dairy news 25 november 2014

Co-op moves closer to another payout cut. PAGE 3

NOVEMBER 25, 2014 ISSUE 325 // www.dairynews.co.nz

BATTLE FOR

CHINAAny

suggestion that Australia

would displace New

Zealand in the Chinese

market is ridiculous.

– Trade Minister

Tim GroserPAGE 4

CHILLING HISTORYTractor maker’s polar expedition.

PAGE 45

0800 800 380www.nrm.co.nz

REMOVE THE GUESS WORK CALL US TODAY

Teamwork is the cornerstone of success...

WorkingTogether

DELIVERING QUALITY STOCKFOODS FOR OVER 10 YEARSSTOCKFOODS 10 YEARS

DAI RY NEWS NOVEMBER 25, 2014

NEWS // 3

NEWS��3-14

OPINION�� 16-17

AGRIBUSINESS��18-19

MANAGEMENT�� 20-23

ANIMAL HEALTH�� 24-25

EFFLUENT & WATER MANAGEMENT��26-41

MACHINERY & PRODUCTS��42-46

Living the dream. PG.19

World-class semen collection centre. PG.25

Rewards of strictly farming. PG.20-21

GDT slips and dips disappoint‘DISAPPOINTING’ WAS economists’ key word last week as GlobalDairyTrade resumed its slide, falling 3.1% overall with powders plunging 5-6%.

All now predict a payout starting with four and a fall in Fonterra’s $5.30/kgMS forecast, possibly even before its board meets in December.

“It’s disappointing,” BNZ senior economist Craig Ebert told Dairy News. “We had wondered if we’d see a bit more stability given the previous auctions were more flat.”

BNZ didn’t immediately revise its prediction of $4.90/kgMS for 2014-15 but “downside risk” before the auction had increased, said Ebert. “We want to revise it down but it’s just a question of the timing and to what extent.”

Others moved immediately, ASB slashing 40c/kgMS off its estimate for 2014-15 to $4.70/kgMS and putting its $6.50/kgMS forecast for 2015-16 “under review”. It noted markets hadn’t responded to Fonterra’s 14% reduction in its auc-tion offering since June and with the cooperative’s intake up 4% to date on last year, and national pro-duction 6% ahead, “there is is still plenty of milk to go around”.

“The lift in supply may create a headwind to prices recovering later in the season,” its Novem-ber 19 economic update stated.

Ebert also noted the supply increase, not just

in New Zealand, but across the world including

China where production problems 12-18 months ago sparked a scramble

for product that spiked prices but ended up in

stockpiles.Supply would even-

tually ease in response to lower prices but the signals

are slow to reach producers in some countries and milking cows cannot be turned “on and off ” quickly so price recovery could be “a bit longer coming than people think,” he warned.

“We hope it does but we need to be conscious there might be a second year of ungenerous pay-outs… The message is we’d be reluctant to assume there’ll be a natural bounceback as soon as 2015-16.”

ASB economist Christina Leung pointed out that low grain prices have kept US and Euro-pean production growing and while there’s been

a modest rally in corn and wheat values in recent weeks, “if they remain low it will continue to encourage [milk] production in these markets.”

“A lot will depend on where the New Zealand dollar goes as well. We are factoring in a further moderation which in turn will support prices,” she added, noting the Kiwi was down about 1 cent against the US dollar on Wednesday morning after the GDT result.

However, that wasn’t sustained, with the Reserve Bank’s Trade Weighted [currency] Index and 11am mid point against the US$ showing vir-tually no change from the previous day.

Ebert pointed out the exchange rates were actu-ally stronger than at the previous sale a fortnight earlier (US79c v US77c).

“A while ago we thought [the NZ dollar] was on a roll good and proper but we went into this auc-tion with it higher than it was a fortnight ago.”

What it really shows is the difficulty in forecast-ing milk prices given the volatility of both com-modity and currency markets. “There’s a huge range possible with any forecast.”

ANDREW SWALLOWandrews@ruralnews�co�nz

MIXED-BAG RESULTGDT Nov 19 summary● Average US$2561/t; index down 3.1%;

39,613t sold.● WMP down 5.1%, range US$2353/t

January shipment to US$2709 May movement.

● SMP down 5.7%, average US$2299/t, range US$2230-2741/t.

● AMF up 6.1% averaging US$3,490/t.Source: www.globaldairytrade.info

Skim milk power prices dived almost 6% last week.

Draft now, pay later.Take advantage of our limited time finance deal and fixed installation costs for manual and automated drafting. Offer ends 24 December 2014. Limited Time

24 Months Interest

Free*

Manual Drafter

Entry level pneumatic drafter with gate controller

Easily upgraded to Autodrafter or Autodrafter Plus.

Autodrafter

Mid range autodrafter operated via Android or Apple app

Set drafts from shed or online anytime

View cow data online.

Autodrafter Plus

Premium autodrafter operated via in shed keypad

Set drafts from shed or online anytime

View cow data in-shed on large display screen.

$8,995**

+ GST$19,995**

+ GST$26,995**

+ GST

Call your local Area Sales Manager Murray Johnston 021 508 055.

How are you tracking? Let’s talk. 0800 6455 482

www.tru-test.com/dairy

*Finance can be structured either ⅓ deposit, ⅓ in 12 months and ⅓ in 24 months, or nil deposit and equal payments over 24 months. BNZ lending, account opening and other eligibility criteria, terms and conditions, fees and charges apply. Finance products are only available to approved business customers.

**Pricing excludes installation & MiHub subscription costs. Installation costs apply as follows: Manual Drafter $1500, Autodrafter $2000 and Autodrafter Plus $2500.


4 // NEWS

FTA good for Aussies and for us – Groser

DAIRY COMPANIES Association of New Zealand (DCANZ) executive director Kimberly Crewther says the deal is a good one and differences between the Austra-lian and New Zealand FTA’s will even out over time.

“It’s a case of swings and round-abouts,” she says.

Under the Australian FTA, the tariffs on dairy products will be phased out in 4-11 years. This means the tariffs on

New Zealand product will be phased out sooner than Australia’s. However under the New Zealand FTA there are limits on the percentage of goods admitted tariff free every year; this is called a ‘safeguard’ clause and it appears Australia may not have such a restriction in its FTA.

“Over time it will even itself out. With infant formula, for example, we have achieved zero tariffs now and there is no volume restriction. The Australians are

going to take another four years to get to their own tariff rate cut. For butter we are under a safeguard provision and the Aus-tralians will have small tariff advantage once we hit the volumes.”

Crewther says it’s probably too early to predict how the two FTAs will compare. But there are positive messages for farm-ers.

“In the global context it is another step towards liberalisation for dairy products.”

DIFFERENCES WILL EVEN OUT OVER TIME

ANYTHING GOOD for Australia is in the long run good for New Zealand.

That’s the reaction of Trade Minister Tim Groser to the news that Austra-lia has signed a free trade agreement with China, and to speculation that their FTA with China is better than NZ’s, especially regarding dairy products.

Grosser told Dairy News that the final details of the Australia/China FTA haven’t been revealed and won’t be for several months. He says once the political announce-ment has been made, the lawyers from both coun-tries go over the agree-ment in detail to make sure the agreement in Chinese matches the English text. The process is called ‘legal scrubbing’.

From what he has

gleaned so far, Groser says there is a degree of similar-ity between the New Zea-land FTA with China and the Australian one. But he says it appears the Austra-lians may have made some gains in the phasing out of tariffs – a point he will take up with the Chinese.

But Groser says any suggestion Australia would displace New Zealand in the Chinese market is ridiculous.

“The Chinese market is expanding so rapidly that Fonterra reached the con-clusion five years ago that there was no possibility of a New Zealand based pro-duction system keeping up with demand.

“That is why Fonterra is investing $1 billion in producing milk in China. And the New Zealand dairy industry is twice the size of

the Australian industry. “We were the same

size 15-20 years ago but we now produce about 19 billion litres of milk and they produce 9-10 billion. So this idea that there is not enough room for us in China now that Australia has negotiated this good FTA deal is not based on any numerical analysis.”

Groser says a strong Australian economy is good for New Zealand and if their FTA strengthens their economy it will have a positive flow-on effect for New Zealand.

“Specifically anything good for the Australian dairy industry is good for New Zealanders because the 10,000 Fonterra share-

holders own 20% of the Australian dairy industry. It’s an interesting paradox, it’s not a win-lose thing at

all. New Zealand has a slice in the success of the Aus-tralia deal.”

Groser says key Aus-

tralian products such as sugar, wheat, rice and cotton are not included in the FTA.

Done deal: Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Brisbane last week.

Gumboots have one basic purpose. They keep your feet dry. For people on the farm all day, they’re perfect for keeping out water, mud and waste.

Rabobank has one specific purpose too – agribusiness banking. This single focus enables us to help your business meet your ambitions and secure your long-term future.

Rabobank. One focus.


NEWS // 5

Uncle Sam closing fast on cost

Kim Mashlan, DairyNZ.

OUR COSTS are going up as US dairy produc-ers’ come down, delegates have heard at a series of workshops on investments in off-paddock facilities.

Setting the scene for the workshops, DairyNZ’s Kim Mashlan outlined the trend to “mega-dairy” feedlot systems in the US and how competitive they are.

“We’re seeing the cost of production in New Zea-land increasing while the cost of production in the US is decreasing,” she told about 20 farmers at Hinds, Canterbury, last week.

A decade ago mega-dairies accounted for about 10% of US produc-tion. Today it’s 40% and increasingly they’re tar-geting export markets as domestic consumption declines, said Mashlan. “They’re actually building dairy facilities to capture customers in the export market.”

Five years ago the aver-age cost of production there was US$38/100kg milk equivalents. Now it’s US$35 “and there are farms in the US achieving better than this.”

Meanwhile, New Zea-land’s average cost jumped from US$28/100kg equiv-alent to US$33, albeit the

$33 figure was from the drought-affected 2012-13 season, so lower produc-tion may have inflated the figure a little, she acknowl-edged.

In New Zealand dollars/kgMS, some Californian and Idaho mega-dairies are at $6/kgMS and while the average in New Zea-land is “still quite a bit lower”, some are already over that.

While fellow speakers stressed the workshops were not to persuade people whether they should or shouldn’t invest in off-paddock facilities – be it a simple stand-off pad or fully automated free-stall barn – it was made clear the data to support such systems is limited despite some of the mar-keting claims being made.

“We’ve seen adver-tisements that say if you put on a barn you’ll grow another 2t/ha of pas-ture. What we’ve seen is you might increase pas-ture production 2-10% at most,” warned Mashlan.

In some cases off-pad-dock facilities reduce pasture production as managers let grazing prin-ciples slip, added colleague Chris Glassey. “Probably under-grazing is the big-gest risk from having off-paddock facilities.”

Barns and feed pads in New Zealand gener-ally cost more than in the

ANDREW [email protected]

US too, it seems, as many of the mega-dairies are on dry otherwise unpro-ductive land with thou-sands of cows on a few hectares. The land costs as little as NZ$500/ha and open lot systems cost about NZ$650/cow to build, and freestall barns NZ$1100. “That’s quite a lot cheaper than we are seeing here in New Zea-land,” noted Mashlan.Only in the hot states such as New Mexico, where cool-

ing systems are essential, do housing costs equate to New Zealand’s, at NZ$3000-4000/cow.

Feed for the mega-dairies is imported, often cheaply thanks to the scale of the operation, nearby cropping land and easy bulk storage in dry cli-mates.

Labour is cheap too, and facilities such as sheds run 21 hours/day, only stopping for cleaning.

And as one delegate at

a Canterbury workshop noted, from what he’d seen in the US, farms do not provide staff housing. “Look at all that cost we’re carrying in comparison!”

DairyNZ regional con-sulting officer leader Vir-ginia Serra said she fears that if too many New Zea-land farmers move to “these types of systems we’d be competing with the US.”

@dairy_newsfacebook.com/dairynews

One farm. Many generations.Family farm businesses often serve personal, family and business goals that change over time. As an agribusiness bank, Rabobank understands farm succession.

Our succession specialists have developed a comprehensive facilitated process to help your family with the succession journey and increase financial security for each generation. To get started, talk to us today.

Call 0800 722 622 or visit rabobank.co.nz

Pump - Drencher - Clinical Nutrition

Nimrod Veterinary Products Ltd

Available in New Zealand from Ethical Agents


6 // FEDERATED FARMERS NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING

Strategy refresh for farmer lobby

Dr William Rolleston

FEDERATED FARMERS is undergoing a ‘strategy refresh’ – discussions with all provincial presidents, facilitated by a

management consultant.Feds president William

Rolleston told Dairy News at the national council meeting in Wellington last week that the council and board had had “two

good days of looking quietly inwardly at their strategy”.

The gathering was the new board’s first formal meeting with the national council since the Feds’ annual conference in July. The board has new elected members at provincial and

sector levels, including a new dairy chairman, Andrew Hoggard.

Rolleston says a strategy refresh is “always an appropriate thing when you have a new chief

executive and chairman. The federation is in good heart, but what we are doing is looking at how we can work better as a team across the provinces.We have a lot of capable people across the country so we need to be well coordinated with our messaging and how we service everybody.”

The ‘refresh’ is not a radical shift within the organisation, Rolleston says. The present staff structure is appropriate, built up over years.

Feds is identifying key policies to examine: water, climate change, health and safety, and science and innovation.

Human capability is a big issue in the science and innovation slot, Rolleston

says. “Is the right training being done? Do we have the right capabilities in science? Are we producing the right graduates? Are we communicating the message not just about science but also about agriculture?

“In the schools a lot of teachers don’t understand agriculture [or] science, and where they fit in society. We need to lift that messaging so that young people can see there are worthwhile careers in farming and

agribusiness.”Because agriculture is

becoming so technical the sector must ensure it has

the skills to be able to stay ahead of the world.

“We have a lot of capable people across the country so we need to be well coordinated with our messaging and how we service everybody.”

PETER [email protected]

THE COWPAT PROBLEM

A SINGLE cowpat can contaminate enough water to fill 30 milk tankers, Feds national councillors heard last week. That water would be unsafe for humans to swim in.

AgResearch mi-crobiologist Richard Muirehead told the meeting a single

cowpat contains one billion E.coli. In summer when stream flows are low, cows or other farm animals can pollute the water for swimmers, damage stream banks and cause sediment in water.

While sunlight will kill some E.coli, millions will survive in the sedi-ment and may become a problem when dis-turbed by people in the waterways.

“Cowpats on pad-docks decompose slowly and some of the E.coli in them will

eventually die. Trouble is the E.coli can grow for a long time and survive. Of one billion E.coli, even if 99% die there

are still 10 million left.”Some cowpats

may be washed from paddocks into streams during floods.


New Zealand’s Number 1 Family... of the world leading crop packaging products

Integrated Packaging (IP) is New Zealand’s leading manufacturer of agricultural silage film and a specialist distributor of high quality crop packaging products.

Designed to cater for the specialised needs of our customers, the SilaFARM Family products offer a range of superior quality as well as excellent value in crop packaging.

Ask for SilaFARM New Zealand’s No. 1 range of premium silage films, net wraps, bailing twines, pit covers, grain bags, mulch films and more.

0800 745 297 – [email protected]

www.ipstretch.com

www.evansonline.co.nzBuy Online

15 MINERALS, 3 VITAMINSMONENSIN, BYPASS SUPPLEMENT

IT PAYS FOR ITS SELF

BYPASS+ is the easiest way to increase your milk solids, body weight, and improve animal health

BYPASS+ is designed to stop the cows gorging the feed, on their own cows will consume 150 grams / head / day.

Place the loose feed next to the water troughs, or mix it inside the TMR feed wagon.

WATER

Chris Murdoch...SPECIALISING IN RURAL REAL ESTATE

THROUGHOUT CANTERBURY

If you need a confidential chat about the current rural property market, call me today.

027 434 [email protected] McLeod Limited. Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

217 West Street, Ashburton

❱❱ Local knowledge ❱❱ Over 20 years experience ❱❱ Tens of $millions of rural property sold

AGROTAIN® is a registered trademark of Koch Agronomic Services.

Make the upgrade to SustaiNMany farmers throughout the country have already made the upgrade to SustaiN and are enjoying the benefi ts of growing more grass or crop.

To join the N crowd, talk to your local Ballance Field Consultant or call 0800 222 090.

Join the N crowd

ELE

-015

55-D

N


8 // FEDERATED FARMERS NATIONAL COUNCIL MEETING

B&LIC05

67B-A

Grinning O’Connor comes out swinging

LEADERSHIP, NOT leaders, is what’s wanted in the primary sector, says Labour spokesperson

on rural issues Damien O’Connor.

He made these com-ments at Federated Farm-ers’ national council meeting last week. The federation invited politi-cal and business leaders


to lead discussions on key issues of interest to their members, such as science, water quality, local gov-ernment and the political scene.

O’Connor launched into a good-natured, pro-vocative address saying of the election “we lost, you won”— a clear reference to his pre-election claims that the Feds were backing the National Party.

O’Connor claims there are many leaders in the agribusiness sector now, but an overall lack of lead-ership and cohesion. He says New Zealand needs people who will ask hard questions about what the country is doing, what it needs to do and how to achieve this.

“New Zealand is a small country with valu-able but limited resources and huge opportunities for success. But as a society we have become a bit self-ish, deciding to work on our own individual oppor-tunities and losing sight

of the broader vision. The National government is happy to be market led but not be market leaders.”

O’Connor says people have traditionally looked for governments to show the necessary leader-ship, but to be fair this shouldn’t all come from government.

“The Federation, [as] the organisation that rep-resents farmers, [needs] a wider industry perspec-tive…. I look forward to engaging in a less parti-san way with Fed Farm-ers so that they appreciate it is vision that is needed, not just a certain govern-ment.”

O’Connor says Labour has its work cut out to reconnect with farmers and must discuss water-related issues and capital gains tax. He bemoaned Labour being seen in a less favourable light by many farmers, given the many good things successive Labour agriculture minis-ters have introduced.

Lift yield but don’t trash usPRIME MINISTER John Key says a bottom line for the public is that farmers may increase production provided they don’t harm the environment.

Speaking at Federated Farmers national council meet-ing, Key says this is a challenge for farmers and the public will not take any excuses.

“In recent years Federated Farmers has taken a respon-sible view of that issue. Dairy companies such as Fonterra have been in the forefront of that by encouraging farmers to fence 23,000km of waterways with dairy cows next to them. It will be compulsory to do that come 2017 and I’m confident farmers will get there before then.”

Key says he believes that the public understand the importance of agriculture and are mostly hugely support-ive – but not if they see farmers trashing the environment.

The public must realise farmers are spending their own money to improve their environmental footprint, “driv-ing up onfarm costs”. “It’s much more expensive to pro-duce a kilogram of milk solids today than five-six years ago because you are forced to incur significant costs.

“So the people who argue that farmers don’t do their bit in caring about the environment need to get out onfarm and look at what farmers have to do now compared with six years ago. Regulations have toughened up.”

The Prime Minister also touched on foreign ownership of land. He says the perception that the Chinese are buying up large areas of land is not the reality. The purchase of the Crafar farms by Shanghai Pengxin was the first time a Chi-nese buyer had bought farmland in New Zealand.

To date the big land buyers have been Americans, Aus-tralians, Germans and some big overseas pension funds – but not the Chinese. Key says the likes of Shanghai Pengxin seem to be more interested in the production side of things.

Prime Minister John Key and Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy are welcomed by Feds president William Rolleston.

40,000 cows say they prefer a Redpath clear roof shelter … if cow’s could talk

NAn effective and affordable on-farm shelter system

NMultiple flooring options, or build over existing pads

NDesigned for Feedpads, Standoffshelters or Winteringbarns

N40,000 cows already enjoy a Redpath shelter for improved feed control, better pasture quality and protection from poor weather

Built on-site

for less than

$500 per cow!*BUY DIRECTor through Farmlands/CRT!

For Your Free Info PackFree Ph 0508 733 728www.redpath.co.nzEmail: [email protected]

BEAT THE SEASONS!

* + GST. Conditions apply.

B&LIC05

67B-A

FORMER FONTERRA director Jim van der Poel says the co-op should be setting the benchmark for milk payouts.

In his farewell speech at Fonterra’s annual meet-ing in Palmerston North this month, van der Poel called for the co-op to deliver “a really competi-tive milk price”. “With our scale and capability we should set the benchmark for milk in New Zealand,” he told 250 shareholders.

Van der Poel says other competitors should be struggling to keep up with the co-op. “A high milk price is not just good for our farmer shareholders… [it’s] good for New Zea-land. For New Zealand milk to be seen as a pre-

mium product and being valued as such it is good for our country and our GDP.”

Fonterra last year paid a record $8.40/kgMS milk price and a dividend of 10c/share, but the small Waikato processor Tatua paid $10.32/kgMS before

retentions to its 109 share-holders. Its farmers got $9/kgMS as the final payout. Tatua also beat Fonterra in the 2012-13 season.

Van der Poel says it’s critical for Fonterra to set the benchmark because its future prosperity depends on it, and its global busi-

nesses benefit from a good milk price ultimately flow-ing into them.

Van der Poel, who has farming interests in Waikato and the South Island, stepped down after 12 years on the board.

He enjoyed the stint there, including the chal-

lenges, “the journey and process, and the relation-ships with the people… who make up this busi-ness. We farmer share-holders should be happy the co-op has a capable group led by chief execu-tive Theo Spierings.”

Van der Poel says he will watch with interest Fonterra’s growth, as it “aspires to become a glob-ally relevant cooperative… well and truly on its way there.”

Fonterra chairman John Wilson paid tribute to van der Poel.

“I have personally known Jim as a farmer

and director for more than 20 years,” he says. “In the early years Jim was well known as a passionate and highly successful farmer who challenged bound-aries: that bit has never changed.

“And more recently as a conscientious and hard-working director who has used his deep knowledge of the business to help drive our co-op’s success.” Van der Poel served on many Fonterra board com-mittees and played a lead role in its international dairy farming strategy.

Wilson says van der Poel was known as a

strong ambassador for Fonterra, in New Zealand and globally.

South Canterbury farmer Leonie Guiney has replaced van der Poel on the board.

Van der Poel has also stepped down from the Fonterra Shareholders Fund created under TAF; another Fonterra director Nicola Shadbolt has joined the FSF board.

Van der Poel was last month elected to the DairyNZ board. Asked if he was in line to take up the DairyNZ chairmanship he said, “I couldn’t possi-bly comment on that.”


10 // NEWS

Let’s lead the way in payouts

Former Fonterra director Jim van de Poel (right) shares a light moment with new director Leonie Guiney and chief executive Theo Spierings at the annual meeting.

SUDESH [email protected]

THE FORMATION of Fonterra and TAF are the standouts for former Fonterra director Jim van der Poel.

He says many people underestimate the work that went into forming Fonterra 12 years ago.

“There were three strong legacy companies competing with each other, in tension with each other at times. All of a sudden those people [came] together for a board and management point of view and were expected to work hand-in-hand.”

He described TAF as a huge commitment from everyone involved with Fonterra. “It was untested ground but we have done it well; it’s doing everything we expected it to do.”

Van der Poel believes TAF should evolve but he warns “we should be clear about what outcomes we are looking for.”

He also urged Fonterra to continue investing at home and overseas to benefit shareholders.

CLEAR-SIGHTED EVOLUTION

MADE TO FIT OUR NATUREMONO™ PUMPS

For more than 35 years Mono™ has been the company New Zealand trusts to pump, screen and grind its wastewater. We are proud to have been the first to put Progressing Cavity pumps into the New Zealand market.

We are equally proud that we are the only pc pump manufacturer selling its products throughout New Zealand, providing professional and reliable nationwide service and support.

Our Mono HSE Dairy Effluent pumping range gives considerable savings compared to centrifugal pump systems, while irrigating further at significantly less set-up and energy costs.

For information on your nearest Mono™ dealer, contact: 0800 659 012 or visit www.mono-pumps.com

Made For New Zealand Conditions


NEWS // 11

A2 baby formula sales boom in Oz

THE A2 MILK Company (a2MC) believes a lot of its new a2Platinum infant formula could be find-ing its way from Austra-lia into China on the ‘grey market’ – though regula-tion changes have ham-pered its launch of the product there.

Sales in Australia have exceeded projections since its launch in Sep-tember 2013, the company says in its annual report. The Auckland company, which operates mainly in Australia, made sales of $106m in Australia in the last financial year and only $126,000 in New Zealand.

Sales of a2Platinum in New Zealand have been hampered by limited dis-tribution, the annual report says.

“While sales are strong in the Australian domes-tic market, it is assumed a proportion is being pur-chased and subsequently shipping to consumers in China relying on an assur-ance of an Australian-sourced product. Whilst it is not possible to deter-mine sales in this grey market, this further con-firms our confidence in the China market oppor-tunity.”

The a2Platinum launch into China was hampered firstly by its New Zea-

land manufacturer Synlait not initially gaining China registration under new rules; it now has registra-tion after its canning plant opened. It is now also dealing with regulations on proving “close rela-tionship” with a manufac-turer. The company says it is confident of gaining necessary approvals and it plans a renewed market-ing strategy in China early next year.

a2MC launched a2Plat-inum in Australia and New Zealand in Septem-ber, 2013. Sales have grown well in Australia where it has a strong relationship with several supermarket groups and other outlets, a spokesman told Dairy News.

New Zealanders are much less aware of the a2 brand because of the low profile of a2 fresh. Dairy News understands the company is consid-ering taking over distri-bution of a2 fresh milk in New Zealand when a licence agreement expires in 2017. Australia repre-sented $106m of $110m sales worldwide with China sales at $2.7m and UK at $1.1m.

The company’s overall operating revenue for the year to June 30 was $111m, up 17% from the previous year. It says the net after tax profit of $10,000 was hit by the New Zealand dollar rising against the

PAM [email protected]

Australian dollar, reducing operating revenue by $14m over the previous year.

Plans for 2015 include an imminent launch of a2 Milk brand in Sainsbury’s and Wholefoods super-markets in the UK and resumption of infant for-mula sales to China. It also

plans a trial shipment of a2 UHT milk into China, and a launch of a2 Milk into the US West Coast in the second half of the financial year, costing $20m over three years, according to the annual plan.

A2 says the success in Australia has not been replicated across the ditch.

ASX LISTING COMING

THE A2 Milk Company Ltd (a2MC) is applying to list on the Australian stock exchange ASX, likely in the first quarter of 2015. The company will stay listed on the NZX main board.

Managing director Geoffrey Babidge says, “With a significant part of our earnings and growth coming from Australia, seeking an ASX listing is a logical strategic move for the company.

“Listing on ASX will enable more Austra-lian investors to participate in the company’s growth and will increase the attractiveness and liquidity of its shares. The board believes that this will benefit all shareholders.”

Babidge confirmed a2MC would not seek to raise any new capital in its ASX listing. a2MC has appointed Goldman Sachs New Zealand and DLA Piper Australia to advise on the ASX listing.

Check out the latest news and information atwww.dairynews.co.nz


YOU DO have a choice if you need to use a nil withholding time antibiotic on your herd!

Use antibiotics responsibly and as directed by your veterinarianRegistered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No. A10848

See www.foodsafety.govt.nz for registration conditions.

Phoenix Pharm Distributors Ltd PO Box 31-363, Milford, Auckland, New Zealand

Telephone: 0-9-476 7391 Email: [email protected]

For treating footrot, metritis or bacterial respiratory disease.

Ask your veterinarian if KELACEF

is a more cost effective ceftiofur

for use in your herd.• Nil milk withholding period

• 2 day meat withholding period

• Excellent suspension

• Easy to syringe


12 // NEWS

Grow your own grassWITH CASHFLOWS tight on dairy farms, pasture emerges as the cheapest feed source, says fertiliser com-pany Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

The co-op says getting the best grass for the least cost can be achieved with a hand from science.

Ballance science manager Aaron Stafford says the grow-your-own approach of using nitrogen fertiliser to boost pasture growth provides the most cost-effective supple-mentary feed, but with cash-strapped farmers working within very tight budgets, they want to be confident of a good pasture response to money spent on nitrogen.

“There is nothing more frustrating than seeing a poor or variable pasture response to nitrogen fertiliser…. We can help farmers get the best results by enabling them to tailor application rates to areas likely to produce the high-est pasture response.”

Application rates can be tailored using Ballance’s N-Guru, a software tool developed with AgResearch through Ballance Agri-Nutrients Clearview Innovations Primary Growth Partnership programme.

Based on a soil ‘total N’ test that has been calibrated with pasture nitrogen response, N-Guru can help to improve efficiency of nitrogen fertiliser use, by linking data from the farm with a nitrogen response database.

Drones tipped to fly food from farm to town

FARMERS OF the future will build drone stations on their land and deliver fresh food to urban consumers by the flying robots, says Dutch entre-preneur and IT guru Danny Mekic.

As a consumer he envisages using an app to decide what to eat at night, with the fresh product drone-deliv-ered to home directly from the land. That future is not far away, with drone delivery in the US likely within five years, he says.

Just as we now have coffee choices from machines using disposable cups, he envisages food produced and man-ufactured by farmers made available to consumers through machines.

Mekic, who is chief executive of New Team, urged 650 farmers and agribusiness representatives at the Rabobank F20 (Food) Summit in Sydney this month to embrace tech-nology and social media advances – and he warned that industries that do not adapt will face crisis.

“The world we constructed on the steam engine is entering a new era: social media, wireless technol-ogy and very powerful computers, and being connected with everybody in the world, is the new order.”

Examples he gave of adaption

within agriculture included a Dutch dairy farm which partly financed an onfarm processing investment with internet crowd funding. He cited animal selfie campaigns which engaged consumers with farms, a Tas-manian export company which ran a real-time dashboard on its products and a strawberry producer who, tired of explaining his products, started an online strawberry academy.

The Rabobank F20 focused on global food security challenges ahead of the G20 Leaders’ Summit. Mekic says he fruitlessly searched for apps relating to food security issues such as farm succession or labour. “I decided all those tech guys, including me, are busy with the wrong things. We are not solving real problems; we are cre-ating apps, fun apps ‘liking’ each other all day …

“I have bad news, we’re not going to solve the food security issues, you have to do it. You have to find a way to use social media and technology to make sure in the next decades every-one will get food and that food stays safe.”

Farmers usually buy what they can hold in their hands, he had been told. “That’s a problem – if you want to do something with social media and the internet you need to invest in things you cannot hold in your hands. This is the new world. In the past you could

look each other in the face across kitchen table…. this is the new soci-ety.”

Google has 7.2b-plus interactions a day, Facebook owns 35% of the world’s pictures, You Tube has four billion requests a day and 4500 Tweets per second are shared on Twitter. Stu-dents around the world who were asked not to use their smartphones for 24 hours said, “I felt like a drug addict” or “I felt so lonely”.

Organisations, farms and food and agribusinesses needed to adapt for new generations and redevelop a vision using social media for ser-vice and sales, e.g. drone delivery. With more and more people shop-ping on the internet it means anyone can supply. Supermarkets should be worried.

Farmers need to connect with consumers directly. Some apps were available but farmers needed more control, to answer questions directly.

“We need to think about how to become more transparent, how to educate the world about what we are doing and how to attract and educate a workforce.”

Mekic says data is the new order but he sounded a warning.

“Data is like teenage sex: everyone talks about it, no one knows how to do it. Everyone thinks everyone else is doing it.”

PAM [email protected]

Food produced on farms will be available to consumers through machines, an IT guru predicts.

CONVENTIONAL ROUND or EASY-READ TRIANGLE TAG

• All Leader NAIT tag combos are value for moneyEg: NAIT HDX EID + Double Large @ $5.66 Exc Gst Per Set

EID + Double Med $4.90 Exc Gst Per Set.

Birth Or Traka HDX Alone $3.10 Exc Gst.

• All NAIT Tag Combos are HDX Best Read• Beef animals also need best read for weighing, saleyards

and slaughter.

TO ORDER YOUR TAGS:

Contact your local CRV Field Consultant, or call 0800 262 733

“ ENVIRO” OR “LEADERTRONIC”

BETTER COWS | BETTER LIFE

(Provisionally Approved)

Telephone Leon 021 440 575 Natasha 021 440 444

CHECK-UPTM Mastitis Diagnostic Tool

FARM-CHLORTM Farm Water Chlorination

Systems

Farm Water Testing and Solutions

[email protected]

Increase Production,

Reduce Animal Health Cost,

Get off Water Exclusion


NEWS // 13

Poor people skills worry Feds

Andrew Hoggard

SOME FARMERS struggle to recruit good staff because they lack the skills required of employers, says the head of Federated Farm-ers Dairy section.

The issue worries Federated Farmers.

Andrew Hoggard told Dairy News there is a perception some staff are not treated well by dairy farmers – a reality on too many farms. Farmers need to acquire better people skills and not just do things as in the past, he says. There is no reason why farmers cannot change their ways.

Farming’s workplace environ-ment was discussed last week

at Federated Farmers’ national council meeting in Wellington, Hoggard says. “There is clearly a need to provide support in human resources and health and safety. It’s becoming more of a challenge and… we’re looking at it and coming up with smarter solutions in provid-ing those skills to farmers. It’s still in draft stage.”

Farmers are generally good at

looking after their cows and they need to look after their people equally well. “If they don’t manage the people well there will be no one to milk the cows.” The dairy industry needs short courses for now herd managers and looking at soon making the next step up in management, Hoggard says. Week-long courses or courses to be done at home would be acceptable.


Teachers see top farmFORTY CAREERS advisors, science and commerce teachers recently visited a top-performing dairy farm in Manawatu during a one-day trip to see job prospects in farming.

The teachers visited Stephen and Mary Barr’s farm near Feilding. The Barr’s produce A2 milk and sell some direct to the public from a vending machine at a ‘milk bar’ on their farm.

Stephen Barr told the teachers of the importance of getting highly skilled, well trained people into the pri-mary sector. The teachers had the opportunity sample the A2 milk.

The teachers also visited a big asparagus farm in Horowhenua, a Massey University sheep and beef farm and the Agricultural Greenhouse Gas Research Centre at Palmerston North. Their day ended with an informal meeting at Parliament with the Associate Minister for Primary Industries, Jo Goodhew.

The trip was organised by Dairy News reporter Peter Burke and DairyNZ industry education facilita-tor Susan Stokes. It was the second such trip and had a waiting list of teachers wanting to go. One teacher described the day as outstanding, another as inspira-tional. Massey University chancellor Chris Kelly went on the trip to provide an overview of the primary sector and to highlight the huge range of highly paid jobs avail-able in the wider agribusiness sector.

Laura Barr serves A2 milk to visiting teachers.

IN BRIEFHi-res online weatherFARMERS CAN now keep better tabs on the weather via a hi-resolution online offering from Ballance Agri-Nutrients.

The co-op, with NIWA, now offers its share-holders weather, climate and environmental forecasts via its Ag Hub online system.

Ballance general manager ag-information Graeme Martin says the co-op’s agreement with NIWA “enables us to put the best weather, cli-mate and environmental information… through our FarmMet forecast package”.

“The power lies in coupling this with our Ag Hub farm information systems, providing data for farmers to use to make the most profitable and sustainable decisions for their operations.”

CRF50F

ONLY $2,249

CRF125F/B

FROM $4,999

CRF150F

ONLY $5,999

FOR JUST $4,199!

SPECIAL OFFER!

THE CRF110F

SEE INSTORE NOW!

STARTS SOMEWHERE ...EVERY JOURNEY

With every new CRF50F,

CRF110F, CRF125F, CRF125FB,

and CRF150F receive a free

THH Kids MX Helmet* www.hondamotorbikes.co.nzAvailable while stocks last. At participating Honda dealers only. Prices include GST. Contact your local Blue

Wing Honda dealer for more information. *Free helmet is only available while stocks last and only available with purchases of new CRF50F, CRF110F, CRF125F & FB, CRF150F. Colour of helmet is subject to stock availability. Offer

is only available until 24th December 2014.


14 // WORLD

IN BRIEF

Dutch co-op gearing upDUTCH DAIRY co-op FrieslandCampina is spend-ing $172 million to boost the capacity of its plant in Leeuwarden to meet growing demand for dairy from Asia, Africa and the Middle East.

FrieslandCampina also expects the amount of milk supplied by member farmers to increase after the milk quota is abolished in 2015.

The Leeuwarden plant in the northern prov-ince of Freisland will make extra evaporated and condensed milk for export.

This month three new evaporators were lifted into the highest building. Each weighs 67.5t and is 28m long.

In mid March the first pile was sunk for the 44m high building. The first phase will be ready late 2015 or early 2016. In 2017 the second phase will be operational.

Legend joins legendairyTHREE-TIME AUSTRALIAN Olympian Michael Klim, has joined Dairy Australia as its Legendairy Ambassador, encouraging Aussies to think be-yond their morning ‘splash’ of milk.

Klim admits the partnership, which coincides with Dairy Australia’s latest campaign to encour-age Australians to start and end their day with dairy, is one that’s been years in the making for the swimming champ.

“Since my early Olympic days I’ve always thought a partnership with a dairy brand makes sense for me; not only do I love the stuff, my surname spells milk backwards – surely it’s a no-brainer fit!

“Now, almost 20 years and my own Milk & Co skincare business later, I’m personally and profes-sionally chuffed to align with Australia’s industry peak body for dairy,” Klim says.

Eight out of ten Australians and six out of ten kids are not meeting the recommended serves from the dairy food group each day, and many parents don’t realise that as children grow their requirements grow too.

Dairy Crest delivers 1.3 billion litres of milk annually to UK supermarkets. German buys UK processor,

signals more to comeTHE UK dairy industry looks set for more consoli-dation as farmers and pro-cessors struggle to make ends meet.

This month Germa-ny’s Theo Muller Group bought Dairy Crest’s dairy

division for $154 mil-lion, its second big Brit-ish buyout in two years; in 2012 it bought Robert Wiseman Group for $540m.

Dairy Crest’s dairy business processes and

delivers 1.3b L of milk a year to big UK supermar-kets; it also owns FRijj fla-voured milk and sells bulk butter and milk powder.

The deal, which will merge Dairy Crest with a Theo Muller operation

to give a 30% share of the UK fresh milk market, is still subject to approval by antitrust authorities.

However, Ronald Kers, chief executive of Müller UK & Ireland Group, warned about a threat to the UK market without further consolidation.

“We are concerned that the dynamics of the UK fresh milk market are unsustainable for dairy processors in the mid to long term. This acquisition will allow us to reduce our costs, increase our effi-ciencies and invest in the future.”

His comments are seen as leaving the door open for more acquisitions.

Other UK dairy tie-ups include the 2012 merger of Milk Link into Arla, the Nordic-based dairy.

Dairy Crest says that by combining its dair-ies business with those of Müller Wiseman Dairies (the fresh milk, cream and butter business owned

by Müller) it will further improve efficiency.

“It will help to create a more sustainable UK dairy sector by deliver-ing economies of scale and cost efficiencies that will underpin investment in the industry.

“This in turn should help the UK to compete more successfully in global markets, which is essential for British dairy farmers.

“Dairy Crest believes the transaction to be in the best interests of consum-ers, customers, dairy farm-ers, employees and Dairy Crest’s shareholders. It will create a stronger busi-ness that protects long term employment and has the potential to help reduce costs and increase efficiency.”

Dairy Crest brands include Cathedral City, Davidstow, Country Life and Clover. In the year ended March 31, 2014 Dairy Crest’s Dairies oper-ations had sales of $1.8b.

NON GMO

BALANCED QUALITY ENERGY, PROTEIN

AND STARCH

NEW

PASTURE PLUS PELLETSPUSHING PRODUCTION

IN STOCK AND AVAILABLE

NATIONWIDE

PROUDLY DISTRIBUTING

OILSEED PRODUCTS NZ WWW.OSPSTOCKFEEDS.CO.NZ 0800 6773333 0800 OSPFEEDAvailable through our distribution partners

PASTURE PLUS PELLETS are:

Ideal for in-shed feeding or any system where feed intakes can be controlled

Perfect to blend with other Manildra Stockfeed products, e.g. for more ME add DDG-S

Designed to enhance pasture based dairying with improved milk quality and production

Designed in conjunction with a leading NZ nutritional group

Made using quality NON-GMO ingredients produced in-house by the Manildra Group of Companies

Produced by Manildra Stockfeed at a new export focused feed mill

Assured composition as ingredients won’t alter or be affected by ingredient availability

No PKE

PASTURE PLUS PELLETS are the latest product in our proven quality range of feeds that includes:

DAIRY GOAT PLUS PELLETS: GOATS LOVE ‘EM

WHEAT DDG-S: PROVEN WHEAT BASED PROTEIN

WHEAT BRAN PELLETS: HIGH QUALITY, DIGESTIBLE STARCH

CANOLA MEAL: PUTS PROTEIN IN THE VAT

Our NEW PASTURE PLUS PELLETS contain Australian expeller pressed canola meal, with over 70% of the canola crude protein being bypass protein. It is the perfect protein to lift milk protein scores, due to its unique balance of amino acids which closely mimic milk protein. Pasture Plus pellets have been specifi cally designed to complement grass pasture based production systems.

Supply contracts available for the whole dairy season. Not affected by local grain supply issues.

®

aztechbuildings.co.nzphone 0800 298 324

Goat and cow housing, feed pads & farm buildings.

BECAUSE UNCOVERED FEED-PADS NEGATIVELY OVERLOAD

EFFLUENT VOLUME Cover your feed-pad to separate rainwater and reduce effluent volume.

arm buildings.

BECAUSE HAPPIER COWS & GOATSPRODUCE HEAPS

MORE MILK

BBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEECCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE UUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD FFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD-------------------------------------------------------------PPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPPAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS NNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAADDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD

EEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEENNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNNTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTTT VVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVVOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUUMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMMEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE CCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCCoCCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCCoCoCCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCoCooCoCoCoCoCCoCoCoCCoCoCoCoCoooCoCoCoCoCoCooCoCoCooCoooCCCoCoCCoCoCoCoCoCoooooCovevevevevevevevevevevevevevevevevveveveevevevevevvevevevevvevevvvevevevevevvvevveevvevevevevevevvevevevveveveveeevevevevevvevevevvvvevvvevvvvvvvvvevvvvevvvevvvevevveevevvv r r r rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr rr rr rrrr rrrrr rrrrr rrrr yoyoyoyyoyyoyyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyooyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyoyyyyoyoyoyoooyoyoyoyyyyooyoooyoyyyyyooyooyyoyoyooyyooooyooyyyoooyoyoyoyoyoyoyyoyoyoyoyoyyoyoyyoyooyoyyyyoyooyyyyoyyy urururuururururuururururururururruuurururuuuuruuruuruuuruuuruururuuuuruuuurururrrururrurruuuu fffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeed-d-d-d-d-d-d-dddddd-d-d-d-d-d-dd-dd-d-d-dd-d-d-d-dd-dd-dd-d-dd-d-d-d-d-dd-d-dddd-dd-d-dd--d-d-d----dd papapppapapapapapapapapapapapapapaapapappaapapapaaapapapaaappapaaapaaapapapapaapappaapapapapapapapppappppapppppppapaappaaaapaappppppppppppppapppp d d ddd d d dddd d ddd d ddddddddddddd dddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddddd totototototototototototototoootototototootototoottotottoototoototootoootoototooootottototototooootttoooottttotoottoooooooo seseseseseseseseseseseseseseeeseseseseseeeeseseesseseseeeseeseseseeseseeseeeseeseseseesessessessssesseesseeeeeees papapapapapapapapapapapapaapappapapapapapapapappapaapapapapppapapaappapapapappaaaapaaapaaapaapapapppapappappapaaaapapapappapapapapapapapapppppapppapppapppppppppppppppppp rararrarararararararararararararararaaraararararararararaaaaaararararararraarrarrarararraraaaaaaraaaaraaaaaraaaaaaarararararraaaatetettetetetetetetettteteeteteteetetetetetetetetetteteeeteetetetetetetetteteteteetetettttetttettettetteteeteteeeeeteteeee rrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrraiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiiaiaaiaiaiaiaiaaiaiaaaaaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaaaiaiaiaiaaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaiaaaaiaaaaaaaaaaaaaa nwnwnwnwnwnwnwnwnwwwnwnwnwwnwnwnwnwnwnwnwnwnwwnwnwnwnwnwnwnwnnwnwnwnwnwnwnwnnwnwnnnwnwnwnwwwwwwwnnwnwwwnwwnwwwwnwnwnwnnnwnwwwwnwnwnnwwwwnnwwwnnnnwwwwnnwwataatatatatatatatatatatataatttattaatatatatattataatatataatataatatatattatattatatatattatatatatattatataatttaaaataaatttaaattttaatttataattererererereerererererererererrrereererrerereereererererrerrererrererereeeererrrrererrrrrrererrrererrrerrereerereerrrr aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaandndndndnndndndnddndddnddndndndndndndndndndnddndndnddnddnnnddndndndnddndnnndndndndndnddndnddndndnddnddddddnnnndndndddnnddndndndnndddndddnnddnnnddddnndnndndddnn rrererererererererererereererereeererereerererererrerererererrerreererrerrereeerreeerrrrererererrererrrerrreeerreererrerrererrreeredduddddudddddududududdududududududududdddudududududdduudududududdudududduuudududddududdududududddududuuuudddudduududduduududuuuddduddduudududduduududdudddudddddddddduccececececececececececececececececececeeceececececeecceccceececccececcececcececeececeeccececececececccccceeecececeeceeeeeeeeeeceeeccccccccccceeeeeee eeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff lululululululululululululululululululululuulululululuulululululululuuululuuululuuuuuuuuluuuuuuluuuuuuululuuuuuluuululuuuuluuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuuueneneneneneneneneeneneeeneneneneneenenenenenenenenenenenenenenneneneneneneneneneneeneneeeeeeneeennenenneneeneeneneennneeneeeeneeneeneneneeneeneneeeneeenennennnnenttttttttttt tt tttt ttttt tttt ttttttttttttt tttttttttttttttt t tttttttttttttttttttttttt vovovovovovovovovovvovovovovovovovovoovoovovovovovovovovovvovovovovovovovovovovovovvooovoovovoooovooooovovooooooovovovovovvovvvvvvvvvovoovovovovooooovvooovovvooovvvvvvvoovooooovovvovovovv lululululululuuuluuululululululululuululululululululululululululullululuuululullululullulululululuuuuuulululuuuulululuulululuuululuuuluuulululuuluuuululuuuluuluuuuluuuuuuuuluuumememememmmmemmmmememememmememmemeeeeeeememeemeeememmmmmememmmmmemeeemememmmememmeeeeememememmemememmmemeeeeememememememmemmmmmmemmmemeemmmmeeememmmemmmeeememmmeemememmeeemeeeeeemeemeeeeemmmeeeeeeemeeeeemeeemeeeeeeeeemmeeeee........................

Keep your herd cool over summer through permanent dairy housing.

That’s where we come in.

BECAUSE COOL COWS PRODUCE MORE MILK

AZT0015

BECAUSE YOUR STORAGE NEEDS CAN BE METRegardless of size or design, we’ll be pleased to come in and help.

IF YOU CAN MILK, FEED OR STORE IT.

WE CAN HOUSE IT


16 // OPINION

RUMINATING

EDITORIAL

MILKING IT...


Good to see neighbour succeedIT IS great to see Trade Minister Tim Groser and DCANZ exec-utive director Kimberly Crewther taking a positive stance on the news that Australia and China have signed a free trade agreement.

It would have been tempting to cry foul and to take on the Australians, some of whom are openly gloating – or are they merely happy – about what they see as a good deal. Let’s be frank, New Zealand would probably have put the same spin on such news.

Groser and Crewther are experienced in the global minefield of trade negotiations and have an excellent handle on what this latest FTA will achieve.

As Crewther points out, a key message is that China is con-tinuing down the road of trade liberalisation and that is good news. China and Australia should be congratulated, not cas-tigated, for what they are doing. This FTA will hopefully give greater world-wide impetus to trade liberalisation which will benefit us as a major agricultural exporter.

Even if Australia has made some short term gain by this deal, it should not be seen as problem, rather an anomaly which gives Groser the perfect excuse for quietly persuading the Chinese to give a little more to New Zealand by way of tariff reductions.

Groser points out that a strong Australian economy works in New Zealand’s favour; after all they are a major trading partner and the last thing we need is a flat Australian economy.

This FTA will put spring into the step of the Australian econ-omy, especially its ailing dairy industry. As the old saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats. With our mates across the water, we simply need to keep rowing.

GOT SOMETHING ON YOUR MIND?

POST TO: LETTER TO THE EDITOR PO BOX 331100, TAKAPUNA, AUCKLAND 0740 OR EMAIL: [email protected]

GOT SOMETHING on your mind about the latest issues affecting our dairy industry? Put your pen to paper or your fingers to your

keyboard, and let our readers know what you think. Contact us by either post or email. Don’t forget to put your name

and address. Note: Letters may be edited.

Head Office: Top Floor,29 Northcroft St, Takapuna,Auckland 0622 Phone 09-307 0399. Fax 09-307 0122

Publisher: Brian Hight ...................... Ph 09-307 0399

Editor: Sudesh Kissun ................ Ph 09-913 9627

Reporters: Neil Keating .................... Ph 09-913 9628

Tony Hopkinson ............. Ph 07-579 1010

Peter Burke ....................... Ph 06-362 6319

Andrew Swallow ............ Ph 021-745 183

Pamela Tipa...................... Ph 09-913 9630

Subscriptions: Julie Beech ...................... Ph 09-307 0399

Production: Dave Ferguson ............... Ph 09-913 9633

Becky Williams ................ Ph 09-913 9634

Website Producer: Emily Gordon .................. Ph 09-913 9621

Dairy News is published by Rural News Group Limited. All editorial copy and photographs are subject to copyright and may not be reproduced without prior written permission of the publisher. Opinions or comments expressed within this publication are not necessarily those of the staff, management or directors of Rural News Group Limited.

ABC audited circulation 27,861 as at 30.06.2014 ISSN 1175-463X

Postal Address: PO Box 331100, Takapuna, Auckland 0740 Published by: Rural News Group Printed by: PMP Print Contacts: Editorial: [email protected] Advertising material: [email protected] Rural News on-line: www.ruralnews.co.nz Subscriptions: [email protected]

NATIONAL SALES MANAGER:

Ted Darley ........................... Ph 07-854 6292, 021-832 505

[email protected]

AUCKLAND:

Stephen Pollard ................... Ph 09 913 9637, 021 963 166

[email protected]

WELLINGTON:

Mark Macfarlane ............... Ph 04-234 6239, 021-453 914

[email protected]

SOUTH ISLAND:

Kaye Sutherland ..............Ph 03-337 3828, 021-221 1994

[email protected]

Come on Manawatu!WHERE ARE all the sharemilkers in Manawa-tu? A tweet last week from NZ Dairy Awards said “No entries yet in Manawatu Sharemilker/Equity Farmer of the Year contest. Hmmm. Come on.”

Entries close Novem-ber 30. Surely there’s at least one sharemilker in Manawatu proud of milking cows.

No bullLABOUR SPOKESMAN Damien O’Connor had some advice for farmers last week.

At the Federated Farmers national council meeting in Wellington, O’Connor passed on advice he got from his father many years ago.

“When you go to buy a bull, check the breed-ing of the person selling it, not the breeding of the bull, because in the end you have to trust the person that sells you the bull.”

Windy meetingTHERE’S NOTHING wrong with Fonterra holding its annual meet-ing in a marquee. Except the Palmerston North weather was not onside: rain, wind and hail buf-feted the big tent.

Of the 250 farm-ers attending, only one complained about being unable to hear proceed-ings. The others just car-ried on. After all, these farmers go out to milk their cows at 4am every day – rain, hail or snow.

Under lock and keyMILK REMAINS a pre-cious commodity for many people, including the UK Chancellor of the Exche-quer George Osborne.

He has been accused by his own deputy of being so tight-fisted that he keeps his milk in the Treasury fridge “under lock and key”.

Danny Alexander, the chief secretary to the treasury, said the Chancel-lor refused to share his refreshments and that he has a padlock on his “double-size” office fridge.

The Lib Dem minister offered the gem about his Tory senior at a West-minster lunch for political journalists, saying he at-tributed Osborne’s behavi-ous to his having attended St Paul’s public school in London.

“We do share things, but not the milk, which to my amusement he still keeps under lock and key.”


OPINION // 17

Fonterra chairman John Wilson (right) with newly-elected board member Leonie Guiney at the AGM.

Meeting farmer expectations

WE FORMED Fonterra on a firm belief that coop-eratives are about unity and collective strength. We have that strength and this year we challenged ourselves to come up with ways we could use it more effectively for you.

We are aware of the increasingly diverse expec-tations you as farmers have of your cooperative, and the changing demands for information.

We have worked to pro-vide significantly more support at a community leadership and on-farm level in the environmental area, working with Dairy NZ and other providers. We have made good prog-ress but we recognise we can do more, as we strive to balance our aims to pro-vide high levels of service to our owners while also addressing compliance responsibilities.

Recently, we announced Farm Source. It is designed to support you to succeed and grow so our cooperative can increase milk supply here in New Zealand: that is core to our business.

Let me be clear – this is not just a rebrand. We would not waste farmers’ hard-earned money in that way. It is a total re-look at the way our cooperative supports you as owners.

Farm Source connects our farmers to the full strength of our coopera-tive through a coherent package of service, sup-port, rewards, online and financial options. It is a significant step up in the way we will work with you. We are bringing our farm support focus directly into the regions to better meet your requirements.

Providing timely infor-mation is a priority. Today we as farmers get a much wider range of information from our cooperative. This includes on-farm data, fortnightly GDT results, the monthly Global Dairy Update with its analy-sis of production, pricing, market supply and demand trends, emails, and your monthly Farm Source magazine.

Another of my priori-

ties is ensuring everything we do ties back to our core values and the reasons we created Fonterra.

One of our core values is ‘do what’s right’. We did that at the beginning of August 2013 with our precautionary recall of WPC80. We had a poten-tial food safety problem and we were not prepared to take even the slight-est chance with the safety of consumers, especially infants.

While we received the all-clear on the safety of the product, it was also crucial that we conducted a thorough review of the events which led up to the recall, as well as the way we handled it. The board’s commissioning of an inde-pendent inquiry and the open way in which its find-ings were released, were vital to rebuilding confi-dence in our cooperative.

The recommenda-tions made, and the find-ings of management’s own review, took a lot of work. The finding that we have robust safety and quality systems meant we could focus on strengthening them and raising our sights to a goal of becoming a global benchmark for food safety and quality with a four-year programme now underway. The indepen-dent inquiry committee’s July review acknowledged and commended our prog-ress.

It is worthwhile reflect-ing on what we have achieved together.

We set out to create a cooperative that would deliver for our farmers first, and also for our coun-try. Dairy is the important mainstay of our economy, contributing 33.5% of New Zealand’s total merchan-dise exports in 2013.

Since 2001, our reve-nue has grown from $12.5b to $22.3b. Our consumer and foodservice sales have risen from $4.6b to $6.3b. Our ingredients revenue has increased from $7.9b to $16b. We have suc-ceeded in our aim to have a strong, competitive coop-erative, making our way in the world, bringing the returns home.

Fonterra chairman John Wilson spoke at the co-op’s recent annual meeting in Palmerston North. Here are excerpts from his speech.

An interesting measure is that at Fonterra’s for-mation our farmgate milk price was at a 37% discount to that in the United King-dom. Today there is no discount.

The value of your shares has grown from $4b to $10b.

We have come far and now we need to go further. By 2025 we want to be a globally relevant coopera-tive with $35b in revenue and with access to 30b L of milk from New Zealand and strategic geographic milk pools.

The over-riding priority

is to ensure that over time we grow pay out from a well-executed strategy.

As a country, as well as a cooperative, we must con-tinue to take the long view. Our volume and value strategy works for Fon-terra and it works for New Zealand.

We have come far and now we need to go further.

TECHNOLOGY TRANSFER to help farmers face economic and environmental pressures is a key challenge facing the Precision Agriculture Association of NZ and one reason the organisa-tion wants to attract more farmers.

Precision Agriculture holds tools to help farmers face regulatory and eco-nomic pressures including the current payout, claims chairman Craige Mack-enzie, a partner in Three Springs Dairy, Methven, milking 1150 cows, beside his 200ha arable cropping farm.

“It is very hard to be

green when you are in the red,” MacKenzie concedes. “So if farmers are not prof-itable they will not invest in technology so we are trying to help put informa-tion in front of people… to offer a profitable solution for them.

“We know from our own farming businesses that we have been saving 30-40% on our fertiliser and 30% on our water. So if you can save money with-out impacting on pro-duction and be more site specific about application, it has to be good for your bottom line.”

Three Government ministers have recently visited to understand what is happening in precision agriculture and they see the benefits, environmen-

tally and in respect of their mandate for NZ to double agricultural production by 2025.

Mackenzie believes the Government should back more studies into how some international tech-niques may suit the NZ environment. Some work is being done through Massey, MBIE, PGP and the Sustainable Farming Fund. “But there’s no point having research sitting on the shelf; we haven’t done a good job in communicat-ing how it is best suited to the farming community.”

Mackenzie says he recently talked to a new group called the Stra-tegic Primary Partner-ship, with representatives from MBIE, MPI, SFF and PGP, which is looking at

tech tranfers and the ten-dency for organisations to work in ‘silos’. “But you can’t just throw money at it. You’ve got to have a plan. There is reasonable funding available but the key thing is to put it in the right place.”

Precision agriculture is taking root in various countries and situations. “We have to see which ones fit in New Zealand… in broadacre, i.e. more intensive agriculture. We fit well in this space because we have high production in New Zealand… so we can produce a lot in a small area with a lot of high inputs. So you are probably over-applying in some areas and in other areas maybe you can ramp it up.”

Mackenzie attended a conference in Sacramento in July to speak on variable rate irrigation in which New Zealand is a leader. The ‘number 8 wire’ men-tality is useful.

“We can adapt some of the best technology in the world and develop our own and turn it into some-thing useful. That is the challenge and it will come from a combination of practical leading farmers, good open-minded scien-tists that work in CRIs and other groups prepared to work alongside and listen to some of the leading farmers.

“Sometimes the best farmers have the most innovative ideas. We need the scientists to… prove it is robust and sustainable.

So we need everybody.”Precision agriculture

is about the right product, placed in the right place, at the right time, in the right manner and in the right amount, he says. “We talk about the five ‘r’s. People will say they do that on a paddock basis and they probably do, [but] they don’t do it on a spatial basis. Not until you under-stand your spatial variabil-ity do you get your head in the game. It’s not difficult to step to the next level and start to spatially apply products.”

To help with tech transfer Precision Agriculture plans events to raise its profile, further case studies on the website and support others in their conferences through presentations such as the Spacially Enabled Livestock Management Symposium held in Hamilton last week.

“We want to work with DairyNZ, Fonterra, FAR and Beef + Lamb NZ and a range of organisations to support them.”www.precisionagricul-ture.org.nz


18 // AGRIBUSINESS

Craige Mackenzie.

Precision ag can help face the pressurePAM [email protected]

OPEN DAY When: Tuesday 2nd December, starting at 11am

Where: Springhills Dairy, Greenvale Road

Fonterra 33424 (just West of Lawlor Road)

NZ Patent Numbers: 521150, 544190, 550635, 545042. Further patents pending. International Patent Numbers: 2003267874, 03748807.9. Further patents pending

winter ... Take control of your

Flexibility Lactation can be extended, giving greater production and profits

Simple Every farmer agrees that their farm is simpler to manage and run with a HerdHomes® shelter on it

Improved calving Calving with shelter means greater survival rate and less stress for staff

Feed efficiency Increases of up to 40% have been gained meaning lower cost wintering, greater weight gain or an increase in production

See the new and improved design. More loafing space, increased effluent storage and a stronger roof. Ask the farmer why they picked HerdHomes® shelters and see for yourself how it is working out. Make your own mind up.

Contact us about an Open Day in your area 0800 HERDHOMES (0800 437 346)

MANY BELIEVE that using sharemilking as a stepping stone towards farm ownership is becom-ing a thing of the past, but Irishman Bernard Kelly and his Kiwi wife Jo are fol-lowing this path to achieve their dreams.

Bernard manages Noldy Rust’s farm, milking 200 cows, at Te Pahu, Waikato, but by hard work and a strong network of contacts

they have landed a share-milking job milking 180 cows near Cambridge next season.

Bernard migrated to New Zealand six years ago, lured by the vibrant dairy industry and the chance to progress. He grew up on a farm, but after ten years bricklaying his dream of getting back into farm-ing in Ireland seemed unachievable. “I saw I wasn’t going to get any-where farming because it is all locked up in family farms; there is never any chance of progression. The next step was leasing a farm and you could never get the money behind you to get there. Here there were jobs all over the place, including the possi-bility of sharemilking. The best options were here, and even before we left we had a job lined up.”

Jo agrees they made the best choice, with the extra bonus for her being the return home to Waikato. “Brett Worth, who farms near Putaruru, was will-ing to give us a job without even meeting us, a worker from Ireland with a young family, and he made us a part of his family.”

Bernard and Jo agree networking is the key to landing a good job, espe-cially a sharemilking job. Jo says, “If it wasn’t for Smaller Milk and Supply Herds (SMASH) we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to go share-milking.”

Noldy Rust is the

chairman of SMASH, a farmer group which sup-ports smaller herd farm-ers, and he tapped into his contacts to find Bernard and Jo their next job. Jo says, “There are not many bosses who would have been like Noldy, knowing Bernard wanted to move on with his career and helped him get a job. Net-working is important, if you want a job you need to get yourself out there.

“For a young person SMASH events are great.

If you are looking to farm a smaller herd, you get to know other like-minded farmers. You can go to dis-cussion groups, but they can be huge farms, and Bernard knew he wanted to go small, so he needed to go and network with other small farm owners and workers.

“SMASH gets you off the farm as well. Some-times being at home on the farm on your own all day can be lonely. With SMASH you are talking to lots of other people.” Bernard agrees, “It gives you other ways to think. Through hearing about dif-ferent systems, talking to other farmers and seeing how they farm, you can gain new ideas.”

Bernard is keen to stick with smaller herd farming. He says, “I don’t want to be a staff manager, I just want to be a good farmer. Doing it by yourself you get the variety of jobs, you don’t do the same stuff all day. I like focussing on my own game and bettering myself.

“As a small farmer you have the passion for the land and the animals. We want to own our own cows, our own machinery. If it is your own it makes such a difference, you have pride in it, you look after it more, and you put more effort in as you are doing it to improve your own equity.”

For Bernard and Jo their shift to New Zealand has been the right move for them, Bernard says, “New


AGRIBUSINESS // 19

Sharemilker gets to live his dreamLOUISE HANLON

Zealand has been a posi-tive experience from day one. We have been helped out by a lot of Kiwis and they have opened doors for us. Everyone is support-ive as soon as they see you

are keen.”To find out more about

SMASH and upcoming events see www.smaller-herds.co.nz• Louise Hanlon is a SMASH committee member.

Bernard Kelly (left) with farm owner Noldy Rust.

“If it wasn’t for SMASH we wouldn’t have had the opportunity to go sharemilking.”

TRAC

TA52

468_

NZD

N

When you’re investing in a new rotary milking system, you want to be sure that you’ve future proofed your purchase. You may need to increase your herd size, add automation capabilities or new technologies.

As your farming needs change, you can be 100% confident that the DeLaval Parallel Rotary PR1500 will easily adapt to meet your latest challenges.

By choosing DeLaval, you are removing the hassle and expense of trying to integrate systems from different suppliers, while feeling secure in the knowledge that everything works well together. It’s the smart choice for today and the future.

To receive your free PR1500 planning guide and DVD, contact your local DeLaval dealer, call 0800 222 228 or visit www.delaval.co.nz

Imagine a milking

system you grow into not out of


20 // MANAGEMENT

Reaping the rewards of strict farming rulesKieran and Leonie Guiney entered the Dairy Business of the Year competition to prove a point. And at a field day earlier this month they made it. Andrew Swallow reports.

LOW INPUT systems are highly profitable and more resilient in the see-saw world of modern dairy markets, say the runners-up of the 2014 Dairy Busi-

ness of the Year.Kieran and Leonie

Guiney run four dairy farms and 2800 cows near Fairlie, South Canterbury: two irrigated, two dryland.

They own two outright, two in partnership and have a 400ha hill block run-off.

It’s a business they’ve built from nothing in just

over a decade on the dairy ladder with strict pasture management and rigid return on capital criteria. In 2012-13, the season on which they were judged for the 2014 contest, their cost of production on their home farm, Oak Park, was $2.86/kgMS, the lowest of all finalists.

With a $5.84/kgMS average Fonterra payout and 1377kgMS/ha, that left an operating profit of $4607/ha compared to a Canterbury average of $2137/ha and Canter-bury top 10% of $4029/ha in Red Sky’s database. Nationally those bench-marks were $1997/ha average, and $3825/ha.

For Kieran, bench-marking against the best was a key driver for enter-ing the competition, but as Leonie explained at the field day earlier this month, she had a broader

agenda: showing that simple pasture systems, executed well, are what make New Zealand inter-nationally competitive. “We entered to try to win and we nearly did,” she

told the field day crowd.Competition scoring

is 70% on financial per-formance, as analysed by Red Sky, 15% on human resource management, assessed by No.8 Wire HR,

and 15% on environmen-tal management, scored by Intelact subsidiary Head-lands.

Oak Park’s return on capital (ROC) was 7.2%, third best overall, coming

KIERAN GREW up on a small dairy farm in Ireland and trained as an industrial electrician. He met Leonie in New Zealand on an OE, and again later in Ireland when Leonie was working there.

Leonie was raised Wellington, went to Massey University and became a consulting officer in Ta-ranaki and Canterbury before going to Ireland to help farmers get back to grass. In 1999, after five years there, she and Kieran returned to New Zealand, Kieran recruiting staff for farms and Leonie working for FarmRight and at Lincoln Uni.

They went contract milking in 2002 and by the time they bought their first farm in 2005 they had two 50/50 sharemilking positions on the go, including the farm at Fairlie which they bought.

They’ve since converted three more farms nearby, one irrigated, two dryland, with contract milkers on their home and other irrigated farm and lower order sharemilkers on the dryland farms.

Both sharemilkers started on the Guiney’s farms on wages and have been offered 50/50 positions in future.

CAREER PATHS

Kieran and Leonie Guiney

Quick Action on/offHOSE NOZZLES

PIPE FITTINGS

“Longer Working Life”

FEATURES

Designed For Superior Strength The nut teeth bite into the pipe for better grip, this combined with the nuts internal taper which secures the pipe onto the barbs results in superior holding strength.

Non Threaded DesignWith no thread joining the nut to the body, the problem of threads binding up with sand and dirt (particularly sandy and peaty soils) is eliminated.

� Protective outer rubber ring

� Serviceable

� High flow rates

� Impact resistant made fromhigh quality industrial plastic

� Large Bore on 32 & 40mm = even spray pattern for moving solids quickly.

Different Design, Better Performance

tougher, stronger, better

POWERED BY

anka.co.nz


MANAGEMENT // 21

Reaping the rewards of strict farming rules

NO KNEE-JERK TO ENVIRO RULES

in behind Supreme winner Longland Dairies, Can-terbury, and the best medium/high input system winner, Stolte Dairy Farm, Manawatu. They both did 7.5% ROC, though the lat-ter’s operating profit was lower at $3708/ha. A field day will be held at Long-land Dairies on Decem-ber 1.

Leonie later noted the competition’s “very gener-ous” valuation of the farm, pricing it as an irrigated dairy farm on the Canter-bury Plains, where the cli-mate isn’t nearly so harsh as the Fairlie Basin.

“So it’s for sale if any-body wants to pay us that,” she quipped to the field day crowd, though without mentioning the figure.

The implication was the competition ROC cal-culation was lower than reality. ROC when they bought the farm was 11%, she pointed out, and as their equity is only a pro-portion of that capital, it met their investment threshold of 15% return on their equity, without counting capital gain.

“When we were share-milking our return on equity was ridiculously high – 70, 80%.... If you invest in a farm and you are only paying the inter-

est rate you’re just very busy and buying yourself a job.”

For years they’d resisted buying a run-off block for that reason but last year “caved in”, buying a nearby 400ha hill farm which they budget will make 7% return on capital, but should boost returns on the dairy plat-forms. “We’ve justified it on taking control of our young stock,” Guiney explained. They do have a couple of excellent gra-ziers but returning heifer weights from some had disappointed them and the business was “exposed”.

Asked what they’d do if starting out now, they said they wouldn’t change a thing: get financially liter-ate, find a good employer, and “be prepared to be in the cowshed with your babies for a time of your life.”

Guiney said contrary to many comments, she believes there are still opportunities to make the career progress they’ve had. “Kieran finds an opportunity every week. I just have to keep him under control.”

Kieran brought it back to the strategic plan or mission statement they opened the field day with,

which includes having the time to enjoy their lifestyle, which was why they’d not acted on recent “opportunities” on the West Coast.

He also stressed the importance of not over-developing a farm. “Take it to 80% then use the capital you’d need to get that last

20% of potential on the next farm. For example, we could spend a million putting in a rotary here but the return on investment would be dismal.”

AT 60%, Oak Park’s environmental score was third-lowest among the eleven DBoY final-ists. That’s despite lining effluent storage with three months’ capacity and installing efflu-ent lines on pivot irrigators to reach 80% of the farm, eliminating travelling spreaders. All waterways are fenced, including a 35ha bush margin along one creek, and riparian planting elsewhere is underway. An underpass keeps cows off the road.

Nitrate leached was calculated at 62kgN/ha for 2012-13. A field day visitor asked what could be done if that was capped at 35kgN/ha/year. Presenting the environmental session, Joe Ed-lin of Headlands said 62kgN/ha was “not bad”. “Some [dairy farms] are at 100 to 120.”

The biggest driver is urine patches and best management practice could only achieve a 15-20% reduction. “If a significant drop is required then drastic changes are needed,” he said, sug-gesting de-stocking and stand-offs.

Leonie Guiney said they would take further action, if need be, when they had good, realistic data. When first modelled with Overseer, the farm had come out at 32kgN/ha/year losses, then 95kg following a revision of the model, and now 65kg. “We need to respond to good data, not farcical data, which is where Over-seer is at the moment.”

Guiney says she believes in time it will be shown that simple pasture systems, responsi-bly managed, do not lose a lot of nitrogen.

Farmers attend a field day at

Oak Park Dairy.

www.lely.com innovators in agriculture

"Now it's time to sit back and relax..."

THE LELY ASTRONAUT ROBOTIC MILKING SYSTEM HAS TAKEN ALL THE PRESSURE OFF!Graham Barlow is remaining at the forefront of the dairy industry with his latest project - the installation of 4 Lely Astronaut A4 robots in February earlier this year.

He was born and bred on his Gordonton farm in the Waikato, and is currently milking 310 cows through the Lely Astronaut robotic milking system.

After seeing Lely robots in action on another local Waikato farm, Graham decided to pursue options for his farm. "I chose Lely due to the high level of service back-up and the machine itself".

Previously, Graham was milking through an existing herringbone shed, and as no resource consent was required for a new shed, he filled in the pit and installed the robots on top.

"The cows are now very happy and relaxed, it takes a lot of pressure of the farm", Graham explains. "I don't

start until 7.30am in the morning and have less workers on the farm saving in labour costs".

The Lely robots are set up with an ABC grazing system & feed pad, where fresh grass is available three times in a 24hr period, improving the well-being of the cow. "The robots work brilliantly in a grazing situation" he adds.

The Barlow's are also kept well informed about the herd and milk performance with the Lely T4C management system. "I love the data coming off T4C, from cell-count, to milk production, to knowing definitely if the cows are on heat or not, it's fantastic" says Graham.

Call Lely today on 07 850 4050 to see how you can get more out of your farm and to visit a Lely Astronaut robotic milking farm near you.

Graham Barlow - Waikato


22 // MANAGEMENT

Retaining crucial carbon in soilsBALA TIKKISETTY

RECENT RESEARCH shows some pastoral soils lose more crucial carbon and nitrogen than others.

The reason isn’t known

precisely yet but it could be important. Research continues.

What is known is that pastoral farms on certain soils (allophonic and gley soil orders) have lost an average of one tonne of

soil carbon per hectare a year in some parts of the country.

Soil carbon is found primarily in organic forms, which make up soil organic matter (SOM), which includes other important elements such as calcium, hydrogen, oxygen, and nitrogen.

SOM, made up of plant and animal materials in various stages of decay, helps maintain soil structure, retain soil moisture and prevent erosion. It can also act as a reservoir for nutrients and as a source or ‘sink’ for carbon.

Increasing levels of SOM is likely to enhance soil biological processes and soil sustainability. A soil is carbon-positive if the amount of carbon sequestered (added or held) is greater than the amount of carbon lost through decomposition, leaching and volatilisation (nitrogen loss to the atmosphere as ammonia gas).

Determining the amount of soil organic carbon in soil is particularly important for understanding soil health and knowing the type of organic carbon present is also important as this can greatly impact soil productivity.

The amount of organic carbon in SOM varies significantly across soil types and the amount can be altered by management practices. In good soils organic carbon can be about 10% or more of SOM, while in many soils which are heavily exploited, levels are about 5% or less.

As indicated, soil management practice can affect these percentages. This is important as this can have an impact on the health and productivity of the soil. That’s because of their impact on losses of carbon from soil due to decomposition, and the conversion of carbon in SOM into carbon dioxide.

Cultivation and overgrazing in particular can both cause carbon losses.

Soil organic carbon inputs are controlled by the type and amount of plant and animal matter being added to the soil. Any practice that enhances productivity and the return of plant residues (shoots and roots) to the soil opens the input flow, and increases the amount of carbon in the soil.

Also, most carbon enters the soil as plant residues. A variety of management practices, such as crop rotations and improved cultivars, can increase soil carbon levels. Reduced tillage or no-tillage management practices can increase soil carbon levels as well because carbon in the crop stubble is left to return to the soil.

For farmers, therefore, learning about the factors that influence soil carbon levels of their properties can benefit short-term productivity and long-term viability. Tel. 0800 800401• Bala Tikkisetty is a sustainable agriculture co-ordinator at Waikato Regional Council.

Cultivating and overgrazing can cause carbon losses in soil.

IN BRIEF

Spotlight on growing heifers

DAIRYNZ IS setting up heifer-rearing focus farms to help graziers.

Located in Waikato, Northland, Manawatu, and North Otago, the farms are to provide gra-ziers with the knowledge and resources to grow dairy heifers more effectively.

DairyNZ is organising open days at each farm over the next four weeks and encourages graziers and dairy farmers to attend. Topics will include target weights, feed planning, animal health, managing grazier-dairy farmer relation-ships and setting up calves for a run-off.


TO ORDER: Phone 0800 MOLASSES (0800 6652 7737)

0800 MOLASSES0800 6652 7737 OR 03 236 6089Email: [email protected]: www.wintonstockfeed.co.nz

Create a custom blend of minerals in molasses for delivery along side the existing in shed feed system.

Conedose is unique in that it can deliver non soluble minerals like Mag Oxide, Limeflour or Dolomite suspended in Molasses.

Conedose is more accurate then dusting and water dosing, saves time and wastage, more cost effective than mineral feed pallets and more profitable.

Conedose was the supreme winner at Lincoln Field Days in 2013, and is available to lease NZ wide.

• Boosts herd energy levels• Aids digestion of dry summer feeds• Encourages higher intakes of silage and wholecrop• Stimulates rumen microbes to digest available

nutrients

INDEPENDENT IMPORTERWe source our molasses direct from the sugar mills of Thailand, the Philippines and Indonesia, and import direct into 8 ports around NZ.

NZ WIDE DISTRIBUTIONWe have most of NZ covered, we deliver direct to farm from 8 depots nationwide.

MOLASSES Marsden Point

Mt Maunganui

Palmerston North

Nelson

Reefton

Christchurch

Timaru

Winton


MANAGEMENT // 23


A BIG drop in the milk-solids price has left many farmers wondering how they can make a profit – or at least minimise their loss – in what promises to be a financially challenging season.

Profit is the difference between income and costs. There are essentially three ways to increase profit: increase income, decrease costs or do a combination of both.

Cutting costs which do not affect production (e.g. deferring the purchase of a new ute) will automati-

cally improve profitabil-ity, however the reality is that many farm costs (e.g. depreciation and labour) are semi-fixed. Reducing inputs such as feed, fer-tiliser or animal health is likely to have some impact on production, either now or in future seasons. This is where budget slashing gets a whole lot trickier.

In a paper titled ‘Smarter spending for a low payout’ presented at a recent Southland Demo Farm field day, Howard de Klerk (Dairy Nutrition and Management Solutions)

Farming in a low payout season

shows that the biggest cost to the average NZ farmer is interest (Table 1).

De Klerk points out that while it is not included in farm working expenses, and therefore the net profit per hectare, interest has a major impact on the amount of cash the farm generates. Changing pro-duction per cow will not alter interest (assuming no extra shares are required or sold), but as production rises, interest per kgMS drops. Diluting interest costs by keeping produc-tion up is important, espe-cially for farms with higher debt loadings.

The key, according to De Klerk, is to find the level of production where operating costs are con-trolled, but the farm is pro-ducing enough milk to dilute interest and other semi-fixed costs. At this ‘sweet spot’ profit is maxi-mised; production below this level is not optimum and production above this level is simply buying pro-duction.So what are the keys to farming profitably in a low payout year?

Good farm manage-ment practices should apply whether the payout is low or at record levels. The key difference is that in a high payout year you can make more mistakes and still be profitable. Three things to consider are:Reduce costs carefully

Before cutting any input ask yourself, what will be the impact on pro-duction, and will the saving outweigh any potential loss in income? Reducing feed input usually reduces milk output. Be realistic

about how much supple-mentary feed you need. Don’t assume you can make it through with a lot less than previous seasons unless you can see realistic opportunities to increase pasture and/or supple-ment utilisation, or are happy to accept a drop in production. Make sure your compar-ative stocking rate (CSR) is in the correct range.

DairyNZ recommends a CSR around 80 to maxi-mise profit. This means that for every tonne of feed offered there should be about 80kg of cow live-weight to eat it. See http://www.dairynz.co.nz/feed/feed-management-tools/com-parative-stocking-rate/ to calculate your CSR.Purchase supplements wisely and use them stra-tegically.

The main aim of feed-ing supplements is to fill feed gaps, and therefore produce more milk. It will always be uneconomic to feed supplements and waste pasture, or to waste supplements. Think about what you are trying to achieve with your feed, and compare bought-in supple-ments on a c/MJME basis. Look for opportunities to reduce your supplemen-tary feed spend by switch-ing to a higher proportion of lower cost, home-grown supplements such as maize silage.

As de Klerk points out, profit will already be down this season due to the lower milk price.

Reducing production could reduce profit even further so think carefully before you make any deci-sion to cut costs which will drastically affect your pro-duction.

For a full copy of ‘Smarter spending for a low payout’ visit http://www.siddc.org.nz/assets/Stlh-Demo-Farm-Focus-Days/Handout-Focus-Day-Oct14-2.pdf.• Ian Williams is a Pioneer forage specialist. Contact him at [email protected]

Table 1: Total production cost of an average NZ dairy farmer.

Get upto date news at www.ruralnews.co.nzLATEST STORIES EVERY DAY

✓ Time to cool milk significantly reduced✓ Improve milk quality due to quicker cool down✓ Reduce power costs✓ Suitable for existing or new installations✓ Pay-back in first year depending on vat design

and refrigeration plant condition

HOW? Replacement of the traditional (and old technology) Thermostatic Expansion Valves (TEV’s) with Carel Electronic Expansion Valves (EEV’s) provides outstanding superheat control of your refrigeration plant. This in turn maximises the cooling in the milk vat. By also installing Carel FCP Condenser Fan Speed Controls you can further maximise the plant potential.

Ask your Refrigeration Technician or contact Eurotec for more information. Phone us on 0800 111 990

Head Office: Auckland: Tel. 09-579 1990Wellington: Tel. 04-499 3591 | Christchurch: 03-366 0017

Email: [email protected] | Web: www.eurotec.co.nz

Faster Milk Cooling At A Lower Power Cost

OUT WITH THE OLD

IN WITH THE NEW✓


24 // ANIMAL HEALTH/BREEDING

CRV Ambreed’s top bull Aljo TEF Maelstrom.

Top performer keeps at it

Maelstrom’s daughters boast great production and have little animal health issues.

HERD IMPROVEMENT company CRV Ambreed says its top-performing bull Aljo TEF Maelstrom

continues to show strong genetic value.

The bull has broken the 300 mark on the breeding worth (BW) and New

Zealand merit (NZMI) indices, a first for any CRV Ambreed bull.

Managing director Angus Haslett says the indices are nationally recognised – BW as an economic index and NZMI as a desired gains index. They are useful guides in developing a breeding programme, he says.

“NZMI was created by CRV Ambreed to help us breed what we believe to be more desirable traits for economic benefit, creating a long-lasting and productive herd for our customers.

“Only the top five bulls of any breed in the country are at or above the 300 mark – so this milestone means Maelstrom is part of an elite level of genetics. Maelstrom entered the market in 2013, and throughout 2014 he has been top of the CRV Ambreed list for both NZMI and BW indexes.

“We have sold every dose of semen this bull has produced… over 130,000 doses in his two years of being marketed,” in New Zealand, the US, South Africa, Australia, Ecuador and South

America.Maelstrom is the son

of renowned bull Firenze, one of CRV Ambreed’s most productive Holstein-Friesian sires, who retired in 2014. By 12 years of age, Firenze, had produced 643,000 doses of semen sold in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa, Chile, Philippines, Mexico, USA, Malaysia,

Fiji, Ecuador, Uruguay, Argentina, Coasta Rica and Thailand.

Haslett says in New Zealand alone Firenze is recorded as having 47,805 daughters in 3683 herds.

“Of his sons, 67 have been enrolled on the animal evaluation database for herd improvement in New Zealand.”

Maelstrom’s breeder, Alistair Megaw, West Otago, says his strengths are protein, fertility, longevity and udders. “He ticks many boxes that dairy farmers in NZ can utilise to improve their herds.

“We have a number of Maelstrom’s daughters in the herd. They have great production, temperament, fertility and no mastitis. They’re also of good stature.”

“He ticks many boxes that dairy farmers in New Zealand can utilise to improve their herds.”

PROUDLY AVAILABLE FROM YOUR VETERINARY CLINIC.Merial is a Sanofi company. MERIAL NZ LTD LEVEL 3, MERIAL BUILDING, OSTERLEY WAY, MANUKAU CITY, NEW ZEALAND | WWW.MERIAL.CO.NZ | REGISTERED PURSUANT TO THE ACVM ACT 1997 NO. A7191. SEE WWW.FOODSAFETY.GOVT.NZ/ACVM/ FOR REGISTRATION CONDITIONS | NZ-13-EPR-069.

EPRINEX® delivers on herd reproduction, and more milk.For more information on EPRINEX® and getting the most out of your stock, visit your local vet.

“We’ve had a great run - thanks to our vet support, and the proven performance of Eprinex®”

Tom Goodwright, 2nd generation dairy farmer, Waiuku

MAL_Eprinex_advert_280x187mm.indd 1 18/02/14 3:35 PM


ANIMAL HEALTH // 25

CRV Ambreed managing director Angus Haslett (right) and operations manager Andrew Medley in the new facility.

World-class semen collection centre to open next monthANIMAL BREEDING company CRV Ambreed says its new bull centre in Hamilton will provide a world-class facility for farmers around the world.

The new CRV Bellevue production and logistics centre will be opened next month by Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy; CRV’s Neth-erlands-based supervisory board and executives will also attend.

The facility will house bulls, and collect, process and store their semen, distributing it to domestic and inter-national markets.

CRV Ambreed operations manager Andrew Medley says a world class logistics division of the business will also ensure orders are delivered in time and in full.

Medley says the aim is for the centre – capable of housing 200 bulls – to become “a world class export approved bovine semen production

and logistics centre,” he told Dairy News. “[It meets] the highest stan-dards required to ensure the CRV business meets its export compliance

requirements, biosecurity require-ments, animal welfare standards and a safe working environment for staff and bulls.”

The centre will supply to 30% of the market in New Zealand. At least 1.4 million straws of New Zealand-proven genetics are now distributed from the centre – 400,000 straws to international markets.

The centre has merged three oper-ational CRV Ambreed locations into one; up to 20 staff will work each year at the centre. Medley says the amal-gamation was needed “to protect our right to stay in business”.

“Export compliance standards are continuously being scrutinised by Government authorities, so we had to improve our bull facilities to con-tinue to [supply] export markets.

“The CRV business has also grown over the last five years and being on the one location will help to enhance our efficiency.”

“Export compliance standards are continously being scrutinised by Government authorities so we had to improve our bull facilities to continue to supply export markets.”


Dairy Equipment Co Ltd

EFFICIENT &AFFORDABLE

0800 888 [email protected]

Reduce teat spray usage! AND FOR THE

HERRINGBONE...Better than a manual teat sprayer and no labour unit. Two nozzles deliver highly accurate bursts of teat spray.

• Labour saving device

• Highly accurate

• Low teat spray usage

The original Teatwand 400 remains in the product range.

• Reliable and durable

• Optimal droplet size

• The better alternative

Distributor for:

Pinkeye is a painful and highly infectious disease often seen in young cattle and in high stock-density situations. Dry, dusty and windy conditions over spring and summer can result in the spread of disease, rapidly triggering unwelcome growth checks that you really don’t want to see.

Talk to your vet today about Piliguard® Pinkeye-1 Trivalent, the only vaccine available in New Zealand that aids in the prevention of Pinkeye, so you don’t have to deal with the hassle of treating this nasty disease.

AVAILABLE ONLY UNDER VETERINARY AUTHORISATION.®Registered trademark. MSD Animal Health. Phone 0800 800 543 www.msd-animal-health.co.nz PIL-365-2013

Are your cATTle AT risk?

ELE-01044-DN

01044_MSD Pinkeye Banner Ad_(290x110) FA.indd 1 3/12/13 2:13 PM


26 // EFFLUENT & WATER MANAGEMENT

The value of a well-designed storage pondA WELL-DESIGNED and managed effluent pond is efficient and reduces risk to a farm, says DairyNZ.

It also increases flexibility: you can determine when to irrigate at a time that suits.

It allows more effective utilisation of nutrients and water and reduces risk of effluent non-compliance, protecting the environment in the process.

DairyNZ urges farmers to keep three things in mind when designing a pond: a sealed pond avoids leakage to ground-

water, a well designed structure allows for operation and maintenance, and such a pond will meet regional and dis-trict council and Building Act require-ments.

Planning is a critical stage, DairyNZ says. “Poor information now will com-promise the whole project and your effluent pond may never meet your needs. To ensure your designer and con-tractor has the right information… you will need to tell them about your inten-tions and design preferences.” Future-proofing is also important.

“You do not want your new pond to be inappropriate or unable to cope in five years.”

Good workmanship is also critical – using the right persons for the job.

Designing and constructing FDE ponds is a technical job and requires specialist knowledge, DairyNZ says. “Get a suitably qualified person to design your pond… for assurance that

it will be appropriate for your farm and farming system. It must comply with regional council requirements and be designed with an understanding of the current research and best technology options available.”

Earthworks contractors and equip-ment/service suppliers may both be involved at different stages of the con-struction process e.g. excavation, liner installation.

Choose contactors experienced in building ponds and showing industry and farmer references.

A suitable contract is critical before design or construction begins, to ensure both parties are clear about expecta-tions. A written contract will protect your interests and set out your rights and obligations. It also gives your engi-neer/contractor an incentive to get things right first time.

GET IT RIGHTWhen making the decision to install a new farm dairy effluent storage pond, consider:❱❱ Planning❱❱ Working with consultants and contractors❱❱ Design options.

A well-designed pond is efficient and reduces environmental risks.

Call 0800 804 458 to find your local dealer. Or visit our website, www.giltrapag.co.nz

BETTERCLEANERFASTER

Our durable Spreader fills fast, and its manoeuvrability means you can drop nutrients where they’re needed, laying the foundation for the next stage of growth, so you can make every minute count.


EFFLUENT & WATER MANAGEMENT // 27

AN AWARD-WINNING effluent pond on a North Canterbury dairy farm is meeting its owner’s needs and satisfies the require-ments of the regional authority, reports the con-tractor.

With Environment Canterbury increasing pressure on dairy farms, Swannanoa farmer Brian Tinomana saw the need for more effluent storage on his 300ha farm.

His search for a con-tractor led eventually to a contract with Worthing-ton Contracting, which managed the entire proj-ect from resource con-sent requirements and design to construction and reinstatement. “I looked around a few years ago, then [Worthington Con-tracting] came and saw me,” Tinomana says.

To comply with his cur-rent Environment Canter-bury resource consent, he needed increased effluent storage and effective irri-gation systems. Tinomana already had effluent dis-tribution across his farm via a centre pivot irriga-tion system, helped by rel-atively free draining silt loam soil.

He had very little stor-age capacity however which meant risking sat-uration problems during periods of heavy rain. Any release of effluent waste could then have caused pooling in which the waste water sinks below the

grass root level, contami-nating the environment. In this event the stagnant water can prevent sur-rounding grass and plants from receiving nutrients and can directly affect milk yield, since cows will decline to eat grass cov-ered in effluent.

Worthington com-pleted the design and excavation while subcon-tracting the transfer sys-tems, electrical work and pond lining to Plucks, Nairn Electrical and Viking Containment, respectively.

The completed pond measures 72m x 32.5m with a 6,454m3 volume. Anticipating the effects of flooding, the pond batters were built 500mm above ground level. To save time and costs, the soil cut from excavation was used to build the batters. Geotex-tile was installed to pro-tect from rough ground conditions before a 1.5mm HDPE liner was installed to achieve the resource consent conditions of less than 1x 10-9 m/s permea-bility.

The pond was con-structed precisely between the wheel tracks of Tino-mana’s centre pivot irri-gation using GPS, helping to maximise the pond size while minimising the area of favourable grazing pad-dock it occupied.

The completed pond now gives Tinomana the sufficient amount of stor-age he needs to satisfy

Plain-sailing pond job pleases farmer, wins business award

Environment Canter-bury. He can store at least 6.5million litres of effluent and stormwater run-off before having to disperse it across his paddocks.

Tinomana was satis-fied with the overall proj-ect and his new pond. “I’m very happy. As far as a turn-key operation is concerned, from resource

consent through to turn-ing the key everything has run smoothly.”

Most recently the Efflu-ent Pond won the 2014 New Zealand Contrac-

tors Federation (Canter-bury/West Coast Region) award for contracts up to $250,000. It was also the key project in Worthing-ton’s prize-winning entry

in the Enterprise North Canterbury Business Awards, agribusiness cat-egory. Tel. 03 313 5615www.worthington.co.nz

Brian Tinomana’s effluent pond under construction.

EFFLUENT PONDS

For your nearest installation contractor call

0800 109 093 or 021 280 7266 Email: [email protected] www.cosio.co.nz

Authorised importer and distributor of Firestone Building Products

• Widths available from 3m up to 15m, therefore fewer joins, which equals less risk and faster installation saving you digger hire costs.

• Design assistance and volume calculations available.

• Material warranty from global company – Firestone Building Products.

• Nationwide Firestone trained installation contractors.

• Future proof – dependable performance,

50 year life expectancy even when exposed,

20 year Firestone material warranty.

• Over 120 million square metres

installed worldwide.

• 30 years in the NZ lining business.

Lake Kainui Farm, Horsham Downs – installed by Total Irrigation

Reymer Farms, Temple View – installed by Total Irrigation



Weeping wall joyTOTAL CONTROL of the effluent process is the key benefit of an Arch-way weeping wall effluent system, says the company owner Matt Hodgson.

“The success of the Archway weeping wall

system is that all mate-rial is totally contained until the liquid is sprayed and the solids are spread on suitable pasture or cropping ground,” says Hodgson. He and his wife Amanda own Archway Construction and its sub-sidiaries Archway Environ-ment and Tri Block.

The whole weeping wall system can be built in no more than one week. Of modular design, its walls and ends are erected quickly, the floor poured and the outside back-filled. The concrete floor, the panels and the seal-ant between the panels are treated to withstand the corrosive effect of efflu-ent.

Dairy News attended an open day on a farm with an Archway weeping wall. The Tauwhare, Waikato farm is owned by Trish and Paul Jones and has been sharemilked eight seasons by David van den Beuken and his partner Jenny Buckley.

The farm carries 540 Jersey and Jersey-cross cows, milking in a 36-aside herringbone dairy. Adja-cent to the shed is a feed-pad, 100m x 20m, that can hold 300 cows.

The farm’s milking platform is 170ha, flat to rolling and centrally raced to 80 paddocks with 50ha available for spray irriga-tion. The farm is a sea-sonal supplier to Fonterra.

Fonterra told the Jones three years ago that the farm’s effluent disposal system, largely dependent on spraying, no longer complied with co-op stan-dards.

They began building a large holding pond to con-tain all effluent for spray-ing, but “something was telling us this option was not the best, so we called a halt to give us time to explore other options,” says Trish Jones.

The project was suspended for 12 months, during which they contacted Agfirst Engineering, Te Puke, dealing with Geoff Neilson. Agfirst designed and managed the building of the cowshed and effluent systems.

“We had special prob-lems with this project because of the high-risk soils with impervious clay areas and low-lying areas prone to ponding,” says Neilson.

The solution was to install an Archway Con-

struction weeping wall system that separates the solids from the liquids, the liquid green water trans-ferring to a lined holding pond 45 x 45 x 3m with six weeks storage capacity. From there it is pumped back to holding tanks and used for flood washing the feedpad.

The surplus is pumped to pasture via a low appli-cation-rate spraying system.

“The big advantage on this site was that the shed is on a small hill, so gravity took the liquid all the way to the pond,” says van den Beuken.

Neilson told the field day audience of the

need to build ‘future proof ’ effluent systems rather than accept stop-gap solutions. Fonterra compliance rep Abigail Sil-vester endorsed this view, reminding the audience that the co-op has advisors to help suppliers get the right compliance advice.

The Archway weeping wall system has two paral-lel pits 39 x 6 x 1.5m.

“We believe each pit will only be cleaned every six months, just before the second pit is full, so it is very solid material,” said Archway’s Hodgson.

The pits are designed to be cleaned from either side by a 12t digger and the material dumped in an effluent trailer for spread-ing on pasture.

All speakers com-mented on the effluent’s fertiliser value and the resultant cost saving for farmers.

Each Archway weep-ing wall system comes with a free Hills Labora-tory nutrient testing kit for testing raw effluent leaving the yard, solids nutrient content and the content of the spray. Farmers then know the value of the spread mate-rial and their compliance levels.

DairyNZ says one cow produces $25 of nutrients annually.Tel. 0800 272 4929www.archway.co.nz

TONY HOPKINSON

The whole weeping wall system can be built in no more than one week.


Farmers study the weeping wall effluent system on the farm.



Yardmaster buys stainless range

YARDMASTER IS syn-onymous with effluent equipment but has only recently added stainless steel manufacturing to its resume by buying the assets of Whangarei com-pany Industrial Stainless & Design Limited (ISD).

ISD was a well estab-lished company with a rep-utation for making quality stainless steel products, including effluent separa-tors. By buying the assets of ISD and taking on some of its key engineering staff, Reid & Harrison, owner of the Yardmaster brand, has scaled up the output of its factory and rounded out its engineering ability and product range in one bold move.

Reid & Harrison chief

executive Keith Cooke says they had to act deci-sively when the opportu-nity to buy ISD arose. The deal was done, plant and stock was moved to Mata-mata and the separators were back in production, all within five weeks from go to whoa.

They had recently bought a large factory in Matamata and had space, so it made sense to con-solidate all manufacturing, including the ISD stainless steel production, on that site. While the integration has been necessarily rapid, it has gone remarkably smoothly, says Cooke.

The separators comple-ment the existing range of Yardmaster pumps, stir-rers and other effluent equipment, and Cooke says they can now offer a complete suite of effluent

solutions, all now carrying the blue Yardmaster livery and name.

He says working with stainless steel is not some-thing Reid & Harrison had much experience with, so bringing five skilled guys across from ISD was criti-cal. “These guys are real craftsmen.”

Among the ISD techni-cal team is Angus McLean who is going to front oper-ations in the South Island for Yardmaster, boosting the brand’s presence in the south – one of many spin-off benefits from this acquisition.

Another spin-off ben-efit is stainless steel con-tract work in Waikato, which is not well serviced in this regard, according to director Seaton Dalley. They have recently won a major contract with Fon-

terra to supply a curd mill and casein mincer for its factory expansion in Clan-deboye, a contract ISD had on the hook before it was sold.

“The purchase has opened a lot of doors

simultaneously,” says Dalley. “Part of our strat-egy is to grow through acquisition and we’re still looking for more opportu-nities.”

Meanwhile, the com-pany is not standing still.

It has built a new test-ing facility, including a large pool for testing pumps, and is work-ing hard on its dealer network, initiating a certified dealer system that offers a range of train-

ing, support and financial incentive to committed dealers.

ADAM FRICKER

Keith Cooke and Seaton Dalley, Yardmaster with an effluent separator that now complements their range and a new separator (right) added to their product list.


GBOur reputation is spreading

Our New Irrigator and Booms have to be seen in action to be believed and are covered by NZ Patent No. 578084

Pluck’s TravelingEffluent Irrigators:r Meet even the toughest New Zealand Effluent

Enviro Standards

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

r Have 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 3

��••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••��

just 5 mm applied depth!

What this means for you:r No more strips left in your paddockr No more doughnuts eitherr No more ponding left after each runr No more Enviroment police calling in

0800 PLUCKS0 8 0 0 7 5 8 2 5 7

For more information call us at Plucks

www.plucks.co.nz • [email protected] South Road, Rakaia 7710 • Mid Canterbury

PUMPS STIRRERS PONTOONS HYDRANTS UNI SPRINKLERS MORE PRODUCTCOBRA

For more information contact one of our local dealers, call 0800 889 7755 or visit hitechenviro.co.nz

HI0115

DAIRY EFFLUENT PRODUCT SPECIALISTS

HYDRANTS UNI SPRINKLERS MORE PRODUCTCOBRA

lers, DAIRY EFFLUENT PRODUCT SPECIALISTS

WE KNOW IRRIGATORS.The Hi-Tech Cobra™ is a revolutionary new product that will change the way farmers irrigate their farms. Easy to move around and set up, this raingun can achieve low application depths and rates and could be perfect for your farm. Call us today to find out more.

COBRA TRAVELLING RAINGUN

New Zealand Manufacturers & suppliers of:• Evenspread low application travelling irrigators

• Strongest, most durable pumps available

• Efficient & robust pond stirrers

• Pontoons & Hydrants

• Stationary irrigators

MANUFACTURE AND DESIGNAGENTS NATIONWIDE, EXPORTING WORLDWIDE

The Irrigator everyone wants!

0800 686 334www.numedic.co.nz

Dairy effluent solutions!



Stay mindful of effluent valueDAIRY FARM effluent grows in value as fertiliser prices rise, says Waikato Regional Council.

In its publication ‘Effluent management; for the health of our waterways and ground-water’, the council urges farmers to treat effluent as a fertiliser, but carefully because it lacks balance, being very high in potas-sium.

“This can lead to higher leaching levels of magnesium and subsequent animal health problems if potassium soil test levels are high. You can manage this risk by increasing the effluent area or by making silage on the effluent area and feeding it out on non-effluent areas of the farm.”

Applying shed effluent at light rates will ensure stock feed intakes are not adversely affected.

Managing dairy effluent is also nec-

essary for the health of waterways and groundwater, so knowing the regional council’s rules for effluent management is important.

Under the Waikato Regional Plan farm-ers cannot exceed 25mm per application and 150kg of nitrogen from effluent per hectare per year.

“So you need to know how much your irrigator is applying and how concentrated your effluent is,” the council says.

Dairy effluent must not discharge into surface water or contaminate groundwa-ter. Farms able to store effluent before it is applied to land means effluent doesn’t have to be applied during wet periods when the risk of surface ponding and run-off is high.

This substantially reduces the risk of overflows to surface water and plant nutri-ent uptake is maximised.

EFFLUENT STORAGE facilities should be correctly sized for a farm’s systems and management, and they should be sealed.

Having adequate storage allows a farm to:

■ Defer irrigation in wet weather

■ Lower the risk of ponding, run-off and leaching in wet weather

■ Irrigate when plant uptake is maximised

■ Irrigate in dry weather

■ Store effluent during mechanical breakdown

■ Endure less stress during busy times, e.g. calving.

Increasing a farm’s effluent area al-lows the farmer to:

■ Spread nutrients further, reduc-ing fertiliser requirements and associated costs

■ Slow the build-up of potassium in effluent paddocks which can lead to animal health problems in the early spring

■ Have more flexibility in grazing between effluent applications and safer withholding periods prior to grazing.

MANY BENEFITS IN RIGHT POND SIZE

Treat effluent as fertiliser but apply carefully.

low rate of application

low maintenance

Effective effluent dispersal for enhanced sustainabilityOur slow-absorbing sewage treatment

tanks and irrigation systems help improve

soil, reduce pollutants, and decrease the

costs involved in running your farm.

Find out more: call 0800 288 558

or visit rxplastics.co.nz

available nationwide

CALL TODAY, WE HAVE THE SOLUTION

IS COMPLIANCE AN ISSUE ON YOUR FARM?

Call for:• Latest in Water

Filtration• Effluent Separation

Solutions• NEW RELEASE FORSI

VSD Controls

Speak to us about our Effluent filtration system



Numedic’s horizontal effluent pump.

Pump suits above-ground storageEFFLUENT PUMP maker Numedic says its new hori-zontal effluent pump is a “complete solution” as pump-ing from above-ground effluent storage tanks becomes more popular.

“Based on our 20 years of experience we have devel-oped a strong and reliable horizontally mounted pump” says managing director Peter Reid. “The Numedic hori-zontal high performance effluent pumps are easy to access and simple to service.

“By using the latest design principles and modern seal technology these pumps are ideal for handling those dif-ficult-to-pump abrasive materials.”

The pumps – 5.5-18.5 kW – can be used as either close coupled transfer pumps or high pressure pumps capable of running travelling irrigators, stationary guns and pods out to 1.5km.

Correctly sized installed pipelines and farm contours need to be allowed for and Numedic can design a system using CAD design and pump and pipeline computer soft-ware.

Chopper blades are easily fitted to the pumps to chop fibrous material as required. The castings are manufac-tured from heavy duty SG iron which copes well with abra-sive materials, promoting longer life.

Energy efficient MEPS electric motors are used for optimum efficiency. Tel. 07 3479974 www.numedic.co.nz

“The pumps are easy to access and simple to service.”

• Dairy Effluent Ponds

• Irrigation Dams

• Canal Liners

• Frost Protection

• Dry Beds & Weeping Walls

• Underpass Encapsulation

P 0800 454 646 F 0800 454 640 E [email protected] W www.containment.co.nz

Cost Effective performance in water & waste applications When reliability matters

NATION WIDE

PUMPS STIRRERS PONTOONS HYDRANTS UNI SPRINKLERS COBRA MORE PRODUCT

For more information contact one of our local dealers, call 0800 889 7755 or visit hitechenviro.co.nz

DAIRY EFFLUENT PRODUCT SPECIALISTS

WE KNOW DAIRY EFFLUENT.

HI0116

ALL OF OUR PRODUCTS ARE PROVEN IN THE FIELD AND DELIVER MARKET LEADING PERFORMANCE AND DURABILITY



Waikato farmers have until December 24 to apply for shed water-take consents. Water consent

application deadline loomsABOUT 90% of Waikato’s 2600 dairy farmers have lodged dairy shed water-take consent applications.

The Waikato Regional Council is urging the remainder to apply before the December 24 deadline.

Under the council’s Variation 6 rules, dairy farmers can still take up to 15m3 per day from bores or waterways for dairy shed use, subject to water availability, but need a con-sent is needed to take more.

Though they must apply for a consent, farmers are assured of ‘grandparented’ access to the level above 15m3

per day they were using at October 2008 provided they meet the deadline for applications. Those who don’t meet the deadline can’t be guaranteed access to the ‘grandpar-ent’ rules.

The council campaigned to educate farmers; DairyNZ, dairy companies and Federated Farmers were supportive.

The council says its special group consent process-ing scheme also encouraged early applications en masse to help keep down processing costs. “We have almost the expected number of applications,” says farm water proj-ect manager Amy King. “We urge remaining farmers want-ing a grandparented consent at 2008 levels to meet the deadline.”

Farmers not covered by the ‘grandparent’ provisions should contact the council to discuss their individual cir-cumstances so they can explore options to gain lawful access to water if they need a consent. The contact number is 0800 800 402.

Advice on consenting is also available from dairy com-panies or by visiting www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/watertakes

King says Variation 6 itself was a response to the envi-ronmental pressure resulting from increased demand for water. And the new National Policy Statement for Fresh-water Management also reflects the increased pressure on water resources.

King says the need for enough water in the ground or in waterways, to sustain their uses means there is a risk of restrictions on access to water.

But farmers with limits to their water may improve water use efficiency, transfer water permits between par-ties and/or collect and store water at high flow times for use at other times.

“We are aware there are farmers who have reduced their water usage in the dairy shed through a variety of effi-ciency gains which has enabled them to milk more cows but with no increase in their overall shed water needs” says King. “DairyNZ in particular has looked into and provided advice to farmers about such options.”

Features:• Heavy duty bearings — pump with

peace of mind• No high tension bending shaft—Sabre’s

over engineered sealed universal joints take out the elliptical motion professionally

• Flows to 52m3/Hr or higher on request• Pressures to 12Bar or higher on request• Suitable for all irrigation types• These pumps are shore mounted – no

more dangerous pontoons• Basic pump or full turn-key packages

available• Nationwide dealer network

Scan for a free Sabre Eff info pack!!

PHONE FOR MORE INFORMATION 0800 786774www.pumpandvalve.com

Now offeriNg: ABS Submersible Mixers & ABS Submersible Pumps

Branches in: Auckland - Wanganui - Wellington - Christchurch

Pump & Valve have the most reliable and efficient effluent pump solution with SABRE EFFLUENT Pumps!

Pondco Ltd specialise in custom design and built FDE ponds to suit your farm, your location, your needs, and requirements.❱❱ 20 year material warranty

❱❱ Helping keep NZ green

❱❱ IPENZ practice note 2.1

compliant

❱❱ Pond design and

construction accredited

Phone 0800 901 109 www.pondco.co.nz

DO IT ONCE, DO IT

RIGHT!



Efficient water use in dairy shedUse water wisely in the milking shed.

GETTING THE basics right on water use requires each farm to manage water resources legally and effi-ciently, to make best pos-sible use of this valuable and precious resource.

For dairy farmers, secure and reliable access to water is an essential to operating a milking shed. In Waikato, home to 4000 dairy farmers, many also need a consent to legally take this water.

The Waikato Regional Council rule framework under which farmers need this consent was confirmed in the well-publicised ‘Variation 6’ process.

Setting these rules involved public and stakeholder participation, and ultimately the Environment Court. Out of this came ‘the rules’ aimed at striking a balance between managing the adverse effects of too much ground- and surface-water use, and enabling people to use water in an environmentally sustainable way.

Variation 6 ultimately acknowledged that many dairy farmers were using water in the shed but did not have the required resource consent from the council, and that they needed consent to use more than 15m3 per day for this purpose. Consents will also be needed for lower takes in particular circumstances.

Special rules were included which guaran-teed that a water con-sent would be granted to any dairy farmer for the amount they were taking prior to October 15, 2008. These are generally referred to as ‘grandpar-ented’ water takes. About 3500 consent applications are expected.

To take advantage of this grandparented allow-ance, farmers must apply for consent by January 1, 2015, or risk missing out if they miss the deadline. They must also remem-ber that if they don’t have the necessary consents for their water take they face a follow-up from the council.

To help avoid such

risks, the council is making the consenting process as easy as possible through a ‘catchment group process-ing’ approach to receiv-ing and processing the thousands of applications expected.

This is designed to streamline things and keep costs down for farm-ers. More detail on this grouped catchment pro-cess is available at www.waikatoregion.govt.nz/watertakes or on Waikato Regional Council’s free-phone 0800 800 402.

A key detail is that, in the absence of widespread water use records, assess-ments of entitlement will be based on herd size prior to October 2008 and a figure of 70L/cow/day.

Meanwhile, as the actual consent granted will be based on water volume not cow numbers, there is an opportunity for smart operators, whenever they started their business, to make more profit by being more efficient.

For example, a farmer with a consent for 21m3 could milk up to 300 cows on 70L/cow/day. If he improves water use effi-ciency to 60L/cow, he could milk 350 cows with the same volume of water.

But if cow numbers have increased since 2008, or conversions to dairying have happened since then, the water needed to main-tain current operations may not be available.

If farmers anticipate any problems, they must start thinking outside the square now and talk to the likes of DairyNZ, their milk company or the regional council.

Many farmers are taking the opportunity under Variation 6 to think about managing their water use more efficiently, to benefit their pockets and the environment.

Potential exists for farms to share water resources under Variation 6. Transfers of allocation rights are possible, though they need to be assessed on a case-by-case basis for potential environmen-tal effects. It may also be possible to store water not needed immediately, for use at a time of maxi-mum advantage, or it may be transferred to another user. These options can be discussed with the council

ELECTRA KALAUGHER AND AMY KING

or DairyNZ.Another efficiency

tool is water metering which can, for example, help detect leaks and save energy.

Other simple and effi-cient ways to reduce water use include:

■ Making sure the flow rate on the milk cooler

is right, and recycling cooler water for shed wash down

■ Using a scraper or a chain to scrape the yard before washdown

■ Making sure hoses have efficient nozzles and/or reducing the number of hoses

■ Putting a timer on the

yard washdown pumpwww.waikatoregion.govt.nz/watertakes• Amy King is leader, farm water consents, Waikato Regional Council. Electra Kalaugher is environmental farming systems advisor.• This article first appeared in Getting the Basics Right 2014.

Trusted - Dairy Effluent Equipment

Low application effluent pods.

Nevada FertigatorTM designed

for effluent irrigation.Benefits:

• Low application pods

• Excellent for spreading effluent onto hillsides or flat paddocks

• Minimal maintenance required

For your FREE FertigatorTM

phone 0800 464 393 for details.

www.nevadanz.co.nzPhone 0800 464 393 to be connected to your local dealer.

Trusted for Safety & Reliability.

Ø 7

00m

m



HDPE liner keeps leaks at bay

A reliable liner prevents leaks and contamination.

ONFARM EFFLUENT systems must comply with council regulations and safeguard the environ-ment, says pond liner sup-plier Viking Containment (formerly Skellerup).

A reliable liner for con-taining dairy effluent depends on pond system design, material selection and quality installation, the company says.

Swannanoa, North Canterbury dairy farmer Brian Tinomana commis-sioned Viking Contain-ment to supply and install the liner for his new dairy effluent pond.

The liner material selected was Agrishield 1.5mm high density poly-ethylene (HDPE) geo-

membrane; it is extremely tough, durable and com-patible with animal fats. The 1.5mm HDPE liner at 1 x 10-14 also exceeds resource consent perme-ability requirements of 1 x 10-9 m/s. Thus it prevents effluent leaking and con-taminating the environ-ment.

1.5mm HDPE has a long history of proven per-formance and reliability and is often specified for wastewater applications for council and large civil applications.

Safety also features prominently on Tino-mana’s farm. Because the side slope surface of a lined pond is very slip-pery, especially when wet,

Geoladders were installed to allow safe access for emergency evacuation of the pond, and they can be used during mainte-nance, when servicing pumps or control equip-ment. The Geoladder has a colour coded depth indi-cator which relates to the DairyNZ pond calculator volume gauge.

Says Viking, “Before commencing the liner installation it was impor-tant that the subgrade surface and compaction met the specification. The pond design and earth-works construction was completed by Worthing-ton Contracting Ltd. A protection geotextile between the liner and the

sub-grade was also utilised to cushion the liner.”

For liner installa-tion and testing the

same exacting standards required for municipal wastewater treatment ponds also apply to dairy

effluent applications. Liner installation under-goes comprehensive quality control and assur-ance including subgrade acceptance, manufactur-er’s material data, panel layout, liner deployment, seaming, testing and war-ranty information.

To collate and record all the results and data, Viking has gone ‘paperless’ and developed a new elec-tronic quality assurance system for geosynthetic liner installations.

Quality assurance and health and safety data are recorded in real time in

the field on a tablet, ensur-ing accuracy and com-plete capture of data. The program is structured to cover all steps of the installation with key ele-ments that must be com-pleted before progressing to the next section. This ensures the required data is recorded and that the project meets the speci-fication. And it enabled the company to promptly present the farmer with a complete QA report at the end of the project, which was used for compliance. Tel. 0800 454 646www.containment.co.nz

Geoladders being constructed in the pond.

James Green is ‘Absolutely Rapt’ with his Abbey Slurry tanker,

and he’s spreading the news!Taranaki agricultural contractor James Green is “absolutely rapt” with the Abbey 2500R Slurry Tanker that is about to complete its first full season in his fleet.“The quality is right up there. It is a strong, well-built machine and is extremely reliable. This is the first year I have run it for a whole season, and I haven’t had to do a thing to it.”James’ company Campbell and Green Contract-ing provides a full range of agricultural services in the Taranaki region.He says effluent management is a growing part of the business given the need for dairy farmers to meet tightening regulations around effluent storage and disposal.“I got into effluent spreading around three years ago, but hired a tanker in the first year to make sure it was something I wanted to continue with. Now it’s a big part of the business. We do a lot of pond emptying and effluent spreading onto pasture paddocks, and are particularly busy around cropping time, spreading slurry onto cultivated paddocks when the maize and turnips are going in.”At the beginning of 2013 James started “shopping around” for a new slurry tanker, and settled on the Abbey after researching numerous makes and models.

“The double axle on these machines was like a big boat anchor and they seemed to spend more time getting stuck and having to be pulled out by a tractor and chain than they did working. We were able to drive straight in behind with the Abbey, load up and drive back out under our own steam, all day. ”James says the Abbey’s ability to work under any conditions is a big plus. “It doesn’t make a mess in wet ground and is extremely stable on the hills. The Abbey tanker also travels well on the roads whether it is full or empty and doesn’t bounce around.”A filling speed of just over three minutes depending on the thickness of the slurry is an-other positive that makes the process, “faster, easier and more cost effective for the client”.The Abbey Recess Tanker Range comes in five different options from 7,000 up to 13,500 litres. Along with the standard Abbey specifi-cations in the barrel construction, the recess range has some class-leading qualities, including full length chassis construction; a weight-sens-ing sprung drawbar, anti-movement internal baffles, and more.James says he would have no hesitation recommending a machine from the Abbey Recess Slurry Tanker range to other contrac-tors or farmers. “I’m rapt with it and with the big increase in effluent work definitely plan to buy another one in the next couple of years, hopefully sooner.”

“A friend of mine works at Power Farming Taranaki, and he recommended I take a look at the Abbey brand. After reading some informa-tion I became highly interested, so he organised a meeting with the guys at Farmgard to discuss the best options for my operation.” After discussing the finer points of the Abbey Recess Tanker range with Farmgard, James decided on the single axle 2500R, with 11,350 litre capacity, six inch autofill and six inch turbofill.“I was a bit unsure at the start about having a big wheeled machine with recessed axle but now I’m extremely happy with it.”James had seriously considered buying a 10,000 litre tandem axle machine from another brand before deciding on the Abbey, but says a recent“Big job”, where his Abbey worked alongsidetwo of these other machines in wet conditionsproved he had made the right decision

For more information call Farmgard on 09 275 5555 or 03 437 9000 or visit their website: www.farmgard.co.nz

You can LEASE an ABBEY SLURRY TANKERfor YOUR farm from ONLY

$19.50 a day *

* Standard contract leasing terms apply



Dilute, well-mixed dung, urine and water work well

Stuart Reid

DARE I say it? If you are aged 29 or over you can stop reading this mes-sage (about effluent) right now, because you’ll either know it all, or have made up your mind about it and be inflexible in your think-ing. Younger minds when reading this will get an inkling of the underlying message and start to see the light.

Here’s the message: dilute, well-mixed dung, urine and wash water applied to pasture at the right time (and in the right quantity) is very good for the farm. It grows grass. Grass produces milk. Pas-ture becomes more fer-tile and soil condition improves. The effluent stays in the root zone on your farm and if it’s on your farm it’s not caus-

ing trouble elsewhere. The “water effect” itself (from collected rainwater and wash water) has a payback effect and the added nutri-ent reduces up the pay-back period.

These are the essential reasons for you ‘do efflu-ent’ properly. Another important factor is to design a way to apply the good stuff with least labour, with no (or few) solids spreading chores and of course low capital cost. (Although if spend-ing capital is going to make the job easier and more foolproof, then go that extra distance to create a simpler, more reliable and safer system.)

So here’s the challenge:You are going to store

effluent, so that you do not waste it by trying to apply it in the wet season when the pasture doesn’t need it and when irrigating

effluent in the wet means it will simply get washed into streams and drains.

You are going to thor-oughly mix the wash water, manure and col-lected rainwater that falls on the yards and the pond before you send it to the irrigator. This prevents your irrigating a ‘thin’ mix-ture initially which ‘thick-ens up’ as the pond level falls. You want the pasture to receive the same con-centration of nutrient and water over all the irrigated paddocks.

You are going to spread the effluent evenly –

to get the best value -- at the right time and in amounts appropriate to the soil moisture levels, while grass is growing.

You are going to put in place controls that allow monitoring which pre-vents the waste of water and nutrients; which pro-

tects pumps, pipelines and hydrants from damage, and which prevents pond-ing and unwanted dis-charges in the paddock.

This is a broad out-line of what your effluent irrigation system should achieve. The next section gets down and dirty. For-give me for having to drive the message home, but I want you to understand it.

It would not surprise me to find that you’ve bought the effluent pump first and now you’ll create your effluent scheme around that. Right? I hope not. You’re starting at the wrong end of the process, and yes, there is a process.

The starting point of the design process is reviewing your point of view. Do you want to keep this effluent on your land (for your advantage) or are you happy enough to see it slide off your prop-

STUART REIDerty (to your disadvantage and loss)? Furthermore, do you want it to grow grass, or do you just want to dispose of it on your paddocks and hope the applied concentration doesn’t smother pasture and choke essential soil organisms? As you find answers to these ques-tions you will see that you have already begun the decision-making design process.

Let’s assume you’re a reasonably able farmer who acknowledges that plants need water and nutrient and like it dished up to them as a dilute con-sistent mixture at the right time in their growth cycle. You’ll also acknowledge you want the benefits of the proper use of efflu-ent but you don’t want the application process to be fiddly and laborious. You might be prepared to invest capital to reduce the continuous annual chore factor.

Finally, let’s assume you realise that if efflu-ent stays on your prop-erty doing ‘good’, then it’s not going somewhere else doing ‘bad’. These deci-sions lay the foundation for the new system or an upgrade of the old one.

The next step is choose the area of the farm where you irrigate this stuff. You’ll need to decide on the required area, the soil type, when in the season the soil is ready for liquid

and nutrient, the poten-tial for irrigated liquid to run off the land, and the style of irrigator that best fits the soil and your oper-ations. And you should even consider neigh-bours and the houses of farm staff. Notice that we haven’t yet got to even deciding on effluent stor-age or pump size. To sum up this section, let’s just say we are focused on the irrigation zones and the irrigation means.

Notice that we should not apply effluent when the soil is wet and has no capacity to soak up and retain it. There is a wet and busy season at the time of calving, and if you irrigate effluent at this time it is bound to run off your land taking the nutrients with it. So if you shouldn’t irri-

gate in the wet, then you will have to store the stuff until the day arrives when the soil can happily hold the effluent. This is where we have another review of your view.

A small storage pond will usually mean that irrigation will have to be fitted in more frequently and carried out onto soils with smaller moisture deficits. You will prob-ably have to apply small amounts of effluent over larger areas whenever there is a small soil water deficit. Of course this may also be at a cold time of the year, so that while you park the effluent in the soil satisfactorily to retain it, it may not be the best time to assist plant growth.

Your irrigation equip-ment must also be able to

0800 PLUCKS0 8 0 0 7 5 8 2 5 7 Main South Road

Rakaia 7710 Mid Canterbury

[email protected]

V Only 1.1kW driving a 1.0 M Ø blade

V Two year warranty on the new type of motor and planetary gear box

V New to the world of agriculture – the latest in five-lip sealed bearings

V No greasing required – ever!

V All bearings and seals above the water line

V Huge 1.0 M Ø blade, moving 44,000 litres per minute

V Good range of sizes for any pond type whether lined or earth, clay or concrete—big or small

New from Plucks Engineering One of our latest model Pond Stirrers

Best of all, the price is still the same!

Before

After

Phone now to find a stockist and installer in your area.

10 ROBINSON ST, ASHBURTONPh 03 307 9049 • Fax: 03 307 9047

email: [email protected] website: www.rainer.co.nz

• Low pressure self travellers• Designed to apply effluent at rates

down to 6.5mm• Fully hot dipped galvanised• Flexible travel speeds• Low running costsManufactured in NZ by...

CONVERSION KIT

AVAILABLE

Model 10 revamped to apply light application with larger tooth drum

QUALITY THAT’S PROVEN

Now NZ distributors for Trailco – full range of gun and hard hose irrigators

MODEL 10 & 15 EFFLUENT MACHINES

from 30 years of reliable service 3,000 farmers cannot be wrong



Effluent helps grow grass and grass helps produce more milk.

Effluent must be spread properly.

Dilute, well-mixed dung, urine and water work wellapply these small amounts of liquid. If storage capac-ity is larger, you can usu-ally wait until soil water deficits are greater; the grass is more actively growing and the effluent can be applied in larger quantities. In this case irrigation takes place at a “cruisier” time of the year, and the growth benefits are more obvious.

So when we summarise this part we conclude that smaller storage means applying smaller amounts more frequently earlier in the season. Larger stor-age means you can apply larger amounts later during the growing phase of the season. There is a range of choices between these extremes, but the most important determi-nants are the irrigation zones and the irrigation equipment you want to use. Small nozzles may be needed for the smaller ponds and more frequent irrigation onto damper soils; larger nozzles and application amounts will probably suit larger ponds and dryer soils.

By now we are ready to ascertain the size of your storage pond and the pumping plant and we can also begin to size pipelines and draw the irrigation plan. From now on it is just straightforward engineering design where we go through all the steps.

However, there is still a lot of blindness out there: don’t close your eyes to the problems that arise from solids, sludges, solids spreading and unnec-essary chores. You may forget that sludges and solids in the effluent have to be dealt with either by separating them from the mix in separators which

can be active (mechanical) or passive (weeping walls, wedgewire screens). Sepa-ration is really only needed if irrigation nozzles are small. Larger nozzles on the irrigator mean you can apply all the liquids and solids together via the irri-gator. This avoids having to spread solids later.

While we are on the subject, I have to mention what I perceive to be ‘the attitude’ problem. You members of the older gen-eration want to carry on farming as you always did and often resent change. You have probably for-gotten that change has sneaked into your meth-ods without you noticing. Look at the electronics in your car (engine manage-ment, stability control, automatic braking sys-tems, transverse engines, turbochargers) and also in your farm operations (instant tanker printouts of milk receipts, automatic vacuum pump control, electronic cup remover, electronic herd testing and mastitis detection, temperature control, vat washing, your farm com-puter.) So why, when you deal with 50,000L of yard wash water each day, do you wince when someone suggests automatic con-trol to remove the chore of distributing this stuff? Or when they suggest that the electronics will protect equipment from glitches and protect you from fines? There is good value in these devices but I often see farmers trying to save money at the wrong end of the process for the wrong reasons. You have a choice: a simple-to-operate system with good controls that make the job easy and painless, or a system where you are

always on tenterhooks waiting for some sort of failure.

So here’s the message again: dilute farm dairy effluent is good when it is kept on your farm, in the root zone, to grow grass. A good system will have a financial payback period,

and the peace of mind fac-tors of a good system will have a value well beyond payback.• Stuart Reid is managing director of Spitfire Irriga-tion.• This article first appeared in Getting the Basics Right 2014 issue.

Farmers are getting the memo that effluent is a valuable asset that can save thousands of dollars! Using a Slurryquip drag hose + dribble bar you will save up to four times more than most other methods. So why waste your waste? Utilise it to it’s maximum potential.

Look at some of the benefits of Slurryquip:

+ Up to 280 m3/hr + Four times more Nitrogen retention+ Work safer on steep land + No roadway damage+ No need to stop while milking + No compaction or gateway damage+ Reduces damage to paddocks+ All year round application possible+ Low power and fuel requirement

SAVE MONEY

SAVE WASTE!

farm trader

tested

VISIT OUR WEBSITE TO SEE WHAT

FARM TRADER SAY ABOUT US

www.slurryquip.com

CONTACT US NOW

SLURRYQUIP NORTH ISLANDRaymond Copland - Area ManagerMobile 021 732 983

SLURRYQUIP SOUTH ISLANDRichard Fitzpatrick - OwnerMobile 021 2544 723Email [email protected]

$ of N per ha 200

total of Nitrogen available per 10 ml application

150

total Nitrogen available when spread withSlurryquip dribblebar100

50

total N available whenspread with splash plate /irrigation systems0

$188

$141

$40



Flush valve working in the milking shed.

Future-proof your system for high returnsNEW ZEALAND farm-ers face constant pressure to minimise their impact on the environment and to reuse, recycle and take responsibility for their

farming ‘footprint’. This is an area of farm

management increasingly in the compliance spot-light.

Sustainable manage-ment practices play a key role; particularly maxi-mising the return from

effluent. Three key com-ponents are:

■ reducing fresh water use in the dairy shed

■ keeping appropriate amounts of nutrients within the root zone of pasture

■ keeping nutrients away

from waterways and water tables.But there’s a bunch of

considerations when it comes to the performance of your effluent manage-ment system. Making sure it’s designed for the best outcome for your farm

MURRAY MCEWAN now and in future is one of the most important.

For example, not all dairy farmers separate effluent solids and liquids. This can have a significant impact on how you then store, distribute and apply effluent on your farm.

Separating has the potential to reduce fresh water use by recycling liquid for yard or pad wash down. It can also provide another source of organic matter and nutrients, beyond the designated effluent application area, that has already been paid for, and is highly valuable to your farm. Getting back to basics

Let’s get back to basics and briefly overview the effluent management system.Catchment

Catchment is the where and how much part of your effluent equation - in the cow shed, on the dairy yard, feed pad and silage stacks. The quantity of effluent from each catch-ment will depend on fac-

tors such as rainfall, water diversion, stock numbers and time spent in the area.Processing

This is where the sepa-ration of liquids and solids occurs before the efflu-ent enters your pond. Waste is made up of water, manure and grass fibre (organic matter) and inor-ganic matter such as light and heavy contaminants, including animal hair, silage, palm kernel, sand, stones and rubbish etc.

Storage and distribu-tion

All the contami-nants of effluent should be removed before large volume storage. Your pond sizing and type, and pump size, type and per-formance fall into this cat-egory. These are basically determined by:

■ the size of your farm ■ herd size and farm

management ■ the region and its envi-

ronment ■ whether solids and liq-

uids have been sepa-rated

■ the area to which efflu-ent is applied

■ effluent application method.

Application This is the method of

applying effluent to the farm such as travelling irrigators, pump and carry methods or low applica-tion methods.

Written in a list like this, it’s easy to assume effluent management is a linear process – and that catchment, first on the list, must also be the most important factor. But that’s not the case at all.

How you apply efflu-ent determines many of the other decisions about the design of your effluent system, and each part of the system impacts on the performance of the others.

Effluent system design Effluent management

is increasingly under the compliance spotlight. Reg-ulations from regional councils vary and in some areas district councils also have rules that need to be checked.

0800 433 [email protected]

That’s why we use High Density Polyethylene (HDPE). It out performs all other geomembranes! Plus, when installed with our superior sealing technology, it is guaranteed to last!

Our meticulous level of testing can’t be achieved with other geomembranes.

Talk to I.S. Dam Lining today – you can depend on us for worry free performance, reliability and expertise.

www.isdamlining.co.nz

Serious about building a dam that doesn’t leak?So are we !

• Extremely cost effective

• 20 year HDPE product warranty

• Outstanding chemical and heat resistance

• Excellent UV resistance

• Our installations meet strict regulations and come with a quality workmanship warranty

TANK8440

Pluck’s ADR 500 Effluent Screening Plant

0800 PLUCKS0 8 0 0 7 5 8 2 5 7

Call us now to find a distributor and installer in your area

www.plucks.co.nz [email protected]

Main South Road, Rakaia 7710, Mid Canterbury

COVERED BY N.Z. PATENTAPPLICATION No. 591985

Pluck’s, or your installer of choice,

can adapt the ADR 500 and twin pond effluent system to work with

your current effluent set up, keeping your upgrade costs down. No need

to rebuild what’s already on your farm

r All plant and pumps very low kW starting with 0.4kW

r Self cleaning screen

r Self cleaning ponds

r Effluent is clean enough to be pumped into a pivot system if required

r Screens out everything bigger than 1 mm



Future-proof your system for high returnsIrrigation NZ, NZ Milk-

ing and Pumping Trade Association and DairyNZ recently launched an Effluent System Design Accreditation programme to make sure service com-panies are working to a code of practices and stan-dards.

The goal is to ensure all New Zealand dairy farm-ers have systems that can achieve dairy industry and wider community expecta-tions for the land applica-tion of dairy effluent.

It is concerned with keeping all untreated effluent out of surface and groundwater; keeping land applied effluent nutrients in the root zone to capture their nutrient and eco-nomic value; and ensuring all systems are compliant 365 days a year.

Only a group of compa-nies in New Zealand have achieved accreditation, including GEA Farm Tech-nologies.

This programme sig-nals the direction in which the industry is moving and the importance of view-ing your effluent manage-ment system as one rather than separate processes. It is increasingly impor-tant to ensure you get the best advice from an accredited company that understands the indus-try’s standards and how to meet them when develop-ing or changing your efflu-ent system.

Accredited companies have been put through their paces, and will con-sider a broad range of fac-tors when assessing and designing effluent man-agement requirements including land typography, soil types, nutrient status, farming systems and water use. Separation

There are valuable benefits from separat-ing solids from liquids in effluent, such as improv-ing effluent application and storage in a number of ways.

The liquid compo-nent contains only min-iscule particles which can improve the efficiency of your pumps. This means you can pump the liquid further to extend your coverage area and there’s less risk of pumps, pipes and irrigators becoming blocked.

You can extend nutri-

ents beyond the exist-ing pump area by carrying solid organic matter to other parts of the farm that your pump doesn’t reach.

You can create cost effi-ciencies by using the solid matter on areas where you would otherwise apply a purchased fertiliser.

Pond management is improved with less solid settling and surface crust-ing.Reducing fresh water use

Separation creates a source of recycled water, reducing dairy shed fresh water use by at least 50%. In some regions this can keep fresh water usage below levels where con-sents might otherwise be required.

For example, the liquid from some separators can be recycled and used to wash down the yard, par-ticularly if your separa-tor has been tested for the small particulate size left in the resulting liquid (the amount and size of solids left after the separation process).

The Houle slope screen separator has been used and tested for more than 30 years. It is proven to leave only miniscule par-ticles in the liquid effluent – making it a great substi-tute for fresh water when washing yards.

Results achieved from some farms using this practice have been impres-sive – with one large farm we know of reducing its fresh water use from 70 litres per cow per day to <30 litres per cow per day.

What makes a good separator?

There are two types of separators: mechanical and passive.

Farmers need to be aware of all the pitfalls and benefits of any separation system. Some are expen-sive to maintain in dollars and time. Some are com-plicated, require power and need servicing by tradespeople. Some don’t actually perform as they were sold.

Passive separators don’t require a power supply, have a relatively low maintenance cost and are easy to maintain con-sidering the high rates of effluent they process. No ‘moving parts’ also means minimal wear and tear.

It is recommended to

get advice from a com-pany accredited in effluent system design and backed by extensive local industry experience and compre-hensive support.

Today, simply selling a pump and burying a pipe-line is no longer servic-ing the farmer or industry to an acceptable level -

let alone into the future. There is no such thing as an acceptable short cut.

Most importantly, con-sider any compliance the minimum standard and exceed it. Future proofing the design of your efflu-ent management system will deliver a range of ben-efits to your farming busi-

ness now and in future – economically, environ-mentally and in practical, everyday efficiencies.• Murray McEwan is the Houle Solutions and field services technician for GEA Farm Technologies • This article first appeared in Getting the Basics Right 2014 issue.

Make sure your effluent system is designed for the best outcome for your farm.

IN ECOLOGY, the word sustainability describes how biological systems remain diverse and pro-ductive over time; it requires the reconciliation of environmental, social equity and economic demands, also referred to as the three ‘pillars’ of sus-tainability, or the three ‘Es’.

In other words, it means the capacity to endure, and that’s relevant for all New Zealand dairy farmers, as we all have a responsibility to ensure milk production is sus-tainable.

As the world’s popula-tion continues to rise, as does the demand for agri-

culture and safe food, sus-tainability has never been more important.

There is now much closer scrutiny on farm-ers to show that the use of resources (land and water) is done in a sustain-able way, as communities around the country watch and question whether we are doing everything we can to protect the environ-ment for future genera-tions.

Most farmers see them-selves as custodians of the land, but are also well aware of the need to main-tain profitability at the same time; so a careful balance is required, par-ticularly when it comes to nutrient management and water use.

Water

The National Water Policy statement (2011) directs all regional coun-cils to ensure water quality is maintained or improved and to manage catchments that are currently over-allocated in water use.

Different regional councils are tackling this in different ways, but pre-viously water that was often taken as being a ‘right’ is now being mea-sured to ensure that over-allocation does not continue and processes are in place to decide who gets the water within a catchment and how much.

This is being worked out by:

■ Consent and applica-tion processes for new dairy conversions

■ Re-assessment of cur-

rent dairy farms water use in over allocated catchments

■ Requirement for water plans and metering of water use on-farm.Water quality within

the dairy sector is set out in the ‘Sustainable Dairy-ing: Water Accord’ 2013 which aims to “enhance the overall performance of dairy farming as it affects freshwater by committing to good management prac-tices of all dairy farmers in NZ.”

This is worked out through:

■ Fencing of all water-ways and protection of significant wetlands

■ Riparian planting along water ways to catch nutrient run-off

■ Better application of

effluent and fertilisers ■ Research into best

management practices of winter grazing and crop management.

Nutrient managementNutrient management

is directly related to water quality as it is the escap-ing of key nutrients such as nitrogen (N) and phos-phorus (P) that leads to reduced water quality.

N and P attributes to the growth of algae and other water living plants that can affect drinking water quality and safety for recreational use.

Nitrate in drink-ing water is also a major health hazard, and the Ministry of Health drink-ing water standards (1998) set the maximum accept-able level of nitrate in drinking water as 11.3ppm.

The ‘Sustainable Dairy-ing: Water Accord’ has also set targets to better manage nutrients on dairy farms. Dairy companies have signed up to this accord and will start work-ing with farmers by:

■ Modelling N loss and N conversion efficiency

■ Provide N loss and N

conversion efficiency performance informa-tion back to farmers

■ Engage with regional councils to reduce nutrient losses where losses are deemed to be too high

■ Engage in catchment programs that improve good management practises on farm

• Darren Sutton is LIC FarmWise consultant, Waikato. This article first appeared in Getting the Basics Right 2014 edition.



Sustainability; the capacity to endure

All New Zealand farmers have a responsibility to help keep waterways clean and safe.

DARREN SUTTON


Call 0800 804 458 to find your local dealer. Or visit our website, www.giltrapag.co.nz

TIME WON’T STAND STILL EITHER

Our Pond Stirrer combines ruggedness and ingenuity to keep your pond moving. It’s engineered to incorporate solid matter from your effluent pond with minimum fuss, so you can make every minute count.




IN BRIEFWater watch onlineBALLANCE AGRI-NUTRIENTS has joined forces with NIWA to bring hi-resolution weather, climate and environmental forecasts to farmers via the co-operative’s Ag Hub online farm man-agement system.

Announcing the partnership, Ballance gen-eral manager aginformation Graeme Martin says farm profitability and sustainability are increas-ingly affected by variable weather patterns, growing conditions and the availability of water.

“Farmers are looking for the best possible support to make operational decisions. NIWA’s advanced forecasting systems and its national climate station network are at the leading edge of weather and environmental information.

“Our agreement with NIWA enables us to put the best weather, climate and environmen-tal information in front of farmers through our FarmMet forecast package. The power lies in coupling this with our Ag Hub farm information systems, providing a rich source of data avail-able for farmers to tap into and use to make the most profitable and sustainable decisions for their operations.”

Helping farmers get ready for changesCANTERBURY WILL host two EnviroReady field days this week to help farmers prepare for changes under Environ-ment Canterbury’s Land and Water Regional Plan.

The field days, at Hinds (Nov 25) and Dunsandel (Nov 27) will help farm-ers identify and manage environmental risks, and improve their manage-ment practices.

DairyNZ catchment spokesman Tony Fran-sen says the aim is to help farmers make systems changes that ensure their farms meet regulations. “Farmers will receive prac-tical solutions to take home and implement on their farm.”

Sessions will cover nutrient management, research and develop-ment, soils, effluent and irrigation, and land man-

agement.The nutrient manage-

ment session will focus on the nutrient budget as a tool for understand-ing nitrogen movement through a farm system and the key drivers for nutri-ent loss.

Options to reduce nutrient loss and the financial implications of changing systems will be covered by DairyNZ scien-tist Dawn Dally during the research and development session.

Paddock sessions will include understanding soil type and moisture levels, managing effluent and irri-gator systems efficiently, the benefits of onfarm planting, waste manage-ment and identifying high-risk areas onfarm.

Certified profession-als will be available on the day to provide one-on-one

advice to farmers. These will include effluent and irrigation designers from accredited companies, effluent WOF assessors, nutrient management advisors, soil specialists, native plant suppliers and

recycling depot represen-tatives. A list of staff train-ing courses will also be available.

DairyNZ’s sustain-able milk plan has been approved by Environment Canterbury.

Registration is not required and a barbecue lunch will be provided.Hinds

■ Tuesday, November 25

■ 9.30am-2pm

■ Golden Dairies, 104 Winslow Willowby Rd, SN 2252

Dunsandel ■ Thursday, November 27

■ 9.30am-2pm

■ Synlait farms – Tapatoru, 250 Waikimihia Rd, SN 1104

GET READY FOR ENVIROREADY

VOLKSWAGEN NEW Zealand has further thrown its support behind the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme.

The sponsorship, started in late 2011, will run for three more years. Volkswagen will supply two new Amarok utes for scheme staff to use in attending calf sales and visiting farmers and truck-ers.

Volkswagen and IHC

have a long-standing deal: IHC uses Volkswagen Caddy and Transporters in its work in communities.

The IHC Calf & Rural Scheme involves farm-ers and PGG Wrightson in raising funds for New Zea-landers with intellectual disabilities.

Launched in 1984, the scheme encourages farm-ers to donate a weaned farm animal to be sold, the proceeds going to IHC.

At least 5500 calves are donated annually, raising about $1.5m.

This year IHC is cel-ebrating 30 years of the scheme, says IHC national fundraising manager Adele Blackwood.

“Generous support… means we can help people with intellectual disabili-ties through… a wide vari-ety of initiatives – free information and resources through our library; help

with education, health and legal rights through our advocacy team; and coordinating friendships and skill based-learning through our volunteer programme.”

Tom Ruddenklau, Volk-

swagen general manager, says, “Our support of the IHC Calf & Rural Scheme helps us give back to the rural community and sup-plying two Amarok utes for the team helps them get out and about.”


42 // MACHINERY & PRODUCTS

More wheels for rural helpers

The IHC Calf & Rural Scheme raises funds for people with intellectual disabilities.

Amorok utes to visit rural areas will be used by staff.

All prices are exclusive of GST. Freight charges may apply

Reese Agri | Phone: 06 357 9323 | Email: [email protected] | Phone Jon: 021 433 129 | www.reeseagri.co.nz

Reese Agri’s range of UFO Mowers are known for their robustness, dependability and honest ability to get the job done. With 8 models

to choose from, there is a mower to suit your every requirement.Built with the quality workmanship you’d expect from a company that has been building and marketing agricultural mowers for more than 40 years, the UFO range consists of 5 drum mowers and 3 disc mowers, from 1.6m up to 3.4m cut. So if you are in the market for a mower, look no further than a UFO Drum or Disc Mower.

UFO DRUM MOWER FEATURES❱❱ Available in manual, hydraulic and trailed models

❱❱ Cutting widths range from 1.6 to 3.4 meters

❱❱ Heavy belt drive system

❱❱ Low maintenance, low cost operation

SPECIFICATIONS UFO1600 UFO2070W UFO2400 UFO2400HL UFO3400Cutting width 1.6m 2.0m 2.4m 2.4m 3.4m No. Drums / Blades 2 / 6 2 / 6 2 / 8 2 / 8 4 / 12Type Manual Manual Manual Hydraulic Hydraulic trailedWeight 390kg 460kg 580kg 690kg 1180kgPower requirement 30hp 45hp 65hp 65hp 80hp+(at 540rpm)

UFO RD DISC MOWER FEATURES❱❱ Very popular value for money disc mowers

❱❱ Leading European Cutter-Bar manufacturer

❱❱ Uses the Reese Headstock Alignment System

❱❱ Maintenance-free driveshaft bearings

SPECIFICATIONS 2400 2800 3200Cutting width 2.4m 2.8m 3.2mNo. Discs / Blades 6 / 12 7 / 14 8 / 16V-Belt Drive 4 belts 4 belts 4 beltsWeight 485kg 550kg 615kg

FROM ONLY

$6,995 + GST!!

FROM ONLY

$12,995 + GST!!


MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 43

Key Euro award for tractorTHE CASE IH Magnum 380 CVT tractor has won Tractor of the Year at EIMA International in Bologna, Italy, as judged by 23 expert journalists from European trade pub-lications.

Case IH says the Magnum 380 CVT won the title thanks to features such as continuously vari-able transmission (known as CVX in Europe), multi-controller armrest, new LED lighting and its Row-trac combination of rear tracks and low pressure front tyres. This gives greater traction with min-

imal soil disturbance compared to standard sin-gle-track machines.

“We are honoured to have received the Tractor of the Year 2015 award,” said Matthew Foster, vice president Case IH EMEA (Europe, Africa and the Middle East) at the awards ceremony. “27 years of Magnum tractors means 27 years of approval by the toughest group of testers you can get: farmers in their daily work.”

Launched in 1987, the Magnum has had many improvements to increase performance and produc-

tivity, cut fuel consump-tion and emissions and improve operator comfort.

Case IH is imported in New Zealand by C B Nor-

wood Distributors Ltd.Tel. 0800 CASE IH www.caseih.co.nz

Case IH Magnum 380.

Volvo unveils sports wagon

Volvo V6 Sports Wagon.

VOLVO CARS last week unveiled a cross-country version of its V60 sports wagon at the 2014 LA Motor Show. It will go on sale in New Zealand in the second half of 2015.

“Cross country variants have been hugely successful for us in New Zealand,” says Steve Kenchington, gen-eral manager of Volvo Cars New Zealand. “The V40 Cross Country accounted for half of all V40 sales since it was introduced last year, and the XC70 has become an icon since it opened up the cross over wagon seg-ment in 1997.”

The company says its Cross Country brand has a “long and distinguished heritage”. “Volvo Cars was the first premium brand to offer increased all-road capabil-ity and styling on its wagons as far back as 1997 when it introduced the V70 Cross Country, creating a whole new type of car experience that has since captured the imagination of the motoring public and industry,” says Kenchington.

“Reflecting Volvo’s Scandinavian heritage and love of nature and adventure, the V60 Cross Country brings together the best of both worlds – a sporty, connected, yet comfortable driving experience with the freedom to explore new horizons.

“With increased ground clearance of 65mm com-pared to the current V60, the Cross Country’s con-struction offers unparalleled control on and off the beaten track, coupled with an enhanced sporty driv-ing experience thanks to torque vectoring technology and corner traction control.”

Canter Tipper FEA55T1 Advert_280x187_3.0.indd 3 7/11/14 2:41 PM



Cheers to 40 years of round balers

New Holland crop cutter.

New Holland super feed.

FORTY YEARS of making its Roll-Belt balers, and sales of 235,000 machines, is prompting manufacturer New Holland to affix a ’40-year’ decal to a new variant of this globally popular machine, the com-pany says.

The latest genera-tion Roll-Belt is said to “redefine” round baling, with technology that can improve capacity by 20% and density by 5%.

New Holland intro-duced the Roll-Belt vari-able chamber baler series

in 2013, with customised feeding systems like the SuperFeed and CropCut-ter rotor options. The new ActiveSweep crop process-ing solution also offers “tailored” baling.

Now new Roll-Belt vari-able-chamber round balers are replacing the BR7000 series, with 20% greater capacity. Many features will enhance productivity, the company says.

“The Roll-Belt baler enables operations to spec-ify the baler that suits their needs,” says Greg Moore, New Holland hay and har-vest product specialist. “The standard rotor Super-Feed and professional CropCutter variants enable tailored baling.

“The all new pick-up, dual density system and

endless belt design will deliver significant produc-tivity gains.”

The pick-up is rede-signed to boost capacity by up to 20% in silage. Buyers can choose between 1.8m and 2m configurations. The standard heavy-duty, five solid tine bar pick-up with reinforced rubber tines – 10% stiffer laterally and lasting five times longer – maintain pick-up perfor-mance in difficult, uneven and stony terrain, says the maker.

The new standard feed-assist roll transfers the crop from the pick-up to the rotor while simulta-neously merging the flow of the crop to ensure it matches the exact width of the bale chamber.

The folding castor-ing gauge wheels make changing from transport to field configuration sim-pler. The wheels swing up and round, and are locked

in the transport posi-tion without having to be removed.

The SuperFeed stan-dard 455mm rotor, with New Holland’s ‘W’ pat-tern fingers, maintains high throughput of all crops. The CropCutter variant delivers the densest bales, with 15 integrated knives for fine chopping.

The maker’s DropFloor function is designed as a time-saver to be operated from the cab. When large wedges of crop block the rotor, the floor is lowered

to provide more space in the feeding zone and baling can continue.

The Roll-Belt baler has four 273mm wide belts which prevent losses and improve tracking perfor-mance. The increased belt stability ensures a large contact area with the crop to improve reliability and bale formation. Endless belt technology ensures the

belts are strong as there are no joints. This eliminates stretching for uniform bale formation. And the belts’ texture makes cleaning easier.

New Holland is imported in New Zealand by C B Norwood Distribu-tors Ltd. Tel. 06 356 4920 www.newholland.co.nz

Call the team today to discuss your requirements

DOLOMITENZ’s finest BioGro certified Mg fertiliser

For a delivered price call... 0800 436 566

• Freight free • Fully enclosed

hydraulic ram • No pinch points• Unique hand shape• Ultra compact design• Made in New Zealand

BEST VALUE. HANDS DOWN.

Offer valid through November/December 2014. Subject to stock availability. Limit 2 per customer.

$2,699 CXR NOW ONLY

Including Euro Hitch

+GST

CALL 0800 487 853 TO SECURE YOURS

CXR SOFTHANDS


MACHINERY & PRODUCTS // 45

Lead driver Manon Ossevoort with a MF5610 during trials in Iceland.

Off to the south pole – againMASSEY FERGUSON is at it again: its 2014 Ant-arctica2 mission will bring back memories of Sir Ed Hillary’s 1958 trek to the south pole using ‘Fergie’ TE20 tractors.

This month, 56 years since the launch of the Massey Ferguson brand, an MF 5610 tractor (110hp) will make a similar trek. The 5000km return journey will begin at Novo Base late November and reach the geographi-cal south pole about mid December.

The aim is to highlight the need for technolo-gies and services to enable farmers to produce more food. During its few weeks on the ice the MF 5610 will clock up as many hours operation as an aver-age year’s work on many farms.

Also supporting Ant-arctica2 are Trelleborg, Castrol, AGCO Finance, AGCO Parts and Fuse Technologies.

“Antarctica2 is a bold and exciting mission full of exceptional challenges and we are proud to be part of it,” says Warwick McCormick, vice presi-dent and managing direc-tor for AGCO-Massey Ferguson. “It reflects the spirit of our brand and our desire to achieve, no

matter how difficult or demanding the path.”

The MF 5610 has been prepared by Massey Fer-guson at AGCO’s Beauvais tractor plant in France.

Expedition ambassador and lead driver is Manon Ossevoort – ‘Tractor Girl’ – who once drove a tractor from her childhood home in the Netherlands to South Africa. Also in the party are seasoned polar explorers Matty McNair (lead guide) and her daughter Sarah McNair-Landry (guide and audio-visual support), Nicolas Bachelet (lead mechanic) and Simon Foster (creative director and audio-visual lead). Expedition specialists Arctic Trucks will provide guidance and safety support.

“It was my dream to drive a tractor to the end of the world, and I was inspired by Sir Edmund Hillary’s mission,” Manon says. “My journey has inspired other people to talk about their dreams, so I set about collecting these dreams with the goal of taking them to the South Pole.”

The MF 5610 has been cold weather tested under the supervision of Massey Ferguson engineering project manager Olivier

TEMPERATURES DOWN to -40oC, altitude of 3400m and deep soft snow will challenge the tractor.

Its 3-cylinder engine remains unaltered but the cab, electrics, air intake and filtration are adapted to withstand the freezing conditions.

Key partner Trelleborg worked with MF to develop multi-purpose tyres for maximum traction and safety.

Tyres are more efficient for this kind of ex-pedition than tracks because they are capable of higher speeds, use less fuel and provide suspension.

The tractor will run on Jet A1 fuel.The expedition also calls on AGCO’s parts

supply and technical capabilities. Parts will be carried and maintenance done twice daily.

The AgCommand telematics system will relay performance data to a 24-hour support team at the tractor factory in Beauvais and en-able them to monitor progress across the ice.

A special version of AgCommand will allow the engineers to regularly analyse data on fuel consumption, forward speed and oil tempera-ture.

ICY CHALLENGE

Hembert. “The polar envi-ronment demands the kind of straightforward, dependable engineering for which MF machines

are famous,” he says. “Our tractors regularly work in very low temperatures on farms inside the Arctic Circle, for example.”

MS1

523

- Im

port

ed b

y C

B N

orw

ood

Dist

ribut

ors

Ltd

6 loader combos6 tractor models6 percent deposit* 6 unbelievable prices6 pack of New Holland gear6 months deferred payment*

Terms and conditions apply. *Subject to normal lending criteria. Offer valid until 31st January 2015.

Visit your New Holland dealer to get your 6 PACK DEAL



Massaging liner wins top prizeDELAVAL’S CLOVER milk liner has won a top prize at Euro Tier in Ger-many.

The liner won the DLV innovation of the year award 2015 in the category milking technology.

The product exempli-fies form following func-tion, the company says. The design ensures the

liner stays in the proper milking position and has a massage effect, ensuring the cow’s comfort with-out compromising milking performance. As a result teat health improves and mastitis cases are reduced.

The DLV innovation of the year awards have ten categories including feed-ing technology, animal

welfare, software and milking technology.

“We are honoured to win this award,” said Jean-Jacques Dreier, portfolio director liners and tubes at DeLaval. “It is great to be accredited by DLV for… products that enhance animal welfare, reduce costs and increase produc-tivity for our customers.”

The company’s Clover liner 20M suits cows with average teats, the liner 20M-EX suits cows with average teats but wide udders, and the liner 20S-ST is for cows with average-to-short teats.

Combining the DeLaval Clover liner with its Har-mony cluster is the perfect match to ensure milking

performance and udder health, the company says.

DeLaval also won a silver medal in the cat-egory for its InService Remote. Criteria for selec-tion included optimising labour management, facil-itating work safety and reducing energy costs.

The system monitors milking solution equip-ment remotely, ensur-ing optimal performance and productivity 24/7/365, enabling farmers to manage their dairy oper-ations from their smart-phone.

“It shows that we’re on the right track with our innovations,” a spokes-man said. “[The remote] supports our customers in increasing throughput and yield while keeping udder

health under good con-trol.”

EuroTier is said to be the world’s largest inno-vations marketplace for machinery, installations and farm inputs for pro-fessional animal hus-bandry. There were 270 innovations submitted by 156 exhibitors from 19 countries to the EuroTier organizer.

The four-day event attracted 2360 exhibitors from 49 countries.

DELAVAL SAYS the Clover liner, launched last year, is milking at least 500 000 cows worldwide.

The liner has thin, concave side walls and smooth, rounded corners that deliver a firm, yet gentle grip of the teat throughout the milking cycle, the firm says.

“This design ensures the liner stays in the proper milking position and provides excellent massage, offering cows maximum comfort.

“Additionally, it provides a low and stable mouthpiece vacuum and avoids the typical clogging and hygiene issues related to the use of air vents on vented liners. As a result teat health improves and mastitis cases are reduced.”

50,000 COWS USING IT

DeLaval’s Clover milk liner has a massage effect.

Industries Ltd Email: [email protected]: www.pppindustries.co.nz

0800 901 902Over 50 years in businessand a trusted name in farming systems

IN SHED FEED SYSTEMS - FIRST SYSTEMS INSTALLED

IN 1967

DISC MILL – LATEST BREAKTHROUGH IN MILLING

EFFLUENT SEPARATOR – FIRST INSTALLED IN 2002

AUTOMATED CALF REARING – EUROPE’S BEST SELLER

Pichon tankers feature:· Fully welded and galvanised tank – inside and out for long trouble free life.· Auto-filler options with operation on either side of tank for fast and easy filling without leaving the tractor seat.· Sprung drawbar for high speed yet stable operation with maximum operator comfort.· High capacity vacuum pumps for fast filling and discharge offer integrated oil reservoir and pump for long life operation.· Retro-fit tank agitation system to prevent sludge and solids build up for trouble free spreading without constant clearance.

Handling muck or slurry, Pichon spreaders are second to none!See for yourself how Pichon can be integrated into your slurry and muck handling system. Ask your dealer for a demo today!

Phone 0800 667 9663 to find your local Pichon dealer or visit www.equipnz.co.nz. The name is spreading MS1

486

- Im

port

ed b

y C

B N

orw

ood

Dis

trib

utor

s Lt

d

Leading the way in agriculture0800 100 123 www.ravensdown.co.nz

1. Prioritisepasture,it’sthecheapest form of feed 2. Checksoilfertilitywithsoiltestsand considerall-paddocktesting 3. Protectestablishingpasturewith anintegratedapproach(fertiliser, pest/weedcontrol,seeds) 4. Planearlyforsummer/winterforage

Talk to your Ravensdown Agri Manager aboutthetoolstohelpyougetthebestoutofyourpastureorcrop.OrcallourCustomer Centre on 0800 100 123.

Four steps to optimise nutrient investment

“ Truly know where you stand and make informed decisions aboutoptimisingyour farm’snutrientneeds.” Dr. Ants Roberts ChiefScientificOfficer Ravensdown

RAVNOV14-DN2-OPTIMISE

Helping grow the countryFreephone 0800 363 363 www.pggwrightson.co.nz

Experience is what really works out there

Over 100 years of experience working throughout rural New Zealand has told us exactly what services customers need and expect in the rural insurance sector.

When it comes to insurance claim time, our focus is on honouring our commitments and giving you the protection and peace of mind you expect. No surprises, no delays.

Our service and claim history backs this up, as do thousands of satis� ed customers.

We’ll give you insurance that meets your needs.

Call 0800 363 363 for more information or to speak with a local Aon Insurance broker.

INDEPENDENCEWe’re not tied to a speci� c set of products, so we can negotiate the best policies, terms and claims outcomes for you.

SECURITYHaving a secure insurance programme is important. Our ability to access multiple suppliers and markets means we can minimise your exposure to risk.

LOCAL KNOWLEDGE, LOCAL ADVICEYour insurance advice and support comes from people you know and trust, who live and work out there in your community.

WE’RE IN IT TOGETHERWe negotiate to get a quick result that works for you.

dairy news 25 november 2014

Documents

lower prices

kgms forecast

low grain prices

new zealand dollar

us dollar

milk production

dairy news

us todayteamwork