Supplement to Te Awamutu Courier, Tuesday, April 12, 2011Supplement to Te Awamutu Courier, Tuesday, April 12, 2011

2 RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011

8060955AA

WHAREPAPA SOUTHPhone: 872 2560 Fax: 872 2570

Tyres ............... Cars, Bikes, Tractors, Trucks

W.O.F. .................................... While you wait

Exhausts ...................Repair or replacement

Interject ........ Fuel servicing, diesel or petrol

Heshbon..................Autotrans fluid changer

Clutch and Brake ......Repairs and overhauls

NEW OFFROAD 4WD QUAD TRUCKS

Other models available.Excellent traction and towing ability.

Cool in summer/dry in winter. Radio and heater come standard.

Great rear tray space (1900mmx1300mm).

Multi-use all purpose. Economic to buy, run,

and service. Hi/Low ratio gearbox available.

Phone Frank or Stu today - 07 872 2560

SERVICINGCARS BIKES TRUCKSTRACTORSIf it has a motor we will service it for you!

PHONE FRANK TO FIND OUT ABOUT OUR FREE FIRST SERVICE OFFER!

We are the specialists in all fertiliser, lime and high analysis groundspreading.

We have the latest 4WD groundspreading trucks.

All equipped with flotation tyres and latest computer systems including Tracmap GPS for precise fertiliser application.

Phone Tony 07 871 6281DEPOT: 126 Paterangi Rd, Te AwamutuFax: 07 871 8532, Mobile: 0800 923 883

All trucks are Certified

ALSO AVAILABLE:• MINI SPREADERS • ORCHARD SPREADERS

• ORGANIC FERTILISER SPREADERS • LOADER FOR ON FARM JOBS

Plus, for your convenience we have our own bulk stores.

So for a first class job at a fair and competitive price.

7691299AA

NO.1

The

Blood

y Mar

vello

us

GPS guid

ance

and m

appin

g

syst

em fo

r agric

ulture

Emotional decision tohold a dispersal sale

Laura V Photography

FRIENDS: Three-year-old Jordan Hearnden, and mum Natasha, with Peake.

Tomorrow will be avery emotional dayfor Natasha

Hearnden and her parentsNoel and Marain Hurleywhen the in milk dispersalsale of their pedigree Frie-sian stud Mohaonui takesplace on their RangiateaRoad farm.

The decision to dispersethe stud after 37 years ofhistory has been anemotional one, but per-sonal circumstances, alongwith the tragic loss ofNatasha’s husband Davelast year, necessitated thisdecision.

Mohaonui was estab-lished in 1974 with anucleus of 16 friesianheifers purchased from theRangitoto Stud.

With the assistance ofBrian Knutson cows wereclassified and registeredwith the New ZealandHolstein Friesian Associa-tion. Due to breeding andpurchases the herd grew toan all pedigree status.

During the late 1970’sthe Hurleys purchased asmart looking two-year-old,Jostner Laramie Lightning,from the Jostner dispersalsale.

Lightning, a TahoraLinmack Laramie daughterbecame what the Hurleysreferred to as ‘our invest-ment cow’.

A high price was paidfor her way back then,therefore the Hurley’sdecided to give the showring a go.

They bred MohaonuiLord Chrissy, and this duo

became well known, meet-ing with great successaround the show circuit inthe late 70’s and early 80’s.

The breeding pro-gramme for the herd hasalways been centredaround high indexes withfunctional type and a bigemphasis on qual i tyudders.

Daughter Natasha tookover the breeding about tenyears ago and her focus hasbeen to breed good qualitypaddock cows with strongconfirmation and udders

capable of producing highyields of milk to go in thevat.

Mrs Hearnden’s aimwas to breed the perfectcow for both type andproduction.

Sires used in recentyears include Curious,Donor, Extasy, Pierre,Daunt less, Monday,Firenze, Mint Edition,Format, Megastud, Fabian,and Paramont.

Having made thedecision to sell, the familytake great pleasure in offer-

ing the opportunity to pur-chase genuine dairy cattlefrom Mohaonui HolsteinFriesians.

Mohaonui stud has wonand been placed in many ofthe competitions run by theWaipa Holstein FriesianClub through the years.

The stud has broughtthem much joy andpleasure, and rewardedthem financially through-out the years, and theyhope it will bring thepurchasers the same satis-faction.

RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011 3

INDUSTRY ACCREDITED / CODE COMPLIANT

CERTIFIED LIQUIDS DISPOSAL

871 5609 ALL HOURS

8060

936A

A

Your LOCAL Waste Disposal Company

8060

948A

A

14 Te Kawa Road, Te AwamutuPhone 07 - 8711 803 • Email brent@corboys.co.nzCactus 0274 930 897; Brent 027 271 1803

Welcome to Corboy Country - For contracting excellence contact us today

UNDERPASS AND BRIDGE DESIGN AND INSTALLATION

FARM RACES, TANKER TRACKS AND DRIVEWAYS CARTAGE OF METAL, LIME AND FERTILISER

NOVAFLOW DRAINAGE AND CONTOURING COWSHED SITES, SILAGE PITS, FEED PADS & BUNKERS

EFFLUENT PONDS DOMESTIC WATER SUPPLY

CORBOY EARTHMOVERS

BRIDGES AND UNDERPASSES MANUFACTURED BY CONCRETE STRUCTURES - ROTORUA

100% Locally Owned and Operated100% Locally Owned and OperatedD O M E S T I C W A T E R S U P P L Y

Farm Manager of Year sharing success

TC120411RR03

RIGHT: Waikato Farm Manager ofthe Year Chris Numan with thetrophy that has a number of localfarmers listed as winners.

Roto-o-rangi contract milker ChrisNuman (23) is hosting a field daytoday to share his success in the

Waikato Dairy Industry Awards.As 2011 Waikato Farm Manager of

the Year he collected $6900 in prizesand a chance to take out the nationaltitle next month (see article below).

Mr Numan works for his parents,John and Maria Numan, on their 109hafarm milking 405 cows.

He has been there since 2006 andhas progressed from farm assistant tocontract milker during that period.

He says his parents may be his‘bosses’, but they treat him just likeanyone else when it comes to workingon the farm.

‘‘They are really supportive, as areother family members and staff, but itsstrictly professional, I don’t get anyfavours.

‘‘They pass on their expertise to allfarm staff to help us all progress in theindustry.’’

It was the first time Mr Numan hadentered the awards, hoping it wouldbenefit him by raising his profile andopening career opportunities.

‘‘I was encouraged to enter by anumber of people, including WilliamMcKnight who won the award last year.He works on our other farm just sevenkilometres away.

‘‘But I couldn’t have done it without

the support of my partner Rachel Fraserwho is a third year veterinary student atPalmerston North. There was a lot ofwork required and I wouldn’t have doneit on my own.’’

Mr Numan was announced thewinner of the Farm Manager of theYear at the Waikato Dairy IndustryAwards evening at Mystery Creek lastmonth.

Judges commended him on thegreat presentation during the judgingprocess, his ability to be proactive withanimal health and his excellent under-standing of how to effectively managepasture.

He is looking forward to attendingthe national awards next month.

‘‘It’s great to be involved withmotivated, enthusiastic people in thedairy industry. It’s a chance to bench-mark yourself against others and look atany areas for improvement.’’

The Waikato Dairy Industry AwardsFarm Manager of the Year field daykicks off at 11am today at 1178 Roto-o-Rangi Road.

A BBQ lunch and refreshments willbe provided.

Dairy Awards regional winners prepare for finalThe 36 finalists in the 2011 New

Zealand Dairy Industry Awards havebeen named following the staging of

the last of the 12 regional awardscompetitions.

National convenor Chris Keeping says12 finalists have been announced in eachof the New Zealand Sharemilker/EquityManager of the Year, New Zealand FarmManager of the Year and New ZealandDairy Trainee of the Year sections.

“These finalists are the best fromnearly 500 entrants that have participated

in regional competitions around NewZealand.

“They also represent some of the bestpeople working the country’s dairy farmswith the attitude, drive and passion toprogress further in the industry.”

Mrs Keeping says most of the finalistshave the goal to own their own farm, andthey believe it is achievable.

“However, right now their focus will beon preparing for national judges, who willquiz them on things like the sustainabilityof their farm business, their financial and

human resource management, and theirpersonal and farming goals.

‘‘Judges will also want to assess howefficient they are at turning grass intomilk.”

She says the judging will take placeearly next month, although the finalaspect of the judging process – aninterview – will take place in Queenstown.

The winners will then be determinedand announced at the awards dinnerattended by more than 600 people.

More than $130,000 in cash and

prizes will be given to the national winners.The Dairy Industry Awards are

supported by national sponsors Westpac,DairyNZ, Ecolab, Federated Farmers,Fonterra, Honda Motorcycles NZ, LIC,Meridian Energy, Ravensdown and RD1,along with industry partner AgricultureITO.

More information can be found atwww.dairyindustryawards.co.nz

Tickets to the national awards dinnerare limited and can be obtained byfreephone 0800 693 423.

4 RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011

7420377AA

Te AwamutuJerseys Clubto the fore

TC120411SP04

JUNIOR Jersey Club member Claudia Megaw with her twin calves MegawManhatten Ruby and Megaw Testimonial Toffee which performed well at theTe Awamutu Show and won the Two Heifer Calves section.

Members of the Te Awamutu JerseyCattle Club haven’t had time fortheir feet to touch the ground over

the past season.From their own show in November, to

the 2010 Semex National Jersey On-Farm Challenge, to the Semex All NewZealand Youth Show, to the New ZealandDairy Event, to the World Jersey Confer-ence, partially hosted here in the Waikato— it has been all go for young and old.

Making her debut appearance in theshow ring in November was Roscliff MansDevine Ex2, shown by Ross and EsmeRiddell.

She placed first in the Three-Year-OldCow In Milk section and was ReserveChampion to herd-mate Roscliff KlassicPip.

A month later she was back in the ringat the Te Kauwhata A&P Show, winning3yo, Champion Jersey Cow and Cham-pion All Breeds Cow.

Roscliff Mans Devine’s third show wasthe New Zealand Dairy Event and WorldConference Jersey Show in February,where she was again top 3yo and ReserveIntermediate Champion (to a clubmatefrom Ferdon Genetics), making her unde-feated in the 3yo class in her first season ofshowing.

A sign of the calibre of breeding wasRoscliff Mans Devine’s full sister RoscliffMans Dennie Ex2 winning the 5yo class atthe event, and defending her 2010 title.

It also made them the first pair of fullsisters to win their in-milk classes at NewZealand Dairy Event.

Roscliff Mans Devine also took out the2010 Semex National Jersey On-FarmChallenge title for Waikato and NewZealand in the 3 & 4 Year Old Confor-mation Class. Roscliff Mans Dennie placedthird in the Waikato section for 5 Yearsand Over Conformation Class.

A number of junior handlers enteredthe Semex All New Zealand Youth Show— with great support from local Jerseybreeders.

Jerome Ferguson won his 2 or 3yo InMilk Class with Ferdon Lady in Red andCullam McPhee won Junior Yearlingheifer with Ferdon Pat Cutie.

Ferdon Genetics also performed well atthe World Jersey Conference All NewZealand Show, winning 2yo In Milk withFerdon Comerica Viyella and 6 or 7yo InMilk with Ferdon Folly’s Viyella.

TE AWAMUTU JERSEYCATTLE CLUB SHOW

Cow In Milk, 8 years and over: Eand C Bocock, Merridowns ChipsMadam, 1; Cairn Toul Farms, Cairn ToulEver Willlow Ex3, 2.

Cow In Milk, 6 and 7 years: R and PAdam, Carnmor Freds Opal, 1; Turner

family, Karaka Stunner Bessie Ex4, 2;Turner family, karaka Ace Dusky Mellow,3.

Cow In Milk, 4 and 4 years: A and ERiddell, Roscliff Klassic Pip, 1; E and CBocock, Merridowns magic maid, 2;Selwyn Singh, Mount Cosy Fabs dancer,3.

Cow In Milk, 3 years: A and ERiddell, Roscliff Mans Devine, 1; R and PAdam, Carnmor Herms Olinda, 2; Turnerfamily, Karaka Bowies Louisa Ex2, 3.

Heifer In Milk, 2 years: A and ERiddell, Roscliff RR Delight, 1; R and PAdam, Carnmor Bowies Betsy, 2; A and ERiddell, Roscliff RR Di, 3.

Champion, Mangapiko Trophy: Aand E Riddell, Roscliff Klassic Pip;Reserve: A and E Riddell, Roscliff MansDevine.

Best Uddered Female: A and ERiddell, Roscliff Klassic Pip, 1; A and ERiddell, Roscliff Mans Devine, 2; E and CBocock, Merridowns Magic Maid, 3.

Type and Milksolids: Turner family,Karaka Stunner Bessie, 1; R and P Adam,Carnmor Freds Opal, 2; Cairn ToulFarms, Cairn Toul Ever willow, 3.

Genetic Realisation: E and CBocock, Merridowns Magic Maid, 1;Turner family, Karaka Bowies Louisa, 2; Eand C Bocock, Merridowns man Roxfay,3.

Three females In Milk: A and ERiddell, 1; E and C Bocock, 2; R and PAdam, 3.

Dam and Daughter: E and CBocock, 1; R and P Adam, 2.

Heifer Calf, junior members to11: Paige Thompson, Braedene HenryToni, 1; Caitlin Jowsey-Bourke, Thornleaferrari Penny, 2; Benjamin Turner,Karaka Jackie, 3.

Heifer Calf, junior members12-17: Claudia Megaw, Megaw Testi-monial Coffee, 1; Chantelle Sanderson,Braedene Henry Ivy, 2; Hayley Duncan,Merridowns Charm Roxette, 3.

Best Presented Heifer Calf:Chantelle Sanderson, Braedene HenryIvy, 1; Anna Turner, Karaka QueenCandy, 2; Josh Law, Evergreen ToffeePop, 3.

Young Heifer, junior members:Kezia White, Riley, 1; Hayley Duncan,Merridowns Green Roxbrook, 2; ClaudiaMegaw, Megaw Matador Katie, 3.

Heifer — Senior Yearling: S and SLaw, P and A Kelk, Evergreen GreenStorm, 1; A and E Riddell, Roscliff MansDiamanta, 2; E and C Bocock,Merridowns Man Starcy, 3.

Heifer — Junior Yearling: R Adam,Thornwood Kays Charity, 1; A and ERiddell, Roscliff Oscar Dollar, 2; E and CBocock, Merridowns KK Sundance, 3.

RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011 5

Wishing you all a very Merry ChristmasMerry Christmasand safe motoring!

Wishing you all a very Merry ChristmasMerry Christmasand safe motoring!

www.wilksbrooke.co.nz

132 Kihikihi Road, Te Awamutu. Phone 871 3079MARK PENNY

(0274) 310 880mpenny@wilksbrooke.co.nz

ILANA WILKS(0275) 445 262iwilks@wilksbrooke.co.nz80

6069

9AA

All prices include GST. While stocks last. Offer not provided in conjunction with any other promotional activity. Cash back paid by Wilksbrooke Motors at the time of Sale.

CASH BACK!ALL KINGQUAD 4WDs$500 CASH BACK

When it comes to ruggedness and reliability, Suzuki is hard to beat.And right now we’ve got great cash back deals when you ride away on a new Suzuki. Check these out...

Te Awamutu Jerseys to the fore

TC120411SP05

NEW STAR: Roscliff Mans Devine Ex2.

Two Yearling Heifers: Aand E Riddell, 1; E and CBocock, 2 and 3.

Heifer Calf (Open) Early:Paige Thompson, BraedeneMans Leticha, 1; CaitlinJowsey-Bourke, ThornleaFerrari Penny, 2; ClaudiaMegaw, Megaw TestimonialCoffee, 3. Late: ClaudiaMegaw, Megaw ManhattenRuby, 1; Chantelle Sanderson,Braedene Henry Ivy, 2; AnnaTurner, karaka Queen candy, 3.

Two Heifer Calves:Claudia Megaw, 1; B Thomp-son, 2; Turner family, 3.

Junior Female Cham-pion: S and S Law, P and AKelk, Evergreen Green Storm;Reserve: A and E Riddell,Roscliff Mans Diamanta.

Bull Calf: B Thompson,Braedene Zealot Tilmim, 1;Turner family, Karaka ZealLewis, 2; B Thompson,Braedene Zealot Token, 3.

Junior Group (one bulland two junior females): BThompson, 1; Turner family, 2;B Thompson, 3.2010 SEMEX NATIONAL

JERSEYON-FARM CHALLENGE

Waikato — Team: Eric andColleen Bocock, MerridownsJerseys, 5. Top 2yo Confor-mation: Ferdon Genetics,Ferdon Comerica Viyella, 1;Roscliff Jerseys, Roscliff RR Di,3. Top 3 and 4yo Confor-mation: Roscliff Jerseys,Roscliff Mans Devine, 1. Top 5years and older Confor-mation: Ferdon Genetics,Ferdon Follys Viyella, 1; RoscliffJerseys, Roscliff Mans Dennie,3.

Nationals — 2yo Confor-mation: Ferdon Genetics,Ferdon Comerica Viyella, 1. 3and 4yo Conformation:Roscliff Jerseys, Roscliff Mans

Devine, 1. 5 years and olderConformation: Ferdon Gen-etics, Ferdon Follys Viyella, 2.NEW ZEALAND DAIRY

EVENTAll Breeds, Senior Yearlingheifer: Ferdon Genetics,Ferdon Shyster Bell, 2. SeniorYearling Heifer: Ferdon Gen-etics, Ferdon B Stone Lola, 2.2yo In Milk: Ferdon Genetics,Ferdon Comerica Viyella, 1.3yo In Milk: Barclay family,Okawa Tony Serenity, 3. Inter-mediate Champion: FerdonGenetics, Ferdon ComericaViyella. 5yo In Milk: R and ERiddell, Roscliff Mans Dennie,2. 6 and 7yo In Milk: FerdonGenetics, Ferdon Folly’s Viyella,1. 8 years and over In Milk:Ferdon Genetics, FerdonBerratta’s Merle, 2; R and PAdam, Carnmor Peps Jem, 3.

WORLD JERSEYCONFERENCE

ALL NEW ZEALAND SHOW2yo In Milk: Ferdon Genetics,Ferdon Comerica Viyella, 1.3yo In Milk: R and E Riddell,Roscliff Mans Devine, 1; R andP Adam, Carnmor HermsOlinda, 3. IntermediateChampion: Ferdon Genetics,Ferdon Comerica Viyella;Reserve: R and E Riddell,Roscliff Mans Devine. 4yo InMilk: Cowshotz Ltd, AshvaleKGB Homesick Ex4, 3. 5yo InMilk: R and E Riddell, RoscliffMans Dennie, 1; Her MajestyThe Queen, D Ferguson,Ferdon Ace’s Lucy, 2. 6 and7yo In Milk: Ferdon Genetics,Ferdon Folly’s Viyella, 1. 8years and over In Milk:Ferdon Genetics, FerdonBerratta’s Merle, 1. BestUddered Cow: Ferdon Gen-etics, Ferdon Folly’s Viyella, 2.Senior Reserve Champion:Ferdon Genetics, Ferdon Folly’sViyella. Breeders Team of

Four: Ferdon Genetics, 1; Rand P Adam, 3. FemaleProgeny Class: Ferdon Gen-etics, 1; R and E Riddell, 2; HerMajesty The Queen, DFerguson, 3.COMBINED BREEDS ALL

NEW ZEALAND SHOWJersey, Senior Heifer

Calf: Ferdon Genetics, FerdonBS Bright Eyes ET, 2; FerdonGenetics, Ferdon BRC Sophie

ET, 3. Jersey Junior HeiferCalf: Ferdon Genetics, FerdonVictor’s Sharee, 1; Ferdon Gen-etics, Ferdon Comerica Flow, 2.Senior Yearling Heifer:Ferdon Genetics, Ferdon Shy-ster Bell, 2; Ferdon Genetics,Ferdon Ress Eloquent ET, 3.Junior Yearling Heifer:Ferdon Genetics, FerdonBstone Lola, 1; Ferdon Gen-etics, Ferdon B Stone Lorna, 2.

Junior Jersey Champion:Ferdon Genetics, FerdonBstone Lola. CombinedBreeds Junior YearlingHeifer: D and W Harker,Westell Empire Shelly S1S, 1.Champion: D and W Harker,Westell Empire Shelly S1S.

SEMEX ALL NEWZEALAND YOUTH SHOW

2 or 3yo In Milk: JeromeFerguson, Ferdon Lady In Red,

1; Ryan Cairns, Okawa JennyLou Luka, 3. Best UdderedCow: Jerome Ferguson,Ferdon Lady In Red, 2. JuniorYearling Heifer: CullamMcPhee, Ferdon Pat Cutie, 1;Tayla Smith, Ferdon BrightEvening ET, 2. Senior Year-ling Heifer: Ashley Ferguson,Ferdon Advent Lady, 3. Inter-mediate/Senior Handlers:Cullam McPhee, 2.

8061

022A

A

1403 Alexandra Street, Te Awamutu (Opposite Dairy Factory)Phone Richard or Donnaon 07 871 6611 / 021 279 2201

MAC’S MEATSHOME KILLS

Family owned and operated since 1992

KILLING & PROCCESSINGBeef, sheep, pigs, venison.......................................SALAMIBeef, venison, duck, pork.......................................SMOKINGHam + bacon, fish, salami, venison.......................................BEEF HUNG LONGERon your request.......................................M.A.F Listed.......................................VACUUM PACKING.......................................

Refrigerated truck, looking after your meat"From Farm to Freezer"

Now processing GLUTEN FREE sausages!

129 MARKET ST, TE AWAMUTU • PH (07) 871 7099 • FAX (07) 871 8435

SINGLETON and HANSENPLUMBING LTD

• Plumbing • Drainage • Roofing • Spouting • Gas Fitting • Solid Fuel Heating• Water Tanks• Plumbing Supplies• Biolytic Waste Systems• Solar Heating

Microlene Water FiltersWater PumpsPolyethylene Tanks

MasterPlumbers

THINKINGTHINKING WATER TANKS?WATER TANKS?Guaranteed Lowest Prices

of Water Tanksin N.Z.

Suppliers of:

8062

712A

A

6 RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011

BOWERS SON LTD• Ph: 07 871 5209 • Cnr Alexandra St & Paterangi Rd, Te Awamutu • www.bowersconcrete.co.nz • Email: bowers@wave.co.nz

8060

802A

A

• FEED PADS

• FERTILISER BINS

• MAIZE SILAGE BUNKERS

• SILAGE PITS

• WATER TANKS

• CONTINUOUS OPEN ENDED FEED TROUGHS

• EFFLUENT SUMPS

• STONE TRAPS

IF IT’S CONCRETE -YOU’LL NEED TO SEE BOWERS!

Your Certified Ready Mix Concrete Plant

Honorary doctorate forFonterra chairman

SIR HENRY VAN DER HEYDEN

Fonterra chairman Sir Henry vander Heyden is one of threealumni receiving special honours

and awards at Lincoln University’s2011 Graduation ceremony onFriday, May 6.

Sir Henry receives an honoraryDoctor of Commerce degree in recog-nition of his contributions to NewZealand agriculture and in particularthe dairy industry.

The award will be made in theLincoln Events Centre, Lincoln town-ship, where the University’s 2011Graduation Ceremony is being held inplace of the usual venue, ChristchurchTown Hall, which was damaged inCanterbury’s recent earthquake.

Sir Henry is a Lincoln Universityalumnus and graduated Bachelor ofEngineering (Agricultural) with Hon-ours in 1980. The honorary doctorateaward is consistent with LincolnUniversity’s recognition of the NewZealand dairy industry as occupying apivotal role in the country’s land-basedeconomy, says the citation.

Sir Henry began his farming careeras a sharemilker in the Putaruru/Tokoroa area where he purchased afarm in 1985. Today he has severalfamily-run dairy properties. Heentered public and political life in1992 with election to the board of theNZ Dairy Group cooperative. He wasin his early 30’s and ‘‘fresh from hisPutaruru cow shed’’.

He played a key role in theestablishment of Fonterra in 2001,was a member of the foundation boardand succeeded to the chairmanship inSeptember 2002. For his services toagriculture he was made a Dis-tinguished Companion of the NewZealand Order of Merit in 2007 andreceived the reinstated title of Knightin 2009.

BLEDISLOE MEDALLincoln University’s Bledisloe

Medal for 2011 for outstandingcontributions to New Zealand’s land-

based interests goes to Neal Ibbotsonof Marlborough.

Neal is the founder, with his wifeJudy, of Saint Clair Family Estatewinery, Marlborough, one of NewZealand’s most ‘‘awarded’’ wineries,ranked in the top third of the world’sbest 100 wineries.

Neal and Judy were two ofMarlborough’s vineyard pioneers,planting their first vines in 1978. Withforesight, Neal saw that grapes couldbe a realistic economic proposition inMarlborough’s dry climate if abundantground water could be harnessed.

From a small vineyard establishedon the outskirts of Blenheim, thebusiness became the initial contractgrower to Montana Wines, whichbegan grape growing in the region in1973.

Not only has Neal played a pivotalrole in increasing the viability ofMarlborough’s economy and range ofland-based enterprises, the success ofhis endeavours has put Marlboroughon the map and greatly enhanced theeconomic well being of its residents.He holds a Diploma in Agriculture and

a Diploma in Valuation and FarmManagement from Lincoln University,awarded in the mid-1960s.

ALUMNI INTERNATIONALMEDAL

Lincoln University’s Alumni Inter-national Medal for 2011 will bepresented to Martin Cartwright ofChile, who becomes the first recipientof the award for contributions in aSouth American country.

The award to Martin reflects thedepth of Lincoln University’s relation-ship with South America. In the caseof Martin’s homeland, Chile, it is aconnection that stretches back to the1920s when the first of many genera-tions of Chilean students travelled toNew Zealand to study at Lincoln.

Martin came to New Zealand in1969 and completed a Diploma inAgriculture and a Diploma in Valua-tion and Farm Management at LincolnUniversity. He returned to Chile in1974 and went on to purchase landand establish a fruit growing oper-ation. This has been developed into amodern, efficient, high densityorcharding operation planted in sixdifferent species and 24 varieties. Itprovides employment for a staff ofover 80 working with cherries,apricots, nectarines, plums, pears andapples.

Today Martin is a successfulChilean horticulturist and fruit growerand runs his own farming business,Agricola Ponderosa. Fruit is exportedthrough a grower owned companywhich has become Chile’s ninth largestfruit exporter.

He is also the President and aDirector of Prize Limitada, which actson behalf of Zespri International inChile. He has close links with the NewZealand Embassy in Santiago andactively encourages ties between thetwo countries in education, farming,fruit growing and exporting and thepursuit of global marketing opportun-ities.

RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011 7

8061

052A

A

All beasts hung for a minimum of 7 days

Our facilities are purpose built and NZFSA registered

We use qualifi ed butchers

Enquire about our extended hanging period!

Processors of Beef, Pork, Lamb & Wild Game.•

•

••

Ph Peter 07 871 9995 or Sam 029 871 9995

INSPECTIONS WELCOMEINSPECTIONS WELCOME

8061

038A

A

DIRECTORS:David BaileyRobert InghamCheyne WaldronASSOCIATEDIRECTORS:Layne KerrKelly McIvorCHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS:Jayne AdamsTracey HallRebecca LynchBridget MorganASSOCIATECHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS:Michael CrookShellee EdwardsCarolyn Perrett

30 YEARS OF PROVIDING

♦ Quality and Professional Advice to Farmers and Businesses

♦ Expert Taxation Planning

♦ A Friendly and Personalised Service

Contact us for a free noobligation interview to discuss your financial requirements

Our Te Awamutu basedaccountants are available

to visit your business or farmas required

18 Maniapoto Street, OtorohangaFreephone: 0800 482 928

A/hrs: Stu Tervit (07) 871 4700, 0274 827 856 • John Hare (07) 871 3794, 0274 427 856 • Allan Paterson (07) 871 3956, 0274 427 853 • Email: tmlsales@xtra.co.nzCorner Churchill & Mahoe St • TE AWAMUTU • Phone (07) 871 5143

IT’S BACK 1/3 1/3 1/3INTEREST FREE

ON HOLDEN COLORADO

8060

720A

A

IT’S SO SIMPLE – WORK IT WITH YOUR CASHFLOW

No Interest � No Payment In Between � No Doc Fees

1/3 DEPOSIT(YOUR TRADE MAY COVER THIS)

1/3 IN 24 MONTHS1/3 IN 12 MONTHS

ExampleHolden Colorado LT 4x2 Double Cab Manual

List Price $44,800Deposit Due $14,933

Due 12 months $14,933Due 24 months $14,933 Normal H/P criteria applies.

On road costs extra.

City girl to advance dairy future

TC12-411SP07

INAUGURAL Livestock Improvement doctoral studentship award recipient Melanie Hayr.

A born-and-bred central cityAuckland woman has beenhand-picked by one of the

dairy industry’s leading players tohelp advance a major dairy scienceproject in New Zealand.

Former Auckland Universityand Epsom Girls’ Grammarstudent Melanie Hayr has won theinaugural Livestock Improvementdoctoral studentship award — amajor scholarship package that willsee her study at Iowa State Uni-versity for the next two years aspart of a six-seven year studyprogramme.

LIC said Melanie had been a‘stand-out’ applicant. She hadcompleted a Bachelor of Sciencedegree (Hons) in 2008, in whichshe majored in bioinformatics.

Bioinformatics is the science ofusing computers, databases, statis-tical techniques, and algorithms todevelop, accelerate, and advancebiological research.

In studying toward her Masters(two years) and PhD (up to fouryears), Melanie plans to apply herbioinformatics knowledge to devel-opments in animal breeding andgenetics.

She will leave New Zealand forUSA in August.

‘‘This is a massive opportun-ity,’’ Melanie said. ‘‘When I was atuniversity I knew I’d be graduatingwith 300 other Bachelor ofScience students, all looking for thesame kind of employment. That’swhy I went in to bioinformatics — Iwas hoping it would give me apoint of difference.’’

In studying toward her Masterof Science, Melanie will tap-in toLIC’s massive animal database —which contains intricate geneticinformation gleaned from tens ofthousands of dairy animalsthroughout New Zealand.

Her work will form part of LIC’sDNA sequencing project, a multi-million dollar research project thataims to map and better understandthe bovine genome (DNA).

There were about 10-15 million‘‘SNP (single nucleotide polymor-phism) markers, or locations ofvariation’’ in the bovine genome,Melanie said.

Many of these ‘‘locations’’, butnot all, had already been identified,but LIC scientists were most inter-ested in the ‘‘variations’’: Thesewere the key to improving (throughapplication of quality genetics) themilking and reproductive perform-ance of the dairy cow, she said.

‘‘I’m really excited, and yes, myfamily is pretty proud. Dad hasalways been of the opinion that youshould go to university to study andthen get out and work — not toworry about post-graduate study.But he’s very supportive of this

since I have a good job to comeback to at the end of it.’’

Melanie admitted she was arelative newcomer to the Waikato(where LIC’s head office is located),and until recently had not beenexposed to what it took to be adairy farmer.

From early on in her studiesMelanie said she had targeted LICas a potential employer; ‘‘becauseof the cool scientific advancementsthey’re making, because of theindustry they’re in, and because ofthe tennis court and swimmingpool they’ve got at work.’’

At Iowa State UniversityMelanie will come under the guid-ance of NZ-born Professor DorianGarrick, though much of her work

will be also directed by LIC’s keyscience leaders, Dr RichardSpelman and Dr Bevin Harris.

LIC General Manager of Strat-egy and Growth, David Hemara,said scientific research has beencentral to the success and standingof LIC, both in New Zealand andinternationally.

Research was also fundamentalto LIC’s (and the wider dairyindustry’s) future, which is why thecompany had developed the Live-stock Improvement DoctoralStudentship Programme.

Part of the scholarships termsmean Melanie will be bonded towork with LIC for the equivalentlength of her study period (once thequalifications are complete).

8 RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011

Cash back offer on YFM700/FAPSE EPS = $1000; YXR700FA Rhino = $1000; YFM550FAP EPS = $700; YFM450FAP EPS/YFM450FA -non power steer = $600; YFM400F Big Bear = $400; YFM350A/FA = $350; AG200E/AG100 = $200. No fi nancials, just rates notice required for asset backed loans. Low documentation primary producer loans only. Fees and charges apply. Offers at participatingdealers, while stocks last, conditions apply.

*Conditions apply ** Savings amount maybe different for different models, the savings of $150 is based on the YFM450

8060

999A

A

Te Awamutu Jersey Cattle Breeders Club wish to thank all the following sponsors for their continued sponsorship at the following events - • Te Awamutu Club Show Day • Hosting of the Delegates from the Jersey World Conference • On Farm Herd Competition

• Dean Morgan Services • RD1, Farmlands • Qubik • Pratt

Milking Machines • Milk and Pump Systems • The Veterinary

Centre • VetEnt • VE Vets • GMH Accountants • Kelly and

Bryant Accountants • Banks - ANZ, National, ASB, Westpac,

BNZ Te Awamutu Branch • Donaghys • Ecolab • Agrisea

• Russo Spreading • Quinphos • Callander Roundspread

• Fyfe Campbell • Brian Robinson Livestock • Bell-Booth

• Dairy Production Systems • Interlact • Osbornes Transport

• Road Haulage • TradeZone • Stihl Shop • CRV Ambreed

NZ • Power Farming • Brian Glass Contracting • Finch

Contracting • Otorohanga Groundspread • TA Lionesses

• Fleming Home Kills Ltd • McDonalds Lime • FMG

PLEASE SUPPORT OUR SPONSORS

8077

432A

A

Seminar for landownersto cash in on the ETSWaikato farmers are being

invited to learn how to cash inon the Emissions Trading

Scheme and manage its liabilities witha free seminar in April.

Hosted by BDO Waikato theseminar on 27 April will featureCharles Rau, an associate at BDOGisborne and head of a national groupset up by BDO New Zealand to adviselandowners on application of theEmissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

‘‘Our goal is to raise awareness ofthe challenges and opportunities of theETS for New Zealand farmers and helpthem participate,’’ says Mr Rau.

‘‘One of the key problems is that asignificant number of landowners fallwithin the scheme yet do not realise it.It is important that farmers understandtheir liabilities, particularly arounddeforestation of forested areas that fallwithin the scheme.

‘‘If they don’t apply for free credits

under the ETS by November 30, 2011they will be stuck with the defores-tation liabilities — but no free credits.’’

The seminar will educate land-owners on how to identify what is andisn’t within the ETS, as well as adviseon how to manage the related liabilitiesand also look at the economic oppor-tunities for landowners participating inthe ETS.

Mr Rau says the current ETS andcarbon market shows potential forsignificant return for not just foresters,but other landowners with plantings ofnon-timber varieties of tree such aswillows, poplars, oaks and ornamentaltrees.

‘‘For instance, there is an oppor-tunity to combine livestock farmingwith carbon farming to add to thebottom line. Many farmers haveplantings of willow and poplar forerosion control which may qualify forcarbon credit — but few have regis-

tered.’’While MAF has provided farmers

with information and an online regis-tration system, it can be a complextask for many farmers and also timeconsuming.

‘‘It also requires a good level ofcomputer skills and an internet con-nection that’s fast enough to drive themapping software. For farmers inremote areas, that’s simply not realis-tic.

‘‘BDO recognises the importanceof offering landowners the opportunityto register and we provide our con-sultation and registration service toeveryone.

‘‘We’re here to bridge the gapbetween theory and practice.’’

The seminar takes place on Friday,April 27, 11am-1pm in Hamilton.

For more information or to registerbefore Apri l 20 emai lMichelle.McIntrye@BDO.co.nz

Transforming rural products into art

The diverse fashion, art andfarming industries will amalga-mate at the New Zealand

National Agricultural Fieldays in theingenious Ag Art Wear competition.

Organisers are now calling fordesigners of all skill levels to constructartistic masterpieces from farmingcommodities into breathtaking wear-able garments.

Into the 17th year of the competi-tion, the most fashionable event atFieldays attracts entrants from allover New Zealand and inter-nationally.

Every year the standard ofentrants’ creativity and artistic eyecontinually increases and with a totalof $12,000 up for grabs, 2011 willbe no exception.

All pre-existing conceptions ofrural products will be confronted in

the Avant Garde category, with onlythe most ground-breaking and origi-nal designs found in this category.Designers are challenged in theAvant Garde section to think outsidetraditional design elements and cre-ate something that is truly unique.The Under 21 section also occupies acontemporary and innovative per-spective by having no designlimitations, just an age restriction.This category is intended to inspireyoung designers to grow their aesthe-tic and conceptual skills by crafting adistinctive piece of wearable art withunlikely mediums.

Environmental and landsustainability issues are explored inthe Landcare Awareness division. Byutilising natural flora and fauna foundon the New Zealand landscape,designers artistically represent their

chosen subject in an original way.Alternatively, designers can enter theDesigner/Traditional category,where farming products areimplemented to create conventionalpieces that could be worn as part ofeveryday fashion.

The creativity of the Ag Art Wearcompetition at the New ZealandNational Agricultural Fieldays is notto be missed.

The runway shows kick off at10am and 1pm daily with the awardsceremony taking place on Friday,June 17 at the 1pm show.

The competition entry deadline isFriday 29 April 2011. For furtherinformation regarding the competi-tion and to download entry forms,visit www.fieldays.co.nz, contactAdam Reinsfield on 07 843 4499 oremail adamr@fieldays.co.nz.

Dairy tour to US on offer for Kiwi farmers

TC120411RRSP11

DAIRY farmer Hermann Kibler wants to show Kiwi farmer’s the American system first-hand.

There’s nothing farmers like more thanchecking-out what other farmers aredoing — and a tour package has been

developed to provide that perspective, inthe United States.

Hermann Kibler is a dairy farmer whoemigrated to New Zealand in 1989, work-ing in the dairy industry while becoming aNew Zealand citizen and travelling the worldstudying dairying. He has managed agrazing dairy farm in Georgia in the UnitedStates for its New Zealand owners andbelieves opportunities abound for pastoraldairying, in the United States.

‘‘The state of the economic recovery inthe Unites States is presenting Americanfarmers with a smorgasbord of opportun-ities to challenge traditional practices. I’veput a tour package together which willpresent New Zealand farmers with insight tothe divergent range of farming systems inthe States, and also open the door topotential investment/growth opportunitiesthere.’’

‘‘We’ll visit dairy farms from the mostmodern and sophisticated large scale

confined dairies in the world (15,000 cowsin one dairy facility) to successful NZ typegrazing and grazing hybrid dairy farms.’’

‘‘They will see the region with the largestconcentration of dairy production in theworld (Tulare County in Central California)and meet with Dairy Farmers of America(DFA) and LIC (US) representatives todiscuss dairying in the US versus dairyfarming in NZ and the ever increasingestablishment of grazing dairies in the US,its challenges, similarities and differencescompared with NZ.‘‘

‘‘We’ll also be visiting farm-touristattractions like the massive John Deeretractor factory and tractor museum alongwith some of the essential stopovers like LasVegas and the Grand Canyon.’’

Mr Kibler said the tour has been timed tosuit the ‘quiet time’ on New Zealand dairyfarms — June 2011. The duration is 12days but this can be adjusted and tailoredbased on the interests of participants.

Interested farmers should contact MrKibler by email hermannk67@gmail.com orphone 027 284 0135.

RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011 9

Waikato farmers flock toone-day effluent expoMore than a tenth of the region’s dairy

farmers have attended a one day effluentexpo, organised by Waikato Regional

Council and sponsored by DairyNZ.The expo was the first of its kind to be held in

the country, with 30 organisations representedat Mystery Creek on Tuesday. Each hasindicated to the council that they have a numberof farmers requiring follow-up, on-siteconsultations.

The turnout of more than 500 farmersshowed the dairy sector was keen for high qualityinformation to help them manage effluent, saysexpo organiser Kate Ody, a council environmen-tal farming systems advisor.

She said very positive feedback from exhib-itors and farmers meant consideration was being

given to holding the expo again next year.‘‘Dairy farmers have been coming to us

seeking effluent storage solutions and the peoplewho turned out for the expo told us the eventgave them the information they’d been lookingfor in one place.

‘‘Our aim was to encourage dairy farmers toassess their current effluent system to determineif they are fit-for-purpose. For those whosesystems needed improvement, the expo showedfarmers some of the options available to them,’’Ms Ody said.

‘‘More than 10 per cent of the region’s4,500 dairy farmers attended the expo and themajority of them showed they were hungry forinformation and were keen to makeimprovements to their system.

There was significant interest in the pondstorage calculator and huge demand for freeconsultations with rural professionals using it toassess the needs of individual farms.

Developed by Massey University, the pondstorage size calculator was originally thebrainchild of Horizons Regional Council, andhas since been revised for Waikato conditions.Seminars were held throughout the expo on itsapplication.

‘‘As a result of the expo, many farmers nowbetter appreciate that management of the farmhas a big part to play in helping to determinetheir storage needs. In some cases, making achange on the farm might negate the need toincrease the pond size and save the farmerthousands of dollars,’’ Ms Ody said.

Great Anchor Milk Run

Equipment, computers and new books for the libraryare just some of the things that 84 lucky schoolsfrom around New Zealand will be able to purchase

thanks to the Great Anchor Milk Run.‘‘The Great Milk Run will see more than $500,000

invested into New Zealand communities’’, says Anchor’sCraig Irwin.

Every day for 84 days, Anchor will award a newwinning consumer $2,500 for themselves and $2,500 forthe school of the winning consumer’s choice. Anchor willthen also give one lucky New Zealander and theirnominated school $50,000 each in the grand prize draw,opening up a world of opportunities.

The Great Anchor Milk Run is on now and will rununtil 26th June. Over the promotional period, Anchor willbe giving schools and consumers the chance to win theirshare of over $500,000 cash by simply purchasing any1L, 2L or 3L bottle of Anchor milk.

To be in to win, customers will enter the unique codeon the reverse of Anchor milk bottles by texting to 311 orentering online at www.anchormilkrun.co.nz. To followthe progress of the Great Anchor Milk Run and see whichschools are winning visit anchormilkrun.co.nz.

859 OHAUPO ROAD, TE AWAMUTU - PHONE 07 872 0232Cedric 0274 975 935; Haydn 0274 428 056; Ken 0274 437 729; Jason 0275 050 798 www.norwood.co.nz/teawamutu

8060

728A

A

10 RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011

T 07 871 4057 M 021 575 518 AH 07 872 2404BOND ROAD • TE AWAMUTU

8021

173A

A

� Farm races � Farm drainage � Drain laying

BRIDGES - ANY SIZE� Experienced in precast or custom built

SILAGE BUNKERS� Water tight sprayed concrete

� Existing pits transformed � Pay back 5 yrs

� Contouring and land development� Feed pads and building sites

We are Your Rural Specialists

We provide cost effective solutions for...

FARMERS

FOR ALL YOUR RURAL ENQUIRIES PHONEBUTCH GILBERT

RURAL CONTRACTS MANAGER

We know you don’t like talking about it...

but every household needs a wastewater solution

Biolytix is Australasia’s most awarded sewage system.Built to last...

No expensive aerators to run, fi x or replace.No regular pump-outs and only one annual service

User friendly...

Treats kitchen waste – is silent & odourless

The most environmentally responsible...

Uses 90% less electrictyChemical free operationProduces almost no methane

And all this while watering your garden

8060

880A

A

08004WORMTANK www.biolytix.com

How long should I milk

By Darren Sutton— Waikato FarmWise consultant.

I t appears that we are finally gettinga ‘normal’ autumn after three yearsof very dry ones. Conditions on

farm mean most people will be able tocapture some more days in milk andmake up some of the lost productionseen in the spring and early summer.

While having enough grass to milkthrough into May is good news, thisdoes bring a risk of failing to achievethe necessary body condition scores(BCS) needed for next season.

While the payout is very good thisseason, indications are for a $6.00+payout next year, therefore there is nopoint in thinking and planning only asfar as this season.

Now is the time to calculate howlong you can milk for.

COW CONDITIONA DairyNZ report has recently re-

confirmed that the targets of 5.0 BSCfor mixed age (MA) cows and 5.5 BSCfor first and second calvers do maxi-mise profit and are not just nice targetsto achieve.

The report showed that calving atlower BCS than those targets resultedin lower milk production over theseason, poorer reproductive perform-ance overall from higher empty ratesand a greater calving spread.

So how in the best way to manageyour herd for April and May?

The first step is to body conditionscore your herd to get a realisticunderstanding of condition as opposedto just thinking, ‘‘they are okay, apart

from the odd light one’’.First and second calvers are cows

that still need extra feed to grow outtheir frame. If these cows are dried offwith the older MA animals, the oldercows will gain weight a lot faster thanthe younger animals. And the youngeranimals are usually starting from alower BCS.

Get a free copy of the ConditionScoring booklet from DairyNZ. Thepictures will help to guide you inestablishing what condition your cowsare in. A more un-biased way to getyour herd scored is work with yourneighbour — they score your cows,and you score theirs.

Aim to do your scoring while thecows are happily grazing in thepaddock, two to three hours after afresh break, they will not yet have a fullgut, but will allow you to walk aroundand observe them without having themall standing in a circle conditionscoring you!

Write down the BCS of 3.0, 3.5,etc up to 5.5 in a notebook and thengoing around the paddock, mark downwhat each cow is. Aim to do 100 cowsto get a good cross section of the herd.See the BCS booklet on the steps towork out an average.

DRYING OFF TARGETSTargets for when a cow should be

dried off will vary depending on thelevel of supplements that can beoffered as a dry cow. But many farmswill be relying on grass with somemaize silage or PKE.

In this type of system the followingdates and targets should be used:

15 March 3.5 BCS; 1 April 3.75;15 April 4.0; 1 May 4.25; 15 May4.5.

If a cow is below these scores onthe set date, then they should be driedoff.

It is important to remember thatmost cows will need restricted (lowmetabolisable energy [ME] feed) forone week to ensure the cows dry offcleanly. This can have the effect ofdropping BCS further.

FEEDING TO GAIN BCSTo help explain why these dates

and targets work in practice can beshown in the following example:

· A cow dried off on May 1, at 4.25BCS, due to calve on July 20, can onlyput on weight effectively up to onemonth before calving.

· She has 50 days to gain 1 BCS.· Maintenance for her in April will

be about 7kg dry matter (DM)/day,and 8kgs DM in May.

· Therefore 7.5kg DM is needed formaintenance before any condition isgained.

· To put on 1 BCS with maize orPKE will need about 180kgs DM(down the throat, so allow for wast-age).

· With 50 days to eat 180kgs ofextra feed, that’s 3.5kg per cow perday.

· The total intake needed calculatesto 11kg DM per cow per day (beforewastage).

So the next question that you needask is: Can I do this on grass alone, ordo I have enough supplements toachieve this level of extra feeding?

FEED BUDGETCompleting a feed budget is the

next important step is calculating outhow many more days you can milk for.

Do a feed budget from nowthrough to June 1, and then anotherbudget from calving through to yourfeed balance date. Use your pregnancyscan data to get this as accurate aspossible.

Look at where your average pas-ture covers track, and establish if youhave enough supplements to cover forthe desired feeding levels.

If not, then you need to eithersecure more supplements, or dry offearlier this season to carry a higheraverage pasture cover into winter.

Make sure that you use realisticpasture growth rates and allow forwastage of supplements.

Take a look at the big picture.Assess where your average cow

condition is, and just as importantlyyour range in cow condition. Alsocomplete a feed budget to help youassess how many cows you can milkinto May.

RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011 11

8060

974A

A80

6103

1AA

Tidiest around - $58,500

New and used in stock nowfrom $3,350

with Euro loaderONLY $69,900

Good selection from $4,500

John Deere PQuad 6910

Feed Out Wagons

Bale Feeders

8060

737A

A

Great models from$65,000

2000 hrs, self-level loader. Mint$57,000

We are The Master Agents for Waikato/King Country

Large range in stock nowGood proven work horse

$15,000

Case 1290

Landini Vision 95

McCormick Tmax 100 Rops

McCormick MC120 + MC135

Mike Whitburn: 0274 824 614 07 846 5554 Murray Barclay: 0274 753 690 07 872 1964All prices GST exclusive

Kioti Mechron 4x4 Utility VehicleKioti Mechron 4x4 Utility Vehicle• 22Hp Daedong diesel engine

• 2 speed CVT trans • 4WD with diff locks

• 3 seater with seat belts

• Heavy duty 750kg payload

• Hydraulic disc brake with handbrake

• FREE Bull Bar • FREE Sun Roof • FREE Hydraulic Tipping Tray

THE BEST VALUE FOR MONEY IN NZ

SAVE $2000!$17,990 + GST

Gifting changes ahead

By Rachael Bain — a solicitorin theTe Awamutu fi rmEdmondsJudd.

Question: Mr Jones — I have aTrust which owes me moneyand I have been reducing that

debt by the maximum allowance of$27,000 pa. I understand as ofOctober 1, 2011 Government intendsto repeal gift duty. Does this mean thatI can then forgive all debts owed to meby the Trust without anyone being ableto have a claim against my Trust?

The present situation is that in theevent of a claim being successfullybrought against Mr Jones, then theassets transferred to the Trust would inmost instances be safe, however theoutstanding loan owing by the Trust toMr Jones could still potentially beattacked be people such as creditors ofMr Jones, relationship property claim-ants and beneficiaries of Mr Jones’sestate.

As from October 1, 2011, with theabolishment of gift duty Mr Jones willeffectively be able to forgive all debtsowed to him without being liable for

any gift duty.Forgiving all debts in one lump sum

leaves any potential claimant with verylittle to attack.

So how safe is it for Mr Jonesto forgive all debts owed to himafter October 1, 2011?

At present, the draft legislationdoes not indicate that Government willintroduce any protective mechanismssurrounding the abolishment of giftduty. On that basis it would appearthat Mr Jones will be free to gift anyamount to any other person afterOctober 1, 2011.

However, there are a number ofpotential pitfalls that may affect MrJones. These being:

1. Creditor Protection: Mr Jones isin business and he owes money tovarious creditors. He transfers all of hisassets to the Family Trust and as of 1October 2011 forgives the entire debtin one lump sum. The effect — MrJones has no assets to pay outstandingcreditors. However:• The Property Law Act provides thatthe Court can set aside certaindispositions of property that prejudicecreditors; and• The Insolvency Act provides that theOfficial Assignee has the ability to setaside any gift made within two years ofadjudication.

2. Relationship Property: Mr Jonesis in a relationship. The relationship isgoing downhill so Mr Jones transfersall of his assets to the Family Trust(with the intention of defeating anyclaim which his wife or de factopartner may have if the relationshipwere to end). As of 1 October 2011

Mr Jones forgives the entire debt. Theeffect — Mr Jones has no assets whichcould be attacked by his estrangedwife/de facto partner. However:• The Property (Relationships) Act1976 provides that dispositions ofproperty may be set aside if they weremade ‘‘in order to defeat the claim orrights or any other person’’ under theAct.• Disposition includes the transfer ofany assets to a Trust.

3. Rest Home Subsidies: Mr Joneswishes to apply to WINZ for a resthome subsidy. Mr Jones does not meetthe threshold to qualify for a rest homesubsidy so he transfers all of his assetsto a Family Trust and as of October 1,2011 forgives the entire debt. MrJones effectively has no assets. How-ever:• At present WINZ in assessingapplications for Rest Home subsidieshas a policy to disallow any gifts madewithin the previous five years.

SUMMARYAfter October 1, 2011 it seems

clear that a person will be able make agift of any amount without being liableto pay gift duty to the Crown.However as mentioned, there arevarious pitfalls that you need to beaware of before considering making aone off gift forgiving all debts.

We recommend that if you wish tocontinue with have a current giftingprogramme, or forgive all debts owingto you in one lump sum after October1, 2011, we recommend that youliaise with your solicitor and account-ant to decide the safest course ofaction for you.

Nation’s waterways getting cleaner

Farmers are making some head-way in cleaning up the nation’swaterways says Local Govern-

ment New Zealand.Figures from the Dairying and

Clean Streams Accord: Snapshot ofProgress 2009/2010 show an overall

improvement in compliance withregional council dairy effluent rulesand consent conditions.

LGNZ regional council sectorspokesperson Fran Wilde says theresponsibility for ensuring NewZealand’s waterways are not polluted

will continue to be with dairy farmers.Dairy cattle are now excluded from

waterways on 85 per cent of farmswith all regions having achieved the2007 target and four regions havingachieved the 2012 target of 90 percent of waterways protected.

12 RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011

8060984AA

For friendly, personal service phone 872 0585195 MAHOE STREET, TE AWAMUTU

www.gydewansbone.co.nz

Lance FielderDirector

Graeme WansboneDirector

Mervyn GydeDirector

Gareth JinksAssociate

8060

970A

A

Are you up to speed?

By Lance Fielder— Director in theTe Awamutu fi rm Gyde Wansbone.

April 1 has just passed and with itcome new legis lat iverequirements for most of you.

Some of these legislative changesaffect the structure of your business,some affect your overheads and profitsand some affect your family income.

In this article I will highlight some ofthe major changes that have come intoaffect from April 1, 2011 and willexplain how they may impact on youand your business.

WORKING FOR FAMILIESTAX CREDITS

The government announced intheir May 2010 budget that they werelooking to change the definition ofincome for determining eligibility forWorking for Families Tax Credits(WFFTC). The government indicatedseveral forms of income that hadpreviously been excluded as incomewill now be included.

The final legislation has beenpassed and as from April 1, 2011 thefollowing types of income will beincluded and used to calculate yourWFFTC:1. Attributable trustee income2. Attributable fringe benefits3. PIE income other than registeredsuperannuation schemes4. Passive income earned by children.Amounts over $500 per child will beincluded as family income.5. Worldwide income received by anon-resident spouse.6. Tax exempt salary or wages underspecific international agreements.7. Income equalisation deposits madeby you, your trust, or a companycontrolled by you or your trust.8. Certain pensions and annuities —includes 50% of payments from lifeinsurance policies or a superannuationfund (excludes NZ super).

9. Other payments received from anysources that are used for your familiesday-to-day living expenses (only if thetotal amount from these sources ifmore than $5,000).

This is a substantial change to thecurrent regime and could significantlyaffect your entitlement, particularlythose of you who operate under a truststructure or incur significant rentallosses. If you feel that your WFFTCcould be affected by the aboveinclusions, it would pay to contact yourAccountant.EMPLOYMENT LAW CHANGES

Changes to the Holidays Act andEmployment Relations Act have comeinto effect from April 1, 2011. Themain changes to these acts include:1. Employees will now be able to cashin up to one of their four weeks annualleave.2. Employers and employees will nowbe able to agree to transfer publicholidays to another working day3. The minimum wage has increasedfrom $12.75 per hour to $13.00 perhour.4. The 90 day trial period for newemployees is available to allemployers.5. Employers will have to keep detailedpersonal files for each employee.

You need to be aware that thechanges mentioned above come intoaffect from April 1, 2011 and you mayneed to consider whether or not youcomply with the new rules, particularlymaking sure your employees aregetting the minimum wage from April1, 2011.

Often farm workers remunerationis set at the start of the farming yearand may have been set using theminimum wage rates that applied then($12.75 per hour) or a rate that wasslightly higher than the minimumwage. Even though the farm workerssalary was set at the start of theseason, as an employer you still needto ensure that from April 1, 2011 theyare getting paid at least the minimumwage of $13.00 per hour.

If you are concerned that youremployee may be earning less than theminimum wage then you should per-form a calculation to ensure you arecompliant from April 1, 2011.

DEPRECIATION CHANGESFrom the start of your 2011/2012

income tax year (i.e. June 1, 2011 forMay 31 balance dates) a deduction fordepreciation is no longer allowable on

buildings that have a useful life of morethan 50 years.

Some forms of buildings /structures have been excluded fromthis depreciation limitation and includethe following:1. Milking Sheds2. Wintering barns and simple loafingbarns3. Temporary buildings4. Slaughterhouses on farms5. Roofed livestock yards

The exemptions noted above willstill be able to be depreciated as theyhave in the past.

If you feel that you have a buildingwith a useful life of less than 50 years,there is a mechanism to apply to theInland Revenue Department for aspecial depreciation rate for thatbuilding.

ACC Levies — ShareholderLevies

Changes were made last year thatcould allow you to significantly reduceyour shareholder employee ACClevies.

The changes allow individualshareholders to be classified undertheir individual occupation ratherthan the business activity of thecompany.

A classic example of this may be ahusband and wife who operate a dairyfarm under a company structure. Thehusband works on the farm and thewife works as an office administratoroff the farm.

Previously both the husband andwife would have been classified /charged ACC based on dairy farmingrates at $3.55 for every $100 ofsalary. With the recent changes thehusband will still be classified as adairy farmer, but the wife can beclassified as an office administratorand charged at a rate of $0.54 forevery $100 of salary. As you can seeby this example you may be able toreduce your shareholder ACC levy bya significant amount. Please note theabove rates I have mentioned are forthe income tax year 2009 / 2010.

Some of the above changes areeasy to comply with and some areslightly more onerous. Regardless oftheir complexity it is always yourresponsibility to ensure that youcomply. If you have any doubts aboutyour compliance to the abovementioned changes then you shouldcontact your Chartered Accountantto discuss your concerns.

NZ National Agricultural Fieldays award

At a special award ceremonyrecently held at Wintec, Mata-mata student Jacquelyn New

was awarded the NZ National Agricul-tural Fieldays award. Jacquelyn wasalso awarded the Best Overall Studentin Large Animal Technology award.

The event was attended byapproximately 150 guests from someof New Zealand’s largest agriculturalcompanies, with Dr Grant Northcottas the guest speaker.

Jacquelyn New won the award forher excellent support of vets in the

field. During her studies at Wintec, sheworked with local vets by assistingwith dehorning, scanning and takingbloods of large animals.

Jacquelyn was recognised not onlyfor her high academic achievements,but also for her very competentpractical skills in the field and the factthat she was very supportive of otherstudents.

Following receipt of her award,Jacquelyn said that, ‘‘Without thesupport of Anne Baldock, I, as well asmy fellow students would not have

gotten through the course. Her know-ledge and expertise really gave us theencouragement we needed and forthis I am very grateful. Anne is afantastic lecturer!’’

Society President, Lloyd Downingcongratulated Jacquelyn saying, ‘‘TheSociety is pleased to be giving back tothe community and encouragingyoung people into agriculturalprofessions such as veterinaryscience. On behalf of the Society, wewish Jacquelyn all the best in hercareer.’’

RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011 13

8061

009A

A

TE AWAMUTU • 333 Sloane Street • Phone 07 871 5039

IS YOUR FAMILY A LITTLE HARD ON YOUR DINNER SET? GET INTO THE VET CENTRE FOR SOME EXPERT ADVICE ON CONTROLLING THE DAMAGE PARASITES CAN MAKE TO YOUR HERD, AND PICK UP A FABULOUS NEW DINNER SET WHEN YOU BUY SELECTED MERIAL ANCARE PRODUCTS. *while stocks last.

A big thank you to our clientsfor helping us support the people of Christchurch

We have raised $5340 for the Mayoral Relief Fund

QUALIFYING PURCHASES: ECLIPSE® 10L, GENESIS Pour-On® 10L, EPRINEX® 20L, EXODUS® Pour-On 20L, MATRIX-C® Hi-Mineral 20LMerial is the Animal Health subsidiary of sanofi -aventis. MERIAL NEW ZEALAND, LEVEL 3, MERIAL BUILDING, OSTERLEY WAY, MANUKAU CITY, NEW ZEALAND. WWW.MERIALANCARE.CO.NZ.

®ECLIPSE, ®GENESIS, ®EPRINEX, ®EXODUS AND ®MATRIX ARE REGISTERED TRADEMARKS OF MERIAL LIMITED. REGISTERED PURSUANT TO THE ACVM ACT 1997. NO’S A9270, A7353, A7191, A10222, A10131. SEE WWW.NZFSA.GOVT.NZ/ACVM/ FOR REGISTRATION CONDITIONS. NZ-10-MAL-176.

8060

829A

A

A healthy hoof is a happy hoof

By Howard Johnston — veterinarian in theTe Awamutu fi rm The Veterinary Centre.

Now is the time to think aboutlame cows. At this stage of thedairy season, farmers are prob-

ably focusing on cow condition, dryingthe cows off and contemplating aholiday.

Lame cows may have now slippedto the back of the mind but this nowneeds to be thought about again as theautumn is a critical time for addressingand preventing lame cow issues. Theold adage ‘Prevention is better thancure’ certainly applies to lame cows.

Tackling lots of lame cows in thewet and mud of September andOctober prior to mating is an addedstress to an already stressful time ofthe year for both the farmer and theanimals.

WHY THE CONCERNABOUT LAME COWS?

Lame cows suffer pain and havereduced mobility and therefore repre-sent a potential animal welfare issue.These cows then produce less milk,lose weight and take longer to cycle.This becomes a significant financialcost and more so when it occurs priorto mating. It also takes time, energyand skill to treat them properly.

WHAT IS HEALTHY HOOF?I recently attended a lameness

course conducted by a New Zealandveterinarian Neil Chesterton who is aninternational expert on the causes andprevention of lameness in dairy cattle.This was followed on by a HealthyHoof Programme training course pre-

sented by DairyNZ.Both courses were excellent and

Neil and DairyNZ need to be con-gratulated for the high qualityinformation they provided on thecauses of lameness and for thecommonsense, preventat ivemeasures that were illustrated.

A diagnosis of the causes oflameness needs to be made firstbefore preventative actions can bediscussed and implemented. Lame-ness issues are generally multifactorialmeaning there is usually no one singlefactor causing the problem and there-fore there is no quick fix.

The causes of lameness revolvearound an interaction of animal,environmental and people factors.

The Healthy Hoof Programme is asystem aimed at reducing the inci-dence of lameness on New Zealanddairy farms.

The system was developed byDairyNZ, in conjunction with leadingresearchers, veterinarians, industryspecialists, and dairy farmers. TheHealthy Hoof Programme primarilyconcentrates on the prevention oflameness caused by physical factors,but also involves the treatment oflameness on-farm and associatedtraining. Reducing the number oflame cows on your farm thereforerequires a long-term, plannedapproach that is supported by thewhole farm team.

HOW TO ACCESS THEHEALTHY HOOFPROGRAMME?

A farmer may register to join theprogramme by contacting DairyNZ(email, website or phone). Onceregistered, DairyNZ will provide thefarmer with a list of registered HealthyHoof Programme providers. Thefarmer then approaches a provider (oftheir choice from the list). The HealthyHoof provider visits the farm, ident-

ifies their requirements, and makes anappointment to conduct an in-depthdiagnosis of factors causing lameness,specific to the property.

An action plan is implementedbased on the findings, and progress ismonitored, often with subsequentvisits. Farmers using the Healthy HoofProgramme have given positivefeedback about the value of theprogramme to their system.

HOW PRACTICAL ARE THEHEALTHY HOOF

RECOMMENDATIONS?The recommendations describe

how to identify lame cows, cowrestraint, tools required, the five maintypes of lameness, and the appropri-ate treatment for each of these.Another important consideration isthat the different types of lamenesshave different causes and point to theissues that need to be addressed.

Also there are lots of detailedrecommendations and best practicetips to minimise the incidence oflameness covering stockmanship andherd management; understandingcow behaviour; use of the backinggate; stray voltage; the cow shed andholding yards; farm track andraceways design and construction;stand-off and feed pads; breeding andgenetics; as well as the cow environ-ment.

WHAT YOU CANDO RIGHT NOW?

Now is the time to repair damagedraces particularly those closer to theyard entrances, increase yard size,realign gateways and tracks, improvedrainage, widen races, repair backinggates and train staff or whatever else isrequired while the weather is settledand more time is available.

Further information on theHealthy Hoof Programme is availablefrom DairyNZ. Acknowledgments toDairyNZ and Dr Neil Chesterton.

Last month’s column was written by Graeme Charteris, aveterinarian from The Veterinary Centre — not from VetEnt ashe was incorrectly identified. Our apologies to Mr Charteris.

14 RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011

JXU85 4WD ROPS – Limited EditionWet clutch • 85hp • Sunroof• Front guards • c/w European Loader

3rd Service • Multi-fastner

Low Interest • Red Rate Finance Options availableTerms & conditions apply

ONLY $63,900 + GST

16 Albert Street, SH1, Cambridge

07 827 7159 • www.gaz.co.nz

CAMBRIDGE:

1 Progress Drive, Otorohanga

07 873 4004 • www.gaz.co.nz

OTOROHANGA:

8060

817A

A

Dairy Road Show targetsproductivity, environmentFarmers juggling to increase milk pro-

duction while reducing the environmentaleffect of their farms are offered help by

Pioneer Seeds.Organised by Pioneer Brand Seeds, two

international and local dairy experts will nextautumn run five meetings across New Zealandbilled as the ‘2011 Dairy Road Show’. Thisevent is Free to farmers and those who serviceand support the dairy industry.

World renowned dairy expert Dr MikeHutjens from the University of Illinois willdiscuss the ways farmers can economicallyincrease per cow production. He will also talkabout the fundamentals of dairy cow nutritionand provide guidelines on how to build dietsthat deliver high milk yields using pasture andlocally available supplements.

Dr Bill Mahanna, Pioneer Hi-Bred Interna-tional, will talk about choosing the bestsupplement and maximising maize silage yield.

Nicola Shadbolt from Massey University willfocus on what the challenges are for the NZdairy industry to be globally competitive whichwill include milk supply and demand trends anddrivers to competitiveness.

Farmers will also hear advice on reducingenvironmental footprints of farms withoutdecreasing profitability.

Pioneer Forage Products Manager Dr JakobKleinmans says the meetings will have some-thing for every farmer.

‘‘Whether you are running a low-input dairyfarm system that relies solely on pasture or onethat feeds large amounts of supplement,attending will help you take your farm into thefuture.’’

‘‘Farmers have increased stocking rates tomaintain profitability and the use ofsupplements has increased,’’ Kleinmansobserves.

Benefits of attending the 2011 Dairy Road

Show include:1. Learning how to improve efficiency of

your herd’s milk production.2. Enhancing your understanding of global

milk supply and demand trends and how it willimpact on farms in the future.

3. Fine tune your maize silage managementto increase yields, improve silage quality andmilksolids returns.

4. Learn how to reduce the environmentalfootprint of dairying whilst still maintainingproduction and profit.

5. Make contact and interact with farmersthroughout your region.

The NZIPIM accredited Dairy Road Showcomes to Hamilton on Thursday, May 19 .Admission is free and includes a complimentarylunch.

Numbers are strictly limited so to registervisit www.pioneer.co.nz or for further informa-tion contact Raewyn Densley (871 2163).

Volatility indairy sectorhere to stay

ROD QUIN

The dairy industry haswithstood one of themost volatile periods

in history following the glo-bal financial crisis butfarmers cannot afford to becomplacent if they are tomake the most of theopportunities as well asreduce the risks of volatility.

Speaking at the DairyWomen’s Network confer-ence in Invercargill, West-land Milk chief executiveRod Quin says volatility ishere to stay and if farmersare capture the benefits andimportantly, weather the storms, they need to adapt tomore frequent changes and plan well ahead.

‘‘Farmers often get caught up in what is happening on adaily basis on-farm, but increasingly farmers need to beaware of what is happening in the wider global businessenvironment and what impact it has on their business,’’ MrQuin says.

Milk prices plummeted following the global financialcrisis with Governments in the EU and USA electing tostockpile milk powder and reintroduce export subsidies. Theprice of milk has recovered quickly and most exportsubsidies have been removed. Stockpiles in countries suchas the US and Europe have gradually fallen.

But the industry still faces on going uncertainty andvolatility with an increase in extreme shifts in climaticevents, exchange rate movements and oil price fluctuations.

‘‘As we have expanded our dairy footprint in global salesterms, New Zealand has become increasingly exposed toglobal events and farmers need to start factoring thesechanges into their on-farm strategic planning.’’

Farmers can prepare for future price shocks by assessingtheir business plans on a regular basis and seekingindependent advice from experts in the dairy industry,banking, veterinary and farm advisory sector on the likelychallenges they could face as a result of volatile events.

The key is not how to fight it, but how to adapt tobenefit, Mr Quin says. He suggests improved governance tochallenge current on-farm thinking.

‘‘Farmers are running multi-million dollar businesses andthey need to be managed as such. Adding a director to afarming business is a proven way of introducing thenecessary business disciplines required to look further aheadand adjust business plans as the world changes.

‘‘The key to remaining competitive in today’s environ-ment is to focus on profitability and productivity, not simplypayout,’’ Mr Quin says. ‘‘By planning ahead and seekingadvice on a regular basis from professionals in the industry,the negative impact of major global shocks can besignificantly reduced.’’

Types of risk assessment tools include putting in placefuture contracts for major farm inputs such as fertiliser andsupplementary feed and regularly assessing these contracts.

Mr Quin says Westland is not immune to volatility andmust use similar techniques when conducting its ownstrategic planning. ‘‘We meet frequently to ensure ourtactical decisions are in line with our strategic goals and, inrecognising the world has changed, how to adaptaccordingly.

‘‘The world has changed quickly and we have seenprices fall from high to extreme lows and back again. Theold boundaries around global prices have gone. Adaptingour sales program has been critical,’’ Mr Quin says.

‘‘Westland is part of the global food and beverageindustry and our future success depends on having policies,techniques and strategies in place that allow sufficientdiscretion to manage the extremely volatile environment weoperate in. For example our approach to foreign exchangehas changed in recent seasons to provide for the moreextreme highs and lows the New Zealand dollar experi-ences.’’

Mr Quin says its challenge is to differentiate itself anddecide which part of the consumer life cycle it wants to focuson and to make to those investment decisions now. ‘‘We arenot the lowest cost producer in the world anymore so weneed to create products for which people are prepared topay a premium for the value we have developed.’’

New ETS regsNew regulations will see large forest owners in the

Emissions Trading Scheme using personalisedcarbon measurement information for their emissions

returns, the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry says.The Field Measurement Approach (FMA) will be

compulsory for all forest owners with 100ha or more ineither the ETS or Permanent Forest Sinks Initiative (PFSI).

MAF Sustainable Programmes Director Clive Lilley saysthe basic design of the scheme is the same as was consultedon late last year, and more details, including regulations andguidance information for landowners will be coming soon.

Regulations are expected by May, and will come intoforce three months later, meaning a likely August start date.

The personalised look-up tables generated by the FMAwill be in use for the final emissions returns of the 2008 —2012 Commitment Period, which are due by 31 March2013.

Mr Lilley says the FMA allows for greater accuracy andfairness than the current look-up table approach, which isbased on nationally or regionally-averaged forest data.

RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011 15

• Farm Refrigeration

• Trade Qualifi ed

• Electrically Certifi ed

• Design Engineer

• Industry Assessor with 20 Years Industry Experience.

• Council IQP Certifi ed for compliance.

• System analysis/PLC/ Light Engineering

• Alternative Energy Systems and Natural Refrigeration.

• Supermarket/Ammonia plant experienced.

NO EXPENSIVE CALL OUT CHARGES, EXCELLENT RATES.

CONAN SMITH163 TE TAHI RD, RD6, TE AWAMUTUP: (07) 871 9766 M: 022 694 4392E: refrigeration_service@hotmail.co.nz

SPECIALISING IN: FARM REFRIGERATION - Industrial/Commercial

8062738AA80

6077

7AA

Farm lifestyle fantastic,let’s keep it that way

By Hamish Burdon — Cardon Dispute Resolution.

Farming over the course of manygenerations has been a fantasticlifestyle. It has been a great

environment to raise a family and hasallowed flexibility for time to be takenmeeting obligations that a normal 9 to5 job would not.

Many farmers will recall the transi-tion from leaving school, working asfarm hands, contract milking,sharemilking and then progressingthrough to farm ownership.

Whilst the current cost of farmownership has made that dream seemso much further away, the fundamen-tal process getting there has notchanged. This is a process thateffectively means we may asemployers, be changing employeesevery couple of years as they progressto bigger and better employment

opportunities. Often as employers wehave Fixed Term Contracts to reflectthis. Farming is a seven days a weekjob, and is variable in hours workedthroughout the season. All and all, it iscompletely different to working intown.

As much as the working environ-ment is different to that in town, it stillrelies on the same legal basis. Allemployees fall under the parametersof the Employment Relations Act2000. There are two underpinningterms that this Act relies on and theseterms relate to farming more thananything.

TRUST & CONFIDENCE ANDFAIR & REASONABLE

These two terms are clearly thebenchmark for the manner in whichthe parties to any EmploymentRelationship should act toward eachother. The Law instructs that theymust act in a Fair and Reasonablemanner, and do nothing that wouldbreak down the Trust and Confidencethat the parties need in order to keepthe relationship working.

As much as this Act only came intoeffect in 2000, these are two termsthat go back generations to the dayswhen your hand shake meant some-thing, your word was your bond andyou relied on your neighbour and staffto get you through the tough times.

These are the terms we get testedon if taken to Court. For employees,the term is Contributory Conduct. This

term relates to the fact that even if theemployer has breached a certainprocess, our actions as employees willbe examined as to how we contributedto the problem.

Did we do something that broughtabout the employers breach? If so, it isoften the case that any compensationwe were to be awarded is wiped outbecause of our own actions.

It really is all about being fair andreasonable and acting in good faithwith each other. This put into the rightprocesses will build trust and confid-ence. There are processes that allemployers must follow when dealingwith staff.

I am still astounded as how manyemployers still have no process inplace and effectively put themselves atrisk of legal action. It does not take alot to get good legal advice and setprocesses in place that will keep youwithin the parameters of the Law.That said, there are a lot of goodemployers I come across who arealready practicing the right procedureson a day to day basis.

All in all nothing has reallychanged. We have just applied theLaw to the correct way in which wehave been treating each other forgenerations. The rule of thumb thoughis, be fair and reasonable, treat othersas you would like to be treated andmore than likely you will build goodstrong working relationships with trustand confidence.

8079

127A

A

• Domestic • Commercial • Rural• Domestic • Commercial • RuralEFFICIENT - RELIABLEEFFICIENT - RELIABLE

Excellent service doesn’t have to cost a fortune!Excellent service doesn’t have to cost a fortune!

Phone Liam Carter(021) 027 93832

07 871 8785

Boost lambing returns with urea

Rising lamb prices have givenfarmers a chance to boost theirreturns through tactical fertiliser

applications, says Ballance Agri-Nutrients’ head of research andenvironment, Warwick Catto.

‘At this time of year, boosting feedis a fast track way to increase weight

gain on finishing lambs or achieveliveweight gains on ewes.

‘A $3.08 investment, or 2kg ofnitrogen as urea, will yield 20kg of drymatter for lambs being finished andwill convert to an extra 1kg of carcaseweight.

With lambs fetching $6/kg, spend-

ing on urea to boost grass growth is asure fire way to almost double yourmoney.

‘An excellent return can also comefrom liveweight gains on lighter ewes(6 kg DM/kg LWt) and the subsequentimpact this has in lifting lambingpercentages.’

16 RURAL ROUNDUP, TUESDAY, APRIL 12, 2011