taranaki farming lifestyles, december 2015

Passion and pride for propertyPage 6–7

Lamb crop falls to60-year low

Making a difference in farmers’ lives

The pony express

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FARMING LifestylesTaranaki

2 DECEMBER 2015 TARANAKI FARMING LIFESTYLES

The Taranaki Farming Lifestyles is published with pride by NorthSouth Multi Media Ltd, a privately ownedNew Zealand company.

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The team at Taranaki Farming Lifestyles would like to thank everyone for their continued

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Mangaehu River judged region’s most improved

The annual New Zealand River Awards, sponsored by the Morgan Foundation, have recognised Taranaki’s Mangaehu River at Raupuha Road as the most improved in the region.

The awards, which began in 2013, are designed to encourage regional councils and communities to work together with the goal of improving the health of rivers in their regions. Water quality is recorded at over 600 regional council monitoring sites on many waterways throughout New Zealand.

A panel of scientists use this long-term data, held on the Land, Air, Water, Aoteroa (LAWA) website, to evaluate the entrants. The top three waterways receive national awards and the most improved river in each region is also recognised. This year’s judging panel included Dr Roger Young of the Cawthron Institute, Dr Clive Howard-Williams of NIWA, and Dr Mike Scarsbrook of DairyNZ.

Each year, the judging panel has specifically looked at identifying trend improvement changes in waterways. The trend shows how the water quality changes over time.

The 2015 award-winners were determined on the basis of improvements in dissolved inorganic nitrogen concentrations in river water over the past 10 years.

Judges commented that rivers are only considered for an award if they

showed a statistically significant downward trend in DIN concentrations over the last decade. Just 158 river sites from an initial database of 350, with adequate monthly data, met these requirements. Discussions between the Morgan Foundation, the relevant regional councils and other organisations confirmed the final check on a site’s suitability to be included in the award list.

The Mangaehu River, which flows through one of Taranaki’s largest hill country catchments, has shown a trend improvement of 3.3 percent per annum for concentrations of dissolved inorganic nitrogen. Land use in this catchment is predominantly drystock farming and native bush. Many of these farms are part of the Taranaki Regional Council’s sustainable land management programme, receiving free farm plans, advice, and access to native and soil conservation plans at wholesale prices. Soil conservation measures are benefiting large areas of land.

The supreme award went to Ngarara Stream in greater Wellington, followed by Mangapapa Stream in the Manawatu, and Lucas Creek in Albany, Auckland taking third place.

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Lamb crop falls to 60-year low

Beef and Lamb New Zealand’s Lamb Crop 2015 report estimates 23.9 million lambs were tailed this spring — the smallest lamb crop since 1953.

“The tally reflects three key influences,” said BLNZ’s economic service chief economist, Andrew Burtt.

“Breeding ewe numbers were down 4.5 per cent on last year, due to carry over effects of dry conditions in past seasons. Lambing percentages across most of the country were also down as a result of tight feed supplies leading into winter and fewer hoggets were mated.”

In some regions, there was also a slight swing towards increasing beef cattle, at the expense of sheep.

“On the positive side of the ledger, better-than-average climatic conditions during lambing this spring meant lamb survival was good, the exception being isolated weather events in the North Island.”

There was a 6.7 per cent drop — or 1.7 million fewer lambs than last year across the country. 11.3 million lambs were tailed in the North Island, which

was down 0.7 million on last year but similar to 2013’s tally.

In the South Island, 12.6 million lambs were tailed — 1.0 million fewer than last spring, due to the decreased ewe numbers, lower lambing percentages and fewer lambing hoggets.

Mr Burtt says the average carcase weight is expected to increase slightly — by 0.9 per cent — to 18.3kg, as a result of lower stocking rates per hectare.

“This is not sufficient to offset the reduced number of lambs available and we expect total export lamb production to drop by 7.2 per cent. Lamb export receipts for 2015–16 are estimated at $2.8 billion which was down 4.2 per cent on 2014–15.

The lamb crop survey covers 500 commercial sheep and beef farms, which are statistically representative of New Zealand’s commercial sheep and beef.

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Megan is DairyNZ’s lower North Island event and administration co-ordinator — a position she

took on in 2013 after returning to New Zealand from London where she worked as an event manager.

As the industry body for dairy farmers, DairyNZ aims to develop and support the sustainable productivity of New Zealand dairy farms. The organisation’s work is funded by all New Zealand farmers through a levy on their milk solids production.

Megan launched her career after studying event and project management. Her work has focussed on event management both in New Zealand and overseas, ranging from corporate, social and international events, as well as festivals, special occasions and farming. “Having managed a vast array of

events within New Zealand, I decided to take my experience and knowledge within the event industry international,” said Megan.

“I worked on a string of highly successful events within the United Kingdom, with organisations like the New Zealand Society in London and the Prince’s Trust set up by Prince Charles.”

On her return to New Zealand in December 2013, Megan took up the DairyNZ position where she has been able to continue her passion for working in the events industry. The opportunity to foster her enthusiasm, experience and skills for organising events and bringing people together in a supportive role were the main draw-cards to applying.

“I saw the chance to work in events and get involved in the farming

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Working as part of a team to make a difference in farmers’ lives is a rewarding aspect to Megan Jefferies work.

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DairyNZ’s lower North Island event and administration

coordinator Megan Jefferies


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community through this job,” she said.Megan’s work takes her all over the lower North Island as she plans, promotes and organises events and discussion groups in the Manawatu, Horowhenua, Rangitikei, Ohakune, South Taranaki, Tararua, Hawke’s Bay, and Wairarapa.

Growing up in South Wairarapa surrounded by dairy farms and vineyards has given Megan a strong connection to rural New Zealand.

“I love getting out on the farm and being involved with what is happening,” said Megan.

She is also involved in other DairyNZ farm business events which take place annually in Taupo and Queenstown.

“On the admin side, I do all the office admin duties for the lower North Island regional office, based at Palmerston North.” Although the position is a permanent part-time role of 30 hours a week, Megan frequently puts in extra time.

“There is often the need to be out there and in the farming community with discussion groups and events, one of our current projects is supporting farmers through the lower milk price — ‘Tactics for Tight Times’. she said.

In an endeavour to boost her business skills, Megan is continuing to further her studies. She recently completed a business management paper through the

New Zealand Institute of Management. The combination of getting involved with farmers and bringing them together at events to support them with advice and information is a huge highlight for Megan. “The feedback from farmers about how they value our work is really motivating, I’m really look forward to meeting more farmers with each new event we run.” she said.

Megan said the team in DairyNZ’s lower North Island office are a great bunch of people to work with.

“It’s great to be a part of a passionate team that is making a difference to farmers’ lives.”

Organising discussion groups and events are part of Megan’s jobThe DairyNZ lower North Island team

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It’s an operation that proves the dedication, commitment and a devoted passion this couple have

for their land and livestock.Robin started out with the original

80ha Mangaotea property in the Tariki area 35 years ago when he took over from his father. Through purchasing several neighbouring properties over the years, and leasing a 215ha block, he and Jacqueline have increased the farm size to its current 658ha (591ha effective).

Sitting between 200-300 metres above sea level, Mangaotea is made up of a mixture of flat to rolling country, some gullies and steep ridges.

Breeding and selling bulls is the farm’s core focus. Angus, Hereford and Murray Greys are bred and raised on the property with particular attention paid to traceability.

“We have 140 registered breeding cows on the farm,” said Robin.

Selected Jerseys bulls are bought in as weaners. On arrival to Mangaotea, all livestock are held separately for at least 24 hours as part of the Blackwells strict quarantine policy. Bulls are sold through Mangaotea’s annual on-farm bull sale in purpose-built facilities. Sixty bulls went through the sale ring at the first auction held 18 years ago. This year, 180 yearling and two-year old bulls went under the auctioneer’s hammer.

During the summer, the bulls graze the farm’s hillier and steeper country along with Mangaotea’s sheep.

“We run approximately 700 Romney ewes and run them with Southdown rams as a terminal sire,” said Robin. “Lambs are sold to export, and we also breed and sell Southdown rams.”

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AWARD-WINNING CENTRAL TARANAKI FARMERS,ROBIN AND JACQUELINE BLACKWELL, RUN A

MULTI-FACETED FARMING OPERATION.

ROBIN SORTING CATTLE ON A WET SALE DAY

Meeting the demand to graze dairy stock has turned into a major income earner for the Blackwells. Approximately 300 weaner heifers arrive in mid-summer, run through to May, and are then placed on a 12-month grazing contract. Robin said there are currently

1,050 dairy heifers on the property. The flatter, easier land at Mangaotea is utilised for growing supplementary feed in the summer.

“We cut 120ha of pasture for hay and baleage,” said Robin. Surplus is sold to the local dairy industry.


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“There’s been a good market for this in the past.”

The farm is named after Mangaotea Stream which runs through the property. Robin and Jacqueline began fencing and planting the steam more than 20 years ago.

Plantings were grouped together and generally on one side of the stream to ensure water flows through freely without obstructions when the stream is in flood. This maintains access for machinery as well. The couple have also fenced all the other main waterways for riparian protection and to keep stock out.

“We’ve fenced a section every year,” said Robin.

Native vegetation has been left on small areas of land prone to erosion.

So far two 1.5ha blocks of peat swamp and virgin forest have been placed under a Queen Elizabeth II

National Trust covenant with plans to establish more. Other improvements to the farm’s infrastructure have been ongoing and include the development of a four kilometre laneway through the farm for ease of stock movement. And weed and pest control efforts put in by the Blackwells have seen added benefits with the return of native birdlife.

Although the area usually receives a reliable annual rainfall of 1,800mm, the past three summers have been dry.

“We’ve just have to tackle it, deal with it and provide for it,” said Robin.

“It’s something we need to be prepared for.”

Robin and Jacqueline took out four awards at the 2014 Taranaki Ballance Farm Environmental Awards.

They also reached the semi-finals of a Beef and Lamb Steak of Origin competition with both their Angus and Hereford cattle.

Robin said entering the awards made them step back and analyse what they had achieved. “It was a very rewarding process.”

The couple’s three adult children are all presently forging their own careers. Daniel works as an IT specialist in London, Hamish is an earthmoving contractor in Marlborough, and Zarrah is stock manager on Nerrima Cattle Station in Western Australia.

“Our daughter is the one most likely to come back to the farm,” said Robin.

With this in mind, the couple intend to expand their farming operation further and keep it as a family-run business.

The Blackwells take pride in their property, and enjoy breeding quality livestock and growing them to their full genetic potential.

“It’s our main passion in life,” said Robin.

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‘Time to act’ on water reportWith the summer farm forecast causing concern across the country, IrrigationNZ, the national body representing the irrigation industry, has called on government to heed the advice of the report of the fourth Land and Water Forum released at the end of November.

“The LAWF report has resulted in constructive advice to ministers for the development of freshwater policy. It’s now time for the government to act,” said IrrigationNZ chief executive Andrew Curtis.

“Freshwater is a natural and recurring resource we need to protect, and is a national asset which needs to be properly and carefully managed to bolster our agricultural-led economy.

“This is recognised in the report. There are recommendations for the government to fund and facilitate the development of environmental infrastructure like water storage and wetlands.

“Storage means freshwater can be captured for environmental benefits such as managed aquifer recharge and augmenting rivers in dry seasons. This captured water can also relieve

problems of over-allocation and provide efficient water for new users.

“In the report, regional and local government are advised to investigate, cofund and help develop this infrastructure on a catchment scale,” he said.

IrrigationNZ also supports the report’s recommendations for greater flexibility regarding transferability of water take consents. “Transfer is already happening, particularly within irrigation user groups where they work together to share the available resource, but a better resourced and more transparent system would lead to greater fluidity in exchanges.

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whatever is decided is done quickly but in doing so that we don’t solve one grievance by creating another — that way New Zealand can progress to optimal water management with the necessary community mandates, legislation, systems and implementation methods to make the most of the water we have.”

IrrigationNZ continues to roll out its SMART Irrigation training to help farmers improve their water efficiency on-farm while also releasing its first ever annual snapshot of New Zealand’s irrigation sector. It has been estimated that irrigated farms provided a $2.7 billion contribution to New Zealand’s economy, and more than double this in terms of the benefits to the wider community.

IrrigationNZ Chairwoman Nicky Hyslop said launching the snapshot cements a great year.

“The 2015 year has seen IrrigationNZ step up with its communication activities. We have focussed on sending a message to all that irrigation has a huge role to play in building resilience

for our country, environmentally, socially and economically. “

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The industry snapshot will help us demonstrate the significance of irrigation to the regions and the wide range of land uses it supports.

“We expect strong interest in the report, and alongside sending to key stakeholders, will make it widely available through our website www.irrigationnz.co.nz” she said.

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What’s the best surface?There are many publications out there about lameness and how bad tracks and bad animal handling cause lameness, that we regularly get asked the question…

‘What do you think is the best surface material for tracks?’ Even though claims of the above are, in principle, correct, it seems that most people don’t have a clear understanding of what it is about bad tracks and animal handling that increases the prevalence of lameness.

Often the explanation goes something like this: ‘When cows stand on stones they get bruising in their hooves and that makes them lame’. If you push cows on tracks and they can’t see where they put their front feet then they encounter more stones causing more bruising and therefore more lameness.

When you improve the tracks and you stop pushing cows you do end up with less lameness and so this theory seems very plausible. The problem with this explanation is that it is based on assumption and there is no evidence to support it.

I agree that improving tracks and animal handling decreases the prevalence of lameness. But what I

am saying is that there is no evidence that the stones are the culprit. If you are interested in doing a hoof trimming course with us I can show evidence for the opposite.

So, if it is not the stones on the track that is the problem, then what is it?

Well, it has a lot to do with stress. The reason why cows are under more stress on bad tracks is that it takes longer to get to and from the cowshed which means that they spend less time in the paddock doing cow things. When you look at a well fed herd in the paddock, cows are grazing, drinking, socialising or lying down.

This is normal, natural behaviour for a cow. When cows are walking on the tracks or standing on the yard they are not showing any of that ‘normal’ behaviour. This means that cows are being forced to take on activities that are not natural to them.

This, in itself, is not a problem as most cows adapt themselves to that

routine, but, if you force them to do it for a long time it will become a problem. If you have muddy tracks or there are a lot of stones on the track you will find the cow flow a lot slower therefore this increases the time out of the paddock and places more stress on your cows. The added stress of pushing cows will make it even worse.

So, when I am asked what surface material I would advise for the tracks I say concrete. Concrete is easy to clean, it doesn’t hold puddles, cows don’t sink into it and it doesn’t need sunshine to dry up.

You may think this is a ludicrous suggestion, but some of our clients that have done it love it. I know it is expensive, but in the long run it is probably the cheapest option. If you can find a material that is as hardy as concrete go for it.

Just remember — the main aim is to get cows back in the paddock as fast as possible in a stress free manner.

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Merry Christmas EverybodyA D V E RT O R I A L

Holy Toledo! Another year has zoomed past without even a blink of the eye, incredible! That’s how it feels anyway.

To me it was one of the most interesting years in agriculture and probably the bumpiest ride ever, all decisions needing to be calculated to the nth degree; with survival in mode.

We need to stop what we are doing — commodity markets are a slippery slope. We need to look seriously at natural certi� ed production methods to increase farm ef� ciency, better returns, a healthier farm and a top quality environment; this is paramount, if we want to survive. There are silver bullet solutions out there that ensure compliance without impacting on productivity and pro� tability; with environmental sustainable farming offering

the best opportunities. The way forward is probably the way back: when dairy farmers produced all their supplement feed directly from the farm and when stocking rates for dairy was one cow per acre (2.5 cows per hectare). Go online to Lincoln University’s site and look up more milk, less cows; with less cows you will have more grass. The premium price for milk on the planet is for all grass-fed milk, which includes all grass supplements. You don’t need to throw your money away by growing maize. Maize is for chickens — not rumen animals. When it comes to nitrogen, plants have been � xing nitrogen directly out of the atmosphere for millions of years. This source of nitrogen is

atmosphere. All producers growing plants or pasture, without a thought, rely on their plants to � x these free minerals directly out of the atmosphere, carbon as carbon dioxide, oxygen, hydrogen and nitrogen which together make up 97.5% of the plants mineral requirements — that’s what you call free natural capital. Combine the atmospheric minerals with the other essential minerals, such as, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, sodium, silica, iron sulphur, manganese, boron, copper, zinc, cobalt, molybdenum, selenium and chromium and you have the formula for strong healthy plant growth that transfers onto animals and humans. All life on the planet is dependent upon minerals. These minerals are essentials to our survival. Pest, disease, sickness and weeds all indicate mineral de� ciency. The mineral or, minerals missing are extremely dif� cult to target, but compensated by applying a full complement of the above minerals. With all these essential minerals life functions well — in reality, minerals are your “silver bullet” providing they are in a completely natural form — i.e. not synthetic

Agrissentials’ release of minerals to a plant available form is based around the soil micro-organisms. These creatures are the � rst to dine at the mineral table, converting the minerals into a plant available form, wrapping the minerals in humus, so that they won’t leach from the soil. The plant takes up the minerals from the humus, as they are required. The humus also holds water, from which the plant will draw. The more humus in the soil, the more water retention to help the plants through those dry periods. When the plant takes up the mineral it is instantly recognised at the cellular level, the ultimate level for plant uptake, development and growth. So, we have � nally discovered that the silver bullet is contained within a multi-mineral microbial rich fertiliser namely Rok Solid full spectrum fertiliser.

In the spirit of Christmas, Agrissentials have loads of amazing specials to get your soil pumping and things growing. Whether you’re a home gardener, lifestyle block owner, commercial grower or farmer — there’s a deal for you AND some limited edition Christmas packs that make a fantastic Christmas gift for that someone special. Call 0800 THE KEY (0800 843 539) or your local best on earth fertiliser rep Adrian Rowe on 021 873 304 to redeem your special Christmas deal today! (Please note that over the Christmas break the of� ce will be closed from the 18th of December and fully operable again on the 5th of January. Urgent calls will be monitored on 0800 THE KEY during this time.) Wishing you health, wealth, happiness and a prosperous 2016 — bring it on! From Team Agrissentials

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Managing summer feedInformed feed supply decisions made in early December can help ensure the herd’s production remains profitable for the remainder of the season.

DairyNZ developer Sean McCarthy provides insights and points to new resources that will help you make the best decisions over the next few months to ensure feed supply is managed in an effective way.

Ensuring feed supply matches demand, for many, will mean continuing to meet pre-grazing leaf stage and post-grazing residual targets to encourage as much pasture growth as possible. It may also include the use of summer crops, nitrogen — N — fertiliser and supplements where it makes economic sense.

Assuming sensible culling and dry off decisions are made to manage feed demand, the focus shifts to supplying high quality, low cost feed.

Before culling and dry off decisions can be made, it is important to have the right information. Knowing the average pasture cover and feed on-hand will enable you to determine if a lift in farm cover is required and whether December is a good time to apply N fertiliser to encourage greater growth rates in early summer. N boosted pasture is a valuable feed source, and even if ensiling is required, it will cost less than many supplements.

A dry summer will slow pasture growth, so slowing down the round in early December by increasing the number of

days in the rotation will help achieve maximum growth during summer and help ensure there is adequate feed ahead of your herd for grazing.

It will also allow for grazing of pastures closer to the target three-leaf stage, therefore capturing the 40-50 percent of the high quality leaf growth from the second to third leaf.

The way to increase feed is by a slower rotation, not higher residuals. There is a misconception that leaving higher residuals in December will increase feed availability in summer and help capture moisture.

Leaves have a limited lifespan so higher residuals will in fact reduce pasture growth and any remaining high quality feed will decay and not be available later in the summer. Therefore, leaving high residuals in December won’t help fill a feed deficit later on — it will simply result in wasted pasture now and reduced pasture growth and quality in the months ahead. Residuals

of 1500-1600kg DM/ha will ensure the plant maintains its energy reserves and will provide some shading of the soil surface. While the area in crop has by now been determined, it is important to measure and monitor yields so this feed is allocated accurately.

Information on managing and feeding individual crops can be found at dairynz.co.nz/crops.

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Problems with Paradise ducks?A D V E RT O R I A LA D V E RT O R I A L

by Glenn Maclean, Taranaki Fish & Game

New Zealand export log prices jumped to a seven-month high in November as demand picked up in China, the country’s largest market.

It’s fast approaching that time of year again when aggregations of Paradise ducks can cause issues and frustration for local farmers.

The average wharf gate price for New Zealand A-grade logs rose to $92 a tonne from $83 a tonne in October, marking the highest level since April, according to AgriHQ’s monthly survey of exporters, forest owners and sawmillers. The AgriHQ Log Price Indicator, which measures log prices weighted by grade, increased to 92.51 from 88.41 last month.

Chinese demand picked up to 70,000 cubic metres a day towards the end of October, and about 50,000–60,000 cubic metres a day in November. The pickup in demand comes after log exporters reduced shipments to China following weak market conditions, and has caused inventory levels on Chinese ports to fall to between 2.3 to 2.6 million cubic metres from about 3 million cubic metres last month and 4.7 million cubic metres in August, AgriHQ said. Some now expected inventories to drop below 2 million cubic metres. Prices are expected to � rm through December, although the market remains volatile. “The market has the potential to overshoot in its price recovery, in which case prices will need to drop for the market to � nd the right balance.Improved market conditions mean

supply to China is likely to increase which would place downward pressure on prices,” said Emma Dent, an analyst at AgriHQ. Lower shipping rates and a favourable New Zealand exchange rate were helping underpin the local export market, she said.

Meanwhile, prices for New Zealand domestic logs were steady with pruned logs at $167 a tonne from $164 a tonne last month, and structural logs at $103 a tonne from $105 a tonne.

Domestic log processors are struggling to source supply in some regions due to competition from the export market, Dent said. Logs, wood, and wood articles are New Zealand’s third-largest commodity export behind dairy products and meat. Meanwhile, there is already a shortage of harvesting crews for the summer work program in many of the regions. A number of harvesting suppliers and more importantly skilled staff have exited the industry in the last 6–12 months. The same message goes out to all forest owners which is to start your harvest planning at least 3 to 5 years before the trees get to harvest age so harvesting suppliers can plan crew allocation and have a better idea of any forward work programs.

The problems typically start to arise as the birds congregate together to moult their � ight feathers after breeding has � nished. During the moult adult birds grow new feathers and can’t � y, their method of defence is to collect in large numbers around open water which they swim out into when threatened. In addition, the young birds which can � y are still reluctant to leave mum and dad and so hang around as well.

Many moult sites are traditional and unless there is new pasture or crops planted around the pond then the impacts are often tolerable. However where problems can occur is immediately following the moult (which occurs early in the new year) when these hungry birds are once again mobile and looking for food. In wet years when there are lots of feeding options the birds often disperse quickly with few issues. However in dry summers, new grass or chicory paddocks can be a green oasis in a generally brown landscape and the whole moult population may descend to dine out.

The key in this situation is to contact Fish and Game as soon as you see a few birds starting to use the paddock. The tendency is often to wait to see if a problem develops, however once a large number of birds are queued in to a particular spot they are that much harder to discourage. F&G can issue a permit which allows you to legally disturb the birds, and we can provide a gas-operated scare gun and/or help with other methods of moving them on.

We also have a special Paradise duck hunting season over the last weekend in February and � rst weekend in March in the Taranaki and Whanganui regions. While this provides a hunting opportunity, the primary purpose is to break up and disperse the post moult population. So taking advantage of this opportunity yourself or by inviting local hunters onto your property is another way to address the issue.

For further assistance this summer please contact our New Plymouth Of� ce (027 263 9152) or Whanganui Of� ce (06 345 4908).


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Something old, something newThe financial situation that dominates activities of the farming community right now is not new. In the late 1980s the dairy and sheep industries were in similar straits, compounded by interest rates of 15–20% at that time.

In one sense it was easier to handle then, because the hole being so deep, and money so expensive, there was little an individual farmer could do — it was just a case of box on and hope for the best.

In the case of the sheep industry the landscape changed forever. Many small efficient farms were amalgamated and skilled diligent farmers were lost from the industry. Productive pastoral land was planted in pine trees and whole communities simply disappeared.

Research changed from an industry and farmer focus, to a short-term commercial focus, and people with much knowledge and expertise went elsewhere, along with vast amounts of historical data.

Farmers being a resilient and resourceful bunch, battled on, but the loss of important research, along with the pathways that ensured wisdom was handed from one generation to the next, have never been recovered and our industry is the poorer for it.

And as if the present financial pressures are not enough, there are rapidly approaching environmental regulations that will further stretch farmer resilience and adaptability. It’s an unfair burden to place on farmers when there is such a shortage of long-term research work to provide them with practical everyday answers.

However, there are alternatives, which an increasing number of farmers have been implementing for the last fifteen years. They don’t come from mainstream industry and research groups, but from the edge, where significant and far reaching change always comes from.

Science will in time work out why it works, and likely claim it as their own. In the interim both science and farmers need to be aware that

alternative systems to the current heavy applications, and subsequent losses of nitrate and phosphorus from intensively farmed pastoral land are already available.

These solutions result in an increase in pasture grown, with the benefits immediately available. The reason the process works so efficiently is that it focusses on building humus, by modifying both soil chemistry and biology.

Gaining sustainable increases in production through modifying soil biota is not new. Thirty years ago government invested significantly in this work, and the results were positive.

That revolutionary technology and some of the people involved at that time are still around, with a commitment to seeing the work come to fruition.

Humus is the filter that effectively stops excess nitrate and phosphorus being lost to waterways.

It’s formed by a wide range of fungi, bacteria and earthworms that adapt and change activity throughout the seasons. During winter organic matter from the growing season is digested, with nutrient stored, and then released on an on-demand basis as soil temperatures and sunlight hours increase. It’s incredibly efficient as lengthening daylight is also the trigger for an increase in pasture growth.

Humus also acts as a sponge holding moisture for uptake during drier periods, and with plant roots able to delve deeper into the soil, dry summers are more easily managed.

Without the regular application of fertiliser nitrogen long-stemmed large-leafed clover steadily dominates the summer sward, fixing more than enough nitrogen for a steady increase in pasture production. With clover being

more nutritious and digestible, as well as containing several times the calcium content of grass, animal production lifts, without reliance on worm drenches and other ill-health remedies.

There are management changes to be made to maximise the benefits of the system, but they are logical and easily learned, and when embedded, result in a peace of mind that comes when working in harmony with natural systems.

A question often asked by farmers as they begin to appreciate the benefits is: ‘why do not more farmers do this?’ The answer is fear. Apprehension at the thought of change can often be a natural safeguard against unnecessary diversion. But it’s fear of ridicule by, and

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isolation from, peers that is the tough one to overcome. Change is always challenging. However the right to clean fresh drinking water is a right of every citizen and stock animal, and there are only upsides to steadily implementing the steps to a healthier future.

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Unstoppable utility times eightby Andy Bryenton

The trusty off-road bike used to be the last word in tackling mud and harsh terrain. Then it was replaced, briefly by the off road trike, before that evolved into the ATV quad. Recently, the ATV has given rise to the two-seater UTV, in all its farm-ready and sporting variants.

But all this time — since the 1960s, to be exact — there’s been another breed of off roader in the background. It’s one which doesn’t rely on one wheel drive like a bike, or even four like a quad. And it hasn’t evolved into anything so prosaic as a simple dune buggy. Like the shark, it may have been perfect for its own extreme environment from day one.

The Argo — named for the far-traveling adventurers of classical mythology — has been about in one

shape or another since 1967. Born of the need to handle every kind of terrain from deserts to swamps, the Argo does away with traditional steering, adopting the same kind of controls as a military tank. That’s the first clue to its intention. The second comes when it runs out of land entirely.

Because, like the big armoured personnel carriers it did its bit to inspire, the Argo doesn’t just wade — it swims. Argo’s latest creation is the culmination of all those years of research and field testing with farmers, hunters, foresters and emergency personnel.

The 8x8 750 XTi can carry 450 kgs on land and across water, with a four stroke, 750cc liquid-cooled v-twin doing the hard work under the hood. Add a towing capacity of over 900 kilos, and the massive traction afforded by eight driving wheels, and it’s easy to see why there’s very little that can stop this machine in its tracks.

Argo have made the move to modern direct fuel injection, offering both more power — 30hp at the wheels — and better fuel economy. Considering the type of terrain where Argos tend to work, the long distance between fill-ups

is going to be very handy. Other small stylistic tweaks — and the addition of the now-obligatory USB output on the dash — round out a design which is pure Argo.

Function is king here, and the form of the whole Argo range is built around offering simply the toughest, most unsinkable, unstickable vehicle on the market. A tough roll cage keeps passengers

safe, in a style similar to modern UTVs. If you have rough terrain to tackle — and we’re talking more than just a damp paddock or some paltry mud puddles — then this new 8x8 is the way to handle it in style.

After a bash through the rough stuff — and across the wet stuff — in the 750 XTi, conventional four wheel drive may begin to feel a bit like a sad compromise.


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The pony expressby Andy Bryenton

There are some events in 2015 which have been much anticipated — a long time coming, and carrying, for the masterminds behind them, the weight of expectation, tradition and nostalgia.

One of them — JJ Abrams’ new Star Wars episode seven — will be released in mid-December. But the other — the new Ford Mustang generation six — is already among us. And Ford have left the world in no doubt that with this car, their global programme has reached a new apogee.

Once the very icon of Americana, the ‘pony car’ is a movie star in its own right, to rival the likes of Han Solo. Gone in 60 seconds, for example, elevated the Shelby variant to the status of something to die for. Now, the looks and the performance of that lineage are back on forecourts around the world, this time coming fresh from the factory with the controls on the correct side of the car. We got our first look at the Mustang as part of Ford’s nationwide Blue Oval Roadshow, and its presence is undeniable.

With the aggressive grille, long bonnet and classic Mustang stance, hunkered down low over fat tyres — this car would not look out of place on screen with Steve McQueen. That’s a

big check for style, then — and a large aesthetic improvement from the brutally squared fifth generation Mustang which polarised critics. Everyone has their favourite classic Ford, and this shape hearkens back to the Mach 1, though without the ostentatious louvered back window. But is this new offering up to spec when it comes to speed and handling? The answer, in short, is yes. And it’s not the big 5 litre V8 which truly surprises, though a commendable 306kw and 530nm of torque won’t fail to deliver smiles. It’s the combination of losing that live rear axle in exchange for modern suspension tech, and the light, punchy twin-scroll-turbo ecoboost variant which is a revelation.

Now, I can already hear the V8 purists opine that there’s no replacement for displacement, and if you want a burbling, rumbling muscle car this is true. It’s just that the ecoboost option is far away from being watered-down. In fact, it makes the new Mustang two very different cars — one a thunderous homage to a great tradition, the other

a glimpse of the future. The ecoboost’s 233kw is nothing to sneeze at, either, especially as the switch-out lightens the whole car.

Really, this is one pony which deserves a test ride. It’s the only way

to compare the two very different systems which have been tucked under that rakish bonnet. And unlike watching Star Wars, when the echoes fade out, you’re still left with something beautiful to look at.

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