Planning ahead.Stepping forward.Rising up.

0800 686 124 www.agrimat.co.nz

Inside this issue:On-farm report Future proofing for when history repeatsFieldays We’ll be seeing you at Northland & Central DistrictsLIMITED OFFER See page 5

Thinking outside the box(to succeed inside it)

It’s now even more about gaining the greatest efficiencies for the best return on investment. Where spending smarter means establishing what products are going to deliver both short-term relief and long-term gains. This is easy to say but, often, not so easy to deliver.

It’s why we certainly don’t work to a ‘one size fits all’ approach with our matting. Innovation means looking at a customer’s needs from different angles – and providing solutions that endure.

Those with long-term experience are investing in products that provide this peace of mind.

We spoke to Malcolm Macpherson recently about matting he had put down a couple of years ago. Malcolm’s got a history of supporting farming talent and introducing in to his farm systems and products that have really paid off. That’s why we were delighted to hear the positive responses about his Kura matting.

Also of note; our talk with David Wilson. Work on his dairy farm came about after he was impressed with the results on another project for a horse walker. Now, with sound results on the last project, he’s looking to go further with more matting on another farm.

In other news, planning is well underway for our upcoming work at a couple of big field days in February and March. If you are attending one of these stop by and say hello – we’ve got lots to share!

Whether it’s at the field days or via phone or email, please keep that feedback coming. It’s vital in our efforts to innovate our products, refine our service and, subsequently, to increase the success of our customers.

Thanks for reading, Jacob Director, Numat

There have been a few big months of rollercoaster rides for all of us in the farming industry. With the tough news of late 2014 many businesses have had to reassess how they plan for the immediate future.

2015 Innovation AgriMat successfully installed directly onto compacted gravel base - press release coming.

Query? Quote? Order? Give our friendly customer service team a call now on 0800 686 124

Future proofing (for when history repeats)New on-farm report: Malcolm MacPherson

The low downLocation: Te Awamutu Size: 352 square metres

Products: Kura

Thanks to many valuable years experience, Malcolm Macpherson understands the cyclical nature of New Zealand dairy farming and how best to plan for both the good conditions and the bad.With 350 cows in his herd he decided to install matting in a round yard back in 2013. The thinking behind this was for the area to strategically double as a stand-off over the winter months, when the cows required additional support. “I talked with Anthony at Numat,” said Malcolm. “He was very good, giving us a competitive quote fast.” Specifically looking for “reliability and a good life expectancy” Malcolm went with Kura matting for the yard cover.The outcome for Malcolm has been “very positive”, and the peace of mind he’s gained of equal worth – particularly for when the elements inevitably take a turn for the worse.“The last two winters haven’t been so bad,” said Malcolm. “But in a bad one you could be standing them off four or five days a week.” For animal welfare purposes the rubber matting has been an effective and cost-efficient solution, Malcolm stating, “concrete’s okay for a night or two, any more and you’re starting to get real issues.”With lame cows and milk production a huge focus for the Te Kawa farmer this type of long-term solution allows him to focus on other matters when gaining greater safety and efficiency from his herd.When asked if he would recommend similar matting approaches Malcolm’s response is therefore straightforward. “Yes – we’ve been very happy with it. No hesitation. We’ve had people enquire about it and I’ll always recommend it.”

Walking tallNew on-farm report: David Wilson, Knottingly Farm

The low downLocation: Cambridge

Products: AgriMat HighGrip / Kura

David Wilson had an ongoing problem at Knottingly Farm. The laneway there was becoming a consistent issue from the movement of his 450-strong herd. The continued maintenance of this thoroughfare was costing valuable money and time. “Every two years we had to re-do it with shell rock or lime due to how quickly the ground cover deteriorated,” said David. “Once the cows gave it some wear there were sharp edges and they simply didn’t want to walk on it.” “It’s not a wide race,” he added. “So it was easy for one or two cows to hold up the rest.”Deliberating with his farm manager, Joe Skerman, the two decided to install the HighGrip matting on the laneway. After having a horse walker in Cambridge laid with Kura matting David knew the quality of product that Numat delivered. “The horse walker had been a great success,” he said. “We wanted the same result from the cow matting.”They achieved it. “It’s made the flow in and out so much easier,” said David. “Certainly once you get a few lame cows it’s a real hassle – and they can take a long time to recover. We’ve had no worries since the matting has gone down. With the nice camber and the type of matting it’s also a lot easier to hose off.”With pit matting now in place he’s found other positive side effects also. “It’s not just safer for the animals but a lot easier on the staff,” said David. “Standing on concrete all day can be hard work – now there’s not so many sore legs.” Pleased with the effects of the matting, he’s now assessing the potential for replicating the effects on his other dairy farm.Happier, healthier stock and staff are now delivering greater peace of mind and financial returns – a result that’s put a spring in the step for everyone on the Rangitikei farm.

7

Beat the winter mud

Free freight on all orders over $250 in April. Phone 0800 686 124FREE FREIGHT

AgriMat HighGrip has an aggressive profile and

ribbed base to provide a high performing anti-slip

surface. At 19mm deep it is extremely hoof-friendly

with excellent traction on steep slopes.

AgriMat HighGrip is the perfect rubber matting

solution for access lanes, ramps, holding yard

entry/exits and road underpasses.

30.0m x 1.8m x 19mmAPRIL SPECIAL

$3600.00 exclusive GSTincl. GST

SAVE ON HIGHGRIP30 METRE ROLL

wHoLE RoLL DEAL $4140.00

Query? Quote? Order? Give our friendly customer service team a call now on 0800 686 124

$3600 +GST Feb/March 2015 only

per roll delivered

Northland Fieldays: 26-28 February 2015

site 203

site 203

site 203

Your Fieldays experience with Numat

A big player in the market for over 15 years, Numat understands that the agricultural sector is the backbone of the New Zealand economy. As New Zealand’s largest and most agri-minded surfacing supplier, we work with New Zealand’s rural sector on both a local & national level.

With sites booked across all main Fieldays during 2015, we are on hand to ensure that you are getting quality solutions.

Our Numat staff pride themselves on thoroughly understanding our customers needs. And that means spending time with you, on your farm, making sure that the package of products we recommend, deliver solid & long lasting solutions, whatever the issue. Our site visit are free, and an integral part of our service - every farm is

different and what works for one entry/exit area or laneway, may not be the most cost effective for another. Every farm is bespoke, and every business’s needs are different, so flexibility & innovation are our speciality.

Times are tight and history shows that they will be tight again. So, there is no better time to be looking for smarter long term investments that will ensure a healthy & sustainable future for your organisation.

So if you want more growth for your farm business, come and talk to our Sales Managers at the Numat sites during Fieldays - we look forward to meeting you & discussing your needs further.

Numat is proud to be a key player at a variety of New Zealand Fieldays for 2015. We are committed to the continued success of these important events that bring together people to celebrate our country’s history and our approach to innovation.

What? The biggest 3 Day Agricultural Event in Northland.Open to the public from 9 am - 4.30 pm daily with over 25,000 visitors and 550 exhibitors.

Where? Corner of Awakino Point East Road and State Highway 14, Dargaville.

Query? Quote? Order? Give our friendly customer service team a call now on 0800 686 124

Central Districts Fieldays: 12-14 March 2015

site E38/9

site E38/9

site E38

& E39

What? New Zealand’s largest regional agricultural fieldays - over 540 exhibitors and over 38,000 visitors over three days!

Where? Manfeild Park South Street Entrance Feilding, Manawatu.

More comfortable & confident cows = more milk!KuRA FEEDLoT/STAND-oFF MATS AGRIMAT WINGFLEX AND ERGoboARD

New Zealand-wide design, installation and project management from concept to compliance.

Visit our website www.agrimat.co.nzor email us info@numat.co.nz

Working with AgriMat is easy.

Give our friendly customer service team a call now: 0800 686 124

With offices in the North & South Island,

we’ve got farms covered NZ wide.

Dairy Mailer Feb15

Horse of the Year: 17-22 Mar 2015 site H21/22

What? Touted as one of the greatest equestrian celebrations on the planet by people all over the world.It’s a true celebration of all things equestrian - 2600 horses, 1800 riders, 28 arenas, 400 volunteers, 8,000 square metres of shopping, and 84,000 attendance!

Where? Hawkes Bay A and P ShowgroundsWaipatu, Hawkes Bay