Taranaki farmers Richard and Rebecca Clough sharemilk on one property and contract milk on another, right next to where his ancestors have been farming since 1881 - Page 84 Ramping up production on home farm SPRING 2022 www.waterfordpress.co.nz
2 | nzdairy Page | 20 Page | 64 Page | 86 Page | 48 Page | 89 Brendan returned to his true passion Consistency a gain from genetics Building a solid team Closed system ‘good for our bull sale’ After a brief foray into crossbred cows Orini farmer Brendan White has returned to his true passion, jerseys, with the purchase of two important studs. Manawatu dairy farmers Craig and Raewyne Passey have built a high performing herd to be proud of at Kairanga, just outside Palmerston North. Second season contracting milkers Daniel and Monique Newell are paying close attention to their herd and also to the health and well-being of their team. Owning two dairy farms and a grazing block has allowed Lynrich Jerseys to operate a system that has advantages in the aftermath of Mycoplasma bovis. Page | 30 CONTENTS >> Index | Page 119 These conditions are prescribed for the sake of understanding between the Company and its clients. Advertising is charged for on the basis of space taken up using a standard tabloid page. Actual space may be reduced during the printing process but this will effect all advertisers equally so no credit will be given for any reduction in size due to processing. The Company reserves the right to alter, change or omit entirely any advertisement or article that it considers to be objectionable or which may contravene any law. In the event of a failure on the part of the Company to insert advertising as instructed the Company may publish the advertisement at the first available subsequent reasonable date unless the advertisement features date sensitive material. Every care shall be taken to publish the advertisement in accordance with the advertisers instructions as to page and position but the Company reserves the right for whatever reason to place advertising in a different position and in doing so shall incur no liability whatsoever. Advertisers must advise New Zealand Dairy immediately of any error or omission in advertisements and shall work constructively to remedy the situation which in the first instance shall be a rerun of the corrected advertisement in the next available issue of New Zealand Dairy. Where advertisement proofs have been faxed or mailed to the client 48 hours prior to the nominated printing cutoff time acquiesce shall be taken as confirmation and acceptance. Corrections made by telephone shall be accepted but the Company reserves the right to decide whether a further proof should be faxed or mailed to the client. Accounts for advertising are due for payment within seven days of publication of the newspaper. Accounts not paid within this time may incur a penalty of 3% per month until the account is paid. Any debt collection costs incurred by the Company will be added to the account of the debtor. Views and opinions expressed in New Zealand Dairy are not necessarily those of the editors, Waterford Press Ltd or publisher. New Zealand Dairy welcomes contributions from freelance writers & journalists. All articles published at editors discretion. New Zealand Dairy accepts no responsibilty for loss of photos or manuscripts. Prison farm opens doors for inmates Award-winning pair rising to new challenge For some men at Waikeria Prison, the grass is not only greener on the other side but potentially life changing. Sumit Kamboj and brother Manoj Kumar are having a whirlwind after scooping 2021 NZ Share Farmers of the Year, the hard-working pair are now 50% owners. nzdairy Printed by: Published by: Christchurch Office 112 Wrights Road, Addington, Christchurch Phone 03-983 5500 PO Box 37 346 www.waterfordpress.co.nz Queenstown Office 70 Glenda Drive, Queenstown 9300 PO Box 2581, Wakatipu MANAGING DIRECTOR James Lynch james@waterfordpress.co.nz EDITORIAL Editor Randall Johnston randall@waterfordpress.co.nz Paul Mein paulmein@waterfordpress.co.nz Journalists Kelly Deeks, Hugh DeLacy, Russell Fredric, Richard Loader, Di Malcolm, Kim Newth, Karen Phelps, Sue Russell, Virginia Wright SALES ROOM Adam Feaver, Chris Graves, Megan Hawkins Mandi King, Allan J Knowles, Chris McPhee, Lisa Moffat, Colin Morais, Chris Pearce, Alasdair Thomson sales@waterfordpress.co.nz PRODUCTION DEPARTMENT General Manager Luke Lynch luke@waterfordpress.co.nz Graphic Artists Connor Gosnell, Anton Gray, Sophie McCleary, Liki Udam. art@waterfordpress.co.nz CONTENT COORDINATORS Ann-Marie Frentz, Andrea Benns OFFICE AND ACCOUNTS Helen Bourne accounts@waterfordpress.co.nz Jill Holland reception@waterfordpress.co.nz Lyn Barlow lyn@waterfordpress.co.nz
| 3 nzdairy Sheep Milk » Spring Sheep Milk Dairy sheep becoming major export industry Kim Newth New Zealand’s dairy sheep industry is in a phase of fast-track growth, following the launch of a partnership earlier this year between the Government through its Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures Fund and New Zealand owned Spring Sheep Milk Co. The company is leading the new $19.94m ‘Scale Up’ programme to support the transition of sheep dairying through to an established primary industry that is expected to be worth more than $750m in annual export receipts by 2035. “The Scale Up programme is absolutely critical to setting the industry up for success over coming years, working right across the value chain from global market development to farming insights across New Zealand,” says Spring Sheep Milk Co. CEO Nick Hammond. With strong consumer demand for sheep milk globally, a key focus of the programme is to encourage more farmers to join Spring Sheep’s current portfolio of 16 farm suppliers. Scale Up is currently exploring options for further growth in Taranaki, where Spring Sheep Milk Co. is working closely with regional partners Parininihi ki Waitotara (PKW). Spring Sheep Milk Co. is jointly owned by New Zealand’s largest farming entity Pamu and SLC, an export-focussed sales and marketing company. This latest industry growth programme follows a successful six-year Primary Growth Partnership called Sheep Horizon Three, with Spring Sheep Milk Co. having played a key role in industry development to date. Spring Sheep Milk Co is currently the largest sheep milking operator in the southern hemisphere, milking over 15,000 sheep in the 2022/23 season. Sheep milk’s strong nutritional bene ts and environmental advantages are driving demand in the global market as consumer needs and preferences evolve. Sheep milk is naturally an A2-type milk and contains up to 60% more protein than goat and cow milk. It is also a complete protein source, containing all 10 essential amino acids. New Zealand dairy sheep farmers in this fastgrowing industry are pleased with their choice and how the future for NZ sheep milk is shaping up. “The feedback we’re getting from our suppliers in the group is that they are earning good returns at a per hectare level, and our exclusive Zealandia® breed is setting suppliers up for very healthy returns in the seasons ahead,” says Thomas Macdonald, COO of Spring Sheep Milk Co. “There are a number of bene ts to milking sheep. The reasons for converting are varied and depend on the individual farm, but some motivations include wanting to reduce the environmental impact on the land and to diversify income streams.” Spring Sheep Milk Co began developing its own unique sheep dairy breed in 2015. Zealandia® is now a fully registered New Zealand sheep dairy breed. “Through extensive measurements of over 35 traits annually, Zealandia® sheep have been selected to ensure genetic improvement in important dairy traits such as milk production, milk components, milkability and udder conformation, somatic cell count, structure soundness, worm resistance and methane output. The breed far outperforms other breeds when it comes to milk production; most of the Zealandia® sheep produce around 300 litres plus, with the highest over 700.” Spring Sheep Milk Co. is currently exporting to China, Malaysia, Vietnam and Taiwan, with new market expansion on the horizon. “In general, sheep milk is becoming more popular as consumers seek an alternative to cow milk that is still nutritious and tasty.” Sheep on Tauwhare Farm. Monavale Spring Sheep Farm
4 | nzdairy Sheep Milk » Scott Kirkham Well into second season of sheep milking Russell Fredric Ovine and bovine milking on the same property are proving a good option to diversify a Putaruru family business that is contributing to a growing sunrise industry in New Zealand. Now in it’s second season, Gordon and Linda Kirkham’s sheep milking operation is managed by their son Scott and supplies Spring Sheep, the largest sheep milking group in the Southern Hemisphere. Of the total of the Kirkham’s 290 hectares property, 40 hectares has been allocated to the ovine operation which supports 800 milking ewes and hoggets, while 850 cows are supported on the 250 hectare bovine platform which autumn calves 250 to 300 of the herd. “It’s pretty uid between them, last spring we had huge covers and couldn’t keep on top of it with the actual demand so the cows were coming across [to the 40ha] and utilising paddocks to graze and reset the residuals,” Scott says. Part of the reason for adding sheep milking was the bovine platform being somewhat understocked, he says. “It’s all beautiful at country that could be better utilised and we had heifers walking two kilometres to get to the end of the block so it utilises the land a lot better and complements the overall business.” The Kirkham’s ock comprises Zealandia sheep, a registered breed developed by Spring Sheep speci cally for New Zealand’s farming conditions. Their development included a global search for leading dairy genetics in part of Europe. • to page 6 “ Last spring we had huge covers and couldn’t keep on top of it with the actual demand”. 108 TE RAHU ROAD, TE AWAMU TU PH. 07 871 3624 MOB. 0274 996 428 FAX. 07 871 5539 Phillip & Charlotte Brisco RURAL ENGINEERING RESIDENTIAL GO BIG GO ANLAMB NZAGBIZ.CO.NZ Biosupport™ Emma Kirkham, Alexandra Kirkham, Holly Kirkham, Jasmine Jefferies.
| 5 nzdairy Sheep Milk » Scott Kirkham The Kirkham’s ock comprises Zealandia sheep, a registered breed developed by Spring Sheep speci cally for New Zealand’s farming conditions : 021 808 377 Highly experienced team Ruminant nutrition company Ruminate understands the plentiful and exciting opportunities within the sheep and goat industry and have backed this by introducing Quirien Cowie to their ever-growing team. Quirien has a Bachelor of Veterinary Science and has taken on the role of territory manager for the Taranaki region and is also Ruminate’s go-to for sheep and goat nutrition. Ruminate brand ambassador Kate Grindrod believes you would be hard-pressed to find another New Zealand nutrition company with a qualified and experienced veterinarian on staff who is committed to the sheep and goat industry. “Quirien offers her farmers a ‘top of the cliff’ service, bringing animals to their optimal health, welfare and productivity via a tailored nutrition plan looking at all the nutrition requirements of a ruminant throughout its different phases,” Kate says. Initially beginning her veterinarian career in King Country, Quirien undertook a four-year stint working in barn-style farms in Europe before returning home to start her family. For the past 10 years she has been based in the Waikato, working from a busy mixed-practice vet, as well as raising her two daughters. Quirien’s role with Ruminate sees her travelling across New Zealand to assist goat and sheep farmers where she has become an integral and valuable part of their businesses. She loves working with innovative and proactive farmers to help them manage the health of their livestock and to avoid potential health problems. This is not a matter of one-size-fits all as every farming system is different, consequently the products and recommendations are different for each situation, she says. “Many animals across New Zealand farms are not currently meeting their potential due to a lack of nutritional balance.” “Spring is the most critical period in the dairy calendar, as the nutrition provided to ruminant animals establishes the productive and reproductive potential for the rest of the year and beyond.” “Unfortunately, our lush green forage is adding a significant challenge to this transition period. Lacking key nutrients like magnesium and vitamin D as well as being low in energy.” Fortunately, Ruminate’s proven science, premium feed additives and highly experienced team bridge the nutritional gaps to bring animals to an optimal state. All of this results in happier, healthier stock, and ultimately more profitability for Ruminates clients. Underpinning Ruminate's crucial role in a farm system is the ongoing support provided by Quirien and the other team members, with a view to developing long-term relationships, rather than just taking an order and having a product delivered.
6 | nzdairy Each season before lambing, the ewes and hoggets are run through and fed in the shed. Sheep milking has drawn attention from over the fence with one of Scott’s friends starting sheep milking this season. (Right) Scott Kirkham on the job. • from page 4 An advantage of being an early mover in the industry is the potential to sell surplus ewes to new suppliers at a favourable price as well as improving milk production from genetic gains and by better understanding the farming system, Scott says. “Each year that genetic gain or merit is compounding and you are realising that gain in milk production and other animal traits.” Last season the ewes averaged just over 300 litres per ewe while this season Scott is hoping for 330 litres. “With all the trials and data and monitoring that Spring Sheep has done, it’s pretty evident that they’re getting year-on-year production growth out of these ewes.” Milking through the farm’s 42-a-side herringbone rapid exit shed is fast paced, with 600 sheep able to be milked per hour. Each season before lambing, the ewes and hoggets are run through and fed in the shed to get them used to the regime, as well as giving them grain and minerals and to check for mastitis or any other health issues. As far as pro t per hectare is concerned, with establishment costs and rising feed and other costs, Scott expects the this season’s margin between the farm working expenses and the farmgate payout to be quite tight compared to the previous season. “If you’re getting $14.60 per kilo of milk solids and your costs are potentially going to be above $10 this season, it’s starting to get squeezed a bit.” However the farm’s move to sheep milking has drawn attention from over the fence with one of Scott’s friends starting sheep milking this season and another contemplating it for next season. “For our block it’s just a perfect area to have sheep, it’s going to be less of an environmental impact and for succession and diversi cation it’s a bit of a no-brainer.” “If you’re getting $14.60 per kilo of milk solids and your costs are potentially going to be above $10 this season, it’s starting to get squeezed a bit.” Sheep Milk » Scott Kirkham 027 351 2916 | jsullivan@sullivanhomes.co.nz | www.sullivanhomes.co.nz
| 7 nzdairy SHEEP MILK » Innesbrooke Farm Sheep milking solution for Innesbrooke Farm Ewes feeding while being milked. Russell Fredric Having no previous farming experience was no barrier to a former Melbourne couple who took on on a sheep milking operation three seasons ago. Matthew and Katherine Spataro previously worked in project management and business marketing respectively and are running a sheep milking venture on a property owned by Katherine’s parents, Grant and Barbara Rushbrooke. The change of career came about because the farm’s manager was wanting to retire, Matthew says. “They had stopped milking cows for a couple of years, it was really a question to both Katherine and her brother as to ‘what are we going to do with the farm now’?” “Somehow Katherine and I said we’ll come up with something to do and we came up with sheep milking.” The 95 hectare Te Awamutu property comprises about 60ha for sheep milking and 35ha for beef cattle and cropping. The sheep platform supports 900 milking ewes which produce about 1800 lambs each season, about half of which are rams. The sheep are milked through a 30 a-side system installed in an existing shed ready for the start of the 2020 season with 650 in-lamb Zealandia ewes acquired from Spring Sheep. For Matthew and Katherine, having technology such as automatic cup removers and milk meters was vital “because sheep milking is a bit unknown still.” “It was really cool actually. Between our vet and Spring Sheep they were a massive help, they were on our farm every week for the rst few months.” “What do sheep give you every day, what’s their peak and how many days in milk are they, all those kind of questions.” “We love [the technology], we don’t know how we would do it without it.” The conversion, including fencing work cost about $600,000. Fortunately the farm’s previous manager had been diligent in maintaining pastures and infrastructure and stayed on during the conversion period. Although Matthew and Katherine took on a very steep learning curve, they were also very well supported by Spring Sheep the company they supply to, as well as others who took a close interest. “It was really cool actually. Between our vet and Spring Sheep they were a massive help, they were on our farm every week for the rst few months, there was really a lot of support. One of the reasons we signed up with Spring Sheep was they had that support ready to go.” “We could call them anytime and ask them any questions.” Because of their work backgrounds Matthew and Katherine are very process oriented and when their rst season started everything, especially in the lamb rearing shed, was undertaken in a structured and organised way. However, Matthew admits that when the lambs started arriving en masse, the transition from being a project manager for the conversion to an instant farmer was a bit of a shock. The rst season’s per sheep production averaged 250 litres. Last season this increased to close to 300 litres per sheep. “We’re seeing good genetic gain and our systems are getting better. “Production’s good, it’s tracking to where we thought it would go, we’re really happy about that, and we can only see it going up to be honest, we’re really excited about that.” PROUD TO BE THE CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS BEHIND Innesbrooke Farm Ph: 07 957 0188 Email: info@initiom.co.nz www.initiom.co.nz • • Every great business runs on timely information and great relationships YOUR PARTNER IN CONSTRUCTION We professionally deliver new-build and refurbishment construction projects for rural use, commercial use and residential use across the Waikato. Whether you’re expanding your farming infrastructure, building your dream home, renovating or refurbishing a commercial property, our approach to working ensures you receive individual solutions rather than standard processes. We know communication is key and keep you informed throughout the build process, which complements our high-quality work to achieve the best possible results. www.taconstruction.co.nz 021 247 3414 pat@taconstruction.co.nz • RESIDENTIAL • RURAL • COMMERCIAL
8 | nzdairy Richard Loader Mystery Creek Fieldays » Keith Hay Homes - Nationwide When Liz and Dick Johnson purchased a dairy farm at Tirau they knew the farm worker accommodation was not up to modern standards and would need some work. They initially looked at upgrading the home but quickly realised it still wasn’t going to result in a warm, dry home they would feel comfortable offering to staff. So they started investigating a new build and Keith Hay Homes immediately stood out. “Keith Hay Homes has a good reputation and has been around for a long time,” says Liz. “We’d also lived in a Keith Hay Homes house ourselves in the past. Keith Hay Homes is price competitive, has good procedures in place, the quality of the workmanship is consistent and they can deliver a nished product ready to live in.” Liz and Dick chose transportable homes from Keith Hay Homes, as their farm was one and a half hour’s drive from the nearest Keith Hay Homes branch. The design was standard because they valued the Keith Hay Homes practical three bedroom designs. Having the toilet separate was one example, which Liz knows from experience means the bathroom isn’t tied up unnecessarily in a family home. The rst was delivered in 2019 by the 1st of June for a new worker to move into before they started the season. This replaced the old house that was not worth refurbishing, which was demolished. From signing the contract it was a 12-week process with keys handed over on 31 May. On the back of this the Johnsons decided to go for another transportable Keith Hay Homes build in 2021. They needed the house before Christmas and as luck would have it Keith Hay Homes had an already completed new transportable home looking for an owner. The Johnsons were due to go to look at it but then an unexpected Covid-19 lockdown was announced. They were so con dent of what they would get that the Johnsons were able to sign an agreement to purchase the house sight unseen. Liz loves the fact that the homes are completed off-site and come ready to live in with everything completed including electricity and plumbing requirements, septic tank, carpet, paint, heat pumps etc. Keith Hay Homes is price competitive, has good procedures in place and the quality of the workmanship is consistent. Liz and Dick chose transportable homes from Keith Hay Homes. Warm, dry homes are well within reach Decking is built around the homes once they have been positioned on site. Keith Hay Homes takes care of all council work, consents and transports the homes to site. Garages by Totalspan completed the projects. “Everything happens smoothly as everything is done correctly so there is no need for anyone to come back to x something. It’s a very skilled business and you know the home will be compliant and correct. They are built to high wind zones so we are con dent in an adverse weather event the house will be weather tight and strong.” It’s also made it easier to get employees being able to offer a really nice modern house. “As farm owners you want to provide the best housing you can because staff work hard on the farm all day and they need a low maintenance nice warm house to come home to,” says Liz. “We’re very happy with the end result with Keith Hay Homes and so are the employees that work on the farm. The staff just love the homes and say how warm they are. They think they’re living in the best houses ever.” Your local Waikato engineering irm Geotechnical Engineering • Soil Testing • Stormwater & Septic Design • Structural Design Probase Engineering are proud to support Keith Hay Homes 07 850 4093 www.probase.co.nz 19 Manchester Pl, Te Rapa, Hamilton LOOKING FOR A NEW HOUSE FOR YOUR FARM? Are you are looking for a new home for you or a house to attract the right worker to your farm? We have the solution for you including pre-built houses ready to be delivered now. Call us today! 0800 KEITH HAY www.keithhayhomes.co.nz TOTALSPAN MATAMATA - PROUDLY ASSOCIATED WITH KEITH HAY HOMES TOTALSPAN MATAMATA 64 Seddon Street, Waharoa Ph: 07 888 9320 Email: eastwaikato@totalspan.co.nz • Power & Lighting • New Builds • Renovations • Electrical Design • Security Proudly supporting Keith Hay Homes 07 849 1055 93 Main St, Pukete REL ELECTRICAL A division of FEISST Electrical
| 9 nzdairy Mystery Creek Fieldays » Mystery Creek Fieldays Optimise your nutrients with precision Reduce your costs and environmental impact by only applying nutrients where they're needed. Talk to our expert team to find the right solution for your farm. 0800 482 682 | www.vantage-nz.com YOUR PARTNER IN PRECISION AG New HOOF IT Crushes Hoof Trimming Services Hoof Care Products Hoof Care Consultation Got questions? Text Stuart on 021 278 8278 or email SHOP ONLINE AT WWW.HOOFIT.NZ Hoof care experts HOOF-IT is on the way to becoming farmers’ first choice when it comes to everything hoof care. Covering all aspects of hoof care, HOOF-IT supplies products that are of great value, both in quality and at the lowest possible prices. Products can be purchased easily nationwide through the HOOF-IT website which is designed specifically to keep the purchase process as simple as possible. All GST and postage costs are included in the pricing, so you can rule out any shocking surprises at check-out. New crush by HOOF-IT Hoofit is bringing to market, a new NZ built dairy farmer hoof crush. This will be packed with enhanced features that others cannot provide. Simply, a must have item for the modern dairy shed. TP BLOCK The TP block has simply taken the hoof care world by storm, quickly becoming the go-to hoof-block for a lot of hoof trimmers. It is the only block that HOOF-IT uses in its service - it's that good. Available in a range of sizes and depths, and in two types of rigidness/flex. HOOF-IT GLUES This glue was specially formulated for HOOF-IT to work with the TP blocks. It has a fast setting time and works well in hot or cold conditions. As it's in cartridge form, it'll always be mixing correctly as you use it (it can also be used on wood blocks too). HOOF-IT Hoof Knives HOOF-It had a simple objective with their knives - to offer a great knife with a Stainless Steel blade that is easy to sharpen at the lowest possible price. The HOOF-IT premium knife is just that, and, unlike others, it comes pre-sharpened, so be careful. HOOF-IT also stocks a range of other products, all with the same common theme – GREAT QUALITY at the LOWEST POSSIBLE PRICES. TRIMMERS BASED IN TARANAKI AND TRIMMERS BASED IN WAIKATO
10 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Adam Hands Virginia Wright Adam Hands and ancée Zoe Haylock are in an equity partnership with Adam’s parents, David and Barbara, using a 50/50 sharemilking business relationship that’s more complicated than usual as they set-up for succession. Normally 50/50 sharemilking involves one party owning the herd, paying the cost of running that herd, and getting 50% of the milk cheque in return. In this instance, however, half of that 50% milk cheque is going towards paying off the half of the herd that David and Barbara still own, as they help ease Adam and Zoe into having more equity in their equity partnership. Now 28, Adam did a diploma of Agriculture when he left school at 17 which took him into a herd manager job in Dar eld, followed by two 2IC jobs in succession on sister farms of the rst. Next followed a contract-milking job with 850 cows in Hinds where he spent two years before taking on a sharemilking job with 300 cows on the family farm, bought by his parents in 2007, on which they had a manager. With succession on the table, and with some lease land disappearing which would mean a drop in cow numbers, the Hands family decided they needed more cows if they wanted to support two families. Hence the purchase of their current 186 effective hectares, one of the rst farms on the Manawatu River in Norsewood. They leased an additional 380 hectares to provide additional milking platform and run-off to support their 700-cow milking herd and dry-stock. ‘What we’re doing is setting up the business so that if that lease disappeared we could still milk 500 cows on our own farm,” says Adam. The farming business is named 247 after a pet cow Adam had years ago with the same number. The name doesn’t have anything to do with how busy life on the farm is, but the arrival of twins, George and Charlie, for Zoe and Adam not long after the move, means it’s probably not far off the Work across all sectors, especially sustainability Phone: 06 374 7090 Email: scott@dannevirkehonda.co.nz www.dannevirkehonda.co.nz Proud to Support Adam Hands mark, especially with Zoe just starting back to work fulltime in a new role with ANZ. “The goal is to purchase Mum and Dad out of the share-milking equity partnership within the next two years. They’re ready to step back and enjoy a bit of travelling so we’re keen to make it work nancially for everyone.” Having looked at the farm when it was in drought it was dif cult to assess the exact condition of the pasture with the result that bringing it up to scratch took more work than expected. So far across both blocks they’ve done around 300 hectares of direct drilling with a mix of temporary grasses to bring the quality up in the short term, and they’ll slowly roll that over into permanent grasses in a seven-to-10-year paddock rotation. With a desire to give back to the community, combined with wanting to understand what’s happening with the stream of new regulations coming into play, Adam has taken on the role of Assistant Vice-chair for the Sharemilkers division of Tararua’s Federated Farmers. “I wanted to help drive forward farming in New Zealand. I’m learning a lot and getting some insight and understanding across the whole Primary Industry Sector. We’re doing a lot of work across all the sectors, especially around sustainability, and the He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) legislation, which is the Greenhouse Gas emission legislation.” Research speci c to New Zealand’s farming systems is now underway to develop tools that might be useful in reducing methane emissions. The genetics companies such as LIC, Ambred and others are already selecting for low methane producing bulls. Results could take up to 10 years though and Adam, and Federated Farmers, would like to see more time before the legislation comes into force. In the meantime he’s got his work cut out helping raise twin boys and getting the family farm producing the way he knows it has the potential to do. “I wanted to help drive forward farming in New Zealand. I’m learning a lot and getting some insight and understanding across the whole Primary Industry Sector. We’re doing a lot of work across all the sectors, especially around sustainability, and the He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) legislation.” Paul 027 244 3354 | Kyllee 027 688 8677 Paul & Kyllee Henton • DAIRY • DEER • EQUINE • PIGS • BEEF • SHEEP • ANTI-FATIGUE • WINTERING @AgriTechImportsNZ pkhenton@xtra.co.nz www.comfycow.co.nz
| 11 nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Adam Hands Discussion group held on farm.
12 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Paul Franklin Freshwater regulations ‘a wee bit muddy’ Kim Newth Freshwater farm plan regulations are due to take effect by the end of the year, but there is still a lot of uncertainty around what will be required of farmers. Giving a farmgate perspective on the impending changes, Central Hawkes Bay dairy farmer Paul Franklin says he does not yet know how he will develop a freshwater plan for his Springhill Dairies operation. “There’s been no information on it and no clarity on who will certify these plans. It is stressful because the implications and potential costs are unknown and it’s impossible to prepare for what’s ahead. We’re meant to be looking at freshwater quality but you could say the waters are a wee bit muddy at the moment.” According to Ministry for the Environment guidelines, the requirement for certi ed freshwater farm plans will be phased in from early 2023, region by region. Farmers will be required to identify practical actions on farm to help improve their local waterways, with actions tailored to ‘a particular farm’s circumstances, the physical environment and what is important in the catchment that farm is in’. During the consultation phase on the new freshwater plans framework last year, DairyNZ noted that a lot of work was already underway to improve water quality on dairy farms and that existing farm environment plans had a strong focus on freshwater. Ministry for the Environment advice to date is that freshwater farm plans are not the same as farm environment plans but ‘may become a section within an integrated farm plan.’ “Once again, it’s hard to comment on all of this when there are no details in front of us,” says Paul. “It seems to me they’re making it up as they go along and that we’ll end up having to double up on what we’re already providing in farm environment plans.” Nearly a decade ago, Paul invested in a water storage dam to ensure Springhill Dairies – comprising two adjoining farms, each milking 1400 cows, near Onga Onga inland of Waipukurau – would not run dry during summer droughts. Plans he had to build extra storage capacity are currently on hold. “It just doesn’t feel like the right time when it has not been spelt out how all these regulatory Paul Franklin says he does not yet know how he will develop a freshwater plan for his Springhill Dairies operation. changes are going to affect irrigation water. It just so happens though that we’ve had such a good wet season that I didn’t need to pump a single litre of water from the dam.” Production has been going well and Paul says cow condition is positive heading into calving at the end of July. “But nding staff is dif cult – we’re three staff down at the moment.” The Springhill Dairies group also includes a 550ha dairy unit milking 1600 cows, with an adjoining runoff at Tikokino. As part of a group ap- “Proud to support Paul Franklin” (06) 374 9999 Farm Supplies & Servicing 24/7 24 hours - 7 days 06 374 9999 386 High Street Dannevirke www.dannevirkedairy.co.nz • Milking Machine Sales and Service • Water Pumps • Water Filtration From House Hold To Entire Farm • Stock Water Systems New and Servicing • Engineering, Machining - Repairs, Manufacturing & Solutions • Electrical - Commercial & Agricultural • Gas, Hot Water & Central Heating plication, Paul has been seeking tranche-2 water consents. This is not because he’s looking for more production but rather for ways to become more self-reliant. If the consents are ganted, it would mean less reliance on imported feed, for example palm kernel. The latest hearing on that is coming up in August. “As well, we’ve taken on a lease block of 230 hectares between Tikokino and Onga Onga as dairy support. We’ve got that for ve years though the owners are planning to do a housing subdivision on it in future – as you can imagine, that has sparked a lot of debate locally as it’s all good productive land.” For all your dairy livestock requirements contact Brownie: Phone: 027 271 4722 Email: sandfly1@xtra.co.nz Proud to support Paul & Rosie Franklin
| 13 nzdairy Power Farming Hawkes Bay 06 879 9998 Proud to support Paul Franklin We keep you growing proudlylocally ownedandoperated 100% kiwi owneD DAIRY PEOPLE » Paul Franklin The Springhill Dairies group also includes a 550ha dairy unit milking 1600 cows, with an adjoining runoff at Tikokino. 06 870 7181 | waterforce.co.nz PROUDTOSUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS. PUMPING SERVICES WATER MEASUREMENT ATER MEASUREMENT SE S IRRIGATION WATER FILTRATION Paul Franklin Are proud to support [a] 49-51 Takapau Road, Waipukurau [w] www.millshonda.co.nz [p] 06 858 9109 k f Ma ing li e on the farm easier
14 | nzdairy Kim Newth “They’re all DNA tested to provide proof of parentage so that people know what they are getting.” Some of this years bulls. Some of the Ashvale herd. Last years bulls. DAIRY PEOPLE » Ashvale Jerseys Good prices likely On their 156ha farm, the Ashvale Jerseys herd is sharemilked by Rodney and Jocelyn’s son Mark and his wife Ashleigh. The 520 cows are achieving very good production, thanks to a breeding emphasis on udder support. Around 12ha is set aside for winter cropping, plus the operation includes two 62ha dry stock blocks used for rearing calves, young stock and bulls, and wintering the cows. Rodney says the past year has been one of the most challenging he’s ever experienced with predominantly wet weather from May to October last year, followed by an extended dry that plunged Southland into drought. Rain saved the day in late April/May, enabling milking to continue to the end of May. “Last year was our lowest season for the last three years but we still achieved average production of 492kgMS per cow with average days in milk of 263. For a reasonable size Jersey herd to get that production is fairly good. Overall, we did 255400kgMS or 1749kgMS per hectare after rearing 320 calves.” The bull calves being offered at the October sale are all wintered on crop before going onto grass at the end of August. “By sale day, they’ll be on a par with other years size-wise, and genetics-wise we’re selling bulls with BWs of up to 400. People come to our sale because all of our bulls are DNA tested, plus they’re all born on the farm and stay on farm so there’s no chance of them picking up bugs from other properties.” He and wife Jocelyn moved to Southland in 1993 after sharemilking around Matamata before buying a farm on the Hauraki Plains. They farmed there for 11 years before the move to Southland. Southland dairy farmer Rodney Dobson, who grew up on a family farm with a Jersey herd, reckons that he purchased his rst pedigree Jersey cow some 54 years ago. By his own admission, he’s had a lot of time to get to know the breed and what to look for when working to achieve gains in productivity and ef ciency. Last year, he and wife Jocelyn had one of their best dairy bull sales ever at their Gropers Bush property, selling all 45 rising 1yo bull calves offered. The average sale price achieved was $2830 and the top price was an impressive $4250, the highest price ever paid for one of their bulls since the annual sale started in 2006. The dam of the top price bull was Ashvale Manz Eyelid, one of Ashvale Jerseys’ best cows. At nine years, her production was 736kgMS in 292 days. This year’s 18th annual sale will be held on-farm on 3rd October and is again poised to attract strong bidding from farmers and agents who appreciate the superior breeding worth and production worth of the stock being selected for sale. “They’re all DNA tested to provide proof of parentage so that people know what they are getting,” says Rodney. “We always like to put on a morning tea and a barbecue so will be giving a lot of sausages away on the day!” Ashvale Jerseys average herd Breeding Worth (BW) is 289, ranking them in the elite of NZ dairy herds. BW incorporates eight breeding value (BV) traits that are recognised as having the greatest impact on farmer pro tability and is comparable across all herds, ages and breeds. AROS CONTRACTING LTD ~Silage Specialists~ For a friendly, quality service call Tony & Janette Carmichael 03 224 6357 or 027 457 2037 Proud to support Ashvale Jerseys Robert: 027 439 5096 Email: rivertonfarmdrainage@xtra.co.nz
| 15 nzdairy “I’ve found sitting down for 10 or 15 minutes and just having a brain dump on a piece of paper has been really helpful.” DAIRY PEOPLE » Bellmea Five metres of rainfall a year a challenge Virginia Wright The last couple of years has seen some big changes for 35-year-old Kane Brisco with his marriage break-up meaning a change of farm, and a return to contract milking, after several seasons of 50/50 sharemilking. Since the 1st June he’s been working with 320 cows on 130 effective hectares north of Mount Taranaki, just out of Inglewood. 500 metres above sea-level the farm enjoys ve metres of rainfall a year making it ‘a pretty challenging environment’ as Kane puts it. “It’s a new farm owner and the farm’s been unloved for quite a few years so there’s plenty of jobs to do to get the system going like it should be. It’s been tough going back to contract milking but it’s also been refreshing having some new challenges.” Alongside those new challenges has come the challenge of writing a book, “Tools for the Top Paddock”, which resulted from Kane’s ongoing ‘farm t’ social media presence. What began a couple of years ago as a boot camp to help farmers stay on top of their physical tness has grown to include a good deal about mental tness. Kane thinks it’s because he targets his agricultural and rural community, with 80% of his followers having rural connections, that he was approached by Harper Collins who were aware of a lack of material in the farming space. “It’s a biography that’s a self-help book. Each chapter is a chapter of my life and I’ve really worked hard to draw the lessons out that I learned from that part of my life.” The book grows out of the ‘why” behind Kane’s starting of ‘farm t’ three years ago when he recognised that ‘everything intertwined’, and that learning to deal with stress and deal with problems, and generally ‘becoming a better person’ also paid dividends on the farm. He realised he wanted to help others do the same. Working with a ghost-writer Kane wrote the book with the idea that anybody could read it and get something out of it, but a lot of it relates directly to farm life bringing a strong response from the rural community. “I’ve been quite blown away by the support that it’s had from the community, and I feel quite humbled by the fact that I’ve become I guess a bit of a spokesperson for the ag-industry, or a promoter,” says Kane. Balancing farm-life, family, tness, and nutrition all feature on Kane’s social media posts, videos and podcasts as well as in the book. “It’s not just tness, a massive part of my life is working on the farm and if there’s something in my day that might start a young fella starting out be better, or save them time or energy, or give them something, I’ll chuck that in as well,” says Kane. Kane’s life hasn’t been without challenges but he believes his separation is the hardest thing he’s ever been through. He’s found writing things down, not to be confused with writing the book, very useful, especially Parker, Ahli, Dempsey and Kane. Proudly associated with Kane Brisco and Bellmea Ltd LIVESTOCK - EXPORT - GRAZING WE DO IT ALL Contact your local PL Agent Kent Myers on 027 247 6970 www.progressivelivestock.co.nz Proud to be major sponsors of Bellmea www.taranaki-vets.co.nz Clinics - Stratford · · Manaia Hawera Patea · · Waverley midst the busy-ness of springtime on the farm which means it’s not always practical to take the time for a bushwalk or a workout. “I’ve found sitting down for 10 or 15 minutes and just having a brain dump on a piece of paper has been really helpful. It’s not to keep or go back to, some of them I’ve burnt,” he says with a laugh. “It’s the process of getting it out of your mind and physically onto a piece of paper stops it swirling around and it’s easier to put a name to feelings, particularly for guys. Once you put a tag on it it’s easier to understand it, it’s sort of like talking to someone. Minds can be pretty creative and it helps me deal with facts. Sometimes I write things out and see how stupid it really is so I end up dealing with facts more than the negative stuff my mind might create.” With summer coming up Kane’s looking forward to getting out and about and spending more time with his children. Meanwhile living on the bushline of Mt Taranaki with a clear view to Ruapeha and Ngaruahoe on a good day helps keep things in perspective, just like the book says.
16 | nzdairy A shiny light at the end of a pretty Sue Russell DAIRY PEOPLE » Bridie Virbickas Bridie Virbickas on the job. We’ve all heard the term ‘resilience’ when it comes to describing important attributes of those working in the farming sector, but for some, that word takes on a whole new meaning, as in the case of Bay of Plenty dairy farmer, Bridie Virbickas. In the one season, she lost a member of the team who returned to the UK for a family emergency, her 2IC on ACC, another staff member of the time resigned and then to top it all off, Bridie snapped a tendon in her hand. “Without my Mum stepping in to help out I don’t know what would have become of that season. I had to continue to milk, wearing a massive splint to protect my hand. To say the least, it was a very very challenging time for me.” Her sister also came back from uni and helped on the farm, while her dad helped with the mowing and anything else that needed doing and somehow, she managed, to get through the 2020 – 2021 season. A shiny light at the end of a pretty gloomy tunnel came in the form of ‘the most wonderful Manager’ who she found through word of mouth. “Oly’s timing coming on to the farm, nearly two years ago now, was just perfect for me and now I have a really wonderful team that are always here working hard.” Bridie contract milks 650 cows. That number of cows increasing from two years , given taking on a lease block over the road and purchasing a portion of the neighbours property next door. Having a 600 cow feedpad, built two years ago, has given Bridie security within her farm management system. The herd is all Jersey, a breed Bridie and her family have had a long association with. “My dad started off with Jersey’s when he purchased a portion of the existing family jersey herd in his early 20’s. Our family has farmed jersey cows here for around 100 years which is pretty special. Mum’s always loved the breed as well. In terms of ef ciency they are really great. They are smaller, so you can get more cows on in terms of stocking rate and they have a higher milk solids percentage of their milk.” And as if taking care of a large dairy platform isn’t enough, Bridie still nds time to involve herself in her other great passion, farming governance. She is currently Federated Farmers Sharemilking Chair for Bay of Plenty and is also with the Contract Review Committee for Federated Farmers. “It’s been great because we are nally back meeting face to face instead of all the zoom meetings through COVID.” Bridie is also about to start as the Dairy NZ Associate Director, a new governance role. An Associate Director, is there to observe and learn; it’s part of Dairy NZ’s strategic plan to future-proof the governance realm and to enable those showing an aptitude for such work, to learn. Back on the farm, Bridie and family are just in the planning stages of replacing the exisiting two x 22 herringbone sheds that serve the farm, with a new rotary plant. “There’s a lot to plan for and think about with such a signi cant expense, so we’re just beginning to look at things.” The Edgecumbe area, where the farms are located is known for its tendency to be prone to ooding, however Bridie says the local Federated Farmers and the wider farming community has a really good network of support to farmers impacted. “We usually set up at someone’s home and coordinate the movement of stock as necessary and ensure help is provided as quickly as possible. We operate a phoning-tree to nd places where cows can be relocated to.” Calving commenced 12th July and will be completed in 12 weeks. The management practice is to have 25% replacements coming into the herd each season and all Jersey bulls are reared. “We don’t send any Bobby’s to the works for the rst 5 weeks of calving, instead they go and live up on the hill farm and Dad sells them as yearling bulls. That’s a lot of lives saved.” In all, given the experiences of recent seasons, Bridie says she is thankful for her team and the support of her family. “I’m very lucky to have what I have. I love farming and caring for the animals and my team.” BAY DIGGERS LTD Craig and Deanna Brown 148 Hallett Road, RD2, Otakiri WHAKATANE 3192 EARTH MOVING AND TREE FELLING info@baydiggers.co.nz 07 304 8494 or 021 167 1077 - Farm and orchard drainage - Trenching - Metal / pumice supply - Tree Felling/Tree Shear - Maize & Silage Stacks - 13 TON DIGGER - 5.7 TON DIGGER - OWNER/OPERATOR 62 McAlister Street, PO Box 439, Whakatane 3158 07 308 6166 admin@underwoodandwilkins.co.nz www.underwoodandwilkins.co.nz Underwood and Wilkins Motorcycles Supporting Bridie and wishing her well and all the best Budgeting and Forecas�ng Tax Planning Equity Partnerships Company Restructures Succession Planning Financial Accounts GOLD PARTNER FARMit Accountants are proud to support Bridie Virbickas (07) 307 7245 team@farmit.net.nz www.farmit.net.nz
| 17 nzdairy gloomy tunnel DAIRY PEOPLE » Bridie Virbickas Bridie Virbickas jersey cows owers. Bridie Virbickas feed pad. Proudly Supporting Bridie Virbickas Bevan Thomas 027 604 6040 bevanthomas13b@hotmai l .com Mi lking Machinery | Water Pumps | Stainless Welding • Rotary platform WOFs • Centre bearing conversions • Platform servicing & maintenance • Complete rebuilds • Platform extensions • Bail replacements • General farm maintenance & welding • Epoxy concrete repairs Richard Palmer ROTARY SERV I CES MANAGER 027 296 1806 • 11 Te Tahi Street, Whakatane whakatane.rpm@yahoo.com Rotary Platform Maintenance a division of Milking & Water Systems Ltd.
18 | nzdairy DAIRY PEOPLE » Bruce Eade The Eade farm incorporates Fairleigh Stud and covers 370 hectares. It split calves and peak milks 550 cows comprising Holstein Friesian, Ayrshire and Jersey. Russell Fredric West Otago dairy farmer Bruce Eade re ects how his neighbourhood was a Romney stronghold when he moved with his family from Tisbury, near Invercargill, nearly three decades ago. He also recalls how the original conversion of their farm to a dairy operation, undertaken by his parents Ken and Nancy Eade when he was aged 15, was one of the rst in the immediate district. “When we came here in 1995 it was a massive change for the district and for the whole of Southland,” he says. The conversion process was unexpectedly traumatic. “The cow shed [construction] was late, we were milking 80 heifers in a two-cow plant in a hay shed with an extension cord from running from a meter box. When they nally got the cow shed built we wheeled a wheel barrow up and down the pit, probably for another fortnight, until the milking machines were in so it was quite a shock to the system. “Pretty much anything that could go wrong in the rst year it probably did. We wondered what the hell we’d done.” The Eade farm incorporates Fairleigh Stud and covers 370 hectares of which the home farm is 250ha and a dry stock block across the road of 120ha and is very much a family business, with Ken and Nancy still actively involved. It split calves and peak milks 550 cows comprising Holstein Friesian, Ayrshire and Jersey through a no-frills 40 a-side herringbone shed, but Bruce and Tanya, who have four children, and Ken and Nancy have not been shy in investing in improvements and today’s farm sports good infrastructure and equipment. Early dairy conversion the right way to go • FOR ALL COMMERICAL & AGRICULTURAL TYRES • CAR & 4WD TYRES • CAR & 4WD WHEEL ALIGNMENTS • SUPPLIERS OF ALL BRANDS FOR ALL BUDGETS (03) 208 8110 - 24 hour on call service | 25 Ashton Street, Gore
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