Facial eczema treatment proves its worth - PROFITABLE PERFORMANCE FARMING - Nutrient management for conserved feed - PGG Wrightson
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PROFITABLE PERFORMANCE FARMING
North Island | December 2017
Facial eczema treatment proves its worth
Feeding your horse over dry summer months
Nutrient management for conserved feed
Contents
02 Welcome Welcome
03 Feeding your horse over dry summer As we enter the holiday season, I would
months like to take the time to thank all of our
customers for their loyalty and thank
04 Supplementing for equine metabolic our staff for their continued effort and
disorders dedication to delivering value to the
agricultural and horticultural industries
05 Facial eczema treatment proves its worth in New Zealand. It is always a pleasure
to see the great customer relationships
06 More than just a barber’s pole drench our team develops that grow
07 A long-term approach to internal parasite throughout the years and through many family generations.
management The summer brings pest challenges. DuPont and our North Island
Agronomist explain the value of an Integrated Pest Management
08 When is the right time to wean? programme that uses beneficial insects in conjunction with
targeted chemistry. Our Soil Scientists and supplier partners
09 Let Mother Nature help control pests in focus on the importance of herbage testing and nutrient
your brassica crops management in December crop management activities. These
are critical to maximise feed platforms in the coming months.
10 Integrated pest management delivers
economic and environmental benefits Mike Phillips is the Owner of Paradise Valley Farm in Otorohanga,
a 250 ha sheep and beef farm. He discusses the challenges of
11 Nutrient management for conserved feed facial eczema and the prevention programme he has in place.
Make sure you talk to your Technical Field Representative or
12 The importance of a foliar fertiliser
local store team about the $30 grocery voucher offer available
13 Farming sustainably: what you need with purchases of selected animal health products.
to know Wishing you all a happy and safe festive season.
14 Trials demonstrate yield benefits in
fodder beet
15 Maximise your cool season growth
16 PGG Wrightson directory Stephen Guerin
Group General Manager, Retail and Water – PGG Wrightson
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02 | PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARY
Nutrition
Feeding your horse over dry summer months
Moving into the summer months results
in a number of nutritional changes to a
horse’s diet due to changes in pasture quality
and availability.
These changes can be further exacerbated for the performance
horse which is well into the competitive season. They may
have lost body condition or their initial enthusiasm in spring
has faded and more ‘energy’ is required for them to continue
competitive activities.
With the significant amount of rainfall throughout the majority
of the country this year, and the ‘law of averages’, it is quite
possible that we are in for a very dry summer in many parts.
This will bring the need for increased supplementary feed.
Horse owners will need to ensure that they replace pasture
shortfalls with alternative forge sources to ensure the horse’s
fibre requirements are met. A minimum of 1 percent of the
horse’s body weight in hay/chaff or pasture daily on a Dry Matter
(DM) basis is essential. Providing good quality hay and haylage is
certainly the first consideration, providing an economical way to
meet a horse’s most basic but key nutritional need.
Quality fibre sources can also be added to the ‘hard feed’.
Zoie Gray on F.I.S Santo. Photo
Sugarbeet products are ideal, providing a calorie-dense supplied by Skampr Photography.
super-fibre to the ration. Not only do they assist with digestive
health, but ‘beets’ also provide more calories per kilogram
Alternatively many horse owners want to simply add something
than traditional fibre sources. This will maintain a desired body
extra to the existing ration. A calorie-dense supplement like
condition as well as ensuring that the energy demands of the
Dunstan Muscle ‘n Shine or Dunstan Extruded Rice is the ideal
working horse are met.
complement to any ration to boost calorie contribution for
Dunstan Betabeet and Dunstan Sugarbeet provide horse owners weight gain.
with the choice of two great sugarbeet products. Dunstan
There are many strategies for maintaining horses in desired
Betabeet Flakes, a non-molassed sugarbeet flake is suitable
body condition, but providing optimum levels of fibre in the
if owners are wishing to avoid additional sugars in the ration.
daily ration should be the starting point of all equine diets.
Dunstan Sugarbeet Flakes are ideal for horses which require a
more calorie-dense beet product or for very ‘picky’ eaters. Contact your local PGG Wrightson representative, or pop
into your local store for advice on choosing the right feed for
Another fibre product to consider for inclusion in the ration
your horse.
is Equifibre® Lucerne Pro, a highly palatable ensiled lucerne
product for even the fussiest eaters. As it is a natural lucerne
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY DUNSTAN NUTRITION LTD
product it carries all the benefits of lucerne – quality proteins,
high calcium and it is more energy-dense than most other
chaffs. It also provides a source of ‘green feed’ in the ration.
As Equifibre Lucerne Pro is an ensiled product, it has a higher
moisture level than chaffs and therefore will also assist
with hydration.
Fibre should not be discounted as a contributor to overall calorie
contribution. However hard working horses or those that have
lost weight during a busy spring season may benefit from the
calories provided by concentrate feeds.
Moving from a low-energy feed to a medium-energy feed or
medium to a higher energy mix will achieve greater energy
contribution for weight gain, as will simply increasing the daily
intake of the current feed.
DECEMBER 2017 | 03
Nutrition
Supplementing for equine metabolic disorders
A very damp winter and a warm start to spring integrity and maintain consistency in gut microflora. With
current research in Europe indicating a link between mycotoxin
has created the perfect tempest for any horse presence and laminitis, the inclusion of a mycotoxin binder is
or pony prone to Equine Metabolic Disorders helpful, as is the inclusion of magnesium and chromium to help
(EMD) such as insulin resistance, laminitis in metabolic function and insulin production.
or founder. Nutritech also highly recommends using SelaMin®Gold, a
high-quality mineral and vitamin supplement to be fed in
The winter although wet was relatively mild with grass growing conjunction with EquiShield™. Formulated specifically for
slowly across the season and then bolting in the spring. New Zealand conditions it will help provide the immune
Even some of the most vigilant of owners have been caught system with the building blocks required for a healthy horse.
out by the speed at which pasture growth has occurred this Consideration should be given when already supplementing
year. The best treatment for horses and ponies with EMD is with other products containing selenium.
prevention by ensuring horses are not overweight, monitoring Once an EMD has occurred and treatment is underway a
feed intake and ensuring horses/ponies are receiving adequate frequently asked question is “How do I feed my horse going
exercise and immune system support prior to and during the forward?” There are many choices and different combinations
early spring flush. of feeds and supplements that can work. The best solution is to
Restrictive diets become a necessity during this period until firstly find the correct diet, secondly choose a suitable system of
pasture hardens off and horses can be introduced, where feeding it to the horse and finally consider what system will work
possible, back to fulltime grazing. The term “restrictive” best for the owner as these solutions may need to be maintained
should be defined as lower calorific intake but still supplying over a long period (possibly even years).
all the nutrients necessary for ensuring daily maintenance Finding the right supplement for your horse or pony to help
requirements are met while maintaining good health. Fibre target EMD is important. Your local PGG Wrightson team can
is an essential part of any horse’s diet and if pasture has been help, contact them today.
removed, it needs to be replaced by a suitable hay source
which reflects the ongoing needs of the horse for exercise in ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY NUTRITECH
combination with the hard feed supplied. It is important to
remember that with its relatively small stomach a horse needs
access to fibre constantly to prevent the formation of ulcers.
With the lower nutritive value of some hays and a restricted
hard feed intake it is important to remember that you may also
be preventing the animal’s access to sufficient minerals and
vitamins. These nutrients help to maintain a healthy immune
system. These nutrients are absorbed from the gut which
may have been compromised by an EMD episode. Nutritech
developed EquiShield™ in 2008 to help address immune system
function by providing a prebiotic that strengthens intestinal
04 | PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARY
Mike Phillips, Owner of Paradise Valley Farm
in Otorohanga talks with Matt Towers,
PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative.
Facial eczema treatment proves its worth
Agritrade’s The Time Capsule® has literally been a becoming highly sensitive to the sun. In severe cases,
‘life saver’ on Paradise Valley Farm in Otorohanga, animals can die of liver failure or skin burns.
King Country. Mike Phillips has treated his livestock with
Fortunately, at low spore count levels, most affected
the zinc bolus for eight years and describes it as the
animals will survive and recover, due to the liver’s enormous
most practical and effective option available in the fight
potential for repair and regeneration. However, production
against Facial Eczema (FE).
will be reduced in the short term and the milk production
This 250 ha farm typically stocks 800 ewes and 1,100 lambs. of animals with subclinical FE can be depressed by up to
It is also a Murray Grey beef stud with 120 beef cows. 50 percent.
Medium to steep hill country, the east facing paddocks are
Matt advocates The Time Capsule as the best protection
worst for FE.
against FE. “The Time Capsule guarantees that animals
In their first year here, the Phillips’ lost 100 ewes to FE, get a daily dose of zinc for four to six weeks at a time.
70 more were empties and those ewes that did rear lambs Zinc decreases the effects of the toxic spores and only works
had problems with lactation. as a preventative.
The Phillips’ get their farm supplies from PGG Wrightson “Treatment should start two to three weeks before the
and sell stock through PGG Wrightson Livestock. high-risk periods for the best results.”
PGG Wrightson is a good company to work with. Since that first disastrous season, Mike has dosed both the
We rely on them to have products where we need it sheep and cattle with The Time Capsule. He agrees there’s
and their advice is worth listening to says Mike. no better option.
Matt Towers, PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative, “The Time Capsule has been absolutely effective. Two years
has worked with the Phillips’ for the past five years. The team ago, spore counts were high. Our ewes took a bit of a hit
is very aware of the risk of FE to farmers in the area. pre-lambing, but we heard some farmers lost up to a third of
their flock. So, it’s not a magic bullet but it definitely helps.
“Animals are particularly susceptible to FE at the end of
summer and early autumn,” explains Matt, “when conditions “It’s also the most practical solution” Mike adds. “When you
are moist and warm. Grazing is reduced to the pasture base, have 800 ewes to do in one day, it’s best to keep it as simple
where the fungal spores are typically found. as possible – one bolus per ewe is quick and easy.
“The King Country region provides the perfect conditions” “Two capsules (one every six weeks) takes us to the start of
he adds. May, when FE risk starts easing off.”
Matt describes FE as a disease of the liver. It is caused by The Murray Grey calves are treated with The Time Capsule at
animals ingesting spores from the Pithomyces chartarum weaning in mid-March.
fungus. The spores contain the mycotoxin sporidesmin
which causes extensive liver damage, resulting in animals ARTICLE SPONSORED BY AGRITRADE
DECEMBER 2017 | 05
Animal health
More than just a barber’s pole drench
Barber’s pole (Haemonchus contortus) Cydectin Oral Drench can also be used drenches is costly and has been valued
is an impressive parasite. Unlike most for general roundworm control. It is a at approximately 14 percent of a lamb’s
gastrointestinal parasites it sucks blood. very effective broad spectrum drench, carcase value at slaughter.4
with moxidectin being the most potent
Adult worms can remove 30 microlitres Many farms have repeatedly used a
of the macrocyclic lactone group of combination BZ/LEV + praziquantel
of blood from the host animal per
drenches. Trial work has shown that (tape) drench as their first drench for
worm per day (30 ml per day for 1,000
this long acting drench can give better the season, believing it to be effective,
worms). The females can lay between
lamb weight gains than a short acting economical and safe. This may no
5,000-15,000 eggs per day and they can
drench3. This means lambs can either longer be the case. Where resistance
complete their lifecycle within 20 days1.
be finished faster or at heavier weights. to this drench combination is present,
All of this adds up to a very dangerous
Cydectin is also well-tolerated by alternate options would be Cydectin
parasite that can kill lambs if parasite
lambs since moxidectin has a higher Plus Tape or a triple combination
numbers are allowed to build up.
safety margin than many of the other drench containing ivermectin. Doing
Preventing parasite build-up on pasture macrocyclic lactones. either a drench check or full Faecal
is therefore the key to controlling this Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) this
parasite. Most farmers choose to use Recently released New Zealand farm
data (see Graph 1) has shown that season are good ways to ensure that
a drench containing moxidectin, such all the time, money and effort you are
as Cydectin® Oral Drench for Sheep, moxidectin is still a very effective
drench to use on farms, having a much putting in to muster and drench your
to prevent its build up. Cydectin Oral lambs, is not being wasted by using a
Drench for Sheep keeps killing the lower prevalence of resistance than
drench that is not working.
infective barber’s pole larvae, preventing some of the combination drenches.
its buildup on pasture and allowing Combination drenches have been For more information on a suitable
flexibility within the drenching program shown to slow down the rate at which drench programme for your stock,
for when things don’t go according drench resistance will develop, but this contact your local PGG Wrightson
to plan. Cydectin Oral Drench has is mainly when the level of resistance Technical Field Representative.
been used to do this job for a long on farm is very low. When resistance is
time. The question that is occasionally already present on a farm it is important ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY ZOETIS
asked, “Is Cydectin still effective against that you use an effective drench and
Emery, D.L., P.W. Hunt, and L.F. Le Jambre, Haemonchus
1
barber’s pole?” Drench testing data make management changes that ensure contortus: the then and now, and where to from here?
from Gribbles Veterinary laboratories you are producing a pool of susceptible Int J Parasitol, 2016. 46(12): p. 755-769.
shows that it is2. There is still no reported parasites (ones that are not exposed McKenna, P., Update on the prevalence of anthelmintic
2
resistance. Vetscript. Vol. 29. 2016: New Zealand
case of a farm with Haemonchus that is to the drench) that will dilute out any Veterinary Association. 58-61.
resistant to moxidectin. resistant parasites. Using ineffective Murphy, A.W., R. McDonald, and M. Ramsey,
3
A comparison of production responses in lambs
drenched with moxidectin or ivermectin., in
New Zealand Journal of Agricultural Research. 1994.
Graph 1: The percentage of New Zealand farms from the FECPAK G2 p. 221-224.
Sainsbury case study showing resistance to different drenches (FECRT less Sutherland, I.A., J. Bailey, and R.J. Shaw, The
4
production costs of anthelmintic resistance in sheep
than 95 percent). managed within a monthly preventive drench
program. Vet Parasitol, 2010. 171(3-4): p. 300-4.
80
Percentage of NZ case study farms
70
60
50
40
30
20
10
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e le n n n
ol ti o ) ti n ti n io io
az izo n a LE V ec ec at BA) at BA) Cydectin® Oral Drench for Sheep
id am i am i d i n
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(B More than just a barber’s pole drench.
Drenches
06 | PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARY
Animal health
A long-term approach to internal
parasite management
There are four simple questions that are important to ask yourself before drenching
your stock.
1. Do you know the level of worm burden in the animals looking for specific worms. Liver fluke eggs are not
you are intending to drench? identified in a common FEC, but may be the cause of
production losses. Trace element deficiencies could also
This burden is made up of immature and adult worms.
be the cause of poor performance. The point is that it
A faecal egg count and larval culture identifies the
is worthwhile checking that worms are the problem
adult population. Other useful indicators include
before drenching.
liveweight gain, body condition score and rumen fill
when adequate feed is available (the major production 4. All drenching carries a risk. Have you considered
limiting effect that worms have is a decrease of appetite the risks?
in the host). Knowledge of the stock classes that have
Be aware that every drench used encourages the
grazed paddocks over the previous four months and
development of drench resistance. Wormwise is the
their drenching history also help determine the level of national worm management strategy that helps sheep,
pasture larval challenge. cattle and goat farmers minimise the impact of internal
2. Do you know if your drench is effective? parasites for the long-term. Beef + Lamb New Zealand
offers Wormwise workshops throughout New Zealand.
This is important to ensure that you can remove the
These are free for levy payers.
worms, reduce pasture larval challenge and slow
the development of drench resistance. A faecal egg If you want advice on a parasite management plan or for
count reduction test will give you a benchmark Wormwise workshops in your area, contact your local
of the effectiveness of each drench on your farm. PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative.
A “drench check” Faecal Egg Count (FEC) 7-14 days
after drenching is also a good check to make sure that
the drenching was effective: right drench, right dose,
administered correctly.
3. Are you using the most appropriate product? Andrew Dowling BVSc
Technical Manager – Animal Production
This depends on what you are trying to achieve and PGG Wrightson
the drench resistance status of the internal parasites
on your farm. Larval cultures are a useful tool when ARTICLE SPONSORED BY BEEF + LAMB NEW ZEALAND
DECEMBER 2017 | 07
Animal health
When is the right time to wean?
The wet weather and frequent storms this spring have made the calf rearing season one most
would just like to finish.
The changeable weather has exposed calves and staff to more the energy density, palatability and protein all decline to levels
stressors than usual, and has also made it difficult to provide that may not sustain desired calf growth rates. Continuing to
them with high quality pasture. More meal or pellet had to feed a 20 percent CP supplement in these circumstances can
be fed to ensure that live-weight targets could be reached. be very beneficial. Herbage testing of the pasture is useful if
Although this results in more cost and time, supplementary calf growth rates are disappointing so you know which nutrient
feed does prevent calves having to grow faster at a subsequent is deficient. Always ensure that calves have access to clean
period to hit target weights. drinking water.
The rumen must function optimally when the meal or pellet If calves are going to be trucked to a grazing block then
supplement is removed from the diet to prevent a post-weaning continuing to feed them their supplement for some days after
weight gain reduction and any post weaning illness. Any lighter they arrive can help them settle and prevent a drop in weight
calves in the mob may benefit from being weaned off meal gain. Calves are also still susceptible to the effects of the many
or pellet supplements at a later date to help them catch up, diseases that may have affected the mob over the rearing period
particularly if the availability of high feed quality is lacking. for example, pneumonia, infectious scours, and recrudescence
As the volume of supplements reduces below 1 kg per calf can have a significant impact on their health. Keep a close eye
per day, there is insufficient coccidiostat consumed to hold on the calves over this period.
this parasite at bay. Keep an eye out for rough coats and white
The optimal time to wean calves onto an all pasture diet is
scours containing flecks of blood being splattered around the
not set by the calendar but rather the availability of high
rump of the calves as the volume of supplement is reduced
quality, clover based pasture. Continuing to feed the meal or
and particularly after weaning. If you are unsure, then sending
pellet supplement until this is available helps calves achieve
a faecal sample to the laboratory can be useful to determine if
live-weight targets.
treatment is necessary.
Talk to your PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative for
The choice of using a supplement containing 16 or 20 percent
advice on the best time to wean your calves.
Crude Protein (CP) is based on the protein content of the
remainder of the diet and targeted growth rates. Young animals
have a greater protein requirement for growth of muscle,
bone and tissue than mature ones. Supplements containing
20 percent CP are commonly fed while the calves are receiving
milk, then switching to a 16 percent CP product.
Andrew Dowling BVSc
High quality spring pasture has a higher protein content but Technical Manager – Animal Production
often pastures can be stressed around the time of weaning and PGG Wrightson
08 | PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARY
Land production
Let Mother Nature help control pests in your
brassica crops
Summer is coming and so are It is important to monitor your crops
for both pest and predator. Generally
the pests, but there are some speaking, the pest is there first followed
beneficial insects that can by the beneficial because the beneficial
help manage this pressure. often uses the pest to complete
its lifecycle.
Caterpillars and aphids feed on your Research on brassica crops in Canterbury
crops spreading viruses and diseases, completed in 2015/2016 by DuPont
causing yield reduction. It is tempting and Dr Paul Horne, IPM Technologies
to grab a non-selective insect spray, found that if your crop is sprayed with
such as a synthetic pyrethroid or a non-selective mid-season insecticide, Parasitic wasp laying an egg into
organophosphate, and just about remove such as an organophosphate, both pest a diamondback moth caterpillar.
anything that is crawling around in the and beneficial numbers are drastically Photo supplied by Plant & Food NZ.
crop. However, not all insects in your crop reduced. However, because the pest
will damage it and some actually feed rapidly returns and the beneficial insects
on the pests. Using a non-selective spray are slower to return, this leaves a gap
kills both the pests and beneficial insects. in your pest control that leads to more Top tips:
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) refers damage or the need to spray again. Using
an IPM approach, if a selective insecticide >> Careful paddock and cultivar
to the use of cultural and biological
is used to target the pest species and selection can help reduce
controls as well as selective chemical
leaves the beneficial ones, then the pest some pests’ risk.
insecticides that can be used to
effectively control pests in crops. Where numbers are much slower to return. This >> Gain experience by
possible, only use selective insecticide means there is less of a requirement for identifying beneficial
sprays that are safe on beneficial insects another agri-chemical spray, proving predators and parasitoids.
and only use agri-chemicals when that an IPM programme can be cheaper Many beneficial predators
absolutely necessary. even though the cost of the selective have a different impact on
insecticide spray can be more expensive. the pest at different stages in
Beneficial insects are split into two types:
their lifecycle.
the predators such as lacewings and For more information on IPM and how
ladybirds, and the parasitoids which are it can benefit your brassica crop yield, >> Work out how best to monitor
mostly wasp species. The predators can contact your local PGG Wrightson both pests and beneficial
consume high levels of pest numbers. Technical Field Representative. insects.
However, the most important beneficial
>> Utilise cultural and biological
insects are the parasitoids. These are
control before considering
mostly different types of wasps that
using a pesticide.
actually lay eggs into the pest. The eggs
then hatch into small maggots which >> Avoid using broad spectrum
consume the host pest from the inside, insecticides. On identification
leaving just a cocoon of the host insect. of pests, use only products
Some species of parasitic wasp can lay that are specific to that pest
Gary Bosley NDA (Farm Management)
over 600 eggs in a season, killing 600 pest Technical Specialist – North Island Agronomy and have minimal impact on
insects each. PGG Wrightson beneficial species if possible.
>> Know which crops and
areas on your farm are more
susceptible to pest damage.
>> Recognise conditions that
lead to rapid increases in pest
numbers.
Hover fly larvae feeding on
grey aphids and a parasitic
>> Following crop establishment,
wasp laying an egg into an crop monitor for leaf damage
aphid. Photo supplied by or aphid colonies.
Plant & Food NZ.
DECEMBER 2017 | 09
Land production
Integrated pest management delivers
economic and environmental benefits
The value of using a pest control programme that is focused on beneficial insects in conjunction
with targeted chemistry has been proven in a three year Sustainable Farming Fund project.
The project was led by Abie Horrocks, of Plant & Food Research
and compared conventional insecticide practices to an
Integrated Pest Management (IPM) programme that monitored
pest and beneficial insect population. IPM programmes involve
the monitoring of pest and beneficial insect populations
to inform pest management decisions. If insecticides are
required, the ones that are the least disruptive to the beneficial
populations are used.
The project demonstrated that actively looking through crops
for both pests and beneficial insects, and making insecticide
decisions based on those findings, resulted in a drop in insecticide
use and cost. Savings of up to $35 per hectare were achieved Hoverfly larvae (red arrow) predating on aphids and a
with less chemical use in the IPM side of the trial compared to mummified aphid (black arrow) in a kale forage crop.
the conventional paddocks (see Table 1). Yields from both sides
of the paddock were consistent across trials in spite of the extra
insecticide application applied in some conventional areas.
Feedback from farmers who participated in the project was
positive with many seeing the benefits of the IPM approach.
One of the farmers said, “I have learnt how to identify more
beneficial insects than I could before. I have been showing
pretty much anyone else who is interested! This has given me
confidence to not apply insecticides in situations where, in the
past, I would have applied a spray”.
PGG Wrightson Seeds Research Agronomist, Murray Kelly, said
the company was focused on incorporating an IPM service to
their clients. “I think that it is really a no brainer to use IPM in Monitoring for eggs is an important part of assessing the presence
cereals and brassicas” he said. “It’s really a matter of training the of pests and predators, a 10X lens can make them easier to see.
staff to recognise the issues, the pests that they are targeting
and the beneficial ones that they need to protect. Table 1: Comparison of insecticides in conventional and
Chemistry used on the IPM side of the trials included Exirel® IPM applications
insecticide which was used to target the key caterpillar pests
cabbage white butterfly (Pieris rapae), diamondback moth Average cost of % of total sprays applied
insecticide/ha that were selective
(Plutella xylostella) and European leaf miner (Scaptomyza flava).
The product is targeted at the pests and is non-disruptive on key 5 seed brassica paddocks
beneficial insects.
Conventional $124.47 41%
The IPM strategy development and demonstration for forage
and seed brassicas project was funded through the Ministry IPM $89.89 73%
for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Farming Fund, Forage
8 forage brassica paddocks
Innovations Ltd, DuPont (New Zealand) Ltd and the Foundation
for Arable Research, with support from Plant & Food Research, Conventional $71.93 28%
farmers, industry advisors and DairyNZ.
IPM $56.73 77%
Contact your local PGG Wrightson Technical Field
Representative if you would like help walking your paddock This resulted in $35 per ha and $15 per ha less being spent on
identifying beneficial insects and setting up a pest insecticides at seed and forage paddocks managed using IPM
management programme. respectively (compared to conventional management).
Source: IPM strategy development and demonstration for forage and seed brassicas –
ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY FMC year 3 report, Horrocks A, Walker M.
10 | PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARYLand production
Nutrient management for conserved feed
Turning excess growth into hay or silage without compromising pasture.
Making hay or silage is an effective way this doesn’t limit the new growth” says Managing risks
to meet a feed gap and/or supplement Josh. Pasture response to the nitrogen in
Growing plants take up excess potassium
forage crops. An understanding SustaiN K depends on growth conditions,
without converting it into extra growth.
of nutrient requirements pre and moisture usually being the critical factor
This is known as luxury consumption.
post-harvest will help maximise over summer.
From an economic angle, luxury
your yields.
Maintaining pasture quality consumption reduces the return from
Improving hay/silage yield your fertiliser investment. From an
The nutrients used by your hay or
agronomic perspective, it can elevate
If no other nutrient is limiting production silage crop must be replaced. Every
potassium levels in your conserved feed
and conditions for growth are right, then tonne of dry matter has the potential to
and/or re-growing pasture, which may
applying nitrogen before you close hay remove around 5 kg of phosphate, 3 kg
contribute to metabolic issues in stock if
or silage paddocks can increase yield. of sulphur, 2 kg of magnesium and
“Your late spring pasture response can not taken into account.
15-20 kg of potassium for hay or
be as high as 20:1”, says Ballance Science silage respectively. “A ‘little and often’ approach
Extension Officer Josh Verhoek. “That is, to potassium helps” says Josh.
every kilogram of applied nitrogen can If hay or silage is fed out on the paddock
“When applying additional maintenance
grow 20 kilograms of dry matter within from which it was cut, some of the potassium after harvest, split applications
three to four weeks”. SustaiN is a good nutrient content will be returned to the if winter leaching is a risk or if large
option if 5-10 ml of rain is unlikely to soil in dung or urine. But if it is fed out amounts of potassium are required to
fall within eight hours of application to elsewhere on the farm, its nutrient value achieve the desired soil test range. Use
reduce nitrogen losses from ammonia goes with it. “Either way, if the nutrients soil and herbage tests to understand
volatilisation. Alternatively, if your plant are not replaced, pasture quality your soil’s capability. On some soils, it is
available sulphur levels are a limiting eventually suffers” observes Josh. impossible to achieve the optimum range
factor, using SustaiN Ammo or PhaSedN Clovers take time to recover following and best to just supply what pasture
Quick Start is also a sound option. a silage or hay harvest. They are poor needs to avoid mining reserves.”
Applying nitrogen after harvest can at scavenging nutrients from the soil For more information, talk to your
also improve yield from the next cut or compared to grasses, and are easily Ballance Nutrient Specialist or your
reduce the time the paddock is out of out-competed if any nutrient is in short local PGG Wrightson Technical Field
the grazing rotation. “We recommend supply. Lack of potassium can easily limit Representative.
using SustaiN K as it also replaces some clover growth with consequences for
of the potassium which hay and silage your pasture quality and nitrogen needs ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY
removes in large amounts, ensuring down the line. BALLANCE AGRI-NUTRIENTS
DECEMBER 2017 | 11Land production
The importance of a foliar fertiliser
Fodder beet planting is now completed across most of the country. It will soon be time to check
the growth of the crop and take herbage samples to confirm that the NPKS which was applied
earlier in the season has been taken up by the plant. It is also a great time to check the trace
element status of the crop.
When trace elements are being applied, is a fine balance within the soil solution of Why apply a foliar?
it can be difficult to ensure each plant is plant nutrients. If one nutrient is in short
Foliar sprays ensure precise application
receiving the specific amount of nutrient supply, it can antagonise and affect the
of the right nutrient mix at the right
they need. Especially when the trace availability and uptake of another nutrient.
time, and can be specifically targeted
elements are being applied via ground
Built for purpose to the leaf, to suit an immediate crop
application and therefore being taken up
need. Foliar application also provides
by the roots of the plant. In this situation YaraVita™ BETATREL DF is a specific foliar
nutrients for immediate uptake by
when only a small amount of nutrient is crop product that has been released
by Yara’s Product Development team the leaves.
required by the plant, foliar application
can be a practical method for ensuring in Pocklington, England. This product YaraVita BETATREL DF is rich in
successful uptake. Where there is a high has been developed specifically for key nutrients:
value crop being planted, like fodder application on forage and vegetable
>> Easy to pour dry flowable formulation
beet, it is important to evaluate the total crops like fodder and sugar beet.
cost of the crop and establish where this >> Provides a safe and balanced input of
The key for forage yield
crop fits in the farm system. If the crop key nutrients
is being planted to fill a specific gap in Each crop has specific nutritional needs
for optimum growth and development. >> Fully glasshouse tested for crop safety
a farm feed budget, it is critical to make
and nutrient uptake
sure the crop yields high enough to fill
YaraVita BETATREL DF is a foliar fertiliser
this particular feed gap. If a crop falls >> Widespread tank mixability
that provides a balanced input of key
short of its predicted yield, due to various
nutrients that help your fodder crops to >> Cost effective incorporation into plant
factors such as leaf disease, or a nutrient
unlock their yield potential. protection programme
deficiency resulting in a reduced yield,
this costs the farm. Forage crops >> Available in a 10 kg box
At different times of the year and with An adequate and balanced nutrition For further information on foliar
differing soil types, nutrients may not is one of the most important factors fertiliser application please contact
always be available from the soil for plant affecting forage production. BETATREL your local PGG Wrightson Technical
uptake. Soil moisture, soil temperature, contains nitrogen, calcium, magnesium, Field Representative.
soil pH and specific nutrients being sodium, sulphur, boron and manganese,
limited, all play a part in whether other which are essential for the optimum ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY
nutrients become plant available. There growth of forage crops. YARA FERTILIZERS NZ LTD
YaraVita™ BETATREL DF
Application rates and timing on
fodder beet: 3 kg per ha with a repeat
application 10-14 days later or one
application of 5 kg per ha from the
four to six leaf stage. Water rate
100-200 L per ha.
12 | PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARYLand production
Farming sustainably: what you need to know
The New Zealand National
Farming within limits
Policy Statement for
Freshwater Management
Nutrient Predicted
(Freshwater NPS) contains compliance nutrient
legislation that will require requirement compliance
requirement
action to be taken in the 2017 75% of all
farming community. New Zealand
Environmental compliance requirements 2025
for farmers appear daunting at first
glance. However there are several
support networks available that can
assist by providing you with practical
Key:
help and advice.
Nitrogen
In September, the Freshwater NPS had Phosphorus
new requirements come into effect. Nitrogen and Phosphorus
These requirements aim for 90 percent
of all New Zealand rivers and lakes to be
swimmable by 2040. One of the ways identify the five factors contributing to process, determining which catchment
in which this target is being achieved nitrogen loss in your system: fertiliser, classification your farm sits in to
is through requirements set by your feed, drainage, animals and effluent then develop a nutrient budget.
local regional council to improve water management. For most regional councils, Deciphering the nutrient budget is
quality; this includes five year targets the data that is obtained from your part of the support package from the
and reviews. nutrient budget is the overview required Farm Sustainability team. They will
to identify your phosphorus loss or also help by identifying the risks and
As a result, Farm Environment Plans nitrate leaching transfer and losses. opportunities to aid in developing your
are becoming an integral tool in your Farm Environment Plan.
farming toolbox. But what is a Farm Where can you go for assistance?
Environment Plan (FEP)? Depending on For more information please contact
Ballance Agri-Nutrients have a
your region it can be called anything your PGG Wrightson Technical Field
specialist team to help farmers navigate
Representative or the Ballance Farm
from a FEP, to a Farm Environmental increasingly complex environmental
Sustainability Services Team.
Management Plan (FEMP), a Sustainable regulations and consent requirements
Milk Plan (SMP), or a Land Environment to promote clean green land, rivers and
Plan (LEP). They all entail the same streams. The Farm Sustainability team is
outcome, which looks at identifying available to assist clients with investing
environmental risks on your farm and in the development of their Farm
developing mitigation strategies for Environment Plan.
farming sustainably in the future.
There is a robust process that the
Developing a nutrient budget is a Farm Sustainability team works
fantastic, informative opportunity to through from the initial consultation Jessica Dunbar MSc, BSc
Technical Specialist Soil Science – South Island
PGG Wrightson
Farm sustainability service process:
Consultation Understanding Nutrient Budgets
Regulatory Framework
Stephanie Sloan BSc PgDip (AgriSci)
Technical Specialist – Soil Science – North Island
PGG Wrightson
Ongoing Support Risk and Opportunity Farm Environment
Recommendations Plans ARTICLE SPONSORED BY
BALLANCE AGRI-NUTRIENTS
DECEMBER 2017 | 13Land production
Trials demonstrate yield benefits in
fodder beet
Disease control and crop greening effects from fungicide treatments in fodder beet can be easily
seen, but does this ultimately bring yield benefits to farmers?
To answer this question, Bayer Crop Science in association says David Parker, Bayer Crop Science Canterbury Territory
with PGG Wrightson, put down farmer block trials with their Manager. “In many of the trials, the treatments were visually
beet fungicide Escolta last season. Eighteen block trials were obvious with less disease present, increased greening and
completed in commercially grown farmer beet crops from the heavier crops. We achieved a 15 percent yield benefit which
lower North Island through to Southland. All trial blocks received equated to an average yield increase of 3 T DM per ha. At 20c
standard farmer management except for Escolta treatments. per kg DM, this returns a $600 per hectare advantage over the
Strips were left untreated or received two applications of Escolta. untreated” adds David (see Graph 1).
These trials were yield assessed by independent crop Escolta treatments should commence after the crop has covered
assessment companies using industry standard methods. in. Best results are seen if this fungicide is used proactively, so
Yields were calculated as a combination of the leaf and bulb the first application should be made as soon as first disease
measurements in tonnes of dry matter per hectare. infections are seen in the crop, with a second application three
to four weeks later.
“As can be seen from the trial graphic (below), the results
demonstrate that Escolta increases yields in fodder beet crops” For more information on using Escolta, contact your local
PGG Wrightson Technical Field Representative.
Graph 1: Fodder Beet Block Trials 2016/2017 ARTICLE SUPPLIED BY BAYER CROP SCIENCE
Average of 18 trials
24
Average tonnes DM/ha
23
22
21
3 T per ha
@ 20c kg DM =
20
$600 increase
over untreated Escolta
19
Escolta can be ground or aerially
18 applied, two applications are better
than a single application. It has an
Untreated Escolta
application rate of 350 ml per ha.
applied twice
Untreated
Escolta applied twice
Wairarapa trial, April 2017.
14 | PGG WRIGHTSON RURAL DIARYLand production
Maximise your cool season growth
Now is the time to consider what will follow this summer’s maize or summer crop to provide
quality cool season feed when it’s needed most.
Annual and Italian ryegrass cultivars program. The growth pattern of this
offer increased cool season growth over ryegrass means it can provide quick
‘short rotation’, ‘long rotation’ and true autumn, winter and spring feed before
perennial ryegrasses. These groupings spring planting next year’s crop.
are broadly used to classify different Winter Star II has also performed strongly
cultivars. In reality, the range of ryegrass in the independent National Forage
types available is best described as a Variety Trials (NFVT) which feeds into
continuum ranging from annuals (also the DairyNZ Forage Value Index (FVI).
known as Westerwolths) at one end Based on strong cool season and early
of the spectrum to perennials at the spring production, this cultivar has
opposite end (see below diagram). been awarded a five star rating on the
North Island FVI.1 winter feed. Research undertaken in
Annual ryegrasses such as Winter Star II
Winter Star II offers increased palatability Australia at the PGG Wrightson Seeds
offer rapid establishment and maximum
and animal performance. It is a tetraploid, Ballarat Research Centre demonstrated a
cool season growth suitable for
allowing increased palatability over 1,300 kg per ha reduction in dry matter
providing winterfeed from an autumn
diploid cultivars due to an increased ratio production for every two weeks that
sowing. This rapid establishment and
of water soluble carbohydrates (sugar) sowing was delayed.
cool season growth does come at the
expense of persistence, and true annuals to fibre, ultimately resulting in increased Superstrike® treatment of seed is
die following the production of seed animal performance and/or improved particularly important if planting
heads during the following summer. body condition. into recently sprayed out pasture or
Italian ryegrasses such as Lush AR37, Another fit for Winter Star II is as the areas with significant insect pressure.
Feast II and Supercruise offer increased first step of PGG Wrightson Seeds Superstrike seed treatment combats
persistence over annuals and generally Programmed Approach® to pasture pests such as Argentine stem weevil,
persist for 12-18 months in drier harder renovation this autumn. Spraying out the grass grub larvae and adult black beetle
environments and over two years in during the critical first four to six weeks
existing pasture and during establishment
summer moist conditions with lower after sowing.
of an annual ryegrass crop is the perfect
pest pressure. The presence of premium time to control difficult broadleaf weeds, Your local PGG Wrightson Technical
AR37 endophyte in Lush offers increased before spring planting brassica crops Field Representative can provide
persistence in tougher environments and finally sowing the paddock back into further advice and information on the
with pests such as black beetle, permanent pasture such as perennial range of annual and Italian ryegrasses
Argentine stem weevil and porina. ryegrass and white clover. available this autumn.
Winter Star II annual ryegrass is a good A sowing rate of at least 25 kg per ha is
ARTICLE SUPPLIED PGG WRIGHTSON SEEDS
option to follow this summer’s maize recommended for Winter Star II. Early
crop, forage brassica crop or alternatively establishment and adequate sowing For more information on the FVI visit
1
as the first stage in a pasture renovation rates are both critical to maximising www.dairynz.co.nz/fvi.
Ryegrass continuum
* = Tetraploid
#=P
latform has been bred, selected and successfully tested as a perennial and will function as a perennial ryegrass. Due to a small number of tip awns Platform is
certified as Lolium boucheanum.
DECEMBER 2017 | 15PGG Wrightson directory
Visit your local PGG Wrightson store for stock food, animal health supplies, farm merchandise,
apparel and so much more. Our expert team of Technical Field Representatives is also here to help
you choose the right products for the best results in the months ahead. Talk to your local team today.
North Island Stores and Technical Field Representatives
Cambridge 87 Duke Street 07 823 0640 Morrinsville 168 Thames Street 07 889 0160
Simon Dodds (TFR) 027 595 8268 Hayden Webster (TFR) 027 223 5123
Carterton 66 High Street 06 379 6845 Ohakune 9 Burns Street 06 385 8500
Wayne Robinson (TFR) 027 292 8966 Nathaniel Turner (TFR) 027 441 4454
Dannevirke 19-21 Barraud Street 06 374 4630 Otorohanga Huiputea Drive 07 873 8179
Bill Keltie 027 463 5384 Matthew Towers (TFR) 027 595 3376
Bryan Burt 027 497 6382 Piopio Moa Street 07 877 0012
Mark Jones (TFR) 027 590 1454 Doug Burnell (TFR) 027 595 8232
Dargaville Totara Street 09 439 3340 Porirua 2 Auty Lane 04 237 1270
Mark Bradley (TFR) 027 335 6282
Pukekohe 219 Manukau Road 09 237 2020
Eketahuna 31 Newman Road, State Highway 2 06 375 8125 Lisa Lewis (TFR) 027 588 2634
Jason Waterman (TFR) 027 218 1606
Putaruru 97 Tirau Street 07 883 7199
Trevor Boyles 027 889 3976
Mark Enevoldsen (TFR) 027 590 1435
Feilding 18 Manchester Street 06 323 0065
Rotorua Cnr White and Marguerita Streets 07 349 5488
Gabby Harvey (TFR) 027 712 7018
Wayne Everest (TFR) 027 273 8926
Bob Gillespie (TFR) 027 595 3367
Will Taylor (TFR) 027 448 0725 Stratford Miranda Street 06 765 0730
Mike O’Neill (TFR) 027 290 1840
Gisborne 21 Solander Street 06 863 1686 Mike Willis (TFR) 027 596 8826
Emma Pollitt (TFR) 027 597 5821 Chris Hall (TFR) 027 406 5770
Jeremy Darby (TFR) 027 598 3288
Taihape 47-49 Hautapu Street 06 388 2090
Hamilton 131 Kent Street 07 850 2621 Butch Cashell (TFR) 027 590 1036
Scott Daubney (FSR) 027 590 2628
Tatuanui State Highway 26 07 889 4476
Hastings Cnr Maraekakaho and Orchard Roads 06 873 7207 Jason King (TFR) 027 235 6454
Garry Jones 027 597 5822
Mark Walwyn (TFR) 027 434 7678 Taumarunui Miriama Street 07 895 3220
Dean Hamilton (TFR) 027 702 1025
Michael Hegarty (TFR) 027 597 5824
Warren Johnson (TFR) 027 592 7511 Taupo 1 Totara Street 07 376 7720
Darryl Jones (TFR) 027 230 9237
Hawera 27 Glover Road 06 278 0390
Craig Farr (TFR) 027 403 1572
John Christensen 027 290 1845
Michael Mercer (TFR) 027 203 8296
Belinda Wilson (TFR) 027 836 1806
Stephen Hurley (TFR) 027 463 5390 Te Awamutu 41 Market Street 07 870 2830
Mark Bulwer (TFR) 027 707 9356
Helensville 41B Mill Road 09 420 9412 Mark Arrandale (TFR) 027 403 7027
Joe Heng (TFR) 021 514 114
Te Kauwhata Waerenga Road 07 826 0040
Huntly 374 Great South Road 07 828 0960 Jon Nutt (TFR) 027 705 6932
Jon Nutt (TFR) 027 705 6932
Rob Taynton (TFR) 027 704 8806 Te Kuiti Rora Street 07 878 0273
Russell Smith (TFR) 027 590 4921
Kaikohe 15 Raihara Street 09 405 2795
Phil Oates (TFR) 027 894 4361 Te Puke 7 Jocelyn Street 07 573 0028
Ben Webster (TFR) 027 445 5846
Kaitaia 9 Empire Street 09 408 6130
Waihi Seddon Street 07 863 6582
Phil Oates (TFR) 027 894 4361
Brian Wilkinson 027 590 1430
Tim McLeod (TFR) 027 590 0471
Waipapa 2 Pataka Lane 09 407 4835
Katikati 2 Marshall Road 07 549 1316
Tim McLeod (TFR) 027 590 0471
Peter Gordon 027 592 7500
Waipukurau 12 Takapau Road 06 858 6771
Levin Cambridge Street South 06 368 0892 Phil Enticott (TFR) 027 597 5832
Martinborough 43-45 Jellicoe Street 06 306 9699 Hamish Best (TFR) 027 807 8538
Geoff Horrobin (TFR) 027 443 2588 Wairoa Queen Street 06 838 8059
Chris Sparks (TFR) 027 546 3652 Michael Redward 027 705 5060
Marton 5 High Street 06 327 4730 Wanganui 99 Wilson Street 06 345 0710
Peter Death (TFR) 027 590 1722 Will Lampp (TFR) 027 245 8723
Brendan Whittaker (TFR) 027 329 2899 Anthony Bell (TFR) 027 811 2866
Masterton 38 Lincoln Road 06 370 1855 Wellsford Port Albert Road 09 423 9710
Geoff Horrobin (TFR) 027 443 2588 Rory McLean (TFR) 027 705 7120
Gavin Harris (TFR) 027 600 4382 Joe Heng (TFR) 021 514 114
Matamata 72 Firth Street 07 888 4577 Whakatane 12-14 Peace Street 07 307 1613
Mark Enevoldsen (TFR) 027 590 1435 Vicki Allan 027 592 7585
Robbie Corin (TFR) 027 477 4232 Michael Hammond (TFR) 027 273 1437
Matawai 6524 Matawai Road 06 862 4877 Whangarei Cnr Dent and Finlayson Streets 09 470 2521
Justin Cameron 027 801 8780 Graeme Dickeson (TFR) 027 687 5363You can also read
