Fieldaily

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THEFieldaily YOUR FREE DAILY FIELDAYS® NEWSPAPER

Innovatorsearn awards

Rousing: Guest speaker Dr Jacqueline Rowarth from the Waikato University at the InnovationCentre.

Rowarth said that Fieldayswas the ideal place forpeople to exchange ideasand it was great to seepeople making a difference.

The Innovation Centre, powered byWaikato University , is theshowcase for the best industrydevelopments and inventions,

improving New Zealand farming practices.The winners of the Innovation

Competition were announced at theInnovations Awards Breakfast yesterdaymorning, attended by universitychancellor Jim Bolger, vice-chancellorProfessor Roy Crawford andrepresentatives from Fieldaily publisherStraight Furrow.

Guest speaker Dr Jacqueline Rowarthfrom Waikato University gave a rousingspeech which mentioned the infamousKiwi No 8 wire ingenuity and the fact thatNew Zealand was fifth in the world forresearch and development.

Rowarth said that Fieldays was the idealplace for people to exchange ideas and itwas great to see people making adifference.

Judges gave enormous consideration tothe Innovations entrants and who shouldreceive the awards.

The prestigious Golden Standard award,which recognises excellence in innovation,was awarded to Vernon Suckling of AgTech Industries for the invention of the‘‘LifeGuard’’ ATV Rollframe. Designed tohelp prevent injury and save lives, theLifeGuard was recognised as a largeimprovement to all industry. The awardtitle is accompanied by $5000 cash, acertificate and a trophy.

The Premier Feature Merit Award,which reflects the Changing Face inFarming, was given to Janet Brooker ofBioFert for a proven natural farm methodof composting animal waste resulting in ahigh nutrient soil conditioner.

A James & Wells Intellectual Propertyattorneys $3000 voucher for professionalpatent advice was awarded to Jody Scorerfor her highly innovate project the DeBudder.

Her invention approaches a simple buthighly labour-intensive task and is a

nature-based piece of equipment for budremoval, mimicking the fitting of thehuman hand around a trunk.

The equipment category winner wasMarty Richards for his eFeeder; anexciting new exit feed system designed tobe simple yet effective with even fooddistribution and only 5 per cent wastage.

Richards won $5000 worth of advertisingwith Straight Furrow, a trophy and acertificate.

It was noted that he had worked his waythrough the award system over the yearswith prizes taken for previous entries.

The standard of entries in the equipmentcategory was very high this year and there

were two equipment merit awards given;Gallagher Animal Management for itsM2800i Fence Energiser System withremote fence monitoring technology andmultiple means of fault notification, and,TracMap with its TackLink and TM465 –an effective fertiliser and spray orderingsystem, which has web interface allowingfarmers to see paddock history on line andeasily order products to be applied bypaddock.

Jasmine Creighton, 12, was given theYoung Inventor of the Year award for thePigtail Transporter which she designed forher science fair project last year. Thetransporter carries 50 pigtail standardsand up to four electric fence reels and isdesigned to be pulled along manually.

She said she invented it for herselfbecause she could not carry manystandards and had to put them all down

while she pushed one into the ground. Thejudges were extremely impressed with herclever approach to a simple problem andthe impressive research she hadundertaken.

The Innovation Competition showcasesinventions from New Zealand to the world

and it also establishes their success in themarketplace by educating the entrants onhow to take the next step to achievingcommercial success.

The Innovation Centre is supported bythe Waikato University, Dairy AutomationLtd, Straight Furrow and James & Wells.


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All Day EventsFieldays Innovation Centre powered by the University ofWaikatoFieldays NZ Wire / Wiremark Fencing ChampionshipsPlaceMakers Kiwi’s Best Kitchen TheatreTractor Pull CompetitionsMiniature HorsesSTIHL NZ Festival of Logging SkillsSTIHL TIMBERSPORTSWaikato Vintage Tractor and Machinery ClubSPCA WaikatoCrèche availableEvent Timetable8am Fieldays NZ Wire / Wiremark Doubles Fencing

Championships - M Road9am Tractor Pull - Tractor Pull Area 9.00am PlaceMakers Kiwi’s Best Kitchen Theatre – Rural

Living area9am Kid’s Mini Digger – I Road9.30am Sheep Dog Trials – L Road9.45am PlaceMakers Kiwi’s Best Kitchen Theatre – Rural

Living area10am Vintage Tractor Parade10am Lamb Boning Demos – Lamb Boning Demo Area,

Intersection of A Street & B Street10.30am Chelsea & the Dog Stars - Village Green10.30am Tractor Pull - Tractor Pull Area11am Ag Art Wear - Wearable Rural Art Showcase - Ag

Art Wear Pavilion11am NZ Cutting Horse Association Demonstration -

Equidays Equine Area near Livestock Alley11am Suzuki Extreme Air - Demonstration Area11am PlaceMakers Kiwi’s Best Kitchen Theatre – Rural

Living area11am Kid’s Tractor Pull competition – Steel & Tube Trac-

tor Pull area11.30am Hoofball – Demonstration Area11.45am PlaceMakers Kiwi’s Best Kitchen Theatre – Rural

Living area12noon What a Woman Wants – Ag Art Wear Pavilion12noon Lamb Boning Demos – Lamb Boning Demo Area,

Intersection of A Street & B Street 12.15pm Western Riding Demonstrations – Equidays

Equine Area near Livestock Alley12.30pm Tractor Pull - Tractor Pull Area1pm Sheep Dog Trials – Daily competition finals –

Sheep Dog Trial Area on L Road1pm Suzuki Extreme Air - Demonstration Area1pm PlaceMakers Kiwi’s Best Kitchen Theatre – Rural

Living area 1pm Kid’s Tractor Pull competition – Tractor Pull area

1.30pm Chelsea & the Dog Stars - Village Green1.30pm Hoofball – Demonstration Area2pm Ag Art Wear - Wearable Rural Art Showcase &

Prize Giving - Ag Art Wear Pavilion2pm PlaceMakers Kiwi’s Best Kitchen Theatre – Rural

Living area2pm Lamb Boning Demos – Lamb Boning Demo Area,

Intersection of A Street & B Street2pm Vintage Tractor Parade2.30pm NZ Cutting Horse Association Demonstration -

Equidays Equine Area near Livestock Alley2.30pm PlaceMakers Kiwi’s Best Kitchen Theatre – Rural

Living area2.30pm Suzuki Extreme Air - Demonstration Area2.30pm Tractor Pull - Tractor Pull Area3pm What a Woman Wants – Ag Art Wear Pavilion3.30pm STIHL Chainsaw Carving Challenge auction –

STIHL site J14-J16 3.45pm PlaceMakers Kiwi’s Best Kitchen Theatre - Rural

Living area4pm Fieldays NZ Wire / Wiremark Fencing Champi-

onships Prize Giving - Village GreenSeminar Series9.00am Waikato Regional Council - Changing land use

rules to improve water quality10.00am University of Waikato - The right to farm11.00am Naylor Lawrence & Associates - Risk

Management: Insurance/ACC11.00am Stretton & Co. (NZ Chartered Accountants) -

Succession Planning12 noon University of Waikato - Watch out for advice on

another engaging University of Waikato Seminar1.00pm FoMA (Federation of Maori Authorities) -

Innovation in Maori Agribusiness2.00pm Rural Women New Zealand - The changing face

of rural women in business3.00pm University of Waikato - Opportunity or a death

knell4.00pm Govett Quilliam - Relationship property rights

and the rights of all involved

What’s on Friday

For a more detailedlist of events and

seminars as well assite maps and full

product and exhibitorlistings, purchase acopy of the Fieldaysprogramme which is

on sale at allentrances for only

$5.00


Budding inventors: Spending lastsummer de-budding vines by handinspired Lincoln viticulture student JodyScorer, at left, with Stacey Lowther, todesign this clever bud remover andenter it in the inventors’ competition.Already tested on vines with maturity ofover 12 years, according to Scorer thedevice makes de-budding vines and fruittrees ‘‘a lot quicker and less painful’’.

Pipe dream: The problem of algaebuildup in down and feed pipes thatthen washes into water tanks duringrain is solved by catching the first 500litres in a second tank, according toLindsay Lewis. Lewis’ invention operatesusing a float valve that automaticallyswitches off once the tank is full toredirect water to the main tank. Thishelps significantly reduce the potentialfor contaminants to enter the mainwater supply and also reduces themaintenance costs in keeping the insideof the main tank clean.The waterentering the secondary tank is used forwatering gardens and lawns.

Good tip: Murray Sneddonand William Ellis, fromNgatea, entered their flatbedtipping converter into theinvention competition.Requiring no mechanicalcomponents, this unit can bebolted on to any flatbed orute, making the unloading ofloads an easy and safeproposition. At around halfthe cost of a hydraulictipper, Sneddon said thecost and ease of use waswhat impressed the peoplehe spoke to at Fieldays.

BRIGHT IDEAS

Inventions are part of Fieldays flavour. Creationsrange from the sheer practical to the sometimesexotic. Here we showcase three entries fromInnovation Centre.


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Critical insight to farm succession

Listen and learn: Agricultural leaders hear from Graham Turley at a Fieldays breakfast.

Podium: Graham Turley, managing director ofANZ Commercial and Agri, speaks at an agribusiness gathering at Fieldays.

How to successfully pass the farmalong to the next generationwithout creating a ‘‘hell of anightmare’’ is one of the most

pressing long-term issues faced by farmers,according to New Zealand’s most in-depthbusiness survey.

‘‘Simply handing over the farm to a sonor daughter and retiring from the businessis becoming increasingly problematic formany farmers,’’ said Graham Turley,managing director of ANZ Commercialand Agri.

‘‘Today, like all New Zealanders, farmersare living longer so they want to continuegetting an income from the business.Farms are also incredibly valuable assets,and selecting an offspring to take over cancreate huge rifts in families.’’

ANZ has released the Agri Insights fromthe Privately-Owned Business Barometer,New Zealand’s most comprehensive studyof privately owned businesses.

The survey provides critical insightsinto a key sector of the New Zealandeconomy.

Now in its sixth year, it questioned 4870business owners from different parts of theeconomy about the issues affecting them,and their views on the challenges ahead.

For the first time in its six years, thebarometer included a section dedicated toagribusiness. Around 750 farmers andagribusiness owners contributed to thesurvey.

The barometer shows that issues ofgrowth, planning, people, and change weretightly interwoven in the agri sector.Farmers spoke of the challenges ofmanaging immediate issues, such asweather, commodity prices and exchangerates, while also addressing long-termmanagement and ownership issues.

‘‘One of the main concerns wassuccession – how to keep the farm infamily hands, but in a way that is fair andensures the future viability of thebusiness,’’ Turley said.

‘‘The stories of contested wills andfamily estrangements are all too commonin the rural industry.’’

In some cases farmers didn’t want theirchildren to feel obliged to take over thefarm, and were having to balance theirdesire to keep the farm in the family while

allowing their offspring to follow their ownpath.

‘‘What we’re seeing is farmers exploringnew models of succession that ensure thebusiness stays strong and all involvedmembers of the family, includingthemselves, derive a long-term benefitfrom it, and have a level of involvementthey are comfortable with.’’

Family farms that have made thetransition to long-term sustainablebusiness are generally high-performingbusinesses that are disciplined withplanning and willing to engage allstakeholders in honest discussions aboutthe future.

‘‘These discussions have to tackle thehard issues – assets and liabilities, and thewants, needs and aspirations of eachmember of the family,’’ Turley said.

‘‘Farms that are in a good financialposition often have fewer successionissues. Many of these owners recognise theneed to involve advisers and managers in

the business to inject new ideas, maximiseperformance and introduce new systems.’’

Like other commercial businesses, theagribusinesses surveyed were mostconcerned about issues they couldn’tcontrol.

Four of the top five issues were onesover which farmers had little or noinfluence, such as exchange rates and theend-price of their products.

The only consistent issue of concernbetween agri and non-agri businesses wasbalancing family and business interests.

Almost a third of farmers saygovernment regulations and processes areof concern. As with non-agri businessesthey said the time and cost required tocomply detracted them from their corebusiness.

Policies such as the Emissions TradingScheme (ETS), Resource Management Act(RMA) and the Dairy IndustryRestructuring Act (DIRA) were seen asskewed against the agri sector.



Fencing contest tests competitorsBy Anne Boswell

Taking a fence: A competitor takes part on thesecond day of the Fieldays fencing competition.The event finishes today.

Plenty of veterans and newbies areshowcasing their fencing skills atthe New Zealand NationalAgricultural Fieldays NZ Wire/

Wiremark Fencing Championships thisweek.

Running from Tuesday to Friday, eachday promises to find the best fencersacross several categories.

Fencing has been part of Fieldays sincethe event’s inception 44 years ago and theNZ Wire/Wiremark FencingChampionships are the premiercompetition in the country.

Fencers can compete in the variouscategories as either an individual or as ateam of two. Competitors erect the fencesas fast as possible without impeding thequality of the fence. In the heatscompetitors can take up to six hours to

construct the fence, demanding a highlevel of physical activity.

The heats took place on Tuesday, withthe Bill Schuler Trophy up for grabs onWednesday. The Golden Pliers final tookplace yesterday, with the solo finalistshaving to complete a 50-metre wire postand batten fence.

The Silver Spades doubles competitionwill take place today. The requirements ofthe fence to be erected are altered annuallyto make for a challenging and relevantcompetition.

The Fieldays Fencing Championships isalso sponsored by Strainrite, STIHL andGoldpine.

[email protected]

THE DAY IN PICTURES

The Fieldaily team caught up with someexhibitors at the second day of Fieldays.

Solid ground:Natural Pavingmanager BarrieRussek fromThames has hadplenty of visitorschecking out hisnew permeablematting, whichlocks in pebblesand stones fordriveways andpaths. ‘‘It’s onlybeen in NewZealand sincelast spring andwe’ve had reallypositive reactionto it. Lots ofpeople wantingto do DIYprojects at homeare keen,especially sincethe systemallows minimummaintenance.’’

Party time: Andy MacDonald and Lhea Taylorfrom Black Dog Furniture have been inundatedwith visitors, keen on their handmade furniture.‘‘We’ve had orders from all over the country.’’This year they set up the Black Dog Bar inEntertainment Boulevard, with seating for 200people. ‘‘Feedback has been fantastic withpeople telling us how wonderful the bar area is,set up like an old woolshed.’’

Strong sales: It was a smashing start to Fieldaysfor the Milk Bar team, with first day sales figuressmashing any of the previous 23 years theyhave been involved. Manager Ross McInnessaid so far the event has been ‘‘absolutelyfantastic’’ with the sunshine keeping peopleupbeat and positive.

Steady enquiries: The expanding range fromKea Trailers is drawing ‘‘plenty of interest froma competitive market’’, according to KeaTrailer’s Tony Head. ‘‘We’ve had a wide range ofpeople through from commercial and industrialenquiries to builders and lifestyle blockowners.’’

Versatile: The growth of lifestyle blocks in New Zealand is evident from theenquiries Versatile Building have been receiving. Jon-Paul Ferris says there’sbeen a pick-up in the number of lifestyler’s looking for multi-purposebuildings. ‘‘The market out there is a little flat at the moment and we’remaking good inroads into that market.’’

Crowds flock: The Swanndri tent was packedwith keen customers hoping for a piece of thisiconic brand. Swanndri chief executive MarkNevin was enjoying being on hand to talk tocustomers. ’’It’s always a mammoth effortsetting up but well worth it for the chance tomeet our end users. It has definitely beenbusier so far this year than last.’’



Find out before they doIn a world fi rst, Gallagher i Series Fence Energizer Systems allow you to quickly and easily monitor your fence performance, informing you of any problems immediately so you can take action to save time and money.

Find out how i Series Fence Energizer Systems can open up the lines of communication between you and yourfence by visiting the Gallagher site at National Fieldays.

NEW

STUDENT, OFHAWKE’S BAY

Why do you come toFieldays?We’re on a schooltrip with our Ag Corpgroup.How many timeshave you beenhere?This is my first time.What is the bestthing about theevent for you?Just walking aroundand having a look ateverything. Thewhips and the whipcracking was cool.Anything missing in your view?Maybe some rides and a roller coaster!How long do you come for?Spend all day here.

WILLIAM SKERMAN

Machinery, food big attractionsMICHAEL D’ESPOSITO SHAUN STEWART

BEN MCLENNAN

FARMER,OF TOKOROA

Why do you come toFieldays?Because I am afarmer.How many timeshave you been here?Since I was a kid,probably more than15 times.What is the bestthing about theevent for you?All of the farmingequipment here,seeing the new gear.Anything missing inyour view?No.How long do you spend here?All day.

STUDENT, OFHAWKE’S BAY

Why do you come toFieldays?On a school field tripfrom LindisfarneCollege, just here tocheck out all the stuff.How many times haveyou been here?This is my second time,came three years ago.What is the best thingabout the event foryou?The exposure to all ofthe farming equipmentand stuff.Anything missing inyour view?Nope, it’s pretty busy.How long do you come for?All day.

MECHANIC,OF TOKOROA

Why do you come toFieldays?Dragged along with amate. Just to have agood day out and getsome socks.How many timeshave you beenhere?Four times.What is the bestthing about theevent for you?The wide variety ofthings that are here,all the machinery andtools.Anything missing in your view?No not really.How long do you spend here?All day.

SHAYLA CHAN

STUDENT,OF ROTORUA

Why do you come toFieldays?My dad made me!How many timeshave you beenhere?Just twice.What is the bestthing about theevent for you?The food. I liked thehorse exhibition areaand seeing what theywere doing. Justgoing over to thefood hall now.Anything missing in your view?An animal petting area.How long do you spend here?All day.

SAM TAI

STUDENT,OF TAUMARANUI

Why do you come toFieldays?To see what’s new.I’m interested ineverything.How many timeshave you beenhere?Three times.What is the bestthing about theevent for you?The hot food and themeat stalls. I’ve justbeen over to see thenew Suzuki Swifts.Anything missing in your view?Everything is as it should beHow long do you spend here?All day.


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Family gets a kick out of new game

WHAT IS HOOFBALL?Hoofball is soccer on horseback and like anyother soccer game, the objective is to getthe ball between the opposition’s goalposts. The optimum speed is a trot, the pacebest suited for horses kicking the balls. Theemphasis of the game is fun andcommunication with the horse. Hoofball canbe played with by any size and type ofhorse. Participating riders vary from childrento 75 years.

Goal time: Waikato’s Torok family wows the crowds with hoofball.

Hoofing it: Horse and rider work to control theball.

The crowds at the New ZealandNational Agricultural Fieldaysflocked to watch the unusualspectacle of horses playing what

looked like soccer.The four horses and riders attracted

widespread interest, as they demonstratedthe relatively new game of hoofball.

Played with a giant inflatable ball,covered in a durable fabric, the horses kickthe ball around a field with their legs(think soccer players replaced by horses).

The Torok family of Waikato are used topeople looking puzzled when they firstglimpse them in their paddock ridinghorses and chasing an enormous soccer-style ball. Hoofball is still relatively new toNew Zealand and the Torok family areresponsible for introducing it.

The family are keen advocates of thesport, citing it as fun for both riders andhorses.

‘‘If you leave the hoofball in the paddockwith horses, they kick it around and playwith it. Some of them even pick it up withtheir teeth and swing it around.

‘‘It’s great for desensitising young horses

and giving horses something to play withto make their environment moreinteresting.’’

Mary and Jozef Torok first saw thegigantic balls when they travelled to theUnited States about 10 years ago.

‘‘The mounted police there use the ball toteach the horses to push, as training forpushing through crowds,’’ Jozef said.

When the family returned to NewZealand and got horses on their property,they decided to research the ball and endedup importing some from America.

‘‘However, the balls arrived with noinstructions or rules for the game ofhoofball, so we developed our own rulesand set about promoting the sport.’’

The pair have since developed their ownversion of the hoofball, which they have

made in China. ‘‘The cost was provingprohibitive to people trying out the game,’’Mary said.

‘‘By manufacturing our own hoofballs,we can supply them at about half the costthat importing them from Americainvolved.’’

Originally when the hoofball wasimported from America it cost almost $400,but the Toroks’ version starts from $150.

The bladder of the ball is built towithstand more than 800kg and theexterior is sturdy enough to withstand theefforts of a paso fino stallion in Wanakathat carries out tests on the design models.

The couple send the hoofball prototypesto Wanaka for the stallion to try out.

‘‘We finally found a material strongenough to withstand even his best efforts!’’

While Mary and daughters Katarina andSamantha are often seen playing hoofballon their horses, son Kristoff prefersplaying on the ride-on lawn mower tohorseback.


Read. Valued. Trusted.

“Whoever takes

issue against the

farmer will be

opposed by

Straight Furrow”W.W. Mulholland, Straight Furrow, Nov 1941

New Zealand’s Rural Weekly

1941 – 2011



SPONSORS• 4 Seasons Home & Leisure• Big Brand Leisure• Black Dog Furniture• Club Raro• Cyclone (NZ Wire)• DAL• Exhibition Hire• Giltrap Farm Machinery• Goldpine• HRV• Hyundai

• James & Wells• NZ Landcare Trust• Pacific Wire (Wiremark)• PlaceMakers• SBI Productions• Snapshot Cameras• STIHL• Strainrite• Steel & Tube• The Farmers Trading Co.• Waikato Times

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS• Agility• Coca-Cola• Deveraux & Villiger• EFTPOS NZ• Exhibition Hire• Flare Fireplaces• Hamilton Party Hire• NZL Group• WINTEC

Acknowledgements

MEDIA PARTNERSNZ Rural Press is proud to bethe publisher of the FieldaysProgramme/Buyers Guideand Fieldays Focuspublications as well assponsors of the Inventions at

the Innovation Centre and the AgTraderSculpture Competition. Rural Press’s networkof agricultural publications, headed by thenationally distributed, weekly newspaper,

Straight Furrow and the monthly specialistpublications AgTrader, The Dairyman and Lifestyle Farmer, have a

clear synergy with this event in that our readers are National Fieldays visitors andour advertisers are National Fieldays exhibitors. We are more than just anotherpublishing company, New Zealand Rural Press is part of the farming andagribusiness community providing unique and valuable information to thoseinvolved in agriculture, as well as a platform for their opinions to be voiced.

The Radio Network (TRN) is a major player in the NZ radio market. With 6 brands in theWaikato (Classic Hits, ZM, Newstalk ZB, Hauraki, Radio Sport and Coast), we workclosely with local businesses to achieve their marketing goals whilst also providinginformative and entertaining radio for our listeners. As sponsor of the NationalAgricultural Fieldays for over 20 years, we are proud to present Fieldays Radio onNewstalk ZB (97FM & 1296AM) each day of Fieldays from 8.30am to midday.

BUYING GUIDE & PROGRAMME

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EVENT PARTNERSuzuki are proud partners of the NZ NationalFieldays and are committed to supporting theagricultural industry in New Zealand. SuzukiNew Zealand are the national distributors for Suzuki motorcycles, ATV's and motorvehicles. On site you will find a full range from New Zealand's number one sellingbrand of motorcycle and ATV along with New Zealand's favourite super mini the SuzukiSwift, and the rest of the automotive range.

Lamb cut skills on display

Sharp blade: Te Kuiti Meat Processors Ltd headknife hand Garnet Rapana shows off his skills inbreaking down a lamb carcass into favouritecuts. Rapana prepares the cuts of meat toexport standards.

Anne Boswell

Te Kuiti Meat Processors headknife hand Garnet Rapana willbring all his blade skills to bear ina demonstration of how to break

down a lamb carcass into favourite cuts.Those interested in butchery and those

who have an interest in the lamb industryare invited to see the skilled knife hand inaction at the Te Kuiti Meat Processors Ltdsite on the intersection of A and B streets.

With three daily demonstrations at10am, 12pm and 2pm, visitors canexperience a slowed-down version of theprocess of breaking down a lamb carcassinto their favourite cuts.

Te Kuiti Meat Processors livestockmanager Steve Hesp talks viewers throughthe actions of Rapana as he marks thenbreaks down the carcass using a knife andbandsaw.

Hesp points out which cuts of lamb arepopular in which countries – such asoyster cut shoulders exported to Spain,tubed shoulders to Japan, and frozenbrisket to China – as Rapana slices androlls to export standard. ‘‘The utilisation ofevery skerrick of meat on the bone is anunprofitable practice in New Zealand, butcan be done overseas,’’ he said.

A favourite meat in New Zealand, lamblovers will be salivating as their favouritecuts come straight off the beast.

Dog gone: Graham Strawbridge and his dog, Rock, herd three lambs through a series of hurdles.

Dogs cool under pressureAnne Boswell

Ice was removed from seats by theeasiest means available before itmelted into cold puddles.One of National Fieldays most popular

demonstrations – the sheepdog trials – gotoff to a frosty start on day one but visitorsand dogs were unperturbed by the wintryweather.

Once the ice was smashed off the seatsby a few willing boots, visitors settleddown in the sun to watch a number of dogs

attempt to complete a set course within 10minutes. Clean lines and good control,rather than just the time it took tocomplete the course, were some of theareas dogs and handlers were marked on.

The first set of three lambs, herdedthrough a number of obstacles andhurdles, weren’t very co-operative but therest of the flock proved to be more helpfulto the dogs, rather than a hindrance.

Competition heats are held daily at thesheepdog trial area on L Road.

[email protected]



OPINION POLL Each day of FIELDAYS® our panel of experts will tacklethe big issues affecting agriculture in New Zealand

Anne Boswell

Chief Reporter,The Dairyman

Robin Grieve

Columnist,Straight Furrow

Rob Storey

Columnist, The Dairyman

Ian Proudfoot

Partner, Audit,KPMG

Chris Kelly

CEO, Landcorp

What is the greatest challengeWhat is the greatest challengefacing our farmers today?facing our farmers today?Farmers receive a huge amount ofinformation making recommendations onhow they can improve their farmingsystems. The challenge for farmers, giventhey have finite resources, is determiningwhich innovations will have the mostsignificant return on investment in theirfarming system. As a consequence, many ofthe best ideas are not adopted andsignificant value is left behind the farmgate.

What excites you about the future ofWhat excites you about the future ofagriculture?The opportunities for New Zealand'sprimary sector are huge and it is reallypositive that so many people in the industryare recognising that by working togetherbetter outcomes could be achieved forfarmers, the primary sector and for thewider New Zealand economy. Theopportunity to create a pan-industry visionand strategy is available and has thepotential to be transformational to theindustry.

Your thoughts on climate change?our thoughts on climate change?The market reality is that consumers in themarkets that we supply are becomingincreasingly focusing on how food isproduced. Consumers want certainty thatfood is being produced sustainably thus weneed to ensure that our whole supply chainconsistently delivers safe, sustainable, highquality food produced in a manner that isacceptable to both customers and the widercommunity in New Zealand.

What is the top must-see place youWhat is the top must-see place youwould take a first-time visitor towould take a first-time visitor toNew Zealand?As a Brit who has lived in New Zealand forthe last 16 years, I have had the top of mylist of places to take visitors, wheneverpossible, is Queenstown. The awesomebeauty of the Remarkables and LakeWakatipu were my introduction to NewZealand. Combine this with theopportunities to ski, luge, raft, jet boat etc,it is one of the world's ultimate touristexperiences.

What is your go to meal whenWhat is your go to meal whenhosting a dinner party? Having married an Italian New Zealander,our go to options normally revolve aroundpasta. The opportunity to combine freshNew Zealand ingredients in classic Italiancombinations always delivers for our guestsand makes us look far more accomplishedin the kitchen than we actually are.

What is the greatest challengeWhat is the greatest challengefacing our farmers today?facing our farmers today?I still believe the biggest issue facing ourfarmers is breaking through negative publicperception. I hope that we as agriculturaljournalists can continue to bring the goodnews stories of successful, hardworkingenvironmentally-conscious farmers to thefore and that mainstream media learn torecognise the majority that are doing agood job and boosting our economy.

What excites you about the futureWhat excites you about the futurefor agriculture?for agriculture?What excites me about the future ofagriculture is the sheer possibilities inproduction volume, quality and technology.There is no ceiling to potential successesand the dairy industry is something all NewZealanders should be proud of. As long asall farmers continue to use sustainabilitymeasures and treat hard working staff withthe respect they deserve, the dairy industrywill continue to thrive and uphold itsreputation as the best in the world.

Your thoughts on climate change?our thoughts on climate change?There are many conflicting reports onclimate change that we are exposed to so ittakes some research and time to form yourown opinions. I think there is definitelymuch weight behind the concerns ofclimate change, but I think we have to keepit in perspective. An all-guns-blazingapproach is not ideal - small butsustainable changes are more realistic forpeople to accept and get on board with.

What is the top must see place youWhat is the top must see place youwould take a first time visitor towould take a first time visitor toNew Zealand?New Zealand?I would take a first-time visitor to myhometown of Whakatane, and thesurrounding areas. Nothing beats the Bay ofPlenty for lifestyle - fishing, water sports,boating, cafes, shopping - it is a real sliceof real New Zealand. It is also beautiful toboot with its beaches, lakes, forest andpohutukawa trees blooming at Christmastime.

What is your go to meal whenWhat is your go to meal whenhosting a dinner party?hosting a dinner party?Our go-to meal when hosting a dinner partyis a good old-fashioned roast - my husbandis a butcher so we are quite lucky to havethat expertise at our fingertips. Pork roastwith crackling, whole roasted eye fillet orroast lamb are equally appreciated by ourguests, as are all the traditional trimmings.In summer, we replace the roast veges withfresh salads and a summery dessert.

What is the greatest challengeWhat is the greatest challengefacing our farmers today?facing our farmers today?In my view, the single greatest challengecurrently is revenue volatility. Thecombination of extremely volatile in-marketprices for red meat and dairy productscombined with a very volatile exchangerate, make year-on-year planning andbudgeting very difficult. For example, a onecent swing in the US$/NZ$ exchange raterepresents a 10 cent change in the dairypayout.

What excites you about the future ofWhat excites you about the future ofagriculture?agriculture?A number of things, including theGovernment's renewed interest inagriculture in recognition that smallproductivity gains make major differencesto the economic fortune of New Zealand.This is manifested in such areas asincreased spending on R&D (e.g thePrimary Growth Partnership Programme)and the interest in and funding of majorwater projects. Also, of course, is theincreasing global demand for safe, qualityred meat and dairy products.

Your thoughts on climate change?our thoughts on climate change?We must remember that although 50 percent of New Zealand's emissions comefrom agriculture, we are a "drop in thebucket" in terms of global emissions.Further, no other industrialised country hasyet to impose emission charges onagriculture. Since New Zealand exports inexcess of 90 per cent of its agriculturalproducts, we must not let responses toclimate change put us at a competitivedisadvantage to our competitors around theworld.

What is the top must-see place youWhat is the top must-see place youwould take a first-time visitor towould take a first-time visitor toNew Zealand?New Zealand?I would drive them through MolesworthStation - but I am biased of course.

What is your go to meal whenWhat is your go to meal whenhosting a dinner party?hosting a dinner party?A hind-leg roast of six-month-old lambwhen the father is a terminal sire, withgravy and mint sauce.

What is the greatest challengeWhat is the greatest challengefacing our farmers today?facing our farmers today?Farmers are being invaded by a pest thatthreatens their business more than a plagueof locusts. Compliance imposts enforcedupon them by central and local governmentthreaten to drain the productive life sourceof our farms. The costs of complying withinitiatives dreamt up by the sustainabilitydepartments of our processors will have asimilarly chilling impact on the industry.The farmers' challenge is to survive or repelthis pest.

What excites you about the future ofWhat excites you about the future ofagriculture?agriculture?I am increasingly aware that a newgeneration is taking the reins. Being in my50s, I see my contemporaries handing themanagement of their farms to their sonsand daughters. Watching these youngpeople who are filled with energy,enthusiasm and the determination to dobetter than their parents gives me reason tobe excited about the future of the industry.

Your thoughts on climate change?our thoughts on climate change?Like any religion, it should be voluntary,especially any financial contributions.

What is the top must-see place youWhat is the top must-see place youwould take a first-time visitor towould take a first-time visitor toNew Zealand?New Zealand is blessed with manywonderful places; choosing one over theother is a daunting task. As a Northlander, Iam biased towards the Bay of Islands. Itsviews are breathtaking and there areendless activities to choose from. The townof Pahia is always buzzing with excitement;the town of Russel is historic and peaceful.Waitangi is just up the road also and isworth a visit so that you can show yourvisitor where it all went wrong.

What is your go to meal whenWhat is your go to meal whenhosting a dinner party?hosting a dinner party?I have only ever hosted dinner parties wherethe meal has been cooked by my wife. It isa personal goal of mine to prepare the mealfor a dinner party. My goal is still a goalbecause I have not yet decided what I wantto cook. What I do know is that it will haveto be impressive, so a "go to" meal will notdo at all.

What is the greatest challengeWhat is the greatest challengefacing our farmers today?facing our farmers today?Training enough workers and potential farmowners to meet the needs of an increasinglytechnology based industry. Special coursessuch as those that are run by Dairy NZaimed specifically at large dairy farms is astep in the right direction.

What excites you about the future ofWhat excites you about the future ofagriculture?agriculture?The farming industry of the future has theexciting challenge of feeding and clothingan expanding world population in the mostresource sufficient and sustainable waypossible. Wise use of soil and water will bethe catch cry for the future.

Your thoughts on climate change?our thoughts on climate change?Although some of the early proponents ofclimate change may have overstated theircase, the issue is not going to go away. In afew weeks time representatives ofpractically all nations will attend aconference at Rio de Janeiro where they willrevisit progress or lack of it made since theinaugural Earth Summit held 20 years ago.

What is the top must-see place youWhat is the top must-see place youwould take a first-time visitor towould take a first-time visitor toNew Zealand?New Zealand?The Coromandel Peninsula is a must stopfor any tourist wanting to have a taste of thethings Kiwis like best. With a steepmountain range dropping down tonumerous beaches and fishing spots, thechoice of bush walks, hot springs and theunique bush railway with its very special"Eyeful Tower" - there are plenty ofopportunities to enjoy a variety ofentertainment. With great seafood and a raftof restaurants, the visitor is spoilt for choicebut it's hard to drive past Luke's Kitchenin Kuaotunu for superb pizza on thebeachfront.

What is your go to meal whenWhat is your go to meal whenhosting a dinner party?hosting a dinner party?While my culinary skills are limited toboiling eggs - fortunately I have agranddaughter with "Masterchef" potential.She is a dab hand in the kitchen andspecialties of the house include lamb curry,chicken breast in filo - and my favourite -roast leg of lamb with veg.


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