Canterbury Farming, April 2022 by Canterbury Farming

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

April 2022 Edition

INSIDE

THIS EDITION Varroa responsible

p3 Hydroponic tech

p20 Award winners

p33 New gun laws

Harvest time: North Canterbury Winegrowers Association chairperson Mike Saunders and Hurunui Mayor Marie Black inspect vines at Greystone Wines prior to harvest.

Tough harvest conditions for Canterbury vineyards Harvesting in the North Canterbury wine region is underway in what has been described as the ‘toughest season ever’.

] by Kent Caddick p47

Hurunui District Council mayor Marie Black recently picked the first grapes of harvest at Greystone, one of the region’s vineyards. “The North Canterbury Wine Region is a crucial part of our district’s fabric and I can only imagine all the hours and hard work that has gone in to getting to this point,” Black said.

Also dubbed ‘the coolest little wine region’ North Canterbury is the fourth largest wine region in New Zealand, with nearly 1400ha planted in vines, and employing over 600 people across the 71 wineries in the area. Mayor Black said the combination of challenging weather and operating in a Covid environment placed additional pressure on local vineyards this season.

North Canterbury Winegrowers Association chairperson Mike Saunders joined the mayor at Greystone Wines for the first pick of the crop. Saunders said wineries across the region were harvesting with Omicron at their doorsteps, meaning many are working under restricted harvest conditions.

TO PAGE 2

April 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

MRA ‘big win’ for NZ’s organic wineries FROM PAGE 1 “Our grapes won’t wait for Covid so we’re doing everything we can to protect ourselves and ensure we can remain operational.” Saunders is also viticulturist at Greystone wines, where vineyard and winery teams will have to say goodbye to each other over the harvest period, to avoid contact. “We’ve split our teams into two distinct bubbles so we can carry on as best we can in case a team member has to isolate. It’s nothing new to us though, as we had to operate like this during the first lockdown at the start of the pandemic.” Measures new to this season include having two teams of pickers who will be distanced across rows. For the vineyard team, individuals will be assigned a tractor, with nobody working in anything but the tractor assigned to them. “The reality is Omicron is coming so we have to be prepared. Given we’re lucky to

have critical worker status, we have to be exemplary and that’s what we intend to be,” says Mike. Saunders said while it has been one of the toughest seasons he has ever worked, the fruit is looking superb. “We’ve had a real mixed bag of rain and lack of sunlight, which has just meant we’ve had to work smarter in the vineyard.” There is however good news for Greystone, a certified organic winery, with the success of the Organic Exporters Association of New Zealand in signing an Organic Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA) with China, meaning China now acknowledges New Zealand’s organic standards. In early 2014 Greystone began the conversion from conventional to organic viticulture. By 2018, Greystone’s entire 33-hectare vineyard was certified organic with BioGro New Zealand. Greystone marketing manager Nik Mavromatis said the agreement is a huge win for the organic wine industry, with wineries like their own now able to proudly tell consumers in

Market access: Greystone, located in the Waipara wine region, is among the New Zealand wineries now with greater access to the Chinese market thanks to an Organic Mutual recognition Arrangement with China. Photo: Dean Mckenzie

China their product is organic. “The MRA gives New Zealand wine companies greater access to one of the strongest markets in the world and helps us show consumers all the organic work we do to make our wines,” Mavromatis said. While Greystone and other NZ certified organic wineries were able to ship their product to China previously, they had to jump through hoops to gain the appropriate organic recog-

nition, including changing labels. “You couldn’t say you were organic unless you flew over an inspector from China and covered their fees,” Mavromatis said. “That was going to cost us $20,000 a year, with licences needing to be renewed every year. Add in the additional labelling costs and stock management, and the MRA marks a big win for all organic wineries in New Zealand.” Last year, Greystone exported 6263 cases of wine to China and Mavromatis said he expects this figure to continue ramping up, with the Chinese market keen on what New Zealand wineries have to offer. He said he experienced this fondness for New Zealand wine on trade visits to China prior to the pandemic. “Chinese consumers have a preference for healthy and organic beverages more than any other market in the world. “It’s a huge opportunity for us to promote our clean, green, organic produce to China and to show off all the hard work we do in the vineyard and beyond to achieve our organic status,” Mavromatis said. “In addition, most of New Zealand’s top wineries such as Ata Rangi, Rippon, Neudorf, Dog Point, and many more are all organic. So now China can see the best of what New Zealand wine has to offer. This will help grow our country’s reputation in one of the fastest-growing markets for wine in the world.” Chairman of the Organic Exporters Association of NZ, Andrew Henderson, said exports of certified organic produce to China are currently worth $93 million and are likely to grow due to reduced compliance costs and the increased certainty and facilitation that MRA provides New Zealand exporters.

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CANTERBURY FARMING April 2022

Varroa increasingly responsible for NZ bee colony losses New Zealand beekeepers have reported varroa mite parasite to be the most common reason for over-wintering hive losses for the first time, according to the recently released NZ Colony Loss Survey.

] by Kent Caddick The 2021 survey found varroa was responsible for nearly 40% of all losses. This marks a change in the primary cause, with queen problems having consistently been attributed as the key reason for colony losses in the past six years of the survey. The survey noted that an estimated 5.3% of all living colonies were lost to varroa and related complications over the 2021 winter, significantly higher than the 1.6% recorded just five years ago. Beekeepers surveyed reported a number of reasons for the losses due to varroa; including reinvasion post treatment and timing issues with treatments. Nineteen percent believed their varroa losses were due to ineffective products. Chair of Apiculture New Zealand’s Science and Research Focus Group Barry Foster said the report makes for sobering. “While there are multitude of factors attributed to varroa losses it is worrying that approximately 4% of beekeepers surveyed did not treat for varroa at all during the 202021 season and that about a quarter of beekeepers surveyed do not monitor the success of their treatments,” Foster said. “Treating is only the first part of varroa management. You have to monitor to make sure those treatments have worked, otherwise you are leaving your hives, and the hives of others, at real risk.” Overall, the winter loss rate was 13.6%,

Increase: A newly released survey estimates that the varroa mite parasite was responsible for nearly 40% of all losses in bee colonies. Photo by Hazel Moran

which equates to 109,800 colonies lost with regional variation an ongoing trend. “The fact that our colony losses are increasing year on year is a worrying trend and we need to up the ante in how we address the issues” Foster said. “That requires a united commitment to in-

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vestment in research and education and a good start would be a commodity levy, something currently missing in the bee sector.” For the second year, NZ Colony Loss Survey asked for beekeepers’ sentiment on range of factors. Respondents were less positive about the economics of beekeeping,

environmental factors, and the beekeeping lifestyle than in 2020. The report notes that “Given challenges presented by Covid-19, and low prices for nonmanuka honey, coupled with a sharp increase in reported varroa and wasps, a more pessimistic outlook is perhaps not surprising.”

April 2022 CANTERBURY FARMING

Damien O’Connor ] with Minister for Agriculture, Biosecurity, ] Food Safety and Rural Communities ] When the United Kingdom entered the European Economic Community in the 1970s, New Zealand lost a key market. At the time I was a kid on a West Coast dairy farm. I would never have thought 50 years later that I’d be in London negotiating and then signing an FTA to open up that same market for our farmers, growers and, of course, the broader economy. Analysis suggests the deal will add up to $1 billion to our GDP – something which is welcome as we recover from the impacts of COVID-19. That figure could become greater, as analysis tends to be conservative and is always limited by the current information. For instance, our China FTA was expected to lift exports up to $350 million per annum, off a base of around $3 billion in 2008. We’ve far exceeded this, with pre-COVID exports reaching $20.1 billion. The UK FTA offers a lot of opportunity for our exporters and it’s up to them to make the most of access to a US$2.6 trillion economy with a market of 67 million consumers. After visiting and UK and Europe, I can say that our response to climate change and adaptation of our food production systems are areas we can create opportunity and value from. British grocery giant Tesco last year issued a letter to its suppliers requesting they: • Disclose their greenhouse gas emissions by the end of 2021, • Establish NetZero ambition for their businesses by the end of 2022

FARMING NEWS

Reopening a lost market Last month I went to London and signed our free trade agreement (FTA) with the United Kingdom.

Signed: Damien O’Connor signs NZ-UK Free Trade Agreement in london with UK Trade Secretary AnneMarie Trevelyan. • Set science-based targets to deliver on that ambition by the end of 2023 It’s fortunate that New Zealand is already moving in this direction to meet market expectations. The industry partnership He Waka Eke

Noa has just wrapped up its meetings with farmers to look at proposals to shift the dial on New Zealand’s greenhouse gas emissions. I want to thank the farmers and growers who’ve made attended and contributed on the proposals.

He Waka Eke Noa was formed, in agreement with industry leaders to provide a solution to manage and reduce emissions. It was born from the Government listening and engaging with the sector’s response to the proposal that farming should enter the Emissions Trading Scheme. It’s an example of the Government’s commitment to work with the primary sector. Whatever solution is arrived at and agreed to, it will position our exporters to be ahead of the game in high-value markets. An industry leader was recently quoted in the media on what is driving change for farming. They described the force as coming not necessarily the Government, but one involving corporates and consumers, and being a global issue that was coming at us a like steam train. Our exporters are seeing what’s coming. Many will be aware of Silver Fern Farms supplying USDA-approved Net Carbon Zero Angus beef to consumers in the United States from March this year. We need to be in a position where our story and credentials resonate in our markets. There are those who make things happen and those who wonder what the hell just happened. When it comes to agricultural climate response, the can has been kicked down the road for nearly 20 years. We’re finally getting on with the job and we will be better for it as an exporting nation.

CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

April 2022

Meat Board to invest in innovative beef genetics programme The New Zealand Meat Board (NZMB) is looking to invest up to $1 million a year in the ground-breaking ‘Informing New Zealand Beef’ genetics programme.

] by Kent Caddick The decision, which is subject to consultation with farmers, will see the NZMB joining the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) and Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) in supporting the seven-year Sustainable Food & Fibre Futures (SFF Futures) partnership, which aims to boost the sector’s profits by $460m over the next 25 years. The Informing New Zealand Beef (INZB) programme is focused on increasing the uptake of the use of genetics in the beef industry. The five main components of the programme are building a genetic evaluation and data infrastructure, progeny test herds, developing breeding objectives and indexes, developing new data sources and supporting farmer uptake of new genetic information. B+LNZ Genetics is using its experience of building a genetic engine for sheep to build a

similar engine for beef, combining phenotypic, genotypic and genomic data to calculate breeding values for agreed traits. Andrew Morrison, chairman of the NZMB, said this will give commercial farmers the ability to quickly and easily source the right genetics for their environment and farm system and drive greater profitability. “The objective of the NZMB is to manage quotas in export markets to help capture the best possible ongoing returns and manage industry reserves,” Morrison said. “Returns generated from reserves management supports the industry to increase productivity, profitability and increase product returns so beef genetics is a great fit for funding. “We think it is important to invest on behalf of all farmers to ensure all farmers can benefit from genetics. We have seen the role genetics played in the transformative gains in the sheep industry over the last 30 years

and we want to ensure the same can happen for beef. “The INZB programme will put tools in the hands of farmers that will increase the rate of genetic gain across our beef industry. It will allow beef farmers to continue to breed profitable, sustainable and productive cattle and to keep up with the sheep and dairy industries. The NZMB is proud to back this important project.”

Morrison said the Board had assessed the proposal to support the INZB programme against a number of key criteria before it was satisfied to release the industry good funds. NZMB has been one of the funding partners for B+LNZ Genetics for seven years. It has previously helped fund development of projects such as B+LNZ Genetics sheep development, in partnership with the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.

Raincliff Station is a 12,000su intensive property in Pleasant Point, South Canterbury. The property runs a mixture of deer, sheep and cattle. We are looking for someone who has experience in the following areas: • Ag Cultivation and Drilling • Mowing • Balage/Silage

• Feeding Out • Fencing • Mechanical and engineering skills

Applicants will demonstrate the following: Excellent machine operating skills and an ability to maintain the machines to the highest standard Self-management as well as a willingness to work as a team member, as the job will be flexible People skills – we require someone who is willing to join our family friendly environment Takes pride in their work and has an attention to detail Applicants will require a minimum of a Class 2 driver’s license. Our intention is to develop this position into an Agricultural Managing role for the right person, therefore this role is suited to a dynamic and driven individual who is looking to further their career. Raincliff Station is a family-owned property with modern machinery and innovative farming practices who pride ourselves on our great team environment. We are situated 15 minutes from Pleasant Point, which is a thriving rural town with a great community, strong rugby team and has close proximity to ski fields, lakes and rivers and also 20 minutes from Fairlie township. A 3 1/2 bedroom home is included in the employment package. The school bus comes to the farm gate and there are 2 local primary schools and a selection of high schools within a 30min drive.

Raincliff Station

Good genes: An informing New Zealand Beef genetics programme will give commercial farmers the ability to quickly and easily source the right genetics for their environment and farm system and drive greater profitability according to the New Zealand Meat Board.

RD12, Pleasant Point, Timaru, South Canterbury, New Zealand Phone: +64 3 614 7181 Yard Office: +64 3 614 7183 Email: brychan.raincliffag@gmail.com

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April 2022 CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

They’re living in fantasyland

In the four and half years Labour has been in power, its MPs have learnt nothing about the country they run.

Barbara Kuriger ] with National Party Spokesperson ] for Agriculture ]

New Zealand is a food producing country, yet the seasonal nature of agriculture, viticulture and horticulture escapes them. Nor do they understand the Northern and Southern Hemispheres cycles. As the new dairy season looms on June 1, the Government has granted border exemptions for 500 dairy workers, farm assistants, herd managers, assistant farm managers and their families. But the industry needs thousands. It’s the same desperate need for Recognised Seasonal Employer (RSE) workers. The RSE scheme came into effect in April 2007 and allows our horticulture and viticulture industries the ability to recruit overseas workers for seasonal work. The original cap of 5000 places, has steadily risen over the years, to 16,000 for 2021-22 year. But it’s still nowhere near the number needed. While Covid-19 has restricted the recruitment of RSE workers to nine eligible Pacific countries, getting these workers all the time, has been a joke. Many growers have their own on-site accommodation, which would allow these workers to isolate on their arrival and Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) for Covid testing have been in use overseas since early 2021. Labour has operated under the fantasy that if workers aren’t let in at the border because of Covid, New Zealanders will magically fill these jobs. They won’t. Kiwis are not going to up sticks and move for short-term jobs. So the Government needs to give up on that fairy tale or we’re all living in fantasyland.

Meanwhile, trees laden with apples and vines bursting with grapes are at their peak. Every region is desperately in need of workers. Job and industry websites are full of vacancies for pickers, packers, machinery operators, forklift and tip truck drivers (the list goes on) for these and other crops like kiwifruit. This Government’s ignorance is making everything so expensive and difficult for the primary sector. The recent 25c drop in fuel tax for three months, while welcome, takes the old adage ‘a drop in the bucket’ to new levels. It will help road transport, but not on-farm vehicles. Here’s an example: A maize contractor who last season paid $1700 to fill his harvester with diesel, is paying $4000 this year. And despite the reduction, fuel remains at more than $3 for many consumers. Last month the PM finally acknowledged our “cost of living crisis”, after refusing for weeks to admit NZ was in such a state. With food prices up 13% and weekly rents up $150, the effects on all New Zealanders are crippling. Life is hard for everyone with inflation pushing household budgets to the limit. To eat healthy protein, fruit and vegetables is so expensive, with much of the cost directly attributed to government policy. Hardly the fairy tale existence Labour likes to espouse daily. Learning what makes this country tick, and where the money they so gleefully spend comes from, would be a start. They don’t need to look far. The Ministry for Primary Industries estimates the primary sector will bring in $50.8 billion by June 30. If that forecast is right, food and fibre producers are set to save us once again. And for that, I salute them.

Growers in need: Apple crops could go unpicked due to lack of pickers.

FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2022

Scholarships supporting further education Two Lincoln University students are among three New Zealand Young Farmers’ (NZYF) members who have been given a helping hand to further their education through the organisation’s three exclusive scholarships.

] by Kent Caddick Lincoln University post graduate student Jeremy Kilgour and aspiring Massey University veterinarian Nerida Bateup have each been awarded a NZYF World Congress Charitable Trust Scholarship worth $1500. Meanwhile Lincoln University student Georgia Moody is the first recipient of the brand new NZYF Future Me Scholarship, receiving $1500 for planned professional development. NZYF Board Chair Kent Weir said he’s very pleased NZYF is able to provide these opportunities for members to develop their education and skillsets. “I would just like to say a big congratulations to the three scholarship recipients, as well as to all those who applied,” Weir said. “Jeremy has been a valued member of NZYF and has competed in contest, volunteered with events and also held multiple leadership positions within the Lincoln Uni-

versity Young Farmers Club, most recently as chair. “For Nerida, it’s extremely rewarding to see her involvement with the organisation which started with AgriKids in 2016. She has since moved through the different tiers of NZYF with FMG Junior Young Farmer of the Year and Teen Ag before joining Massey University Young Farmers. She’s a great asset to have in our organisation. “Georgia’s also had a similar path, starting as a member of her Fielding High School Teen Ag Club and competing before joining Lincoln University Young Farmers. Currently junior vice chair, I’m excited to see where she’ll go within the organisation.” Kilgour, 23, will use the scholarship money for the course fees for his Bachelor of Agricultural Science with Honours degree, finishing this year, and focussing on animal nutrition. “My project looks at the suitability of Fodder Beet as a wintering diet in terms of min-

Education: lincoln University post graduate student Jeremy Kilgour is one of three students to receive a New Zealand Young Farmers’ scholarship.

erals, particularly nitrogen and phosphorus,” Kilgour said. “It also looks at other characteristics of Fodder Beet such as dry matter percentage, leaf to bulb ratio, proportion of bulb below the soil line, NDF and other minerals such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sulphur.” After graduating, he plans to gain more on farm and consulting experience, before taking on an advisory role within the sector. Moody, a second year Lincoln University Bachelor of Agricultural Science student has a passion for improving sustainability and balancing farming practices. Following her studies, she plans to pursue a career working with farmers to better their operations in relation to the environment and production. She said she plans to use the scholarship to further her personal development and attend more agriculture related events such as the BOMA Summit, NZ Hereford Youth Development Forums and other Agriculture related competitions.

Call for a national food strategy If you thought the Commerce Commission was going to deliver us a report that would sort out the supermarket duopoly, I hate to break it to you, but you will be sorely disappointed.

Teanau Tuiono ] by Agriculture ] Green Partyspokesperson for the ]

Everyone should have access to an abundance of nourishing food. However, thousands of families struggle to put food on the table as major supermarket corporations rake in persistently high profits. Just a quick recap: If you’ve ever thought that you might be paying more at the supermarket recently, you’d be right. The industry is worth $22 billion a year but it only has two big players – Woolworths and Foodstuffs. A duopoly. Last year, consumer advocates, unions and food suppliers piled onto these supermarket giants after the Commerce Commission found a lack of competition had pushed up prices. The final recently released report was supposed to deliver a pathway forward but un-

fortunately it was more sizzle than sausage. It was good to see recommendations for a mandatory code of conduct for grocery supply relationships, and consideration of collective bargaining regulatory change focused solely on supermarkets. Although these are necessary, they will not do enough to help people put fresh, affordable food on the table. It could be useful as a baseline, but not the full extent of the change that is urgently needed. Right now we have an inequality crisis. People are feeling it every time they visit the supermarket, pay the rent or power bill, or hop on a bus or train to get around. In a country that produces enough food to feed about 40 million people, everyone

should have access to plentiful kai to feed themselves and their families fresh, quality food. We need a national food strategy for selfsufficiency in food production and security of food supply in Aotearoa New Zealand. This strategy should protect high-value food growing land, promote local food production and processing, investigate the need for a national food and seed reserve, and provide support for regenerative agriculture and organic food-growing initiatives. This should include supporting farmers markets, local suppliers, and community food initiatives should lead the way when it comes to guaranteeing fairer prices and access to fresh food for everyone.

April 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. Q: Our son is destined to take over the family farm. He has just separated from his wife and moved in with another woman. What steps do I need to take to make sure that everything I and my father before me, have worked for is protected and not the subject of a divie up between multiple partners? A: The use of trusts have long been a popular mechanism to protect and ring fence generational wealth however, in many cases, trusts should not be considered a standalone method of protecting assets from relationship property claims. That’s because the Property (Relationships) Act 1976 and the Family Proceedings Act 1980 provide statutory mechanisms for a separated spouse or partner to potentially make a claim against trust property, particularly where the disposition of property to a trust has happened during the course of the relationship. Our advice, for anyone in this situation (or any situation where generational wealth or pre-acquired assets are involved), is to add another layer of protection by advising your son to enter into a Contracting Out Agreement at the start of a relationship. A Contracting Out Agreement allows a couple to contract out of the statutory rules which prescribe how property is to be divided on separation and to set their own rules for the division of property. Contracting Out Agreements can be used to specify property that is to stay separate and property that will be shared. We consider a Contracting Out Agreement to be an essential part of any effective suc-

Even if you’ve already entered a handshake deal and gotten to farming, you can fix this by preparing a formal lease and having everybody sign off on it. This will reduce any potential loss if your relationship with your neighbour sours and they stop you entering onto their land.

cession plan, as they can be used to confirm the status of assets before transferring them to a family trust and to protect inheritances, gifts and trust distributions. We recommend a flexible and forward thinking agreement, which should be reviewed periodically to make sure it remains relevant to any changes in a relationship (such as marriage, children or health related issues).

With different tax rules depending on when you purchased your property and whether or not your sale comes under several exemptions, it can often be unclear whether you’ll be affected by Brightline. These potential pitfalls can be avoided easily enough by making sure that you talk to your lawyer or accountant before you sign an agreement to sell. Or better yet, before you sign the listing agreement!

Q: The farm trust owns a family batch which we bought a couple of years ago but we’re just not using it that much. If it’s sold, are we going to get caught up in the Brightline test? A: The Brightline rule is the name given to a tax that is paid on the sale of property when it is sold within a set period of time after the original purchase. Because of this rule, there’s always a risk of having to pay unexpected tax on the sale of a family home or bach.

Q: I lease a couple of paddocks from the neighbour for my winter cropping and then another from a guy down the road. Both of these arrangements have been done on a handshake and I’m led to believe that this is as good as a verbal contract if things go south. Is this correct? A: Verbal agreements aren’t worth the paper they’re written on. It’s best to take the time to see an expert beforehand who can prepare the key terms of any sort of agreement and record this in writing for everybody.

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.

SUE ANDERSON

Q: I want to hire workers from overseas – how will the new Accredited Employer Work Visa requirements affect me? A: There is a new work visa being introduced by Immigration New Zealand on 4 July 2022. Employers wishing to hire migrants under this scheme must be accredited and pass a job check before the visa can be applied for. Employers can apply for accreditation from 23 May 2022 and for a job check from 20 June 2022. In order to become accredited, employers will need to prove that they are a genuinely operating business, are compliant with employment, immigration and business regulatory standards, and provide migrant workers with settlement support information. Immigration New Zealand have said that these changes have been introduced to seek to standardise the visa process and protect workers from migrant exploitation. However, there are several complexities with the new process and it will likely increase the administration, time and cost involved in hiring migrant workers. 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

CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

] with Grant Edmundson ] Helmore Stewart Lawyers

April 2022

Commercial contracts Keeping an eye on the fundamentals

The commercial trading environment in North Canterbury, much like the rest of New Zealand, is experiencing a reasonably high level of uncertainty arising from increased demand on limited supply. It is important for businesses to ensure that their terms and conditions of trade are up-to-date and that these terms and conditions have sufficient mechanisms to protect against non-payment and other business risks. As an additional safety mechanism, direc-

tors should revisit the company’s insurance cover to ensure that it has adequate insurance in place to provide an extra blanket of protection. Holistically, the directors should on a regular basis ensure that contract management is a regular feature on their agenda.

Having the ability to recover products in the event of a default by customer is becoming more important.

PROFESSIONAL RURAL

Ben Turner

KEY 670911641

Supply chain blockages, a lack of skilled human resources and increased inflation are forcing business owners to be nimble and adapt to these economic challenges. A key aspect in “weathering the storm” is for business owners to ensure that their terms of trade are up-to-date and contain sufficient provisions to eliminate risk wherever possible. The essence of business risk outside of profitability relates to cash flow. The ability of a company to sustain itself is predicated on the payment of accounts by customers in accordance with the payment terms. This is particularly true in situations where business owners add products or services to existing offerings and are required to advance cash and make investments before they in turn, are able to render their services or provide products to customers. Secondly, it is important for suppliers to retain title to their products until such time as payment has been received in full from the customer. Suppliers should retain a security interest in their products until this payment has been fully discharged. In the event that the Supplier is providing goods on credit, it will be important to ensure that a recent due diligence has been conducted into the financial affairs of the customer to ensure that they have a good credit history. In addition, it would be prudent for Suppliers to ensure that the directors of the customer, by way of guarantee, underwrite the obligations of the customer to ensure that payment is made in a timeous fashion. Payment terms should not be considered in isolation of delivery terms as both go handin-hand. It may be in the past that business could easily have been conducted “on a handshake”, but unfortunately it is becoming more prevalent in North Canterbury where the provision of products and/or services is occasioned by delays and non-performance. Retaining title to products and having the ability to recover same in the event of a default by customer, is becoming more important in the trading environment.

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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

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April 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

Computer software speeding up the process Last month I touched on the use of computerised systems as an aid to assist you in preparing your annual Financial Statements. This month I want to take this further and discuss how I find these systems and their connectivity working in the accountant/client relationship.

Alister Stevenson ] with ] Alexander and Associates Ltd

Like it or not, we are now in the age where technology must be used in our business, there is no getting away from this and it is moving at such a pace that it is hard to keep up, so the sooner we adapt to some of this the better. We, as agri-business accountants, need to be across all of the various types of systems, as clients demand that we are connected and understand how they work so as to provide them with knowledge. I firstly want to talk about payroll providers. There are a number of these businesses out there and they are all online. There are a number that are tuned in with the agriculture section and the sometimes different ways employees are paid and the hours that they work. However, the most amazing thing I find that is of assistance with payroll providers is that they complete all of your Inland Revenue Department filing processes and in some instances even pay the PAYE on the due date. I know of clients who, prior to moving to a payroll provider, would spend hours completing the Inland Revenue forms and filing these by the due date and now, having moved to the provider, have freed up this time to either focus on another part of their business or maybe even relax. Another great thing is that all the providers have excellent support and helpdesks or personnel, and those tricky issues can be ironed out with a phone call or an email. In today’s age of payday filing, the use of these providers is a ‘no brainer’. Yes, there

is a cost, but the $50, $60, $70 or however much is cheap measured against your hourly rate. You only need to cop a couple of late filing penalties from the Inland Revenue Department or interest on overdue PAYE to make this worthwhile. Secondly, and I touched on this briefly in last month’s article but I do want to expend on my experiences around this, and that is the ability of the agri-business software programmes that are out there to attach a source document or an invoice to the transaction. In today’s age, most invoices or credit notes that you receive come via your email system, which I would suggest in most situations is then printed off, added to the pile of bills to pay on the 20th, and then once paid filed away in the box or folder to go to the accountant with the annual Financial Statements. Most accountants will already have joint access to your online software for doing you GST, so why not, with a few clicks of the mouse, send the emailed invoice across to the online system and attach to the payment made. Your accountant can then access this transaction, look at the documentation, and be happy with its coding, okay it or move it all without having to contact the client or sort through a number of files. Another benefit of these online systems and accountant/client dual access is that a client can enter the transaction at their end but not be 100% sure they have the entry right - a quick phone call or email to the accountant about this, they log in and check, job done. The third and final point I want to make

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around computer software and IT, and the use of this in the accountant and client relationship, is this: many accounting firms now allow clients to have their own secure portal or folder on the accounting company’s server. Stored in this portal are copies of your Financial Statements, tax returns and other important documents. This is available to you only and can be only accessed by logging in. Many of these portals will also have the ability for the client to electronically sign the Financial Statements, tax returns and various minutes that would all normally come your way for signing by mail. Our practice has found this to be a ‘game changer’ in how we go about sending and re-

ceiving these important documents and signatures, and controlling the turnaround of these documents back from the client. After some education we are finding that most clients prefer this secure form of contact. Clients can even upload their own information and documents and send to us in reverse. All in all, I would have to say that over the 25-odd years that I have been involved in this industry, the rate of change in the accounting/client software platforms has been incredible and in many situations very hard to keep on top of. But as each new release is uploaded, my thinking is always “how can this benefit my clients?”, and in most instances it is all about having live information and acting on it.

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

April 2022

What’s worrying the markets? At any point in time there are generally plenty of things to worry investors. That certainly has been the case over the past couple of years, and it is today.

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. Shipping costs have soared and so have the prices of many goods and commodities. Omicron has added to these pressures. Whilst it is less deadly than previous COVID variants, it is much more infectious. Skyrocketing cases — and the resulting worker absenteeism — is exacerbating the difficulty for businesses to supply goods.

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

been Russia’s shocking invasion of Ukraine. Despite Russia representing 11% of the world’s land mass it is a relatively small economy. Its US$1.6 trillion GDP is roughly the same as Australia. Ukraine’s is US$155 billion, around three-quarters the size of New Zealand. Shocks to these two economies will not have a material effect on global demand. Where both of these countries do have an outsized influence is in commodities. Russia is the third largest oil producer in the world after the United States and Saudi Arabia. Even more significant is the European Union’s reliance, about 40% of its consumption, on Russian gas to fuel its energy system. What markets are most concerned about is any disruption to Russia’s energy supply either because of sanctions or Russia turns off the tap. As we’ve been repeatedly reminded over the past two and a half years, the world is unpredictable and can change quickly. The conflict (and our view) could evolve. Cyber-attacks, for example, are one way it could escalate beyond Ukraine’s borders. The post-Cold War period of relative calm has ended and authoritarian

states China and Russia are increasingly challenging the United States/United Nations-led world order. Tensions between NATO and Russia have not been this high since before the Berlin Wall fell and the relationship appears now permanently fractured. Germany has already announced a 100 billion euro lift in military spending.

Long-term investors stick to a plan 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 longterm. Through history, good businesses have provided inflation protection by being able to maintain the real value of their cash flow and earnings. It is quite possible that we’ll see more volatility ahead. But equally, the last two years highlights how quickly the market outlook and mood can change. Long-term investors understand the need to navigate challenging times to capture the benefit of the good. This article was prepared as at 28 February 2022 and provides market commentary for the three-month period ending on that date.

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

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.

CHC6189-02 - March 2021

Andrew Wyllie ] with Forsyth Barr ]

CANTERBURY FARMING

Estate planning – the beginning ] with Bessie paterson llB Ronald W Angland & Son When we are considering the making of a Will one of the important issues is who to appoint as the Trustee or Trustees. The Trustees are responsible for ensuring that the provisions of the Will are carried into effect. Not everybody is suitable for the office of Trustee as the duties can be onerous and many Trustees may find themselves liable to the beneficiaries if the Will maker’s directions are not carried out or an estate suffers a loss through the Trustees’ negligence. Effectively Trustees step into the shoes of the Will maker and they must always act in the best interests of the beneficiaries of the Will. They are required to ensure that the funeral and burial/cremation arrangements take place and that the estate will have sufficient funds to pay the accounts for those services. As matters progress the Trustees will usually have to apply for Probate of the deceased’s Will and subse-

quently realise the assets or decide what is to be sold or kept for the beneficiaries. The Trustees will be required to act unanimously and it is their responsibility to make decisions. A Trustee cannot delegate decision making and must not leave decisions to others and go along with the majority. It is also essential that the Trustees acting impartially among the beneficiaries. Some families have a black sheep but the black sheep’s rights must be respected and he/she treated fairly in the course of administration of the estate. Where a black sheep is left out of a parent’s Will he/she may seek a remedy through the Court under the Family Protection Act. The Trustees will be involved in any proceedings brought against the estate but they will not be personally liable un-

less they have been remiss in their duties. If the estate is likely to continue for some years particularly where there is a life-interest for a surviving partner, the Trustees will have additional duties of investing the estate’s residual funds. In those cases there is a major responsibility of balancing the interests of the life-tenant and the beneficiaries and in times of judicial activism Trustees may find themselves liable when they have made the wrong investment decision. If a good friend asks you to be a trustee of their Will think very carefully as the standards required from Trustees can be very onerous. This Article has been prepared by Bessie paterson, a partner at ronald AW Angland & Son, Solicitors,. 2 Chapman Street, leeston

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April 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.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

April 2022

Counting the cost of flooding It’s approaching one year since unprecedented rainfall caused widespread flooding across Canterbury, prompting the entire region to be placed in a state of emergency.

Jenny Hughey ] by ] Chair Environment Canterbury The May 2021 deluge was the largest 24-hour event on record for most of the foothills’ rain gauges and saw the biggest recorded flood for the Ashburton River. The event forced hundreds of evacuations, put thousands of homes at risk, and resulted in heart-breaking stock losses and property damage for farmers. Our flood management systems were put to the test, and we were reminded why flood protection is so important for building resilient communities and infrastructure. I ask you to think of events such as this and their increasing frequency as you consider the regional council’s (Environment Canterbury’s) proposals in the draft Annual Plan 2022/23, which is open for submissions until 3 April. Flood recovery and protection is an essential item – and one that leads to some important questions about how it should be funded and who should pay. Our share of costs stemming from the May 2021 event is $12.2 million. We are looking at borrowing this money over two years, with repayments met through a general rate. That means every ratepayer in the region would contribute to the cost, ir-

] with John Arts

Flooded: ECan’s share of the costs stemming from Canterbury’s May 2021 flooding event was $12.2 million. photo courtesy of Westpac Air rescue Service respective of where they live. Our council believes this is the fairest approach, given events that impact crucial infrastructure, such as state highways and rail, affect us all. Do you agree? NIWA’s New Zealand Fluvial and Pluvial Flood Exposure report notes that total exposure in Canterbury to river and rainfall flooding is one of the greatest in the country. Climate change modelling tells us large-scale flooding will occur more often – so we also need to consider how the recovery from such events should be funded in the future. One of the proposals in the plan relates specifically to the Ashburton River/Hakatere rating district and the way the cost of flood

protection is distributed there. Over the last few decades, we’ve upgraded the flood protection scheme around that area and learnt more about where the highest risks and benefits are. The current rating class system means some properties that receive protection don’t contribute. Is a restructure needed to ensure the amount residents pay better reflects the benefits they receive – or should we keep the status quo? We’d also value your thoughts on a future levy to help speed up action in response to climate change. A 2019 report by Local Government New Zealand’s regional sector, which makes a

case for greater central government co-investment in river management and flood protection, raises some sobering points. It refers to findings that suggest that, what is considered a 40-year return period event now, will be reduced to the equivalent of eight years by 2090. The report also points to the need for more of a ‘top-of-the-cliff’ approach to mitigating the risks these events bring. The future levy we’re proposing could include funding projects or activities such as early warning or disaster preparedness systems, infrastructure development, native forest planting, or increasing electric vehicle use. Is this something you’d support to adapt, build resilience or mitigate climate change matters? Like other councils, we need to respond faster to the changing climate – but doing so will require some bold actions. We are proposing a 24.1% increase in total rates required to fund our spending for the year ahead, including work already committed to in the Long-Term Plan. Any increase for individual ratepayers would vary depending on factors such as the value of their property or specific work that is undertaken in their area. I can assure you that we consider all submissions in the decision-making process and your feedback matters. Go to ecan.govt.nz/ annualplan22 to have your say. I look forward to hearing your thoughts on how we navigate these real and substantial challenges. It’s vital that we get this right.

Cell eXtra

part 1

The miracle of your immune system

There are two main parts to your immune system: the NonSpecific (Innate) and Specific (Adaptive) immune responses. Non-Specific Immunity These include barriers like your skin, sinuses and mucous membrane and cells (phagocytes) that literally ‘eat’ pathogens that come through the barriers. Natural Killer cells attack anything that is not genetically marked as self (you!) With a viral attack like Covid 19, the Non-Specific system launches into full gear with inflammation which starts to make life uncomfortable for the virus and unfortunately uncomfortable for the infected person. However, this is just a holding pattern till our Specific immune system kicks into gear and our B cells start making antibodies that our T cells can identify. Those that are immunised have the advantage of vaccine- generated antibodies. More on this next edition. Nutrients have a significant impact on our initial immune responses to attack. Vitamin D benefits most immune cells and helps them to do their job protecting you from pathogens like viruses. Vitamin D also influences the effectiveness of virus-killing compounds. I generally recommend 1000-2000IU daily in summer and 2000-4000IU in winter. Our Non-Specific

immunity is also affected by micronutrients including zinc, selenium, iron, copper, manganese that help make potent antioxidant enzymes to defend against viral attack. Polyphenol antioxidants such as OPC, Curcumin and those in green tea, beta-carotene, vitamins A, C, and E, and folic acid are also very important. They protect immune cells against the infection so they can do their job. Secondly these stimulate our natural killer cells, the most potent aspect of our Non-Specific immunity.

What is in Cell eXtra?

How can Cell eXtra help you?

What does this mean? Those concerned about their immunity should supplement with vitamin D and a good multi formula that has the trace minerals and antioxidants that help our immune system cope with infection. 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.

Abundant Health

April 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

Why mates are so important I recently was invited to be a guest at a Lions club for one of their monthly meetings.

] with rob Cope-Williams Two things left a lasting impression on me, the first was the way the members were so welcoming to a stranger, and the second was that their fellowship was extremely important to them all. I have always believed it is very bonding to share food and wine with friends, hence of course why we have friends around for meals and drinks on odd occasions, but to take that to the next step I think is just as important. The club I visited was a rural based club, and that is why I was able to come to my conclusion about having mates, rather just friends. These chaps meet at 6.30 for a chance to chat over a beer, wine or in one case a ginger beer, before moving onto their tables for an evening meal. Once “fed and watered” they had their business meeting which, as a guest I didn’t need to be part of despite an open invitation to do so. The feeling of the meeting was one of companionship, men with much in common, and that if anyone of them needed help it would have been offered without a moment’s hesitation. AS I drove home naturally my mind was going over the evening and what was totally obvious to me was that rural folk are by nature isolated from others, distance wise as well as work wise.

‘

please never stop looking after your mates, even if you think they are always happy and would never be affected.

City folk live close to each other, and invariably have fellow workers who they can communicate with, most rural people don’t. That, as you know, opens the door for depression to hit and the isolation swell into a huge wave. Bearing in mind the depression rule about the fact people will hide it and certainly not talk to anyone else about it, having mates be-

comes very important. I would bet that if any of the Lions members were to skip a meeting, others would pop in to see how they were. That would give the supporting member a chance to both assess their mate and perhaps chat to a member of his family. Both avenues leading to possibly saving their mates life. Yes, it is that important.

Please never stop looking after your mates, even if you think they are always happy and would never be affected. People who you would least expect have and are still suffering, so you can never judge from the outside. My thanks to the Malvern Lions for a great evening, and I can rest easy knowing you are very focused on looking after your mates.

The true value of BioActive Soils fertiliser Each ingredient in our BioActive Soils products has a pivotal role to play in building healthy, fertile soil ecosystems.

] Advertorial by BioActive Soils

We have invented a way to harness Neptune’s bounty and transfer all its goodness onto land, (as sea goes with land), resulting in significant long-term benefits to your farms soil, plant, and livestock. We are not a simplistic chemical NPKS input, as the conventional fertiliser industry knows it, rather we stand alone as an innovative solid fertilisation programme that addresses the all-important link that biology, the backbone of a highly functional soil. Where important growth and health nutrients are required, we do add NPKS and other inputs to our fish and seaweed minerals fertiliser base, to ensure grass and crop production is maximised. However we do it in proportions that work with the soil microbes we are adding, rather than against them. Pasture carries approximately 32% protein on a good day, with a further 10% being basic minerals and trace elements. The balance is made up of phytonutrients, vitamins, digestible and probiotic microbes. Our products fish and seaweed minerals are therefore pivotal to the plants biology, which is why a stronger, healthier, nutrient dense plant results from our inputs.

Using BioActive Soils fertiliser in a consistent, ongoing way, has a compounding effect as each application is introducing and feeding life to the soil. This cumulative effect results in: • Building carbon in the soil for greater moisture retention • Creating stronger plants that naturally resist pests and weeds • Developing a more nutrient rich diet for your livestock • Maximising soil fertility by maintaining a high functioning soil ecosystem that is full of life Some quick facts: • Mycorrhizal (soil fungi) can access 10 times the water and nutrients to cycle into plants than plant roots alone • A 1% increase in active carbon in the soil can retain four more litres of water per sqare metre • 90% of nutrients naturally cycled into a plant is done through soil microbes. Because we add and feed soil microbes with our products, we are protecting this critical function and working the way nature intended. You simply can’t put a price on that.

CANTERBURY FARMING April 2022

April 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

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CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2022

Welcome to the John Deere 6M Series Whether you are a livestock farmer, arable farmer, mixed farmer or run a contracting business – there is a John Deere 6M tractor made for you. There are nine high performance models to choose from in four wheelbase sizes. supplied by ] Article Drummond & Etheridge Ltd ] The compact build and agile construction of the 6090M, 6100M and 6120M make them ideal for mowing, tedding, baling and feeding. Their short wheelbase and compact build make these models perfect for front loader work even in the tightest of spaces. And with a best-in-class payload of 4.7 tonnes, they also won’t break a sweat with heavy implements. The 6110M and 6125M are superb allrounders. They’ve got the power to pull more in the field and handle bigger implements – they’re agile enough for loader work, and strong on the road. For solid power you can’t beat the 6140M and 6155M. Tough, rugged and with plenty of power, they will handle the heavier side of field work like seeding and tilling for many seasons to come. With a

larger wheelbase, these models deliver a very solid and comfortable ride that benefits a variety of field and transport applications. When the jobs are big, numerous and tough, the 6175M and 6195M are the tractors to work with. Contractors also favour these heavy-duty performers for their top on-road performance. As a performance-oriented contractor, large-scale dairy or arable farmer, you will love these machines. Their extended wheelbase and large tyres let you bring all their power to the ground with maximum efficiency. All models feature a completely updated internal and external cab design that puts a premium on visibility with more glass than ever and the extra small frame models provide a lower hood for ultimate front visibility. They also offer the best ride experience thanks to TLS front axle suspension and mechanical cab suspension.

A 6M for any job: John Deere 6M tractors are available in 4 different frame sizes offering a wheelbase to suit your requirements, with a choice of engines to match. With a maximum payload of 4.7 tonnes and rear hitch lift capacity of up to 5.7 tonnes for the extra small frame models, big loads and the biggest implements are no big deal. All 6M tractors come standard with a JDLink™ telematics module which enables remote servicing and operator support. This allows your dealer expert to remotely assist you and your operators with machine/implement setup and more – like being virtually in the cab. Automated notifications based on machine hours or calendar dates can also be set to alert you to maintenance tasks which need to be performed.

Our proven transmission portfolio combines superior ease of operation and convenience with outstanding efficiency to complement the power and torque of your 6M. And with the choice of Tier 2 and Final Tier 4 engines delivering up to 195 hp, you can get all the power you need. Backed by comprehensive parts and service support, John Deere 6M tractors are available at 1.49% finance p.a for a limited time at Drummond & Etheridge. Terms, conditions and lending criteria apply. Contact your local branch on 0800 432 633 or visit www.dne.co.nz to view the full range of John Deere tractors and quality brands of farm machinery.

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April 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

Next-Gen Everest gets new variant Ford New Zealand will offer three variants of the Next-Gen Everest.

] Article supplied by Ford NZ

The New Zealand range will start with Trend followed by Sport while the new flagship variant Platinum will offer the ultimate in luxury and comfort. New to the top of the New Zealand range, Platinum features a premium flagship interior, and new for Everest are 21-inch wheels finished in a special tri-coat paint with machined accents. Platinum is exclusively powered by the new 3.0L V6 turbo-diesel, backed with a 10-speed automatic transmission and permanent four-wheel drive. The 3.0L V6 turbodiesel will also be available on Sport. Platinum’s luxury interior features 10-way power adjustable heated and ventilated premium leather accented front seats, with quilted inserts and signature Platinum badging. In Platinum, second-row seat occupants can also enjoy heated seats. A panoramic roof adds to the luxurious and spacious feel of the interior. Design director Max Wolff said customary feedback was important in the design process. “We showed customers the Everest at several points during the design process, and their feedback was consistent, they loved the exterior with the strong and rugged design, but they also thought it was sleek and modern.” Woolf said what customers wanted on the interior was a different story.

“Inside, they wanted a sanctuary. One of the first things you’ll notice when you get into a new Everest is how quiet it is. “We’ve all been in vehicles with multiple rows of seats, where you have to twist your head around and almost shout to be heard by passengers in the second or third rows,” he said. “That’s an issue we wanted to solve for Everest, so the interior would be a quiet place in which you can easily talk to your family or friends and enjoy the journey together.” Everest’s sense of spaciousness is amplified by the full-width coast-to-coast instrument panel and centre console. Access to the third-row seats is now easier thanks to second-row seats that slide further forward than before. Additionally, all occupants now have places to store their things and charge their devices with power outlets in all three rows. In addition to a more refined and comfortable interior, Ford focused on incorporating the latest connectivity and technology features into the Next-Gen Everest. Everest comes with an 8 or 12.4-inch digital instrument panel that replaces the traditional analogue clusters. Everest also features large, high-resolution portrait 12-inch touchscreen. The new 3.0-litre V6 turbo-diesel spearheads the lineup, and is joined by the proven 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel. Both engines are backed by Ford’s 10-speed automatic transmission.

Upgrade: New to the top of the New Zealand Ford Everest range is the Platinum variant which features a premium flagship interior. A 50mm increase in Next-Gen Everest’s track helps deliver a more controlled ride on-road, while tweaks to damper settings allowed the team to inject more ‘fun’ and control into the way Everest rides both onand off-road. Next-Gen Ford Everest has a water wading ability of up to 800mm and a maximum trailer towing capability of up to 3,500kg (braked) when fitted with factory Tow Pack, which now

boasts an integrated trailer brake controller. All series receive a trailer light check function and trailer connection checklist, as a well as a new tow-haul drive mode to improve gearshift response when towing. Everest also comes loaded with new and enhanced driver assist technologies and safety features that are designed to take the stress out of driving and help drivers to remain focused.

CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2022

Lightweight, strong and sturdy bale feeder This last season has proved to be the busiest yet for Three Rivers Bale Feeders, as farmers continue to enjoy the benefits of these revolutionary bale feeders.

] ]

Advertorial by Three Rivers Bale Feeders

Owner Alistair Hay said the bale feeders only weighed 35kg, so were very easy to move by hand, plus, the feeders would not get stuck in the mud and would not rust - and no they don’t blow away in a Canterbury Nor Wester. “As the feeders are plastic, there are no shocks when shifting them over hot wires and they don’t take out electric fence power if they come in contact.” A ‘plastic bale feeder’ might sound a bit flimsy, but the Three Rivers Bale Feeders are far from it. The feeders are constructed from very high-pressure PE pipe, not simple alkathene, and all of the rings are uniformly joined via fusion welds.

“The uprights are stiff yet flexible polypropylene, the same type of plastic used in pipe joiners,” Alistair said. “Being lightweight, flexible and smoothsurfaced, they are both stock and staff friendly.” There are a variety of designs available to cater for cattle, sheep, deer, goats and horses. The standard 6-foot (2m) version offers more options for bale size (4-foot baleage through to 6-foot straw or 6-foot square baleage). They have 16 feeding bays. A larger 2.3m diameter feeder for use over large square bales has proved very popular in Canterbury - the advantage being the ease of moving these feeders compared to square steel feeders that must be moved with a tractor.

There are a variety of Three rivers Bale Feeders designs available to cater for cattle, sheep, deer, goats and horses.

Kitsets are also available to reduce freight costs. Running a 1000ha deer, beef and dairy support property in Fairlie Canterbury, Alistair has thoroughly tested these bale feeders over the past 12 years, as have the owners of more than 2000 bale feeders in paddocks throughout the New Zealand.

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“Three Rivers Bale Feeders are a seriously strong, durable and simple solution to feeding supplements,” Alistair said.

So if you, too, want a lightweight, strong and sturdy bale feeder, give Alistair a call on 0274 876-711 or check out www.balefeeder.weebly.com

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Rollomaximum Ultimate seedbed prep

The high capacity Rollomaximum is a precise seed bed cultivator with built-in front and rear rollers. The combination of rollers and cultivator tines regularly achieves a seed bed in a single pass with the change to and from transport is done hydraulically from a stationary position roller. Comes in working widths from 6.2m – 12.4m.

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April 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

New indoor growing technique promoting sustainability Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor says the primary sector has taken another step towards lifting its sustainability with the trialling of a new hydroponic growing technique that aims to have higher yields and a lower impact on the environment.

] by Kent Caddick The Government is backing Southern Fresh Foods, a cutting-edge hydroponic indoor farm with more than $869,000 through the Ministry for Primary Industries’ (MPI) Sustainable Food and Fibre Futures fund (SFF Futures) to set up an advanced technology farm. Southern Fresh Foods will contribute $1.28 million to the venture over two and a half years. “The project near Cambridge seeks to sustainably provide year-round production of baby leaf salads, herbs, and vegetables, and to set a benchmark of 100 percent yields,” O’Connor said. “It’s testing an overseas growing system to ensure it can be adapted to local climatic conditions. “The project is aiming for consistently high volumes of quality produce with a lighter impact on the environment – and so far, the results look promising.” O’Connor said the technology involves an automated moving gully system. “It’s unique and significantly more advanced than the hydroponic systems currently found in New Zealand. The system uses

Good yield: Hydroponic farms, like this one in Egypt, have the potential to to mitigate the effects of climate change as well as achieving 100 percent yields.

robotics to optimise space-usage based on the life stage and size of the plants being grown. “It’s a climatic-based system and highly technical, so Southern Fresh Food has been researching the optimum LED lighting and nutrient needs for different plants at the farm’s Waikato location. “They have been analysing crop yield, fi-

nancial return, pesticide and fertiliser use, and carbon emissions.” O’Connor said while there are still many refinements needed to the system as research progresses, the project shows huge potential for New Zealand. “The system is able to achieve substantial yields using significantly less land. There are also reduced environmental impacts from

using less fertiliser and pesticides, and less water. “Southern Fresh Foods is targeting 100 percent yields, meaning there would be no food waste either. “The beauty of growing these high value crops indoors is that you’re able to protect them from the elements and from pests. “This has obvious benefits as we seek to mitigate the effects of climate change and create resilience in our production systems.” He said the lessons and potential benefits from the trial results of this indoor hydroponic system will be made available to New Zealand growers for the common good of our communities, environment, and economy.

CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2022

Innovative on-farm accommodation The primary sector across the country is currently facing a chronic worker shortage for this year’s season and harvest.

supplied by ] Advertorial ] Koltm Modular The dairy industry alone is estimated to have a shortage of over 6,000 workers due to the tight labour market and closed borders exacerbating the shortage further. A DairyNZ-Federated Farmers survey showed that out of the 1,000 participants surveyed, 49% were short-staffed, taking a significant toll on farms, families, and the rural community by rural workers becoming increasingly stretched. With this in mind, Koltm Modular is launching Kenzo, a modular on-farm accommodation solution designed to provide more options for farm workers and make it easier for growers and farmers to recruit the workers they need for the upcoming season. Developed to house workers, the Kenzo 30sqm triple room unit is constructed to meet all current tenancy legislation and can be installed on farms with no need for consent. This modular unit is easy and quick to transport on-farm due to its compact size, improving housing options for workers, and helping growers and farmers offer more competitive and attractive jobs to incentivise staff in a hot labour market. The flexibility of Kenzo’s design means it can be supplied not only as a triple room unit, but also as a double room unit with a bath-

Home away: Kenzo will help farm businesses provide suitable on-farm accommodation for their vital seasonal workforces at a low-cost rate. room and kitchen, making the accommodation adaptable to specific requirements. Kenzo will help farm businesses provide suitable on-farm accommodation for their vital seasonal workforces at a low-cost rate, removing one of the common barriers to attracting and retaining workers within the industry.

“Streamlining the ability for farmers and growers to provide modern, durable, and suitable accommodation for rural workers is the purpose of Kenzo,” Garry Vennman, co-founder of Koltm Modular, said. “On-farm accommodation that is available to farm businesses at a very affordable rate allows the farm owners and operators

to have the flexibility to offer incentives such as free accommodation for staff. With current rental prices, incentives like that can help a farm attract staff easier.” Additionally, Kenzo’s modular design allows farmers and growers to have a unit that is a fully certified building and meets all building code requirements in about half the time compared to conventional building methods. “Farmers can always count on fast, simple design processes, as the sophisticated, quality units are built within a few weeks, bringing reassurance to their operations and reducing worker burnout.” Anil Singla, another co-founder of Koltm Modular said the Kenzo unit improves staff attraction and retention for farm businesses. “It also acts as an important catalyst for reducing broader housing supply issues in regional areas by reducing seasonal demand for housing in rural towns. “ Designed with farms in mind, the Kenzo unit can house two to three workers in a modern, simple design with an interior suitable for the wear and tear that comes from working on-farm through all elements.

The Kenzo unit is now available for inquiry and purchase online at Koltm’s website, www.koltm.com

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April 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

Rewriting off-road performance The Next-Generation Ford Ranger Raptor is raising the off-road performance bar as a pick-up built for true enthusiasts, and the working farmer.

] Article supplied by Ford NZ

with an all-new electronically controlled ondemand two-speed transfer case, combined with front and rear locking differentials. Raptor’s seven selectable drive modes help with handling smooth roads, mud/ruts and everything in-between. ‘Baja’2 mode is engineered for high-speed off-roading, with Raptor’s electronic systems configured for ultimate performance. Each selectable drive mode adjusts a number of elements from engine and transmission to ABS sensitivity and calibration, traction and stability controls, exhaust valve actuation, steering and throttle response. Depending on the mode, the colour scheme of the digital displays change to match the mode. The Matrix LED headlamps with LED day-

Y • NEW Z BUR EA R TE

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time running lamps push lighting performance to new levels. Ranger Raptor features auto dynamic levelling and speed dependent lighting that can adjust the intensity of the beam in front of the vehicle depending on the speed at which you’re travelling. The headlamps also offer both static and dynamic bending capability as well as glare-free high-beams that help block light that could otherwise temporarily blind other drivers and cyclists. Next-Generation Ranger Raptor boasts a fully digital cabin, with high resolution 12.4-inch digital cluster and 12-inch centre touchscreen incorporating Ford’s SYNC connectivity and entertainment system, which offers both Apple and Android6 wireless smartphone connectivity.

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Developed by the Australian design and engineering team, Ranger Raptor is the ultimate performance derivative of the Ford Ranger, with smarter technology and next-generation hardware, the Raptor blends raw power with mechanical and technical precision The biggest news is the introduction of a new 3.0-litre V6 Twin Turbo EcoBoost engine producing up to 292kW (392hp) at 5650rpm and 583Nm of torque at 3500rpm. This engine provides a huge boost in power and torque over the current 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine. The 3.0-litre V6 Twin Turbo EcoBoost engine boasts a compacted graphite-iron cylinder block, which is around 75% stronger and up to 75% stiffer than the iron used in traditional castings. Ford Performance ensured the engine delivers immediate response to throttle inputs, and a race-bred anti-lag system enables rapid delivery of boost on demand. Raptor’s anti-lag system keeps the turbochargers spinning for up to three seconds after the driver backs off the throttle, allowing for faster resumption of acceleration out of corners or between gears when the driver gets back on the accelerator. Mated to a 10-speed automatic transmission Raptor’s new engine delivers effortless

More power: A new 3.0-litre V6 Twin Turbo EcoBoost engine producing up to 292kW (392hp) at 5650rpm and 583Nm of torque at 3500rpm, which provides a huge boost in power and torque over the current 2.0-litre Bi-Turbo diesel engine.

acceleration on gravel, dirt, mud or sand. A series of unique mounts and reinforcements has been designed for elements including the C-pillar, load box and spare wheel. Unique frames for the jounce bumper, shock tower and rear shock bracket all combine to ensure Next-Gen Ranger Raptor can handle punishing off-road conditions. The Ranger Raptor’s suspension has been completely redesigned. All-new tough, lightweight aluminium upper and lower control arms, long-travel front and rear suspension and refined Watt’s link equipped coil-spring rear suspension have been designed to deliver more control across rough terrain. Soaking up those humps and bumps are next-generation FOX 2.5-inch Live Valve Internal Bypass shock absorbers with control technology offering position-sensitive damping capability. These shock absorbers are the most sophisticated ever on Ranger Raptor and are filled with Teflon-infused oil that reduces friction by around 50% compared to those on the previous Raptor. Linked to Ranger Raptor’s revised selectable drive modes, the Live Valve Internal Bypass system has been developed to provide better on-road comfort and off-road ride quality at all speeds. For the first time, Ranger Raptor gets an advanced permanent four-wheel drive system

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Power Farming are holding a demo day in Canterbury on Wednesday April 13th, giving you a close look at Kverneland, Fleigl, Merlo and Deutz-Fahr products. Check out the imposing new DeutzFahr 8280 Warrior tractor in person, or see what the innovative Kverneland U-drill could do for your fields. Our team will be there to answer any questions and give the full run down of everything on display.

APRIL 13

11am - 4pm

Seaton Farming Property Cnr Hoskyns and Highfield Road, Kirwee BBQ Lunch & Refreshments Provided Please note, if conditions are too wet, the event will be moved to the 14th April. You will be notified via your RSVP details.

Geoff McCabe Dealer Principal 021 220 9544

Jimmy Leigh Sales 027 405 6941

Please RSVP to:

canterburyadmin@powerfarming.co.nz

or 03 349 5975

Joel Parris Sales 027 435 0884

Power Farming Canterbury Terms and conditions apply.

CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2022

Getting the best job done With a workplace that is as varied as the geography it’s always a case of the right machine for the right job when earthmoving.

] by William Milnes Consequently, a contractor needs various types of earthmoving equipment from time to time. And if you are simply a landowner wanting earthmoving done, it pays to have a little background information. Machinery can open a huge capital investment window, but the smart operator today has hiring in mind, because there are obviously different types of machinery for different tasks – moving materials including rock, concrete, asphalt, clay, loam – this list goes on. Projects need to be efficiently carried out in specific contract times and that of course involves earthmovers and other related heavy equipment. Experienced industry operators well know if you are a contractor then you’ll need to hire different types of earthmoving equipment from time to time. Forget great capital investment, which also includes protection and maintenance and insurance. That’s the role of the hirer. It does not make sense to buy the gear when your requirements might change from time to time. Besides, the company that owns the equipment will take care of their maintenance and upkeep. In addition, the company will have professional operators to handle

the equipment, if you don’t simply dry hire and have you own operators. So what do you need to look for in the hire marketplace? Deal with a company that has the equipment that you require and can offer you tandem tippers, semi tippers, excavators, backhoes, bulldozers, graders, wheel loaders, dump trucks etc. It is no secret that requirements can change as a project develops, so going in well prepared can avoid the necessity of changes in plans leading to changes in contractors. A firm with a wide range of machinery is better than a lone operator who may mean days of delay with the required machinery tied up in jobs elsewhere. Preparation is a guardian of time and should ensure that you will always get the equipment you require in order to complete different stages of your project. Is the equipment in good condition? If you hire well-maintained equipment then you can be sure that your work gets completed on time. You won’t have to worry about lost opportunities caused due to downtime. Will the company help with the disposal of debris? Your construction and demolition activities will result in a great deal of debris which you

Big country: Earthmoving equipment in action stripping topsoil for the Central plains Water ltd’s irrigation canal in Canterbury. are required to dispose of in a safe manner. Be sure to check if the company that hires out equipment for earthmoving will do this for you. This will save you a great deal of effort. Does the company pay sufficient attention to safety? Always deal with a company that follows industry safety standards. The equipment you hire should come with completed maintenance log books. They should also have well-

maintained brakes, headlights and horns. And finally, cost effectiveness is a nobrainer so ensure the company you choose is affordable, with nothing hidden in the small print. You’ll obviously want to keep your costs down in order to maintain profitability. However, you should not compromise on quality just to get a good discount. Good hiring should result in good work being done on time and within budget.

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April 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

Targeting skin cancer mortality rates A skin cancer initiative which could improve the diagnosis of melanoma by almost 50% and help reduce New Zealand’s high mortality rates in rural areas is set to be expanded nationwide.

] by Kent Caddick According to latest figures, New Zealand males living in rural areas have higher skin cancer mortality rates than those in main urban areas. New Zealand also has the world’s highest rate of death from skin cancer, with 2,700 new registrations annually and one Kiwi dying from this form of cancer every day. The initiative will help upskill hundreds of Kiwi GPs in the use of specialised diagnostic technology, which could improve early identification of the disease by almost a third. Among those countries with the greatest incidence of melanoma, New Zealand has the highest rate of mortality, followed by Norway,

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programme to ensure there is a consistent standard for all health care providers using the technology. “Skin cancer continues to be a major health problem in this country; the direct healthcare costs of treating skin cancer are estimated at $NZ123.10 million. “It’s important that we identify skin cancer early as it provides a significantly improved prognosis for the patient, and if caught in the initial stages, we have the ability to treat it with a minor surgical procedure, at a fraction of the cost of treating metastasized cancers,” Strydom said. “We need to ensure there are more consistent standards across the health sector when using a dermatoscope so skin cancer

patients have the best chance possible.” Strydom said Kiwis living in rural areas are often disadvantaged as access to medical assistance can be limited. “Increasing the number of GPs who are well trained in diagnosing skin cancer and supporting them with adequate government funding will encourage Kiwis to get their skin checked. “Patients will visit their GP for regular scripts and check ups, but a skin check should be a separate appointment, requiring more training on the part of the clinician and more time spent with the patient.” Strydom said often doctors work in isolation, particularly those in rural areas. “The Skin Cancer College programme has created multiple platforms where clinicians can confer with other experts and seek a second opinion on any suspicious lesions they may find. “Identifying suspicious skin spots and moles is not always an exact science, but ensuring doctors have excellent qualifications and keeping their knowledge up-to-date improves patient outcomes,” he said.

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Australia, The Netherlands and Denmark. Diagnosis of the disease can be difficult with New Zealand lacking a sufficient number of dermatologists and health care providers available to check suspicious skin lesions, particularly in rural areas. Dermoscopy is a relatively new technique used for examining skin however a lack of training standards has meant there is significant variation in the treatment a patient could receive. The use of a dermoscope allows the lesion to be magnified and viewed under polarised light, helping to identify subtle changes in the mole. Kiwi doctor Franz Strydom, of the Skin Cancer College Australasia (SCCA), said the organisation has a training and accreditation

CANTERBURY FARMING April 2022

Autumn grass grub and slug warning

Arable farmers are being advised to keep a good eye on grass grub and slug populations as they head into the busy autumn sowing period.

] by Kent Caddick In the case of grass grub, FAR researcher Richard Chynoweth said in a dry year, many eggs are lost to desiccation, but that this season’s wetter than average December and January means a lot of the eggs have survived and hatched into larvae. Chynoweth said they’re going to be tricky to manage and there are a lot of factors to consider. “It’s quite easy to find grass grub larvae now as the good feeding season means they are bigger than they would usually be at this time of year. “On the up side, this means they are potentially more susceptible to cultivation damage, but on the down side, they’re hungry.” He said the wet season has led to some good weed strikes so there’s actually quite a lot of food there for grass grub larvae at present. “But once those weeds are removed, presowing, they’ll be sitting there waiting for the new crop to come through and can cause enormous damage at that point. “The use of a short term cover crop that provides a food source may actually provide

Digging deeper: FAR is advising arable farmers to get out with a spade and look at the number of grass grub larvae they’ve got, especially relative to how many seeds of the crop they’re going to plant and make a call as to whether they need to need to put some treatment on.

some protection of the main crop planting by advancing larval development so the stop feeding earlier in winter.” He said naturally occurring pathogens are another thing to factor in. “The wet season will have suited them as well, but it’s really difficult to know what impact they will have on larval populations. “My suggestion to all growers is to get out with a spade and look at the number of lar-

vae they’ve got, especially relative to how many seeds of the crop they’re going to plant and make a call as to whether they need to need to put some treatment on.” Chynoweth said in the case of slugs the story is slightly different. “Slugs’ major reproductive period is just beginning, so the summer rainfall may not have influenced numbers to any great extent, yet.

“However, it’s important to note that thanks to the wet season, unirrigated farms are sitting on the same conditions as irrigated ones, and may need to be more vigilant than usual. “As with grass grub, monitoring for slugs is going to be absolutely key, especially in the high risk crops like brassicas and clovers. Slug numbers could be quite a bit higher in crops following clover and plantain; and if the weed pressure on the cereals has kept them ticking away, then there’s the potential for them to explode in almost any paddock,” Chynoweth said.

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April 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

Fertiliser expense calls for higher analysis Farmers and lifestyle block owners are set to be making some tough decisions on whether to ‘fert or not to fert’ this autumn. supplied by ] Article ] Fertiliser Quality Council The record fertiliser price increases (primarily with urea and DAP) are putting the pressure on farmers who are feeling the pinch. Fertiliser Quality Council chairperson Anders Crofoot said unfortunately, for the arable and horticulture industries the decision to withhold fertiliser is not an option and the consumer will feel the burn as the cost is likely to be passed on. “While pastoral farmers will be able to withhold for a year, if they need to, their options for establishing their winter grazing crops will be limited,” Crofoot said. “For an industry that is being relied on for our economic recovery, this is an extra burden that could be done without.” He said the on-going Covid supply chain issues driving the increase in fertiliser costs, coupled with reduced urea supply, highlights

the importance of quality nutrient analysis for farmers. “The more expensive nutrients become, the more important it is to have reliable nutrient analysis of what you are purchasing. “The higher nutrient density ensures you are getting bang for your buck by reducing the cost in cartage and spreading.” Crofoot said the financial impact can be minimised by farmers ensuring they are being as efficient as possible in their decisions around the quality of the nutrient they are purchasing. “The Fertiliser Quality Council’s work on physical and nutrient properties, through Fertmark and Spreadmark’s quality assurance schemes, is about making sure farmers can do the best job with what they have got on hand. “Fertmark and Spreadmark’s independent certification gives farmers confidence in their most expensive purchase decision on-farm.”

Costly: On-going Covid supply chain issues are driving up the cost of fertiliser.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2022

Why dairy farmers are trending towards larger slurry tankers While there’s been a gradual increase in the average size of slurry tankers purchased over the past several years, the demand for large slurry tankers has ramped up in the last six months.

Michael prestidge ] by Nevada Efﬂuent ] Management Specialist ]

Where once it was 12,000L and 14,500L slurry tankers in hot demand, we’re now seeing a much higher demand for 20,000L tridem tankers... but why? It all comes down to efficiency.

Farms are getting bigger Overall farms are getting bigger, or many farmers are owning multiple farms in proximity. With a larger area to spread over, irrigation systems are inadequate for the entire farm. A slurry tanker therefore becomes the obvious choice for farmers to spread further.

Larger slurry tankers = less loads With larger farms it inevitably becomes more efficient to have a larger tractor to handle various jobs. Having a larger tractor not only enables farmers to pull a larger slurry tanker, but a larger slurry tanker provides the efficiency of less loads, and therefore less work for the tractor.

Fast and efficient A Nevada tridem slurry tanker has

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A Nevada tridem slurry tanker has a higher capacity pump to speed up loading and can also be fitted with a loading accelerator to further speed up the loading process. a higher capacity pump to speed up loading and can also be fitted with a loading accelerator to further speed up the loading process. Duo RainWave applicators also make emptying the slurry ta nker fast and efficient.

What holds a lot, holds a little Where weight and ground compaction are of concern – what holds a lot, holds a little.

You certainly don’t need to fill the tanker during times where the ground is wet, but the larger size provides the ability to load her up when the ground needs it most. Larger Nevada slurry tankers have more axles combined with flotation wheels to provide a better weight distribution over the machine. Because the weight is spread over a larger area, there is less ground compaction. What’s more, carrying more means less loads, so less ground damage.

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April 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

Weta low-rate effluent irrigator The Weta travelling rain gun has been developed by AgFirst Engineering to keep up with regulation changes when it comes to land application of dairy effluent. supplied by ] Advertorial AgFirst Engineering ] A key design consideration was to develop an irrigator which can achieve consistent application depths throughout the entire effluent area to ensure the spread of nutrients are even for simplistic nutrient proof of placement. If the travel speed reduces due to extra drag on the hose, change in contour, distance, or elevation the irrigator will regulate the turbine by-pass and maintain a constant travel speed, therefore, achieving even application rate and depth across the entire farm. The Weta irrigator is robust and low maintenance. Traditionally travelling irrigators have cogs, sprockets, chains, and gearboxes etc under extreme tension which leads to constant wear. The Weta has made this simple and robust with a hydraulic pump and motor driving the winch and no need for gear changes. The Weta irrigator can achieve flows up to 40,000L per hour, application depths from 1mm20mm and wetted widths up to 100m and as short as 20m. This delivers high volumes at low travel speeds over large areas significantly reducing the number of irrigator shifts required whilst protecting the environment at the same time.

The Weta low-rate effluent irrigator designed by AgFirst Engineering achieves consistent application depths throughout the entire effluent area to ensure the spread of nutrients are even for simplistic nutrient proof of placement.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2022

Testing for effluent pond leaking Does your effluent pond leak? How can you prove this? Most owners of dairy effluent storage ponds believe that their ponds don’t leak.

] Advertorial supplied by Aqualinc

This is understandable, especially where they have been synthetically lined. However, the need to prove that this is the case is mounting. The need for proof is driven by the requirement to run the farm at Good Management Practice (GMP). To meet GMP, storage facilities must be sealed and maintained to ensure containment of effluent. The catalyst for requiring these tests is not always the regional council. It can also be the irrigation scheme or dairy company that ask for the tests to be carried out. Although there may be a belief that the ponds won’t be leaking, without doing a test you can’t be sure. This is reminiscent of the early days of introducing Farm Environment Plans (FEP), where some people would question the need for these, given that they considered themselves to be a good operator. The response often given was that it was no longer sufficient to be a good operator, you now must prove that this is the case. This can be done via the FEP and auditing process, and with effluent storage ponds this can only be done by appropriate testing.

Testing needs to be accurate. In Canterbury the criteria for storage being a permitted activity is that leakage cannot exceed 1mm per day. In a dynamic environment where there may be evaporation, wind, pressure changes, rain, inflows into the pond etc. it’s not easy to measure and have the confidence that the results will have the required accuracy. Aqualinc have recently upgraded their pond testing equipment which has increased the degree of accuracy. It has also made it much easier to set up and dismantle, which saves time. They have been busy recently carrying out tests, with many being done during the summer months. In the past it’s been a common misconception that these tests must be carried out when the dairy shed is not being used as this prevents in-flows during the test. However, with the equipment, process and analysis Aqualinc use there is no reason that the tests can’t be done at any time of year. For more information or to book your test call Aqualinc on 03 964 6521.

Without doing a test you can’t be sure your dairy effluent storage pond isn’t leaking.

April 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

Applying effluent to land as a fertiliser When spread over land and applied in timely fashion, dairy effluent can save farmers thousands of dollars a year in fertiliser. supplied by ] Article Waikato Regional Council ] Farm dairy effluent is a natural, dilute liquid fertiliser. It contains nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), magnesium (Mg),

sulphur (S) and trace elements that you’d normally pay for to have applied to pasture. Think of dairy effluent as a resource, not waste. The average dairy herd (244 cows) produces the same amount of effluent as a town with about 3400 people.

Protect waterways on your farm by:

Too much effluent can:

• not irrigating within 50 metres of a water supply • leaving a strip of non-irrigated land next to all watercourses – at least 20 metres wide • ensuring that spray drift isn’t getting into nearby streams or rivers

• kill pasture – especially where effluent has ‘ponded’ on the soil surface • pollute nearby streams and rivers – where it runs off paddocks into waterways. • pollute ground water – by seeping too deep into the soil • be an ineffective use of nutrients – by seeping past the root zone before the plant can utilise it

Soil acts as a living filter and treats the applied effluent by changing it: • physically – filtering out effluent particles, breaking them down and incorporating them into the soil structure • chemically – absorbing nutrients and making them available to plants • biologically – harmful micro-organisms (such as bacteria) present in the effluent are retained by the soil, or are killed when the effluent dries or when they become exposed to sunlight. However, don’t apply too much as soil can only filter so much effluent at a time. It’s important to match the irrigation depth to the capability of the soil. Land with impeded or artificial drainage, high or rising water tables or slopes of greater than seven degrees have a higher risk from over-application, and therefore application depths should be adjusted accordingly to reflect soil and weather conditions.

Working out how much effluent to irrigate Although effluent contains many nutrients which can impact on your farm management, it is the environmental effects of nitrogen that determine how much you can irrigate onto land. Too much nitrogen can reduce pasture performance and reduce water quality in neighbouring waterways. If you know exactly how much nitrogen is in effluent, you can work out the most effective application rates for your land. Each effluent application must not be more than 25 millimetres deep. How deep you irrigate effluent over an area will depend on how much nitrogen you want to apply. Remember to cover water troughs when irrigating effluent.

Alternative: Dairy effluent is a resource, not waste. Photo courtesy of Nevada Group

CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2022

CropX’s effluent management service Farmers are keen to know that all aspects of their effluent management are fit for purpose and meet not only their ambitions for making the best use of the nutrients in effluent, but also the industry’s requirements that effluent causes no environmental harm.

] Advertorial by CropX Technologies

The launch of CropX’s effluent management service meets this need. Farmers have made large investments in the infrastructure associated with effluent: right-sized storage ponds, larger effluent application areas and a wider range of effluent irrigators. To make the most of this investment, knowing when the best time is to apply effluent, and at what application depth, is the last step to ensure that both goals of utilizing nutrients and causing no environmental harm are met. Global farm-management company CropX is well-known for providing water irrigation management insights, based on data from their proprietary soil moisture sensor. Now the insights have been expanded to include effluent irrigation insights. This development has come from integrating the Regen effluent management service fully into the CropX platform. “It is exciting to have the Regen effluent service now available in the CropX app. As well as having all the features that Regen provided, the product can be offered for a substantially lower set-up cost for the farmer, due to using the advantages of the

‘

CropX effluent management is ready. Eitan Dan CropX Managing Director

CropX sensor,” says Bridgit Hawkins, Chief Sustainability Officer CropX. The CropX effluent service provides a daily recommendation if the soil conditions are suitable for effluent irrigation. This recommendation takes account not only of current soil moisture, but the soil effluent risk category and any other consent

conditions. So staff can have confidence that if they turn on the irrigator today there is no risk of ponding or run-off. The effluent pump is monitored meaning that an automated record is kept of each day effluent was applied and what the soil conditions were on that day. The effluent storage pond level is moni-

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tored and target levels are set across the season. At certain times of the year it is okay for the storage pond to be close to full, but at another time of the year it should be empty. The CropX effluent system means this can be tracked across the year, and if the current level is above the target level, it calculates how many pumping hours are needed to get back to target. A simple dashboard makes it easy to keep an eye on the overall status of effluent management on the farm. To learn more or have a demo, contact 0800 37 34 36 or email info.nz@cropx.com.

April 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.

TracMap 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.

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• Full GPS guidance for accurate placement and efficiency. A map is sent to the device to guide the operator on the 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

TracMap’s GpS-based job management system generates the all-important ‘proof of placement’ data that is required to satisfy compliance needs. 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

The TML unit provides proof of placement connecting with TracMap’s online job management system making job management and invoicing easy.

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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.

DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING April 2022

Career growth opportunities abound for awards winners The winner of the 2022 Canterbury North Otago Dairy Industry Awards is excited about the opportunities for career growth within the dairy industry.

] by Kent Caddick Hinds’ sharemilker Will Green was named the winner of the region’s Share Farmer of the Year category at Trott’s Garden in Ashburton late last month. Green is a 34% sharemilker on the 270ha Dairy Holdings Ltd Hinds property milking 1060 cows. Other major winners were Jaspal Singh, who was named the 2022 Canterbury North Otago (CNO) Dairy Manager of the Year, and Peter O’Connor, the CNO Dairy Trainee of the Year. Green has tasted success in the Dairy Industry Awards as the 2018 Canterbury North Otago Dairy Manager of the Year and was also awarded the National Runner-Up title. He said the benefits of the awards programme include the networking opportunities and meeting and making new like-minded friends. “The programme made me focus on goals and the direction I wanted to be heading as well as creating speaking opportunities with My Connect, Understand Your Co-op and the Pasture Summit.” Dairy Manager of the Year winner Jaspal Singh is the farm manager on Mark and Carmen Hurst’s 220ha, 800-cow property at Waimate. The second-time entrant said the awards programme has challenged him. “I’ve learnt about my strengths and weaknesses,” Singh said. He said he is proud of decreasing mastitis in the herd from 32% to 9.5% this season and of increasing the production target to 487kgMS/cow, up from 472kgMS/cow.

Darfield farm manager Jaspreet Singh was second in the Dairy Manager category, winning $2,250 in prizes and one merit award. Currently working for Canterbury Grasslands on the 196ha property, milking 730 cows, he said he entered the Awards to challenge himself and learn and grow. “It’s been wonderful to meet new people in the industry and has been so good for my confidence.” Mayfield’s Peter O’Connor was named the winner of the 2022 Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Trainee of the Year category. O’Connor, who placed third in the 2022 Aorangi Young Farmer of the Year, works on Leighton and Michelle Pye’s 242ha, 900-cow Mayfield property. The first-time entrant entered the awards programme to challenge himself and see how he compared with other people at a similar stage in their dairy career. The 23-year-old grew up on a dairy farm near Westport and was actively involved in the family farm and its development. He obtained a Bachelor of Agricultural Science (First Class Honours) from Lincoln University and worked a variety of jobs during holidays. O’Connor said he believes the new technology being developed to make dairy farming better across many different measures will make the dairy industry more efficient and even more competitive on a global scale. “In the future I want to embrace new technology where possible to make my business a better place to work and be more profitable.” The Canterbury/North Otago Dairy Indus-

Winner: Will Green from Hinds took the 2022 Canterbury North Otago Share Farmer of the Year title. try Awards field day will be held on April 12 at Coldstream Road in Hinds where Will Green sharemilks. Also presenting at the field day will be the region’s Dairy Manager of the Year, Jaspal

Singh and Dairy Trainee of the Year, Peter O’Connor. Further details on the winners and the field day can be found at www.dairyindustryawards.co.nz

April 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

Strong farmer interest in emissions pricing options Agriculture’s emissions pricing alternatives are attracting good interest from dairy, sheep and beef farmers.

] Article supplied by DairyNZ

Ensuring an emissions pricing system delivers in the long-term, at individual farm level and on specifics such as recognition for sequestration and distribution of funds, are hot topics. DairyNZ and Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) are industry partners of the Primary Sector Climate Action Partnership, He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN), which is advocating for farmers to get a fair deal when agriculture emissions are priced by 2025. DairyNZ chair Jim van der Poel said farmers want to understand how the He Waka Eke Noa options (farm level and processor-level hybrid) are workable solutions for agriculture. “We are talking to farmers about how the He Waka Eke Noa options will allow a lot more recognition for emissions reductions on farm than the ETS – and that includes better recognition of sequestration from trees,” van der Poel said. “We’re also discussing how the revenue

generated will be used to support farmers to further reduce emissions, in a fair and transparent way. “We are continuing to hear farmer feedback, but already we are seeing a trend toward farm-level pricing, where farmers pay for emissions at individual farm level and are therefore credited for their good work to reduce emissions. “It is encouraging to see the level of debate and discussion. We are looking at how to incorporate that feedback to further strengthen the options we have presented.” Van der Poel said the consultation is vital for the future of agriculture in New Zealand and he encourages farmers to understand the pros and cons, and input into the outcome. “The Government has already legislated to put agriculture into the ETS, so this is our chance to influence the solution. “ETS costs would make it harder for Kiwi farmers to remain internationally competitive

Options: DairyNZ chair Jim van der poel says ETS costs would make it harder for Kiwi farmers to remain internationally competitive.

– this would impact export earnings and agriculture’s contribution to the economy, affecting all New Zealanders.” Public consultation closed on March 27

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and after taking on board the farmer feedback it has received He Waka Eke Noa will put its proposed alternative to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) to government by May 31.

DAIRY

CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2022

Dolomite ] with peter Burton

Standing the test of time

The first time I recall dolomite being mentioned was in the first season spent on a dairy farm in 1979. The farm owner and I were kneeling in mud in semi-darkness behind a hedge treating a cow unable to stand. She wasn’t the first and we became well practised in finding a vein and injecting a bag containing calcium and glucose. Even the best outcome where she was able to regain her feet and get to the shed, considerable muscle damage has already occurred and full milk production for the season was already lost. It was always a dilemma of whether to treat cows immediately or get the herd to the shed and milked before the tanker arrived and go back later. Either way there was valuable time spent, cost incurred, and the frustration of starting the day on the back foot. The owner made mention of the fact that these issues were relatively new and had only become common since they stopped applying dolomite. Further discussion provided the reason. To develop land and increase much needed overseas income a freight subsidy had been introduced by the government which meant fertiliser for remote regions was a negligible cost. Farmers responded, land was developed, production steadily grew and farmers were rightfully known as the backbone of the country. Dolomite however, the only deposit being close to Collingwood, became suddenly more expensive when subsidies ended and sales languished. It wasn’t until 10 years later that dolomite again became a topic of interest when the then Swiss owners of the mine were funding the early shipments of Kossier phosphate rock. They provided a sheet headed, Dolomite a first class source of magnesium, by Tom Walker, Emeritus Professor of Soil Science at Lincoln University. It contained the following, “…individual farmers will have to make their own calculations, but in my view dolomite is the ideal material to use on acid soils low in magnesium”. Even soils naturally rich in magnesium become deficient due to regular applications of

‘

in my view dolomite is the ideal material to use on acid soils low in magnesium. Tom Walker

Emeritus Professor of Soil Science, Lincoln University

in well-fed pasture situations farmers report at worst a handful of animals requiring assistance with animals becoming wobbly well in advance and responding rapidly to treatment. potassium in the form of muriate of potash and nitrogen in the form of urea, which over time are increasingly severe. The daily grind of dusting pastures with magnesium oxide can be a useful component of a magnesium programme however, because it’s impossible to spread evenly, animal intake varies and wet weather often means a significant amount is washed off prior to grazing. Interestingly soil tests from farms where magnesium oxide has been spread as well as used in a drench show little if any increase in soil held magnesium. It’s often a daily battle over spring particularly during wet cold conditions when every task takes twice as long. Animal demand is higher, fewer sunshine hours mean less magnesium in every mouthful of feed, and low energy availability increases the number and severity of metabolic disorders. In over 30 years of supplying dolomite to hundreds of dairy farms throughout the country a single annual application of 250kg of

dolomite per hectare has proven to be a highly effective way of minimising calcium/magnesium related issues in spring. In well-fed pasture situations farmers report at worst a handful of animals requiring assistance with animals becoming wobbly well in advance and responding rapidly to treatment. Our experience is that the 29kg of magnesium/ha annually, the amount applied in 250kg of dolomite results in a steady lift in soil test figures. There’s also something quite special about dolomite that doesn’t come with serpentine or any other form of magnesium. Dolomite is an ancient seabed deposit containing a wide range of trace minerals, which originally came from the land millions of years ago, and where dolomite is also made available in bins for free access it is the only magnesium product required. For a price on bulk dolomite delivered to farm phone 0800 4Dolomite (0800 436 566).

April 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY & LOGGING

Consultation underway on forestry settings in the ETS Recently the Government announced it will soon consult on changes to the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS) in response to concerns about carbon farming.

Sam Mcivor ] by B+LNZ ] CEO

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The announcement shows the Government has listened to concerns and represents genuine progress on this issue after sustained pressure from B+LNZ, farmers, groups like 50 Shades of Green, Federated Farmers and others to build awareness with Government and the wider public. The consultation comes on the back of recent analysis of policy responses, led by Lawrence Yule, which B+LNZ cofunded with local councils and Local Government New Zealand. The announcement also means the Government has acknowledged and accepted the Climate Change Commission’s advice to seriously question the dominant role of exotic forests as the primary means of offsetting, rather than reducing, New Zealand’s emissions. The key proposal focuses on preventing exotic forests from being registered in the permanent forest category in the ETS. The permanent category of the ETS relates to unmanaged forests which has been a focus of our concerns. This is a highly significant public acknowledgement that carbon-only plantings have the potential to cause significant harm to people and the environment, as per page 6 of the discussion document: “the Government does not consider it appropriate to provide incentives that could lead to a legacy of large areas of concentrated and perma-

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nent exotic forests. This will not provide a prosperous and sustainable footing for New Zealand in the long-term.” The discussion document puts forward three options for taking action and we want farmer input on the implications of these. We are especially interested to understand whether farmers would want an outright ban on the use of exotics for permanent carbon forestry or if there should be an exemptions regime put in place such as allowing some permanent exotic plantings within farm. Changes to averaging accounting are also proposed (adjusting how the carbon accounting method in the ETS applies to remote and lower productivity forest land) which would potentially im-

prove the returns for farmers who plant trees in these circumstances. If you have forest planting on your land that is further than 100km from a port or hard to harvest, or intend to let your forests grow beyond the typical harvest age, you should familiarise yourself with section 10 of the discussion document. There is also a section on improving incentives for indigenous afforestation. This sets out the Government’s current thinking on the barriers to establishing native forests and what could be done to manage these. B+LNZ has been advocating on support for native plantings in the right places on-farm for some time now. We agree that more incentives need to be provided for increasing and enhancing native vegetation. While there are some useful ideas in the discussion document, there are no specific timelines for changes. We need to better understand the Government’s thinking about what will be dealt with by changes to the ETS or other mechanisms, and how these discussions relate to He Waka Eke Noa. It’s positive that the Government wants to change the lookup tables in the ETS and more research is urgently needed on native vegetation sequestration. Consultation opened last month and feedback must be provided by 5pm Friday 22 April.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2022

Shipping costs impacting on wharf gate price

World events surrounding Covid and the Ukraine invasion are dominating all market speak at present. The key impacts across the log trade are expressed in ship availability and cost, hence the focus for this month’s report. For the forest sector, shipping across all wood fibre commodities impacts at a number of levels. Shipping capacity, cost and on time delivery are some of the balls constantly in the air with an ability to juggle them in to any semblance of order a major challenge. Although always a bottom line cost element of export sales in the past, shipping, has now become the primary driver for what happens at the NZ wharf gate price. Most NZ logs are shipped as breakbulk cargo in Handysize vessels which are fitted with on board cranes NZ Stevedores operate when loading logs. These are also the vessels that bring to NZ the likes of Steel, wheat, fertiliser and that nasty palm kernel and coal. NZ exporters have the advantage of picking these up for the return journey, although vessels discharging similar cargos in Australia will also come down to NZ for a backload. We have a huge imbalance of trade at present, in February for example, printing a NZ$385mil deficit with imports well outweighing exports.

On the surface, this would suggest a dearth of vessels available. Unfortunately, the imbalance is mostly in fuel and those vessels do not carry logs. The most recent significant lifts in prices are the direct consequence of availability and up until the last two weeks, that has been in the ship owners favour. Internationally earnings in the Handysize segment were up 244% in 2021 compared to 2020. This is compared to Cape and Panamaxe classes, up 140% and 125% respectively. Over the last year rocketing container freight costs has seen some cargos switching to breakbulk and Handysize vessels. Scrap steel is an example and internationally, scrap steel is going hand busters. As an example, South Korea has doubled imports of scrap steel by volume in the last 12 months and doubled the volume in the breakbulk sector. Handies hauled close to 16 million tonnes of scrap steel from all sources in 2021, up 32% year on year basis. Woodchips make up another huge use for Handies with the likes of UK, Japan, China and Netherlands switching out coal with wood fibre and volumes up on average 9%.

‘

The demand for Handysize vessels and therefore high cost of freight is going to be with us for some time.

Demand for fertiliser internationally is strong and demand for Handies in this sector up 4% whilst supply is tight as natural gas shortages have crimped production in a sector requiring high energy use. Increased wait to load and wait to discharge times are weighing heavily on the shipping sector. With most countries now rife with Covid, there are not the staff on the ground and testing and clearance procedures are delaying discharges. In China the average wait time across all ports has increased to 11 days, up from 2 days in October 2021. Sitting under a rampant demand and 10%+ of the capacity sitting at ports waiting, there has been a significant under investment in new vessel builds. A 16% increase in Handy-

size capacity since 2014 is matched at 42% increase in Supramax and 30% increases in Panamax and Cape size builds. All of this suggests the demand for Handysize vessels and therefore high cost of freight is going to be with us for some time. Meanwhile in the log trade, our domestic sawmills are running at highest possible capacity in the face of significantly reduced staff numbers due to covid. Order books remain full to overflowing but a real issue right now is order pickups are stretching as builders cannot source many of the other products they need to even start projects. In China daily softwood log consumption is running at 75,000 cubic metres per day and inventory is dropping slightly as NZ remains about the only supply source. We are expecting drops in prices at NZ wharf gate in April but a slight turn down in shipping costs in the last two weeks, primarily due to lower fuel costs together with slightly higher CFR settlements should reduce the impact at the NZ wharf gate. As always people, please remember the thoroughly important message, “It remains, as always, fundamentally important, no matter the challenges, the only way forward for climate, country and the planet, is to get out there and plant more trees”.

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April 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

New funding will drive expansion Two global leaders in agriculture are helping advance world-first pasture technology designed, tested and made in New Zealand.

] by Kent Caddick Investment from Gallagher and the Royal Barenbrug Group will fund wider farm rollout and faster development for Christchurchbased Farmote Systems founded by Richard Barton. Launched in Canterbury last spring, the Farmote System is a unique new way of automatically recording precise, consistent and reliable pasture data, 24/7. It now covers over 6000 hectares of farmland. Farmote is a smart, innovative pasture monitoring system that combines satellitebased multispectral technology with accurate on-ground Motes to take the guesswork out of pasture and grazing management. Easy to install and set up, the subscription service delivers up to date pasture data to farmers’ computers and smart phones through a mobile friendly website, saving them time and money. “We’re excited to have attracted new investment from Gallagher, as well as further investment from Barenbrug,” Barton said. “This will enable us to extend our services to other parts of New Zealand this year, and to Europe in 2023. We’re also recruiting staff to accelerate our development process.” Barton founded Farmote Systems five years ago, with early backing from international grass specialist Barenbrug, headquartered in The Netherlands, and Sir Stephen Tindall’s K1W1 investment company. Barton said Gallagher’s long history of success selling technology to farmers in New Zealand and overseas makes it a very welcome new shareholder. Intrigued by Barton’s concept since its inception, the Royal Barenbrug Group has since become increasingly positive about

Good to go: Farmote Systems founder, Canterbury-based Richard Barton field trialling the system.

Farmote’s value as the only technology of its type in the world. Barenbrug Global Head John Thijssen said many companies sell satellite images for field monitoring. “But if you dig a little bit deeper into these systems, they cannot tell the difference in absolute numbers between how much grass is growing in one field compared to another,” Thijssen said. “Farmote is the only one that has spent the time and money developing an on the ground sensor that can measure the height

of the grass in absolute terms, and integrated that with satellite imagery. “It’s quite difficult to develop, but as a result of our involvement with Richard over the past few years our confidence has grown to the point where we have now increased our investment.” Thijssen said the insight New Zealand farmers gain from traditional pasture measuring tools ‘pales in comparison’ with that provided by Farmote. “This is live information about grass

growth, 24/7. We see global application for this technology, particularly in Western Europe where grassland is intensively managed.” European farmers already familiar with sensor-based yield monitoring for arable crops have voiced interest in the Farmote System, and Thijssen said Barenbrug is excited about it because no other company has extended such technology to pastures. For more detail visit www.farmote.com

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CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2022

Dairy farm consenting

Where there are grey areas in the consents associated with dairy farming, these can lead to compliance problems down the track.

Matt Bubb ] with ] Aqualinc

It is usually better to know exactly what your consent allows (and perhaps what it does not allow) to prevent any nasty surprises in the future. The following provides a couple of examples of grey areas that we see from time to time:

Effluent discharge consents

Consented: There are a significant number of effluent discharge consents in Canterbury where the maximum number of cows is not specified.

How many cows can be milked under your effluent discharge consent? You’d think that this would be an easy question to answer. For some it will be, because the number of cows will be specified in the conditions of the consent. However, there are a significant number of effluent discharge consents in Canterbury (possibly around half of them), where the maximum number of cows is not specified. Why this would not be clear in the consent conditions is a mystery. Where the maximum number of cows is not stated on the consent, there will typically be no guide, or hint to this number. Occasionally the conditions will state a volume of undiluted effluent. Where this is the case,

the conditions refer you to a table where the volume per cow is specified. Having looked up that number, the authorised number of cows can be ‘back calculated.’ You’d think it would have been easier just to state that number on the consent! Where the number of cows, or volume of raw effluent, is not specified within the consent, the only way of knowing how many cows the effluent discharge consent is for, is by looking at the original consent application. It is the application that sets the scope of the

activity, and so the number of cows will be specified there. If you are not sure how many cows your consent authorises, it will be useful to find out. Better to know, than to have any nasty surprises down the track. A copy of the original consent documents can be requested from ECan Customer Services (ecinfo@ecan.govt.nz).

Water for dairy shed, stock and domestic use Some smaller dairy farms in Canterbury can

take groundwater for dairy shed, stock and domestic supplies as a permitted activity. This means that no consent to take and use this water is required. However, the numbers of farms that fit into this category is small. The reason not many fit the permitted activity status is either because the volume of water required for these purposes is more than allowed, or the property also uses groundwater for irrigation. To meet the permitted activity rule, all groundwater used on the property must be below the permitted activity volume. For most parts of Canterbury, this is up to 100m3/ day. If groundwater is used to provide irrigation water, a greater volume than 100m3/ day will be required. Therefore, bores taking groundwater for all purposes, that is irrigation, dairy shed, stock and domestic uses, need to be included on the consent. There has been some unclear and unreliable advice provided on this topic in the past. Consequently, there is much confusion on this subject. if you are unsure about your particular situation, contact the consultant that provides you with reliable consent related advice.

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April 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

Are bluetooth probes an option for your farm? Continued rain at regular intervals, along with colder than average temperatures, has resulted in very little irrigation being required for much of Canterbury since late January.

Andrew Curtis ] by Primary Insight ]

This is shown in the adjacent graphs using weather station data from Lincoln, Winchmore, and Timaru airport. Given the NIWA Climate outlook to June is forecasting near average to average temperatures and average rainfall, it’s quite tempting to start winterising irrigators. However, it’s best to wait a couple more weeks (Easter), keeping a close eye on your moisture probe trace in case the climate weather predictions turn out to be incorrect. Primary Insight’s recent irrigation workshops in both Canterbury and the Bay of Plen-

ty, have resulted in much discussion around how many soil moisture probes are needed to meet good practice, and how to minimise the costs of soil moisture monitoring? The answer to how many sensors is farm specific. It requires consideration of the soil type’s present, the different crops grown, and most importantly a good understanding of how the irrigation system runs, including any limitations. During the workshop we work through how to practically do this, using one of the attendee’s farms as an example. For a dairy farm the process typically results in two to four sensors being required; for an arable farm it can be double this, which can make monitoring soil moisture

monitoring using soil moisture probes an expensive exercise. An advantage arable farms have over dairy is crops are not grazed. This allows for a greater range of soil moisture probe options to be used, including Bluetooth probes. These probes download their data to a smart phone when you get within 10 to 20 metres, the smart phone then uploads the data to the website so you can view and make decisions from the trace. Bluetooth probes are half the cost of telemetered probes as no telemetry hardware is required; their running costs are also less as there’s no telemetry cost. Another way to reduce costs is to develop a technology plan for the farm; identifying the

range of current and future technologies and how to rationalise running costs over time, particularly from a telemetry viewpoint. I’ve recently been on a farm which had four separate telemetry systems in operation. if you’d like to learn more about whether Bluetooth probes are an option for your farm, how to work out how many sensors you need, or you want to brush up on your irrigation knowledge, Primary Insight’s next free irrigation workshop will be held 1-4pm 12 April at the Hinds Community Centre. Attendees will get a certificate of attendance which can be used to meet your Farm Environment plan requirements. registrations for this and future workshops are available through our website.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2022

End of the irrigation season is near

A year on from a similar article I wrote in this publication, and we are still embroiled in some challenging situations, into the third year of a global pandemic; on top of that we are concerned by global headlines, adapting family routines to periods of isolation and the behaviour of some in our communities. ups to ensure any repairs and maintenance can be achieved, as well as thinking about protection against the extremes of the coming season.

A checklist for winter maintenance

Stephen McNally ] by Technical Advisor ] Principal IrrigationNZ ]

But, in amongst this turmoil I am pleased to say we still have the reassurance that our farmers and growers are toiling away playing a vitally important role in the stability of our communities. For our farmers and growers, the normality of routines with their animals and crops keeps the focus on realities close at hand like extreme weather events and market supply chain disruption. Irrigation and our critical water infrastructure play a key role in our resilience. As the season changes to colder mornings and wetter days our farm routines need to take the opportunity to look at what’s on the agenda for winterisation of systems. It’s a great time to undertake the check-

If you’ve been noting down damage or signs of wearing parts on your to do list, it would be good to get on to any repairs soon so that supply chains that may be stretched, don’t mean you run out of time before Spring rolls around again. Get your pumps, filters and valves checked for function and leaks, making sure you follow the processes set down by your equipment supplier. Before you start have a good read of the Practical Resources in the IrrigationNZ web page where we set out some sound advice on maintenance points (ensure you follow any safety recommendations), and if you are tempted to work around electrical equipment – you probably shouldn’t. For anything that you are not sure of I really do recommend you get a service visit booked in by your accredited service provider. As the winter storms sweep across the land make sure any equipment that is vulnerable to wind damage is parked up appropriately or anchored down to avoid costly roll overs. Make sure you and your staff think about any changes you are making to layouts or where other farm equipment is parked or stored so you keep wheel tracks clear for

Reminder: Ensure you carry out winter maintenance on your irrigation systems so they are ready for next season. when you want to get under way again. While all that on the ground activity is occurring be reassured the team at IrrigationNZ is working hard to navigate the complexities of the ever shifting and expanding policy environment. We are directly involved in representing irrigated farming issues in many government agency forums that are redefining the way in which New Zealand looks to manage the val-

ue, benefits, and obligations of use of freshwater, nutrients, and water infrastructure. We provide pragmatic representation on many government led working groups such as the roll out of the dam safety regulations where we are looking to ensure low risk dams and those under the size thresholds are appropriately handled, whilst also recognizing the need for community certainty when these structures are larger needing suitably qualified design and assessment. There is an overlap with some irrigators on small rural drinking water suppliers and irrigation storage schemes; our work with the Taumata Arowai is looking to get pragmatic acceptable solutions for treatment implemented supported by our technical knowledge input. Looking down the track to new water storage scheme developments we are closely involved with MPI on framing up strategic solutions for New Zealand’s water availability and security to underline the role of capture and storage infrastructure in economic resilience. Our views are called on and respected in these forums. IrrigationNZ is delivering more training in both face to face and online formats as part of an overall career development pathway. This includes irrigation engineering covering design, installation, and operations; we are looking at how innovative methods can be used to keep training and upskilling available across the irrigation sector.

April 2022 CANTERBURY FARMING

rob Cochrane ] with Wool Procurement ] PGG Wrightson WoolManager, ]

LIVESTOCK

Climate and delays influence wool quality

With the on-going Covid-19 pandemic affecting many South Island rural communities often severely recently, wool harvesting has also continued to be interrupted as some shearing contractors have been forced to scale down operations allowing staff to recover from illness before returning into the workplace. While many rural folk may have scoffed at suggestion that their communities would be affected to such an extent, when the virus first emerged in New Zealand a couple of years ago, attitudes have changed considerably with perhaps a little more tolerance nowadays towards delays and interruptions. Unfortunately, in areas where full-wooled crossbred sheep have been forced to carry their fleeces longer than anticipated due to shearer shortages, not entirely due to the pandemic, wool quality has deteriorated with substantial yellowing evident when samples have been drawn from bales being readied for sale in broker stores. Good growing conditions, while great for general carcass con-

MORE RETURNS FOR YOUR WOOL

dition, also contributed to fleece yellowing. At time of writing the North Island wool auction of March 24 had just been concluded and of the approximately 11,000 bales offered in broker catalogues, approximately 32% had been passed-in from the auctioneers’ rostrum for failing to meet grower expectation. The previous week a similar percentage of the approximately 8,000 bales offered had also been passed-in at the South Island auction held in Christchurch. With such high passing rates, a direct reflection of weak global demand for the particular wool types on offer, the short-term outlook appears cloudy. As earlier eluded a large percentage of the wools recently catalogued have carried much higher degrees of discolouration than normal due to climatic conditions experienced across much of

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the country and the associated abundance of feed in many areas. Many lines of otherwise well-grown crossbred fleece have also been further contaminated by vegetable matter, which was to be expected given excellent feed conditions, and have therefore proved a little slow to move. In normal circumstances (whatever that means nowadays) wool exporters representing Chinese buying interests would be competing for many of the poorer colour wool types, however the obvious lack of demand from this sector has contributed to the relatively high pass-in rates this season, particularly of late. The main bulk of crossbred lamb’s wool came forward for sale during the February through mid-March period with again a limited demand for wools measuring coarser than approximately 30.5 microns and distinctly less interest in those displaying a vegetable matter (vm) contamination reading of more than 0.1%. Those of 29 to 30 microns with a

vm reading of 0.0%, were the most sought after, provided of course they carried a very low y minus z (colour) measurement. Only limited quantities of mid-micron wool types have been offered at Christchurch wool auctions during the past few weeks and market demand limited to specific types mainly in the 26 micron and finer ranges with most interest directed toward those with good tensile strength, well prepared, and low vm. With no merino wool types on offer in NZ during the past few weeks, only Australian brokers could be quoted. Their market proved reasonably solid for wools measuring finer than approximately 18.5 microns, particularly those carrying either a NM (non-mulesed) or CM (ceasedmulesing) status (something every merino clip grown in NZ can boast). 19 micron or coarser types appeared to be easing at time of writing, probably a reflection of limited demand from Chinese buyers. That’s my view.

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April 2022

Recovery holds despite Omicron disruption The venison schedule has been tracking upward in recent months, recovering much of the ground it lost during the worst of the Covid pandemic. By mid-March it was averaging around $8 per kg, very close to the five-year average for March of $8.04/kg.

Trevor Walton ]Thewith increased prices reflect the optimism of venison marketers, based on a more positive global outlook. Marketers also recognise that producers need more sustainable prices in order for venison farming to remain competitive with lamb and beef production. The higher prices and the lure of a premium for animals processed in spring “should give finishers and breeders alike a bit of confidence going into the weaner season in April,” says First Light Foods general manager venison Matt Gibson. Duncan NZ, Silver Fern Farms and the Alliance Group indicate they expect schedules to now stabilise at around the $8 mark through to the chilled season, when – in the words of Alliance Group sales manager Terry O’Connell – there will be “an upside for spring-supplied animals.” The focus of venison marketers and Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) is on consolidating the current market position and building momentum with additional value initiatives, such as retail programmes in China and the USA. These initiatives, along with the recovery in

the food service sector, are expected to underpin improved prices. “We’ve continued to work hard at building new markets, new customer segments and new products, all of which increase optionality and reduce the volatility venison has historically seen,” Silver Fern Farms global sales manager Peter Robinson said. Silver Fern continues to see good demand out of China and expects it will prove to be a pivotal market for growth, added-value and innovation for venison in the years ahead, he says. Despite improved demand, venison exporters still face a disrupted and problematic global supply chain. Daily disruptions are “nearly the new business as usual,” Robinson said. “Shipping capacity, vessel schedules, port productivity and land-side infrastructure all remain congested and disrupted in every country and across every trade lane globally.” At home, processors and deer farmers are juggling the uncharted territory of the Omicron outbreak. All processors report staff absences due to illness or isolation with household members. This has reduced capacity and slowed processing of deer.

Pre-outbreak planning, with companies working closely with local health authorities, will have minimised some of the potential impact. Still, one North Island processor had to close completely for a few days because of staff absences due to Covid. Protocols already in place across the industry – screens, physical distancing, temperature testing and masks – have been boosted by the widespread use of Rapid Antigen Tests (RATs) and consolidation of shifts to make sure staff are safe and that processing can continue as efficiently as possible. Farmers are advised to book space well in advance, focus on good animal welfare especially during transport, and be prepared to hold stock on farm for longer. At Alliance: “There will be disruption to numbers processed over the next week or so but at this stage, the impact is not too significant,” notes Terry O’Connell. “We are operating as best we can and reviewing weekly,” John Sadler of Mountain River Venison said. Duncan NZ chair Andy Duncan said processing was continuing at reduced levels at Duncan’s plants. He said his team is going a good job of balancing continued production

Things are starting to look good for venison producers after two tough years. with employee and public safety, alongside the need to fill customers’ orders and build on new market development work. The deer industry recognises that having to hold onto stock for longer than planned can – along with climatic and other stresses – make it tough for farmers. DINZ producer manager Lindsay Fung encourages deer farmers to talk with other deer farmers if they are feeling the pressure and if that’s not enough, to seek support from their local Rural Support Trust. The Trusts have local, rural people who have the networks and training to help farmers with all kinds of situations. Many of them are farmers or former farmers, so they understand the issues farmers face. Phone Rural Support 0800 787 254.

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April 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

Feedback gathered on emission pricing options Over the past few weeks, we’ve been talking to farmers around the country about the agricultural emissions pricing options put forward by the Primary Sector Climate Change Partnership (He Waka Eke Noa).

Kate Acland ] by Beef + Lamb New Zealand ] Northern South Island Director ]

so that the work farmers are doing to reduce their GHG emissions will be recognized. Most importantly, we will have some degree of control over its future cost and direction. Both pricing options put forward recogBy we, I’m referring to Beef + Lamb New Zealand and DairyNZ, who have worked in part- nise the sequestration that’s happening on nership to reach as many farmers as possible our farms and this has been a focus of much of the feedback we’ve had so far. either physically or on-line. We’re committed to ensuring farms get This is a huge issue and we need to make sure we land on a pricing mechanism fair recognition for the sequestration that is that as well as being effective, is workable happening on their farms and farmers have for farmers. It is vital that farmers get a fair told us how important this is. However, questions have been raised deal when agricultural emissions are priced about the 2008 baseline and there have in 2025. So far, we’ve gathered fantastic feedback been calls to review this. We’ve also heard from farmers who don’t which we are incorporating into the recommendations we will take back to the partner- want us to set up a system that may require higher levies to pay for sequestration. They ship in the next few weeks. Overwhelmingly we heard that farmers would like us to explore the possibility of a don’t want to be included in the Emissions greater range of on-farm vegetation being Trading Scheme (ETS). The alternative op- included in the Emissions Trading Scheme tions in HWEN would allow the primary sec- rather than in He Waka Eke Noa. The Government is insisting the options tor to take ownership of a pricing framework, are a closed loop – so any sequestration payments need to be paid for by the system (ie. farmers) so it’s Crutching Trailers important we get the settings right at the start. Shearing Trailers Other concerns expressed Shed Shearing Contracting have been around administration costs. Any system Life Style Block Mobile Shearing has to be cost effective and wherever possible, streamlined with existing systems

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so that revenue raised is used to fund research and the development of tools to mitigate on-farm GHG emissions. Towards the close of the consultation process on 27 March, farmers seemed to be favouring the farm-level pricing where farmers pay for emissions at an individual farm level. This means they are rewarded for the work they have done to reduce emis-

sions within their own business. Feedback to the HWEN partnership from across the agricultural sector will be analysed and used to form a recommendation to the Government on 31 May. The Government will consider this advice and farmers will likely get another opportunity to provide feedback as part of a public consultation before the final framework is put in place in 2025.

CANTERBURY FARMING

April 2022

Lexus LX 500d luxurious travel for any situation There is little doubt the new Lexus LX 500d is built for all terrain, whether you are inspecting the outer paddocks, taking the family skiing or driving through the inner city.

] Article supplied by LexusNZ

The new 500d features a twin-turbo V6 diesel engine, a 10-speed automatic transmission and a wide range of improvements, including the first F Sport version of an LX. As the final retail price for the Limited and the F Sport grade is the same, the question of which model to purchase comes down to the customer’s needs. The seven seat Limited model offers ultimate luxury, while the five seat F Sport places more emphasis on performance and maintains a luxury cabin experience. Lexus New Zealand General Manager Andrew Davis said the LX is about being able to move around comfortably, in any situation, in luxury. “Being able to go anywhere is a key feature of the LX 500d. But this is far more than a typical four-wheel drive SUV. It has a level of refinement that is unsurpassed – it is the ultimate luxury vehicle for more extreme kiwi lifestyles and even through rocky and rough terrain the landings are soft,” Davis said. The 2022 LX 500d has been given a new powerplant – a 3.3 V6 diesel twin-turbo replaces the former model’s V8 diesel engine or 5.7L petrol engine. However, torque has not been sacrificed in the search for greater fuel efficiency and lower carbon emissions. The new 3.3L twin-turbo V6 diesel engine generates improved maximum outputs of

Powered up: The 2022 LX 500d has been given a new powerplant, with a 3.3 V6 diesel twin-turbo replacing the former model’s V8 diesel engine or 5.7L petrol engine.

227kW (+27) and 700Nm (+50) versus the outgoing V8 diesel. Combined fuel consumption is lower at 8.9L/100km and CO2 emissions are also lower at 235g/km. Many measures have been taken to save weight as a means of improving responsiveness and fuel consumption. Aluminium has been adopted for the bonnet, roof, and door panels. The use of new high-tensile strength steel in the frame, lighter seat construction, and revised suspension also contribute to the savings. The LX’s interior design is based on the ‘Tazuna’ interior cockpit concept that was first adopted for the new Lexus NX which was launched in 2021. This includes a whole new generation of connectivity, safety, and driver aids all at the drivers’ fingertips. The level of luxury and attention to de-

tail across the interior of both models is impressive, the seven seat Limited features a hand-crafted wooden mosaic with patterns influenced by hawk feathers. The five-seat F Sport has a more performance orientated interior with aluminium features inspired by patterns found on a traditional Japanese sword. Running on the largest ever factoryequipped wheels at 22”, the Limited and F Sport each have a unique alloy wheel design. The F Sport exterior design is also different from the Limited with a unique front bumper, grille, and rear bumper.

More tow: The 2022 LX has a maximum braked towing capacity of 3500kg.

April 2022

CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL WHEELS

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Limited to kids 14 years and under and their families. We’ll have plenty of riding tracks available for all ages and riding abilities. Coaching, mechanics, fun camp activities plus much more, not to mention as much riding as you can handle! All brands welcome to enjoy a weekend with Yamaha. Prices start from $110 per child and $130 per adult, so book your family’s place in now to avoid disappointment as numbers will be limited For more information and to register, scan the QR code below.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

] with rob Cope-Williams

April 2022

New gun laws wrapped in your dollars

The March 15 attack on two mosques started it and the continuing gang shootings has accelerated the new gun laws that are either in place or about to be implemented. For the main population the tightening is welcome if it means a safer place to live, but hunters and recreational shooters are somewhat grumpy. In a nutshell, the new laws are, in their opinion, aimed at the unlawful shooters, but the legally licensed gun owners are taking the rap. Take for example, if you want to travel with your guns when the new law comes in effect to go hunting you must notify the Police where and why you are going, and pay an administration fee. Upon your return from your journey, you notify the Police that you are back, and your guns are safely locked away in your safe. Yes, you do pay another administration fee. Gun registration is also on the list of new requirements, and yes, there will be a fee for administration. The feedback that I have been getting is that the new laws will not stop guns and ammunition getting into the wrong hands, and that other than a very small number, illegal guns are not being sold or supplied to unlicensed gun owners. I am told that many are coming through our ports, there is a solid black-market that is operating as efficiently as the drug world. In fact, they seem to be one and the same. My own view is that there seems to have been a serious campaign to make guns and gun owners anti-social. Sure, the shooting that occur very regularly helps that concern, but what the public don’t seem to understand is that legal gun owners are vital in pest control, as in deer, wild fowl, rabbits and other pests, and that also helps feed not just the shooter’s family but, in many cases, other families. Then we look at our international reputation in the world of target shooting and clay

bird shooting. We certainly hold our own at the Olympics and other international competitions. To add to the concerns about the new laws, it seems the Police cannot handle what they need to do now, let alone adding huge loads unto their shoulders with the registration and reporting in and out of guns. Now there is an estimated 10,000 of the

240,000 licensed shooters waiting for the 6 months it is taking to get a renewal, while new shooters are waiting 12 months. As the old saying suggests, guns don’t kill people, the person firing it does. I do feel for the Police who are totally under resourced, and I hope that they get support to administrate the laws they now have to live with.

‘

My own view is that there seems to have been a serious campaign to make guns and gun owners anti-social.

Watershed moments On February 24 Russia invaded Ukraine. First and foremost this is a tragedy for the people of the Ukraine. Our thoughts must go with them, for a quick and peaceful resolution to this disaster.

] by Solis Norton

It’s nothing new. This part of the planet is perennially awash with conflict of some sort. Google ‘List of wars involving Ukraine’ to see for yourself. But still our thinking is piqued as if it were new with en masse real time coverage flickering across our billions of screens. By contrast the day Yaroslav the Wise attacked the Duchy of Poland back there in 1022, farming in New Zealand could not have been further from his stream of consciousness. The curse of the modern position is in reconciling our efforts here in Aotearoa with these noble and not so noble global objectives. The one about sustainability is the bee usually in my bonnet as it is so ridiculous and yet so irritating.

‘

What price will Kiwis be paying for natural gas on our road to 2050 decarbonization plans?

Can you please answer me the following: At what point may global emissions reduction objectives be put aside in favour of more basic human needs? Our Ukrainian friends will tell you ‘surprisingly early on in this bombardment I’m sitting under’. And if such objectives were put aside, how possibly could New Zealand agriculture be pitched any idea of perpetuity in pursuing them? Trees, livestock or otherwise, for emissions objectives, or any others. In a

time of such huge and rapid change perpetuity is but a fanciful dream, besides death, taxes and administration, of course. Why should I pay emissions tax for food I produce to nourish people when the military don’t pay emissions tax for their objectives which are quite the opposite? How can I as a country in the European Union stand against Putin’s invasion when last year no less than forty percent of the natural gas consumed in the EU was Russian? Personally, I think this more than anything else has roused his curiosity, as it has mine. What price will Kiwis be paying for natural gas on our road to 2050 decarbonization plans? Given it is touted as a critical transition stepping stone, while Russia holds the largest proven reserves of any single country, (twenty percent of global). Next question to energy minister Megan Woods – how could you possibly think retiring New Zealand’s only oil refinery is prudent? Prop it up if necessary but keep it going, this

transcends any issues of profit to be a concern for essential services. The Aussies are doing it. We should to. Should we hurry up and go renewable? Consider that China, pointed in their abstinence of condemning Russia’s behaviour is monopolizing key components in this process. They produce 85% or more of the worlds’ rare earth oxides, metals, alloys, and permanent magnets, used in wind turbine magnets, solar panels, batteries for electric vehicles, and smart phone components. Anyone convinced by Kaila Colbin that renewables will continue to become cheaper should also talk to Xi Jinping. But let’s stop there, it’s beer o’clock in Port Chalmers and sun is out and I’m in good company. Time to knock the top of a cold one and enjoy the view of autumn leaves creeping across the hillside. Rest in the evening sunshine and reflect on the fact that everything will be just fine and no one ever got paid to worry.

April 2022

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