The Canterbury A&P Association (CAPA) cancelled this year’s New Zealand Agricultural Show, scheduled for November, back in April due to its shaky financial position.
The Association’s precarious financial position received a boost in May when it signed an agreement with the Christchurch City Council (CCC) over the 100-year lease it held on the show’s venue Canterbury Agricultural Park.
Council agreed to pay $5 million for the purchase of the remaining 95 years of the lease. A condition of the payment was that CAPA used $1 million to pay off an existing loan it had with the council, while the remaining $4 million went into a newly established, capital protected charitable investment trust. At that time the council’s General Manager Citizens and Community Andrew Rutledge
Back on: A slimmed down version of the Canterbury A&P Association’s annual show will be held in November following an agreement between the association and an event company.
Slim show gets greenlight
The Canterbury A&P Association’s annual show is back on thanks to an agreement with an event hire company.
said the agreement was beneficial to both parties.
“The A&P Show is such an important event for both the rural and local community, bringing people from around the country to our city.
“This agreement will support the future of the Show and the surrendering of the lease will allow us to use part of the land for additional sports fields in the south-west of the city,” Rutledge said.
Following that announcement the Association was approached by a private company Event Hire to see if they could come to an agreement on whether it was possible to put together an event for 2024.
In June an agreement between CAPA and Event Hire will see a slimmed down version of the Show, which will be renamed the Christchurch Show for 2024, be held in November.
The Christchurch Show will be held over Thursday, Friday and Saturday of Cup and Show Week (November 14-16), while the A&P Association would run some of its animal competitions and events from Wednesday through to Friday, which is a public holiday in Canterbury.
Event Hire managing director Phil Anderson said the Christchurch Show will include traditional elements of an A&P Show, including stallholders, food vendors, competitions and amusement rides.
Anderson said they made the move to go from Thursday to Saturday in the hope that Saturday will make it more attractive for people, including those outside the region, to come in and experience what the show feels like.
He said they had been involved with the show for the past few years so understood what was needed.
Crystal waters must not be sacrificed
Recently I attended the Farm Environment Awards in Hamilton with two Primary Production Committee colleagues, National Party MPs Suze Redmayne and Catherine Wedd.
It was a heartening event with many references to the sense of stewardship that nominated farmers felt for nature and the land, and examples of their efforts to restore freshwater ecosystems, plant trees, and protect enclaves of native bush and wetlands.
Towards the end of the evening a farmer approached me to discuss his outrage at the legal efforts by quarrying company J Swap to extinguish Queen Elizabeth II cov-
enants on a piece of land the company had acquired, so they could quarry it. J Swap may also be in line to benefi t from Fast Track decisions made by a cabinet minister they previously donated money to – Shane Jones.
The farmer regarded the QEII covenants as sacrosanct and something that many landowners had put in place exactly because they wanted the natural features and unique
biodiversity, on land they currently owned, protected in perpetuity.
It reminded me of plans by Aussie gold miner Siren who wants to extract 10 million tonnes of arsenic-laden rock in the aquifer recharge zone of the world-renowned Te Waikoropupu Springs in Golden Bay, crush it into talc-fine dust, and mingle it with cyanide to extract gold.
The mining operation is touted to cover a 30 square kilometre block on the edge of the Kahurangi National Park in a place called Sam’s Creek which feeds into the Arthur Marble Aquifer and, in turn, Te Waikoropupu Springs, home to some of the clearest water in the world. Siren was invited to use the Luxon Government’s Fast Track legislation which nullifies hard-won Water Conservation Orders legislated to protect exceptional water zones and features.
There are only 16 WCOs nationwide and the one protecting Te Waikoropupu is the only one that specifically recognises an aquifer which is vital to protecting the exceptional characteristics of the crystal blue springs.
Like QEII covenants, Water Conservation Orders are often achieved through the dedicated efforts of local communities who cherish natural features in their region. The WCO for Te Waikoropupu was finally achieved last year after seven years of work by an alliance of local community, iwi, and the Save Our Springs Campaign.
However, it’s galling to know that the Fast Track process will permit zero input from lo-
‘It reminded me of a mining operation touted to cover a 30 square kilometre block on the edge of the Kahurangi National Park
cal communities on major projects like the Siren gold mine which can be approved by the flick of a minister’s pen.
In our discussion, I suggested to the farmer that more efficient consenting processes are needed but throwing away all environmental protections and community input in the process is not what people want. He replied, “exactly.”
A deep concern is the return of a ‘boom and bust’ mentality inherent in extractive industries that promise extravagant bounties while the lion’s share of profits goes to overseas companies. Those companies leave a toxic legacy of acid mine drainage and cyanide-laden tailings dams for future generations and the public coffers to struggle with, such as we’ve seen in the case of the $22 million Tui Mine clean-up.
Christopher Luxon’s overriding of environment laws while ignoring local voices in decision making is already sewing resentment in the regions. Local people have a right to be heard.
In Golden Bay the community have made it crystal clear that they don’t want their treasured Waikoropupu sacrificed for the profits of an Aussie gold miner.
Both for farmers defending QEII covenants as well as Iwi and locals defending the Water Conservation Orders, their sense of stewardship is grounded in their communities’ intergenerational relationships to the environment. The Government ignores those deep connections at its peril.
Support for inquiry into rural banking
Federated Farmers have cautiously welcomed the Government’s announcement of an independent inquiry into rural banking, but says questions remain about just how ‘rural’ it will be.
] by Kent Caddick
The Coalition Government has announced that there will be a full Parliamentary Select Committee inquiry into banking competition, focussing on rural banking.
“The announcement of an independent inquiry is a great first step towards a fairer banking system for farming families,” Federated Farmers spokesperson Richard McIntyre said.
“But it’s important to remember that it’s only the first step. There’s still a lot of hard work that needs to be done to ensure the inquiry results in real change for farmers.”
McIntyre said the terms of reference, and who ends up sitting around the table, will be what makes or breaks this inquiry.
“The Government need to make sure this inquiry is set up to succeed from day one, because farmers can’t afford for them to get it wrong,” McIntyre says.
“It’s absolutely critical that MPs are able to look under the right stones, speak to the right people, and ask the right questions that will allow them to get to the bottom of things.
“That means looking at more than just the level of competition in our rural banking, but also things like how Reserve Bank rules and regulations affect farm lending.”
Federated Farmers are also concerned that the issues farmers are facing might just get buried under a pile of problems with mortgages and personal banking.
“There is a very real risk here that rural issues end up playing second fiddle to wider concerns about general banking,” McIntyre says.
“That would be a total disaster for Kiwi farmers, who have been asking some very
fair questions for a long time now and deserve some answers.”
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) is also welcoming the inquiry.
“We know from our members that rural communities are experiencing a range of issues with their banks and that banks are not currently meeting their needs,” RWNZ CEO
Gabrielle O’Brien said.
“The range of issues is broad and in-
cludes everything from constrained access to lending and high interest rates to the closure of rural bank branches and ATMs.
“Our members are also concerned there’s an over-reliance by banks on digital services as opposed to personal banking services which is leaving rural communities without adequate support. This is especially the case when some rural communities continue to experience poor connectivity,” O’Brien said.
‘There is a very real risk here that rural issues end up playing second fiddle to wider concerns about general banking.
Vegetation falling on lines is one of the leading causes of power outages on our network. Visit oriongroup.co.nz/trees for tree regulations, advice and to find out about your responsibilities as a property owner. We recommend using trained professionals and if you have any questions, call us anytime on 0800 363 9898. We’re here to help.
First step: Richard McIntyre of Federated Farmers says a rural banking inquiry is a great first step towards a fairer banking system for farming families.
Richard McIntyre
Federated Farmers
] with Todd McClay
]
Minister for Agriculture
Banking, farming and the end of He Waka Eka Noa
Post Fieldays and it is clear the Coalition Government’s actions to back farmers and get Wellington out of farming is restoring confidence in the sector and paving the way for continued growth.
Our hard-working sector is tipped to reach $54.6 billion this year and hit a record $66.6 billion in 2028 as the Government focuses on getting better access to markets and slashing red tape.
We are delivering on our election commitment to remove agriculture from the New Zealand Emissions Trading Scheme (NZ ETS) and establish a new Pastoral Sector Group to constructively tackle biogenic methane.
New Zealand farmers are some of the world’s most carbon-efficient food producers and it doesn’t make sense to send jobs and production overseas, while less carbon-efficient countries produce the food the world needs.
To restore confidence, Cabinet has also decided to formally disestablish He Waka Eke Noa.
It’s time for a fresh start on how we engage with farmers and processors to work on biogenic methane.
To do this, the Government will engage directly with levy bodies and sector organisations that represent the pastoral sector and invest in practical tools and technology for our farmers to reduce their emissions in a way that won’t reduce production or exports.
Growing the rural economy is critical to rebuilding New Zealand’s economy and promoting robust competition in the banking sector is vital.
To restore farmers’ satisfaction in banking services and increase competition we have asked the Finance and Expenditure and Primary Production committees to launch a Select Committee inquiry into banking competition. This reflects the commitment outlined in the coalition agreement between National and New Zealand First.
It is only through a strong rural economy that we can get New Zealand Back on track and boost the economy.
We have also allocated an additional $36 million through Budget 2024 to support locally led catchment groups, $7 million of which will go directly to catchment groups across the country. This is in addition to MPI’s current investment in 46 catchment-based projects, which support 290 groups and over 9,000 farmers.
Significant new funding includes $950,000 over four years to the Otuwharekai/Ashburton Lakes Catchment Group, in conjunction with the Mid Canterbury Catchment Collective.
Catchment groups and collectives are integral to revitalising New Zealand’s exportdriven economy.
Supporting locally led catchments projects
is one way the Government backs farmers’ efforts to improve land management practices and water quality. Every catchment is different, and we need local solutions, for local issues.
Finally, we are boosting funding for Rural Support Trusts from $250,000, to $767,000 a year to provide more help to farmers and growers under pressure.
A strong and thriving agricultural sector is crucial to the New Zealand economy and one of the ways to support it is to make sure those working in the sector are looked after.
Rural communities are the backbone of New Zealand and it’s important we equip them with the tools to support and back famers and growers doing it tough.
‘Significant new funding includes $950,000 over four years to the Otuwharekai/Ashburton lakes Catchment Group.
The sector has done it hard over the last few years and we’re committed to relieving regulatory pressure on farmers and growers, enabling them to focus on running their businesses.
Looking ahead we are committed to raising primary export value and supporting famers and growers in the production of world class products. This is just the start of our plan to restore trust in the Primary Sector, grow the rural economy and continue to get Wellington out of farming.
] with Jo luxton
Support for rural banking inquiry
Recently, the Government asked the Finance and Expenditure and Primary Production Select Committees in Parliament to open a banking inquiry, with a focus on rural banking.
] Labour spokesperson for Agriculture
With farmers under increasing pressure financially, I support a rural banking inquiry.
Our Primary Production Select Committee has heard submissions on rural banking, which paint a grim picture of the financial strain many farmers are under.
Despite good returns over the last two years and opportunities opening up overseas, farmers are feeling the pinch because of the charges imposed on them by banks.
Our Select Committee has heard that one in four farmers are now feeling under finan-
cial pressure, which is affecting their mental health.
New Zealand’s economy relies on primary exports. While in Government, Labour secured new trade deals with the United Kingdom and the European Union, which opened up new markets to our farmers so they could make more from what they produce and help grow New Zealand’s economy.
We can’t let down the very producers set to benefit from that progress.
Labour supports a joint banking inquiry, and I will be advocating for a strong focus on rural banking, what’s happening in the industry, competition, interest rates and access to finance.
Lake Clearwater
On-farm inflation dropping
Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s latest Sheep and Beef On-farm Inflation report shows the inflation rate is dropping for many farmers. The report showed that the 2023-24 inflation rate had fallen to 2.8 percent.
] by Kent Caddick
B+LNZ Board Chair Kate Acland said while this marked a significant decrease from the previous year’s 16.3% inflation rate, the report highlighted that farm input prices remained high, thereby continuing to put significant pressure on farm profitability.
“While it is positive that inflation is trending downwards, the reality is that times are tough, the cumulative impact of high input prices over recent years is significant,” Acland said.
“For the past three years, sheep and beef farmers have grappled with high inflation, and input prices have risen by 32% between 2021-22 to 2023-24.
“Although the rate of inflation has slowed, input prices have continued to increase, just at a more modest rate.
“Farmers continue to face substantial cost increases, particularly in key areas such as interest, insurance, and animal health.”
The report showed that interest rates remain one of the main drivers behind on-farm inflation, with a 12% increase in interest costs contributing half of the overall 2.8% inflation rate in the last year.
Acland said borrowing is a significant item for farming businesses.
“High interest costs have been especially difficult for farmers, impacting their cash flow and profitability.”
According to the report Insurance costs rose by 8.7%, while animal health expenses increased 8%. One area where farmers found some relief was in the cost of fertiliser, lime, and seeds, which decreased by 4.2%.
“These persistent price increases have
had a massive negative effect on farm profitability and financial stability for New Zealand farmers,” Acland said.
“Farmers are currently under enormous pressure financially, but we recognise the impacts are being felt widely, the knock-on effect this has on rural communities and regional towns is huge.”
B+LNZ is forecasting that sheep and beef
incomes will be 54 percent lower this year and most farmers will not make a profit this year.
“A key driver of this fall in profitability is increased costs, coupled with softer prices for sheepmeat.”
The report noted on-farm inflation was lower than consumer price inflation, which was 4% between March 2023 and March 2024.
“However, the ongoing high costs of essential farm inputs highlights the challenges faced by sheep and beef farmers.”
Information for this article was supplied by Beef + lamb New Zealand. For more detailed information, the full Sheep and Beef On-farm Inflation report is available at: www.beeflambnz.com
Right direction: B+lNZ Board Chair Kate Acland is pleased to see on-farm inflation dropping but says high farm input prices are continuing to put significant pressure on farm profitability.
Photo by Clare Toia-Bailey.
Enduring powers of attorney
Many people agree to sign on as an attorney for their family and friends under enduring power of attorney (EPA) documents without really understanding what they are signing up for. This can lead to difficulties when the EPAs are activated.
] with Samantha Couch
] Helmores Lawyers
There are two types of EPAs: the first is for personal care and welfare which can only be invoked if the donor loses mental capacity, the second is for property which can be invoked either on a loss of mental capacity or while the donor is mentally capable (depending on how they are drafted).
People will often choose to have the same attorney for both types of EPAs, resulting in the attorney being responsible for all areas of the donor’s life once the EPAs are invoked.
In some situations, this can be a significant duty to take on as it can include dealing with the donor’s finances, being responsible for finding them a care home or getting them in-home care, selling their house if deemed necessary, discussing their health and care with medical professionals, administration tasks to keep records, and a number of other duties.
You can end up being responsible for all aspects of the donor’s life while still having to meet commitments in your own life.
This is why we usually recommend that an attorney be someone close to the donor –like a child, sibling, parent, or spouse. The most important thing is that the attorney is trusted and reliable.
One important factor to understand is that while attorneys can recover any out-of-pocket expenses, they are not allowed to charge for their time unless it is specifically set out in the terms of the EPA (which is rare).
This means that you are able to recover any money you personally spend on behalf of the donor (e.g. if you pay for a medical ap-
pointment or buy materials to repair something in their home), including mileage for any travel you do while acting as attorney.
However, you are not able to be reimbursed for the time you spend fulfilling your attorney duties. A common example of this is time spent taking the donor to appointments which are usually during work hours, not only do you not get reimbursed for your time, but you often also have to take time off work for these appointments.
Another thing to be aware of is that families can be complex and complicated – they can have different ideas around what they believe is best for their loved ones.
Being an attorney can lead to you being stuck in the middle of family feuds which can be stressful, especially when you are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the donor.
You may agree to be an attorney many
years before the powers are invoked. A lot can happen in over the years, you might move away or lose touch with the donor but then suddenly be responsible for making decisions about their life.
Once an EPA is invoked it often cannot be changed without going through the courts which is a long and costly process. The duties of an attorney only end when the donor passes away, which in some situations can be years after the EPA is invoked. This is why it’s a good idea for the attorney to be a family member or close friend.
Being an attorney comes with a significant amount of responsibility and many people do not realise this when they sign up.
We have outlined some of the challenges that can arise in the role, so it is always a good idea to discuss any questions or concerns you have around EPAs with your lawyer before accepting such a role.
‘Being
an attorney can lead to you being stuck in the middle of family feuds which can be stressful, especially when you are responsible for making decisions on behalf of the donor.
International equity gains becoming more broad-based
Global equity markets experienced a generally positive trend from the start of 2024. This was driven by solid corporate earnings, a strong United States economy, and an optimistic global economic outlook.
] with Andrew Wyllie
]
Forsyth Barr
However, in April the markets faced some turbulence due to rising geopolitical tensions (notably between Israel and Iran), concerns over sticky inflation, and higher interest rates. By May these concerns had largely subsided, helped by robust first-quarter earnings from United States companies.
Over the past six months, equity market gains have extended across various countries, with European and United Kingdom markets catching up to the United States. Additionally, positive returns have been spread across multiple sectors, not just technology. In contrast, Australasian markets have seen modest performance, with only marginal gains over the quarter.
New Zealand economy struggling, but inflation still elevated
The New Zealand economy has been largely propped up by very strong levels of population growth.
Adjusting for population gains, the economy has been contracting on a per capita basis since the end of 2022. The rest of 2024 is expected to remain tough going. Consumer confidence has fallen back towards the lows seen at the peak of the Covid-19 pandemic.
More households feel financially worse off compared to a year ago, and people are gen-
erally pessimistic about the economy’s future. This isn’t surprising, considering the still-high interest rates and a weakening job market. Unemployment rose to 4.3% in March 2024 and is expected to continue increasing through 2025 as the economy remains subdued.
Domestic inflation in New Zealand remains high, prompting the Reserve Bank of New Zealand to keep the official cash rate at 5.50% in May, though it considered further hikes. The RBNZ noted that the current risk for interest rates is skewed toward the upside rather than the downside over the next six to 12 months.
While a rate hike remains a risk, most analysts and market participants don’t expect to see a hike delivered and continue to expect rate cuts starting in early 2025. For now, higher interest rates continue to provide good opportunities to lock in relatively elevated coupon rates on New Zealand bond issues.
Most analysts continue to expect rate cuts starting in early 2025.
Geopolitics temporarily rears its head
Geopolitical risks are a constant background concern for markets. In April, tensions between Iran and Israel escalated, raising fears of outright war.
While there were tit-for-tat strikes, significant escalation was avoided, and a relative calm has since been maintained.
Broader geopolitical risks, including US–China tensions, the war in Ukraine, and the
Israel–Hamas conflict, continue to loom. Recent geopolitical concerns have mainly impacted oil prices rather than equity and bond markets, with relatively minor effects.
This article was prepared as at 31 May 2024 and provides market commentary for the three-month period ending on that date. To discuss your investment options please contact Andrew Wyllie, who is an Investment Adviser and is Forsyth Barr’s Christchurch Branch 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.
FARMING
Staying safe this winter
Connect: As Craig Wiggins AKA Wiggy would say, ‘lean on a gate talk to a mate’ We tend to isolate more in the winter, and this can have a negative effect on our mental health.
] by Kereama Carmody
It’s nice to know that the shortest day is behind us and we’re heading towards spring.
It’s been a particularly challenging year for our farmers with farm profitability impacted by soft export prices, high input costs, high inflation and high interest rates.
Farming is a year-round commitment, but winter presents a unique set of challenges that test the resilience of our farmers. I know I’ve mentioned this in previous blogs but getting good sleep and connecting with others is key to good mental health.
Sleep: Lambing and calving can make it hard to get a good night’s sleep at this time of year. So, if you get a chance to put your head down and catch up on sleep, make sure you take it.
We all know farm work is pretty active but try to keep the exercise up because it will help with sleep quality and stress management. Try to avoid large meals, caffeine, and alcohol before bedtime.
Even if you can’t get out, keep in touch and with friends and family via Facetime/social media or a simple phone call.
Try and make sure you keep in touch with the social networks and groups that you are part of. A bit of time out sharing yarns over a coffee, or a pint can really fill up your cup.
Lastly, we’re all aware of the financial pressures our farmers are facing right now and for the foreseeable future.
Word around Fieldays in Mystery Creek this year was that we have to “survive until 2025” when hopefully, we’ll get some relief from high interest rates and inflation.
There are services available to support you if you feel overwhelmed by the financial pressures and planning. Rural Support Trust have a web page with handy links and some services that might helpwww.rural-support. org.nz/Help-Support/Financial-Pressure.
To contact Kereama: Phone Kereama Consulting 021 222 1160, email: kereamacarmody@gmail.com or visit: www.kereamaconsulting.co.nz.
] with John Arts
Part 2
Can my joints improve?
I have been working with someone who has had problems with his knees. He had damaged one knee some time ago. In more recent times his ‘good’ knee had started to deteriorate from osteoarthritis. Eventually his ‘good’ knee became worse than the knee damaged in an accident.
During a monthly review he told me the results were amazing. He has much less pain and is more mobile. He has come from a position where working was becoming increasingly difficult to now being more confident about the future.
There are several lessons we can learn from this. The first is that our bodies have an extraordinary ability to heal. However, this healing is dependent on the smooth operation of our healing systems.
In many cases healing is restricted because the body system that is designed to heal the damage is somehow faulty or has just stopped functioning. The outcome of this is always disease.
In this case we made several changes. The first is to try and identify foods that either cause inflammation or in some way restrict healing. Two of the most important
groups of nutrients are fats, because they govern the inflammatory pathways and antioxidants because they protect our cells from damage.
We can also cheat a bit, but in a good way. I see effective Joint health supplements as the ultimate cheat. We can target specific compounds that have a direct therapeutic function in sore joints.
In doing so can often reverse the discomfort and reduction in mobility by adding therapeutic levels of chondroitin sulphate to greatly impact the health and stability of cartilage.
Adding water-soluble Curcumin (from turmeric) we can reduce inflammation and swelling in the joint capsule. Next edition we continue this discussion and look at the second lesson we can learn.
John Arts (B.Soc.Sci, Dip Tch, Adv.Dip.Nut.Med) is a nutritional medicine practitioner and founder of Abundant Health ltd. For questions or advice contact John on 0800 423559 or email john@ abundant.co.nz. Join his all new newsletter at www. abundant.co.nz.
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Keep it safe when using a tractor
Tractors are used in all farming regions in New Zealand in tough terrain. Steep, rough, slippery or loose ground and towing implements increase the risk of losing control.
] Article supplied by WorksafeNZ
Manufacturers advise caution in all these circumstances as the tractor could become unstable because of sudden changes in direction and the tractor’s centre of gravity. Before going up or down hills, carefully check the ground and set the tractor up to meet the conditions. You might have to get off the tractor and walk the route you plan to take. When planning your route, find an emergency run-out spot in case you lose traction.
Travelling downhill
• Selecting the wrong gear can result in losing control of the tractor:
• too high a gear and engine braking may not hold back the tractor
• too low a gear and the tractor may start to slide, like brakes applied on a slippery surface.
• Always drive straight down steep hills. Do not drive diagonally across and down slopes. Find the gentlest possible slope and drive straight down.
• Select a low gear before driving down and apply the throttle to reduce the chance of the engine stalling.
• Engage ‘diff lock’ before starting a hill de-
scent for maximum braking and to prevent single-wheel lockup. However, note that the tractor will not turn as efficiently when diff lock is on.
• Drive slowly forward (heavy end up slope) controlling your speed with engine braking. Allow for any towed implements’ extra weight. Check surface conditions, slope and route.
• If the tractor starts to slide forward, quickly pulse the throttle until you regain traction. Do not brake, as you have to keep the wheels turning to keep traction.
• If the engine loses power, apply the brake and put the tractor in ‘park’ mode.
• If you lose control, drop any implements into the ground to act as an anchor.
• Keep the tractor well-maintained and filters clear to reduce the chance of engine failure.
Travelling uphill
• When travelling uphill, the weight moves to the rear of the tractor, increasing the risk of the tractor flipping over backwards.
• The wheels can lose traction and make
Safety first: Operating a tractor on flat land is relatively straight forward but on hilly terrain there are a number of safety factors to take into account.
the tractor slew to the side, increasing the risk of the tractor rolling over.
• The tractor can also start rolling backwards, increasing the risk of a backwards flip if the brakes are applied suddenly.
• Some modern tractors have hydraulically powered brakes and steering, so if the engine stalls, you can lose power to the brakes and steering.
• Always drive straight up steep hills. Select a low gear before driving up and ap-
ply the throttle to minimise the possibility of the engine stalling. Climb with the heavy end up the slope (in reverse).
• If it’s a straight climb, engage diff lock and four-wheel drive before starting.
• Don’t change gear when moving up slopes. This increases the risk of the tractor flipping backwards. If you lose traction, apply the brake and clutch together, select reverse gear and back down the hill.
Landpower opens doors on new Canterbury retail hub
Agricultural machinery supplier Landpower has opened the doors to its new state-of-the-art agricultural retail hub in Yaldhurst, Christchurch.
] by Kent Caddick
Landpower CEO, Richard Wilson, said the new building reflects the developing world of agricultural technology and comes as Landpower heads into their fiftieth year in business in 2025.
“It’s bringing the best of a family-owned NZ business and the latest agricultural machinery together in a world-class facility designed to help support our local customers,” Wilson said.
The purpose-built facility has become home to three former sites across Canterbury – the Templeton retail store, parts distribution centre, and our support office.
“This confirms our commitment to a strong agricultural future in the Canterbury region, one that creates efficiencies and ultimately allows Landpower to deliver a better product, customer experience and service to local farmers and contractors,” Wilson said.
In a time where some businesses are conserving funds and making some tough decisions, Landpower owner Herby Whyte has kept his founding philosophy.
Whyte has consistently invested back into his company since his days farming in Southland, and this new building represents the
next phase of his investment.
“I have always had a long-term view and this building is our base for the future, we will be bringing more staff into the region for training and career progression, and showing our commitment to Canterbury agriculture,” Whyte said.
Two additional features of the new building are the reserved area for equipment demonstrations, where farmers can view and test out equipment first-hand, and the dedicated training facility on site, which will allow Landpower to deliver a higher standard of training for its technical team.
The premises also features six retail service workshop bays, two advanced training bays, and parts distribution centre which holds in excess of 30,000 part-lines.
To mark the occasion, Cathrina ClaasMühlhäuser, Chairperson of the Claas Group joined Landpower CEO Richard Wilson and Founder Herby Whyte for the official opening ceremony. This is Claas-Mühlhäuser’s first visit to New Zealand and she will spend time meeting customers and visiting farms throughout the South Island.
The new building was officially opened by Nicola Grigg, Associate Minister of Agriculture.
Welcome: landpower founder Herby Whyte welcomes Cathrina Claas-Mühlhäuser, Chairperson of the Claas Group, to the opening of landpowers new retail hub on the outskirts of Christchurch.
Opened: landpower’s new retail hub features six retail service workshop bays, two advanced training bays, and a parts distribution centre.
LDV unveils new limited-edition ute
LDV New Zealand rolled out its limited edition T60 Traverse ute at Hamilton’s Fieldays last month. Only 150 LDV T60 Traverse limited edition utes will be available in New Zealand.
]Article supplied by LDV NZ
The LDV T60 Traverse is inspired by the central North Island track, the 42 Traverse. Running through the Tongariro Forest Conservation Area, the Traverse is known as one of the best but most challenging multi-use tracks in the North Island.
This wilderness mountain bike ride, tramping track and summer-access-only 4WD track follows old logging routes through a spectacular valley and amidst regenerating native bush with epic views of the volcanoes.
The tough LDV T60 Traverse has many synergies with this track, which alternates between thrilling downhills and demanding climbs.
Equipped with 160kW of power and 480Nm of torque, a bullbar, roof-mounted platform, DTM wheels, all terrain tyres and even a snorkel, it is robustly built to handle the tricky rutted sections that adventurers encounter on the 42 Traverse.
Under the bonnet is a new generation, powerful 2.0 litre variable geometry turbo charged diesel engine (VGT), producing an output of up to 160kW and 480Nm of torque.
Part-time 4WD combined with effortless power and torque, allows smooth automatic gear changes via the 8-speed automatic transmission and a positive steering response makes the T60 Traverse a delight to drive, either on a farm track, or on the highway.
LDV T60 Traverse standard features include: VRS Metro Bullbar, DTM 18” alloy
MOUNTED
TRIO
wheels with all-terrain tyres, Black powder coated sportsbar, TJM snorkel, and black tinted windows.
The Titan tray has functional features and outstanding load-carrying capacity, making it one of the best flat trays available.
General Manager of Inchcape New Zealand, distributor for LDV, Kym Mellow says the T60 Traverse is the real deal when it comes to a capable ute.
“The T60 TRAVERSE is extremely well kitted out and can easily double as a rugged work horse during the week and the ultimate adventure vehicle on the weekend,” Mellow said.
“It’s stand-out features, such as, the steel bullbar, contoured weather shields, light yet super strong Titan tray and well-sealed TJM snorkel, signify that the Traverse means business when it comes to durability.”
CHOOSE A SOLUTION. CHOOSE SUMO.
As its name suggests the Sumo Trio consists of 3 parts to help develop and create an ideal seed bed in all soil conditions.
First stage: Staggered row of subsoiler legs with a maximum working depth of 400mm.
(both hydraulic and shear pin protection systems available)
Secondary stage: Two rows of 500mm concave discs equipped with triple sealed bearings and Sumo’s famous double drive system giving unrivalled performance when working in adverse conditions.
Third stage: Sumo’s 760mm multipacker roller with replaceable shoulders leaves a weatherproof level finish in the most challenging soil conditions.
GLS SUBSOILER
lDV
The Sumo Grassland subsoiler improves and revitalises compacted grassland that is suffering from the effects of continual livestock, rainfall and heavy machinery.
• Leading row of adjustable individually suspended discs allow minimum disturbance on the pasture surface.
• Hydraulic Subsoiler legs with working depths from 100-350mm to suit all types of compaction layer depths with quick change points.
• Rear flat packer roller with scrapers to leave an aerated consolidated level finish across the full working width.
The lDV T60 Traverse’s Titan tray has functional features and outstanding load-carrying capacity.
T60 Traverse is powered by a new generation 2.0 litre variable geometry turbo charged diesel engine (VGT), producing an output of up to 160kW and 480Nm of torque.
N111
8650
Scanning for success
Ultra-Scan NZ Ltd, is New Zealand’s leading ultrasound pregnancy scanning and disbudding specialists, celebrating this year being in business for 30 years making them leaders in the field.
] Article supplied by Ultra-Scan
Ultra-Scan offers fast and reliable results supporting farms of all sizes providing the country’s dairy and beef farmers with critical information for making important farm management decisions.
Ultra-Scan is a 100% Kiwi-owned and operated business, and its commitment to local ownership ensures a deep understanding of Kiwi farming values and a steadfast dedication to serving the needs of New Zealand farmers.
The company’s ultrasound pregnancy scanning accurately determines pregnancy status and foetal ageing as early as 35 days after mating. Foetus can be aged up to 90 days and able to identify twins.
The scans provide invaluable data for planning of calving spread, optimising breeding programs, and ensuring the overall health and productivity of a herd.
Ultra-Scan also specialises in calf disbudding, providing a seamless solution which saves farmers time, energy, and manpower during one of the busiest times of the year. They also offer deteating, vaccinating, tagging, castration and DNA testing.
The MPI-approved system is designed for efficiency, hygiene, and stress minimisation during the process, incorporating the use of local anaesthesia and offer additional pain relief on request.
Calves are dehorned between four days and 10 weeks of age, ensuring their safety and comfort within Ultra-Scan’s purposebuilt calf crates.
Ultra-Scan technicians undergo annual certification by vets through VOI (Veterinary
ultra-Scan uses purpose-built calf crates to ensure animal safety and comfort during disbudding.
Operating Instruction), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of care.
As part of the company’s commitment to animal welfare, calves under the IHC Calf Scheme are dehorned free of charge.
Ultra-Scan will be operating in the Can-
ultra-Scan’s ultrasound pregnancy scanning accurately determines pregnancy status and foetal ageing as early as 35 days after mating.
terbury and Ashburton Areas for all your disbudding requirements this coming season. Don’t forget we can also provide other services while undertaking your disbudding such as vaccinations, elastration of bull calves, spare teat removal, tagging and
DNA Testing, so make the call now to secure your bookings.
For more on ultra-Scan and what they offer go to their website: www.ultra-scan.co.nz, or call on 0508 858 727, or email: info@ultra-scan.co.nz.
Give your calves the best head start
If you are preparing to rear calves this season, then look no further than Milligans Feeds’ range of high quality milk replacers.
] Advertorial by Milligans Feeds
Milligans Feeds have four specialist products that are designed to fit any rearing system: from the ultra-premium ExcelPlus Calf Milk Replacer; Classic CMR, the original goto replacer for over 35 years; GOcalf Boost, a high performing finisher; and GOcalf Whey for the alternative protein option.
Whether it be a traditional Twice A Day feeding system, or alternative Once A Day system you prefer, our products give you the flexibility and performance anywhere, every time!
We also have you covered for other animals too, with our ‘Multi Milk Replacer’ or ‘MMR’ product, which provides the convenience of having one milk replacer that can feed all animal types, including lambs, goat kids, foals, cria, piglets, puppies, and kittens.
We also have our GOwhey range which are specialised whey-based powders for lambs, goat kids and calves. These can be used as a stand-alone replacer or be fed in a program with other replacers depending on your needs.
Our whey products are sourced from a leading European manufacturer where performance and quality are the leading requirements for best animal welfare.
Milligans Feeds also has animal supplement products to assist with the early care
and welfare of new-born animals, namely ExcelPlus Colostrum and ExcelPlus Electrolytes. These two supplements are key inputs to successful animal rearing and husbandry.
Whether you are a lifestyle farmer or
large scale farmer, you will know the importance of being prepared for the times when you have an orphan or sick baby at hand. Milligans products are available throughout New Zealand at leading rural supply stockists.
Feeds’ range of high quality milk replacers is available throughout New Zealand at leading rural supply stockists.
To see our range further, go to www.milligansfeeds.co.nz or give us a call on 0800 786 253 to discuss products and what may be right for you.
A proudly 100% New Zealand owned and operated family business based in Oamaru, North Otago, Milligans Feeds is one of New Zealand's leading suppliers of animal nutrition products.
Having over 30 years' experience in producing high quality, top performing milk replacers, Milligans Feeds has been the choice for generations.
With a growing range of milk replacers and animal health supplement products, Milligans Feeds has you covered! Check out our website for more information on the range and where to buy.
Milligans
Wellness opportunities for red meat
A recent survey shows overseas consumers have a strong interest in improving their wellbeing through eating red meat, which Ag Research says highlights opportunities to achieve a premium for products with proven health benefits from New Zealand.
] by Kent Caddick
Crown research institute AgResearch partnered with Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA) to survey attitudes among red meat eaters in Australia and the United States towards physical and mental wellness related to consumption of red meat.
The United States and Australia both play crucial roles in the domestic and global red meat market, serving as major producers and exporters of red meat, and having substantial red meat consumption per capita.
When asked, more than 90 per cent of survey participants across the two countries indicated interest in purchasing red meat to improve their wellness status, while about 85 per cent indicated their willingness to pay more for red meat for potential wellness benefits.
“While survey participants from both countries shared a common view on improving physical energy as a key wellness aspect, their specific interests differed,” AgResearch senior scientist Carolina Realini said.
“American respondents showed greater interest in improving cognitive function and mood through the consumption of red meat, whereas Australians emphasised joint and gut health.”
Dr Realini said the nutritional benefit of red meat such as beef and lamb is already well-documented in previous research.
“The high-quality protein, vitamins and minerals from red meat are known to be vital to good health throughout life and linked to brain function and mood.”
However, she said they still had some way to go to be able to provide compelling and specific evidence of physical and mental wellness benefits from red meat consumption.
“We know that red meat producers in New Zealand are currently facing significant challenges and are actively looking for opportunities for better prospects in the future.
“The survey results suggest a promising opportunity for producers to develop tailored products to align with consumers’ wellness preferences, individual needs, and various life stages; and clearly communicating the benefits of these tailored offerings to consumers.”
Dr Realini said as researchers, the onus is on them to provide the trusted, robust scientific evidence that supports the recommended levels of red meat consumption as beneficial for wellness.
“Such evidence is crucial to enable the red meat industry to make health claims about their products with confidence, while policymakers are encouraged to promote healthier food choices.”
The research was based on online surveys conducted in the united States and Australia in 2019. you can read the research at: www.sciencedirect.com
More research needed: AgResearch senior scientist Dr Carolina Realini says survey results suggest a promising opportunity for New Zealand red meat producers to develop tailored products to align with consumers’ wellness preferences, individual needs, and various life stages.
Co-investment for flood and river management a positive step
The recently announced support from Central Government for flood and river management measures in Waitaha/Canterbury is welcome news.
] by Craig Pauling
]ECan Acting Chair
Co-funding, drawn from a new Regional Infrastructure Fund, will help speed progress on a range of projects identified in the Before the Deluge 2.0 report.
This report is a business case put together by unitary and regional councils, advocating for co-investment in river resilience and flood management infrastructure.
The projects in Waitaha that will benefit are:
• Rangitata Flood and Resilience Works –Stage 2
• Regional Structure Upgrade and Adaptation Programme
• Waitarakao, Washdyke and Seadown Flood Works.
We and other councils have been asking for Wellington’s support on this for a long time now, so it’s pleasing to see the Government acknowledging that help is needed.
As we’ve always said, it shouldn’t be up to ratepayers to foot the entire bill for protecting communities from the risks of natural hazards.
If a key piece of infrastructure is taken out by a flooding river, the effects can be felt far beyond the community itself. It’s in the entire country’s best interests to protect roads, bridges, railway lines and other important lifelines, and therefore the Government has a key role to play.
As I see it, this co-funding, together with a new targeted rate being introduced in Selwyn, signals a new way of working towards river resilience.
The targeted rate, adopted in our LongTerm Plan 2024-34, spreads the cost of flood and river resilience works across all ratepayers in the district. This is in addition to the six dedicated river and drainage rating districts that already exist. So those who benefit from works that directly affect their property are still paying their share, while the costs of district-wide work will be spread more evenly.
In Year 1, the targeted rate will add $7.08 to rates bills for Selwyn households, which will go towards:
• Investigation and development of a forward work programme
• Initial work clearing out channels and flow paths
• Weed control and planting.
The targeted rate is a trial, so depending on its success, it could potentially be replicated in other districts in the future.
River resilience isn’t only about flood management.
We’re moving towards a ‘whole of catchment’ approach – a more holistic way of looking at rivers and the land around them. Our awa are unique and one size does not fit all. We want to manage rivers from the mountains to the sea, ki uta ki tai – acknowledging the impact of the wider environment on the health of our awa, and the way they behave.
There’s still a lot more to do to protect our farms, homes, businesses and infrastructure from the type of deluges we saw in Waitaha in May and June of 2021.
By looking at the bigger picture and the range of values we need to manage – we can drive efficiencies and develop solutions that are long lasting, more equitable and sustainable.
For example, fairway clearance deals with both biosecurity issues relating to weed species, as well as creating biodiversity outcomes for braided river birds – while allowing our rivers to flow, lessening flood risks.
Likewise, providing strategic locations where rivers are given more room, similar to what we are doing on the Hakatere/Ashburton River, can allow for planned gravel accumulation and removal.
These are all things we are working towards, and for which both the co-investment from Government, and our district-wide rating trial are helping to achieve.
Please feel free to contact me: councillor.pauling@ ecan.govt.nz you can also sign up to our monthly Rural Matters newsletter through ecan.govt.nz/rural-matters. It has useful information specific to the rural community and farming operations.
Progress: Flood and river management works in Canterbury will benefit from a new Regional Infrastructure Fund.
Trusted land management firm rebrands
Trusted South Island surveying, engineering and planning firm Paterson Pitts Group has recently rebranded to Patersons.
] Article supplied by Patersons
Since its establishment, quality service, client commitment and loyalty have been at the heart of Patersons’ values.
Instead of completely changing the brand, the name Patersons was purposefully retained to acknowledge the original firm’s name, N & ES Paterson, established in Dunedin in 1900, nearly 125 years ago.
The Christchurch office was established in 2012 and is led by principals, Cory Crawford, Tom Gourlay and Will Salmond. This experienced team provides landowners tai-
lored advice and support with their land development projects, from a straight-forward boundary adjustment or registering a new easement, to planning and engineering for subdivisions.
They possess the necessary expertise in all surveying-related aspects, including extensive regional knowledge about the consent processes required to achieve their clients’ goals.
Will Salmond describes Patersons as a firm that stands by its clients’ projects start to finish: “Our goal is to provide the best
possible outcome for our clients. We aren’t a firm that does our part and walks away. We see our projects through and are there every step of the way.”
Clients describe Patersons as “first and foremost problem-preventative, then problem-solvers. This comes naturally to them because of the heart they have in our projects.”
With access to a breadth and depth of specialist resource across the 100 plus staff working in Patersons’ six other South Island offices in Dunedin, Queenstown, Wanaka, Cromwell, Alexandra and Oamaru, the
Christchurch team also have the benefit of collective expertise to draw upon.
To further enhance their service offering, Patersons ensure they invest in the latest technology and equipment, like laser scanning and drones, enabling the team to provide the most accurate, quality data to their clients.
If you require assistance with a land development project and want to work with a team that genuinely cares about your results, contact Patersons today to learn how they can help.
• Driveways
• Earthquake Repairs
• New Home Specialists
• Patios & Paths
Cory Crawford, Principal
Tom Gourlay, Principal
Will Salmond, Principal
]
by Nicky Hyslop
Celebrating our sector
With the financial pressure on our farm businesses, many may not recognise the importance of the Government’s recent decision to keep agriculture out of the Emission Trading Scheme.
ing neutral, but we will no doubt continue to make incremental reductions as we improve livestock efficiencies and more mitigation tools and technologies become available.
The Government has also announced it is replacing the now disbanded He Waka Eke Noa partnership with a group tasked with addressing methane emissions in the pastoral sector.
Beef + Lamb New Zealand Director
Central South Island
While inclusion in the ETS would have been disastrous for our industry, it certainly doesn’t mean we should take our eye off the ball in terms of continuing to do all we can to reduce our on-farm emissions while focusing on returning profitability to our farms.
Since 1990, sheep and beef farmers have reduced their absolute emissions by 30 percent through greater efficiencies, reduced stock numbers, land use change and farm forestry.
This figure would be even higher if farmers were to be recognised for all the sequestration happening on their farms through native vegetation and trees. Recent work by AgResearch has indicated that New Zealand’s sheep farming systems are warm-
As an organisation, Beef + Lamb New Zealand is willing to be part of this group provided it operates with full transparency and in discussions with our farmers.
We do not want a repeat of the He Waka Eke Noa process.
Another bright spot in an otherwise difficult season is the drop in on-farm inflation.
B+LNZ’s recent Sheep and Beef On-farm Inflation Report showed this has fallen to 2.8 percent, back from 16.3 percent last year.
While this will be doing little to alleviate the pain farmers are feeling with high interest rates, high input prices and poor returns for sheep, it is a step in the right direction.
Farm input prices have risen by 32 percent between 2021-22 and 2023-24 so we are all looking at ways we can reduce costs without impacting on productivity.
This is proving particularly challenging
with the on-going dry conditions and resulting feed shortages.
We are all hoping for a kind winter and useful rain this spring.
Winter is a particularly tough season for many of us as we go through the relentless daily motions of shifting breaks and feeding out, but I am positive about the outlook for red meat in a world hungry for top quality protein.
Nominations are open in this year’s Beef + lamb New Zealand Awards and I really encourage people to think about their local heroes and nominate them for one or more of the eight award categories. Four of the categories are people focused and four are focused on the business of farming.
Think about the farmers, scientists, innovators, teachers, marketers and technologies that all contribute so much to this country’s red meat industry and consider nominating them for an award.
Previous finalists and winners have been overwhelmingly positive about their experience with the B+LNZ Awards. They have found it a valuable process that has, in some cases, taken their business to the next level. Others have appreciated the recognition for their work in the sheep and beef industry.
Entries close on 7 July and the winners will be announced at the B+lNZ Awards Dinner at Claudelands in Hamilton on 10 October. Entry details are on the B+lNZ website.
New chief executive for RWNZ
Co-founder of the Good Bitches Baking Charitable Trust Marie Fitzpatrick has been named as the new chief executive of Rural Women New Zealand.
] by Kent Caddick
Fitzpatrick takes up the position this month after Gabrielle O’Brien stepped down from the role earlier this year.
Rural Women New Zealand (RWNZ) National President Gill Naylor said they were really pleased to welcome Fitzpatrick on board.
“Marie comes from a rural background, having spent some of her childhood in Central Otago and has an eclectic CV which will benefit the diverse range of work Rural Women New Zealand is involved in,” Naylor said.
“Government advocacy is an important part of our work and Marie brings several decades of experience in and around the public sector, most recently in the leadership team at Fisheries New Zealand in the Ministry for Primary Industries.
“Likewise, charitable community service is another strand of our work and Marie has a wealth of knowledge in this area as cofounder of the Good Bitches Baking Charitable Trust.
“Her experience growing the charity from a few friends baking for the community to a nationwide network of more than 3,000 volunteers will be invaluable as we continue our journey to grow our membership.”
Fitzpatrick said she’s excited about the role.
“I am passionate about building a sense of community, equity and supporting the health and wellbeing of New Zealanders,”
Fitzpatrick said.
“I feel really honoured to be given the opportunity to lead Rural Women New Zealand into its centenary year and beyond, as we continue to make a positive impact in our rural communities.”
Good Bitches Baking, which Fitzpatrick founded with Nicole Murray, is a nationwide network of volunteers who bake treats
in their own kitchens, with their own ingredients, to give to organisations that work with people having a tough time.
Meanwhile, Naylor said outgoing Chief Executive Gabrielle O’Brien had made a
signifi cant contribution to the organisation over the past three years.
“Thanks to Gabe’s dedication and commitment, the organisation is in a much stronger position to tackle the future.”
New role: Marie Fitzpatrick has been named as the new chief executive of Rural Women New Zealand.
Skills shortage impacts plant breeding
A lack of scientists specialised in plant breeding could lead to ‘dire’ food security implications in New Zealand, and around the world, according to new research conducted across three continents.
] by Kent Caddick
Plant breeding is a multidisciplinary science which underpins the global production of food, animal feed, fuel and fibre.
A joint paper between Lincoln University in New Zealand, Australia’s national science agency CSIRO and McGill University in Canada to address the issue, has painted a concerning picture about future capacity in the plant breeding area. The paper found that to maintain the world’s level of agrifood, fibre and feed production, the skills shortage needs to be urgently addressed.
Lead author and CSIRO scientist Dr Lucy Egan said the shortage has been building for some time and has the potential to impact agricultural production worldwide.
“What we’re seeing is a whole generation of highly-skilled plant breeding specialists who are now reaching retirement age, with a gap left as university graduates opt to focus on other areas of plant science including molecular biology,” Dr Egan said.
“The implications of this shortage could be dire, including affecting global food security and the economies of different countries around the world, including Australia.”
Lincoln University’s Dr Rainer Hofmann said the situation is much the same on this side of the Tasman.
“Agricultural production plays such a key role for our country, and so it’s really important we start looking at strategies to slow this skills shortage,” Dr Hofmann said.
“Our research looked at the current state of plant breeding across tertiary, government and industry sectors and found that decreasing skills in plant breeding will have flow-on effects for a wide range of agrifood and fibre sectors.”
The report has highlighted a number of responses to the skills shortage, including the need for a coordinated approach between the public and private sectors.
McGill University’s Dr Valerio Hoyos-Villegas said one of the keys to addressing the shortage will be the establishment of dedicated training facilities in different countries.
• Woodlot and shelterbelt harvesting • Timber
“We also need more focus on graduate programs in plant breeding, and increased private sector involvement if we are to keep pace with emerging scientific and technological advances in the sector,” Dr Hoyos-Villega said.
“Due to the long-term nature and the variety of agricultural industries plant breed-
a
ing serves, it is important that funding and
ing serves, it is important that funding and research become a matter of priority, with modernised plant breeding education top of mind.”
The paper, ‘Cultivating Success: Bridging the Gaps in Plant Breeding Training in Australia, Canada and New Zealand’, was published in Crop Science.
Strategic thinking: lincoln university’s Dr Rainer Hofmann says it’s important to start looking at strategies to slow
skills shortage in the plant breeding sector.
Activity in China subdued
The indicator arrows have continued to move slightly to the positive in China with daily sales volume levels ahead of expectation.
]with Allan laurie MNZIF
] Laurie Forestry Ltd
Inventory is dropping and sales prices for Kiwi logs firming slightly. None of this has meant great change in wharf gate prices NZ in June. As a consequence, production across our plantation estate remains subdued with many loggers and trucks parked up.
I have stated in the past how New Zealand dominates the China softwood log market but I still hear criticisms of how some believe China plays with us including gearing prices to manipulate supply. Let me assure you, it is NZ in the driving seat.
Importantly the eastern seaboard of China comprises a plethora of traders of all size and scale. Some own several sawmills and or remanufacturing plants, as well as trade logs, some just trade logs.
The market is hugely dynamic with a great vying for position on price and volume. Many companies have been very successful and run multi-billion-dollar enterprises, many rise and fall badly, casualties are common place.
‘The market’ is a multi-faceted place where everyone is on the phone taking the talk and getting market intel. No single company is in charge and despite what some would prefer to believe, there are certainly no Government officials behind the scenes manipulating market actions and reactions.
It is NZ exporters who control the price in
China and when they inappropriately push too hard, sawmill owners react by closing the door when the Kiwi sellers want more for the logs than can be generated in sales.
I believe this is called Supply Demand 101 in the learning almanacs. We have seen much too often where some Kiwi exporters appear not to understand that dynamic and should really have read the book.
To further emphasise NZ supply dominance, here is a snapshot of the softwood log sector in China as mid-June 2024.
Firstly, daily usage numbers in cubic metres. The top five supply countries with the species listed, the most dominant in a large mixture: New Zealand, Radiata pine; 65,000; Pacific North West, Hemlock; 6,000; Japan, Sugi; 3,500; Australia, Radiata pine; 1,500; South Africa, Slash pine; 150. NZ Radiata pine is currently running at 85% of softwood daily log usage.
Secondly the inventory. This is the volume of logs sitting on ports waiting for a home, again, as at mid-June, in cubic metres: New Zealand, 3.0mil; Pacific North West, 375,000; Japan, 160,000; Australia, 100,000; South Africa, 10,000. NZ Radiata pine is 82% of the softwood log inventory.
Economic activity across China remains subdued and the market mood generally negative. The current consumption levels confirm reasonable levels of constructing and manufacturing activity, with domestic prices
stable to slightly weak across key Provinces.
All of this tells us it will be very dangerous to push up on log prices whilst activity is best described as fragile. If Kiwis exporters behave themselves, the fundamentals going into Q3 should remain stable. Thus, the word “if” will likely determine our near-term ability to get back to work.
At current CFR levels hovering close to US$120 per m3 A grade basis, this is actually a pretty good level based on the recent past. For NZ exporters, the current net back to NZ wharf gate price is all about shipping.
At current shipping cost levels north of US$40 per cubic metre we are paying US$10+ too much. The US$10 represents NZ$15 – $16 at wharf gate at current FOREX rates and that would be enough to get many of our people back working.
Good to see in the last week a very slight drop in shipping rates, hopefully signalling that element has turned a corner.
For those of us fortunate to have great relationships with domestic sawmill owners, prices points remain largely unchanged.
Price levels are good and demand is stable. This is keeping many loggers and truckers in business, albeit at reduced production levels.
This proves as I have said many times before, our domestic market is the backbone of everything else we do.
As always, please remember the thoroughly important message, “despite the challenges, 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”.
Back to the future
We were young, energetic, highly indebted, and determined to show that we could make stuff happen.
] with Peter Burton
Winter cropping, the norm for the previous generation of farmers taking on low fertility properties covered in browntop, was dismissed as old school.
‘Hoof and tooth’ was the mantra of the time and any suggestion that fewer better fed animals might be beneficial was quickly dismissed by those at discussion groups.
The concept of all-grass farming was embraced, and short even covers were the sign
Golden Bay Dolomite NZ’s most loved magnesium.
of progress, however we also knew of a farming family close by doing things differently.
They were from Europe, their animals were much bigger, and they fed a lot more supplement, including molasses. They weren’t alone, there were a handful in the district focussed on fully feeding their stock.
As our focus was high utilisation of pasture because that’s supposedly where the profit was, ‘expensive’ supplement was somehow seen as cheating and those doing so didn’t attend discussion groups.
Our reference then became those also chronically underfeeding often well-bred and reared animals. Looking back, we sometimes wonder why we didn’t follow our instinct and reduce animal numbers and feed them better.
0800 436 566 or visit www.dolomite.co.nz
However, banks encouraged higher animal numbers as they were part of the total farm equity, and large factories were dependant on ever increasing volume to provide a payment to farmers that was just a little above that required to survive from one season to the next.
Cows, operators, families, and land were under stress resulting in youngsters brought up on farms opting where possible for vocations in towns and cities.
There are cycles in all things and the future of dairying increasingly looks like smaller factories providing specialist niche high-margin market products.
To meet the quality standards and traceability farms may well shrink in size with fewer elite animals fed higher energy, fibre, and full-protein rich diets.
Less synthetic nitrogen will be applied to increasingly diverse species pastures with products sold as pasture based, as distinct from grass fed.
One thing however won’t change and that is the reliance on clover as the foundation of our permanent high producing pasture.
Because clovers fix nitrogen in response to an increase in demand from rapidly growing grasses and herbs, a negligible amount is lost to groundwater.
And because it is under permanently grazed pasture that carbon is most readily sequestered, intensive dairying will be recognised as an environmentally desirable activity and will occupy high quality land close to major urban centres.
The farms, along with the data necessary to support the above vision, already exist,
‘It’s an exciting future for those prepared to break from existing constraints. There’s a lot to learn however..
and a return akin to that of the town-supply farms that existed in the 1960s and 70s almost certainly will re-appear. It’s an exciting future for those prepared to break from existing constraints. There’s a lot to learn however for those that embrace the vision it’s a stimulating and thought-provoking process that can be enjoyed with an ever-increasing support group.
Children of farming families will once again be proud of their family enterprise and keen to introduce friends to what is a genuinely exciting and rewarding lifestyle.
For more information call Peter on 027 495 0041.
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Out of sight, front of mind
Groundwater has been referred to as the hidden resource because it is usually “out of sight, out of mind”.
] with Dr Andrew Dark ] Aqualinc
For Canterbury’s rural communities, groundwater has been front of mind for decades; providing water supplies for irrigation, stockwater, farm and domestic use.
Irrigation from groundwater has transformed the landscape and socio-economic fabric of parts of the Canterbury Plains that were previously highly drought prone.
Whether this transformation has gone too far, both in terms of the volumes of water abstracted and the introduction of contaminants related to land-use to the groundwater system, is a topic of intense debate that can’t be adequately traversed in 600 words.
In many lowland areas, land drainage (subsurface, open channels, or combination of the two) enables land to be used productively by lowering the shallow groundwater table and preventing waterlogging of soils.
Drainage networks have been a feature of lowland Canterbury for well over a century, and considerable thought is now being focussed on re-imagining these drainage channels as waterways in their own right, with associated biodiversity values, rather than solely as a network utility.
The combination of a relatively high groundwater table and deep-rooted crops can significantly reduce the demand for irrigation due to the plant’s ability to access water from below.
If this concept is factored into future land use decisions, it could help to reduce our reliance on rainfall and rainfall-dependent water sources as the climate changes.
Of course, groundwater levels still depend on long-term rainfall, but the groundwater system’s slower response time can buffer out a lot of the variability.
There are other facets of groundwater systems that are beginning to receive more attention, including the role of groundwater in flooding, its contribution to hazards for the built environment, and its potential as an energy source.
Groundwater can contribute indirectly to the effects of surface water flooding. If groundwater levels are already high, there is less capacity for the land to absorb rainfall and any floodwaters that spill out of surface channels.
When groundwater levels rise sufficiently to intersect the land surface and cause ponding, this is called groundwater flooding.
While groundwater flooding typically doesn’t create the same level of damage as river flooding, the nuisance can persist for a long time as low-lying areas prone to groundwater flooding often don’t have good drainage pathways for the water to flow away.
We need to be aware of the potential for sea level rise to exacerbate the risk of high groundwater levels and associated fl ooding.
There is a link between this and liquefac-
tion risk: saturated soils are more prone to liquefying during an earthquake.
Ground source heat pumps (GSHPs) have been a feature of the post-quake rebuild for Christchurch, with several large building projects incorporating them as a heating and cooling solution.
These systems are more efficient than airsource heat pumps, taking advantage of the relatively stable temperature of groundwater to extract heat from groundwater in winter, and using groundwater as a heat sink in summer to cool buildings.
There is no net take of water: the systems
either circulate water through a closed loop situated below the water table or use paired abstraction and injection bores.
While GSHPs aren’t commonplace in rural settings, they have potential for milk cooling and dairy shed water heating, as well as heating farmhouses.
Groundwater will continue to be an important part of life in Canterbury. Managing water levels and quality is important for our region’s continued wellbeing. As the climate changes we will need to become even more tuned into the benefits and hazards that groundwater can contribute to.
IRRIGATE WITH CONFIDENCE.
BY LINDSAY
Aquaflex offers a cost-effective, reliable, and accurate soil monitoring solution that stands out for several reasons:
Solar Powered
Aquaflex sensors are solar-powered, with battery backup, eliminating the need for batteries to be recharged or replaced. This ensures continuous operation and reduces maintenance requirements, saving farmers time and resources.
No Ground-Level Installation
Aquaflex sensors are uniquely designed with no egress or connection to the ground level above the soil sensor tape. This crucial feature ensures that water cannot create preferential pathways, providing you with accurate soil moisture readings.
Accurate Readings in all Conditions
Our innovative design eliminates the common issue of soil “shrinking back” in heavy soils when they dry out, which often exposes monitoring devices and skews data.
Proven Track Record
With over 25 years of proven performance in the field, Aquaflex has established itself as a trusted and dependable soil monitoring solution. Farmers can rely on its long-standing reputation for accuracy and durability.
Representative Soil Measurement
Installed directly in the paddock, Aquaflex sensors provide truly representative soil measurements. However, some probes may have their tops exposed and are installed under or behind fence lines, where soil conditions may differ considerably from the irrigated paddock.
Temperature Reading
Aquaflex sensors provide temperature readings at a depth of 100 mm, offering valuable insights into soil conditions. However, some probes may require users to adjust the installation depth to get this reading, potentially exposing the top of the device to damage from stock and machinery.
Versatile Installation
Aquaflex sensors can be self-installed and removed as required, offering farmers flexibility and convenience.
In summary, Aquaflex stands out as a reliable and cost-effective soil monitoring solution due to its solar-powered operation, proven track record, ground-level installation, temperature reading capabilities, versatility in installation, and ease of self-installation and removal. Farmers can trust Aquaflex to provide accurate soil moisture data, enabling them to make informed decisions and optimize their farming operations for improved productivity and sustainability.
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10 Benefits of fitting Onfarm Data Irrigation Exclusion control to your pivots
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TARGETED IRRIGATION
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COST EFFECTIVE SOLUTION
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WATER CONSERVATION
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FOR A QUOTE CONTACT
Deer industry voice must be heard
The deer industry has welcomed “wholeheartedly” the Coalition Government’s fresh start for climate change policy.
] with Ali Spencer
That comment followed the Government’s recent announcement that He Waka Eke Noa (HWEN) is to be scrapped and replaced with a new Pastoral Sector Group (PSG) to tackle on-farm methane emissions reduction and that pricing of agricultural emissions is to be pulled out of the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).
“Working collectively with other pastoral sectors is a step in the right direction, however, it is also essential that our voice must not be lost,” Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) environmental stewardship manager Luka Jansen has said in the latest edition of DINZ eNews.
“DINZ wants the government to recognise that the deer sector is already an efficient producer of high-quality products, further emission reductions on-farm at present are not viable.”
A recent DINZ/B+LNZ joint submission to the Climate Change Commission , noted methane emissions from beef, sheep and deer have already fallen, at least in part because of increased afforestation.
Deer numbers are expected to be down
11.2% and deer methane down 11.5% on the 2017 base year. So, the submission points out, “deer emissions are already over the current methane reduction target of 10% reduction by 2030, posed in the Zero Carbon Act,” six years before needed.
Jansen presented detail of the submission to the NZ Deer Farmers Association’s South Canterbury/North Otago (SCNO) branch annual meeting recently.
RURAL MATTERS
It sparked much discussion about the imposition of costs resulting from local and government policy on deer farmers, who are already under considerable financial stress due to increasing operational costs.
DINZ will be talking to farmers in coming months to get their feedback to contribute to the industry’s position, keeping a close eye on the Coalition Government’s reset in the climate change area, and building on DINZ’s strategy as policy unfolds.
Another topic on the minds of South Canterbury farmers has been winter grazing.
DINZ says the deer industry’s unique circumstances need to be considered in the decision-making of the new
Over 30 attended a DINZ/NZDFA workshop in April that was facilitated by environmental geologist Danette McKeown of Lang Sustainability.
Her message was around “not getting bogged down with the rules, focus on keeping soil and nutrients in the paddock”.
While wintering regulations are set to be repealed, she’s noted, the rules around identifying problem swales, also known as Critical Source Areas (CSAs), are likely to be incorporated into farm environment plans.
McKeown said though rules might change, what doesn’t are the physical features on farm showing there are benefits from managing that risk.
“Deer farmers are best to keep vegetation in the swales in winter crop paddocks until after the end of September, when the risk of surface runoff events reduces and new pasture/crop is likely to be getting sown,” McKeown said.
News and views that matter to rural people
Unique:
Pastoral Sector Group. Photo by Jenny McMurdo
Really, they don’t know
] with Rob Cope-Williams
I was amazed recently when I met with Waimakariri Council member Brent Cairns.
Amongst other things he explained to me why he and some others had set up a garden area in the Kaiapoi red zone to feed and educate locals about growing their own food.
Literally, there are a huge number of people who simply have not ever been exposed to growing food. True.
Kaiapoi, as you know, is a small town with plenty of space and far from the city concrete jungle, so I had assumed a home vegetable garden would have been a common thing.
I am a member of a very old Hospitaller order called The Order of St Lazarus and we had heard of the garden and wanted to donate some olive trees, a tie back to the Crusades which was the period the Order was formed in the Holy lands.
Initially we thought a few trees would be a nice thought, but wow, what they are doing there to feed and educate the locals, we will be offering more and perhaps explaining how olive oil is produced and how the flavours vary by producing it.
Brent told me many stories about how little grown-up people as well as children don’t know.
For example, when you are given some
potted vegetables to plant, you take them out of the pots.
I understand that several schools have tried to teach gardening but of course that is fraught with problems.
Firstly, they are usually done with raised gardens, so the wee mites don’t have to bend when planting things.
Secondly, raised gardens dry out very fast because of what they are, so two months of no attention or water means disaster and no results for the eager young minds to benefit from. A much better plan is what Brent calls “trees in schools.”
He says taking fruit trees to the schools does two things, an educational thing, plus food for the students as school lunches get trimmed.
In the meantime, the folk in the Kaiapoi district have the huge benefit of social support from Brent and his team.
I can only applaud them and again thank him for opening my eyes to a problem that I had no idea existed.
To most of us growing our own food is just something we have always done. Obviously, there are many who literally don’t know how to.
Gross zero transition
So far, there is no ‘transition’ – there is only growth. This should be the headline from the latest annual assessment of global energy use, the EI Statistical Review of World Energy was recently released by the Energy Institute. The Institute is the professional membership body for the world of energy.
] by Solis Norton
The report paints a raw picture of the reality of global energy use and emissions. Some key numbers are summarised below for you. If you don’t like numbers get a cup of coffee first and stick at it because these ones are worth a look.
Especially if you’re a farmer wrestling with ways to reduce emissions in your business. Here goes.
In 2023 global primary energy consumption increased by two percent over the previous year. This is 0.6% faster than the average change over the last ten years.
Of this total primary energy consumption, renewables made up 14.6%, up 0.4% compared to 2022. Fossil fuels made up 81.5%, down 0.4% compared to 2022.
Carbon emissions were the highest ever. Up 2.1% on the previous record set in 2022. Energy related emissions exceeded 40 gigatonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent for the first time ever.
Global oil production grew 1.8 million barrels per day to sit at 96 million barrels per day. This growth was fastest in the US at 8%.
Oil consumption exceeded 100 million barrels per day for the first time ever.
Global coal production and consumption both increased to new record levels. The coal story is all about China and India.
Global gas production remained relatively constant.
Growth in energy consumption was strongly driven by the Asia Pacific region compared to the US and Europe. China’s refining capac-
ity exceeded the US’s for the first time ever.
Across the board, the prices for key metals and minerals for renewable energy, for example lithium, cobalt, and needle coke, fell around 26%.
What does that all mean?
Well let’s not read too far in. Even so, there would seem to be no visible transition to renewable energy, there is just expansion of the overall energy supply.
In addition, the drop in prices for key materials required for transition infrastructure suggests the momentum of transition itself is, in the near term, not high enough to stimulate investment in the expansion of supply chains to really scale it up.
It means New Zealand and the world are going to need fossil fuels for the foreseeable future. Almost certainly as the predominant energy source both here and overseas. This point needs to be made more clearly to leadership and by leadership.
It also means that any major activity you take to reduce emissions behind the farm gate, or that New Zealand takes with wider agricultural supply chains and systems would go against the main global trends.
That activity may well bring other benefits. Genuine environmental sustainability, as we all know, runs well beyond just emissions. So it may still be valuable in many ways for you and your place all the same.
But be careful doing it simply to be part of the great transition.
