guardian farming april 2013
DESCRIPTION
Ashburton Guardian - Guardian FarmingTRANSCRIPT
April 2013
GGUARDIAN
FARMING
f
50CELEBRATING
YEARS
ATS would love to celebrate the last 50 years with you, and extend an invitation to share your stories with us over our 50th Anniversary Morning Tea celebration.
The last 50 years of agriculture in Canterbury has seen some vast growth, development and technological improvement.
17 April 2013Heron Lounge, Hotel Ashburton 10am–11.30amTo RSVP, email [email protected] or contact us on 03 307 5100 by Wednesday 10 April
ATS_Guardian Farmer_276x100mm_0313.indd 1 26/3/13 10:59:29 PM
Photo tetsURo MItoMo 290313tM-073
A vintage celebrationp 2-4
An Ashburton Guardian Supplement
2
Any feedback is welcome, any comments about our magazine, letters or story suggestions.
Please direct any correspondence to: Linda Clarke, on 307-7971 email: [email protected] or write to PO Box 77, Ashburton.
Advertising: Phone 307-7974 Email: [email protected] Publication date: April 9, 2013
Next issue: May 8, 2013
An advertising feature for the Ashburton Guardian. Any opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of Guardian Farming or the Ashburton Guardian.
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Main ring events saturday 13th and sunday 14th April
10.15am Harvesting parade – combines, rakes, balers, etc10.35am Military parade10.55am Ford/Fords on tractors and Ford cars and trucks –
to celebrate 110 years of Ford11.15am Tractor starting demonstration11.45am Fire brigade display12noon Logging truck display12.30pm Bag loading display12.45pm Big and small tractor and cultivator display1pm Crawler tractor parade1.20pm Traction engine parade - including scale engines1.40pm Traction engine slow race2pm Classic trucks parade2.20pm Vintage and classic cars parade
2.40pm Pivot steer tractors parade3pm Grand parade – followed by a lolly scramble.
other activities8.30am Saturday, a tractor trek around the Wakanui
district.10.30am and 1.30pm Spud digging – public can pick a bag of spuds
at a small cost.11am and 2pm On both days the chaff cutter and mill will be
operating. Vintage harvesting happening in the harvest
paddock, on both days (weather permitting). Pulling sledge available for tractor owners to
have a go on. Heavy haulage trailer available for traction
engines.
Wheat and wheels rally programme
Photo tetsURo MItoMo 290313-tM070
3Linda Clarke, Ashburton Guardian rural reporter
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John Hall’s first day at school in 1954 was delayed by a special arrival.
The tractor-mad four-year-old refused to go to school because he wanted to see his father’s new Caterpillar D2 in action on the family farm at Otaio.
The Cat is still running, thanks to John’s passion for vintage farm machinery and will be one of several old track tractors at the Wheat and Wheels Rally on April 13-14.
It is shaping as a big affair, with over 500 old tractors and farm implements, and 23 huge pivot tractors featuring the most modern technology available.
People will be able to see the two side by side, and marvel about the advances in farm machinery.
John is one of the organisers of the rally, which will celebrate the Mid Canterbury Vintage Machinery Club’s 30th anniversary. He has a collection of old tractors and ploughs, some restored, some in the process, at his lifestyle block on Wakanui Road.
His passion for farm machinery began as a small boy and he remembers his father pulling back the railway cover on the bright yellow Cat. The
diesel-powered tractor, imported from America through Gough Gough and Hamer in Timaru, cost around 1900 pounds and was to become a reliable workhorse on the Hall family’s rolling farmland.
It has a rear-mounted diesel tank and the serial number 13904; it was one of about 18,000 Caterpillar D2s ever made. Its 48 hp might not be huge, but it was surprisingly tough and pulled some big loads.
The Cat has stayed in the Hall family since its arrival in the country nearly 60 years ago. John retrieved it five years ago, after it had had spent 20 years in near retirement. He has repaired and restored it painstakingly, and still sometimes uses it on his property – the weather has to be sunny though, and time not pressing.
John says the Cat is a delight to drive and the operator uses levers to steer. It is noisy though and dusty as there is no protection for the driver.
He remembers first driving it as a 12-year-old, working with his father in the fields and says it has clocked up about 7000 hours since then.
Still mad about farm machinery
Photo lINDA clARke 250313-lc015
John Hall’s vintage Caterpillar D2 diesel powered tractor has been painstakingly restored.
4
COCHRANESyour farm machinery specialist
Ashburton 03 307 8027 Leeston 03 324 3791Amberley 03 314 9055www.cochranes.net.nz
Contact us today
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to demo the following machinery:• CaseIH Quadtrac 600• CaseIH Magnum 340• CaseIH Puma 230 CVT
Demos available
CaseIH Quadtrac 600
CaseIH Magnum 340CaseIH Puma 230 CVT
Linda Clarke, Ashburton Guardian rural reporter
John Stewart has plenty of tractors to choose from on his Dorie farm if one breaks down.
His favourite though is a John Deere 6030, the only one of its kind in New Zealand. That particular model was never sold here and John imported it from Minnesota, USA, in 2006. It has become a collectable item in the states, and a prized part of John’s vintage farm machinery collection. It is not often called to duty these days, but is more than capable should the need arise.
The tractor will be one of 500 vintage farm machines on show at the weekend’s Wheat and Wheels Rally and John is expecting plenty of interest in his.
The John Deere 6030 was built in the last year of production in 1977 and is in its original condition with only 6100 hours on the clock. The 6030 was rated at 200hp at the engine and 175hp at the PTO, with a 531 cubic inch or 8.7 litre engine that was turbocharged and intercooled.
The 6030 is the only John Deere tractor
ever built to have a choice of engines, either the non-turbo 531 cubic inch at 141hp or the turbo-charged intercooled 531 cubic inch engine at 175 hp. Only 45 tractors were built with the non-turbo engine making them very rare, and 3983 tractors with the turbo intercooled engine, making 4028 in total from 1972-1977.
The tractor weighs 8.5 ton and even today, 38 years after its introduction, the 6030 in an impressive tractor. Despite the relatively few produced, the 6030 is a tractor known for its sheer size, ruggedness and ability to just keep going (except to stop and fill the fuel tank).
John said the 6030 was a tractor that Deere felt so proud of that it kept the last one for its own collection. “That speaks volumes.”
The 6030 is a big toy on the farming property John operates with his brother Paul. They run a cropping operation and 1800-cow dairy farm on 950ha.
There are 31 tractors on the farm, a
third in daily use. The rest include John’s personal collection of old farm machines.
His interest in vintage farm machinery was sparked by his grandfather, who used to have steam traction engines. He remembers playing on the machines as a young boy.
The oldest in his collection is a 1916 International Harvester Mogal tractor. It is one of only five in New Zealand and it is the oldest tractor in Mid Canterbury. Like other collectors, he spends plenty of time, energy and money restoring them.
John has also been in charge of organising some very modern machines to be at this weekend’s rally (Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th April), to be held at Peter Butterick’s farm at Wakanui.
He said 23 pivot tractors were set to make an appearance. The oldest was a 1920 pivot steer and the most modern a 2012 demonstrator model with all the latest bells and whistles.
The old and new will be put together at
the rally so people can compare how farm machines have changed, for the better.
All the farm machines on display will feature in a rally catalogue, itself a collectable item.
John said the catalogue would also include a tribute to Gilmour Blee, who passed away recently. Mr Blee was a local historian with a vast knowledge of vintage machinery in the district.
The rally will celebrate the vintage machinery club’s 30th anniversary and John has been a member since the early days.
The club began in 1983 with the aim to foster interest in rare or unusual tractors and machinery of yesteryear. It has around 90 members who regularly join in public activities like A&P shows, Wheels Week and Christmas parades.
Club members also take part in vintage ploughing competitions, with plenty of fun and a little glory for those taking home trophies or prizes in various categories.
US import a firm favourite
Photo lINDA clARke 250313lc-020
John stewart with his prized
John Deere 6030.
5
COCHRANESyour farm machinery specialist
Ashburton 03 307 8027 Leeston 03 324 3791Amberley 03 314 9055www.cochranes.net.nz
Contact us today
Don’t miss out on this great opportunity to demo the following machinery:• CaseIH Quadtrac 600• CaseIH Magnum 340• CaseIH Puma 230 CVT
Demos available
CaseIH Quadtrac 600
CaseIH Magnum 340CaseIH Puma 230 CVT
Contributed by Mary Ralston, Forest and Bird
The Southern Rata was once a prominent tree species along the foothills and in the forests of the Main Divide of Canterbury. Its blazing red flowers lit up the forest in February and although it is now reduced in numbers, it can still be seen in late summer in the Awa Awa Rata Reserve near Mt Hutt, and in places above Woolshed Creek near Mt Somers.
Southern Rata are found on the sub-Antarctic Islands, on Stewart Island, through the western parts of the South Island and in a few isolated areas on the North Island, and from the coast to alpine passes. There other species of rata and their cousin is the pohutukawa. Rata and the pohutukawa are now much reduced compared to their original distribution due to timber cutting and forest clearing for agriculture, and nowadays are under constant threat from possums.
Project Crimson is a conservation organisation that was established in 1990 to stem the loss of rata and pohutukawa. It grew out of concern that more than 90 per cent of coastal pohutukawa had been lost and was later extended to include rata. Staff from the Department of Conservation and New Zealand Forest Products (now Carter Holt Harvey) came up with the idea of creating a community-based project to help
pohutukawa.
The Project Crimson Trust began by propagating trees for planting. Some of the original stock was raised in prison nurseries which provided horticultural training for inmates and provided a source of trees for planting out by community groups, schools and councils. The trust has a strong focus on schools throughout New Zealand and has encouraged children to take pride in their environment and their native flora.
The Ashburton branch of Forest and Bird applied to Project Crimson for funding to propagate Southern Rata. The rata were propagated from those growing on the Rhyolite Ridge on Mt Somers, above Woolshed Creek, where they are more like shrubs because their growth is limited by the harsh conditions. Around 700 have been propagated and grown on by Growtek at the Agribusiness facility on Hepburn’s Road. They will be distributed for planting in spring.
Forest and Bird is keen for the rata to be planted along the foothills of Canterbury where they were once common. It is best to plant them in spring or early summer, after the harshest frosts are over. Although they are native to the area, they can be hard to grow, and must be protected from possums and frost.
Rata and Project Crimson
Planting your Southern Rata
• Choose an open sunny place with moist soil
• Spray weeds before planting
• Dig a hole at least 30 cm wide and as deep
as possible
• Add compost if available
• Place mulch or a square of carpet with a slit in it
around the plant
• Put stones on the carpet to hold in place
• The biggest threat to rata is possums. Place some
protection, such as wire netting, a tree guard or
Combiguard or bottomless bucket around the
tree. Rata are like lollies to possums!
• Water through the first summer, and after that
in dry conditions
• Plant at least 5m apart
• Rata will withstand frost once grown but not
when small, so cover with frost cloth in winter.
Photos sUPPlIeD
Rata growing on Rhyolite Ridge, Mt somers.
6
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Phone 308 4079
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Contributed by Irrigation NZ
IrrigationNZ will host the inaugural Great Irrigation Challenge on May 23 and 24. The callenge is made up of a series of half-day workshops featuring a range of topics useful for irrigators, irrigation scheme managers and directors, and industry participants. The idea is for the days to be very interactive and for people to go away more knowledgeable than when they come in.
The workshops focus on areas where either the irrigation industry is under-resourced, requires expert advice or where there is a need for further training and upskilling. Over the two days, there will be 16 half-day workshops covering everything from irrigation essentials knowledge and preparing an asset management register to pump selection, managing staff and media and communication strategies.
Participants will be able to pick and choose which workshops they attend depending on their interest, availability and particular needs. We’re encouraging all irrigators and industry participants to attend to ensure you make the most of the range of topics on offer. You can stick with the irrigation essentials of soil, water and plant interactions or sign up for staff management, technical equipment selection, irrigation design, data management and telemetry, and much more. Each workshop will be taken by an experienced and knowledgeable presenter so detailed and in-depth discussions can be had. Using industry specialists as presenters will ensure that participants get tangible, practical outcomes from this event.
Over the past few years, IrrigationNZ has engaged with irrigators through a series of
informative workshops under the tagline Making Irrigation Pay. These workshops were very much aimed at delivering messages around good management practice to improve performance and the bottom line for irrigators. They have been very successful with more than 700 irrigators attending each year throughout New Zealand. In order to cater for a wider audience, a decision was made to move to a more targeted and condensed format this year. IrrigationNZ recognises that it’s not only farmers in the industry who require access to experts and refresher training, but also the management, consultancy, supply and service components of our industry.
Ashburton has had a long and very fruitful connection with irrigation and has been chosen as the inaugural venue for the Great Irrigation Challenge. The town
is at the hub of activity for a large area of irrigated land with significant expansion in the pipeline from both existing schemes and new irrigation. With constant changes through regulations, public expectations and rapidly changing technology, it is important that the irrigation industry has the opportunity to continuously improve and adopt innovative practices.
The Great Irrigation Challenge workshops on May 23 and 24 are designed to help lift the standard of the irrigation industry and also to provide an interactive forum with opportunities to socialise and network. As the name suggests, there will be an element of fun to the days as well!
For more information, please feel free to call any staff member from IrrigationNZ or look at the website for a full programme. (www.irrigationnz.co.nz)
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Photo sUPPlIeDAround 700 people have attended workshops run by Irrigation NZ to become better irrigators.
Great irrigation challenge
7
Locally owned and operated
T R A N S P O R T L T D
Phone 308 4079
Locally owned and operated
Visit our websitewww.ruraltransport.co.nz
• Ashburton-Christchurch-Ashburton Daily Freight
• Ashburton-Timaru-Ashburton Daily Freight
• County deliveries to all rural areas• Crane Truck Hire with experienced
operators• Container and wool cartage specialists
Proud to be of service to farming and industry in Mid-Canterbury
Keep Our Rural Roads Safe
If your irrigators are spraying water on our rural roads, you are endangering motorists by:
• Making road surfaces slippery• Reducing driver visibility• Startling passing motorists• Causing potholes on unsealed roads
Is this you??
Be considerate - Don’t be a road hazard to others
Cutting corners can have fatal consequences
An Ashburton Guardian Advertising Feature
The Ashburton District Council’s roading department is about to get tough on farmers whose irrigators are spraying beyond the paddock and on to roads.
While the majority of farmers irrigating near roads are doing so responsibly, some are not taking the care required.
Ashburton District Council roading and street services manager, Brian Fauth, says when water from irrigators fall on to our rural roads, it becomes a safety hazard for motorists.
“Motorists are caught off guard when their vehicles are bombarded by jets of water while travelling on the road and this becomes dangerous to them and others nearby,” he said.
Water from irrigators can also damage the quality of rural roads, particularly unsealed roads.
“With declining government subsidy for maintaining our roads and increasing heavy traffic volumes on our roading network, council’s roading team is struggling to keep up with unsealed road maintenance, made worse by water damage from irrigators.
Misdirected irrigators also have the potential to destroy your neighbour’s property and structures such as post boxes.
“We have received complaints about neighbours’ mail boxes being drenched and all their mail destroyed,” he said.
Mr Fauth hopes that farmers will co-operate and avoid spraying water over roads, adjacent property or structures.
“While we are aware that sometimes a sudden change in wind direction or speed can cause water to be sprinkled on to rural roads, we hope that farmers can stop the situation as soon as they are aware of it,” he said.
“Another way to avoid spraying water on rural roads is to check the tracking of units on a regular basis and ensuring that they are geared for optimum performance and suited to the conditions,” he said.
Mr Fauth says overall Ashburton District farmers are very responsible but a very small number of farmers are bringing down the quality of our roads.
“While we generally don’t have issue with most farmers there are some repeat offenders who are being inconsiderate to the safety of others and to our rural roads,” says Mr Fauth.
“If this situation continues, we will investigate and prosecute cases of intentional damage to rural roads,” he said.
Council warns irrigators off roads
Premium Mulchavailable for
Calf sheds, dairy lanes, gardens and boiler fuel.Our mulch is chipped/mulched from our slabwood.
It is 100% untreated wood/bark.We personally guarantee there will be no contaminated
produce, rubbish, excess soil or leaf mould.
Also irrigation pump sheds made to order
ADAMS SAWMILLING CO LTDMalcolm McDowell Drive, Ashburton
Phone 308 3595
8
We love it! Boarding at St Margaret's College rocks!
We have great facilities and amazing programmes designed to suit each age group in our Year 7 - 13 boarding family.
We know you will love it too.
For boarding enquiries please contact Tina Cartwright on 03 353 2563 or email [email protected]
JUNIOR, MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL
12 Winchester St | Merivale | Christchurch 8014 | www.stmargarets.school.nz
Monday 13 May, 10.30am - 1.30pmThe Principal's address will be at 11.45am.
OPEN DAY
For over one hundred years boys have enjoyed a remarkable education here in the heart of beautiful South Canterbury. The boys of today are no different, living, growing and learning in our very special school.
The sign over the gate claims that Waihi is “A Boy’s Education for Life”, and it is indeed the big picture that we look at when designing an experience that will help the Waihi Boy to grow and develop. The formative years of your son’s education are extremely important. The experiences, values and challenges presented to him at this stage are fundamental in helping to shape and determine his views, attitudes, dispositions and ultimate success for his future years.
In a world where traditional values are being constantly challenged and eroded, we believe that an education rooted in a solid Christian values system is as relevant now as it ever has been. The week starts with Chapel setting the tone for our week ahead, placing emphasis on good manners, courtesy, considerate behaviour, graciousness and respect.
Waihi has high expectations of the boys in terms of academic achievement. Small class sizes, together with high quality, committed staff, many of whom are residential, ensure that we know our boys extremely well and they receive close attention and care.
Whilst achievement in the classroom is crucial, the education the boys receive is broad, balanced and we seek to find exactly what presses the buttons of every boy, allowing them to discover their talents and fulfil their potential. We introduce boys to a wide range of opportunities. In particular, there is a strong emphasis on sports, music, drama, and technology.
The rule is that every boy tries everything be it swimming, learning French, singing or giving a speech!
We understand how boys, think and learn. They are presented with opportunities and challenges that seek to inspire and motivate them.
We believe in allowing boys to be boys and our unique rural environment gives them many opportunities to play and learn together.
Boarding is at the heart of Waihi life. Our day boys benefit from many aspects of the routines and experiences of a boarding school and all live and work together harmoniously.
My family and I live in the very heart of the School, and we are fully involved in all aspects of its life, as are the many other residential staff. We believe that boarding helps boys develop self-management skills, independence, increase in confidence and above all learn the value and importance of being members of a community.
A visit to Waihi will reveal the school’s happy, purposeful atmosphere. My wife, Kendra, and I would be delighted to welcome you and your sons and introduce you to our students.
You can explore our wonderful school setting, listen to the boys tell you for themselves about their lives here and discover just how Waihi is really making a difference for yet another generation of young boys.
Waihi School - A boy’s education for life
An Ashburton Guardian Advertising Feature
Photo sUPPlIeD
Waihi is a small, family oriented, Independent School with spacious rural grounds and up to date facilities situated north of Winchester on State Highway 1 in South Canterbury.
Christian values, small class sizes, extensive pasto-ral care by peers and staff ensure every Waihi boy responds to the challenge of personal development.
T: 03 687 8014E: [email protected]
www. waihi.school.nzState Highway 1, Winchester,
South Canterbury
OPEN DAYSunday 19th May –
1.30pm
9
UNLOCKING YOUR SON’S POTENTIAL
For more information contact Tanya Moore (Headmaster’s PA) on 03 351 6169 109 Clyde Road, Christchurch | [email protected] | www.medbury.school.nz
You are invited to attend the
MEDBURY SCHOOL OPEN DAYMonday 13 May 9.00am - 12.15pmThe Headmaster will speak at 10.00am and 11.30am
Academic, Boarding and Music Scholarships available for 2014
Ashburton Guardian Open Day May 2013.indd 1 3/28/13 5:41 PM
We love it! Boarding at St Margaret's College rocks!
We have great facilities and amazing programmes designed to suit each age group in our Year 7 - 13 boarding family.
We know you will love it too.
For boarding enquiries please contact Tina Cartwright on 03 353 2563 or email [email protected]
JUNIOR, MIDDLE & SENIOR SCHOOL
12 Winchester St | Merivale | Christchurch 8014 | www.stmargarets.school.nz
Monday 13 May, 10.30am - 1.30pmThe Principal's address will be at 11.45am.
OPEN DAY
An Ashburton Guardian Advertising Feature
The St Margaret's College boarding community is now truly "Living the Dream 2013" while further developing their Boarders Programme.
Director of Boarding Sue Newton says "we are offering a greater range of skills based activities that are age appropriate to support and develop independence."
Throughout the year each year group will be offered a skills based and a personal development activity as well as co-educational socialization opportunities. Links with other Boarding hostels such as Year 9 and 10 dinner swaps with Christ's College and Year 7 and 8 Iceskating with Waihi school are planned. Skills based activities include cycle safety and Barista training is offered for Year 12 girls. Activities for personal development focus on positive relationship skills and leadership skills.
"Weekends are great fun" says Year 8 Boarding student, Mia Thomson. Some of the activities in the weekend programme includes movies, rugby games, shopping trips and creative crafts.
St Margaret's College is a Year 1 - 13 Independent school for girls and the only girls school in the South Island to offer the International Baccalaureate Diploma to its senior students.
The school is holding an open day on Monday 13 May, 10.30am - 1.30pm. All visitors are welcome.
For more information please view www.stmargarets.school.nz
St Margaret’s College boarders are living their dream
Photos sUPPlIeD
At Medbury School they certainly know what it takes to keep the boys involved and happy, and how to unlock their full potential. Headmaster Peter Kay takes an individual interest in every boy and his progress – an approach shared by all members of staff. The School provides an environment where boys can thrive, guided by sensible boundaries, clearly defined expectations, and exceptional peer support.
Boarding at Medbury School provides an entry into an exciting and welcoming ‘extended family’. Located in the heart of Fendalton in Christchurch, Medbury offers your son a host of diverse and stimulating activities and excellent facilities to ensure that he will never have a dull moment.
Headmaster Peter Kay believes that boarding at Medbury is not just about achieving academically, but holistically. This also encompasses building strong friendships and he takes quiet pride in the way the 35 boys are like ‘brothers’. Mr Kay says that this attitude extends to staff. “We treat them the way we would our own children”.
The Boarding House provides a welcoming ‘home away from home’ and our dedicated team, which includes the Headmaster, the
Boarding Housemaster, two Matrons, a Gap tutor and Medbury teachers, on rotation, ensures that every boy receives the attention and support he needs to flourish. In addition, a ‘big brother’ system provides boys new to the Boarding House with friendly guidance and advice. Teachers, again maximizing the boys’ educational advantage, supervise homework. Communication between parents and boys is actively encouraged, with boys able to email daily, phone home during the week, or Skype regularly. Many boarders return home for the weekend after Saturday sport, though those who ‘stay in’ are well catered for with a diverse and engaging weekend programme.
In addition to developing good work ethics and providing a broad and balanced education in a stimulating and caring environment, Medbury is also leading the way with 1:1 laptop classes. All boys in Years 5-7 have their own laptops; in 2014 this will extend to Year 8. Peter Kay believes their challenge is to provide an education that cherishes tradition, but prepares the boys for the 21st Century.
For more information please contact Tanya Moore (Headmaster’s PA) on 03 351 6169, email [email protected] or visit www.medbury.school.nz
Boarding at Medbury School
Waihi is a small, family oriented, Independent School with spacious rural grounds and up to date facilities situated north of Winchester on State Highway 1 in South Canterbury.
Christian values, small class sizes, extensive pasto-ral care by peers and staff ensure every Waihi boy responds to the challenge of personal development.
T: 03 687 8014E: [email protected]
www. waihi.school.nzState Highway 1, Winchester,
South Canterbury
OPEN DAYSunday 19th May –
1.30pm
Photos sUPPlIeD
10
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Contributed by John Leadley
Several years ago I wrote an article for this publication entitled “Were the Good Old Days Really That Bad?”
Sad to say with the passage of another seven years I’ve seen little to change some of my “geriatric” opinions.
While I’m quite prepared to admit technological advances in many spheres of employment have brought huge benefits to society in general, not all so-called progress have proved positive.
Recent publicity around the bizarre Novapay situation and the ongoing leakages from government departments of EQC, Health and Conservation paint a picture of gross inefficiency or, worse still, criminal mismanagement. New technology!
I was pleased to read that local police personnel are not encouraged to use Facebook as a crime-solving tool (despite the Guardian poll majority favouring). I’m left wondering the number of responses?
The simple fact is that in my role in community safety, I’ve been made aware by numerous respected teachers, police personnel and social workers of the dangers of this form of communication. This in respect of bullying, extreme peer pressure, social exclusion and in some cases even suicide. The risks are too high.
When our local newspaper reversed its decision and again allowed Letters to the Editor under nom-de-plume I spoke to the editor of my dismay.
The response was that text messaging is the modern way with progressive newspapers and that he would personally be “vetting” all text messages for defamatory comment.
Several days later our democratically elected mayor was referred to as a “wet sack”
by someone anonymous. I ask you?
I believe the letter of retired judge Lynton Laing summed up the matter accurately and succinctly when he wrote: “If an opinion is to have any credibility it’s worthy of the author’s name.”
My reaction to anonymous letters is just the same as to nameless phone callers – ie totally unworthy of response.
When it comes to cellphones and smart phones again I acknowledge huge benefits for business and personal safety, but again there is a down side if used unwisely.
Most learning institutions have fortunately moved to ban cellphones during class and I note a number of restaurants in Australia have done the same.
The manner in which cellphones have virtually become hand extensions to a number of people never ceases to amaze me – I only wish that adults, when attending meetings, church, funerals and the like could leave their toys at home, or at least switch them to silent.
If we are to build a generation of good communicators ie those who can listen – think – respond, in that order, I don’t believe text messages and Facebook with its add-on tweets, Twitters etc is the answer. We risk losing the art of face-to-face dialogue.
Parenting is about communication and role-modelling.
The increasing demands on police, welfare and health officials caused by alcohol and/or drug-fuelled behaviour, particularly by young offenders, is a multi-million dollar national disgrace.
My experience, like many others, tells me there is a huge lack of discipline in some families which manifests itself in lawbreaking
and disruptive behaviour in the youth of today.
I’m not suggesting for one minute that the scale of this problem is significantly greater in Ashburton than other like communities, merely that it exists and seems to be growing in frequency. Easter weekend brought the highest number of hospital admissions nationwide ever due to drug and alcohol abuse.
My role in the Ashburton community allows me the privilege of meeting a huge number of well-adjusted and obviously well-parented young people. Those who serve on the youth council, the pupil representatives that speak for their school at council’s annual Kids Forum, the youth who undertake the youth leadership programme, the many church youth groups and the hundreds of children who regularly participate in the many sports activities where I go to watch our grandchildren, to name a few.
Reassuringly these are the huge majority. The worrying factor is the small minority that fall outside the “loved and cared for” category and eventually become a burden on society because of their behaviour.
I’ve always believed it’s not only everyone’s right to have children, but it is also a privilege and it’s one that comes with responsibilities.
Too often in this high-tech and fast-paced world we live in, children are the victims. One of the greatest gifts that children can receive from their parents is time. Time to talk, time to listen, time to share experiences and time to learn. I admire immensely young parents who make a regular commitment to spend quality time with their families, at home, at picnics, visiting friends, gaining new experiences or merely “chilling out” – this is what role modelling is all about.
And they call it progress
11
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And they call it progressLess impressive is the notion that availability
of computer games and television programmes (often involving violence) is good parenting. I’m also firmly of the view that parents, teachers and the public have been systematically “de-powered” by an ever-increasing raft of government regulations.
The low percentage of male teachers particularly at pre-school and primary level, is a concern especially when there is no consistent male role model in the home situation (for whatever reason). But in saying that I know some really terrific young people who have been raised by solo parents. It’s always dangerous to generalise.
The anti-smacking legislation is a classic example of a “knee-jerk” reaction to a problem that exists in probably less than 1 per cent of the population. No-one would condone the level of assault carried out in a small number of very high-profile cases that have grabbed media headlines in the past few years – the difference is the use of common sense. I very much doubt that an Act of Parliament will make one iota of difference to a parent or guardian in a rage fuelled by drugs or alcohol, who is administering “discipline” to a child.
However, in support of a ministry proposal for formal parenting education is the fact that too many parents (guardians) lack the skills to distinguish between needs and wants when managing the family budget. Basic healthy food items are neither expensive or difficult to obtain – or grow – in this food-producing nation. In some cases substituting the bottle of beer, Lotto ticket or dog roll for fresh fruit, cereal and bread would be a great decision!
My point is that so often parenting is all about getting the priorities right. There is no magic formula to success.
It all goes back to basic common-sense personal values that are the result of good parenting.
For those interested I again offer the following piece forwarded by a friend.
R.I.P.Today we mourn the passing of a
beloved old friend, Common Sense, who has been with us for many years.
No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were lost long ago, lost in bureaucratic red tape.
He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as knowing when to come in out of the rain, why the early bird gets the worm, life isn’t always fair and maybe it was my fault.
Common Sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you earn) and reliable parenting strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well intentioned but overbearing regulations were set in place.
Reports of teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition. Common Sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job they themselves failed to do, in disciplining their unruly children.
Common Sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your own home but the burglar could have you fined for assault.
Common Sense finally gave up the will to live after a woman failed to realise that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in her lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common Sense was preceded in death by his parents, Truth and Trust, his wife, Discretion, his daughter Responsibility and his son, Reason. He is survived by three step-brothers, I know My Rights, Someone Else is to Blame, and I’m a Victim.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realised he was gone.
Were the good old days really that bad?
I rest my case.
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In conjunction with
Going about your daily on-farm tasks will almost certainly involve your quad bike; but because you ride it so often, you may forget to take a safe approach each time you grab the keys. It pays to know the “dos and don’ts” when it comes to riding quad bikes-following industry recommendations will help you to stay on track.
Accidents on quad bikes are often caused by seemingly insignificant errors that each of us can make every day. The Department of Labour lists the following as the most common causes of All Terrain Vehicle (ATV) accidents:
• Riding too fast for the weather and terrain conditions. • Turning too sharply. • Placing loads unevenly; overloading
and carrying loads on slopes. • Speed. • Losing concentration, complacency
and over-confidence. • Misjudging the limitations of the ATV. • Lack of rider skill and experience. • Lack of maintenance and the use
of incorrect tyres.All of these common errors can and do
lead to accidents. We know, because over the past four years we’ve paid out over
two million dollars in claims for damage to farm bikes whilst in use. Making the trek back to your home, removing the damaged bike and borrowing a bike from a neighbour can cost you precious time ... and money.
hitting more than your pocket
It’s not just the financial cost or the inconvenience of being without your most vital farm vehicle that will affect your farming operation. The risk of death is very real. FarmSafe reports that 20 per cent of the agricultural deaths during 2007-08 were due to ATV accidents-mostly due to rolling on steep terrain.
how you can avoid the same loss
Over 700 of FMG’s clients have suffered a loss to their farm bike over the past four years. While we can’t prevent these accidents from happening, FMG can conduct a free risk assessment of your property which will help you to identify the areas of your business that are more susceptible to loss. As part of the assessment, we can make recommendations on how you can reduce the risk, such as you and/or your workers attending one of FarmSafe’s
workshops on riding ATVs and using farm equipment. We also aim to provide you with the latest tips published by the Department of Labour and FarmSafe, which can help you avoid the hassle and cost of an ATV accident.
• Maintain access ways and tracks. • Mow (or avoid riding across) long grass, which can hide drop-offs, sheep tracks and other sudden changes in terrain. • Ride to the conditions - reduce your speed to an appropriate level. • Ride within the limits of your own abilities. • Ensure your ATVs are regularly maintained and serviced. • Understand the effects of adding implements, trailers and mounted loads to your ATV. • Take an ATV driver training course. • Avoid steep terrain where possible- understand what the limitations are for different terrain. • Always wear appropriate footwear, clothing and eyewear as well as a helmet. • Remember ATVs are not designed to carry passengers.
From www.fmg.co.nz
Staying on track on your ATV
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Waiting until contracts are released could be reducing your profitability by more than 20 per cent.
Yield is the key. Based on a 10-tonne irrigated feed wheat yield:
• 10% yield increase delivers 20% more profit
• 20% yield increase delivers 40% more profit
FAR trial results on drilling date supports a yield benefit of approx 1 tonne comparing late March drilling to late April during the past few seasons.
A PGG Wrightson Grain sowing date trial on Orator Wheat in 2012/13, resulted in mid April sowing yielding 2.3 tonne per hectare higher than June sowing.
The benefits of early sowing is applicable on both heavy, lighter and non- irrigated soils.
• On heavy soils, the risk is soils getting wet late autumn, often resulting in long delays in drilling and sometimes delaying sowing until the spring. Poor emergence and drown out can also be a problem when
drilling late
• On lighter or non-irrigated soils the benefit of early sowings is that the grain filling often coincides with cooler temperatures and better soil moisture
• The improved root development from early sowings are also a big benefit especially during the grain fill
Choose a cultivar that is optimum for the drilling date. If drilling early choose a slow developer, for later drilling target a slightly earlier maturing cultivar.
My advice would be to plan cultivar choice early and organise seed. Do not wait until the last minute and then risk delays with seed availability or not being able to secure your preferred cultivar. In the event of seed being delayed my advice would be to switch to the next best cultivar and get drilling.
Place orders early based on trial and on farm performance of the cultivars. Your PGG Wrightson Arable Rep will be able to provide the relevant information to assist in your decision making.
An Ashburton Guardian Advertising FeatureContributed by Graeme Jones, PGG Wrightson Arable Business Manager
Early decisions help with yield
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Winning farm under the spotlightMethven farmers Craige and Roz
Mackenzie will have their award-winning intensive arable operation in the spotlight on Friday when they invite their farming peers to see precision agriculture in action.
Long-time devotees of precision agriculture, the Mackenzies last month won the supreme award at the Canterbury Ballance Farm Environment Awards. They also won the nutrient management award and the water efficiency award.
The couple’s Greenvale Pastures farming operation uses technology to maximise production in a sustainable manner. The Precision Agriculture Association of New Zealand is cashing in on the award by running a day-long workshop and field day at Methven on Friday including a visit to the Mackenzies to see the technology in action.
Association chairman Peter
Barrowclough said precision agriculture technologies could assist the efficiency, productivity, profitability and sustainability of land-based production systems.
“These are going to be crucial for New Zealand to achieve our growth objectives, maintain our international competitiveness and retain our global reputation for innovation and environmentally-sound production systems.”
The workshop and field day was a chance to learn more, he said.
The workshop will be at Methven Resort and include words from Environment Canterbury deputy chair David Caygill before sessions about technology platforms, grid soil sampling, variable rate fertiliser application, soil mapping, variable rate irrigation and soil moisture probes.
The farm visit occupies the afternoon and will cover crop sensors,
and precision agriculture in the environment.
Associate Minister for Primary Industries Jo Goodhew will wind up the day with some closing remarks.
Farm award judges described the Mackenzies as top producers who offer “high levels of innovation and leadership in the arable industry”.
They said the progressive couple had taken technology to the next step on their irrigated farm “using every available tool to improve their production and cost efficiency”.
Electromagnetic soil mapping, for example, is used to give a clear picture of water holding and productive capacity within specific zones.
Judges also commended the use of technologies like variable rate irrigation to ensure crops were never overwatered.
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Greenvale grows mainly specialist crops, with this season’s rotation including radish, chicory, wheat, ryegrass, fescue, barley and faba beans.
Judges said the intensive farm operates simple and effective crop rotations, describing Greenvale as a neat and tidy property that is “a high performing unit in every aspect”.
Along with the 200ha Greenvale pastures, the Mackenzies also hold a 50 per cent equity share in a neighbouring 330ha dairy unit. And with their daughter Jemma they co-own a company that utilises precision agriculture technology to provide agronomic support and solutions to farmers.
Judges also praised the way the Mackenzies regard their staff on Greenvale as “the most important aspect of their operation”.
They also noted the couple’s very effective utilisation of soil test and plant requirement information to plan and monitor nutrient use efficiency.
Fertiliser is spread using a variable rate spreader equipped with technology that allows targeted nutrient application to meet specific crop requirements.
Judges also noted the couple’s strategic use of irrigation to ensure maximum seed germination while enhancing the activity of applied chemicals and increasing nitrogen use efficiency.
Photo sUPPlIeD
Craige and Roz Mackenzie.
16
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Contributed by Sheryl Stivens, Eco efficiency Co-ordinator Mastagard Ashburton
Don’t you love watching the leaves on the trees turn fabulous shades of gold, scarlet, crimson, orange and purple as the coolness of autumn descends around us?
However, when the spectacular display is over the leaves fall and can be very messy and slippery around our paths and entranceways.
Some people put the leaves in rubbish bags to be carted to the landfill but this “solution” to the problem is not good for the environment. Far better to compost the mineral-rich leaves and return the valuable nutrients they contain to feed your soil over the winter months. You will be rewarded with a richer garden bed and save money on buying peastraw mulch or compost products if you use this
resource in your own backyard.
What is composting?Composting is a method of
speeding up the decomposition of organic materials. Micro-organisms (ie bacteria and fungi) in the compost heap use carbon and nitrogen to make protein. During this process heat is produced and this speeds up the decomposition. To work properly and smell sweet, compost heaps need organic materials (such as leaves, animal manures and grass clippings), micro-organisms, moisture and air/oxygen.
easy compostingIngredients: autumn leaves,
lawn clippings, fertiliser or manure, food scraps, tea bags and coffee grounds from your
kitchen, water, weeds and waste veggie tops, tomato stalks etc.
Method: Rake up fallen leaves. Putting them through a shredder or running over them with the lawn mower is a good idea as it increases the surface area available to the micro-organisms, but it is not essential.
Choose a convenient site. I like to make my compost in the midst of the vegetable growing area so the resulting rich worm filled humus can be spread out in the spring right where I need it to form a rich bed for planting potatoes, broccoli or corn straight into. Instead of making a heap you can simply layer all the materials over a raised bed garden and cover it with carpet over the winter. It will be weed free and rich for planting in the late spring. How easy is that?
What can you do with all those autumn leaves ?
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What can you do with all those autumn leaves ?Start with a layer of leaves about 100 to
150mm thick. Cover that with a thinner layer of grass clippings (50 to 100mm), and then sprinkle on some horse manure. If you have any kitchen scraps or garden waste, add those too.
Continue adding layers as you would if you were making lasagna until all your organic materials are used up. Lightly water after you add every layer.
If you are worried about the leaves blowing around, sprinkle some soil on top of the final layer or ideally cover with a blanket of carpet or even black plastic and some weights such as fence posts– to secure the layers till they start to break down.
The compost should be ready by late spring. You can speed up the composting process by containing the compost in a black plastic compost bin and turning it every 2 to 4 weeks so it matures in 8 to10 weeks if this suits you better.
Organic materials such as food scraps, animal manures and lawn clippings are high in nitrogen, while materials such as leaves,
sawdust and straw are high in carbon. For best results, carbon and nitrogen should be added in roughly the same ratio as the micro-organisms use it up, which is approximately 30:1. That is why we balance the leaves (high carbon) with layers of manure, grass clippings and kitchen scraps (high nitrogen).
Don’t worry too much about trying to balance the carbon and nitrogen exactly. The best approach in a home gardening situation is to add a variety of ingredients - the more variety the more richness there is in the end product.
too many leaves?Try leaf composting you have too many
leaves to layer into compost, you can simply pile up the leaves within a wire mesh bin. A blanket of carpet or plastic sheeting over the pile will help with the break down. Weight the sheet down at the edges with rocks or bricks. The pile will compost in 4 - 6 months, with the material being dark and crumbly. Having your own leaf compost will reduce the amount of pea straw you need to mulch your garden and actually a layer of leaves under your layer of straw is also an easy way to tidy up your
garden and pathways before winter.
Making a DIY leaf composting binHere’s how to make a bin 60cm square by
90cm high - if you change the dimensions, make sure you can still reach easily into the bin to remove the leaf mould.
You will need:1 roll galvanised chicken netting: 3m x 0.9m
(10ft x 3ft)4 tree stakes: 1.2m x 40mm (4ft x 1.5in)20 galvanised staples
Hammer the tree stakes into the ground, 60cm apart, to make a square frame. Keep as upright as possible and leave 90cm of stake above ground. Unroll chicken wire and attach to first stake with five galvanised staples. Pull tightly to the next stake, attach with staples again and repeat on all sides. Snip off any excess wire with pliers and bend in any sharp edges.
For composting advice or carpet etc for your compost covers, contact the Community Recycling Helpline 0800627824 or email [email protected] or [email protected]
18
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An Ashburton Guardian Advertising Feature
Beef and Lamb New Zealand have teamed up with Young Farmers and DairyNZ to create a one-stop career hub for young people considering a career in agriculture – Get Ahead.
The Get Ahead careers programme promotes the diverse range of rewarding jobs across the farming sector, dispelling the idea that working on a farm is the only agricultural career option.
As well as on-farm jobs, it promotes roles that help farmers to grow a profitable business – such as rural bankers, farm consultants, scientists and vets. All secondary schools in New Zealand can take part every two years.
The Get Ahead website is packed with videos, quizzes, photo galleries and personal stories of young people who have carved out amazing agricultural careers. There are also resources for teachers and parents. Get inspired at www.getahead.co.nz
experience daysGet Ahead experience days are a fun
and practical way to find out about different kinds of agricultural careers. Ten experience days are held throughout the country in May and June, with speakers and activities showcasing how every job in the agricultural industry contributes to
food production in New Zealand.
school visits and presentations
This year we will visit 140 schools throughout New Zealand. This will help to strengthen our relationships with teaching staff and careers advisors and give them the opportunity to gain a better understanding of what the agriculture industry and the Get Ahead programme can offer their students.
In2 the Field mentor programme
There’s nothing quite as motivating as your peers. The In2 the Field programme connects students and successful young role models in business, science and on-farm roles. Students pick up advice and inspiration during one-on-one time with a young industry mentor in their field of interest. Find out more on the www.getahead.co.nz
teenAg competitionIf you love the National Bank Young
Farmer contest but aren’t old enough to enter, you’ll love TeenAg. It’s a competition set up as a precursor to the Young Farmer Contest, open to all members of TeenAg clubs.
Preparing for a great future in agriculture
Contributed by Beef and Lamb NZ
19
News ready when you are…
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A multi-million dollar robotic milking shed under construction.
Dairy Industry Awards winners.
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Castle Ridge
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Castle Ridge Station in the Mid Canterbury high country hosted a convoy of 45 four-wheel-drive vehicles recently, as part of a mission to raise funds for the renovation of Hakatere stone cottage.
The station is farmed by Kerry and Paul Harmer, who spoke about farming in the Ashburton Gorge high country alongside the Hakatere Conservation Park and in a sensitive lakes zone.
Visitors hunkered down among giant red tussocks to eat their lunch and enjoyed views over glaciated valleys and lakes. The station runs deer, angus beef and Merino sheep.
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While newly-elected Canterbury Agricultural & Pastoral Association president Mark Fleming has had a long family involvement with the association, his more celebrated pursuits include an 18-year stint as a Crusaders’ horseman and performing close riding and fighting scenes in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.
“My involvement with polo over the years has led to some pretty interesting past-times but my true passion lies with showing and the family farm, which was founded by my grandfather and father in 1957,” Mark said. “They purchased the studs’ founding cattle from Sir Heaton Rhodes’ property at Otahuna. We still have some of the original cattle lines in the stud today.”
The family farm is Willowlea Stud in Irwell, predominately a Red Poll and Angus Stud but it is also involved with dairy through growing silage and providing grazing. Mark has attended the Canterbury A&P Show since his youth, showing cattle with his family, both locally and throughout New Zealand including Royal Shows in Waikato, Invercargill and feilding.
Mark joined the Canterbury A&P Association General Committee in 1998; he was Chairman of the Cattle Committee for five years. Mark is also Chairman of Beef Breeds for the Royal Agricultural Society of NZ (RAS) and a RAS Central Districts Councillor. A qualified beef breeds judge, Mark has judged throughout New Zealand and has
also judged cattle at the Royal Adelaide Show in Australia.
As well as being one of the youngest presidents to hold the position, Mark’s vision for the future of the Canterbury A&P Show lies in retaining the link between city and country and introducing new events to grow the show while encouraging younger audiences to participate in A&P shows through volunteering and showing.
“We’ve got a great committee, board and management, the structure is in place to really grow our show in the future. There are a lot of people who are passionate about the Canterbury A&P Association and show. The show’s developed into the largest agricultural event in the country. If you take where we are now and continue to diversify and embrace new technologies to develop the event, then the association can’t help but roll forward,” he said.
Mark was welcomed as the incoming president at the association’s Annual General Meeting held in March. Also announced were Richard Parkes as senior vice president and Nicky Hutchinson as junior vice president. In 2015 Nicky will become the first female president in the association’s 150-plus year history.
The 2013 Canterbury A&P Show will be held November 13-15.
Crusaders’ horseman, Rings rider and now A&P president…
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Mark Fleming