Canterbury Farming Newspaper

23/10/2023

The November edition of Canterbury Farming is now online... this month featuring the New Zealand Agricultural Show, Milking Sheep in Canterbury, Deadline looming for Farm Heritage Awards, and more from our regular and respected industry expert columnists.

30,287 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast.

25/05/2023

Canterbury Farming marks major milestone

by Kent Caddick, Editor

This month we celebrate 25 years of Canterbury Farming providing farmers in Canterbury and the West Coast with news, information on the latest developments in the agricultural sector, and opinions from primary industry experts.
The first issue of Canterbury Farming rolled off the press in May 1998, and a quarter of a century later founders Kelvin and Jill Green are still at the helm.
Kelvin had an extensive and successful career in sales prior to the couple starting the monthly newspaper with original partner Mark Roden, while Jill’s experience saw her take on an accounts and admin role in the new publication. Mark took care of the graphics and design work, along with typography.
Kelvin says after working for another publisher they saw the need for an informative publication aimed at farmers and others in rural areas.
“There had been another couple of publishers give it a try and pull out, but we could see the need for a publication like this in Canterbury and had a few ideas on how to achieve it, although to be fair, we didn't really know how we were going to put in place the ideas and plans we had.”
With 300 issues now behind them Kelvin and Jill clearly found the right formula, and along the way have accumulated a lifetime of memories.
“The highlights are all people based, but getting to know many of the clients quite well, and being able to call a few of them our friends has been really special,” Kelvin says.
“Without the ongoing support of our advertisers we would never have made it this far, although there is a core group that have been on-board for most of the journey that would agree they wouldn't have stuck with it if it didn't work.”
Kelvin says when advertising for the first time, many of their clients have taken advice from them around how to go about building their ads and which formulas to take heed of, and which to ignore.
“It makes us proud to help our clients the way we do, it gives a sense of togetherness.”
While selling was second nature to Kelvin the other issue he and Jill faced when starting the publication was a little more testing.
“When we first started, we knew also content, that is the written word, would be important. So we talked a few experts in their respective fields into writing monthly columns. We've had wool guys, forestry guys, agronomists, dairy experts, lawyers, politicians, and accountants (just to name a few) all write for the publication.
“The contribution of these two groups of people (clients and columnists) to the success of Canterbury Farming can never be understated.”
Reflecting on early contributors, Kelvin and Jill remember, among many others, Heather McCrostie-Little, and Lorne Kuehn who were part of the early days, while stalwarts Allan Laurie, Rob Cochrane, Bessie Paterson and Rob Cope-Williams are still contributing each month (what an effort).
“One of the characters of this group was Andy McCord who was known in the forestry industry as Mr Boron as he was continuously extolling the virtues of this wonderful product,” Kelvin says.
“Andy had a habit of ending his column with a risqué story or joke, and there was many a monthly contribution which was not printed as it crossed the lines of what you could or couldn't print. In fact, Andy often reported that many readers started his column towards the end so they could read the joke first before then going back and reading the rest of it.”
Kelvin also pays tribute to the hugely successful relationships with Canterbury Farming’s two major suppliers Inkwise and Coural, who print and distribute the publication respectively, and of course the readers.
“The support from the readership has been immense with communication via email and phone calls ongoing. We often have conversations with readers along the lines of what they enjoy reading in the paper or why a certain column keeps them coming back for more.”
Another 25 years?
“The last six or seven years working with this current production and sales team has been an ideal experience and we count ourselves extremely fortunate to be able to do this. The formula just seems so perfect.”

PHOTO: Canterbury farming founders Jill and Kelvin Green mark 25 years of the monthly rural publication by taking a look over their first edition.

25/05/2023

The June edition of Canterbury Farming is now online. Among the headlines in this edition are: Canterbury Farming celebrates 25 years, Harvest wraps up with improved results, Enrolments up at Lincoln University, and much more, including all our regular columns from industry experts.

30,287 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast for over 25 years.

04/09/2022

The September edition of Canterbury Farming is now online. Among the headlines in this edition are: Recognition for farmers community involvement, Oakley's win environmental award, Canterbury barley helps whisky maker, and much more, including all our regular columns from industry experts.

30,287 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast.

28/07/2022

The August edition of Canterbury Farming is now online. Among the headlines in this edition are: Cantabrian reaches final of National Young Horticulturist competition, Canterbury duo take Young Farmer competition, Timaru honey producer takes out Supreme Award, and much more, including all our regular columns from industry experts.

30,287 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast.

03/07/2022

The July edition of Canterbury Farming is now online. Among the headlines in this edition are: Research could boost sustainable wool exports, Unlocking the potential of medicinal cannabis, financial pressure on farmers on the rise, and much more, including all our regular columns from industry experts.

30,287 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast.

25/05/2022

Help is on the way
by Rob Cope-Williams
By nature people who live and work on farms are much more isolated than those in communities, and therefore are more susceptible to depression that will go unnoticed.
There has been much publicity about depression and how to read the signs in someone close to you, plus masses of lists of organisations that people feeling depressed, low or even worse can get in touch with.
However, experience shows us that people with depression will hide it from everyone, including close family, and sadly 99 times out of 100 will not talk about it.
Those who have “been there and done that” will tell you their survival moment when they turned their backs on the deep black hole they were in and most importantly will confirm what I have just said about hiding their situation and that they certainly didn’t want to talk about it.
A passenger is a phrase used by many because that is literally how they feel as they get swept along by the depression.
Thankfully a small group of people who do understand have joined forces to smash open the depression bubble for farmers and farming families by simply stepping in and literally giving folk a break.
The group consists of Canterbury Farming, Rural Women, Rural Support Trust, Bayleys Real Estate, Federated Farmers, and others who want to stop the needless suffering.
One of the main things that add to depression for farmers and their families is that there seems to be no escape.
“Who will run the property and feed the dogs if I go away for a weekend? Or “Our cash flow means that we can’t afford to stay in a hotel for a few days” are common refrains.
The group calling themselves ‘Locums for Farmers’ will shortly be launching a website that people who are ex-farmers, or people with farming experience, can register, and then literally stand in as a locum. No different to what doctors have.
The website will also be asking for folk who have a holiday home that they would be happy to lend out to farmer and their families so they can have a break.
You will learn more about the website here in Canterbury Farming as soon as it is set up.
In the meantime, the group will also be making a note of those who are in need of a helping hand. Family members, friends, those who call onto farms, all will be on the lookout for those in need.
For those who are suffering and those who are watching them, help is on its way.

The five ways to wellbeing

by Nigel Beckford, Farmstrong

Farmstrong Ambassador Sam Whitelock says, like professional rugby, farming is a job with a lot of challenges, that’s why it’s important to look after yourself by investing regularly in your wellbeing.

The All Black says international research has found that people who thrive have five habits in common:
• Staying connected with mates
• Keeping active
• Taking notice and enjoy the simple things in life
• Learning new things to keep fresh
• Giving back to friends and community
Sam explains:
“These five habits help keep life in perspective when the going gets tough. That’s why I’ve made them part of my life, because whether you’re a rugby player or a farmer there are always going to be things that you can’t control. In rugby it might be the ref, in farming it’s the weather and prices.
“I’ve found the Five Ways to Wellbeing make a big difference. They have a positive, cumulative effect over time and make you much more resilient. This gives you something to draw on when you are under pressure. It also makes you healthier and more productive on the farm.”
Sam says dairy farmers have been sharing with Farmstrong how they use the Five Ways. “Here is an example to get you thinking.”
North Canterbury contract milker Abbi Ayre says she draws a lot of strength from staying connected.
“My husband plays golf at least once a week and I do a lot for the dairy women’s network. I’m a regional leader and help to organise events around the area which keep people connected.”
Abbi says the network has played a big role in helping her feel on top of things.
“Having that sort of support is so important. I get to see a group of women on their one night off farm and we can have a good catchup. Being in a room full of women like that is special. It’s a great boost.”
“I’ve learnt that every season is different and every season has its challenges. The trouble is, when you’re working in a situation where you’re isolated, it can often feel like the world’s falling apart. If you’re feeling under the pump, share the load and remember that you are not alone. Get out and talk to somebody, whether it’s a dinner group or a fish and chip night with neighbours and friends.”
And a final word from Sam.
“Whether you’re noticing good moments, making daily connections, pulling on the running shoes, learning something new or volunteering your time, the Five Ways to Wellbeing can really help you live well and farm well. Different things work for different people, so my message is – find out what works for you and ‘lock it in’.”
Farmstrong is an award-winning rural wellbeing programme that helps farmers and farming families live well to farm well. To find out what works for you and ‘lock it in’, check out our farmer-to-farmer videos, stories and tips on www.farmstrong.co.nz.

Where to get help:
Need to Talk? Free call or text 1737 any time to speak to a trained counsellor, for any reason.
Lifeline: 0800 543 354 or text HELP to 4357
Su***de Crisis Helpline: 0508 828 865 / 0508 TAUTOKO (24/7). This is a service for people who may be thinking about su***de, or those who are concerned about family or friends.
Rural Support Trust Helpline: 0800 787 254
Depression Helpline: 0800 111 757 (24/7) or text 4202
Samaritans: 0800 726 666 (24/7)
Youthline: 0800 376 633 (24/7) or free text 234 (8am-12am), or email [email protected]
What's Up: online chat (3pm-10pm) or 0800 WHATSUP / 0800 9428 787 helpline (12pm-10pm weekdays, 3pm-11pm weekends)
Healthline: 0800 611 116
Rainbow Youth: (09) 376 4155
OUTLine: 0800 688 5463 (6pm-9pm)

Photo: Whitelock 02
Stay strong: All Black and Farmstrong Ambassador Sam Whitelock says farming is a job with a lot of challenges making it important for farmers and their families to look after themselves by investing regularly in their wellbeing.

25/05/2022

Party at the pub Holstein auction

by Dianna Malcolm

Tahora Farm’s highly anticipated ‘Party at the Pub’ Holstein dairy sale averaged $9486 with a top price of $30,000 at the Tai Tapu Hotel recently.

A crowd of more than 400 squeezed into the popular Canterbury hotel to watch the action under the guidance of Australian auctioneer Brian Leslie.
The top price was paid for the catalogue’s covergirl, Tahora Octane Love at Lot 4. She was bought by Karen Fitzgerald, of Feilding.
Karen’s 15-year-old daughter, Zara Williams, was at the sale in her mother’s stead, and said she had travelled to the sale with Karen’s partner, Selwyn Donald, hoping Love would be joining their herd.
Love hit the sale ring with runs on the board. The four-year-old had been Intermediate Champion and All Breeds Champion at the 2021 Christchurch Show, along with All Breeds Champion at Ellesmere Show in 2021.
“When we saw her at the Christchurch Show, we just fell in love with her,” Zara said.
“Mum was the main reason we bought her, and she was pretty determined to get her.”
She said they were excited to be planning to take her home, and they hope to return her to the show ring.
“I’m pretty happy and excited, honestly. We’ve been watching her for ages, and she’s gorgeous. Mum was crying on the phone because she was excited, and then Selwyn came over to me, and he had tears in his eyes too.”
The second top price was paid by the Fullerton family, of Hamilton for lot 12, Tahora Mogul Paris. She sold for $28,000.
The third top price also went to the North Island to the well-known Jersey herd of Ferdon Genetics, at Otorohanga. They had to wait for the very last animal to secure their piece of Tahora. They paid $25,000 for lot 70, Tahora Tatoo Brittany.
The sale kept up a solid pace throughout, with 19-head sold online through online selling platform Bidr. Volume buyers included Newlands Whytock (Te Awamutu, seven head), Eades (Gore, five head) and Jo Dorn (Stratford, three head).
There was one Speckle Park February-born heifer calf included at Lot 69. She sold for $13,000 to Paisley Price Farm Ltd, at Brookside.
The top 5 Holstein prices were:
Lot 4: Tahora Octane Love - $30,000 to Karen Fitzgerald (Feilding)
Lot 12: Tahora Mogul Paris - $28,000 to DB and PS Fullerton (Hamilton)
Lot 70: Tahora Tatoo Brittany - $25,000 to Ferdon Genetics (Otorohanga)
Lot 1: Tahora McCutchen Alissa - $22,000 to Lawwal Ltd (Hamilton)
Lot 9: Tahora Sidekick Legacy 4 - $18,000 to L Phipps (Rotorua)

Tahora_SpecklePark
Sold: Sophie Geddes takes a moment with the sole Speckle Park heifer to sell. Tahora T1 made $13,000. Photo by Mud Media

Tahora_TopPrice.
Going, going, gone: Tahora Octane Love sold for the top price of $30,000 at Tahora Farm’s successful ‘Party at the Pub’ Holstein dairy sale. Photo by Mud Media

25/05/2022

Canterbury dominates dairy awards

by Kent Caddick

For the first time in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards 33-year history the Canterbury/North Otago region has achieved a clean sweep of all three major categories and the Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award.

A trio of dairy farmers from the Canterbury/North Otago region took out the 2022 New Zealand Share Farmer of the Year, the Dairy Manager of the Year and the Dairy Trainee of the Year awards, while Craigmore Farming Services received the John Wilson Memorial Trophy after being named as the Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award winner.
Hinds dairy farmer Will Green was named Share Farmer of the Year, Waimate’s Jaspal Singh became the Dairy Manager of the Year and Peter O’Connor, who works in Mayfield, was announced as the Dairy Trainee of the Year. They shared prizes from a pool worth over $200,000.
Green has tasted success in the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards as the 2018 Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Manager of the Year and was also awarded that year’s National Runner-Up title.
Share Farmer head judge, Guy Michaels from DairyNZ, said Green impressed the judges with his contagious energy, accuracy and his constant business reviewing looking for opportunities to learn.
“He’s a great example of somebody who has come to New Zealand and recognises the opportunities the New Zealand dairy industry offers and has embraced the system, which is completely opposite to what he was used to back home”.
Originally from the UK, the 34-year-old Green holds a Degree in Agriculture from Harper Adams University and said he enjoys farming as it gives him the opportunity to work outdoors and with livestock.
He is a 34% share milker on the 270ha Dairy Holdings Ltd Hinds property milking 1060 cows.
The judges were also impressed with his on-farm presentation, which involved his whole team, including his partner Sally Eames.
Green said the benefits of the awards programme include the networking opportunities and meeting and making new like-minded friends.
“The programme made me focus on goals and the direction I wanted to be heading as well as creating speaking opportunities with My Connect, Understand Your Co-op and the Pasture Summit.”
The judges were equally impressed with Dairy Manager of the Year Jaspal Singh.
“From the moment we entered the farm gate to the time we left, we witnessed an immaculately presented farm and a polished and professional presentation which highlighted Jaspal’s knowledge and sense of responsibility for the farm’s management and performance,” Dairy Manager head judge Gray Beagley from DairyNZ, said.
Singh joined the dairy industry as a farm assistant in Mossburn in 2015 and is now farm manager on Mark and Carmen Hurst’s 220ha, 800-cow property at Waimate.
Judge Rosemarie Costar said Singh documented improvement under his management on a number of metrics including reproductive performance, incidence of lame cows, somatic cell count and production figures.
“He provides his team with clarity around the why things are done are certain way, not just the how, with policies and procedures that ensured a consistent high-quality outcome. Jaspal’s attention-to-detail was incredible and he demonstrated best practice across the board.”
Dairy Trainee of the Year Peter O’Connor from Canterbury/North Otago was described by the judges as a mature, capable person with extremely strong practical skills.
They said the first-time entrant was strong across all fields and does the basics very well.
“Peter is an intelligent, generational-farmer who is perceptive and articulate, farming is in his blood,” Dairy Trainee head judge Nicky Allomes said.
The 23-year-old grew up on a dairy farm near Westport and was actively involved in the family farm and its development. He obtained a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (First Class Honours) from Lincoln University and worked a variety of jobs during holidays.
He is currently 2IC on Leighton and Michelle Pye’s 242ha, 900-cow Mayfield property and will progress to a new role managing a 400-cow farm near Lauriston next season.
Craigmore Farming Services were named the 2022 Fonterra Responsible Dairying Award winners.
The prestigious award was introduced by the New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards and Fonterra to recognise dairy farmers who demonstrate leadership in their approach to sustainability and who are respected by their fellow farmers and their community for their attitude and role in sustainable dairying.
“It was a privilege to engage with all three finalists and the quality of the presentations was exceptional,” head judge Conall Buchanan said.
Fellow judge Charlotte Rutherford from Fonterra said the future of the industry feels in such good hands when you are able to spend time with people like our finalists.
“It’s encouraging and motivating and you wish you could send them out around the country to speak to all farmers because we left the room energised by what they had to say.”
While all the finalists were impressive, the winning entry represented by Stuart Taylor, GM Farming and Caroline Amyes, Agri Relationship Partner, stood out due to Craigmore’s focus on adapting individual farm systems to the land, resources and the people involved.
“This is a strength that our industry will increasingly use in the years ahead,” said the judges, who noted that one of Craigmore’s philosophies is that there is no single perfect system.
The judges said they were impressed at Craigmore’s philosophy of adapting the farm system on each one of their 22 farms to suit the environment and the people.
"Craigmore are leading change and using different innovations on different farms to help create solutions that other farmers could then use, including dung beetles, working on their significant natural areas, a composting barn, boluses and are trialling Halter on one of their farms.”
Visit www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz for more information on the awards and winners.

Winners 01
Winners are grinners: The 2022 New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards winners were (from left) Peter O'Connor (Dairy Trainee of the Year) , Will Green( Share Farmer of the Year), and Dairy Manager of the Year Jaspal Singh, all from the Canterbury North Otago region.

25/05/2022

The June edition of Canterbury Farming is now online. Among the headlines in this edition are: Canterbury farmers dominate at dairy awards, Party at the pub Holstein auction, Regulations around stock in waterways changing, and much more, including all our regular columns from industry experts. Photo courtesy of Mud Media

https://issuu.com/canterburyfarming5/docs/edition_2022-06_v2

26/04/2022

Iconic stories of a rural childhood
by Gary Brittenden
If you grew up in the 1950’s and 1960’s rural New Zealand you don’t have to be told what a different world is was back then.
John Stuart, one of Banks Peninsula’s most well-known and respected characters, grew up in Little River and now lives in Le Bons Bay.
Having recently retired at the age of 75, Stuart has put together a range of stories that begin with his 1950’s Little River childhood and wind their way through a rich and varied life, with summers spent in the shearing shed and carting hay all over Banks Peninsula.
Stuart is not just a great story teller-he is also a very, very good writer. The appeal of this book does not just lie in the wonderful adventures these young lads had. John’s writing has a touch of magic about it.
The first section of the book takes us to the long-lost world of a rural post war childhood. For Stuart and his ‘cobbers’ it was a time of innocence and freedom. They lived in a place where the imagination ruled supreme. The adventures they got up to will bring misty eyes to those that shared this time, and incredulity to those who didn’t. Health and Safety officers, read at your peril.
After his school days Stuart went to University, was conscripted into the army, and played rugby to a high level for his beloved Banks Peninsula club, of which he is now Patron.
“During the 1972 season I reached the pinnacle of my rugby career. I was selected for trials for the Canterbury Country rugby team,” Stuart said.
“At the first lineout, I found myself marking the fearsome All Black Grizz Wyllie. This is great I thought. But as I attempted to impose myself on him, he stepped back and fetched me a solid clout to the head. My enthusiasm waned for quite some time.”
He was also a very able rower, gaining a couple of thirds at the Nationals, beating a few Olympic rowers along the way.
His interests were not just confined to the blood, sweat and tears of the sports field. He also trod the boards with the local drama club that led to being offered a part in a movie that was to be filmed in Akaroa.
“I was offered a speaking part-that of a drunken sailor. Perhaps it was considered a role I had some experience with.
“Unfortunately, Actors Equity objected to having a non-union member playing the part and I was replaced by pop star Ray Woolf. That was the beginning and end of my movie career.”
He was also a teacher in Akaroa for many years and was renowned for his story telling ability to the hundreds of students who spent time in his classroom.
This was followed by a stint with the Banks Peninsula Conservation Trust, running predator trap lines in the isolated ‘wild side’ of the Peninsula.
The book, simply titled, ‘My life and other stories’ is full of wonderful tales of all these times that was originally handwritten in a notebook for his grandchildren. A couple of friends and neighbours had a read and persuaded Stuart, after some lively discussion, to publish.
This is a wonderful book and deserves to be read widely. It is available in Akaroa at Pot Pourri, the Akaroa Museum and the Little River Gallery. Smith’s bookshop in The Tannery, Christchurch, will also have copies.

26/04/2022

Organic medicinal cannabis a huge opportunity
by Kent Caddick
A partnership between the Government and South Island-based medicinal cannabis grower Puro is aimed at fast-tracking New Zealand’s organic medicinal cannabis industry.

The $32 million partnership programme will run from 2022 to 2027, with the Ministry of Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) contributing $13 million and Puro the remainder.
Puro, the country’s largest and only organic certified medicinal cannabis grower, was founded in 2018, and harvested its first crop of medical cannabis last year.
Puro Managing director Tim Aldridge said the grant was a game-changer which will provide New Zealand patients with greater access to locally grown and manufactured medicine and pave the way for international export success.
Under the agreement, Puro will develop production systems, support skills and training, explore contract growing and identify pathways to market for industry growth.
“Being one of New Zealand’s first medicinal cannabis companies has meant we’ve had to overcome some major challenges. It hasn’t been easy,” Aldridge said
“This programme will see us create an organic production handbook that will be invaluable for Puro and our industry.
“The grant will also support Puro in developing post-harvesting processing technology and build the IP required to produce premium organic cannabis flower to meet increasing domestic and global demand.”
he said the funding will enable Puro to develop unique cultivars and seed stock for the New Zealand industry.
“Our cultivation team are researching and developing the strains of medicinal cannabis best suited for New Zealand’s unique climate. The grant will see the acceleration of a large genetic database of cultivars to support the New Zealand industry and differentiate our cannabis products in global markets.”
The company is New Zealand’s largest medical cannabis grower, with the only organic certification in Australasia.
“This investment is a strong vote of confidence in Puro, our team, and the wider medicinal cannabis industry in New Zealand and will enable Puro to invest in infrastructure, people and systems,” Aldridge said.
Minister Damien O’Connor said the grant the Government was providing Puro could see the medicinal cannabis industry become as successful as our wine industry in the near future.
“Now is the perfect time to grow this high-value industry, as international demand for medicinal cannabis takes off while New Zealand is amid an export boom,” O’Connor said.
“This project will bring significant scale to this new industry, providing domestically sourced medicinal cannabis for Kiwi patients in pain and exciting export opportunities in a global growth market, providing further diversification of land use and export opportunities."
O’Connor said that the grant will "fast-track the industry’s establishment in New Zealand and create a comprehensive blueprint that other Kiwi companies can use to follow in Puro’s footsteps."
“We’re proud to support the medicinal cannabis industry as it sets out to follow in the footsteps of our wine industry which, from first planting on commercial scale in the 1970s, has now reached over $2 billion in export value.”
He said the global medical cannabis market is valued at $28 billion and is growing at 27% annually.
Puro expects 50% of its product to be exported this year and aims to increase this year on year as more market access and greater production is achieved.
Puro will work alongside New Zealand’s largest medicinal cannabis processor and manufacturer, Helius Therapeutics, on research and development, and the creation of an organic manufacturing road map.
Chief executive of Helius Carmen Doran said New Zealand organically grown and manufactured medicinal cannabis products will be in huge demand internationally, taking the country’s newest industry to a whole new level in the future.
“Our ambition is to take Puro’s organically produced high value biomass and manufacture it here in New Zealand to organic certification,” Doran said.
“Achieving both organically grown and organically manufactured will create a significant premium differentiation for Helius and other local medicinal cannabis companies as well.”
Helius and Puro’s commercial relationship is already well established. In January, the two companies signed a multi-million-dollar supply deal, New Zealand’s largest to date. Puro will supply Helius with over 10 tonnes of organic medicinal cannabis over the next five years, securing a local supply chain of premium, organic dried flower for the Auckland-based manufacturer.
“Helius is already extracting Puro’s medicinal cannabis. What’s more, following Puro’s latest harvest, a lot more South Island organic biomass will be processed in the coming months into Kiwi grown and manufactured medicines,” Doran said.