Business Rural Winter 2021

| 21 Regulatory concerns for Otago farmers Kim Newth DAIRY PEOPLE » Luke & Nicole Kane L uke Kane has revived a family dairying history on the home farm in Otago, and is proud to be representing the sector in his region as Feder- ated Farmers’ Otago dairy representative. It is a busy role right now, with winter grazing prices for dairy cows on the rise in the region as farmers deal with uncertainties arising from the new freshwater regulations and more stringent conditions for intensive winter grazing. “Cost is an inevitable flow-on effect of this,” Luke observes. “One of the major concerns, especially in our area, is they (Otago Regional Council) count no- va-flow drains under winter crop as critical source areas. This could mean a well-drained four hectare paddock could be unusable for winter grazing.” He notes that local farmers have long acted responsibly on managing the environment. For ex- ample, a water quality project started by a group of Otago farmers seven years ago has seen thousands of trees planted along the banks of the Pomahaka River, with more planting planned. Luke says farmers would like to see the Otago Regional Council itself stepping up and doing more to address massive sedimentary losses and the spread of crack willow along the river. A group of flood-affected farmers is currently in negotiation with the council to seek action on the issue. “We see these willows as an equivalent threat to wilding pine for the high country farmer. We’ve realised there’s no point fighting this as individual farmers – the squeaky wheel gets the oil. The more noise we can make the better.” Luke is a fourth generation farmer, who grew up on a sheep and beef property on the banks of the Pomahaka. He never anticipated being a dairy farmer but the experience of working as an agricultural contractor after leaving school opened his eyes to the potential of dairying. His interest in dairy farming has allowed the family farm operation to grow and prosper. Today, it still supports three generations, who are looking forward to celebrating the farm’s 100th year in 2029. In 2009, he convinced his parents, Robert and Mary-Anne Kane, to convert 230ha of the property into a milking platform. Luke and wife Nicole later added another 111ha as a run-off. “We’re actually in the process of amalgamating all the family land into one, so we’re effectively go- ing into a partnership with my parents and younger brother, Peter. Kane Farms’ sheep numbers have been progressively dropping so we’re going to be more focussed on beef and milk going forward.” Luke and Nicole currently milk 665 cross breed cows and are on target to reach their goal of 320,000kgMS for the season. Nicole is in charge of calf rearing with some 550 calves reared. Dairy NZ recently urged the government to free up MIQ quarantine space for primary sector workers. Luke hopes they get results as Otago’s rural sector relies on migrant labour. “We’ve been advertising for a calf rearer to help out Nicole for six months but can’t fill the position. Across the region, this is a considerable issue.” Contracting Limited • Farm Drainage • Track Maintenance • Silage Stacking • Conversion Work • Root Raking • Rock & Gravel • General Maintenance Phone: 027 435 8236 • Email: dyneskatrina@gmail.com Proud to support Luke & Nicole Kane Earthmoving & Drainage Contracting Throughout West Otago/Eastern Southland Pleased to support Luke & Nicole Kane Alan Macdonald Jack Perniskie Erin Howes Tim Walsh Caleb Macdonald Federated Farmers Otago dairy representative Luke Kane says the uncontrolled spread of crack willow along waterways poses the same threat as does wilding pine for the high country farmers. Profile your farm with Business Rural DO OUR READERS KNOW YOU EXIST ? For more information check out our website www.kelsokontracting.co.nz Or call/email us, Hamish: 0274 306 869 Office: 03 204 8112, office@kkcl.co.nz • Stabilising • Rock Crushing • Stump Grinding & Mulching • Reefinator • Earthmoving & Excavation Fraser Mowat Contracting 027 286 5333 Proud to be associated with Luke and Nicole Kane FOR ALL YOUR: Baling • Wrapping Carting • Mowing