PLUS: Radio personality DOMINIC GEORGE

FRAN O’SULLIVAN:

THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2014

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2 Te Awamutu Courier Thursday, September 11, 2014

Wherewouldwebewithoutbees?

Dominic George hostsFarming First,5am-6am weekdayson Radio Sport.

COMMENT

withDOMINICGEORGE

Rural radio personalityDominicGeorge vents his viewshere every Thursday

A third of all the foodweeatis directly pollinatedbynature’s bestworker

BUSY AS:September is beeawarenessmonth.

IDIDN’T realise until this week howimportant bees are to our existence.I knew they had value in the food chainbutmy knowledge of the average honey

bee wasmostly gleaned from theBeeMoviestarring Jerry Seinfeld as the voice of themain character. In fact, I’d hated them eversince the late 80s when one climbed upmyweewhite stubbies and thrust his stingerintomy chubby thigh during Saturdaymorning cricket.But September is bee awarenessmonth

and I’ve learned a thing or two thanks toFederated Farmers bees chairman JohnHartnell, (yes, they have a bees chairmanand to be fair, you can see why). Apparently,the reality is no beesmean no food andtherefore no people. Simple as that. A third ofthe food all humans eat is directly pollinatedby honeybees. It is themost indispensablecreature inmodern society.So, the bee is clearly a useful and

productivemember of nature that ultimatelymakes our lives possible. That, of course,can’t be said for everyone or everything.Take referees for example. As one of my oldrugby coaches was fond of saying, “refereesare always wrong”. But really, what the hellhas happened to referees at the top level?

We’ve seen utterly shocking calls inrugby union and rugby league inrecent weeks, the like of which youwouldn’t see at school or club level.Refs are always going to get little

things wrong, but the problem is thehowlers are ruining genuinecontests. The problem seems to beendemic and it also appears themore technology andman-power attheir disposal, themore they seemto cock things up.Wearing pink doesn’t help—

they look like they’re show-boating.They have enough perceptionissues as it is with fans under theimpressionmost refs think they’recentre stage with the players cast insupporting roles in their unfoldingdrama. Unfortunately, a lot of thetimewe’re watching a tragedy.I wrote a fewweeks ago that I

also despise traffic wardens and TVprogrammers. Again, unlike thebee, they’re genuine blights oncivilisation andwe could dowithoutall of them. But wemust also addtouch judges to this list. At leastreferees have the excuse that theyhave to watch amultitude ofscenarios play out in front of themand attempt to adjudicateaccordingly. No such excuses for thecommon touchie. They have a fewsimple tasks to perform that mostadolescents could cope with.It may, in fact, be the boredom

factor that makes them believe theyhave tomake their presence felt in agame. A linesmanwill miss aforward pass or a foot in touch rightin front of their eyes, but feel theneed to tell a ref about a bit of slapand tickle they saw 40m away, five

minutes earlier. Stick to yourknitting lads.I will address other unproductive

and useless entities in futurecolumns, such as people who can’tdrive, but in the interests of findingsomething positive to say, let uscommend the humble honey bee.Hartnell tells us that in China,

much of its pear industry relies onpollination by human hand becausethe overuse of agriculturalchemicals hasmade the land hostileto the honeybee.My father and I used to line them

upwhen Iwas younger and see howfarwe could hit themwith a cricketbat when they interferedwith abackyard cricket game. I’ll thinktwice about doing that now.

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Thursday, September 11, 2014 Te Awamutu Courier 3

Fran O’Sullivan is abusiness columnist forthe NZ Herald andAlexander Speirs(right) is a businessjournalist for HeraldBusiness Reports

FootprintinChinawidensFonterra is hands-onwithmanagement control to ensure there is no repeat of theSan Ludisaster

OPINION

withFRANO’SULLIVAN

Businesswriters FranO’SullivanandAlexanderSpeirs call the shots here every Thursday

THESTRATEGY IS THATBYUSINGTHESTRENGTHSOF

EACH, INDUSTRYSTANDARDSCANBELIFTEDACROSS

THE BOARD— PARTICULARLYWHERESAFETY ISCONCERNED.

THERE’S a lot riding forFonterra as a result of itssoon-to-be officialpartnership with China’s

biggest infant formula-makerBeingmate a key play in theirexpansionary global strategy.If Fonterra CEO Theo

Spierings gets this one right, itwill be a step change for ourlargest company in their biggestmarket.Spierings told us that once

the new partnership withBeingmate hits its straps, thejoint venture will have a foot-print in China unlike anythingelse seen in the dairy sector.Really though — the partner-

ship is a sign of the times inChina. The Chinese Governmentis getting serious about the dairysector after a series of highprofile crises made a seriousdent in consumer confidence.Stricter regulatory regimes,eliminating the bit-players andnew rules for internationalplayers have changed the gamein China.Foreign players cashing in on

China’s white gold rush werealways expected to play theirpart in developing the localindustry. Fonterra has close tiesto agriculture universities inChina and has worked with thegovernment to train farmers.But that’s not enough in the

new environment.Today, the name of the game

is collaboration. The ChineseGovernment wants to see anumber of large, high-qualitymilk pools upstream from arange of reputable sources,feeding into downstreamprocessing networks run in part-nership by foreign and localplayers. The strategy is that byusing the strengths of each,industry standards can be liftedacross the board — particularlywhere safety is concerned.Fonterra’s China strategy has

attracted its critics.But the brute reality is, as

Spierings spells out: “If you wantto show commitment to a keymarket like China, you want togo into serious partnerships. Butif you have nothing to offer,

there’s no discussion. We haveto build up.”Fonterra has been heavily

investing in China to build itspresence in the market and hasstepped up the pace on thedevelopment of major farminghubs. The second of five plannednow not far from completion.Just two years ago, Fonterra’sChina business was 200 peopleworking in Shanghai on whatwas effectively an import busi-ness worth $1 billion. Last year,turnover reached $5.5 billion asstaff numbers climbed to 1500 —a number Spierings sees climb-ing to 5000 soon.Now with Beingmate as part

of Fonterra’s extended reach, thepath to market for infant

formula takes a big stepforward.It’s the first Chinese partner-

ship for Fonterra since theirdisastrous partnership withSanlu and they’ve been carefulto get this one right.Negotiations and due dili-

gence took a year to complete. Itwas rigorous and costly exerciseundertaking deals of this magni-tude in China — but don’t expectthis to be a one-off.Fonterra intends to remain

active in China on the partner-ship front. While no negotiationsare presently active, it’s an openeyes and open ears approachmoving forward.The criteria for those looking

to get into bed with Fonterra isstrict.Any potential partners must

be key existing customers forFonterra’s New Zealand pro-ducts, they must be willing todevelop domestic upstream cap-acity in China and theymust tickthe boxes downstream withregards to distribution.Another strong partnership

however could be the key tofinding major success with UHTproducts in China.The rollout has so far only

been successfully extended intoa handful of provinces, but withincreased capacity back home atWaitoa and plans for a BeijingUHT factory in the pipelineimproving distribution networksis a top priority.The company is finally mov-

ing to a greater value position inthe Chinese market.The challenge will be making

sure the joint-venture workswell.While Beingmate has 51 per

cent, Fonterra has managementcontrol.That ought to ensure there is

no repeat of the San Lu disaster.

4 Te Awamutu Courier Thursday, September 11, 2014

CourierTe Awamutu

CIRCULATED FREE TO 12,109 HOMES THROUGHOUT TE AWAMUTU AND SURROUNDING DISTRICTS. EXTRA COPIES 40c.

YOUR COMMUNITY NEWSPAPER FOR OVER 100 YEARS

1585 Alexandra StTe Awamutu

871 6780

Panel & Paint SpecialistsCars, Trucks & Machinery

FREE courtesy cars availableInsurance Approved Repairs

Published Tuesday & Thursday THURSDAY, MAY 2, 2013

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BRIEFLYBreast screen

The Waikato Breast Screenmobile unit is currently in TeAwamutu.

Women between the agesof 45-69 are eligible for freescreening at the unit which isbased in Selwyn Park (behindthe Te Awamutu i-Site VisitorInformation Centre).

The unit will be in TeAwamutu until June 14, thenwill return between August 12and September 13.

To make an appointment orfor enquiries phone 0800 270270 200.

Chasing ‘slam’Victory for Andrew

Nicholson at Badminton,starting tomorrow (NZ time),would see him become the firstKiwi and only the second riderin the world to take the RolexGrand Slam.

Kihikihi’s favourite son hastwo of his most experiencedhorses, Avebury and Nereo,on the card.

The rider who winsBadminton, Burghley andKentucky consecutivelypockets $US350,000.

The action gets underwaywith the first horse inspectionon Friday morning (NZ time),followed by two days ofdressage, the cross country inthe early hours of Mondaymorning and finishing with theshowjumping on Tuesday.

Secure homesBurglaries in the Waikato

have soared over the schoolholidays.

Hamilton TacticalCoordinator, Senior SergeantFreda Grace says there havebeen 99 burglaries reported inthe Waikato between ANZACDay and Monday morning.

"In many cases theburglaries involved youngpeople targeting electronics,alcohol or other easilytransferable goods.’’

Ms Grace urges people toget back to basics — securingproperties, making contactwith neighbours, recordingserial numbers of valuablesand reporting any suspiciousactivity.

FINAL PUSH: Downer contractors prepare Alexandra Street outside Te Awamutu College for new seal.

Final stage of majorproject under way

Work has begun on sealing TeAwamutu’s Alexandra Street,the final stage in the upgradeproject.

The sealing work will takeseveral weeks and is being donein small sections to minimisetraffic delays as well as disrup-tion to residents and businesses.

The underground work isalmost complete, with newwater and wastewater pipes nowlaid down most of Alexandra

Street from Tawhiao Street tothe railway crossing outsideFonterra, said Waipa DistrictCouncil service delivery mana-ger Barry Bergin.

‘‘We are pleased with theresult of the work to lay thepipes, and now we are askingresidents and businesses to bearwith us as we enter the last stageof this major project,’’ MrBergin said.

The cost of the $2 million

upgrade has been reduced bycombining the water servicesworks with the road reconstruc-tion.

Sealing work has begun out-side Te Awamutu College to takeadvantage of the reduced schooltraffic during the holidays. Thesection outside Fonterra will bedone last to coincide with thefactory’s quieter period.

There will be some timeswhen homeowners and busi-

nesses face restricted access,and the contractor, Downer isworking with those affected totry and keep disruption to aminimum. Traffic delays arepossible and detours away fromAlexandra Street may also beused during this phase of work.

dents, businesses and motoristsfor their ongoing patience as wec o m p l e t e t h i s i m p o r t a n tupgrade work,’’ Mr Bergin said.

dminton,w (NZ time),ecome the firste second riderke the Rolex

ourite son hasxperiencedand Nereo,

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RURAL

Property GuideTE AWAMUTU

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Issue Current To Thursday, June 19, 2014

o

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o Thursday, June 19, 2014

TE AWAMUTU’S MONTHLY MOTORING FEATURE, THURSDAY, MAY 9, 2013

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CourierTe Awamutu

Y/E D 2012

The Te Awamutu Courier has been serving Te Awamutu for over 100 years, it is delivered free every Tuesday and Thursday to over 13,968 urban and rural homes throughout Te Awamutu and surrounding areas. The paper circulates to a closely developed farming district renowned for its primary production and strong commercial, farm, horticulture and secondary industries. Other regular publications are the Rural Roundup, DriveBy, Te Awamutu Property Guide and The Land.CIRCULATION 13,968* (7059 urban, 6909 rural)

The Te Awamutu Courier is delivered free to every urban and rural home in these areas:• Te Awamutu • Kihikihi • Pirongia • Ohaupo • Kawhia • Ngahinapouri • Te Pahu • Tuhikaramea • Rukuhia • Rotorangi • Maungatautari • + Rural Deliveries north of Otorohanga township

To reach this local market contact one of our sales consultants today -

PHONE 07 871 5151Email: sales@teawamutucourier.co.nz

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SUPPLEMENT TO TE AWAMUTU COURIER, TUESDAY, AUGUST 19, 2014

RURAL

ROUNDUP

North Is. Schedule This Last Year Versus$/kg CW net Week Week Ago 5-yr Avg

BEEF GRAIN & FEEDOVERSEAS PRICES FARMGATE PRICES

DAIRY FORESTRYPOWDER PRODUCTS FAT PRODUCTS

GlobalDairyTrade Previous Year VersusUS$/t Auction Ago 5-yr Avg

MORE: The information above is extracted from key reports produced by NZX Agrifax, the leading provider of specialist industry data and intelligence on the New Zealand sheep, beef, dairy, forestry, venison, wool and grain sectors. Please contact us to view the full reports. www.agrifax.co.nz | info@nzxagrifax.co.nz

metservice.com | graphic compiled by

North Is. Schedule This Last Year Versus$/head net Week Week Ago 5-yr Avg

SHEEP WOOLOVERSEAS PRICES FARMGATE PRICES

WMPAMFAverage

P2 SteerM2 BullM Cow

Lamb 17.5kgLamb 19kgMutton 21kg

40

60

80

100

120

Aug�12 Feb�13 Aug�13 Feb�14 Aug�14

NZ$/t

200

400

600

800

Sep�12 Mar�13 Sep�13 Mar�14 Sep�14

NZc/kg

29�Micron 39�Micron Lamb

200

300

400

500

Sep�12 Mar�13 Sep�13 Mar�14 Sep�14

NZ$/t

Milling�wheat Feed�wheat Feed�barleySep 12 Mar 13 Sep 13 Mar 14 Sep 14

Milling�wheat Feed�wheat Feed�barley

325

375

425

475

Oct Jan Apr Jul

NZc/kg�(net)

5�yr�avg 2012/13 2013/14Oct Jan Apr Jul

5�yr�avg 2012/13 2013/14

Further lifts in US imported cow and bull prices were made in the past week. Gross schedules have continued to increase. The high US bull prices now mean gross rates for bulls have passed steers at $5.25/kg for a 300kg bull with big premiums paid.

� �

Dairy commodity prices have remained weak in the past week following the September 2 GDT auction. But some factors such as restricted dairy exports from Argentina and an expected pickup in Chinese buying interest may provide a much needed boost to prices.

2673 2804 5058 –26% 3360 3566 5109 –24% 2787 3000 4891 –25%

4.72 4.69 4.48 +15%

101.54 101.54 99.66 –5%

4.54 4.54 4.07 +18%

110.42 110.42 108.25 –5%

3.41 3.38 3.19 +15%

62.1 61.89 61.20 –1%

� �

Overseas inventories are high which has kept a ceiling on returns. New Zealand lamb schedules remain steady but additional premiums have crept in, nudging gross rates higher to $6.15-$6.20/kg in the past week. Some local trade operators are paying $6.30/kg gross.

� �

50

75

100

125

Oct Jan Apr Jul

NZ$/hd�(n

et)

5�yr�avg 2012/13 2013/14

2500

4500

6500

Jun Sep Dec Mar

US$/t

2012/13 2013/14 2014/15

LAMB PRICES HIT CEILING chris.taylor@nzx.com

A cautious tone is set across lamb markets at the moment with overseas pricing reaching a ceiling for now on many items. Some prices have come back a bit, especially on mutton exports due to strong Australian production and shipments to China in the past few months on the top of strong early season production and exports from NZ.

Sheep meat production is at now at the seasonal low point with only very limited numbers processed. Some lamb items have also eased a little such as lamb fl aps due to high frozen inventories in China. This is the fi rst time prices for these items have started to ease since Agrifax started collecting prices for lamb fl aps in 2010. However a weaker NZD in recent weeks has countered a good part of any ease in in-market pricing.

Manufacturers in China typically start processing lamb and mutton into roll form that is used for winter hot pots from September. This will start to reduce inventory levels as consumption increases in winter.

Strong UK production continues to keep its domestic market well-supplied for now, with the UK lamb slaughter tracking ahead of 2013 refl ecting the good conditions there.

Demand should return as the New Zealand lamb and mutton production builds, as the fundamentals for a strong global market still exist. Demand is returning and sheep numbers have contracted in New Zealand and Australia.

CHRIS TAYLOR – Agriculture Market Analyst

0

10

20

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

thousandtonnes

5�yr avg 2012/13 2013/14

New Zealand Mutton Exports

400

500

600

700

800

O t 12 F b 13 J 13 O t 13 F b 14 J 14

NZ$/kg

Oct�12 Feb�13 Jun�13 Oct�13 Feb�14 Jun�14

Lamb Flaps Export Price

11Sep2014

2/9/14 � � �

� ��

� ��

As at September 8, 2014

Last 15 Days

The NZX Pasture Growth Index (PGI) is

an indicator of potential pasture growth

based on three key climatic variables –

temperature, moisture and light.

Pasture Growth Index

Above normal

Near normal

Below normal

NZX DAIRY PGI

NZ Feed Grain IndicatorNZ Feed Grain Indicator

Agrifax Log Price Indicator

Wool Prices

Agrifax WMP Price

North Island Steer Schedule

North Island Lamb Schedule

Thursday, September 11, 2014 Te Awamutu Courier 5

Gimblett Gravels entrant triumphsNo.8 WIREwith DOUG LAING

SUCCESS: Paul Robinsoncompeting in the YoungViticulturist of the Year.

VillaMaria assistant vineyardmanager Paul Robinson hastriumphed bywinning the nationalYoungViticulturist of the Year title.Based on one of the largest

vineyards on the Gimblett Gravelshe was contesting the final for afourth timewhen the event was heldduring the New ZealandWinegrowers Romeo Bragatoconference andwine awards inMarlborough last week.He reached the final by winning

the Hawke’s Bay title in June, for athird time, and now represents theviticulture industry in the YoungHorticulturist of the Year contest inAuckland in November.

WOOL SALE

Prices at the end of the August woolsale consolidated on the back ofcontinuing shortfalls of volumecoming on to themarket, says NewZealandWool ServicesInternational.There were 7700 bales on offer at

the South Island auction, of which 83per cent sold. The offering wasmainly coarse crossbred fleece and

second-shear bodywools. Merinoandmid-micronwools made upmostof the passed-in bales.Comparedwith the South Island

sale on August 21, mid-micron fleece24 and 24.5 micronwere 4 per centcheaper, 25 to 26.5 micron 1 per centdearer, 27 to 28micronwere firmand 28.5 to 30.5 micron declined 2 to 3per cent. Fine crossbred fleece andearly-shorn and second-shear 33 to35micronwere 1 to 2.5 per centdearer, coarse crossbred fleece 36and 37micron 2 per cent dearer and38micron 1 per cent dearer.Combings and carding oddmentswere firm.KING BEEFMAN

Young King country farmer JamesBryan is this year’s Beef+Lambambassador at the Five Nations BeefAlliance conference and youngleaders programme in the UnitedStates.He beat 13 other applicants to win

the scholarship, now in its fourthyear.It covers the cost of conference

attendance and travel and is offeredeach year to New Zealanders aged22 to 32 whowork in the beefindustry.This year’s conference and young

leaders programme take place inCorpus Christi and Austin, TexasfromOctober 4 to 11.

FRUIT LOGISTICA

NewZealand has a high profilepresence at the sixth Asia Fruit

Logistica, which started yesterdayin Hong Kong and ends tomorrow.The New Zealand pavilion, co-

ordinated by HortNZ, features 13companies.There are 460 exhibitors from 38

countries attending Asia FruitLogistica this year.It’s the largest event of its kind

held in the Asianmarket andattracts 7000 industry professionals.

FUNGAL RESEARCH

Scientists hope to open up newopportunities for the forestryindustry following research into thecultivation and commercialisationof two edible fungi crops: saffronmilk-cap (Lactarius deliciosus) andbianchetto truffle (Tuber borchii).Plant & Food Research’s Alexis

Guerin and Associate ProfessorWang Yun have been investigatingthe high-value delicacies on a farmin Lincoln with successful and tastyresults.

“These crops could be the nextinnovative gourmet export foodproduct for New Zealand,” Guerinsays.“Elsewhere in the world they are

highly regarded for their potentialhealth benefits and even support adedicated truffle-tourism industry”.In New Zealand, truffles retail for

$3000 a kilogram.Although perigord black truffles

have been grown commercially inEurope since the early 1800s, it wasnot until the 1970s that theircultivationmethods were improved.Similarly, the cultivation of most

other edible mycorrhizalmushrooms is still verymuch in itsinfancy.The pair’s research into saffron

milk-capmushrooms providesanother commercial opportunity,with 85kg harvested earlier thisyear.The high yield was in part

attributable to irrigation, warmtemperatures and regular rainfall.

6 Te Awamutu Courier Thursday, September 11, 2014

Findingabetterwaytospray

DO-IT-YOURSELFER:John Bailey savedmoney by building hisown boom spray unitusing compressed air

THE INNOVATORS

Dean Taylor looks atKiwis’ latest inventions,among them a4WD-attachable boomspray unitusing compressed air.

JOHNBailey is the type of guywho likes tomake something,rather than buy it, especiallyif it savesmoney.

So when the Hamilton-basedagricultural sprayer figured hecould savemore than $10,000 settingup his boom spray unit on his 4WDusing a compressed air system itseemed a no-brainer.Bailey took the resulting inventionto the National Fieldays and says itattracted a fair bit of interest.But for him it is a piece of equipmentfor his own business— taking thenext step to patent, develop andmarket the invention is a wholeother ball game he isn’t ready forjust yet.He uses a petrol-powered aircompressor, fitted to the truck, torun the booms.He has other air tools for work andhome and can use the compressorfor the lot.Bailey says other options that wouldwork include a 12V or belt-drivencompressor.Bailey has a wealth of agriculturaland horticultural experience andsays his unit doesn’t just save himmoney— it works better than usinghydraulics.He says the booms can bemovedmore quickly and the compressedair rams provide a shock absorbereffect, both up and down, so theytravel nicely over rough terrain anddon’t give the “whipping” effect ofhydraulics.Bailey also likes the fact air is cleanif something goes wrong.Themanwho built the system hashigh praise for Bailey.Dave Epplett, formerly of Pirongiaand now based in Hamilton, ownsand operatesWholesalePneumatics.He says when hewas approachedand asked if the idea would work hesaid yes— thenworked out the how.But he says the idea is unique andingenious.“No-one else has done it, but itworks fantastically well,” he says.Epplett believes there is theopportunity to franchise thebusiness using compressed air and itwould revolutionise spraying.And he says Bailey’s brilliance withair hasn’t stopped at the boomsprayer.“He saw an air cannon I wasworking on and has come upwith aninexpensive idea to spray steephillsides.”Bailey operates a full spray serviceas Bailey’s Hotspot.

Thursday, September 11, 2014 Te Awamutu Courier 7

CONTACT USADVERTISING

Alan Price 07 871 5151 xt 703alan.price@teawamutucourier.co.nz

EDITORIAL

Dean Taylor 07 871 5151 xt705dean.taylor@teawamutucourier.co.nz

NATIONALADVERTISING

Matthew Sherry 021 2710364matthew.sherry@apn.co.nz

NATIONAL EDITORIAL

Colleen Thorpe 021 775 005colleen.thorpe@apn.co.nz

The Land is published every Thursday in APN Regional Newspapers throughout the North Island.

Calving pattern can be improvedGet the key ingredients right and the six-week-in-calf rate

is farmore likely to beon target

Heatmountdetectorsgive goodresults.

Tail paint isinexpen-sive andeffective.

DAIRY T

HE MATING season is hereand getting cows in-calfquickly will be key to achiev-ing a good calving pattern

next year, remembering that routineinductions will not be allowed fromJune 1.Heat detection, pre-mating heats

and bull management are key ingredi-ents for a successful mating — getthese right and the farm’s submissionrate and six-week-in-calf rate willbenefit.Most herds in New Zealand

achieve in-calf rates well short ofindustry targets and their calvingpattern will be at risk if nothingchanges.The aim is to get the best in-calf

rate — the rate at which cows becomepregnant throughout a total matingperiod of 10 to 12 weeks.This requires both a high sub-

mission rate of 90 per cent and a highconception rate of 60 per cent.These two drivers of reproductive

performance require the herd to be ina naturally fertile state, as indicatedby a high proportion of cows (85 percent) having had one or more pre-mating heats. It also requires heatdetection systems used on-farm to beefficient and accurate, so few heatsare missed and few heats ‘‘invented’’.Farmers should ask themselves:

‘‘Will the cows resume cycling at therequired rate pre-mating and will ahigh proportion of them conceive toartificial breeding (AB) inseminationin the first six weeks of mating?’So, what can be done now?

PRE-MATINGHEATSThe easiest way to spot cycling cowsis to do pre-mating heat detection.The period before mating is an

opportunity to practise heat detec-tion, checking for cows not on heatand anticipating when they mightnext come on heat. Team trainingshould be organised at this time, withthe most experienced person helpingthe less experienced teammembers tointerpret signs of heat.Use tail paint to pick out cycling

cows. Use one colour tail paint tostart, then a second colour as cowscycle and lose their tail paint. Withintwo weeks about half the cycling cowswill have been identified. At threeweeks, cows with the original colour

are the non-cyclers.Calculate the herd’s pre-mating

cycling rate (InCalf Book, page 83) forthe percentage of cows showing signsof heat before mating begins. Ifcycling is less than 75 per cent by 10days before the planned start ofmating, heat detection has not beenfully effective or there are too manynon-cyclers, or both.At that stage it is time to seek

advice and consider which options areavailable to improve heat detectionduring AB and treat non-cycling cows.

HEATDETECTION

The best heat detection starts withcareful planning, good observationand the effective use of detection aids.Being able to interpret cow behavi-

our and other signs is critical, alongwith good record-keeping and train-ing for those doing heat detection.Start by reviewing the farm’s heat

detection skills.Are they up to scratch and does

everyone know what to look for whendetecting cows on heat? Then, decidewhich combination of aids the farmwill use: tail paint, heat mountdetectors, activity meters and heatsynchronisation.

TAIL PAINT

Tail paint is an inexpensive andeffective way to detect cows on heat.Apply tail paint to all cows just

before the start of mating, touch itup at least weekly and check forcows with rubbed or broken tailpaint during milking.Re-checking tail paint for rub

marks immediately before eachcow’s insemination will avoidinseminating cows not on heat.To help identify cows not yet

inseminated or those only showingweak signs of heat, reapply a differ-ent coloured tail paint to recentlyinseminated cows once other cowsno longer try to mount them.

HEATMOUNT DETECTORS

DairyNZ’s InCalf programme showsthat heat detection rates are higherin herds using heat mount detectors.The detectors can be particularlyeffective on farms with less skilledstaff checking cows and when usedwith paddock checks for heat.Applied to the cow’s backbone,

the detectors will become brightlycoloured and easily recognised.Again, heat mount detectors shouldbe applied just before mating starts,then monitored for activation andremoved at insemination. Until theend of the AB period, the detectorshould be replaced after insemi-nation, when the cow is no longerbeing mounted. Replace detectors ifdamaged or loose.

■ dairynz.co.nz/incalf

Give bulls time to adjustGood bull management ensuresthey are well adjusted to theirenvironment before mating.

Move bulls to the farm two tothree months before they arerequired for work. Buy bulls fromthe same mob and split them intotwo teams to rotate them — halfresting and half working — toreduce fighting.

The in-calf bull managementpractices component atdairynz.co.nz has a thorough

checklist about bull management:search ‘‘herd assessment packtools’’.

Review your in-calf fertilityfocus report performance afterweek six (figure 1) to find out howbig the performance gap is duringbull mating. Also check the shapeof the new graph (figure 2) on theversion two detailed fertility focusreport. This often shows a drop inthe rate cows are becoming in-calfduring bull mating.

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8 Te Awamutu Courier Thursday, September 11, 2014