MAKE THE M0ST OF LESSONS TO LEARN - Farm Source
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MAY 2022
MAKE THE
M0ST OF
LESSONS TO LEARN
CLOSING THE
REWARDS IN LOWERING
CIRCLE OF GRASS
FOR ALL SCC IN CENTRAL
TO GLASS
DISTRICTS
CERTAINTY
GUARANTEE
PLAN FOR
THE SEASON
AHEAD WITH
CERTAINTY
There are few things in farming that are certain.
But a great, reliable price for your farm supplies is
now one thing you can be certain of.
We’ve worked with our suppliers and leading brands
to introduce the Farm Source Certainty Guarantee.
It means you can be certain that our everyday low
pricing won’t increase on a wide range of products and
supplies for April to October. Which means you can
budget with certainty.
It’s another way we’re working to strengthen
your bottom line.
nzfarmsource.co.nz
Farm Dairy Records
are now open
To meet the Co-operative and Prosperity
achievement, you need to keep full and
accurate Farm Dairy Records and submit
them online by 30 June 2022.
Meeting this achievement contributes to the first level of recognition
of The Co-operative Difference, Te Pūtake and receiving 7c kgMS on all
milk supplied. As well as meeting this achievement, this information is
used to:
• Report on sustainability commitments.
• Advocate on your behalf with communities and regulators.
• Develop better services to support you and your business.
• Ensure we are meeting consumer requirements.
Benefits of submitting online
• Some of the fields will be pre-populated with information you’ve
provided previously before you even start.
• In the Fonterra Nitrogen Risk Scorecard pathway, you’ll have the
flexibility to make changes if you’ve missed something after it’s
been submitted.
• If you’ve used the Dairy Diary app, you will see your fertiliser and
feed information pre-populated into your Farm Dairy Records, so
you won’t have to fill them all in again.
Under the Terms of Supply, you must have submitted your Farm
Dairy Records by 31 July 2022.
Go to nzfarmsource.co.nz/farmdairyrecords
or scan QR code with your mobile camera to
complete your records now.
30 Maize has become an increasingly important part of the New Zealand dairy farm system. Lock in next season’s feed supply now and reap the rewards next season. Find out more about the benefits of using maize on your farm. nzfarmsource.co.nz/maize
May
ON FARM
Lessons to learn in lowering SCC in
Central Districts
4 A Milk Quality Insights visit to review your Farm Insight Report
findings could help identify any blind spots you have in your practice.
Get to Know Libby Clement, Regional Fonterra’s Digital Farm Insights continues
Food Safety and Assurance Manager
How Libby Clement is driving on-farm changes to meet
food safety, milk quality and animal welfare standards.
2 5
to evolve
Fonterra’s Digital Farm Insights now includes Animal and
Milk Insights.
Oamaru farmer solves seven-year
mastitis problem
6 Having detailed knowledge of pathogens gives you the power
when treating and preventing mastitis.
We’ve got your dairy shed covered
8 Make sure your rubberware isn’t holding back your milking
efficiency, hygiene and cow comfort.
Make the most of maize
12 Technical Ag Specialist Jarno Sammet on maize’s reliability
from a feed and environmental perspective.
Don’t overlook milk chilling as an Maize silage: a reliable, cost-effective
opportunity for improvement
Ill-considered replacement of milk cooling system can
be costly to the pocket and to the environment.
11 14
supplement for dairy platform
In Northland, the Simpson’s high-producing dairy cows benefit
hugely from maize silage as it provides a high-quality feed that
nutritionally balances a pasture-based diet.
Easier nitrogen fertiliser reporting
SIDE – SOUTH ISLAND DAIRY EVENT
15 Using MyBallance allows you to keep track of fertiliser information
and prepare your data for a council-ready nitrogen usage report.
8TH – 9TH JUNE, 2022
Join us at the Oamaru Opera Turning challenges into advantages
House in the Waitaki District 16 Area Manager Debbie Jenkins on the flourishing highs and lows
for inspiring keynote speakers, of Taranaki.
workshops, field trips and the
famous SIDE dinner.
Capture the full potential of established pastures
17 Talk to your TSR about herbicide weed spectrum strengths and
Visit side.org.nz for more characteristics before deciding on your winter clean-up programme.
information about the biggest
dairy event of the year. Closing the circle of grass to glass
19 Michael Jones, the new Southland Otago Regional Head, on
connecting with his farmers and working with them to maximise
opportunities or minimise potential risks.
COMMUNITY Magnesium delivery pre-calving
21 Using quality magnesium sources aids in uptake and effectiveness.
Planning helps you winter well wherever you are
28 Don’t wait for sodden paddocks and mud to strike – prepare a Easy and accurate animal identification
wintering plan to guide when, and how, to act. 23 It’s never been easier to top up your tags and for accurate
identification and compliance.
Finalists compete for prestigious Dairy
Rewards for all
Industry Awards
44 The 32 finalists representing 11 regions in the 2022 New Zealand 24 Farm Source Rewards has opened up to all Farm Source customers
–sure to help Kiwi farmers and rural contractors turn their farm spend
Dairy Industry Awards have been found.
into some big rewards.
All offers featured in this issue of Enrich magazine are valid from 1 May to 31 May 2022 unless otherwise stated or while stocks last. Prices include 15% GST and are subject to change. Some
products may not be available in all stores but may be ordered on request. Editorial opinions expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views of RD1 Limited, its staff or related companies. While
RD1 Limited believes the information contained in this magazine is accurate, no responsibility is accepted by RD1 Limited for the failure of any product or service to give satisfaction and no liability (whether
in tort or otherwise) is accepted for any loss of any kind that may arise from actions taken in reliance on the contents of this publication. No part of this publication can be reproduced without the prior written
consent of RD1 Limited and, if applicable, the author of the editorial. The icon and the Farm Source logo are registered Trademarks of Fonterra Co-Operative Group.
GET TO KNOW
Libby Clement
Regional Food Safety and Assurance Manager
Libby Clement has worked her way up, and across the country under
Fonterra’s milk quality and farm assurance employment pathway.
Libby might not be from a farming Looking at that support offered on a “Of course, motivating is the new
background, but after answering day-to-day basis, there are many hats milk payment parameter for farmers
questions eight hours a day at the Libby wears when working with her who meet the requirements of the
Hamilton-based service centre, she 1,400 farmers across Taranaki. Co-operative Difference.”
quickly got up to speed with on-farm life
when she started with the Co-operative Those hats include: Delivering milk with an SCC count
three years ago. of less than 150,000 for at least
1. Milk Quality support visit 30 days in a season is one of the
Eager to learn, she progressed to the • Meet with farmers to identify ways conditions a farm needs to meet in
Regional Food Safety and Assurance to further lower their somatic cell order to reach ‘Te Puku’, the second
Manager (RFSAM) in Bay of Plenty last count (SCC). tier of achievement.
year and after six months, relocated to
New Plymouth earlier this year. • After the visit, farmers receive a “The Co-operative Difference
report detailing what was identified framework is encouraging positive
There are eight RFSAMs around the and the recommendations. changes on farm by ensuring we
country, who, in summary, support • Free and independent advice. meet our core requirements – whilst
farmers in regulation-based risk also rewarding those who go above
mitigation and reputational risk “Farmers have really jumped at this and beyond day in, day out.”
management, with a focus on food advice to help identify opportunities to
safety, milk quality and animal welfare. reduce SCC and introduce milking
efficiencies to the shed,” Libby says.
2
“I go home at night knowing I’ve made an impact and knowing
I’m helping individual farmers reach their best potential. It’s
a great thing to be able to do,” says Libby Clement.
2. Cared for Cows “Fortunately there was no animal
In it together
• Animal health assessments. wellbeing risk to the calves, but we
chatted with the farmer who was proactive
Libby says she’s in the thick of the
• Management and wellbeing of herds and next year there will be a portable
province’s drying off period, helping
– identifying needs to be met. shelter provided. Talking helps.”
farmers with their winter planning,
and discussing how best to prepare
“We work with farmers and support 5. Going Digital for calving.
when needed around animal welbeing,” • The Digital Dairy Diary will have an
Libby says. increasing on-and off-farm role, aiding Many days involve being out and
farm visits and practices reviews. about on farms and moving across the
“We make market claims about ‘trusted region. Other days will find her studying,
goodness’ so, in turn, we need to support • Farm practices and procedures are
following up and reporting – by phone
farmers in living up to those claims.” recorded in real-time and, being
or computer – on new possibilities,
online, are accessible to Farm Dairy
improvements, and ways to modify
3. Farm Dairy Assessment Assessors ahead of the visit.
on-farm practices.
• Provide farmers with an in-depth • Saves time, allows for more advice
understanding of their Farm to be given in discussions to support. “No two days and no two farms are the
Dairy Assessment. It’s a major tool for productivity, animal same for me,” she says.
health, monitoring, and provenance
• Support farmers to understand “We help farmers understand how the
applications.
industry protocols…covering both compliance requirements are actually
minimum requirements and some “Fonterra realises that the Digital Dairy good. We provide farmers with tools and
future-looking items. Diary is a big change, massive, and the knowledge to supply the best quality milk
hope is to see the majority of farmers they can.”
“Part of our role is being an expert in using the app by 2025,” says Libby.
those changes and in what’s coming,” Libby says she and her team will have
Libby says. “Part of my role is helping farmers even more knowledge at the beginning
trust the system and showing them of the season as they visit farms armed
“Understanding these changes, and the digital ropes. with information outlined in the individual
what’s required to adapt is part of Farm Insight Reports.
what we feed through to farmers to “Having all that information there, at
“It’s really cool being able to turn those
help them modify their systems.” your fingertips, exactly when you need
insights into outcomes for farmers.
it is such an advantage.”
4. Responding to risks in animal “The fact everyone is working together
wellbeing under a co-op structure really appealed,
• An immediate response capability and I’m still sold on the shared values.
exists within RFSAM when individual
animals and herds are at risk. “I’m proud to support farmers in
“We help farmers understand producing the highest quality milk for
• Turning negative or compromising
the rules and how the compliance the highest quality products.
situations for animal health into
positive outcomes. requirements are actually good. “I go home at night knowing I’ve
• Educating farmers.
We provide farmers with tools made an impact and knowing I’m
and knowledge to supply the helping individual farmers reach
“We were recently called to check on best quality milk they can,” their best potential.
some calves which appeared to have no
says Libby Clement. “It’s a great thing to be able to do.”
shelter during a wet winter,” Libby says.
ENRICH | MAY 2022 3
Lessons to learn in lowering
SCC in Central Districts
Dannevirke Farmer Thomas out milk liners, and that’s helped,” prevention and support farmers to
Read recently took advantage Thomas says. achieve milk quality excellence.
of the support offered by his
local Farm Source team to “Some of the advice was around early There’s good science and reasons to
help reach the farm’s milk lactation, the idea being you minimise support the recommendations covered
new mastitis infections at the high-risk on farm and in the reports provided.
quality goals.
time of the season and maintain it for
the remainder of the season, and we’re Grant says as well as animal health
He and wife Jennifer are in their first looking at implementing some new ideas implications, from customers and
season on the 236 hectare (HA) property come August.” consumers points of view it is important
they’ve 50:50 sharemilked on for the to see fit and healthy cows. A low SCC
last seven seasons. The 680 crossbred Over the past three and a bit months, is indicative of this.
cows had a rolling 200,000 Somatic Cell Thomas and his team have maintained
Count (SCC) over both herds, which SCC to 175,000. “This is a great product from Farm Source
they milk across two sheds (24 and 36 and Fonterra. It’s free, and you’ve got
aside herringbones). Believing they were “We’re trying to continually improve nothing to lose,” says Thomas.
carrying out best practice, or close to it, and are looking forward to dropping
Thomas reached out to his local Farm to 150,000 and lower. “We don’t know everything, and this
Source team for further support. nudges us in the right direction. Why
“We want to keep production paramount not use it, it works.”
“We wanted to make sure we weren’t too…but without the SCC. If we do that,
missing anything,” says Thomas. “Maybe there’s not so many clinically treated To find out more or book your Milk
have some blind spots pointed out. We’d cows whose milk we have to remove Quality Insight Visit, contact your
tried to solve it in-house, and it would from collection. Area Manager.
always be discussed at team meetings.
But we weren’t seeing much change.” “We’ve dropped the number of cows
being treated from 40 down to 14 too.
Grant Rudman, the Regional Food It’s important all round, including for
Safety and Assurance Manager for animal health reasons. Better cows “This is a great product from
Central Districts, made a farm visit give better production.” Farm Source and Fonterra. It’s
last December (2021).
free, and you’ve got nothing to
Grant says Milk Quality Insight Visits
lose,” says Thomas.
“He identified a few things we might are another way to align farmers with
improve on. One of those was changing good management practices for mastitis
4 ▲ Grant Rudman, Regional Food Safety and Assurance Manager for Central Districts.
Fonterra’s Digital Farm Insights
continues to evolve
Fonterra’s Digital Farm Insights Matt says another major advantage to • Milking efficiency
are continuing to evolve to help the Digital Farm Insights is that farmers • Provides farmers information on
identify opportunities on farm. don’t have to wait until the beginning of milking efficiency and if farms may
spring to receive their PDF copy – Digital have an opportunity to save time
The second season of Digital Farm Farm Insights are available as soon as at milking
Insights sees further developments to farmers submit their Farm Dairy
highlight potential opportunities for Records, enabling farmers to action on • Greenhouse gas emissions
on-farm efficiency gains in environmental more timely information. • This season farmers can receive
performance, milk efficiency and animal an additional Greenhouse Gas
health, says Matt Randal, Fonterra Farm Dairy Records opened for online Emissions Assessment for their
Environmental Programme Lead. submission on May 1st and under the Total Farm Area by supplying
Terms of Supply must be submitted extra information in their Farm
He says Digital Farm Insights use before July 31st 2022. Dairy Records about animals and
information from the Farm Dairy Records practices on their Support Land /
and continue to tap into the wealth of Farmers can also re-submit their Farm Run-off
on-farm information, such as Farm Dairy Dairy Records if they spot any errors in
Assessments, Milk Vat Monitoring and their Digital Farm Insights, however part Digital Farm Insights will continue to
Milk Production and Quality results to of the qualification for the Co-operative evolve Matt says, with benchmarking
provide insights that are unique to Difference Payment of seven cents per being currently developed. Farmers will
Fonterra suppliers. kilogram of milksolids (kgMS) requires be able to see how they compare to
farmers to submit their final and accurate others in their region for various metrics,
“And for our customers, these insights Farm Dairy Records by June 30th 2022. such as Purchased Nitrogen Surplus
are a key component in supporting our and Fertiliser Efficiency.
Co-operative’s ‘Trusted Goodness’ Additions to this year’s Digital Farm
market claims. Insights include: Matt recommends getting in touch with
your local Farm Source team if you want
• Animal Insights
“Fonterra and its shareholders are to turn your insights into environmental,
continually looking for ways to become • Estimates on how heat stress, animal and milk quality results.
even more efficient as a sustainability lameness and mastitis could be
leader in the industry.” financially impacting your farm “The insights are conversation starters.
Farming systems are complex with
• Milk Quality
different factors and there is no one-size-
• Shows how a reduction in somatic fits-all recommendation,” Matt says.
“The insights are conversation cell count (SCC) can boost milk
starters. Farming systems are production “Get in touch with the team to start
complex with different factors building more efficiency into your
and there is no one-size-fits-all farming operations.”
recommendation,” Matt says.
ENRICH | MAY 2022 5
Oamaru farmer solves
seven-year mastitis problem
“Knowledge is power,” says Farm Manager Sarah Smart, who had experienced a high
incidence of clinical mastitis for seven years and was treating 20% of the herd annually.
Today, they are on top of the mastitis issue with more knowledge and better practice, and
the herd’s somatic cell count (SCC) is the lowest it has ever been.
Sarah oversees animal health at were treating the animals accordingly,” Unexpected results
Hillbrook Dairies Ltd, a 200-hectare (ha) says Sarah.
farm milking 645 cows in North Otago. A diagnostic bulk milk sample from the
With an SCC between 120,000 and With no response to treatment and vat revealed some unexpected results.
200,000, the situation wasn’t serious. elevated SCC, she contacted FIL
Area Manager Kirk Falconer. Developed by Farm Medix and
“We just wanted to do better. Mastitis delivered on farm by FIL’s team, the
was a niggly issue we couldn’t seem to “Looking into the history, it was clear bulk tank test helps determine exactly
crack,” explains Sarah. that there had been a problem ever what pathogens are present in the
since the shed was built seven years milk and whether it is coming from the
By herd testing four times a year, ago,” says Kirk. cows or is hygiene-related. The test
the team knew which cows had a high includes a comprehensive strategic
SCC. They were not aware, however, “Sarah thought that because it was action report that addresses the root
of the exact pathogens causing the staph aureus, they either had to live cause of the pathogens found.
ongoing problem, or any other factors with it or cull a lot of cows.
that might have been negatively “There wasn’t a staph aureus problem,”
impacting teat condition. “Our advice was to dig a little deeper, says Kirk. “Instead, we were dealing
find out what was going on within the with Streptococcus dysgalactiae and
“We thought we were dealing with milk and identify exactly which Coagulase-negative staphylococci (CNS).”
chronically infected staph aureus cows, pathogens we were dealing with.”
we had prescribed medication and we
6“Using Check-Up, we find out exactly what pathogens we
are dealing with in each case. In some cases, we don’t
need to treat the cows. We also know that if we do come
across a staph cow, she needs to be managed differently,"
says Farm Manager Sarah Smart.
▲ The bulk tank test determines what pathogens
Strep dysgalactiae is an environmental “The key reason to use this is to are present in the herd.
contagious mastitis associated with teat eliminate the two- to four-day mastitis
◄ Sarah oversees animal health at Hillbrook
end damage. that typically arises on New Zealand Dairies Ltd in North Otago.
dairy farms,” says Kirk.
CNS is an opportunistic bacteria that
lives on teat skin and will elevate SCC Unfortunately, Sarah admits, the team If a mastitis case presents, Sarah now
as the cow has an immune response. took a few shortcuts which resulted in cultures the samples herself using the
cases of mastitis again last spring. Kirk Farm Medix Check-Up kit.
“Having this information was handy,” returned to review the steps with the
continues Kirk. “We looked to the plant team and rectify the problem. “Using Check-Up, we find out exactly
for the causes of Strep dysgalactiae. what pathogens we are dealing with in
We immediately found that different After calving, with the team following each case. In some cases, we don’t
length milk tubes were affecting cup the Spring Milking Procedures to the need to treat the cows. We also know
alignment, which with associated letter, Strep dysgalactiae rectified and that if we do come across a staph cow,
tension and cup slips can often cause environmental pathogens under control, she needs to be managed differently.
teat damage. We also checked the cup Sarah and Kirk addressed the CNS
remover settings to ensure the cows problem. The most common mastitis “With a significant change in cell count
were not being over milked. Once those pathogen on New Zealand dairy farms, this year versus last year, I’m confident
were sorted, we started to see CNS seldom causes clinical mastitis in the decisions we’re making. Our goal
improvements very quickly. and is usually related to ineffective teat is to average under 100 (SCC) for the
spraying. For example, not covering teats whole season and we’re on track to
“At the time, the team was using a well, or not adding enough emollient. achieve that.”
chlorhexidine-based teat spray. We
have learned that chlorhexidine works Kirk’s advice was to increase emollient Will she do anything else differently
best against Strep dysgalactiae. In fact, in the teat spray solution to help improve going forward? “Yes,” she answers.
it is the only pathogen which responds teat condition. He also fine-tuned the
better to chlorhexidine and not iodine.” teat-spraying programme with training “We will totally implement the 10-step
to ensure the team was getting good Spring Milking Procedures. By taking
Kirk advised Sarah to continue with coverage of the teats. shortcuts last spring, we fully paid for it.
chlorhexidine-based teat spray until Having seen other farms implement it
they were on top of the Strep Progress to be proud of well, it makes perfect sense. It’s all
dysgalactiae problem. about doing the simple steps properly.”
With an average SCC of 100,000 so far
Come spring and calving, there was this season, Sarah is thrilled with the
a need to deal with environmental progress they have made.
pathogens that were coming through.
In this instance, iodine-based teat “Mastitis cost us a lot in treatment, time
sprays have proven more effective. and having the constant risk of a
So, the team made the switch to penicillin grade. Thanks to the work
Iodoshield Active to get a wider span we’ve done with FIL and Farm Medix, we
of protection. have gained good knowledge,” she says.
At the same time, Kirk introduced the “After that bulk tank test, we suddenly For more information, get in touch
FIL 10-step Spring Milking Procedures knew what we were dealing with, what with your local FIL Area Manager
into the mix. was causing it and we could put steps in on 0508 434 569.
to rectify it.”
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Example: 400 cows x two milkings per
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liner per day. 2,500 milkings divided by 20
(milkings per liner per day) = 125. 125
days (recommended liner life) or roughly
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Skellerup’s milking liner and dairy shed accessories range is designed and
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We’ve been providing quality rubberware to New Zealand farmers for calendar reminder for
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The milking liner connects the milking
Common issues in the dairy shed How and when to check rubberware? machine and the cow. Milking liners have
a significant impact on milking efficiency,
and how to troubleshoot them The four major adversaries of dairy hygiene and cow comfort compared to
rubberware are: other milking machine components.
Liner tail pieces slipping off
• Tension
Check liner tail piece is the right size Scott Joblin from Eltham uses VacPlus
for your claw. Slipping off tends to • Sunlight Square milking liners with great results.
happen when tail piece is too large. • Milkfat
“When I changed to VacPlus Square
Liner tail pieces splitting • Incorrect usage of chemicals milking liners, I noticed we had no split
Check liner tail piece is the right size for Including regular checks of rubberware liners, less cup slip and we had a drop of
your claw. Splitting tends to be when tail to your dairy shed checklist will ensure approx. 20% in somatic cell count (SCC).
piece is too small, or when liners are not any potential issues can be picked up The cows milked out well, we’re pleased
fully pushed onto the claw. early and rectified. Both the internal and we made the change.”
Tail piece puncturing or splitting external surfaces of rubberware need to
Check claws for sharp edges / burring. be checked. Small cost of changing liners
Sharpness or burring on the claw will
When do my liners need changing? ensures future benefits
increase any impact damage on the
interior of the short milk tube of the liner. Aged and worn liners cannot apply the
The industry standard from DairyNZ is
Liners splitting in barrels or visibly after 2,500 milkings it’s time to change correct massage force needed for good
distorted mouthpieces your liners. stimulation and the prevention of oedema.
This typically happens when liners are Consequently, milk flow using worn out
As liners age, their shape, tension liners will always be lower than that of a
well beyond 2,500 milkings.
and surface condition can have subtle comparable new liner.
Cup slip but significant effects on their milking
Check the cluster is sitting square performance. The internal surface and Worn liners will also contribute to an
under the udder during milking. TIP: the milking performance of liners tends extension of milking time and can lead to
use the head of an old liner slipped to deteriorate very quickly after they an increase in mastitis. Losses of up to
onto milk tube and sit this on the kick pass 2,500 milkings. 5% in milk yield can also possibly be
rail as an alignment tool. expected from worn liners due to
Things to look out for: under-milking.
Alignment issues • Average milking time increases
Ensure milk and air tubes are the As a rule of thumb, if you notice an
• Frequency of liner slips increases improvement in milking performance after
correct length. Short tubes pull on the
cluster and long sagging tubes can • Incomplete milk out occurs replacing liners, the old ones were in for
also affect complete milk out. • Teat end condition deteriorates too long!
Rubberware degrading quickly Any effect on teat end condition or
Clean all rubberware with approved increased liner slips are particularly
View the full range of dairy
chemicals as per the manufacturer’s significant for the increased risk of
rubberware, including the
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popular VacPlus Square milking
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liners in your local store or on
check the internal condition of milk make recommendations if in doubt.
the Farm Source website.
tubes for degradation of the rubber.
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A TEAM IN
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1
ON ALL
MILKING
LINERS
For more information visit
nzfarmsource.co.nz/milk-qualityDon’t overlook milk chilling
as an opportunity for improvement
Fonterra Farm Source’s Paul between 15°C and 18°C – pre-cools “We have an opportunity to capture that
Mulligan says it really pays the milk before it hits the vat. heat energy and use it in a dairy shed to
to do your milk refrigeration generate hot water.”
homework, especially From there, the key temperature to
considering how modern reach is 6°C, and it must be achieved The other benefit of newer systems is
within a prescribed period to meet that they use new generation refrigerant
systems have financial and
the Ministry of Primary Industries’ gas, and significantly less of it. They
environmental benefits.
requirements. Above 7°C there’s an are also remotely monitored allowing
increased risk of bacterial growth. early detection and correction of gas
“The first, major, consideration is the type leaks. In older systems these leaks
of gas being used as the refrigerant and This significant temperature drop requires may go undetected until all the gas
its associated costs,” Paul says. a lot of energy and according to DairyNZ, has escaped into the atmosphere.
milk cooling accounts for approximately
“The second is the system’s lifetime 30% of the total energy costs of operating One of the most common gases used in
value in terms of energy cost. It’s good to a farm dairy shed. milk cooling is R404a. Every kilogram (kg)
remember that upfront costs will be offset of R404a is equivalent to 3.92 tonnes (t)
by future savings.” On top of that, the annual gas leakage of CO2. Depending on farm size and vat
from milk cooling systems on New type, the amount of refrigerant gas used
Paul says New Zealand prides itself on Zealand dairy farms is equivalent to typically ranges between 20kg and 60kg
producing some of the highest quality the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions per farm.
milk in the world. It’s a value proposition of 70,000 petrol cars.
that begins at the cow and continues Alongside the environmental impact,
through to the end product. This leaves great opportunities for there are direct charges that are applicable.
improved efficiencies. One of those is A synthetic greenhouse gas levy is
On-farm milk refrigeration systems have in recovering the heat otherwise lost applied to R404a (and other refrigerant
a massive role to play in maintaining milk from the cooling system. gases) and this, combined with its limited
quality by cooling the milk to raw milk availability, has resulted in significant
temperature standards, but are often It can be allied to the fact that another price increases in recent years.
overlooked as an opportunity for significant energy cost is heating hot
improved performance. water to wash the milking system. Paul says Farm Source has some
great options to meet temperature and
However, when considering the cost “Modern, well-designed milk cooling environmental standards, with deals
to the environment and back pockets, systems include heat recovery systems from key milk cooling suppliers DTS
understanding cooling systems and to generate hot water for this,” Paul says. and Coolsense.
their operation is key to the best bang
for your buck. “Refrigeration units at their core are heat These milk cooling partners provide
pumps, designed to extract heat energy a premium range of milk cooling
Typically, milk comes out of the cow at from the milk and deposit that heat solutions designed specifically for
37°C and goes through a heat exchanger energy into the atmosphere. New Zealand farms.
alongside cooler water. That water –
“The choice of the right solution for
your needs can start with a dedicated
professional team giving a free milk
cooling assessment,” Paul says.
“The opportunity exists to save money
and the environment. It pays all round
to do it well.”
◄ Waikato farmer Greg Lochead and son Jake
with their upgraded milk cooling system.
ENRICH | MAY 2022 11Make the most
of maize
While March’s warmth and humidity may have been a discomfort for
many New Zealanders, if you were looking to maximise yield in the
lead up to winter, it was welcomed.
12Speaking to Farm Source’s Technical Maize to meet Jarno explains nitrogen (N) and water
Ag Specialist Jarno Sammet, he says lost by grasses with shallow roots, are
maize crops across the North Island The Co-operative Difference taken up by maize roots, which, when
were lapping up the recent warm, uninterrupted, can grow to 3.5 metres.
humid and sunny conditions. Maize’s yield potential can help
achieve The Co-operative Difference “Maize roots can go meters and meters
“The warmer, the better,” Jarno says. ‘80% farm-grown feed across the so where nutrients below 20 centimetres
season’ key practice. would normally be lost, maize can recover
Maize is one of the most efficient plants it and bring it back up the plant.”
at converting radiation into biomass, with It is one of the four current key practices
every 100 mega joules (MJ) of radiation outlined in the achievement, of which While maize requires substantial N and
inception seeing 1.6 tonnes (t) of dry Fonterra suppliers must achieve three potassium (K), according to DairyNZ, dairy
matter per hectare (DM/h), (DairyNZ). alongside their Farm Environment Plan. paddocks coming out of long-term pastures
(For the 2022/2023 season an additional shouldn’t require any inputs beyond the
For every kilogram (kg) of maize Environment achievement has been added already present N and K.
silage DM your herd gets 10.3 MJ of that focuses on winter management
metabolic energy, and for every kg of practices with farms needing to meet On cropping farms, N is the nutrient most
maize grain DM, your herd gets 13.6 MJ three of the five practices.) likely to limit maize yield and require the
of metabolic energy. largest fertiliser input. A basic soil test
In fact, Jarno goes so far as to say (zero-15cm) for pH, Olsen P, K, calcium
That nutritional value makes it a vital maize can tick the box 100% given its (Ca), and magnesium (Mg) etc., or a
crop for feed supply, especially when silage capabilities. deep N test (zero-60cm) for mineral N
there are deficits. are regularly used for maize (DairyNZ).
“If the grass doesn’t grow, maize means
“Out of all the crops, maize is one of you don’t have to wait for the palm kernel Maize seed is normally sown around
the most reliable you can come across,” truck to arrive.” five cm deep and a fine seed bed is
Jarno says. recommended. It’s best to roll the soil
And it doesn’t all have to be grown on-farm before sowing if the ground is too fluffy.
“There aren’t many risks involved as you to be considered “farm-grown”. Under The Rolling a precision planted crop like
grow it and you can bet you will always Co-operative Difference, “farm-grown” is maize or beet is not recommended as
get decent yield out of it.” defined as “any pasture, forage or fodder it moves the seed in the soil and results
crop that is grown in New Zealand for the in split germination.
Even the South Island, where cooler purpose of feeding to stock”.
temperatures and maize growth don’t “Maize has a big seed meaning heaps
typically go hand in hand, is seeing the With maize being grown here in New of vigour”, Jarno says.
introduction of some maize hybrids able Zealand, maize greenfeed and maize
to endure the cold. silage brought on-farm contribute “It can sit in the soil and wait for the right
towards the key practice. conditions. When the conditions are right,
According to DairyNZ, the main difference that seed houses plenty of fuel to
between hybrids is the number and size That New Zealand-grown characteristic is germinate quickly.”
of leaves (which affects green leaf area), also reassurance that feed needs will be
crop maturity (number of growing degree met as there’s no reliance on international If in doubt about how maize can work
days before the crop is ready to harvest), shipping and the dollar exchange rate. in your farming system, your local
and ability to cope with stresses such Farm Source TSRs are on hand.
as drought. Jarno also points out buying maize,
be it by seed or in the form of silage, “We know you and your farm and what
benefits New Zealand’s economy maize means for your whole system,”
through the entirely local supply chain Jarno says.
and, in turn, reduces the environmental
impacts with a smaller carbon footprint. “We take into account your individual
“Out of all the crops, maize is one situation before making recommendations.”
of the most reliable you can come Below the surface
across. There aren’t many risks Discuss next seasons maize
involved as you grow it and you can Below the surface, maize is also requirements with your local
bet you will always get decent yield doing its bit to decrease your on-farm Farm Source team to qualify for
environmental impact with its deep roots early order benefits.
out of it,” Jarno says.
extending the lifecycle of nutrients.
ENRICH | MAY 2022 13Maize silage a reliable, cost-effective
supplement for dairy platform
Hard work, land development are successfully run by son, Ross When initially considering maize as a
and dairy farming are deeply Simpson. High in-calf rates, reliable milk supplement, the Simpsons trialled three
entrenched in the psyche of production and consistent body condition maize seed companies and found Corson
Dinah and Arran Simpson from scores (BCS) are recorded throughout the Maize hybrids to be the best on delivering
Oromahoe, Northland. season for the dairy cows. The Simpsons consistent yield results. Corson Maize
attribute these results to best practice demonstrated a higher tolerance to leaf
pasture management and incorporating disease, variable temperature and
The pair purchased their first farm in 1981, maize silage as a supplementary feed. moisture stress. On farm they grow
the 144-hectare (ha) property was in poor PAC 343 and PAC 344 maize hybrids
condition with gorse accounting for at least Maize is grown as a break crop in recording average crop yields upwards
40% of land cover. their pasture renewal programme. It is of 22 tonnes (t) per ha.
an effective tool that helps to increase
Recommissioning the old, disused pasture persistence through a variety Maize silage continues to be the most
cowshed, they started milk production with of cultivation, weed control and effective cost-effective supplement to support
80 dairy cows in the 1982/83 season. That drainage improvements. This helps dairy cow nutrition and promote
season marked one of the worst droughts to keep costs low but also ensures a milksoilds (MS) production. To ensure
on record. Despite these initial setbacks, constant supply of supplement on a they achieve a high-yielding maize
the Simpsons overcame adversity and yearly basis as it is always on hand crop, the Simpsons focus on paddock
managed to expand their holdings to 600 to feed whenever it is required. selection, soil preparation and maize
ha and 100 ha runoff. nutrient requirements. The dairy platform
Arran says that his high-producing dairy offers an optimal supply of nutrients to
Nowadays, the farm supports a 500-strong cows benefit hugely from maize silage support growing maize and as a result,
milking herd of predominantly Friesian as it provides a high-quality feed that maize reduces residual nitrogen in the
cows on a 170-ha platform, while running a nutritionally balances a pasture-based soil and the potential risk of leaching.
beef cattle finishing system on the balance diet. Combined with the seasonal
of the property. Both operations are well variations in pasture quality and So, what is the secret to their success?
integrated with offspring raised on farm. production, maize silage is hard to beat. The Simpsons place a high value on their
Bobby calves are either sold as stores or It is an ideal low-cost supplement that support partners, particularly the team at
finished, with replacement heifers joining reduces climatic risk by filling genuine Farm Source Waipapa and local TSR
the dairy herd. feed deficits. Fleur Scelly. The agronomic advice and
aftersales service from Corson Maize are
In 2015, daughter Anna and son-in-law For seven consecutive seasons, they have second to none, plus local contractors
Doug became involved in the family recorded an 82% cow submission rate Alexander Ag are essential with maize
business as 50/50 sharemilkers. over a three-week period and a 7% empty planting and harvesting. Arran is a strong
Introducing their passion and expertise, cow rate after a total 10-week mating term. believer that “to be successful, you must
they have taken the dairy platform to These results are a testament to the have a strong team around you”.
new heights and profitability, while the benefits of feeding maize silage.
beef finishing and cropping operations Besides that, the true satisfaction for
Dinah and Arran comes from seeing
their family happy and successful in
farming, while supporting one another
in the local community.
A final word of advice from the Simpsons:
“Have a plan, create a vision, keep an eye
on the goal and, above all, never give up!”
For information and advice on
growing Corson Maize hybrids in
your farm system, contact your
local Farm Source Technical
Sales Representative.
14 ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY CORSON MAIZEEasier nitrogen
fertiliser reporting
A new nitrogen (N) management The N limit management feature is part • Check you have your digital farm map
of MyBallance, a secure online location in MyBallance (or email gis.support@
feature on MyBallance makes N
to keep track of a farm’s fertiliser ballance.co.nz to have it uploaded).
cap reporting easier.
information and support nutrient
• Ask your spreader which subscription
The N cap rules require pastoral management decisions.
their spreading hardware supports
farmers to track and record their N
and let Ballance Customer Services
fertiliser applications, but dairy farmers All you need to do is enter your proof of
know on 0800 222 090.
also need to report their N fertiliser use. application data, either automatically via
your spreader subscription, or manually
The first N cap report for the current in MyBallance for self-spreads. For To become a Ballance customer and
period, 1 July 2021 to 30 June 2022, is those looking for automatic data entry, gain access to MyBallance phone
due to regional councils by 31 July 2022 MyBallance currently integrates directly 0800 222 090 or alternatively email
and must include the following information: with both Precision and TracMap. customerservices-mount@ballance.co.nz.
For more information on MyBallance
• Area of grazed pasture, and how much
The N limit management feature can visit ballance.co.nz/myballance.
of that is used for grazed forage crops
help you stay on track and make any
• Area of land in other uses necessary adjustments, so you meet the Farmers not able to meet the N cap
N cap. It provides your farm average N rules must apply for a resource consent
• Receipts for N fertiliser purchased
applied on grazed areas, and a heatmap from their regional council. There are
• Types of N fertiliser applied, and makes it easy to see N applied on each two approaches for this application –
percentage of N in each type paddock that will be included in the N a synthetic N reduction plan, or a report
(by weight) cap limit. showing their N leaching rate is
mitigated by good practices, so is
• Application dates and rates for each
You can easily specify the locations of therefore no greater than if they were
type of N fertiliser applied to pasture,
crops, and whether they’ll be grazed or applying N fertiliser at 190 kilograms
forage crops and other land.
harvested, and any non-productive per hectare (kg/ha) per year.
areas that don’t receive N.
If a farm has more than one ‘contiguous The synthetic N reduction plan must
landholding’ the farmer will need to At the end of the period, MyBallance show synthetic N will be reduced so the
submit a report for each separate does the tricky bit for you, transforming rules can be met from 1 July 2023. The
landholding. A contiguous landholding your application data into a council- alternative approach requires a report
is any block of joined-up land belonging ready N usage report for you to submit from a farm planner, nutrient planner or
to a farming operation. Blocks separated to your regional council. other suitably qualified expert, and
from each other by land not belonging to consent can only be obtained for a
the farm operation (except for a road, MyBallance is available exclusively maximum of five years.
rail, stream, or river) are considered to Ballance customers and can be
separate contiguous landholdings. accessed on any laptop, desktop, or For more information on N reporting
tablet, as well as via a mobile app. contact your local Farm Source
The rules are complex, so Ballance To use the N limit management feature: Technical Sales Representative or
Agri-Nutrients has developed an N limit Ballance Nutrient specialist.
• If you’re new to MyBallance, head to
management feature to make tracking
myballance.co.nz/register to activate
and reporting N use much easier.
your account.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY BALLANCE AGRI-NUTRIENTS ENRICH | MAY 2022 15Turning challenges
into advantages
Taranaki’s claim to dairy different farming style and practices,
environment ‘specialness’ in an and herd homes are becoming Flexi-time Area Manager
more common.
Aotearoa New Zealand sense
could be its gullies.
a win for mum, son, her
“But the rainfall is an advantage too,”
Debbie says.
farmers and Fonterra
There are many challenges associated
with Taranaki’s maze of waterways and “There’s fertile soil here and it requires
streams – much of it now reconfigured good and regular rainfall to grow Debbie, a former Farm Source
through voluntary riparian planting over beautiful grass and go on to produce Sustainable Dairy Advisor, wanted
the past 20 years says Kaponga-based great milk.” to go back to work following the
Area Manager Debbie Jenkins. birth of son Hunter. However,
While the gullies and altitudes of the the role’s five-day working week
“People from outside the region notice province are soon clear to all who visit,
didn’t quite gel with being a mum.
the riparian planting. But for us, those beyond physical features, Debbie says
beautiful waterways are normal, and there’s something special in the people.
something we’re proud of.” Fonterra suggested trying a three-day
“It’s community-minded and support week and so far, so good.
Another point of provincial difference is there when needed. It was recently
is some of the high-altitude farms, which flooding around the coast for example, “I get time with my boy, get to work in
give farmers their own unique challenges. and everyone helped out. It’s that sort what I love doing with a fantastic team
Higher rainfall levels necessitate a of place.” and awesome community,” she says.
Debbie’s since progressed to a Fonterra
Area Manager thanks to her wealth of
“There’s fertile soil here and it requires good and regular experience through being brought up
rainfall to grow beautiful grass and go on to produce great on a dairy farm, and having hands-on
milk,” Debbie says. experience and work for Livestock
Improvement, including being regional
AB Operations Manager.
She also does the paperwork for her
parents’ dairy farm and supports them
on a regulatory basis so knows first-hand
the requirements of these aspects of
dairy farming.
Debbie’s been part of the Farm Source
team for six years and enjoys the variety
in supporting farmers with their needs,
and keeping them up to date with the
Co-operative benefits and advantages.
“It’s anything from informing farmers
on what’s happening within Fonterra to
helping in more practical ways, such as
educating them on awesome digital tools
and helping them onboard those tools,”
she says.
“We’re a lot of different things for different
people,” she says. “I just love it.”
16Capture the full potential
of established pastures
There’s a lot of emphasis at They’re autumn germinating, frost hardy
this time of the year on weed and have the highest economic impact
control in newly-sown pastures, especially where they have taken hold in
and with good reason. Those thin or bare areas of pasture.
To get the best out of your
pastures represent an important
Several herbicides are available to
investment in time, money and winter weed clean-up
protect the productivity of your
productivity and deserve to be
established pastures, including Agritone®
well looked after. 750, Relay® Super S, Baton® 800 WSG, • Spray when there has been full
Sprinter® 700DS and later in the season, germination of the target weeds.
But they’re not the only ones... when weeds are large and hard to kill,
Conquest® (Conquest® will severely • Graze the paddock before
Older, established pastures make up a damage clovers, however and these may spraying to expose the weed
much larger percentage of the typical need to be re-sown.) plants. (Good chemical coverage
New Zealand dairy farm. Think of these is essential for best results.) Allow
as your bread and butter. They earn Each has different weed spectrum a few days for growth to freshen,
much of your annual income, and they strengths and characteristics, so it’s then apply the appropriate
deserve to be well taken care of, too. important to get the right advice before herbicide.
making a decision. Your Farm Source
• Remember weeds must be
May is a good time to check the state Technical Sales Rep is the best person
actively growing – if they are not,
of these pastures and prepare a winter to ask – they can help with weed
the chemical will not be carried
clean-up programme to rid them of identification and recommend the best
through the plant tissue as it
non-productive weeds if necessary. product, application method and spray
should be, and its effect will be
timing for your farm.
compromised. Do not spray
If you leave any weeds present until
weeds that are frosted, moisture-
spring, they are likely to spread, and to For more helpful advice on keeping
stressed or waterlogged.
be larger, harder and more expensive all your pastures growing to their
to control. potential, talk to your Farm Source • Watch the forecast! Relay® Super S
Technical Sales Rep today. and Agritone® 750 need two hours
Broadleaf weeds often targeted for winter to become rainfast; Baton® and
control in established pastures include ®
Relay, Sprinter are registered trademarks of Nufarm Ltd.
Sprinter® need six hours.
®
Conquest, Agritone, Baton, registered trademark of
thistles, ragwort and buttercup.
Nufarm Australia Ltd.
• Comply with local regulations for
phenoxy herbicide application.
Some regions (e.g. Northland)
May is a good time to check the state of these pastures specify certain time periods for
and prepare a winter clean-up programme to rid them of these products.
non-productive weeds if necessary.
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY NUFARM LIMITED ENRICH | MAY 2022 171
ON ALL
MILKING
LINERS
EARN BONUS 1 on all milking liners per pack you buy.
Offer is valid 1 May to 31 July 2022.*
*Fonterra Supplier exclusive offer.the circle of
Closing
grass to glass
As the new Southland Otago "And within Farm Source there is a Michael says success for him will be
Regional Head, Michael Jones huge support base for farmers and strong connectivity with Farmers and
believes part of his role is shareholders. the Co-Operative.
helping share some of the
market successes with the “We’re helping connect with our “We have built a great global business
customers, understanding it starts and we are the envy of the dairy world,”
New Zealand-based farming
with the grass. he says.
community and strengthen
the Co-Operative’s links from “Farm Source is part of that two-way “However, the market is very dynamic,
grass to glass. alignment, including working and and we need to ensure we keep moving
communicating with our farming forward with the marketplace.
Michael has been in the Invercargill- community, building awareness of
based role about six weeks and works things that are coming our way. “Being proactive and looking forward to
alongside 62 Farm Source personnel to maximise opportunities and/or minimise
support 1,000 dairy farmers across the “Part of our role is to live to our name and potential risks, rather than being reactive
Otago/Southland region. be a source of knowledge for farmers.” and waiting for change, has allowed
Fonterra to continue to lead in dairy
The Waikato-raised Michael started The Farm Source offering includes in our customers’ eyes.
with the Dairy Board in 1993 and sustainability teams, agronomists, sales
has since been mostly on an overseas specialists. All visit farms, and all provide “We are delivering a record farm gate
journey. He’s been in planning, selling information based on what a farmer is milk price in times of a global pandemic,
and management roles with international trying to do. global supply chain disruptions and in
interactions from the Philippines, times of conflict.
Australia and Dubai, and South Africa If Farm Source doesn’t have an answer,
for the past 13 years. The timing to join it points farmers in the right direction, “We couldn’t do this if we weren’t all
Farm Source is right, especially with his says Michael. aligned and working together – this is
children at university and late school age. the power of the Co-Op.”
“We’re effectively an enabler for
As to be expected, he’s on a steep information from lots of others including Part of Michael’s philosophy is that one
learning curve, but notes as an initial DairyNZ, rural professionals, and other always strives to deliver value and make
impression there’s been a positive parts of the value chain,” he says. a positive contribution, and his view is
culture shift within the business. that the future of the Co-Operative is
“By working together, we bring strengths bright and in good hands.
“There’s more sharing of information, which allow us to continue to build a more
acting as one, a team, not siloes. resilient business and deliver sustainable “However, it’s up to all of us to continue
It’s coordinated. value to our shareholders.” to work well, together – tātou tātou.”
“We are delivering a record
farm gate milk price in times
of a global pandemic, global
supply chain disruptions and
in times of conflict.
We couldn’t do this if we
weren’t all aligned and
working together – this is
the power of the Co-Op.”
ENRICH | MAY 2022 19You can also read
