An Ashburton Guardian Supplement

Infant formula plant Infant formula plant offi cially opens offi cially opens P3P3

FOCUSIssue 42 - November 22, 2011

ATS, making Christmas easy

Gift baskets made to order for all occasions. Call Jenny & Trish today on 0800 BUY ATS

ATS staff are professionals when it comes to gift wrapping. All ATS purchased gifts can be wrapped for any occasion absolutely free.

Christmas with ATS.Thursday 8th December 6–9pmSpecial late night deals at ATS Ashburtonand local ATS Card Suppliers.

2

Whitehead on councilWhitehead on council

An advertising supplement ofthe Ashburton Guardian

Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Ashburton Guardian

Publication date: November 22, 2011 Next issue: December 20, 2011

We welcome any correspondence to either: Amanda Niblett, phone 307-7927 email: amanda.n@theguardian.co.nzor Linda Clarke, phone 307-7971 email: linda.c@theguardian.co.nz

FOCUS

Linda ClarkeRural Reporter, Ashburton Guardian

ken

Call us for a consultation specific to your needs.Specialists in all types of:• Earthmoving Construction • Borderdyking (Laser & GPS) • Dairy Conversions, Underpasses & Farm Maintenance • Irrigation Work, Trenching & Pipe Laying • Pond Construction• Tree & Stump Removal • General Excavation Work • Subdivisions• Heavy Haulage, Certified Pilots • Gravel/Soil Screening

Local Knowledge That CountsAlford Forest Road, PO Box 403 Ashburton Phone (03) 308 6011 Fax (03) 308 5108 Mobile 027 249 7306

Nick’s Pet Food LtdBUYER OF UNWANTED ANIMALS

CATTLE, BOBBY CALVES& HORSES

Telephone (027) 210 1621After Hours (03) 322 7626

NZFSQA accredited

Affordable Solutions to Sustainable Farming

• Soil Mapping• BioPlus Biological• Independant Fertiliser Advice• All Solutions To Sustainable Farming

Call Bruce 0275 760 303

Environmental issues and the Dairy Industry Regulations Act will be

big challenges for Fonterra in the next few years, says newly-elected Fonterra Shareholders’ Council representative Charles Whitehead.

Mr Whitehead milks around 960 cows on a dairy farm at the base of Mt Hutt and will represent Fonterra farmer suppliers in the Central Canterbury area. He and wife Jan have been milking cows for 22 years; they moved to Methven from Te Puke 14 years ago.

Mr Whitehead is one of 35 farmers on the shareholders’ council, which monitors the performance of the Fonterra board, and makes sure farmers’ interests are reflected in its decision-making.

He said he had an open door policy

for farmers wanting to talk about Fonterra issues and the company’s direction.

TAF (share trading among farmers) was a hot topic of debate leading up to the Fonterra elections this year, and Mr Whitehead says there are farmer concerns around total ownership and control, and about outside investors getting a foot in the Fonterra

door.“I have been a big supporter to make

sure we try and keep the co-operative in the hands of the farmer suppliers. I see the shareholders’ council as basically the custodians of the co-op.”

Also ahead are issues around environmentally sustainable dairy farming and a review of the dairy regulations act (DIRA).

“We have to make sure our environmental goals are in line with what

the community expects from us. And make sure that we basically don’t tarnish our industry. I believe the majority of farmers want to do their best for the environment and leave a better footprint for the next generation.

“I don’t think anyone goes out there to pollute the environment or do anything bad.”

Firmer guidelines for farmers would help improve farming practices, along with better public education, he said.

Changes to the DIRA would also be a complex issue.

Raw milk regulations under the act, set up when Fonterra was formed 10 years ago, require the co-op to supply up to 600 million litres of milk a year to independent processors and competitors.

“Fonterra wants a more level playing field,” Mr Whitehead said.

He said competitors were able to use Fonterra milk to “square curve” their

own milk supply, while Fonterra had to process seasonally. The amount of milk Fonterra was compelled to supply, and its price, needed to change.

Mr Whitehead is one of three new members of the shareholders’ council, along with North Island dairy farmers Noel Caskey and Sandra Cordell.

Shareholders also voted to re-elect incumbent Fonterra directors Jim van der Poel and John Monaghan. They will be joined by new director David MacLeod.

Mr McLeod, 43, lives near Hawera in South Taranaki and is a director of PKW Farms Ltd, one of Fonterra’s largest shareholders. He has governance experience with Port Taranaki and Greaves Electrical, and is the current chairman of the Taranaki Regional Council.

Shareholders Philip Wilson and Murray Holdaway were re-elected unopposed as members of the Directors’ Remuneration Committee.

Charles Whitehead

3

Exciting new beginningExciting new beginningJohn Penno

Synlait Milk CEOoO

Today marks a new and exciting milestone for Synlait Milk with the official opening of our Infant

Nutritional Facility, just north of the Rakaia River.

More than 330 guests – including farmers from Mid Canterbury and global customers – will join the Minister of Trade, the Honorable Tim Groser, along with staff in celebrating the commissioning of our $100 million plant. With this development, Synlait Milk now has the largest and most sophisticated Infant Nutritional Facility in the Southern Hemisphere.

Today we will also reveal our new corporate brand which repositions the company as a global nutrition business, diff erentiating Synlait Milk from our New Zealand competitors. The brand repositioning includes a new website www.synlaitmilk.com and if you jump online now you’ll get the scoop on how much we have changed.

We have focused on positioning Synlait Milk in the premium category of nutritional milk powder production. Not only does this fit with our new capability, but it means we are less susceptible to commodity market fluctuations.

Repositioning our brand has been driven by the progression of Synlait Milk. From a start up five years ago, we are now the leading nutritionally-focused dairy company in New Zealand. Our target

customers have responded favourably and we are experiencing new interest weekly.

Farmers in Mid Canterbury are an important part of our nutritional off ering. We have consistently promoted Canterbury dairying based on the people operating the farms, the size and quality of the units and the consistency and integrity of the fresh milk our suppliers produce. It is starting to gain real traction.

Recently we hosted a TV crew from China who were putting together a travel documentary about New Zealand. The programme had a major focus on Canterbury and dairy farming. Thanks to

the suppliers who helped out - a viewer audience of over 200 million people is going to be exposed to Synlait Milk and the product we produce.

We take it for granted, but the green grass, blue sky, clean air and water all framed by the Southern Alps makes a perfect picture postcard for people deeply concerned about the integrity of their food. Combine that with our world-class staff and the best nutritional plant in this part of the world, and you have a compelling infant formula proposition.

Looking forward we have much to be excited about. In three weeks’ time,

Synlait Milk part owner Bright Dairy will launch its Pure Canterbury infant formula in Shanghai, China. The Pure Canterbury product solely manufactured by Synlait Milk will have a retail price of approximately $NZ80 per can.

In my next column for Dairy Focus, I’ll detail how the Pure Canterbury launch went and relay the response this Synlait Milk-made formula is receiving in Shanghai supermarkets.

The development of the nutritional business is the fundamental business driver for Synlait Milk. Our export markets include Asia and the Middle East, with China, a $20 billion industry - the company’s most important market. By the middle of next year we expect to be working with more than 10 customers in five countries.

The growing world-wide demand for higher-value formulated milk powders designed to improve families’ normal diets and protect against health concerns is a major focus for us. But we are also continuing to extend our product range which currently includes infant and adult nutritional formulations, functional food ingredients, and specialised milk powder products for human health and wellbeing.

We welcome your interest as suppliers and we look forward to working with more Mid Canterbury dairy farmers in the future.

Farm manager Mark Knight soon to star on Shanghai TV.

Health issues with calvesHealth issues with calves4

Ian Hodge, BVSc. MACVSc.Riverside Veterinary Services Ltd

c.td

187 West St, Ashburton - Ph 308 2055www.jeffmarshallsuzuki.co.nz

The Suzuki farm worker IS BACK!

3 models available: base model, well side and flat deck.

‘Well side model’

Price starting from *$14,773+GST

*Base model

Features:‘Base model’

!!!!!dddeemonstrator!

Design, Sales, Installation & Service South Island wide.

Zimmatic Centre Pivots including Maxfield Constant Move & Z Corner options.

Zimmatic Lateral Moves including Pivoting & 4 Wheel options.

Variable Rate Irrigation, Pivot Monitoring Control.

Installation of PVC Mainline, Submersible & Turbine Pumps.

Flowmeters & Data Logging solutions.

GPS Mapping.

24 Hour Call-out Service.

0800 ZIMMATICAshburton: 25 McNally, Ashburton 7700. Phone (03) 307-2027

Timaru : 81 Hilton Highway, Washdyke 7910. Phone (03) 688-7042

Late spring and early summer is often a time when we see various health

issues with weaned calves. These young replacements are extremely valuable to you in terms of your ability to continue to improve the generic merit of your herd-they are worth looking after.

Young calves can have immune systems that are not fully protective against certain diseases, and this can lead to susceptibility to disease and reduced ability to recover from disease. Calves are often tightly mobbed and infectious diseases can easily spread through the group very rapidly when there are many naïve animals among them.

Vaccination is a way of altering an animal’s resilience to disease. I use the word resilience because no vaccine is 100 per cent eff ective and no vaccine can ever completely protect an animal against the diseases which it is intended for.

Vaccines “speak” to the calves’ immune system and challenge it to produce protective antibody proteins that can then combat incoming viruses and bacteria. The degree to which a calf ’s immune system responds depends in turn on the overall health status of that animal.

Calves in very good condition generally respond much better to vaccines than calves in poor health.

Yersiniosis, coccidiosis, pneumonia and other respiratory diseases, photosensitive dermatitis, bloat, clostridial diseases and dietary indiscretions are all conditions commonly aff ecting calves in summer.

It is beyond the scope of this article to go in to the fine details of these conditions but it is important to recognise that they can all cause quick deaths in calves, on-going ill-thrift, very poor growth rates and long lasting reductions in growth potential and

productivity.

Early recognition as well as prevention is important. Coughs in calves are nearly always significant and should be investigated. Respiratory diseases spread like wild fire through mobs of calves and can then be very difficult to control.

Coccidiosis is common after calves start eating grass. The large amounts of blood lost in the faeces can quickly lead to disruptive aneamias. Yersiniosis also can lead to ill thrift, scouring and quick

deaths in calves on grass.

The pastures calves are exposed to are often very lush and growing rapidly with a high carbohydrate and protein content. This can increase the risk of rumen upsets, photosensitive dermatitis, laminitis and bloat in calves.

Clostridial diseases are also common under these grazing conditions and will result in very sudden death in very well grown calves.

The best advice is to vaccinate your calves against as many diseases as you can. Leptospirosis and clostridial vaccines are now commonly used and are very eff ective. There are no adverse eff ects to vaccinating and the production benefits far outweigh the costs associated with vaccinations.

Keep your calves on a regular vitamin B12 and selenium programme, keep drenching intervals as short as possible to avoid any parasite re-infection syndrome and regularly weigh your calves to know exactly what they are doing. There may be a group of animals that require some special treatment.

Finally keep in regular contact with your vet. Early detection and treatment of any problems is beneficial, and good calf preventive health programmes are very rewarding.

PHOTO LINDA CLARKE 061011-LC-019

Weaned calves are susceptible to all sorts of diseases as their immune systems aren’t fully developed.

Breeding showBreeding show5

More value in the vat

New high protein dry dairy feed. More value in your vat

BALANCEyour dairy feedwith a blend fromAdvanced Feed

Rolled grain is not the complete answer to adding value to your pasture, silage and green-feed crops.A customised blend from Advanced Feed can balance the diet the cows need to maximize their production.

We can blend:Rolled Grain & PeasSoya Bean Meal, Canola & DDGPalm Kernel & PK+Mineral PelletsLime, Salt, Mag Oxide, Sodium Bicarb & Molasses

Call Advanced Feed 0800 33 33 48 (0800 FEED 4 U)

or 03 302 8211

Mid Canterbury dairy farmers get a chance to shape the cow of the future when a national road show

hits town this week.

The event at the Hotel Ashburton on Thursday is one of 20 from Kaitaia to Invercargill – farmers are being asked to give feedback on the National Breeding Objective.

The dairy cow is the engine of the New Zealand dairy industry, with 4.4 million cows producing more than 1.4 billion kilograms of milksolids every year.

The National Breeding Objective is to identify animals whose progeny will be the most efficient converters of feed into farmer profit, otherwise known as Breeding Worth (BW).

NZ Animal Evaluation Limited manager, Dr George Cruickshank said farmers have the opportunity to say whether the current BW meets their needs, and how they would like to see it change in the future.

“Our aim is to ensure that New Zealand dairy farmers have access to animals that

will best suit the dairy industry of the future,” he said.

“One of the things we want to establish is if farmers think the current traits have the right economic weighting or if they think others should be added. We will also be discussing the limitations of the current cow and the traits of importance for the future.”

Along with providing feedback on the day, farmers will also have the opportunity to participate in an online survey. The survey will focus on determining the traits of importance for farmers across the full spectrum of farming systems across and within breeds.

“The roadshow is an important step in the development of a strategy for the National Breeding Objective,” Dr Cruickshank said.

“I encourage farmers to attend and have their say in the future of the New Zealand dairy cow.”

For more information go to www.nzael.org.nz or www.dairynz.co.nz/events.

Shaping the cowof the future

6

Study put to practical useStudy put to practical use

M +64 21 573 052P +64 9 438 1219 www.herdhomes.co.nz

NZ Patent No 521150 & 544190, 550635, 545042 International Patents 2003267874, 03748807.9 Further patents pending

Built on innovation and fortifi ed by research, HerdHomes® Shelters are the sustainable solution to traditional farming challenges.

INCREASE PRODUCTIVITY, NOT YOUR WORKLOAD

The future of productive farming www.herdhomes.co.nz

364 West Street, AshburtonPhone: 03 308 3569Buy any Versatile fully-constructed double garage (or bigger) and get

either a Masport BBQ or Masport lawnmower free! Hurry, ends 30th November. *Some conditions apply, see our website for details. 0800 VERSATILE (0800 83 77 28) www.versatile.co.nz

Julia Bent has come full circle in the academic world.

She finished her National Diploma in Agribusiness Management this month, named AgITO’s outstanding graduating student in Mid Canterbury. It is 12 years since dairy farmer husband Warren tempted her to leave Auckland, just one year into a Bachelor of Business degree.

Julia said her second attempt at tertiary study was much more rewarding and relevant, lessons learned being able to be applied directly to the Hinds dairy farm on which they are equity managers.

While she was more passionate about her study, there have been plenty of distractions, including the couple’s three daughters, aged 8, 7 and 5 – the youngest having just started school.

Julia grew up in Tauranga and came to the industry by default, having fallen for Warren, a dairy farmer.

“I was living in Auckland at the time and Warren asked would I like to move to Ashburton.”

It was a culture shock initially, and the city girl took time to adjust to the provinces. She and Warren worked here until they married in 2001, then set out to see the world. When Julia fell pregnant, they returned to Mid Canterbury.

“I love Ashburton. It is a great place to live and bring up a family.”

Julia and Warren took a job as lower order sharemilkers on a Longbeach dairy farm for six years, looking for

opportunities to advance in the industry.When the chance to be equity

managers in the 200ha 740-cow operation at Hinds arose this season, they grabbed it. Warren looks after the day-to-day running of the dairy farm, and Julia keeps the accounts in order and runs the office, rears the calves, and makes sure the girls get to their netball, gymnastics, brownies and pippins.

“The main reason for doing the diploma was it complements the skill base that Warren and I off er as a couple. Warren has excellent on-farm experience and is a good operator. There is a lot of power in being able to work as a team.

“There are plenty of examples of couples in the dairy industry who have

been very successful as their diff erent skills complement the business.”

Fitting a study regime around such a busy life and dairy business has not been easy. “Having young kids at home you are limited study-wise, especially when you are not living in a main city. Doing the diploma complemented what we are doing nicely.”

The diploma course takes almost three years and involves fortnightly classroom sessions, and regular assignments covering resources and finances, and finally a case study requiring some 100 hours’ work.

While Julia was learning in the classroom, she was constantly making suggestions on how their own dairy farm

business could improve, from budgeting and investments to labour issues.

Time management has been essential, and Julia admits that particular skill did not come easily. “It was not one of my strengths, but I always had good support from Warren.”

Early morning starts to work in the office before anyone else got up also kept disruptions to a minimum and allowed her to make assignment deadlines. Despite her good intentions, there were times when she thought she would never finish the diploma.

She said the key was trying not to put assignments on the backburner, and prioritising time to complete work. Discipline was important, but hard in a busy and lively household.

But now the schoolwork is over, she misses the mental stimulation and regular tutor sessions. There are challenges ahead, though.

“It is a good strong industry to be in, with a wealth of networking opportunities out there.”

She said dairy specific groups, field days, discussion groups all helped raise the knowledge bar.

Mid Canterbury had its own positives and challenges, with progression harder as 50-50 sharemilking jobs dried up.

“A lot of the sharemilkers are staying on farms where there is a good relationship. Trying to stay in Mid Canterbury as well as making progress is quite a challenge.”

151111-TM-000 PHOTO TETSU MITOMO

Julia Bent was AgITO’s top agricultural student in Mid Canterbury this year.

Linda ClarkeRural Reporter, Ashburton Guardian

ken

77

Laser Electrical

The first ADF Milking systems have been installed in the Canterbury region by Laser Electrical Ashburton. Laser Electrical has established a strong reputation for providing total dairy solutions to their clients with preventative electrical maintenance services. Now in conjunction with ADF Milking it is able to offer a total package that will help combat mastitis amongst the herd.ADF Milking was recently judged to be the winner in the Equipment of the Year category at the Mystery Creek Fieldays, in their first year showing. Chief judge Peter Dowd described the system as “a truely innovative solution to a long standing problem.” Because the ADF milking system is designed to further automate the milking process, the farmer can make substantial time savings and increase parlour efficiency. The innovation is within the automatic dipping and flushing milking cups.Traditional methods to control mastitis include manual or automated teat spraying as the cows are exiting the dairy

shed, but this can be labour intensive, and can be a bit “hit and miss”, especially since by this stage the teats have already partially retracted back toward the udder.

The ADF Milking system automatically covers the

teats in spray while the cups are still on, directly after milking when the

vacuum is shut off. This ensures a fully

extended teat is dipped. An excellent parallel

feature is that this also completely

releases the vacuum trapped in the head of the

liner, creating a far gentler

cluster take-off, reducing cow stress. After removal every liner is automatically disinfected and thoroughly rinsed. Within only 20 seconds from the end of milking, the cluster is ready for the next cow.Every cow thoroughly treated, every cluster thoroughly sanitised to prevent the spread of mastitis.The ADF system is becoming a must-have for modern dairy farmers looking to increase efficiency and profitability. With mastitis reduced throughout the herd, veterinary bills are reduced and milk production increases. Labour costs will be reduced, so the benefits of the ADF system will become obvious where it matters most, in your pocket.Phillip Moore, Rural and Dairy Division Manager at Laser Electrical Ashburton leads an experienced team who are currently installing the ADF system into local dairy farms. Combined with Laser’s specialist dairy programmes, the Laser team are excited to be able to provide a range of systems, all designed to save the farmer time and money.Laser Electrical owner operators Brent and Megan Christie are impressed with the ADF innovation, and see the inclusion of this milking system into their business as an opportunity to offer the local dairy industry a complete package to enhance the farmers profitability.Brent and Phil recently attended the ADF conference in Melbourne, to be able to bring back to our district the latest knowledge and innovation that ADF have to offer.Megan having an extensive vet nursing background was impressed with the advantages that this automated system offers, and could instantly relate to the health benefits that it would provide to the herd.When you purchase any electrical or milking system from Laser Electrical, you can rest assured that you have purchased quality and reliability that will be cost effective, durable, and “totally dependable”. Backed by its exclusive maintenance programmes, it will make sure your dairy farm systems are efficient and productive.

First ADF systems installed on Canterbury farms

An Ashburton Guardian advertising feature

Story by: Amanda Niblett

ADF founder James Duke and Martin Early discuss the recent install of ADF in the dairy shed.

Cupping on with the ADF cluster.

8

2012 Dairy Industry Awards2012 Dairy Industry Awards

Yoan RobertsM:027-503-4064 - E: pasturecount@hotmail.co.nz

Independent, reliable and accurate

pasture readings

Another happy Pasture Count customerWith getting my pastures read weekly it allows me to keep control of my pasture and frees up my staff. I see Yoan as part of our team providing a specialised service crucial to our overall production.

Tom & Leanne Heneghan Sharemilkers 1400 cows Dorie

Using the latest technologies we provide:

Sam Mallard (herd manager), Gareth Williams (2IC) and Yoan Roberts from Pasture Count NZ.

Call Yoan now for a FREE consultation

Te Pirita dairy farmer Mike Woodward enjoys a good laugh, but he has a serious message for dairy farmers looking to progress in the industry.

Working flat out in your business all the time makes it hard to stand back and cast a critical and constructive eye over what you are doing.

He says the annual dairy industry awards provide that opportunity and people working in the industry could grab the chance.

He and wife Susie farm 2100 cows on 622 hectares at Te Pirita for Synlait. The couple won last year’s Canterbury/North Otago farm manager of the year contest and went on to place third in the national event. They also took out a financial planning and management award.

Mike, the son of a North Island angora goat farmer, came to Lincoln University in 1999 then headed to Australia to drive tractors after he graduated.

In 2003 he came back looking for a job, and found one with Synlait.

Susie grew up in the United States on a 400-cow dairy farm, was impressed by New Zealand farming systems and started forging her career here in 2005.

Together over the past few years, they have used the dairy awards to gain feedback about how they are travelling as dairy farmers and businesspeople.

Mike said winning the financial award at this year’s national contest was rewarding, given some of their earliest advice from award judges was to seek professional help in that department.

“The awards allow us to clarify our goals and get feedback on our plans, and use that feedback to drive our business forward. We would not be in the position we are today if we had not entered the awards.”

He said standing back and taking a critical look was important. “It is little things that make big diff erences.”

Mike will side with dairy farm managers Matt Ward and Hamish Davidson to debate, in humorous fashion, the topic “whose cow is it anyway?” On the other side will be sharemilkers Graeme Wall, Rob Mackle and Leo van der Beuken.

Mike said after the fun stage show, the panellists, all award winning farmers, would be available to talk with entrants and those thinking about entering the awards.

Entries are starting to roll in for the 2012 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards, with a special launch at the Hotel Ashburton

tonight aimed at encouraging more dairy people to take the plunge.

Panels of previous sharemilker winners and farm manager winners will battle it out, for a few laughs, on the topic “whose cow is it anyway?”

While the launch will generate some fun, the aim is to inspire sharemilkers, farm managers and dairy trainees to step outside their comfort zone and enter the industry awards.

Entries are being received online at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz.

The Canterbury/North Otago awards launch at the Hotel Ashburton starts at 7pm.

Important dates:Event launch, November 22Early bird entries close, December 1Entries close, December 20Entrant and sponsor evening, January 18Dairy trainee preliminary judging, February

6-10Sharemilker and equity farmer preliminary

judging, February 13-17Dairy trainee finals judging, February 20-24Sharemilker and equity farmer finals judging,

March 5-9Awards dinner, March 28Farm manager of the year field day, April 12Sharemilker and equity manager of the year

field day, April 19

PHOTO KIRSTY GRAHAM 130911-KG-063

Regional Sharemilker of the Year in 2011 Rob Mackle will be at the dairy awards launch tonight.

9

2012 Dairy Industry Awards2012 Dairy Industry Awards

Directional Drilling Co. NZ Ltd

Services under driveways, road, dairy lanes, power, phone, irrigation, water, continuous ducting and sewer lines.

DDC also offer the services of fusion welding from 20mm up to 800mm PE pipe with a computer read-out of joint condition and quality.

DDC is locally owned and operated company that is part of GDC Ashburton.

DDC is offering services of trenchless excavation by way of directional drilling or thrusting for all those places you don’t want to open trench, therefore saving on mess and reinstatement costs.

For further enquiries or a no obligation free quote, call Greg today on (03) 308 8479 or 0274 326 915 – email greg.gdc@xtra.co.nz

15 Malcolm McDowell Road, Ashburtonwww.gdc.net.nz

Hydraulink Mid Canterbury Ltd

(Locally owned and operated)For all your hydraulic requirements

Paul Fergus39 Robinson Street, Ashburton

Phone 308 8848 - pfergus@xtra.co.nz

Gates quality hydraulic hose

Hydraulic fittings and couplingsTested to international DIN and SAE standards

Hydraulic oil and filters

Hydraulic pumps and valves

Hydraulic motors and rams

Hydraulic system design and service

Faster multi-couplers and quick release couplings

24hr7 day service

New Zealand’s 2011 Dairy Trainee of the Year, Ben Smith, has reaped the benefits of being involved in

the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards since his win in May this year.

“The competition proved to me that I’m on the right track and that the direction I’m heading is the right one,” Ben, of Wairarapa, says.

“I now have a huge range of contacts in the industry to help me gain knowledge and grow as a dairy farmer, and since the awards got my name out there I have moved into a farm management position. It has really helped me progress in my career.”

Entries are now open for the 2012 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards and Ben is hoping to encourage other young dairy trainees to enter. The Dairy Trainee of the Year award is open to 18 to 30 year olds who have been employed on a dairy farm for less than five years.

Entrants can be studying at any level but judging is based on the National Certificate in Agriculture (Level 4).

Ben says the networking opportunities were one of the best things about the competition.

“I met a wide range of people from dairy farmers through to people who service the industry,” he says.

“The industry leaders I met will be valuable contacts as I progress through the industry. It’s a great opportunity to learn from people.”

He also got the chance to spend five days in Southland on a study tour in the lead up to the national final with the

other regional Dairy Trainee of the Year winners.

“It was awesome to meet the other regional Dairy Trainees of the Year from across the country. They were all driven and passionate about the industry,” he says. “Being able to mix and mingle and gain contacts with other likeminded individuals was amazing.”

Ben is an advocate of upskilling

through training and is completing his National Certificate in Agriculture, Dairy Farming, Level 4, through AgITO.

“The Level 4 qualification is giving me a firm grounding in on-farm knowledge and the theory behind the practical work I’m doing on farm,” he says.

“The classes reinforce the theory side of what you’re doing and they’re a good forum for questions. AgITO training gives you an amazing grounding in knowledge,” he says. “It’s not used enough. There is a broad spectrum of qualifications that can help you with a lot of things.”

Ben wants other aspiring dairy farmers to give the awards a go and learn from the experience, which includes practical skills sections and interviews with the judges.

“Just being involved in a competition tests what you know,” he says. “There are opportunities to get ahead through networking and meeting leaders associated with the industry – it will blow you away.

“What have you got to lose? Everyone that enters benefits – and not just from winning.”

Benefits abound for Dairy Trainee of the Year

2011 Dairy Trainee of the Year, Ben Smith.

10

Milka-ware

The heart of every dairy farm is the milking system, so it makes sense to have your system installed by skilled engineers who

can offer a complete repair and maintenance service.Ashburton’s local Milka-ware supplier is located with Cullimore Engineering on South Street, combining engineering prowess with technologically advanced dairy products. It is the only supplier of the popular Milka-ware brand original parts and consumable products.Milka-Ware Ashburton Ltd directors Luke Maginness, Kevin and Ian Cullimore have more than 70 years combined engineering experience, and can offer dairy farmersextensive products and services to enhance their operation. Luke is a qualified maintenance and diagnosticengineer, to provide expert back up if required to any Milka-ware system.He is trained in the correct procedures for installation and service of Milka-ware equipment to ensure the system is maintained at an optimum performance level.His expertise backed with a maintenance programme will help top prevent costly breakdowns or inefficient operation. Milka-Ware is a total dairy system, supplying high

quality equipment that gives its customers the ability to achieve high profitable production from their farms.It leads the way in milking system design and manufacture, and can provide solutions for both Herringbone and Rotary shed systems. Its

expertise has extended into the supply of fully computerised herd management systems andassociated technology, taking it to the cutting edge of dairy system development.

A total dairy system designedwith your success in mind

Milka-Ware Ashburton also provides the following services:

99999996666666 SSSSSooooouuuutttthhhhh SSSSSttttttrrrrrrreeeeeeeeeeeeeettttttt,,,,, AAAAAAAAssssssshhhhhhhbbbbbbbuuuuurrrrrrtttttttooooooonnnnnnnCCCCCCCCaaaaaaallllllllllll LLLLLLuuuuukkkkkkkeeeeee ooooonnnnnn 0000222111111 66666688888889999999 44444433333332222222 ooooooorrrrrr 000003333333 33333333000000888888 888888333333333333335555555

yy yTotal Dairi y yyyy SySystems AAshbhburtton

The only local supplier and service centre for Genuine Milka-Ware products

AnAnAnAnAnAnAnAAnAnAnnAnAnAnAnAnAnAnAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAnAAA A AAAAA A AA AAA AAA AAAAAAAAAAAshshshshshshhshhshhsshssshshshshshshshshshshhhhhhhhhhhhhhshbbbbbububububububbububububububububuuubububuubububuuubbububbuubbububbbbubub rtrtrtrtrtrtrrtrtrrrtrtttttrrttrttrrrrrrrrrrr ooonononononnnnnnononononononnooonnonononnonono GGGGGGG G GGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGuuuauuauauauauauauauauauauauauuauauauauuuauauuuauauauauauauauaaauauauauaaaaaauaaaaaaaaa dddddrddrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdddrdddrdrdrdrdrrdrrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrddrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrdrddrdddrdddddrdrddddddddddiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiiaaaaiaiaiaiaaiaaiaiaiiaiaiiaaaaaaiaaiaiaiaiaaaaaaaaiiaaiiiaaiaaiiiaiiaaaaaaaaaiiaaiiiiaaiiiiaaannnn n n n nn nn nnnnnnn nnnnnnnnnnnnnnnnn aadadadadadadadaadaaadadddddddddddadadadadddddddddddaaaaaaaaaaddvevevevevvvvevevevevevevevevevevvevvvvevvevvevevvvvvvvvvvvvertrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrtrrtttisisisisisisiisisisisisisisisisisisisiisissssssissssininiiinininininiinininniininniinnng g g g g g g g g g gg fefefefefeffefefefefefefefefefefefefeeefeeefefefefefeeatataaatatatatatatatatatatatatatttatatatatatatatattttatururururururururrrrrrurururururuurrururururrurururrurrurrruurreeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee

Story continue on page 11

Luke Maginness in front of service van fully stocked with spare parts and specialised tools.

Phone 308 312996 South Street,

Ashburton

recisionrrefeferred

ffofor our

Proud to be closely associated

to Milkaware

• Precision engineering• Manufacturing engineering • Fitting & turning• Milling• CNC Lathes• CNC machining centre• CNC horizontal boring• RHS bending

11

Milka-wareMilka-Ware’s technical services are second to none with continuous backup to dealers and farmers through their technical manager, Dr. Werner Schmidt (former head of the Milking Research Centre, Ellinbank.) Its services are also available to the local Milka-Ware team to assist them with addressing problems they may face with herd milking difficulties.

Luke and the team are able to offer more than the standard Milka-ware products, services and technology. Being trained engineers and having the extensive machine and fabrication shop at their disposal, means that they have the facilities to fabricate and repair almost anything that a dairy farmer would need done. Instead of having to replace parts, the team have the knowledge and expertise to investigate a repair first, to save their clients money.

Milka-Ware Ashburton and Cullimore Engineering has the expertise to rebuild pumps, everything from small milk and vacuum pumps to larger irrigation pumps. It can also custom-build components and fittings to suit their clients requirements rather than adopting a one design suits all approach.

It has also created a world leading wireless backing gate, powered by solar panels which charge a 24 volt DC battery system. A radio controlled unit sends commands to the gate from the main consol in the dairy. No cables means easier, quicker, cheaper installation with no maintenance required on long drag cables and no stray voltage.

Milka-Ware is a wholly owned private company dedicated to providing dairy farmers with quality products that are reliable, easily maintained and most importantly suitable for New Zealand conditions. It has been manufacturing milking equipment since 1969, and for many years has been recognised by the industry as the leader in stainless steel manufacturing.

Milka-Ware is an ISO 9002 quality accredited company that is dedicated to providing its customers with quality products and service.

Specialising in design and build of new homes, renovations, additionsand farm buildings

For quality workmanship and a free

no-obligation quote,call Craig 027-268-2754

or 307-8223

An Ashburton Guardian advertising feature

Story by: Amanda Niblett

Above: Luke Maginness in front of Milka-Ware store located in the Cullimore workshop.Left: The Milka-ware/Cullimore building on South Street in Ashburton.

Locally owned & operated familybusiness with over 57 yearsexperience.

Blacklows TradeZone Ashburton

Stockists and distributors ofCM Trailer Equipment

Kerrick Hot & Cold Waterblasters

& Industrial Vacuum Cleaners

Esseti Welders & Accessories

Full range of engineering supplies& accessories for all your repairsand maintenance

South Street, Ashburton PHONE (03) 308-3147

Email blacklows@xtra.co.nz FREEPHONE 0800 452 522

BLACKLOWSTradeZone Ashburton

Call in and talk to the people who know

Peter Blacklow Kiwi Keith Sue Cahill

Ashburton

Total Dairy Systems Ashburton

12

FAR’s annual crop field dayFAR’s annual crop field day

Call Welshy and ask for a price today

Cell 021 369 483116 Wakanui Rd, Ashburton

After hours 03 307 2480 Fax 03 307 2490 Email a.mdavies@xtra.co.nz

Stock water system needs?We can Design it - We can supply it - We can fit it

including

Troughs - Alkathene Pipe - Mainline Pipe.Options include:

Mole plough in pipe and communication cable

Dig out and relocate mainline Mainline repair

Partner Gerard Thwaites is a specialist in private client and rural matters with 20 years’ experience and personal involvement in the farming community.

• Refinancing, Sales & Purchases

• Subdivisions

• Trusts & Estates

Contact Gerard on 029 233 3447 or 03 352 3923

Email: gerard.thwaites@laneneave.co.nz

www.laneneave.co.nz

Reliable support for the rural community

NOVO738AG

FAR’s annual crop field day on December 7 has plenty of interest for the dairy industry, with topics

ranging from forage cereals and maize, to grazing canola and silage.

Dairy farmers wanting to go can attend sessions in the middle of the day that have been scheduled to fit around their milking routine.

Crops 2011 is being held at FAR’s arable research site in Chertsey, and provides farmers with a chance to view current trials and hear up-to-date research findings from experts from New Zealand and overseas.

This year off ers an outstanding full day programme with a mix of in-field presentations and live machinery and agronomy demonstrations.

Keynote speaker is Robyn Murray, CEO of Go Grains Health & Nutrition Limited in Australia, a membership-based organisation which links the Australian grains industry value chain from grain growers to food manufacturers (on the health benefits of grain-based foods and legumes).

She will provide an overview of how Go Grains reviews the science and communicates the latest research findings about nutrition and health benefits to health professionals, educators, food processors, food

manufacturers and the media so that they can encourage consumers to include these foods in their diet.

The field day runs from 9.30am until 5.30pm, with ample opportunity for visitors to attend presentations and demonstrations running throughout the day.

Sessions include:

• Forage cereals – We will discuss species, cultivars and agronomy of autumn and spring sown cereal silages. Ross Hanson and Andy Hay – Plant & Food Research

• Forage maize – Where does forage maize fit into Canterbury rotations for dairy support / livestock? Single pass planting systems – is precision plant spacing important? Andrew Fletcher, Plant & Food Research and Diana Mathers, FAR

• Beans and lupins – Latest agronomy results on faba beans – eff ect of inoculants. Could new European lupin cultivars off er a new break crop option for New Zealand? Nick Brooks, PGG Wrightson and Tracey Wylie, FAR

• Grazing canola and cereals – Can we make more of our arable crops in early spring for grazing or silage? What are the latest dry matter

results? Jen Linton and Richard Chynoweth, FAR

• Cultivation – yield results for this long term trial will be presented. How are cultivation practices changing and what are the opportunities and implications? Nick Poole, FAR

• N on ryegrass - New avenues for nitrogen management in perennial and Italian ryegrass seed crops. Richard Chynoweth, FAR

• Hessian fly – The role of natural predators and cultural practices on hessian fly. What have we learnt from last season? Abie Horrocks, Plant & Food Research and Nick Pyke, FAR

• Grassweed control – Getting the best of out of new active ingredients for grassweed control. Why did they work so well last autumn? Pramda Lallu, Independent Consultant and Nick Poole, FAR

• Arable and dairying – What qualities should dairy farmers look for in grain feed? How can arable assist with pasture renovation programmes and what can we do to ensure better relationships in the future? Dawn Dalley, Dairy NZ

• Disease – Why is Conquest wheat now susceptible to leaf rust and what

are the implications for the cereal breeding programme? What diseases are currently on the move? Steve Shorter and Matthew Cromey, Plant & Food Research

• 20:20 – 20 tonnes of wheat per hectare by 2020. Rob Craigie, FAR

• Clover root weevil – A serious threat to clover seed production or a transient pest moving south? Mark McNeill, AgResearch

The day will also see the announcement of the FAR Researcher of the Year and presentations for other awards including FAR Studentships.

Nick Pyke, FAR’s chief executive, said crops was a key event in the calendar for farmers and industry personnel who are serious about the arable sector.

“The day will provide arable growers and dairy farmers with the latest information on a broad range of topics which will help them farm more productively.

“As always, I would like to take this opportunity to thank our sponsors for their continued support; their collaboration makes it possible for us to deliver a comprehensive programme with topics of importance for the future sustainability of New Zealand arable farming.”

13

Mating and lamenessMating and lameness

Let Helmack ITM

plans, council pim,

and compliance.

No hassle farm buildings from Helmack ITM!

Phone Allan Breakwell today on 027 230 2000 for all enquiries

*Kit set or erected

92 Dobson Street, Ashburton.Phone 307 0412Hours: Mon - Fri 7am - 5.30pmSat 8.30am - 12.30pm

Let Helmack ITM LeLetLe acck ck ITTITMTM M

plans, council pim,m,m,m,

and compliance.ann

No hassle farm buildingsfrom Helmack ITM!

Phone Allan Breakwell todayon 027 230 2000 for all enquiries

*Kit set or erected

92 Dobson Street, Ashburton.Phone 307 0412Hours: Mon - Fri 7am - 5.30pmSat 8.30am - 12.30pm

DONALDSON CONTRACTING‘Focused on quality feeds’

Introducing the first Krone 1290HDP (High density press) 4x3 baler in the South Island.This can produce 25% heavier bales, improving baleage quality and saving on costs.

For all your baling requirementsStuart 027 692 0455 - After Hours 3039 123 - 223 McKenzies Road, RD1, Ashburton

How is your mating going? I am doing an AI run again this year so I thought it would be a good idea

to talk a bit about lameness that is more specific to this time of the year - that is lameness in front feet and lameness in the bulls.

It is normal to get more lameness in front feet at this time of the year compared to other times. Cows are bulling and when bulls come off the ridden cow they land on their front feet. This produces more traumas to deal with than normal walking.

There is not really any suspension in the front feet just like there is no suspension in human feet. People can create suspension by bending their knees but a cow can’t do that with their front feet, which puts an enormous amount of pressure on the locomotion apparatus when they do land on their front feet.

Did you know that you will break your legs if you jump off the back of a truck and you keep your legs straight? The amount of pressure that the average person puts on their feet by jumping off the back of a truck is about 1000kg. So it is no wonder that you do major damage if you keep your feet straight.

In the same way there is a lot of force going on to the front feet of a cow

when they ride another cow. A lot of the lameness in the front feet is ligament damage but we do get more hoof problems as well. This does not mean that this sort of lameness is purely caused by physical force. Again, the cow must have weakened claws from laminitis and then physical force will

make the problem worse resulting in lameness.

If it was purely caused by physical force we would see a lot more problems because most cows do come on heat but in comparison there are not many going lame on their front feet. We can’t

stop cows from riding each other. We actually don’t want to stop it so we have to look at the stress levels on the cows and make sure that our tracks and holding yards are stone free.

Lameness in bulls is slightly diff erent. A few things are happening with bulls when they arrive on the farm and when they go with the cows. For one the environment is totally diff erent - diff erent food, diff erent routines and diff erent life style. I don’t think the testosterone levels will have an eff ect on laminitis but all the other changes currently do.

We do have some physical problems as well. The wear pattern in animals that only walk on pasture is diff erent from animals that walk on hard surfaces. When bulls all of a sudden walk on hard surfaces their hooves wear faster, and it will take about six weeks for the bull to adjust the growth rate to the wearing rate so a lot of bulls end up with thin soles.

The key is to have enough bulls to be able to rotate them and make sure that you use them in short bursts.

Should you be interested in learning more, come and join us on one of our training courses! For more information about our courses or to book yourself on a course, just contact us on 0800 833 463!

Fred HoekstraVeehof Dairy Services

raes

Bulls are a valuable resource and need extra attention during mating season when injury rates rise.

14

Pond practice note releasedPond practice note released

The EPS Stirrers come in a number of different Hp sizes and all of them are very low kW/Hr, starting at .75kW.

All the bearings are above the water line and are fi tted with auto greasers that grease for 12 months unattended.

This pond took only eight weeks to go from crusty and stagnant to aerobic and biologically active.

That: Meets even the toughest New Zealand Effl uent Enviro Standards

Has the Most Even Rain Cover over wetted width in New Zealand by far

Has a Rain Rate of 5mm or less across total wetted width, not just the centre area. (please see in the independently proved graph)

Applied Depth – No Overlap

543210

–20 –16 –12 –8 –4 0 4 8 12 16 20Distance (m)

Depth0–5mm

Test 1 Test 2 Test 3just 5 mm applied depth!

Covered by:

PATENT No. 578084

New! ADR 500 Effl uent Screening Plant

Take your Effl uent Pond from crusty to aerobic

At last: A Traveling Effl uent Irrigator…

0800 PLUCKS0 8 0 0 7 5 8 2 5 7

Call us now to fi nd a distributor and installer in your area www.plucks.co.nzenquiries@plucks.co.nz Main South Road, Rakaia 7710 Mid Canterbury

COVERED BY N.Z. PATENTAPPLICATION No. 591985

Pluck’s can adapt our ADR 500 and twin pond

effl uent system to work with your current effl uent set ups, keeping your upgrade

costs down.

All plant and pumps very low kW Self cleaning screen Self cleaning ponds

Effl uent is clean enough to be pumped into a pivot system if required

Screens out everything bigger than 1 mm

The new irrigator is still backed up by our very tough

and well proven drive system, no blockage mast, booms and nozzles.

Your pondwill stay clean,

crust free, sludge free and look

outstanding for good!

from this … to this … using one of these:Specialising in providing quality concrete solutions for more than 50 years.

We can work with you to fulfil your specificrequirements

For any quotes or enquiries contact us on

The Institution of Professional Engineers in New Zealand has released a practice note for

dairy farm effluent pond design and construction.

DairyNZ project manager for effluent Dr Theresa Wilson said the information set out in the practice note meets a widely recognised need for greater guidance around effluent storage.

“This is the first industry-agreed set of good practice standards around the design and the construction of new effluent storage ponds,” Dr Wilson said. “It should address concerns expressed by IPENZ Members, effluent systems’ specialists and farmers about the environmental risks of poorly designed and constructed ponds.”

She said farmers using services from suppliers who followed the pond construction practice note should have more confidence in the design, engineering and construction advice and expertise they receive.

“They’ll make better investment decisions and better storage ponds will be built as a result.”

DairyNZ funded the development of the practice note, which was written by a team led by IPENZ professional member and Opus International

Consultants engineer, Rex Corlett.“The practice note is a technical

engineering document. It is designed for engineers and specialist pond design and construction companies,” he said.

“There was a robust consultation with the wider effluent industry in its development.

“It covers the legislation and regulations that apply in this area, the site investigation process, and design,

construction and certification and commissioning phases of constructing effluent ponds.”

Federated Farmers Dairy section vice-chairperson Robin Barkler said the practice note will be welcomed by farmers who have been after definitive advice on how ponds should be designed and built.

“An effluent pond is a considerable investment – you can pay six figures for one – but it has a great return on investment if built well.

“If you can store your nutrients from the effluent in the pond and apply them where you would normally use fertiliser, you’ll make good savings on your fertiliser bill which can pay off a pond in around five or so years. This practice note is good for farmers as

they will also have confidence in ponds built to these standards at compliance time.”

Dr Wilson said a new effluent pond is often a project farmers manage themselves around the day-to-day running of their farm.

“It’s an involved process; from sorting engineers and designers, contractors through to arranging finance and training staff in the how it should be managed once commissioned. DairyNZ has written ‘A farmer’s guide to building a new effluent pond’. It complements the practice note to help farmers through that management process.”

Effluent pond design and construction events for farmers will be taking place across the country.

Engineers have introduced a practice note for dairy farm effl uent pond design.

15

Energy saving optionsEnergy saving options

The main energy uses on a dairy farm are within the milking shed – hot water heating, milk chilling

and the milking system’s vacuum pump.

Energy efficiency on-farm can reduce costs and lead to improved animal wellbeing and higher productivity and power generators like Meridian and Genesis have sections of their websites devoted to power saving tips.

Meridian even has a 800-cow dairy farm at Kurow on which to test some of its energy efficiency products.

Their best advice: • Insulate your hot water cylinder with

a wrap and insulate pipes near the cylinder.

• Use correctly sized hot water cylinders.

• Turn off the water heater until four hours or so before you need the hot water by installing a timer.

• Using electricity at off -peak times can significantly reduce power costs.

• Use cold water for wash-downs once per day. The other washes need to be at 80°C to achieve adequate sanitation.

• Consider installing a heat recovery unit.

• Use plate coolers to pre-cool milk before it enters the vat.

• Regularly maintain refrigeration equipment: • Regularly service refrigeration

units.• Keep condensing coils free of

obstructions and dust ensure a clear air flow.

• Situate freezers and refrigerators as far away as possible from heat sources.

• Ensure freezers and refrigerators are fully loaded whenever possible.

There are power savings to be made with irrigation too: • Use gravity supply where possible

because pumping water costs money.• Correctly match the pump to the

system requirements, rather than throttling a system with a gate valve.

• Monitor and track water use and demand with a meter.

• Use a soil moisture sensor or a professional service to schedule your irrigation application.

• Irrigate little and often – do not irrigate below the active root zone.

• Where appropriate, use mulching

and/or shelter belts to conserve applied water.

• Ensure pumps are regularly maintained and any leaks repaired promptly.

Systems that control the level of vacuum in milking machines to suit the number of cows being milked are also available. Too much suction is hard on cows, wastes water, and can lead to stray voltage.

Varivac, developed by Corkill Systems Ltd in Taranaki, is a software driven vacuum pump control system that has won awards for energy savings and innovation.

Varivac controls all kinds of vacuum pumps – single or twin motor. It increases vacuum reserve by up to 20 per cent and reduces noise in the process. On farm experiences show power savings the equivalent of several thousands of dollars.

Other milking shed energy saving technology includes heat recovery technology, which uses heat recovery technology to generate hot water while simultaneously chilling milk more quickly which in turn protects milk quality.

Meridian profiles Boost units, which claim a three-year payback in power savings.

Smart dairy farmers are cutting their electrical energy costs by using heat recovery systems to simultaneously cool milk and heat water.

16

Milestone in farm educationMilestone in farm education

Commercial Residential Rural

For all your Commercial, Residential or Rural contracting needs call us TODAY!

Do it Once, Do it Right

• Root raking• Pipe and cable laying• Ripping• Concrete/rock breaking• Augering holes • Mini digger & tip truck• Truck and trailer cartage• Drainage – farm, domestic, commercial• Dairy farm development & maintenance

• Irrigation• Driveway & roading – chipseal & hotmix• Transporter hire• Centre pivot rut filling • Concrete work • Shingle supplies• Pivot steer grader• Company consented landfills• Traffic and project management• General excavation

Greg Donaldson Contracting15 Malcolm McDowell Road, AshburtonPhone 308 8479 Mobile 0274 338 003Email donaldsoncontracting@xtra.co.nz

www.gdc.net.nz

Greg Donaldson Contracting Ltd prides itself on its biggest asset, its staff. Their vast experience and ability to undertake many and varied tasks and complete them efficiently, ensures customer satisfaction and value for money. With the large range of machinery at our disposal, we are able to offer a wide range of services.

The 40th “birthday” of New Zealand’s first university degree in agricultural commerce was marked last week

with a celebration at Lincoln University, where the qualification was pioneered.

“The Bachelor of Agricultural Commerce degree, first off ered in 1971, was a revolutionary development,” says Lincoln University’s Dr Sharon Forbes, a Lecturer in the Faculty of Commerce and convenor of the celebration.

“The climate was ready for change and innovation and the new degree set the university on an exciting educational path. Its traditional strengths in agricultural

production and farm management were now matched with a parallel focus on scholarship in disciplines associated with the commercialisation of that production and the results of that management.

“Agricultural commerce, the original name in the first degree, is one of the ancestors of what today we know as agribusiness, so we are celebrating a very important field of activity within New Zealand’s land-based economy.”

The Bachelor of Agricultural Commerce degree had an initial intake of 129 students and the first batch of graduates in 1974 was swiftly snapped up by

industry, the professions and government agencies. At least two members of the first class attended the 40th birthday function.

Prominent in developing the degree was Professor of Agricultural Economics Bruce Ross, later Lincoln University’s first Vice-Chancellor. Professor Ross taught into the degree programme for over a decade before secondment to the OECD in Paris, followed by the principalship of Lincoln College.

In 1978 the Bachelor of Agricultural Commerce was replaced by a Bachelor of Commerce (agricultural) degree and innovation continued with Lincoln going on to off er the first off -shore teaching of a New Zealand commerce degree - a Bachelor of Commerce and Management,

in Malaysia - and holding the first off -shore graduation ceremony by a New Zealand university, again in Malaysia.

Other innovations in the commerce area have included the first appointments in New Zealand of professors of marketing, real estate studies and transport studies and the first off ering of university commerce degrees in tourism and in hotel and institutional management.

Today a Bachelor of Commerce degree at Lincoln University is off ered with “majors” in accounting, agribusiness, business management, economics, finance, hotel management, entrepreneurship, international business, marketing, and supply chain management.

Mid Canterbury(A member of the First National Group)

Licensed Sales Person (REAA 2008)

Contact me now to discuss buying or selling.Ian CrossonRural/Lifestyle ConsultantMOB 0274 548 398

You can trust that my experience assisting other Mid Canterbury rural property owners will mean a successful, confidential,

professional service for you

Office 03 307 8317