Farmers WeeklyNZ December 4 2017 by AgriHQ

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WHACK: $183m hit Stephen Bell

stephen.bell@nzx.com

ONTERRA shareholders have taken a $183 million earnings hit after an international disputes tribunal in Singapore ordered it to pay Danone damages for business it lost in the 2013 botulism scare. On Friday Fonterra cut its predicted dividend range by 10 cents to 35c-45c a share this year. And though it disagreed with the finding and was preparing to pay up, Fonterra did not ruled out challenging the order. “We are disappointed that the arbitration tribunal did not fully recognise the terms of our supply agreement with Danone, including the agreed limitations of liability, which was the basis on which we had agreed to do business,” chief executive Theo Spierings said. Danone, which ceased to be a Fonterra customer, had sought $500m after it had to recall baby formula from supermarket shelves. Fonterra has set aside $11 for Danone to cover the actual cost of recalling products. Spiering said a precedent had been set with damages awarded outside the liability limits in the supply contract. It used Fonterra products in its formula, as did seven other formula makers, and made the claim for losses it incurred of what Fonterra referred to as a precautionary recall of 38 tonnes of whey protein concentrate though it was more commonly known as the botulism scare or

scandal. The saga was the result of an equipment cleaning error. It was later found there had been no food safety risk. “The decision to invoke a precautionary recall was based on technical information obtained from a third party, which later turned out to be incorrect. “While there was never any risk to the public we have learned from this experience and as a result have made improvements to our escalation, product traceability and recall processes and incident management systems,” Spierings said.

Fonterra is in a strong financial position and is able to meet the recall costs. Theo Spierings Fonterra “We operate in a fast-changing and complex industry and will always prioritise food safety and quality in our commitment to be the world’s most trusted source of dairy nutrition. “Fonterra is in a strong financial position and is able to meet the recall costs.” The co-operative was reviewing the tribunal’s findings closely but recognised there were likely to be limited options for challenging the decision of an international arbitration, he said. Lawyers were studying the 300-page decision. “Part of us would like to move on from this unfortunate

experience,” chairman John Wilson said. Danone said the arbitration outcome stressed the critical importance of food safety procedures and transparency. It welcomed the decision as a guarantee the lessons from the crisis would not be forgotten. “Danone considers that this arbitration underscores the merit of its legal actions against Fonterra, including to champion the highest standards of food safety across the industry. “Danone believes that food companies and their suppliers can only work together through a solid relationship based on trust, transparency and accountability,” it said. Fonterra supplier Tom Pow, from Whangarei, said it was very disappointing the problem happened and the settlement was an unfortunate cost farmers didn’t need. “But sometimes these things happen in business,” Pow said. Fonterra halted trading in its shared on Friday morning but they resumed trading at 1.55pm and gained a cent to $6.37. Fonterra Shareholders’ Council chairman Duncan Coull said Friday was a tough day for the co-op and its farmer owners who would ultimately bear the cost. “Our co-op has made significant strides since the 2013 incident in terms of strengthening its operational processes, culture and governance – as per the independent review process recommendations – and embedding them into our co-op’s functions and framework.” The council was confident that was done to a high standard

SOUR TASTE: The upshot of Fonterra’s whey protein scare is a $183 million damages bill chief executive Theo Spierings hasn’t ruled out challenging.

and Fonterra was well placed to become the world’s most trusted source of dairy nutrition. “As tough as this outcome is, the lessons learned have enabled

our co-op to emerge stronger and we now need to move forward together – proud of who we are, what we have achieve, and of our commitment to our values.”

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NEWS

NEW THINKING

21 Herbicide risk to resistance

linked

60 Wetter than

Use of common herbicides is allowing bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics used in both human and animal health, molecular biologist and geneticist Professor Jack Heinemann says.

normal (mm)

OPINION

4 Post-Brexit trade in a deadlock A visit here by Britain’s top trade official Liam Fox failed to settle a dispute over how New Zealand’s quota for sheep meat exports to the European Union should be handled after Brexit.

7 Synlait to expand in North

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Editorial �� 22 Cartoon �� 22

Post-Brexit trade in a deadlock �� 4 Foreign buyer scrutiny is good �� 5

REGULARS Real Estate �� 26-39 Employment �� 40 Classifieds �� 41 Livestock �� 42-43

MARKETS

Fonterra wants top-three image �� 8

Farmers’ work wins gong for clean river �� 12 New proteins going mainstream �� 15 Employers in for more pay audits �� 16

20 Kiwi milking pioneer

48 Healthy velvet sales sought The deer industry is embarking on a joint venture health project with one of South Korea’s largest pharmaceutical companies.

remembered

Kiwi farmer Norman Daysh has been honoured for his revolutionary invention of mechanical milking a century after his design was commercialised.

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.

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Contract milker, 2018 season. This is a unique opportunity in south Waikato for an experienced dairy farmer wishing to upskill in a progressive, tech-savvy environment with a high-performing herd. For more information and a full job description visit the Farmers Weekly jobs site: farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz and click on Contract Milker category. To find all other agjobs click on All Categories. #agjobs at your fingertips.

ALF gets back to normal �� 10

NEWSMAKER

Drier than normal (mm)

From the Ridge �� 25

Synlait to expand in North Island �� 7

Whiter wool process to ramp up �� 19

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Letters �� 22

Alternative View �� 24

More plants, fewer animals �� 3

Alan Emerson says GIAs are effectively a subsidy from the primary sector to tourism.

Synlait Milk has signalled higher profits in this year and plans to buy a second North Island site for powder manufacturing and securing new milk supply.

Wools of New Zealand expects to offer contracts to growers early next year to provide fleece for business under the new GlacialXT banner.

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Pulpit �� 23

24 Alternative View

Island

19 Whiter wool process to ramp

Soil Moisture Anomaly (mm) at 9am December 1, 2017

Market Snapshot �� 44 Market Wrap �� 45

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

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017

More plants, fewer animals Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com A NEW-AGE farming system will emerge over the next 20 years as Landcorp stops intensifying, cuts its dairy footprint and includes plant-based foods, sheep milk, forestry and berries in its mix. And as well as changing its land use the future depended on quality rather than volume. The state farming enterprise and its Environmental Reference Group appeared to be on the same wavelength though how many stock would be cut had not been decided. The group suggested at least 30% by mid-century. Landcorp would always be farming animals but there would be a reduced number in the years ahead, chief executive Steven Carden said. There would be diversification into plant-based foods, honey produced from large areas of manuka, horticulture and some land would return to forestry. Landcorp’s recent history had involved converting former forestry land in the central North Island to dairy. But that was going into reverse and there would be no broadacre arable farming except for crops to feed the remaining dairy herds. Group chairman Guy Salmon said in Landcorp’s annual report New Zealand agriculture was reaching a fork in the road with two productive directions. One involved largely phasing out ruminant livestock production in favour of forestry and other mainly plant-based food products. The other was rapidly developing ruminant livestockbased products of such high values farmers could afford the high costs initially of offsetting their emissions and ultimately burying those emissions underground. It was clear there was no easy

Landcorp had significant land available for horticulture crops, notably berries. Steve Carden Landcorp

CHOICES: New Zealand agriculture is at a fork in the road with two productive choices, Landcorp Environmental Reference Group chairman Guy Salmon says.

technological route to net zero emissions from farm animals and reliance on tree-planting would have significant costs for farmers and a limited time-scale, Salmon, whose group included Dr Alison Dewes, Dr Mike Joy, Dr Tanira Kingi, Dave Maslen and Angus Robson advising Landcorp on farm practice and environmental impacts, said. The challenges were unprecedented and complex. Salmon said work on freshwater quality, nutrient leaching, soil erosion and stream sedimentation had significant future costs for agriculture and far-reaching implications for land-use. Greater

biodiversity protection was also required. Foresighted action had long been lacking but the growing environmental crisis also offered many elements of business opportunity, he said. Landcorp didn’t yet have any revenue from plant-based foods with income from cow’s milk, sheep meat and wool, beef, venison and forestry. In the latest financial year Landcorp, under its Pamu brand, provided processors with 9519 tonnes of sheep meat, 7665 tonnes of beef, 1995 tonnes of venison and 20.3 million kilograms of milksolids.

At June 30 it owned 490,000 sheep, down from 530,000 a year earlier, 83,400 beef cattle (78,700), 70,500 dairy cattle (78,500) and 93,700 deer (from 95,000). While there would be continuing yield gains from genetic improvement Carden did not expect to increase production of livestock products and milk as livestock numbers were reduced. One area of growth would be sheep milking, where it is making good progress. Research showed sheep dairy farms would have 30% to 50% lower nitrogen leaching than dairy cows, he said. Sheep milk would be targeted

at Middle East and Asian markets and Landcorp was getting good market signals. It had already cut back cow numbers at its big Wairakei development, from initial planning for 37,000 cows to 21,000. Before embarking on plantbased food projects Landcorp would need to develop a strategy to match products with consumer demand offshore, Carden said. That involved a lot of work, and at the moment the group was flatout organising the product and markets for the dairy and meat move up the value-chain. It had significant land available for horticulture crops, notably berries. Diversification would be disciplined but with agriculture heading in to the Emissions Trading Scheme, possible carbon taxes and restrictions on water use Landcorp didn’t have the luxury of sitting around for 10 to 20 years before making changes. Landcorp’s forestry was a small part of the business with income just $2.3m in 2017 compared to $216.5m for livestock. The forests were valued at $26.8m (excluding the land) compared to livestock at $319m. A lot of group land cleared over the last century was probably best-suited to forestry and there would be significant new planting Carden said. Landcorp made an after-tax profit of $51.9m in the June year, up from$11.5m a year earlier.

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017

Post-Brexit trade in a deadlock Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com A VISIT here by Britain’s top trade official Liam Fox failed to settle a dispute over how New Zealand’s quota for sheep meat exports to the European Union should be handled after Brexit. Kicking off his three-day trip with media interviews last weekend Britain’s international trade secretary Fox repeated the outlines of a deal reached earlier this year between the EU and the United Kingdom to split the quotas between themselves using a formula based on trade volumes over an unspecified three-year period.

We have said that we want NZ exporters to be no worse off as a result of the Brexit arrangements. David Parker Trade Minister

Fox maintained splitting the quota to reflect recent trade would leave neither British farmers nor their NZ counterparts any worse off when the UK left the EU in March 2019. That was flatly rejected by NZ exporters who said it would strip them of the flexibility to sell up to the quota limit of 228,000 tonnes to either the UK or in the remaining 27

countries of the EU as market conditions dictated, as they could now. Depending on which three-year trade period was used to calculate the split exporters would see their quota entitlements to the UK and the continent respectively roughly halved and a 50% tariff applied on trade above the new limits compared to a zero tariff now. In September NZ was one of six agricultural exporting countries with special quota access to the EU market to sign a joint letter to the UK and the EU outlining their concerns with the proposals, which they believed ran counter to World Trade Organisation rules that said no country should be left worse off by new trade agreements. However, the message didn’t appear to be getting through to Fox who met Trade Minister David Parker for the first time in Wellington last week. Parker said the two sides reiterated their previous positions and remained deadlocked on the issue. “We took the same position as the prior government did and we heard the same answers and have asked for a formal response to our written proposition outlining the solution that we favour.” It was understood the proposal floated by NZ in early October adopted a common ceiling approach to the quota. That would see the 228,000 tonnes tariff-free quota replicated in full across the UK and the remaining 27 members of the EU after Brexit.

UNMOVED: British international trade secretary Liam Fox has not been swayed by opposition to a trade quota deal done by Britain and the European Union.

By administering the quota from NZ it would be possible for export licences to be revoked once the quota had been exceeded and it would ensure farmers here and in the EU and the UK were no worse off as the UK and the EU were legally obliged to ensure and as both claimed they wanted. Asked about Fox’s comments about the possibility of a twostage solution where quota lost as a result of Brexit talks could be won back in bilateral trade talks with the UK at a later date Parker said that would not be acceptable to NZ. “We have said that we want NZ exporters to be no worse off as a result of the Brexit arrangements. “So our clear desire is that this is resolved by the time of the Brexit divorce.” Parker agreed there was potential for the issue to still not be resolved by March 2019. While that was the date at which the UK was scheduled to leave the EU it was seen as increasingly likely that a further transition period would be required if the terms of the UK’s exit could not be settled before then.

Limmer to lead SFF ZESPRI executive Simon Limmer is the new chief executive of Silver Fern Farms. Silver Fern Farms co-chairman Rob Hewett said “Simon comes with deep commercial experience in the food, manufacturing and service sectors both here in New Zealand and in several of the key international markets in which we operate.” Limmer spent the past nine years working for Zespri in management roles in NZ and China. Before that he spent 14 years with French multi-national Veolia, in Europe, east Asia, Oceania and the Americas. “His experience, most recently with Zespri as their chief operating officer, and prior to that as their GM China, gives us confidence he will be able to continue our development as a consumeroriented food business. “Simon has a clear affinity with NZ agriculture and what is required to successfully take our great products to consumers locally and around the world,” Hewett said.

STILL WITH FOOD: Simon Limmer is swapping kiwifruit for meat as he becomes chief executive at Silver Ferm Farms.

Limmer said “The company is well positioned to add value to NZ’s natural, grass-fed red meat – there is a consumer trend to natural whole foods, the company has a really good brand, is well capitalised and has a talented and enthusiastic group of people.” Limmer would take over from Dean Hamilton in March.

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017

Foreign buyer scrutiny is good Nigel Stirling nigel.g.stirling@gmail.com MOVES to make it tougher for foreigners to buy land are overdue and tip the market for farms back in favour of New Zealanders, Federated Farmers says. The Government last week directed the Overseas Investment Office (OIO) to narrow the factors it takes into account when assessing applications by foreigners to buy rural land. The directive replaced one issued by the last government in 2010 that instructed the OIO to wave through sales with substantial and identifiable benefit to NZ. Sales that provided benefits better than those provided by a NZ buyer would be assessed more favourably, particularly those shown to boost jobs, investment in new technology and processing capacity and increase oversight and participation by locals in the primary industries. The new directive would apply from December 15 to all applications to buy rural land over 5ha, including those already in front of the OIO at that date. Federated Farmers vicepresident Andrew Hoggard said the previous guidance was

vague and had not delivered the promised benefits. Past applications had touted unremarkable technology investments such as automatic cup-removers in milking sheds. “It just seemed like it was a very low bar they had set for net benefit and the main net benefit seemed to be that they were willing to pay more than the next NZ bidder.” Emphasising factors such as local participation would encourage foreign buyers to consider equity partnerships or sharemilking contracts. “To me that would be where I would see a good benefit … you would be giving locals an opportunity without pushing things to ridiculous levels.” He accepted opinion would be split between those farmers in the market for land and happy to see impediments put in the way of foreign buyers and those looking to sell and happy for them to push prices higher. But with increased environmental and animal welfare requirements coming there was an argument the amount of farmer capital tied up in land had become too great. “If you have unrestricted access for foreigners to land then for a NZ

farmer to outbid them they have got to pay such a price that they have got nothing left in the tank to spend on all these other things that everyone is telling farmers they have got to be doing.” Associate Finance Minister David Parker said the last government, rather than tightening the rules as claimed following the Crafar farm sales, had in fact watered them down by directing the OIO to give extra scrutiny only to the sale of farms 10 times the average size. By applying the new directive to sales above 5ha the majority would be looked at closely by the OIO before ending up on ministers’ desks for final approval. The Government believed New Zealanders should not be crowded out of the local market for houses and land, which was increasingly global and stacked against them. “That is a value that we hold dear and we think is becoming more important as these enormous concentrations of wealth are occurring overseas. Asked what foreign buyers would now need to do to prove themselves Parker cited investment in further processing of raw materials such as logs or the introduction of new plant or animal breeds.

SQUEEZED: If Kiwi farmers have to compete with foreigners to buy land they have no money left to spend on all the other things everyone is telling farmers they have to do, Federated Farmers vice-president Andrew Hoggard says.

“But if they were just going to use existing farming systems and NZ farm managers we do not think that is enough.” Chapman Tripp partner Tim Tubman did not believe the changes would have a dramatic impact on foreign appetite to

buy farms here. “People want to buy farms not because it is easy or hard but because they believe it is a good economic proposition.” NZ already had some of the toughest investor screening in the world, he said.

Lamb numbers up but export volume to fall Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com MORE lambs were born this spring but the numbers available for export will be similar to last year and the tonnage for export slightly down because of poorer growing conditions, Beef + Lamb NZ says. A record high average lambing percentage in the North Island led to the improved numbers.

There were 11.7 million lambs tailed, up 551,000 or 4.9% on last year. Lambing rate was 128%, up 8.6%, helped by good climate and ewe condition at mating and through lambing. More lambs bred from hoggets also helped the numbers. Nationally, 23.7m lambs were tailed, up 436,000 or 1.9%. The average lambing was 127.2%, up 4.4% year-on-year and well above the 10-year average of

120.8%, B+LNZ chief economist Andrew Burtt said. The South Island average rose marginally to 126.4% but total lamb numbers tailed slipped 115,000 or 1% to 12m, mainly because of a fall-off in Southland where fewer ewes were mated, the percentage was lower and fewer hoggets were mated. Lamb survival was also below average in North Canterbury and Marlborough

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initial forecast in early October when it expected a slight increase in total tonnage. Nationally, the number of breeding ewes at July 1 fell 1.9% to 17.8m compared to a year earlier. The most significant decrease was in TaranakiManawatu where very good mutton prices led to higher numbers of older ewes being culled, Burtt said.

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but better than usual in Otago and Southland. The number of lambs available for export was expected to be 19.27m, similar to the 19.25m last season. Difficult post-lambing conditions in many areas with excessive rain held back lamb growth, accounting for the expected lower average carcase weights. That meant a change from the

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017

Synlait to expand in North Island Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com SYNLAIT Milk has signalled higher profits in this year and plans to buy a second North Island site for powder manufacturing and securing new milk supply. It would become the third site for the Canterbury based company that began manufacturing at its new Auckland plant earlier in November. A second North Island site would keep options open for the future, managing director John Penno said after the annual meeting in Christchurch. One of the best shareprice performers on the NZX market this year, Synlait was working to get the Auckland plant registered with Chinese regulators to match the registration already held by the main manufacturing base at Dunsandel in Canterbury. The next step was licensing for up to three brands from each plant. Synlait’s A2 Platinum brand for the A2 Milk Co was licensed. Shareholders were told again by Penno and chairman Graeme Milne the directors might consider diversifying from its business-to-business supply

strategy and set up its own brands. The group would not compete with infant formula customers or set up any conflict with existing partners and would proceed only where it saw significant consumer benefits. “We have been hinting at that and will announce plans as we get details,” Penno said after the meeting.

We have been hinting at that and will announce plans as we get details. John Penno Synlait Penno would retire as managing director and chief executive in the next 12 months but would stay on as a nonexecutive director. The company would be looking internationally for a new chief executive, Milne said. He indicated a six to eight-month time frame and Penno would stay on until a successor was in place. He had been managing

director for 12 years and was one of the founders of the original Synlait Farms group five years earlier. “I love the company and it’s been a tough decision but Synlait has a good future and it is a good time to make the transition,” he said. Shareholders were told sales of canned infant formula were now expected to be at the top end of the 30,000 tonnes to 35,000 tonnes forecast provided earlier. They were high-margin sales and would push profits higher than last financial year though a dollar-figure wasn’t released. Those sales were likely be at the expense of lower-margin ingredient product sales. Synlait was still waiting for United States approval for the Grass-Fed brand infant formula it was making for US group Munchkin. “This has taken longer than we thought and we said about three months ago that it could take up to another year. We’re comfortable with that.” Penno said he was comfortable with Synlait’s forecast of a $6.50/kg MS milk price for the 2017-18 season. The forecast would be updated in February.

Fewer cows but much more milk Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com THE national dairy herd has reduced in size to the number of cows milked five years ago, DairyNZ and LIC said in their joint Dairy Statistics, 2016-17. Compared with the previous season North Island cow numbers dropped 90,000 to 2.89 million while South Island numbers fell 46,000 to 1.97m. LIC NZ markets general manager Malcolm Ellis said the numbers reflected a shift in the industry. “Farmers are acknowledging that if they are not going to be milking more cows then they need to be milking better ones. “The lower payout in previous seasons certainly forced some farmers to reconsider their cow numbers as part of a wider farm system review but the latest productivity numbers prove it can really pay off for a farming business. “It boils down to the fundamentals of herd improvement – creating highquality herd replacements that will out-perform their mothers in productivity, longevity and fertility.”

Dairy Statistics said 20.7 billion litres of milk were processed last season, compared with 18.9b in 201213 when the country last had a similar number of cows milked, 4.86m. Cow productivity rose over the intervening five years from 346kg milksolids to 381kg MS last season. That statistic had risen 100kg/cow over the past 20 years and the milksolids produced off one hectare of dairy farm had risen 40% in that time. DairyNZ senior economist Matthew Newman said the trend for increasing per-cow milk production showed farmers were opting for animals that were yearon-year more efficient at converting grass into milk – the industry’s national breeding objective.

“We are producing similar milk quantities from fewer cows, partly because we are breeding better animals and feeding them well,” he said. Dairy Statistics showed the trend to crossbreeding cows continued with Kiwi-cross (Holstein-Friesian/Jersey crossbred) now accounting for 48% of the national herd, Holstein-Friesian 33.5% and Jersey 9.3%. The structure of dairy farming also changed during the price downturn with the number of sharemilking agreements falling from 32.4% in 2013-14 to 27.3% of herds in 2016-17. The number of 20-29% sharemilking agreements had more than halved, down from 1357 to 586. Owner-operator herds increased 188 to 8503 herds in 2016-17, reflecting variableorder sharemilkers moving to contract milking after financial challenges with low milk prices. According to the herd test averages, Canterbury, Otago and Southland had the highest-producing cows, ranging from 416 to 434kg/ cow MS and Northland had the lowest-producing, 286kg.

EXPANDING: A second North Island site will keep Synlait’s options open, departing chief executive and managing director John Penno says.

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017

Fonterra wants top-three image Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com FONTERRA has improved its reputation with Kiwi people but still has a long way to go before being among the most respected companies. Its marketing campaigns over the last 18 months had improved Fonterra’s image, chief executive Theo Spierings told dairy farmers at the annual meeting in Taranaki late in October. He showed figures that turned around from 35% unfavourable and 16% favourable to 45% favourable and 11% unfavourable in six surveys from April 2016 to July 2017. “We have shifted our reputation from ninth to fifth and changed the minds of 1.5 million New Zealanders,” he said. A spokesman for Fonterra said the company had invested in its reputation because of two fundamentals of the industry – farmers were doing good work that was not well-known and research showed New Zealanders were no longer aware of how dairying was done. The media campaign began early last year with the #4.31AM series featuring former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw. Follow-ups highlighted environmental efforts, dairy product purity, innovation, global reach, onfarm technology and the ongoing Milk For Schools programme. The Open Gates day on December 10 would showcase onfarm improvements and put people in touch with dairy farmers. Surveying by Colmar Brunton had shown a steady improvement in reputation following each phase of the media campaign, done through television commercials, on Fonterra’s website and through social media. “The results have been strong and positive and the feedback good so we are pleased with the momentum that has built up.” The spokesman said Fonterra had no shortage of themes to be used in future media campaigns.

ASSETS: Fonterra has highlighted its Milk For Schools programme and used former All Blacks captain Richie McCaw in a bid to enhance its reputation.

It boils down to greenwashing the indefensible if the industry doesn’t reform its worst aspects. Vicki Little Auckland University “Going further will require even greater determination and our objective for 2018 is to push into the top three ranking.” However, that was like playing at home, against pre-selected opposition. Fonterra had not yet made the top 20 in the Colmar Brunton Corporate Reputation Index. Its latest results were published in March. The annual publication measured the reputation of the 100 largest consumer-facing companies in NZ by revenue, plus financial services companies. Colmar Brunton’s chief client officer Sarah Bolger said the

headline index was more a generic reputation measure than Fonterra’s commissioned research. Air NZ was top of the index for the third year running, followed by Toyota and Z Energy. Companies with a high reputation index scored well on trust, which NZ consumers placed above other factors and higher than consumers in other countries. In 2017 Fonterra had scored well in one of the four pillars of the index, that of success and leadership. It was among dominant and established companies with multinational activities, like Apple, Coca Cola Company and BP. Those companies were wellknown, first to market with new products and services and offered investors good returns. Fonterra’s own reputational survey was done by Colmar Brunton using the Rep Z model and measured the dairy cooperative against selected comparative corporates.

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While not disclosing who those were Bolger said they would be other companies against which Fonterra chose to benchmark itself. Massey University School of Management senior lecturer Robert Davis said Fonterra had been strong in product marketing but as an organisation it was relatively unknown. “It is essentially a community of small farmers and it hasn’t previously communicated their values and meaning to the public.” Once embarked on image and reputation building, Fonterra had to be aware that just one bad animal welfare incident or another botulism scare could be a huge setback. The reputational survey results were a good start and a significant movement but Fonterra would be pushing on to achieve 80-90% favourable responses. Davis said the Open Gates day would generate a huge amount of social media to continually reinforce that farmers and the co-operative were doing what was

required environmentally. That didn’t wash with University of Auckland marketing lecturer Vicki Little who said all the reputational effort and expense boiled down to corporate social responsibility and Fonterra’s share price. NZ had, in the past, an extensive farming model that would be the envy of most other countries for producing highvalue foods but intensive dairying had muddied that. Most urban people, now including those in NZ, were divorced from food production realities. While individual farmers continued to do the very best they could and understood their social licence to operate, the excesses of the corporate farming image were dominant. Little said Fonterra had little option but to do the marketing campaign and from what she saw it was doing it well. “But it boils down to greenwashing the indefensible if the industry doesn’t reform its worst aspects.”

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News

10 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017

ALF gets back to normal Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com IT’S back to normal for Allied Farmers – onwards and upwards, chairman Garry Bluett says. The rural services group would pay its first dividend for 10 years and Bluett said after the annual meeting in Hawera the intention was to keep paying dividends. “Yes, I think so, we’re in the rural sector and business goes up and down but if we have a reasonable year then we’d look to see what we can pay out.” The livestock agency and meat export group would pay a 0.2c a share dividend on January 19. The dividend followed an excellent trading result for the year ended June 30, he said. With the spring trading period having higher demand for working capital the directors decided it would be prudent to delay the payment, amounting to $323,000, until later this financial year. ALF has said spring trading was behind the same time last year because of poor weather in many areas but Bluett said livestock trading levels were at

SPREADING: New Zealand Farmers Livestock business has expanded in both islands.

promising levels in November. “It’s a bit early to say how the first half will play out but if the first-half is down, business can be caught up the second half, which has most of the income.” The dividend decision was based on a very positive result in the June 2017 year. It reflected the progress made in recent years to strengthen the underlying business and its financial structure. ALF last paid a dividend in

June 2008 but nearly collapsed soon afterwards with the failure of its finance company business during the global financial crisis. It operated for years with negative shareholders’ funds as the directors returned it to its core livestock business. ALF owned 66% of its major trading business, New Zealand Farmers Livestock, with the balance owned by staff. A presentation at the annual meeting showed that on June 30

ALF had $2m of shareholders’ equity. That did not reflect the full market value of the trading businesses because of accounting rules covering the transfer of assets in related party transactions the group made as part of its recovery. The livestock business had expanded in both islands. The dividend carried full tax imputation credits, making the total benefit 0.278c a share.

Alliance expands blood processing ALLIANCE is investing almost $800,000 in a new blood processing room at its Mataura plant in Southland to help meet the growing demand from the pharmaceutical industry. It followed a similar move in September when the co-operative said it would upgrade plants at Lorneville and Pukeuri to process blood. The facility would collect and process adult bovine blood into serum for blood products used in the development of vaccines, cancer treatments and drugs to treat neurodegenerative, haematological and endocrine disorders. Chief executive David Surveyor said blood products could create value for the co-operative’s shareholders. “Our strategy is maximising revenue, diversifying our products and strengthening our market channels. “This investment is another example of how we are developing opportunities to capture more market value for our shareholders,” he said.

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12 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017

Farmers’ work wins gong for clean river Tim Fulton tim.fulton@nzx.com

BETTER: Piping water to spray irrigators has made the Amuri Irrigation even more efficient.

AN ENVIRONMENTAL award has lifted the spirits of bruised farmers in northern Canterbury. Pahau River near Culverden was named as the most improved waterway in the New Zealand Rivers Trust Awards. E coli readings, the measurement for this year’s awards, fell nearly 16% yearly on the river over the past decade.

Judge Professor Gillian Lewis said while E coli was mainly an indicator of human health risk it often correlated with other contaminants that affected river health such as sediment and nutrients. Amuri Irrigation chairman David Croft, who accepted the award, said it was good recognition for the community-wide Pahau Enhancement Group. Switching from border-dyke to spray irrigation lowered phosphate levels though nitrate levels had not fallen as much, he said. “It’s eased back a wee bit in the past five years and we want to keep that trend going.” Amuri Irrigation chief executive Andrew Barton said the award would be a boost for dairy farmers and others who had worked on Pahau projects. “It’s nice to see some positive messages for farmers who perhaps feel like they’re being beaten up at times.” Amuri Irrigation had converted open race water distribution to underground pipes. Recent piping of 6000ha in the Waiau and Hurunui catchments would make the scheme even more efficient, Barton said. Piping to spray irrigators over 24,000ha saved its customers an average of $120-$130ha a year. That equalled $65,000 a year for a 500ha farm and more than $3m for the scheme.

Science, goodwill and hard work can help restore river health. Morgan Williams NZ Rivers Trust A handful of border-dyke farmers on about 1500ha would switch to spray irrigation as a supply condition for the expansion because it wasn’t economic to supply them on the old system. It was unclear why nitrate levels in the Hurunui River hadn’t fallen as much as in the Pahau but some of the runoff might be coming from outside the scheme area, Barton said. NZ Rivers Trust chairman Morgan Williams said farmers in the area shifted to more efficient irrigation and better farm management in response to tighter nutrient rules imposed by regional councils. “These changes plus a commitment to riparian fencing and planting have almost certainly contributed to the marked decline in E coli. “Science, goodwill and hard work can help restore river health,” the former Commissioner for the Environment said. “What’s happened in this catchment highlights the importance of taking a systems approach: setting nutrient rules, adopting more efficient irrigation methods and pursuing innovative farm management practices.” In the early 2000s dairying was blamed for nitrogen pollution in the Pahau so a group of farmers including Croft started fencing waterways, planted native plants, improved irrigation efficiency and built large ponds to collect all their border dyke irrigation run-off, preventing it from entering waterways and reusing the water for spray irrigation. The area had since converted to spray irrigation and Amuri Irrigation became responsible for farmers’ irrigation practices. Locally the scheme introduced farm plans for shareholders and ushered in audited self-management. Other awards included the River Story Award to Otago University staff and students for their ExStream project experiments on freshwater. Marnie Prickett received the Reo mo te Awa (River Voice) Award for river advocacy.

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017

New proteins going mainstream Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com ALTERNATIVE proteins are likely to capture material market share from animal proteins in some key markets in the next five years, Rabobank expert Justin Sherrard says. Though Rabobank’s head of agri commodity markets Stefan Vogel said alternative proteins would amount to less than 1% of the market in North America and the European Union by 2022 Sherrard warned the animal protein sector could not afford to sit back and ignore the challenge. It should learn from alternative protein makers about innovation, positioning, marketing and consumer engagement. Sherrard estimated the European market for alternative proteins as a centre-of-plate item could have compound annual growth of 8% in the next five years, growing from 130,000 tonnes to between 200,000 and 250,000 tonnes. In the United States and Canada growth could be slower over the same period at about 6%, reaching just over 200,000 tonnes from about 165,000 now. The alternative protein market including use as food or

the growth in animal protein ingredients in Europe could consumption in the next five reach 390,000 tonnes by 2022, years. snatching a third of total Sherrard described last year’s European protein growth in that 5% investment by giant US period because of flat growth in meat processor Tyson Foods in animal protein. alternative protein Sherrard expected maker Beyond Meat as growth in animal a tipping point in the protein would shield progress of alternative some of the market proteins from niche to loss in the United mainstream. States and Canada “The unexpected with the alternative message from Tyson protein market Foods was that plantexpected to reach based proteins will 290,000 tonnes in five play a growing role in years. meeting consumers’ The projected protein needs and market share for personal preferences alternative proteins or, as Tyson put in the US and Canada Rabobank strategist it at the time, ‘the was expected to Justin Sherrard. investment for us is make up just 2% of not about an either/or total protein demand choice, it’s about the and’.” growth over the next five years, Tyson was responding to the largely due to the strong growth rise in a new consumer group, prospects for traditional protein flexitarians, people who were products. consciously reducing their meat Animal protein markets still consumption. dwarfed those for alternative Sherrard said there were three protein and would continue to main types of alternative protein: do so for at least the next five meat substitutes designed to years but it was the rate of growth mimic traditional meat products, rather than the total market that emerging products insects was significant. The EU was where new proteins and algae that were yet to win consumer trust and regulatory could steal a material share of

approval and laboratory-grown meat products designed to look like conventional meat products. Consumer drivers for the interest were consistent across most markets but in Europe and the US the report identified them as health concerns from eating meat, investor interest, general curiosity with a new product, animal welfare, ethical questions, concerns about the sustainability of animal production, the convenience of preparing the new products and tailoring proteins to meet personal nutrition. Of those reasons seen as negative towards animal protein, the most frequently cited reason for turning to alternative sources was health concerns. Next were concerns about animal welfare and ethical considerations followed by questions about the sustainability such as greenhouse gases emissions, land clearance for growing crops for animal feed and water quality issues. Alternative protein makers still had to satisfy consumer expectations, overcome concerns about the role of technology and processed food and satisfy consumer interests in natural food ingredients at a competitive price.

Sherrard said consumers were fickle and might buy a product only once out of curiosity so creating structural demand was another challenge for alternative protein manufacturers but so far they had succeeded in marketing to and engaging with consumers. “Most animal protein companies could learn valuable lessons from the approaches being taken to market alternative protein products,” he said. The report recommends animal protein companies invest in product innovation to improve the health benefits from consumption of animal protein, adopt voluntary approaches to managing animal welfare that exceeded regulatory standards and took steps to improve the sustainability of their business operations and supply chains. “They also need to engage more directly and effectively with consumers, improving the transparency of their supply chains.” Sherrard said animal protein suppliers could not ignore the challenge or consumer concerns. “The market is asking questions of the whole animal protein supply chain and some consumers are voting with their wallets in favour of alternative proteins.”

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News

16 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017

Employers in for more pay audits

ACCESS DENIED: Bad employers can be put on a blacklist preventing them hiring migrant workers.

Tim Fulton tim.fulton@nzx.com

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LABOUR inspectors are about to step up checks on farmers failing to pay staff their dues. Inspectors would visit employers in the primary sector early next year. “We strongly advise businesses to get any issues sorted out before we show up,” national manager Kevin Finnegan said. Basic obligations included retaining wage, time, holiday and leave records and providing employment agreements. An infringement notice would result in fines of $1000 a breach, up to $20,000 in any three-month period. At worst, employers who breached minimum standards could face penalties of $50,000 a breach for individuals or $100,000 a breach for companies as a result of law changes last year. In April authorities introduced an immigration stand-down list stopping employers who breached minimum employment standards sponsoring new visas for migrant labour. The blacklist could stop an employer hiring foreigners for six months to two years. Finnegan said it should be clear to employers that access to migrant labour was a privilege not a right. If an employer failed to meet the bare minimum standards required they would lose that access. Inspectors targeted areas such as the horticulture, dairy and forestry industries where they knew there to be poor compliance, Finnegan said. A Ministry of Business, Employment and Innovation spokesman said 28 employers in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries had been issued infringement notices worth $76,000 in fines since June 1 last year. One of the offenders was state-owned farmer Landcorp, which owed 1400 fixed-term or permanent staff an estimated $2.4m between November 2010 and August this year. The discovery, a breach of the Minimum Wage Act, was the result of an audit of payroll systems by inspectors. Employment lawyer Amy Keir said Landcorp’s payroll error was fairly common in agriculture, which had historically tried to even out payments between down-times, such as the dairy dry season, and busy periods like calving. However, the Employment Court had now confirmed employees must be paid hour-on-hour, which meant paying more than the minimum wage sometimes could not compensate for paying less than the minimum wage at other times. Nonsalaried benefits like accommodation, bonuses or allowances also had to be calculated in holiday pay, Keir said. The immigration stand-down list had only a handful of primary industry employers on it. Among them was a labour hire company working on asparagus farms in Waikato. It was fined just under $59,000 after twice being caught failing to keep employment records. A West Coast dairy farm had to pay about $21,000 for serious employment breaches relating to two migrant workers. The farm was ordered to pay about $5000 in arrears to the two employees and $16,000 in penalties for failing to pay minimum wage or holiday pay, provide employment agreements or keep wage, time, holiday or leave records. Another West Coast dairy farm was $1550 in arrears to two employees and fined $7000 for failing to keep holiday and leave records, provide correct pay on a public holidays and not paying minimum wage. An Ashburton dairy farm group was issued an infringement notice of $1000 for failing to keep sufficient records, which resulted in a six-month stand-down.

Farm Manager, Jason Colebourn stands proudly with his newly constructed bridge.

TAKING THE HASSLE OUT OF BRIDGING A Waikato community has welcomed the opening of a new rural bridge after a washout cut off the usual access to a dairy farm and the Hamilton Model Aero Club.

Farm Manager Jason Colebourn says the community is delighted with the new bridge, a Humes double T concrete bridge, which meets NZTA Class 1 loading requirements, and took only six days to install. The bridge was a significant investment for the property. Jason sought four quotes for the job and went with Humes who helped facilitate the planning, the resource consent paperwork and the install. “It was important that there was transparency and that there were no hidden costs. What we were quoted on was what we got, and it all came through as one package.”

Jason says he was impressed with the process from the initial quoting, to working with the specialists suggested by Humes to get the job done. The job was challenging because the ground at the site was peat soil, but the Humes team, the engineers and contractors came up with a solution. “The best thing was working with the team of specialists to make it happen,” says Jason.

Humes Rural Territory Manager Dave Casey says the Collins Road bridge was significant

for Humes as it was one of the first bridges the company facilitated dealing direct with its customers. Dave says this project shows the advantages of Humes working closely with its customers so that it can find solutions for them, using the experience of appropriate consulting engineering and construction teams. “Our job is to find a solution that works best for the farmer and their situation. Even if it’s a massive washout, we can do it. Our recommended consulting engineers can come up with a design for most ground conditions.”

Dave says another advantage of Humes dealing direct with its customers is that it can provide alternative solutions with products like culverts or concrete pipes if that is a better option.

‘‘

YOU DO NEED A CHARTERED ENGINEER TO WORK WITH AND EVERY BRIDGE NEEDS RESOURCE CONSENT. WE HELP TO MANAGE THIS AND THE PAPERWORK FOR THE CLIENT” .

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“WHAT WE WERE QUOTED ON WAS WHAT WE GOT, AND IT ALL CAME THROUGH AS ONE PACKAGE”. JASON COLEBOURN, FARM MANAGER

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The bridge to the Collins Road property owned by Theland Farm Group was washed out in the storms from Cyclone Debbie in April, forcing dairy tankers, other users and the Aero club to use another access through the property.

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News

19 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017

Whiter wool process to ramp up WOOLS of New Zealand expects to offer contracts to growers early next year to provide fleece for business under the new GlacialXT banner. The scour process was already commercialised and tried by spinning, dyeing and manufacturing partners in Britain and Europe. The group was now confident it would be ready to ramp-up volumes in the next couple of months, chief executive Rosstan Mazey said. A near three-year due diligence programme proved GlacialXT had delivered on the promise of a whiter, brighter fibre emerging through the scour process, without any detriment to the wool’s natural qualities. “We’ve also learned more recently that it produces a cleaner fibre as well, without a lot of residue left in and that will be a help for the efficiency of the dye process.” That was positive for markets such as China, where wool processing was becoming more constrained by environmental rules. “If you’ve got a cleaner fibre to start with then we think it’s compelling as you’ll have a reduced input process from then on,” Mazey said after the WoolsNZ annual meeting in Christchurch. A more consistent fibre being produced would also help with improved carpet printing. Another positive was that GlacialXT had proved effective with poorer wools

as well as good colour fibre going into the scour and that should open up contracts for some growers who had been challenged in meeting required standards because of climate conditions. WoolsNZ, whose shareholders produced about 15% of NZ’s strong wools, had been relatively conservative in its comments on the technology but the feedback from partner groups was that it was performing well. The super-white qualities had also shown well at the Decorex interior design fair in London in September. The group believed GlacialXT would be sought for high-end uses such as handtufted rugs. That was a reason for adding the Middle East to the target market, along with the core customers in the United Kingdom and Europe and also North America and parts of Asia. GlacialXT had been processed to commercial stage at the Cavalier scour in Timaru and work had started to put it through the Cavalier scour in Napier as well. GlacialXT was the most advanced of the technologies WoolsNZ acquired in the partnership with developer, Levin-based The Merino Company (TMC). The others – the Kiteq dye process and the NuYarn product – were also due for commercialisation over the next year. Kiteq enabled a more intense range of colours and greater resistance to lightfade in the carpet. TMC was already using

the technology successfully in fine wool and WoolsNZ wanted to demonstrate the benefit in strong wool. Similarly, TMC was using its very strong, high-performing NuYarn in outdoor clothing and socks and WoolsNZ was at the prototype stage in its work with strong wool. Mazey expected that would lead to supply contracts for growers fairly early next year. The group had chased the innovations as part of the point of difference it was working to achieve in the wool sector and Mazey described them as being at the exciting but challenging stage. The new contracts would add to WoolsNZ’s existing major contract to supply lambs’ wool to the UK highend upholstery group Camira. This business was helped by having the EU-status Eco labelling and the group had also adopted the Responsible Wool Standards programme developed in the UK, Mazey said. WoolsNZ was pursuing the $1.03m of unpaid funds owed by farmer-shareholders under the Wool Market Development Commitment (WMDC), the income that had funded the innovation and market development work over the last four years. WoolsNZ had booked the shortfall as a write-down in its annual accounts rather than writing off the amount because the intention was to recover the debt, Mazey said. The company had worked hard to re-engage with shareholders who had walked

COMPELLING: The GlacialXT scour process delivers a whiter, brighter fibre, WoolsNZ chief executive Rosstan Mazey says.

away and was getting some good outcomes on the arrears. The WMDC ended in June next year and after getting support from about 75% of shareholders at roadshow meetings, the directors were working on a follow-up funding programme. A share issue was also planned for shareholders who had made all their required WMDC payments.

Taratahi to offer wool training Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com A TWO-YEAR bid to get wool industry study back into the classroom is paying-off. The Certificate in Wool Technology would be introduced by the Taratahi Agricultural Training Centre early next year. “We’re making progress after some frustrations,” Wool Industry Education Group convenor Allan Frazer said. About 57 people had indicated they were keen to start study. They were not all expected to formally enrol but Frazer was happy with the number, saying it indicated a catch-up phase after the previous certificate programme ended when Tectra collapsed in 2015. Lincoln University and Telford took over the course briefly before Lincoln pulled out and it was shut down. Frazer had been leading industry efforts since then to have it reestablished. The certificate was a requirement for qualification as a wool classer. Once the backlog of prospective

ON AGAIN: Wool training is being revived.

students was put into the course there will be about 25 people a year keen to do it, he said. The certificate would be a two-year course, mainly extramural. There would be a week-long block course in each year of the programme. A course programme had been worked out and Taratahi wool tutor Laurie Boniface was consulting industry experts before finalising the content, Frazer said. The first-year paper would cover the wool value chain and the second year

would cover wool classification. Enrolment forms were scheduled to be sent out later this month or in early December. People showing interest in the new course were likely to come from the wool handling sector in the shearing sheds and wool stores, farm workers with an interest in wool and people working in scours and for merchants and brokers, Frazer said. His group was also keen to restart a diploma study programme, a more concentrated qualification used in the past as a stepping-stone to industry leadership. That programme, formerly offered at Massey University, lapsed several years ago and though progress was being made it could be another year before a replacement was brought in. Frazer said Taratahi had also agreed in principle to the formation of a Wool Industry Advisory Group to liaise between the groups. That would involve equal membership from industry and Taratahi and provide oversight of the certificate course, as well as working towards the diploma reinstatement.

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Newsmaker

20 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017

Kiwi milking pioneer remembered John Daysh, the grandson of New Zealander Norman John Daysh who invented the mechanical milking machine is on something of a crusade. It is one that goes beyond his namesake’s achievement in an effort to raise the profile of the pioneering heroes whose ingenuity has often not gained the recognition it has deserved. He told Richard Rennie how the mechanisation of milking did more than simply expand NZ’s emerging dairy early last century.

IWI farmer Norman Daysh has been honoured for his revolutionary invention of mechanical milking a century after his design was commercialised. Swedish firm DeLaval held a special ceremony at its head office last week. In 1917 Norman Daysh partnered with DeLaval after inventing a mechanical milking machine that put cow welfare first. He has a design legacy largely untouched to this day. Growing up on a hard scrabble dairy farm near 40 Mile Bush in Wairarapa Daysh spent many hours milking his father’s herd by hand. In his teenage years he turned his inventive mind to ways to make the job easier and, equally, considerate of the cow. “This was at a time when there was so much excitement and development going on,” his grandson John Daysh said. “We had flight just beginning, steam trains and mechanisation was just starting to really get going.” The pioneering Daysh teamed up with his brother-in-law Pringle Davies to try various methods to

milk cows mechanically, using Daisy, one the herd, to field test their various efforts. “People had been trying to mechanise the process for 50 years but there had been some really unpleasant and often painful methods that simply did not allow for how the cow would feel about it. “Many had tried. Even Thomas Edison had a go at coming up with a machine. “The beauty of Norman’s efforts was that he was coming to it with a farmer’s perspective, not an engineer’s. He was thinking about how it would feel for the cow.” That included the essential components still found to this day on even the most sophisticated milking plants, a rubber sleeve or liner, a vacuum pump and pulsators to simulate the suckling action of a calf. By 1912 Daysh had gone to New York with his prototype machine and acquired 20 patents on the vacuum-pulsation design. On one visit to a trade fair he had even enjoyed a visit from Edison himself who complimented him on the revolutionary design. Partnering with DeLaval, already a brand well known in NZ,

enabled him to commercialise the design. He hit the road in the United States selling the kit with the promise that any that did not meet expectations would be refunded. “But he sold the first 100 very easily and none came back. It was a huge success from the start.” While the machine enabled an industry in its infancy in NZ to expand beyond the limits of handmilked herd sizes it also helped free many from the repetitive, unhygienic and slow process of hand milking. “In northern Europe in countries like Sweden the much hated white whip of enforced milking duties required by women farm workers in return for a place to live was removed very quickly thanks to John’s invention.” An arc connects the emancipation effect of the pioneering grandfather’s machine to the work his grandson has done in the 21st century. Daysh only recently retired from a career that included 20 years in charitable fundraising for large non-government entities including UNICEF and World Vision. “That work included providing funding to women in villages in places like Cambodia, Vietnam and parts of Africa. “If the women of these places could be empowered, the economy went forward much quicker than if the men had been given the funds.” His work also included helping fund the application of some other more recent but equally innovative NZ inventions. That included installing a ram

FAMILY PRIDE: John Daysh with a picture of his grandfather Norman Daysh who invented the vacuum pump milking machine DeLaval began making 100 years ago. Photo: Sarah Brook

pump invented in Hawke’s Bay on Tanna Island in Vanuatu as part of a village water scheme. Daysh, an Anglican minister, like his father who was an Historic Places director, has a strong sense of NZ history and a passion to preserve it and tell the stories of people like his grandfather who helped shape the country. That passion took him on fundraising efforts to create a pioneer heritage museum built in a settler-style cottage next to Christ Church, Taita in Hutt Valley, one of the country’s oldest churches. Daysh’s biggest regret was never meeting his grandfather who died aged 42, of heart failure while displaying his machine at the Palmerston North A&P Show in 1943. DeLaval used the anniversary to launch the Norman John Daysh scholarship to encourage primary school children interested in agriculture and innovation.

“We felt there are many scholarships around for tertiary study but being able to engage children at an earlier age will make the scholarship something special and identify some of our young talent early on,” DeLaval’s Oceania sales director Justin Thompson said. The challenges that faced early farmers like Daysh were similar in some respects to those companies like DeLaval faced today. “That is that many of the machines John saw did not put the cow first. They were designed by people who were not farmers and did not understand cow comfort. “We find it is easier to get people today who are very skilled in understanding mechanics and software for milking systems but we also need people who understand the interface between the machine and the cow and how important it is to think about cow comfort.”

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New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017

MAGIC SPELL: Professor Jack Heinemann has been unlocking the secret codes allowing herbicides to make bacteria resistant to antibiotics.

Herbicide risk to resistance linked Amid dire warnings of a post-antibiotic apocalypse, scientists, including Dr Jack Heinemann from Canterbury University, have added an extra note of urgency. He told Richard Rennie about an unholy alliance of prolific herbicides and their contribution to antibiotic resistance.

SE of common herbicides is allowing bacteria to become resistant to antibiotics used in both human and animal health, molecular biologist and geneticist Professor Jack Heinemann. His research group raised the spectre of antibiotic resistance developing through herbicide exposure in a 2015 study. He then looked at how bacteria responded to herbicides and how they developed the resistance. The research focused on herbicides dicamba, 2,4-D and glyphosate and how relatively common bacteria Salmonella enterica and E coli behaved when exposed to them. His aim was to identify what actives in herbicides were creating the resistance. Heinemann’s original interest in the link began when he noticed the chemical structure of dicamba herbicide resembled a salicylate chemical similar to those found in compounds used in human medicines, including aspirin. “I recalled work in the 1980s about how acetylsalicylic acid caused multiple drug resistance in bacteria.

“This prompted us to test if herbicides would also cause drug resistance – 2,4-D and dicamba are part of the same family, with the same pattern of resistance. “We really only brought in glyphosate to use as a control. “It does not look anything like the structure of 2,4-D and dicamba but we found it, too, prompted resistance development.” The role of herbicides in promoting antibiotic resistance had been below the radar for legislators more concerned about the more direct human health impacts of spray exposure, such as any carcinogenic effects. But Heinemann said the sub-lethal role herbicides might play in creating more antibioticresistant bacteria demanded more global attention as the world grappled with antibiotic resistance. The work highlighted how the resistance developed through mechanisms known as efflux pumps. Bacteria, when exposed to the herbicide, produced more of the pumps, making them less susceptible to antibiotics. The pumps worked by

responding when toxins flowed into a cell and pushing the toxins back out – both the antibiotics and herbicides were regarded as toxins by the bacteria cell, effectively vaccinating the bacteria against the toxic antibiotics and herbicides. The work found the different herbicide actives created resistance to a range of antibiotic treatments.

These products are used widely in both urban and rural environments and can be just bought off the shelf. Professor Jack Heinemann Canterbury University Glyphosate, the active in Roundup, made salmonella and E coli more resistant to two classes of drugs. One of them was ciprofloxacin, used to combat common bladder and urinary tract infections. Exposure to the dicamba active used in Kamba broadleaf spray also made the bacteria more resistant to various antibiotics, including ciprofloxacin, tetracycline and chloramphenicol.

Heinemann said the level of direct exposure to sprays needed to cause resistance was higher than the legal safe limits in foods. “However, it was the exposures that occurred during spraying that could reach concentrations high enough for bacteria to develop antibiotic resistance and then they could be transferred to us, such as by ingestion of bacteria from livestock that had grazed pasture treated with the herbicide actives. “We have no withholding period on some of these products. “Imagine that livestock on antibiotics are grazed on herbicide treated pasture. “Nearly 80% of the administered antibiotic is not metabolised so it comes out in the manure. “Bacteria have been exposed to both herbicide and antibiotic. Flies may then spread the bacteria. “There are all sorts of pathways of exposure due to the use of both antibiotics and the herbicides.” All three actives were found to contribute equally to resistance development. “We were recording survival of bacteria at doses six times higher than normally would kill them, two times higher than is usually enough to undermine treatment therapy.” The results were yet another blow to glyphosate, one of the world’s most ubiquitous weed killers.

The claim glyphosate was a carcinogen had moved up a level with California becoming the first state in the United States to declare it a known human carcinogen, prompted by the World Health Organisation’s finding it was a probable carcinogen. However, in the European Union there had been a bitter divide over the toxicity of glyphosate and its cancer link. Heinemann’s research also found surfactants used in herbicides to increase penetration also prompted antibiotic resistance and they had no limits on their concentration when used. The study could not tell what proportion the herbicide link contributed to total antibiotic resistance. However, he believed it was becoming increasingly important to better understand the link between microbes, commercially made chemicals and resistance given 700,000 people died each year because of drug resistant infections. That was expected to rise to 10 million by 2050 if nothing was done. “I would think New Zealand would want to at least look at this work. “This is not just a rural issue. “These products are used widely in both urban and rural environments and can be just bought off the shelf.”

Opinion

22 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017

EDITORIAL Imitators must stop using animal words

Neal Wallace

LETTERS

Ruminants are carbon neutral I READ the article of November 20 about Dr Andy Reisinger of the Ag. Greenhouse Gas Research Centre with some amazement. His conclusion is that we need to reduce emissions from livestock systems and also find less emitting viable uses for our land. While no alternatives were offered it would seem planting trees is deemed acceptable. He states that when land is converted to pastures the emissions cause 4% of warming. The reverse is true as pastures build up carbon in varying degrees with high producing pasture, especially under irrigation or adequate rainfall then are grazed by livestock, creating soil biomass and sequestering carbon at the same time. Methane has been and always will be a component

of the atmosphere. Of the globally human sourced methane, farmed livestock contribute about 20%. The balance is from landfills and waste, biomass burning, rice paddies, biofuels, agriculture, other ruminants, natural gas released by coal mining and oil production and the burning of fossil fuels (33%). Methane has a short life, 12.5 years in the atmosphere. The problem is the amount being added by human activity that is not carbon neutral. A major omission in the argument that ruminants cause global warming by the production of greenhouse gasses is that while they produce CO2 and methane into the atmosphere, the carbon in those gasses is simply being returned to where it came from. Photosynthesis is

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out that in addition to the cattle and sheep that are farmed, there are 150 species of ruminants in the world which include deer, caribou, bison, buffalo, wildebeest and goats, the great majority of which are in the wild. Where and how is Reisinger going to start reducing them? The big picture demonstrates that to make any significant reduction in methane and CO2 there has to be a massive effort from many sectors around the globe. Any moves to cut pastoral farming in NZ will achieve nothing, except to devastate rural NZ including the towns, meat and dairy industries, the thousands of supporting businesses and result in widespread unemployment. Paul Studholme Waimate

Letterof theWeek

EDITOR Bryan Gibson bryan.gibson@nzx.com

the process whereby all plants take CO2 from the atmosphere, convert the C into carbohydrate compounds that become part of the plant biomass and put the O2 back into the air. Ruminants eat the plants and convert them into usable foods by enteric fermentation and most of the C is returned to the atmosphere as CO2 and CH4 methane where it originated. This is a part of the carbon cycle which has been operating for millions of years. Ruminant animals are therefore carbon neutral as they are not adding any carbon to the atmosphere. The 23% of warming gasses attributed to farmed livestock emissions is a global figure. New Zealand’s farmed livestock numbers are a tiny part of this. It also needs to be pointed

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T WOULD be completely understandable for the animal protein industry to launch an emotive, all-out attack on plant protein manufacturers given their degree of hypocrisy. But the meat and dairy sectors have to be smarter than that and refuse to react to provocation from plant protein developers such as Sunfed and Impossible Foods who defiantly – and incorrectly – use words including milk, chicken and beef to promote their plant-derived products. As the Farmers Weekly reports this week the poultry and dairy industries have lost patience and challenged two plant protein manufacturers – one successfully and the other still being considered by officials – on the use of imagery, words on packaging and for implying soy beverage was nutritionally the equal of dairy milk. Which leads to the obvious question: If plant-derived protein is tasty and nutritious and animal protein is unhealthy and responsible for mass environmental decay, as claimed, why does the synthetic protein industry label its products with words and images traditionally used by animal protein when clearly it is not? Products made from peas, wheat protein, coconut oil and soy are not chicken, milk or beef and clearly their producers have no desire for them to be. The conclusion can only be that they are used to deceive consumers to switch their buying habits. As the latest Rabobank report warned, the initial burst of interest in synthetic protein will in part be driven by hype and curiosity but it will gain traction and erode some market share from animal protein, most likely from growth in demand for protein. Farmers and processors should not underestimate the degree of the challenge and it should be met with a dual strategy of strategically protecting images and phrases that were legally and traditionally linked to the sector. That might mean surrendering the lowvalue, mass market while repositioning animal protein as a natural, authentic, tasty and healthy product commanding premium prices. But that strategy will require investment and unity in a notoriously splintered sector, only this time the challenge is greater than anything previously faced.

Opinion

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017

Overseer an aid not enforcer Caroline Read

VERSEER is a powerful tool but it’s only part of the picture when it comes to better

farming. We often hear frustrations among the agriculture sector that Overseer isn’t doing enough, that it’s failing to account for all environmental mitigations, it doesn’t give farmers credit for certain good practices or that it’s not accurate enough. We think those frustrations come from a misunderstanding about what Overseer is designed to do. Overseer exists to help farms become more environmentally and economically sustainable. It’s a decision-making aid. It can help to guide and monitor environmental improvements being sought including by regional councils. But it’s not designed to deliver a number simply to slap you over the hand or pat you on the back. We know farmers want to meaningfully reduce their impacts, to ensure they’re leaving the land, water and air in a fit state for their grandchildren.

Overseer exists to help farms become more environmentally and economically sustainable. It’s a decision-making aid.

We also understand that in some parts of the country more is needed to address declining water quality and to manage our contribution to climate change. New Zealand is looking for a way to continue to be a world leader in food production while also demonstrably taking care of our planet. Overseer has a role to play in that but it’s only part of the story.

The

Pulpit

When it comes to good farming and Overseer we believe there are three key factors: There’s basic good management that most people assume farmers are already doing, like making sure their effluent pond doesn’t leak and using well-maintained lanes for stock movement. There are the things Overseer can help you make good decisions about and that can make a real difference to your impact, such as effluent management, balancing nutrients brought onto farm through fertiliser and supplements, stocking numbers and irrigation management. And there are other, wider innovations that aren’t yet proven to the level required for the scientific model or go beyond the nutrient processes on a farm, such as biodiversity improvements from wetlands and riparian margins. Great farmers are generally doing all three. We’re often asked why Overseer assumes good management practice. It’s because the model fundamentally exists to help farmers and their farm advisers make great decisions about how they farm. It assumes they’re already doing the basics then allows them to test the potential impacts of different farming approaches before

MISUSE: Overseer is not designed to produce a number to be used to slap bad farmers and congratulate good ones, chief executive Caroline Read says.

investing time or resources in big changes. It’s not just about delivering numbers, though that’s part of it. Leaching and greenhouse gas emission numbers allow farmers and a nutrient management expert to assess where change can be made beyond the basics of good management and to set a baseline to guide and measure improvement. So, while we could hypothetically update the model to include bad farming practices, it would be in direct opposition to the spirit of the tool, which is to support good decisions and good farming. Overseer is based on decades of science that is continually peer reviewed and evaluated. The model needs to maintain the highest standard of scientific credibility to maintain the

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public’s trust. That is why we think it is prudent to include other factors alongside the Overseer results when assessing the impacts and improvements of our agriculture industry. Tools like farm environment plans can incorporate aspects such as adoption of innovations and critical source area management supported by Overseer’s unique modelling to provide the nitrogen baseline analysis. Overseer has a meaningful role to play in this process and its greenhouse gas reporting function means it is also future fit. Having one tool to deliver water quality and greenhouse gas outcomes provides consistency, reliability and efficiency of investment. All farm information is in the

tool, so understanding emissions output will be a cinch. The real power of the tool is that with 30 years of world-leading science behind it, it’s a model that NZ can rely on. When we use it right we have the ability to demonstrate a countrywide, cross-sector commitment to taking care of our environment. We can measure our progress and we can tell a powerful story to the world of producers of worldclass food who care for our land, water and air.

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

24 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017

GIAs, a victimpays approach Alternative View

Alan Emerson

I’VE never been a fan of Government Industry Agreements or GIAs. The reason is simple. Why should farmers contribute to the costs of cleaning up someone else’s mess? GIAs are described as a partnership between primary industries and the Government. Signatories share decision-making responsibilities and costs of preparing for and responding to exotic pest and disease incursions. Simply speaking, a tourist brings in fruit fly and you and I help pay for cleaning up the mess. I understand the Government is investigating GIAs’ effectiveness. For whatever reason Beef + Lamb New Zealand, DairyNZ and the deer industry are consulting on establishing a GIA. Once you sign a GIA you create legal obligations called minimum commitments. In a glossy document aimed at encouraging farmers to support GIAs the strong argument for the move is to have decision-making

ability over GIA incursions. In an email B+LNZ suggest GIAs would provide input into biosecurity decisions. I’m sure if you had any constructive input Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor would be happy to listen. You don’t need a GIA for that. GIAs come at a cost, up to 50% of the total cost of a biosecurity incursion over which it’s most likely farmers had no control. If we don’t sign, the document tells us that MPI would use relatively new powers under the Biosecurity Act to recover our sector’s share of the bill, if it believes we benefitted from MPI’s or other sectors’ readiness and response activities. Let’s consider that logically. The last Government ran down biosecurity. Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy did his best to resurrect the service but more is needed. It also put biosecurity in the super ministry that is now MPI. That meant a specialist division was lost into a huge bureaucracy. The Government says it will have biosecurity as a stand-alone agency and I support that. That the system is not working is demonstrated by the plethora of incursions that have occurred and the Mycoplasma bovis outbreak is, in my opinion, stark witness to the lack of capability of our biosecurity services. The circus that was pea weevil

in Wairarapa is another shining example. Any government’s prime focus must be to protect its citizens and in NZ that means a state of the art biosecurity system. It is the area of our greatest vulnerability. We don’t have that now. With that in mind what the previous Government effectively said when it introduced GIAs was that it had a substandard biosecurity system it wasn’t prepared to properly resource. Because of that it couldn’t control biosecurity incursions and it wanted farmers to help pay for the clean-up. In fact, in a jack-booted action, it passed legislation saying if the primary sector doesn’t want to play its game it can charge us anyway. How do biosecurity incursions happen? Tourism provides a major threat and I believe GIAs are effectively a subsidy from the primary sector to tourism. Importing is another biosecurity threat and the same applies. Why should farmers support other industries? It would be like hitting Auckland ratepayers for the cost of the Rena clean-up. The rub is that biosecurity incursions affect farmers so the philosophy of the previous Government appears to have been one of victim pays. That is wrong.

ILLOGICAL: Why should farmers pay for biosecurity incursions caused by tourists and importers?

Tourism provides a major threat and I believe GIAs are effectively a subsidy from the primary sector to tourism. I’m not the only one upset. Wairarapa Federated Farmers president Jamie Falloon has strong views on the GIA consultation process. “I don’t think the average farmer has any idea what the industry groups are signing up for,” he said. “The consultation process hasn’t been well thought out. Sending documents to sheep and beef farmers in the busiest time of the year is ludicrous. “I bet most of the papers will have been filed in the round bin or left in the office for later. “They’re leaving questions unanswered such as would a biosecurity incursion encourage an extra levy for farmers? Would compensation paid to farmers as

a result of an incursion be paid for by other unaffected farmers? “I believe the consultation is inadequate for such a large potential liability. How many farmers actually know the detail of GIAs? “I’d also like to ask whatever happened to user-pays. GIAs make a mockery of that,” he said. What I want to see is a strong, well-resourced and independent biosecurity system and the Government has promised that. I want a campaign of awareness to importers and foreign tourists. I’d also like to see the penalties increased for any person or business breaking the rules. The message needs to go out that if you disobey you pay and not the GIAs message; “if you disobey we’ll make farmers pay”. Why any farmer would want to get involved with GIAs is beyond me.

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

Vegans are the new vegetarians Town Talk

Amy Williams

VEGANISM is no longer just the domain of animal rights activists and hippies but everyday people concerned about their health, animal welfare and the environment. There’s no doubt plant-based eating is becoming more mainstream – just look at Instagram and the big money being injected into lab-made meat. Let’s be clear, I’m not a vegan or even a vegetarian but a term exists for people like me. We’re reducetarians. We aspire to eat less meat and for me it’s mainly for health and environmental reasons. I like to eat good quality meat, knowing its provenance. It’s not an all-or-nothing approach to animal products. A few weeks ago I cooked tofu

for my family for the first time on Meatless Monday. My youngest gagged on the texture of the “toe-food”, my five year-old asked for chicken next time and my eldest held up a piece of bright red capsicum with suspicion, wondering what else had been substituted. They ate it (they had to) because I want my kids to get used to eating more plant-based foods. The New York-based Reducetarian Foundation says more and more people in the developed world are reducing the amount of animal products they eat and are embracing plant-based foods instead. That’s certainly the case in New Zealand according to anecdotal evidence. There’s no official headcount of non meat-eating Kiwis but a 2015 Roy Morgan Research survey found one in 10 Kiwis considered themselves vegetarian or mostly vegetarian. The NZ Vegetarian Society says between 4% and 5% of us are committed vegetarians and 1% to 2% vegans. The non-profit organisation provides support and information for people following plant based diets and has 700 members.

APPEARANCES: What you see is not necessarily what you are getting when it comes to food.

“It is growing so fast right now I’m just amazed. It’s really getting a much louder voice,” its national manager Stephanie Lane says. Lane is vegan and says many people – particularly millennials – are choosing a vegan diet because there is more awareness of environmental issues and animal welfare. “The problem that farmers have is that the more connected urban people become (to farming practices), the less inclined they are to approve of it because they haven’t been raised in it,” Lane says. It’s logical that the urban/rural

divide is a polarising gap but Lane suggests many vegans would be open to a conversation with farmers. “Not all vegans hate farmers. It’s just that we think there’s a better way,” she says. As for me, I expect the majority of farmers are aware that their consumers are interested in where their food comes from and how it’s produced. They can expect even more interest in their animal welfare practices as time goes on and there’s nothing wrong with that. What I don’t like is activists packaging their propaganda as facts and painting farmers as the baddies. I’d rather rely on independent results from cluster studies and have an informed debate than talk about biased information from one source (I could go on). Even though I enjoy eating meat I respect people who prefer a plant-based diet for environmental or animal welfare reasons. On a recent trip to Melbourne I stayed with friends who are vegan and joined their tribe for a weekend. We ate beans, tofu and egg-replacement omelette. I still

had a milky flat white and that was okay. They took me to a vegan festival, held in an historic former meat market, where stallholders sold everything from vegan cheeses, chocolates and pastries to cosmetics and handbags. I admire the ethical nature of the vegan production line – not only in letting animals be but also in sustainability. There was a handbag brand that recycles materials such as seatbelts, clothing and duvets covers to make their wares (by then I felt embarrassed about my pink leather handbag). It was lunchtime when we visited and outside the main market hall there were a dozen food trucks offering vegan dishes from Vietnamese and Chinese style cuisine to old-fashioned lemonade. I ate a delicious Woking Amazing vegan Peking duck pancake then thirst kicked in and I asked for a drink of water at a nearby cafe stall but the waitress said she was too busy to serve me. “She’d give you water if you were an animal,” said my friend. Maybe it was my leather handbag.

Opinion

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017

Meat firms give clear choice Meaty Matters EFFECTS: The next year will see the impact of a new chief executive on Silver Fern Farms and the completion of its first year of Shanghai Maling’s involvement.

Allan Barber

NOVEMBER used to be the month when we could get a comprehensive idea of the financial state of the meat industry because annual results were published in quick succession by three of the major processors: Alliance, Silver Fern Farms and Affco. When Affco was absorbed as a wholly owned subsidiary of Talley’s there were still the two co-operatives to provide a comparison but now SFF’s balance date is December 31. So we must now wait until March to find out about Anzco and SFF. That means Alliance’s result is the only one that can give a factual record of the traditional meat year while it is still reasonably fresh in the mind. Therefore, the headline numbers – turnover up 13%, $20.2 million operating profit (2016, $10.1m), $11.4m pool distributions ($9.8 m) and 71% equity (70.6%) – make encouraging, if not exactly overwhelming, reading and suggest Alliance has turned a corner after last year’s near breakeven performance while also indicating a better trading environment for the industry as a whole. That has also occurred against the backdrop of improved returns for sheep and beef farmers. That said, last season was easier for sheep meat dominant processors than for those with larger beef businesses because of

the respective climate effects on livestock flows. By the co-operative’s own admission it still needs to improve profitability for a business of its size with its $14.4m net profit after tax representing less than 1% of annual revenue and a 4.5% return on assets. The NPAT included $7.886m of gains on disposal of assets of which the sale of the Makarewa site accounted for the majority, while a change in accounting policy saw $435,000 for a resource consent treated as capital whereas it would have previously been treated as an expense. An adjustment of the after-tax figure to account for those two items would reduce NPAT to about $6m, less than 50% of the reported figure but nevertheless still a big improvement on last year’s $102,000. Meat companies are traditionally low margin but high cost investment and maintenance operations, as demonstrated by the serious amount of capital expenditure across the Alliance Group – according to the annual report current projects include $10.2m on primal cutting technology at Dannevirke, $3.5m on upgrading the engine room and $15.2m on a new venison plant at Lorneville, $1.3m on offal recovery at Pukeuri and

an unspecified amount on wastewater upgrade at Smithfield, in total $31.75m. Alliance deserves credit for doing all this work, which exceeds its reported operating profit by more than 50%, while continuing to pay a competitive price for its livestock supplies, as evidenced by the reported level of pool and loyalty payments that appear to add up to $26.5mi. In addition, in December 2018, it will issue non-taxable bonus shares to suppliers based on livestock supplied next season. All these extra rewards for supply suggest Alliance must have been able to get away with paying an uncompetitive schedule but, according to industry sources, that hasn’t been the case. For much of the past few months the company has actually been leading the market but whether loyalty and pool payments are included is unclear. If the old truth still holds good, and I have no reason to doubt it, Alliance must have turned itself into a very efficient processor because the only way to pay more and remain profitable is to do it better than the competition. The substantial increase in turnover indicates Alliance has done well at both ends of the market, increasing livestock throughput at one end and

extracting more value at the consumer end. Shrinking stock numbers suggest one or more of Alliance’s competitors has shed some market share though, as explained earlier, it will be several months before we discover which ones have been affected. In Alliance’s main catchment area and in the face of vigorous competition I suspect Blue Sky will have struggled to maintain its position. Over the next 18 months it will be very interesting to track how the industry as a whole is progressing because we will see the impact on SFF of the influence of a new chief executive and a full year of Shanghai Maling’s investment, the effect of Peter Conly as chief executive for a full year on Anzco’s performance and we might also glean information about quiet achievers like Affco and Greenlea, which tend to get on with their business without much publicity. The meat industry has already entered a fascinating phase which will require a nimble strategic approach, a focus on doing a few things really well and the need to respond to changes in consumer trends. The red meat story and brand, now under development, are essential features if New Zealand

lamb and beef are to gain a profitable share of the global protein market. One thing is certain – there are most unlikely to be any new entrants willing to build new capacity. Although excess capacity has never stopped new investors in the past, there are several discouraging factors now. All the main processors are well capitalised, livestock numbers, even dairy cows, have peaked and are in decline, health and safety and environmental regulations impose a very high barrier to entry and the impact of alternative proteins is uncertain. The choice for farmers is more clearly defined than ever before. The risk of receiverships is minimal, all companies offer a distinctive way of transacting business and, in theory, the total price paid should be fairly close. So my advice is to choose the one that is philosophically and culturally closest to the way you like doing business and enjoy the ride.

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

Student farmer helps share the load From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

ANOTHER weaning is behind me, my 34th I think. There were probably a dozen before that but I would have been on the rattle chasing sheep up with no care or responsibility. For the sheep farmer it is the annual harvest and much anticipated. In recent years it’s also greeted with a little anxiety as it’s a decent amount of physical work and long days. Early starts and drafting off, weighing the works lambs, loading them onto the trucks, drenching and vaccinating the left behind

ones, weighing and recording the stud lambs and, of course, plenty of crutching and dagging. Who needs to pay a sub for a gym membership? As I near 60 it doesn’t get any easier and the body gets a bit sore and tired. If I’m fortunate to still be going over the next decade I’ll probably look back over my shoulder and think I had nothing to complain about at this point in my career. However, I look at plenty of mates and fellow sheep farmers who are going strong in their seventies and the odd ones still actively farming in their eighties, which is a remarkable example to many of us I hope to emulate. For most of my career I’ve worked on my own and grabbed the sons when they were big enough to chase sheep up the race as I did for my own father. All three of them have done at least one summer working on the farm between school and further

studies. Two of them did a couple of seasons at the freezing works or sheep processing plant as it’s now called. If every school leaver in the country did a summer at a works as part of their growing up and education there would be a greater appreciation of the job they eventually end up doing, good disciplines learnt and a better ability to live alongside all types that make up our society. But they have all flown the coop now and there’s a reasonable reluctance from Jane to fill the breach as she is busy with her tennis coaching. Several weeks ago, I had a call from a young Lincoln degree student who had finished her first year but was having trouble getting a summer job to fulfil her practical requirements. She grew up in Waipukurau so hasn’t had the chance to get farm skills. I said I’d put out a call on my rural radio show to help her but

had a think, a conversation with Jane and got back to her and offered her a job here. I didn’t know her but knew the family. Rachael has been a godsend – enthusiastic, picking up new skills quickly and good company. I taught her to drench lambs, a task those of us who grew up on farms can do with our eyes closed. It’s actually quite tricky when you watch a learner, getting the nozzle in an unco-operative lamb’s mouth, controlling it with one’s legs then moving up the race. I’d wait five minutes then start dagging behind her and just taking my time so I didn’t catch up. On day two I’d give her a minute or so to get ahead and work hard to stay in touch. Day three she’d whip through them and then watch me for five minutes. What has been very helpful is that she is quite prepared to

shoot off and chip thistles, pick up sticks, clean troughs or help Jane in the garden when I need to just concentrate on doing some farming on my own. Young lads I’ve had here in the past have been much less enthusiastic about doing these sorts of fillers and I certainly wouldn’t have got them to do a spot of weeding. I think help from a student for two or three months over the summer might become a feature in the future. There are a few women shepherds in Central Hawke’s Bay and given my experience with Rachael I’d certainly go for an inexperienced biddable young woman next time if the opportunity arose.

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

bayleys.co.nz Contributor to realestate.co.nz

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – December 4, 2017

Real Estate

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

KAIKOURA DAIRY FARM - ICONIC LOCATION 146 SCHOOL HOUSE ROAD, KAIKOURA

For Sale by Deadline Private Treaty closing 4:00pm Thursday 14 December 2017 This property has it all - location, climate and a land bank with sea and mountain views. •

123ha more or less, 1km north of the tourist town of Kaikoura

•

Irrigation two sources 40l/sec and 41l/sec

•

State of the art 44 bail rotary shed

•

New supporting shedding

•

Two houses

THE DESTINATION FOR RURAL REAL ESTATE Land is the biggest asset to any farming business so it pays to stay up to date with the market.

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Rob Gibson 027 433 9255 rgibson@savills.co.nz Savills (NZ) Limited Licenced under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS 148a Kirton Road, Taumarunui An opportunity to secure this superbly contoured 172Ha farm only 8.6km´s south of Taumarunui. The farm is mainly effective grazing land from flat to easy hill country with well-formed laneways providing access to most areas of the farm. Reticulated spring water is fed to stock troughs throughout. The property is currently used as a beef block but would also make a great fattening or Dairy support block. Purchasing options available: Option 1 - 172ha, Option 2 153ha (bareland), Option 3 - 19ha (house and yards)

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – December 4, 2017

PUTAKI

172 hectares Tender www.nzr.nz REF:RX1329651

1274 hectares By Negotiation www.nzr.nz Ref: RX1268890

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 Jamie Proude AREINZ 06 385 4466 | 027 448 5162 is historically regarded for its consistent summer rainfall and jamie@nzr.nz favourable soils renowned for quality livestock production. A total of 1274 ha. Currently used as a sheep and cattle breeding NZR Central Limited | Licensed REAA 2008 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.

Tender (unless sold prior) 4pm, Mon 18 Dec 2017, 1 Goldfinch Street, Ohakune Jamie Proude or Juliane Brand 027 448 5162 | 027 515 5581 jamie@nzr.nz | juliane@nzr.nz NZR Central Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

OPPORTUNITY TO GROW

GENUINELY GOOD DAIRY FARM

• Situated south of Whanganui is this 175ha farming opportunity. • Features a 20 aside herringbone dairy and 300 cow yard with adjacent feed pad. • The herd is split calving and milked all year round supplying Open Country. • Exceptional bore water supplies water to stock troughs, dairy and houses. • Large machinery shed, large silage bunker. • There are two three bedroom family homes set in their own treed surrounds. • Your chance to buy this farm with a flexible takeover date and take advantage of the coming season. • Price reduced to $2,995,000. • Call Les to inspect.

Sallan Realty

• 116 hectares in five main titles situated on Hansens and Rangitikei Line, Newbury. • Very well farmed with soils that would grow anything from pasture to vegetables. • Centrally located 30 aside herringbone dairy, with adjacent feed pad and silage bunkers. • Featuring four family homes, with the main set in established gardens. • Very good well water supplied via a 50mm main line to stock troughs. • The farm is currently running a dairy herd and supplying Open Country Dairy. • With outstanding soils, great location and potential to subdivide this is a great opportunity to grow your farm business or land bank your future. • Price $6,250,000. Call Les.

Google ‘Sallan Realty’ Your Farm Sales Specialist

LK0089956©

LES CAIN 0274 420 582

Licensed Agent REAA 2008

farmersweekly.co.nz

Thames TENDER

8922 State Highway 26, Puriri

THE NEW ADDRESS FOR RURAL REAL ESTATE

Tenders Close 5pm 19th December 2017 •Corner State Highway 26 & Neavesville Road Puriri •Buy one lot or both •Lot 3 - 5.1958 ha (old house block) •Lot 4 – 6.1053 ha (old cowshed & loading race)

OPEN: By appointment

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/ Peter Tong

Licensed Salesperson 07 868 6978 / 021 987 867 petert@thames.richardsons.co.nz

LK0090614©

www.richardsons.co.nz/RT5211

LONG AWAITED – NOW AVAILABLE

N O TI CE FIN AL

UNRIVALLED INFRASTRUCTURE WITH CONTOUR - SUMMER SAFE ’Wai-iti’, 14203 Route 52, Alfredton, Wairarapa

TENDER CLOSES (unless sold prior) 4pm, Mon 11 December 2017 NZR Office, 16 Perry St, Masterton Blair Stevens AREINZ 06 370 9199 027 527 7007 blair@nzr.nz NZR Real Estate Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

FIN AL

N O TI CE

This very presentable sheep & beef unit is located in the renowned summer safe farming district of Alfredton in the northern Wairarapa / Tararua district. A real feature of the property is the contour- situated in a basin sheltered from southerlies, of the 620 effective hectares 220 hectares have been cultivated, with 60% of the farm being classed as easy to medium hill and the balance medium to steep hill. The 10 year annual rainfall average is 1130mm, with 76, 80 & 55 mls average in the Dec, Jan, Feb months. Wai-iti has excellent infrastructure; well subdivided into 85 main paddocks, new covered yards at the four stand woolshed, five sets of satellite yards, good access and ease of stock movement via a metalled central lane, two new sets of cattle yards, 100t fertiliser bin and ample support buildings. There is a comfortable three bedroom dwelling with a detached double sleep out and a shearers quarters. Running around 6,000su the regular fertiliser applications and hence good fertility levels (P 21 & pH 5.7, av.) have helped Wai iti produce consistently high levels of stock performance translating into very competitive EFS. Being the 2016 winners of the Wairarapa Sheep & Beef Farm Business of the Year there is comprehensive information on the property, including financial analysis, after inspection. Why settle for less, buy the best!

682 hectares Tender (unless sold prior) www.nzr.nz ref: RX1284496

EFFICIENT SCALE & QUALITY SOILS 273b Diversion Road, Kahutara, South Wairarapa This 88.89 hectare flat irrigated dairy unit is blessed with very fertile Ahikouka silt loam soils which have been developed into a very efficient and easy to operate dairy farm. Located just 7.5km from Featherston and close to the popular weekend destinations of Martinborough and Greytown the property is just an hours drive from Wellington. The farm has a character four bedroom homestead, 18 aside cowshed with all new pumps and pit, implement and other calf rearing and support sheds. The farm is subdivided into 31 paddocks all supplied with beautiful clear water. Of the 83ha effective there are 60ha irrigated via K-Line and a 25 l/s irrigation right. The soils are well drained with a share in a local drainage scheme. The five year average production is 95,500kgMS off around 260 cows aided by consistent fertiliser applications demonstrated in the soil test averages of pH 6.1 & OlsenP 39. The current pit effluent system has consent to 2022. This is a well located quality dairy unit with high class soils underpinned by irrigation to ensure consistent production. The size is "just right" with a husband & wife team making the best labour mix. There is historical financial analysis to EFS level available post inspection to interested parties- could suit an equity partnership? A detailed Property Report is available. Stock available at valuation. Inspections by appointment only. Video on website. A very aesthetically pleasing property well worth a visit - don’t miss this!

88 hectares Tender www.nzr.nz ref: RX1289950 TENDER Closes: 4pm, Tues 12 Dec 2017 Level 1, 16 Perry St, Masterton Blair Stevens AREINZ 06 370 9199 027 527 7007 blair@nzr.nz NZR Real Estate Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

TAMAKI FARMS

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – December 4, 2017

318HA (785AC) FOR SALE WAITERIMU FOREST RAWSON ROAD, Ohinewai, North Waikato

Dannevirke

Triple S Dairy Farm — Scope, soils & self-containment are the key to this 318ha (freehold) 40ha (leasehold) unit. • 306ha milking platform • 52ha runoff attached • 40 bail rotary cowshed • Host of support buildings • Modern 331m2 homestead • 2x 3 bedroom homes • 2x 1 bedroom employees accommodation • Very strong silt loam fertile soils • Very reliable rainfall

FOR SALE BY TENDER Tender closes 4pm Thursday 25 January 2018 (If not sold prior) For Farms (NZ) Ltd, 138 High Street, Dannevirke

Craig Boyden M: 027 443 2738 O: 06 374 4105 E: craigb@forfarms.co.nz

Jerome Pitt M: 027 242 2199 O: 06 374 4107 E: jeromep@forfarms.co.nz

All 10 minutes from Dannevirke.

www.forfarms.co.nz

ID FF2530 LK0068450©

www.forfarms.co.nz

LK0090600©

We welcome your inspection by appointment.

Property ID FF1299

OLDER AGE CLASS FOREST INVENTORY AVAILABLE Waiterimu Forest represents a great opportunity for a purchaser to secure a Cutting Right over a first rotation forest showing good growth and form with age class spread of 18 – 23 year old trees. Located within easy cart distance to multiple domestic processors and approximately 138km to Tauranga or 90km to Auckland for containerised volume. For those looking for their own forest or land to escape to, the 52ha of freehold title offers an interesting block with great views of Lake Waikare from the ridges, significant stands of native bush all located at the head of a no exit valley within 1 1/4 hours drive of Auckland CBD (off peak).

+ 161ha of mixed Age Class Radiata + Majority of crop 18 to 23 years old, with small stand of 27 year old + Range of purchase options including Cutting Right only + 52.9682ha freehold and crop available separately or together DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Friday 8 December 2017 at 4.00pm JEREMY KEATING

WARWICK SEARLE

021 461 210

021 362 778

www.propertyconnector.co.nz/210134Q37 CBRE (Agency) Limited, Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)

06 323 3363 Farm and Lifestyle Sales TENDER

1333 Tangimoana Road, Tangimoana  140ha (135 hectares effective) central Manawatu dairy farm  26 aside Herringbone farm dairy  Water is from a good bore and reticulated via a 50mm ring main  Soils are mostly medium-heavy sands including Carnarvon Black Foxton Association and Awahou Foxton Association  Three bedroom home with double garage  This is a well-located dairy unit with proven production  Two road frontages and excellent tracking throughout  All set up to simply milk cows

For sale by TENDER closing 4.00pm Tuesday 12 December 2017 at our office, 56 Stafford Street, Feilding Pat Waugh 027 446 1157

Manakau, 385 Waikawa Beach Road

Self Contained Dairy Unit Prime time to invest in this low input, totally selfcontained dairy unit located in popular Manakau area 1 hour from Wellington. Total area of 216ha. Having milking platform of just over 120ha with 199.5ha used for replacement and supplements milking 300 cows in 24bail herringbone built in 2011. Sandy loam soils on his flat to rolling property. Well raced and fenced. Good bore water supply. 6 bedroom refurbished home and usual farm buildings. Option to buy just land and buildings or as a package with shares and stock and assortment of machinery. Ideal as support block or first dairy farm. Subdivision potential as in 3 titles.

Web ID: RAL517

www.ruralandlifestylesales.com

TEAM GROUP REALTY LTD Licensed Agent REAA 2008

View: By appointment www.harcourts.co.nz/LE13737

Suzanne Cottle P 06 366 0805 M 021 223 7863 E sue.cottle@harcourts.co.nz

LK0090662

The Complete Package

RURAL rural@pb.co.nz 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Well located dairy

100 hectares flat land

OPEN DAY

WEB ID MOR01751 AUCTION MORRINSVILLE 184C Kuranui Road VIEW 6 & 13 Dec 11.30 - 1.00pm AUCTION 11.00am, Tue 19th Dec, 2017, (unless sold prior), This property has been faithfully farmed by the same Property Brokers, 78 Studholme Street, Morrinsville family for over 80 years and it comes to the market for the first time in excellent heart. The property has always looked a picture with its long road frontage on prestigious Kuranui Road. Several farm options present themselves for this property. A total of 117 hectares Peter Lissington over two titles, contour being approx. 78 ha flat with Mobile 027 430 8770 balance rolling to medium hill. Milking 340 cows peterl@pb.co.nz through a 30ASHB shed, producing 107,000kg/MS average over the last three seasons on a low-cost system, leaves excellent scope for incoming owners. Aidan Cowley Mobile 027 486 2547 aidan@pb.co.nz

AUCTION

WEB ID PR58478 EKETAHUNA 653 South Road No 2 This 100 ha flat dairy unit with a near new 24 ASHB shed, inshed feeding and excellent infrastructure presents a great opportunity. It is very well located being close to Eketahuna and only 25 minutes from Masterton and 45 minutes from Palmerston North city. • Free draining silt loams, excellent access and reliable rainfall. • 96,600kg/MS of production in 2016-17. • Fully consented until 2030. • A good three bedroom brick family home set in established grounds completes the package.

AUCTION View By Appointment AUCTION 11.00am, Fri 15th Dec, 2017, (unless sold prior), Eketahuna Community Centre, Haswell Street, Eketahuna

Jared Brock

Mobile 027 449 5496 Office 06 376 4823

Phil Wilson

Mobile 021 518 660 Office 06 376 5478

John Arends

Mobile 027 444 7380 Office 06 376 4364

You need to view now.

3 1

168 Range Road Woodville

WEB ID PR59114

WOODVILLE 168 Range Road This 161 ha dairy farm along with a 40 ha support block with renowned superior soils is situated in the heart of Woodville dairy country. Supplements are harvested within the dairy business with a very limited amount of PKE imported. • 133 ha dairy platform milking 355 cows • Multiple titles providing options • 36 aside HB shed with auto cup removers • Five year average production 117,956kg/MS • 49 paddocks on platform, 20 paddocks on runoff • 9 bay calf rearing and implement shed

• Support sheds and ample water • Consents in place • Large five bedroom character home with a covered swimming pool, spa and entertainment area • Second tidy three bedroom plus office character home on the runoff Options abound for the astute operator to take this well located dairy business to another level. A 56 ha lease block located nearby may be available to the successful purchaser.

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

BY NEGOTIATION + GST (IF ANY)

VIEW By Appointment Phil Wilson

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

Jared Brock

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

5 1

RURAL rural@pb.co.nz 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Ngapuhi - 377 hectares

WEB ID MR58767 GLADSTONE Clifton Grove Road Ngapuhi is an attractive breeding and finishing property located in the desirable Admiral valley, 38 kilometres south east of Masterton. The property is in two separate units, each side of the Wainuioru river. The east facing block is 227 hectares of strong papa hill country with a three stand woolshed. The home block contains 50 hectares of productive flat and cultivated easy hill. The homestead is an outstanding four/five bedroom home with two living areas, rumpus room and office set in attractive grounds and views to the north.

148 ha - Dairy - Great location

WEB ID AR58645 LAURISTON 1847 Thompsons Track View By Appointment DEADLINE SALE closes Tuesday 19th December, 2017 at This quality dairy unit is located at Lauriston approx. 4.00pm, (unless sold prior), Property Brokers Ltd, 84 Chapel 18km west of Rakaia and 19km east of Methven. This Street, Masterton farm was one of the first irrigated conversions in Mid Canterbury and has been continually improved over the years. Special features include; Pivot Irrigation, Ashburton Lyndhurst Irrigation Water, 54 bail rotary shed, three good homes plus self contained unit, 4 excellent shedding and lanes system. Milking approx. 515 to 550 cows for 233,000kg/MS. This unit has it all 2 Paul Joblin from capital improvements to proven production.

DEADLINE SALE

Mobile 027 443 3756 Office 06 378 7604 Home 06 372 7789 paulj@pb.co.nz

Chris Murdoch

Mobile 0274 342 545 Office 03 307 9191

Greg Jopson

Mobile 027 447 4382 Office 03 307 9176

Rodger Letham

Mobile 0274 333 436 Office 03 307 9192

Arable/stock - 106 ha

WEB ID AR58787 ASHBURTON Fairfield Road 106.5878 hectares of quality soils with two modern lateral irrigators and reliable Barhill Chertsey Irrigation Scheme water. In the past this property has been used to trial commercial concepts before adoption by Silver Fern Farm suppliers, used for an extensive cattle finishing program and most recently for an intensive cropping operation. The size of this quality property makes it ideal as an add-on or its own stand alone unit.

DEADLINE SALE View By Appointment DEADLINE SALE closes Tuesday 12th December, 2017 at 3.00pm, (unless sold prior)

Arable unit - 250 ha

DEADLINE SALE View By Appointment DEADLINE SALE closes Monday 11th December, 2017 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior)

Paul Cunneen

Mobile 0274 323 382 Office 03 307 9190

Rodger Letham

Mobile 0274 333 436 Office 03 307 9192

Greg Jopson

Mobile 027 447 4382 Office 03 307 9176

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

WEB ID AR58788 ASHBURTON 683 Singletree Road 230.9707 hectares. Location, layout, lateral irrigators, abundant irrigation water - this farm has it all and is ready and waiting to achieve serious results. A rare opportunity with scale and a range of farming options. Farm improvements include two homes, woolshed, sheepyards, cattle yards, and a number of sheds and silos. Pendarves is considered Mayfair/Park Lane in farming terms.

DEADLINE SALE View By Appointment DEADLINE SALE closes Monday 11th December, 2017 at 4.00pm, (unless sold prior)

Paul Cunneen

Mobile 0274 323 382 Office 03 307 9190

Chris Murdoch

Mobile 0274 342 545 Office 03 307 9191

Rodger Letham

Mobile 0274 333 436 Office 03 307 9192

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – December 4, 2017

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company RURAL | LIFESTYLE | RESIDENTIAL

NEW LISTING

North Otago

Altavady - Iconic Historic Property 1471 Georgetown-Pukeuri Road • 623.6903ha Freehold, flat easy rolling steeper grazing and cropping land • Quality four bedroom Homestead set in attractive sheltered landscaped garden setting • Good range of farm buildings and facilities, cattleyards with crush and load out • 176ha spray irrigation from private bore, Lower Waitaki Irrigation Co and North Otago Irrigation Co with further potential • Well tracked to 95 paddocks, well fenced with excellent water supply to all, mostly cattle troughs • Property currently under lease to local dairy farmer with large herds • Fertile soils producing good yields of pasture and feed crops pggwre.co.nz/OAM27146

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2.00pm, Wednesday, 28 February 2018

Dave Finlay B 03 433 1340 | M 027 433 5210 dfinlay@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company

RURAL Office 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed REAA 2008

Dairying on Devondale

Kuriwao Breeding Finishing Property

WEB ID TMR58759 DEADLINE SALE TEMUKA 297 Te Awa Road View By Appointment DEADLINE SALE closes Thursday 14th December, 2017 at • 260.8663 hectares, great irrigation 4.00pm, (unless sold prior) • Excellent farm infrastructure • 44 Bail Rotary Shed, Close proximity to Fonterra Michael Richardson • 4 very good homes Mobile 027 228 7027 4+ • Price plus GST (if any) Office 03 687 7145 An exceptional well set out dairy farm in a popular and michael@pb.co.nz well-regarded farming location. Excellent infrastructure 4 and four homes on a very tidy property. Good soils, Marcus Nurse great irrigation, excellent dairy shed and proven Mobile 027 480 6551 Office 03 687 7144 production with the farm currently supplying Fonterra. 2

• 1837.353 hectares freehold with approximately one third strong paddock country to two thirds oversown tussock country, also capable of finishing • Well presented improvements of high standard including homestead and second home. Full range of substantial farm buildings and yards • Excellent standard of subdivision, four gravity fed water schemes and an exceptionally strong fertiliser history going back decades • Wintered 2017: 10,830 sheep (including 8,290 ewes), 775 cattle (including 404 cows) pggwre.co.nz/BAL26510

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 12.00pm, Fri, 23 Feb

Stewart Rutter B 03 418 1381 M 027 433 7666

jrutter@pggwrightson.co.nz

Jason Rutter B 03 418 1382 M 027 243 1971

jrutter@pggwrightson.co.nz

marcus@pb.co.nz

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

South Otago

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

pggwre.co.nz

New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company RURAL

LIFESTYLE

RESIDENTIAL

FINAL NOTICE

Something Special - Highly Productive Dairy Farm in Mata • 107.055ha (95ha in grass and effective more or less) 16km from Whangarei CBD with two houses and a sleep-out • 20 ASHB dairy shed, new calf rearing facility, three bay feed pad/wintering barn, implement shed, hay barn, PKE bin with retractable roof and water from spring fed dam and stream • Milking 255 cows with production to 120,000kg MS • 80% flat, remainder easy rolling with the flats laser drained and central raced to 55 paddocks Under company ownership for the last seven years the input around infrastructure and general farm improvement is truly significant. The hard establishment work has been done, riparian planting has been done, the houses have been renovated, this farm is all set up and will be a pleasure to farm. With location, presentation and production figures behind it, this farm is truly something special. pggwre.co.nz/WHG27014

Mata AUCTION Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) 1.00pm, Thursday, 14 December

Dennis Wallace B 09 470 2528 | M 022 312 7704 dennis.wallace@pggwrightson.co.nz

FINAL NOTICE

Dairy in Five Titles - Horticulture Potential 630 Otakiri Road • Total Land Area - 118.3023 Hectares - Fully Irrigated • In five titles with areas as follows: 7.5557Ha, 10.6790Ha, 11.3380Ha, 27.2152Ha, 61.5144Ha • 36ASHB dairy shed, built in 2007 with Waikato milking plant and automatic cup removers • 400 cow yard with stand off and feed pad and other excellent infrastructure • Production average over four years - 138,832kgMS, milking 351 to 361 cows (from 125Ha) • Pod irrigation over most of the farm • Manager's three bedroom home and a three bedroom cottage, both tidy and comfortable • Naturally fertile soils with possible horticulture or lifestyle potential pggwre.co.nz/WHK27015

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Whakatane Surrounds TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 4.00pm, Thursday, 14 December VIEW 11.00-1.00pm, Wednesday, 6 & 13 December

Phil Goldsmith B 07 307 1620 | M 027 494 1844 pgoldsmith@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz

New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company RURAL

LIFESTYLE

A Rare Find

RESIDENTIAL

Dargaville

• 51.9 hectares in nine titles • Right on the town boundary • Currently milking 120 cows • Lovely three bedroom home that has been renovated • 14 ASHB cowshed • A lovely first farm with lots of options - retirement, development, lifestyle or dairying • Location is a big plus with the property being only minutes from town. A well balanced farm with fertile flats and rolling contour pggwre.co.nz/DAG27051

SALE BY SET DATE Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2.00pm Friday, 15 December

Megan Browning B 09 439 3344 M 027 668 8468

mbrowning@pggwrightson.co.nz

Quality Farm with Location Located on SH3, in the Rangitikei District close to the settlement of Turakina. Comprising 121.8443ha of land made up of approximately 49ha flat with the balance gentle rolling land divided into 15 paddocks. Farm buildings include a good 3-stand wool shed, large 5-bay implement shed, sheep and cattle yards, a chemical storage shed with w.c. and wash basin, workshop/storage shed and disused grain silo. A well-presented three bedroom home with self-contained sleepout. Currently farmed as a ram breeding operation and finishing cattle.

pggwre.co.nz/WAN25572

Turakina PRICE BY NEGOTIATION Plus GST (if any)

Doug Glasgow B 06 349 2005 M 027 204 8640

dougglasgow@pggwrightson.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Armadale Orchard - 8.2705ha 929 Te Matai Road, RD9 • Comprising 4.73 canopy hectares G3 Kiwifruit • New Ag beam structures • Grafted 2013 and 2015 • Recently modernised four bedroom home • Large implement shed and smoko room • Approximately two hectares of grazing

Te Puke PRICE BY NEGOTIATION Plus GST (if any)

Phone or email for a full Information Memorandum: rlord@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/TEP27157

Entry Level Self Contained Dairy Unit 179 Tunakino Valley A unique opportunity exists to secure a very tidy dairy unit of 302ha (746acres) in the heart of sunny Marlborough. A 60ha Milking platform producing an average of 60,000kg MS from 160 cows. There is an well positioned adjacent run off with a stunning backdrop of native bush. Infrastructure includes a well maintained 16 ASHB dairy shed and many sheds and workshops. A good fertiliser history and improved pasture offers many options as a dairy farm / dedicated dairy run off or a stand alone beef finishing unit. pggwre.co.nz/BLE27071

Richard Lord M 027 443 8764 rlord@pggwrightson.co.nz

Rai Valley DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 4.00pm, Thurs, 14 Dec 20 Westwood Ave, Blenheim

Greg Lyons M 027 579 1233 Greg.Lyons@pggwrightson.co.nz Joe Blakiston M 027 434 4069 jblakiston@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz

classifieds@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

Employment

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – December 4, 2017

STOCKPERSON/GENERAL REQUIRED

HEAD SHEPHERD

1000ha cattle farm on the coast at Ruapuke, south of Raglan. We need a hardworking person with working dogs who can show skills in both stock handling and general farm maintenance; ability to safely operate a 2-wheel, 4-wheeler bikes and tractor on some difficult terrain. Most importantly a positive attitude and the ability to work safely and independently, reporting to the farm manager. The position would suit a single or family person. A tidy 4-bedroom home is available, on school bus route. Te Mata primary school is a popular choice among local families, and Raglan has a vibrant artistic community and is a great area for all outdoor Our highly intensive irrigated arable and finishing research farm is looking pursuits. for a well-seasoned Farm Manager to lead the daily operations. The farm Please email CVfrom to hugopeacocke@gmail.com is used for trials by scientists AgResearch as well as other partnering organisations. with a recent employer or general referee contact details

A head shepherd position has become available on an 890ha sheep, beef and deer property 10km south of Rotorua. 3-bedroom accommodation available.

LK0090759©

Research Farm Manager – Lincoln

Our Future Research Farm Manager – Lincoln Our highly intensive irrigated arable and finishing research farm is looking for a well-seasoned Farm Manager to lead the daily operations. The farm is used for trials by scientists from AgResearch as well as other partnering organisations.

To be considered for this role you must have: • experience as a hands-on manager on an arable farm with irrigation • knowledge of how to irrigate effectively, crop rotations & spray programmes • financial and feed budgeting experience

This role would suit someone from an Arable background, however a varied farming background would be considered.

Please contact Rob Phiskie for more information on 029 983 3942. Find outOur more about joboperates on www.agresearchcareers.co.nz. client ownstheand a well-established sheep and beef operation with superb Closing date: 17th December facilities 2017. and amenities, on high producing rolling hill country, located near the coast between Raglan and Port Waikato. They annually finish 600 head of beef cattle and over 3000 prime lambs. Incorporated into the operation is the very successful Kokonga Hereford Stud from which 50 herd bulls are sold annually.

Please contact Rob Phiskie for more information on 029 983 3942. Find out more about the job on www.agresearchcareers.co.nz.

SHEPHERD Kokonga Farms – 1200ha – 10,000su

Closing date: 17th December 2017.

Bright Minds Leading the Way Signiﬁcance Balance

To apply please email your CV to jobs@perrinag.net.nz or send to PO Box 596, Rotorua by 18th December 2017 quoting ref #3950

www.perrinag.net.nz

NEED

STAFF?

Bright Minds Leading the Way Signiﬁcance Balance

To be successful in this role you will be an enthusiastic person who www.agresearchcareers.co.nz is able to demonstrate a desire to make a career for yourself in this industry. With 2 years of experience in a similar environment and a formal qualification to enhance your knowledge you are now looking to put this into practice. You must be comfortable operating machinery in the rolling to hilly terrain and have 2 to 3 working dogs under good command.

Call Debbie 0800 85 25 80

www.agresearchcareers.co.nz

classifieds@nzx.com

Ashburton Guardian, Farmers Weekly

Waikato Account Manager

Experience working in a team would stand you in good stead as you will be working with the Farm Manager and an experienced Head Shepherd. You will also be capable and comfortable with working on your own when required.

YOUR NEW CAREER STARTS HERE

advertising proof

2017

LK00907©

Farmers Weekly is recognised as the leading farming publication in providing a balance of Agri News, opinion and market information to the rural sector in New Zealand. It has developed a global reach with its publications and primary sector data analysis delivered in both print and digital. A competitive salary is on offer as is a recently renovated and very The Farmers Weekly Account Manager will focus on print and online digital sales into our leading rural publication Farmers tidy three bedroom house. Weekly and web site – farmersweekly.co.nz. You will take full ownership of a portfolio of clients in understanding their business objectives and be responsible to maintain If you are eager to grow your career in the dry stock sector and URL Closing date and accelerate customer revenuetested: and bring in new client business. You will be comfortable selling directly to clients and also Proof read by:_______________________________ With: _______________________________ Date:_______________________________ looking for variety in your next role this is an excellent opportunity and checked: into advertising agencies. one not to be missed. You will be the face of Farmers Weekly in the Waikato region and you will also be servicing some clients in Auckland, working To apply phone 07 823 0117 for more information or email your remotely from your home office and reporting into NZX Agri HQ in Feilding. You will be part of a wider sales team and will be revisions: CV to jobs@fegan.co.nz working to reach business KPI’s and successfully manage your revenue pipeline to achieve sales performance targets. 1 2 3 4 5 As you will be working independently you’ll need loads $0 to $0 have $25 $50 $75 of energy, a can-do attitude and strong communication and Register to receive job computer skills. Your resilient sales skills and your ability to build client relationships at all levels will be essential in this role. alerts and newsletters. You will need to demonstrate sound sales skills and have an absolute passion for NZ’s rural sector is essential, past media job: C59866 NOTE: experience is preferred but not PLEASE essential. www.fegan.co.nz that we have prepared this You will be well rewarded for your performance a on competitive salary, potential to earn sales incentives and a company car, advertisement proofwith based our size: 13x3 format: colour phone, laptop etc are all part ofunderstanding the total remuneration package. of the instructions received. InTo approving the this role go to SEEK and search publication run date position sort cost (excl gst) apply for advertisement, it is client’s responsibility Waikato Account Manager – Sales. Job #34971169 Seek job listing $prepaid

Trade Me job listing CONTRACT MILKER, 2018 SEASON Northern Outlook Fri 1st Dec sits vac Fri 8th Dec sits vac This is&aAsh unique opportunity inWed South29th Waikato for vac Selwyn Outlook Nov sits an experienced dairy farmer wishing to Dec upskill sits in vac Wed 6th a progressive tech savvy environment with a high Ashburton Sat 2 Dec sits vac performingGuardian herd. Farmers Weekly Mon 4 Dec sits The farm is split calving – planning on 300 spring/190 autumn vac

$prepaid $413.40 $413.40 $413.40 $413.40 $621.86 $1014.00

– on a 170ha milking platform (214ha farm). The 40ASHB has recently been fully updated and automated with ACRs, milk meters, heat detection and meal feeders. Production average over the last seven seasons sits at 182,933.21kgs/MS. The farm now runs at a system 3 with multiple crops grown on farm. Great farm systems and environmental controls.

to check the accuracy of both the advertisement, the media and the position nominated. Cancellation of adverts booked with media will incur a media cancellation fee of $50.

your contact:

Pip

Classifieds

FOOTWEAR

MANUFACTURERS

Your key attributes will include:

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You will be well supported by a knowledgeable farm owner and his advisors to assist you in achieving full farm potential. Excellent 4 bedroom house with a double garage available for the contract milker along with staff housing of a 4 bedroom house with garage and a 2 bedroom cottage.

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

• Record keeping and a desire to benchmark and utilise all the data available at your fingertips to increase milk production and be proactive with animal health. • Strong understanding of pasture management. • Proven track record of managing staff. • Self-motivated, driven and focused on farm pride.

a.co.nz

Applications close Wednesday, 20th December 2017 at 4.00pm.

MORE TIME FOR ROMANCE With our robots working for you, you’ll have more time for romance.

To apply call Lyn Bayes on 07 823 0117 or email lyn@fegan.co.nz

LK0090707©

To view photos visit our website www.fegan.co.nz

www.fegan.co.nz

SELLING SOMETHING? Advertise in Farmers Weekly Phone Debbie Brown 0800 85 25 80 or email classifieds@nzx.com

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LK0090676©

Our Future

The person we are looking for must have a positive attitude, be capable of using their initiative and demonstrating a high degree of integrity. A good team of 3-4 working dogs is required. Deer experience is not essential but an advantage. This role would suit someone with 4-5 years of shepherding experience, the ability to work independently to achieve farm targets and a passion for achieving results.

Classifieds

DOGS FOR SALE

DOGS WANTED

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

8-MONTH AND 11 month old Heading pups. Both ready to start. Phone 06 388 0212.

HEADING, HUNTAWAY, handy, backing dogs or bitches, 2-6 years. Top money paid. Phone Ginger Timms 03 202 5590 or 027 289 7615. 12 MONTHS TO 5½-yearold Heading dogs and Huntaways wanted. Phone 022 698 8195. NORTH ISLAND buying trip 9/12/17. No one buys or pays more! 07 315 5553.

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

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 DEMOLITION. Country Villas, houses, buildings, commercial, industrial. Any area. NZ. Please phone 027 405 2391. www.gibb-gro.co.nz GROWTH PROMOTANT $5.85 per hectare + GST delivered Brian Mace 0274 389 822 07 571 0336 brianmace@xtra.co.nz

CONTRACTORS GORSE SPRAYING SCRUB CUTTING. 30 years experience. Blowers, gun and hose. No job too big. Camp out teams. Travel anywhere if job big enough. Phone Dave 06 375 8032.

DOGS FOR SALE KELPIES, 2f, 1r&t, 1 blk. Guaranteed workers, vaccinated, vet checked and wormed. Ready Christmas. $500. Phone 09 439 6720.

FOR SALE CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING

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

Put our robots to work for you

FOR SALE

Call Grant Vickers on 021 704 691 to find out why!

O N E - Y E A R - O L D Huntaway b&t bitch. Good noise, keen as, starting work. $750. Phone 06 385 4332. SOUTH ISLANDERS. Shipping working dogs down there 15th December. 07 315 5553. Mike Hughes. 18-MONTH HEADING dog. Fast and firm. Gear on. Phone 04 472 2351. BLACK LAB PUPPIES. Farm raised. Top working duck and pheasant dogs. Brothers and sisters of Meg, Gary Girvans Bitch. 3 B and 4 D. Enquiries welcome. Phone Shonnie 04 232 5734. HUNTAWAYS, HEADING, Handys. Guaranteed. Trial. Deliver NZ wide. 07 315 5553. Mike Hughes. 12-MONTH HEADING dog. Strong heading and pulling. Good flanks and stop commands. Trial potential. Contact Nolan Timmins 06 862 7543.

A LISTER AC DOUBLE end single phase electric shearing machine grinder motor. Little used, excellent condition, plus five emery grinding discs and two emery gluing to disc wall clamps. $1300+GST. Phone 09 423 8010. WINDMILLS for water pumping. Ferguson Windmills Company. www.windmills.co.nz sales@windmills.co.nz Phone 09 412 8655 or 027 282 7689.

HOUSE FOR REMOVAL wanted. North Island. Phone 021 0274 5654.

VERY HIGH INDEX 2th Rams available now. Maternal and Terminal www.tefrom.com

PUMPS

WILTSHIRE DORPER x rams for sale. No shearing required. Excellent for hogget mating. Ewe lambs also available. Phone 06 388 7555.

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

NO STAFF WANTED

RAMS FOR SALE

AVAILABLE FOR BEEF or carry-overs. Central Waikato location. Phone evenings 07 887 7705.

WILD CATTLE and goats wanted. 50/50 mustering. Portable yards available. Phone Kerry Coulter 0274 944 194.

WILTSHIRE & SHIRE® rams and ewes for sale. Hardy, low input, easy care meat sheep. No dagging. No shearing. No dip, drench or vaccine since 1989. Deliver all over NZ. www.organicrams.co.nz Email: tim@ organic-rams.co.nz Phone 03 225 5283.

We need no one to help us milk 600 cows in Southland.

Put our robots to work for you

Call Grant Vickers on 021 704 691 to find out why!

MILLET SEED WANTED LOOKING TO FIND a consistent supplier of millet seed. Must be untreated, uncoated and be able to be germinated. Contact Alex 0274 639 565.

JOHN DEERE 6410, 6600, 6610, 6800, 6900, dismantling Andquiparts. Phone 027 524 3356.

NEW Combi Trailer

• Road legal • Swing-arm suspension • 400ml ground clearance • 2 minute setup • Lowers flat to ground • Stone guard converts to roof • Fits existing Combi Clamps

ok for yo ned it into this is the bo bject and tur mplicated su s taken a co ha an km ac Ian Bl . ssible: plain English emingly impo hieve the se u how to ac s nt He shows yo re pa the farming l securit y for ild ◊ Financia cceeding ch n for the su pla t ien sil le and re xib fle A ◊ r children s to the othe that works for ◊ Fairnes ession plan eate a succ cr to u yo ll help wi ok bo is Th family. your whole thor : About the Au ed an is a retir Ian Blackm e is passionat law yer who . or l sect He ra ru e th t abou nal 16 internatio was one of tured in the law yers fea on Eagles by Sim book Legal for well known is Ian . an Tupm tive and pro-ac his innovative rural law. approach to

Videos on website – On-farm demonstrations available SI Stuart 027 435 3062

Address: Email:

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Heading:

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Advert to read:

CHILLERS &

FREEZERS

udly NZ Madew Pro Since 1975

021 441 180 (JC) frigidair@xtra.co.nz

FOR FARMERS & HUNTERS

Return this form either by fax to 06 323 7101 Attention Debbie Brown Post to NZX Agri Classifieds, PO Box 529, Feilding 4740 - by 12pm Wednesday or Freephone 0800 85 25 80

When only the best will do!

G N I M R A F G N I P E E K IN THE FAMILY

Ian Ross Blackman

0800 85 25 80 classifieds@nzx.com

Phone:

If you are a farmer looking for guidance on succession planning, this book is for you.

Cattle Handling Equipment

www.combiclamp.co.nz

Name:

Ian has revised and updated the book and it is available once again. The second edition includes a complete new chapter on fairness, and a more comprehensive chapter on planning, meetings and decisions.

Reliable Strong, ffi ient and E c

Call Debbie

$2.00 + GST per word - Please print clearly

Ian Blackman’s book, Keeping Farming in the Family, A guide to farm succession completely sold out by 2016.

The most versatile Sheep Handler on the market • No power • No air • No breakdowns • Hands free operation • Good flow • Complete control • Portable • Weigh, dag, draft, feet, vaccinate – all in one pass!

0800 227 228

REACH EVERY FARMER IN NZ FROM MONDAY Advertise in the NZ Farmers Weekly

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FOR ONLY $2.00 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in Farmers Weekly Classifieds. Phone Debbie on 0800 85 25 80.

TRACTOR PARTS

CLASSIFIEDS

A Guide to Farm Succession

Combi Clamp Sheep Handler

Standard Crush, Vet Crush, Weight Crate, Auto Head Yoke, Sliding Gates • Heavy Duty • Hot dipped galvanized • Efficient been given about ou ave ymiss • One-man operationh•aSure ily farm? vice–hnever t adcatch W for your fam g in n n la • Self-catching with autoereset • No weight limit p n io cc ss ing, ession plann • Easily adjustablesu width • Built to last tion on succ g for informa kin loo r me • Full range of options are a far If youavailable u.

MORE FAMILY TIME

PROPERTY WANTED

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

GRAZING AVAILABLE

GOATS WANTED

WOMAN, 35 YEARS old. Slim, fit and attractive. Looking for a man and long term relationship. Into horses, dogs and farming. Land-lover. Genuine enquiries only to email: mistymountainnz@gmail. com

IN THE FA MILY

Advertise in The NZ Farmers Weekly

FERTILISER

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

KEEP ING FA RMING

Do you have something to sell?

With our robots working for you, you’ll have more time for hunting.

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.

PERSONAL

LK0090588©

CRAIGCO SHEEP JETTERS. Sensor Jet. Deal to fly and Lice now. Guaranteed performance. Unbeatable pricing. Phone 06 835 6863. www.craigcojetters.com

MORE TIME FOR HUNTING

GOATS WANTED

LK0090723©

ANIMAL HANDLING

classifieds@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

ssion A guide to farm succe Ian Ross Blackmnsan lm Eva Illustrations by Malco

Re vis ed 20 Edi 17 tio n

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – December 4, 2017

Get your copy in time for Christmas by ordering on the website www.keepthefarm.co.nz

livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

Livestock

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – December 4, 2017

SALE TALK

STOCK FOR SALE

A man’s car stalled on a country road one morning. When the man got out to fix it, a cow came along and stopped beside him. “Your trouble is probably in the carburettor,” said the cow. Started, the man jumped back and ran down the road until he met a farmer. The amazed man told the farmer his story. “Was it a large red cow with a brown spot over the right eye?” asked the farmer. “Yes, yes,” the man replied. “Oh! I wouldn’t listen to Bessie, “said the farmer. “She doesn’t know a thing about cars.”

1 YR ANG BULLS X 90 430avg/kgs 60 x STATION BRED 1YR ANG HEIFERS 360kgs Ideal for Breeding, Draft Numbers Suitable 1YR FRSN BULLS 350-450kgs

STOCK REQUIRED

1YR BEEF & BEEF X HEIFERS COWS WITH CALVES AT FOOT BREEDING EWES STORE LAMBS Preferred Terminals 28+kgs

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

HILLCROFT ROMNEY AND ROMDALES Bred on steep hills in the Matahuru Valley Eczema testing or use of tested sires since 1991

Tuakau Sale

Thursday 7th Dec 2017 at 12 noon A/c Thistlehurst Farms 50 x 20 Mth Aut Born W/F Ang/Fr Strs

A/c Maui Farms

Thursday 7th December Start time 12.30pm

60 1yr Simx strs

20 AB 18mth Ang & Wf hfrs

70 1yr ang strs

On Farm Lamb Sale

25 1yr hfd hfrs

40 AB ang strs

35 AB Ang hfrs

20 1yr beef x bulls

70 Wnr Hfd/Ang hfrs

220 Wnr frsn bulls

LK0090657©

40 1yr char hfrs

125 1yr char & WF strs

50 Wnr WF & Ang Wnr bulls

Contact Harley Sloane 027 279 5397 Reuben Wright 027 284 6384 At the conclusion of the Sale christmas lamb on spit and refreshments.

Tuesday 5th December 11.30am start Comprising : • 3500 mixed sex Black Face Romney X lambs

• 500 Texel X male lambs

LK0090732©

All T.B.D

All lambs undrafted. Craig Nelson 021 457 127

ECZEMA TOLERANT ***** RATING

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

North Waikato 430 Friesians BW64 PW62 RA91% DTC 10/7 41 years breeding. Over 200 x 2 & 3yr olds $2000 Central & Southern NI 500 2-6yr old X Breds milked from a herd of 1600 Herd BW52 PW71 RA63% DTC 25/7 $1950 240 Frsn/FrsnX BW75 PW95 RA86% DTC 10/7 $1900 200 Friesians DTC 20/7 Good type Friesian cows with pedigree background $1650 179 Frsn/FrsnX DTC 20/7 $1950 These will be good shifting cows milked on hard country

Contact: Philip Webb: 027 801 8057 Central & Southern NI Dairy Coordinator Paul Kane 027 286 9279 (North Waikato/ Northland) National Dairy & Live Export Coordinator

Keith Abbott Raglan 027 463 9859 www.waiteikaromneys.co.nz

Are you looking in the right direction?

Genetically linked to Waimai Romney

HERDS FOR SALE END OF SEASON DELIVERY: • 150 cow long established Jersey stud herd BW 113 PW 121 looking great, includes several contracted cows. Also 40 i/c heifers. • 230 cow long established OAD Jersey herd BW 91 rock solid. Also 50 i/c heifers. • 450 Jersey herd BW 45. Very nice, high production. • 450 Jersey herd BW 125 PW 118. Many contracts. • 620 Jersey and Jersey x cows BW 107 PW 99. Also 165 i/c heifers BW 131.

Call Nigel

0800 85 25 80 livestock@nzx.com

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

4th Waterton Ram Sale

• 36 Jersey and Jersey x BW 130 PW 157. • 100 black cross breds BW 70 PW 100 i/c AB Hereford. • 30 Friesian high BW i/c Hereford. • 19 Jersey cows. BW 83 PW 120.

SPRING CALVING LINES OF COWS • 54 XBreds BW 121 PW 155 content of Jersey herd. • 108 Xbreds BW 30 PW 46

• Several lines. THE LARGEST OFFERING OF CHAROLLAIS AND CHAROLLAIS X IN CANTERBURY

Charollais sires include Waterton 35/15 No. 1 SIL Sire on Charollais National Across Flock. Charollais Lot 50 is 3rd ranked Charollais on the Across Flock. For more information or a catalogue, contact: Chris Hampton PWA 03 614 3330 Wayne Andrews 027 202 5679 027 484 8232 cahampton@xtra.co.nz

PWA Snow Buckley 027 561 4652 Stuart Blake 027 433 9088 Also on www.peterwalsh.co.nz

PGGW Greg Uren 027 431 4051

LK0090506©

www.fernvale.co.nz

Tuesday 19th December 2017

WEANER JERSEY HEIFER CALVES FOR SALE

LK0090261©

Ph: 03 204 0883 Cell: 027 201 8181 Email: fernvale@farmside.co.nz

AUTUMN CALVING LINES OF COWS

Hill bred Commercially farmed SIL recorded Eye Muscle Scanned Brucellosis Accredited Over 50 years breeding 7 Pure Charollais – 26 Suffolk – 16 South Suffolk – 14 Charollais Suffolk – 19 % Charollais

• Only multiple born and reared animals sold or retained in stud • VIA SCAN and eye muscle scanning used to trace meat yields • Quality outside bloodlines used every third generation • Commercial pressure through 41,000su • Two-year ram performance guarantee • Ewe hogget mating standard practice • All rams are scour scored • 50K DNA data available • SIL recorded

Lloyd Brenssell Moa Flat West Otago

Charollais, % Charollais, Suffolk and South Suffolk Rams (as seen on rural delivery) Viewing from 2.30pm Helmsman Sale 4.30pm Belmont Station 50 Kerr Road, Cave South Canterbury

SUFFOLK SUFTEX

* Robust functional sheep that survive * Dag and Condition Scoring * No ewes worm drenched, dipped or vaccinated * Monitoring Parasites WormFEC™

R2yrs 180 Fr hfrs BW92 PW85 RA100% RWB (Jrsy) DTC 24/7 $1300 Dec del

FERNVALE GENETICS

ROMNEY ROMDALE

Fraser 07 828 5755 or 0272 859 587 Malcolm 07 828 5709 PROTECT YOUR FUTURE FLOCKS

Contact: Deone Coulter 0274 981 206 Dave Anderson 0274 981 201

Northland 260 Frsn/FrsnX BW61 PW69 RA90% DTC 20/7 OAD herd long steep walks, will shift well $1750 110 Jerseys BW102 PW103 RA98% DTC 18/7 350ms Low SCC $1650

(approx 20km from Tinui Village)

• 1500 White Face C/O lambs

240-300kg

Brucellosis free l In a very hot year, no clinical cases observed in flock Romney rams & dams sire tested at 0.6

Herds 1st June 2018 delivery

Anerley Station Tinui Valley Road Masterton

190 1yr WF & Ang x hfrs

120 1yr ang/Hfdx frsn x strs

70 x 15 Mth W/F Hfrs

WAITEIKA HILL COUNTRY ROMNEYS RAMGUARD TESTING SINCE 1985

LK0090659©

40 2yr Hfd xhfrs

320-400kg

LK0090749©

Peria Sale

Easy care self-shedding sheep Run on extensive, hard, coastal hill country. • Low input • No pampering • Fertile • Free moving Available from late December Ewe lambs – approx. 400 Ram lambs – well grown 2th Rams Cull ewes Rams tested for brucellosis Rachel and Brook Johnstone 764 Port Waikato-Waikaretu Road RD5, Tuakau • Ph: 09 2329875 puririheights@gmail.com Website: www.puririwiltshire.com

l no shepherding l no drenching of ewes

XBREDS WANTED • Herds , I/c heifers, weaner heifers

Contact: Ross Riddell 0272 111 112 or Grant Aiken, Whangarei, 0272 458 821 LK0090690©

LIMITED

200 x 15 Mth Char X & Sim X Hfrs

LK0090068©

Sloane Livestock

Puriri Heights Wiltshire

LK0090185©

A Financing Solution For Your Farm E info@rdlfinance.co.nz

40 2yr X Bred strs

LK0090746©

380-4540kg

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

•

Livestock

CRAIGNEUK

•

16th Annual on Farm Sale Friday 12th January 2018 On offer 260 Rams Made up of 200 Terminal Rams • Dorset Down X lambs growing 500 to 600 grams a day from birth to weaning • South Dorset Rams for quick maturity • SIL Recorded and Studfax • Autumn Scan

available. Phone 027 241 0051. Advertise your ram sale in Farmers Enquiries Weekly to the sole marketing agents: Brian Robinson Livestock Ltd Brian BRLL Brian Robinson Call Nigel 0800 85 25Robinson 80 livestock@nzx.com Ph 07 027 8583132 241 0051 PH: 0272 410051 or

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Also 60 Halfbred Maternal Rams Merino Ram/Romney Ewe MILK • WOOL • MEAT Bred to fit the Smartwool Contract 20-25 micron Grown in the harsh Maniototo climate

LIVESTOCK

Autumn calving Friesian and Friesian Cross in calf heifers, 55, fully recorded, LIC bred, BW Outstanding genetics & 107potential toJersey be bulls onefromof average PW 112. Due to 15/3/18.suppliers Complete replacement line of genuine the countries leading of Genetics to ADVERTISING autumn born heifers. Details available. the dairy industry for years to come. Full details $1600 plus GST.

LK0090747©

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – December 4, 2017

pregnant, culls, older cows & 5% rejection Production last season 347kgs ms/cow, livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80 43 1000kgs ms/ha, on rolling to steeper contoured farm, no meal, palm kernel or maize fed. For Sale Young replacement stock also available

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

Enquiries to: Johnny Duncan 027 327 2372 or email: JDuncan.Craigneuk@xtra.co.nz

Fairlea Texels

Stud Dispersal Sale

CALL US ON 0800 328 877

Further enquiries contact Cam Wilson 06 8588 410; 021 133 4959 or cam.mel@xtra.co.nz

LK0090735©

Sufftex Rams also available Hugh & Helen Winder 1808 Makino Rd, RD 9, Feilding 4779 Ph: 06 328 8710 Fax: 06 328 8712 Mob: 027 226 5784 Email: fairleatexels@xtra.co.nz

• 125 Suftex M/A Ewes • 50 Texel M/A Ewes • 40 Texel 2ths • 55 Suftex 2ths Replacement ewe lambs, 40 Texels, 80 Suftex. Over a decade of breeding. Top ewes. Selling 80-100 ram hoggets per year, client list available. This years ram hoggets available January.

FEILDING ELITE RAM & EWE SALES

BUYING OR SELLING A DAIRY HERD?

MANFEILD PARK, FEILDING

TUESDAY DECEMBER 12, 2017 WOOL BREEDS

Contact Farm Source Livestock for specialist advice and expertise that will help you achieve optimal results, including:

Sale starts: 10.30am 6 Perendale Rams 3 Cheviot Rams

Tailored marketing program Access to Fonterra’s extensive farmer network Fonterra farmer exclusive: Earn valuable Farm Source Reward Dollars on all sales and purchases

Followed by

MEAT BREEDS

THIS WEEKS FEATURE: We have two buyers wanting to purchase Friesian herds for end May delivery. Looking for good size cows, great production, AB bred, ready to purchase now. North and South Island, give us a call on 0800 548 33 with your herd.

11 8 20 15 12 15 8

Poll Dorset Rams South Suffolk Rams Southdown Rams Dorset Down Rams Texel Rams Suffolk Rams Dorper Rams

LK0090216©

• • •

LK0090712©

Meaty Muscle Makes Money

View catalogue online at www.pivotdesign.co.nz under catalogues 2017.

0800 548 339 NZFARMSOURCE.CO.NZ/LIVESTOCK

Rams for the Feilding Sale have been selected on type and performance for typical North Island sheep breeding conditions.

Auctioneers: NZ FARMERS LIVESTOCK • PGG WRIGHTSON • CARRFIELDS LIVESTOCK

MARKET SNAPSHOT

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Grain & Feed Last year

6.75

6.19

AS OF 27/07/2017

AS OF 24/11/2017

Nov 17 AgriHQ Seasonal

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

353

327

NI mutton (20kg)

4.90

5.00

2.90

381

279

SI lamb (17kg)

7.25

5.45

Feed Barley

383

386

264

SI mutton (20kg)

4.95

2.75

227

Export markets (NZ$/kg) 9.67

9.62

7.74

271

273

UK CKT lamb leg

Maize Grain

443

360

PKE

265

269

223

Prior week

Last year

Wheat - Nearest

228

226

211

Corn - Nearest

196

193

197

406

395

302

6.5 6.0 5.5 5.0

CBOT futures (NZ$/t)

3500

Oct 17 Jan 18 NZX WMP Futur es

7.0

INTERNATIONAL Last week

North Island 17kg lamb

7.5

* 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.

APW Wheat

2000 Jan 17 Apr 17 Jul 17 C2 Fonter r a WMP

5.55

378

4000

2500

7.30

353

Australia (NZ$/t)

3000

4.5

South Island 1 7kg lamb

7.5 7.0

ASW Wheat

392

349

285

Feed Wheat

324

310

268

Feed Barley

351

251

117

118

PKE (US$/t) Ex-Malaysia

600 500 400 300

NZ venison 60kg stag

6.5 6.0 5.5 5.0 4.5 Oct Oct

Dec

Feb

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

Prior week

vs 4 weeks ago

WMP

2830

2800

2920

SMP

1700

1705

AMF

6600

Butter

5020

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Prior week

Last year

1720

Urea

520

460

6.65

6.70

6725

6380

Super

297

310

35 micron

3.30

3.25

4.10

5240

5300

DAP

784

39 micron

3.30

4.10

704

Apr

May

$/kg

c/k kg (net)

US$/t

Market commentary provided by Craigs Investment Partners

18910

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

8187

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

7616

Dec 14

Dec 15

Dec 16

Feed barley

4 weeks ago

NZ venison 60kg stag

4.5

600

NZ$/t Mar

150 Dec 13

Coarse xbred wool indicator

5.5

CANTERBURY FEED PRICES

NOVEMBER ended on a positive note for the NZX50, rising 0.5% for the month to cement its 11th consecutive month of gains. The month was mixed, starting with some sharp declines. However, they were pared back. The top performer was Ryman Healthcare after its exceptional result beat expectations and gave a solid growth outlook. Retirement village operator Summerset also had a strong month, rising 8.42%. Comvita was the weakest performer, falling 11.87%, closely followed by Synlait Milk, one of this year’s market darlings, which declined 8.65%. November ended Synlait’s dream run as investors’ took profits. Synlait’s founder John Penno said he would step down from his role within the next 12 months. That saw further selling. The big economic event last week for the market was the ANZ outlook survey. The previous two survey showed confidence was falling and many attributed it to the political uncertainty throughout the period. However, the November survey showed further declines with a net 39% of those surveyed being pessimistic. Business confidence was negative across all sectors for the coming year. Agriculture the most negative, with a net 55% of those surveyed expecting worsening conditions.

14626

This yr

6.65

Sharemarket Briefing

S&P/FW AG EQUITY

Aug

Last week

250

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR

Last yr

Aug

29 micron

350

Latest price

Jun

(NZ$/kg)

450

Feb

Jun

NZ average (NZ$/t)

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

Jan

Apr

WOOL

* price as at close of business on Thursday

Dec

Apr

FERTILISER

Last price*

3200 3100 3000 2900 2800 2700 2600

Last year

7.20

Feed Wheat

Waikato (NZ$/t)

Sep 17

Last week Prior week

NI lamb (17kg)

Milling Wheat

PKE

Jul 17 AgriHQ Spot Fonterra forecast

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

$/kg

$/kgMS

Prior week

Canterbury (NZ$/t)

MILK PRICE COMPARISON

US$/t

Last week

AGRIHQ 2017-18

FONTERRA 2017-18

7.5 7.0 6.5 6.0 5.5 5.0 May 17

SHEEP MEAT

DOMESTIC

$/kg

MILK PRICE FORECAST ($/KGMS) 2017-18

Sheep

c/kkg (net)

Dairy

300

2.5Oct Oct

Dec

Feb

Apr

Last yr

Jun

Aug

This yr

Dollar Watch

YTD High

YTD Low

Auckland International Airport Limited

6.38

7.43

6.02

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

13.10

13.88

8.50

Meridian Energy Limited Spark New Zealand Limited The a2 Milk Company Limited Ryman Healthcare Limited Fletcher Building Limited Mercury NZ Limited (NS) Xero Limited Contact Energy Limited

2.90 3.62 8.43 10.49 6.94 3.29 32.00 5.40

3.02 3.97 9.00 10.52 10.86 3.60 35.50 5.85

2.57 3.32 2.06 8.12 6.73 2.94 17.47 4.65

Listed Agri Shares

3.5

400

5‐yr ave

PKE spot

Top 10 by Market Cap Company

500

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

8.430

9.000

2.060

Cavalier Corporation Limited

0.430

0.810

0.270

Comvita Limited

7.500

8.850

5.150

Delegat Group Limited

7.410

7.860

5.650

Foley Family Wines Limited

1.500

1.560

1.200

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

6.360

6.430

5.880

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

2.300

2.610

2.100

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

2.260

2.450

1.220

PGG Wrightson Limited

0.570

0.620

0.490

Sanford Limited (NS)

8.020

8.100

6.700

Scales Corporation Limited

3.840

3.970

3.210

Seeka Limited

5.700

5.930

4.300

Tegel Group Holdings Limited

1.370

1.460

1.050

S&P/FW Primary Sector

14626

15031

9307

S&P/FW Agriculture Equity

18910

19583

10899

S&P/NZX 50 Index

8187

6971

S&P/NZX 10 Index

7616

7643

6927

THE kiwi dollar is being This Prior Last NZD vs affected by low domestic week week year business confidence USD 0.6833 0.6885 0.7069 and nervousness among EUR 0.5737 0.5808 0.6642 overseas bond investors AUD 0.9031 0.9028 0.9543 about possible changes to how the Reserve Bank GBP 0.5053 0.5172 0.5623 operates. Correct as of 9am last Friday It fell on Thursday on the nine-year low in business confidence, ASB Bank institutional currency dealer Tim Kelleher said. There were indications of higher two-year inflation expectations and lower hiring intentions and confidence perceptions would be noticed offshore where about 65% of New Zealand’s government bond investors are based. “With all that, the NZ dollar is doing the talking.” Despite that, the progress of the United States dollar over the next year would dictate world currency movements. The outlook for US tax cuts looks more positive and a rise in the Fed fund interest rate on December 14 is now 100% priced-in by markets, with talk of up to three rises next year. “It’s hard to see any country’s currency going up against the US dollar when its interest rates are going up and the others are onhold. US bond yields are rising already and a Fed rate rise would give them a further lift and that should push their dollar higher.’’ Some answers to the wait-and-see approach to the new NZ Government might be provided at the Fiscal Update, also on December 14. The kiwi dollar fell below £0.51 to an 18-month low, with signs of progress in Britain’s Brexit talks. Alan Williams

Markets

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017

CANTERBURY PALM KERNEL

NI SLAUGHTER MUTTON

SI SLAUGHTER LAMB

($/T)

($/KG)

GOOD BLACKFACE MIXED SEX LAMBS AT STORTFORD LODGE

($/KG)

($/HD)

4.80

271

7.25

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

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.70

5.45

NI Bull (300kg)

5.65

5.30

NI Cow (200kg)

4.45

4.00

SI Steer (300kg)

5.55

5.20

SI Bull (300kg)

5.30

4.70

SI Cow (200kg)

4.30

3.80

US imported 95CL bull

7.25

7.28

6.41

US domestic 90CL cow

6.78

6.79

6.10

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)

6.5 6.0

NZ venison 60kg stag

c/k kg (net)

$/kg

600 5.5 500 5.0 400 4.5 300

4.0

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)

10.15

8.10

NI Hind (50kg)

10.05

8.00

SI Stag (60kg)

10.55

8.10

SI Hind (50kg)

10.45

8.00

New Zealand venison (60kg Stag)

$/kg

NZ venison 60kg stag

8 500

400 7 300

6 Oct

Oct

Dec Dec 5‐yr ave

Feb Feb

Apr Apr Last yr

Jun Jun

Aug Aug This yr

$450-$500

$2.86-$2.95/kg

Weaner Friesian bulls, 100-130kg, at Coalgate

Prime beef heifers, 450-530kg, at Temuka

Storms spark markets

HILE thunderstorms have been unsettling they have brought much needed localized rain to some areas and added some spark to depleting store markets. Store lambs in particular showed improvement in the North Island as extra buyers stepped up to the plate. NORTHLAND NORTHLAND Buyers had the chance to buy good quality weaner cattle at WELLSFORD last Monday at the annual IHC Weaner Fair. Weaner steers made steady returns on 2016 levels, and Hereford-cross, 102-136kg, sold for $580-$630, and Angus-Friesian, 104-107kg, $600-$615. Hereford-Friesian, 106-119kg firmed to $620-$685. A highlight in the heifer pens was Hereford-Friesian, 102-110kg, as they lifted to $585-$645, matching prices paid for 135-140kg lines. HerefordJersey, 83-110kg, sold over a tight range of $450-$570. Bulls were the main feature with just over 300 head yarded. Demand for the heavy Friesian bulls was solid and 124-152kg returned $550-$645, while 100-110kg lines held their value at $475-$498. About 450 head made up the weaner fair at KAIKOHE on Wednesday and they were a credit to vendors, with quality lines through all classes and demand strong from the first pen to the last. Steers were mainly Angus, though Charolais and South Devon lines were also offered. The top line sold to $1200 with most other lines trading at $890-$1100, and $3.48$3.80/kg common ground. The top line of Angus bulls sold for breeding at $1330, and Charolais sold to $1100. A big portion of the bull section were healthy medium Simmental, Angus-Hereford and Hereford which sold for $750-$950, with most bulls sitting in the vicinity of $3.30-$3.50/kg. The heifer market was equally as pleasing and Angus again made top

You’re just a few steps away from applying for livestock finance. HBA 1042C

c/k kg (net)

600

100

high lights

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More photos: farmersweekly.co.nz

SUCCESS: A line of one-year Limousin heifers sold at the Coalgate sale for $1540. The buyer, left, was John McDrury, who had great success with last year’s purchase of these same cattle at the Canterbury Park A&P Show this year so was back to get some for next year’s show. The vendor was W and C James, right.

dollar at $920-$970, while lighter Angus and exotic lines managed $830$920 for $3.10-$3.30/kg. The excitement flowed into the regular store pens, where a further 450 head were offered. Good 2-year beef steers ranged from $3.00-$3.16/kg, though the heifer market was again on the flat side, with most making $2.80$2.95/kg. One-year and 15-month steers had a good following, and the mainly beef and beef-cross cattle sold for $3.00$3.30/kg, with heifers mainly trading at $2.90-$3.10/kg. Calves sold to keen interest and 100kg Shorthorn and beef-Friesian bulls fetched $550-$600, and Friesian, $500-$540. Beef-Friesian heifers returned $450-$545. COUNTIES COUNTIES About 1000 cattle were yarded at TUAKAU last Thursday, with 15 to

18-month steers making up a big chunk of the numbers, Kane Needham of PGG Wrightson reported. Prices for most steers and heifers aged 15-months or older eased by around 10c/kg. The offering included 503kg Hereford-Friesian steers, which traded at $2.84/kg, with 448kg Herefords earning $2.85/kg. Hereford-Friesian steers, 314kg, made $3.11/kg, and 180kg Angus weaners $740. Another pen of Angus weaners, 153kg, returned $660, and 121kg Hereford-Friesian $680, with 110kg earning $630. A pen of 324kg Friesian bulls sold at $2.90/kg, $940, with 295kg earning the same rate and making $855. Weaner Friesian bulls, 126kg, fetched $525. The heifer section included heavy Hereford-Friesian, 473kg, $2.82/kg and 363kg, $2.75/kg, while good beef

Continued page 46

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Markets

46 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017 heifers, 448kg, made $2.87/kg. A pen of 217kg Angus-Friesian weaner heifers sold at $600, with 178kg Angus heifers earning the same money. Hereford-Friesian weaner heifers, 115kg, made $560, and 101kg, $525. Prices also eased slightly at last Wednesday’s prime sale, where about 600 cattle were yarded. Prime steer and heifer prices were back by 5c/kg, with cows easing by 10c/kg. The heavier prime beef steers traded at $2.90-$2.96/kg, medium $2.86-$2.90/kg, and lighter $2.80-$2.85/kg. Heavy prime beef heifers sold at $2.88-$2.95/ kg, medium $2.80-$2.86/kg and lighter beef heifers $2.74-$2.79/kg. Dairy-type heifers earned $2.10$2.50/kg, and a small offering of beef cows returned $2.20-$2.39/ kg. The better well-conditioned Friesian cows traded at $2.05$2.25/kg, medium $1.85-$1.98/ kg, and lighter boners $1.70-$1.80/ kg. Good Hereford bulls sold at $2.94-$3.04/kg, good Friesian bulls $2.84-$2.98/kg and well-covered Jerseys $2.50-$2.67/kg. Heavy prime lambs earned $148-$168, medium $120-$145, and lighter $110-$120. Good store lambs made $90-$105, medium $75-$90 and lighter stores $65$75. The heavier prime ewes sold at $135-$159, with medium ewes making $105-$120 and lighter types $70-$90. WAIKATO Last Tuesday’s weaner fair at FRANKTON presented a slightly reduced yarding from the previous sale, though there was still plenty of quality lines to choose from. Hereford-Friesian were steady to lifting with 127-130kg up to $640$655, as was 116kg, $640-$650, and 100-102kg, $615-$630. A very light line at 75kg sold to keen interest for $570. Conversely Friesian bulls eased with 136-138kg making $620, 115-117kg, $540-$545, and 101kg, $515-$520. Steers were steady with a heavier line of Hereford-Friesian, 237kg, earning $820. Heifers were again sold in the sheep pens and prices lifted, with Angus-cross making $420-$600, and the majority of HerefordFriesian, $475-$565. On Wednesday two-year Angus-Friesian steers, 467-470kg, softened to $2.74-$2.83/kg, while a line of beef-cross, 406-428kg, took top honors on a $/kg basis, returning $2.85-$2.93/kg. Heifers also eased, with Hereford-Friesian, 380-440kg, making $2.70-$2.78/kg. A highlight in the 2-year bulls was a line of Hereford, 471kg, which sold for breeding at $3.82/kg. It was a mixed bag in the 1-year pens with steers easing, whilst the heifers remained steady. HerefordFriesian steers, 350-445kg, made $1050-$1280, and heifers of the same, 246-343kg, returned $780$990. A line of Friesian bulls broke the mould and lifted to $860-$900. Prime steers were steady to easing, with Hereford-Friesian, 573-575kg, and Angus-Friesian, 692kg, steady at $2.89/kg and $2.84-$2.88/kg respectively, whilst Angus, 621kg, softened to $2.91/ kg. BAY OF PLENTY BAY OF PLENTY Both the cattle and sheep volumes lifted at RANGIURU last Tuesday as soil dries up and

farmers and small block holders try to conserve feed. Nearly all pens were utilized in the sheep yards, with the feature being over 600 new season lambs which averaged $96 and ranged from $49 to $140. Ewes also came forward in good numbers with 570 offered and the average for the sale was $114, with the top line making $154. Extra cattle numbers were drawn in by good prices of late, though the swell in numbers had the opposite effect on the market. Prime steers were of lesser quality which was reflected in the prices of $2.81-$2.91/kg, with Friesian cows lighter also and making $1.76-$1.81/kg. One line of 620kg Friesian & Friesian-cross sold to $2.24/kg. Two-year Hereford-Jersey heifers, 460-471kg, proved popular at $2.85-$2.87/kg, bettered though by single lines of Hereford-Friesian and Limousin at $2.93-$2.98/kg. Angus, 382-417kg, lacked quality and returned $2.61-$2.70/kg. Hereford-Friesian 1-year steers sold on a mainly steady market, with 253-307kg earning $3.19$3.30/kg, but heifers of same breeding and 324-359kg eased to $2.84-$2.93/kg. Weaner numbers were solid and Hereford-Friesian heifers, 93-97kg, sold at higher levels of $400-$510 than heavier lines. Friesian bulls eased though still made solid returns as 102-110kg sold for $515$525, and 125kg, $540. TARANAKI TARANAKI November finished on a quiet note at the TARANAKI sale, apart from a thunderstorm that interrupted the auctioning. A total of 340 cattle were penned with most in small lines under 10 head. Despite localized rain, most areas are very dry, which caused a twofold effect of more mixed quality cattle coming to sale and fewer buyers to greet them. Prime steers sold over a very tight range of $2.83-$2.88/kg on what was a softer market, and boner cows made $1.75-$1.82/kg. The 2-year steer pens included some nice lines of quality and three Hereford-Friesian, 546kg, were the highest priced at $2.82/ kg, while Angus-Friesian, 475506kg, were off the pace at $2.74$2.77/kg. Angus-Jersey, 401-445kg, returned $2.74-$2.77/kg. One –year prices were variable, and 308-310kg Hereford-Friesian sold on a steady market at $2.92$2.97/kg, with heavier AngusFriesian, 335-381kg, making similar values. The best the 1-year heifers could manage was $2.52-$2.56/kg for Hereford-Friesian, but again this was a reflection of the quality. POVERTY BAY POVERTY BAY The usual MATAWHERO sheep sale was supplemented with an early ewe fair which saw more than 850 breeding ewes yarded. Quality through these was very good and bidders showed their appreciation for these lines, paying $135.50-$146.50 for the majority. Even two more average lines went for a respectable $129-$131. Impressive mutton schedules also drew in a few store and prime ewes too. The vast majority of these traded in the $98-$118 range, though a few heavier lines were at $131-$141.

Store lamb numbers were fell below 1000 head and generally weakened a little on the week beforehand. The better lines came in a $90.50-$96.25, while mediums made $82.5-$87 and the lighter end $67-$73. HAWKE’S BAY HAWKE’S BAY Small lines of sheep at STORTFORD LODGE last Monday made for a long sale. A big yarding of store lambs last Wednesday sold on a steady to improving market as localized thunderstorms bring a few more local buyers in. Heavy and good ewes traded at $115-$135, with medium types earning $105-$113. Lamb numbers were similar to the previous week and so too was the market. Like the ewes they were spread through a number of pens, but by sale end heavy lines traded at $136-$160, and medium $116-$129. Processors are busy with the bull kill and space is proving elusive, which has seen a drop off in demand for prime cattle. Prime steers and heifers traded at $2.80$2.88/kg. The cow market however was strong with 522-566kg selling to $2.28-$2.37/kg, while a line of higher yielding Angus-Hereford reached $2.53/kg. Well covered 512kg Friesian-Jersey sold well at $2.23/kg. Big lines of store lambs from Wairoa pushed throughput up and over 6000 head last Wednesday, with just over half the yarding from that area. Also of note was that a large percentage of the lambs sold were very empty, having been yarded overnight. A good lift in price for medium to good blackface mixed sex lambs meant these made $85-$112, with heavier mixed sex in the vicinity of $116. Good whiteface cryptorchid lambs made$95-$98, with lighter lines earning $71-$89. Blackface ewe lambs made a premium over their white face sisters at $77 to $64 for light lines. Ewes with lambs-at-foot numbers have dried up fast with just two small lines making $80$81 all counted, while a line of Romney ewes sold for $101. Chatham’s cattle were a big feature of a moderate cattle sale, though were also joined by specially advertised lines of beefFriesian heifers and Angus steers. Two-year cattle were buy-able compared to recent levels, and 11 Angus steers, 467kg, made $2.85/ kg, while two lines of specially advertised beef-Friesian heifers stayed local with the HerefordFriesian, 520kg, making $2.84/kg, and Angus-Friesian, 498kg, $2.74/ kg. The highlight in the 1-year steer pens was Angus, which packed plenty of weight at 421-499kg and stayed together for $3.15-$3.22/kg. The remainder of the section was mainly Chatham’s cattle and prices were well worth the trip over. Hereford-cross, 260-346kg, made $3.12-$3.14/kg, but were bettered by an empty line at 277kg, $3.98/ kg. South Devon-cross, 305-372kg, returned $3.24-$3.28/kg. MANAWATU MANAWATU Manawatu put on another scorching day for the FEILDING sale last Monday, which was not what farmers ordered.

Lamb numbers came back to 1560 and with two main players bidding prices held. Heavy lambs traded at $140-$167, with a good portion selling at this level. The balance was made up with medium lines at $121-$130, and $78-$102 for store types. Ewe numbers came down but still managed 5350 head and the large volume of ewes both at sales and processors meant another easing in the market. The best ewes sold to $130-$145, though most were medium-good at $94$128, and light-medium, $70-$89. The best of the Friesian cows made $2.27-$2.36/kg, with beef cows selling up to $2.35-$2.50/kg. The next round of the dairybeef weaner fairs last Thursday included the IHC calves, and good support from the bench meant the bulls sold for $360-$610 and a line of Hereford-Friesian heifers, $410. The top spring Friesian bulls, 140-143kg, sold on a steady market for $610-$635, with 120-135kg lines trading at $560-$600. Those around 115kg eased to an average of $550, bringing them in line with 105-110kg lines. Light lines, 82100kg, returned $415-$525. Hereford-Friesian numbers were limited and most sold to Central Plateau, along with the heifers. $700 was hit on a more regular basis as calves weighed up heavier, with a larger portion over 120kg. In a similar vein the two week gap since the last fair meant that heavier weights were recorded in the heifer pens, and 122-134kg Hereford-Friesian sold well at $535-$590, though 97-101kg eased to $465-$550. Another massive yarding of yearling cattle packed the yards on Friday along with a couple of thousand more spring lambs. Lamb prices firmed and, for some weights, lifted above last week. Top price was $118.50 for 97 Poll Dorset lambs with a pen of 124 mixed-sex lambs selling for $110.50. The size of the cattle yarding was bound to test a relatively small bench of buyers. Most of the heavier steers were traditional cattle and traded in a tight but slightly easing range pulled down a little by the dairy crossbreds. $1788 ($3.15) bought 24 Angus and Angus/Hereford cross two year steers. To the credit of a yarding of good yearling steers, this section sold to solid demand. 25 top South Devon yearlings sold for $1530 ($3.12) and the top Angus yearlings sold for $1440 ($3.31). Cattle: steers; 2yr, 402-577kg, $1125-$1788, $2.61-$3.22; 1yr, 214491kg, $750-$1530, $2.66-$3.44; bulls; 2yr, 436-544kg, $1290-$1650, $2.92-$3.03; 1yr, 270-438kg, $790$1170, $2.67-$3.11; heifers; 2yr, 338-480kg, $1035-$1400, $2.66$3.10; 1yr, to 395kg, to $1080, $2.73-$3.17. WAIRARAPA WAIRARAPA The MASTERTON lamb sale last Wednesday benefitted from thunderstorms in other areas, with a noted increase in interest from Hawke’s Bay for longer term lambs in particular, PGG Wrightson agent Steve Wilkinson reported. Another good yarding of 6500 mainly blackface mixed sex lambs featured and made pleasing returns, with prices firm on the previous week. The better lambs made $84-$93, with medium type’s

firming to $76-$80, compared to $68-$78 the previous week. The highlight of the sale though was the light, long term lambs which were very strong as two main buyers specifically targeted them. The lambs were bright, healthy blackface mixed sex and Romney cryptorchids and at $50$70 sold on an improved market but were also easier on budgets than the heavier lambs. CANTERBURY CANTERBURY The sheep pens featured the biggest yarding of ewes at CANTERBURY PARK since December 2010, joined by a larger than expected cattle section. Ewe numbers swelled to 3500 last Tuesday, which did cause prices to come back $15-$20. Returns were still high though as most traded at $110-$161, with a good number making $164-$189, and a further 366 at $190-$235. New season lambs increased in both the store and prime pens and had a good following for both sections. Just over 2100 prime lambs sold on a firm market at $114-$168. The store lamb market is finding its feet and prices reflected good demand for the moderate yarding. Good mixed sex made $101-$110, with medium types selling for $83$96, and light, $57-$75. One line of 105 Merino ewes with 125 lambs-at-foot sold for $52 all counted. A larger than expected cattle yarding following on the heels of a big sale the previous week hurt the market, and prime and boner prices trended down across the board. Returns for steers were solid considering the numbers available, but just two lines of Angus hit $3.00/kg, which did look to make a premium as 495-800kg returned $2.90-$3.00/kg. The next cut of steers made $2.80-$2.95/kg, while local trade types eased by the greatest degree to $2.65-$2.75/ kg. The heifer market repeated the easing tone, though this time price ranges were much tighter. All types sold for $2.70-$2.80/kg, with just a handful falling out either side of that range. A feature line of four Charolais, 550kg, managed $2.87/ kg, and Hereford-Friesian, 487kg, $2.96/kg. Returns for cows were solid enough with the better beef lines achieving $2.12-$2.20/kg for the small number offered. The store section was small but included some nice lines that were chased. Two-year HerefordFriesian steers, 329-369kg, sold for $3.17-$3.22/kg, and 373-414kg, $2.99-$3.02/kg, while Angus heifers, 372-401kg, returned $2.82$2.87/kg. Angus also featured in the 1-year heifer pens and at 303-313kg made good returns of $3.14-$3.19/kg. It was a pleasing day for vendors at COALGATE as any worries around calf prices easing were quickly put to bed. The Friesian bull calves were solid throughout, with the better 110-130kg calves making $500$520, and the rest over 100kg mainly selling into the $470-$490 range. XBred dairy bulls did meet some resistance though, and it was common for these to fall into the $350-$390 range regardless of what the scales recorded.

Markets

Bidders appeared equally keen on Hereford-Friesian lines no matter the sex. The 100-130kg bulls and steers were nearly all bought at $510-$530. The heavier heifers generally matched their brothers, but the lighter lines were more like $475-$490. The $550 mark proved a ceiling throughout the sale and only lines over 130kg were able to break this barrier. Top dollar on the day went to a line of 133kg Charolais-cross steer and heifer calves at $650. It was a pleasing day for vendors at COALGATE last Tuesday as any worries around calf prices easing were quickly put to bed. There were no spare sheep pens at last Thursday’s regular sale, while top quality annual draft lines featured in the cattle pens. Buyers from Canterbury and the North Island made the trip for the weaned calf sale, ensuring most traded on a market at least as strong as recent sales. Lines with reasonable quality were sought after whether they were Friesian or beef-cross. Friesian bull calves were solid throughout, with the better 110-130kg lines making $500-$520, and the rest over 100kg, $470-$490. Crossbred dairy bulls did meet some resistance with $350-$390 common ground regardless of weight. Buyers appeared equally keen on Hereford-Friesian no matter the sex. The 100-130kg bulls and steers were nearly all bought at $510-$530. The heavier heifers generally matched their brothers, but the lighter lines were more like $475$490. The $550 mark proved a ceiling throughout the sale and only lines over 130kg were able to break this barrier. Top dollar on the day went to a line of 133kg Charolais-cross steer and heifer calves at $650. With no spare pens in sight a busy day lay ahead of auctioneers last Thursday and by sale end nearly 400 lots of sheep had been sold. While ewe vendors were still well rewarded some of the heat did come out of the market and prices eased $5-$10. Heavy ewes traded at $130-$186, with the very heavy lines up to $192-$249. Medium and lighter types made $80-$128, with more trading at this level than seen of late. The prime lamb market was the only one to hold value, with extra numbers easily absorbed for $110-$168. As the dry starts to bite more store lambs appeared in the pens, but for the same reason interest waned. Around $5 per head came off with small to medium lambs the hardest work. The top lines traded at $90-$104, medium $70-$89, and a larger lighter end, $60-$65. While a good number of quality cattle came forward it was the Limousin breed that was front and centre, with 1-year heifers reaching outstanding levels. An annual draft consignment of top quality heifers brought new faces to the crowd, including last year’s buyer who had great success at the Canterbury A&P Show recently with last year’s purchase. He was back to secure more and did just that, taking a line of 13 for $1540, $4.64/kg, while the second cut sold for breeding at $1520, $4.89/kg. The prices speak volumes on the quality, but if more proof was needed it came in the form of five 586kg cows from the same camp making $2.40/kg in the prime pens. Also featuring was an annual draft line of 21 Angus-Hereford cows with calvesat-foot, which also had a good following and went under the hammer for $1560 per unit. Aside from the consignment of Limousin heifers, another vendor sold 83 of the 142 heifers offered, which were mainly lighter weighted Hereford-Friesian and at 235-254kg sold for $2.90-$3.08/kg. Prices were very mixed through 1-year steer pens as buyers bid on the best and

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017 left the rest, meaning that lines with weight and quality made $3.02-$3.13/kg, while other lines were well off that pace despite being lighter. In the prime pens an extra buyer turned up for heavy steers and heifers and the impact was quickly felt, with prices firm. Heavy beef steers made $2.95-$3.10/ kg, while the best of the heifers returned $2.93-$3.00/kg, though a handful of small, high yielding heifers sold as high as $3.25-$3.34/kg. Bull prices were firm with the bulk trading at $2.72-$2.80/kg for a wide weight band. SOUTH CANTERBURYSOUTH CANTERBURY There was not a spare pen in sight in the sheep pens at TEMUKA last Monday as small lines built numbers to a total of 8730 head. Cattle numbers also increased to 775 as dry conditions and good premiums drew them out. New season lamb volume continues to grow with 1700 prime and 1000 stores offered. Results were mixed for the stores, with heavy lambs at $96-$128, medium $85-$115, and light, $70-$78. The prime lamb market was steady to firm and there was a clean split between heavier lambs at $130-$169, and medium $100-$129. The fire has gone out of the ewe market but returns were still pleasing. Top lines still sold to $200-$233, though the remainder traded over a wider range of $90-$194. A huge yarding of mainly hoggets with lambs-at-foot was too many for the market and prices came back $8-$10. The better end sold for $80-$90 all counted, with the balance making $65-$75. The increase in cattle numbers was across all sections, though mainly in cow pens where they lifted by 220 head. The steer market showed good strength and a good number across all breeds made $2.99-$3.05/kg. The next cut traded at $2.86-$2.96/kg, though dairy lines did show some softening. The heifer pens featured Angus and Hereford and prime types sold to $2.86$2.95/kg. Bull numbers lifted to 84 head and Friesian sold over a tight range on a firm market at $2.84-$2.91/kg for 572-605kg. Jersey, 551-593kg, managed $2.72-$2.74/ kg, though a lesser line of 13 made $2.54/ kg. The cow section was a case of too many cows and not enough demand as nearly 400 head was a hard ask for auctioneers. Prices for Friesian were variable, though in general the better lines sold to $2.13$2.19/kg, with second cuts earning $2.07-$2.12/kg. The lighter end dropped to $1.60-$1.90/kg, as there was a lot of variation between pens. Beef cows still had a good following and Angus, 509524kg, earned $2.60-$2.64/kg. The store cattle sale last Thursday was small by Temuka standards at 700 head, and with very little rain to speak of in most local areas for November, homes for store cattle are proved hard to find. Angus-Hereford steers, 380-417kg, made $3.21/kg, bettered only by a lighter line, 316kg, at $3.35/kg. HerefordFriesian, 313-387kg, held their value at $3.06-$3.15/kg and 280-285kg returned $3.12-$3.21/kg. Good 1-year heifers just hit $3/kg though a couple of small lines of top quality cattle did manage to surpass it, including eight Red Stabiliser, 363kg, at $3.17/kg. With weight on their side a number of lines did pass $1000, despite $/kg easing. Friesian bulls had plenty of weight at 318-380kg, but low $/kg of $2.52-$2.58/kg put them at $800-$970. The weaner pens were busy and results mixed. Hereford-Friesian heifers, 85102kg, sold over a tight range of $430$485, while a decent line of bulls, 107kg,

realised $540. Friesian bulls had the weight though prices softened and 116132kg returned $430-$500, and Friesiancross, 110-112kg, $400-$440. OTAGO OTAGO With so many ewes coming on stream, the market made an adjustment at BALCLUTHA last Wednesday, though results were still very strong, PGG Wrightson agent Russell Moloney reported. The ewes were again one of the main features and heavy types eased $5 per head to $145-$155, with a similar easing for medium lines to $140-$148. Light ewes were relatively steady at $120-$130. A handful of prime new season lambs joined the hoggets, and prices were steady. Heavy lines made $145-$150, medium $130-$140, and lighter, $120$125. The store new season lambs sold to keen interest at $85-$98. SOUTHLAND SOUTHLAND One-year cattle featured prominently in the pens at LORNEVILLE last Tuesday and good demand resulted in pleasing prices. Sheep returns were also solid as a big yarding of ewes and more new season lambs came forward. Prime hoggets and lambs held value, and heavy lines made $130-$150, medium $120-$130 and lighter, $100$120. In a similar vein the ewe market was solid with heavy and medium lines steady at $140-$160 and $120-$140, though light lines firmed to $80-$115. A decent yarding of two-tooth’s sold for $80-$150, and rams, $100-$130. Good demand for store lambs meant heavy lines achieved $100-$110, medium $85-$95 and light, $70-$80. Ewes with lambs-at-foot made $92 all counted, and hoggets with lambs, $89. The prime cattle section took little time to sell as numbers were low and bids flowed easily. Steers, 480-560kg, held value at $2.80-$2.92/kg, with 500kg plus heifers also selling to that level. Dairy heifers, 350kg plus, returned $2.20-$2.30/ kg. Heavy cow prices held at $2.00-$2.10/ kg, and medium, $1.80-$1.90/kg, though lighter cows regained ground lost last week to finish at $1.70-$1.80/kg. The store cattle section was the star attraction and good quality one-year cattle featured through all classes. Good Charolais steers, 390kg, realised $3.35/kg, and Murray Grey-cross, 345kg, $3.18/kg. A good sized yarding of Hereford-cross, 360-391kg, returned $2.94-$3.01/kg, while lighter Angus, 299kg, made the top $/kg at $3.44/kg. Heifers also sold to keen interest and heavy Hereford-cross, 360kg, fetched $2.94/kg, while Murray Grey-cross, 253297kg, made good money at $3.09-$3.16/ kg. Bull returns were high also, and Angus, 343-398kg achieved $2.96-$3.06/kg, and Hereford-Angus, 367kg, $3.13/kg. Hereford-cross, 337kg, sold for $2.93/kg. The CHARLTON sheep sale finished November on a strong note last Thursday as a good bench of buyers gathered, Wrightson agent Greg Clearwater reported. Hoggets are still trickling into the pens and prices are holding up with heavy lines making $150, medium, $120-$130 and lighter, $100. The prime new season lambs sold to good enquiry at $115-$136. Ewe prices were firm, which had heavy ewes making $168, medium $140-$150 and light, $95-$105. Two-tooth’s returned $120-$140, and rams, $70-$100. The pace barely altered into the store pens where a different set of buyers stepped up to the rails. The top store lambs made $96, medium $80-$85, and lighter $70, with very small lambs down to $40. Ewes with lambs-at-foot sold for $94 all counted.

Dairy livestock market focuses on trades for start of 2018/19 season Prolonged dry through most of the country over the past six to eight weeks has diminished the benefits of the wet start to spring. Rain events that have occurred are isolated and sporadic. In the South Island, farmers with irrigation are not particularly disadvantaged. However, North Island farmers are waiting more anxiously for rain. Trends through recent Global Dairy Trade auctions have not been encouraging, and many dairy farmers and commentators expect that Fonterra will revise the payout downwards during December. While the exchange rate is under increasing pressure, however, some of that may be negated. Stock pricing in the dairy sector is not yet reflecting these factors. Activity at this time of year focuses on the listing market, comprising herds and in-calf heifers for delivery in May or June next year. Activity in this market begins prior to Christmas, though the main part of the selling season runs from mid-January onwards. With a high quantity of dairy farms currently listed for sale, farmers who will be looking to sell herds, assuming they sell the farm, could influence this market over the coming months, though if their properties do not find buyers through December and January, these farmers will not be moving on ahead of the 2018/19 season and will therefore not be taking stock to the market this summer. In the meantime, some herds and in-calf heifers have already sold for next year. Sales of herds with a Breeding Worth Index of 70 to 80 are changing hands at between $1750 and $1900 per head, with one exceptionally high BW herd on the West Coast reported to have sold for over $2000 per head. With increasing numbers of farmers now raising feeder calves, 100 kilogram calves are also starting to feature on the market. Good numbers of calves are coming forward. While prices are strong at present, which such a high level of supply, whether they can hold values at that level for much longer remains to be seen. That said, raising calves is still a good low entry point for farmers looking to gain a foothold into the beef market.

Get in touch: 0800 10 22 76 www.pggwrightson.co.nz

Helping grow the country

Markets

48 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – December 4, 2017 NI SLAUGHTER LAMB

SI SLAUGHTER STAG

NI SLAUGHTER BULL

($/KG)

10.55

7.20

5.65

WEANER FRIESIAN BULLS, 115KG, AT FEILDING DAIRY-BEEF WEANER FAIR ($/HD)

550

high $2.84-$2.90/kg $185-$235 lights One-year Hereford- Heavy prime ewes at Friesian heifers, 320360kg, at Rangiuru

Healthy velvet sales sought Annette Scott

annette.scott@nzx.com

HE deer industry is embarking on a joint venture health project with one of South Korea’s largest pharmaceutical companies. Deer Industry New Zealand had agreed to support Yuhan Corporation in its plan to develop and market a product with proven health benefits based on NZ deer velvet. In a world first, Yuhan’s objective was to successfully develop, register and market a health food product containing scientifically validated components of NZ deer velvet. Yuhan chief executive Jung Hee Lee and DINZ chief executive Dan Coup signed a memorandum of understanding last month. NZ was chosen as the source of velvet because of the country’s transparency in its farming environment, animal welfare and the traceable and hygienic supply chain. “We travel the world looking for ingredients that are produced in systems as close to nature as possible and where animals are treated with care,” Yuhan’s head of food and health marketing Ashley Kyung-in Chung said. “That’s why we have come to NZ. “Velvet from other countries does not have the same standards as NZ.” Lee said in recent years a

ENHANCING: Yuhan’s work will strengthen the reputation of New Zealand deer velvet as a functional health food, Deer Industry NZ chief executive Dan Coup says.

number of Korean companies had developed easy-toconsume formulations based on deer velvet and herbal ingredients they had marketed generically as health foods. In this case Yuhan would be doing the research needed to make a legally valid claim that its ingredients had a health benefit. To do that AgResearch and Yuhan scientists would be working together to build on existing scientific knowledge. Lee said AgResearch was internationally recognised for its knowledge of velvet processing techniques, the composition of deer velvet

and the potential health benefits. Yuhan would invest a minimum $1.5 million on research with AgResearch and had budgeted for the substantial costs involved in registering a functional food claim and taking a product to market. Coup said DINZ and Yuhan had a shared interest in the registration of NZ deer velvet as a functional health food. “If this is achieved it will further strengthen the reputation of NZ deer velvet as a natural, safe and quality food ingredient in Korea,” Coup said.

DINZ would work with Yuhan to help promote the NZ velvet story and support the launch of its velvet products where appropriate. The two parties might also co-fund some specific areas of research and marketing activities but they would be subject to separate agreements, Coup said. As part of its market positioning Yuhan had also signed an agreement with Alpine Deer Group to use images and videos of one of Alpine’s high-country deer stations that would be one of the main sources of velvet.

Floodgates open on ewes at sale yards THE floodgates opened for ewes last week as farmers get stuck into weaning and offloading to take advantage of high prices. From Tuakau to Lorneville ewe numbers increased. Suz Bremner There was even comment AgriHQ Analyst some farmers are weaning early as areas dry out to try to get those good prices. At the yards covered by our LivestockEye reports 22,000 were sold, with some yards reporting their highest cull ewe throughput in years. The ewes were gathered up from all corners of the regions, coming in on trucks but utes and trailers were also common as small lines make up the majority of most yardings. That made for some long days at the sale yard offices. And what of prices with the influx of ewes? Not surprisingly, prices eased at all yards though it would take a huge knock for them to come down to levels seen in the past and that simply did not happen. In most cases about $10-$20 was taken out of prices but that still left at least $80-$160 in vendors’ pockets, even for the ewes in their working clothes. There are mixed thoughts on how this will affect breeding ewe prices, but my theory is prices might be high but not phenomenal because while cull ewe prices are high it will be the lamb market that dictates where breeding ewe prices sit, and while the outlook for lambs is favourable it is not over the top and I expect breeding ewe prices to follow that path. However, in saying that, there will potentially be a serious lack of breeding ewe numbers available. If I were a betting person, I would bet a large number of older ewes, five-year olds in particular, have already gone through the system. suz.bremner@nzx.com

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