Taranaki Farming Lifestyles, April 2014

Alpacas offer shear delightPage 6–7

Research into ryegrass persistence

Gaining the trust of Kaimanawa horses

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Region’s freshwater quality continues to improveby Denise Gunn

Recent environmental monitoring results by the Taranaki Regional Council (TRC) show the freshwater quality of the region’s rivers and streams is the best ever in two decades of testing.

Following requirements under the Resource Management Act 1991 (RMA), TRC instigated a state of the environment monitoring (SEM) programme for the region. The freshwater biological SEM programme commenced in spring 1995.

Two recent TRC reports show widespread and encouraging gains in the ecological health of waterways. Nutrient levels in particular are stabilising and reducing in some cases, falling well within proposed national guidelines.

The TRC use two methods to assess water quality. Primarily the ecological health is examined to determine the types of tiny creatures living in streams. Water samples are also analysed to determine the physiochemical stage, measuring the levels of nutrients, bacteria, and a host of other parameters.

For both sets of measures, the latest state of the environment monitoring reports for the 2012/2013 year have recently been published, covering the

results and analysing medium and long-term trends.

“In terms of ecological health, we’re seeing many waterways in the best state ever recorded, and a similar picture emerges when we look at physiochemical parameters,” said TRC’s director-environmental quality Gary Bedford.

“The latest results build on good results seen in recent years and represent another significant step forward for the whole region.”

“What’s particularly encouraging is that we are seeing some good gains in mid to lower catchment areas, where waterways flow through intensively farmed land.”

Mr Bedford said the reports also indicate there are matters which still need attention. Full reports can be found on the TRC website, www.trc.govt.nz and will also be comprehensively summarised in a Waterways Update to be distributed with community newspapers in the region later in the year.

The freshwater quality of Taranaki’s rivers and streams continues to improve

Read the paper online farminglifestyles.co.nz

TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES April 2014 3

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Research into ryegrass persistenceby Denise Gunn

DairyNZ researcher Dr David Chapman is leading a $5 million project ‘Transforming the Dairy Value Chain’, funded as part of the Primary Growth Partnership programme, to look into poor ryegrass persistence.

Dr Chapman said there are two main possibilities — the sown species are either being replaced by poorer yielding species, or the sown species themselves are changing so that they do not yield so well.

Three years ago, David and his team began a survey to look at perennial ryegrasses growing in 72 paddocks on dairy farms around New Zealand. Samples were taken and a collection formed of more than 15,000 individual plants.

Research to date has noted that it is farmers in northern regions who most often report getting disappointing results.

Dr Chapman outlined some possible reasons. “Perennial ryegrass evolved in a cool, moist climate and doesn’t like warmer night-time temperatures that you get more often in the north,” he said.

“It gets stressed by the more frequent summer dries. They also have unique pest populations like infestations of

black beetle and there’s competition in northern areas from weed grass species like paspalum.”

The research team has also included older cultivars in its project. In autumn 2011, as another part of the project, several ryegrass cultivars were planted in controlled trial conditions to observe how the grass populations change.

Researchers are tracking yield, population densities and which plants survive. They are looking at the structure of the plants, their growth above and below ground, and how they respond to competition from other plants.

They are also testing the DNA of individual plants to check if genetic composition has changed.

Research results will be passed to plant breeders, and the team’s work is also showing how farmers can manage their new pasture for better persistence.

Dr David Chapman studies ryegrass persistence

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Gaining the trust ofKaimanawa horses

BY DENISE GUNN

Sharyn Boness has been a long-time Kaimanawa horse enthusiast. And with the 2014 bi-annual muster coming up, she highly recommends the breed to others.

As a child regularly holidaying in a bach near Lake Taupo, Sharyn was always helping a

neighbour with her ponies. Soon after Sharyn turned 13 years old, she was given a pony of her own. However it was the Kaimanawa horses that continued to fascinate her.

“I always had an attraction to them after seeing them from the Desert Road when travelling through to Taupo,” said Sharyn.

Following the 2001 muster, she was given the opportunity to re-home a Kaimanawa horse and ended up keeping him.

“I gave him a chance and was impressed with his personality,” she said.

Located in the Kaimanawa Ranges in the central plateau region, these wild horses were first reported in the area in 1876. A combination of Exmoor and Welsh bloodlines were then intentionally introduced into the wild herd around that time. In 1941, following an equine disease outbreak, horses from the mounted rifle cavalry were also released. It is thought that in the 1960s an Arabian stallion was liberated to join

the herd too. In addition, horses from nearby farms have either been released or escaped to join the herd.

Following public protests in the 1990s at plans to shoot the horses as a method to manage the population and protect the environment, a mustering programme was established. The most recent muster in 2012, saw 119 of the 191 horses rehomed. The remainder, many of which were suitable for rehoming, were sent to slaughter.

The Kaimanawa horses have proven to be ideal all-round riding ponies and some have gone on to excel in several equestrian disciplines. The most outstanding to date is Watch Me Move. This horse, believed to have been mustered out as a foal, won the Grand Prix show-jumping title, the Pony of the Year, at the New Zealand Horse of the Year show in 2012.

“They have all been fairly laid back and accepted most things except for a very young foal taken from her mother too young, and an old mare who was obviously quite a matriarch.”

Sharyn has been so impressed by the trainability and personality of Kaimanawa horses that she made the


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“This filly was the first of my

Kaimanawas that I was the first

human to touch.”

Sharyn highly recommends the Kaimanawa horse to others

The Kaimanawa horses have always fascinated Sharyn

decision to adopt more. “By this stage the talk of a reduction in the herd was circulating and I made the decision to adopt a filly straight from the muster.

“This filly was the first of my Kaimanawas that I was the first human to touch.”

All of the Kaimanawa horses Sharyn has adopted have been matched up to

her applications. She now owns four Kaimanawa horses on her Hawera property and has been surprised by their ability to adapt to domestic life.

“They become very loyal,” she said.Sharyn plans to continue working with

and training her Kaimanawa horses so they become reliable and trustworthy ponies for children to enjoy.

She also intends to carry on promoting the breed to the public by showing her Kaimanawa horses throughout the country.

“Although re-homing is very important, the preservation of the herd is also a very big priority,” said Sharyn. The next

Kaimanawa horse muster will be held in late autumn 2014 and more than 200 horses are expected to be mustered this year. Horses without homes to go to will be sent to slaughter.

Enquiries and applications to adopt a horse from the upcoming muster can be sent to Regan and Gilson Sharp of the Kaimanawa Wild Horse Preservation Society (KWHPS) at [email protected], or to Kaimanawa Heritage Horses at www.kaimanawaheritagehorses.org. Applications close April 30.


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When she returned to New Zealand and bought a lifestyle block in Hawke’s Bay, Janice decided to

buy some cattle. Shortly afterwards she purchased alpacas, establishing her own stud, Valle de Tuki.

“When I got my own stud, I found it hard to find someone who could shear them,” said Janice.

“I took my own alpacas to another breeder for shearing.”

A couple of years later, Janice attended an alpaca shearing course in the Manawatu, and shortly afterwards began shearing alpacas for that same breeder in Hawke’s Bay. When she moved to Taranaki, she began to shear alpacas for another breeder.

Prior to the alpaca shearing course, Janice had no previous experience shearing. She had, however, learnt how

to professionally clip horses in England while working for an

international show-jumper.On her ten-acre lifestyle

block near New Plymouth, Janice runs a small herd of Speckle Park cattle, purchased as embryos three years ago. She also has 16 alpacas — seven of which are pregnant.

During the busy summer months, she

shears up to 250 alpacas between November and mid-

January, fitting appointments in around her full-time work as a medical laboratory scientist at Taranaki Base Hospital.

GROWING UP ON A DAIRY FARM NEAR STRATFORD, JANICE ALDRIDGE ALWAYS HAD A VARIETY OF ANIMALS. BUT IT WASN’T UNTIL TRAVELLING THROUGH SOUTH AMERICA, WHILE WORKING FOR AN OVERLAND TRAVEL COMPANY, THAT JANICE FIRST SET EYES ON ALPACAS.

“i have one that goes to

sleep and snores.”

ALPACAS OFFER shear delight

BY DENISE GUNN


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Janice travels throughout the Taranaki and Whanganui areas to shear alpacas. Although she is capable of shearing up to 34 alpacas in a day, she also likes to catch up with owners while shearing one or two alpacas.

Due to the alpaca’s rigid backbone, the animals cannot be shorn in the same manner as sheep. Alpacas are usually placed on their side with restraints to keep them as still as possible. If shorn while lying down, the alpaca is placed on a shearing board or specialised sharing table. Either electric hand-pieces or hand-shears can be used.

Fleece is removed from one side of the alpaca then it is rolled over to shear the other side.

Janice takes particular care when shearing crias for the first time to ensure it’s an enjoyable experience for them.

“They are then very easy to handle,” said Janice.“I have one that goes to sleep and snores.”Each alpaca foot has two toes (the third and fourth digits)

and each toe has a toenail and pad. The pad is found on the under-surface of an alpaca’s foot

and is similar to a dog’s paw.The toenails, which protect these pads, grow continuously.

If the alpacas are kept on hard, rocky ground, the toenails wear down naturally. However, as most alpacas in New Zealand are kept on soft ground, the toenails must be trimmed regularly to prevent the nail curling over and causing lameness.

Janice is also capable of trimming alpaca toenails, and injecting the animals to administer vitamins, five-in-one vaccine and worm treatments, while they are restrained for shearing.

While on her shearing rounds, Janice said she likes to see the enjoyment people get from their alpacas.

“It’s also great to catch up with people.”

Janice shears up to 250 alpacas in summer

Janice with her Speckle Park cattle

What is happening in your heart arteries?

Last month we saw that heart artery plaques start with cholesterol becoming trapped in the walls of blood vessels. Free radicals oxidise trapped cholesterol to a dangerous form and over time this can lead to artery blockages. It makes sense then that less circulating cholesterol translates to less becoming trapped. There is a lot more to it than that, especially the role of infl ammation, low antioxidant levels, high homocysteine and of course lifestyle factors such as exercise and diet.

Cholesterol is transported by carriers called LDL and HDL. LDL transports cholesterol from the liver via blood to individual cells to do all the things it is needed for. High LDL is a risk to coronary arteries. HDL transports cholesterol being returned back to the liver so high HDL means your body is effective at recycling that which it cannot use.

While statin cholesterol medications effectively reduce LDL cholesterol they can cause side effects such as muscle weakness, pain and general lethargy. This is mainly because they inhibit an enzyme needed to make Co enzyme Q10 which is essential for muscle energy. If you take statins I recommend a specifi c CoQ10 called CoQSol® which rapidly lifts circulating CoQ10. Call me for information on this.

Some cannot tolerate statins and others with high cholesterol would rather use natural methods to balance their cholesterol. For this group, studies show that the most effective natural cholesterol balancer is a proprietary blend of citrus extract called PMF’s (polymethoxylated fl avones) and palm fruit extract (tocotrienols).

Tocotrienols belong to the vitamin E family and can help to balance the liver enzymes responsible for cholesterol production. PMF’s help balance the processes that make the LDL and HDL carriers for cholesterol. Give me a call if you need more information.

John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. Contact John on 0800 423 559 or email [email protected]. Join his weekly newsletter at www.johnarts.co.nz. For product information visit www.abundant.co.nz.


Fertility — to be or not to beOne of our Farmers, who had been on our programme for many years, entertained a discussion group on his farm, fronted by a Dexel consultant. There was a list of questions that our farmer had to answer and when they got to the infertility percentage the farmer answered ‘none’.

The consultant replied that he couldn’t go on without a number, so after some discussion our farmer reluctantly answered ‘one’. In that area, at the time infertility percentages were over 20 per cent and with the continual bombardment of the soil with nitrates and phosphates these percentages will be on the rise.

Today, infertility is quietly but surely affecting all life: plants, animals, people, fish, birds, bees and butterflies; those special pollinators. What’s happening to our planet?

Agrissentials’ belief is that all fertility is generated through and from the soil. Our best on earth fertilisers are just that. They are designed to target the soil by bringing back health, vitality, energy and fertility back to soils. Agrissentials are achieving this through multi-mineral, microbial rich, energised fertilisers based on nature’s own principles that have been pumping and propagating away for the past 460 million years; since the time when the first plant popped its head above the soil.

Here’s how it works: the soil micro-organisms are the first creatures to dine at the mineral table, converting those raw minerals into a plant available form, wrapping them in humus so that they don’t leach and the plant roots go into the humus, taking up the minerals they need.

Humus, which is carbon, not only holds the mineral but holds water too, making both of these available to the plant. Humus increases the water retention quality of the soil. What a great system, especially during times of drought.

The plant in return for the favours performed by the micro-organisms exudes sugars and proteins through its root system to feed the microbes. This is known as the symbiotic relationship between the plant, its roots and micro-organisms.

The microbes are designed to look after and manage the soil. They are the farmer’s friend, a major part of the farmer’s team and they are excellent at looking after that part of the farm, the soil. They are a highly programmed soil management team. Why would you destroy this valuable team with chemicals?

The more microbes in your soil the better your soil performs. They are temperature driven, will work 24 hours a day, become dormant when it is cold, but when operating, never ask for a pay increase, never go on holiday and if left alone are programmed to turn your soil into a , live, living, breathing, pulsating, energy rich fertile soil — that’s their job.

When the plant receives mineral, it converts that mineral into an animal and human available form. All this transfer of mineral to plants, animals and people

works at the cellular level, the ultimate level for maximum uptake of minerals ensuring health, vitality and fertility.

Fertility comes from food via the stomach. The more nutrient-dense the food, the better it is recognised by the cells to transfer into energy, growth and production. What’s happening in the gut of the animal and the gut of humans is the same thing that is happening in the soil which acts as the gut or stomach of the plant. The soil micro-organisms are the same microbes in the gut of fish, animals and humans. All life is intrinsically tied to these micro-organisms. The equation to grow a plant is micro-organisms + minerals + moisture + sunlight. Agrissentials specialises in providing the minerals and the microbes, the basis for a fertility rich soil.

Times are changing, so it’s a good time to change to a system that works with nature and benefits the farm, family, production and the environment — that’s all bases covered.

There’s never been a better time to call with Agrissentials’ atmospheric nitrogen

A D V E RT O R I A L

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For more information call us today on 0800 THE KEY that’s 0800 843 539 today for a FREE INFO PACK or you can contact your friendly representative Adrian Rowe (North Taranaki) on 021 873 304, or John Winter (South Taranaki) on 021 738 513 to find out how we can make your farm more successful.


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SEPTIC TANK OWNERS

Septic tanks and multi-stage septic systems are delicately balanced environments. It does not take much to upset them. Common practice is to ignore the septic system until problems occur. Good and best economical practice is to always keep your septic system well maintained.

A malfunctioning septic system can become a health hazard. When a system is not maintained or operated as a delicately balanced environment, problems occur. These problems include nasty odours, leach line blockages, untreated liquid rising to the surface, toilets gurgling and taking time to empty. At this stage your septic system is a serious health hazard to you and your children. Human waste produces faecal coliform bacteria, a source of viral and bacterial gastroenteritis as well as Hepatitis A and other diseases. Hepatitis can be a debilitating condition and cause long-term harm to children.

There are only three remedies. One: stop using the septic system until it recovers. This can take over a month and is not normally practical. Two: excavate your septic system and relocate it. This is very costly and time consuming, sometimes requiring new resource consents and different systems. Three: treat your septic system with Septi-Cure™ every six months.

Septi-Cure is Cost effective. By far the most cost effective solution is to pour one litre of Septi-Cure™ down each toilet bowl every six months. This simple action will help keep your system working at top efficiency by reducing solids and scum. Instead of emptying your tank frequently, the reduction in solids and scum saves you expensive pump out costs. Your irrigation field and leach lines will become clear of slimes and blockages so nature can handle the gradual seepage and evaporation for you. When this is happening your system will be

Problematic septic tanks – treat with Septi-Cure™. Prevent septic system problems – treat with Septi-Cure™.

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operating effectively and not endangering you or your family’s health.

What is Septi-Cure™ Septi-Cure™ is a concentrated mixture of selected naturally occurring microorganisms. These harmless tiny organisms live and multiply by feeding on waste material. When introduced to your septic tank system, they go to work straight away digesting waste material, reducing solids and scum, allowing your septic system to start operating to its maximum efficiency. As they progress through

to your irrigation field they feed on the slimes that prevent seepage and evaporation. When seepage and evaporation return to normal, you have reduced the risk of contaminating groundwater and the environment as well as reducing the chances of infection for you and your family. Eventually, they get washed out of the system and have to be replaced to continue their work. This is why you introduce Septi-Cure™ to your septic system every six months for maximum efficiency.

A satisfied customer in Hamilton has been using Septi-Cure™ for three years. He says this allows them to have an odour-free septic tank with low maintenance costs. He also says that his service person is amazed at how well Septi-Cure™ works, keeping their tank in very good condition.

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Remember to pick up your FREE 2014 Game Bird Hunting Guide

with your hunting licenceFish & Game is a non-profit organization & all licence fees go back into managing the Fish & Game resource

FISH & GAME NZ TARANAKI REGION - Ph. 06 345 4908

We wish all Gamebird Hunters

a Safe and Successful Season

Taranaki hunters assured of eight week mallard & grey duck season

A D V E RT O R I A L

After some recent media reports, hunters could be forgiven for thinking all North Island Fish & Game regions had cut the season length for mallard/grey duck.

But in fact, Northland, Hawke’s Bay and Taranaki regions have retained their usual eight week season and daily bag limits.

Despite the dry conditions, there should be plenty of ducks available for hunters who do their homework to fi nd out where the birds are concentrated. We base this view on the increased number of complaints we’ve received

from farmers about paradise shelduck and mallards causing damage to chicory crops, plus our own observations in the recent game bird trend counts.

The dry conditions have seen mallard and grey duck fl ocking to the region’s rivers, streams, lakes and ponds that have retained water, while paradise shelduck have been drawn to farmer’s chicory paddocks, with those located

away from everyday farming activity, or with rolling contours that allow birds to feed out of sight being particularly favoured. As always, the key is to talk with local farmers and work out what

the birds are doing, and when. Fish & Game Rangers will be out checking on compliance, so please carry your game licence with you and obey the regulations.

2014 Game Season Regulations — Taranaki Fish & Game Region

Species Season Duration (dates inclusive) Daily Bag Limit Hunting Area

Grey/mallard duck 3 May to 29 June 2014 10 All areas

NZ shoveler duck 3 May to 2 June 2014 2 All areas

Paradise shelduck 3 May to 29 June 2014 10 All areas

Pukeko 3 May to 31 August 2014 10 All areas

Black swan 3 May to 29 June 2014 1 All areas

California quail 3 May to 31 August 2014 5 All areas

Cock pheasant 3 May to 31 August 2014 2 All areas

All other game bird species[1]

3 May to 31 August 2014 1 All areas

[1] Wildlife declared game as listed in Schedule 1 Wildlife Act 1953

by Allen Stancliff, Acting Manager, Fish and Game New Zealand


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New edge to a sharp favouriteIt’s known by many names worldwide — the Foreman and the Rancher are just a couple — but farmers and outdoorsmen in New Zealand will know Honda’s iconic 420cc quad bike by sight rather than by name.

That’s just how ubiquitous the big red machines have become — a mud-spattered image of Kiwi farming for many years, reliably there every morning for farmers from the cape to the bluff.

Now change is afoot in the Honda ATV world, with big engineering and design paradigm shifts making the 2014 Honda 420 a more nimble, agile and comfortable proposition for those long days in the saddle. Two things remain the same — Honda have not pitched in to a sheer battle of empty horsepower with this latest offering, and they have kept it red. Under that rugged, squared-off new skin, there’s a whole lot of difference though.

Developed at Honda’s sprawling United States R and D base in Ohio, the new 420 (there code-named the Rancher) has benefited from a ground-

up chassis and suspension system redesign. This ‘double cradle’ frame is built super tough to handle anything which the Kiwi farmer may throw at it, and a new swingarm and rear axle setup more evenly distributes the weight across the quad, allowing for more precise manoeuvring and safer control on uneven surfaces.

Honda’s 420cc mill is legendary, and time has simply allowed the Honda engineers to make it more reliable and bulletproof. Coupled to a state of the art auto transmission, the single overhead cam donk delivers ample torque with a squeeze of the throttle — no mammoth amount of race-level speed, but then again, that’s not what the 420 is built for. Instead it’s composed, capable and torquey as heck, ready to haul ‘you name it’ just about anywhere.

by our motoring correspondent

Hondas next generation 420cc quad offers dramatically improved handling

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A way through for dairyingThe Government appointed Commissioner for the Environment, has again criticised the government’s fresh water policies, saying they are inadequate for the maintenance of present water quality.

There is little in the national policy for fresh water management that would prevent the dire 2020 scenario in her report on water quality presented last year becoming a reality.

Amy Adams the Environment Minister rejected the criticism and said the commissioner seemed to be deliberately forgetting that every council will be required at a minimum to maintain water quality.

Bryce Johnson of Fish and Game said the commissioner’s comments were timely and that the current government’s enthusiasm for irrigation with very little attention to the serious consequences scares the hell out of them.

Willy Leferink of Federated Farmers says farmers aren’t dumb, and are regulated by rules as well as economic sense and with every kilogram of nitrogen costing $2 farmers want to mitigate the loss of nitrates.

There is much in each statement that is factual and relevant, and most importantly little by little the discussion is getting to the heart of the matter — the annual application of more

than 500,000 tonnes of urea to our 15,000 dairy farms at an average of 150kgN/ha.

Thirty years ago very little urea was applied, and one of the consequences of applying nitrogen, now around 230 million kilograms annually is becoming apparent. In a number of areas the amount of Nitrate N in groundwater is rapidly approaching the level where health warnings will have to be issued. It’s been claimed that New Zealand’s water is already ‘stuffed’ and we don’t accept that, however large dairy farm developments currently applying for irrigation rights claiming Nitrate N leaching losses will be mitigated by ‘yet to be developed technology’ highlights a real issue.

It takes ten years for sufficient information to be gained to know whether a new product or process will actually provide the desired results, and even if the ‘yet to be developed technology’ was available tomorrow ten years is too long to wait.

The only valid argument for the continued use of fertiliser nitrogen is that much less pasture would be grown without its use. Not one of the scientists that have supported our work agrees with that.

MAF pasture measurements from the late 70s early 80s recorded annual

pasture growth in excess of 18 tonne of dry matter annually without the use of nitrogen fertiliser. Annual pasture growth from permanent pasture now is significantly less. DoloZest and CalciZest based total nutrient packages have been used for ten consecutive years on intensive dairy farms and total annual pasture production this season will measure close to 20 tonne, substantially exceeding any conventional system.

Nitrate N losses from leaching on the Berryman property, the ESI focus property, meet the current Ministry of the Environment ‘good’ standard, about one third of the losses from a comparative property using a conventional N driven programme.

Each component of DoloZest and CalciZest has a proven benefit.

The key to the substantial improvement in performance is due to the innovative way in which the products have been put together and combined with conventional nutrients.

It’s unique technology developed here in New Zealand for our conditions — technology that local farmers can rightfully claim as their own and use with an immediate lift in total farm production and a reduction in nitrogen leached. For more information contact Peter on 0800 843 809.

Soil Matterswith Peter Burton


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WATER STORAGE PROBLEMS?

D A I R Y

Effl uent pond treatmentA D V E RT O R I A L

Impact is a complete product with macro/micro nutrients and trace elements that convert dairy effl uent from anaerobic bacterial dominance to aerobic bacterial dominance. It is non-toxic, non-hazardous, and can even be consumed by human and animals without any detrimental effects. The use of Impact converts effl uent into an aerobic state, dominated by fl agellates (aerobic bacteria). These bacteria can digest up to 12 times faster and do not produce noxious gasses. The solids are reduced to levels as low as 5% of the original amount.

Following are actual comments from real farmers.

“I have always had an 18 to 24-inch thick crust on the top of my oxidation pond. After three months of using the product I noticed a signifi cant improvement. When I prodded a shovel into the crust it created a rippling effect, which indicated to me

that the crust was breaking down. I can now push a pipe to the bottom of the pond and hear it scrape on the pumice bottom. I could never do that before I started using Impact.

“We haven’t touched the effl uent pond at all except for pumping out six to seven times a year, but the cleanliness of the pond is just incredible.

“Since using Impact a clear stream of water rather than green slushy stuff comes out of the pipes. Impact was the best thing that ever happened to me. I no longer needed the pond stirrer I bought at Field-days.

“Another advantage is that pasture can be eaten by the cows only a couple of days after application, (of the treated effl uent). Really, it’s a no brainer.”

Impact is available from BioMagic Ltd. www.biomagic.co.nz. Tel 09 424 4476.

Fonterra offers guaranteed milk price option after successful pilot

by Denise Gunn

The outcome of a successful pilot scheme has resulted in two opportunities for Fonterra farmers to lock in the price paid for a percentage of their milk in the 2014/2015 season.

The pilot involved 328 farmers supplying 15 million kgMS for a guaranteed price of $7 per kgMS this season. The $7 price was based on the opening forecast for the season.

A Guaranteed Milk Price (GMP) will be offered on 60 million kgMS in two portions. Applications to supply 40 million kgMS will open in June, offering a 12 month GMP. In December, applications will open to supply 20 million kgMS with a six-month GMP offered on production from December 1. Further details, including the process to set the GMP price and allocate volumes to farmers applying, will be provided in May.

Fonterra chief financial officer Lukas Paravicini said the positive feedback from the pilot shows the GMP is seen as a useful tool for farmers to manage price volatility and secure income certainty.

The opportunity to apply for the GMP in December meant farmers could follow the Farmgate Milk Price trend for the first half of the financial year before deciding whether to lock down the price for some of their production in the second half.

Mr Paravicini said the GMP has given farmers certainty around a proportion of their income for this season.

“Having certainty means they have been able to confidently make decisions around servicing debt or making

capital investments on farm, especially when prices are volatile and this certainly comes regardless of the final Milk Price.

“It is a useful risk management tool for farmers who want to take advantage of it. Some may want to use it every

year, others when they want financial certainty to undertake major projects or negotiate debt.”

Mr Paravicini said the GMP also provides certainty to Fonterra with the ability to lock in longer-term contracts with customers at a set price.


Andrew Anderson Feilding/Taihape 027 7029 496

Tony Cox Wanganui 027 5965 144

Eric Constable Wanganui/Taranaki 027 4409 784

Want to find the best way to market your wool?Expertise is only a phone call awayPGG Wrightson Wool Ltd handles in excess of 350,000 bales annually through its wool store network strategically positioned around New Zealand and its export company Bloch and Behrens.

Meet Your Local Wool Representative at PGG Wrightson Wool

L I V E S T O C K

Any retailer in the fashion world will use New Zealand Merino as their main selling point, and rightly so. The locals and tourists are attracted to the fine texture, warmth and durability of the garments like ducks to water.

But now I have discovered that the fine wool breed has come of age as a dual purpose breed and are being marketed as aterminal sire.

Any negatives have been sorted out by selective breeding and rams are pouring out of the high country and being established on farms in the rolling hill areas as sires over Polwarths, Corriedales, and a raft of other breeds.

The result is seen through a better wool clip off the progeny and of course the meat has that fineness the Merino is known for.

Even the fertility has been looked at, and while there is no mention of the gene that was looked at on Haldon station all those years ago, and rightly so (you will have noticed I couldn’t bring myself to actually use the name of the gene) there is an improvement within the breed when it comes to a lamb drop

that the ewes can feed and rear. I am sure people won’t be surprised that Merinos are being so progressive. After all the breed has always been able to not only grab opportunities, but they create them and then grab them.

I am not suggesting the other breeds are being left behind because they certainly aren’t. Corriedales and Romney’s, for example, are doing huge amounts of research and development work.

The other positive is that farming is very inclined to be a series of cycles.

While dairying has the front of the stage at the moment, other forms will rise up again.

Remember that in past eras nearly every region had its own dairy company making butter and or cheese, and dairy farms were scattered around the factory as people supplied the factory with cans of product.

It is all on a totally different scale now of course, but the dairy wheel turned back then and sheep and beef ruled along with cropping.

Yes, OK — the present wheel isn’t likely to turn for a long time if ever, but when the wool and sheep meat wheel

Merinos — the new dual purpose breedThere is no doubt that Merino sheep are the most recognisable wool breed in New Zealand.

by Rob Cope-Williams

swings upwards again those who stuck with sheep will be in the pound seats and ready to go. It’s all about outlay and return on capital so do some

sums and you just might be surprised just how good sheep farming is even though it doesn’t look all that great from the outside.


AUDITEDDISTRIBUTIONPrint run 10,006 ABC audited circulation 9,885 audited Jan–Dec 2013.


p 0800 466 793 e [email protected] PO Box 474, Dargaville 0340


Taranaki Rural Marketplace

TARANAKI FARMINGCLASSIFIEDS

Phone 0800 466 793

Energy EfficientDO YOU LIVE IN A WINDY SPOT? 3 phase wind turbines starting at $2,200 includes 450 watt turbine, 6m pole, charge controller and inverter, Batteries not included. Ring Colin at Windpower Waikato Phone 0274 831 041 A/H 07 843 7983 Email [email protected]

FARM BRIDGESPhone Pat now 0800 222 189 – Visit www.bridgeitnz.co.nz

BRIDGE IT NZ LTD

For SaleSTOLEN QUAD-BIKES? You won’t find any listed here, but you can pre-empt this kind of thing happening and protect your fuel too. Visit www.parabeam.co.nz or call 0508 727 223 for more information.

Animal Health ProductsAPPLE CIDER VINEGAR, Garlic & Manuka Honey 20L - $49.95, 200L - $450 or 1000L - $2000 + GST with free delivery. Black Type Minerals Ltd. Phone 021 185 1501. www.blacktypeminerals.co.nz

ON THE FARMSAFETY FIRST

Wreckers of all Road, Trail, Farm Bikes and Quads.Full Service and Repairs on all makes of Farm Bikes.

Frame Repairs, Plastic Welding, RebuildsNew and Used Parts for most Models FOR SALE.

Also FOR SALE Secondhand Two Wheeler and Four Wheeler Bikes and Quads

Big AlsMOTORCYCLES

• ROAD • ATV • Wreckers

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Big Al’s has expanded and has shifted from Tweed St to 25a Bisley Street

We Buy Old and Used Motor Bikes and Quads 08006453 33MIKE DD

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TRUCK & 4WD DISMANTLERSEND OF MAYNE STREET, WAITARA Phone Joe, Dave or Bruce

Ph 06 754 9006 or 0800 878 251Email [email protected] Fax 06 754 8966www.taranakitruckdismantlers.co.nz

TARANAKI TRUCK DISMANTLERS LTD

• Septic Tanks & Filters.• Wastewater Treatment Plants.• Water Tanks, Pumps & Filters• Farm Tanks / Killing Sheds.• Residential & Commercial.

• Quality Products & Service.• We Design, Manufacture, Install and Service our own NZ Made Products.

T 06 353 6157 F 06 353 3020 FP 0800 253 273E [email protected] www.wrighttanks.co.nz

Use fast acting CRAMP-STOP at any time – at any time – during the night, during or after sport.Spray once under the tongue and repeat in 30–60 seconds if necessary.

• Fast acting • Easy to use • Good safety profile

Order Online: www.hchformulas.com

CRAMP–STOPFor Muscle Function – A Natural Approach

or PH 0800 620 600

Stratford Auto Electrical Computer Diagnostics Alternators & Starters Competitive Prices Air Conditioning & Battery Specialists

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Documents

Taranaki Farming Lifestyles, April 2014