Farmers Weekly NZ April 3 2017 by AgriHQ

13 Dairy’s beef impact worries Vol 16 No 13, April 3, 2017

farmersweekly.co.nz

Fart tax back? RESSURE is mounting internationally for New Zealand to not just reduce its agricultural emissions but to lead the way providing solutions for other countries, Climate Change Ambassador Mark Sinclair says. So NZ must take urgent action to tackle climate change, Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy told the Future of Agriculture Forum in Belgium on Thursday. “Farmers worldwide are realising they will need to produce more safe and nutritious food while operating within increasingly tight environmental constraints.” NZ was working for a 50% increase in nitrogen efficiency, a 20% rise in phosphate efficiency, reducing nutrient losses and protecting waterways. “In my opinion farmers and growers are naturally environmentalists. They want to leave the land in a better state than they found it. “We also must take urgent action to tackle climate change. “NZ is also keen to be a part of setting the global economy on a pathway to a low-emission future under the Paris Agreement on Climate Change,” Guy, who spoke after former United Nations secretary-general Kofi Annan, said. And the urgency being shown by governments and people around the world was intensifying, Sinclair told the Agricultural

OFFER EXCLUSIVE TO

We also must take urgent action to tackle climate change. Nathan Guy Minister

LEADER: Other countries are looking to New Zealand to come up with ways of tackling farm animal greenhouse gas emissions, Climate Change Ambassador Mark Sinclair says.

were buying into the urgency. Governments, businesses and stakeholders had embedded the core elements of the Paris deal and that action was considered irreversible though uncertainty remained about the pace, ambition and solidarity of change. “It is broadly accepted the livestock sector will have to make

GREAT DEAL FOR LOCALS

a large contribution to NZ’s climate change response,” Sinclair said. There was widespread international recognition of the many threats climate change posed for farmers but agriculture was not well advanced and the issues were highly politicised so there was a very clear message

agricultural emissions had to be addressed. Many countries specifically wanted to engage with NZ, seeing it as a leader in technology and policy work on mitigation. “There was a sense of urgency in the approaches. “We can’t afford to undersell our role in the climate change debate.” The country’s brands could be affected by perception of its performance so it was really important for NZ to keep one eye on the global challenge and how it could contribute to policy and technology. “We really need a global response and we might be able to help engineer it,” Sinclair said. Beef + Lamb NZ chief executive Sam McIvor said NZ was one of the most emissions-efficient beef and lamb producers in the world and if it stopped producing, less efficient producers would take its place. Excluding agriculture from the ETS was pragmatic and sensible and farmers were motivated to change. Fonterra environment manager Francesca Eggleton said NZ dairy was also emissions-efficient. Its greenhouse gas footprint was less than half the global average.

M36R MAINS ENERGIZER

999

ADD A REMOTE/FAULT FINDER FOR

199

Offer valid 1 April – 30 June 2017 or while stocks last. Pricing includes GST.

Powers up to 500 acres / 200 ha (360 km of fence)

3189STA01

Stephen Bell stephen.bell@nzx.com

Greenhouse Gas Mitigation Conference in Palmerston North on Tuesday. But changes so far sequestered emissions rather than reducing them so a signal was needed in the form of increasing carbon prices and making charges for biological emissions of nitrous oxide and methane from animals, Motu Economic Research economist Dr Suzi Kerr told the conference. Incentives were also needed and Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment Dr Jan Wright said she was pushing for looser rules on carbon forests to give them a broader, more inclusive definition. “If we can give credit, why not?” Wright said the ETS polarised opinion and had resulted in a stalemate but change was inevitable and would accelerate. “The longer we delay the more likely it is we will have an abrupt transition,” Wright said. Sinclair, a career diplomat and former ambassador to Japan who has negotiated climate deals talks for NZ, saw the Paris Agreement as a basic deal relying on nationally determined contributions, with negotiations on the rule book for it taking several years, but since it was signed it had become clear the game had changed. Countries wanted to fast track it and get it into force early so it took effect last November. “The fact we were able to bring it into force so quickly is much more about international opinion.” Public opinion was coalescing around the need to get serious about climate change and people

NEWS

OPINION

Soil Moisture Anomaly (mm) at 9am March 31, 2017

22 Alternative View Alan Emerson is cool with Country of Origin Labelling.

Editorial ��20 Cartoon ��20 Letters �� 20, 23 Pulpit ��21 Alternative View ��22 From the Ridge �� 22 Meaty Matters ��23

WORLD

12 New rules for velvet hygiene New regulations for velvet will require improved hygiene on all deer farms from next season.

14 More schools giving ag a tick Schools appear to be promoting agriculture as a serious career option for students.

Weather wreaks harvest havoc �� 4 Sun shines on field days �� 5 Firms compete for china trial �� 7 Chinese rules push Synlait plans �� 8

-10

-30

-50

farmers want lamb deal with kiwis The idea of Britain and New Zealand working together to promote a complementary fresh lamb offer, with seasonality being used to stimulate demand, was discussed during a recent meeting between English and Welsh farming leaders and delegates from the kiwi meat industry.

REGULARS Study finds new lepto strain �� 3

normal (mm)

-20

4 Weather wreaks harvest havoc 24 British Bad weather has wreaked havoc at the end of the Canterbury harvest season as farmers feel the pain of continuous days of rain and overcast conditions.

60 Wetter than

Real Estate �� 25-39 Employment �� 40-41 Classifieds �� 41 Livestock �� 41-43

MARKETS

Dairy awards to head south ��10

Drier than normal (mm)

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

of the

Week

Farm business manager – world’s largest urban farm. With an effective grazing area of 1430ha, this pristine land with first class infrastructure is spread across multiple park locations in the wider Auckland Region. After 30+ years of service the incumbent is retiring and we now require a new farm business manager to lead the world’s largest urban farm. For more information and a full job description visit the Farmers Weekly jobs site: farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz and click on Agribusiness category. To find all other agjobs click on All Categories. #agjobs at your fingertips.

Returns bode well for more trees ��11 New rules for velvet hygiene ��12 More schools giving ag a tick ��14 Trade strategy ‘has limitations’ ��16

NEWSMAKER

18 Early start leads to world

title

Double world wool handling champion Joel Henare knew from an early age he was destined for a career in wool sheds.

48 Warning: Don’t get greedy New Zealand has to be careful about pushing the price of high-end lamb products too high in world markets.

Market Snapshot �� 44

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

COMPETITIVE PRICES

I TOP SERVICE I PREMIUM MARKETS

www.affco.co.nz

I 0800 AFFCONZ (2332669)

L ocal Peo ple k Local L ivestoc

WAVE22479

For all your Livestock Processing Needs contact your AFFCO OR SPM Buyer

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

Study finds new leptospirosis strain Richard Rennie richard.rennie@nzx.com A MASSEY University leptospirosis study has found 30 years of vaccination has proved effective in controlling the debilitating disease but also revealed a concerning trend with another strain of it. The leptospirosis dairy study covered 200 dairy herds throughout New Zealand, selecting 20 cows from each to sample for incidence of leptospirosis “shedding” in their urine. The disease was ranked as the most significant transmittable disease in NZ, estimated to cost

the economy about $36 million a year through infections picked up by farmers, meat process workers and animal health workers coming into contact with infected animals’ urine. Professor Cord Heuer, Massey University’s group leader in veterinary sciences, said the study aimed to explore the effect of long-term vaccination programmes in the national dairy herd. “What we found was the programmes continue to be very effective in preventing the shedding in dairy cattle. “We found in 74% of the herds 98% of cows showed no evidence of lepto in their urine.”

Vodafone bid goes to vote Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com TEAMTALK shareholders will be asked to approve the sale of majority ownership of its rural telecommunications subsidiary Farmside to Vodafone NZ at a special meeting in Wellington on Wednesday, April 12. Vodefone had offered $10 million for 70% of Farmside, with options over the remainder under special circumstances. The offer was considerably less than the $32m paid for Farmside by TeamTalk in 2012 but did seem to offer a better outcome for shareholders than the recent hostile takeover bid by Spark of $22.7m for the whole of TeamTalk. At the time of the Spark bid, TeamTalk chairman Roger Sowry said it was “predatory and highly opportunistic” and didn’t reflect the turnaround in TeamTalk and Farmside. “The deal is an opportunity

to deliver better outcomes for rural customers, to increase our presence in the rural broadband market and to utilise the skill-sets of the two complementary companies,” Vodafone chief executive Russell Stanners said. Farmside had been a drag on TeamTalk over the past three years as its previously highpriced satellite connections for rural people were replaced by cheaper wireless and fibre connections. In addition, Timaru-based Farmside had to replace much of its electronic equipment to link with a new satellite. TeamTalk had also received a Grant Samuel target company report that valued TeamTalk shares in the range of $1.52 to $2.11, way above the Spark offer of 80c. The Vodafone offer would be a reason for Spark to withdraw and a spokesman said Spark was still considering its options.

However, Heuer and his colleagues were concerned at the survey’s discovery quarter of the herds surveyed contained cows shedding a strain of lepto not covered by existing vaccines. Most of the herds had only one cow shedding the strain but 10 herds had multiple infected animals. “So we have found that the existing vaccines are very effective at controlling the most common strains found. In fact, they were 100% effective. “But this other strain, Tarassovi, is not covered by vaccination.” Contracting the Tarassovi strain would result in the same symptoms as the more common lepto strains. “They included flu-like symptoms of aching joints, headaches and lack of energy. “This is a small percentage but the number still represents 120,000 cows at any one time nationally infected with this strain of the disease.” The discovery came as a complete surprise to researchers and was not one easily fixed in the immediate future. “It is expensive for vaccination companies to develop a vaccine that includes a new strain and we will not see anything developed in the next year or so.” The occurrence of Tarassovi was linked to recorded cases in the Medical Journal that reported on lepto infection in Waikato, where 40% of dairy farmers were reported having the Tarassovi strain. “But very few cases with that strain are reported by other types of farmers. “The risk of a dairy farmer contracting this particular strain is seven times greater than other farmers or meat workers.” Over the last year there had been a spike in lepto infections in Northland and Waikato, which Heuer said could be attributed

WARNING: Massey University professor Cord Heuer urges farmers to take precautions to protect themselves against a new leptospirosis strain not covered by vaccines.

to wetter weather spreading the disease further. As researchers dug into the data, Heuer said the good news lay in highlighting vaccination effectiveness against the more common strains. However, in light of the Tarassovi occurrence, he urged farmers to continue steps to reduce any risk of infection. “That includes minimising contact with animal urine, keeping it off, washing and drying if splashed.” Avoiding smoking in farm dairies and always wearing aprons, gloves and covering wounds were also essential steps. “I would also urge any farmers

The risk of a dairy farmer contracting this particular strain is seven times greater than other farmers or meat workers. Professor Cord Heuer Massey University who are experiencing a flu-like illness to seek medical help and even raise suspicion with their doctor by suggesting they consider lepto.”

Affordable, fast, valuation solutions that

meet your compliance needs Call 0800 778 725 to arrange a current market estimate or order online at www.ruralvalue.co.nz

Current market estimates can also be used to calculate farmhouse expense estimates, related party transactions and GST registrations.

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

Weather wreaks harvest havoc Annette Scott annette.scott@nzx.com BAD weather has wreaked havoc at the end of the Canterbury harvest season as farmers feel the pain of continuous days of rain and overcast conditions. Crops were losing yield and quality by the day with some reports of total crop losses as farmers battled the damp conditions of the past two weeks. Germination of seed crops was falling and for many cashflow would be under strain for another 12 months. “It’s definitely proving challenging times to get the last of the harvest in,” Federated Farmers arable industry vicechairman Brian Leadley said. “Up-country there’s still some cereals and there’s plenty of white clover and vegetable crops to come in. It’s pretty negative for some that a good start has come to such a frustrating end. “We can only hope that the rain clears and we get some sun for a few days to get the end of the job done and get on with the next job.” That next job was also proving a challenge with the weather hampering tractor work and cultivation for autumn crop sowing. Overall, the season had been just average with early grasses and cereals doing not too badly, Leadley said. “There’s been nothing too exceptional but in general most would be happy with the early grass and cereal harvest with some good early season yields leaving farmers reasonably comfortable – but not comfortable with the prices,” he said. While there had been a small improvement with both feed wheat and barley trading at $310$320 a tonne, a further $20-$30 upward movement was needed.

EXPENSIVE: Farmers are faced with increasing compliance and biosecurity costs on top of poor prices, farmer Joanne Burke says.

The increased seed certification invoices certainly aren’t welcome at this house. I’m counting a fourfold increase to charges for some paddocks. Joanne Burke Farmer “These short to medium-term levels, from a grower’s point of view, are not seen as substantial and certainly not viable. “But arable farmers knew their industry was competing in a global market that was impacting on domestic pricing,” Leadley said. Mid Canterbury cropping farmer Joanne Burke said the variable harvest was one thing

but continued suppressed grain prices were another. Most farmers were waiting for prices to lift before they sold as they managed increasing cost pressures. “The increased seed certification invoices certainly aren’t welcome at this house. I’m counting a fourfold increase to charges for some paddocks,” Burke said. “Arable farmers are very innovative as we take up technology and research to increase yields and quality and the variety of crops grown. “At the same time we are increasingly landed with biosecurity risks and increased compliance costs,” she said. Up north there was still a lot of grain to be harvested, ManawatuRangitikei arable chairman David Lee-Jones said. On the back of a very late weather-related start, overcast days with no drying were again

HARD WORK: Getting the last of the arable crops in is proving difficult, Federated Farmers arable vice-chairman Brian Leadley says.

proving a challenge for cropping farmers. “We are well into autumn and there’s is a lot of frustration setting in. The straw is staying soggy, the grain is sitting at 20% and just not coming down,” LeeJones said. The maize harvest was yet to get under way. Meantime, the USDA has released its latest World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates (WASDE). The market had not been expecting positive news, however, it was slightly more bearish than anticipated with both production and ending stocks of wheat, corn and soy increasing. Global wheat production for 2016-17 increased 2.8 million tonnes to 751.1m tonnes, the increase coming on the back of production increases in Argentina and Australia. USDA estimates of Australian production for 2016-17 increased

to a massive 35m tonnes. In India poor weather resulted in a poor wheat season and as a result estimates of India’s wheat imports had been raised to 5.5m tonnes, which if realised would be the highest total wheat import for India since 2006-07. Estimates of global production of both barley and corn also increased, by 3m tonnes and 9m tonnes respectively. Increases in barley production were largely on the back of Australian production being up 2.4m tonnes. While barley demand also increased it was not enough to outweigh production, with ending stocks up 0.8m tonnes. Corn increases were largely from an increase out of Brazil of 5m tonnes. As with barley, while world demand was up it was not enough to outweigh heavy supplies and so ending stocks were also increased, the report said.

12¢ PER LITRE OFF FUEL EVERYDAY NATIONWIDE

31¢ PER LITRE OFF ON-FARM BULK FUEL

TERMS & CONDITIONS APPLY

0800 RURALNZ (787 256)

ruralco.co.nz

OBSESSED WITH AGRICULTURE

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

Trade future faces much uncertainty Annette Scott annette.scott@nzx.com HAVING friends will be crucial as the New Zealand red meat sector manages its way through turbulent global times, Beef + Lamb NZ policy and advocacy general manager Dave Harrison says. Last year was one when NZ learned to expect the unexpected. Brexit and the election of American President Donald Trump were two events the pundits didn’t pick and they both signalled less certainty for NZ as a trading nation. Harrison told farmers at the B+LNZ annual meeting continued engagement and intelligence gathering were key issues for B+LNZ. While Brexit was a risk it was also an opportunity. “We need to seek out opportunities for co-operation. We have strong relations with

CARRY ON: New Zealand’s response to protectionist policies is to push on with everyone else and trade, Prime Minister Bill English says.

farmer unions in both the United Kingdom and the European Union and relations such as these will be key to protecting our interests. “This is not just a UK issue. We need to maintain quality of access, including flexibility in sheep meat quota between both the EU and the UK.” Improvements to current access through free-trade agreements would start with the EU this year. The date for UK talks was unknown. Harrison said the United States exit from the Trans Pacific Partnership was a big loss for the NZ red meat industry. “TPP was a way of bringing Japan to the trading table because Japan did not want to deal direct in negotiations with NZ and Japan was the key benefit for NZ red meat.” While there had been positive feedback from the Chilean Summit, TPP minus 1, there was still a lot to do.

We are not willing to sign up to an agreement just so we can tell you we have signed up. Bill English Prime Minister The US First bilateral deals and border taxes added to the uncertainty. “Uncertainty is the issue. It’s a little bit of a scary world.” The whole world was going protectionist and NZ needed to speed up business to be able to do a better job at the trading table, Prime Minister Bill English told the meeting.

He said border tax was the biggest risk to NZ. “It would disrupt the world trading system because it (US) is the largest economy in the world and there is nothing we can do about that. “I just hope they don’t do it, not just for us but for the US consumers too,” English said. “Our response is to just push on with everyone else with trade and that’s positive,” he said. And there was now a need for NZ to form even closer ties with both the UK and the EU. While the UK was very focused on the relationship with NZ and wanted to grow that relationship and trade with NZ, it was clear nothing could be finalised till the UK-EU talks were finalised. English said China, Asia Pacific and the EU, for obvious reasons,

were the priority for trade options. “But we are not willing to sign up to an agreement just so we can tell you we have signed up. We want the best option for the best benefit of NZ,” English said. B+LNZ’s trade policy team was fully focused on helping the Government achieve the best trading arrangements for the red meat sector, chairman James Parsons said. “Similarly, with Brexit we are aware that while NZ’s trade is small in the broader European political environment, we will need to use all the skillful diplomacy and strong relationships we have built to ensure NZ’s defensive interests are looked after and that we are well positioned for trade opportunities, including the EU-NZ FTA negotiations,” Parsons said.

Sun shines on field days Annette Scott annette.scott@nzx.com A WET start to the South Island Agricultural Field Days made for a sea of mud that challenged organisers and exhibitors alike. But by Thursday afternoon the cloud departed and sun shone over the 80 hectare Kirwee site hosting the biggest agricultural demonstration field days in New Zealand. “Things didn’t quite go

to plan with the rain and mud surely making set-up difficult for everyone but we got through that and the sun did come,” chairman Rodney Hadfield said. A record 600 exhibitors took part over the three days with more than 30,000 people passing through the gates. Machinery demonstrations featuring beet harvesters, maize choppers and a full range of balers and cultivation equipment saw up to100

agricultural implements put through their paces each day while a new lifestyle section attracted good interest, Hadfield said. The AgInnovation award was won by Taege Engineering for its new power disc system while the best large site was won by Alpine Buildings NZ and the best small site winner was Sudeley Angus, Richon-Beechwood Herefords, Silverstream Charolais.

PROTECTION: Paul Prattley makes sure sons Caleb and Connor are ready for the sun. Photo: Annette Scott

YOU COULD USE ANOTHER DRENCH BRAND. BUT THEN AGAIN YOU COULD SELL THE FARM AND MOVE TO AUCKLAND. DECTOMAX®. NEW ZEALAND’S NO. 1* CATTLE INJECTABLE FOR QUITE A FEW GOOD REASONS.

15803b

• UP TO 8 WEEKS BETWEEN TREATMENTS • LONG ACTING FORMULATION • BETTER CONDITIONED STOCK • EFFECTIVE AND CONVENIENT FOR ALL STOCK AGES

Zoetis New Zealand Limited. Tel: 0800 963 847; www.zoetis.co.nz. DECTOMAX is a registered trademark of Zoetis Inc. or its subsidiaries. ACVM Registration No. A6199. *Data on file, based on total sales value, MAT Q3 2016.

Set yourself up for spring Dry-off solutions

Donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t bring parasites into the new season. Keep your cattle healthy and meet your condition score targets this dry-off with Ravensdownâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s oral drench, pour on and injection range. End the season on a high and set yourself up for spring.

Proud sponsors of the

Talk to us today about the right parasite protection for your cattle. 0800 100 123 | ravensdown.co.nz

Farm with greater certainty

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

Firms compete for China trial Nigel Stirling and Alan Williams A START to the long-awaited chilled meat trade with China could be just weeks away following a high-level visit to New Zealand by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang last week. The visit by China’s second most powerful leader cleared the way for 10 plants to begin exporting chilled meat for a sixmonth trial. The trade could begin relatively quickly with China waiving the requirement for further inspections of premises – meaning those already licensed for frozen exports could apply for chilled access immediately. Primary Industries Ministry officials and meat industry representatives were expected this week to set the criteria for deciding which plants were forwarded to Chinese authorities for consideration. Just how long Chinese officials would take to approve the list was unknown but industry sources said it was likely to be weeks rather than months. With more than 100 processing and cold storage premises listed for China already and potentially significant premiums at stake, the competition to be part of the chilled trial could be intense. Silver Fern Farms chairman Rob Hewett expected two or three of the company’s plants to be included, in line with its share of red meat exports. Alliance chairman Murray Taggart said its allocation should reflect its position as the single-

It is not like the whole frozen trade to China is suddenly going to become a chilled trade. Murray Taggart Alliance think the objective should be to get a broad representation so that NZ can demonstrate a broad-based ability to service the market.” While selecting larger multispecies plants maximised potential export volumes Egan said one and two-plant operators shouldn’t be left out, especially if they had lined up higher-paying customers or those with expertise in handling chilled meat. In Greenlea’s case it was talking to importers involved in Australia’s earlier trial with experience in cold chain management essential in a country that was still used to dealing with frozen imports. “Just because a company is big doesn’t mean it has got all the attributes and it doesn’t mean the small companies have either.” Meat Industry Association chief executive Tim Ritchie said the criteria for selecting trial participants was still to be settled. A wide range of “performance” factors including processing capacity but also the adequacy of supply chain in China itself would

VARIETY: The object should be to get a broad representation of the meat industry in the Chinese chilled meat trial, Greenlea Premier Meats chief executive Tony Egan says.

largest exporter of sheep meat to China. Alliance had invested considerable time with its inmarket partner Grand Farms and was well placed for the trade to begin. Speaking as one of the

industry’s smaller players, the chief executive of Hamiltonbased Greenlea Premier Meats, Tony Egan, said plant allocations should reflect more than just size. “I am sure there will be lots of jockeying for position but I

be considered when assessing applications. Ritchie said the relatively under-developed storage and transport facilities for chilled meat in China could temper enthusiasm from some companies to get involved at such an early stage. “It is a much bigger risk than frozen product and they are not going to want their product to go off and things like that. “They are going to want to be confident that who they are selling to has arrangements in place.” Taggart agreed there was a limited number of importers used to handling chilled meat in China and that would act as a restraint on initial volumes. The trial period was likely to take in the low part of the NZ production season and much of the chilled cuts had been sold elsewhere so Taggart cautioned farmers against expecting a noticeable lift in prices for livestock in the near term. Longer term the potential for increased returns to farmers was significant and would nly increase as importers and distributors in China improved their cold chain infrastructure. “That last kilometre in China can be quite challenging to the end consumer or buyer … it will be a steady growth. “It is not like the whole frozen trade to China is suddenly going to become a chilled trade. That is just not what is going to happen.”

Farmstrong brings fun off the farm FARMSTRONG is taking the hugely popular rural act of Sons of a Bitch and Mel Parsons to Ward and Rotherham-Waiau, giving farmers and growers the chance to have a break off the farm. Both shows will be hosted by Farmstrong for free although at the RotherhamWaiau event $5 donations will help fund the Waiau School Pool rebuild. “These communities have had a tough time of late and we acknowledge the great work other groups, such as the Rural Support Trust, have done

with the initial need for social support,” Farmstrong’s Gerard Vaughan said. “Farmstrong focuses on longterm strategies to wellbeing so we feel now is the right time for us to build on that work. “Research shows that by doing small things like taking a break and connecting in with others can, over time, have a hugely positive impact on our emotional fitness. “These shows provide farmers and growers the chance to get off the farm, check in with others, have a laugh and hopefully take

their mind of things for a little while,” Vaughan said. “We’re always excited to get into the heart of rural communities – we just love it. “These shows, however, will carry something extra special for us given what’s happened over the last several months and we’re looking forward to seeing as many farmers there as possible,” Mel Parsons said.

Events:

Flaxbourne Community Hall, Ward: Saturday, April 8 Rotherham Hall, RotherhamWaiau: Friday, April 28

EXCITED: Mel Parsons loves getting into the heart of rural communities.

Protect now to prevent a Salmonella outbreak outbreak. Salvexin®+B is a proven vaccine against enteric and Brandenburg salmonellosis that helps prevent infection, reduces the impact of a disease outbreak and minimises production losses.

AVAILABLE ONLY UNDER VETERINARY AUTHORISATION. ACVM No: A9927 ®Registered trademark. Schering-Plough Animal Health Ltd. Phone: 0800 800 543. www.msd-animal-health.co.nz. NZ/SALB/0616/0001

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Protect against unnecessary ewe deaths by vaccinating with Salvexin+B.

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

Chinese rules push Synlait plans Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com

The business was growing well, higher cost, that would be greatly largely based on increasing outweighed by the reduced infant formula sales and a strong business risk of having a second balance sheet meant Synlait could site and the value of being able NEW Chinese import regulations explore new areas of business and to work with a larger group of are pushing Synlait Milk’s move pursue them aggressively, Penno customers. on a new standalone site for said. The major base-powder milk infant formula blending and Powders and cream, up 10% processing operations would packaging operations. year-on-year, still made up continue at Dunsandel, where The changes taking effect the bulk of sales volumes but a fourth drier was planned in next year were likely to have a largest growth was in consumer the next couple of years and the maximum three brands being directors said plans for the second packaged including infant produced at any one site and a formula, up 24%, and specialty site for blending and packaging new site would increase the range ingredients, up 20%. would be announced in the next available for Synlait, managing An operating cash outflow of few months. director John Penno said. $14m was recorded, compared A fourth shift would start in He had expected the threewith positive cashflow of nearly May at the existing plant, making brand rule to apply on a company $4m previously. it a 24/7 operation. basis so the site criteria was good A straight earnings result was Reporting the company’s news for the company because, provided, unlike last year when interim result, Penno indicated though a new site involved an underlying after-tax profit of the final milk price $12.3m was reported. payout for this That allowed for one-off season could be impacts and chief financial officer below $6kg/MS, Nigel Greenwood said that on the compared to a same basis in the latest period the COMPARISON: Gaining United States market access is harder than for China, February forecast Synlait managing director John Penno says. result would have been $15.2m. of a $6.25/kg. Gross margins fell to $716 a Commodity Alan Williams tonne of sales, from $900 a year prices had fallen alan.williams@nzx.com be but his view was that they were into next financial year. earlier. since then though The directors expected modest just putting China on a proper China was the biggest market Synlait was not yet IMPAIRMENT charges on loans to dairy improvement in full-year earnings for infant formula, followed by the regulatory footing and they were making a formal farmers have led to reduced profits for from last year’s $34.4m after-tax no harder than getting access to United States. update. Rabobank New Zealand in the latest year. figure but were not providing a other developed markets. The US Synlait had shipped the first The after-tax The bank booked a $15.1 million charge on detailed forecast. was more difficult. consignment the new Grass Fed profit for the six bad debt, just a year after writing back in a The big capital raising Synlait had just been approved brand product to new customer months ended $5.6m gain on an earlier impairment. transformed Synlait’s balance to sell lactoferrin nutritional and shareholder Munchkin in January 31 was After-tax profit for the Wellington-based sheet to the point where protein into the US. That market readiness for market approval in $10.6 million, up subsidiary of the big Dutch co-operative borrowings funded only 20% of was recovering from the slump in the US. That was expected soon from $10.2m a year group was $89.5m in the year ended total assets of $737.4m at balance prices of the last few years. though significant sales were not earlier. December 31, down from $104m a year date, compared to 45% of total Overall, infant formula sales expected until next financial year. That was on earlier. assets of $659.5m a year earlier. had returned to strong growth Penno said there had been a revenues of The NZ-group’s total net loan book was Borrowings fell from $292m to since the half-year balance date lot of talk about how onerous the $288.7m, up worth $9.65 billion, up 2.2% on the year, and and that was expected to continue $147m. new Chinese regulations might from $213.4m. net interest income rose 2.6% to $251.3m. Increasing provisions was a prudent move given the challenging dairy industry conditions, chief executive Darryl Johnson said. Rabobank was comfortable with the level of growth. It believed the outlook for most of bans after discussions with Brazilian NZ’s key agriculture sectors was positive for for export by government inspectors. Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com authorities and if that was true then it this year. The incidents were believed to apply was an achievement for Brazil just a Though down on the previous year’s to poultry and pork but the beef sector week or so after the claims surfaced. 13.72% capital ratio, the 13.57% ratio had also been implicated. BEEF exporter Anzco Foods is getting There might be opportunities for at balance date remained very strong, There had been reports China had more inquiry for product but says there other countries but there was also a compared with the regulatory minimum lifted the ban at the end of last week, is a lot of confusion in markets about risk that buyer perception could go the requirement of 8%. Conley said, “but we’re not sure if we’ve the true status of the Brazilian supply other way, with people put off beef. Deposits increased by 8.5% to $4.14b seen that yet”. situation. “Our initial concern was that during the year, Johnson said. Anzco’s view was that credibility One result of the uncertainty was inventories on the ground in markets Rabobank NZ did not pay a dividend to its issues at the least would provide that buyers were cautious about buying might be heavily discounted because of parent though management fee payments to opportunities for other countries and Brazilian beef and that would provide that but there’s been no evidence of it related parties rose 11% to $52.2m. that should be positive for pricing. opportunities for other countries, happening.’’ “Having said that, there’s no freezer Anzco’s harvest chief executive Peter The incident was an opportunity for full of meat that we can just ship out.” Conley said. New Zealand to further promote its Affco general manager Andy Leonard Some countries banned imports from meat quality standards as the best in said there were indications some Brazil after reports tainted meat with the world, he said. countries had lifted or partially lifted an expired use-by had been cleared

Debt charges cut Rabobank profit

Brazil status causes confusion

EastPack boosts annual revenue 12th-14th May 2017 Manfield Stadium, Feilding Open to competitors aged 8-25 years or come along to watch.

Steer 'Hoof & Hook' Judging Handler Competition Educational and fun modules Allflex Beef Ambassador Competition Heifer Section For more information or to enter visit: www.futurebeef.co.nz Entries close 10th April 2017

Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com EASTPACK, the biggest post-harvest kiwifruit business, achieved higher volumes, profits, rebates and dividends in its latest year. Volumes packed for its own shareholder/growers jumped 5.7 million trays to 38.7m in the year ended December 31. That pushed revenues up to $161m from $136.2m a year earlier and the operating profit was $11.2m, up from $8.1m.

The profit improvement let directors increase the rebate to transacting shareholders to a total $9.8m from $6.1m (27c a share, from 20c). Holders of the investor shares receive an 8.64c a share dividend, with full tax credits, up from 7.2c a year earlier. The continuing rebound and confidence in the industry after the Psa outbreak six years ago was very pleasing, chairman John Loughlin said. The bumper crop provided a challenge for packing and cooling but EastPack had achieved excellent production

efficiencies and the volumes meant high asset use throughout the year. The capital development programme of the last three years, including nearinfrared grading technology at the Te Puke packhouse, was starting to provide a significant return on investment. As well as the volumes for shareholders, the company also packed 851,000 trays for other growers. The Hayward crop was a record, with growers achieving an average orchard yield above 12,000 trays a hectare. In 2010, before Psa, the average had been about 7500 trays.

Whatever youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re feeding your herd this winter, SealesWinslow Molasses Blocks are a cost effective and convenient way to fill the nutritional gaps in their diets. They deliver essential minerals and balance the nutrient requirements so your stock can get the most out of their winter feed.

Cattle high magnesium Block

NEW Cattle fodder beet block

Cattle winter crop Block

Created specifically for cattle fed on pasture during the dry period. It has a high level of magnesium to help reduce the risk of milk fever.

Formulated to help overcome phosphorus deficiency and balance the minerals lacking in cattle on a fodder beet diet. It will help maintain the health of your herd during the winter months.

Designed to fill the nutritional gaps in cattle wintering on brassica crops. With organic copper and iodine, shown to improve immunity, bone growth and reproductive performance.

To order now or learn more contact us today. 0800 287 325 | sealeswinslow.co.nz

News

10 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

Dairy awards to head south AFTER a break of seven years since they were last in the South Island, the Dairy Industry Awards national final will be held in Invercargill in May 2018, at the ILT Stadium. The venue was announced at the final regional dinner of the 2017 series, for Southland-Otago, before the May 2017 national final in Auckland. The last time the nationals were held in the South Island was 2011, in Queenstown. “We have been keen to get down to the South Island for years, however, the earthquake has ruled Christchurch out until 2020 when the Convention Centre is due to be ready,” awards general manager Chris Keeping said. “The cost of air fares to Queenstown and Invercargill is prohibitive, however, we are being supported with that by ILT Southland, which we are thrilled about.” The Southland-Otago award winners this year were Share Farmers of the Year Russell and Tracy Bouma, Manager of the Year Ann Linton and Trainee of the Year Ben McLean. The Boumas, aged 40 and 37, were sharemilking 762 cows on Andrew, Owen and Barbra Johnston’s 270ha farm in Clydevale.

They believed their excellent staff retention record was a reflection of their staff management abilities. “We have supported a number of staff members to progress within the dairy industry,” they said. “Our financial planning and monitoring systems that we have in place mean we have a good understanding of our financial position at all times.” The Boumas had been sharemilking since 2002 and this was the fourth time they had entered the awards. Future farming goals for the couple include achieving $1 million equity growth in the next five years. “We would also like to maintain our good reputation while remaining in the top 25% for 50:50 sharemilkers throughout the country.” The Canterbury-North Otago section of the awards this year was headed by Christopher and Siobhan O’Malley as Share Farmers of the Year, Kerry Higgins as Manager of the Year and Ben Haley the Trainee of the Year. The O’Malleys, both 34, were sharemilking 515 cows on Graham Brooker’s 138ha farm at Ashburton. Before beginning his dairying

FOURTH TIME: Russell and Tracy Bouma at the Otago-Southland Sharefarmers of the Year.

career Christopher worked as an adventure tourism guide in the Abel Tasman park and at Taupo and in Ireland. He had previously sailed across the Pacific Ocean and was the 2016 Mid-Canterbury Rugby Referee of the Year. Siobhan held a master of arts degree in classical studies and a diploma in agribusiness management and was a secondary school teacher with a passion for English. The couple had three children.

Higgins, aged 32, was farm manager of a 433ha, 1340-cow farm at Hororata. The West Coast-Top of the South awards were won by Murchison couple Jon and Vicki Nicholls as Share Farmers of the Year, Jack Raharuhi as Manager of the Year and Clay Paton, Trainee of the Year. The Nicholls, sharemilking 470 cows on the Greenmile farm, entered the awards to network, analyse their business and meet new people and wanted to buy

LANDCORP MAN: Jack Raharui is the West Coast-Top of the South Manager of the Year.

We have been keen to get down to the South Island for years. Chris Keeping Dairy Industry Awards land assets in the future. Raharuhi, aged 22, was the farm manager for the Landcorp 482ha, 1150-cow farm at Westport.

farmersweekly.co.nz

HAS A FRESH NEW LOOK Farmers Weekly has launched a new look website aimed at improving your online experience. When you visit farmersweekly.co.nz you will find it has a fresh new layout, making it easier for you to navigate through our awardwinning news content.

2342-20X8

Head over to farmersweekly.co.nz and take a look for yourself.

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

Returns bode well for more tree area Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com FORESTRY returns are as good as they’ve been for the past 20 years and favourable market trends look like lasting a long time so we should be encouraging more new planting, ANZ Bank rural economist Con Williams says. However, the overall plantation area had fallen by about 5% over the last 10 years, leading to concerns about the long-term supply of wood beyond 2030, he said in a report arguing the case for more investment. The fall in planting coincided with a period of weaker returns and what was seen as a less favourable emissions trading scheme, though that was becoming more supportive. It had become an unloved investment class among landowners and there was no sign of a change, except in some small pockets of land in the North Island. Deforestation had also led to restricted investment in new wood-processing facilities able to produce higher-margin building products. The main trends boosting the market and likely to extend for several years were: • Steady demand from China; • Restrictions on harvesting native forests in countries that were leading markets for New Zealand; • Low shipping costs;

• A domestic building boom in NZ and; • A supportive exchange rate when added to in-market pricing. As well, a range of new upmarket applications was emerging for the versatile pinus radiata wood on which the NZ forestry sector was based, Williams said.

Deforestation had also led to restricted investment in new wood-processing facilities able to produce higher-margin building products. Con Williams ANZ Recent industry returns suggested good to excellent forest blocks within 200km of a port or processing mill could make a pretax real rate of return of up to 7.9% a year, increasing to up to 11.25% after allowing for carbon credits. The average returns were 6.3% and 9.9% respectively. They were competitive with dry stock farming, were a solid diversification strategy and could help farmers meet tighter environmental regulations. Forestry brought in about $5.3 billion of export revenue a year,

11% of total 2016 exports. In contrast to the supply fears from about 2030, harvesting over the next decade (long described as the wall of wood) would be at high levels, from the latest peak of plantings in the mid 1990s. Given the long investment period for forestry, forecasting returns was difficult, Williams said. Rightly or wrongly, investors used current market conditions and a smoothing out of recent returns alongside their other yield and cost assumptions to assess their prospects. That required “a leap of faith that current returns will be within the ballpark of future returns”. Like most investments, probably the best time to invest was when returns were lower because land and establishment costs might be lower than when current returns were very good. About 55% of forest products were exported and 45% sold domestically with the domestic market dominated by sawn timber, which was expected to continue achieving good returns because of the strong housing construction market. There were challenges in the sector but a shortage of housing and strong population growth pointed to ongoing support. The top 10 markets took 91% of forestry exports and the top six – China, Australia, Japan, South Korea, the United States and India – took 83%.

Planting picks up but still slow Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com THE economics of forestry stack up well for farm owners and that is where a lot of the new tree planting should come from, Forest Owners Association chairman Peter Clark says. Any pick-up in new plantings was still quite slow but the business of tree-stock and seed sales was more active this year than last year and “would get a lot higher”. “It’s not that there isn’t a good return from forestry, it’s because the economics are not well understood,” he said. A report from the Institute of Economic Research highlighting forestry returns and one from ANZ Bank rural economist Con Williams showing an average 6.3% real rate of return from good quality forestry within 200km of a port or processing mill and before any benefit from the carbon emissions system were good indicators. “It’s better than for drystock farming and the only opportunity cost for a farmer is the loss of running stock on that portion of land used,” Clark said.

A non-farming investor or corporate forestry group would have to factor in the costs of buying or renting land at market value. “The land economics aren’t as good as they are for the landowner.” Clark, chief executive of the Rotorua-based PF Olsen, said farmers had been active in forest planting in past decades but it appeared they had been put off by the recent long period of subdued returns. However, the new survey of commercial forest nurseries by the Ministry for Primary Industries showed stock sales last year totalled 52.2 million seedlings, up from 49.5m in 2015. FOA chief executive David Rhodes said there was a gradual trend of an increasing number of woodlots on farmland. One reason for that might be the potential for long-term carbon offsets from trees if agriculture was included in the ETS. Farm Forestry Association incoming president Neil Cullen agreed 2017 seedling sales would be similar to or better than last year but said the new

planting rate was still too low and a big increase wasn’t likely until there were Government “national importance” incentives. Though pinus radiata dominated seedling sales they included 9.8m manuka seedlings – enough to stock 6300ha of planting, reflecting the value of manuka honey. Clark said that like any part of the agriculture sector, forestry was subject to commodity up and downs but he believed the swings in forestry were not as deep or as long as in dairying. Forest owners also did not have to harvest trees at a particular time if prices were poor. Trees were harvested typically in the 25 to 30-year age but could be grown out to 35 years if that suited market conditions and they would be building up carbon credits right through that time. International negotiations over the next couple of years would influence the Government review of the carbon emissions regulations and the pressure would be on to make them more favourable for forestry, he said.

EQUALS: Forestry returns are as good as those from drystock farming, ANZ rural economist Con Williams says.

That was a consolidated marketplace compared to many other export sectors. China took 38% of exports, mainly in logs, sawn timber and pulp and demand for softwood lumber imports reached record highs last year. The country would require a lot of new housing and other infrastructure in coming decades though there would be ups and down in the market. On the supply side, China’s forestry production was constrained by restrictions and even bans on logging native forest over a very widespread area. NZ was the biggest supplier to China, narrowly over Russia. The next biggest market for NZ was Australia, taking 15% of exports in a wide range of products used mostly for housing, notably sawn timber, wood pulp,

paper, paperboard and plywood. Like China, Australia was expected to have ongoing housing construction above long-term averages, Williams said. As encouragement for forestry planting, the carbon unit prices had increased since the start of a gradual phasing out of the onefor-two ETS surrender obligation and banning of foreign carbon credits and NZ was required to reduce emissions under international agreements. The ETS was under review and given that the industry was heavily regulated, there is a lot of political risk, Williams said. “Things could easily change with each election cycle – favourably or unfavourably.” However, long-term forestry prospects crucially depended on how the international carbon market developed.

Forest area set to double Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com A BIG area of plantation forest due to be harvested in the next decade will significantly reduce New Zealand’s carbon sequestering stocks and increase emissions unless replanted. The Net Zero in NZ report by London-based Vivid Economics said the logged forests would be replanted but also predicted the area of plantation forest would nearly double in the next 30 years, even at moderate carbon prices. The report was written for GLOBE-NZ, a cross-party group of 35 members of Parliament and funded by business and philanthropic foundations to look at the impact of different scenarios on emissions from energy, industry and waste and land. It said planting forests was the only known technology that could be implemented at scale to remove large amounts of carbon from the atmosphere. The authors calculated a carbon price of $50 a tonne could increase planting by up to 50,000 hectares. “This means that forestry can provide NZ with an emissions buffer as it decarbonises its energy sector and invests in new technologies and management techniques to cut emissions

from agriculture.” Since 1990 the area of land used for plantation forest has grown 36% while the area dedicated to agriculture has fallen 25%. Depending on the assessment used, Vivid calculated between 800,000 and three million hectares of eroded land and a further 700,000 to 5.1m hectares of grazing land could be could be suited to forestry. NZ had 1.7m hectares of plantation forestry but the report forecast growing plantings peaking at 55,000ha a year, which would increase the forestry estate by between 500,000ha and 2.1m hectares by 2050. “While this rate is high by recent standards, it is comparable to the growth rate experienced in NZ in the 1990s and is realistic given a supportive policy regime.” Forest plantings and carbon retaining forest products sequestered 24m tonnes of carbon a year but could increase to 36m tonnes of carbon a year from 2040 to 2059. The Vivid report also assumed that in addition to the increased plantation planting, up to 1m hectares of marginal agricultural land would revert to scrub and natural forest which would sequester 6m tonnes of carbon a year.

News

12 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

BALANCE: The National Velvetting Standards Body has worked to help develop a standard that is acceptable to Chinese and New Zealand officials and practical for farmers, its chairman Ian Scott says.

New rules for velvet hygiene Annette Scott annette.scott@nzx.com NEW regulations for velvet will require improved hygiene on all deer farms from next season. The new hygiene standards would apply to the harvest, storage and transport of velvet on all farms where velvet was collected, not just where farmers were registered velvetters under the National Velvetting Standards Body (NVSB).

Insulate, Strain, NEW Connect

Insulated End Strainer

All in one end assembly, with integrated joint clamp Heavy Duty – Toughened body 1.2 x stronger than previous models All in one superior assembly – Includes wire straining, end insulation and integrated joint clamp

NZ patent 710610

Superior insulation performance – 1.7 x insulation performance of previous model

0800731 500 www.gallagher.com

The need for hygiene standards was highlighted by a visit late last year by Chinese officials who reviewed harvest, handling and storage of New Zealand velvet. Pack houses were also inspected by the officials who were focused on the safety of food and traditional medicines sold in China, particularly in relation to velvet. Under the new regulations all surfaces where velvet was harvested, handled and stored would be designated as clean areas and have to be washable, disinfected before use and free of contamination such as bird droppings and dust, NVSB chairman Ian Scott said. Farms with modern facilities would likely require only minor changes but farms with older facilities, processes and equipment might need to be upgraded. Velvet would have to be stored within two hours in a velvet-only freezer capable of reaching minus 15C or lower. The Chinese officials were generally complimentary about the NZ velvet industry. The body had previously identified the need to reinforce the food safety and hygiene aspects of velvet harvest onfarm. More recently, Chinese regulators had told the Ministry for Primary Industries that NZ needed to tighten its standards. “China’s requirements are not unreasonable and highlight the importance of reinforced hygiene measures and the maintenance of cold chain to support velvet as a high-quality product for export or further domestic processing,” Scott said. The body had worked closely with MPI officials to come up with a quality standard that would strike a balance between what MPI and Chinese regulators would accept and what was practical on the farm. “Well before the start of the 2017-2018 velvet season this standard will become part of the national velvet removal training and certification programme,” Scott said. That would coincide with the signing of a velvet protocol between the NZ and Chinese governments, expected to happen in July, and all farms handling velvet would be audited against it in some way. “If a velvetter is meeting the standard they will also comply with the regulations MPI is drafting under the Animal Products Act. “These regulations in turn will meet China’s market access requirements and support ongoing trade to other markets.” While no-one wanted more regulations, it was important for the deer industry to be deeply involved when new regulations were proposed, he said. “It is something the industry has always done in order to ensure the regulations and any quality standard arising from them are practical and have industry buy-in,” he said. “This is reflected in the fact that the new draft standard is focused on outcomes.” How velvetters achieved the standard was up to each individual in the context of what was practical in their shed, on their farm. There were four sections in the new standard – the first two covering hygiene and cold chain management requirements were drafted and velvetters were being informed about them in a letter being posted this month. The measures relating to transport and traceability were still being fine-tuned. “We want to give velvetters as much time as possible to give their feedback on the draft measures and to work out what they will mean on their farm. “One of the measures that won’t be open for negotiation will be the requirement to have freezers that will reach minus 15C or lower so now’s the time to start looking at your options,” Scott said.

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

Balance key to breeding success Richard Rennie richard.rennie@nzx.com

WORRIED: Retiring breeder Michael Bayly is concerned a focus on providing cattle for dairy farmers will leave the Hereford breed short of animals capable of delivering sheer mass in carcaseweight.

to cows is the antithesis of easycalving goals. “I appreciate a lot of this is in response to the commercial reality of dairying demands but as a breeder the biggest consequence of this is you will get smaller female stock and that raises the question, ‘what do you do with them, what do you mate to them?’” To try to address a sliding body weight trend is not easily done and will take several generations and years to reverse. “The low birthweight focus is giving some inferior animals a way in and doing nothing for the breed’s overall value.” Bayly says he has tried to stick to his knitting over the years. His stud bull has a birthweight index of +5.1 putting him slightly above average on the birthweight scale but with calves of 35-36kg is “not extreme”. He is calling on breeders to look closely at the subtleties of easy-calving animals, at the shoulder structure and head shape and doubts the birthweight index figure alone captures those subtleties. The ex-beef councillor and Hereford Council member believes the breed has a good product in its Hereford Prime beef brand and plans for NZ beef to tell a provenance story are well overdue. “It is something that has been kicked around over the years and there is no doubt there are health and taste strengths there we need to promote.” But he is also urging Beef + Lamb NZ not to get complacent thinking the United States will always need our grass-fed beef to balance its grain fed product. “There is always that risk they could source something similar from countries with far more scale that use grass, like Brazil or Argentina.”

keep

yourself dry

and your

animals drenched

Spend $1,000 on selected Donaghys Animal Health products during March and April and receive an Outback Oilskin*. *Terms and Conditions apply. While stocks last. Offer valid from 1st March – 30th April 2017. Selected product ranges include: Concur, Evolve, Pro Ewe, Proabamec. Saturn, StrikeOut and Rymen-Zyme.

FAR_06083

BAY of Plenty cattle breeder Michael Bayly has always been one to set a goal, even if it if relates to winding up his Karamu stud and refocusing his breeding skills. After 30 years of breeding Herefords Bayly has decided to disperse his cattle and replace one species with another as he focuses his attention on racehorses. His dispersal sale on April 7 will comprise 40 head of breeding cows, heifers, calves and one stud bull from his Pahoia property. He is following the passion his parents have for animal breeding and their interest in bloodstock that resulted in them owning the horse that claimed second spot in the 1982 Melbourne Cup and a couple of fifth places in other races. Taking a leaf from his father’s breeding criteria that always sought to find balance in all the features that counted, Bayly has misgivings about how the modern Hereford animal is evolving, claiming some breeders are losing sight of that balance. “However, I am concerned by this almost singular focus I am seeing on breed birth weight with some breeders trying to bring that down all the time in response to perceived dairy industry demands. “For cattle it is a balance between all those characteristics that are deemed valuable – feet, bone structure, temperament, scrotal size, carcase and muscle.” Bayly acknowledges he is going to draw flak from within breeding circles for his criticism but maintains with that singular focus the breed runs the risk of leaving itself short of stock capable of continuing to deliver in terms of sheer body mass and, ultimately, carcase weight. He speaks from the perspective of someone known for breeding good, all-round animals that were prize-winners in the national Beef Expo. He claimed the top prize for the champion led bull as recently as 2015, with Karamu Spartacus, and had a national champion in 1997. High profile sires included Platform Quebec, identified at number eight in the Hereford Benchmark programme that recognises animals for their fertility and longevity. “He provided us with 22 stud bulls over the years.” Today’s base in Bay of Plenty is considerably downsized from Bayly’s original stud property at Maungatautari near Cambridge, where he had 130 breeding cows. “I think in the 80s we had a medium sort of animal, which then had a lot of overseas genetics put into them, particularly from the United States. We used some of those genetics but always kept an eye on retaining a balance in the stock’s composition.” His concern is today’s focus on lower birthweight EBV (estimated breeding value) figures to satisfy dairy clients’ need for smaller animals is resulting in a smaller pelvic area and passing that on

Available at your local Farmlands store 0800 200 600 www.farmlands.co.nz

News

14 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

More schools giving ag a tick Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com SCHOOLS appear to be promoting agriculture as a serious career option for students. The primary sector has complained for many years that schools and careers advisers were treating the sector as a depository for students with little motivation and few prospects. But there were signs change was afoot, perhaps driven by the Government’s goal of doubling the value of exports by 2020 and forecasts the primary sector needed 53,000 more workers by 2025. Among the initiatives were an increased number of schools offering agricultural subjects in their curriculums, the launch of educational farms and the use of primary sector-initiated teaching resources. The common theme was selling primary sector careers as offering more than jobs on farms and orchards. St Pauls Collegiate in Hamilton had launched an agribusiness course and attracted 50 schools to a conference on the subject later this year. It hoped the subject could be offered in 100 schools, both urban

0076663

200x71.67

and rural, within a few years. The Red Meat Profit Partnership had developed an NCEAaccredited programme for primary and secondary students to understand the primary sector and to promote career opportunities. DairyNZ operated the Find a Farmer and Rosie’s Education programmes as well as Owl Farm at St Peter’s, Cambridge, and was about to launch a booklet promoting dairy sector careers. Owl Farm was occasionally opened to the public. The kiwifruit and avocado industries have launched the ME programme that allowed students to study elements of the industries as part of English, statistics, biology and environmental studies at NCEA level. In Auckland, Mount Albert Grammar ran a central city farm while several primary sector bodies were working with the Manukau Institute of Technology in a project called Primary Auckland. Young Farmers chief executive Terry Copeland said Primary Auckland was designed to find ways to get young Maori and Pacifica people into training for primary sector careers. “If we work together we can access a great labour pool.” A year-long trial of St Paul’s Collegiateinitiated agribusiness secondary school

agrievents

Tuesday 04/04/2017 Farming for the Future Seminar Venue: Carterton Events Centre, Holloway Street, Carterton Time: 9am – 4.30pm Website: www.farmingforthefuture.org.nz Contact: Jill Greathead 06 379 6193 or info@farmingforthefuture.org.nz

Who’s doing what • St Paul’s Collegiate in Hamilton has developed agribusiness as an NCEA levels two and three subject. • The Red Meat Profit Partnership has developed a NZQAapproved programme aimed at engaging primary and secondary school pupils in farming. • Primary Auckland is a pan-industry initiative with Manukau Institute of Technology to encourage Maori and Pacifica students to consider primary sector careers. • Mount Albert Grammar operates an 8.1ha pastoral and horticulture farm in central Auckland. • DairyNZ operates Find a Farmer and Rosie’s Education programmes, as well as Owl Farm for education and public open days. • Kiwifruit and avocado growers have launched the Me Programme providing resources for schools.

Wednesday 05/04/2017 – Thursday 06/04/2017 East Coast Farming Expo Venue: Wairoa A&P Showgrounds, Ruataniwha Road, Wairoa, Hawke’s Bay Time: 9.00am Friday 05/05/2017 – Saturday 06/05/2017 Field Days Marlborough Venue: Weld Park, State Highway 1, Ward Time: 10am Saturday 22/04/2017 FMG Young Farmer Taranaki/Manawatu Regional Final Venue: The TSB Hub, Camberwell Road, Hawera Time: 10.00am-2.00pm For more information check out our Facebook page or website.

Should your important event be listed here? Phone 0800 85 25 80 or email adcopy@nzx.com

ATTRACTION: Primary Auckland is a project looking for ways to get more Maori and Pacifica students into agriculture, Young Farmers chief executive Terry Copeland says.

course at tertiary level but for each of the last two years that had grown to 25 after studying the course at secondary level. Research five years ago found 53% of college parents worked in the agri-sector and many were asking why the subject was not taught. The Red Meat Profit Partnership teaching resource was trialled in 10 primary and 16 secondary school last year and was designed to help students learn more about the sector and promote awareness of career opportunities. John Bradfield, the head of mathematics at St Hilda’s Collegiate in Dunedin, said he used the resource in the teaching of statistics. “We are always looking for material like this. “There is a lot of depth to the data provided, including around stock. “We use data such as lamb weights, dates and single and

It is seen as a lesser subject. It is not, but it is seen that way. Peter Hampton St Paul’s Collegiate

multiple births,” he said. Additional resources were available for science and English. Mount Albert Grammar’s 8.1ha central city farm and orchard not only served students studying agribusiness but also provided a farm experience for visiting city school children. It had a horticultural unit including a citrus orchard, ran six dairy cows milked in a two-bale walk-through shed, 30 sheep, 12 beef cattle, a small piggery and chickens.

Kiwi tech boffins off to Silicon Valley

Wednesdays 10/05/2017, 07/06/2017, 05/07/2017 and 02/08/2017 AWDT Understanding Your Farming Business Three full-day workshops and an evening graduation ceremony run over four months Venue: Te Akau Community Complex, Te Akau Contact: anna@awdt.org.nz or 06 377 4560 Website: To register for the programme go to http://www.awdt.org.nz/programmes/understanding-yourfarming-business/

Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com

LK0085515©

Thursdays 25/05/2017, 22/06/2017, 20/07/2017 and 17/08/2017 AWDT Understanding Your Farming Business Three full-day workshops and an evening graduation ceremony run over four months Venue: TBC, Paeroa Contact: anna@awdt.org.nz or 06 377 4560 Website: To register for the programme go to http://www.awdt.org.nz/programmes/understanding-yourfarming-business/

subjects was already paying dividends with 350 students from 10 schools enrolled and increased numbers of school leavers studying related subjects at university. St Paul’s deputy principal Peter Hampton said 10 schools were trialling agribusiness this year but next year it would be available widely and he hoped would be picked up by 100 schools within a few years. Hampton said the idea was to encourage bright and capable students to study primary sectorrelated subjects but it was also in response to job prospects. Unlike traditional primary sector subjects, the agribusiness course covered all aspects of primary sector production focused on four strands: agriscience, agri-marketing, agrimanagement and finance and agri-innovation. “We did an analysis of ag-hort and it only went to the farmgate. “There is nothing wrong with that but unfortunately in schools ag-hort hasn’t had a very good reputation. “It is seen as a lesser subject. It is not, but it is seen that way.” Hampton said students had studied future-proofing businesses, manipulating organisms and growing the value of products. This year 102 year 12 and 13 pupils at St Paul’s were studying agribusiness, of which 40 were girls. In 2013 two school leavers from St Paul’s studied an agricultural

UP TO 25 New Zealand high-tech agribusiness entrepreneurs including the recent winner of Fonterra’s Activate 2.0 event will attend a Silicon Valley Agtech conference in California this week. NZ attendees would look to make contacts, gain ideas and raise venture capital, according to one of the event organisers, Peter Wren-Hilton, of Wharf 42 in Tauranga. Part of the first prize for AgriSmart time sheet solution, entered by Morrinsville

chartered accountant Imran Raza in the Activate 2.0 process in early March, was an expenses-paid inclusion in the Silicon Valley conference. AgriSmart would also be loaded on to the Agrigate platform launched by Fonterra and LIC in February. Raza and his sales manager Mark Crarer would travel to California with a confirmed 20 other New Zealanders and probably more. With at least 60% of his accountancy practice clients being dairy farmers, Raza conceived the AgriSmart farm hours, tasks and compliance application in mid-2015 and

began selling it last year. It ensured employees didn’t breach the minimum hourly rate legislation and tracked annual leave entitlement and rostered days off. A recent inspection by Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment could find no fault with the system, Raza said. Wren-Hilton said following the first Silicon Valley event last year three NZ agtech companies including TracMap had moved to establish a presence in the US market and Yamaha Ventures had come to NZ to look at agtech products.

Driscoll, the world’s largest berry producer, had visited NZ twice to form a closer relationship with our emerging berry industry. NZ speakers at the conference this year would include Agrigate chief executive Tim Cutfield, LIC Automation chief executive Paul Whiston and chemistry and physics Professor Cather Simpson of Auckland University. The joint organiser was Silicon Valley Forum, the oldest investor network in the region, and the event was supported by NZ Trade and Enterprise.

the benefits of

potassium

are clear.

Optimise your clover growth for high quality feed. Potassium is an essential nutrient for maximising clover growth, which provides a higher quality feed for your animals. We can help you make sure youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re getting the right amount of potassium for your farm â&#x20AC;&#x201C; ask your Ballance Nutrient Specialist today. Call 0800 222 090 to find out more or go to ballance.co.nz/potassium

News

16 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

Trade strategy ‘has limitations’ Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com THE Government’s new trade strategy does not pay enough attention to new export markets, a Fonterra executive says. Setting New Zealand’s trade priorities to 2030, the Government has set a target of concluding trade deals covering 90% of existing export markets. Agreements already concluded covered about half of the country’s existing trade. Fonterra’s global stakeholder affairs director Philip Turner applauded the increased allocation of $91 million over four years for trade-focused government departments. But he questioned why the strategy was not more ambitious in setting a target for new trade partners. “It is great to see the challenge the Government set for itself of 90% coverage by 2030, but I would comment that that is coverage of existing trade and that in itself is a

limitation. You could think maybe we should be setting objectives for extending current trade rather than just coverage of FTAs with existing trade partners.”

You could think maybe we should be setting objectives for extending current trade rather than just coverage of FTAs with existing trade partners. Philip Turner Fonterra Turner hoped the strategy was broadly-enough worded to allow officials to do the groundwork to explore increased trade links with African countries, for example. He also saw potential for more funding for enforcement actions through either the World Trade

Organisation or NZ’s existing trade agreements with countries where non-tariff measures were costing exporters market opportunities. Indications last year from Trade Minister Todd McClay that the strategy would focus on non-tariff measures at the expense of new trade agreements, raised concerns for the dairy industry, which continued to face high tariffs in a number of markets where NZ either did not have free-trade agreements or had one under negotiation. That concern only mounted when NZ’s biggest trade deal, the Trans Pacific Partnership, was left in limbo by Donald Trump’s withdrawal of the United States from the 13-country agreement in November last year. The Government’s agricultural trade envoy Mike Petersen said the strategy released last week recognised the changed international trade environment and struck the right balance. “I think if we had not had Brexit and protectionist policies in the

TICK: The Government’s new trade strategy reflects international trade environment changes and strikes the right balance, its agricultural trade envoy Mike Petersen says.

US then we could have had quite a different looking trade strategy that would have focused quite a bit on non-tariff measures rather than looking at new trade agreements.” Petersen expected part of the $35m increase over four years for MPI would help pay for an upping of communications with foreign governments to understand and deal with increasing use of traderestrictive rules. More officials would be deployed to Europe and southeast Asia. Other priorities included the establishment of a regulatory advice service that would help exporters in NZ navigate import

regulations in overseas markets. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade also received increased funding of $27m over four years. New embassies would be opened in Ireland and Sri Lanka where the Government was in the early stages of free trade talks. MFAT would also co-ordinate a new ministerial advisory group on trade. Including industry, iwi, union and non-government organisations representatives, the group was designed to head off past criticisms the Government had listened to only a narrow range of interests when setting its priorities in trade talks.

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

NAIT digital trail results promising Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com PROMISING trial results could consign the disliked paper trail required to follow livestock to meat processors to the rubbish bin. The Red Meat Profit Partnership, OSPRI and Silver Fern Farms are testing technology that lets farmers file animal status declaration (ASD) forms electronically by Smartphone or over the internet. SFF agribusiness technical support manager Melissa Sowden said last year 1700 ASD forms handled by the company’s Finegand plant in South Otago were not correctly filled out. The company calculated it took on average 10 minutes a form for a staff member to chase up the farmer to get them completed correctly – the equivalent of working 24 hours for 12 days. Some omissions or mistakes took half a day to correct. Sowden said the ASD form was a legal document and stock could not be processed until it was completed correctly. “A lot of farmers don’t understand this is a legal document. “We legally can’t process any stock unless this is correctly filled out.” The electronic ASD system could be filed with the processor only when it had been completely filled in, which removed the problem of omissions. The trial involved stock sent to SFF’s Finegand plant near Balclutha and Sowden said the 60 farmers, company field reps and staff testing the system were all enthused. “It’s working and it’s easy. Farmers think it’s a great idea.” The form could be filled in on a Smartphone app or computer with the document automatically filed with the processor and OSPRI. The transport operator was notified by email that a form had been lodged and a version was stored electronically for the farmer. Information that did not change, such as

Rabbit disease release delay Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com THE group seeking approval to release a new variant of rabbit-killing haemorrhagic disease (RHD) has rescheduled by a year its proposed New Zealand release to next March. The delay was caused by the need to address regulations and the applicant group said necessary information would be gathered by observing the variant’s release in Australia, which was now under way. Environment Canterbury was leading the application on behalf of several councils, the Department of Conservation, Federated Farmers, Ministry for Primary Industry and Land Information NZ. ECan’s biosecurity leader Graham Sullivan urged farmers to show patience and support, saying the greatest chance of success would come from a collaborated release. “A controlled release will also ensure that a high-quality, commercially prepared product can be made available in order to improve effectiveness,” he said. An illegal or unmanaged release, as happened with the original RHD variant, would compromise any benefits. The applicant group was seeking the release of a new RHD variant, known as RHDV1 K5, because the existing strain had lost some of its effectiveness. It still required registration under the Agricultural Compounds and Veterinary Medicines Act and permission under two sections of the Biosecurity Act.

the farmer’s name, trading names, address, contact details, NAIT and AHB numbers were all automatically retained once entered. As well as information required by OSPRI and the Ministry for Primary Industries, individual meat companies could add their own requests for information and details. Sowden said the trial was confined to sheep and beef but could easily be rolled out for deer. Gore farmer Julie Crawford praised the system, saying it was clear, easy to use and, importantly, forms could not be filed if there was a mistake. “I think it is a lot clearer, easy to understand and you can send it away the night before if you wish.” A Red Meat Profit Partnership spokesman said the trial had been extended until the middle of the year when would be evaluated.

CHOICE: Southland farmer Julie Crawford, with husband Barry, says the electronic NAIT form is clear, easy to use and couldn’t be filed with mistakes.

INNOVATION IN EFFECTIVE DRY COW THERAPY. FOR IMPROVED STERILITY AND EASE OF USE

THE CAPS are loosened as they’re pushed by the lever on the plunger, they can just be dropped in a bucket. No fingers or teeth required.

CAP COVERS whole top of the syringe, keeping this area sterile until insertion.

APPLICATOR DESIGN reduces insertion force leading to greater chance of minimal tip insertion. When using the EASI-DOSE applicator the force applied to administer the product is perpendicular to the teat canal reducing the likeihood of pushing the syringe too far into the teat canal when the product is administered.

NO NEED TO WARM in buckets of water.

FORCE

THE PISTOL GRIP makes administration easier, improving a tedious job. LESS WASTAGE than plastic syringes.

SELECTION OF COWS FOR LONG-ACTING DRY COW THERAPY MUST BE DONE IN CONSULTATION WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN.

FIND OUT MORE AT

WWW.CEFAMASTER.CO.NZ RESTRICTED VETERINARY MEDICINE. FOR USE ONLY UNDER THE AUTHORITY OR PRESCRIPTION OF A VETERINARIAN. MERIAL IS NOW PART OF BOEHRINGER INGELHEIM. MERIAL NZ LTD. LEVEL 3, MERIAL BUILDING, OSTERLEY WAY, MANUKAU, AUCKLAND, NEW ZEALAND | WWW.MERIAL.CO.NZ | CEFAMASTER® IS A REGISTERED TRADEMARK OF MERIAL REGISTERED PURSUANT TO THE ACVM ACT 1997 | NO. A10008 | ©COPYRIGHT 2016 MERIAL NZ LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. NZ-17-CEF-043.

18 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

Newsmaker

Early start leads to world title New Zealanders dominated the recent World Shearing and Woolhandling championships in Invercargill where Joel Henare took his second title. The Dunedin wool handler spoke to reporter Neal Wallace.

OUBLE world wool handling champion Joel Henare knew from an early age he was destined for a career in wool sheds. Three generations of his family were shearers, wool handlers or shearing contractors and by age 11 he had realised school was not for him. He left school and learnt by correspondence and would accompany his mother as she worked in Central Otago wool sheds but the seed was sown and another element was added to his education. “I started getting qualifications with the NZ Wool Board, getting qualifications in wool handling.” His life took a surprising turn when he turned 12. Because he was training and getting wool handler qualifications, his Correspondence School tutor was able to get an exemption from the Education Ministry allowing him to end school education. “I was fortunate to have him on board.” Henare, now aged 25, did not sit back but started learning his art from the best. Initially his employer paired him with top wool handler Tina Rimene and Henare said he learnt all he could. The results were instant. The 12-year-old came third in the junior class of the NZ Fine Wool Shearing Championship in Alexandra.

“I got a big buzz and I wanted to keep going and doing it,” he said. And he did. He won his first open title aged 15 and since then has won the NZ Woolhandler of the Year title eight times, with five of those in a row and the Golden Shears wool handler for five successive years, world titles in 2012 and 2017, been in the NZ Trans-Tasman team eight times and was a handful of wins away from 100 open titles. Importantly, in those young years Henare was also taught life skills, especially by a close friend of his mother and twice world wool handling champion, the late Joanne Kumeroa.

I always believe winning is the one with the strongest top two inches. Joel Henare World champion “I was lucky to be in her circle and to gain her knowledge.” Spending those formative years stretching over wool boards meant physically he could not sustain the demands of shearing but he had no wish to switch jobs anyway. “For me to start shearing now is too hard,” he said. He takes his job seriously.

WINNING FORM: Joel Henare on his way to winning a world title at the recent World Shearing and Woolhandling Championships in Invercargill.

“When I get to a farmer’s shed I always think about how we can maximise his return on his wool clip.” The challenge to being a top wool handler was mostly mental, being able to quickly identify different types of wool and in a split second decide what to do with it while still keeping up with the shearers. That mental challenge was accentuated when it came to competitions. “I always believe winning is the one with the strongest top two inches.” That was what Henare targeted as he approached the World Championships in Invercargill earlier this year. Preparation began a month out from the competition when he took leave from his Alexandra employer Peter Lyons, and went to work in Southland so he could be acclimatised to crossbred wool, its colour and handling the large fleeces. It was a lonely month away from his wife and three children in Dunedin but proved a master stroke in his preparation. The son of the family he

stayed with was involved in surf lifesaving and Henare said their training advice was to put himself under mental and physical pressure so he would be ready for the competition. In the sheds he started handling wool from three shearers by himself so when it came to the competition and he was dealing with one shearer, the pressure would be less. By competition time, he was ready. “I had been doing it for a whole month. I had my eye in and I knew what to take out.” The combination of having his wife Erica present and his preparation, meant his run through the world championships went smoothly and he secured his second world title. It was helpful that the World Championships in Invercargill were exceptionally well run. “It was one of the best I have been to,” he said. He intends remaining competitive until at least the next world championships in France in 2019 and it was all aimed at honouring Kumeroa. Arguably the most influential

wool handler in recent times, his mentor held a number of competition records and he wanted to honour her memory by trying to break them. They included six Golden Shears and three world championship titles. Wool handlers did not usually have lengthy careers and he said Kumeroa set her records so others could chase their goals and dreams. “It is out or respect for Joanne. She purposely left these as her mark so people will carry on.” Born in Gisborne, Henare largely grew up in Cromwell, Central Otago, but said the Gisborne branch of PGG Wrightson still regularly supported him and did so in the lead-up to the World Championships. “I was really privileged to have such support.” His family made sacrifices for his successful tilt at the title, including living without him for a month while he prepared in Southland. Henare and his wife Erica have three children, Keanu, 3, Hikurangi, 2, and Lee, 1.

AgWomen setting out to tell the world their stories Annette Scott annette.scott@nzx.com EVERY woman connected with the rural community has a story to tell and AgWomen Global wants to know about them. Launched in March this year, the new digital initiative AgWomen Global was a drive to promote women living and working in primary industries in New Zealand and abroad. “We want to celebrate women who help shape the primary industries no matter the size or the part they play by including dynamic content throughout the project, with short video snippets, notes of encouragement and celebrations of success within our

community,” AgWomen Global founder Chelsea Millar said. “It really is about celebrating these women’s contribution, encouraging the next generation to follow in their footsteps and connect a global community of like-minded people who can celebrate their successes together.” AgWomen would be a yearlong project celebrating and sharing unique stories from 365 different women, all who had contributed in shaping the primary industries. At the end of the 365 days a coffee table book would be produced sharing all 365 stories. “The content, which comes directly from women who experience it first hand, will share the successes and hardships of

the primary industry as they know it,” Millar said. Images accompanied by written stories would be posted on the AgWomen Global Instagram and Facebook accounts as well as an extended story published as a blog on the website www.agwomenglobal. com. “This allows the audience a real opportunity to engage and share the women’s stories.” Millar said the women profiled would not only be from farms or the wives of farmers, they could be in a business that supported the industry, such as insurance, banking or media. “There are many amazing women doing amazing things throughout our industry and they all have a part to play in its

success,” she said. “We want to showcase a range of primary industry women by telling their stories digitally and bringing the audience on a journey to showcase and explore all parts of the industry.” AgWomen had stories from a range of women in NZ as well as stories from the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, United States, Chile and Argentina, with the hope of gaining more locally and abroad. The AgWomen team collected more than 100 names and had 30 stories written to launch on March 6 but needed at least 265 more women to profile and encouraged women to contact them if interested or if they wanted to nominate someone to have their story told.

“Every woman who is connected to the industry contributes to its success and we want to share the breadth of impact we have on our industry,” Millar said. “By engaging with your community, doing the school run, inventing new tools or even working within an agribusiness, you’re all playing a part in making the boat go faster so please share that with us. “We would love to profile you.” A PledgeMe campaign had been started to help to raise $28,500 to ensure the initiative’s success.

For more information, to forward a story or make a pledge go to www. agwomenglobal.com

New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

Kiwi farming enters space age New Zealand agritech companies will soon be able to enter the space age. And putting satellites into orbit from NZ will cost them a lot less than it would cost them overseas. Richard Rennie reports.

GRI-TECH companies will soon have the chance to vie for funding to get their own satellites into orbit above New Zealand as the country’s space industry changes up a gear. Delegates at this year’s MobileTech conference got an insight into what the newly formed Centre for Space Science Technology (CSST) could mean for companies wanting proprietary ownership of satellite images to aid irrigation efficiency, nutrient monitoring, grass growth and forest yields in years to come. The centre’s newly appointed director Greg Bodeker said the CSST had been granted more than $17 million from the Government to be made available to suitable companies wanting to source data and images from satellites and ultimately to build and launch their own satellites. Bodeker had an extensive career in upper atmosphere research, including working as NIWA’s principal scientist at the Lauder Atmospheric Research Centre in Central Otago. He said NZ was one of the few Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development countries that did not own its own satellites, something that had implications for national sovereignty and the ability for local companies to develop specific and relevant technology for NZ applications. “It can be that when you apply for a satellite image from one of

SPACE AGE: Greg Bodeker with a replica of a cube satellite capable of being launched from New Zealand.

the big overseas space agencies’ satellites, the image you get may not be the actual image taken. There can be changes made depending on what else is in that image, for example sensitive defence subjects.”

We are very committed to keeping this a NZ story. Greg Bodeker Centre for Space Science Technology The rural sector had always been viewed as one best served by having regular access to

satellite images and data. Satellites were valuable for collecting low-volume data from ground-based sensors and taking high-resolution images for soil moisture mapping and even pasture growth rate calculations. Bodeker said CSST had several goals to achieve. The first was to establish an international satellite data brokerage, a “one stop shop” for images and data available off international satellites, priced according to demand for particular information. Secondly, CSST intended to partner with other organisations providing foundation data from satellite sources, to which companies could add to their own data. “Later this year we will pick the best 10-15 offers and work with

them co-funding their projects. “We do not intend to claim the IP on them. CSST does not intend to be competing with companies that are already doing what they do well.” Thirdly, as companies’ needs for data increased, CSST intended to work with them to design, build and operate bespoke “cube” satellites. Smaller than a microwave oven, the satellites could cost as little as $70,000 and a similar amount to launch into space using NZ’s own Rocket Lab facilities at Mahia on the East Coast. The cost to launch from overseas agencies could be in the millions. The CSST had been underwritten by eight key partners including AgResearch, Rocket Lab, Callaghan Innovation, Otago and

Lincoln Universities, Wakescience and MetOcean Solutions. Bodeker said the agency was established to keep a “middle line” between being a government-type space agency like NASA and a purely commercial entity. “Ownership is through a charitable trust and CSST is for the benefit of regional industries. This will supersede the goal of making a profit for the trust.” It also had a very NZ-first focus, putting national interest ahead of its own with a non-partisan approach to all organisations going to it for services. “We are very committed to keeping this a NZ story and want to work with Rocket Lab for launching satellites and have even turned down offers from the European Space Agency to launch the first satellites for free.”

Agri tech must be more choosey Richard Rennie richard.rennie@nzx.com THE New Zealand agri-tech sector has plenty of ideas but should be more selective in what it runs with to get more of them commercially successful. Angel Association chairman Marcel van den Assum addressed delegates on the pitfalls and potential for agri-tech start-ups at this year’s MobileTech conference in Rotorua. “As a sector, agri-tech has outperformed all other sectors in growth except the tech sector since 1999. It is fertile ground for the confluence of hardware and software technology.” Valuations varied but the NZ agri-tech sector was estimated to be worth about $3 billion, despite NZ’s relatively small research and development investment of about 1.2% of GDP. The largest portion of agri-tech

investment came under food and e-commerce, accounting for 40%, with ag-bio-tech accounting for 25% of spending. “New Zealanders are good at coming up with something new, we’re pretty good at it despite being below average for R and D. We have these great ideas but just not enough investment. “The challenge is to bring ideas down to the ones we can double down on. “We need to get used to the idea that if you invest in 10, four to five will fail, four will just return on investment and one will give an exemplary return.” Angel investment funding was increasing but there remained a major gap between start-ups and actual companies. “As angel investors we start working with global companies. “But it is gratifying as angel investors to know there is over $1b in NZ for start-up investors.

It shows our capital lifecycle is maturing. “We are also seeing more corporate spending in a growth phase. Companies including Fonterra and LIC are investing in innovation after 10 years of dormancy.” He encouraged start-up companies to partner more with other companies pursuing similar technology. “In one pitch we had 10 startups with three pitching sensor technology. Why not all partner up on it rather than compete with ourselves?” He also encouraged established family-owned agri-firms and high net worth migrants to loosen up about 10% of their funds for innovation development. And corporates might be best to open source their innovation challenge to the market. “This is something the pharmaceutical industry has done well.”

Searching out large single customers also made selling the innovation easier. “Agri-tech is a hard sell but it is so much easier to sell to large farms in Kansas, compared to in NZ where you have to resell time and time again.” He maintained while the “push” side of the equation including a positive government funding and policy for innovation was good, it was the “pull” that needed more work. But the maturing of the agritech sector in NZ was evident. “Start-ups are employing three to four times more people than small to medium enterprises. “We are getting increased offshore interest in investment but it will take another 10 years to be self-sustaining. “We are behind other countries in our level of corporate investment but we are catching up,” van den Assum said.

CO-OPERATE: Start-up companies with similar ideas should work together rather than competing with each other, Angel Association chairman Marcel van den Assum says.

Opinion

20 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

EDITORIAL Tempting fate with weather

Stephen Bell

LETTERS

More letters P23

Water about who shouts loudest THE drama of water and politics is a case of who can be heard the loudest, be it farmers, politicians or greenies but let’s not get carried away with them and have a look elsewhere. In Canterbury we have the townships of Christchurch, Lincoln, Rolleston, Darfield, Rangiora and Kaiapoi and these are only examples. They take their water from their aquifers 365 days and nights of the year to supply their ratepayers and that sum total of litres taken alone must add up to a hefty number daily, year in, year out and is increasing. They are fortunate it is recycled but not to the aquifers until it is recycled by nature so it`s no wonder the Selwyn River and others run low if not dry and become unhealthy. Lake Ellesmere was well

managed by the old catchment board but it was disbanded and the government passed it to Ngai Tahu together with eeling management and quotas and guardians. There was no consultation with the public, let alone a referendum, not even one that would not be binding. Presently, the lake level is way down and so is the Selwyn River. However, I will say ECan has moved on with quotas being managed in the farming sector and while the towns have made some effort for water use they`ve failed miserably. More effort should have been enforced whereby residents are required to have a minimum of rainwater storage for summer watering and grey water recycling. They could even negotiate a deal with a few manufacturers

FW - The New Zealand Farmers Weekly is published by NZX Agri Global HQ. PO Box 529, Feilding 4740. New Zealand Phone: 06 323 7104 Fax: 06 323 7101 Toll free: 0800 85 25 80 Website: www.farmersweekly.co.nz 06 323 1519

EDITORIAL Stephen Bell 06 323 0769 editorial@nzx.com Neal Wallace 03 474 9240 neal.wallace@nzx.com Annette Scott 03 308 4001 annette.scott@nzx.com Hugh Stringleman 09 432 8594 hugh.stringleman@nzx.com Alan Williams 03 359 3511 alan.williams@nzx.com Richard Rennie 07 552 6176 richard.rennie@nzx.com Nigel Stirling nigel.stirling@nzx.com EDITORIAL ADVISER Tony Leggett tony.leggett@nzx.com

06 323 0730

ADVERTISING Warren McDonald 06 323 0143 National Sales Manager warren.mcdonald@nzx.com John McMaster 09 375 6007 Auckland/Northland advertising john.mcmaster@nzx.com Janine Gray 027 474 6094 Waikato/Bay of Plenty advertising janine.gray@nzx.com Donna Hirst 06 323 0739 Lower North Island/international advertising donna.hirst@nzx.com David Paterson 03 382 6143 South Island advertising david.paterson@nzx.com Shirley Howard 06 323 0760 Real Estate advertising shirley.howard@nzx.com

Nigel Ramsden 06 323 0761 Livestock advertising or 027 602 4925 livestock@nzx.com Debbie Brown 06 323 0765 Classifieds/Employment advertising classifieds@nzx.com PRODUCTION Lana Kieselbach 06 323 0735 Production Manager lana.kieselbach@nzx.com Advertising material adcopy@nzx.com SUBSCRIPTIONS

Robert Patterson Banks Peninsula

Bullseye WELL said, Steve (Wyn-Harris), bullseye, 10 out of 10 for this one. Sometimes I read what someone else has written and

I think to myself “I wish I’d said that” because it’s got to the guts of the issue and it’s expressed well, which this is. But this time I have to acknowledge that you saying it is a whole lot more effective than me or any other woman, saying it. Coming from a man it carries a lot of weight, coming from a woman it’s bitchiness – justifiable but bitchiness. So thank you. I wish we had a lot more men with your insight and social conscience and courage. Well done. Carry on Steve. I read your every column and the rest of the paper a bit diagonally, often in about the time it takes to turn the page. But yours I actually read and with pleasure. Many thanks. Phyllis Leigh Taihape

Letterof theWeek

EDITOR Bryan Gibson bryan.gibson@nzx.com

through recycled plastics and supply tanks at a most favourable price. It wouldn`t surprise one if they looked offshore and found fresh water between the seabed and saltwater in certain areas because in some areas when there were spring tides the water table rose dramatically on land well inshore. It`s about time the councils and government got off their backsides, stopped the talking, got on with it and showed some progress.

06 323 7104

ISSN 2463-6002 (Print) ISSN 2463-6010 (Online) Circulation: Delivered free to 79,301 farmers from Monday (Current audited circulation figure)

Best letter each week wins a quality Victorinox Hiker knife

So go on! Stick the knife in WRITE TO The Editor, FW - The New Zealand Farmers Weekly P.O. Box 529, Feilding EMAIL nzfarmersweekly@nzx.com • FAX 06 323 7101

LK0085514©

ARMERS must start pushing for officials to get cracking on dealing with farm emissions and that includes making agricultural greenhouse gas emissions part of the Emissions Trading Scheme. That might seem an odd suggestion but it is important farmers and primary industries get involved at the start and have a big say in setting the agenda. It is inevitable that farm emissions will be tackled at some point by the authorities. Policymakers and scientists are already involved and forming their opinions. Global customers too are buying into the issue and will make their feelings known through their spending. Farmers cannot afford to look the other way while all this is going on. They need to tackle this issue headon to make sure the law and policy makers are coming up with a regime the rural community can live with. It’s no good ignoring the issue then complaining when rules, taxes and limits are imposed. The world is looking to New Zealand for climate change solutions for biological emissions so our farmers should treat this as something they have to do to ensure their survival and use it as a marketing tool for their products. It’s not an issue that will go away. But, we are being warned, the longer we delay the harder the bump will be when it comes home to roost. So farmers must get in quick to guide the debate and tell the office wallahs, politicians and boffins what they want them to do. If they don’t the whole thing will eventually turn round and farmers will be told what they have to do and what they can’t do. There will be taxes and incentives so farmers have to make sure they can minimise the financial impact by insisting the rules be set so they can maximise the incentives while softening the impact of the taxes.

Opinion

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

Time for rural voice to be heard Gerry Eckhoff

ROM time to time a letter to the editor is printed that is well worth rereading. Such an offering was from Jamie McFadden, Cheviot, 13.3.2017. The gist of his comment was to reflect on why the voice of rural New Zealand is heard no more by those who actually need to listen and hopefully understand. Federated Farmers, as an organisation, is not solely to blame. It is rural NZ people’s failure to exercise their political clout where and when needed. Federated Farmers has long been described as the National Party in gumboots and as such, farmers’ political support is taken for granted. The Labour Party, in turn, relies on the union movement for both funding and votes and exercises far greater influence over the Labour Party. In my experience the president of Federated Farmers also had to be “the right sort of chap”. There has been a long-standing belief within Federated Farmers that “a quiet chat with the minister” will ensure a result where all else fails. Nothing could be further from the truth. It’s all about votes and political influence. These days Environment Minister Nick Smith doesn’t answer emails. The Minister for Primary Industries – whatever his name is – makes profound comments on how dry or wet it has been but in my recall has never seriously challenged Fish and Game’s abusive but effective campaign

The

Pulpit

against dairying especially. He remained silent over extravagant claims for more land use restrictions and allowed extremists in the Environmental Defence Society to demand private natural land must be preserved and without compensation.

Under MMP, a small rural political party could exist to influence policy.

Why has Federated Farmers not publicly demanded Fish and Game be deregistered from the privileged position of running a natural monopoly and be forced to rely on the goodwill of its members and the public for funds? The provinces and rural NZ

SPEAK UP: Alexandra farmer Gerry Eckhoff, a former ACT MP and Otago regional councillor, argues it’s time for rural people to get a new political voice.

have lost all political influence. Federated Farmers has resisted this but has, in part, bought into the argument that primary industries (dairy, intensive finishing, cropping, salmon farming) might not or even cannot exist alongside the prior right and need for environmental sustainability – whatever that means. In my time in farming, the following have been lost with barely a murmur from either the National Party or Federated Farmers. A freehold title and property rights are now meaningless under the Resource Management Act (see Simon Upton; National Party). Native pasture on private land is now effectively state owned and cannot be turned into productive pasture without council sign off.

JOIN JAMIE MACKAY EVERY WEEKDAY FROM 12 – 1PM for an informative and entertaining agri-business hour, with a generous side-serving of news, sport and politics.

THECOUNTRY.CO.NZ FIND YOUR LOCAL FREQUENCY AT THECOUNTRY.CO.NZ

A ditch made by a digger is now a waterway as they are soon “naturalised” and cannot be cleaned out. Boggy ground has become “valuable wetlands” unable to be used or grazed let alone drained. Strips along all rivers have been “laid off” which is another way of saying the Crown has simply taken this land without compensation. Native timber on private land is effectively nationalised. Private water rights, sometimes called miners’ rights, were appropriated by the National Party. Appropriated is another but more polite way of saying stolen. Tenure review of the South Island, under the Labour government and supported by Federated Farmers, forced intensification of land use, which too many in authority

and elsewhere simply did not understand. There might be some justification for some or all of the above but to do so without compensation as is required in any civil society is a form of abuse. Under MMP, a small rural political party could exist to influence policy. Independent MPs also could have a future away from the party system. The problem is that rural NZ is yet to have that debate and that is where Federated Farmers should play a vital role.

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

22 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

Our food needs to be CoOL man Alternative View

Alan Emerson

I REMAIN confused why New Zealand doesn’t have mandatory Country of Origin Labelling (CoOL) on food. The first responsibility of a government, any government, is the welfare of its citizens and CoOL does just that. It is also logical. We have a right to know where our food comes from. We should also have the option of being able to support our local producers. Without CoOL we can’t do that. The situation is somewhat ridiculous as that law dictates that I know where my clothing and footwear comes from but not my food. In addition, 70% of Kiwis want Country of Origin Labelling. Only 9%, an extremely small number, don’t. So, my question is to ask why we have had so much obfuscation from the Government on CoOL and for so long. I can remember when the normally up front Nikki Kaye was minister. She told us it wasn’t needed because we basically had a de facto CoOL. Sorry Ms Kaye, we don’t. It seems to me we have an entrenched bureaucracy lambasting politicians that CoOl

is a barrier to trade and affects our WTO obligations. They have never offered me a detailed explanation why that is but it seems to have become a mantra of the grey cardy brigade. Sadly, it seems, politicians haven’t been willing or able to stand up to those faceless leaders of the establishment and growers, supermarkets and consumers are suffering for it. Why they don’t ask the simple questions as to how CoOL is a barrier to trade and why it will affect any WTO obligations is beyond me. They could ask why labelling clothing and footwear isn’t a barrier to trade but labelling food is.

They could ask why labelling clothing and footwear isn’t a barrier to trade but labelling food is.

After all, the vast majority of our trading partners and certainly all of the significant players have mandatory food labelling. The arguments against just don’t stand up and it is an indictment on our politicians that they haven’t harshly questioned the bureaucracy’s position. For example, Canada started country of origin labelling back in 1990, followed by the United States in 2002. Australia and the European

Union have had labelling for some considerable time as have India, China Japan and Russia. A total of 47 countries have country of origin labelling and that includes all of our major trading partners. That New Zealand doesn’t label puts us in the company of Estonia, Guatemala and Latvia, which is ridiculous. I’m sure we’d like to think that we’re a little better than third world when it comes to food safety, but in this instance we’re not. It is important because in 2010 we imported $3 billion worth of food. A large portion of the pork sold here is imported, which is why I will buy it only from the Masterton butcher who sources it locally. In addition, we imported $31 million of fish, which I have a real issue with. If you’re in Australia fish is labelled as coming from Vietnam, Ghana, Nigeria and the like so you can make an informed choice. Here, we can’t. A simple question is to ask “Why can’t we?” We have some hope in the form of a private members bill from Green MP Steffan Browning, the Consumers Right to Know Country of Origin Food Bill. Why we needed a private members bill is beyond me but Browning is to be congratulated for pushing the cause. So where to from here? In the past we’ve had vitriolic opposition from the Food and Grocery Council and lately they’ve been quiet.

BE OPEN: Green MP Steffan Browning has introduced a bill for country of origin labelling because consumers have the right to know.

Their argument about increased costs has been largely dispelled by their membership. Federated Farmers have also opposed CoOL in the past but with their current board I would anticipate a more enlightened approach. The Greens will obviously support it. Labour has promoted CoOL for some years. That leaves National, NZ First, Act, the Maori Party and United Future. NZ First is supporting the Bill as is the Maori Party. To get over the line it needs one more vote, either from Act or United Future. I would hope a centrist like Peter Dunne would support it. My further hope is that National would bite the bullet, ignore the weeping and wailing from

the Food and Grocery Council and support the Bill to a select committee. With 70% of the nation supporting Country of Origin Labelling I would have thought they would be stupid not to, especially in an election year. In addition, it is the right thing to do – if that is important in any political debate. We deserve to know where our food comes from. It is to Browning’s credit that he has persevered to get the legislation thus far. Here’s sincerely hoping it goes the whole way.

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

Shooting the elephants with the Irish From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

“STEVE, have you heard the one about six Irishmen in a small minivan heading down to your place without notice and they will be there in a couple of hours?” asked the Beef + Lamb New Zealand man. Not some type of stereotypical joke but today’s little curveball. It was drizzling, not much else on the go so I told him how they could find me and I’d give them a good time. I must be the go-to man when someone else pulls out at short notice because this seems to happen once a year or so. Don’t get me wrong, it’s fun and has led to a couple of interesting opportunities.

A bunch of Aussies were impressed enough to invite me to Tasmania a few years ago to speak to their conference and a couple of years later, again sounding like some sort of pub joke, nine Mexicans spilled out of a van with barely any notice into the Hatuma mud and had so much fun during their day here that they asked me to their sheep breeding conference. I didn’t expect to hear back from them as the day was great fun but it was like herding cats as their modus operandi at each stop was to head off in nine different directions. So, I didn’t really give the offer much validity. However, only six weeks out from the conference Jose Hector, the group leader and only English speaker, rang and asked how much would I charge to do two presentations to their sheep breeding conference in central Mexico. I said “Are you kidding? Fly me there and give me a good time and I speak for nothing.” Which they did and it was great. It appears

the Americans were prepared to charge decent sums for their presentations. I still hold a big soft spot for Mexico and the Mexicans and welcome their overtures for our two nations to improve trade relationships now the Trans Pacific Partnership looks decidedly unlikely.

Fly me there and give me a good time and I speak for nothing.

I drink Corona at every opportunity to support their economy now that Trump is doing his upmost to wreck it. Anyway, the Irishmen arrived today. Not a group of farmers as I’d assumed, though two did have farms, but an assortment from organisations such as The Irish Food Board, Meat Industry Ireland and beef and lamb processors.

They are mostly here to connect with our meat processing sector. They had just two hours so I asked them would they like a discussion and a farm tour based on feed budgeting and all-grass pastoral management or perhaps sheep breeding using my Coopworth stud to show them how SIL and our performance recording works or my bull beef trading systems, environmental management or perhaps they had an interest in my forestry operation. “All of it, please” they said in that lovely southern Ireland brogue. I pointed out that given it was 4.30pm we would have to be efficient in our time management, which we were but I had to keep cracking the whip. I was keen to stress as they likely saw us as the unwelcome competitor with sheep meat that we should be seen as allies and partners and the real enemy for both of us were chicken and pork and also vegetarians and vegans. I think they agreed.

The four older fellows were highly amused by the plight of the two young chaps on the back of the ute as we were caught in a downpour. Back at the house over a beer one of them with an interest in guns heard I had a Holland and Holland elephant gun left to me by a grandfather who worked in the colonial service in Africa and asked to see it. He asked me what it shot and I was able to simply state ”Elephants of course” again to much amusement as he meant what size shot. As they left I did mention to feel free to get in touch if they wanted a cheap speaker at their next conference given I’ve never been but always wanted to see The Republic of Ireland. The seed has been sown.

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

Opinion

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

Cautious approach the best bet Meaty Matters

Allan Barber

OBECTIVE carcase measurement (OCM) appears to be the Holy Grail for Meat and Livestock Australia, judging by its plan to borrow A$150 million from the Australian government to fund the installation of dual energy x-ray 3D carcase grading technology (DEXA) in up to 90 slaughterhouses, intended to roll out this year. The loan would be repaid from industry levies though there are no firm details yet about how the costs would be shared. When MLA announced Project 150 in November 2016, the Beef and Sheep Councils of Australia were both in favour but the executive officer of the Australian Beef Association said the processors rather than the producers should pay for it.

Objective measurement and grading won’t necessarily produce any more money for the total product sold, unless there is also a quality improvement.

More recently, both the processor-funded Australian Meat Industry Council (AMIC) and levy-funded Meat Processor Corporation (AMPC) have come out against rushing into such an expensive project without proper analysis and a robust business case. There is also a difference of opinion about just how ready DEXA actually is. MLA claims it is ready to go but the processor groups say it is still being trialled and is far from operationally and commercially proven. The other debate is about whether the technology will

transform the whole supply chain, as claimed by MLA, which according to AMIC is “entirely disproportionate to the nature and dimension of the issues to be addressed”. Prime motivation for the MLA’s announcement seems to be the need to establish producer confidence in the independence of the carcase grading and pricing process as well as responding to the recommendation of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission’s report into the cattle and beef supply chain. One processor asked the pertinent questions whether the introduction of OCM technology was to satisfy the politicians and offer MLA’s levy-payers an expectation of higher farmgate returns. The fact is several Australian abattoirs are already well down the track towards introducing OCM but it is unclear whether the DEXA technology is the best answer. Universal adoption would presumably entail the loss of money already invested by some of the processors. Some New Zealand red meat farmers reading this will almost certainly be on the side of MLA, believing firmly they are underpaid for the carcases they supply, while others will probably be content to rely on the traditional grading system in use here. Some will already be sending their livestock to a processor offering yield grading on lambs or beef cattle. But one thing is certain: objective measurement and grading won’t necessarily produce any more money for the total product sold, unless there is also a quality improvement. There is a feeling Australian farmers believe OCM will automatically bring higher returns for the same product, which won’t be the case without an improvement in product quality. This, of course, is not a good reason for continuing to pay every supplier based on an average return regardless of quality if there is a better method, although in NZ the official Meat Board carcase-grading system has proved to be pretty reliable. NZ’s meat processors have made moves towards the introduction of payments for specific carcase attributes and a number of suppliers are already

IT AINT MAGIC: Using technology to grade carcases won’t earn farmers more unless their product improves.

rewarded on the basis of carcase quality and yield. For more than 20 years Anzco and Affco have been paying for prime beef according to pH levels, meat and fat colour for supply to the Japanese market while Silver Fern Farms evaluates similar attributes of beef quality for its reserve range. SFF has also trialled DEXA technology for lamb processing while introducing x-ray technology about seven years ago to run its robotic cutting programme and this has been developed further on its other lamb chains so suppliers can receive feedback on carcase conformation. The most systematic reward system for lambs is Alliance’s Viascan, which has been in operation for a number of years. Unlike DEXA this is 2D technology.

In the opinion of livestock manager Murray Behrent Viascan has proved itself to be consistently reliable at standard chain speeds. It will no doubt be superseded in time by a superior technology but the system produces individual data for every lamb processed through the Alliance plants. This data measures lamb carcase quality and yield and all shareholders can qualify for a premium above schedule based on how closely each lamb grades to the perfect lamb. Perfection carries a premium of $13.50 a carcase and while nobody has qualified for the hypothetical maximum, some farmers earn as much as $9 a lamb extra. Behrent says the big gain from Viascan for both Alliance and shareholder suppliers has been an improvement in carcase quality,

LETTERS

which naturally results in better returns. By using the information from Viascan farmers can achieve improved live weight to carcase weight ratios and lamb quality as well as making better genetic decisions. This in turn has led to better conversion of feed to live weight, enabling farmers to get their lambs off the farm sooner than before. In an environment of tight returns for sheep and beef, the more cautious NZ approach appears to offer suppliers better value than an expensive industry investment in an unproven technology.

Your View Allan Barber is a meat industry commentator: allan@barberstrategic. co.nz, http://allanbarber.wordpress. com

More letters P20

Organic guarantee is attracting more customers FOODSTUFFS’ organic products demand in the past 12 months has grown by 30%. This growth is amazing and shows consumers are turning toward the organic guarantee of good animal husbandry, freerange, pesticide-free, GE-free food production. This could be short lived if

the amendments to the Resource Management Act forbidding councils to put precautionary land use controls on GE in their regions. There will be a cost to every New Zealand farmer and company like Miraka and Fonterra, if genetically modified organisms are released without any controls and would severely impact on their shareholder

farmer livelihoods, seriously affecting agricultural exports. Australia’s GM-free canola premium has constantly attracted NZ$50-80 a tonne for the last two years. Australia grows about two million tonnes of canola every year. That is only one crop. If NZ embraced GE trees or GE grass it would collapse our forestry, milk

and meat markets costing billions in lost income. Once released there is no putting GE back in the bottle. Already indebted farmers are going to the wall. They cannot be faced with another disaster that they are unable to control, namely the release of GE. Farming is going through a downturn and it is the ability to

assure overseas markets that our food has a quality assurance that it is grass-fed, safe, GE-free food. The threat of GE anywhere in the system will cause our markets to reject NZ’s most valuable agricultural exports. Claire Bleakley GE Free NZ

World

24 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

British farmers want lamb deal with kiwis Colin Ley THE idea of Britain and New Zealand working together to promote a complementary fresh lamb offer, with seasonality being used to stimulate demand, was discussed during a recent meeting between English and Welsh farming leaders and delegates from the kiwi meat industry. A similar plea for closer cooperation between NZ and United Kingdom lamb producers, including on pricing levels, was also voiced to Farmers Weekly by north of England sheep sector leader, Richard Findlay. The proposed complementary lamb offer emerged during talks between English National Farmers Union president Meurig Raymond; NFU Cymru president Stephen James and NFU livestock board chairman Charles Sercombe on the UK side with Meat Industry Association chairman John Loughlin and High Commissioner Sir Lockwood Smith. With both sides expressing concerns over lamb sector profitability, let alone what might happen to values in the future,

there was general agreement that lamb was an undermarketed category for which new marketing initiatives, such as a complementary fresh lamb offer backed by both countries, were desperately needed.

I look at sheep farm incomes in NZ, for example, and they’re very low.

The NZ team also told the meeting, however, they were encouraged the UK government had said that, as a result of Brexit, no one trading partner would either be worse off or, conversely, gain from the UK’s departure from the European Union. Further encouragement for NZ hopes of a future free-trade deal with the UK were also strengthened when UK Farm Minister George Eustice told a Brexit meeting for farmers in Yorkshire not to be afraid of such a prospect.

“I think sometimes farmers are in danger of talking themselves down and being fearful about not being able to compete,” he told the meeting in Skipton, adding that after 40 years of EU membership it would be a mistake not to now take the opportunity to do things differently. Findlay, who farmed 900 ewes at Quarry Farm, 32km from Whitby and was the NFU’s regional livestock board chairman, agreed up to a point. “We’re already only getting about half the level of subsidy support which is given to farmers in central France,” he said, adding the UK government had effectively been weaning British farmers off subsidies for several years. “The choice now for government is to continue with some form of support for farmers, allow the price of lamb to increase so we can get more from the marketplace or accept increased levels of imports. “In the face of these three quite stark choices, however, I think UK farmers are still pretty optimistic about what might be possible once we’re out of the EU.

HARDEN UP: British farmers want Kiwi exporters to hold their nerve and charge more for lamb sent to Britain so everyone benefits, farmer Richard Findlay says.

“There are opportunities for us all, including in relation to a free-trade agreement with NZ, although there are concerns in that as well. “I look at sheep farm incomes in NZ, for example, and they’re very low. We think our returns are low but your incomes are lower. “There’s a feeling among farmers here, in fact, if that NZ exporters could hold their nerve a bit and charge more for what’s being sent into the UK, we would all be better off. “I’m not sure, of course, we would be able to fix a trade deal

where we all benefitted in that way as we’d probably be told such action would be viewed as a cartel. That’s what is needed, though, if it can be delivered within the rules. “In addition, if we could negotiate to have no lamb coming in from NZ during our peak season, with imports being targeted more into our out-ofseason period; that would be good. “There are definitely opportunities available if we could work together, without harming each other’s industries,” Findlay said.

farmersweekly.co.nz

2342-20X8

Head over to farmersweekly.co.nz and take a look for yourself.

FINDING YOUR PERFECT RURAL PROPERTY MADE POSSIBLE

WITH BAYLEYS COUNTRY MAGAZINE The Autumn 2017 edition is out now, featuring a selection of the best farm, horticulture and lifestyle properties for sale in New Zealand. In this edition we take a look at the exciting opportunities starting to emerge in the alternative dairy scene, with developments afoot in both sheep and goat milking. We also celebrate shearing’s contribution to rural New Zealand with its colourful, inventive and competitive history. Plus, 10 things to consider before heading down the B & B path… Your rural property search starts here…

Call 0800 BAYLEYS to request your free copy or view online. www.bayleys.co.nz/country Licensed under the REA Act 2008

RURAL REAL ESTATE BRAND SHEAR HARD WORK

New Zealand was founded off the sheep’s back, and shearing is a quintessential strand in our nation’s story.

MORE MILK, LESS COW

Alternative sources of milk from sheep and goats offer up another land use option.

95 FEATURING

FARM, HORTICULTURE AND LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES FOR SALE ISSUE 1 – 2017

A WORLD OF POSSIBILITIES

Country magazine OUT NOW View online at www.bayleys.co.nz/country

WAITAHOATA STATION; CONTOUR, SCALE AND LOCATION

418 Te Hau Road, Whatatutu

Superbly located in the winter warm farming community of Whatatutu, a comfortable 50km north of Gisborne, Waitahoata has a great balance of contour and scale rarely found. The farm comprises approximately 100ha of fertile river flats, steadily improved and flood proofed ensuring prime and productive land which capacitates current finishing of all progeny and circa 350 bulls to a high-quality. The remainder of the 1,199ha station is healthy hill country of mostly medium contour. Set up to achieve strong performance and ease of management, the farm benefits from a robust reticulated water system consisting of over 100 troughs drawn from a deep bore beside the picturesque Waipaoa river as well as some springs. Access throughout the farm is gained from an excellent all-weather road, as well as a comprehensive tracking system. Improvements include a substantial five bedroom homestead set in established grounds, supported by two additional three bedroom farm houses. The 5-stand Woolaway woolshed includes large covered yards, and multiple sets of satellite sheep and cattle yards are situated across the farm.

Tenders Close 4pm,

Farms like this seldom come to the market - act now.

Fri 28 Apr 2017 (unless sold prior) 10 Reads Quay, Gisborne

View by appointment

www.bayleys.co.nz/2750365

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.

KUPENGA; PREMIUM FARMING, THRIVING COMMUNITY

2943 Pehiri Road, Tahunga

A rare and attractive opportunity to purchase a high quality, well run breeding and finishing farm rich in recreational pleasures and versatile contour. 60km west of Gisborne in the historically summer safe farming district and thriving rural community of Tahunga, Kupenga Station is 837ha of highly versatile breeding and finishing country with an abundance of flat and easy contour. Over 6km of river frontage and wintering 8,000 quality stock units, Kupenga comprises mainly warm, sheltered hill country rising from 240m along 50ha of fertile river flats to 420m. Considerable investment has resulted in largely sound infrastructure and delivered strong performances with lambing percentages consistently over 140%. Much of the flat to easy hill country has been cropped and developed into superior grass species allowing livestock to flourish. A full range of improvements including a beautifully built and maintained five bedroom homestead set in established grounds of native and English trees, a three bedroom cottage, restored shearers quarters, and a 5stand woolshed with extensive covered yards, plus multiple sets of satellite sheep and cattle yards.

Auction (unless sold prior) 1pm, Fri 28 Apr 2017 10 Reads Quay, Gisborne

View by appointment

www.bayleys.co.nz/2750366

James Macpherson

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

Kupenga is an outstanding opportunity to secure a very rare, large scale, productive breeding and finishing farm.

www.bayleys.co.nz

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

All companies within this composite are Members of Bayleys Realty Group

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

Country magazine OUT NOW View online at www.bayleys.co.nz/country

LOW-COST WATER, HEALTHY SOILS

Dunsandel, Central Canterbury

245 Coaltrack Road

Deadline Sale 4pm,

Excellent well water of 99 litres per-second forms the basis of this cost-effective 136ha dairy farm, and coupled with good soils sees the property well-positioned for the future. Our Vendors have focused on the health of the soil to set the base for long-term productivity and profitability and the new owners will reap the benefits. The dairy platform is approximately 125ha effective, currently milking 300 cows with the ability to do more. Production has been up to 182,000kgMS from 400 cows. Cow numbers have been reduced over the last two years due to heifers being wintered on. This season all will be wintered off. 230 calves are reared, normally staying on until April. A 30ASHB dairy with cup-removers, an ADF teat spray system and in-shed meal-feeders provides ease of operation. Irrigation is via one centre pivot covering 22ha, one lateral over 30ha and two rotorainers over 55ha, the balance by sprinklers. A real feature is the large, sun-drenched modern family home which is tastefully designed and decorated. Additional housing consists of a three-bedroom brick home, recently painted throughout and two small self-contained units. In two titles, with an option to purchase separately.

Fri 28 Apr 2017 (unless sold prior)

SCALE, SCOPE, OPPORTUNITY

View by appointment www.bayleys.co.nz/554374

Ben Turner

Mick Sidey

M 027 530 1400 B 03 375 4700 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz

M 027 229 8888 B 03 375 4700 mick.sidey@bayleys.co.nz

WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

Albury, South Canterbury

761 Mt Nessing Road

Deadline Sale 1pm,

Aorangi Downs is a 527 hectare cropping, grazing and finishing property with a four stand raised board woolshed and covered yards, an exceptional set of cattle yards complimented with a Te Pari cattle handler and scales. Three 250 tonne silo’s to handle the 200 hectare cropping operation, there is also a 30 x 12m implement shed/workshop with three phase power. Stock water is supplied via the Albury water scheme (32,400 litres per day) to troughs in all paddocks. Multiple contractors using the consented rotten rock quarry give an additional income. The 300m² brick homestead built in 1997 with spectacular views over the Fairlie Basin to Fox’s Peak and beyond has four bedrooms, three bathrooms, two living areas, office and large mudroom. The house has under floor heating, large Metro wood burner and a heat transfer system. With the duck season approaching the exceptional duck pond creates lots of opportunity for some play time. These vendors are excited about moving on to their next venture. This property is a must see.

Thurs 4 May 2017

View by appointment www.bayleys.co.nz/554321

Noel May

Kurt Snook

M 021 457 643 B 03 687 1227 noel.may@bayleys.co.nz

M 027 256 0449 B 03 687 1227 kurt.snook@bayleys.co.nz

WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

All companies within this composite are Members of Bayleys Realty Group

www.bayleys.co.nz

Country magazine OUT NOW View online at www.bayleys.co.nz/country

PRIME LOCATION - HUGE POTENTIAL Invest the time to consider the opportunities this property has to offer. Comprising 319ha - 780 acres in nine titles and currently run as part of a long time family beef breeding and finishing unit. Very privately located central between Whangarei City and Marsden Point. Featuring extensive frontage to Whangarei Harbour with wide ranging northerly views over the harbour extending from the City to Whangarei Heads and across to Marsden Point. Plus it has multiple

Cotton Road, Ruakaka, Whangarei

SO MANY TITLES, SO MANY OPTIONS

Tenders Close 2pm,

Comprising 84.4ha in nine separate titles, each with its own road

Thurs 27 Apr 2017 (unless sold prior) 84 Walton Street, Whangarei

View by appointment

www.bayleys.co.nz/1050075

Lin Norris M 021 959 166

access points including direct access to the rapidly growing One Tree B 0800 80 20 40 lin.norris@bayleys.co.nz Point area. Waterfront properties of this size and location are an increasingly rare commodity. Cotton Road represents a gilt-edged opportunity for the prudent investor. There’s significant potential for future development - concept plans are available.

Alex Smits M 021 273 6975 alex.smits@bayleys.co.nz MACKYS REAL ESTATE LIMITED, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

access, this property will appeal to a variety of astute investors. 50ha in irrigated market gardening, with the balance flat to rolling grazing land. Situated 70kms to Auckland, and 77kms to Hamilton. Lot 1 - 2.19ha, two storey home, sleepout, 842m² shedding Lot 2 - 15.42ha, undulating grazing land Lot 3 - 16.42ha, irrigated cropping land

Clark and Denize Road, Pukekawa

Tenders Close 2pm, Tues 11 Apr 2017 (unless sold prior) 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton

View Wed 5 Apr 11-12pm www.bayleys.co.nz/812591

Peter Kelly

Lot 5 - 12.52ha, irrigated cropping land

M 027 432 4278 B 07 834 9575 peter.kelly@bayleys.co.nz

Lot 6 - 8.01ha, grazing and covenanted native bush

Karl Davis

Lot 4 - 11.50ha, irrigated cropping with 884m² bulk shedding

Lot 7 - 8.89ha, irrigated croping land Lot 8 - 6.47ha, irrigated cropping and grazing land Lot 9 - 2.97ha, lifestyle and grazing

M 0508 83 83 83 B 027 496 4633 karl.davis@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

Options available to purchase one to all nine titles.

LARGER LIFESTYLE OR GRAZING

Waerenga

DAIRY - 14 TITLES

77 Cozen Road

Auction 11am,

This 60ha dairy farm is naturally flat and fertile, and comprising of

Desirable location, versatile sized property, strong family community - Thurs 4 May 2017 what more could you ask for? This 19ha land holding is of flat to rolling contour and is perfect for your grazing, cropping or larger lifestyle requirements. Water is currently supplied from the

(unless sold prior) 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton

View Tues 11 & 18 Apr

14 separate titles, future options here are limitless. The 24 aside dairy produced 52,101kg/MS last season milking 144 cows - that’s only 6 rows and you’re done milking! The main home is surrounded by established gardens, consists of three bedrooms and has been

1460 State Highway 25, Pipiroa

Tenders Close 2pm, Wed 26 Apr 2017 (unless sold prior) 96 Ulster Street, Hamilton

View Tues 4, 11 & 18 Apr 1-2pm

neighbouring bore and will be available for two years following

11am-12pm www.bayleys.co.nz/812701

settlement date. Mature plantings offer a lovely lifestyle aesthetic,

Karl Davis

while a disused cowshed and four bay utility shed support the block.

M 027 496 4633 B 0508 83 83 83

everyday needs including two vets, well regarded schooling and a

M 027 496 4633 B 0508 83 83 83 karl.davis@bayleys.co.nz

Lee Carter

health centre. The location also offers easy access to Auckland

Lee Carter

Situated only 17.6km to the expanding rural centre of Te Kauwhata plus within easy access to main arterial routes, it is a quick 60.5km commute to Hamilton with Auckland 92km away. Multiple potential building platforms are available or lease the land back to the Vendor.

M 027 696 5781 SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

renovated throughout. Nearby is a self-contained sleep out and a three bay garage. Farm Source stores are located in Kopu and Ngatea both 9km from the property, Ngatea also offers a host of

Airport located 87km and Hamilton 90km away. Take advantage of this 14 title property!

www.bayleys.co.nz/812713

Karl Davis

M 027 696 5781 B 0508 83 83 83 lee.carter@bayleys.co.nz SUCCESS REALTY LTD, BAYLEYS. LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

www.bayleys.co.nz

All companies within this composite are Members of Bayleys Realty Group

Country magazine OUT NOW View online at www.bayleys.co.nz/country

35HA GRAZING ON TE PUKES DOORSTEP

Te Puke Highway, Te Puke

TE KATEA (206.46HA)

Central Hawke’s Bay

For sale by Tender, this 35 hectares grazing block, currently used as

Tender 4pm,

474 Aorangi Road, Takapau

Thurs 13 Apr 2017 (unless sold by private treaty) 247 Cameron Road, Tauranga

Set on a mix of flat to easy hill country this property offers a range of

For Sale Offers invited by

a dairy support block, is a rare opportunity in this location to acquire land of significance. The property has been well farmed for decades and in more recent years good management continued in the form of neighbour lease, with industry recognised farming husbandry the order of the day. The property has a mix of contours including flat, undulating and an area of hill. Some would argue there are areas of possible horticultural development, but the consensus would be for dairy support to continue. With small beef blocks seldom available,

View Fri 11am-12pm

www.bayleys.co.nz/2300044

finishing operation. The farm has extensive shelter belts and a 12ha area of pines. Two excellent water systems with reticulation around

Snow Williams

all of the farm, metal pit on the property and a good array of farm

M 027 275 5500 B 07 571 4662 snow.williams@bayleys.co.nz

buildings including a woolshed, deer shed, implement shed and two

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

this would be an option also.

farming options and has currently been run as a deer unit and beef

hay barns. The four bedroom character homestead built in the early 1900s sits amongst an array of trees and plantings with swimming pool and tennis court creating a real aesthetic appeal. Te Katea is

4pm, Thurs 20 Apr 2017 (unless sold prior)

View by appointment

www.bayleys.co.nz/2870100

Andy Hunter M 027 449 5827 B 06 858 5500 andy.hunter@bayleys.co.nz

Sam Twigg

94km from Napier Airport.

M 027 655 4702 B 06 858 5500 sam.twigg@bayleys.co.nz

Te Katea is a golden opportunity.

COAST TO COAST LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

397 Tutaenui Road, Marton

BREEDING, FEEDING AND SUCCEEDING

Domett, North Canterbury

Auction 2pm,

1192 Domett Road

Deadline Sale 4pm,

Wed 12 Apr 2017 (unless sold prior) 49 Manchester Street, Feilding

An excellent 363ha sheep and beef breeding and fattening unit with

Wed 12 Apr 2017 (unless sold prior)

FI NA L

NO TIC E

situated 9.3km from Takapau township, 23km from Waipukurau and

’RAHIRI’ FERTILE BOUTIQUE FARM The sale of RAHIRI represents an opportunity to purchase a 21.1 hectare (more or less) smaller farm with exceptional soils, in a part of the Marton area, in the Rangitikei district renowned for high yielding cash cropping. The land will suit many forms of agricultural or horticultural production. The property is 5km from Marton and 42km from Wanganui, Palmerston North 49km away. The farm has a one stand wool-shed and sheep and cattle yards. With established shelter belts, around 30 years old, of pine and blackwood, providing shelter for livestock and a respite from the prevailing winds. To complement the land is a 250m² (more or less) four bedroom homestead in established grounds with wonderful

View by appointment

www.bayleys.co.nz/3100059

good flats, downs and hill, quality soils and plenty of workable land, running a mix of breeding ewes and dairy heifers. Features include a large area of clean, open, well-subdivided, easy land at the top of the

Andrew Bonnor

farm, County Scheme water to numerous tanks and outstanding

M 027 941 7630 B 06 323 0333 A/h 06 323 0563 andrew.bonnor@bayleys.co.nz

shelter. A very good maintenance programme and recent

COAST TO COAST LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

development including considerable fencing, matagouri spraying, topdressing and oversowing, with lime on the hill producing excellent cover, even in mid-summer. This, and the ability to grow more crops on the flats, provides upside. Excellent three-stand raised-board

specimen trees and many cottage garden surprises.

woolshed with covered yards, cattle yards, good sheds and a large,

The vendors have instructed us to auction their property.

four-bedroom home support the property. In a region well-regarded

View by appointment www.bayleys.co.nz/554074

Ben Turner M 027 530 1400 B 03 375 4700 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz

Mike Adamson M 027 221 1909 mike.adamson@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

for stock health and performance, their stock look magnificent.

All companies within this composite are Members of Bayleys Realty Group

www.bayleys.co.nz

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

SPECTACULAR RUN COUNTRY

’LOCHAIRE’ - 216 HECTARES

Oxford

3733 Lees Valley Road

Deadline Sale

High country run of approximately 3,680ha (subject to survey) in the

Thurs 20 Apr 2017 (unless sold prior)

heart of Canterbury. Okuku River on one boundary, easy tracks to mix of contour and aspect. Approximately 350ha cultivatable flats, large areas of tussock and Manuka country and an extensive area of bush. Winter stocking is estimated by vendor at 2,500 breeding ewes and 550 breeding cows. Additional grazing may be available. Sheep yards, hayshed but no dwelling. Nearby power gives options to build a new home and supporting infrastructure. Within an easy drive of Christchurch with options for hunting, tramping, apiary, further develop the operating farm business or preserve and enhance this

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – April 3, 2017

1pm,

View by appointment www.bayleys.co.nz/554089

Dean Pugh M 027 335 6303 B 03 375 4728 dean.pugh@bayleys.co.nz

Mark Clyne M 027 531 2964 mark.clyne@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

fantastic slice of New Zealand.

Killinchy, Central Canterbury

737 Leeston Dunsandel Road

Deadline Sale

Situated in a well-regarded farming area, this 216ha farm provides

Fri 28 Apr 2017 (unless sold prior)

the key elements looked-for in the region - quality soils, good water, a high standard of infrastructure, two good yards, an excellent shape, two good homes and in four titles it provides purchasing options. Fully irrigated via one lateral irrigator and three guns from three wells, the property is currently operating as an intensive breeding and finishing farm. It has been farmed to a high standard over the generations, which is reflected in its presentation. A strong fertiliser history, a nutrient baseline of 33, and surrounded by land used for vegetable production, arable crops, fattening, dairy and

4pm,

View by appointment www.bayleys.co.nz/554217

Ben Turner M 027 530 1400 B 03 375 4700 ben.turner@bayleys.co.nz

Evan Marshall M 027 221 0910 evan.marshall@bayleys.co.nz WHALAN AND PARTNERS LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

dairy support, ’Lochaire’ provides options. Only 7km from Dunsandel and Leeston, the Community Hall, tennis courts and swimming pool are only 800m away. A property with scale, quality and versatility.

www.bayleys.co.nz

All companies within this composite are Members of Bayleys Realty Group

FINAL NOTICE

DAIRY, GOATS, FLOWERS, CHEESE MAKING

Brunswick, Wanganui

167 Campbell Road

Auction

This property is currently: milking 45 goats and 60 cows in a

Thurs 27 Apr 2017 Collegiate Quality Inn, 122 Liverpool Street, Wanganui

composite shed, growing hydroponic and traditional flowers in several tunnel houses, plus cheese processing in a modern facility. Over 30% of the contour is flat, consisting of some of the regions most sought after soil types from the Westmere series. The homestead is a very comfortable bungalow, displaying typical rural ambiance with a large kitchen/family room. All farm facilities are operational and capable of catering for the requirements of the current stocking ratios and management practices.

www.bayleys.co.nz

2pm,

View by Appointment

www.bayleys.co.nz/3000335

Knud Bukholt M 027 222 6161 B 06 348 0573 knud.bukholt@bayleys.co.nz COAST TO COAST LTD, BAYLEYS, LICENSED UNDER THE REA ACT 2008.

DAIRY FARM - TIME TO GO

A great opportunity exists here to invest in the dairy industry. This 92ha (STS) dairy unit with 26ASHB is located east of Te Awamutu in the beautiful Pukeatua district. Nestled on the foothills of Maungatautari mountain the rolling contour of this tidy well presented property beckons for a new owner to now take the helm. Our current vendors have cared for this beautiful property since 1987 and it has produced well. With a good fertiliser history, waterways all compliant and internal races in good order this farm says ‘take me higher.’ Our vendors are serious so you need to plan to be at the Open Day!

Tender Tender closes 4pm, Thursday, 13 April 2017 at Ray White Te Awamutu office, 223 Alexandra St, Te Awamutu. (highest or any tender not necessarily accepted) Price will be plus GST (if any) MAY NOT BE SOLD PRIOR View Tuesday’s April 4, 11 OPEN DAYS 11am - 1pm Website & ID number: rwteawamutu.co.nz/TEA22544 Contact Neville Kemp 027 271 9801 Office 07 871 9801 neville.kemp@raywhite.com

LK0086258

2045 Arapuni Rd, Te Awamutu, Waikato

Rosetown Realty Ltd (Licensed REAA2008)

LIS TI N G N EW

LOCATION, SCALE & CHARM - THE SWEET SPOT "Bushgrove" 72 Adams Peak Road, Tinui, Masterton

1,087 hectares Tender www.nzr.nz ref: W024

Located in a sheltered valley just 20 minutes drive east of Masterton sits this economically sized sheep & beef unit. Bushgrove & Glentarn have been owned separately by the vendors families for four generations since 1884 but farmed as one for many years and together carry 7,140 su (5 yr av). There are around 845ha effective with the majority being medium hill accentuated by a small area of productive flats and a very attractive 58ha block of QE2. There are 74ha of developed forestry with 31ha being held under forestry right (can be purchased with the farm) The balance of the property being 110ha of bush & bee hungry manuka scrub gullies. A real feature of the property are the lanes, tracking & access. An attractive character homestead and supporting shearers quarters, four stand wool shed with covered yards and other support buildings all being very tidy. With this scale a stock manager can take the pressure off an owner and a partner can work in town, kids are easily schooled in quality local & Masterton primary & secondary options and the sports fields and cafes arenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t far away! Tenders for separate units will be considered (conditional on both being sold). A detailed property report is available- please contact Blair for a copy. Farm Open Days; Tues 4th & 11th April between 10am-2pm - bring own transport & helmets - call to register please.

CREEK GRANGE 839 Ruatiti Road, Raetihi If you are looking for a hill country farm with great location, the potential to develop and take it to the next level, or even combine and nurture the existing manuka as a beekeeping block, plus the recreational hunting with the wildlife that this farm host, this must be worth considering! 343-hectares will be offered with various purchasing options. Infrastructure includes a 5-stand woolshed with sheep and cattle yards adjoining, half round implement shed and a Lockwood 3-bedroom home, situated on an elevated site with views overlooking the Orautoha stream and surrounding countryside.

Tender (unless sold prior) www.nzr.nz/nzrr223 Tender closes 4pm, 4 May 2017 1 Goldfinch Street, Ohakune Jamie Proude AREINZ 06 385 4466 | 027 448 5162 jamie@nzr.nz NZR Central Ltd | Licensed REAA 2008

Tender, Closes 4pm Thur 11 May 17 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

PUTAKI Mahoe Road, Waitomo Putaki presents the opportunity to secure a large-scale Sheep and Beef operation on easy to steep hill country in an area that is historically regarded for its consistent summer rainfall and favourable soils renowned for quality livestock production. A total of 1274 ha. Currently used as a sheep and cattle breeding station with lambs sold as forward stores or killed and weaners sold in the Autumn. Infrastructure includes a 1993 tidy 4bedroom home with massive views over the farm, 5-stand woolshed (1400NP) with covered yards, covered cattle yards x2 and x4 sets of satellite sheep yards.

1274 hectares Deadline Private Treaty www.nzr.nz/nzrr208 Deadline Private Treaty Offers Close 4pm, Thu 20 April 2017 (if not sold prior) Jamie Proude AREINZ 06 385 4789 | 027 448 5162 jamie@nzr.nz NZR Central Ltd | Licensed REAA 2008

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – April 3, 2017

SOUTHERN WIDE REAL ESTATE

285 BARFORD ROAD, MAYFIELD

NEW LISTING DEADLINE TREATY

• 300ha of flat quality land, predominantly Pivot with some Gun irrigation • Current land use is dairy support plus beef and lamb finishing. Current lamb weight gains average 300g per day • Irrigation water from the very reliable BCI irrigation scheme DEADLINE TREATY CLOSING 12 NOON, 4TH MAY 2017

• • • •

Property is ideally suited as dairy conversion, dairy support, finishing or equally suitable for cropping Major recent development include irrigation, fencing, laneways, regrassing all to very high quality Two homes plus numerous farm building Seldom do properties of this quality in this location come available

Web Ref SWDR1214

RAY KEAN M: 0274 357 478 E: ray.kean@southernwide.co.nz

PAUL BROWN M: 0274 326 864 E: paul.brown@southernwide.co.nz

RALPH SHAND M: 021 335 466 E: ralph.shand@southernwide.co.nz

Unit 7B, 303 Blenheim Road Riccarton, Christchurch p 03 348 1040

THE ADDRESS FOR RURAL REAL ESTATE Stay up-to-date with the real estate market with

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

LK0086844

EXCEPTIONAL MID-CANTERBURY PROPERTY

due diligence noun LAW

• a comprehensive appraisal of a business undertaken by a prospective buyer, especially to establish its assets and liabilities and evaluate its commercial potential.

* Regulatory Risk

* Allocation

* FEMP’s

* Nutrient Advice

LK0086742©

Contact Rural Directions Senior Land Management Advisors www.ruraldirections.co.nz/rdadvisory advisory@ruraldirections.co.nz 06 871 0450

ADVISORY SERVICES

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – April 3, 2017

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

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

ALBURY PARK

Twin Rivers

OPEN TO VIEW

TENDER

WEB ID TMR54793 DEADLINE SALE ALBURY 627 Richardsons Road VIEW Wednesday 5 Apr 1.00 - 3.00pm DEADLINE SALE closes Monday 15th May, 2017 at 4.00pm, Looking for an iconic farm? Albury Park would be arguably one of the best in the district. With a very high (unless sold prior) standard of improvements, good location, and all you need in a farm with this amount of scale. The current owners have invested over the years to ensure that this 4 property will be remembered for years to come. With approximately 45 hectares planted in commercial woodlots and providing shelter throughout the farm 1 Michael Richardson and the investment in the high standard of fencing, Mobile 027 228 7027 pasture, fertiliser and buildings. Office 03 687 7145 2 This property is a real credit to the family. michael@propertybrokers.co.nz

WEB ID FR54739 HALCOMBE 306 Awawa Road "Size does matter". At 659.41 hectares (1629 acres) Twin Rivers is one of the largest land holdings of its type in the Manawatu District. Currently operating a breeding finishing programme, features include approximately 215 hectares of flats, 213 hectares of rolling contour, all of which has been cultivated. Excellent metalled race, reticulated water, fertilizer history, 2 houses and full range of on farm infrastructure. View by appointment.

TENDER TENDER closes Wednesday 26th April, 2017 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior), Property Brokers Ltd 54 Kimbolton Road Feilding

Stuart Sutherland

Mobile 027 452 1155 Office 06 323 5544 Home 06 323 7193 stuarts@propertybrokers.co.nz

7 2

Blair Cottrill

Mobile 027 354 5419 Office 06 323 1538 blair@propertybrokers.co.nz

www.propertybrokers.co.nz Well located drystock FOR SALE KOKONUI FOREST AND LAND

Waipu - Northland

ADJOINING LAND

FORESTRY BLOCK

*Indicative boundary only

PRODUCTION FOREST + GRAZING LAND OPEN DAYS

+ 101ha Titled Forest area planted with 84.9ha of 95’ and 97’ Pinus Radiata

ID TER54784

+ All thinned and mostly pruned with inventory data available + 30.74ha of adjoining grazing land on a separate title that can be purchased separately or jointly

FOR SALE BY TENDER Friday 21st April 2017 at 4:00pm

+ Only 20km to Northport at Marsden Point

WARWICK SEARLE 021 362 778

TE KUITI 749 Barber Road 578.5ha 21km east of Otorohanga. 433ha effective, 9ha in 27yr pines, balance in native bush. Good mix of contour from river flats to easy rolling hill running to steeper hills in parts. Approx 1/3 of the farm has troughed water, the balance being natural. All weather central race and good fertiliser history. Excellent 4 bedroom home, double glazed. Currently wintering 1500 ewes, 750 other, 490 cattle and 100 R2s for 6 weeks. Anyone looking for a large, well located property in a sought after farming district should view this property. Please bring your own ATV to open days.

TENDER TENDER closes Wednesday 26th April, 2017 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior) 131 Rora Street Te Kuiti Plus GST if any Hugh Williams Mobile 021 878 782 Office 07 878 8266 hugh@propertybrokers.co.nz Peter Wylie Mobile 027 473 5855 Office 07 878 0265 pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

VIEW Tuesday 4th, April 11.00am - 1.00pm Tuesday 11th, April 11.00am - 1.00pm Tuesday 18th, April 11.00am - 1.00pm

www.propertyconnector.co.nz CBRE (Agency) Limited, Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)

Property Brokers Ltd, PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited Licensed under the REAA 2008

RURAL rural@propertybrokers.co.nz 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Productive small farm with location

Haunui - 743 ha

TENDER WEB ID PR54132 TIRAUMEA 421 Haunui Road Haunui is a 6000su breeding/finishing property located in the summer-safe Tiraumea district. Sub-divided into 50 plus paddocks & well accessed by strategic laneways, Haunui features a walk-in opportunity for its new purchasers. Infrastruture consists of a 5 stand woolshed (1000np) 2 cattle yards & 4 sets of well located satellite sheep yards. The property is well accommodated with two 3 bedroom recently modernised homes. Haunui has had consistent investment in fertiliser, fencing & infrastructure making an ideal mid-scale property with the bonus of ample natural water & a manuka stand.

TENDER View By Appointment TENDER closes Thursday 20th April, 2017 at 2.00pm, Property Brokers 129 Main Street Pahiatua

Jared Brock

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

Phil Wilson

Mobile 021 518 660 Office 06 376 5478 Home 06 376 7238 philw@propertybrokers.co.nz

WEB ID DR54265 DEADLINE SALE DANNEVIRKE 180 Waitahora Road View By Appointment A very versatile 174 hectare bareland block which could DEADLINE SALE closes Friday 28th April, 2017 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior) be used for a first farm or as support for your existing farming unit. Approximately 7 km to the town boundary, located in the traditionally fertile, productive area of Waitahora. This bare block farm comes complete with a three stand woolshed and separate sheep and cattle yards. Predominantly solid traditional fencing with some electric support, this farm is well subdivided with the bonus of having several sheltered valleys for Jim Crispin lambing. With an annual rainfall fall of approximately Mobile 027 717 8862 1200 mm, this property is a mix of rolling hills. Office 06 374 8102 Home 06 374 6768 jimc@propertybrokers.co.nz

GRANDVIEW

WEB ID TMR54907

WAIMATE 1590 Pikes Point Road • 235.1223 hectares • 175 hectares K-line Irrigation • Central all weather lane • Comfortable 4 bedroom home • Low cost MGI irrigation The name says it all "Grandview" and indeed it is. 175 ha under irrigation with the balance dry land, currently run as part of a dairy platform and milking up to 700 cows. All in productive pasture with very good soil fertility. Only needing a dairy shed to complete this farm.

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

DEADLINE SALE

VIEW By Appointment DEADLINE SALE closes Thursday 4th May, 2017 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior)

Michael Richardson

Mobile 027 228 7027 Office 03 687 7145 michael@propertybrokers.co.nz

4 1

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; April 3, 2017

For Sale NEW LISTING

Boundary indicative only

King Country | Mapiu

Price

252 Hectares

$2,300,000 plus GST (if any)

Breeding And Finishing - Genuine Potential Here. Medium and some steeper hill country, 252 hectares (two titles) in an excellent location. Mairoa Ash soils with some papa faces. Three bedroom home with additional single quarters. Modern woolshed, covered yards, utility buildings and good cattle yards. Spring water, gravity fed, along with natural water. 2,500-2,700 stock units based on average efficient. Ideally suited to a family or expanding neighbour, a place to make your mark, using your stockmanship skills on some larger paddocks and grow and finish very good stock. At or around $885 per stock unit, your challenge is to buy better with as much upside. | Property ID TK1025

Inspection By appointment

Contact Kevin Wrenn 021 136 6843 Les Old 027 248 2667

Northland | Tangowahine 186 Hectares An All Round Performer. Diversity gives a competitive edge to this beef and dairy farm located just off SH14, near Dargaville. Fertile peaty clay loam flats form a small dairy platform that is productive, profitable and easy to run. Two gentle west-facing basins provide sheltered grazing for beef cattle plus all the dairy drystock. Two good homes provide for the family and the location lends itself to enjoying offfarm interests in Dargaville or Whangarei. A small pine forest and some native bush provide another interesting angle. Does this tick all your boxes? Give me a call now for more information. | Property ID DG1023

Deadline Sale Closing 2pm, Thursday 20 April 2017

Inspection By appointment

Contact Nicky Reid 0800 100 027

Licensed under REAA 2008

Houhora Far North Road For Sale For full set of sale documents call Gerard Ponsonby 027 454 4808 or email gponsonby.kaitaia@ljh.co.nz View By Appointment kaitaia.ljhooker.co.nz/DZWGEE/Houhora

700ha Forest 14-19 year old pines. Fully managed and currently under lease until 2027. Excellent infrastructure. Close to 90 Mile Beach. The 863ha freehold title is for sale with 700ha planted in pine trees. There are 43,991 carbon credits to go with the sale.

Gerard Ponsonby 027 454 4808 LJ Hooker - Kaitaia 09 408 1241 Far North Real Estate (2010) Ltd Licensed REAA 2008. All information contained herein is gathered from sources we consider to be reliable. However, we cannot guarantee or give any warranty about the information provided. Interested parties must solely rely on their own enquiries.

LK0086732ÂŠ

Set date of sale is 28 April 2017.

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

NEW LISTING

TENDER

Breeding And Finishing

Hawke’s Bay

• ‘ Brookfields’ 240.91 hectares (595 acres) in the Te Pohue District • Subdivided into 16 main paddocks plus lanes and holding paddocks • Water reticulated from a spring source supplemented by dams • Four stand woolshed, sheep and cattle yards, hay barn and shearers quarters • Appealing two-storied, three bedroom home, single garage, plus ample shedding • A good balanced property in a historically summer safe area, 44km from the Napier Airport

PRICE BY NEGOTIATION

www.pggwre.co.nz ID: HAS25701

Licenced under REAA 2008

Plus GST (if any)

Doug Smith B 06 878 3156 M 027 494 1839 Paul Harper B 06 878 3156 M 027 494 4854

Farm Lease 429 Hectares Buying Leasehold interest and improvements on property. 429ha (370ha effective) summer safe easy medium contour with large areas of cultivatable country. Term - 36 years of unexpired portion of Lease left over. Erewhon water scheme. Sheep and cattle yards with loadout complement the property. Prospective Lessess must preregister for viewing and information pack.

Taihape TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless sold prior) Closes 4.00pm, Wednesday, 18 April PGG Wrightson Real Estate Ltd, 18 Manchester Street, Feilding Viewing by Appointment

www.pggwre.co.nz ID: FDG

Wayne Brooks B 06 323 0709 M 027 431 6306

NEW LISTING

A Golden Opportunity

Waiau

Borne Lea - 120.5963 hectares. If you are looking for an opportunity into farming then this could be it, or alternatively this could be a great addition to any current farming operation. Approximately 40ha of flats (10 irrigated) and 80ha of easy downs. Excellent soil types receive an annual application of Sulphur Super and Lime, sown in a mix of permanent pasture species and clover. Well-fenced with a good central lane. Older style character four-bedroom home with an excellent array of support buildings. Borne Lea is ready to be taken to the next level.

DEADLINE SALE

www.pggwre.co.nz ID: RAN25811

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 1.00pm, Wednesday, 3 May 562 Leader Road West Phone Bruce for Inspection dates

Bruce Hoban B 03 313 0610 M 027 588 8889

pggwre.co.nz

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

Licenced under REAA 2008

OPEN DAY

Highly Desirable Dairy Farm , When an opportunity arises you need to pounce. Your opportunity right now is this highly desireable Ford Road Dairy Farm. A modest 44.46 hectares this farm is producing good numbers off approximately 120 cows. First time on the market in decades this flat picture perfect dairy unit has been developed over the years with love and planning. A central race system services 25 paddocks milking 120 cows through a 12 aside shed. Calving on 20 July cows are wintered on with calves and heifers grazed off. Sound brick and tile three bedroom dwelling elevated from the road along with an array of excellent farm buildings and barns.

www.pggwre.co.nz ID: TEP25728

Bareland With Options 201.4978ha bareland block situated on the No 2 line, approximately 5kms from Wanganui with an opportunity to purchase the full block or further options as below. A good balance of croppable flats, easy hills and some steeper sidlings. Divided into 26 paddocks with conventional fencing, a set of relatively new cattle yards plus a set of sheep yards. 2.4ha of the block is planted in 25 year old pine trees plus some re-growth natural bush. Drained with Novaflo plus water via the Fordell Water scheme. Good road frontage and adequate metal tracks. - 112.6ha (more or less) approximately 47.2ha of flat land and approximately 65.4ha of easy sidlings. 2.4ha of 25 year old pine trees plus a small area of regrowth natural bush. Sheep yards, relatively new cattle yards and a hay shed. It is also on the Fordell Water Scheme. This block would be good for dairy grazing and stock finishing. - Ideal for breeding and finishing. Consisting of approximately 91.21ha made up of approximately 31.42ha flat with the balance medium hills plus a hayshed. Good first farm or runoff. www.pggwre.co.nz ID: WAN25271

Waihi AUCTION (Unless Sold Prior) 11.00am, Friday, 21 April Waihi Golf Club, 113 Woodlands Road, Waihi OPEN DAYS 11.00-12.00pm Wednesday, 5 April Sunday, 9 April Dave McLaren B 07 573 5888 M 027 223 3366 Scott Cameron B 07 573 0244 M 027 455 5768

Wanganui PRICE BY NEGOTIATION

Doug Glasgow B 06 349 2005 / 06 327 4732 M 027 204 8640 H 06 327 3723

pggwre.co.nz

RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

Licenced under REAA 2008

A True Family Dairy Unit In A Stunning Location...

Pelorus Bridge

A rare 427 ha (1055 acres) dairy farming opportunity is presented for genuine sale due to retiring vendor. Faithfully farmed for nearly 50 years this property is ideal as a family farming operation. Nestled above the stunning Pelorus River close to Rai Valley, sits this unique farm, positioned in the green belt of Marlborough. The dairy farm comprises a milking platform of 130 ha, producing 100,000 kg/ms from 270 cows with a further 68 ha of grazing and native bush and trees. The centrally located 16 aside herringbone dairy shed and yards also include numerous quality farm sheds and buildings. The substantial modern four double bedroom homestead is a feature of this unique property plus there is a further two dwellings. A second rotation 150 ha forestry estate adds further value to this holding from harvest income. A 79 ha adjacent run-off block completes this well balanced self-contained unit. Recognised as one of Rai Valleys finest dairy farms, with further potential for production increase. Contact Greg Lyons or Joe Blakiston to view.

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 4 pm Friday 7 April PGG Wrightson, 20 Westwood Ave, Blenheim E: greg.lyons@pggwrightson.co.nz E: jblakiston@pggwrightson.co.nz

Greg Lyons B 027 5791 233 Joe Blakiston M 027 434 4069

www.pggwre.co.nz ID: BLE25577

AUCTION

FINAL NOTICE

Equine Heartland - Three Titles

Matamata

Kenlea Farm - 289 Hectares

Arohena

Rarely found and seldom available, this 32.34 ha property is for sale by Auction with the added bonus of three separate titles. The contour is flat and fertile with high quality free-draining soils, ideally suited to equine, grazing or horticulture. Infrastructure includes a stable complex complete with 11 loose boxes plus tack room, implement storage, lunging ring, cattle yards and a disused sand based exercise track. Housing is well catered for with two houses. In close proximity to the Matamata racecourse and centrally located, this is a must to inspect.

AUCTION

• Flat to rolling contour medium hill with some steeper sidling. Approx 260 hectare effective and very well fenced • Lane access throughout the property with troughs in every paddock • Cattle grazing, extensive supplements made and sold off, some sheep grazed on steeper hills • Three bedroom plus office homestead, built in 2002 and three bedroom workers house • Four stand wool shed and yards, implement shed and workshop • Well located support or cattle grazing property

AUCTION

www.pggwre.co.nz ID: MAT25757

(Unless Sold Prior) 11:00am, Wednesday, 26 April, PGG Wrightson Real Estate, Cambridge OPEN DAY 1:00-2:00pm, Thursday, 6, 13, 20 April, 7657 STATE HIGHWAY 27

Peter Donnelly M 021 449 559 Nerrida Schuler M 021 424 711

www.pggwre.co.nz ID: TEK25653

(Unless Sold Prior), 11.00am, Wednesday, 26 April, PGGWRE, 87 Duke Street, Cambridge OPEN DAYS 11.00-12.00pm, Wednesday, 5, 12 April, 1016 AOTEAROA ROAD

Peter Wylie B 07 878 0265 M 027 4735 855

pggwre.co.nz

Employment

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – April 3, 2017

SENIOR DAIRY FARM ASSISTANT

Farm Business Manager

Tractor/General Hand

World’s Largest Urban Farm

South Auckland

With an effective grazing area of 1430ha, this pristine land with first class infrastructure is spread across multiple park locations within the wider Auckland Region. After 30+ years of service the incumbent is retiring and we now require a new Farm Business Manager to lead the world’s largest urban farm.

Due to progression of our client’s farming business, we are excited to offer this newly developed Tractor/General Hand position to the market. Set in a desirable location, this stunning 1200ha property skirts the Hauraki Gulf and is only one hour from the Auckland CBD. With both cattle and sheep breeding and finishing, the farm is currently undertaking a development process which aims to transform the property into a model operation.

To be successful you will need to be proactive, show initiative and be able to take ownership of this role. You will require excellent communication skills, a high level of personal pride and presentation along with good time management and organisation skills. Computer literacy will be looked upon favourably. A current full driver’s licence is required as you will be using farm vehicles including the station tractor. A class two license will also be an advantage, but is not essential.

This role will suit someone who has the ability to think laterally, can apply best practice and sees the benefits in applying technology across the business in the name of accurate information flow and profit. The appointee will not be measured by the time they spend behind the desk in the CBD but rather by the results and outcomes that are delivered.

WE ARE LOOKING FOR: • A person with very good stock skills who is quiet and calm with animals and who has demonstrated a commitment to the dairy industry • Someone who is a self starter • Must be reliable and a good communicator • Someone who has a right to work in NZ • The person must have three good references • The farm has a no drugs/no smoking policy • Farm owners have a no dogs policy

Enjoy all of the benefits associated with this role including a rural lifestyle close to the city, a very tidy three-bedroom home with magnificent views across the gulf and an excellent remuneration package. There is also a choice of schooling options and recreational activities nearby. LK0086883©

Our client is committed to assisting with the challenge of accommodation within the region.

Applications close 5pm Monday 24th April 2017

WE OFFER: • A farm with good infrastructure in a friendly country area close to towns • An opportunity to learn • 620-630 Jersey cows • 200ha milking platform • A modern 36-aside herringbone shed • In-shed drenching • Very good housing • Good facilities, races and fencing • Spectacular countryside in a well known tourist area

Supporting the current staff, this Tractor/General Hand position requires the appointee to have a strong background in farming and a good range of practical skills across tractors, heavy machinery, stock work, fencing and water reticulation. In order to continue the farms ongoing development and level of infrastructure, you must be able to identify and effectively manage the property’s R & M requirements.

The current farming operations comprise a Coopworth Ewe flock of 4300, bred with a focus on fertility and FE resistance, weaning in October/November. 1500 ewe lambs are also carried over for replacements. The cattle policy supports predominantly a trading element with approximately 900 head of heifers and steers processed annually.

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 #7017).

An opportunity exists for a dedicated person who is passionate about the dairy industry to assist on a rolling to medium hill OAD & TAD dairy farm.

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 #6058).

RECRUITMENT & HR

EASTER EARLY DEADLINE NOTICE! Get your April 17 Farmers Weekly Employment and Classified bookings in by midday Tuesday April 11.

Do you believe…. • That traditional NZ pasture-based farming is the proven ‘way to go’? • That cow and grass performance is at the heart of business success? • That a role that keeps you ‘in the field’ and close to the action is the only way to go?

This is a well-established dairy unit located just west of Kinloch. This late season opportunity is waiting for a farming professional who can walk in and take on this high performing farm and team and become an intrinsic part of the wider farming business owned by a well-known and respected Maori Trust.

You may not have a management qualification but people will respect and follow you because you know your stuff and they’ll learn from you because of it. Our Farm Managers are a diverse group and you’ll be able to work with different personalities and nationalities to get great results.

www.no8hr.co.nz | ph: 07-870-4901

Courses completed in First Aid and GroSafe would be an advantage. Although not central to this role, a good understanding of pasture management, water reticulation and animal health would be an advantage to working in conjunction with the senior management team.

LK0086842©

Our current manager is moving on to large scale contract milking after 5 years with us and this role has been the ideal ‘set up’ for him to progress into a contract milking role. Along with an attractive salary and excellent housing, this role has exposed him to the skills and experiences that he needed in order to run his own business successfully. So if you’re looking for a role with your future in mind then look no further… More information is available at www.no8hr.co.nz (Ref#8HR855). We’re on a tight timeframe so don’t delay – applications close 9 April 2017.

www.no8hr.co.nz | ph: 07-870-4901

Ideally this person will have great stock knowledge and knowledge of rotational grazing, great people management skills and will be familiar with the use of TracMap, FarmAx, FarmIQ, Figured or some similar data based farm management program.

Endorsements in training in the use of a quad bike, tractor and the safe use of general farm equipment are a must.

This is an organisation where young talent thrives and the Farm Managers are part of the senior leadership team that contributes at Board and executive level. Your farming skills will already be well honed and you’ll be used to working with a farm consultant to ‘bounce’ your ideas off and provide professional development and stimulation. With a good level of autonomy and the support of an executive leadership team, this is an ideal role for someone who has ‘grown up’ in a corporate system and is ready for a role with more flexibility and still a high level of accountability.

Your background is likely to be the University of Life and you’ll be able to demonstrate strong animal health and husbandry skills, as well as a good handle on pasture management and feed budgeting.

The person most suitable for this role will have significant experience in beef and lamb farming and will be acclimatised to either working in Northland, a coastal farming operation or farming along the east coast of the North Island, New Zealand.

Health & Safety is a major focus of any farming operation and this person will be up-to-date with good practice and the administration requirements of a robust health & safety system.

• 1,200 cows • Attractive base salary • Strong team already in place

Reporting to the General Manager, this role will provide supervision to a group of farms with a specific remit to execute the businesses pasture-based farming philosophies and deliver performance. You won’t: • change the businesses philosophy and system, so it has to be one you’re personally strongly aligned to already • want to stay indoors and manage from the computer, in fact you’re probably OK with sending emails but much more interested in what’s happening in the paddock • want to be stuck in meetings and would rather be in the trenches working with the Farm Managers making it happen

Take a look in more detail by logging onto www.no8hr.co.nz (Ref#8HR854) and apply by 9 April 2017.

The role of Stock Supervisor is one of these key positions.

FARM MANAGER

Based in Canterbury, Grasslands is a pioneering business passionate about pasture-based dairying and delivering strong financial returns. With a clear farming strategy they are now looking for additional ‘on-the ground’ expertise to help their Farm Managers deliver industry leading cows and grass performance.

PARENGARENGA STATION

To cope with this expansion, three key positions have been identified as specialists in a new organisational structure, each reporting to the Station Manager.

Tidy 3-bedroom cottage and a competitive package based on experience offered to the suitable applicant. For further information contact Duncan Whinn 06 342 7887 or send CV and covering letter to: duncan-christine@xtra.co.nz.

STOCK SUPERVISOR

The station has initiated a major development plan that will grow the stock handling capability well beyond the current level of 40,000 stock units.

1-2 years experience required with 3-4 well trained working dogs. Horse experience an advantage with own saddlery.

GRASS ROOTS FARM SUPERVISOR

This is a role where you will be backing yourself and will be close enough to the action to actually make it happen. Sound like the supervisory opportunity that would suit you?

SHEPHERD A shepherd position has become available on a 3000acre sheep and beef property located within the Turakina Valley. 30 minutes to Hunterville and 40 minutes to Wanganui.

Please email with CV to: milkingmoos@outlook.co.nz

Parengarenga Station is a 5900 hectare station situated in the Far North. This is a massive operation farming beef and lamb and with 12 full time staff in the team.

LK0086798©

Contact Debbie 0800 85 25 80 DDI: 06 323 0765 classifieds@nzx.com

LK0086882©

We seek an individual with the ability to pull information together from a number of enterprises and sources to drive efficiencies and opportunities across the farming business. The appointee will be in charge of executing the future farming strategy to deliver desired outcomes in accordance with the business plan; measuring and monitoring needs to be a desire rather than an exercise. An open enquiring mind is a prerequisite for this position, as are the skills to encourage participation from a wide sector of people. The Auckland region is very proud of its parkland assets and there is a strong desire towards continuous improvement and asset preservation.

Required 2017-2018 season

CLOSE TO WAITOMO, OTOROHANGA, TE KUITI 1 HOUR FROM HAMILTON, 35 MINS TO TE AWAMUTU

The Parengarenga Station team is a great team. They work well together and exhibit a distinct comradery so it is essential the applicant has a cultural fit.

If you are this special person we would welcome your application to: The General Manager Parengarenga Incorporation 6636 Far North Rd, RD 4, Kaitaia 0484 Email: GM@parengarenga.co.nz

LK0086915©

LK0086840©

classifieds@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

LK0086879©

Employment

classifieds@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

FARM MANAGER

CONTRACT MILKER

Morrinsville

Coromandel

Are you still considering moving? Then this might be the right opportunity just waiting for you.

Are you looking for an increase in responsibility and the opportunity to work in a sole charge position?

With new progressive management on board, this farm has the potential to grow and develop into a high performing farm that is consistently producing over 250,000MSKG from 650 cows.

Our clients milk 320 cows, on 99ha through a 30 bail rotary dairy with expected production of 102,000kgMS for the coming season. There is a four bedroom home, plus office, and good local schools. New management are looking to provide support and opportunity for the ideal applicant who will have: • An established understanding of pasture management and feed budgeting • Proven excellence in stock handling and husbandry skills • An understanding of environmental issues and effluent management • Strong communication skills • Accuracy in recording information • Proficiency in dairy management and milk quality • Attention to detail This farm is part of a larger scale farm operation and being part of a team environment is definitely a plus. If you are looking for somewhere to progress in your career, this could be the position for you.

Set in a beautiful part of the Whangapoua Peninsula, this opportunity provides the right person a chance to have both a scenic environment to work in, and a private beach to play on. As part of this opportunity you are provided a three bedroom home and a high performing farm that is consistently producing a minimum of 150,000KGMS from 500 x bred cows with minimal inputs on a milking platform of 125Ha. In return we are looking for a Contract Milker who has proven experience in the following: • Maximising herd production • Achieving optimum feeding and pasture management • The ability to lead from the front and manage staff effectively • Environmental and irrigation management • Strong communication skills • Accuracy in recording information • Attention to detail There is an excellent primary school only 3km away and school buses pick up at the farm gate.

CONTRACT MILKER Cambridge

Understanding what is required, the new management team are already putting in place new measures to make sure there is good pasture cover, weed control and the cows are in good condition for the next season. There is also plenty of housing for all your staffing needs. With this in mind, we are looking for a pro-active person or team who have proven experience in managing a farm into achieving its full potential. You will have the following skills •

Excellent feed budgeting and pasture management

•

Ability to achieve optimal herd production

•

Attention to detail

•

Robust communication skills

This is a great opportunity for someone to be involved in a larger scale farming operation and be recognised for their efforts.

To view photos visit www.fegan.co.nz To apply phone 07 823 0117 or email jobs@fegan.co.nz.

To view photos visit www.fegan.co.nz. To apply phone us on 07 823 0117, or email your CV to jobs@fegan.co.nz

To view photos visit www.fegan.co.nz. To apply phone 07 823 0117 or email jobs@fegan.co.nz

Human Resources • Health & Safety • Recruitment

Classifieds

Livestock

ANIMAL HANDLING

DOGS FOR SALE

FARM MAPPING

FORESTRY

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

FORTY FIVE HEADING, Huntaway & Handy dogs. Deliver NZ wide. 021 030 0037 or 07 315 5553. Mike Hughes. YOUNG HEADING and Huntaways. Top working bloodlines. View our website www.ringwaykennels.co.nz Join us on Facebook: Working dogs New Zealand. Phone 027 248 7704. BRIAN BURKE, NZ Champ 1984 and 5 times NZ Champ finalist, available to train your working dog. In three weeks he will transform your heading dog into a productive asset for the farm. Contact Brian 06 343 9561 for further details and pricing (heading dogs only).

YOUR FARM MAPPED showing paddock sizes. Priced from $600 for 100ha. Phone 0800 433 855. farmmapping.co.nz

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

NATIVE FOREST FOR MILLING also Macrocarpa and Red Gum, New Zealand wide. We can arrange permits and plans. Also after milled timber to purchase. NEW ZEALAND NATIVE TIMBER SUPPLIERS (WGTN) LIMITED 04 293 2097 Richard.

FOR SALE

GOATS WANTED

ANIMAL SUPPLEMENTS APPLE CIDER VINEGAR, GARLIC & HONEY. 200L - $450 or 1000L - $2000 excl. with FREE DELIVERY from Black Type Minerals Ltd www.blacktypeminerals. co.nz

ATTENTION FARMERS 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

DOGS FOR SALE BORDER COLLIE, working pedigree pups. Bred to work from the finest NZ, Aust and Welsh lines. Working lambs at 8 weeks. Strong-eyed, b&w. Phone Somerton Park Kennel. 03 342 8488.

PERSONAL

Just Country Dating Our social evenings are coming soon to a town near you!

LK0086825©

Non members 35-95 years old welcome.

Bookings essential phone 027 390 9189 NO texts! NO DOOR SALES

HEADING, HUNTAWAY, handy, backing dogs or bitches, 2-6 years. Top money paid. Phone Ginger Timms 03 202 5590 or 027 289 7615. BUYING NOW! Huntaways, Heading & Handy dogs. Quick $ale. No one buys or pays more! 021 030 0037 or 07 315 5553. Mike Hughes. 12 MONTHS TO 5½-yearold Heading dogs and Huntaways wanted. Phone 022 698 8195.

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.

WINDMILLS for water pumping. Ferguson Windmills Company. www.windmills.co.nz sales@windmills.co.nz Phone 09 412 8655 or 027 282 7689.

Merino Mid Sock Gumboots Work Boots www.thesocklady.co.nz

FOR ONLY $2.00 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly. Ph Debbie 0800 85 25 80. DOG/PET FOOD. Lamb/ Beef and chicken products. All natural - raw - no preservatives or additives. NOSLOC PRODUCTS. Ex-freezer Te Kuiti. For information and prices www.nosloc.com or phone 07 878 6868.

THINK PR EB U IL T

LEASE LAND WANTED

LIVESTOCK WANTED

FARM LAND WANTED to lease for sheep and beef. 2000su+. Long term. North Island. Phone David 027 728 2104.

STORE LAMBS WANTED. North Island. No commission. Payment in 7 days of trucking. 06 873 3696 or 021 228 4238. BOOK AN AD. For only $2.00 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in The NZ Farmers Weekly Classifieds. Phone Debbie Brown on 0800 85 25 80.

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE CHAROLLAIS RAM HOGGETS. Suitable for ewes or hoggets. Well grown, eye muscle scanned and SIL recorded. Vet checked. 3/4 and 7/8 available. South Canterbury. Phone 03 614 8849.

STOCK FEED MOISTURE METERS Hay, Silage dry matter, grain. www.moisturemeters.co.nz 0800 213 343.

FOR SALE

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.

CLASSIFIEDS

ADVERTISING Have something to sell? Advertise in The NZ Farmers Weekly

GRAZING AVAILABLE

Phone Debbie Brown 0800 85 25 80 or email classifieds@nzx.com

CATTLE GRAZING available in central Hawke’s Bay. Flexible options. PBN. Phone 06 855 5581.

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz Herds 300 Fr CRV Herd DTC 4/8 AB Fr tailed Hfrd 550 ms $1800. Max Hutchings 027 538 4961 280 Fr/FrX/J Herd BW72 PW92 DTC 28/6 440ms $1950. Val Ditchfield 027 573 7480 190 OAD young Xbreds BW72 PW84 DTC 10/7 $1850. Deone Coulter 027 498 1206

I/C Heifers 300 Fr/FrX hfrs BW104 PW121 DTC 20/7 to Jsy $1650. Val Ditchfield 027 573 7480 250 Xbred hfrs unrc pick from 1200 DTC 20/7 to Ang $1150. Andrew Jardine 027 397 7005 121 Fr/FrX Hfrs BW110 PW119 DTC 13/7 to Jsy $1650. Andrew Gordon 027 487 2044 120 Fr hfrs BW100 PW97 VIC DTC 20/7 to Jsy $1650. Simon Lourie 027 652 7100 90 Frsn Xbrd & Jsy Hfrs BW94 PW106 DTC to Jsy $1600. Keith West 027 214 9180 74 Fr CRV hfrs DTC 23/7 to Jsy, bull out 1/1 $1650ono. Max Hutchings 027 538 4961 44 Fr/FrX hfrs BW119 PW131 DTC 10/7 40yrs breeding. Dave Anderson 027 498 120 More stock available on our website or contact National Dairy Coordinator Paul Kane Ph 027 286 9279. paul.kane@carrfields.co.nz

Monday 10th April

Taupo Saleyards - 12 Noon Start

1225 Cattle

As at 30th March - Further entries being taken

80 18mth Steers - Beef & D Beef X

FOOTWEAR

NEW HOMES

MANUFACTURERS

SOLID – PRACTICAL WELL INSULATED – AFFORDABLE Our homes are built using the same materials & quality as an onsite build. Easily transported to almost anywhere in the North Island. Plans range from one bedroom to four bedroom First Home – Farm House Investment – Beach Bach

Call or email us for your free copy of our plans Email: info@ezylinehomes.co.nz Phone: 07 572 0230 Web: www.ezylinehomes.co.nz

450 Weaner Steers

300 Angus - 30 Here Simm X 20 Ang & Ang X - 100 Here Frsn X

320 Weaner Bulls

20 Simmental - 40 Beef & Exotic X 180 Friesian - 80 Dairy Beef & DX

z it co.n Vis rite. lity a t u s q la w. ore cts ww r m odu fo pr

M • ore • L Leat pro • W eat her duc or her far ts a Ph 1 k & h mi va 0 ad one H u Fo ntin ng b ilab e re g oo le 09 all R to str & t s 43 oa y h tra or 8 8 d, ig mp de h i r & ng 90 RD lo b w 7 oo 5 leg ts •l ,W wo as rk tri hang te@ arei boot xtr s

Christchurch 20th April Nelson 23rd April New Plymouth 27th April Hamilton 30th April

DOGS WANTED

WANTED

LK0085524©

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

LK0086497©

ANIMAL HEALTH

FERTILISER

LK0086245©

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – April 3, 2017

a.co.nz

375 Weaner Heifers

70 Angus - 100 Angus & Ang X 50 Simm & Simm X - 20 Ang Frsn 135 Here Frsn & Beef X

Special Entries: Tuatahi Farming: 220 Angus Strs - 70 Ang Hfrs Waione Land Co: 90 Ang & Ang Here X Hfrs RA Skifﬁngton: 100 Frsn Wnr Bulls

For all enquiries Ph 0800 833834 Or call Shane Scott 0274 956031

www.centrallivestock.co.nz

livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

Livestock

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – April 3, 2017

Jersey Marketing Service

We presently have herds, surplus cows, MT cows, in-calf heifers, yearling bulls and heifers for sale, most of which are listed on our Jersey Marketing Service web site: www.jersey.org.nz/ jersey-marketing/

Offering: approx. 70 Stud Fully Recorded Females including: - Selected R2yr, R3yr, R4yr - Annual draft proven cows

Coalgate Sale Yards Monday 10th April 2017 Further Enquiries to: Jim Hazlett Ph 027 462 0128 Marty Amos Ph 027 462 0122 Geoff Wright Ph 027 462 0131 Ben Lill Ph 027 462 0130 Hayden Ross Ph 027 462 0133 Andrew Sherratt Ph 027 462 0126 Pete Smith Ph 027 462 0129

Agents are: Ross Riddell 0272 111 112 or Grant Aikin 0272 458 821 LK0086895©

Approx. 50 R2yr Commercial Meadowslea-bred heifers - Ex - Grays Hills Stn, Grampians Stn, Braemar Stn. Note: Cows are mated to all the Top Stud Sires at Meadowslea

LK0086907©

: R2yr heifers mated to top low birthweight calving ease yearlings Vendor: D S Giddings 03 685 8027 Auctioneers: PGG Wrightson Callum Dunnett 027 590 8612 Participating companies: PWA Hamish Zuppicich 027 403 3025 Rural Livestock Anthony Cox 027 208 3071

www.meadowslea.co.nz

SALE TALK

ON-FARM CLEARING SALE

As a butcher is shooing a dog from his shop, he sees $10 and a note in his mouth, reading: “10 lamb chops, please.”

Hard-working Dairy Herd with long walks. These cows will shift well. A/c M.J & T.T Stratford 77 Stewart Road, Feilding (signposted off SH3) Monday 10th April, 11am Spring-calving content of a split-calving herd (winter herd sold).

M/S GM & JA FRASER

DATE: Wednesday 12 April ADDRESS: 839 Main South Road, Hawera D/N: 40299 START TIME: 11.00am

260 in-milk, in-calf Friesian/FriesianX cows, DTC from 20/7 (tailed with Hereford) 25 carry-over cows BW 54/40; PW 60/46; RA 93% EBL free, C10. Payment terms are 14 days from date of sale. Delivery will be from the following day of sale or later with prior arrangement. Catalogues available, light lunch provided. For further enquiries please phone Malcolm Coombe 027 432 6104

Download the app today

LK0086536©

OUTSTANDING IN-MILK HERD & REPLACEMENT AUCTION

COMPRISING OF:

HERD/HEIFER DETAILS: • 40 years of breeding, SCC 100, HB Shed Herd calv 18/07/17 to 6 weeks LIC Fsn • Premier sires & nominated tailed Angus, short gestation • 410 kgMS (at sale day) all grass, minimal PKE in summer- Flat to rolling farm with long walks • 8 LIC contract cows. Hfrs calv from 16/07/17 sync AB Jsy, Kiwi X, Fsn sires, tailed Jsy, out 19/12 • 2 LIC contract hfrs • 5 cows, 1 hfr and 3 ylgs selected for contract next year AUCTIONEERS NOTE: A rare opportunity to purchase cows and replacements of this quality. Farmed by the Fraser family for 3 generations, this herd will be presented in-milk and in good condition. A strong uddered, capacity herd that has been bred for fertility, longevity, quietness and easy calving. Production has been achieved from a low input system and with long walks. The herd has a long history of contract cows with LIC. PAYMENT TERMS: 1 June 2017. Grazing will be available to those without access to farms until 01/06/17 by prior arrangement. Inspection invited - Open Day 5 April from 10.00 am

ON-FARM CLEARING SALE Hard-working Dairy Herd with long walks. These cows will shift well. A/c M.J & T.T Stratford 77 Stewart Road, Feilding (signposted off SH3) Monday 10th April, 11am Spring-calving content of a split-calving herd (winter herd sold). 260 in-milk, in-calf Friesian/FriesianX cows, DTC from 20/7 (tailed with Hereford) 25 carry-over cows BW 54/40; PW 60/46; RA 93% EBL free, C10. Payment terms are 14 days from date of sale. Delivery will be from the following day of sale or later with prior arrangement. Catalogues available, light lunch provided. For further enquiries please phone Malcolm Coombe 027 432 6104

Download the app today

Dispersal Sale

Friday 28th April 2017, starts 12.00 noon at 99 Pehiri Road, Waerengaokuri District, Gisborne

FARM SOURCE LIVESTOCK AGENT: Brent Espin 027 551 3660

Amazed, he takes the money, puts a bag of chops in the dog’s mouth, and quickly closes the shop. He follows the dog and watches him wait for a green light, look both ways, and trot across the road to a bus stop. The dog checks the timetable and sits on the bench. When a bus arrives, he walks around to the front and loos at the number, and then boards the bus. The butcher follows, dumbstruck. As the bus travels out into the suburbs, the dog takes in the scenery. After a while he stands on his back paws to push the ‘stop’ button, then the butcher follows him off. The dog runs up to a house and drops his bag on the porch. He goes back down the path, takes a big run, and throws himself against the door. He does this again and again. No answer. So he jumps on a wall, walks around the garden, beats his head against a window, jumps off, and waits at the front door. A big guy opens it and starts cursing the dog.

LK0086409©

542 Capital Dairy cattle - 40yrs LIC AB breeding • 350 Friesian and Friesian cross herd BW 94/49, PW 117/71, R/a +100% • 83 Friesian and Friesian cross heifers BW 124, PW 124, sync AB sires • 84 Friesian and Friesian cross yearling heifers - BW 136, PW 133 • 25 young ID MT sold at conclusion of i/c heifers

LK0086657©

On-Farm Fairlie – 5 May at 12 Noon

Tuesday 18th April – 12 Noon Morrinsville Saleyards On A/c D J Van Bysterveldt Family Trust

The butcher runs up screams at the guy: “What the hell are you doing? This dog’s a genius!” The big guy responds, “Genius, my ass. It’s the second time this week he’s forgotten his key!”

Comprising of: 102 Mixed Age Cows 20 18 Month Heifers 62 Bull Calves 52 Heifer Calves 4 Herd Sires

• • • •

124 Strong Fr Frx Cows BW 82/44 PW 127/53 RA 95% BW’s up to 164 PW’s up to 337 107 Cows 3, 4 & 5-year Calving 17/7 LIC Frs 4½ weeks, tailed with Rec Fr Bulls – out 22/12 Cows mainly in-calf to AB, calving dates are vet verified

Our vendor purchased these cows last Autumn as elite high BW empty cows, milked right through the winter, producing 360MS in their extended lactation. They have been dry since 15/2/17 and were blanket dry cow treated. Our vendor fully guarantees these cows. Deferred payment sale – due 31/5/17 View www.mylivestock.co.nz for catalogues Enquiries to Ollie Carruthers 0274 515 312

Download the app today

IN-MILK IN-CALF CLEARING SALE On A/c D & S Hopping 361 Tauhei Rd S/N 72520 Monday 10th April 2017 Machinery & Sundries 11am Cows 12 noon approximately Livestock comprising 232 MA Kiwi Cross Cows – BW 69/44 PW 90/65 BW’s up to 160, PW’s up to 309, 69% IC to AB 65% 4 years and younger - LIC 20 years – C10 Calving 10/7 5 weeks AB, Tailed with Jsy Bull – out 20/12/16. Production 396MS/cow 1220/ha, SCC 102, Milking OAD at present. This herd has been faithfully milked by our retiring vendor for the last 20 years in a traditionally dry area doing well above the district average. If you are looking for a good honest hard working young cow to take advantage of the Autumn growth – this is the sale to be at! Machinery Comprising of: Giltrap silage wagon w scales, JXU80 4WD tractor, quick hitch, Aitchison harrows, Vogal TT600 tandem spreader, PK trailers, Hooper 2-tyne ripper, levelling bar, spray tank on wheels, Giltrap 8T trailer, UFO twin drum, 1.5m heavy duty topper, Pearson bale grabs, concrete rollers, grader blade, diesel & petrol tank, CDax mag spreader, calf troughs and assorted farm sundries. View www.mylivestock.co.nz WAI44376 for listing & catalogue

EARN DOUBLE FARM

SOURCE REWARD DOLLARS

For every purchase of livestock at any Farm Source Livestock on-farm auction during April and May 2017*

Fonterra Suppliers Only. T&Cs apply. See nzfarmsource.co.nz/livestock

Enquiries to: NZ Farmers Livestock John Watson 0274 941 975 Neville Clark 0275 986 537 Brent Bougen 0272 014 698

Inspection prior to sale welcome contact: Steve & Jen Herries P: 06 863 7000 E: alpine.angus@wnation.net.nz

For all enquiries please phone Glenn Tasker – NZFLL 0274 777 345 Or our vendor Dennis Hopping 0272 583 243

Catalogue available online

www.alpineangus.co.nz

LK0086852©

We are active in both auction and paddock sales.

First Annual Female In-Calf Production Sale

QUALITY YOUNG FR/FRX COWS

Special Dairy Stock Auction Including Scanned In-Calf Heifers and R1 Heifers

Download the app today

LK0086857©

Jersey Marketing Service are in business to transact cattle sales – looking for listings for sale and purchase, not just Jersey cattle.

WELLSFORD SUPPLEMETARY WEANER STEER & BULL FAIR

TE KUITI SUP WEANER FAIRS

MONDAY 10TH APRIL 2017 12.00 NOON START

THURSDAY 6 APRIL FRIDAY 7 APRIL START BOTH DAYS 12 NOON

Approx 600 Weaner Steers & Bulls including: 150 Exotic X steers 100 Shorthorn X steers 100 Angus steers 100 weaner bulls 150 Here/Frsn X steers livestock@farmlands.co.nz

On offer: 165 Friesian and Friesian X cows BW 58/44, PW 81/63, RA 91% BW’s up to 300 Calving from the 17th July 2017 In-calf to LIC Well presented line up of cows being put up for sale as in-milk, as farm has been sold. Herd farmed on a low input system. Delivery can be made day after sale as in-milk or will be dried off for end of May delivery at purchasers risk. Catalogues available on line or from listing agents. Machinery New Holland T6010 tractor, 4,010 hours. Honda TRX 500, 2012. Yamaha AG100, 2012. Giltrap 4.5 tonne tip trailer. Maxxam 2,500 mower/topper. Suzuki Vitara farm truck, 1989. 2 x 3 leg fuel tanks. 2 portable troughs. Read sidewinder 3PI bale feeder. Plate meter. Reels plus standards. Assorted 6x2 and 10x2 timber. Cowshed sundries. Stallion 40 teat calfeteria. 1x12, 2x10 teat calf feeders. 2 long calf, meal troughs. C-Dax mag spreader. C-DAX 12v spinner. This sale will be conducted purchase price plus GST For further information, contact: Stephen Weck 027 455 1106 Jason Duncan 021 170 5354

BW FOLLOWED BY BEEF COW143/50 SALE

PW for further details. TUESDAY 11TH APRIL (in2017 top 10 All Breeds for NZ )

BW 143/50 PW 161/67 RA 100% Approx 400 Weaner Heifers including: (in top 10 All Breeds for NZ ) TARANAKI HOLSTEIN www.dyerlivestock.co.nz to LIC for 2011 matings 150•ExoticMany X heifers cows contracted Ross Dyer 0274 333 381 150 Hereford/Friesian X heifers FRIESIAN • Due to calve from 16-7-12,BREEDERS 6.5 weeks 100 X/Bred heifers • Many cows contracted to LIC for 2011 matings ABof Jersey and Kiwi cross FEMALE SALE Beef Cows at the completion heifers including: • Due to calve from 16-7-12, 6.5 weeks 60 Cap Stock Angus cows April 2017 at 12 non noon • M/A Estimated to be Wednesday 420 12th cows after AB Jersey andTARANAKI Kiwi cross AYRSHIRE CLUB RW Angus & Charolais bull Sale to be held at the Stratford Showgrounds Flint Road pregnant, culls, older cows & 5% rejection 30 Cap Stock M/A P/Bred Hereford cows • Estimated to be ANNUAL 420 cows after Stratford will comprise: FEMALE AND non VIC bull Holstein Friesian347kgs in-calf heifers ms/cow, • Hereford Production last 22season pregnant, culls, older YOUNG cows & SIRE 5% rejection SALE 2 Holstein Friesian in-calf cows 50 M/A Angus/Friesian & Hereford/Friesian cows • Production last season 347kgs ms/cow, 1000kgs ms/ha, on rolling to steeper 2 Holstein Friesian empty in-milk cows VIC Charolais bull - DTC August Tuesday 11th April 2017 at 12 noon 6 Holstein Friesian rising one-year heifers Sale to be held at the Stratford Showgrounds, Stratford 12 M/A Shorthorn cows RWB 1000kgs ms/ha, on rolling to steeper contoured farm, no32meal, palm kernel or maize head plus 2 embryo packages and 120 straws will comprise: 12 Super Cows VIC Angus bull contoured farm,31no meal, Holstein Friesian semen Ayrshire in-calfpalm heifers kernel or maize 15 Angusfed. X cows 3 Ayrshire cows This 3rd annual sale continues with the same high fed. 25 Hereford/Friesian cows RWCB 1 Ayrshire yearling bull • Young replacement stock available standard of entryalso that previous sale purchasers have 12.00 NOON START

ASSOCIATED AUCTIONEERS

• sales Young replacement also available 35 head.stock EBL free, TB C10, Lepto vaccinated appreciated. Cattle sold from previous have gone Backed by many generations of selective breeding this to the South Island and across all of the North Island. We is the highest production backed catalogue ever offered have received very good reports on their shifting ability. genetics & Many potential at this sale. are from damsto whobe have one producedof in Backed by generations of selectiveOutstanding breeding, good excess of 700kg ms and 7000 litres of milk. Well known indices and popular sires you canthe select from this high countries leading suppliers of Genetics to proven sires also have daughters on offer. All lots are production backed offering with confidence. All cattle are the dairy industryfully forrecorded years to come. Full details and transferable. fully recorded and LIC transferable. Catalogues giving all details are available from the available. Catalogues giving all details are available from the auctioneers, Brian Robinson Livestock Ltd or are online auctioneers, Brian Robinson Livestock Ltd or on line at www.brianrobinsonlivestockltd.com or www.brianrobinsonlivestock.com Enquiries or www.holstein.org.nz to the atwww.ayrshire.org.nz sole marketing agents:

Outstanding genetics & potential to be one of

EASTER EARLY leading suppliers of Genetics to the countries DEADLINE NOTICE! the dairy industry for years to come. Full details

available. Get your April 17 Farmers Weekly bookings in by Enquiries to the sole marketing agents: midday Tuesday April 11. Enquiries to

All enquiries to: Neil McDonald Brian Robinson BRLL Contact Nigel Ramsden Neil McDonald Ph 06 765 6304 or Robinson BRLL DDI: 06 323 Brian 0761 PH: 0272 410051Phor0607 7658583132 6304 or 0272 188 904, 0800 85 25 80 PH: 0272 410051 or 07 0272 188 903 or Brian Robinson Brian8583132 Robinson livestock@nzx.com Ph 07 858 3132 or 0272 410 051 Ph 07 858 3132 or 0272 410 051

Gary Falkner Jersey Marketing Service PH: 027 482 8771 or 07 846 4491

FW the most comprehensive Providing Dairy Livestock network in New Zealand.

NORTH ISLAND HERDS FOR SALE:

SOUTH ISLAND HERDS FOR SALE:

AUCTIONS

145 M/A Cows, BW:52, PW:91. Our Farm has been sold so we are looking for a new owner to take good care of us like our current Milker.

980 MA Frsn X Cows, BW:47, PW:65. Computer Splits Available. Medium Frame with capacity, Production done with no supplements.

PREMIER INCALF DAIRY HEIFER FAIR INGLEWOOD SALEYARDS, TARANAKI

$1,375 +GST

(Agonline Ref: 061188)

Steven Josephs, 0274 205 167 200 M/A Jsy, X/B Cows, BW:53, PW:56. Old Established Herd, well bred Jsy Cows doing top production on all grass system, motivated to sell.

$1,650 +GST

(Agonline Ref: 061191)

Wium Mostert, 0274 735 856

110 M/A Frsn, X/B Cows. Mostly young Herd, nice udders, reasonable production on a farm that gets few favours. Semex Herd.

$1,600 +GST

(Agonline Ref: 061094)

Ben Hayes, 0274 062 372

$1,850 +GST

(Agonline Ref 061176)

Fraser Weir, 0278 073 254

302 M/A Frsn, X/B, Jsy Cows, BW:39, PW:52. Due to calve from 1 August 2017, 5.5 weeks AI LIC.

$1,685 +GST

(Agonline Ref 060843)

Murray Bain, 0274 338 678

210 MA X/Bred Cows, BW:45, PW:79. Very nice Line of Fully Recorded Ambreed young Cows doing good production on a high stocking rate. Will Impress.

$1,950 +GST

(Agonline Ref 061059)

Neil Carter, 0272 821 104

NORTH ISLAND HEIFERS:

SOUTH ISLAND HEIFERS:

71 J/JX I/C Hfrs, BW:104, PW:101. Complete Line, well Grown. Grazed on coastal dry area - Very nice line of Hfrs.

265 Frsn, FJX I/C Hfrs, BW:70, PW:84. LIC and Ambreed bred, calving from 26/7/17.

(Agonline Ref 061182)

(Agonline Ref: 061099)

Jason Roberts, 0272 431 429

Anton Nally, 0274 774 502

325 Kiwi X I/C Hfrs, BW:72, PW:85. Capital Stock Line of Kiwi X Hfrs.

30 Frsn/Jsy/Jsy X I/C Hfrs, BW:105, PW:115. Very nice InCalf Heifers, you take the pick.

(Agonline Ref 061133)

(Agonline Ref: 061110)

$1,450 +GST

$1,500 +GST

Richard Lamb, 0274 930 739

www.pggwrightson.co.nz

$1,700 +GST

100 Top F/FX Dairy Hfrs.Comp: 60 Ambreed Hfrs Nominated breeding High Production, picked 60 from 100, Cap Stk Replacement line. 38 LIC Hfrs. Complete Cap Stk line, includes contract matings, BW121, PW140, 100% RA. Due to calve from 25th July. Full Profiles available. Fri 21 Apr, 12:00 pm Kim Harrison, 0275 010 013

INMILK SALE - A/C: DN & JM NEILSON - 245 DOVER ROAD, OKATO, FN 42669, Taranaki 400 InMilk Frsn & Jsy Cows, Calving 20th July, Avg BW 80, Avg PW 79, TA 96%, 50 Yrs On Farm, One Herd Code. Tue 11 Apr, 11:00 am Craig Murray, 0273 220 063

For photos and more information visit www.agonline.co.nz:

$1,700 +GST

Kevin Cunniffe, 0274 384 802

Helping grow the country

LK0086573©

A/C of Hophead Farms Limited To be held on the property 107 Kiwi Road RD6 Te Awamutu Date: Tuesday 11th April 2017 10.30am - machinery auction 11.30am - livestock auction

18 MTH ANGUS & EXOTIC HEIFERS EIFERS 300-‐380kgs 850 weaner heifers DRY C COWS OWS HIGH INDEXING JERSEY & JERSEY Please contactRA local livestock agents LAMBS 226-‐35kgs 6-‐35kgs CROSSStore HERD 161/67 100%

HEIFER FAIR

LK0086877©

DAIRY HERD AUCTION

Breeding E EWES WES CALVES 150-‐220kgs FRIESIAN B ULL 320-‐450kgs 18 320-‐450kgs 18 MTH BULLS ULLS 18 18 MTH MTH STEERS TEERS 330-‐460kgs 330-‐460kgs 470-‐550kgs 2.5 YR STEERS

Thursday

850 weaner HIGH INDEXING JERSEY & steers JERSEY 150 weaner bulls WELLSFORD WEANER CROSS HERD Friday

STOCK REQUIRED EQUIRED

LK0086856©

SEE PAGE 47

livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

LK0086684©

MORE LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

Livestock

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – April 3, 2017

MARKET SNAPSHOT

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Grain & Feed Last year

6.00

6.10

AS OF 23/02/2017

AS OF 23/03/2017

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

333

345

NI mutton (20kg)

3.50

2.50

302

304

SI lamb (17kg)

5.40

4.65

Feed Barley

309

307

289

SI mutton (20kg)

3.45

2.25

196

Export markets (NZ$/kg) 8.19

8.14

7.16

238

UK CKT lamb leg

Maize Grain

375

351

PKE

241

189

* 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.

North Island 17kg lamb 7.0 6.5 6.0 5.5

INTERNATIONAL Last week

Prior week

5.0

Last year

CBOT futures (NZ$/t)

4.5

Wheat - Nearest

221

251

Corn - Nearest

201

199

326

332

360

3500

APW Wheat

3000

ASW Wheat

306

316

344

2500

Feed Wheat

298

308

304

Feed Barley

265

276

312

South Island 1 7kg lamb

6.5 6.0

PKE (US$/t)

Feb 17 May 17 NZX WMP Futures

4.80

302

Australia (NZ$/t)

1500 May 16 Aug 16 Nov 16 C2 Fonterra WMP

5.60

333

4000

2000

Ex-Malaysia

NZ venison 60kg stag

5.5

600

5005.0 4004.5 300

4.0

Oct Oct

Dec Dec

FebFeb

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

Prior week

vs 4 weeks ago

WMP

2810

2880

2980

SMP

1940

1950

AMF

5700

Butter

4650

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Last week

Prior week

Last year

2350

Urea

507

505

29 micron

6.65

8.95

5700

5520

Super

317

330

35 micron

3.95

3.93

5.80

4650

4390

DAP

840

39 micron

4.15

5.70

739

$/kg

350

5.5

c/k kg (net)

250

2700 Jun

Jul

Aug

Sep

THE NZX50 index has risen 3.8% so far this year. The top performer has been a2 Milk, rising 39.9% after a number of positive announcements pushed the share price significantly higher. Overseas, the Trump administration faced its first hurdle as it tried to get its new healthcare bill across the line. One of Donald Trump’s campaign promises was to replace the controversial Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as Obamacare. However, it seemed to expose significant differences within the party and the bill was yanked from the floor before it was even able to go to a vote as it was deemed as being doomed to fail. This exposed concerns the tax plans and deregulation Trump campaigned on would also struggle to gain traction. The biggest news of the week came as United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May pulled the trigger on Article 50 of the Lisbon Treaty, starting divorce proceedings officially between UK and the European Union. Expectations are for the UK to be vulnerable during this process, however, with no precedent, there are mixed opinions on how both the pound and the market will react. Market commentary provided by Craigs Investment Partners

10123

11746

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

7169

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

7058

Mar 14

Mar 15

Mar 16

Feed barley

4 w eeks ago

Sharemarket Briefing

S&P/FW AG EQUITY

150 Mar 13

NZ venison 60kg stag

600

NZ$/t

US$/t

2900

35 micron wool price

6.5

CANTERBURY FEED PRICES 450

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR

This yr

(NZ$/kg)

3100

Latest price

Last yr

AugAug

NZ average (NZ$/t)

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

May

JunJun

WOOL

* price as at close of business on Thursday

Apr

AprApr

FERTILISER

Last price*

2500

Last year

5.70

Feed Wheat

Waikato (NZ$/t)

Feb 17 AgriHQ Seasonal

Last week Prior week

NI lamb (17kg)

Milling Wheat

PKE

Oct 16 Dec 16 AgriHQ Spot Fonterra forecast

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

$/kg

$/kgMS

Prior week

Canterbury (NZ$/t)

MILK PRICE COMPARISON

US$/t

Last week

AGRIHQ 2016-17

FONTERRA 2016-17

8 7 6 5 4 3 Aug 16

SHEEP MEAT

DOMESTIC

$/kg

MILK PRICE FORECAST ($/KGMS) 2016-17

Sheep

c/kkg (net)

Dairy

Mar 17

PKE spot

Auckland International Airport Limited

300

2.5Oct Oct

Dec

Feb

Apr

Last yr

Jun

Aug

This yr

Dollar Watch

YTD High

YTD Low

6.78

7.43

6.31

Meridian Energy Limited

2.80

2.86

2.57

Spark New Zealand Limited Fletcher Building Limited Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd Mercury NZ Limited (NS) Ryman Healthcare Limited Contact Energy Limited Vector Limited Port of Tauranga Limited (NS)

3.45 8.29 9.72 3.18 8.43 4.99 3.21 4.15

3.71 10.86 9.90 3.18 9.05 5.04 3.30 4.52

3.32 7.85 8.50 2.94 8.12 4.65 3.15 3.86

Listed Agri Shares

400 3.5

5‐yr ave

Top 10 by Market Cap Company

4.5

500

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

2.940

2.970

2.060

Cavalier Corporation Limited

0.650

0.810

0.550

Comvita Limited

8.600

8.650

6.000

Delegat Group Limited

6.500

6.700

5.650

Foley Family Wines Limited

1.360

1.500

1.360

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

6.070

6.400

5.990

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

2.600

2.610

2.550

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

1.320

1.420

1.220

PGG Wrightson Limited

0.540

0.550

0.490

Sanford Limited (NS)

7.260

7.750

6.700

Scales Corporation Limited

3.420

3.650

3.320

SeaDragon Limited

0.008

0.006

Tegel Group Holdings Limited

1.130

1.460

1.120

S&P/FW Primary Sector

10123

10139

9307

S&P/FW Agriculture Equity

11746

11820

10899

S&P/NZX 50 Index

7169

7195

6971

S&P/NZX 10 Index

7058

7254

6927

ANZ Bank expects the kiwi This Prior Last dollar to weaken modestly NZD vs week week year over the months and year USD 0.7008 0.7035 0.6920 ahead, with interest rate EUR 0.6557 0.6522 0.6077 differentials being the AUD 0.9151 0.9213 0.9017 major driver. There are not a lot GBP 0.5615 0.5620 0.4815 of factors to push the Correct as of 9am last Friday United States dollar sharply higher but interest rates there will rise gradually and the economy will continue to perform well, supporting a mildly firmer currency outlook, senior strategist David Croy said. However, with issues around the higher overall valuation, doubts about growth policies and the possibility of other central banks moving to raise rates, there was still a risk the US dollar could weaken rather than gain. The NZ economy remains strong but the economic cycle is maturing and this points to a depreciation in the kiwi but with a shallower rate of movement than in previous currency cycles, he said. ANZ expects the kiwi to end this year at US$0.68 and has just cut its end-of-year 2018 forecast to 0.67. The bank says it is hard to be bullish on sterling amid Brexit and with the kiwi declining modestly as well, that cross-rate is expected to hold steady over this year. The outlook is the same on the euro cross but a stronger euro is pencilled in next year, for a closing €0.63 rate. On the aussie cross, the kiwi is tipped to gain to A0.94 this year but slide to 0.89 by late next year. Alan Williams

Markets

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

SI SLAUGHTER STAG

NI SLAUGHTER STEER

39 MICRON WOOL

($/KG)

FRIESIAN BONER COWS, 425-475KG AT COALGATE

($/KG)

($/KG LW)

5.65

8.50

4.15

Cattle & Deer Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.65

5.60

5.20

NI Bull (300kg)

5.65

5.60

5.20

NI Cow (200kg)

4.50

4.00

SI Steer (300kg)

5.30

5.00

SI Bull (300kg)

5.00

4.70

SI Cow (200kg)

4.15

3.40

US imported 95CL bull

7.35

7.16

6.58

US domestic 90CL cow

6.81

6.79

6.91

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) 6.0 5.5

NZ venison 60kg stag

c/k kg (net) $/kg

5.0 600

500 4.5 400 4.0 300 3.5

Oct Oct

Dec Dec

Feb Feb

5‐yr ave

Apr Apr

Jun Jun

Last yr

Aug Aug This yr

VENISON Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Last week Prior week

Last year

NI Stag (60kg)

8.10

7.35

NI Hind (50kg)

8.00

7.25

SI Stag (60kg)

8.50

8.40

7.35

SI Hind (50kg)

8.40

8.30

7.25

New Zealand venison (60kg Stag)

9.5

c/k kg (net) $/kg

8.5

NZ venison 60kg stag

600 7.5 500

6.5 400

300

5.5 Oct

Oct

Dec Dec 5‐yr ave

Feb Feb

Apr Apr Last yr

$90-$129

$3.00-$3.05/kg

South Island prime lambs

R2 Beef-Friesian steers, 360-390kg, at Frankton

Positive finish to March

BEEF Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

1.85

high lights

Jun Jun

Aug Aug This yr

LL STORE markets have ended March on a high note and, reflecting on the month, there have been record weaner and store cattle prices as well as consistent improvements in the lamb market, with store lambs sitting at historically high levels for this time of year. NORTHLAND NORTHLAND The sale at WELLSFORD was a game of two halves, with good quality dairybeef on offer, penned next to a big consignment of R2 and weaner dairy heifers, of mixed quality. High demand for good quality beef saw R3 Hereford-Friesian steers, 526576kg, make $2.88-$2.93/kg, while lighter Angus-Friesian, 448-500kg, sold to $2.90-$2.96/kg. R2 steers all sold in excess of $3.20/kg, while the better R2 bulls made $2.80-$2.88/ kg. Demand was high for weaner bulls and steers, with Friesian bulls, 122-165kg, making $545-$670, and Hereford-Friesian steers, 134-138kg, $725-$740. Quality R2 Hereford-Friesian heifers, 302-347kg, sold for $3.07$3.11/kg, and Hereford, 237-288kg, $3.10-$3.23/kg. A big dairy contingent was very mixed in quality and weights, and sold relative to that. The R2 offering lacked weight, and Friesian, 188-221kg, made $2.78-$2.87/kg, and Friesian-Jersey, 174-217kg, $2.56$2.70/kg. Weaner Friesian heifers, 120-139kg, were buyable at $335-$390, though big lines of Friesian-Jersey were passed in. A big offering of store cattle were offered at KAIKOHE last Wednesday, as vendors caught up after two weeks of weaner fairs.Prices were strong, though looked to have settled at current levels, with markets consistent with the last store sale, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported. R2 and R3 steers were mainly beefFriesian, and sold for $2.85-$2.95/kg, with a quality line of Angus selling to $3.07/kg. Lesser lines earned $2.60$2.70/kg. Angus bulls managed $3.00/ kg, while dairy lines fetched $2.80$2.90/kg. The heifer market was very solid, with the mainly beef-cross line

up trading at $2.85-$2.90/kg. A quality offering of weaner cattle sold to keen interest, with heavy beef-cross steers making $3.50-$3.60/kg, while lighter beef-Friesian returned $4.00-$4.50/kg, with most earning $700-$800.Weaner bulls were mainly exotic-cross and beef-cross, and traded at $3.30-$3.40/ kg, while 100-140kg beef-Friesian returned $450-$600. Heifers finished off the sale, and again beef-cross were well sought after, making $3.40-$3.50/ kg for good weighted lines, while beef-Friesian returned $500-$700. The cow market was the highlight, with prices continuing to climb as demand outstrips supply. Prime beef cows sold to $2.20-$2.40/kg, and heavy Friesian, $1.98-$2.04/kg. Medium types traded at $1.78-$1.82/kg, with few selling below this level. AUCKLAND AUCKLAND The annual weaner fair at PUKEKOHE on Saturday March 25 exceeded expectations, with prices reaching record levels. The weaners were lighter than the previous year because of slow spring growth but per head prices were similar. The top weaner steers, 289301kg, made $1010-$1100, medium, 210-219kg, $782-$930, and small crossbred, 134-155kg, $540-$685. In the heifer pens, good types, 242255kg, sold for $860-$970, medium, 190-205kg, $630-$790, and small crossbred, 89-108kg, $430-$550. While much of the focus was on the weaners, there were still a few other cattle that were in demand. Prime steers, 611-631kg, returned $2.73-$2.85/kg and heifers, 554kg, $2.93/kg. Light R2 steers, 343-378kg, made $2.88-$3.12/kg, and crossbred heifers, 334-364kg, $2.78-$2.80/kg. Bull prices were mixed and 406-412kg fetched $2.45-$2.73/kg. Boner cows continued their strong run, and 421-587kg traded at $1.90$2.11/kg. COUNTIES COUNTIES About 750 store cattle were on offer at TUAKAU last Thursday, and the market remained firm, PGG Wrightson

agent Kane Needham reported. Warm soil temperatures and good autumn grass growth helped fuel demand for cattle, and heavy rain on sale day ensured the buyer’s bench was well stocked. The yarding included HerefordFriesian steers, 520-550kg, which traded at $3.00/kg, and R2 of same breeding, 380kg, at $3.25/kg. Angus weaner steers, 220kg, made $890, and 186kg, $840, while Hereford-Friesian, 135-187kg, returned $810, and 135kg, $750. In the bull section, 450kg Friesian sold at $2.95/kg, and 355kg, $3.08/kg. Prices were strong for beef-Friesian heifers, with Angus-Friesian, 446kg, earning $2.91/kg, and HerefordFriesian, 388kg, $2.89/kg. Angus weaner heifers, 178kg, sold for $805, While Hereford-Friesian, 157-170kg returned $$675-$690. Lighter heifers, 120kg, made $540. The market for a small yarding of prime cattle lifted slightly last Wednesday. Prime steers averaged $2.88/kg, with the heavier lots up to $2.98/kg, and lighter types selling down to $2.80/kg. Prime heifers averaged $2.78/kg. The top lot earned $2.93/kg, and lighter beef heifers sold from $2.70/kg. Prime cows traded at $2.15-$2.40/kg, and the top Friesian, $2.09/kg. Good-medium types returned $1.87/kg, and boners $1.65/ kg. Heavy beef bulls sold up to $3.06/ kg, and Friesian, $2.89/kg, while Jersey, 450kg, returned $2.65/kg. Last Monday’s sheep sale drew a decent-sized yarding, including a good line-up of store lambs. Prime lambs sold up to $129, with goodmediums making $111-$117, and lighter, $100. The best of the store lambs returned $98, good-mediums $85, and light, $55-$65. Heavy prime ewes sold up to $102, good-mediums $75-$80, and lighter, $50-$65. BAY OF PLENTY BAY OF PLENTY Cattle numbers dropped to moderate levels at RANGIURU last Tuesday, with boner cows noted for

Continued page 45

Heartland Bank is pleased to announce the launch of our online platform:

TURN PASTURE INTO PROFIT

OPEN FOR LIVESTOCK Apply for livestock finance online in minutes and get a decision in seconds. •

Loan repaid on the sale of the livestock

•

Secured against the stock purchased, not your farm or other assets*

Speed and certainty: the Heartland difference www.openforlivestock.co.nz HBRU01-0217

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

Markets

46 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017 their absence at a time of year when they are usually starting to flow. A small yarding of sheep met good demand with 10 of the 14 pens of prime lambs selling at $100 or better with medium to good types earning $110-$138 and lighter $95. Prime ewes sold for $68-$78, and store lambs, $56-$64. Just 64 boners were offered with better types making $1.84-$1.94/kg and medium $1.75-$1.83/kg. The lack of cows is keeping prime prices strong and steers, 502-596kg, made $2.80$2.91/kg, and heifers, 395-503kg, $2.76$2.82/kg. Quality was mixed in the store pens but all sold well relative to breed and condition. R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 417-445kg, made $2.82-$2.87/kg, while Friesian, 415435kg, returned $2.64-$2.71/kg. A line of 326kg Friesian bulls fetched $3.02/kg, and Hereford-Friesian heifers, 370-398kg, $2.71$2.78/kg. The weaner heifers featured some quality lines and beef-cross, 195-217kg fetched $705-$780, Hereford, 231kg, $790, and Angus 255kg, $805. Friesian bulls, 146-178kg returned $570-$690. WAIKATO Another big store cattle yarding at FRANKTON last Wednesday included annual draft R2 steers and heifers, which sold to current high levels. Boner cow numbers lifted, though the remainder of the yarding was small lines of mixed quality. Short term cattle were in high demand, and the best of the R3 steers made $2.83$2.92/kg, and traditional heifers, $2.79$2.85/kg. A quality line up of R2 Hereford-Friesian steers met strong demand, and 360-394kg sold for $3.00-$3.07/kg, while AngusFriesian, 277-392kg, returned $3.00-$3.04/ kg, and Friesian, 407-421kg, $2.73- $2.78/kg. Angus-Friesian bulls, 415-462kg, returned $2.87-$2.90/kg, while Friesian, 304-465kg, fetched $2.89-$2.99/kg. A big offering of Hereford-Friesian heifers had mixed results, with the better lines firm at $2.96-$3.04/kg, though lighter types eased to $2.83-$2.90/kg. The weaner pens featured Friesian bulls, 103-155kg at $480-$650, and 170-240kg, $700-$800, while Hereford-Friesian heifers, 140-154kg, made $590-$640. Buyers were relieved to see an increase in boner cow numbers, though there were still not enough to fill all orders. Good Friesian made $1.81-$1.85/kg, and medium $1.70-$1.80/kg, while Friesiancross, 479-496kg, returned $1.63-$1.69/kg. Dry Hereford cows sold exceptionally well,

making $1155-$1325, $2.28-$2.33/kg. TARANAKI TARANAKI Perfect weather patterns, and improving schedules is driving the cattle markets, and at STRATFORD last week, prices firmed for most classes, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Stephen Sutton reported. Tuesday saw 150 cattle offered, with the bulk of the yarding vetted-empty dairy heifers. Cow numbers were low, and high yielding lines traded at $2.00-$2.20/kg, with the remainder earning $1.75-$2.00/kg. Around 60 empty dairy heifers sold well to fatteners, and 380-420kg returned $2.30-$2.40/kg, with lesser lines selling down to $2.00/kg. Bulls trickled in, and heavy beef sold for $2.88-$3.00/kg.Quality was top notch at last Wednesday’s store sale, and price improvements reflected the better conditioned line up. A good sized yarding of R3 steers were offered, due to a farm lease, and most sold for $2.80-$2.95/kg, with a line of 700kg making $2.90/kg. Heifer prices were similar, with most making $2.75-$2.90/ kg. The R2 steer pens offered up quality traditional and beef-Friesian lines, and all ranged from $2.85-$3.15/kg, with the top lines making $3.00/kg and up. Heifer quality also improved, as did prices at $2.70-$3.00/ kg, with a consignment of 40 head averaging $2.86/kg. A very small autumn-born weaner offering finished off the sale, with 250-330kg trading at $810-$1000. POVERTY BAY POVERTY BAY While numbers were well down on the previous sale at MATAWHERO, there was still a decent sized yarding to be found. As a whole prices were mainly stable, although short-term types did find stronger interest. A few lines of heavy-to-very heavy males made $104-$112, easing to $94-$101 for the middle cut, while the lighter end were mainly $76.50-$90.50. Prices fell into two ranges among the ewe lambs. The heavier end all made $96-$100.50 while the vast majority of the lighter end went for $86-$89. Good conditioned 5yr Romney ewes were $75.50-$95.50.Prime lambs mostly went for $91-$109.50, with a single line of prime ewes making $89.50. An on-farm lamb sale was held in Wairoa, with buyers from East Coast and Waikato relishing the opportunity to buy very big lines of quality station lambs.The total yarding of 7600 was split into 4660 rams, and 2940 ewe lambs, with the biggest line being 1788 rams, which sold for $105.50. The medium to good ram lambs sold for $105-$109.50, while light-medium returned $95-$99. Ewe prices were not far behind,

Want to connect, share and grow?

with the biggest line of 918 light-medium ewe lambs making $98.50, while the medium to good returned $100-104, and light-medium, $93-$99. HAWKE’S BAY HAWKE’S BAY Store lamb prices continued to climb at STORTFORD LODGE last Wednesday, as more rain and warm temperatures create ideal growing conditions, and buyers make up for a slow start to the buying season. The Monday ewe market has almost ground to a halt, as it sits in the lull between tupping and scanning. Bigger consignments of prime lambs are keeping the gates open however. Prime lamb numbers pushed just past 600 head, with 300 from one property. The mainly mixed sex line up sold on a firm market, with good types earning $99-$105, and heavy, $114-$130. Male lambs sold for $112-$132. Both numbers and quality were limited in the ewe pens, and prices eased, with medium-good trading at $80-$85, to be the top priced ewes of the day. The remainder made $50-$79. Angus cows featured in the rostrum, and at 411-505kg, sold for $2.10-$2.14/kg. Good prices continue to draw out high throughput levels of store lambs, with 8700 on the books, which included big station lines. Prices lifted again, this time by $4 across all types, with medium male lambs earning $95-$101, and good, $98-$109. Ewe lambs were slightly lighter, but equally as expensive, with medium at $89-$97, and good, $93-$107. A very light line of ewe lambs sold to $82.50, at $4.00/kg. A small mixed sex offering made $82-$105. Hawke’s Bay buyers dominated a moderate yarding of store cattle, which included top quality R3 steers, on offer due to a farm sale. Angus-Hereford, 518555kg, made $3.09-$3.14/kg, and Angus, 437-538kg, $3.19-$3.25/kg. R2 Angus steers, 447-454kg, eased slightly, though were still expensive shopping at $1510-$1520, $3.35$3.38/kg, while Friesian bulls, 333kg, made $1140, $3.42/kg. A line of run-with-the-bull Hereford cows sold well at $1270, with the dries earning $940. The sale finished off with a small offering of weaners, which featured Angus steers, 193kg, at $880, and AngusHereford heifers, 175-194kg, $760-$865. Sheep took a back seat to weaner cattle at DANNEVIRKE last Thursday, with 670 steers and 200 heifers offered.The mainly traditional line up met a keen bench, with the market exceptionally strong. The top steers sold to $1060-$1120, with 230-260kg making $4.30-$4.60/kg, while medium types, 200-230kg, returned $960-$1035, $4.50-$4.80/kg. The c/kg prices continued

to climb as the weights dropped, and 200kg and under sold for $4.70-$5.00/kg. A small offering of heifers also sold to high demand, with better types, 200kg plus, earning $3.70-$3.90/kg, with 200-230kg at $800$850, while lighter lines, 200kg and under, returned $4.00-$4.60/kg. MANAWATU MANAWATU A busy day at FEILDING last Monday saw a lift in lamb, and dairy cow numbers. The market welcomed the bigger numbers, and higher demand saw prices continue to improve. Prime lamb numbers were up to 4200, and very heavy lambs sold to $137-$142, with most other lines at $107-$125. Ewe numbers are starting to slow, and the market favoured the seller, with heavy ewes earning $96-$114, medium $78-$94, and light, $64-$75. Cull cow throughput continued to improve, though prices still firmed as buyers fill orders. Friesian and Friesian-cross, 522595kg, lifted to $1.90-$1.99/kg, with lighter weights of medium quality at $1.79-$1.87/ kg. Jersey, 390-400kg, eased slightly to $1.61$1.68/kg, while high yielding Charolaiscross, 528kg, made $2.18/kg. In the heifer pens Angus & Angus-Hereford, and Simmental, sold to $2.92-$2.94/kg, while Jersey bulls mainly traded at $2.40-$2.51/kg. The calf market continued to strengthen, with the top Friesian bulls achieving $300-$330, while Hereford-Friesian and Charolais-cross managed $325-$435. Heavy Hereford-Friesian heifers returned $350365, and medium, $300. Early indications were for a smaller yarding of store lambs at Friday’s store sale but, in fact, 400 more were entered and nearly 21,000 lambs were offered. Buying demand is still so widespread that these were snapped up and lamb sale prices firmed again by a few dollars. Excellent feed conditions occurring contemporaneously with reduced store stock numbers is driving this store stock each week. The store lambs are presenting in a narrow weight range with very few over 40kg liveweight and equally few below 30kg and few health issues are appearing, unlike last year’s facial eczema problems. Top male lamb prices were up to $112.50 for 227 cryptorchids and the top 125 blackface ewe lambs sold for $105 and hardly a lamb walking on all four legs sold for less than $100. Ewes; RWR, $87-$115; two-tooth, $131; Lambs; very heavy, $110.50-$112.50; heavy, $102-$112; medium, $99-$107.50; light, $99.50-$104. The good sale prices also attracted a large

100,000

farmers to connect with worldwide

Tap into Rabobank’s Local & Global Network We have a huge network of progressive farming clients across the globe. By connecting to our community of farmers, you can tap in to their knowledge and learn from their experience to help your business grow.

If you’d like to connect with Rabobank call 0800 722 622 or visit rabobank.co.nz

cattle yarding. While there were no bullocks as such, some heavy steers were offered and top rising three year steers sold up to $1940, $3.01/kg, with the best of the rising over 500 two year steers offered selling up to $1805, $3.08/kg. With firm bull schedules, another large bull yarding sold to steady demand again around the $3.00/kg levels and up to $1500, $2.92/kg, for heavier Friesians. A good lineup of older Friesian bulls was put forward along with autumn-borns. Heifer numbers were high again with some rising three year heifers also offered. Good rising two year well bred Angus heifers sold to $1360, $3.09/kg, but these offered more options. Other sections did not beat the print deadline but weaner bulls were reportedly fully firm on last week’s levels and many cleared $5.00/kg. Steers; R3, 458-653kg, $1465-$1940, $2.90$3.19; R2, 262-588kg, $870-$1850, $2.83$3.65; Bulls; R2, 251-513kg, $795-$1500, $2.81-$3.17; Autumn-born, 253-326kg, $930-$1070, $3.28-$3.81; Heifers; R2 & 3, 220-447kg, $720-$1360, $2.91-$3.41. RONGOTEA finished off March on a steady note, with a good run of R2 steer and heifers, as well as weaner cattle, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported. Boner cows sold well, and Friesian and crossbred, 385-595kg, made $1.73-$1.84/kg, and Hereford-Friesian, 625kg, $1.87/kg. R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 427-590kg, returned $2.75-$2.92/kg, with other crossbred lines off the pace at $2.39/kg. The best of the heifers were Angus, 475kg, at $2.78/kg, and other good lines making $2.79-$2.87/kg, with lesser types easing to $2.20-$2.45/kg. Good demand for bulls saw Angus, Hereford-Friesian and Friesian all sell for $2.83-$2.90/kg, with Jersey and crossbred earning $2.63-$2.73/kg. Weaner prices were as strong as recent levels, with much of the focus on a big offering of bulls and heifers. Bulls filled plenty of pens and Friesian, 234-290kg, returned $830-$900, and 129-170kg, $580$770. Hereford-Friesian, 95-240kg, made $450-$700, and beef-cross, 170-181kg, $655-$700. The top bulls of the day were Hereford, 340kg at $1030, and Simmental, 341kg, $1170, while at the tail end crossbred and Jersey lines made $345-$520. Heifer prices were strong, and the yarding featured Hereford-Friesian, 100-184kg, $450-$610, and Angus-cross, 108-145kg, $430-$500. Friesian, 112-198kg, made $305-$505, and crossbred, 105-161kg, $340-$460. Exotic steers, 195-250kg, sold to $650-$790, while Hereford-Friesian, 125-240kg, returned $600-$810. The small pens consisted of Friesian bull calves at $300-$390, and Hereford-Friesian $350-$400. Heifers of similar breeding made $300-$410, and Angus-cross, $300-$350. Weaner pigs sold for $35-$70, ewes $54$100, and lambs, $56-$116. WAIRARAPA WAIRARAPA The ever popular MARTINBOROUGH & MASTERTON weaner fair was held over two days, with steers offered last Tuesday, and heifers last Wednesday. Results were in line with the strong benchmarks set at other yards, with steers selling to a large bench from around the North Island, while heifers sold to mainly local buyers, PGG Wrightson agent Stephen Wilkinson reported. Last Tuesday saw 2200 traditional, hill country steers on offer, and a large crowd was drawn by the quality of the yarding. The top end of the steers, 270-320kg, made $1115-1195, $3.75-$4.12/kg, and 240-270kg, $1000-$1100, $4.12-$4.15/kg. The lighter weaners sold at very high c/kg levels, with 190-230kg earning $850-$1000, to make $4.30-$4.50/kg. A local buying bench gathered for the heifer fair last Wednesday, with the resulting market equally as strong as the steers. Numbers totaled 800 head, and good types, 240-280kg, made $1000-$1100, $4.10-$4.20/

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017

The Pirongia Clydesdale reduction sale is being held on Saturday, April 8. Included in the sale are the original DB Clydesdale hitch wagon and other equipment. For more information contact PGW’s Neil Lyons on 0272 235 784. (This date corrects that published in last week’s FW).

kg, with 200-220kg, earning $850-$1000, 4.20-$4.25/kg. Like the steers, the lighter lines were the most expensive on a c/kg basis, with 170-200kg selling for $750-$850, $4.25-$4.50/kg. MARLBOROUGH MARLBOROUGH Round two of calf sales at BLENHEIM last Wednesday featured 900 Angus and AngusHereford calves from Wairau and Waihopai Valley areas, with another strong sale recorded, PGG Wrightson agent Pete Barnes reported.The buying bench was similar to the last sale, with equally as much power from Wairarapa, Wanganui, and Central Plateau, as there was from Mid Canterbury, and a strong local bench. Around 600 steers were offered, with most trading at $715$1240, though with the average price at $975, the majority sold at the top end of that range. On a c/kg basis, prices averaged $4.28/kg, with a line of 144kg selling for $715, $5.18/kg. Heifer buyers worked to per head budgets, which saw very good c/ kg prices recorded, with the average not far behind the steers at $4.12/kg. Heifers made $700-$970, to average $798. CANTERBURY CANTERBURY Persistent rain has changed the landscape and continues to lift demand for store stock at CANTERBURY PARK. The store lamb market lifted $6 for a bigger offering of 3450. Light-medium male lambs made $82-$92, and good, $91-$97, with the lighter lines making significantly higher cents per kilogram. Light mixed sex returned $79-$85, and good, $89-$93. Prime numbers increased in both the lamb and ewe pens but prices held for lambs at $90-$129 for most. The ewe market, however, lifted for a second week running and medium to good ewes returned $80-$109. Prime cattle numbers were low and prices firmed across the board. Steers were chased by fatteners and processors, which saw a large portion of the offering sell in excess of $3/kg and up to $3.18/kg, pushing very heavy lines over $2000. The best of the heifers were 435-560kg and made $2.87-$2.94/kg with heavier types earning $2.75-$2.85/kg. A small offering of bulls sold for $2.64-$2.75/kg. Traditional cattle featured in the store pens, with R2 Hereford steers, 336-452kg, making $1070-$1475, with the heavier end up to $3.23-$3.28/kg while small lines of Angus sold to $3.34-$3.37/kg. Heifers met keen bidding and Hereford, 292-356kg, made $905-$1085, $3.05-$3.10/ kg, but Angus sold for a premium, with 312-327kg earning $3.32-$3.33/kg, and 338-388kg, $3.05-$3.14/kg. Weaner Friesian bulls, 116-165kg, made $460-$565. A change of sale day to Wednesday saw fewer numbers offered at COALGATE, though big lines of prime lambs and dairy cows bucked the trend. Prime lamb numbers pushed up to 1400, and included much bigger lines than usual. The majority sold for $100-$116, with fewer

lambs hitting the $121-$133 range, though a smaller portion also made $90-$99. Prime ewe numbers were moderate at 640, with heavy ewes trading at $100-$125, though most of the yarding were in the medium range at $81-$99, with a small tail end at $35-$78. The store lamb section was very small, and prices ranged from $70-$98. Heifers and cull dairy cows dominated the 300 head cattle sale, and strong demand for both resulted in solid prices. A quality line up of Angus, Angus-Hereford, and Charolais heifers met a keen bench, and high yielding lines, 457-505kg, made $2.90-$2.94/kg, while local trade types. 447-455kg, made $3.04-$3.06/kg, with lighter Charolais, 402kg, $3.18/kg. Cull Friesian cow numbers increased slightly and prices were steady, with 486-544kg returning $1.78-$1.80/kg, and 443-477kg, $1.70-$1.80/kg. Nearly half of a very small store section was sold in one line of Friesian bulls, 193kg, at $650.

month on a strong note, with prices for all classes holding the improvements of the previous week. All classes sold to very strong demand, PGG Wrightson agent Emmett Sparrow reported. The store lamb market was a carbon copy of the previous week, with the top lines making $88-$95, medium $78-$85, and light, $65-$75. Prime lambs also sold on a steady market, and heavy lambs traded at $112-$119, medium, $97-$108, and lighter, $87-$95. The ewes finished off a successful day, with heavy types trading at $105-$120, medium $90-$100, and lighter, $75-$85. SOUTHLAND SOUTHLAND The dairy cow cull is gaining momentum, and numbers lifted at LORNEVILLE last Tuesday. The bigger number took some of the pressure off buyers, and prices eased. Store lambs could have been sold twice over, with prices lifting. A lift in demand for a medium yarding of store lambs saw heavy lambs return $85$90, medium $75-$82, and light, $60-$70. Results were mixed in the prime pens, with heavy and medium prime lambs steady at $110-$120 and $95-$105, though lighter types eased slightly to $85-$92. The ewe pens lacked the heavy ewes of the previous week, with top lines selling to $95-$100, while medium lifted to $85-$90, and light, $60-$75. A large prime yarding featured mainly cows, with heavy types earning $1.80-$1.95/ kg, medium $1.60-$1.72/kg, and light, $1.50-$1.60/kg. Dairy heifers returned $2.00-$2.50/kg, while good beef lines earned $2.60-$2.70/kg, and medium, $2.50-$2.60/ kg. Steer prices were similar to the beef heifers, with good types earning $2.60$2.70/kg, and medium, $2.40-$2.60/kg. The highlights in the medium yarding of store cattle were R2 beef-cross heifers, 420451kg, at $2.64-$2.66/kg, while Herefordcross steers, 407kg, made $2.87/kg. Friesian, 394kg, returned $2.30/kg, while Herefordcross bulls, 370kg, fetched $2.54/kg. The weaner pens consisted of 201kg Friesian bulls at $660, with 159kg earning $575. Hereford-cross, 155kg, returned $570.

SOUTH CANTERBURY SOUTH CANTERBURY Cull cows are now starting to flow at TEMUKA, and prices eased in line with the increase in number last Monday, while the store cattle sale was mostly consistent with recent weeks. A good sized yarding of store lambs sold to strong demand, with prices steady to firm, but the talking point for the week was the very strong calf sale held last Wednesday. A good sized yarding of 4300 store lambs were offered, and medium ewe lambs made $84-$87.50, while good cryptorchid traded at $91-$96. Prices improved for the rest of the offering, with most selling over a tight range of $85-$93. Prime lambs continued their strong run, with heavy lambs comfortably making $120-$129, and medium, $100-$119. The ewe market was similar, and most sold for $80-$126, and lighter, $70-$79. A consignment of breeding ewes saw the top lines of all age groups earn $113-$136. Just over 450 cows were offered, and prices eased, with Friesian, 550kg plus, making $1.85-$1.95/kg, with a few lines pushing to $2.00/kg, medium $1.65-$1.79/ kg, and lighter, $1.40-$1.60/kg. The top Jersey lines traded at $1.61-$1.78/kg, and lighter, $1.30-$1.47/kg. HIGH INDEXING JERSEY & JERSEY Prime steer prices were steady, CROSS HERD and featured Hereford-Friesian 515-657kg, at $2.75-$2.85/kg, while Angus heifers proved popular, with BW 143/50 PW 161/67 RA 100% 522-595kg making $2.81/kg. Heavy Friesian bulls made $2.67-$2.70/kg,(in top Sale 10 toAll Breeds for NZ ) be held on the property of vendors: and lighter, $2.50-$2.60/kg. N & D Atkins, Church Road, Makotuku Dannevirke The first Temuka calf sale was red Monday 10 12 noonmatings • Many cows contracted toApril LIC2017, for 2011 hot, with prices lifting significantly • ofDue fromcomprising: 16-7-12, 6.5 weeks on the previous year. Just shy 700 to 42calve in-calf heifers traditional steers and heifers sold • and 35 Jersey in-calf heifers AB Jersey Kiwi cross to Canterbury to South Otago, and • 2 JFX in-calf heifers • Estimated to be 420 cows after non Angus-Hereford steers made $900• 3 HF in-calf heifers pregnant, culls, older cows & 5% rejection $1130 and Hereford, $900-$1060. • 2 Ayrshire in-calf heifers A good number of the heifers • were Production last season 347kgs ms/cow, picked up for breeding, and AngusFROM PAST ALMOST to WITHOUT 1000kgs CATTLE ms/ha, on SALES rolling steeper Hereford returned $820-$1060, and EXCEPTION HAVE: farm, no meal, palm kernel or maize Hereford, $730-$890, with one contoured line • Developed into good type and production cows fed. selling to $1050. • Shown excellent fertility and have become A further 890 store cattle•were Young replacement pregnant earlystock also available offered last Thursday, and R2 Angus • Excellent temperament steers, 463-505kg fetched $3.08& sires potential to be one of •genetics The use of top over the herd $3.13/kg, while the best of Outstanding the • Experience us that theseofheifers shift themade countries leading tells suppliers Genetics to Hereford-Friesian, 311-435kg, $3.10-$3.27/kg. Nearly 360the heifers exceedingly well dairy industry for years to come. Full details were offered but the market held CATALOGUES AVAILABLE FROM THE AUCTIONEERS available. up well, and Hereford, 348-356kg, OR ONLINE AT www.jersey.org.nz returned $3.06-$3.09/kg, while Enquiries to the sole marketing agents: OR www.brianrobinsonlivestock.com 308-376kg Hereford-Friesian sold for $3.05-$3.12/kg. Angus-Friesian, 314-353kg, made $3.05-$3.11/kg, with Brian Robinson BRLL Friesian prices steady at $2.33-$2.39/ Brian Robinson Ltd PH: 0272 410051 or 07 Livestock 8583132 kg for 355-382kg. A good number Brian Robinson M: 027 241 0051 or 07 858 3132 of calves were offered, but prices Kevin Hart M: 027 291 5575 or 07 854 6220 eased, and Hereford-Friesian heifers, Gary Falkner Selwyn Donald M: 027 437 8375 or 06 308 9942 100-140kg made $430-$575, and 145Jersey Marketing Service Neil McDonald M: 027 218 8904 or 06 765 6304 183kg, $605-$640. Angus, 195-272kg, PH: 027 482 8771 or 07 846 4491 returned $630-$895.

IN-CALF DAIRY HEIFER SALE

OTAGO OTAGO BALCLUTHA finished off the

Jersey Marketing Service Ltd Ross Riddell 027 211 1112 or 07 871 5691

LK0086916©

Markets

48 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – April 3, 2017 NI SLAUGHTER LAMB

NI SLAUGHTER COW

SI SLAUGHTER COW

($/KG)

GOOD MALE LAMBS AT CANTERBURY PARK

($/KG)

($/HD)

5.70

4.50

4.15

high lights

$1000-$1195

Traditional weaner steers, Traditional weaner steers, 240-320kg, at Martinborough 200-230kg at Dannevirke Weaner Fair & Masterton Weaner Fair

Warning: Don’t get greedy

EW Zealand has to be careful about pushing the price of high-end lamb products too high in world markets. The warning came from one of the country’s biggest meat exporters, Anzco Foods, with incoming chief executive Peter Conley saying lamb was very much a niche product in world markets. “And we’re picking up noises about price in some markets. “We just need to be careful. We urge some caution.” The lesson from previous years was for NZ producers and exporters not to be greedy on price and risk exceeding a tipping point, retiring chief executive Mark Clarkson said, releasing his last set of annual accounts, with profit increasing on the previous year. The market now was different to 2011-12 when lamb prices peaked then tumbled. There was very little frozen meat being held in inventories around the world, whereas stores were full last time. Conley, who stepped up from running the core meat processing and exporting business, was positive on lamb returns, though the coproduct market was difficult, especially for pelts. He was also optimistic for beef markets, with lean beef in demand in the United States and growth in beef cuts into the China market and help from reduced supply out of Australia.

RESTRAINT: Lamb producers and exporters must not be greedy on price, retiring Anzco chief executive Mark Clarkson says.

We’re picking up noises about price in some markets. Peter Conley ANZCO There should also be gains from the opening up of the China market for chilled lamb and beef from NZ. Anzco made an after-tax profit of $12 million in the year ended December 31, up from a normalised $11m for 2015. That was a more exact comparison than the group’s formal accounts for 2015, which covered a 15-month period following a change in balance date, chief financial officer Paul Loke said.

Revenues were slightly lower, at $1.447 billion for the year, down from $1.54b, most of that due to a higher average NZ currency than during 2015. The profit improvement was mostly from improved earnings in the Food and Solutions division, covering food products, healthcare and ingredients, which was now starting to show a good pay-back from several years of investment. That had offset the currency impact on revenues, Clarkson said. The revenue figure probably put Anzco as the second biggest meat exporter behind Silver Fern Farms and ahead of Alliance, which had $1.36b of 2016 annual revenues. The fourth big firm, Affco, did not release accounts and was traditionally slightly

below the others though it had been gaining market share. Anzco’s earnings before interest and tax increased to $26.3m from $25.1m, lifting Ebit as a percentage of revenue to 1.82% from 1.63% previously. The after-tax profit included the impact of corporate tax in some overseas markets, slightly higher than the NZ rate, Loke said. Operating cashflow was $26.8m down from $51.2m (normalised) in 2015, and came after $23m of investment in some of the processing plants, including increasing capability at the Green Island manufacturing base for the growing Angel Bay meat product range. Angel Bay’s biggest market was in Australia and it was also pushing out into wider Asian markets.

$960-$1035

Rain is still driving store stock demand ISN’T it it nice to have a real autumn for a change? I can’t remember the last time we had good rain and warm temperatures leading up to winter and what a difference it Suz Bremner has made to feed levels. Were we AgriHQ Analyst really talking about droughts, fires and low stock prices just a mere few months ago? Like any good farmer I like a good yarn about the weather and as an analyst it is gold when the weather is having a significant impact on the markets, whether good or bad. For a farmer/ market analyst, obviously when it’s good for the sellers then I’m very happy. I speak to agents nationwide and, in typical farming fashion, I always ask about the weather. The common theme for the last few weeks has been rain – in all areas, which in itself is unusual. There are even a few who have murmured that it can stop for a bit now. The rain and subsequent growth is continuing to drive demand for store stock and nothing is being left behind, with all classes selling at what must be record high levels, relative to their breed and quality. The beauty of the situation this year is that the strong prices are not limited to particular areas – all yards are posting some of the best results they have seen. Store lamb prices are the highest at this time of year since 2011 and the strong market is drawing more numbers to auction in the North Island, which is exactly what buyers wanted to see, and the markets have continued to improve despite the larger entries. Most yards covered by LivestockEye reports are trading $22-$24 up on 2016 and are also well up on five-year averages. Weaner fairs continue this week and into next and after a strong start to the season and plenty of rain since, prices would be expected to, at the very least, hold if not improve slightly. Watch this space. suz.bremner@nzx.com

MORE FROM AGRIHQ: MARKET SNAPSHOT MARKET WRAP

Fresh, attractive and tasty, but deadly effective! • Freshly made in New Zealand • Highly palatable to rats and mice • Single feed lethal dose • Use in conjunction with a Dead Rat Café for deadly results

Available from all good rural retailers

For full details on how to eradicate rodents go to www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RwY7goPzWM or scan the QR Code to view a short video that shows how easy it is to bait a station with either PestOff rodent blocks or pellets.

Registered pursuant to the ACVM Act 1997, No. V005099. See: http://www.nzfsa.govt.nz/acvm for registration details.

P44 P45