Farmers Weekly NZ February 12 2018

41 Back to basics farming needed Vol 17 No 6, February 12, 2018

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GLUM: Mary and Sarel Potgieter who were the first to report Mycoplasma bovis now question that decision that has put them out of business and left them with nothing. They tell their story on P5.

Photo: Stu Jackson

M bovis cost soars F

Annette Scott annettescott@xtra.co.nz

ARMERS have so far lodged 44 Mycoplasma bovis compensation claims with the Ministry for Primary Industries.

While MPI would not give the total value of the claims farmer Aad van Leeuwen said his claim so far was for $4.5 million and that was likely to be tripled.

And despite the law saying compensation for losses made as a result of MPI exercising its powers should leave farmers no worse off, the ministry was likely to make offers to farmers even when they could document actual loss figures.

There is also little likelihood of payments being made quickly.

Other than some small, interim, hardship payouts most compensation was yet to be approved for payment, MPI

response incident controller David Yard said.

The van Leeuwen Dairy Group (VLDG), where the first significant culling of cows took place, has called for MPI to get accountable before it’s too late.

“Unfortunately, the processes to achieve that no-worse-off position plainly do not work to an acceptable time frame for New Zealand farmers.”

Van Leeuwen said the VLDG had lodged verified claims totalling more than $4.5 million, including

a claim for culling 3357 stock, which equated to 25% of the group’s business.

“And we estimate that will triple,” van Leeuwen said.

While the stock values were clear cut van Leeuwen was horrified to be told by MPI it would likely come back and make an offer.

“This is not negotiable. We have all the paperwork down to the last cent, including the additional costs incurred and the loss of production.

“This is about responsibility and accountability. Biosecurity is at risk here and if we are not getting the compensation what farmer is going to ever report a biosecurity incident like this again?

“There is huge financial pressure that is critically stressing on everyone involved and farmers are expected to sit back and wait on this slow bureaucratic machine.”

Van Leeuwen was concerned

Continued page 4

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NEWS

WEATHER OVERVIEW The sub-tropics will continue to affect parts of New Zealand this week with localised but heavy rain lingering in some parts of the North Island for another couple of days. There will be large areas of dry developing this week and winds won’t be too much of an issue with air pressure flattening out a bit. But there is now considerable low pressure and energy north of NZ. As we’ve been saying for a number of days now the tropics is an area to closely monitor because of tropical storms likely developing and growing this coming week. NZ is close enough to pay attention but it’s still too early to know if we’ll be directly affected.

7 Engineer channels river’s run The Eastern Bay of Plenty has experienced seven major floods in two decades and working behind the scenes are engineers are trying to learn from each and apply lessons to the region’s flood management systems.

Open Country can expand further ������������������������������ 10 Water protection deadline looms �������������������������������� 14

Wind

Rain Slow-moving rain in the North Island this week will see much wetter than average conditions continue.

La Nina is being true to NZ this summer. Drier than usual for much of Southland, Otago, Canterbury and even Fiordland.

A humid northerly flow fades around the North Island this week then light winds are the main feature for most.

A brisk northwester might briefly appear in the lower South Island on Thursday. A tropical storm is possible in seven days but is not locked in.

Highlights/ Extremes

Newsmaker ������������������������������������������������������34

Temperature

New Thinking ��������������������������������������������������35

After the humid northerlies of recent days this week will be fairly warm. It will be very muggy for some North Islanders.

In both islands inland at various times highs will be in the late 20s, feeling like the low 30s.

World �����������������������������������������������������������������40

REGULARS Real Estate �������������������������������������������������42-55

Pasture Growth Index Above normal Near normal Below normal

7-DAY TRENDS

Winner eyes field agronomy role ��������������������������������� 26

Opinion ������������������������������������������������������������36

NZX PASTURE GROWTH INDEX – Next 15 days

We’re still very much focused on the tropics where there might be a couple of storms developing this week. We still cannot yet confirm if NZ will be directly affected seven to 10 days from now but it’s worth monitoring.

14-DAY OUTLOOK

For further information on the NZX PGI visit www.agrihq.co.nz/pgi Sub-tropical downpours and humid air should mean another week of terrific pasture growth in the upper North Island. Meanwhile the lower and eastern South Island is facing a drier than average week ahead for the most part.

With recent rain across the North Island and some in the upper South Island we expect some pasture growth to boost back again, hopefully even in some of the drought/dry zones. Humidity will continue in the North Island, combining with heat late in the week.

SOIL MOISTURE INDEX – 09/02/2018

Employment ����������������������������������������������56-57 Classifieds ��������������������������������������������������������57 Livestock ����������������������������������������������������57-59

64 Buyers okay with prices A European importer of New Zealand lamb and venison says his customers are handling the strong prices.

Source: WeatherWatch.co.nz

This product is powered by NIWA Data

For more weather information go to farmersweekly.co.nz/weather

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

3

Dual wool-meat sheep sell well Alan Williams a.dubu@xtra.co.nz GOOD prices were secured across the board at the annual Rollesby Valley onfarm lamb sales on Thursday with halfbreds especially in strong demand for their dual wool and meat income.

About 20,000 lambs from 12 vendors were sold across nine properties in the wider Burkes Pass area of inland South Canterbury.

Most were store lambs but a good number of primes sold well for processing,with a top price of $160 and the better types trading up from about $130. The second cut of primes sold at $120 to $129, PGG Wrightson’s South Canterbury livestock manager Joe Higgins said.

The best store lambs sold from $90 up to $105, with mediums in the $75 to $89 range and lighter lambs $60 to $74.

On a successful day, all prices were up a bit on expectations.

A feature of the sales was the performance of nearly 4000 halfbred lambs from some of the higher farms, notably Ranui Station, Mt Dalgety Station and the McKerchar offering at Single Hill, Higgins said.

All stores, they were chased up by traders and finishers planning to take the wool off them in the late winter and spring then finish them for processing.

The halfbreds are a breed of their own now but trace back to Merino so the wool carries a premium over crossbreds.

That meant the store value was also at a premium.

The lambs weren’t weighed but he estimated they traded in the $3.50/kg to $4/kg price range, against the typically $3/kg and a bit for the other breeds.

The halfbred value held up even though they sold later in the day, reflecting the reputation built up over the years, he said.

SUNNY DAY: Most people needed hats while assessing the stock at Airies Station.

On a per-head basis the stores fetched an extra $15 to $20 more than last year’s sale with the halfbreds up about $30.

Rollesby Valley is dry country and though all lambs were well-presented some were a bit lighter because of the very dry conditions, especially in the last two months.

The lambs are typically undrafted, all being weaned in the few days before sale.

The onfarm sales are timed for early February and vendors do well to hold them that long, to coincide with the big demand for lambs from cropping farmers on the plains and coastal zones postharvest, Higgins said.

Those farmers mainly buy the bigger stores and will have them away for processing by winter.

The lambs are bound for

North Otago and South and Mid Canterbury farms, with some heading up to Marlborough.

There’s a lot of farmer interest in buying and fattening lambs, more so than committing to breeding programmes and the sale prices indicate continuing confidence in the high lamb schedule remaining in place for at least the next 12 months.

The Rollesby result was very encouraging for the Omarama (morning) and Tekapo (afternoon) sales this Thursday (February 15), which together are likely to have another 20,000 or so lambs offered, he said.

They will include good numbers from Central Otago following the closure of the Cromwell saleyards.

About half the yarding will be blackface-Merino cross lambs.

Rain in Southland did not come

Photo: Stu Jackson

quite soon enough for the big early-February two-tooth ewe sale at Lorneville.

There’s just not enough feed in the province at the moment to encourage buyers, PGG Wrightson’s regional livestock manager Andrew Martin said.

Of the 11,000 2-tooths yarded on Monday, more than 3000 remained unsold.

One exceptional line of BorderLeicester ewes, offered by longtime vendor Jack Hillis, made $272 and there were other good prices but generally the market was difficult, and not all the animals could be placed, he said.

About half the yarding was Border-Leicester and outside the top-price, good-to-medium ewes sold between $210 and $240, with lighter lines in the $185 to $200 range.

About the same number of crossbred sheep were also offered, mainly Romney-cross, CoopTex and Coopdales.

The top ewes fetched $190 to $200, and the next line of sales were at $170 to $190.

Mutton and lamb schedules are well ahead of this time last year but the feed situation, very dry since mid-November, meant that this year’s 2-tooth prices were only similar to or slightly up on last year.

“We just ran out of buying power,” Martin said.

“The ewes that didn’t sell now will be sold when the feed comes in and we’ve had two or three substantial rains in the last 10 days and the feed will definitely come through.”

The ewes presented for sale were in excellent condition, given how dry it has been and given the schedule levels there would have been a very strong sale otherwise, he said.

The dry conditions mean more lambs have gone north to other regions than in any other season Martin can remember.

Two-tooth ewes sold strongly at the Balclutha ewe-fair.

Top price was $204 for a pen of Wairere Romneys, PGG Wrightson’s Otago head auctioneer Chris Swale said.

After a very dry summer so far, rain on the Thursday night brought in a few more buyers for a look, those who had been in a 50-50 frame of mind beforehand because of the conditions.

South Otago is a sheepbreeding area and all 2-tooths on offer were sold.

About a third of the ewes were capital stock, reflecting changing farm practices, Swale said.

The capital stock ewes fetched the best prices with a pen of Romneys at $202 and some TEFRoms at $200.

For other stock, a pen of Romdales made $192 and some Lithdale Romney ewes $190.

Wairere, the traders’ advantage Bill Herrick is a specialised lamb trader near Martinborough in the South Wairarapa. He annually purchases Wairere bred store lambs from White Rock Station on the Wairarapa’s south coast. This year’s weaning draft of 1800 Wairere Dominator / Romney lambs averaged 29kg, with a range from 26 to 38kg, when they arrived in midDecember. The first draft on the January 4th saw 434 average 21kg carcass weight with the majority of the balance reaching the same average, in two drafts, by February 24th, with only 150 left to finish.

“I know that I can budget on an average daily weight gain between 350 and 400gms a day, even in the Wairarapa summer heat”.

“I will happily pay a premium for Wairere bred lambs”

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4

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

Big GDT rise bolsters millk price Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com THE third consecutive and largest rise in Global Dairy Trade prices this year should underpin farmgate milk prices for this season at about $6.40/kg milksolids, analysts say.

In the first fortnightly auction for February the GDT index rose 5.9% on top of 2.2% and 4.9% increases in January.

The AgriHQ milk price forecast lifted 12c to $6.32 following the GDT lift and the dairy futures trading that followed.

The AgriHQ spot price (the milk price if all this season’s production sold at current GDT prices) rose 61c to $6.54, a substantial and Continued from page 1 for farmers on other infected properties.

“That is a very bad situation and does not bode at all well for the other farmers who are also now incurring mandated costs under the Act and will in all probability not get a timely payment of their costs.

“This situation is unacceptable and something needs to be done.

“The industry is being taken for a ride here and no-one from the Minister down is helping at all.

“MPI is causing havoc for many hard working families. It is ridiculous what is going on and if it doesn’t stop, many will not survive the season.”

Yard had empathy for farmers awaiting compensation payments but said there were due processes that had to be worked through.

“We would love to pay

encouraging increase for New Zealand dairy farmers.

The 5.9% rise in the GDT index was the biggest lift since November 2016.

The index rose from 1002 to 1061, breaking out of a meandering pattern over the past 14 months around 1000.

Analysts said the unusual NZ season, with wet and dry extremes, and the predicted decline in milk production compared with the previous season had boosted world dairy commodity prices.

The average price for whole milk powder in the GDT sale rose more than $200 to US$3226/ tonne, a 7.6% average gain, with some lots up 10%.

compensation immediately but that’s not possible.”

The number of claims was going up and up, as was their complexity.

While confirming MPI had received 44 claims to date, he would not be drawn on their overall value.

There was no set timeframe for paying out.

“It’s likely to be months to settle any one claim,” Yard said.

The number of infected properties was also going up with the tally now at 23 and growing by the week.

The latest three properties confirmed by MPI were one at Middlemarch, one in Southland and in a new area, a dry stock property near Lake Ohau in the Mackenzie Country.

The number of properties under Restricted Place Notices had risen to 38.

February 6 GDT movements

The NZX Dairy Derivatives market reacted, pushing WMP contracts for February and March delivery over $3300.

Butter milk powder put on 8.4%, butter 7.9% and skim milk powder and cheddar were up 7.2%.

Milk futures prices on the NZX derivatives market rose by 3c to $6.47/kg for September 2018 delivery and by 10c to $6 for the September 2019 contracts.

Westpac economist Anne Boniface said the bank had revised its estimate of the milk price upwards to $6.50/kg.

December and January milk collection in NZ was down about 3% on the previous corresponding

months and Westpac expected the seasonal outcome to be in line with 2016-17.

Adverse weather notifications because of drought still applied in six regions: Taranaki, ManawatuWhanganui, Wellington, West Coast, Otago and Southland.

“We continue to caution against extrapolating recent trends too far into 2018.

“Our view remains that growth amongst our key trading partners is likely to slow this year – led by China.”

ASB senior rural economist Nathan Penny said the GDT strength gave confidence to his $6.50 milk payout prediction.

But the season had been one of weather extremes.

“On the production side, we expect the improved weather will lead to production growth of 1% compared to last season.

“That said, there will be wide variations across the country given the varying extent of storms, drought and rainfall.”

Fonterra has said a “balanced” milk price will result from world WMP prices about US$3200 to $3500/tonne.

NZ farmers would be paid a sustainable milk price of $6-$7/ kg, covering their production costs and making a good return on assets.

Despite the growing numbers Yard said MPI remained committed to eradication.

“But we are gearing people up for what results we may get in the nationwide surveillance programme.”

All the major dairy companies are involved and farmers who didn’t leave samples out would be chased up.

“It will be these results that will inform our decision-making, once we know where the disease is, to decide which direction the response will go from there.”

Yard said if it was found to be contained in clusters then there would need to be a lot more assessment to attempt eradication or do more culling.

“If it’s too widely spread then we will join all the other countries in the world that have it. If we can confine and contain it we can continue to be one of two countries that don’t have it.” The other country without M bovis is Norway.

“But that is a difficult and political decision.”

As for the much-anticipated pathways report, Yard expected

that to be released in conjunction with the Technical Advisory Group’s review in the next two to three weeks.

While not being drawn on what it might reveal he said every possibility, both legal and illegal, had been considered.

“It has been a very thorough investigation and it remains a possibility that it could have come in via an illegal importation route but that would be very difficult to identify.”

NAIT was also an area of concern.

“Not pulling any punches but the failure to complete records certainly slowed the response and the effectiveness of animal tracing was significantly impacted.

“I am not bagging farmers as we know the programme is not user-friendly but we do know improvements are on the way,” Yard said.

The industry is being taken for a ride here and no-one from the Minister down is helping at all.

Aad van Leeuwen Farmer The nationwide surveillance rolled out this month and MPI expected to reach every one of the 12,000 dairy farms across the country.

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

5

Disease leaves pair with nothing Annette Scott annettescott@xtra.co.nz IN EARLY June last year all was looking rosy for South Canterbury contract milkers Mary and Sarel Potgieter.

By the end of July their lives had been turned upside down and their dairy business was on a rapid downward spiral because of their honesty over Mycoplasma bovis.

Now the self-described Mb founders are in two minds over the call they made to the Ministry for Primary Industries to report untreatable mastitis in their dairy herd.

“We first noticed a problem in early June. By the end of June we had 162 cows showing signs and the vet was flabbergasted,” Mary said.

“By mid-July we had tried everything. We had done tests and milk samples, nothing could be cultured – it was not normal mastitis.

“We were encouraged by the vet to notify MPI so we did.”

Mycoplasma bovis was identified and on July 22 the cattle disease, while in every country in the world except Norway and, till then, New Zealand was identified by the ministry.

“Overnight life changed terribly.

“We had all these extra costs.

We were fully staffed and working hours galore. We had to make staff redundant. That was devastating and more dollars out of the budget.

“It has all carried on downhill from there,” she said.

“Now we are out of business, have no income and are being blamed for notifying.

“We seriously do look back and question if making that call was the right thing to do.”

The Potgieters were in their third season contract milking with the van Leeuwen Dairy Group on the Tainui farm at Morven.

They were working towards four

calvings a year with year-round milking of the 1700-cow herd, 1200 milking at any one time.

“Already in June we were 83% ahead in production and on target for 722,000kg milksolids – if we had kept milking.”

Instead the couple heartbreakingly saw the entire herd culled.

“On December 2 all the cows were gone leaving us with lots of extra costs from the day we went under Restricted Place Notice in July, now no business, no income and no compensation.”

Then the letter they feared arrived.

Now we are out of business, have no income and are being blamed for notifying.

Mary Potgieter Farmer “We have received notice from the van Leeuwens telling us they don’t need us on the farm any more,” Mary said.

With lost business, lost job, lost farm and no compensation, as yet, the Potgieters have been forced to sell up everything they own, including the kitchen chairs.

“We need the money to survive and we have nowhere to put anything if we could keep it.

“If we had been able to keep milking 95% of our debts would have been paid by April.

“We are feeling bitter about the whole situation.”

While most grateful for the help and support they have received from neighbouring farmers, their accountant, the Rural Support Trust and especially loyal staff, one who has stayed on unpaid until the absolute end – they are

struggling to come to grips with the devastation.

“Mentally this is taking its toll and just how much longer we can stand up – I just don’t know anymore.

“The cows are like your family.

Sarel was a real animal lover, he watched over as every cow went to slaughter, emotionally this has hit him very hard.

“We don’t know what to think any more. We just don’t know how to move forward.”

The couple are living in hope that each new day will shine some light, compensation will be paid and a suitable new job will come their way.

“They (MPI) always said we would be no worse off but I can tell you we are worse off – much worse off and still there’s no compensation and no idea when.

“No matter what happens we will always be worse off now.

“We notified it (Mb) and now we feel we are being punished for it.

We just wish we had never found it.

“We just want this to go away so we can move on.”

While there had been a couple of job interviews, nothing was yet confirmed.

The Potgieters’ preference is to stay in NZ. “We have been offered a job in Australia and if nothing else comes up very soon we will have to go but our first choice is to stay in NZ, even if that be a move to the North Island.”

Meantime. the long-awaited clearance from MPI has finally been given to sell their machinery and plant including tractors, silage wagons, feed mixer, mowers, calving equipment – “everything to run a dairy business”.

“Now we have the all-clear we can sell up, including all our household furniture. We will hopefully get something to pay off some debt and to live on.”

Meantime, the bulk of the farm is now growing maize.

FOR SALE: Mary and Sarel Potgieter still have each other but everything else, including the kitchen chairs, has to be sold.

Photo: Stu Jackson

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

7

Engineer channels river’s run The Eastern Bay of Plenty has experienced seven major floods in two decades and working behind the scenes are engineers who are trying to learn from each and apply lessons to the region’s flood management systems. It is a back room job that receives little recognition once the flood waters have receded and attention moves to the next inevitable event. Richard Rennie spoke to Tony Dunlop, an engineer tasked with understanding the eddies and the flows of rivers recently in the spotlight.

J

UST after 9am on Thursday April 6 last year Bay of Plenty Regional Council flood engineer Tony Dunlop stood next to the Rangitaiki River in Edgecumbe looking for leaks in its stop bank.

Confident the surging river was contained he jumped in his ute to head back to work.

Only moments later he received a call to head back and on turning his truck around he was greeted by brown, swirling water where he had been standing only minutes earlier, as an angry river surged through the small town.

In 40 years of managing river systems in the eastern Bay of Plenty Dunlop had seen nothing like the Biblical rainfall and river flows in the wake of Cyclone Debbie. The two most significant rivers, the Whakatane and Rangitaiki, set records for water volume and damage that will take years to repair.

Water volumes through the Whakatane river system were clocked at 40% above a oncein-100-years event, making the floods effectively a once-in-500years event with a one-in-200 chance of recurring.

The neighbouring Rangitaiki was managed by a hydro dam upstream that reduced its impact to a once-in-100-years event, with bank failure rather than breaching causing the ensuing losses in the township.

While the devastating effect on

Edgecumbe was well documented, the extensive damage in rural areas was less so. However, it was equally damaging for farmers and families left picking up the pieces.

More than 50 rural homes have been yellow-stickered, hundreds of hectares require re-grassing, maize crops were written off after being tainted with human effluent and more than 100ha of fertile river plains farmland washed out to sea.

That left Dunlop and his team to carefully assess how and where they can spend limited funds to best remedy damage that in some cases has created entirely new river paths.

“The Whakatane flood system was developed to cope with a onein-100-year event so on the whole it has coped not too badly with a one-in-500-year event.”

But a visit to one of the worst-affected stretches of the Whakatane River highlights the Herculean task Dunlop’s team has before it.

Running along the boundary of a large Maori trust block the river has scoured a full 40m of paddock out, set a new course and left the battered remains of an earlier bank in its wake.

Dunlop believes that stretch alone comes with a price tag of about $350,000. It will require hundreds of tonnes of carefully graded rock at its base before engineers can then build up and batten the ground and create a new, raised bank.

GONE: Federated Farmers Bay of Plenty president Darryl Jenson, regional council project manager Paula Chapman and the council’s flood restoration engineer Tony Dunlop on a ravaged stretch of the Whakatane River.

If nothing else, such events are proving good learning exercises on what works and does not work to deal with such forces, he says.

“We are identifying parts of the river that require a hard point to fix them, rather than come back each time after a flood and repeating the same fix.

“We have also learnt after the last event in 2012 that mixing graded rock, big rocks with smaller ones, enables them to knit together better and stay in place more firmly.”

Even after only 10 months the results of early restoration work completed on the Whakatane River are starting to show with grasses growing over the base rocks and banks starting to stabilise.

But the figures Dunlop reels off as his phone rings with orders and deliveries are eye-watering.

“As a general broad brush estimate we are working on restoration that costs from $800$1000 a metre to put in place.

“We are looking to source about 350,000 tonnes of graded rock, with only three quarries in the district, and of course require trucks to deliver this over what is supposed to be our dry period when these sites are accessible.

“Just getting the trucks for the job is a challenge, rock is hard on trucks, denting alloy tubs. There is also a Bay of Plenty building boom on with most trucks committed and few companies want to come down to this end of the Bay to do the work.”

All up Cyclone Debbie dropped an estimated repair bill of $50 million into the lap of regional ratepayers and a time line of at least three years before full restoration is complete.

As a long time river man Dunlop is also philosophical about what such events might mean for how land is managed.

“I do not think there would be any natural river systems left where there is also farming ocurring. Systems have been squeezed and channelled, making it harder to control and then an event comes along and does this.

“There is talk that maybe we need to let rivers take wider paths with less straightening, which increases their velocity in floods, and possibly stepping farming further back from river areas.

“To me the river is telling us something when we experience these events and we can learn from them.”

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THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

Labour wary of Nats’ dairy reform Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com AGRICULTURE Minister Damien O’Connor has disrupted the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act (DIRA) revision by taking issue with some of the proposed changes to Fonterra’s regulatory obligations.

The last government intended to amend the DIRA to allow Fonterra to refuse milk from new dairy conversions that were uneconomic to collect from.

It also proposed relaxing the raw milk regulations (RMR) to relieve Fonterra of an obligation to sell milk to established processing competitors.

O’Connor will act immediately to stop the DIRA provisions from expiring in the South Island on May 31 because Fonterra’s market share has fallen below 80%.

“A report from the Commerce Commission, published in 2016, found that competition was not yet sufficient to warrant the removal of the DIRA provisions.

“The Government considers those findings remain valid and the DIRA provisions should be retained, pending further review,” he said.

In so doing, O’Connor has cast doubt on the two proposed reforms of the DIRA – the remote milk pick-up and the RMR sales to rivals.

A DIRA Amendment Bill was introduced to Parliament in 2017 but did not proceed to select committee consideration.

“The Government wants to take a strategic view of the dairy industry, given its place in the economy and passing the 2017 Bill could pre-empt future decisions,” he said.

“The Bill that the Government now intends to introduce, therefore, deals with the issue of expiry.

“This will mean that other DIRA provisions will continue to apply throughout the whole of the country, allowing time for

HANG ON: Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor has delayed revision of the Dairy Industry Restructuring Act because he has concerns about relaxing Fonterra’s obligations to collect milk and sell to rivals.

the Government to undertake a comprehensive review of the DIRA before any other legislative changes are made.”

He told BusinessDesk the National-led government Bill did look at some of the DIRA issues but “had been gutless” on others.

“It’s such an important industry.

“It is crucial we get it right.

“Fonterra is our biggest and best company but it shouldn’t take for granted the advantages it has through legislation.”

O’Connor said the obligation to pick up milk was a fundamental right of co-operative shareholders.

Any loss of those rights

would need to be very carefully considered.

On supplying milk to rivals, O’Connor said there was a reasonable expectation Fonterra shouldn’t be forced to supply milk to rivals directly competing in its export markets but there was an obligation in terms of supplying Kiwi consumers.

The DIRA review would be initiated later this year, when Cabinet approved the terms of reference.

Fonterra is disappointed O’Connor won’t implement planned changes to the DIRA, particularly to its

HANG ON YOURSELF: Fonterra does not want to be forced to pick up milk from places where dairy farming is environmentally unsustainable, chairman John Wilson says.

requirement to pick up all milk.

Chairman John Wilson said the new Government had chosen to delay DIRA amendments and have another industry consultation on what were now 17-year-old regulations.

“The DIRA needs reforming and the top of the list for us would be our option to decline milk from areas with fragile ecosystems where it would be unprofitable to pick up.

“Most farmers have fantastic environmental systems and we don’t want to be forced to continue to pick up from unsustainable places,” he said.

Most farmers have fantastic environmental systems and we don’t want to be forced to continue to pick up from unsustainable places.

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News

10 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

Open Country can expand further Alan Williams a.dubu@xtra.co.nz

POISED: Open Country Dairy, which has passed the $1 billion annual revenue mark, could easily expand to more regions if it wanted, chairman Laurie Margrain says.

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OPEN Country Dairy will start processing from its Horotiu site in Waikato at the end of August and has the balance sheet strength for further expansion at any time, chairman Laurie Margrain says.

The new dryer at Horotiu will be the group’s seventh, with space at the site, next to sister company Affco’s meat processing plant, for further dryer development.

The Horotiu plant will initially be about half the capacity of the existing Open Country plants at Waharoa, also in Waikato, and in Southland and Whanganui.

Open Country is signing dairy farmers at a steady rate to supply milk to the new factory and has other farmers keen to supply if the group has capacity to service them.

It operates in only the three regions and is strongly committed to them but could easily expand outside them if it wished, Margrain said.

Horotiu is the priority for now and it is also well advanced in investment to add more value to its milk, though he wouldn’t give detail on new products.

Margrain said Open Country has the most conservativelygeared balance sheet of any milk processing group in New Zealand and the published accounts confirm it is very strong, though annual earnings were significantly lower than the year before.

Open Country, the secondbiggest processor after Fonterra, does not pay dividends, with all profits reinvested in the business.

At the last September 30 balance date Open Country had total assets of $702.4 million. Total liabilities were $298.5m, including $81.5m in borrowings.

That is a ratio of debt to total debt plus equity of 42.5%; the ratio of interest-bearing debt alone was a low 11.5%.

The company brought in more from finance income ($7.06m) than it paid in interest costs

($3.25m) over the course of the 2016-17 year, as it also did the previous year.

The balance sheet strength allowed Open Country to fully pay farmers for their milk earlier than other processors, Margrain said.

The company is forecasting a milk payout for this season of between $6.25 and $6.55 a kilogram of milksolids.

In the latest year revenues exceeded $1 billion for the first time, up from $818.8m.

Open Country is signing dairy farmers at a steady rate to supply milk to the new factory and has other farmers keen to supply if the group has capacity to service them.

However, Open Country’s cost of milk from farmers grew by a greater amount as the international milk price spiked higher. That showed up in the operating cashflow statement with payments during the year up to $852m from $508m.

The operating cashflow balance reduced to $46.9m from $84.6m.

The rising milk price affected group margins, leaving the aftertax profit at $23.05m, down from $62m previously.

Margins varied year-toyear depending on the level of contracted sales at a given time and whether the milk price was rising or falling, Margrain said.

Margins had recovered during the first few months of the current year.

Open Country is 76%-owned by Talleys Group, which is also the 100%-owner of Affco.

Singapore-based Olam International is the second biggest shareholder, with a 15% stake. It bought about $230m of product from Open Country during the latest year.

Anzco gets a new chairman Alan Williams a.dubu@xtra.co.nz BIG Japanese meat company Itoham Yonekyu is sending one of its top executives to Christchurch to chair the New Zealand subsidiary Anzco Foods.

Kazuhiko (Sam) Misonou will become chairman on April 1 on the retirement of Anzco founder Sir Graeme Harrison.

Itoham moved to full ownership of Anzco late last year.

Misonou has been a director of the company since mid 2013.

As well as his Japan industry experience, he has worked in beef processing and feedlotting in Australia and had six years in the pork industry in the United States.

Misonou is a long-time Itoham employee who became president of Yonekyu when Itoham merged with it a few years ago.

Itoham is the second biggest Japanese meat processing and marketing company and Yonekyu the seventh biggest.

Anzco believes Itoham Yonekyu is the world’s 10th biggest meat company.

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

UNDERWATER SURVEILLANCE: A NIWA diver detects a recently established plant of lagarosiphon.

Photo: John Clayton

MATTED: Surface-reaching weed beds of lagarosiphon in Lake Benmore.

Fish farms get pollution blame Tim Fulton tim.fulton@nzx.com FISH farming in Mackenzie Basin hydro canals is feeding worms usually found in sewage, aquatic expert Rowan Wells says.

Wells, a NIWA freshwater botanist, monitored the health of the glacier-fed water and said the ecosystem in the waterways around the area’s salmon farms was clearly degraded.

NIWA was reporting to Meridian Energy on algae and periphyton and fungal bacterial matter coating rocks and plants.

There was oxygen weed below Wairepo Arm near Twizel - a crossroad for dairy and salmon farms, Wells said.

Around the farms there was a lot of surface food and mats of periphyton - freshwater organisms attached or clinging to plants and other objects projecting above the bottom sediments.

The nutrient-fed growth was covering rocks and canal linings and stopping plant growth.

Below one Mackenzie salmon farm site, NIWA found tubificid worms normally at home in sewage treatment plants.

“It’s located under a particular (fish) farm that’s over-feeding.”

The resulting weed was clogging Meridian’s filter screens in the canals.

Wells knows which farms are involved and which are worse than others. Soil monitoring could help scientists and regulators tackle nutrient overload but the work needs government funding, he said.

“I guess NIWA does the work but if you’ve got a government like the last one that wants the growth, to double economic growth, then you won’t get the research funding.”

NIWA has received some money from the state but nothing like it deserves, Wells said.

“Unless you put the money in you’re not going to get the answer.

“It’s pretty piecemeal to be honest.”

NIWA colleague and emeritus professor John Clayton, a specialist in aquatic biodiversity, said problems with lake and canal quality haven’t been addressed. While diving near salmon farms for weed research he and other NIWA staff had seen decomposing, uneaten fish pellets while swimming past farm tanks.

“Underneath the fish cages it’s not a pretty sight.”

Mt Cook Alpine Salmon chief executive David Coles, whose company is the major canal farmer, said “I’m not aware that weed growth is impeding generation flows and I’m sure our landlords would make us aware of any such impact.

“And no, we’re not over feeding and we are subject to annual, international audits under Best Aquaculture Practice who monitor these matters.”

The NZ-owned company harvests from canals operated

by Meridian and Genesis Energy.

A Meridian spokeswoman said it actively manages the aquatic weeds in the canals through a weed eradication programme to ensure the power stations operate safely.

Environment Canterbury planned for and regulated discharges from the salmon farms and it was for the salmon farms to meet those obligations, she said.

Mackenzie high country farming leader and fine-wool grower Simon Williamson said salmon farmers should be subject to regular nutrient management monitoring, like livestock farmers.

Meridian was concerned but didn’t want to go public because of the risk environmental sanctions would hurt the local economy, he said.

Aquaculture, alongside farming and tourism, is a major employer in Mackenzie District.

Environment Canterbury upper Waitaki zone committee

chairman Simon Cameron said salmon farming was one of several risks, including runoff from intensive farming, bird droppings and tourists pooing and peeing, to the region’s waterways. The difference between residual runoff and feeding fish high-protein ingredients was like smoking pot and mainlining, he said.

Water sports and other recreation were also a factor, Cameron said.

“It’s not salmon per se; it’s sport fishing and all these things which have brought these damn things (weeds) with it.”

Cameron, a sheep farmer, said Mt Cook Alpine Salmon was working on better feed efficiency to reduce waste. The zone committee had pushed for it.

“We’ve asked for it and they’re on it now.”

It was good to debate salmon farming and other nutrient management issues openly, he said. “There’s nothing like highlighting it to get people off their tails to do something about it.”

In 2013 NIWA announced the Waitaki weed surveillance plan a partnership with Meridian and Land Information New Zealand to “routinely spray aquatic weed in the Ohau canals and Lake Benmore”. The weeds reduced native species habitat and “adversely impacts Meridian’s hydro generation operation”, NIWA said.

Reported problems with weeds included blocked cooling water filters and intake screens. NIWA agreed to work with meridian to monitor and manage plant growth and inform visitors, like rowers who descend on the Twizel area for regional and national championships. “This requires active surveillance inside and outside of the (pest plant) containment area, as well as the education of lake users in the area, especially for Lake Benmore and Lake Ruataniwha,” NIWA said.

11

Photo: John Clayton

News

12 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

Synlait wins everyday milk deal Annette Scott annettescott@xtra.co.nz MILK processor Synlait has partnered with Foodstuffs South Island to become the cooperative’s exclusive supplier of its private label fresh milk and cream.

It will have the contract, now held by Goodman Fielder, for 10 years.

The investment would establish a platform for the company to pursue a range of dairy-based products for domestic and export markets in the future, Synlait managing director John Penno said.

Synlait would build a new $125 million advanced liquid dairy packaging facility at Dunsandel, south of Christchurch, to supply Foodstuffs South Island.

Fresh milk and cream from Synlait would be packaged in Value and Pams branded products sold through New World, Pak n Save, Four Square and On The Spot stores.

Penno said the partnership and investment in the new facility was a further and significant step towards the company’s goal

of being a more diversified and balanced business.

“We believe this opens up a new category, everyday dairy, and has the potential to both leverage our current position and explore new customers and markets.

“This category represents the dairy products people consume every day.”

Penno said long-term success in the fresh product category would be based on the company’s ability to win customers in the New Zealand market first.

“We’re taking a foundational step towards that,” he said.

Synlait’s partnership with Foodstuffs South Island was strategic for both parties.

“We are very proud of our Canterbury dairy farmers and the way they farm.

“We are excited about making our farmers’ fresh milk available to everyone in the South Island in partnership with Foodstuffs,” Penno said.

Synlait’s research and development centre in Palmerston North, a collaborative venture with Massey University and FoodPilot, would provide the technical new product

ALL CHANGE: Foodstuffs supermarkets in the South Island will get their milk from Synlait.

development expertise needed to establish, validate and deliver the necessary capabilities at Synlait.

The advanced liquid dairy packaging facility was aimed at delivering a state-of-the-art liquid blending and packaging platform.

It would allow Synlait to produce fresh milk and cream for domestic use and the ability to pursue a range of dairy-based extended and long-life consumer products in future.

“This will be one of the most

sophisticated fresh milk and cream processing facilities in NZ. “By leveraging what we have learnt about milk quality and blending dairy products in our infant formula business we will deliver a great facility at Dunsandel,” Penno said.

With a minimum annual capacity of 110 million litres, the facility would be capable of producing high-specification pasteurised milk and cream for domestic use, extended shelf life

(ESL) dairy products, long-life milk and cream for export, ready to drink liquid infant formula and toddlers’ milks and other blended dairy-based beverages.

Penno said Synlait had proven experience from establishing and rapidly growing a successful infant formula business.

“We’ve demonstrated that we can introduce new capability, manufacture world-class product, build a profitable business around it and provide a long-term strategy for sustainable returns.

“This will be no different,” he said.

Foodstuffs South Island chief executive Steve Anderson said the partnership would allow the co-operative to provide highquality fresh milk and cream to its customers.

“The partnership allows us to give our customers surety around milk supply with an innovative NZ-based milk supplier.

“In time we are looking forward to collaborating with Synlait to create a range of new and innovative dairy-based products that our customers will enjoy,” Anderson said.

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CANADA’S Public Sector Pension Investment Board, PSP Investments, has received the green light to buy a medium-sized dairy farm and a neighbouring dairy support block in Canterbury for $17.7 million, just ahead of tougher requirements on land sales to foreign buyers.

Ramsay Dairy Farm, indirectly owned by PSP Investments, was given Oversease Investment Office (OIO) consent to buy blocks of 335.2ha and 77.2ha at Hororata.

According to the OIO, the properties will be merged to create a larger dairy farm.

“The applicant proposes to convert some of the dairy support land to create a larger milking platform and to support increasing the total number of cows by approximately 400 cows,” it said in a summary of the decision.

The move got in ahead of tougher requirements for foreign buyers to provide more benefits to the New Zealand economy, and also slashed the size of farms covered by OIO applications to any land purchase of more than 5ha, other than forestry.

In late November, Associate Finance Minister David Parker said the then existing directive to the OIO was too loose, applying only to very large farms more than 10 times the average farm size.

He said sales restrictions generally applied to sheep and beef farms of more than 7146ha,

or dairy farms bigger than 1987ha.

The “new directive tightens how we assess overseas investment in New Zealand to ensure authorised purchases provide genuine benefits,” he said at the time.

The new rules applied from December 15. The PSP Investments approval was granted on November 30.

The OIO said the pension fund met the test of generating a benefit to NZ with the creation of jobs, an increased volume of milk being processed domestically, higher export receipts, and capital investment to convert dairy support land to dairying.

The Government agency also noted PSP Investments has previously made beneficial investments in NZ, creating jobs and introducing extra investment for development.

PSP Investments is one of Canada’s largest pension investment managers, with C$139.2 billion of net assets under management on September 30, 2017, according to its website.

Funds are invested for the pension plans of the federal public service, the Canadian Armed Forces, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police and the Reserve Force.

In NZ the Canadian pension fund owns dairy farms, a stake in Kaingaroa Timberlands and a portfolio of properties.

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News

14 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

Water protection deadline looms Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com TARANAKI’S nationally renowned riparian management programme has entered a new phase of inspection and enforcement.

During the next two years Taranaki Regional Council land management officers will check existing riparian plans.

The council wants to ensure all waterways and wetlands are fenced and planted to national water quality expectations.

The new auditing of onfarm work has already thrown up a need for one last big effort to comply by a former regional councillor, who thought the end of a long and expensive riparian programme was near.

Ian and Judith Armstrong have two dairy farms totalling 673ha at Te Kiri, near Opunake in South Taranaki.

They have spent hundreds of thousands of dollars fencing 46km of waterways and 24km of the riparian zones have been planted over nearly 30 years.

The five waterways that cross the farms have been fenced, some on both sides, and other boundary streams on just one side, along

Along with the fencing costs we estimate another $100,000 to get compliance.

Ian Armstrong Farmer with perhaps 100 crossings, either bridges or culverts, placed.

Two of those waterways are dry during the summer, he said.

The Armstrongs have planted about 1500 plants every year by themselves and now need another 10,000 planted this year by a contractor to gain a Riparian Management Plan Compliance Certificate.

Plants must be ordered in advance, especially if large numbers are required to beat the 2020 deadline, TRC warned.

Ian Armstrong said a $3 to $5 plant would cost another $2.50 to get in the ground, plus follow-up releasing from grass competition and the replacement costs for about 20% that died.

GREEN: Judith and Ian Armstrong, Te Kiri, South Taranaki, have spent 30 years and hundreds of thousands of dollars fencing and planting stream banks on their two dairy farms.

“Along with the fencing costs we estimate another $100,000 to get compliance,” he said.

The council’s requirement to plant out most riparian strips, rather than leave them in long

GREENER: Riparian planting of the Punehu Stream upstream from the Wiremu Road bridge in Taranaki.

grass, would result in woody weed infestations, which would have to be tackled in the future, Armstrong said.

Permanent or intermittently flowing waterways wider than one metre have to be two-wire fenced and planted on both sides.

Narrower waterways might be planted on the northern side only, leaving the southern side as a grass buffer.

Taranaki had led the way in riparian planting because of the unique need to fence hundreds of rivers and streams that flowed off Mt Taranaki and the willingness of land-owners, Armstrong said.

Council advisory officers had provided free consultations and plans while farmers responded to inspiring examples, highlighted by the Farm Environment Awards.

Asked what benefits had resulted from such a long and expensive riparian plan, he said doing the responsible thing, seeing the return of many native birds and the satisfaction of environmental enhancement.

The need for livestock crossings and stock water reticulation were related costs.

The counil’s 2017 Healthy Waterways report showed water health had the best trends in 21 years of monitoring.

The council said a significant increase in riparian planting was needed to finish requirements by 2020.

To date, 4325km of streambanks had been fenced and 2387km planted.

But there was still 2272km of fencing and 3432km of planting to do.

That came somewhat as a surprise to the regional council and to the province’s landowners but was a result of Taranaki having a higher standard, including planting requirements.

Native plants through the council’s scheme might not be available at wholesale rates to those who left it too late, land services manager Don Shearman said.

Taranaki’s riparian programme has attracted international attention and is the biggest programme of its kind in the country helping manage freshwater health.

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

15

Work start on new food lab Stephen Bell stephen.bell@nzx.com WORK has started on building a new food research facility supporting the future of New Zealand’s exports.

The $45m AgResearch and Massey University Food Science Facility, on the university’s Palmerston North campus, will have about 140 staff and students from the two organisations as well as from the Government-funded research centre, the Riddet Institute.

It will have laboratories and shared spaces focused around education and research into meat and dairy in a three-storey, 5000 square metre building that will be NZ’s largest agri-food innovation centre.

It will also be a key component of FoodHQ – a partnership to grow NZ’s reputation in food and beverage innovation that includes AgResearch and Massey

University among its network of science and innovation partners (more at www.foodhq. com).

AgResearch chief executive Dr Tom Richardson said local firm McMillan and Lockwood is the lead building contractor.

Work to prepare the site was to begin after Waitangi Day. “At this stage the plan is to have the building completed by October 2019.

“The occupants will include AgResearch staff already based in Palmerston North and others working in the food sciences who will be relocating to the city,” Richardson said.

“This new joint facility concept, similar to what AgResearch is doing with Lincoln University near Christchurch, is going to accelerate innovation by having world-class talent working together under one roof.

“In the case of food research it

NEW: Work as started on the facility being built in Palmerston North specifically to advance food science.

means the opportunity for new generation products that offer exciting new textures and flavours and improve peoples’ health and nutrition.”

Massey vice-chancellor Professor Jan Thomas said

the facility is another exciting development for the university and its Manawatu campus.

It is integral to Massey’s collaborations with research institutions and other organisations and businesses

involved in growing NZ’s food exports and reputation for quality and innovation.

“Part of Massey’s strategy is that all our campuses will be innovation ecosystems, magnets for smart enterprises,” she said.

Kiwi trade no threat to Ireland Colin Ley A LEADING Irish politician has welcomed the prospect of increased farm trade with New Zealand, in sharp contrast to his country’s fierce opposition to the European Union’s planned trade agreement with the Mercosur region.

“We don’t see New Zealand as a threat to our farmers,” Senator Neale Richmond, spokesman on EU Affairs for Fine Gael, Ireland’s largest parliamentary party, said.

He was commenting after taking part in an NZ/Ireland “friendship group” meeting of parliamentarians and senators which included NZ Minister of

Agriculture Damien O’Connor, NZ High Commissioner to the UK Sir Jerry Mateparae, Irish Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade (and deputy prime minister) Simon Coveney, and Irish Minister of Agriculture Michael Creed.

“Our deputy PM and farm minister wouldn’t have been laying out the red carpet if we saw NZ as a threat,” Senator Richmond said, adding he viewed NZ as a trading gateway into the Australasian market and that, similarly, NZ saw Ireland as a trading gateway into the wider EU marketplace.

The Senator, who is also chairman of the Irish Senate’s Brexit Committee, took a very

different stance on the EU’s approaching Mercosur deal.

“To be blunt, NZ’s food safety and production standards are in line with what we do in Ireland while that’s not the case with either Argentina or Brazil,” he said. “There’s a lot of difference between exposure to taking cheap meat from the Mercosur region and receiving highquality, well-bred lamb from NZ. “We see NZ trade as being complementary. As such, our meeting with Minister O’Connor and the High Commissioner was very positive.”

Ireland and NZ are due to open embassies in each other’s countries later this year, further increasing their two-way level

of engagement on a peopleto-people basis ,while also looking to build stronger trading relationships between the two nations.

In addition to trade issues, there was also considerable discussion during the meeting about the potential to increase the exchange of young farmers between NZ and Ireland.

“Quite a lot of young Irish farmers already travel to NZ to learn new farming methods and work in different areas, and we accommodate a number of NZ farmers doing the same here,” Senator Richmond said. “We agreed to look at expanding these exchanges further in the future.”

NO THREAT: Senator Neale Richmond sees trade with New Zealand as a benefit to Ireland.

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

17

Women’s group seeks new head Annette Scott annettescott@xtra.co.nz DAIRY Women’s Network chief executive Zelda de Villiers has called time on the organisation she has helped to grow over the past four years.

De Villiers had solidified the organisation’s systems, structures and reputation in the industry, chairwoman Cathy Brown said.

Her commercial and financial expertise had led the not-forprofit organisation into a strong position.

“We have also grown our membership significantly during her tenure.

“Most importantly, Zelda has recruited and developed a strong team of staff and volunteers who will continue to provide the high level of support our members have come to expect from us.”

In December de Villiers signalled her intention to step down in May this year.

Brown said the organisation saw her departure as a sensible time to reflect on the network’s success and consider what was needed to take it into the future.

De Villiers was appointed chief

GOING: Dairy Women’s Network chief executive Zelda de Villiers will step down from the helm in May.

executive in 2014 having spent more than 20 years in various roles in the agricultural industry, including managing director of DeLaval NZ and several rural banking and finance roles in South Africa.

“It has been a humbling and inspiring journey to lead an organisation that recognises and supports the contribution women make every day, not only to the

businesses they work in but also to rural communities throughout New Zealand,” de Villiers said.

Highlights included cementing strategic partnerships with agribusinesses and national farming representative body DairyNZ and overseeing the growth in membership from 5000 to more than 10,000.

The Network’s 90 volunteer regional leaders had also helped

increase DWN’s professionalism and relevance in the industry.

“I’ve thoroughly enjoyed seeing dairy farmers, volunteer groups and rural communities benefit from DWN’s various partnerships with industry.

“These partnerships have strengthened DWN’s core capabilities and I know I’m leaving behind an extremely capable team of support staff and regional leaders and volunteers.”

De Villiers has a new business venture in Northland.

Meanwhile, DWN has begun its recruitment campaign for her replacement.

“The chief executive represents our organisation and its members at the highest level,” Brown said.

“The network has become an increasingly influential participant in the industry and we’re looking for someone who can help us take our next strategic step while ensuring we remain sustainable and continue to deliver for our members.”

With the 20th anniversary on the horizon this year DWN had taken the chance to reflect on its success and think about its future direction while staying true to its

purpose of delivering unlimited opportunities to women in dairy, Brown said.

And with the spotlight on the dairy industry, those who were forward-thinking and adept at change would thrive in leadership positions in the industry.

“The past decade or so has seen a real shift in focus for the dairy industry and now more than ever farmers and industry are working together to highlight the industry’s sustainability and profitability on a local and global scale.

“We’re looking for someone who can rise to the challenge and help the network continue to make its mark in a constantly evolving dairy environment.

“This is a unique opportunity to make a real difference with, and for women in the dairy industry.”

Brown said the network had firmly established itself as an innovative and influential national organisation.

“We have led some significant industry projects over the years including the dairy industry’s recent strategy refresh alongside DairyNZ, Federated Farmers and the Dairy Companies Association.”

A2 eyes the eastern seaboard of US Maine to the states it services.

The milk marketer’s a2 branded milk has been accepted by a number of retailers in the region, which will this month expand its presence to about 5000 retail stores across the US from the previous 3600 stores.

“Since entry into the US market the business has been focused on achieving sales based targets prior to expanding its footprint on a regionby-region basis,” managing director Geoff Babidge said.

“Sales velocities are now achieving sustainable levels in California, the southeast region and select natural retail chains, which supports the expansion into an additional region.”

A2 has been successful in breaking into the Chinese market with its branded infant formula and has been slowly building its US business in recent years.

The company has projected investing US$25m in growing that division before generating positive earnings from the

2020 financial year.

Its expanded US distribution will be backed by an increased marketing spend, which it said was incorporated into existing guidance. It also said it’s investigating new product opportunities in the US to leverage off the growing consumer awareness of the a2 brand and bigger distribution footprint.

A2 shares last traded at $8, having soared 246% over the past 12 months.

– BusinessDesk

GROWING: A2 Milk is looking to grow its retail footprint by more than a third.

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THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

19

Invoice squeeze hurts small firms Alan Williams a.dubu@xtra.co.nz SMALL Business Minister Stuart Nash is “dead keen” to talk to Fonterra about its extended invoice payment policy but is not planning legislation to force a change across businesses generally.

He’s advocating a culture change in business to bring about quicker payments in instances where there are now delays, similar to what is being proposed by the Australian Government.

Nash will wait to see the effectiveness of the Australian initiative, hopefully by later this year. If necessary, he will take a paper to the Government aimed at a course of action.

His targets are large companies that delay payments to smaller trade suppliers and contractors, causing cashflow difficulties for them. He’s not aiming at Fonterra specifically but the size of the big dairy exporter, and its stated policy of paying on invoices 61 days from the end of the month they are dated, make it a centre of attention.

“If Fonterra can give me genuine reasons why this is their policy I’d take another look at it, but if it is because they are a dominant business, you’d just have to shake your head and say play fair with your suppliers.”

Fonterra brought in the policy in 2016, during a slump in milk prices, and has retained it despite the subsequent price recovery.

It has said it is not reviewing the policy.

However, a spokesperson said through the normal commercial negotiation process with smaller suppliers with particular cashflow requirements, it tries to find terms that suit both parties. These can include more flexibility around payment terms.

Fonterra sells to customers around the world that also have a 60-day invoice payment policy.

SPEED UP: Small Business Minister Stuart Nash wants a culture change to make companies pay their bills more quickly.

The full product cycle, from manufacture to payment, can easily take up to six months, she said. This doesn’t seem to hurt Fonterra’s cash flows, about $1.35 billion in its latest year.

Slow payments to trade contractors are a key reason why some of them go out of business, but there’s no guarantee a Government push to change the culture will make a difference, Dunedin accountant Tony Marshall said.

“We see it a lot through the contractor and sub-contractor relationships, where you get a small business plumber, electrician, or engineer getting squeezed when big companies delay payments. They’re having to carry the cost of capital and will be paying quite high interest rates on their debt.”

Marshall, a partner at Crowe

Horwath accountants, said the impact on the wider economy is being shielded by the very strong job market, so a trade supplier going out of business can easily get work with someone else.

“But that can change if we get a turn in the cycle, like we had in that late 2000s period, and the boom/bust cycle seems to be getting shorter.”

Marshall knows of instances where sub-contractors submit an invoice to a main contractor, and the main contractor submits his invoice to the client business.

But often, the client will not pay on the larger invoice for 60 to 90 days.

“So, for the smaller guy, the head contractor will not pay until he’s paid, but your costs keep accruing, and it gets hard to keep paying wages. It puts the squeeze on cash flows of the littlest guy

and that’s why a lot of them struggle and then fail.”

The issue is across industries but is prevalent in the building industry. A problem is a small supplier might not get paid but will keep on providing services in the expectation of being paid.

“You can be in the third month, without being paid in month one or month two, and the contractor is in significant difficulty, and then the client can fall over.”

Marshall agreed with Nash that invoices should be paid out on the 20th of the month following receipt, formerly common practice and still followed by many people, but said many terms of trade were predictably based on terms that suit the bigger party.

Many small companies are also squeezed on pricing because of the competitive nature of many sectors.

... you’d just have to shake your head and say play fair ...

Stuart Nash Minister for Small Business Changing the culture on invoice payments would reduce the stress on small companies, Nash said.

The Government would also have to ensure it was “walking the walk”.

He said the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment has told him there are delays in many invoice payments across the economy because up to 40% of them contain errors that have to be sorted out.

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20 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

Water scheme flows on to the next stage Annette Scott annettescott@xtra.co.nz PROGRESS is set to ramp up on Wairarapa’s proposed regional water storage scheme.

Water Wairarapa project director Michael Bassett-Foss said following excellent progress over the past 12 months the project is nearing reality.

“We are well-positioned heading into 2018 to turn the Water Wairarapa scheme from a proposal to closer to a reality,” he said.

A significant development in the second half of 2017 had been the establishment of Wairarapa Water, the entity that would raise equity from water users.

“This initiative will ensure that Wairarapa water users are able to invest in and have a voice in the running of the scheme,” BassettFoss said.

Expressions of interest would be called for in March with the equity raise scheduled for late 2018 followed by consenting, design and finance in 2019-20, and a construction start of 2021 at the earliest.

The formation of Wairarapa Water Ltd was being overseen by an independent group chaired by Tim Lusk, a former chief executive of Meridian Energy and current director on the Environmental Protection Agency.

Comprising a mix of farming and business professionals, the

What is clear is that the whole of the region will benefit from the Water Wairarapa scheme.

Michael Bassett-Foss Water Wairarapa

LIQUID ASSET: The proposed Water Wairarapa water storage scheme will require support from both rural and urban communities, project director Michael Bassett-Foss says.

group would also help drive the farmer and water-user engagement process.

“With a huge volume of work having been completed there is light at the end of the tunnel.”

Bassett-Foss said much of the remaining investigative worked centred around working with the regulatory C. Alma Baker Trust (NZ) Ltd environment that would affect water reliability and land-use activity.

“The effects of this is already being played-out Tuesday February 20, 2018 in other parts of the country, 10am at Woolshed and here in Wairarapa Note: Speakers will present in the morning. through the Whaitua process.

There will be a farm tour in the afternoon “Add to the mix with a choice between dairy or sheep and the impact of beef. climate change, and it becomes Topics to be covered: very evident that 1. Physical farm performance water users face some very big 2. Healthy rivers challenges in the 3. Dairy-Beef progeny trial update future.”

4. Cull ewe uddering This made 5. Biosecurity at home and abroad it all the more important to Note: understand the forecast effect - If possible, bring a 4-wheel-drive vehicle. to the region if Helmets required on quads. the project didn’t - Please bring your own lunch, tea and proceed, which coffee will be provided. was another piece of work - We will proceed wet or fine, so wet programmed to weather gear may be needed. be done.

BassettFoss said as Contact: Paul Mahoney (Farm Manager) the work was Ph 09 232 9897 undertaken the LK0091411©

Open Day – Limestone Downs

aim was to provide all water users with sufficient information to participate in an equity-raising process.

Demonstration of commitment to the scheme was critical to proceeding to the next stage: the remainder of the feasibility investigations.

“What is clear is that the whole of the region will benefit from the Water Wairarapa scheme, so to get built it will require the support of both rural and urban communities.”

Demand for water from the proposed scheme stemmed from a range of farmer and other water users, including municipal and environmental.

According to climate scientists’ predictions, Wairarapa more than most regions in the country was expected to experience some significant changes, getting much hotter and drier in the next 15-20 years.

A recent report by Horticulture New Zealand demonstrated just how transformational the Water Wairarapa scheme could be to the region.

The report, NZ domestic vegetable production: The growing story, describes a “perfect storm” of urban sprawl and changes in climate that threatens to seriously restrict fresh fruit and vegetable production in traditional growing areas, particularly South Auckland.

With Wairarapa predicted to have growing conditions in a generation like Hawke’s Bay and Bay of Plenty of today, the Ruamahanga Valley was wellplaced to become the new fresh fruit and vegetable basket of the North Island.

“We’ve just got to supplement it with reliable water,” Bassett-Foss said.

He acknowledged that for individual farmers and landowners, whether current irrigators or not, the decision to invest in the scheme would require good information.

“To support this decisionmaking process we are planning a comprehensive engagement process, and this will involve a number of channels and activities including farmerstakeholder briefings, hall and shed meetings and one-on-one visits.”

Farmers would be notified of these closer to the time.

DISASTER: Stopping farming on Molesworth Station would make controlling weeds and pests on neighbouring farms more difficult, Federated Farmers high country chairman Simon Williamson says.

Farming preserves green values Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com TURNING Marlborough’s historic Molesworth Station into a conservation and recreational area would be a disaster for New Zealand’s farming heritage and would make control of weeds and pests more difficult, Federated Farmers high country chairman Simon Williamson says.

Farming income and the grazing pressure of extensively managed cattle helped control weeds and pests.

The 181,000ha property, owned by the Government since 1938, has been managed by the Department of Conservation as a recreation reserve since 2005 with farming activities run alongside conservation and recreation.

DOC has started consulting on the future management of the property, which has been farmed since the late 1800s, when the farming lease expires in 2020.

Information accompanying the announcement of a public survey on the future of Molesworth said the intention of the 2013 management plan was to transition Molesworth from its traditional focus on farming to include more recreation and conservation activities.

Williamson said losing the property as a working farm would be devastating for the country’s and sector’s heritage and the experience with other farms that have been turned over to conservation was not straightforward.

When livestock was removed from Birchwood Station in the Ahuriri Valley in North Otago in 2004 introduced pasture varieties smothered native species.

Molesworth was the result of the amalgamation of four stations early last century and ran 95,000 sheep. But it was abandoned to the Crown from

1938 to 1949 because of a rabbit infestation, the recession and high stock losses following heavy snowfalls.

A massive pest control and regrassing programme saw it revert to farming in the 1950s and 60s.

In 1988 the road through the property was opened over summer.

Williamson said farming revenue and extensive grazing helped offset the costs and impact of controlling weeds and pests with briar, broom and wilding pines a significant challenge.

A massive pest control and regrassing programme saw it revert to farming in the 1950s and 60s.

Molesworth managers had got on top of vectors of bovine tuberculosis and he feared those gains could be lost at a cost to neighbours if farm livestock were removed.

North Canterbury farmer Lynda Murchison agreed, saying extensive grazing had a role managing weeds but in her view ideology wrongly decreed that conservation and development were incompatible.

Molesworth was similar in size to Stewart Island, managed by five staff and ran 10,000 Angus and Angus-Hereford cattle. Heifers are sold at two years of age and steers as three year olds.

About 10,000ha has been oversown with grass seed and fertiliser.

The survey was on DOC’s website and sought opinions on the property’s management and how its values, opportunities and improvements should be managed in future.

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

Pioneers still ahead of game Tim Fulton tim.fulton@nzx.com IN 1850 a passing ship spotted Stonyhurst’s pastoral potential.

These days the historic Canterbury station uses electronic data and advanced genetics selection to pick winners.

Stonyhurst has always had mystique.

It’s a farming equivalent of Canterbury’s first four ships sailing into Lyttelton to settle the province.

The Douglas-Cliffords are into a seventh generation now growing up on the farm.

They use gene selection and a breed nucleus to maintain its lustrous reputation.

Unusually, the station in Blythe Valley south of Cheviot earns about 40% of its income from wool.

The regular flock of 10,000 halfbreds is between 23-26 microns, averaging about 24.5.

The long, narrow farm running down to Pegasus Bay also runs 400 Red deer and 450 Angus/Hereford breeding cows, adding up to 22,000 stock units.

Without minimising the importance of that scale, manager Charles Douglas-Clifford pays more attention to individual stock data.

Every animal is tagged and tracked, providing continuous performance monitoring to ensure every head earns its feed.

The system made it that much easier to track stock that performed repeatedly and those that let the side down.

“I can screen through sheets and sheets and sheets of data on the computer and go and pick out 20 animals that I want from 10,000. Next time they come through the yards we’ll draft them out and put them aside.”

It meant the whole flock could be in mixed mobs but single animals could be separated for close inspection.

Easy identification was important because Stonyhurst hosts the nucleus flock for Southern Cross breeding syndicate, a group of six similar South Island stations.

The group sourced genetics from around New Zealand and Australia for its 400 breeding

21

EARLY ADAPTORS: Charles DouglasClifford’s family has been on Stonyhurst for seven generations but is still striving to lead the way.

Photo: Johnny Houston

ewes, aiming for 21-23 micron, footrot resistance, 130-140% weaning and at least 4kg of clean wool.

“We’re looking to get those numbers up to about 500 or 600 but without jeopardising genetic potential,” Douglas-Clifford said.

Sourcing stock exclusively from the syndicate allowed Stonyhurst to keep culling at a reasonable rate to keep fresh animals coming through.

Stonyhurst also had its own halfbred stud and a few other things it was playing with at the moment, Douglas-Clifford said.

The projects included short

tails, easy-care bare breeches and a sheep carrying a fertility gene, GDF9.

The station contracted its lamb clip to United Statesbased Smartwool, continuing a relationship going back nearly 20 years to Smartwool’s first days in NZ. The predictable income allowed the family to keep improving stock and technology, DouglasClifford said.

“It’ a surety and a peace of mind that lets you budget your way through and know what you can reinvest,” he said, comparing it to a corporate budgeting for research and development.

For him, maintaining existing performance was going backwards.

“If you just keep sifting everything off whatever’s left over you’ll slowly start eating away at your asset.

“And so if you’re not improving it you’ve got to reinvest in your asset to make it better. That’s what we try to do.”

Douglas-Clifford returned to the farm five years ago with his wife Erin after a banking career and runs Stonyhurst alongside father John and uncle Peter. Their young children are the seventh generation to grow up on the station.

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THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

23

Big boosts for sheep milk sector Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com SHEEP milk production and processing in the central North Island got two injections of optimism in the past week when value-chain partnerships announced development plans.

Food Waikato, owned by the Hamilton City Council and Callaghan Innovation, said it intended to build a much bigger sheep milk drier with a mix of public and private debt and equity from existing users.

It will cost $45 million and have 2.4 times the capacity of the existing drier, which processed 900,000 litres over 308 days in the year to June 2017.

The existing drier was built on the Waikato Innovation Park in 2012, subsequently named Food Waikato, as an independent product development spray drier, for dairy and non-dairy.

It was now running at capacity of about 500kg of powder each operating hour, mainly for sheep milk.

Sheep milk was about twice as rich as cow milk, with 18-19% milksolids.

Demand from the sheep milk industry was expected to double by 2019-20, Waikato Innovation Park chief executive Stuart Gordon said.

Among the main users of the existing facility were Spring Sheep Milk, part owned by Landcorp, and the Chinese-Maori joint venture Maui Milk, part-owned by Waituhi Kuratau Trust.

Maui Milk last week formally opened a new dairy sheep property called Waikino Station on the western shore of Lake Taupo, where initially 2000 ewes will be milked.

They will be on top of the 3000 ewes milked at Kuratau since 2015.

The Chinese partner, Maui Food Group of Shanghai, bought the 770ha Waikino, of which 150ha is

FLOCKING IN: More than 300 farmers, overseas investors and distributors as well as accounants and rural bankers attended a farmer open day for the launch of the sheep milking operation at Waikino Station.

We want to capitalise on NZ expertise in both sheep farming and pastoral systems for milk production.

Peter Gatley Maui Milk now the sheep milking platform, and installed a new GEA 64-bale internal rotary platform imported from France.

Waikino also had two barns capable of housing 2000 ewes for winter shelter or in bad weather and a lamb-rearing facility.

More than 300 farmers and rural professionals attended the opening of Waikino, many keen to evaluate the new rural industry.

Maui Milk general manager Peter Gatley said Waikino was going to drive up milk yield and feed conversion efficiency and showcase a New Zealand style of outdoor sheep management with at least 75% pasture intake.

For these purposes a Southern Cross dairy sheep breed composite was being developed from Coopworth, East Friesian, Lacaune (France) and Awassi (Saudi Arabia).

“NZ needs diversification in agricultural exports and every farmer wants a high value product, stable pricing and environmental sustainability.

“We admire what the dairy goat industry has achieved but we want to capitalise on NZ expertise in both sheep farming and pastoral systems for milk production,” Gatley said.

“Like the dairy goat industry we measure total solids including

lactose and we aspire to match the dairy goat payout at around $17/kg.”

Gatley said NZ dairy sheep production was 100-150 litres a ewe each season and his goal was the French hybrid grazing level of 400 litres.

He thought the public-private partnership approach of Food Waikato towards building processing facilities was ideal because it was self-funding and catered for a new industry expanding quickly.

“We have contributed a small amount of capital, along with all other users of the existing drier.”

Spring Sheep Milk was running 2000 ewes on 150ha near Reporoa and was the host of the Primary Growth Partnership programme Sheep – Horizon Three.

Landcorp Farming partnered with SLC Venture LP, headed by Scottie Chapman of Auckland, who said in the past that Spring

Sheep was aimed at developing markets for whole milk powder, probiotic powder, calcium tablets, sheep milk tablets and gelato.

Spring Sheep was building a smaller pilot farm near Cambridge and trying to grow the industry to 60 farms by 2030.

It would be promoted as a way for environmentally constrained Waikato dairy cattle farms to convert to a more sustainable footprint.

Both Maui and Spring intend to have suitable dairy sheep genetics for sale after this year’s lambing.

But Waikato has been questioned as a suitable location for dairy sheep because of the animal health challenges.

Lincoln University farm management lecturer Guy Trafford, writing on Interest.co.nz, said other regions could ramp up dairy sheep production easier and faster and were being held back by the lack of a processor.

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24 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

Kiwis give Indians fruit knowledge A PARTNERSHIP between New Zealand horticulturalists and Indian growers aims to give Kiwi scientists the chance to better understand how crops respond in challenging growing environments.

The project targeting small farmers in the Himachal Pradesh province of northern India involves scientists and horticultural experts from Plant and Food, Agfirst Engineering, Fruition Horticulture and industry body NZ Apples and Pears in a World Bank-funded, three-year plan.

The remote region, little known in NZ, is responsible for 30% of India’s apple production. The project will also focus on mango and summer fruit production.

NZ Apple and Pear chief executive Alan Pollard said the project will provide the province’s growers with access to NZ expertise, helping improve the region’s productivity and crop quality.

With the NZ apple industry boasting the highest productivity in the world at 65 tonnes a hectare a year Pollard is confident their Indian counterparts will gain significant upside in the deal.

Plant and Food Research chief executive Peter Landon-Lane said the institute’s scientists have been working with the apple industry for more than 50 years and their research has contributed to the excellent reputation of NZ produce globally.

“To be able to share this knowledge to support communities in developing regions is very rewarding.”

The project aims to incorporate NZ expertise to develop orchard management techniques, irrigation and water harvesting to improve fruit production and quality.

It also aims to lower pesticide use that reaches toxic proportions in some Indian crops.

A 2013 survey found apples and oranges in India had banned pesticide levels 140% above permissible limits.

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Kiwifruit optimism and caution from ANZ Richard Rennie richard.rennie@nzx.com LABOUR and capital appear the two biggest constraints to the continuing growth of the kiwifruit market, based on an assessment by ANZ bank.

The report aims to improve investor knowledge about some of the challenges facing the sector, which in 2016-17 experienced its largest harvest in its history, amounting to $2 billion of sales.

Rather than spruiking up the industry, the report gives a balanced view of an industry undergoing extraordinary growth, tempering it with some cautionary notes around supply risk, resources and cropping risks.

With 3750ha of SunGold licences to be issued over the coming five years, including 750ha allocated for this year, investors are advised to balance the risk of increased supply and competition with a sector needing to maintain a premium price bracket to remain viable as intense overseas competition starts to ramp up.

That includes the looming Chinese giant, expected to be a net exporter of fruit within several years as horticultural skills and crop varieties improve.

So the report’s authors urged caution

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about what constitutes a sustainable price for SunGold on a longer-term basis.

Amidst processor concerns over fruit volumes, caution has also been expressed about the structural shift the major lift in SunGold volumes is going to mean in a few years, particularly around land, water, labour and processing capacity.

While wage costs between SunGold and Green orchards have started to converge for many growers, the report cautions wage costs per hectare are likely to increase in coming years, with the lift in minimum wages to $20 an hour and higher demand for seasonal labour to work in the increased cropping area coming under the licensing programme.

Automation is cited as one solution with robotics in the process of being commercialised in the industry already.

The report also notes the premium prices being paid for orchards and anecdotal reports from the industry suggest prices up to $300,000 a hectare being pitched in bids for more SunGold area.

Bay of Plenty land values have doubled in some cases, with Green orchards ranging from $300,000- $450,000 a hectare and SunGold from $700,000 to $1 million a hectare.

However, diminishing land supply in Bay of Plenty also creates the opportunity for greenfield development in Northland, Gisborne and Hawke’s Bay. But the mathematics of creating a greenfield development are not for the faint hearted.

The report put the cost of a SunGold development at about $125,000 a hectare to buy suitable land, plus a further $250,000 for a SunGold licence.

Additional funds of $100,000 would be required to develop the orchard infrastructure, and a further $100,000 to meet the growing costs incurred before the vines become mature enough to bear fruit, about four years.

The $575,000 a hectare total would be staged over the development life of the orchard.

Calculations are that payback for a SunGold orchard to deliver an economic break-even is seven years.

The industry’s aging ownership structure has also been highlighted as an area posing a succession challenge when considering the high capital entry cost.

With 53% of growers aged over 60 the authors urge that to happen sooner rather than later to avoid a surge in orchard liquidity.

Taxes should be imposed on net emissions Glenys Christian glenys.christian@nzx.com

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YES, BUT: ANZ is optimistic about kiwifruit prospects but there are some provisos.

AUCKLAND Federated Farmers is putting pressure on its national leaders over interactions with the Government on the Emissions Trading Scheme (ETS).

At the Auckland executive’s meeting on Thursday Rodney sub-provincial president, John Glasson and former dairy chairman John Sexton made their feelings clear, saying it is net not gross agricultural emissions that need to be considered for individual farms.

The pasture, crops and trees farmers grow sequestered carbon dioxide,

balancing out emissions in some cases.

“A lot of farms are doing a good job of it,” Sexton said.

Glasson proposed a remit that the Federation, when dealing with Government proposals to bring farmers into the ETS, makes sure any tax proposals are based on the net not gross carbon emitted.

But immediate past president Wendy Clark spoke against the remit, saying it was too directive, too narrow and put the national board in an awkward position.

“What we do want to be ensuring is that the federation isn’t sitting on its hands with the new Government,” she said.

The federation’s position is that as farmers increasingly have ready access to sensible, practical and affordable onfarm tools and technology and while other countries’ farmers are excluded from climate change reduction measures, there must be a level field.

But it believes all practicable and logical environmental measures should be implemented.

“I’d like some feedback on what the board is doing,” she said.

President Andrew Maclean will take the remit, which was supported, to the board meeting this week in Gore and report back to the Auckland executive.

Staying in touch Ravensdown is a co-operative that is helping enable smarter farming for a better New Zealand.

The names listed here, belong to shareholders who have not been in touch with us for a very long time. If you are mentioned, it means that we do not have your current contact details and have been unable to reach you.

Hawkes Bay to Dannevirke and the remainder of the lower North Island list will appear next week.

Northland - Auckland - North Waikato - Western BOP

ELECTRO EASE LTD EMERALD FARMING 2002 LTD G M EVANS ADB PRODUCE LTD M S & J M EYERS ALCOM LTD A J & R FARRELL R J ALEXANDER & CO LTD D A & N A FELTON FAMILY TRUST ALLEN CHILDREN TRUST C N & J A FIFE R H & J ANDERSON B FINLAY ANSELMI W P & A J FLYNN BROS LTD G F & J ARCHER B J & J F FOOTE MF & JH ARCHER LIMITED FRANKLIN ACUPUNCTURE ASGROW SEED NZ LTD CENTRE LTD M A & R J BAIN HEATHER HILLS STUD B D BALL M J & M J FREEMAN P J & P A BARNS-GRAHAM P M FROGGATT K G BATES J I & A M GARDINER G J BEATTIE B C GIBBISON MAX J BECKHAM GINNS NGAWHA SPA LTD P J BEEX M O & S E GIVEN J R G BELL GLENED FARM LTD R S BELLING G H & G A GLOVER B M BENJAMIN C M GORDON TRUST G W BERGHAN P J & P M GORDON PARTNERSHIP B R JOHNSTON G F & A GRAHAM B R BIRCHALL GREENWAY ORCHARD LTD BLACKSTOCK FAMILY TRUST DAVE GRIBBLE C L BLACKWELL LIMITED G R GRIFFITHS BLUFF HILL PARTNERSHIP M W G, M J & R G GRIFFITHS C W BOOTH HAMOWEN LIMITED G J & A A BORST R C HARI & SONS LTD J BOSCH HARRIS HEDGE CUTTING G I & K L BOX D J & B A HARRISON BRAYBROOK FARMS LTD L J & N HARVEY M V BREMER TRUST M L HARVEY & SONS LTD BRENSAN FARM LTD D E HAYWARD BRIDGE COOL MANAGEMENT ESTATE L A HELMBRIGHT LTD R A & D J A HEMINGWAY G S BROUGHTON & SON R A HEMMINGS LTD BUGHILL LIMITED ALAN K & SONYA M HILLIAM BULLEN PARTNERSHIP HINTON DAIRYING LTD C B & G D BUNN MESSRS K & K D HOFFMAN W L & D R BURNELL HONK COWS LTD C R & R M BURTON C & L J HOUGHTON BYERS FARMS LTD B L & Y K HOULT C J CAMPBELL N D HUDSON ESTATE A C CANDY W H HUGHES M E & P J CARTER PARTNERSHIP ESTATE A C HURD CEDAR LODGE TRUST IGGULDEN BROS K J CHRISTENSEN J C ORCHARD LTD - MILNE B J N M CHRISTIE W F & P V JAMIESON I C & D A CLACHER W D & N L JEFFERIS R C & S M CLARK JOCHEMS BROS PARTNERSHIP T J & N N CLARKE ESTATE J A JOHNSTON CLAYBROOK FARMS LTD KARAKA COUNTRY ESTATE LTD G COLQUHOUN C R & J H KELLS W & S K CORIN KERR FARMS LTD COROMANDEL LAND TRUST K J & F G KING LIMITED B W & R J KNEEBONE R J COURTMAN W A & P P KNUIMAN M D & A S CRENE KORIMAKO PROPERTIES LTD DARGAVILLE WEEDSPRAY LTD KOROMATUA HOLDINGS LTD DAVEY FARMS 1976 LTD KOTUKU D1B TRUST H A DAVEY G J & T KROM DAVID NOLA LIMITED A J & N C LABOYRIE J C & B C DAVIE L D LALICH DAVIES HORTICULTURAL M J LAMMERS SERVICES LTD LE GALLAIS LTD AUGUSTINE D DEANE C J & K L LEES DELICA UNEARTHED -CHRIS A A LEITH ONEILL D LIMMER LTD DEO FARMS LTD K R & K J LINES DINGLE MACLEAN PARTNERSHIP D H & L J LINKHORN E R & B A DONALDSON J LOPES DA SILVA STEPHEN J DOUGLAS R A LOPES ESTATE JOHN DUDER G V & J G LUFF D G & J L DUNCUM LTD D J & H A LUNN A J & S A EDMONDSON R W LUSCOMBE

M & M FARMS LTD B A & R L MACKARETH J D & L J MACKY FAMILY TRUST I C & S A MACNEILAGE M W & S E MACPHERSON J MANGA & SONS MANOTOMO PARTNERS LTD A HOLMES MARAMARUA FARMS LTD MARIRE HOLDINGS LTD P B MARQUAND & K M FREEMAN A E MARSH P W & D MARSHALL W M MARX N & J MASON MATIJASEVICH & SONS TRUST MAUROSA FARMS LTD MAY & RYAN LTD R I & K M MCCREDIE W E & F A MCCURDY C H MCDONALD MCDONALDS ESTATE R C & J M MCGUIRE G W & B N MCHARDY D F & W M MCMILLAN E J MEADE MEGA DEVELOPMENTS LTD MIEDEMA FARMS MILNES SHOPPING PLAZA LTD MIRANDA ORCHARDS T J MONTGOMERIE T A C & D A MORGAN MOUNTAIN VIEW CHICKENS LTD K C MRKUSICH TOMMACK TRUST W J & L L MURPHY J S NAGRA J R & T J NEILL NESBIT FARMING PARTNERSHIP NGATAPUHI FARMS LTD L K NICHOLL R E O’CONNOR ESTATE R H OLDEMAN ONEONENUI PORTER TRUST K B PARKER PATERANGI PASTORAL LTD K PENDERGRAST PERIA PARTNERSHIP PERRYS BERRYS LTD R I & D J PITTAM POUTO SQUASH GROWERS LIMITED R N & N J PYLE R G B TRUST R T FAMILY TRUST RAERINO ORCHARD LTD D J RAMSEY RARAWA ENTERPRISES LTD RATCLIFFE & BLAIR LTD B G & J REDMAYNE B A REECE J J & J A P REEKERS P H RICHMOND R M & E M RIMMINGTON FAMILY TRUST # 2 RIVERSIDE GARDENS LTD N G ROWAN RUKUHIA CONTRACTING LTD D N RYAN P W & C A SANDERSON G J SAVILL D G & R E N SCANDRETT SCHULER BROTHERS LIMITED P T SCOTT R G SCOTT G R & J J SHADBOLT SHAROY DAVIES FAMILY TRUST

K D & B J SHARP M & B SHARPE T B SHIELDS SILVESTER CONTRACTING LTD R G SIMS B S & M SINCLAIR J B SINGH T & R SINGH A & S SINGH-DEO T J & G E SLATTERY SLIEVENAMAN FARM TRUST C G & A L SLOPER SMALES FARMS LTD A W & A C SMALLMAN J J SMITH J S SMITH L H & S A SPEEDY D K SPENCE LAWFIELDS ORCHARDS (NO 2) LTD P O & M J STANAWAY D B STANKOVICH STARWOOD FARMS LTD L J & R STEED A STEWART D STEWART G D & E L STOBIE C D & S J SUESTER PARTNERSHIP D R SWARBRICK TAHAWAI PARTNERSHIP TAINUI GROUP HOLDINGS LTD TANAKAHA PROPERTIES LTD TARA GROVE LTD TE UMANGA LTD TE WHARE FARMS LIMITED THE OKAERIA TRUST K THOMAS R K & W S THOMAS L D & E J TIMPERLEY M M & D J TOMS TORWOOD ORGANIC VINEYARD TOTAL HORTICULTURE LTD B J & L A FITNESS J R & G R TRIPP B F TRUSLER & K A PAYNE TUIT FARM LTD TUMEKE FARMS LTD K M UNDERWOOD J & A VAN HAASTER B L VENDT H F VERBERNE LTD H P VERKERK J H & J M VERRYT W J & D M H VIETMEYER L H & E J VOOREND J M & M J VUGLER WAI SHING HOLDINGS LTD L C WAINWRIGHT & T B BARBARICH B Y & R E ALLEN J A & B C WALLACE J S WALLACE LTD J C WALLIS WARP FACTOR 4 LTD C F WARREN WASSINK FAMILY TRUST T L WEBB I N & B A WENN FAMILY TRUST WEST WIND FARMS LTD ESTATE R G WHITE WHITIANGA EXCAVATORS LTD A T & L J WIGHTMAN WILLSDEN DAIRIES LTD

EST C E WINTERE B E & L A WISTRAND A R & C G WORSNOP ZION TRUST G J & K A ZYDENBOS LIMITED

MALCOLM WHITE FARM LTD L B & A M MARSHALL MCCORMACK TRUST K MCKEE & B COOMBE D J & D J MEAR GARTH M & E L MEYER Taranaki - South Waikato ALAN KENNETH & MARY ANNE MORGAN Eastern BOP - Taupo D J MORTON H E MURRAY J L ADAM B R NICHOLSON ALANDALE FARMS LTD NWF HOLDINGS LTD D J & S M BAKER K O’BRIEN G S & F J BARNETT PARTNERSHIP G OLIVER & J MIDDLETON PARTNERSHIP M J BARROWCLIFFE OOMAY TRUST R J BAYLY M D OSBORNE R D & S A BELL OWHATA 2B & 7 TRUST B J BENNETT G R & D C PARKINSON J G & R BENNETT R G & S M PASSMORE P R & N N BROWN FAMILY TRUST J M & S J PATTERSON G M BRYANT LTD R & T BURT FAMILY TRUST N L & A I BUBLITZ C B RAPLEY S C BYLES RAUTINI TRUST D K CAIRNS R N REYNOLDS & CO LTD S R CALDWELL J ROBERTSON TRUST D B CAMPBELL ROCHFORD FARM LTD I K CARMICHAEL B J RODERICK & L C GOVENLOCK M T CARR G ROSE A J CHRISTIAN & E A NEILL C H & J A SHRIMPTON P E CHURCH & B R A LARSEN R SINGH P R & S A COLE G N SMITH & M D GREGORY C M COLEMAN STANLEY HOLDINGS LTD - SHEARER B W & R A COOMBE G M SYMONS ESTATE G R CORKILL TANAD FARMS LTD D & L CROW FARM LIMITED TE TAWA KAITI LANDS TRUST CSLP HOLDINGS LTD THEREN NO 1 FAMILY TRUST D & J PARTNERSHIP P R THOMPSON CONTRACTING P N & L A DAVY THOMSON BROS DAIRIES LTD BRYAN G DAWSON TI POINT & JOAN HARRIS TRUST P & C DE BONTH NGATI RONGO TRUST DOBBYZ DAIRYING TRUST WATERSIDE DAIRIES LTD P A & P J DRAVITZKI F P & H M WEBB R D DRYSDALE MESSRS J P & A J & J D WHITE EASTERN BAY CONSTRUCTION LTD ESTATE B I & D WILLIAMS ARNOLD J ENGELBERGER S R WYLIE FEATHER FARMS LTD R D N & P L FIELD FOREST PARK N Z LIMITED S D & H J GOBLE ESTATE OF N & R GORRIE J D & N M HAMMOND W P & S L HARRE HARRIS FARMING M J HARRISON I G & L P HARTLEY HEADLANDS TRUST HEDLEY FARMS LTD S HELLIER C P & D HOAR HORIZON INVESTMENTS (2007) LTD T W J & Z HUNTER A B HUTCHINGS S A & L J INGLES K R JACKSON P JAMES JOHNSON PARTNERSHIP J K JUFFERMANS N W JULIAN R G & L G KIRKHAM B L LAMBERT FARMS LTD P LOCKWOOD

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News

26 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

Winner eyes field agronomy role Annette Scott annettescott@xtra.co.nz CANTERBURY young farmer Justin Inwood has won the New Zealand Grain and Seed Trade Association’s annual scholarship.

Open to students studying in the agricultural field at Lincoln or Massey Universities, this year the organisation was swamped with applications.

The scholarship, which started in 2011, got just two applications from each institution in its first year.

“This year we were absolutely swamped, which is very pleasing as it means we are getting the message out there,” association administrator Trish Radford said.

The scholarship comes with $5000 but for Inwood it was as much about the opportunities it presented.

The sixth generation on the family’s mixed cropping and sheep farm, Inwood said he was also excited about the wider exposure the scholarship would offer.

“The experience within the industry that comes with it is a big one for me – getting my name out there in the industry and the opportunity to spend time with key industry businesses.

“I was really keen to get that exposure so in all I am pretty happy to come out the winner,” Inwood said.

The aim of the scholarship is to offer support to and encourage second-year Lincoln and Massey students with

interests in the grain and seed sector to work in the industry.

Assoication president George Gerard said during the term of the scholarship seed industry member companies connect with the students to highlight opportunities in the grain and seed trade.

To do that effectively, scholars are introduced to industry leaders and given a one-day tour highlighting different aspects of the sector.

“In return, the industry gets connected to the next generation of scholars and possible industry leaders,” Gerard said.

It’s pretty special to be sixth generation.

Justin Inwood “Identifying young people with an interest in the sector is important and ensures we have younger people coming through.

“The scholarship is the association’s way to invest in people who will stay long term and be part of the seed trade.”

The scholarship is funded from dividends derived from some longterm investments.

Inwood, 20, is in his third and final year doing an agricultural degree at Lincoln University.

His farming roots are securely planted in the cropping business that has been in his family for more than 150 years.

“So the family farm is quite a big piece of my life. It’s pretty special to be sixth generation.

“There has never been any doubt in my mind – I have always wanted to be a farmer,” Inwood said.

The farming operation also runs up to 900 breeding ewes, selling the lambs as primes to fit the cropping business which takes in seed wheat, barley, white clover, ryegrass, vegetable seed crops and fresh peas for Watties.

Inwood has also spent his summer holidays working on a nearby cropping farm to gain wider exposure in cropping.

“This has given me experience in a broader spectrum of cropping, including specialist seed production.”

Following graduation at the end of this year he will be exploring options as a field technician or agronomist with a focus on small seed crops.

“I would like to get into a field agronomy role for maybe up to 10 years or so before going onto the family farm.”

The family farm at Southbridge, just south of Christchurch, is run by his parents Stuart and Alison Inwood.

The 2017 scholarship winner Kate Maclean has now completed her degree at Massey University and works as a production development agronomist.

“As an industry it’s important we do all we can to encourage these young people. This is our next generation of leaders,” Gerard said.

BLOSSOMING: Grain and seed industry 2018 scholarship winner Justin Inwood has his farming roots firmly planted in the cropping industry.

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News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

LIC benefits from overhaul Alan Williams a.dubu@xtra.co.nz DAIRY services group LIC says its transformation programme is paying off and will start to fully show up in bottom-line trading figures next financial year.

Revenues and earnings have improved, but the one-off costs of the transformation work are affecting this year’s results, chairman Murray King said. These are a $20 million pre-tax cost in the six-month earnings to November 30, which will become a $15m after-tax charge on the full-year result.

Including those costs the half-year, after-tax profit was $15.06m, down from $19.29m at the same time a year earlier.

However, revenues rose 16.6% to $153m – with demand helped by a higher milk price – and earnings before the one-off costs effect were considerably higher than previously, and would be recurring, King said.

On this basis, half-year operating earnings (Ebitda) were $57.5m, a 36% gain, and earnings before interest and tax (Ebit) was $43.2m, a 52% gain. With the costs included, reported Ebitda fell 12% to $36.8m, and Ebit fell 20% to $22.5m.

Allowing for the $15m after-tax charge, LIC now expects full-year underlying after-tax earnings of about $3m, similar to last year. In the 2019 year, with no further one-off costs, it expects underlying after-tax earnings to be in the $18m-$26m range.

This is before including breeding bull team valuations.

The transformation programme had delivered a combination of significant recurring benefits and one-off cash benefits, would make the group more agile and responsive, and lead to significant earnings improvement in future years, King said.

A major example was the better management of travel undertaken by the 840 or so artificial breeding services staff during their spring season.

Over the past two years, travel mileage had been cut by about one million kilometres, meaning less time on the road and more time onfarm with farmers and their herds, and savings in time, fuel, and on-road costs.

A new herd-testing cancellation policy had also been introduced to achieve more efficiencies, resulting in a 50% reduction in short-notice cancellations.

Business growth initiatives had included the Wagyu beef programme as an alternative to bobby calves and an additional income source for farmers. This is the partnership in which First Light group bulls are crossed via AI with dairy cows to provide calves for Wagyu beef production.

Another had been the recently launched SPACE service, delivering pasture management data from satellites.

LIC had also sold its Otago-based Deer Improvement business so it could focus on the core dairy services work.

The transformation programme was one of two major developments for LIC, with the other being work on simplifying the group’s share structure to fix concerns over growing disparity between the co-operative shares and the listed investor shares.

An update on this would be provided soon, King said.

The first half of the trading year is the busy time for dairy AI services, providing most of the group revenues, while total costs are spread over the full year.

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

LIC strengthened its already strong balance sheet year-on-year, with the ratio of debt-tototal debt plus equity at balance date improving to 33% from 35%, and the ratio of interestbearing debt alone reducing to 10.5% from 14.5%.

Operating cashflow for the half-year was a positive $5.4m, compared to a $400,000 outflow previously.

PER GU FORM AR AN ANCE TE E

LONG RUN: LIC’s transformation programme will lead to significant earnings improvement in future years, chairman Murray King says.

27

News

28 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

Farming know-how is at your fingertips

KNOW-HOW: New learning modules on B+LNZ’s website will make a real difference to farmers’ bottom lines, chief executive Sam McIvor says.

We’re putting up information that is practical and easy for farmers so that they can make better decisions onfarm.

David Jefferd RMPP make better decisions onfarm.”

Fiona Jessep, who farms a 220-hectare breeding and finishing dryland unit with husband Paul on the outskirts of Mt Hutt, found the modules useful to improve her understanding of sheep management.

“It’s great to see that our levies are going into developing an excellent resource that is freely available.

“They are easy to read and understand, and the use of graphics and videos makes the research more interesting.”

Jessep, who also teaches agricultural science to year 10-13 students at Mt Hutt College in Methven, has used the units in her teaching. She said she had struggled in the past to find resources that were relevant to her students, especially when it came to sheep management.

“I’ve been using the sheep management modules as a research tool for my year-13 students. One of the standards they complete for the NCEA course is to demonstrate an

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fresh staff that come to work here as some of them haven’t done things like body condition scoring before,” he said.

B+LNZ chief executive Sam McIvor agreed the initiative was a good one and encouraged the farming community to use the Knowledge Hub and its online resources actively in their farm businesses.

“This is a resource by farmers for farmers. Apart from refreshing themselves, I see these modules as a great training resource for farmers to get their staff up to speed on some key management topics that really make a difference to the bottom line,” he said.

understanding of how the production process meets market requirements for New Zealand primary products.

“Having these online units available to the students helps build on what I’m teaching in the classroom and deepens their understanding,” she said.

Will Morrison, a farmer from the Rangitikei region, and B+LNZ Farmer Council chairman, found the learning modules quick and easy to go through.

“Having the interactive videos and modules are great as its much more interesting than having to read heaps of information. They’re a great refresher and reminder of a few technical tools that are important at a certain time of the year.

“I will be using these with any

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A NEW online resource for farmers is just one of the new initiatives from the Red Meat Profit Partnership (RMPP) that aims to increase onfarm profitability and productivity.

Released as 30-minute learning modules, farmers can access the online farming resource on their home computer, tablet or smartphone. The learning modules are found on the Knowledge Hub on Beef + Lamb New Zealand’s website along with other resources and tools for farmers.

The modules offer farmers best-practice methods to help them make more informed decisions. Developed by industry experts with farmers, each module provides a step-by-step tutorial on a farming topic.

So far modules have included Body Condition Scoring, Principles of Feeding – from Lambing to Weaning, Feed Fundamentals, and Growing and Grazing Pasture. Topics are aligned to the season and provide relevant tips for that time of the year.

Since its launch in July, RMPP’s project manager David Jefferd has received positive feedback from farmers who’ve found the online information a practical tool to implement onfarm.

“Farmers are really enjoying these refreshers because they’re easy to access when you have a few moments to spare – waiting for the school bus, over smoko – there are always a couple of useful tips to pick up on,” Jefferd said.

Jefferd said another four modules were released before Christmas.

“Our next modules include Business Planning, Key Performance Indicators and Benchmarking, Principles of Feeding (sheep) – Weaning to Mating, and Farm Business Transition and Succession Planning. We’re putting up information that is practical and easy for farmers so that they can

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

29

Spud expert peels the UK industry Annette Scott annettescott@xtra.co.nz BOTH New Zealand and Britain have their challenges when it comes to growing the humble spud, but from one side of the globe to the other they are quite different.

Addressing growers at a PotatoesNZ and Foundation for Arable Research (FAR) field day in Mid Canterbury, British potato consultant John Sarup told growers 2017 had been a big year for potatoes in the United Kingdom.

But with no market and at just NZ$57-$76 per tonne for uncontracted product, what’s the point in increasing the yield?

“We did have limited contracts at up to $228, but the rest sold at $57.

Once you grow a house you never get the soil back.

Chris Claridge PotatoesNZ “There’s usually far too many potatoes grown, and most growers are only just making enough to invest back in.”

Managing fluctuation in price in relation to quantity grown is the huge challenge, Sarup said.

“So as I give an overview of the UK potato industry, it may be that you can learn from our mistakes,” he told NZ growers.

UK seed growers were selling per tonne into a saturated market.

“The market is just a nightmare, as specific seed varieties keep a close hold on the seed sold.

“The length of the growing season in the UK was typically 120 days. So seed was produced to suit that time frame and mature quicker – we don’t have the beautiful sunshine that gives NZ 150 days.”

About 60% of the UK potato crop was produced on rented land so the grower had no control, arable soils were losing organic matter, and cover crops were currently a huge topic as to how to get biomass.

The UK was just starting research on a farm scale similar to that done by FAR in NZ. “That will be an interesting concept, and one I am very interested in given my job is to put research into practice to hopefully profit the grower,” Sarup said.

“We have less than 200 growers

in the UK now – they are all growing more so there will always be a compromise re soil bed preparation, compaction problems and so on.

“It’s called recreational cultivation – auto-steer and Facebook!”

With the Brexit uncertainty there was some degree of panic with everyone trying to make as much money as they can.

“Who knows what is going to happen in two years’ time.”

On his travels throughout NZ, Sarup was looking at a broad range of potato crops and several trials being jointly undertaken by PotatoesNZ and FAR with both processing and seed crops in Canterbury, Manawatu and the wider Pukekohe region.

“I think NZ is way ahead.”

Potatoes are an $810 million industry in NZ. But PotatoesNZ chief executive Chris Claridge said with a large percentage of potatoes grown in Pukekohe, the challenge ahead for the NZ industry was maintaining access to good growing soils.

He said the industry had ended 2017 in a strong position, with the highest export volumes and values of recent years.

Relationships with strategic partners had gone from strength to strength, allowing greater traction and following in the wider horticulture industry.

Potatoes were grown in all parts of the country with the principle growing areas being Pukekohe, Hawke’s Bay, Manawatu and Canterbury, which grows 60% of the national crop where the two main processors, Talleys and McCains, are located.

“We have 170 growers from Northland to Southland growing fresh table potatoes, process and seed potatoes.”

Claridge highlighted real opportunity in frozen fries, especially into southeast Asia and Australia.

But he said there was pressure on some of the best soils for potato production, and that was a big concern.

“There’s plenty of land to grow potatoes but there is pressure on the unique land available around Pukekohe.

“The soils there are quite elite and rare in NZ, and enable us to grow early and get fresh potatoes into Auckland early.”

But the urban sprawl was putting that at risk.

“Once you grow a house you never get the soil back. As an agriculture country NZ needs to ensure it maintains access to

CROPPING UP: British spud expert John Sarup, centre, with Mid Canterbury potato grower Tim Pike, left, and PotatoesNZ chief executive Chris Claridge.

Photo: Annette Scott

good productive soils.”

Claridge said HorticultureNZ was making submissions to government to ensure that access was considered.

Meanwhile, North Island growers were leasing land in

Canterbury to grow spuds.

“A lot of skill and knowledge is needed to grow a potato crop and we have some very good growers in Canterbury too, but a lot of land is leased for potatoes and Canterbury lends itself to

being a good place for that.”

Biosecurity was the other key concern.

“Don’t get me started – we have serious focus on ensuring priority pests don’t make it into the country,” Claridge said.

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News

30 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

Stay Farmstrong in tough times STU Richards has had a busy and stressful year.

He manages a 700-hectare bull finishing farm at Whatawhata, near Hamilton.

The farm buys in 15-month old cattle and takes them through to two and half years.

Richards also manages two staff, a full-timer and a casual.

The owners are absentee and Richards catches up with them once every couple of weeks.

In between it’s up to him to manage everything smoothly. It’s a business model common to many farming operations.

Last year Richards’ busy working life was made much more challenging by the weather.

“From March we just had consistent rain, which has meant we’ve been shifting stock 12 days on, two days off for six months. We were having to move stock every day just to avoid pasture damage.

It was very tough.

“You can feel the stress internally and when you’re farming it shows up when you might lose your cool in a situation,” he said.

Since attending a Farmstrong workshop Richards has been making greater efforts to factor his own wellbeing into the way he manages the business.

However, as an employee, it can be hard to achieve a good work-life balance in a productiondriven industry unless employers are on board too.

“If you’re a farm worker with a young family, your partner probably needs to work as well if you are going to make ends meet and have holidays. Those sorts of family responsibilities don’t always marry up well with busy farming schedules so you need to keep communicating with your employer and start having those conversations.”

Richards said it’s also important staff are proactive about their own wellbeing.

“The main thing is to prioritise your work when things get busy and concentrate on the things that are going to make the farm the money.”

WORTH IT: Going to a Farmstrong workshop was the best two days Stu Richards has ever spent at a conference.

farmstrong.co.nz

He also makes sure he gets off the farm regularly. He joined a martial arts Jujitsu club in Hamilton and goes twice a week, religiously.

“In the two hours I’m there I just forget about everything. It’s important to get away from your farm roles and responsibilities.”

For longer breaks Richards has one piece of advice – put it in the calendar.

“My wife and I have learnt that if we don’t write it down and commit there’s always something that comes along and takes its place on a farm. We try to have a decent break every three months.”

He admits he’s had to get a lot better at delegating and trusting staff to achieve that.

“I used to be terrible at delegating. No-one could do the job as well as me. But if you’ve got staff you’ve trained up well you should be able to go away and forget about the farm.”

Richards said the industry needs to move with the times to keep attracting young people.

That means tailoring jobs more around the needs of individuals.

“If people have a young family and your wife works full time there needs to be flexibility about working hours. The job is still getting done but it needs to be based on the realities of that person’s life.

“Sometimes farmers can be a bit neglectful involving staff in the whole planning process. My advice to young farmers is that its important to ask about things like work-life balance, breaks and time off. You’ve just got to take the bull by the horns and talk about it. It’s about everyone working towards a common goal.”

Richards said there are real benefits for employers building staff wellbeing into their business planning.

“Everybody likes to feel appreciated. It doesn’t have to be monetary – positive feedback and time off are motivating. Staff will be a lot happier and more productive if there is some give and take around time off.

“Farming doesn’t have to be sun-up till sundown any more.

That was the old farming adage.

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smarter. A couple of hours off during the week so people can recharge their batteries or go to town for a break can actually boost productivity.”

As a manager Richards takes a keener interest himself these days in how his staff are going.

“I try to gauge how they’re coping.

“It’s about communicating.

“If you show an interest in someone, it improves your working relationship and when you do ask them to go above and beyond they are prepared to do that. It’s win-win.”

Managing fatigue is also a vital aspect of health and safety.

“Mental fatigue is a real hazard on the farm. It impairs you like alcohol would and leads you to make decisions you normally wouldn’t. If you are fatigued operating a quad bike or twowheeler you could potentially have an accident that stuffs up the rest of your life.”

The Farmstrong Healthy Thinking workshop Richards did

last year was a turning point for him.

“I’d gone through periods of burn out myself. The workshop was literally the best two days I’ve ever spent at a conference because it was so practical. It gave me the tools to look forward, not back.

“Healthy Thinking helps you rationalise your thoughts and correct them before they turn negative.

“Instead of seeing everything as a problem you start seeing things as a challenge you can learn from and chalk it up as experience. That prevents you getting stressed or taking out your frustrations out on staff, family or the animals.

“I still love the variety of farming and the all-round skills you get – plumbing, building, electrical, maintenance of vehicles – those are neat skills for anyone to have.

“But there are so many factors out of your control, like the climate and the markets, so you need strategies you can turn to.

Going on the Farmstrong website and seeing like-minded farmers sharing similar issues stops your world getting too small. You realise everybody’s going through the same issues.

“Asking for help when you’re stressed used to be seen as a sign of weakness but the opposite’s true – it’s the sign of a strong person. That’s why Farmstrong is so relevant. I still have days of frustration like everybody does.

It’s perfectly natural to have a bad day. But now my bad day doesn’t colour my whole life or taint the next day.

“Farmstrong has definitely changed the way I look at my life and how I deal with things for the positive.

“My message to other farmers is plan ahead, be organised and don’t neglect your own wellbeing.

That’s the basis for getting all the other things right.” is the official media partner of Farmstrong

Stu’s Top 5 Wellbeing Tips Managing fatigue “These days I can tell when my energy levels dip. Adopting healthy eating and getting exercise gives you a good benchmark on your body. I know when I’m run down and need to recharge my batteries and take a break or get a couple of early nights.”

Giving back “I coach my son’s rugby touch team at school. I go in every Thursday afternoon and coach them and referee the game. I do enjoy that. I also just ring up the neighbour every 10 days or so to see how he’s doing and if he needs a hand.

That’s what farming’s all about – community.”

Eating well “Eating properly just makes you feel better. I’ve really made an effort to eat well and healthily 80% of the time and not consume too much processed food and get the sugar out of my diet. I do a lot of the cooking in the house as well.”

Managing busy times “One thing I’d say to young workers is don’t rush when you do your work. You have a list of jobs on a farm that never gets any smaller. Rather than rush to the next thing, it’s important to take pride in what you’re doing and do that one thing well. When you focus on one task or solving a problem you forget about the three months of rain and stop watching the clock. It’s much more rewarding.”

Appreciating the simple things “Sometimes I just stop and turn the bike off between shifts and look at the view.

After a winter like we had it’s a pleasure just seeing the animals being able to sit down with their mates and to hear the birds in the trees and appreciate how the land looks. For me it certainly beats being stuck in an air conditioned office.”

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

31

Soil health offers climate insurance

!

BRUTAL: Farms in Russia’s deep black-soil region near Ukraine are experiencing severe drought issues thanks in part to aggressive tillage techniques.

NE

DESPITE a reputation for growing exceptional maize crops New Zealand farmers, like farmers around the world, are grappling with volatile weather patterns and extreme events threatening that ability.

Dr Bob Nielsen, an agronomist at Purdue University, Indiana, said he appreciated 2017 had proven to be very much the case for NZ farmers, and maize farmers in particular had worn the brunt of extreme patterns in the past year.

A frequent visitor to this country, Nielsen addressed maize growers at a recent Foundation for Arable Research maize day on the group’s northern research farm, near Hamilton.

Areas like Bay of Plenty had experienced more than 50% above their annual rainfall pattern for the first 10 months of 2017, only to have moisture levels plunge to record lows as an early summer dry struck.

Growers in eastern Bay of Plenty had struggled with crops almost impossible to harvest under flood conditions, only to see this season’s crops stagger through a very dry period after germination.

In the United States growers had also faced equally challenging conditions, with many growers having to replant at least once this season, and in some cases three times after cold, rainy conditions.

“These extremes are becoming normal, and we can think back nostalgically to what normal was, but the big challenge for us as growers is ‘how do we face these, and grow crops that are more resilient?’” Nielsen said.

Accepting that such events were the new normal, Nielsen and his fellow researchers had been working to better identify what crops’ “yield limiting factors” (YLFs) were that amplify the uncontrollable effects of climatic events.

“For us in Indiana, one of our biggest YLFs is poor drainage and too much rain. It has been about installing drainage to remove water from fields as fast as we can.”

A key focus for Nielsen and researchers has been to improve the care and health of the soil, in turn increasing the robustness of the crops within it under extreme conditions. Better drainage has, over time, delivered increased earthworm populations and better structure, minimising the period that intense rainfall events will impinge on crop growth.

Nielsen suggested the adoption of low-tillage systems also offered a pathway to soil restoration, reducing pan formation lower down in the profile and the loss of topsoil.

“You will see, over time, some yield increase but just as importantly you will see less year-to-year variability.”

He admitted being shocked during a recentvisit to Russia’s deep black-soil region near Ukraine.

Despite a soil depth of 10-20 metres, and being among the richest topsoils on Earth, farms in this region were experiencing severe drought issues thanks in part to aggressive tillage techniques resulting in extreme compaction of the topsoil layer.

“They were just brutal with it. You would have expected with such deep soil you could get

through a drought.”

Nielsen welcomed the arrival of unmanned aerial vehicles (drones) and GPS-enabled yield mapping as two tools to help identify a crop area’s weaknesses.

“With these kinds of spatial data sets we can better identify faults and develop a better crop from the get-go.”

He acknowledged drone mapping was still in its infancy in the US.

W

Richard Rennie richard.rennie@nzx.com

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

32 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

The Jones boys are still farming Glenys Christian glenys.christian@nzx.com THE first 125 hectares of land Wallace Jones bought at Wharepoa near Thames was so flood-prone the locals said he would have been better off in jail than trying to farm it.

He had emigrated from Somerset in England in 1875 and initially bought a 140-hectare dairy farm in Frontier Road, Te Awamutu, where he milked 26 cows by hand.

He married Nancy Starrat in 1895 then, when fertility on the farm ran out, they moved to Taranaki in 1900, droving the herd down.

They farmed Maori lease land and the herd grew to 110 cows.

Wallace became a director of Riverdale Dairy Co-op.

They moved back north in 1905 and bought the land at Wharepoa.

Wallace died in 1913 and his son Wallace Francis Jones bought another 125ha farm on Rawe Rawe Road on the Hauraki Plains in 1917.

That property has been approved for Century Farms status, having been run by the

same family continuously for 100 years.

His son, 87-year-old Ken Jones, remembered how stock were swapped between the two properties around Christmas to quell the effects of copper deficiency and peat sickness.

“It was amazing to see how quickly their coats changed,” he said.

“The last half inch would go brown.”

Another problem was fescue foot, where high ergot levels in that grass meant cows’ feet could easily get infected.

Ken still had well-kept letters of his father’s, writing to his brideto-be Daisy Sage, telling her every detail of his search for a suitable house to move onto the peat land as former gold mining housing became available in Waihi.

That house, still there today, was where Wallace Francis raised his family of five.

They started off milking 80 cows through a 10-bail, walk-through dairy and carting cream to the bottom of the road to go by river to the Kopu butter factory until one was built at Ngatea in 1920.

Sons Arthur and Ken both went

Everybody is very proud of their history and there are fascinating stories of some of the hardships they’ve gone through.

Mel Foster Century Farms

GENERATIONS: Artie and his uncle Ken Jones in front of the farmhouse Artie’s grandfather and Ken’s father moved on to the Hauraki Plains farm.

to Massey and Arthur bought the farm in 1953.

The dairy was extended to a 16-aside herringbone in 1974 then a 42-aside in 1993.

Artie, Arthur’s son, bought the farm in 1994, a year before his father’s death, and still lived in the old homestead.

He added several adjacent blocks and now milked 620 cows producing 190,000 kilograms of milksolids under a DairyNZ system 2 operation.

But flooding was still one of the

biggest production constraints though the peat had now compressed.

“Some of the farm is 1.5 metres below sea level and in March we lost 40ha underwater for two weeks,” he said.

It was resown then another heavy rain meant all that work had to be redone.

His son, Sam, who was developing a dairy and kiwifruit property at Opotiki, was likely to be the fourth Jones to be in charge of the farm.

Ken bought another 116ha dairy farm of his father’s close by in 1954 and had since added to that with both dairying and kiwifruit purchases.

Century Farm and Station Awards co-ordinator Mel Foster said there had regularly been 30 to 40 applications a year for recognition since the awards were set up in 2005.

“Returned soldier settlements will soon be coming through and we’ve had one of those this year,” she said.

Plaques denoting farms’ status were presented at a dinner in Lawrence, Central Otago, in May. About 200 people, many making it a family get together, attended.

“Everybody is very proud of their history and there are fascinating stories of some of the hardships they’ve gone through,” she said.

“It’s great we can acknowledge that on the night.”

So how would Wallace Francis Jones feel about the farm gaining an award to mark its 100 years in family ownership?

“He’d be quite chuffed,” Ken said.

“Who wouldn’t be?

“My father always said that you buy peat land for the next generation.”

Science and people fight pests Glenys Christian glenys.christian@nzx.com FARMERS will play an even more vital role in biosecurity in the future, Dr Nick Waipara believes.

“They know the land better than anyone else because they’ve been doing this work for decades,” Waipara, Auckland City Council’s principal biosecurity adviser, said.

So, rather than being lab-bound scientists’ work was increasingly being directed at solutions for farmers that were practical, feasible and deliverable.

The Plant and Food senior scientist was now in the front line of two biosecurity battles as an adviser on both kauri dieback and myrtle rust.

But he remained optimistic methods would be found to reduce the threat they posed.

“Humans cause problems but they also solve them,” he said.

“Science has a really pivotal role and it’s now stepping up to ensure the future of the country.”

He was interested in science from a young age and though brought up in Kaiapoi, just outside Christchurch, he had a strong connection with agriculture through his grandfather, Patrick Barrer.

“He was a Ministry of Agriculture farm adviser and travelled all over Canterbury and Banks Penninsula,” he said.

“He made great friends in the rural community and his books on weeds and soils got me involved.”

Waipara studied at Canterbury University, completing his doctorate while working for AgResearch at Ruakura in Hamilton.

As farmers’ costs went up they needed cheaper and more effective ways of getting rid of them.

Nick Waipara Scientist “I was looking at the health and sustainability of clover, what suppresses its growth and what makes it less viable,” he said.

He then worked on biocontrol of pasture weeds such as Californian thistle.

“As farmers’ costs went up they needed cheaper and more

effective ways of getting rid of them,” he said.

“We were able to harness nature to fight nature.

“Biocontrol is like the tortoise and the hare – sometimes the impact is slower but there’s a better result in the long term.”

In 2002 he shifted his focus to work Landcare Research was doing on controlling environmental weeds in bush farmers had put in QE II covenants. He was also involved in looking at the causes and impact of mycotoxins on silage.

In 2008 he became Auckland Council’s principal adviser on biosecurity, a portfolio that covered weeds and pests – anything that caused a problem for the natural estate.

That included rabbits on Great Barrier Island, where numbers were higher per hectare than in the McKenzie Country and management of possums to the fight against kauri dieback and myrtle rust.

“I always had an interest in plant pathogens and that’s given me the skills to go into the natural estate,” he said.

“Kauri dieback is a Phytophthora and these diseases can take out anything from crop

plants through to big trees.”

But the good news was that he estimated more than half of kauri in the country might be growing on private land, where often they were treasured by farmers who fenced them off, stopping animals such as wild pigs spreading the disease.

“There’s also more opportunity for them to protect the trees because farmers can stop people coming on their properties,” he said.

Phosphite injections, a strategy developed by Plant and Food as a cheap and effective tool to stop trees from dying, could also be used.

When it came to myrtle rust, which had recently been confirmed in several regions of the North Island, Waipara could also put previous experience to good use, having studied fungal rusts on Californian thistle as well as blackberry rust.

“Myrtle rust could also spread to the South Island,” he said.

“But some clever modelling work has been done looking at where there are susceptible myrtle hosts and the right temperature and humidity.”

He was also a science adviser to the Biological Heritage Science

FRONT LINE: Nick Waipara with a kauri tree at Plant and Food’s Mt Albert head office in Auckland.

Challenge, which he saw as a great way of getting the broadest input into solving issues, particularly through the effective use of social science.

One good example of the innovation that could be harnessed was a new app that let citizen scientists check and report symptoms of myrtle rust online.

MORE:

biologicalheritage.nz kaurirescue.org.nz

News

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

33

Plague of wilding pines feared Tim Fulton tim.fulton@nzx.com SEEDS from wilding pines could overrun southern Marlborough, compromising its grape industry, Muller Station owner Steve Satterthwaite says.

He and his wife Mary won a Cawthron Marlborough Environment Award for their achievements in the face of pest plants and vermin.

“Wildings are going to be the new rabbit plague of this dry pastoral country and will have to be tackled with tenacity, vigour and a Government that recognises the implications of the risks, not only to the landscape but also to water yields downstream,” he told a field day on the station.

Last year he led the creation of the South Marlborough Landscape Restoration Trust and a management plan for the region, including the vulnerable Clarence area. Under a new pest management plan, wildings were cut to the bush line in the Leatham area to limit seed rain.

But more wilding seeds were on the way from the west, particularly state-owned Molesworth Station, heading toward the 39,000ha Muller and other farms.

Seeds flew 30-40km in a strong wind so no single person or farm would be able to stop wildings unless they were controlled at the bush line.

Bush-line containment was like holding a front trench in a World War I battlefield: lose it and you’re doomed, he said.

When the native Cantabrian arrived at Muller in January 1971 the station was thoroughly scarred.

“Like all high country stations of that era it was run with musterers, their dogs and not much else.

Wildings are going to be the new rabbit plague of this dry pastoral country.

Steve Satterthwaite Muller Station “There were bugger all fences, no tractors, no fertiliser, hardly any cattle and lots and lots of rabbits; scab weed even on on the most depleted, sunny faces and usually an alcoholic cook who took great delight in serving up mutton, spuds and cabbage and not much else, on a regular basis.”

There was no electricity apart from a groaning old generator.

“If Barry Ben’s wife Margaret was using her sewing machine, as she did frequently, she had to turn the power off to the quarters so it would work.”

That was all very well except that when she forgot to liven up Satterthwaite’s end of the station he would have to trudge down and ask to have the power back.

The Satterthwaites went on to confront broom, hieracium, rabbits, ferrets, bovine TB and latterly the rogue pines. They led the way locally in rotational grazing and planting more productive pasture on hard high country.

In the 70s when the station was full of sheep the clip was less than 50,000kg and micron was around 23.

Now it carried far fewer sheep but produced 80,000kg of wool at 18.5 micron. Cattle accounted for just under half of the stock units these days, mainly because hieracium cut the carrying capacity for sheep on the summer country.

“We have made the difficult decision to get rid of the wethers altogether and are currently in the process of selling them.

“We will use some of the capital from their sale to put in cattle break-fences in the summer country so we can effectively rotate cattle through seven blocks through the summer.”

Satterthwaite wouldn’t claim a win against hieracium or other pests but there were signs the hieracium cycle was starting to wane in areas where it first

AIRBORNE INVASION: Wilding pine seeds can be carried up to 40km on the wind.

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LIKE RABBITS: Wilding pines will become the new rabbits of Marlborough, farmer Steve Satterthwaite says.

invaded. Some native grasses and Hare’s-foot trefoil were beginning to recover 40-45 years on.

The productivity turnaround started with systematic fencing in the 80s when four original ewe blocks became 36.

The increased production and ground cover lifted income and meant rabbits didn’t rebuild so quickly. Scabweed virtually disappeared from the renovated country.

Fencing and improving summer country in the lower Acheron allowed the Satterthwaites to spell the Awatere area through till autumn. It was a break but not a breakthrough.

In September 1997 the rabbitkilling RCD virus “miraculously” arrived in the area, showing no respect for its illegal status.

Satterthwaite said he wouldn’t want to bore people with details of how it got there but hailed it as a saviour.

“We had already spent $100k poisoning rabbits during the autumn of that year and were seriously losing the war.

“Some of our most prone country was beginning to resemble a moonscape.”

Now, as authorities considered a legal, targeted release of a new Korean RCD variant, he urged caution and constant vigilance.

“We must not become complacent because rabbits will return.”

Sub-lethal doses might again immunise rather than destroy hardy populations and communities had to be equipped.

In Marlborough, for example, some of the rabbit-killing knowhow and physical capacity disappeared once farms went into grapes.

For his own part, Satterthwaite said he never considered himself king of his domain.

“Muller’s landscape has changed dramatically during our tenure, sometimes for better and sometimes for the worse.

“Clearly production has improved significantly but that has only been achievable by environmental awareness and improvement.”

Newsmaker

34 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

Cashmere comeback is on cards Thirty years ago the booming cashmere fibre industry imploded and then stagnated. Three years ago David and Robyn Shaw faced the decision of giving up and losing years of genetic gain or developing a solution to tap in to massive demand for the fibre. They told Neal Wallace they chose the latter.

F

OR the last 20 years cashmere goats have largely been a hobby for south Otago farmer David Shaw but having crunched some numbers and seen their contribution to his property he believes a resurgence of the industry could be warranted.

The goats were earning their keep controlling weeds and improving pasture and there was income from the fibre, but when he dug deeper he found they were earning $20 to $40 a head for fibre, with meat value of $6 a kilogram, making them viable in their own right.

International fibre prices are about $US100/kg ($NZ140) gross, similar to values realised in the boom of the 1980s. China is the world’s largest producer.

Shaw believes cashmere goats have a cost-effective role improving the quality of less accessible hill country but that’s a bonus.

Fashion company Untouched World and yarn manufacturer Woolyarns have both said they want New Zealand-grown cashmere to enhance their products and strengthen

NOT KIDDING: South Otago farmer David Shaw believes cashmere goats have a future in weed control and fibre production.

their NZ provenance story.

“They both said ‘you produce it, we’ll use it.’ The challenge for us now is can we encourage farmers to grow it again?” Shaw says.

Goats still roamed many farms and could be the basis of a new form of farm production. Most

produce 200 to 300 grams of fibre but there are bucks bred with the potential to grow 700 to 800 grams.

His finest hogget clips 12 microns and the flock average is 14.5 – comparable with the top 2% of Chinese cashmere production, which is sought-after by the world’s prestigious fashion houses.

Shaw says the environment today is vastly different to the 1980s when the industry spectacularly soared then collapsed.

Meat prices had plummeted with lambs worth $10 and ewes $2, and the economic reforms initiated by the David Lange government that removed farm production subsidies also altered tax laws, which made investment in agriculture appealing to corporate and urban investors.

New industries such as deer farming and goat fibre were major beneficiaries of that investment, with corporate companies such as Cashmere Pacific farming 30,000 goats.

Animal values soared until the 1987 sharemarket crash brought all those excesses to an end.

Shaw recalls many international markets also disappeared.

However, the fashion industry’s love for the softness, comfort and warmth of cashmere never disappeared. Shaw says global fibre sales to the industry are worth about $1.6 billion out of the total market of $60b, and growing by about 3.86% a year.

One gram can be spun into 50 to 100 metres of yarn.

Overstocking in parts of

China and Mongolia has caused sustainability issues, prompting the government to take action that will reduce future production.

“We’re certain in our minds that in next five to 10 year period there will be huge potential building on the very useful farming systems based around cashmere goats.”

No nobody else was going to do it so we decided to either give up or get something going.

David Shaw Farmer David and his wife, Robyn, have established the New Zealand Cashmere company, a vehicle to spread information about the industry and to also nurture growth by making cashmere genetics available to farmers at nominal cost.

“What we need is volume.

Markets are there, we know the value of the market and we need to produce more fibre.”

About 25,000 animals produce about five to 10 tonnes, which his research showed could be consumed domestically. Current NZ production is about one tonne.

Shaw uses the goats on his 400ha South Otago farm near Clinton largely to control weeds, something he says they do well, chewing flowers off

nodding thistles, gorse and other unwanted plants. They graze from the top down and hardly touch the clover.

A few years ago he was offered the chance to buy an established cashmere goat stud, and it dawned on him there were few farms left producing the fibre, which was holding the industry back.

He runs about 750 goats, about 5% of the total stock units on his cattle and lamb finishing property, but decided to make a push to get more people interested in farming for the fibre.

“No nobody else was going to do it so we decided to either give up or get something going.”

He has focused on breeding goats with cover, density and conformation but his flock was also producing some incredibly fine, quality fibre that was comparable to best coming out of China.

Shaw has had to do some minor modifications to goat-proof his farm. As a rule of thumb he says if a dog can get through a fence, a goat can as well.

Electrified wires on an outrigger now ring paddocks at kneeheight, and an extra rail has been added to his sheep yards.

Goats are shorn once a year and Shaw has a system where he can do it with them standing up, shearing 200 a day. Males are castrated.

Shaw says the industry peaked at about 1.3 million in the late 1980s and while it was difficult to say how many there were now, he could see an industry built around a flock of 100,000.

New thinking

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

35

Wool offers hope for ocean life The impact of synthetics on wool sales has been crushing over the past 40 years. But AgResearch work on wool and how it breaks down in the marine environment might turn wool’s fortunes around. Ironically, after years of wool’s durability being a key promotion point, it might yet be its ability to break down at the end of its life that proves a compelling quality to promote to consumers. Richard Rennie spoke to lead researcher Stephen Ranford about what makes wool an environmentally friendlier option than plastic for the world’s oceans.

T

HE level of plastics in the world’s oceans has reached truly staggering proportions.

In the relatively short period of only 50 years 160 million tonnes are estimated to be floating around the planet and a report released last year estimated by 2050 the weight of plastic will exceed that of fish in the sea.

AgResearch senior scientist Steve Ranford describes that amount of plastic as one of the greatest global challenges facing humans, with an impact that means we might be literally eating plastic without even realising it.

“While figures for total plastics are themselves quite staggering, the real risks to ocean food chains and sea life is in the microfibre plastics. These are less than 5mm in size that can be ingested by sea life and even possibly ultimately by humans eating seafood.”

Estimates are of the 12.5m tonnes of plastics put into the oceans every year, 3.2m tonnes are plastic particles less the 5mm in size.

One source is from wearing and washing synthetic clothing and other materials in washing machines.

Tiny fibres come loose with every wash and travel with water into drains and ultimately ocean

outfalls with household grey water.

They then pass into the marine food chain and evidence exists of zooplankton ingesting floating micro plastics that then end up in bigger organisms, including whales.

A significant tonnage reaches the deep sea floor, representing a risk of being fed on by bottom dwellers.

It is expected wool fibres, being a natural fibre made largely of protein, will break down at a faster and more environmentally absorbable rate than plastic products in the ocean.

Ranford’s team is working alongside Scion scientists to study the impact salt water has on the rate and method of wool fibre’s breakdown.

Past land-based research has given scientists some reassurance their hypothesis about wool’s benign ability to break down in marine environments will yield some encouraging outcomes.

“Earlier AgResearch work has included grinding up a piece of 100% wool carpet, burying it and then studying its effect on dry matter yield which increased between 24% and 82% in the study crop.”

The breakdown took place from two weeks to six months and the

SAVE THE PLANET: AgResearch scientist Stephen Ranford and his team hope to prove wearing wool garments will be much better than synthetics for the world’s marine life.

yield increase reflected wool’s natural organic components that count key nutrients like carbon (50%), calcium, sulphur, nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and magnesium.

There is already proof that wool has this very positive end of life/recycling story to tell.

Stephen Ranford AgResearch “So there is already proof that wool has this very positive end of life/recycling story to tell and, really, it’s a feature that has not been considered that much before when considering the tonnage of plastics entering the environment.”

As the world’s enormous spirals of plastic waste in the oceans threaten to join and expand, the wool industry is working hard to raise the profile of its natural fibre.

“The International Wool Textile Organisation (IWTO) already has some clear, industry-agreed standards that are already addressing environmental credentials, including animal welfare standards, scouring and processing techniques.”

These are all largely as a result of European Union requirements responding to consumer demands.

“These companies are operating with protein fibres in a sensitive way and now further scientific evidential information needs to be put in front of consumers to help them choose products.”

Many of the wool standards and processes now in play have also been sourced from New Zealand innovation work and Ranford hopes the results of the research on breakdown will provide more data for those standards.

He acknowledges there has been something of a gap in research over wool’s capacity to break down in an environmentally friendly way, with greater focus more on its naturalness as a fibre, performance when worn and animal welfare.

“There was some early work done during the Kuwait Gulf

war period when wool-based oil booms were developed and that indicated bacterial and fungal breakdown did occur in marine environments.”

Scion’s researchers will use laboratory and pilot plant equipment to measure wool samples in a simulated marine environment for 90 days.

Sensors are providing in-situ data on breakdown rates and conversion of elements, including carbon, during the process.

But researchers are also curious about wool’s ability to maintain its durability and wearability despite it breaking down in a relatively short time in earlier soil-based experiments.

“You typically wash a wool item less frequently than other apparel items and it maintains its appearance and wearability for a long time.

“But if you did want to down cycle and biodegrade it at the end of its life you can also use it to grow plants.

“It is a fascinating, resilient product in the way it can maintain its life as a fibre when laundered correctly but will also have quite a positive effect at the end of that product life.”

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Helping grow the country

Opinion

36 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

EDITORIAL

Go at it in new ways

T

HIS week’s paper has a story on cashmere goats, once the next big thing in New Zealand farming before the industry lost its way in the 1980s and there has apparently been little interest in it since.

A farmer down south wants to change that and has formed an organisation to push the fibre and bring it back to prominence.

That type of thinking needs to be not only applauded but encouraged.

To the outsider, NZ farming can look quite one dimensional.

For more than a decade it’s been dairy that’s dominated our industry.

Now, there’s absolutely nothing wrong with turning grass into milk — it’s been the backbone of our national economy for most of that time.

But diversity is also good. It insulates the industry as a whole from the peaks and troughs of particular commodity prices.

It also puts the NZ brand on a wider range of products, something high-end producers around the world are more than happy to do.

Other farming systems once thought a bit out-there are also getting up a head of steam.

Sheep and goat milking are gaining more of a profile, with both farmers and consumers drawn to the high nutrition, low impact equation on offer.

But it’s not just farming that’s helping farmers make a buck.

Boutique farmstays, walking tracks and other tourist attractions are also giving another income stream to farmers here.

This type of business not only puts money in the back pocket, if done right, it also helps tell our rural stories.

If even a small percentage of the tourists who visit NZ each year take a look at a farm and see the landscape, imagine the reach we’ll get when they tell their stories back home.

These ventures don’t have to replace the more traditional practices of growing milk, meat, wool and fruit, though, who knows, for some they might.

But having a bob each way might work for a lot of farmers.

It also isn’t bad news that goats can keep the callies under control as well.

Bryan Gibson

LETTERS

Donald Trump does rule in the air DEAR neighbour.

Steve, I’ve waited until Rear Admiral Dr Jackson delivered his medical report on President Trump.

Jackson, presidential doctor to George H Bush and Obama, passed Trump with flying colours, denying CNN and the rest of the anti-Trump media more fuel to use against him (although they’ve tried).

This 100% pass applies to the armchair mental heath nutters who’ve broken all ethical standards with their comments. None of them has ever interviewed Trump or seen his medical records.

Jackson answered the question of Trump slurring his speech at the end of the Jerusalem announcement.

It was dry mouth from a

dose of Sudafed, prescribed

by Jackson, that dehydrated his mouth more than expected.

And yes, America does have a huge number of nuclear weapons. The command to fire from the president goes to the nuclear command centre where a navy officer receives the order and has to verify it.

This officer alone has the power to say no to the president, an ability backed up by a mountain of laws protecting the decision. The officer is then responsible for sending the order, or not, to the silo commanders.

As regards Trump’s claims about airline safety, any airline or pilot who wants to fly to the United States and its territories has to abide by Federal Aviation Authority standards.

An FAA inspector can ground any airliner or pilot if there’s a problem with either anywhere in the world.

The FAA standards are considered the highest in the world.

That means Air New Zealand and Qantas are just two of many airlines that fly under FAA rules, as well as NZ and Australian rules. So, Trump can make the claim about airline safety you refer to.

Steve, I suggest you go online and watch the 55-minute White House press conference given by Jackson.

Change back

the press of the increased frequency of such events with climate change.

In his book Growing a Revolution, Professor David Montgomery describes the practices of a scattering of farmers worldwide who have reverted to some preindustrial farming methods combined with the latest soil science knowledge.

One of the minor effects of these methods has been hugely increased infiltration of water into the soil with the accompanying mitigation of downstream flooding.

Best of all, from the point of view of the farmers, they achieved a dramatic improvement in their bottom lines.

OUR recent floods are accompanied by reports in

William Hughes-Games Waipara

John McCormick Waipukurau

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Opinion

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

37

Emissions equations not so simple Ross Goudie

A

FTER reading the article Emissions bill $44 million (January 22) several times I have some bricks and bouquets for the new minister.

Firstly, the agriculture sector is already in the ETS by way of a charge for their electricity use, and petrol and diesel [ETS levy of approximately 3 cents a litre ], the same as everyone else.

The 2015 greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions and removals by source puts agriculture at 48% of the 80 megatonnes (Mt) New Zealand produces, or 38.4Mt. NZ has offsets of approximately 20Mt forestry and other land use changes, so perhaps 48% could be given to agriculture — about 9Mt. According to the Ministry for the Environment website, NZ has enough carbon credits to meet the 2020 target and beyond. It will depend on how many trees are cut down and the rapid increase in transport emissions. Perhaps the new minister could look hard at that. The MFE website also details the free allocations to many NZ firms.

It is not as simple as livestock reduction.

Research can make NZ a leader with technology it can sell to the rest of the world.

I think the soft landing the minster is doing is all about PR, and it’s great that $44m is going in to agriculture to aid the transition.

The tax would be a blatant added cost to food production and will not achieve even a 1% reduction of GHG onfarm. Many farms have made a considerable effort to farm with more consideration of

The

Pulpit

the environment, including GHG emissions.

As I understand it, the coalition agreement between Labour and NZ First has a clause about agriculture going into the ETS only if the Climate Change Commission makes that decision. We now have the minister deciding beforehand that agriculture will be in. It would seem the minister will be writing the rules and terms of reference for an Interim Climate Change Commission. The full version will come later but with the minister’s directions will now not be independent.

While the research is going on in the agriculture sector, 50% paid by farmers to find ways of reducing methane production from animals, I hope the minister continues to fund the other 50%.

There are two things I would agree with the minister on.

Technically, it is not possible to determine what GHG is produced at individual farm level.

It is not as simple as livestock reduction.

Research can make NZ a leader with technology it can sell to the rest of the world.

Although not referred to,

the one billion tree, 1 million hectares planted that the minister supports, is a great idea and I hope it is achieved.

This could contribute 25 to 30Mt more offset but only if the right trees are planted. Long lived hardwood and Douglas Fir are 2 to 3 times better than natives.

They are needed if the minister has any hope to achieve a net Zero by 2050. This is 35Mt below the present target.

Lastly the transition to lower carbon emissions management systems should be for everyone, not just farming. As the PM has said it all sectors should contribute.

If farming is to go low-emission production, so should all other sectors, remembering the Paris Agreement requires our transformation pathway ensures a just transition for all.

EXPERT: Ross Goudie owns a Waihi dairy farm once-a-day milking 120 cows. He spent 12 years on the Western Bay of Plenty District Council and is a Resource Management Act independent commissioner, qualified as a chairman.

Where emissions come from

Includes: Steel – 2.2% Refrigeration and air conditioning – 1.8% Cement and lime – 1.1% Aluminium – 0.9% Includes: Food processing (eg milk drying) – 3.7% Fugitive emissions from fuels – 2.8% Chemicals – 2.2%

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90% of transport emissions are caused by road vehicles 67% of this methane comes from cattle

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Opinion

38 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

Beingmate shows up incompetence Alternative View

Alan Emerson

I’VE been critical of the spin coming from the Fonterra hierarchy over the years but their effort on the Beingmate debacle overshadows everything else.

For a start, on October 3 last year you can read how Fonterra wasn’t regretful about Beingmate.

Chairman John Wilson told us the board has no regrets over the $700 million investment in troubled Chinese child nutrition trader Beingmate.

By contrast you can read a Credit Suisse report dated September 6 last year, almost a month before the Fonterra supportive statement, telling us Beingmate had recently come out of a trading halt and sales and earnings are significantly down on when Fonterra invested and have not delivered to date.

What I found interesting was the company position, expressed

by Wilson, was at variance with the Credit Suisse position a month earlier.

Surely the co-op would have been aware of that.

That Credit Suisse report came

ahead of another on September 6 that said the Fonterra updates on Beingmate since it invested have been limited.

They also said Beingmate has moved from a net cash position to a net debt position at the end of the 2016 financial year.

I found it incredibly surprising that in Farmers Weekly of October 2 last year we have the headline Beingmate ready to make money.

Not according to my research.

Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings told us things were indeed rosy with Beingmate and its position in the Chinese infant formula market.

The further issue is that Fonterra proudly told us that it would receive $16m of dividends each year from its Beingmate shares.

An idle dream surely and so much for Beingmate being a cornerstone of Fonterra’s Chinese strategy and it being a gamechanger in the Chinese market.

I was further surprised by the Fonterra chairman’s statement in the annual report that Beingmate’s troubles need to be interpreted in the context of overall milk markets in China.

“Beingmate’s performance, while very disappointing, is a reflection of China’s market conditions, which remain challenging for everyone in the infant formula market due to the impact of regulatory changes.”

I would also suggest it wasn’t the

regulatory market that brought Beingmate down.

Then on January 22 we can read that Fonterra criticises Beingmate after extremely disappointing earnings downgrade.

Beingmate lost in the last calendar year somewhere between $171m and $214m.

“We are extremely disappointed by the announcement and the ongoing performance of the company,” Fonterra said in a statement.

That struck me from two sides.

The first was that the result, as I’ve pointed out, can hardly have been surprising to Fonterra. Credit Suisse was alluding to it months ago.

The second was the statement, Fonterra said.

That’s absolute rubbish. So now when days are dark we no longer have the chairman or chief executive making statements it is the co-operative.

Their spin is out of control.

So what are they going to do now?

They can’t sell their shares in Beingmate as they’re effectively worth nothing and who would buy them?

Trying to take the company over would be equally as disastrous.

Now Beingmate is blaming Fonterra for its losses in China, putting the co-op in an impossible position.

Fonterra hasn’t had a great run in China. It invested in

HAPPIER TIMES: Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings, left, and chairman John Wilson might not be smiling about the Beingmate investment.

43% of Sanlu before the food contamination crisis.

It’s all on top of the $183m hit by Danone from the 2013 botulism scare, just from the Singapore case. The NZ litigation has yet to come.

I was intrigued to read a column asking who’s accountable for Fonterra’s multi-billion dollar mistakes.

It’s a fair question begging answers.

It tells us Fonterra was offered a 19.99% share in A2 Milk in 2013 that would have cost $60m.

On the current share price if the venture had gone ahead Fonterra shareholders would have had a capital gain of almost $1.4 billion.

Instead they wasted $755m on the dog that is Beingmate.

So who is being held accountable?

The tragedy is that no-one is — be they management, board or the gold-plated rubber stamp, the Shareholders Council.

Instead, we have been subjected

to what I would term dodgy spin over the Beingmate debacle which has been at variance with the views of respected economic commentators.

The Fonterra share price has tumbled from $6.66 to $6.29, a 6% drop in equity for all shareholders be they farmers or investors.

Forsyth Barr has put a target on it of $6.20, lower than the current price.

Brokers I spoke to have suggested incompetent governance and management as a reason for not recommending shares.

Beingmate is proof of that incompetence at all levels.

Fonterra shareholders and indeed the country deserve better.

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

The dangers of vegetarian diets literally in some cases, in the number of fatal fart attacks.

“This is a serious, in both senses of the word, health problem and not to be taken lightly,” health authorities’ spokeswoman Di Seazes said.

Some people have seriously injured themselves by farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz trying to hold in excessive Agribusiness (1) amounts of gas Assistant Manager (2) Contract Milker (3) when in polite Dairy (5) company.

Farm Assistant (1) Farm Manager (10) The pressure General Hand (1) that puts on Livestock Coordinator (1) internal organs Sales Opportunities (1) Scholarships (1) is causing a Sharemilker (1) headache for Shepherd (2) Shepherd General (3) doctors and South Pacific Meats Positions (1) adding thousands Stock Manager (1) to waiting lists for USA Harvest Workers (1) operations.

Some people Employers: Advertise your vacancy in the have also caused employment section of the Farmers Weekly serious tears to and as added value it will be uploaded to their bottoms farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz for one month or close of application. when they eventually let the Contact Debbie Brown 06 323 0765 pressure escape. or email classifieds@nzx.com And there are

THE Government is rushing to bring in emergency regulations to limit the consumption of vegetable products after an explosion, quite

RURAL SECTOR

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also unforeseen consequences.

One man recently killed himself and six relatives while injuring another 15 at a family Christmas gathering.

After overdosing on salad at lunchtime they made a serious attempt to eat most of the Brussels’ sprouts at the roast dinner in the evening.

The man then sat down and, unfortunately, lit a cigarette in the dangerous family atmosphere, the survivors of the resultant explosion said.

“Not only is it killing people it is swamping hospitals and surgeries with thousands of reckless plant eaters who then need time off work costing the country billion in lost productivity.

“It’s got to the stage where doctors now have to prescribe meat to give these people some substance.

“We’re thinking of bringing in fines for people who wilfully abuse themselves by not eating meat,” she said.

“Their behaviour is also high unpatriotic if not treasonous,” MP and farmer Kau Pattize said. ”If they weren’t already killing themselves I’d suggest we bring back the death penalty for such treachery.

“We might have to do that anyway, though. The number of unemployed farmers is putting such a strain on the dole bill we’ll have to find a new way of raising money.

“I reckon charging for admission to public executions will raise enough. Working on the principle that politicians have spent the last several hundred years fixing things that aren’t broken the fact most of these people are already dead shouldn’t be an obstacle.

“We’ll just pass a law giving them temporary membership of the living.

“Most of these greenies appear to come from another planet anyway so we can just say we’re protecting ourselves from aliens if any idiotic starts talking about human rights.”

Sezes said most of the problems stemmed from people overindulging in foods like beans, broccoli, Brussels’ sprouts and raw cabbage.

People were also eating huge quantities of novel foods made from organisms such as algae, bacteria and fungi of the sort found on compost heaps.

“They think these foods are good for them but in such

Yeah Right

Stephen Bell

quantities they are an explosive mixture.

“People are in effect eating rotting vegetation and other degrading material and becoming mini methane-making machines.”

And that was creating another problem.

“New Zealand has now become the land of the long white gas cloud,” environment authorities spokes woman Claire Thair said. “Öur greenhouse gas emissions reductions targets are now unattainable.”

And, Seazes said, that was making the air in less windy, in the old-fashioned sense of the word, almost unbreatheable on some days.

“In high population areas with lots of windy vegetarians and

Continued page 39

Opinion

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

39

When the wheels come off, panic From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

I’VE got a pine forest to go out very shortly.

Thirty years ago, when I was busy planting and pruning the trees, harvest seemed like an infinite time span sometime in the distant future.

Now, somewhat quicker than expected, the time to bid them farewell is here.

The prospect of the harvest is not thrilling me because of the preparation required, the mess left behind and the shortterm disruption to my farming operation.

For now, it’s the preparation that is consuming my thoughts.

Last week a 20-tonne digger was coming in to put a crossing over a gully for the logging trucks that might be used for only a month and then perhaps again in 30 years time.

I needed to widen my road gateway for the logging trucks anyway so shifted the strainer to add a double gate and dropped a culvert into the water table so the

Continued from page 38 little natural wind there are major respiratory problems.”

However, people in places like Wellington and Palmerston North are faring better as nature blows away the pollution.

Similarly, people who have recently been students are not too badly affected because they are used to living with the consequences of eating cheap beans, lentils and cabbage.

They are accustomed to living in smelly conditions in grotty flats,

transporter for the digger could get onto the farm easily.

The problem being that the metal truck wasn’t going to be coming until after the digger had finished the crossing so I had to get some red metal over the new pipe.

I was pondering this dilemma while driving into town when, like manna from heaven, one of my neighbours was there on the side of the road with a tandem trailer that looked miraculously like it might be a tip trailer.

It was. And being a good man he was happy to lend it to me for my one load required. I don’t often get this lucky.

Usually I’m loath to borrow things because of a couple of bad experiences in the past but this should be a straightforward transaction.

I carted the trailer with my ute to another excellent neighbour’s red metal pit and walked home and fetched my ancient tractor.

Five bucket loads of material later I was off cautiously back to the road.

There I was met by Mike, an enthusiastic salesman from Vet Services, but I was on a mission and I invited him to follow me down the road to observe the wonder of the battery-powered tip trailer.

Travelling at a cautious 30kmh and within 100 meters of my

particularly in Dunedin.

There are also major law and order implications, police spokesman (Big) Rod O’Fien said.

“We understand using farts as an offensive weapon started innocently enough but then got out of hand.

“People did things like letting off if they were in a hurry to get to the head of a queue or wanted a table in a crowded restaurant.

“These things were not good manners but they weren’t illegal.

“Then the vandals got in on the act and started using their

NOT EASY: Providing access for forest harvest has been far from simple for Steve Wyn-Harris.

destination there was a bang and a lurch.

I immediately thought the trailer had come off the ball despite having checked that I had the right ball size, that the trailer was properly secured and the chain engaged.

I leapt out and Mike hollered that a wheel had come off. Sure enough there was a wheel in the water table and three of the five bolts stripped and lying like dead skittles on the road.

You know how some people are very cool in a crisis and others go to pieces? I’m in the latter category but fortunately Mike is of the former excellent group.

He took me back to my tractor and once back to the trailer I

proceeded to shovel madly in the heat, material into the bucket to lighten the load and deposited it over the culvert.

Meanwhile, Daniel from up the road arrived and, like Mike, is excellent in a crisis.

He got timber from my nearby yards and he and Mike used their jacks to lift the now half empty trailer up and put the wheel back on and borrowed a few bolts from the other three wheels.

They both reckoned I should write about the experience but I said no, folk think I have enough problems in my life already.

I cautiously drove the 100 metres and, in a textbook manoeuvre, the trailer deposited the balance of the metal over the new crossing,

emissions to blow up public toilets. Unfortunately we didn’t catch them because we had nothing to go on.

“But now things have taken a serious criminal turn.

“Last week a group of thieves wearing gas masks went into a dairy and all let off at once.

“This threw the customers into a blind panic as they rushed from the shop so they didn’t manage to get any descriptions.

“While the owner and his wife were lying on the floor holding their noses and searching for some

breatheable air the thieves made off it cash, cigarettes and prepacked salads.

“People should be aware police will not tolerate this new threat to law and order and intend to get to the bottom of the matter as quickly as possible,” O’Fien said.

“They’re not going to make arses of us.”

Criminal Fraternity Robin Banks said there seemed to be no honour among thieves these days and such behaviour was not condoned.

“But it’s not a matter we want

Stay Farmstrong.

Hang Out With Your Mates.

Connecting with your mates is a massive part of keeping well, whether you’re farming or playing rugby. Sharing the ups and downs of life helps you keep things in perspective and recharge your batteries. So whether it’s hunting, fishing, playing sport or just having a barbie, make sure you catch up with your mates this summer.

allowing the transporter easy access the following day.

Next morning, I got the sheep in for shearing and took the trailer into town to make sure I got the right replacement bolts. But no one could supply me with the cap that goes over the axel nut so I’ve spent quite some time walking up and down the grass on the roadside hoping to stand on it and will next hire a metal detector.

I returned the trailer and did my profound apologies although everyone involved agreed I was unlucky as the bolts indicated wear longer than the hour I’d been in charge.

Feeling back in control of my life, I went to clean the woolshed out for the shearers only to notice that my four shearing plants had completely disappeared.

Not stolen but the booked-in maintenance man had finally arrived and obviously decided they needed some tender loving care back at the workshop.

I thought I was going to have to let the ewes out but the shearing contractor sent two shearers with portable plants today and all in my world is back as it should be.

Until tomorrow.

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

to give too much air. It’s tainting honest criminals.”

Treasury think tank spokeswoman Penny Forrem said it thought leaders were worried the high demand for vegetable matter and plant proteins could add to inflation.

Green movement spokesman Ty M’Bom said people should not stop eating their greens because they helped keep their movements regular.

“These so-called problems have been blown up out of all proportion.”

Farmstrong is a rural wellbeing programme sharing farmer-to-farmer tips and advice. Find out more at

farmstrong.co.nz

To find out what else could work for you, visit FS002

World

40 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

Push back against vegans is needed MEAT and dairy suppliers must push the health benefits of eating those products if they are to effectively counter the efforts of the vegan lobby and boost sales, new research suggests.

An Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board survey examined how aware consumers are of health messaging, and how responsive they are to particular health claims.

It follows an upsurge in the campaigning efforts of vegan and vegetarian groups to turn people off eating meat and dairy products.

The survey found about half of consumers said they would increase their consumption of beef, lamb and dairy products if they were made aware of the health benefits.

“Positive health messages could be a good way of promoting these products and convincing people to buy into these categories,” AHDB consumer insight manager Steven Evans said.

The study comes as a monthlong campaign by anti-meat groups, termed Veganuary, draws to a close.

The initiative has been supported by a large number of

animal welfare and vegetarian groups, with the aim of converting people to a vegan diet in January.

The campaign has ensured considerable exposure in national media, including the Victoria Derbyshire programme on Monday January 29, in which farmers said they had been subjected to death threats by increasingly militant vegan activists.

The Veganuary website includes many claims about the way animals are supposedly mistreated on farms.

It also majors on claimed health issues with eating meat and dairy, such as exposure to antibiotic residues and food-borne infections and identifies ways in which a vegan diet can enhance nutrition.

To counter such messages the AHDB has recently launched a new set of guidelines to explain the nutritional benefits of including red meat in the diet.

A new online facility provides more than 70 key messages about the benefits of including beef, lamb and pork in the diet.

It sets out how red meat can be accurately promoted to consumers using scientifically

What the survey found ABOUT 50% of consumers said they would increase consumption of beef, lamb and dairy following exposure to health messages.

Consumers who already buy meat and dairy would be most responsive to positive health messages.

Younger consumers are more likely to limit red meat and dairy consumption for health reasons, compared with older consumers.

Younger consumers buy significantly more red meat and dairy alternatives than older consumers.

Younger consumers are more likely to increase red meat and dairy consumption than older consumers in response to positive health messaging.

substantiated nutrition and health claims expressed in clear, consumer-friendly language.

“We hope that retailers, processors and producers alike will use the guides to help shout about all the nutritional benefits beef, lamb and pork bring to a balanced diet.”

MILK MESSAGE: The British dairy industry needs to focus on consumers who aren’t opposed to agriculture.

Think positive, UK dairying told BRITISH dairying has been tasked with negating every antidairy message with five positive messages about the industry to tackle growing criticism from pressure groups.

That was the message from livestock sustainability consultant Dr Judith Capper at the recent annual Semex Dairy Conference as she called on dairy farmers to get the right messages out to consumers.

It came as Dairy UK chief executive Dr Judith Bryans announced the launch of a website (tellitlikeitis.co.uk) where farmers and industry members could find inspiration of what to post online.

While vegans and vegetarians made up a small part of the

population, Capper, who has been subjected to vicious online abuse from protesters, said they had loud voices and she had noticed an increasing number of messages focusing on dairy’s effect on the environment.

But she said liquid milk had quite a low carbon footprint when considering its nutrient density to climate impact, lower than soy or oat alternatives.

“The higher the yield, generally, the lower the carbon footprint and productivity is vital to environmental impact,” she said.

The industry should not focus on extremes, but on the consumers without a fixed opinion of agriculture.

“We are not going to change them into becoming happy meat-

and milk-eating people any more than they are going to change us into vegetarians and vegans.”

Bryans said the campaign, centred on the fictional Department of Dairy Related Affairs, was targeting young families and how giving up dairy could have a knock-on effect on the next generation.

The campaign used humour to remind people why they fell in love with dairy and was looking to use bloggers to reach more of the target audience, alongside adverts in tube and train stations.

Most of the response to the adverts had been positive and, while not all farmers would like it, young consumers were positive about quirkier messages.

UK Farmers Guardian

GOOD HEALTH: Telling customers about the health benefits of meat and dairy products can help sales.

Red meat’s health benefits RED meat is a rich source of niacin (vitamin B3), vitamin B6, vitamin B12 and zinc.

It is also a source of potassium and phosphorus while beef provides riboflavin and iron.

Lamb is a source of pantothenic acid.

Protein in beef and lamb supports muscle growth and bone maintenance.

Phosphorus helps normal energy production in the body.

Potassium helps the nervous system to work normally.

Zinc helps with fertility and reproduction.

Niacin and riboflavin help with skin maintenance and reduced tiredness. Iron increases oxygen transportation and boosts the immune system.

Pantothenic acid helps with energy production and mental function.

Source: AHDB

Minister backs milk campaign BRITAIN’S Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Minister George Eustice hit out at extremists as he voiced support for the #Februdairy campaign to celebrate the milk sector.

Launched on February 1, the month-long campaign aims to flood social media with thousands of posts to promote the British dairy industry and the health benefits of milk.

It follows a #Veganuary initiative when vegans urged consumers to avoid meat and dairy products altogether – often abusing farmers online in the process.

Speaking at the Norfolk Farming Conference, Eustice lent his backing to British dairy farmers – describing the #Februdairy campaign as perfectly reasonable.

“I have milk in my coffee, I have milk on my cereal and I am a big fan of all sorts of British cheeses so I am quite happy to give my support to the dairy industry.

Dairy products were an important part of a healthy, balanced diet, Eustice said.

“We do live in a rather

intolerant age.

“I think there is something about social media that often makes people who would ordinarily be perfectly polite act in a rather vicious and outrageous way.

“As a politician I’ve had a lot of experience of that – as a lot of politicians do.

“I am sorry that your perfectly reasonable campaign has faced the same thing from such extreme people holding extreme views.”

The #Februdairy campaign was sparked by livestock sustainability consultant Dr Jude Capper who suggested people post positive messages online throughout February.

The idea has quickly gathered pace and supporters.

Capper said farmers needed to respond to anti-livestock groups who are trying to persuade people to boycott meat and dairy products.

Farmers should put more effort into educating consumers about the truths of the industry and use facts to promote meat and dairy products, she said.

World

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

41

Green farmers get vegan death threats

We went from 30 five-star reviews to over 850.

Jonny Crickmore Farmer FW judges singled the couple out as dairy innovators who have turned their struggling dairy business after they decided to sell their milk directly to the public through vending machines.

Meanwhile, United Kingdom dairy farmers have been celebrating all that is good about their industry by posting pictures and stories about their work online under the month-long Twitter campaign #Februdairy The Crickmores say they have been left shaken by the death threats but the onslaught has backfired because they have been

backed by almost 900 five-star reviews – and sales have soared.

Crickmore said they had been flooded with “five solid days of death threats” on Facebook and Twitter.

The activists even targeted their two young children.

“We have had some really horrible comments,” he said.

“It kicked off from a post we put on Facebook and Twitter when we had calf triplets born.

“We put a message out and some vegans found it and posted it onto these activist groups in America – and within a few hours last Thursday (January 25) it escalated.”

“They sent loads of questions across to us but we didn’t reply to any of them.

“It just got worse and worse.”

Crickmore, who’s committed to green, environmentally friendly farming, said he was forced to block hundreds of vegans after being overwhelmed by the tidal wave of abuse.

He also reported the barrage of attacks to police and an officer went out to see them.

“I’m quite thick-skinned but my wife didn’t like it at all.

“We have been careful to lock all our doors, etc,” Crickmore, whose 356ha farm produces rare natural whole raw milk and cheese, said.

“We have never had nasty things like this said about us before.

“A few of our customers even got abuse back as well.

“We chose to delete the post.

“We wrote a new post explaining to everyone who had seen this what we do at our farm and off the back of that this post

BACKFIRE: A torrent of abuse and death threats from vegans didn’t work when the publicity generated increased sales for green farmers Dulcie and Jonny Crickmore.

got shared over 400 times.”

They were thrilled and reassured by the massive, positive online response from customers and the wider public.

“We went from 30 five-star reviews to over 850,” Crickmore said.

“Our sales are up and people have found us through all this nasty stuff.”

A Vegan Society spokesman said “Veganism rejects violence and encourages compassion towards living beings and this incident is not representative

whole and a transition to a of the vegan movement as a more sustainable, healthier whole. and compassionate farming “We certainly condemn any system.” threats of violence and encourage UK Farmers Weekly vegan activists to share their messages peacefully and positively.

“Vegans rely on farmers for food.

“We are not against them.

“But we do want to see an end to animal AWDT Understanding Your Farming Business agriculture as a 3 full-day workshops and an evening graduation ceremony run

Return to nature to avert crisis THE Prince of Wales has praised the idea of government incentives to encourage farmers to adopt more widespread environmental measures once Britain leaves the European Union.

Policy-makers are waking up to an impending ecological crisis, he suggested.

In a video address to the Norfolk Farming Conference, Prince Charles said mixed farming systems managed to combine conservation and food production in an integrated form.

“It has been somewhat souldestroying to witness the way in which perverse incentives have encouraged farmers to adopt practices that have had such a devastating effect,” he said.

“I am, of course, speaking here of the indirect consequences of modern intensive farming systems which have caused the destruction of so much of our natural capital and biodiversity.”

They included a precipitous decline in soil fertility,

SAVIOUR: Mixed farming willl provide much-needed long-term benefits for the planet, public health and local communities, Prince Charles says.

wetlands, wildlife meadows, pollinating insects and other indicators of a healthy environment.

Prince Charles didn’t refer specifically to pledges by Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Secretary Michael Gove to secure a green Brexit for United Kingdom agriculture and the wider environment.

But his comments chime with Gove’s suggestion farmers should be

rewarded more widely for environmental measures after the UK leaves the EU. They also echo recommendations by government adviser Dieter Helm, who believes postBrexit agricultural policy should focus on natural capital and environmental enhancement.

Prince Charles said he felt the vast majority of farmers would much prefer to switch to food production systems that work with the grain of nature.

Instead of treating the symptoms but not the cause, it would be better to work without chemical inputs, he said.

“If you get the balance right it is possible to produce very acceptable yields while at the same time keeping a balance of natural and social capital.”

A more environmental approach to farming was long overdue, he said.

“At long last, it now appears that agricultural policymakers are waking up to the impending ecological crisis,” he said.

“Not before time, new incentives are being considered that could enable farmers to return to what used to be referred to as mixed farming.”

More and more people would be in favour of the introduction of incentives to make such a change possible – alongside greater encouragement for more local production, he added.

Despite all the challenges involved, such a move could provide much-needed longterm benefits for the planet, public health and local communities.

“As ever, I suspect more and more farmers would support a transition of this nature, which I daresay would constitute the greatest farming evolution for more than a century.

“But with the brilliant capacities for marketing and innovation that have always been the hallmark of the farming community, I can assure them you can rise to the challenge.”

UK Farmers Weekly

0076663

200x71.67

agrievents

over four months Te Anau: 08/03/2018, 05/04/2018 and 03/05/2018 Cheviot: 14/02/2018, 14/03/2018, 11/04/2018 and 09/05/2018 Kaitaia: 14/02/2018, 14/03/2018/11/04/2018 and 09/05/2018 Greymouth: 21/02/2018, 21/03/2018, 18/04/2018 and 16/05/2018 Fox Glacier: 22/02/2018, 22/03/2018, 19/04/2018 and 17/05/2018 Contact: anna@awdt.org.nz or 06 377 4560 Website: To register for the programme go to http://www.awdt. org.nz/programmes/understanding-your-farming-business/

AWDT Wahine Maia, Wahine Whenu 3 full-day workshops and an evening graduation ceremony run over four months Kaikohe: 15/02/2018, 15/03/2018, 12/04/2018 and 10/05/2018 Masterton: 27/02/2018, 27/03/2018, 24/04/2018 and 22/05/2018 Contact: anna@awdt.org.nz or 06 377 4560 Website: To register for the programme go to http://www.awdt. org.nz/programmes/uyfb-wahine-maia-wahine-whenua/ Saturday 17/02/2018 FMG Young Farmer of the Year East Coast Regional Final Venue: Solway Showgrounds, Masterton Time: 8.00am to 3.00pm Admission: Free Website: http://www.fmgyoungfarmercontest.co.nz/regionalfinals/ Saturday 10/03/2018 FMG Young Farmer of the Year Waikato Regional Awards Venue: Energy Events Centre, Queens Drive, Rotorua Time: 6.00-10.00pm Tickets: http://www.fmgyoungfarmercontest.co.nz/regionalfinals/ Thursday 15/03/2018 to Saturday 17/03/2018 Central Districts Field Days Venue: Manfield, South Street, Feilding Time: Thursday and Friday 9.00am to 4.30pm; Saturday 9.00am to 4.00pm Tickets: Earlybird: Adults: $15.00; Earlybird: Seniors 65+: $13.00; Children aged 5 - 15: $5.00; Children under 4: $0.00; After 1 March: Adults: $18.00; At the gate: Seniors 65+: $13.00; At the gate: Adults: $20.00

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Phone 0800 85 25 80 or email adcopy@nzx.com

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VEGANS have bombarded an award-winning young dairy farmer, his wife and children with hundreds of chilling death threats.

The American activists blasted Jonny and Dulcie Crickmore with a firestorm of vicious, non-stop, online abuse for five days.

The mob latched on to the couple, who are in their 30s, after they posted on social media about their new triplet calves.

The Crickmores, who run Fen Farm Dairy in Bungay, north Suffolk, scooped the British Farmers Weekly Diversification Farmer of the Year Award last year.

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THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – February 12, 2018

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Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – February 12, 2018

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

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Great beef unit

Where the grass grows

DEADLINE SALE

DEADLINE SALE

WEB ID PR59083 EKETAHUNA 127 North Road View By Appointment DEADLINE SALE closes Wednesday 21st February, 2018 at • 184 ha beef finishing property in 2 blocks 2.00pm, submit to 129 Main St, PAHIATUA • 52 ha home block with 3 bedrooms plus office • Good support buildings, flat to rolling contour, 15 Phil Wilson paddocks Mobile 021 518 660 • 132 ha woolshed block – 3 stand raised board Office 06 376 5478 Home 06 376 7238 • 24 paddocks, flat to easy hill, some steeper sidlings philw@pb.co.nz • Water from dams, springs and creeks • Good fertiliser history, great access and contour Jared Brock Mobile 027 449 5496 • This is a very desirable unit in a great locality providing Office 06 376 4823 multiple options

DEADLINE SALE

Home 06 376 6341 jared@pb.co.nz

WEB ID PR59517 MAKURI 934 Coonoor Road View By Appointment This 301.0402 ha farm is located in the highly regarded DEADLINE SALE closes Thursday 22nd February, 2018 at 2.00pm, (unless sold prior), 129 Main Street, PAHIATUA summer moist limestone country at Coonoor, 10km north east of Makuri. Consisting of easy to medium hill Phil Wilson & some steeper sidlings the property is currently Mobile 021 518 660 operated as a trading & fattening unit. In 38 Main Office 06 376 5478 4 Home 06 376 7238 paddocks it has a very good fertiliser history & excellent philw@pb.co.nz natural water from dams, creeks and streams. There is a comfortable 4 bedroom plus office home. Situated 1 Jared Brock Mobile 027 449 5496 adjacent to the house are the farm sheds.

Office 06 376 4823 This property is a great 1st farm or add on to an existing Home 06 376 6341 1 business. jared@pb.co.nz

DEADLINE SALE

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

121 Ranby Road, Ohaupo This beautifully presented dairy farm comprises 65ha of flat contour. Good infrastructure includes a 16 ASHB with inshed meal feeder, a number of large implement sheds, calf rearing sheds and yards. Water is supplied via the Pukerimu Water Scheme and there is a compliant effluent system with a fully lined tank and a good fertiliser history. Four brm, two storey home.

This is an exceptional, well located property.

Close to Hamilton, Te Awamutu and Cambridge.

Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

Tender

Boundary Indication Only

Tender Closes Thursday 8 March 2018 at 4.00pm.

Tenders must be delivered to Ray White Te Awamutu office. Price will be + GST (if any).

May not be sold prior.

View Tuesdays 20, 27 February and 6 March 11.00am - 1.00pm Neville Kemp 0272 719 801

nevillekemp.co.nz Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)

RURAL rural@pb.co.nz 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Oringi Station 226 ha

AUCTION WEB ID PR59577

DANNEVIRKE 19 Jackson Road Iconic Oringi Station, all flat with over 190 ha under irrigation makes this property unprecedented in the Tararua District.

Oringi Station is subdivided into 50 main paddocks well serviced by a metal laneway and has a superior range of support buildings. The homestead is a character 448m2 stucco home set in attractive mature grounds with a Situated only 15km South of Dannevirke, this property is further two spacious homes providing ample centrally located to the Hawkes Bay and Manawatu accommodation. livestock markets. Irrigation from 4 centre pivots and a further 26 ha irrigated by k-line provide unparalleled Oringi Station with its superb soil mix, large scale growing conditions with up to 50 ha of contract maize irrigation and cropping and stock finishing ability grown as well as 650 to 700 steers fattened. provides an opportunity unequalled within the lower North Island.

AUCTION

VIEW By Appointment AUCTION 1.00pm, Thu 1st Mar, 2018, on site at 19 Jackson Road, Dannevirke

Jared Brock

Mobile 027 449 5496 Office 06 376 4823

John Arends

Mobile 027 444 7380 Office 06 376 4364

4 2

Phil Wilson

Mobile 021 518 660 Office 06 376 5478

3

Maru Farm 490 ha

TENDER WEB ID PR59766

PAHIATUA 498 Ridge Road North Situated just 6km west of Pahiatua, this iconic property is a 'turn-key' operation and is ready for the new owners to capitalise on its superior ability to both breed and finish livestock. Of the 420 ha effective area, over 220 ha is easy to rolling contour suitable for cultivation.

infrastructure including woolshed, covered yards, cattle-yards and dwelling adding to its ease of management and appeal.

Our vendors have purchased elsewhere and need this property sold.

Combined with an excellent water system and a recently refurbished villa set in mature grounds, this property Call John, Jared or Phil today. allows you to get on and farm. The farm has excellent access utilising Ridge Rd North that virtually bisects the property with the added benefit of centrally located

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

TENDER

VIEW By Appointment TENDER closes Wednesday 21st February, 2018 at 2.00pm, (unless sold prior), to be submitted to Property Brokers, 129 Main Street, PAHIATUA

John Arends

Mobile 027 444 7380 Office 06 376 4364

Jared Brock

Mobile 027 449 5496 Office 06 376 4823

3+

Phil Wilson

Mobile 021 518 660 Office 06 376 5478

1

KAIANGAROA STATION - 900 HA, 378 HA OR 1,278 HA OPTIONS 1222 Otuarei Road, Pukeokahu, Taihape

Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 | 06 323 4434 peter@nzr.nz Jamie Proude AREINZ 027 448 5162 | 06 385 4789 jamie@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

N EW

LIS TI N G

Kaiangaroa is comprised of two bounding blocks, which are offered for sale separately or together. The 900ha "home block", is nestled within a basin and is in the main easy/rolling country, a high proportion which is has been cultivated in recent years. Around 650ha of this is deer fenced providing high versatility of land-use.

Alongside is the 378ha "Sheps", which is strong, clean breeding hill country, with an older woolshed and hut.

Operated as a high performing breeding and finishing unit, an 18 month bull programme makes up the majority of the cattle numbers, with a higher cattle ratio a definite option here. High productivity from both ewes and ewe hoggets has led to most lambs in recent years finished to over 18kgCW. An outstanding district wide water scheme enables gravity fed trough water to virtually all paddocks. Buildings are of a high standard, including the large homestead built in the ’80s, another smart 5 bedroom home, a tidy cottage a modern two bedroom single quarters, with the woolshed and cattle yards being modern quality facilities. Close-by adventure tourism with primary school on the boundary adds to the appeal, making this a truly unique and quality package within a close-knit community.

FOR SALE See video on website nzr.nz/RX1266077

IRRIGATED CROPPING AND FINISHING UNIT - ONE OF THE BEST! 247 Mahaki Road, Martinborough, South Wairarapa This extremely tidy property is located just a five minute drive south of the renown Martinborough wine village offering quality business assets in a great lifestyle location. The farm is blessed with very deep silt loam soils that are suitable for a large number of intensive farming operations giving the astute farmer the flexibility to move with the markets. Coupled with the 40l/s irrigation right with no ’low flow’ restrictions and you have the mix well balanced to deliver on your goals. The infrastructure is hard to fault, leading the list is a large five bedroom modern replica Villa with double garage, stunning swimming pool and attractive grounds. The huge ’as new’ American barn styled shed has equine facilities attached to tie in with the sand based arena. There are three more three bay implement sheds with seed drying facilities and three phase power. The three stand woolshed is centrally located with cattle and sheep yards as well as the irrigation bore and control room. There is an option for the vendor to retain the homestead and implement sheds if a bare land option is desired. Units like this are highly sought after and our vendor will not accept any prior offers allowing you the time and confidence to do your due diligence. We have a comprehensive property report and there is an enlightening drone video on our website. This property is one of the best we have marketed and deserves your attention - do not delay - call Blair today!

155 hectares Tender www.nzr.nz

ref: RX1331534

Tender Closes: 4PM Thu 22nd March 2018 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

ONE OF THE MANAWATU’S FINEST 1674 Kimbolton Road, Cheltenham, Manawatu

284ha plus 96ha lease See video on website nzr.nz/RX1279694

Just north of Feilding sits this most admired dairy property.

Peter Barnett AREINZ Advantages start with high quality, versatile soil types 027 482 6835 | 06 323 4434 predominantly Kiwitea Loam; highly productive dairying and cropping soils, with a 9 year lease of 96ha alongside, that is fully peter@nzr.nz integrated into the dairy platform. The immaculate 80 bail NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008 rotary sits right in the middle of the property flanked by quality calf rearing facilities. Well laid out and developed with an excellent water system. Four dwellings include the impressive main homestead on its own 10ha title which is an optional purchase with the farm.

GENUINELY FAITHFULLY FARMED 245 Penny Road, Rongotea, Manawatu Fastidiously developed over 28 years by our retiring vendors, the presentation here will impress. Quality improvements include a 30ASHB shed with ACRs, numerous sheds and a large roof over the feedpad. A great water system, impressive soil tests and extensive drainage complete the on-farm package.

Historically operated under a higher input 300 Friesian cow spring calving/winter-on regime, it is well set up from any system. Accommodation includes a very comfortable main home plus a tidy 4 bedroom cottage. Handily located to both Feilding and Palmerston with numerous schooling options.

106.9 hectares See video on website nzr.nz/RX1332461 Tender Closes 3pm Tue 27 Feb 2018, 20 Kimbolton Road, Feilding.

Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 | peter@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

FINISHING FARM WITH SIZE OPTIONS 1738 & 1808C State Highway 1, Marton, Rangitikei Located 7km north of Marton, this attractive property currently conservatively grows cereal, grass supplement and finishes sheep and cattle. Approx. 122ha is deemed flat, the balance medium hill and sidlings, with attractive pockets of native bush and duck ponds. Bounding blocks of 139ha and 48ha go together well or could be purchased separately; the larger block contains the main stock facilities and an old character home (rented), the other a small woolshed - both blocks offer building sites with big outlooks up the Rangitikei valley. Not over capitalised, five titles provide options for the future.

188ha, 140ha or 48ha TENDER nzr.nz/RX1360193 Tender Closes 3pm, Mon 5 Mar 2018, 20 Kimbolton Road, Feilding.

Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 | peter@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

AUTUMN 2018 PROPERTY PULL-OUT We’ve got you covered Year after year Farmers Weekly Property Pull-Out has proven itself to be the leading agri destination to market your property.

Farmers Weekly are proud to continue to support farmers and the real estate industry. We will run the Property Pull-Out through all issues in March, 2018.

Book a campaign of three or more advertisements in March and get a complimentary editorial on your property in one of our pull-out specials.* Talk to your agent now and make sure you are in the paper that farmers read and respect.

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For more information on real estate advertising contact Shirley Howard on 06 323 0760 or email: shirley.howard@nzx.com.

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TENDER

Outstanding Motu Property

Gisborne

1078.0067 hectares (2664 acres).

Comprising Waiwhero Station of 531.2389 hectares (1312 acres), situated at 1116 Motu Road, Motu, Gisborne, approx. 85km north of Gisborne on State Highway 2 and approx. 10km from Matawai township on the Motu Road. Wintering 5500 stock units. All clean, flat and hill country, good natural water and strong fertiliser history, 2000mm annual rainfall. Full complement of amenities including a four bedroom homestead with swimming pool and tennis court and a four bay garage, additional four bedroom house, four bedroom shearer's quarters, five stand woolshed and covered yards, cattle yards, airstrip and bin plus assorted sheds.

The second block comprises `Scottys', Moutohora Road, Motu, Gisborne. A run-off property approx. 5km from main farm. An area of 546.7678ha (1351 acres) with approx. 170ha in grass, balance in native bush bounding the Raukumara State Forest. Both properties to be sold as one.

4

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pggwre.co.nz/GIS27363

TENDER Plus GST (if any) Closes 4pm, Friday, 23 March PGG Wrightson Real Estate 21 Solander St, Gisborne

Allan Cameron B 06 863 1693 | M 027 488 7973 H 06 867 5332 allan.cameron@pggwrightson.co.nz John McElhinney M 027 902 0567 john.mcelhinney@pggwrightson.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

pggwre.co.nz

New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company RURAL

|

LIFESTYLE

|

RESIDENTIAL

TENDER

Te Mapara

Found - Dairy Cattle Grazing Farm Pukeiti Road • 341 hectares of bare land in 55 paddocks • Presently used as dairy farm support and winter cow placement • Approximate contour mix - 137ha silage/crop usage, 144ha easy rolling and 60ha of steep • All crop country has been laser drained and laid with Nexus drainage system • Livestock wintered - 800 cows for three months, 222 carry over cows, 342 rising 1yr heifers, 20 rising 3yr bulls, 37 rising 2yr bulls, 21 rising 1yr bulls and 1100 ewes • In between 30ha to 60ha of maize planted annually and two cuts of silage on 70 hectares pggwre.co.nz/TEK27584

200 Aspin Road • 113 hectares in two titles on the outskirts of Cambridge • Excellent, modern four bedroom home • Mainly flat contour - two hectares of covenanted bush • 22 aside H.B dairy with good shedding If its quality you are after then look no further!

Contact the agents for a full information memorandum

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2

pggwre.co.nz/HAM27424

(Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 10.00am, Friday 23 March PGGWRE, 57 Rora Street, Te Kuiti VIEW 11am-12pm sharp, Thurs, 22 Feb, 1, 8 Mar

Peter Wylie B 07 878 0265 | M 027 473 5855 pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

AUCTION

Dress Circle Location

TENDER

TENDER

Te Miro AUCTION (Unless Sold Prior), 11am, Wed 21 Feb, PGGWRE, Cambridge VIEW 11-12pm, Wed 14 & Mon 19 Feb

John Sisley M 027 475 9808

jsisley@pggwrightson.co.nz

Peter Wylie M 027 473 5855

pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

A Farm With Size And Potential 2261 State Highway 5

Mamaku

• 432ha milking 630 cows. 260ha dairy platform • Approx 100ha grazed by dairy drystock • Three homes - 50 aside H.B dairy, centrally located • Production 170,000 solids. Production increases are anticipated • 32ha of bush. Picturesque lake and river on farm • Move up to the next level in a reliable summer safe region • Size! Scope! Location!

TENDER

pggwre.co.nz/HAM27432

John Sisley M 027 475 9808

(Unless Sold By Private Treaty), Closes 4pm, Wed 28 Feb, PGGWRE, 11 Vialou St, Hamilton VIEW 11am -1pm, Tue 13 Feb

jsisley@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz

New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company RURAL

|

LIFESTYLE

|

RESIDENTIAL

Our people.

Your property.

FINAL NOTICE

Beautifully Presented Dry Stock Farm 1097 Waingaro Road 246ha of mainly easy contour in 13 titles. 10km from Ngaruawahia and 24km from The Base, Hamilton.

Presently farming bulls and is ideally suited for beef or dairy support. Improvements are of a high standard with two homes and a large area of support buildings with stables and operational woolshed.

Paddocks are serviced mainly by all weather races and there is trough water to all paddocks bar one. pggwre.co.nz/PUK27268

Ngaruawahia

List now with New Zealand’s leading rural property magazine:

TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 4.00pm, Thursday, 1 March VIEW 1.00-2.00pm, Friday, 16 February

Richard Wright B 09 237 2040 M 027 454 6000

S P R I N G 2 017 | www.pggwre.co.nz

Property Express

When it comes to rural real estate, our people have all the experience and knowledge needed to successfully match your property with the perfect buyer. We’re a national team of expert locals connecting people with property for generations.

Contact your local PGG Wrightson Real Estate sales consultant now to discuss your listing options, or go to pggwre.co.nz/property-express.

Bookings Close: Friday, 16 February

richardwright@pggwrightson.co.nz

NEW LISTING

Modern Burnham Dairy Farm • 201.032 hectares in nine titles located just 9km from Rolleston • Five-year-old 48 aside herringbone shed with meal feeders and a Milkhub automatic weighing and drafting system • Five-year-old superior four-bedroom manager's home plus three other three-bedroom houses • Bore irrigation ranging from 40-89 metres depth • Producing approximately 340,000kg MS from 760 cows

Eildon Park Dairy Farm • 202.4080ha flat extensively sheltered fertile dairy farm • 570 cows, 230,000 kgMS, Fonterra shared supply • Modern three bedroom Homestead, cottage plus single accommodation • 36 HB dairy - Alfa plant, compliant spray effluent disposal • Border-dyke & spray irrigation, low cost reliable Lower Waitaki Irrigation Co. water - 202 shares • In conjunction with: Southern Wide Real Estate, Barry Meikle, telephone 027 4365131 pggwre.co.nz/OAM27466

Burnham DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus GST (if any) Closes 4pm, 1 March

pggwre.co.nz/CHR27376

Sam Davidson B 03 341 4301 M 027 488 8269

Spray Irrigation Unit

Rakaia

sdavidson@pggwrightson.co.nz

North Otago DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 4.00pm, Thursday, 22 February

Dave Finlay B 03 433 1340 M 027 433 5210

dfinlay@pggwrightson.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

• Approx 127.2735ha freehold in three titles • Irrigation consent with low running costs • Good fertiliser history, soil tests available • Four storage silos totalling 580T • Lamb grazing/finishing unit • Three bedroom home with mature shelter, yard and farm buildings pggwre.co.nz/ASH27398

DEADLINE SALE Plus GST (if any) Closes 3.00pm, Wednesday, 28 February

Tim Gallagher M 027 801 2888 Robin Ford M 027 433 6883

pggwre.co.nz

Employment SHEPHERD GENERAL

STOCK MANAGER

Sisam & Sons Limited

Stock Manager for 400 hectare easy contour bull beef farm close to primary and secondary schools.

Remuneration to match skills and experience.

This is an attractive position for a skilled grazier.

Due to internal promotion, Sisam & Sons Limited are recruiting for the position of a shepherd on a 1100ha block, situated 24km south of Whakatane, Bay of Plenty.

LK0091533©

Telephone 07 826 3404 or email ali.lloyd@farmside.co.nz

This position offers a wide experience of intensive and extensive farming systems comprising of bulls, steers, dairy heifers, carry over cows and breeding ewes.

Are you a successful Dairy Leader looking for a new challenge?

This is a rare opportunity to join Pāmu Farms of New Zealand as a Farm Business Manager of Dairy Operations, responsible for five dairy farms and one dairy support unit in our West Coast Buller complex that are responsible for milking upwards of 4800 cows across 3000ha.

The successful candidate for this role will have knowledge and understanding of New Zealand dairy farming systems, and highly developed leadership and people management skills.

Applications close 5pm, Friday 23 February 2018.

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What you will bring: • Proven practical, commercial, and leadership experience in Dairy Farming operations • Extensive experience in managing budgets and strong commercial acumen • First class attitude to Health and Safety, Animal Welfare, Environmental management and farm presentation • Excellent knowledge and implementation of grazing and pasture management, feed budgeting and profit maximisation

www.farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

(DAIRY OPERATIONS) BULLER DAIRY UNITS

This is an excellent opportunity to develop management skills.

Ag jobs at your fingertips

BUSINESS MANAGER

Please attach CV and written application to: Matt Sisam, matt@sisamson.co.nz or 31 Sisam Valley Road, RD1, Whakatane

Applications close Friday 23rd February

Substantial dairy farming business Support from Management Team Professional development opportunities Sunny Central Hawke’s Bay location

BEL Group are now looking for experienced and motivated Assistant Farm Managers as well as Herd Managers to join our team at the start of next season on several of our large-scale farms running between 1000-2000 plus cows each.

Assistant Farm Manager: • You are part of the farm leadership team – and will take full responsibility for the farm when the manager is away • Make staffing and resourcing decisions • Be involved in financial budgeting conversations • For high performers – an opportunity to join our leadership development programme • Role suits an agribusiness graduate with strong practical farming experience or someone who has already managed farms and/or people and wants to work in and learn a professional farm business that delivers results.

• Must have at least NZ Residency

Our clients Bruce and Candice McGrath successfully operate a large scale sharemilking business close to Orari in South Canterbury.

The property has a 524ha milking platform, peak milking 2100 cows through a fully automated 100 bail rotary shed producing 1.0 million kilograms of milk solids.

The dairy shed and all buildings sit in the middle of the square shaped property with irrigation via four large centre pivots making it a very efficient operation to run.

The business seeks to recruit a skilled and motivated manager to work alongside the sharemilker on a day-to-day basis. This is a great opportunity for someone to extend and grow their skills within a large-scale dairy business.

Candidates for the role will have the following attributes: • A thorough understanding of dairy farming systems with strong skills in animal husbandry and grazing management • The ability to motivate and manage staff • Strong communication and interpersonal skills • Be well organised • A focus on workplace health and safety

All applications must have: • Full current New Zealand Drivers Licence • Pass a pre-employment drug test (hair)

The manager will have a strong focus on cows, people and grass.

Access to financial, compliance, and reporting will be available if wanted.

The sharemilkers prefer to be responsible for these areas solely.

BEL Group has significant systems and resources that allow their managers and leadership talent to develop and build their skills and confidence, both through on-the-job mentoring and dedicated management development programmes.

The position start date is negotiable but no later than 1 June 2018.

Remuneration includes a competitive salary package and accommodation, if required.

For further information go to www.dfms.co.nz or contact DFMS Consultant Peter McLeod on 027-275-2695.

LK0091585©

This is a great opportunity for a highly motivated person to take the next step within a large-scale farming business.

Applications in the form of a CV to: Dairy Farm Management Services Ltd., referenced “AMC 01 Farm Manager” Email: admin@dfms.co.nz (Word or PDF format). Applications close 21st February 2018.

LK0091555©

Herd Manager: • You will be responsible for managing the feeding, health and milking of at least one herd • Be part of farm teams that are focused on learning, growing and performing • Support provided for personal development • Given the size of our business and farms, the roles are flexible so we can up or downsize to fit your dairy experience • A great attitude is essential, strong affinity for animals and farming and able to work with a wide range of people and personalities • Must have the right to legally work in New Zealand to be eligible for this role

The property has an excellent range of improvements and modern machinery which are well maintained. Housing is a modern open plan 3-bedroom plus double garage.

We are looking for a real team player with at least three years farming experience who has:

A comfortable 3 bedroom home is provided. Kilgaren Farm is located in a great community with active sports clubs and great local schooling close by.

BEL Group is the pride of Central Hawke’s Bay dairying that operates nine dairy units and a number of dairy support properties, providing employment for over 65 people, supporting thriving rural communities and delivering meaningful work to a diverse and enthusiastic workforce… these are the things that make the business special, reflecting the core values of the business owner.

FARM MANAGER

Kilgaren is an intensive operation running 10,000su comprising sheep breeding and lamb finishing, bull beef finishing and a deer herd focusing on velvet production. We utilise modern farming practises and technology to assist in meeting production targets.

We are after someone who can use their initiative as the role requires the need to work both independently and as part of our larger team. There are plenty of opportunities to grow within the role for the right applicant.

Herd Manager & Assistant Farm Manager

Leadership Opportunity – South Canterbury

Kilgaren Farm

• a strong work ethic and a positive attitude • excellent communication skills • is honest and reliable • proven stockmanship and dogs under good command

Enquiries phone: Matt Sisam 07 312 9060 (evenings)

• • • •

EXPERIENCED SHEPHERD An opportunity for an enthusiastic and competent experienced shepherd has arisen on Kilgaren Farm, a progressive 1030ha breeding and finishing operation, located 25 minutes south-east of Waipukurau.

The successful applicant must have excellent stockmanship skills and run a minimum of 3 dogs. A positive attitude, sound judgement, initiative and dependability together with good communication skills and the ability to be a team player being important attributes.

BROUGHT TO YOU BY LANDCORP

To find out more or to apply, please go to www.landcorp.co.nz/careers

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – February 12, 2018

Take a look at the business at www.belgroup.co.nz and get more details about the job. A position description and application form can be obtained by contacting nicola@belgroup.co.nz or phoning 06 858 8921.

Applications close 26th February.

CV and enquiries by 25th February to: Anton Croad 06 857 7940 Kilgaren Farm RD 4, Waipukurau antoncroad@gmail.com or ian.walker@kilgaren.co.nz

LK0091587©

Farm Assistant “The Tapora Trust Beef” Based in Tapora on the Kaipara, 15 minutes west of Wellsford.

We are a 1500 effective ha beef operation, taking bulls, steers and heifers from rearing through to slaughter using modern, intensive type practises.

We are looking for a Farm Assistant who has: • Good communication skills • A good attitude with a drive to develop key skill-sets • A strong work ethic, is reliable and trustworthy • A positive outlook on modern farming practises and Health and Safety in the workplace The successful applicant will be required to: • Work well in a team as well as independently • Operate machinery in a safe and responsible manner • Be confident and safe when working in and around cattle • Have a flexible attitude towards all aspects of farm work (fencing, mowing, water reticulation, stockwork, spraying, etc) We can offer you: • A good remuneration package • 3 bedroom accommodation • A good working environment and conditions Tapora is a friendly community with a lovely country school (school bus at gate), 9 hole golf course and some great fishing spots.

Email your application and CV to: Danny Burchett Operation Manager tttsleepyhollow@gmail.com Phone 021 2422 182

LK0091567©

classifieds@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

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56

FARM MANAGER – BAY OF PLENTY Are you the kind of Farm Manager who is: • Always striving for best practice • Focused on what delivers the results • Looking after the farm and the business for today and all the tomorrows Our clients operate a substantial family farming operation, comprising four dairy farms in the Waikato and Bay of Plenty, each one milking 450-500 cows. Their success in the industry has come through a combination of passion for the industry, hard work, clear goal setting, and surrounding themselves with the right people.

With a recent purchase of an additional farm at Kaharoa between Rotorua and Tauranga, they are now looking for a like-minded farming leader to take on the responsibility of managing this significant asset for them.

The farm comprises 153ha effective and milks c460 cows; it is well set up with a 36-aside herringbone shed and in-shed meal feed system, Protrack and a Dosatron dispenser. The dairy unit is operated as a milking platform supported by a drystock farm.

DOGS FOR SALE

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

SOUTH ISLANDERS delivering Huntaways, Heading, Handys down there 20/2/18. North Island twice monthly. Guaranteed, trial, view online working sheep or cattle. 07 315 5553. Mike Hughes.

CRAIGCO SHEEP JETTERS. Sensor Jet. Deal to fly and Lice now. Guaranteed performance.

Unbeatable pricing.

Phone 06 835 6863. www.craigcojetters.com

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.

DOG TRIALISTS! Have client that requires well breed open Huntaway and Open Heading Bitch. Will pay up to $10,000 each for right dogs. Under 3 years.

07 315 5553. Mike Hughes.

NEED QUICK CA$H? Serious buyer buying 300 dogs annually. Paying $100 more than anyone! No trial or drama. 07 315 5553.

Mike Hughes.

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

This is an exciting role with plenty to offer the right person including: • the opportunity for career progression, including industry training and involvement, as well as future Contract Milker or Operations Manager potential • a fantastic location, surrounded by bush and close to beaches, lakes and handy to both Rotorua and Tauranga • a large main home, with good garaging.

LK0091590©

ANIMAL SUPPLEMENTS

Interested in finding out more? Go to www.no8hr.co.nz (Ref#8HR970) today!

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

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

CONTRACTORS AUCKLAND-BASED E A R T H M O V I N G contractor.

Rural earthworks. Subdivisions and house cuts. Roading and civil. Retaining walls.

1.5 - 24 tonne Diggers.

Bobcats.

Trucks.

Call Keegan on 022 614 5313 or email to keegan@ thediggercollective.co.nz

GENERAL HAND The position will involve fencing, stock handling, boating and other related activities. Part time work is available for partner/spouse This job is situated on an 1800 hectare Island in the Hauraki Gulf. Due to our location we have to attend to much of the maintenance on boats, buildings, machinery etc therefore some experience in any of the trades would be useful.

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.

The property is family owned and run in conjunction with a 66 hectare mainland finishing block.

There is a comfortable three bedroom house.

FOR SALE

Unfortunately no local school.

LK0091583©

Applicants for this position should have NZ residency or a valid NZ work visa.

To apply email: ponui@ynet.co.nz or phone Richard 027 262 9283

ANIMAL HANDLING

ANIMAL HEALTH

Leading a team of three, this is a role where your management and leadership skills will be as important as your technical farming knowledge – which needs to be top rate. It goes without saying that you’ll have had farm management experience and you’ll be comfortable working in an environment with a budget, reporting processes and the requirement to comply with company policies.

57

Classifieds

CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING

DOGS WANTED

FERTILISER DOLOMITE, NZ’s finest Magnesium fertiliser.

Bio-Gro certified, bulk or bagged. 0800 436 566.

FORESTRY WANTED

NATIVE FOREST FOR MILLING also Macrocarpa and Red Gum, New Zealand wide.

We can arrange permits and plans. Also after milled timber to purchase.

NEW ZEALAND NATIVE TIMBER SUPPLIERS (WGTN) LIMITED 04 293 2097 Richard.

PUMPS

STOCK FEED

SAVE ON YOUR INK and TONER print cartridges.

Special pricing for our compatible value packs when you purchase all four cartridges. FREIGHT FREE. Visit us at: www. nzconsumables.co.nz or call us 0800 800 857. NZ based and 100% kiwi owned with 30 years industry experience.

FREIGHT FREE

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

DRY COW BALEAGE. Well priced.

Mid-Canterbury.

Phone TA Contracting 027 439 3936.

GOATS WANTED

RAMS FOR SALE

GOATS WANTED. All weights. All breeds.

Prompt service. Payment on pick up. My on farm prices will not be beaten.

Phone David Hutchings 07 895 8845 or 0274 519 249. Feral goats mustered on a 50/50 share basis.

WILD CATTLE and goats wanted. 50/50 mustering.

Portable yards available.

Phone Kerry Coulter 0274 944 194.

GRAZING AVAILABLE CATTLE GRAZING available. Hawke’s Bay area. Phone 027 309 3529.

DAIRY GRAZING. May to May at Norsewood. Phone Dave 027 487 8828.

LEASE LAND WANTED DAIRY FARM WANTED for lease. 80+ hectares.

Anywhere considered. For keen motivated couple.

Phone 027 271 7443.

PROPERTY WANTED HOUSE FOR REMOVAL wanted.

North Island.

Phone 021 0274 5654.

WILTSHIRE & SHIRE® rams 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.organic-rams.co.nz Email: tim@organicrams.co.nz Phone 03 225 5283.

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

TYRES TYRES TYRES WE’LL DELIVER FREE anywhere in NZ when you order four tyres or more.

We can supply and deliver good quality tractor, truck, bike or vehicle tyres to you. To discuss which tyres suit you call direct or text Charity 021 052 6365.

Waiheke WOF Centre.

WANTED TO BUY OLD PORTABLE shearing plants for private shearing museum at Pleasant Point i.e: wolseley, moffat-virtue and/or lifter. Phone Richie Gould 03 614 7466.

CHEVROLET BELAIR 1957.

Wanted for restoration. Any condition considered. Top money paid. Phone Dave 021 083 90948.

The Complete Package

Experienced Management Couple We are looking for a full-time sheep and beef position (South Island preferred).

• Experience in all aspects of farm management with over 20 years practical farm experience • Experience with technology, data recording and reporting with a tertiary qualification in agriculture • Excellent stock sense and pasture management skills • We are a hands on, hard working couple that take pride in our work.

LK0091564©

Employment

For more information, a CV and references please email: farm.couple2018@gmail.com

Livestock

AUTUMN CALVING COWS AND HEIFERS FOR SALE Autumn calving herds and heifers for sale;

Large numbers available in all North Island farming areas, requiring quick sale by vendors. Below is just a selection Q 929 - Wairaparapa- 79 Fsn/FsnX cows, BW 90, PW 130 R/A 100%, 3/3 calving. Call Bunter 027 444 1169 Q 944 - Waikato- 434 genuine herd, 600ms, BW 13, PW 32, R/A 93%, Fsn/FsnX, 10/3 calving. Call Mike 027 674 1149

Do you have something to sell?

Knife Hands Are you ready to take up the challenge and work for a progressive leader in the Meat Industry? Do you posses the motivation and drive to become an important member of the work force? Then contact us today.

Advertise in Farmers Weekly

We require experienced knife hands to join our busy team and operate in a continually variable shift work pattern at our processing plant in Burnham, south of Christchurch. This is a fast paced and dynamic environment to work in and requires people that are versatile, reliable, motivated and fit and healthy with a positive attitude.

Q987 - Waikato – 62 Fsn/FsnX herd, BW 57, PW 62, 7/3 calving, genuine herd, $1500. Call Kelly 027 600 2374

Q 998 – Canterbury – 100 XB ylg hfrs, capital line, BW 119, PW 118, bred from very good herd, $670. Call Tim 027 405 3088 Q 997- Canterbury- 168 Fsn/FsnX ylg hfrs, BW 116, PW 114, capital line, herd sold – tops, $800. Call Tim 027 405 3088 Q 984- Manawatu- Selling 253 July calvers from herd, 475ms/cow, BW 72, PW 92, herd calves from 1/7, $1800. Call Hamish 027 432 0298

Successful applicants must demonstrate the following: • Proven experience with safe work practices • Willing to learn and reliable with a good attitude • Flexible to work weekends during peak of season • Ability to work effectively in a team or individual environment

Talk to your local Farm Source agent or visit nzfarmsource.co.nz/livestock Earn Farm Source Rewards Dollars on all sales and purchases.

LK0091600©

Phone: 03 347 6681

Q974 – Waikato – 122 Fsn/FsnX herd, calv 5/3 to ID Fsn, BW 97, PW 109, R/A 97%, $1490.

Call Craig 021 650 802

Check these excellent buying new listings:

We are seeking applicants for a variety of processing roles across both day and night shift and capable of working towards seven day processing requirements which could include a shift structure of four 10 hour shifts.

Email: spm.applications@affco.co.nz

Q 978- Northland- 72 Aut born i/c hfrs, BW 78, PW 74, 27/3 calving to A2 bulls, capital line, $1500. Call Eric 027 233 1687

We have approx another 49 listings for you to peruse.

For experienced candidates from out of Canterbury we offer affordable and modern accommodation on three month contracts within walking distance to the plant and best suited to singles. Renewal for the following season will be available based on performance, attendance and skills.

If you think you’ve got what it takes please forward your CV to: Post: James McFarlane, Personnel Coordinator PO Box 8, Rolleston 7643.

Q 973- Hawkes Bay- 43 c/o Fsn cows, BW 57, PW 53, 1/3 calving, $1575. Call Monty 027 907 0522

Call Debbie

0800 85 25 80 classifieds@nzx.com

0800 548 339 NZFARMSOURCE.CO.NZ/LIVESTOCK

livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

Livestock

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – February 12, 2018

SILVERDALE SOUTHDOWN STUD AUTUMN CALVING COWS

2-Tooth Rams For Sale

15MTH HEIFERS 300-380kgs 300-420kgs 15 MTH BULLS 15 MTH STEERS 330-500kgs

l early maturing l easy lambing

COWS & CALVES FRIESIAN BULL CALVES 120-180kgs

HERDS FOR SALE

Tuesday 20th February – 12 noon Morrinsville Dairy Complex

250 High performing genuine Friesian Autumn calving herd. Farmed on System 1, producing 500kgMS. DTC 15/3. $1900.

On A/c D J Van Bysterveldt F/T

Listing # WAI55138.

150 Friesian, Xbd & Jersey Autumn

l suitable for hogget mating

Michael Conwell 027 226 1611

calving young cows

Contact Janet or Diane Gray Phone 06 324 8845 or 021 936 377

410 Predominantly Friesian cows. Quality

BW 97/44 (up to 164) PW 151/56

herd plus replacements. Excellent age structure

(up to 433) RA 94%

will ensure longevity. $1880.

Approximately 95 Xbds, 25 Frs & 30 Jsy

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

Listing # BAY53687.

cows - DTC 10/3/18 to 6 weeks LIC Xbd

Braden de la Rue 027 318 3453

and MG Bull, removed 15/8/17.

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

233 Cow long-established Fr/FrX herd. DTC

All cows scanned to date.

17/7. Sharemilker exiting the industry. $1850.

Our vendor purchased these cows as elite

As the old stockman lay dying his wife sat beside him wiping his fevered brow. Raising himself up on one elbow he turned to her and spoke: “Ethel, you’ve been with me through it all.

Remember the time when I got trampled in the yards by those wild steers? You helped me.”

“And when I lost that money on the lambs after the drought.”

“Now I’ve been shot by a rustler, and here you are again.

“You know, Ethel, I am beginning to think you are bad luck!”

Listing # WAI51423. Steve Emile 027 224 3880

young MT’s at the High BW Empty cow

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

550 Top June calving G3 profiled Friesian

sales. They have been diligently milked right through the winter and progressively dried off. All cows have been blanket dry cow treated. 82% are 3-5 years.

Have ewe heard the most successful place to advertise your livestock is in Farmers Weekly?

LK0091516©

SALE TALK

269 Xbred & Jersey Autumn cows. DTC 10/3 BW97; PW151. 82% are 3-5yo. AB to Xbd, can breed split. $1750. Listing # NOR54372.

Ollie Carruthers 027 451 5312

for further details Or call Ollie Carruthers 0274 515 312

250 Outstanding Fr/FrX cow herd. BW104/46; PW145/56; RA100%. Doing 407ms/cow on low

RA95%. DTC 20/7 (Jsy bull). Split or picks okay.

• Romney • Romdale • Perendale x Tex x Romney • Texel x Romney • Kelso x Romney • Kelso Maternal • Kelso Terminal (Black Face)

2nd Annual Angus Female In-Calf Sale LK0091475©

– May 2nd

WANTED

• Genuine Autumn cows

Brad Devlin 027 498 1203

BW109; PW138; RA98%. Offers welcomed.

500 R2½ Autumn calving fully recorded F/FX Heifers in-calf Hereford & Angus Bulls, calving end of March. Really well grown.

120 F/FX cows [young] autumn calving to Hereford Bull, mated 1/6 for 8 weeks.

Fully recorded.

Phone: John Cheesman 0274 946 604 Bill Reid 0274 318 194 Marcella Zeestraten 027 221 7162

• Once a day cows

• In milk Autumn cows 1st June delivery

90 Outstanding carry-over cows. DTC 20/3.

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING NIGEL RAMSDEN 0800 85 25 80

Buying or Selling Dairy Herds or support Stock?

Listing # MAN51673.

Emmet McConnell 027 443 7671 89 Beautiful XBred OAD cows. 360kgs.BW74; PW117. AI (Jersey) DTC 2/8. $1875. Plus 27 Fr/ Xbred cows, 430kgs. BW105: PW132. DTC 8/8.

LK0091586©

March 16th – 2th Rams plus Ram Lambs selected for hogget mating

• 35 Autumn cows BW 84 PW 111. $1575 – pay off over 3 months.

I/c Hereford DTC 15/3/18

Todd Bray 027 235 5991

For Sale

$2000. Shelley Krieger 027 635 5990

Fairlea Texels Meaty Muscle Makes Money

Call Hugh & Helen Winder on 0800 328 877

We specialise in both on farm sales and auctions.

With 60 Dairy agents from Kaitia to Bluff and everything in between.

1808 Makino Road, RD 9, Feilding 4779 Ph: 06 328 8710 Fax: 06 328 8712 Mob: 027 226 5784 Email: fairleatexels@xtra.co.nz

*Suftex first-cross rams also available

Contact your local Carrfields agent

In-Calf Friesian Heifers

or visit

Multiple lines available with options to suit.

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz for our extensive listings

DTC 28th July also 2 lines DTC 2nd August.

Vetted in-calf to Jersey Bulls (9 weeks).

BW84 PW78 (avg all lines) 100% ancestry.

Alternatively contact:

Paul Kane 027 286 9279 (North Waikato/ Northland) National Dairy & Live Export Coordinator Philip Webb: 027 801 8057 Central & Southern NI Dairy Coordinator Richard Van Wynbergen 027 445 6056 South Island Dairy Coordinator

LK0090076©

Autumn Ram Sale

POA. Listing # HAW5322.

Oamaru

LK0091550©

Jan/Feb – Good Rams available now – all breeds

Contact: David Giddings – Meadowslea 03 685 8027 www.meadowslea.co.nz

372 Fr/FrX R2 Heifers. BW110; PW114;

• 250 cheap Jersey, Jersey X cows

Ram Private Sales

– 50 Meadowslea bred commercial R2yr Heifers

Daniel Hornby 027 552 3514

• 100 Jersey cows BW 94 PW 86 RA 96%.

LATE DELIVERY 1/7/18.

30 years owned and AB bred.

Vendor keen to do a deal

Upcoming on-farm Sales Autumn 2018

Approx. – 80 fully recorded Stud Females

input system. POA. Listing # TAR54296.

FOR SALE

Sharing our tent with Beltex NZ

Jono Wright 027 801 3052

An opportunity to purchase

Phone Nigel 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@nzx.com

Visit us at the Southern Field Days – Site 571

$1850. Listing # WAI53207.

outstanding autumn calving cows.

Visit Mylivestock.co.nz NOR54372

To advertise

X cows. Will shift well. 73% 5YO or younger.

LK0091538©

GENUINE BREEDING EWES

LK0091016©

STORE LAMBS

Located central North Island. Grazing options available.

2% Rebate Available for other companies.

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

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

LK0091302©

STOCK REQUIRED

LK0091601©

58

Your source for PGG Wrightson livestock and farming listings FARM MACHINERY & SUNDRY SALE A/C ARDROSSAN FARMS On Farm 2286 State Highway 3, Mahoenui Saturday 17 February Start 11.00am 1 x New Holland TD80d plus tractor complete with f/end loader forks & bucket- 810hours -2011 1 x Trimax TT282 topper-2014.

1 x C-Dax sprayer 270ltr 1 x Honda 4x4 500 foreman atv 3448 hours 1 x Kea bike trailer K538 with crate 1 x Ensol fuel tank 900ltrs 450/450 split 1 x Bike ramps 2 x Dog kennels with run 1 x C-dax bike spray tank 2 x Portable troughs Asstd rolls alkathene pipe Used roofing iron 100 sheets approx 12 Asstd plastic culvert pipes 1 x weighrite sheep weighcrate with iconix fx41 scales, asstd fencing posts, docking cradles, docking iron, scrim, electric fence reels, rolls of netting, old grader blade, 2 x cast iron baths, old cambridge roller, pig tail standards, karcher water blaster, 2 x aluminium ladders, plus a lot of fencing tools and other sundries, too many to mention, outside entries are being accepted.

Further information please ring Kevin Mortensen – 0274735858

Key: Dairy

Thursday 22 February 2018 Start 12 Noon 6 - 2th Wiltshire Rams 200 - 2th Wiltshire Ewes 150 - Wiltshire Ram Lambs 300 - Wiltshire Ewe Lambs

Sheep

Other

WAIROA CATTLE FAIR Thursday, 15th February at 11am

THE LIVESTOCK SPECIALISTS

PGG Wrightson will offer an opening tally of approx 965 cattle including: 765 R2yr Steers 60 R2yr Bulls 140 R2yr Heifers

Like you, we’re fully invested in your livestock operation.

Special entries A/c Okare A/c Tangihau A/c Te Tiki Stn A/c Papuni Stn

300 R2yr Angus Strs 50 R2yr Angus Strs 100 R2yr Angus Strs 80 R2yr Angus & Ang/ Here x Strs 40 R2yr S/Devon x Strs 50 R2yr Angus & Ang/ Here x Strs 50 R2yr Angus & Ang/ Here x Hfrs 45 R2yr Angus & Ang/Here x Strs

A/c R Dalziel A/c Tukemokihi Stn

A/c Rosscommon Farm

PGG Wrightson are a nationwide team of local livestock specialists offering you a range of options when it comes to helping you purchase or sell stock.

Our extensive network of representatives are able to buy and sell livestock throughout the country and at the best price. Our team are constantly in touch with quality breeders, rearers and finishers and can provide the right advice for your farming operation.

To find out more contact your local livestock specialist or visit www.pggwrightson.co.nz/sheepsales NATIONAL TEAM. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE.

Grand opportunity to purchase well bred hill country lines of stock reknown for their shifting ability.

Enquiries: Ian Rissetto – 06 838 8604 or 0274 449 347 Mason Birrell – 06 838 7091 or 0274 967 253 Hamish Forrester – 0276 012 351

ANNUAL 15 MONTH HEIFER FAIR

A/C Waipuna Valley Farms

• • • • •

1200 300 200 450 100 150

Enquiries: Tony Blackwood – 0272 431 858 Vendor: David Short 07 826 7763

Friday 23rd February Tuakau Saleyards Start 12.30pm

MCMILLAN SHEDDING SHEEP – INAUGRAL SALE Te Kuiti Saleyards

Cattle

Grant and Sandy have been breeding these sheep since 2004. They are farmed commercially on Ongarue Hill Country and have been bred predominately for their full shedding ability, facial eczema tolerance and growth rates.

Further enquiries: Grant and Sandy McMillan – 07 894 6136 Marty Cashin (PGW) – 0274 976 414

15 month Beef Heifers Comprising: Ang & Ang/Hfd Ang (Landcorp Bred) Char x, Sim x, Dev x Stabiliser Hfd/Frsnx

Quality Line of Traditional & Exotic Cattle Farmed in Large Mobs on Genuine Hill Country Cattle In Hand Several Days Prior to Sale Day, Weighed Dead Empty Top Bred Cattle Purchased ex South Island Weaner Fairs • Guaranteed farmed as empty • Est 280-370kg

NORTH ISLAND HERDS & HEIFERS FOR SALE 340 XBred Cows

DAIRY HERDS & IN-CALF HEIFERS FOR SALE PGG Wrightson Dairy representatives are specialists at marketing and selling dairy herds.

Benefit from the nationwide team that is dedicated to matching herds with the right buyers and achieving an optimal outcome for your business.

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

PAUL EDWARDS

National Dairy Manager Ph 027 442 5028

BW 106

PW 123

225 Jsy Cows $1,950+GST

BW 112

255 Frsn/ Frsnx / Jsy Cows

PW 115

$1,900+GST

RA100% Calving 18th July, Ave 450M/S, 50yrs one family.

Chris Ryan – 0272 431 078

RA98% Calving 19th July, top 5% Jsy Herd 35yrs one family.

Peter Schnuriger – 027 243 1836

Agonline ref: 063511

Agonline ref: 063515

300 M/A Friesian, X/Bred Cows BW 71

PW 85

$1,850+GST

PW 94

$1,875+GST

RA91% Calving 13th July, Young herd.

Vaughn Larsen – 027 801 4599 Agonline ref: 063143

71 XBred Incalf Heifers BW 135

PW 148

$1,600+GST

Calving 18th July, Jsy Bull, Complete replacement line.

Regan Craig – 027 502 8585 Agonline ref: 063474

419 M/A Jsy/Jsy X Cows BW 101/49

BW 81

PW 120/65

$1,800+GST

360 X/Bred InCalf Heifers BW 110

PW 114

$1,650+GST

80 Kiwi X Cows BW 77

PW 95

$1,875+GST

Nice Herd milked under trying conditions with long walks & high rainfall.

Lyle Smart – 027 742 6833

“Top 7%” Been in family for 50 years, farmed in tough, wet climate.

Tim Pickering – 027 446 9963

Capital Stock Line, Exceptional Breeding and Well Grown.

Chris Johnston – 027 257 4091

99% Recorded Ancestry & low SCC. Av 400kg MS/cow last season.

Kim Harrison – 027 501 0013

Agonline ref: 062974

Agonline ref: 062931

Agonline ref: 063134

Agonline ref: 063148

NORTH ISLAND AUTUMN CALVERS 450 Frsn/ Frsnx Cows BW 13

PW 32

160 XBred Cows

$1,975+GST

BW 96

PW 119

170 Frsn/ Frsnx Incalf Heifers $1,650+GST

BW 13

PW 32

$1,900+GST

Calving 10th March, will computer Split.

Andrew Reyland – 0272 237 092

Autumn calving carryover cows, Calving 15th March.

Jason Roberts – 027 243 1429

RA93% Autumn calving heifers calving 22nd February.

Andrew Reyland – 0272 237 092

Agonline ref: 063198

Agonline ref: 063186

Agonline ref: 063197

175 MA Autumn Calving Cows BW 92

PW 121

$1,700+GST

Excellent Line of Autumn Calving Cows, Dry Cow Teat Sealed, Bull in six weeks.

Young Frsn X Cows “Recommended” Chris Ryan – 027 243 1078 Agonline ref: 062849

SOUTH ISLAND HERDS & HEIFERS FOR SALE 410 MA Pred Kiwi X Cows BW 89/45

PW 116/61

$2,000+GST

Pre mating, PK feed otherwise grass fed system. Short gestation Kiwi X. 18 years of Herd testing.

Anton Nally – 027 477 4502 Agonline ref: 063492

400 MA Friesian Cows BW 85

PW 91

$2,200+GST

100 Frsn, Frsn/Frsn X InCalf Heifers BW 114

PW 109

$1,750+GST

Top Friesian Herd in Southland.

Good Udders.

Mike Broomhall – 027 520 0965

Capital Line of Heifers, Very Well Grown Out David Walker – 027 218 9526

Agonline ref: 063259

Agonline ref: 063267

150 Holstein Friesian Cows OFFERS

Line of Holstein Friesian’s, Worldwide Sire Breeder, 1st June Delivery, Big Producers, Make Offers.

Simon Vernon – 027 405 8248 Agonline ref: 062557

NATIONAL TEAM. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. Freephone 0800 10 22 76 | www.pggwrightson.co.nz

Helping grow the country

MARKET SNAPSHOT

60

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Grain & Feed

MILK PRICE FORECAST ($/KGMS) 2017-18

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Canterbury (NZ$/t)

6.40

6.32

AS OF 07/12/2017

AS OF 08/02/2017

MILK PRICE COMPARISON

358

327

NI mutton (20kg)

4.60

4.60

3.10

374

293

SI lamb (17kg)

6.70

6.75

5.25

Feed Barley

369

369

287

SI mutton (20kg)

4.50

4.50

3.10

245

Export markets (NZ$/kg) 9.26

9.28

7.73

6.5

Maize Grain

441

441

370

6.0

PKE

276

271

248

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

285

285

UK CKT lamb leg

7.0

* 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.

INTERNATIONAL

2500 2000 Apr 17 Jul 17 Oct 17 C2 Fonter r a WMP

Prior week

Last year

5.0

CBOT futures (NZ$/t)

4.5

Wheat - Nearest

224

217

219

Corn - Nearest

193

191

198

South Island 1 7kg lamb

7.5 7.0

383

396

303

6.5

6006.0

ASW Wheat

367

371

275

Feed Wheat

325

328

256

Feed Barley

356

359

239

131

118

113

PKE (US$/t)

Jan 18 Apr 18 NZX WMP Futur es

6.0

Ex-Malaysia

NZ venison 60kg stag

$/kg

3000

6.5 5.5

Last week

APW Wheat

3500

North Island 17kg lamb

7.5

Australia (NZ$/t)

4000 US$/t

5.15

374

Waikato (NZ$/t)

Feb 18 AgriHQ Seasonal

6.95

358

PKE

Dec 17

5005.5 4005.0 3004.5 OctOct

DecDec

FebFeb

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

Prior week

vs 4 weeks ago

WMP

3325

3190

3020

SMP

2000

1935

AMF

6275

Butter

5310

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Last week

Prior week

Last year

1760

Urea

520

520

482

Coarse xbred ind.

2.96

2.86

3.31

6260

5900

Super

301

303

317

Nth Isl 37m

3.00

2.93

3.50

4850

4520

DAP

739

Sth Isl 35m

5.05

5.50

3.67

775

752

Apr May Latest price

Jun Jul 4 weeks ago

Aug

Sharemarket Briefing IT WAS a rollercoaster for markets last week with indexes across the globe registering declines. The three main indexes in the United States finished last week having experienced their biggest sell-down in more than two years. The selldown spread across the globe from there, even sending our local NZX 50 down more than 2% on Monday. Further selling overnight on Monday in the US again sent markets lower, however, the NZX 50 was let of the hook to a certain extent as it was closed for Waitangi Day. Rising fears of a return to inflation have been the key driver behind the market sell-down. A better than expected jobs report was released on Friday February 2 in the US showing that 200,000 jobs were added in January, 20,000 more than was expected. The unemployment rate remained at 4.1%.

What really captured the markets’ attention was the acceleration in wage growth. January saw wages rise 0.3%, taking annual wage inflation to 2.9%, the fastest wages have grown since June 2009. With wage growth rising, expectations for inflation have also risen, sending bond yields higher and investors running to safe haven assets.

Market commentary provided by Craigs Investment Partners

18774

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

8177

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

7778

$/kg

350 250 150 Feb 14

NZ venison 60kg stag

4.5

600

c/k kg (net)

NZ$/t

US$/t

3000

Coarse xbred wool indicator

5.5

CANTERBURY FEED PRICES 450

14699

This yr

(NZ$/kg)

3500

S&P/FW AG EQUITY

Last yr

AugAug

NZ average (NZ$/t)

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR

JunJun

WOOL

* price as at close of business on Thursday

Mar

AprApr

FERTILISER

Last price*

2500

Last year

6.95

Feed Wheat

7.0

Oct 17 AgriHQ Spot Fonterra forecast

Last week Prior week

NI lamb (17kg)

Milling Wheat

7.5

5.5 Aug 17

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

c/kkg (net)

$/kgMS

SHEEP MEAT

DOMESTIC

AGRIHQ 2017-18

FONTERRA 2017-18

Sheep

$/kg

Dairy

Feb 15 Feed barley

Feb 16

Feb 17 PKE spot

300

2.5

Oct Oct

Dec Dec

Feb Feb

AprApr Last yr

JunJun

AugAug This yr

Dollar Watch

Close

YTD High

YTD Low

Auckland International Airport Limited

6.36

6.73

6.26

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

12.96

14.39

12.65

Meridian Energy Limited The a2 Milk Company Limited Spark New Zealand Limited Ryman Healthcare Limited Mercury NZ Limited (NS) Contact Energy Limited Port of Tauranga Limited (NS) Air New Zealand Limited (NS)

2.80 8.87 3.48 10.70 3.28 5.36 5.04 3.04

3.00 9.39 3.68 11.30 3.45 5.64 5.20 3.22

2.75 7.66 3.43 10.27 3.23 5.25 4.89 2.86

Listed Agri Shares

3.5

400

5‐yr ave

Top 10 by Market Cap Company

500

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

Close

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

8.870

9.390

7.660

Comvita Limited

9.000

9.210

8.300

Delegat Group Limited

7.650

8.050

7.620

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

6.190

6.660

6.120

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

2.250

2.250

2.250

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

2.170

2.430

2.170

PGG Wrightson Limited

0.570

0.610

0.560

Sanford Limited (NS)

7.820

8.500

7.820

Scales Corporation Limited

4.610

4.920

4.610

Seeka Limited

6.050

6.520

6.050

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

6.680

7.200

6.500

T&G Global Limited

3.260

3.300

3.150

Tegel Group Holdings Limited

1.070

1.240

1.060

S&P/FW Primary Sector

14699

15306

14699

S&P/FW Agriculture Equity

18774

19585

18763

S&P/NZX 50 Index

8177

8456

8177

S&P/NZX 10 Index

7778

8038

7694

THE kiwi dollar held This Prior Last NZD vs up well as world equity week week year markets fell sharply over USD 0.7234 0.7389 0.7190 the last week.

EUR 0.5896 0.5913 0.6745 When these falls happen,and investors AUD 0.9259 0.9195 0.9422 become risk-averse in GBP 0.5190 0.5183 0.5750 volatile conditions the kiwi Correct as of 9am last Friday might typically drop about United States 2c, BNZ currency strategist Jason Wong said. That might have taken the kiwi down to US$0.70 but it stayed above 0.72, highlighting that this was an equity market event after very big recent gains to overheated levels while currency markets remained more fairly valued.

The BNZ does expect headwinds to emerge for the kiwi as world interest rates rise and central bank liquidity tightens over the course of the year. World economic conditions are expected to flatten from current elevated levels over the next year or so.

BNZ’s forecast is for a US$0.70 year-end figure but with all the volatility about it could go a couple of cents lower, around the 0.68 level where the forecast sat before kiwi strength set-in.

Though official US interest rates are expected to rise this year, Wong expects the US dollar to struggle against the likes of the euro, sterling and yen because of the greater US Treasury borrowing required to make up for tax cuts.

However, the kiwi is forecast to fall further against those currencies so that it also weakens against the big dollar. Wong expects the kiwi to be at £0.47 by year-end, down to €0.54 and around ¥76.

Alan Williams

Markets

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018

WAIKATO PKE ($/T)

276

NI SLAUGHTER LAMB

NI SLAUGHTER STEER

($/KG)

R3 ANGUS STEERS, 475-530KG, AT FEILDING

($/KG)

($/KG)

6.95

5.50

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

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.50

5.50

5.20

NI Bull (300kg)

5.30

5.30

5.05

NI Cow (200kg)

4.10

4.10

3.90

SI Steer (300kg)

5.30

5.30

5.25

SI Bull (300kg)

5.10

5.10

4.90

SI Cow (200kg)

4.15

4.15

3.95

US imported 95CL bull

6.61

6.53

6.52

US domestic 90CL cow

6.47

6.48

6.27

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

5.5 600

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)

10.25

10.15

8.00

NI Hind (50kg)

10.15

10.05

7.90

SI Stag (60kg)

10.80

10.70

8.00

SI Hind (50kg)

10.70

10.60

7.90

New Zealand venison (60kg Stag)

11

$/kg

10

NZ venison 60kg stag

9

8 500

400 7 300

6 Oct

Oct

Dec Dec 5‐yr ave

Feb Feb

Apr Apr Last yr

Jun Jun

Aug Aug

$210-$240

$1495-$1555

Medium to good Border Good R2 Angus steers Leicester ewes at at Dannevirke Fair Lorneville Two-tooth Fair

On-farm sales popular

T

HE annual Rollesby Valley on-farm lamb’s sale was held last Thursday (see p3), with a number of properties offering up lambs which accumulated to 20,000 head. A further 7000 were also offered in Springfield, and all sales were well supported with satisfied vendors and buyers by sale end.

NORTHLAND NORTHLAND With more rain falling buyers converged on KAIKOHE sale yards last Wednesday in search of mouths to eat the kikuyu grass in particular.

They timed it right as in the 600 head yarding there was a consignment of 320 20-month traditional and traditional-cross steers that were offered due to a farm sale.

These cattle were well presented and sold on a very strong market, PGG Wrightson agent Vaughan Vujcich reported, with a number of people going home empty handed. The consignment was distributed between local buyers from Kaikohe through to Whangarei.

Most lines were Angus, AngusHereford, Angus-Charolais and Shorthorn-cross, with 400-440kg selling for an impressive $3.20-$3.38/ kg.

Heifers sold on a steady market with 20-month beef-cross trading at $2.75-$2.90/kg. Friesian and Friesiancross bulls were variable depending on quality and condition and made $2.40-$2.77/kg.

A nice line-up of weaner steers had a good following and Charolais sold for $1080, $3.77/kg, while Angus and Angus-Hereford reached $1110, $4.10/ kg.

Heifers were mainly beef-Friesian and 110kg sold for $500-$540, while the top line of Friesian bulls, 125kg, made $575, with most trading at $500$550.

A small cow section finished off the sale, with a number run-with-bull. The Friesian-cross and beef-cross lines traded at $1.75-$1.85/kg.

BLACK AND WHITE: Stock awaits sale at Airies Station, one of the Rollesby Valley on farm lamb sales last week.

Photo: Stu Jackson

COUNTIES

Good store cattle are still in short supply in the TUAKAU region, with only 350-head yarded at last Thursday’s sale, Chris Elliott of PGG Wrightson reported.

But there were plenty of buyers looking for stock, resulting in a 10-15c/kg lift for the better lines of yearling and 15-18month cattle.

The bull market also improved on recent sales. Good Friesian bulls, 357kg, made $3.06/kg, with beef bulls at 290kg earning $830 and Friesian weaners, 138kg, $570.

The steer section included 480kg Hereford-cross steers, which traded at $2.84/kg, while a nice pen of R2 Hereford-Friesian, 442kg, made $3.16/ kg. Good Angus steers, 302kg, earned $3.45/kg, with other 15 to 18-month

This yr

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

HBA 1042R

c/k kg (net)

600

3.30

high lights

61

Heartland Bank Limited’s lending criteria, fees and charges apply. For full terms and conditions, visit www.openforlivestock.co.nz

steers in the 290-420kg range fetching $3.00-$3.29/kg. Autumnborn Hereford-Friesian, 246kg, sold strongly at $935, with lighter crossbred weaners, 150kg, trading at $550.

Heifer numbers were light and quality was mixed. A pen of Herefordcross, 436kg, made $2.67/kg , with very nice Angus heifers, 295kg, fetching $3.04/kg, and good red-bodied Hereford-Friesian weaners, 188kg, $735. A line of autumn-born HerefordFriesian at 220kg made the same money.

Good grass supplies in the region may also be contributing to a shortage of prime cattle. Last Wednesday’s sale drew a yarding of just 120-head, with boner cows making up more than half. A very small entry of prime steers traded at $2.88-$2.94/kg, and prime

Continued page 62

Get livestock finance from $10,000. Apply online now in a few easy steps and you could be making your next livestock purchase with confidence. With Heartland Bank you can get up to 100% finance secured against the stock you buy. Then repay the loan when you sell.

Find out more:

Call 0800 87 50 50.

Markets

62 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018 heifers $2.70-$2.93/kg. Boner cow prices eased on the previous sale, mainly due to quality. The best of the heavy Friesian made $2.09/kg, with lighter boners selling down to $1.35/kg. Beef bulls fetched $2.90/ kg, and Jersey $2.66/kg.

Last Monday’s sheep sale was a very brief affair, with only 420 ewes and lambs presented. But the shortage of numbers kept prices firm. Heavy prime lambs traded at $130- $150 and lightmediums $95-$130. A handful of store lambs fetched $75-$105. Ewe prices softened slightly but quality was not as good as the previous sale. Heavy prime ewes sold at $105-$120, medium $75-$105, and lighter $65-$95.

WAIKATO With Waitangi Day falling the day prior, a moderate yarding greeted the local buying bench at FRANKTON last week. The yarding was dominated by smaller lines and while the market was steady for the majority there was some variance shown for others dependent on quality.

R3 cattle were mainly steady for the limited amount on offer, with beef-cross heifers, 428kg, earning $2.62/kg.

R2 steers were strong, with Hereford-Friesian, 349365kg, realising $3.10-$3.21/ kg, and Friesian steers, 374403kg, managed $2.72-$2.78/ kg. Variance was shown in the heifers dependent on quality and compounded by limited buyer interest. Hereford-cross, 302319kg, eased to $2.55-$2.63/kg, while better 365kg were steady at $2.79/kg. Hereford-Friesian, 321-324kg, eased to $2.79/kg, and 348kg, $2.84/kg.

Autumn-born weaner steers were something of a mixed bag.

Highlights included AngusHereford, 225kg, which sold well at $750, and Hereford-cross, 231-242kg, $750-$800. HerefordFriesian, 222kg eased, albeit still with solid returns to $820. AngusHereford heifers, 219kg, were well received at $710.

The prime market was strong, and the majority of steers, 520644kg, sold in a range of $2.81$2.87/kg regardless of breed.

Beef-cross, 613kg, lifted to $2.91/ kg, while Hereford-cross heifers, 465-501kg, maintained levels of $2.74-$2.75/kg.

Friesian boner heifers, 500kg, and cows, 515-596kg, were well sought after earning $2.78/kg and $2.11-$2.23/kg respectively.

Friesian-cross, 395-464kg, were steady at $1.74-$1.89/kg.

BAY OF PLENTY BAY OF PLENTY As is typical a change of sale day restricted stock and buyer numbers at RANGIURU last Wednesday, but for the cattle sale at least it was a good balance.

The prime section stood out for being very solid through all classes.

All steers sold over a tight range of $2.84-$2.94/kg on a steady market, while a high yielding line of five Charolais heifers, 510kg, achieved $2.95/kg. Two lines of Hereford-Jersey heifers traded at $2.84-$2.85/kg. South Devon bulls realised $3.11/kg, with Hereford just 3c/kg behind. One line of Hereford-Friesian cows returned $2.46/kg, while Friesian, 553kg, made $1.93/kg.

The store section was a game

of two halves, with quality cattle subject to persistent demand from the small buying bench which resulted in some very good sales, while lesser sorts met the market at much lower levels.

Good Hereford-Friesian steers, 361-366kg, returned $3.09-$3.10/ kg, and Friesian, 321kg $2.93/kg.

Hereford-Friesian heifers, 326420kg, also sold well at $2.74$2.79/kg, though were bettered by a line of Angus-Friesian, 312kg, $2.92/kg. All R2 bulls were Jersey and varied from $2.60/kg down to $2.28-$2.33/kg.

The weaner section was a highlight as it included some exceptional cattle that got the bench excited. Simmental-cross featured across all sections and the steers, 224-229kg made $845-$855, heifers, 232kg, $790, and the top line of bulls, 276kg, $1045. Hereford-Friesian heifers, 97-107kg, sold for $405-$490, and bulls of same breeding and 95136kg, $505-$660.

Sheep numbers were very low with prime lambs trading at $90$141.

TARANAKI TARANAKI The yarding at TARANAKI last Wednesday was considered to be a typical offering for the time of year - featuring ex-service bulls and cull dairy cows, with the balance made up by small lines of all sorts.

Weaner cattle continued to come forward in large numbers, with a further 1350 offered.

The ex-service bull market was again the talking point though it lost some of the enthusiasm seen over the last few weeks. Outside buying power was there but not as influential, and Hereford, 570847kg, plateaued at $3.02-$3.09/ kg, while Friesian, 506-608kg, maintained levels of $3.00-$3.05/ kg. Jersey sat in a 420-465kg weight range and made $2.55-$2.63/kg.

A few more dairy cows came forward and Friesian, 430-492kg, sold on a steady market at $1.80$1.87/kg.

Just shy of 200 store cattle were penned though only two lines had up to 11 head, with most pens housing 2-4 head.

In the R2 pens HerefordFriesian, 340-396kg, sold for $3.03-$3.09/kg, though lesser lines, 271-290kg, made just $2.83$2.84/kg. Hereford-cross, 332kg, made $3.01/kg and a small line of Murray Grey-cross, $3.10/kg.

Hereford blood featured prominently through the R2 heifer pens where most HerefordFriesian weighed 222-280kg and varied from $3.15-$3.19/kg for the better lines down to $2.92$2.96/kg for the second cuts. One outstanding line of 412kg sold for $3.03/kg at $1250.

Weaner heifer numbers nearly caught up to the bulls last Thursday, with the fair posting solid results. Beef-Friesian made up a large portion of the volume, though still decent numbers of Friesian bulls are coming forward.

Very few calves stayed in local areas, with outside support coming in via orders from places as far afield as Northland.

Hereford-Friesian bulls have settled at a good level, with 103115kg trading at $550-$590, and similar weighted Angus-Friesian at a $40-$50 per head discount on those levels. High demand for Friesian bulls had prices tight for

103-123kg at $540-$590, while most lines 130kg and better traded at $600-$640.

Those in the market for Hereford-Friesian heifers were spoilt for choice with 260 penned.

They were easily absorbed and 90108kg returned $455-$505, while 115-116kg made steady returns at $500-$515. A highlight was a line of 10 Hereford heifers, 196kg, which sold for $740.

Steer numbers were not as high as last sale but there was still good quality in the pens, with HerefordFriesian, 116-119kg, making $582-$608, and a handful of small lines of heavier calves, $670-$700.

Angus-Friesian, 131-153kg, traded at $560-$650.

POVERTY BAY POVERTY BAY A little over 1200 store lambs were available at MATAWHERO, and although they continued to be well supported, they did have quite the same spark as the week prior. Two lines of good lambs topped the sale at $105-$110, but the majority were medium-good which made a respectable $90-$96.

The lightest pen was $82, but it still had reasonable weight behind it.

A line of prime lambs made $142.50, however nothing of note was found in the small prime section otherwise.

HAWKE’S BAY HAWKE’S BAY STORTFORD LODGE began its selling week last Wednesday as no prime sale was held on the Monday.

Most of the small store lamb section was made up of lambs from Wairoa as well as central and southern Hawke’s Bay. The market took a dip with bids coming cautiously from a small bench of buyers, while some lines were also underestimated in their weight. On average prices came back $15 per head, with very few lines exceeding $3.00/kgLW. Cryptorchid lambs had weight and sold for $94-$109.50, as did wether and male lambs which sold for $74-$109. Ewe lambs made up the biggest portion of the yarding though medium to good types managed only $68-$89, while most mixed sex sold for $77-$97.

A small offering of ewes came forward in equally small lines with the biggest at 41 head taking top honors of $150. The remainder of the Romney lines sold for $86$118.

While cattle numbers were moderate at 355 head it felt like a bigger day as small lines accumulated to 50 pens sold.

While the sale included some quality traditional cattle it also offered up a significant number of dairy and dairy-cross cattle.

The feature was a consignment of R3 Angus & Angus-Hereford steers which were well presented cattle with buyers very persistent in their bidding. Prices lifted with the two bigger lines of 439-480kg making $3.20-$3.22/kg, whereas a third line had more weight at 507kg but made $3.06/kg. All other lines of R3 steers were beefcross and fetched $2.70-$2.81/ kg. A good line of R3 Friesian bulls, 545kg, sold well at $2.92/kg, bettering the lighter R2 lines, 417442kg, that made market value of $2.81-$2.84/kg.

Prices for the better R2 beef and beef-cross steers were pleasing, with Angus & Angus-Hereford,

395-407kg, reaching $3.41-$3.46/ kg, and 366kg Hereford-cross, $3.43/kg. A lighter line of Hereford from the Chatham Islands made $3.63/kg, while the rest of the yarding was very mixed which was reflected in the prices.

The mix of quality continued into the heifer pens though the R2 section did start with a line of 15 Angus, 380kg, which sold for $3.09/kg. Hereford-Friesian, 237kg returned $3.12/kg. A buyer from Wairoa filled a unit with all the cows and a good chunk of various aged heifers, including the vettedin-calf line, which helped this market.

This annual DANNEVIRKE 2 ½-year and 18-month steer fair is renowned for offering up annual draft lines of top quality cattle and it did not disappoint last Thursday, with many vendors farming to this sale, which drew in a number of big buyers from Hunterville, Manawatu and Central Hawkes Bay, PGG Wrightson’s Bjorn Andersen reported. Within the 1200 head yarding quality was top notch, and just one small pen of Hereford-Friesian were the odd ones out, with the sale mainly Angus and Angus-Hereford, and exotic-cross cattle.

Compared to last year the market was thought to be well up, and good R3 Angus steers sold for $1632-$1700, with second cuts earning $1545-$1580. Angus & Angus-Hereford sold for $1520$1680.

The R2 Angus traded over a tighter range with budgets of at least $1300 needed for most lines, and up to $1555 for the tops. Most Angus & Angus-Hereford tracked along at $1360-$1455. Charolaiscross took out top honors though, with a weighty line making $1575$1580, with two other exotic-cross lines fetching $1450-$1490.

MANAWATU MANAWATU The short week was responsible for a smaller sale at RONGOTEA last Wednesday, New Zealand Farmers Livestock agent Darryl Harwood reported.

Prices for the better boner cows were solid as they earned $1.73$1.85/kg, while a line of HerefordFriesian cows with calves-at-foot made pleasing returns at $1630 per unit.

The store section consisted of R2 Friesian bulls, 380kg, $2.63/kg, and Hereford-Friesian, 382-455kg, $2.64-$2.77/kg. Younger Friesian bulls, 260-292kg, sold consistently for $2.71-$2.77/kg, bettering Hereford-Friesian, 260-365kg, which made $2.65-$2.73/kg.

Red Poll steers stood out in their section as they went under the hammer for $2.90/kg, making a tidy $1000. Hereford-Friesian heifers, 370kg, were medium types and cleared $2.54/kg.

Bulls made up the bulk of the weaner section where good lines met keen interest and sold accordingly. The top Friesian bulls, 175kg, managed $620, which was similar to Hereford-Friesian, 180kg at $640, though crossbred bulls only reached $455 for 190kg. A line of Speckle Park, 167kg, fetched $595, with lighter HerefordFriesian, 104kg, not far behind at $530. Hereford-Friesian steers, 135-170kg, traded at $502-$540, though better quality heifers, 135-152kg, outpriced the steers at $508-$565.

Mixed age ewes made $80-$101, and mixed sex lambs, $56-$96.

Nearly twice as many cattle were available at FEILDING after last week’s small offering. Numbers were underpinned by an offering of nearly 250 R3 Angus steers from a single vendor. All 475-530kg R3 Angus steers were $3.20-$3.34/ kg, though the upper-end was reserved for two very large pens.

The remainder of the 590-670kg traditional R3 steers made $3.05$3.14/kg. Two lines of 525-535kg R3 Friesian bulls were $2.93-$3.05/ kg. No R3 heifers of note were sold.

It was mainly a dairy-cross affair through the R2 steers and heifers, though buyers didn’t appear deterred by this. The majority of the R2 steers were 350-430kg Hereford-Friesians, selling at $1045-$1330, $2.99-$3.22/kg, though a line of 375kg Devon’s were popular at $1305, $3.50/kg.

Quality wasn’t great through the heifers. The better 320-365kg beef-Friesian lines were $910$1000, $2.69-$2.86/kg, but it fell below $2.50/kg for most of the rest.

Two lines of 400-435kg Charolais heifers matched last week at $1230-$1290, $2.95-$3.07/kg. R2 Friesian bulls were sold in two cuts, with the 400-470kg bracket making $1175-$1360, $2.82-$3.01/ kg, and the 355-380kg lines at $1090-$1205, $3.05-$3.15/kg.

Weaner heifers and bulls continued to sell well. All 135150kg beef-Friesian heifers were $530-$565, while 110-140kg Hereford-Friesian bulls made $535-$575.

Around 9000 ewes were put up for auction as the supplementary ewe fair was combined with the usual store sheep sale. Around a third were two-tooths which sold to very good interest. The better half of these made $193$214, while the bulk of the rest made $170-$186. Some very good five-year ewes were pushed up to $172-$183, but $140-$161 covered most of the decent quality lines.

It was a similar through the older ewes, where two mixed age lines were $170-$178, but $124-$136 accounted for the majority.

Numbers and quality were lacking through the store lambs which mainly sold to a steady or slightly weaker market. Any medium or better cryptochrid and blackface mixed sex lambs made $95-$111, excluding a single heavy line which made $116. It was the same through the ram lambs, which all made $90-$100.

Light lambs were generally steady week-on-week. The light cryptorchids were $70-$71, rising to $78-$88 for mediums. Lightmedium ewe lambs made $76-$85.

CANTERBURY CANTERBURY The change of sale day did not affect the flow of lambs too much into CANTERBURY PARK last Wednesday, with a respectable yarding of just over 3000 stores and 1200 primes. No pressure to offload store cattle resulted in another moderate yarding of mixed quality.

Prices for store lambs were steady with all male lines making $86-$91. The mixed sex section could be broken down into three parts, with the better end selling on a softer market at $81-$103, whereas medium types made steady returns at $79-$94.The smaller outlay for lighter lambs

Markets

kept prices steady to slightly softer at $64-$88.

Small lines of prime lambs accumulated to a respectable 1200 head. Prices remained steady and most black-face lambs sold for $120-$168, while whiteface returned $100-$149.

Ewe numbers were similar to the previous week and the bulk of the yarding were in light-medium to medium-good condition and sold on a steady market at $112-$157. Light ewes traded at $81-$109.

Just shy of 300 store cattle were penned, though older cattle numbers were limited. A few standout lines got bids rolling, including a consignment of traditional R3 Angus & AngusHereford steers which fetched $2.99-$3.09/kg for 385-431kg, while 464kg returned $3.13/kg.

Hereford steers, 334kg, featured in the R2 pens and sold for $3.32/kg.

Buyers were spoilt by selection on a good yarding of HerefordFriesian heifers and the best lines, 338-377kg, enjoyed a lift to $3.02-$3.12/kg, with a lighter line pushing to $3.18/kg. Lesser quality lines, 313-329kg, returned $2.85$2.86/kg, but prices climbed again for 288-310kg to $2.95-$3.03/kg.

Weaner quality was very mixed and Friesian bulls, 108-128kg, sold for $360-$440, with crossbred lines well off that pace. Three lines of mixed sex Hereford, 79-103kg, needed a very small outlay at $320-$400.

An extra buyer in the prime heifer pens ensured lines consistently sold at higher levels and over a tight range of $2.80$2.94/kg, with a few exceptional lines up to $3.01/kg.

Good demand for prime steers meant beef lines lifted, and Angus and Hereford, 490-590kg, traded at $3.00-$3.10/kg. Hereford-Friesian, 477-630kg, were easily sold at $2.95-$3.08/kg while Friesian, 607-700kg, returned $2.80-$2.81/ kg.

Southland lambs made their way as far as COALGATE last Thursday with a consignment of 1280 included.

These sold in four main lines, with the tops making $78-$84, while light types fetched $63$70. The balance of the yarding comprised of a large spread of lambs.

A line of males sold up to $73 and the top mixed sex $90-$94,

THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018 while very long term lambs eased slightly to $50-$69.

Prime lamb numbers grew and the buying bench had a very familiar feel to it as regular buyers took ownership. Budgets were similar to the previous week with most selling for $110-$154.

The ewe pens had a range of quality and the market was dominated by two regular buyers.

Demand for third cut ewes was strong, with prices starting at $103 and heading up to $128. Medium types traded at $131-$158, with the top cuts making $160-$190.

A handful of small lines of very heavy ewes did push to $211-$226.

The store cattle pens were once again quite empty with few of quality offered and of the 209 offered 160 were weaners.

The R2 steer pens featured one line of 12 Hereford-Friesian, 356kg that made reasonable returns at $2.75/kg, while all other lines traded at $2.23-$2.57/kg. Heifers followed suit and two small lines of Hereford-Friesian lacked quality and sold for $2.33-$2.44/ kg.

Friesian bulls dominated the weaner section and sold to recent levels. Most lines fell in a $500$590 bracket despite a 116-192kg spread.

Steers had good weight as Murray Grey-cross and HerefordShorthorn added some depth to the pens. The heavier lines made $600-$750, with the sisters to the Hereford-Shorthorn also weighing in at 245kg and earning $750.

Murray Grey-cross heifers, 97154kg, made $400-$520.

The short kill week meant a lessening in demand for prime cattle. Steers, 615-905kg, managed to hold value at $2.80-$2.82/kg, though with just 11 head in the range there was not big numbers to absorb. The heifer section was large and prices eased. Prime types, 478-575kg, eased to $2.67$2.78/kg, while dairy lines, 364372kg, made just $2.20-$2.29/kg.

Bull prices were also variable as ex-service with weight made $1.82/kg, and higher yielding types, 492-686kg ranged from $2.50/kg to $2.75/kg.

SOUTH CANTERBURY SOUTH CANTERBURY Low cattle volumes worked in vendors’ favor at TEMUKA last Monday, where the sale was squeezed in between Sunday and Waitangi Day.

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The store cattle sale last Thursday was also small, as PGG Wrightson hosted a big on-farm lamb sale so had few cattle entered.

Store lamb numbers continued to flow at a relatively high level and benefited from increased interest from North Canterbury buyers, with most types at least steady to firm.

The pens featured a good number of black-face wether lines which had a very good following and achieved $73-$100. Wethers also featured in the fine wool pens and sold for $86-$98.

Male and mixed sex lines, 30kg and over made $88-$107 to make relatively steady returns, but high per head budgets for light mixed sex had most trading at $68-$93 for high $/kg. A wide weight range of ewe lambs sold for $67-$102.

A small yarding of prime lambs was easily absorbed with prices steady at $110-$150.

Ewe numbers were marginally down and included a consignment of Merino ewes with a bit of wool which sold very well to traders for $91-$138. For the remainder prices were steady and the bulk traded at $100-$168, though only one line this week managed to hit $200.

A larger yarding of cattle would have been more susceptible to the downwards pressure that schedules are under, but as it was prices were mainly steady. Bulls tallied up to just 85 head but was the biggest section, with a small offering of cows and heifers making up the balance.

Prime heifers made steady returns and the straight beef and a better Hereford-Friesian line went under the hammer for $2.70$2.81/kg.

Bull prices were generally steady to firm as Hereford, 595-601kg, traded at $2.80/kg with Friesian, 475-615kg, firm at $2.61-$2.71/ kg. Jersey numbers were low and mainly good yielding types, which was reflected in their $2.66-$2.75/ kg price tag.

The boner cow market’s saving grace was low volume but there was still an easing tone. Friesian, 481-525kg, returned $1.76-$1.91/ kg, with a few better yielding types up to $2.01-$2.11/kg. Prime Angus cows, 600-654kg, sold well at $2.22-$2.24/kg.

One of the highlights of the sale was the boner heifer market,

which enjoyed a lift. Most Friesian weighing 462-565kg fell in a $2.47$2.56/kg range, with a few lines outside that.

While the recent rain did not flood the store cattle market with buyers it did help to bring a bit more confidence from those that are already in it.

A consignment of R2 AngusHereford steers from Oamaru made respectable values though were slightly done on recent levels. They still surpassed $3.00/ kg though as 357-411kg sold to $3.01-$3.07/kg, whereas HerefordFriesian, 423-461kg, lifted to $2.99-$3.09/kg, R2 bull numbers were low and a feature line of eight Angus, 419kg, sold for $2.94/kg, while Friesian, 295-434kg, fetched $2.65-$2.68/kg.

Jersey, 281-370kg, dipped below $2.00/kg to $1.85-$1.95/kg.

While heifer numbers were virtually non-existent, there was a consignment of Angus-Hereford and Charolais heifers from the same camp as the traditional steers, which has been run with a White Galloway bull. Good interest in these lines had them trading at $2.76/kg and $2.72/kg respectively.

Weaner’s made up the balance and prices varied dependent on quality, with good lines selling well but lesser lines subject to limited interest. Most Hereford-Friesian heifers came from one Oamaru property and all 119-176kg traded at $495-$550. Top price in the heifer pens was $630 for a line of 197kg Simmental, whereas dairycross lines struggled.

Friesian bulls, 162-176kg, lifted to $560-$600 and 130-156kg Hereford-Friesian steers returned $545-$570.

OTAGO OTAGO Timely rain brought a few extra buyers to the BALCLUTHA twotooth fair on Friday 2nd February, and helped to ensure a strong market as they joined annual draft buyers.

Around a third of the yarding were capital stock ewes and the top price for the day was $204 for Romney, with a second line making $202. Romdale ewes sold to $192, while the bulk of the offering traded at $170-$185. A small bottom end returned $150$160.

The flow-on effect of the rain was also felt last Wednesday as

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store lambs sold to increased interest, PGG Wrightson agent Russell Moloney reported. Prices firmed marginally but it was a noted movement, and the top lambs made $80-$90, medium $60-$70, and light, $50.

Prime stock volume reduced which helped keep the competition in the market. Again prices were very similar between the lamb and ewe pens, with the top lambs making $140-$150, medium $125-$135 and lighter $95-$115. The best of the ewes made $145-$155, medium $135$140, and light, $120-$130. Tail end ewes sold for $70-$90.

SOUTHLAND SOUTHLAND The LORNEVILLE two-tooth fair last Monday was hampered by the very dry season the region has faced, with a hard task ahead of auctioneers at the beginning of the 11,000 head fair. Buying power for this sale is generally locally based, with some support from South Canterbury.

By sale end prices were steady to slightly better than last year, but a portion of the yarding did return home. The ewes were a credit to vendors, who had farmed them well through a tough season, and that showed.

Border Leicester ewes made up around half the yarding, with the balance good quality crossbred ewes.

Annual draft Border Leicester took out top honours at $272, with medium to good lines trading at $210-$240. Lighter lines sold for $185-$200. Crossbred ewe were mainly Romney-cross, CoopTex and Coopdale, with top lines making $190-$200, and second cuts, $170-$190.

Recent rain brought some life to the store lamb market at CHARLTON last Thursday and prices strengthened, PGG Wrightson’s David Morrison reported.

The best of the store lambs sold to $90, with medium types earning $70-$80, and light, $40-$50.

A medium yarding of prime sheep maintained recent levels as heavy lambs found $150, second cuts $120-$130 and third $90$100. The medium and heavy ewes followed a similar path to the lambs at $158 and $120-$130 respectively, while the lighter types made $65-$85. Heavy rams sold for $110.

Markets

64 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 12, 2018 SI SLAUGHTER STAG

NI SLAUGHTER BULL

SI SLAUGHTER MUTTON

($/KG)

($/KG)

R2 HEREFORD-FRIESIAN HEIFERS, 340-375KG, AT CANTERBURY PARK

($/KG)

($/KG)

10.80

5.30

4.50

high $76-$102 lights Halfbred lambs at

Good two-tooth ewes Rollesby Valley on-farm at Feilding Supplementary Ewe Fair lamb sale

3.05

Buyers okay with prices Alan Williams a.dubu@xtra.co.nz

A

EUROPEAN importer of New Zealand lamb and venison says his customers are handling the current strong pricing levels.

Eddy Lannoo, whose Bimpex business supplies only NZ lamb into the affluent Benelux markets — Netherlands, Luxembourg and his Belgium home-base — says consumers might be eating less meat but they spend a lot of money on food, and they are buying the best quality.

After more than 30 years buying lamb from Alliance Group in Southland, he says NZ has the best lamb in the world, and he doesn’t source product from anywhere else.

While happy with pricing levels, he says they can go too far, as they have in the past, leading to buyer resistance and price falls.

“If the price stays as it is now, I can live with that, I think the price is good today, if it goes too high you can have a problem.”

Alliance’s sales manager Terry O’Connell said prices for some products —notably middle cuts — were at historic highs after a solid run over the last two to three years. The supply and demand picture was dictating prices.

There were no obvious headwinds in overseas markets right now. Exporters

VISITORS: Belgian importer Eddy Lanno, left, with Waikana farmer and Alliance shareholder Allan Woodrow, centre, and Alliance sales manager Terry O’Connell on Woodrow’s farm.

always had to be mindful of delivering the right products and quality to meet consumer tastes.

Bimpex chief executive Lannoo said the Benelux market was very traditional, but his business had moved from being a commodity buyer when it started to now not buying much commodity at all, and then only for further processing back in Europe.

There had been a big move to chilled product — now up to nearly 35% of total supplies — from 100% frozen when he

started, and O’Connell said there had been a continuous move up the value chain to bring the shipped product closer to end-user consumer requirements.

Lannoo worked for another company in the early 1980s before setting up Bimpex in 1986, starting with frozen lamb and then buying venison from 1989.

Chilled venison for the peak November through Christmas trade is a big part of the business now, and in-market prices are high. “I’d say the lamb market is solid, and

$193-$214

venison is very strong.”

The venison trade is also very competitive, with NZ supply up against game venison from Spain and Poland.

Lannoo comes to NZ every year at about this time, talking lamb and setting up the frozen venison contract for the year ahead.

The quality of lamb and venison is what keeps him coming back. “It’s 43 hours in a plane to get from Belgium to Invercargill, and if the quality wasn’t good I would not come over.”

A lot packed into one short week IT WAS a bit of a mucky week for sales because of Waitangi Day falling on a Tuesday but ewe fairs are still happening at southern South Island yards such as Balclutha and Lorneville.

Suz Bremner Add to that onfarm lamb sales AgriHQ Analyst at Rollesby Valley and in North Canterbury plus a steer fair at Dannevirke and it would be fair to say the sale yards fitted a lot into the last few days of the week.

Sales on Monday were well depleted in numbers and both Stortford Lodge and Feilding opted out of holding their regular prime sales, given there were no processors open on Tuesday. The regular Tuesday sales had to jump ship to Wednesday, which is already the busiest day of the week being the middle and the week when most sales are held. The pace did not slow for Thursday either as it played host to the special sales and fairs mentioned above.

Dannevirke might not hold a lot of big sales these days, given that most stock now go to either Stortford Lodge or Feilding but when it does, buyers flock in. It’s very much like Matawhero, the big days offer up large numbers of top quality, traditional hill country stock, almost a rarity in this day and age. The ewe fairs held earlier were proof of that and the steer fair on Thursday further accentuated the fact.

Buyers have been hanging out for this fair as this year, in particular, good quality. traditional cattle in big lines have been as rare as hens’ teeth. This sale ticked all those boxes as the list of traditional and exotic annual draft lines was endless and accompanied by well-known station names, culminating in a yarding of 1200 mainly bigger lines.

The sale did not disappoint either as buyers rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in. R3 Angus steers made $1545-$1700 and most R2 Angus, $1300-$1555, with prices well up on last year. suz.bremner@nzx.com

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