Volume 11 l June 15th, 2020 l email: agined@globalHQ.co.nz l www.farmersweekly.co.nz
In your paper
Photo of the week:
STACK EM UP!
1 If I had a Friesian bull and bred it with a Hereford cow, what breed would the calf be? 2 What is your favourite breed of farm animal? Tell us why it’s your favourite? 3 Send us a photo of your favourite farm animal and the reason they are your favourite, email to agined@globalhq.co.nz or post on our Facebook page. 1 Go to www.farmersweekly.co.nz
STRETCH YOURSELF:
2 Find and watch the OnFarmStory of Johnie McFadzean, “A Bloody Cunning Idea” and read the accompanying article “Turning meat into money”.
1 What does the term “genetics” mean?
3 Where do the McFadzean’s farm? 4 What is a hybrid?
STRETCH YOURSELF: Ben, Max & Jake Wigley plan on keeping their house warm and toasty this winter!
1 What cattle breeds did Johnnie’s father combine initially to lead them to where they are? 2 Why do the McFadzeans believe there is strong demand for these hybrids?
Share your AginEd photos on our Farmers Weekly facebook page
3 What name have they given to their hybrid bulls? Why did they decide on this name?
Remember to use the hashtag #AginEd
4 Cows and replacements are selected for one key trait only, what is this?
Letters to: agined@globalhq.co.nz
5 What four goals do the McFadzeans have when producing weaner bulls to sell?
1 Go to the AgriHQ Market Snapshot page 2 What is this week’s North Island lamb price? 3 Is this better or worse than last week, do you have any ideas why it may have changed?
(NZ$/JASm3)
AgriHQ average wharfgate pruned log price
4 How does it compare to last year, are prices following a typical seasonal trend?
STRETCH YOURSELF: 1 Have a look at the AgriHQ average wharfgate pruned log price. This shows the average price for pruned logs sold to overseas buyers/importers. 2 Prices fell during Covid-19 when ships were unable to arrive in China. Now recovering, how do current values compare to the previous year?
1 What is the most common type of tree planted in NZ forests? 2 What is ‘carbon farming’? 3 After discussing with your parents or teacher, write an opinion piece on your personal view of the increase in NZ farms purchased to be planted in pines. Think about both the short term and long term pros and cons, how might this affect the sheep and beef industry? Send to: agined@globalhq.co.nz, and we will select a letter to be featured in next week’s Ewe Said!
2 There are many ways in which genetics are used in stock production. Can you come up with five examples? 3 What traits are commonly bred for and highly favoured in beef cattle?
AGRI-CHAMPS!: This week we are introducing our new initiative, ‘Agri-Champs’! Each week we will profile a different person in the industry, there may even be jobs you never knew existed! Here we will find out what a typical day and week looks like for them, the steps they took to get to where they are today and tips for school leavers on how to get their foot in the door to a fulfilling career in the primary industry. We are kicking off with our very own AgriHQ Analyst, Graham Johnson! What does a normal day or week look like? The normal week involves doing research on what is happening in the markets here and overseas. Talking to contacts and building relationships with them. Once the information is collated, I then interpret it, and produce reports that are useful to our subscribers. This involves forestry, sheep, beef, wool and venison markets. Tell us what you enjoy most about your role I learn something new every day. There is always something new to learn and understand in markets that are always changing. The work that we do helps farmers optimise their farming business. If you could share some advice for young people interested in a career in the primary sector, what would it be? Do not be afraid to put your hand up, take opportunities, and get involved. Follow your passion and never stop learning. The right mindset and attitude are key to your success. For the rest of this interview head to our website! https://sites.google.com/view/agined/home