimproving our biosecurity systems.The primary sector must have confid-

ence in the Government agencies keep-ing New Zealand free of unwanted pestsand diseases.The Federation believes the Act

achieves this, allowing for tighter regu-

lation for transitional and contain-ment facilities, better collaborationbetween agencies, improvements inthe Import Health Standard processand improved powers to access in-formation necessary for riskassessments of cargo and passengers.

The Act also guides regionalcouncils, agencies such as the AnimalHealth Board and the Crown onmanag-ing established pests and diseases.Government’s function as the leader ofpest management systems and re-gional councils’ role is also specified.

Crown land will be required to bepart of pest management strategies,enhancing the previously unclear goodneighbour principle. We anticipate thechanges will lead to a more effectivepest management process, especiallyfor private landowners.For the primary sector, the most

significant changes relate to the Gov-ernment Industry Agreement (GIA)provisions.GIA’s will create partnerships more

focussed on joint decision-making andcost sharing for readiness and re-sponse.. The partnerships will focus ondelivering the best possible outcomesfor biosecurity activities. To ensure theGIA is not a financial burden to industrygroups, a joint working party is workingwith theMinistry for Primary Industriesto develop a Deed of Agreement anddetermine the value of entering intosuch agreements.There are a variety of sticky issues to

be overcome. Cost sharing forbiosecurity outside currentarrangements is one. Some sectors willfind it hard to justify entering into aGIA.Although the new Act allows for

sector levies to obtain funds, it is hopedthis does not occur. Government andindustry need to work together toensure effective biosecurity systemswithout unfairly burdening costs ontothe primary industry.

StatisticsNewZealandneeds census supportThe 2013 Census of Population and Dwellings hasbeen set for Tuesday, March 5, 2013. Thisreplaces the 2011 Census, which was cancelledfollowing the February Christchurch earthquake.The Census is the official count of all the

people and dwellings in the country at that time,including all New Zealand farms.The information collected will be used by

many groups to decide how to provide theservices New Zealand needs, from hospitals, toschools and kohanga reo and roads.Everyone in the country must fill out a census

form, either online or on paper. The paper formswill be delivered after February 16 and will becollected by March 17, including from all farms inthe country.

■ To find outmore about the Census anddelivery and collection of forms, go towww.census.govt.nz.

Freshwatermanagement reviewAdams indicatedreforms to theRMAwere on theway to reducethe longtimeframes andexcessive costsfor decisions.

The Government will be taking apragmatic approach to changes tofreshwater management and the RMA,says Environment Minister AmyAdams.Speaking to Federated Farmers’

National Council, Ms Adams made itclear that during the coming months alot of work will be going into ensuringnew rules for water allocation andwater quality will help unlock gains inagricultural productivity, while alsoprotecting the environment.The minister also assured the audi-

ence that although urban-dwellershadn’t yet grasped this, both she andthe Government were well aware allNew Zealanders, not just farmers,needed to do their bit to improve waterquality.Adams indicated reforms to the

RMA were on their way to reducethe long timeframes and excessivecosts for decisions, be they forregional and district plans, or forprocessing of simple resourceconsents.She also promised changes to

improve the quality and robustnessof councils’ ‘section 32 analyses’ —cost-benefit analyses that haveproven woefully inadequate atassessing the impacts of councilplans and policies on primary pro-duction and the economy.Adams also touched on the ‘huge’

public and private investment beingmade through the Government’sultra fast broadband and ruralbroadband initiatives.Given farmers’ increasing use of

and reliance on technology for their

businesses, Adams said farmers stoodto benefit the most from the invest-ment.

Page 5: National Farming Review December 2012

Ph 0800 327 646 www.fedfarm.org.nz December 2012 National Farming Review 5

NATIONAL POLICY

Road funding reviewwelcomeByDavid CooperFederated Farmers senior regional policy advisor

RURALWORKS: The New Zealand Transport Agency is reviewing how it provides localroad funding.

During 2013 the New Zealand Trans-port Agency (NZTA) is reviewing thelocal road funding system, the FundingAssistance Rate (FAR). This couldhave a significant impact on localroads’ quality and the costs of districtand city council rates.The FAR is the percentage of the

total cost of roading investment paidfor by NZTA. It applies to the non-statehighway, or local, portion of the road-ing network. The remainder is paid forby councils, usually through rates.Given New Zealand’s economic

reliance on primary industry exports,poor roading investment decisionshave serious implications.Primary goods travel largely on the

local road network to processors andports. According to the NZTA, localand regional roads make up 88 per centof New Zealand’s total road lengthwith 83,000km.While roughly half the local roading

network’s costs come from NZTA, thisis the average. Funding received byindividual councils differs sig-nificantly.For example, the base FAR for

2012/13, providing funding for main-tenance, operation and renewal activi-ties, contributes 88 per cent to roading

costs on the Chatham Islands and 66per cent for Kawerau District, butonly 43 per cent to Auckland, Taupoand Tauranga and 44 per cent toQueenstown Lakes District’s roads.The key question for FAR’s review

is, does this represent a reasonableallocation of funding to the localroads in these areas? FederatedFarmers thinks it falls short in twokey ways. First is the key basis forthe different FAR rates for eachcouncil, based on a territory’s rela-tive land value. Under this approach,districts with higher land valuesreceive a lower FAR, on the presump-tion they can afford to cover theshortfall.However, land value is not a good

measure of a council’s ability to pay.More relevant factors could in-

clude the actual drivers for roadinginvestment in each district, includingthe size of the local roading network,who uses the roads and the type ofuse, the type of roading, the contri-bution of roading to economic pro-ductivity and the number of resi-dents.The second way FAR fails is the

contribution proportion it makes tolocal roads. The money allocatedthrough FAR comes from road userevenue, fuel taxes, road usercharges and licensing and registra-

tion fees. The Federation says theseare better measures of road use andthe relative benefits from roadingthan property value based rates.Unfortunately, this latter concern

will not be addressed in NZTA’s FARreview.It is a strategic, political decision

outside NZTA’s scope which the Gov-ernment must address.

FarmHealth and Safety needs to be addressedBy Kara LokFederated Farmers policy advisor

CORRECTTECHNIQUE: New Zealandfarmers are failing tomake sure they andtheir workers have the right skills andpractices in place to keep safe. Utilising apurpose designed farm health and safetypolicy, such as the one available throughFederated Farmers, could safe youmoney and save a life.

Agriculture’s workplace health andsafety record is not up to scratch. Toomany people are being injured anddying on our farms. Federated Farmersbelieves it is time the sector took someresponsibility and worked with thegovernment to address the problem.The Strategic Review of the Work-

place Health and Safety System,launched in June, is one of the ways wecan do this. An independent taskforce islooking at New Zealand’s health andsafety system. It is reviewing thelegislation, regulation, incentives andenforcement measures in the hope ofreducing the number of work-relatedaccidents and fatalities.Agriculture has the highest number

of work-related fatalities out of the

sectors identified as high risk; manu-facturing, agriculture, forestry andconstruction. The Ministry of Busi-ness, Innovation and Employment’s(MBIE) latest statistics show last yearthere were 15 work related deaths inagriculture. This compares to threeworkplace fatalities in manufacturing,four in construction and three inforestry.The statistics are not good enough,

especially when compared with thenumber of work related fatalitiesoccurring overseas. Every farmerneeds to be proactive and have asimple health and safety plan in placeon their farm.It is not difficult to have an up-to-

date plan. In May last year, FederatedFarmers developed a simple Occu-pational Health and Safety Manualwhich is available to members and

non-members. The manual provides astep-by-step process to implementinga health and safety plan on farms andincludes hazard and accidentregisters. To purchase FederatedFarmers Occupational Health andSafety Manual, phone FederatedFarmers customer service team on0800 327 646.The last thing Federated Farmers

wants is for the Government to placemore regulation and compliance costson farmers.By working with the taskforce and

putting together a submission on thereview, we can come up with animproved workplace health and safetyapproach which addresses the uniquechallenges agriculture faces.The Federation will make a sub-

mission on the review. Submissionsclosed last month.

Page 6: National Farming Review December 2012

6 National Farming Review December 2012 www.fedfarm.org.nz Ph 0800 327 646

COUNTERPOINT

TARIANATURIAMaori Party co-leader andWhanauOraMinister

WhanauOra is for all NewZealandersMaori Party co-leader andWhanau OraMinister Tariana Turia shares how empoweringfamilies to take care of themselves will help them grow a better tomorrow for the country.

WebelieveWhanauOra cantransform ourcommunities. It isabout restoringdecision-makingback to them.

E nga mana, e nga waka o nga hau e wha,tena koutou katoa.I am taking this opportunity to share the

Whanau Ora initiative’s successes in im-proving the health andwellbeing of all NewZealanders. Whanau Ora is a long-term,holistic approach involving whanau orextended families, hapu, iwi, marae, com-munity groups and Government agencies.It is about families taking responsibility fortheir own lives and determining their owndestiny. It is about realising our collectivepotential to make those changes to partici-pate fully in the social and economicdevelopment of our country.In the long-term, we believe Whanau

Ora can transform our communities. It isabout restoring decision-making back tothem rather than having the State makethe decisions for them.Since its inception in 2010, we have

developed Whanau Ora collectives whichare developing appropriate services andprocesses to meet this change in approach.There are now 34 Whanau Ora

collectives representing more than 180providers. More than 3000 whanau and33,000 individuals have set their whanauplanning activities in motion throughinvolvement in the Whanau Integration,Innovation and Engagement Fund.

The key toWhanau Ora liesin supportingfamilies to real-ise the powerthey have withinthemselves tochange the fu-ture. It is aboutbringing peopletogether, andreconnectingthem to theirgreatest supportbase, their famil-ies.

Families involved in Whanau Ora saythe most important part of their planningfor their wellbeing is whaka-whanaungatanga or being able to re-kindle ties with the extended family anddiscussing the issues facing them whichopens up a whole newworld of opportun-ities to both provide and receive support.Along the way, whanau discover the

specialist support required to helpachieve goals and have better access tohealth, social services and educationservices.For example, a young couple with a

two-year-old child living with extended

family asked for assistance. They werestruggling financially and the fatherseemed unmotivated. A Whanau Oranavigator discovered that rather thanbeing unmotivated to find work, thefather lacked knowledge about how togain a heavy machinery licence. Twoyears on, this family has moved into arented home and are working their wayout of debt.We believe the collective success of

families such as this contributes to astronger and healthier community.WhileWhanau Ora is still relatively new, wealready see successes with the uptake ofstress management workshops, anti-violence programmes and more involve-ment of elders in their families’ lives.Community and Government policy

may seemworlds apart, butWhanau Orafamilies are developing their own goals,which reflect the Government’s goalssuch as ‘Supporting Vulnerable Chil-dren’, with improved uptake ofimmunisations, increased pre-schoolenrolments and caregivers attendingparenting programmes. Nationally theseseemingly small gains make a hugedifference for vulnerable and disengagedfamilies.I know collective potential is being

recognised in other sectors of the commun-ity. I acknowledge leading export industryrepresentatives like Federated Farmers forbeing part of the Maori Economic Develop-ment Panel, which is tasked to help realisethe Maori economy’s potential. A range ofopportunities where whanau, collectives,enterprises, Government and the privatesector can work together to increase Maoriparticipation in the primary sector hasbeen identified. Eighty per cent of Maoriland is under-utilised. The Maori unem-ployment rate is currently around 15 percent.All of this impacts the wealth-

generating abilities ofwhanau and, as such,remains a key priority for our futureplanning. With your collective knowledgeand will to participate, we can begin toreverse these unacceptable statistics.

Page 7: National Farming Review December 2012

Ph 0800 327 646 www.fedfarm.org.nz December 2012 National Farming Review 7

Trusted!

35 Years Time Tested“When kiwi Bert Hansen decided to invent a pipe fitting for farmersto join alkathene poly pipe together, his main focus was to keep itsimple and make it last!

35 years on, and with over 100 million fittings in the ground, Bert’spipe fittings are still simple to use, unquestionably time tested, butmost importantly trusted by kiwi farmers!”

50mm Joiner

find your local stockist at www.hansenproducts.co.nz/stockists.htm

Don’t just ask for a pipe fitting,ask for a Hansen fitting!Ha

Whether you’re working on a farm, in the rural servicingsector or involved in the rural corporate world, Generategives you the opportunity and tools to focus ondeveloping your leadership skills.

Generate is run twice a month, over five months, makingit easier to fit in to your busy calendar. Generategraduates receive a nationally recognised Certificate inRural Leadership.

Develop skills in:● Communications ● Negotiation ● Leadership● Team Building ● Dealing with Conflict ● Plus more!

Enrol in Generate today!

FREE Rural Leadership Course

For more information, or to find thenearest course to you, contact Taratahion: 0800 827 2824,email:[email protected],or visit www.taratahi.ac.nz

Whywouldn’tyou use it ?Viafos means you can maximise phosphate efficiency.Why you ask?5 8 JD639D! I&N7;&D6< ACE?)# ;L$H5 JNP 1D6<9 7N!3B!< 7N 9<Q<>. 93PN** %773<75 ID96 *D76G ;D96 7!N1 7QNN6& 9<!<D7< N* I N2<9 A? QNP6&75 L<!;7 9<!<D7< !N@"<> 3; @&<Q%@D! I5 +<9. <D7. 6N 7;9<D> O(9DP3!<M5 ?'# 4D!@%3Q F D;;9N/ ?)# !%Q%P(5 -<>3@<> 9D6<7 (<P<9D!!. 9<:3%9<>5 +<9. !N1 4D>Q%3Q DP> 0!3N9%><5 AC# ,%!%@D F *N9 ;!DP6 769<P(6& DP> >%7<D7< ;9<2<P6%NP5 8;;!%@D6%NP 9D6<7 *9NQ =CF?CC"( &695 K%P%Q%7< 76N@" 76DP>F>N1P D*6<9 D;;!%@D6%NP

Cert TM

www.viafos.co.nzEMAIL: [email protected]: 0800viafos (842367)

At Viafos Importing Ltd our policy is-! National availability! Consistent quality - guaranteed! Continual availability from a trust

worthy source.

The phrase, ‘not all products are thesame” is accurate. Viafos has built itsreputation after years of trade ensuringwesupplywhatwestate, this iswhyViafosis Fertmark and BioGro certified. Theirmeticulous audits ensure we accuratelyrepresent our products so end-users canhave complete confidence.Viafos is the only Fermark approvedGuano phosphate in NZ!Why not try it?

5101

ALMORRISON

Conservation, agriculture playing the same gameBy AlMorrisonDirector-GeneralDepartment of Conservation

Hell hath no fury than a farmer in full cryon the topic of the Department ofConservation (DOC).In such a conversation recently, I was

told, and not for the first time, to ‘‘stick tosaving kiwi and stop poking your nose into our business’’.The topic issue was the Horizons One

Plan, but could easily been tenure review,access across private land or any one of ahost of trigger points.If saving threatened species and look-

ing aftermany of NewZealand’s favouriterecreation and tourism spots is all con-servation is about, then my agitated critichad a point.And if the state of our native species

and condition of our special places is anoutcome in itself, then it could also be saidDOC isn’t a very successful business.After all, of the 671 most threatenedspecies we are only working with about100, and even our plan to shift that to 300over the next four years covers less thanhalf the total.And despite all the effort put in by

DOC and others, the plight of our nationalbird, the kiwi, also paints a sad picture.Kiwi numbers are declining by about 5per cent a year. Without a huge boost ineffort, kiwi will be extinct in the wild inthree to four generations.

So ask your-self, why shouldI care?The answer

to that gets youto what is driv-ing radicalchange in DOC’sattitude and ap-proach.The plight of

the kiwi isn’tjust about the

kiwi. The state of each species is anindicator of how healthy its naturalenvironment is. And that’s an indicatorof how healthy our ecosystems, orcatchments, are. And the health of thosecatchments determines New Zealand’sprosperity.That is the whole systemwe all work

under. The health of the kiwi or thereappearance of whio in our rivers is ameasure of how well the system isfunctioning.That system is all about our stocks of

natural capital — water capture, stor-age, flow, quality and quantity. Soilregeneration and stability. Flood con-trol, climate regulation, pollination, thenutrient cycles, fibre, food and so on.For years we have chosen to ignore

and discount the environmentalimpacts of activity on our naturalcapital; kidding ourselves that pros-perity for present and future genera-

tions is just about financial capital. Butthe current water debate in NewZealand is a red light alert of what ishappening all over the world as thedegradation of ecosystems and declinein biodiversity presents barriers togrowth. There is a global awakening tothe reality that the economy has toaccount for financial, social and naturalcapital.In the past, DOC has planted its flag

firmly in the context of being the voicefor nature, of protecting and preservingnature for its intrinsic value. The stateof our native species and condition ofour special places has been seen as anoutcome in itself.That work remains important, but

we are shifting the context to includethe whole system. Our work is a criticalpart of an ecosystem approach wherethe outcome is the prosperity of NewZealand and New Zealanders.DOC i part of the toolkit needed to

ensure present and future generationscan prosper on the back of the wisemanagement and use of our naturalenvironment.This is a challenge to orthodox

economic thinking and requires amindset change.It is also a challenge to the way DOC

organises its business. It means a shiftfrom a narrow, inward-looking approachwhere we are in command and control,to an outward-looking approach. That

means opening ourselves to working withothers in ways we have been reluctant toentertain, enabling, supporting and work-ing to others priorities as well as ours.This does not mean a new era where

DOC rolls over for anyone. But it doesmean a changing approach where we allthink differently and work together.Most of our tensions are due to

conservation and farmer protagonists whorefuse to see value in the other’s work.They adopt immovable positions that defycommon sense and refuse compromise.And they nurture long memories.Reframing our positions and meeting

under the common banner of accountingfor the nation’s natural capital providesthe opportunity to get past this.I don’t pretend that’s easy, but at DOC

there is a fierce determination to go downthat track. We are finding the businesspeople, farmers, local government authori-ties, private landowners, iwi and commun-ity groups willing to show the lead.Success will mean everyone under-

standing their stake in saving the kiwi, notjust in captivity, but thriving in its naturalenvironment as a national symbol andindicator that the natural capital we relyon to prosper is healthy and well-managed. That is the direction of globalthinking. In New Zealand, our only de-cision is whether to lead or follow.

■ AlMorrison spoke at Federated Farmers’National Council lastmonth.

COUNTERPOINT

Page 8: National Farming Review December 2012

8 National Farming Review December 2012 www.fedfarm.org.nz Ph 0800 327 64684

5351

3AF Available from your local rural supplies store

or veterinarian.

www.peta.co.nz

6262

www.peta.co.nzEmail: [email protected]/Fax: 64 7 855 2323

Hour Bead Jet

NEW To The Range This innovation allows youranimals to be treated with mineraland other supplements, throughthe drinking water trough, over atwo day period, using the “PetaPrinciple” of animals being dosedon a per animal per day basis.

Benefits• Two to three day application• Treats drystock, goats, sheep, deer, and other livestock• Uses standard 10 litre jerrycan, 5 litre flagon or 20 litre

“cube” jerrycan• Uses solid material or liquid supplements with a carrier

– no dissolving or straining

Sold as 48 hour Zinc Dispenser and48 hour Multi-purpose Dispenser.

DISPENSE IT WITH PETAPeta dispensers offer the simplestway to administer Zinc and

Multi-mineral supplements throughdrinkingwater.

The Simplest way to Healthy Animals

REGIONAL POLICY

Water not the only game in town

SENSIBLECHANGES: Federated Farmers has workedwith Government and councils to get sensible changes to regulations, such as therules around tractors and agricultural vehicles.

Federated Farmers’ policy staff save farmers and councils timeandmoneybybringingtheir specialist knowledge to the table, reports the Federation’s South Island regionalpolicymanagerMattHarcombe.Regional water policy in New Zealand isa bit like rugby— it gets all the attention,but far from the only game in town.Federated Farmers’ work is hugely

variable. Across both islands its regionalpolicy teams have worked hard todevelop specialist skills. This ensures wehave the capacity and capability tomanage all potential farm impacts fromthe myriad policies, bylaws and legisla-tion being developed, administered andimplemented by district and regionalcouncils.Some of it is hardly riveting stuff, but

has potentially huge consequences forfarmers.Much of the work is driven by the

Resource Management Act or the LocalGovernment Acts. However, there is alsothe Conservation Act, Hazardous Sub-stances and New Organisms Act,Biosecurity Act, Freedom Camping Act,Historic Places Act and a raft of policystatements and plans, and discussiondocuments which could negatively orpositively affect farmers’ businesses.This means the Federation is a real

ally for its members, with this yearseieing a reduction of ACC levies andchanged agricultural vehicle regulations,reducing farmers’ costs and unnecessarycompliance. Councils have beenamending Freedom Camping Bylaws,which may not seem important forfarming. However, if freedom camping orcampervans are pushed out of populartourist areas, they inevitably end up infarmers’ paddocks. Federated Farmersbrought a consistent and rural voice tothe conversation and in choosing a‘‘good’’ bylaw to model off, we are able tospread good regulatory practice throughthe country.The perennial issues of landscape and

biodiversity protection continue to domi-nate our time. The floating status of theGovernment’s National Policy Statementon indigenous biodiversity has nothelped much, as councils cherry-pickingthe parts they like and ignore the rest.There is work on-going around the

impostion of new bylaws requiring con-struction of new stock underpasses insome districts and also Transpower’splans to get transmission buffer zonesaround pylons included in several dis-trict plans.

Federated Farmers has been work-ing at central Government and councillevels to get certainty aroundwhat the status of the policy statementis andmake the implications to farmersclear.That is one of the other major

advantages of a regional/national ap-proach to a policy advocacy organisa-tion; our work with farmers at thegrass roots brings practical, real-lifeexamples to Ministers.We also work at the interface of

different pieces of legislation and howthey interact. Without our expertinput, these could impose expensiveand unnecessary rules on farmers. Acurrent example is fertiliser storage on

farms which is done by most, if not all,farmers. The rules governing the stor-age of fertiliser stem from the RMAand the HSNO Acts.Some councils have not quite got

that crossover right which potentiallymeans every farmer would need aresource consent for fertiliser storage,when the requirements already gov-erning its storage and use are clear.By sharing information between

councils and developing expertisewithin staff, Federated Farmers canspot any issues, saving farmers andcouncils hundreds of thousands ofdollars in resource consent costs.Having staff who knowwhat works

when developing submissions means

farmers receive real advice that getsresults.It is much more cost-effective to

have expert staff, than have farmerspaying for the time to understand theAct, look at other bylaws and developsubmissions from scratch.Just like people who play all the

other hundreds of intense and excitingsports around the country outside ofrugby, the Federation’s staff membersare passionate about their areas ofexpertise.Federation membership has real

value in paying professionals to man-age their off-farm legislative risks. Thisis Federated Farmers’ key point ofdifference.

Page 9: National Farming Review December 2012

Ph 0800 327 646 www.fedfarm.org.nz December 2012 National Farming Review 9

Terms and Conditions: Only valid for products purchased at Farmlands regular Shareholder rebate (not valid on negotiated pricing). Offer valid 12 November 2012 to 24 December 2012.Hams available from 12 November 2012 to 24 December 2012 and are a random weight between 4.5-6kg. Farmlands reserves the right to supply alternative hams of the same valueshould ham supply be compromised. Hams may vary slightly in weight. $600 or more must be in a single transaction to qualify for a ½ ham.

Farmland

sTrad

ingSocietyLimite

dFA

R21

520

HeyFarmers!During December, as a Shareholder,

when you spend $600 or more at

Farmlands on selected Bayer Animal

Health, Coopers Animal Health

or Pfizer Animal Health products we’ll

give you a FREE ½ HAM ON THE BONE

REGIONAL POLICYPROVINCIAL SPOTLIGHT

From theFarmsafeLeaders Forum,held inMarch2011, ChiefCoroner JudgeNeil McLaren.NB: The 2010data isincomplete ascases were still

Mental health crisis in rural NewZealandByHarvey LeachFederated Farmers Taranaki provincial president

Throughout New Zealand’s rural com-munities, people can be heard saying,‘‘how could he leave his family behind’’,‘‘what made him do it’’ and ‘‘why did ithappen?’’ These are legitimate questionsfollowing the news a person has takentheir own life, but there are no simpleanswers.For farmers, long hours, isolation,

fluctuating financial returns, debt,weather, regulations and the workloadare all factors. Additional pressures leadto stress, increased anxiety and depres-sion which, left untreated, can lead tosuicide.As farm debt has doubled, rural

suicide figures have tripled. Farmers arebuckling under the pressure of anincreasingly volatile commodity market.The figures have increased dramatic-

ally at a time where farmers have hadthree relatively good years. Withtougher times ahead, this is a concern.The rural sector has a disproportion-

ate amount of suicides, with 15.9 ruraldeaths per 100,000, compared with 10.8 incities.Every year about 550 New Zealanders

take their own lives and men’s suiciderate is three times that of women.Unfortunately, only two in three

people seek professional help and themajority who do not are men, often dueto the stigma aroundmental illness andthe word ‘depression’. Delaying helpmakes treatment much more challeng-ing.Mental health directly affects physi-

cal health and mental health needs tobe treated the same as physical health,with your GP being the first port of call.We need to change the perception thatseeking professional help is weak,when it is a strength.Gordon Hudson, from Like Minds,

says few people have done more topromote this message than Sir John

Kirwan, who fronted the original LikeMinds, Like Mine National MentalHealth campaign and the highly suc-cessful www.depression.org.nz, whereonline help is available.This year, Taranaki is experiencing

a lower suicide rate, which we attributeto an excellent range of programmesaimed at the rural community thathave been well-supported. However,the numbers could change quickly.Graeme Hight, Taranaki Rural Sup-

port Trust chairman, says Opunakefarmer Paul Bourke’s efforts with thetrust to establish workshops on depres-sion and suicide prevention have been

a great step in the right directionregionally.More than 200 people have attended

the ASIST workshops, many beingfarmers, Hight says.Chief Coroner Judge Neil Maclean has

also helped by encouraging more open,constructive acknowledgement ofsuicide in the media. Previousapproaches of ‘non-promotion’ led tosuicide being under-recognised andunder-resourced. Not acknowledging theseriousness of suicide, or the subsequentloss and grief, has had its day for toomany New Zealanders.Imagine what could be achieved if our

politicians recognised and resourcedsuicide prevention like they do for roadaccident prevention.The Australian Government has

recognised this and last year allocatedmore than $400 million to rural suicideprevention. However, allocating finan-cial resources is only part of thesolution.As with so many issues, the answer

to reducing suicide primarily lies withinour own communities. How abouthaving a rural representative on allDistrict Health Boards?Closer to home, we need to remember

that surviving tougher times is all aboutcaring for yourself, your family, friendsand neighbours.

Page 10: National Farming Review December 2012

10 National Farming Review December 2012 www.fedfarm.org.nz Ph 0800 327 646

FederationgearsupWith a busy andsuccessful 2012drawing to a close,FederatedFarmers nationalpresident BruceWills is lookingforward to a newyear of action in2013, reports

DROUGHTPROOFING: Federated Farmers’ work on securing funding for water storagewill mean thousands of hectares of farmlandwill no longer be subject to the vagaries of

COLLABORATIVE PROCESS:Federated Farmers president BruceWills says by working together withother community stakeholders, theFederation is gaining results for itsmembers and rural communities.

From rolling out rural broadband tokeeping the biological emissions out of theEmissions Trading Scheme, this last 12months has seen major issues and projectsget under way.‘‘Federated Farmers is developing re-

lationships across a diverse range of sectorand interest groups, especially in sharingfarmers’ commitment to protecting andimproving the mana and ecological healthof our land and waterways, as well as ourfarms,’’ Federated Farmers presidentBruceWills says.

Real action aheadon waterFollowing the passing of the NationalPolicy Statement on Freshwater Manage-ment in 2011 requiring water quality andquantity be managed within limits, waterhas been a major issue.‘‘Ongoing issues remain but the focus is

moving to detailed policy development andpractical implementation strategies,’’ Willssays.Farming throughout the country would

be revolutionised by guaranteed, year-round, access to water. Federated Farmers’successful lobbying of the Governmentresulted in $435 million of financial supportfor developing adequate storage and distri-bution systems so New Zealand’s farmersare not held hostage to climate. This willmake a huge difference to New Zealand’sfarms, economy and environment.There is an expectation that significant

progress will be made next year on theHawke’s Bay’s Ruataniwha Water Storage

Project which could effectively drought-proof 20,000 ha of farmland.Water quality is equally important.

Since 2009 the Federation has been in theLand andWater Forum (LaWF), develop-ing collaborative water quality solutionsalongside iwi, recreational users andenvironmentalists.‘‘LaWF’s reports provide a road map

for setting limits to protect and improvethe nation’s waterways,’’ Wills says.‘‘Every New Zealander, rural and

urban, must take responsibility.’’Farmers’ practices needed to change,

but so will urban communities, councils,businesses and individuals.‘‘Action needs to happen and in 2013

we will continue to communicateexpectations arising from this process toour members and also help find solutionswhich work for them,’’ Wills says.The Federation does not blindly ac-

cept regulations from Government orcouncils, instead working with all partiesto ensure the possibilities and limitationsare clearly defined, ensuring reasonableand achievable outcomes for agriculture.Where farmers’ real needs and capa-

bilities are not heeded, the Federationcontinues to stand up for its members.‘‘We decided to appeal the recent

Environment Court decision on theManawatu-Wanganui Regional Council’sOne Plan to the High Court,’’ Wills says.‘‘The decision sets aside the decisions

made by independent commissioners,after wide community consultation.‘‘The economic implications of theOne

Plan on farmers and other businesses in

this area did not seem to have been takeninto account. We believe this contravenesthe Resource Management Act’s require-ment for regulation to consider not just theenvironmental, but also the economic,social and cultural implications.’’Wills assured farmers that Federation

work on this and similar regional plansthroughout the country continues, but saidfarmers cannot ignore environmentalconcerns.‘‘Sustainable farming practices make

sense, not least that they can save usunnecessary costs in the medium to long-term. Also, we must do the right thing forfuture generations and the Federation isincreasingly supporting our members indoing this.’’

Broadband rolling outand emissions notLast month the Government passedamendments to Emissions TradingScheme legislation (ETS), whichFederated Farmers campaigned long andhard on, removing a date for includingagriculture’s biological emissions fromthe scheme.

FEATURE

The only farmmanagement software

designed specifically forKiwi farmers.

No one understands the unique needsof people on the land like CashmanagerRURAL.That’s why thousands of farmers

and professionals love to use it.

Only Cashmanager RURAL providesfarmers with management information attheir fingertips, whenever they need it.

Financial software that helps farmers plan

CRS Software Ltd,32 Perry Street, Masterton, NZ.

www.crssoftware.co.nz

Call for aFREE TRIAL0800 888 707

www.cashmanagerrural.co.nz

Page 11: National Farming Review December 2012

Ph 0800 327 646 www.fedfarm.org.nz December 2012 National Farming Review 11

In a world first, Gallagher i Series Fence Energizer Systems allow you toquickly and easily monitor your fence performance, informing you of anyproblems immediately so you can take action to save time and money.

Find out how i Series Fence Energizer Systems can open up the lines ofcommunication between you and your fence by visitingwww.gallagher.co.nz

i Series. identify issues instantly

www.gallagher.co.nz

Fence issue visible on external display screen.

FEATURE

for a busy newyear

BROADBANDCONNECTIVITY: FederatedFarmers chief executiveConor English, secondfromright,with, from left, Information andCommunicationTechnologyMinisterAmyAdams,Vodafone chief executiveRussell Stanners and, on right,Waikato landownerMarkSing, at theopeningof a rural cellsite earlier this year.

‘‘Farmers can breathe a bit easier knowingthey will not be hit by this potentiallypunitive tax, at least until there is viablemitigation, or other countries start includ-ing their agri-sectors in ETS typeschemes,’’ Federated Farmers vice presi-dent DrWilliam Rolleston says.New Zealand farmers pay about $3000 a

year on the ETS, around inputs such asfuel and energy. This figure could havebeen closer to $30,000.‘‘Our key motivation was the negative

environmental impact having biologicalemissions in would have on climatechange,’’ Rolleston says.‘‘Replacing efficient food production in

New Zealand with less efficient foodproduction elsewhere doesn’t make senseenvironmentally.’’The Rural Broadband Initiative (RBI)

had also made progress throughout 2012with many rural people starting to benefitfrom the increased infrastructure fundingof $300m, which the Federation lobbied for.‘‘Farmers are starting to experience the

difference high speed broadband canmakein farming operations and education op-portunities. Politicians need to rememberthose five important words ‘rural peopleare people too’,’’ Federated Farmers chief

executive Conor English says.‘‘Thanks to the RBI, the rural com-

munity is closing the digital dividewhichis critical for New Zealand’s future.’’

Other big issuesThe Federation’s general policy andadvocacy manager Mark Ross knows thefrustrations of local government inti-mately — his team of policy adviserssubmit on more than 90 per cent of thecountry’s annual and long-term plans.‘‘The Local Government Reform Bill

will be huge for the Federation and foragriculture,’’ Ross says. ‘‘Regional plansmatter. They can significantly influencewhat a farmer is able to do as a custodianof the land and water.’’Average rates rises of 7 per cent, per

year, in the last decade, are alsounsustainable for everyone.The Federation backed the Govern-

ment’s reforms aiming to refocus councilson providing local infrastructure, publicservices and regulatory functions.‘‘We also want reform of the rating

system itself, which relies heavily on landvaluation, rather than ability to pay,’’Ross says.

Next year will see more nativebiodiversity and landscape protectionsand the Federation is working to ensurefarmers’ ability to farm are not restricted.The Federation is also working with

the Ministry for Primary Industry onbiosecurity readiness and response pro-cedures and to keep New Zealand’sanimal welfare codes ahead of globalconsumers’ expectations.‘‘Many farmers don’t realise that

during the yearwe deal with between 300and 500 issues at international, national,regional and sector level,’’ English says.‘‘Other critical issues include; urban-

rural relationships; energy, road andtelecommunications infrastructure;water — ownership, allocation, manage-ment, quality and storage; farm suc-cession; biosecurity; animal welfare;property rights, capital availability, and amyriad of others affecting income andexpenditure. We did almost 100 sub-missions in 100 days— a lot of advocacy.’’

Sustainable leadersNew Zealand’s efficient farmingmethods are gaining widespreadapproval worldwide. In its recent UnitedNations report, agriculture researchorganisation CGIAR challenged thepopular concept ‘buy local’, tellingBritish lamb consumers it is better forthe planet to buy New Zealand, ratherthan British product.Taking a ‘fertiliser to fork’ approach

to calculate lambs’ environmental im-pact reconfirmed that New Zealand’sproduct, even when flown around theworld, is better for the planet because ofmore efficient agricultural practices.This report followed the October

announcement that Hawke’s Bay deerfarmers Tim Aitken and LucyRobertshawe were British chain Marks& Spencer’s 2012 Farming for the FutureChampion of Champions.‘‘This awardwas a huge endorsement

of Tim and Lucy’s farming systems andof the esteemNewZealand agriculture isheld in internationally,’’ Wills says.New Zealand’s ability to grow high-

quality and sustainable protein meanssuccess for agriculture and the countrygoing forward.‘‘The growing global population

means demand for New Zealand’s high-quality protein, whether dairy, meat orfibre, almost assures a bright future ,’’ hesays.

‘‘Sure, we have some issues. One of thebiggest is farmers having difficulties withthe present high currency, which is due tothe weakness of the European and USmarkets. But as those markets improve,we will see greater rewards.‘‘Every week there are more than a

million more mouths needing to be fed.NewZealand has to play its part in helpingto feed these people.’’

Agri-science’s roleScience is a vital component inmaking sureNew Zealand contributes to global foodstocks in a sustainable, profitable manner.Rolleston says the agricultural sector hasto ensure there is plenty of investment inscience.One of the upcoming projects Rolleston

sees as important is a Government plan tocommit $60m to fund between four andeight National Science Challenges duringthe next four years.Federated Farmers has taken part in

setting these challenges and Rollestonhopes farmers will contribute their ideas,before December 10, on the Ministry ofBusiness, Innovation and Employment’swebsite. ‘‘Agriculture must be included inthe programme of science challenges, asthey are likely to inform the Government’sstrategic policy on science funding,’’ hesays.‘‘If we do not have representation,

agricultural sector research, from woolproduction to environmental mitigationimprovements, could miss out on funding.’’

The bright futureOverall, Wills says the next year andbeyond is an exciting time for NewZealand’s agriculture sector. He believesit is important to focus on the goodstories.‘‘Sure we have some issues and

challenges facing us but this Governmentis very supportive of what we are doingfor the economy and we are working tobuild non-partisan relationships with allthe major political parties.‘‘For many years Australia was called

‘the Lucky Country’, but, long-term, theluck is on our side,’’ Wills says.‘‘About 72 per cent of the Australian

economy is based on finite resources.Seventy per cent of our economy is basedon renewable resources — farming, fish-ing and forestry — which, to my mind,gives Kiwis the upper hand.’’

Page 12: National Farming Review December 2012

12 National Farming Review December 2012 www.fedfarm.org.nz Ph 0800 327 646

0800 HYNDS RD (496377)www.hyndsrural.co.nz

BRANCHESNATIONWIDE

talktous

about ourcomplete

rural range STOCK CONTROL

EFFLUENT MANAGEMENTWATER STORAGE & RETICULATION

LAND DRAINAGEEFFLUENTSTORAGE BRIDGES&UNDERPASSES

HYSTOP CATTLESTOP

■ 3240 x 2550 mm ■ 4610 x 2550 mmApproved for milk tankers

40,000 to 4 million litresvolume capacty

LANDDRAINAGE

■ Box culvert ■ Twin U-culvert ■ U-culvert & base■ Bridge width up to 5 m ■ Bridge length 8–16 m

ByDan CorbettMetService weather ambassador

Spring rollercoaster slowlywinds down

WILDWEATHER:As themapshows, thecountry wasbuffeted by astormwhichdeveloped in theTasman Sea onOctober 12.

A very active systembrought strong tosevere gales and raintomuch of NewZealand during thesecondweek ofOctober.

Spring has certainly lived up to the name,as the active period of transition betweenthe winter and summer. A broad upperlevel trough and some very activewesterlies in the upper levels of theatmosphere were the main driving force ofthe often unsettled weather.With some good upper level dynamics

in place during recent weeks, conditionswere ideal for some active lows to develop.A very active system brought strong to

severe gales and rain to much of NewZealand during the second week of Octo-ber. A low developed in the Tasman Sea,then rapidly deepened as it moved towardthe west coast of the South Island onOctober 12.The northerlies ahead of the low

reached severe gale at times and a secondarea of strong south-westerlies followedbehind a new low which developed justeast of Canterbury later in the day. Thepressure in the new low dropped below976mb at its peak.The weather system brought strong to

severe gales from the west coast ofNorthland to the east coast of Southland.Manakau Heads, to the west of Auck-

land, had gusts of more than 80 knots(140km/h) during the middle of the day andsevere gales prevented passengers fromreboarding a docked cruise ship at Akaroa.The strong spring westerlies eased for a

time and the end of October brought moresettled weather.With fine weather and lighter winds,

afternoon highs climbed into themiddle 20sacross the Far North and interior parts ofthe South Island.

Heading towardsummerTheoceanThe Pacific Ocean plays a major part ininfluencing our weather patterns and thecritical area of sea-surface temperatures towatch is along the equator, between thedate line, 180 degrees longitude, andCentral America. When this area is coolerthan normal, the corresponding pattern iscalled La Nina. This gives strong tradewinds and encourages the high-pressureregions near New Zealand to be furthersouth than normal. The opposite pattern isan El Nino — it has weak trade winds, andcauses thewesterlies of the ‘‘roaring 40s’’ toshift northward over New Zealand.Last summer was a La Nina, but for the

past few months the sea surface

temperatures in this critical area haveranged between normal and just abovenormal. This is a neutral/borderlineweakEl Nino.The consensus for the next several

months is we should remain in thisscenario. When the Pacific has a neutralinfluence on our weather pattern, we canexpect our weather to become morevaried with wider extremes of wind, rainand temperature. This also allows otherfactors to come into play to influence ourday-to-day weather.

The atmosphereAtmospheric weather patterns have notresponded much to the El Nino direction.The Southern Oscillation index, whichgives a snapshot of the weather patternsbetween Tahiti and Darwin, has beenoscillating and remains close to zero. Thisshows the atmosphere has still not pickedup on the ocean’s weak El Nino signal.The fluctuationsmay continue during thenext couple ofmouths aswe ease throughthis borderline neutral/weak El Ninostate.When it comes to seasonal outlooks, it

is enticing to try comparing the comingseason with a close analogy from therecent past. Do not be guided by whathappened during the early summer of

2011 because it went on to become a LaNina summer.In 2009, we had a weak El Nino

developing so that might be a roughguide but bear in mind we may stay in aneutral state and not all El Ninos behavein exactly the same way.

On theborder;neutral/weakElNinoThe current borderline neutral El Ninoepisode seems to have helped lowsdeepen around the Chatham Islands,with highs lingering in the Tasman Sea.This pattern may apply at times duringthe next few months. Overall, airtemperatures may be about to just abovenormal and rainfall is expected to be nearnormal, except perhaps just above insome northern areas.Anticyclones are likely to build in the

Tasmania area and then fade away asthey move northeastward across theTasman Sea and over Northland, bring-ing periods of settled weather. Theanticyclones are expected to becomemore noticeable during this month andbring extended periods of dry weather,especially in the north.Troughs and fronts are likely to move

on to New Zealand from the south, withlows forming in the troughs and deepeningas they move off to east.There may also be periods of enhanced

westerlies across New Zealand. Watch forthese episodes as they may be accom-panied by boisterous and thundery fronts.Passing lows in the Southern Ocean

may bring brief bursts of northwesterlies toNew Zealand.Watch for any periods of blockingwhich

can cause theweather patterns to get stuckin place.The incoming cyclone season for the

tropical South Pacific is considered aboutnormal. There is a chance a cyclone maymove from the tropics toward northernNew Zealand, most likely from January toMarch.

WEATHER

8453

513A

E Available from your local rural supplies storeor veterinarian.

www.peta.co.nz

6262

www.peta.co.nzEmail: [email protected]/Fax: 64 7 855 2323

Hour Bead Jet

NEW To The Range This innovation allows youranimals to be treated with mineraland other supplements, throughthe drinking water trough, over atwo day period, using the “PetaPrinciple” of animals being dosedon a per animal per day basis.

Benefits• Two to three day application• Treats drystock, goats, sheep, deer, and other livestock• Uses standard 10 litre jerrycan, 5 litre flagon or 20 litre

“cube” jerrycan• Uses solid material or liquid supplements with a carrier

– no dissolving or straining

Sold as 48 hour Zinc Dispenser and48 hour Multi-purpose Dispenser.

DISPENSE IT WITH PETAPeta dispensers offer the simplestway to administer Zinc and

Multi-mineral supplements throughdrinkingwater.

The Simplest way to Healthy Animals

Page 13: National Farming Review December 2012

Ph 0800 327 646 www.fedfarm.org.nz December 2012 National Farming Review 13

FARMER TRAVEL FOR 2013 Join our escorted toursdesigned especially for

country people

Southern Africa – MayTake in the best of South Africa, the ‘Rainbow Nation’,with diverse farming and wildlife experiences:

• Breathtaking game viewing at Madikwe Game Reserve• A day at NAMPO, South Africa’s largest field days• Great livestock, crop and horticultural visits• The beautiful Garden Route to Capetown• Magnificent Victoria Falls and Chobe, Botswana – unforgettable

wildlife encounters!

China – MayGain a first hand look at this fascinating country where old and newmeet head on! Our tour takes in a range of rural enterprises, culturaland scenic highlights of China including:

• Sheep, beef and dairy to fruit, silk, tea and rice• The booming cities of Beijing and Shanghai• Great Wall, Terracotta Warriors and Silk Road• A memorable night in the grasslands of Inner Mongolia• A three-night cruise on the majestic yangtze River

2013 Tours also planned to:• Chile, Argentina and Brazil – May• Turkey – May/June • Europe – May/June• Western Europe May/June• Queensland – June• USA – June/July • UK & Ireland – June/July• Sweden, Denmark & Norway plus extension to Finland & Russia – July• Canada & Alaskan Cruise - June /July

Visit our website www.farmtofarm.co.nzor phone 0800 3838 747 for details!

Farm To Farm ToursBox 239, High Street, Rangiora0800 38 38 [email protected]

ECONOMY

EMPLOYMENT

Dealingwith offensive language in theworkplaceTheuse of inappropriate language in aworkplace is not an excuse for neglecting disciplinary processes, says Federated Farmerslegal advisor, JohnFowler.

The news media has a tendency to reportcases where workers are awarded monet-ary payouts, yet have acted in a morallydubious way themselves.A case this year that gathered some

attention was that of Cazna Waaka, aWellington bus driver who told her boss tostick the job up her ‘f...ing arse’ after hermanager reprimanded Ms Waaka forbringing her children to work and leavingthem unattended in a running bus.The case has an irony to it which drew

public attention and possibly even resent-ment from anyone who has employed aworker before.One would think the employer’s gripe

was fair. Bringing your children to apotentially dangerous workplace is at leastquestionable. Leaving them unattendedwhile the bus is still running could beserious misconduct. Further, it would seem

quite reasonable to have a low tolerancetoward an employee that uses offensivelanguage and is insubordinate.Yet it was reported the Employment

Relations Authority awarded Ms Waaka$10,000 when her response to her bosswas to tell her to stick the job where thesun don’t shine.The account is correct and there are

plenty of other cases too. The authoritydetermined that Ms Waaka’s languagewas ‘extremely inappropriate’, but alsothat the employer had breached its dutiesby failing to follow a fair process.Two wrongs do not make a right and

the employer had to pay the consequenceof its wrongs — literally. The authorityrejected the employer’s claim that MsWaaka’s language and behaviour hadrepudiated the employment agreementand shown she had no intention to be

bound by it.So how did Ms Waaka get away with

it? The short answer is really, that she didnot and her poor behaviour prejudicedher own case. On her day in court, MsWakaa asked for her job back. Theauthority refused to make that order,because Ms Waaka’s behaviour ruinedany chance of a future with the manager.On top of that, she only received 50 percent of the award for unjustified dis-missal because she contributed to thesituation. This reduced her payout by$4000.So what lessons can employers learn

from this? Here are five tips:1. The courts are not naıve. It is acceptedthat different language is used in differ-ent sections of the community.2. However, language that threatens,provokes, insults, harasses,

discriminates, insubordinates or bulliesother people in the workplace, includingyou, is unlikely to ever be acceptable.3.You shouldmake it clear what standardsof behaviour and language are expected. Ifthere are no clear rules, a worker tellingyou to ‘f..ck off’ may well fall short ofserious misconduct.4. Where a conversation with a workerbecomes heated, the best thing you can dois organise some time-out to let everyonesettle down.5. Regardless of what your worker hasdone or said, you must follow a fair processwhen following disciplinary procedures.Also, be wary of suspending an employeewithout a fair reason, or without firstfollowing a fair process. This includesproposing the suspension, seeking theemployee’s comments and consideringthose comments.

‘Fourmore years’ forObamaWestpac Institutional BankeconomistNathan Pennylooks at what fourmoreyears for Barack Obamameans for New Zealand’sdollar and exchange rateforecasts.

Barack Obama’s re-election as UnitedStates President means quantitative easingwill remain in vogue in the US.While someperceive that quantitative easing weakensthe greenback, we believe the reasonsbehind it, stuttering growth in the US andrelatively rosy New Zealand growthprospects, will keep the Kiwi dollar high.

What is quantitativeeasing?Usually when central banks want tostimulate economies, they lower the inter-est rates at which they provide cash to thebanking system. This promotes lending tohouseholds and businesses that then in-

crease spending, generating economicactivity. Since the Global Financial Crisis,some central banks have reduced inter-est rates to zero to try to jumpstart theireconomies. Alas, even this has notworked! Some have turned to unconven-tional monetary policy, such as quantitat-ive easing (QE). Central banks buyfinancial assets they do not normally buy,including long-term government bonds,company bonds, shares or even commer-cial loans. The intent is to lower long-term interest rates, stimulating banklending and boosting the economy.During Obama’s first term, the US

Federal Reserve carried out three roundsof QE. His re-election gives the chairmanof the Federal Reserve, Ben Bernanke,the green-light to continue. In contrast,the Republican candidate, Mitt Romney,was a vocal critic of QE and a win forRomney would have seen greater scru-tiny of QE.

QEhasnot causedinflation todate . . .Some commentary claims QE does more

harm than good, driving down exchangerates, creating undesirable inflows ofcapital into other countries and generat-ing inflation.This is currently driving investors

toward assets viewed as inflation-proof— gold, shares, property — or tocurrencies where central banks still haveconventional monetary policy tools tofight inflation — namely, the Aussie orKiwi dollar.This perception might be true in

normal circumstances. Inflation can arisefrom rapid growth in the money supplyand commercial banks’ reserves haveexpanded significantly with QE. Butthese are not normal times — preciselywhy the US has been forced into QE.

. . . nor underminedtheUSdollarThe additional reserves have helped thecommercial banks stabilise their balancesheets, but, crucially, much of the moneyhas not been on-loaned to businesses orhouseholds.Accordingly to date, QE has done little

to spur economic growth, or inflation. Norhas it driven exchange rates, with the USdollar at similar levels to four years ago.The Federal Reserve hopes the latest

round of QE will be different. The Septem-ber round focussed more on promotingbank lending, including purchases ofmortgage-backed securities — home loans.While this move is helpful, we view it as anecessary, but by itself insufficient, step toreturning the US economy to sustainedgrowth. The main stumbling blocks to USgrowth are households needing to furtherreduce debt and the government needing tonarrow its deficit, without derailing theeconomy.

But theNZD isset to stayhighWith New Zealand’s growth prospectsrelatively rosy, we expect the kiwi dollarto hold above the 80 cent mark in 2013.Our November forecasts show the NewZealand economy growing by 2.5 per centand 3.2 per cent in 2012 and 2013,compared to 2.1 per cent and 1.7 per centin the US.

Page 14: National Farming Review December 2012

14 National Farming Review December 2012 www.fedfarm.org.nz Ph 0800 327 646

8453

512A

F

GPSMADEEASY

Reduce the Risk! Fit a TracMap monitorto your Travelling Irrigator System.

Optional Mapping Now Available

Sleep easy with the TracMap system for monitoring your travelling irrigator. TheTracMap system shuts down the pump in the event of problems, and records yourapplication history, ensuring the best use of the nutrient value.

Benefits (all systems)• Minimises the risk of ponding due to irrigator malfunction or reaching end of run• Reduce the risk of accidently failing to comply with effluent application consents• Solar panel - no changing batteries• Flexible warning setups - Lights, Buzzers, text alerts• Choice of radio or cellular to suit any geography• A TracMap branded product means reliable backup and support

Phone: +64 3 489 2952www.tracmap.co.nz

TravellingIrrigator

Map View

INDUSTRY GROUPS MEAT & FIBRE

Meat sector talksfor butchersByDavid BurtFederated Farmers Rural Butchers policy advisor

Since March Federated Farmers’ RuralButchers Executive, representing home-killoperators and dual operator butchers, hasbeen working with the Ministry for PrimaryIndustries’ (MPI) Working Group onUnregulated Meat. This is a stakeholder grouplooking at the issues around the unregulatedmeat sector.The Federation strongly supports efforts to

prevent any illegal activity, such as the sale ofunregulated, or home-killed, meat. The groupis looking at education and gaining a betterunderstanding of the problem’s extent, soverification activities and other resources canbe used to best effect.A modus operandi is also being developed

for the Dual Operator Butcher sector, address-ing factors affecting consistency of verifi-cation, interpretation and application of NewZealand standards. It will help ensure theconsistent application of compliancenationally. Rural Butchers Executive mem-bers will be better placed to help memberswith any MPI compliance issues.

■ The group’s 2013 conference will be held inTimaru on Saturday, August 24, with field tripsthe day before and after. For more information,contact chairmanMike Hanson on 027 269 4133,or at [email protected], or David Burton 0800 327 646, or [email protected].

Training a vital investmentByDavid BurtFederated Farmers Meat & Fibre policy advisor

The merger of several Industry Train-ing Organisations (ITO) aims to im-prove professional training and de-velopment across the primary sector.The first of these was the consolida-

tion of primary sector ITOs which tookplace in two stages, merging theSeafood ITO and the Meat & Dairysectors’ NZITO in July and the forma-tion of the Primary Industries ITO(PrITO) from the merger of AgITO andthe Horticulture ITO in October.The changes allow the better inte-

gration of training courses, providemore resources for training and de-liver better outcomes for the sector.Given that agriculture brought

more than $26 billion in export revenueinto New Zealand in the year endingJune 2012, it is essential to ensure thesector’s workforce has the skills itneeds to maximise returns. With fiveper cent of New Zealand’s populationemployed in agriculture, it is essentialthe sector ensures its workforce hasthe training it needs to reach its fullpotential.Staff are a valuable business asset

and their value can be maximised bydeveloping and leveraging theirexisting and potential attributes.Workplace training involves em-

ployees acquiring specific, generallywork-related skills, knowledge andcompetencies. Both employees andemployers benefit from well-designed and implemented trainingprogrammes.Employees see training as evi-

dence their employer values themenough to invest in and benefit byincreasing their potential marketvalue. Employers benefit by having amore capable and engagedworkforce.Historically in the agricultural

sector, while on-the-job training wasprovided, new knowledge, skills andcompetencies have often beenacquired informally while growingup and working on the family farm.Some people gained their skills

through formal residential vo-cational training or tertiary study.While both these pathways are

very successful and many of theirgraduates move on to work, manageor own agricultural businesses, thesemore academic frameworks havesome limitations in the modern agri-cultural business environment.Places on residential vocational

courses are limited and undertakinga university degree is expensive andrequires a significant time commit-ment. This is not as suited to peoplewith a more practical bent.

The sector is aware of these issuesand is moving to address the currentlimitations around training and careerdevelopment on several fronts.This is supported by the second

development; the recently conductedreview of agricultural training by theNew Zealand Qualifications Authority.The proposed qualifications suit arange of skill levels, from the Level 2Primary Industry Skills certificates toLevel 5 Agribusiness Managementcertificates.The aim is to provide students with

a more flexible and useable careerpath, allowing more movementbetween different sector areas.Employers will have the assurance

that qualified students have attainednecessary skills and experience.The third development is the expan-

sion of the residential agriculturaltraining farm programme, with severalnew residential training farms to beestablished in Whangarei and possiblyOtago, Southland or Canterbury.These and other initiatives, taken in

totality, demonstrate New Zealand’sagricultural training providers arefocused on producing the well trainedand adaptable workforce the sectorneeds. The Federation looks forward toreaping the benefits of this effort infuture years, both by farmers and thewider economy.

Manufacturers of chook houses, hay racks, dog kennels & carriers, farm fuel tanks & general sheetmetal work

www.mainline.net.nz0800 TANKS-4-U (0800 826 574)We deliver nationwide.

CERTIFIED FABRICATOR OF EPA APPROVED FUEL STORAGE TANKS

EPA APPROVED FUEL STORAGE TANKSPETROL/DIESEL TANKS• Overhead — 590 – 1950L • Split Tanks

• On Ground — 500 – 10000L • Double Skin Tanks

• Containment Bunds • Ute Tanks

Tank – mild steel, sandblasted and epoxy paint.

Legs, ladder & stays – hot dip galv. (Some assembly required).

Priced from $2290 + GST

Accessories: Water block filter’s and elements, hose,

nozzles, meters, taps, locking covers and dipsticks.

NEW LOCK BOX* for EXTRA SECURITY (*new tanks only).

DIESEL TRAILERS - 700L, 1100L, 1350L, 1900L

• 3 Pump options – K3 Hand Pump, 12V Electric or Petrol Motor

Priced from $4990 plus GST & ORC

8901

208A

C

WHO’S ON YOUR PROPERTY?WHO’S ON YOUR PROPERTY?

FREE PHONEFREE PHONE0508 727 2230508 727 223

WWW.PARABEAM.CO.NZWWW.PARABEAM.CO.NZ

Parabeam® has been designed to outperformand outlast any other product on the market.

Easily monitor your gateways, dairy shedsor farm equipment – even if it is located a

couple of km’s away from your home.

WARRANTYYEAR3

9009

386A

A

FREEPocket Beeperworth*$149 .00*for all orders placed

before 31 Oct 2012

Page 15: National Farming Review December 2012

Ph 0800 327 646 www.fedfarm.org.nz December 2012 National Farming Review 15

FUEL ADDITIVEFOR YOUR GIRLS.When your grass has come off flush and you’re switchingto supplements to enhance energy levels, that’s when youneed an addition of new TopCow ProMin. With good qualityprotein, you can be sure all the energy is going into milkproduction and not excessive body condition. This isn’t justanother mineral pellet, it’s high octane for your cows’ engines.And because it’s already perfectly mixed to supply the rightbalance of protein and minerals, you’re ensuring that everymouthful is effective. Keep your production up. Keep the riskdown with TopCow ProMin. For more information on the completeTopCow range, talk to your Ingham rep on 0800 650 505or visit inghamfeeds.co.nz

QUALITY THAT DELIVERS BIGTRACTA39941-NFR

INDUSTRY GROUPSDAIRY

Organophosphates findings availableBy Ann ThompsonFederated Farmers Dairy policy advisor

GONETOGRASS: TheEnvironmentalProtectionAgency is seeking commentson its proposals around the reassessmentof organophosphates andcarbamatesused to control insect pests, suchas grassgrubs,which candestroypasture.

Farmers who use diazinon are beingasked to contribute data about how theorganophosphate may, or may not,affect them.The Environmental Protection

Agency (EPA) is continuing itsreassessment of the organophosphatesand carbamates used for plant protec-tion purposes and, having consideredeach of the active ingredients, hasmade proposals which can becommented on.Diazinon, an organophosphate, has

several important uses for farmers,which is why EPA is considering a10-year phase out, rather than immedi-ate withdrawal of the chemical, despiteconcerns for human health. The ultim-ate decision lies with the EPA decision-making committee, which will base itsdecision on science and submissions.The proposed 10-year period gives

scientists and manufacturers time toproduce new, tested, alternative pro-ducts and allows for the collection ofinformation on the human health ef-fects and ways to mitigate them. Ifsufficient new data is collected, theEPA may be approached to reconsiderreassessing this agrichemical.As a result, Federated Farmers

wants all diazinon and other

agrichemical users to start collectingdata regarding any health effectsthey may experience when using anyproducts containing the chemicals.This could be by way of a daily

diary during the months of use, plus amonth either side to give a base-lineand a phase-out line.Signs to note are sweating and

salivation, dizziness, fatigue, runnynose or eyes, nausea, intestinal dis-comfort, confusion, changes in heartrate, or anything unusual for the user.Having the relevant blood tests

would support all claims of lack ofadverse effects. It would also giveoperators the comfort of knowing theprecautions taken while mixing andspraying, which should be part of anyoperator’s plan, work.Testing for diazinon and other

organophosphate effects is compli-cated. Two sets of blood tests,between three and 10 days apart, arerequired before spraying commencesto establish the base levels of specificenzymes. Base-line setting tests mustbe done after 60 days free fromexposure to diazinon. Then more arerequired monthly during the sprayingperiod to monitor the levels.Talk to your doctor for more

complete information.Annual testing, well after the

spraying regime, is not sufficient as

the levels need to be monitoredduring spraying.Those using diazinon need to

either hold an Approved Handler

Certificate or be under the directsupervision of someone with one. At-tention must be given to theinstructions on the product’s label,including using the appropriate per-sonal protective equipment andconditions.Having the information on the ef-

fects on users will help back the sciencethat informs the industry.To view the application documents

go to www.epa.govt.nz and click on‘consultation’. If you wish to make asubmission, these close on January 22,2013.

Summerdairydiary■ Sort out staff cover for theChristmas holidays■ Write clear instructions for thoserunning the farmwhile you are away■ Re-do your budget to bring it inlinewith forecastweather conditionsand payout forecast■ Settle and sign that contract■ Enter theNewZealandDairyIndustryAwards beforeDecember 20.Go to dairyindustryawards.co.nz formore information■ Take time out—you’ve earned it!

Page 16: National Farming Review December 2012

16 National Farming Review December 2012 www.fedfarm.org.nz Ph 0800 327 646

INDUSTRY GROUPS GRAINS

Domesticmarket continues softeningByNick HansonGrain & Seed policy advisor

BATTLINGPERCEPTIONS:While a global shortageofwheat should be raisingprices here,NewZealandprices are trendingdowndue toperceptions of a local oversupply.

South Island grains prices have continuedto soften since August as diverginginternational and domestic fundamentalscompete to set a market.The last NZX Profarmer report put

Canterbury feed wheat at an average bidprice of $366 per metric tonne, includingdelivery to nearest store or mill, downfrom $371 just two weeks prior. Thisrepresents amoderate softening, but by nomeans equates to the crash some mighthave predicted after a bumper harvestproduced an ample supply of all majorgrains. However, the report says growerswill be wary of slow demand from thedairy sector.This softening is somewhat at odds

with fundamentals internationally. Theeffects from the crippling United Statesdrought on international grain prices havebeen well publicised, but supply concerns,particularly by wheat and corn traders,continue to support historic highs on thebenchmark Chicago Board of Exchange.The latest values for wheat contracts inChicago have some contracts equating tomore than NZ$400 per metric tonne.Unfavourable weather has also led to

supply issues in Europe’s Black Searegion. Ukraine has curbed exports toensure sufficient local supply and there isspeculation that Russia, the world’s third

largest exporter, will also run out ofsurplus wheat.New Zealand growers are used to

competitively-priced Australian wheatcoming into the North Island pig andpoultry markets. Frustratingly, whilethe international rally has increasedimported wheat prices, local growershave not seen a corresponding lift in thelast two months. This is reportedly dueto a perceived domestic oversupply andAustralian sorghum imports. Growershope for a lift in interest from SouthIsland dairy farmers and alignment withglobal prices to sell any remaining crops.In addition to finding a home for

unsold grain, Federated Farmers NorthCanterbury Grain spokesperson MurrayRowlands has also emphasised the needfor growers with contracted grain still instorage awaiting delivery to be vigilant.‘‘It’s important to keep in contact with

the merchant who has bought yourcontracted grain,’’ Rowlands says. ‘‘Adownside of the good growing seasonhas been that deliveries have been slowand it pays to be in front of the buyerrather than waiting until January andrunning the risk that a delivery won’t beavailable when you need the space forthe new harvest.’’Mr Rowlands said growers wanting

to confidentially discuss their situation,should call Federated Farmers on 0800327 646.

Page 17: National Farming Review December 2012

Ph 0800 327 646 www.fedfarm.org.nz December 2012 National Farming Review 17

ADVERTORIAL

Technology forfarm securityCriminals see farms asattractive targets because oftheir isolation, openness anda general shortage ofsecurity measures. Securingthe great outdoors at areasonable cost ischallenging but there arereliable solutions that cangive an excellent measure ofpre-emptive protectionrelatively inexpensively,compared with the cost ofputting things right after anevent.

Since 2003, New Zealandcompany ParatronicsDevelopments Ltd has beendeveloping and marketing arange of wireless outdoorsecurity solutions where aninvisible beam provides aninstant alert to a remotereceiver whenever persons,or vehicles, cross key entrypoints and other areas ofinterest on a property.

A magnetic vehiclesensing system is a newaddition to the range —initially developed forAustralian farmers wanting

something that ignoreskangaroos but detectsvehicles. Sensors may beinstalled several kilometresfrom the ‘base receiver’ ifneeded, with the use ofantennas, or a repeater if thesite is extremelychallenging. There is also theoption of a unit that sendstexts to a mobile phone.

The system is waterproof,insect proof and built fromUV stable materials. On-board diagnostics and two-way connectivity also helpensure its overallrobustness.

Early next year,Paratronics will be offering aportable camera solutionthat sends images on theVodafone network to acentral server. The imagesmay be ‘pushed’ to asmartphone, or viewed atany time by logging intoyour account.

■ For further information,freephoneMike Vincent on0508 727 223.

A real Kiwi success storyIt all started in the 1950swhen Kiwi Bert Hansen wasbuilding a house and couldn’tfind a reliable toilet valve.

Being an engineer, heinvented one and from there itall started. He saw anopportunity to manufacturefitting solutions to suit NewZealand conditions.

Bert, described as a stringand wire man, was incredibleat finding simple but effectivesolutions to problems.

He created all sorts of‘things’ in the early days butearly wins came from high-performance water valves.

This technology is stillused in valves sold byhundreds of company’sworldwide. Next, he decidedto develop a range ofpolyethylene (alkathene) easyto use ‘Cold Fit Pipe Fittings’.

This completely changedthe way Kiwi farmers joinedpoly pipe.

His main focus was to keepit simple and make it last!Thirty five years later and withmore than 100 million fittingsin the ground, Bert’s pipefittings are simple to use, timetested and most importantlytrusted by farmers.

With an emphasis onquality and reliability,Hansen’s has build areputation for providinghigh performance, easy touse, innovative and simpleproducts that provide theircustomers with BestInstalled Value. Hansen’shas an extensive range of

trough valves, tank valves,level indicators, polythenepipe fittings, threaded pipefittings, foot valves, ballvalves, check valves, unions,couplings and tank fittings.

■ Hansen Products are sold atall good supply stores.www.hansenproducts.co.nz.

INDUSTRY GROUPSBEES, WOMEN

Product research neededByNick HansonBee industry group policy advisor

A compulsory levy may still benecessary despite theFederated Farmers Bees Indus-try Group’s (BIG) efforts insetting up a voluntary levy of $1per hive to fund research pro-jects vital for New Zealand’sbee-keeping and honey indus-try. Other industry participantshave been encouraged to do thesame and the Honey PackersAssociation also agreed to avoluntary donation of $20 pertonne of product handled.Following this resolution,

the Bee Products StandardsCouncil (BPSC) co-ordinatedthe funding drive and in JulyBIG and BPSC jointly wrote toall honey-related Risk Manage-ment Programme holdersseeking a contribution.

BPSC chairman JimEdwards says of the $102,762already received, funding hassupported the researches intoPyrrolizidine Alkaloides(PA’s) found in Vipers Bu-gloss honey and C4 sugars.Also, $2683 was being trans-ferred to the Trees for Beesproject.Unfortunately, to date not

enough had been received tobegin the development ofhoney standards.BIG chairman John

Hartnell said the responsehad been pleasing but therewas still a section of the bee-keeping industry beingdisproportionally burdened.‘‘Some bee-keepers have

been incredibly generous, butit continues to be the samenames contributing while,disappointingly, many very

successful businesses take thefree ride option,’’ Hartnell says.‘‘It just highlights the need

for a compulsory commoditylevy in the industry. Without it,it will always be a struggle toraise the funding needed forcrucial research and marketaccess work.’’Hartnell said an approach

had been made to primaryindustry funding body, theAgricultural and Marketing Re-search and Development Trust,for funding to employ a consult-ant to investigate the bestoverall structure for the honeyindustry. Part of that would beto look at how a commoditylevy could be implemented andadministered.

■ To contribute to the BPSCfund, contact Federated Farmerson 0800 327 646.

Robotic milking popular in Scandinavia‘‘Robotic milking is becomingincreasingly popular in Scandinavia. Thisis understandable and convenient, giventhat most stock are in barns due to theharsh winters the region experiences, ’’said Ross Macmillan, managing directorof Canterbury-based, Farm To FarmTours.

Macmillan recently toured Norway,Denmark, Sweden and Finland with agroup of New Zealand and Australianfarmers.

‘‘Although we enjoyed long, warm,summery days while on tour, we realisedhousing dairy stock was essential in thisenvironment, especially given wintertemperatures can fall to -40C, oftenaccompanied by a metre or two of snow.

‘‘Not only are the cows well fed andsheltered but it is also much better forthe farm staff. Of the seven dairy farmswe visited on this three-week tour, sixhad robotic systems — split about50:50 between the Lely and theAstronaut systems.

‘‘One Danish dairy farmer milkedabout 300 Danish Reds with fiverobots. The cows visited the robot onaverage 3.5 times a day and producedabout 10,000 litres of milk perlactation, which seemed pretty typicalproduction for this part of the world.

‘‘The diet was mainly maize silage,pasture silage, wheat, barley and fababeans.’’ said Macmillan.

‘‘The robots seemed to be doing the

job well, so most of the work centeredon feeding stock, rather than milking.The farmers did stress it was importantto have a good relationship with thecompany servicing the robots,otherwise if there was a breakdownyou do not want to wake up to 30 cowsstanding inline waiting to be milked, orsee milk flowing down a drain.

‘‘The other advantage seemed to bethe containment of effluent until it wasspread on the crop and pasture land inthe spring.

Strict EU rules apply to effluentmanagement in Scandinavia andEurope, obviously as wary of groundpollution and waterway protection aswe are increasingly becoming in New

Zealand.‘‘The housing systems make it easier

to manage and provides the opportunityto capture energy from the methaneresulting from manure storage.

‘‘Although robotic milking is moredifficult to apply in our pastoral situation,it was interesting to see how popular itwas and to see the pros and cons of suchsystems in this environment. Farm toFarm Tours is operating another generalfarming tour to Scandinavia in July, withan extension to St Petersburg,’’ saidMacmillan.

■ More information atwww.farmtofarm.co.nz or phone0800 383 8747.

Second year of graduates

LYNNEESON

The Agri-Women’s Develop-ment Trust (AWDT) is cele-brating a second successfulyear with 14 graduates fromits 2012 Escalator agriculturalleadership programme.The 10-month programme

aims to create prospectivefuture leaders with the skillsand capability to govern andlead agricultural organisa-tions and communities.Federated Farmers Rua-

pehu provincial president and2012 Escalator graduate LynNeeson said it gave her moreawareness of what she canaccomplish for agriculture.‘‘Federated Farmers

opened a lot of doors for me,but Escalator has shown mehow to work more effectivelyand get better outcomes fromthose opportunities.’’Topics include leadership,

governance, strategy, finance,

communication, critical think-ing and human resources.‘‘Escalator picks up these

women who are doing a lot intheir own areas and makesthem realise their skills cantranslate into the nationalagricultural arena,’’ Neesonsays.

Page 18: National Farming Review December 2012

18 National Farming Review, Monday December 3, 2012

FESTIVE WINES

Page 19: National Farming Review December 2012

National Farming Review, Monday December 3, 2012 19

FESTIVE WINES

Page 20: National Farming Review December 2012

20 National Farming Review, Monday December 3, 2012

FESTIVE WINES

Page 21: National Farming Review December 2012

National Farming Review, Monday December 3, 2012 2185

6421

0AE

www.ruralcontractors.org.nzFreephone 0800 4 AG CONTRACTOR (0800 424 266)

8523

022A

D85

7437

2AE

Free phone 0800 288 9998727664AA

We Always Pay More!

$1000CASHper week

PLUS go in thedraw to WIN

VEHICLES WANTED

Freephone0800 807 155

www.reidtrailers.co.nz

Choose from our range of standard designsincluding Digger trailers, Boat trailers, Biketrailers and many more. Or we can designand custom build to your specifications.

8601

696A

A

LOOK!NO GST PRICE INCREASE!Innotek NZ is maintaining all current low prices

GREAT VALUESD-1825 with 1 collar $685.00SD-800 with 1 collar $535.00

Extra collars $245.00Prices include GST

We offer a range ofgoods for you specialising

in parts and service

Phone Now! 0800-733-5463(03)-688-2179

Email [email protected] us up for our brancheswww.redline.co.nz

Tractors - Combines - Balers

- Planting - Precision Farming

8529871AA0800 773 786 www.prestosheds.co.nz

email: [email protected]

Call now to place your order

Need protection from the elements?We can help you to protect your valuablemachinery, boats, motorhomes, caravansand even animals.

Our exclusive design is an incredible cleverswaged fit connection of high tensilegalvanised steel that makes the Presto Shedan irresistible choice.

We have an extensive range of sizes or wecan manufacture to your requirements.

Applications unlimited:✓ Motorhome shed✓ Campervan Shelter✓ Storage cover✓ Workshop extension✓ Carport/boat/caravan/

bike shed✓ Animal Shelters✓ Machinery Protection

AS SEEN ATMYSTERYCREEK 2011

Your Benefits:✓ Quick DIY set up✓ Affordable✓ Assemble time 4 hours✓ Relocatable✓ Engineered to high

wind zones

• Single phase• Warranty

• Free delivery North Island• Extra cost for South Island

• Supplying since 1975

PHONE Frigidair on (06) 877 [email protected]

for Farmers & Huntersfor Farmers & Hunters

CHILLERSCHILLERS&& FREEZERSFREEZERS

WE HAVE SOMEONE THATWANTS TO MEET YOU

There is no need to cross bridges toAUSTRALIA for real introductions

THE 300 Club NZhave beautiful women looking for Kiwi

men just like you

Stop waiting - take action today.CALL 0345 59300 NOW or log on to

www.the300club.co.nz100% NZ OWNED AND OPERATED.

Forest Genetics will help youincrease profit from your trees

Go for the highest genetic quality planting stock – ‘CarbonEaters’ or clonal varieties for timber products

Increased PerformanceAge 5

Carbon/ha - Waiterere

200

300

400

3.0

4.0

5.0

Wood Stiffness (GPa)- Kaingaroa

GF19 GF25 Ave of 6ProductionVarieties

Contact us fora free reprint ofour recent TreeGrower article

To order, please contact:Christine on 027 375 2733

[email protected] Mike on 07 357 4244

[email protected] more information:

www.forest-genetics.com

Page 22: National Farming Review December 2012

22 National Farming Review, Monday December 3, 201285

6417

7AF

SOUTH ISLANDRURAL GUIDE

8983147AA

8983

147A

A

Sarah Booth027 527 8258

Brendan ‘Big Red’ Shefford027 224 4733

Quite simply ‘an outstandingcountry residence’Every once in a while, a property comes to the market that quitesimply takes your breath away, and this is most definitely one ofthem! Newly completed, yet on an existing, established site, thismagnificent home boasts uninterrupted views across farmland tothemountains,creatingamagicalsetting.Thevendors’exceptionalstyle & attention to detail has been well rewarded with a finishthat is outstanding. The Southland Beech floors promise lastingbeauty & are complemented by the use of Rimu throughout thehome. The colonial feel of the home’s exterior, kitchen, laundry& family bathroom, blends perfectly with ‘up to the minute’fixtures & fittings in other areas of the home. Offering extensiveaccommodation in two wings (perfect for extended family orvisitors), a fabulous, sheltered courtyard for outdoor entertainingand 2.4 acres of gardens, this is country living at its very best. Wecould go on and on singing this home’s merits, but instead inviteyou to come along and see for yourself what a special place it is.Auction – On Site, 8th December 2012 at 1pm

Ph 03 347 9988

AJ McPherson & Associates Limited Licensed (REAA 2008)

139 Brookside Irwell Road, Leeston Auction

9004

276A

A

HORNBY53 SHANDS ROAD(03) 349 [email protected]

BELFAST756 MAIN NORTH ROAD

(03) 323 [email protected]

GTH3052TFLAWNTRACTOR30.0hpV-TwinFoot-pedal Hydro52” Fabricatedcutting deck

$7,999

LTH19530 LAWNTRACTOR19.5hp - Foot-pedal Hydro30” Cutting deck

$3,899

LTH2038 LAWNTRACTOR20.0hp - Foot-pedal Hydro38” Cutting deck

$4,499

LTH2142DR LAWNTRACTOR21.0hp - Foot-pedal Hydro42” cutting deck, U-Cut™ steering

$4,899

CTH19530 LAWNTRACTOR19.5hp - Foot-pedal Hydro30” Cutting deck, 200L Collection capacity

$4,999

CTH2138R LAWNTRACTOR21.0hp - Foot-pedal Hydro38” Cutting deck, U-Cut™ steering220L Collection capacity

$5,999

CTH2642TRE LAWNTRACTOR26.0hpV-Twin, Foot-pedal Hydro42” Cutting deck, U-Cut™ steering320L Collection capacity

$6,999

NEW

NEWNEW

9004

233A

A

Page 23: National Farming Review December 2012

Ph 0800 327 646 www.fedfarm.org.nz December 2012 National Farming Review 23

INSIDER

ParliamentBills in the HouseAs at November 9 several Bills relevant tofarming were before Parliament, at variousstages:■ Local Government Act Amendment Bill— awaiting Second Reading■ Building Amendment Bill No 4 —awaiting Second Reading■ Food Bill — awaiting Second Reading■ Lobbying Disclosure Bill — at Govern-ment Administration Select Committee■ Environment Canterbury (TemporaryCommissioners and Improved Water Man-agement) Bill — at Local Government andEnvironment Select Committee■ Game Animal Council Bill — at LocalGovernment and Environment Select Com-mittee■ Heritage New Zealand Pouhere TaongaBill — at Local Government and Environ-ment Select Committee■ Resource Management (Restricted Dur-ation of Certain Discharge and CoastalPermits) — at Local Government andEnvironment Select Committee■ Land Transport Management ActAmendment Bill — at Transport and Indus-trial Relations Select Committee■ Minimum Wage (Starting-out Wage)Amendment Bill — at Transport and Indus-trial Relations Select Committee■ Regulatory Standards Bill — at Com-merce Select Committee■ Local Electoral Amendment Bill No 2—atJustice and Electoral Select Committee■ Taxation (Livestock Valuation, AssetsExpenditure, and Remedial Matters Bill) Bill— awaiting First Reading■ Public Finance (Fiscal Responsibility)Amendment Bill — awaiting First Reading.

Other reviews andconsultations■ Safer Workplaces, IndependentTaskforce onWorkplace Health and Safety■ Vehicle Licensing Reform, Ministry ofTransport■ Agricultural Vehicle Omnibus Rule, NZTransport Agency■ NZ Post Deed of Understanding, NZ Post■ Improving the Regulatory Standards Bill,The Treasury■ ACC Levies for 2013/14, ACC■ Local Government Regulatory Perform-ance, NewZealand Productivity Commission■ Organophosphate and Carbamate Re-view, Environmental Protection Authority■ Road User Charges for light dieselvehicles, Ministry of Transport■ Review of Government Investment in

Industry Training, Ministry of Education■ Review of Fire Policy, Department ofInternal Affairs.

Craig Hickson gets hisawardAfter missingFederatedFarmers’ 2012awards ceremonyin June, Progress-ive Meats manag-ing director CraigHickson receivedhis 2012 Allflex/Federated FarmersAgribusiness Person ofthe Year Award in October. FederatedFarmers president Bruce Wills made thepresentation at the Hawke’s Bay‘Grasshoppers’, where 50 of Mr Hickson’speers gave him a standing ovation.

Feds peoplePam Boland is excited about her new roleas Federated Farmers field officer forNorth Canterbury, Marlborough, Nelson,Golden Bay and theWest Coast.‘‘I have been lucky to have worked and

lived rurally most of mylife and wouldn’t have itany other way,’’ Pamsays.Having grownup and

workedwith racehorses,had seven seasons indairying and worked inthe poultry industry,Pam appreciates the challenges of farming.She is amazed by the amount of change

happening in farming.‘‘Most disconcerting to me is the amount

of overbearing legislation rolling into motionmaking how we make our living by farmingthe land harder with each day. This is whereFederated Farmers makes such a differ-ence.’’

Federated Farmers’ new Southland fieldofficer Colin Murphy has about 25 yearsexperience in the rural sector, mainly in theanimal health field. He was raised on a southOtago sheep and beef farm and has a lot ofcontacts in the Southland area.Colin understands seasonal trends and

climatic conditions that can affect Southlandfarmers’ operations, whether they are sheepand beef or dairy farms. Colin is lookingforward to meeting and working withfarmers to ensure they get what they needfrom the Federation.

THEOFFALPIT

FarmergeddonBack in April, you may recall anAussie businessman had a brainexplosion on Facebook callingKiwis‘‘retarded’’.This and his other unbelievable

comments that women had ‘‘noplace in business or politics’’ anddescribing his Prime Minister as apeasant, were widely reported andcondemned as ignorant and insensi-tive. You can guess what happenedto him.So how come celebrity econo-

mist Gareth Morgan got away withdescribing the Federation as‘‘retards’’ over and over in an onlinerant?At least The Hound at Rural

News and even new Truth editor,Cameron Slater, called him up on it.But they are the exceptions. Despitethe storm when similar words wereused over the Tasman, the silencefrom the Kiwimedia pack is deafen-ing.Morgan let rip because Feder-

ated Farmers appealed the Environ-ment Court’s One Plan decision.According to Morgan, farmersshould kneel and genuflect beforethe council’s plan.Of course, the column was writ-

ten before a Landcare Researchreport revealed the plan’s costingswere so off the mark Apple Mapscould have thrown them together.According to the council, farm

profitability would only have suf-fered financial impacts of betweenabout five per cent to just under 17per cent. However, when the Gov-ernment asked Landcare to run itsruler over the One Plan, they cameup with impacts of between 22 percent and 43 per cent. No wonder theFederation has called this‘Farmergeddon’.Morgan is meant to be an

intelligent economist, but how doesdestroying farms help economicprogress, or the environment forthat matter? Maybe George Orwellwas right, ‘‘there are some ideas sowrong, that only a very intelligentperson could believe in them’’.Let us hope theNewYear brings

better news. Farm safe this Christ-mas.

■ The Offal Pit is an opinion editorialnot necessarily reflecting the viewsor policies of Federated Farmers.

Cattledrovephotowinsaward

AMOMENT INTIME:Taranaki DailyNewsphotographer JonathanCameronwonFederatedFarmersRural PhotographyAwardwith his shot of 13-year-old JeanaHowells leadingmore than200cattle on a three-daydrove. This photo illustrated the story of sheepandbeef farmer, JackRawlinson, droving cattle froma farmatMatau, 54kmeast of Stratford, to a farm inStratford. AsCameron said, ‘‘after lining it up I couldn’t believemy luck. She came into the centre of the road,having the kiwi sign and steaming cattle. In other countries itmaybeaMarlboroman, not a13-year-old. It is verymuchaNewZealandpicture.’’

Getting more from collaborationMEMBERSHIP

Federated Farmers isworking hard to help ‘‘leading farmers’’ become ‘‘farming leaders’’ and is developing a new leadership courseprogramme to further advance farmers’ capability towork in a collaborative advocacy environment,writes JeremyBlandford.

Federated Farmers’ is expanding itshighly successful Leadership Develop-ment Programme for members andothers in primary industries.Many agricultural sector leaders have

been through the Federation’s stage oneand two Leadership Courses. These giveindividuals vital skills to work in teamsand understand the technical, emotive,cultural and political aspects of issues.The level one Getting Your Feet Wet

and level two Shining Under the Spot-light courses give participants the tech-niques and methods to analyse and bringtogether a compelling case to presenttheir desired outcomes.Generally, participants are more at

home working with animals andmachinery, but the courses give themthe confidence to speak publicly andrepresent themselves and their indus-tries effectively at the highest levels ofgovernance.Many participants may initially

think, ‘‘Oh crap, I have to stand up infront of all these people and present aclear, concise case’’, but that makes itmore rewarding to see them grow inconfidence.Federated Farmers, with the help of

Dairy NZ, the Agricultural andMarket-ing Research and Development Trust(AGMARDT) and Beef + Lamb NZ, isdesigning an additional leadership pro-

gramme to develop the Federation’scapability to positively advocate forworkable and sustainable outcomes forthe farming sector.The initial target audience is

Federated Farmers’ provincial presi-dents and executives who are en-gaged with the many territorial localgovernment decision making pro-cesses.The course aims to increase their

effectiveness in the collaborativedecision-making processes — particu-larly on the Resource ManagementAct, Emissions Trading Scheme andthe Land and Water Forum.This programme focuses on Build-

ing Collaborative Advocacy Skills,specifically;■ Negotiating agreement and managingconflict■ Integrating technical and scientific in-formation■ Communicating effectively■ Applying analytic skills and strategicthinking.All courses are tailored to target the

specific development needs of farmingleaders. They recognise the predominantlypragmatic culture, the volunteer nature ofthe roles, tensions on time and energyfaced and the passion and emotionalcommitment these issues raise for farmersas decisions can have a significant impact.

Page 24: National Farming Review December 2012

Helping grow the countrywww.pggwrightson.co.nz | Freephone 0800 10 22 76

Third generationManiototo sheep farmerCraig Paterson can’t fault the three-waycombination anthelmintic drench Pyrimidefor each season’s lambs.

Craig Paterson describes the 2,000 hectares ofRedcourt Farm in the Gimmerburn district west ofRanfurly as“good, sweet country. If you talk to anytruck drivers, the old fellas, they’ll tell you it’s thebest area for stock health.”

Redcourt Farm runs 5,500 ewes and 1,700replacement hoggets, with about half beingMerino and the balance half-bredMerino overblackface terminal sires to deliver income fromboth fine wool andmeat.

Last year’s lambs resulted in just over 3,000black-face lambs, 1,000 half-bredwether hoggetsand 550Merinowether hoggets going to theworks at different times. Around 1,700Merino andhalf-bred ewe lambswere kept as replacements.

Craig prefers to use a proven combination drenchlike Pyrimide, and he believes the added seleniumin the three-way combination anthelmintic assistslamb growth rates.

“We dose all the lambswith Pyrimide at weaning inJanuary, then again inMarch before they go ontowinter feed like turnips; and for the replacementewes andMerinowether hoggets, they getanother dose at shearing in August or September.So at themost, they get three doses of Pyrimide

whereasmany just get two doses, and that’s themdone for life,”says Craig.

“Other than that, the ewes get a capsule inAugust and that’s themdone for the year.

I choose Pyrimide because it’s acombination drench; we don’t seem tohave any drench resistance issues and it’spretty economical too.

“One of the key things is that I find it easier to usethan the low dose drenches. It stays well-mixedin its formulation andwith the low dose options,I find because you’re only giving them 4-5ml, ifthey spit some out, then they’ve lost half theirdose anyway.”

Craig says the average slaughter weight on thehalf-bredwether lambs that went away inMarchwas 24.5 kg.“Plus we had a fleece of wool offthem. Other than that we average about 21.5 kgfor all our blackfaces. They’re all gone byMarchand theMerinowhichwent in October averaged19-19.5 kg.

“I find Pyrimide is doing a pretty good job for us.Our lambs are pretty clean, we had a real goodgrowth season last year and theywere generallyclean all the way through and grow out to heavierweights quicker because they’re a lot healthier.”

Around 90% of Redcourt Farm is flat to rollingcountry, and a hill block where the ewes go for the

summermakes up the other 10%. Craig utiliseslucerne, nui ryegrass, chicory, clover and cocksfoot.“The lucerne is the only thing that grows in thedry andwhen it goes dormant in winter, the otherspecies kick in.”

Craig says he keeps upwith newwormingtechnology and other new products on themarketthrough his local PGGWrightson team in Ranfurly,SharonMason (StoreManager) and John Kreft(Technical Field Representative), and notes:“We’lltry new options from time to time, but Pyrimide isan established product; it does what I want and I’mhappywith it.”

For the full interview visitwww.pggwrightson.co.nz/ruraldiarytv

Lambshealthier, biggerwith Pyrimide®

Pyrimide®Stable suspension technology for a consistentdose every time. Don’t take the risk – usePyrimide as your standard lamb drench.