Guardian Farming | March 2019 by Ashburton Guardian

Farming GUARDIAN

MARCH, 2019

WILD

FARMING Pages 12-17

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NEWS

PGG close to finishing seed sale

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Rural service company PGG Wrightson is another step closer to wrapping up the sale of its seed division for $421 million to Danish company DLF Seeds. PGW was given clearance initially by the Commerce Commission in February followed soon afterwards by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) also providing no opposition to the deal. DLF Seeds, a Danish farmer owned co-operative, confirmed last week that South American regulatory requirements had also been satisfied. The deal for PGG Wrightson Seeds Holdings now only remains conditional upon the Danish company gaining approval by the New Zealand Overseas Investment Office (OIO). PGW deputy chairman Trevor Burt said the transaction was closer to being concluded. “This was another step toward the consummation of the transaction and we are optimistic that the OIO approval will be forthcoming

PGG Wrightson says shareholders are happy with the sale of its seed division. Tim Cronshaw

RURAL REPORTER

to enable the settlement of the sale of PGW Seeds to DLF Seeds.” Under the agreement DLF Seeds will buy all the shares of PGW Seeds and take all its assets and operations in New Zealand, Australia, South America and internationally. PGW shareholders were heavily in favour of the deal during an October vote. ACCC managers found after an investigation that the proposed acquisition was unlikely to result in a substantial lessening of competition in any market. DLF Seeds’ offer for PGW Seeds exceeded the book value of its net assets estimated to be $285m. The conditional sale is a result of a strategic review by

PHOTO SUPPLIED

PGW. The seeds business is the largest division earner but the company maintains it had also taken a large chunk of capital during investments in South America and Australia. PGW would be left with a business in mainly retail, wool, livestock and real estate and remain the leading rural service business in New Zealand. DLF Seeds is owned by a co-operative of about 3000 Danish seed growers with revenue of about $881m in 2017. Subject to the deal going through PGW and PGW Seeds will enter into a longterm distribution agreement and PGW will continue to

provide a range of services to PGW Seeds for 12 to 18 months. PGW excluded seed business revenue from its six month result released last month. The company delivered a profit after tax of $300,000 for the half year ending December, which included a loss of $8.6 million from the discontinued seed and grain business. The business made a $2.7m net profit during the same period last year. Gross earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (ebitda) from continuing businesses fell to $17.8m from $23.4m and were hindered by a wet season.

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NEWS

Value gap closes for sheep and dairy Tim Cronshaw

RURAL REPORTER

Sheep and beef farms are selling for higher prices and rural real estate agents are suggesting that the property value gap is closing between them and dairy units. PGG Wrightson Real Estate general manager Peter Newbold said sheep and beef farmers were thriving in contrast with the dairy sector. He said record prices for lamb and a strong, stable beef schedule indicated that farmer confidence was likely to continue through an active autumn in the rural property market. “Meanwhile, fringe dairy operations in some localities only require a moderate price adjustment, and the decommissioning of the dairy shed, to attract sheep and beef operators. Previously there has been a large gap between property values for the two sectors. While a difference remains, it is smaller than it has been in the past.’’ Newbold said sheep and beef property values had lifted in some districts, particularly the upper North Island, by as much as 15 per cent the past year with even more substantial rises in better areas. Sales activity is at its best in areas including west Waikato, King Country, Hawke’s Bay, North Canterbury and South Otago. Newbold said the main concern was that the sector’s own strength could hold back sheep and beef property transactions during autumn.

Among promising farm sales lately is the Glenmark property Manahune, which was sold in November after being in the same family PHOTOS SUPPLIED for 102 years.

“With the positive fundamentals in the red meat sector, some farmers who might otherwise consider selling will be tempted to hold on and reap the cashflow rewards from the returns on offer. This may not be wise. Farmers pondering retirement would be well advised to act now in order to capitalise on the many willing buyers looking for quality farms this autumn. Timing is everything.’’ Sales included: Mandamus Downs, an 844 hectare farm in Culverden,

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North Canterbury, sold in December at local value levels, after being held in the same family for 110 years. Manahune, a 249ha breeding and finishing property in Glenmark, North Canterbury, specialising in prime lamb production, sold after 102 years in the same family in November following an auction. Waiau Pastures, a 400ha irrigated property in Parnassus, North Canterbury, sold in early February. Lambourne, a 353ha property in Clydevale, South

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Otago, carrying about 4000 stock units sold in late October for about $20,000 per hectare. Waikerikeri Run, a 916ha hill country grazing property on the Dunstan Range sold in January by tender. Big Bush, a 339ha Nelson Lakes sheep and beef farm, sold just before Christmas after a tender process. Grassy Downs, a 286ha farm carrying about 4500 stock units in Tauwhare, Waikato, and offered for the first time in 58 years, sold before Christmas after a

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tender process, in two separate transactions. A downland block sold for $16,000/ha and cropping capable flats for $60,000/ha. Hauiti, a 474ha breeding and finishing farm in Mahoenui, King Country, sold in January after being in the same family for 60 years. Tahuna, a 580ha mainly flat property in Waipawa, Hawke’s Bay, was bought by a local farming family after a tender process in early November. Brookfields, a 241ha farm in Te Pohue, Hawke’s Bay, sold just before Christmas.

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NEWS

Safety needs to be taken seriously The death of 17 farmers last year for a return to average fatality rates has agriculture leaders urging them to take safety precautions seriously. On average, 17 people die in the farm workplace each year nationally and last summer almost 550 farmers suffered injuries serious enough to require at least a week off work. A Gore farm machinery company was fined $239,063 in the Gore District Court last month after inadequate repairs to a tractor resulted in a worker receiving a fractured vertebra and fractures to her arm and injuries to both legs in 2016. WorkSafe’s investigation found that Agricentre South failed to ensure the tractor had fully operational brakes. Many other incidences result in deaths and injuries through no fault of another party. The Agricultural Leaders’ Health and Safety Action Group (ALHSAG) says farmers also need to accept individual responsibility for the sector’s poor health and

Tim Cronshaw

RURAL REPORTER

safety record. ALHSAG general manager Tony Watson said the health and safety performance was unacceptable. He said nobody wanted to see anyone injured on farms and consumers, communities and regulators expected farmers to do better or face the threat of greater regulation. “Farmers can take simple steps to reduce the chances of things going wrong. Safety protection is a no-brainer and not enough farmers are using the right equipment to stop people getting hurt.’’ Watson said tractors had safety frames and farmers should be insisting that quad bikes come with the same protection. “Farmers do need to

TonyWatson. PHOTOS SUPPLIED

consider if quad bikes are the right vehicle for the right job.’’ He said farmers should use seat-belts fitted to tractors, utes or side-by-side vehicles. “A seatbelt could well stop the driver getting ejected from the vehicle if it rolls – you just need to watch a crash test dummy video to see this for yourself.” In 2017 farmer deaths were at their lowest from workplace accidents since 2009 and injuries were also declining. However, fatalities returned to their average last year, disappointing agri-leaders.

Watson said there had been a spate of farm workplace incidents in recent months. “This period, going into autumn, is often a time when there are some big jobs to do, which often means using large vehicles or having contractors on farm. So, it’s a good time to think about health and safety. Farmers should think about the jobs ahead and what the risks might be.’’ The “crazy’’ weather this season has created another hazard with long grass hiding normally easy-to-see obstacles and ruts. Beef+Lamb New Zealand chairman Andrew Morrison said some farmers had stepped up and made health and safety a priority on farms, but the

sector needed to lift its game further. “The agriculture sector has a problem with health and safety. We may be the world’s best farmers, but we have a terrible track record of looking after ourselves and each other on the farm and this has to change.” The large fine ordered by the courts on Agricentre South followed reparations of $103,459 last year to the injured farm worker. “Vehicle service industries must ensure diligent workmanship, systems and practices in the work that they do to prevent injuries to users,” said WorkSafe head of specialist interventions Simon Humphries.

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NEWS

Milksolid price rise welcomed Canterbury dairy farmers will average an extra $93,000$100,000 from Fonterra lifting its milk price forecast by 30 cents to $6.30-$6.60 a kilogram of milksolids. The additional revenue will compensate only to some degree, however, the giant coop lowering its share earnings to 15-25 cents a share, down from 25c-35c. The 30c/kg lift in the milk price from the December range of $6-$6.30/kg is a u-turn on a series of lower payout forecast since the May starting point of $7/kg. Commodity prices have rebounded over the last six GlobalDairyTrade auctions. The average national farmer stands to gain about $48,000. North Canterbury, Selwyn and Ashburton farmers earn more as they typically produce 330,000kg of milksolids from larger herds compared with the national average of 160,000kg. Canterbury farmers from south of Timaru average 310,000kg. Fonterra has advised its farmers and other unit holders

Tim Cronshaw

RURAL REPORTER

that it will not be paying an interim dividend and it has yet to make a call on a final dividend. Chairman John Monaghan said the improved milk price forecast reflected increases in global milk prices over the last quarter year. He said the milk price was strong, but the co-op’s earnings performance was not satisfactory and it needed to deliver a respectable return on their share investment. “We are taking a close look at our business with our portfolio review, where we can win in the world, and the products and markets where we have a real competitive advantage. We will provide an update on the strategy and the progress that has been made

on the portfolio review at our interim results on March 20,” he said. Since the co-op’s last milk price update in December, global demand had strengthened mainly from stronger demand from Asia,. The European Union’s stocks of skim milk powder had also now cleared for the season and demand was expected to be strong. “Global supply remains above last season’s levels, but growth has slowed due to challenging weather conditions in some of the world’s largest milk producing regions,’’ said Monaghan. “In particular, Australia’s milk production is forecast to be down 5-7 per cent on last season and the EU’s growth has slowed and is now forecast to be less than 1 per cent up on last year.’’ A wet spring had milk companies predicting milk flows would lift about 5 per cent, but the swing to hot and dry weather has pushed Fonterra to revise its expected milk collection. Monaghan said GDT

Fonterra farmers will welcome the first rise in their payout PHOTOS SUPPLIED since May.

bidding had been positive and demand was expected to remain strong. The advance rate paid to farmers has been set off a milk price of $6.45/kg. Chief executive Miles Hurrell said the underlying performance of the business was not where it needed to be. Among the main “pressure points’’ on its earnings were its Australian ingredients and foodservice businesses in wider Asia which it was making inroads to improve, he said. “We have also felt the impact of difficult trading conditions

in Latin America. In addition, the increase in milk price, which is the primary cost input into our non-milk price products, has put pressure on the margins for those products, and they significantly contribute to our earnings.’’ Hurrell said good progress was being made on the review of the co-op’s portfolio and assets to reduce debt by $800 million this financial year. Fonterra was also on track to meet targets for capital expenditure and operating expenses.

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OPINION

EDITORIAL COMMENT Taking a peek at strong wool prices takes a strong stomach. A visit to Google soon confirmed an inkling that a sluggish market had not improved. Christchurch’s midFebruary auction was not a result to get sheep farmers fist pumping the air in glee. Almost all wool styles and types had levelled out and the market at an average clean price of about $3.15 a kilogram was back on the previous $3.40/kg a year ago. PGG Wrightson have a good graph which tells the story on their website.

Tim Cronshaw

RURAL REPORTER

False hopes were raised in September when the average clean price reached $3.80kg only to tumble through to December. Since then it has grudgingly come off the bottom. Market analysts are far

Farming GUARDIAN

better equipped to provide the answers to strong or coarse wool’s decline. Farmers have heard the theories – among them disinterest from China, lack of marketing and stiff carpet and textile competition from synthetic substitutes. It rankles that a great natural product can provide warmth, sustainability and cuddle up to the environment but just can’t get the love it deserves. There’s been market reprieves but let’s be honest – wool has played a secondary role in sheep farming to meat

for a long time. In the 1980s it provided maybe 60 per cent of the value of a crossbred animal. At least fine wool returns are in a better space. Do you know what hurts even more? Just about every farming sector is enjoying at least healthy returns. Milk was a concern until Fonterra upped its milk price forecast to $6.30-$6.60/kg of milksolids a week or so ago. Sure the share price is worrying, but a $6-number and recovering commodity prices will be welcomed by a

dairy farmer any day. Lamb and sheepmeat prices remain buoyant and beef prices are healthy, albeit off their record levels of previously. Venison might also be off the boil from last year’s highs too, but $9.50/kg is still palatable. So, you have to feel for sheep farmers and others in the strong wool industry who take great pride in the wool and products they produce. For outside reasons beyond their control, they are not getting fairly reimbursed for their efforts.

Price rise a confidence booster

Guardian Farming is proudly published by the Ashburton Guardian Limited

Yet another lift in the Global Dairy Trade (GDT) auction will bolster dairy farmers’ confidence that Fonterra’s new payout rise is on safe ground. Commodity prices increased overall by 3.3 per cent for the seventh consecutive rise since December 4. A 6 per cent hike in the key ingredient of whole milk powder for $4685 a tonne or $US3186/t from two weeks previously would have turned heads among the dairy community. They are more at ease since Fonterra increased its milk price forecast by 30 cents a kilogram of milksolids on February 28 to $6.30$6.60/kg. ASB Senior Rural Economist, Nathan Penny said the result was consistent with the banks view that a new dairy price cycle was emerging. Most commodity prices gained new ground at the March 5 auction with the exception of rennet casein, down marginally at 0.1 per cent to $US5649/t. The overall average price would have been up more except for the slide of skim milk powder, down 4.3 per cent to $US$2462. Otherwise good gains were made for dairy commodities. Anhydrous milkfat (AMF) increased 3.9 per cent to average $US5837/t, butter was up

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OPINION

If you don’t vote, don’t complain Most people think the only politics that matter are from the Beehive and play out on nationwide television broadcasts or the front pages of daily papers – not so. The political decisions that really touch everyone, no matter where they are from, are much closer to home. Local district and regional councils are where the action is. How much you pay in rates, the services you get in return and just how much money will be pumped into glory projects for the politicians of the day are all decisions made around ratepayer-funded council tables. This year is an election year. In October, New Zealanders will be voting in local authority elections. These elections will shape the leadership of councils for the following three years. Local government is vitally important. It is about much more than potholes. It provides for democratic decision making within local communities and touches many aspects of people’s lives.

You may end up filling your own potholes if you don’t take time to vote. PHOTO SUPPLIED

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MEAT MATTERS

Councils provide a diverse range of goods and services, including crucial infrastructure and services such as roading and transport, water supply, wastewater, and stormwater, and rubbish collection. They deliver parks and recreational facilities, museums, libraries and art galleries. Councils also undertake extensive regulatory functions, often at the behest of central government - and the regulatory burden falls particularly heavily on farmers. Collectively, the sector’s operating expenditure exceeds $10 billion per annum, it employs about 32,000 people, and its assets are worth around $113b, partially offset by around $15b in debt. It is also getting bigger and since 2000, the sector’s

operating spending has tripled, its employee numbers are up 42 per cent, and its debt is up by a factor of more than five. Yet for such a large and important institution, local government is not well regarded. Local Government New Zealand’s three-yearly Reputation Surveys have shown consistently poor results, with 2017 result being an overall score of 28 out of 100. Meanwhile, interest in local elections is weak, with falling voter turnouts. The turnout in 2016 was only 42 per

cent, barely half of the 2017 general election’s turnout of 80 per cent. Far too often, there is little or no choice in council elections. Low and declining engagement is alarming and if it is allowed to continue, it will be a threat to our democracy and to well-functioning local public services. It is crucial that people, especially those that pay the bills, get involved and hold their councils to account. At the very least, this must involve voting in local elections but it also needs

genuine competition for voters so we encourage good keen people to stand. Closer to the elections Federated Farmers will be producing a manifesto for aspiring council candidates, as we did in 2010, 2013 and 2016. We will also be encouraging people to vote at the elections. As the old adage goes, “if you don’t vote, don’t complain” - and you may end up with no choice, but to fill in your own potholes. Katie Milne is the national president for Federated Farmers and its local government spokesperson.

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OPINION

Farm sales activity provides signal Calvin Leen

PGG Wrightson Real Estate

Sales activity in the Mid and South Canterbury rural property market continues to be subdued. Potential purchasers are cautious and farm sales are difficult to obtain. Farmers have significant issues on their minds. Uncertainty surrounds government policy initiatives including water quality, land use and capital gains. Until those issues are clarified, farmers may not have sufficient confidence to move with purpose. Meanwhile, banks are reviewing their exposure to agriculture and rural property, with greater scrutiny on business opportunities. Additionally, the market for the largest dairy farms, valued at $10 million and above, lost an important tranche of purchasers when the government introduced new overseas investment regulations. Removing those investors has had a strong effect on our local market, where we have a significant proportion of $10m-plus farms. Sales in this sector are particularly difficult to achieve. Dairy is where the uncertainty is highest, and where spring and summer property market activity was well below a normal year. Despite positive returns, that lack of confidence has spilled over, and property activity in our regionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s rural sectors, aside from dairy, is also subdued.

A market correction for large dairy farms is on the cards. PHOTO ASHBURTON GUARDIAN

Activity that has taken place recently provides some signals. Whether these trends gain traction, and free up the market, should become apparent over the coming weeks. Forest Downs, a 319 hectare Cattle Valley beef finishing property 14 kilometres east of Fairlie, was offered for sale through auction. This is one of the more desirable local farms to come to the market lately and auction day was March 1. Although no bids were

tendered on the day, there were several interested parties in attendance and negotiations have begun. Other sales in process include several farms on the market for two years or more. Some owners of them are coming to accept that purchasers are no longer prepared to pay what they might have three or four years ago. Offers that have been forthcoming at lesser values are now under more serious consideration. Some have been accepted,

albeit with conditions still attached. Once these sales become unconditional and are disclosed to the market, a correction in values will be apparent. While this may not be encouraging news for those seeking to sell, in times like these vendors eventually acknowledge that it is time to move on. A correction in values will follow to stimulate further activity. With expectations on value coming into line, increased market activity is likely.

Any market, and in particular the market for rural property, depends on a consensus around values between vendors and purchasers. Although that has been absent for the past few months, there are now signals that some consensus is returning, or is about to return. If so, and if a market correction has occurred, farms should change hands a little more frequently through the autumn. Calvin Leen is Mid South Canterbury sales manager for PGG Wrightson Real Estate.

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NEWS

Tax to have far-reaching effects Irrigators facing an extra $10,000-plus in costs from a proposed water tax say all Kiwis will feel its bite. They are calling for more discussion about how the proposed tax would impact households, farmers and businesses. IrrigationNZ chairwoman Nicky Hyslop said the Tax Working Party had recommended the government consider introducing a water tax on all types of water use including hydro-generation and for household and commercial purposes. She said this would result in higher power and food prices for households and businesses and higher rates bills to pay for the irrigation of parks and reserves as well as a direct water tax on household and business water. The working party is proposing that the water tax could be used to fund the restoration of waterways. “While we all want to see cleaner rivers, often the solutions to improving rivers require people to change their existing practices both on

Irrigators won’t be the only ones feeling the pinch of a water tax.

farms and to prevent urban wastewater discharges into rivers. Just allocating money will not be the most effective solution.’’ Hyslop said Christchurch residents would pay nearly twice as much in a water tax as other areas as they used an average of 146,700 litres per year compared with 82,800l nationally. They would also pay more in rates because councils in drier climates used more water to irrigate local parks. “Is taxing lower rainfall

PHOTO SUPPLIED

regions such as Canterbury, Otago, Hawke’s Bay and Marlborough more heavily through a water tax a fair way to fund river restoration nationwide?” She said there were similar equity issues for farmers and growers and those living in Central Otago relied on irrigation because they received less than half the rainfall of Auckland. “Only 7 per cent of farmers use irrigation nationwide – why are those farmers being targeted to pay a tax which

93 per cent of farmers won’t pay when there are many regions which have very poor waterways but little use of irrigation?” IrrigationNZ says a water tax on hydro-electric power generation would also add to power bills for households and businesses. “We also have concerns that farmers and growers in many regions may face significant water tax costs in excess of $10,000 a year which will make it more difficult to fund the environmental improvements we all want to see occur to improve waterways,’’ said Hyslop. She said farmers and irrigation schemes had invested $1.7 billion to modernise systems since 2011 and introducing a major new tax would reduce their ability to replace older irrigation systems with more water efficient models. DairyNZ chief executive Tim Mackle said changes to the tax system proposed by the Tax Working Party should be considered alongside other changes farmers faced.

DairyNZ has strong concerns for a system that looked likely to have serious implications for farmers across many areas including business asset valuations, administrative costs, succession planning and retirement schemes, he said. “Any changes to the tax system should better support the productive sector and recognise other proposals which are going to impact farmers too. Farmers already pay a disproportionate amount of tax through rates, compared to other modes of production.” If an environmental tax was also introduced, this would divert resources from existing environmental work, he said. “For example, if a farmer had a spare $20,000 per year to invest, this money could be spent planting a 2km riparian strip of 3m wide with native plants. “This activity would contribute considerably more to improving water quality and mitigating emissions, than an additional tax.’’

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Farming

PROFILE

www.guardianonline.co.nz

Enviropreneur is always thinking Tim Cronshaw

RURAL REPORTER

A non-conformist farmer is regenerating his Banks Peninsula land, writes Tim Cronshaw.

Pet lambs make a bee-line for a grazing bouquet held by Roger Beattie. PHOTOS TIM CRONSHAW 04-03-19-2-TC

Roger Beattie gingerly straddles the top rail of his sheep yards with one hand full of tasty morsels. In the enclosure are some wellpadded lambs showing the benefit of an early growing season nurtured by a wet spring. They instinctively edge towards the furthest part of the yard away from him, with the exception of two pet lambs. The friendly duo are all over Roger, knowing there is a treat coming their way. Beattie lets a small audience of farmers surrounding the yards know that this an experiment done on a whim with little scientific backing. From the leafy handful he extracts a small pittosporum branch and the lambs gobble it up greedily. Such is their delight that they go up on their hind legs leaning on him to get more. Plantain, chicory and other delicacies are consumed perhaps with less ardour than the pittosporum but appreciated nonetheless. Then Beattie brings out his ace card â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a sprig of ryegrass. The lambs sniff at it a little suspiciously. Then his science project goes awry and that too goes down their gullets. Beattie shakes his head, admitting that his failed theory of ryegrass being less palatable might have gone wrong to the group of regenerative farmers assembled at a field day at Ataahua on Banks Peninsula and the Lansdowne Valley block that is home for him, wife Nicki and their family. Not at all, pipes up one farmer to the side. It just proves that they need a balanced diet, he says.

www.guardianonline.co.nz

PROFILE

outside of the farming square On that note the farmers nod in agreement. His unscientific experiment has a place in farming it seems. Beattie is among a small group of “regenerative’’ farmers who meet together on a regular basis to share ideas. They are uncomfortable with elements of intensive farming. Regenerative agriculture is, in a nutshell, a farming and food system that seeks to enrich soil health and production, increase biodiversity and improve water, ecosystems and the land rather than degrading them. As a well-known non-conformist in farming circles, it’s perhaps natural that Beattie should lean in this direction. As a paua diver and farmer he at one stage was the largest paua quota holder in New Zealand, holding 34 tonnes. By nature, he has always swum again the current, investing heavily in blue pearl research, production, harvesting, marketing and manufacturing. The blue pearls are formed with convex plastic discs inserted inside paua shells and then shaped to form pendants, brooches, earrings and other jewellery. Among his many business escapades, paua have been farmed for the edible market and pearl growing. Seaweed is cultivated for blue pearl feeding and

made into kelp pepper. Imported Pitt Island wild sheep and eastern buff weka air-freighted from the Chatham Islands are now on various Beattie farms. The weka are in purpose-made enclosures on the mainland and Beattie argues that native birds should be farmed to be preserved. This maverick approach by the “enviropreneur’’ extends to sheep and beef farming.

“

including hats. Each hat bears a single weka feather. The feathered accoutrement may yet result in another clash with authorities, which appear when Beattie feels bureaucracy hinders sound business. His bohepes are a composite of nine sheep breeds. The original flock was assembled and bred by researcher David Scobie to reduce husbandry and animal welfare problems such as

Regenerative agriculture is, in a nutshell, a farming and food system that seeks to enrich soil health and production, increase biodiversity and improve water, ecosystems and the land rather than degrading them

Ataahua is the low-care platform for his organically produced flocks and cattle herd. Many years ago he bought an entire research flock of bohepe sheep from AgResearch lock, stock and barrel. Not one of them has been sold after a decade and the same virtually goes for the Pitt Island sheep. Only lately has he begun marketing his own Wyld branded lamb and woollen products

flystrike. AgResearch made the call to exit the flock at the same time as Australian authorities decided to invest in a similar flock. More than $500,000 was poured into the mid micron, low-cost and easycare sheep in the name of research and, appreciating their merits, Beattie happily bought them. He runs them alongside his Pitt Island wild sheep and breeds them for their short tails,

“clean bums’’ with no dags and littleto-no maintenance. Shorn once a year, they are for the most part left to their own devices. Beattie says the flocks muster well and are only put in the yard when the ram is brought in and taken away. Virtually six months passes before they might see them again. “We don’t select our sheep, we deselect the worst of them and let nature do its thing. We have three sheep of 3500 sheep with flystrike this year and this year is bad for flystrike.’’ He is now trying to lift the weight of the flock by “not selecting for the biggest, but de-selecting the smallest’’. This won’t be at the expense of traits that have been developed such as their resilience, easy-care and naturally organic attributes. The sheep must also fit in with the low-cost operation they want to operate, he says. “One of the things we need to do better now is produce more high quality food. We are subdividing our properties and that is helping our management. With the debate that is going on about cultivating I’m drawn between ripping country up or figuring if there is a possibility of us doing it without ripping the country up. On hill country is it possible?’’ Continued on page 14

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Farming

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PROFILE

from page 13 The farm has been a bit of a blank canvas with little fertiliser or fencing maintenance for some time. Large paddocks are, however, now being subdivided and new stock water systems installed. Summer faces dry out quickly on the farm and are prone to slips. This summer is one out of the box because of a long wet spring and there is plenty of good feed still around. Normally green grazing is cut short early at Ataahua. Beattie likes to work on a model of “graze a third, restore a third and leave a third’’, although this is tweaked depending on the time of year. Cattle numbers are being built up to lower grass levels. The murray grey herd originates from the first members of the breed brought to the South Island by Beattie’s father Doug in 1968. Because livestock on the farm are organic they have to be careful they don’t challenge the animals too much, says Beattie. Over the next few years he will select his breeding base on wool weight as well as

meat growth. So far they have been concentrating on deselecting for coarse wool and for a small “rat’s tail’’, that is dag-free. “We haven’t been de-

selecting the smaller ones enough so they have stayed pretty much the same hook weight. We have had a bit of an increase but because we haven’t been deselecting for

this there is room to put more weight on them.’’ Rather than trying to meet the 22kg hook weight for store lambs he could, on the other hand, present them as an

alternative market for goodeating lighter lambs. Of the 1500 lambs raised this season, some of them were sold at Canterbury Agricultural Park and the rest

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PROFILE

Far left – Murray grey cattle descend back to the first of their breed brought into the South Island by Roger’s father, Doug Beattie in 1968.

04-03-19-1-TC

Left – Roger Beattie is a long grass grazing fan for his hardy stock. 04-03-19-4-TC

will be finished at Ataahua. Beattie just lost a processor for his organic lambs and is talking with another company. “If we had more high quality tucker we could

get them to 20-22kg. It’s partly [limited by their bone structure]. The other thing we do is we put a fat lamb breed across them and that gives us 2-4kg and pushes

us to another level. Part of the problem with the way we run things is we don’t mollycuddle them.’’ Suffolks, suftex and south suffolks have been put across

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them so far for terminal sire lambs. Only a few sheep from his ewe base have been sold, otherwise Beattie has ring fenced the breeding flock for

his own programme. A paddock on the flats is in a chicory originating from France and was planted about six or seven years ago and then put in turnips and rape, before being boosted by a 10 species mix including chicory and plantain. About a year ago they direct drilled the paddock again in chicory and today it’s providing feed for several hundred lambs. “It’s now like a new crop again so, yes, we can plant crops by direct drilling.’’ Beattie says the mixed chicory crop could be subdivided into four paddocks and the rotation intensified but he has enough on his plate to keep him busy. Nearby, a portable mill is used to cut fencing posts. Because the operation is organic, they are unable to use treated posts. Continued on page 16

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

PROFILE from page 15

Roger Beattie shows his regenerative guests trees planted for a 04-03-19-3-TC dozen good reasons on slippery hill faces.

Mainly macrocarpa logs milled from another Beattie farm at Wainui on the peninsula are brought to Ataahua. Redwood and cotton wood are also milled. About 20ha of forestry at Wainui is about two years away from harvesting and forestry trees are also being planted at Ataahua. Beattie has just fenced a block which hasn’t been grazed for three years. That’s because trees have been planted on its hill face to prevent slips and provide shelter and forage. About one-seventh of the farm has been taken out of grazing. “Doing what we have done here there is virtually no slippage and when we get rain we get very little wash out now. What we have done here is the best thing for looking after that hill.’’ Sheep will probably be introduced to the hill paddock next year and by then hopefully the trees including 10 species of eucalyptus such as obliqua and Sydney gums, will be tall enough to withstand their interest. The area gets parched in summer and trees planted in winter

look healthy and then keel over so they need special treatment. Long grass presents a fire risk and surrounding paddocks have been grazed to reduce the risk of a spark spreading further. A sharp spade even struggles to bite into the soil for a quick scan of its structure. Further uphill, there is evidence of the new planting and the freshly milled macrocapra posts. In between them are galvanised y-posts, imported from China. Their longevity makes up for their expense. On the fence lines are Beattie insulators – much the same as first developed and placed on the market by his father. The small group of regenerative farmers assemble when a shiny new stainless steel spade is presented to Simon Osbourne as the Regenerative Farmer of the Year. Simon is taken back by the honour. “It’s actually nice to be part of a group where you are not considered a complete fruitcake all the time. I’m not saying I’m not one, but it’s nice to be in company where eyes don’t glaze over because

www.guardianonline.co.nz they have no idea what you are talking about and be with a passionate group of people who want to improve the way we feed ourselves and look after our land because that’s our job.’’ This winter every Ataahua block that doesn’t have trees – about 10 of them - will have at least five trees planted by gates or water troughs. Much of regenerative farming is about retaining soil carbon. “Our thinking is based both on science and amenity and long term profitability. None of our decisions are short term. If you look at the science of carbon production you go from a scale of one to 10. “The most productive eco systems are kelp forests followed by rain forests and temperate forest. “So if we can combine both trees, shrubs and grasses and by the way grass is near the bottom with desert the worst – that will help us get to where we want to be. “Sheep and beef are two of the most destructive animals on the planet – left to their own devices they will chew out most edible plants. “We set up New Zealand’s first predator-proof reserve

PROFILE

Bohepe sheep are prized for their low cost and easy care.

and the revelation that hit me after a year was – where did all those succulent plants come from that all the animals were eating? “We are going to be planting comprosmas, hebes, whitey woods, five fingers - all those species that have been chewed out. “Our ultimate goal and it might take 30 years is to have maybe up to 50 per cent of our entire farm operation in multi-species of trees, shrubs and grasses. “Theoretically I think we will get at least a 50 per

PHOTO SUPPLIED

cent increase over grass in productivity, but it will require a lot of fencing and figuring out what the easy management is.’’ Once the trees are established there may be a 90day grazing rotation for some species and for others 180days. Some species of trees and shrubs may be grazed once a year. “We are aiming to have these sort of blocks that will serve about 12 purposes including grazing, amenity, shade, forestry, shelter, for bees and birds, carbon sink

and erosion control as well as firewood and timber.’’ This will be no mean feat. Trees are planted on the hill faces in gullies because they are so dry. Of 100 manukas planted on one face, none survived. At the foot of a small valley young willows are enclosed in unusual blue barrels. These barrels are used for Beattie’s pearl production and will return to this purpose once the trees get established, protected from hare predation and weed competition. When the willows don’t do

well often a dozen acorns will be thrown in as a replacement. “I chucked in 10 acorns in this barrel three years ago and they have all grown. “We will transplant very small trees from Wainui to here. “The barrels kill the grass and we will chuck native seeds in them and they will remain in the drums for five years until they are ready to look after themselves.’’ Many experiments were carried out, and through trial and error they found young trees planted into 400mm long, 3mm thick cardboard cylinders and cut at an angle survived the best. Any taller and they would get beaten up by the summer heat. Beattie’s creative thinking extends to drones. He uses them to fell trees. Initially a thin line is attached to them and looped over a big branch. Once the drone returns to land progressively thicker rope is fed until it is strong enough to be attached to heavy machinery which quickly dispatches the branches and eventually the trunk. The enviropreneur is always thinking outside of the farming square.

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Farming

CROP PROTECTION & PASTURE MANAGEMENT FEATURE

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Black grass pest rooted out No sign of the pest plant black grass has been found on three of four properties near Ashburton during the 2018-19 growing season. Surveillance confirmed the weed was still located on one property where it was first found in the 2017-18 season. The black-grass was detected before seed had set and plants were securely removed and destroyed. Surveillance of the property, and two other properties where black-grass was previously detected, will continue for at least another season. If no black-grass is detected by the end of surveillance this season then the fourth site where seed offal was dumped in 2016 season will be declared free of the weed. Foundation for Arable Research says the next update will be after the completion of the 2019/20 surveillance programme, unless the situation changed markedly. MPI has been running an on-going surveillance programme for the invasive weed since the detection of

low levels of black grass seed after ryegrass harvests. The black grass is likely to have come from a consignment of contaminated ryegrass imported in 2007 and before black grass was listed as a prohibited plant. The imported ryegrass is the common link between the three affected farms. MPI contractors scoured roadsides during a biosecurity response after seed contaminated with black grass spilled from a truck along the route in 2013. In Europe, black grass is known as an invasive pest that strikes winter crops such as wheat, grass seed, rapeseed, forage legumes and barley. Where it has developed resistance to many herbicides, it is difficult to control among crops. It competes with crops for nutrients, light, water and space and out-competes them and reduces yields. Black grass is an annual grass that can grow up to a metre high and above winter crops. The leaves are hairless, with an open sheath, and rolled in the bud.

Black grass is a formidable pest in Europe.

The sheaths can be green or purple coloured. Seed heads are usually reddish-purple in colour, giving the appearance from a distance of black grass. The seed heads are smaller in diameter in proportion to their length than those of other perennial species commonly planted for pasture

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and range from about 25125 millimetres in height and 3-6mm in diameter. MPI has previously suggested the plant does not appear to be so invasive under New Zealand conditions. The ministry continues to ask farmers to be vigilant and look out for black-grass.

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Farmers who believe they have found black-grass are being urged to not disturb the seed head. Instead, they should take a photo with their smart phone and call the Pest and Disease Hotline 0800 80 99 66 to report the find.

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Farming

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NEWS

Cream of Aorangi young farmers Oamaru agricultural consultant Alan Harvey is bound for Hawke’s Bay in July after winning the Aorangi finals of the Young Farmer of the Year competition. Harvey outpointed runner-up Campbell Sommerville, a Methven arable farmer, to earn the grand final position. Carew contract milker Josh McAtamney was third in the event at the Oamaru A&P Showgrounds. In the AgriKidsNZ competition Hamish Paton, Isla Connelly-Whyte and Charlie Scammell from Ashburton Intermediate School surfaced ahead of a large field and secured a position in the national grand final. Sommerville, 25, won the section award for championing environmental best practice, while McAtamney, 30, who contract milks 950 cows at Carew and fattens bulls, took out the innovation award. Methven stock manager Billy Dowle also won the section award for outstanding leadership. But they had to concede defeat to Harvey, 27, who plans to brush up on his knowledge of the dairy sector in the lead up to the grand final. Among the seven finalists completing a series of modules, including an agri-knowledge quiz, he ended up winning the food

Tim Cronshaw

RURAL REPORTER

production and technology section awards. This was his fourth attempt at winning a regional final after previously competing in two regional finals in Otago/Southland and one in the Tasman region. “It’s been an amazing journey, but I’ve had a massive support team behind me,” he said. “The other contestants put up a tough challenge.” He collected $12,000 worth of prizes, including an XR150 Honda motorbike. Before joining Agri Planz last year and moving home to his family’s sheep and beef farm in Oamaru, Harvey had been an agronomist with Agriseeds for Otago and Southland. Winning the Junior Young Farmers of the Year title was Geraldine High School’s Jacob Price and Patrick FoleySmith in a field contested by about 80 high school students. Teams from the school made a

clean sweep of the competition, also finishing second and third. The field for the AgriKidsNZ contest was even larger and Ashburton’s Paton, Connelly-Whyte and Scammell did well to surface top among 120 pupils. Competition co-ordinator Jake Lonergan said the aim of the event was to get children excited about

opportunities in the primary industries. Mt Somers Springburn School’s Ruby Giera, Lachlan Rooney and James Clark were second and Waitaki Valley School’s Itaia Chapman, Tamati Dennison and Maddy Phillips were third. The three teams all qualified for the AgriKidsNZ grand final, also to be contested at Hawke’s Bay in July.

WINNERS FIRST PLACE AgriKidsNZ Ashburton Intermediate School Hamish Paton, Isla Connelly-Whyte and Charlie Scammell

FIRST PLACE FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year regional final Jacob Price and Patrick Foley-Smith

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Farming

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COUNTRY ROADS

Advanced across the board Mitsubishi New Zealand is so confident about its new Triton utes it expects a 25 per cent increase in sales during the next 12 to 18 months. The Triton is in an exceedingly strong position as the country’s third best selling ute. The new Triton has a more robust profile, greater ground clearance and is fitted with some of the latest driver assist and safety technology that have traditionally be found on sedans. However company officials say the new model retains the strengths of the existing model - durability, price competitiveness and a 10-year warranty. The new Triton is on sale right now, with special introductory prices of $35,990 through to $49,990 for the top spec VRX 4wd auto. The run out model (GLX-R 2wd Manual) is still available for an incredible $29,990. Mitsubishi New Zealand says the existing Triton is the fastest-growing mainstream 4WD ute on the New Zealand market. “More and more Kiwis

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Colorado. While the Triton has traditionally appealed to fleet and price-sensitive individual buyers, Mitsubishi New Zealand believes the new models will have broader appeal. The new Triton boasts a more rugged appearance than the existing models, offers more rigidity, and improved

off-road performance. The top-end 4-wheel-drive models are equipped with a new off-road mode with gravel, mud/snow, sand and rock settings, offering greater all-terrain performance. The new Triton models are fitted with hill descent control functions, and all of them will have a new six-speed automatic transmission, which

offers smoother acceleration and less engine noise at high speeds. The existing range’s high durability ladder-type frame and high impact protection cabin structure is retained, but there are a host of active safety and driver assistance systems added to the Triton for the first time. Advertising feature

END OF SUMMER DEALS

2005 TOYOTA MARK X 2.5P

2007 TOYOTA LAND CRUISER VX

2011 TOYOTA HILUX SR5 4WD

2016 TOYOTA YARIS SX

86,175kms, automatic headlights, fog lights, electric seats, climate control, certified import includes 1 year unlimited mileage warranty

270,200kms, 4.5L V8 diesel, auto, 4WD, 8 seater, leather seating, cruise control, GPS navigation, parking sensors, towbar, CD, bluetooth

202,000kms, Double Cab, Automatic, nudge bar, tow bar, tuff deck

27,500kms, 1.5P, automatic, reversing camera, bluetooth, cruise control, balance of 5 year/75,000km scheduled service plan and 5 year/150,000km warranty

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YOU CAN NEVER HAVE TOO MUCH KIT. LIMITED EDITION $ 56,990 HILUX SR5 CRUISER TDP* ORC INCL.

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1000km, 2.8L Turbo Diesel, Sat Nav, Free 18” Tyre and Alloy Wheel upgrade, Balance of 3 yr/100,000km Warranty + Service Advantage Package

Balance of 3 yr/100,000km Warranty + Service *Accessorised model shown. The advertised Toyota Driveaway (TDP) is for the vehicle only, AdvantagePrice Package climate control, cruise control, towbar

ORC and GST included. One exclusive Hilux-Swanndri Dufﬂe Bag with every new Toyota Limited Edition Hilux SR5 Cruiser (GFDTP) purchased between 1 January and 31 March 2019, while stocks last. Prices and speciﬁ are$22,995 subject to change at any For fullLife terms and conditions visit Free Wof’s For Life cationsWAS Freetime. Wof’s For our website, www.toyota.co.nz

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OPEN MON-FRI 8AM-5PM SAT 9AM-1PM OR BY APPOINTMENT PHONE 0800 286 9682 | Cnr East St & Walnut Ave, Ashburton

$56,995

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Farming

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COUNTRY ROADS

Focus on efficiency and performance With 134kW3 of power and 240Nm3. of torque the 1.5L EcoBoost Petrol engine is the perfect balance of efficiency and performance. And it’s smart too. On highway driving when torque demand is low, the Focus can de-activate one cylinder for greater fuel economy Just a quick twist and you’re in gear. Replacing the standard gearstick, all Focus models feature an advanced rotary dial that simplifies the cabin space and creates a more sophisticated interior. Change driving modes to suit your road, or your mood. Choose from Normal, Eco or Sport drive modes and the system will adjust steering feel and gear shift behaviour. The Focus’ 180-degree split view camera gives you incredible awareness of your surroundings. You’ll be able to spot hazards that can’t be seen over your shoulder or in the mirrors. It’s all in the power of the

voice. With Apple CarPlay and Android Auto you’ll be able to control music, hear text messages and find your nearest restaurant, all with voice commands. Plus, the Sync®3 system allows you to set and clear directions and view traffic conditions. On the open road, the Focus system modifies your cruise control speed based on the vehicle ahead. If it senses that traffic slows to a standstill, this smart technology can bring your vehicle to a complete stop. And when the traffic clears, the Focus can automatically accelerate back up to the preset speed. Parking in a busy street or tight space can be a tricky experience. But with Active Park Assist2, all-new Focus makes it easier than you’d ever believe possible. Once activated, the system can identify a suitable space, and perform the entire parking and exit manoeuvres for you.

Black sheep

All-new Focus’s 1.5L FordEcoBoost petrol engine offers a winning combination of performance, fuel efficiency and technology. With its highly advanced and efficient design, the new 1.5L Ford EcoBoost petrol

engine range develops up to 134kW/240Nm of power. Allnew Focus’ engines comply with stringent Euro Stage 6.2 emissions regulations. The 2.0-litre Ford Turbo diesel additionally uses AdBlue®,

aurea/water-based fluid that converts NOx emissions in the exhaust gas into nitrogen and water. A particulate filter then reduces more than 99 per cent of emitted solid particulates from the car’s exhaust.

The black sheep of the RAM family is now in 13 New Zealand RAM showrooms across the country with the arrival of the RAM 1500 Black Pack. Bathed in brilliant black metallic paint, the RAM 1500 Black Pack lives up to its name with 20 inch black alloy wheels, black front and rear bumpers, a black grille, darkened headlights and all the badging is in black – with one exception. That exception hints at how the RAM 1500 Black Pack has the power to back up its dark good looks with the one badge not blackened stating – in red – 5.7 litres, the

capacity of the awesome 291 kW Hemi V8 engine that lifts its performance above all its rivals. The RAM 1500 Black Pack operates in stealth mode with just an inimitable Hemi V8 rumble to hint at the awesome performance it offers or, with the optional RAM sport exhaust system fitted, the rumble turns into an orchestral V8 roar that enables the RAM 1500 Black Park to audibly announce its arrival, whether it’s the unmistakable rumble at low speeds or V8 roar under full bore acceleration. Like the entire RAM 1500 range, the 1500 Black Pack

sets new standards for towing capacity, tub size, interior space and comfort and, with the legendary 5.7 litre HEMI V8, the Black Pack further extends the return to the New Zealand market of the that national icon, the V8 ute. The RAM 1500 Black Pack is available in two versions, the standard RAM 1500 Black Pack at a recommended retail price of $99,990 excluding on road costs. With the unique RamBoxes loading system the RAM 1500 Black Pack has a recommended retail price of $104,990 excluding statutory charges, dealer costs and delivery.

Keeping your farm vehicles working

TRACTORS

4WD

IRRIGATORS

Neumanns Tyres will attend to your tyre requirements anywhere and anytime in Mid Canterbury

197 Wills St, Ashburton Ph 308 6737 www.neumannstyres.co.nz

• Prompt and efficient service • Very experienced technicians • Competitive price • 24 hour service (After hours callout applies)

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COUNTRY ROADS

A few beers can change your life midnight 200mgs/100mls

7.30am 90mgs/100mls

goes slow ly

driving, even if they only had a few drinks. Based on a true story – *not their real names.

ONE MORE DRINK WONT HURT

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ONE MORE DRINK WONT HURT t i n o e f i l a h c t e b Don’t Don’t betcha life on it

One person dies One person dies on the road every 2 days on theasroad every a result of2 days as aor result of drugs alcohol* drugs or alcohol* *on average

average Source: CAS 2017 NZ*on Alcohol or drug related crashes Source: CAS 2017 NZ Alcohol or drug related crashes

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road, James turned the music on. It was just another trip home. The road they were on was a typical rural road that had a 100km/h speed limit. It was about 10 metres wide and sealed. It also had the usual narrow grassed shoulder. At 97 km/h, they were travelling just below the speed limit. About seven minutes later James briefly took his eyes off the road ahead. Within a second or so, the vehicle veered to the left and the left y kl wheels went off the sealed road. At the speed they were going, they travelled at around 27 metres per second. They crashed through the fence and the in the UK. car rolled down an Due to Josh’s injuries, he is embankment. The impact unable to work anymore. killed James and severely This is only one of many injured Josh. similar real-life stories. This incident permanently Please stop your mates from affected many people here and ui

Ben’s home. Ben’s dad *Mark thought it would be a good idea as a responsible host to get a fire going for a barbecue, so that the men could have food with their drinks. They all appreciated the gesture, and were all sitting around the fire sharing life stories and having a great time. As the night progressed, Mark arranged for the men to stay over the night. They were all pleased with this arrangement and continued celebrating. The men did not go overboard with their drinking, because they had to get back to work the following day. James and Josh were going to sleep in the caravan. After the party settled down, they all went to bed. Then, for some reason, James and Josh decided that they would rather go back home. They quietly slipped out so they would not wake the others, got into James’ car and headed home. None of them felt the drinks they’d had affected them much. Once they reached the main

c o me sq

*James had recently arrived in the country from the UK. He was in his early 20s and excited because he managed to get a job on a New Zealand farm as a farmhand. James quickly made friends with his colleagues. These men loved the outdoors and although work was tough on the farm, they all enjoyed the physical side of it. James quickly got used to driving on the roads where he worked and lived. After all, it was not much different from driving in the countryside back home. *Ben, one of James’s friends, lived on a farm some 20 minutes drive away. It was Ben’s 24th birthday and they all decided to get together to celebrate it that evening. After work, James and *Josh, who was a friend, made final arrangements for the party, organised beer and they set off to Ben’s home. James was driving his own car. He was used to driving this road to Ben’s place and knew where the tricky parts of the road were. They arrived safely at

Farming

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NEWS

Fonterra takes step in new direction Dairy giant Fonterra has dipped a toe in the bioengineered food game by taking a stake in a United States company. The co-operative’s undisclosed investment in Motif Ingredients, a company that develops and commercialises bio-engineered animal and food ingredients, is a step in a new direction away from its traditional base of natural milk. Fonterra global consumer and foodservice head Judith Swales said the move was part of the co-operative’s commitment to its farmerowners to stay at the forefront of innovation. The investment would allow it to understand and meet the changing preferences of consumers, she said. “Farmers expect their co-op to get the most value from every drop of their milk and also keep an eye on tomorrow to futureproof their co-op for generations to come. “Dairy nutrition will always be at our core, but we also want to explore how we can capture more value from new

Tim Cronshaw

RURAL REPORTER

types of nutrition.’’ Alternative nutrition produced from plants, insects, algae and fermentation is fast evolving. She said the “complementary nutrition’’ category could co-exist alongside animal proteins, including cows’ milk. “It’s not a case of either/or, but both,” she said. Fonterra would not disclose the size of its investment, other than saying it was a minority stake in the business. Swales said the population would increase by two billion more mouths to feed in the next 30 years and there would not be enough food to go around using today’s methods. “A combination of traditional and complementary nutrition sources will be

required to meet the world’s increasing need for food, especially protein. “Consumers around the world will continue to want natural, grass fed dairy as a premium source of nutrition. At the same time, we recognise that no two consumers are the same. “As diets and preferences continue to evolve, we want to be there, providing people with choices.’’ Motif was set up by organism company Ginkgo Bioworks. Using a process similar to how insulin, vitamins and beer are made, a team of biotech experts will harness genetic science and fermentation technology to re-create and sell animal proteins and food ingredients, including those similar to dairy ingredients. Motif Ingredients chief executive Jonathan McIntyre said Motif would help propel the next food revolution for affordable, sustainable and accessible ingredients through biotechnology and fermentation that would meet the standards of chefs, food

Fonterra global consumer and food service head Judith Swales. PHOTO SUPPLIED

developers, and visionary brands. Other investors in Motif Ingredients apart from Ginkgo Bioworks

are Breakthrough Energy Ventures, Louis Dreyfus Companies and Viking Global Investors.

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NEWS

Fonterra appoints Hurrell as leader Fonterra’s acting chief executive Miles Hurrell has done enough over six months to impress the co-operative’s board that he deserves the permanent job on a $1.9 million base salary plus bonus payments. Chairman John Monaghan announced that the co-op had appointed Hurrell with immediate effect. Hurrell had been the cooperative’s interim chief executive since August last year. Monaghan said the cooperative’s board has been impressed by his leadership and commercial skills as it continued to breathe fresh air into the co-operative. He said Hurrell had demonstrated the wisdom, skills, experience and “frankly, the backbone’’ needed to lead. “Miles has been performing well under difficult circumstances. Our performance is not something that will be fixed overnight. It will require the courage to make difficult decisions, be up-front with farmerowners, unit holders and

Tim Cronshaw

RURAL REPORTER

other stakeholders, and instil a culture of accountability and performance right across the organisation.” Monaghan said the permanent appointment would bring much needed stability to the co-op and its people during a critical period of change. “His work alongside the board as we progress our portfolio review to re-evaluate our investments, major assets and partnerships; and the more recently announced full review of the co-operative’s strategy, has him uniquely qualified for the role.’’ Hurrell said he was grateful for the board’s support and, with his senior leadership team, was looking forward to the challenge of re-setting the

business so that it delivered on its commitments. “My six months as interim CEO have reinforced my view that, despite the challenges with our current performance, the fundamentals of this business are strong. To realise our potential we need to get the basics right and that means a full review of our strategy and ultimately, a fundamental change in direction.’’ Hurrell first joined Fonterra in the year 2000. His 19 years’ experience in the dairy industry has spanned four continents, including roles in Europe, the United States, Middle East, Africa and Russia. Before taking up the role of interim chief executive, Hurrell was the co-operative’s chief operating officer of Farm Source – the unit responsible for working directly with the co-op’s farmer-owners. Fonterra revealed Hurrell will be paid a base salary of $1.95 million, with additional short and long-term incentive payments based on the

Fonterra chief executive Miles Hurrell. PHOTO SUPPLIED

achievement of targets agreed with the board. His total remuneration package will be reported in the co-operative’s annual financial statements in September. Former chief executive Theo Spierings was reported

to have earned a total of $8.32 million in 2017, including a $2.46m base salary and performance payments over 2016 and 2017 totalling $5.68m as well as superannuation benefits of about $170,000.

Stainless steel tanks the way to go If you have yet to replace your old mild steel tripod fuel tank and you are attending the South Island Field Days at Kirwee, a visit to Petrotec Services at site 782 should be on your must do list. They are suppliers of the Fuelcon range of stainless steel farm tanks. When considering replacement options for your fuel tank some of the key points to keep in mind are: costeffective standards approved tank, a ladder that incorporates a platform or a safety bar option, the tank fuel type embossed on

the side of the pump box by the lockable nozzle, a vent filter and fuel filter. A stainless tank will last across the generations and eliminate rust or corrosion due to the material of manufacture. It will be durable and easy to clean. No need to paint, no rust or pitting. The vent filter and fuel filter will assist in preventing moisture build up, diesel bug or dirt and water contamination therefore keeping fuel clean. Single product storage or split combination tanks are available and will allow for flexibility of

storage options. Whether you require diesel, petrol, diesel/ petrol or diesel exhaust fluid (DEF/Ad Blue) combination, an above ground gravity-fed, or an on ground pump option. Stainless steel is a viable longterm option worthy of serious consideration. Petrotec Services are also suppliers of the Fuelcon range of steel trailer tanks and commercial tanks. As well as agents for the Everlink fuel management system and Logitank containerised bulk storage and dispensing solutions. Advertising feature

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Farming

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NEWS

Savings in energy usage Invest in protection

The SSS Irrigation System is a static set irrigation system with sprinklers permanently mounted on posts, 1.8m above ground with posts spaced 44m apart on average. Each sprinkler is individually operated via the post kit’s solenoid valve controller. Watering times are infinitely variable, thus allowing for differing soil types and flexible application rates. We use our proven SSS Irrigation grid system to design layouts suitable for any landscape with a range of post and row spacings to suit the particular requirements which vary depending on available water pressure, windage issues, etc. Our recommended water pressure at the sprinkler is 4 bar (58psi) where the PF 30 sprinkler unit is achieving a throw radius of 30m (60m diameter). The PF 30 sprinkler will perform

efficiently from as little as 2.5 bar to well over 6 bar with corresponding changes to throw radius. Underground, the system utilises 100mm to 200mm PVC mainlines (varying in size according to individual system needs) with 63mm MDPE lateral lines reducing to 40mm LDPE post lines to the individual sprinklers. Our system does not require any landscape modifications or alteration to existing fence lines, removal of valuable shelter belts, etc. High application rates allow shortened run times and resultant savings in energy usage, in most cases allowing all irrigation to be completed overnight when further savings can be made with use of night rate electricity supply. Advertising feature

Rugged Valley seat covers have been used and abused in the roughest testing grounds by fishermen, hunters, tradies, sparkies, four-wheel drivers and weekend enthusiasts. Hard working Kiwis tend to give their vehicles a tough time, both on the demanding worksite and on the weekend. Tried and true, Rugged Valley seat covers have survived the heaviest punishment and have been put to test in harsh New Zealand conditions. Rugged Valley seat covers are 100per cent waterproof, tailor made to fit your specific vehicle right here in NZ. Utes, trucks, vans, tractors, excavators, quads and ATVs, we’ve got you covered. From Mercedes vans, to the latest model Mitsubishi Triton, or your faithful ol’ Suzuki Jimny for the farm.

Rugged Valley is attending the South Island Field Days, where you can find us at Site 883, we would love to have a chat. We will let you in on our Field Days Discounts, and hardwearing NZ made products. Now stocking the PVC moulded SandGrabba Floormats, vehicle specific designed to trap the mud. All with a five year guarantee. No need to be precious that you are damaging the automotive cloth, or your leather interior. Jump right on in. Time to protect your seats and floor from your lifestyle, and future proof your resale value? Not attending Field Days, that’s okay, we still have you covered. Shop online at ruggedvalley.co.nz. Or, call us to invest in your protection 0800 478 443. Advertising feature

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MAINTENANCE & SERVICES FEATURE

Good oil on irrigator maintenance The failure of pumps and irrigation equipment during the season can waste a lot of time, restrict pasture and crop growth and create stress. Regular equipment checks and ongoing maintenance are vital in preventing breakdowns and reducing the chance of serious damage. Having a weekly or monthly and annual task list for irrigation maintenance, where farmers can check tasks off easily, ensures maintenance is kept up-to-date. If you install a new pump, ensure the supplier provides the specifications and a pump commissioning report. These will serve as benchmarks for future checks. During the first irrigation sweep make sure surface pumps are primed and fill the mainline slowly. Take and record initial flow readings, operating pressures and amp meter readings – these will serve as benchmarks for the rest of the season. Listen for any unusual noise and check all pressure and/ or flow switches which could have been damaged over the

Regular maintenance on centre pivots can prevent expensive breakdowns.

winter. Check for any leaking seals, joints or glands and run an eye over suction screens and surface water takes. If there is auto clean, ensure it works. For the irrigator grease the pump and motor and check operating pressure to compare with initial readings or specifications. Check sprinklers for condition, rotation, blockage, wear and tear and hoses and pipes for damage or leaks. During the irrigation season make sure grease levels are maintained for the pump and motor. Check flow readings, operating pressures and amp readings to compare with initial readings or specifications.

For the irrigator check sprinklers for their condition, rotation and blockages, make sure nozzles are not hooked up and look for general wear and tear. Check the irrigation speed and operating pressure and also the application depth and compare it against design specifications. Make sure hoses and pipes are free of damage and leaks. Follow the maintenance schedule for regular greasing of travelling irrigators. Have a plan to manage travelling irrigators in high winds. This may include turning water off but keeping the irrigator filled with water, parking the irrigator behind shelter or in the same direction as the wind to

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minimise the contact area. Tie down rotary booms. At the end of the irrigation season repair or replace broken pump meters and gauges. If the pump is operating more than 5 per cent below specifications, consider taking action to get it repaired. For the irrigator remove frost drain plugs and any plug-in cords and store them in a covered area off the ground. Tie boom irrigators so they can’t rotate and store them against a shelter belt. Park the centre pivot in the same direction as the prevailing wind to reduce the wind’s contact area on the machine. Do not park the pivot in the wheel tracks or down a steep incline Pull K-line systems alongside a permanent fence, not under trees. Do not store irrigators near trees which may break or fall over under the weight of snow. Arrange for the supplier to do annual maintenance on travelling irrigators. Check irrigators for major

Alps

overhaul needs, usually every 10,000-20,000 hours of operation. With border dyke irrigation, review their performance and the need to redevelop border strips and levels. Irrigation breakdowns can range from minor issues which take time to fix, through to major problems that cost time, money and loss of pasture production from delayed irrigation or loss of nutrients through over watering. It is important that any problem is fixed quickly and the cause identified to stop it happening again. Go to DairyNZ’s website for a trouble shooting summary of common irrigation problems. IrrigationNZ also has pre-season checklists and performance assessments for a range of irrigation systems. Go to its website www. irrigationnz.co.nz to find the checklists. For more detail specific to your system, contact the service provider. - DairyNZ

Continuous Spouting

Need new spouting, fascia and downpipes? Give Ben a call for a free quote. All jobs guaranteed. Enquire about our leaf and snow guard product. Manufacturers and installers of continuous spouting, fascia and downpipes.

Ben Kruger • Phone 308 4380 or 027 390 1027 email: benkruger@xtra.co.nz www.alpscontinuousspouting.co.nz

Farming

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MAINTENANCE & SERVICES FEATURE

Aiming for the illusive perfect cow Well designed, constructed and maintained cow lanes will save farmers time and money. Conversely, they will lose out if tracks are poor. Among the benefits of good cow lanes farmers will spend less time and money on repairs, they will get more efficiency through better cow flow and there will be fewer incidences of lameness and mastitis. There’s no such thing as a perfect track but that shouldn’t stop anyone from getting as close as they can to the target. A perfect track should be wide enough for a herd to move without being pressured and give cows enough space so they are less likely to push or be pushed. The width of the track is determined by cow numbers now and in the long term. As a guideline, the track width for mobs of less than 120 cows should be five metres, 120-250 cows should be 5.5m, 250-350 cows 6m, 350-450 cows 6.5m and more than 450 cows will depend on the split of the herd. Tracks should be as short as possible so cows don’t have to walk too far. The longer the track, the greater the impact on cow comfort and the longer they will take to get to the dairy to milk. The energy being used by cows to

walk to the dairy shed can affect milk production. Ensure there are no distractions as that will lead to cows stopping to take a look, potentially slowing traffic. Make sure the track is well fenced from the drains. Good fencing can prolong the life of a track. It keeps cows out of drains and mud, minimises damage to drains and contamination of waterways. Position the fence so that the posts are on the paddock side but with an outrigger on the lane side of the drain. The bottom wire should be high enough above the track surface to allow tractors access to the drain for cleaning. Also, take care when moving cows along tracks which are bordered by hot wire fences. Good access in and out of paddocks is important and shouldn’t be narrower than the track or there will be bottlenecks. Put in double gates to avoid wear and tear and muddy areas. Angled or offset gates improve cow flow, reduce track wear and tear and are easier to get machinery through. V-gates increase cow speed by removing the need to do a 90 degree turn onto the track and reduce muddiness of gateways as cow traffic is halved. Single wires are hard to see so use

Dairy cows just finished milking.

colour tapes for gates and indicator flags when using tapes across tracks. Move troughs away from gates to stop drinking cows blocking gateways and making them muddier.

A full front opening paddock reduces mud as stock enter and exit. Time gate latches that drop the gate tape at a preset time. The timer is set when shutting the cows in. This

Let the POOCRU help you! Locally owned and operated by Darryl and Kylie Burrowes since 2004, Allens Ashburton is a liquid waste disposal company based right here in Ashburton. We service all of Mid Canterbury and are Ruralco/ATS suppliers and that gives members a 10 per cent discount on all servicing. We have a great, reliable team who supply prompt and friendly service. The boys are well trained and clean up after themselves! We have two powerful, well maintained vacuum trucks, a jetting truck (high-powered water blasting),

BLOCKED DRAINS

Dairy Saucer/Wedge/Sump and Drain Clearing.

Allen’s Ashburton offer a great service

a drain machine and a CCTV drain camera also. If you are bunged up, blocked up, overflowing, or just plain full then Allens Ashburton can clean it, clear it and get rid of it for you! If you need your septic tank cleaned and serviced, dairy, or any farm effluent sorted, or even your residential drain unblocked, just give the POOCRU a bell! We specialise in sucking! Call Darryl direct on 0274 333 563 or track us down on Facebook, flick us a message and let the POOCRU help you! Advertising feature

SEPTIC TANKS, SUMPS, WEDGES AND PONDS

Does your Septic Tank need to be emptied?

CALL THE POOCRU

Locally owned and operated

Phone Darryl Burrowes on 03 308 5293 or 0274 333 563

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MAINTENANCE & SERVICES FEATURE

lane pays off long term

encourages cows to begin leaving the paddock and drift off to the dairy at their own pace, rather than just relying on farmers pushing them along. Ensure gateways are well drained to

prevent mud. Divert water away from them and tracks and consider putting in a culvert to carry water underneath. Use a heavy roller on the areas around gates or troughs occasionally.

Make sure tracks have a good surface and the right camber. Tracks can’t be too muddy, uneven or stony or have too much slope or it will affect cows’ ability and desire to use them. Track drainage is best achieved by having a slight camber so water can run off. Should farmers want to avoid run off into open drains or waterways, they can create a one-way camber. But camber on both sides is better for cows. Ensure the track is raised in the centre and the slope should be between 3-5 per cent. Don’t make the camber greater than 8 per cent or cows will only walk on parts of the track. Maintaining good tracks involves a proactive programme that ensures drainage is effective and surfaces are kept in top condition. Fill and compact potholes as they occur otherwise they trap water, turning the surface layer into slurry and the base layer into a bog. Grade track surfaces on a regular basis – at least annually. Using tractors or holding stock on tracks can lift and rut the surface. Drive farm vehicles slower on tracks and reduce as much as possible shaded areas to ensure they dry more quickly. Clean drains to make tracks last longer and ensure side drains are open

when it rains and deal with small blockages as they occur. Carry a shovel when getting the cows in to clear side drains and have a knapsack handy to spray weeds. If grass and manure has built up on track edges and farmers want to leave it to help support the track structure, cut lateral drains to allow water to flow away. Use a tractor blade to remove it and this may need to be done annually. Using a contractor with a grader or digger is a good option. Fix leaking troughs and irrigation equipment. Irrigators that run over tracks can cause problems. Prune or remove trees near tracks as they block sun and wind and keep tracks from drying out. Tree roots also destroy the structure. Create ‘speed bumps’ to divert water off steep tracks. Their camber should be between 3-5 per cent as steeper cambers result in water too quickly scouring the track. Tracks near waterways should have slopes facing away from the water and towards a paddock or sediment trap.

– DairyNZ

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

MAINTENANCE & SERVICES FEATURE

Specialist engineering services People ring me because they know that I will say yes! My customers get all the benefits of a major engineering firm with personal service. With 25 yearsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; experience in the industry, Weld-Tec are specialist project engineers in Christchurch and Canterbury and surrounding districts. John has firmly established Weld-Tec as one of Canterburyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s leading authority for engineering particularly with the concrete, cement and aggregate supply industries. John has the capabilities, strategy, attitude and resources to continue to grow and develop the company. Weld-Tec will deliver quality workmanship irrespective of the complexity of the project. With years of experience and a skilled pool of subcontractors to call upon, John is able to say yes to projects more often. We are your choice for designing, fabricating and maintaining conveyors for aggregate, mining, industrial applications, and so much

more. We service what sell. Weld-Tec offers the complete service from compressor installation, including pipework to the design of pneumatic circuits including installation and servicing of associated equipment e.g. air cylinders,

valves, actuators etc. For all your design and fabrication to installation of pipework for irrigation - including head works, quarries, mining, building services, factories, skifields (snowmaking etc.) and industrial applications, we do

it all. Weld-Tec provides all types of stainless steel fabrication including handrails, architectural, pipework, furnaces, industrial applications and repairs. We offer installation and maintenance of factory

One of the best engineering services in Canterbury and surrounding regions.

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Cutting and drilling

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equipment, process equipment, industrial plant and associated equipment including gearboxes, transmissions and pumps and machine shop facilities. Advertising feature

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MAINTENANCE & SERVICES FEATURE

We have you got you covered 24/7 Hydraulink Mid Canterbury has been proudly owned by Dan and Abbey Bruce for coming up four years. The company has grown year on year and recently won the Hydraulink Fluid Connectors Top Industrial Sales North and South Island award. Dan is rarely seen in the service trucks these days, as much as he would prefer it to paper work! But the phone is always with him for jobs, advice or just a bit of banter. The workshop is professionally run by Andy Scammell, who has over 30 years heavy diesel mechanic experience behind him. Three fully kitted out service trucks are ready for any job, big or small, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week with our qualified technicians Craig, Andrew (Cowboy) and Liston. They are ready to jump in and travel anywhere in the district as quickly as possible to remedy the problem and keep your down time to a minimum. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s not all about hose and

Early morning at Hydraulink before the team hits the road.

fittings here. We have all seen expensive machines burn due to unforeseen issues. Therefore we now offer installation of fire suppression systems. These are customised to your own equipment and

eliminate any potential loss of your machine should a fire arise. Our fire suppression system was recently demonstrated at the Ashburton and Christchurch A&P Shows and will again be on show

PHOTO SUPPLIED

at the Hydraulink site at the upcoming Kirwee Field Days. These systems offer great peace of mind when using big machines in tinder dry work conditions. We also offer custom designed automated

lubrication systems. Once set up, these will keep your machines working better and eliminate human error in missing manual greasing checks. This will extend the working life of your machineâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s components. We have a comprehensive engineering shop with lathe, milling machine, mig welders and 100 tonne press. We can offer ram rebuilds as well as motor, pump and valving repairs. With over 5000 parts in our stores as well as hydraulic componentry eg motors, accumulators, filters and valves on our shelves; we need an experienced parts person. This is where Paddy comes into his own, give him a call about anything hydraulic or chat about his golf. Finally we have Wendy running the office and keeping everyone on task. A wonderful team and a superb company, 24/7 for all your hydraulic needs and much, much more. Advertising feature

For all your hydraulic requirements you can trust Hydraulink Mid Canterbury 24hrs, 7 days a week

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Farming

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MAINTENANCE & SERVICES FEATURE

Quality excavation services At Mt Somers Excavation we have years of experience and use trusted machinery to ensure results won’t cost the earth. Servicing clients throughout Canterbury we will be there to keep your next project on track no matter how big or small. Over the years Mt Somers Excavation has become the trusted name for clients who appreciate our high standard of workmanship and dedication. With 23 years of experience in the industry you can expect excavation with a fine attention to detail to fit your specifications. Our team members are passionate about getting the job done properly and on time. At Mt Somers Excavation we are dedicated to providing the best results for your requirements and budget in the Canterbury region. When it comes to excavation services, we pride ourselves on offering direct customer service throughout the process, from beginning to end.

Ensuring precise and complete excavation services to our clients in the Canterbury region, we utilise only the finest machinery in the industry. In our fully maintained fleet we have 21, 14 and 8 tonne

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www.guardianonline.co.nz

MAINTENANCE & SERVICES FEATURE

A wide range of engineering services Engineering Solutions Ltd is located at 201 Alford Forest Road and offers a wide range of services for the engineering, dairy and pumping sectors. Between the owners Luke Maginness and Hayden Bonnington they cover a wide range of skills and experience. Luke has a background in machining and maintenance while Hayden is experienced in fabrication and maintenance. With a growing staff of seven, we are able to handle a wide range of projects from large design and build projects to smaller repair jobs. Recent projects include a large rotary screen retrieval system, dairy yards and feed pads, structural steel, rebuilding and machining components for oil press machines and completing maintenance for irrigation schemes. Engineering Solutions has always produced backing gates and dairy yards, and these services have been on the increase over the past four years. Engineering Solutions have

Engineering Solutions provides a comprehensive engineering service which include design, fabrication, and machining.

a solar-powered wireless backing gate for rectangular yards, which is the only product like it available. Engineering Solutions also build rotary backing gates and

top gates for round yards with their own set of centre posts and water glands. These rotary backing gates and top gates are built extremely strong and

designed using the latest technologies and our centre posts are quite unique, you can run a separate line for green water and clean water. Recently we have been upgrading many existing centre posts in yards to include rotary water glands and electrical glands. These upgrades can be customised to the existing set-up and to the customer’s needs. Engineering Solutions also has a lot of work on in the pumping side of the business, as the service agent for many of the local irrigation schemes, including Barrhill Chertsey Irrigation, Ashburton Lyndhurst Irrigation and most recently have earned the maintenance contract for Amuri Irrigation. A big part of our pumping service is setting up maintenance schedules for our clients. We do vibration testing and pump performance tests and record all the data to give scheme providers a good idea of the current condition of all the pumps. This data allows us to make

informed decisions on future maintenance requirements and helps improve reliability and downtime. Along with the irrigation schemes, many farmers are also taking up this option. The irrigation pumps are spread right across the district, from rivers and ponds, to boost pumps on private properties. As an agent for Southern Cross Pumps, Engineering Solutions is able to supply pumps and parts to the schemes or to farmers direct from the supplier, which allows the company to offer a good service at a good price. Engineering Solutions provides a comprehensive engineering service which includes design, fabrication, and machining, and is happy to take on most projects. We have a well-equipped workshop and a dedicated professional team who prides itself on being innovative and building quality products that will benefit our customers. Advertising feature

ENGINEERING

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• Design • Fabrication • Machining

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201 Alford Forest Road, Ashburton Hayden 027 346 8173 | Luke 021 689 432 facebook.com/engineeringsolutionsltd/

Agents for Southern Cross & Onga Pumps

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

NEWS

Beltex growing in popularity More top beltex sheep raised at Mt Somers including a $21,000 ram lamb are off to Southland to strengthen the bloodlines of a new stud of New Zealand’s first new sheep breed introduced in nearly a decade. The ram lamb bought by the Robinson family was the second highest top price at the beltex sale by Beltex New Zealand, owned by former Invermay head Jock Allison, Mt Somers farmer Blair Gallagher and farm adviser John Tavendale. Brent Robinson, his wife Anne-Marie and son Michael have set up a newly formed stud, breeding beltex sheep, on their Southland sheep and beef property. Last year they bought the top priced ram lamb for $13,000 at the inaugural beltex sale in Canterbury. They raised their bidding hand again at the March 1 auction, buying Lot 2, a $21,000 ram lamb, a two tooth ram for $11,500 and several beltex ewes to help them build their breeding programme. The top price of $22,000

Brent, Anne-Marie and Michael Robinson with their $21,000 beltex ram lamb.

Tim Cronshaw

PHOTO SUPPLIED

RURAL REPORTER

was bid for a beltex ram lamb by Rex Roadley of Maungaturoto in Northland. More beltex sheep were on the ground last year at the Mt Somers operation after a good lambing season and were boosted by new embryo arrivals. Beltex New Zealand put another 150 embryos in ewes after buying them from three UK studs and half of them resulted in lambs. The beltex flock expanded from 55 purebreds with the addition of 120 new arrivals, born last August and September. That includes embryos taken from 23 ewe lambs as seven-month-olds, resulting in 43 new lambs. The double-muscled breed was brought in to the country

in 2017 by the breeding trio of Allison, Gallagher and Tavendale. Seven week old lambs were putting on 350-500 grams a

day in bodyweight growth. The pronounced muscling of beltex bloodlines is not apparent at birth, but develops soon afterwards.

Last year Beltex New Zealand slaughtered four purebred lambs at Silver Fern Farm’s Pareora site which yielded 57 per cent liveweight to deadweight and when boned out produced 80 per cent meat. The company’s owners maintain the lambing performance of beltex purebreds in the United Kingdom is on par with the imported texels in the early 1990s when they first arrived to New Zealand. The Robinsons are holding their own first beltex stud sale at the Gore Showgrounds on March 12. Within the catalogue will be 26 beltex/texel, 14 beltex/ suffolk and 22 beltex/south suffolk ram lambs.

TRADE ME AUCTION STOCK CLEARANCE Auction starts Friday, March 15, 2019.

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Croplands Pinto • 3,000 l tank and 24 m boom • Chemical induction hopper • Freshwater tank, foam markers • Triple nozzle bodies, 5 section control • Parallelogram boom height control with suspension, independent wing lift

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Agmech 2 Bale Trailing Round Bale Feeder • Twin shredders so it can feed out either side • This can feed silage, hay or straw

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Reed 3 point linkage round bale feeder • Twin shredder • Can feed out straw, silage or hay • Round bales only • Selling on behalf of

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03 307 8330 03 688 1133

www.guardianonline.co.nz

NEWS

Beef exports benefiting from changes Tighter border controls to contain a disease spreading through China’s pig population could have an upside for New Zealand’s beef farmers. African swine fever is now widespread across China and Tim RURAL Rabobank, in a new report, Cronshaw REPORTER believes it has the potential to substantially shift the Asian meat trade. has since taken measures to Much lower pork production combat its spread including in China after extensive pig the strengthening of border culling was set to leave a controls because a possible supply gap which would need vector for its spread is to be filled by other meats, said suspected to be the unofficial Rabobank’s animal proteins trading of goods. analyst Blake Holgate. Holgate said the border He said New Zealand beef action was suspected to have China’s beef trade could open up as a result of a pig disease. exporters were well positioned led to the recent dramatic fall to take advantage of the meat in unofficial meat trade. channels towards the end of States as New Zealand’s single demand. “Prior to ASF, unofficial last year. largest export market for beef “Despite a 50 per cent bovine imports constituted Increased border products in the final quarter increase in beef Timports and a large volume of total meat enforcement has also affected last n n R A C T Oimports, R S and, T R U C K S prices H E A D E R S nofThe U report Tyear. E Ssays the a 1.5 per cent increase in as a result across all Chinese meat domestic beef production in of the stronger border products. acceptance of lean beef by 2018, beef prices in mainland controls, it was reported that Tougher policing is the United States Department China have been rising.” the government arrested a expected to continue through of Agriculture to meet the The outbreak of African number of meat smugglers in the first half of this year, definition of ground beef, swine fever appeared last late 2018,” he said. creating further opportunities Brexit negotiations and August. Rabobank believes the for New Zealand and other February’s floods in Australia The bank’s latest global increased enforcement has beef exporters, who operate will impact global beef Beef Quarterly report says led to a sharp decline in trade through official channels. markets. Standard 182 HP @1000 PTO rpmovertook the United the Chinese government volumes through unofficial China Rabobank expects UK beef Fendt 720 SCR

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imports will change little this year, however, a hard Brexit will eventually bring changes as beef exporters compete to access the high-value UK market. Cattle losses as a result of flooding across 13 million hectares of Northern Australian cattle country are expected to reduce beef exports from Australia. Holgate said the shortage of beef supply combined with improving US beef prices and strong Asian demand had resulted in a modest improvement in farm gate beef returns since the start of the year. “Prices have held up well in recent months, however, we do expect to see some softening of prices over the coming quarter as domestic slaughter rates pick up,” he said. Dry conditions over the last month will likely see farmers offload increasing cattle numbers. Dairy farmers due to start culling non-productive cows in coming months will also increase the supply of cattle to processors.

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www.guardianonline.co.nz

OPINION

Urgent need to control tahr Mary Ralston

FOREST AND BIRD

Controlling tahr numbers on conservation land has become controversial. Hunters seem to fear their pastime will be threatened, but this is unwarranted as the plan is to reduce the numbers, not eradicate, and only on public land, not on private land or pastoral leases. Tahr are an introduced goat from the Himalayas. Their populations have increased markedly over the past decade and their range has extended. They are now found in high numbers throughout the high country in Canterbury, the West Coast and Otago where they graze on alpine and subalpine pastures. The Tahr Control Plan was developed in 1993 to reduce numbers of tahr but this plan was not followed at the time. Numbers of tahr have increased since then and their range expanded despite hunters taking many animals. The current plan to cull tahr on public land will begin to reduce numbers to the level decided on in 1993 so that natural values of the high country are protected. The New Zealand vegetation did not evolve with grazing mammals and there are no natural predators of the goats. Their hard hooves compact soft wet areas of the high country and, being goats, they will eat anything. Vegetation composition has simplified in many places as small herbs and grasses are completely eaten out, with the

Tahr numbers should be reduced but there will still be plenty to hunt.

result that only plants that are resistant to trampling, and tall tussocks, remain. The hooves of tahr (and deer and chamois) disturb the soil surface and accelerate erosion; bare patches extend and become more unstable. The Himalayan Tahr Control Plan sets the total tahr population in the central South Island mountains at 10,000 animals between the Rakaia River and Haast Pass and requires tahr populations to be actively managed to ensure they do not expand their range, particularly to the north and south. A population of 10,000 still allows for good hunting. Currently we have a population of over 35,000

tahr on public conservation land and probably closer to 50,000 altogether – five times the maximum population stipulated by the Tahr Control Plan.

“

PHOTO J. SIM

with this plan. The highest priority areas for tahr control are areas of public conservation land inside the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Westland/

Hunting is an important recreation in New Zealand but hunters don’t control numbers of tahr to the level that is required to protect the fragile high country environment

The plan is a wild animal control plan under the Wild Animal Control Act 1977 and the minister is required to manage tahr in accordance

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recreational hunters to access and areas that feed tahr into exclusion zones. Hunting is an important recreation in New Zealand but hunters don’t control numbers of tahr to the level that is required to protect the fragile high country environment. Surely it is fair enough that tahr are controlled on conservation land, especially national parks that have been set aside for the conservation of native flora and fauna. Like other pests, such as wilding pines, controlling tahr will be much cheaper and easier done sooner rather than tackling the problem some years down the track when numbers and range will be larger.

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LIVESTOCK HANDLING AND FEEDING EQUIPMENT Email - riverdownsteel@gmail.com Call Greg on 0211 433 469

www.riverdownsteel.co.nz FULL ACCESS CRUSH

SARACEN SQUEEZE CRUSH

The full access cattle crush has a flat floor to encourage easy calf training. Two full height side doors on each side (hinged from each end) allows full access with no obstructions to the animal’s flanks. Side doors extended to meet floor. from

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$1250* HEAVY DUTY TOMBSTONE FEEDER 2285mm (7’6”) diameter x 1195mm high x 545mm deep welded base. Formed into 12-sided shape, rather than one continuous circle. 12 feed spaces. Manufactured in three sections bolted together.

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K L I M

G N I L COO S E U S NO IS

FIND OUT MORE STOCKERSOLUTIONS.CO.NZ/ MILK-COOLING-NO-ISSUES

TARGETING PRIMARY COOLING

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At Stocker Solutions, we are focused on giving you results. We have made it our mission to target improving primary milk cooling, in order to save long term cost, before considering secondary chilling. Our proven consultation process monitors your existing system to provide accurate data. We then analyse and present our findings to you in a visual presentation along with recommendations best suited for your situation. With our ultra-efficient primary cooling equipment, we believe we’ve got the right solutions to provide our clients with improved and more compliant systems, before considering the need for more expensive investments in refrigeration equipment

NG I R O

G N I L COO TATION

IMP

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03. RECOMMENDATIONS

V RO

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After the monitoring period is completed, data is returned, analysed and then formatted into a visual presentation (no spreadsheets here).

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04. IMPROVEMENTS Based on our visual presentation and provided options we will carry out improvements to your cooling system. These can be passive systems such as water or cooler alterations, through to significant upgrades such as chilling options.

AN A S SI LY

After your initial conversation with our experienced team, we install our data logging equipment. The logger captures temperatures required such as water going to and from the cooler, milk leaving the cooler, and the milk in the silo. An onsite assessment of your cooler size and water flow will also carried out.

MO NI T

01. MONITORING

Once we have your visual presentation done, we will present you with options best suited for your situation based on our findings. Generally a minimum of two options are available.

490 West Street, Ashburton • 03 307 6388 • 31 Mountainview Road, Culverden • 03 315 8141 www.stockersolutions.co.nz

Farming

www.guardianonline.co.nz

OPINION

Compost can impact climate change Composting plays a huge role in the fight against climate change, but how do we inspire people to actually do it? There are so many more of us now washing and recycling what we can, taking our own shopping bags to the supermarket and endeavouring to reduce the plastic packaging we end up with. When it comes to sustainability we are capable of change and are watching it play out in front of our eyes. It must be almost 20 years since my mother made her reusable shopping bag with a rural women’s group at Winchmore. Now we’re watching as people adapt to carrying their own bags. Whether you want to call it a revolution or simply great green marketing, we know that we are capable of change. With that in mind, there’s one unsung habit that desperately needs to join the ranks: composting. It’s not a new concept, but for where we find ourselves today, it is absolutely critical. In fact, composting, and what

Sheryl Stivens

ECO EFFICIENCY

we do with our compost, has the potential to reverse climate change. It just needs a better marketing campaign. There are a couple of key reasons we need to compost. Firstly, to divert ‘waste’ from the landfill. Right now, a good percentage of what Ashburton households chuck in the bin is food or garden scraps, and could be composted. What many people don’t understand is that their broccoli stalks and orange peels don’t magically return to the earth when they’re taken to the landfill. Instead, starved of oxygen, they break down anaerobically to produce methane. This, as many New Zealanders will be painfully aware of, is a greenhouse

PHOTO SUPPLIED

Compost sampling at the EnviroWaste Ashburton site for Hills Laboratory quality testing.

gas 25 times more potent than carbon dioxide. In other words, we’re putting carbon into the atmosphere that would otherwise be going back into the ground. So that’s reason one. The second reason is both complex and astonishingly simple, and is all about what we can be doing with compost. To put it simply, spreading compost on the earth allows nature’s natural carbon recycling

METHVEN A&P SHOW March 16, 2019 at the Methven Showgrounds Recreation in and around the Methven District

METHVEN

& ASSO

C I AT

ION

We’ve got something for the whole family: • • • • • • • • • •

Sport Suzie Sheep Shearing Boru entertaining Gift Lamb Auction Side shows Animals galore in the Animal Shed Wine and food festival Sheep colouring-in competition Dog Trial final in the main ring Displays from local recreational groups

Gate charge: Adults $15 | School children free | Free parking ATM available on-site.

mechanism to take place. After all, it’s been a closedloop system for billions of years, before humans evolved and named this organic resource as ‘waste’ and invented trucks to cart it away. When plants photosynthesise, they act as a carbon pump, cycling it out of the atmosphere and into the ground. This is called carbon sequestering, and compost enriches the whole process.

It doesn’t stop with climate change. Food that is grown in carbon-rich soil that has had good quality compost added to it is generally more nutrientdense. It’s a no-brainer really. And there are choices you can make with either a bokashi bucket or a worm farm for food scraps and a simple compost bin for your garden waste. Now why aren’t you making compost?

www.guardianonline.co.nz

OPINION

West coast dairy looking positive What a month we have had with the government tax working group coming out with all its different suggestions. Personally, I think the capital gains debate has taken centre stage too much, but I wonder if the government of today is happy about that so as they can slip in their water tax, pollution tax, fertiliser tax and other taxes without too much a commotion. When everyone is concentrating on the CGT they are not thinking about the so called green taxes that Winston Peters may not be quite as worried about letting through. This way he saves face but the farmers get hung. This would be a great trade-off for him but not great for farmers. Interesting that we don’t seem to be hearing a lot on mycoplasma bovis at present as apparently it’s all cleaned up and MPI are on top of it. This is far from the truth, if what I hear is correct, as we are still getting farms going on Restricted Place notices and NOD notices.

Chris Murdoch

PROPERTY BROKERS

This is far from being finished but not the talk of the week so we just don’t hear about it. A work colleague of mine, Gareth Cox, has just returned from a West Coast trip and he tells me that the future looks bright for their next generation of dairy farm owners. He took a party from Canterbury to see firsthand their current listings and talk to farmers who have successfully made the transition in recent years to dairying on the Coast. The last few years has seen more than its fair share of head winds for dairy farmers on the West Coast. For those looking to invest or buy their first farm in the region, this year could see the beginning

of positive change. Featuring a lot in the conversations was the quality of the farming systems, on sustainable platforms, and combining both farming and lifestyle. The farmers had to keep the business grounded with clear business controls and the goal of keeping farm working expenses under $4 a kilogram of milksolids, to drive profit. The group also had a briefing hosted at Westland Milk Products, which included a presentation from a senior agricultural banker and farm accounting specialists. The outlook for the West Coast co-operative will become clearer shortly, losses in recent seasons. Banking terms continue to evolve as banks seek to hedge the volatility of recent milk returns. It appears these days you will probably need to have up to 50 per cent of the farm value ‘in cash’ to get to the start line on your first farm. The other important yardstick will be the need to repay your loan over a 20-year term, from day one. So, while

We don’t just say team. We promise it.

First farm buyers are making it work on the West Coast. PHOTO SUPPLIED

these measures are likely to put a ceiling on what buyers can afford to pay, there is still genuine interest in buying dairy farms on the Coast. These opportunities may not quite be where they were five years ago, however, as the outlook improves for Westland Milk, capital from outside the region is still likely to feature as part of the local investment picture. Overall, the shift is to profit and not production criteria and given the level of hard-earned capital being invested upfront as part of the ingoing business, it is fair to say buyers are looking to make

a profit from day one and not in five years’ time. Cox tells me that the investment criteria is a 5 to 6 per cent return on all capital after all farm working and depreciation expenses. Buying a farm has never been easy and if owners are prepared to commit to an open book process with their farm sale process, including farm costs and production, there is no reason why parties should not meet in the middle. They might need a good agent to get them there though. You are more than welcome to join our next trip.

When you list your farm with our South Island team, there are Property Brokers’ members across the country working alongside them to get you the best result. That’s because every one of them has signed a binding agreement to work together to sell your property. It’s a New Zealand first for the rural real estate industry that means we put your best interests first. Which is exactly where they should be.

Find out more at pb.co.nz/trueteam

pb.co.nz Hastings McLeod Ltd Licensed REAA 2008

Case IH Maxxum 140 & Loader 5200Hrs

$65,000 + GST

Case IH Magnum 340 c/w Duals 3008 Hrs

$188,000+GST

Case IH Maxxum 115 Loader 4528 Hrs, with rear duals

$58,000 +GST

Case IH Maxxum 115 Ultimate

Case IH MXU115 X Pro

$62,000 + GST

$49,000 + GST

3648hrs / Loader

6400Hrs, C/W Pearson, 20-43 Loader

Case IH Maxxum 120 MC

Case IH Maxxum 125 Ult Loader

Case IH Puma 155

Claas Arion 430 & Loader

Massey Ferguson 7475

$78,000 + GST

$59,000+GST

Kubota M135X

McCormick MTX165

3517Hrs Loader New Tyres

4516 Hrs Loader

3150Hrs Loader

B Power Cummins 5032Hrs

$42,500 + GST

$44,000 + GST

New Holland T6060 Elite

New Holland T7040

$52,000 + GST

$64,500 + GST

6315Hrs FH/PTO New Tyres

Case IH 9120

1742 Mill Hours POA

Gregoire Besson 5 Furrow Hyd Vari & Reset

6113 Hrs

Case IH 8010 Axial Flow $250,000 + GST

Great Plains Sparton 607 HD

5316 Hrs

Dyna VT 6207hrs / Loader

$35,000 + GST

$66,000 + GST

Valtra M120 Loader

Deutz 9340 TTV Agrotron

Mahindra 4530

$39,900 + GST

$210,000 + GST

6843Hrs Auto Guide Ready

5950 Hrs

New Holland T7.170

3400Hrs C/W Loader

Case IH 1680 Axial Flow

Sam SI 3000 Sprayer

$45,000 + GST

7014 Hrs

$88,000 + GST

$20,000 + GST

Kubota M126X Half Track 126Hp 1720Hrs

$65,000 + GST

Massey Ferguson 38RS 6.2mtr Front with trailer

$20,000 + GST

Duncan MK4 Renovator

$29,500 + GST

$33,900 + GST

Sam Ag Trailer

Simba SL500 DTD

Taege CF1100

$52,000 + GST

$9,000 + GST

Biso VX850 Cropranger

McIntosh CP900SF

$25,000 + GST

$22,000 + GST

Silage Wagon

$60,000 + GST

656Hrs Loader

Giltrap Slurry Spreader 12,000 Ltrs

C/W Trailer

New Holland T5060

$65,000 + GST

$84,999 + GST

22,000 + GST

C/W GPS 2000hrs

$13,500 + GST

24 run

5mtr Disc Tine Cultivator

For more information, or to view any of our tractors, contact: Ashburton 03 307 8027 Amberley 03 314 9055 Leeston 03 324 3791 Timaru 03 688 2179 www.cochranes.net.nz

Kuhn PH2 6 Row Planter $25,000 + GST

Centre Feed Silage Wagon