Dairy Focus June

An Ashburton Guardian Supplement

Hayden and Jessie Dorman have a passion for sharemilking.

Pages 2-3

South African farmer Gary Wright learns new skills in New Zealand.

Pages 8-9

DairyFocusJune 2012

Photo tetsuro MitoMo 150612-tM035

Dairy Focus June 20122

An advertising supplement of the Ashburton Guardian

Opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the Ashburton Guardian

Publication date: June 26, 2012 Next issue: July 24, 2012

We welcome any correspondence to either:

Amanda Wright, phone 307-7927 email: [email protected]

Linda Clarke, phone 307-7971 email: [email protected]

DairyFocus

Mid Canterbury sharemilkers Hayden and Jessie Dorman are a hardworking couple. One does the paperwork, the other looks after the cows.

The dairy farmers have been able to call them “their” cows this past season. The variable order sharemilkers achieved a big step toward their dream of farm ownership by buying the 800 Holstein-Friesians they had been milking for farm owner Willy and Jeanet Leferink.

It was a big moment, and a big cheque. And there have been no regrets.

Sharemilking, says Jessie, is still a great pathway in the industry. She and Hayden are good proof.

The couple are in their early 30s and have just finished their third season sharemilking. Jessie has an academic background and put her animal science honours degree to good use in Wellington for seven years before she met Hayden in 2007.

The son of a West Coast dairy farmer (who was originally from Canterbury), Hayden moved to the Waiararapa to be closer to Jessie and the couple made plans to go sharemilking, small time, in the North Island.

Mr Leferink, who Jessie had met through her policy job with Federated Farmers, offered instead an opportunity to take up an 800-cow variable order job on a high-input farm at Dorie.

The job – though very different from their original entry plan - stacked up and the couple moved to Mid Canterbury, where they have worked tirelessly on the property and within the dairy industry. Jessie is currently vice-chairperson of Federated Farmers dairy section locally, and vice-chairperson of the organisation’s national sharemilkers’ council.

Hayden is on the South Island fieldays committee and both say giving back to the agricultural industry keeps them motivated and content.

They should be well pleased with their work on the dairy farm too.

The 800 cows are fed a diet of around 65 per cent pasture and 35 per cent supplement during

milking season. Half the supplementary feed is grain. The cows, which have electronic ID, are milked on a 54-bale rotary equipped with technology including milk meters that monitor a cow’s individual milk production and deliver feed rations accordingly.

The farm milks over winter, with one third of the herd calving in autumn and the remainder in spring.

Jessie said the concentrates were fed in the shed, while grass and maize silage were delivered to a feedpad. The cows were kept off pasture as much as possible during the winter months to avoid pugging.

The couple look forward to January, when calving and mating are over and the full herd is ticking over.

Their production aim is for each cow to produce profitably above her bodyweight. This past season they achieved 595kgMS per cow, pretty good considering the average weight of each animal is around 570kg.

Jessie said their new role as herd-owners was exciting, and gave them hope of one day owning their own dairy farm.

Sharemilking has worked for them, and she says it is a valuable pathway, most often extended by dairy farmers who progressed themselves as sharemilkers – like Willy and Jeanet Leferink.

As variable order sharemilkers they provided staff and equipment like tractors and motorbikes, being paid under a variable order contract with Mr and Mrs Leferink.

Story continues over page

Sharemilking the way to goLinda Clarke,rural reporter, Ashburton Guardian

Photo tetsuro MitoMo 150612-tM061Hayden and Jessie Dorman.

• Concrete Water/Feed Troughs • Water Tanks/Effluent Tanks • Silage Pits • Concrete Bunkers • 500,000 litre effluent storage tank • Pump/Agri-Chemical Killing Sheds

Phone 03 308-4816 or call into the yard at 205 Wilkins Rd, Tinwald, Ashburton

email: [email protected]

For any quotes or enquiries contact us today Call Welshy and ask for a price today

Cell 021 369 483116 Wakanui Rd, Ashburton

After hours 03 307 2480 Fax 03 307 2490 Email [email protected]

Stock water system needs?We can Design it - We can supply it - We can fit it

including

Troughs - Alkathene Pipe - Mainline Pipe.Options include:

Mole plough in pipe and communication cable

Dig out and relocate mainline Mainline repair


39 Robinson Street, AshburtonPhone 308 8848

email: [email protected]

•Gatesqualityhydraulichose•Hydraulicfittingsandcouplings•Hydraulicoilandfilters•Hydraulicpumpsandvalves•Hydraulicmotorsandrams•Hydraulicsystemdesign

andservice•Fastermulti-couplersandquick

releasecouplings

Best under pressure

For all your hydraulic requirements you can

trust Hydraulink Mid Canterbury Ltd.

You can rely on us 24hr, 7 days a week

Call Hydraulink Mid Canterbury Ltd today

“And then last year we bought the cows off them and went to a herd-owning contract.”

It was a big purchase – 800 times around $2000 a cow equals $1.6 million. But the pair had saved well in their working lives and had benefited from good returns as variable order sharemilkers.

Jessie has been able to use her office-based skills well. She does the HR work, the financial accounts, animal records, creates a weekly report for the farm owner, and meets with consultants and nutritionists who visit the farm.

Hayden is the practical person and stockman. “I think it is why he has been a successful farmer. He likes cows and he is good with them. For him, every cow counts.”

The couple employ five staff and say they continue to learn and adapt.

“We have made our fair share of mistakes but we have a great team on board this year and it gets more and more exciting.”

Jessie said telling their story about successful sharemilking was important to keeping the system going.

“There is nothing like skin in the game to motivate a person.”

She has some advice for others who would follow in their footsteps:

“Be willing to think outside the square. Be willing to build strong relationships based on a win-win for everyone, it is not just about me.

“But do your sums and understand what you are getting into and make sure it is a win-win for everyone. Often we hear of young people coming in and they have not done their sums and take a contract that is not beneficial for them.”

Some contracts could have sharemilkers working for less than if they had been managing a farm, and on the other hand there are some sharemilkers who are not willing to see it from the farm owners’ point of view.

Jessie said Federated Farmers could offer help and guidance for those needing it. Similarly, the organisation can help employers who are looking to take on sharemilkers or herd owners.

Photos tetsuro MitoMo 150612-tM010Red (number 248) is one of the Dormans’ supercows, producing some 12,000 litres of milk during the season. Hayden also has plans to build a small herd of pedigree Jerseys and has just bought two breeding cows from a top North Island herd.

150612-tM003 150612-tM074


Ag Lime - LimeMag - 40mm & 80mm Track Rock - Mixes - Agriblend

To learn more about Rorisons RMD and its quality products, please visit our website at:

Mount Alford Lime - Canterbury

www.rorisons.co.nz0800 40 10 40 www.rorisons.co.nz

Federated Farmers Sharemilkers’ and Sharemilker Employers’ Sections, with the assistance of DairyNZ, have jointly released “Ensuring a viable progression path in the dairy industry”.

“Sharemilking represents a third of our industry and we want to ensure it has a rich future,” says Ciarán Tully, Federated Farmers Sharemilkers’ Section chairperson.

“While herds have become larger in size their overall number has fallen and with it, the number of sharemilking positions.”

With many commenting on the rise of contract milking and equity partnership arrangements, Federated Farmers, with funding from DairyNZ, commissioned AgFirst’s James Allen and Nicola Waugh to provide a snapshot of career pathways.

“First up, we found the legal environment we operate in is sound but there’s greater need for herd owning sharemilkers to become flexible in their approach to

negotiating agreements. Newer structures, such as leasing farms or buying stock and leasing them back to the farm owner, could enable the next generation to stay in the job while building their equity.”

A level of annual variability aside, sharemilkers generate something like a 16 per cent return on assets. This compares with a farm owner’s 3 to 7 per cent return on assets, plus 5 to 10 per cent annual capital gain.

“I must add in recent years businesses have been more cash focused. Questions were also asked around the ability of equity managers to grow their share of the partnership.

“If you compare a career as a waged farm manager versus sharemilking in today’s dollars, it reveals something like a million dollar difference over 15 years. That’s huge if people intend to move into farm ownership.”

Mr Tully said sharemilkers need to be seen as an integral part of farm succession.

For those planning their retirement, sharemilking could be seen as part of a farmer’s ‘exit strategy’.

“It’s clear to us sharemilkers need to enhance their business skill set across the board and as an industry. Life-long learning and mentoring needs to become a firm part of our culture.

“The report specifically highlights the need for all parties to carry out due diligence and to learn about negotiating key parts of their agreements.

“While the report contains decision trees, tables and even a wealth creation spreadsheet, it highlights the amount of information out there but it’s dispersed. There’s need for a one-stop shop and arguably that’s a role for Federated Farmers.”

“Ensuring a viable progression path in the dairy industry” can be downloaded from Federated Farmers website.

Roadmaps for sharemilking progression to farm ownership


Advanced CALF FEED products are nutritionally balanced for early rumen development and earlier weaning. It contains premix, Bovatec and Rumasweet.

For 2012 season we have to offer a big new range of calf feed products and we also introduced blends in bulk bags with a free 20 litre bucket.

CALF FEED 2012 SEASON

For more information contact

Peter Westaway Ph 027 299 8136 E-mail: [email protected]

Tracey Thomas Ph 027 460 1157 E-mail: [email protected]

Calf Pellets Bagged 25kg

Advanced Starter Moos 25kg

Advanced Grower Calf Pellet 25kg

Advanced Pellets 16% 25kg

Advanced Calf Pellets 20% 25kg

Advanced Calf Budget Pellet 20% 25kgBlends are available in 25kg bags and

650kg bags with the following protein % (15%, 16%, 18%, 19% & 20%)

Available at your local PGG Wrightson rural store or

Advanced Feed 0800 FEED 4 U (0800 333 348)

A career in dairy farming is among opportunities in the agricultural sector currently being promoted by New Zealand Young Farmers.

Young Farmers has joined with DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb NZ to create Get Ahead; a one-stop career hub for young people considering a career in agriculture.

The Get Ahead programme encompasses experience days which raise awareness and encourage students to consider an agricultural career. These days focus is on the supply chain story – it’s all about how food gets from pasture to plate. To demonstrate this students participate in 12 practical modules that focus on everything from animal genetics to marketing and exporting, herd management to pasture manipulation.

About 1000 students have attended experience days around the country in the past four months.

Business development manager, Roz Lever, says the key outcome of the experience days was “to show the diversity in agricultural careers and to bury the preconceived notion that working on-farm is the only agricultural career option.”

“These days were fun, hands-on and practical with an educational

focus on the supply chain; and how every job in the agricultural industry contributes to the food production in New Zealand,” says Rosie Todhunter, youth development co-ordinator.

Supporting the experience days is the Get Ahead website where students and career advisers alike can use the site to learn more about the possibilities in agriculture by exploring career options, education providers and facts about agriculture.

Young Farmers promote careers in dairying


Premium Mulchavailable for

Calf sheds, dairy lanes, gardens and boiler fuel.Our mulch is chipped/mulched from our slabwood.

It is 100% untreated wood/bark.We personally guarantee there will be no contaminated

produce, rubbish, excess soil or leaf mould.

Also irrigation pump sheds made to order

ADAMS SAWMILLING CO LTDMalcolm McDowell Drive, Ashburton

Phone 308 3595For All Your FRESH Pet Food Needs

Turn your unwanted animals into cash

99 Archibald Street Tinwald

Charlie 307 8996 | 021 847 688

Hours: Monday - Friday 9-5.30pm Saturday 10-2.00pm

Helping dairy farmers look beyond the dollars at their whole farm system management is the goal of a series of winter dairy workshops being held by the Dairy Women’s Network around New Zealand in June and July.

The five workshops are being held in Winton, Rotorua, Cambridge, Hokitika and Nelson at the end of June and beginning of July and are a great follow on from the Essential Farm Finance days run by the network earlier in the year.

Ngatea dairy farmer and farm consultant, Julie Pirie, will lead four of the workshops, with Te Anau dairy farmer Anna Kempthorne speaking at the Winton event.

Julie Pirie says the workshops will cover a range of different aspects of farm system management and will focus on financial control. Ultimately attendees will be able to leave the seminar with an action plan for their own farm for the next 12 months.

“This is a good opportunity to look back at the farm operation and consider ideas about where costs can be trimmed without sacrificing profitability.

“We will also be identifying what information people need to have to help manage their business over the next 12 months. We’ll also discuss the importance of maintaining strong relationships with accountants, bankers and farm advisers.”

Julie says the workshops will discuss the impacts of the recent milk price forecast announcement and what that will mean for people’s farm operations in the year ahead.

She says attendees are encouraged to bring their own financial and farm information with them, so they can work with real information that is relevant to them. “Partners are also very welcome.”

Julie has been dairy farming since 1990, while

also working as a farm consultant. Together with her husband Brian, Julie runs a 234 hectare dairy farm at Ngatea with 830 cows.

“If there is one thing I want people to take away from the workshops, it is that you simply have to look beyond the dollars at the whole farm management system to ensure that every aspect is operating as effectively and cost-efficiently as possible.”

Dairy Women’s Network CEO Sarah Speight says the Winter Dairy Days are part of a calendar of events offered by the network to provide practical, professional and personal support to women in dairying around New Zealand.

“The purpose of the Dairy Women’s Network is to expand the potential of dairy women in a changing environment and milk price fluctuations are part of our changing environment. Part of our role is to enable women to be leaders in their businesses and communities, as well as the wider industry and to give them the tools and support to succeed in these roles.

“The network’s Dairy Days are a key vehicle for educating dairying women on a range of topics throughout the year. Our aim is for women to walk away from these dairy days with information they can implement on-farm to improve their businesses and lifestyles as soon as they get home. If their partners come along then it is going to be easier to ensure action happens because both partners will understand the context and the necessity.”

The Hokitika workshop is on July 2, the Nelson session on July 3. The workshops will run from 10am to 2pm. For further information and full venue and workshop details, go to www.dwn.co.nz

Looking beyond the dollarsContributed by Dairy Women’s Network


For All Your FRESH Pet Food Needs

Turn your unwanted animals into cash

99 Archibald Street Tinwald

Charlie 307 8996 | 021 847 688

Hours: Monday - Friday 9-5.30pm Saturday 10-2.00pm

Quality, range, experience & value. That’s Versatile!

From 40 great home plans to sleepouts, garages, workshops and carports, Versatile can build it all! And we’ll take care of everything from consents to driveways. Call us today about an obligation-free quote.

0800 VERSATILEwww.versatile.co.nz

Richie McCawVersatile home owner

364 West Street, Ashburton

How do you handle your cows individually? Can you restrain your cow so that she is comfortable and you are safe?

This still seems to be an issue on dairy farms. I went to a farm a little while ago to trim some cows. For some reason the farmer had started doing some cows before I got there. When I turned up he came out and greeted me and helped me set up. There was a cow lying down in the vet race. She had gone down as the farmer was trimming her feet. She was still down by the time I left and as far as I know she never got up again. This is not uncommon and I would like to raise this topic to help you avoid such accidents.

There is a right way and a wrong way to restrain cows. When a cow is being restrained there are some principles that

always apply:

The cow needs to be comfortable.

The operator needs to be safe at all times.

The operator needs to be in control at all times.

Today I am only able to cover the first point. If the cow is not comfortable she will be a lot more unsettled. This seems commonsense but is something that is often overlooked.

Consider the surface the cow is standing on. Obviously a slippery surface is not ideal, but an equally or maybe even more important point is that the cow must be standing on a flat, level surface or one that

slopes up. No matter what crush you use, a cow does not like it if she is facing downhill and you are lifting her back feet. She will fight you all the way.

Purpose-built hoof trimming crushes have belly straps to support the cow when she loses her grip and falls over. An added benefit of this belly strap is that it calms the cow down. Cows relax when you put pressure on their belly. That is why you always see a cow hanging in a sling rather than standing up.

Some well-known crushes in New Zealand have two belly straps – one under the brisket and one just in front of the udder. The brisket strap is the best option, because if a cow sits down on the second strap she

will be very uncomfortable as there is no rib cage there to support her and all the pressure will go straight onto the gut. Cows tend to kick at it, but will not stand up to release the pressure.

Another thing I would like to mention is the fact that most people like to have a leg tied up just above the claw against a bar. It makes the leg sit more rigid but should the cow go down for whatever reason, there is a very high risk of injuries, such as broken legs or dislocated hips - this is what happened to the cow I mentioned earlier.

Lifting from the hock is much more comfortable for the cow, and because she can still lean on the raised leg there is minimal risk of injury.

Fred HoekstraVeehof Dairy Services

Is your cow restrained correctly?

Photo suPPliedThe cow needs to be comfortable when restrained.


Training courses vital for learning new skills says former South African farmer

www.agito.ac.nz

Talk to your local AgITO team today to find out how AgITO training can help you and your staff get ahead in farming.

Visit us at the corner of South and East Streets (Rural Transport Building), Ashburton or give us a call.

CALL NOW 0800 691 111

WANT TO IMPROVE YOUR FARMING SKILLS?Meet your local AgITO Team

Nic McConchie Selwyn

Louise Hellyer North Ashburton

Andrew Roche South Ashburton

Stacey van den Beuken Customer Adviser

South African dairy farmer Gary Wright says his AgITO training helped him to understand how to manage dairy farming in New Zealand, and thinks more New Zealanders should take up the opportunity to up skill.

Gary grew up in South Africa and owned a farm there before immigrating to New Zealand.

“I started farming in South Africa,” Gary said. “For two years I was in sheep, beef and cropping and after that I went farming for myself. I bought a 5500ha property and after 12 years, in 2004, we moved to New Zealand where I started off as a dairy hand in Matamata.

“We moved to Rakaia where I worked as herd manager for a season and I then started working on a 3000 cow farm as a unit manager. After two years I moved to Longbeach Dairies near Ashburton – I’ve been here ever since as manager. We’re currently milking 1050 cows, and we run the farm as if it’s our own, pay all the accounts and do all the finance.”

Gary started training with AgITO to meet his desire to understand more about New Zealand farming systems.

“I did a BSc in Agriculture in South Africa and when we came to New Zealand I wanted to find out about how farming worked here, so I did AgITO courses. When we came down to Ashburton I ended up doing the diploma. I wanted to continue studying and learn more about the New Zealand system.

“The diploma covered a lot of what was in my degree but it was good getting to know New Zealand labour laws, tax laws, other legalities and finer details,” he says, adding that these are things any New Zealand farmer needs to know.

“In South Africa we didn’t have anything as detailed and specific as the feed budgeting that we do on New Zealand farms. It was very good for me to learn this and it’s fair to say I use feed budgeting on a day-to-day basis.”

The National Diploma in Agribusiness Management covers the skills and knowledge essential for the successful management of a farm business. The qualification focuses on developing skills in business planning, financial and resource management and is achieved by completing two National Certificates. Diploma candidates must also complete a

Property Report on the performance and opportunities of an agribusiness, tying all the skills and knowledge learned together.

The diploma is also available as six modules that can be completed individually. This new approach allows people to up skill in a specific area. Breaking the qualification down into smaller parts makes it easier to achieve the full qualification.

Modules focus on developing skills and knowledge in business planning, financial management, resource management, human resource management, ownership and risk, taxation and investment.

The course has helped Gary with the management of the staff on the farm and he encourages them to train with AgITO.

“I was in the army in South Africa so I knew how to handle staff but I got more benefit from the HR side of the diploma than the finance part,” he says. “The HR side is very helpful because it covers labour laws and you get a good grounding in it.

“I have five staff. My 2IC is going to another farm soon and is starting his Level 4 training. I’m encouraging him to continue with it as he’s done all the AgITO

Level 3 qualifications and I feel he would benefit by doing the diploma as well.

“I got a lot of benefit out of it and he knows what he’s doing – I feel if he does the diploma it will cement what he knows and give him confidence to step up. When I employ people I always look at what sort of education they’ve got and what they’re busy with at the moment.

Someone busy with training gives me the impression that they’re keen to move forward. I’m very keen to help young people if they’re willing to help themselves.”

Gary recommends the diploma to people in the industry keen to make their next steps. “Farming is more than looking after cows and grass – the diploma is the next step up. It’s good for people stepping up to manager/equity manager roles or share milking, where you need to do financial budgets and know how the business operates.

“You need to talk to the banks to step into those roles,” Gary says. “You need to know how to do a budget and how it works because otherwise the banks won’t give you money. The diploma helps you bridge that gap.”


THE NEWS IS SPREADING!

Contact Layton Watson

Watson DiggingPh 0274-360-159

or AH 03-303-5040

Versatile - Spreads all kinds of manure and waste

Massive output - Large capacity and fast emptying time

Precision spreading - Over entire 20m spread width

Excellent weight transfer - Minimises soil compaction

Let Helmack ITM take care of your

plans, council pim, admin

and compliance.

No hassle farm buildings from Helmack ITM!

Phone Allan Breakwell today on 027 230 2000 for all enquiries

*Kit set or erected

92 Dobson Street, Ashburton.Phone 307 0412Hours: Mon - Fri 7am - 5.30pmSat 8.30am - 12.30pm

Training courses vital for learning new skills says former South African farmer

About AgITOAgriculture ITO (AgITO) provides

leadership in education and training, develops national qualifications, maintains national standards and provides on-going support for their trainees and employers. AgITO training is subsidised by industry and Government. For more information on our qualifications, please visit www.agito.ac.nz

200612-KG002

Gary Wright with his wife Valerie and their dog Blue.

Photos Kirsty GrahaM 200612-KG020


Contact Rebecca now on 027-6321-303 or via email at [email protected]

Need quality employment advice for your farming business?

Rebecca Johnson understands farming businesses.

With a Master of Business in Management as well as proven experience in Human Resources and a background in farming. Rebecca has a sound knowledge of all areas of employment that will give you peace of mind that you are doing the right thing for your most valuable resource - your people, as well as complying with current Employment Legislation.

Call Rebecca today for advice on all areas of employment:

• Employment Agreements• Succession Planning• Employee Development• Employment Disputes• 90 Day Trial Periods• Job Descriptions• Policies & Procedures• Part-time, Casual and Seasonal Employment Advice• AND MORE…

www.rebeccajohnson.co.nz

An Ashburton Guardian Advertising feature

Effective employment relationships are based on a mutual understanding of what’s expected of both the employer and the employee. An employment agreement outlines the minimum expectations about a job, the working conditions and the employment rights mutually agreed by all parties involved. Having an agreement in place can help reduce the risk of misunderstandings and provide clarity on areas of uncertainty.

Many employment relationships in farming are based on a handshake or an informal document. However, this is no longer enough. From July 1, 2011 under the Employment Relations Act, every employee must have a written employment agreement. There are specific mandatory clauses that by law must be included in an employment agreement; however there are also additional clauses that may be added to provide further clarity and understanding for both parties. All of these clauses however are in addition to the minimum working conditions required under the Act that must be met regardless of whether they are included in the agreement or not.

Rebecca Johnson Employment Solutions

specialise in all areas of employment. They understand the importance of getting legal documents, such as employment agreements right and can help you put together an employment agreement that is tailored to the needs of your business, and your employees.

As well as having a Master of Business, from the University of Otago, Rebecca has proven experience in human resources. She will help you understand all the aspects of the different types of employment agreements and various components, from the mandatory clauses through to the optional clauses. Rebecca will help you put together an agreement that suits your business, and your employees, while complying with the minimum requirements under the law. In doing so she will also ensure you understand what you need to do to uphold your side of the agreement and provide a great workplace for your employees.

Give Rebecca a call today to arrange a time to discuss your needs for an employment agreement or ask her advice on any other areas of employment.

Creating mutual understanding of the expectations in an employment relationship

Finding a job in dairyingThere are 4 essential steps you will need to make to successfully navigate your way through the process of finding the right job in the dairy industry for you.Step 1 - Getting startedThe type of position you apply for will depend on your knowledge and skill levels and the experience you can bring to the job.Previous experience does not need to be in dairy farming. It could be anything from mechanical skills to management, engineering to electronics. If you are motivated, positive and willing to learn you will quickly grasp the basics.There is considerable help and support available in the industry, so don’t be afraid to ask. • Talk to friends and other people who know the dairy industry. Gather as much information as possible about dairy farming and what your expectations should be. Ask them about the type of work they do, their hours and their rewards. Step 2 - What does your ideal job look like?The next step ... is to work out what you really want or need in a job.Use the following prompts to clarify your expectations. Build a clear picture of the job you seek, but try and keep it simple. Add any other factors you consider important.• Can the employer supply you with a clear written position description that accurately reflects the job as you understand it? • Is there a chance to learn new and relevant skills? • Is the job in a location that meets the needs of you and your family? Step 3 - Which jobs should I apply for?When deciding which jobs to apply for, take a look at whether it matches your job ideals.• Is there a chance to learn new and relevant skills?If you have been invited to attend an interview, it is important to gather some more information about the job before you decide to accept that invitation. You should know the:• Location of the farm;• Size of the farm (how many cows will be milked);• Nature of the job;• Day, time and place for the interview.Step 4 - Interviewing like a proUse the interview to present yourself, your strengths and qualities to the employer. It is also the opportunity for you to find out more about the position and the employer.Like all employers, farm employers want an individual who: • Is honest and reliable• Is an individual who can work on their own • Is interested and enthusiastic • Takes pride in their work and workplace. Here are some tips of what to remember before and during an interview.Before you leave home• Dress to project the right image for the role - remember the first impression counts for a lot;• Be prepared, ensure that you cover everything you need to know Make sure you have clear directions of where to go and what time you need to be there;• Be prepared to go on a farm walk, so ensure you have suitable footwear!QuestionsBe prepared before you go to your interview. Doing some homework shows commitment and a genuine interest in the role. • Your precise role and responsibilities, the expectations around you; • Opportunities for training • The social life in the community - show that you are keen to fit in.Once you have got your first job on a dairy farm you are on your way. From then on it is up to you to prove your worth to the employer and to plan your own career. Your performance should be reviewed by your employer on a regular basis and you will get to know your strengths and weaknesses. As you progress you will get to know more clearly what opportunities are available for you to progress in the way you want to.

*source – www.godairy.co.nz


An Ashburton Guardian Advertising feature

Creating mutual understanding of the expectations in an employment relationship

Immigrating to New Zealand is a dream for many people around the world. The current skills shortage in New Zealand makes it possible for skilled migrants to secure employment and start a new life in a beautiful country.

IPS (Immigration Placement Services Ltd) has been supplying dairy farm workers to dairy farms around New Zealand for several years. They have brought many experienced farm workers into New Zealand and have selected top applicants to meet New Zealand farmers’ needs. Many of these people have been working on dairy farms in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Japan.

IPS was founded in 2002 in response to

the skills shortage in New Zealand. Its aim is to meet the needs of employers and migrants with win-win outcomes.

They are based in in Manila, Philippines and have in a number of countries to provide personalised service to migrants in their country of residence.

IPS specialises in securing employment and visas for migrants. Over recent years the company has gradually expanded its services to provide comprehensive support to migrants, students and employers and placing migrants in jobs in New Zealand

Immigration New Zealand made changes at the beginning of 2006 that require most migrants to obtain a job offer in order

to gain sufficient points for residency in New Zealand. Since these changes were introduced, the demand for our services has become intense. Every day we receive a large number of enquiries from skilled would-be migrants all over the world.

To date we have assisted many New Zealand employers and successfully placed hundreds of migrants from Korea, China, Japan, Russia, Germany, the UK, India, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Austria, South Africa, Philippines and other countries.

IPS is one of New Zealand’s oldest job placement companies specialising in placing skilled migrants with employers. Unlike many immigration consultants, IPS arranges job offers for migrants. This assists

them to qualify for work visas or residency to enable them to live and work in New Zealand. The Skilled Migrant category is the main pathway to residence in New Zealand. The application and selection process works on a point system. For example, an offer of skilled employment is worth 50 points.

The recruitment of skilled migrants from the Philippines is regulated by the Philippines Government through the Philippines Overseas Employment Agency (POEA).

All applicants from the Philippines are required to apply for an Overseas Employment Certificate. IPS is accredited with POEA through licensed agencies in the Philippines.

We find ways to make your dream a reality

Photo suPPliedEmy and Fe at Gardeners Road, Ashburton.


Milestone in mastitis management unveiledA new dairy industry resource for managing mastitis and improving milk quality was unveiled by DairyNZ at the New Zealand Milk Quality Conference in Hamilton last week.

Known as SmartSAMM, the new online resource builds on the success of the SAMM Plan (seasonal approach to managing mastitis) with updated information for today’s dairy farm systems.

Senior DairyNZ scientist and technical manager for SmartSAMM Dr Jane Lacy-Hulbert said the new resource gives dairy farmers and their advisors easy access to the complete industry-agreed knowledge about mastitis and milk quality.

“We’re very pleased to be able to launch this new resource at the New Zealand Milk Quality Conference 2012. The benefits for farmers and the dairy industry are huge - improved udder health and milk quality, time savings at milking, and ultimately improved production and profit.

“For farmers, SmartSAMM provides key tools and resources to help establish if a problem exists, and if so, what to do next and how to prevent it in future. There are guidelines and key recommendations for managing mastitis during calving, lactation, drying off and the dry period.

“For advisors, the corresponding Technotes provide more

of the science detail that sits behind the recommendations – we’ve really tried to make this an ‘all-you-need-to-know’ resource,” said Dr Lacy-Hulbert.

The SmartSAMM project is a collaboration through NMAC (National Mastitis Advisory Committee) with stakeholders and service providers responsible for mastitis control and milk quality in New Zealand. It is funded by DairyNZ and the Ministry for Primary Industries. The source material has been adapted from Dairy Australia’s Countdown Downunder and updated for New Zealand dairy farming.

The new DairyNZ SmartSAMM website is now live at www.SmartSAMM.co.nz


0800 ZIMMATICAshburton: 25 McNally, Ashburton 7700. Phone (03) 307-2027

Timaru: 81 Hilton Highway, Washdyke 7910. Phone (03) 688-7042

BY LINDSAY

Ph 021 141 4448www.concretecrack.co.nz

Cracked concrete in your milking sheds?

Have you suffered damage to your milking shed, floor slabs and holding yards due to earthquakes?

We have recently completed cracked concrete repairs to milking yards to satisfy Fonterras hygiene and effluent management standards.

The specialised epoxy resins that we use, provide a permanent and durable repair.In most cases work can be completed around your milking times withinin a 1–2

week period. Don’t delay! Be ready for next season.

Call now for a free inspection to avoid missing this window of opportunity!

The environmentally sustainable use of nitrogen fertilisers on New Zealand farms is receiving help through a research contract signed with leading University of Canterbury researchers, the Ministry of Primary Industries and Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd.

“It is wonderful to form these partnerships with industry to help build a better future for New Zealand agriculture,” said Professor Paula Jameson, head of the School of Biological Sciences at the University of Canterbury.

“If we can help farmers use nitrogen fertilisers more efficiently, it not only helps the environment but also means farmers

can produce better stock and products at a reduced cost,” she said. Professor Jameson and Professor Matthew Turnbull (biological sciences) have signed the contract worth almost $900,000 for a three-year research programme that will include work by a post-doctoral fellow and two PhD candidates. The partnership also includes Dr Mohammad Zaman from Ballance Agri-Nutrients and Professor Richard Pharis from the University of Calgary in Canada.

“A key question in pasture and crop research is to find out under actual field conditions about the physiological limits to growth and the efficiency of nitrogen fertiliser use,” said Professor Turnbull. “The

answer to this broad question will come from a better understanding of the inter-relationship between external environment factors, such as temperature, water and nutrients, and the internal hormonal regulators of shoot and root growth,” he said. The work will combine fundamental investigations into the physiology and molecular biology of plant growth regulation and the impacts of plant growth hormone additions on dry matter yield and the efficiency with which pasture and crops use nitrogen and water.

Soil scientist Trevor Webb has been digging holes in the dirt for 40 years and says the amount of nitrogen that leached

into waterways depended on rainfall and land use, and a high number of environmental variables and a wide range of farm practices.

The main things that affected nitrogen uptake were timing and amount of application, winter cropping and irrigation scheduling. He said while arable farmers could easily access information about nitrate leaching, it was difficult to measure in grazed systems where “piddle spots” also contributed.

He suggested using feedpads in late summer and autumn so urine and effluent could be contained.

Helping NZ farmers optimise fertiliser use

Federated Farmers is pleased by Fonterra signing a conditional offer to purchase the milk processing assets of New Zealand Dairies south of Timaru. If approved by the Commerce Commission and with that company in receivership, it will deliver certainty to affected farmer-creditors.

“This is an unexpectedly good bolt out of the blue, “ says Willy Leferink, Federated Farmers Dairy chairperson.

“It may surprise those outside of the industry but we thought Fonterra was an unlikely contender for NZ Dairies. We now know Fonterra sees the Studholme dairy plant as complementary to its new $500 million facility being built at Darfield.

“So here we have a formerly Russian-owned factory coming into New Zealand hands.”

Mr Leferink said while the sale was a commercial deal and subject to Commerce Commission approval, some financial pain for creditors seemed sadly unavoidable.

“Fonterra is preferable to a hard-nosed

corporate buying these assets for the regulated milk it would secure. Such an outcome would treat farmer-suppliers as just another input.

“So this deal strongly vindicates the co-operative business model.

“Fonterra Cooperative Group will give former NZ Dairies farmer-suppliers milk contracts for the current season. For the next six years the door is open for these suppliers to share-up in the co-op. It is a genuine path back to shared ownership in the means of production.”

He said amongst the creditors were sharemilkers, whose farm balance sheets had taken a hit.

“I have personally spoken to the major lenders and stressed the need to work with

affected farmers and sharemilkers.”

Fonterra CEO Theo Spierings said the acquisition ensured the Studholme plant continued to operate and its farm suppliers

had certainty that they will be able to sell their milk on a

commercial basis from the start of next season.

“The Studholme plant is processing around 150 million litres of milk a year into milk powders for export. It will complement our

new Darfield plant which is due to start

taking milk in August.”

Mr Spierings said Fonterra had clearly identified the

importance of growing milk volumes and optimising New Zealand manufacturing operations. “This transaction helps deliver on that priority.”

As part of the agreement, NZ Dairies’ existing suppliers have been offered the opportunity to supply Fonterra on contracts, which will enable them to become Fonterra fully share backed after the 2012/2013 season and require them to be shareholders within six years.

Fonterra plans to operate the Studholme plant up until the end of the 2012/13 season pending the decision by the Commerce Commission on Fonterra’s clearance application.

“This means that we are able to collect and process farmers’ milk from the start of the new season, avoiding the prospect of them having to spill milk,” said Mr Spierings.

“The solution we’ve developed with the receivers will mean that suppliers who continue to supply NZDL have a tanker coming up their driveway to take their milk and ensures they still have an income.

“It also means we are able to provide for continued employment to many of NZDL’s staff during this period.”


“Fonterra Cooperative Group

will give former NZ Dairies

farmer-suppliers milk contracts for

the current season.”

100% MADE OF NEW ZEALAND

Become part of our proud supplier family today. Contact us on 0800 733 2253 (South Island) or speak to your local Silver Fern Farms Livestock Representative.

www.silverfernfarms.co.nz

Our commitment to you includes:•A strong New Zealand brand with global reach•A seven day processing service•Same day kill during peak times•July – November bobby calf processing season•Free tags, cartage & additional peak season collections•An 0800 free phone service•Competitive scheduling with no hidden costs•No MAF inspection fees•Experience and expertise in all aspects of processing and marketing bobby

calves.

We offer a competitive and convenient SEVEN DAY PROCESSING service for your bobby calves.

we know you work seven days a week. so do we – for you.

Healthy Soils Biological Farming Consultant Donald Hart 027-432-0187 and Sally Truelove 027-436-2458

To achieve top performance plants need an optimal quantity and balance of minerals. Healthy Soils programmes are designed to provide this.

Providing farmers with the knowledge, information and materials to rejuvenate and build soil fertility to produce Healthy Soils - Healthy Plants - Healthy

Animals Healthy People, ultimately reducing the need for rescue chemistry!

Healthy SoilsBalanced Mineral Fertilisers

Healthy SoilsBalanced Mineral Fertilisers

Healthy Soils

B a l a n c e d M i n e r a l F e r t i l i s e r P r o g r a m m e s

We Provide• Soil mineral and nutrient availability analysis.• Programmes for balancing soil nutrients.• Independent soil fertility, nutrient advice and interpretation.• Approved Kinsey and Albrecht nutrient balance programme practitioners.• Premier providers of high quality soil and plant nutrients and micronutrients.• All fertilisers are mixed on-site at our store, ready for application.• A complete systems biological approach to soil and plant nutrition, addressing the underlying issues of nutrient and mineral deficiency.

Available at Healthy Soils

187 West St, Ashburton - Ph 308 2055www.jeffmarshallsuzuki.co.nz

Offer valid until 30 June 2012 or while stocks last, and only available at Fieldays or participating Suzuki dealers. Price is recommended retail, excluding GST. Savings shown include GST. Not available in conjunction

with any other promotions.

• 3-speed sub-transmission• 15 forward gears• Selectable 2WD/4WD• Front disc brakes• Front diff -lock in super-low ratio• Independent front & rear suspension• 24 month/15,000km warranty

• Fuel-injected 4 stroke, 4 valve engine• CVT automatic transmission• Hi-Lo ratio, with reverse• Smaller turning circle than most 4x4s• Sealed rear brakes• Twin shock rigid rear axle• Comfortable T-shaped seat• 24 Month/15,000km warranty

Manual transmission available

NZ Dairies to be bought by Fonterra


Talk about Accuflow variable rate control to a member of our friendly staff today for a better irrigation.

Would you like to irrigate your land efficiently?Rainer Irrigation Limited will provide you with THE solution to maximise yields... variable rate control.This new technology allows you to apply the right amount of water or chemicals to each area of your field – giving you full control over each square foot to maximise yields and profitability.

10 Robinson Street, AshburtonPh 03 307 9049 - Fax 03 307 9047

Email: [email protected]: www.rainer.co.nz

Benefits:• Saves water and energy• Decreases power consumption• Changes application rate over different crops or soil types• Less track maintenance• Reduces runoff and leaching• Saves on fertigation and chemigation costs• Decreses and eliminates watering in low or flooded areas• Provides web-based irrigation recording and reporting

100% MADE OF NEW ZEALAND

Become part of our proud supplier family today. Contact us on 0800 733 2253 (South Island) or speak to your local Silver Fern Farms Livestock Representative.

www.silverfernfarms.co.nz

Our commitment to you includes:•A strong New Zealand brand with global reach•A seven day processing service•Same day kill during peak times•July – November bobby calf processing season•Free tags, cartage & additional peak season collections•An 0800 free phone service•Competitive scheduling with no hidden costs•No MAF inspection fees•Experience and expertise in all aspects of processing and marketing bobby

calves.

We offer a competitive and convenient SEVEN DAY PROCESSING service for your bobby calves.

we know you work seven days a week. so do we – for you.

187 West St, Ashburton - Ph 308 2055www.jeffmarshallsuzuki.co.nz

Offer valid until 30 June 2012 or while stocks last, and only available at Fieldays or participating Suzuki dealers. Price is recommended retail, excluding GST. Savings shown include GST. Not available in conjunction

with any other promotions.

• 3-speed sub-transmission• 15 forward gears• Selectable 2WD/4WD• Front disc brakes• Front diff -lock in super-low ratio• Independent front & rear suspension• 24 month/15,000km warranty

• Fuel-injected 4 stroke, 4 valve engine• CVT automatic transmission• Hi-Lo ratio, with reverse• Smaller turning circle than most 4x4s• Sealed rear brakes• Twin shock rigid rear axle• Comfortable T-shaped seat• 24 Month/15,000km warranty

Manual transmission available

A Flemington dairy farmer fined $25,000 for discharging effluent into waterways has plans to fence the waterway and create a wetland where mudfish could live.

Joel Townshend has also volunteered to carry out educational work at Lincoln University and advertise about the perils of dairy farming in relation to effluent disposal and the effects on the environment.

Mr Townshend is also a director and shareholder of Charlann Ltd, which was fined $17,000 for the same effluent offences. The dairy farmer was in the Environment Court last month for sentencing after pleading guilty to discharging effluent via a centre pivot irrigator into a branch of Blees Drain.

Environment Canterbury staff investigating a complaint on May 24 last year found the irrigator directly discharging into the waterway. The light on the irrigator was covered by a cloth.

Townshend had been caught discharging into the same waterway a month before.

A condition of his effluent discharge consent prohibits discharge into or within 20 metres of a watercourse.

Environment Court Judge Jon Jackson said Townshend was responsible for the day-to-day operation of the dairy farm, which milked 650 cows. He was young, with a heavy responsibility for a farm that was not highly profitable.

Blees Drain is among the lowland spring-

fed streams that the Canterbury Water Management Strategy seeks to protect or restore. Until 2005, these drains were generally considered to have high water quality, supporting aquatic habitats.

The judge said effluent discharge would impact the quality of the drain system.

“The thing farmers always need to realise is that there are accumulative effects of these things. It is not just you being caught in this case but there are other people too. Somewhere, somehow the measurements that have been taken down in the lower areas of Blees Drain are accumulating. It is clear that to some small extent you may well have contributed to those.” Judge Jackson said the dairy farm should have been on some notice because it had been subject to a previous abatement notice in 2010 where effluent ponding was observed.

The dairy farmer said he had made mistakes. The programming of the machinery was difficult and he had intended to stop the irrigator manually before it discharged over the waterway. The judge said Mr Townshend could be called on to make good his plans to improve the farm environment.

Environment Canterbury Resource Management director Kim Drummond said he hoped the sentence would act as a deterrent to others and reaffirm the importance of taking all practicable steps to protect the natural environment.

Effluent sentencing


On the back of recent snowfalls, Mid Canterbury’s rural community is being reminded to check it is prepared for future inclement winter weather.

The Canterbury Civil Defence Emergency Management Group is reminding people to stock up on essential items, just in case of power outages or travel interruptions as a result of bad weather during the winter months.

In previous years heavy snowfall has led to road closures and power outages affecting large parts of Canterbury.

The snowfalls in July and August last year cut power to thousands of homes, left many roads impassable and closed airports.

“People need to be prepared now for the possibility that this winter could again bring hazardous weather conditions to Canterbury,” said Neville Reilly, Regional Civil Defence Group controller.

“For general readiness, every household should create and practise a Household Emergency Plan, and assemble and maintain emergency survival items.

Everyone should have the necessities in place to be able to be self-sufficient for three days in the event of road closures and power cuts.

This includes having stocks of food, water, warm clothing, fuel, alternative lighting and other emergency supplies on hand. We would also encourage people to make sure their homes are properly insulated. Installing

heat tape on exterior pipes can help prevent water systems from freezing”, he said.

Mr Reilly said checking supplies in your car is another good thing to do and advised people who use power managers to make sure they are topped up as we come in to the heart of winter.

He added there are a number of places people can find information on weather conditions and warnings including www.metservice.com and www.cdemcanterbury.govt.nz.

Motorists considering driving over mountain passes in winter are advised to take chains with them in case of snow and to check road conditions and the weather forecast before setting out.

Even in small quantities, snow can be hazardous. It only takes a few centimetres on a road to make driving dangerous.

A list of emergency supplies can be found below.

Specific emergency preparedness items

Torch with spare batteries or a self-charging torch • Radio with spare batteries • First aid kit and essential medicines • Blankets or sleeping bags • Pet supplies • Wind and waterproof clothing and strong

outdoor shoes

• Food and water for at least three days • Non-perishable food (canned or dried food) • Food, formula and drinks for babies and small

children • Water for drinking. At least 3 litres per person, per day • A camp-cooker or gas barbecue to cook on • A spare, full gas cylinder • A can opener • Water for washing and cooking

Suggested winter preparedness items for your car

• Windshield scraper and brush • Battery or self-charging torch • Battery or self-charging radio • Extra batteries • Water • Snack food • First aid kit • Jumper cables • Hi-vis vest • Tow chain or rope • Cigarette lighter cell phone charger • Wind and waterproof clothing and strong

outdoor shoes • Personal medications • Blanket(s)• A shovel.

Make sure you are well prepared for winter conditions

Documents

Dairy Focus June