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Surrender now and we'll pay a huge cost in future – Will Foley:
If the dam is dead, as its opponents are claiming, we've missed a great chance to smooth the jagged edges of Mother Nature.
Right now, Hawke's Bay is sodden. A welcome but uncharacteristic (in the current weather pattern) wet autumn set us up to be wet right through the winter and that's exactly how it's playing out.
We've swung from one extreme to the other; as recently as February we were fretting about another dry summer. . .
Patangata Station shortens supply chain and buys own butchery – Kate Taylor:
An overheard conversation led to a Central Hawke's Bay farming couple diversifying into retail butchery. Kate Taylor reports.
The market wants to know where its meat comes from, say Duncan Smith and Annabel Tapley-Smith, the owners of Patangata Station and the new owners of Waipawa Butchery.
"When people buy meat from Waipawa Butchery they now know it's finished at a farm just 10 minutes up the road," says Smith.
The couple took over the butchery at the beginning of the month. It was sold by 77-year-old Murray Stephens who had worked there for 60 years and owned it for 40. The Smith family has been farming in Central Hawke's Bay for just as long and has been shopping at the butchery for many years. . . .
Variety is the spice of life on Miranda Farm – Andrea Fox:
If Waikato agroforester and dairy farmer Graham Smith could bottle his energy, he'd make a killing.
Running four businesses from his 37 hectare farm in the Korakonui area, 25km south east of Te Awamutu isn't enough: he's about to launch a fifth, and just for fun, excavate a submerged ancient forest and create a little sport museum.
Profitably milking 80 crossbred cows provides the base for all these entrepreneurial efforts, but it's growing an unusual tree with multiple uses and benefits that sets him apart and proves it is possible to make a small farm a good earner. . .
Researcher using milk protein to help regrow human muscle – Amy Wiggins:
Milk could be the key to helping regrow muscle and eventually body parts.
A Canterbury University PhD student is using milk protein to create biodegradable films with 3D imprints in the shape of muscle and bone cells on them in the hope they may influence the shape and growth of cells.
Azadeh Hashemi is focused on creating those films using casein – one of the two proteins found in milk – so they are biodegradable and would not need to be removed if used as an implant. . .
New animal welfare regulations progressed:
Minister for Primary Industries Nathan Guy has confirmed 46 new animal welfare regulations will be developed this year.
"Changes we made to the Animal Welfare Act in 2015 have allowed us to create directly-enforceable regulations. This has given the Act more teeth, and creates more tools to deal with mistreatment of animals," says Mr Guy.
"These 46 regulations include stock transport, farm husbandry, companion and working animals, pigs, layer hens and the way animals are accounted for in research, testing and teaching. . .
New app to measure success of wildings control:
For the first time, authorities fighting the spread of wilding conifers will have a complete picture of infestations throughout the country, says Minister for Land Information Mark Mitchell.
"Land Information New Zealand has developed the Wilding Conifer Information System, a web-based mapping and monitoring tool, to ensure control of this invasive species is carried out in the most efficient way possible," Mr Mitchell says. . .
Seafood New Zealand applauds paua relief package:
The Government's financial assistance package for the Kaikoura commercial paua divers has been welcomed by Seafood New Zealand chief executive Tim Pankhurst.
"The package will help support paua divers in Kaikoura who have been under considerable financial stress since last year's earthquake," Pankhurst said. . .
Carrfields acquires Farmlands' livestock business:
Carrfields Livestock has grown to a national heavyweight player in its sector following the purchase of Farmlands' livestock business this month.
Under the deal, Carrfields Livestock has acquired Farmlands' entire livestock business, which includes a team of nearly 30 agents mainly based in the South Island.
This extends Carrfields' coverage of the livestock market to all major regions of New Zealand, said Donald Baines, General Manager Carrfields Livestock. . .
Bayer Wairarapa Young Viticulturist of the Year 2017 announced:
Congratulations to Ben McNab-Jones from Urlar who became Bayer Wairarapa Young Viticulturist of the Year 2017 on 20 July. This is the second year McNab-Jones has entered the regional competition and he is over the moon to be going through to the National Final to represent the Wairarapa.
Congratulations also to Scott Lanceley who came 2nd. Lanceley is currently self-employed and contracting to different vineyards within the region. Congratulations also to from Te Kairanga who came 3rd. . .
Leave a Comment »	| business, environment, Farming, food, rural	| Tagged: Amy Wiggins, Andrea Fox, Annabel Tapley-Smith, Azadeh Hashemi, Bayer Young Viticulturist of the Year, Ben McNab-Jones, Carrfields Livestock. Farmlands, Duncan Smith, Graham Smith, Johnny Wills, Kate Taylor, Land Information NZ (LINZ), Mark Mitchell, Murray Stephens, Nathan Guy, Scott Lanceley, Seafood NZ, Te Kairanga, Tim Pankhurst, Urlar, Waipawa Buthcery, Wilding Conifer Information System, Will Foley	| Permalink
Anti-farming bias won't wait for facts
Contamination of Havelock North's water supply is a serious health issue which has prompted the government to undertake an inquiry.
In announcing the draft terms of reference for it, Attorney General Christopher Finlayson said:
"It is important that New Zealanders have confidence in the quality of our drinking water, and the independent inquiry will ensure we have a clear understanding of what happened in Havelock North," says Mr Finlayson.
"Cabinet has today agreed to initiate a Government inquiry which will report to me as Attorney General.
"The inquiry will look into how the Havelock North water supply became contaminated, how this was subsequently addressed and how local and central government agencies responded to the public health threat that occurred as a result of the contamination.
"The terms of reference are very wide and will include any lessons and improvements that can be made in the management of the water supply network in Havelock North and, more broadly, across New Zealand."
Cabinet will consider over the coming weeks who will lead the Government inquiry.
The inquiry will be undertaken under the Inquiries Act 2013. This will ensure it follows a clear statutory process and will have a range of powers such as the ability to call witnesses.
The need to wait for facts hasn't stopped the usual anti-farming suspects rushing to blame farming in general and dairying in particular for the contamination and using it as an excuse to call for the end to irrigation development.
Federated Farmers' Hawke's Bay president Will Foley said while there was some livestock farming in the area it wasn't intensive:
. . . Basically in terms of the area around Havelock North there just isn't intensive livestock farming.
He said farmers were watching the situation but there had not been any discussions yet.
"Really we're just waiting to see some more clear evidence as to how the contamination occurred. And then if it was something related to farming livestock, then we can react to it then and I guess change practises if that's what it turns out to be."
IrrigationNZ points out that a focus on science and proven solutions is needed in the response to the Havelock North water crisis.
"IrrigationNZ is very concerned, as is everyone else, about the situation in Havelock North. However, we are surprised by some of the accusations now being made around intensive livestock and irrigation, particularly as the area surrounding the water supply well is dominated by orchards, cropping and low intensity livestock."
"Before jumping to conclusions we first must understand the facts. A thorough inquiry will establish how groundwater in the area has become contaminated but this will take time. In the short term we should be moving towards best practice when it comes to protecting public water supplies from contamination," says Andrew Curtis, IrrigationNZ CEO.
Fact 1;
Pathogen contamination almost always results from a point source or a preferential flow scenario.
"The issue will likely be either a preferential flow scenario down the side of an old well case (particularly around older bore casings), a poorly constructed or sealed well head or backflow (contamination making its way directly into bores). Another scenario could be point source from the stock piling of manure. During periods of heavy downpour, contaminants can move through the soil and then there is a risk," says Mr Curtis.
Grazing livestock or irrigation are unlikely to be the cause.
"The Havelock North end of the Heretaunga plains is an area of low intensity livestock. Dominated by orchards and seasonal cropping, with sheep grazing in winter there is no dairy or intensive livestock," says Andrew Curtis.
Livestock grazing is extremely unlikely to have caused this issue – the pathogens don't make it through the soil, the soil acts as a filter – research work undertaken by ESR has previously shown this to be true."
Solutions to prevent contamination of groundwater?
Proven solutions include good management practice at both the supply point and any nearby wells.
"Well head protection is essential for all bores and this needs to be better enforced for older bores. Additionally, we need to be looking at requiring back flow protection where applicable. INZ has produced guidelines for backflow prevention that are based on international best practice for agriculture. On top of this, the council needs to be managing nearby point sources where, if heavy rain occurs, leaching could result. Basically all wells near public water supplies should be properly protected."
"A best practice approach to managing the threats to public water supplies needs to be implemented across New Zealand. There will always be risks from avian, ruminant and human sources so we need to be identifying all the contamination pathways. We need to let the experts get on with their jobs and not take cheap shots with un-informed accusations," says Mr Curtis.
It's understandable for the people of Havelock North to be upset about their water and everyone wants to know what caused the problem and what can be done to prevent it happening again in the area or anywhere else.
But that's not an excuse for the usual suspects to use the issue for their own political agenda without waiting for the facts. In doing so they're show their anti-farming bias.
We could forget about feeding people and earning the export income we need for a happy, healthy, well functioning country as those of a very dark green persuasion would have it.
We could produce a lot more food and seriously degrade the environment with no concern for the future, a path for which I haven't heard anyone advocate.
Or we could use science to produce food sustainably which requires good environmental practices based on science.
If poor farming practices are degrading the water we can do something about it but let's wait for the inquiry and base any required action on the facts.
4 Comments	| business, Farming, health, politics, rural	| Tagged: Andrew Curtis, Chris Finlayson, Federated Farmers, Havelock North, IrrigationNZ, Will Foley	| Permalink
Farming salaries holding firm despite tough conditions:
Dry stock farmers' salaries have seen strong growth in the last year, according to Federated Farmers and Rabobank's 2015/2016 employee remuneration report.
Despite tough times and low inflation, most sheep, beef and grain farmers have been able to provide higher average salaries on a year ago – illustrating real income increases for many farm workers at all levels of experience and responsibility.
Salaries in the dairy industry have remained stable, but for the first time there has been a very small decrease in the value of extras farmers provide their staff, such as firewood and internet access, pushing the total value of their package (TPV) down. . .
Farm Environment Competition Produces Great Crop Of Supreme Winners
Left to Right: Roger Landers and Matt Kelbrick (Taranaki), Graham and Marian Hirst (East Coast), Shane Gibbons and Bridget Speight (Southland), Joe and Suz Wyborn (Canterbury), Richard and Dianne Kidd (Auckland), Daniel and Reidun Nicholson (Greater Wellington), John Hayward and Susan O'Regan, (Waikato), Brendon and Paula Cross (Otago), David and Adrienne Hopkins & Ben and Belinda Price (Horizons), Dennis and Rachelle O'Callaghan (Northland), Leighton Oats and Matt Nelson (Bay of Plenty).The 2016 Ballance Farm Environment Awards have delivered an outstanding line-up of Supreme winners from the eleven regions participating in the prestigious competition.
Auckland is the latest region to join the Ballance Farm Environment Awards, with Helensville sheep, beef and forestry farmers Richard and Dianne Kidd claiming the region's first Supreme title. Fellow sheep and beef farmers Dennis and Rachelle O'Callaghan, Taipa, were Supreme winners in Northland, with large scale kiwifruit operation BAYGOLD Ltd, Paengaroa, winning in the Bay of Plenty. . .
Federated Farmers thrilled Ruataniwha scheme now in position to proceed:
Federated Farmers is thrilled the Ruataniwha Water Storage scheme in Hawkes Bay has made another significant step towards hitting the go button, after it was confirmed sufficient water sign-up will make the scheme cash positive.
Hawke's Bay Regional Investment Company (HBRIC) announced yesterday it has 196 Signed Water User Agreements, the numbers needed for the project to proceed.
Federated Farmers Hawkes Bay Provincial President Will Foley says the dam will preserve the inter-generational nature of family farming in the Hawkes Bay. . .
Dog stays with dead farmer:
The body of an 87-year-old farmer who went missing in rugged Far North bush was found after searchers spotted a dog which had stayed near his side all night.
The man was last seen about 1pm on Monday when he left home on his quad bike to check farm equipment on his Topps Access Rd property, just south of Kaeo.
Family, friends and neighbours began a search when neither he nor the dog returned. They called police when there was still no sign of the pair by 8pm.
The cattle dog, which was described as small and normally timid, was understood to belong to the man's daughter but followed him everywhere he went. . .
Love of farming is in the DNA – Kate Taylor:
University student Olivia Ellis works every time she goes home for a visit. She wouldn't have it any other way.
Home is a 320-hectare farm, Papawai, on State Highway 50 between Onga Onga and Tikokino in Central Hawke's Bay… home also to parents Richard and Helen Ellis.
They've been there since 1995 when Olivia was a toddler, along with big brothers William, who after qualifying as a builder is now shepherding near Timaru, and the late George, who worked for WaterForce in Ashburton before a truck crash in 2014. . .
GlobalDairyTrade moves to 24/7 online trading:
The global dairy trading platform owned by Fonterra is to expand further into online trading.
GlobalDairyTrade (GDT), though owned by Fonterra, acts independently as one of the world's leading dairy trading platforms.
As well as its fortnightly auction, the company offer a new way for customers to trade in the 66-billion litre international dairy market. . .
Dairy co-op Murray Goulburn cuts milk prices, MD Gary Helou departs – Nikolai Beilharz:
Australia's largest dairy processor Murray Goulburn has announced it will cut its milk price for suppliers, with managing director Gary Helou also announcing his departure.
The dairy co-op says it is no longer feasible to pay $5.60 per kilogram of milk solids, and now expects to pay between $4.75-5 per kilogram, a drop of around 10 per cent.
MG says it will introduce milk support payment programs to give suppliers an equivalent milk price of $5.47 per kilogram. . .
What farmers in other countries get paid for milk – Charlie Taverner:
The dairy crisis is hurting farmers across the world, as production far outstrips any rising demand.
Farmers Weekly looks at the farmgate prices and milk production levels around the world and considers how milk producers are coping in different countries.
See a snapshot of farmgate prices in the graphic and read the detail for each country below.
See also: How UK dairy producers can compete globally
The UK's strength is a big liquid market — but that means dairy farmers are divided.
The average milk price of 23.13p/litre in January hides a great split. . . .
Soils big win buried in the science – Mike Foley:
AUSTRALIA'S approach to soil must dig deeper if our agriculture sector is to keep pace with its competitors.
Government policy has for too long taken a narrow focus on soil, prioritising funding for research aimed at enhancing environmental outcomes, as opposed to research that delivers productivity gains.
That's according to soil researcher Andrea Koch, formerly of the United States Study Centre's soil carbon initiative. . .
1 Comment	| business, Farming, food, rural	| Tagged: Adrienne Hopkins, Andrea Koch, Ballance Farm Environment Awards, Belinda Price, Ben Price, Brendon, Bridget Speight, Charlie Taverner, Daniel Nicholson, David Hopkins, Dennis O'Callaghann, Dianne Kidd, Federated Farmers, Gary Helou, George Ellis, GlobalDairyTrade (GDT), Graham Hirst, Helen Ellis, Joe Wyborn, John Hayward, Kate Taylor, Leighton Oats, Marian Hirst, Matt Kelbrick, Matt Nelson, Mike Foley, Murray Goulburn, Nikolai Beilharz, Northland College, Olivia Ellis, Papawai, Paula Cross, Project Manuka, Rachelle O'Callaghan, Reidun Nicholson, Richard Ellis, Richard Kidd, Roger Landers, Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme (RWSS), Shane Gibbons, Susan O'Regan, Suz Wyborn, Will Foley, William Ellis	| Permalink
Project to reduce nitrate levels in Ashburton:
A project looking to reduce nitrate levels in groundwater around Ashburton is underway.
The Hinds Drains working party was exploring ways to address what it said were consistently high levels of nitrates in the lower Hinds Plains' groundwater.
The working party was helping the Ashburton Zone Committee, which was responsible for local water management, with recommendations on minimum flows and water allocations.
Committee chair Donna Field said a Managed Aquifer Recharge, or MAR, project was being explored to manage declining water quality and quantity in the catchment. . .
Delays at slaughter houses:
Dry conditions throughout much of the country means some cockies are now facing long waits to get their stock slaughtered, a Hawkes Bay farmer says.
Federated Farmers Hawkes Bay president Will Foley said the long delays were piling more pressure on farmers who were trying to offload stock.
Mr Foley said huge stock numbers were being sent to the meat works and that was creating a big backlog. . .
ANZ AgriFocus forecasts farmgate milk price of $4.50-to-$4.70/kgMS – Fiona Rotheram:
(BusinessDesk) – New Zealand's farmgate milk price may be $4.50-to-$4.70 per kilogram of milk solids for the 2014/2015 season with dairy incomes a key downside risk for the economy, Australia & New Zealand Banking Group's AgriFocus report says.
That compares with the AgriHQ seasonal farmgate milk price of $4.55/kgMS and Fonterra Cooperative Group's December forecast of $4.70/kgMS, which was down 60 cents on its earlier estimate following a halving of dairy prices during the season.
In its latest Agri Focus report, the bank's economists said this week's GlobalDairyTrade auction, which led to a larger-than-expected jump in the price of whole milk powder to US$3,042 per tonne from US$2,758 two weeks ago, suggests the tide has turned for dairy prices. The question is whether the bounce will be strong enough to ward off further cuts in the 2014/2015 outlook. . .
Minimal impact to farm price values from falling commodity price index:
A drop in the latest primary produce commodity price index will have little effect on the valuation matrices many farmers will use for base data when calculating their potential rural property purchasing levels, according to a senior figurehead in the real estate industry.
The latest ANZ Commodity Price Index released this week recorded an overall 0.9 percent fall in January – the 11th consecutive monthly decrease in the index, which is now down some 18.8 percent over the past 12 months. . .
Walter Peak Land Restoration Project:
Real Journeys is embarking on large scale restoration of its land at Walter Peak to ensure visitors continue to have an authentically New Zealand experience.
Almost 90 hectares of wilding Douglas Fir will be removed by logging or spraying (around 40 hectares of the area consists of dense trees – the rest are scattered) in partnership with the Wakatipu Wilding Conifer Control Group (WCCG) and Department of Conservation. A further 30 hectares of land will be cleared of invasive weeds such as broom, gorse and hawthorne.
Commercial Director, Tony McQuilkin is behind the move, which he says is both exciting and necessary for a company with a proud tradition in conservation and as a responsible landowner. (Real Journeys purchased 155 hectares at Walter Peak in December 2013.) . . .
Leave a Comment »	| business, conservation, environment, Farming, food, rural, trade	| Tagged: ANZ AgriFocus, Ashburton Zone Committee, Donna Field, Federated Farmers, Fiona Rotheram, Hinds Drains working party, Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR), nitrate, Real Journeys, Tony McQuilkin, Walter Peak, Will Foley	| Permalink
Seasonality drives the red meat industries – Keith Woodford:
I have previously described the challenges that seasonality creates for the dairy industry. For New Zealand's red meat industries, those issues are even more constraining. It is a key part of the reason why restructuring the meat industry is so challenging.
Sheep are designed by nature to give birth in the spring, and their fertility is much reduced at all other times of the year. Given that the market predominantly wants carcasses of 17 – 20 kg, this means that most lambs are ready for slaughter between December and April, with the peak slaughter in a shorter period from January to March.
In practical terms, this makes impossible the development of a mainstream consumer products industry based on a 12 month supply of chilled lamb. Trying to configure the national industry in this way would lead to exorbitant production costs. . . .
Dam could lift region's GDP by $54.5m:
A new report shows the gross domestic product of the Nelson Tasman region could be lifted by more than $54 million if a proposed dam is built.
The analysis by the New Zealand Institute of Economic Research has been released during a public consultation of Tasman ratepayers into the possible funding models for the Waimea Community Dam.
The report's author, senior economist Peter Clough said his analysis suggested the benefits of the dam would more than cover the cost of its construction.
Nelson Economic Development Agency chief executive Bill Findlater said the Lee Valley project definitely stacks up. . .
Details about next Tuesday's Ruataniwha water event:
Federated Farmers and Irrigation NZ have released more details about the free "Ruataniwha – it's Now or Never" event, taking place from 7pm next Tuesday (4 November), at the Waipawa/Central Hawke's Bay Municipal Theatre.
"It is definitely not going to be a theoretical discussion about economic models, but real world examples of farmers and schemes with costs similar to what the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme proposes," says Will Foley, Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay.
"Instead of talking about an economic model, we're bringing up farmers involved in the comparable cost North Otago Irrigation Company scheme and Mid-Canterbury's BCI scheme. . .
Sheep, beef farmers want big changes – Sally Rae:
West Otago sheep and beef farmers Nelson and Fiona Hancox want farmers to "stand up and be counted" and take charge of their futures.
The couple, who are both passionate about the red meat industry and are involved with various groups and industry bodies, believe it is time for farmers to take control.
Mrs Hancox was nominated to attend the 2014 Rabobank Global Farmers Master Class in Australia next month, where she would have been joining farmers from around the world. . .
Maori agriculture selling itself short – Gerald Hutching:
Maori agriculture has "huge" potential for development but only 20 per cent of farmland is well developed, 40 per cent is underperforming, and 40 per cent is under-used, says a Massey University academic.
Lecturer and researcher and Kaiarahi Maori Dr Nick Roskruge said about 720,000 hectares of Maori land was farmed, returning $750 million a year, but its short-term potential was $6 billion.
Maori are most strongly represented in the sheep and beef cattle sectors, with dairying becoming increasingly important. About 15,000 Maori are employed in the sector. . .
Capitalising on a perfect partnership on-farm – Jon Morgan:
Rambunctious is the best name for this ram. He's a big bruiser, used to getting his own way, and he doesn't like being manhandled.
He struggles out of Peter Tod's grip and makes a break for freedom. But the Otane farmer's determination is stronger and the ram is wrestled into submission for a photograph.
He is picked out from a small mob as the most photogenic because of his open face, long back, well-shaped legs, sound feet, and meaty hindquarters. . .
Leave a Comment »	| business, Farming, food, rural	| Tagged: Bill Findlater, Dr Nick Roskruge, Federated Farmers, Fiona Hancox, Gerald Hutching, Irrigation NZ, Jon Morgan, Keith Woodford, Lee Valley, Nelson Hancox, Peter Clough, Peter Tod, Rabobank Global Farmers Master Class, Rambunctious, Ruataniwha – it's Now or Never, Sally Rae, Waimea Community Dam, Will Foley	| Permalink
Regen owner named Mumtrepreneur of the Year:
Wellington businesswoman Bridgit Hawkins has been named Fly Buys Mumtrepreneur of the Year in the Fly Buys Mumtrepreneur Awards.
Hawkins' business, Regen Ltd, helps dairy farmers manage a key issue – disposing of cattle effluent. The company has developed software that turns data, including soil moisture, temperature and rainfall, into a simple daily recommendation that's sent to the farmer by text message.
Since Regen launched in 2010, the company has helped hundreds of farms across the country manage effluent disposal efficiently and its customer numbers have doubled year on year. . .
$107.5m to Lincoln University science rebuild:
Tertiary Education, Skills and Employment Minister Steven Joyce today announced that the Government has approved in principle to provide up to $107.5 million in capital funding toward the rebuilding of Lincoln University's science facilities destroyed in the Canterbury earthquakes.
"Lincoln University suffered very significant damage in the Canterbury earthquakes, and this money will assist the university with its rebuild programme and help it get back fully on its feet. Lincoln is focused on growing its undergraduate enrolments and the rebuild of its key facilities is the next stage in returning it to sustainable operations", Mr Joyce says.
Lincoln University lost more than 40 per cent of its academic floor space in the Canterbury earthquakes, including much of its facilities for science teaching and research. The rebuild will involve demolishing the badly damaged Hilgendorf and Burns buildings, and replacing them with modern facilities. . .
Federated Farmers on Ruataniwha appeal:
While Federated Farmers did not lodge an appeal with the High Court against the Board of Inquiry decision on the Ruataniwha Dam and the associated Plan Change 6, it is now considering options in light of Hawke's Bay & Eastern Fish & Game Councils lodging an appeal.
"Federated Farmers principal interests are in the plan change rather than the dam, which was given consent to proceed," says Will Foley, Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay Provincial President.
"I cannot comment on the merits of Fish & Game's appeal until we see it next week.
"Since we now know of Fish & Game appeal, we must now reconsider the best way forward. I need our members to know that we do have options.
"It seems farcical since the news today says Kiwi farmers will have to make big changes to cope with climate change, following release of the International State of the Climate report. Yet more reasons to store water. . . .
Looking for the South Island's next top farmer:
The South Island's next top farmer is out there and Federated Farmers wants to see farmers nominated for the 2014 Lincoln University Foundation South Island Farmer of the Year award. The 2013 award being won by the winemaker, Peter Yealands.
"New Zealand farming does not celebrate success enough," says Dr William Rolleston, Federated Farmers National President.
"As the farmer-comedian Te Radar told us at Federated Farmers' National Conference, we do not take time to stop and appreciate just how good our farmers really are. . .
Levy vote about capturing wool's value – Chris Irons:
In recent news, one might think that sheep farming is all about red meat, but the sheep farmer's story is not all about protein. We farm a dual purpose animal and whilst the red meat side is performing, its fibre counterpart has yet to reach its full potential.
Sheep farmers are world leaders in producing fibre; supplying 45 percent of the world's carpet wool, we are the world's third largest wool exporter. To capture that value behind the farm gate and building the industry's worth of $700 million, we need a Wool Levy.
The Wool Levy Consultation has been officially launched, and the Referendum will be voted on the 10th October. Imagine the possibilities, with the average value of our raw wool exports having increased by 38 percent from 2010 to 2014. . . .
Rural elderly communities to struggle – report:
An ageing population where deaths outnumber births will be a challenge for rural communities who won't be able to afford the services they need, according to analysis of New Zealand census data.
The challenges of adapting to an older population are highlighted in the Our Futures report, by an expert panel at the Royal Society of New Zealand.
Panel chairman, Professor Gary Hawke, says the review is a unique multi-disciplinary approach that looks at the big picture.
"We wanted to highlight what an evolving New Zealand society might look like, what is underlying these changes, and the challenges and opportunities these present." . . .
Mixed fortunes at wool auction:
New Zealand Wool Services International Limited's General Manager, Mr John Dawson reports that the South Island auction offering 10,122 bales this week received varied support despite a weaker New Zealand dollar compared to the last sale on 10th July.
The weighted currency indicator was down 1.11 percent with 81 percent of the offering being sold.
Steady demand from China underpinned the Fine Crossbred sector, however most carpet wool types eased as contracts in this area have been harder to conclude recently. . .
Value Creation and Environmental Sustainability for Marlborough Wine Industry By-Products:
Marlborough's wine producers have come together with the Marlborough District Council in a new collaborative approach to the management of grape marc disposal, to generate a new, commercially viable and environmentally sustainable product from grape waste.
Facilitated by the District Council, participating wine companies have formed the "Marlborough Grape Marc (MGM) group" to advance a proposal for an environmentally sustainable use of the wine industry's waste streams.
The MGM group is chaired by Eric Hughes of Pernod Ricard Winemakers with representatives from Cloudy Bay, Constellation Brands, Delegat's, Giesen, Indevin, Matua, Mount Riley, NZ Wineries, Pernod Ricard Winemakers, Saint Clair and Villa Maria. The group members generate approximately 80% of the wine production in Marlborough. MGM is an open collective, it is hoped that further companies will join and support this industry wide initiative. . .
2 Comments	| business, Farming, rural	| Tagged: Bridgit Hawkins, Chris Irons, Cloudy Bay, Constellation Brands, Delegat's, Dr William Rolleston, Eric Hughes, Federated Farmers, Fly Buys Mumtrepreneur of the Year, Giesen, Indevin, John Dawson, Lincoln University, Marlborough Grape Marc (MGM), Matua, Mount Riley, NZ Wineries, NZ Wool Services International, Our Futures, Pernod Ricard, Professor Gary Hawke, Regen Ltd, Ruataniwha Dam, Saint Clair, Steven Joyce, Villa Maria, Will Foley, Wool Levy	| Permalink
Do you hear the people . . .
Protests by the usual suspects on the left aren't unusual.
It takes a lot more than the usual disgruntlements to get other people on to the streets in any number which makes yesterday's Don't Damn the Dam rally a serious sign of popular support.
RivettingKate Taylor recorded the rally in words and photos:
CHB people gathered in Waipukurau in their droves this morning to support the proposed Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme. The dam.
I was going to say hundreds of people lined the streets, but I really have no way of quantifying how many people were there. Watch the news tonight – they might tell you. Suffice to say, in Kate terms, there were lots and lots.
Farmers, bankers, fertiliser reps, spreader drivers and two former regional councillors Ewan McGregor and Kevin Rose, who are probably secretly glad the decision is not up to them anymore.
There were tractors, utes, motorbikes, stock trucks and a few huntaways. . .
After clogging up the state highway system for a wee while, the vehicle possession (bigger than the annual Christmas parade but no Santa!!) parked up and the "green space" on "post office corner" was filled with claps and cheers for Mr Streeter and Mr Heaton, HB Federated Farmers president Will Foley and local fifth-generation farmer (and CHBDC district councillor) Andrew Watts. We also heard from someone from Timaru who had seen the growth in South Canterbury from the Opuha dam and resulting irrigation systems. . . .
I think the someone from Timaru was Federated Farmers vice president William Rolleston.
Feds is firmly behind the project, but Hawkes Bay provincial president Will Foley is concerned about nutrient limits:
Last month, Massey's Dr Mike Joy told a Canterbury audience, "The nitrate toxicity in some waterways is 10 times the safe level already. We have gone from safe levels of 1.9 millilitres a litre, to 3.8ml/l in Canterbury."
With the Tukituki Board of Inquiry proposing a limit of 0.8 milligrams per litre for dissolved inorganic nitrogen, it would seem contradictory, but its draft decision is about a very different limit – what it believes is good for ecosystem health. And on the nitrate toxicity score, the draft National Objectives Framework has set 6.9ml/l as the bottomline and the Tukituki is not even remotely close.
So let's park Dr Joy and focus on what we all want to achieve for the Tukituki.
That means remembering why we started out in the first place. It was to tackle an algae that's been with us forever called Periphyton. Everyone agrees it's a problem so what's the solution?
We get Periphyton because the Tukituki is a rocky river running warm during summer low flows. Its growth is exacerbated by nitrogen and phosphorus so Hawke's Bay Regional Council came up with a three-pronged approach hitting phosphorus, managing nitrogen and increasing water flows.
In all the debate since, this environmental solution with strong economic benefits has been parked out of sight.
You can only increase water flow during summer by storing rainwater and that's where Ruataniwha comes in. This extra water helps to cool the Tukituki during summer while flushing it of Periphyton. That's been the experience of South Canterbury's Opuha scheme on a similar river.
We've had a similar improvement in the Waiareka Creek from the North Otago Irrigation Company scheme.
It used to be little more than a series of stagnant ponds. Now with guaranteed minimum flows from irrigation water it runs clean and wildlife has re-established.
Another experience is the economic boon Opuha has been to South Canterbury.
Yet during the Board of Inquiry, Dr Joy's colleague Dr Death, helped to shift the focus off Periphyton and towards the stream life of rivers using a model developed for the Manawatu; a very different river to our Tukituki. Arguably, that's how a limit of 0.8mg/l entered the minds of the Board of Inquiry, but how many invertebrates found in water doesn't correlate to any one nutrient.
Ironically, it was Fish and Game's Corina Jordan who confirmed that while nitrogen and clearly phosphorus have impacts, so does river flow, sediment, light intensity and temperature. The upshot being that there is no straight line relationship between a limit of 0.8mg/l and invertebrate health.
Farmers like me are not in denial because Federated Farmers is okay with having a number, but that number must be an indicator and not chiselled into granite. Especially since that number was derived from a model not validated for the Tukituki River and especially since Dr Death's use of the Macroinvertebrate Community Index happens to be an indicator itself.
The Hawke's Bay community needs a solution but the proposed limit of 0.8mg/l is so blunt, it makes Ruataniwha untenable.
The Port of Napier is right to call Ruataniwha a game changer for the entire Hawke's Bay region. Before Ruataniwha's viability was compromised we were talking about a quarter of a billion dollar boost each and every year. If 0.8 remains as a hard limit, it not only kills the dam but means the region going forward will become $50 million poorer each year.
Unless 0.8 becomes an indicator it will seriously compromise all the farming we currently have. We're not just talking sheep and beef but the guys who grow crops, the guys who run orchards, those who milk and even the guys who grow the grapes our region is famous for.
A hard limit of 0.8 means no Ruataniwha leaving us with Periphyton, a worsening economy and increasingly, rivers suffering from ever lower and warmer flows due to drought. If farms convert to forestry we can possibly add sediment to that list. Can anyone tell me what the environmental or community upside is?
Dr Doug Edmeades wrote recently, "the best pieces of advice I was given as a young scientist: 'Edmeades, I do not give a damn for your opinion what are the facts." Opinion seems the basis for 0.8mg/l but it is fact that it's 14 times more stringent than the international standard for drinking water. Don't damn our dam.
Water storage and the irrigation it enables can improve both water quantity and quality.
It provides recreational opportunities and a significant economic boost. Farmers will make the biggest investment and take the biggest risk but as the people rallying yesterday obviously realise the benefits will flow right through the community in more jobs and more business opportunities with the economic and social boost that will bring.
The people of Hawkes Bay spoke through their support for the rally yesterday.
The Regional Council will show whether or not it heard them when it makes it decision on supporting the project, or not.
24 Comments	| business, environment, Farming, politics, rural	| Tagged: Andrew Watts, Dr Mike Joy, Dr William Rolleston, Ewan McGregor, Federated Farmers, Gavin Streeter, Kevin Rose, Periphyton, rivettingKate Taylor, Ruataniwha Water Storage Project, Shane Heaton, Tukituki Board of Inquiry, Waipukurau, Will Foley	| Permalink
Don't damn dam rally
Two Waipawa businessmen who are organising a rally in Waipukurau to support the proposed Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme:
Gavin Streeter and Shane Heaton are directors of Isaac's Pumping and Electrical and have taken it upon themselves to show there is grassroots backing for the project.
"The project has been bashed to pieces in the media with the coverage focusing on the Environmental Protection Authority and how councillors are voting.
"We want to take a different approach – this is a rally by the people for the people – the entire Hawke's Bay community needs to get behind this and show their support in the face of the negative attention the process is receiving," Mr Streeter said.
Through their business they deal with farmers as customers and said there is a lot of positivity in the farming community about the project.
"The farmers have been doing their bit over the last few months. We thought we would do something on behalf of the local business owners, as it's not only the farmers who would benefit from this.
Contrary to the anti-irrigation brigade irrigation doesn't just benefit farmers.
They put up most of the money and have most at risk but the benefit is spread through the community to those who work for, service and supply them.
"If it goes ahead, it might mean we could employ five more local people at our business," said Mr Heaton.
To that end they were out and about beating the streets in Waipukurau yesterday, visiting as many businesses as they could to spread the word about the rally dubbed "Don't damn the dam".
"We don't just want people from Central Hawke's Bay to attend, though. We want the big industries in Hawke's Bay such as Pan Pac, Heinz Watties and McCains to get involved too – this project will have long-term benefits for the whole region," Mr Streeter said. . .
Those industries will benefit too with more produce to process and sell, which will create more jobs.
Federated Farmers is backing the rally:
"We are calling on every person and business in Hawke's Bay who wants to have a better future here, to get in their car, ute, tractor or truck and be at Waipukurau's memorial hall car park on Friday at 12pm," says Will Foley, Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay provincial president.
"This Friday is our chance to show New Zealand how much Hawke's Bay wants to create a positive future for our kids and their kids. The dam will provide so much opportunity for Hawke's Bay.
"We are expecting a strong show of support and are positively backing Ruataniwha because this is our last shot before the Board of Inquiry delivers its final decision.
"Nothing of any worth has ever come from being negative.
"That's why we need a positive show of support to demonstrate what we the people who live here want. The feeling in the community is positive and we need to make a stand to show how much of a game changer the dam is going to be for the region.
"The South Island's Opuha scheme is a shining example of how the whole water storage package works for the economy and the environment.
"The answer to reversing the population drift to Auckland and reversing the loss of businesses and services is as simple as 'just add water.'
"Federated Farmers is okay with having a number for nitrogen, but let's make it an indicator and not chiselled in granite. The whole scheme's viability hinges on this policy point.
"That will only happen if we show everyone just what Ruataniwha means to us.
"You can do that by making a slogan banner to hang off your vehicle this Friday at midday at Waipukurau's memorial hall car park," Mr Foley concluded. . . .
From outside Hawkes Bay seems to have it all – good climate, good soils, a variety of viable businesses, a vibrant arts community . . . .
But it has an underbelly with high unemployment and the social problems which go with it and it's drought-prone.
Irrigation would provide insurance against droughts, boost other businesses and create more jobs.
This is the province's chance to lay a strong foundation for the future and the rally will indicate whether the people are willing to take it.
Leave a Comment »	| business, Farming, rural	| Tagged: Federated Farmers, Gavin Streeter, Heinz Watties, McCains, Pan Pac, Ruataniwha Water Storage Project, Shane Heaton, Waipawa, Waipukurau, Will Foley	| Permalink
Dambusters must not damn Hawke's Bay's future:
The draft report from the Tukituki Board of Inquiry is a poor outcome for the entire Hawke's Bay community, not just farmers.
"The recent Board of Inquiry draft report won't be a good outcome for Hawke's Bay if it ends up blocking the single largest environmental and economic opportunity we've got from progressing," says Will Foley, Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay provincial president.
"We mustn't kid ourselves that Ngai Tahu's polite wording in its withdrawal, simply reflects the kicking Ruataniwha got in the draft decision.
"They are a big loss but Ngai Tahu is also one very smart farmer. If it can see the scheme is a financial goer then I am certain they'll be back, as will other investors. . .
Recovery from Psa and record returns drive rebound of orchard values:
New Zealand kiwifruit growers have received the highest-ever average per-hectare return for supplying Zespri Green Kiwifruit, Zespri's 2013/14 annual results show.
While the return to the individual grower is influenced by factors such as orchard yield, costs and fruit characteristics, the average $42,659 per-hectare Green return underlined confidence in the industry's future, Zespri chairman Peter McBride said.
"After the impact of Psa over the past three years, there is a real sense of optimism in the industry now. Orchard prices have rebounded, investment has started again and the future looks bright," Mr McBride said. . . .
Federated Farmers backs wool levy vote:
Federated Farmers welcomes the opportunity wool growers will have to vote on whether to reinstate a levy on wool. It urges its members to engage in the process to come, to talk with the Wool Levy Group we'll help to set up meetings with and above all, to vote.
"Wool has been the quiet export achiever worth $700 million to New Zealand in 2013," says Jeanette Maxwell, Federated Farmers Meat & Fibre chairperson.
"At that level, it easily eclipsed the exports of personal, cultural, and recreational services, which, by the way, includes motion pictures.
"We are here now because the pan sector Wool Levy Group has learned from history. It is defining what the levy will fund and do but boy, do we need to crack some industry good issues that are holding wool back. . .
$33,000 sale 'amazing highlight' for family – Sally Rae:
Selling a bull for $33,000 at the national Hereford sale at AgInnovation was an "amazing highlight" for the Paterson family from Greenvale, near Gore.
Waikaka Skytower 1289 was bought by Peter Reeves, from Mokairau Station at Gisborne – the third-highest-priced Hereford bull at the sale.
The Paterson family, from Waikaka Station, have been breeding Herefords since 1954 and it was the highest price they have achieved. . .
Student 'gets his name out there' – Sally Rae:
It may have been his debut at the Hereford national show and sale – but young Middlemarch breeder Will Gibson made his mark.
His bull Foulden Hill McCoy was third in the Honda Motorcycles Impact Sires led class and went on to sell for $9000 to Nelson Hereford stud Lake Station.
Mr Gibson (20), a third-year student at Lincoln University studying agricultural commerce, also received the Hereford herdsman award. . . .
The simple answer to MPI milk chilling regulations:
There are very few dairy farmers who will not be affected by the new MPI milk chilling regulations. An innovation first revealed at Central Districts Field Days promises to be the simple solution, with some added advantages. And it's already creating a flurry of interest in the industry.
Matt Parkinson and Dale Stone are already well known in the dairy and refrigeration industries and Snapchill is their answer to the issues that the MPI's regulations will create.
Snapchill is a milk chilling solution aimed at the 75% of New Zealand farmers who have herds if between 300 and 600 cows. The unit can typically be fitted in a day or two and does not require a power upgrade to the farm supply. It sits between farmers' existing pre-chillers and the bulk milk vat and works by creating ice during off-peak times when power is cheaper. As it does so, it recovers heat – enough to make a tank full of water at around 82° for the plant wash. . . .
Leave a Comment »	| business, Farming, food, horticulture, rural, trade	| Tagged: Aginnovation, Dale Stone, Federated Farmers, Foulden Hill McCoy, Hereford, Jeanette Maxwell, kiwifruit, Laurie Paterson, Matt Parkinson, Mokairau Station, Peter McBride, Peter Reeves, PSA, Ruataniwha Water Storage Project, Snapchill, Tukituki Board of Inquiry, Waikaka Skytower 1289, Waikaka Station, Will Foley, Will Gibson, Wool Levy Group, Zespri	| Permalink
Govt reallocates $24 million for Rotorua water clean-up:
The Government will reallocate $24 million to a new project that encourages land owners in the Lake Rotorua catchment to switch to low nitrogen land uses or find other ways to reduce the amount of nitrogen polluting the lake water, Environment Minister Amy Adams has announced.
"The Rotorua community has asked us to shift existing funding commitments to a land use management and change project, as part of the Rotorua Te Arawa lakes water quality improvements programme," Ms Adams says.
"The original plan was to use the money for diverting nutrient-rich streams flowing into the lake and capping sediments to stop nutrients flowing up from the lake bed. Cabinet agreed with the lake stakeholder advisory group that these short term initiatives really just shifted the problem somewhere else. . .
Rotorua farmers pleased with Government contribution to nitrogen reduction:
Farmers in the Lake Rotorua catchment were relieved to hear confirmation on Monday that the Government will fund half of a $48 million scheme to reduce nitrogen losses from pastoral land around the lake.
This money had been budgeted for "in-lake" actions so there is no additional cost to taxpayers and ratepayers who share the cost equally. The scheme is part of a wider effort to improve water quality in Lake Rotorua by reducing nutrient inputs – both nitrogen and phosphorus – from urban, rural and natural sources.
Rotorua farmers are working with the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and other stakeholders to develop draft rural land use rules around nitrogen. Those rules will target a 140 tonne nitrogen reduction by 2032, in addition to an incentive scheme target of 100 tonnes. . .
Australia and New Zealand partner to fight animal disease threat:
Australia and New Zealand have agreed to work together to prepare for the unlikely event of a foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) outbreak in either country.
Australian Minister for Agriculture, Barnaby Joyce, and New Zealand Minister for Primary Industries, Nathan Guy, met today in Melbourne and welcomed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to stress the importance of collaboration in combating the disease and its devastating impacts.
"Our number one plan and focus of much of our biosecurity efforts is to keep FMD out of Australia and New Zealand—but you can't stick your head in the sand about something this significant —you have to plan for the worst," Minister Joyce said. . .
Vets work on drug resistance:
Vets and doctors have an obligation to work together to face the threat of resistance to anti-microbial drugs, New Zealand Veterinary Association (NZVA) president Dr Steve Merchant says.
"The threat of anti-microbial resistance is recognised as one of the greatest risks to human and animal health and is a high priority for the veterinary profession," he said.
"After more than 70 years since the first use of penicillin in human medicine there are a number of bacteria in circulation across the world that are resistant to one or more anti-microbials. . .
Abuzz about chainsaw safety – Rebecca Malcolm:
She's come straight from big-city beauty salons to farming, so it's fair to say Jodie Vaughan has had a few things to learn.
The former Aucklander has been on an Atiamuri farm for only a matter of weeks after she and partner Rhys Williams moved down to take over farm management roles on the family property.
On Thursday Miss Vaughan was one of more than a dozen women who took part in a chainsaw safety workshop run by Stihl New Zealand as part of Chainsaw Safety Awareness Week, which finishes tomorrow. . .
Farmers urged to attend Ruataniwha public meetings:
With Federated Farmers' Hawke's Bay annual general meeting taking place next Wednesday, the Federation is urging its members to find out all they can from Hawke's Bay Regional Council on the Ruataniwha Water Storage Scheme.
"It is true members are now putting Ruataniwha under a microscope, especially following the recent Board of Inquiry draft decision," says Will Foley, Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay provincial president.
"I genuinely imagine Ruataniwha will be a talking point at our provincial annual general meeting, next Wednesday at Vidal's Restaurant in Hastings. . .
1 Comment	| business, environment, Farming, health, rural	| Tagged: Amy Adams, Barnaby Joyce, Dr Steve Merchant, Federated Farmers, Jodie Vaughan, Nathan Guy, NZVA, Rebecca Malcolm, Rhys Williams, Ruataniwha Water Storage Project, Will Foley	| Permalink
Who are denialists now?
Federated Farmers' Hawkes Bay president Will Foley asks, who are the denialists now?
RadioLIVE recently ran an online poll asking its listeners if they were frightened of climate change. To the shock of host Marcus Lush, two-thirds of respondents apparently said no, they're not. I would have said yes.
As some groups are cock-a-hoop over tough consent conditions imposed on the Ruataniwha water storage scheme and others think them lax, you have to wonder if this public climate weariness has spread to them too.
What it all means for the viability of Ruataniwha won't be known until the 700-page decision is crunched but what I know is this. If the scheme does not progress it won't affect Green Party MP's in their air conditioned offices or the paid Wellington staff at Forest & Bird. They don't have to worry about the El Nino being talked about for spring. They don't have to watch our region increasingly turn into a retirement village while our young drift to Auckland or Australia. They don't have to deal with crime since Hawke's Bay bucked the national trend last year.
I cannot understand why some are so hell-bent on derailing a scheme, which gives Hawke's Bay its best shot at adapting to a changing climate. Federated Farmers hosted Dr Russel Norman at the South Island's Opuha water storage scheme a few years ago. Memories seem short unless you are a politician.
With a medium level of confidence the climate experts say that average rainfall on the east coast will decrease this century. This will lead to lower flows of the Makaroro River, Waipawa and Tukituki Rivers. The International Panel on Climate Change warns that by 2040, the East Coast can expect to double or even triple the time spent in drought. This is our future unless we adapt and that means new pastures, crops, technologies and even animals. Above all, adaption means storing water like that proposed by Ruataniwha.
I will be blunt to make a point; the shit in the Tukituki during summer low flows has mostly been human. Up to 70 percent of phosphorous loading during low flows had come from the wastewater plants of Waipukurau, Waipawa, Otane and Takapau. That's thankfully changing with upgrades in hand while the allocation regime will put more water into the Tukituki during summer.
Ruataniwha could do more. It could put a quarter of a billion dollars into those towns each year providing councils with the means to meet increasing drinking water standards. This proves that the environment and economy are flipsides of the same coin. If there's no scheme, there's no dam supported flushing and little additional money to upgrade existing plant. Can anyone tell me the environmental win in that?
Is it just me or has the media and Ruataniwha opponents overlooked the IPCC's warning that New Zealand is underprepared for a changing climate. If anything, there seems to be outright denial since these groups seem to believe our rivers in 2040 will be exactly as they were in 2014. It is not like the Hawke's Bay Regional Investment Company got a muppet to look into climate issues and Ruataniwha either. Victoria University's Dr James Renwick happens to be an international expert in this field.
While dryland places like North Otago have been averaging twice their normal rainfall over the past five years, in the same timeframe, we've had three droughts and it is dragging Hawke's Bay down. Out of 67 councils in the last census, Hastings District slipped nine spots to 30th spot, Napier went back one to 31st while Central Hawke's Bay District dropped to 58th – losing 1.8 percent of its usually resident population.
If Ruataniwha's consents are so tough they are Clayton's ones, then it will be a Pyrrhic victory for the environment. As the climate warms so will the waterways while the volume going into them drops. While that's great for algae it doesn't sound so flash for introduced trout or native fish and birds.
While we can expect less intense rainfall we can store what falls and that's the beauty of Ruataniwha and the secret recipe of our economy; just add water.
So is Ruataniwha perfect, probably not, but what is? Do I have the information to make an informed investment decision? That now hinges on the consent conditions attached by the Board of Inquiry. Yet debating the principle of storing water, given towns and cities do it, is a bit like debating the wisdom of sunblock, dumb.
If we accept the climate is changing then we need to store water and adapt how we currently do things. If you deny the climate will ever change then I guess you won't be at the National Aquarium of NZ on 6 May, where NIWA's Dr Andrew Tait is talking at 730pm on The Climate and Weather of Hawke's Bay.
New Zealand makes a tiny contribution to green house gases.
No matter how hard we try to reduce emissions, we are at the mercy of other countries whose emissions are much greater.
We can continue to do our bit but we must also prepare to adapt to whatever nature throws at us.
If, as is predicted, parts of New Zealand will be hotter and drier, then water storage schemes like Ruataniwha which will enable irrigation and maintain minimum flows in rivers, are not just sensible, the economic, environmental and social benefits they provide.
90 Comments	| business, environment, Farming, politics, rural	| Tagged: Federated Farmers, Makaroro River, Otane, Ruataniwha water storage scheme, Takapau, Tukituki River, Waipawa, Waipawa river, Waipukurau, Will Foley	| Permalink
Farming for the future
Federated farmers provincial president Will Foley writes that the Ruataniwha water Storage Project will provide a future for our children and our children's children.
He concludes:
If we focus on what we are good at, producing high quality food and beverages, then our future is strong because the global demand for quality primary goods is strong. Our climate and landscape makes the Hawke's Bay a brilliant destination for tourists for the same reasons I live here. I farm on the plains, I tramp in the Ruahines and I fish out at sea. I have a vested interest in enhancing all aspects of the Hawke's Bay economy and its environment; we can have the best of both worlds.
But we now stand at a cross-road. Shutting down farming won't get us a pristine environment because we humans have been modifying it for over a thousand years. How bad things would get without the jobs, wealth and infrastructure the primary industries brings in, is as clear as the nose on my face. Those left would be bombarded by more burglaries, more home invasions and a worse environment. Alternatively, we can have farming taken to a new level where farms are highly productive, adaptive to new technologies and a changing climate, as well as being environmentally responsible stewards of the land. That's the progressive Hawke's Bay I want for my children and my children's children.
Everything we do impacts on the environment.
Leaving it all to nature doesn't necessarily help as successive droughts have shown and all the impacts from human endeavour aren't negative.
The solution to those that are isn't to stop progress but to encourage it in a sustainable way,
That will provide economic development, create more jobs and do so in a way that protects and enhances the environment.
3 Comments	| business, economy, environment, Farming, politics	| Tagged: Ruataniwha Water Storage Project, Will Foley	| Permalink
Farms' history recognised – Helena de Reus:
Long-term farmers were praised for their resilience and hard work, at the New Zealand Century Farm and Station Awards in Lawrence on Saturday.
Guest speaker Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy said his dairy farm at Levin had been in the family for 80 years, and he hoped to return to Lawrence in 20 years to receive a century farm award.
"Our country isn't that old, and history is important. Tonight is an opportunity to look back at our pioneer farmers."
The resilience of farming communities and family was on display at the awards, he said. . .
Federated Farmers' youngest provincial president elected this year:
Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay has elected 36-year old Will Foley as its new Hawke's Bay provincial president, replacing Bruce Wills, who will now focus on his role as National President. Will Foley is the youngest provincial president elected in Federated Farmers' class of 2013.
"I must pay tribute to Bruce Wills, who has positively led Federated Farmers in the Hawke's Bay," says Will Foley, Federated Farmers Hawke's Bay provincial president.
"I guess my election means Bruce will be able to focus on his national role. After being elected Bruce quipped about me, "he is about half my age and with a lot more hair".
"As a sheep and beef farmer in Waipukurau, you can say I have a strong interest in water given the effect of the current drought has had upon us. . .
It's time to move – James Houghton:
They say moving house is one of life's most stressful events, but for sharemilkers it can be an annual occurrence. Not only do they pack up their homes; they move hundreds of animals and farm equipment.
May 31 and/or June 1 are often called "Gypsy Day", but actually, it is a chaotic week as moving sharemilkers get everything ready to go to a new farm, which could be down the road or in a different part of the country.
Anyone on the move this weekend needs to keep in mind the need to keep stock off greenfeed before transporting to lessen the chance of spilling effluent on the roads, a potential hazard for other motorists and environmental pollutant. . .
Ballance Agri-Nutrients to sponsor Dairy Women's Network:
Fertiliser company Ballance Agri-Nutrients has confirmed it will be the new prime sponsor of the Dairy Women's Network from 1 June 2013. The new partnership will significantly boost the Network's ability to provide more opportunities for dairy farming women to improve their skills and leadership in the business of dairying.
Ballance general manager agro-science and marketing, Liz Muller, said that in farm ownership and partnerships, women are involved in many of the key business decisions.
"It is often women who take the lead role in areas such as farm finances, staff management, animal welfare, safety and on-farm compliance, yet they are under-represented on farmer co-operative boards of directors and industry agencies. Ballance is taking an active role in helping dairying women develop their leadership skills by supporting organisations such as the Dairy Women's Network, which is focused on developing female leaders. We want to see more women in influential roles contributing to the success and direction of the industry." . . .
Launch of Seafood New Zealand at Parliament:
New Zealand's seafood industry body, Seafood New Zealand, will be officially launched at a function, hosted by the Minister for Primary Industries, at Parliament tonight.
"Seafood New Zealand was set up late last year to be more responsive to market and industry changes, following significant consultation with wider industry," says Eric Barratt, Chair of Seafood New Zealand.
"Less than ten years ago our main export market was the US. Today the focus is on China and north Asian markets that are growing much faster, with the other markets relatively stable. . . .
Children's Honey From NZ Becoming a Global Success Story:
New Zealand's oldest honey brand says parents across the world are recognising the health and quality benefits of feeding New Zealand honey to their children.
According to Airborne Honey, New Zealand's oldest and most trusted honey brand, and one of the country's largest honey exporters, children's honey products are becoming increasingly popular both in New Zealand and further afield.
John Smart, Airborne Honey Sales and Marketing Manager, explains that this is largely due to improved education around the health benefits of honey, as well as international confidence in the safety and quality of honey produced in New Zealand. . .
Leave a Comment »	| Farming, rural	| Tagged: Airborne Honey, Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Bruce Wills, Dairy Women's Network, Eric Barratt, Federated Farmers, Helena de Reus, James Houghton, John Smart, Liz Muller, Nathan Guy, NZ Century Farm and Station Awards, Seafood NZ, Will Foley	| Permalink
New section chairs for Feds
When I saw the headline Dairy and Meat and Fibre groups gain new chair people I thought Federated Farmers was being a bit PC, but people was correct in this case as one of the new chairs is a man and the other's a woman.
Mt Hutt farmer Jeanette Maxwell was elected as Federated Farmers Meat and Fibre chair, the first woman to hold this position. She replaces Bruce Wills who also stepped down. Willy Leferink is the new chairy for the dairy section, replacing Lachlan McKenzie who has stepped down.
The Dairy Vice-chairs are Robin Barkla and Andrew Hoggard. Michelle Riley and Kevin Robinson also elected to the executive.
Ciaran Tully continues as Sharemilkers section Chairperson.
Meat and Fibre section's new vice-chair is Dugald McLean. Tim Mackintosh was re-elected to the executive with new members Will Foley and Lyn Neeson.
5 Comments	| Farming	| Tagged: Andrew Hoggard, Bruce Wills, Ciaran Tully, Dugald McLean, Federated Farmers, Jeanette Maxwell, Kevin Robinson, Lachlan McKenzie, Lyn Neeson, Michelle Riley, Robin Barkla, Tim Mackintosh, Will Foley, Willy Leferink	| Permalink


After many years of going to various vet offices I am always appalled when vets "pimp" the Hills Prescription Diet on clients. It is all I can do to sit there in silence and not scream at the clients to look at the ingredients. The dry food appears to have far more inferior and dangerous ingredients than the canned; although for the most part all ingredients are poor. I think the greatest joke is the weight loss "foods" that have from 10 - 17% powdered cellulose. Therefore I have summarized all the different "foods" and their ingredients in order to educate people. Thanks for looking!!
BEET PULP – Residue after juices have been extracted for sugar; low in protein and fat, high fiber.
CORN GLUTEN MEAL – pre emergenent to prevent weeds from growing. What is left after processing corn starch and corn syrup. 10% nitrogen – makes good fertilizer; causes allergies.
DRIED CITRUS PULP – Dried residue of peel, pulp and seeds of orange, grapefruit and other fruit. Second to corn as concentrated feed, good source of calcium, but low in phosphorus; high degree of water absorption.
Dogs need a correct blend of calcium/phosphorus that is found in meat/bones and eggs.
DRIED EGG PRODUCT – Pasteurized spray dried whole egg solids produced from eggs that do not meet USDA standards for human consumption.
HYDROLYZED CHICKEN – Cooked, freeze dried and treats with hydrogen; preserves more and then pulverized as flavor.
POWDERED CELLULOSE – Obtain from wood pulp and cotton – used to produce cardboard, paper and fiber roughage. Cannot be digested. Also found in lettuce, celery and bran; provides bulk and roughage. Only goats and camels who have certain bacteria in stomachs can digest.
PROPYL GALLATE – Prevents oxidation and keeps fats and oils from deterioration. Causes stomach irritation and allergic reactions that constrict breathing.
SOYBEAN MEAL – Product after extracting oil – high in protein for dairy cattle.
TOMATO POMACE – Skin, pulp, and seeds after processing for juice, soup or ketchup. Used for fiber in dog foods to produce firm stools.
Dried Potato Product, Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver, Potato Starch, Soybean Oil (preserved with BHA, propyl gallate and citric acid), Hydrolyzed Chicken, Powdered Cellulose, Calcium Sulfate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Glyceryl Monostearate, Iodized Salt, Choline Chloride, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), DL-Methionine, Taurine, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.
 Propyl gallate can cause some adverse side effects, such as stomach irritation, skin irritation, and allergic reactions that constrict breathing. It also can cause extra skin sensitivity. People who have asthma, an allergy to aspirin, or liver or kidney problems, should avoid propyl gallate as much as possible.
 In extensive laboratory research on propyl gallate, scientists have found toxicity in rats only when raising levels to 70 to 200 times the approved amount. Adverse effects are rare. Laboratory studies even found indication of some beneficial effects from propyl gallate, such as reductions in cancer, birth defects, and teeth cavities, which scientists theorize is because of the antioxidant properties. However, two other antioxidants which propyl gallate is often combined with, butylated hydroxyanisole and butylated hydroxytoluene, have had questionable results in certain studies. Some European and Asian countries have severely restricted the use of BHA and BHT as food additives or banned them altogether. Nevertheless, all three additives are accepted as safe by most countries.
Brewers Rice, Corn Starch, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Dried Egg Product, Powdered Cellulose, Chicken Liver Flavor, Flaxseed, Potassium Citrate, Soybean Oil (preserved with BHA, propyl gallate and citric acid), Calcium Carbonate, L-Lysine, Iodized Salt, Choline Chloride, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Dried Beet Pulp, L-Threonine, Taurine, Vitamin E Supplement, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, L-Tryptophan, L-Carnitine, Beta- Carotene, Rosemary Extract.
Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Brewers Rice, Soybean Mill Run, Soybean Meal, Flaxseed, Fish Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Dried Carrots, Dried Spinach, Dried Grape Pomace, Dried Tomato Pomace, Dried Citrus Pulp, Soybean Oil, Potassium Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Oat Fiber, Choline Chloride, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of Vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), L-Lysine, Iodized Salt, Calcium Carbonate, L-Tryptophan, Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Carnitine, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, Alpha-Lipoic Acid, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.
Ground Whole Grain Corn, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Chicken By-Product Meal, Soybean Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Mill Run, Chicken Liver Flavor, Calcium Sulfate, Soybean Oil, Flaxseed, Iodized Salt, L-Lysine, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Dicalcium Phosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Potassium Chloride, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.
Potato, Potato Starch, Duck, Potato Protein, Pork Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Soybean Oil (preserved with BHA, propyl gallate and citric acid), Natural Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Powdered Cellulose, Fish Oil, Iodized Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Duck By-Product Meal, Choline Chloride, vitamins (L-ascorbyl-2-polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), DL-Methionine, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Tryptophan, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.
Potato, Potato Starch, Salmon, Potato Protein, Pork Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Soybean Oil (preserved with BHA, propyl gallate and citric acid), Natural Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Fish Meal, Potassium Chloride, Powdered Cellulose, Fish Oil, Iodized Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Vitamin E Supplement, DL-Methionine, Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Tryptophan, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.
Potato, Potato Starch, Venison, Potato Protein, Pork Fat (preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid), Soybean Oil (preserved with BHA, propyl gallate and citric acid), Natural Flavor, Dicalcium Phosphate, Potassium Chloride, Powdered Cellulose, Venison Meal, Fish Oil, Iodized Salt, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), DL-Methionine, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Tryptophan, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.
Brewers Rice, Dried Egg Product, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Natural Flavor, Soybean Oil (preserved with BHA, propyl gallate and citric acid), Powdered Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Fish Oil, Potassium Chloride, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Iodized Salt, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.
Brewers Rice, Chicken By-Product Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Dried Egg Product, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Flaxseed, Soybean Oil (preserved with BHA, propyl gallate and citric acid), Chicken Liver Flavor, Potassium Chloride, Pork Protein Isolate, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Iodized Salt, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Ground Whole Grain Corn, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Soy Protein Isolate, Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Dried Egg Product, Powdered Cellulose, Potassium Citrate, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Natural Flavor, Choline Chloride, Soybean Oil, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), L-Lysine, Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), DL-Methionine, Vitamin E Supplement, Magnesium Oxide, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, L-Carnitine, L-Tryptophan, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.
Ground Whole Grain Corn, Brewers Rice, Dried Egg Product, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Powdered Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Chicken Liver Flavor, Iodized Salt, Potassium Citrate, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Potassium Chloride, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Oil, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Flaxseed, Soybean Mill Run, Brewers Rice, Soybean Meal, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Chicken Liver Flavor, Powdered Cellulose, Fish Oil, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, Calcium Carbonate, Choline Chloride, Iodized Salt, DL-Methionine, Vitamin E Supplement, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), L-Threonine, Taurine, Soy Lecithin, Glucosamine Hydrochloride, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Tryptophan, L-Carnitine, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols and Citric Acid, Chondroitin Sulfate, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.
Brewers Rice, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Dried Egg Product, Flaxseed, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Powdered Cellulose, Calcium Carbonate, Dried Beet Pulp, L-Lysine, Potassium Chloride, Potassium Citrate, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Iodized Salt, Calcium Sulfate, Vitamin E Supplement, L-Threonine, Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Tryptophan, Magnesium Oxide, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.
Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Carnitine, L-Tryptophan, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, Rosemary Extract.
Ground Whole Grain Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Powdered Cellulose 10.4% (source of fiber), Soybean Mill Run, Soybean Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Oil, Iron Oxide, DL-Methionine, L-Lysine, Potassium Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Taurine, minerals (Manganese Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), L-Carnitine, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.
Ground Whole Grain Corn, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Powdered Cellulose, Soybean Meal, Soybean Mill Run, Chicken Liver Flavor, Chicken, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Oil, Iron Oxide, DL-Methionine, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, Iodized Salt, Dicalcium Phosphate, Vitamin E Supplement, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Choline Chloride, minerals (Manganese Sulfate, Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, L-Carnitine, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.
Brewers Rice, Ground Whole Grain Corn, Chicken By-Product Meal, Powdered Cellulose, Pork Fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols and citric acid), Soybean Mill Run, Soybean Oil, Chicken Liver Flavor, Calcium Sulfate, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, Iodized Salt, Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Taurine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.
Ground Whole Grain Corn, Powdered Cellulose 17.1% (source of fiber), Chicken by-product Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Soybean Mill Run, Corn Gluten Meal, Soybean Oil, Dried Beet Pulp, Soybean Meal, Iron Oxide, Potassium Chloride, Calcium Sulfate, L-Lysine, Vitamin E Supplement, Choline Chloride, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, L-Carnitine, L-Tryptophan, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.
Ground Whole Grain Corn, Powdered Cellulose, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Chicken Liver Flavor, Soybean Mill Run, Chicken, Soybean Oil, Dried Beet Pulp, Iron Oxide, Calcium Sulfate, Potassium Chloride, L-Lysine, vitamins (L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), Choline Chloride, Vitamin E Supplement, Sodium Tripolyphosphate, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, L-Tryptophan, DL-Methionine, Calcium Carbonate, L-Carnitine, preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.
Starch, Hydrolyzed Chicken Liver, Soybean Oil (preserved with BHA, propyl gallate and citric acid), Hydrolyzed Chicken, Powdered Cellulose, Dicalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Glyceryl Monostearate, Potassium Chloride, Iodized Salt, Choline Chloride, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, L-Ascorbyl-2-Polyphosphate (source of vitamin C), Niacin, Thiamine Mononitrate, Vitamin A Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Biotin, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Riboflavin, Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid), DL-Methionine, minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Copper sulfate, Manganous Oxide, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), preserved with Mixed Tocopherols & Citric Acid, Taurine, Beta-Carotene, Rosemary Extract.


The last thing I would want on the course after all of this muck is an even more motivated Tiga, Tiga, Tiga, Woods Ya'll. It is obvious that this guy has mastered the Sports Psychological art of turning 'Lemons into lemonade' The more turmoil that surrounds him the more focused he becomes.
Sergio, Phil, Vijay and all the rest of you give Tiger a call of support and hope that he isn't mad enough to smoke all of you when he returns to the course.
The Kansas City Tribe defeated the previously unbeaten DC Divas 21-18 in the IWFL World Championship in Round Rock, Texas on July 25th. The team was led by quarterback Jenny Schmidt who completed 16-28 passes for 236 yards and two touchdowns, one in the second quarter to Regan Campbell and a 25 yard strike to Rusty Sowers in the third. Schmidt also added the team's final touchdown with a two yard run deep in the fourth quarter. The Championship game capped off Schmidt's amazing season, where she threw for over 3,200 yards, with 42 touchdowns and only ten interceptions.
Gonna be a hot time in Beantown!