Waikato Farming Lifestyles, February 2012

Dairy GoatsLifestyle and world leading business

Page 8

Ancient tradetakes pride of place in Pirongia

Waikato

Farming LifestylesFebruary 2012 Edition Phone: 09 439 6933 | Freephone: 0800 466 793 | Fax: 09 439 6930

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Llama trekking — a popular adventurePage 6

February 2012 Waikato Farming Lifestyles2

The Waikato Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by

NorthSouth Multi Media Ltd, a privately owned NZ company.

Phone: 09 439 6933 or 0800 466 793 • Fax: 09 439 6930

Email: [email protected] • Postal Address: PO Box 474, Dargaville

Physical Address: Lifestyler House, 107 River Road, Dargaville

General Manager: Deb Wright

Editorial:Paul CampbellAnnette Lambly-Robinson

Graphic Design:Greer MackayGavin BainbridgeDavid StevensEmily Stevens

Advertising:Glyn ParkerKylie BauckeBetty Willetts

Production:Jenny Crundwell

Managing Editor: Allan Mortensen ([email protected])

Accounts: Lesley Robinson ([email protected])

Waikato Farming Lifestyles Distribution area

Going further, staying in touch 29 Maniapoto Street, Otorohanga0800 655 055 www.wtkc.co.nz

*Conditions: Prices are per person and subject to availability, fuel surcharges and currency fluctuations. Spaces are limited. Taxes and surcharges are correct as at 10 August 2011 and may vary according to routing, carrier and foreign exchange fluctuations. Cancellations or change fees will apply. A non refundable deposit of $1000 per person is due at the time of booking to secure your place with the balance due 16 March 2012. Minimum numbers apply and we reserve the right to cancel the tour if the minimum numbers are not met. Please ask your World Travellers Consultant for our full terms and booking conditions.

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Dramatic career move pays dividends

by Annette Lambly-Robinson

Lisa Hicks has achieved her dream job — dairy farming

Lisa Hicks and partner Graeme Sorensen ‘grabbed the bull by the horns’ six years ago and made a dramatic career change that now sees them 50/50 share-milking a 170-cow herd at Rongotea, near Palmerston North.

At 45 years of age Lisa has found her dream job and lifestyle and is looking forward to a future in the dairy industry.

“We’ve worked in a few different industries, I’ve had jobs like merchandising with Anchor and Graeme, who is a mechanic by trade, has worked as a car-parts sales person,” says Lisa.

“We had some land in Hastings and ran some bulls on it. But I’d always had a passion for calves and cows. We leased out the bull farm, set out to get ourselves trained up and went for it.”

The couple secured junior positions on a Dargaville dairy farm and, keen to learn and ‘do it properly’, dived into AgITO workshops, on-line training and ‘any conferences that we could get to’.

With a focus on up-skilling and making industry connections, Graeme and Lisa were in a strong position to enter the regional 2010 Farm Manager of the Year Competition.

“We weren’t successful in the competition, but every opportunity is an opportunity to learn and the experience showed me, while I had gathered a lot of great knowledge and skills I really lacked confidence in public speaking,” says Lisa.

“One of the components of the competition was preparing and giving a two-hour long presentation — it was really a gap that I needed to fill.”

A recent student and industry survey gave a clear message — attitude, character, personal principles and people skills are still extremely valuable to those already established in their careers.

In 2010, through the Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre Lisa began a ‘Generate' course — a professional and personal self-development and growth programme.

The programme, aimed at up-skilling those in the rural sector, taught her presentation, preparation and delivery skills.

Their hard work and unwavering focus on learning proved a recipe for success when the couple won the 2011 Federated Farmers Leadership Award.

“We aim to own our own dairy farm in three to five years,” says Lisa.

Alongside the share-milking work Lisa has begun a side-line import business.

She is also now in demand as a speaker, having already presented to Young Farmers her next presentation at SMASH, the small herd conference in Palmerston North in March.

She has recently joined the Lower North Island SMASH committee, an achievement she is particularly proud of. “I feel like I have come along way in a short time — I’m loving it!” she says.

Lisa is now recruiting Generate students for Taratahi in 2012.

The Generate programme is offered free of charge with graduates gaining a nationally recognised Certificate of Rural Leadership.

Generate courses are starting in Wellington, Masterton, Feilding Dannevirke, Taradale, Hamilton, Whangarei, Invercargill and Fairlie as well as at Massey and Lincoln Universities in February/March 2012. Enrolments are open now.

Please contact Clarissa Notley at [email protected] or 0800 827 2824 for further information.

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Currently New Zealand food manufacturers and sellers operate under regulations that are 30 years old. These regulations need to be updated to ensure that the food people buy is safe and that those selling food take responsibility for the food they sell. It’s a fact that New Zealand has one of the highest rates of food poisoning in the developed world.

Before Christmas, an anonymous internet campaign began spreading misinformation about the Food Bill and making claims that scared a lot of people unnecessarily.

They claimed that the Bill was being rushed through Parliament before anyone could be made aware of it, that the Bill would make growing your own veges a privilege, not a right, and that food safety officers with guns would soon be storming into private homes.

The facts are very different.

The Food Bill has gone through extensive public consultation over the past four years. In 2010, it was passed by Parliament’s Primary Production Select Committee with cross-party support, and is due to go before Parliament sometime this year.

No one will come under the scope of the Food Bill unless they are selling or trading food for commercial purposes. Food grown at home for personal or family consumption, or given or exchanged for other food with friends is not within the scope of the Bill.

If it becomes law, the Bill will require those involved in the commercial trade of food to operate under one of three regulatory systems, depending on the level of food safety risk involved.

Those in the lowest risk category — including small traders running roadside stalls or selling their own horticultural produce at farmers markets, charity

Digesting the Food Bill — fact vs � ctionThere has been a lot of talk and a lot of misinformation spread over the holiday period around the proposed Food Bill. In my role as Minister for Food Safety, I am responsible for the Bill, and I’d like to take this opportunity to set the record straight.

By Kate Wilkinson, Minister for Food Safety

Kate Wilkinson,Minister for Food Safety

sausage sizzles and bake sales — would simply receive free ‘food handler guidance’ information. They will not need to register anywhere, and will incur no extra costs.

The Government recognises that charitable and community events such as sausage sizzles, home bake sales, and other fundraising events are an important part of our Kiwi lifestyle. These will continue to occur as they always have. The Bill is designed to protect, not

harm, as the Bill’s critics would have us believe.

Finally, it is simply nonsense that armed Food Safety Officers would enter premises without a warrant. Food Safety Officers will not be armed and will retain the same powers that they have had for the past 30 years under the current Food Act 1981. It is extremely disappointing that the current misinformation campaign has caused so many people to worry unnecessarily.

There is nothing to fear from the Food Bill. It is all about improving food safety, updating out-dated regulations, and helping grow our economy.


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When the Osments purchased the 80-acre farm on Pukemoremore Rd in 1997 it was being operated as

very small commercial dairy goat unit, but the decision was made early in the piece to expand the herd to make the farm more viable.

Initially milk was supplied to a dairy factory in Waiatoa until The Dairy Goat Co-operative purpose-built goat dairy factory was opened in Hamilton in 2003, where it is spray dried and turned into infant formula.

The DCG is a world leader of goat milk powder products. It developed the world’s first commercialised infant formula from goat milk, the world’s first long-life goat milk, and continues to develop and manufacture a range of premium speciality formulations based on goat milk.

Breeding quality dairy goats has been a focus of the Osments since the beginning. Currently they have around 400 Saanen does and 60 Anglo Nubians in the milking herd.

It is the Anglo Nubians which hold a special interest for Emma and Colin.

Early in 2007 they imported a number of selected does


and bucks from Australia. Nubian’s produce slightly less milk (volume wise) but the milk has a higher butterfat content and therefore higher milk solids. Because farmers are paid on a milk solid basis the Anglo Nubian is a good commercial prospect.

“Our eighth highest earning doe is a purebred Nubian,” says Emma.

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A commercial dairy goat farm on the outskirts of Cambridge has been the home, passion and business of the Osment family for the past 15 years.

Colin and Emma showing two anglo-nubian does at Royal Show Waikato 2011

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The goats are housed full-time in a large barn. “They have access to fresh air and sunshine, but are not allowed to eat from the ground. The fresh grass is cut and fed along with other supplements to the goats via conveyor belts.

The ‘zero graze’ practise is used mainly because it eliminates worms — a major problem for large grazing herds.

Colin says goats do not develop a natural resistance to worms as other grazing species do and this necessitates the need for regular drenching.

Once an animal is drenched its milk has a withholding period and cannot be put into the vat — meaning loss of production.

Retaining the goats indoors also lessens incidence of scald and foot rot, allows diet control and eliminates problems and loss of production from exposure to the elements.

It can be bucketing down with rain or boiling hot sun — our goats don’t have a care in the world,” says Colin.

From mid-July to mid-April the goats are milked twice a day in a 20-aside herringbone shed and fed grain in the head bails as an incentive to coming into the milking shed.

Emma says goat milk is naturally homogenised so is an ideal alternative to cows’ milk because it is more easily digested. It is also suitable for those who have an intolerance to the protein content of cow’s milk.

“There is no goaty taste if the goats are milked out correctly and the milk kept at the right temperature.” says Colin.

Kidding starts in late June running through to September.

The farm is run by the couple and their five sons, Jacob (14), Dan, (13) Jack (7), Leo (6) and Lucas (3) as well as ‘good staff who milk and help rear the kids’.

A few cattle, two thoroughbred horses, a Welsh pony and two miniature horses share family life at Osment Dairy Goats Farm — along with four dogs and five cats, a white turkey Araucana and Polish hens and Pekin and Silkie bantams.

“It’s a good life with the whole menagerie getting along pretty well,” says Colin.

Osment farm is now able to supply semen, embryos and livestock national and internationally and welcomes this opportunity to benefit other dairy herds and breeders.

Visits and farm stays can also be arranged by appointment.Well fed, clean and comfortable — does rest peacefully in their barn


Hosts: Bob & Sandy Dawson Piopio, Waitomo. PH: 0064 7 877 8297 www.greenmountllamas.co.nz

Peace....

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Bookings Essential. Accomodation available 2012.

Enjoy a totally unique New Zealand experience with true kiwi hospitality.Wander the spectacular hills of the King Country with your friendly guideand gentle llama.

Stop for a homemade treat for morning tea, lunch or afternoon tea - or all three.Sample some of NZ’s world famous wines sitting in pristine NZ scenery.The treks can be tailormade to your needs from 2 hrs to an entire day.They can be as easy or as challenging as you wish.Your hosts Sandy and Bob have lived in this area for more than 28 yearsand love to share their knowledge and love for the countryside.

For more information contact us or visit our website.

Be amazed by the stunning beauty of the scenery and the total peace of

Llama trekking – a popular adventure


Trekking mountain ranges is something most people associate with the Andes in South America, but for those with a hankering — llama trekking can be done

much closer to home — at Greenmount Llamas in the King Country.

The trekking business came about almost by accident after a TV programme featured the llamas — but more about that later — let’s go back to the beginning.

Sandy Dawson first saw llama during a visit to the National Agricultural Fieldays in Hamilton about 15 or more years ago.

It was a matter of love at first site and while Sandy and her husband Bob were already busy enough farming 1500 acres at Pio Pio, where they farm sheep and beef, Sandy was smitten and wanted a couple of llama as pets.

“The llama (at the fieldays ) were so friendly — real people animals and I liked what I saw,’’ she laughs.

What started out as a hobby, soon turned into a breeding venture and now Greenmount Farms has around 50 llama of various ages. “We bought our first two llamas as pets, in July 2001. Within the first couple of months we knew we wanted to go further — breeding,’’ she said.

The llama side of Greenmount is now run as a registered stud with a focus on good conformation, good nature and fine fibre.

The better quality yarn is used for a number of purposes, felting, knitting, spinning and weaving. Sandy also makes and sells a number of products with the fibre including a range of baby clothing, made from cria (baby llama) fibre.

About three years ago Country Calendar did a show about the couple.

As part of the filming that went to air was the Dawson’s trekking over the steep hills using the llama to carry equipment.

“Once it went to air the enquiries started pouring in,’’ said Sandy. “We had always talked about trekking as a business venture, but had never got around to it.’’

Now with the popularity of trekking growing so much the couple have decided next year to slow down the farming side and concentrate more on the llama trekking.

Sandy says the llama make the venture extra special. ‘’They all have their own personalities, are neat to work

The sound of pipes over the hills. Bob Dawson says goodbye to the day

Neal of Kinsey Agricultural Services, Charleston, Missouri is a soil fertility specialist who lectures and consults to

farmers and horticulturists world-wide serving 66 countries.

Golden Bay Dolomite Limited and the Neal Kinsey NZ group is pleased to inform that again in 2012 we are to sponsor this “dean” of soil fertility to visit Taupo, Bay of Plenty and Invercargill, Southland to present his three day “Principles of Building Soil Fertility” workshop.

Neal is one of the foremost practitioners of the Albrecht – style soil fertility balancing and is the author of his book “Hands on Agronomy.”

Many of the attendees of the previous years’ courses followed up on Neal’s teaching and advice. As a result they have proved to themselves and others that biological farming is the

new way forward. Many have reported positive changes to pasture, animal health and profit! This is especially pleasing considering the challenging seasonal weather conditions and recessionary times.

Often farmers become bogged down in the detail of a sophisticated soil audit and are confused as to whom to believe.

Neal conveys the message of soil fertility in a simple to understand manner that just makes sense to his audience.

Neal offers world-wide examples

of how and why the system works including examples from New Zealand.

What we learn from the successful Albrecht system of soil balancing is that when calcium and magnesium and all other nutrients including the micro-nutrients are in proper balance in the soil, crops thrive, animal health improves, weed and insect pressures lessen and yields and soils improve season after season.

This year’s sponsors Golden Bay Dolomite Limited and the Neal Kinsey NZ group would like to extend an invitation to you to attend this course.

We believe that the investment of $560.00 (plus G.S.T.) and the time in attending these three days will enhance your knowledge and perhaps the knowledge of your colleagues into the future – we look forward to you participating in a three day course.

We are passionate about the services

and products we provide as healthy soils are a prerequisite for healthy crops, healthy animals and healthy people. It is the informed farmer who is at the forefront of this chain. The goal of all farming operations must be to produce top quality nutrient dense food for our generation, our children and our grandchildren.

“Principles of Building Soil Fertility”

Course Venues & Dates:

TAUPO Huka Falls Lodge Taupo

March 5th - 7th 2012INVERCARGILL

Ascot Hotel Invercargill March 12th - 14th 2012

Neal conveys the message of soil fertility in a simple to

understand manner that just makes sense to his audience.

Neal Kinsey, by popular demand is returning to NZ in 2012 for the third time to present his three day courses.Peter Norwood, well known animal nutrition expert from Australia will be joining Neal at these events

To check out Neal Kinsey’s credentials:• www.kinseyag.comTo check out our website containing further information and to register:• www.nealkinseynz.co.nz• [email protected]• www.goldenbaydolomite.co.nzOr Contact:Anna Mayne 0800 546 [email protected] McLean 0800 549 [email protected]


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with — normally gentle animals to farm — they are just cool.’’

Males over two years of age are used for trekking, each able to carry about one third of its body weight up to 40 kilograms.

Handled from an early age they are all halter trained and taught to lead, tether and carry panniers (saddlebags). The couple don’t bother with gelding as there has been no need to — such is the nature of the animal.

Trekking usually takes advantage of the better weather over summer with treks arranged to suit the ages, abilities and requirements of each group. Meals and beverages can be arranged.

Sandy and Bob have farmed Greenmount for 30 years and purchased the farm from Bob’s parents in 1987.

The gardens are a feature of Greenmount — a tribute to Sandy’s green fingers and a wonderful backdrop for Bob to wander as he plays the bagpipes on a summer evening.

“Our driveway is 4.5 kilometres long so no chance of complaints from the neighbours,’’ laughs Sandy.

Bob and Sandy are both competitive members of the Te Kuiti and Districts Highland Pipe Band.

Their two children Michelle and Peter played the drums and so as a “matter of if you can’t beat them join them’’, Sandy learned to play the side drum and more recently the tenor drum with the band.

Having the opportunity to work in such a paradise is not overlooked by the Dawsons.

“It’s a great way to earn a living. I think the best part of the job is being able to do something we really enjoy. We own really beautiful countryside that we tend to take for granted. Now we see our land through other people’s eyes — it makes us more appreciative of what we have got,’’ said Sandy.

“But the coolest thing is seeing the interaction between people and llama — from grown men kissing them to children hugging them — it’s beautiful — heart warming.’’

Bookings are essential. To organise a trek contact Bob or Sandy Dawson 07 877 8297.

The Incas were the original domesticators of llamas, high in the Andes

Mountains around 4000 BC. They were used for meat, wool, skins,

fertiliser, and their dung was used for fuel for fires.

But their most valued asset was as a beast of burden – contributing to

local farm maintenance and providing long distance transport to carry

the Inca’s wares.

The Incan empire depended on llamas to transport goods, root crops, and

building materials to remote and isolated locations throughout the South

American Highlands.

The llamas have minimal impact on the environment. Their leather padded,

two toed feet don’t damage the ground and their natural agility gives them

a sure footedness akin to mountain goats and other animals that live in

mountainous country.

At Greenmount the animals are shorn once a year (the older ones can be

left for two years, depending on the length of their fibre) and after Sandy

has sorted it (much as you would sheep fleece ) it is sent to the Missa Fine

Fibre Mill in Hastings for processing.

Nowadays the guard hair is removed so that the ‘prickle’ factor is taken out

of the fibre – it makes it softer and more comfortable to wear.

They are relatively easy care - happy to survive on grass (particularly partial

to herbal grasses) hay, lucerne and pellets with zinc (for eczema prevention)

over summer.

Llamas

beast of burden

If you’re reading this – then so are your customers

Advertise today Phone 0800 466 793


Septic Tank OwnersHow you can save money by keeping your septic system effective and healthySeptic 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 effi ciency 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 fi eld 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 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 micro-organisms. These harmless tiny organisms live and multiply by feeding on waste

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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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“I was 15 years old and really wanted to be a sign writer. But jobs, let alone apprenticeships were few and far between so I accepted the offer to learn from two master stone masons and found to my own surprise — I was made for it,” says Taffy.

In fact Taffy grew to love the specialised, craft. “It allowed me to be creative, and while it is heavy work which requires strength — I really love it.”

He is very proud of the fact he is a certified, qualified stone mason, taught in the traditional methods.

Taffy cuts and splits the stone in the age-old way dating back to the dawn of civilisation — he uses a hand held hammer and chisel. His tutors recognised his passion — extending their protegé’s

skills with special techniques known to only a few — he even made his own work chisels.

After two years in the quarries cutting stone he was then taught the process’ of installing the stone.

Not only did Taffy create new stonework, but he worked on restorations of numerous churches and castles and stone cottages scattered around the Welsh countryside, specialising in arch work.

The history of the old buildings fascinated him — sometimes he imagined the tales the walls might tell. They certainly told a lot about the social conditions of the time.

Some of the old cottages had windows so small there was almost

Ancient tradetakes pride of place in Pirongia

Learning the trade of stone masonry was not Paul (Taffy) Williams choice of career, but forty plus years ago, back home in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, being offered an apprenticeship was not something one turned down without careful consideration



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no light — this was due to the fact the owners were taxed on the amount of light that was let into the cottage,” he said.

“Then there is the ‘pandy clock’ set atop a stone pillar — its fourth face facing the foundry never installed so workers could never know the time and where wage payment was made in tokens, never in cash. There are plenty of similar stories,” he says.

Almost 12 years ago Taffy and his family followed other family members and emigrated to New Zealand looking for a better lifestyle. “Wales was struggling economically at the time and I didn’t see it improving in the near future.”

Originally he had no intention of continuing masonry, but was drawn back in after seeing a need for certified tradesmen. He set up his own business

in the Waikato town of Pirongia and began working with the various schists he freights up from the South Island. They arrive bagged in one tonne lots at Hamilton where Taffy collects them in his truck to transport back to Pirongia.

It’s a softer stone than the blue pennant used back in Wales, but still stands the test of time well enough says Taffy. Its various colours lend themselves to different styles — from

rustic to contemporary depending upon how it is laid.

“Every stone is an individual, you can split, cut and shape it to the desired finish. For example some people like a heavy mortar — others want a dry-stone wall look where the stone is shaped and fitted more carefully and minimal mortar is used.”

He has no personal favourites saying he enjoys whatever he is working with. “I’ve been fortunate, a lot of my clients have allowed me to do mostly what I want,” he said.

Fake schist (stone veneer) is abhorrent to Taffy who shuns the practise as a cheap option that will not last. “There is no substitute for the real thing,” he says. “Stone outlasts anything — even the timber frames.”

With the exception of his youngest

son, Llyr, he works alone, preferring to trust only himself. “I’m passionate about my work — I’ve pride in what I achieve. But occasionally Llyr helps me out — he sort of had no option but to learn it really — he’s helped out since he was a child — you know how it happens,” he laughs.

Currently in between jobs he’s busy building his own place — a large garage with open plan apartment above reached by an internal twisted staircase. “I’m using a brown stone and huge macrocarpa to give it a rustic look,”he says.

Placing and motaring – stone by stone

Check out theCELTIC STONEWORK Advert on page 16

“ Every stone is an individual, you can split, cut and shape it to the desired � nish”

February 2012 Waikato Farming Lifestyles10B U S I N E S S P R O F I L E

Experienced family dental team, Dr Henk and daughter-in-law, Nettie Eksteen, stillbelieve in old-school values at the Old Villa Dental Centre. Values like honesty,integrity, quality care, respect, courtesy and consideration are actively practiced,valued by the whole team and extended to patients welcomed through the frontdoor.

Patients are made to feel at home by friendly team members, who see themselvesas part of the family, so do some of the longstanding patients at the practice.Words like “Thank you, you’ve made my day” are often heard as people walk out.Home-baked goodies and gifts with thank-you notes hold pride of place in theirmemoirs.

Henk and Nettie Eksteen have a lot to offer their patients. Being one of the firstdental practices in the Waikato to introduce pain-free dentistry to their patients,the team has now added a Velscope cancer test (on request) to their detailedannual examination, which includes digital, low radiation xrays as well as treatmentprioritising as a consideration to their patients.

“We’re a friendly bunch of people who believe in prevention. Our dentists andhygienists are lovely and practice up-to-date dentistry,” says daughter LuanneEksteen, who is a qualified dental therapist.

Henk, who grew up on the family farm, loves a good yarn. His patients describehim as gentle, confident, enthusiastic and efficient, while daughter-in-law Nettie,always the perfectionist, is as calm as the ocean on a very good day! Both dentistsare very gentle, with patients often commenting “I didn’t feel a thing!”

Both Henk and Nettie believe that in the current economy, maintaining optimaloral health is the cheapest form of dentistry. A core value is that in most cases, withthe right home care and dental plan for your family, you are able to keep your teethhealthy and in your mouth until you don’t need them any more!

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Recently developed products are now available which can help farmers in the battle against facial eczema.

The fungicide carbendazim, the active ingredient in products like Sporeguard has been developed as a more effective option to zinc supplements.

The product controls the production of toxic spores and therefore removes the need to use toxic doses of zinc.

Trials involving animals on treated pastures have reported significant increases in production and live-weight gains when compared to zinc treated animals.

One application has been proven to control the spore-producing fungus for up to 40 days, but to be effective it is critical the first application goes on before pasture spore counts rise above 10,000 spores/gram, which can be as early as January. A good even coverage is also required.

Ravensdown vet, Gavin Goble, says not all animals display obvious

symptoms of facial eczema yet may still have sufficient liver damage to affect production, reproductive performance and long term survivability.

Prevention is the only way to minimise the impacts of this terrible disease which costs NZ farmers millions of dollars each year.

During the warm moist weather at this time of the year, toxic spores of the fungus Pithomyces chartarum are produced at the base of the pasture and these cause liver damage when eaten.

For many years, zinc has successfully been the mainstay in preventing facial eczema either by oral drenching, water treatment or adding to feed.

The disadvantage is that to be effective, doses of zinc need to be high which reduces water intake and appetite leading to weight and production losses.

“Prevention is the only way to minimise the impacts of this terrible disease which costs NZ

farmers millions of dollars each year”

Battle against facial eczema

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February 2012

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The Cameron family, Ben, Justine, and their children James, Izaac, Grace and Abbie, milk 360 cows on their 110ha farm on Taukoro Rd, Morrinsville

Aside the milking, the family also run a successful contracting business and have been doing so from the mid 1990’s. Ben started contracting with a new ef� uent tanker, but due to farmers switching to irrigators, demand grew less and less for this service.

“But it’s amazing how things in life come around full circle, as due to pending requirements for regional council requirements for the farmer to store the ef� uent during the winter months, especially in herd homes as they can produce a higher dry matter ef� uent, which can be very dif� cult for

the irrigation systems to manage. This is why I decided to buy a new Joskin ef� uent tanker with a trailing shoe. This can handle all consistencies of ef� uent, with no smell and better, next to no loss of nitrogen, so keeps farmers fertiliser costs to an all time low. The smell issue means that you can work around populated areas with no complaints regarding the odour. Another bene� t of the tanker system is that I can go to paddocks that the irrigators cannot reach, which means an even distribution, an even growth and even fertilisation.

“I was asked, ‘Why a Joskin tanker?’ — With the options and speci� cation, I felt it was the correct machine for me and my clients to do the best job.”

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FA R M W H E E L SFarm Wheels – Waikato Farming Lifestyles February 2012 13

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As is traditional for the end of a busy year in the automotive sector, groups of experts have been putting their heads together recently to decide just which cars, vans, utes, SUVs and motorcycles were the cream of the crop for the last 12 months — the stand out performers in a very competitive field.

As these groups are empanelled (and we’re talking top motoring journalists and pundits from famous websites, TV shows and newspapers under the heading of the Motoring Writers Guild) the manufacturers are left in the same nervous state as school kids waiting for exam results.

Well, the people have spoken, and the results for 2011 are in. And leading the charge to the trophy cabinet this year is Ford, whose ‘world car’ programme has turned out some stunning new vehicles

of late, including award winners like the Focus and Ranger.

What can we say about the new Focus? It’s been minutely dissected by the same press who have now declared it overall New Zealand Car of the Year, taking in features such as it’s responsive yet economical power plant, its sleek styling, and its almost uncanny ability to park itself. The old Ford Focus was no slouch — a rally-winning little battler that was well mannered on the road as well. But the new Focus is ahead of its time when compared with many of its competitors. A deserving winner of the top spot for 2011, and well worth a test drive just to see why.

A similar paradigm shift is apparent in the Ranger — a ute which blends the unstoppable power (and some of the styling) of the legendary F150 (at one point they were selling one of these a minute in the USA) with the practicality and toughness we demand in the Kiwi back country. Idle talk? No — AMI Insurance and NZ Autocar magazine agree, awarding the new Ranger their overall Car of the Year award, and following that up by crowning the big Ford Best Ute as well. It’s the first time ever that a ute has won the ‘best overall car’ badge, and a drive in the Ranger will

Ford � lls the trophy cabinet with 2011 accolades

show you why — for all that solid metal grunt you’d swear you were riding in a luxury sedan when you get the Ranger onto suburban tarmac.

“With the Focus winning the Guild award, 2011 has been a fantastic year for Ford,” said Neale Hill, Managing

Director of Ford New Zealand. “It’s certainly a sign that our One Ford plan is working. Perceptions about Ford continue to strengthen, thanks to our ongoing introduction of new vehicles that are leading in quality, fuel efficiency, safety, smart design and value.”


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If your home was built before 1991, chances are you are living in a home with no wall insulation. Research has shown that just insulating your ceiling and under floor does not significantly reduce the heat lost from your home. It is important to complete the thermal envelope of your home by also insulating your walls.

Airfoam is the only system designed specifically for insulating existing walls without having to remove cladding or linings. And one of the best times to insulate is during the warmer months.

Reduce mould, dampness and draughts, creating a healthy, comfortable and energy efficient home by completing the insulation of your home. Ensuring that money spent on heating or cooling is spent wisely. Like you see in the EECA adverts on TV.

In summer, heat invades through uninsulated walls, and makes the home hot and stuffy. By insulating the walls of your home the heat entering the home is reduced, resulting in a more comfortable inside environment in summer, as well as winter.

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Renovation is pretty much the key to the real estate maxim that you should buy low and sell high.

But the first big question is simple: is remodelling less expensive than buying or building a new home? Depending on the building condition it can actually be more costly to remodel than to build new.

It takes more time to demolish and clear and then begin building than it does to just build from the beginning.

Many homeowners underestimate the cost of remodelling. The costs of materials or availability of labour can fluctuate widely.

You may also run into problems with building codes that must be brought up to date. You may encounter lead paint or pipes and in fact older homes may even contain asbestos.

New building codes will usually involve wiring and plumbing or heating.

Regulations here in the Waikato cover the installation of wood-burner heating and are fairly strictly applied by local councils.

So renovating a home can be a good financial decision, if you do your homework.

Talk to others who have undertaken similar projects. Forewarned is forearmed.

Start small. If you have never installed ceramic tiles then don’t tackle that big job first. Instead, begin with a bathroom and if that goes well then try the kitchen.

Keep it realistic. The most common error when renovating a home is complacency.

The rule of thumb is that it will always take more time and much more money than you expect.

“Many homeowners underestimate the cost of remodelling. The costs of materials or availability

of labour can � uctuate widely”

Continued on page 16 …



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Find out about building codes and permits in advance. Failure to file proper permits can result in hefty fines — or worse — difficulty selling your home in the future. Make sure you understand requirements.

Have a back-up plan. Things go wrong. An injury takes place, an unexpected emergency cuts into your budget, all types of things can and will happen. Have a crisis plan of action that you can implement.

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…Continued from page 15

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The Science behind the Neal Kinsey NZ group

Kinsey Agricultural Services specialises in building and maintaining soil fertility for optimum quality and yields. As a consultant, Neal Kinsey’s job is to advise those who want guidance on how to improve their soils, crops, pastures and animals, so the clients’ production targets are better achieved.

Certain fertiliser materials are recommended; they may not be the cheapest materials to buy, but they are the best, when considering the superior results achieved. Recommendations are solely focussed on improving each client’s speci� c soils and crops. The soils’ needs are determined by a speci� c set of tests that may differ from other labs, but are based on mimicking the plants ability to extract nutrients from the soil.

Neal Kinsey studied soil science under Dr. William Albrecht, Emeritus Professor of Soils and former Chairman of the Department of Soils at the University of Missouri; College of Agriculture.

Dr. Albrecht was born on a farm in Illinois. He grew up with an intense interest in the soil and all things agricultural. These he approached, however, through the avenues of the basic sciences and liberal arts. As he and his associates unlocked the secrets of nature, they recorded their � ndings over the decades between the 1930’s and 1970’s. Dr. Albrecht held four degrees — B.A, B.Sc, M.Sc, and Ph.D. from the University of Illinois. He travelled and studied soils in Great Britain, Europe and in Australia. During his long teaching and learning lifetime, Dr. Albrecht wrote no less than 445 papers on sound agriculture, and almost all have been reprinted in the world’s major languages.

Each agricultural practice is now being rightly questioned as to sustainability. Despite that, many diverging parties claim to occupy the moral high ground, leading to farmer confusion.

Soil Scientists are not familiar with all laboratories, tests and procedures that exist. Like everyone else, they only know what they know. Sometimes they feel threatened by certain developments, because it challenges what they believed and what they still believe. Time after time we hear “Where’s the proof?” Put simply, lack of proof for these doubters is a lack of effort on their part to do the research and � nd out for themselves. They simply do not take the time or effort to educate themselves to understand the science behind the programme, and have therefore failed to correlate such testing with actual � eld results in terms of yields, stock health

able to improve the situation for the client.The proof of the pudding is in the eating. You can only prove

what is being said here by doing it in the � eld. In some cases, the complete response may take up to three years to achieve. In most cases, results are evident within a month or two, but almost certainly within the � rst year. If you still have doubts about the effectiveness of the programme; try it on a small scale. You will not regret it. The results you get will prove; this is true science.

and production. Some, from our institutions in New Zealand even claim that overseas soil tests do not work for NZ soils. If that were true, then how can they explain the superior results we obtain?

We are committed to encouraging farmers to understand the “true science” behind soil testing and fertiliser application. So what is that real science?

Dr, Albrecht emphasised that to be true science, it must be highly repeatable. What science does the growers or farmers need to know to produce the best possible result? To begin with, the soil test must be accurate. If you can’t measure it; you can’t control it. It controls you. In these circumstances, you are subject to the whims of nature and � uctuating yields, diseases and results. A worthy soil consultant, working with a truly scienti� c soil test must be able to differentiate between soils that produce top quality crops and those that don’t; and be able to tell why. Furthermore, he must be

The Neal Kinsey NZ group has been recently formed to bring superior fertility to as many farms as possible. It is responding to a trend of declining results, particularly with pastures, but it is very relevant to all crops. It strongly recommends using the expertise of Kinsey Agricultural Services to assess the soils’ needs

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I’ve found the summer veggie garden this year a little difficult to keep going productively. In my neck of the woods I’ve found this December’s odd mix of warmth and ample rain has ‘bolted’ many of the plants.

The summer gardenby Annette Lambly-Robinson..

This happens when the weather starts to get hot, causing the plant to rapidly go to flower and seed. If plants think they won’t survive, they will put all their energy into producing seed for their species’ survival and future crops.

Vegetables such as spinach, silverbeet and lettuce are some which commonly bolt but my broccoli heads seeded within a few days of forming, while the garlic and spring onions have flowered and will need to be pulled out. Peas and beans need to be picked daily or they are stringy, as do the courgettes or they become marrow overnight. In fact the only veggie that seems to have survived well are the beetroot and potatoes — very yummy straight from the garden.

The experts say to slow plants from bolting try planting such crops in an area of the garden which gets partial shade, and keep them well watered. This seems to have worked for the lettuce, especially the various loose leafed — non-hearting varieties which are practically ready within a few weeks of planting out the seedlings. I am tending to pick the whole plant rather than just the leaves and replanting fresh seeding grown in recycled washing powder boxes, paper cups or egg cartons snipped off when ready to form little cell plants. You can plant the whole box, carton or cup without the need to disturb the plant meaning the seedling suffers less stress when transplanted.

I’ve also been told of a good trick which keeps lettuce better in the fridge — I used to wrap the root end in damp newspaper or put the whole lettuce in a plastic bag — but storing them in a sealed airtight plastic storage container works best of all and they last a lot longer. It’s also a good way to keep strawberries a little longer as well.

The other problem I’ve been having is insects — the cauli

and cabbages have been attacked and mostly ruined. I guess the pigs, chickens and rabbits have had a plentiful supply of greens, but it seems a waste not to mention disappointing to have them almost ready to harvest and then ruined. I am trying covering them with a net (its seems many of them are airborne pests) and this seems to be working along with a bit of slug bait for those on the ground.

While the net is working it can blow off in the strong winds we have also been experiencing so I’m thinking of resorting to using some chicken wire frames.

It will keep the birds away and a double layer of the finer mesh should keep the pesky white butterfly at bay. Derris dust works well for these winged invaders, but the rain or watering washes it off so I reckon it is worth a go and cheap enough to make using re-cyled timber. A couple of bent nails should hold them in place or even a couple of hinges on one end so they can be opened and shut easily.

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Celebrity chef’s Al Browns book Go Fish combines the author’s two great passions — cooking and fishing — and brings readers more than 100 exceptional fish and shellfish recipes.

Covering crustaceans, shellfish and fin fish of many varieties, Go Fish is a great guide to sourcing and cooking fish.

His sense of humour shines through with his recipes almost inviting the reader to go fishing (or at the very least to pop off to the nearest fish shop).

Mr Brown’s recipes are all about simplicity, yet sophistication, character and sometimes an element of surprise.

Stunningly photographed by Kieran Scott, Go Fish is the must-have cookbook for every New Zealand household.

It takes us back to the simple days when a great meal could be had by simply casting your line from the dinghy. It’s about getting back to the fundamentals of life — of enjoying the environment around us and making the most of what we have.

The owner of restaurants, Logan Brown in Wellington and Depot in Auckland, Al Brown is also known as co-presenter of the award-winning television food series, ‘Hunger for the Wild’, which introduced great Kiwi characters and tracked New Zealand’s finest wild food to produce dishes of game and seasonal delicacies. ‘Coasters’ and the upcoming ‘Get Fresh’ follow on in the same vein.

Author: Al BrownHardbackPublishers: Random House

He has loved fishing since he was young, from days fishing with his dad in the holidays, and he still loves nothing better than fishing with his mates or his kids.

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FARMING FACT INCREASED PROFITABILITY STARTS WITH HEALTHY SOILBy simply correcting your soils calcium and magnesium base saturation levels with a calculated application of fine ground dolomite you will significantly reduce your farms liming/animal health & fertiliser outgoings.

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Far too many farms, and it is not just those with pastures and hay meadows, suffer from a failure to consider and feed all of their livestock properly. You would think any successful beef or dairy operation would never entertain the idea of starving their livestock to reduce the feed bill — at least not knowingly. Surely most would think this could never apply to those farms and ranches that are interested in building and maintaining biological activity in the soil, but in many cases, it actually does!

BEST SEAT AT THE TABLESoil microbiologists tell us that measuring

all the life in an acre of soil is equivalent to the same weight as that of an average-sized cow. What’s more, this life in the soil always eats at “the first table” and the crops or stock get what is leftover. If there is not enough for the life within the soil and whatever is to be produced there, guess who gets the first choice. The soil microbes take what they need first and the plants eat at “the second table.”

How many farmers and growers consider the need to feed an average-sized cow per acre even before the crops they are trying to grow there or the animals feeding there are able to acquire what is needed to properly grow and produce? This is why Dr. William Albrecht always advocated, “Feed the soil and let the soil feed the plants.”

Even so, the soil does not just operate on the biological laws of science. It is also subject to the physical laws of science that determine the pore space for water and air in each soil which provides the proper environment for biological activity. The amount and type of lime you use or fail to use generally determines this air and water relationship. And this same land is subject to the laws of chemistry that determine whether each element will remain adequately available in the soil for use by the plants that grow there. All of these laws are important and do not change in any part of the world where plants are to be grown. The combined effects that each of these laws will have on the others must be considered in order to have the most productive soil and grow the best crops and livestock.

Beyond pHFeeding Soil Microbes for Fertility, Productivity

by Neal Kinsey (reprinted from Acres, USA)

There are very influential people in agricultural thinking who strongly disagree with what is being written here next. Some seriously believe the points being advocated here are just another ruse to try and be different enough that farmers and growers will think they should send soil tests to our company instead of some other consultant. However, our business is not about seeing how many people we can get to send us soil samples. We are a consulting company, not a soil laboratory or fertilizer company. We want to locate and educate clients so that they know the value of doing what needs to be done for building and maintaining the fertility of each different soil.

GENERAL DIRECTIONOne of the biggest mistakes made when

building up fertility for cropland and pastures is to rely on the use of a pH test to tell whether the soil should be limed or not. Most conventional wisdom for agricultural production places great emphasis on soil pH. But ask those who insist on using pH and they will tell you that such a soil test is only meant to provide a general direction for the fertility of each field. And pH does provide a general direction. Just about everyone acknowledges that a pH of 6 is better than 4.5. But just using pH to determine when and how much to lime can cause the grower relying on achieving the utmost productivity from that land a serious shortfall in terms of both yield and/or quality.

You won’t likely hear or read this from an agricultural university — more likely the exact opposite would be true. But you can learn by experience that what is given here is actually the case. And as Will Rogers once pointed out, some people learn the facts by reading, some learn from seeing the experience of others, and some just have to touch the electric fence for themselves. Such experience can be especially meaningful for those who have been led to believe that when growing crops on a field with a pH of 5.5 liming does not pay.

To prove to yourself what actually is required, just take one field that is not producing well and split it. Test both sides separately to be most accurate. Then treat according to what the pH would indicate as needed on one side and treat based on actual nutrients shown to be required by liming on the other. On field after field where the testing has been done correctly and a proper analysis has been performed to establish the presence of the nutrients that most affect soil pH, providing the correct type of limestone, but only in the proper amount, will always pay. This is true on soils that test both below a pH of 6.0 and above a pH of 8.0 based on the soil analysis advocated and used for testing soils by Dr. William Albrecht. And more often than not, the pH does not provide a complete picture of what type of fertility a soil actually contains.

When the soil pH is in the 5.5 to 8.0 range its principle make up is determined by four elements — calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. The problem is a combination of too much of one or more of these elements and too little of one or more of the others can cause the pH to look good when in fact the soil is lacking what it needs to provide good nutrition for the plants growing there and those that consume them. On some tests from near the coast and in parts of the western U.S. the sodium will have an undue influence on the soil pH. On other soils farmers may cause problems by using only one particular limestone to maintain the pH, not considering the need of providing an adequate supply, but not an excess or too little of either calcium or magnesium contained in that limestone.

When liming is being considered, care should be taken, especially in lighter, sandier soils, to assure that sufficient magnesium is present. Studies have shown that magnesium in the soil actually helps to attract and hold more water there. Soils that are too low in magnesium will tend to dry out more quickly. It is not just the kilograms of magnesium shown to be available in the soil that determines how the plants will take up and utilize it. Uptake also has to do with the amounts and concentrations of other elements like calcium and sodium in that same soil. If the soil is lacking magnesium it will cause specific problems and if the soil contains too much it will cause another set of problems. This is where sampling and the use of the soil’s cation exchange capacity to measure both the actual and the needed saturation of magnesium will most accurately identify and determine how to correct the situation.

When a soil has too much of one element, it will not have enough of something else. A good soil test should tell farmers what is causing the pH to be where it is. Such tests should enable farmers and their consultant or fertilizer dealer to identify any excesses and deficiencies in each field.

To control any nutrient that is excessive in the soil, begin to make any corrections first by supplying any required nutrients that are shown to be absent in the correct amounts.

Supply any deficient nutrients to control any excessive nutrients. This is the true beginning for building balanced soils. The soil is the plant’s stomach. This balancing is not just for supplying the needs of livestock, but to supply the needs of all that will benefit from what is being produced there. When a fertility program is employed that only considers the needs of the crop, and not the needs of the soil, that neglected soil, the crop and whoever or whatever consumes it will all pay a steep price.

Far too many farmers assume that the soil they have can never be changed for the better. However, once the nutrient make-up of the soil is considered and not just the pH, even problem soils can be changed for the better. A good example in pastureland is pugging, or soils that are easily tromped down by livestock especially when wet. Note that some fields, or in some cases, even areas of the same field, tend

to have the problem more-so than other areas. Check the areas that have the worst problem with pugging as compared to those that do best under the same conditions.

Use any good soil test that shows the percentage of calcium, magnesium, potassium and sodium. Compare the numbers and see what they show. The closer each one of these specified elements are to the needed percentage the less pugging should be evident there. The correct amount of each nutrient in the soil, in particular that of calcium and magnesium, actually form a stronger support system to better withstand the foot traffic of cattle or any other livestock grazing there. The same principles apply to help fields better withstand wheel traffic needed for planting and harvesting. Such needs are not solved just by knowing the pH, but by measuring the percent saturation of the elements that most affect how the soil holds up and performs under wet conditions.

For example, many of the soils in parts of Eastern Europe, Ireland and New Zealand have quite good levels of calcium, but are very low in magnesium which shows more trampling or pugging damage. Yet on the other hand, many heavy clay soils have extreme levels of magnesium and insufficient calcium to allow proper drainage and they too suffer inordinately from pugging problems. Though both situations are related to two major elements (calcium and magnesium) contained in limestone, the needed solutions are quite different.

There are several factors to consider when determining the need for liming each soil (principally supplying needed calcium and magnesium) and how much is enough. These include the nutrient holding capacity of the soil, the calcium and magnesium content of liming material to be used, the fineness of grind of the lime to be applied and how much is needed to supply what each soil is lacking, and yet at the same time assuring the lime used will not cause an excess of either one. All of these factors should be considered for each different type of soil. Furthermore, the amount of lime to be used there must be properly measured and its use managed accordingly. The soil test and a good limestone analysis should be considered as absolutely necessary to assure both accurate and sufficient information is available to make any needed corrections or changes. More growth, better moisture utilization and higher nutritional values are all possible when the correct amount of calcium and magnesium are maintained in the soil.

For more information on soil testing and other aspects of soil fertility contact our office directly (Neal Kinsey NZ Group – 0800 546 739) for your specific needs. And for those who consider the points made above of utmost importance, we encourage the establishment of a test area to help determine whether a fertility program such as the one mentioned here can provide the needs for building better soil, building more life in that soil, and increasing the yield and value of crops to be grown there to benefit all the “livestock” in the soil and all those depending on the results.


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Friends, the outdoors, prizes, farming and fun — what more could a kid want? This year's AgriKidsNZ Competition will be held in Taranaki/Manawatu on March 12

One of seven regional finals (the first held in Otago/Southland on February 12 ) being held around New Zealand the competition is one of the highlights of the primary school year.

More than 600 primary school children took part in last year's competitions and organisers are looking forward to more of the same action this year.

New Zealand Young Farmers organise the competition to takes place alongside The National Bank Young Farmer Contest.

Teams of three are tested on what they know about New Zealand as well as their farming knowledge.

NZYF business development manager Roz Lever says the energy, enthusiasm and teamwork seen at the competition

Kiwi kids gearing up for AgriKidsNZwas a testament to Kiwi kids and their love of the outdoors and being active.

“The competitors are always so keen to get stuck into things. Sometimes they’re off farms and know exactly what they’re doing and sometimes they’re just there to learn and try something different. The competition really does cater for everyone. For some of these children the competition is their one chance a year to have a rural experience.”

AgriKidsNZ is open to students in year four to eight who can enter for free by downloading an entry form at www.agrikidsnz.co.nz.

Teams must complete a series of practical and theoretical modules before they can progress

through to the fast paced race-off to determine which teams will head through to the Grand Final in Dunedin on May 25.

Competitors also have the option to join the AgriKidsNZ Club — a network of over 1200 children, many of whom have competed in the regional finals within the last couple of years.

AgriKidsNZ Club Members are kept up to date with all the latest information on the competition and receive four AgMag Magazines a year, packed with all sorts of fun farming facts, stories and puzzles.

A full list of dates is available on the AgriKidsNZ website.


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Images from AlbertlandWilliam Harold Marsh, farmer, father, early Albertlander and adventurous photographer captured a time of enchantment, when life was lived at a slower pace and governed by a different set of values,

priorities and ambitions.

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With the payout high and interest low, it’s a really good time to fix the things that are causing some grief around the Dairy.Before you upgrade to new Milfos cup removers or a Milfos Variable Drive Vacuum System it would be sensible to evaluate things that could impact on your proposed upgrade.Sparkies generally do a great job, however, we regularly come across wiring of all sorts that has been installed incorrectly.For instance we see the right cable used on say, a milk pump controller, but still bundled with everything else so it creates interference with the controller and bingo, a slightly crazy controller. Unless you know what to look for it can be a painful process to find as it looks like a faulty controller.This is important for all sorts of systems from pulsation controllers to cup removers and the more sophisticated the system the more careful you have to be. We recommend keeping data cables as far away from power as possible.We have all heard about stray voltage, yes it does exist and can cause all sorts of issues, we have found a major source is the cable and terminations between Variable drives and Motors.There is a lot of documentation supplied with variable drives with regard to the cable to be used and metal glands for terminations etc, these are minimums and a good Sparky will follow manufacturer’s recommendations or better. If in doubt get it checked.Don’t forget the effluent or water pump, same deal, and move the electric fence unit to the implement shed, they can be an interference nasty in the dairy.For sensible advice on Upgrades, find your local Milfos dealer or Area Sales Manager at www.milfos.com.

Notes from the shed with Mark McKewen

It’s fair to say it’s not a cheap exercise, but one that can save you money, not only on grades etc., but also in ongoing costs.

Large dairies with big herds are no problem; twin filters with isolating valves (use one at the start of the season, and in the flush change filters between herds) or maybe a large top load option.

But the bulk of dairies are smaller and a good few years older. Most will have one or two small filters that have been okay until now.

With two small filters you use two filter sleeves per milking. While upgrading your shed we can install a larger single filter, which would halve the number of filter sleeves used, saving you money and of course meeting regulations.

Your local Milfos Service Partner can advise on the filter size required

once they know your herd size, any increases you are planning, and size and type of parlour. Easy!

When you contact your Milfos Service Partner ask about the Special Milk Filter Upgrade Deal!

While we’re on the subject of upgrades, we’ve had a tremendous response to our iCR cup remover promotion. Thank you!

Because of the huge response we’ve decided to offer the iCR deal again. Register your interest now as it’s for a strictly limited time.

Find your local Milfos Service Partner details or Milfos Area Sales Manager at www.milfos.com.

We look forward to hearing from you soon,

Mark

We have had a lot of enquiries lately about milk filters, compliance with the regulations and the filter size that is suitable for your dairy

There are a number of factors to consider when making maize or whole crop silages. These include crop maturity at harvest, harvesting conditions, stack con� guration, feeding out, previous experience plus the type and actions of the bacteria in the inoculants.

Conventional silage inoculants have been formulated to supply high levels of homofermentative lactic acid producing bacteria. These speed up the rate of fermentation and reduce ensiling losses, resulting in more silage with improved palatability that is used utilised more ef� ciently leading to higher production. Enzyme only products tend not to be favoured as they merely provide an energy source to the resident population of bacteria, which produce a number of acids one of which is butyric, which is unpalatable.

These homofermentative inoculants have also been demonstrated to improve silage stability after the pit or stacks have been opened. However, in some cases aerobic spoilage, due to growth of yeasts and moulds, have still been an issue. This has often been associated with drier mature crop silages, where compaction may have proved dif� cult, or with large stacks where it takes several days to clear the face.

Inoculants containing high levels of Lactobacillus buchneri, which is a heterofermentative bacteria that produces both lactic and acetic acids, have been used, where silage instability has been an issue. Acetic acid inhibits growth and multiplication of speci� c species of yeasts that contribute to silage heating. High levels of L. buchneri are required to produce suf� cient acetic acid to be effective. The FDA stipulated a minimum level of 400,000 cfu/g wet material for claims of improved aerobic stability.

The question then, is how to decide on which inoculant to use to produce the best silage. Reviewing the factors listed in the � rst paragraph will help answer this question. Consideration needs to be given to both ensiling and feeding

out, as conditions during either may be conducive to aerobic spoilage of silage.

The basic principle is that one should use homofermatative lactic acid producing bacteria, if all the conditions are favourable, as they tend to be more palatable. However, mature crops tend to be more dif� cult to compact, providing easier access of air after opening, so are inherently less stable after opening. Inadequate compaction may also arise when the time required for adequate compaction through rolling is exceeded by the rate of harvesting, or if layering of the crop is too thick to be adequately compacted. In both these cases an inoculant containing L. buchneri might be the better option.

Once silage stacks have been opened then some other factors need to be considered. First is the rate of silage removal from the face of the stack, relative to its size. Air penetrates the silage from the open face, facilitating growth of yeasts and moulds, so suf� cient silage needs to be removed from across the face of the stack to limit their growth.

The extent to which air penetrates depends on the method used to extract the silage. Machinery that cuts the silage from stacks result in a clean, tidy faces, whereas loaders may create air channels into stacks and leave untidy faces, which may heat up more quickly. In cases where it takes several days to remove silage from the entire silage face, or when it is dif� cult to achieve a tidy face, then use of an inoculant containing L. buchneri could be considered.

In summary, an inoculant containing homofermentative lactic acid producing bacteria is generally the preferred option under good ensiling and feeding out conditions, whereas one containing L. buchneri would suit challenging ensiling or feeding out conditions, or on farms where heating silages have been an issue previously.

Which Inoculant for Maize & Whole Crop Silages?

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His new employer sent the employee confirmation by way of a letter that he would be offered employment. An employment agreement was not enclosed with the letter of offer. The employee, in the initial negotiations with his new employer, stated that he would not take up any job offer that involved a 90-day trial period. The new employer verbally agreed to this. The employee moved on to the new employer’s farm and after commencing work, his new employer presented him with an employment agreement, in which it maintained that a 90-day trial

period was stipulated. The employer did not advise the employee that he was entitled to obtain independent advice, nor did he give me him a reasonable opportunity to seek that advice. The employee felt trapped and pressured by the employer. The employee feared that he had no choice but to sign the agreement and did so in the belief that he thought he may be dismissed after he had started work. The employer consequently dismissed the employee and claimed that the 90-day trial period disqualified the employee from claiming he was dismissed unjustifiably.

Employment 90-day trial period not an unquali� ed licence to dismiss employees

This Court decision reaffirms that all employers are required to present and negotiate an employment agreement with an employee before the commencement of the employment. Negotiating retrospectively can be costly.

90-day trial periodEmployers can make an offer of

employment to a prospective employee that includes a trial period of up to 90 days. Trial periods are voluntary and must be agreed in writing and negotiated in good faith as part of the employment agreement. A trial period can’t be offered to a new employee who was previously employed in the same workplace.

An employee who is dismissed before the end of a trial period can’t raise a personal grievance on the grounds of unjustified dismissal. They can raise a personal grievance on other grounds,

such as discrimination or harassment or unjustified action by the employer.

If any employment relationship problem arises, access to mediation is available at any point.

While an employer is not required to provide written reasons for an employee’s dismissal, during the trial period there is an expectation that an employer, acting in good faith, would inform the employee as to why he or she has been dismissed. Any provisions about giving notice in the employment agreement will need to be adhered to.

Employees on trial periods are entitled to all other minimum employment rights, for example in relation to health and safety, employment agreements, minimum pay, annual holidays, public holidays, leave and equal pay.

by Bill Guest, Farmers of New Zealand

The Employment Court recently ruled that a farm employee had the right to issue a personal grievance claim against his employer in regards to the 90-day trial period. This case raised a number of issues

www.farminglifestyles.co.nz

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Waikato Farming Lifestyles, February 2012

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Transcript of Waikato Farming Lifestyles, February 2012