Country-Wide Beef 2017

2017

Power of the cow

COW It’s all in the breeding

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017

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EDITOR’S NOTE

Change your thinking

O

ften in life we try to do everything we can to improve our personal or business circumstances.

But to our surprise, at the end of the year we have little to show for it. The bottom line may lift but then gets dragged down again by unexpected costs or dips in prices.

Major gains can evade us unless we change our thinking or our mindset.

That’s why our 2017 Country-Wide Beef special edition is themed Power of the Cow in recognition of the work breeding cows do on farms across the country. The upswing in weaner prices this autumn has changed the attitude of many hill country farmers on the role and return of cows.

A good example of cow power being used to groom finishing country is our profile on Matapiro Station in Hawke’s Bay (see page 54), under the management of Mike Lowther (pictured).

We also feature profiles of farmers and businesses changing their mindset to make major gains.

I rented a lock up for nearly 10 years costing about $14,000 over that time. My mindset was that it was needed and the items were valuable. Earlier this year I cleaned it out and thought why was even half the stuff kept for that long? If I had changed mindset, I would have saved a lot of money.

So, is what you have been doing on your farm, year-in year-out, the best option? If it is a poor year, is it more of the same next year?

Instead, is there a different, better way or system using genetics, forages, or expert advice that could change your

mindset and alter the outcome in a positive way?

In the February issue of Country-Wide, business consultant Peter Flannery said good farmers usually start at the bottom and work up. Start with soil fertility first before tackling the many other opportunities to increase production. It’s great advice.

For some farm owners and managers, changing the mindset could be as simple as getting off the farm for a day or two and refreshing their thinking by attending a field day, enjoying a movie, or enjoying a hunt or duck shooting with a couple of mates.

But whatever you change back home, be pragmatic. I know of farmers who have wasted tens of thousands of dollars on quick-fixes when that same money would have been better spent on family holidays or a new kitchen.

Many readers of this issue of CountryWide, will be seeing the magazine for the first time in several months. That’s because each year we produce two special editions of the magazine – one focused on beef and the other on sheep. To do this we work closely with our industry partners, Beef + Lamb New Zealand and Performance Beef Breeders, who share their database of farmer levy payers and breeders with us to provide a single list of magazine recipients.

Enjoy the read and please get in touch with us if you’ve got any feedback.

Terry Brosnahan Country-Wide Editor, terry.brosnahan@nzfarmlife.co.nz Sub Editor: Andy Maciver, ph 06 280 3166, andy.maciver@nzfarmlife.co.nz

Country-Wide Beef is published by NZ Farm Life Media PO Box 218, Feilding 4740 General enquiries: Toll free 0800 2AG SUB (0800 224 782) www.nzfarmlife.co.nz Editor: Terry Brosnahan, ph 03 471 5272; mob 027 249 0200; terry.brosnahan@nzfarmlife.co.nz Managing Editor: Tony Leggett, ph 06 280 3162 mob 0274 746 093, tony.leggett@nzfarmlife.co.nz Deer Farmer Editor: Lynda Gray, ph 03 448 6222, lyndagray@xtra.co.nz

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Reporters Andrew Swallow ph 021 745 183 Anne Calcinai ph 07 894 5069; Lynda Gray ph 03 448 6222; Gerard Hall ph 03 409 8386; Jackie Harrigan ph 06 280 3165; Robert Pattison ph +64 27 889 8444; Marie Taylor ph 06 836 7018; Sandra Taylor, ph 021 1518685; Tim McVeagh 06 3294797; James Hoban 027 2511986; Russell Priest 06 328 9852; Jo Cuttance 03 976 5599; Amanda Bowes 0274 998 421; Cheyenne Stein, 06 280 3168.

Account Managers: Warren McDonald, National Sales Manager, ph 06 323 0143 John McMaster, Auckland/Northland, ph 0274 443 143 Janine Gray, Waikato and Bay of Plenty, ph 0274 746 094 Donna Hirst, Lower North Island & international, ph 06 323 0739

NEXT ISSUE Country-Wide June includes: • EXCITING RADISH: Raphnobrassica, a cross between radish and kale, is proving a hit in trials around the country.

• EASY TEMPERAMENT: Two breeds of cattle known for their quiet disposition are making their mark near Gisborne.

Publisher’s footnote: Just as Terry started the layout stage of this special issue, he had to change his thinking after being diagnosed with cancer. He now has a big battle on his hands.

In true Terry form, he was still writing and directing the layout from his bed in Dunedin Hospital right up to the point of going into the operating theatre for surgery.

We all wish him a speedy and full recovery, and we’ll keep you posted on his progress. Meantime, the team at NZ Farm Life Media is monitoring his email address so we can respond to inquiries and keep Country-Wide ticking along until he’s back in the editor’s seat once more.

As always, feel free to phone me anytime on 027 4746 093.

Tony Leggett, Publisher NZ Farm Life Media

Shirley Howard, real estate, ph 06 323 0760 Debbie Brown, classifieds & employment, ph 06 323 0765 Nigel Ramsden, Livestock, ph 06 323 0761 David Paterson, South Island, ph 03 382 6143 Designer: Joanne Hannam Production Planning: ph 06 280 3167 Subscriptions: nzfarmlife.co.nz/shop ph 0800 224 782 or subs@nzfarmlife.co.nz Printed by PMP Print, Riccarton, Christchurch ISSN 2423-0499 (Print)

ISSN 2423-0596 (Online)

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More: p61

BOUNDARIES 8

Annabelle Latz takes part in a big adventure.

West Otago’s two-tooth winner.

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HOME BLOCK Paul Burt: it’s worth hanging on to his breeding cows.

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Kirstin Engelbrecht’s Otago farm is in good heart heading for winter.

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Suzie Corboy and husband Paul are making promises. 12 With no drought in sight, Steph Holloway goes fishing.

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MARKETS Shortages driving beef prices, but will it last?

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Indian buffalo meat disrupts NZ’s Indonesia beef trade. 19 How NZ could be Trumped in Japan.

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China trade recovers strongly, Richard Rennie reports.

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Anne Hughes tells how a shortage has boosted

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Andrew Swallow reports on changing policy in Europe.

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demand in the US.

BUSINESS High ratio stocking gives high returns for the Falloons.

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Aim for the top, Angus breeder Pat Lane says.

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AngusPure takes Special Reserve to US market.

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Insurance: ACC Cover Plus or Cover Plus Extra.

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Insurance: Keeping your cover fit for purpose.

Castlepoint Station manages change at the top

Contents More: p68

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MANAGEMENT Phil Tither asks if golden era over for beef finishers.

40

Weighing up the benefits of early weaning.

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Eating quality underpins red meat story.

Coping with the pest of niggly Nysius.

48 50 51

Changing fortunes of the NZ beef cow.

LIVESTOCK 54

Thanks to the forgotten breeding cow.

Coastal grazing at Nukuhakari.

61

Maungaraki takes on a rare breed.

68

Breeding a bright future on Pouto Peninsula.

71

The Clotworthys sell their beef at their own butchery.

80

Discussion groups focus on beef performance.

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SYSTEMS TechnoGrazing with a woolly twist.

88

Wagyu steers provide price certainty for the Didsburys.

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Wagyu PGP ties dairy to beef.

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Transforming the red meat chain.

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84

TechnoGrazers utilise the spring flush.

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017

More: p54 More: p84

ANIMAL HEALTH Beef cattle drenching 101.

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Emma Cuttance says FE is preventable and manageable. 102 106

Andrew Cochrane’s tales from the catwalk.

A shorn route to farm ownership.

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GENETICS Beef progeny test set for third crop.

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Better cattle are the secret to better beef.

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Breeding values work.

Consultant Jamie Gordon looks to fast finishing in spring. 114

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Identifying more fertile heifers.

FORAGE

Ryegrass a weed to top dryland breeder/finisher.

124

Trial highlights value of pasture management.

Perfect cow country in West Otago.

Variability inherent in soils.

126 130

TECHNOLOGY Alan Royal looks at advances in video calling.

Kirstin Mills makes the most of email systems.

132 133

ENVIRONMENT

YOUNG COUNTRY Expo spurred Lauren Cameron’s passion for the land.

Nicola Dennis loves keeping science real.

Lloyd Smith has dog days with cattle.

COMMUNITY It’s hip to be a butcher.

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DRENCH GUIDE SOLUTIONS

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Small cattle for smaller properties.

Recycler turns sileage wrap into ply.

Gadgets galore at South Island Field Days.

148 149 150

BEEF EXPO BREEDER DIRECTORY FARMING IN FOCUS More photos from this month’s Country-Wide.

On track with regional plans in Northland.

138 140 142

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Keri Johnston asks how Bill might reply to a farmer’s open letter.

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Denis Hocking on integrating trees and livestock.

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More: p94

OUR COVER Simmental cows and their calves on Rob Kirk’s Te Ohu Station, in north Manawatu’s Pohangina Valley, epitomise the power of the beef cow.

Photo: Graeme Brown

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

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BOUNDARIES | ADVENTURE Kayakers on Lake Wakatipu.

An adventure like no other

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n late February, a contingent of athletes voyaged up and around the surrounding mountains and waters of Queenstown.

Their voyage was called GODZone, coined “An Adventure Like No Other”, and it was exactly that.

Country-Wide writer Annabelle Latz was lucky enough to be part of the volunteer media crew for this adventure

race, and had the joy of documenting more than 70 four-man teams of men and women as they trekked, mountainbiked, kayaked, rafted and abseiled for 360km through lands and waters high, bluffy, cold, exposed, damp, very technical and stunningly beautiful.

Race director Warren Bates loves everything about GODZone.

His smiling face is at the finish line to

Rural hits The down-to-earth tales of farmer turned playwright Lynelle Kuriger are proving a hit in rural communities.

Auditions were held in April for the King Country dairy farmer’s third play Fleeced, to be performed in Taumarunui in August.

Lynelle has long had an interest in performing arts, mostly behind the scenes as a director.

Her first play, Farm Supplies and Other Lies, was written in 2012, after Lynelle started looking for shows that reflected rural New Zealand, were funny, good fun to perform and not too expensive to put on.

“There’s not an awful lot out there that rural audiences can really relate to,” Lynelle says.

She ended up writing a play herself, which was performed by the Opunake Players.

Lynelle’s second show Jersey Girls Farmed and Dangerous (about a herd of cows) has been performed in several rural towns including Taumarunui, Te Kuiti, Opunake, Masterton and Putaruru.

Fleeced is about a flock of sheep, starring a vain Suffolk ram called Rameo and a stuck up Romney ewe called Juliet, who wants to preserve her pure breeding and doesn’t want a baa of a Suffolk ram.

Lynelle says her plays involve lots of

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greet every competitor as they complete their “tremendous accomplishment,” which takes them anything from a little over three days, to more than five days.

“What is GODZone about, why are we here? We are here to create an amazing experience for these teams. We aim to get the athletes on the course, and give them a great adventure,” he said.

The pulse A New Zealand meat company executive was at an alternative protein conference in San Francisco at the end of March. The opening joke was: “What do you call it when one chick pea kills another chick pea….hummus-cide...”

Dairy farmer Lynelle Kuriger’s latest play tells the story of some Romney ewes looking for love at a disco.

laughs and music. As a dairy farmer, she did quite a bit of research to write a play about sheep.

Lynelle and husband Paul have been sharemilking just south of Taumarunui at Owhango for 14 years. In June they return to run their own dairy farm in Taranaki.

Lynelle is often asked, but can’t explain, where her ideas and inspiration come from.

“I tend to churn away on ideas when I’m doing everyday jobs like milking or doing the dishes, when your mind can wander.”

Poututu’s giant scallop A one-metre-diameter fossil of a shell millions of years old.

While cleaning out one of the many dams on Poututu Station recently the digger operator unearthed a large boulder about 1.25 metres in diameter.

Cradled in the bucket it was lifted to the side of the dam and dropped, breaking in half and revealing a 0.75m diameter fossil of a scallop-like shell possibly at least 65 million years old. The boulder appeared to be a compacted mudstone concretion.

More on Poututu Station in CountryWide June edition.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

BOUNDARIES | SHEEP John Herbert with some of his two-tooth Perendales.

Calf prices cause for celebration and concern

Refining the Perendales Winners of the West Otago twotooth competition John and Tracey Herbert concentrate on breeding sheep that can run as fast as John can talk.

The Herberts farm 650 hectares near Heriot in West Otago and have for many years been refining their flock of traditional Perendales in search of the holy grail of sheep.

Two lambs a year, 6kg of wool with good length and strength, marketable after shearing twice a year, capable of running up and down the hills on their south-facing farm and of a medium size are the requirements.

The judges were obviously impressed

by their line of two-tooths that John says were very even, two weeks off the shears and in great condition for imminent mating for their midSeptember lambing.

Spending time going through the two-tooths and culling out any that he doesn’t like the look of into a B mob is the way John keeps refining the look and increasing the performance of the sheep.

“The B mob goes to a terminal sire and that way I am only keeping replacements from the sheep that I really like.”

More: Country-Wide June.

Repurposed smithy Rebecca Harper Pirinoa’s local shepherds have a great place to buy coffee and a bacon and egg roll in the mornings.

The Land Girl coffee house, owned and run by Andrea Didsbury, has been open in the small rural village of Pirinoa, The Land Girl café is on the main road to the coastal south Wairarapa, for south Wairarapa coast, in Pirinoa village. just over a year.

Andrea and her husband Guy the coast. It was a dis-used building farm at Pirinoa Station and a vacant and it was great to be able to do building on the station, handily placed something with it and restore it,” she right next to the main road and in the says. heart of the village, made the perfect They sell coffee, food, arts, crafts and location for the new venture. homewares at The Land Girl. Andrea Built by the Didsbury family in the lives 1km up the lane past the shop 1880s, the building was the station’s and her kids go to the school across the blacksmith’s shop in its former life, road, so it’s a perfect set-up. then becoming the village blacksmith’s “We’ve had a great response, it’s such shop before the need for a local a lovely community and so supportive. blacksmith ceased.

All the young ones come in and get Andrea was doing a lot of upholstery, their coffee and bacon and egg roll, she had a stall at the local fair selling a lot of people have meetings here. her wares, but needed an outlet for all The school has also been incredibly her creations. supportive and we do school lunches.

“I’ve got a hospitality background “It’s great as it means more people and thought ‘what a great location for are stopping in the village.” coffee’. It’s on the main route out to

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

For beef breeders selling calves this year’s been “one out of the box” in many regions. High, even record prices have iced the cake of abundant pasture and replenished feed reserves. But those high prices are a worry.

Even the best-grown calves won’t be prime until early next year and the lesser animals will likely have a second winter with all the extra cost that entails.

Meanwhile National Australia Bank’s warned a looming El Nino may prompt beef herd liquidation across the ditch, and Rabobank says United States live cattle futures may have peaked. When you’ve paid more than $1000/ head for calves, those are concerning comments indeed.

Wheat record wrested off the English Last month’s confirmation that Mid Canterbury cropping farmers Eric and Maxine Watson had wrested the Guinness World Record for wheat yield off the English was welcome indeed.

Few growers have done more to further cropping in this country, working with FAR and other organisations, than the Watsons. They’ve also travelled to Europe regularly to evaluate the latest techniques and technology that might benefit farming here.

To land the world record was just reward indeed. No doubt some United Kingdom grower will have a go at getting the title back, and that’s all good, but for now the bragging rights are back where they belong, here in NZ.

Non-beef competition hots up California’s Impossible Foods last month announced it is to build a factory near San Francisco to make its non-meat burger.

This is no ordinary veggie burger: it’s targeted at wealthy, normally meat-eating consumers and marketed through restaurants; it is the product of millions of dollars of investment and years of scientific effort; it is said to match the real thing for eating quality.

Impossible Foods’ factory will employ 80 people and make more than 5000 tonnes a year of Impossible Burgers, each of which “uses 95% less land, 74% less water, and creates 87% less greenhouse gas emissions” than beef-based burgers. They’re also “100% free of hormones, antibiotics, and artificial ingredients,” the firm’s website says.

Having cracked the burger, plant-made steak and other premium meats are on the scientists’ to do list. There will always be consumers who want the real thing but if Impossible Foods’ technologies become mainstream, demand for even the best grass-fed beef could be decimated.

See www.impossiblefoods.com

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HOMEBLOCK | COLUMN

Still worth keeping the old girls

Paul Burt

Matata, Bay of Plenty

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got a call the other evening from a neighbour congratulating us on the line of weaners we sent to the local weaner fair. I thanked him very much and confessed that very little expertise had gone into breeding the 213 Charolais-cross beef calves. The fact that they had sold very well was more to do with a shortage of supply and the increasing number of aging cockies who want to farm “proper cattle” than any great ability on our part.

This is the second season in a row where top weaners have passed the $1000 mark and average prices have lifted by up to $300 a head. Add in the non-cash benefits of farming a beef cow herd and this maligned class of stock could benefit from renewed interest.

Years ago when beef weaner prices were poor our discussion group used to debate the wisdom of keeping a cow herd.

Traditional reasoning said they were necessary to clean up pasture that had got out of control.

The leading edge of the group would say the cows’ maintenance cost was high and there was something lacking in stock policy or pasture management if you lost control.

In reality the die-hards just loved their big, fat, easy-care Angus or Hereford cows and that was reward enough. Spurred on by bottom-line focused consultants, the young guns swapped their herds for Friesian bulls.

Provided management skill, infrastructure and farm contour was appropriate they did very well. Income would have risen but so would costs and many were left wondering why their sheep production did not reach potential.

I once made the comment at a field day that if sheep feed was managed with the same precision and efficiency as an intensive bull system it would be easy to

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achieve a ewe’s weight in kilograms of lamb at weaning.

One of the traps that catches farmers with beef herds is they sometimes put less emphasis on subdivision. They are missing an opportunity to grow more and better grass.

Providing soil structure isn’t damaged, controlled grazing with a big mob of beef cows is a great way to consolidate our soft volcanic soils and improve moisture retention and plant viability. Rolling big bales of cheaply made summer surplus hay down the hills also works well as a poor man’s re-seeding process.

Providing soil structure isn’t damaged, controlled grazing with a big mob of beef cows is a great way to consolidate our soft volcanic soils and improve moisture retention and plant viability.

Providing there are some young legs to run out the standards and tape, the return on time and investment is huge.

True, you could do the same with another class of stock but production would be compromised. Our beef cows can chew low-quality feed, mop up parasite eggs,

lose 50kg of bodyweight (worse case), and still produce a 230kg weaner every year.

We keep our beef policy simple, hence my comment there is no breeding expertise or expensive genetic input into our system.

We keep no replacements and buy in calf cows (Friesian-cross where possible) to replace empties and culls. All cows are mated to Charolais sires. Not having heifers cuts priority mob numbers in the winter and generally mature cows cope better if things get tight, have fewer animal health issues and produce heavier calves.

The cows get a copper supplement pre calving and only 1-2% would require any help at calving, letting us achieve 90% calves sold to cows mated. Another benefit of the Friesian-cross cow is that in the event of a dead calf another can usually be fostered without putting your life in danger.

So is there a break even point where a beef cow is making or costing you money?

That’s a complicated question and very much depends on the individual farm and the market conditions at the time.

For now, on our farm, the cows still have a place. They add value to our sheep and dairy heifer operations, are low cost in terms of animal health and labour and simplify pasture management. If the weaner price crashes and younger blood takes over the farm no doubt we will have our work cut out to justify keeping the old girls.

This is the second season in a row where top weaners have passed the $1000 mark.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

HOMEBLOCK | COLUMN Beef appears to be on the rise.

In good heart heading into winter

Kirstin Engelbrecht Palmerston, Otago

The local farming community is in good heart after a rewarding season where rain fell regularly and the grass grew. On our farm in Stoneburn we are looking forward to winter with crops which grew well, not that you ever really look forward to winter.

We live on 615-hectare farm and have another 450ha farm by the coast at Goodwood. We are running 120 breeding heifers and cows, sire bulls, 176 R2 fattening cattle and 100 beef calves. Our aim is to kill the R2s August to October and hopefully gain some benefit with a rise historically in the schedule.

Fewer mouths on the place will also be good as we look to look after the pregnant animals and their progeny. Incalf rates were very good and with good autumn covers we should be able to look forward to a good scanning in the ewes too.

Palmerston sale yards enjoyed record prices as calves sold recently to a gallery of excited buyers. We sold some steer calves receiving $1250 each. Beef appears to be on the rise still and I hope it remains so to ensure profit out of it for everyone.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Recently we have undertaken our second drench-resistance test for the sheep to see how it stacks up to a previous one we did four years ago.

No results yet but hopefully they’ll be pleasant when they do arrive.

The bulk of the ewes have been shorn and await their date with the ram later in April. Feed on hand is making for an excellent flushing cycle. Our last lot of lambs killed at 21kg and what lambs are left were shorn for price a lift in production.

Wool has been disappointing. We haven’t sold any wool for a while – it’s just too bitter a pill to swallow at current prices. I still don’t understand how such a renewable, reliable, ancient fibre has not taken off.

We haven’t sold any wool for a while – it’s just too bitter a pill to swallow at current prices. I still don’t understand how such a renewable, reliable, ancient fibre has not taken off. One theory I have is that it lasts so long that maybe it has become its own enemy.

One theory I have is that it lasts so long that maybe it has become its own enemy.

Simon still has his first woollen Swanndri and our son has started wearing his father’s homespun jerseys at Lincoln that he’s had since his 20s. All of my winter woollies for farming are wool –

it’s the warmest fibre I know. Watching it come off in the shed over shearing I couldn’t help think what a shame it was, not just for us for the profit but for people in general who are not exposed to its real value as a fibre any more.

We have been at Stoneburn nearly 12 years having both grown up in Waimate, South Canterbury.

It is a great location with Dunedin only an hour away. The Palmerston community is supportive and giving of themselves.

The local services have friendly and knowledgeable staff who have many times opened up their businesses out of hours.

With our four children, we enjoyed our time when we were involved in the local primary school.

Before winter comes I am attending a course in Waikouaiti run by the AgriWomen’s Development Trust called Understanding Your Farming Business.

It goes for four days, one a month until August.

Anyone I have talked to who has attended has gained an insight into their farming business and new friendships as well. A friend I recently spoke to remarked that her group still regularly met during the year, their common connections linking them together.

Rugby season is here and we are lucky enough to have our three sons playing and maybe our daughter if she is not too busy with her school’s production.

This will mean a busy Saturday spread around the countryside or rather a hectic Friday shifting breaks and feeding stock to enable us to have some time off. We planted 80ha of swedes and kale for winter feed.

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HOMEBLOCK | COLUMN Grass growth was perfect for cows with calves at foot.

Back together on my farm

Suzie Corboy Owaka Valley, Catlins

Another farming year is coming to an end, where does the time go? It seems like only last month we were calving and lambing, and now the lambs are all sold, calves weaned and we are starting to get into winter mode.

Paul and I have major changes happening on June 30, with the lease of the Milton farm coming to an end, Paul will be moving to “my” farm at Owaka, and we will be back living together after five years of being apart. This will be great, but will also have its challenges.

We have both got used to being the boss and doing everything “our way” so there could be a few disagreements, and although Paul has said it is my farm, and he is going to take a back seat and let me get on with it, I will believe that when I see it. I promise to get a photo of the two of us together on the farm for the next column I write, as I have been told a few readers want that.

We are in the process of marketing our livestock, as we are reducing stock numbers significantly by consolidating to one farm. Hopefully this will result in a significant reduction in our mortgage as well.

Market conditions suggest we have been very fortunate in the timing of the end of the lease, with beef prices at crazy levels and a relative shortage of breeding ewes, and slightly improved lamb prices.

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Added to this mutton schedules have made ewe returns satisfactory, which has been a good baseline to ensure we will make reasonable money when we sell the ewes.

I won’t comment about wool, as it has let the side down.

We won’t have any mixed age cows at Owaka, but will be calving more than 100 heifers and buying in replacement heifers to continue doing the once-bred heifer system that has been part of our farming system for the past few years. The biggest change will be having ewe hoggets on the farm. These have been lambed and brought to Owaka as rising two-tooths for the past five years.

Anyone who has been away from learning for more than 20 years and gone back to it will know that studying as an adult learner is very different to when you were younger.

Although the summer never really existed, it has been a good season in Owaka. Probably the best since I moved here.

Grass growth was phenomenal in the spring to early summer, which actually reduced grass quality on the hill which is too steep and rocky for any topping or conservation, but for the heifers with calves at foot, it was perfect. I haven’t weighed the calves yet, at the time of writing, but I am confident there will be good weaning weights.

I went to a beef cow sale in March and was pleasantly shocked to see cows making more than $2000 a head. When I consider we bought cows for $400 when we started the lease in 1996, it is great to see there is more confidence in the beef

industry. For comparison we also sold prime steers at $1.40/kg carcase weight at the same time in 1996. Nobody wants to go back to these prices, but time will tell how long the schedule will stay above $5. I didn’t believe the good prices of last season would hold as long, so hopefully I will be wrong again.

In my life away from farming I have also been extremely busy. I decided to do a National Diploma in Ambulance Practice and passed the pre-entry exam, so was accepted onto the Level 5 course.

This Level 5 meant nothing to me when I read it, but I am starting to appreciate its significance now. It means it is not easy.

Much of the work for the course is done on-line and writing up jobs we have done while crewing the ambulance, but we also have 16 days in the classroom, spread over five different blocks to learn practical skills, and do scenarios in the simulation suite.

Anyone who has been away from learning for more than 20 years and gone back to it will know that studying as an adult learner is very different to when you were younger. My retention of information doesn’t seem to be as good as when I was in my teens. I have a full time job to do every day on the farm and I come home at night, do the cooking and housework and neverending paperwork that seems to be part of farming these days, then have to think about studying.

At least it is winter, so I get inside at a decent hour, unlike summer when I tend to make use of the longer sunlight hours and keep working on the farm.

Maybe Paul will have to come out of the semi-retirement he keeps suggesting and I can delegate work to him, and have more time for study. Of course the chances of him listening to the boss and doing it how he is told are slim.

It is difficult to get good staff these days and even worse, my worker wants to sleep with the boss. Further updates to follow.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

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HOMEBLOCK | COLUMN

The bull has a big “kankle” after healing his broken front leg.

Steph Holloway Halcombe, Manawatu

Our bull policy is beginning to reap its rewards. We are three-quarters through killing the first round of bulls we reared two springs ago and on track to have them gone by this winter.

The goal is to carry the bulls through just one winter. It was testing earlier on through spring when wet conditions and lack of sunshine resulted in sluggish growth rates. A revised feed budget revealed we would struggle to get everything to a killable weight by the next winter so we sold about 20 of the 150 to lighten the load on struggling pastures and this put us back on track to achieve our target.

The summer and start of autumn have been quite the opposite to last year.

Warm but wet conditions have kept any inkling of drought at bay.

This has meant no shortage of pasture but a shortage of sunshine which in late spring/early summer took its toll on animal health. It was apparent that while growth rates were very good, there was something lacking in their gains.

Being hand-reared the bulls are quiet but as they get older and bigger there is more potential for scrapping and injuries.

This season we ended up with a bull with a shear break in his front leg below the knee. He would have been about 480kg at the time and was almost completely immobile. One vet was prepared to come and work on him.

He was given a makeshift cast out of a

14

Gone fishing

on the right day.

Another couple of boats were close but Jig 3 was a clear spot, and boy did it pay off. Within about two minutes of lines down, Hamish was pulling up a fighter.

With some rusty and barely-successful netting skills Hamish nervously watched as I scooped the fish and safely placed the six-pound beauty into the boat. I don’t think our smiles could have been any wider.

Never keen to let Hamish win an unspoken competition of who could catch the biggest, I was back with lines down in a jiffy.

In less than two hours I had made my comeback. My first was about 5cm over the limit and we kept it, but if I’d known what was to come, I would have let it back.

My next two were real fighters and I knew they were going to be good contenders to Hamish’s one. My luck ran out in that department, they didn’t quite match up. I was still pretty happy with two five-pounders. I might not have caught the biggest but I took the award for the total weight.

You should have seen the excitement of the boys when we rocked on back with a chillybin full of fish.

Our eldest two, Lachie and Ollie were right into the experience – pushing, poking, and exploring all the different parts of the fish in the cleaning process.

Ash, our youngest, and with an unbelievably keen sense of smell thought they were rather “fishy” and kept a safe distance.

We couldn’t have asked for a better outcome to the day. Another complete success that has given us hope for more joyful fishing on the horizon.

vertically cut downpipe that was padded, wrapped and taped around his leg.

His initial discomfort soon dissipated and he was able to get around surprisingly easily. From a sitting position he would rock backwards, steady his good leg and then swing his straight leg so it was practically in line with the top of his head as he stood up on the back of the momentum.

His cast was removed at eight weeks and he was able to bear weight on the leg within a week. The healing process has grown bone around the break so his entire lower leg is one thick width.

He pretty much has one “kankle” but it’s very much a success story for such a heavy animal.

With a good growthy season under our belt it was easier to go away on our annual 10-day camping trip to Rotorua. There were no worries about water reticulation systems running dry or springing leaks or where the stock would be shifted to next. It was a relaxed holiday where we could go away knowing my Dad, who looks after the farm when we aren’t there, wouldn’t face any big challenges.

So what better opportunity than to try a bit of fishing again after hanging up the hooks for a few years while our three young boys, aged 8, 6, and 4 have been less-than-patient doubts enough for serious Youngest son Ash has ess. sin bu y fish s angling. thi ut abo Hamish and I took the boat out on Lake Rotoiti to a spot we had marked Jig 3 on our GPS about six years ago. It’s a special little spot we found by accident that you always see the locals at. But it’s hit or miss if you aren’t in the exact right position

Lachie and Ollie ch eck out the prize catch .

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MARKETS | STORE BEEF Later fairs tend to taper off in terms of quality and weights, reflecting the larger proportion of later-born calves.

Shortage drives beef prices, but will it last? short supply of good quality beef cattle, favourable feed conditions and above-average beef prices continue to work in unison to shunt industry

prices higher.

Farmers dug deep to secure cattle right through 2016 with that trend continuing into 2017. Store cattle prices started above the record prices of 2016 and well up on long-term average levels for January.

Dry conditions in some regions did cause the market to stutter during the first six weeks of 2017. However, it wasn’t long before the heavens opened, providing plenty of incentive for farmers to clamber back into the market.

While many have opted to sit on the sidelines, given the strong prices, most were resigned to the fact that prices would continue to lift, given the perceived shortage of cattle on offer.

Such has been the strength of the saleyard auctions this year, more cattle than normal for this time of the season are moving to this sale method over private sales in the paddock.

Typically, those saleyards that can attract a good outside buying bench tend to benefit from stronger competition. That has certainly been the case this season. Data from saleyards covered by AgriHQ Livestockeye reports indicate beef cattle numbers sold through the saleyards continue to fluctuate but for

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US import ed 95CL bull

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USc/lb

A

Store and slaughter beef prices are riding on a wave of optimism, driven by tight supplies at either end of the market, Mel Croad reports.

190 160

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some of the larger yards, numbers have lifted in recent years.

With beef breeding numbers in decline these increased numbers are a likely reflection of the switch in sale methods.

Weaners continue to reward the breeder As the number of older cattle on offer dwindled through February and many farmers remained understocked, buyers turned their attention to the weaner fairs.

Weaner beef prices started their traditional selling season in the North Island in similar fashion to last year and those banking on a bargain would have been left empty-handed. Ideal grass growing conditions following further rain through March and relatively warm weather underpinned prices and demand.

Early prices were on-par with the record levels attained in 2016 but as the

Apr 2015-­16

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Aug 2016-­17

season progressed into late March, one or two sales started to push higher than year ago levels, buoyed in part by heavier weights and reduced numbers on offer.

At the Feilding weaner fair in late March, strong demand and a quality yarding pushed traditional bred 230270kg steers to average $4.32/kg. A large percentage of the total yarding eclipsed the $1000/head. With the bulk of the weaner fairs yet to get underway it will be interesting to see if the market can remain on par with sales to date.

Favourable weather and feed conditions combined with the ongoing general shortage of stock on some farms is likely to underpin weaner prices in the interim. However it is worth noting the later fairs tend to taper off in terms of quality and weights, reflecting the larger proportion of later-born calves.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

NZ beef exports t o China

Thousand tonnes

12 9 6 3 0

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Dec Feb Apr 5-­yr Ave 2015-­16

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Australian weekly c attle s laughter

180 Thousand head

Jun 2016-­17

150 120 90 60 Jan

Mar May 5-­yr Ave

Cow herds remain in decline For the third year running beef breeders have again been rewarded for their efforts. Unfortunately this still doesn’t seem to be enough of an incentive to grow herd numbers.

The lure of the quick margin, however great or small, continues to redirect farmers towards cattle trading and finishing.

The problem is, as the number of breeding herds decline, so too does the end product. We have seen first-hand the implications of not enough beef cattle coming through the system in the last 18 months. This is a nationwide problem and is having a major influence on prices in the store markets, as more buyers chase a smaller volume of good quality beef cattle.

Beef+Lamb NZ Stock number survey completed in June 2016 indicated the national beef cow breeding herd had fallen by 16,000 head in the year to June 30 to just under 970,000 head.

While some regions responded to the favourable prices attained for weaner calves last year and actually upped cow numbers, it was not enough to offset at least three regions where numbers were cut.

Since 2007, beef breeding cow numbers in New Zealand have fallen by more than 230,000 head. Yet through that period we have witnessed the highest beef schedules

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Jul 2016

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Nov 2017

and record store cattle prices. Since August 2014 farmgate beef prices have tracked well above anything previously achieved with North Island prime beef and manufacturing bull prices failing to fall below $5/kg cwt. It wasn’t until 2015 before those strong prices were replicated in the weaner fairs.

Strong prices at the farmgate for beef have become commonplace in recent years yet there still appears to be a limited desire to jump back into the longer-term breeding game with more opting for shorter-term returns within the beef trading market.

Even after two or three solid years of strong prices for weaner cattle, the incentive to rebuild numbers remains muted.

Across the ditch, Australia is furiously rebuilding numbers, following recent significant droughts. Demand for breeding cows is “through the roof”.

Recent sales have seen cows with calves at foot ranging about $2000/unit. Quality lines of in-calf heifers and young cows have been selling for $1900 to a top of $2500/hd. Female cattle slaughter rates in Australia are also a testament to the thoroughness of their rebuilding intentions. The ratio of female cattle slaughtered made up 41% of the total cattle kill through January this year, the second lowest ratio in 25 years, reflecting the strong desire to lift breeding and ultimately cattle numbers to capture the solid demand for Australian beef, both domestically and internationally. This follows a strong rebuild of the United States beef market in recent years, buoyed by strong prices and a reopening of market access within the international scene.

A startling level of confidence is ringing through the store beef market.

Much of this is of the short-term nature, with farmers facing favourable autumn conditions, amid unwavering beef prices in our key export markets.

Strong prices at the farmgate for beef have become commonplace in recent years yet there still appears to be a limited desire to jump back into the longerterm breeding game with more opting for shorter-term returns within the beef trading market.

It begs the question at what point do NZ beef supplies become too small to adequately and consistently supply overseas markets?

Export job firm to strong Farmer operating prices for beef have bucked the trend this year. Typically through the early months of each year, increasing cattle supplies at processing plants are enough to pressure prices both at the farmgate and within overseas markets.

This year, however, the volume of cattle didn’t eventuate, partly due to rain through February. Processors have needed to reduce capacity to better align with slaughter rates yet this has failed to dampen demand or pricing levels.

Monthly average farmer operating prices for beef have set a March record.

These high prices reflect the tighter production levels out of NZ as well as much lower supplies out of Australia – our main competitor within key global markets.

A shortage of imported manufacturing beef into the US, has underpinned the strength of this market throughout the early stages of 2017. A corresponding lack of Australian beef has also intensified the situation.

Demand and supply fundamentals are evenly matched which bodes well for the short-term outlook for beef. Beef demand seasonally increases as the US market

17

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Angus steers at Feilding weaner fair.

North Island bull s laughter price

6.00

$/kgCW

5.50 5.00 4.50 4.00

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May

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North Island R2/2yr s tore s teer

3.50

$/kgLW

gears up for their peak grilling season through May and June.

The issue with the US beef market is however, following recent herd rebuilding opportunities, US beef supplies have grown with production levels set to increase again through 2017. Fortunately soaring export demand for US beef has prevented a build-up of product on-shore, while domestic demand for manufacturing beef has increased. A lowering of grinding beef prices to better match that of competing meats such as pork and chicken has also supported the beef market.

This coupled with tighter supplies of lean manufacturing beef out of NZ has prevented the usual downside in US demand and pricing and sets the market up for a promising outlook in the coming months.

Prime beef demand has also picked up in recent months on the back of tighter supplies out of NZ. However the stability of the market is less solid due to the increasing presence of cheaper US beef which continues to make inroads into the South Korean and Japanese markets at the expense of NZ beef.

Chinese beef demand has remained consistent and has supported the prime beef market. The inclusion of NZ chilled beef exports to China will unlikely yield any short-term benefits given most chilled beef is already ear-marked for established chilled programmes. However long term there could be more positives.

The Chinese ban on Brazilian beef, however short-lived, reinforces the fact that China would have struggled to have found an alternative market to fulfil their beef requirements. While it may have given some short-term gains, had the bans remained in place what is more important is that NZ maintains a strong market presence within China so that it’s not overlooked in favour of larger global players.

While demand for NZ beef is solid, only a small number of farmers are reaping the rewards, which is reflected in the low killing rates. The big question at this point in the season is: will the market be this buoyant further down the track as more cattle reach finishing weights.

Feed levels across most regions are supportive of holding cattle back from processing and the strength of the store market is making this decision easier.

There is some concern that the autumn dairy cow cull will be enough to scuttle current pricing levels.

Cow processing numbers will increase but not to the level seen in the last two seasons. Whilst any increase may be enough to pressure cow prices it is unlikely bull and steer prices will feel the same level of downside, given the current

3.00 2.50 2.00

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Mar May 5-­yr Ave

market strength and shortage of these classes of stock.

Farmer Operating prices for beef typically lift through winter to a spring peak. However current beef prices through March are already at a similar level to the spring peak seen last August.

Any downside pricing pressure through late autumn may be enough for some farmers to push the offload button,

Jul 2016

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Nov 2017

particularly if it coincides with the onset of cooler weather conditions.

This could lead to period whereby prices track sideways. As for further pricing upside through to spring, it remains on the cards, but the lift may be more gradual, balanced finely between NZ beef supply and overseas market demand remaining firm through that period.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

MARKETS | INDONESIA

Buffalo beef takes gloss off trade return Nigel Stirling An influx of cheap Indian buffalo meat is the latest setback for New Zealand beef exports to Indonesia.

As a valuable outlet for lower-value secondary cuts Indonesia had been the industry’s third largest market until 2011 when Indonesia began introducing regulations to boost Indonesian cattle farmers and put the brakes on imports.

After a five-year hiatus the NZ industry’s luck finally turned last year.

A meeting between former Prime Minister John Key and Indonesia’s President Joko Widodo last July gave the green light to a large range of secondary cuts formerly banned to be imported again.

More good news followed in December when the World Trade Organisation found all 18 Indonesian import regulations challenged earlier in the year

by NZ and the United States to be illegal under international trade law.

The judgement – appealed by Indonesia – is seen as essential to stopping any backsliding on the government in Jakarta’s commitment to keep its market open to imports.

But while the regulatory environment is much improved NZ exporters face a fresh challenge in the form of Indian buffalo meat which was cleared to enter the country in August last year.

Meat Industry Association chief executive Tim Ritchie was in Jakarta in February where buffalo meat was widely available.

“There is a bit of the buffalo meat around and that has taken the gloss of what would have been a healthy return to more normal trade levels for us but quite how that plays out only time is going to tell.”

A recent report by Meat and Livestock

Australia outlined a grim scenario for NZ and Australia which traditionally made up the bulk of the country’s beef imports.

Out of a total annual beef demand of 600,000 tonnes, 400,000t is accounted for by local production, leaving 200,000t to be met by imports.

According to the MLA report, state agency Bulog has been authorised to meet more than half of the country’s import requirements – 110,000t – from Indian buffalo meat in the current financial year.

The agency would release imported buffalo on to the local market as required to temper retail prices which have surged in recent years as local production failed to fill the gap created by a fall in imports.

A separate MLA survey found 20% of beef sold in the greater Jakarta area in February was buffalo. Taylor Preston marketing manager Chris Pyke said arrival of Indian buffalo had not touched demand for very high-end cuts from NZ

NZ beef exports t o I ndones ia

2.5 Thousand tonnes

At the low end prices are similar so they take both buffalo and beef.

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Dec Feb Apr 5-­yr Ave 2015-­16

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or for low-value trim and offal – both now returning to former levels after the relaxation of import regulations.

“At the low end prices are similar so they take both (buffalo and beef) but at the high end for restaurant steaks cut it is not a substitute. It is a different product.”

There were bigger headaches in the market for middle-value cuts where Indian buffalo at US$3-$4/kg was US$1$2/kg cheaper than NZ imports.

“What we really used to like that market for was for medium-value round cuts and shoulder meat and that has stopped in its tracks.”

The MIA’s Tim Ritchie said the first Ramadan since import regulations were relaxed and restrictions lifted on Indian buffalo would be a test for the NZ industry. Demand for beef more than doubles as local Muslim followers break day-long fasts with communal meals.

‘What we really used to like that market for was for medium-value round cuts and shoulder meat and that has stopped in its tracks.’

But Taylor Preston’s Pyke wasn’t holding out much hope for a significant pick-up in demand for NZ beef during the religious festival which runs for the entire month of June.

“From what we have seen I do not think that is going to make a difference… there might be a little bit more enquiry but we are not going to get the same sort of business that we used to get before the buffalo access.”

Ritchie however was hopeful new labelling laws covering 90,000 Halal food products to be introduced in Indonesia in the next few years would help NZ exporters eventually counter the buffalo challenge.

A new logo for NZ Halal exports being rolled out could help in Indonesian wet markets where consumers had difficulty in telling the difference between beef imported from NZ and buffalo.

This tallied with the Australian industry which was looking for ways to differentiate between its own beef and cheaper buffalo meat which was viewed with suspicion by Indonesian consumers who were unsure whether it was fresh or safe to eat.

19

MARKETS | JAPAN

NZ Trumped on trade Nigel Stirling The demise of the Trans Pacific Partnership has left New Zealand beef exporters backed into a corner in Japan which could get tighter still if the failed trade bloc’s two largest economies do a deal between themselves.

Had the 12-country trade deal not been torpedoed by Donald Trump on the first day of his presidency tariffs on NZ beef entering Japan would have been cut from 38.5% to 27.5% on TPP’s entry into force.

More incremental cuts would have followed in subsequent years, eventually taking the tariff down to 9%.

Instead NZ exporters are fighting a rear-guard action to maintain their share of the high-value Japanese market in the face of a widening tariff differential with Australian rivals.

Rubbished at the time by NZ tradewatchers for not pushing the Japanese hard enough on beef in particular, Australian exporters are reaping the rewards of the 2014 trade deal which entered into force the following year.

This April saw the fourth tariff cut since the agreement came into force, taking the tariff on frozen Australian beef down to 27.2%, and under 30% for chilled.

With NZ exporters stuck paying 38.5%, the difference in tariff rates between the two countries is 11.3% in favour of Australian exports of frozen beef and 8.6% for chilled until next April when a further cut widens the differential again.

Australian exports have benefited accordingly, picking up from $1.79 billion in 2014 to $2.03b in 2015, before easing slightly to $1.93b last year as a result of lower export volumes overall.

By contrast NZ beef exports to Japan have fallen sharply both in volume and value.

From $163 million in 2014, exports fell to $145m in 2015, and $142m last year.

NZ beef exports t o J apan

2 1 0

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Dec Feb Apr 5-­yr Ave 2015-­16

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NZ’s Todd McClay among trade ministers of remaining TPP signatories to meet in May.

If it could be revived there was a chance Japan could still offer the same tariff reductions for beef.

Trade ministers from the remaining TPP countries – including NZ’s Todd McClay – met in March to discuss the prospects of carrying on without the US and are due to meet again in May. In the meantime the shifting tectonics of global trade created by the US’s withdrawal from TPP threaten to deliver a new blow to NZ beef exports to Japan.

Anxious at being shut out of the Asian market completely US pork and beef producers are pressing the Trump administration hard for a bilateral trade deal with Japan.

In a joint letter to the administration on the eve of Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to Washington DC in February the US Cattlemen’s Association and the US Pork Producers urged the two leaders to consider a trade agreement which “eliminated or reduced tariffs and import measures” for American beef and pork exports to Japan.

Such an outcome could further eat into NZ’s already dwindling share of the Japanese market.

Washington DC-based trade consultant Craig Thorn said there was no doubt the US wanted a trade deal with Japan but Tokyo remained wary and negotiations were still to get underway.

Among its concerns was that the US would demand even larger concessions for its agricultural exports to Japan than it gained through TPP. “There will eventually be a negotiation and it may in the end be successful but it is not going to be anything that will happen overnight.”

Japan beef imports

60 Thousand tonnes

Thousand tonnes

3

20

Peaking at 31,000 tonnes in 2012, NZ beef exports to Japan were just 16,000t last year.

A significant market for United States beef exporters, sales of American beef to Japan have also suffered, falling from $1.6b in 2014 to $1.4b in 2015 before bouncing back to $1.62b last year.

Of all the meat exporting majors in NZ, ANZCO is the most closely associated with the Japanese market.

Starting life as the Meat Board’s North Asia beachhead the company has longstanding supply arrangements with Japanese food majors Nippon Suisan Kaisha Ltd and Mitsubishi-controlled Itoham which extended its shareholding in ANZCO to 65% in 2015.

ANZCO’s general manager of sales and marketing Stuart Hall said the company had been shielded from the effects from the widening tariff gap between NZ and Australian exports while the TPP was still alive.

“Our customers have been very patient because of the longevity of those relationships but also because there was the expectation that the TPP agreement would level the playing field.

“Without doubt when we are negotiating price there is more comment about Australian pricing than there used to be.

“But we are probably to see the full impact of that now that TPP is highly questionable.”

Further snaffling of NZ’s market share in Japan had been spared by a shortage of Australian beef for export as farmers there rebuilt cattle numbers after an extended drought.

“That has helped us to some degree.

If Australian beef had been very cheap we would have been under even more pressure.”

Hall said he was hopeful the remaining TPP countries could revive the deal.

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MARKETS | CHINA

China trade kicks off strongly Richard Rennie After a slide in volumes and values of beef exports to China last year the market appears to have rediscovered a head of steam as the new year kicks off.

Rabobank protein analyst Blake Holgate has picked a positive start to the year with exports over the first two months up about 40% in volume and 30% by value.

This comes after both slid, from a volume of 74,162 tonnes in 2015 to 71,174t in 2016, along with a corresponding fall in value per kilogram of 10% ($7.00 to $6.30).

One reason that helps explain the drop last year was drought in Mongolia pushing additional domestic stock on to the market.

But Holgate said trade appeared to be re-establishing its strong growth trajectory that has characterised its development since 2011 when barely 1000t was exported. This year was already on target to rival 2015 volumes of 70,000t-plus.

“Beef is proving to be an exception to what we are observing with other proteins in China, where there is concerted effort to try and increase

Thousand tonnes

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Dec Feb Apr 5-­yr Ave 2015-­16

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China beef imports

80 Thousand tonnes

domestic production, whether it is pork, poultry or sheepmeat. This promises to bring the greatest impact on New Zealand, beef appears to be the one protein they are happy to leave to importers to deal with in terms of supply.”

Meantime, per-capita consumption is growing strongly. In 1990 the average annual consumption per capita was less than 1kg, and by 2014 that had lifted to 4.3kg. This still pales against the consumption figures for Western nations including NZ which consumes 74kg of beef per head a year.

Given its small volumes in such a huge market, NZ was well positioned to

NZ beef exports t o China

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New Zealand is well positioned to develop its niche position on the Chinese beef market, Rabobank protein analyst Blake Holgate says.

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develop its niche position as a provider alongside Australia of high-quality cuts, leaving the bulk commodity type trade to those that have the volume like Brazil.

“With half the beef consumption being out of home, there is the potential there for high-quality beef that can fill e-commerce supply chains, restaurant and high-value retail outlets.”

Rabobank’s own estimates are that e-commerce will account for 20% of all purchases in China by 2020. But a study by EcommerceChina agency in 2015 revealed 25% had acquired food on line, and this was expected to continue growing strongly, with sales growing 49% in 2014 alone.

Holgate said it was encouraging to see how meat companies here were responding in their own ways.

‘In the short term, we don’t have a lot of excess chilled product available to immediately ship exclusively for China, with other markets also seeking it. However, over time exporters will be looking to direct more chilled product into China.’

Silver Fern Farms had taken a joint venture approach with Shanghai Maling for access to more retail outlets, while Alliance had adopted more of a partnership approach with Grand Farm.

While access for chilled beef has gained attention in recent months, Holgate cautioned that it was not a silver bullet, rather a positive development that would help NZ exporters move up the value chain.

“It has been signalled for a year now, so it is no surprise. In the short term, we don’t have a lot of excess chilled product available to immediately ship exclusively for China, with other markets also seeking it. However, over time exporters will be looking to direct more chilled product into China.”

He said the leveraging attributes already associated with NZ food provided a good opportunity for a relatively niche product like NZ beef to distinguish itself from the bulk commodity type exports supplied by the likes of Brazil.

“It is a premium product and part of that is quality, food safety and the story that goes with its source.”

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23

MARKETS | UNITED STATES

Tight supply boosts US demand

‘Even though New Zealand meat is a small percentage of the total market it’s still significant in terms of what happens in the lean meat market.’

As the US rebuilds breeding cow herds, their reliance on NZ beef is expected to fall. So far, lifts in US beef production have been absorbed by their own demand and exports to places like Korea and Japan, Croad says.

Import prices usually pick up during the year in the lead-up to the US summer peak grilling time. Croad says NZ dairy cow culls in previous years have been high enough to temper the market.

“We have started to see a seasonal increase in cow numbers, but not to the extent of previous years. That’s going to hopefully allow the market to continue looking good into May and June.

“At this point of time we’ve got a really low kill, so not everyone is benefiting from where the market currently is.”

US manufacturing beef prices: 95CL beef average for March 2017: US$2.28/pound 95CL beef average for March 2016: US$2.14/pound 90CL beef average for March 2017: US$2.07/pound 90CL beef average March 2016: US$1.92/pound

24

70 Thousand head

Surprisingly short supply of beef into the United States has boosted demand for New Zealand product.

Numbers of cattle being slaughtered here and in Australia are well down on last year. The US is rebuilding its cow herd, but lifting exports at the same time.

AgriHQ analyst Mel Croad says it was underestimated just how tight the volume of beef exported to the US would be this year.

“That’s all compounded to limit the spot market for New Zealand beef, enabling US beef prices to continue to climb since the start of the year,” Croad says.

The unknown at this stage is where prices will be when our slaughter rates peak and if demand will be as high by then. Our exports to the US from October 2016 to February this year were 67,000 tonnes – 10,000t less than the same time last year.

NZ’s total beef exports for the same period were 167,000t – 16,000t less than last season.

The five-year average for NZ beef exports to the US from October to February is 71,000t.

Greenlea Meats managing director Tony Egan doubts our peak cow slaughter in late April or May (depending on how early or late winter arrives) will have much influence on demand and supply into the US. “In the context of global supply and the fact Australia is still well behind – I don’t think the market is going to tank,” Egan says.

“The market is being supported by that short-term position. Our cow run on the global stage is not a big factor.”

On the hook: Beef carcases hanging at a New Zealand processing works.

US beef c ow slaught er

60 50 40 30 Jan

Mar May 5-­yr Ave

Jul 2016

Sep

Nov 2017

US import ed 95CL bull

250 220

USc/lb

Anne Hughes

190 160

Oct

Dec Feb 5-­yr Ave

Apr 2015-­16

Jun

Aug 2016-­17

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

US imports to drop The United States expects beef imports to fall by more than 9% this year.

According to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), the beef cow herd will lift 3% in 2017 to 31.2 million head.

US beef imports this year are forecast at 2.74 billion pounds.

“Increased US cow slaughter and lower prices for domestic lean processing-grade beef will reduce demand for imports.

“In addition, supplies of beef from Australia and New Zealand, two of the three largest sources of imports, will be constrained by lower cattle inventories and herd rebuilding.”

In its fall 2016 newsletter, the United States Cattlemen’s Association (USCA) expressed concern at the growing number of agreements impacting US beef exports and competing imports.

Fresh, chilled beef shipments from Brazil will be limited to up to 64,805 tonnes, a total amount shared with all countries without a free trade agreement with the US. USCA is concerned over the safety and consistency of beef from Brazil.

“Last year’s shift in trade flows of beef, resulted in our trade deficit on beef increasing by nearly 750 million pounds,” USCA president Kenny Graner says.

Graner says US producers must be able to differentiate US beef if they are to compete in the marketplace and maintain the integrity of their products.

FROM THE NOTED COUNTRY CALENDAR DIRECTOR RICHARD LANGSTON AND HIS CREW

Egan thinks there might be more dry cows culled this season, but they might be killed later due to good grass covers in many areas.

“We have a competitive position across the States – a lot of importers compete for our product.”

US importer David Rind says it has been an interesting year so far from an importer’s point of view.

“Even though New Zealand meat is a small percentage of the total market it’s still significant in terms of what happens in the lean meat market,” Rind says.

Rind says it is really just guess work whether or not lean beef supply into the US will lift in coming months.

“As an importer I’ve taken precautions to not run out of meat.

“As a country there’s always plenty of meat around, depending on how much people want to pay for it.”

US beef production was expected to lift by up to 3% this year, but by early April was still within 1% of the same time last year. Rabobank’s agribusiness monthly report for March was predicting the growing US cow herd to have a flow-on effect on demand and prices.

In the short-term however, Rabobank says the falling NZ dollar and firming prices should help maintain returns on beef exports to the US.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

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JUNE 6TH w w w. h a i n . c o . n z 25

MARKETS | EUROPE

Gateway to Europe - the Port of Rotterdam: The EU, historically, has been the best-paying beef market in the world, hence the interest in gaining better access.

Policy moves play on beef markets Andrew Swallow International policy shifts such as the United States exit from the TransPacific-Partnership (TPP) and the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union (Brexit) threaten to play on New Zealand’s beef markets but for now it is business as usual, Beef + Lamb New Zealand general manager policy and advocacy Dave Harrison says.

Of NZ’s 400,000 tonnes-plus/year beef

Taste & Tenderness Specialists!

exports, typically just 9000t goes to the EU, of which only 1300t is exported under access specific to NZ with the rest either exported under quotas open to all WTO members, or at full tariffs averaging 12.8% plus €2.15/kg. Little wonder then that Beef + Lamb NZ is trying to improve access to the wealthy trading block.

However, Brexit has complicated what looked like a promising start to Free Trade Agreement (FTA) talks.

“We are trying to improve our beef

access to the EU which is, quite frankly, pretty poor given our status as a major beef exporter,” Harrison, told farmers prior to the levy-body’s annual meeting in March, held this year at the South Island Agricultural Field Days at Kirwee.

The aim is to build on NZ’s role as a responsible and co-operative player in supplying lamb to EU consumers, and to extend that to beef, Harrison said.

Talks started 18 months ago as part of a Free Trade Agreement (FTA)

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26

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017

‘We are likely to get something on beef as a result of the FTA negotiations but how much remains to be seen because the EU views beef as a trade-sensitive product.’

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Global Meat News reports United States President Donald Trump and China’s President Xi Jinping discussed beef trade when they met in April.

China lifted its BSE-inspired 13-year import ban on US beef in September 2016 but as of the meeting technical issues had prevented sales taking place. That, and recent increases in quota into China for competitors such as Australia, prompted US beef bodies to lobby the president to raise the matter withXi. GMN also reports US beef sales into Japan booming, up 18% in 2016 to nearly 260,000 tonnes, making it the US’s largest market ahead of Mexico. See www.globalmeatnews.com

72nd Bull Sale – 8th June 2017 at 1pm

BEANBAH PROPHET 164

However, educating consumers on grass-fed attributes is one of the challenges of growing sales into northern Asia where supply generally comes from feed-lotting nations, Harrison said.

BLNZ is pinning its hopes on a resurrection of the TransPacific Partnership deal, albeit without the US, to improve access to those markets, notably Japan.

“This probably is our most realistic way of getting in front of Japan and levelling the playing field there. Australia already has an FTA with Japan which gives them a 10% tariff advantage over us, the US and Canada etc. TPP would have brought us all into line.”

The meeting of ministers from the remaining 11 TPP countries in Chile in March, after the US pulled out, was positive in that all still want to proceed with the deal, Harrison said.

As for access to the US, which takes more than half our exports, President Donald Trump’s talk of border taxes is worrying but as has been shown with healthcare, presidential rhetoric on reforms is one thing, but getting the necessary legislation through Congress and the Senate is another.

“We have a really good market for manufacturing beef into the US and the prospects of that carrying on are pretty good bar the introduction of a border tax. That would be a disruptive instrument for us, and for the US meat industry.”

Recently acquired access for chilled beef (as opposed to frozen) into China is a positive development and while it’s important not to over-play its significance, given it’s only a niche market initially, long-term the scale of China means it could become a major opportunity, Harrison said.

Trump talks beef with China

CODIAK PUNAM New Speckle Park Sire

scoping meeting between NZ and European heads of state. However, Brexit – the UK’s leaving of the EU – has complicated the process.

“It means we’ll have to deal with the remaining EU 27 and the UK separately.”

No target or timeline has been set but any progress would be welcome given that even that first 1300t of beef going to the EU is subject to a 20% tariff on Dave Harrison. value, and the rate goes up from there in tiers.

“We are likely to get something on beef as a result of the FTA negotiations but how much remains to be seen because the EU views beef as a trade-sensitive product.”

The EU, historically, has been the best-paying beef market in the world, hence the interest in gaining better access, Harrison said, plus there’s a natural fit between NZ’s premium, grass-fed beef and the demands of wealthy European consumers.

“We have a good profile in a lot of countries where consumers have a lot of disposable income.”

Also, our beef doesn’t have the hormone or GM feed issues that prevents or limits some US and South American beef access into Europe. Many European consumers are also more familiar with a grass-fed product.

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27

Key Facts

BUSINESS | PERFORMANCE

The Falloon family: Willie, Angela, Tom (7) and Rosie (3).

High-ratio = high return

Longbush sheep and beef farmers Willie and Angela Falloon are proof you can achieve consistently high performance, with a high stocking rate, in a tough, drought-prone environment.

Rebecca Harper reports.

W

illie and Angela Falloon farm Taumaru, Willie’s family property, which is 483.5 hectares (430ha effective), at Longbush near Masterton.

They run a high stocking rate, about 12 stock units/ha, and attribute that to the high cattle-sheep ratio.

They have shrewdly adapted their farm system to meet the challenges of farming in what Willie refers to as “sizzle valley”, with average annual rainfall of just 800mm, taking out this year’s Keinzley AgVet Wairarapa Sheep and Beef Farm Business of the Year.

Willie’s infectious passion for farming, support for young people starting out and willingness to give almost anything a crack are hallmarks of the business, backed up by exceptional financial performance year on year.

Willie doesn’t do things by halves and is a glass-half-full kind of person.

BakerAg’s Chris Garland summed him up as an energetic and chatty bugger, who had inherited his old man’s unerring optimism.

The Falloon’s Gross Farm Revenue (GFR) average over the last four years is an impressive $1636/ha – double that of the average performance in the BakerAg FAB analysis for their class of country.

28

The average Economic Farm Surplus (EFS) is $633/ha over the last three years – 225% higher than the class average of $279/ha.

All this was achieved despite an extreme drought in 2015, which meant they spent $60,000 on feed, grazing and fertiliser, equating to $139/ha.

Return on capital has averaged 6% over the same period and actual expenses as a percentage of GFR averaged 52%.

The farm was purchased by Willie’s parents, Gavin and Wendy Falloon, who farmed it for 32 years. The Pinebank Angus Stud was founded in 1919 by Willie’s grandfather Henry Falloon and has made a significant contribution to the success of the business.

Willie returned home in 1993 to manage Taumaru. He moved on to lease the property and bought the farm and Pinebank Stud from the family at market value in 2003.

This demonstrated to them the value of leasing as a pathway to farm ownership.

Angela grew up on a dairy farm in Eketahuna and studied towards a finance degree. Her willingness to commute to Wellington, leaving before 6am and getting home at 7pm for 15 years, contributed hugely to the business and means they have never taken drawings from the farm. Since having children, Rosie and Tom, she has worked three

• Taumaru, Longbush, Wairarapa • Willie and Angela Falloon • Sheep and beef breeding and finishing, Pinebank Angus Stud • 483.5ha (430ha eff) plus a 20ha effective lease in Masterton – 13ha flats – 220ha terraces/rolling hills – 197ha hills • 800mm average annual rainfall Stock: • 1450 mixed-age Coopworth and Coopworth/ Romney cross ewes • 500 two-tooth ewes • 650 hoggets mated (only in-lamb hoggets are kept) • Trade lamb policy based on feed supply and demand/purchase price • 160-180 stud Angus cows calved down at home • 50 stud Angus cows share-farmed down the road (calves come back at weaning) • 65 yearling beef and dairy bulls and 50 twoyear old bulls sold annually

days a week in Wellington.

The approach was pretty simple to start with – fencing and fertiliser.

“I identified some of the top farmers in the area and rang them, a lot. They probably got pretty sick of me asking questions… fencing and fertiliser, we poured a lot into both and made significant gains in production. The big gains were fencing, fertiliser and stock performance – luckily fertiliser was damn cheap in those days,” Willie says.

A high cattle ratio The high cattle-to-sheep ratio is notable at Tamaru (about 57:43 sheep:cattle) and is key to the high stocking rate and strong financial performance.

Although they operate a stud, cattle are run commercially and made to fit in with the farming system. Willie makes no bones about the fact he expects his cattle to work and believes many people are not tough enough on their cows.

“I’ve always been brought up to believe the cattle are treated as commercial cattle.

Angus R2 bulls.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

In the grass of Georgia.

Pinebank Angus in Canada’s snow.

Our cattle get thrashed. Our cows are 520-540kg average at weaning and get down to 440kg over winter when grass is expensive. It’s about using the feed most efficiently. For me, that’s what a breeding cow is bred to do. You can take that weight off and still get good production.

“Our calves’ weaning weights, adjusted to 200 days, average over 50% of their cow’s weight.

This is over 60% of the cow’s winter weight.”

They calve cows behind a wire in order to tag and weigh calves. Cattle go in with sheep later to help quality and get a rotation going quickly.

They have eight-10 mobs, keeping pasture quality. Willie has noticed more clover coming into pastures as a result of the rotational grazing.

Calving is October 1, late due to the high stocking rate, and calves are weaned at about 170 days old. Once the calves are weaned the cows go back on to the hills and get hammered. The average calving percentage over the last three years is 94.9%.

When Willie first came home they only sold three or four bulls a year. “But that was a good thing as it made me driven to make this farm productive without the cattle.”

ANZ’s Sean Stafford said it was not uncommon in a stud business to see stud stock take priority and compromise other stock, which was not the case at Taumaru.

“Willie does a phenomenal job with his sheep as well as the cattle. The secret to this businesses’ success is down to livestock performance, it’s not down to the stud and the stud alone.”

Stud bull sales do give the Falloons the ability to sell animals at a premium over the works value but even without this impact, the business would still be in the top 10% financially.

Numbers done to demonstrate the effect of selling bulls at works value rather than sire bull value showed the GFR would be reduced by $273/ha, but that gave GFR of $1348/ha, still above the top 10% at $1116/ha.

When the going gets tough The area is prone to severe drought and Willie grain-feeds ewes every year, starting early. This year they started feeding barley in February.

Willie is a firm believer in hanging on to capital stock, whatever the cost. He would prefer to send stock off grazing or buy in feed and confine the drought cost to one year.

“I would prefer to feed through than lose stock. De-stocking in a drought doesn’t make sense, you sell capital stock then turn around next year to buy back in and the price has doubled and you have lost quality genetics. Cows are easy to send off grazing.”

They have built trigger points in to their

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Time series Analysis 2016-17 Description

2013-14

201415

2015-16

201617

Average

Effecive hectares

450

450

450

450

450

Total stock units

5383

5620

5585

5125

5428

Stock units per hectare

12.0

12.5

12.4

11.4

12.1

% sheep stock units

57%

56%

58%

57%

57%

Physical data

Labour units

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

1.4

Lambing %

138.5%

153.6%

154.6%

152.5%

149.8%

Craving %

101.3%

93.2%

91.7%

98.8%

96.3%

Sheep deaths and missing %

4.1%

4.7%

5.5%

3.2%

4.4%

Cattle deaths and missings %

0.6%

1.8%

1.5%

1.2%

1.3%

Wool per sheep su

3.0

4.9

4.6

4.5

4.3

367,026

406,113

357,426

357,910

372,119

Revenue Sheep revenue Cattle revenue

362,658

324,149

358,832

373,156

354,699

Gross farm revenue

738,785

738,623

729,432

738,324

736,291

Standard expenditure

384,362

352,558

420,998

361,447

379,841

Economic farm surplus

305,161

288,753

241,359

304,352

284,906

Wages

27,977

27,422

28,767

35,781

29,987

Animal health

41,950

41,241

39,750

44,321

41,815

Fertiliser and lime

69,329

43,938

86,960

68,677

67,226

Shearing

17,662

18,857

15,658

18,157

17,583

Expenditure

Freight

12,795

8796

16,490

3174

10,314

Feed and fodder crops

63,575

76,211

128,157

92,536

90,120

Weeds and pests

13,426

10,753

8784

7454

10,104

Farm working

20,932

16,013

13,138

12,102

15,546

Repairs and maintenance

50,726

32,287

18,877

23,523

31,353

Vehicles

15,418

18,292

17,254

15,211

16,544

Administration

19,784

39,136

26,416

21,289

26,656

Rates and insurance

30,789

19,614

20,747

19,222

22,593

Debt servicing

228,987

152,242

119,669

130,737

159,909

52%

48%

58%

49%

52%

Gross farm revenue

1642

1641

1621

1641

1636

Actual farm expenses

854

783

936

803

844

Economic farm surplus

678

642

536

676

633

Farm cash income per hectare

1653

1608

1494

1724

1620

Farm cash surplus (deficit) per ha

267

553

547

464

458

Ratio of GFR: Land value

5.4

5.4

5.5

5.4

5.4

Return on capital

6.3%

6.2%

5.1%

6.5%

6.0%

Actual expenses as a % of GFR Per ha

Sundry

29

farm, how I farm it, when to sell, when to buy, when to put nitrogen on.”

Lifting sheep performance Sheep performance at Taumaru is also outstanding, lambing at an average of 153% over the last three years, with low wastage from scanning to lambing of just 12%.

The average weaning weight is 32kg and they fatten all lambs at 17.5-20kg average. Only in-lamb hoggets are kept and they target 64kg at tupping for ewes and two-tooths and 45kg for hoggets.

They have a six-month shearing policy.

Willie says they draft ewes into lines based on body weight and are always working to bring up the tail end. Over summer he is happy to put tail-end ewes with ewe lambs or ewe hoggets.

They have about 30% of the farm in flat weeds – chicory, plantain and plantain/clover mixes. Seven mobs of ewes with lambs at foot all rotating around allows them to wean at tupping weight and kill a high number of lambs off mum at heavy weights.

“For ewe weaning weights it’s an exceptional way to get that up.”

They use refugia and run undrenched sheep with young stock. “Any really good-condition ewes will be taken out and chucked with the ewe hoggets, they won’t get drenched.”

Ewe lambs and trade lambs are drenched every 28-29 days and they do regular faecal egg counts.

When it comes to ram selection, Willie is a fan of longevity rather than SIL data and rams are selected from five or six-year-old ewes. There is a 27% replacement rate in the flock.

He sources rams from his cousin, James Falloon, at Ditton. “I tell James I want old, proven genetics, then I look at structure and then SIL data. Our focus is on longevity.”

Ewe condition, pasture quality and covers of 1400-1500 are the key focus at set stocking.

“With the bulls off grazing and trade lambs heading off we have the engine room thumping and at set stocking the

ewes are in magnificent condition. We set stock at good weights on to good covers.

“I don’t have crap feed at all. I’m known as a short grass farmer – when we set stock there is no roughage anywhere.”

Leveraging off good genetics

The Falloons saw a golden opportunity to leverage off the good genetics at Tamaru, enabling them to take advantage of off-farm investments and grow their business.

“We are quite unique, our pure NZ cattle have no American blood. In America there is a percentage of people who want to get away from where The high cattle-to-sheep ratio is they’ve got to. We started supplying key to the high stocking rate and semen to that market, then people started strong financial performance, wanting a live bull.”

Willie Falloon says.

In 2007 the Falloons entered a 50/50 partnership in Canada, called Pinebank business to be flexible in a challenging North America (PNA) and started season and produce consistent results, no exporting Pinebank NZ beef embryos to matter what the conditions. establish a stud.

Feeding grain early, having up to 25% “We identified top-performing cows of stock as trading stock giving the ability in our herd, selected the bulls and then to buy and sell animals according to feed sent frozen embryos over. We put 500 demand and taking up to 25% of weight embryos in cows in Canada.” off cows through winter without affecting People were initially unsure how production are key policies. the cattle would stand up to the -40C They have specialist grazing for their temperatures in Canada, but the R1 bulls. All bull calves are weaned and Pinebank cattle thrived. “We started run in one mob, then the top 75-80% of getting cast cows in winter, they were bulls go off grazing for two months in that fat.”

June and July.

In 2012 they established Pinebank “They go off and we bring in more South West in Georgia, United States. trade lambs to eat the feed, without They are up to 300 embryos through that doing any damage. In August-September venture and are selling bulls all over the all the trade lambs go on to the plantain/ US. In 2015 they sold PNA and used the clover. proceeds to reduce debt.

“What enables us to run that stocking They have more recently entered a rate, I believe, is the higher cattle ratio.” joint venture leasing a farm at Fairlie, Ewe production is a non-negotiable for South Canterbury, with Stu and Ginny Willie, even in a tough year.

Neal, who manage the property in a 50/50 partnership. They have just leased Budgeting is key a second South Island farm in partnership Tough farming conditions and tight with the Neals, taking the operation to finances meant budgeting was pushed on 12,000 SU. Willie when he first came home. Now, he “The returns we made on leasing, with says he feels physically ill if he doesn’t Ange working, were quite phenomenal. know where the business is heading.

We decided to look for other operators He takes ownership of his budget and that we respected, who had a good work updates it three times a year. ethic, and said let’s look at leasing.”

Willie’s feed budget is in his head. “I They look for liketried pasture monitoring and it minded people to go into consistently told me I was going business with, but the to run out of feed and everything biggest factor is return on was going to die, so I chucked investment. The business it away. I’m more of a natural must stack up financially stockman. I drive around once and their criteria is 10-20% a week and I trust my natural return to even consider a instinct developed over 25 years venture. farming the property. There “We would never risk the are times I wonder if I’m a bit core asset that has allowed insane.” the off-farm investment.

He used to get wound up None of this would be about things outside his control, possible without the farm, now he chooses to focus on the Stu and Ginny Neal, who are in 50/50 partnership with the Falloons in simple as that. Profits factors inside the farm gate he Silverhill, a lease farm near Fairlie, South Canterbury. provide opportunities.” can influence. “I control what I

30

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

BUSINESS | ANGUS PURE

Aim for white table cloth market Anne Hughes New Zealand’s beef industry needs to play some serious catch up to reach its potential in the world markets.

East Coast Angus breeder and Angus New Zealand chairman Pat Lane says NZ’s beef industry needs to shift focus from commodity market bull beef to higher end products. To do so requires better technology and genetics, with more focus on the right traits to produce highquality beef products.

“We’ve got some way to go before achieving the end goal of the white table cloth market,” Lane says.

“A percentage of the beef market in New Zealand does meet these requirements, but it’s only a small minority. To get the majority to this standard will take a considerable amount of time.”

‘If they don’t have marbling they can’t meet the market, but to get any marbling takes time.’

Lane is on the board of AngusPure – a branded meat programme paying a premium on quality standards such as marbling. AngusPure was due to start exporting to the United States in late April.

Lane has been visiting the US every year for almost 40 years – buying stud genetics, meeting breeders and industry groups like Certified Angus Beef – the largest branded beef producers in

Angus breeder Pat Lane believes New Zealand can produce higher quality beef products, but it takes time to make progress.

the world – and the American Angus Association.

“Technology has everything to do with genetics – EBV (estimated breeding value) systems, collecting data, submitting good data to get the right data out going forward.

“It takes 10-12 years to develop good IMF (intramuscular fat), carcase weight and growth in the cattle industry. It takes three years from the time of conception to the time of killing an animal – that’s just the first cross.”

Lane says if farmers are going to meet specifications and earn a premium in any supply programme, they need to focus on these traits.

“A few studs in New Zealand are

focusing on the traits to meet present requirements – like carcase weight, growth and marbling – with more breeders showing interest in the EBV system to assist this programme.”

Lane says American and Australian breeders are 20 years ahead of NZ in their use of technology to improve genetics.

“Now they’ve got the technology and carcase, they’re really focusing on feed efficiency.

“They’re trying to produce the cattle required for the right market on less.”

NZ has a great opportunity to change its farming systems to meet a higher-end beef market, Lane says.

“We’ll be forced to change because of the way our hill country farming industry is going.”

He says beef is a convenient protein for consumers leading increasingly busy lives.

“Seed stock producers have to realise the buck stops with them.

›› continues p32

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31

BUSINESS | EXPORTS

Angus Pure Special Reserve will have a guaranteed marbling level for the US market.

Taking Special Reserve to US market Anne Hughes A new AngusPure product is being launched in the United States this month.

AngusPure Special Reserve is the brand’s first foray overseas.

AngusPure chairman Tim Brittain says until now, the focus has been on growing the brand in New Zealand retail stores and restaurants.

The special reserve programme aims to develop a brand with high-quality carcase attributes, targeting a higher-end US market.

The product will be sold in the US as AngusPure Special Reserve branded beef, rather than under a house brand name.

Final US Department of Agriculture approval was given for the labelling in late March.

Brittain hoped slaughter for the programme would start mid-April, with

›› from p31 “If they don’t get it right the rest of the industry doesn’t succeed.”

NZ’s biggest competition comes from South America, which also has the grassfed advantage and is so much closer to the market, Lane says.

“There’s some huge cattle corporations that have gone over there because their infrastructure is so cheap.

“The only thing in our favour is we’re politically more stable.”

Lane says farmers not meeting all the quality specifications in their beef supply programmes need to analyse

32

As well as marbling, AngusPure Special Reserve beef will be fully traceable throughout the supply chain, require larger animals (250-350kg CW), good IMF % and the right PH levels.

“Meat companies have not been reporting back to suppliers on marbling.

With Special Reserve we are giving that information.”

Brittain says farmers will need time to adjust to the new grading system.

“We hope they’ll take extra care when buying sires to breed more marbling into their herd and that will come through in their progeny.

“Often the people finishing the cattle are not always the breeders of the cattle, so they will need to take more care of the ones they’re buying.”

AngusPure Special Reserve will be distributed by Broadleaf, a company run by ex-pat Kiwis Mark and Annie Mitchell, now based in California.

Brittain says Broadleaf has been marketing lamb and venison in the US for many years and were keen to take on a NZ beef supplier.

product hitting the US market in midMay. The main point of difference with the export brand is the marbling requirement. Brittain says research shows marbling is the key to consistently tender and juicy steak.

In the US, a marbling score of two is considered moderate marbling.

Brittain says the US consumer is used to the benefits of marbled products.

Coupled with their growing awareness of the benefits of grass-fed beef, this is a great opportunity for the NZ brand.

“The US is also very Angus-aware – Certified Angus Beef is the longest established branded beef product in the US.” He says achieving marbling requires the right genetics and feeding regime.

“Steers and heifers finished for the table need to be on a consistent plane of nutrition throughout their entire life.”

The company sells into the restaurant and retail markets in all but one of the US states and, after some trial shipments, plans to take all cuts of the carcase.

The programme will start out processing about 100 carcases each week.

Slightly more animals than that will need to be killed, as not every carcase will meet the supply requirements.

From some initial trial grading, Brittain

their kill data to find out why.

“If they don’t have marbling they can’t meet the market, but to get any marbling takes time.

“You need to get on board now with a programme to be able to meet it in four to five years’ time.”

To enhance their breeding programme, bull buyers need to understand and analyse the performance data, targeting EBVs above the 50th percentile.

“If you want to get into a genetic programme you’ve got to be buying the right indexes above the breed average for marbling, carcase weight, growth and various other traits.”

Lane says the average yield for steers is 50-51%.

“Higher CW in EBVs for bulls the more it will produce in the higher yield and the more money it will make without any extra work or feed or cost.”

Some meat companies are not providing enough kill sheet data and Lane says farmers need to be questioning their processor if they are not getting the information they need.

“Understand that the genetic progress takes time and you might not meet all the yield, marbling or quality specifications quickly.”

‘Farmers inherently want to be part of a successful brand and they are always interested in how they can make more money.’

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Measuring the marbling Marbling in AngusPure Special Reserve beef will be measured using an Australian system.

AUS-MEAT-qualified personnel will score the meat for marbling at the Wilson Hellaby processing plant in Auckland.

Marbling is the fat deposited between muscle fibres. It is scored by assessing the chilled carcase, comparing the proportion of marble fat to meat at the surface.

The highest premium will be paid to AngusPure Special Reserve farmers supplying beef with a marbling score of two or better.

The premium paid for a marbling score of one will be about 30 cents/kg less.

Product with a marbling score of zero will be processed as ordinary prime steer or heifer and not sold under the Special Reserve brand.

AngusPure plans to introduce a marbling score requirement of one for its New Zealand products.

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is confident they will be able to source enough cattle with adequate marbling.

The AngusPure Special Reserve brand will also need to supply the US year-round.

Brittain says that should be possible, with more farmers starting to specialise in winter grass finishing. The programme is open to all Angus farmers who meet the requirements, but some smaller farmers might need to work together for enough consistent supply.

The premium will be higher for those supplying during the tougher times of year.

Brittain can’t say yet exactly what the reserve beef premium will be.

AngusPure planned to give suppliers a threemonth price commitment when killing began in mid-April.

He says the new export programme has created a lot of interest amongst Angus farmers.

“Farmers inherently want to be part of a successful brand and they are always interested in how they can make more money.”

“We’re going to have to be very competitive in order to source the cattle. There are other companies and brands that have started that are seeking these cattle.”

Brittain says farmers are paying more attention to what they can do to improve meat quality and the processing industry has also made improvements, such as better aging for tenderness.

“Farmers are recognising the importance of sire selection in the overall farming operation.”

“He’s not the money provider guy. He’s the benchmark guy and the ‘what do you think of this’ guy.”

Justin King, Brookwood Station, Takapau

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BUSINESS | INSURANCE

Cover Plus or CoverPlus Extra?

Stephen Stafford-Bush and Ray Sheath We are often asked by clients: what is the best ACC cover to have? We will explain the differences and benefits and disadvantages and then provide a live example of why we believe ACC CoverPlus Extra (ACC CPX) is the best cover to have.

ACC Cover Plus The key elements of the traditional ACC cover are: • everyone is covered by default.

• provides payment of 80% of earnings.

• Seven-day stand down period (no payment for first week).

• cheapest ACC cover available.

• based on loss of earnings (if you can’t prove loss of earnings – no payment) and proof is required of your earnings.

ACC Cover Plus Extra (ACC CPX) • limited cover unless elect in.

• provides 100% payment at an agreed value.

• no stand down and payout almost immediate.

• more expensive cover.

• agreed level of cover based on what compensation is required if injured.

Often, ACC CPX is best utilised when combined with additional private insurance cover. For example, let’s say you wish to have ACC cover of $60,000.

You would then choose the minimum level of $24,450 of ACC CPX and private insurance cover of $35,550 to top up to the $60,000.

In conjunction with this private insurance, it is often possible to get more comprehensive, beneficial insurance cover, usually at a lower cost overall (to include trauma, sickness, loss of income

from other than accident).

Tax structure (eg: sole trader, partnership, companies and Stephen Stafford-Bush. trusts) can then complicate matters with respect to ACC CPX. Earnings for ACC Cover Plus and ACC CPX are based on the earnings from employment (irrespective of whether salary, wages or self employment). The real complication can occur when trading through a trust. Income from trusts are not income from employment earnings, but rather are beneficiary income. As a result, doing nothing where beneficiary income is received, leaves working farmers exposed to no ACC cover at all in trusts, should an injury or accident occur, and therefore no ACC claim.

The way around this is either to pay wages (which may or may not be ideal), or take out ACC CPX to provide an agreed amount of cover.

The following recent case study demonstrates clearly the benefits of having ACC CPX cover for the working beneficiaries of a trust. This actually occurred, but names have been changed.

John (not his real name) a dry stock farmer operates through a trust (not an uncommon tax practice). The income he received was via beneficiary income (not wages or salary). As a consequence, he had no ACC cover. John became a client and we were horrified he had no ACC cover. Taking a holistic approach, we involved his farm consultant, asked for input from an experienced insurance broker who fully understood the intricacies of ACC (Ray Sheath from Farm Insure Limited), and prepared a comprehensive insurance package,

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including ACC CPX. Ray Sheath picks up the story: When I initially met with “John” he advised me that he was not covered for ACC, had an income protection policy in place and was informed that he would be covered. I informed him that this offsets against ACC and that there were products in the market place that were paid out on top of ACC, and also paid out for any illness.

Working with his farm consultant and Stephen, I insisted that they be brought into the process which enabled us all to be aware that if anything happened, we would all have knowledge of the cover put in place.

We agreed upon placing John on to the ACC Cover Plus Extra product, which is fantastic for self-employed business people as it is a guaranteed amount. We then also covered John with a business cover that paid out on top of ACC as well as for illness, along with a trauma policy that had a free total permanent disability benefit.

The outcome was that he would receive more if he was involved in an accident and doubled his amount of cover for an illness. This also had a longer payout than he previously had.

Lastly, he saved over $2500 in premiums in his first year, from what he had been previously paying.

The amount of premium discount over a 10-year period increased in total to be 30% per annum for the rest of the life of the policy. A massive saving as he aged, unlike other policies.

Earlier this year John had an accident and lost an eye.

We were able to gain the following payouts from the insurance cover that had been put in place:

›› continues p35

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BUSINESS | INSURANCE

Keeping cover fit for purpose Anne Hughes Natural disasters are a costly reminder of just how quickly a farmer’s ability to earn an income can be taken from them.

Traditionally, farmers have looked to insure physical assets, such as tractors and implement sheds.

These are still relevant, but increasingly farmers are being urged to consider liability, key person, business interruption and income protection insurance.

“A lesson taken from the recent Kaikoura earthquakes is to ensure full insurance is in place to cover loss of income and increased costs following a major loss,” NZI’s national manager for rural broker business Jon Watson says.

Watson says adequate cover for legal liabilities can help protect the farmer and their business from fines, penalties or reparations imposed following a conviction under health and safety laws.

FMG chief operations officer Conrad Wilkshire says farmers’ perception of business interruption insurance is shifting, following recent floods, windstorms and earthquakes.

“What these events are showing is that all milking sheds could be out of action in a flash,” Wilkshire says.

“Support from your neighbour on any front may not be an option. Roads could be out for weeks on end.

“Business interruption simply provides additional peace of mind, around cash flow giving clients one less thing to worry about.”

Key person insurance is also becoming

a greater consideration for farmers, addressing how they will keep the business running if someone can’t work due to illness or injury.”

“Too often people look at this question from the perspective of a fatality. In reality (fortunately) this is the least-likely of the risks. Workplace accidents and illness however often happen when you least expect them and when you can least afford to be off work.”

Farmers can review cover with their insurer, broker or advisor, but should inform their insurer of any substantive changes onfarm as they happen, such as the addition of a new building.

Wilkshire says seasonal risks also need to be considered.

“For example, if a client owns, or purchases a forest, they’ll need to review their policies before summer as they’re unlikely to receive insurance entering into the peak of a summer dry.”

Insurers can also provide advice on a new farm purchase, usually sought as part of the farmer’s due diligence process.

Cost is always a priority. Wilkshire says FMG noticed no change in attitude towards insurance during the commodity downturn of 2008/2009.

“Farmers were

willing to keep their policies up-to-date, so as to avoid any pressure on cash flow.

“However, as the downturn ran into the second season, attitudes shifted materially with clients ringing in to cut their insurances as the cash flow crunch became a very real issue and cost savings had to be made.”

FMG specialist advisers helped these farmers strike a better balance between near-term savings and longerterm risks.

When reviewing insurance, ask yourself if it is fit for purpose.

For example, a converted dairy farm may still have a woolshed on it that is no longer used for its original purpose. If it needed replacing, it might more likely be replaced with an implement shed.

“Considerations like this can alter what premiums a client pays and also set the right expectations between farmers and insurers on a rebuild/repair plan when it comes to making a claim.”

›› from p34 • $90,000 approx for the loss of his eye from his trauma policy under the total permanent disability benefit.

• John received about $2500 for being in hospital after his operation.

• He continues to receive $7999 a month as he rehabilitates, this ensures his farm has a competent manager to organise the farm business and releases any stress on John.

As can be seen, the advantage in having agreed cover under ACC CPX, combined with a top up of additional insurances is clear from the above.

In summary, ACC CPX is the best cover to have, for working farmers in trusts and in other taxable entities in order to get the most beneficial cover, whether that be for the purposes of needing either comprehensive cover, greater cover with no clawback or stand down, or more cost-effective cover.

• Stephen Stafford-Bush is director of McConnell Stafford-Bush and Associates, chartered accountants and Ray Sheath is director of Essential Insurances Limited and Farm Insure Limited.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

35

BUSINESS | MANAGEMENT

Large Wairarapa hill country farm Castlepoint Station has employed a new farm manager.

Managing change at the top Anne Hughes Losing a valued manager is disruptive to any business.

Castlepoint Station owners Anders and Emily Crofoot also saw this as an opportunity.

When the farm manager resigned before Christmas, Emily says the first thing they did was take the opportunity to address any issues and tweak the job description to make sure it was truly reflective of the position before looking to employ a new manager.

The resigning manager was happy in the job. The Crofoots were sorry to lose him after just one year, but he had the opportunity to manage a very large farming operation.

“We had a very good working relationship and he’d done some amazing

36

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Castlepoint Station Castlepoint Station is a large Wairarapa hill country property, employing five full-time staff members.

The management team – including owners Emily and Anders Crofoot, the farm manager and farm consultants – meets three times a year.

Emily and Anders are both very passionate about the farm. However, Anders is often busy offfarm with his role as Federated Farmers national vice-president and Emily has multiple sclerosis, which limits what she is able to do on-farm.

So it is the farm manager’s responsibility to implement the programme and direction decided on at the management meetings.

After going through the process of hiring a new farm manager recently, Emily says it is very apparent that good managers are constantly upskilling, especially in technology.

The top applicants for the job at Castlepoint were all using Farmax and FarmIQ. “The sheep and beef sector is in good heart if we can keep these talented people in the industry.

things on the farm,” Emily says.

Emily wanted to make sure there were no other factors contributing to his resignation that needed to be addressed.

She did this by having someone outside of the immediate management team, in this case a member of the farm’s advisory group, conduct an exit interview with the outgoing manager.

“That just reinforced what he was saying – it was an opportunity that he couldn’t pass up.”

The outgoing farm manager was

contracted to give two months’ notice.

In the meantime, the Crofoots tweaked the job description then advertised the position.

They advertised themselves (on Trade Me and in NZ Farmers Weekly), but made the job description available through the website of their farm consultant.

Emily says the response was excellent, with about 20 applications.

Some were surprisingly inappropriate, such as a fast food restaurant manager with no farming experience, she said.

Castlepoint Station manager Jacques Reinhardt is enjoying a return to commercial farming, in the hands-on role.

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The applicants were divided into three lists that Emily calls the short list of three people to be interviewed, the long list (not on initial short list, but still highquality candidates) and the no list.

The three applicants selected for interviews were all in management positions.

Emily says that was an important requirement for running the 3700ha station.

“This job has got scale, you’re summer dry and it’s got a high public profile, with lots of visitors coming through and trial work happening.

“It shouldn’t be someone’s first management experience.”

Applicants on the no list were contacted straight away to let them know they were unsuccessful.

The six people on the long list were informed they had not made the initial interview list, but Emily would keep them updated on where the process was.

“You need to keep your options open even if you’re tracking towards one person – they might not want the job.”

The long list applicants could all have been excellent in the role. Some didn’t have actual management experience, while many were in second-in-charge roles on very large farms or managing smaller farms with no staff, she says.

“We would have happily interviewed any of these ones.”

Emily and the farm consultant checked references for the top three applicants, then arranged the three interviews on one day.

Commercial return Castlepoint Station new farm manager Jacques Reinhardt is relishing his new role and the balance between management and hands-on farm work.

Reinhardt is enjoying a return to commercial farming, after managing large scale hill country ram breeding operation Wairere in the Wairarapa.

He was not actively looking for a new job when the Castlepoint Station role was advertised.

“I was in a strong position because I didn’t have to leave and I wasn’t unhappy.”

Castlepoint offered the opportunity to move in a different direction, in a more hands-on commercial farming role. It was a good fit for Reinhardt and his young family.

He is loving the job so far and getting on really well with Emily, who is responsible for human resources at Castlepoint.

“I’m aware we need to keep the lines of communication open,” Reinhardt says.

Castlepoint provided fuel vouchers to cover travel costs and offered to pay for accommodation if interviewees needed to stay overnight.

Interviewees were asked to bring their partners.

The interview team was Emily, Anders, their daughter Sarah (who works in Wellington but is involved in the farm) and their farm consultant.

After the interview questions, the outgoing manager drove the interviewees through the farm and showed them the

manager’s house – giving them a chance to ask their own questions and for the applicants to find out more about the working environment on Castlepoint.

The interview panel all ranked the applicants in exactly the same order.

They also asked the outgoing manager for his assessment and did some more reference checking.

‘You need to keep your options open even if you’re tracking towards one person – they might not want the job.’

“It’s important that everyone’s opinion counts,” Emily says.

Satisfied, they offered Jacques Reinhardt the job. Once the offer of employment was signed, the unsuccessful candidates were contacted.

Emily says it is unsettling to lose a farm manager.

“It is a big ship to run and it leaves the staff not knowing what the nature of the next person coming in is going to be.”

The new farm manager started at the end of February and his predecessor left on good terms.

“It’s not where we expected to be a year down the track, but every cloud has a silver lining,” Emily says.

“The person coming in is really excited to be here.”

Castlepoint Station owners Emily and Anders Crofoot employ a farm manager to implement the farm programme and take the business in the direction decided on by the management team.

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39

MANAGEMENT | FINISHING

It’s weaner sale time.

Is golden era over for beef finishers?

Phil Tither

at more than $650 a head before at this time of year and some clients report It’s beef weaner selling season and Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar top calves going for more following last year’s record prices 90 100 110 130 150 165 Assumed average than $800. However there those records have been broken liveweight (kg) have been three times in once again and there is very high 5.00 4.62 4.61 4.18 4.12 3.97 $/kg liveweight the last 10 years where the demand for all store cattle and other calves liveweight price as a trading stock such as store lambs 450 462 507 543 618 655 $/hd percentage of the schedule and weaner deer.

97% 89% 89% 83% 80% 72% Live price as % at the time was higher than Is this just a reflection of the schedule the current 72%. We have excellent autumn in many locations outlined the records from or have the fundamentals of supply Table 2: Weaner bulls price history past 10 years the AgFirst price dataset for and demand shifted?

November and March over I’m based in Hawke’s Bay and November March the past 10 years. its many years since we’ve seen an c/kg % c/kg % Of note is the significant autumn with as much steady rain liveweight schedule liveweight schedule shift in the past 12 months and fantastic growing conditions. compared to the 2013 to My feeling is that high store stock 2006/07 325 90% 232 74% 2015 era. prices are not just a response to 2007/08 315 98% 173 56% From 2013 to 2015 was pasture supply but a shift in the 2008/09 374 97% 272 79% certainly a good trading overall availability of trading stock 2009/10 340 110% 263 74% opportunity and many options for finishing farms. clients who follow the In this article we are reviewing 2010/11 303 73% 264 57% markets closely picked up the bull beef sector and put current 2011/12 393 86% 300 72% on this and significantly prices in perspective to longer 2012/13 403 94% 230 60% increased their component term values and suggest some of of bull calves within their the industry solutions that could 2013/14 369 82% 235 55% enterprise mix. be adopted to improve livestock 2014/15 423 68% 283 55% Are they prepared to availability.

2015/16 353 65% 340 65% pay current prices to The bull beef supply chain starts 2016/7 462 89% 397 72% obtain replacement stock with dairy farmers and calf rearers. or are other options more The price for 100kg weaners can be 10 year average 87% 65% favourable? These policy expressed in dollars per head, dollars options are typically best weaner bulls is outlined in table 1. per kg liveweight or as a percentage addressed using tools like Farmax. Farmax The bull calf price has now pushed of the bull beef carcase schedule. AgFirst Ltd uses the AgFirst price database to help out to more than 80% of schedule so the have maintained a dataset of livestock with projections of livestock prices.

March average won’t tell the full story for pricing for store and schedule values In the dataset of the relative cost of those buying this month. over the past 21 years. Our most recent store cattle compared to the beef carcase We have never seen average weaners price update over the past six months for

40

Table 1: Weaner Friesian Bulls - 2016/17

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Graph 1- live weight price of weaner bulls relative to the bull carcase schedule.

105% Store price as % of schedule

schedule over the past 21 years, the weighted average is scaled to place a higher weighting on more recent years.

When we view the latest prices relative to the long run figures of store prices relative to schedule we can see that this year sits well above the previous five years and is above the longer-run history but not by so much.

The next age group to consider are the yearlings to two-year-olds.

For this age group the past five years have been more in line with the total 21year dataset but over this past six months cattle have been priced significantly higher. The margin on taking these cattle through to kill is being squeezed this year. What would other options produce in terms of return per kg of drymatter eaten over the same period and ensure higher liveweight gains can be achieved?

Buying a lighter store animal and growing to a heavier carcaseweight may maintain margins. The scenarios can be tested within Farmax.

Maybe it’s not surprising that there is more demand for a limited supply of finishing stock because of a reduction in demand for dairy support along with the fact that in the last decade we have lost around 25% or 250,000 of our beef cows and 30% of our sheep.

21 years weighted average Last 5 years 2016/17

95% 85% 75% 65% 55% 45%

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep

Graph 2- liveweight price of yearling to rising two-year bulls relative to bull carcase schedule 59%

21 years weighted average Last 5 years 2016/17

57% 55% 53% 51% 49% 47%

Are they prepared to pay current prices to obtain replacement stock or are other options more favourable?

Some of this has been taken up by dairy cattle, horticulture and increasing urban spread but there are opportunities for production of more store stock. The obvious solution is to look towards the unutilised capacity within the dairy sector. We know from the export cattle slaughter statistics (2014) from Beef + Lamb New Zealand that dairy beef bulls, steers and heifers make up 28% of our total beef cattle slaughtered at around 836,000 head.

When we look at LIC stats, straightbred Friesian herds as a percentage of the total dairy herd have declined and are now about 36% of the 5 million dairy cows. Assuming mixed age dairy cattle produce just over 90% calving this means about 600,000 Friesian or Friesian/beef cross male calves potentially available to be reared along with some beef-cross heifers.

Also 47% of the NZ dairy herd is classified as crossbred and these have the potential to produce about 800,000 male cattle and maybe 200,000 beef cross heifers or a total of 1 million extra cattle.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

45%

Oct Nov Dec Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun

Rough maths would suggest we are only retaining about 10% of these.

While some will have too much Jersey genetics and or be too late-born and so not be worthy of being retained, however there is significant wastage of cattle with reasonable potential. Our industry has an unrealistic expectation in store stock markets for cattle that look like Friesians.

Work by On-Farm Research in Hawke’s Bay almost 20 years ago indicated crossbred cattle are not far behind straight Friesians particularly when compared on a per-hectare basis and if a moderate discount was applied they could be equally profitable.

A recent Beef + Lamb-funded project on dairy beef integration headed by Vicki Burrgraaf of AgResearch covered some of the opportunities of using better beef genetics over dairy cattle and suggested there was little correlation between coat colour and animal performance.

On a dairy business I am a shareholder in, we have been mating Friesian cows to Kiwi cross bulls and Kiwi cross cows to Friesian bulls. The resultant calf crop are therefore all F12 Friesian or 75% Friesian/25% Jersey.

Last year we were able to sell about 40% of the bull calves that looked

Jul Aug Sep

Friesian yet their brothers who had mixed colour but the same percentage of Friesian blood ended up wasted on the bobby truck.

We understand from the buyer’s perspective that if they wish to on-sell mixed-coloured cattle in the yards they will be heavily discounted but in this age of genetic records and animal traceability we should be able to have a moresophisticated method for determining an animal’s potential.

We are solving the problem by one of the partners in the dairy business, who also has a sheep and beef farm, changing his policy mix to farm all of the useful male cattle bred from the dairy business irrespective of coat.

A number of other integrated dairy and beef operations with common ownership have very successfully farmed surplus cattle from their in-house dairy operation. But most dairy and beef businesses are independent of one another and if the NZ beef industry wants to make better use of the 1 million or so crossbred animals then the market needs to take a more scientific approach.

• Phil Tither is a registered farm management consultant with AgFirst.

41

MANAGEMENT | EARLY WEANING If heifers are calved a cycle before mixed age cows they have longer to recover from calving before going to the bull.

EARLY WEANING WEIGHED UP

If you’re not targeting autumn calf sales as your main payday from beef farming there can be a strong case for weaning calves considerably earlier than traditional timings, drought or no drought. Andrew Swallow reports.

W

Meanwhile, the cow can be taken off the best pasture and used to groom rough grazing following other classes of stock, or put out on “the hill”.

The resulting feed conversion to liveweight is much more efficient than having the cow chewing through a heap of high-quality feed, turning some of it into milk which the calf then turns into liveweight.

“When you’re faced with tight feed conditions and you’re looking at the feed conserved by weaning calves, compared to leaving them on the cow, it’s pretty much a no-brainer,” Thomson says.

“Cows on maintenance feed over summer and autumn are just amazing.

They live on the smell of an oily rag once the calves are off them. Basically, as long as they’ve got something to chew on and plenty of water, they’re as happy as.”

Based on early weaning trials in Wagyu Stud • Export Grade Semen Straws Northland, a rule 246 Shogun of thumb is that Full Blood weaning calves off Son of TF-147 100 cows releases Registered with NZWBA enough feed to flush 1000 ewes.

Sire Traced and Genstar Rated “The great thing about cows is that EBV • Marbling 7, we can use them as Tenderness 7, Efficiency 6 a buffer to preserve Temperament is very quiet high performance • Small Calves feed for our breeding ewes. The Contact heavenonearthnz@gmail.com tragedy is that no

hen summer feed is tight, weaning beef calves early is recognised as one of the first levers to pull, but there’s a case for early weaning in any season, AgFirst consultant Bob Thomson, says.

“The same principles apply to weaning no matter where you are: here, Northland, or Timbuctoo,” he told a Beef + Lamb New Zealand field day on early weaning in South Canterbury earlier this year.

Once your lightest calves are more than 120kg, while they will still suckle if given the chance, their rumen is sufficiently developed that if weaned they will quickly adapt to an all-solids diet, Thomson says.

JH0086935©

Heaven on Earth

42

one thinks to credit the cows for this.”

Whether to preferentially wean firstcalvers so they get more time to grow out without the demand of both lactation and pregnancy was a good question, he says.

“We often want to look after these first calvers a bit more so we wean them sooner, but by the time they’re weaned they should already be in calf. The more critical time to look after them (to boost conception rate) is post-calving and up to mating.”

If heifers are calved a cycle before mixed age cows, as is quite common practice, they have longer to recover from calving before going to the bull anyway, he says.

“All things being equal, calves from heifers are usually 20kg lighter than calves from mixed-age cows so if they calve earlier then their calves also have a chance to catch-up resulting in a more even line of weaners.”

Delaying weaning of small and poor calves, whether they’re off heifers or mixed age cows, is usually false economy, Thomson says, because if they’re doing poorly on the cow, that’s not going to change by leaving them on longer.

“It’s better to get them weaned, and take the cow off the quality pasture, so there’s more available for the weaned calves.”

Weaning will always check a calf’s growth, he says, so short-term comparisons of early-weaned calves with those still on a cow won’t be favourable.

But once both mobs have been through

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Thomson’s beef herd benchmarks • • • •

Conception =95% Calving =95% Reproductive efficiency (Conception % x Calving %) =90% Mean 200-day calf weight =240kg/cow, or 45% of cow mating weight.

• Herd efficiency (total 200-day calf weight as % of total cow herd weight) =40%

that check there will be nothing to choose between them.

“The early-weaned ones will catch up with their later-weaned mates.”

So for farms taking calves through to yearlings or beyond, there’s nothing to lose from weaning early, and often a lot to gain, he says. However, sellers Early weaning means cow of calves at traditional autumn intake can be slashed and high-quality feed redeployed. sales where prices are driven by Whether it pays depends on liveweight on the day are advised how you use it, AgFirst’s Bob against early weaning unless Thomson says. desperately short of feed.

“You can’t suffer a 30kg loss in liveweight if it’s your only sale of the year.”

Thomson acknowledged one farmer’s point at the South Canterbury field day that in a high pasture growth year cows might as well be eating the high-quality feed with calves at foot if there’s no other stock class to use it, but he suggested such farms need to look at their systems and try to include more animals from stock classes that offer flexibility.

“It’s why I often encourage people to keep their weaner steers. They’re a great buffer that you can use to give you some flexibility, slowing them down or speeding them up as feed allows, or selling them if things get really tight.

“You’ve got to do your own arithmetic and think a bit more about the buffers and levers in your system.”

Building buffers Another buffer that can be built in to beef systems to help cope with climatic variation is mating more replacement heifers than necessary, Thomson says.

Such animals remain saleable at any point, but if taken through until they wean calves as two-year-olds, replacement selection will be improved, an extra calf produced and there’s no loss in prime price achieved.

“You can get rid of the heifers that produce rats and mice and keep the best ones. Massey University research shows there’s no difference in meat quality from such once-bred heifers.

Of course, the assumption here is you’ve fed them as if they’re finishing heifers.”

Challenged on the size of calf such feeding might produce, Thomson again refers to Massey research which shows restricting feed to heifers during pregnancy does not affect calf size.

“That’s a myth. You must feed them well right through pregnancy so the heifer weight is not disproportionate to the calf weight. Even if you stopped feeding the heifer completely, the unborn calf would keep growing.”

In the same vein, full-grown mixed-aged cows can be “made to do a job” while in-calf, cleaning up rough pasture and losing condition without jeopardising calf birthweight. Ideally, beef cows should be at body condition score 5, on the 1-10 scale used

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

43

for cattle, at calving. Good feed from there through to weaning, to maximise lactation and calf growth, should see that rise to BCS 6 at mating, and 7-8 at weaning, building another buffer in the system.

“That fat on their backs is like hay in the shed,” Thomson says. He has just co-authored a Beef + Lamb NZ guide to beef cow body condition scoring with Massey’s Dr Rebecca Hickson and Professor Steve Morris.

“Body condition scoring is the most under-rated tool in beef cow management.”

If cows are dropping below BCS 5 they should be drafted off and preferentially fed, otherwise the risk of loss and not getting back into calf starts to rise.

“And feed the crap out of them when they calve so they get back into calf and rear a big weaner. If you put them on good feed levels from calving they’ll just smoke, putting on 1kg/day while the calf will be doing 1kg/day as well.”

Thomson’s benchmark is for cows to “wean” at least 45% of their mature weight, which means a 240kg or more calf at 200 days from a 535kg or less cow, assuming BCS 6 at weaning.

“Ideally commercial beef cows should not be over 500kg at BCS 5.

Unfortunately some people have taken their cows too big.”

The bigger the cow, the higher the maintenance requirement, the fewer cows per hectare that can be fed, the fewer calves produced, and the less money made, he says.

Selecting the biggest heifers is one reason some herds’ cow weights have gone too high.

“The bigger the heifer is at mating, the bigger she will be as a cow. I don’t like to push much past 300kg at first mating.”

That said, Thomson acknowledges there is a case for getting heifers a bit bigger going into winter in the south given the harsher conditions they’re likely to face.

Yard weaning advocate Keeping calves in a yard on hay or silage for a week or so post-weaning can make for much easier management subsequently, Bob Thomson says.

“It really does stop them charging around and you avoid that extra weight loss.”

The practice is particularly useful with replacement heifer calves which often go back on the hill for “pretty much the rest of their life” so weaning is the one chance to get them used to people, dogs and traffic before they become much harder to handle.

Weaned calves earlier this summer on the Frasers’ Sterndale property in South Canterbury.

Summer, rather than early-weaning South Canterbury farmer James Fraser weans calves a lot earlier than most farms in the region, but he prefers not to call it early weaning.

“I would call it summer weaning. We wean three months earlier than the traditional calf sales because we can’t afford to have cows on the farm January to March,” he told a Beef + Lamb New Zealand field day on his farm in South Canterbury earlier this year.

His reasoning is feed conversion efficiency. Many more calves per hectare can be grazed without the cow’s demands, and more liveweight per hectare is produced.

“Where we’d have a cow and calf, on improved pasture we can run three or four calves instead.”

Meanwhile the cows “do a job” with maintenance feed only on other properties grooming rough pasture to leave fresh growth for ewes going to the ram in late autumn.

“It’s adding value for the grazing farms because the breeding cow fits into their sheep programme.”

Consequently the cost of the grazing is minimal, especially as the grazier can ring Fraser at any time and ask him to take the cows away.

“In years like this we’re rung by people simply wanting a job done.”

Fraser doesn’t breed any sheep. He has finished up to 5000 trading lambs, depending on the season, but his focus is cattle on the family’s 700-hectare, mostly dryland downs farm.

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MANAGEMENT | CASE STUDY “Weaning ewes in December used to give us breathing space over summer.

Now, with no ewes, we run more cows and wean them in summer to give breathing space.”

The progeny of 410 mixed age Angus cows and 140 heifers, calved as two-yearolds, are all finished bar about 130 stud bulls sold at either their traditional Stern Angus autumn sale, or a yearling spring auction for use over heifers.

The calves are weaned at 130 to 170 days old in January and February, following August 15 – October 15 calving.

Typically they’re 150kg liveweight and by the June bull sale there’s very little evidence of them having been weaned at such low weights, Fraser says.

“And by spring (when they hold a yearling bull sale), you really can’t tell the difference.”

This year the first mob of calves were weaned January 19, averaging 201kg from

a mean birth-date of August 20, with a range 135kg to 275kg. All 530 calves were weaned by the end of February, averaging 210kg. Like Thomson (see main story), Fraser says light calves, in particular, are the ones that need weaning.

“If they’re not doing, that’s because the cow’s not performing so there’s no point in leaving them on her any longer.

It’s just a waste of feed. You’re better off with them weaned and moving on, even though the calf is not what you’d like it to be.”

Such cows should be marked, even in commercial herds, and culled as soon as is practical, he says. As a stud farm all weaning weights are recorded and matched to dams and sires anyway.

Weaning early has the advantage that any cows earmarked for culling can be sold before the bulk of such animals, and the annual dairy cull, hits the market, he says.

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A trip to Australia prompted James Fraser to trial, and then adopt early weaning a decade ago.

Farm facts – Sterndale • 700ha including 108ha pivot irrigated and 13ha K-line, 660ha effective.

• Flat and rolling contour, mostly in Ceres One50 ryegrass with red and white clover.

• Winter feeds: fodder beet, kale, swedes.

• Wintering: 410 MA Angus cows; 140 Angus heifers; 120 R2 Angus bulls; 530 MS Angus calves; 500-600 trading cattle mostly on irrigated, Techno-fenced block.

• Trade up to 5000 lambs.

• Home of Stern Angus stud.

“The schedule’s often 50c/kg better than it is in May.” Fraser’s move to early weaning was inspired by a visit to Australia 10 years ago where he saw beef calves weaned at 100kg, with hard feed pre- and postweaning to promote rumen development.

He’s not been prepared to wean calves that light yet, or offer hard feed, but they do offer baleage to calves post-weaning and have weaned as early as January 6.

When trialling early weaning, with ample high quality pasture they found they could limit the growth rate disadvantage of weaned mobs to 200g/ day/liveweight gain compared to those still on cows. Where feed wasn’t so good, the disadvantage was more like 0.5kg/ day/LWG but even then calves caught up with later-weaned counterparts by spring.

“Early weaning provides breeder finishers with a huge advantage and enables cows to be run in summer dry areas that would otherwise not be considered breeding country.”

Yard weaning was tried once but it was decided facilities weren’t ideal and small mobs in the many 3-4ha paddocks near the homestead achieved much the same result.

Up to weaning, cows are mostly on a 20-24 day grazing rotation in mobs of 4050 head. Post-weaning calves are drafted into lines based on performance and grazed in mobs of 100.

Heifers may be moved from mob to mob if their performance improves or deteriorates markedly. Bulls stay in their mob until spring.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

LIMOUSIN BULL TRIAL SALES South Island – Monday May 22 North Island – Thursday June 8 Over the past nine months, a selection of the country’s Limousin yearling bulls have been run on two trial farms – one near Matamata and the other near Christchurch.

The Bulls offered for sale are a superb line-up that meets the organiser’s very high standards for CONFORMATION, GROWTH and exceptional TEMPERAMENT.

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A stunning line-up of quality bulls showing genuine muscle, bomb-proof temperament and correct structure. Scanned data available in catalogue. A range of pedigrees including polled and black. Female sale to follow.

1pm at Limax Enterprises’ Property 234a Te Tuhi Road, Okauia, Matamata.

A superb group of well-muscled Young Bulls, tested on hill country, excellent growth rates and temperament. Strong pedigrees with a range of NZ and International genetics including polled animals.

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MANAGEMENT | TASTE TEST

Eating quality underpins red meat story Sandra Taylor New Zealand’s red meat producers have a great story to tell and eating quality needs to underpin the marketing rhetoric.

Speaking at Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s beef-focused field days in Canterbury, AbacusBio consultant Jason Archer defined eating quality as tenderness, juiciness and flavour and says much of what farmers do onfarm can influence all these factors.

Age, long-term stress, marbling, fat depth and colour are all influenced by an interdependent combination of genetics, feeding and management – all controlled by management decisions and practices.

“In essence, breed them well, feed them well and handle them well and you will get good eating quality.”

All breeds are capable of producing tender, juicy, flavoursome meat, it is a matter of managing those animals to ensure they do, he says.

The pH of the meat influences eating quality and how animals are managed in the six weeks before slaughter will impact on pH levels.

Lactic acid is produced by muscles in response to stress, so management needs to be focused on minimising stressing and maximising glycogen levels in the muscles.

This includes not walking animals’ long distances, not mixing mobs within

a month of slaughter and removing animals with a poor temperament. Archer says stock need to be handled quietly and this means minimising the use of dogs – particularly Huntaways.

Electric prodders should not be used when loading animals as studies have shown these will impact negatively on meat quality.

“If you are having problems loading animals invest in a good loading-out facility.”

Temperament is another factor that needs to be taken into account when selecting genetics as this impacts on meat eating quality.

Tenderness “Grow them fast and kill them young.”

The younger the animal the more tender the meat. Older animals have more connective tissue in their muscles which makes their meat tougher, so fastfinishing makes for more tender beef.

Archer says beef animals need to be growing every day and this means managing them to avoid feed pinches or pregnancy. While once-bred heifers are efficient in a beef system, pregnancy

Jason Archer says on-farm management practices influence the eating quality of beef.

does affect meat quality. When it comes to selling, Archer says animals should be drafted on their fat cover and not on weight.

“A lot of animals are killed that have not been finished properly and don’t have enough fat cover.”

This can happen when farmers run out of feed or they want to make room for other enterprises. When carcases don’t have enough fat cover “cold shortening” can occur. This is when the muscle cools and contracts too quickly after slaughter and the meat then becomes tough.

Physiologically, heifers age faster than steers and ossification – when the cartilage in the spine turns to bone – begins at a younger age. Heifers therefore need to be finished earlier than steers.

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Ceri Lewis GM / Cattle Genetics Manager T: 0800 685 468 M: 021 678 809 E: clewis@mountlinton.co.nz

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Genetics Marbling is a function of genetics, nutrition and carcase weight and all of these factors need to be in place to allow animals to express their marbling potential.

When selecting genetics, the Estimated Breeding Value (EBV) for Intramuscular Fat needs to be taken into account along with EBVs for 600-day weight or carcase weight and rib and rump fat. These need to be balanced with other traits such as mature cow weight.

Temperament is another factor that

needs to be taken into account when selecting genetics as this impacts on meat eating quality.

Archer suggests commercial breeders ask their bull breeders about their culling policy around temperament, but also look at their own culling policy.

“Meat quality comes in a number of different genetic packages.”

The importance of getting it right.

Archer sees the emergence of synthetic or plant-based meats such as

the “Impossible Burger” as a real threat to the red meat industry.

The marketing of these products plays on consumers’ concerns about environmental degradation, animal welfare, health and food safety.

While NZ is in a good position to counter these arguments, a good eating experience needs to underpin the grass-fed, ethically produced red meat story.

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Paying a premium Silver Fern Farms (SFF) EQ grade does reward suppliers for producing beef with good eating quality based on the pH of the meat, marbling, meat and fat colour, ossification, rib fat and eye muscle.

Silver Fern Farm’s regional livestock manager Greg McSkimming says the co-operative has now processed just over half a million cattle beasts through the EQ grading system which pays a premium based on inmarket returns.

With a focus on minimising stress, SFF has modified cattle handling facilities at processing plants and doesn’t use electric prodders, but McSkimming says numerous studies have shown it is the onfarm management that has the greatest impact on pH levels.

Trucking and processing happens over a relatively short period of time, he says, and even if animals are trucked for up to three days, there is enough feed in the rumen to sustain glycogen levels in the muscles.

Alliance Group’s general manager of sales Murray Brown says over the last 18 months, Alliance Group has spent considerable time developing a Tender Select (TS) programme based on the seven common eating quality attributes of a carcase that help enhance the overall eating experience for the consumer. Whatever system is developed, he believes it is important it delivers a good consistent eating quality, because without consistency, the programme loses its intent and purpose.

“Within any eating quality system, livestock management, handling and genetics are also very important so any selection criteria needs to take these factors into account so everything possible that may affect an eating quality experience from paddock to plate is considered.

“The Tender Select programme will be introduced later this year and Alliance Group believes this will assist with brand recognition and in turn influences meat buying decisions.”

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017

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MANAGEMENT | PESTS

Niggling Nysius Lynda Gray Nysius is one of the few brassica pest insects for which there is no selective spray.

The only effective control of the sap feeding insect that punctures the base of brassica seedlings is broad spectrum sprays.

“There is no selective spray to kill it and given the numbers it tends to attack in there are no bio-controls so a broad-spectrum spray soon after emergence so it doesn’t interfere with the beneficials that arrive later is the best option,” IPM specialist Paul Horne says.

However, Lincoln University research underway could lead to an agro-ecological solution. PhD student Sundar Tiwari is investigating trap crops for the control of Nysius, also known as wheat bug or seed bug. The first step of the project has been the ranking of both the kale varieties most susceptible to attack, and flowering trap crops with the greatest potential to attract Nysius and beneficial insects.

Laboratory comparison of kale varieties points to Kestrel as being the most preferred by Nysius, and Sovereign and Gruner the least so. However, these rankings are yet to be verified by larger-scale field trials. Trap crop candidates being compared are buckwheat, coriander, white clover, lucerne, phacelia and alyssum. From laboratory trials buckwheat has the greatest Nysius attraction factor but alyssum is a close second and has the added benefit of providing nectar to feed beneficial insects.

“Alyssum is in the cabbage family so it’s attractive to Nysius, and the flowers have nectar to sustain beneficial insects such as hoverfly and lacewings,” Steve Wratten, Lincoln University professor of ecology and Tiwari’s supervisor says.

The second stage of the project is underway and is based around a small-scale field trial to monitor how quickly Nysius numbers increase on the potential trap plants.

Next year plantings of the most likely trap plants will be incorporated with kale crops; exactly how – in strips or around the perimeter of the crop or some other configuration – is yet to be decided and will be guided by this year’s research.

IPM specialist Paul Horne and Plant&Food scientist Abie Horne take a closer look at insect life on Nelson and Fi Hancox’s’ kale crop.

IPM expert Paul Horne says successful IPM requires regular monitoring of both beneficial and pest insects.

Research by Abie Horrocks has estimated a one-third reduction in the amount of insecticide applied and a $1544/ha cost saving under IPM management of forage brassicas compared with conventional management.

An insect audit of Nelson and Fi Hancox’s kale crop revealed a low prevalence of pests relative to beneficial insects, but that could change if the weather warmed up, Paul Horne says.

NETHERTOWN ANGUS On Farm Sale

Tuesday 6th June 2017

2:30pm 25 Bulls 50

Lindsay Carruthers RD1, Middlemarch, Central Otago Phone: 03 464 3885 Mobile: 0274 643 885 Sale in-conjunction with Gibson Family, Foulden Hill Herefords / Santa Gertrudis

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

MANAGEMENT | BEEF COWS Building beef cow numbers can involve quite a long drawn-out cashflow.

Changing favour and fortunes of NZ beef cow Bruce McCorkindale Sales reports of beef cows achieving more than $2000 a head are a very strong statement of faith in the industry by the purchaser and the vendor will certainly have few complaints.

It doesn’t seem long ago that the

beef cow was a second-class citizen on many farms and numbers were falling as properties got more developed. So, what has happened? The short answer is consistently high calf prices over the last couple of years. Add to that a strong grass market around the country, very strong beef prices for finished cattle and

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you have a situation where competitive buyers need to invest probably more than they would like to secure their next lot of calves. Not so bad when you are selling and then buying in the same market but pretty challenging times for anyone trying to get in to the market.

Calf sellers have been doing well and some will have considered lifting their proportion of cows, probably at the expense of sheep, and some calf buyers may also be thinking these prices are just too hot and might start breeding some of their own. Building beef cow numbers can involve quite a long drawnout cashflow until you have something to sell, especially if the starting point is buying a heifer calf. So, should you increase cow numbers?

For a long time the return produced from beef cows was around 7-9c/kg drymatter (DM) as compared to the finishers of the calves who generally achieved 16-18c/kg DM. A breeding ewe on the other hand was returning around 14-15.5c/kg DM and specialist lamb finishers around 17-18c/kg DM and a bit higher if the lambs were wintered. So, what has changed?

At current calf prices, many beef cow enterprises are now returning around 12.5-13.5c/kg DM – at current lamb

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the bull specialists www.tararuabreedingcentre.co.nz Country-Wide Beef May 2017

71st ANNUAL

ON-FARM BULL SALE

2nd June 2017 12.00pm

at 912 Ngatarawa Road, Mahoenui, King Country (located ½ hour south from Pio Pio)

offering 35

quality rising 2yr Angus Bulls

SIRES: Turihaua Crumble Y167 Tarangower Zeus 12002 Cricklewood H119 Alpine Diamond 588 Iona 247 Sound, quality, quiet bulls bred to perform.

All bulls are fully guaranteed.

INSPECTION AND ENQUIRIES WELCOME Rob Purdie P: 07 877 8935

912 NGATARAWA ROAD, MAHOENUI

F: 07 877 8936 E: tarangowerangus@farmside.co.nz

ALL BULLS TESTED FOR BVD AND FULLY INOCULATED TB STATUS: C10 . FREE DELIVERY N.I

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and wool prices a lot of breeding ewe operations won’t be doing any better.

The rise in calf prices has however taken the edge off the profitability of finishing beef calves with this enterprise now more likely to achieve around 15.8-16.8c/kg DM. So, what should this mean for decisions around the right enterprise mix for your farm and especially in terms of beef cows.

Recently a small group from AbacusBio have been involved in a project which required modelling of farm systems representing the whole of New Zealand – we chose to model the B+LNZ economic

RAUPUHA SHORTHORNS

19th May on farm sale 11am, at Ranfurly

Open day: Monday 1 May 2017 between 10:00am - 3:00pm

• We believe our bulls are a quality line up • Plenty of bone and muscle with good early maturing traits • A top maternal breed, with especially good milking ability • Good for crossbreeding and as a terminal sire • Quiet temperament

Come and join us at our on-farm sale: Friday 2 June 2017 at 10:00am

LK0086756©

Enquiries and inspection always welcome

52

• Bruce McCorkindale is an AbacusBio farming and agribusiness consultant.

ROUGH RIDGE SHORTHORNS

Red, White & Roans of our world

Contact Russell Proffit email: rnmwproffit@xtra.co.nz 2033 State Highway 3, RD Mahoenui, 3978 Phone 07 877 8977 or 027 355 2927 www.raupuhastud.co.nz

do well on the same feed. At this point, while beef calf finishing is one option, the standout alternative has been dairyorigin beef which in well-run systems can produce returns of 19-22c/kg DM. Dairyorigin systems include bull beef, dairy origin steers and dairy beef cross steers and heifers.

It is important to mention the impact of too-low pasture cover on potential growth. The most critical period for this generally is through September and October. Being able to hold cattle off pasture at this time and keep them growing well on fodder beet can be a major overall productivity boost – but a crop like fodder beet is not cheap to grow and needs a high-margin stock class to utilise it, so not really a place for beef cows.

So, have the right number of beef cows that suit your property for the job they are best-suited to. Don’t increase beef cows just because of high calf prices.

If you want to increase beef numbers further and pasture quality is average or better, then dairy-origin options are likely to provide the most-profitable alternatives.

Come and check out what we have to offer.

Prior inspection welcome.

Phone Bev or Malcolm 03 444 9277

LK0086673©

Have the right number of beef cows that suit your property for the job they are best-suited to.

service class 9 farm which is a model combining data from all the other eight farm classes. In one sense, it represents the whole of NZ Sheep and Beef farming incorporated, and in another sense, it doesn’t represent any particular group very well.

Accepting its strengths and weaknesses, there’s one number relevant to cows in particular, and cattle in general. That number is that on average NZ farms have around 1500kg DM per hectare of lost pasture opportunity either through unutilised dead material that decays, or lost production because pasture cover was either too high or too low at some point through the year. To put that in perspective it is equivalent to the annual feed requirements of two high-performance sheep and their replacements including finishing their lambs per hectare.

For the feed that gets away and starts to lose quality the beef cow has always had a vital role – she is the only stock class that can really turn low-quality feed into a high-quality product. If the feed she is eating was effectively going to get wasted she provides a great return.

As soon as the feed quality starts to get better, though, the cow enterprise starts to displace other enterprises that can also

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

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Taupiri Private Sales 07 824 6751 - Kelvin

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Ngaruawahia Private Sales 07 825 4763 - John

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Mahoenui Sale June 2, 10am 07 877 8977 - Russell

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Masterton Sale June 7, 3pm 06 372 7615 - David

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LIVESTOCK | FINISHING

Key Facts:

The highest point on Matapiro Station is 280m.

Thanks to the forgotten breeding cow Breeding cows are a vital component of the finishing operations on Hawke’s Bay’s Matapiro Station. Russell Priest reports.

W

hile the beef breeding cow may have long gone out of favour on many farms, it’s not the case on Matapiro Station in Hawke’s Bay. In fact she’s a vital component of the 2200-hectare station’s large finishing operation.

Not only does she generate progeny to repopulate the herd and for finishing she also maintains high-quality pasture for those lambs and cattle destined for slaughter.

“Without our cows growth rates of our finishing stock would certainly suffer,” station manager Michael (Mike) Lowther says.

“We finish about 30,000 lambs and 1000 cattle annually and you only need to miss out on small increments of growth on each animal each day and it amounts to big dollars.”

Cows have been farmed on Matapiro Station for close to 150 years since Walter Shrimpton established his successful policy of running Angus cows and Romney sheep. Numbers have fluctuated over the years as a result of changing livestock policies, droughts and land area.

Since Mike has been in charge cow numbers have varied between 300 and 1300 but in recent years numbers have been relatively high.

Today Matapiro runs a herd of about 1300 Angus cows and all are workers.

Matapiro Station.

• Where: 25km west of Hastings.

• Area: 2200ha.

• Annual rainfall: 750 - 850mm • Contour: Mainly flat to easy hill.

Performance • 30,000 lambs finished at 21kg • 330x30 month heifers killed at 250kg CW • 480x27 month steers killed at 300kg CW • 180 cull cows killed at 270kg CW • 93% calving Stock Numbers June 2016 • 1070 MA cows.

• 228 R3 in-calf heifers.

• 585 R2 heifers.

• 676 R2 steers.

• 635 R1 heifers.

• 580 R1 steers.

• 50 service bulls.

• 23,800 finishing lambs • 107 Boer goats.

Fat cows are difficult to find as much of the surplus feed goes into their calves.

Their condition, however, is such that the herd is able to achieve a very creditable 93% calving over 35 and 50-day mating periods for the two-year-old heifers and MA cows respectively.

Cows and heifers are pregnancy scanned four weeks after the bulls come out to identify the early calving cows and those carrying twins. Those that appear empty are rescanned four weeks later and the late calvers, dries and any additional twin-bearing cows are identified. All empty cows are culled.

Calving takes place in three groups – the early and late calvers and those bearing twins. The first two groups are calved behind an electric wire on a 14ha stony, free-draining area planted in either oats or Sovereign Kale. Cows receive a daily break of the green-feed supplemented with a mixture of lucerne and grass silage (if available) and a little maize silage, fed out under the electric

Sowing young grass using an old ryegrass cultivar and red, white and subterranean clover.

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Weaner steers will be sold as stores this year.

Subdivision performs an important role in maintaining pasture quality.

wire to minimise the wastage. The supplements are fed out on the paddock if the break gets too muddy.

Twin-bearing cows are calved separately on grass.

Cows and calves are shed off the calving pad on to grass as soon as possible after calving and grouped into bull mobs of about 120. These are rotated around designated areas mopping up most of the flush of spring feed and maintaining quality leafy pasture for the growing lambs and cattle. Bulls, three, are introduced to each of these mobs on November 15.

“Running three bulls with each mob means I don’t have to rotate the bulls between mobs to cover any bull infertility issues,” Mike says.

‘Running three bulls with each mob means I don’t have to rotate the bulls between mobs to cover any bull infertility issues.’

when they are taken. This year weaning began in mid-February in desert-like conditions and the average weight was 220kg.

Areas of roughage (less-palatable feed, generally confined to the steeper contour) that have developed over the spring/summer are cleaned up by the cows over autumn/winter. As this type of feed becomes scarce the cows are supplemented with 7-8kg of corn-waste silage with a metaboliseable energy (ME) content of 10.

By the following spring the pastures are in an ideal state to burst into life and restart the annual growth cycle.

While Mike doesn’t condition-score individual cows he keeps a close eye on their condition so as not to strip too much weight off their backs before calving.

Before entering the calving pad cows are drenched with Noromectin Plus (deals with any liver fluke), given their annual lepto injection, a 3ml copper injection and a lice pouron. Their annual BVD injection is administered at calf marking.

Soils on Matapiro are wind-blown alluvials overlaying sedimentaries.

The bull team R2 heifers are run with the bull from November 1.

The weaning date is very dependent upon summer feed availability but generally takes place progressively over two weeks starting in mid- February.

Weaning occurs on the same two paddocks in mobs of 250 cows with an electrified fence separating cows and calves. Calves are fed hay during the four days they are next to the cows then both groups are moved off their weaning paddocks allowing the next group of 250 cows and calves to be separated.

Calf weaning weights vary according to

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Matapiro Station has a team of 41 bulls to service its large cow herd. A significant annual cost is incurred maintaining the team so Mike’s challenge is to get the best value for money when making bullpurchasing decisions.

He likes to buy locally from the McFarlanes’ Waiterinui herd because it is farmed in a similar environment and he prefers the more moderateframed type of cattle produced. Both the physical characteristics and the genetic information available on the bulls are looked at closely before a final decision is made.

“You have to select at least twice as

Lucerne, maize and grass pit/stack silage is made on the station.

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Matapiro Station employees (left-to-right); Callum Lack (shepherd), Stewart Ralph (fencer/general), Michael Lowther (Station Manager) and Warren Gunderson (shepherd).

many bulls as you want to buy because you know someone else will be prepared to bid higher than you on some of them,” Mike says.

He likes to buy a moderate-framed, meaty-type bull with a good spring of ribs and sound feet, shoulder and legs.

Calving ease is of no concern to him as he has few calving problems in the herd but he does tend to buy bulls with better growth figures that have high Angus Pure Indicies.

Last year 15 two-year-old bulls were bought.

The icing on the cake Finishing such a large number of lambs and cattle is the icing on the cake for Matapiro Station and without the cows the icing would be significantly thinner, Mike says.

In recent years most R2 steers and surplus heifers have been finished on the station. The steers have spent their final 100 days on a feed pad and the heifers have been finished on grass.

Matapiro Station was once the home to a small thriving community.

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The former entered the feed pad in June/July as rising two-year-olds, were fed on a mixed diet of lucerne, maize silage and other additives and were killed off the pad at an average weight of 300kg carcaseweight (CW). While on the pad weight gain was monitored regularly but not too frequently.

“Weighing the cattle disrupts their routine and affects their growth so we keep it to a minimum,” Mike says.

Over the 100-day period the average growth rate of the steers was between 1.3 – 1.7kg/day. Most were killed at WilsonHellaby.

R2 heifers were selected on growth rate in the spring and those surplus were killed at 30 months at 250kg CW. The finishing policy for cattle will undergo a significant change this year because of the strength of the store market and the significant check R1 steers have been experiencing in transitioning in spring from the Sovereign Kale to pasture.

Under the new policy cow numbers will be increased, R1 steers and cull R1

Weed eaters Being surrounded by vineyards means using hormonal sprays on the station is restricted to certain times of the year.

As a means of accommodating this requirement the station runs a herd of 100 Boer goats which have proved to be very effective at controlling the spread of thistles.

heifers will go on to the feedlot in June/ July for 100 days and be fed about 8kg a head of the lucerne/maize silage/additive mix before being sold store in the spring/ summer period. The timing of their sale will depend on the availability of grass and the strength of the store market.

No R2 animals will be wintered and no Sovereign Kale or Titan Rape will be grown thereby making available more grassland for finishing lambs, growing R2 replacement heifers and running extra cows.

Longer-term store lambs are bought regularly during the summer/autumn

Kerry Cook has worked on the station for 35 years as the tractor driver and mechanic.

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Tail-end 30-month steers – these will be sold as yearlings under the new livestock policy.

period depending upon feed availability.

By June 1 the station will be home to about 25,000 lambs which will be finished progressively through the winter and early spring and will all be gone by early November.

“I buy both male and female lambs but prefer Romneys as they are a longer term lamb,” Mike says.

Lambs are generally bought in large lots and upon arrival go through a conveyor system where they get a quarantine (Zolvix) drench, a dose of OptiGro, a five-in-one jab and an insecticide spray to prevent fly strike.

A five-way automatic weighing and drafting system then sorts them into weight ranges and after fulfilling their mandatory quarantine requirement they head out to the finishing areas.

Lambs are processed at 20-22kg CW.

carrying the disease has arrived via local feral deer.

Regular treatment for internal parasites in young stock is undertaken using a number of different anthelmintics.

“The timing of treatment and the product used is based on advice from our vet,” Mike says.

Weaners generally have a Matrix oral drench in late January, followed by an Eclipse injection in early March, a Dectomax/Eclipse in April and May and a white oral drench before entering the feedlot in June.

After the initial quarantine drench lambs are treated monthly particularly for Barbers Pole through to June then receive a triple-action drench followed by a double action one through to the second week in October. Most lambs are killed by the first week in November.

Health and performance go together

Finishing crops

Maintaining animals in a healthy state so they can achieve optimum performance is a major objective on Matapiro Station.

Copper deficiency is an ever-present health issue in cattle so the cows get an annual copper injection and calves get a copper bolus before weaning and about six months later.

Cows come into contact with liver fluke when forced into swampy areas seeking feed in the winter so they receive an annual fluke drench before calving.

Facial eczema can be a concern in the finishing lambs over summer/autumn so all lambs get a drench of OptiGro with their anthelmintic drench during the danger period.

Theileria is becoming an issue in young calves and deaths have been recorded on the station. Prevention is achieved by treating calves at marking time with a pouron to kill ticks. Mike believes the tick

58

The station has 102ha of lucerne which can be irrigated and serves as a finishing crop for lambs and to provide silage for animals on the feedlot. The first cut of the season is destined for silage and sometimes part of the second cut. For the remainder of the season it is rotationally grazed by lambs.

Paddocks are divided into four using temporary electric fences forming a fourshift rotation. The crop is grazed to its base before lambs are moved on. Mike considers this form of grazing is a bit hard on the lucerne, however it persists for five years before being renewed. He is a great fan of the crop and there is no doubt it is an important part of the business.

Maize – 48ha – is grown annually to provide silage for cattle on the feedlot.

With its high ME it combines well with the high-protein lucerne in providing a well-balanced finishing ration.

The station has the capacity to

A herd of Boer goats is used to control thistles.

irrigate some of its flat country using an irrigation guns. Some of the lucerne and maize areas are irrigated.

Mike has recently tried establishing plantain, red, white and subterranean clover on 40ha of the steeper hill country using the “spray and pray” establishment technique.

The native pasture was sprayed once in late spring and again in the autumn to kill any regrowth before seeding the area with a helicopter. This has proved to be highly successful with at least three times as many lambs being finished off the area as before.

The seeding rate used was 12kg a hectare of Tonic plantain and 7kg of clover.

Now that Sovereign Kale and Titan Rape will no longer be grown for wintering and finishing stock, the station’s pasture renewal programme will be from grass to grass. Areas totalling 100ha will be double-sprayed and directdrilled with an old ryegrass cultivar and red, white and subterranean clover.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Background Matapiro Station was originally part of a 9000ha block of land leased from Maori owners in the 1850s. After acquiring the block in 1868 and developing it, owner Walter Shrimpton then began selling off parts. After he died in 1936 trustees of his estate managed the business on behalf of his descendants until 2004.

Being conscious of its historical value, the trustees ensured the station was wellmaintained, especially the homestead – designed by noted architect Charles Natusch – and grounds.

The station once supported a thriving community of shepherds, cooks, general farmhands and even had its own blacksmith, accountant, school, chapel and storehouse as well as numerous other buildings.

Thirteen years ago the station was sold to its present owner and Michael Lowther took over as the station manager. He oversees four permanent staff one of whom has worked on the station for 35 years.

Vineyards now surround the station with Delegats owning 900ha on its southern boundary requiring the road to the station to be widened to accommodate the added volume of traffic.

The Charles Natusch designed Matapiro homestead was built between 1880 and 1890.

The station is 25km west of Hastings on the Matapiro Road and can get very dry in the summer. Annual rainfall is 750-850mm. Droughts generally occur twice every seven years and these can be very severe, sometimes requiring capital stock to be sold or grazed off the station.

Provision of stock water was once a problem however this was remedied in 1983 when a large dam based on a very reliable water source was constructed.

Water is now pumped to tanks on elevated sites from where it is gravity fed to troughs over a large area.

Contour is mainly flat-to-easy hills with the odd steep sidling on the eastern end. Together with this easy contour the property’s greatest asset is its relatively mild winters and good winter growth enabling it to finish a large number of lambs over winter/early spring.

Excellent infrastructure is a feature.

Sheep and cattle yards are extensive and well-designed, incorporating modern stock-handling equipment. Most of the sheep yards are covered. An extensive lane system enables easy stock movement to and from the 236 paddocks. The average paddock size is 9ha, down from the 14ha it was when Mike took over.

Pockets of pine plantations are scattered over the property however other than these areas most of the station is grazable. The loessial soils derived from alluvium are prone to wind erosion and are severely deficient in sulphur.

Sulphate sulphur levels are 6 and organic sulphur 6.5. Soil PH is excellent at 6.0 and Olsen Phosphate levels average 27. Dicalcic phosphate fortified with elemental sulphur is the preferred fertiliser used at the rate of between 200 -300kg/ha. Sulphur super is also applied occasionally.

PINE PARK ANGUS 45 BULLS SELL

THURSDAY 8th JUNE 2017, 11.30am, MARTON

Goldwyn G07

Matauri Outlier F031

Breeding superbly

20 Sons for Sale

THREE KEY SIRES

Pine Park J022 Photo 17 months old

TOP TEMPERAMENT - DO ABILITY - PRODUCTION Enquiries to: Edward Sherriff, 312 Tutaenui Road, RD2, Marton 4788 Ph: 06 327 6591 . M: 021 704 778 . Email: edsherriff@farmside.co.nz

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

View Pine Park Bulls Tues 9th MAY on the Manawatu / Wanganui Angus Bull Walk

Catalogue on-line - May

www.angusnz.com 59

Docile RED Very easy calving Outstanding crossbreds No handling issues Solid colour progeny TE WAIRERE Baker C 237 JV Grant Rd, RD3, Wellsford 0973

PENCARROW Dreadon D & S 81 Simpkin Rd, RD2, Ruawai 0592 KAIPAPA Hargreaves A & J 126 Wilson Rd RD1, Helensville 0874

TAPUWAE Beazley A 1888 SH 10, RD1, Mangonui 0494

AWH Mansfield R PO Box 2674, Shortland St Auckland 1140

BOVEN Boven D & R PO Box 106231 Auckland 1142

BLACK JACK Glen D 400 Black Jack Rd, RD2, Whitianga 3592

TINOPAI Aspin W & P 187 Hatton Rd, RD4, Waiuku 2684

WICKTON Harris S & A 2237 Maungatautari Road, RD 2 Cambridge 3494

RUBYFIELDS Foreman S & H DENBAR 953 Upland Rd, RD2, Shepheard D & B New Plymouth 4372 225A Kairau Rd Est, RD3, New Plymouth 1789

WHERO KAU Brackebush RA 46 Clark Rd, RD1, Papakura 2580

OHUKA Sieling D & C PO Box 336 Whitianga 3542

MT TE UKU Hubbard M & R PO Box 128 Raglan 3265

WRIGHTWAY Wright R, P & A 482 Maata Rd, RD18, Eltham 4398

TOBAIRLEE Flowerday R, RD3, Blenheim 7273

DEVAND Couch J & G 513 Herepuru Rd, RD4, Whakatane 3194

MONTE PAHU Barrio H & E 2/294 Limeworks Loop Rd Te Pahu Hamilton 3285

ROTOKAWA McDowall K & P 7 Holdsworth Dr, Otamatea Wanganui 4500 KARAKA Gates DE & PB 494 Makino Rd, RD9, Feilding 4779 MAGNUM

OKERERU Penman B & S 672 Glengarry Rd, RD2, Napier 4182

Oliver E & J 357 Millers Rd, RD2, Pahiatua 4982

WILLSNET Wills D & J 521 Tawataia Rd, RD,4 Eketahuna 4993

WHITEPINE Magee A & D 113B Downard Rd, RD1, Whakatane 3191

SHEMSHI Askew L PO Box 852 Gisborne 4040

BEACON HILL Sisson S PO Box 44, Patea 4545

MAGHERA Hehir C & B 447 Taikorea Rd, RD3, Palmerston North 4473

WOODLANDS NashC & J 924 Woodlands Rd, RD2, Waihi 3682

TREVEAN Morley C & K 325 Rea Rd, RD2, Katikati 3178

MAUNGAWHIRI Schumacher B & K 556 Upper Durham Rd, RD8, Inglewood 4388

MANU Dirksen S & J 35 Manu Rd, RD24, Stratford 4394

HAU HIWI McConnell G & L Hau Hiwi 294A North Rd, RD,6 Thames 3576

RANNOCH Downs J 2 Monty’s Ln, RD1, Greytown 5794

RUA-WAI Lambourn M & J PO Box 31392 Lower Hutt 5010 HOLDSTOCK J & C Carden Holdstock 2341 Christchurch Akaroa Rd. Christchurch 7672 OAK TREE Hutchison K H 109 Murrays Rd, RD3, Middlemarch 9598

HEADLEY DOWNS Gardner WE 594 Mikimiki Rd, RD1, Masterton 5881

KAWEKA SOLO Jones LA 1731 Puketitiri Rd, RD4, Napier 4184 TAUHARA McQuade BJ 75 Tauhara Rd, RD9, Hastings 4179

MILLSTONE Gordon H G 1796 Waimarama Rd, RD12, Havelock North 429

SPRINGBROOK Simons & Patterson M & K 1047 Blue Mountains Rd, RD1, Upper Hutt 5371

For contact details

www.reddevon.co.nz

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017

LIVESTOCK | ON FARM Hamish Nelson’s father-in-law put an equity partnership together in the 1990s to buy Nukuhakari Station.

Farm Facts

Coastal grazing Anne Hughes Sand dunes and salt spray are part and parcel of farming the beautiful coastal station Nukuhakari.

Stabilising sand dunes is an ongoing project and some of the farm’s finishing flats become covered in fine black sand during an on-shore wind.

Kikuyu grass was initially introduced to help stabilise the sand dunes, but it needs to be managed carefully to ensure it doesn’t dominate more valuable pastures on the rest of the farm.

Salt spray from the shore burns off a lot of ryegrass, encouraging kikuyu growth.

Hamish Nelson and Bridget St George manage kikuyu through cultivation, regrassing and a high cattle ratio.

“If you can keep it quite short through grazing you can get ryegrass and clover coming through,” Hamish says.

“If you tried to get out to a 40-50 day grazing rotation here it would just get out of control.

Cabbage trees with trunks buried in sand dunes.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

“We’ll probably mulch and oversow some areas with a cheap Italian ryegrass to try to get on top of it.”

All stock are rotationally grazed through most of the year, except for at calving and lambing, or if it becomes particularly wet during winter and stock need to be set-stocked to prevent pugging.

To reduce pugging on the nearby finishing block, stock are on-off grazed and fed silage during really wet conditions.

About 30 hectares of pasture is renewed each year with Italian ryegrass, some plantain or red clover.

Winter crops such as oats are sometimes sown for the breeding cows, depending on what stage the development programme is at. The oats also make good silage.

Hamish says they need about 40 round silage bales for yard weaning and have another 120 bales to feed to cattle grazing fodder beet.

Nukuhakari Station • A sheep and beef farm on the North Island’s west coast • Between Marokopa and New Plymouth • Operating as a limited company • Shareholders are Peter and Kate St George, their daughter Bridget and her husband Hamish Nelson • Managed by Hamish and Bridget, along with four full-time staff, half a labour unit and casual staff as needed • 2000ha effective • Plus 340ha effective finishing block 10 km down the road • 4000ha in total, including 1000ha Maori lease land (500ha effective) • 100ha of flats; 400ha rolling country; remainder medium to steep hill country.

• 2000mm average annual rainfall • Historical sites including a 20 millionyear-old volcanic plug and 17 pa sites

Hamish planned to have the cattle grazing fodder beet for about 90 days. Adlib feeding silage and fodder beet on the crop breaks, he estimated they would eat about one silage bale each day.

The 3ha trial crop of fodder beet was sown this year, for 65 Wagyu-cross and pure Angus cattle to graze from the end of March.

The farm has a long history of reactive phosphate rock (RPR) and lime fertiliser applications.

Hamish says RPR works well in the high rainfall area.

Being coastal, Nukuhakari is high in sodium, with good natural potash levels.

P levels are good – 25 in most of the hill country. Hamish carries out soil tests bi-annually.

Bridget’s father Peter did a lot of subdivision when he was running the farm. This work has continued and the largest paddock is now 60ha.

Cattle and sheep are integrated as much as possible to help manage worm burdens.

Copper deficiencies are common on the coast because of the high iron levels,

61

Breeding ewes must get in-lamb as a hogget to stay in the flock.

These finishing flats can become covered in black sand in an on-shore wind.

so cattle are given a copper bolus or injection.

Cobalt is applied with the fertiliser annually and selenium goes on every second year.

Cows and calves are vaccinated against bovine viral diarrhoea and rotavirus.

Cows also get an annual seven-in-one for leptospirosis.

Ewe lambs are vaccinated against toxoplasmosis and campylobacter. Ewes are given an annual five-in-one.

Hamish says Nukuhakari is reasonably healthy country, although facial eczema (FE) has become more problematic in the sheep during recent years.

Hamish now selects maternal sire rams with FE-tolerant genetics from Waimai Romney further up the west coast.

Ewe numbers have been reduced slightly on Nukuhakari – due to poorer returns and the high workload. Hamish planned to mate 8500 ewes this year.

More ewes might be mated next year if lamb prices are looking more promising.

“We’re not locked into a system.”

Replacements are only selected from in-lamb ewe hoggets.

“Hoggets that have been in lamb always scan a lot better as two-tooths than dry hoggets,” Hamish says.

They usually end up with about

2500 in-lamb hoggets. Last year was an exception – because of the high FE challenge fewer hoggets were in good enough condition for mating.

Hamish says a good scanning result on Nukuhakari is about 180% in the mixed-age ewes. In a particularly good conception year, they can sell some inlamb ewes.

Thirty per cent of lambs are killed straight off mum at weaning (around Christmas). The remainder are finished during the season, usually averaging 17.5kg carcaseweight depending on the year. Most of the lambs are supplied on contract to Affco.

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Hamish Nelson hopes a focus on eating quality in the Nukuhakari Station beef breeding programme will lift farm profits.

Professional advice valued yet how this plan will look in the future.

Bridget’s parents Peter and Kate St George bought Nukuhakari in a partnership with other investors in 1993, moving to the coast from Piopio to run the farm.

The other investors were David and Jennette Bailey, Graham and Jules Rose and late Piopio farmer Noel Verry and his wife Helen.

“When Pete set up the equity partnership back in 1993 it was a pretty rare sort of thing in the King Country.

That partnership worked very well for them,” Hamish says.

He and Bridget moved to the farm in 2003, working with Peter and Kate for a couple of years before taking over Hill country bulls for hill country breeding the management and buying into the farm over time.

The other investors have been bought out and ownership is now in a limited company, 25 TOP R2YR REGISTERED with Peter and Kate; HILL COUNTRY BULLS ON OFFER Bridget and Hamish • BVD CLEAR & VACCINATED • TB C10 • as shareholders.

Peter and Kate now live on 20ha near Taupo.

A family farming business values professional advice to keep it on track.

Nukuhakari Station’s farm consultant Chris Garland helps focus the St George and Nelson families on the business.

With a passion for farming, Bridget St George says they are more farmers than business people.

“Being a family business it’s good to have someone to keep us focussed and help deal with any governance issues we might face.”

The partnership is also working on succession planning with their consultant, but the families are unsure

19th June 2017 Winter Sale

A 20 million-year-old volcanic plug, Whareorino, on Nukuhakari Station.

Nukuhakari is one-and-a-half hours’ drive to the nearest town centre of Te Kuiti, or two hours in the other direction to New Plymouth.

Bridget doesn’t find it isolated and they do spend time off-farm, particularly travelling to school or sporting events with their three sons Magnus, 12, Pera, 10, and Joss, 7.

Magnus started at prep school in Hamilton this year, while his younger brothers attend the local Whareorino School, with a roll of 10.

Having staff on the farm can also make it a sociable place to live.

The ocean is an attraction for staff, providing opportunities to catch crayfish, snorkel for paua or fish with a long line off the beach.

There are three bays on Nukuhakari, plus stunning views from throughout the station.

New staff are hired through word of mouth more often than having to advertise.

As well as working with their farm consultant, Hamish has been involved in a discussion group for about 15 years – which has about 15 farming business involved from throughout the central and eastern North Island.

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Shepherds at Nukuhakari Station clock up about 10-12,000km/year on their farm bikes.

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Steers bought in at 18-months-old for finishing on Nukuhakari Station.

Making the sire selections Figures tell an important story when it comes to selecting sire bulls for Nukuhakari Station’s breeding herd.

Hamish Nelson studies estimated breeding values (EBVs) closely.

Ultimately, the figures need to add up to breeding for high quality beef.

“The EBV system’s not perfect, but they do generally work.

“You’re either a believer in the figures or not. I think you’ve got to hang your hat on something.”

Hamish only buys bulls from studs that are calving two-year-old heifers.

“It’s another selection pressure because that’s what I’m doing as a commercial farmer.”

He targets sires in the top 15% of the Angus Pure and self-replacing indices, with above-average intramuscular fat (IMF), low birthweight figures and a

Nukuhakari cattle • Stocking ratio 55% cattle; 48% sheep • Selecting sire bulls for marbling • Targeting meat quality premiums in beef supply programmes • 600 mixed-age Angus breeding cows • Heifers mated as two-year-olds to Wagyu bull • Finishing all progeny (except replacements) • Buying in extra steers as weaners or older for finishing • Wintered more than 3000 cattle in 2016 - including breeding cows, heifers, weaners, rising two-year-old steers, rising three-year-old steers, plus some finishing bulls and breeding sires

mature cow weight lower than the 600day cow weight.

“The better the IMF the more marbling there’s going to be. That’s the theory.

“You could focus on too many traits, so I’m just looking for balanced figures.”

Replacement breeding cows need good conformation and a good-sized frame for getting in calf.

“If you’ve got the right stud I think a lot of that selection has been done for you.”

Hamish looks through many different bull catalogues, selecting bulls on figures then attending the sales to make sure the figures match conformation.

Hamish buys four to five bulls each year. He has been buying from Waitangi Angus in Northland, Angus and Forbes Cameron at Ashhurst and Storth Oaks Angus in Otorohanga, but studies several catalogues to find what he is after.

The breeding programme is targeting premiums paid for meat quality through the First Light Wagyu and Silver Fern Farms Beef EQ supply programmes.

Both of these programmes have been developed with Primary Growth Partnership funding.

Beef EQ farmers are paid a 25 cent/ kg premium for meeting eating quality specifications – based on eight attributes that, combined, make good eating quality likely.

Nukuhakari’s Angus cows are mated to an Angus bull from three-years-old onwards.

All progeny, other than replacements, are finished onfarm, along with weaners or steers bought in for finishing.

Good autumn grass growth enables cattle to be killed through winter, which also frees up space for spring calving.

Kill dates depend on age group and farming different age groups helps off-set financial risks.

Nukuhakari had been buying in 500 weaners annually. Last year they only bought 145 weaners because the market was so strong, but purchased the equivalent stock units in older cattle.

Weaner cattle are farmed through to the following winter, to start killing in June.

“If we can we buy Angus because of the premium at the other end, but they demand a premium as weaners too.”

Many of the weaners and steers are

Nukuhakari Station buys in cattle for finishing as well as breeding their own.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

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Mixed-age Angus cows with Angus calves just before weaning. The Nukuhakari Station breeding programme is targeting premiums for meat quality.

Hamish Nelson of Nukuhakari Station is targeting meat quality premiums from finishing cattle.

bought out of Northland, which are often exotic breeds and suit the farm well because they are already used to grazing kikuyu grass.

Cattle bred on Nukuhakari are killed at about two-and-a-half years old, usually from Christmas onwards.

This season there was feed available to keep them longer and the beef schedule was high enough to make putting the kill date back worthwhile.

“Our target kill weights are very much a moving target.”

Hamish just tries to feed the cattle as well as possible, with finishing stock often getting preference for new pasture and silage. Feeding and rotations are managed visually, not based on technical feed budgets or dry matter measurements.

A trial fodder beet crop for autumn grazing might help finish more cattle in early winter, when premiums are higher.

“We do try to feed them pretty well and we’re changing our systems now that there’s hopefully going to be some real premiums paid for these genetics and quality.

“We’re starting to analyse our kill sheet data more because we’re trying to qualify all our Angus cattle for premiums.”

Whether or not he is getting enough information on the kill sheet data to make better decisions on-farm, Hamish isn’t sure yet.

“Maybe I just don’t know how to interpret it yet.”

Hamish says it is hard to put a figure on breeding cows and what they contribute

financially. They enjoy farming cows on Nukuhakari and are still aiming for more efficiency in their breeding herd.

“If you’re farming beef cows you’ll be quite well rewarded in the coming seasons.”

Hamish describes the Nukuhakari system as extensive intensive farming.

Apart from lambing and calving, stock are rotationally grazed, sometimes with up to 6500su of sheep and cattle in one mob.

Improving genetics and achieving premiums from more cattle in the beef supply programmes should increase profit/kg DM grown on Nukuhakari, but Hamish says they need to do more financial analysis to see if the focus on quality is paying off.

“It would be nice to see some really good returns for these programmes and be rewarded for our products.”

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Wagyu-cross calves being weaned in the yards.

Wagyu makes it easier Targeting calving ease in heifers is having a spinoff effect on meat quality at Nukuhakari Station.

Hamish Nelson and Bridget St George started buying Wagyu bulls four years ago, in an effort to reduce calving problems.

“We used to buy low birthweight EBV bulls for heifer mating, but we always had issues with calving difficulties in a tough year,” Hamish says.

He says a good or bad year at Nukuhakari can mean a difference of 5060kg on the heifers at calving.

“Since we’ve gone to Wagyu we’re having less calving problems and better conception rates.”

Joining the First Light Foods Grassfed Wagyu supply programme has provided the opportunity to earn a premium based on marbling. Shareholders also receive an annual pool payment.

Returns to shareholders are exceeding the targeted year-round price of $6/kg.

The Nelsons buy Wagyu bulls from First Light Foods, killing the finished progeny back to First Light. Bulls and semen are supplied to First Light by Wagyu Breeders, a subsidiary of Brownrigg Agriculture.

Kill sheets come back with the usual information on carcase weight and pH levels, plus fat cover and marbling levels.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

First Light marbling scores range from two to nine, indicating the level of flavour richness.

Marbling in Nukuhakari Wagyu-cross cattle killed recently were just below the First Light marbling average (over all suppliers) at that time, but they have achieved marbling above average in the past.

Wagyu-cross cattle take three-four months longer to finish than the Angus cattle on Nukuhakari.

“At a minimum we need to be targeting at least three, but if you can get into the fours and fives, that’s a better premium for all the same costs of getting that animal on the truck.”

Hamish wonders if a couple of tough years on the farm, causing checks in growth, have made it harder to hit their marbling targets.

“The frustrating thing with the Wagyu is I don’t think you can visually see an animal with better marbling.

“We’ve had cattle that in a visual sense

are very well finished, but don’t come back with a good marbling score.”

Hamish says the Wagyu-cross behave differently, take longer to finish and don’t yield as high as some conventional breeds.

Hamish is planning some changes in management and feeding to try to achieve a higher premium through better finishing and marbling.

He is trialing a small area of fodder beet this year, which was due to start grazing at the end of March.

Hamish will compare results of Wagyucross and pure Angus cattle finished on the fodder beet crop compared to those finished on grass.

Wagyu bulls are mated to two-year-old heifers, which start calving behind a wire around September 10. The Wagyu-cross calves are yard weaned, EID-tagged and weighed in late March.

Sample weights are taken at other times during the year. Hamish sends that information to First Light, so they know how the animals are growing and when they might be ready for slaughter.

Cows and calves (Angus and Wagyucross) are yard-weaned in four mobs.

Calves are kept in the yards and fed silage for five to six days depending on how they’re settling down and the weather.

Hamish says the yard weaning helps quieten down the Wagyu-cross calves, which have a different temperament to more-conventional breeds of cattle and require different handling.

The Wagyu-cross cattle are grown mostly on the nearby finishing block, which is less-extensive so these cattle can be run in smaller mobs.

The Wagyu-cross are killed at twoand-a-half years old by Greenlea Premier Meats in Hamilton.

Hamish aims to finish heifers at 245kg CW and steers at 320kg CW, but that is a moving target which varies with each season. Wagyu-cross cattle take three-four months longer to finish than the Angus cattle on Nukuhakari.

Hamish says they need to sit down with their consultant to establish whether or not the extra finishing time is paying off.

“We probably need to crunch those numbers, because we feel it’s worked well from a calving point of view, but at this stage we’re not sure whether the premium makes up for farming them longer.

“They’re very vigorous calves and we get good conception rates with the bulls.”

If they decided finishing the Wagyucross cattle isn’t increasing farm income, Hamish says they are still keen to use Wagyu for heifer calving and could look instead to selling those progeny as weaners and buying in more cattle for finishing.

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LIVESTOCK | ONFARM

A rare breed Cheyenne Stein

During one of many trips to Europe, Peter found himself in the Pustertal region of the Dolomite mountains.

Maungaraki Cattle Company, owned Hidden away in the South Tyrol region

by Peter and Sue McWilliam, sits in the in north-east Italy are Pustertaler cattle.

Wairarapa limestone ranges south-east of Peter was highly impressed by the alpine Masterton. breed’s hardiness.

For the last 30 years the McWilliams Although the region is mostly home have called it home with a focus on the to Simmentals, many farmers have a few breeding side of beef farming with diverse Pustertals. herds of Simmental, Angus and “I got speaking to an enthusiast. They Gelbvieh. Eight years ago, however, one were trying to conserve the breed. It’s one of the rarest cattle breeds in the world of the rarest breeds in the world, there’s were introduced to Maungaraki. only 300 breeding females left.”

Pustertals were for many years considered the best cattle breed of imperial Italy.

Continuous sale of the breed to Viennese dairies finally led to the decline of the breed and their nearextinction in the 1960s. However, there is renewed interest in the breed which has untapped potential GALLOWAY CATTLE for meat and milk “Outstanding In Their Field” production.

“Breeders in Naturally Polled Europe were keen to Disease Resistant Marbled Meat

Pustertal characteristics • • • • • • •

Longevity Healthy hooves Docile Hardy Good feed conversion efficiency Meat quality Ease of calving.

find other places in the world to keep the breed going in case Europe had a disease outbreak and they were all wiped out.”

Peter’s interest piqued and in 2009 he imported embryos and semen from Germany. The first round of embryo transplants weren’t overly successful with a low take rate, but the second time around they managed a 50% conception rate.

“We tried to get as many diverse bloodlines as we could but being a rare breed we didn’t have a lot of options.”

The risk of in-breeding is high and means Peter is picky when it comes to matching sires with dams. Today, Maungaraki is home to 10 full-blood females and a young full-blood sire who is coming through the ranks to replace their foundation sire.

Given the success of his cross-breeding programme with Gelbievhs and Angus (Balancers) Peter began testing the waters

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017

with Simmental and Pustertal.

He has found success cross-breeding Pustertals with Simmentals, which he calls Supertals and plans to continue developing that along with crossing with Gelbviehs and Angus. He currently has about 30 hybrids with a few bulls out in the commercial market already.

“Although we are testing out things with cross breeding them our main focus is to keep our nucleus pure and try to build up our numbers.”

Because of the narrow gene pool, Peter is fussy about what he lets go through.

Not every animal born onfarm is kept for breeding. Without EBVs in the mix Peter relies heavily on his wealth of knowledge when it comes to cattle breeding as well as the breed standards. Despite having a small number, Peter places the same selection pressures on his Pustertals as he does his other stock.

“At the end of the day they still need to be able to cope with the pressures of our environment. Our cull rate is quite high but as a result we have some impressive animals.”

“They are an alpine breed so they are naturally very good structured cattle.

Part of the rationale behind this entire venture is that they may have some genes that we can benefit from here,

PGG Wrightson National Sale 2017

Gelbvieh and Angus remain the bread and butter of Peter’s farm.

their hardiness and their meat quality in particular.”

Quality meat The pustertal meat quality sits not with the marbling but with the tenderness and natural sweetness of the meat, Peter says.

Considered to sit between Angus and Wagyu in terms of quality there could certainly be a place for it in the New Zealand and international meat markets.

“That’s another reason for preserving the breed. There are very few ancient breeds like that still surviving because they have all been gobbled up by the traditional Shorthorn, Angus etc.”

GeneSTAR testing of semen Peter imported from two unrelated bulls put them in the top 10% for food conversion efficiency and tenderness. Alongside

their meat quality they are considered a dual-purpose breed with good milking performance.

Their size is comparable to Angus with mature cows weighing in about 500650kg and bulls 800-900kg and 140cm tall meaning they are right at home in hill country. The hardiness that many alpine breeds have is important with the beef industry being pushed further and further back into the hill country in favour of dairy, Peter says.

“Physical qualities like soundness and structure are vital for any beef breed nowadays. They need to be able to cope on the hill country. If a cow is sicklehocked then she won’t last.”

Since starting the venture Peter has had lots of interest from other farmers.

Although he is not at a stage yet where

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017

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Maungaraki Cattle Company

Pustertals are one of rarest cattle breeds in the world.

have had a positive response with many farmers commenting on their docile nature and good growth rates.

“We are careful what we sell into the market. It has to be the best of the best to give the breed a good foundation here.”

Although more of a passion project than the farm’s bread and butter, Peter has high hopes for the breed and its future here.

“I’d like to find some other people who would be interested in keeping the breed going but we need to get back to the region and expand our genetic pool a bit more.”

they can start spreading genes, people are interested in this rare breed. Long term, Peter would love to see the breed thrive in the NZ market for breeding and commercial purposes but there is a fair way to go before that can happen.

“I think we have got to the stage where we have proven they can survive and do well in our environment but to move forward we need more genes.”

Having spent the past eight years proving the breed the next step will be to spread the genetics while building numbers. The handful of hybrid bulls sold into the market

Peter McWilliam admits the Pustertals are a while away from bringing in the bacon for the farm and says he would be unable to assist in preserving the rare breed if it weren’t for his robust breeding business.

Over the last 30 years Peter has been a renowned stud breeder. He has built up Simmental, Angus and Gelbvieh studs and found success in various cross-breeding programmes, particularly Gelbvieh and Angus crosses or Balancers.

“Balancers have the best of both breeds – versatility, hardiness, fertility, meat quality and maternal qualities.”

The Maungaraki Cattle Company is run on 250 hectares of medium hill country. Winters prove long and cool with snow a frequent sight. Summers can be long and dry but the limestone base means soils are highly fertile and ideal for breeding stock.

The largest proportion of Peter’s business lies in breeding and selling bulls which are on-sold into the commercial beef and dairy markets. Bulls bred on the farm are wintered on green forage crops and supplemented with home-grown balage.

More than 200 breeding females are calved annually and run under commercial conditions on the hill country. Heifers are calved as two-year-olds and are expected to handle the sometimes harsh weather conditions.

All calves are weighed at birth and fully performancerecorded on BreedPlan. Fat depth, EMA and IMF data is recorded at around 15 months of age on all bulls. Bulls are service and semen quality-tested before sale along with being structurally assessed using the Beef Class system.

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100 Yearling Angus bulls at our Annual sale, on farm

6th Sept 2017, 12.30pm

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

LIVESTOCK | ONFARM Ian Russell - a future for beef.

Breeding a bright future Sheryl Brown Beef farming has a bright sustainable future and still offers the opportunities for young people to be farm owners if they’re hard working and creative, Northland farmer Ian Russell says.

Ian has been farming for 40 years on the Pouto Peninsula, on the northern Kaipara Harbour, where he runs 600

The conversion of dairy farming from beef also requires considerable more land area, which is a diminishing resource globally, Ian says.

Alternatively with such a strong beef schedule at the moment the outlook for beef is positive in the medium term.

Having a strong breeding herd is key for Ian.

‘You want size without too much sacrifice in their ability to produce during pasture control and management.’

“I believe the future of the breeding cow, for me, is as strong as they have ever been for two reasons – I am selfAngus breeding cows across his two sustaining in replacement and finishing farms. cattle.”

“For me, I’ve Breeding always believed in beef quality for 57 years Ian owns a 1000ha farm on the having a more sustainable future than peninsula which is predominately red hill dairying for obvious reasons.” sandy loam soil and a mix of flat, rolling The huge drain on water resources and and steep country. contamination of soil and water through Further up the coast at Aranga he has the intensification of dairying will play a another 500ha which is predominately big part in how the future of agriculture volcanic soils. It grows slightly better looks in New Zealand.

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Farm facts

A strong future for breeding cows.

pasture and has a better contour with no steep gullies, with high rainfall and better moisture retention.

He has run every beef breed on the land during the herd building process over the years and the Angus has always been the superior breed.

Angus breeding cows have been a vital tool in controlling dominant kikuyu pasture species over the last 40 years.

Farming is very site-specific. Farming methods and policies that are successful in one location may be unsuccessful in another area, he says.

Ian has worked with what he has, which in Northland, includes grazing kikuyu grass.

“With kikuyu, it’s about managing it – that’s why I have cattle. Mulching is an expensive way of controlling it when you can have a cow doing it.”

He typically grazes the kikuyu hard before winter to let the rye and clovers come up.

This season they had a wet, cold November and didn’t get the kikuyu growth then went really dry and the ryegrass burnt off quickly when the rain didn’t come.

“That made drought harder for us.”

The Angus’ hardiness and ability to forage, especially in poor-quality pasture and droughts, has always seen them outperform other breeds, Ian says.

His breeding goal is to continue

• Owner: Ian Russell • Trading company: Long Beach Forest Farms • Location: Pouto Peninsula/Aranga, Northland • Area: 1500ha • Average rainfall: 700-1400mm • Soil: Red hill sandy loam/volcanic ash • Stocking rate: 3.2cows/ha • Supplements; 60ha hay/silage • Empty rate: 3% (as at 03/04/17) • Lambing percentage: 129% Total farm working expenses: $151/ha • Repairs and maintenance: $26/ha • Animal health: $13/head • Rates and insurance: $20/ha • Contracting: $45/ha • Electricity: $8/ha • Fencing: $10/ha • Vehicle and fuel: $24/ha Stock onfarm Autumn 2017 • 340 R1 steers • 350 R1 heifers • 305 R2 steers • 375 R2 heifers • 400 R3 steers • 188 R3 Friesian bulls • 600 mixed-age breeding cows • 27 bulls • 1050 mixed-age ewes (Perendale) • 1100 lambs (including replacements)

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017

improving his line of Angus, without affecting the structural soundness.

“You want size without too much sacrifice in their ability to produce during pasture control and management.”

Ian buys bulls from around the country, including the South Island. He looks to see if they have sound hooves, correct stance and a strong jaw. The next requirement is structure, size, soundness and a good back end. Temperamental and timid bulls are crossed out of his catalogue.

He keeps about 30 bulls on the property. During mating he runs one bull to every 40 cows, rotating the bulls as required. They put the bulls out on October 10 for about 12-14 weeks.

This year they only had a 3% empty rate, which Ian was happy with after a tough spring.

Break into beef In his youth, as a surfer and part-time surfboard manufacturer from Cambridge, Ian was given the opportunity to travel to Northland and surf the bars and beaches of the rugged west coast.

While up North he was offered a casual job working on his friend’s father’s farm.

Vernan Farnsworth owned a 7000 acre forest farm on the Pouto Peninsula and

Lake L151

Angus weaners on Ian Russell’s Pouto Peninsula property.

within the year he offered Ian a job managing the operation.

The farm was an early example of the concept of forest farming which was based on maximum land use, incorporating forestry, horticulture and livestock.

When the farm was sold to an Indian company and later an American company, Ian stayed on as general manager to run the operation, which eventually grew to a 15,000-acre block.

The public company called Ever Green Forest Limited wanted to exit the grazing part of the agriculture business and offered Ian the opportunity

BULL SALE

Monday 12th June, 10.30am Lake L106

LAKE STATION HEREFORDS

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to buy the stock, plant and lease the land.

“I always wanted to be a farmer, but never thought it would be possible to own and farm on a larger scale.”

It was a great opportunity. He had farmed on the property for 20 years and knew the operation inside out, what worked and what didn’t.

He had $300,000 as capital to take on the debt after selling a rental property he had bought in Auckland when he was younger.

“I was able to buy the 12,000 sheep and 5500 cattle for $1.5 million and negotiate a good lease price for the grazing land.

HEREFORD BULLS FOR SALE

Wednesday June 7th 2017 Mid/South Canterbury

ORARI GORGE

OKAWA

11am Orari Gorge Station Geraldine Graham & Rosa Peacock 03 692 2853

2:30pm Okawa Mt. Somers Nick & Penny France 03 303 9749

Robert & Alex Peacock 03 692 2893 www.orarigorge.co.nz

David & Rosemary Morrow 03 303 9756

35 BULLS

45 BULLS

FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT: Rotoiti L109

MALCOLM MCCONOCHIE P: 03 521 1843 M: 021 251 0078

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Practical Productive Cattle All enquiries and visitors welcome.

RS86557©

Lake L140

LAKE STATION LTD 873 St ArnaudKawatiri Highway RD 2 Nelson 7072

73

Long Beach Forest Farms at Pouto Peninsula.

“Everyone I spoke to about the possibility of going large-scale farming on my own account said I was crazy as farming was a sunset industry and suggested that I get involved in the IT industry. The only thing I knew about the IT industry was that I thought nets were for fishing and webs were for spiders.

“I knew the land and wanted to be in the protein and fibre business. I bought 2200 breeding cows when everyone else was getting out of breeding cows.”

He bought the stock at market value, the Angus, vetted and in calf cows averaged $270. The lambs he bought for an average of $12 and netted $44/lamb six months later.

“I pulled the yacht out of the water

and never had a day off for 22 months as I was determined to make my business survive and work.”

His input costs were only 17% of his gross turnover in the first couple of years so he had a big tax burden and bought his first farm to offset that.

“My only claim to fame is when I went farming I only had $300,000 and turned it into $3m in three years through leasing, prudent management and stock buying.”

Leasing land was the best way to start out in terms of building quick cash equity. It’s about putting your money where you’re going to make money, which for Ian was growing grass and turning it into meat.

For the future of the beef industry, young people need to be given similar opportunities to progress in the industry, Ian says.

“They need to realise they can be a major player in the industry by being creative on how they are going to achieve their goals and hard work.

“I left home after the untimely death of my father at a young age, with an old car and $5 to my name to embark on an adventure which was to become the start of my farming career. I had no family inheritance in the form of farm land or money. Everything I have achieved has been through on my own hard work and prudent business decisions.”

DEPTH, THICKNESS AND TEMPERAMENT

BULL WALK - Thursday 19th May 2016

Premium Genetics that perform at the top end of the market.

KayJay clients have topped the Wairarapa Angus weaner steer sales with $1200 being reached for three lines and a high of $1230

WAIWHERO ANGUS KAYJAY FREEDOM L136

SALE DATE Wednesday 14th June 2017 at 11am, Waipukurau CHARLES PATTISON

06 858 8863 74

waiwhero@xtra.co.nz

ANNUAL BULL SALE Friday 2nd June 2017 at 12 noon

BULL WALK Thursday 18th May You are welcome to inspect the Bulls on the Bull Walk or any time prior to the Sale ALL BULLS... Semen Tested • BVD Tested Antigen Clear and Vaccinated • Free cartage North Island and to Picton

Enquiries welcome anytime Neil & Joan Kjestrup phone: 06 372 2838 or Roddy Kjestrup phone: 06 372 2495 Email: kayjayangus@xtra.co.nz • Westmere-Hakakino Rd, RD10, Masterton.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Self-sustaining operation A big part of being able to pay off debt and keep growing his business has been due to running a low-cost and self sustaining operation.

Ian has always farmed a low-cost grass operation, with low farm working expenses and only spent capital onfarm where essential.

“In my whole time farming I’ve only every bought two new tractors and that was only in the last five years. And they were only 100 horsepower.

“You don’t need to buy new tractors or the flashest ute when you’re young.

People used to laugh at my 20-year-old Toyota truck I used to drive around.”

He has also lived on a modest bachelor living allowance.

“My living expenses were $9500 for the first year farming on my own account.”

Ian’s regrassing and fertiliser programme is minimalistic. He applies Potash Super and sulphur up to 350kg/ha when needed.

“On this country you’re better to do it little and often because leaching is quite high.

“I’ve never done a full dressing on either farm.”

He doesn’t grow any crops, but cuts 60ha average of hay and silage every year.

Baled hay in store. ‘I keep the barns full with hay and silage,’ Ian says.

“I’ve always been the type of farmer who wants a fall-back position, I don’t like feeling trapped and I always have feed on hand, that’s been my saviour. I keep the barns full with hay and silage.”

Having feed on hand allows him to play the market, by buying and selling when he wants, rather than when feed supply dictates.

His animal health costs are low and

he has never had to treat the cattle with trace elements.

“The operation here in terms of animal health is to drench as required. Calves are given an oral drench after weaning, we have no other set drenching programme.

“Some cattle will never get another drench. But if we suspect there is any Ostertagia – we will give them an oral drench.”

2017 Bull Sale Monday 26 June at 4 pm Rimunui Station, 410 Goodwin Road, Gisborne

Penny Hoogerbrug: 06 867 4232 - 027 655 7104 Colin Williams: 06 862 7822 Manager - Nick Carr: 06 281 0059 - 021 656 023

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

www.facebook.com/kaharauangus

75

CHAROLAIS BREEDERS NZ HEMINGFORD CHAROLAIS • ROMTEX • SUFTEX • TEXEL

THE BEST OF POURIWAI 8TH ANNUAL BULL SALE

C H A RO L A I S BUL LS

THURSDAY 15TH June 2017 - 1pm

are up for sale by private treaty.

On Farm Auction, St Leonards Rd, Culverden

40 Quiet Grunty Charolais Bulls ENQUIRIES: Sam Holland Alistair Holland

03 315 8689 03 315 8686

BULL SALE 2017 14th JUNE 2PM 72 CHAROLAIS 18 HEREFORDS

On farm at Greenpark

Hill country bred. Reliable, superior growth results.

Available from June 2017. All bulls BVD tested and vaccinated.

Contact Jeremy Kemp to view or for a catalogue. All enquiries welcome.

Call 06 867 0867 or email jeremy@pouriwai.co.nz. Bulls available to view online from June 2017 at www.pouriwai.co.nz.

www.pouriwai.co.nz

SILVERSTREAM

CHAROLAIS.HEREFORDS www.silverstreamcharolais.co.nz

GAY OLYMPUS 110088

14 sons on offer Brent, Anna, Bruce & Maureen Fisher.

SILVERSTREAM EVOLUTION E168

Influencing 40 bulls on offer 2105 Chch Akaroa Rd RD2 Christchurch 7672. silverstream@farmside.co.nz

03 329 0994

027 251 4791

CHAROLAIS BREEDERS NZ 2017 CHAROLAIS BEEF EXPO SELLING 1PM TUESDAY 16TH MAY MANFEILD, FEILDING CE DIR -0.5 39% CE DTRS -5.7 32%

LOT 64

CE DIR -0.8 34% CE DTRS -4.2 28% GL

-1.9 30%

BW

+1.9 54%

200

+20 53%

400

+33 51%

600

+61 51%

MCW

+63 46%

Milk

+4

SS

+1.4 32%

CWT

+32 41%

EMA

+2.7 25%

Rib

-0.2 27%

LOT 65

NOUVELLE LANDMARK L19

NOUVELLE LINCOLN L27

762150019E

GL

-1.4 40%

BW

+1.9 71%

200

+23 63%

400

+39 65%

600

+73 63%

MCW

+75 57%

Milk

+6

Simon & Wendy Collin

47%

SS

+3.0 71%

CWT

+39 54%

EMA

+3.4 44%

Rib

-0.7 43%

Rump

-0.8 41%

RBY

+1.6 43%

IMF

-

“Pukerua”, 839 Tourere Road, RD2, Waipukuarau.

Contact Simon Collin: P 06 858 8045 M 072 636 3243 Wendy Collin: M 027 280 3471

-

762150027E

www.raurikicharolais.co.nz

Beef Expo Entries 2017 -

Rump

-03

RBY

+1.0 26%

IMF

-

26% -

www.charolais.net.nz/sales for more detail

LK0086961©

38%

RAURIKI LUCIANO L23 TIMOHO LEGACY L2 SELLING BY PRIVATE TREATY

Beef up your Profit

WITH CHAROLAIS

30 Bulls TREATY

BY PRIVATE

Twin River 377

Twin River 362

Sample of 2017 sale bulls

TWIN RIVER CHAROLAIS Fergus & Katrina Templeton P/F: 03 246 8516 * FREE DELIVERY SOUTH ISLAND WIDE

TOKANUI, SOUTHLAND

CHAROLAIS BREEDERS NZ

CHAROLAIS BREEDERS NEW ZEALAND P.O. Box 503, 75 South Street, Feilding 4740 P: 06 323 4484 • F: 06 323 3878 • E: charolais@pbbnz.com

WWW.CHAROLAIS.NET.NZ

CHAROLAIS BREEDERS NZ

Charolais production dollars offsetting environmental cost Tauroa Point Farm, near Ahipara and at the bottom of Ninety Mile Beach, is one of the most environmentally exposed farms in Northland, which is a challenge embraced by Marplow Nominees Ltd. The coast at Tauroa Point, on the bottom of Ninety Mile Beach, is special to Maori as their ancestors from Hawaiiki landed there, and to surfers worldwide for providing one of the longest rides in the world.

Farm manager Julian Peters, accountant and trustee Stephen Rundle, trustee Claude Shepherd and owner Martin Plowman have resolved to make a big difference on the environment and biodiversity of Tauroa Point, while financing further development from beef farming. Closer subdivision and higher stocking rates are expected to make the farm self-supporting. It is a 489ha (287ha effective) isolated property on the wild west coast, without mains power or farming neighbours, reached only at low tide along the beach and dolerite shelf from Ahipara.

When purchased 11 years ago there was little effective fencing to prevent cattle roaming the old gumfields, sand dunes, scrub areas, conservation areas and the Tauroa Point whares. Stock had access to dune lakes, impacting water quality and grazing wetlands. Deep gullies had worked their way inland through the sand country and in places there was insufficient grass cover to stabilise the sand. Since purchase, considerable time and resources have been put into new fencing, retirement of coastal faces, steep gullies and riparian zones within the farm.

Over 100,000 plants have gone into the ground, including 19,500 in partnership with the Community Business and Economic Centre in Kaitaia during 2016. Along with an effective boundary, most of the dune lakes are fenced off, riparian areas planted and outlet weirs installed to maintain higher water levels.

“The amount of land retired from grazing is spectacular and these wide planted areas will transform the landscape and biodiversity values on Tauroa Point in years to come,” the judges said.

The herd consists of 300 mixed-age mainly Angus cows and two-year

in-calf heifers with autumn and spring split calving, plus their calves.

Replacements are selected and mated as yearlings, while the bulk of the calves are weaned at six months and sold as store weaners.

Around 30 cull cows are sold for slaughter annually, along with some two-year steers when pasture availability allows supplementary trading cattle. Manuka honey is now produced from the scrub through a partnership with Kaitaia lawyer and beekeeper Wayne Cribb, enabling the planting of 2000 high-UMF manuka seedlings last year. Pest control consists of bait stations, traps and shooting, and plague rabbits have been brought under control. The house and the farm shed have separate solar power systems and power fencing is run from an inverter. Aluminium-coated wire is used on all new power fences to minimise voltage drop and damage from sea air corrosion.

Judges comments: • 200ha of gullies susceptible to erosion, riparian zones and marginal faces have been fenced and planted with natives or stabilising plants • The energy and initiatives taken to protect and enhance water quality and biodiversity values in the special dune lakes was outstanding • Fencing includes 6km of coastal margin retired with a very large buffer zone • Since purchase 40% of the land has been retired from grazing, while at the same time increasing productivity of remaining grazing land Farm manager Julian Peters Julian came to the farm in 2013 from a Land-corp Management system. He introduced Charolais as the Terminal Sire into the Commercial Angus Breeding herd at the time to improve the profitability of the weaner producing and self replacement, system in place. Julian uses Breedplan EBV’s as one selection tool but also concentrates on temperament and good phenotypical structure when selecting the Whananaki Coastal Charolais and Northern Angus bulls.

LK0086962©

2017 winners of two awards; the Northland Regional Council Water Quality Enhancement and Northland Farm Stewardship awarded in partnership with the QEII National Trust and the New Zealand Farm Environment Trust.

Future plans for the breeding finishing system In 2017 the trustees purchased a ex-Dairy farm in Awanui to extend the farm operation to include finishing the progeny, which in the past have all been sold at the Northern weaner fairs. This new addition the farm system will also help with the difficult logistics of transport cattle around the tides.

LIVESTOCK | ONFARM

Taking the meat to market Hugh Stringleman Fifth-generation farmer Jon Clotworthy has married beef cattle breeding and finishing with meat retailing for the past six years, through his own butcher’s shop in Whangarei.

More than 70 of his home-bred steers and heifers a year are killed at AFFCo Moerewa, where Jon has a hook number, in consignments of five to six animals every three weeks.

The carcases are taken to his rented O’Dwyer’s Butchery in Whangarei, where a regular clientele patiently wait for their orders of locally grown beef as it gets a minimum of one week aging in the chiller.

All other beef and lamb supplies come through AFFCo’s subsidiary Land Meats, provenance unknown.

The O’Dwyer’s shop lease is coming to an end this year and Jon and wife Rachel are looking into the possibility of building a specialist meat outlet on the eastern route out of the city.

They would propose to build it alongside an historic dairy shed, located on the ancestral farm alongside Onerahi, which these days is a large suburb of Whangarei containing the city’s airport.

They would like members of the public to be able to buy Northland beef and unpasturised milk produced on their own

Jon Clotworthy selling his own beef through O’Dwyer’s Butchery, Whangarei.

TANGIHAU

Sale 28th June 2017

angus

15 2yr Bulls for sale at Matawhero Combined Angus Sale

Agent:

Mobile: 027 242 5321

80

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Key Facts • Effective farm area, 60ha Onerahi (owned), 42ha Otaika and 50ha Pataua South (both leased).

• Clotworthy home-farm Angus-cross beef sells to Whangarei consumers and commercial customers at prices up to $34.99/kg for the scotch.

• Stock cartage to Moerewa costs about $110/head.

• Kill cost about $50/head, and AFFCo keeps all by-products, although some offals would sell readily through O’Dwyer’s.

• Jon Clotworthy suspects he may net more if the home-farm cattle were sold direct to AFFCo than selling the beef himself.

The Clotworthy calves are finished for nine to 12 months on the home farm, at Onerahi, which has been in family ownership since the 1860s.

farm and believe they have the accessible location, farm buildings and local history to appeal to more consumers.

If that happens Jon expects his cattle numbers will have to expand considerably beyond the carrying capacity of two lease blocks (at Otaika and Pataua South) and the home farm.

So he is on the lookout for a much bigger lease farm within a short driving distance of Whangarei.

The Clotworthys have farmed on the Onerahi hills overlooking inner Whangarei Harbour since the 1860s.

Until 2013 a herd of 90 Jersey cows was milked by Jon and his father Ross, who remains a keen farmer now aged 81.

The dairying connection has two other newsworthy elements: some of the Clotworthy beef sold through the shop is partJersey and milking takes place in a six-bail walkthrough built in 1933.

Supply to Fonterra ceased that year but Jon and Ross still have about 25 cows they milk for rearing dairy-beef and beef calves and expect to return to milking year-round for the farm-gate sales.

The dairying connection has two other newsworthy elements: some of the Clotworthy beef sold through the shop is part-Jersey and milking takes place in a six-bail walk-through built in 1933.

For about two decades the Clotworthys have put Angus bulls over the bottom end of the Jersey cows, sourcing one-year bulls mostly from the Te Atarangi stud of

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Chris and Karren Biddles, on the Pouto peninsula, near Dargaville.

The crossbred calves have been reared and finished for beef production.

They have also brought in dairy-beef calves, steers and heifers, from dairy farmers Murray and Helen Jagger, Manaia View Jerseys at nearby Whangarei Heads, who put out Angus bulls at the end of AI. Jon says he personally preferred Angus Jersey-cross beef, as do many of his dedicated customers, but he acknowledges some in the meat trade don’t.

“I don’t want to get into an argument with anyone over the characteristics of Jersey-cross beef – each to their own tastes.”

Qualified staff Jon didn’t do a butchery apprenticeship and he employs experienced and qualified staff in the shop, for carcase break-down, and on the associated family-owned mobile home kill business.

Jon Clotworthy said some of the massive macrocarpa trees on the Onerahi farm would have to come down if a new retail outlet is built, to remove risk and perhaps provide timber.

The six-bale walk-through dairy shed built in 1933 was in daily use for 80 years and would be utilised again to provide unpasteurised milk for the public.

81

Angus and Angus-cross cows and their calves are run on two lease blocks, this one surrounding the Winstones quarry, Otaika, just south of Whangarei.

She managed it for several years and might get involved again when the new premises are built.

Most of the Clotworthy home-bred beef for retail has now moved towards Angus, because the best of the crosses have been kept as breeding cows and rebred to Te Atarangi bulls.

Millstone Red Devons

TE MAEWA HILL COUNTRY R E D

Bred on coastal hill country for commercial farmers

82

D E V O N

S T U D

RS0086634©

Everything is very closely regulated because retail meat and home kill must never touch.

Rachel did a business course a few years back and spotted the O’Dwyer’s shop for lease when Jon and Ross were contemplating an end to dairy production.

Curiously, some of those retaining more Jersey can have blacker hides than near-pure Angus, Jon says.

He runs two mixed age beef cow herds, with 60 in each, one of them spring calving and the other autumn calving, in order to spread the finished progeny out during the year.

Calving has been around 93% for the past few years, although autumn droughts can impact the spring calving.

Only one or two of the first calvers each year have any difficulty, which Jon puts down to the bigger pelvic size in the Jersey origin.

The top 20% of heifers are kept as herd replacements and the rest of the heifers and steers finished for slaughter at 14 to 15 months of age, around 200-220kg carcaseweight.

About 100 young animals are finished at any one time on the Onerahi home farm flats and gain weight at all times of the year after weaning because of good grass growth in the winterless north.

Animal health status is good, including C10 Tb, and young cattle get 7-in-1 vaccination and are only drenched if obviously not gaining weight.

PORI - PAHIATUA

Docile, Easy calve Bulls and Semen available.

Red Devon will improve the temperament, toughness and longevity of your cattle.

The ideal cross for traditionally bred heifers.

Registered and commercial bulls for private sale.

EBVs available.

All Bulls, Breed plan recorded, Muscle Scanned, BVD Tested, BVD and Lepto vaccinated.

Tb status C10.

H & C Gordon 1796 Waimarama Rd, RD12, Havelock North Ph: 06 874 6195 Email: hcgordon@xtra.co.nz

Enquiries, inspection welcome, contact: Graeme Dyke 06 376 3966 Email tm.reddevons@gmail.com

LK0086660©

Breeding herd off 100 purebred females.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

LIVESTOCK | MANAGEMENT

If the lower performance of the beef herd is due to underfeeding throughout, more numbers fed adequately at critical times can make it feasible to get the best of both worlds.

Lifting performance Trevor Cook Much of my exposure to what is happening on the land is what is discussed at discussion groups. It is not surprising that those forums of late have been dominated by how the cattle component of a farm can be changed to exploit the strong market.

A further reduction in sheep numbers is a common outcome as is an increase in the number of beef cows. Traditional cattle trading policies have been tested due to the high buy-in price and alternative options explored.

Luckily for those enlightened beef finishers a majority of cattle traders will still not entertain bulls. But these have generally kept a more rational price tag and retained a good trading margin. In none of these forums has a suggestion come from the floor about how much more profit can be gained from existing cattle enterprises, without lifting numbers.

There are some very high-performing beef finishing operations around as there are high-performing beef breeding herds.

But on the rest of farms there is so much more to be gained by getting more from the current stock mix.

I recently looked at a farm with a new owner before takeover. There was a Friesian bull enterprise in place, so weaners and R2 bulls. All mobs were loosely grazed on pastures of variable quality, but much of it not good. The new owner could barely contain himself as he pictured installing the bull system he was leaving. With more intensity, which really means more subdivision,

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

and with planned feeding, the outputs from that existing bull system could have been lifted by as much as 50%. Some of this would come from more numbers, but a much higher per-head performance was so achievable.

Coming back to the latest discussion group arena in which the advice was to lift cow numbers – this in a herd calving 78% calves to cows mated and 80% of calves weaned to yearling heifers mated.

I took those results and worked out the

The best-practice package for getting the most from a beef herd is about what to do to get the best conception rate, best calf survival and the highest weaning weight. How much of any of these can be compromised in exchange for more cows and/or the cows doing more work? increase in profit by lifting them to 85% for both, by adjusting feed at key times and reducing it at lesser times.

The higher performance fitted into the same feed supply. It added $35/ha to the gross margin which for that farm was $155,000. Such an increase is largely management-driven and is reasonably achievable without any lift in costs.

Then I went back to the original

performance and increased the stocking rate by 10%. The gross margin was the same as by lifting the per-head performance. This is where looking at enterprises in isolation can be misleading.

If at a higher stocking rate the cows were more effective in preparing pastures for spring, then there is a much larger benefit than just the profit from the breeding herd.

If the lower performance of the beef herd is due to underfeeding throughout, more numbers fed adequately at critical times can make it feasible to get the best of both worlds. There are herds out there doing just that. For them the adage that a fat beef cow is an unprofitable one is very valid. Of course, some fat going into the winter must be part of the working cow package.

Stocking rate is too easy to ignore as a key driver of profit. From a whole-farm perspective, the variables that influence the stocking rate are weaning date, selling date, selling store or finished, the breeding-to-finishing ratio as well as the total pasture grown and the level of subdivision.

Too many of these variables are locked into the mind as fixed outcomes, at the expense of the stocking rate. I believe many cattle trading policies on hill country farms in which the output is killed stock are not that profitable in their own right and compromise the rest of the farm too much.

The conundrum of stocking rate versus per-head performance is something the dairy industry has acknowledged and analysed very well. In the sheep and beef industry there is far less recognition of this, let alone exploring it. Industry messages about farm performance are almost all aimed at lifting per-head performance.

So, the best-practice package for getting the most from a beef herd is about what to do to get the best conception rate, best calf survival and the highest weaning weight. How much of any of these can be compromised in exchange for more cows and/or the cows doing more work?

Another example is in cattle finishing enterprises where a focus on a 325kg carcase weight, for example, masks the possibility that killing at lighter weights earlier could be more profitable. While this is not necessarily about just increased stocking rate, often this change is the gateway to increasing the numbers.

At the risk of repetition, the key driver of profit is the amount of pasture grown that is consumed, which in turn influences production per hectare. Many of the most profitable beef systems do not have the best return on pasture consumed. Their status is because they are consuming more of the pasture being grown.

83

SYSTEMS | GRAZING

Ian Strahan rides his fenderequipped quad bike among bulls on his Techno System.

Techno grazing with a woolly twist Russell Priest

M

aintaining pasture residuals and achieving high utilisation rates are the two greatest challenges facing the management of the Strahan Land Company’s grass factory.

Growing and converting grass to product in the form of beef, lamb meat and dairy grazers is the primary objective of the business and it’s as simple as that!

However the factory’s manager, Ian Strahan would be the first to agree it’s not simple. Managing grass and clover at an altitude of 300 metres above sea level in a constantly changing environment requires good livestock management, coupled with good planning, monitoring and flexibility if the goal is to maximise production and that’s what Ian is trying to do.

“There are so many changing

Bulls behind the wires on the Kiwitea farm.

84

variables you can’t develop an inflexible management strategy,” Ian says.

But what he has discovered is that the more quality grass he grows and the more of this is utilised the more liveweight will be produced.

Up to three years ago the Strahans had been finishing up to 18,000 lambs during the autumn/winter/early spring period and up to 900 steers over spring on their 400-hectare Kiwitea farm. Around 600 dairy grazers including those from their own dairy herd had also been carried.

These were ideal animals for cleaning up paddocks that had got away over spring/ summer (see Country Wide, March 2014).

Spring covers were kept between 1800 and 2200kg drymatter (DM)/ha by shuffle-grazing the finishing cattle which were mobbed up in late spring and made to work a bit harder to maintain pasture quality.

Most of the cattle finished were large steers and to give them a bit of encouragement to grow faster all received

Key Facts: • • • • • • • • • •

Strahan Land Company Ltd., Kiwitea 18km north of Feilding in the Manawatu.

Manager: Ian Strahan Farmed area: 400ha (effective) Area in TTGS: 62.5ha.

Livestock Production: Finishing bulls: 700 – 800.

Finishing steers: 700 – 800.

Finishing lambs: 12,000 – 16,000.

Dairy grazers: 500 – 600.

a Revalor hormonal growth-promotant capsule. Regulations governing the use of these capsules have been tightened in recent years so the Strahans decided to cease using them, resulting in a reduced profit margin.

As a consequence and as a means of trying to move their beef production to a higher level a small 17ha techno-type grazing system (TTGS) was installed in 2013 on an area that was easy to convert.

Four lanes each covering 4.2ha were set up.

Ian had seen a large techno system operating and was impressed with the level of pasture utilisation being achieved. He also wanted to reduce the amount of topping being done at home.

“I wanted to prove to myself that a TTGS would outperform our traditional shuffle-type rotational system so I took myself off to a course to learn how it operated,” he says.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

“The first course I turned up to I told Harry (Harry Weir who developed the system) that I wasn’t going to hold on to any electric wires (a questionable requirement for operating a Techno system).

“He’d be proud of me now because I’ve learnt to overcome that phobia.

“We didn’t use all the bells and whistles (hardware) the system offers as we wanted to minimise capital expenditure in case it failed to meet our expectations.”

Back at home a two-year comparison was run over a 115-day period from August 18 to December 12 the first year and from August 28 to December 21 the next during which growth rate data was collected on animals in the two systems.

“We grow the bulk of our grass over this period when quality is at its best so our challenge is to convert as much of this into product.

“We can muck around in the summer and winter doing a lot of farming but at the end of the day we make our biggest margins when the grass is growing fastest,” Ian says.

‘We didn’t use all the bells and whistles (hardware) the system offers as we wanted to minimise capital expenditure in case it failed to meet our expectations.’

Analysis of the results showed a substantial liveweight gain advantage a hectare from the animals on the TTGS although liveweight gain of individual animals was inferior. The difference in gross return in the two years based on a 52% slaughter yield, a $5.40 schedule and a 115-day period varied between the two years from $386-$809/ha in favour of the TTGS. “Different classes of male beef animals have been compared using the two grazing systems and the results are consistent,” he says.

“The TTGS always comes out significantly ahead.”

Upon seeing the results Ian’s father Sam quipped with tongue in cheek, “I suppose you’ll be ripping out all the other conventional fences on the farm now” Fortunately for Sam the Strahans’ farm is somewhat broken by water courses so it is unlikely further areas will be developed using the system.

Buoyed by the results of the comparison Ian decided to develop

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Ian Strahan drives his quad bike over the three-wire electric fence.

a further 45.5ha of the TTGS. Some contouring and drainage earthworks were involved in developing this block resulting in the recovery of an additional 1½ha of grazable land.

Under the TTGS yearling bulls are generally bought in August and stocked at a rate of 2000kg LW/ha on a two-day shift.

“We buy bulls because they are more efficient at converting grass to beef than steers but also because they are easier to buy – the bull market is more sensible than the steer.” Ian says.

This year the first crop of bulls was killed off the TTGS in December at 320kg carcaseweight (CW) and a second crop in the autumn (March) at 280kg (CW).

Ian may be tempted to kill bulls earlier if the schedule decline in the summer is outstripping the value of the weight gain which can often occur due to declining pasture quality.

A new learning experience After operating the new system for three years Ian and stock manager Glen Gregory, who has taken over the day-today running of the TTGS and embraced it with enthusiasm, are adamant they still have a lot to learn.

“It’s really just a glorified dairy farming pasture management system where you adjust rotation length to maintain pasture quality.

“You can make silage or add or remove animals but this requires good planning involving a proactive rather than a reactive management approach.

“However once a decision is made it

determines the programme for the next month.”

Ian experienced this last November when it got dry. The decision was made to kill the bulls in every second lane however rain arrived not long afterwards forcing Ian to re-enter the store market and buy a uniform line of bulls. The destocked area was cleared of all the remaining bulls and restocked with the new purchases.

“Removing animals from whole lanes results in variable pasture quality between lanes and it’s very hard to restore that uniformity.”

Ian believes once feed quality declines you can get into trouble in a TTGS. A “floating” mob of bulls has been employed to clean up and restore quality and even the mower has been used sparingly particularly if thistles have been involved. Only once in three years has silage been made.

Having a high stocking rate gives Ian a lot of confidence because he knows the system is set up so that when the spring wave of feed arrives all he has to do is adjust the rotation length.

“The main thing I have learnt is that you must be well organised before the stock come into the system.

“You’ve got to have all your ducks lined up which in our case means pasture covers and soil conditions have to be right.

“This requires some serious planning,” Ian says.

“You must build a bank of feed that is able to sustain the number of animals you are going to run because you can’t add to and subtract from mobs once they

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are established within a lane.”

Maintaining the same covers and feed quality between the lanes is also very important.

Soils on the Strahans’ farm are heavy so measures are employed to ensure they suffer as little structural damage from animals and cultivation as possible as they are aware this can cause a serious decline in pasture production. Every year 20% of their farm is sprayed in the late spring with glyphosate and left fallow until February when it is direct-drilled with a mixture of Bealey and Huia white clover “I think we grow a lot more grass in the spring with our direct drilling and nocattle-in-the-winter policies,” Ian says.

The lamb experience

Ian Strahan adjusts the wires of a lane fence.

Driven by the knowledge that winter lambs return significantly more than bulls over the winter (30c/kg DM compared with 20c/kg DM) Ian has adopted a variation to the normal onewire Techno system by erecting threewire lane fences. By doing this he is able to run lambs on the system over the autumn/winter/early spring period then stock the area with bulls from August to March.

Having lambs grazing in the system propelled the Strahans into a steep learning curve. The system was not designed to run sheep although he is aware of others using it for this purpose.

‘Different classes of male beef animals have been compared using the two grazing systems and the results are consistent.

Having three-wired lane fences instead of one has thrown up some challenges.

The small in-line troughs normally used to water the animals have to be replaced with larger troughs because of their proximity to the bottom electric wire and the two wires separating the cells within the lanes have to be accommodated where they meet the three-wire lane fences.

Grazing management is still being developed as winter is a much more difficult time to manage pastures than is the rest of the year. The main difference is in managing pasture residuals.

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Residuals generate future pasture growth and if they get too low, particularly with the modern tetraploid ryegrasses, regrowth will be slow particularly in the cold winter environment experienced on the Strahan farm. Ian believes the answer is to generate high pasture covers in the autumn and have a long winter rotation, possibly around 32 days.

So in the winter the biggest pasture management challenge is not to let pasture residuals get too low and in spring not to let them get too high otherwise pasture quality will be compromised.

Cell shape is another issue because if it is too long lambs will walk aimlessly up and down reducing pasture utilisation.

The objective in winter under the TTGS is to maintain lamb growth rates at between 200-250g/day at a stocking rate of 10 lambs/ha.

“Lamb growth rates in the traditional system are typically below 200g/day in the autumn, a bit over 200 in the winter and in excess of 300 in the spring,” Ian says.

In hindsight Ian can see where the old system was failing.

“By giving animals choice we were pushing per head performance and compromising utilisation resulting in declining pasture quality.

“With the TTGS because stocking rates are high you greatly improve utilisation and per-hectare performance but perhead performance declines slightly.

“It appears that to maximise perhectare performance and money in the bank you’ve got to sacrifice per-head performance a bit.”

Trough fitting into the main alkathene feed line below the lane wires.

Ian is adamant the disciplined rotational grazing approach imposed by the new system is also better for the welfare of the pasture as it leaves it in a better growing state resulting in higher production.

The new system certainly requires a far greater managerial input and is much more of a tie – you can’t just go away and leave it unattended. However if these issues can be overcome significant financial rewards are certainly there for the taking.

The Strahans’ Techno-type grazing system The Strahans’ TTGS involves two areas of flat contour. The first (17ha) is divided into four lanes each covering about the same area (4.25ha).

The second (45.5ha) is divided into 12 lanes of about the same area (3.8ha).

Unlike most Techno systems where the lane fences are a single electrified wire, the Strahans have three wires because lambs are run in the lanes during autumn/winter/early spring.

Alkathene carrying water runs underneath the lane wires providing water simultaneously to the two groups of animals adjacent to one another in adjacent lanes.

Portable troughs can be coupled into the alkathene by means of an ingenious snap-coupling device enabling them to be moved on to the next cell when the animals are shifted.

Two cells are in existence in each lane at any one time, the one the animals occupy and the one ahead of them which they will move in to next.

Animals move into the next cell by stepping over the electric wire when it is lowered to the ground. It generally takes a while for them to get accustomed to doing this.

Once animals have moved to the fresh cell the electric wire(s) behind them in the previous cell is moved to form the next cell they will move into.

In a true Techno system all cells occupied by animals are immediately adjacent to one another across all the lanes in the designated area so that when groups of bulls are moved into the next cell they are moved in unison across all lanes.

Quad bikes used to service Techno systems are generally equipped with fenders so that they are able to cross any of the electric fences without the operator getting off the bike or having to switch off the fence.

Ian Strahan empties a trough before moving.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

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SYSTEMS | TECHNOGRAZING

Utilising the spring flush Rebecca Harper TechnoGrazing systems can help maximise production, without damaging soils, in a beef grazing operation.

Agdesign’s Tom Chisholm addressed the Beef +Lamb New Zealand Farming for Profit field day at Willie and Ange Falloon’s Longbush property in Wairarapa about the benefits of a TechnoGrazing system for beef and how to take advantage of the spring flush.

The TechnoGrazing system is an integrated, rotational grazing system, enabling very small subdivisions with efficient logistics and low labour input.

The name of the game is getting as much stock as possible through winter, as efficiently as possible, to be in the best position to utilise the spring growth curve.

“We’re not concerned about zero weight gain through winter. We’re looking to be as efficient as possible, get grass in as good a condition as possible and do as little damage as possible,” Chisholm says.

To achieve this, he uses small mobs of 20 or less and aims for an 80-day plus winter rotation, depending on climate and stocking policy, from June 1. Grass is protected from late August until early September.

A longer winter rotation makes sure a large enough proportion of area has had a long enough recovery and builds covers in front of animals.

It’s the old adage that grass grows grass.

Why TechnoGrazing?

• • • • • •

Agdesign’s Tom Chisholm uses TechnoGrazing systems in beef operations to take advantage of spring feed.

“If we can carry covers into late winter, early spring, then it compounds how quickly we can grow grass in spring,” he says.

“By restricting the intake and animal activity we get minimal pasture damage and pugging and improved efficiency in terms of feed conversion of the feed required for maintenance.”

Chisholm works on reducing feed demand from 2% of bodyweight to 1% of bodyweight over the winter period. Bulls are able to deal with the significant intake in feed come spring and to efficiently convert grass to kilograms.

This system ensures there are enough animals to match the spring growth, the most efficient time to turn grass into

Gives you more control Increase livestock carrying capacity Increase production per ha Improves pasture quality and longevity Improve animal health Increase profit.

profit. The higher stocking rate, longer rotation and rest period creates highquality feed that holds its quality for longer.

Chisholm says it is about strategically managing the peak feed period, as opposed to growing more grass. “We aim for 80-90% feed utilisation and 12-15 kilograms pasture/kg carcaseweight out.”

He says good wintering is reliant on having resilient pastures and is happy to keep working with older pastures that are performing.

“An old pasture that’s there and producing to a half-decent level is worth persevering with. Having long rest periods in winter, and matching rotation length to stocking rate and pasture growth, makes a huge difference to pasture and persistence.”

The TechnoGrazing system aims to start selling off animals in early summer, when pasture quality drops off. Selling policies will vary with climate and policy but the aim is to match feed demand to pasture growth.

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SYSTEMS | FINISHING Wagyu recently transitioned on to fodder beet at Guy and Andrea Didsbury’s Pirinoa Station, south Wairarapa.

Photo: Rebecca Harper

Providing price certainty Rebecca Harper Wagyu are a valuable stock class at Pirinoa Station, stacking up financially and providing price certainty for farm owners Guy and Andrea Didsbury.

The Didsburys, who farm on the south

coast of the Wairarapa, are part of the First Light Foods Wagyu producer group and are also shareholders in First Light.

First Light appealed to Guy because it was a market-led company.

“Everything we were selling at that point was to processing companies,

whereas this company was at the market first and trying to fill those orders from the production side, which was completely the opposite to what we were normally doing.”

He saw the potential to add value with the fact it was Wagyu, versus a standard beef product.

They started dabbling in Wagyu on a small scale about eight years ago, but it is only in the last two to three years that Wagyu have become a key focus.

“The money is there, it’s worth it, in relation to other stock classes,” Guy says.

“When we first went into Wagyu it was more a nice idea rather than cold hard cash, but now they are the best-earning stock class on a per-hectare basis.”

Being a shareholder also gives them access to the First Light pool payment.

“I did some figures and it looked like a pretty good investment, which has proved to be correct.”

Pirinoa Station is solely a finishing property, running Friesian bulls and Wagyu. The Wagyu calves are sourced from the dairy industry and come on as 90kg calves from June to November. They are killed as two-year-olds from June.

“We kill the vast majority between June and January as two-year-olds and two-and-a-half-year-olds. We are new

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Key Facts • Pirinoa Station, Pirinoa, south coast Wairarapa • Guy and Andrea Didsbury • 1750 hectares (effective), including a 150ha lease block in Greytown • 400ha steep hill country • 200ha rolling hill country • The balance is flat • 1100mm average annual rainfall • Solely finishing • Wintering stock numbers: • 300 two-year-old Friesian bulls • 1400 yearling Friesian bulls • Buying in 1000 100kg autumn-born Friesian calves over winter • 250 two-year-old Wagyu • 700 yearling Wagyu • A further 800 Wagyu calves, both autumn and spring-born, purchased throughout winter.

to running them properly, but last year we averaged 300kg on the hooks. Those cattle went through two major droughts in their lifetime, so we are targeting more than that, we see 300kg as a baseline.”

The Didsburys run about 1000 Wagyu and plan to double that number over the next 18 months, depending on the return

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Stock manager Pete Mehlhopt and Guy Didsbury with two-year-old finishing heifers. Photo: Graeme Brown

compared with other stock classes.

“We’re committed to having reasonable numbers and it’s looking like a core policy and other stock policies will fit around the Wagyu.”

Stock manager Pete Mehlhopt, along with shepherds Jakob Florance and Josh Johanson, are a vital part of the

operation and responsible for the dayto-day management of the Wagyu. Pete says they are committed to wintering the Wagyu twice and the Friesian bulls generally only once.

They target the early spring through to Christmas market with the Wagyu, which delivers a higher price point and fits well

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

with the summer-dry environment at Pirinoa.

While the Wagyu do grow slower than the bulls, they say the difference is not huge, and they are chasing per hectare performance.

Stocking rate is a key factor, as they are also able to carry more Wagyu/ha than they can with bulls and run them in bigger mobs.

‘Bulls have a high demand, they are great converters but they are challenging – they’re big and tough. The Wagyu are steers, which I suspect is the reason (for the difference).’

“The Wagyu are significantly ahead of other classes we have farmed, like bulls and lambs. Wagyu are 20% ahead on a live weight gain/ha compared to the Friesian bulls,” Guy says.

“It’s massive. We have found they are growing as fast as other beef animals.

They don’t grow as fast as a bull, but

on a per-hectare basis, they produce more.”

“Bulls have a high demand, they are great converters but they are challenging – they’re big and tough. The Wagyu are steers, which I suspect is the reason (for the difference).

“We’re still working out mob sizes, we’ve only been doing 100/year of each age group, so in a few years we will know, but we hope it will be mobs of 200 to 300 for most parts of the year, so our grazing

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management is going to be much more efficient versus bulls.”

While Wagyu do need to be fed well, Guy says they aim to feed everything well, regardless.

“We feed them no differently to our bulls, or if we were finishing lambs. They still do a bit of work, they don’t get fruit salad all the time because that’s reality.

But we certainly try to feed them as well as we can and, if there’s a hole in the system, we will plug it with something.”

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Pete says the secret to success with the Wagyu is nothing fancy, it’s all about feeding.

“Our guys are really good at grazing management and feeding animals. Every day we try to make it a growing day,” he says.

“Our guys are shepherds, and their skill set and focus is on feeding animals, and they are outstanding at it,” Guy adds.

“Led by Pete, it is intensive, they are shifting a lot of mobs every day and there are no shortcuts. I rely a huge amount on Pete and the guys to be doing the job… it sounds simple but people underestimate the skill and effort it takes to do that. We really focus on feeding everything on the farm to the maximum that we can.”

They introduced fodder beet in the last two years and Wagyu are wintered on the crop.

“That decision was based on best return for that crop and potential increased marbling, that’s why we put the Wagyu on it instead of the bulls.”

Fodder beet was chosen for its yield and carbohydrate content.

“You can grow double the dry matter/ ha with fodder beet compared to many other crops, that’s the appeal.”

Pete says the Wagyu love the fodder

KAIMOA

beet and last year they put on an average of 1kg/day for the 100 days they were on the crop.

“But we had a horrendous drought and they had had a very tough summer, followed by a very kind winter, so a lot of that would have been compensatory growth and we are not budgeting on getting those results again. It was the condition that they put on that was really impressive, rather than the liveweight gain.”

Guy says the PGP Wagyu programme has certainly allowed a lot more research and development. “It’s fantastic. It (First Light) is a very young company doing something that’s never been done before anywhere in the world, that I know of.

It’s very exciting but it does come with risk, and I think they are managing it very well.

“At the end of the day, as a farmer who produces meat, the Wagyu gives us hope that we can create larger returns – there’s potential there. For the first time in my farming career we are getting paid on the quality of the meat and, to me, that’s a breakthrough.”

Having a fixed price a year in advance is great and Guy says, based on the numbers, Wagyu are creating the most value for their business.

Guy Didsbury with R1 bulls.

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SYSTEMS | FARM OWNERSHIP

Working hard to get ahead Three years after moving from farm management to ownership, Hamish and Amy Bielski are still fizzing at the excitement of realising their dream.

Hamish says time has flown by since entering an equity partnership in a 300-hectare farm at Clinton, South Otago.

It has been a busy and challenging time – embarking on a farm development programme and working hard to get ahead.

“Some of the things you do to try to get ahead fast are quite high risk,” Hamish says.

“It has pushed me further than I’ve ever had to be pushed.”

This is matched by a higher level of satisfaction, but the disappointments and mistakes are also harder to take, feeling the effects more with a stake in the business.

“It’s just pushing those boundaries beyond what you think you’re capable of – you’re always going to have mistakes that hurt and you take it pretty hard.

“It’s amazing what a bit of time or a

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good spell of weather can do to turn things around. Sometimes you’ve just got to look back and see where you’ve come from.”

Hamish enjoys having responsibility for the financial side of the business.

Reporting to the farm directors and shareholders makes them more accountable and prevents complacency.

“Originally we thought it would be better to have a farm outright, but we think it’s been better for us having shareholders.”

Buying their own farm outright would have required the couple of work off-farm to help fund it.

“That can be quite draining on your flexibility and time, and you lack scale if you get too small.”

Being on-farm full time allows Hamish and Amy to focus more fully on the farm and their family.

Hamish says they are mindful of not becoming burnt-out in their drive to succeed in farm ownership and the importance of balancing work with family time.

Hamish Bielski says entering an equity partnership has motivated him and wife Amy to push themselves farther than ever before.

“You want to get the business up and going as well as possible as quickly as possible.

“Time off hasn’t been a priority, but we’ve got to be careful we don’t lose that time with our family.”

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SYSTEMS | WAGYU

The Wagyu PGP aims to transform the beef industry by developing a high value Wagyu meat product.

Wagyu PGP ties dairy to beef Rebecca Harper Creating a quality Wagyu red meat product and targeting high-end markets is paying off for First Light Foods, and it is delivering benefits to both the dairy and beef industries.

Through a Primary Growth Partnership (PGP), the marbled grass-fed beef programme is in its fifth year and is getting runs on the board, with new markets established and ambitious growth targets.

The PGP is a partnership between the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI), food marketing and supply chain company First Light Foods, Brownrigg Agriculture, which has the Wagyu genetics, and the First Light Wagyu producer group of farmers. It aims to help transform the beef industry by developing a high-value Wagyu meat product.

‘It also ticks some boxes addressing the waste we see in the dairy system with bobby calves, as First Light will take both male and female offspring and pay farmers the same.’

The programme has a $23 million investment over seven years, funded on a one-for-one basis by the Government (with an $11.5m investment cap) and the industry groups. Programme manager Matt Crowther says the funding has made a huge difference to what they have been able to achieve so far.

“We are now five years in and have

94

Marbled grass-fed beef programme manager, Matt Crowther.

developed a market in the UK and distribution in the UAE and parts of Europe. We are currently developing a market in the US. “A key part of the programme was seeing integration between the dairy and beef industries and the added value of farmers sourcing beef finishing stock from the dairy industry,” Crowther says.

The two key sources of calves for the programme are the dairy industry and Angus farmers, crossing Wagyu genetics with their herds. With a lofty growth target to double processing numbers in the next two years, a new partnership with LIC will be key to meeting that goal.

Partnership to grow Wagyu production Mating non-replacement cows to Wagyu provides an alternative income stream for dairy farmers, as well as lowering wastage in the system and helping increase genetic gain in herds.

LIC general manager of biological

systems, Geoff Corbett, says there has been an enthusiastic response from dairy farmers interested in the opportunities the Wagyu genetics offer.

The partnership between LIC and First Light came about as dairy farmers, faced with the dairy downturn, looked at alternative revenue sources and First Light wanted to increase its Wagyu production.

The partnership is a win-win for both parties, as LIC has the farmer contacts and logistics necessary to collect and deliver the Wagyu semen and First Light is able to increase production with guaranteed supply.

Farmers are contracted to produce the calves and are paid $150/animal for a spring-born calf and $200/animal for autumn-born calves this year.

LIC collects and delivers the semen and helps farmers decide which cows to put to the Wagyu. LIC picks up the calves at four days old and also organises a rearer, who will take the calves through to about 90kg, before they are weaned and sent to First Light for finishing.

“There are certainly real benefits for both sides. It helps grow First Light’s production and they have a nice story around grass-fed systems, as well as established markets, which is a good fit for us. It gives dairy farmers an alternative to earn some extra money,” Corbett says.

“It also ticks some boxes addressing the waste we see in the dairy system with bobby calves, as First Light will take both male and female offspring and pay farmers the same.”

LIC is able to help First Light grow its production because of its access to the dairy industry. “We have a lot of information about farmers and we can target farmers where the Wagyu will be best-suited.”

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Calves born as a result of the new programme are yet to be finished, but calves born from last autumn’s matings are due to be picked up from rearers.

“This autumn we will be doing even more matings and in the coming spring, we’re looking to significantly increase the number of matings to Wagyu,” Corbett says.

By tapping into LIC’s contacts and logistics, First Light hopes to increase production significantly.

“At the rate of growth we are getting, we recognised the value of LIC and the contacts they could provide. We send our best bulls to LIC and they manage the collections. We’re taking advantage of best practice and it’s also the ability to go direct to the right farmers,” Crowther says.

“Initially, as we didn’t have much experience in the dairy industry, our approach was a lot of cold-calling and it was hard to find the ideal farmers for our system – LIC has that information.”

With benefits like an alternative source of income, guaranteed price, genetic gain and peace of mind that there’s less wastage going out of the system, it’s little surprise dairy farmers are interested in the Wagyu option.

First Light sizzling Wagyu steak.

Quality first for producer group The First Light Wagyu producer group is a small, close-knit group of breeders and finishing farmers striving to produce the best-quality Wagyu product.

Crowther says the payment structure is a 12-month ahead fixed price for both

breeders and finishers, giving farmers price certainty.

First Light provides price certainty by hedging FOREX for the markets it is selling to.

“One of our goals is to deliver $2/kg return over prime steer in the long term.

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First Light Wagyu ribeye.

months ahead in a volatile commodity market. We’re looking big picture at providing long-term stability for farmers around pricing.

“The red meat industry has not yet managed to break through this barrier and establish New Zealand red meat as a premium product rather than a commodity in an international market.”

A base price is set each year based on marbling – the key factor in Wagyu meat quality. Farmers are incentivised to feed cattle well and increase marbling, as they are paid more for every increment

achieved above the set target.

First Light targets luxury restaurants and gourmet retailers, so quality is the number one consideration, rather than yield.

“Farmers are rewarded for performance, the higher the quality of the meat, the better the reward. If you feed them well you can increase the marbling result and payment return.”

Some producer group members are also First Light shareholders and are entitled to a pool payment over and above the set price. This is calculated at the end of year and is paid out proportionately to the part the breeder or finisher has played, so returns are spread along the value chain.

Crowther says First Light is building a community of farmers who realise their performance is important.

“If they do a good job they will get rewarded. We foster that relationship with regional hubs and regular gettogethers to share market results, performance and slaughter results. We also hold farm-focus days.”

While full-blood Wagyu are slowgrowing animals they have found that, with the cross, animals are growing just as quickly as other beef animals.

“The Wagyu do need to be fed well to get good results and farmers are adapting

to that. For those farmers who are striving for more and support the story with First Light, the rewards are there.”

Grass-fed point of difference First Light is pitching its product at the high-end, niche markets, which deliver premiums.

“We’re competing at the highest price point with organic, grass-fed beef. It’s a real opportunity for New Zealand highquality, grass-fed beef to achieve high prices.”

First Light is both the importer and distributor in many cases, which means it can maximise the margin it gets for retail products and share that back to farmers.

“It’s been a tough road to get to this point and establish a brand,” Crowther says.

First Light is also involved in a separate trial, under the National Science Challenge, investigating the health benefits of Wagyu. The company is one year into the three-year trial and Crowther hopes it will add another string to their bow.

“We’re currently in the research phase and are looking for unique health characteristics of Wagyu. Watch this space for a healthy Wagyu burger.”

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SYSTEMS | PRIMARY GROWTH PARTNERSHIPS

Transforming the red meat chain Anne Hughes Developing a fully integrated value chain for the red meat sector is no easy task.

Collier Isaacs knows this all too well, after spending almost seven years leading FarmIQ, a public and industry-funded project to transform the red meat value chain.

FarmIQ’s tenure under the Primary Growth Partnership funding programme ends in June this year.

“We’ve got all the pieces, but haven’t necessarily welded it together into a fully integrated supply chain,” Isaacs says.

He says it is now up to meat processors to develop an integrated value chain, through which farmers can earn a premium for high quality products.

“Silver Fern Farms are in a position to create that integrated value chain if the market (end consumers and retailers) is willing.”

Despite falling short on developing an integrated supply chain for all red meat, Isaacs says about 1000 farms are now using the FarmIQ farm management software.

‘None of our research has shown a reliable correlation that a certain breed has better eating quality.’

FarmIQ has tapped into markets where consumers are willing to pay premiums for value-add products and a genetic test for eating quality has been developed.

The value-add products Isaacs refers to are the Silver Fern Farms (SFF) beef,

Sensitive The original applications or proposals for Primary Growth Partnership funding are not made publicly available, because they contain commercially sensitive information.

PGP information available on the Ministry for Primary Industries website includes: • financial audits (carried out on every programme at least once during its duration) • quarterly report summaries of each programme • summaries of the progress reviews of each PGP. FarmIQ is not exclusive to SFF suppliers. With the other processors’ agreement, it can import their kill sheet data and about half of FarmIQ users supply companies other than, or in addition to, SFF.

Silver Fern Farms chief executive Dean Hamilton says farmers need to be paid more for lamb, but increasing premiums at the consumer end is proving difficult.

venison and lamb products sold in New Zealand and overseas, in countries like Germany.

These products account for $68 million of SFF (an industry partner in FarmIQ) total turnover.

Isaacs says value-add products are simple, easy to cook, require no trimming and come with little waste. These products might be sold with cooking instructions or recipes to help ensure the best eating outcome, along with an eating quality guarantee.

SFF chief executive Dean Hamilton says the programme has succeeded in developing an integrated value chain for beef, but lamb is more challenging.

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Hamilton says lamb is already a premium product, with less variability in eating quality.

“They’re younger so are naturally more tender and are less likely to have moved between farms and entered different mobs than an 18-month-old cattle beast may have.”

He says the challenge is to create a point of difference for a higher premium, but lamb is already the most-expensive protein on restaurant menus.

“The national flock is shrinking. We need to make sure there’s a sustainable future for sheep farming in New Zealand by paying as much as we can for highquality lamb.

“The way to do that is to get a premium from the consumer.”

Hamilton says generating higher returns and expanding the lamb market has proven much harder than many expected.

“None of our research has shown a reliable correlation that a certain breed has better eating quality.”

SFF is selling a lot of pre-prepared, precut products into retail stores within NZ and overseas.

Such products are now on shelves of 1000 German retail stores, but the resulting premiums seem only to be reaching NZ beef and venison producers.

Collier Isaacs says it is now up to meat processors to develop an integrated value chain.

A good initiative Developing a fully integrated value chain for red meat was an ambitious goal, Federated Farmers meat and fibre chairperson Rick Powdrell says.

Powdrell says the public funding for FarmIQ has been a huge investment, but uptake by Silver Fern Farms (SFF) suppliers has been good. The users he has spoken to are happy with their farm management software.

Has it been a good investment?

“Those who are using it probably say yes because there’s a lot of good stuff in it,” Powdrell says.

He thinks PGPs are a good initiative.

“We just need to hold the companies that receive these PGPs (funding) to account to do what they say they’re going to do in their applications, particularly around industry consultation through the programme.”

He says FarmIQ has communicated well with industry during the PGP term.

“It’s actually hard to critique these things accurately because we haven’t seen the full proposals. I haven’t seen the original case they put to MPI.”

SFF’s Global Retail Programme supplies venison into NZ and Germany, with deer farmers earning a premium for meeting their supply commitments.

Beef EQ farmers are paid a 25 cent/ kg premium for meeting eating quality specifications – based on eight attributes that, combined, make good eating quality likely.

Hamilton says this programme was developed from research, including the biggest meat taste-test ever, as part of the FarmIQ Primary Growth Partnership.

Based on a 300kg animal, farmers can earn an extra $75/head.

Beef EQ kills sheet data shows farmers which animals meet premium specifications and, if not, where exactly they fell short.

“Then they have a natural incentive to produce more animals to meet those requirements.

“A number of these farmers have changed the way in which they farm so they’re getting higher returns than before.”

Hamilton says more than 500 farmers are supplying the programme.

They do not have to be part of FarmIQ to join Beef EQ, but need certain

Federated Farmers meat and fibre chairperson Rick Powdrell says PGPs are a good concept, as long as those receiving the funding are held accountable.

standards of farm management systems to engage fully in the programme.

Hamilton says SFF’s focus is on ensuring a growing supply base, driven by creating market demand for the product.

Creating differentiated premium lamb products will be an ongoing focus for SFF, including research and tastetesting in areas such as aging and pH levels.

“It’s really sitting with the processor and marketers to create a point of difference,” Hamilton says.

“Ultimately every company has its own strategy. Ours is around trying to create differentiated, value-add products.”

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Data drives decisions North Otago sheep, cropping and beef farmers Ross and Jo Hay no longer base their decisions on a hunch.

Recording and monitoring through FarmIQ provides hard data to show exactly how they are tracking.

The couple are planning a new finishing system and irrigation on their 327-hectare farm at Herbert.

As their farming system changes, the way they use FarmIQ will change too, but they wouldn’t be without the management software.

They started using FarmIQ in its pilot phase – EID-tagging most of their lambs and monitoring growth rates through FarmIQ. This has led to an EID-tagged ewe flock where ewe body condition scoring and scanning data was recorded and then used to help make mating decisions for different mobs.

“It’s helped us make really good decisions around our ewe flock and the finishing of our lambs,” Jo says.

They find it most useful for

compliance, particularly around health and safety and the environment, and the ability to link several different aspects of farm management.

“For compliance there are just so many gains to be made, especially when considering farm accreditation records that you can produce for your meat companies.”

Jo says the growth margin calculator is great for making livestock purchase decisions.

“We use it to run scenarios of stock we’re going to buy in – put in all costs, feed inputs and number of days planned to be on the farm and this helps you make good decisions.”

Inputting all the data does take up more time, but Jo says they get out what they put in.

The couple recently trialled two different types of feed for lamb finishing.

They had a fair idea which feed had performed best, but analysing the data with their FarmIQ system showed clear comparisons.

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Jo and Ross Hay are planning a new finishing system.

“FarmIQ is the vehicle that has helped us lift our farm performance.

“It helps us fine-tune and analyse things and not just work on hunches.”

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ANIMAL HEALTH | PARASITE CONTROL

Beef cattle drenching 101 The injection version of a mectin drench, through achieving higher blood levels of the active will give superior performance to the pour-on version.

John Smart

2004/05 the situation had deteriorated to the extent that a national survey across 45 beef farms came up with following results:

It should come as no surprise to most farmers that effective parasite control in beef cattle has changed considerably in Table 1: the last 20-25 years.

In the mid-1980s parasite control Drench Family % of beef basically consisted of “throwing” farms failing Ivomec Pour-on at cattle. It was certainly Ivermectin (I) 92 convenient and appeared to work Benzimidazole (BZ) 76 reasonably well. For many years this basically summed up drenching in beef Levamisole (L) 8 cattle.

I + BZ – (used independently) 74 However, ivermectin had an Achilles I + L - (used independently) 8 heel – Cooperia the dose-limiting (hardest BZ + L - (used independently) 8 to kill) parasite for the group of drenches I will henceforth refer to as mectins I + BZ + L – (used inde8 were not being totally controlled/killed, pendently) especially by the pour-on drenches.

Overall 94% of farms in the survey Over time with the widespread recorded resistance to at least one of the use of these pour-ons the relative drench families and only 6% of farms abundance of Cooperia on many farms surveyed retained full efficacy to all increased such that over time farmers drench families. began to notice that parasites – mostly This is now more than 12 years ago Cooperia but latterly also Ostertagia and the situation has likely deteriorated – were not being well controlled, further. There are more instances particularly in their younger stock. By

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of resistance by Ostertagia, a more dangerous parasite than Cooperia showing up these days. Clearly something needed to be done.

Before I go on to explain what farmers can do to slow this progression, I should revisit a few principles which are the basis for many of our recommendations in sheep, cattle and deer: • Healthy animals harbour worms and always will – eradication is neither an appropriate goal nor achievable.

• Well-fed animals are less-affected by worms than those under nutritional stress.

• Free-living parasite larvae on pasture overwhelmingly outnumber parasitic adults in their hosts at virtually all times of the year.

• Older animals are generally lesssusceptible to worms than younger ones because they have developed an immunity to parasites. At times they can be used to reduce the number of infective larvae on pastures. Exceptions to this statement are goats and Merino

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levels gradually tail off, give a survival advantage to more-resistant parasites and thus hasten the development of drench resistance.

sheep. Beef cattle immunity should have kicked in by around 15 months of age.

• Animals vary in their susceptibility to parasites (genetic variability).

• Animals can be selectively bred for resistance and/or resilience to internal parasites.

• When breeding for a characteristic, intensive selection pressure will result in more rapid change being made – this applies both to livestock and parasites.

• Very limited new drench chemicals are known to be in development.

Therefore anthelmintic drench should be regarded as a finite resource and should be used to achieve the greatest sustainable benefits for the farmer.

• The way drenches and parasites are managed can select for resistant worms.

• Combination drenches delay the development of drench resistance compared to single-action drenches.

• Long-acting drenches (moxidectin injection and to a certain extent the mectin pour-ons) can, as their blood

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Bearing in mind these principles plus facts we know about the action of drench actives in cattle we can come up with some “rules” for beef cattle drenching: • Avoid using mectin-only drenches in cattle up to 15 months of age. These include Cydectin, Dectomax, Eprinex, Genesis, Ivomec and an assortment of other lesser-known generic brands.

• Even if the mectins are fully effective on your farm – and at best you have probably a 5% chance of that – products containing the less-potent ivermectin should not be used – use products containing abamectin, doramectin, eprinomectin or moxidectin. Read on – there is one exception.

• Avoid abamectin-based drenches in calves less than 120kg (Matrix, Alliance, Switch, Converge, Eclipse, Genesis) as the risk of toxicity resulting in death is high. This is unfortunate since the oral triple combinations (Matrix and Alliance) are the ideal products to be using. To get around this Merial Ancare have brought out IverMatrix (a triple) just for use in younger, lighter calves which contains the safer ivermectin molecule.

• The injection version of a mectin drench, through achieving higher blood levels of the active will give superior performance to the pour-on version. In other words Dectomax Injection is better than Dectomax Pour-on, Genesis Injection better than Genesis Pour-on and so on. So always try and use the injectable version of the product.

• Combination drenches are definitely the way to go to slow the development of drench resistance. With specific reference to beef cattle levamisole is good against Cooperia but average, at best, against Ostertagia. The mectins on the other hand are the reverse – good against Ostertagia but now somewhat average against Cooperia. These two actives make an ideal combination each protecting the other’s weakness.

So putting all the above principles and rules together we can come up with some best practice recommendations for beef cattle drenching: When calves are smaller (but less than120kg) and easier to handle the number one choice would be to use a triple oral drench like Matrix which comes in 1ml/10kg and 1ml/20kg dose rates.

In calves up to 120kg preferably use

IverMatrix (a triple) or the likes of Arrest C (a BZ/lev dual).

Once calves are big enough that oral drenching is a pain in the proverbial (remember there are drench hooks available which aid oral drenching) the next best alternative is a dual mectin/ levamisole combination injection such as Eclipse E or Boss.

Note that formulation is very important with these products and some of the other generic injection products are definitely inferior in that they achieve lower blood levels of actives despite claims to be the “same as Eclipse”.

If for whatever reason you want to/have to use a pour-on then use a combination such as Eclipse or Boss. In most yard set-ups however injections are more or less as quick to administer as pour-ons so why would you use a pour-on when the same product as an injection results in better performance?

Once cattle are more than15 months, because developing immunity will have markedly reduced but not totally eliminated Cooperia, I would not be so dogmatic as to say you must use a combination product – you could consider using single-action mectin products (again preferably as an injection rather than a pour-on) as these are often a bit cheaper. However there will still be some Cooperia about and I for one would rather see combination products used at all times as we know this is best practice.

Point 5 notwithstanding, adult beef cattle are, in my experience, usually pretty well-fed and minimal drenching should be required on most farms.

Note, FEC’s in adult cattle, more than 12 months, are useless – they bear no correlation to the worm burden.

Don’t forget all the other seemingly little points that go to make up good drenching practice – check the drench gun is working correctly, shake the drench before use, double check the product and dose, weigh calves before drenching to ensure they are not being under or over-dosed and split into two groups if necessary.

Continuing to use an ineffective drench will increase the selection pressure for resistance and exacerbate the problem. Conversely using a highly effective drench decreases selection pressure for resistance and delays the problem.

As far as I am aware, no new drench actives for cattle are on the horizon so we need to do all we can to ensure our present systems are sustainable. Imagine how you would manage with no effective drench available for your calves!

• John Smart is senior veterinarian, Clutha Vets Animal Health Centre, Balclutha.

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ANIMAL HEALTH | FACIAL ECZEMA

FE: preventable and manageable Veterinarian Emma Cuttance says farmers dealing with facial eczema need to separate myths from facts. Cheyenne Stein spoke to Cuttance about how to approach the FE season – good advice whether you are a dairy farmer, a dry stock farmer grazing dairy cows, growing out young heifers, finishing bull beef or even running traditional beef breeds.

Facial eczema (FE) is a preventable and manageable animal health issue but it requires attention to detail says VetEnt veterinarian Emma Cuttance and it’s something farmers still need to get smarter about.

“Farmers need to do more information collecting and making decisions based off of that information.”

On the back of a horrific FE season for many in 2016 Cuttance says there are a lot of myths that are becoming a barrier to farmers getting on top of the issue.

“Farmers just need to focus on facts and purge everything else from their minds. Scrap the 100-day rule; don’t get so caught up with the potential of

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overdosing. Go out and get some solid data and work from that.”

The 100-day rule was commonly used during the early days of zinc supplementation in an effort to prevent overdosing. It was thought the eczema season only lasted 100 days, it was part of a meat withholding myth and the depletion of copper, however the science around this time frame is absent.

“Preventing facial eczema is what we need to be concentrating on for as long as the spores are there.” A very small percentage (1-2%) of farmers overdose with zinc, usually owing to accidents in calculations or feed rations. In comparison more than half of farmers are under-dosing with zinc. Zinc has to

Symptoms Sub-clinical • Drop in milk production (up to 60% drop in production) • Restless at milking time • Seeking shade • Licking udders • Liver damage Clinical • Exposed unpigmented or thin skin thickens and peels • Another drop in production • Death

be at a certain concentration in the blood stream, 20-35umol/L, in order for it to be effective against FE. Just because you are dosing zinc doesn’t mean you have FE control.

“A lot of people just don’t realise they are under-dosing which is why blood tests are so important.”

The mechanism of zinc dosing can be a large cause of under dosing. New research

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plantain and turnips are an ideal alternative to pasture as the FE fungus, Pithomyces chartarum, doesn’t grow on these.

Young stock aren’t to be forgotten either. The same concentration of 20-35umol/L of blood needs to be achieved for adequate protection but will need to be dosed correctly according live weights and label recommendations.

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looking at all the methods of zinc dosing has found that if only dosing through water there is a 60% chance animals will not have enough zinc to protect against FE. “People need to be thinking about other options if the blood results show cattle don’t have enough zinc. This may mean either moving away completely from water treatments or dosing through other means as well as through water.”

Zinc can be dosed via a drench, mixed in with meal or administered orally with a capsule.

“Time Capsules in particular are unfaultable products if used correctly as per the label. They are great for young stock in particular.”

Dosing with zinc is a sure-fire way of getting on top of FE. The use of fungicides isn’t to be forgotten but Cuttance warns that it’s a waste of time putting it on high spore count pastures unless you are using zinc as well.

“The fungicides kill the fungus but do not fully decrease the number of spores. Therefore, if put on confirmed low spore count pasture it is fine but if put on high spore count pasture you will end up in trouble.”

Although spore counting is seen as a bit of a hassle given the time-consuming nature of it, it is one of the most important pieces of equipment in farmers’ FE-prevention toolbox. Just as you measure grass to plan out paddock rotations, spore counts need to be done to plan and make decisions on when to start using fungicides and dosing with zinc.

Although regional spore counts are a useful guide, you can’t beat figures from your own property.

Research has shown spore counts vary a lot between farms and even between paddocks. Obtaining representative samples from a selection of four paddocks every week from the start of summer will provide the data in which to assess your farm’s FE risk. When spore counts are trending upwards above 30,000 spores per gram of pasture treatment programmes should begin.

“You might not need to start for another month or might be starting too late but you don’t know any of that unless you get those spore counts. You’re playing with fire by not getting that information.”

If you are not sure how to collect grass for pasture spore counts, seek advice from your vet.

Reducing the amount of time cattle spend on ryegrassbased pastures will decrease their risk of FE. Crops like chicory,

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The subclinical dairy cow The major issue lies in subclinical cows. They have all the same symptoms as a clinical FE aside from the visual effect on the skin allowing it to go unnoticed.

Keeping a sharp eye on individual milk production and other subclinical symptoms is key over the FE period.

Cows who have had subclinical FE will often show problems around calving but the extent of their future issues is largely unknown so there is no evidence to show that previously affected cows need to be treated differently to a healthy cow in terms of zinc treatment.

“We don’t really know what happens to cows long term if they get subclinical FE. It’s one thing to be severely affected and it’s another to be affected year-on-year. The liver recovers

nicely but in saying that there must be a point where it doesn’t want to recover any more, but we just don’t know enough about that at the moment.”

The lack of knowledge around subclinical FE is set to change in the coming years with much research effort going into the topic.

The Facial Eczema Action Group has been awarded funding of almost $400,000 for a collaborative project researching the production and animal welfare implications of sub clinical FE in dairy cows.

In another study, funded by VetEnt and Massey University, Cuttance will be doing on-going research on a group of 1000 yearling cattle.

She will blood test them each year and follow them through their life to see

Steps to managing facial eczema using zinc MAKING THE DECISION TO START PROGRAMME

1. Monitor regional spore counts When regional spore counts trend upwards to reach 20,000 spores/g pasture continue to Step 2.

2. Monitor farm spore counts Choose four paddocks that are representative of the farm (e.g. flat/ hill, east/west, north/south, new/old pasture) When spore counts on these paddocks trend upwards to reach 30,000 spores/g pasture or more continue to Step 3.

SETTING THE CORRECT DOSE RATES

3. Weigh a selection of cattle A representative sample of at least 20 cows from each of the mobs to be treated to work out average and range of weights to calculate the dose of zinc required.

4. Dose cows with zinc at full rates Refer to the product choice and individual protocols attached for details of different treatment options.

IS MY PROGRAMME WORKING MAKING THE DECISION TO END PROGRAMME

5. Check your management program is working Select 10 cows to test for serum zinc and GGT 3-6 weeks after programme has started.

6. Monitor regional spore counts When spore counts start to trend down to reach 30,000 spore/g pasture go to Step 7.

7. Monitor farm spore counts When farm spore counts are consistently at 10,000 or less for three weeks and this is accompanied by cooler temperatures, you can stop your management programme.

Start again if the weather becomes suitable again for facial eczema.

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what affects FE will have on them if they become affected.

“So far from the preliminary results we do know that it affects their weights so it will be interesting to see what happens as they get older and enter into the milking herd.”

Farmers prepared for attack Farmers took a more proactive approach to facial eczema this season.

North Waikato vet Kara Watson says farmers seem to be more aware of the disease, after a disastrous season for many in 2016.

Watson says more farmers were acting earlier – spore-counting and using preventative products where needed.

While risks to dairy animals and dairy bull beef are better known in FE hot spots, Watson says it has been proven that beef cattle are also affected by the disease.

“Overall it might not be as long a season as last year, but earlier in the season we’ve sold more (product) and people are more aware and treating earlier.

“There are still beef farmers burying their head in the sand, but there are more of these farmers taking action because they’re seeing it in their kill sheets and in cattle not finishing as early.”

Agritrade manufactures long-acting Time Capsules for sheep and cattle. Time capsule sales by mid-March were already ahead on the same time last year.

Agritrade new business manager Nick Berry says farmers certainly seemed to be more proactive this year. There was a shortage in zinc sulphate (for oral drenching or addition to stock drinking water) early in the season, as people stocked up early to be prepared.

Bayer veterinary product manager for farm animal products Peter Pulford says the company did order additional Faceguard capsules this year, after selling out in 2016.

Pulford says sales early in the season (up to mid-March) were strong. That was not necessarily indicative of how much was going out on to farms, but also included the retailers (vet clinics) restocking after last season and ordering enough to ensure a secure supply in case of another bad FE challenge.

“I would imagine people are erring on the side of caution because they’re not sure what’s going to happen.”

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ANIMAL HEALTH | COW PREGNANCY

Vet Andrew Cochrane kitted out for work on the catwalk.

Tales from the catwalk Andrew Cochrane If I told your average urban-dweller that my time is currently spent walking up and down a catwalk, they’d be forgiven

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for questioning my modelling credentials.

With dirty overalls, gumboots and accessories including a long rectal glove and an ultrasound probe, there is very little in the way of glitz and glamour. Beef

cow pregnancy testing however, is well under way.

Having taken over from their dairy cow cousins it is the time of year that sees us almost permanently attached to the rear end of a cow. It is also the time of year that can spark some awkward conversations following poor reproductive performances, in which somehow as a scanner you feel responsible.

Results so far are as varied as we learn to expect, typically ranging from 85100% pregnant. Conversations usually begin with BVD status and progress to trace elements and bull performance before invariably ending with the condition of the cows and feeding over mating.

Responses are varied and puzzled facial expressions are not unusual, particularly if BVD is not well understood. The role of the beef cow can also vary, with some farms having an intensive beef herd that is well fed and managed, while others are substantially more extensive and cows scrape by on browntop and tussock.

Understanding first what a farmer expects from their cows is critical when deciding on the magnitude of the perceived problem. If they spend most of their lives as second-class citizens,

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

performing a role of cleaning up pastures and roaming marginal hill country, what can one expect as a satisfactory mating performance?

The importance of nutrition and condition of dairy cows is well understood and emphasised during reproduction consults. The same rules, in general, apply to beef cows and while many are in condition that would be considered too fat for dairy cows, the opposite also applies, particularly in extensive hill country operations.

Too often the cow will spend long periods of her life in controlled starvation, is lucky to receive any trace elements and is then served in a 100ha tussock block by a five-year-old bull with early signs of arthritis.

The critical time when condition (and therefore nutrition) matters most is pre-calving to mating. It is during this time that the cow goes through her

most stressful period, her demand for feed is at its highest and her uterus has to transform from a gravid state carrying and supporting a 40kg calf to being ready to accept a new embryo.

It is not unexpected then that condition is likely to be lost during this period, but ensuring that she has condition to lose and limiting the degree of loss should be the focus.

As calf prices once again hit all-time highs, getting nutrition and body condition of cows right can be one of the simplest ways to improving your farm productivity and bottom line. Cow body condition and nutrition not only impact reproductive performance, but calf growth rates and weaning weights can also be improved through increased milk production.

Management decisions that make a difference can be as simple as calving or weaning date and as complex as fertiliser and supplement selections. Bringing weaning forward six to eight weeks can allow cows to go into winter in better condition, particularly when feed is tight.

This can also have positive spinoffs for calves, with less competition for grass.

Calving date adjustments can also create more feed by simply better aligning the start of calving with pasture growth.

The role of the beef cow is unlikely to change on most properties, but with rising returns from beef, expectations or hopes of cow performance can.

Where once an 85% calving was tolerated, suddenly this wastage becomes disappointing. In most cases an honest appraisal of how these animals are managed is needed. Too often the cow will spend long periods of her life in controlled starvation, is lucky to receive any trace elements and is then served in a 100ha tussock block by a five-yearold bull with early signs of arthritis. If this approach isn’t working for you, a new one may be needed. Beginning with the simple things and doing them well will go a long way in achieving the performance you hope for – getting the nutrition and condition of cows right should be the priority.

• Andrew Cochrane is a vet at NSVets in northern Southland

At Lawrence on Vet LSD®

(Mt Hilton, Hawarden)

GET THE FACTS Flock A Vet LSD® Treated 1000 ewes tailing 120% = 1200 lambs Flock B: 1000 ewes tailing 112% = 1120 lambs Difference Flock A vs. Flock B = 80 lambs The extra 80 lambs Flock A has at a value of $85 per lamb = $6800 Take out the cost of the Vet LSD® treatment for the ewes in Flock A: $6800 - $280

• At Lawrence is again turning to Vet LSD® as his trusted drench solution this winter, developed locally for farmers’ ewe health needs.

• The numbers behind Vet LSD® convinced At there must be something in its formulation that works.

• After nearly 30 years farming At says Vet LSD® is one of only two products that have delivered tangible results in ewe health.

• Lambing losses are lowered and lambs born full of vigour.

= extra $6520 income For more information or to purchase Vet LSD® please contact your local vet clinic or visit us online www.vetlsd.co.nz

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

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FARM OWNERSHIP | THE WAY IN

A shorn route to farm ownership Anne Hughes Like any pathway to farm ownership, shearing your way into a farm is getting harder.

Whether it was ever really as simple as working hard on the end of a handpiece and putting all your savings towards a deposit on your own farm, shearing these days can still be a good way to build capital.

To achieve farm ownership, you might need to think more tactically about how to grow your savings and to find an entry point into some form of ownership.

New Zealand Shearing Contractors Association president Jamie McConachie says the goal of farm ownership may not be not as prevalent as it once was among shearers, due to the workforce becoming increasingly urban but some people are still trying.

McConachie says the same strategies used to get into farm ownership 30-40 years ago may not be successful now.

Aspiring farm owners need to consider

all the options, he says – investments, grazing, leasing, equity partnerships, dairy farming - and talk to a lot of successful, positive people, such as rural professionals for advice and farm owners for inspiration and ideas.

“There are some really smart people out there who have done well. Listen to their story.”

One of his clients started out shearing, built some capital to go dairy farming and now farms 15,000 stock units of sheep, beef and deer on land he owns and leases.

McConachie himself started buying land when he went shearing at age 18 and other shearers he worked alongside have done the same thing.

He and wife Raelene travelled NZ and the world together, taking every opportunity to save money.

Raelene was a competitive wool handler and judge and went on to become a wool classer too.

During the past 30 years the couple have bought and sold land to build up

their farming business. They now own a 188 hectare deer, sheep and beef farm in central Southland. Seven years ago they invested in a dairy farm equity partnership, of which they have a 25% share.

“We are believers in agri-business and it is something we are comfortable in and enjoy.”

McConachie says some shearers today do manage to build enough capital to buy a small block, which gives them something to do on their days off from shearing and a chance to earn some extra income.

Sheep numbers have fallen and farming shearing patterns have changed, so shearers wanting year-round work need to be willing to travel within NZ and to Australia.

McConachie says those who travel could shear up to 50-60,000 sheep annually and net about $80,000-$95,000.

With food included (and sometimes accommodation) much of these earnings could go straight to the bank.

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017

GENETICS | BEEF PROGENY TEST

Progeny test set for third crop By the end of this year, the Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Genetics Beef Progeny Test will have produced three crops of calves.

Progeny from the first crop will be either processed or within the breeding cow herd (and have produced the first calves of their own). The second crop will have weaning and yearling weights analysed and the third crop will be on their mothers.

The B+LNZ Genetics Beef Progeny Test involves mating a mix of New Zealand and international bulls (using AI) over about 2200 commercially-farmed cows and heifers each season. All progeny are tracked, with steers and terminally-sired heifers assessed on their carcase traits and replacement heifers tracked for their maternal characteristics. The trial is being carried out on five large-scale, commercial NZ sheep and beef farms.

B+LNZ Genetics General Manager Graham Alder says the key message so far is very clear: “Estimated breeding values (EBVs) work. They deliver what they predict.

“The latest analysis of progeny performance shows how closely the sire bulls’ EBVs match their calves’ performance.”

The line graph shows that, for every 1kg more in 400 Day Weight EBV, 0.45kg was gained in average yearling weight.

Given the bull contributes half of a calf’s genes, this translates to 90% of the expected yearling weight advantage – as predicted by the EBV figure – being realised.

Alder says results reinforce the story that the weaning weights vs EBVs showed, where the correlation was also strong, at more than 80%.

The yearling weight analysis also highlighted the range of sire means (see the bar graph). The results show not all bulls are equal – the impact of different bulls’ genetics comes through under the commercial conditions.

Based on current store cattle prices, Alder says the difference in yearling progeny weight between the highest and lowest maternal breed sires (i.e: excluding Simmental and Charolais) would be worth about $90/head.

“If the terminal breeds are included, this difference in calf value jumps to $170. Of course, growth rates are only part of the picture for these bulls, and the challenge in breeding

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is to balance all the attributes that are important to a particular operation.

Carcase quality and maternal performance of daughters are the other important attributes being monitored over time.”

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What next?

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Adjusted yearling weight (kg)

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Over the next 12 months, reproductive data from the replacement heifers and processing data from the finishing progeny will begin to come through, with the first progeny due for processing from May. Scientists are processing recently collected data on the heifers’ first mating, based on outcomes from scanning to determine foetal age. They will look at correlations with the sires’ EBVs for days to calving, mature cow weight and other attributes.

Alder says the beef progeny test is setting NZ up for quality beef research into the future.

“We are building up a population of animals that is well-recorded and analysed, but is also managed completely commercially. This group of animals and their progeny will be particularly valuable as the Trans-Tasman Beef Cow Profitability Programme builds momentum.”

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Field days for 2017 Two B+LNZ Genetics BPT field days will be run over coming months: Caberfeidh Station in the south and Tautane Station in the north.

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017

GENETICS | GENE TALK

Breeding Values Work #BVW Sharl Liebergreen They say a message needs to be repeated three times before it seeps in. In my experience, it’s not that simple.

“Breeding Values Work” is a phrase that’s been bouncing off the walls in the Beef + Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Genetics office ever since Beef Progeny Test (BPT) outcomes began rolling in.

It is great having this real-life demonstration happening right here in New Zealand. Commercial farmers can see firsthand that beef genetics work. What they are seeing is calf performance very closely matching what is predicted by the parent bull’s estimated breeding values (EBVs).

The B+L NZ Genetics BPT has shown: • 80% of the benefit of a sire’s 200- day (weaning weight) EBV is realised in the weight of calves at weaning time; and • 90% of the benefit of a sire’s 400-day (yearling weight) EBV is realised in the weight of calves as yearlings.

This sort of outcome is not new or novel. Breeding values have been available in bull sale catalogues for decades for breeders and commercial farmers alike to use, and research around the world has demonstrated their application and predictability.

But – for whatever reason – an air of scepticism has surrounded them. They have been swept under the carpet and their use mocked in favour of more traditional selection methods. Well, no more. #BVW = Breeding Values Work.!

The progeny test is in its third year, mating a variety of beef genetics over 2200 cows across five commercial farms, NZ-wide.

Objectives include proving beef genetics, better describing cow performance in different environments and demonstrating the use of breeding values to commercial farmers.

As this magazine goes to print, this year’s field days are being advertised. It’s hoped that last year’s 100-plus attendance at Mendip Hills will be repeated at Tautane Station in the North Island and Caberfeidh Station in the South.

I’ve heard many cases of bull buyers lamenting the purchase of a particular bull. Taking him home proud as punch – presenting him in the front paddock, watching him work his socks off and waiting with anticipation for the progeny to arrive and thrive – only to be disappointed.

mating was 26 kg. At a conservative price of $4/kg, that’s $104/ head. If a sire produced 50 calves a year, that’s $5,200. If the sire was used for three years, that’s $15,600.

An extra $15,600 looks attractive, especially if the cost is only the difference between buying one bull over another. But it’s also an insight to the opportunity terminal genetics offer.

Simmental NZ – a significant funding partner in the B+LNZ Genetics BPT – is especially excited by the test’s early outcomes.

Simmental bulls have been used at Whangara Farms, north east of Gisborne and at Rangitaiki Station, east of Taupo. Not surprisingly, these terminal-breed bulls produced progeny with higher average weaning (6kg higher) and yearling (20kg higher) weight.

The progeny test is highlighting the monetary benefits commercial farmers can enjoy – if they make a small time investment and target specific genetic traits that will deliver them more of what they need.

Knowing that Breeding Values Work on NZ commercial farms and across breeds should be a shot in the arm for farmers.

Without evidence from the BPT, a conservative approach is understandable. But, in light of the compelling results so far, it is not such a leap of faith to modify mating decisions and maximise the beef output per cow mated.

In our office, we are now looking forward to the next round of information to pop out of the test, the carcase processing data. I can’t wait to continue spreading the message: #BVW.

44th annual hereford bull sale . thursday 1st june 2017 . 4pm polled and horned herefords bred from top genetics sold on farm on concrete come for the sale . stay for tea . become part of the waikaka success story see videos + photos online or contact Ross or laurie for a catalogue w w w . w a i k a k a g e n e t i c s . c o m ross 0274283326 . waikakagenetics@gmail.com . laurie 0274365747 Why have we got these bulls in here Pop?

Why is the test attracting so much interest from grassroots farmers? Because farmers “get” that reliable genetic information can boost their bottom line.

I’ve heard many cases of bull buyers lamenting the purchase of a particular bull. Taking him home proud as punch –; presenting him in the front paddock, watching him work his socks off and waiting with anticipation for the progeny to arrive and thrive – only to be disappointed, as the bull’s good looks yield mediocre calves.

Of course, it satisfies many that calves are produced at all. But why wouldn’t you want calves that grow faster, finish sooner, weigh and yield more, cost less and ultimately produce a profit?

The difference between the highest and lowest average adjusted sire weaning weight in the progeny from the 2014

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

We’re gunna sell them Em. Why Pop? So that other farmers can get good calves too Em. Why do people want to buy these ones though Pop? Cos they’re our top bulls Em. Why do you think they are top Pop? Their Genetics Em. Oh. I get it! Waikaka Genetics right Pop? Like the sign says?

Thats right Em. Waikaka Genetics. Thats Why.

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GENETICS | IMPROVEMENT

Better cattle producing better beef While New Zealand dairy industry has set global best practice in recording rates of genetic improvement, the beef industry has no national pedigree or performance recording outside that conducted on registered purebred animals by individual breed associations, Dorian Garrick says.

O

ne of the global strengths of the New Zealand dairy sector is its very high levels of parentage and whole-of-life performance recording including from unregistered and crossbred animals, despite the challenges of large numbers of dairy cows changing herds during their lifetime.

That high level of recording has underpinned the selection of elite bull mothers from across the nation as well as providing information on secondcrop progeny of widely-used bulls that graduated from the LIC and CRV progeny-testing programmes.

Collectively, these factors have contributed to NZ rates of genetic improvement being global best practice, as well as being better balanced across the spectrum of production, reproduction and health traits than was historically the case in most other dairying countries in the pre-genomic era.

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In contrast, the beef industry has no national pedigree or performance recording outside that conducted on registered purebred animals by individual breed associations.

This makes it difficult to determine industry trends on a national basis, and also limits our ability to reliably evaluate some traits in beef bulls, particularly reproduction, disease and carcase attributes.

There is a huge opportunity for the beef industry to leverage information being collected by other parties, such as the National Animal Identification and Tracing (NAIT) system.

Combined with parentage information collected by dairy farmers and stored on the Dairy Industry Good Animal Database (DIGAD), NAIT would allow dairy offspring sired by beef bulls to be traced through the production system.

Combined with carcase information collected by meat processors NAIT data

would allow sires to be ranked for carcase attributes and for some diseases.

Some of our beef exporting competitors, namely Ireland and Uruguay, already enjoy such integrated information systems in their beef supply chains.

Some of our beef exporting competitors, namely Ireland and Uruguay, already enjoy integrated information systems in their beef supply chains.

Improving maternal beef cattle performance is a particular target for the industry and has been a focus for several research projects funded by Beef and Lamb Genetics (BLG).

Reproductive performance along with routine body condition scoring and cow weights of some 5000 commercial cows is being measured on four properties – LongSpur, Mt Linton, Haldon Station and Orari Gorge – to study maternal performance and the appropriate balance for maternal vs terminal traits.

Globally, beef breed associations have demonstrable genetic trends for growth traits, particularly weaning and yearling weights. However, information on trends in maternal cow size is less well-represented, but suggestive of 3-5kg annual increases in mature cow weight.

There is virtually no information on genetic trends in cow condition score, but cow condition is important for favourable reproductive outcomes, with poorer calving rates in cows that are extremely lean or extremely fat, and condition is important for cattle to be

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

resilient to stress, such as during winter when grass growth and availability is insufficient to meet their maintenance and pregnancy requirements.

Previous NZ research in the 1970s compared various breeds mated to Angus or Hereford cows in several environments, and showed that the highest productivity in terms of calf output per unit of cow weight was for cows that were ½ Friesian or ½ Jersey.

British breeds were intermediate in productivity. Cows that were ½ Continental varied greatly depending upon the particular breed used.

Those comparisons are probably not relevant to today’s breeds, but did demonstrate that most of the differences in cow lifetime productivity could be explained by differences in age at puberty. The beef-dairy crosses had the lowest ages at puberty (average 340 days), and among the Continental breeds, age at puberty was quite variable from 390430 days.

This finding stimulated the 1984 MAF creation of beef cattle selection lines for age at puberty, which continued for almost 25 years resulting in dramatic improvements in lifetime reproduction of the line selected for early puberty.

The pregnancy advantage of the line selected for early puberty was 26 percentage points in yearlings, 12 percentage points after rebreeding as twoyear olds, and two percentage points in mixed-age cows. Averaged over the cows of all ages in the herd, there was a 10 percentage point pregnancy advantage, which corresponded to one additional joining over the lifetime of a typical cow.

The predictions of age at puberty were based on observations of age at puberty in females, and on scrotal circumference in males.

The predictions of age at puberty were based on observations of age at puberty in females, and on scrotal circumference in males. On a global basis, scrotal circumference is routinely measured in males, but few females are measured for age at puberty because of real or perceived practical problems in obtaining the measurements.

Today, there are new opportunities for assessing age at puberty or related reproductive measures, including antral follicle counts using ultrasound, hormone levels using blood samples, or activity monitoring using wearable

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

electronic devices. The NZ dairy industry has ranked dairy bulls on female fertility for many years – using routinely recorded information on dates of inseminations and dates of subsequent births to obtain direct information on reproductive success.

Due to the economic importance of female reproduction, DairyNZ recently began a study to compare the reproductive performance of Holstein calves that were selected on the basis of high or low average parent merit for fertility, and were predicted to differ in fertility by about 10 percentage points, but were otherwise near matched for productive performance.

The experimental animals will calve for the first time this spring, but preliminary data shows that the high fertility line reached puberty about 21 days earlier than the low-fertility line and at about 25 kg lighter. The bodyweights and condition scores of the two lines are about the same.

Whereas the MAF selection experiment for puberty that demonstrated improved lifetime reproductive performance, the DairyNZ study shows that superior predicted merit for lifetime reproductive performance is associated with precocious

puberty. Collectively, these findings indicate that genetic and genomic approaches to predict puberty would be beneficial for improving the efficiency of dairy and beef cattle reproduction.

Desired outcomes for the BLGfunded study on maternal beef cow performance would be recognition that leveraging various industry databases to allow collection of more data in terms of numbers of animals and scope of routine measurements would improve opportunities to select for lifetime reproductive performance, and that new technologies based on wearable devices or blood measurements might be practical for use to compare sires used in commercial herds.

Along with an appropriate breeding scheme and enlightened selection practices appropriately balancing maternal and terminal traits in bull breeding herds, these outcomes should translate into more efficient use of resources, with better cattle producing better beef.

• Dorian Garrick is executive director of the National Beef Cattle Evaluation Consortium at the Department of Animal Science, Iowa State University.

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GENETICS | FINISHING

Fast finishing Sandra Taylor Maximising growth rates is critical to driving onfarm efficiencies in a beef supply chain.

At a Beef + Lamb New Zealand beeffocused field day in North Canterbury, farm consultant Jamie Gordon said an efficient beef supply chain behind the farm-gate, requires a low-cost, highfertility cow and progeny that grows consistently well from birth to slaughter.

“Growth from birth is important and has the largest impact on the value chain – provided fertility is maintained.”

For the beef industry to be competitive, it needs to be competitive right across the supply chain.

He believes the future beef supply chain needs to aim for 90-95% weaning and post-weaning growth rates of more than 1kg a day until slaughter. But this will require the best genetics and management.

Just increasing post-weaning growth rates from 0.57 to 0.71kg/day to achieve a 300kg carcase saves $166/head in feed costs – valuing feed at $0.16/kg drymatter (DM) – which equates to $0.55/kg carcase.

Gordon believes there are two periods where opportunities to maximise growth rates are commonly missed –early spring and late January and February.

In early spring, animals are physiologically geared to grow really fast and while feed quality is never a problem at that time of year, feed quantity is often an issue.

Management strategies such as building pasture covers over autumn and winter will mean animals have sufficient feed to realise their spring growth potential.

“There are huge opportunities in that spring period.”

The next feed “hole” can occur in late summer and autumn when feed quality as well as quantity can be a problem.

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Farm consultant Jamie Gordon says there are huge opportunities for growth in spring.

Using EBVs

A competitive supply chain

Genetics is the other half of the beef efficiency equation and Gordon urges commercial breeders to make use of Estimated Breeding Values (EBVs) when selecting bulls.

“They work and have proven their worth in livestock breeding programmes worldwide.”

EBVs enable a comparison to be made of the genetic potential of the breeding parents and eliminates the environmental differences between seedstock suppliers.

A recent case study carried out on a large-scale beef finisher – finishing 1000 calves from 35 different lines – highlights the difference genetics make.

The top quartile of calves grew at 1.04kg/day over eight months while the bottom quartile – on exactly the same feed – grew at 0.83kg/day.

This meant the difference in returns between the top and bottom quartile was $150/head and this did not include the premium paid for early spring beef.

While there has been a focus on finishing beef cattle before their second winter, Gordon points out that a 225kg calf in April would need to grow at 0.97kg/day to reach a 300kg CW by the following March.

This would require the right mix of genetics and feeding, but it would make beef finishing competitive with other land uses.

Gordon says for the beef industry to be competitive, it needs to be competitive right across the supply chain.

This means getting the right product to the right customers at the right time. It also requires both processing and onfarm efficiencies.

Beef cow efficiency must be measured through until slaughter – not just at calf weaning.

To be competitive, Gordon believes the beef industry needs to source the best genetics regardless of whether they exist in NZ or need to be imported from around the world.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

GENETICS | FERTILITY

Identifying more fertile heifers Russell Priest Fertility is by far the most important component of profitability in the beef cow herd but unfortunately its genetics is not well understood.

Breedplan offers the trait “Days-toCalving” as the best estimated breeding value (EBV) to use for selecting for female fertility. However its heritability is very low meaning the rate of genetic progress possible in this trait just using this EBV as a basis for selection will be painfully slow.

So what are the alternatives?

It is well known in the beef world that early-calving heifers remain in the herd longer and produce heavier calves but what is less well known is whether these traits are controlled by genes or are they mostly influenced by non-genetic things like feeding and health.

What is clear however is that the financial viability of a beef cow herd can

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be greatly improved by selecting heifers that calve early.

To identify these females is the challenge.

Exposing preferably 15-month-old heifers to the bull for a limited period of time (no more than 42 days) and culling any that don’t get in calf is one way of doing this. Regrettably this may not be an option for some farmers as it requires carrying a greater number of heifers than required for herd replacements until a pregnancy test is performed An alternative is to use indicator traits associated with the ability to breed early.

Researchers have studied this subject for some time and developed a reproductive tract scoring (RTS) system based on a 1-5 score that identifies heifers that are more likely to breed early – the higher the RTS the more likely a heifer is to breed early.

The system involves rectal palpation of the heifer’s reproductive tract a month

Research suggests selecting heifers with higher AFC as herd replacements over a number of years should genetically help to improve herd fertility.

or two before the start of the breeding season to assess the size of the ovaries and uterus as well as the presence of a large follicle (RTS 4) or corpus luteum (RTS 5) indicating whether the heifer has nearly reached or reached puberty. A low RTS of 1 or 2 indicates heifers that are less-likely to breed early.

The value of a RTS is questioned by many farmers and veterinarians who believe the same results can be achieved simply by selecting the oldest and biggest heifers as replacements. Research however has shown that RTS is a better predictor of pregnancy rate and calving date than age, bodyweight and condition score. Also, low RTS heifers even if they do get in calf are less-likely to rebreed a year later than heifers with a high RTS.

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What is an antral follicle A heifer is born with a finite number (a reservoir of several hundred thousand) of microscopic primordial follicles in her ovaries. Throughout her breeding life a percentage of these primordial follicles are promoted (in two or three waves) in her ovaries during each 21-day oestrus cycle. These promoted follicles are known as antral follicles and can be detected in the ovaries by an ultrasound scan. Generally only one of these will survive during each oestrus cycle (the others will die off). This surviving one will develop into a dominant (large) follicle which releases a mature egg at ovulation. A female reaches the end of her reproductive life when her reservoir of primordial follicles becomes empty. However most beef cows are culled long before this occurs.

Rising two-year-old heifers.

Why is RTS associated with increased reproductive longevity?

Researchers don’t know the definitive answer to this however they do have some ideas. One of these is that larger ovaries and uteri are associated with a greater number of antral follicles (AF) on the ovaries.

A number of studies have confirmed the positive relationship between the number of AF in heifers/cows and early breeding/ reproductive longevity. This may therefore provide the link between RTS, AF numbers and fertility.

The number of AF present in heifers’/cows’ ovaries has also

been found to be consistent throughout the breeding life of an individual female. What’s more a large variation in antral follicle count (AFC) has been reported between females of a similar age within herds and those with a low AFC have been shown to have lower fertility.

Counting the number of AF on an ovary is best done by performing an ultrasound scan. Adding this information to a RTS may improve the predictive value of the latter and help in the selection of heifers that will breed earlier.

For the genetics buffs, the heritability of AFC of an individual animal has been calculated to be in the range 0.25 – 0.45 so it has quite a strong genetic component.

It is by far the most heritable known fertility trait. Days-tocalving is only 0.07% with fewer than 10% of NZ Angus herds recording it.

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A New Zealand study A recent study funded by Beef + Lamb New Zealand involving antral-follicle counts (AFC) on ovaries of rising twoyear-old pedigree Angus heifers from 13 herds throughout New Zealand concluded that: • AFC is associated with pregnancy outcomes of heifers that were either naturally mated or fixed-time artificially inseminated, i.e. high AFC heifers have a higher pregnancy rate than low AFC heifers.

• AFC is associated with whether a heifer gets in calf in the first or second cycle if inseminated, i.e. high AFC heifers inseminated with frozen semen using fixed-time insemination have a higher pregnancy rate than those with medium and low AFC. • AFC is associated with whether a heifer gets in calf in the first two cycles if naturally mated, i.e. high AFC naturally-mated heifers have a higher pregnancy rate in the first cycle and calve earlier than medium and low AFC heifers.

There was a difference in the proportion of heifers in each AFC category (high, medium or low) between the 13 farms on which the heifers were scanned.

Although a wide range of factors affect pregnancy rate between herds, within a herd it seems a high-AFC heifer is more likely to become pregnant (or not be empty) than a low-AFC heifer.

The work was instigated and coordinated by South Island veterinarian, Neil Sanderson after he was involved with AgResearch in similar earlier work in the dairy industry.

The huge scanning project was carried out by Oamaru sheep and beef veterinarian, Dave Robertson.

While it is early days yet, the NZ research on antral follicle counting thus far appears to be supporting overseas research that suggests there is a positive

Rising two-year-old in-calf heifers.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

The financial viability of a beef cow herd can be greatly improved by selecting heifers that calve early.

relationship between AFC and heifer pregnancy rate and also that there is considerable variation in AFC between heifers within herds. As the proportion of high AFC heifers increased in a herd so did the pregnancy rate and vice versa.

Antral follicle counting in NZ Since AFC can be measured objectively, appears to be a constant measure (unique to individual females) and also a predictor of reproductive performance, it could well be used as a tool to select the more fertile heifers before mating as yearlings either naturally or artificially.

The research suggests selecting heifers with higher AFC as herd replacements over a number of years should genetically help to improve herd fertility, all things being equal.

By being able to screen the more fertile heifers for an AI programme considerable savings could be made on semen and

hormones for synchronisation by excluding the less-fertile ones from the programme.

Because of its moderate-to-high heritability AFC could not only be used as an indicator selection trait to help genetically improve herd fertility but could also form the basis for an estimated breeding value (EBV).

A number of studies have confirmed the positive relationship between the number of AF in heifers/ cows and early breeding/ reproductive longevity.

In this capacity it could add support to the only other fertility EBVs which include the lowly heritable days-tocalving and the indicator trait scrotal circumference.

Much work still has to be done on the subject of antral follicle counting in NZ however the research has made a positive start towards developing better genetic tools for selecting for fertility in our national beef herd.

Beef and Lamb Genetics has also funded the collection of AFC data and other fertility parameters collected on all of the heifers in the National Beef Progeny test. Together with the pedigree heifer data described above, this forms the largest dataset ever collected on performance recorded and pedigree animals and should give geneticists a great launching pad to further study the genetics of heifer fertility.

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The PGG Wrightson Genetics team is a nationwide network of passionate people specializing in New Zealand livestock genetics. We understand both progressive farming and traditional operations, and we are constantly working alongside stud breeders, commercial farmers, and other industry experts, keeping up to date with the latest innovations in genetics and sourcing top quality stock.

The team will analyse your commercial operation and farm management system, help you define a breeding objective, and strive to find the most suitable animal to achieve this objective and add value to your operation. Improving farm productivity through livestock genetics is what we love doing, and we are the only nationwide team committed to providing sound breeding advice and relevant information to achieve your production goals.

Our dedicated stud breeders span the country from Cape Reinga to Bluff, as well as spanning four different livestock classes and many breeds. With such a huge reach, we are sure to find the best breeding animal for your sheep, beef, dairy, or deer farming operation. We aim to provide advice for longterm, sustainable improvement of farm productivity, and we do it with a high level of commitment and professionalism.

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North Island

Callum Stewart

National Genetics Manager, Auctioneer Manawatu/Whanganui 027 280 2688

Cam Heggie

Livestock Genetics Rep, Auctioneer King Country, Waikato, Northland, Bay of Plenty 027 501 8182

Tom Suttor

Livestock Genetics Rep Hawke’s Bay, East Coast, Wairarapa 027 446 9967

Bruce Orr

Senior Genetics Advisor 027 592 2121

South Island

John McKone

Livestock Genetics Rep, Auctioneer Canterbury 027 229 9375

Callum Dunnett

Callum McDonald

Roger Keach

Livestock Genetics Rep Southland 027 433 6443

Livestock Genetics Rep Mid/South Canterbury 027 590 8612

Livestock Genetics Rep Otago/South Westland 027 432 5766

Helping grow the country Country-Wide Beef May 2017

119

FORAGE | FESCUE Fifth-year fescue.

Ryegrass a weed to top dryland breeder/finisher Diverse forage crops and fescue pastures are helping one South Canterbury dryland farm produce returns nearly double the average for the farm class, with an environmental footprint that is industry-leading. Andrew Swallow reports.

P

erennial ryegrass is a weed on Bill Wright’s farm.

Of more than 50 workable grass paddocks on his and wife Shirley’s Highlands farm at Cannington, South Canterbury, just four remain.

“They won’t be going into ryegrass again when they’re renewed,”Wright told a New Zealand Grassland Association conference field day on the farm earlier this summer.

His preference is for fescue-based pasture, laced with various clover species.

It started 14 years ago when they were Meat and Wool New Zealand monitor farmers and AgResearch’s Tom Fraser persuaded them to trial a paddock of Max P Fescue on a dry sunny face.

“It probably needs replacing now but there are other paddocks that are worse,” Wright told the NZGA delegates, many of whom had ryegrass interests. Even in the drought season of 2015/16 some fescue paddocks produced more than 10 tonnes drymatter (DM)/ha.

“Why are we promoting ryegrass in a dryland environment when we know fescue will outyield it by 30%?” he asked.

Besides outright yield, he says fescue’s earlier spring growth helps get more lambs away prime at higher schedules.

Meanwhile, its ability to keep growing and remain palatable during the heat of summer means he can finish lambs or grow cattle when it would be hard to do so on ryegrass.

Slower establishment than ryegrass is seen as an advantage too because it allows companion species – red, white and sub-clovers – to grow, further boosting pasture quality and reducing the need for nitrogen fertiliser.

As part of the forages for reduced nitrate leaching (FRNL) project

120

AgResearch surveyed pasture composition in adjacent fescue and ryegrass paddocks on the Wrights’ farm in 2015/16, finding 6% clover by drymatter in the fescue, and only 1% in the ryegrass. The paddocks produced 9.7t DM/ha and 8.0t DM/ha respectively.

Wright says he’s surprised the clover content wasn’t higher, but it was the second dry year in succession so there was less legume than normal. He uses three varieties of sub-clover to spread flowering date and while he doesn’t spell paddocks to allow seed set, he is careful not to graze too hard in the first spring following sowing.

The FRNL team also looked at grass grub populations, finding, on average, 338 per square metre under the fescue, and 203 under the ryegrass. While the ryegrass was a four-year-old stand and the tall fescue a three-year-old, the contrast with yield figures was indicative of fescue’s greater ability to withstand grass grub pressure, AgResearch’s David Scobie said.

Agricom’s Glenn Judson chipped in to the NZGA field day discussion, describing fescue as “one of the kings of spring”. He warned stock systems have to be set up so there’s demand for that rapid earlyseason growth.

Direct drilled fodder beet did 17.4 tonnes of drymatter/ha last year.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Farm facts

Bill and Shirley Wright use a range of crops and pastures to push profit off their dryland South Canterbury property.

“You want ewes and lambs on it in September and even though some of the modern fescues are called late-flowering, relative to ryegrass they are still a lot earlier.”

That’s because development is more driven by day length than temperature, he explained.

“You need to think about what you are going to use that feed for. If you don’t, you’ll end up with a situation where you can’t control quality. You need mouths on it from the time it starts to grow.”

farm on 18-month December-May contracts, and they rear about 140 dairy bull calves every spring.

“As a summer-dry property up to half the bulls may be sold at 15-18 months.

Whatever we keep are finished as twoyear-olds at 300-plus kg.”

‘You need to think about what you are going to use that feed for. If you don’t, you’ll end up with a situation where you can’t control quality. You need mouths on it from the time it starts to grow.’

Wright said a fescue paddock the NZGA delegates saw on their November 3 visit, before a heavy shower sent them scurrying for a shed, had already had triplet-bearing ewes lambed on it, followed by two grazings with cattle and it was about to be grazed by cattle again.

“Once it gets going the ryegrass doesn’t keep up. We set-stock it at lambing, then graze it on a 14 to 18-day round after that.”

Judson suggested having cattle in the system, as Wright does, to chew off any fescue that threatened to get away and preserving quality was important if planting paddocks with the species.

In the Wrights’ case the cattle are all growing/finishing stock, no cows. About 260 heifers are grazed for a local dairy Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Direct-drill fescue into barley stubble.

• Area: 360ha effective in two blocks – home farm, Highlands, is 225ha.

• Rain: 420-700mm/year, average 600mm, no irrigation.

• Contour: 70% flats and downs; 30% steep hill.

• Soils: half heavy, half light, sandyloams or silt-loams, some stoney.

• Stock wintered: 1000 Coopdale ewes; 260 R1 dairy grazers; 150 dairy calves; 60 R2 Friesian bulls; 140 R1 Friesian bulls.

• Forage: Mostly fescue/clover pasture; 70ha lucerne; 30ha barley; 10ha grazing maize; 15ha fodder beet; 25ha kale.

Buffer crops guard against summer dry Fescue and bulls aren’t the only tools the Wrights use to buffer against summer dry: lucerne, grazing maize and about 30ha of barley are also grown. The barley can be taken as wholecrop in a dry year providing an extra feed reserve, or harvested as grain and sold in a year with good pasture growth.

Lucerne is grazed by ewes and lambs in spring and any surplus cut and conserved in pits or bales.

“If we have a genuine surplus across two or three paddocks then we’ll put it in a pit but baleage gives us greater flexibility to direct it to the right stock at the right time, such as younger cattle on fodder beet.”

However, if lucerne is, as Lincoln’s Professor Derrick Moot likes to call it, “God’s own crop”, then Wright says he’s probably an atheist, having seen scanning percentage slump to 130% when forced to mate on it one year.

That said, he accepted Moot’s point that with no other feed available, the scanning result would probably have been even worse without the lucerne.

“Or we would have fed out a lot of silage and grain or have been forced to sell stock on a weak market.”

Scanning’s normally 165-190% and that’s been achieved even in recent dry seasons using alternative forages to lucerne for ewes around tupping.

“This year we scanned 195% and lamb survival to sale was over 160%.”

Most of the lucerne’s on light, stoney river flats, with one paddock on a sunny clay face that provides an extra early bite of high-quality spring feed.

“The sunny face is part of the grazing rotation and is ready for its first graze about 10 days before the flats in spring 121

Low leaching losses

Fescue, sub-clover, white clover, chicory and plantain emerging after roller drilling into cultivated ground.

so it works perfectly getting ewes and lambs started on lucerne.”

Grazing maize is a more recent introduction, providing a bulk of feed for cattle in late summer and autumn, even in summers short of rain.

Last year 11ha fed about 250 in-calf heifers for 11 to 12 weeks during which time they put on 0.6-0.7kg liveweight/day, “through a drought,” pointed out Wright. AgResearch yield assessments ranged from 7.1t DM/ha in an October 31 sown crop at start of grazing on February 1, to nearly 20t DM/ha by March 14 in an October 25-sown crop.

Winter feeds are fodder beet – some direct drilled – and kale. Generally the dairy heifers go on the kale with the bulls on beet.

Last winter’s direct-drilled beet did 17.4t DM/ha from uncoated seed

About 150 dairy bull calves are reared every year.

122

sown with an air-seeder into sprayedout Italian ryegrass.

That was 0.9t/ha and 2.4t/ha more than a cultivated and precision-sown paddock where coated seed produced 16.5tDM/ha and uncoated 15.0tDM/ ha, probably because more moisture was retained under the direct-drilled crop.

The direct-drilled crop also cost $1000/ha less to establish than the cultivated paddock sown with coated seed.

This year’s crops look likely to yield more, Wright said, but the yield advantage may be reversed because his cultivated then precisionsown paddock was drilled in good conditions around October 20, but bad weather shortly afterwards delayed the direct-drilling until mid November.

The Wrights’ Highlands farm is one of 10 being monitored for nutrient losses as part of the Forages for Reduced Nitrate Leaching* project (FRNL).

Presenting results from the farm, AgResearch’s Robyn Dynes said it was a good news story for the sheep and beef sector.

Overseer simulation of losses from the farm’s long-term pasture estimated 12kg/hectare/year of nitrate loss from the root zone. Losses from crops of kale, fodder beet, grazing maize and barley raised the average for the farm to 17kg N/ha/year.

Exporting some crop produce, instead of feeding it on farm, could reduce the farm’s environmental footprint, but that would come at a high cost economically, Farmax modelling indicating a 48% drop in profit.

However, finishing more bulls, faster, using more lucerne and fodder beet made no change to nitrate loss predicted but improved profit 16%. Better still, increasing the area under lucerne and tall fescue in the model indicated a “whopping” 35% increase in profit was possible, again with no increase in leaching, Dynes said.

In a practical attempt to mop up autumn urine patches, Wright said he’d tried sowing greenfeed oats in May after grazing maize but while seed had “burst”, winter set in and seedlings didn’t establish until August.

This year he’s aiming to clear maize earlier so oats or triticale can be direct-drilled immediately behind it, with some already sown by mid March.

Meanwhile, spring barley, sown after winter feed crops, had produced 12 tonnes of drymatter/ha in as little as 110 days.

“I believe we can catch a lot of (the nutrients) then,” Wright said.

Ina Pinxterhuis, a DairyNZ scientist working on the FRNL project, said other models, such as APSIM, showed losses from farms such as Wright’s in a more favourable light because they accounted for use of alternative forage species in pasture.

“Fescue and plantain are taking up even more nitrogen than Overseer shows.”

As for losses to air, Dynes said calculations using Farmax and Overseer showed the Wrights’ emissions intensity – the amount of greenhouse gas emitted per kg of product – at 11.4kg of carbon dioxide equivalent was one of the lowest in the project. That was about 25% better than it would have been in 1990, and was “right up there with the very efficient dairy farms.”

Lincoln University’s Professor Derrick Moot said the take-home message was very clear.

“Improve the efficiency of the system and everything gets better, including the environmental footprint.”

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123

FORAGE | PASTURE Cows eat out growthy kikuyu before the winter.

Beef trial highlights value of pasture management A project focused on driving beef productivity and profitability on grassbased systems has highlighted the value of pasture and grazing management.

Based in Northland, Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Beef Profit from Pasture (BPP) project has been running for one year, but has already shown there are clear productivity and profitability gains to be made from managing pasture quality and extending grazing rotation lengths.

Facilitated by AgFirst consultant Gareth Baynham, the project, which focuses predominately on bull beef, aimed to identify strategies that lifted the quantity of pasture eaten from May to December by 1000kg dry matter (DM)/ha. At a value of 30c/kg DM, this would generate an extra $300/ha.

Dairy farmers in the region routinely mulch poorquality kikuyu to allow winter-active pasture species to grow, lifting the overall ME of the pasture.

Last year BPP undertook two onfarm trials. The first, on Dennis and Rachelle O’Callaghan’s Temataa Station, looked at the impact mulching, mowing and hard-grazing kikuyu grass in April had on the performance of R2 bulls run in a cell-type grazing system between May and December.

The second, on George and Peggy Morrison’s Pukegreen property compared the performance of R2 bulls on 30 and 60-day winter rotations.

124

Mulching, Mowing or Hard grazing Kikuyu grass Conclusions: • mowing delivers pasture growth and quality benefits at least as good as mulching • managing kikuyu improves feed quality through winter but contributes to lower pasture covers.

Gareth says dairy farmers in the region routinely mulch poor-quality kikuyu to allow winter-active pasture species to grow, lifting the overall ME of the pasture. This onfarm trial sought to determine how this would work in a beef system.

These three treatments were compared with pasture growth and animal performance under a control mob on a “normal” rotation with no kikuyu control.

Calves grazed the mulching/mowing treatment areas before the paddocks were either mown or mulched over two weeks in April.

In the hard-grazing treatment, dry breeding cows were used to hard-graze the area (allocated around 8-9kg DM/ cow/day) in mid- April.

In May, the bulls were stocked on the cells at 3/ha, initially on a 40-day rotation, extending out to 60-days in winter.

Pasture covers were assessed weekly using a rising plate meter and monthly pasture quality tests taken.

In the bull-beef system, both the mulching and mowing generated extra revenue of $300/ha. Mulching – at a cost of $100-$150/ha – was more expensive than mowing at $50-$70/ha yet the impact on pasture quality – and animal production – was the same. In this demonstration, mowing kikuyu returned about $230/ha compared to no kikuyu control and mulching returned about

Mowing the kikuyu, which has very low growth in winter and spring, was just as successful as mulching at lifting pasture quality at around half the cost, AgFirst’s Gareth Baynham says.

$180/ha more than the control.

The hard-grazing treatment generated extra revenue of $150/ha compared to the control.

Gareth says it was pleasing to see that mowing the kikuyu, which has very low growth in winter and spring, was just as successful as mulching at lifting pasture quality at around half the cost.

Cows are effective at controlling kikuyu, but are not as effective as mechanical control as the cows won’t eat the lowest-quality kikuyu.

Highlighting the trade-off between pasture quality and quantity, pasture covers in all the treatment areas remained lower than the control through winter.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

30 versus 60-day winter rotations Conclusions: • rotation length has a major impact on pasture growth – faster rotations grow less grass • stocking rates should be lower on fast rotations to avoid underfeeding in winter and spring • faster rotations can reduce feed quality in winter • between April and October, the bulls on the 60-day treatment gained 105kg liveweight (LW), while the animals on the 30-day rotation gained 73kgLW, a difference of 32kg.

This trial involved two mobs of beef bulls – one a 30-day rotation, the other on a 60-day rotation – and the results were compelling, showing a clear advantage to the longer rotation length.

Gareth says they grew significantly more quality grass under the 60-day rotation, which meant better animal growth rates. Pasture covers on the 30-day rotation were consistently 200300kg DM/ha lower those in the 60-day treatment.

The demonstration was abandoned in October as the 30-day bulls were not gaining enough weight and it was costing the farmer money.

Both treatment areas were mown in April to control kikuyu, however the bulls on the 30-day rotation had a higher proportion of low quality kikuyu stem and stolon in their diet through winter.

In contrast, the bulls on the 60-day rotation controlled this kikuyu on the first rotation and had a higher proportion of ryegrass in subsequent rotations.

This was reflected in the higher ME of the pasture under the 60-day rotation treatment.

Between April and October, the bulls on the 60-day treatment gained 105kg LW, while the animals on the 30-day rotation only gained 73kg LW, a difference of 32kg.

Gareth says the bulls on the 30-day

Young dairy-beef bulls grazing on Temataa station.

Learning from the dairy industry While only one year in, Gareth says the Beef Profit from Pasture trial work has highlighted the gains that can be made through simple pasture management.

“The numbers are significant.”

The BPP project came about after a dairy farmer spoke to a group of bull-beef growers about pasture management.

Realising they were falling short in this area, the group sought to seek some answers about best-practice pasture management and the productivity and profitability gains available to them.

While based in Northland, Gareth points out that the principles can be applied on any sheep and beef farm anywhere in the country.

Next year the group will be looking at ways to reduce pugging damage over winter by comparing the pasture growth under R1 and R2 bulls over a wet Northland winter.

They will also be addressing stocking rates. Emulating what is happening in the dairy industry, they will look at the impact reducing stocking rates will have on animal performance and per hectare productivity and profitability.

rotation had poor feed conversion efficiency, so a large proportion of the feed they consumed was used for maintenance, rather than liveweight gain.

An adjunct to this trial was one carried out by Whangarei-based BPP members James and Kate Donaldson, as part of

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Donaldson compared the productivity, profitability and pugging damage in set-stocked and rotationally-grazed bull finishing systems and again, there were clear advantages to rotational grazing, particularly on wet, vulnerable soils.

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125

FORAGE | LIMEHILLS

Key Facts • • • •

Gray Pannett.

Perfect cow country Lynda Gray

Over the last year development has centred on a 400-hectare native tussock block at Lake Onslow. It’s a 27km steady Limehills is aptly named given the climb from the Pannetts’ house up a amount of the stuff that’s been trucked winding gravel road and dry-weatheron to the mid-altitude and tussock only track to the wide open tussock block. country over the last three years.

Although exposed and often inaccessible The 2500 tonnes spread was a huge in winter because of snow it’s perfect but unavoidable expense in turning up cow country which has been the key production on the higher-lying blocks, development driver for Gray.

Gray Pannett says.

“With (schedule) prices at $5-$6/kg it’s “We knew we had to bite the bullet never been a better time for development, with lime and that’s what we’ve done.” it’s a real opportunity.”

Lake Onslow Tussock Development To date it’s What happened Cost/ha cost $481/ha to oversow and lime 400ha short-term semi-developed lease block bought in 2014 the block, and 1200ha developed tussock block bought in February n2016 fertilise 270ha.

Spring 2016 400ha block burnt and oversown with clover & $50 For Gray the big cocksfoot @5kg/ha, helicopter spread payback is a moreMid-December 2016 Sulphur Gain 30S (250kg/ha) $100 than doubling in grazing capacity.

Mid-December Lime (4/t ha) $104 Before the burning Spreading of lime and fertiliser $227 and spreading of Total $481 seed, lime and fertiliser the block Development has increased cow carrying capacity from 50 to 130. grazed 50 cows Assuming 1 cow = 6 equivalent stock units, the increased carrying year- round. Now capacity has lifted by 1.25/ha.

This equates to a $400/stock unit development cost ($481/1.2). This is 130 cows graze further offset, but not quantified, by the increase in ewe carrying capacity year-round and

Limehills Gray and Robyn Pannett Teviot Valley, near Roxburgh.

Sheep and cattle breeding/finishing and Limehills Hereford stud • 3980ha in four blocks comprising: • 80ha of flats with hard hose irrigators • 1700ha of cultivated and improved hill and flat top improved pasture country.

• 2200ha improved tussock at Lake Onslow, 27km from homestead. Runs the breeding cows year round and the ewes in summer.

• Altitude: 100-800m asl • Rainfall: 600mm Stock • 350 MA cows (Hereford and AngusHereford) • 280 R2 heifers and steers • 160 R1 heifers • 160 R1 steers • 10 MA bulls • 5000 crossbred MA ewes • 1400 hoggets • 500 trading lambs • 50 rams Hereford stud • 200 MA cows • 60 R2 calving heifers • 120 R1 heifers • 120 R1 bulls • 76 sale and stud bulls • About 400 tonnes of silage is made each year and 100 hectares of winter crop including 15ha of fodder beet.

• The Pannetts employ two full-time staff and also own a 198ha finishing block at west Otago, a half-hour drive away, where home-bred and bought-in young stock are finished.

The six kilometres of lake frontage has a 100-metre margin of native cover.

from 600 to 1300 ewes over the summer.

Development of this mid-altitude Bridge Hut will lift ewe carrying capacity from 3-4 to about 8-10/ha.

126

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Bridge Huts Development 70ha. Soil Test results September 2016 Ph5 P 15 S 9 Phosphate 7 What happened

Cost/ha $75

YEAR 1 The new Te Pari 105 cattle yards at Lake Onslow will save cows and calves a 17km-hike to the cattle yards previously used for weaning. The support yard is post and wire rather than post and rail; it was cheaper and should be just as effective at containing cattle.

The yards hold 300 cattle and cost about $25,000.

Autumn sprayed

DAP Boron Boost (250kg/ha)

$193

on better quality feed. At the same time ewe grazing over the summer has increased from 600 to 1200 ewes.

The in-farm development has been a cheaper way to increase productive scale, working out about $400/su whereas buying similar type land would have cost about $700$800/su.

The block was bought in 2014 but development didn’t start until last year.

Cocksfoot and clover was flown on

Cultivation

$120

Lime(5t/ha) plus cartage and spreading

$330

DAP Boron Boost (250kg/ha)

$193

Cultivation

$397

Swede seed

$33

TOTAL YEAR 1

$1028

Year Two

by helicopter in early spring, followed in mid-December with 4t/ha of lime.

That, will be the last of the lime, which Gray hopes will lift pH from 4.7 to 6 and keep the elevated aluminium levels in check.

“I was once told we’d get a prize for our aluminium level. It’s high and we’re never going to beat it so it’s something we have to work with.”

From now on Sulphur Super 30 will be the only fertiliser used with 200kg/

Pasture seed

$265

TOTAL YEAR 2

$578

Year Three

$360

DAP Sulphur Gain Pure (2 applications)

$360

TOTAL YEAR 3

$360

TOTAL COST

$1966

Development will increase stock carrying capacity by an estimated 6 su/ha, therefore the development cost per stock unit is about $327 ($1966/6)

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The Pannetts’ Lake Onslow block is 800 metres above sea level.

Upside to the down time Gray Pannett has a ripped Achilles tendon to thank for the tussock country expansion and development at Limehills. The 2012 injury, the result of overexuberance at touch rugby led to a moon boot, crutches and several weeks of enforced recovery at home.

The upside of the down-time was the chance for Gray to think about how best to expand the farm business and add some much-needed challenge.

The next farming step was a topic he and Robyn had talked about but never actively pursued, but with time to kill the next step was taken with online investigation of new farming opportunities.

“We looked at all options, we even went to look at one in the North Island,” Gray says.

When the chance to buy the 400ha tussock block came along they decided to stay put and focus on development. Having leased it for the past two years and already owning another 600ha block Gray knew it to be excellent breeding cow country that with more lime, fertiliser and seed would support more cows and sheep.

The Pannetts got a further toehold in the tussock by buying another 1200ha in February 2016. The lamb fattening block owned by agricultural investment company Greenfields had been text-book developed with lots of lime (five-tonnes/ha), seed and fertiliser.

ha applied by truck to about one-third of the area each year.

This block along with another 1800ha of developed tussock complement the overall Limehills system by adding much-needed quality spring grazing for the mixed-age cows and more summersafe country for ewes, providing the scale to increase the mixed-age breeding cow herd. Gray wants to increase cow numbers from 350 to about 450. He’s started building numbers by buying-in 160 mixed-age cows last year as well as retaining an extra 30 heifer calves each year.

Another less-obvious benefit of the expanded and improved tussock area has been the ability to speed up development of the mid-altitude country where the ewes spend most of their time. However, they’re now shunted off to Onslow over summer leaving more of the flat tops available for development from brassicas to pasture over three to four years to lift ewe carrying capacity from 3-4 to 8-10/ ha.

Lake Onslow is a popular fishing spot. The 13 no-frills huts with lake views on the Pannetts’ block are popular fishing retreats.

Keeping breeding simple Limehills runs a three-way hybrid breeding cow system using Hereford, Angus and Charolais.

Gray is a long-time believer in the production advantage of first-cross animals, and points to recent Black Baldy trials that showed improved cow fecundity and progeny growth rates added another 14% to bottom line returns.

He keeps the breeding system as simple as possible by mating the Hereford-Angus cows to Charolais, and the Hereford and Angus cows to Herefords.

The mixed-age cows graze the Onslow 128

Dismal beginnings Lake Onslow, about 800 metres above sea level lies in a wide open and a starkly beautiful landscape at the northwest end of the Lammerlaw Range.

It was formed in the late 1880s with the construction of a rock dam in the upper Teviot River flooding what was known as Dismal Swamp. Since then it’s been raised three times and a new dam built along from the original which has increased the lake area to 830ha.

The lake is a popular fishing retreat because of the large population of brown trout. The block has 13 huts around the lake edge, and their ownership has been handed down through family generations.

Gray has retained a 100-metre margin of natural vegetation cover back from the lake edge.

The lake’s high altitude and exposed situation leaves it prone to weather extremes especially in winter when snow on the dry-weather-only road can isolate the block from the rest of Limehills.

The cows take it in their stride, fossicking on the exposed tussocks.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Robyn Pannett has found a new career as a marriage celebrant.

Celebrating good times Robyn Pannett has found her dream job, qualifying as a wedding celebrant after 20-plus years of working in off-farm management roles. The career change came about when Robyn, a local Justice of the Peace, was asked to conduct a wedding service for a friend. She wasn’t registered to do so but with a 12-month lead time to the wedding decided to complete the necessary training with The Celebrant School.

Since qualifying, Robyn has conducted about a dozen weddings, several in rural locations.

As well as officiating on the day her role is to help couples design a service reflecting their personalities and life experiences. Finding out the details usually takes two or three chats and several follow-up emails. Getting the right tone and content requires astute listening and questioning but in an informal way, Robyn says.

“I think a strength I have is that I’m used to dealing with ‘southern men’. They’re hard to crack but some of the stories they end up sharing are amazing.”

She particularly enjoys researching and crafting the words for the ceremony.

“I spend a lot longer than I probably should but I really love the writing side of things.”

Her new-found career has given her more time and flexibility to work around family demands and keep up with the administration side of Limehills.

block year-round. Calving starts on October 1 on 200ha of September-saved grazing.

It’s later than ideal but fits in around the delayed spring growth of the clover-based, high-altitude pasture. Fast and furious pasture growth happens from November until the end of February.

“It shuts down early but we grow as much grass out there over three months as we do over the whole year on the dryland area.”

Gray likes moderately framed cows and expects them to produce a moderately sized calf that weans about half the weight of its mother. In liveweight terms that’s a 200-230kg calf which is fed and managed to finish at a slaughter weight of around 520kg at 20-24 months.

Fodder beet has become the wintering crop of choice for the young cattle. Those calves 230kg or heavier at weaning usually need one winter on the beet and are sold in autumn, whereas those under get two winters on beet. The cost of taking them through a second winter is about $110-$120 a head, based on a 10c/kg/DM cost to grow and a 10kg daily allowance, but this is more than offset by selling them into the higher-paying September market.

“We add about a kilogram a day in liveweight and on fodder beet and because it yields better we’re getting a 58% rather than 55% yield. On top of that is the September schedule which is sometimes worth another $1/kg. In the past two seasons the extra yield and higher schedule has added about another $600 a head.”

Snow makes the Onslow block inaccessible for some of the winter. Photo: Gray Pannett

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Cattle performance Calving: 95% (cows scanned/calves tagged). Estimated return per cattle stock unit: $111 based on 3480 cattle stock units.

Income Sales: Steers

Heifers

Cull cows & bulls

70

290kg @ $5.30 (April)

$107,590

65

300kg @ $5.90 (Aug/Sep)*

$115,050

20

12 months (for breeding)

$21,000

55

270kg @ $5.80 (Aug/Sep)*

$86,130

22

270kg @ $4.00

$23,760

30

Retained extra breeding heifers @ 1500/hd

$45,000

TOTAL Expenses

$398,530 1 bull

$7000

Pregnancy Testing

$900

60 heifers BVD vac

$1800

Animal Health $4/head)

$2280

Bull testing (10 @ $40)

$400

TOTAL

$12,380

TOTAL NET INCOME

$386,150 *wintered on fodder beet

Gray Pannett’s goal is to breed a moderate-sized cow that weans a calf at about half her liveweight

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FORAGE | SOILS

VARIABILITY INHERENT IN SOILS Robert McBride All biological systems are inherently variable – every stream, turnip, mouse and mushroom is different from every other. Although farmers expect each load of lambs and tank of milk to come back with a unique sheet, many assume, incorrectly, that their soils are reasonably uniform and can be precisely measured with a soil test.

A memorable example was an irate Canterbury farmer who insisted his fertiliser co-op had cheated him, and he asked me to document the offence.

On visiting the farm it was obvious the superphosphate he had applied did not in fact make his Olsen P levels go down, despite what his most recent soil tests indicated. What he was seeing in his soil tests was the normal variability associated with soils and some earlier sampling errors.

Soils are inherently inconstant having been created by the decomposition of various rocks, minerals and organic materials, all of which differ in their makeup and weathering, and all of which are still shifting around with erosion and deposition.

A reasonable level of consistency can be achieved by removing obvious outliers and averaging.

Additionally, soil nutrients are moved about the landscape by livestock and with cutting and feeding out hay and silage. It should not be surprising then that soils lack uniformity. Sample the same transect in the same paddock three different times, and you will get three different results.

How different will the results be?

Assuming samples were collected properly (and that is a very big assumption), depending on the nutrient being measured, the variability is typically +/- 10-30%. What this means is that if the test results indicate an Olsen P of 25, the actual level is likely somewhere between 20 and 30. This is the way soil scientists look at it; an Olsen P of 25 is somewhere around 25, not exactly 25.

It is very possible then, as in the case of the Canterbury farmer, to make a 130

Forage rape on a Mid Canterbury farm.

fertiliser application, do a soil test and get a lower result.

The farmer’s criticism should have been with the co-op’s shoddy sampling, not with their products and application.

Samples collected with stock in the paddocks, in gateways, from stock camps or other nutrient rich areas can easily be off by 300%.

You might think then that soilsampling is a complete waste of time. However, a reasonable level of consistency can be achieved by removing obvious outliers and averaging. For example if a farm has an Olsen P in the mid 20’s and one sample comes back with an Olsen P of say 42, that result should be ignored. Many people find it difficult to disregard a number printed on an official piece of paper, but there is no reason to turn sampling errors into management errors.

Sampling the same paddock three times will give three different results. However, averaging the three results will produce a more consistent outcome. That is, if three more samples were taken and averaged, the two averages would be very similar.

Sampling several paddocks in similar areas of the farm and averaging them is

how this principle is utilised in practice.

Additional variability can be overcome by plotting a trend line of the averages over time. If the true Olsen P level of the farm is 25, individual yearly averages will be slightly above or below, but the trend line (the average of the averages) will be sitting right on 25. If the trend line is in a downward direction, the fertiliser programme has not been adequate to maintain fertility and production will be decreasing.

This is what I did for the irate Canterbury farmer; I threw out his obviously erroneous data, averaged the results, and plotted them over time. It turned out that his capital superphosphate application lifted his P levels exactly as intended. In the end I think he suspected I was in on the conspiracy, but it was actually just a case of assuming soil tests to be far more precise than they are.

Note that this is why “all-paddock testing” fails; by ignoring the inherent variability in soils, and treating a single result from each paddock as gospel, followed by varying application rates, the variability is actually increased, not decreased.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

HAS A FRESH NEW LOOK

Farmers Weekly has launched a new look website aimed at improving your online experience.

When you visit farmersweekly.co.nz you will find it has a fresh new layout, making it easier for you to navigate through our award-winning news content.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

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Head over to farmersweekly.co.nz and take a look for yourself.

TECHNOLOGY | VIDEO CALLING

Talk to me Alan Royal

The kids have flown the coop. If you cannot meet in person the next best thing is to use online calling. You can use video or voice calling. While both systems describe “free” calling with various apps this is not quite correct.

The apps are free, but using them on the internet, they still use, albeit a small amount, of your paid bandwidth.

When doing a video call with my cash-strapped student grandchildren they always tell me to turn off the video in my call, as it can use a considerable amount of their service provider’s paid allocation.

Video calling can also be frustrating and/or complicated. You shouldn’t have to worry about whether your call will connect, or if your friend is using the same type of device as you are. It’s no wonder that nearly half of us never make video calls on mobile according to a recent Google survey.

While Skype has been the longstanding choice for video/voice calling, there are other smart choices emerging.

Google Duo, released last August, is an example of a simple one-to-one video calling app available for Windows, Android and iOS. Note that not all systems are crossplatform compatible – Apple Facetime is not available if you have an Android or Windows device. Duo takes the crossplatform complexity out of video calling, so you can be together in the moment wherever you are, no matter what common operating system you are using.

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Using Duo is simple. All you need is your phone number and you’ll be able to reach people in your phone’s contacts. There is no need to set up an account. Signing in is simple. Once signed in you can begin a video call with a single tap to connect you to your selected phone contact.

Duo takes the crossplatform complexity out of video calling, so you can be together in the moment wherever you are, no matter what common operating system you are using.

Duo has a feature called Knock Knock.

This lets you see live video of your caller before you answer. Duo has good privacy and security, as all their calls are encrypted.

Duo calls are in crisp HD video (up to 720p) and audio. It works well even if bandwidth is limited, where it adjusts quality.

It also shifts calls between cellular and Wi-Fi, so you don’t need to worry about what network you’re on.

Also, relatively new to the Google stable is Allo, a smart messaging app.

It, like Duo, also uses your phone

numbers. This means you can get in touch with anyone in your phonebook.

Allo has a built-in feature called Smart Reply so you can respond to messages without typing a single word. Smart Reply learns over time and will show suggestions.

The more you use Allo the more your own suggestions will appear. Smart Reply also works with photos, providing (so called) intelligent suggestions related to the content of the photo.

Allo also features the Google assistant.

You can call on Google in a group chat.

The assistant in Allo brings up things like Search, Maps, YouTube and Translate to all your conversations, so that you and your friends can use Google together.

The Google assistant in Allo understands speech, so you can ask for your calendar for the day. You can also just chat away (it is said by talking to yourself you get the best available information) and it will understand what you’re saying. For example, “Is my flight delayed?” and it will tell you!

Privacy and security are important in messaging, so like Chrome, you can chat in Incognito mode (see bit.ly/ incognitoallo) and have both security and privacy.

• For a copy of this article, with active links, email Alan Royal at a.royal@paradise.net.nz.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

TECHNOLOGY | EMAIL

You’ve got mail Kirstin Mills The idea that we only use 10% of our brains has been well discredited, but I think it would be fair to apply a similar concept to the email packages we use.

Whether you use Gmail, Outlook. com (the replacement for Hotmail) or software like Outlook, chances are you’re only touching on a fraction of their capabilities. Here are some of my favourite features that you might not know exist.

Delaying sending an email Whether you have a reason to delay sending an email or just want to give yourself time to fix a typo, Outlook software makes it easy to delay sending an email. All you need to do is click on the Options tab within your email and select “Delay Delivery”. That brings up a box where you can specify that the email not be sent before a certain date and time (you have to keep Outlook open until that date and time unless you are using an Exchange server, something you might have for work).

Recall an email The delay can also help you correct the mistake of sending an email to the wrong person. But if it’s too late and you’ve sent an email that you need to recall, then you have an option to do so for up to 30 seconds after you hit send if you use Gmail or Outlook.com. The feature is called “undo send”, but you need to set this up before you need to use it! For Gmail, click on the settings cog on the top right-hand side of your Gmail page and choose the General tab. Scroll down until you see “Undo Send”. Choose your cancellation period (between 10 and 30 seconds) and save the changes. In Outlook.com choose the settings cog (also on the top right) and look for “Undo send” under “Mail” in the left-hand column. Again, you can choose between 10 and 30 seconds.

Email addresses One thing you might be surprised at when it comes to Gmail, is that if you have dots between your first and last name in your Gmail address, it doesn’t matter if someone leaves them out when emailing you. Gmail doesn’t pay any attention to dots; email sent to jimbo. jones@gmail and jimbojones@gmail.com go to the same place. The sender can even add more dots in (jim.bo.jones.@ gmail.com for example). As long as the letters of your email address are in the right order the email will reach you.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

You can give out modified email addresses yourself so you’re not giving out your primary email address and you can filter emails by the address they come into.

Another way to filter is by adding a plus (“+”) sign to your Gmail address with another word (yes, it will still work!). So if your address is Jimbo@ gmail.com then you could use Jimbo+events@ gmail.com for races you enter or Jimbo+shopping@ gmail.com for buying goods online.

This not only lets you filter emails by the address people use to email you, but you will know if a company has shared your email (ie: sold it on) if you get email from a company you did not give a modified email address to.

Going back I have a lot of folders in my inbox so navigating around can be challenging. I have added the “Back” button to my quick access toolbar in my Outlook software, which makes backtracking a lot easier – I just click on the arrow and it lets me go back to where I was. Just right click on the quick access toolbar at the top of Outlook and select “Customise Quick Access Toolbar…”

In the dropdown box below “Choose

commands from” select “All Commands” and scroll down the box below until you see “Back”. Click on it and then click on “Add” to get it to display on the “Customize Quick Access Toolbar” box.

Click OK and then you’ll find the arrow in the top left of Outlook.

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ENVIRONMENT | REGIONAL PLANS An overkill measure in Feds’ view was the five months of contingency storage for farm wastewater which was prohibitively costly and not achievable for dairy farmers.

On the right lines in Northland Lynda Gray

A

lthough there were areas of concern the Northland Regional Council had done a reasonably good job of putting together its draft regional plan, Federated Farmers provincial president John Blackwell said.

“I think the council has done a sound, sensible job. The process has been reasonably robust.”

Feedback on the draft plan finished at the end of September 2016. In its feedback Federated Farmers raised four issues: livestock exclusion rules, setback distances from waterways, farm wastewater storage facilities, and wetland areas. The Feds said stock exclusion rules were not the silver bullet for improved water quality. Instead they recommended whole-farm, best-management practices – which included stock exclusion – was a better approach. Blackwell said fencing out cattle made sense but in some areas access for sheep should be allowed at certain times to prevent rank growth that in a flood situation would be washed downstream causing more destruction.

The time frames for stock exclusion were overly generous, Country-Wide columnist and Northland beef farmer Chris Biddles said. The council has proposed beef cattle, dairy support cattle and deer be fenced off from permanently flowing rivers and drains greater than one metre wide and 30cm deep in lowland areas (<15 degrees slope) by January 1, 2025; in lowland areas with permanently flowing rivers and drains by January 1, 2030; and from natural wetlands and lakes from the date the plan becomes operational.

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“I question if they need to leave it that long because it just leaves farmers more time to muck around.”

He also questioned the recommended five-metre setback of cultivated land from rivers which on his own farm could lead to the loss of 30% of the most-productive grazing land.

“I’ve spent a fortune developing my most valuable land which is peat. I’m happy to fence it off but don’t agree with the setbacks proposed.”

Federated Farmers said there was little scientific consensus backing the setback distances which seemed to be “more about politics than science”.

‘I’ve spent a fortune developing my most valuable land which is peat.

I’m happy to fence it off but don’t agree with the setbacks proposed.’

Another overkill measure in Feds’ view was the five months of contingency storage for farm wastewater which was prohibitively costly and not achievable for dairy farmers. Also, Blackwell said he thought the time limit on when effluent could be applied to paddocks needed to be more flexible by taking into account seasonal conditions.

More clarity was needed about what constituted a wetland. Many Northland farms had wet areas of pasture, sometimes for weeks at a time, but that

didn’t mean they had high biodiversity values or supported wetland ecosystems.

The feedback document said more care needed to be taken to ensure farmland wasn’t inadvertently captured in wetland rules.

Blackwell approved of the catchmentbased approach used for defining and managing water quality in the region and hoped it would be reflected in the final regional plan.

Five catchment areas had been defined, and in each community stakeholders were involved in the limit-setting process.

It’s generally worked well although Blackwell said getting farmers involved in the groups and the submission-making process had been an uphill battle.

“My concern is that by farmers not putting their hand up we’re at risk of being overrun by people who don’t own the land or have skin in the game, and therefore won’t be directly affected by the costs and restrictions.”

He thought that in some cases there needed to be more data to underpin the science behind some of the water quality rules, such as in the unique Poutu catchment.

It has numerous sand dune lakes, which are rare but in Northland represent a large proportion of NZ’s lowland lakes.

There had been concerns raised in the submission process that forestry planting had caused dune lake levels to drop based on data collected since the trees were planted.

“But really we need data before that to prove it was the effect of the trees. In many cases we need time to get the data to prove the science.”

The NRC-proposed regional plan is due for release mid-year.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

ENVIRONMENT | POLITICS

It’s a long, hard road for some Keri Johnston What Bill might write...

I had planned to write this month’s column from sunny Wairoa where I was to attend the East Coast Farming Expo.

However, the remnants of Cyclone Debbie visited Wairoa and instead of sunshine, there has been a significant amount of rain instead forcing the organisers to cancel the trade expo.

After rearranging flights, I finally made it home again at 11pm last night – Gisborne is a long way for a day trip from Timaru.

So instead, at home with the fire going, feeling a little jaded, wondering what I am going to write about when a link appears on my Facebook page. It is an open letter to Prime Minister Bill English written by Katie Kenyon expressing her disgust at the reaction she received from a Beehive security guard when she told him what she did for a living.

Katie is a casual shepherd on three sheep and beef farms in central Hawke’s Bay, working hard to gain the knowledge and money she needs to be able to lease her family farm when her father retires.

The reaction from the security guard was: “Oh don’t get me started on you farmers. I like CLEAN drinking water.”

For Katie, this showed a total lack of respect for farmers, and highlights the very real and increasing rural/urban divide.

Now, I’m clearly not the Prime Minister, but if I was, I would write: Dear Katie Thank you for taking the time to write the letter you sent me – I appreciate that you are also a very busy woman.

Farmers should be proud of what they do and not be subjected to ignorant statements.

Farmers, and what is happening on the land, are coming under increasingly significant public pressure and scrutiny, particularly in regard to how our nation’s water resources are being managed. Why is this? I agree with your sentiment that a big part of the reason is the lack of knowledge that our urban counterparts have about farming in general, and it is a hell of a lot easier to point the finger at Country-Wide Beef May 2017

someone else than it is to turn the finger inwards and accept that you might also be part of the problem.

Items such as the Sunday programme’s piece on the Selwyn River do little to change this, and further exacerbate the view that farmers are only interested in production and profit, and care little about the land farm and the surrounding natural resources.

Farmers are a resilient bunch as you point out in your letter, and for what it’s worth, I appreciate what you do every day. After all, it isn’t the farm that makes the farmer – it is the love, hard work and character.

Farmers are passionate people with a genuine love of the land but are also people who shoulder a large responsibility as the caretakers of the land that they are fortunate enough to farm. But most importantly of all, farmers are human. However, I fear that farmers are slowly being worn down by all the negativity.

Farmers are not perfect, no one is.

Unfortunately, and this can be said for any industry, it is the actions of a few that tarnish the image of all. Despite this, farmers should be proud of what they do and not be subjected to ignorant statements such as that received by you and your partner at the Beehive and for that, I am truly sorry.

In your letter, you state that National is the farmers’ party. However, we have to be a Government for all New Zealanders, not just farmers.

It is a difficult political climate, especially being an election year, and finding the right balance on topical issues such as management of our water resources is tricky to say the least.

However, perhaps we are not being as ballsy as we should be, and should do more to highlight the fact that all New

Zealanders that caretakers of our beautiful country, not just the farmers, and that we all need to be united in accepting that in some areas anyway, things are not as ‘clean and green’ as they could be, but also that any solutions to this will also require unity.

I realise that this sounds like a typical political response in itself, and it is. In our defence though, we are trying to find middle ground that may appease the naysayers to some extent – if we go too far in the “pro farming” and “pro irrigation” direction, the yanking back and subsequent full steam ahead in the opposite direction from a Labour/Greens government could be catastrophic to our primary industries.

But doing nothing is not an option either. Something still needs to be done, and not necessarily from a regulation viewpoint.

I am going to give Nathan Guy a swift kick up the backside for you. He definitely needs to speak louder and more clearly on behalf of those he represents.

I will also do my best to promote the good farming stories more and provide education and support for those few that do need to change their ways, helping improve and lift the image of farming within our country. It is my aim to ensure that the next time you visit the Beehive, the response you get is “thank you”.

I really do appreciate the time you took to write to me, and if you would like to continue this discussion further with me, I am happy to do so. And thank you for your best wishes in the upcoming election.

Kinds regards, Keri Johnston, (wannabe) Prime Minister (By the way Bill, if you happen to be reading this month’s issue of Country-Wide, I’m happy to discuss my reply with you too.)

135

ENVIRONMENT | FARM FORESTRY

SEEING THE WOOD AND THE COWS Denis Hocking When it comes to integrating forestry and livestock I have always regarded cattle, especially beef breeding cows, as the natural fit. In the early years of most forestry rotation there will be plenty of rank pasture among the trees, be it a freshly planted pasture site or most replants.

There will also be plenty of weeds and it may pay to check there is nothing too problematic among them.

Incidentally, yester-year’s agro-forestry regimes with low tree stocking rates to try and encourage more pasture growth, have fallen out of favour because they compromise both trees and livestock. I can vouch for it.

When it comes to integrating trees and livestock I would note the following points: 1. Planting on to pasture land will allow the existing pasture species, and weeds, free rein and there is commonly, also, fairly prolific growth of pasture species, plus lots of weeds, after harvest. There can be exceptions. Tightly stocked stands may be lacking grass seed and regrowth after harvest will favour wind or bird-borne weed seed. But if there were previously legumes on the site, hard seed will generally germinate enthusiastically after disturbance, and although this may commonly be gorse, broom, tagasaste etc., it can be various clovers – see the photo.

Gorse regeneration after harvest disturbance can be rather intimidating, but rest assured, most of the pines will beat most of the gorse if they start together. Blackberry is a more difficult weed in my experience.

2. The fate of this regrowth will depend on the land-prep regime. If the area is blitzed before planting/replant with a triazine and/or metsulfuron spray the area may be pretty bare for a year or so. If the programme is plant and spot spray, there will be a lot of rough feed.

3. This feed is mostly cattle maintenance tucker which I find fits in very well with my post-weaning management in the autumn, not least because: 4. The safest time to put stock in with young trees is autumn/winter, and never spring. Stock are likely to heavily browse spring growth on young pines and cattle will rub on, and often ringbark trees up to seven or eight years old, especially young pruned trees if given access in the spring.

5. For pines I have generally kept all stock 136

Clover rampant on the cut-over.

Sometimes plantation feed quality can be much better than you ever expect”.

out till introducing cattle in the third autumn. However in recent years with some dry summers and fairly large, by my standards, replants, I have let cattle in earlier and in two cases in the first autumn. The pines suffered some browsing damage but within 12 months it was difficult to see where and which. It proved to be cheap cow maintenance. Generally I find plantations will provide some useful cattle maintenance out to eight-10 years, sometimes longer.

Gorse regeneration after harvest disturbance can be rather intimidating, but rest assured, most of the pines will beat most of the gorse if they start together.

6. Another factor favouring cattle over sheep for plantation grazing is that sheep shun shaded pasture, whereas cattle seem much more tolerant. A plantation may provide valuable shelter for freshly shorn or lambing ewes but remember in the latter case feed quality is probably inadequate for lambing ewes.

7. I think everyone knows that cypress (macrocarpa and relatives) foliage can cause abortion in cows. About 30 years ago I suffered badly when I pushed

cows a little hard in a block with some Leyland cypress. It was noticeable that they held off for some considerable time before hitting the Leylands hard and fast. It was an expensive lesson.

But in defence of the cypresses I have also found that cows raised with regular access to their foliage generally show little interest. And this tallies with stories I hear about cypress abortion outbreaks when naïve heifers find a tree down, or storm debris across a paddock. I am not aware of any evidence that exposure to pine foliage causes significant abortion. Certainly the cypress abortion chemical, isocupressic acid, is only found at very low levels in radiata pine, but interestingly at much higher levels in some other pines, notably P. ponderosa.

8. With the eucalypts, cattle seem to show the same taste preference as the majority of insect pests. They treat the monocalyptus subgenus (the stringybarks and ashes such as E.fastigata, E. regnans) with distain but find some of the symphyomyrtus subgenus quite tasty. The worst browsing I’ve experienced was with E. cladocalyx, which is considered rather toxic thanks to cyano-glycosides. The cows showed no ill effects but they were small trees that recovered rapidly.

So I feel very happy with the combination of trees and cattle. Like every land-use option it is quite easy to mess up both sides of the equation, but with a bit of care, it can be advantageous for both cattle and trees.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

WORK HARD, PLAY HARDER

Keeping science real Nicola Dennis is a scientist with her feet firmly grounded in farming.

Beef Expo spurs passion Lauren Cameron and husband Ritchie juggle day jobs to build equity in their farm. p138 Country-Wide Beef May 2017

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FUTURE BEEF Words by Cheyenne Stein Photos by Graeme Brown Lauren Cameron with Gelbvieh breed Gladstone Julie and mum Gladstone Rebecca.

Expo spurred passion for the land

J

uggling a full-time job and managing a 200-hectare property is no easy task.

But it’s something that Beef+Lamb NZ extension manager Lauren Cameron says is helping to build equity so she and husband Richie can one day farm full time.

Lauren grew up on her parents’ stud beef farm in Gladstone, south of Masterton. Her father Peter is a well known stud breeder who has produced top-quality breeding stock for the past 30 years.

“Growing up I always had an interest in agriculture but I never studied it. That’s probably one of my biggest regrets.”

Instead she completed a Bachelor of Business Studies with a major in marketing.

It wasn’t until 2012 that she took a step back into the agriculture world when she took up the role of manager of the Generate rural leadership programme at Taratahi agriculture training centre.

“I joined up to Young Farmers at the same time. Through those I found I had a real enjoyment of working with young people and encouraging learning opportunities.”

But it was competition in the Future Beef hoof and hook competition at the National Beef Expo that really reignited her passion for the land. In her second year competing she took out the coveted Beef Ambassador award.

“It was during the interview phase for the award with Mike Peterson that I found out

138

about Beef+Lamb and the opportunities they had.”

Landing the Beef +Lamb young ranchers scholarship gave Lauren the opportunity to head overseas and take part in round-table discussions on the industry at an international level and she came away impressed with what our international partners had to say about Beef +Lamb and their work with farmers.

“That’s what really pushed me to want to work for Beef +Lamb, I wanted to do my bit and be involved a company that is working hard to make a difference for their farmers.”

Since then, working as extension manager for Beef +Lamb went to the top of her shortterm career goals. After a stint as a field office for Young Farmers Lauren caught the break she was after and landed the role of Eastern North Island extension manager.

“The job is mainly around providing information, knowledge and skills to farmers to help them in their business. To help build their capabilities and generally just support them in what they do.”

When she’s not busy working with farmers there are plenty of other things to keep her busy. Most notably the farm she runs with her husband Richie. Richie also works full time on a near by farm. The couple purchased 100ha from Ritchie’s uncle and lease a further 100ha off Ritchie’s parents.

The property is home to their own herd of

Gelbvieh cattle, many of which they inherited from Lauren’s father.

“Dad wanted to help us in the sector and as he was down-sizing it seemed like a good fit. The Gelbviehs are a breed that fit the needs of our business particularly around their docile nature, being sound and have good fertility. They do really well on our country.”

Lauren and Richie have a partnership agreement with Peter. Lauren and Richie breed the cattle with any stud quality bull calves sent to Peter’s farm at weaning to grow out. They also sell some of their bulls directly into the stud market along with another proportion into the commercial beef market to help keep the system financially viable.

Non-replacements are grown out and culled at 18 months old.

Lauren and Richie have big plans for their Gelbvieh herd. Being a minor breed in New Zealand compared to the more popular Angus and Herefords they want to put effort into getting the potential of Gelbviehs recognised in the wider market.

“When we have a bit more time we want to focus on the marketing of Gelbviehs and of Gelbvieh and Angus crosses, called Balancers.

We want to carry on what dad has been doing on the breed society and be more involved in the society.”

They source many of their genetics from Canada and Australia due to the limited gene Country-Wide Beef May 2017

pool in NZ. As a result some good genetics are being filtered through their herd which they hope to start spreading through sale of pedigree animals into both the commercial and stud markets.

Alongside the 40 pedigree Gelbviehs, the pair also run 850 ewes and 40 dairy cows to spread their risk and manage cash flow more effectively. The sheep are a terminal flock and they hold no replacements due to the limited time they can spend on farm.

“Because we are running the farm in our own time outside of work hours we need to make sure the property can pay for itself.”

Lauren says the sheep are more of Richie’s passion that he’s brought to the farm. Having never dealt with cattle much, Lauren has been able to teach Richie a few things and vice versa.

“We really enjoy running the place together. We are stoked that we had the opportunity to get into farm ownership. In the future we want a block of land that’s big enough and sustainable on its own.”

For now, it’s heads down and working hard for the couple while they work on building their equity so they can consider an equity partnership in the future.

“We are in the process of working out how we are going to achieve our goal of farm ownership at the moment. For now we just want to build up our equity to get ourselves in a better position.”

Getting out and meeting people in the industry to expand their contact base and surrounding themselves with the right team of people will be an integral part of their plan.

“Getting the right accountants and consultants will be important as well as

Lauren Cameron with Gelbvieh calf Gladstone Julie.

meeting people who could be keen on entering into an equity partnership with us in the future.”

In keeping with her passion of helping the younger generation of farmers Lauren sits on the Future Beef committee. Her involvement with Future Beef began when she helped out her dad with teaching and training Taratahi students work with their steers for the competition.

“The competition is becoming more refined and we are getting more support from the industry so we can make it more challenging for senior competitors. Our numbers are building and we are getting a larger reach from across the industry.”

Many of the competitors are ending up in jobs with key supporters and more schools are getting on board with the competition and getting students involved.

The Gelbviehs are a breed that fit the needs of our business particularly around their docile nature, being sound and have good fertility. They do really well on our country.”

“I really enjoy giving back and helping young people in the industry and seeing them grow.“ With all this on her plate, time management is the key to making sure everything that needs doing gets done.

“We have identified how we can improve things. This year we built new cattle and sheep yards. Previously it would take half a day to get stock near the yards. These new ones are more central and save a lot of time.”

After four years running the farm they have a good handle on what needs doing and when. Lauren says in many ways the farm feels like a hobby and they are enjoying seeing results and improvements.

“We are so lucky that get to work together on our farm and build it up together. We have big plans for it and are excited for the opportunities in the future.”

Lauren Cameron and her father Peter McWilliam with dogs Dusty, Snootie and Skipper.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

139

AGRICULTURAL SCIENCE Words by Terry Brosnahan Farmers should not get too fixated on individual animal weights, Nicola Dennis says.

Keeping science real N icola Dennis is a scientist with her feet firmly grounded in farming.

Most days she is a scientist working for agribusiness consultancy firm AbacusBio in Dunedin, building apps and tackling genetic technology projects.

She also has a beef herd with her partner David Milne – an ambulance officer – and a two-year-old son Archie. So, four days a week she is in the office and the other three days farming with Archie.

The farming keeps her science real. It helps Nicola to work out what is realistic for farmers.

“I don’t want to put messages out there to farmers that are creating more work with little benefit.”

Nicola’s experience from grazing heifers no doubt aided her in a group research project looking at heifer rearing to optimise farm profitability.

In the December 2016 issue of CountryWide Nicola wrote a story around the monitoring of heifer liveweight to maintain or improve fertility and longevity. She pointed out it is a good tool not just for dairy farmers, but also beef producers who could use it to set

140

targets for beef maternal replacements.

Nicola also warned there is natural variation in stock and always some errors when setting liveweight targets. She pointed out that farmers should not get too fixated on individual animal weights, because in most cases the average liveweight is much more accurate and a lot more informative for farm management decisions.

but they have not re-stocked following the drought.

They live near Nicola’s parents Steve and Yvonne Dennis who have a 400ha farm, where they graze dairy heifers and cows and finish beef calves from their Southland dairy farm.

Nicola and David run a nurse cow operation. They started with carry-over dairy cows put to a Murray Grey bull and bought

Farming right on the coast, the beef-cross cattle seem to handle the cooler temperatures and poorer-quality pastures better than dairy animals.

Nothing seems to faze Nicola. When Country-Wide turned up she was patiently shifting renegade sheep, which invade the farmlet from the beach. Fencing is on the todo list, but the priority is keeping cattle in and effectively grazing the land.

The three live at Warrington, on the coast north of Dunedin, near their 30-hectare farm where they run 34 cows and young stock. Stock numbers are usually closer to 60,

in Murray Grey-dairy cross calves. Two calves are mothered on to each cow, which end up feeding three calves, including their own. Last year it was too dry, so each cow only fed two calves.

Nicola says the 10 cows (now mostly Murray Grey-cross) usually accept the extra calves, but they are monitored to make sure the calves drink. Usually after two feedings they are fine.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

It is an operation Nicola believes could be done large-scale – considering dairy calves can survive off two-three litres of milk twice a day and a cow should easily produce the minimum 12 litres required for three calves over the course of the day.

Nicola says crossbred cows are easier to manage than the Friesian, plus the progeny are now three-quarter beef calves.

Farming right on the coast, she says the beef-cross cattle seem to handle the cooler temperatures and poorer-quality pastures better than dairy animals.

If Murray Grey calves are not available on the day Nicola is mothering on calves, she will buy what breeds are available at the time.

To help buy their own land, David and Nicola reared 40 Friesian calves a year to the heifer stage on her parents’ farm. They did this for three years.

David was a townie, but now loves the farming lifestyle. The couple met when Nicola was at university and volunteering as an ambulance officer, which she did for four years.

David’s four days on and four off roster fits in well with family and the farming. He was sleeping off a night shift when Country-Wide visited the farm.

They have about 30 Wiltshire sheep,

Nicola and David run a nurse cow operation.

They started with carry-over dairy cows put to a Murray Grey bull and bought in Murray Grey-dairy cross calves.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

inherited with the farm when they purchased it in 2012.

You could be forgiven for thinking the two families have their own building competition going on. Nicola’s parents are building a new home, while David and Nicola have started the foundations to a log cabin. Fortunately, the concrete was poured and set before any renegade sheep fell in the holes.

They opted for a solid timber house – similar to a log cabin or Lockwood home – based on advice that interlocking wood is the best material for building a house on unstable land.

David and Nicola already do a lot of building and repair work themselves.

Builders will build the structure, subfloor and roof, but typically David and Nicola will have a go at the walls (with the builder’s supervision) and interior.

The couple will have power installed on the farm when their new home is complete.

Until then, they will continue operating solar electric fences and a petrol-powered water pump, as they have done since 2012.

Nicola was born in the North Island and grew up in Silverdale near Auckland where her parents had a Limousin cattle stud. That’s where they sharpened their mothering-on skills. When a calf died they would mother-on a calf from a dairy farm. Steve and Yvonne sold the farm and moved to Southland, where they started the dairy farm.

Nicola has a first class and honours degree in biochemistry and a PhD in endocrinology from Otago University. She has expertise in genetic technology in animal breeding and her data skills made her an integral part of Alliance Group’s hoofprint software system.

Nowadays she puts this expertise to use doing simulation modelling and data analysis for Dairy NZ’s pillars of sustainable dairy programme. Nicola also builds apps for Deer Industry New Zealand and other clients.

She started at AbacusBio in 2012 and enjoys the challenge and variety of her job.

“I have good opportunities to make a difference in a number of different primary industries, not only in New Zealand, but around the world.

“I get to work directly with the industry and with some of the most motivated and talented people you will ever meet.”

Nicola also loves that her work is based in Dunedin, so she can have a professional career without compromising her work-life balance.

For a career in science, Nicola says it helps if you enjoy problem-solving and arguing from different positions. She says neither science nor agriculture are careers to be taken lightly.

“They both involve long, hard hours where you have to stick your head down and just slog through.

“It can feel like you aren’t achieving much, so you need to be passionate about the industry to stick at it.”

Her least favourite parts of the job are the long hours spent at the computer and the rise of anti-farmer sentiment.

Despite criticism from some of the urban public, Nicola says she, her colleagues and their clients are working very hard to improve animal welfare and to reduce the environmental impact of farming.

“I am very proud to do research for the agricultural industry and to be a farmer myself.”

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BARK OFF Words by Lloyd Smith

Dog days with cattle

A

s this month’s CountryWide is focused on beef I thought it appropriate to base this article on the role dogs play when managing and moving cattle.

While the principles of training and working a dog are the same regardless of the type of stock you are handling there are some points relative to cattle that are specific to that particular task. This depends largely on the type of cattle being worked – cows with calves, weaned calves, dry stock or dairy cows.

Each of these categories requires a different approach and often a different type of dog.

The approach to handling cows with calves at foot can vary quite a lot depending on the attitude of the herd.

Some cows can be very anti-dog and become quite agitated when dogs are present.

For these types a good hack and stock whip or an ATV with a flapper in hand is often the best way to work them depending on the terrain and circumstances.

However, some herds work well for a dog and move off freely without having a confrontation. This confrontation can also be caused by the dog intimidating the cows which leads to a protective response.

Such confrontations are sometimes unavoidable as at the end of the day the cows with calves have to be moved or yarded, but some dogs enjoy these confrontations and intimidate the cows so they can have a freefor-all brawl. There are people out there with a similar attitude.

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However these situations can have dire consequences resulting in severe injuries to dog and beast and we are all aware of how costly these can be. As a rule the dog that works cleanly under control, maintaining a good distance encouraging the cows and calves to move off without provocation is the most effective.

AS A RULE THE DOG THAT WORKS CLEANLY UNDER CONTROL, MAINTAINING A GOOD DISTANCE ENCOURAGING THE COWS AND CALVES TO MOVE OFF WITHOUT PROVOCATION IS THE MOST EFFECTIVE. As always, good stockmanship applies and can save yourself and your dogs a lot of hassle and frustration. Positioning yourself and having the control to position your dog is the key to successful management and movement of any stock. Often a good bark-up from a strategic point to alert the cows to your presence, allowing them the time to gather up their calf and move off is the most hassle-free and successful approach.

There are a few who say dogs should not be used on cattle and in cases where dogs are

not under control there could be an argument for this. But imagine Jim Ward’s response, at Molesworth Station, after being told he was not allowed to involve dogs in his mustering and management plans.

There are times when young cattle, just like young dogs, have to be trained to become more user-friendly in the future. An important consideration when working any cattle is to keep them calm and do not cause them to become agitated as they then become unpredictable and hard to control. Dogs that are not under control can cause this by unnecessary intimidation and provocation.

Working dry stock is very similar to working sheep and the key once more is control of your dog, which then makes it easy to control your stock. Weaned calves can be similar to weaned lambs and the determining factors are how much handling they have received pre-weaning and the attitude of their mothers and their inherited traits.

Post-weaning handling with dogs under good control and getting them responsive and comfortable makes for easier handling in the future.

A good dog for dairy cows is of a type similar to the ideal child, they do things quietly and calmly and only speak when required. There are some amazing dogs on dairy farms, mainly because the routine is the same twice a day, every day and if you do the same thing consistently a dog soon picks up on what’s required and can carry it out competently.

A capable dog under good control should be able to carry out any of the abovementioned tasks although many would say an aggressive huntaway will pressurise dairy cows unnecessarily and in most cases this would be the case.

A few years back we stayed with a top dog trialist from Hawke’s Bay, who is also a dairy farmer. He had, and still has, some very aggressive huntaways and has many Island and New Zealand placings to his credit.

Because he is a good trainer and has good control of his huntaways he could confidently use them on his dairy cows, also using them as a backing gate in the milking shed to keep the cows pushed up. Noise was, as it should be, on-top, so that he could turn it on and off as required.

There is very little that cannot be achieved with a dog if it is trained accordingly. Most work dogs are trained to multi-task and use their talents to perform a wide range of stock handling roles while others are task-specific and consequently become very good at it. But there is no doubt that dogs are the unsung heroes of our stock management and movement and their contribution to our farming systems is immense.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

COMMUNITY | OCCUPATIONS

Meat sections in supermarkets are being transformed to resemble old-fashioned butchers’ shops where customers can see the butchers wielding their knives, cutting up carcases.

It’s hip to be… a butcher Sandra Taylor Forget celebrity chefs- butchers are the new food “rock stars”.

New York-based food innovator Mike Lee. and consultant Mike Lee, from Studio One, says butchery has become a

trendy occupation in the United States and butchers are leading the charge in educating consumers about meat.

The Meat Hook is a Brooklyn-based butchery (http://the-meathook.com/) which prides itself on sourcing and selling locally produced grass-fed beef and lamb.

Its team of hip young butchers – including two women – are as proud of their knife skills as they are to show

consumers how to use every part of the animal.

Lee says the meat sections in supermarkets are being transformed to resemble old-fashioned butchers’ shops where customers can see the butchers wielding their knives, cutting up carcases.

Consumers want to know where their meat comes from – and this extends right along the value chain.

Lee says the butchers in the Meat Hook will chide customers for simply buying the prime cuts and encourages them to try a range of cuts. They run butchering classes, showing people how to cut and cook meat, and to appreciate meat quality.

As consumers’ knowledge around meat cuts grows, Lee say people are now talking about meat as they would about varieties and the provenance of wine.

Similarly bone-broth cafes are poppingup in cities around the world and this steamy elixir is replacing coffee as the beverage of choice among healthconscious consumers.

Valued for promoting gut health, reducing inflammation and offering an array of minerals such as magnesium, potassium, calcium, amino acids as well as collagen, this old-fashioned beverage is suddenly cool.

The discerning broth-drinker prefers broth made from bones of grass-fed beef – again adding value to what was a by-product.

Lee says broth is a staple in his home where he and his wife make their week’sworth of broth every Sunday, boiling up bones in a slow cooker.

Beef cow body condition resource launched Body condition scoring is a proven management tool in driving profitability, productivity and feed-use efficiency and a recently revised how-to book makes condition scoring beef cows easy.

Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s Beef Cow Body Condition Scoring details when and how to body condition score (BCS) cows using illustrations, diagrams and explanations – including seasonal targets and management considerations.

Put together by AgFirst farm consultant Bob Thomson, Professor Steve Morris and Associate Professor Rebecca Hickson from Massey University, the resource answers a need for an industry standard that enables consistent assessment of BCS across time.

BCS is a more accurate predictor of body reserves than liveweight, as body condition is not affected by the weight of

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

the foetus and is independent of framesize. A tall thin cow and a short fat cow may have similar liveweight but be in quite different condition.

“Decisions around their management should be based on body condition score, not liveweight,” Thomson says.

Unlike measuring liveweight, BCS can be assessed in the paddock or as animals are moved through gateways.

As beef cows are often used as a pasture management tool, the quality and quantity of feed offered to this class of stock can be variable.

Beef cows are able to withstand periods of restricted feeding by mobilising body fat reserves, but need to have sufficient body condition before going into feed deficits.

The Beef Cow Body Condition Scoring book is available in hard-copy by emailing resources@beeflambnz.com or

you can download a copy from the Beef + Lamb New Zealand website at www. beeflambnz.com.

This book is a re-launch of an earlier publication and arose out of two projects Beef Cows 4 Profit and a Beef +Lamb New Zealand Farmer Initiated Technology and Transfer (FITT).

For more information on the value of BCS when managing beef cows, check out these Podcasts, recordings of conference calls hosted by B+LNZ: • Prof Steve Morris, The New Zealand Beef Cow: www.beeflambnz.podbean. com/e/professor-steve-morris-masseyuniversity-the-new-zealand-beef-cow • Bob Thomson, Beef Farming, The Secrets to Success: www.beeflambnz. podbean.com/e/bob-thomson-beeffarming-the-secrets-to-success

Supplied by Beef + Lamb New Zealand

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Product name

Application method

Application rate

Active ingredient

Withholding period

Pests covered

Optamectin

Pour-on drench

1ml/20kg bodyweight

Abamectin

Milk: Nil Meat: 35 days

Gastrointestinal roundworm, lungworm and lice.

Not recommended under 16 weeks of age and under 100kg bodyweight.

Edge Combination Injection for Cattle and Sheep

Injection

1ml/20kg subcutaneous

Doramectin, Levamisole

Milk: 21 days Meat: 21 days

Lungworm, lice gastrointestinal roundworm including small brown stomach worm, black scour worm, and hook worm.

Edge is also effective against all internal production limiting worms and Cooperia spp. that are resistant to members of the avermectin/milbemycin family of anthelmintics.

EON

Pour-on

1ml/10kg

Eprinomectin

Meat: Nil Milk: Nil

For the treatment and control of internal parasites, lungworm and sucking lice.

Nil milk, meat and bobby calf withholding period. Suitable for beef and dairy cattle.

OUTLAW

Pour-on

1ml/20kg

Abamectin, Levamisole

Meat: 42 days Milk: 42 days

Roundworm, lungworm, lice. For the treatment and control of: internal parasites, including endectocide resistant strains, lungworm and sucking lice in cattle.

Highly effective in the treatment and control of mature and immature strains of Cooperia spp resistant to the endectocides (including eprinomectin and doramectin).

COOPERS Alliance

Oral

1ml/10kg

Abamectin, Levamisole, Oxfendazole, Cobalt and Selenium

Meat: 10 days Milk: 35 days

Internal parasites.

COOPERS Converge

Oral

1ml/10kg

Abamectin Levamisole Cobalt and Selenium

Meat: 10 days Milk: 35 days

Internal parasites.

COOPERS Scanda

Oral

1ml/10kg

Levamisole Oxfendazole

Meat: 10 days Milk: 144 hours (12 milking’s)

Internal parasites.

Comes in plain and selenised.

Selenised also contains cobalt, zinc and selenium.

Fasinex 24

Oral

1ml/20kg (refer to label for dose/wt)

Triclabendazole

Meat: 28 days Milk: 35 days

For specific control of all stages of liver fluke.

Do not use within 28 days of calving.

Fasimec Pour-On for Cattle

Pour-on

1ml/10kg

Triclabendazole Abamectin

Meat: 91 days Milk: 91 days

For treatment and control of all stages of liver fluke. Treatment and control of sensitive strains of roundworm parasite. Also effective against biting and sucking lice.

Paramectin Pour-on

Pour-on

1ml/20kg

Abamectin

Milk Nil Meat 35 days

Gastrointestinal Round worms. Lung worms, sucking and biting lice.

Highly effective broad spectrum efficacy for internal and external parasites.

Paramectin Injection

Injectable

1ml/50kg

Abamectin

Milk 49 days Meat 49 days

Gastrointestinal Round worms. Lung worms, sucking and biting lice.

Highly effective broad spectrum efficacy for internal and external parasites.

ARREST C

Oral drench

1ml/10kg

Albendazole, Levamisole

Meat: 14 days Milk: 35 days

Gastrointestinal parasites, lungworm, adult liver fluke. Ideal for use in calves.

ECLIPSE E

Injectable

1ml/35kg

Eprinomectin Levamisole

Meat: 21 days Milk: 35 days

Gastrointestinal parasites, (including inhibited L4) lungworm.

Dual combination ideal for cattle under 18 months of age and for quarantine treatment.

Keep refrigerated to ensure highest level of efficacy.

No other injection is more effective against parasite resistance.

ECLIPSE

Pour-on

1ml/20kg

Abamectin, Levamisole

Meat: 35 days Milk: 35 days

Gastrointestinal parasites, (including inhibited L4) lungworm, lice.

Dual combination ideal for cattle under 18 months and as a quarantine drench.

Rainfast within 2 hours of application.

Merial

Jurox

Elanco

MSD

BAYER

AGPRO

CATTLE DRENCH GUIDE

This guide has been compiled using companies’ information, websites and their staff’s comments.

Comments

ARE YOU PLAYING

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Under- and overdosing is an unnecessary worry for farmers in this day and age. Te Pari has designed a battery powered unit, the Revolution tepari.com Injection and Drench Gun that gives exact dosing based on the animals exact weight every time. No tiring hand squeezing, a click of the trigger and the remedy is delivered. The Revolution Injection and Drench Gun forms part of Te Pari Animal Management Systems that is engineered to make your work day shorter and safer. With Te Pari Country-Wide Beef May 2017 you’ll get more done in less time with trusted results.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Merial

EPRINEX

Pour-on

1ml/10kg

Eprinomectin

Meat: Nil Milk: Nil

Gastrointestinal parasites (including inhibited L4) lungworm, lice and mites.

Ideal for use in adult milking cattle. The only drench with a label claim for increased milk production due to extensive trial work

EXODUS

Pour-on

1ml/10kg

Moxidectin

Meat: Nil Milk: Nil

Gastrointestinal parasites, lungworm, lice, mites (including inhibited L4).

Gives superior persistent activity against lungworm - 42 days, Ostertagia - 35 days and Trichostrongylus - 28 days. Ideal for use in adult beef and dairy cattle.

GENESIS B12 Se

Injectable

1ml/50kg

Abamectin, B12, Selenium

Meat: 49 days Milk: 49 days

Gastrointestinal parasites (including inhibited L4) lungworm sucking lice.

Ideal for use in adult cattle where selenium and cobalt (Vit B12) are deficient.

Selenium and cobalt can be transferred in milk to a suckling calf.

GENESIS INJECTION

Injectable

1ml/50kg

Abamectin

Meat: 49 days Milk: 49 days

Gastrointestinal parasites (including inhibited L4) lungworm, sucking lice.

Persistency of activity for 28 days against ostertagia and 14 days against cooperia.

Ideal for use in adult cattle.

GENESIS

Pour-on

1ml/20kg

Abamectin

Meat: 35 days Milk: NIL

Gastrointestinal parasites (including inhibited L4) lungworm, sucking lice.

Persistency of activity for 14 days against ostertagia. Ideal use for adult cattle.

GENESIS ULTRA

Pour-on

1ml/10kg

Abamectin, Triclabendazole

Meat: 91 days Milk: 91 days

Gastrointestinal parasites, immature and mature liver fluke, lungworm. Ideal for use in adult cattle in the autumn when immature liver fluke are present in the liver.

IVER MATRIX CALF

Oral drench

1ml/10kg

Ivermectin, Oxfendazole, Levamisole, Cobalt and Selenium.

Meat: 14 days Milk: 35 days

Gastrointestinal parasites (including inhibited L4) lungworm.

Specifically formualted for safe use in young calves. Triple active drench gives you the best chance of preventing resistance when used with advice from your vet.

IVOMEC INJECTION

Injectable

1ml/50kg

Ivermectin

Meat: 35 days Milk: 35 days

Gastrointestinal parasites (including L4), lungworm, sucking lice, mites.

Persistency of activity for 14 days against ostertagia, 7 days against cooperia and 21 days against lungworm. For use in adult beef and dairy cattle.

IVOMEC PLUS

Injectable

1ml/50kg

Clorsulon, Ivermectin

Meat: 28 days Milk: 14 days

Gastrointestinal parasites (including iinhibited L4), adult liver fluke, lungworm, sucking lice, mites.

Ideal for use in adult beef cattle in the winter when adult liver fluke are likely to be present. Shortest withholding period of any flukicide. If using in dairy cattle, bobby calf withhold 28 days.

MATRIX C HI-MINERAL

Oral drench

1ml/20kg

Abamectin, Levamisole, Oxfendazole Cobalt and Selenium.

Meat: 14 days Milk: 35 days

Gastrointestinal parasites, (including inhibited L4), lungworm.

Ideal for use in cattle over 120kg and for use as a quarantine drench. Triple active drench gives you the best chance of preventing resistance when used with advice from your vet.

MATRIX MINI-DOSE

Oral drench

1ml/10kg

Abamectin, Levamisole, Oxfendazole, Cobalt and Selenium.

Meat: 14 days Milk: 35 days

Gastrointestinal parasites (including inhibited L4), lungworm.

Formulated for a smaller dose rate to make dosing more accurate. Ideal for use in cattle over 120kg and for use as a quarantine drench.

Triple active drench gives you the best chance of preventing resistance when used with advice from your vet.

OXFEN C HI-MINERAL

Oral drench

1ml/20kg

Oxfendazole, Selenium, Copper

Meat: 10 days Milk: 5 days

Gastrointestinal parasites (including inhibited L4), lungworm.

Single active drench.

Use under advice from a veterinarian

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OXFEN C PLUS

Oral drench

1ml/20kg

Levamisole, Oxfendazole, Selenium

Meat: 10 days Milk: 35 days

Gastrointestinal parasites (including inhibited L4), lungworm.

Dual active drench ideal for use in calves.

SWITCH C HI-MINERAL

Oral drench

1ml/20kg

Abamectin, Levamisole, Selenium, Cobalt, Copper

Meat: 14 days Milk: 35 days

Gastrointestinal parasites (including inhibited L4), lungworm.

Dual active drench ideal for use in calves over 120kg.

SWITCH FLUKE 10

Oral drench

1ml/10kg

Abamectin, Oxfendazole, Triclabendazole

Meat: 49 days Milk: 35 days

Gastrointestinal parasites (including inhibited L4), lungworm, all three stages of liver fluke, including early immature.

The only dual active drench with flukicide. Ideal for use in calves over 120kg with exposure to liver fluke. Ideal quarantine drench for all animals. Small dose rate for more accurate drenching.

Noromectin Injection

Subcutaneous injection

200 µg/kg (1ml / 50kg)

Ivermectin

Milk: 35 days Meat: 49 days

Gastrointestinal roundworm, lungworm. Aids in control of damilinia bovis lice and chorioptes bovis mites.

Where intramuscular injection may have occurred meat withhold 91 days.

Noromectin Plus Injection

Subcutaneous injection

200 µg/kg Ivermectin. 2mg/ kg clorsulon.

(1ml / 50kg)

Overmectin and Clorsulon

Milk: 14days Meat: 28 days

Gastrointestinal roundworm, lungworm, lice, mites and liver fluke.

Divide doses greater than 10ml between two injection sites.

Where intramuscular injection may have occurred, animals producing meat or offal for human consumption must not be sold for slaughter during or within 91 days of treatment.

Noromectin Pour-On

Pour-on

500 µg/kg (1ml / 10kg)

Ivermectinl

Milk: 11 milkings (144 hours) Meat: 21 days

Gastrointestinal roundworm, lungworm and mites.

Moximax Pour On Rainfast

Pour-on

1ml per 10kg

liveweight Moxidectin

Meat: Nil Milk: Nil

Effective against all moxidectin susceptible roundworms, lungworm and lice

Provides persistent activity against the following parasites: Ostertagia - 35 dyas, lungworm - 42 days, Trichostrongylus 28 days Can be used in calves <100kg liveweight

Abamectin Pour-On

Pour-on

1ml /20kg liveweight

Abamectin

Meat: 35 days Milk: Nil

Gastro-intestinal roundworms: Effective against all abamectinsusceptible roundworms and lungworm. Effective against external parasites (biting and sucking lice).

Do not use on calves under 100kg and/or four months of age.

Abamectin Injection

Injection to be given into the anterior half of the neck

Cattle: 1ml per 50kg liveweight

Abamectin

Meat: 49 days Milk: 49 days

Effective against all abamectin-susceptible roundworm and lungworm.

Effective against sucking lice.

Do not treat calves under 16 weeks of age.

Noramectin Plus Injection

Subcutaneous injection

1ml per 50kg liveweight

Ivermectin Clorsulon

Meat: 28 days Milk: 14 days

Effective against all susceptible roundworms and lungworm.

Effective against external parasites (biting, sucking lice and mites) and liver fluke (adults).

Divide doses greater than 10ml between two injection sites.

Where intramuscular injection may have occurred, animals producing meat or offal for human consumption must not be sold for slaughter during or within 91 days of treatment.

Combo Low Dose

Oral

1ml per 10kg liveweight

Oxfendazole Levamisole

Meat:10 days Milk: 35 days

Effective against all susceptible roundworms (including inhibited Ostertagia larvae), lungworm and adult liver fluke

Ideal for the treatment of Cooperia in young cattle.

Mectin Pour-On ACVM noA10046

Pour-on

1ml/20kg

Abamectin

Meat: 35 days Milk: Nil

For the treatment and control of sensitive internal and external parasites.

Rainfast.

Combination Pour-On ACVM noA10326

Pour-on

1ml/10kg

Oxfendazole Levamisole

Meat: 35 days Milk: 35 days

For the control of susceptible roundworms and lungworms in cattle.

Ideal for young cattle where Cooperia is present.

Combination Cattle Drench ACVM noA9904

Oral

1ml/10kg

Albendazole Levamisole

Meat: 10 days Milk 35 days

For the control of susceptible round and lungworms in cattle.

Cost-effective treatment.

Vetmed Abamectin Pour-On

Pour-on

1ml/20kg

Abamectin

Meat: 35 days Milk: Nil

Internal-external parasites.

Combined use with Vetmed Levamisole Pour-on.

Vetmed Levamisole Pour-On

Pour-on

1ml/20kg

Levamisole

Meat:10 days Milk: 24 hours

Internal parasites.

Combined use with Vetmed Abamectin Pour-on.

Vetmed Flumethrin

Pour-on

1ml/10kg

Flumethrin

Meat: Nil, Milk: Nil

Tick control.

Cattle-deer.

Vetmed Epimax

Pour-on

1ml/10kg

Eprinomectin

Meat: Nil, Milk: Nil Bobby: Nil

Internal-external parasites.

Cattle-deer product.

Vetmed Combomax Oral

Oral

1ml/10kg

Oxfendazole/ Levamisole

Meat: 10 days Milk: 144 hours

Internal parasites.

Sheep-cattle product

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Vetmed Virbac

Pour-on

1ml/10kg

Abamectin/ Levamisole

Meat: 35 days Milk: 35 days

Internal-external parasites.

No scurfing

Vetmed Bimax Oral

Oral

1ml/10kg

Abamectin Levamisole

Meat: 21 days Milk: 35 days

Internal parasites

Sheep-cattle – Patented single phase technology

Vetmed Triplemax

Oral

1ml/10kg

Abamectin, Oxfendazole Levamisole

Meat: 21 days Milk: 35 days

Internal parasites

Sheep-cattle – Patented single phase technology.

Vetmed Moxidectin

Pour-on

1ml/10kg

Moxidectin

Meat: Nil Milk: Nil

Internal-external parasites.

Vetmed Doramectin

Pour-on

1ml/10kg

Doramectin

Meat: 35 days, Milk: Nil

Internal parasites.

Neoprinil Pour-On

Pour-on

1ml/10kg l.w.

Eprinomectin

Milk: Nil Meat: Nil

Internal and external parasites of beef and dairy cattle (including lactating cows). Rainfast. Persistent activity against several nematode species.

Flumenil Pour-On

Pour-on

See label for correct weight dosage

Flumethrin

Milk: Nil Meat: Nil

Ticks at every stage of the lifecycle – larvae, nymph and adult.

(Flumenil) Rainfast.1ml/10kg but over 400kg - 50ml only.

Topline

Pour-on

1ml/20kg b.w.

Abamectin

Milk: Nil Meat: 35 days

Abamectin sensitive internal and external parasites of beef and dairy cattle.

Persistent activity against biting and sucking lice for 56 days.

Rainfast.

FlukeCare + Se

Oral

1ml/10kg b.w.

Triclabendazole, oxfendazole, and sodium selenate

Milk: 35 days Meat: 28 days

Benzimidazole sensitive mature and immature roundworm, lungworm, and all stages of liver fluke.

Use the most effective double combination broad spectrum drench for treating liver fluke.

Including early immature stages.

Combat Nitromec Injection

Injection

1.5ml/50kg l.w.

Nitroxynil, Clorsulon and Ivermectin

Meat: 56 days

Nitroxynil, Ivermectin, and Clorsulon sensitive strains and Triclabendazole resistant strains of internal and external parasites of cattle, and all stages of liver fluke.

Do not use on lactating cows or pregnant cattle that might in future produce milk for human consumption. Ideal treatment for beef cattle.

Cydectin Injection

Injection

1ml/50kg

Moxidectin

Meat: 35 days Milk: 35 days

Gastrointestinal parasites, lungworm, sucking lice, biting lice and mites.

Persistent activity for 28 days aginst Ostertagia and Lungworm, for better worm control

Cydectin PlusFluke Pour-On

Pour-on

1ml/10kg

Moxidectin.

Triclabend-azole

Meat: 84 days Milk: 84 days

Liver fluke, internal and external parasites.

Longest persistent activity of all fluke pour ons, with cover against Ostertagia for 35 days, lungworm for 42 and Trichostrongylus for 28 days.

Kills adult and immature liver fluke. Increases weight gains ingrowing beef cattle and dairy cattle exposed to parasites.

Cydectin Pour-On

Pour-on

1ml/10kg

Moxidectin

Meat: Nil Milk: Nil

Gastrointestinal roundworm, lungworm, lice and mange mites.

Superior round worm protection with the longest persistent activity available, with 35 days against Ostertagia, 28 days against Trichostrongylus and 42 days against lungworm.

Trials in NZ and overseas have repeatedly demonstrated increased milk production and weight gains in grazing cattle

Dectomax Injectable

Injection

1ml/50kg

Doramectin

Meat: 35 days Milk: 35 days

Roundworm, lungworm, sucking and biting lice and mites.

NZs leading Injectable drench. broad spectrum long acting worm control. non sting low volume formulation

Dectomax Pour-On Endectocide

Pour-on

1ml/10kg

Doramectin

Meat:35 days Milk: Nil

Concur Cattle

Oral

1ml/20kg

Oxfendazole, levamisole, hydrochloride plus other minerals

Meat: 10 days Milk: 12, milkings (approx.

144 hours)

Roundworm, lungworm and tapeworm.

An ideal product for the treatment of gastrointestinal worms in young stock, particularly Cooperia.

ProAbamec Pour-On

Pour-on

1ml/20kg

Abamectin

Meat: 35 days Milk: Nil

Roundworm, lungworm, biting and sucking lice.

Comes ready to use in a 1l and 5l backpack, as well as 20l farm pack.

Saturn Pour-On

Pour-on

1ml/20kg

Levamisole Abamectin

Meat: 42 days Milk: 42 days

Roundworm, lungworm, lice. For the treatment and control of: internal parasites, including endectocide resistant strains, lungworm and sucking lice in cattle.

Convenient low volume pour-on double active combination delivering full abamectin and levamisole doses. Ideal for young cattle and dairy cows after dry-off.

Baymec Injection

Injectable

1ml/50kg

Abamectin

Meat: 49 days Milk: 49 days

Roundworm, lungworm and lice.

A non-sting macrocylic lactone injectable drench with persistant activity against Cooperia and Ostertagia in cattle.

Iplus Injection

Injectable

1ml/50kg

Ivermectin Clorsulon

Meat: 28 days Milk: 14 days

Roundworm, lungworm, liver fluke, lice and mites.

A combination (ml/sulphonamide) with broad spectrum actionand persistant activity against a range of parasites.

Donaghys

Zoetis

Vetmed Dualmax

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

Broad spectrum and long acting worm control-activity against Ostertagia, lungworm and Trichostrongylus for 28 days.

Also controls both biting and sucking lice

147

SOLUTIONS | MINIATURE HEREFORDS

Small cattle for smaller properties

J

anet Poole’s Northland Stud, which breeds both horned and polled miniature Hereford cattle, started with four females in 2009 and now numbers in the 60s.

“These are small cattle which evolved from the efforts of the Largent family in Texas, who had become concerned at the growing size of standard Herefords owing to the introduction of larger genetics,” Janet says.

The animals are about half to twothirds the size of standard modern Hereford cattle.

“They are not a separate breed, just another variety of Hereford and can trace their pedigree back to the same American ancestors,” she says.

Miniature Herefords are a hardy animal which can be found in a wide range of climatic conditions around the world.

They have the good temperament of the bigger Herefords but cause less damage to pasture and facilities which is why many of them are found on lifestyle blocks. Children can easily handle the calves to use for calf clubs and shows.

“These are a beef animal, very like

Miniature Herefords present a small but solid meat package ideal for the family freezer.

the Herefords of the early 20th century, which had less bone in the neck and leg. They present a small but solid meat package ideal for the family freezer.

“As the whole cuts of meat from their carcases do not have to be reduced in size for a plate they have the potential to

Instant access to livestock tradeties Farmers’ increased use of smartphones and other digital technology has opened the door to a range of new skills and opportunities.

Once just the domain of stock agents, farmers now have the ability to buy

148

and sell livestock right from their smartphone. They also have access to saleyard reports and relevant information to take the gamble out of decisionmaking The website and now the phone app

be sought after by restaurants which are looking to minimise preparation costs,” Janet says.

More? Contect New Zealand Miniature Hereford Breeders’ Group at www. herefords.co.nz/miniature-herefords-club.html.

MyLiveStock.co.nz has developed into a transactional platform providing farmers with direct access to trade livestock with the support of an experienced NZ Farmers Livestock stock specialist.

NZ Farmers Livestock is 100% New Zealand-owned and operated, has a long-standing and established history in the livestock market, having operated in the rural services sector for more than 90 years.

NZ Farmers Livestock has branches or agents nationwide and brings extensive experience gained through trusted and long-established relationships with the rural community.

NZ Farmers Livestock’s strengths lie in all facets of livestock and has the ability to get you the best value for your stock whether that be via the website, paddock sales or through their sale-yard network.

It’s simple to download.

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Simply visit your appropriate app store on iOS or Android, have your app password ready and download to your device.

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Recycler turns used silage wrap into ‘plywood’ A new Auckland processing plant is turning waste silage wrap into UV-resistant plastic plywood.

Last year plastics recycler Astron Plastics installed equipment that shreds, dry cleans and pelletises used silage wrap. Astron then uses the pellets to make Tuffboard, a plywood replacement product that has a variety of uses on farms.

New Zealand’s nation-wideon farm recycling scheme, Plasback, provides the silage wrap that Astron reprocesses. Plasback then completes the loop by marketing the Tuffboard Astron produces from it.

Astron Plastics business manager Steve Mead says the cost of installing the dry cleaning machinery needed to recycle silage wrap was about $1 million and it would not have been possible without a significant grant from the Ministry for the Environment’s Waste Minimisation Fund.

Plasback worked closely with Astron to secure the grant from the ministry and Mead says Plasback’s support was a catalyst for the project.

Plasback manager Chris Hartshorne says he is very pleased with the new processing plant, which means

more of the waste plastic generated on NZ farms is processed here rather than sent overseas.

“At this point we plan to supply all of the silage wrap that Astron will process with its new equipment from our Northland collection scheme. The volumes Used silage wrap on the conveyor into the dry cleaner. we are collecting from Northland have jumped in the past two years, and farmers in the region are to be applauded for their efforts to be more responsible for their waste.”

More? or to book onfarm collection visit www.plasback.co.nz

cultivator legs so they could build their own machine to suit their unique requirements.

“We took that idea one step further and designed an ultra-strong and easy-to-assemble kitset for farmers who want to build a cultivator,” Oliver says.

“AgriKit machines give you the satisfaction of building your own machine and they are great value for money.”

More? Visist http://www.agrikit.co.nz/ or call Oliver Wycherley on 0800 003 132.

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Kitset tillage tools Palmerston North parts company Wearparts has tapped into Kiwis’ do-it-yourself instincts by developing a range of kitset cultivators and Cambridge rollers that farmers and contractors can build in their own workshops.

The Wearparts AgriKit range includes heavy-duty Agitator cultivators and Consolidator Cambridge rollers in working widths from three metres to 6m.

They deliver effective ground preparation as well as great value for money.

Wearparts imports and distributes a range of wear parts for tillage implements, mowers, rakes and other machines. Sales manager Oliver Wycherley says the company first came up with the design for a custommade cultivator after customers began asking for

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149

SOLUTIONS | SOUTH ISLAND AGRICULTURAL FIELD DAYS

Gadgets galore The South Island Agricultural Field Days at Kirwee featured everything from aeroplanes to Y-posts and zinc supplements. Andrew Swallow relays what caught his eye among the 600 or so stands.

It’s not often you walk into an agricultural event and the first thing you see is an aeroplane, but that’s what greeted many visitors to the South Island Agricultural Field Days (SIAFD) in March.

And it wasn’t a topdresser or contractor’s helicopter either, but an eye-catching microlight, the Pioneer 200 Hawk, made by Italy’s Alpi Aviation and imported by New Zealand agent Logan Maclean.

“It costs about $32/hour to run,” Kevin Doore, who was manning the stand with Maclean, said. “I can do Rangiora to Blenheim for under $40 and I get there in an hour and 10 minutes.”

The sleek two-seater is powered by a 100hp Rotax four-stroke engine burning

Philip Seale demonstrates the Savannah S, one of at least two stands pitching microlights to farmers at the South Island Agricultural Field Days.

about 18.5 lires an hour of 95 octane petrol at its cruise speed of 210kmh.

Despite that performance the stall speed is under 45knots, hence it can be flown as a microlight. There are about 50 in NZ already, with several on farms, he added. Just a few stands along from the Alpi was another two-seater microlight, the Savannah S, a slower but considerably cheaper plane, coming in at $46,000 for a kitset.

“You can’t buy a 50-year-old general aviation plane for that sort of money and you’re getting a brand new plane with this,” importer Philip Seale of Westwind Aviation said.

More than 300 are flying in Australia and over 3000 worldwide but lack of a

dedicated importer in NZ until last year means only 12 are airborne here, Seale said. Also powered by a 100hp Rotax, cruising speed is 179kmh with a stall speed of just 49kmh with flaps, giving take-off in just 55 metres and landing 70m.

“If you put fat tyres on you can land in long grass or lucerne,” Seale said, who suggested the second seat could be replaced with a work bucket to carry tools and materials. With an empty weight of 286kg and maximum take-off weight of 560kg, a reasonable payload could be carried beside the pilot.

As for how hard it was to build, he said if you’d made Meccano as a child, you could assemble the Savannah.

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150

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

On the forage front, many firms at SIAFD were promoting the latest grasses, legumes and feed crops. SeedForce’s Liam Donnelly said new generation cocksfoots, such as SF Greenly II, were attracting interest of beef finishers.

“It’s very soft and palatable and animals do very well on it. It’s definitely not as clumpy [as traditional cocksfoots] as long as you keep the nitrogen up and manage the grazing well.”

Like ryegrass, if grazing was lax, the cocksfoot could smother legumes. In dryland it’s being paired with lucerne or sub clover, while on heavier or irrigated soils red and white clovers are the legumes of choice. The fact straw from seed crops of Greenly is proving soughtafter as feed illustrates how much softer and more palatable the new types of cocksfoot are, he added.

For winter feeds, he said the popularity of fodder beet cultivar Brigadier shows no sign of waning.

“There are new fodder beet varieties coming through but they tend to be in the mid- to high drymatter range.”

Brigadier’s flexibility means it can be used by beef cattle, sheep or cows, and in the North Island it’s even starting to replace late summer turnips, he said.

SeedForce’s stand was one of a handful at the field days to feature livestock, in Seedforce’s case, a couple of Hereford heifers from the Fisher’s stud at Lincoln.

“They’re here because it’s about where our products fit into people’s systems.

We’re not just selling seed. We have to understand the end goal,” SeedForce’s marketing and extension manager James White said.

More cattle were to be found on a stand where four stud breeders had pooled their resources to be at the event and promote their coordinated approach to sales.

“Our sale’s on the 14th of June and the other three are on the 13th of June so over two days you’ve got three breeds of cattle and over 150 bulls offered,” Anna Fisher of Silverstream Herefords and Charolais said. “It’s your one stop bull buying shop.”

Fisher said whether the initiative to exhibit would pay off in sales was hard to tell because sometimes it was years before an initial contact made at a show resulted

The team effort of beef stud breeders (left to right) Robbie Burrows, Anna and Brent Fisher, Andrew Laing and (absent) Rob Stokes was rewarded with the Best Small Site award at the South Island Agricultural Field Days.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

in someone buying.

“Last year we had our first sale to a man whose wife had seen our cattle at the Lincoln Field Days two years previously.”

It was the first time at the event for the other studs on the stand: Sudely Angus, Richon Herefords and Beechwood Hereford. Their effort, as well as Fisher’s, was rewarded with the Best Small Site Award.

“They’ve done it all themselves and put in the hard yards,” South Island Agricultural Field Days event organiser Nicola Burgess said.

Having the three breeds of stock on the stand, a guess the animals’ weight competition to win a jar of lollies daily, and an overall welcoming atmosphere and informative displays was what landed the award, Burgess said.

“And of course they’ve got the bar in the corner.”

Strong demand for steel yards Sales of steel cattle yards are booming, exhibitors at the South Island Field Days in Canterbury said, driven by lease blocks, NAIT, and health and safety requirements. Coming in varying degrees of portability, the yards offer a solution at a comparable price to wooden posts and rails including labour costs, with the advantage they can be removed should the need arise, for example, when a lease is not renewed.

Systems are also more easily upgraded should needs change, or there’s a need to stage expenditure, manufacturers said.

“It comes down to the viability of steel over timber and the ease of management,” Stronghold sales manager Gavin Clothier said.

“Everybody is trying to upgrade facilities because of health and safety and that’s been great for us.”

Stronghold’s lightweight portable yards for 8-12 cattle start at $3000 including a short race but no headbail, while a heavier duty set-up suitable for about 15 head with race and head bail comes in at $9000.

“But we can do yards for a thousand, or two thousand cattle too. The sky’s the limit. We’ve just done one for 343 head that came in at about $42,000 plus GST.” That included a 12-metre race with

SeedForce’s stand at the South Island Agricultural Field Days featured a couple of cattle as a reminder forages have to fit into farm systems.

catwalk in a central safe work space (ie: cattle free), two-way drafting, multiple pens including a forcing pen, and a crush.

Clothier acknowledged concerns steel yards are noisier, but said operationally that didn’t matter.

“It doesn’t really affect the stock.”

Greg Dawber of Riverdown Steel, Rolleston, said they too were experiencing strong demand, particularly for dairy and beef run-off blocks.

“I’ve just sold a set to a beef farmer and it’s his third set because he farms three blocks of land.”

Riverdown Steel distributes UK-based IAE’s yards and feeders. Dawber said they would’t touch any steel out of India and China but Stronghold had no such reservations.

“Our yards are produced to New Zealand specifications in China. They’re a good product at good prices,” Clothier said.

Meanwhile, Prattley’s position is in between, using Chinese steel but manufacturing in Temuka, South Canterbury. South Island sales manager, Geoff Paterson, said the steel range is new and would complement its lighter, alloy cattle yards which it had been making for about 25 years.

“It’s another market for us to get into.

There’s certainly a demand for them,” he said.

While the alloy yards are designed to be portable, “you wouldn’t want to be moving the steel ones too often because they’re very heavy”.

Prattley’s steel and alloy yards are sold through stock firms as a range of off-theshelf solutions.

“We’re not getting into the on-farm design process,” Paterson said.

Te Pari and FarmQuip are in that market. FarmQuip’s Brenden Watts said compliance with NAIT and health and safety requirements is driving demand for its Napier-made steel yards.

“It’s also the ease and cost of putting them up. They’re so much quicker [than timber] and they’re an asset you can sell or move if you want to.”

Strength is another driver.

“If a 700kg bull lands on a timber rail chances are he’s going to break it.

You’re not going to get the same damage with steel.”

151

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152

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

PROGRAMME

Tru-Test Beef Expo National Sale 2017 B+LNZ Future Beef Hoof and Hook Competition Friday 12th May 2.00pm – 5.30pm Electrical Tag and Test Station on site 3.00pm Steers Arrive 6.00pm Registration Closes/Welcome Intermediate and Senior Ambassadors - Interviews Saturday 13th May 6.00am Gates open 8.00am FBNZ Event Briefing 8.15am FBNZ Team Building 9:00am FBNZ Senior Seminar 9:00am-12.30pm FBNZ Junior & Intermediate Modules 12.30pm-1.30pm Lunch 1.30pm FBNZ Steer Judging 5.00pm Clear Stadium 6.00pm-8.30pm Beef Bash Sunday 14th May 6.00am Gates open 8.00am-11.30am FBNZ Modules 11.30am-12.15pm Lunch 12.15pm-3.30pm FBNZ Handling 3.30pm-4.30pm FBNZ Heifer Show – Show ring 4.30pm-5.30pm FBNZ Auction and Prize Giving – Show ring Tuesday 16th May 12.15pm B+LNZ Future Beef Hoof and Hook Competition Prize Giving – Sale ring

LIVE STREAMING Live Streaming of the B+LNZ Genetics Forum and Allflex NZ Heifer Show & Sale, PBBnz Champion of Champions and Beef Expo Sales can be viewed on www.beefexpo.co.nz Bull Walk www.bullwalk.co.nz Bulls can be viewed at Manfeild Stadium prior to start of judging on Monday 15th May at 1.00pm and at lunch on Tuesday 16th May prior to Tru-Test Beef Expo - Day Two Sale at 1.00pm.

For further information and catalogues contact STEPHANIE DENCH - Tru-Test Beef Expo Event Coordinator P: 027 5480 407 or visit: www.beefexpo.co.nz

NOTE: Sale start time is confirmed at 3.30pm on Monday 15th May and

1.00pm on Tuesday 16th May. All other sale times stated are approximate and to be used as a guide. Sales will run consecutively with a short break to allow for breed transitions.

2017 TRU-TEST Beef Expo Sunday 14th May 1.00pm-5.00pm B+LNZ Genetics Beef Forum – Manfeild Stadium Suites, Feilding Monday 15th May 8.00am-3.00pm Electrical Tag and Test Station onsite 9.00am-1.00pm Charolais Paddock viewing – 248 Awahuri Road, Feilding 9.00am-12.00pm Angus Paddock judging and viewing – 641 Milson Line, Palmerston North 9.00am-11.30am Shorthorn, led Charolais, Simmental, South Devon & unled Gelbvieh viewing Manfeild Stadium, Feilding 9.00am- 11.30am Limousin paddock viewing – 106 Taipo Road, Awahuri 9.30am-11.30am Hereford Paddock viewing – Barelands, 2183 Kimbolton Road, Kiwitea 12.00pm Hereford Association & Hereford Prime Luncheon + Hereford Prime Auction Barelands, 2183 Kimbolton Road, Kiwitea 12.00pm-5.00pm Trade Site Exhibition, Manfeild Stadium, Feilding 1.00pm Led Breed Judging, Show ring, Manfeild Stadium, Feilding Shorthorn Simmental Charolais South Devon Gelbvieh Hereford NZ Hereford Association presentation of Silverware 3.30pm Tru-Test Beef Expo - Day One Sale, Sale ring, Manfeild Stadium, Feilding Shorthorn Sale Hereford Sale 6.00pm Beef Breed Banquet bar opens – Manfeild Stadium Suites, Feilding 6.30pm Beef Breed Banquet – seated Tuesday 16th May 7.00am-9.00am B+LNZ Genetics Breakfast and Forum, Manfeild Stadium Suites, Feilding 9.00am-5.00pm Trade Site Exhibition, Manfeild Stadium, Feilding 9.15am-10.00am Allflex NZ Heifer Performance & Visual Class – Show ring, Manfeild Stadium, Feilding Allflex NZ Heifer Championship – Show ring 10.00am PBBnz Champion of Champions bulls penned – no public access to cattle race Sale Ring, Manfeild Stadium, Feilding 10.15am PBBnz Champion of Champions judging starts 10.30am PBBnz Champion of Champions bulls paraded - Sale ring 10.45am-11.15am PBBnz Champion of Champions Presentation – Sale ring 11.15am-12.15pm Allflex NZ Champion Heifer Sale - Sale ring 12.15pm B+LNZ Future Beef Hoof and Hook Competition Prize Giving – Sale ring 12.30pm-1.00pm Lunch Break 1.00pm Tru -Test Beef Expo - Day Two Sale, Sale ring, Manfeild Stadium, Feilding Charolais Sale Gelbvieh Sale Limousin Sale South Devon Sale Simmental Sale 3.00pm Angus Sale 6.30pm Angus Beef Expo Awards Dinner, Aberdeen on Broadway, Palmerston North (pre-purchase tickets only) Simmental Breed Dinner, Amayjen Restaurant, Fergusson St, Feilding (pre-purchased tickets only)

Live Streaming at: www.beefexpo.co.nz

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

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BEEF EXPO | PREVIEW

Charlotte Berrett of Feilding with Kerrah Daisy, a Simmental heifer from Tangiwai Station, Wairoa.

Best of beef on show Anne Hughes The best of New Zealand’s beef industry will be on show, and up for sale, at the 2017 True-Test Beef Expo.

Five days of competition, networking and sales start with the Future Beef hoof and hook competition on May 12.

Future leaders of our beef industry will spend three days developing their skills in module learning sessions and demonstrating their skills in areas including handling and judging competitions.

Genetics will take centre stage for Beef Expo at Manfeild Stadium, Feilding, on May 15 and 16.

Beef Expo chairman Simon Collin says about 100 bulls are entered for show and sale.

With the return of Limousin, eight breeds will be represented at this year’s bull shows and sales.

It has been many years since Limousin featured at Beef Expo and Limousin New Zealand president Gary Kennett says it is great to have the breed return to the event.

“Beef Expo is about beef and you do need these true beef breeds involved because they’re the true terminal sires,” Kennett says.

Erik and Lyn van der Velden of Mangatara Limousin, Dannevirke, have entered three Limousin bulls, one Limflex (Limousin-Angus cross) bull and two Limousin heifers.

154

Led bull judging starts at 1pm on Monday, May 15, followed by the Shorthorn and Hereford national bull sales.

The remaining bull sales are on Tuesday, May 16, after the Allflex New Zealand champion heifer show and sale, and the announcement of the best bull for 2017.

Last year’s champion of champions bull was Burtergill Horace – a South Devon bull entered by Richard van Asch.

Collin says Beef Expo is a great opportunity for commercial farmers to purchase some high-quality genetics, see what different breeders are achieving and to get a feel for how the bull-selling season will go.

Richard Van Asch with South Devon bull Burtergill Horace, 2016 Champion of Champions.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

For stud breeders, Beef Expo is a great opportunity to gain national exposure and demonstrate the type of cattle they are breeding.

Canterbury Charolais breeder Brent Fisher is judging the champion heifer show, which has 16 rising one-year-old heifers entered this year.

Collin says heifers are judged 75% on performance recording figures and 25% on their visual appearance, or phenotype.

“It’s a great class to pick up some goodquality heifers.”

Last year’s heifer champion was Kerrah Design, a Simmental entered by the Knauf family.

Beef Expo is a great opportunity for commercial farmers to purchase some high-quality genetics, see what different breeders are achieving and to get a feel for how the bull-selling season will go.

Events will again be livestreamed this year, so anyone who cannot get to Feilding can still view the shows, sales and the Beef +Lamb New Zealand (B+LNZ) Genetics forum.

Collin says the livestreaming was popular last year, with hits from as far away as Australia and the United States.

“The whole Beef Expo is about showcasing and it is the one time our whole industry gets together during the

Supreme champion Simmental bull Ruaview Pinetree AC6 led by Georgia Davis of Feilding with breeder John Hammond of Ruaview Simmental, Ohakune.

year. It gets people together to talk about industry topics as well – it’s certainly a good couple of days.”

Collin, a Charolais breeder near Dannevirke, is feeling positive in the lead up to bull-selling season.

“The value of beef cows and the role they play is being more greatly appreciated and with good weaner prices the return from them is getting greater.

“People are now seeing the value in breeding cows.”

The B+LNZ Genetics breakfast and forum on the Tuesday morning will provide breeders and commercial farmers with an update on the organisation’s vision for beef genetics.

Attendees will then be introduced to

the Trans-Tasman Beef Cow Profitability Programme – a three-year initiative worth $5.2 million and co-funded by Meat and Livestock Australia.

CRV Ambreed Managing Director Angus Haslett will discuss opportunities in the dairy industry, before Australian stud breeders Tom Gubbins and Ian Locke discuss different aspects of bull breeding.

Numbers are limited and preregistration is required.

This year’s B+LNZ AgInnovation Conference is in Palmerston North on May 3.

Winners of the 2017 Steak of Origin competition will be announced at an awards dinner in Auckland on July 20.

Junior future beef competitors in the ring.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

155

2017 Tru-Test Beef Expo Sale Entries Monday 15th May 2017 – 3.30pm

Lot

Shorthorn Lot

Animal Name

1

BROWNS OOKTALI 15001

2

LONG VIEW CONQUEST 15032

3

CORSOCK GOLD 15596

4

BROWNS OOKTALI KINDIG

5

LONG VIEW CONQUEST 15028

6

CORSOCK GOLD 15583

Hereford Animal Name

Vendor

30

WITHDRAWN

31

WITHDRAWN

BROWNS SHORTHORNS

32

TE TAUMATA GUNNER 15842

S & D DROMGOOL

33

FOULDEN HILL FALCON 15 336

W GIBSON

A & V PARK

34

WILLOWSPRING ATTORNEY 549

MR G J PETERS

BROWNS SHORTHORNS

35

OKAHU X FACTOR

S & D DROMGOOL

36

OTAPAWA ADMIRAL 5001

M & D ROBBIE & FAMILY

A & V PARK

37

TE TAUMATA GRENADE 15809

McWILLIAM STUD STOCK

38

MATAPOURI CYNDIA 15 22

CLEMENTS FARMS LTD

39

PANORAMA LYDIA 1512

PANORAMA STUD LTD

40

MATAPOURI LASS 15 73

CLEMENTS FARMS LTD

41

PANORAMA DIANA 1510

PANORAMA STUD LTD

Vendor

Hereford

OKAHU TRUST

Lot

Animal Name

7

MERRYLEA FLASH

MR E D McKERCHAR

42

MATAPOURI FERN 15 137

CLEMENTS FARMS LTD

8

GRASSMERE GALLANT 152

HAWKRIDGE RUN LTD

43

MATAPOURI FERN 15 147

CLEMENTS FARMS LTD

9

MERRYLEA FALCON

MR E D McKERCHAR

44

PICK OF THE DROP

10

EARNSCLEUGH KING 155713

MR A K CAMPBELL

11

GEMBROOKE MCCAW 150123

J & T DOROTICH

12

GLENBRAE LEROY 1546

MR J M TAYLOR

13

STRATHMOOR CHIEF 556

A C MASTERS & SONS LTD

14

MATATOKI OKLAHOMA 1529

15

ORARI GORGE POLARIS 150063

16

KAIRURU MAJOR 150555

17

MATAPOURI RANGATIRA 15 104

18 19 20

GRASSMERE GALLANT 131

21

WAIOHINE EIFFEL TOWER 1502

22

MONYMUSK KNIGHT 150047

23

BEECHWOOD FULL POWER

RJ & MA BURROWS TRUST

24

HUKAROA NIKAU 15 142

25

KAIRURU MCCORMICK 150564

26

MONYMUSK KELPIE 150116

MONYMUSK FARMS LTD

55

GOLD CREEK NERINE E13

27

MATAPOURI RAYON 15 84

CLEMENTS FARMS LTD

56

ORIPAK ENDEAVOUR

28

HUKAROA NOVA 15 130

HANSENS FARMS LTD

57

GLENSIDE EBONY E605

29

GLENBRAE LARRY 1530

MR J M TAYLOR

58

GLEN ANTHONY EXCEED AE51

156

Vendor

McWILLIAM STUD STOCK

P W & F M E SCOTT ORARI GORGE STATION LTD

ORARI GORGE STATION LTD

Tuesday 16th May 2017 – 1.00pm

Allflex NZ Champion Heifer Lot

Animal Name

Vendor

MR K R & MRS J L McDONALD

45

GLEN ANTHONY ENCHANTING AE4

MR A H THOMPSON

CLEMENTS FARMS LTD

46

GLEN ANTHONY ELEGANT AE3

MR A H THOMPSON

MATARIKI 150480

DJH & RA MURRAY

47

MANGATARA 537M

AG FARMING LTD

OKAWA JIMMY 150223

OKAWA FARM LTD

48

MANGATARA 539M

AG FARMING LTD

HAWKRIDGE RUN LTD

49

KERRAH ELLE E207

KNAUF FAMILY

D WARBURTON

50

KENHARDT M998

C G CRAWSHAW

MONYMUSK FARMS LTD

51

GOLD CREEK UNY E9

TW SANSON

52

GLADSTONE JULIE E5

MAUNGARAKI CATTLE CO.

HANSENS FARMS LTD

53

BURTERGILL REGS JO 1626

MR K R & MRS J L McDONALD

54

BLUE MOUNTAIN PRINCESS R3

RA & DA VAN ASCH KANE FARMS TW SANSON R & C GIFFORD GLENSIDE SIMMENTALS MR A H THOMPSON

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

For a catalogue phone Beef Expo 06 323 4484 Allflex NZ Champion Heifer Lot

Animal Name

ANGUS Vendor

Lot

J & H HAMMOND

Animal Name

Vendor

59

RUAVIEW HARRIET AE33

82

HOLLOW TOP OUTLIER 1504

60

KERRAH ELLA E67

KNAUF FAMILY

83

SHIAN 15-641

BD & SJ SHERSON, RL &TT SHERSON

61

WESTHOLM AUDREY R 105

KANE FARMS

84

SHIAN 15-612

BD & SJ SHERSON, RL &TT SHERSON

85

KAURI RENNED 227

86

WHENUAPAPA MO L407 (ET)

87

WAITANGI L204

88

WAITERENUI OUTLIER L34

Charolais

D WARBURTON

D FOGARTY A STEWART J & J BAYLY Co LTD

Lot

Animal Name

Vendor

62

TIMOHO LEGACY L2

SFH & WF COLLIN

89

TE WHANGA 15-014

63

RAURIKI LUCIANO L23

SFH & WF COLLIN

90

BRACKENFIELD 448

64

NOUVELLE LANDMARK

MIKKELSEN PARTNERSHIP

91

MT MABLE 1530

KA & MJ FRIEL

65

NOUVELLE LINCOLN

MIKKELSEN PARTNERSHIP

92

ALPINE DIAMOND 817

S & J HERRIES

93

KENHARDT L573 (ET)

C G CRAWSHAW

94

WAITANGI L260

95

MERCHISTON FULLYLOADED 663

R ROWE

96

WHANGARA 15385

P LANE

Gelbvieh Lot

Animal Name

Vendor

WA & VP MacFARLANE R & R BORTHWICK AC PETER

J & J BAYLY Co LTD

66

GLADSTONE DINKEY D50

MAUNGARAKI CATTLE CO.

97

TE MANIA 15389

T & W WILDING

67

GLADSTONE DAVEY JONES

MAUNGARAKI CATTLE CO.

98

ATAHUA 157-15

AD & CJ DALZIELL

68

GLADSTONE DANNY BOY D38 (AI)

MAUNGARAKI CATTLE CO.

99

BENATRADE 15-16

AC PETERS

100 KOWAI TRUST 621

D & G STRINGER

101 NGAPUTAHI L40

A & F CAMERON

Limousin

102 WITHDRAWN

Lot

Animal Name

Vendor

69

MANGATARA 404L

AG FARMING LTD

104 ALPINE RAWHIDE 804

S & J HERRIES

70

MANGATARA 425L

AG FARMING LTD

105 RANGATIRA BANDIT 15109

C & S DOWDING

71

MANGATARA 424L

AG FARMING LTD

106 TURIHAUA L44 (ET)

WILLIAMS FAMILY

72

MANGATARA 335L

AG FARMING LTD

107 STORTH OAKS L8

T BRITTAIN

108 KAURI KMBOW234

D FOGARTY

109 KAURI TITLEST 239

D FOGARTY

South Devon

103 KAHARAU 424

P HOOGERBRUG & C WILLIAMS

110 BRACKENFIELD 435

AC PETER

Lot

Animal Name

Vendor

111 TURIROA 15941 (ET)

DW R & OA POWDRELL

73

KAIMOA JAVELIN 516

M EAGLE

112 STOKMAN EARNAN M238 (ET)

M & S STOKMAN

113 STOKMAN BROKEN BOW M207

M & S STOKMAN

Simmental Lot

Animal Name

Vendor

74

GLEN ANTHONY DENMARK AD02

MR A H THOMPSON

75

GLEN ANTHONY D-ARTA AD19

MR A H THOMPSON

76

HAMPTON DOWNS AD27

77

MAUNGARAKI DYNAMIC

McWILLIAM FAMILY

78

GLEN ANTHONY DELEGATE AD09

MR A H THOMPSON

79

HAMPTON DOWNS AD48

M & N ENTWISLE

80

GLEN ANTHONY DIEGO AD10

MR A H THOMPSON

81

RUAVIEW MAJOR AE12

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

M & N ENTWISLE

www.beefexpo.co.nz

J.D. & H.D. HAMMOND

157

New Zealand Breeder Directory STUD

NAME

TOWN

PHONE

PG

ANGUS NEW ZEALAND PO Box 503, 75 South Street, Feilding 4740, NZ. Phone: 06 323 4484 Email: manager@angusnz.com www.angusnz.com - see page 3 RJ Quinn N Egerton T Pita Focus Genetics MJ Toohill DB Graham BC Maxwell PJ Morresey CA Davie-Martin S & F Taylor DR & IL Lawson CH Biddles J & J Bayly

Kaikohe Auckland Warkworth Kerikeri Kaikohe Okaihau Kaeo Dargaville Waiotira Wellsford Wellsford Te Kopuru Paihia

09 401 1933 021 999 020 09 422 4946 06 839 5836 09 404 4948 09 401 9584 09 405 0357 09 439 0749 09 432 2106 09 423 7830 09 423 8108 09 439 1589 09 402 7552

AUCKLAND / WAIKATO / BAY OF PLENTY Benmorven Fern Heather Dell High Valley Hillcroft Hktk Kaiangapai Kauere Kauri Lake Farm Mahuta Matapara O’reilly Oakview Range View Rapahoe Resurgam

RD Field R & H Frischknecht GB & N Heather B Glover MA & FA Crawford EK Mitchell & T M Price WMG & CA Koberstein DA & EJ Saunders D Fogarty C Brown JV & ME Allen RN Matthews J & P O’Reilly AR & PA Hayward D & D Harnett B & J Muir SA Brosnahan Rotomahana (LC Waihora) Focus Genetics Solana RJ Short Stillwater JK Turner Stokman M & S Stokman Takapoto S Coldicutt Te Oranga

Rotorua Te Aroha Rotorua Pokeno Ohinewai Waimana Mangakino Hamilton Te Aroha Cambridge Drury Te Puke Auckland Cambridge Tauranga Te Puke Ohope Repora Te Puke Tauranga Rotorua Cambridge Papakura

07 333 1503 07 884 7968 07 357 2142 09 232 7842 07 828 5709 07 312 3315 07 882 8532 07 849 2686 07 884 5774 07 827 8292 09 294 7178 07 533 1108 09 627 6205 07 827 1847 07 543 3295 07 573 9617 07 312 4207 06 839 5836 07 533 6108 07 548 1401 07 333 2446 07 827 3808 09 292 2292

NAME

TOWN

PHONE

Twin Oaks Waitawheta

RB & SC Hayward AI & PA Sharpe

Ngaruawahia Waihi

07 828 2131 07 863 7954

J & K Jury Urenui S & DF Stockdale Te Awamutu PJ & AH Bishop Stratford D & T Sherson Taumarunui S Harvey Stratford A & V Park Ongarue N & M Scobie Stratford TD & RFR Jolly Te Awamutu BG Bevege Te Kuiti RR & JM Blackwell Inglewood AG & CS Donaldson Taumaranui A & S Cave Te Kuiti BD & SJ & RL & TT Sherson Taumaranui ID Borck Taumaranui T & K Brittain Otorohanga R & N Purdie Mahoenui RI & MR Martin Stratford CP & EO Lander Hawera AP & C Gane Stratford

06 752 3884 07 872 6978 06 762 8508 07 896 7211 06 762 7998 07 894 6030 06 762 2870 07 872 2840 07 877 7541 06 762 4805 07 896 6714 07 877 6657 07 895 7686 07 895 3452 07 873 2816 07 877 8935 06 765 4130 06 272 2899 06 762 2621

S & J Herries JH & JM Bayly S & G Hain C Williams & P Hoogerbrug CG & S Crawshaw C & S Dowding MJ & NK Story DJ McHardy R & K Kirkpatrick H & A Williams WR & OA Powdrell PGH Watson P Lane

Gisborne Wairoa Gisborne Gisborne Nuhaka Gisborne Tolaga Bay Gisborne Whangara Gisborne Wairoa Gisborne Gisborne

06 863 7000 06 838 7019 06 867 8097 06 862 7822 06 837 8881 06 862 3876 06 862 6125 06 867 0837 06 862 2807 06 868 8421 06 838 7204 06 867 0336 06 862 2865

B Pickering J & M King WB Philip MG Duncan M Tweedie

Dannevirke Takapau Dannevirke Havelock North Napier

06 374 3645 06 855 8288 06 374 8857 06 858 4904 06 836 5477

PG

KING COUNTRY / TARANAKI

NORTHLAND Argyle Black Dog Kaipara Kapiro (LC Rangitane) Limerick Lomond Matauri Paddyvale Puketi Silver Creek Silver Ridge Te Atarangi Waitangi

STUD

70

Ariki Aysgarth Aywon Black Ridge Bos Colvend Downsend Hingaia Iona Mangaotea Puke-Nui Rotowai Shian Springdale Storth Oaks Tarangower Te Kupe Wairere Waiwiri

97

88 13 51

EAST COAST Alpine Cricklewood Hains Kaharau Kenhardt Rangatira Ratanui Tangihau Tuawhiti Turihaua Turiroa Waimata Whangara

75 71 80

HAWKES BAY Blue Duck Brookwood Dandaleith Elgin Hallmark

96

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158

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PBBNZ support all registered stud breeders throughout New Zealand STUD

NAME

TOWN

PHONE

PG

Hollowtop Kawatiri Kiwikawa Lightning Ridge Mangatara Moanaroa Motere Mt Mable Otoka Rissington Rosebrae Waiterenui Waiwhero Whenuapapa

D Warburton DR & VC Bone M Fraser MA Kennedy E & L Van Der Velden JD & BB Ramsden J & J Pharazyn KA & MJ Friel PR Matthews D Absolom J & T Dorotich WA & VP MacFarlane CE Pattison A Stewart

Havelock North Havelock North Hastings Porangahau Dannevirke Pongaroa Waipawa Woodville Waipukurau Napier Dannevirke Hastings Waipukurau Hastings

021 467 607 06 877 4143 06 874 3874 06 855 5528 0274 780 822 06 374 3889 06 857 3828 06 376 4543 06 855 4892 06 839 5834 06 374 2814 06 874 8762 06 858 8863 06 876 6015

44 99

90 74 96

WAIRARAPA Dandaloo AH & T Thomson Gladstone P McWilliam Glanworth JM & LJ Fouhy Glencoe JR MacLachlan Kayjay NF & JE Kjestrup Oregon KJ & G Higgins Pinebank Waigroup W & A Falloon Pinehill W & A Falloon Sandusky T Simpson Seven Hills BD Bendall Tapiri RS & JM McLachlan Te Whanga R & R Borthwick Totaranui D Reynolds & T Jackson

Masterton Masterton Pahiatua Australia Masterton Masterton Masterton Masterton Featherston Eketahuna Masterton Masterton Pahiatua

06 372 7065 06 372 7724 06 376 7324 91 0061 3514 97313 06 372 2838 74 06 372 2782 125 06 372 7041 91 06 372 7041 91 06 307 7059 06 375 8583 64 06 372 5701 06 370 3368 06 376 8400

MANAWATU / WANGANUI / RANGITIKEI Atahua Blackrose Kahutarawa Komako Merchiston Ngaputahi Okaka Pine Park Ranui Ranui W Ruaview Tahu Ruanui Waitapu Waitapu J

A & M Dalziell G Davies SJ & JP Briggs D & N Stuart RL Rowe A & F Cameron PA Revell PLS Sherriff L Johnstone LC & MC Johnstone JD & HD Hammond A Carpenter MD & ES Williamson J Williamson

Feilding Feilding Ashhurst Ashhurst Marton Ashhurst Taihape Marton Wanganui Wanganui Ohakune Taihape Waipawa Taihape

06 328 9784 027 612 4000 06 355 1300 06 329 4748 06 322 8608 06 329 4050 06 388 7519 06 327 7284 06 342 9833 06 342 9795 06 385 8040 06 388 7712 06 857 3840 06 388 0804

Rai Valley Blenheim Marlborough Wakefield Ward

03 571 6271 022 428 7906 027 477 8314 03 541 8559 03 575 6878

NELSON / MARLBOROUGH Blacknight Brackenfield Leefield MF Taimate

BC & NS Maisey AC Peter B & R Marris RD Martin P Hickman

99

STUD

NAME

TOWN

Tipapa Totaranui Waterfall Woodbank

RE Murray J Jackson CCR Waddy AJ & RE Murray

Kaikoura Picton Seddon Kaikoura

03 319 4302 03 573 8401 03 575 7388 03 319 4302

Fox Glacier Rangiora Rakaia Amberley Darfield Rangiora Darfield Rangiora Oxford Timaru Hawarden Culverden Temuka Christchurch Pleasant Point Fairlie Ashburton Amberley Cheviot Oxford Pleasant Point Leeston Cheviot Cheviot Belfast

03 751 0776 03 312 1581 03 302 8233 03 314 8836 03 318 6531 03 312 8184 03 317 8195 03 312 0404 03 312 3213 03 689 5575 03 315 8036 03 315 8334 03 697 4858 027 230 6660 03 614 7454 03 685 8027 03 303 9842 03 314 6759 03 319 8585 03 3124 285 03 614 7080 03 329 1709 027 826 4015 03 319 2873 03 323 8423

Invercargill Gore Oamaru Clinton Te Anau Alexandra Oamaru Riversdale Cromwell Gore Gore Otautau Middlemarch Wedderburn Roxburgh Tuatapere Ranfurly Otautau Balfour

03 235 2228 03 204 8236 03 434 2554 03 415 7321 06 839 5836 03 449 2031 03 432 4093 03 202 5995 03 342 8400 03 207 2895 03 207 3706 03 225 4838 03 464 3885 03 444 9124 03 446 6030 03 226 6822 03 444 7892 03 225 4631 03 201 6033

86

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CANTERBURY / WESTLAND Bannock Burn Black Beech Cleardale Colenso Farfield Fernlea Floridale Glen R Glenwood Goldwyn Grampians Kaiwara Kakahu Lawsons McMaster Meadowslea Mt Possession Red Oak Riverlands J Sinai Stern Sudeley Te Mania The Sisters Timperlea

DM & RP Scott L Bristow BJ Todhunter & DM Field P & N Gardner F & G Luporini A Miller JE Jenkins PG & HM Heddell MJ & CJ Howie BG & BE Alexander JW Reed BJ Johns GAH Hargreaves J Gordon R & T Coles DS & CJ Giddings D Whyte R Orr C & A Jeffries AM Stokes JH Fraser AP & AE Laing T Wilding H Haugh CR & LJM Timperley

44

SOUTHERN Benatrade Blue Mountain Cragniue Delmont

59

PHONE

D Marshall RM & MA Kane PA Rae JS Cochrane Duncraigen (LC Wiremu) Focus Genetics Earnscleugh AK Campbell Fossil Creek GN Sanderson Helmsdale H & G Grimm Kincardine A Smith Kowai DC & DG Stringer Lilliesleaf RW Hall Linton Mt Linton Station Nethertown LW & CJ Carruthers Penvose GL Duncan Peters Angus AT & KA Peters Pikoburn AJA & IM Devery Puketoi GR Crutchley Rannoch JR Minty Rockley P & K McCallum

45

48 50 95

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017

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PBBNZ support all registered stud breeders throughout New Zealand STUD

NAME

TOWN

Southern Stone Sutherland The Glade Toiro Umbrella Range Waimara

J & K Drain RG Sutherland AW & HM Familton L Beattie MK Gunton T & SA Law

Invercargill Balclutha Palmerston Outram Waikaia Wakouaiti

PHONE 03 214 2070 03 415 9500 03 465 1512 03 489 1862 03 202 7739 03 465 1805

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STUD

NAME

TOWN

PHONE

PG

NEW ZEALAND CHAROLAIS CATTLE SOCIETY INC C/- PO Box 3062, Richmond, Nelson 7050 Freephone 0800 Charolais (242 765) Phone: 64 3 544 7181 Fax: 64 3 544 7185 Email: charolais@charolais.org.nz NORTH ISLAND

CHAROLAIS BREEDERS NEW ZEALAND INC. PO Box 503, 75 South Street, Feilding 4740, NZ. Phone: 06 323 4484 Email: charolais@pbbnz.com www.charolais.net.nz - see page 76-79 NORTH ISLAND Bull’s Forest View Goldcreek Haupuke Kaahu Kaitoke Kuwau Maungahina Nouvelle Otiranui Pearl Ridge Potaka Pouriwai Pukemoe Rauriki Simca Hills Stonehenge Taikorea Tawa Ridge Whananaki

J Bull B & J Clements S & L McManaway A & T McIntyre M & S Riddington N & E Gwillim P Chambers JB & J McKenzie P & C Mikkelsen A Roke L & B Burgess MJ Totman J & G Kemp M & O Duffy SFH & WF Collin FD & JG Mein AD Reed WJ Vallender M & S Fitzpatrick C & G Harman

Napier 07 378 3220 Hikurangi 09 433 7033 Carterton 06 379 5459 Dannevirke 06 374 3687 Atiamuri 07 333 2903 Napier 06 844 4417 Raetihi 06 385 4310 Masterton 06 377 4836 Whakatane 027 496 9529 Ohakune 06 385 4110 Dargaville 09 439 6046 Taihape 06 388 0034 Gisborne 06 867 0867 Hawera 06 278 4021 Dannevirke 06 858 8045 Kamo 09 432 9540 Te Kuiti 07 878 8716 Palmerston North 06 329 7865 Te Puke 07 533 1866 Hikurangi 09 433 8253

JR & AM Duthie A S & A E Holland G Woolf & V Adnams AJ Roulston N Sanderson BC & BT Fisher D & C Dundass RWP Sandford M & N Keen F & K Templeton K & P Jordan

Dipton Culverden Motueka Balclutha Oamaru Christchurch Ranfurley Hastings Christchurch Tokanui Blenheim

Auahi Balmarc Broadwood Coleman Farms Crystalview Glen Rua Goldcreek Hill Country Kia Toa Labramor RFC Rimu Stonehill Villa Wairoa Winding River

03 248 5011 03 315 8689 027 667 6009 03 415 7581 03 432 4093 03 329 0994 03 444 9770 027 462 0136 03 329 5147 03 246 8516 027 305 9577

Otorohanga Te Kuiti Kohukohu Kaikohe Waitara Dannevirke Carterton Mangamahu Te Kuiti Onewhero Kaikohe Taumarunui Tauranga Onewhero Tauranga Dargaville

07 873 8477 07 878 7792 09 409 5522 09 401 0902 06 754 6585 06 374 1808 027 532 2501 06 342 2848 07 878 6458 103 09 232 1015 021 270 1330 07 896 8451 07 552 5962 09 232 8735 07 552 6512 09 439 4795

L & C Leslie Joy Calder S & J Bryant A Roultston A & C Dundass S Hassall

Middlemarch Balclutha Wakefield Balclutha Ranfurly Hawarden

03 464 3207 03 413 9350 03 522 4357 03 415 7581 03 444 9770 03 314 4949

SOUTH ISLAND Cloverlands Leighfield Merridale Poller View Taiaroa The Glen

GALLOWAY CATTLE SOC. OF NZ.INC. PO Box 503, 75 South Street, Feilding 4740, NZ. Phone: 06 323 4484 Email: pbb@pbbnz.com www.nzgalloway.co.nz - see page 68

SOUTH ISLAND Castledowns Hemingford Moonlight Poller View Roseville Silverstream Taiaroa Topaki Tui Springs Twin River Willowhaugh

JG & PG Henderson D & C Balme W & G Semenoff J & L Coleman P & M Reardon N Atkins S & L McManaway P & J Crothers P & C Grainger R & A Tilsley R Coleman D Dittmer M Merrin & M Savage R & J Tilsley J Bell M King

NORTH ISLAND 2B`s Abergeldie Alba Dean Alclutha Ashlyn Park Aspendale Awanui Black-White Bonnydale Bryndlee Burton Farm Calary

K Bradley & R Brownlee A & G Smith A & M Worrall B Fitchett J Pauline C Harty S Vanner JJ & JAR Reekers C Harty K Bradley & R Brownlee A & A Burton & Knowlton R & L Parkin

Ngatea Waipukurau Te Awamutu Drury Ngatea Otorohanga Oturehua Hamilton Otorohanga Ngatea Walton Levin

07 867 8108 021 024 7806 027 213 9476 09 232 7370 07 868 4799 07 873 6968 06 272 6332 07 843 5185 07 873 6968 07 867 8108 027 424 8355 06 368 8284

StockX ARE YOU GETTING THE TRANSPARENCY YOU DESERVE? There are no middlemen margins at StockX 160

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NAME

TOWN

PHONE

Ceinture Farms Cintura Bianca Corinium Dafferie Db Farms Dickey Flat Drummore Bay Dunollie Eden Fordel Forest View Gilt Edge Glen Finnan Glen Gally Glen Gally Gordon Valley Gracelands Grange Grange Polar Greaves And Fale Hilltop Kahala Kaiate Heights Karaka Killiecrankie Killiecrankie Linwood Longrun Mac ni Mahald Mulward Ngakara Tauru Ogleshiel Oxenrig Penny Plains Pheonix Rakau Rawcliffe Riverview Rocky Water Ryebred Sanctuary Hill Saxton Valley Selah Moor Stoney Brook Stoneykirk Suncrest Arctic Swanvale Tapuae Tatarariki Terrior Three Mile Bush

KA Westmorland Upper Hutt 04 527 3674 L Kissick & N Timbs Whakatane 027 699 0917 V & G Darlow Palmerston North 06 326 4396 S Huckstep Opunake 06 761 7540 D & B Stewart & David Te Aroha 07 889 1930 R & A Sorley Waihi 07 929 7355 A Meadows-Frost & C Ritchie Auckland 09 426 2992 J & T Snyman Wellington 027 419 3812 T Windelborn & W Denize Rotorua 07 332 2602 C Millar Feilding 06 328 9100 S Nicol Ohaupo 07 825 2979 S & P Busby Hastings 06 874 8086 B Fitchett Drury 09 232 7370 S & C Gray Cambridge 07 974 3383 S & C Gray Cambridge 07 974 3383 R & M Hodgetts Oturehua 06 762 2933 C Reed Featherston 06 308 6328 G & M Turner Hamilton 07 829 8991 G & M Turner Hamilton 07 829 8991 O Greaves Pokeno 022 064 4504 R Meiklejohn Kaukapakapa 09 426 3523 G & M MacKay Havelock North 06 874 6510 MK Williams & V Johnson Tauranga 027 275 5500 R Cursons & G Verkerk Hamilton 07 856 8119 S & K McLeod Albany 09 426 7055 S & K McLeod Albany 09 426 7055 L Van Eyk Te Awamutu 027 405 8445 J & R Fraser Martinborough 06 306 8066 I & J McBeth Whangarei 09 459 4909 G Mold Dargaville Mulward Holdings Ltd Hamilton 07 854 0609 J & J Apps New Plymouth 06 752 0041 L W & J K Ogle Whangarei 022 673 1081 A Calder & P Hammond Wellsford 09 423 8890 K Futter Wellington 04 568 7666 D Scown & C Fisher Patea 06 273 4043 J & H Wood Papakura 09 292 7788 L Buchan Levin 021 712 217 S Pinfold Pahiatua 06 376 7677 C & A Forsythe Putaruru 07 883 5933 F & P Ashmore & Mans Otorohanga 07 873 7050 D & A Staples Featherston 06 308 9119 R & S Cumming New Plymouth 06 753 3936 R & P Nixon Wanganui 06 347 9047 R & S Dyson New Plymouth 06 752 7080 A & J Priddle Carterton 06 370 2429 B & K Curry Upper Hut 04 526 8831 T & L Swan Matamata 07 888 6085 S Hobson New Plymouth 06 751 3301 S&M Stoner, D Grieves & K Pries Auckland 021 176 5889 Terrior Farming Manurewa 09 530 9459 L Goodin Kamo 09 437 6997

PG

STUD

NAME

TOWN

PHONE

Ti Rakau Flats Tuhua Valley Tuibrook Tullamore Tullamore Urenui Ma Waitekauri Wayby West Harbour Wilkway Willow Willowvale Witchell

C Dawson I & K Britten B & P Cameron T Birdsall & L Peat T Birdsall & L Peat N and J Moratti A Cochrane T Wood T Berkahn & A Boyle L Frost S & P Clark M Blackhouse Smith M Downes

Foxton Taupo Cambridge Taupo Taupo Urenui Waihi Wellsford Auckland Christchurch Greytown Auckland Paeroa

06 363 6144 07 378 5181 07 827 9199 07 378 3242 07 378 3242 06 752 3570 021 405 747 09 423 9636 021 393 820 027 453 8830 06 304 8966 09 416 8059

J & G Coles E & R Berwick R & G Tyrrell C Johnson A McNaughton P & S Lawson P & S Lawson E Taylor N McKerchar G & W Hellyer A Brown & D Caulfield S Armitage & S Treloar D & S Graham A Faulks S Allan S Lowry C & G Happer A Read R Hall R Hall J & G & J Beare E & L Scott M & J Edridge B Lowry B & L Martin J & S Maxwell G & J Rooney S Anderson & G Linton B Wickstead J Taylor B & J Edlin G & K Dick K & M London A & L Holmes D Carson B & R Overgaauw K N Beardsley

Invercargill Hokitika Kaipoi Ashburton Alexandra Palmerston Palmerston Otautau Roxburgh Waikouaiti Waitati Otautau Christchurch Mosgiel Motueka Gore Leeston Ashburton Gore Gore Wakefield Nelson Rai Valley Gore Balclutha Winton Richmond Winton Rangiora Otautau Christchurch Blenheim Whataroa Fairlie Nelson Winton Rangiora

03 235 7089 03 755 7876 03 352 3938 03 302 6993 03 449 3237 03 465 0640 03 465 0640 03 236 2708 03 446 8889 03 465 7183 03 485 1524 03 236 2580 03 325 2003 03 489 8231 03 526 8806 03 207 6747 03 325 4353 03 302 6870 03 207 3706 03 207 3706 03 522 4035 03 543 223 03 571 6082 03 207 6747 03 418 3108 03 221 7312 03 522 4966 03 201 6262 03 312 8958 03 236 2708 03 325 4646 03 521 1232 03 753 4077 03 685 4800

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SOUTH ISLAND Banffshire Berwicks Hill Carlisle Davrie Dunderave Eldin Eldin Estelle Flemington Galbraith Geann Radharc Gladfield Glamis Glen Kuri Glencairn River Glenkenich Kilbrook Kinross Lilliesleaf Lilliesleaf Misty Glen Moutere Grove Pelorous Grange Pinzridge Rosedene Rosemay Salisbury Farm Sylva Lina Tawhai Taylordale Waingaro Farm Waireka Whatanutta Willowbrook Garson Galloway Over Gallo Ashley Downs

027 293 9751 03 310 2496

“StockX gives me easy access to a national

market. I know my price before the stock goes - it’s transparency never disappoints.”

Andrew Gould Ben Lomond Estate, Canterbury

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161

PBBNZ support all registered stud breeders throughout New Zealand STUD

NAME

TOWN

Gebbies Tekooa

P & M Foreman L Wilkinson

Christchurch Geraldine

PHONE

PG

NORTH ISLAND J & J Weijers B Lawrenson K & N Faull P McWilliam S King G & S Maxwell GK & MM Otterson S Mitchell

Cambridge Cambridge Mokau Masterton Dargaville Tutira Stratford Raglan

07 827 8704 07 827 0775 06 752 9862 06 372 7724 09 439 5678 06 839 7412 06 762 2842 07 825 5774

R & R Fegan

Milton

03 417 7270

SOUTH ISLAND Brookland

NEW ZEALAND HEREFORD ASSOCIATION PO Box 503, 75 South Street, Feilding 4740, NZ. Phone: 06 323 4484 Email: office@herefords.co.nz www.herefords.co.nz - see page 69 NORTHLAND Anric Arahou Clear Ridge Furness Gembrooke Haumoana Marua Matapouri Moana Omana Orira Otengi Pampas Lane Perenphord Riverlands Sheerwater Streamlands Te Puna View Point Waimaire Wyborn

DP & AC Middleton W Lambeth NG Krissansen M Goodwin J & T Dorotich JV Williams I & L McInnes B & J Clements RJ & A McEvoy D Wills EJB & S Karl PJ & SA Shepherd WM Grounds P & H Martin RG & JE Poole R Morris DJ & MR Blythen C Gerrard G & V Ireland P Shepherd BD & PJ Coutts

Wellsford Tangiteroria Whangarei Dargaville Dannevirke Whangarei Hikurangi Hikurangi Dargaville Whangarei Okaihau Kaeo Kaitaia Whangarei Matakohe Helensville Warkworth Kaikohe Okaihau Kaeo Hikurangi

09 425 8192 09 433 2902 09 436 2229 021 165 8897 06 374 2814 09 434 0864 09 433 8431 09 433 7033 09 439 8503 09 432 9131 09 401 9300 09 405 0983 09 409 5521 09 437 2263 09 439 2420 09 420 2566 09 425 8258 09 405 9736 09 401 9937 09 405 0294 09 433 8335

NAME

TOWN

PHONE

Tokoroa Rotorua Papakura Kati Kati Rotorua Waiuku Te Awamutu Tauranga Whakatane Ohaupo Ohaupo Te Awamutu Waitoa Papakura Whakatane Matamata Ohinewai Albany Te Kauwhata Waiuku Huntly Matamata Colville Reporoa Otorohanga Hamilton Tauranga Huntly Morrinsville Whakatane Auckland Papakura Mangakino Waiuku Auckland Drury Waihi Pukeatua Tirau Te Awamutu Morrinsville Ngaruawahia Rotorua Te Awamutu Oparau Waiuku Otorohanga Te Puke Tauranga Te Aroha Katikati

07 886 8779 07 332 3031 09 298 9165 07 549 0493 07 333 2735 09 235 9175 07 872 2715 07 548 1997 07 322 1080 07 823 6252 07 825 2677 07 870 1714 07 887 3884 09 292 4045 07 322 2362 07 888 0898 07 828 5709 09 947 3330 07 826 7817 021 419 297 07 826 6990 07 888 8350 07 866 6821 07 333 8068 07 873 6593 07 825 9904 07 548 2850 07 826 6990 07 887 5557 07 322 2413 09 524 0119 09 292 7666 07 882 8721 022 303 7601 07 826 7705 09 294 7178 07 863 5368 07 872 4891 07 883 4685 07 872 4598 07 887 5749 07 824 8300 07 345 6284 027 496 0259 07 871 0524 09 235 2983 07 873 7704 07 533 3833 07 543 1996 07 884 8888 027 458 5295

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SOUTH AUCKLAND

03 329 7030 03 693 8144

GELBVIEH CATTLE BREEDERS SOC. OF NZ. INC. PO Box 503, 75 South Street, Feilding 4740, NZ. Phone: 06 323 4484 Email: pbb@pbbnz.com www.gelbvieh.org.nz - see page 108

Dutzea Edenbrook Five Falls Gladstone Huia Longview Stirling Wairau

STUD

36

Andown Aotea Glen Ardmore Arosa Belhavel Branston Bushy Downs Castle Douglas Charwell Colraine Craigmore Goldstream Graham H&R Herepuru Hillbilly Hillcroft Hokianga Hukaroa Isola Joshstar Kahu Kairaumati Kairuru Kamaro Kanuka Karamu Kimihia Knight Ridge Knightlands Kokonga Liev Long View Lucklaw Madoda Mahuta Maranui Maru McGlashan Narrandera Neeward Newcastle Ngapuna Ngutunui Okupata Otamatea Palisade Pikowai Pukenui Rapu Red Hill

M Knight V Rogers & M Scott K Davidson M Reichmuth S Lyons-Montgomery G & G Hosking RM & MP Port D McCartney PST Davies C & S Corney DB & SE Henderson WJ & RG Rapley J Graham C McCulloch P Paki C & L Osborne MA & FA Crawford I Webb D & L Hansen D Murdoch S & L Morgan BA & JL Wills R & K Ward K & J McDonald SM Tipping RJ,RA & AM Russo MW Bayly M & L Reisima MA Adams & BA Mckenzie

SG & DM Knight B & M Robinson M & J Douglas SC Millington Family Trust A Sturgess J Groenewald JV & ME Allen SR & RM Brown L & K Ramsey M McGlashan DV & TD Sinton RC & M Neems NMD & BA Smith G & D Kitson A & D Knighton P & M Atkins WJ & KG Muir WR Flintoff S Edwards B & S Elrick RA & AP Rendell J Hill

72

63

BUY & SELL IN A NATIONAL MARKET Anywhere, Anytime with Farmers like you StockX gives you choice and control over your livestock trades 162

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NAME

TOWN

PHONE

Redclifft Rock-End Rodleen Rotokawa Sandstone Sarona Park Spring Manor Springvale Stoney Creek Strathmoor Te Toro Totara Glen Twelve Oaks Twinstar Valda-Rose Waipa Wando Willowspring Wynola

MR Doole & TL Hill PD & KM McCormick RN & CP Nicholson K Vuletic G & A Chitty D Hey S & K Quigley M Mathis I & P Mathieson B Masters IR & CM Carter J & G Lance G Scott K & T Wooller RE, JV & LE Baker G Sirl RD Guy G & L Peters G & A Price

Waiuku Aria Huntly Rotorua Waiuku Papamoa Ngaruawahia Tokoroa Morrinsville Te Kuiti Waiuku Hamilton Rotorua Walton Tauranga Hamilton Tauranga Otorohanga Thames

09 235 1080 07 877 7897 07 826 6799 07 345 5482 09 235 8527 07 542 9190 07 824 7343 07 886 9493 07 887 6714 07 878 8502 09 235 2217 07 829 8744 07 332 2099 07 888 3502 07 543 3448 07 829 8435 07 543 3894 07 873 7599 07 868 1127

C & C King D & A Steele PJ & MO McDonald NJ McLeod S & M Helms RN Jupp RJ & PB Loveridge RK & MA Vickers RR & JM Blackwell CR & RA Dowling KV & S Collins ID & DA Smith L & J Downs J & T Pullen KR Topless PB & KA Wisnewski

Mokau Hawera Stratford New Plymouth New Plymouth Waitara Inglewood Stratford Inglewood New Plymouth Stratford Stratford Stratford Patea New Plymouth New Plymouth

06 752 9863 06 273 4128 06 765 7961 06 753 6265 06 752 0075 06 754 6764 06 756 6589 06 762 8845 06 762 4805 06 755 2336 06 762 8058 06 762 7899 06 762 3531 06 273 8448 06 754 6684 06 753 8999

S & G Hain P & C Reeves P & S Humphreys R Wanklyn

Gisborne Gisborne Gisborne Gisborne

06 867 8097 06 862 2701 06 863 9576 06 863 9869

Marton Palmerston North Palmerston North Palmerston North Kimbolton Raetihi Feilding

06 327 7359 06 362 7839 06 323 4790 06 357 7007 06 328 5897 06 385 4558 06 328 9090

PG

EASTLAND Beanbah Mokairau Wilencote Woodlynd

CENTRAL DISTRICTS Ardo Ashby Awhea Gaedelian Innes Brae Okahu Panorama

JS Morrison G & D Timms MR & LL Langtry EG Manderson CK Francis KA O’Neill A Cook

NAME

TOWN

PHONE

PG

Riverlee Riverton Rosebank Tusons Waitaporiri

M & F Curtis M & C Cranstone T Robertson D & K Mitchell B Burgess

Kimbolton 06 328 2881 Wanganui 06 342 7721 Feilding 027 634 7401 Palmerston North 06 329 6906 Feilding 09 433 8870

BEW & ME Miers J M & M Taylor PJ & LF Barnett FC, CC & JJ Chesterman C & M Lee B & C Donald B Hayward RJ Matthews N Barnett PC, GL & B Olsen D Warburton

Dannevirke Porangahau Dannevirke Havelock North Otane Dannevirke Wairoa Napier Dannevirke Otane Havelock North

06 858 8062 06 855 5322 06 374 3555 06 874 7844 109 06 858 4131 06 374 2939 027 923 5419 06 858 8391 06 374 3555 06 857 5104 021 467 607

JB & J McKenzie JB & J McKenzie S & M Robbie M & D Robbie & Family B Tomlin J, A & E McWilliam

Masterton Masterton Eketahuna Eketahuna Masterton Masterton

06 377 4836 06 377 4836 06 376 6459 06 376 7250 06 378 8571 06 372 7861

SM & DL Bennett BP & JI MacKenzie KT Noble MJ & I McConochie M Murphy RD Martin R Paterson NDL Higgins

Nelson Blenheim Blenheim Nelson Nelson Wakefield Franz Joseph Nelson

03 544 1825 03 572 2540 03 572 8962 03 521 1843 03 521 1171 03 541 8559 03 521 1841 03 521 1883

D Long RJ & MA Burrows B Forrester B & Y Lee GJ & DA Chamberlain EM Skurr M Stevens C & A Jeffries M Cockburn AD & JA Sidey Rozlyn Stokes DJH & RA Murray PW & FME Scott ED McKerchar

Hanmer Springs Rangiora Hawarden Cave Cheviot Oxford Cave Cheviot Temuka Hawarden Oxford Kaikoura Timaru Cave

03 315 7932 03 313 2857 03 314 4195 03 614 3996 03 319 8500 03 312 4215 03 614 3830 03 319 8585 03 615 5550 03 314 4277 03 312 4362 03 319 4331 03 612 9962 03 614 7712

HAWKES BAY Brimai Glenbrae Kaitoa Koanui Leelands Ngakouka Paeroa Pukeroa Te Rangitumau Titiokura Waiohine

WAIRARAPA

TARANAKI Bexley Davandra Gay Learning Horizon Huirangi Hurstpier Keelryn Makuri Mangaotea Mijoka Penny Lane Shadow Downs Tawanui Te Koa Wai Wisbaridge

STUD

Gay Maungahina Otapawa Otapawa Pounui Te Taumata

27

62

NELSON / MARLBOROUGH Ben Nevis Dunbeath Kelbon Lake Longacre MF Rotoiti Twynham

73

CANTERBURY 25

Alfriston Beechwood Blackhills Bluestone Capethorne Eton Fairford Grassmere Inverness Jandoc Lees Valley Matariki Matatoki Merrylea

“StockX works brilliantly. We love the farmer-to-

farmer contact and the financial security. The animals don’t leave here until the money’s in the StockX trust account and we don’t get paid until the buyer’s happy at the other end.

”

Andrew & Tania Kerr Parakowhai, Hawke’s Bay Country-Wide Beef May 2017

163

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NAME

TOWN

PHONE

PG

Okawa Orari Gorge Pute Richon Shrimptons Hill Springs Run Stirling Hills Sunny Peaks Tarangire Timperlea Downs Wairepo Waratah Woodburn Wrm

N & P France RCH Peacock A Fisher R & J Stokes JH McKerchar L & E Giltrap IJ Lewthwaite A Lott M Harvey G Timperley HAE Willliamson NSA Girvan IC & CL Ford LJ & SN MacKintosh

Ashburton Geraldine Christchurch Oxford Cave Christchurch Timaru Fairlie Oamaru Oxford Omarama Fairlie Hawarden Rangiora

03 303 9749 03 692 2893 03 329 0994 03 312 4362 03 614 3759 03 329 5232 03 686 4727 03 685 8814 03 431 2727 027 338 1658 03 438 9583 03 685 5898 03 314 4319 03 310 3034

Invercargill Wyndham Alexandra Palmerston Westland Middlemarch Fox Glacier Gore Gore Gore Roxburgh Cromwell Te Anau Gore Otautau Wyndham Gore Invercargill Oamaru Gore Palmerston Tuatapere Gore Gore

03 235 8704 03 206 4894 03 449 2031 03 465 0640 03 751 0864 03 464 3603 03 751 0826 03 204 8236 03 207 2847 03 207 6789 03 446 6833 03 445 1204 03 249 8588 03 202 5489 03 225 8428 03 206 4022 03 202 5339 03 246 8336 03 434 9479 03 202 5339 03 465 0605 03 226 6791 03 207 2835 111 03 204 8236

SOUTHERN DISTRICTS Bayside Duncraigen Earnscleugh Eldin Flagstaff Foulden Hill Glacier KL1 Kotare Latimoor Limehills Locharburn Monymusk Oatley Hill Pourakino Downs Putechan Pyramid Ruatama Seadowns Speden Stoneburn Waiau Waikaka Westholm

R Hellyer BI & C Robertson AK Campbell P & S Lawson TF Condon W Gibson WP & ML Williams P Kane AC McCall SL Dew G & R Pannett GR Brown CDB, LJ & HG Douglas NJ & SA Baird GS Shearing C & J Humphries CH Miller E Dean CA & LB Gibson GM Speden AE Denham CM & FC King L Paterson RM & MA Kane

LIMOUSIN NZ Contacts; President: Gary Kennett Ph 03 329 6380 Secretary: Natalie Roberts Ph 09 437 7944 www.limousin.co.nz - see page 47 NORTH ISLAND Avilim Grandeview Grayleen Huntlands

G & D Desmond JM Arthur Boscobel Farms Ltd RA Hunt

Pukekohe Hamilton Pukekohe Auckland

021 408 408 07 825 9815 09 236 3873 09 530 8487

STUD

NAME

TOWN

PHONE

Kivlean Limax Mangahoe Mangatara Mangatawhiri Ngarimu Phoenix Sentosa Snake Gully Springfalls Strongbridge

P Lean & M Kivell R Maxwell DJ & CR Webb AG Farming Ltd Mangatawhiri Limosin Ngarimu Farm P/ship DS & JM Bott A Pascoe T/AS Marlow AG D & B O’Shea Springfalls Ltd R & B Wells

Hamilton Matamata Hunterville Dannevirke Pokeno Auckland Pukekohe Riponiu Whangarei Pukekawa Auckland

07 824 0948 07 888 1520 06 322 8144 06 374 1575 09 233 6370 09 236 0200 09 232 1468 09 433 9965 09 434 7826 09 233 4453 09 420 9813

W James SM & BR Clearwater Ellesmere Estate WH Gibson CTG Phillips F Hoekstra RL & JM Johnstone J Wyeth J Miller Rodney & Tania Coles J & J Mawle G Kennett & M Montgomery T Grant

Coalgate Lumsden Christchurch Invercargill Tuatapere Ashburton Outram Christchurch Tapanui Pleasant Point Rakaia Christchurch Milton

03 318 2352 03 201 6282 03 329 0093 03 235 8484 03 226 6143 03 302 2840 03 486 1841 027 346 3056 03 2048 177 03 614 7454 03 303 3198 03 329 6380 03 417 4377

PG

SOUTH ISLAND Ben More Black Creek Ellesmere Emberley Fern Hill Kararehe Glencairn Lockburn Loch Head McMaster Pinedale Piwakawaka Temoananui

NEW ZEALAND MURRAY GREY BEEF CATTLE SOCIETY PO Box 503, 75 South Street, Feilding 4740, NZ. Phone: 06 323 4484 Email: murraygreys@pbbnz.com www.murraygreys.co.nz see page 66 NORTHLAND Glen Acton Glentor Ruapekapeka Silver Ridge Te Ruoroa

LW & LJ Wright JL Kirby AD & BI Priest DR & IL Lawson J & S Rhynd

Kerikeri Warkworth Hikurangi Wellsford Tangiteroria

09 433 2810 09 425 5844 09 433 4703 09 423 8108 09 433 2813

BW & JM Watkins B & C Foy G & L Brown N & J Burke P & M Atkins A Boyd E Tobin TM Beer L & K Ramsey B & S Troughton M Phillips

Tirau 07 883 1443 Tokoroa 07 886 0388 Owhango 07 895 4867 Whakatane 07 322 2680 Oparau 07 871 0524 Auckland 027 222 1231 Henderson 09 412 2116 Mount Maunganui 07 574 8551 Pukeatua 07 872 4891 Matamata 07 888 7111 Otorohanga 07 873 8115

WAIKATO Aniwanawa Aspall Bushline Chequers Filmaree Hafton Hawk Ridge Laynedowie Maru Moonlight Paradise Valley

THE DEAL:

ONLY 1% COMMISSION ON ALL STUD BULLS SOLD THIS JUNE *Standard StockX commission is only 2.5% on all livestock sales 164

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NAME

TOWN

PHONE

PG

Pasley Park Sea Spring Sterling Taureka Triple S Valley Ridge Willow Gully

K Pasley A Morgan D Harry T & R Trenberth GJ & JA Percival M & R Rawnsley AJ & DL Powell

Papakura Mangakino Pukekohe Hamilton Te Kauwhata Papakura Auckland

09 292 6246 07 372 8010 021 970 087 07 824 0744 07 826 3399 09 292 5151 09 411 8380

Levin Palmerston North Foxton New Plymouth Inglewood Inglewood Levin

06 368 8415 06 356 7932 06 362 7959 06 757 4696 06 756 8162 06 762 4805 06 368 6132

Blenheim Rai Valley Blenheim Blenheim

03 572 9291 03 571 6391 03 573 7493 03 572 2760

K & K Perry GG & SK Rountree L, G & M Anderson S Rodie RG & JH Hayes R Powell RW Driver LN Climo

Leeston Oxford Kaikoura Amberley Christchurch Kaiapoi Kaiapoi Kaiapoi

03 325 4268 03 312 4047 03 319 5467 03 314 8196 03 318 1707 03 327 4357 03 327 7899 03 327 6445

MB & JA Mitchell E & J King CJ McIntosh BJ & JA Dickson R & L McLennan BS MacDonald

Cromwell Gore Otautau Gore Port Chalmers Winton

03 445 4546 03 201 6196 03 225 5884 03 207 2434 03 472 8291 03 236 2736

SOUTHERN NORTH ISLAND Arawa Brox Cumberland Park Highfields Kotare Mangaotea Yorkvale

M J Kilsby J Badger G Preston MJ Vickery W & J Allerby RR & JM Blackwell TW & SW Clarke

NELSON/MARLBOROUGH Onamalutus Opouri Simanda Southbank

P Stachurski & S White TP Payton S & A Tripe G & I Leov

CANTERBURY/WESTLAND Aubynview Cavan Haldon Downs Murray Downs Newhall Rahiri Sherwood Waimak

SOUTHERN Kilradie Pahiwi Silver Fern Summersdale Tamarind Sawyer Torrisdale

STUD

NAME

TOWN

PHONE

Kaipapa Kaweka Solo Monte Pahu Mt Te Uku Ohuka Okereru Pencarrow Shemshi Tapuwae Te Wairere Tinpai Trevean Whero Kau Whitepine Wickton Woodlands Woven

A & J Hargreaves RL Scott & LA Jones P/s H & E Barrio M & R Hubbard D & C Sieling B & S Penman D & S Dreadon L Askew A Beazley C Baker W & P Aspin C & K Morley RA Brackebush A & D Magee S & A Harris C & J Nash D & R Boven

Helensville Napier Hamilton Raglan Whitianga Napier Ruawai Gisborne Mangonui Wellsford Waiuku Katikati Papakura Whakatane Cambridge Waihi Auckland

09 420 2063 06 839 5911 07 825 2655 07 825 5300 021 154 0123 06 839 5936 09 439 2154 06 868 7985 09 405 0690 027 476 0232 09 235 1074 07 549 4781 09 238 7262 07 312 9872 07 827 2236 07 863 8833 021 446 601

S Sisson D & B Shepheard WE Gardner DE & PB Gates C & B Hehir E & J Oliver S & J Dirksen B & K Schumacher H G Gordon J Downs K & P McDowall M & J Lambourn S & H Foreman M Simons & K Patterson BJ McQuade D & J Wills R, P & A Wright

Patea New Plymouth Masterton Feilding Palmerston North Pahiatua Stratford Inglewood Havelock North Greytown Wanganui Lower Hutt New Plymouth Upper Hutt Hastings Eketahuna Eltham

06 273 8080 06 756 7316 06 372 5897 06 323 3408 06 329 7710 06 376 7727 06 762 8803 06 756 8064 06 874 6195 06 304 9893 06 347 7860 04 569 3510 06 758 1285 04 528 8272 06 874 3948 06 375 8589 06 764 8481

K H Hutchison R Flowerday

Middlemarch Blenheim

03 464 3133 03 578 0707

TARANAKI / LOWER NORTH ISLAND Beacon Hill Denbar Headley Downs Karaka Maghera Magnum Manu Maungawhiri Millstone Rannoch Rotokawa Rua-Wai Rubyfields Springbrook Tauhara Willsnet Wrightway

Awh Black Jack Devand Hau Hiwi

R Mansfield D Glen J & G Couch G & L McConnell

Auckland Whitianga Whakatane Thames

09 235 1680 07 867 1569 07 308 0571 07 867 7573

82

SOUTH ISLAND Oak Tree Tobairlee

NEW ZEALAND RED DEVON CATTLE BREEDERS ASSOC. PO Box 503, 75 South Street, Feilding 4740, NZ. Phone: 06 323 4484 Email: reddevon@pbbnz.com www.reddevoncattle.co.nz - see page 60 NORTH ISLAND / AUCKLAND / CENTRAL NORTH ISLAND

PG

SALERS SOCIETY OF NEW ZEALAND INC. 49 Ponsford Road, RD4, Waiuku.

Phone: 09 235 0851 Email: nzsalers@xtra.co.nz www.salers.org.nz NORTH ISLAND Carlsberg Kohekohe Ngaio Glen

J & M Gerke IS & AE McNaughton FE & C Cameron

Kimbolton Waiuku Ashhurst

06 328 5704 09 235 0851 06 329 4050

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PBBNZ support all registered stud breeders throughout New Zealand STUD

NAME

TOWN

PHONE

Ninety Mile Triple R Willow Creek

B & J Puckey D & S Pacey K Woolley

Kaitaia Wellsford Wellsford

09 409 4822 09 431 4883 09 431 4893

J Harvie T Corbett & S Rankin

Otago Ashburton

03 465 2455 03 303 6179

PG

Brigadoon Dundee Glendhu Glenfern Rough Ridge Strabracken Westwood

NORTHLAND Waiuku Whangarei Kerikeri Whangarei Tangiteroria

09 235 2721 09 434 0843 09 401 9633 09 433 1749 021 226 806

IG,HE,HS & JR Brown C Doggett KA Stokes C & M Morton KB & B Morton R & D Park JL Reeves

Morrinsville Auckland Taupiri Katikati Katikati Matamata Ngaruawahia

07 889 5965 09 423 8968 07 824 6751 021 520 244 07 552 0815 07 888 1899 07 825 4763

Otorohanga Waitara Ongarue Waipukurau Gisborne Mahoenui Taupo

07 873 6968 06 754 6699 07 894 6030 06 858 5369 06 862 8096 07 877 8977 52 07 378 8979 108

31

KING COUNTRY / HAWKES BAY Aubrey Bullock Creek Corsock Hiwiroa Pehiri Raupuha Tahuna Farms

RC Smith R, D & L Honeyfield A & V Park JM & PIA Syme SBD Hain R & M Proffit TJ Plummer

MANAWATU / WANGANUI / TARANAKI / WAIRARAPA Hinewaka Mangaotuku Tainui Te Kohanui

DB Blackwood JD Hann MD Collis AF Deighton

Masterton Stratford Palmerston North Marton

06 372 7615 06 765 7269 06 329 0888 06 327 8185

NELSON / MARLBOUROUGH / CANTERBURY Austin Burntwillow Carriganes Maerewhenua Tall Poppy

PHONE

Winton Balclutha Tapanui Tokanui Ranfurly Invercargill Tuatapere

03 236 1139 03 415 8344 03 204 2052 03 246 8498 03 444 9277 03 230 4565 03 226 6713

PG

J & L Dobson JAS Leslie & Son Ltd F Fletcher AW & KE Marshall BR Helm CM Smith AE Erskine

52

NORTHLAND B Parry D & T Ody S & D Dromgool DW Wilson W Callwood

SOUTH AUCKLAND / WAIKATO / BAY OF PLENTY Browns Ceejay Lochburn Orena Orena Stoneford Waimai

TOWN

SIMMENTAL NEW ZEALAND PO Box 503, 75 South Street, Feilding 4740, NZ. Phone: 06 323 4484 Email: simmentalnz@pbbnz.com www.simmental.co.nz

NEW ZEALAND SHORTHORN ASSOCIATION PO Box 503, 75 South Street, Feilding 4740, NZ. Phone: 06 323 4484 Email: shorthorn@pbbnz.com www.shorthorn.co.nz see page 53 Carnegie Glenrossie Longview Maungatipu Woodcall

NAME

OTAGO SOUTHLAND

SOUTH ISLAND Nenthorn Sequoia

STUD

W & J Austin RA Wollen S O’Connell NW McKenzie M Ponder

Christchurch Oamaru Leeston Oamaru Blenheim

31

Anahera Ashcott Park Blackbridge Idesia Kaingaroa Lynbrae Oakdale Oripak Owhata Rivendell Stoupe

PD & TC Tipene P J & HM Ellis V & S Vujcich R & C Cameron Vinac Family PR, PJ & JA Hill S Trotter & E Thaller R & C Gifford J & S Hammond JA & DJ Longville A & S Capstick

Kaikohe Kaikohe Kaikohe Tangiteroria Kaitaia Whangarei Kaikohe Kaikohe Kaitaia Wellsford Hikurangi

09 401 2906 09 405 9909 09 405 9665 09 433 2722 09 406 7463 09 437 5948 09 401 0020 09 401 0090 09 409 3450 09 423 8506 09 433 4831

Hamilton Auckland Cambridge Te Kauwhata Pokeno Pio Pio Te Kuiti Rotorua

07 843 7577 09 524 6442 027 924 7593 07 826 3194 09 232 7842 07 877 8009 07 876 7500 06 839 5836

SOUTH AUCKLAND Central Pacific Livestock (Nz) Ltd P/Ship Cornwall Park P Maxwell Gilead SD Chesswas Hampton Downs MI & NJ Entwisle High Valley B Glover Potawa A & T Neal Te Raumauku PA & AM Scott Waikite (LC) Focus Genetics

TARANAKI / CENTRAL DISTRICTS Clearview Kurawai Lowridge Matai Peplow Ruaview

S & K McDonald J & T Pullen K Farrell JRC & DA Gloyn M Malmo JD & HD Hammond

New Plymouth 027 244 2404 Patea 06 273 8448 Hunterville 06 382 5757 Palmerston North 06 324 8323 Palmerston North 06 362 7361 Ohakune 06 385 8040

HAWKES BAY / WAIRARAPA 03 347 4856 03 431 2817 03 325 4054 03 431 2871 03 572 4013

Brooklands Glen Anthony Gold Creek Hillview Kerrah

C & C Hutching AH Thompson TW Sanson K & L Humphreys C Knauf

Dannevirke Waipukurau Te Karaka Dannevirke Wairoa

06 374 1802 06 858 8705 06 863 1444 06 374 1786 06 838 6792

35

37

HOW MANY BULLS ARE YOU GIVING AWAY IN COMMISSION? Run your numbers through our calculator, save.stockx.co.nz 166

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

PBBNZ support all registered stud breeders throughout New Zealand STUD

NAME

TOWN

PHONE

PG

Ratalea Rissington Maungaraki

S Wylie D Absolom McWilliam Family

Dannevirke Napier Masterton

06 374 5986 06 839 5834 06 372 7724

36

WT Burgess A & S Perkin GI McCorkindale MG Elliott R & S Deacon AAT & LA Partridge E & M Strauss DR & K Keown D & J Timperley S & L McRae

The Catlins Kumara Lawrence Oamaru Rangiora Leeston Mosgiel Raes Junction Cave Waimate

03 415 8019 03 738 0832 03 485 9727 03 434 8397 03 312 8443 03 324 2733 03 489 7521 03 446 8445 03 685 5785 03 689 2832

STUD

NAME

Heaven On Earth

R Maskell

NORTH ISLAND

SOUTH ISLAND

Ben Vista Burn-Lea Chipinga Glenfalloch Ipurua Kaimoa Manuiti Matai Mount Munro Okaharau Pohuenui Stream Rosewood Te Hirata Tironui

Coronet Hill Elmwood Glemwl Kawaka Oreti Park Pen-y-Bryn

PG & LG Robertson Feilding 06 323 6488 G & S Anderson Takapau 06 855 6449 C Smith Napier 027 542 3169 S Nelson Hastings 06 874 9864 PJ Foss Aria 07 877 7881 M Eagle Eketahuna 06 376 8256 TV & DE Deighton Mangaweka 06 382 5551 KJ McConnell Whangarei 09 432 2120 G & M Osborne Hastings 06 874 9339 R & C Kearney Otane 06 858 4914 JAR Donaldson Whangarei 09 432 2475 KP Eagle Palmerston North 06 357 9476 B & C Goodall & Groshinski Turangi 07 386 5805 ME & RL Pethybridge Rotorua 07 357 5113

34 92

Mangonui

021 079 4976

42

NORTH ISLAND Colonsay Lynvale Marenui Mauku Syn-y-Mor Tawa Flat Te Wahie

SOUTH DEVON CATTLE SOCIETY NEW ZEALAND PO Box 503, 75 South Street, Feilding 4740, NZ. Phone: 06 323 4484 Email: southdevon@pbbnz.com www.southdevon.co.nz

PG

WELSH BLACK CATTLE Secretary Shirley Jenkins Phone 09 4225 742 Email: lynvalefarms@xtra.co.nz www.welshblackcattle.co.nz see page 42

89 98

PHONE

NZ WAGYU BREEDERS ASSOCIATION Rob Maskell Phone 021 0794976 Email: newzealandwba@gmail.com see page 49

SOUTH ISLAND Beresford Dry Creek Glenside Island Stream Janefield Ladburn Leafland Lone Pine Opawa Overland

TOWN

M Paton S Jenkins A & P Waugh D & C Hutchinson A & K Williams I & C Brickell L Probert

Hastings Warkworth Feilding Stratford New Plymouth Napier Napier

06 874 2850 09 422 5742 06 323 4614 06 762 5552 06 752 8167 06 838 8585 06 839 7367

R & B Copland A Dalley G Jones E & M Foord R & R Healey K Good

Gore Darfield Rangiora Wakefield Invercargill Banks Peninsula

027 299 4004 03 318 0840 03 312 9350 03 522 4233 03 224 6258 03 304 7510

49 49 49 49 49 49

SOUTH ISLAND Aschwood Burtergill Coombe Park Java Loch Lomond Mount Royal Pinzridge Rosehill Snowview Trethvas Wainuka Woodah

RA van Asch AE van Asch P Hoskin S & J Eden BJ Thomson JFG & BJ Wilson B & R & J Lowry RE Maxwell MD & JD Wason J Hocking JG & FG McKenzie LJ Holt

Blenheim Blenheim Te Anau Gore Mosgiel Palmerston Gore Rakaia Sheffield Ashburton Otautau Blenheim

03 570 2114 03 579 4380 03 201 6020 03 489 8151 03 465 1323 03 207 6747 03 302 8860 03 318 3771 027 432 6021 03 225 5844 03 572 2805

34

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167

2017 National Bull Sales MAY (NORTH ISLAND) 2 King Country Angus Bull Walk, King Country 9 Manawatu & Rangitikei Angus Bull Walk 10 East Coast Hereford Bull Walk, Gisborne 12-16 National Beef Expo, Feilding 17 Central Waiarapa Hereford Bull Walk, Wairarapa 18 Central Waiarapa Angus Bull Walk, Wairarapa 18 Okahu Hereford, 3.00pm, Raetihi 18 Ruaview Angus & Simmental, 12.00pm, Ohakune 18 Kuwau Charolais, 10.00am, Raetihi 19 Rotomahana Angus & Stabilizer, Reporoa 19 Waikitei Simmental, Reporoa 22 Kaimoa South Devon, Eketahuna 23 Kerrah Simmental, 1.00pm, Wairoa 25 Morton Shorthorn, 1.00pm, Katikati 26 Central Hawkes Bay Angus Bull Walk 29 Kia-Toa Charolais, 1.00pm, Te Kuiti 30 Potawa Simmental, 2.00pm Pio Pio 30 Whananaki Charolais 2.00pm, Whananaki 31 Te Taumata Hereford, 1.00pm, Masterton 31 Storth Oaks Angus, 1.00pm, Otorohanga MAY (SOUTH ISLAND) 19 Opawa Simmental, 1.30 pm, Albury 19 Penvose Angus 2.00pm, Wedderburn 19 Rough Ridge Shorthorn 11.00am, Ranfurly 19 Focus Genetics Angus (pm), Te Anau 19 Poller View Charolais Bull, Balclutha 22 South Island Limousin, 1.00pm, Dunsandel 22 Puketoi Angus 11.00am, Patearoa 22 Taiaroa Charolais 2.00pm, Paerau 23 Mid South Canterbury Bull Walk, M/S Canterbury 23 Island Stream Simmental, Maheno 23 Delmont Angus, 2.30pm, Clinton 23 Kowai Angus 11.00am, Wendon Valley 24 Central Canterbury Bull Walk, Canterbury 24 Leafland Simmental, 11.00am, North Taieri 24 Beresford Simmental, 3.00pm Owaka 25 North Canterbury Bull Walk, North Canterbury 25 Lone Pine Simmental, 11.00am, Raes Junction 25 Glenside Simmental, 2.00pm, Waitahuna 26 Blenheim Ward, Clarence Bridge & Conway Flat Bull Walk 26 Merrylea Hereford, 2.00pm, Cave 26 Waimara Angus & Stoneburn Hereford 1.30pm, Palmerston 27 Flagstaff Hereford 1.00pm, South Westland 27 Glacier Horned Hereford, 1.00pm, South Westland 27 Bannockburn Angus, 1.00pm, South Westland 29 Seadowns Hereford, 2.00pm, Oamaru 29 Umbrella Range Angus, Argyle Station, Waikaia 30 Limehills Polled Hereford 2.30pm, Millers Flat 30 Westholm Hereford 11.00am, Tapanui

30 30 30 31 31 31 31

Blue Mountain Angus 11.00am, Tapanui Duncraigen Hereford 11.00am, Tapanui Matatoki Herefords, 6.00pm, Agonline Waiau Hereford 2.30pm, Lillburn Valley Pikoburn Angus 11.00am, Otautau Pourakino Downs Hereford 11.00am, Otautau Torrisdale Murray Grey, Agonline

JUNE (NORTH ISLAND) 1 Springdale Angus, 12.00pm, Taumarunui 1 Shian Angus, 3.00pm, Taumarunui 1 Black Ridge Angus, 9.30am, Taumarunui 1 Glenbrae Hereford, Porangahau 1 Okaharau South Devon 2 Raupuha Shorthorn, 10.00am, Mahoenui 2 Tarangower Angus, 12.00pm, Mahoenui 2 Rockend Hereford Mahoenui 2 Kay Jay Angus, 12.00pm, Masterton 6 Hillcroft Angus, 12.00pm, Huntly 6 Hain Hereford, Shorthorn & Angus, 3.00pm, Gisborne 6 Wairere Angus, 1.00pm, Hawera 6 Otapawa Hereford, 12.00pm, Masterton 6 Oregon Angus, 3.00pm, Masterton 7 Kairuru Hereford, 1.00pm, Reporoa 7 Wairoa Combined South Devon & Hereford, 12.30pm, Wairoa 7 Merchiston Angus, 2.30pm, Rata 7 Dandaloo & Tapiri Angus, 12.00pm, Masterton 7 Hinewaka Shorthorn, 3.00pm, Masterton 8 NI Limousin Bull Trail, 1.00pm 8 Strathmore Hereford, 1.30pm, Te Kuiti 8 Iona Angus, 1.30pm, Te Kuiti 8 Ipura South Devon, 1.00pm, Te Kuiti 8 Pine Park Angus, 11.30am, Marton 8 Ranui Angus, 3.00pm, Wanganui 8 Maungahina Hereford, Red Charolais and Speckled Park,

1.00pm, Masterton 9 Glenanthony Simmental, 12.30pm, Waipukurau 9 Totaranui Angus, 1.30pm, Pahiatua 9 Te Whanga Angus, 10.00am, Masterton 9 Twin Oaks, 1.00pm, Te Akau 12 Atahua Angus, 11.00am, Kiwitea 12 Mt Mable Angus, 2.30pm, Dannevirke 12 Ngaputahai Angus, 3.00pm, Pohangina 13 Snake Gully Limousins, 1.00pm, Mangakaramea 13 Cashbac Comb Angus, Shorthorn, 11.00am, Dannevirke 13 Motere Angus, 3.00pm, Waipukurau 14 Brookwood Angus, 9.00am, Takapau 14 Riverlee Herefords, 1.00pm, Rangiwahia 14 Waiwhero Angus, 12.00am, Waipukurau 14 Elgin Angus, 3.00pm, Elsthorpe 15 Hallmark Angus, 10.00am, Stortford Lodge

WE’VE MADE BULLS MORE ATTRACTIVE. 168 FMG0550CWBQPD

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

15 16 19 26 26 27 28 28 28 29 29 29 30

Koanui Hereford, 1.00pm, Havelock North Waiterenui Angus, 1.00pm, Hastings Okupata Herefords, Oparau Ratanui Angus, 12.00pm, Matawhero Kaharau Angus, 4.00pm, Gisborne Turihaua Angus, 3.00pm, Gisborne Rangatira Angus, 9.00am, Murawai Matawhero Combined Angus, 12.00pm, Gisborne Turiroa Angus, 4.00pm, Wairoa Forrestview Charolais Matapouri Hereford 12.30pm, Marua Mokairau Hereford, 10.30am, Gisborne Wilencote Hereford, 2.30pm, Gisborne Glenrossie Shorthorn/Santa Gertrudis 1.00pm, Whangarei Heads

JUNE (SOUTH ISLAND) 1 Monymusk Polled Hereford 11.30am, Te Anau 1 Waikaka Hereford 4.00pm, Greenvale 2 Locharburn Horned Hereford 1.00pm, Lowburn 6 Nethertown Angus 2.00pm, Middlemarch 7 Okawa Hereford , 2.30pm, Mayfield 7 Orari George Hereford, 11.00am, Geraldine 8 Riverlands J Angus, 2.00pm, Cheviot 8 Grassmere & Capethorne Hereford, 2.00pm, Cheviot 8 Haldon Station Hereford & Angus, 1.00pm, Mackenzie 9 Earnscleugh Angus, Hereford, Composite, Alexandra 12 Martin Farming, 2.30pm, Wakefield 12 Lake Station Herefords, 10.30am, St Arnaud 13 Sudeley Angus, 3.00pm, Irwell 13 Richon Hereford, 3.00pm, Irwell 15 Roseville/Moonlight Charolais 2.00pm, Ngapara 15 Fossil Creek Angus, 2.00pm, Ngapara 15 Blue Duck Angus, Agonline 16 Grampians Angus, 11.00am, Culverden 16 Red Oak Angus, 1.30pm, Weka Pass 19 Blenheim Angus, 11.00am 19 Taimate Angus, 2.30pm, Ward 19 Buttergill South Devon, 2.30pm, Ward 19 Centrewood Charolais, 11.00am, Geraldine 19 Kakahu Angus, 1.00pm, Geraldine 20 Woodbank Angus, 1.00pm, Clarence Bridge 20 Matariki Hereford, 1.00pm, Clarence Bridge 21 Te Mania Angus, 12.30pm, Conway Flats 22 Stern Angus, 1.00pm, Totara Valley 23 Meadowlea Angus, 1.00pm, Fairlie JULY (NORTH ISLAND) 3 Te Puna Herefords, 12.30pm, Okaihau 4 Moana Herefords, 1.00pm, Dargaville 4 Waitangi Angus 1.00pm, Waitangi 24 Argyle Angus, 12.00pm, Kaikohe 25 Arahau Hereford, 1.00pm, Tangiteroria AUGUST (NORTH ISLAND) 15 Matauri Angus 1yr & 2yr Bull, Matauri Bay 31 Waimaire Otengi Herefords, 12.00pm, Kaeo

SEPTEMBER (NORTH ISLAND) 1 Matapouri 1yr Hereford, 12.30pm, Marua 1 Mahuta 1yr Hereford, 1.00pm, Glen Murray 6 Te Atarangi 1yr Angus, 12.30pm, Dargaville 7 Kauri Downs Ylg Angus, Waihi 8 Hukaroa 1yr & 2yr Hereford, 12.00pm, Waerenga 11 Craigmore 1yr Hereford, 12.30pm, Rukuhia 12 Ranui yearling Angus. 12.00pm, Wanganui 13 Kokonga 1yr Hereford, 12.30pm, Hamilton 13 Shadow Downs Hereford, 12.00pm, Waverley 13 Charwell Hereford, Manawahe 14 Paddyvale 1yr Angus, 1.00pm, Dargaville 14 Riverton Hereford, 12.00pm, Fordell 14 Mangaotea Bull, 12.00pm, Ratapiko 15 Kay Jay Angus Yearling Bull and Heifer, Masterton 18 Hillcroft 2yr Hereford & Angus, 11.30am, Huntly 18 Te Whanga yearling Angus, Masterton 19 Waitangi yearling Angus, 12.00pm, Waitangi 19 Totaranui yearling Angus, Pahiatua 20 Sitz-Stokman yearling Angus, 1.00pm, Taupo 20 Heather-Dell Angus 1yr Bull Sale, 1.00pm, Taupo 20 Newcastle 1yr Hereford, 12.30pm Hamilton 20 Karamu 1yr Hereford (with Newcastle), Hamilton 21 Kairaumati Hereford, 12.30pm, Turua 21 Motere yearling Angus, 1.00pm, Waipukurau 26 Ardo Hereford, 12.00pm, Marton 27 Pine Park Angus yearling 12.00pm, Marton 27 Netherby Hereford, Hamilton 27 Herepuru Station Herefords, Manawahe 27 Turihaua yearling Angus, Gisborne 28 Twin Oaks Angus, 1.00pm, Te Akau 29 Waiterenui yearling Angus, 12.00pm, Hastings SEPTEMBER (SOUTH ISLAND) 27 Shrimpton Hills Hereford, 12.00pm, Cave 29 Peters Angus, Millers Flat OCTOBER (NORTH ISLAND) 2 Hangawera Station Hereford, Tauhei OCTOBER (SOUTH ISLAND 2 Glen R Angus, 1.30pm, Sheffield 3 Woodbank Angus, 3.00pm, Clarence Bridge 4 Te Mania Angus, 1.00pm, Conway Flat 4 Bluestone Hereford, 1.00pm, Cave 5 Red Oak Angus, 1.00pm, Weka Pass 5 Kakahu Angus, 1.00pm, Geraldine 5 Centrewood Charolais, 1.00pm, Geraldine 5 C & J Humphries Hereford, Wyndham 6 Medowslea Agnus, 1.00pm, Fairlie 9 AG & GJ Whtye 2yr Hereford, Taramoa 11 Stern Angus, 1.00pm, Totara Valley 13 Focus Genetics Angus, 1.00pm, Te Anau 18 Mrs CH Miller Hereford (pm), Pyramid Downs

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017

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FARMING IN FOCUS

More photos from this month’s Country-Wide Beef.

Yellow Savanagh S microlight aircraft was one of the machines on show at the South Island Agricultural Field Days at Kirwee.

Peter McWilliam and his daughter Lauren Cameron with some of their pure and cross-bred Pustertal cows and bull calves at the Maungaraki Cattle Company.

Picture: Graeme Brown

Harper Schat was more interested in what was going on away to the right than having her picture taken with dad Daniel Schat and Prime Minister Bill English at the South Island Agricultural Field Days.

Picture: Andrew Swallow

Angus breeding cows on Northland beef farmer Ian Russell’s Pouto Peninsula farm.

Picture: Sheryl Brown.

Maungaraki “Elzino”.

Silverhill, South Canterbury.

Station Manager Michael Lowther alongside this year’s maize crop.

170

Station Manager Michael Lowther and tractor driver Kerry Cook after sowing a paddock of young grass.

Ash Russell from Oamaru drives a ball in Dow AgroScience’s Big Bash at the South Island Agricultural Field Days. Picture: Andrew Swallow

Sire bulls and recently weaned mixed-age cows.

Country-Wide Beef May 2017

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S E V I T C A E R O M .

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To maintain optimum productivity while simultaneously addressing concerns over resistance, talk to you local vet about SWITCH Fluke 10 - the only combination oral drench to contain two actives plus fluke control.

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172

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Country-Wide Beef May 2017