Farmers Weekly NZ 30 January 2017 by AgriHQ

Harvesters play tag with weather Vol 16 No 4, January 30, 2017

farmersweekly.co.nz

Trade light dims Nigel Stirling

nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com

REE trade deals with either the United States or what is left of the Trans Pacific Partnership membership look a long way off for New Zealand agricultural exporters. In pulling the US out of the TPP President Donald Trump effectively killed the biggest regional trade agreement in the world. Under the terms hammered out over eight years of hard-fought negotiation the 12-country deal entered into force only if ratified by the legislatures of its two biggest members – the US and Japan. Using presidential executive powers on his first day in office Trump overrode US lawmakers – among whom support was by no means guaranteed anyway – and said he would negotiate deals with TPP countries individually instead. Prime Minister Bill English said Trade Minister Todd McClay would travel to Washington DC as soon as his counterpart in the new administration was confirmed by Congress to assess the US’s readiness to pursue talks with NZ. But he was realistic about NZ’s chances in a one-on-one negotiation with the world’s biggest economy under the leadership of an unabashed mercantilist president determined to squeeze trade partners to the maximum advantage of the US. “If you asked me today I think

there would be a low chance of that happening in a form that we would find satisfactory but we wouldn’t want to rule it out,” English said. While describing its prospects the day before as “tricky” English, at his post-Cabinet press conference on Tuesday, said there was enough in it for NZ and others to push ahead with the TPP without the US. English said the TPP still had legs after comments from Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull who said there was support for such a deal from Japan, Singapore and NZ.

Are they going to want to give more access to agricultural products and particularly dairy? Stephen Jacobi International Business Forum But even that optimism was squashed when a senior member of the Japanese government the following day called the TPP without the US “meaningless” and said Tokyo would put its efforts towards convincing the new US administration that it was in its interests to re-enter the agreement. Trade-watchers said Japan’s long-standing dependence on America’s military support meant it would be wary of going against

it on trade and remaining in the TPP if the US was out. The executive director of the International Business Forum, which includes primary export heavyweights such as Fonterra, Anzco and Zespri, Stephen Jacobi, said even if Japan remained it would be difficult for the deal in its current form to remain intact without the US. TPP countries had agreed to cut tariffs – such as Japan on beef – because of the prospect of getting improved market access to the US market in return. With the US out those remaining would want to reconsider the extent to which they were willing to open up their markets to increased imports. Former trade negotiator and now Lincoln University professor of international trade, Crawford Falconer, said if by some remote chance the agreement was rebooted and came into force without the US either Trump or some future US president could face pressure from American companies at a tariff disadvantage to rivals in TPP markets and might eventually seek to re-join the trade bloc. “The only way that happens is if there is something tangible out there that makes the US say we have got to change our position because this is hurting us. “I don’t see much prospect for that but I do see some.” Both Falconer and Jacobi agreed the prospects of NZ getting a better deal with the US in bilateral talks than was won through TPP seemed remote. “Are they going to want to give more access to agricultural

MORE: SHAKE-UP P4 MPI-EU TALKS P5 WORLD TRADE P22 LOW CHANCE: Prime Minister Bill English thinks it unlikely a trade deal acceptable to New Zealand could be struck with the United States but wouldn’t rule it out.

products and particularly dairy?” Jacobi said. “I find that hard to believe given that the US dairy industry resisted that very strongly in the TPP.” Furthermore, the US would apply pressure for extension of patents on pharmaceuticals, copyright and changes to drugbuying agency Pharmac, which NZ was unlikely to make further concessions on after fending

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off those demands during TPP negotiations. Falconer said Trump had set himself a full programme on trade including re-negotiating the North American Free Trade Agreement and trade talks with Britain as well as other trade enforcement actions including against China and was unlikely to leave time for starting talks with NZ during his first term.

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NEWS

OPINION

20 Alternative View Alan Emerson says Auckland needs to look at its own waterways before flinging mud into the country.

4 Trade watchers fear ripple

effect

Trade watchers are grappling with what Donald Trump’s America-first attitude will mean for New Zealand agricultural exports.

7 Kiwi grass ready for US trial Field trials of a New Zealand-developed and funded, genetically modified ryegrass were expected to begin in the United States in April or May but there is a chance the cultivar might never be grown here.

Cartoon �� 18

Letters �� 18-19

Pulpit �� 17

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Alternative View �� 20

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From the Ridge �� 21

-30

From the Lip �� 21

free trade

The prospect of a free-trade agreement between Britain and New Zealand “fills us with fear”, National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker says.

MARKETS

Water talks prove fruitless ��5 Kiwi grass ready for US trial ��7 Rain needed to repel drought ��8 Co-ops play big economic role ��10 Velvet sales taking off again ��11 Dairy industry shows off ��12

16 Farm stalwart repays

kindnesses

Kevin Geddes turned up to work as usual last week and one of the first things he did was put the rubbish out.

Drier than normal (mm)

22-23 UK sheep farmers fear

Real Estate �� 26-41 Employment �� 42 Classifieds �� 43 Livestock �� 42-43

NEWSMAKER

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WORLD

Dry Northland received between 20mm and 75mm of rain over the weekend of January 21 and 22 but needs similar, regular falls to stave off drought.

Manuka honey crop has big drop ��13

normal (mm)

REGULARS

Trade watchers fear ripple effect ��4

60 Wetter than

Editorial �� 18

8 Rain needed to repel drought

Weather key to crops success ��3

Soil Moisture Anomaly (mm) at 9am January 27, 2017

48 Meat prices holding up A benchmark for New Zealand beef exports has risen 5.1% though increasing United States domestic production is likely to cap the gains, NZX Agri analysts say.

Market Snapshot �� 44 Market Wrap �� 45

Map reading tips This map shows the difference or anomaly in soil moisture level at the date shown compared to the average, generated from more than 30 years of records held by NIWA.

Job

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Farm manager - sheep and beef, Banks Peninsula. Willesden Farms is a large-scale sheep and cattle breeding and finishing property wintering about 22,000su comprising of 7500 Romdale ewes, 2000 ewe hoggets and 1250 Angus MA cows and R2 heifers with 850 R1 MS. For the full job description visit the Farmers Weekly jobs site: farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz and click on Farm Manager category. To find all other agjobs click on All Categories. #agjobs at your fingertips.

Contact us Editor: Bryan Gibson Twitter: farmersweeklynz Email: nzfarmersweekly@nzx.com Free phone: 0800 85 25 80 DDI: 06 323 1519

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

Weather key to crops success Annette Scott annette.scott@nzx.com THE weather gods have dealt a mixed bag for Canterbury arable farmers trying to get their crops harvested. In Mid Canterbury it’s a waiting game for sunshine as much of the harvest trails two weeks behind schedule while further north and south harvesting has hit full swing, albeit with some weather effects. While harvesting of winter barley and early forage crops and peas was under way, the season for grasses, particularly on irrigated land, was running late, Federated Farmers arable vicechairman Brian Leadley said.

There will be some exceptional results but there will also be some disappointments. Michael Porter Farmer “We are on the doorstep of cereal and grass to be done, we are just waiting for a window to get into it,” he said. The cooler spring and a few showers since New Year had delayed harvest with farmers eagerly eyeing a few more clear days with sunshine. “When we get that we will be moving rapidly into crunch time,” Leadley said. While drying was an option for most cropping farmers it was early in the season to make that decision. “We started in grass and had to pull out as at this stage it’s a bit early to be blocking the system (drying).” It was a case of studying the weather.

“The weather pattern at the moment is very changeable and some of the southerlies that are whipping through are delivering showers but we are set to go once we get that window of suitable weather.” Leadley said there were good reports of any harvesting that had been done. “We are hearing of some good yields, particularly in dryland barley on good dirt up country so that’s encouraging.” Farmers had made significant investment in drying equipment and on the whole it was shaping up to be a season where farmers, “while not happily”, would be looking to use driers, Leadley said. One of the key challenges facing Mid Canterbury growers had been the control of disease. Wind and rain had hampered crop spraying but despite that crops were looking “pretty damn good”. “If we get some summer in February and March farmers will be happy and we should get a good harvest,” he said. Mid Canterbury’s harvest scene had significantly changed from the years gone by when barley and wheat crops created a patchwork across the plains, to competition from small seeds. Much of the latest change was due to the dairy downturn with less demand for cereal grain. Leadley said while grain was moving there had been just a small lift in price with wheat and barley selling at an average $300 a tonne. “There are no big prices but there is a wee bit of demand for early harvested grain for stock feed,” he said. In North Canterbury harvest was in full swing and farmers were optimistic, following a warm winter and consistent late spring moisture, of a good harvest. There was an air of confidence

WAITING: It’s perfect harvest weather and Mid Canterbury cropping farmer Eric Watson has his harvester set to go but it’s been parked up for the past 10 days as he plays the waiting game for sunshine to ripen his cereal crops. Photo: Annette Scott

with wheat and barley crops looking particularly promising federation North Canterbury arable chairman Reuben Carter said. “There had been some nervousness about the weather and there was good reason for that a couple of weeks back but we have got that sunshine and the north-westerly now and we’re in full swing,” he said. “It’s looking to be a good harvest so far with the grain nice and healthy and some bloody good yields.” On his Darfield property dryland barley had gone seven tonnes to the hectare but some

farmers were up to eight tonnes. “Our winter barley went 10 tonnes – there are some very exceptional cereal crops so far and also some good results coming in for peas. Carter said it had been tough for farmers further north but a good window of sunshine now would ease the pressure. “If we can get a good crack at it over the next couple of weeks we will make a good hole in it and make it all a lot more bearable,” Carter said. Further south harvesters were adorning the countryside with harvest mostly on course, federation South Canterbury

arable chairman Michael Porter said. Crops had ripened slowly and were looking good but unfortunately were not performing as was expected, he said. “The rainfall we wanted in November saw most of the moisture arrive on overcast drizzly days so the problem now is disease with yield and quality the issues. “But it’s nothing unsurmountable and it’s still robust. There will be some exceptional results but there will also be some disappointments,” Porter said.

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

Trade watchers fear ripple effect Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com

PEACE SEEKER: Professor Crawford Falconer hopes the United States and China can limit themselves to a couple of injurious blows to each other without starting a full-blown trade war.

TRADE watchers are grappling with what Donald Trump’s America-first attitude will mean for New Zealand agricultural exports. While his first-day executive order to withdraw from the Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) grabbed headlines here the new president promised to shake up the world trade order with a number of similarly bold moves. He moved quickly to prepare the ground for a re-negotiation of the Clinton-era North American Free Trade Agreement. Ignoring years of effort to bring about a trade deal between the United States and Europe Trump is now eyeing up one with Britain and will meet British Prime Minister Theresa May this week. He is also in talks with the Republican leadership in Congress to impose a new border tax on exports to the US while giving its own exporters tax breaks. Trump is yet to instruct the US Treasury to declare China a currency manipulator as he promised to do on Day 1 of his

presidency but a spokesman did not dismiss the idea and said the White House would make an announcement when it was ready. Such a move would mean the US believed Beijing had deliberately and unfairly forced down its exchange rate to its exporters’ advantage and could give Trump the cover he needs to carry out his election pledge of a 45% tariff against imports from China. Underpinning the Trump agenda is a mercantilist view of the world where importing countries lose out to exporting rivals and the score is kept by trade surpluses for the victors and deficits for the losers. Critics say it ignores the reality of modern supply chains where a significant proportion of manufacturing output is imported and Trump’s plans could end up costing the US jobs if import prices are pushed up with new tariffs. Confronted with hefty US tariffs on its exports Lincoln University professor of international trade and former ambassador for NZ to the World Trade Organisation, Crawford Falconer, says China would initially seek to be “seen to be playing by the rules” and challenge them through the WTO’s dispute settlement body. “But they may well hurt the US in other ways. They would make it clear to US business that they would make it harder for them to do business. They have got lots of way they can do that.” China could ease further or even completely abandon its peg to the US dollar, which, given global markets’ heightened nerves over the country’s indebtedness, would almost certainly accelerate the renminbi’s recent falls. While that would help offset the cost to its exporters of US tariffs it would dent the buying power of Chinese consumers as well as the competitiveness of countries, such as NZ, selling to China. If these tit-for-tat trade retaliations escalated into a fullblown trade war Falconer said global growth could take a hit. That would wash up in NZ through lower global demand for commodities though he was hopeful the two heavyweights would pull back from the brink. “Could the couple of them reach a sane plateau of a couple of injurious actions to each other and call it quits for a while to let the dust settle? One would hope so.” More broadly Falconer feared a break-down in the consensus on trade that emerged after World War II and had remained in place since. That saw countries progressively lower tariffs through multilateral negotiations such as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade and its successor the WTO’s Uruguay and Doha rounds

as well as through regional trade deals like the TPP and bilateral ones of which Australia and NZ’s Closer Economic Relationship was a trailblazer. Ditching that consensus is what the Government’s agricultural trade envoy Mike Petersen sees as the biggest threat to NZ from the Trump trade agenda. “I am not overly concerned about NZ being dragged directly into a trade war between the US and China although there could be some spill-over effects.

I am not overly concerned about NZ being dragged directly into a trade war between the US and China although there could be some spill-over effects. Mike Petersen Trade envoy “The area that really concerns me is the general theme of selfinterest and inward-looking politics. “We are seeing it everywhere and it is very much about favouring domestic over imported production and that is the thing that I am worried about spreading.” Fonterra’s director of global stakeholder affairs Philip Turner is more hopeful. While the dairy industry was smarting from Trump’s canning of TPP he said it stood fully behind any efforts to boost market access for US dairy exports if it meant others could benefit too. “It is not clear at the moment how they are going to go about that except to say the traditional approach that has been tried to date they do not seem to be in favour of. “We in the dairy industry for decades have had to deal with extremely protected markets in the rich as well as in the developing countries. “If there are any ways of prising open those markets then we are all for it.” Turner said the US was the world’s third largest dairy exporter and opening up markets through new trade deals could be a significant boost to global dairy trade. “We want that to happen in a way that advantage is shared so that it doesn’t all go to the US and market access gains are shared around other trading partners. “If the new administration can find ways to do that then good luck to them and we will certainly be talking to them to understand what their approach is going to be and how we can work together.”

Have your say on this issue: farmersweekly.co.nz

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

Colin Ley TALKS about talks have already begun concerning New Zealand’s preparation for a free-trade agreement with the European Union. Primary Industries Ministry director-general Martyn Dunne visited the Global Forum for Food and Agriculture (GFFA) in Berlin then had meetings in London, Brussels and Dublin to discuss both free trade and Brexit issues. “The GFFA meeting gave us the opportunity to meet with a range of people from different countries who were interested in talking to us about NZ’s farming industry,” Dunne said. “In talking to our German counterparts, for example, we discussed the FTA process, with the general thrust being that we are very keen for negotiations to get under way. “Certainly, agriculture will be one of the areas which will require considerable negotiation. “I therefore took the opportunity to meet with the German farmers’ union and representatives of the German dairy industry, recognising that the negotiations will obviously take some time. “At this stage, however, we want to make sure everyone understands our position. “NZ obviously has a vigorous agricultural industry with dairy being

the largest sector, with our position today being very different to the past in that we now trade globally, as do many members of the EU. “In that context, my aim was to communicate that we are keen to proceed with FTA talks. “In addition, while we understand that the agricultural communities in the various EU countries will have their concerns, we hope this won’t deny us the opportunity to proceed. “It is important, therefore, that the perception of NZ agriculture is correctly understood in terms of what we do and how we do it and that people are not misled concerning the scale and scope of what we do. “We are a small country but we are very progressive in terms of precision farming and in the things we can both offer to others and learn from others.” The core theme of GFFA focused on the crucial role of water in agriculture, resulting in the release of a final communique that the 83 agriculture ministers and representatives present “reaffirm their will to ensure a sustainable use of water resources”. Forum members also identified four central challenges: reducing the risks of water scarcity, curbing water pollution, managing surplus water and safeguarding adequate access of agriculture to water.

Water talks prove fruitless Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com A RECENT meeting between Irrigation New Zealand and Greenpeace failed to resolve differences because the environmental group needs a polarising issue to preserve its Auckland funding base, Irrigation chief executive Andrew Curtis says. Greenpeace gave scant acknowledgement of the role of irrigation or that farmers were reducing their environmental footprint. The group’s true agenda was laid bare soon after the meeting in a press release that was understanding of Auckland dumping millions of cubic metres of raw sewage into the harbour each year while again admonishing the dairy industry, he said.

It grated with us. It was a broadside. Andew Curtis Irrigation New Zealand Curtis said it showed Greenpeace was a fundraising body determined to protect its Auckland funding base. “That point was highlighted by the press release this week about Auckland sewage flowing into the harbour which said it was a concern but not majorly because the Auckland Council recognised it is an issue. “Contrast that with its view of dairy farming and the irrigation industry, which is that there is no acknowledgement they have an issue and are doing nothing to improve the water quality. “It grated with us. It was a broadside.” More than half of Auckland’s 110 overflow drain outlets discharge raw sewage into the Waitemata Harbour more than 50 times a year and one spot alone overflowed every time it rained. It would reportedly cost $3 billion to fix with work starting next year and taking 10 years to complete but it would reduce the overflow by only 80%. In its press release Greenpeace

Binxi won’t up Blue Sky offer NEW Zealand Binxi has refused to up its offer for Blue Sky Meats from $2.20 to $2.50 a share. Richard Thorpe a spokesman for the Chinese-owned company rejected the bid by Blue Sky Meats (BSM) to negotiate a higher price saying $2.20 a share was “correct and full value” and at the top end of an independent valuation. “We have fully considered all aspects of the business, the competitive environment, historical and current financial results, overseas market conditions and future capital required to operate the improved business performance,” he said. BSM chairman Scott O’Donnell said a strategic review identified measures that could add $7.7 million to the bottom

line by 2020, hence its decision to try to up the price. O’Donnell said the opportunities would bring the performance of the Southland meat company up to NZ industry standard and in doing so would reverse recent losses and significantly improve profitability. Should the full strategy be implemented, BSM could make an $8.4m profit by 2020 and have a share value of $3.20. Last year it made a $900,000 loss. A share price of $2.50 valued the company at just under $29m, well above an independent valuation of $1.93 to $2.21 by advisers Campbell MacPherson. But Thorpe said NZ Binxi had received “a good volume”

of acceptances at $2.20 share but acknowledged share sales would need to continue for the takeover to succeed. The strategic review said three things would contribute an estimated $6.9m to the bottom line. Improving carcase yield from the current 90% to the NZ industry average of 93% would add $3.5m while lifting its chilled lamb business from less than 1% to 20%, the NZ industry average, would add $2m. The third action was completing the upgrade of a recently bought plant at Gore to handle beef and making it profitable, potentially adding $1.4m to its bottom line. Binxi has 13.53% of Blue Sky. Its offer expires on February 18.

campaigner Steve Abel said “In Auckland there seems to be an across the board acceptance that we have a sewage problem matched by a willingness from council and ratepayers to tackle the issue even if it costs billions”. “Greenpeace would welcome a similar acceptance and willingness from the dairy industry, which still seems to be in a state of denial with the likes of DairyNZ and Irrigation NZ planning new irrigation schemes that will drive an increase in the number of dairy cows.” Curtis said the Greenpeace activists told him there were too many dairy cows and they opposed irrigation because it led to more dairy cows and intensive beef farming. “They didn’t seem to believe that a range of other activities happened.” They wanted a low-input, ecofarming model but Curtis said they were not clear what they meant nor was there any acknowledgement that organic and biodynamic farming systems required irrigation. Curtis said they also refused to accept their constant attacks were affecting farmers who followed best practice or that resolving water quality

UNFRIENDLY: A meeting with Greenpeace did not go well and failed to resolve differences, Irrigation New Zealand chief executive Andrew Curtis says.

issues required a community effort. He was of the view that Greenpeace needed a wedge between urban and rural communities to protect its funding lines.

FARM MANAGER SHEEP & BEEF, BANKS PENINSULA

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join our company as a Farm Manager on Willesden Farms spreading across Kaituna Valley and Prices Valley on Banks Peninsula. Willesden Farms is a large-scale sheep and cattle breeding and finishing property wintering approximately 22,000su comprising of 7500 Romdale ewes, 2000 ewe hoggets and 1250 Angus MA cows and R2 heifers with 850 R1 MS. The property is a total of 3694ha with an effective area of approximately 2832ha. The property lies at 10-40 metres above sea level for the flats rising to 760 metres above sea level at the top of the property. The property has undergone a large-scale development over the last eight years going from dry land to 500ha irrigated flats serviced by 11 centre pivots and mix of solid set, k-line and hard hose. An extensive stock water scheme in the hill country has just been completed in the last 12 months with all blocks now serviced by reticulate piped stock water. Kaituna Valley and the Lake Block on Kaitorete Spit have unique micro climate that allow great establishment of grasses and crops. The property is situated 35 minutes drive from central Christchurch and 15 minutes from Tai Tapu and Little River township with school bus to end of drive. We are looking for a motivated, self-driven, honest, people focused, skilled manager with a proven track record to take this unique property the next step from development to profitability and sustainability. Much of the development work has been done however much of the hill country has potential to be significantly improved through subdivision, fertility and pasture improvement. What you will bring: • People management and leadership skills • Passion and enthusiasm for livestock farming with good commercial acumen in relation to running a successful livestock farm • Extensive sheep and cattle experience • Experience in operating both irrigated flats and hill-country and the ability to integrate both systems with a sound pasture husbandry knowledge • Proven leadership and stakeholder management skills across community, suppliers and owners • Ability to use farm management technology systems and record keeping equipment. Mapping and computer skills are essential • Current and full NZ drivers license; • Ability to analyses farming systems both financially and from a management perspective • Ability to be future focused and innovative and can communicate vision to the owners • Maintain farm assets and animals to a high standard • Focus on health and safety, animal welfare and environmental management; We offer a competitive remuneration and benefits package, as well as ongoing training and personal development to help you reach your personal and career goals. The position comes with a beautiful, recently renovated, large family-friendly homestead with four bedrooms. With privacy and space all around it makes an ideal setting for a farming focused family. For more details about the role please contact in confidence Brent Thomas on 0274 526 418 or email your application and CV to brent@willesdenfarms.co.nz Only those with the New Zealand residency need apply. Applications close 5 pm Friday 10th February 2017.

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Dunne starts talks with EU

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Farm with greater certainty

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

Kiwi grass ready for US trial Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com FIELD trials of a New Zealanddeveloped and funded, genetically modified ryegrass were expected to begin in the United States in April or May but there is a chance the cultivar might never be grown here. The AgResearch developed High Metabolisable Energy (HME) ryegrass had proved in the laboratory to reduce methane and nitrous oxide emissions and nitrogen leaching while improving productivity but the NZ-funded, five-year trial to test those claims was likely to be done in the US. AgResearch Grasslands principal plant biotechnology scientist Greg Bryan said difficulties navigating NZ’s Hazardous Substances and New Organisms Act, likely restrictions on further research and co-funder sensitivity with overseas markets meant it was easier to do the trials offshore. The Ministry for Business, Innovation and Employment and seed companies had provided $10 million for the trials but AgResearch had applied to US regulators for permission for the field work. Information and data would be gathered from the US trials and used to decide if an application would be made to do further field trials in NZ, which could take a further three years. “If we get to that point, we would be repeating some of the work but also expanding it under NZ conditions.” Should HME pass the field trials, it was possible funders could decide regulatory conditions in NZ prevented the cultivar’s release here and it would be marketed overseas. Ongoing testing of HME under laboratory conditions confirmed

We’re pretty excited by the potential it can provide farmers with the environmental side of it and at the same time not compromising productivity. Greg Bryan AgResearch

GREENER: AgResearch scientist Greg Bryan with the HME ryegrass that could provide production and environmental benefits.

earlier findings that it improved productivity while also addressing environmental issues such as nitrogen leaching and reduced methane and nitrous oxide emissions. But whether HME would be a feature of the NZ farmscape was a decision NZ had to make and not an outcome he or the industry could predict, Bryan said. Depending on the variety, HME showed in the lab it grew 30-60% faster than conventional ryegrass cultivars, produced 10% more metabolisable energy, reduced methane emissions by 15-20% and nitrogen in urine by 9%, which

meant less leaching and emissions of nitrous oxide. “We’re pretty excited by the potential it can provide farmers with the environmental side of it and at the same time not compromising productivity.” Bryan said their confidence in HME was boosted by the recent field trial performance of soya beans, which used similar genetic modification technology as HME. That technology increased photosynthesis in soya beans by 10%, which meant a 10% increase in seed numbers, with the seed 7% heavier from plants that were 12% higher.

The HME trials would be done by US contractors who would first visit NZ to learn about ryegrass. NZ scientists would regularly visit the field trials to observe. The first year of the trial would confirm techniques and systems, plant performance and develop plant material, with hundreds of individual plants grown and monitored. In years two and three the trial would expand and comparisons between different lines of HME would be made with testing for laboratory assumptions and performance, such as a lower need

for nitrogen fertiliser and a greater drought tolerance. Nutrition trials would follow in years four and five with HME grass cut and taken to stock housed in chambers so greenhouse gas emissions could be monitored and other measurements taken. A 10% increase in metabolisable energy was measured in the laboratory along with milksolids gains of 12-17%, assumptions that would also be tested. Bryan said despite the competition for limited research funds, AgResearch received strong Government and industry support, including from DairyNZ and seed companies. “Here is an opportunity for NZ farmers to have a tool to manage their environmental impact and at the same time not compromise productivity but increase farm efficiency and may even reduce the amount of bought-in feed as they will be able to grow more feed onfarm. “The opportunity for farmers and the environment is quite significant,” Bryan said.

MORE: FORMER FARMER SAYS NO

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

Rain needed to repel drought Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com DRY Northland received between 20mm and 75mm of rain over the weekend of January 21 and 22 but needs similar, regular falls to stave off drought. Most rain was received in the Far North, from the Bay of Islands to Kaitaia, and the least in lower Northland, from Whangarei to the Kaipara Harbour. For the province it was the first decent fall since late November – the historical averages for Whangarei were for about 100mm in each of the months from November through February. After repeated southerly fronts failed to reach Northland during December and early January because of blocking high pressure

north of the country, farmers feared another drought had gripped the province early in summer. Drought declaration might still happen in early February if 50100mm of rain was not received to avoid that development. Drying off herds early, beginning with the first calvers, remained a possibility, Northland’s Sharefarmer of the Year in 2016, Glen Rankin, said. After producing 1kg/day/cow milksolids around Christmas time, the herd was now doing only 0.5kg/day/cow. “We are still able to feed the cows but the quality of pasture has dropped right way. “After the weekend rain I would have liked to see grass growth bounce back but I have been a bit

No end in sight for wool woes Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com ANOTHER round of wool sales and another round of falling prices. Some strong wools were up to 9% cheaper at the Christchurch and Napier auctions on Thursday, compared to previous sales. Some lambs wool types fell by up to 15%. “It was dismal. Buyers are just operating on a hand-to-mouth basis,” PGG Wrightson South Island auctioneer Dave Burridge said. NZ Wool Services International (WSI) marketing manager Malcolm Ching said there appeared no end in sight to the malaise in the short term. “We might have thought prices had fallen enough to bring buyers back in but they’re saying ‘Well the price might be lower next time’,” At this stage of the season, China has bought 55% less wool than at the same time last year. “They overbought last year and are still full of stocks,” Ching said. The collapse of sterling against the euro after the Brexit vote was also a major drawback for demand. A lot of wool typically went from China to the Euro zone for further processing then on to Britain for finishing but the low sterling had put the clamps on the last part of the transaction. The NZ dollar’s latest rise against the United States dollar had also not helped, with that cross well above the averages for last year. There were 18,200 bales on

offer across both auctions and the combined clearing rate was 70%. At Christchurch, Burridge quoted 35 micron strong wool, good quality, selling at $3.80/kg clean, down from about $4.05 at the previous sale. Slightly cheaper was 37 micron at $3.75kg. For lambs wool, 29 micron was close to steady at $4.30/kg clean but there were falls for 30 micron at $3.72 and 31 micron at $3.63. South Island prices eased more on the day but were still generally 3% to 5% above North Island levels. The more traditional breed mix, with largely Romney base, seemed to provide a better machine result for manufacturers than the more composite breed mix in the north, Ching said. Overall quality of the wool, in colour and seed content, also continued to be well down on last year because of the unfavourable summer in many regions. With the state of the international market and with 70% to 80% of NZ’s strong wool weight produced between late December and into March/April, the pressure on the industry wouldn’t be going away any time soon. The strong wool season is at its supply peak but the season for mid-micron and Merino wool is virtually over. Finer wools have been in greater demand but mixed quality has affected the average mid-micron prices over the season. The Merino market has been much stronger.

disappointed with kikuyu growth so far. “The crops have responded, after delayed sowing in late November, because the soil was too wet.” Rankin said follow-up rain was needed, along with the palm kernel already ordered, to get the milking extended into autumn. NIWA reported the whole of Northland remained with soil moisture deficits of 100mm or more, even after the recent rain. The soil moisture anomaly was greater than 30mm below normal over most of the province, from Kaipara to the Hokianga harbours. MetService said no rain was forecast for Northland for the next 10 days, into the first week of February.

WATER WANTED: Glen Rankin with boys, from left, Charlie, Tom and Harry are hoping for more rain.

Wet weather limiting Westland milk flow Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com MILK volumes collected in Westland are down about 5.7% on last year because of the poor weather conditions. The spring and summer conditions have been the toughest for many years for West Coast farmers and the milk supply downturn could end up being a bit steeper, Westland Milk Products shareholder and supplier services general manager Tony Wright said. That was compounded by up to 400mm of rain in some areas in the week ending January 21 and further lighter rain last week. The latest rain did not disrupt milk collections, as flooding the previous week had done. The co-operative and farmers were holding out for more stable

weather through February to April, a time when conditions were usually more settled, he said. However, with cows in calf, a boost in supply wasn’t expected. As well as the West Coast shortfall, storm damage to the rail line between Canterbury and the West Coast forced Westland to transport milk from Canterbury suppliers by truck over the Lewis Pass. About 20% of the Westland supply came from Canterbury shareholders but milk volumes were greatly reduced by the reverse osmosis process at its Rolleston plant. It removed water from the mix so only concentrated milk was transported. Having to use road tankers instead of rail hadn’t slowed down factory production because the trains were not sent across till

they were full, whereas individual tankers travelled at any time, Wright said. He expected the rail line to be back in use at the weekend. Some areas of the West Coast had reported 10% to 15% falls in milk volumes but as well as the Canterbury supply, some West Coast farms had much less than 5% supply downturns because of the various micro-climates across the region. Dairy cows and dairy farmers, in that order, had been the worst affected by the poor weather and farmers had done very well to keep their herds in good condition, Wright said. Milk quality remained very good. The co-operative’s operations had been affected in only a very minor way, given the conditions.

Velvet leaf needs vigilance Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com BIOSECURITY officials fear farmer complacency could undo some of the hard work done last year containing the outbreak of velvet leaf. Primary Industries Ministry incident controller David Yard urged farmers who bought contaminated fodder beet seed to develop and follow a farm management plan. More than 250 farms, mostly in Southland, Otago and Canterbury, inadvertently sowed contaminated seed last year and Yard said it was vital to maintain vigilance or the problem would quickly get out of control. “The velvet leaf problem is not over,” he said. A Waikato farmer who did

not remove two or three plants had 20,000 a year later and the following year was removing tonnes of the weed off his land. MPI had contracted regional councils to contact every farmer who bought infected seed last season to develop a plan on how to manage weed infestation and control any spread. They included “what to look for and how to manage it”, he said. The contracts also included monitoring of farmer compliance with the management plan. “I urge all farmers to be vigilant, look for any velvet leaf plants and if they find it, report it.” Staff would be sent to remove any plants.

The weed could be controlled with herbicides but Yard said land use could also offer some control. Any weed growth in a paddock infested last year that was now growing pasture might be controlled by grazing but if it was growing an upright crop such as maize or cereals it would be difficult to control with herbicide. There was also a risk contractors could spread the weed between properties on equipment that had not been cleaned correctly and he also urged them to be vigilant. A flowering plant could shed thousands of seeds which could lie dormant for 50 years then sprout. To report any velvet leaf plants call 0800 809966.

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News

10 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

Co-ops play big economic role in NZ Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com THE first comprehensive survey of the position in the economy of co-operative societies and mutual companies has shown New Zealand had a total turnover in those ownership models greater than those of the same type in Australia. The contrast between NZ and Australia was most notable in the agri-food sector, where NZ had companies representing 65% of total revenue as co-operatively owned, versus Australia’s 16%. Co-operatively owned NZ wholesale and retail companies, with 30% of their sector’s revenue, also eclipsed Australia’s 10%. The study was done by academics from Massey University and the University of Auckland for Co-operative Business NZ (CBNZ) and funded by Fonterra and 10 other companies, six of them predominantly rural cooperatives. Lead researcher Elena Garnevska of Massey University said she knew of the dominance of co-operative ownership in the agri-food sector but was surprised to find its importance in NZ was more than twice that worldwide. But the opposite applied in the

insurance, banking and finance sector. Globally co-operatives had 45% of revenue. In NZ it was only 3.4%. In 2015, from their published information, the top 30 cooperatives and mutuals in NZ had total revenue of more than $42 billion, total assets of $33b and earnings before interest and tax of $2b. They accounted for 17.5% of GDP and in a total population of 4.5m people there were 1.4m memberships (possibly multiple memberships), more than half of them in the Southern Cross Medical Society. The top 30 co-operatives and mutuals employed 48,500 people, though a sizeable minority, in the case of Fonterra, were employed overseas. The largest category of cooperatives was agri-food, including Fonterra, Silver Fern Farms and Alliance Group, and that category made 65% of the total revenue. The second category (30%) was wholesale and retail, dominated by Foodstuffs. The top five by revenue in 2015 were Fonterra with $18.8b, Foodstuffs NI $6.2b, Foodstuffs SI $2.7b, Silver Fern Farms $2.4b, and Farmlands $2.2b, closely

DRIVER: Fonterra leads the pack of New Zealand co-operatives that generate more than $42 billion a year in revenue.

followed by Alliance and Zespri. Ballance Agri-Nutrients, Ravensdown, Westland Milk, Market Gardeners, Tatua Dairy, LIC and FMG were among the top 20. Fonterra, SFF, Alliance, Eastpack, and Foodstuffs NI were the top five employers of people. The insurance, medical and banking category dominated the memberships by number, headed by Southern Cross. Farmlands Trading Society came fourth with 62,500 members, followed by FMG with 52,000. Ravensdown was eighth with 26,000 and Ballance ninth, 19,200. Fonterra and LIC were 11th and 12th with about10,500 members each while SFF, 6000, and Alliance, 5000, were 13th and 14th. Co-operatives did face challenges, even though they were so popular in NZ, the report said. “Educating the public and addressing the poor understanding of the co-operative business model remains a

perennial challenge,” the authors said. NZ did not have a research centre with a clear focus on co-operatives and mutuals to co-ordinate and deliver research and training support, though such centres were common in other countries.

More research and education is needed to pinpoint strengths, opportunities and evolving needs. Lisa Callagher Auckland University Tailor-made courses for cooperative and mutual staff, board members and members were needed to ensure the unique characteristics of the co-operative

business model were understood for their future success. “This study provides a broad snapshot and a solid platform to develop new training and education courses,” author Lisa Callagher, of Auckland, said “But more research and education is needed to pinpoint strengths, opportunities and evolving needs. “Future research could look at the sustainability of the cooperative business model and map long-term trends and cycles,” she said. CBNZ chief executive Craig Presland said the report showed the importance of co-operatives in GDP and employment. “We now have the opportunity to extend our research on cooperatives and advocate even more strongly for them so that we ensure this enduring and sustainable business model is better understood and more widely utilised across NZ business.”

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

Velvet sales taking off again Annette Scott annette.scott@nzx.com A STICKY start to the velvet season has turned tail with increasing quantities now being bought by overseas customers. A prolonged stand-off between buyers and sellers together with new regulations in China, stalled the traditional start to the velvetselling season. PGG Wrightson velvet manager Tony Cochrane said sales had started to move early in the New Year following a gap between buyers’ and sellers’ price expectations. “We had no sales at all prior to Christmas and initially my instruction from farmers had been not to sell as price discussions over product being sold in the field were below expectation, being back as much as 25% on last year,” Cochrane said. “Then the New Year started with a significant number of Korean sales.” While prices were still back about 17%, they were up $5-$7/kg on discussions before Christmas. “We have also managed now to get significant sales to China for the remaining balance of grades, which are also around 17% back on last year.” There was strong demand from buyers that was expected to see the season out, Cochrane said. The most frustrating aspect was the Korean market that took 60% of the New Zealand velvet crop. “They are still of the belief that prices should be lower and that philosophy has been backed by some farmers and exporters in NZ who have sold at the lower levels,” Cochrane said. With two of the main Korean

SMOOTHER: Velvet prices are still back on last year’s record levels but a third of the crop has been sold since Christmas.

buyers still in negotiations over price offers, Cochrane hoped they would see the stock levels reducing and come to the party before the season ended. Deer Industry NZ (DINZ) chief executive Dan Coup said up to 200 tonnes of the expected 620 tonnes crop had been sold since Christmas. Velvet was now selling with farmers receiving about $100 a kilogram. Increasing quantities of NZ velvet were now being bought by overseas customers, with prices about $25/kg back on last year’s record returns, but at levels similar to the six-year average.

About $15 of the fall could be attributed to currency changes since last season, Coup said. The balance also reflected market uncertainty relating to regulatory changes in China. Coup acknowledged the season had been frustrating and disappointing for farmers. “It has also been a tough season for velvet exporters with buyers determined to see an adjustment in pricing, complicated by a changing regulatory landscape in China. “It’s the farmers who bear the brunt of all that,” he said. “We understand the financial impact that lower prices and

slower sales are having on farmers but we remain optimistic about the medium and long-term outlook. “Our assessment is that underlying demand for our velvet is strong in both Korea and China,” Coup said. Latest figures showed that total velvet imports to Korea from all countries were 596 tonnes (green equivalent) in the 12 months to November 30, up from 531 tonnes in the previous year. The NZ velvet industry had grown from 443 tonnes worth $26 million and an average price of $58.62/kg in 200809 to a 603-tonne industry worth $75m in 2015-16. The growth came from increased sales to China and the development of the healthy foods sector in Korea. Coup said DINZ continued to work with healthy food companies in both China and Korea to further build demand. “We’re also confident that the changes in the regulatory treatment of velvet in China, while causing some headaches this season, will actually put our product on a much stronger footing for the future.”

You can’t lift the price. But you can lift the numbers.

New law will benefit Kiwi velvet exporters AN INITIALLY frustrating new Chinese law will benefit New Zealand velvet producers, Deer Industry New Zealand Asia market manager Rhys Griffiths says. In December the Chinese Government passed law to give much higher status to traditional Chinese medicine and give it a bigger role in the medical system. That was expected to have longterm benefit for producers of premier Chinese medicine ingredients including deer velvet, Griffiths said. The new regulation had initially contributed to the later than usual start to the NZ velvet-selling season as customers in China who had previously imported velvet as an agricultural byproduct needed to get a pharmaceutical processing or trading licence before they could again import velvet. The new law was preceded by a new, rigorous food safety law that came into force in October 2015 and regulations imposed last year to improve the safety of China’s food and traditional

medicine supply chains. Griffiths said the roll-out of the regulations had coincided with the 2016-17 NZ velvet season, disrupting sales to Chinese buyers. “Importers who had previously imported velvet as an agricultural byproduct needed to get a pharmaceutical processing or trading licence before they could get an import permit. “In some cases this has required premises and procedures to be upgraded, changes that take time,” Griffiths said. “The new regulations make it clear that NZ velvet is a legitimate health-promoting ingredient that can definitely be used in traditional Chinese medicines and healthy functional foods in China, a big positive for NZ,” he said. Previously, the legal status of NZ velvet in medicines and functional foods was unclear, which meant companies had been reluctant to invest in food products containing NZ velvet. “These companies welcome the changes. Working with similar companies in Korea has served our industry very well.” The new Chinese law, to take effect

on July 1, was central to the reform of the medical and health sectors. According to Xinhua, the New China News Agency, it was intended to put traditional and Western medicines on an equal footing with better training for traditional professionals. Traditional and Western medicines practitioners would be expected to learn from and complement each other. County-level governments and above must set up traditional medicine institutions in public-funded general hospitals and mother and child care centres with private investment encouraged in them. All traditional practitioners must pass tests while apprentices and previously unlicensed specialists with considerable medical experience could begin practice only when they had recommendations from at least two qualified practitioners and had passed relevant tests. The state would protect medical resources including the breeding of rare or endangered wildlife, the law said. It also pledged enhanced supervision of raw traditional materials and banned the use of toxic pesticides.

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The recent kick-off in sales seemed to be a result of large buyers from both Korea and China coming into the market, Coup said. There were two main end markets for NZ velvet, Korea at 60% and China, 30% but about half the velvet consumed in Korea had in recent times been processed in China. Chinese firms processing velvet in free-trade zones for Korean customers had also been affected by the new regulatory changes.

News

12 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; farmersweekly.co.nz â&#x20AC;&#x201C; January 30, 2017

Dairy industry shows off In the lead-up to the New Zealand Dairy Event young competitors from around the country gathered for the National All Dairy Breeds Youth Camp. The camp was open to breeders aged 15 and over. The event showcases the finest in dairy genetics with the best cattle as well as trade displays with the latest in dairy technology. Photographer Graeme Brown went along to record what the participants were doing.

STARTING YOUNG: Ella Wallace from Wellsford with Maxwelton Nova-Gypsy in the line up.

BREAK TIME: Ashleigh Boness-Harding from Taramanui finds at seat at the event.

WINNING TEAM: Youth show intermediate heifer calf first placegetter Quest, Te Awamutu, with Ethan Thorpe from Auckland.

JUST RESTING: Lucy Verwaagen from Dannevirke takes a break from grooming.

EXPERT EYE: International Judge Dean Malcolm from Victoria, Australia, had a good look at the New Zealand competition.

ON TOP: Tom Bennett from Morrinsville with TeHau Windbrook which took first place in the two and three years old in milk class.

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

Manuka honey crop has big drop Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com HONEY product manufacturer Comvita can handle one poor year of manuka honey production but two in a row would be tough, chief executive Scott Coulter says. The cold, wet and windy weather in the North Island this summer meant the group could have a 60% shortfall in honey production from its own hives compared to expectations, with central and northern areas hardest hit. Coulter hoped for fine weather in the lower North Island to allow some recovery now as the manuka came into flower. It kept bees as far south as Wairarapa. The Wanganui area was the least affected. The company had plenty of honey on hand, from purchases over the last 18 months or so, to fully meet consumer demand for manuka-based products over the next 12 months but would need to secure supplies beyond then, he said. The financial impact of the this year’s loss of production on top of a slowdown in some sales to China meant Comvita had revised downwards its after-tax operating profit forecast for the year ended June to between $5 million and $7m, down from early estimates of something similar to last year’s $17.1m, chairman Neil Craig said. The Chinese slowdown involved the informal channel trade into China, also known as the grey trade, in which third parties bought product from Comvita then exported it to China on their own account.

HOPING: Comvita chief executive Scott Coulter wants a recovery in the lower North Island to help boost manuka honey stocks.

the after tax figure – and the directors were still considering their options for this year, Coulter said. The full dividend last year was 18c a share from earnings of nearly 47c though that covered a 15-month trading period after a change of balance date. Comvita shares lost a whopping 17% – down $1.33 to $6.50 in NZX trading – after the profit warning but at time of writing had recovered to $6.95.

The cold, wet and windy weather in the North Island this summer meant the group could have a 60% shortfall in honey production. A new tax on that trade had caused the significant sales slowdown, though there had been some recent recovery, Coulter said. Other parts of the Chinese revenue stream were performing well, with good sales to Chinese tourists to New Zealand and with the group’s direct sales into that important market. The future lay with formal, direct sales, he said. All other markets were also performing strongly. Comvita had already told the NZX it would report a loss of about $7m to $7.5m for the six months ended December 31, which included a write-down on its SeaDragon investment. However, more than offsetting the difficult operating situation, one-off deals would push the Paengaroa-based Comvita to a record bottom-line profit for the full year. That was expected to be in the $20m to $22m range, up from last year’s $17.1m. Comvita had sold its Medihoney brand and IP to its United States partner Derma Sciences in a deal that would bring in $19m in cash plus a potential extra $5m depending on sales milestones being achieved. It would also make a gain on its shareholding in Derma Sciences itself, which was under a takeover offer scheduled to be completed by the end of March. The June 30, 2016, book value of the investment was NZ$6.09m but the takeover offer from Integra LifeSciences valued the stake at $11m, producing a $4.9m gain. Craig also expected the involvement with Integra to lead to greater revenue opportunities for Comvita’s medihoney product. Shareholders would be looking to the one-off gains to protect their dividends for the year. They were generally paid out of operating earnings – the formal policy was paying out 40% to 45% of

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News

14 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

Farmers, iwi, community unite Under fire from Greenpeace, dairy farmers throughout New Zealand are keen to share their environmental initiatives. Pastoral farming surrounds the giant Kaipara Harbour, where the water quality improvement plans are far-reaching and community efforts are under way. Hugh Stringleman reports. THE peninsula community of Tapora on the Kaipara Harbour north of Auckland has resolved to do land rehabilitation that will restore an “international airport for coastal birds”. An enthusiastic mix of landowners, farmers, horticulturists, lifestylers and ecological experts with help from Ngati Whatua, Auckland City Council, the dairy industry and local businesses wants to tackle a 300ha-plus foreshore reserve, presently wasteland. They want to enhance the adjacent Manukapua (Cloud of Birds) 350ha sand island, already a wildlife reserve and a very special location for Maori. The foreshore, called Okahukura Conservation Area, owned by the Conservation Department, was devastated by fire in 2013, which took out most trees. Now covered by toitoi and gorse, it did very little ecologically or visually for Tapora and the Kaipara. “It is, quite frankly, an embarrassment to the people of Tapora when visitors and recreationalists come to see Manukapua,” local Land and Coast Care group chairman Humphrey Ikin said. Dairy farmer Earle Wright went a little stronger. “Tapora is no longer an undisturbed backwater –

TREASURE: Manukapua, Big Sand Island, is the central jewel in the Kaipara Harbour and already a wildlife reserve.

Auckland has found us and our environment is screaming at us.” Wright wanted to cancel that environmental noise with the cries of coastal birds – oyster catchers, pied stilts, dotterels, herons, godwits and, above all, the critically endangered fairy tern, tara-iti. Terns nested on Manukapua until the mid 1970s and at nearby Journey’s End spit until the 1930s but only a handful were now found on very isolated Papakanui spit on South Kaipara Head. Godwits made Manukapua among their first ports of call in New Zealand after the annual longest non-stop migration flight

of any sea bird from China and Alaska. The name Cloud of Birds resulted from Maori canoe migration and navigation from Polynesia to Kaipara and the profusion of birdlife they found there. Manukapua and Tapora were the focus of the 640,000ha Kaipara catchment – whatever happened upstream found its way to the Kaipara entrance, directly opposite. Sediment run-off from land clearance for farming and forestry had deposited 1.5m of silt in the lower reaches over the past 100 years, causing some genetic

TANGATAWHENUA: Dairy farmer Earle Wright wants to encourage coastal birds back to the Kaipara Harbour.

modification of snapper, 95% of which on the upper North Island west coast were born in the Kaipara. For those geographic reasons Tapora embraced the Integrated Kaipara Harbour Management Group (IKHMG) and its objectives. Almost an island, the Tapora end of Okahukura peninsula had about 400 people, many of whom had roots in the post-war settlement of returned soldiers on to small dairy farms and larger sheep and beef farms. Still among the population were Pierre and Jackie Chatelanat, who gave the 800ha Atiu Creek Farm to the people of NZ in 2006. It is now a regional park and working farm. British-born Chatelanat bought the whole 5000ha peninsula in the early 1950s then sold more than 80% to the Lands and Survey Department for the resettlement scheme. The Wright family, of Te Uri-oHau, took up dairy farming, now continued by Earle and his brother Willie, who is also chairman of the Northland Conservation Board and IKHMG. The Wright farm was a flagship site for IKHMG, to showcase best environmental practices in a sensitive environment. Milking 300 Holstein Friesian cows on 120ha, the farm budget aimed for 120,000kg milksolids using system 3 management by feeding maize and grass silage and some palm kernel. Typical of Tapora dairy farms, it was low-lying and sand-based with some wetlands, very prone to drought and best practice dairying now sought to mitigate sedimentary, nutrient and coliform outflows to the harbour. “Long-term my aim is to be as nutrient neutral as possible to

show that dairy farming is not environmentally negative, as well as to beautify my land and encourage birdlife,” Earle Wright said. “Every dairy farmer seems to get the blame for the bad actions of a few – we don’t do that for other occupations.” Wright planted 3500 trees on his farm last year among 7500 planted around Tapora. He had retired from grazing then fenced and planted waterways and wetlands for the past seven years and now planned to widen the riparian zones further. Water testing had shown an improvement in water quality resulting from riparian retirement, with an abundance of healthy aquatic life, he said. Tapora Primary School had encouraged pupils to plant trees and come up with sustainability ideas the community could execute. The Land and Coast Care Group had attacked pest and predator populations on what was called from the 1990s onward the 4000ha Tapora Mainland Island. It did so through voluntary levies and help from the council, though there was no discrimination for pest control activities as most land owners paid in cash or kind, Ikin said. Tapora had become a focal point of the IKHMG movement, which Willie Wright described as “run on manuwhenua with western science”. Already a unique district, Tapora was seeing a new wave of development march across the flats. It was now the fastest-growing part of the NZ avocado industry, with plans for tens of thousands of trees to be planted.

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

GUARDIANS: Tapora Land and Coast Care chairman Humphrey Ikin, left, and local dairy farmer Earle Wright.

NEWCOMERS: Avocado development for Harbour’s Edge partnership marches across the sandy Tapora peninsula.

Three big orchard developments had displaced dairy farms and drawn a different pattern on the landscape. They were headed by Tony Gibbs, of Matakana, a large mandarin grower and former chairman of Turners and Growers, partners Hamish Alexander, owner of Southern Paprika, Glen Inger, the large local landowner and former Warehouse chief executive and horticultural leader John Greensmith. The Alexander-Inger Harbour Edge orchard was planned to be the largest in NZ, at 250ha. Project manager Nick Common said the former 400ha dairy farm since the 1950s was destined for avocados and other crops, along with native plantings on hills and in wetlands. Its success was predicated on free-draining soils, lack of frosts and irrigation from ground water and lake storage. While Tapora resolved to restore the past glories of shore bird population, it had related and more immediate issues to address, Greensmith said.

Tapora is no longer an undisturbed backwater – Auckland has found us and our environment is screaming at us. Earle Wright Farmer Representing the Tapora Ratepayers’ Association, he told an IKHMG open day that fire was the greatest proven risk to the whole community, possibly originating in the sadly neglected Okahukura reserve. His own orchard development was next to the reserve. “Within this community we have the resources to tackle the environmental issues while respecting the history, cultural values and bird life. “We are working on a community initiative for conservation before approaching DOC and Auckland Council with a plan.” That would involve weed clearance, fire break cutting then native plantings.

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16 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

Farm stalwart repays kindnesses Decades of service to farming were recognised for Ashburton farming stalwart Kevin Geddes who received a Queen’s Service Medal in the New Year’s Honours. He talked to Annette Scott.

EVIN Geddes turned up to work as usual last week and one of the first things he did was put the rubbish out. Nothing has changed for the man who directs credit in every which way but his own for his inclusion in the 2017 New Year’s Honours list. Geddes received the Queen’s Service Medal for services to agriculture and the community. A stalwart of Federated Farmers, Geddes became involved with the organisation as a young farmer. At 78 he still rolls up to the Ashburton Feds office where he continues to work three days a week as a senior policy adviser, a position he has held since 1998. But his services to farming go well beyond that. While delighted that farming, specifically Federated Farmers, has been acknowledged, Geddes said the QSM goes much wider. “This is a huge honour personally and I am truly humbled but slightly embarrassed at being singled out,” Geddes said. “I have always been surrounded by positive people and those people are equally deserving, specifically in the farming sector. “It has become increasingly difficult for farming to get recognition and it’s for the mention of Federated Farmers in the citation that I am most delighted,” Geddes said. He acknowledged being involved was in his DNA and that started from a very early age. “I have always been a beneficiary of kindness,” he said. And that started when Geddes lost his mum, aged just three. His grandmother and aunty returned to the family farm to look after him.

PLEASED: QSM recipient Kevin Geddes is hugely proud of agriculture and what it has achieved.

“That was the first of three major influences in my life. I could well have ended up in an orphanage otherwise. That was the other option.” The second influence came when he married Lorraine in 1961. “Lorraine has supported me for 54 years and 10 months and that, again, has been a huge beneficial issue on me. She has let me do things while she kept the home fires burning.” The third influence had come in farming. “All my life I have been involved in farming and I have been treated with great generosity by farmers. Geddes grew up on the family sheep and beef farm in Maniototo, doing his schooling in Dunedin.

Held at the New Zealand Meat Board offices, Level 4, Wellington Chambers, 154 Featherston Street, Wellington Tuesday 7 February 2017 at 4.15pm. Meeting business includes Chairman’s Report and Chief Executive’s Report

He went farming on his own account when he married. “That was in the 1960s, the golden decade of sheep farming.” In 1972 Geddes was awarded a Nuffield Scholarship. His studies included the wool industry, agricultural training and the organisation of farming affairs, being Federated Farmers. “I was a young man off the tussocks. I learned a huge amount about global agriculture. “It was a pivotal experience in my life that gave me an understanding of intensive agriculture.” After seven months as a scholar in the United Kingdom Geddes returned to Otago itching to move on in his farming career. In 1973 he and Lorraine decided to make a move and bought 358ha in the Carew district of Mid Canterbury. “The idea was to develop 100 acres (40ha) of border-dyke irrigation each year. That was challenging and kept our heads down for 10 years,” he said. In 1980 the couple sold off 242ha and bought a nearby property they converted to a dairy unit. “We farmed there for 10 years but the 80s were a complete contrast to the 60s – it was not a happy decade.” In 1988 Geddes was vice president of Mid Canterbury Federated Farmers at the time the New Zealand Rural Trust was set up to help farmers following the 1986-1987 drought and major economic downturn. The purpose of the trust was to mediate between farmers and their creditors. Sir Peter Elworthy became chairman but there was

difficulty finding a suitable rural co-ordinator. “I put my hand up. I thought I could do that,” Geddes said. “I put a manager on the farm and I went off farm full time. “It was the hardest 18 months of my life, bar none. I learned a lot about myself as well as the world.” But the rewards came in setting up funding support and helping farmers to forge new pathways to stay on their farms.

It was the hardest 18 months of my life, bar none. I learned a lot about myself as well as the world. Kevin Geddes QSM “It was extremely hard but we succeeded more than we failed.” When that job was done Geddes was offered the role as Federated Farmers provincial chief executive. “I said ‘yes, I can do that’. I never went back on the farm but I never left farming. I just farm in a different way.” Three decades on and he is still farming in that different way. Different in more ways now as technology and the political landscape had changed hugely in 50 years. “The technology of agriculture is outstanding. Just look at my desk – a computer, a smartphone, a tablet and no more untidy piles of paper.” The growth of technology and its associated science and

Photo: Annette Scott

knowledge had without question been the driver of improved productivity and sustainability, Geddes said. The future of farming? “With technology we can do almost anything and the pace of change is going to keep increasing.” On the other hand, agri-politics and the practical implications of regulation together with increasing consumer demand for accountability and traceability were the challenge to modern agriculture. Geddes was keen to continue to be involved in that challenge for a few years yet. “Farming has been good to me so if I can give something back that is hugely satisfying for me. “I have insatiable curiosity to see what is happening over the fence.” Geddes is the executive director of the Groundspread Fertiliser Quality Council. He is also a member of the Mid Canterbury Feds Charitable Trust and the Rural Support Trust and involved in the farm cadet scheme. As a Justice of the Peace he is a past president of both the local and national body of the Justices of the Peace Association and the Royal Federation of Justices of the Peace and the Australasian Justices of the Peace Association. And all that involvement is not about to change. “Bowls bores me silly, I don’t like golf but Lorraine and I do like to travel – we travel every winter and other times I turn up here (Feds office), usually to do more than put the rubbish out.”

Opinion

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

GE backers are past use-by date Graham Clarke

N THE Farmers Weekly on November 4 we had the latest version of the long-running encouragement to get into genetic engineering while we still can for the tremendous advantages it offers New Zealand farmers. If it and many other articles like it were written 10 or more years ago they might well have a shred of credibility. Time has passed, crops have been grown and the jury is back: there have been less than credible gains for those, wherever they are on the globe, who have used GE seeds for broadacre farming, compared to those who have continued with traditional seed development techniques. The best illustration of this is to compare the yield data from North America for the GE crops and western Europe for the the non-GE yields (bit_ly/2jvaBI8). Paraphrasing a lengthy and complex article, the yields have been all but static in the GE crops while significant gains continue to be made with traditional breeding techniques. Exacerbating that issue is that the chemical spray regimes required to support the GE crops mean that there have been truly spectacular increases in chemical application in North America versus very significant reductions in the western European crops (bit_ly/2jvaBI8 includes herbicide and pesticide references). In addition to the above it does not seem to matter whether you use the data from a smaller farming operation such as the Rodale Institute in America, which has been running trials for some decades now, comparing organic production techniques,

The

Pulpit

DON’T DO IT: Self-confessed former chemical farmer Graham Clarke who converted to organics is passionate in his opposition to genetic engineering.

yield etc to other production techniques – in this case GE. The findings are pretty clear: there is seldom a gain (from GE) and in the event of a dry year, yields will invariably be significantly down in the GE crops. Or, if you want a bigger trial sample to give data that should be more accurate, then comparing one continent, North America, to another, Europe, is a good start. But you still arrive at the same conclusion: GE crops have less reliable yields and are more susceptible to challenging seasons, of which we are apparently expecting more, and there is a huge increase in chemical use to support these modest unreliable yields. Why do I care? Farmers are being fed a onesided, inaccurate picture of the opportunities that GE technology offers by people who know of the above data. The latest wonder plant being promoted in the Farmers Weekly article by Federated Farmers

leader William Rolleston is an AgResearch Grassland variety of ryegrass, which apparently offers high metabolisable energy that grows 40-50% more grass with 10% higher ME and potentially 30% lower water demand.

Farmers are being fed a one-sided, inaccurate picture of the opportunities that GE technology offers.

To be fair to Rolleston et al, I cannot say for certain that the above is bull but I can say for certain that it is totally at odds with the GE broadacre crop results to date. It is inaccurate to say, as the quoted article does, that “coexistence of GM and non GM is possible”. This is totally and unambiguously at odds with the

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experience of farmers the world over who have the misfortune to farm alongside GE growers. It is greater nonsense to suggest that GM and organics can coexist but the point of this article is to encourage farmers, in particular, to do their own homework on the productive merits or otherwise of genetically engineered crops. This is secondary to issues of what our markets might or might not say about the contamination of our once-pristine products with GE material. Could GE offer NZ agriculture great things in the future? Quite possibly but if existing farmers were being offered a bull or a ram or a seed with the track record of GE, they would not touch it with a bargepole. The difference here is that in NZ we can easily check out the story of the bull or ram breeder but it has been made very difficult to do the same with GE. The other critical difference between the GE technologies and the bull/ram analogy is that if you decide that your expensive bull

is rubbish, you can send him and his progeny to the processor. You cannot do that with GE crops. You and your neighbours are stuck with it. In the interest of disclosure, I farmed 1200ha organically for 10 years till 2014 in south Otago after 20 years of chemical farming and recently joined the Soil and Health Association’s national council. I retain a passion for the farming industry and the health of its practitioners. I support any development that helps NZ farmers to produce increasingly nutritious food for the select, wealthy markets we should be targeting – importantly, while making sustainable returns, way better than today, without stuffing the environment we are lucky enough to call home.

Your View Got a view on some aspect of farming you would like to get across? The Pulpit offers readers the chance to have their say. nzfarmersweekly@nzx.com Phone 06 323 1519

Opinion

18 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

EDITORIAL

Gluttons might find food short

Bryan Gibson

LETTERS

More letters P19

Real cost of new fire service NEWS that the fire services rejig is welcomed (Farmers Weekly, January 16) was high on the praise but light on thoughtful detail. Yes, forest owners will no longer have to pay (insure for) the cost of fire-fighting because those costs will be paid by the new fire service entity, Fire and Emergency NZ (FENZ) and volunteer fire services are to get increased support, equipment, uniforms and facilities. What Federated Farmers spokesman Anders Crofoot overlooked in his enthusiasm for the new order was to explain where the money was coming from to fund the significant changes proposed. It is, of course, to be a substantial increase in the costs of our domestic and

commercial insurances. These are required not only to fund the new nationalised organisation but also to repay the Government the transition costs of $112 million and to deliver annual savings of $47m from year five. In spite of Crofoot’s assurances, I suggest that merging the small, rural fire services into the larger, urban, city-based service is in fact a takeover. This carries significant risks for rural communities as the corporate suits in Wellington determine from afar how you may/may not use fire and what is best for you. While their plan includes establishing as many as 16 regional “advisory” committees they are bound to get bogged down in bureaucracy and fail to be

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is okay for a rural volunteer to be expected to commit to extended fire operations but not his “urban” volunteers? Crofoot may well be looking forward to his rural fire force getting new four-wheel-drive fire engines, radios, dress uniforms, etc to attend what he tells us are mostly medical incidents but I wonder at what real cost to the rural fire sector. Alan Thompson Lower Hutt

Please explain I’M INTERESTED to know the views of any anti-dairying brigade member on the state of affairs surrounding the widespread devastation caused by recent weather bombs. Continued next page

Letterof theWeek

EDITOR Bryan Gibson bryan.gibson@nzx.com EDITORIAL Stephen Bell editorial@nzx.com Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com Andy Maciver andy.maciver@nzx.com Annette Scott annette.scott@nzx.com Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com Richard Rennie richard.rennie@nzx.com EDITORIAL DIRECTOR Tony Leggett tony.leggett@nzx.com

an effective voice at the local level. It is worth noting that Western Australia merged its fire services some years ago and now plans to separate them again for these sorts of reasons. The Middlemarch fire chief John Foote expressed a concern that urban volunteers should not be expected to attend lengthy rural fires after the initial hour. Foote appears to have not grasped the concept that it is to be a merged fire service and that this is very much the intention. Apart from that, I wonder who Foote thinks is going to attend such rural fires if it is not to be the FENZ volunteers such as him. It also begs the question whether Foote considers it

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T IS a strange time to be a journalist. I watched the remarkable scenes last week of the United States presidential press secretary accusing journalists of lying and making up stories about the size of the inauguration crowd. Another of the president’s advisers then stated they were putting forward “alternative facts” to argue the issue. Since a fact is “a thing that is known or proven to be true”, I’m not sure how you can provide an alternative but, in any case, this is the road the Trump administration seems to be travelling. The role of the press is to hold leaders to account and to ensure the public is informed. The press shines a light on the workings of Government and provides the transparency that is vital in a democracy. It’s alarming that the new US president appears set on going to war with the press and trying to subjectively control objective truth. Trump did quite a few other things last week, his first in office. One of those was to withdraw from the Trans Pacific Partnership, the trade agreement that would unite the Asia-Pacific region. He said the US would seek bilateral agreements with some or all of the TPP nations, but on his terms. New Zealand looks set to explore this one-on-one arrangement though I can’t see our food exporters taking to an agreement that would allow the other party to back out with 30 days’ notice, as Trump has indicated. The US is a big and important market for NZ and the TPP would have opened up access to other vital markets, such as Japan. Discussions have begun on whether the pact can continue, just without the US, but will that achieve what we want? On the other front, dairy producers in Europe are beginning to voice their concerns about a free-trade deal between NZ and the European Union. Polish farmers want dairy products excluded from any such deal. Our trade negotiators must be scratching their heads at all of this. The appetite for a world based on co-operation and mutual respect seems to have been replaced by one run by gluttons. The trouble is that without global trade they may run out of food.

Opinion

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

Rapid reactions

Farmers Weekly Farm Life Competition

Tough rules curb dairy expansion Tougher environmental rules being adopted by regional councils will curb dairy conversions and herd expansion.

We will be running this competition every month, so send your Farm Life photo to our Facebook page or Twitter with the hashtag #farmersweeklycomp or email them to us at nzfarmersweekly@nzx. com and you will go in the draw to win a cool spot prize.

@Flyspinner Farmers and Regional Councils. They are still a million miles away from public expectations.

UK sheep farmers fear free trade The prospect of a free-trade agreement between Britain and New Zealand “fills us with fear”, National Sheep Association chief executive Phil Stocker says. Peter McDonald The UK sheep farmers are collectively plugging the dam with their fingers. Efficiency of operation is the only avenue ahead. Historical subsidies stifle innovation and progress. Brexit was always big downside for UK farmers while NZ will have long-term benefit in Europe.

BEST MATES: Danzo Henry gets up close and personal with an Auahi Charolais stud heifer.

FW Poll

LETTERS I speak primarily of flooded rivers and streams that by nature’s force have invaded farmland and wreaked havoc in communities and on farming lifestyles and cities regularly over the past years. Granted, toxic wastes don’t fall from the heavens and low-lying fertile farming areas are the very result of millions of years of repeat floods. But I struggle to comprehend that one aspect of modern day society is so responsible for such a problem, as they are prone to pontificate. New Zealand has miles of tar-sealed highway that run-off deposits straight into rivers and streams, towns and cities have kerb and channelling that runs straight into rivers and streams –

no one washes a car on the grass. The City of Sails has one million cubic metres of waste water and raw sewerage pouring into its harbour each year. Many cities and towns border rivers and streams, as an oldenday, easy mode of transport. Some industries were intentionally built beside a river or stream. The Hampton Downs dump is built beside a river. The recently closed Horotiu dump is beside the same river and no doubt many other instances can be related throughout NZ. Wasn’t one of the Greenies’ catch-cries something to do with groundwater and leaching? And on the topic of swimmable rivers, the recent drowning

statistics don’t paint an encouraging picture and unless this is in tandem with school swimming pools being reopened or a concerted teaching effort by parents, caregivers and Swim NZ, I’m lost on that one too. As the saying goes, be careful what you wish for. Rex Hohaia Huntly

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Do you think young New Zealand people are lazy and don’t want to work? Yes No bit.ly/FWpolls Last week’s poll: Will there be a new run on dairy conversions now the milk price is looking up? Yes 30% No 70%

Opinion

20 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

Urban pollution not challanged Alternative View

Alan Emerson

I READ with interest an investigation into the raw sewerage pollution of Auckland beaches. Funny that. I was unaware of any dairy cows in Queen Street yet we have this massive problem with pollution and there’s not a farm in sight. Predictably, in my cynical view, there wasn’t a protester either. We’re all aware of the debate about swimming in the Waikato River and, as I’ve said before, I’d happily swim in it. Correspondingly, I wouldn’t put my toe in the water at an Auckland beach. The problem in Auckland is massive, caused in the main by old sewer pipes that also carry storm water and overflow after heavy rain. It’s fortunate there isn’t a farm there because they’d be taken to court and quickly. As it stands, it seems no one has been called to account. Interestingly, and it could only happen in Auckland, they were

going to fix the problem by 2021 but that project’s been shelved. It now won’t be fixed until 2035 so for the next 18 years the Auckland harbours will be polluted. That is surely an issue worthy of protest but, hey, there aren’t any farmers there so why worry. The problem is actually going to get worse with the 800 new homes they want to build to solve the housing crisis. It will be interesting to see what the Government considers more important, housing or pollution – solving a critical problem in election year or compromising our clean, green image. The pollution will also be exacerbated by extreme weather events caused by climate change and the population surge in Auckland so it’s not going away. It isn’t a minor issue either with the report claiming a million cubic litres of waste water and raw sewerage, the equivalent of 400 Olympic swimming pools, pours into the Auckland harbours each year. There are 41 sites where the pollution occurs but two of the sites have the leakage occurring a hundred times a year or twice a week. We are continually told in the most emotive terms about the health problems with dairy and irrigation but I’d venture to suggest those issues would be absolutely minimal when compared with raw sewerage.

I ask again; where are the protesters? The ongoing problem of raw sewerage continuing unabated for the next 18 years is infinitely worse than anything our farming industry can do. I went to the Greenpeace website believing I must have missed something but no. There was a headline telling me to stop seismic blasting. Maybe that causes sewerage to go into harbours and on beaches. There was also a rant about a bank presumably funding forest destruction. I can see the logic there, destroy the forest, build houses and pollute beaches. Greenpeace also wants the Huntly coal power plant shut down. Maybe it was polluting the Waikato River. What irritated me most though was a mealy-mouthed release about the shocking vandalising of a North Otago farmer’s irrigation equipment. Paradoxically, Greenpeace claimed to be a peaceful protester but could understand the vandalism as being “a sign of overwhelming public frustration about polluted rivers”. Show me the science. For the record, I find the vandalism cowardly and criminal, Greenpeace’s tacit support of it reprehensible and the complete lack of political condemnation contemptible. I forlornly look forward to

NO PROTESTERS: A sign at a North Shore, Auckland, beach warning of the dangers created by pollution in the water.

a properly resourced police investigation with the perpetrators quickly brought to account. I also believe that to have credibility you need to be consistent. With the late Sir Robert Muldoon you might not agree with him but he was certainly consistent as were Jim Bolger and Helen Clark. Our current crop of environmental campaigners, Greenpeace included, certainly isn’t consistent, as proved by the Auckland pollution. We are told ad nauseum about farming’s supposed threat to our clean, green image. There’s an appalling lack of science behind the accusations but the antifarming rants are extreme. Correspondingly, we have the country’s largest city with far more people than all the provinces combined pumping raw sewerage into the supposed pristine beaches of Auckland. Where are the environmental protesters? The Green Party, always willing to castigate farming and

generally show indecent haste in the process, hasn’t said anything about the crap-covered beaches of Auckland. On its website it accused National of plundering our fisheries, claimed the recent extreme weather was a sign of things to come and pontificated, naively in my view, that a fresh start was needed for European Union trade agreements. There was nothing I could find about the scandalous pollution of our pristine Auckland beaches and the compromising of our clean, green image. Again if they can slag off farmers for whatever reason they will do it with alacrity no matter what the facts may be. When it comes to our largest city they seem cowed by the number of voters there. A plague on all their houses.

Your View Alan Emerson is a semi-retired Wairarapa farmer and businessman: dath-emerson@wizbiz.net.nz

Farmers’ behaviour undermined MIE work Yeah Right

Stephen Bell

ARE farmers cunning business people, schizophrenic or just people who want to have their cake and eat it too? I found myself asking this question after reading on page five of our January 16 issue about the behaviour of farmers selling their animals for slaughter. It said a feature of the reducing market share of the co-operatives over the last few years was that it was happening at the same time as the farmer-led Meat Industry Excellence campaign to increase farmer-ownership to a strong, controlling level. Now, the point of that was, of course, to increase prices farmers got for their stock. A big feature of those speaking on the MIE circuit was commitment and loyalty to the co-ops.

No one spoke out against those ideals. But it seems clear actual farmer decisions on who processed their stock were moving in the other direction. I attended the standing room only Feilding meeting and saw pictures of the equally packed Gore meeting where farmers whole-heartedly backed the MIE campaign. They all put their hands up when asked if they wanted more money for their meat. But, sadly, few were willing to put those same hands in their pockets when it came to financially backing the campaign. Beef + Lamb New Zealand did put some money in the pot and unfairly copped a lot of flack when it correctly reflected its members’ behaviour and refused to put more in. While farmers were attending meetings and saying they backed the MIE campaign their behaviour was telling a different story and, in fact, undermining the campaign. No wonder the meat companies gave little encouragement to MIE. They simply had to look at their books to know the campaign, while generating a lot of noise, wasn’t gaining traction.

ALL THOSE IN FAVOUR: Farmers packed the meat sector consolidation meeting in Gore that kicked off the Meat Industry Excellence campaign.

And no wonder the MIE stalwarts got frustrated. It must be a hair-pullingly maddening prospect for anyone trying to figure out what farmers want. And it’s a surprise really. Farmers pride themselves on being blunt, straight-forward, down to earth characters not given to subterfuge or underhand tactics. Perhaps it was a case of mass

political correctness – all those farmers putting up their hands, nodding their heads vigorously and giving vocal encouragement to those volunteering to act on their behalf – because they believed they had to be seen to be saying the right things about the meat industry. It would be kind to think they all just got carried away with the crowd, swept up in the moment with the exciting

prospect of better returns despite farmers insisting they are rugged individualists who can think for themselves and don’t want anyone else doing it for them. I’m inclined to the former, that it was a form of political correctness. Farmers wanted to be seen by everyone to be saying the right thing and making the expected approving noises while all the time knowing they would carry on exactly as they have done for years. That traditional behaviour involves another double standard where farmers shop around for the best price while expecting the co-ops to pay top procurement dollar then follow it up at the end of the season with a dividend. Can farmers really not see past the next cheque? Perhaps they can’t look forward as far as the end of the financial year let alone the future of their industry. We are now in a world where we are more and more often being told selling stuff relies on trust, image, perception and ethical behaviour. The social licence to be allowed to continue farming also depends on those values. But what hope is there if farmers are conning each other and maybe even themselves.

Opinion

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

Trump trade rebuff pushes us into Chinese arms From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

I’LL try to write a column without saying the words Donald Trump. Damn, I did it, just like that. It’s harder than you would think. Look, he’s ruined life for satirists because real life has now become satire but he’s manna from heaven for columnists. Even though I hadn’t written about Trump for a few weeks I thought I’d spare you more column inches on the man but he’s like going past a traffic accident where you know you shouldn’t look but you can’t help yourself. Maybe they could design the Trump Test for columnists. This is my idea based upon the test where you put a lolly in front of a three-year-old and tell them that if they manage not to eat it for five minutes they will be rewarded with two lollies. Most fail dismally but those toddlers with enough self-restraint apparently become leaders,

successful, saints and the good people in life. I would have failed badly if put through the toddler test, I’m sure. However, if my editor said “Steve, if you don’t write about Trump for two months I will let you write two columns on the man in a row and take you out for a very good lunch with your choice of wine” then I think I’d have a fighting chance. But I’ve ruined it for this week so what the hell.

It used to be that the alternative to a fact was a falsehood but, hey, let’s not quibble about such trivial matters.

Best laugh of last week coming out of Camp Trump was when his counsellor Kellyanne Conway (who it must be admitted played a decent part in getting him elected) said White House press secretary Sean Spicer’s false statements about the inauguration were actually “alternative facts”. This was over the stoush about whether more folk attended

Obama’s or Trump’s initial inaugurations. The aerial photos clearly show a lot more at Obama’s but Trump’s team has shown a remarkable ability to argue that black is white and up is down. So, they have simply stated that Trump’s numbers were higher whereas the evidence is that there were three times more at Obama’s and despite Trump’s assertions between two to three times the numbers at the Women’s March the following day. Thus, alternative facts have now entered the lexicon and if you thought you were having trouble with fake news, you’ve really got problems now. It used to be that the alternative to a fact was a falsehood but, hey, let’s not quibble about such trivial matters. The following day, after this storm in a teacup, we were all quite impressed with the fervour that the Central Intelligence Agency crowd greeted Trump given he’d been putting the boot into the agency for some months. We then learned a new word. If you are a claqueur you are part of a group (claque) that is paid to applaud as the Trump team had brought its own supporters for the visit to the agency.

COMPELLING: Donald Trump is like a traffic accident people can’t help but look at.

Mind you, the strategy is a good one because they had hired actors to applaud when he announced his candidacy. Then he finished the week arguing that millions of people voted illegally based on “studies and evidence” which cost him the popular vote to Clinton. The valiant Spicer refused to offer the evidence but backed his leader’s claims saying Trump had believed this for a long time. Republican leaders have told him to let the matter go and Senator Lindsey Graham called the comments “inappropriate”, adding Trump should “knock this off”.

He also said the president “seems to be obsessed with the idea that he could not have possibly lost the popular vote without cheating and fraud”. Meanwhile, Trump did what he said he would do and severed any chance of the United States joining the Trans Pacific Partnership – sending us and most of the other Pacific nations into the beckoning arms of the Chinese.

Your View Steve Wyn-Harris is a Central Hawke’s Bay sheep and beef farmer. swyn@xtra.co.nz

Patriotism means we should eat more lamb YOU can rightfully accuse Donald Trump of many things but you couldn’t accuse the most powerful man in the world of sitting on his hands. Detractors say Barrack Obama got nothing done in eight years. Well, within a few days of moving into the Oval office Trump has dumped the TPPA, signed off on building the border wall (I thought he was kidding) with Mexico and presided over the Dow Jones breaking through the 20,000 barrier. The latter is due in no small part to pro-business rhetoric and is a far cry from November 8 when the Dow futures market dropped 800 points on news of his election. Don’t get me wrong, I still think he’s barking mad, but maybe Trump is a sign of the new political order sweeping the world. Are the days of the career politician over? Will the world from here on in be run by billionaire businessmen and former KGB agents? Interesting, when you consider our new prime minister definitely falls into the career politician camp. And will the new, preferred form of communication for these new world leaders be social media, where you can shun the conventional press and put out “alternative facts” and “posttruths” at your convenience and for your own convenience? The leader of free world, after all, uses Twitter as his medium of

From the Lip

Jamie Mackay

choice in his one-man crusade to make America great again. On the subject of one-man crusades, last week on my radio show I launched my 2017 tilt at a windmill. In fairness, past crusades have had mixed results. While I failed to bring back rucking, I proudly and vicariously claimed some reflected glory when Fonterra, to its eternal credit, brought back milk in schools.

When farmers are being paid only $5/kg it shouldn’t be too hard to give patriotic punters a reason to partake of our finest meat.

I also like to think I played a small part in the media publicity which aided a much-deserved knighthood for David Fagan.

CREDIT DUE: Jamie Mackay likes to think he played a small part in David Fagan’s knighthood.

That’s my story and I’m sticking to it. So what’s 2017’s on-air crusade? I reckon we should be like the Ockers in the West Island and make it a patriotic pastime to eat lamb on our national day. And if we can’t agree to do that because, let’s face it, we don’t agree on much on Waitangi Day, maybe we could all eat lamb on what I’d like to be our national day, April 25. While Anzac Day becoming our national day is another crusade for another year, we really could do with some patriotism around the domestic consumption of lamb. Think about the meat companies, the supermarkets and butcheries all discounting lamb for one day of the year. When

farmers are being paid only $5/ kg it shouldn’t be too hard to give patriotic punters a reason to partake of our finest meat. If we can’t sell the stuff for enough around the world, why not eat more of it at home? Previous mention of Sir David Fagan reminds me the World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships is just around the corner in Invercargill on February 8-11. In the countdown the heat has certainly been turned up in some woolsheds around the country. So much so that three world records were set in the space of a week earlier in the month. On January 10, the crowd packing a King Country woolshed had to wait till the last moments of a 480-minute-long day before

seeing a world ewe-shearing record broken by just two sheep. Coel L’Huillier and Kelvin Walker, of Taumarunui, shore 1068 to beat the two-stand, eight-hours, strong-wool ewes record of 1066 set by the gun brothers Rowland and Doug Smith back in 2011. The following day, two Welshmen became the first from their country to break a world shearing record in New Zealand. Delwyn Jones and Matthew Evans joined Gore-based Ryan Miller to break the three-stand, eight-hours record for strong-wool lambs. Shearing again in the King Country they shore 1825, adding 41 to the record previously set at 1784, which was shorn by local legends Digger Balmer, Roger Neil and Dean Ball 18 years earlier. Then on January 17 at Waitara Station, northwest of Napier, Luke Mullins, Eru Weeds and James Mack shore 1611 strong-wool ewes in eight-hours, smashing the old three-stand record by 264. Shearing might not be the world’s oldest profession but it is surely the most honorable in terms of work ethic. So here’s hoping John Kirkpatrick and Nathan Stratford can uphold our nation’s honour in Invercargill.

Your View Jamie Mackay is the host of The Country that airs on Newstalk ZB and Radio Sport, 12-1pm, weekdays. jamie@thecountry.co.nz

World Trade

22 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

US veto puts kybosh on Asia deals Stephen Bell stephen.bell@nzx.com NEW Zealand will struggle to gain trade deal with Japan in the medium to long term as a result of the United States’ withdrawal from the Trans Pacific Partnership, Beef + Lamb NZ chairman James Parsons says. Ironically, the lost opportunity from President Donald Trump’s veto of the TPP lay mostly outside the US, where cattle farmers were NZ’s allies in its push for free trade. That veto was disappointing for sheep and beef farmers because without the US the TPP as drafted could not take effect, which was a significant blow for trade liberalisation in the Asia-Pacific region in the short term. Trump’s executive order also prohibited the US from participating in any further negotiation of TPP and required that the US pull away from multilateral negotiations in favour of bilateral agreements. “This effectively puts paid to hopes that the US might re-

commit to TPP if it could secure more favourable terms through further TPP talks,” Parsons said. ”Ironically, the lost opportunity to our sector from President Trump’s decision mostly lies outside of the US. “TPP would have had only a relatively minor, positive impact on our trade with the US due to existing low tariff rates faced by NZ beef and lamb in that market. “The real value of TPP to our sector was in reducing tariffs and creating a level playing field in high-value Asia Pacific markets, Japan in particular.” The Japan-Australia free-trade agreement meant Australian beef entering Japan enjoyed a tariff rate 10 percentage points lower than that faced by competitors such as NZ and the US so in 2015 and 2016 Australian beef exports to Japan increased by 13% while those from NZ and the US fell by 10% and 11% respectively. “The reality is that in the short to medium term NZ will struggle to complete a bilateral free-trade agreement with Japan to achieve a level playing field on beef.

“Our competitiveness in that market and our resulting market share will continue to be affected for some time,” he said. While that was a major setback there remained a number of possibilities for multilateral freetrade agreements in the AsiaPacific area. “The remaining TPP parties may revise their agreement to remove US concessions and press on with an agreement as a way to show trade leadership in the region. “The Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership, which is under negotiation and includes, among others, NZ alongside ASEAN countries China, India and Japan, also provides an opportunity to free up access and establish common trading rules in the Asian region.” Over the coming weeks and months B+LNZ would continue to work alongside the Government and other industry groups as they came to terms with the setback and worked through continuing to press for trade liberalisation. “Decisions in the US and

UK sheep farmers fear free trade Colin Ley

feared agricultural interests would be some way down the list when it came to negotiating THE prospect of a free-trade agreement between Britain and such an agreement. “Agri markets could be really New Zealand “fills us with fear”, disadvantaged by that,” he said, National Sheep Association commenting that the devil was chief executive Phil Stocker always in the detail. says. “It would be Such a move far better for the would damage UK and NZ sheep the UK’s sheep industries to work industry, he said. together in a more A free-trade collaborative agreement could fashion in terms mean only one of supplying thing for the other sheep United Kingdom, meat consuming namely more NZ nations, rather lamb coming in, than allowing probably resulting National Sheep our industries in increased Association chief to be damaged displacement of UK executive Phil Stocker. by general trade lamb on the British agreements that are market. framed on an economy-wide “I can imagine that a UK/NZ basis. FTA might work quite well on a “A UK/NZ FTA would whole economy level, with all definitely not benefit UK sorts of services being available sheep producers and while it that could benefit the UK might benefit NZ producers, nationally,” he said. it wouldn’t help the fairly “For our sheep sector, however, it would lead to a one- harmonious relationship which we have been working on way trade as we’re not going to together for some time.” get sheep meat into NZ.” In that context, he would Stocker agreed the idea of prefer to see the UK and NZ the UK and NZ agreeing a FTA sheep industries collaborating presented the UK government to supply sheep meat into with a quick-win option in countries such as the United the post-Brexit era though he

States, China and Saudi Arabia. Stocker also fired a warning shot in the direction of UK Prime Minister Theresa May following her Brexit speech last week in which she ruled out the prospect of the UK remaining as part of the European Union single market. “This presents a huge risk to the UK sheep industry, suggesting the acceptance of a level of tariffs, the result of which will be industry paying for any market access it can get to work economically,” he said, adding that up to 40% of UK lamb production was exported each year, with 96% of that going into the EU single market. “Tariffs placed on sheep meat exports into the EU would dramatically reduce our competitiveness and the volumes sold there. “We have repeatedly highlighted the value of our industry and said clearly what we need to continue to thrive into the future. “Despite our desire to be a major global player, however, our sheep industry may now need to consider turning away from such big aspirations and focus far more on growing and protecting our domestic UK market.”

NZ dairy exports worry Polish Colin Ley POLISH farmers want the dairy sector to be excluded from any free-trade negotiations between the European Union and New Zealand. The EU’s Council of Farm Ministers, meeting in Brussels last Monday, was told by a Polish delegation

the country’s farmers were already concerned about the opening of trade negotiations with NZ, in particular in relation to possible negative consequences for EU agriculture of any liberalisation of the import of dairy products. An EU statement, issued after the meeting, said several

member states shared Poland’s concerns and had asked the commission to take a cautious approach in any future negotiation. European farm commissioner Phil Hogan said he would protect European farm sectors during the promised free-trade agreement talks with NZ.

Europe over the past 12 months have added a lot of uncertainty to how to progress this agenda, but it is critical that we as an export sector continue to keep the pressure up,” Parsons said. In the next fortnight B+LNZ directors Andrew Morrison and George Tatham would go to the US on previously-arranged visits as part of ongoing work to maintain the very strong producer relationships the industry-good body had in that key market. “This will provide an opportunity to hear directly from US ranchers their take on President Trump’s decision and where the US is likely to head next. Parsons said NZ was fortunate US beef producers were allies on free trade and quoted National Cattlemen’s Beef Association president Tracy Brunner who said “The fact remains that 96% of the world’s consumers live outside the US and expanding access to those consumers is the single best thing we can do to help American cattle-producing families be more successful.”

IRONY: The United States part of the Trans Pacific Partnership would have had only minor, positive effect on New Zealand trade but Donald Trump’s veto stymied opportunities in Asia, Beef + Lamb NZ chairman James Parsons says.

Australia not giving up on TPP yet THE Australian government still wants to ratify the Trans Pacific Partnership despite United States President Donald Trump confirming he won’t back the landmark deal. Trade Minister Steve Ciobo maintained the gains achieved under the historic free-trade agreement — involving 12 countries and encompassing 40% of the world economy — “absolutely warrant hanging on”. “It (ratification) would be a clear statement that we reject protectionism and that open markets are the path to long-term, sustainable job creation,” Ciobo said. Trump used his inauguration to rail against “other countries stealing our companies and destroying our jobs”, arguing “protection will lead to great prosperity and strength”. “The president understands how critical it is to put American workers and businesses first when it comes to trade,” one of his first missives from the White House stated. “This strategy starts by withdrawing from the TPP and making certain any new trade deals are in the interests of American workers.” Ciobo said it was disappointing, though not unexpected, but the government was “very focused on still capturing those gains that we were able to negotiate and agree upon”. Ciobo met counterparts from Japan, Canada, Mexico, Singapore, New Zealand and Malaysia during the World Economic Forum to start the discussion on how the deal

might work without the US. The other signatories are Brunei, Chile, Peru and Vietnam. Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce said ratifying the TPP would be “a clear indicator” of Australia’s keenness for free trade. Joyce rejected the prospect of protectionism, arguing if “America just traded with America, America would be a vastly poorer place”. “If you believe in restrictive trade why stop there – why not just have Idaho trading with Idaho and Tennessee trading with Tennessee,” he said. “It ultimately doesn’t work and the more freer the trade, the better the capacity for people to have a strategic advantage.” Trump’s withdrawal from the TPP came after he finally announced former Georgia governor Sonny Perdue as agriculture secretary, his last cabinet appointment, just two days before the inauguration. Perdue, who was yet to be confirmed by the Senate, was a trained veterinarian and once ran a grain and fertiliser business. He had spent most of his life in Bonaire, a town of about 14,000 people in central Georgia. The American Farm Bureau said it “strongly” endorsed Perdue’s nomination. “He understands trade and he knows how valuable it is to agriculture,” Farm Bureau president Zippy Duvall said. “I think Governor Perdue will be a good sounding board for the new president as he moves into his new role and I think he’ll speak very highly of how important trade is to farmers across this country.” www.weeklytimesnow.com.au

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

Labels can trace meat back to farm, animal AN ONLINE meat box company is offering its customers full traceability through the use of “active” labels on produce. Goldhill Organics, based in Dorset, England, was thought to be the first meat-box supplier to use such foodtraceability software, by using QR codes on its packaging. QR codes are digital barcodes, represented by a small square filled with black and white blocks. They could be scanned by mobile phones to take the user to a website. Goldhill was using FollowThisFood, made by Agrantec, and was prompted to get involved with the scheme by recent food fraud and labelling issues. “Providing high-quality, local produce from small producers in a highly transparent way is the very essence of what Goldhill does,” Goldhill Organics cofounder Nick Somper said. “We have all read about misleading labelling and the use of fictional farm brands so FollowThisFood provides our customers with the trust and confidence that the food

they are buying is exactly what it claims to be.” The FollowThisFood app allowed consumers to trace meat directly to the farm, even to an individual animal, and follow the journey from farm to fork in detail. Farm details such as location, size, feed and breed were included as well as abattoir information and butcher details with a link to the butcher’s website. Producers involved in the scheme inputted livestock management information online to allow FollowThisFood to share information with consumers. Happy Valley Farm supplied Goldhill Organics with meat and eggs and was familiar with what was required for full traceability of its produce when Goldhill approached it about the FollowThisFood initiative. “Farmers are becoming more concerned about consumer perception of their produce but because we are registered with the Pasture for Life Association, we are used to people wanting to know where their produce is from,” farm secretary and

STORY: Customers can follow food back to the farm or animal it came from using active labels.

administrator Elaine Baker said. “Buyers are becoming more aware of the origins of their produce and are beginning to perceive cheap meat as cheap rubbish and so farmers need to be more aware too. “Apps like FollowThisFood will become more valuable and farmers do need to look to the future in terms of traceability and consumer perceptions. “When an animal is born on the farm I get the relevant details and load them on to Farmplan which links with all the traceability apps we use.”

Occasional outside trip makes cows free-range A BRITISH firm is selling milk as free-range because its cows are sometimes let outside. Its campaign to promote freerange milk hoped to repeat the success of free-range eggs. Enjoy Milk, a new brand using milk from cows that graze outside “whenever possible”, aimed not only to boost free-range sales but also the dairy industry as a whole. But farmers and industry representatives attending the launch at Becketts Farm, Birmingham, questioned how effective the scheme could be without defining what qualified as free-range. Enjoy Milk commercial trade communications leader Rob Ward said consumers preferred milk from outdoor cows but were unaware their milk might come from indoor cows because of marketing images of cows in fields. “It is about free-ranging, fair trading, 100% British milk,” Ward said, highlighting the increases free-range egg producers had seen in egg prices as well as sales from a campaign to promote free-range. There were also concerns about a negative impact on the image of non-branded milk. Ward said it was not about

“knocking indoor cows” but offering consumers a choice. The packaging, which incorporated a black top, would help consumers make that choice. Free Range Milk Marketing Board director Nick Hiscox said the campaign also aimed to change the milk supply contract culture. “Farmers will receive a fixed price for 12 months,” he said. “After eight months there is a review of the price or they can leave at that point with three months’ notice.” The campaign would begin by adding the black top to existing regional brands. The milk would be sold at about £1.25 for four pints. Morthen Milk farmer George Ross has processed and sold milk directly from his Yorkshire dairy farm since last year because of contracts and prices he considered unfair. He will add the black top to his own brand. “With the black top, the idea is it shows we stand for the same values,” he added. Hiscox said the board was speaking to three processors and there was interest from retailers including Ocado. UK Farmers Guardian

Details included breeding, birth weight and birthing information. When an animal was sent to the abattoir it was weighed and carcase weight and conformation were sent back to the farm. “It’s quite a simple system but does mean a little bit more paperwork. “Because we are a pedigree herd, we get customers who come into the shop and name a specific animal when giving feedback and this allows us to follow the desirable genetics of our herd much more closely.” UK Farmers Weekly

Outcry when caller puts down women THE farming community has responded with outrage on social media after a caller on a radio phone-in suggested it was “very unrealistic” for women to be actively farming. The farmer’s son, who gave his name as John, phoned the RTE Radio One Liveline programme, which was holding a debate on discrimination against women in agriculture. He told presenter Joe Duffy that Irish people had wanted to keep farming a male profession since Cromwell’s time. And he also suggested women were not strong enough to work on farms. “It’s very unrealistic for a woman to run a farm. “In terms of strength – pulling calves out of cattle or lifting tons of beet,” the caller said. “There is no beet now but all that kind of thing – it’s not particularly suitable to women,” he told Duffy, who challenged his claim that women were not strong enough to help

assist birthing cows by pointing out the number of women vets in Ireland. His comments caused a Twitter storm with responses including some from New Zealand women and caused fury, especially among women farmers. A spokeswoman for the recently formed Irish organisation South East Women in Farming said the caller’s comments showed more women needed to be seen on farms. “There seems to be lots of people who don’t think of women as being farmers. “John’s opinion is more widespread than the industry would like to believe. He was saying what a lot of people think, especially older generations. “Very few women hold positions in farming organisations, milk boards etc and our group aims to help women share knowledge, grow in confidence, network, empower themselves and support each other.” UK Farmers Weekly

New treatment for Oz berry exports to NZ AUSTRALIAN blueberry and raspberry growers can export to New Zealand after the creation of a new quarantine treatment. The treatment will effectively eradicate pests such as Queensland fruit fly without affecting the fruit quality or nutritional value. The Australia NZ Food Standards Code is the first to allow the new quarantine treatment, overcoming previous export trade barriers faced by blueberry and raspberry growers. The New South Wales Department of Primary Industries developed the post-harvest disinfestation treatment with the Australian Nuclear Science and Technology Organisation. Dr Shane Hetherington said quarantine pests such as Queensland fruit fly required fruit to be treated or certified before accessing a number of important markets nationally and internationally. “Low-dose irradiation treatment effectively eradicates Queensland fruit fly without affecting fruit quality or ¬nutritional value,” he said. “It is a safe, proven technology which allows treated produce to access new export markets, like Indonesia, where the treatment is accepted. “It is a much quicker process for fresh, perishable produce compared to the current cold treatment where the produce is required to be stored at 2C for 14 days prior to export.”

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agrievents Friday 03/02/2017 – Sunday 05/02/2017 Waipara School Centennial Registration: www.waiparaschoolcentennial.com Phone: 03 314 7147 or 03 314 6822 Saturday 04/02/2017 Rangitikei Shearing Sports Venue: Marton Memorial Hall, 397 Wellington Road, Marton Time: 8.30am – 5pm Saturday 04/02/2017 – Sunday 05/02/2017 Go Shear Venue: Gore A&P Showgrounds, Bury Street, Gore, Southland Time: Saturday 4 February 8.30am and Sunday 5 February 10am Thursday 09/02/2017 – Saturday 11/02/2017 Golden Shears World Shearing & Wool Handling Championships Venue: Stadium Southland, Surrey Park Sports Centre, Isabella St, Invercargill Friday 17/02/2017 – Saturday 18/02/2017 Ohura A & P Show Venue: Niho Niho Showgrounds, Ohura Food, fun and rural entertainment Equestrian events held over both days Phone: Kristine Carmichael 07 893 7844 Friday 24/02/2017 Kaitaia A & P Show (Indoor Section only) Venue: Te Ahu Centre Hall Contact: Rose Walker 09 406 7084 or freshstart@xtra.co.nz Website: www.kaitaiashow.nz Friday 24/02/2017 – Sunday 26/02/2017 Pongakawa School 125 Year Jubilee Registration: www.jubilee.pongakawa.school.nz Email: jubilee125@pongakawa,school.nz Phone: Frances Patete on 533 3731 Wed to Fri. Facebook: PongakawaSchool125Jubilee Saturday 25/02/2017 Kaitaia A & P Show (Indoor and Outdoor sections) Venue: Kaitaia Show Grounds, South Rd, Kaitaia Contact: Lynne Macrae 09 406 7183 or kaitaia.entries@xtra.co.nz Website: www.kaitaiashow..nz Should your important event be listed here? Phone 0800 85 25 80 or email adcopy@nzx.com

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NEED A CHANGE OF

Direction? IN 2017 WE ARE LOOKING TO EXPAND OUR COUNTRY TEAM, OFFERING TWO SCHOLARSHIPS TO INDIVIDUALS LOCATED THROUGHOUT NEW ZEALAND. What’s on offer? • A generous $50,000 retainer to support you in your first year • A four-day intensive training course with the Bayleys Property College team in Auckland • One on one mentoring by Bayleys National Country manager • Personal profiling support to help build your presence in the market • Leadership/personal development course Who are we looking for? If you are good with people, motivated to achieve great results and passionate about rural New Zealand, then we want you! How can you learn more? If you are considering a change of direction in 2017, and would like to find out more about this excellent career opportunity with the Bayleys Country team, please contact Carol Henry on 0800 BAYLEYS or carol.henry@bayleys.co.nz

NZ’S NO.1 RURAL REAL ESTATE BRAND

DAIRY & BEEF - A GREAT COMBINATION

Hikurangi, Whangarei

The option of purchasing two outstanding quality and top producing adjoining dairy and beef farms. Centrally located between the city and the sea in the sought after farming locations of Opuawhanga and Marua (Hikurangi East). Both farms presently jointly leased to a very good stable operator. Byles Road Dairy Farm: Comprised of 260.947ha (approximately) this attractive and well managed dairy unit, two year average production 153,500kgMS, approximately 400 cows. The property boasts ample infrastructure including a 20ASHB cowshed, large implement/calf rearing sheds, a concrete feed pad for 250 cows, calving pad and palm kernel bin. 142ha easy-rolling country with internal limestone races provide ease of access to the 83 well fenced paddocks. An efficient operation with beef run at the back of the property on approximately 50ha. An excellent fertiliser history allows this farm to be a consistently high producer. Various streams and springs are located throughout the property providing ample water supply. The stunning 342mÂ˛ 1.5 storey contemporary family home complements the farm boasting four bedrooms, two bathrooms and large living/kitchen area with double garage and implement shed. Doidge Road Beef Farm: 278.98ha (more or less) comprising some alluvial flats with the balance higher grazing country, including 30ha of easy to moderate dairying land. Highly productive, the property has excellent fertiliser records and carries stock well. Well implemented and ready to farm with two sets of cattle yards, implement shed, half round barn, pump shed and airstrip with bin. Excellent water source, good fencing makes for ease of farming. Well maintained and managed, includes two dwellings; main residence includes four bedrooms, two bathrooms with two double garages with the second dwelling being a 1980s three bedroom, one bathroom cottage with free standing double garage.

For Sale View by appointment www.bayleys.co.nz/1050020

Stewart Ruddell M 027 273 6860 B 0800 80 20 40 stewart.ruddell@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BAYLEYS LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

www.bayleys.co.nz

GOOD SCALE - GREAT PROPERTY

436 Haumea Road, Galatea

This all flat 210 hectare dairy unit is located an hour southeast of Rotorua in the heart of Galatea. Currently 400 cows are milked with a three year production average of 142,500 milk solids. A 7.6 hectare lease block is attached to the rear of the farm. The 40-aside dairy shed is centrally located and feeds 110 paddocks via a well-formed race system. There is a good range of support buildings. Effluent is pumped from a sump through a number of hydrants to a travelling irrigator covering 24 hectares. The 57 hectare block has a K-line irrigation system with ample water sourced from a large spring with a direct feed for irrigation and stock water. The main water source is from a deep bore at the dairy and is pressure fed through 40mm alkathene lines to troughs in all paddocks. Both water systems have Syntec in-line dispensers. The main dwelling is a spacious four bedroom home with open plan living, master ensuite and triple garaging. There are two further three bedroom homes plus a two bedroom sleepout. A very well set up unit in a recognised dairy district.

Tenders Close 2pm,

Open Days Wed 1 & 8 Feb 12-1pm

Thurs 23 Feb 2017 (unless sold prior) 1092 Fenton Street, Rotorua

View Wed 1 & 8 Feb 12-1pm www.bayleys.co.nz/812339

Scott Macdonald

Ben Hickson

M 027 753 3854 B 07 834 3847 scott.macdonald@bayleys.co.nz

M 021 433 283 B 07 349 5366 ben.hickson@bayleys.co.nz

SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

PARIHOHONU STATION; EMERALD OF OTOKO

5022 Matawai Road, Otoko, Gisborne

Held in the same family since 1892, Parihohonu has long been regarded as the emerald of Otoko - one of Gisborne’s premium farming districts. 749ha in size, Parihohonu is nestled in a very sheltered micro-climate. Fenced into 47 paddocks, the farm has excellent natural water from creeks & springs, some of which are reticulated to troughs in many paddocks. The station has a very appealing balance of contour with significant portions of tractor country, which have been cultivated & resown in superior pasture species or are planted in feed crops. Parihohonu has three homes; the main homestead has four bedroom’s and is set in manicured grounds featuring magnificent specimen trees. There is a three bedroom manager’s home & another three bedroom home. Improvements include a two bin 280 tonne capacity airstrip, and a half share in a substantial 6 stand woolshed and 3,000 SU covered yard. Regional Hill Country Farm of the Year Award winner in 2012, Parihohonu has delivered lambing percentages & livestock performances well above the district average.

Auction 1pm,

Carrying 6,800 high performance stock units and just 50km from Gisborne, this property is essential viewing!

www.bayleys.co.nz

Fri 3 Mar 2017 (unless sold prior) 10 Reads Quay, Gisborne

View by appointment

www.bayleys.co.nz/2750312

James Macpherson

Simon Bousfield

M 021 488 018 M 027 665 8778 B 06 868 5188 B 06 868 5188 james.macpherson@bayleys.co.nz simon.bousfield@bayleys.co.nz MACPHERSON MORICE LTD, BAYLEYS LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

MACPHERSON MORICE LTD, BAYLEYS LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

152 HECTARE WATERFRONT ESTATE

New Plymouth, Taranaki

35 Sutton Road, Omata

International Tender 1pm, Thurs 23 Feb 2017 (unless sold prior) 81 Powderham Street, New Plymouth

First time to the market in 170 years the stunning Coastal property located on the Surf Highway, Waireka and Sutton Roads has been associated with the Jury family since 1847. With spectacular Coastal and Mountain Views including Taranaki, Ruapehu and Ngaruahoe the 152 hectare property is on New Plymouths doorstep and envied by many. Areas of Native Bush in QEII and rolling farmland overlooking a Coastal Marine Reserve all add to the appeal of the farm currently utilised for Dairy Farming. Spread over eight Titles with a 1920s Villa, two cottages and farm buildings there are numerous options to purchase as a complete unit or create a superior Lifestyle subdivision in a prime location. Situated on the West Coast of the North Island the City of New Plymouth has previously been named as the Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most livable City and is renowned for its parks, gardens and coastal walkway bordering the Tasman Sea.

View Wed 1 Feb 12-1pm www.bayleys.co.nz/522214

Mark Monckton M 021 724 833 B 06 759 5284 mark.monckton@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

"TAUKOPU" LARGE HILL COUNTRY BREEDING UNIT (828 HECTARES)

Northern Rangitikei Centrally located on Zohs and Te Kapua Roads only 9 kilometres off SH1 at Mangaweka. Taukopu offers quality hill country soils suitable for intensive pastoral farming with a mixture of contours ranging from approximately 30 hectares of easy rolling with the balance medium hills and steeper faces. The property is very well fenced to 33 main paddocks with reliable water from spring fed dams and creeks. It consistently winters 4000 ewes and 1400 hoggets, plus 155 cows, 50 heifers and up to 125 steers. Improvements include a four bedroom villa, 3-bay implement shed, 4-stand woolshed with large covered yards and four sets of satellite yards, plus tidy cattle yards and new load out yards adjacent to the road. Taukopu presents an opportunity to secure a large quality hill country breeding unit in a strong and tightly held farming district.

Deadline Private Treaty Offers Close 4pm, Thurs 9 Mar 2017 (unless sold prior) View by appointment www.bayleys.co.nz/3100051

Pete Stratton M 027 484 7078 B 06 388 0098 A/h 06 388 0568 peter.stratton@bayleys.co.nz COAST TO COAST LTD, BAYLEYS LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

www.bayleys.co.nz

IT’S ALL HERE

Eketahuna 184 South Road No 2 184 South Road No 2 is the ideal dairy farm. Currently milking 400 plus cows producing 160,000kgMS. This farm is in superb order with excellent amenities including two homes, dairy shed featuring 36 aside with an in-shed feeding system, herd home, a number of implement sheds, calf rearing sheds, high quality lane system and an up to date effluent system consented until 2040. Flat and rolling contour, only 20 minutes north east of Masterton in the summer safe south Tararua district 10 minutes from Eketahuna. If you are looking for a low cost working operation with top infrastructure in what is considered to be one of the safer farming environments in the country, then look no further.

Tenders Close 4pm, Tues 28 Feb 2017 (unless sold prior) View by appointment www.bayleys.co.nz/3150406 Lindsay Watts M 027 246 2542 lindsay.watts@bayleys.co.nz

Rob Deal M 027 241 4775 rob.deal@bayleys.co.nz COAST TO COAST LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

HARBOURFRONT FARM & FISH! Wake up to the gentle sounds of the sea lapping against the sandy shore, wood pigeons nestling overhead on a Puriri tree and cattle grazing on distant pastures, on this 227ha (561 acre) harbour front grazing farm. Currently run as a beef grazing unit set in 3 titles, infrastructure includes a woolshed, a large set of cattle yards, a hayshed and a reliable ("drought proof") all year round water supply.

Summer Road, Matakohe, Northland

104.6HA TARANAKI DAIRY FARM

132 Goodwin Road, Okato, Taranaki

Tenders Close 1pm,

Tenders Close 4pm,

Here is an opportunity to own a farm with good scale and amenities.

Thurs 2 Mar 2017 41 Queen Street, Warkworth

View by appointment

Thurs 9 Feb 2017 shed, workshops, PKE shed and wide races which make it a pleasure (unless sold prior), 81 Powderham Street, New Plymouth to run.

www.bayleys.co.nz/1200354

The great contour means the farm is predominately mowable.

John Barnett

M 021 790 393 The farm’s predominately flat to undulating to easy hill contour has A/h 09 422 3303 been well subdivided to a high standard and is linked by an extensive john.barnett@bayleys.co.nz

track network system. Down by the water’s edge is the farm’s

MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

This farm comes with a 30 aside herringbone cowshed, huge calf

With a history of good fertiliser being applied and being in an area where you can feel summer safe, an even growth curve can be expected. One very nice three bedroom plus office home and another three

cottage, a mere twenty paces from one of your three private sandy

bedroom home with plenty of garaging completes this very tidy

beaches. This is a quality farm, set on the edge of one of the world’s

package.

largest natural harbours, with snapper, sea and sand within seconds

A 57.6ha neighbouring farm owned by a separate vendor is also for

of the doorstep. Don’t delay - (waterfront) properties of this calibre

sale and would knit in nicely if an even larger unit was required.

are a rarity, start your family legacy today.

www.bayleys.co.nz

View Wed 1 Feb 1-2pm,

www.bayleys.co.nz/522246

John Blundell M 027 240 2827 B 06 759 5195 john.blundell@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

YOUR NEXT MOVE MADE POSSIBLE

TAKE THE NEXT STEP AND EXPLORE NEW HORIZONS WITH COUNTRY MAGAZINE. If it’s time to sell up and take the next step, you need to get the best return on investment for your rural property. As New Zealand’s leading rural real estate brand with a nationwide specialist sales team, Bayleys can give your property the attention it quite rightly deserves. Bayleys Country magazine is a verified way to bring sellers and purchasers of rural property together. Coupled with Bayleys’ local contacts, influential databases and proven ability to reach overseas buyers, Country magazine will allow you to make your next move with confidence.

RURAL REAL ESTATE BRAND

Bookings for the autumn edition are closing soon. To learn more about Country magazine, call your local Bayleys office on 0800 BAYLEYS or visit www.bayleys.co.nz/country. Licensed under the REA Act 2008

A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES

GAME ON

Venison prices are at their highest level in years. Is now the time to invest in a deer farm?

CLUB TOGETHER

How sports clubs are making rural New Zealand a better place in which to live and raise a family.

127 FEATURING

FARM, HORTICULTURE AND LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES FOR SALE ISSUE 2 – 2016

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – January 30, 2017

Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

For Sale OPEN DAY

Piopio | 638 Tiki Tiki Road

Deadline Sale

169 Hectares Breeding And Finishing - Multiple Opportunities Here • 169 hectares approximately (subject to final survey of one title) • Excellent location, 9km from Piopio, 24km from Te Kuiti • Strong farming district • Mairoa Ash soil • Spring water, gravity fed • Very good large family home • Very good smaller woolshed, yards, loading facilities • Well subdivided, 27 main paddocks, good fences • Contour flat, easy and medium to steeper hill | Property ID TK1023

colliers.co.nz

Quality dairy support

Licensed under REAA 2008

Closing 4pm, Friday 10 February 2017 (unless sold prior)

Open Day Wednesday 1 February 1.00 to 3.00pm Bring ATV and helmets

Contact Kevin Wrenn 021 136 6843 Les Old 027 248 2667

0800 200 600 | farmlandsrealestate.co.nz

Location is the Bonus

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

For Sale

Horowhenua | Ohau

Price By negotiation

5.2 Hectares Strawberry Fields Forever. The opportunity exists for a discerning buyer to purchase what is considered to be the property that produces the best strawberries (along with Daffodils) in the Horowhenua District. Horowhenua has a pleasant temperate climate and excellent beaches all within easy driving time. When the new express way on State Highway One is completed Wellington City will be just over one hour driving time away. This property may be purchased as a going concern and a further 4 hectares may be leased or purchased by an approved purchaser. The three bedroom home with kitchen/ dining/lounge, two bathrooms, double garage and sun drenched deck is sited on a elevated sunny platform overlooking the strawberry field. The outbuildings are set up as a pack house and there are gate sales. Plantings this year are Aroma 20,000, Albion 25,000, Camarosa 23,000, Ventana 45,000. There is also approximately 4,000m2 of Daffodil bulbs.

Inspection By appointment

Contact Rod Scanlan 027 442 3230

This property is well maintained and a credit to the owners, and may be purchased combined with 4 hectares situated accross the road (see LV1007 - also in strawberries) which would increase the area to 9.2593 hectares. | Property ID LV1006

NEW LISTING

Manawatu | Colyton 58.7 Hectares Colyton Finishing Block. This tidy north facing finishing block has a good balance of contour â&#x20AC;&#x201C; approximately 80% mowable and the balance easy sidlings. The water supply is from a reliable local water scheme. Regular fertiliser applications have ensured excellent pasture growth and stock are finished to good weights. The large renovated family home has four bedrooms plus large office or fifth bedroom, spacious living areas with easy access to the sheltered deck for outdoor living. Farm infrastructure includes a 16-bay calf shed, 2-bay hay barn/implement shed, storage shed and cattle yards with load out. A very nice property located in a sought after area within easy reach of Feilding and Palmerston North. | Property ID PN1057

Licensed under REAA 2008

NEW LISTING

Tender Closing 4pm, Thursday 9 March 2017 (unless sold prior by private treaty)

Inspection By appointment

Contact Yvonne Forlong 021 456 565 Bill Milham 027 443 3324

Manawatu | Colyton 67.2 Hectares Well Located Grazing Block. Located approximately 20km from Feilding, on the junction of Spur and Midlands Roads, this 67.22 hectare grazing property will appeal to those looking for an entry-level farming opportunity or a block to complement other farming interests. The contour is mainly easy hill, with some flat areas and steeper sidelings. Water is from numerous dams on the property, and fencing is good quality post and batten. Buildings include a 3-stand woolshed, 4-bay shed and stables. There are stock yards and load-out, plus a very easily accessed airstrip. | Property ID PN1058

Price By negotation

Inspection By appointment

Contact Bill Milham 027 443 3324 Yvonne Forlong 021 456 565

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

SOUTHERN WIDE REAL ESTATE

‘THE GUMS’

‘LONE PINE’ SHEEP & BEEF - 3 OPTIONS NEW LISTING

NEW LISTING

463.16 HA FH

1620.9644 HA

DEADLINE SALE

Deadline Sale Closing 2p,m, Wednesday 22nd February 2017. Prior offers considered

LK0085336

• A quality property in every aspect and faithfully farmed to the highest of pastoral standards. Three separate blocks of 210, 98 and 154ha respectively come with their own titles. • Infrastructure is impeccable with the main homestead of 4 bedrooms being only 10 years old, second brick home having been extensively renovated plus another 2-bedroom cottage. • The 4-stand woolshed has huge covered yards attached. 6-bay implement shed with 1-bay lockable, as well as numerous hay barns, deer shed, two sets of cattle yards and satellite sheep yards. • Easy sheltered rolling country. Some deer fenced. Picturesque farm with excellent stock performance.

21 Macandrew Road Dunedin 9012 p 03 466 3105

Web Ref SWDR1173

JOHN FAULKS M: 0274 525 800

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY

2844 TAPANUI-RAES JUNCTION HIGHWAY, WEST OTAGO

536 CIRCLE HILL ROAD, MILTON

DOUG WARHURST M: 0274 660 247

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – January 30, 2017

’Lone Pine’ is situated at Raes Junction, the gateway to West Otago, and is a sheep and beef unit that has been extensively developed over the last 40 years. The property has been well developed and has an excellent infrastructure including homestead plus second dwelling, 2 x covered yards, woolshed and assorted sheds. The tracking for access and stock movement is outstanding. The area has good stock health and is renowned for quality stock. The water supply is 6 schemes based on gravity plus natural. Overall, a quality store property, with the ability to finish some stock, good base improvements, and the potential for further development. The potential to breed large numbers of stock every year with rainfall reliability, is a very attractive proposition. 3 OPTIONS AVAILABLE: Option 1: 480 Hectares Subject to Survey. Option 2: 1140 Hectares Subject to Survey. Option 3: Total Block. Prior offers considered.

21 Macandrew Road Dunedin 9012 p 03 466 3105

Web Ref SWDR1178

JOHN FAULKS M: 0274 525 800

LK0085335

DOUG WARHUST M: 0274 660 247

SOUTHERN WIDE REAL ESTATE

BEAUTY PERSONIFIED

GLADBROOK STATION, MIDDLEMARCH

NEW LISTING

$2,900,000 + GST (IF ANY)

PRESTIGIOUS RURAL PROPERTY - OTAGO

268 RANDALL ROAD, KAKA POINT

LK0085826

An outstanding property, that has been extensively developed, through subdivision, weed eradication and farm tracks. Beautifully located above the East Coast at Kaka Point, this property has exceptional native bush stands and views of the coast. The infra-structure is quality and has the potential of impressive building sites, to build the home of your dreams.

Web Ref SWDR1149

JOHN FAULKS M: 0274 525 800

ANDREW BOOTH M: 0275 759 256

21 Macandrew Road Dunedin 9012 p 03 466 3105

TENDER

• 196Ha FH. Can be sold as one entire property or as four separate lots or a combination. Lot 1 - 46ha with all improvements, Lot 2 - 30ha bare land, Lot 3 - 74ha bare land and Lot 4 - 44ha bare land. • Magnificent historic homestead, set in a stunning setting, this gracious homestead features a spacious lounge, formal and casual dining areas, kitchen and servery, five bedrooms, two bathrooms, sunroom, plus many more features. • Three other accommodation units which have been utilised in the accommodation industry, all in excellent condition. • Numerous farm buildings include wool shed, stables, etc. Land is predominantly flat with area running up to base of the Rock and Pillar mountain range. • Has been utilised for bull beef in the past also suitable as a sheep and beef finishing block or dairy run off. • This is undoubtedly a feature property ideal as a total property or as separate lots. Tender Closing 12 Noon, Friday 10th February 2017. 21 Macandrew Road Web Ref SWDR1177 Dunedin 9012 RAY KEAN DOUG WARHURST M: 0274 357 478 M: 0274 660 247 p 03 466 3105

LK0085827

414 HA – SUBJECT TO SURVEY

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – January 30, 2017

Real Estate

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

RURAL rural@propertybrokers.co.nz Office 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Hirawai - 603 ha

WEB ID PR52997

DANNEVIRKE 304 Otope Road Property Brokers are privileged to bring to the market Hirawai, an exceptionally well located sheep & beef breeding/finishing property 5km east of Dannevirke. Hirawai features an estimated 510ha of tractor country including 70ha of alluvial flats along the boundary of the Manawatu river a recreational playground. An aesthetically pleasing property with extensive wetlands, well tended wood lots & native plantings. Infrastructure

includes centrally located 5 stand woolshed, 3x cattle yards, 2 smaller woolsheds & 2x satelite sheepyards. Accommodation provided by 3 homes with the main home a superior 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom recently refurbished family home. Superior soil types, fertility and infrastructure all within a stones throw of Dannevirke, Hirawai certainly warrants further inspection.

VIEW By Appointment TENDER closes Thursday 9th March, 2017 at 2.00pm, Lloyd Dodson and Pringle, 9 Ward Street, Dannevirke

TENDER Jared Brock

Mobile 027 449 5496 Office 06 376 4823 Home 06 376 6341 jared@propertybrokers.co.nz

Pat Portas

Mobile 027 447 0612 Office 06 928 0521 Home 06 855 8330 patp@propertybrokers.co.nz

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

RURAL Office 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed REAA 2008

100 ha productivity - reliabilty

10 Maunga Rd, Pukeatua, Waikato Tender 79ha dairy farm with 20ASHB located east of Te Awamutu in the beautiful Pukeatua district with Mt Maungatautari as a stunning backdrop to the Daniel Davies built modern 4-bedroom farm homestead. While the mountain helps provide good rainfall within this district our vendors have a reliable two-bore water system, well reticulated around the farm. Recently milked on as an organic farm the soils and pasture reflect sustained, balanced and correct nutrient inputs over a lengthy period offering a good opportunity now to maximise your return on investment. The current owners have operated a very low cost, low input farming model with all young stock staying on the farm all year. Call Neville Kemp for further information and plan to be at the Open Days!

Tender closes on Wednesday February 22nd 2017. All Tenders need to be delivered to Ray White Te Awamutu office, 223 Alexandra St, Te Awamutu, no later than 4pm. Highest or any Tender not necessarily accepted. Price will be plus GST (if any). (May not be sold prior). View Wednesday’s Feb 1st, 8th, 15th 11am - 1pm 10 Maunga Road, Pukeatua, Waikato Website & ID number: rwteawamutu.co.nz/ID#TEA22498 Contact Neville Kemp 027 271 9801 Office 07 871 9801 neville.kemp@raywhite.com

LK0085339

DAIRY – JUST THE RIGHT SIZE!

Rosetown Realty Ltd (Licensed REAA2008)

WEB ID AR53816 LEESTON 141 Drain Road Spray irrigated dairy unit in a popular location. Walk in and farm - the vendors have ticked all the boxes with regards to Environmental & Fonterra rules.Strong soils, good wells with lower power costs and excellent pastures underpin production profitability. 2015/16 164,563 kgs ex 352 cows. Improvements include 3/4 bedroom home, 3/4 bedroom cottage and old fair 3 bedroom cottage, 23 aside HB shed with 380 cow yard, extensive hay & implement sheds, cattle yards & 30 day effluent storage tank.

$4,875,000 + GST (IF ANY) View By Appointment

Paul Cunneen

Mobile 0274 323 382 Office 03 307 9190

Gareth Cox

Mobile 021 250 9714 Office 03 929 0306

Michael Robb

Mobile 027 436 7106

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; January 30, 2017

IRRIGATED DAIRY UNIT - VALUE FOR MONEY & SET UP FOR INVESTORS - TENDER 228 Battersea Road, Greytown, South Wairarapa This attractive dairy unit is located on Battersea Road five minutes drive south east of Greytown. There are approximately 214 ha (six titles) freehold in total, with around 196 ha being used as milking platform - almost all irrigated with K-line. The fertility is impressive with the most recent soil test indicating fertility levels for pH at 5.88 and Olsen P at 36.8 (averages). The whole farm (but 2 hectares) has been re grassed at least once in the last 11 years. The farm is very well planted with numerous attractive shelter belts. Milking around 450 cows at peak (100 milked through) averaging 500 kg MS/cow the farms production budget is around 225,000230,000kg MS. Bought in feed is targeted to be around 10% of the diet with an in shed feeder helping deliver 2 kg of barley grain per cow per day to Christmas. Historically the unit has produced in excess of 280,000kgMS from 570 cows under a higher input system. Improvements include three well maintained houses, a 38 aside herringbone cowshed, 120 tonne silo with disc mill & 8 tonne holding silo, irrigation with six consents, 300 cow feed pad and plentiful shedding. Investors should note that Wairarapa dairy farms offer exceptional value for money in comparison to other dairying areas of New Zealand - why pay Taranaki, Canterbury or Waikato prices? The current managing equity partner is interested in staying on offering an opportunity for non-farming investors. Drone Video on website.

214 hectares Tender www.nzr.nz/W014 Tender Closes 4pm Thur 23 Feb 2017 NZR, 1st Floor, 16 Perry St, Masterton Blair Stevens AREINZ 06 370 9199 | 027 527 7007 blair@nzr.nz NZR Real Estate Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

SWING AN AXE OR FROM A TREE! Looking for a solid passive investment and/or somewhere to hide from the hustle and bustle of the citylife? Perfectly positioned at the end of a no exit road is this 79 hectare forestry property with

PRODUCTIVE SMALL FARM - 11.42HA 164 Murimotu Road, Hunterville This highly productive small farm, has an extensively modernised character home as its centerpiece, situated on an elevated site, providing a 360 degree outlook. The Kairanga silt loam soils have grown quality maize crops, are well subdivided, tile drained, and watered from the district scheme, with a smart set of cattle yards. A large range of sheds and a workshop make this ideal for the collector, contractor or if you just want lots of storage. A beautifully presented property, less than 4km from Hunterville, on the bus run and within a sheltered valley.

5 BED | 2 BATH | 2 CAR 11.42ha (28.2 acres) www.nzr.nz/F094 OPEN SUN 12:00-12:45PM Offers Close 3pm, Wed 1 Mar 2017 (unless sold prior) Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

Wenzlick Road, Puhoi

Tenders Close

4pm,

Wed 1 Mar 2017 41 Queen Street, Warkworth

multiple leisure activity and income stream opportunities.

View By Appointment

This property is more than just a forest. It also offers up large blocks

www.bayleys.co.nz/1200364

of non-covenanted native bush with further development

John Barnett

the forest, waterfalls, a designated building site plus all the peace

M 021 790 393 A/h 09 422 3303 john.barnett@bayleys.co.nz

and quiet that comes with such a private piece of paradise. Call in

MACKYS REAL ESTATE LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

opportunities, an extensive track system that weaves right through

the chainsaws crews, ride your horse, mountain (or motor) bike through the forest, build a hideaway, hunting lodge or simply watch your passive income grow! Well located, 5kms from historic Puhoi village, within 35 minutes of Aucklands CBD. Forestry investors, hunters, land bankers or lifestylers. The instructions are to sell!

www.bayleys.co.nz

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – January 30, 2017

Real Estate

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

Licenced under REAA 2008

TENDER

Landcorp Farming Limited • 1359ha (more or less) of freehold titles • A well developed paddock and tussock hill property capable of finishing sheep and cattle • Situated approximately 20km south east of Manapouri and 40km south of Te Anau, on the Blackmount-Redcliff Road • Full range of buildings including three houses, four stand woolshed, cattle yards and farm office Stock wintered 2016 include 4851 Perendale ewes, 1525 ewe hoggets, 101 rams and killers, 266 Angus cows, 122 R1yr heifers, 52 R1yr steers and 10 bulls. www.pggwre.co.nz ID: TAN25200

TENDER

Landcorp Farming Limited

Manapouri TENDER

• 2826ha (more or less) of freehold titles • An extensive sheep, cattle and deer breeding unit • Situated approximately 12km west of Mossburn and 40km east of Te Anau, on the Te AnauMossburn Highway • Mt. Hamilton offers a balance of developed flats, easy down country and oversown tussock hill • Comprehensive range of buildings - four houses, five stand woolshed, deer yards and cattle yards • Estimated stock numbers to winter 2017 include 2,810 sheep, 943 cattle and 3,030 deer

Tender closes 12.00pm Wednesday, 8 March 232 Dee Street, Invercargill OPEN DAY 9.30am, Thursday, 2 Feb Meet at woolshed High Viz vests mandatory

Andrew Patterson M 027 434 7636 Nick Robertson M 027 431 6533 Peter Lewis M 027 202 2405

www.pggwre.co.nz ID: TAN25119

Mossburn TENDER Tender closes 12.00pm Wednesday, 8 March 232 Dee Street, Invercargill OPEN DAY 1.30pm, Thursday, 2 Feb Meet at main office/deer yards High Viz vests mandatory

Andrew Patterson M 027 434 7636 Tony Paterson M 027 594 8341 Nick Robertson M 027 431 6533

pggwre.co.nz

Versatile Lifestyle Farmlet

THE ADDRESS FOR RURAL REAL ESTATE

Excellent location just off SH3 between Maxwell and Waitotara. Just 10 minutes to Kai Iwi primary and 20 minutes to Whanganui city and its comprehensive range of secondary schools. There is 22.6779ha (56.0370 acres) more or less of which an estimated 20ha are flat to undulating free draining Egmont loam growing fertile pastures. There is a range of ancillary buildings that would support horses (racing or sport), calf rearing, heifer grazing etc. Very good water from a local, recently upgraded water scheme. The property is very well fenced with separate sheep and cattle yards, plus horse boxes and handling yards. Complimented by a circa 1990’s open plan family home set in established grounds, up a tree lined driveway... a haven for your relaxation and enjoyment. A well cared for quality property that has been developed with vision, now awaiting new owners. Interested? Contact us at your earliest convenience.

Stay up-to-date with the real estate market with

AUCTION (unless sold prior) Thursday 11am, 16 February 2017 at Waitotara Hotel Phone Mike Johnston 027 272 4044

LK0085089©

OPEN DAYS: Thursday 26 and Sunday 29 January 2017, 12.30-2.00pm. Thursday 2 and Sunday 5 February 2017, 12.30-2.00pm.

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

Matthew McDonald Ph (06) 765 5599 Cell 0274 814 648 Nicole McDonald Ph 0274 355 650 Mike Johnston Ph 027 272 4044 www.matthewandco.co.nz

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

Licenced under REAA 2008

One Of Ruawai’s Best - Rarely Available

Ruawai

• 102 ha of flat fertile land that is a pleasure to farm. The infrastructure is excellent • Two good homes, with a third available if required • 260 cows milked to an average of 90,000kg MS on a genuine low input management system • Farm water supplied from two bores on the farm • 12 year old 30 aside HB milking shed with two 150 cow herd homes nearby This is farm that has been in the same family for four generations. It has a place of pride in the vendor´s hearts, but it is time to sell. The farm is all up to date with compliancy and documentation is available to support this. The infrastructure is great - the pasture is great with a complete absence of kikuyu - inputs have been minimal with a dribble of nitrogen going on this year for the first time in many years. No cropping is done with a rotation of chicory sown and then direct drilling of a clover rye mix being applied. Farms on the Ruawai flats are well sought after, so get in touch with Dennis for more information on this beauty. www.pggwre.co.nz ID: WHG24884

TENDER

DEADLINE SALE Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 4.00pm, Monday 20 February

Dennis Wallace B 09 470 2528 M 022 312 7704

TENDER

70 Hectares - 2 Titles

Pukekawa

35 Hectares Pukekawa Central

Pukekawa

• Presently dairy - suitable market garden, stud farm and lifestyle uses • Well subdivided as dairy farm with central races • 16 aside HB shed and several support buildings and haybarns • Comfortable three bedroom brick home overlooking farm • You can farm from the breakfast table • Vendors reluctantly moving off farm to Pukekohe

TENDER

• Presently dairy support and market gardening • Mixture of cropping contour and some sidlings • Spacious three bedroom home less than 1km from Pukekawa Golf Club • 2km from Pukekawa Primary School • Haybarn and old disused cowshed • Presently large areas cut baleage and 16 acres leased to neighbour for carrots • Gas pipeline goes through property • Water from pump for grazing

TENDER

www.pggwre.co.nz ID: PUK25265 www.barfoot.co.nz ID: 587458

Richard Wright B 09 237 2040 M 027 454 6000

www.pggwre.co.nz ID: PUK25261 www.barfoot.co.nz ID: 587657

Richard Wright B 09 237 2040 M 027 454 6000

(unless sold prior) Closes 4.00pm Thursday 2 March 2017 OPEN DAYS Wednesdays 1.00 - 2.00pm 1, 8, 15 February 2017 311 Hunt Road, Pukekawa

Ian Croft B 09 237 8310 M 021 753 096

(unless sold prior) Closes 4.00pm Thursday 2 March 2017 OPEN DAYS Wednesdays 2.30pm - 3.30pm 1,8,15 February 2017 70 Logan Road, Pukekawa

Ian Croft B 09 237 8310 M 021 753 096

pggwre.co.nz

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

Licenced under REAA 2008

FINAL NOTICE

TENDER

Dairy Farm/Support Block

Putaruru

More Than Just A Farm

Raglan

• • • • •

AUCTION

This very desirable 41ha farm is located close to Raglan in an area which catches the rain as it comes from the Tasman sea. The property would make a great dairy support block or calf rearing farm, and about 1/3rd could be cropped or mown for silage. There is a four bedroom home with a sleep out and three car garage. A one bedroom ’bach in the bush’ that has to be seen and a huge 280m2 workshop with gantry. The work shop was built for servicing large machinery. Farms of this size, location and quality do not come to the market often so make the most of this opportunity.

TENDER

69.1125 Ha, milking 180 cows Flat-to-rolling contour with some steeper sidlings Three bedroom home and skyline garage 12 ASHB cow shed, 3 x 3 bay half round barns Situated on the edge of Lake Arapuni options are plenty for this unique property, milk cows, run heifers, grow maize, catch trout and go water skiing. What more could one want?

(Unless Sold Prior) 11:00am, Thursday, 9 February, NI Kindergarten Conference Centre, 6 Glenshea Street, Putaruru OPEN DAY 10:00-11:00am, Thursday, 2 Feb, 1190 LAKE ARAPUNI RD

www.pggwre.co.nz ID: PUT25167

Richard Leach B 07 882 1485 M 027 472 7785

(Unless Sold Prior by Private Treaty), closing 3pm, Thursday, 23 Feb PGGWRE, Cnr Rostrevor & Vialou Sts, Hamilton Phone Richard for your appointment to view

www.pggwre.co.nz ID: HAM25061

Richard Thomson M 027 294 8625

AUCTION

Potential And Presentation • 119 hectares, more or less • Contour is predominantly flat to easy with approximately 15% steep • 32 ASHB shed centrally located on the farm with five bay calf shed and four bay tractor shed • Milking 308 cows, last season 120,000kg MS, variation 6 for up to 420 cows • Very tidy four bedroom homestead set in well maintained gardens • There is also a three bedroom managers house • Excellently presented tidy farm with the ability to run extra cows

Te Awamutu AUCTION (Unless Sold Prior), 11.00am, Wednesday, 8 March, PGGWRE, 87 Duke Street, Cambridge OPEN DAYS 11.00am-12.00pm, Tuesday, 7, 14, 21 February, 317 AOTEAROA ROAD

www.pggwre.co.nz ID: TEK25111

Peter Wylie B 07 878 0265 M 027 4735 855

pggwre.co.nz

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

OPEN DAY

First Time On Market For A Century This well set up Dairy Farm has been farmed by four generations of the same family since 1914. • Featuring five titles with three dwellings • 60 bail rotary cowshed and good support buildings • Currently milking 550 cows • Backing on to the Waihou River, there is an additional 34ha (approx.) of stop bank and river flats available for lease from the Regional Council www.pggwre.co.nz ID: KAT25198

Licenced under REAA 2008

AUCTION

Paeroa AUCTION (Unless Sold Prior) 12.00pm, Monday, 27 February OPEN DAY 11.00 - 12.00pm, Thursday, 2, 9, 16 & 23 February

Alwin Thorne George B 07 549 2619 M 022 507 7117 Sue Williams B 07 549 2136 M 021 748 200

Don’t Miss This One A very attractive desirable 66.245 hectare grazing property. Well balanced with approximately 38ha flat, 17ha rolling and 10ha hill country. Excellent fertility, good quality pastures, well subdivided, cattle yards and good water supply from own bore. Bare land of this quality is hard to find in the popular Waikite Valley area.

Rotorua AUCTION (Unless Sold Prior) 1.00pm, Thursday, 23 March PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited Cnr Marguerita & White Sts, Rotorua OPEN DAYS 11.00am - 1.00pm, Thursdays 2 & 16 February, 9 March

www.pggwre.co.nz ID: ROT25338

Brett Ashworth B 07 347 6076 M 021 0261 7488

pggwre.co.nz

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

TENDER

Licenced under REAA 2008

TENDER

Raft Creek Farm - Deer Breeding

Kokatahi

Large Scale Deer Farm

Mawheraiti

Comprising 481ha (more or less), this farm is located 15km from Hokitika and 4km from Kokatahi. Predominantly deer fenced, farmed as an elite deer breeding unit carrying over 700 hinds plus replacements, supplying sire stags, finishing surplus yearlings and lamb and cattle trading. Good internal subdivision, well farmed and maintained with considerable pasture development. Two dwellings, deer handling facility, two-stand woolshed and numerous sheds. Raft Creek Farm represents a uniquely well balanced opportunity to the discerning purchaser.

TENDER

• 1,453 hectares (more or less) 62km from Greymouth • Large deer breeding unit, beef breeding herd, lamb finishing and dairy grazing • Predominantly deer fenced with a good lane system • Two sets of deer shed and yards, woolshed, implement sheds, haysheds and cattle yards • Four-bedroom managers home, three-bedroom cottage and shearers quarters • Open days 10.00am, Wednesday 1 and 8 February • Prior registration with the agents is essential

TENDER

www.pggwre.co.nz ID: GRE25263

Plus GST (if any) Closes 4.00pm, Wed, 1 March 411 Blenheim Road, Christchurch 8041 OPEN DAYS 10am, Thurs 2 & 9 February 121 Whites Road

Dave Nolan B 03 768 1222 M 021 170 8532 Peter Crean B 03 341 4315 M 027 434 4002

Plus GST (if any) Closes 4.00pm, Wed, 1 March 411 Blenheim Road, Christchurch 8041

www.pggwre.co.nz ID: GRE25262

Dave Becker B 03 768 1222 M 027 222 5184 Peter Crean B 03 341 4315 M 027 434 4002

TENDER

Finishing & Dairy Support Farm

Reefton

Large Scale Calf Rearing Property

Palmerston

• Burkes Creek Farm located 3km from Reefton • Approximately 377 hectares, subject to subdivision • Deer finishing, lamb and cattle trading and heifer grazing • Possible potential for dairy conversion • Offered as a whole or in parts thereof - Area 1 273.9ha including two dwellings and a large range of improvements; Area 3 - 15.4ha bare land with some improvements; Area 4 - 17ha bare land; Area 5 - 71.5ha including a good house and improvements (all hectares approximate only)

TENDER

• 51 Ha approx (Subject to Survey). • A unique property developed to a high standard for calf rearing. • 3 x 10 bay calf sheds. Modernised homestead plus sleepout with ensuite. • Subdivided into 0.4ha paddocks, central lane leading to feeding station. Rural water scheme. • Currently rearing up to 3500 calves. • Ideally suited for a couple having a lifestyle change from the dairy industry or a large scale dairy farm that requires a property for rearing calves

TENDER

www.pggwre.co.nz ID: GRE25264

Plus GST (if any) Closes 4.00pm, Wed, 1 March 411 Blenheim Road, Christchurch 8041 OPEN DAYS 2pm, Wed, 1 & 8 February

Dave Becker B 03 768 1222 M 027 222 5184 Peter Crean B 03 341 4315 M 027 434 4002

www.pggwre.co.nz ID: DUN25087

(Unless Sold Prior) Closing 12.00pm, Thurs, 16 February

Paul Thomson B 03 470 0332 M 027 435 3936 Alan Turner B 03 470 0317 M 027 454 4222

pggwre.co.nz

Waimarama, Hawke’s Bay

StockCo is the leader in the livestock finance industry, offering farmers tailored solutions focussed on cash flow and capital management. Operating across Australia and New Zealand, this business is driven by a dynamic team that has opened up new business possibilities for clients through their innovative range of business solutions.

The position offers single accommodation and a competitive package based on experience. For further information contact Kevin Saville 06 388 0966 or email: kr.saville@gmail.com

HEAD SHEPHERD

A great opportunity has arisen for an experienced Head Shepherd on a progressive dairy grazer, beef & sheep block of 830ha of rolling to steep Kawhia coastal property.

Complementing the role is a modern four-bedroom home which is fitted with three bathrooms, an office and rumpus room. Waimarama Primary School is only 4km away and a school bus into Havelock North High School leaves from the local store. Being only five minutes to the beach this role provides a great work-life-balance and a range of recreational activities! For more information, or to fill out an application, please visit www.ruraldirections.co.nz or phone the Rural Directions team in confidence on 0800 475 465 (Reference #2421).

It is essential the appointee is self-motivated, demonstrating a passion for the primary sector, and can develop and maintain a valuable network of clients, industry contacts, prospects and referrers. The role is very well supported with an extensive support team to assist with processing and enquiries.

Applications close 5pm Monday 13th February 2017

The successful applicant will possess a minimum of 4 years full time NZ experience, proven stockmanship and the ability to work in a team reporting environment, a strong team of 3 working dogs, excellent references and a genuine desire to take the next step in their farming career. To apply, please email your CV (with a minimum of 3 referees) and cover letter to: anne@cardon.co.nz. Applications close Friday 10th February

A very attractive package is on offer as is a healthy working environment where the team culture is tight and successes are celebrated. This role is likely to be attractive

RECRUITMENT & HR

Anne Burdon Cardon Rural Recruitment

LK0085836©

FARM MANAGER EWEBURN STATION

SHEEP GENETICS MANAGER

STAFF?

0800 85 25 80

SHEPHERD GENERAL A position has become available on PoriPori Farm A Trust, a 1551ha intensive breeding and finishing property 15 minutes from Tauranga.

An attractive remuneration package is offered with an excellent four-bedroom home and numerous other benefits. Interested applicants should send their CV with the contact details of at least three referees to office@mountlinton.co.nz.

For more information please contact: Farm Manager, Peter Maguire by phone 07 543 2170 or email application with CV to pe.mag@xtra.co.nz or mail to 221 Kumi Kumi Road, RD 1, Tauranga

LK0085810©

The successful applicant must be experienced in all aspects of dry stock farming, the operation of farm machinery and have 2 to 3 working dogs under good command. A three bedroom house is available with primary and secondary bus at gate.

An exciting opportunity has arisen to join Landcorp as a Farm Manager on Eweburn Station. Eweburn is a large scale deer breeding and finishing property running 5,000 red breeding hinds which make up 78% of Eweburn’s 22,000 SU. 1,600 Perendale ewes and 400 Angus cows make up the remainder of the stock on farm.

We require an exceptional stockman to join our team to drive our industry leading sheep genetic programme and continue the impressive genetic and production progress we have made over recent years. Whilst experience with genetics would be an advantage, it is not a pre requisite for this position as we have a strong support team in place but the right attitude and an interest and aptitude to learn is.

NEED

RECRUITMENT & HR

Livestock 0800 85 25 80

Applicants should have: • 3-4 good working dogs • Experience with horses would be helpful • A strong work ethic • Able to work as part of a team

As the Farm Operations Manager you will gain exposure to modern farming technologies and systems and be involved with strategic business planning. Experience in people management and strong leadership and communication skills are essential in order to create a positive working culture. Desired personal characteristics are excellent attention to detail, honesty and integrity and a personable and open-minded nature.

The skills fundamental to the position are the ability to clearly understand client’s farming situations, provide suggested livestock finance solutions to clients and subsequent reasoning to support the lending opportunity to the Administration and Credit team. Ideally, the Agribusiness Manager will be able to review clients’ balance sheets as well as help assess their budgets and cash flow forecasts. An affinity with livestock and their respective trading margins coupled with a clear understanding of what drives on-farm profitability are vital to this role.

Applications close 5pm Monday 20th February 2017

A position has become available on a 5500 acre, 20,000su hill-country property, 14km east of Taihape.

To work in conjunction with the Farm Supervisor and Owner, we seek a Farm Operations Manager to manage the day-today farming activities and execute the business’s strategy. This hands-on management role requires a planned and organised approach in regards to producing stock, feed management and controlling logistics. Being profit margin focussed, you will have an understanding of prioritising stock classes to meet seasonal and market opportunities.

We seek to appoint an Agribusiness Manager with good field experience, a sound understanding of livestock performance and a working knowledge of the sheep, beef and dairy industries. This is a great opportunity for a customer focused individual with the ability to effectively manage and expand on the existing client base through utilising active networks and relationships to build new business throughout the South Canterbury/Otago and Southland region.

For more information, or to fill out an application, please visit www.ruraldirections.co.nz or phone the Rural Directions team in confidence on 0800 475 465 (Reference #9112).

Motukawa Land Company

With spectacular views of Waimarama Beach, Cabbage Tree Flat Station is a commercial farming business operating as a sheep breeding, lamb trading and steer finishing enterprise. Based only 25 minutes from Havelock North, this wonderfully located property is 2100ha effective and is well-tracked with excellent infrastructure.

LK0085834©

South Canterbury / North Otago / Southland

FARM MANAGER - SHEEP & BEEF BANKS PENINSULA

Shepherd

Farm Operations Manager

Agribusiness Manager

SEE PAGE 5

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – January 30, 2017

LK0085854©

Employment

LK0085833©

jobs.farmersweekly.co.nz 0800 85 25 80

Located only 10 mins from Te Anau, Eweburn is a total of 3,871 ha with an effective area of 2,711 ha. Eweburn is one of Landcorp’s showcase properties with excellent infrastructure, a high standard of improvements and first class livestock.

LK0085572©

Applications close on the 6th February 2017.

The position comes with a comfortable three bedroom home. Details of how to apply: www.landcorp.co.nz/careers For more details about the role please contact Steve Bayler – Regional Business Manager on 027 454 7548. Applications close 5pm Friday, 3 February 2017.

For further information, please contact Ceri Lewis on 021 678 809, or for a full job description please email Joss at office@mountlinton.co.nz

Livestock

FOR SALE • 48 young crossbred cows. BW 104 PW 129 Calving from July 20th content of large Jersey • 36 crossbred i/c heifers BW 123 PW145. Due

AG & LM PATON Springston Sale being held at Canterbury Park Fri 3 Mar, commencing 1pm Viewing from 10am onwards

from July 20th. May 1st delivery. Complete line. $1800 + GST • 20 Jersey c/o cows BW114 PW142. Due from July 20th. $1650 + GST • 54 Jersey i/c heifers. Complete line. BW118 sync AB 16/10/16 then Jersey bulls. May • 80 Jersey 30 crossbred cows. BW57 PW84. Due from July 20th

Jersey Marketing Service Contact Ross Riddell M: 0272 111 112 E: rriddell@jersey.org.nz

LK0085831©

deliver. Top sires. $1800 + GST

33 34 20 20 24 40

Ewes 2015 Ewes 2014 Ewes 2013 Ewes 2007 to 2012 Ram Lambs Ewe Lambs

130 VIC M/A autumn calving M/G cows 12 2yr VIC autumn calving M/G heifers DTC 1/04/17 to M/G bulls All purebred, no longer registered For further information contact Darryl Williamson 029 432 9285 0r 09 432 9285

A/c Invernia Holdings Georgetown, North Otago Wednesday Feb 8th 2017 at 1:30pm Comprising approximately: 800 Friesian bull calves 60 Friesian 18-month bulls 20 Friesian 18-month steers

Buy and sell livestock at

All calves dehorned, drenched and weaned off nurse cows in December. TB Status C10. 1% Rebate to outside companies.

This is a very good line of Texel sheep up for sale that has never been drenched. Further information Callum Dunnett – PGW Alan or Lois Paton – Vendors

MURRAY GREY FEMALE DISPERSAL

24TH ANNUAL ON FARM WEANED CALF AUCTION

0275 908 612 03 329 5736

Further inquiries: Barry Fox 0274 393 317, a/h 03 434 3018 Mark Yeates 0275 904 217, a/h 03 434 7980 PGG Wrightson Oamaru

Buy and sell livestock at

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING PHONE 0800 85 25 80

LK0085878©

FAIRBURN TEXEL STUD DISPERSAL

LK0085832©

herd. End of season delivery. $2000 + GST

Classifieds

DOGS FOR SALE

DUCK SHOOTING

FLY OR LICE problem? Electrodip - The magic eye sheepjetter since 1989 with unique self adjusting sides. Incredible chemical and time savings with proven effectiveness. Phone 07 573 8512 w w w. e l e c t r o d i p . c o m

3-YEAR-OLD Huntaway bitch.Top mob and yard dog. $2000. Phone 027 210 6284 \ 06 364 3160. FORTY HUNTAWAYS, Heading, Handies. $500$2500. Deliverable. 07 315 5553. Mike Hughes. HEAD AND HUNT pups, natural workers, proven cross, money back guarantee. $450. Phone 07 312 4762. HEADING PUPS. Proven X. Good working parents. 8 weeks. Phone 06 388 0212.

POND REQUIRED for three mature responsible shooters 2017 duck shooting. Any North Island location considered. Good remuneration for right property. Please reply to Peter 027 557 7755 or email pukeko12@hotmail. com

www.gibb-gro.co.nz GROWTH PROMOTANT $5.85 per hectare + GST delivered Brian Mace 0274 389 822 07 571 0336 brianmace@xtra.co.nz

CONTRACTORS EXPERIENCED HAY RUNNERS available in Rodney and Auckland. Phone 027 284 6636. Nicola.

DOGS WANTED 12 MONTHS TO 5½-yearold Heading dogs and Huntaways wanted. Phone 022 698 8195. HEADING, HUNTAWAY, handy, backing dogs or bitches, 2-6 years. Top money paid. Phone Ginger Timms 03 202 5590 or 027 289 7615. CA$H BUYER, QUICK sale! No one pays more! 07 315 5553. Mike Hughes.

Livestock 0800 85 25 80

FOR ONLY $2.00 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in The NZ Farmers Weekly Classifieds section. Phone Debbie on 0800 85 25 80 to book in or email classifieds@nzx.com

GOATS WANTED GOATS WANTED. All weights. All breeds. Prompt service. Payment on pick up. My on farm prices will not be beaten. Phone David Hutchings 07 895 8845 or 0274 519 249. Feral goats mustered on a 50/50 share basis.

GRAZING AVAILABLE for 140+ cattle. Bulls optional. Located south of Kaitaia. Phone 021 083 04279.

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE EARLY MATURING TERMINAL Rams Southdown and Texel Southdown X. Good shoulders. Suitable for Hogget mating. Reared on hill country. Contact Roddy McKenzie 06 372 5828 or Richard Williams 021 519 153.

STOCK SADDLES HANDMADE, top quality 021 305 385 highcountrysaddlery.co.nz

PERSONAL

HIGH PRESSURE WATER PUMPS, suitable on high headlifts. Low energy usage for single/3-phase motors, waterwheel and turbine drives. Low maintenance costs and easy to service. Enquiries phone 04 526 4415, email sales@hydra-cell.co.nz

JUST COUNTRY Dating Service

STOP BIRDS NOW!

P.O. Box 30, Palmerston North 4440, NZ

For Town & Country clients NZ wide.

Ph 027 390 9189 or email justcountry123@ hotmail.com

ZON BIRDSCARER

VINTAGE AUCTION NZ’s PREMIER VINTAGE machinery auction. Stratford, Saturday 4th March. A lifetime of dedicated collecting, sold under the hammer. Complete dispersal sale. For catalogues go to www. agonline.co.nz/sales/ upcoming

Phone: +64 6 357 2454 HOOF TRIMMER

EARMARKERS

FOR SALE

CLASSIFIEDS

WORK WANTED FARM SUPPORT / CARETAKER position. Casual or part time work required. Retiring farmer with experience in sheep, cattle, fencing and maintenance work. Team of excellent working dogs. Phone Alan 07 873 8257.

electro-tek@xtra.co.nz DE HORNER

ADVERTISING Have something to sell? Advertise in The NZ Farmers Weekly Phone Debbie Brown 0800 85 25 80 or email classifieds@nzx.com

Livestock

AUTUMN CALVING COWS

500+ outstandingly well-presented R3 Friesian to Friesian X herd.

Outstanding Ambreed Friesian Herd. Owned for 30+ years – One Herd Code. Proven performance herd bred for type, capacious udders and longevity Enquiries to Steve Morton 027 246 5165

300 Frs/Frsx Carry Over cows R3-5 years DTC from 27/3/17 – Bull out 15/8/16 IC to Hereford – March delivery. $1850 60 Jersey Carry Over cows R3-5 years DTC from 27/3/17 – Bull out 15/8/16 IC to Hereford – March delivery. $1600 Contact Rod Harper 0274 515 321 Or A/h 07 856 0022

Full milking lives ahead. Being milked OAD to grow heifers out and maintain great condition. BW 83 PW 96 Calving 20/7/17.

LK0085830©

JUST LISTED!! LK0085875©

FOR SALE

Cameron Smith 027 311 9887

2-7 YEAR OLDS!

Complete Dispersal Sale

Beautiful Jersey Herd Vendor retaining the 8-year and older cows Low SCC and already vetted. $1880

A/c Roswhite South Down Stud A/c Paul G Ross 272 Orchard Road, 8 RD, Ashburton

130 AUTUMN CALVING COWS

BW 95 PW 153. DTC 10/3/17 to Hfd Bull. $1800

Thursday 2 February 2017 Commencing 2pm on farm

LK0085889©

For further details please contact: Geoff Wright Ph 027 462 0131 Paul Ross Ph 027 462 0134

3500 Romney Ewes LK0085492©

Wanted Ewes

SALE TALK

MEADOWSLEA

Autumn Ram Sale

120 2th Rams-including selection for hogget mating • Romney • Kelso Maternal • Romdale • Kelso X Romney • Kelso Terminal (Black Face) • Texel X Romney • Perendale X Texel X Romney

Private sales option for early mating delivery

Contact: David Giddings 03 685 8027 Auctioneers PGGW Keith Willson 0800 309 554 Callum Dunnett 027 590 8612 or your local agent www.meadowslea.co.nz

Capital Stock

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

X Tongariro Prison Farm

1500 2 Tooth Ewes 1350 4 Tooth Ewes 650 4 Year Ewes

518 Pred Frsn R3-year 2nd calving cows DTC 25/7 BW81 PW94 Top BW I/C to AB Frsn 6 weeks, Bottom half I/C to Hfd OAD milked, Low inputs, computer splits available. $2000. Graham Brown 027 271 4722 270 Jrsy Cow Herd DTC 20/7 Low inputs 370ms/cow I/C to NM Jrsy/ Hfd, well uddered, low SCC $1600. John Price 027 594 2544

Turanganui Breeding Flock Scans 170% - Docks 140% Being sold due to change of land use For all enquiries contact

90 Frsn/Xbred Herd BW60 PW65 DTC 10/7 to Frsn/Jrsy Complete herd, vendor retiring, LIC. Bull out 31/12 $1850. Keith West 027 214 9180

Shane Scott

480 KiwiX Herd BW93 PW115 RA98% DTC 26/7 to KiwiX 6 weeks AI, tailed Frsn, Low SCC, 440ms. Top herd. $2100. Max Hutchings 027 538 4961

027 4956031

LK0085506©

More stock available on our website or contact National Dairy Coordinator Paul Kane Ph 027 286 9279 – paul.kane@carrfields.co.nz

Our Empty Cow, Boner & Surplus Dairy Sales commence Thursday 2nd February and every Thursday after. Morrinsville Dairy Complex Boner cows approximately 11:30am Empty then In-Calf cows 12 Noon Approximately 200 cows

On-farm Fairlie – Friday March 17 – 1pm

We will offer: 40 Southdown Ram Lambs 40 Southdown Ewe Lambs 30 Southdown 1-Shear Ewes 30 Southdown 2-Shear Ewes 40 Southdown Mixed-age Ewes 10 Southdown 1-Shear Rams

One schedule price for all farmers To receive the Prime Range Meats weekly schedule prices via email, contact the Procurement Manager Ken Cavanagh on: 027 436 8560 or email ken.cavanagh@primerange.co.nz

Ph Steve Morton for further details 027 246 5165

“LARGE PREMIUMS PAID FOR YOUNG EMPTY COWS”

For further entries please phone Darryl Houghton 0274 515 315 • Give your local NZ Farmers Livestock agent a call or phone Ollie Carruthers 0274 515 312

LK0085863©

Option to purchase computer split on half or more.

LK0085911©

AI Friesian, tailed with Hereford – $2150

A juggler, driving to his next performance, is stopped by police. “What are these matches and lighter fluid doing in your car?” asks the cop. “I’m a juggler and I juggle flaming torches in my act.” “Yeah,” says the doubtful cop. “Lets see you do it.” The juggler gets out and starts juggling the blazing torches. A couple driving by slows down to watch. “Wow,” says the driver to his wife. “I’m glad I quit drinking. Look at the test they’re giving now!”

w w w. e l e c t r o t e k . c o . n z

LK0085874©

ATTENTION FARMERS

DOLOMITE, NZ’s finest Magnesium fertiliser. Bio-Gro certified, bulk or bagged. 0800 436 566.

GRAZING AVAILABLE

PUMPS

LK0085872©

ANIMAL HEALTH www.drench.co.nz farmer owned, very competitive prices. Phone 0800 4 DRENCH (437 362).

FERTILISER

GOATS WANTED

FERAL GOATS WANTED. All head counted, payment on pick-up, pick-up within 24hours. Prices based on works schedule. Experienced musterers available. Phone Bill and Vicky Le Feuvre 07 893 8916.

LK0085660©

ANIMAL HANDLING

Classifieds 0800 85 25 80

LK0085890©

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – January 30, 2017

www.centrallivestock.co.nz

RANGITAIKI STATION Matea Road – TAUPO 2 Matea FebruaryRoad 2017 –@TAUPO 12 noon

RANGITAIKI STATION nd (Lunch Provided)

2nd February 2017 @ 12 noon (Lunch Provided)

Best line of ewes offered in many years

Average Scanning since 2007 Best line177% of ewes offered in many years

2,300 x 2Average tooth Scanning 2,200 x 4 2007 tooth 177% since

1,750x x26tooth tooth 1,400 x 4 year 2,300 2,200 x 4 tooth 1,800x x65tooth year 8001,400 x Wet dry 1,750 x 4 year 1,800 x 5 year 800 x Wet dry For all enquiries: Ross Dyer 0274 333 381 Forinformation all enquiries: 0274 333 381 For on factsRoss behindDyer the years of breeding

For information on facts behind the years of breeding refer to our website www.dyerlivestock.co.nz refer to our website www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

MARKET SNAPSHOT

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Grain & Feed

MILK PRICE FORECAST ($/KGMS) 2016-17

6.40

AS OF 18/11/2016

AS OF 19/01/2017

Milling Wheat

Prior week

Last year

327

What are the AgriHQ Milk Prices? The AgriHQ Seasonal milk price is calculated using GDT results and NZX Dairy Futures to give a full season price. The AgriHQ Spot milk price is an indicative price based solely on the prices from the most recent GDT event. To try this using your own figures go to www.agrihq.co.nz/toolbox

WMP GDT PRICES AND NZX FUTURES

5.05

5.00

350

NI mutton (20kg)

3.00

2.40

5.10

4.85

3.10

3.00

2.10

7.57

7.47

7.43

Feed Wheat

286

305

SI lamb (17kg)

Feed Barley

281

290

SI mutton (20kg)

PKE

244

239

230

Export markets (NZ$/kg) UK CKT lamb leg

Maize Grain

370

352

PKE

246

240

226

6.5

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Wheat - Nearest

215

218

268

Corn - Nearest

197

201

222

5.0

CBOT futures (NZ$/t)

4.5

303

306

374

3000

ASW Wheat

275

274

366

2500

Feed Wheat

261

247

331

2000

Feed Barley

238

236

330

100

102

PKE (US$/t) Ex-Malaysia

South Island 1 7kg lamb

6.5 6.0

NZ venison 60kg stag

5.5 600

$/kg

APW Wheat

Dec 16 Mar 17 NZX WMP Futures

6.0 5.5

INTERNATIONAL

3500

1500 Mar 16 Jun 16 Sep 16 C2 Fonterra WMP

North Island 17kg lamb

7.0

Australia (NZ$/t)

4000

500 5.0 400

4.5

300

4.0Oct Oct

Dec

Feb

5‐yr ave NZX DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T) Nearby contract

Prior week

vs 4 weeks ago

WMP

3320

3350

3525

SMP

2595

2600

AMF

5380

Butter

4280

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Prior week

Last year

2730

Urea

482

575

6.65

8.95

5380

5350

Super

317

330

35 micron

3.63

3.75

5.95

4280

4300

DAP

739

875

39 micron

3.60

3.65

5.75

Apr

May

Jun

Jul

AFTER a cautious week when investors worried about two major political events, market turned optimistic last week with plenty of economic data to process as well as positive results from the global reporting season helping to move markets. Although positive the week had a shaky start. Caution came following the inauguration of United States President Donald Trump. He echoed his pre-election promises to protect American workers saying “Every decision on trade, on taxes, on immigration, on foreign affairs will be made to benefit American workers and American families.” Initially the market took that as a positive and US share prices appreciated. However, the gains were undone among the political uncertainty Trump represents. Analysts will be watching the first 100 days of the Trump Presidency closely. The post-election rally saw the S&P 500 rise 6%, the fifth largest rally since records began. History shows that in the first 100 days of presidency, the S&P 500 has risen 70% of the time for an average gain of 1.6%. However, the odds are against Trump as republican presidents average a return of -0.4% and showing gains just 60% of the time. Market commentary provided by Craigs Investment Partners

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

7113

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

7224

Jan 14

Jan 15

Jan 16

Feed barley

4 w eeks ago

Sharemarket Briefing

$/kg

250 150 Jan 13

NZ venison 60kg stag

5.5

600

c/k kg (net)

NZ$/t

US$/t

3250

35 micron wool price

6.5

CANTERBURY FEED PRICES

350

11157

This yr

6.65

3500

9465

Aug

Last week

3750

S&P/FW AG EQUITY

Last yr

Aug

29 micron

450

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR

Jun

(NZ$/kg)

4000

Latest price

Jun

NZ average (NZ$/t)

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

Mar

Apr

WOOL

* price as at close of business on Thursday

Feb

Apr

FERTILISER

Last price*

3000

Last year

5.10

* Domestic grain prices are grower bids delivered to the nearest store or mill. PKE and fertiliser prices are ex-store. Australian prices are landed in Auckland.

Dec 16 AgriHQ Seasonal

Last week Prior week

NI lamb (17kg)

Waikato (NZ$/t)

Sep 16 AgriHQ Spot Fonterra forecast

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

c/kkg (net)

$/kgMS

MILK PRICE COMPARISON

US$/t

Last week Canterbury (NZ$/t)

6.00

8 7 6 5 4 3 Jun 16

SHEEP MEAT

DOMESTIC

AGRIHQ 2016-17

FONTERRA 2016-17

Sheep

$/kg

Dairy

Jan 17

300

3.5

Oct Oct

Dec Dec

Feb Feb

Apr Apr Last yr

Jun Jun

AugAug This yr

Dollar Watch

YTD High

YTD Low

Auckland International Airport Limited

6.83

6.86

6.31

Fletcher Building Limited

10.44

10.86

10.23

Meridian Energy Limited Spark New Zealand Limited Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd Ryman Healthcare Limited Mercury NZ Limited (NS) Contact Energy Limited Vector Limited Z Energy Limited

2.75 3.54 9.15 8.59 3.08 5.00 3.20 7.50

2.75 3.70 9.18 8.61 3.10 5.02 3.30 7.70

2.57 3.41 8.60 8.17 2.94 4.65 3.15 7.25

Listed Agri Shares

4.5

400

5‐yr ave

PKE spot

Top 10 by Market Cap Company

500

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

2.150

2.360

2.060

Cavalier Corporation Limited

0.790

0.720

Comvita Limited

7.200

8.020

6.000

Delegat Group Limited

5.850

5.650

Foley Family Wines Limited

1.490

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

6.270

6.300

5.990

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

2.560

2.600

2.550

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.380

1.410

1.270

PGG Wrightson Limited

0.540

0.490

Sanford Limited (NS)

7.000

7.050

6.700

Scales Corporation Limited

3.440

3.530

3.320

Seeka Limited

4.540

4.600

4.500

Tegel Group Holdings Limited

1.380

1.460

1.300

S&P/FW Primary Sector

9465

9636

9307

S&P/FW Agriculture Equity

11157

11330

10899

S&P/NZX 50 Index

7113

6971

S&P/NZX 10 Index

7224

7047

THE kiwi dollar bounced This Prior Last NZD vs higher off a stronger than week week year expected inflation figure, USD 0.7249 0.7162 0.6475 with talk now of more rapid EUR 0.6777 0.6740 0.5908 rises in the OCR by the Reserve Bank. AUD 0.9607 0.9500 0.9150 After Thursday’s CPI GBP 0.5750 0.5821 0.4507 figure of 0.4% for the latest Correct as of 9am last Friday December quarter (from a market consensus, including the RBNZ, of about 0.2%), the dollar immediately added US$0.5c and reached a near three-month high of just over US$0.73. By Friday morning, it was back just under that threshold. BNZ chief economist Tony Alexander thinks it might go higher from here, given the strong state of the economy relative to other parts of the world, though there will be fluctuations along the way. The dollar wasn’t affected by the US withdrawal from the TPP trade agreement because that had been well signalled by the new president. Till the latest data, most market watchers had been expecting a steady OCR right through into next year (at 1.75%) but the 0.4% figure and associated impact on annual inflation has started talk about a rise later this year. The dollar has also remained very elevated against other major trading currencies. It has come off earlier highs against sterling as the British economy remains resilient against Brexit uncertainties but Alexander still sees a potential rise to £0.60. Doubts about Euro zone stability, a poor political and policy environment in Australia and geopolitical and growth worries in Japan underpin the kiwi as well, he said. Alan Williams

Markets

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

35 MICRON WOOL

NI SLAUGHTER BULL

SI SLAUGHTER STAG

($/KG)

MEDIUM MALE LAMBS AT STORTFORD LODGE

($/KG)

($/HD)

5.00

3.63

7.90

high lights

$2.61-$2.68/kg $1020-$1190 R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 390-490kg, at Wellsford

R2 Angus steers, 296-385kg, at Coalgate

Cattle & Deer BEEF Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.25

5.30

5.20

NI Bull (300kg)

5.00

5.20

NI Cow (200kg)

3.90

3.85

3.95

SI Steer (300kg)

5.20

5.00

SI Bull (300kg)

4.80

4.70

4.55

SI Cow (200kg)

3.90

3.80

3.50

US imported 95CL bull

6.43

6.36

6.59

US domestic 90CL cow

6.24

6.41

6.94

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

North Island steer (300kg)

6.5

$/kg

6.0 5.5 5.0 4.5 4.0 South Island steer (300kg)

HOLIDAY FUN: Scarlett Gibson, 8, and Claudia Gibson, 5, at last week’s Frankton sale.

6.0 5.5

NZ venison 60kg stag

c/k kg (net)

$/kg

600 5.0 500 4.5 400 4.0 300 3.5

Oct Oct

Dec Dec

Feb Feb

Apr Apr

5‐yr ave

Jun Jun

Last yr

AugAug This yr

VENISON Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Last week Prior week

Last year

NI Stag (60kg)

7.90

8.00

7.20

NI Hind (50kg)

7.80

7.90

7.10

SI Stag (60kg)

7.90

8.00

7.20

SI Hind (50kg)

7.80

7.90

7.10

New Zealand venison (60kg Stag)

9.5 8.5 $/kg

NZ venison 60kg stag

c/k kg (net)

600 7.5 500

6.5 400

300

5.5Oct

Oct

Dec Dec 5‐yr ave

Feb Feb

Apr Apr Last yr

Jun Jun

Photos: Sarah Brook

More photos: farmersweekly.co.nz

Aug Aug This yr

South Island keeps on humming

HE extra dash of rain in the South Island over the last fortnight or so has removed any apprehension from store buyers, especially through Canterbury and Otago. Low than normal stocking rates have also maintained interest, but there’s not too many tempted to offer up store lambs beyond any annual sales. NORTHLAND NORTHLAND Recent rain helped fill the water tanks in upper Northland, but

with ground still hard underfoot vendors continue to trickle cattle into KAIKOHE, to take the pressure off. Around 400 head were offered last Wednesday, and following a strong sale the previous week, prices realigned to recent levels, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported. The 2-year steers were mainly beef and exotic-cross, and traded at $2.65$2.75/kg. Good quality Hereford bulls returned $2.65-$2.68/kg, with Friesian and Friesian-cross earning $2.40$2.50/kg. Heifer prices varied, and top

lines sold to $2.60/kg, with lesser beef lines at $2.50/kg, and crossbred, $2.10$2.20/kg. Younger cattle continued to sell well, and weaner beef-Friesian steers, 100-120kg, managed $500-$560, while Friesian bulls, 110-130kg, traded at $510-$560. Heifers eased slightly, with beefFriesian returning $360-$400. A small offering of cows saw the top beef and Friesian lines make $1.70$1.75/kg, while medium Friesian

Continued page 46

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*Heartland Bank Limited’s lending criteria, fees and charges apply.

Markets

46 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017 returned $1.60/kg, and light, $1.20-$1.40/kg. A larger than anticipated sale at WELLSFORD last Monday was hard to shift, with buyer interest only from local areas. Older cattle numbers were limited but Hereford lines featured in the heifer and cow pens, with 12 heifers, 449kg, making $2.57/kg, while autumn-calving cows sold for $1350 at $2.06/kg. Most of the action was in the 1-year pens, where overall prices eased, though some lines stood out. Angus steers, 313-364kg, returned $875-$1035 at $2.80$2.84/kg, but heavier lines of Hereford-Friesian traded at $2.61$2.68/kg. Friesian, 297-308kg, fetched $2.47-$2.53/kg, with these values similar for HerefordFriesian heifers, 376-409kg. Dry conditions brought caution to the weaner market, and while prices were still strong compared to other years, they notably eased, with some lines passed in. Good quality Hereford-Friesian steers, 118-135kg, returned $518-$570. AUCKLAND AUCKLAND A quality line up of cattle at PUKEKOHE on Saturday 21st January saw some of the highest prices per head paid, with both steers and bulls selling over $1900. Prices were buoyant for all types, and the top prime steers, 566-725kg, sold for $2.65-$2.72/ kg, and 463-477kg, $2.59-$2.64/kg. Heifers were not far of that pace, and 583-665kg returned $2.56$2.63/kg, with 407-409kg trading at $2.49-$2.60/kg. Bull prices were also in that range, with a line of 475kg earning $2.46/kg, and 740kg, $2.58/kg. Returns were equally as good in the store pens, where the best of the 15-month steers, 336kg, made $1080, and a lesser quality line, 318kg, $880. Prices were strong for the top heifers also, and 303kg made $965. Good weaner steers, 270kgs, managed $880, with the remainder trading at $450-$695 for 110-150kg. Heifers sold for $430$615. COUNTIES COUNTIES The market for store cattle at TUAKAU last Thursday was patchy, Keith West of Carrfields Livestock reported. While the region received some rain last week, conditions are still very dry and good pasture is in short supply. As a result, buyer numbers are limited and the sale was hard going in places. Cattle numbers were back on the previous week, with about 500 on offer. Prices for 18-month steers eased by around 10c/kg. Bigger steers, 430-470kg, traded at $2.55-$2.65/ kg, $1120-$1260, with medium lots, 320-360kg, making $2.61$2.68/kg, $1000-$1110. Lighter 18-month steers, 320-360kg, earned $2.75-$2.85/kg, $900$1010. Weaner steers were in reasonable demand. Heavier lots, 150-180kg, sold at $620-$675, and medium $560-$610. Lighter and lesser-bred lots fetched $500-$550. By contrast the 18-month bull section was tough work, with several lots failing to find buyers. Those that did sell in the 360420kg range earned about $2.30/ kg, $790-$960. Friesian weaner bulls, 115-160kg, were easier to

ON SALE: Auctioneers at work at last week’s Frankton sale. More photos: farmersweekly.co.nz

shift, with most making $490-$565. Heifer numbers were light. A small entry of 18-month heifers, 320-370kg, made $2.50/kg, $800$900. Weaner heifers, 116-180kg, returned $420-$540. The market for prime cattle also eased slightly. Numbers were back last Wednesday, with about 300350head on offer. Heavy steers sold at $2.67-$2.75/kg, medium $2.56$2.63/kg and light $2.42-$2.50/kg. Heavy heifers earned $2.56-$2.60/ kg, and medium $2.51-$2.55/kg. Lighter beef lots and dairy-type heifers fetched $2.15-$2.30/kg. A small line-up of beef cows sold at $1.96-$2.02/kg and heavy Friesians earned $1.86-$1.95/kg. Medium cows made $1.68-$1.79/ kg and lighter boners $1.39-$1.58/ kg. Heavy prime bulls traded at $2.61-$2.78/kg, and good exservice bulls, bought for breeding, $3.16-$3.56/kg. The sheep market was steady last Monday. Good prime ewes are in short supply and prices increased by $6-$7, with the heavier lots making $80-$90, medium $67-$80, and light $58-$65. Prime lamb prices were similar to the previous week. Heavy prime lambs sold at $112$120, medium $100-$108, and light $85-$94. Store lambs fetched $55-$70. BAY OF PLENTY BAY OF PLENTY Weaner cattle made up the majority of the yarding at Rangiuru on Tuesday, with well over half the offering in these pens Prices reflected a softening in demand, with most sections easing. Prime numbers were limited to 11 steers, which sold to recent levels at $2.73-$2.83/kg, while

Friesian and Friesian-cross boner cows, 453-592kg, traded at $1.55$1.66/kg. Older cattle numbers were very limited and of mixed quality, which reflected in the prices paid. A moderate yarding of 1-year steers was mainly Hereford-cross and Hereford-Friesian, and 394440kg traded at $2.71-$2.82/kg on an easing market, with Herefordcross heifers, 311-316kg, making $2.53-$2.57/kg. Most of the action was in the weaner pens, and specially advertised Simmental-cross steers and heifers featured. The steers had good weight at 217kg, and sold for $780, while the heifers tipped the scales at 185-211kg, and returned $650$700. The biggest section was the weaner bulls, and returns for Friesian were very solid, with 130-133kg making $490-$502, and 105-123kg, $475-$500. Friesian & Friesian-cross, 109-112kg, returned $400-$420. Prime lambs featured in the sheep pens, with over 500 on offer, and good demand saw better types make $87-$104, with a tail end at $62. Ewe numbers increased slightly to 224, and medium to heavy traded at $67-$89, with light lines down to $25. WAIKATO With little pressure to offload, the store cattle sale at FRANKTON last Wednesday was on the small side by this sale-yards standards, with 420 offered. Two-year cattle numbers were low, but sold over a tight range, and beef-Friesian steers, 557639kg, made $2.60-$2.65/kg, while heifers, 456-662kg, returned $2.50$2.60/kg.

Annual draft, 1-year Friesian steers made up the majority of their section, and with plenty of growth potential were good buying at $460-$730 for 246-310kg. AngusFriesian, 408-428kg, fetched $2.64$2.68/kg, with prices firm. Feed levels through the Taupo region are varied, with some areas very dry, while others are flush with feed. It was those that have the spare grass that were in attendance for the cattle sale at TAUPO last Thursday, where 480 cattle sold to mixed results. A drawcard was a top quality line up of 2.5-year Angus and Angus & Angus-Hereford steers and heifers. The steers sold well, with Angus, 508kg, making $2.83/ kg, though the heifers were not as strong and 397-502kg made $2.45$2.53/kg. The 1-year market was harder going, though steer and heifer numbers came forward in small lines with few available. The only pens of note was 15 HerefordFriesian heifers, 348kg, at $900, and 9 Murray Grey heifers, 381kg, $1015. Jersey bulls filled most of the pens, and at 335-366kg, sold for $640-$730 to hover around $2/ kg. Weaner prices still showed good strength given the lateness of the season, and Friesian bulls, 110160kg, sold for $450-$530, while Hereford-Friesian heifers, 109149kg, traded at $390-$470. TARANAKI TARANAKI A quality line up of steers featured at STRATFORD last Wednesday, and sold to a competitive buying bench. Older steers sold to solid demand, and generally traded at $2.83-$2.87/kg, regardless of breed, while in the 2-year pens, purebred Hereford featured, and at 485-680kg, returned $2.78-$2.87/ kg. 15-month steers were a mix of beef-Friesian and exotic-cross, with Hereford-Friesian, 335kg, proving popular and making $1030 at $3.07/kg, with other types of mixed quality and trading at $2.60$2.80/kg. Hereford-Friesian dominated the 2-year heifer pens and at 445-456kg, sold for $2.80-$2.93/ kg, while lesser quality Herefordcross, 310-357kg, returned $2.72$2.75/kg. POVERTY BAY POVERTY BAY A small ewe fair at MATAWHERO last Wednesday served its purpose, with vendors wanting to offload able to do so. Just over 1900 breeding ewes were offered, and top price of $121 was spent on a small line of Romdale 4-tooth. The biggest lines were 4-5yr Romney-cross, with 587 making $83, and 262, $76. A consignment of capital stock Romney ewes were of mixed quality and traded at $50-$74. The dry brought out a few more lambs at MATAWHERO, but also meant the market for store lambs was in line with recent weeks. If anything, there was some slight weakness in male store lamb lines, which weren’t too dissimilar from their sisters. Mediums lambs were bought at a consistent $52.50-$56.50 across all sexes, easing to $43-$50 for lighter lines. The better end made $60-$63. A few lighter store mixed age ewes and two-tooth were at just $39-$40.

Mixed age prime ewes went for $65-$70 HAWKE’S BAY HAWKE’S BAY South Island and Central Plateau buyers helped improve the store lamb market at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday, where another sizable yarding of lambs were offered as dry conditions worsen. A good sized yarding of prime sheep and cattle sold to expectations last Monday. The sheep section benefited from Wellington Anniversary day as regular buyers were joined by those usually active at Feilding. A yarding of 1780 ewes was sizeable for the time of year but extra buying power saw prices for third and fourth cuts improve. These mainly traded at $61-$72, with heavy types steady at $73$87. A small offering of 2ths traded at $70-$84. Lamb numbers are still low at 330, though a larger offering would have had a detrimental effect on the market. Prices firmed slightly and ram lambs made $75-$79, with most mixed sex heavier types at $99-$103. Cattle numbers lifted, but prices were affected by limited processor space and easing schedules. Angus and Angus-Hereford steers, 566670kg, made $2.60-$2.70/kg, while a mixed offering of heifers sold for $2.54-$2.56/kg. The cow pens resembled a dairy shed, and better types returned $1.52-$1.67/kg. A further 4700 lambs were offered last Wednesday, with numbers well up on last year when grass was aplenty. Many farmers are bailing out as the lack of rain hits hard, but the yarding met a good bench of buyers, and benefited from South Island and Central Plateau interest. Local buyers focused on the heavier end, and with the market underpinned by outside buyers, the better types lifted to $70-$75. Light to medium types headed outside the area, and ewe lambs traded at $59-$64, with males earning $53-$67. Mixed sex were medium types and returned $57$65. Cattle took a back seat to the lambs, and of the 160 offered, most were 1-year Hereford-Friesian. The heifers were a highlight, and at 328-406kg, sold for $882-$1060, $2.61-$2.72/kg, while steers, 430453kg, returned $2.63/kg. Lighter Angus steers, 343-355kg, sold for $915-$960, $2.67-$2.70/kg. The mixed age ewe fair at STORTFORD LODGE didn’t have much in the way of numbers, but what was available traded to a similar level as the previous fair a fortnight beforehand. Four to six year Romney lines were all in good condition, selling in the tight band of $76.50-$85. Two-tooth’s were in lighter condition, making $74-$83.50. Mixed age lines were more varied, though heavier types made $92$113. MANAWATU MANAWATU Boner cows and weaner cattle featured at RONGOTEA last Wednesday, though most other age groups were represented in small numbers. Quality cattle continue to sell well, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported.

Markets

In the boner cow pens, the top Friesian and crossbred lines, 563593kg, returned $1.67-$1.70/kg, with lesser types trading at $1.22$1.51/kg. A line of 2.5-year HerefordFriesian steers, 630kg, sold for $2.70/kg, while 2-year Hereford bulls, 595-700kg returned $2.56$2.82/kg, and Jersey bulls, 488kg, $2.33/kg. Quality was mixed in the 1-year pens, and while older HerefordFriesian, 405kg, returned $2.65/kg, beef-cross, 297- 327kg, dropped back to $2.19-$2.29/kg. Friesian steers, 430kg, returned $2.47/kg. Hereford bulls also featured, and at 407-550kg, sold up to $1800, with the top lines bought for breeding at $3.97/kg. Friesian bulls, 320kg, made $810, while autumn-born, 242kg fetched $610. Also in this section was Hereford-Friesian bulls, 230kg at $620, and Charolais, 180kg at $550. Autumn-born Hereford-Friesian heifers, 198kg, fetched $600, and Charolais, 201kg, $620. Weaner cattle made up a large chunk of the yarding and prices continued to be strong, reflecting good competition. Bulls featured, and Friesian, 111-127kg, made $440-$450, and Hereford-Friesian, 91-146kg, $480-$610. Crossbred lines, 87-155kg, returned $320$410. A small offering of steers saw Hereford-Friesian, 96-111kg, make $470-$550, and Galloway-cross, 220kg, $650. Hereford-Friesian heifers, 87-133kg, sold for $410$520, and Simmental-cross, 118kg, $495. In the small pens mixed age ewes treaded at $41, and mixed sex lambs, $55-$60. Just four bulls and 2200 sheep were offered at FEILDING last Tuesday, with a change of sale day affecting numbers. The bulls were all ex-service, and sold for $2.62-$2.71/kg, with one 860kg Angus making $2253. Bidding was determined on lambs, with most making $86-$118, while heavy ewes firmed to $87-$103, and medium $65-$81. A small lighter end returned $40-$56. There are simply not enough store lambs being offered for sale to satisfy demand and around 5,000 lambs at the Feilding Sale would not be enough in a “normal” year. This season, with continuing rainfall, a 5,000 head lamb sale was never going to satisfy demand which is widespread with the South Island, Taranaki and the Wairarapa taking on the locals. The better lambs lifted, selling up to $94 for 66 prime lambs while true store lambs ranged across $70-$85.50. The lighter end of the lambs remained fully firm on top of last week’s firm market at $57$75. The cattle sale had a disjointed offering of many smaller lines. With most of the older steers sold by now this section was steady, selling up to $1730, $2.91, for a dozen “framey” Simmental cross steers. Considering the quality of the eighteen month steers on offer with three vendors offering good exotic steers, this section eased a little. The heaviest 23 Charolais cross steers made $1480, $3.01. Something for everyone was offered in the bull sections from service bulls of many hues to younger beef cross bulls. These were firm to slightly lifting on the day.

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017

TAKE A BREAK: Barry Hilliard, Bruce Gibson and Karl Scott take a breather at last week’s Frankton sale. More photos: farmersweekly.co.nz

Heifers were a little weaker, ranging from the older heifers being steady - 19 Angus sold for $1465, $2.71, – to the eighteen month heifers being back 10 cents/kg but the weaner whiteface heifers sold very well. Cattle (1,077): steers; R3, 436581 kg, $1175-$1730, $2.56-$2.99; R2, 242-500 kg, $675-$1480, $2.51-$3.16; bulls; R3, 528-631 kg, $1415-$1790, $2.62-$2.83; R2, 288482 kg, $890-$1205, $2.49-$3.09; Jersey, 327-369 kg, $640-$880, $1.89-$2.38; heifers; R3, 436-540 kg, $1090-$1465, $2.56-$2.74; R2, 260-479 kg, $725-$1330, $2.51$2.83; R1, 114-142 kg, $470-$560, $3.94-$4.64. For full reports on these sales visit agrihq.co.nz/farmer CANTERBURY CANTERBURY The store lamb market regained ground at CANTERBURY PARK last Tuesday as a smaller yarding met a bigger buying bench. Cattle numbers were also low as more rain reduces any pressure to offload. A yarding of just over 3000 store lambs sold on a steady to lifting market, for a good spread of ewe, male and mixed sex lines. Ewe lambs were lighter types but prices reflected strong demand, and all sold for $62-$74. Similar weighted male lambs made $63-$75, with mixed sex trading at $53-$76. Small lines of heavier mixed sex sold to $78-$90. Prime prices held with 1700 lambs trading at $80-$119. Ewe lines were mainly medium to heavy and sold for $74-$109, with very heavy types up to $120-$135. Few hooves went through the rostrum, and as a result competition was tough, with prices firm. The best of the prime steers sold to $2.74-$2.87/kg, while forward stores traded at $2.90$3.10/kg. High yielding heifers, 510-770kg, topped out at $2.93$2.97/kg, with second cuts, 504508kg, returning $2.85-$2.86/kg. Bull numbers were low, and two 900kg plus sold for $2.00-$2.01/

kg, while the remainder fetched $2.52-$2.70/kg. A small offering of cows were mainly good Friesian, 530-602kg, which sold for $1.96$2.00/kg. Quality stock continue to sell to high demand at COALGATE as grass drives demand, and the yarding last Thursday featured some classy Angus cows and 15-month steers. No pressure to sell is keeping lamb numbers low, and 670 sold on a steady market, with most earning $60-$79. Prime lamb numbers were almost identical to the previous week, and again the majority sold for $80-$115. Lighter ewes featured in a bigger yarding of 1360, selling well to strong demand, and earning $61$79, while medium to good types traded at $80-$109, and a heavy end up to $110-$120. Angus and Charolais cows were a standout in the cattle pens, and at 705-781kg, sold to $2.02-$2.08/ kg, putting up to $1600 on their heads. Heavy steer prices were firm, and 555-598kg sold for $2.89$2.94/kg, while the best of the heifers returned $2.78-$2.81/kg, with dairy trading at $2.54-$2.60/ kg. Bull quality was mixed, though prices steady, and prime types, 501-662kg, returned $2.61-$2.71/ kg, with forward stores making $2.80-$2.92/kg. Angus featured in the store pens also and 15-month, 296-385kg, sold to $1020-$1190. HerefordFriesian dominated the 1-year heifer pens and sold to strong competition. Those 347-407kg managed $1030-$1110, with a top line of 422kg to $1250 at $2.96/kg. Weaner bulls was the other section of significance and Friesian, 131135kg, sold on a steady market at $460-$485. SOUTH CANTERBURY SOUTH CANTERBURY Good growing conditions meant another quiet start to the week in the sheep pens at TEMUKA last Monday, though bulls and cows kept auctionners busy in the

rostrum. Numbers soon picked up though, with 16200 2-tooths last Wednesday, and 1400 store cattle last Thursday. A small offering of 970 store lambs met the demand but the market eased slighlty. Ewe lambs sold for $73-$80, with light mixed sex earning $65-$71, and two better lines, $78-$82. Prices were solid for 860 prime lambs, and the lion’s share sold for $90-$119, with a small second cut earning $80-$89. The strength continued into the ewe section, with most making $80-$117, though a decent number sold for $120-$135. While bulls and cows were the main features in the cattle section, over 100 heifers also boosted numbers, and overall prices held. A small offering of steers saw high yeilding lines over $3/kg, though most traditional lines made $2.81-$2.96/kg. Bulls were steady, and Jersey, 482-551kg, returned $2.54-$2.62/kg, and Friesian, 495625kg, $2.59-$2.69/kg. The best of the heifers sold to $2.75-$2.80/kg, while Friesian-cross, 461-735kg made $2.61-$2.77/kg. Angus and Hereford cows met strong demand with prices firm at $1.99-$2.08/kg, while most Friesian lines traded at $1.67$1.81/kg. There was no shortage of 2-tooth ewes last Wednesday, with the yarding of 16200 more than the combined 2-tooth and mixed age fair the previous year. The market handled half the yarding well, with prices strong, but softened as orders were filled, and the second half of the fair struggled to reach the levels set earlier on. First cross Border-Romney ewes sold above market value, with the top line earning $235, while four other small lines made $201-$211, and the remainder, $132-$198. Prices were more realistic for other breeds, with Romney earning $132-$181, Romdale $104-$178, Coopworth and Romney-Coopworth $130-$197,

and Perendale and Texel-Romney $100-$170. Big numbers continued last Thursday when nearly a full house of store cattle were offered. The overwhelming majority were 1-year, and weaner bulls, and results were mixed. Steer prices eased slightly, though were still expensive shopping. HerefordFriesian, 334-368kg, made $1070-$1180, and Hereford-cross, 227-230kg, $770-$780. Heifers totalled 390 head and were predominantly HerefordFriesian, though some good Hereford and Angus were offered, with prices firm. Heavy HerefordFriesian, 318-331kg, sold for $1005-$1045, with lighter lines making similar money for higher cents per kilogram. Angus, 422462kg, made $1300-$1380, and Hereford, 351-371kg, $1085-$1120. Bulls also had a good sale with values firm, and Friesian, 394456kg, fetched $1035-1210, while weaner prices eased on recent fairs by $20-$30, with Friesian, 94112kg, trading at $300-$445. Temuka will hold weekly store cattle sales, starting from Thursday 2nd February. OTAGO OTAGO Good demand for both prime sheep and store lambs at BALCLUTHA last Wednesday saw good returns made, with ewe prices in particular lifting $5 per head. The offering of store lambs was of good quality, and prices matched that of the previous week. Top woolly lines made $96, with terminal lambs selling to $82, while medium types traded at $75$79, and light, $50-$66. A small prime lamb section also sold to good demand, with heavy lambs making $100-$116, medium $89-$98, and light, $77-$87. Ewes were the highlight and despite being of average quality, sold to strong demand. The top lines sold for $100-$115, with medium earning $88-$97, and light, $80$86, with lower condition ewes down to $50.

Markets

48 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 30, 2017 WAIKATO PALM KERNEL

NI SLAUGHTER LAMB

SI SLAUGHTER MUTTON

HEAVY MALE LAMBS AT FEILDING

($/T)

($/KG)

($/HD)

246

5.10

3.10

72-81

high lights

Meat prices holding up

BENCHMARK for New Zealand beef exports has risen 5.1% though increasing United States domestic production is likely to cap the gains, NZX Agri analysts say. The US price for 95CL bull beef, the raw ingredient for burger patties, rose to US$2.12 a pound from US$1.97/lb two weeks ago and was up from about US$1.94/lb at the same time a year ago. The price was still about 10 cents/lb below its five-year average. Underpinning the lift has been positive, shortterm demand and supply fundamentals, with imported supply from both Australia and NZ lower than typical for this time of year. Domestic supply was also tight in the short term and demand was firm. Despite that, there was plenty of caution in the US beef market because buyers were aware of increasing domestic production through the medium and long term. The price rally evident in the past two weeks might have run out of steam this week with end users nervous about how fast the market has been rising. Prices were likely to stabilise in the short term but it was difficult to see major downside in the market. “Exporters are having to contend with a NZ dollar that has strengthened from its lows of late December,

GOOD NEWS: Beef prices are likely to be steady and premiums might be offered of Easter trade lambs, AgriHQ analyst Rachel Agnew says.

reaching US0.7249 on Friday, close to a two-month high.” The kiwi has gained 11% in the past 12 months. In that time it has soared 28% against the British pound, partly driven by the United Kingdom’s Brexit vote and adding to headwinds for exports of lamb. The benchmark price of a leg of lamb in the UK was unchanged at £0.4350 a kilogram last week and had climbed 28% in the past year. “Overseas demand and prices for lamb are firm with the currency being the major limiting factor.

“Inventories remain very low and with markets aware supply will be tight again through 2017, customers are eager to secure product now,” Agnew said. “While production has increased through December and January, lamb supply is well down season to date.” Demand for chilled lamb for the Easter season was likely to underpin farmgate prices through February. Low availability of lambs through the Easter production period might also see more spot premiums offered as processors might

struggle to fill orders. Dry conditions on the east of the North Island and wet conditions on the west of the North Island had resulted in lambs failing to get to finishing weights in time for Easter production this season. Meat and edible offal exports fell 32% in November from a year earlier, according to Statistics NZ data released last month. Meat exports fell 12% to $6 billion in the 12 months through November, ranking second to dairy exports at $11.1b.

$198-$235

$3.13-$3.21/kg

Top Border/Romney 2th ewes at Temuka

R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 318-331kg, at Temuka

Ewe fairs give varied results ISN’T it typical – go away on holiday to Taupo for rain, wind and cold then back to Hawkes Bay’s heat and wind and worsening drought-like conditions. Sales certainly hadn’t been Suz Bremner sitting idle in my absence though AgriHQ Analyst and ewe fairs have been the focus for many over the past few weeks, with most North Island yards just about tidy on breeding ewes. Timely statistics on sheep numbers were released recently, telling us ewe numbers have dropped to just six for every person. Despite that there have been bigger numbers of ewes, by today’s standards, in attendance at the first round of ewe fairs, which were mostly the result of farm sales or leases and dry conditions. Throw a blanket over the North Island ewe fairs and the market was about where people hoped they would be for the earlier sales and reasonably consistent with 2016. They were also consistent with 2015 prices, so we might have found a happy medium for ewe prices. Buying power came from a number of different sources, including the need to restock depleted flocks after the facial eczema outbreak as well as changes in farm policies with more buyers looking for options beyond the very expensive store cattle market. Yearly buyers for annual draft lines also featured through most of the fairs and know the sheep so are prepared to push to get them. Looking at the prices for Romney two-tooths offered earlier in the year, medium-good to top lines sold for $120-$170 while five-year ewes were in the ballpark of $80-$110. Mixed age sat in the middle with most of the better types making $90-$115. South Island ewe fairs are just gaining momentum and Temuka dove in head first with a whopping 16,000 two-tooths for its first fair. Romney two-tooths returned $132-$180 but were bettered by the very popular Border-Romney, which sold for a staggering $198-$235. suz.bremner@nzx.com

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