Canterbury Farming, December 2023

30,287 copies distributed monthly – to every rural mailbox in Canterbury and the West Coast for over 25 years

December 2023 Edition

INSIDE

THIS EDITION Awards aplenty

p4 Nitrogen less lossy

p17 Christmas hours

p28 Meat exports fall

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Captain: cantabrian Neil evans, with his dog Tess, who captained the Kiwi team to victory in the Trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial Test Series against Australia.

New Zealand victorious in the Battle of the Sheepdogs New Zealand, captained by Cantabrian Neil Evans, has regained the coveted Wayleggo Cup in the hotly contested Purina Trans-Tasman Sheep Dog Trial Test Series held in Ashburton last month.

] by Kent caddick The event saw the country’s four most talented sheepdogs taking on their Australian counterparts vying for supremacy. The Kiwis dominated winning by 84.25 points across the two tests.

Each team was made up of four top competitors and their ‘heading’ dogs, along with one judge from each country.

Kiwis have now won 22 of the 36 matches

since the competition’s inception in 1985.

New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial Association President Pat Coogan said the annual sheep dog trials are hotly contested, and only the best of the best heading dogs get to compete for New Zealand against Australia.

“It was a fabulous few days. It was hard fought, so obviously great to get the win in the end. But, more than anything, it’s been about the sport,” Coogan said.

“We’ve all enjoyed the skills masterclass

that both dogs and competitors have given us from both sides of the Tasman.

“Thanks also to Ashburton for hosting the event in such an efficient and professional manner. Bring on next year.”

Coogan said with sheep and beef farming a backbone of New Zealand’s economy and lifestyle, sheep dogs play a crucial role, with more than 180,000 working dogs across the country.

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2 December 2023 CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Rural Women New Zealand launches new grant Thanks to the generosity of a long-time supporter Rural Women New Zealand has created a new grant aimed at supporting projects and initiatives in rural communities.

] by Kent caddick The Cynthia Collier Grant of $5000 will be awarded annually for the next three years with the first grant being awarded in mid2024.

The grant will support projects and activities in rural communities which focus on children, the elderly, conservation projects, and counselling and education initiatives.

Cynthia Collier lived on Wakarua Station near Taihape until her passing in 2013 and was a passionate supporter of her community and the work of RWNZ. “Mum would love to know that she was being remembered through the continued work of people like her to build community connection and support,” Cynthia’s

daughter, Jo Romanes, said.

RWNZ National President Gill Naylor said women like Cynthia are the backbone of our rural communities.

“We are delighted that this generous bequest from Cynthia’s family will enable us to honour her memory in this way and support the wonderful work that happens in our communities every day,” Naylor said.

She said the Cynthia Collier Grant adds to the existing philanthropic funds administered by RWNZ including relief after adverse events, a range of educational grants and bursaries and community project grants.

Applications for the 2024 grant are now open and will close on 30 April 2024. For more information go to: ruralwomennz.nz/ our-funds-and-grants.

WE ARE BUYING!

Supporter: cynthia collier at home on Wakarua Station.

Dog trialling, a rich history FROM PAGE 1 The New Zealand team was made up of: Neil Evans (captain) and Tess (Canterbury); Brian Dickison and Jake (Southland); Leo Jecentho and Tess (Waikato); Ian Stevenson and Zac (Canterbury); Lloyd Smith and Ted (NZ Team Reserve – Otago). The team was managed

by NZ Sheep Dog Trial Association President Pat Coogan, who also acted as a judge for the event.

Nestlé Purina Head of Marketing New Zealand Mark White said it was a great event and we are pleased to come away with a win in the Purina Pro Plan Test Series.

Dog trialling has a rich history in New Zealand, and TUX has been the proud principal

sponsor for over 55 years. In 2019 we introduced Kiwi farmers to our Pro Plan performance range, and it’s a natural fit for Pro Plan to lend its name to this prestigious international test competition.”

Last year, leading animal health solutions company Elanco NZ came on board to also support the Test Team.

Elanco Pet Health Sales and Marketing Manager Richard Wilson said Elanco products protect the health of both livestock and working dogs in New Zealand.

“So, our relationship with the NZSDTA and our support for the Trans-Tasman Test Team is a perfect fit. We are delighted with the victory.”

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The New Zealand Sheep Dog Trial team which emerged victorious in the Wayleggo cup test series against Australia. From left: Pat coogan (NZSDTA president and manager-Judge), Leo Jecentho (Waikato), Ian Stevenson (canterbury), brian Dickison (Southland) and Neil evans (captain, canterbury).

FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2023

3

Cantabrians recognised at the BLNZ Awards Cheviot farmer Ben Ensor, one of the driving forces behind the formation of the Hurunui Landcare Group, has been recognised for his work at the recent Beef + Lamb New Zealand Awards.

] by Kent caddick Over 300 people attended the awards night in Christchurch to recognise the people, the technologies and innovations which contribute to New Zealand’s world-leading red meat sector.

Cheviot sheep and beef farmer Ben Ensor received the Beef + Lamb New Zealand Regional Leadership Award, which recognised an outstanding individual, organisation or business in the sheep, beef and dairy beef sector. The winner of this award was identified by the Farmer Council in the Award’s host region.

The judges commented that Ben Ensor led North Canterbury’s dryland farmers through an incredibly difficult period in North Canterbury’s farming history.

“Faced with a regulation that threatened their viability, North Canterbury’s dryland farmers grouped together under Ben’s leadership to fight the regulation, which was eventually changed, and provided proof that they were continually working to reduce their environmental footprint,” the judges said.

“Out of this adversarial situation, Ben was instrumental in turning the dryland farming group into the Hurunui Landcare Group.

“Ben is recognised for his integrity and this, combined with his inclusive leadership style, has opened doors and built bridges with a diverse range of stakeholders, from regulatory organisations, environmental groups and local iwi.”

Leading leaders: Fraser Avery, chair of beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Northern South Island Farmer council, presents Jane and ben ensor with the regional Leadership Award.

“Tom’s commitment to the sheep and beef sector, to research and on-farm extension was legendary. Tom’s passion has been for science to be relevant, useful and to make a difference.”

The Ballance Agri-Nutrients Science and Research Award was won by the Low Methane Sheep Genetics Programme.

The programme has led the world in the development of the world’s first livestock genetic selection tool for methane reduction.

Other recipients: Chair of Beef + Lamb New Zealand, Kate Acland, said she was blown away by the calibre of the finalists at the awards.

“Sheep and beef farmers are often quite humble in their nature, but it is essential we put ourselves forward, that we celebrate our success and share our stories with wider New Zealand,” Acland said.

“It is going to be a tough season, and in tough times, it is more important than ever to celebrate the sector’s many achievements.”

Darfield-based Amy Hoogenboom was recognised with the AgResearch Emerging Achiever Award.

The award judges described Amy, who is

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New Zealand’s Beef Genetics Manager for Zoetis, as a great example of a hard-working young professional.

They said she had clear goals, a massive passion for the sector and its success and was highly motivated.

The Alliance Significant Contribution Award was won by Canterbury-based Farm Systems Scientist Tom Fraser.

The award judges said for over six decades, Fraser has been translating science into farmer language and has provided farmers with the tools, approaches and wisdom that has helped drive productivity, profitability and environmental outcomes.

• The Datamars Livestock Technology Award: Silver Farm Farms/Lynker Net Carbon Zero Mapping Tool.

• The Gallagher Innovative Farming Award: Marlborough-based fence post recycling company Repost Ltd. • The Silver Fern Farms Market Leader Award: Pearl Veal.

• The Rabobank People and Development Award: New Zealand Rural Leadership Trust.

• The FMG Rural Champion Award: Surfing for Farmers.

4 December 2023 CANTERBURY FARMING

FARMING NEWS

Cantabrian places in Young Horticulturist competition Christchurch’s Lydia O’Dowd has achieved a third placing in the 2023 Young Horticulturist Competition.

] by monique balvert-O’connor O’Dowd, who represented the plant producer sector at the competition, is head propagator at Southern Woods Nursery in Rolleston where she heads a team of six.

She battled it out against six other young competitors, representing various horticultural sectors, during a two-day final held in Karaka late last month.

O’Dowd was up against highly talented competitors from the following sectors: fruit & vegetable, winegrowers, amenity horticulture, landscapers, arborists and florist/flower growers. The finalists were tested on their horticultural practical skills, leadership ability, speechcraft, business acumen, and industry knowledge.

The coveted title of New Zealand Young Horticulturist of the Year was won by Nelson orchardist Meryn Whitehead; while second place went to Renee Johnson of Auckland who represented the Amenity Horticulture (recreation association) sector.

O’Dowd was the Countdown Innovation Project winner and also won the RNZIH Best Speech Award. Johnson won Countdown Best in Sector award and was second in the innovation project. Whitehead won the T&G Fresh Practical Components, Fruitfed Supplies Leadership and Bayer Best Practise awards and was third in the Countdown Inno-

vation Project. Meanwhile, Sarah-Lee Ewe, a Ramarama florist, won the Horticentre Charitable Trust Sustainability Award.

As a young student attending The University of Otago, O’Dowd initially thought her career path would involve people, rather than plant, care.

But, she said she’s now exactly where she wants to be, thoroughly enjoying a job that is varied and rewarding.

“I am passionate about sustainability and growing natives to sell on to companies that are contributing to the restoration of our natural environment in NZ. That really motivates me, O’Dowd said.

“We do this at Southern Woods, which is one of the many reasons why I like working here.”

Young Horticulturist Competition chairperson Hamish Gates said the competition, now in its 18th year, continues to seed the future of horticulture.

“We feel very privileged to be able to continue fostering the future leaders of this wonderful industry,” Gates said.

“Over the past few years, we have seen rapidly growing support from our sectors, helpers, and sponsors alike. As a result, we are getting finalists who are more prepared, more impressive, and more competitive showing off their talent. Horticulture’s future is in highly skilled and capable hands.”

Top result: Southern Woods Nursery head propagator Lydia O’Dowd of christchurch displays her awards after placing third overall in the 2023 Young Horticulturist competition.

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FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2023

5

Westland Milk award finalist Westland Milk Products has been named a finalist in the Deloitte Top 200 Awards for the Most Improved Performance NZ Business award.

] by Kent caddick With the company poised to repeat its record financial year performance off 2022, Westland is one of three finalists, with the winner to be announced at a gala dinner on December 6.

Westland CEO Richard Wyeth said reaching the finals of the prestigious award recognised the significant achievements of Westland’s staff and suppliers in staging a remarkable company-wide turnaround.

“Great things are happening at Westland and this is all due to the hard work, dedication and teamwork of our staff and the commitment to quality and professionalism day in and day from our suppliers,’’ Wyeth said.

“Across the company, we are extremely grateful for everyone’s efforts but it’s also important that we maintain our focus to ensure we continue to play a major role in the economy and the community of the West Coast.’’

In 2022, Westland Milk Products staged a significant financial turnaround, posting record sales and a $NZ120million rebound in profit compared to the previous year.

“The 2022 result definitely provided us with a lot of incentive and now we’re focused on maintaining that momentum as much as possible,’’ he said.

Despite the challenges of 2023, including a sluggish global economy and volatile trading conditions, we’re expecting Westland will deliver another billion-dollar revenue financial year and a similar profit to 2022.

“This expected result is even more meaningful for us. It means we’ve improved the business to the point that we have a healthy, growing business, year on year,’’ Wyeth said.

Revenue for 2022 for Westland increased

PHOTO: Richard Wyeth Westland CEO Richard Wyeth said reaching the finals of the Deloitte Top 200 Awards recognised the significant achievements of Westland’s staff and suppliers in staging a remarkable company-wide turnaround.

27 per cent year-on-year to $NZ1.04 billion, enabling profit of $NZ39 million, or 69c per kilo of milk solids, a $NZ120m turnaround over 2021. This was on the back of record milk prices in 2022, hitting $NZ9.40 per kilogram of milk solids (KgMS) during the year.

The result was also the first time in the

company’s 85-year history that Westland surpassed the $1 billion dollar revenue mark.

Wyeth said major investments in people and infrastructure by parent company Yili had played a major role in the turnaround as well as the company’s focus on a high-value product strategy.

‘

It means we’ve improved the business to the point that we have a healthy, growing business, year on year.

Richard Wyeth CEO, Westland Milk Products

6 December 2023 CANTERBURY FARMING

Seasons Greetings From our team to all our clients and customers throughout the year, we have thoroughly enjoyed working with you all, have a wonderful and safe festive season with family and friends, we look forward to helping you with your property needs in 2024.

Contact our Canterbury Rural Manager Gareth Cox 021 250 9714 Scan the QR code to see a video introducing the team.

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FARMING NEWS

CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2023

7

New native tree nursery at Motukarara A combination of passion, a strong work ethic and uninterrupted time is a powerful recipe for success.

] by Garry brittenden Andrew Millson and Charlotte Parker brought all these, and more, when they established Millpark Nursery at Motukarara three years ago, and what they have achieved is staggering.

In that time they have established a thriving native tree nursery from scratch. This has involved gathering native seed from various sites on Banks Peninsula, building extensive potting sheds, making their own compost and potting mix and ending up with 25,000 native trees ready for planting.

“We purchased the property just before the Covid lockdowns, which in a way was perfect for us. We could just put our heads down and work,” Andrew said.

“Having all this time in isolation enabled us to work without interruption. We really achieved three year’s work in the first year.”

The couple come from quite different backgrounds, but share a common passion for starting their own business that was environmentally sustainable and involved working within a community.

“We both had an urge to create a space that encompasses diversity, within nature, business and the community. Millpark follows organic practices and is net zero energy,” Charlotte said.

Andrew grew up in rural England, went to Agricultural college and began working life as a game keeper! He moved into estate management and forestry farming, working all over Europe, until moving to New Zealand 13 years ago.

Over here he followed a different path, working as a ski instructor and as tour guide for a well – known tour company Moa Tours, which he continues to do over the summer months.

Charlotte is more the local, having grown up in Christchurch. She has a background in accountancy and business management, which she still does in an advisory capacity for start-up businesses. She also has a container rental business for on-site storage.

Their paths have merged and joined with the creation of the nursery.

“We both came with the passion to set up this business where we can provide a high quality product at a really fair price for our local community,” Andrew said.

“We absolutely love dealing with people who are just as passionate, supplying good plants for people who are doing good things.”

The couple are keen to widen their business beyond plants, and have just negotiated an agreement with a company that will supply them with high quality second hand vineyard posts.

Start up: charlotte Parker and Andrew millson started millpark Nursery at motukarara three years ago and In that time they have established a thriving native tree nursery from scratch.

“If you are planting natives, fencing them off from stock will be an expensive item.

These posts will be half the price of new ones, and are in excellent condition,” Charlotte said “We also want to extend our composting.

At present we make about 300 cubic metres a year for our own use.

“We have an agreement with a couple of neighbouring farmers to take their green waste, and we are also talking to some tree companies about taking their wood chips.

This will enable us to make high quality compost on a commercial scale.”

Because they have sourced their seed locally, Andrew and Charlotte are confident the

25,000 native plants grown to a saleable size will thrive in local conditions.

“We know that conditions vary greatly around the Peninsula, but the plant varieties we have grown are robust and are high quality specimens,” Andrew said.

“At the end of the day what we really want is to create a community of buyers that appreciate high quality plants at a low price.”

Andrew and Charlotte are also more than happy to provide an advisory service for planting and landscape projects.

For more take a look at their website millparknursery. co.nz or drop in to the nursery at 205 Jarvis road, at the back of motukarara.

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8 December 2023 CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

Impacts of Trusts Act update The Trusts Act 2019 has been in force for over two years and already there have been 283 applications to the High Court to resolve trust matters.

bessie Paterson LLb ] with Ronald ] W Angland & Son

There are many applications where a decision has been given and there are still quite a few working their way through the Court system. The new Act replaced the Trusts Act 1956 which had become very much out of date.

There have been a lot of interesting arguments to support the applications and some have been appealed through the appeals regime to the Supreme Court.

No doubt there will continue to be many applications for relief and the new law relating to Trusts will continue to develop rapidly.

In the past it was a quite common practice for a property owner or a purchaser to transfer their property to a trust in an effort to avoid the equal sharing provisions of the Property (Relationships) Act. The days where

a property owner could avoid their obligations by transferring their property to a trust are now gone. In some of its judgments the Supreme Court has made it quite clear that such arrangements are open to dispute.

The Act has also had an impact on the law relating to succession ie claims against estates where a trust has been set up to frustrate claims against a deceased person’s assets.

In one instance a father who had substantial assets transferred the assets to a trust.

At the time of his death the father had no assets to dispose of.

He had left a Memorandum of Wishes which included his reasons for the exclusion of his son from any benefit under the trust.

The trustees executed a deed excluding the son as a discretionary and final beneficiary of the trust.

The interpretation or meaning of words

has also been considered by the Courts. For example, the words “the children of the settlors” has given rise to litigation. It sounds a quite simple statement which should have a simple answer.

In a case it was found that a young mother who could not cope with her two small children had sent them to live with relatives. She subsequently married and had two further children of the marriage.

One of the small children she had farmed out returned to live with her new family and remained as part of that family. She continued to have nothing to do with the other child until later on.

The Court held that the expression “children of the settlors” did not include the child who was not brought up as part of the family.

The new Act imposed an obligation on trustees to disclose certain information to trust beneficiaries if requested.

That included the fact that the person is a beneficiary of the trust, details of the trustee/s including appointment, retirement and removal of trustees One case involved a trust where some family members applied for certain information about a deed of advancement which they argued was “basic trust information.”

The Court held that information did not fall within the definition of basic trust information and their application failed.

The Court has the power to vary or extend trustees’ powers in relation to property. An application to change the name of a charitable trust was granted. In an earlier case the Court had granted an alteration to a vesting date of a trust.

This article has been prepared by bessie Paterson a partner at ronald W Angland & Son, Lawyers, 2 chapman Street, Leeston.

The good and bad of the looming drought It seems as though the summer is going to be hot and dry. That’s great for the town’s folk, but not so much for our farming community.

] with rob cope-Williams First some good news, at I my add, someone else’s expense. The American farmers are already buckling under a serious drought and have culled their beef herds to the lowest for 61 years. Their demise is also from the high feed prices as most of their animals are in feedlots.

That naturally means that there is an opening for New Zealand to fill that void, if we can supply the meat to fill their orders. At last, a chance to benefit from our all-grass regimes that many laugh at because of the lack of tonnage versus feed lots.

The other good news for sheep farmers is

that the Chinese Lunar New Year will open the door for very good sales of sheep meat into China, however a narrow pipeline it may be. Both those openings are important as we brace for our own drought.

Beef wise it is a numbers game, but remember the bull sale season when we found that performance recording enabled producers a chance to get the top producing genetics into their herds, so while the numbers may be low, the quality is very high.

The same thing is showing up in the ram sales that are happening now. Quality rather than quantity. Performance recording has

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taken over from what the animal looks like, we now want to know exactly what it will produce in its offspring.

These traits are very important as we slide into dry conditions with schedules dropping, some will say even as low as $5.50 KG for lamb.

I hear the lambing numbers were high so the animals are there if we can feed them.

The get them off the farm as stores before Christmas may well become the common cry as it was for many years.

I understand the new buzz word is deferred grazing whereby you shut up paddocks

and not graze them so the pasture can establish and the clover do its thing, but I seriously don’t see farmers having to miss a couple of paddocks of good pasture when the chips are down.

Tell an alcoholic that they can’t take the top of the bottle of scotch sitting in the bench.

Whatever nature throws at us, we can only ride it out, but I am sure that your bankers and accountants will suggest very strongly that you involve them on a very regular basis.

Fences on top of the cliff are more fun than ambulances at the bottom.

CANTERBURY FARMING

RURAL PROFESSIONALS

December 2023

9

Consistency is key when investing US ten-year Treasury yields (a benchmark for US and global interest rates) pushed through 5% in October, the highest level since prior to the Global Financial Crisis (GFC).

Interest rates and equity values typically have an inverse relationship. Higher interest rates reduce the valuation on stocks due to a higher discount rate applied to future company earnings.

Higher interest rates also tend to increase business borrowing costs and weaken consumer demand. For dividend paying stocks, a higher benchmark interest rate can also mean the additional reward for investing in dividend-paying stocks versus bonds is reduced.

Most major equity markets are experiencing the same confluence of factors (to varying degrees) driving stock markets lower.

Higher interest rates have also put downwards pressure on bonds. However, there is a silver lining.

Rising interest rates have bolstered the interest rates offered on bonds. The average coupon rate on major bonds issued in New Zealand since the start of the year is 6.25%, with an average term of 5.5 years: investors are able to lock in some healthy fixed income returns for the medium term.

New Zealand lagging The NZX has been one of the weaker markets over the past three months (and past three years) as interest rates move higher again.

The New Zealand market is dominated by defensive companies with reliable earnings and dividends. Many investors look at these as alternatives to fixed income investments, such as bonds and bank deposits.

As a result, the NZ share market is typically more sensitive to higher interest rates than other major global markets.

Also unhelpful has been the sluggish local economy. High interest rates are hindering consumer spending and business investment, while weaker commodity prices are depressing export earnings.

Companies are generally seeing subdued demand and higher costs are pressuring margins.

Although business confidence has jumped post-election, we see this more a reflection of businesses’ political preference rather than a likely material near-term improvement in the economy.

Geopolitics hits the headlines again Geopolitical tensions often simmer away in the background but every so often they escalate and dominate the news wires.

That has been the case with the conflict between Israel and Gaza over the past month.

While the human casualties are horrendous, conflict in the Middle East is not rare and, to date, financial markets have largely taken the news on the chin.

While we have seen some volatility in oil prices in recent weeks, other major markets appear more focussed on higher interest rates as the main driver of performance (or lack thereof).

That said, there remain risks if we see a further escalation of the war and greater involvement of Iran and/or the US in coming months.

Consistency is key 2023 to date has generally been a grind for investors, with some gains in global markets offset by more challenging outcomes closer to home.

While we’re all glad COVID is largely in the rear-view mirror, the significant monetary and fiscal stimulus throughout the pandemic is still contributing to an unusual business cycle and heightened economic uncertainty today.

This uncertainty continues to cause market volatility. As we’ve seen over the past few

years, trying to predict how market sentiment will turn in the next few months is notoriously challenging.

The good news is that it will eventually end, and the evidence is clear — investors

who stick with a consistent plan achieve better outcomes over the long term than those jumping around and trying to second guess what is going to happen next week, and next month.

This article was prepared as at 31 October 2023 and provides market commentary for the three-month period ending on that date. We appreciate that market volatility and economic uncertainty doesn’t make an easy backdrop for investors. To discuss your investment options please contact Andrew Wyllie, who is an Investment Adviser and is Forsyth Barr’s Christchurch Branch Co-Manager. 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, has been prepared in good faith based on information obtained from sources believed to be reliable and accurate, and should not be regarded as financial advice.

Ronald W. Angland & Son

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10 December 2023 CANTERBURY FARMING

HEALTH ON THE FARM

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CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2023

11

Kia ora, Merry Christmas everyone I hope all of you across Canterbury have the chance to get a welldeserved rest after another busy year on the farm.

] by Kereama carmody This year has had its challenges with commodity prices being a bit of a roller coaster and we’re not out of the woods yet.

Financial stress can really hit home at this time of the year – the cost of presents, food and travel only adds to the business stress you might be facing as well.

If you do manage to get away for a break from the farm, make sure you reflect on the positives of spending this quality time with family and friends. Having gratitude for the good things in life will help you to find some strength when facing challenges.

That said, alcohol can often inflame negative feelings and so it’s important to not go overboard with drinking. Research suggests that there is a spike in family domestics over the Xmas/New Year period. Alcohol usually has a part to play in this.

Even though Xmas seems like a great time to eat what you want and let any exercise routines slip, try to stick to your usual routines. We all eat and drink a bit more than is good for us at this time of the year but if you let your physical wellbeing slide, it can have a negative impact on your mental wellbeing, and we don’t want that.

] with John Arts

Finally, remember if you have staff on the farm, reach out and check on them. Particularly if they’re away from their own family and friends at this time of the year. For those who are separated from family and friends or single guys and girls, Xmas can be a particularly difficult time and it can lead to loneliness and low mood.

I’ve been working alongside a small rural business that refers to their staff as the “work family”. Looking after your work family can be as important as looking after your own family and creates a culture of belonging. All of this helps with positive mental wellbeing.

Don’t be afraid to ask staff what their plans are over the Xmas/New Year period and if you see a shift in mood or demeanour, don’t be afraid to ask “are you ok?”.

I have talked to many of our older generation this year and they really struggle to ask that question – but it can be the opportunity for someone to share their concerns. If you’re not convinced when they say they’re okay, keep asking.

I hope you have a safe and happy break and remember to reach out if you need a yarn or are worried about someone. I’m always available by cell or email (021 222 1160, kereamacarmody@gmail.com).

Abundant Health Bettaflex Super Joint Formula New

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• Bettaflex is a joint support formula to promote healthy joint cartilage function.

• Bettaflex has 400mg (per capsule) of high-grade avian chondroitin, 400mg of glucosamine and 100mg of BioSolve® bioavailable Curcumin (from turmeric).

• Try Bettaflex for 3 months and see for yourself.

Most people will experience Osteoarthritis (OA) in their lifetime.

OA was referred to as ‘wear and tear arthritis’ or similar which gave the impression that over time cartilage ‘wears out’ like slowly rubbing sandpaper on wood.

The cause of cartilage loss is complex and is much more than cartilage wearing away. Cartilage is lost when the specialised cells that live in cartilage called chondrocytes are damaged.

This damage can come from trauma, or by a slow process of free radical damage to chondrocytes. As chondrocytes die, they cannot maintain cartilage which slowly disintegrates. This can be accelerated by certain enzymes (MMP’s) which can be triggered by trauma.

The key to maintaining healthy cartilage is Chondroitin Sulfate (CS). This is secreted by chondrocytes as they repair cartilage.

Adding therapeutic levels of CS can help protect chondrocytes and further help to restore damaged cartilage. Maintaining good levels of CS is critical for joint health as it helps to maintain both the strength (resistance) and flexibility.

Adding supplemental CS is in my opinion the single most effective method of preserving and maintaining cartilage health

even if the joint is showing signs of OA. This is supported by several international organisations and more importantly the European Medicine Agency has approved CS as a prescribed medicine in Europe.

My preference is for CS from avian (chicken) sources CS as its smaller molecular size allows for rapid accumulation within the joint capsule.

While my standard long-term recommendation is 800mg daily, I usually commence therapy with 1600mg and review every 6 weeks.

For best results look for supplements that combine CS with similar levels of glucosamine and a new generation 100% water soluble curcumin (turmeric) extract to help reduce joint capsule inflammation.

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 newsletter at www.abundant.co.nz.

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12 December 2023 CANTERBURY FARMING

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CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2023

13

The secret to great tasting pork New Zealand scientists have unlocked the secret to what makes great tasting pork according to NZPork.

] by Kent caddick NZPork commissioned AgResearch to examine how factors such as animal gender and muscle pH values impact the eating quality of New Zealand born and raised pork.

Consumer testing identified a preference for pork with normal pH levels of 5.52 to 5.65 (just slightly acidic), while those with low pH achieved less favourable scores.

Animal gender wasn’t found to influence eating quality for pigs with normal pH levels.

However, when it came to pork with low pH levels, meat from entire males had the highest fail rate.

The research also evaluated the most popular sensory characteristics of pork, with consumers reporting that aroma was the aspect of pork they most enjoy, followed by flavour, tenderness and then juiciness.

NZPork chief executive Brent Kleiss said previous consumer studies by NZPork have shown that quality and price are the most important factors when deciding to buy pork.

“These AgResearch findings provide valuable information and insights about how much pig gender and pH factors enhance or lessen the eating experience,” Kleiss said.

“Building this better understanding of what leads to pork with attributes consumers enjoy the most will help farmers to continually provide top-quality New Zealand pork products that customers can rely on.

“All parts of the supply chain have a part to play in improving and maintaining the quality of pork and we are committed to working with the sector to reduce the number of pork carcases with low pH.” The innovative eating quality project was led by AgResearch’s Senior Food Scientist Dr Carolina Realini.`

Tasty: How much pig gender and pH factors enhance or lessen the eating experience of pork has been at the centre of an innovative eating quality project carried out by Agresearch.

Dr Realini said the consumer study involving 200 participants provided key insights to construct a comprehensive profile of current consumer expectations regarding domestic fresh pork.

“Consumers highlighted that juiciness plays a crucial role in shaping their overall pork-eating experience, in contrast to my ex-

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perience working with other meats like beef or lamb, where tenderness and flavour often take precedence,” she said.

Kleiss said NZPork is working to ensure Kiwis feel more confident about cooking pork steaks and chops with the gold-standard cooking method designed to produce perfect pork every time.

“The 6+2+2 method is simple, easy to remember, and never fails to create succulent, juicy pork in just ten minutes.

“Over a medium-high heat, fry your New Zealand pork steaks or chops for six minutes on one side. Flip them over and cook for two minutes on the other side. Then remove from the pan and rest them for two minutes.

“When cooked right, pork steaks and chops are incredibly tasty and juicy. Unfortunately, people can be put off purchasing and cooking pork because they’ve had bad experiences with it being overcooked and dry. The 6+2+2 method means people can feel confident cooking perfect pork every time.

“Contrary to what many New Zealanders have been taught, the best way to eat pork is a little bit pink in the middle, much like beef or lamb.” canterbury Farming acknowledges the assistance of NZPork in creating this article. For more go to www. nzpork.co.nz

14 December 2023 CANTERBURY FARMING

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CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2023

15

Germinal innovative pasture cultivars are available in New Zealand Germinal seed is a truly sustainable pasture option for farmers where breeding for production, profit, and a lower footprint is cutting-edge.

] Supplied by Artikel & Swint

New Zealand farmers can improve the performance of their grazing system by simply switching grass and clover cultivars.

Flagship products from the climate smart range include Aber High Sugar Grasses (HSG) uniquely more efficient at promoting the increased capture of feed protein and improving meat and milk production.

Companion clover varieties like the world’s first hybrid DoubleRoot clovers, provide the essential tools for growing a truly resilient pasture.

Germinal grass and clover combination pasture options: Award-winning Aber High Sugar Grasses (Aber HSG) Ruminant animals are inherently inefficient at converting herbage protein, using only about 20% consumed, with the rest mostly wasted in urine – costly for production, the environment, and farmers’ bottom lines. Losses are caused by the imbalance between available energy and grass protein. Rumen microbes metabolise protein

quickly but need a readily available energy source to utilise the resulting nitrogen for production.

Aber HSG are proven to improve this energy imbalance with lower fibre and increased water-soluble carbohydrates compared to standard diploid perennial ryegrass.

Livestock grazing Aber HSG ensures rumen microbes have a steady supply of fuel to keep processing grass protein with less nitrogen excreted. More importantly, livestock can tell the difference with trial data showing a preference for Germinal products in palatability. These two attributes together encourage the increased intake of dry matter.

Germinal has also selectively bred Aber HSG, prioritising strong and dense root growth and tillering, aiding establishment with good ground cover. They are proven to persist, recovering quickly after grazing and dry spells.

World’s first hybrid DoubleRoot clovers DoubleRoot clovers encapsulate Germinal’s breeding innovation a world’s first successful hybrid of Caucasian and white

Ask for Germinal

Your sustainable farming partner Our pastoral grazing systems provide New Zealand agriculture with a competitive advantage. The value of pasture and management is well understood by farmers, and at Germinal we share a passion for pasture innovation.

Partner with us to lift your pasture to another level. With ground breaking research, we have developed cuttingedge grass and clover cultivars that naturally advance the competitive advantage of New Zealand’s grazing system.

Our range supports production gains and environmental benefits for a truly sustainable option.

Our cultivars have been tested where it matters by farmers and, more importantly, their livestock. The Germinal pasture advantage supersedes previous feed measures, utilising digestibility – animals can simply gain more from less. Trial data also shows a preference by livestock for Germinal products in palatability, and when it comes to pasture palatability, the animal knows best.

When production, profit, and footprint matter, ask for Germinal.

For more information:

0800 171 825 www.germinal.co.nz

New Zealand farmers can improve the performance of their grazing system by simply switching grass and clover cultivars.

clover AberLasting. Farmers gain the dual advantages of both varieties in one clover – a winning formula for growing a more sustainable pasture.

The dual root growth forms are distinctive and reflected in its name, able to produce both aboveground stolons and underground rhizomes.

Like white clover, AberLasting is a good performer in a range of climate conditions and grazing situations, producing a goodquality protein. With the combined natural

resilience of Caucasian clovers, an underground root system is naturally more tolerant of environmental stresses, drought and cold as well as grazing pressure.

DoubleRoot clovers power pasture’s ability to naturally fix nitrogen, reducing the need for artificial nitrogen fertiliser as well as feeding itself and companion grasses.

Ask for Germinal to gain the climate-smart competitive advantage. For more information call 0800 171 825 or go to www.germinal.co.nz

16 December 2023 CANTERBURY FARMING

ADVERTORIAL

PASTURE MANAGEMENT

SOIL QUALITY FACTSHEET

PRESENTED IN CONJUNCTION WITH VICTORY LIME

Reduce your NPK fertiliser cost by 50%

IT IS understood that growing almost anything increases your soil acidity or lowers the soil’s pH. While Aglime easily corrects acidification the final target pH level for optimum nutrient availability is and always has been a moving target.

The absolute building blocks for growth such as Nitrogen, Phosphorus, Potassium, Calcium, Sulphur and Magnesium, are not even close to their peak availability at a pH of 5.5 as shown in the table below.

As you can see a pH at 5.5 seems inefficient and illogical.

However, a pH between 6 and 6.5 increases availability exponentially and even starts peaking across many nutrients.

WHAT IS THE OPTIMAL PH AND WHY?

Your soil’s pH is one of the

key drivers in making nutrients available to the plant.

With a pH that is too low (< 5.5) trace minerals such as Aluminum become available which can heavily diminish growth or even kill crops. While the general consensus is that a pH of 5.5-5.8 is ‘good enough’, the science just doesn’t back this up.

NUTRIENT AVAILABILITY TABLE

5

5.5

6

6.5

7

7.5

8

8.5

ALKALINITY

ACIDITY NITROGEN PHOSPHORUS POTASSIUM SULPHUR CALCIUM MAGNESIUM IRON

MANGANESE BORON COPPER & ZINC MOLYBDENUM

9

“One aspect that has baffled us for years, is the apparent disconnect between fertiliser application and the availability or efficiency of the very nutrient being applied due to soil acidity.“ Almost every element of a fertiliser is represented in the nutrient availability table. When you are spending good money on fertiliser, you should be concerned if your advisors aren’t ensuring that the nutrient you are applying is at, or near, maximum availability. If they are not, you need to ask yourself why not? Maybe they have a vested interest in selling more fertiliser?

One of the fastest ways to neutralise soil acidity and increase pH is to apply lime. Liming is relatively cheap, especially when you consider that a shift in pH could potentially double the efficiency of a fertiliser in both the short and long term. The fertiliser efficiency table indicates this point and goes some way to show how a capital investment in lime may affect your overall and ongoing annual fertiliser spend.

We’re here to help. If you have concerns contact us: 0800 303 980 • www.springfieldlime.co.nz • www.vlime.co.nz

FERTILISER EFFICIENCY AT VARIOUS SOIL PH VALUES

Soil pH

N Efficiency

P Efficiency

K Efficiency

Overall Fertilizer Efficiency

pH = 6.5

95%

63%

100%

86%

pH = 6.0

89%

52%

100%

80%

pH = 5.5

77%

48%

77%

67%

pH = 5.0

53%

34%

52%

56%

vanRoestel, J. (2014, March). The Value of Maintaining a Good soil pH.

NOT ALL LIME IS CREATED EQUAL

As a rule of thumb 1 tonne/ha of high quality Aglime will raise the pH by 0.1 pH unit. Therefore a 6 tonne/ha application is required to increase the pH from 5.7 to 6.3.

To maintain the optimum pH of 6.2-6.5, maintenance applications of at least 500kg per annum will be required.

The above rates are based on high quality Aglime – that means a lime equivalency or ‘as delivered’ Calcium Carbonate content of 90% or greater.

The particle size should meet New Zealand Aglime standards of 50% passing 0.5mm and no more than 10% passing 2mm to allow good even spreading and consistent

long term release into the soil.

Consider solubility and ensure you are dealing with a limestone resource that has been proven to lift pH as expected. Talk to a few neighbours, they will know the history.

Keep in mind that many lime companies can create specific lime and fertiliser/mineral blends prior to dispatch to make your annual applications even more cost effective.

SOIL PH TESTING

It is vital that you have a comprehensive soil test done prior to any fertiliser application to show what other trace minerals are present. Talk to your specialist lime company today.

PASTURE MANAGEMENT

CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2023

17

Downward trend in nitrogen loss from Canterbury dairy farms An independent statistical analysis of data from OverseerFM shows a downward trend in the amount of nitrogen loss per hectare from dairy farms in Canterbury.

] by Kent caddick

OverseerFM is a decision support tool that assists farmers, growers, and their advisers to be environmentally and economically sustainable. It is used by farmers to understand the flow of nutrients on their farm from sources such as fertiliser and animal effluent.

The independent analysis of 1,269 farm records on OverseerFM shows a 27.5 per cent decrease in mean nitrogen loss per hectare over five years to 2021-22.

According to OverseerFM the analysis found that across about 302,000 hectares of dairy production land, the mean nitrogen loss per hectare in 2016-17 was 63.8 kg per hectare. This had reduced to 46.2 kg per hectare in 2021-22.

The assessment provided estimates of trends in nitrogen loss after considering the size of dairy farms in terms of herd size and productive area.

The analysis assesses within-year variability in nitrogen loss across farms and sub-regions and concludes that despite this variability, there is a statistically significant downward trend year-over-year.

For the entire Canterbury region, the OverseerFM data reported an average decrease in nitrogen loss of -5.7% per year for the six years from 2016–17 to 2021–22. The Waim-

akariri sub-region had the smallest reduction of – 3.6% per year, whereas the Ashburton sub-region showed the largest reduction of -6.6% nitrogen loss per year.

Jill Gower, chief executive of Overseer Ltd, said the analysis is a valuable contribution to the ongoing conversation about improving farming’s environmental footprint in Canterbury.

“OverseerFM is a crucial decision support tool providing information and insights to individual farmers and growers,” Gower said.

“The purpose of this analysis was to establish whether Overseer could also provide a reliable source of data at a regional or subregional level.

“In Canterbury, where the regional council and processors require dairy farmers to use OverseerFM, this analysis confirms that our picture of the number of farms and extent of dairy farming is consistent with other sources of information.

“Equally important, the data scientists found no evidence farmers were attempting to ‘game’ the model by manipulating their inputs. This helps give confidence in Overseer’s results.”

Gower said the report, using OverseerFM data, shows nitrogen losses from Canterbury dairy farms are trending in the right direction.

“It’s important to keep in mind that this data measures nitrogen loss to soil on

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“Importantly, the report provides reason to be confident that OverseerFM information can shed light on how farmers are adapting their systems over time. It shows that when farmers have good information and support tools, they will make necessary changes to improve their environmental footprint.”

The report is available on the Overseer website at www.overseer.org.nz

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farms, not nitrogen levels in rivers – – that is, the outcomes of farm system choices. OverseerFM also does not record other impacts on river water quality such as urban development and population growth in river catchments.

“With Environment Canterbury currently developing a new Regional Policy Statement, we hope that this is a useful contribution to that process.

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December 2023

19

Argentinian beef exports on the rise Structural changes in Argentina’s beef industry have resulted in a significant lift in Argentinian beef exports over recent years, and the lion’s share of these exports have found a home in China.

] Article supplied by Rabobank

That’s according to agribusiness banking specialist Rabobank in its Q2 Global Beef Quarterly report, titled, The Changing Face of the Argentinian Beef Industry.

Rabobank says Argentina remains one of the largest producers, consumers and exporters of beef in the world, but its beef consumption has been slowly declining over recent decades.

“In 2022, Argentinian per capita beef consumption dropped to 47.5kg, its lowest level in the last 30 years,” Rabobank senior animal protein analyst Angus Gidley-Baird said.

“While several factors have contributed to this, the rising cost of beef is a leading cause with retail beef prices in Argentina having increased by more than 35 per cent (in USD) since January 2019.

“Beef consumption in Argentina has a powerful cultural connection and rising prices and declining consumption have become a focus for government policy. And, in an effort to curb rising inflation and limit rising beef prices, export restrictions were put in place in June 2021.”

Despite these restrictions being recently extended until the end of 2023, the report says, Argentinian beef exports have increased to record levels.

“The 14.4 per cent year-on-year increase in Argentinian beef exports in 2022 resulted in a new record in volume and value terms, with this driven by a combination of increased

Competition: rabobank senior animal protein analyst Angus Gidley-baird says a lift in Argentinian beef exports will ensure ongoing competition for global beef producers, including those from New Zealand.

Chinese demand, currency devaluation (leading to greater competitiveness) and reduced domestic consumption,” Gidley-Baird said.

“From 2010 to 2019, exports represented on average of around 10 per cent of total beef production. From 2020 to 2022, this share has more than doubled to 26 per cent.

China remains the dominant market for Argentina – with 77.6 per cent of beef shipments sent to China in 2022, and we expect this to continue moving forward.”

With Argentinian beef exports into China

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expected to remain strong, Gidley-Baird said, the Argentinian industry would ensure ongoing competition for global beef producers, including those from New Zealand, exporting product into that same market.

Meanwhile the report says the transition into more settled autumn weather conditions has been welcomed by farmers across New Zealand following the devastating weather events in January and February.

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Gidley-Baird said New Zealand’s beef production for the first quarter of 2023 lifted one per cent year-on-year.

“This increase in production was underpinned by dairy farmers sending cull cows for processing earlier than usual, due to tightening margins,” he said.

“Overall, beef exports in Q1 2023 were two per cent higher year-on-year, with exports to China and the US both lifting eight per cent.

“However, earnings across all key markets were back significantly on prices from a year ago, with total returns back 15 per cent year-on-year.

“Farmgate beef prices are expected to remain firm through winter, off the back of limited global supplies. High Chinese beef inventories and the possible dampening of US consumer demand are key downside risks.”

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20 December 2023 CANTERBURY FARMING

Vantage acquires Carrfields soil moisture technology Methven based Vantage New Zealand has expanded its precision agriculture portfolio with the acquisition of Metos soil moisture and environmental technology from Carrfields in Ashburton.

] by Kent Caddick According to Vantage the strategic move is set to offer expanded choices and innovative solutions to agricultural customers across Aotearoa.

Manager Director and Co-Founder of Vantage Jemma Mulvihill said the transition of these products and services from Carrfields to Vantage New Zealand underscores the company’s commitment to providing state-ofthe-art precision agriculture solutions.

“These solutions further empower farmers and growers to make informed decisions to minimise input costs, maximise profits, and optimise their operations while addressing the ever-evolving challenges of farming in New Zealand,” Mulvihill said.

“We are committed to providing our customers the very best products and service, and the Metos product range compliments and further enhances the range of products and services we can offer. “We enjoy discussing and providing solutions to each farm-

er’s individual requirements and look forward to working alongside Metos users to continue the great service they experienced with Carrfields.”

Vantage supplies a diverse range of precision agriculture products and services including soil mapping, soil moisture monitoring, precision nutrient management and guidance solutions.

They are also the only authorised reseller of Trimble Hardware and Software products in New Zealand.

“With the addition of Carrfields’ soil moisture technology, this product range has significantly broadened, offering a more extensive spectrum of agricultural solutions for all Kiwi farmers,” Mulvihill said.

“Existing customers can expect the continuation of top-tier customer support. With precision ag specialists across New Zealand, the dedicated team will continue to provide prompt assistance, ensuring that inquiries and concerns are addressed quickly and effectively.”

Product acquired: Vantage New Zealand has added the Metos by Pessl product range to its portfolio after acquiring the soil moisture product from Carrfields.

Call Matthew Reed today 021 526 576

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CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2023

21

Get harvest ready with yield mapping Yield mapping is a powerful tool that can help farmers and agronomists improve yields, reduce costs, and minimise environmental impact.

] Supplied by Vantage NZ

It works by creating a map of the variability in crop yield across a field using data collected by hardware and software systems you may already have. The map can then be used to identify areas of the field that are underperforming and to develop targeted management strategies to improve them.

Your yield data is the final measure of your season’s work. By turning that data into yield maps, you gain a good picture of where your yield is coming from and the profitability of each piece of land. This allows you to make data-informed decisions about how to manage your farm.

Yield mapping data can be used to: • Define consistent management zones: By analysing multiple years of yield data, you can identify areas of their fields that consistently yield more or less than average. These management zones can then be used to tailor input application, irrigation, and other management practices to the specific needs of each zone.

• Create profit maps: Profit maps show the gross and net profit generated by different areas of a field. This information can be used to identify areas where

different management practices are most profitable and to make decisions about how to allocate resources.

• Identify yield-limiting factors: Data can be used to identify yield-limiting factors, such as nutrient deficiencies, pests, and diseases. Once the yield-limiting factors have been identified, you can develop strategies to address them.

• Calculate nutrient requirements: Calculate the amount of nutrients a crop has removed from the soil. A precise fertiliser application plan can then be created to replace nutrients that have been lost.

Collecting accurate data is critical to yield mapping’s success. The better your data, the more value you can gain from it.

Developing high-quality data takes years, so the sooner you start, the sooner you can extract value, improve efficiency, and increase profits.

You can also enhance your data with precision agriculture services like EM Soil Surveys. These surveys provide crucial details on soil properties, aiding in strategic land management for optimal resource use.

Incorporating Precision Nutrient Management further refines fertilisation strategies, ensuring sustained productivity over time.

This initial investment in comprehensive da-

Yield mapping creates a map of the variability in crop yield across a field using data collected by hardware and software systems and can be used to identify areas of the field that are underperforming and to develop targeted management strategies to improve them.

ta delivers lasting benefits for informed and efficient agricultural decision-making.

Tips for collecting accurate yield data Make sure your GPS receivers and antennas are working correctly and that you are collecting georeferenced yield data. Be sure to start with a clean and properly programmed data card.

Check and calibrate your sensors, especially your flow and moisture sensors.

Harvest systematically and follow a plan to cover all the rows in your field.

And lastly, make sure you back up your

raw data regularly throughout the season.

So, you have the data.

What next?

Vantage New Zealand can help you create yield maps and show you how to use them to identify the reasons for variation in yield across your farm.

Together, we can dig right into your data to develop a strategy for land preparation and the planting season, turning your data into data-driven insights for next season. ready to get started? contact us by phone or visit our website www.vantage-nz.com/yield-mapping

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22 December 2023 CANTERBURY FARMING

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24 December 2023 CANTERBURY FARMING

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

Posts and rails designed by a fencer, built for a farmer New Zealand farmers have always been an innovative bunch. Now the award-winning Kiwi start up Future Post, founded by Waikato farmer and fencer Jerome Wenzlick, have added a new product to complement their recycled post range – a 100% recycled rail.

] Article supplied by Future Post Ltd

Made from 100% recycled waste plastics diverted from landfill, demand for Future Posts on farms has been strong over the last five years with landowners recognizing the simplicity offered for electric fencing – no insulators are required as the posts are already non-conductive, as well as longevity for under irrigation lines and waterways fencing where the no rot, CCA-free benefits of the solid plastic posts really come to the fore.

Landscaping and equine sectors have also been quick to take a liking to the posts due to the smart modern “Equestrian Black” look which comes from the addition of UV Carbon Black, providing consistent colour and long-lasting UV stability. Posts that require no painting or ongoing maintenance offer huge time and cost saving and immediate appeal in the fence line.

The first recycled rail has recently been produced in the company’s newly opened South Island factory, located in Blenheim, and will nicely complete the look for post and rail feature fencing.

Of big benefit to horse owners, Future Post products are proving highly durable to chewers and crib-biters meaning fencing will remain looking good for years to come.

Kelly Williams at the well-known Tall

Tree Stud, Templeton, already has Future Posts installed onsite which have resisted any chewing from horses over the last few years. She’s now excited to be trialing the recycled rails on a new yard installation and expects the same performance results.

“There is nothing worse than seeing timber post and rails getting chewed down overnight by bored horses,” Kelly said.

Future Post’s new factory is a welcome addition to the South Island with local production greatly reducing freight costs where posts were previously being freighted down from Auckland.

Alongside the domestic soft plastic collection scheme in stores, commercial recycling partnerships with the likes of Zoetis, LIC, Fonterra and Virbac also shows that demand for more sustainable measures on farm are being sought, with pro-active companies taking responsibility for their waste products at end of life, followed by farmers closing the loop by using the 100% recycled posts back on farm.

It’s a win win all-round.

Future Post recently attended the Canterbury Agricultural Show where they won Best Medium Trade Site. The team will also be present at the Gore Field Days next February, with posts available in between shows by getting in touch via their website.

Of big benefit to horse owners, Future Post products are proving highly durable to chewers and cribbiters meaning fencing will remain looking good for years to come.

TOOLS OF THE TRADE

CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2023

25

Cost effective security tracking Nuvola and Senstera have partnered to bring a cost-effective and reliable IoT tracking solution to market for New Zealand’s rural community. supplied by ] Article ] Nuvola Solutions Nuvola’s Bolt, Oyster and Yabby products are cellular (4G) based asset and vehicle trackers designed to be attached onto anything you want to keep track of the location of. Depending on the device, they also can have additional features and information that can be reported.

Each device has a GPS chip to track its location, when the device has a cellular signal – it sends off the location data (and any other information) to the Senstera platform which provides a user with a map and tools to view the device’s movement history.

However, anyone who lives rurally will know that cellular signal can be patchy or scarce on some more remote properties and so to make sure that no data is lost, if the device has no cellular signal it will store the data on-board in it’s memory, and, as soon as it has a signal again, it will begin uploading it to the Senstera platform.

GPS tracking equipment or vehicles in rural settings is especially important when you may not have 24/7 visibility to all parts of your property (e.g. a shed/yard behind a shelter belt) or are out working at various locations during the day or night and not always on site.

Having your assets tagged with GPS trackers and supporting software that provides 24/7 monitoring allows you to view where something is, where it’s been during the day and even set up notifications and alerts for unexpected movement of the device – say a farm truck moving outside of working hours.

If something does go missing, you have the information on where it’s gone to assist with organising recovery too.

Having GPS tracking on your vehicles can also be a huge benefit towards improving safety for your workers and loved ones.

For lone workers, this may mean if

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they haven’t arrived back at the yard when expected – someone in the office is able to look up where the vehicle is and get help to them if needed, or for families this can mean keeping track of people making a long drive home regularly.

While all of the Nuvola devices in this range are cellular trackers, they each have different use-cases: The Bolt is a plug and play device for any vehicle with a standard OBDII port. In addition to location, it also tracks things like vehicle speed, harsh braking/acceleration, battery voltage, battery voltage and accident alerts as well as alerts for if it is removed from the vehicle unexpectedly.

The Nuvola Oyster2 GPS tracker is built tough to withstand the rugged conditions on the farm and can be attached to a variety of farming equipment and accessories including horse floats.

26 December 2023 CANTERBURY FARMING

CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2023

27

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Canterbury Farming-NewHolland.indd 1

7/11/2023 2:36:58 pm

28 December 2023 CANTERBURY FARMING

CANTERBURY FARMING December 2023

29

30 December 2023 CANTERBURY FARMING

FORESTRY & LOGGING

Establishment of tree seedlings Planting a tree seedling is easy – just dig a hole, place the roots in the hole and cover with soil.

] Article supplied by NZFFA

Successful establishment of tree seedlings so that they are still alive and growing vigorously a few years later and grow on to become mature trees, however, requires a lot more attention to detail.

Good forward planning pays dividends, so always plan just what you need to do well in advance of actual planting.

Key factors for success: • Make sure the species chosen is suitable for the site.

• Use good quality tree stock.

• Take great care in the handling, transport and storage of seedlings.

• Ensure the planting site is well prepared, where possible by deep cultivation with a winged ripper, and perhaps pre-plant spraying with a weedicide.

• Plant seedlings as recommended in this leaflet.

• Prevent weeds from competing with the seedlings for at least a year after planting.

• Protect seedlings from browsing by stock and wild animals.

Bare-rooted stock are preferred to container stock for large-scale planting because they are usually much cheaper to produce, more seedlings can be carried when planting away from roads and it is difficult to produce container stock large enough and sufficiently well-conditioned to establish well on harder sites.

However, some species, particularly many of the eucalypts, perform much better when container grown.

Under ideal planting conditions, small seedlings transplant better than larger ones,

with less interruption to their growth. In practice, a minimum size is required because

Forest Management LTD

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the seedling must contain sufficient food reserves not only to survive until planted, but also to make new root and shoot growth after planting.

Root collar diameter is the best indicator of food reserves.

The stem must be sufficiently hardened to withstand handling and storage without damage, resist disease and insect attack, and tolerate harsh weather conditions after planting.

The seedling must be large enough to be planted deeply in uneven ground without being buried, and to be able to cope with any likely weed growth.

The future root system of the tree is largely determined by the way the roots are positioned at the time of planting.

Common planting faults: • not planting deep enough. Such trees are much more prone to topple in strong winds and to suffer moisture stress under dry conditions.

• not creating a planting hole big enough to accommodate the root system without distortion. Roots bent horizontally around the lower stem will later strangle the main stem, resulting in wind throw. If the nurseryman has not trimmed the roots sufficiently, use a sharp pair of shears and trim the roots in a cool shady place before going out to plant.

• dragging the roots into a planting slot so that they all point in the same direction, resulting in unstable trees with ‘hockey stick’ root systems.

FORESTRY & LOGGING

Allan Laurie mNZIF ] with ] Laurie Forestry Ltd

CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2023

31

Stronger export prices on good sales ‘ most of us in the forest

Export prices have firmed in November leading us back up to close to NZ$110 per JASm3 at wharf gate for South Island ports, up NZ$9 – $10/m3 on October levels. Add $5 to $10 for the North Island where shipping and port costs are typically lower.

For log exporters, sales are good, LC’s are opening in good time and customers are in a more positive frame of mind, although cautionary tones continue to pervade the China economy.

The highly important to NZ, construction sector remains subdued with continuing poor demand for new apartments in most provinces.

The softwood log inventory is stable at around 3 million m3 and CFR prices (log price in China in US$/m3) are sitting in a US$115$118 band, up US$5 to $7 on October sales.

The China Government is clearly trying to put stimulus into domestic spending which most recently has included lower interest rates and banks offering sweet deals. Short term loans being those less than 1 year have risen 10.3% which currently stand at a staggering RMB¥10.3 trillion (NZ$1.7trl). These reflect the non-mortgage segment, so are not going to help Kiwi-forest owners directly but is helping to improve overall confidence.

And just to prove how small NZ is in the scheme of things, China’s current domestic total loan book including all term loans by banks, stands at ¥47.4 trillion, close to the

equivalent of NZ$8 trillion, up 3% YOY basis.

Of some of the statics important to NZ forest growers as at mid-November, usage across the eastern seaboard has remained very stable at around 70,000 cubic metres per day. This is very close to the current delivery rate, mostly of NZ logs. Thus, the market remains reasonably positive. For the moment, supply and demand are in reasonable balance.

As reported previously, the usage statistics are also starting to reflect prior commentary and that is we are seeing a lot more of our wonderful Radiata pine being used for non-structural purposes. The downside for NZ forest owners is we are starting to see more price margin pressure between the higher and lower grades.

It is becoming more apparent China sawmill owners prefer the same logs as Kiwi sawmill owners. That is larger logs with small widely dispersed knots we use to make timber to build our houses. In China, the higher quality requirement is more focussed on appearance grade lumber which can be stained to make it look like whatever timber you want in furniture and panelling.

Erstwhile in good old Kiwi land and a month after we voted for what we wanted, and we still do not have it. A bit like a Cook Straight ferry, a history of bits falling off and engine problems.

Except of course in the case of the Government we have the appointed Captain trying to corral two wannabe captains who just want to help steer the ship without having to worry about the engine room and passengers.

Me thinks a return to the system where the first to cut through the ribbon wins the race (FPP) instead of being in front but having to turn and ask your competitors if it is OK if you go first and then having to share the trophy (MMP).

My ring around some domestic customers suggests sales are OK but there is strong competition for a market not large enough to consume what is being produced. As stated previously, NZ has too much sawmilling capacity for the normal demand levels.

The exacerbating issue right now is our sawmill owners are taking big losses in their export lumber sales which is always a component of what they do, the fall down grades.

growing and selling

industry heading to year end are saying “thank goodness that is nearly over” Our typical markets across South East Asia are inundated with supply and prices are weak.

Most of us in the forest growing and selling industry heading to year end, are saying “thank goodness that is nearly over” or stronger words to that effect. It has been a toughie for all in the land-based commodity sector and we now look forward to the rudder being fixed, the engines problems remedied and strong steerage toward more certain outcomes.

I extend to all readers best wishes for Christmas and a much more profitable new year.

As always, please remember the thoroughly important message, “it remains, as always, fundamentally important, the only way forward for climate, country and the planet, is to get out there and plant more trees”.

32 December 2023 CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

Fonterra announces climate plans Fonterra says it has taken a significant step towards achieving its climate ambitions with the announcement of an on-farm emissions reduction target, and the release of a Climate Roadmap and voluntary Climate-related Disclosure report.

] by Kent Caddick The Co-operative is targeting a 30% intensity reduction in on-farm emissions by 2030 (from a 2018 baseline) which will see it further reduce the emissions profile of its products.

Currently 86% of Fonterra’s emissions come from on-farm, and the new target is seeking to reduce emissions intensity by tonne of FPCM (fat and protein corrected milk) collected by Fonterra.

Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell said New Zealand farmers are some of the most emissions-efficient suppliers of dairy at scale, but work needs to continue to maintain this position.

“There is a lot of activity to reduce emissions across other markets, and the Co-op needs to keep making progress to make sure it doesn’t fall behind,” Hurrell said.

“As a dairy partner to many of the world’s leading food companies, we’re responding to growing sustainability ambitions from our customers and financial institutions, along with increasing market access, legal and reporting obligations.

“Our collective efforts to reduce emissions – from on farm, across our operations and by our R&D teams – will help future proof Fonterra, supporting our ambition to be a long-term sustainable Co-op for generations to come.”

Fonterra expects the new target will be achieved through a number of ways: • 7% reduction through farming best practice such as feed quality and improving herd performance • 7% reduction through novel technologies that we’re developing through Ag-

Work to do: Fonterra CEO Miles Hurrell said New Zealand farmers are some of the most emissions-efficient suppliers of dairy at scale, but work needs to continue to maintain this position.

riZeroNZ, the joint venture between agribusiness and Government working to find a solution to methane, and other partnerships • 8% reduction through carbon removals from existing and new vegetation • 8% from historical land-use change conversions to dairy.

Fonterra also launched its Climate Roadmap. The roadmap is a plan that outlines the actions the Co-op will take towards its 2030

targets and ambition to be net zero by 2050.

Earlier this year, Fonterra lifted its emissions reduction targets for its manufacturing and operations. Hurrell said this new target completes the package.

He said having a full suite of targets and a plan to achieve them will provide high-value customers with the confidence to continue buying dairy from Fonterra, as well as protect its reputation as being one of the most emissions-efficient suppliers of dairy at scale.

In addition to this, the Co-operative has voluntarily released its first Climate-related Disclosure report. This report identifies risks and opportunities related to climate and helps the Co-operative plan for the future.

However, environmental group Greenpeace is not impressed with the plans.

Greenpeace Aotearoa campaigner Christine Rose said last month’s ‘NZX Carbon Insights’ report showed that Fonterra produces 34% of New Zealand’s total greenhouse gas emissions.

“Fonterra is New Zealand’s biggest climate polluter and has the third highest methane emissions of all dairy companies in the world, but it wants us to accept that it can cut emissions through mythical technofixes and offsetting with grass and scattered trees,” Rose said.

“With the scale of the industry pollution and impacts of climate change, Fonterra’s plans are woefully insufficient.

“Once again, Fonterra is failing to take meaningful action on its huge contribution to climate change. It’s one thing to announce on-farm emissions reduction targets in response to market demands, but without concrete action, targets are meaningless.”

She said Fonterra’s proposed plan also fails to address the broader impacts of intensive dairying, like nitrate-contaminated drinking water and unswimmable, polluted rivers.

New Zealand is the first country in the world to pass a law introducing mandatory climate-related risk reporting, with it becoming mandatory next year for around 200 New Zealand companies, including Fonterra.

CANTERBURY FARMING

DAIRY

] with Peter burton

December 2023

33

Why grazing intervals over summer are important

Short grazing intervals markedly reduce total pasture cover over summer as well as limiting the amount of pasture grown between now and the end of autumn.

Just as the amount of feed on hand going into winter dictates pasture covers in spring, the amount of feed at Christmas largely determines growth prior to winter.

The earliest work undertaken measuring the difference in total growth between rotationally grazed pastures compared to those set stocked indicated that with well managed grazing intervals, total yield could be more than doubled.

This is particularly the situation over summer when heat and a lack of moisture can negatively impact pasture performance.

As a rule of thumb for intensive dairy operations, and the same applies to any highly stocked enterprise, a genuine 30-day grazing interval by the end of December provides the best safeguard against tough summer growing conditions.

December, as mentioned in the last article, is the most reliable growing month in the year and a 30-day rotation means that pastures are grazed once in January, once in February, with half the property grazed in March prior to autumn rain arriving.

Over that time there will almost certainly be some rain to stimulate growth especially where pasture covers are sufficient to protect against the worst of the heat and wind.

The alternative to this approach is to shorten the grazing intervals to grab what is available now with the consequence of shorter intervals and lower covers and a sense of chasing one’s own tail. Not a pleasant experience over summer.

Longer intervals and covers also ensure maximising growing conditions that do occur over summer. Should a genuine long dry spell occur and some of the feed stored ahead is

Grow right: Creating the soil conditions which stimulate clover growth starts with application of extra calcium. lost there’s the knowledge that best possible grazing management has been followed.

Initial regrowth after grazing is slow as there is little leaf surface area to generate the energy necessary for optimum growth.

Over summer it is only during the last 10 days of the cycle that plant growth reaches its maximum and grazing prior to simply means less total pasture grown.

Farmers maximising clover growth find this philosophy and practise highly effective. Tall clover dense pastures retain qual-

ity where grass dominated pastures become stalky, lose digestibility and are increasingly unpalatable.

Should strong summer growth occur due to sufficient moisture, and that is possible, dropping an area out of the round and making top quality hay or baleage provides extra feed that can be utilised in autumn to further the increase grazing interval prior to winter.

Clover is also a prolific seeder and a large drop of

seed, a portion of which will remain viable over time, ensures that expensive seed in the future is unnecessary, just the soil conditions and grazing management is necessary for the system to be truly sustainable.

Creating the soil conditions that stimulate clover growth starts with application of extra calcium. Clover often contains 2.5% calcium compared to 0.7% for grasses. This doesn’t necessarily mean a large input of lime is necessary, however this often desirable and the amount can be calculated from a soil test.

Functional Fertiliser has CalciZest available that contains calcium in the form of lime.

It also contains soft carbons to which a proprietary mix of beneficial fungi and bacteria have been added.

These microbes are important because it is only through the action of microbes that nutrient is taken up by plants. An increase in numbers speeds the rate at which nutrient is cycled and an increase in clover vigour is often obvious within 3 weeks after application.

CalciZest is available nationwide and spread through conventional groundspread equipment with the added benefit of stimulating earthworm activity thereby improving soil moisture holding capacity.

For more information, call Peter on 027 495 0041.

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34 December 2023 CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

Why does water use efficiency matter?

Water plays a fundamental role in the success of New Zealand’s farming enterprises, serving as a vital input to produce food, beverages, and fibre. Its multifaceted uses, ranging from stock drinking water to plant irrigation and providing drinking water for families and staff.

Stephen mcNally ] by IrrigationNZ Principal ] Technical Advisor ] Careful consideration is required of how all these aspects can be achieved within an overall freshwater management obligation.

Water use efficiency, therefore, affects land use decisions, and despite the significant variations in volumes required for these activities, they are all integral elements in the agricultural landscape.

Water sourcing methods, whether reliant on rainfall, consented takes from surface water, or groundwater, contribute to the complexity of water management.

This balancing act falls under the jurisdiction of regional councils, tasked with allocating water within catchment freshwater models to support diverse activities crucial for both agricultural productivity and the biodiversity of the natural environment.

The wider agricultural community plays a 128mm x 100mm critical role here too as part of gathering ac-

Canterbury Farming Option3

curate and useful data. The Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) Water Availability and Security report published in 2021 highlighted the necessity for a national strategic response to land uses particularly in relation to water reliance that have a higher economic and lower environmental footprint.

In line with MPI’s vision, IrrigationNZ’s advocacy extends to climate change adaptation for water availability and security, including investment in water storage and water distribution infrastructure. Verifying water use efficiency will underwrite this infrastructure.

Most recently in November 2023, the Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment (PCE) has again underscored a critical weakness in New Zealand’s environmental management system—information gaps.

The PCE emphasised, “almost all of my investigations have identified significant gaps in data, information, and knowledge about the environment, hindering effective environmental management.

MCMILLAN

Filling these gaps demands sustained government investment in high-quality information to inform better decisions on water use efficiency.”

IrrigationNZ concurs, stressing the need for an integrated approach that considers both freshwater supply, and demand management. Our organisation actively promotes practices and technologies that monitor, measure, and manage water efficiently.

Aligning with these recommendations, IrrigationNZ is at the forefront of advocating for and implementing best practices in water management. The organisation recognises the importance of efficient water use and since 2010, established the Water Measurement Regulations.

These have worked to support improved water use data quality in alignment with national reporting. IrrigationNZ provides the industry and regulators alike support through the Blue Tick water measurement accreditation program, encouraging adherence to standards in water meter installation, verification, and data telemetry systems.

This programme works from an industry-

accepted Code of Practice and offers NZQA training module.

IrrigationNZ’s position on best practice irrigation includes criteria for efficient irrigation system development or upgrades. The organisation emphasises adherence to Irrigation Design, Installation, and Performance Assessment Codes of Practice, as well as advocating for the use of suitably trained and qualified individuals.

Regular irrigation system performance assessments play a crucial role in ensuring accountability and excellence in water use efficiency. Different systems require different assessments.

Key checks in an irrigation performance assessment include verifying if the system applies the expected water depth, ensuring uniform water application, confirming a suitable rate for soil absorption, evaluating energy use efficiency, and identifying any factors causing non-performance.

Water use efficiency is paramount for sustainable farming practices. As New Zealand navigates the complex relationship between agriculture, the environment, and water resources, informed decisions based on accurate data and best practices are crucial for a resilient and sustainable future.

IrrigationNZ, through its advocacy, the Blue Tick water measurement accreditation program, and promotion of best practices, stands as a key player in shaping this future—where responsible water management is synonymous with excellence and accountability.

On a final note, stay safe this summer look after your water and look after yourselves. Merry Christmas from the team at IrrigationNZ.

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WATER & IRRIGATION

CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2023

35

Will we have a drought this summer?

From what’s been in the media since the development of El Niño conditions was announced, you’d think that it’s almost certain. But is it?

Dr John bright ] with Aqualinc ]

A look at historical rainfall and Southern Oscillation Index (SOI) data might put things into perspective! The SOI tracks the atmospheric part of the El Niño Southern Oscillation (ENSO), which is a movement of warm equatorial water across the Pacific Ocean and the atmospheric response. When the index is negative, we have El Niño conditions, when it’s positive we have La Niña.

Daily rainfall data for the Lincoln area is available from 1881. Monthly SOI data is available from 1876. The driest calendar year on record was 1988, at 312.4mm. The second driest was not far behind, on 337.9mm, way back in 1915.

But what if we ignore winter rainfall and just focus on the September to May period – the growing season? It turns out that quite a different picture emerges. The season with the lowest September to May rainfall was 1997/98, closely followed by 2014/15, as Figure 1 shows.

To find out if drought years coincide with El Niño periods, we must first define what we mean by drought. For the purposes of this article, I have defined a drought season as

one in which the September to May rainfall is less than or equal to the 10-percentile seasonal rainfall over the last 142 years. For Lincoln this is 321mm. In general terms, the September to May rainfall will be less than 321mm about one year in ten years, on average.

If we divide the period of record into thirds and count up the number of droughts in each, we find there were five in the first third, one in the second and nine in the most recent third.

Furthermore, the severest droughts occurred in the most recent third. This suggests that droughts have become more frequent and more severe.

Figure 2 shows the month-to-month variation in the SOI from 1970 onwards. Negative SOI values indicate El Niño conditions.

How well do our droughts match up with El Niño conditions over this time period? Most of our droughts since 1970 occurred under El Niño conditions, but not all.

The 1988/89 drought occurred under La Nina conditions.

However, El Niño conditions do not always result in droughts developing. For example, droughts did not occur in 1982/83, 1986/87, 1991/92 or 2004/05 despite strong El Niño conditions.

On balance, the odds of a drought developing under the current El Niño conditions are slightly positive. However, it is far from certain.

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36 December 2023 CANTERBURY FARMING

WATER & IRRIGATION

Installation and maintenance tips When designing and installing a new irrigation system, it needs to fit your land, business and water restrictions.

A well-designed system means efficient use of water, energy, labour and capital.

] Article supplied by DairyNZ

A new system is a major investment and should be thoroughly researched. Use a ‘Blue Tick’ accredited operator for installation work and advice.

IrrigationNZ has a range of resources to help in the design and installation of a new irrigation system. When designing a new irrigation system, consider installing a soil moisture monitoring system.

This will help with irrigation scheduling and allow you to irrigate efficiently. IrrigationNZ has information on soil moisture monitoring equipment and how to install it.

When installing a new irrigation system or pump, make sure you get the performance specifications from the supplier which will be a benchmark for future checks and testing.

Failures of pumps and irrigation equipment during the season can waste a lot of time, restrict pasture growth and create stress.

Regular equipment checks and ongoing maintenance is vital in preventing breakdowns and reducing the chance of serious damage.

Having a weekly or monthly and annual task list for irrigation maintenance, where you can check tasks off easily, ensures maintenance is kept up-to-date.

Below is a summary of some essential maintenance procedures for most irrigation systems.

For more detail specific to your system, contact the service provider. If you install a new pump, ensure the supplier provides the specifications and a pump commissioning report. This will serve as benchmarks for future checks.

Check it: regular equipment checks and ongoing maintenance is vital in preventing breakdowns and reducing the chance of serious damage to your irrigation system.

Maintenance checklist during irrigation season At the pump: • grease pump and motor • check flow readings, operating pressures and amp readings to compare with initial readings or specifications.

At the irrigator: • check sprinklers for condition, rotation, blockage, nozzles not hooked up, wear and tear

• check irrigation speed and operating pressure • check application depth and compare against design specifications • check hoses and pipes for damage or leaks • follow maintenance schedule for regular greasing of travelling irrigators • have a plan to manage travelling irrigators in high winds. This may include turning water off but keeping the irrigator filled with water; parking the ir-

rigator behind shelter; or in the same direction as the wind to minimise the contact area. Tie down rotary booms.

Problems which occur with irrigation can range from minor issues which take time to fix, through to major problems that cost time, money and loss of pasture production (from delayed irrigation) or loss of nutrients (through over watering).

It is important that any problem is fixed quickly and the cause identified to stop it happening again.

™

BY LINDSAY

· IRRIGATION SYSTEMS

IRRIGATE WITH CONFIDENCE.

· REMOTE MANAGEMENT · PRECISION VRI

CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

December 2023

37

Red meat exports fall amid weaker global markets New Zealand exported red meat worth $617 million during September, with global markets remaining relatively weak, according to the latest analysis from the Meat Industry Association (MIA). supplied by ] Article ] Meat Industry Association Overall exports for the month were down 18 per cent from last September. Exports to Canada, the UK and Saudia Arabia increased but fell for China, Japan, Taiwan, Korea, the US and Australia.

MIA chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said the drop was partly a result of the very high value of exports last September, but it also reflected the ongoing difficult economic conditions in many of the major markets.

“China, in particular, continues to be challenging with overall exports in September of $187 million, down 31 per cent compared to last September,” Karapeeva said.

“We also saw a 31 per cent decline in exports to Australia, where there have been high levels of domestic meat production and exports as Australian farmers de-stock in anticipation of expected dry conditions driven

by El Niño.”

Karapeeva said there were some positive signs for the UK market, with overall exports up 33 per cent, to $17 million.

“This was partly a result of a recovery of sheepmeat exports from the low levels last September, and the continuing growth in beef exports with the improved access under the FTA. “Exports to Saudia Arabia grew significantly for the month, by 185 per cent to $16M, largely driven by growth in sheepmeat exports.

“North America was also generally positive, mainly due to an increase in beef exports. Overall exports to Canada increased by 16 per cent to $26 million.”

The value of exports to Japan was down four per cent to $27 million during September. Taiwan fell 27 per cent to $19 million and Korea by 26 per cent to 12 million.

A three per cent drop in overall exports to the US, to $142 million, was mainly due to a significant reduction in fifth quarter exports, particularly tallow, compared to September 2022.

Overall red meat exports for the third quarter were worth $2.1 billion, down 21 per cent from last year.

“There was a decline in exports to China and the other North Asian markets, which was only been partly offset by growth in exports to North America,” Karapeeva said.

China fell 42 per cent to $642 million, Japan by 31 per cent to $88 million, Taiwan by four per cent to $75 million and Korea by 36 per cent to $48 million.

In comparison, exports to the United States rose 15 per cent to $551 million and Canada was up 72 per cent to $98 million.

There was some increase in sheepmeat exports to the US and Canada, but most of the growth for the quarter was in beef as a result of some easing of drought and a corresponding decrease in domestic beef production.

There was a small increase in overall ex-

Small win: meat Industry Association chief executive Sirma Karapeeva said there were some positive signs for red meat exports to the UK, with overall exports up 33%, to $17 million.

ports to the UK, which were up two per cent to $70 million, largely as the result of an 87 per cent increase in the value of beef exports.

Despite the lift in September, over the full quarter the value of sheepmeat exports to the UK declined compared to 2022.

Exports for the year to 30 September were $10.2 billion, down 11 per cent on the same period last year.

Overall, exports to most of the major markets decreased, but there was a small increase in the value of exports to the United States, up two per cent to $2.4 billion, and Canada, up seven per cent to $275 million.

In both these markets this was due to an increase in the value of beef exports compared to the previous year.

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LIVESTOCK

Strength in a unified sector There has been plenty of media around the challenges facing our sheep and beef farmers with rising interest rates, high input prices and subdued returns.

‘

Nicky Hyslop ] by ] Director Beef + Lamb New Zealand Fortunately, the forecast El Nino weather pattern has yet to make its presence felt and we have had a good spring and early summer.

This has certainly helped morale and enabled farmers to maximise returns on their lamb crops, even if prices are not where we would like them to be.

Speakers on Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s recent Sow, Grow and Thrive webinar series reminded us of the cyclical nature of farming. We have been here before, and we need to remember that every downturn is followed by an upswing. The opportunity we have now is to position our businesses so that we can capitalise on improved prices when they inevitably return.

Several of the speakers on the webinar series reminded us not to waste a good crisis and while we are not exactly in a crisis, it is a good time to look at our businesses to see where we can drive efficiencies.

A recent Meat Industry Association delegate trip to China highlighted that the fundamentals in this market are still strong.

New Zealand product is highly respected, but we could do more to leverage our position to ensure that when other exporters, like

If we want our sector to thrive, we can’t afford to be divided – instead we need to focus on what we do agree on.

Australia, flood the market, we maintain our price point.

We are not there yet, but our meat companies are all thinking hard about what it will take to cement our position in this market that offers so much opportunity for the future.

Every year, 14 million Chinese (1% of population) transition from rural subsistence living to an urban environment. This increases their buying power but also means they are hungry for protein.

The rapid building of wealth in this complex market is staggering, but there is risk and right now, consumers are spending conservatively. It is therefore prudent that we continue to push for new market access and

B+LNZ and MIA will be encouraging our new government to do just that.

Within NZ, one of the main challenges our sector faces is fragmentation.

We have just come through a particularly divisive period in our industry, but with a change of government, there is now an opportunity to reset and move our sector forward.

Our tendency to fight amongst ourselves and publicly disagree with each other is counterproductive.

If we want our sector to thrive, we can’t afford to be divided – instead we need to focus on what we do agree on.

For example, we all agree that farming must continue to evolve and to survive and thrive through change we must be profitable.

We can all accept that the most enduring and successful change is farmer-led and not foisted upon us by a highly prescriptive regulatory framework.

Now is the opportunity for us to implement real farmer-led change, that addresses the issues that are specific to our farms and catchments. But this change must generate real benefits while meeting the needs of our customers overseas.

What we need right now is a strong and cohesive sector. We need to show the NZ public, the incoming government and future governments that our sector is strong and united and will continue to play a critical role in the economic, social and environmental well-being of our country.

CANTERBURY FARMING

LIVESTOCK

December 2023

39

Venison prices holding well

Chilled venison has been in strong demand in Europe, where marketers have been very busy promoting New Zealand venison to their customers.

] with Ali Spencer Spring’s late arrival impacted supplies for the early part of the traditional game season, with marketers needing to supplement some supplies via airfreight at extra cost to them, but with the Northern Hemisphere’s delayed start to autumn, demand was not significantly affected.

The deer industry is actively moving to balance markets and diversify from the commodity trade in Europe towards customers in the US, China and other emerging markets.

To that end, Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) was one of the exporter groups co-funding a trip for six influential Chinese chefs to New Zealand in mid-November. DINZ executive chef Graham Brown imparted some of his skills and deep knowledge about the product to them in the itinerary, which also included visits to Criffel and Fairlight Stations.

Venison producers received up to $10.50 per kg through the Spring period, and postchilled contracts are in place for $9+/kg through the traditional low point of the year.

Velvetting is also well underway with prices remaining above long-term averages.

While the velvet season started subdued

Holding: Venison producers received up to $10.50/kg through Spring. Photo: Mark Tapley. in Korea, it is starting to bounce back. PGG Wrightson’s national velvet manager Tony Cochrane believes there is a more positive outlook longer-term. Market access issues and stocks built up in the main export markets had subdued buyers’ interest, but these will reduce post-Chinese New Year, he says, and buyer confidence will improve.

In addition, New Zealand velvet’s shift in focus on to healthy foods and health functional foods will help to improve farmgate re-

turns.

That strategy has been buoyed by news of South Korean food safety authorities’ approval of the first two health claims for extracts containing New Zealand velvet in late-October, marking the start of an exciting new era for New Zealand velvet in its top market.

With improving velvet and venison farmgate returns, which are now reasonably stable, deer have proved a useful foil in the farm mix this year, while other livestock species have dropped back.

Those wanting to improve their deer herd – or add deer to their mix – will have been keeping a close eye on this year’s stag, hind and Wapiti bull sales that have started this month and will run through to mid-January.

Velvet competitions are also underway.

One of those who made today’s deer industry possible, Sir Tim Wallis, was farewelled in style in Wanaka at the end of October. It was a “fitting tribute to a person who had a huge impact on his community and the nation,” commented DINZ chief executive Innes Moffat, one of the attendees.

Wallis’ funeral held at the Alpine Helicopters hangar at Queenstown Airport attracted 2,000 mourners, included a hover of helicopters and flypast and generated news coverage nationwide. His full obituary is included in the December edition of Deer Industry News.

Back in the office, with a new centre-right coalition, led by the National Party, incoming, DINZ has prepared briefings for new ministers, placing the $340 million deer industry into context and to ensure its positions are considered in the development of new policy areas, “to support a thriving deer industry in New Zealand.”

Finally, as we race into the holiday season, we’d like to wish Canterbury Farming’s readers a very Merry Christmas, and a happy and prosperous New Year.

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December 2023

41

Hybrid technology delivers greater performance Responsive, rewarding, fun-to-drive Ford Performance dynamics are now set to be enjoyed by even greater numbers of customers as Ford New Zealand welcomes the new Puma ST to dealerships across the country.

] Article supplied by Ford NZ

Enhanced using 48-volt mild hybrid technology to deliver 118kW/200Nm, the multi-award winning 1.0-litre engine is combined with a paddle-shift-operable, seven-speed transmission, low emissions, and everyday usability.

The new powertrain fully embraces the Sports Technologies moniker and includes performance-enhancing features like twistbeam and anti-roll bar settings, and patented force vectoring springs.

Coupled with the compact SUV’s comfort, uncompromised interior space and innovative practical solutions, the versatile new Puma ST delivers a responsive 7.4-second 0-100 km/h acceleration alongside 6.2 l/100 km fuel efficiency and 140 g/km CO2.

The 1.0-litre EcoBoost Hybrid 48-volt mild hybrid technology is enhanced to deliver even greater performance for Puma ST. The mild hybrid system engages energy recovery more quickly than in other applications for faster recharging of the 48-volt lithium-ion battery pack. This enables the belt-driven integrated starter/generator (BISG) to offer a longer boost period of torque supplementation for enhanced performance at lower engine rpm.

A Puma ST chassis sharpens responses using a rear suspension twist-beam rated at 2,000 Nm/deg torsional stiffness – an increase of more than 50 per cent compared to the standard Puma – with a 28 mm antiroll bar integrated into the U-section and a 24 mm front anti-roll bar.

Ford’s patented force vectoring springs also improve the Puma ST’s stability, agility and responsiveness. The non-uniform, noninterchangeable, directionally-wound springs apply vectoring forces to the rear suspension and enable cornering forces to travel directly into the spring, for increased lateral stiffness.

This advanced spring technology is combined with Hitachi twin-tube frequency-reactive dampers at the front and rear, delivering the stiffness needed for enhanced body control alongside the compliance to isolate

Sporty: The new powertrain on the new Puma ST includes performance-enhancing features like twist-beam and anti-roll bar settings,

smaller road imperfections for high-speed refinement.

An 11.4:1 steering ratio – almost 25 per cent faster than the standard Puma – uses a combination of ST-specification front knuckles, steering arm and steering rack gearing, for heightened response during turn-in compared to the standard Puma.

Enhanced braking performance is provided by 325 mm front discs, 17 per cent larger in diameter than the standard Puma specification. Puma ST’s brake booster is tuned for modulation, feel and feedback that supports performance driving, and the powertrain’s optimised energy recuperation also supports increased engine braking.

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CANTERBURY FARMING

December 2023

43

Do we really care who makes the rules up?

The recent election for our central Government has raised some thoughts in my mind about who gets to make the rules and seriously who just goes along with what is dished up to them.

] with rob cope-Williams I am reading the Simon Bridges book now and to quote him, the UK has a big problem with what he calls the PPE MPs. Simply put, young people wanting to rule the country go to university, either Oxford or Cambridge, and study Philosophy, Politics and Economics. They then get a job in a minister’s office before being given a safe seat as an MP. While that is happening, he suggests, the voters are all at the beach without a care in the world.

His point is that they have zero world experience, and he is warning us Kiwis that the same may happen here if it isn’t already.

Yes, you are right, there are many MPs who have been in business, or have farms or whatever, but many, it seems, are PPEs. On a farming area may I suggest that Federated Farmers, Groundswell, and other groups need to get to those with no understanding of farming and educate them as it really isn’t their problem that they don’t understand the reality farmers face.

There’s a drought coming so instead of screaming about climate change, what about how we can get the industry through this?

Wool prices are very low so what about a national campaign to raise taxes on imported synthetic goods and use that extra tax to support wool growers? A bit like the electric car subsidy paid for by those buying utes.

The cost of fruit and veges are too high, so give the local growers an edge by blocking imports dumped onto our markets.

Do we really need salads in winter?

I cringe when some folk in Parliament

‘

How can the folk in Parliament run a business if they have never been exposed to the

tell us that they govern rather than run the country as a business. But how can they run a business if they have never been exposed to the reality of cost controls, income streams, market fluctuations and the weather?

Thankfully our farming organisations are controlled by people who do understand what

reality of cost controls,

is needed to be successful, but sadly it is a case of bleeding from their ears after smashing their heads against block walls.

It has been a challenge ever since politics first started, the urban verses rural, and it must come down to understanding and education. Sadly though, there is no one for deaf than he who doesn’t want to hear.

income streams, market fluctuations and the weather?

The euphoric grimace We’re going to have a new government. Smiles, cheers, then that old euphoric grimace of uncertainty.

] by Solis Norton

You’ll look around this big farm we know as New Zealand and wonder to yourself “So what will this new lot do for me?”.

That little bird on your shoulder will start to say “ask not what the government can do for you, but what you can do for the…” There’ll be a puff of feathers and a muffled squawk.

When we truly look at the systemic challenges this country faces the nature of the previous governments has proven immaterial. Red leadership or blue, they don’t see things that differently really. It’s like looking out your right eye or your left eye at the same scene.

But the scene is changing fast. Faster than I ever remember and faster than the nature of our leadership. In this scene petrol is now around three dollars a litre, groceries are approaching a hundred dollars a bag, and mortgage rates have more than a few of us squeezing out a nervous tear on re-fixing day.

‘

red, green or rainbow, our leadership focuses on relieving inflation rather than addressing its biophysical root cause.

In doing so, they will fail to prepare us for a more serious energy crisis.

In this scene there is the glimmer of realisation that the great energy transition will prove unaffordable for most of us. In this scene the next realisation will be that even if we could afford it, the physical materials do not exist to build it.

In this scene we now know but won’t admit that forging ahead with our international emissions reduction commitments does little more than reduce our competitiveness as a nation and certainly will not save the planet.

Now I’m all for being stoic and I’ve been told over and over how much worse it was in the eighties and that may be true. But all the same, when your pants are on fire, you sit in a bucket of water. No combination of leadership, whether red, blue or rainbow, can see yet where that bucket is.

Let’s break this down a little further to look.

Inflation today is driven primarily by the government’s massive post COVID money printing spree. It is also driven by an increase in the true price of energy. This effect is more subtle.

Key industry leaders here and overseas are beginning to talk about energy scarcity as, globally, oil enters its decline phase.

Let’s dig in a little more.

Today the price of oil is around $80/barrel, nothing like we saw in 2008 at $147/ barrel. What do you mean by the true cost of energy? How can it be cheap at $80/barrel but still $3/litre at the pump?

There are a lot of economic gymnastics within that relationship. They are best summarised from a practical perspective by saying that we are paying a greater percentage of the true cost of energy as we purchase food, fuel, and other physical goods.

With dollars whose value have been watered down by the post COVID money printing spree.

That bucket of water to cool our toasting buns would be represented by truly low cost energy and nice low cost simple systems to do good things with it. This same bucket cooled our backsides from the heat of the 1980s inflation. But it does not exist today.

Red, green or rainbow, our leadership focuses on relieving inflation rather than addressing its biophysical root cause. In doing so, they will fail to prepare us for a more serious energy crisis.

A remedial plan is in progress; FERITS – Fostering Energy and Resources In Times of Scarcity. You’ll feel a little disappointment when you see it and some resignation but some relief too that this work is underway.

Then you’ll smile and get a bit excited and that will be good. A real smile, not that euphoric grimace of disbelief.

44 December 2023 CANTERBURY FARMING

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