Canterbury Farming, March 2022 by Canterbury Farming

30,287 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast

March 2022 Edition

INSIDE

THIS EDITION Border changes

p7 Seen a wallaby?

p13 More from cows

p31 Overseas loophole

p47

Finally: At his fourth and final attempt Canterbury dairy farmer Jonny Brown has taken out the Tasman regional final of the Young Farmer of the Year competition and will head to the national final in July.

If you don’t succeed at first It was fourth and final time lucky for Tasman FMG Young Farmer of the Year, Jonny Brown from the Dunsandel Young Farmer’s club.

] by Kent caddick The 31 year old dairy farm manager took out the Tasman title at the regional final in Springston to qualify for this year’s Grand Final in season 54 of the long-running competition. Deer and dairy farmer Andrew Allan, 21, was runner up, while Lincoln University student Archie Woodhouse, 20, came in third place. Brown manages a dairy farm for Dairy Holdings Ltd which milks 1,300 cows and said he was struggling to comprehend the win.

“Each year my preparation hasn’t been great so I need to rectify that for Grand Final,” he said. The father of two has struggled in previous years with the head to heads, naming that aspect of the contest his biggest challenge. “I’m not creative at all so I have to figure it out. Luckily the young pups didn’t know my weakness so I managed to pick up a few good points by finishing first with a pretty horrible chair and putting some pressure on the others.” Extremely passionate about the dairy industry, Jonny has spent his career working

through the ranks of dairying, contract milking and farm management mainly around Canterbury since graduating Lincoln University with a Bachelor of Agricultural Commerce and Land Valuation. Looking ahead to Grand Final in Whangarei in July, Brown said he will be utilising his friends to test him on all aspects of the primary industries. “There’s a lot of hard work ahead, I’m going to have to polish up on a lot of things,” he said.

TO PAGE 2

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Entries up 30% despite uncertainty FROM PAGE 1 “Once you’ve got a taste of being near the top you’ve got to climb that mountain.” The contest is based on four sections: agri-skills, agri-business, agri-sports and agriknowledge, with Brown topping the agri-skills and agri-business categories on the way to the regional title. New Zealand Young Farmers chief executive Lynda Coppersmith said entries for FMG Young Farmer of the Year were up 30% this year despite the uncertainty of Covid. “My gratitude for everyone’s efforts extends beyond words and I am really proud to see how everyone has worked together to deliver another season, to pivot and adapt to new challenges including the red light framework,” Coppersmith said. “The calibre of competitors at each Regional Final is the highest I have seen it and is an extraordinary showcase of the skills and knowledge needed to be involved in the primary industries in this day and age.” Meanwhile three AgriKidsNZ and two FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year teams from the Tasman region will be heading to the contests’ grand finals also to be held in Whangarei in July.

Finals bound: Erin Humm (left) and Amelia Ridgen from Christchurch Girls’ High School are heading to the national final of the Junior Young Farmer of the Year competition in July after finishing second in the Tasman regional final for the second year in a row.

Tasman FMG Junior Young Farmers of the Year were Jack Dennehy-Coles and Finn O’Kane from St Bede’s College. Amelia Ridgen and Erin Humm from Christchurch Girls’ High School were runners up for the second year running. Both St Bede’s College students are in year 12 and are boarders, with DennehyColes from a dairy farm on the West Coast and O’Kane from a dairy farm in South Canterbury. Saint Bede’s College agriculture teacher and team supervisor John McPhail said the

WE ARE BUYING!

We are currently looking to buy good quality NZ new cars If you are thinking of selling your car please get in touch with our Buyer... Forbes Gourlay | PH: 027 222 5000 Corner Main South Road and Epsom Road, Sockburn, Christchurch Ph: 03 348 4129 or 0800 655 551 Rangiora Service Centre, 78 Ivory St, Ph: 03 313 7059

www.avoncityford.com

boys had a relatively short lead in time to prepare for the competition. “It was a tight turn around this year because we’d only been back at school for two weeks before entries were due. They were a last minute entry on the day before so it was good I managed to convince them and get them in there.” McPhail has coached two teams to Grand

Final success, taking out the national title of FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year in 2018 and 2020. “There is that pressure there and they do feel a bit nervous going in because of that expectation, but I will prepare them as best as I can for what to expect when you get there. They just have to go out there and do the best they can,” McPhail said. Tasman’s top AgriKidsNZ team came from Oxford Area School, made up by William Glassford, 12, William Shore, 12, and Elizabeth Cooper, 11. Team Supervisor Michelle Maginness said the youngsters were over the moon to have taken out the title. “They’re pretty stoked, they’re absolutely pumped. They’ve competed in the competition a few times and they really enjoy it so to get somewhere is just the icing on top of the cake,” Maginness said. All three are from dairy farms and described by Maginness as “real farm kids who love being outside and out on the farm”.

Full results Tasman FMG Young Farmer of the Year: Jonny Brown, Dunsandel Young Farmers, 1; Andrew Allan, Lincoln University Young Farmers, 2; Archie Woodhouse, Lincoln University Young Farmers, 3. Top points agriskills: Jonny Brown; Top points agri business: Jonny Brown; Top points agri sports: George Dodson; Top points agri knowledge: Archie Woodhouse. AgriKidsNZ: Oxford Dudes and Dudette - Oxford Area School - William Glassford, William Shore, Elizabeth Cooper; Tasman Tykes - North Loburn - Hamish Webb, PJ Mackintosh, Melanie Philpott, 2; The Ward Boundary Riders - Ward School - Charlie Booker, Holly Shadbolt, Courtney Edwards, 3. Contestant of the day: Charlie Booker, Ward School. FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year: Jack Dennehy-Coles and Finn O’Kane, St Bede’s College, 1; Amelia Ridgen and Erin Humm, Christchurch Girls High School, 2.

FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2022

Farmers endorse Integrated Farm Plan pilot Three farmers in the Waimakariri District, who were part of a ‘Next Generation Farming’ pilot, which helps farmers develop practical solutions to continue reducing environmental risk while remaining profitable, say it will add real value to farm management.

] by Steve Attwood The farmers worked with Waimakariri Landcare Trust (WLT) and agriculture specialists to develop Integrated Farm Plans (IFPs). Established in 2019, WLT is a farmer-led organisation with a membership base of more than 100 farmers throughout the Waimakariri district. Integrated farm planning is about pulling together activities many farmers and growers already do. They’re things that help provide assurance of good practice, especially to consumers. The factors considered are: business planning; animal welfare; biosecurity; employee wellbeing and management (including health and safety); agricultural greenhouse gas emissions; freshwater; intensive winter grazing; biodiversity; waste management; nutrient management; adverse event plan (to ensure an agribusiness can keep operating during a storm); Te Mana o te Wai; consents and permits; and food safety. The pilot study is part of a three-year, farmer-led sustainability project in the Waimakariri district led by WLT. Chair of WLT, Sam Spencer-Bower, said the objective of the Next Generation Farming Project was to find practical solutions to help farmers continue reducing environmental risk, so they can farm into the future.

“It’s not just about better ways to comply with environmental requirements, the real challenge is to identify how environmental improvements on-farm can be value-add projects, contributing to farm income and business sustainability,” Spencer-Bower said. All three farmers in the pilot agreed that the way the IFP project is planned will add value to farm management. Gavin Reed, a beef and cropping farmer on 227ha at Bennetts, near Oxford, said a major benefit of the IFP trial was the exposure to so many different experts to identify and mitigate issues on the farm and point to opportunities for improvement to farm performance and income. “There’s no way one person can come on to your farm and give you all that knowledge,” Reed said. “I think farmers will find it very useful, as long as they are prepared to go into the project with an open mind, and listen to what the experts have to say and the opportunities they present.” Richard Pearce, a Swannanoa sharemilker with a 350ha dairy platform and 220ha in mixed cropping, also had a positive reaction to the trial and the feedback he received from the experts after they reviewed his business. “It was very worthwhile, you think you know your own business, but you don’t always know what you don’t know. The IFP pro-

Warm homes have warm walls

Would you like your home to have the warm-wall feel of a new home?

....................................................................................................................................

Wall insulation without renovation

Insulmax wall insulation is a soft white blown mineral fibre manufactured specifically for thermal and acoustic insulation of wall cavities with or without building paper, and is installed without removing wall linings. Insulmax is CodeMark certified and council approved..

Insulmax is installed via small access holes made in the interior OR exterior wall lining. We use the latest infrared camera technology to ensure that all cavities are completely filled. At installed densities, Insulmax will not settle shrink or slump.

....................................................................................................................................

 Water resistant  Non-combustible  Safe and inert

 Formaldehyde free  High R values  Fast installation

Call Jenny today on 022 678 0746 to book your free home assessment | insulmax.co.nz

Working better: Waimakariri Landcare Trust chair Sam Spencer-Bower, with wife Jo and children Chloe (left) and Ruby, says the Next Generation Farming project is about working with farmers to devise better, sustainable ways of farming. cess was very good at identifying all of the issues and opportunities.” Pearce said he welcomed the WLT initiative because he said farming in an even more environmentally sustainable way will be an essential part of the future, not just because of regional and government regulations, but because, ultimately, customers want it. “We are a commodity driven business at the mercy of what consumers are prepared to buy. In the markets where New Zealand farmers can add value, the customers are increasingly aware of environmental issues and want to know that what they are eating, or wearing, has come from sustainable farming practice,” Pearce said. Finding a way to spend less time in the office and more time out on the farm is the benefit Gavin Bay.

‘

I think farmers will find it very useful, as long as they are prepared to go into the project with an open mind, and listen to what the experts have to say. Gavin Reed Beef and cropping farmer

March 2022 CANTERBURY FARMING

] with Damien O’Connor

for Agriculture, Biosecurity, ] Minister Food Safety and Rural Communities ]

FARMING NEWS

Adverse events, climate change and resilience

Recently a journalist asked me about the level of Government support farmers receive if they’re affected by adverse weather events – things like ﬂoods, storms and, at the other end of the spectrum, droughts. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) budgets about $530,000 each year to help farmers and growers affected by such events. However, the average annual spend for past five years has seen $4.8 million go to help farmers. That’s a 900 per cent over the baseline budget. Indeed, recent adverse events saw $4.5 million allocated to the Canterbury floods last May; the Buller district and Top of the South received $200,000 after floods in July and a similar amount again after last month’s storms; and we contributed $200,000 to Rural Support Trusts and Mayoral Relief Funds to help Taranaki, Waitomo and Wairarapa clean-up after Cyclone Dovi. Prior to that, there was practically a nationwide drought that spanned 2019 to 2021, which saw $6 million of support go to affected farmers over the three years. The journalist asked if it was time to look at increasing that baseline given the changing climate? I responded that it’s something we are looking at closely. There are a few points I’d like to follow up on. Firstly, it’s worth explaining what adverse event funding is designed for. It’s there to help farmers, families and rural communities

get through the acute stage of an event. Situations where feed needs to be brought in, stock grazed off or milked elsewhere; budgeting advice made available; or mental health support; or all of the above. That funding is about coordinating a response to get people through the pinch. It’s not an insurance programme. And neither should the Government be the insurer of last resort. I don’t think there are many who would dispute that both the severity and frequency of weather events is increasing. That’s because the climate is changing. Someone once said to me the only thing you can control in life is the way you react to things.We may question what we can do as individuals and businesses to change the

path of a warming planet. For the record, I believe we must all take action. What’s also important is that we all build resilience into our farming businesses to prepare for that change. That’s something we can control as farmers and growers, because let’s face it, we rely the weather. I’m not about to tell farmers how to build resilience into their businesses. That’s for you to decide. It may be, to coin that 1980s phrase, ‘diversification’. It may be an entire land use change. Industry groups involved in He Waka Eke Noa are currently undertaking a national roadshow with farmers and growers to discuss options to price agricultural greenhouse gas emissions. I encourage all farmers to get involved.

Online events are being held if you can’t make an in-person event in your region because of Omicron. While we’re talking about weather, I want to acknowledge that it’s been a tough wet season for grain growers in Canterbury. There’s currently a shortage of wine in the world. It is put down to unseasonal conditions affecting the quality of grapes in Europe, and fires in California. While that’s helping our wine exports thrive on the back of our brand for fine wine, you don’t have to be a rocket scientist to understand we could well suffer similar climate related misfortune. That’s why the Government recently invested $7.48 million, through MPI’s Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) fund, in a joint-venture to improve the genetic diversity of our Sauvignon Blanc grapevines. Did you know that our entire Sauvignon Blanc sector is based on one clone? That presents some risk. And did you know that 87% of our $1.9 billion wine export revenues are Sauv Blanc? That high-level investment will help our sector adapt to changing weather or biosecurity incursions. How are you planning to make your business resilient??

TRACTOR PARTS NEW & USED

HIGH QUALITY NEW PARTS FOR MOST TRACTOR MAKES & MODELS

AXLE & STEERING

CAB & BODY

ELECTRICAL

FILTERS

HYDRAULICS

LINKAGES

SEATING

ORDER ONLINE FOR FREE FREIGHT. T&C’S APPLY

PLUS THOUSANDS OF USED PARTS FOR MOST TRACTOR MAKES & MODELS TRACTOR PARTS & DISMANTLING Over 60 engines

Late model, low hours

Most major brands

www.agspares.co.nz

FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2022

Wool Impact NZ to drive growth New Zealand’s Strong Wool Action Group has announced a new industry body to drive growth for the country’s strong wool sector to be known as Wool Impact NZ.

] by Kent caddick The Strong Wool Action Group (SWAG) was established in September 2020 with significant Government support from the Ministry for Primary Industries’ Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund. Its members were made up of representatives from across the wool sector and its aim was to accelerate value and create demand for New Zealand strong wool. SWAG concluded its tenure in December 2021 and Wool Impact NZ will take its work forward. Wool Impact NZ’s purpose will be to facilitate innovation, support demand growth, and enable a unified voice for strong wool in New Zealand. This will grow existing and generate new demand for strong wool consumer brands, products and services. SWAG chair Rob Hewett said SWAG’s independent recommendation to establish Wool Impact NZ was based on feedback from 65 in-depth interviews with industry participants including New Zealand farmers, growers, manufacturers and exporters. Hewett said the consumer-driven demand for natural and environmentally sustainable materials is a significant opportunity for the New Zealand strong wool sector. “Rapidly growing positive consumer sentiment towards sustainability and “good for me, good for the planet” brand and product purchases are observed in several target markets around the world, including New Zealand,” he said. “Arguably, the consumer-driven demand opportunity for strong wool has never been greater than it is right now, and this positive consumer sentiment is forecast to increase.” Wool Impact NZ will work alongside existing and new commercial partners, as a catalyst, establishing a wool fibre innova-

Support: A new industry body, Wool Impact NZ, will help to facilitate innovations to lift the volume and value of New Zealand strong wool through supporting commercial participants.

tion incubator and accelerator programme to support start-up brands and new product initiatives through design, development and commercialisation. The new industry body will support farmers and businesses to pursue and grow existing and new consumer-focussed opportunities through several sector services including carbon accreditation schemes, industry quality standards such as NZ Farm Assurance Plan (NZFAP) and the Responsible Wool Standard (RWS), data and product traceability, vocational training and leadership programmes, and regular sector data capture and interpretation. Hewett said the new industry body will help to facilitate innovations to lift the volume and value of New Zealand strong wool

through supporting commercial participants. “We export more strong wool than any other nation to the world’s leading textile and carpet manufacturers. Wool Impact NZ will be a connector and convenor for the strong wool industry and will play a vital role in driving the ongoing development of the sector.” John McWhirter, CEO of carpet brand Wools of NZ, said Wool Impact NZ will help to bridge the gap between farmers and market demand, something he said is already starting to improve. “In recent years the strong wool industry has struggled to compete against the dominance of synthetic fibres, but things are changing,” McWhirter said. “By championing sustainable practices, refining our farming methods, and always

looking for new ways to improve the quality of fibres, our farmers are committing to growing the best wool in the world. “We anticipate that Wool Impact NZ will help drive a shift in our industry to increase strong wool prices for the benefit of New Zealand’s dedicated strong wool sheep farmers.” Wool Impact NZ will officially launch in mid-2022 with a skills-based Board of up to six members, (including an Independent chair), operated by up to four full-time employees. Once established, it will transition to being funded by the sheep-related industry (including meat companies and a variety of participants from within the strong wool value chain) and ultimately, wool growers.

PETERMUNRO.NZ

AUTHORISED PARTNER

March 2022 CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Game on, Prime Minister

Sitting in the House on our first day back for 2022, the Prime Minister’s opening speech, made me feel as though I was listening to the Bee Gees classic “It’s Only Words”... on repeat. All that came to mind were its lyrics... “It’s only words and words are all I have...”

Barbara Kuriger ] with Party Spokesperson ] National for Agriculture ]

The self-congratulations of the great job she thinks Labour is doing as the “party for all New Zealanders” was staggering. That theme continued as the next fortnight went by in speeches of her backbench MPs. All New Zealanders have not felt as if they belong to the “team of five million” since 2020, when we all locked down in the early stages of Covid-19. Ask small business owners, especially in tourism and hospitality. Life has been very tough for many people in our community. As National’s Agriculture spokesperson and MP for a large rural electorate, I was surprised to hear the Prime Minister thanking the farmers in her speech, something I generally only hear from Finance Minister Grant Robertson who knows where the money comes from. The people in our primary industries are making a huge contribution toward keeping New Zealand’s economy afloat and feeding us, as well as more than 40 million people globally. The words “working with farmers” were used a number of times throughout the statement. I’ve kept a copy and will be repeating those words back, whenever I see the ‘Gov-

ernment knows best’ attitude appear, which the usual way they prefer to operate. Currently there are two big discussions which will affect both our farming and rural communities in general. He Waka Eke Noa consultations have been extended by a month due to the red traffic light setting. I encourage farmers to engage with those consultations. Industry leaders have been working on a plan which is designed to keep farmers out of the Emission Trading Scheme. No other farmers in the world are in the ETS. It is important that this is given a decent discussion and while face-to-face is always preferable, there are webinar options available if you’re unable to go. KPMG’s Net Zero Readiness Index 2021 covering 32 countries was released late last year and puts our agriculture at No 1 for net zero readiness, while New Zealand in general sits at No 9. But it doesn’t mean we do nothing. The other big discussion is around carbon forestry planting, and I know that this is winding many of you up, seeing good food producing land go under pine trees. A green paper has been prepared to see if solutions can be found without encroaching on private property rights. Research, genetics and technology development to find better ways of doing things on

RESCUE

farm, and in orchards continues. A National Government will be on the ground, helping food producers achieve regional solutions at local levels, because that’s where the answers lie. Words don’t fix things Prime Minister; the good people of New Zealand do.

‘

I was surprised to hear the Prime Minister thanking the farmers in her speech.

FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING March 2022

Border changes allow international dairy workers onto farms The recent announcement on border changes has bought much needed clarity for many dairy businesses desperately seeking international workers to fill vacant roles on farm according to DairyNZ .

] by Kent Caddick DairyNZ chief executive Dr Tim Mackle said the dairy sector is not unique in needing more workers, and appreciates the Government granting permission to bring in 200 international workers through border class exceptions in 2021. However, Dr Mackle said that without the ability to get the workers through the border the class exception was not achieving its goal of allowing international workers onto farms. “We have been working with the Government, putting forward several suggestions as to how our sector could manage the balance between the health risk and our labour needs, such as exploring how on-farm isolation would work. It is rewarding to see this planning has paid off,” Mackle said. “While the changes are helpful, there is still work to be done to ensure the sector gets the people it needs to address a severe labour shortage. “With a shortfall of about 4000 to 6000 dairy workers we have asked the Government for a further 1500 international workers be allowed into New Zealand in 2022.”

New data shows the New Zealand unemployment rate recently fell to 3.2%, the lowest rate in over 30 years. “Without enough staff, animal welfare is at risk, environmental progress is limited, and high levels of stress affect people’s health and safety, and enjoyment of work.” Last month’s changes will allow nearly 200 international workers who are eligible for a dairy class exception visa to enter New Zealand in mid-March (after their visas are approved) and go into on-farm isolation. Dairy class exception visas holders have to be fully vaccinated to enter New Zealand. Mackle said it was also pleasing to see that the Government will be considering allowing more critical workers into New Zealand under class exceptions in April, alongside some international dairy workers who hold a current visa. He said having a new pathway for some international dairy workers earning above 1.5 times the median wage to enter New Zealand from mid-March is also positive. “Typically these people have worked on New Zealand dairy farms previously and their contribution will be recognised through this pathway.”

Right road: Dairy NZ says while changes to enable more international workers into the country are helpful, there is still work to be done to ensure the sector gets the people it needs to address a severe labour shortage. Photo: DairyNZ

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

Our regular ‘Ask a Lawyer’ column provides a high-level legal response to some of the key issues affecting the Agri sector. Our regular ‘Ask A Lawyer’ column provides a high-level legal response to some of the key issues affecting the Agri sector. This month, we’ve had a stream of questions relating to on-farm governance. This issue does need to be taken seriously, the following outlines the key things you should be thinking about. As agribusiness has become more sophisticated, it has also become more complex. What were once simple family businesses are often now corporate structures, triggering the need to understand corporate governance and what each individual’s duties and liabilities are. As a first pointer, for everyone’s sanity, save business for your director and shareholder meetings, not for Sunday dinner. When working together as a family it can be hard to separate work and family time, however it can be critical for the success of your business to do so. The growth of business has also meant increased ability for business holders to easily setup a company online. Many do this without a second thought as to what their duties will be as a director, or indeed how to be a good director of a company. There are many organisations who provide training, as well as online resources that support directors and trustees to fully understand their role and responsibilities. You should also make sure that if your company has more than one shareholder you have an effective shareholders’ agreement in place to govern how your business operates – even if shareholders are family members.

When drafting these agreements there are three areas of key significance. • It is critical to agree upon how directors are appointed. Otherwise, this is decided in accordance with the Companies Act, which may not be appropriate for your business. • What actions cannot be carried out without all shareholders, or a certain threshold of shareholders, consent? We would usually advise that key matters affecting the direction of the business need this higher threshold of consent. • How will each party exit the business?

Wynn Williams has been part of the rural community in Canterbury for more than 160 years, supporting our clients with their personal, family and business endeavours. We've shared in the special times and in the most challenging of times. Our specialist rural team provides legal services to private farming operations, companies, offshore clients, and other rural investment entities, across the breadth of the Agri sector. If you think we can help, please get in touch.

Not everyone will wish to exit at exactly the same time and it is imperative that the agreement has a mechanism to accommodate this; whether a stake can be sold to a third party, the other shareholders buy them out, or if certain assets are sold to facilitate an exit. Another area that can be great to cover in the shareholders’ agreement is around succession planning. To ensure that everyone is on the same page and that there is agreement on how family succession will work, we can grant the younger generation an option to buy out the

SUE ANDERSON

parents’ shares over time, on certain circumstances being met. Time and again we see clients fall short of understanding their duties as a director or the implications of not having a proper shareholders’ agreement in place and it can cause significant stress. We are always happy to discuss these matters and to provide guidance. If you have a question about how the law applies to a situation you’re facing that you’d like us to answer in this column, please email us at email@wynnwilliams. co.nz with the subject line: Ask a Lawyer.

CHARLENE SELL Specialist areas: ¥ Asset + succession planning ¥ Working with Trusts ¥ Farm transactions M: +64 27 482 2171 E: susan.anderson@ wynnwilliams.co.nz

Specialist areas: ¥ Small + medium sized businesses ¥ Commercial contracts + terms of trade ¥ Intellectual property M: +64 27 685 5653 E: charlene.sell@ wynnwilliams.co.nz

DAVID HAIGH Specialist areas: ¥ Farm succession + ownership structuring ¥ Land subdivisions ¥ Buying + selling rural properties ¥ Overseas investment M: +64 27 573 7775 E: david.haigh@ wynnwilliams.co.nz PHOEBE DAVIES Specialist areas: ¥ Corporate structuring + governance ¥ Rural contracting + acquisitions ¥ Offshore investment M: +64 27 414 9825 E: phoebe.davies@ wynnwilliams.co.nz

ANNABEL SHEPPARD Specialist areas: ¥ Succession planning ¥ Sale + purchase of properties ¥ Trust structuring M: +64 27 484 1417 E: annabel.sheppard@ wynnwilliams.co.nz AMANDA DOUGLAS Specialist areas: ¥ Employment law ¥ Health + safety ¥ Privacy law M: +64 21 885 585 E: amanda.douglas@ wynnwilliams.co.nz

Auckland | Christchurch | Queenstown www.wynnwilliams.co.nz

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2022

Looking into the The Water Services Act Many in the community will be aware of the present Government’s water regime policy widely known as the Three Waters Scheme (‘the Scheme’). What is less widely known by the general public, is that the first phase of the Scheme has already been passed into law.

The Water Services Act 2021 (‘the Act’) was given Royal Assent on 4 October 2021, and largely went into effect on November 15 2021. This new Act of Parliament deals essentially with the sourcing and provision of drinking water, and will have some effect on almost everyone in the country, in one way or another. While on the surface, the Act appears to apply largely to local councils and other public bodies, this is simply not true. In fact, the Act defines a ‘Drinking Water Supplier’ as basically anyone who allows someone to take water from a body of water on their land, or convey it over their land, that ends up being used as drinking water,

also; maintain end-point treatment, comply with drinking water standards, supply “aesthetically acceptable” drinking water, notify TA of any risk or hazards (including non-compliance by your neighbour), keep records of supply, and pay any TA Fees. Employees also have a duty to take care to ensure that their employer complies with the Act, particularly in terms of preventing risks and hazards to a water supply. The Act is wide ranging in its scope, and some of the duties it imposes are strict liability, meaning you are in breach of the law whether you were aware of those duties or not. Even if the “supplying” party is unaware that their neighbour takes water from a stream on their land, or runs pipes across

it to supply themselves with drinking water, they are still captured by the regime. This will be particularly common in rural communities. Also, the Act does not make provision for contracting out of it with the person who is being “supplied”. The unfortunate reality which appears to arise out of this new law, is the fact that if you do not wish to be subject to these new regulations, and administer compliance with them, then you will need to ensure that the only person’s drinking water that you “supply” is your own. If you suspect that the Act may impose duties and obligations on you or an entity which you are part of, you should seek legal advice as soon as possible to see if you can limit any risk going forward.

PROFESSIONAL RURAL

Ben Turner

KEY 670911641

Tyler Burgess ] with ] Helmore Stewart Lawyers

whether it was intended to be used for that purpose or not. The recently created water regulatory body, Taumata Arowai, (‘TA’), while not established purely under the Act, will be the regulating body under the Act. TA will have wide and far reaching powers to enforce the Act. A Drinking Water Supplier who breached, or fails to comply with the Act can be required to pay hefty fines (technically up to $3 million) or possibly face a prison sentence of up to 5 years. By way of example, if a person, or entity allow their neighbour to draw drinking water from their stream, as a neighbourly courtesy, without charging their neighbour anything, then that person or entity is a Drinking Water Supplier. This means that they are bound by the same strict regulations as the local Council who manages the reticulated water supply. This includes registering a formal safety plan with the TA, and making sure regular lab tests of the water supply are undertaken. As alluded to above, there can be harsh penalties for not complying. Additional requirements include ensuring that the party being supplied is getting a sufficient amount of water, of a sufficient quality, with no interruption lasting more than 8 hours (with a few exceptions however). A deemed Drinking Water Supplier must

Call Ben today for an altogether better approach to your rural real estate needs along with an up-to-date market overview.

03 375 4736 | 027 530 1400 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz bayleys.co.nz WHALAN & PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

A LT O G E T H E R B E T T E R

Re s i d e n t i a l / Co m m e rc i a l / R u ra l / L i fe st y l e

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

What real use or value do you get from your financial statements? Many farming couples or groups will simply see the preparation of their annual Financial Statements as part of their annual compliance tasks. This is all about filing your annual Tax Return that tells you what taxes you have due – end of story.

Alister Stevenson ] with Alexander and Associates Ltd ]

I acknowledge that this is a fair comment and that your annual Tax Returns and Financial Statements does do this job very well and, of course, this then means that you meet your statutory requirement of completing your annual self-employed IRD compliance, but is that really all your annual Financial Statements are good for? I, of course, have a very different view on this. Any agribusiness accountant will be looking at their client’s annual Financial Statements over a period of time and digging deep into these to look for trends that are happening in your business. Most farming sectors have ratios, statistics, or key performance indicatives (KPIs) that you can measure yourself against your peers. This measurement or comparison can be done against farming types that are similar in scale, type and location, and all of this data comes from a set of annual Financial Statements. If you can collect this type of data from your Financial Statements over a period of time, you are going to really build up some

Avon City Ford

strong trend line data that is really going to show you how your business is performing. This is useful to measure your success against the various industry standards or probably more importantly to measure against your own performance, standards or goals. Here are a couple of key performance indicators that we measure for all of our farming client – there are many more, but have, over a long period of time, found that these two give us and our clients a good measure of how they are performing financially and with these key ratios, it doesn’t matter what farming sector you are in, they will all answer the question, “What key information are our Financial Statements giving us?”.

Farm working expenses or farm operating expenses as a percentage of gross farm revenue Quite an easy ratio to calculate which shows how much of your hard earned gross income is being absorbed in running your farm, that is, funding your operating expenses. If, over a period of time, your trend line shows that a significant portion of your gross income is going to run the farm, this will end

‘

You need to be looking at and asking about how your business is performing against others in your farming sector.

up being a real challenge to you in being able to generate any sort of profitability.

Interest and rent as a percentage of gross farm income This key ratio has different names, but we like to refer to this as the debt servicing ratio. It is a very similar calculation to the previous one and the information comes straight from your Financial Statements. As with the last ratio, it shows how much of your gross income is used to pay the bank’s interest bill or lease the neighbour’s farm. In today’s low interest rate environment, this key ratio should, in most farm-

ing situations, be easy to manage at 10% or below. In today’s day and age this would be viewed as being ‘comfortable’ and allow you to make financial progress. These are just a couple of key ratios that you can get from your Financial Statements, there are many more and if you are interested in how you are financially performing, you need to be looking at and asking about how your business is performing against others in your farming sector. Please bear in mind that whenever you look at ratios or KPIs, that you do this over a period of time, do not look at these and make financial decisions in isolation, because in farming, there could very well be a reason that a key ratio has blown out in a particular year and to act on that may be a mistake. But the reverse side of this is if you are consistently breaking two key ratios over a period of time, then you had better face up to reality pretty quickly and act to change.

Key message Please do not see your Financial Statements as simply the vehicle that delivers your tax bill. There is loads more information in there.

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

March 2022

A stellar run (until recently) Since the lows of the Covid crash in March 2020 share market returns have been stellar, the MSCI World Index has nearly doubled.

For 22 months the market has “climbed the wall of worry” shaking off concerns around Covid (the first pandemic in over a century), surging inflation, climbing interest rates, fractious US politics, a wobbly Chinese property market and more. 2021 closed with a Santa Claus rally leaving investors feeling comfortable and content.

Surging inﬂation and higher interest rates In the past six months inflation has soared to levels not seen in decades. Changes in consumer spending — surging demand for goods, less spent on services — coupled with Covid restraints on manufacturing and logistics, has put immense pressure on supply chains. When demand exceeds supply prices typically rise. Shipping costs have soared, and so have the prices of many goods and commodities. While much of these inflationary pressures are Covid related that will abate in time, the magnitude and persistence has raised the risk of inflation becoming embedded in price and wage expectations. The market is now pricing that through 2022 the US Federal Reserve will hike its policy rate five times and that our Reserve Bank will move by seven.

Interest rates impact the value of stocks The Covid crisis has seen the lowest interest rates in human history. Those super low rates have supported high valuations across many assets includ-

ing shares and property, also contributing to a surge in speculative activity which is now being constrained by higher rates.

Strained relations between Russia and the West Adding to investor nervousness has been rising tensions between Russia and the West. Russia is concerned the West is creeping into its sphere of influence. It has amassed troops near the Ukrainian border and demanded guarantees that NATO will not embrace Ukraine or any other ex-Soviet nation. There is an increasing risk of military conflict, constraints on supply of Russian energy into Europe, and extensive sanctions on Russia by the west. Russia is a major energy provider. Oil prices have climbed to seven-year highs further putting pressure on inflation, consumers, and central banks.

Long-term investors stick to a plan Outside of the Covid crash in 2020 investors have had an unusually smooth run. But looking back through history, on average a bear market, or a -20% decline in stock prices, happens once in every five years. A “correction” or a

-10% decline happens about every 19 months. Volatility is the price investors pay to earn the “equity risk premium” – a higher expected return over the long-term from investing in the share market versus lower-risk assets like bonds. The obvious question is “why don’t we avoid the downturns – sell at the top, buy again at the bottom?” That would be nice. Unfortunately, the evidence is clear. Whilst there will always be someone who successfully calls the top of the market each time, there are extremely few (if any) who can do it consistently.

So what can investors do? Having and sticking to an investment plan is the best measure to navigate choppy markets. Investors benefit from owning good businesses which grow their underlying value over the long-term. Long-term investors understand the need to navigate challenging times to capture the benefit of the good. If you have any queries please don’t hesitate to contact a Forsyth Barr Investment Adviser. This article was prepared as at 31 January 2022 and provides market commentary for the threemonth period ending on that date.

If you’re new to investing please see Forsyth Barr’s Introduction to Investing guide available at www.forsythbarr.co.nz/intro-to-investing/ or to discuss your investment options please contact Andrew Wyllie, an Investment Adviser with Forsyth Barr in Christchurch. He can be contacted regarding portfolio management, fixed interest, or share investments on 0800 367 227 or andrew. wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz. This column is general in nature and does not take any of your personal circumstances into account. For personalised financial advice, contact Forsyth Barr for an overview of the services we can provide.

Looking at off-farm investments?

When you are thinking about your investment options, talk to Forsyth Barr To get personalised investment advice and portfolio management specific to your investing needs, talk to Investment Adviser Andrew Wyllie in confidence on (03) 365 4244 or email andrew.wyllie@forsythbarr.co.nz

CHC6189-02 - March 2021

Andrew Wyllie ] with Forsyth Barr ]

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Changing landscape for New Zealand’s favourite protein Vaccinations and preventative treatments are vital in supporting the supply of New Zealand’s favourite source of protein amid a changing landscape for the poultry industry.

Mark ross ] by Chief ] executive of Agcarm

Chicken is the preferred protein of New Zealanders, who consume over 40 kg a year (more than double the amount of pork and approximately four times the amount of beef and veal). Chicken breast is the second-most affordable source of protein. Being free of the three major exotic avian diseases, New Zealand is one of the best places in the world to raise chickens. The poultry industry is committed to reducing its use of antibiotics and raising animal welfare standards. In this year, it is phasing out battery cages in favour of colony cages, barn or free-range systems. In the past five years, the poultry industry dramatically reduced its use of antibiotics, with an estimated reduction to 10 percent of 2017 levels for meat chicken in this year, according to the Poultry Industry Association of

NZ. In 2017, chicken meat was heavily reliant on Zinc Bacitracin to support gut health. The most significant risk to chicken health in New Zealand is the parasitic disease coccidiosis. This parasite is common in poultry worldwide and can compromise bird health and welfare, regardless of how they are kept, including indoor-reared, free-range, and organic. If coccidiosis is not controlled, the parasite can cause enteritis in birds leading to intestinal inflammation, reduced absorptive capacity, increased podo-dermatitis, increased mortality and could require the use of medically important antibiotics. Even minor lesions of the intestinal wall due to the parasite can lead to poorer growth of the animal, reducing economic viability. Without vaccines or other preventatives for coccidiosis, chicken farming systems would be uneconomic and chicken broilers would require vast increases in space per chicken, much larger farms to maintain current productivity with less-intensified farming systems to counter disease spread and culling. This would have flow-on effects to the availability of chicken and ultimately the cost to consumers. The value of preventing the parasitic disease to the poultry industry is conservatively estimated at between $4.8m to $12m, not including any productivity losses, according to a report by KMPG and Agcarm. A preventative programme costs between

We’re here to help! The Essential Freshwater package requires landowners and communities to put the health of our waterways at the centre of decision-making. We recognise that this new national direction will have a significant impact on farmers and the community, from farm planning to consenting and compliance requirements. Check our website for key dates, information, frequently asked questions and more.

www.ecan.govt.nz/farmers-hub 0800 324 636

Chicken tonight: chicken is the preferred protein of New Zealanders, who consume over 40 kg a year.

4-10 cents per bird for an estimated national flock of 120 million. It doesn’t stop there. The overall value of animal health products to poultry farming equates to $800 million or 80 percent of a one-billion-dollar industry. With more cage-free and free-range systems, the animal health industry provides solutions for some of the worms, parasites and

diseases which are new or haven’t been an issue in the poultry industry for 20 years but are back on the rise during the shift towards less intense systems. This reinforces the need for the animal health and poultry industries to keep working together to develop solutions to support animal welfare in New Zealand’s poultry farms.

FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2022

Sightings of wallabies wanted ‘Watch out for wallabies’ is a message you’re likely to see more of in the coming months, following a dramatic rise in the number of this elusive pest.

Jenny Hughey ] by Chair ] Environment Canterbury

I heard recently that a horse rider even spotted one at the Wainono wetland. The Bennett’s wallaby has potentially spread across 2 million hectares of land in Canterbury and the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) warns that, if left unchecked, wallabies could cover a third of the country over the next 50 years. Wallabies were introduced to New Zealand

in the late 1800s, mainly for hunting. By the mid-1900s, they had become a significant nuisance in our region. They cause environmental harm by feasting on native seedlings, shrubs and ferns – preventing the regeneration of forests. They are causing havoc in our last remaining areas of native trees. On farms, they compete with livestock for food and ruin agricultural crops. They can also foul sheep feed, damage fences, and destroy small plants. The MPI-led National Wallaby Eradication Programme (NWEP), launched in July 2020, is a partnership programme that includes regional councils, the Department of Conservation, Land Information New Zealand, iwi, and Federated Farmers. Canterbury Regional Council (Environment Canterbury) holds the funds for the control work within our region, targeting the pest both inside and outside of a 900,000 hectare containment zone. Environment Canterbury’s work outside the containment zone (which stretches be-

tween Rangitata and Waitaki rivers, and inland to the Tekapo River system) has been increasing annually, with dog teams and shooting the primary control methods. However, the number of wallabies being spotted beyond the containment area is growing rapidly. Last year, there were 630 reported sightings – up from 405 in 2020 and 307 the year prior. In fact, half of all known sightings outside of the containment zone have occurred in the past two years. Much of this rise can be attributed to the increased level of search and destroy work being carried out. However, this doesn’t detract from the fact that wallabies are a persistent pest, and that vigilance is extremely important. Recent deputations to Council highlight concerns about the evolving threat that wallabies pose to Canterbury’s biodiversity – and there are growing calls for more funding to tackle the problem. Pressing questions remain about whether other avenues should also be explored.

Perhaps there is value in reintroducing a South Canterbury Wallaby Control Board, which ended in 1992. The Board got the pest down to very low numbers by the early 1990s. It’s imperative that we take this issue seriously. MPI estimates the economic impact of wallaby spread – including lost farm production – could reach an eye-watering $84 million a year by 2025. It’s important that landowners and the general public report sightings of wallabies outside of the containment area – including their paw prints or scat (droppings) – at reportwallabies.nz. However, longer term solutions will require some deeper thought, with the farming community at the heart of these discussions. Let’s see what we can come up with to stop this pest in its tracks. Let us know if you have any ideas that could assist. As always, if you have any questions – please get in touch.

Greening the means of production We all know there are things we need to do collectively to stabilise the climate for future generations. Ensuring we have a ‘Just Transition’ for rural workers is essential to our collective action.

Teanau Tuiono ] by spokesperson for ] Agriculture ] the Green Party

Understandably, some workers might be uncomfortable with how their job contributes to climate change, but they still need to feed their families and pay their bills. If we could more evenly share our collective resources so that was no longer a concern, more people would be able to participate in the changes we need to make. References to a ‘Just Transition’ show up most in the preamble of the 2015 Paris Climate Agreement, which refers to the need to, “take into account the imperatives of a just

transition of the workforce and the creation of decent work and quality jobs in accordance with nationally defined development priorities.” In basic terms, it means workers shouldn’t get hammered when we transition to a low-emissions economy. We know that change is coming as a result of climate change, and so ensuring workers can continue to put food on the table and a roof over their heads and all the things that healthy, thriving families need should be at the heart of a Just Transition. A Just Transition should provide a hopeful and optimistic future for all workers, especially for those in industries that will be impacted by efforts to limit greenhouse gases,

or by the introduction of new technologies. It is about making sure the economy works for everyone – employees, employers, contractors, people who are self-employed, people who are unable to participate in paid work, and people in unpaid caring roles. But what does that mean for people in the regions? What does greening the means of production look like? It looks like more financial support for rurally-based workers, including migrant workers, who are frequently working in precarious conditions, with few people to turn to for help. It looks like proactive transition planning, with farming businesses, unions, iwi, and

affected communities at the table; widely accessible education and training, and; dedicated support for workers in transition to new, greener roles. It looks like supporting training or re-education for people to aid the shift to a sustainable rural economy. It looks like allowing and supporting the shift to regenerative agricultural practices, so that the rights and dignity of all involved are upheld, with a focus on equity and justice. It must also offer a future that workers, their families, and the communities and cultures they are part of can believe in, look forward to, support and commit to bringing about.

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

Be proud of being a farmer

In these times of “them and us” throughout New Zealand, it is important that we understand our individual worth.

] with Rob Cope-Williams OK, we know the old lines about ‘No Farmers, No Food’, but how good do they make you feel? As more and more taxes are slapped onto like wet fish around your face, the costs of everything you need, not want, need, rise faster than a well-prepared Yorkshire pudding, and you have zero control of how much your produce will be sold for, or to whom. Canterbury has, arguably, had one of the worst summer harvests in memory because of the weather. Seed crops that looked great rotting in the windrows, and disease pressure combining with sprouting to add to the pressure and stress levels. I understand that even the wool producers haven’t had an ideal season, but sales of stock have held up. But seriously who cares. The fact that farmers are dropping into debt faster than a bungy jumper dropping off a bridge. Whoops not a great comparison, tourism has died. Farmers did a couple of parades to try to make their point. It was ignored. A group of anti-Government people get internation-

‘

world is to look in the mirror and tell yourself that you are important, clever and a vital link in a vital chain, so let your support team show it.

al coverage because they are doing things that are very anti-social. Who cares if farmers have to send some of their cows off to the processing plants to be turned into hamburger meat because there is no one to milk them? Who cares if fruit is rotting on the ground because there are no pickers available? Who cares those farmers are awake at 3.00 in the morning because they cannot sleep?

Who cares that the media will only carry stories that are turning possible workers away from farming because it paints a picture of farming being very anti conservation and farming has destroyed our waterways? Who cares rules and regulations are strangling the industry and most operations need a full-time person in the office to sort out and keep up with the requirements of farming? The answer to those questions is quite simple, you care, and so do all the others

] with John Arts

Chondroitin sulphate is classified as a dietary supplement in New Zealand but in In Europe is available on prescription where It is classified as “a symptomatic slow-acting drug for osteoarthritis. portions of chondroitin and glucosamine and for most people to start at a double dose. With my joint product the standard daily dose delivers 800mg of both ingredients while the double dose 1600mg each. This combined with high potency curcumin (from turmeric) extract can quickly settle sore joints. I usually add Omega 3 fish oil rather than plant Omega 3 sources (such as flax seed or hemp oils) as only fish oil has EPA which is profoundly anti-inflammatory. As an example I have been helping someone for a number of years who contacted me with sore and swollen knees caused by osteoarthritis. She is now much more comfortable and mobile and feeling so much better about life in general. John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health Ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@ abundant.co.nz. Join his all new newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz

who are farming or working in the support roles for farming. There are hundreds of people who drive tracks, sell you stock, buy your grain, advise you on what to use on what crops and when, accountants who ensure you are able to survive and countless others. The hardest thing in this world is to look in the mirror and tell yourself that you are important, clever and a vital link in a vital chain, so let your support team show it.

New enhanced formula

Chondroitin Sulphate for sore joints The drug classification then goes on to give specific information: “Chondroitin sulphate, used with glucosamine, is indicated to alleviate pain and inflammation from primary osteoarthritis. This supplement is reported to improve joint function and slow disease progression.” (www.drugbank.ca/drugs/DB09301). I recently read a health store flyer in my morning newspaper. One promotion was for a glucosamine based joint product. There is no doubt that glucosamine can help joints. That is why I include it in my joint formula. But why is there no mention of chondroitin? The company is a large Hong Kong owned company that would clearly know about the benefits of chondroitin. What then could be the reason for not including therapeutic amounts of chondroitin? For that matter why do most joint products sold in NZ have either no chondroitin or so little to have negligible impact on joint health? I think the answer is quite simple. Good quality chondroitin costs ten times that of glucosamine. My preference is to have equal pro-

The hardest thing in this

Abundant Health

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

March 2022

Urgent action needed on the special forestry test Federated Farmers is calling on the government to review the Overseas Investment Act ‘special forestry test’ and be fair to sheep and beef farmers.

] By Kent Caddick Feds Meat and Wool Chair William Beetham said multiple government policies are driving farmland being sold for pine tree carbon farming, and a multitude of changes are needed to restore balance to land use policy. “Sorting the special forestry test is straight forward and a good first step,” Beetham said. The Overseas Investment Act ‘benefit to New Zealand’ requirement is waived under the special forestry test when overseas investors buy farmed land for ‘forestry activities’. “This policy makes it much easier for foreign investors to purchase New Zealand farms to convert to trees, and is one of many distortionary policies that are advantaging carbon farming over other land uses such as sheep and beef farming,” Beetham said. “Technically, the forestry test indicates that the planted trees eventually be logged but there is no mechanism to ensure this actually happens, nor even any rules to ensure that pruning or pest control is done. That’s not fair even to our responsible New Zealand foresters.

“The recent spike in the afforestation of sheep and beef farms is not the result of consumer driven demand, but heavy-handed and short-term Government policies designed to incentivise more trees, regardless of whether or not they are the right tree in the right place.” The price of carbon under the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) has hit a record $68 per unit. Polluting industries looking to offset their greenhouse gas emissions are behind big increases in the value of land used for raising sheep and beef cattle. “Overseas investors can simply plant pine trees, claim the credits, sell them and take the huge profits overseas, while New Zealanders carry the consequences now and into the future. “Those wanting to use land to continue farming for the future prosperity of Aotearoa New Zealand are being out-bid. There is little benefit but a huge cost to future generations.” Beetham said other than when the trees are first planted for carbon credits, there’s little or no employment benefit. “Rural families move out, school rolls fall, meat processing plants close, downstream

Not fair: Federated Farmers says the Overseas Investment Act ‘special forestry test’ is unfair to sheep and beef farmers. and August 2021. “Federated Farmers is certainly not arguing against planting trees to sequester greenhouse gas emissions. But we need to be strategic about it, and consider the long-term picture not just short-term mindless profit,” Beetham said. “Feds is advocating for the restoration of policy settings that are agnostic toward land use and allow overseas investment through a smooth efficient system that benefits our nation.”

industries suffer and it becomes a vicious cycle of rural downturn - never mind the loss of export earnings from meat and wool.” A report commissioned by Beef+Lamb NZ from Wairarapa-based BakerAg last year found that between 2017 and 2020 some 24,956 hectares of land were approved for sale to overseas buyers under the special forestry test. More recent data shows another 40 consents were granted under the special forestry test to a foreign applicant between July 2020

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

WE NEED YOUR HELP! As a result of a very buoyant market and a large number of local and out of town buyers, we have exhausted most of our listings! If you or someone you know might be looking to market a Residential, Lifestyle or Rural property in the very near future, we would love to help you!

CLIENT FOCUSED, RESULTS DRIVEN

Mark Terry | M 027 572 2559 Karen Hennessy | 027 967 0186 karen.hennessy@pggwrightson.co.nz

mark.terry@pggwrightson.co.nz www.pggwre.co.nz

THE FARMALL

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under the REAA 2008.

Lifestyle RANGE

BIG PERFORMANCE IN A SMALL PACKAGE The Case IH Farmall B compact tractor range is perfectly suited to lifestyle blocks, small farms, landscaping, equine, municipal and hire centres. 25B hydro

$19,100 +gst

LOADER INCLUDED $23,100+GST

LOADER INCLUDED $32,500+GST

35B hydro

$26,500 +gst

Helping grow the country

50% DEPOSIT OVER 2 YEARS

50B hydro

$32,500 +gst

LOADER INCLUDED $39,000+GST

www.cochranes.co.nz

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

“For farmers, stepping back from the job can be especially hard. Surfing is a way to disconnect from this high pressure environment.”

Swapping Swanndris for surfboards Bayleys Country sells more farmland than any other agency in New Zealand. We spend a lot of time talking with farmers, and with many farmers in our team, we’re deeply involved in rural communities. That’s how Surfing for Farmers began. It was started in 2019 by Bayleys rural real estate agent Stephen Thomson. Knowing firsthand the pressures farmers face, and learning how surfing can help with stress, he thought, “What if we could get farmers out on the waves?”. Surfing for farmers offers mental and physical stress relief, and escape from farmers’ everyday lives. And it’s completely free. We provide the gear, coaching and BBQ for hungry surfers. Whatever you farm, wherever you farm it, we’ve got a surfboard waiting with your name on it at 22 locations around Aotearoa, including three in Canterbury.

Surfing For Farmers impact

4,159

590

12,806

Farmers surfing

Sausages sizzled

Volunteer instructors involved

Locations around New Zealand

National Community Awards won

surfingforfarmers.com WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008

Scott Robertson, Head Coach The Crusaders

CANTERBURY FARMING March 2022

Trees and power lines Trees and overhead power lines are a dangerous mix – keep trees well away from power lines to maintain safety and your electricity supply. Trees close to power lines can be dangerous and damage the electricity network causing outages.

If we spot a hazardous tree within the Growth Limit Zone we’ll get in touch to discuss this with you.

Owners are legally required to trim their trees so they are well clear of the Notice Zone.

Trees that grow too close to overhead power lines are a serious hazard to public safety and may cause power outages which could impact not only you, but the wider community. EA Networks needs your help to ensure that potentially dangerous trees are kept clear of overhead power lines. By working together, we can keep our community safe, and the lights on! Tree owner responsibilities If you have trees growing near power lines you have a responsibility to act and ensure that the minimum required distances are maintained. Trimming trees when they are close to power lines is dangerous. If you are aware of trees that are close to power lines, it’s often best to call a qualified professional for help. How can EA Networks help? EA Networks can help tree owners by providing: • expert advice on how to manage your trees • tree cutting services • free disconnection of power lines, with notice, so your chosen contractor can safely attend to your trees.

What happens if I do nothing with my tree? If EA Networks sends a written notification about a tree hazard and no action is taken, you may be fined up to $10,000 for committing an offence, plus up to $500 per day for continuing an offence. To find out more about EA Networks’ policy on managing potentially hazardous trees, including information about the Electricity (Hazards from Trees) Regulations, visit www.eanetworks.co.nz/safety/tree-near-power-lines/

Let’s chat 0800 430 460 eanetworks.co.nz

Notice Zone & Growth Limit Zone Overhead Line Type

Notice Zone

Growth Limit Zone

66kV (high voltage)

5.0 metres

4.0 metres

33kV (high voltage)

3.5 metres

2.5 metres

22kV (high voltage)

3.0 metres

2.0 metres

11kV (high voltage)

2.6 metres

1.6 metres

400V/230V (low voltage)

1.5 metres

0.5 metres

NOTE: 1. These distances are from the power line, not the power pole. 2. These distances are a minimum and apply to all conditions including high wind or snow. 3. If unsure about the voltage of lines near your trees, call us for advice.

Notice Zone means a distance of one metre beyond the Growth Limit Zone (Refer Tree “A” in diagram).

Growth Limit Zone is the space around the power line where trees must not encroach even in windy or snow conditions (Refer Tree “B” in diagram).

Growth Limit Zone Notice Zone

TREE A

TREE B

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

ModuSense can reduce farmers’ water woes Water is vital, and without it, it will be tough to grow anything in many drought-stricken regions. That’s why any technology that can help farmers manage and save water is welcome news. And this breakthrough is literally – out of this world.

] Advertorial supplied by ModuSense

If you didn’t already know, Swarm Satellites are the smallest commercially operational satellites in space. They have been described as the size of a toasted cheese sandwich and weigh just 400 grams. That small size significantly reduces each satellite’s launch cost, making the Swarm network more affordable and their consistency unrivalled; its constellation covers every point on Earth. For New Zealand farmers, this breakthrough in low-cost communication technology creates a new wave of possibilities – one of which is monitoring and controlling water resources; water use in anything from troughs and tanks to rivers and boreholes, all via those tiny satellites. Hamilton-based ModuSense is an Industrial Internet of Things (IIOT) platform that powers remote data collection solutions – everything from water monitoring to vehicle tracking and smart agriculture. ModuSense CEO Bruce Trevarthen says New Zealand’s geographically dispersed,

remote operations pose real challenges across a number of industries. But the ModuSense platform now delivers solutions that make remote operations more efficient, make critical data more intelligent and help save time and money.

Remote water management. Made easy. Instead of trailing through the back blocks to check on water storage, ModuSense Water Level Monitoring can relay water levels, usage and alerts straight to your mobile device. Because it’s solar-powered, with a battery back-up, you can place the ModuSense Water level monitor in the remotest locations, and it will happily operate away, sending you critical updates day and night.

Simple installation. Affordable subscription. The ModuSense Water level monitor is a ready-to-deploy, satellite-connected solution. No trying to guess where to point it.

Just mount the solar panel facing the sun for maximum solar charging, and lower the sensor into your tank, trough, borehole or river. The pre-configured industrial-grade solution will automatically send data via the Swarm satellite network. You’ll have accurate readings coming through to your dashboards and alerting to your mobile device via the ModuSense Data Platform, meaning you will never miss out on the critical information you need to make well-considered water management decisions. Not only does manually checking your water storage cost you time, the way fuel prices are, it could also cost you more in gas to drive and check your water resources – especially if they’re remote.

‘

The ModuSense platform

To learn more about ModuSense and what solutions they have for your farm or business, visit https:// modusense.com/ or call the Hamilton team on 07 974 9150

delivers solutions that make remote operations more efficient, make critical data more intelligent and help save time and money. Bruce Trevarthen ModuSense CEO

Remote water level monitoring made easy The ModuSense Water Level Monitoring solution is ready-to-use straight out of the box and works in any location.

It includes Swarm Satellite connectivity, automatic power-up solar panel with battery back-up, and an annual subscription to your ModuSense Dashboard for real time analysis and alerts. If checking your water resources is costing you time and money, just make it nice and easy with ModuSense.

The bundle includes: IIoT Water Level Monitoring Satellite (Swarm) Water Level Sensor - Cable sizes available: 3m, 5m, 10m, 50m or custom Satellite Access Annual subscription Water Level Monitoring Solution Dashboard Annual Subscription per dashboard

modusense.com

Nice & Easy

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2022

Cost effective farm security Protecting your farm has never been easier or more cost effective, thanks to Ross Galt Lock & Alarm Ltd, the innovators of complete security solutions. supplied by ] Advertorial Ross Galt Lock & Alarm Ltd ] Rural crime is on the rise in all regions – one in four farmers have had stock stolen in the past five years. The most targeted items on rural properties include livestock, fuel, quad bikes, firearms, machinery, chain saws and tools. With so much at risk, who would you trust to protect your livelihood? Ross Galt Lock & Alarm Ltd has built a reputation for the past 52 years as the most trusted and respected security company in Canterbury. Making a name for themselves as leaders in locksmithing, the business has expanded to offer a highly trained fleet of electronic technicians. The Ross Galt team works closely with owners of commercial and domestic farms to create a “custombuilt solution to meet their individual requirements”. Most farmers require technology, not only to prevent theft, but to maintain the health and safety of workers and animals. For rural areas, Ross Galt recommends cameras and beams with long range radio frequency alerts.

Among their offerings is New Zealand brand Parabeam – a perimeter beam alarm which allows customers to remotely monitor driveways, sheds, machinery, and fuel storage facilities. Offering visual and sound notifications, customers can monitor who turns up at their property thanks to an invisible IR beam. One customer uses Parabeam to alert her when customers enter her nursery business, ensuring she never misses a sale while working at the back of the property. Another customer, John, had pigs stolen from his farm and contacted Ross Galt to find a way to “catch the thieves in the act”. Their solution was to install two external solar powered beams on the property. Two cameras were mounted to a T-Pole, providing the best quality images in both day and night situations. When the beams were tripped by a human, John received an instant push notification to his phone so he could view the cameras live on his mobile app. Rural business owners use cameras not only as a deterrent to criminal activity, but to comply with MPI rules and regulations. “Farmers have a duty of care to provide

a safe workplace for staff,” Ross Galt says. “Cameras are the easiest way to monitor the safety of farms and to review processes to prevent accidents and injury.” There is no “one size fits all” security solution for rural lifestyle blocks or farms. “Ross Galt takes the time to get to know each customer, working with them to build an integrated, personalised solution for their situation and budget, which is priceless.”

With their recent introduction of RuralCo card payment options, Ross Galt encourages any farmers and rural home or business owners to give them a call to discuss their requirements. With half of a century spent delivering the highest standard of customer service and workmanship, it makes sense to “trust the most trusted” to protect your farm and rural property.

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

Managing ﬂeet compliance intuitively ] by Kent caddick

agricultural service provider specializing in equipment and contracting, including baling, Agri-contractors know that mechanical and in- chopping and general feed services. Quigleys have over 120 staff currently usformation breakdowns along with compliance ing QuipCheck every day and around 260 failures are costly. Minimising those breakdowns and increas- plant items loaded to the app’s database. Raisbeck says prior to QuipCheck they ing information flow is what drew Quigley Contracting general manager Rob Raisbeck were using a basic system for pre-start checks. to the intuitive pre-start app, QuipCheck. “Since we moved to QuipCheck, it’s ofQuigley Contracting is a Mid-Canterbury fered us a lot of additional extras and has helped us particularly in our training, as well as our health and safety. “The old processes they were all very paper-based COMMUNICATIONS or word of mouth. The move to QuipCheck has definitely opened a lot of people’s GET CONNECTED WITH eyes to the importance of pre-start checks. “For a large or small company it’s a very important aspect of the day-in-day-out process, and just the ability to have that recorded, as well as prompts for the opTerrestrial RBI Wireless erators, has been a big key thing for us. “We’ve definitely seen more of an uptake on the reADSL Fibre VoIP sponsibilities from everybody throughout the company with having the system onboard. “So being seamless, easy to use, and easy to navigate was the crucial things for us.

SCORCH

Scorch Broadband

0800 726 724 www.scorch.co.nz

Seamless roll-out: Agri-contractors Quigley Contracting general manager Rob Raisbeck says they have definitely seen more of an uptake on the responsibilities from everybody throughout the company with having the QuipCheck system onboard. It’s been very well received and that’s why we continue to use it.” Raisbeck says as well as the ease of filling out the forms, the best part about QuipCheck is being able to view the history, both from the app and also from the portal side. “It was a very beneficial exposure for all, from operators through to the supervisors, as well as the workshop team, just to be able to go back and view previous checks as well as enter new ones.” Raisbeck says the process of getting QuipCheck rolled out within the company was alos seamless. “We managed to get a reasonably quick transition across from our old system, and it’s been embraced and we use it every day, all day long.”

More than just pre-starts, QuipCheck™ offers additional modules to improve the health of your fleet, staff and business. Fleet is QuipCheck’s core module and gives fingertip access to check sheets for each type of plant and vehicle as well as a compliance monitor with daily and weekly dashboards. QuipCheck’s Maintenance module provides information on a wide variety of data, from getting faults and readings directly from operator/drivers, providing checklists, alerts and fleet data to technicians on-the-tools, to summarising data to fleet and workshop managers. For more information, visit www.quipcheck.com or call Paul on 022 016 2470 to book a demo.

Pure goodness, Better health Are you happy with your drinking water? Do you know for sure that it’s an acceptable quality? Does it taste good? The water we put into our bodies determines our health to a large extent. The average adult human is made up of 60% water so it better be good!

Drink Healthy, Stay Healthy

For all your filter needs Free phone: 03 925 8392 | Mobile: 021 276 5700 Email: richard@filtrationcanterbury.co.nz

Alford Forest RD 1 Ashburton 7771

filtrationcanterbury.co.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2022

Technological improvements driving increased data connectivity Increasing data connectivity leads to greater recognition of the need for data sharing within the agriculture industry. supplied ] Advertorial ] by Precision farming The uptake of farm technology and data analysis is rapidly increasing as farmers actively work to meet compliance requirements while maintaining productivity gains. This drive for ongoing operational improvement is also placing a growing demand on the spreaders and sprayers of nutrients and chemicals to utilise these latest technologies. Technological advances enable application efficiency. One recent example is a new and innovative variable rate application capability. Real-time data collected with new camera-based sensors enable contractors to apply products, using variable rate technology, in a substantially more efficient way than blanket applications. Precision Tracking has embraced these new technologies to ensure self-spreaders do not miss out on these advances. For example, we have developed a geo-location

guidance app for self-spreaders with related capabilities. The app provides users with the ability to electronically capture their own spreading data as they apply the product. Other advancements in pasture, animal and water monitoring along with irrigation control are also providing farmer’s new insights into each area of their farming operations – each with its own ‘digital footprint’. This has made consolidation of segregated farming data for analysis and reporting a very difficult, error prone and time-consuming exercise. The Precision Group (Precision Tracking and Precision Farming) are at the forefront of data interoperability. We have the technology to collect, store, and analyse a large range of segregated farm data to help farmers manage their operations in a data driven way – in one place. Powered by sophisticated cloud enabled analytics and visualisation engines, we are continuing to develop software to deliver information to any number of farm devices,

including mobile phones and tablets. The Agri-Technology industry has also recognised, for farmers and spreaders to achieve their compliance and operational goals in an accurate and efficient manner, that the industry needs to be more open to data sharing. The Precision Group can and will support this aspiration with data exchange technologies to enable farmers who seek improved insights into their farm operations the opportunity to do so – and keep the data safe when they do. The exciting future of data sharing, and interoperability is not limited to farm da-

ta alone. The opportunity already exists to extract insights and evidence for those supporting farmers to make informed investment decisions. For example, suppliers will also be able to improve their support with efficiencies up the supply chain when optics are provided on the resources farmers seek to improve their productivity and profitability in a longterm sustainable way. Precision continues to work in developing ‘big data’ analytics, allowing New Zealand farmers to continue to thrive and be the best pastoral farmers in the world.

Scan the QR code to download our FREE user-friendly GPS guidance app*

Using your Android tablet, you can:

Using your own Android tablet The app is

$FREE

• • •

Improve your application accuracy Capture GPS records of your spray and spreading Send jobs to your team for designated paddocks.

0800 477 001

info@precisionfarming.co.nz

*Suitable for Android devices only, Mapping fees may apply, Guidance accuracy up to 2m

www.precisionfarming.co.nz

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

Maximising returns with Tracmap These are challenging times for farmers. The introduction of a synthetic nitrogen fertiliser cap on pastoral land as of July last year has forced them to come up with new solutions to meet the demands of the new legislation.

] Advertorial supplied by Tracmap

This has required cold, hard data to be passed onto the regional authorities to ensure that the farm is compliant. This is where TracMap comes in. Its GPS-based job management system generates the all-important ‘Proof of Placement’ data that is required to satisfy these compliance needs. TracMap provides for annual dispersal planning, map generation, job creation and assignment (either ‘inhouse’ or to a contractor), full integration with a wide range of spread controllers, job guidance and finally report generation when the job is done. Report generation can be done on TracMap Online or via third party applications such as FarmIQ, Hawkeye, MyBallance and Precision Farming.

Specifically, the TracMap system offers the following range of benefits: • Easy to use interface in the vehicle via the dedicated screen; it can be as simple as engaging your spreader to start recording your proof of placement. • Full GPS guidance for accurate placement and efficiency. A map is sent to the device to guide the operator on the

TracMap’s GPS-based job management system generates the all-important ‘Proof of Placement’ data that is required to satisfy tcompliance needs.

•

• •

job ensuring the correct areas are covered and minimising accidental application. The ability to add exclusion zones and buffers around waterways. This warns the operators to keep a safe distance from sensitive areas. Report generation of nitrogen applications throughout the year, enabling you to manage your nitrogen usage better and know when you’re about to hit your cap. The ability to track; where a product was placed, the rate at which that product was placed and the date of application. Records of individual placing of products; jobs are kept separate and can be reviewed and reported on at any time. Records kept indefinitely, even when deleted. A thorough onboarding process, with someone dedicated to ensuring your success to get maximum return on investment.

• Knowledgeable support team to answer any questions. For the farmer looking to optimise their operation, this is about a lot more than proof of placement. Gone are the days of spread and hope,

having such information at your fingertips puts you back in control. Accurate data now gives you, the modern farmer, the information you need to hit the sweet spot of nutrient dispersal and therefore maximise your returns.

CANTERBURY FARMING March 2022

You don’t want to come a cropper with our wires Farming equipment can get tangled up in overhead power lines in a flash. So, when you’re moving gear around the yard, or out in the field, always watch for wires. Our golden rule is to stay at least 4 meters away from any power line.

You’re our priority. To find out more, go to:

oriongroup.co.nz 03 363 9898 | 0800 363 9898

Orion operates, and maintains, the electricity distribution network that provides power to central Canterbury. We are always here to help if you have any questions or concerns about the network.

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

MARKET PRICES FOR LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES CONTINUED TO SHOW STEADY Growth Autumn 2022

Rural | Lifestyle

Four Seasons Realty

Much like our last winter, our summer weather as we perhaps could have expected has been somewhat up and down, plenty of fine spells with wet days in between…however the same can’t be said of the local rural lifestyle market with consistency the name of the game. Market prices for Lifestyle properties throughout Selwyn, Waimakariri and Hurunui have continued to show steady growth with a big increase in the volume of completed sales transactions for 2021 as compared to 2020. Certainly the recent increases in interest rates, tighter lending conditions from banks and an expectation that the property market must slow could be expected to have an impact on the volumes of transactions, however the value of a rural lifestyle isn’t showing any signs of diminishing soon. Many of our Canterbury properties will be looking stunning with the long summer days providing that little extra time to spend in our gardens. In the coming months the early autumn colours of our trees will provide a differing aspect that is also aesthetically pleasing.

During this period, we do however need to undertake our prewinter maintenance, we can’t forget the big floods so many endured last year, so it pays to make sure our drainage is clear, debris is removed from our gutters etc. Often, it’s too late to sort this out when a winter event hits us and be extra careful when up ladders... don’t be too proud to get the experts in when needed. If you are looking for expert help with your lifestyle property or livestock, then visit our website rurallifestyle.kiwi where you will find an extensive list of local Canterbury service providers. Growing grass and baling to supplement our winter (and dry summers) feed can be at times problematic, again often as a result of our changeable weather, this year however seems to have been one out of the box for lifestyle property owners here in Canterbury with many of us currently inundated with what perhaps seems an abundance of stored grass feed, however if things continue to dry out over the remaining summer months and feed becomes sparse or a decent snow storm

Your Country Partner

hits in Winter it won’t take long before we appreciate this current growth. Greg Roberts Licensed Business Owner

Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd | Licensed Agent REAA 2008

Congratulations to our consultants who made the TOP 3 at the Harcourts Canterbury Awards for Rural Lifestyle for the quarter (October - December 2021).

True experts in their field

Top

RICHARD & SUE WOERLEE

2nd

ANDY NURSE

+ TOP Consultant in NZ for Rural Lifestyle for Dec 2021

3rd

KATIE HARRISON

EXPERIENCED RURAL LIFESTYLE Team

Your property is unique! Our highly trained team of dedicated rural and lifestyle sales consultants are constantly upskilling. We understand the differences between selling rural/lifestyle and residential property. If you are thinking about selling your rural lifestyle property, now is a great time, we have lots of buyers and need more properties. Our aim is to provide a level of service and results that will exceed your expectations. Phone for a free no obligation market appraisal.

0800 789 1011

rurallifestyle.kiwi

Harcourts Rural Lifesyle

CANTERBURY FARMING March 2022

FourSeasons SeasonsRealty Realty Four

Rural | Lifestyle Your Country Partner

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

Golden Bay Dolomite NZ’s most loved magnesium.

call 0800 436 566 or visit www.dolomite.co.nz

Correct soil fertility critical for optimal plant growth There are 16 nutrients required by plants, 13 of these nutrients are obtained from the soil.

] Article supplied by DairyNZ

There are five nutrients N, P, K, S and Mg (pumice soils) that are added to soils in fertilisers. The remaining nutrients are abundant on most New Zealand soils.

Test: A robust soil fertility-monitoring programme is the best way to monitor nutrients in topsoil of any farm.

Assessing nutrient status

• If this leaves a lot of dead rubbish, remove it as it’s always a source of fungal growth. • What the cattle won’t eat, take off with a slasher or weedeater. If you don’t, fresh green regrowth will be slow. • After this clean up, give the paddocks a light chain harrowing to spread dung pats. • Slash off any beds of Californian thistles (just before it rains if possible) dead docks and ragwort and plan to treat them early next spring. Lack of early action means their seed will be with you for a long time. • Make a stand-off area for cattle during wet periods in winter to avoid pugging. • After an extended summer dry spell, you may have to consider some ‘pasture renovation’. This can be expensive so seek professional help. • Get a soil test done and seek advice on what fertiliser is needed.

It is important to measure the current soil nutrient status to assess whether a farm is in the maintenance or development stage. Soil testing and taking into account fertiliser history is the only way to assess nutrient status. Capital fertiliser inputs can be much greater than the maintenance input, especially if a rapid increase in the soil nutrient status is required.

Soil testing A robust soil fertility-monitoring programme is the best way to monitor nutrients in topsoil of any farm. Fertiliser costs are a major investment and needs to be monitored. Even in the maintenance stage, more precise rates can be calculated from establishing trends in soil test levels over time through the use of annual soil testing.

Pasture testing Pasture testing is a back up to soil

testing. While soil testing determines available soil nutrient status, pasture analysis should be used to assess how much nutrient has been taken up from a fertiliser application and check trace element status. There are two key reasons to test and analyse pasture samples: 1. Concerns about animal health. Insufficient concentrations of: Mg, Na, Cu, Co and Se, Excessively high concentrations of K, Mo and Mn. 2. Clover Nutrition. Clovers have a higher requirement of all nutrients compared to grasses; they are a sensitive indicator of underlying soil fertility.

Autumn pasture tips • All rough growth on paddocks should be taken right off. If you have mature cattle, or can borrow some, make them work to clean it all off, especially tufts of cocksfoot.

Planning a stubble burn? Five ‘must-dos’ for getting it right. Before lighting up, follow these five ‘must-dos’ for a safe, efficient and nuisance-free burn: Check it’s alright to light

Complete a smoke management plan

Visit checkitsalright.nz and use the three-step tool to find out if you can light your fire, what the fire risk is, and what you should do to stay safe.

This is a legal requirement. The plan covers things such as the material being burnt, the weather forecast and who may be affected. ecan.govt.nz/smokeplan

Read the guide on stubble burning Fire and Emergency New Zealand’s guide gives advice on things such as firebreaks, weather, the right way to light, and insurance. bit.ly/FENZ_Guide

Understand the Canterbury Air Regional Plan (CARP) The CARP lays out the rules for burning. It’s especially important to understand section 7 of the plan. ecan.govt.nz/air-plan

Check you’re not burning in a buffer zone Burning in buffer zones around Ashburton or Timaru require resource consents. ecan.govt.nz/outdoorburning

For more information • • • •

Contact us on 0800 329 276 if you are planning a burn. Visit our outdoor burning webpage: ecan.govt.nz/outdoorburning Visit checkitsalright.nz to check if the location of the burn is in an open, restricted or prohibited fire season. If you’re concerned about people or property, please call 111.

E22/8834

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2022

Getting the best out of your soil Paddock selection for the autumn and spring crops is upon us, if It hasn’t already been done, now is the time to start this process. supplied by ] Article CP Lime Solutions ] There are several factors that can influence the decisions here, paddock age and performance history, is it part of a rotation, what has previously been in the paddock and what is going to go into the paddock. It is all these factors combined which will help make the decision of which paddock(s) to crop. Once you have identified the paddocks to crop and what your plan is for them to be planted into you will need to take a soil test to identify nutrient deficiencies. The earlier that this is done the better the chance you have of ensuring the success and reaching the potential yield of your crop. You may have a poorer performing paddock that needs capital nutrient applications to get it up to its optimal levels so the earlier this is identified the better so you can apply the necessary nutrients to bring the levels up. In some cases this may be two years out. Different crops have different nutrient requirements as well and this will also potentially allow you to address some weed issues also. When the soil tests are performed you

CP Lime Solutions will help with paddock selection and soil testing through Eurofins Laboratories which will provide a complete nutrient analysis including all trace elements and even identifying biological levels as well if required.

will need to note how the paddock is going to be sown. Is it going to be sprayed out and direct drilled or be ploughed and have full cultivation? Knowing this will determine what depth that you perform the soil test at whether it be 7.5cm or 15cm for full cultivation. Once this has been done the samples will be sent to one of several soil testing laboratories in NZ for a nutrient analysis and from this you will be able to identify the deficiencies allowing you to pre-plan and apply the nutrients in preparation.

By following this simple process it allows you to spread the cost for budgeting purposes helping with cashflow and you don’t have the big panic the month before your crop is due to be sown and with that a big bill because you have to apply bigger one off applications of fertiliser at which is a very expensive time of year. The more you plan ahead the greater your chance of success-remember “If you fail to plan, you plan to fail”. With 21 years’ experience in helping Kiwi farmers get the best out of their soils

CP Lime Solutions can start the process for you by helping with paddock selection and soil testing through Eurofins Laboratories which will provide you with a complete nutrient analysis including all trace elements and even identifying biological levels as well if required. We can then custom make a biologically sustainable pelletised fine particle fertiliser blend for you to help ensure the success of next year’s crop. The only thing we can’t do is provide the ideal weather.

What’s the point of pelletised lime? Well, Optimise® transports easily, spreads evenly, stays where you put it, you need 10x less and it breaks down readily. Oh, and doesn’t cost the earth (financially or environmentally). To start seeing the benefits, order your soil test today at cplimesolutions.net.nz or by calling 0508 678 464

by CP Lime

Growers, we’ve got you covered.

Get in touch with our experienced arable agronomists. NORTH CANTERBURY

Peter Miller 027 433 4943 Rachael Robinson 027 435 1978

MID CANTERBURY

James Hastings - 027 889 3286 Dave Loomes 027 532 9685

SOUTH CANTERBURY

Mark McDonald 027 262 4861 Dave Loomes 027 532 9685

PRODUCTION MANAGER

Leanne Doherty 021 823 672

AUTUMN SEED PRODUCTION CONTRACTS AVAILABLE NOW. carrfieldsgrainandseed.co.nz

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

Canty teen wins beekeeping scholarship Bee in: Seventeen-year-old Cantabrian Alyssa Wilson is the 2021 recipient of Apiculture New Zealand Ron Mossop Youth Scholarship in beekeeping.

Canterbury-based Alyssa Wilson is the 2021 recipient of Apiculture New Zealand Ron Mossop Youth Scholarship in beekeeping.

] by Kent caddick The 17-year-old Wilson topped a strong field of candidates to win the scholarship, which includes $2000 to support training and setup costs for new beekeepers, a one-year membership with industry body Apiculture New Zealand and attendance at Apiculture New Zealand’s industry conference to be held in June 2022. The scholarship was set up to help young people into a career in beekeeping and the judges identified Alyssa as showing great potential. “She’s clearly not afraid to get stuck in and learn as much as she can. With a strong work ethic and a real interest in bees, she is

going to be an asset to our industry,” judge Neil Mossop said. Wilson said she was “pretty chuffed” to win and is planning to use the scholarship to help fund her involvement in the New Zealand Apprenticeship in Apiculture scheme run through Primary ITO in partnership with Apiculture New Zealand. She was introduced to the world of bees earlier this year when she was helping a family friend, Richelle Corson, with dogs that were being trained to detect AFB, a common bee disease. “Her husband James, who is a beekeeper, asked if I wanted to have a try with the bees and I thought I’d give it a go,” Wilson said. She ended up doing two weeks of work

experience with the Corson’s Mid-Canterbury business, Gowanleagold Honey, and thoroughly enjoyed it. “There’s such a wide variety of things to do and you’re always kept busy. And it’s outside, which I really like,” she said. She was encouraged by staff at Ellesmere College to apply for the beekeeping scholarship as her interest has always been in practical, hands-on learning rather than classroom learning. “I didn’t think I stood much of a chance, so it was a big surprise to win.”

She is now working with Gowanleagold Honey and will stay there over the next two years of her apprenticeship, learning on the job with James. “He’s a good teacher and I’ve learnt so much already. I know there are lots of opportunities in beekeeping so I’m excited to learn more and find out what interests me the most.” The Ron Mossop Youth Scholarship is named for apiculture industry pioneer, Ron Mossop, who started his family beekeeping business Mossop’s Honey in the 1940s. He was a strong advocate for beekeeper education and beekeeping best practice with this legacy continued through the scholarship. Ron’s son, Neil, said the family is thrilled to be able to support talented young beekeepers into the industry. “It is a privilege to be able to help them meet their potential,” Ron said.

Needham Ag JD750a Seeder parts Pivot rebuild kits Bonilla seed tabs, Seed boot mounting repair kits Boots, Discs, V8 firming wheels, HD gauge wheels and Martin closing wheels •Maize Planter No-till hardware, Clutches and Controllers • Shop at our online store!

0275 083 789  unearthag.com

0800472 563 Palmer 0800 4 PALMER Agri Parts Direct Ltd .. . . ..... ... .,__...

CANTERBURY ROCK PICKING SPECIALIST

Kverneland•Overum• Kuhn Lemken• Dowdeswell•Vogel & Noot•Gregoire Besson• Clough• Duncan •Terradisc• Maxitill•Yeoman•Vibroflex •Connershea•Goliath• IHC• Sunflower•Topdown•Salford• Kongskilde•Napier•Vaderstad We can also manufacture any point you need!

admin@palmeragriparts.co.nz I 34 Robinson Street, Riverside Industrial Park, Ashburton Palmer Agri Parts Direct imports and manufactures quality parts that fit machines indicated. These parts are not sold as genuine parts.

Book Now! Farmlands co-operative

• Cost effective way to remove rocks • Increased production • No need to heavy roll • Perfect seed bed normally achieved • Reduces lameness in cows • Expensive irrigation better utilised • Flood Damage Remediation

Phone 0274 555 307 or 03 312 6366 www.rockpicking.co.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2022

Appeal is the new high yielding persistent Italian ryegrass supplied by ] Advertorial ] Cropmark Seeds Appeal is a very persistent and very high yielding diploid Italian ryegrass. Appeal has shown consistently high yield performance in trials with fast establishment, high winter, early spring production, and an ability to hold on well over the summer, even under moderate insect pressure. Appeal produces high quality forage, of high nutritive value, high digestibility and high palatability. In addition, it has strong disease resistance including against rust, resulting in improved animal acceptance. Appeal Italian ryegrass was developed from Cropmark Seeds’ specialist 20-year plant breeding programme to develop more persistent Italian ryegrasses, whilst retaining highest yield performance and forage quality. Varieties such as Appeal and Vibe Italian ryegrasses which have been developed from within this breeding selection programme are showing very strong persistence compared to traditional Italian ryegrasses – even under moderate insect pressure. Cropmark are fielding strong interest in their new Italian ryegrass Appeal on the eve of it full commercial launch this autumn, according to Cropmarks’ NZ Sales Manager Callum Davidson. “Having supplied limited supplies of Appeal last year to farmers, we now have full commercial stocks for the autumn”. The initial farmer feedback from last autumn on its yield and forage quality has been excellent. In particular, because of its very late

Appeal is a very persistent and very high yielding diploid Italian ryegrass.

+28 day heading date, it maintained its forage quality for up to 14 days longer than traditional Italian ryegrasses. This appears to have been a valuable trait for farmers who were either trying to maintain peak milk production or maximize stock growth rates leading up to Christmas. The extra 14 days of high forage quality makes a big difference at this time of year when other grasses are going to seed head. Appeal is ideal for use as a short-term, high-quality feed sown at 20-25kg/ha, it can be mixed with oats or winter brassica or it can be sown straight into damaged or run-out pastures to extend their life @ 15kg/ha. For further information please contact Stephen Finch from Specialty Seeds 0800 727 8875.

The high yielding, persistent Italian ryegrass • • • • • • •

Very persistent, even under harsh management conditions Bounces back from hard grazings well Consistently high yield performance Safe to animals - won’t cause grass staggers or heat stress Late heading (+28 days) for carrying pasture quality longer into spring Very palatable Ideal for use as a short term, high quality feed, or for over-sowing into damaged or runout pastures to extend their life

For further information call 0800 727 8873 or visit www.specseed.co.nz

March 2022 CANTERBURY FARMING

Bessie Paterson LLB ] with ] Ronald W Angland & Son

Our civic responsibilities

Over the next 18 months to two years we will have three occasions which call on us to exercise our civic responsibilities.

This is the purpose of the Census. The Census surveys the population and dwellings in the whole of New Zealand. This requires a personal form from each person in the country whether they are residents or visitors and also one form for each dwelling. The information provided is then used by the Government to plan for hospitals, schools, roads, public transport and all works and organisations which the Government is responsible for providing. The Government also uses the information to alter the boundaries of the parliamentary electorates if the information gathered in the census warrants a change. Up to, and including the 2013 Census the Department of Statistics engaged temporary staff to undertake the job of visiting every household to distribute census forms for everyone who was in the house on Census night and LAWYERS one form for the dwelling. It was a ritual on census night to complete the forms and over the next week or so the person who delivered the blank forms would return and collect the completed forms. It was a massive underLeeston (03) 324 3033 taking by all employees. Email: lawyers@anglands.co.nz | www.anglands.co.nz Then the forms were proSolicitors of Selwyn since 1965 cessed and the data saved

Before the end of October, the local body elections will be held. Later on in October a general election will be held for the next government. Most of us know about those two elections. Also due next year is the five yearly census which it is our duty to join in. We are lucky to live in a country which is overall, democratic. I can think of many countries which call themselves democratic but, in fact, they are anything but that. With the privileges of democracy we also have responsibilities to ensure that we provide the Government and Local Authorities with information they require to enable them to plan and provide services for the country and the regions within it.

Ronald W. Angland & Son

and later presented to the government of the day. The procedure changed for the 2018 census and was to be completed on-line but that has not proved satisfactory so far but the problems may have been rectified before the next census. It is compulsory for every individual who is in NZ on Census night to complete a Census form. The legislation provides for penalties for anyone who refuses or avoids completing

a form although there have not been many prosecutions over the years. Some people object to completing the forms no doubt on the grounds of privacy but having regard to the Government’s need of the details it if difficult to understand why anyone would take such a stand. This article has been prepared by Bessie Paterson, a Partner at Ronald W Angland & Son, Solicitors, 2 Chapman Street, Leeston.

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2022

Getting more out of your cows In last month’s Canterbury Farming we featured the Stewart family from Mid Canterbury and their battle to recover from last year’s disastrous ﬂoods, and to maintain milk production despite the disruption to their operation.

] by Diana Malcom The Stewart’s Barwell Farm is sandwiched between the north and south banks of the Ashburton River, and in May they were left with 50ha of damage, including 14.5ha that will be forever buried under riverbed rubble. Compounding their challenges was that it was the first season that David and Maree Stewart’s sons, TJ and Mark and his wife, Stacey had taken over the lease of the family’s 550-cow operation. The family have put their recovery down to the support of the community including local agri-consultants like MilkMaP. The Stewarts didn’t lose any stock, but the 70% autumn-calving milking herd spent 20 hours standing in the dairy yard without feed, water or milking after their owners were evacuated. Many would have considered dropping their herd back to once-a-day (OAD) milking post-flooding. They didn’t. Their production is now 3.3% ahead (year-to-date) of its pre-flood budgets. This is due, in part, to the advice they took from their Ashburton-based senior farm consultant Cameron Burton from MilkMaP, who has been working with their operation for three years. MilkMaP focusses on ‘Milk’, ‘Management’, and ‘Profitability’, by analysing key performance indicators, the cost structure of the business, and the impact of any proposed feeding/stocking rate changes. Barwell Farming resonated with MilkMap’s philosophy from the start. It means they had the homework done for the autumn calvers who went through the flood, and they will

On track: Barwell Farm’s autumn calvers that went through the ﬂood are still on target to produce more than 650kg MS (milk solids) per cow in 280 days. The winter contract for the operation was 600kg MS per day, and it was sending 700kg MS per day post-ﬂood.

emerge from the season in a fighting position. Cameron Burton was on the frontline to set the immediate post-flood feed budgets, and their longer-term strategies to source the feed to sustain production. “There was naturally a bit of stress around the environmental impacts at the time and there were suggestions from some to go to OAD milking. We quickly decided that wasn’t going to be the way forward,” Burton said. “Once we brought the cows back onto their milking ration, and we were happy to see a rapid increase in production over the 10 days post-flood with no metabolic issues or acidosis.” The family also quickly lodged their floodinsurance claims using Burton’s expertise. “I was able to model the impact of the loss of land and infrastructure, which quantified the additional feed we could expect to buy or claim,” Burton said.

Pole Sheds & Hybrid Pole Sheds! Hybrid sheds mix timber and steel components. 9.0 wide bays no problems! Clear span no issues!

Selwyn

Timaru Selwyn

15 Station Street, Leeston 7632

133A King Street, Kensington 7910

Email:info@buildlinkselwyn.co.nz

Email:timaru@buildlink.co.nz

Phone: 03 324 3385

Phone: 03 688 4944

www.buildlinkselwyn.co.nz

www.buildlinktimaru.co.nz

“I also formulated a ration which could replace the maize that was water damaged with the feeds that we had available at the time. “Because obviously, maize is only harvested in the autumn, and we were well into June when we needed to make the changes because of the floods.” When it first opened its doors 15 years ago, led by Neville Prendergast, MilkMaP unapologetically challenged New Zealand farmers to get more milk from less cows using strategic thinking to fully feed their cows. Time has validated his vision. Dairy NZ’s Economic Farm Survey reported that on the 2019-20 season milk price, System 4-5 farms achieved almost $1100 more per hectare than the farms on System 1-2 feeding. To achieve a more profitable system fully feeding cows at feeding Systems 3-5, MilkMaP says the milk price needs to be above

$5/kg milk solids (MS). The 10-year average milk price in New Zealand is $6.26/kg MS (2010-20), while the five-year average is $6.05/kg MS. Prendergast said MilkMaP now has a strong market share throughout the country as their clients continue to excel, and the industry’s slow-moving axis has started turning in reluctant acknowledgement. “Right from the start we were all about more milk from less cows,” Prendergast said. “New Zealand used to be about putting more cows on instead of getting more out of the cows we had. It was inefficient, and that school of thought is now an environmental issue.” One thing MilkMaP has been happy to stand on a soapbox about is that yield dilutes fixed costs, and there is more per-cow capacity to be found in New Zealand. “When payouts have been challenging, what we’ve come up against is that bankers and accountants want the farmers to cut their feed costs, because that’s their biggest spend,” Prendergast said. “But what happens when farmers do that is that their production goes down, their potential to dilute their fixed overheads is compromised, and they then haven’t got the revenue to pay the bills. “The gap we’re now seeing between Systems 3-5 versus Systems 1-2 in terms of the financial gain should send bankers and any other financial guys who say ‘don’t spend money on feed’ into a tailspin. “I’m telling you right now, the figures coming out on this very subject for this current season will blow people’s minds when they see what can be achieved when you fully feed cows properly,” Prendergast said.

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

FUELS, OILS & LUBRICANTS

Above ground fuel storage on farms Petrol and diesel are hazardous substances and are regulated by the Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act 1996 and supporting regulations (HSNO).

] Article supplied by Work Safe NZ

Storing and using petrol and diesel creates workplace hazards that could harm employees, family and others living or working nearby. Therefore, petrol and diesel are also regulated by the Health and Safety in Employment Act 1992 (the HSE Act). HSNO requires a person in charge to manage hazardous substances at all workplaces that store or handle them. On a farm, this will normally be the farm owner or manager. They must make sure the farm complies with all the rules set under HSNO.

The person in charge must: • make sure people handling the substances are trained or supervised • make sure information is available to the

people handling the substance via container labels, safety data sheets (SDS) and signs • make sure procedures are in place to deal with any potential emergency involving hazardous substances • get the necessary test certificates and keep them up–to–date. They should also identify all hazardous substances on the farm and keep an inventory. Fuel storage and handling is hazardous because petrol and diesel are flammable. You can control these risks by storing fuels securely and safely. Separation distances are the minimum distances required between fuel stores and other properties or activities. The separation distances for petrol in this guide allow petrol

storage on farms without a location test certificate. You can reduce these separation distances if you get a location test certificate.

All fuel must be stored: • at least six metres from other hazardous materials, for example: oxidisers, fertilisers, poisons • at least six metres away from flammable materials, for example: hay, LPG, other fuels • so that spills can’t contaminate stock feed

• so that spilt fuel can’t touch any heated surfaces • to avoid accidental vehicle crashes • so that spills will not pollute streams, lakes or waterways • so that spills will not endanger buildings. Petrol and diesel also have specific storage requirements, depending on how they are stored. For more on storing fuel on farms go to: worksafe.govt.nz/topic-and-industry/agriculture/ chemicals-and-fuels-on-farms.

CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY & LOGGING

Allan Laurie MNZIF ] with ] Laurie Forestry Ltd

March 2022

Wholesale log prices firm

The trend we saw developing in the log export segment in January, has evolved in to some significant increases in prices, at wharf gate New Zealand, for February sales.

The increases can be primarily attributed to a resurgence in CFR log prices in China as buyers respond to a big slow-down in deliveries from NZ and other sources. The current log inventory across the eastern seaboard of China sits at around 5 million cubic metres, almost 1 million less than some commentators were predicting it would be at this time. Chinese new-year celebrations and holidays are over with the year of the Tiger starting 1 February. It is stated those born in the year of the Tiger are said to be brave, competitive, unpredictable and confident. The western world might be hoping the China President was not born in 1998, 1986, 1974, 1962, 1950 or 1938. We have not seen a big build in daily usage yet, and likely will not until sawmill staff return to work in number toward the end of February. An air of caution prevails in all wood fibre commodity sectors as we wait to see how much consumption will pick up by. Most believe there are sufficient warning signs to suggest the 2022 road will be rocky believing it will not take much for the wheel nuts to loosen. Back in good old NZ, domestic sawmills continue to go gang busters. As reported last month, the lack of good and reliable staff is a major impediment to maximising production. Latest reports suggest a moderate easing of demand and the backlog of orders shrinking very slightly. As is often the case, that de-

pends on who you talk to. There appears to be some very idle hands floating around some public spaces in Wellington, Picton and Christchurch. Perhaps they should get out and do some real work like contributing to the domestic productivity picture. Oh no that’s right they cannot, they are not vaccinated. Back to the “let’s get real world”, supply lines from many countries have continued to slow, a trend we saw developing late 2021. As reported last month, European log and lumber exports have slowed to a trickle in response to reduced harvest and domestic demand. Canada and Russia have been big log exporters to Japan. Both supply lines have slowed and prices have been increasing. CFR prices have now moved to levels where NZ Radiata pine logs are starting to look attractive. Russia is almost at the zenith of their conversion to on shore processing only and have thus far struggled to hit some supply targets. This will be an interesting space over the next few months, in effecting testing the efficiency of a Russia sawmill operation with a China sawmill. The China government have moved to increase credit lines, in effect improving the low-cost housing rental market. This has been greeted favourably with commentary suggesting the government well recognise the importance of the construction sector.

As a consequence, domestic wholesale the trading year off on a positive tone. As always people, please remember the prices for logs have been firm and most expecting increases in March. This then would thoroughly important message, “It remains, suggest we will continue to see CFR increas- as always, fundamentally important, no matter the challenges, the only way forward for es for NZ Logs. Against this backdrop on positivity, ship- climate, country and the planet, is to get out ping companies are starting to play hard ball there and plant more trees”. again. Southern hemisphere harvest and Northern hemisphere demand is adding to the pot of shipping demand and owners have once again started to adopt a “take it or leave it” stance. Add in increases in bunker costs, and this is going to be tough space for the next few months. If CFR prices do increase, we can further expect ship owners to want a slice of the action. Therefore, the net back at the NZ wharf gate in March is unlikely move greatly eiDo you have a stand of trees? ther way. Would you like these removed? Even at the current levels, we are back in a pretty We can offer you competitive rates and good space overall. In total cash in return! we are back over the 80 perPHONE KENT ON centile of the market of the last 3 years with the combi021 325 661 SUPPLIES LIMITED nation of excellent and stable domestic prices and 21 Manion Road, Rolleston www.macrocarpasupplies.co.nz good export levels starting

! D E ANT

Your old Macrocarpa or Gum Trees!

FORESTRY SERVICES - CONSULTING - MANAGEMENT - MARKETING

Forest Management LTD

With 25 years experience in the industry, the Forest Management Team offer services in:

Laurie Forestry Ltd

Harvesting & Marketing, Consultants & Managers

• Woodlot and shelterbelt harvesting • Timber sales to domestic and export markets • Forest establishment of harvested and greenfield sites • Forest valuation • Emission Trading Scheme advice and management • Trainer/Assessor in NZQA forestry related units Our highly experienced teams aim to ensure value optimisation in all aspects of forest management.

To find out more call us on 03 343 4101 or visit www.forestmanagement.co.nz

Specialists in: • Woodlot and Forest harvest - at any scale • Direct log sales in both domestic and export segments • Top quality H&S systems and management • Forest right or cutting right purchases • Planting and silviculture management • Top advice, top people, top service

See our website for information including Market www.laurieforestry.co.nz Reports and Log Price Tables www.laurieforestry.co.nz

S COMPANY

EIR TREE THE PEOPLE AND TH

Office: Phone 03 359 5000 Email: admin@laurieforestry.co.nz Unit 3 337 Harewood Road Bishopdale Christchurch 22 Shearman Street Waimate Phone 03 689 8333 • Cell: 027 432 1420

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

Eugene’s a big supporter of PondBugs Eugene Casey’s Temuka dairy farm has a huge pond to store the efﬂuent from his 1000+ cows, but with a strong smell and crust, Eugene could tell his pond wasn’t healthy. After trying a few solutions, he tried PondBugs and hasn’t looked back.

Lloyd Thomas ] by Efﬂuent ] Nevada ] Management Specialist

Eugene originally reached out to Nevada looking for a portable stirrer he can use for both the saucer and the pond, and a slurry tanker so he can make use of the effluEugene has a large farm situated on two ent in the pond. After a visit to the farm, Lloyd recomsides of the road. Effluent from the cow shed flows into a saucer where he can mended a TurboStir7000 PTO Stirrer. pump out to the irrigator, and excess efflu- Attaching to a tractor, the PTO stirrer proent gets pumped to a huge effluent pond vides the portability Eugene needed for use across both storage areas, but also the across the road. power to give the larger pond a really good stir in a short amount of time. The slurry tanker just Electrical Problems or Maintenance? made sense for Eugene’s situation. With big storage across the road, he wanted the ability to go hard spreading when it was practical, and to spread  Irrigation wherever he needed to. Member A 14,700L slurry tanker  Farm MASTER was the ideal size. ELECTRICIANS All was going well with  Industrial Electrical Contractors Association of NZ the PTO stirrer and slur ry tanker but given the Municipal large amount of effluent being stored in the pond, Eugene couldn’t get rid LEESTON Ph (03) 324 3752 RANGIORA Ph (03) 313 6104 of the smell and crust formed quickly. “I’ve tried a few solutions, ones where you need to dissolve the powder in warm water then let it stand before use. Electrical installation, maintenance and a breakdown “It was a lot of mucking

nairn Electrical

service second to none

For Temuka dairy farmer Eugene Casey a PTO stirrer and a Nevada slurry tanker combined with Pondbugs has been the perfect solution for his efﬂuent needs. around,” Eugewne said. Then Lloyd suggested he try PondBugs, and Eugene’s been using it consistently for almost three years. “I’m a big supporter. It’s simple to use

and there’s no mucking around. Just easy to tip into the effluent catchment on a regular basis, the pond’s got no smell or crust, and there’s more plant available. The grass has been happier and growing nicely.”

New Zealand’s Dairy Effluent Management Specialists | nevadagroup.co.nz | 0800 464 393

DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2022

Consequences of carbon loss ] with Peter Burton

It isn’t hard to understand how those representing the best interests of this country’s pastoral farming industry have come to accept that pastoral farming is a net emitter of greenhouse gasses.

The public at large appear to have bought the narrative that it is the farming industry that is to blame for man-induced climate change removing the requirement to examine their own contribution. The latest OECD Report on the NZ economy states that we will not meet our CO2 targets for 2030 and 2050, and that our carbon price is too low. Latest press releases indicate that even if agriculture escapes the clutches of ETS, almost certainly there will be hefty taxes levied on farmers and growers for their contribution to calculated, not measured, methane and nitrous oxide emissions. The government is wanting to see significant changes take place prior to the next election in order to campaign on their commitment to a carbon neutral environment and standing strong in the face of all of that requires fortitude. Holding a contrarian view, even when you know that the facts are on your side can be difficult. It’s easier to say nothing than voice an opposing opinion and be treated as having a contagious disease. However, there are times when standing up for what is fair and equitable becomes a matter of conscience, and that is a voice that doesn’t sleep. The reality is that carbon is most rapidly sequestered under permanent grazed

pasture and in that situation the levels of methane and nitrous oxide are of academic interest only. There are many farming operations in this country that are continuously sequestering carbon by taking CO2 from the atmosphere and through the process of photosynthesis creating sugar, a portion of which is retained in the soil. Topsoil is built resulting in an effective and efficient filter for groundwater as well as a medium in which to produce nutrient dense food for people. Sadly though, not all properties are in that situation. In a discussion with one of the leading soil scientists he stated that, “all irrigated land, without exception, is losing carbon”. Adding water to land does not in itself cause a reduction in carbon, nor necessarily do stock grazing pasture. The factor in our view that requires careful examination is the overuse of synthetic nitrogen. Synthetic N is a useful development tool. Continuous use to maintain high levels of pasture growth is where a problem arises if the rate of application destroys more than is being deposited in the form of old root, dung, and leaf. Nitrate N levels in groundwater have steadily increased and we now face the situation where drinking water needs to be treated. For

the folk of Canterbury, who have taken great pride in their deep fresh aquifers it’s a bitter pill to swallow. By using clover to fix nitrogen at least as much total pasture can be grown and there is any amount of long-term growth data from Research facilities to support that claim. The transition process can be completed within twelve months with little if any decline in farm performance. Sound grazing management techniques, as taught from 1950 until the late 1980’s are an essential component and best practises can be readily re-established. The issue of land degradation is not new. In 2004 Dr Graham Sparling of Landcare Research wrote that we’ve depressingly continued down the well-worn path of European and North America farmers when 30 years ago the consequences were obvious. Over the last 25 years both the technology and practises have been developed and refined that allow intensive pastoral farming to be genuinely sustainable in all respects. It’s now up to farming leaders and communities to embrace and implement. For more information contact Peter on 0800 843 809.

GET 8 monThs ComprEhEnsiVE TrACE ElEmEnT insurAnCE CoVEr ...for your young stock this winter with All-Trace Trace Element Boluses for Cattle All-Trace

All-Trace Trace Element Boluses for Cattle

For pricing and orders please contact your veterinary clinic. For more information please contact Vetpak on Tel: 07 870 2024 Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997 No. A7796

RVM. Available only under Veterinary Authorisation

For the control of trace element and mineral deficiencies, for eight months, in grazing cattle.

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

Dairy industry regional awards dinners go ahead in red With judging for the 11 regional programmes underway around the country, the New Zealand Dairy Industry Award’s attention is turning to the regional award dinners being held in March and April.

] by Kent caddick After consultation with regional teams and national sponsors, the evenings will continue, following government guidelines for events in Red level. “We know these award dinners are an important part of the rural community’s calendar on many levels, which is why we will follow government guidelines to deliver an evening where success can be recognised and celebrated,” NZDIA general manager Robin Congdon said. “This means the dinners will have a maximum attendance of 100 people, who will be required to show vaccine passes at the venue. “We realise capping numbers means some will miss out, and for those who can’t attend, the events will be livestreamed on the relevant regional dairy industry award Facebook page.” Tickets will be offered directly to finalists,

their supporters, entrants and sponsors. Any remaining general admission tickets will be made available online. “Of course, in the current environment, we understand some people may be hesitant about attending the dinners, and we respect their decision if they don’t want to attend,” Congdon said. The Award programme proceeds as normal, with judging continuing in all regions. “Our remit is to deliver the Awards programme and the benefits it brings to dairy farmers,” Congdon said. “We are rapt judging will continue and entrants will be able to receive feedback and benefit from benchmarking themselves against others, as well as gaining a deeper understanding of best practice. “The dinners are a great way to announce achievements and celebrate – having to limit numbers and manage the allocation of

All go: The Dairy industry regional awards dinners have been given the green light despite the country being in the red. tickets feels a bit like having to pick your favourite child.” The New Zealand Dairy Industry Awards are supported by national sponsors DeLaval, Ecolab, Federated Farmers, Fonterra, Honda, LIC, Meridian Energy, MediaWorks and Ravensdown, along with industry partner DairyNZ. For those in the South Island the Canter-

After a Customised Roller? Experts at Manufacturing Heavy Land Rollers Since 1966

Phone Now!

0800 PLUCKS WWW.PLUCKS.NZ Serving Farmers For Over 50 Years

bury/North Otago awards dinner will be held on March 22 (Trotts Garden, Racecourse Road, Ashburton), the West Coast/Top of the South region on March 24 in Shantytown, and the Southland/Otago region in Invercargill on March 26. Visit www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz for more information.

CANTERBURY FARMING March 2022

WATER & IRRIGATION

Benefits of subsurface drip irrigation After trialling a subsurface irrigation system last summer, Cust dairy grazers Gary and Penny Robinson are keen to collect data and compare this with traditional irrigation systems to back up their observations with evidence-based results.

] by Gina McKenzie The couple are participating in a six-month farming innovation project, which examines how the next generation of farmers are using innovative approaches to improve their farming practices. Waimakariri Landcare Trust (WLT) and Waimakariri Irrigation Limited (WIL) have partnered with the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) for the project, with support from MPI’s Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund along with Environment Canterbury, Ballance, and DairyNZ. A subsurface drip irrigation system consists of a network of valves, driplines, pipes, and emitters that are installed in tape below the surface of the soil. The evenly spaced emitters slowly release water directly to the root zone of plants which differs from traditional irrigation systems that apply water to the surface of the soil. Gary says he had been interested in subsurface irrigation for some time before seeing the system first-hand at the Carrfields tent at the 2019 Canterbury A & P Show. “I knew it had been heavily used overseas and once I saw it at the Show, I thought we have to look into this and see if we can make it work in New Zealand,” Gary says. “We aligned ourselves with Carrfields regional manager Jeff Denley who planned to learn more about the system at the World Ag Expo in California in early 2020.” Unfortunately, Jeff was unable to attend the Expo due to work commitments, so Gary and Penny went in his place and observed the system working first-hand by visiting large scale dairy operations in California. Penny says seeing how subsurface irriga-

tion worked and the longevity of the system, along with the increased pasture growth and environmental benefits convinced them to test the system on a portion of their 160-hectare leased beef and dairy grazing support farm in Cust. “We decided to go with Netafim as they have a huge amount of R and D behind them and a great track record, along with the market share of the irrigation tape in the USA,” Penny says. “If it wasn’t for Covid they would have been keen to come out to New Zealand and hold some workshops for local farmers to learn more about subsurface irrigation. We still hope that can happen at some stage in the future.” Gary describes subsurface drip irrigation as a “game changer,” especially in terms of the environmental benefits it provides for water use efficiency. “You’re using less water and you’re not wasting water. You are spoon feeding the plant, so it is getting exactly the right amount of water,” he says. “It is a low-pressure system so you can take your water further which allows you to irrigate a larger area of land. If you want to get into fertigation, you can add exactly the right amount of nutrients without washing them away. It could help to solve our nitrate leaching problem.” The couple are looking forward to gathering data from their system and comparing this with similar farming operations over the next six months so they can prove the benefits of subsurface drip irrigation. For more on how the system works: https://www. youtube.com/watch?v=XvwoN3C_Wsk

Future farmers: Cust dairy grazers Penny and Gary Robinson will collect and compare data from traditional irrigation systems to prove the benefits of their subsurface drip irrigation system.

™

BY LINDSAY

· IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

IRRIGATE WITH CONFIDENCE.

· REMOTE MANAGEMENT · PRECISION VRI

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

Policy changes bringing too much consultation and confusion

With the recent weather issues, the massive impact on our arable farmers, the increase in costs, in particular for freight, oil, and fertiliser, as well as the uncertainty of a possible European War, it’s hard to focus on the stuff right in front of us, and get on with the business of farming, and irrigation.

Vanessa Winning ] by IrrigationNZ Chief Executive ]

Right now, we should be reducing our non-essential load and be giving breathing space to cope with all this external uncertainty, while we get our farms on track, and clean up from the weather bomb last month, the third of its kind in a matter of 12 months. However, and it’s hard to comprehend why, the government is continuing down the policy upheaval space when a lot of us don’t have the mental capacity to comprehend the changes mooted, let alone the implications multiple changes could have on top of each other. While IrrigationNZ continues to work on behalf of its members to understand these policy proposals and keep people informed, as well as advocate for practical workable solutions within the policy space, we are strug-

gling to keep up with the direction we are going. We are asking the departments we work with, for cooling or slowing down of the many submissions and implementations that are being proposed, so we can do this right, see the unintended consequences and fix them before another change is implemented on top of them. Working with the various government departments across a multitude of policy settings that impact our ability to capture, store and use water, we are seeing a lack of cohesiveness and have asked for more clarity and time and more cross-department conversations and understanding. We will continue to do so. Water is key to achieving the economic and social goals of our communities. It is so important when so many changes are being mooted that there are clear objectives and a clear path. Unfortunately, we are not seeing that with some of the contradictory ideas we are being asked to submit on. To name a few that we will be focused on this coming month, we continue with Dam Safety (implications for on-farm storage), we will submit next week on the National Environment Standard for sources for drinking water (overlaps with the Water Services Bill), we will review and provide feedback on the Water Services bill acceptable mitigation solutions, we will continue to work with the He Waka Eke Noa partnership, and we will review the feedback from the RMA overhaul –

the implications of the new Natural and Built Environments Act (NBEA). These are huge pieces of legislative change, and all coming to a head this month, with very short implementation timelines. One positive highlight that we are pleased to see is more progress on the Water Availability and Security work from MPI – this could be a game-changer for our sector and our farmers as it has a real focus on where we need water to keep our economy and communities thriving. We will be working with the steering group this month and have seen very positive signs around the approach, we are just hoping all of the above considerations don’t derail or

impinge on the opportunity to get this right. If you’re not a member of IrrigationNZ and you have irrigation your farm or orchard, and want to keep informed on the work we do, visit our website, join us, we are small but effective. We are focused on water – its capture, storage, and use. As omicron reaches further into our communities and has a bigger impact on our lives and livelihoods, do look after your teams, your neighbours, and your families. Try and get some off-farm/orchard time, keep safe, and know that we and other industry groups are working on your behalf to slow the tide and get practical and workable solutions in complex policy settings.

Big picture solutions to match big picture thinking

Innovation is at the root of everything we do.

Talk to your local Zimmatic dealer today ZIMMATIC www.zimmaticanz.com Built for today to

Talk to your local Zimmatic irrigation dealer today to find out how they can help make every drop count.

keep pace with tomorrow.

www.lindsay.com/irrigateanz

CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

March 2022

Shoulder to shoulder irrigation Borrowing a rugby analogy, the irrigation season is conventionally thought of as a “game of three halves”: spring shoulder, summer peak, and autumn shoulder.

Each part of the season has slightly different challenges and considerations that need to be dealt with to maximise the benefits of irrigation and minimise the environmental impacts. But as we all know, there’s no such thing as a normal or average year. So far, the 2021-22 irrigation season in Canterbury has been very wet compared to the average. The horizontal periods in the graph of accumulated rainfall show the times when irrigators can get caught out. Although we’re tracking well above average at present, a dry March like 2021 would mean that the irrigation season is far from over, even though current soil moisture levels are high. With significant rainfall in December and February, it has been almost like we’ve had multiple “shoulders”. This has meant that more decision-making has been required about when to re-start irrigation. We also had a cooler spring than normal. Some irrigators got caught out by thinking that temperatures were too cool for evapotranspiration rates to be a concern. This resulted in them getting behind and struggling to get soil moisture levels back up once warmer temperatures kicked in. For irrigation systems with higher return intervals such as rotary booms or K-Lines, or system capacities that are on the low side, it can be very hard to catch up if you get behind. Even with an irrigation system that is designed to the normal 5 mm/day rule of thumb, getting behind early in the season can be a difficult hole to get out of until there is significant rainfall. With the rainfall we had in February, the peak of the season is now well and truly over. This takes the pressure off in terms

Canterbury Farming Option3 128mm x 100mm

MCMILLAN

Drilling GROUP

irrigation wells potable water supplies ground source heating geotechnical assessment

www.drilling.co.nz

Ph 03 324 2571, 120 High St, Southbridge, Canterbury

16HMDG1610047-OPTION3

Andrew Dark ] by Aqualinc ]

of keeping up with evapotranspiration rates, and low flow restrictions for surface water users are unlikely to cause problems in the short term. Although irrigators should not be too complacent, as irrigation is only ever a week of nor’ westers away. Coming into the autumn shoulder of the season, there is less pressure to keep up, and more opportunity to actively manage the soil moisture in a way that reduces the risk of nutrient leaching. There are multiple benefits to this: protecting the environment, and not wasting fertiliser that has been paid for. There is field-trial research underway in central Canterbury, investigating irrigation management strategies that reduce the risk of nutrient leaching while maintaining production. A key feature of this work involves managing soil moisture more actively during spring and autumn, particularly around reducing trigger levels and allowing more capacity for the soil to hold rainfall to minimise drainage. Knowing when to stop irrigating is important, the need for irrigation depends on what is being grown: the end of the season might be dictated by crop establishment needs. Otherwise, either soil moisture or soil temperature could be the factor that ends the irrigation season. All of these comments are predicated on knowing the state of the soil moisture: either through monitoring, or a careful soil moisture budget. Autumn is a good time to install soil moisture sensors for next season. The sensors themselves can take a while to “settle in” after installation. It’s also important to get tuned up with local refill points and field capacities. There’s more to it than just putting a sensor in the ground: that’s an excellent first step but being able to interpret the data that comes out is the key to excellent irrigation management.

16HMDG1610047-OPTION3

Irrigation - Effluent - Fertigation Monitoring - Control - Report Turn key solutions - Call us now!

www.onfarmdata.com

16hands Ltd, Phone +64 3 324 4131, 294 Tramway Rd, RD2 Leeston 7682, Canterbury, New Zealand su@16hands.co.nz

Steve: 021 365 814 Lyall: 021 223 8666

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

Making the right choices If your soil moisture sensor is working well your trace should look much like the one pictured below.

Andrew Curtis ] by Primary Insight ]

Periods of rain at regular intervals have resulted in very little irrigation being required for the past month. Now we’re in autumn it’s time to carefully monitor your soil moisture, shorter days and the often changeable weather results in significant variation in plant water use. Primary Insight will be running free Irrigation training workshops for irrigators during March and April. Attendees will get a certificate of attendance which you can use to meet your Farm Environment Plan requirements. We’ve decided this will be how we will give back to our sector; but it’s also because we enjoy running them. The first two free workshops will be held 1-4pm Tuesday 15 March at Dunsandel community centre and 1-4pm Tuesday 22 March at Darfield Library – you can register for these through our website. Given the un-seasonality of the weather we are experiencing I thought it would be timely to talk about the He Waka Eke Noa Climate Action Partnership consultation document that was released at the beginning of February. He Waka Eke Noa is the partnership between the sector bodies and government to find a practical solution to reduce agricultural greenhouse gas emissions methane and long-lived gas (primarily nitrous oxide). Primary Insight have been supporting

the partners over the past year, helping them to work through the options. The consultation document puts forward two options alongside the backstop - agriculture in the ETS. The options are a farmlevel split-gas levy system and a processor hybrid levy system (processor output-based levy with a reward system at farm-level to recognise those implementing actions to reduce emissions). In my opinion both options are preferable over the ETS as they allow for a split-gas approach, noting methane has a percentage reduction target but the goal for long-lived gases is net zero. However, government has recently indicated the ETS could also take a split-gas approach, but the practicalities of this are yet to be determined. It is important methane be accounted for separately if the potential for perverse outcomes from a market-based system be avoided (the methane price being unduly impacted by the industrial sector purchasing carbon credits (NZU). The levy-system also guarantees the revenue collected is recycled for the benefit of agriculture; boosting emissions reduction research and providing incentive payments to those who choose to make reductions. Again, the government has recently indicated the ETS could also do this, but the practicalities of this are yet to be determined. The trade-off between the two levy options is each farm being able to report and pay for its actual emissions versus the administration cost of doing this. The processor level levy calculation uses emissions factors that are based on national averages so efficient farms will be subsidising poorer performers; there are limited mitigation options currently available, particularly for red meat, meaning

the benefits of farm-level reporting are limited at present (particularly for extensive farming). I’ve really enjoyed supporting the partners

with this work and encourage all farmers to read the document and provide feedback; or alternatively partake in one of the joint DairyNZ and B+LNZ workshops.

FOR ALL YOUR WATER WELL DRILLING & WELL SERVICING REQUIREMENTS

Submersible Pump Installation & Removal Potable Water Testing Pump Testing Rural Water Supply Lifestyle Block Supply FOR PROFESSIONAL SERVICE FROM AN EXPERIENCED TEAM

Ph - 027 222 1587 / Email - Malcolm@hydrill.co.nz

CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

Rob Cochrane ] with Procurement Manager, ] Wool PGG Wrightson Wool ]

March 2022

Crossbred wool types improve slightly

Throughout the month of February prices for the predominantly crossbred wool types on offer improved slightly as exporters recognized that volumes are likely to be reduced throughout the second half of the current wool selling season, due to low breeding ﬂock numbers and with further reduction likely in the face of rapid land-use change. Having said that however, wool flows have been slow and only within the past couple of weeks have things begun to ramp up in Southland. The wool harvesting industry has also been challenged recently due to a shortage of skilled shearers, evidenced by many shearing sheds, in the deep south at least, having at least one stand vacant during the shearing process, therefore despite weather being conducive to shearing the actual process has taken longer than anticipated. As eluded, crossbred wool prices have improved although general wool quality has recently worsened with the main culprit being a distinct yellowing of many fleece types because of relatively warm and humid weather conditions experienced in many parts of the country during the few weeks leading up to shearing, followed by shearing delays compounding the issue whilst fleeces remained

on sheep’s backs. Most crossbred lamb’s wool brought forward for sale throughout the past few weeks however, has been of reasonably good colour, enhanced by the majority of those having been well prepared in the wool shed. Recently some lines of lamb’s wool have contained slightly more vegetable matter contamination than desired by the wool export trade, however with apparently less lambs being shorn than in the past few seasons, partly due to some meat companies welcoming woolly lambs for slaughter, provided vegetable matter levels have tested at approximately 0.2% maximum (also dependent on actual type of vegetable matter evident) most exporters have been reasonably generous in their assessment and have not imposed too stringent a discount. As is normal when supply is reduced, demand for greasy lamb’s wool did reflect in

Crutching Trailers Shearing Trailers Shed Shearing Contracting Life Style Block Mobile Shearing

price premium increases throughout Febru- types at auctions in their country. A number of Merino wool types remainary, but basics such as staple length and fibre diameter were to the forefront of spe- ing on hand from earlier in the season cialist lamb’s wool exporter’s requirements were offered in a couple of auctions held in with those wools too coarse or visually too Christchurch in early/mid-February and were long being left to fend for themselves in the welcomed by the bench of buyers representwider market and, with the continued lack of ing mainly European, Asian, and Australasian influence in the market from many Chinese mills. Growers were rewarded well with a handprocessors, several lines measuring coarser than around 31 microns reached prices ful of extra-fine types reaching extremely not dissimilar to those of many second-shear good levels in the Christchurch auction room. At time of writing there had been a general fleece types. Volumes of Halfbred and Corriedale wool easing of prices at Australian wool auctions, types were generally sparse during February although with a number of Australian growand market demand was limited, possibly a ers resisting the lower levels, pass-in rates reflecting the lack of influence from Chinese increased quite dramatically. That’s my view. buying interests. A few finer lines though did sell well in Christchurch, and at levels MORE RETURNS FOR similar to those received by YOUR WOOL Australian growers of similar As a Wools of New Zealand client you can expect great service from a nationwide team of wool experts who will support you with the advice and expertise to deliver improved returns for your sheep business • •

•

Specialist advice for merino, mid-micron or cross-bred wool Wools of New Zealand is one of the larger brokers of greasy wool, offering significant benefits and advantages to New Zealand wool producers Stores in key locations across New Zealand

Talk to your Canterbury Wool Representatives about maximising the returns on your wool clip Mark Greenlaw

027 227 8898

Milton Hulme

027 229 9794

Roger Fuller

027 683 6993

Grant Andrew

027 481 6219

Sophie Davies

027 268 7340

Gavin Crump

027 431 6555

www.woolsnz.com

SIS BALL COCK VALVE Price $99.50+GST Each Freight free anywhere in NZ • Buy 10 receive 12 and a service kit • 3 models available – all the one price • Nearly indestructible • Only NZ Manufacturer providing lifetime guarantee on the body of the ballcock

www.sisballcock.co.nz | 0800 175 720 Only available direct from manufacturer

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

Feedback welcomed for agricultural emission options

The agricultural emissions pricing roadshow is well underway and it has been a great opportunity to meet with farmers both face-to-face and on-line to discuss the options.

Nicky Hyslop ] by Beef + Lamb New Zealand ] Director, Central South Island ] Farm workloads mean many are understandably coming along having not had a chance to read the documentation and it can be confronting seeing the three pricing options for the first time. But as a sector, we have a role to play in mitigating our environmental footprint and I genuinely believe that doing nothing is not an option. As a sector, we’ve got to reach agreement on a framework or the Government will simply put us in the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS), which will be a bad outcome for farmers. Our consumers and communities expect us to play our part in addressing climate change and our processors and exporters have told us they want a system that proves we are committed to providing environmentally sustainable products. Under He Waka Eke Noa we have an op-

portunity to control the process and ensure that the levies generated are reinvested in science that will ultimately help farmers reduce their greenhouse emissions. Unlike the Emissions Trading Scheme, under the He Waka Eke Noa options we also have an opportunity to off-set our emissions through sequestration and support farmers as they continue to plant the right trees in the right places on their farms. B+LNZ, along with DairyNZ and Federated Farmers, will continue to strongly advocate for science-based methane reduction targets that reflects the warming impact of methane – but this is a separate conversation to He Waka Eke Noa. So far, there have been consistent feedback themes emerging at the roadshows. These include sequestration with discussion focused on the 2008 baseline for the establishment of exotic vegetation and the requirements around fencing. Other recurring themes include understanding the impact of methane versus carbon, how the methane price will be set, the concern of complexity of on-farm emission calculations, the control of administration, costs of the options proposed and getting a new system established by 2025. I strongly encourage all farmers to engage in this critically important process. There are on-line meetings and farmers can provide feedback through an on-line submission form which is on the B+LNZ website. We need your feedback. Farmers can also pick up the phone and

talk to their local B+LNZ Director. We are all happy to discuss the options with our levy payers. With Omicron cases growing, I urge farmers to continue to use their contact tracing app and to keep a record of who is coming on their property, either through the QR code or a sign-in sheet. Ensure anyone who has symptoms isolate immediately and get a Covid test. It is important to follow on-farm Covid 19 protocols to avoid passing Omicron on to a truck driver or stock agent potentially leading to supply chain disruptions. Under phase 2, farms as critical busi-

nesses can be registered under the close contact exemption scheme which means a worker, who has been a close contact, can continue to work if they have been vaccinated and return a negative Rapid Antigen Test at the start of each shift. Another option is to work in a ‘Bubble of one’, so long as the individual has been vaccinated, free of symptoms and is distanced from anyone else in the workplace. Businesses operating as a ‘Bubble of one’ do not need to register. There is more information and links on the B+LNZ website.

• Driveways • Earthquake Repairs • New Home Specialists • Patios & Paths

CANTERBURY FARMING March 2022

LIVESTOCK

GHC pricing will hit some farms hard An independent case study has shown that greenhouse gas (GHG) pricing will have a big impact on deer farms that can’t plant trees to offset their emissions of methane and nitrous oxide.

Concern: GHG prices that are high enough to drive significant emissions reductions on intensive farms will put many hill and high country deer, beef and sheep farms out of business sure that emission pricing falls equitably across all farm types. “Under the options from HWEN now being discussed, the biggest impact will be on extensive hill and high-country properties. “GHG prices that are high enough to drive significant emissions reductions on intensive farms will put many hill and high country deer, beef and sheep farms out of business. That’s perverse and is presumably not what anyone intended.” Moffat said the underlying assumption behind the GHG pricing models now on the table is that price will act as an incentive for farmers to reduce their emissions of meth-

ane and nitrous oxide by adopting new technologies or different ways of doing things. “But if there are no magic bullets they can fire, that’s crazy. You’re penalising farmers for not adopting technologies that don’t exist.” He said DINZ is not arguing that extensive farmers should be exempt from an emissions pricing regime. “Our farmers share the concerns of other New Zealanders about the impacts of climate change. They are willing to play their part in reducing their GHG emissions so long as this does not threaten the viability of their farms.”

Benchmarked production and Johne’s disease info on your deer

Base your deer management decisions on the numbers. Contact DeerPRO for your report.

65 60 55 50 45 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 Season

0800 456 453 or info@deerpro.org.nz

DP0122

On one of the two farms in the case study without forestry potential, entry into the NZ Emissions Trading Scheme (NZETS) at current carbon prices reduced net farm profit by 17% in the first year. This figure related to an intensive deer finishing farm. Also severely exposed to GHG pricing was a high country breeding property which, because of climate and regional plan restrictions, had no HWEN eligible sequestration and is unable to plant native bush or exotic plantations. Under the Zero Carbon Act, agriculture will enter the NZETS and start paying for its emissions from 2025, unless farming leaders agree on a different pricing mechanism to drive reductions in on-farm greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. The He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) partnership – which represents all major agricultural sectors, Maori interests and the Ministries for Primary Industry and the Environment – has developed two GHG pricing options for farmer consideration. To help understand the impact of the two HWEN options and the so called ‘backstop’, the NZETS, Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) commissioned an independent study on four different deer farms, each running a quite different farming system.

The study found that there are currently no GHG mitigation technologies that could be applied to any of the four farms in the study. Also, because these farms apply little nitrogen fertiliser and give limited bought-in feed to their stock, reducing inputs will have no meaningful impact on their GHG emissions. “DINZ, alongside the other pastoral sector groups, is investing in methane reduction technology, but we are not there yet, so under all three GHG pricing options now on the table, the only way these farmers could reduce or offset their emissions, would be by planting trees,” DINZ chief executive Innes Moffat said. On the two farms in the case study that have land suited to plantation forestry, carbon income from forestry would offset most or all HWEN emissions charges in the first year but this would be only a temporary solution. Annual carbon income under NZETS rules is limited to 16 years for Pinus radiata and 26 years for Douglas-fir, but the land would need to remain as a plantation in perpetuity. “Unfortunately, many deer farmers can’t plant trees because of climate, soil type, or because it is prohibited by their regional plan,” Moffat said. “We will be advocating for farmers in this situation. We also will be advocating to en-

Carcass weight

] with Trevor Walton

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

FLEXIBLE PAYMENT OPTIONS

YAMAHA RELIABILITY

MORE TIME ON FARM

4.95% P.A. FIXED RATE

3 YEAR GENUINE

150 HOURS

24-36 MONTH LOAN TERM

FACTORY WARRANTY

SERVICE INTERVALS

24 / 36 MONTH LOAN TERM NON ASSET - BACKED COMMERCIAL APPLICANTS VARIOUS REPAYMENT REQUENCIES AVAILABLE

ON ATV + ROV

AG125

$4,086

VIKING EPS

EXC GST

$19,999

KODIAK 450 EPS

$12,608

EXC GST

FIND YOUR LOCAL DEALER AT:

www.yamaha-motor.co.nz

FIND YOUR LOCAL DEALER AT:

www.yamaha-motor.co.nz

*Finance promotion available between 1/10/21 to 31/03/22 on new farm vehicles (AG125, AG200, TTR230/A, TW200, XT250, YFM350FA, YFM450FB, YFM450FB/P, YFM700FA, YFM700FB/P, YXC700P, YXE850PBL, YXE850PK, YXF850, YXM700, YXM700S SE, YXE1000PSEM, YXF1000PSEM), through participating authorised Yamaha dealers while stocks last. Offer available for specified models, and warranty registered on or before 31/03/22. 3 year warranty available on ATV and ROV models (Excludes AG125, AG200, TT-R230,TW200, XT250) *FINANCE DISCLAIMER: Zero deposit; annual repayments only with first repayment due after 12 months and 4.95% p.a. fixed interest rate on a 24 or 36 month loan term. Asset backed commercial Promotion 15.11.2021 and amount closesfinanced at 5.00pm through participating Yamaha dealers only.YFM700FA, Terms and conditions apply. applicants only with NZBNavailable registered forfrom minimum of 1 year. Maximum is $35,00031.01.22 and applies toand AG125, AG200, TTR230/A, TW200, authorised XT250, YFM350FA, YFM450FB, YFM450FB/P, YFM700FB/P, YXC700P, YXE850PBL, YXE850PK, YXF850, YXM700, YXE1000PSEM, YXF1000PSEM. Offer available from October 1, 2021 to March 31, 2022 with final settlement date of April 30, 2022. Credit criteria, fees, charges and conditions apply including an application fee of $325,at$10 Terms, conditions, exclusions and policy limitations apply to the 12 months Complimentary Off-Road Rider Insurance policy. Please read the Policy Wording available fee and a dealer administration fee. Finance to approved by YamahaFSP Motor774050, Finance Newacting Zealand Ltd. (YMF) NZBN FSP 9622. www.yminz.co.nz. Insurance isPPSR underwritten by HDI Global Specialty SEapplicants – NZ branch through its9429036270798 agent Yamaha Motor Insurance New Zealand Ltd

(YMINZ) NZBN 9429045857638 FSP 556706

RURAL WHEELS

CANTERBURY FARMING

March 2022

New Ranger makes better use of space Whether next-generation Ranger is being used for work, family or play, Ford knows its customers rely on a pickup that is functional, convenient and durable.

] Article supplied by Ford NZ

Hence the Next-Gen Ranger goes all-out with a wider cargo box packed with features and opportunities to transform the area into a total cargo management makerspace. The Next-Gen Ranger offers an array of organisation and storage solutions to secure cargo, make fitting accessories a cinch and even DIY customisation. For instance, owners can create segmented DIY storage spaces, both big and small, by sliding pieces of wood into slots moulded into the bed-liner, or even get creative and build things like a bike rack. There are tie-downs mounted in the bed, and on the Wildtrak variant there are external tie-down rails and sliding cleats that can be adjusted into nine positions to help secure odd-shaped cargo. The new rear load box access step is the result of more than 5000 interviews with pickup owners, learning how they used their trucks and what they wanted from their next one. For those who use their vehicle for adventure, the addition of six structural attachment points in the protective load box capping, make it easy to fit accessories like a canopy, cross bars or a tent. The new drop-in bedliner incorporates functional divider locators so that owners can create their own compartments to store gear that they might otherwise have to carry in the cabin.

Dividers can be custom-made from timber at home and then installed and removed as required. As a bonus, the improved and wider moulded profile on the bedliner is more comfortable on knees, is much easier to clean and also means items are less likely to slip around. New roof top platform mounts will allow for the easy fitment of roof accessories, like racks or a platform. Next-gen Ranger’s roof load limits are up to 350kg (static) and 85kg (dynamic). Ranger exterior design manager Leigh Consentino said before they started the design process, they took all of the research and boiled that down into some key phrases or themes to begin their work. “One of those themes was ‘empowering mastery’. This, to us, simply meant that we needed to deliver a product that would enable customers to be the best they could be – whether at work or play, or with their families. “We were focused on authenticity and delivering a truck that wasn’t superfluous, meaning everything in it had a purpose and meaning,” Consentino said. Ford designers have also redesigned the interior of the next-gen Ranger to help customers keep their vehicle organised. There’s now more storage space on the inside, from under-seat storage to retractable cup holders and a raft of cubby holes stashed around the cabin.

Organised: Ranger owners can now create segmented DIY storage spaces, both big and small, by sliding pieces of wood into slots moulded into the bedliner.

Storage: There’s now more storage space on the inside of Next-Gen Ranger too, from under-seat storage to retractable cup holders and a raft of cubby holes stashed around the cabin. Also in the double-cab models the rear seat now folds flat, allowing owners to carry more gear on the inside. Note: Not all vehicle features will be available in all markets or on all series. Precise specifications for each market will be confirmed prior to launch.

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL WHEELS

Hyundai IONIQ 5 named NZ Car of the Year The Hyundai IONIQ 5 has been awarded the New Zealand Car of the Year, the most prestigious and longest running award in the country.

] by Kent caddick The New Zealand Car of the Year is selected by members of the New Zealand Motoring Writers’ Guild, the professional body for motoring journalists from around the country. The Guild’s two-dozen voting members test the vehicles in their home environment. NZ Motoring Writers’ Guild President Richard Edwards said the Hyundai IONIQ 5 was very deserving of the New Zealand Car of the Year. “It is truly mould-breaking, without sacrificing efficiency, practicality or attractiveness. It is an all-around intriguing car before you consider its exceptional all-electric drivetrain.” Hyundai New Zealand general manager Chris Blair said the IONIQ 5 receiving the award in such a highly competitive environment was immensely rewarding. “We’re fortunate that Hyundai Motor Company has succeeded in creating an exceptional vehicle that stands out among its competitors both globally and locally.” Blair said this latest prestigious industry honour is further evidence that Hyundai’s sustainable mobility vision is being realised, with Hyundai becoming recognised leaders in this field. “The IONIQ 5’s eco-friendly interior, coupled with zero emissions, demonstrates Hyundai’s commitment towards leading the way in sustainable motoring.” The IONIQ 5 is the first model to be built on Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), which delivers faster charg-

Fully charged: IONIQ 5 is the first vehicle built on Hyundai’s new Electric-Global Modular Platform which enables faster charging, increased driving range, more interior space and better handling.

Sustainable: Environmentally friendly materials are used extensively in the IONIQ 5, like eco-processed leather and recycled yarn.

ing times, increased driving range, enhanced handling, and superior interior space. It was launched in 2021 and was also the first model in the company’s IONIQ dedicated battery electric vehicle (BEV) line-up brand. “This model represents the new era of electric vehicles for our brand,” Blair said.

“It’s the first model to be released under the IONIQ brand line-up. “If this announcement is anything to go by then we’re in for a real treat when IONIQ 6 and 7 reaches our shores in the next 12 to 18 months” adds Blair. The IONIQ 5 range in New Zealand is avail-

able with six models, and two battery size options, starting with a 58kWh RWD variant and a 72.6kWh variant in either RWD or AWD. The IONIQ 5 is available under the government’s ‘Clean Car’ scheme, with its entry-level variant eligible for an $8,650 rebate.

CANTERBURY FARMING

] with Rob Cope-Williams

March 2022

Overseas investors grab a loophole with both hands

The overseas Investment Act has created a loophole that overseas buyers have grasped and doing very well out of. There is a “special forestry test” which allows investors to avoid the normal test that ensures the ownership of farmland is for the betterment of New Zealand. I understand that it is all part of the drive to be carbon neutral and to allow the Government to sing about moves against global warming. However, the fine print has angered many including Federated farmers who are calling for the forestry test to be overhauled as more and more sheep and beef land goes under trees. What is happening is that overseas buyers are buying up land, 30,000 hectares and another 40 consents last year, and planting trees. Great until you realise that the carbon credits are claimed by the owner, who then sells them at a huge profit overseas, with absolutely no advantage to New Zealand. I have no idea of the taxation situation, but assume as the returns are made overseas, there our IRD have to watch it all drift offshore.

Add to that the point that there are no rules about the owners managing the crop so the trees grow happily along with zero pruning, and zero pest control. That means that after planting of the trees, employment opportunities are very little and traditional services quietly die. The result is certainly going to be a very sad story as trees that are worth very little as timber will need to be cleared by someone and a new crop planted, but that is 25 to 30 years on from planting. As William Beetham, Federated farmers Meat and Wool chair is being quoted as saying “Those wanting to use land to continue farming for the future prosperity of New Zealand are being out bid. “There is little benefit but a huge cost to future generations” Federated farmers are quick to say that they are very pro forestry, but only when it is not affecting the traditional farming methods and at the cost of sheep and beef exports.

Option X for HWEN Last week a colleague and I went to the He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) roadshow in Alexandra. We listened as industry leaders explained the two options that programme had arrived at for how farmers should be charged for the production of greenhouse gas emissions from their farm businesses.

] by Solis Norton Everyone has a couple of times in their life where they’ve seen something truly new and beautiful for the first time. Remember? You just stopped and stared, everything else fading into a blurred hubbub. So elegant, shiny, and clean. Perfect and a delight in every way. Just dead right. That did not happen in Alexandra. Fixer-upper is a better description. Let’s not dwell on the rougher edges, let’s rip straight in to two fundamental modifications to make it beautiful. Let’s also assume farmers and agriculture are willing to do their bit but not carry the can

for an urban based over population of hyper consumers. There is a canny group or two at work on amendments to the practical basis of the emissions charge. The novelty of their approach is to start at the productive capacity of an area of land then set reasonable rules for it, rather than starting with the rules and trying to bend nature around them. Crazy notion isn’t it? Think the natural grass curve and land use capability. Let’s call it Option X. It has room to move within it to foster good farm systems, healthy produce, happy farmers and vibrant environments.

In essence it could work and work beautifully. We need another canny group to fix the cost of administration. The roadshow estimated it at $142m to establish the farm-level charging system and $113m per year to maintain it. Experience tells us we can inflate such estimates by half to approach reality more closely. So in the first five years cost is around $1.1 billion, a massive shift of rural wealth to urban, and simply enabling more emissions in Wellington at the expense of everywhere else. Instead, let’s use some basic bomb-proof

rules that link annual financial farm accounts to Option X. There’s a transparent deduction by your accountant straight into a collective fund to research and implement change in agriculture to achieve emissions objectives. This could work too and beautifully. We won’t say anything about the Paris Agreement’s stipulation to reduce global emissions but not at the expense of food production, nor about passing the cost of farm emissions on to the consumer so that they may truly enjoy the value of their fare, especially as those costs ramp up in coming years.

March 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

0% INTEREST ORDER NOW AND SAVE

0% FINANCE*

PLUS 3 YEAR / 3000HR WARRANTY ON ALL GLOBAL SERIES TRACTORS

MF Global Series tractors are purpose built in the latest stateof-the-art facilities, combining the very best of today’s technologies with comfort, simplicity, reliability and quality. With up to 5,200 kg 3-point lift capacity, reliable AGCO Power engines and high capacity hydraulics with up to 98 l/min flow now is the time to secure your new MF Global Series tractor.

MAKE SURE YOU DONT MISS OUT

THIS OFFER IS ONLY GOOD UNTIL THE END OF MARCH!

*Finance with an interest rate of 0% p.a. is based on a minimum 30% deposit, the equipment GST component repaid in the third month and monthly repayments in arrears over a 36 month term. Offer available for new retail orders taken before March 31 2022 that are delivered before September 30 2022 or while stock lasts. This offer is available to approved purchasers, registered for GST, for hire purchase finance and business purposes only, made and subject to terms and conditions and credit approval by AGCO Finance Limited GST No: 88-831-861.Not to be used in conjunction with any other offer. Fees and charges may apply. 3 year / 3000hr warranty based on standard 2year / 2000hr warranty with and extended 1year / 1000hr warranty with exclusions. Image for illustration purposes only and may differ to the specification of units available in NZ..