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PROFITABLE PERFORMANCE FARMING
South Island | February 2014
How to get a healthy brassica crop
Explaining autumn milk fevers
Check out our February in-store specials
Contents
02 Welcome
Autumn is an important time to set
your farm systems up to cope with
winter and prepare for spring.
03 Forward planning best for autumn fertiliser
04 New pasture options this autumn
05 Certified versus uncertified seed
06 Growers impressed with Ampligo® on
brassica pests
Diamondback moth and aphids in brassica
07 How to get a healthy brassica crop
08 Lamb management
09 Control feed online for precision and profit
10 Explaining autumn milk fevers
Net replacement film the next step in
baleage technology
11 We’ve got the power to make a difference.
Meridian and PGG Wrightson join forces.
12 GreenWood – strong, durable and
cost-effective sheds, bridges and cattle yards
13 Clothes that Work summer sale
14 PGG Wrightson directory
15 Better Buying in-store specials
PGG Wrightson’s purpose is helping
grow the country and that means
our team are here to support
farmers by providing information
and tools to increase on farm
productivity. In this month’s issue we have a number of
articles that demonstrate our commitment to delivering
this across the country.
We consider fertiliser options to bolster soil nutrition prior to
winter. PGG Wrightson Seeds introduces two new cultivars
this autumn and also discusses certified versus uncertified
seed – and the implications of considering uncertified seed
for your farm. While many farmers focus on containing costs,
it shouldn’t come at the expense of compromising quality or
lifting productivity if that is your ultimate goal.
Our on farm testimonial sees us in the Canterbury High
Country, where the advice from PGG Wrightson Arable
Representative, Steve Roulston, is assisting in the control
of diamondback moth and aphids. Farm Manager, Tony
Plunkett, shares his story around the work that has gone
into the pasture and cropping pest control. Turn to page 7
for more on this story.
Our Dairy Nutritionist explains autumn milk fevers and we
have a number of supporting animal health articles. Our
team would love to see you this month and catch up on
our latest specials and offer advice to set your farm up for a
productive autumn.
Shannon Galloway
GM Marketing
PGG Wrightson
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Cover: Tony Plunkett, Farm Manager, with Steve Roulston, PGG Wrightson Arable Representative.
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02
| PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARY
Land production
Forward planning best for autumn fertiliser
As the end of summer approaches, it’s time to think about your autumn fertiliser plan.
If you want to maintain, or grow, your farm’s productive capability, then it’s crucial that
your soil nutrient levels are adequate. Since contractors can be difficult to get hold of
once the season is underway, it is worthwhile booking them early. When putting your
plan together:
> Make sure you are adding enough nutrients to optimise your farm’s production
> Think about nitrogen applications – they can earn you money
> Get in early; it will lower your stress levels!
which contains plant-available soluble
forms of both P and S. Sulphurgain
products are also popular, especially when
elemental sulphur is needed. This form
of sulphur is released gradually, which
is useful if there is a risk of leaching over
winter, or if you only apply fertiliser every
two to three years.
Nitrogen worth consideration
Phosphorus and sulphur are key
Long-term trials in both the North and South Islands have shown the benefits of regular
applications of fertiliser, with phosphorus (P) and sulphur (S) being of primary importance.
If these nutrients are inadequate your pasture quality will deteriorate, there will be less
clover, a drop in nitrogen fixation and the ingress of weeds and poorer fertility grass
species such as browntop. The table below shows the dramatic difference between
adding no fertiliser, and low or high rates of superphosphate at Ballantrae Research
Station in the Wairarapa.
No fertiliser
125 kg
superphosphate/ha
375 kg
superphosphate/ha
Current Olsen P
7
9
34
Pasture production
(t DM/ha/yr)
6.7
9.0
12.1
Stocking rate (SU/ha)
8
11
16
Earthworm density (kg/ha)
1,100
1,700
3,700
Soil testing is the best way to monitor the levels of key nutrients. It is a good idea to break
your land into blocks, for example, flat versus rolling country, and then you can tailor your
fertiliser policy to each block’s different characteristics. The choice of product and rate will
depend on the nutrients each block requires. One commonly used option is Superten™,
There is still plenty of scope for an increase
in the strategic use of nitrogen on sheep
and beef farms. In autumn, while the
weather is still warm enough for grass to
be actively growing, it can be used to build
a feed wedge for winter and for finishing
sheep and beef to achieve target slaughter
weights. You do need to be sure you can
use the extra feed, though; a feed budget
will help with this. If you cannot be sure
of getting at least 10 mm of rain within
eight hours of applying nitrogen, SustaiN™
will be a better choice than Nrich urea.
Alternatively, PhaSedN could be an option
if you would also like to add sulphur.
For help putting together the
optimum autumn fertiliser regime
for your farming enterprise, talk to
your local PGG Wrightson or Ballance
representative.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY
BALLANCE AGRI-NUTRIENTS
FEBRUARY 2014 |
03
Land production
New pasture options
this autumn
At PGG Wrightson Seeds we are constantly striving to deliver improvements over
existing products; we work hard to help your business by aiming to develop new
cultivars that outperform current cultivars on the market. PGG Wrightson Seeds are
excited to bring two new cultivars to the market this autumn:
Excess perennial ryegrass with AR37
endophyte is an outstanding example
of a high yielding mid-season heading
(+7 days relative to Nui) diploid perennial
ryegrass with a perfect fit for all intensive
dairy, sheep or beef systems. Excess with
AR37 provides dry matter when you need
it most, with very strong winter, summer
and autumn growth. The inclusion of
AR37 endophyte offers the benefits of
superior insect protection compared with
other commercially available ryegrass
endophytes. Excess perennial ryegrass
with AR37 has tolerance against Argentine
stem weevil larvae, black beetle, pasture
mealy bug, root aphid and porina.
Our trial work showed Excess with AR37
to be the most persistent ryegrass in 10
trials across seven sites in New Zealand
and Australia. The increased tolerance
provided by AR37 ensures better pasture
persistence and maximum pasture
production from Excess. Excess perennial
ryegrass will produce and persist best
under rotational grazing but can tolerate
brief periods of set-stocking.
Rely perennial ryegrass with AR37
endophyte is a reliable perennial ryegrass
to see you and your stock through. It is a
densely tillered, fine leaved mid-season
heading (0 days, i.e. the same as Nui)
perennial ryegrass, perfect for dairy
pastures in more challenging environments
or for sheep and beef systems. Some of
Rely’s parent material had aluminium
tolerance, which means Rely is potentially
able to tolerate lower pH environments.
Rely perennial ryegrass is not only reliable
and robust, but matches or outperforms
many other top dry matter yielding
ryegrasses. Teamed with the well-known
agronomic benefits of AR37 endophyte
and excellent rust tolerance, Rely AR37 is
truly a robust, reliable performer.
Base AR1 Power Pak™ – available in
bare seed
High performance tetraploid pasture
with AR1 endophyte. Ideal for better
performing paddocks in well managed
dairy and rotational finishing farm
systems. Highly palatable forage with
very late heading date.
Clovers: Kopu II and Mainstay. Sow at
25-30 kg/ha.
Base AR37 Power Pak™ – available in
Superstrike®
High performance tetraploid pasture
with the superior pest protection
of AR37. Ideal for better performing
paddocks in well managed dairy
rotational finishing farm systems.
High quality forage with very late
heading date.
To discuss your pasture options this autumn, contact your local PGG Wrightson
Technical Field Representative. Together we will develop the right plan for your farm.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY PGG WRIGHTSON SEEDS
04
| PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARY
Clovers: Kopu II and Mainstay. Sow at
25-30 kg/ha.
Land production
Certified versus uncertified seed
In this day and age of rising costs, it is always prudent for farmers to examine the cost
of inputs, including those associated with pasture renovation.
One area where farmers may be
tempted to reduce costs is in the choice
of the seed sown. The choice is to
purchase and sow certified seed, which
usually comprises a proprietary cultivar
with all the bells and whistles, or go for
the much cheaper uncertified option.
Uncertified seed is seed that has not
been grown to the standards of the
New Zealand Seed Certification scheme
administered by AsureQuality; the
Government appointed regulator.
Certified seed requires the seed to
pass field inspections while being
grown, as well as meeting purity and
germination specifications when
processed. Therefore uncertified seed,
while cheaper, is very likely to be of
lower quality than certified seed and its
performance compromised.
Often the quality of uncertified seed
is reduced through contamination
with other crop or weed species. This
is because production of uncertified
seed does not require the grower to
adhere to strict field history rules, so the
uncertified production can be planted
in a field where the previous crop may
reseed and contaminate the uncertified
seed crop. The grower is also not going
to take the same care with weed control
because there is no cost benefit in
doing so. As a result it is common for
uncertified perennial ryegrass seed to be
contaminated with annual ryegrass or
other grass weeds as well as flat weeds.
Using such seed compromises
pasture persistence and increases the
establishment costs as there will be a
need for more weed control. Additionally,
purchasing uncertified seed is very
unlikely to offer the significant benefits
of novel endophyte technology in
perennial ryegrass, known to improve
persistence and animal performance. All
proprietary seed companies grow novel
endophyte cultivars under certification
and although endophyte is not part
of the scheme, it encourages a high
level of endophyte purity because the
field history rules greatly reduce the
possibility of contamination. On the
other hand, growers of uncertified seed
are not concerned about endophyte
contamination or the effort to maintain
endophyte in the seed, again because it
adds to their cost.
The other thing farmers need to be
mindful of if they are considering
buying uncertified seed or “brown bag”
seed directly from other farmers is that
not only is it fraught with potential
quality and performance issues, but
it is also often illegal. If the seed sold
is a proprietary variety protected by
Plant Variety Rights, then the grower
is in breach of the Plant Variety Rights
Act; and if the seed contains novel
endophytes such as AR1 or AR37, they
are also breaking patent laws.
Because of the issues identified above, it
is false economy to save money on your
seed inputs by buying uncertified seed
to establish new pasture. The seed you
choose (be it uncertified versus certified
or a proprietary cultivar with a novel
endophyte against a common cultivar),
is the cheapest part of pasture renewal,
yet the choice of seed has the greatest
long term effect on the productivity and
profitability of the paddock.
A short term saving can result in a long
term loss, so for the best results and
peace of mind, use certified seed.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY
PGG WRIGHTSON SEEDS
FEBRUARY 2014 |
05
Land production
Growers impressed
with Ampligo® on
brassica pests
Diamondback
moth and aphids in
brassica
Ampligo controls a wide range of insect pests and lasts
longer than traditional OP/SP (organophosphate/synthetic
pyrethroid) sprays. Growers are finding that one spray of
Ampligo can last for up to three weeks¹, which can get them
through the main insect challenge period with fewer sprays.
Weather patterns have a huge influence on farming and one of
the reasons for this is the effect on growth of plants and pest
lifecycles. Last season this was evident when diamondback
moth caused major damage to brassica feed crops because
of the dry conditions. Diamondback moth loves warm dry
conditions, which allow it to increase in numbers quickly and
inflict serious damage to crops. The pests reduce the leaf area
and damage the growing point where new leaves originate.
Control of diamondback moth is important to protect planned
feed so keep an eye on your brassica crops.
Ampligo is approved for the control of nysius and cutworm
in addition to leaf miner, aphids and the caterpillars of white
butterfly, diamondback moth and soybean looper.
Yield response from controlling insect pests with Ampligo
can be significant. In a fully replicated trial² in forage kale,
a programme of Ampligo increased dry matter yield by
3,760 kgDM/ha over untreated, and 1,070 kgDM/ha over the
standard OP/SP insecticide programme. With feed valued at
20 cents/kgDM, that’s an advantage of $214.00/ha compared
to the OP/SP programme and $527.00/ha compared to the
untreated, after application and chemical costs.
The use rate of Ampligo is just 100 ml/ha plus a non-ionic
wetting agent. Coverage is important and water rates of
200 to 400 L/ha are required depending on crop height and
density. If aphid pressure is high, the addition of Dovetail® or
Pirimor® is recommended, so spray as early as possible before
aphid populations explode.
Unlike organophosphate sprays, Ampligo has no unpleasant
smell and the low use rate means less bulk to carry around
and fewer empty containers to dispose of.
Ampligo has a 14 day withholding period and is available in
1 L and 5 L packs from your local PGG Wrightson Technical
Field Representative or store.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY SYNGENTA®
¹ Syngenta forage brassica trials – 2009 to 2011
² Agrivet Services (Ref: 09100) – Culverden, North Canterbury
Monitoring for pests like diamondback moth involves walking
around the crop and identifying what’s there. Diamondback moth
is harder to identify than aphids, which hide on the underside of
the leaf and in the growing point. Diamondback moth is trickier to
identify because there can be the adult moth, eggs, the caterpillar
and the chrysalis present. Often the easiest way to identify a pest
is by the damage it causes; and diamondback moth produces
distinctive windowing in the leaf where the caterpillar has eaten
away the lower leaf material leaving behind a thin transparent
layer of waxy cuticle.
The good news is that by regularly keeping an eye out
for diamondback moth and knowing which tools to use,
your crop can remain healthy and grow the feed you have
budgeted on. When applying an insecticide select a product
or products that will:
1. Control all the pests species present.
2. Have the coverage to reach pests where they are,
e.g. under the leaf or in the growing tip.
3. Have residual suitable for the lifecycles present, e.g. a
product that controls only adults will be of little use if only
eggs are present.
For more information or in-field assistance, contact your local
PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative.
Matthew Crampton MSc (Hons) BSc
Technical Specialist – South Island Agronomy
PGG Wrightson
High aphid numbers on untreated forage brassica crop.
06
| PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARY
Windowing in kale
Diamondback moth adult
How to get a healthy brassica crop
Broad spectrum insecticide
Ampligo®, combined with Pirimor®,
has been exceptional in controlling
diamondback moth and aphids in
brassica crops in the Canterbury High
Country. Farm Manager Tony Plunkett
says he’s pleased with both products
and the resulting crop performance.
He adds that the advice of
PGG Wrightson Arable Representative
Steve Roulston has been invaluable in
achieving good results.
Tony oversees the management of three
farms; Coleridge Downs (2,000 ha) and
Dry Acheron (1,200 ha) in the Rakaia
Gorge and Annavale Farm (2,600 ha) in
the Waimakariri Gorge. There are sheep,
beef and deer on both Coleridge Downs
(12,000 units) and Dry Acheron (8,000
units). Annavale is home to sheep and
beef only (8,000 units). He has managed
the farms for approximately five years and
Steve has worked with him for the last
three, mainly overseeing the pastoral side
of the business.
Steve manages our crops, from
sowing right through. He visits all
three farms every couple of weeks.
His advice is invaluable says Tony.
All three farms are mostly north-west
facing. Ryegrass and clover, fescue
and clover and lucerne are the main
pasture types.
Environmental challenges are very
much dependent on the weather.
“It’s all about the rainfall, or lack thereof”
remarks Tony. “We probably concentrate
mostly on weed control and keeping
bugs at bay. Diamondback moth and
aphids tend to attack crops that are under
stress, so we’ve been working with Steve
on ensuring we have these pests well
under control come autumn.”
influx. Applied at just 100 mL/ha,
it’s cost-effective. Ampligo controls
leaf miner, nysius, cutworm, and the
caterpillars of white butterfly and
diamondback moth. It gives some
control of aphids but if insect pressure is
high, as it was last autumn, it’s advisable
to add Pirimor (200 g/ha) to the Ampligo.
Brassicas are grown annually for winter
feed, namely Aparima Gold Swede,
Sovereign Kale and HT Swede. Steve notes
that the HT Swede is a new type of swede,
“best planted in dirty old paddocks to give
better clean up of weeds.” Tony grows in
excess of 110 ha of swedes – around 60 ha
of Aparima Gold at Coleridge Downs and
45-60 ha of HT Swede at Annavale and Dry
Acheron. Sovereign Kale is grown across all
three properties.
Combining Ampligo and Pirimor
ensured we covered both bases
Steve has advised Tony on which chemical
sprays would work best for his situation.
In the past, they have just relied on a
post-emergence weed control spray
but this last season they used the 3M
programme, a combination of Monarch™
and Magister®, which is sprayed pre- and
post-emergence. Steve recommended
this combination because “although the
Monarch is doing the same job as the
old post emergence spray did on fathen
and thistles, the addition of Magister is
controlling shepherd’s purse, which we
haven’t properly controlled in past years.”
For pest control, they’ve applied Ampligo
for the last two years, sometime between
February and April, depending on pest
notes Steve.
“The Pirimor knocks down major
infestations of aphids. And last year,
being as warm as it was, the aphids were
pretty bad.”
Specifically designed for use in forage
brassica crops, Ampligo is a good
product according to both Steve
and Tony. “Chiefly, Ampligo provides
longevity where other sprays haven’t
lasted as long” says Steve. It’s also fast
acting on pests, killing them before there
is too much damage to the crop.
Whilst yield on Coleridge Downs, Dry
Acheron and Annavale is only slightly
up on previous years, the brassica
crops are a lot healthier thanks to the
Ampligo, Tony believes. “A healthy
crop translates into better quality feed
for the animals and, therefore, better
animal performance. That’s exactly
what we’re after.”
Pictured: Tony Plunkett, Farm Manager, with Steve
Roulston, PGG Wrightson Arable Representative.
FEBRUARY 2014 |
07
Animal health
Lamb management
You may have heard the term “voluntary feed intake”. In essence it means that the lamb
is not concerned about growing at 50 g or 300 g/day. You on the other hand should be
very concerned about this as it dramatically affects the time to slaughter.
The more days the lamb is on the farm,
the more it is eating just to stay alive.
This is the “maintenance cost” of living.
A 28 kg lamb needs to eat 6 megajoules
of metabolisable energy (MJME)/day for
maintenance, and to grow at 200 g/day, it
needs 12.4 MJME/day. In the article below
we discuss some important factors that
influence MJME/day intake.
Low fibre feed
It’s easier to chew and breakdown low
fibre feed, which speeds up digestion.
Plantain is digested more quickly than
perennial ryegrass, transiting the rumen
in half the time and allowing more to be
eaten¹, increasing the total amount eaten
per day. Green growing plants are lower in
fibre, while grasses with seed heads and
yellowing at the base are higher. When
feeding diets very low in fibre, the addition
of some straw can aid rumen function.
Energy density of the feed
Green lucerne may have a ME of 12 MJME/
kgDM, while ryegrass that is seeded may
have a ME of 9. For every kilogram of
lucerne eaten the lamb receives 33% more
energy, which can be used to maintain
good rumen function and grow more
muscle (meat).
Lucerne – lower fibre and high ME creates a realistic lamb growth rate of 250 g/day.
Adequate allowance of feed
We need to make it easy for the lamb to
fill its mouth with attractive food in every
bite. Lambs that fossick amongst seeded
ryegrass for clover plants are unlikely to
consume adequate energy for growth.
Allowances of 2-2.5 kg DM/head/day
seem to work well when grazing specialist
forages, allowing for good lamb growth
and regrowth of the crop.
If you feel that your lamb growth rates
aren’t up to expectation, the first thing to
do is weigh some lambs and then decide
if they’re being fed optimally. Longer
pastures are likely to be better suited to
ewe and cattle grazing. Get the feed tested
for ME, protein and carbohydrate balance,
fibre and mineral levels.
when drenching for any evidence of
scabby mouth as these lesions are very
painful and will reduce growth rates.
Check your drench gun nozzles for any
sharp points that will damage the lambs’
mouths and replace them if required.
And lastly, do not underestimate a
lamb’s requirement for adequate, clean
and cool water.
Discuss your feed and drench
requirements today with your
PGG Wrightson Technical Field
Representative, who can work with you
to put a plan in place.
Andrew Dowling BVSc
Technical Expert Animal Health
PGG Wrightson
Drench plan
Maintain a regular 28 day drench interval
with an effective combination drench,
ideally a triple combination. Your local
PGG Wrightson store has faecal testing
kits available, which you can use to collect
samples 10-14 days after drenching to
make sure it has been done correctly.
Seed head pasture with high fibre and low ME
creates a realistic lamb growth rate of 100 g/day.
08
| PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARY
Treat any issues like foot scald. Have a
good look at the mouth of your lambs
Formulating total mixed rations from forages
– defining the digestion kinetics of contrasting
species. Burke JL, et al. Proceedings of the
New Zealand Society of Animal Production,
Volume 60, pp 9-14, Jan 2000.
1
Dairy
Control feed online for precision and profit
As farmers plan ahead to maintain optimum production over summer and pre drying off
periods, it helps to be confident that any supplementary feeding plan is going to deliver the
best possible return on dollars spent.
Tru-Test’s MilkHub Dairy Automation
has developed a standalone online
MilkHub Feed Control module. This
module manages the delivery of
supplementary feed to individual cows,
or groups of cows, by matching EID ear
tags with feed instructions loaded by
the farmer online in the MiHub herd
management tool. This means valuable
feed resources can be directed where
the most profit is likely and not wasted
on the poor performers.
regime take effect within 20 minutes.
The technology is also smart enough to
ensure each cow is only fed once and is
designed to discourage passengers.
Feed allocations are very easy to set up
and change for MilkHub Feed Control
and can be done from anywhere
with internet access. Using the online
herd management system MiHub,
different feed types are pre-set to
feed individual cows or groups during
milking. Up to four feed heads are
supported (liquid, grain or pellets), and
the system works with any third party
hardware for delivery of feed in bail.
Allocations can be controlled to 0.1
second or 30 grams or less, making it
worth its weight when allocating high
value minerals. Changes to the feeding
This gives the advantage of cost effective
individual feeding without having to
invest in a full automation system. It
also gives the farmer a powerful online
herd management tool, MiHub, and
includes core technology that enables full
automation in the future.
Until recently the MilkHub Feed Control
module was only available as part of a
full MilkHub rotary automation system.
Now, all that is required is the MilkHub
In-bail Identification module to read cows’
EID tags and deliver the information via
Bluetooth to MiHub.
Canterbury dairy farmer, Daniel Schat,
believes his overall herd productivity is
improved by his controlled supplementary
feed programme.
“I think it’s just a common sense thing, the
more small efficiencies you’ve got in your
system the more productive you become.
It’s all automatic with MilkHub so you can
make little changes online and you don’t
have to think about it, it just does it.”
Cow information from herd tests or
in-line sensors may be used to determine
which cows are the most responsive
to extra feed or need it the most. Body
condition scores or weights can also be
used to feed for condition, for example,
for post calving recovery or pre mating.
The ability to control feeding helps
support better herd health and reduces
the worry that the right cows are
receiving the feed they need.
By managing feed with greater accuracy
there is less wastage, less stress, more
efficient herd performance, and
the bottom line is likely to receive a
significant boost.
Contact your local PGG Wrightson
store on 0800 10 22 76 or call
0800 Onto Farm (0800 66 86 32)
to arrange for a Tru-Test MilkHub
representative to visit you on farm.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY TRU-TEST™ GROUP
Tru-Test’s new standalone online MilkHub Feed Control module works with any existing feed system.
In-bail RFID technology and Bluetooth is used to deliver precise amounts of feed to selected cows.
FEBRUARY 2014 |
09
Nutrition
Feed conservation
Explaining autumn
milk fevers
Net replacement
film the next step in
baleage technology
In many cases autumn milk fevers may be linked to calcium
deficiency.
Review of calcium content in pasture data shows that in the
spring, the cow’s demand for calcium (grey) far exceeds the
calcium provided by the grass (green). This helps to explain spring
milk fever cases. In the autumn we see that calcium demand still
exceeds calcium provided in an all grass diet. This is especially
true in periods of fast grass growth during the autumn flush. The
calcium deficit becomes even greater if grass availability is limited
and/or low calcium supplements like grain, PKE, maize silage or
whole crop cereal silage are being fed out. Ultimately this calcium
deficit can result in downer cows.
Milking cows – calcium required vs. calcium provided by grass*
Ca required
grams /Ca/cow/day
200
Ca provided by grass*
150
100
50
0
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
*Grass calcium levels based on minimum Ca values for the South Island in samples
analysed by Hill Laboratories from 2002 – 2005 and typical grass feeding rates.
On farm pasture testing and calcium assessment is strongly recommended.
But I don’t have downer cows – should I still feed
calcium?
Absolutely! During early lactation up to 1,300 grams of calcium is
removed from cows’ bones to support peak milk production – this
is 22% of a cow’s total skeletal calcium. Just like replacing body
condition, calcium mined in early lactation needs to be restored
during mid and late lactation. Relying on pasture to provide this
calcium may not be enough.
Talk to your local PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative
about getting an ‘extended feed test’ on your grass and silages
to assess how much supplemental calcium your cows need.
The new Film & Film System (F&F) is a revolutionary, dual
film technology. It delivers superior quality silage through
greater bale density and an enhanced oxygen barrier.
The film (Baletite®), which is used to initially wrap the
barrel of the bale, is called film-on-film, barrel wrap or net
replacement film. After the baler applies this film, standard
bale wrap is used to fully encase the bale for ensiling.
Agpac Product Managers, Geoff Taylor and Kevin Manuel, say
“the advantages of net replacement film is the quality of the
bale that comes out of the baler and the quality of the baleage
that comes out of the bale. The net replacement film produces
a much tighter, more compact bale. The more compact the
bale, the better the preservation of forage. Plastic film is a
great oxygen barrier and with a tighter bale and less oxygen
penetration, the result should be baleage that is higher in dry
matter and nutrient value.”
The film is designed to cover the entire width of the bale and
also offers the option to stretch the film over the edges of
the bale. The combination of net replacement film and bale
wrap ensures a high quality seal that prevents the growth of
undesirable microorganisms.
McHale Machinery Sales and Marketing Manager, Paul McHale,
says “contractors and farmers in New Zealand who have
trialled the film-on-film system over the last four years have
commented that the system delivers superior quality silage.”
Net replacement film is also easier to recycle than netwrap
at a time when recycling is of growing importance. Because
Baletite® is made of the same raw material base as bale wrap,
it is easier to open the bale with mechanical bale shears and
bundle both films together into one waste stream for recycling.
When it comes to feeding out, film-on-film makes the job a lot
easier as there is only one form of waste to deal with.
Contact your local PGG Wrightson Technical Field
Representative or store for more information on this new
revolutionary baleage wrap.
Benefits of F&F technology:
>> an increased oxygen barrier
around the barrel area
>> extra layers mean better
shaped, better protected bales
>> more compact bales enable
more efficient fodder storage
>> peels cleanly from the bale
leaving no enmeshed forage
>> no need to separate or
segregate films for recycling.
Andrea Murphy BSc (Agr) (Hons) MSc NZARN
The Dairy Nutritionist
PGG Wrightson
Healthy Cow Calcium Supplement
25 kg
Healthy Cow is a calcium supplement that helps
prevent Milk Fever (hypocalcaemia). Produced from
premium limestone (CaCO3>90%). Elemental calcium
35 g/100 g.
10
| PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARY
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY AGPAC
Electricity solutions
We’ve got the power to make a difference.
Meridian and PGG Wrightson join forces.
Meridian Energy is proud to join forces
with PGG Wrightson, a company with a 160
year history of trusted partnerships in rural
New Zealand. PGG Wrightson and Meridian
are excited to be working together to
bring innovative, effective and affordable
electricity solutions to your farm.
We offer the following partnership
benefits to all PGG Wrightson customers
who join Meridian:
Both PGG Wrightson and Meridian believe
our people set us apart. At Meridian, our
Agribusiness team is Primary ITO-trained,
so we understand the challenges faced
by farming customers and are dedicated
to helping you manage your electricity
requirements to save power and money.
Making the right decision with your
electricity requirements from the start
ensures you keep your costs down and
your profits up. This is especially important
with a new conversion or if you’re new to
farming – we’re here and keen to help.
> Rewards Points if you pay
your Meridian bill with your
PGG Wrightson Rewards Card.
> A special 12% prompt payment
discount (compared with Meridian’s
standard 10% discount) when paying
through PGG Wrightson.
> Meridian’s dedicated Primary
ITO-trained Agribusiness team to
assess your energy needs.
> A variety of tailored agribusiness
pricing options.
> Energy efficiency advice and practical
energy saving tips for your farm.
Meridian proudly supplies electricity
and energy advice to many farms
across New Zealand – from large dairy
operations to small lifestyle blocks. We
are also an active supporter of New
Zealand’s rural community, sponsoring
many nationwide awards including
New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards and
the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, as
well as grass-roots local activities through
our community funds.
To learn more about Meridian just pick
up one of our brochures from any of
PGG Wrightson’s 99 stores nationwide.
For a free electricity price comparison or
to learn how you could benefit by joining
Meridian, give Meridian’s PGG Wrightson’s
Partnership Manager, Pam Lormans, a
call. Pam will set you up with the special
PGG Wrightson customer discount and
switch your electricity connections over
to Meridian.
I am here to assist you in making
the best decision for your electricity
usage, and switching over is easy. As
your provider we will make all the
necessary changes and all you need
to do is say yes.
Contact Pam or the Agribusiness team:
0800 496 777
021 242 9215
Pam.Lormans@MeridianEnergy.co.nz
FEBRUARY 2014 |
11
Farm maintenance
GreenWood – strong, durable and
cost-effective sheds, bridges and cattle yards
For over 10 years GreenWood has supplied farm buildings, sheds, feedpad shelters, bridges and cattle yards to farmers and
lifestyle block owners in all corners of New Zealand. GreenWood incorporates complete structural assurance into the design
and supply, offering a range of buildings, sheds, bridges and yards at very competitive prices. Every shed and bridge is
compliant with the New Zealand Building Code and in most areas we have approved builders that can install the kitsets.
Farm buildings and sheds
Feedpad shelters
When it comes to farm buildings and sheds, the structural
integrity deliberately incorporated is hard to beat. Extra wall
framing keeps the walls straighter and stronger for longer.
The roof cladding is fixed securely with 65 mm screws – no
nails or shorter screws are used. All flashing and ridging is
0.55 mm thick – there are no 0.4 mm flashings or ridging. All
(standard) sheds have a “bird-proof” roof framing system,
high strength poles and 50 mm wide steel roof bracing to
brace the structures very soundly.
GreenWood is supplying an increasing number of feed-pad
shelters as farmers look to improve their farm systems in the
areas of effluent management, improved feed utilisation
and cow welfare and productivity. The feedpad shelter can
improve feed usage and animal welfare and provides flexibility
in all kinds of weather. The designs are also very versatile with
clearspans of up to 35 m achievable.
Farm bridges
Cattle yards
Every GreenWood farm bridge is designed to carry either
6,000 kg or 12,000 kg. The longest clearspan is 8 m and a
standard bridge is 3 m wide with wider and higher capacity
bridges available. All bridges are individually engineered and
certified and normally provide a very economical option for
many waterway crossings. They are extremely strong and
durable and quick to install without the need for specialist
heavy equipment. Unlike some culverts, GreenWood bridges are
virtually maintenance free.
A good set of cattle yards begins with a good design, which
is critical to achieving good stock flow and reducing time and
labour required in the yard. GreenWood cattle yards are very
quiet to work in, which means settled stock and increased
safety. With many years’ experience, GreenWood continues
to place significant emphasis on achieving yard strength
and good cattle flow. Only strong, heavy duty materials are
specified to achieve significant yard strength and GreenWood
yards are available at a substantially lower cost than steel yards.
For a competitive price on your custom designed farm building, shed, feedpad shelter, farm bridge or cattle yard, contact
GreenWood today on 0800 347 259 or visit www.greenwoodinfo.co.nz
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY GREENWOOD
PGG Wrightson is the exclusive rural agent for GreenWood.
All GreenWood farm buildings, sheds, feedpad shelters, farm bridges and cattle yards are custom made to order and supplied as kitsets with a detailed
step-by-step builder’s assembly guide. The above specifications may differ from the final product.
12
| PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARY
e
l
a
S
r
e
Summ
BUY 1 ITEM OF
CANTERBURY CLOTHING
AND GET
10% OFF
Swanndri
Women’s Tasman Shirt
Swanndri
Paihia Shirt
S-2XL
Selected colours
Normally $69.90
S-3XL
Selected colours
Normally $69.90
Now $49.90
Canterbury
Harlequin Rugby Shorts
26-42 inch
Assorted colours
Normally $40
BUY 2 OR MORE ITEMS
AND GET
20% OFF
Now $36
Offer applies to normal retail price.
Now $49.90
$20 OFF
ss out
Don’t mi mer
this sum
on these great
discounts and
offers available
now at your local
PGG Wrightson
store.
Tussock Creek Moleskins
Light Weight
76-112 cm
Taupe, Olive
Normally $95.90
Now $75.90
$20 OFF
Deane Work Trousers
Deane Polycotton Overalls
Now $44.90
Now $49.90
82-112 cm
Beige, Jungle
Normally $54.90
4-12
Royal, Spruce
Normally up to $59.90
$10 OFF
Terms and Conditions: Offers and prices are valid from 1/2/2014 to 28/2/2014 or while stocks last. Prices include GST and are subject to change. Some products, sizes and colours
may not be available in all stores. Discount applies to stocked items only. Prices do not include delivery, delivery costs are additional. Images are for illustrative purposes only.
FEBRUARY 2014 |
13
PGG Wrightson directory
Visit your local PGG Wrightson store for stock food, animal health supplies, farm
merchandise, apparel and so much more. Our expert team of Technical Field Representatives
are also here to help you choose the right products for the best results in the months ahead.
Talk to your local team today, everyone welcome!
South Island Stores and Technical Field Representatives
14
Alexandra 85-87 Tarbert Street
Rod Dixon (TFR)
03 440 2391
027 590 1611
Mayfield
Main Road, RD8
Peter McKnight (TFR)
03 303 6011
027 477 4046
Amberley
Main Road
Hamish Black (TFR)
03 314 8516
027 434 4076
Methven
Main Street
Peter McKnight (TFR)
03 302 8407
027 477 4046
Ashburton 447 West Street
Dave Steel (TFR)
Phil Bloomfield (TFR)
03 307 8737
027 431 4046
027 839 1860
Milton
15 Union Street
03 417 8403
Mosgiel
16 Factory Road
03 489 4174
Balclutha
196-200 Clyde Street
Kevin Thomson (TFR)
Pam Vanderhilst (TFR)
03 418 1332
027 242 1077
027 444 3304
Motueka
26 Old Wharf Road
Wilson Matthewson (TFR)
03 528 8680
027 235 6999
Blenheim 46 Wynen Street
Mark Best (TFR)
Rachael Davis (TFR)
03 579 3733
027 598 1719
027 598 1720
Murchison
89 Chalgrave Street
Mark Prosser (TFR)
03 523 1030
027 598 9948
Cheviot
Main Road
Ian Murray (TFR)
03 319 8772
027 672 7008
Oamaru
230 Thames Highway
Athol Smith (TFR)
Ross Wilson (TFR)
03 433 1340
027 702 6149
027 590 4213
Christchurch
411 Blenheim Road
03 341 4318
Otautau
178 Main Street
Andrew Cade (TFR)
Jason Robson (TFR)
03 225 9710
027 432 0422
027 590 2501
Cromwell
5 Iles Street
Gerard McCarthy (TFR)
03 445 3730
027 473 0614
Culverden
Main Road
David White (TFR)
Lucy Murray (TFR)
03 315 3040
027 448 6269
027 434 4097
Outram
Holyhead Street
Grant Bezett (TFR)
Jacqui Aitken (TFR)
03 486 2991
027 488 6411
027 286 6071
Owaka
5 Saunders Street
Kevin Thomson (TFR)
03 419 1060
027 242 1077
Darfield
1 Ross Street
Robert Buchanan (TFR)
03 318 7850
027 434 4077
Palmerston
61 Tiverton Street
Gerrard Pile (TFR)
03 465 4080
027 459 1005
Fairlie
Main Road
Gerry O’Neil (TFR)
Maree Ferriman-Smith (TFR)
03 685 9090
027 431 4057
027 591 8420
Rakaia
56 Railway Terrace West
03 303 5790
Geraldine
Main Road
Matt Cooper (TFR)
03 693 1025
027 590 8064
Ranfurly
6 Northland Street
John Kreft (TFR)
03 444 1033
027 273 9790
Gore
Cnr River and Medway Streets
Blair Miller (TFR)
Lester Howden (TFR)
Roger Collins (TFR)
03 209 0314
027 228 4153
027 504 1144
027 435 0740
Rangiora
67 Victoria Street
Kaleb Bolton (TFR)
03 313 0880
027 432 8224
Richmond
6 Gladstone Road
Wilson Matthewson (TFR)
03 544 6115
027 235 6999
Greymouth
116-120 Tainui Street
Chris Tibbotts (TFR)
Shaun Barrett (TFR)
03 768 1229
027 457 4416
027 703 0949
Roxburgh
99 Scotland Street
Gerard McCarthy (TFR)
03 446 8016
027 473 0614
Takaka
Buxton Lane
Graeme McCleely (TFR)
03 525 7891
027 590 7502
Hawarden
11 High Street
Hamish Black (TFR)
03 314 4458
027 434 4076
Tapanui
Bushy Hill Street
Gordon Scott (TFR)
03 203 0280
027 436 4140
Heriot
Roxburgh Street
Blair Miller (TFR)
Gordon Scott (TFR)
03 204 2021
027 228 4153
027 436 4140
Te Anau
37 Caswell Road
Jeff McFarlane (TFR)
Peter Lewis (TFR)
03 249 8610
027 598 9947
027 230 1052
Invercargill
Cnr Dee and Earnslaw Streets
Darrin Mills (TFR)
Phil Simons (TFR)
Sandra Utting (TFR)
03 211 3160
027 434 5213
027 664 4317
027 889 3440
Temuka
3 Domain Avenue
03 615 0050
Timaru
Evans Street
Andrew Brosnahan (TFR)
03 687 7338
027 595 6457
Kaikoura
98 Beach Road Andrew Wilks (TFR)
03 319 5012
027 702 9152
Tuatapere
Main Street
Andrew Cade (TFR)
03 226 9360
027 432 0422
Kurow
36 Bledisloe Street
Paul Verdonk (TFR)
03 436 0534
027 235 0051
Waimate
12 Shearman Street
Dave Keane (TFR)
03 689 8059
027 705 8137
Lawrence
23 Ross Place
Grant Bezett (TFR)
03 485 1010
027 488 6411
Winton
12 Brandon Street
David Wheeley (TFR)
03 236 6121
027 263 3233
Leeston
High Street
Jim Fuller (TFR)
03 324 8180
027 591 8437
Wyndham
Balaclava Street
Darrin Mills (TFR)
03 206 2020
027 434 5213
Lumsden
135 Flora Road
Jeff McFarlane (TFR)
Trevor Todd (TFR)
03 248 9000
027 598 9947
027 705 6624
| PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARY
®
G
N
I
Y
U
B
R
BETTE
February 2014
HOT DEAL!
Lion® 490DST
20 L
> High strength 490 g/L glyphosate
> Dual salt formulation delivers more
reliable results
Pedigree®
Working Dog
20 kg
Purina®
Tux® Energy
40 kg
Normally $227
$189
Normally $74
95
$
SAVE $38
6290
$
GREAT VALUE
SAVE $1110
Prac-tic®
Flea and Tick Protection 3 Pack
Small Dog
Normally $42.95 ea
3435
$
3595
$
3995
$
Nescafe® Coffee
Classic or Fine Blend
500 g
Normally $43.20 ea
2990
$
SAVE $1330
Drive®
Laundry Powder
5 kg
Top Loader
2 x Concentrate
Normally $29.10 ea
2490
$
Helping grow the country
SAVE $420
Medium Dog
Whiskas®
Meaty or Seafood
Selections
4 kg
Normally $25.50 ea
1990
$
SAVE $560
Normally $44.95 ea
Large Dog
Normally $49.95 ea
SAVE 20%
BETTER BUYING
BONUS DEAL
RECEIVE A FREE DRENCH
GUN WITH EVERY
21 L + 2 L BONUS PACK.
While stoc
ks last.
Cydectin®
Oral with Selenium
for Sheep
21 L + 2 L Bonus Pack
Tru-Test®
Suregrind Emery
Papers
Coarse or Fine
$568
Normally $8.20
6
$ 75
PREMIUM WORM CONTROL
Speedrite™
AN90 Energizer
with Solar Panel
199
$
Speedrite™
Insulator Wood Post
Claw
125 Value Pack
45
$
Speedrite™
Insulator Wood Post
Pinlock
125 Value Pack
49
$
PEL insulators available at selected stores.
Tru-Test®
Supergrind Emery
Papers
Coarse or Fine
Normally $12.95
1095
$
OVER 15% OFF
Cyclone®
Barbed Staples Galvanised
50 mm x 4 mm
25 kg
5 kg
Cyclone®
Nails Flat Head Galvanised
100 mm x 4 mm
25 kg
5 kg
29 $119 $29 $119
$
Slice cut also available at selected stores.
WE HAVE YOUR FENCING NEEDS COVERED
Cyclone®
Y Post
150 cm 7 Hole
Mainfeeds®
Barnyard Layer Pellets
25 kg
Normally $27.40 ea
BUY 2 FOR
49
$
Pryde’s
EasiRide® Horse Feed
20 kg
Normally $25.95 ea
> Formulated to meet the needs of laying hens
> Nutritionally balanced
> Contains at least 14% crude protein
DOUBLE DEAL
5
$ 49
6
$ 29
7
$ 99
BUY 2 FOR
45
$
DOUBLE DEAL
165 cm 7 Hole
Wilson Plastics
Water Trough
75 L (WT75)
129
$
DURABLE
180 cm 8 Hole
VARIETY
Terms and Conditions: All offers and prices are valid from 1 February 2014 to 28 February 2014 unless stated otherwise, or while stocks last. Prices include GST, unless stated otherwise and are subject to
change. Some products may not be available in all stores but may be ordered on request. Prices do not include delivery, delivery costs are additional. Images are for illustrative purposes only.