Farmers Weekly NZ February 26 2018 by AgriHQ

GM under spotlight Vol 17 No 8, February 26, 2018

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10 Beefing up meat exports Vol 17 No 8, February 26, 2018

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Fonterra to the rescue Annette Scott annettescott@xtra.co.nz

EVASTATION from ex-cyclone Gita has left Taranaki farmers at their wits end while Fonterra has been the saving grace for Golden Bay farmers coping in the aftermath. In Canterbury the storm wreaked havoc but farmers are praising the early warnings they feel prevented more destruction. States of emergency were called last week as the storm lashed central and southern New Zealand. State Highway 60 over the Takaka Hill was closed by numerous slips leaving rural communities stranded. Despite being cut off from the rest of the South Island with flooded farmland and power outages, farmers were coping not too badly in Golden Bay, Federated Farmers provincial president Wayne Langford said. “Some farms were harder hit, more in the upper catchments with random downpours and on the lowland where rivers and streams broke out. “The biggest concern was the loss of power that did cause stress trying to get cows milked.” With a bridge blow-out there were some delays in tankers getting to farms but new access was forged. “That’s the good news story – Fonterra engaged its back-up plan, which seemed to work very well and while some collections were missed farmers had storage capacity until collection was possible and with the tremendous

WATER TAXI: With the Takaka Hill road closed Fonterra is running a barge from Port Tarakohe to move tankers carting 50,000 litres of cream daily out of its Golden Bay plant at Takaka. Fonterra arranged for the barge to also carry food and other supplies for people in the cut-off area.

effort from Fonterra no milk was dumped. “We can’t praise Fonterra enough really.” Langford said farm repairs would be ongoing but with the wet summer, feed levels were quite high. “Thankfully we are not trying to get feed over the Takaka Hill.” A Fonterra spokesman said the company collected from 40 farms in the Takaka area and all but two had been collected in the initial 24 hours of the storm. The Takaka plant kept running but that meant Fonterra had to get tankers in and out by sea each day to get the product.

“We arranged a barge to do this and that is doing continuous round trips. We are using contract tankers because we need to keep our tankers for farm collections.” Two tankers were carting out 50,000 litres of cream a day and once barged to Nelson the cream was trucked to Clandeboye in South Canterbury where it was made into butter. To make full use of the barge Fonterra also co-ordinated the delivery of food, fuel and essential supplies into Takaka. “We are not sure how long we will be doing this but we will keep it going as long as there is a need,” Fonterra said.

Ex-cyclone Gita had tipped the balance for many Taranaki farmers. “On top of a shit spring, dry into summer and now high winds and carnage no-one here is very excited about being a farmer at the moment,” Feds provincial president Donald McIntrye said. Power outages had been the biggest challenge. “Power to the milking shed is the urgent priority. We can live without power at the house but the cows start stressing if they are not milked for 24 hours. “Sheds had their roofs lifted off, there’s been real disruption to the dairy industry.”

Damage to maize crops was widespread across the region with some totally flattened. McIntrye said the worst-hit farmers on the coastal strip would be making some hard decisions. “Given the difficult season it’s been with feed and cow condition, farmers will be looking to the banks to give them support through these tough times.” In Mid Canterbury the worst damage was slips and flooding with hill country areas getting up to 190mm of rain while the lower plains had from 100-150mm. There was a good run on harvest so that was up to date, Feds provincial president Michael Salvesen said. “We always need rain in Canterbury. We have probably had slightly more than we need just now. “But irrigators can be turned off, aquifers will recharge, new plantings will grow and pastures will bolt – It will do good. “Whenever we have soil saturation at the end of February we know we are going to have a good autumn,” South Canterbury Feds president Mark Adams said. He was grateful for the accuracy of the storm forecasting. “Weather forecasters gave us plenty of notice to plan for livestock, especially shorn sheep, so we are grateful for that accuracy. We didn’t get what we were expecting but in this case an anti-climax is a good result,” Adams said. On the West Coast there was a lot of cold rain and while there were some delays in milk collection, it was minimal. “The real positive side is we were alerted and everyone was well prepared.”

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NEWS

WEATHER OVERVIEW New Zealand is affected by both high pressure and low pressure over the coming two weeks, sometimes at the same time, as the weather pattern starts to move around quite a bit. This week kicks off with a developing low over the South Island, partially fuelled by the remnants of Aussie’s ex-cyclone Kelvin. As this week moves on high pressure rolls in again by mid week but low pressure might return to northern NZ mid to late week bringing some rain or showers. The northern low is a bit 50/50 though at this stage. If this low does form and bring rain to the north we think high pressure will continue in the south. March is looking changeable.

NZX PASTURE GROWTH INDEX – Next 15 days

Pasture Growth Index Above normal Near normal Below normal

7-DAY TRENDS

5 Fonterra-A2 deal okay by Synlait A move to a second major niche-product manufacturer by A2 Milk was inevitable given its strong growth, Synlait Milk chairman Graeme Milne says. New beef product on the cards �� 10

Wind

Rain Heavy rain on the West Coast today with some patchy falls to other regions to the south. By mid week most areas will be fairly dry but there’s a chance/uncertainty of a low forming over northern NZ bringing rain.

Farm stacks, bales need consent �� 14 Pork boss wants joint effort �� 20

Newsmaker ��22 New Thinking ��23 Opinion ��24

Temperature Hot in the east of the North Island a few times in the next seven days but the air flow around NZ is certainly mixed up thanks to humid sub-tropical northerlies and cooler southerlies. Some cooler weather in Southland.

Windy today in some areas, with humid northerlies in the upper North Island and westerly quarter winds in the South Island winds ease Wednesday as high pressure moves in. A potential low in the north could bring varying winds mid/late week.

Highlights/ Extremes Nothing too severe on the horizon. Today, Monday, has some heavy rain risks on the West Coast, gusty winds in the South Island. A potential northern NZ low (not a storm) might develop this week but there is some uncertainty.

REGULARS Real Estate ��28-39

14-DAY OUTLOOK

For further information on the NZX PGI visit www.agrihq.co.nz/pgi Cyclone Gita last saw Cook Strait neatly placed between the wind and the rain - wind mostly hit the lower North Island and rain mostly hit the upper South Island. Incredibly, drought regions of South Taranaki, Whanganui and parts of Manawatu - places hit by the centre of Gita missed out on much-needed rain. Rain did fall, but for some it wasn’t a huge amount. Drier than average weather is likely in the east and south of both islands next seven days.

SOIL MOISTURE INDEX – 23/02/2018

Employment ��40-41 Classifieds ��41 Livestock ��41-43

48 Ewe prices increase $40 A big yarding and buoyant demand at Sheffield marked the end of the Canterbury ewe fair season with prices well up on last year but the two-tooths did not make the stellar values of a few weeks earlier at Hawarden.

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News

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

Fonterra should up milk price Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com

STEADY: The stall in Global Dairy Trade prices shows the market realises the autumn fall in New Zealand milk producting will not be as big as earlier thought, ASB rural economist Nathan Penny says.

THE modest rally in world dairy commodity prices since the start of the year stalled in the second February Global Dairy Trade auction. The GDT index fell by 0.5%, having risen by a collective 13.6% in the three prior auctions. The index is the sum of price movements for the six commodities offered and across all contract periods and sellers. Butter prices rose by 1.1%, casein by 0.7% and whole milk powder prices generally by 0.3% though within the contracts the regular grade WMP for April shipment fell by 1.1%. In contrast, skim milk powder prices fell by 3%, anhydrous milk fat by 1.9% and cheddar by 1.3%. AgriHQ dairy analyst Amy Castleton said WMP futures prices eased after the GDT auction when

compared with a fortnight earlier. Out of this mixed bag, her farmgate milk price forecast recalculation fell 1c to $6.31/kg MS.

We think that farmers should be considering locking in a portion of their milk production. Nigel Brunel OMF The AgriHQ spot price fell 8c to $6.46. The spot price indicats what the milk price would be if February 20 GDT prices were achieved across the full season, at current exchange rates. Milk price futures rose to $6.50

for this season and $6.10 next season. OMF broker Nigel Brunel published a bold milk price forecast earlier in the week of $6.78 and suggested Fonterra had room to conservatively increase its $6.40 prediction by 25c. That would go some way to mollifying farmers when Fonterra took a further impairment and losses on its Beingmate investment. He said the forward price curves for WMP and dairy fat commodities supported a higher payout, should GDT prices remain unchanged through to May. Brunel also made a very bold 2018-19 season payout forecast of $6.94. He pointed out the big gap between his forecast and the latest September 19 milk price futures market level of $6.10. “We think that farmers should be considering locking in a

portion of their milk production, especially when the market is over $6/kg. “In the current season farmers sold 5000 open lots, totalling 30 million kilograms of milksolids. “That is about half of the level Fonterra’s guaranteed minimum price scheme achieved when it was operating, which shows milk price futures are doing a job for the industry.” ASB rural economist Nathan Penny said the latest GDT results showed the market catching on to the likelihood that New Zealand milk production in autumn will not fall as much as earlier predicted, after widespread recent rain. While he expected GDT prices to ease, the recent price lifts were now banked by Fonterra and the season is nearing its end. Therefore, ASB remains with its prediction of $6.50, the same level as Westpac.

Relief for Southland farmers Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com THERE is mud on the Paterson family’s Southland farm again, prompting Laurie Paterson to ask whimsically if the drought was over. The effects of Cyclone Gita delivered 54mm of rain to the Patersons’ farm with reports of up to 100mm elsewhere in Southland and Otago and even 50cm of snow to Central Otago ski fields. The deluge means the drought areas of Southland, Queenstown Lakes, Central Otago and Clutha have had between 100mm and 300mm of rain in February compared to less than 50mm for most areas in December and January.

It will provide a timely autumn flush of feed. Otago Federated Farmers president Phil Hunt said while conditions were much improved on a month ago, the effects were still being felt. Ewes were in light condition going into tupping and supplementary feed was short with many farmers reliant on feed held over from last harvest. Off-farm grazing was also in short supply. “We are having a great autumn flush but it is hard work getting weight on ewes at this time of year,” Hunt said. Paterson said the 54mm followed 80mm earlier in the month but before that the soil profile was devoid of moisture, the driest he had

seen it since arriving on the farm in 1966. They have been able to finish stock and his stud Hereford cattle have enjoyed the dry feed but Paterson said land preparation appeared to influence how well winter crops had survived the dry. Crops where soil had been compacted as part of the sowing process had held on better than elsewhere. Hay and balage were made before Christmas before conditions became serious. The new threat is internal parasites and flies and Paterson has been busy jetting stock to provide protection. The rain has eased pressure on Southland rivers, allowing Environment Southland to

SURVIVAL: Checking a fodder beet crop after rain on the Paterson family’s Waikaka Genetics farm in Southland are, from left, Laurie and Ross Paterson and farm worker Lisa Bonenkamp.

declare most of region’s rivers and aquifers back to normal levels for this time of year. Its science and information director Graham Sevicke-Jones

said the council no longer considers Southland’s water situation serious and with more rain forecast the chances more water shortages are low.

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News

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

Stellar alternative milk result pushes shares Alan Williams a.dubu@xtra.co.nz A2 MILK Co shares spiked higher after it reported another stellar trading performance and announced a supply relationship with Fonterra. In early NZX trading on Wednesday the shares rose $1.66 to $10.95, a near-18% lift. Revenues were up 70% to $434.7 million in the six months ended December 31, compared to the same period a year earlier, and the after-tax profit did even better, up 150% to $98.47m from $39.38m earlier. The earnings gain was based on higher margins from the product mix being sold, chief executive Geoff Babidge said. Revenue from the group’s flagship product, A2 Platinum infant formula, was $341m, 78% of the total. Extremely strong growth was still being achieved for A2 Platinum in Australia and China

with good growth in fresh milk sales in the United States and in the smaller United Kingdom business, Babidge said. With expansion into the northeast of the United States, the group would grow to a presence in 5000 stores in that country, up from 3600 at balance date. China and the US were the key growth markets along with the core Australian business. The consumption market share held by A2 Platinum in China had lifted significantly, from 3.5% for the three months to the end of June, to 5.4% for the three months to the end of December, based on independent surveys. The half-year after-tax earnings exceeded the $90.6m figure for the full June 2017 year. Operating cashflow jumped out to $116.4m for the period, up from $38m. At balance date, the company had $240m in cash on hand and was still considering an onmarket share buyback and paying dividends. The growth in cashflow

came despite a $10m increase in marketing spend during the half-year and a $25m lift in A2 Platinum inventory levels from manufacturer Synlait Milk to allow for the new regulatory regime in China and increased sales growth, Babidge said. Inventories totalled $53.6m at balance date. A2 Milk Co finished the period with $547m in assets, up from $344m and had an equity ratio of 71% with no borrowings. The A2 Platinum supply arrangement with Synlait Milk in Canterbury was working very well, he said. The deal with Fonterra is for new products and new markets. The strong sales growth is expected to continue through the second half of the year and the increase in market spend is likely to be $35m to $40m half-on-half, given the timing and scope of the sales programme. Australian revenues have fuelled A2’s growth into other markets, initially with Australian-supplied

GROWTH SPURT: The market share held by A2 Platinum infant formula in China has lifted significantly.

Fresh Milk and in recent years the A2 Platinum success. Australian sales jumped 47% to $304.3m in the latest half and Ebitda operating earnings by 65% to $116.4m. Some of the Synlait-supplied infant formula sold to Australia is then moved into China in what is called the Daigou or grey channel but the amounts involved in aren’t known. A2 Platinum is the fastestgrowing infant formula in Australia, with a market share of up to 30% in mainstream retailers. Fresh Milk remains very important in Australia, with A2’s product growing sales by 3% during the half and having a

grocery-trade market share up slightly at 9.5%. The Australian fresh milk is also shipped to China and sales into Singapore have started recently. Direct sales of all products by A2 into China recorded exceptional growth, Babidge said. Direct sales jumped 204% to $114.4m, and Ebitda by 252% to $48.3m. The group also plans new products for the US market, in addition to the existing fresh milk business. While smaller than the other markets fresh milk sales in the UK increased by 50% in the half-year, Babidge said.

Ahuwhenua award finalists are named TWO dairy farms have been named finalists in the Ahuwhenua Trophy, which rewards excellence in Maori farming. The finalists were named by Maori Development Minister Nanaia Mahuta at Parliament. They are Rotorua’s Onuku Maori Lands’ Trust and the proprietors of Mawhera Incorporation, Hokitika. Mahuta said looking after the whenua and taiao – the land and the environment – have been a central part of Maori culture for centuries in Aotearoa. “Those are kaupapa close to my heart, as both Minister of Maori Development and Associate Minister for the Environment. “So it’s a real pleasure to announce this year’s finalists for an award that acknowledges and celebrates excellence and

innovation in Maori farming, in particular in the dairy sector.” Mahuta said research in 2011 estimated about 80% of whenua Maori is under-used or under-performing. Ongoing support programmes and pending legislative changes will help improve the situation for Maori. “I’m keen to see us doing a lot better.” Agriculture Minister Damien O’Connor said “We are seeing great developments in all productive sectors and a trend for Maori to play an increasingly significant role in producing higher-value food products”. “The rise and rise of Maori agribusiness is impressive, especially given its unstinting commitment to all aspects of sustainability, particularly the environment and people.”

Council decision going to court Glenys Christian glenys.christian@nzx.com THE Northern Action Group (NAG) is appealing against the Local Government Commission’s decision of late last year that northern Rodney areas should remain under Auckland City Council control. NAG argues residents, many of them farmers, are not receiving services they did under the former Rodney District Council and the super city does not understand their needs.

Its appeal to the High Court claims the commission failed to adequately allow the community the chance to participate in considering alternative local government arrangements for their area. NAG wants a small North Rodney Unitary Council set up and has produced research it says shows that would be feasible and economic. But the commission countered with opposing research that showed such a body would run at a big deficit, which NAG disputes.

News

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

Fonterra-A2 deal okay by Synlait Alan Williams a.dubu@xtra.co.nz A MOVE to a second major nicheproduct manufacturer by A2 Milk was inevitable given its strong growth, Synlait Milk chairman Graeme Milne says. Synlait has exclusive rights to supply A2 Platinum infant formula to A2 Milk Co for sale in Australia, China and New Zealand and that business won’t be affected by the new deal with Fonterra. The two relationships were for separate purposes and there was no question the arrangement with Fonterra would supersede the one with Synlait, an A2 spokesman said. A2 Platinum has become the company’s glamour product and driver of revenues and profits. The deal with Fonterra is partly for new nutritional products for new growth markets, targeting southeast Asia and the Middle East. The two companies are also looking at potentially building a joint blending and canning facility at Fonterra’s production plant at Darnum in Victoria, where new

DOUBLE DEAL: Geoff Babidge’s A2 Milk now has deals with both Synlait and Fonterra.

products will be made. The new product venture would take time to establish and is expected to be under way next year. Product will be packaged at Fonterra’s Hamilton plant until a Darnum facility is built. The agreement also includes a licence for Fonterra to supply A2

fresh milk in NZ, a project A2 said it has been evaluating for some time and one its shareholders indicated they wanted to see. Whereas A2 shares made big early gains, Synlait shares fell sharply on the NZX in early reaction to the A2/Fonterra deal, losing 57c to $6.48, an 8% fall, at one stage.

However, Milne said there were no concerns about being superseded given the exclusivity Synlait had for A2 Platinum supply into the major Australian and Chinese markets. “We’ve got a very strong and close relationship with A2 and that will continue. “We expect market demand to remain strong and we’ll remain a vital part of the A2 supply chain.” A2 owns 8% of Synlait’s shares so has an interest in its continued success, quite apart from the supply relationship. Synlait is already investigating expansion and diversification of its own, into branded products to complement its existing businessto-business strategy. Babidge said in a media presentation that Synlait is a very strong partner and had responded very well to the substantial growth in demand for A2 Platinum infant formula. The new manufacturing supply relationship with Fonterra is based on managing A2’s growth and risk management as demand continues to grow. It is a significant and wide-

ranging development. A2 remained committed to its low-capital operating model but the possible move to ownership, either in full or in partnership, of blending and canning assets is part of its “multi-site, multi-product and geographic diversification strategy”. It was solely an IP, brands and marketing business before the investment in Synlait gave it an interest in manufacturing assets. Babidge said the relationship with Fonterra had not happened overnight. The companies had been talking for a time on “what we could do together that makes sense”. Tapping in to Fonterra’s contacts and expertise will provide A2 with quicker access to the new target markets in southeast Asia and the Middle East. The parties will also evaluate the commercial merits of A2brand butter and cheese and other non-nutritional products for Australia, NZ and China. They would be complementary to Fonterra’s dairy product portfolio in the specified markets.

Co-op ready to talk to farmers about premium for A2 milk Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com FONTERRA will begin discussions with its farmers about supplying A2 milk and so far feedback has been positive, Farm Source chief operating officer Miles Hurrell says. The co-operative wasn’t able to tell farmers about the highlevel agreement with the a2 Milk Company (ATM) and therefore didn’t have facts or figures about the potential for a dedicated supply. The premium to be paid for A2 milk would be part of the

discussions though Fonterra chief executive Theo Spierings said the objective was an opportunity for farmers to create more value from their milk. Hurrell said a start-up A2 milk supply might not take long, possibly beginning with large farmers who could identify A2 cows and split their herds. He did not know how many A2 herds existed in New Zealand already outside of Synlait nor the amount of A2 semen sold each year. “If we had started asking those questions it would have quickly

become obvious why we were doing so.” Synlait already pays about 20c/kg for A2 milk and has 60 dedicated supply farms. Hurrell said the sharemarket success of ATM might have prompted farmers to breed more A2 cattle, even if they were not Synlait suppliers. Dedicated tanker pick-ups and receival lines and vats at processing sites plus auditing were procedural matters for which ATM had protocols and would have input. Fonterra already had experience in that regard with its

organic milk business. Consumer packs of A2 products would be produced at Canpac, Hamilton, and the Victorian plant at Darnum, already a nutritionals facility. Capability already existed at several of Fonterra’s NZ and Australian sites to receive A2 milk and process it separately. Consumer awareness of A2 in Australia was ahead of NZ and A2 had proved consumers worldwide are looking for variety and choice, Hurrell said. Asked about the antagonism of Fonterra to A2 claims in the past, he said that early claims

of medical benefits by the A2 promoters were unfounded. ATM had subsequently demonstrated some gut health benefits from drinking A2 milk, which Fonterra now supports. As to what brands will be used by Fonterra in emerging markets for A2 products, Hurrell said those details have not been finalised under the Nutritional Products Manufacturing and Supply Agreement. That agreement targets new markets in southeast Asia and the Middle East, considerably more quickly extending the capacity and reach of ATM.

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News

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

MPI rethinks M bovis eradication THE Primary Industries Ministry is reconsidering its belief Mycoplasma bovis eradication is possible. On Friday afternoon response director Geoff Gwyn asked all dairy and beef farmers who might have stock at high risk of infection to get in touch quickly. MPI is now accelerating its bulk testing of milk samples and trying to trace animals as far back as January 2016 so a decision on whether eradication is still possible can be made as quickly as possible. “Right now, we need to hear from any farmers who have bought cows and calves or milk for calf feed from farms that have been publicly identified as infected. “If these farmers haven’t already heard from us through our tracing work, we would dearly like to hear from them.” MPI is especially interested to hear from people who have received cattle or calves from Southland-based Southern Centre Dairies any time after January 1 2016 and have not already been contacted by the Ministry. “In addition we need to hear from farmers who have used milk from Southern Centre Dairies for calf feed since January 1 2016. “It’s very important that we hear from these farmers or any farmer whose animals are showing signs of the disease. “Our vast surveillance effort to date has found M bovis infection on just 24 farms but we can’t get rid of it if we leave any stone unturned. “We need these farmers to support all New Zealand beef and dairy farmers and help us find and beat this,” Gwyn said. Farmers’ willingness to voluntarily comply with the nationwide milk surveillance programme will be the making

SCARED: Southern farmers are farming in fear and don’t want the stress of what they see first-hand other farmers going through, Federated Farmers dairy president Chris Lewis says.

or the breaking of the plan to eradicate M bovis. MPI’s response this month moved to a nationwide bulk milk surveillance programme aimed at determining how far and wide the disease has spread. While encouraging farmers to co-operate, Federated Farmers dairy chairman Chris Lewis said he understood there are varying attitudes to the programme. The surveillance programme, rolled out through farmer meetings right across the country, required farmers to voluntarily provide samples from both their main milk tank and from discard (red) milk. Lewis said he was aware farmers, particularly those in

southern regions, were hesitant and in fear of the outcome. “Nobody wants to end up in the mess some of the farmers of infected properties are in but still it is important we get a real handle on this for the good of the whole industry and to do that we need all farmers complying,” Lewis said. “Up here in Waikato, farmers I have talked to are quite engaged and keen to do it, get it done, tick that box and move on. “But in Waikato we are far away.” However, he heard a lot different at the Southern Field Days. “In Southland and Canterbury there are a whole lot of lines of

different communication. “It’s on their doorstep. “It’s a very different feeling. “They are farming in fear and don’t want the stress of what they see first-hand other farmers are going through. “MPI processes have not been straightforward for what we expect.” He cited the shortcomings in NAIT and unpaid compensation. “Animals have been taken from farms and slaughtered. Those animals are paid for. “When you send animals away for processing the meat companies pay within two weeks. MPI is late in paying compensation – it’s 12 weeks for some farmers now. “Why is MPI sitting on this money? It’s about fair justice in a fair scheme.” He acknowledged loss of earnings and incurred costs compensation was more complicated. But overall it was all very disappointing and “beyond stressful”. “At the end of the day MPI have got to sort their shit and farmers will sort theirs – one follows the other,” Lewis said. Agriculture and Biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor had empathy for farmers but said there were due processes that had to be worked through. Other than “kicking a few claims along” O’Connor said he was not able to call the shots. “But I can ensure as much resource as possible is going into the process and I am certainly doing that.” He was confident the nationwide milk surveillance is on track to hunt down the disease with eradication still on the table as milk testing results flow in. “However, there is still a big job to do to determine the extent of the spread – we have two rounds of discard milk testing to complete.

“The discard milk comes from animals displaying an illness of some type and may paint a different picture,” O’Connor said. MPI said the nationwide testing is being done in partnership with the dairy industry with industry bodies strongly encouraging farmers to participate.

We can’t get rid of it if we leave any stone unturned. Geoff Gwyn MPI The industry is monitoring compliance and any noncompliance observed will be followed up by the industry, an MPI spokesman said. The much anticipated Pathway Report had been further delayed and the results of DNA analysis of the M bovis strain are still months away. The Technical Advisory Group (TAG) has reconvened to discuss recent developments in the response and the outcome of that meeting might be added to the report, the spokesman said. While there has been outside estimation eradication could cost $600 million spread over 10 years, MPI said it cannot confirm a cost and such a plan does not exist. The number of infected properties is now 24, with a new property in Southland confirmed and linked through movement of calves to other infected properties in the region. There are now 40 farms under Restricted Place Notices and more than 1500 trace properties.

Farmers can call MPI’s confidential freephone 0800 80 99 66

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News

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

High kill lowers stock numbers Alan Williams a.dubu@xtra.co.nz A LOWER and flatter peak livestock processing season looks certain after very high kill levels in the three months to the end of December. Lamb kill numbers were up 13% and mutton numbers up 15% for the quarter compared to a year earlier, according to Beef + Lamb New Zealand figures. The total cattle kill for the quarter was also up 15% and in that the cow kill was up 33% as farmers culled more in widespread dry conditions. Bulls were up 23%. Dry conditions drove the numbers but strong prices for lamb, mutton and beef were also a major factor, B+LNZ chief economist Andrew Burtt said. The processing season runs from October until September, with the peak season typically

BIG MONEY: Strong prices have been a factor in a high pre-Christmas sheep and beef kill, Beef + Lamb chief economist Andrew Burtt says.

being January, February and March. That will still be the case, with a big majority of all classes of stock still to be put through, but there

was a significant move forward into the first quarter, he said. The early kill has coincided with continuing strong international demand for lamb and mutton,

Pamu boosts tree planting programme Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com THE Government’s billion-tree programme has received an early boost with Pamu, formerly Landcorp, ready to plant 2000ha in the next two years. The Government plans to use its $1 billion annual Provincial Growth Fund to encourage the planting of a billion trees in the next decade, equivalent to 10,000ha of forestry, of which half will be new planting. Launching the programme on Friday Regional Economic Development Minister Shane Jones made initial grants totalling $61.7 million for forestry, tourism, rail and roading in Northland, East Coast, Hawke’s Bay, ManawatuWhanganui and the West Coast. The mothballed Napier to Wairoa rail line will be revived and State Highway 10 in Northland upgraded. Jones has also launched a

$6.5m afforestation fund, with applications to be lodged with the Ministry for Primary Industries by May 14. It gives $1300/ha for new forests 5ha to 300ha. The tree programme would see 55m trees planted this year, 70m in 2019 and 90m in 2020. “From there we will be aiming for 110m a year over the next seven years.” Pamu chief executive Steve Carden said “Forestry is an often overlooked but essential part of New Zealand’s agriculture sector. It makes sense to be planting trees on rural land whose use has changed or is marginal. Farmers have been doing this for years, recognising that it is good for the environment and for the economic activity it brings to rural NZ.” The initial plantings will be on Northland, East Coast and Hawke’s Bay farms and some in the South Island.

especially from China and the United States, the biggest and third-biggest markets for NZ sheepmeat. A forecast decline in Australian sheep meat exports is also expected to be positive for NZ exports. B+LNZ figures show the December quarter lamb kill was 4.89 million head, making up 25% of the expected total season number of 19.49m. At the same time in 2016, 4.33m lambs had been processed out of total season numbers of 19.24m. In the year before that, the December quarter kill was 4.95m, out of a season total of 19.88m. The December quarter mutton kill was 1.42m head, making up 42% of the expected season tally of 3.37m. The total would be a 6% fall on the 3.58m figure a year earlier. For cattle the December quarter total was 553,000 out of an expected season tally of 2.348m.

A forecast decline in Australian sheep meat exports is also expected to be positive for NZ exports. Steer numbers were 130,000 out of an expected 516,000 for the year, heifers were 116,000 of 428,000, cows 137,000 of 951,000 and bulls 169,000 of 511,000. Bulls are the only category where the number of animals available for processing from January to September is higher than for the same period last year. Steer numbers will be down overall and quite a bit on the fiveyear-average because of a slight decrease in the number of steers born in recent seasons because of the lower number of beef breeding cows.

Human error means farmers got wrong brassica seed Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com PGG Wrightson Seeds has inadvertently sold HT-S57 brassica seed, which in 2014 was responsible for toxicity in cattle and sheep. The 2014 winter was exceptionally mild, which caused compounds in the brassica to elevate as the plant started the reproduction cycle. PGG Wrightson seed manager David Green said it would be keeping an eye on the weather. The company has communicated with the 556 farmers who were sold the white-fleshed brassica variety thinking they had bought

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yellow-fleshed Hawkstone Cleancrop. Human error meant the seed was substituted during the supply chain process and he acknowledged it could have implications for farmers. The mistake was discovered late last week and Green said it had sent information to farmers and industry bodies such as Beef + Lamb NZ, DairyNZ, Federated Farmers and the NZ Veterinary Association. “Everybody will be getting the facts as soon as we can and then we will swing into action and work with farmers who think they will need to adjust feed priorities.”

Green said the two varieties produced identical drymatter and farmers had sown 45,000ha of the white-fleshed variety in the last seven years. “We’re conscious some dairy farmers who have looked to utilise Cleancrop technology and changed cultivars have now got something that if they had their own way would not have sown.” When toxicity issues emerged in 2014, especially in dairy cows, Green said PGG Wrightson worked closely with DairyNZ to highlight best management practice and would be ready to do so again if needed.

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News

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

New beef product on the cards Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com FAST-GROWING dairy-beef steers slaughtered at about 12 months of age could be the basis of a newgeneration beef product range. Rearing those cattle for the beef industry could address some of the concerns in the rural-urban divide about the two million annual bobby calf slaughter, Massey University researcher Nicola Schreurs said. The short growing period to maximise growth efficiency should also help address concerns about beef’s high environmental footprint, a consequence of the animals’ two- or three-year life. She told farmers at the annual Limestone Downs field day in northern Waikato about a pilot study at Massey’s Keebles Farm where 80 Hereford-Kiwicross steers are being fast-tracked. The autumn-born calves will be grown through their accelerated growth phase from weaning to different slaughter ages – eight, 10, 12 and 18 months. The target weights include 200kg LW at eight months and 300kg at 12 months.

Liveweights and ultrasound scans will then be matched with carcase measurements and meat quality aspects such as pH, colour, shear force and some sensory testing. To push growth rates, after some early supplementary feeding, the steers are being fed on plantain/ chicory/clover mixes and Hunter brassica this month. The growth rate target was 1kg/ day liveweight and they had done 0.7kg over the past fortnight. Schreurs said this new beef product wouldn’t be veal or bull beef and a classification separate to standard prime steer would be needed in future. “We are developing a new, full red-meat product of its own that could require less resource and deliver a more sustainable product. “The concept needs validation if it is to have uptake and our research seeks to hammer out how it could work on the farm and will define what type of carcase and meat product we would be getting as well as considering the potential markets.” Future trials will need to include calves with dairy-only breeding.

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NEW THINKING: Massey researcher Nicola Schreurs wants dairy-beef cattle that can be slaughtered around one year of age.

“Our goal is to one day have farmers, meat processors and marketers taking on board the concept of new generation beef for application into an integrated supply chain for export traded beef with sustainable returns to the beef sector. “We see this innovation as a new beef product coming from a new generation of farmers for the new generation of consumers,” she said.

Frenzy for Merino rams surprises vendor Alan Williams a.dubu@xtra.co.nz HIGH fine-wool prices and a strong lamb schedule prompted a frenzied start to bidding at the annual Nine Mile Poll Merino auction in Central Otago. “I was pretty bloody surprised,” Nine Mile Station owner Gordon Lucas said. “I was going to stand up and tell them to calm down,” he said of the early bidding at the February 17 onfarm sale. He knew he was in for a good day when Bendigo Station stepped up and paid $3500 for the first of the 18-month rams on offer. By the end of the sale 68 of the 72 rams had been sold at an average $2196, a $700 gain over last year. “It’s exciting,” Lucas said. The highest price was $4000 on two lots, one bought by Cecil Peak Station and the other by Spotts Creek Station, near Wanaka. Lucas said he didn’t know what the greatest influence was on the big price increase, with both Merino wool and lamb meat values much higher than a year ago. “I just know they’ve all come together and we’re in a fortunate position. “We’ve made some big steps in the last few years.” After the excitement of the bidding in the first part of the sale, patient buyers were able to buy good rams at good value, he said. “We thought there were one of two bargains later on, one at $900 and others between $1000 and $1500. They were all pretty good.’’ Indications were that wether lambs from the rams’ first breeding season would be taken through for sale, by which time the farmers should have up to 20kg of meat a lamb plus about 3kg of good,

fine wool, Lucas said. “The meat schedule is looking stable so they should be doing well out of that.” Over more than a decade the Nine Mile team, led by stud classer Jayne Rive, had put a lot of focus on genetic gains in eye muscle as well as fat cover and wool quality and it was all paying off. Eye muscle was important in making Merino sheep more resilient and able to carry them into winters. “It makes them good doers,” Lucas said. High country stations in the Wakatipu area are major clients for Nine Mile. Higherpayer Cecil Peak bought 10 rams, as did Walter Peak Station. The biggest buyers were Gundy and Lisa Anderson of Bog Roy Station at Omarama who bought 15 rams. Lucas described the long-term clients as his best advertisement. Fellow Central Otago farm Bendigo Station bought six rams. Lucas said he breeds “a hell of a lot” of rams every year and put up the 72 animals in this year’s auctions based on them being in the best 10% to 20% on estimated breeding value and high muscle traits. Once all the rams are taken off the property by their buyers Lucas and his team will set up for the private sale of the next 75 best rams. They will be at set prices below the auction levels. Rive joined the stud when it was set up in 1998 and has driven the genetic gains since then. “We’re proud of the type of Merino we’ve developed that really is a dual-purpose animal,” she said. “We strive to strike a perfect balance between wool production and meat production.”

News

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

Deal gives boost to exporters Tim Fulton tim.fulton@nzx.com NEW Zealand will get a positive economic jolt of up to $4 billion a year from the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership but will lose export incomes without it, official analysis shows. The only catch is the estimated impact of the deal on NZ’s economy might be more modest than that of the original TPP, which included the United States. National Interest Analysis estimates the overall impact of CPTPP on the NZ economy once fully implemented to be a rise in real GDP of at least 0.3% or $1.2b and up to 1% or $4b. The estimate for the original TPP with the US included was a GDP rise of at least 0.9% or $2.7b a year by 2030. The 11 nations in the CPTPP create just under 14% of the world’s gross domestic product, the NIA said. That $10 trillion engine includes four of NZ’s top 10 trading partners: Australia, Japan, Singapore and Malaysia. They are also the destination for 30% of NZ’s goods exports worth $15b and 31% of NZ’s services exports worth $6.8b annually. Four of the signatories, Japan, Canada, Mexico and Peru, do not have free-trade agreements with NZ. The NIA published by the Labour-led coalition said the same group of nations were the source of 64% of direct foreign investment, $66b, in NZ in 2017. “Partnering with these countries represents a significant opportunity for NZ exporters, opening up markets with a combined population of 480 million people that already consume nearly a third of our overall exports,” the paper said. Gaining preferential access to

Japan, the world’s third-largest economy, as well as Canada, Mexico and Peru for the first time, would open new export destinations for our small and larger businesses, create jobs to add to the more than 620,000 New Zealanders whose jobs already depend on exports and help generate a better standard of living for all New Zealanders. Economic modelling estimated the overall impact of CPTPP on the NZ economy once fully implemented would be a rise in real GDP of at least 0.3% or $1.2b and up to 1% or $4b. “If CPTPP goes ahead without NZ the modelling estimates a $183m decline in our GDP as NZ’s place in regional supply chains would be eroded, exports from competitors would be favoured and comparably cheaper than NZ’s and investment would likely be diverted away from NZ to other CPTPP countries,” it said. The CPTPP will provide significant benefits for NZ goods exporters across a range of sectors. Tariffs will be eliminated on all NZ exports to CPTPP economies within 16 years, except for beef into Japan where the duty would be cut significantly and a number of dairy products into Japan, Canada and Mexico where access would still be improved through partial tariff reductions and duty-free quotas. The CPTPP has the potential to deliver an estimated $222.4m of tariff savings annually once fully implemented with $95.1m of those savings starting as soon as the deal takes effect. The annual tariff savings from NZ’s free-trade agreement with China were estimated to be $115m, though since then trade growth has seen NZ’s annual exports to China quadruple, with consequent significant tariff savings.

Estimated impact of CPTPP Area

Reductions in tariffs and quota barriers on goods trade Reductions in non-tariff measures (NTMs) on goods trade

Increase in NZ GDP when fully in effect (NZ$) $760 million

From $363 million to $1.2 billion

Improved trade facilitation measures

From $0 to $360 million

Reductions in barriers on services trade

From $47 million to $1.6 billion

Notes

Around half of the tariff elimination for New Zealand exports is from entry into force

WORTH MORE: The reduction and elimination of tariffs on exports as a result of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership will bring higher returns to New Zealand.

Crucially, CPTPP will mean exporters are not disadvantaged in important markets like Japan compared with competitors such as Australia, Chile, and soon with the 28 Europoean Union states, which have secured free-trade agreements with Japan. The NIA said major outcomes for NZ goods exporters throughout the CPTPP region include: • All tariffs for kiwifruit will be eliminated immediately and existing duty-free access will be locked in. That includes dutyfree access to Japan, NZ’s largest kiwifruit market, representing tariff-related savings of more than $26m; • All tariffs on wine will be eliminated, including immediate duty-free access to Canada, NZ’s fourth-largest wine market; • Nearly all tariffs on sheep meat will be eliminated immediately, including locking in preferential rates to Canada, NZ’s seventh-largest sheep meat market; • All tariffs on forestry and forestry products will be eliminated as part of CPTPP, including in Japan, NZ’s fourth-largest export market, and Vietnam, its ninth-largest market; • All tariffs on apples will be eliminated within 11 years. That would level the playing field with Australian apple exporters, who already enjoy preferential access into Japan; • Tariffs on beef exports to Japan will reduce from 38.5% to 9% over 16 years. That would immediately remove Australian beef exporters’ tariff advantage in that market through the Japan-Australia Economic Partnership Agreement; • CPTPP includes useful improvements for dairy exporters, who will benefit from an estimated $88.5m in overall tariff savings as a result of preferential access to new quotas into Japan, Canada and Mexico in addition to tariff elimination on a number of products. The CPTPP also protects the unique status of the Treaty of Waitangi and preserves the Government’s right to regulate for legitimate public policy purposes in areas including public health, public education, social welfare, the environment and taxes.

News

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

Green and iwi speakers for high-country day CONFLICT: Recreational pressure has given rise to the scrutiny of farming practices in the Ashburton high country. Photo: Annette Scott

• • •

Annette Scott annettescott@xtra.co.nz FARMING for the future will be the focus of the Federated Farmers South Island high country field day next month when farmers will showcase the benefits of co-operative stewardship. The biennial event will be hosted in the Ashburton high country on March 8 at Castle Ridge and Mt Arrowsmith Stations where integrated environmental planning and management will look at the processes the stations went through developing and auditing farm environment plans. Presentations will cover regulatory requirements, environmental constraints, practical necessities for farming and auditing requirements. Conservation and Land Information Minister Eugenie Sage will address the field day as a keynote speaker. The Ashburton Gorge high country is home to a sensitive lakes zone and an area of outstanding natural landscapes that has become a drawcard for tourists admiring the views, horse trekking, tramping, fishing, skiing and is an area the Te Araroa trail passes through. The recreational pressure increased scrutiny of farming practices but has also created its own environmental stresses. They will be addressed by a Conservation Department speaker. Historically the area was valued by Maori for mahinga kai, gathering food in summer months and a trail to the west coast for pounamu. Local iwi tell farmers of the area’s cultural importance, both past and present. Pastoral farming is still the primary economic and social activity in the area, producing fine wool, beef, lamb and venison. From that activity comes much of the resources to manage weeds and other pests as well as to protect the environment of the Ashburton Gorge along with a sound working relationship with DoC. “This is a region of extreme climates and fertile but fragile soils,” Castle Ridge farmer Kerry Harmer said. “The field day will demonstrate recognition and understanding of the methods and technologies to farm successfully and sustainably now and for the future in this environment.” An audited animal welfare programme combined with good farming practices, validated by environmental planning, is creating opportunities for the niche marketing of agricultural products. Field day attendees will also hear of a successful Merino wool marketing arrangement facilitated because of the credibility the programmes have created. Harmer said the field day will demonstrate the co-operation and interdependence of all the parties that have an active interest in the area. “It takes a co-ordinated approach to achieve these goals and address the future issues, not one of an adversarial nature where regulators and land managers are in conflict. “Co-operation and respect is the future for the best stewardship of New Zealand’s high country.”

www.fedfarm.org.nz/FFPublic/Industry_Constitution_ Groups/Events/High_Country_Biennial_Field_ Day_2018.aspx

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

News

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

Honey season better but patchy HONEY producers are reporting mixed results for the season’s honey collection. Comvita, one of the country’s largest honey producers, has already informed investors this season has been a successful one, largely thanks to more favourable conditions in December and January. However, severe weather in early January hit Northland and Waikato hard at a critical flowering period, pushing yields down towards a more average season. Comvita chief executive Scott Coulter told investors if the above-normal temperatures remain for the rest of this summer, Wairarapa, Whanganui, East Coast and Hawke’s Bay are expected to have an above average season. Apiculture New Zealand chief executive Karin Kos said the season has been particularly patchy for honey producers. “Some areas like parts of Otago and the West Coast have had a fantastic season while Northland and Waikato have not been nearly as great as they had hoped early on. “It has proven to be a very interesting season, almost one of two halves, but certainly better than a year ago.” Last season’s production was down by as much as 40% in some areas because of cool, windy conditions that prevailed through the entire honey harvest. She was optimistic that if warmer, drier weather returned to places hit hard by wet conditions the season might have a useful tail end to it. “But we will only really know that when we get the MPI situation update in March.” The manuka honey industry is still coming to grips with the new MPI standards that became official on February 5 after three years of development. Those standards have also been subject to significant industry push back, forcing MPI to revise them at the 11th hour to lower the limit of a chemical marker for manuka in multifloral honey. Kos said it is still too soon to say if the standards will ease some of the uncertainty producers had felt but it was at least a “line in the sand” to give the industry guidance for this season. A major upper North Island processor told Farmers Weekly the market had been left hanging by Chinese buyers before Christmas, largely because of their reluctance to buy honey before the standards were released. She said the new standards would go a long way to helping remove the blending of manuka with non-manuka honey. Clover honey is reported to be down to as low at $10 a kilogram this season and she said that might be attributable to processors having bought extra last year to add to manuka mixes, effectively boosting clover’s value. However that was no longer possible. UMF Honey Association spokesman John Rawcliffe confirmed demand remained strong for NZ manuka in the new year and Chinese demand was as strong as last year. The manuka industry has accepted the changes made by MPI to accommodate the multifloral manuka honey in its standards but he hopes there will be procedures to allow for scientific advances in the understanding of manuka chemistry.

UNDETERMINED: The success of manuka flowering and the honey harvest this season still depend on the weather.

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News

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

Chainsaw artist with delicate touch Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com A CHAINSAW is pretty unforgiving but despite that Rachael Williams learnt her garden art through trial and error. The distinctive wooden seats, tables and ornaments depicting toadstools, mushrooms and man-with-legs in the air have all been crafted out of beech or Douglas Fir logs by chainsaw. Williams restarted Muscogen Woods 18 months ago having put it in recess about 16 years earlier and she takes her wares around shows and festivals.

“We saw it overseas and thought we could make them ourselves. “We started using recycled power poles,” she said. But the artist from Fairlie in South Canterbury who had a stand at the Southern Field Days in Southland earlier this month said she liked the grain offered by beech and Douglas fir so opted for those species. Pine was too soft to work with. A toadstool takes her about two to three hours to shape using a chainsaw. It is then sanded and protected using linseed oil and beeswax.

LIMITED: About 80% of Andrew and Lisa Hamilton’s farm is covered by rules requiring special consents for buildings, stacks and bales.

Farm stacks and bales need consent Glenys Christian glenys.christian@nzx.com

COMING UP TRUMPS: Rachael Williams with her wooden garden ornaments.

RESTRICTIONS on activities on farmland designated by Auckland Council as being outstanding natural landscape areas are being challenged by Federated Farmers. Its Auckland policy manager Richard Gardner said it was disappointed to lose a High Court appeal over the conditions included in the council’s unitary plan. It had argued farming is part of the landscape and normal farming activities should be allowed. But farmers will not be able to build anything larger than 50 square metres in any outstanding natural landscape area on their farms without obtaining a consent because that is now a restricted discretionary activity. “That’s only as big as a small tractor shed,” Gardner said. “It’s a ridiculous rule.” Silage stacks, heaped big round bales and wood stacks or skid sites also came under the restriction. The largest proportion of

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farmland affected is on the west coast of the Awhitu Peninsula to the south of the city. “Landowners there are particularly disadvantaged,” he said. Other areas of farmland affected are mainly on the east coast from Orewa to Wellsford north of Auckland. Gardner now intends to make a general consent application covering silage stacks, big round bales and skid sites for all farmers with land classified as outstanding natural landscapes on their properties to test the council’s reaction. One farming family affected are Andrew and Lisa Hamilton, who milk 320 cows on 220 hectares near the tip of the Awhitu Peninsula close to the Manukau Heads, with QEII and Auckland Council covenants on 40ha of their bush. Andrew estimates about 80% of their land is covered by a number of different unitary plan overlays, with some running through five or six paddocks. “On the home farm where you can’t even see the sea there are some coastal overlays,” he said. The majority of their neighbours are also affected and while they have no issues at this stage, they were worried it could be a battle to get resource consents in the future. “It can be a nightmare if you deal with the wrong person.” The council’s Auckland-wide planning manager Phill Reid said about 600 farms were affected by outstanding natural landscapes overlays. About 40,000ha of land was designated as an outstanding natural landscape as required of the council under the Resource Management Act. But half of Auckland’s farmland was in the rural and rural production zone where only 10% of land was classified in this way. The rural coastal zone had 20% or 15,000ha of its area covered by overlays. In the overlay areas buildings

over 50sq metres might be appropriate but that must be assessed on a case-by-case basis, he said. The council would look at the location and design of the building, related earthworks and vegetation clearance and the effects on the landscape values of the area. “In many cases it will be possible to design and locate a farm building appropriately to minimise the effects on an outstanding natural landscape. “Appropriateness is assessed against what is sought to be protected, the characteristics and qualities that contribute to the outstanding natural landscape.” The unitary plan definition of building included stacks or heaps of materials that were over two metres high and were in existence for more than one month. “This part of the definition is primarily aimed at urban areas where a stack of materials could adversely affect the amenity and outlook for a neighbouring site in the same way as a permanent building,” he said. “Technically, stacks of silage, hay or wood that are over 2m high and in place for more than one month could be treated as a building.” The council’s compliance team would determine the enforcement action when appropriate but there might be no action if there is little cause for concern. The council could also decide the effects of stacks are so small or insignificant that enforcement action isn’t justified. Reid said Federated Farmers’ concerns regarding the plan’s provisions for farm buildings in outstanding natural landscapes had been thoroughly considered by the High Court, which found that sometimes farming activities on rural land could give rise to adverse effects on landscape values. The plan’s 50sq metres building size threshold was justified as a trigger for a case-by-case assessment of proposed buildings.

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News

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

Deer’s water effect being studied Annette Scott annettescott@xtra.co.nz A UNIQUE survey of hill country waterways hopes to link onfarm deer management practices with water quality. The Hitting Targets research project is a long-term, multidisciplinary investment by DEEResearch, a joint venture of AgResearch and Deer Industry New Zealand that aims to lift the productivity of deer farms. The waterways project is in the first year of a five-year survey of water quality in creeks and streams on high and hill country deer farms. It is thought to be the first time a NZ drystock farming sector has tried to put a number on its impact on waterways at a detailed farm level. It is a case study experiment where repeated monitoring of a number of catchments over time will be used to build up a database of how water quality is influenced by deer farm management. DINZ environmental stewardship manager Lindsay Fung hopes the findings will link onfarm deer management practices with water quality. “This will enable us to advise farmers and regional councils on the best practices and policies for reducing the impact of deer on the environment. “At the moment we have good anecdotal information about what works best but we need to support this with some hard data,” Fung said. Project leader and AgResearch farm systems and environmental researcher Dr Jane Chrystal said the research team aims to build a picture of the impact of deer on different types of high and hill country streams. Some streams start in the undeveloped tops and finish up in more intensively farmed blocks. By monitoring water quality and the length of the stream the team can measure where nutrients increase or decrease along its course. Chrystal said wallowing

LINK: Research aims to measure the effect of deer farming on water quality.

At the moment we have good anecdotal information but we need to support this with some hard data. Lindsay Fung DINZ deer create unique challenges because that is associated with phosphorous and sediment losses into waterways. “All waterways have base levels of nitrogen and phosphorous that occur naturally so when we monitor a farm stream we need to ask of the nutrients we measure, how much do deer contribute?” To answer that AgResearch and farm-owners are monitoring three properties in the South Island and

two in North Island this year, with five more farms to be introduced next year. The research team will trek into catchments on the farms every six months to gather water samples along the course of each monitored stream. The team will also assess stream bank condition using a monitoring and rating system developed by AgResearch for the project. From the condition of the stream bank the researchers expect to be able to predict a site’s potential to add contaminants to the waterway. By sampling water at its source in the high country the base or background nutrient levels could be determined before the water was influenced by farming. “These streams are on the big high-country blocks where farmers might put hinds out for

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fawning, not intensively-stocked, high density areas. “We’re talking matagouri and scrub canyons – these aren’t lovely streams that people are swimming in,” Chrystal said. Participating farmers have been asked to keep records detailing when stock are moved in and out of paddocks and the number and class of stock involved. Fertiliser records are also needed. The farmers will also be taking water samples from the bottom of the catchment every month and they, together with those collected by the technicians, will be tested for suspended sediments, phosphorus and nitrogen as well as for E coli as an indication of faecal contamination. Chrystal said it was too soon to comment on the results to date because a picture of the actual quality of the water would not be known until a number of samples

had been taken over time. While other sectors had different waterway issues, citing dairy as an example with nitrogen leaching, it would be useful to have a broad picture of NZ agriculture. She hopes the sheep and beef sectors will soon have funding to follow the deer industry’s lead. “Different species have different impacts on the environment so we need to find solutions for the impacts that are deer-specific. “But then again, many deer farms run sheep and beef so it would be helpful to know what impact they have as well.” With the five extra farms for the 2019 monitoring yet to be selected the AgResearch team is keen to hear from interested farmers.

Anyone interested should contact geoff.asher@agresearch.co.nz

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News

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

Games awards finalists named A STELLAR line-up of rural sport athletes representing an array of disciplines has been named as finalists for New Zealand’s premier celebration of rural sports – the Norwood New Zealand Rural Sports Awards. Awards judging panel chairman Sir Brian Lochore said the awards are about celebrating traditional sports and the people who keep events running year-in and yearout in the towns and settlements across NZ. “This year’s finalists come from a range of rural sporting disciplines including tree climbing, fencing, shearing, rodeo, endurance horses, wood chopping, gumboot throwing and, for the first time, egg throw and catch,” Lochore said. “It’s a fantastic line-up of finalists aged from 11 to 77 from those at the pinnacle of their sport internationally to those who have supported and enabled others in rural sports for generations.” This is the second year the awards have been held. Rural sports have been a key part of NZ life for generations, C B Norwood Distributors chief executive Tim Myers said. “We’re proud to help highlight the hard work and dedication of our rural athletes but also the organisers of rural sports – the volunteers who make events happen. “They’re the true heroes in the towns and settlements across NZ.” The judging panel comprises Lochore, a founding board member of the NZ Rural Games Trust, Shearing Sports

NZ president Sir David Fagan, Olympic equestrian medallist Judy Tinks Pottinger, TaranakiKing Country MP Barbara Kuriger, Hilux NZ Rural Games founder and trustee Steve Hollander, and agricultural journalists Craig Wiggy Wiggins, Tony Leggett and Jamie Mackay, who will also MC the event. Wiggins and Mackay are Farmers Weekly columnists and Wiggins also presents the Farmers Voice video series. The awards dinner is on Friday March 9 in Palmerston North, the night before the Hilux NZ Rural Games in Palmerston North where nominees and winners will be competing. Finalists The Norwood NZ Rural Sportsman of the Year • Corey Church, Rotorua, rodeo • James Kilpatrick, Tauranga, tree climbing • Shane Bouskill, Waipawa, fencing • John Kirkpatrick, Napier, shearing The Skellerup NZ Sportswoman of the Year • Maryanne Baty, Gisborne, shearing • Chrissy Spence, Morrinsville, tree climbing The Fonterra Young NZ Rural Sportsperson of the Year • Rebecca Birkett, Taumarunui, endurance horses • Tegan O’Callaghan, Doubtless Bay, rodeo • Robbie Hollander, Dairy Flat, egg throwing and catching

COAL SHOVELLING: Last year’s games attracted international entries with Mark Finch from Vancouver taking 65 seconds to move his mountain.

The Federated Farmers Contribution to the NZ Rural Sports Industry • Jason Semenoff, Hikurangi, wood chopping • Nick Liefting, Auckland, fencing • Jude McNab, Owaka, shearing The inaugural Toyota Lifetime Legacy Award • Paul van Beers, Porangahau, fencing • Hugh McCarroll, Whangamata, shearing • Elizabeth Mortland, Taihape, gumboot throwing BARREL ROLL: Brothers Louis, 7, and Archie James, 5, from Palmerston North got into the action at last year’s rural games.

Cavalier’s fortunes show improvement Alan Williams a.dubu@xtra.co.nz YARN supply issues associated with its big, drawn-out restructuring mean Cavalier Corporation is still not operating at the required level but a recovery in earnings is happening. Cavalier was back in profit in the six months ended December 31 with a $1 million after-tax margin compared to nil earnings a year earlier. Chief executive Paul Alston expects further improvement in the second half. The company closed plants and concentrated yarn activity in Napier and Whanganui but getting the operations up to speed took longer than hoped and had affected carpet orders. Alston couldn’t give a time when optimum efficiency would be reached but said progress is being made. “We are now working on initiatives with our retail partners to regain their confidence in our ability to supply them with the carpet they specify, on time.” The supply issue plus fairly subdued markets meant lower carpet sales revenue in the first half and sales weren’t taking off

yet. However, there was good demand and a sustained lift in high-end, high-margin Cavalier Bremworth woollen carpets. Australia and New Zealand are the core markets and further expansion into high-value overseas markets further afield were delayed while the supply issues were sorted but can start to be followed-up again now, Alston said. Cavalier has significantly reduced its costs as a benefit of the restructuring and the carpet business is benefiting from the lower wool price through last year, which reduces raw material costs and improves manufacturing margins. Along with strong cashflow management, that led to a $7m reduction in group borrowings and inventory levels had also been reduced by $5m. The lower wool price and higher carpet margins have a bigger impact on group results than the negative impact of the wool price fall on earnings in the Elco Direct wool trading business, where higher wool prices mean higher margins. Elco Direct is relatively small when compared to the carpet division.

Group revenues were $75.3m, down from $84.3m. Carpets slipped to $66m from $71.2m and the Elco business to $10.8m from $15.57m. Ebit operating earnings (before interest and tax) for the December half-year were $4.4m, compared

with a $2m loss previously. The bottom-line result previously also included a valuation gain on the group’s shareholding in scour operator Cavalier Wool Holdings. The latest result included some residual costs from the changes in the manufacturing business

but they do not carry through to the second half. Overall costs of the changes were higher than expected and the gains took longer to be realised but early benefits were starting to be seen. Cavalier isn’t yet resuming dividend payments.

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News

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

Pork boss wants joint effort significant experience and learned lessons. “We have dealt with a number of incursions, including one of the NEW Zealand’s primary industry big ones, porcine multi-systemic sectors have much to gain by wasting syndrome in the early working together, NZ Pork 2000s, and I would go as far to chairman Ian Carter says. The pork industry will be finding say we probably have the best industry and onfarm biosecurity new ways to do more with less this of any in this country,” Carter said. year because of reduced funding. The North Otago pig farmer, “And with new challenges who also raises bull calves for already arising in 2018 we’ll be the beef industry, has stringent reliant on the support of our onfarm biosecurity. farmers to realise every possible “No live animals (pigs) have advantage a strong, unified come onto my farm in five years. industry can bring.” Semen is the only mechanism for While urging his own industry genetic improvement.” to get more united Carter also No stock trucks come to our believes other primary sectors can sheds. learn a lot from each other. “We move our pigs to the stock “It’s always frustrated me that trucks.” primary industry sectors want While some pig farms have to stand alone when we have all implemented full showering got transferable information, set-ups for people going onfarm, management and ideas to share. Carter has stopped short of that “NZ Pork is very keen to work with a biosecurity clean of boots, with other primary sectors. We clothing and equipment. have learned a lot and where Effective biosecurity is primarily appropriate we are willing to be of about changing cultures and help. managing health standards while “And where’s there’s opportunity maintaining good habits. we are always happy to learn from “We know the costs of the others.” diseases and are very conscious Biosecurity is top of mind for of these costs if we don’t maintain all farming sectors and was an the highest standard of biosecurity area where NZ Pork has gained possible.” In light of the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis Carter has been approached by DairyNZ to share the pork industry’s experience. “It’s hard to AWDT Understanding Your Farming Business get people to 3 full-day workshops and an evening graduation ceremony run emotionally over four months Te Anau: 08/03/2018, 05/04/2018 and 03/05/2018 engage with you Cheviot: 14/03/2018, 11/04/2018 and 09/05/2018 until you are in Kaitaia: 14/03/2018/11/04/2018 and 09/05/2018 a situation – for Greymouth: 21/03/2018, 18/04/2018 and 16/05/2018 Fox Glacier: 22/03/2018, 19/04/2018 and 17/05/2018 dairy that situation Contact: anna@awdt.org.nz or 06 377 4560 is now. Website: To register for the programme go to http://www.awdt. “And NZ Pork is org.nz/programmes/understanding-your-farming-business/ very keen to work AWDT Wahine Maia, Wahine Whenu with other primary 3 full-day workshops and an evening graduation ceremony run over four months sectors in cases Kaikohe: 15/03/2018, 12/04/2018 and 10/05/2018 such as this. It just Masterton: 27/02/2018, 27/03/2018, 24/04/2018 and makes sense to 22/05/2018 Contact: anna@awdt.org.nz or 06 377 4560 share practical and Website: To register for the programme go to http://www.awdt. proven knowledge. org.nz/programmes/uyfb-wahine-maia-wahine-whenua/ “We are working Saturday 10/03/2018 through ways in FMG Young Farmer of the Year Waikato Regional Awards which we can help Venue: Energy Events Centre, Queens Drive, Rotorua Time: 6.00-10.00pm and this will roll Annette Scott annettescott@xtra.co.nz

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In this kind of environment, the importance of working together as a united industry becomes paramount. Ian Carter NZ Pork out more next month,” Carter said. Meantime, 2018 is rolling on with its own pressures for pig farmers, following 2017 that hadn’t been the best of memorable years. “Constrained prices and increasing competition took its toll across the country with many in our industry reporting growing pressure on their cashflow and bottom line.” A change of government with an election campaign that served to heighten the emerging town and country divide, volatile global markets and a high level of scrutiny around onfarm activity

has added to the uncertainty right across the sector, Carter said. While there had been a skilled worker shortage for some time, it has become acute and with uncertainty as to how election campaign promises might translate into policy, new and existing migrants are already evaluating their future in NZ. “Given the complexities involved in hiring a worker from overseas this is currently putting a lot of pressure on businesses. “Many are now not only concerned about their ability to manage any growth but uncertain as to how they will maintain the staffing levels necessary to successfully run their existing operation.” Unfortunately for the pork industry this was not the only significant problem emerging in 2018 with the price of key materials sourced from overseas also likely to surge. “In this kind of environment the importance of working together as a united industry becomes paramount,” Carter said. The reality for many farmers is this was new territory – a

falling schedule and increased competition coupled with limited labour supply and rising costs for essential supplies is likely to create some unprecedented pressures. “Add in a sudden change in the local economic environment which affects consumer confidence or a change in government policy that leads to significant increases in compliance costs and we could have the recipe for a perfect storm in 2018.” Carter said the success of the industry would stand or fall on the relevance the industry and its products have with NZ consumers. “If Kiwis don’t buy born and raised in NZ pork no amount of appropriate legislation or available labour will make a difference to the confidence farmers will have to invest in the long-term success of the industry. “The ability to speak with one voice as a small but dynamic industry gives us far greater impact when focusing on key issues that affect not only our right to farm but also our ability to farm.”

ALF’s profits lag on previous year’s result

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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OPEN: NZ Pork chairman Ian Carter is very keen to share his industry’s knowledge with other primary industry sectors.

ALLIED Farmers has reported lower interim profit and says forward dairy herd sales for the second half are trailing behind last year. They are generally settled in May and are a big part of group earnings. It was still early in the season but it might be that the high volume of dairy herd sales experienced last year will not be repeated this year, chairman Garry Bluett said. If so, that would have a material negative impact on the full year result. ALF reported an after-tax profit of

$248,000 for the six months ended December 31, down from $480,000 a year earlier. The Rural division made a pre-tax profit of $650,000, down from $850,000. The core Livestock business performed well, with turnover up 11% and commission income up 5%, Bluett said. However, costs were incurred expanding the Livestock operations in Northland and the South Island and the full returns had yet to be shown. The 52%-owned Redfern Livestock business on the North Island’s east coast increased pre-tax profit. With more livestock agents around

the country, ALF was exploring opportunities to develop new saleyards or gain access to existing yards. NZ Farmers Livestock Finance made a positive contribution, Bluett said. As well as income from financing, the business helped generate livestock commissions as the company secured business that might otherwise have been lost. Total revenue for the half-year was $10.69 million, from $10m previously. ALF had total assets of $19.04m, up from $12.3m, and shareholders’ equity was $2.72m up from $435,000. Borrowings were $8.5m, compared to $5.6m last year.

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

Wealth not most important thing The financial hurdles of retiring from a farm have been well studied but less so the emotional impact on rural people once they leave the land. Neal Wallace speaks to a Dunedin financial adviser who has completed such a study. aids. They are more likely to be worn when people are young and when they are needed rather than when people are older. “If it is needed when in your 50s, get it and get used to it. If you don’t get used to it, it sits around in your drawer.” While there are no rules, most people are still active from ages 60 to 70 – what Donald called the go-go years — but slowed aged 70 to 80 in the go-slow years and the years past 80 were, for most, the no-go years.

Don’t leave the bucket list until you are 70. Do it now. Rhodes Donald Pogson Higgs Wealth Management “Don’t leave the bucket list until you are 70. Do it now.” The study unexpectedly revealed strong emotional links for wives and daughters to the family farm compared to husbands and sons. Daughters were leaving a home they had grown up in and once sold they could not take their children to visit. The study found 25% of wives had some sort of bad experience trying to fit into a new community on retirement. Interviews showed many had moved to a district when they married and built up a nucleus of

friends who had also moved there. They all had children at a similar time, served on community groups, clubs and organisations but when they moved away when they retired many struggled to recreate that glue in their new community. Individuals responded differently to the pressure of leaving the farm so care had to be taken to ensure everyone coped. Planning the shift at least five years in advance makes it easier. People adapt to what financial resources they have but it is more important for retiring farmers to look after their health, broaden their interests and hobbies to activities outside farming and communicate. “It starts with their spouse but it can’t stop there. You need to be good at communicating with your children.” That is vital because decisions are made about the farm, which is also the family home. The study showed the importance of diversifying interests, hobbies and skills to improve quality of life. They included learning to cook, to write and to keep up with technology. Interests should include activities that did not require physical strength and couples should have joint as well as separate interests. “Respected studies say it is important to have things in common but also interests outside the relationship.” It also ensures that when one partner dies the survivor has a network of interests and hobbies to pursue.

DOUBLE LIVES: Retiring farming couples should have activities they do together as well as ones they don’t, accounant Rhodes Donald says.

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“They don’t leave good health to chance. They work at it.” They also regularly update reading glasses and hearing aids so they keep the ability to communicate and are active. A wide network of friends of different ages is also as important as learning new things every day and regularly meeting new people. Children should not be pressed to go farming. The survey showed the importance of educating them well and encouraging a wide pursuit of interests. The social aspects of rural life interests Donald and he hopes to embark on studies as diverse as farmers’ dependence on the weather, what he calls an almost spiritual relationship, the health of rural people and to look deeper at women leaving the farm.

Donald said there is ample financial information and advice available to people to prepare for retirement but not so much for the physical and emotional shift. “Investment and the money side we have got pretty much sorted. There are no frontiers left to break. “The interesting part is people’s lives, what constitutes a good life and helping people to sort it out.” Couples need to have financial security for at least 30 years so should not give away money to the family and sell themselves short. He also advised farmers to invest off-farm. The interviews showed retirees are proactive with their health and do research to ensure they have healthy diets, plenty of sleep and exercise and moderate their lifestyle accordingly.

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STUDY into life after farming appears to counter some common views about priorities for couples leaving their farm. Rhodes Donald, a director of Dunedin accounting firm Polson Higgs Wealth Management, has surveyed 20 retiring or retired farming couples and 10 professional farm advisers from Otago and Southland, which revealed health is their number one priority in retirement with financial security ranking fourth. “Farmers max themselves out to accumulate wealth when there are more important issues,” he said. The second priority for retirees is relationships followed by having something meaningful to do. The two-year study involved in-depth interviews covering topics that compared how people have transitioned from farming to retirement and what constitutes a good life after farming. Of the group interviewed 60% had sold their farms and 40% had entered in to a succession arrangement. The interviews covered how they entered farming, their lives as farmers, mental health issues, off-farm investments, moving off the farm, life in retirement, what worked and what they learnt. Donald said some couples could be retired for up to 40 years, longer than they farmed, so planning and preparation for life after farming is important. He urged couples not to leave it too late because change becomes more difficult as people age. He gave the example of hearing

TB TESTING REDUCES AS CONTROL AREAS CHANGE Farmers can enjoy the benefit of less TB testing as OSPRI’s TBfree programme reduces the disease control areas.

THE FARMING INDUSTRY’S INVESTMENT IN TB ERADICATION IS PAYING OFF AGAIN New Zealand’s TBfree programme is demonstrating progress with the reduction of testing requirements for cattle and deer herds in a few areas of the North Island. The changes are eﬀective from 1 March. OSPRI’s TBfree programme divides the country into a number of disease control areas. Each has diﬀerent TB testing requirements and control measures depending on the level of risk of TB being transferred from infected wildlife (mainly possums) to cattle and deer. Intense TB testing, movement control and both ground and aerial pest control are used to stop the spread of TB. As OSPRI’s work proves successful in each area, disease control areas are redefined and testing frequency reduced. So far OSPRI’s TBfree programme has eradicated TB from 1.83 million hectares – with 7.9 million hectares of Vector Risk Area left to be eradicated. Infected herds have been brought down to around 50 – a huge decrease from nearly 1700 in 1994. A revised plan for tackling TB was launched during 2016. The plan’s goals include eradicating TB from New Zealand, with TB freedom from cattle and deer herds by 2026, TB freedom from possums by 2040, and biological eradication by 2055. In order to achieve that, changes to TB testing and pest control will be phased in.

1029 HERDS WITH LESS TESTING

Owen Greig

ERADICATING TB TO BOOST BIOSECURITY Owen Greig farms at Bainesse in the Manawatu on the Himatangi Flats, just north of Foxton and is looking forward to seeing bovine TB eradicated. When TBfree’s disease control areas (DCA) change on 1 March, Owen’s herd-testing regime for TB surveillance changes from biennial to every three years. His family has been farming in the area for 40 years – and the farm has grown from a single dairy farm to a pair of large properties. “As far as our own experience with TB, we’ve come through well,” says Owen. “Our herds are C10.” “We’ve been very vigilant about our biosecurity and certainly worked to minimise any breakouts or any incidence of the diseases that are going around,” says Owen. “Knowing there is no TB in the area gives some confidence. So it’s important we do what we

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can to ensure it stays absent from our area and gets eradicated across the country.” “We’re happy to pay our share to eradicate TB from other parts of New Zealand,” says Owen. The biodiversity benefits of pest control are remarkable, he says. “Most farmers near bush areas will tell you the bird life in particular recovers quickly after TB vectors are removed by effective pest control.” “People are really keen about eradicating TB, for the right reasons. So while we’ve got the opportunity, we’ve got it by the throat, let’s just finish it off.” TBfree’s national Disease Area Changes for 2018 affect only the North Island, and can be viewed here ospri.co.nz/dcamap.

Visit ospri.co.nz/dcamap to check which disease control area you’re in. (New areas will be available on 1 March).

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Your pre-movement responsibilities:

• Stock must be NAIT tagged and individual animals registered in the NAIT system.

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Your movement responsibilities: • An animal status declaration (ASD) form must accompany all movements of stock.

TBfree is an OSPRI programme proudly funded by:

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New thinking

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

Gene technology at crossroads Food Standards Australia and New Zealand has been applauded by a leading New Zealand geneticist for seeking public input on the implications of new plant and animal breeding techniques for food regulations. The organisation wants views on how to best treat the latest genetic technologies set to revolutionise how crops are grown and animals bred. Professor Barry Scott of Massey University told Richard Rennie why the issue is so important to New Zealand’s future.

RISPR technology is already part of the human food chain in the United States. Two years’ ago the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) approved the sale of a white button mushroom that, thanks to CRISPR technology, does not turn brown in the refrigerator. The department said the mushroom was not subject to genetic modification regulations because it did not contain any DNA introduced from another organism. Similarly, rapid approval has been granted to a common oilseed Camelina sativa and a droughtresistant soybean variety. Plant breeders who have long resigned themselves to needing massive budgets to gain approval for GMO crops over equally long time frames are celebrating. The sativa crop would have reportedly required US$80 million and six years for approval and instead took two years and well under US$30m to get to market. Massey University geneticist Professor Barry Scott says under New Zealand’s strict Hazardous Substances and New Organisms (HSNO) rules, the country is in a bit of a bind when it comes to trying to keep pace with other countries in a field where NZ risks becoming a genetic backwater. “Some would argue that in that respect we already are. “Few realise it but you can apply for release of GMOs in NZ now but the process is just so strict, time consuming and expensive, many would look at it and ask ‘why bother?’” Regulations here are specific to the transgenic technology that is now 40 years old that involved moving DNA from one species to another. It is legislation focused more on that technology than its outcome. Scott says it is the outcome of technology that should be the basis for any regulation, not the technology itself. His frustration is the outcome

of conventional breeding and CRISPR might be the same so regulations should reflect and accept that, as long as the usual food safety parameters are met. “For example, you could use CRISPR to turn a red tomato purple, something you could also achieve through successive breeding – it makes no scientific sense to put huge regulatory barriers in place for an outcome that can also be achieved through conventional methods.” He acknowledges critics of CRISPR will argue the safety of CRISPR foods has not been fully proved. “Safety is never an easy question to answer. Even with conventionally bred products there can be safety risks. “But given what we know now about genomes and molecular make-up of organisms it is so much more than when we started out with transgenics so the decisions we are making are based on greater scientific certainty.” Scott is co-chair of the Royal Society’s gene editing panel tasked with increasing public awareness of the technology and how it works. So far the group has published two papers on genetic technology, one on human gene editing and another on gene technology in pest control. Two further papers are in the pipeline, one on genetic technology and the primary sector, another on legislation. After a visit to a United States pan-organisation conference on CRISPR at the University of California at Berkeley, Scott came away with the impression the us-versus-them pro and anti GM arguments are diminishing with this latest technology. “What I was heartened by at that conference was the world is moving on and the anti-GM sentiment seen previously has lessened.” He also senses in NZ younger generations accept the science behind the technology and appreciate the role it could play in our economy.

Scott sees numerous opportunities for the primary sector to capitalise on the rapid turnaround of plant and animal outcomes CRISPR technology can deliver compared to the painfully slow, generational changes of conventional breeding. “Where it really kicks in is for those crops that have long generational cycles. “That could be, for example, when developing an apple variety or for developing sterile pines to prevent the spread of wilding trees.” He is particularly excited by news of British researchers considering CRISPR technology to domesticate previously wild plants. The technology will enable them to use positive attributes of the plants by altering the plant’s DNA to switch off any negative compounds or properties that have prevented domestication in the past. Continuing education of the public remains a vital path to consumer acceptance of CRISPR type technology and the transgenic technology is scarred with disastrous consumer perceptions. Scott is frustrated current regulations also stymie the ability of an interested younger generation to have some hands-on experience in CRISPR technology. “In the US kids can get low-price CRISPR kits to use in their science classes. We just cannot do that easily here.” The call by Food Safety Australia and NZ for submissions on the impact of new breeding techniques such as CRISPR on regulation of food products recognises the products are starting to appear on the market and will begin to wash across our shores so is very timely “I just hope NZ soon reviews the current legislation and regulations that control genetic technologies and products (as Australia already has done), such as the HSNO Act, to take into account the dramatic scientific advances that have occurred in the last 10 years.”

FRUSTRATED: Gene science has advanced dramatically in the last decade but public perceptions are still about transferring genes between different organisms, Massey University geneticist Professor Barry Scott says.

What is CRISPR: How the science works CRISPR, the acronym for clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats, is the repeating genetic sequence found in the genetic code of bacteria. Between the repeating sequences are spacers or unique strips of DNA the bacteria have seized from viruses when they have tried to attack it. Those spacers become a genetic record of the bacteria’s encounter with the viruses and should the viruses return the bacteria can produce a stretch of genetic material that matches the viruses’ from the spacer records, providing a defence against the virus attack. This guide RNA teams up with DNA-snipping Cas enzymes, and programmed by nearby CRISPR genes, hunts down and splits the viruses’ matching

genetic sequences, effectively preventing the virus from replicating in the bacteria. Researchers have found by engineering the spacer genetic material the Cas enzymes can be programmed to match the DNA they wish to “snip” out at specific sites on a cell’s genetics. The DNA repair that follows the “snip” results in very precise sequence changes in the DNA of the gene of interest. In rapid time researchers have found CRISPR to be a cheap, effective means of manipulating cell DNA. Agricultural applications to date have included droughtresistant soy beans, nonbrowning button mushrooms and lower-fat pork from pigs that burn more of their body fat to stay warm.

Foods review includes products of the future Richard Rennie richard.rennie@nzx.com THE question of how to deal with foods created through genetic alteration is to be considered by Food Standards Australia New Zealand. Planning for the genetically altered foods of the future might require the code of food standards to be rewritten and FSANZ is seeking submissions from the food industry on how foods developed through new genetic processes should be assessed.

Existing standards cover only food produced through considerably older technology that is transgenic in nature, in that genes from one organism are inserted into another. That was a key focus of early opposition genetic engineering or modification technology. However, FSANZ has one eye on the rapidly developing field of CRISPR/Cas 9 technology, also known as genetic editing, that, instead of transplanting genes from one organism to another, edits the relevant gene of an

organism, without inserting any additional DNA material into that gene. FSANZ notes in its consultation paper there is a degree of uncertainty about whether foods produced using such technology, also known new breeding techniques, are in fact food produced using genetic modification, given some of the new techniques can be used to make changes without having to introduce any new DNA. The result is some foods produced can be similar to foods

produced with conventional plant and animal breeding that does not involve gene technology. The options open to FSANZ include treating the food as if it was produced by conventional breeding and give it the green light once proven safe or to be treated as if it was a genetically modified organism under present laws. That would involve manufacturers having to conduct rigorous safety assessments. Otago University genomics research head Professor Peter Dearden said the new technology

challenges the way genetic manipulation is viewed, given it does not involve inserting new DNA into an organism. He sees the likes of CRISPR/ Cas 9 falling somewhere between the old transgenesis technology and the even older technology of mutagenesis that involves firing radiation at germplasm to develop mutations then choosing the most favourable mutations from those that result. “Gene editing is less scatter gun, a reasonably precise way to make the mutation you want.

Opinion

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

EDITORIAL

Minnow’s bite attracts whale

HE a2 Milk Company (ATM) agreement with Fonterra is a match made in heaven, if the suitors hadn’t slagged each other off in the past. The phenomenal share market fortune of A2 Milk, from penny dreadful to $12.93 on Thursday means ATM now has a market capitalisation larger than Fonterra. But in terms of facilities, sales revenue and earnings it is like comparing a pilot fish to a whale. That comparison should not denigrate the achievements of ATM in recent years in carving out profitable categories in dairy products – mainly in Australian fresh milk and daigou sales of infant formula cans to China. Now the pilot fish has acknowledged the need for help to boost the production of A2 milk and get it into markets with wider potential than it has served until now. For its part, the whale is interested in finding new territories where more consumer choices and health claims enrich the pickings and the added value can be passed back to farmer-suppliers. Some gut health benefits flow from the consumption of A2 milk for those people who find A1 indigestible. Over time the continued consumption of A2 should show whether more exaggerated health claims, such as the links between A1 and heart disease, Type 1 diabetes, and autism, made in the past have merit. ATM’s late founders, Corran McLachlan and Howard Paterson, spent a long time and a lot of money patenting DNA testing of cows for A2 beta-casein and trademarking A2 milk in most countries. Those protections now provide the opportunity for Fonterra to build an added-value stream into populous markets in southeast Asia and the Middle East. Before his death in 2003 Paterson was reportedly close to making an agreement between ATM and Fonterra, being the largest single shareholder in both. Current ATM managing director Geoff Babidge said the companies had been talking for some time before announcing the agreement. Farmers who take the relatively low-risk route to A2 herds and the shareholders of both partners should welcome the apparent benefits ahead.

Hugh Stringleman

LETTERS

Bad bits not gone from CPTPP In the expectations of some sycophantic politicians, a post-Trump United States will want to join and those clauses will be resurrected. The CPTPP is simply a TPP rebranding exercise. Old-style trade agreements were concerned with real trade and aimed to cut restrictions such as border tariffs and quotas on import and export of cars, televisions, agricultural products and the like. Those are almost all gone except for sensitive sectors that some countries won’t change, like dairy in the US. Then US corporations led the way in converting trade agreements into investorrights agreements — starting with the North American Free Trade Agreement in 1987. The CPTPP annex clauses are nothing less than a charter for corporate power that

ALAN Emerson’s Alternative View column (February 5) contains much I agree with in his considered assessment of the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans Pacific Partnership agreement the Government intends signing on March 8. No one, rurally or urban based, disagrees with the premise New Zealand needs to trade but Emerson let himself down in not addressing the smoke and mirrors inherent in the son of TPP. The onerous conditions in the original proposal that Emerson thinks are no longer there are still in the agreement NZ will sign. They have simply been parked in an annex to the signatory document. They have not been eliminated from the agreement.

guarantees no restrictions on their right to invest in a country or their right to move money in and out of the country, including all profits — even at a time of financial crisis. Further, it demands prior consultation by governments on any laws or policies that might affect their business and an explanation of what notice the government took of their views. It also requires governments won’t introduce laws, policies or practices that reduce the value of an investment without full compensation, even if there are sound public policy reasons. I don’t know how others feel but I sure want my Parliamentary vote to mean something in future. Emerson is right in thinking we have to tread carefully with our relationship with the US.

We have to tread carefully with China too. Both are aggressive mercantile states. It is imperative NZ aligns with the non-aligned bloc of nations to act as an honest broker in international affairs. Our agricultural sector has a bright future providing we aren’t drawn into other countries’ geopolitical conflicts. Though well situated to trade with all comers, the Government must retain the ability to act in the best interests of the society it represents, not offshore corporates entities. All parked provisions contained in the annex to the CPTPP must be rejected if we are to ensure our sovereignty in future. GM Waring Richmond

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Opinion

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

Let farmers find their own paths Charlotte Glass

IWIS are famous for innovating, solving complex problems through a combination of logic, understanding and a resourceful can-do attitude. Colloquially we call it Kiwi ingenuity and John Britten’s motorbikes, Bruce McLaren’s cars and our America’s Cup yacht designers all come to mind as examples. Kiwi ingenuity is at the heart of our primary sector too but it requires room for independent thinking. We squash innovation when we tell people how to do something, It flourishes when we convince them why and leave the how to them. Once farmers know the outcome required and understand the principles of how to get there, they can innovate to find a great solution. This ingenuity relies on a respect for the difference between principles and practice. Principle is a fundamental, primary or general law or truth – the why. Practice is the action or process of performing or doing something – the how. A principle is true regardless of circumstances. A practice needs to be flexible to be appropriate in various circumstances. There are often many paths that will lead to the same destination. A great example of using principles to support innovative practices is our Resource Management Act, which, unlike the rest of the world, calls for effects-based policy. We protect the outcome rather than dictating what practices need to be done to achieve change. It forces politicians to adequately define the problem. We can then ask great questions of researchers to understand the principles that are known about

The

Pulpit

how to get there and we can then innovate and come up with our own practices and actions. It is frustrating for some who are demanding change before the problems and principles are fully understood. It requires honesty about what is known and what is not, along with patience and clear thinking. Water quality is an excellent example when demonstrating the virtues of effects-based policy. Water quality trends show declines in some catchments and the agriculture sector has been charged with reversing those trends. Most farmers have strong stewardship values naturally but what do the farmers do when things get complicated? Perhaps they need to achieve the outcome of improved water quality and need to run a viable business and continue to employ members of the community and afford to reinvest but each farm has a unique set of criteria to juggle. What works on one side of the fence might not be an appropriate option for the farmer next door. It needs a customised approach to achieve not just one but many outcomes.

NO MAPS: With issues like water quality the outcomes should be set but farmers should be left to decide how to achieve them, AgriMagic founder and director Charlotte Glass says.

If we focus on the principles and help farmers understand how they apply in each circumstance then we put farmers back in the lead of the issue. They can customise their response and innovate. Overseer is a great scenariomodelling tool that helps primary professionals shine a light on the principles governing diffuse nutrient losses for individual farms and farm businesses. Once a baseline period has been modelled then various what-if scenarios can be created and compared to the baseline. In doing so, the sensitivities of the resource mix of that farm become obvious and the farmer can understand the key principles governing nutrient losses on their properties. It takes a lot of understanding and capability to support farmers in this process and many think it is too expensive. They seek a quick, easy solution that is cheap to implement for a complex

problem with varied and longlag phases that are not yet well understood. They create danger. It’s so important for regional council planners to work closely with the primary sector when creating plans that require reduced diffuse nutrient loss from farms. Farm businesses are dynamic and at the mercy of the weather as well as the markets. There are already examples in New Zealand where planners who were impatient to appease public demands have tried to dictate a particular management practice instead of focussing on nutrient loss reductions. In the process, they have reduced the options for farmers who want to achieve the same outcomes but are unable to apply that particular practice for all sorts of reasons. In the end it slows down farmers’ ability to change. At times like this it is even more important to continue to hold onto our effects-based policies,

focus on what we do know and be a wee bit patient. When it comes to creating water quality policies that require farm businesses to meet reduced nutrient losses then having the focus on the outcome or effect and not on an input will allow farmers to position themselves to make change more rapidly and hopefully to continue to optimise the other business drivers that are crucial for our economy. Kiwi farmers need to be able to continue to do what they are famous for … innovation. We can support them by shining a light on the principles and allowing them to choose their own path to achieve the outcome.

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

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Opinion

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

Landcorp advice isn’t welcome Alternative View

Alan Emerson

I STARTED to wonder about the functionality of the Landcorp board and senior management over the sale of Jericho Station. Simply put, it was a shambles and, I suggest, incredibly naive. I was also unimpressed with the rebranding to Pamu. I googled Pamu and found just two matches, Protected Area Management Unit and Parents Against Mandatory Uniforms. I realise Pamu means I farm in Maori but that achieves little in the international marketplace, which is inevitably why Fonterra is Latin based. It is also important to remember rebranding from Telecom to Spark cost the company at least $20 million. I can understand why Telecom wanted a new start. I’m at a total loss to figure why Landcorp did. Then we read that Landcorp established an advisory group of environmental experts. We were told the group comprised six of the country’s leading primary sector experts across a range of fields. The six included Alison Dewes, Mike Joy and Guy Salmon. The others are unknown to me.

Joy and Dewes will be well known to farmers. Cruising the internet I could find no primary sector qualifications or experience for Salmon. He did stand for Parliament for both the Progressive Greens and National and was involved in the early stages of the Resource Management Act but that doesn’t make him a leading primary sector expert. Giving Joy credibility doesn’t do much for me either. My view of the media release is that the statements from Landcorp chief executive Steven Carden are hyperbole. Claiming the group demonstrates a new model for the primary sector is ridiculous. It might demonstrate a temporary new direction for the excesses of Landcorp, nothing more. I was then somewhat flabbergasted to read an opinion piece by Carden. His statements were sweeping. “The problem is that we have now reached the economic, social and environmental limits of how we currently farm and we need a new strategy for creating wealth from our farms and from the land we have been entrusted with.” Is he qualified to make that statement? “But the negative environmental impact of working to meet that need, (feeding the world) is undeniable – from greenhouse gases to waterway pollution, agriculture, in the midst of trying to feed the world, has also played a part in poisoning it.” Reality tells us Landcorp

became profitable through inputs and dairy. It hasn’t paid a dividend to its owner, the Government either. No farmer would survive like that. Carden talks about economic, social and environmental limits but based on what? The Ministry for the Environment has them in its briefing to incoming ministers but has been unable to come up with a definition. I found the use of the emotive word, poisoning, offensive. What is Carden’s statement about poisoning the environment based on?

I realise Pamu means I farm in Maori but that achieves little in the international marketplace.

His statement “from greenhouse gases and waterway pollution” implies a great list but those are the only two. Forgotten are the Auckland sewerage issue, sewerage generally, cars and plastics. What irritated me was Carden using or misusing his position to denigrate New Zealand agriculture and suggesting a change in focus, which I don’t accept. I’m certainly unaware of any hard scientific evidence. We are more efficient now in inputs and water per unit of protein than in the past. We are the envy of other countries.

SHUSH: Landcorp chief executive Steven Carden is not qualified to give advice to farmers.

He positions Landcorp as the nation’s biggest farmer. Bigger doesn’t mean better. Being pious about palm kernel didn’t do much for me either. No farmers use palm kernel if they can use grass but putting it in perspective palm kernel is a waste product half the cost of alternatives and cows don’t need time for rumen adjustment. The de-intensification argument doesn’t hold water either. According to DairyNZ we farm at an average of 2.8 cows/ha with an average cow weight of 450kg. Britain is aiming for three cows/ ha at 550kg. Carden crows proudly about fencing waterways, riparian planting and de-intensifying at Landcorp. That’s no different from what many farmers are doing. Further, talking plant products as the new production focus is simplistic because they are high users of inputs and create sediment and greenhouse gases when cultivation is required, as it inevitably is.

Is he talking genetic engineering as is being used in synthetic proteins? My basic premise is that Landcorp isn’t qualified to make the sweeping statements it has. It isn’t paying a dividend and it announced in November 2016 it was off-loading 10 farms. Further, Treasury has said it is sceptical of Landcorp’s wish to diversify into different products and parts of the supply chain. Previous Minister Nathan Guy said there is no clear public good coming from Crown ownership and little financial return to taxpayers. Then Prime Minister Bill English described Landcorp as a poor investment. My view is Landcorp has absolutely no business giving advice to anyone.

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

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BEFORE Christmas suggested protests at Santa parades, hate mail to sponsors and supporters became commonplace against the legally sanctioned and highly scrutinised sport of rodeo. And now, during the rodeo season, it seems every talkback programme and opinion piece in mainstream media is having its say on the debate that threatens to have the sport consigned to the history books, which in turn will ultimately change the way animals are farmed or used for sport in this country. Last year, more than 10,000 spectators enjoyed the two rodeos in Mid Canterbury during the Labour weekend break. I commentated both of these events and enjoyed the family and student crowd interaction while they were enjoying the athletic ability of the stock bucking and running while the cowboys tried and

failed or succeeded in each discipline. The vet reports where filed and to my knowledge there were no serious issues to any of the rodeo stock at either event. Whether you like the sport is not the point of this article but the backlash and fallout from the cyber bullying of sponsors and supporters is. The admission gates and car parking at Methven Rodeo are controlled by the Methven Lions club for a fee of 10% of the gate. The money is used by the Lions for community projects as they see fit. Many rodeo and other events take this opportunity to be mutually beneficial to community support organisations. However, after the rodeo the national office of the Lions organisation in Auckland received numerous social media and email messages as well as negativity on animal rights social media pages

attacking the Lions clubs for their involvement. The kneejerk reaction or sympathetic response from the marketing manager based in Auckland (I’ll let you chose) resulted in a press release stating that Lions Clubs of New Zealand would no longer support rodeo. This created a huge uproar in many of the rural Lions clubs around the country and many have chosen to ignore the directive from the head office still attending and supporting their local events. However, many a rodeo sponsor has been attacked and in fact bullied and threatened by these animal rights groups with some heavy losses incurred. But this is not just a nationwide attack, NZ’s overseas markets have been sent messages as well. What has this got to do with farming, I hear you say? This is only the start. Rodeo is the lowest and easiest fruit on the tree. Once

The Voice

Craig Wiggins

that’s gone they will look to the next fruit up. Is it racing or equine events and then more attacks on farming as their self-importance and crusade grows in strength? How do we know this? Please take note of this post on the Anti Rodeo Action NZ Facebook page: “What we need is a licensing system where people have to apply for annual practising certificates to farm, making a requirement that they keep up with the understanding of good practice and understandings of sentience

Continued next page

Opinion

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

I know ewes don’t eat lettuce From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

WE WERE in Havelock North as part of a Christmas function and I had just finished a very good piece of New Zealand beef fillet sluiced with a delightful blue cheese sauce and an accompaniment of fresh Hawke’s Bay vegetables. The wine was a very fragrant Hawke’s Bay merlot I was enjoying immensely as Jane had offered to be the sober driver for the night. I was smacking my lips at the prospect of some fine cheeses and perhaps a little port or liqueur as a chaser while trying to ignore my cell phone vibrating in my pocket. Finally, I thought I’d better see who was ringing me at 9.30pm on a Friday. It was my neighbour Tom telling me I had a mob of sheep rampaging and roaming the district. We hastily and reluctantly bade the function farewell and Jane drove us back the hour south. I had a pretty good idea which mob of sheep had decided to explore the district’s roads and possibly every open gate therein. It was most likely to be the freshly shorn mob of 330 stud Continued from previous page and animal needs and sit a test”. The fact that we already have many auditing procedures built into our farming systems does not and will not hold any relevance to these people. They will want the test and licensing system designed by their own idealistic and, of course, well educated and reasonable team.

ewes that were cleaning up the house paddocks. We had just had an enthusiastic Wellingtonian lad who thinks farming may be the occupation for him staying with us for the week so I’d spent the week teaching him a few skills but also hopefully pointing out that farming is hard, physical work and at times not as romantic as portrayed on television. He and I had come in and as I was rushing to meet Jane in town to get to the function I entrusted him with letting the dogs go for a run then feeding them. He enthusiastically trotted off while I had a quick shower. He came back to tell me Ditch’s chain was stuck in the grating. I told him he hadn’t clipped it on properly and would have to crawl in there and wriggle it around to free it and to be mindful to close the gates properly as the sheep were next to the house. He returned and we left to drop him off in town and for me to get to the function in time. He then told me he had failed to free the dog and I realised I’d have to do it later in the dark dressed in my glad rags with a likely skinful. Something to look forward too. When we got home my suspicions were confirmed as the small gate from the house yard to the paddock of sheep was wide open. There was ample evidence that all 330 sheep had lined up and taken their turn to pass through the gate. I grabbed the torch and The ramping up of pressure by these keyboard warriors who quite often attack from behind a fake name and profile or in some instances many fake profiles to increase their presence has some real negative connotations for many a person involved with animals including Sally and her pet lamb and Molly and her pet cat, to the point where animal ownership will come with such

DISCERNING: Steve Wyn-Harris’ sheep won’t eat lettuce.

rushed first to the pool. I’d been visualising all the way home how this will have gone. A panel of the fence was off as I was repairing it and the rampaging mob of sheep will have been directed by Jane’s garden layout straight through the gap. The first ewe will have rushed headlong into the ground level pool, giving a lemming-like lead to the other 329 or as many as could fit into the pool. There they would remain dogpaddling furiously but then slowly start to succumb, much like in that scene of the movie Titanic as the survivors began to perish from the cold. As an aside, there was plenty of room on that floating

door for Jack. As they struggled and died, the drowning ewes would evacuate their bowels and bladders which the filter would find difficult to deal with and the pump would quickly burn out. However, I was in luck as there were no dead ewes floating in the pool and in fact there were no sheep around at all. But there was sheep shit everywhere. Around the pool, through the gardens, on the lawns and all over the verandas. Again, we got lucky because, though it was a very hot evening, at the last minute of leaving I’d shut the open doors for security. We could easily have had several

huge negative pressure we will be forced to become vegans as our youth submit to the peer group pressure for fear of being outcasts in their more modern environment and in return coming home to tell mum and dad meat is off the menu. There it is, the activists win one young person at a time. One rural school recently sent home a colouring in

competition from SAFE with the title ANIMALS FRIENDS NOT FOOD. That caused some real angst for many parents living on farms. I really think now is the time to have a coalition of all sporting and commercial activities that involve animals in any form, representing the whole body against this negativity and attacks but, at the same time, all working together

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.

hundred sheep through the house, quite able to have closed the doors on themselves and spending several hours waiting for me to return to free them. Now that would have been a distressing sight. Meanwhile, poor Jane was viewing the garden she had spent several long weeks preparing for her garden group’s visit then the big family gathering for Christmas. The ewes had eaten and trampled everything. Well, not quite everything. They had completely levelled garden plants and her vegetable garden including tomatoes, potato foliage, herbs, cucumbers and such all ready for Christmas but shunned the lettuces. What do sheep know that we should? Every garden plant above sheep head height had been perfectly pruned. The lower ones had disappeared. She took it well, considering. I set off in search of my errant flock. Amanda, who works with Tom, had done great work shutting them into various yards. I mustered up the stragglers in the dark and returned home to bed. But not till after having crawled into the dog kennel to free the dog, which is where I would have stayed if it had been me that left the gate open.

Your View Steve Wyn-Harris is a Central Hawke’s Bay sheep and beef farmer. swyn@xtra.co.nz improving the standard of all to ensure the future of our way of life. At the moment it seems that the loudest voice comes from the anti coalition hiding behind false names, attacking the rural support networks. Remember, once a crack is formed water gets in and damage is done. Let’s be prepared because it seems they are.

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

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

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – February 26, 2018

Real Estate

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Boundary Indication Only

Tender 121 Ranby Road, Ohaupo Well located 65ha dairy farm with flat contour and well maintained infrastructure including a 16 ASHB with inshed meal feeder and a number of large implement and calf rearing sheds. Pukerimu scheme water supply and a compliant effluent system with fully lined tank and also a good fert history. Four bdrm home. Highest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

nevillekemp.co.nz

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.

Neville Kemp 0272 719 801

View Tuesdays 27 February, 6 March 11.00am - 1.00pm

Rosetown Realty Ltd Licensed (REAA 2008)

OUTSTANDING SMALLER FARM

• Situated on Kakariki Road in the Hukanui District is this very well laid out and run 174ha dairy farm. • Currently running a 300 cow milking herd of Holstein Friesians. • The farm has produced up to 139,000kgs of milk solids on a consistent basis off the 114ha effective milking platform. • Bore supplies high pressure water to all stock troughs and dairy. • Top quality 32 aside herringbone dairy. Fully equipped with modern electronic Waikato plant with cup removers in-bail feeding and 480 cow circular yard. • Great opportunity to secure one of the best farms in the Hukanui District. • Asking $32,200/ha. Call Les to inspect.

Sallan Realty

Google ‘Sallan Realty’ Your Farm Sales Specialist

• This property consists of 67.5 hectares in three main titles and is situated on Hansens and Rangitikei Line, Newbury, Manawatu. • Well farmed with soils that would grow anything. • Centrally located 20 aside herringbone dairy, with adjacent feed pad and silage bunkers. • A good family home set in established gardens. • Very good well water supplied via a 50mm main line to stock troughs. • The farm is running a dairy herd, is currently consented for 300 cows and supplies Open Country. • With outstanding soils, great location this is an exceptional place to purchase your first farm. • Asking $3,495,000 Call Les to inspect and discuss your options.

LK0091400©

HUKAVIEW

LES CAIN 0274 420 582

Licensed Agent REAA 2008

eldersrealestate.com.au AUSTRALIA, SOUTH WESTERN VICTORIA 810 Acres Rotary Dairy – Rainfall – Soil Type

For Sale

AUD $4,000/acre – herd available at valuation Tom Luxton +61 427 528 548 Elders Warrnambool, Victoria, Australia eldersrealestate.com.au/TBA

RE025

• 50 Unit rotary dairy, 41,000 ltr vat, flood washed 600 cow yard, electronic I.D. and draughting, cup removers and retention bars. Substantial machinery shed and workshop • Wonderfully balanced, flat to undulating clay loams down to heavier, late productive black flats. Current pasture species – consistent fertiliser history • Well subdivided into 55 paddocks – serviced by central laneway system – Cypress and native shelter belts. Securely watered from two bores and Otway water via mostly 2” waterlines to large troughs. Strategic irrigation from 5 megalitre winter fill dam • Brick homestead – 4 bedroom – large family/living areas Comprising 4 separate titles, this property presents the astute purchaser with a truly magnificent opportunity to secure a significant and superior dairying operation in the heart of our dairying region. Owners are retiring – inspection highly recommended of this property held in the same family for 3 generations.

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – February 26, 2018

Connections Real Estate

NICKY REID Results with integrity

ID# CRE0002

It sits neatly within a gentle curve in the road and forms a warm north-facing basin with a central catchment and over two hectares of beautiful mature native bush. A large herd home has been built in a central location near the cowshed and this provides a platform for a high input production system. The 24-aside cowshed has been improved and extended. The herd and machinery are available with options to suit the purchaser.

Deadline Sale Closing: 11.00am Thursday 5 April 2018 Price: Plus GST (if any) Also available: Stock & Machinery

Call now to secure yourself a productive farm in a prime location.

Nicky Reid 021 103 6277 Call me now to get a comprehensive property brochure

RV: $1,375,000

www.realestate.co.nz/3256435

Licensed Agent under the REA Act 2008

It's easy to fall in love with this farm. There are 154 hectares, Deadline Sale a very tidy 30-aside cowshed, a good comfortable home and Closing: 2.00pm Tuesday 20 March 2018 a cottage. A 60 hectare lease block is available right next door. Price: A sheltered east-facing aspect and higher rainfall (1600mm) plus GST if any help to keep the farm greener for longer than most. The soil type is a fertile red volcanic ash. Currently understocked, it is milking 220 cows on a self-contained low input system. The three-bedroom home is well-presented with an open plan living area and a new deck around three sides. It has insulation ﬂoor and ceiling and wood burner with wet-back. This farm would be ideal for a ﬁrst farm buyer or provide an addition to a larger farming enterprise. RV: $1,850,000

nicky@connectionsrealestate.co.nz

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.

*Terms and conditions apply.

ID# CRE0003

Red Soil, Blue Sky and Green Grass

Well Located Dairy Farm This 80-hectare, 160 cow dairy farm is only 16km west of Wellsford on the tar seal, easy commuting distance from Auckland Harbour Bridge and only about 2km from the nearest boat ramp.

Aranga 4584 State Highway 12

Nicky Reid 021 103 6277 Call me now to get a comprehensive property brochure www.realestate.co.nz/3251787

nicky@connectionsrealestate.co.nz

Give your advertising campaign the edge with an advert on farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate

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. For more information on real estate advertising contact Shirley Howard on 06 323 0760 or email: shirley.howard@nzx.com. ©2107RE-AUHP

Wellsford 10 Run Road

BUCKING THE TRENDS Whoever said “YOU CAN’T HAVE YOUR CAKE AND EAT IT TOO” was wrong - these two Ruawai Dairy farms are definitely bucking the trends. Situated on the Ruawai Flats and adjacent to each other, both profitable properties are producing significantly above the district average. Their figures are more in-line with what would be expected from the Waikato, at around half the capital investment. Standout physical features of the properties apart from flat terrain, natural high fertility and ample gravity fed water, have to be that each farm has three HerdHome® shelters. Demonstrating an enviable return on capital is only part of the modern farming equation. Environmental sensitivity and animal welfare are increasingly shaping the agricultural industry. HUZZA FARMS LTD

The integrated use of the HerdHome® shelters in this simple yet effective system has helped address immediate compliance issues and has gone a long way towards future proofing these properties. Both long term lower order sharemilkers have been successful following this philosophy and would consider staying on. The businesses can be purchased as a going concern as our retiring clients are scaling down. These farms stand out from the rest for all the right reasons and deserve your serious consideration.

KNOBBER HOLDINGS LTD

Huzza Farms Limited

Knobber Holdings Limited

94.69 Hectares

82.92 Hectares

3 bedroom home

4 bedroom home plus sleepout

3 HerdHome® shelters

2 titles

25 ASHB

20 ASAB

260 cows

240 Cows

Concreted silage storage area

SCALE WITH SCOPE Akona Farms Limited is 290.99 hectares of predominantly rolling hill in two titles, one of 142.64ha and the second 148.15ha which can be purchased together or individually. It is well subdivided for easy management, however the jewel in the crown has to be the 60 metre HerdHome® shelter. A rare luxury not often seen on dry stock properties. Other improvements include cattle yards with covered stock handling facilities. Excellent all weather tracks constructed from material sourced from the properties own lime rock quarry. Reticulated water system feed by a generous sized dam, supplying low cost water year round. All the usual support buildings plus a three bedroom home. Stocking rate on average consists of 600 Dairy replacements along with up to 150 adult cattle. Apart from grazing stock, extra income is derived from growing and selling maize off approximately 25 of the 50 flat hectares suitable for cropping, an additional 20 hectares is suitable for mowing. Typically there is an excess of 100 bales of silage that are also sold off farm. Inspection is recommended. This extremely well set up property is unique, and could be purchased as a going concern with the manager in place.

AKONA FARMS LTD

AUCTION: Tuesday 27th March 2018 at 11.00am, LJ Hooker, 11 James St, Whangarei (unless sold prior) VIEW: Thursday 1st, 8th, 15th & 22nd March, 10-12pm WEB: matamata.ljhooker.co.nz or whangarei.ljhooker.co.nz

Rex Butterworth 021 348 276 Matamata

Peter Begovich 027 476 5787 Matamata

Paul Beazley 027 4955 797 Whangarei

LINK REALTY LTD & ASSET REALTY LTD, Licensed Real Estate Agents REAA 2008

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

RURAL Office 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed REAA 2008

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – February 26, 2018

FOR SALE VALLEY ROAD FOREST PARAPARAUMU, Kapiti Coast

225 ha Buy quality - Lauriston dairy

ALMOST READY TO HARVEST!

WEB ID AR60601

DEADLINE SALE ASHBURTON 2264 Thompsons Track View By Appointment DEADLINE SALE closes Friday 23rd March, 2018 at 4.00pm, As the saying goes - buy quality it will never let you (unless sold prior) down. Located mid Plains, in the favoured Lauriston District. This established well planned dairy platform Greg Jopson comes with a reputation for consistent and sustainable Mobile 027 447 4382 production, featuring reliable low cost ALIL water and Office 03 307 9176 ground water and storage pond. Currently milking 776 gregj@pb.co.nz cows (consented for 925) with a 50 bail rotary, in shed 4 Rodger Letham feed system, spray irrigation (74% pivot) and four Mobile 0274 333 436 homes. A Synlait Gold Plus supplier featuring low cost, Office 03 307 9192 Home 03 308 3307 reliable Ashburton Lyndhurst Scheme irrigation. 2 rodger@pb.co.nz

Walker Road, Waverley Excellent first farm, bees or run-off. Good mix of contour including flats with Egmont Ash soils. Easy to manage property with lane, good fencing and large network of tracks. Wooshed, sheep and cattle yards. Good water supply. Duck shooters paradise dams, wetland and river. Just 40 minutes from Hawera or Wanganui. Vendors are committed to a successful sale as relocating North. CV: $1,214,000. Our retiring vendor is committed to a successful sale.

The underlying freehold land is also available for sale by negotiation.

FOR SALE BY NEGOTIATION $1,375,000 (plus GST) - Forestry Right only JEREMY KEATING

021 461 210 jeremy.keating@cbre.co.nz

THE DESTINATION FOR RURAL REAL ESTATE

FOR SALE BY TENDER Tender closes 4pm Thursday 14 March 2018 (will not be sold prior) Treadwell Gordon Office, Wanganui

David Cotton M: 027 442 5920 H: 06 342 9666 E: davidc@forfarms.co.nz

John Thornton M: 027 443 0045 H: 06 344 1111 E: johnt@forfarms.co.nz

Land is the biggest asset to any farming business so it pays to stay up to date with the market. Connect with the right audience at

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate LK0091604©

ID FF2569

Property ID FF1299

+ Planted 1997

+ 51km to Centreport

132HA (326 AC)

LK0068450©

www.forfarms.co.nz

Well located on the Kapiti Coast with multiple domestic processors nearby and Wellington Centreport only 51kms away for Export markets means this is one not to be missed.

+ Pruned and Thinned

CBRE (Agency) Limited, Licensed Real Estate Agent (REAA 2008)

We welcome your inspection by appointment. www.forfarms.co.nz

+ 68.7 hectares of NSA

www.cbre.co.nz/210427Q18

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS

This single age class forest totalling 68.7 hectares of 20-year-old Pinus Radiata offers the perfect opportunity to secure a quality forest of near mature pruned crop.

Accelerating success.

Reach more people - better results faster.

colliers.co.nz

LIS TI N G N EW

"CHESTER" - AN OUTSTANDING 637 HA FINISHING, CROPPING AND BREEDING PROPERTY 388 Rangatira Road & 3446 State Highway 1, Hunterville, Rangitikei Rising up from the edge of Hunterville on State Highway 1, Chester is one of the regions premier properties due to its virtual perfect balance of moderate breeding hills, encircling one of the largest contiguous areas of flat to easy Kiwitea silt loam soils in the region. These prodigious, versatile soils are friable and free draining and have few peers for livestock finishing and are equally well suited to the wide range of crops that have been grown here including lucerne, maize, cereals and potatoes. Young pastures through-out include the hills which have been heli-cropped and re-grassed in recent years, all exhibiting strong fertility test results. Excellent all weather access is enhanced with a central lane running through the flats connecting the two woolsheds, both with covered yards, with around 160 hectares deer fenced. Trough water is gravity reticulated to virtually the whole property from the district water scheme. The solid and very tidy homestead enjoys an elevated outlook from the center of the farm, with a cottage situated near the road. The bus to the popular local primary school passes the gate with a high school bus from Hunterville. The quality and scale of property that comes up rarely in any location, the sale of Chester represents a unique opportunity to purchase an outstanding property.

637 hectares See video on website nzr.nz/RX1399391 Tender Closes 3pm Wed 11 Apr 2018, CR Law, Manchester Street, Feilding Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 | peter@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

PUTAKI Mahoe Road, Waitomo

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

270 and 855 Okahuhura Saddle Road, Matiere

947.31 hectares By Negotiation www.nzr.nz Ref: RX1275468

Immaculately presented in all respects, this 947.31ha hill Jamie Proude country breeding/finishing farm represents an opportunity to secure a farm that is set up to just walk in and start doing the 06 385 4466 | 027 448 5162 job. A good balance of contour consists of easy to undulating jamie@nzr,nz land suitable for cultivation along with the majority being mainly AREINZ NZR Central Limited | Licensed REAA 2008 clean medium to steeper hills. A flexible farming regime is adopted depending on seasonal climatic conditions or market trends altering the closing winter stocking rates between 7500su to 8000su on the effective 800ha. The farm is held in 8 titles and improvements include two quality dwellings.

VI W DEO EB O SIT N E

Putaki presents the opportunity to secure a large-scale Sheep and Beef operation on easy to steep hill country in an area that Jamie Proude AREINZ 06 385 4466 | 027 448 5162 is historically regarded for its consistent summer rainfall and jamie@nzr.nz favourable soils renowned for quality livestock production. A total of 1274 ha. Currently used as a sheep and cattle breeding NZR Central Limited | Licensed REAA 2008 station with lambs sold as forward stores or killed and weaners sold in the Autumn. Infrastructure includes a 1993 tidy 4bedroom home with massive views over the farm, 5-stand woolshed (1400NP) with covered yards, covered cattle yards x2 and x4 sets of satellite sheep yards.

OTAHU

IRRIGATED CROPPING AND FINISHING UNIT - ONE OF THE BEST! 247 Mahaki Road, Martinborough, 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

New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company RURAL

LIFESTYLE

RESIDENTIAL

FINAL NOTICE

South Auckland Dairy Farm After 49 years of ownership, this family has now decided to move into retirement and sell their dairy farm. This 100 ha subject to boundary re-alignment is located on the Aka Aka, which is a well-known dairying area in Franklin. It is a mere 7km from the historic township of Waiuku and 15km from the bustling town of Pukekohe. A 30km commute is all it takes to get you to Auckland's Southern Motorway. The contour of the land is 100% flat and is supported by two homes, a 28 ASHB dairy shed plus auxiliary buildings. pggwre.co.nz/PUK27235

Aka Aka TENDER

Found - Dairy Cattle Grazing Farm Pukeiti Road

Te Mapara

• 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

TENDER

avanmil@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz/TEK27584

pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

Awakeri

Dairy Farm/Horticulture Opportunities

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 4.00pm, Thursday 22 March VIEW 1.00-2.00pm Thursday 1 March Sunday 4 & 11 March

Adrian van Mil B 09 237 2041 M 027 473 3632

(Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 10.00am, Friday 23 March PGGWRE, 57 Rora Street, Te Kuiti VIEW 11am-12pm sharp Thurs, 1, 8 March

Peter Wylie B 07 878 0265 M 027 473 5855

TENDER

82.49 Hectare Dairy Farm 82 Mclean Road Here is a very good dairy farm located centrally on the Rangitaiki Plains, about halfway between Edgecumbe and Whakatane. • Central races to 35 paddocks • Production up to 1400 kgMS per hectare • 22 ASHB dairy shed with yards holding 340 cows • Buildings include a 3-bay lockup shed, 5-bay implement shed and a large hay barn

pggwre.co.nz/WHK27659

TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 4.00pm Thursday 22 March

Stewart Morrison B 07 307 1619 M 027 442 2833

stewartmorrison@pggwrightson.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

2338 and 2488 State Highway 2 The property consists of 109.19 hectares freehold plus 46 hectares leasehold. There are a total of five titles with paper roads. Part of the property has it's own micro-climate making it suitable for horticulture ventures. Buildings include one four bedroom and one three bedroom home, 22 ASHB dairy, four-bay implement shed, hay barn and PKE storage bin. The farm is milking approximately 340 cows with production up to 113,000kgMS.

pggwre.co.nz/WHK27636

Nukuhou DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 4.00pm Thursday 8 March

Stewart Morrison B 07 307 1619 M 027 442 2833

stewartmorrison@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz

New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company RURAL

LIFESTYLE

RESIDENTIAL

TENDER

Whakatane Surrounds

Irrigated, Shade and Shelter 133 Lambert Road Three generations of one family have farmed this property with heartfelt care. • 140Ha freehold with 80Ha transferable leases • Sound 24 ASHB dairy, milking 450 cows at peak with split calving • Best production 209,000kgMS 2014/2015, supplying Open Country Dairy • Pod irrigation over 80Ha, plus 20Ha on lease land, from deep well bore on farm • Four homes, two hay barns, implement shed/workshop and silage bunker • Environmentally appealing with shade and shelter from 20,000 trees planted including woodlots and three developed wetland areas Reluctantly our vendors have made the decision to retire and are now motivated sellers. pggwre.co.nz/WHK27709

NEW LISTING

TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 4.00pm, Thursday 29 March

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

Leaders. When it comes to connecting people with property and achieving great outcomes for our clients, being New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company really does matter. Many can make all sorts of claims to being No.1. We think being the leaders – in experience, expertise, and knowledge – is what really matters. And we get that by being part of New Zealand’s leading agri-business company – we’re not just a real estate agency. We really understand your business, because we’re connected to rural New Zealand in every way, every day. That’s why so many rural property owners in New Zealand trust and choose PGG Wrightson Real Estate. New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company RURAL I LIFESTYLE I RESIDENTIAL

Large Scale Dairy Support 589.0433ha 539 Limestone Valley Road

Cave

Large scale dairy support / sheep and beef unit close to Timaru and Pleasant Point. Excellent fertility, water systems, subdivision and production. Two tidy homesteads and sleepout. (Ideal father and son operation). Large array of farm buildings and stock yards. Eight units Downlands water and bore water feeding approx 425,000 litres of storage - reticulated to mostly 1500/litre troughs. 11 hill blocks and 57 main paddocks. Limestone Valley offers the market scale, scope and potential and would suit a diverse range of farming options.

DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY

pggwre.co.nz/GER27676

rscott@pggwrightson.co.nz

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 4pm, Wednesday 28 March PGGWRE, Timaru

Richard Scott B 03 687 7330 M 021 352 701

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

pggwre.co.nz

Employment

FARM MANAGER

CONTRACT MILKER

• Venison, velvet and beef farming located at the Styx in the Maniototo, Otago, NZ Loganbrae is a semi high country 3200ha property situated 55km south of Ranfurly and comprises of 1400 breeding hinds, 160 stags of which 120 are solely for velvet, 150 breeding beef cows with the progeny finished on farm.

Our client lives north of the Bombay’s and wants to be in business with astute and seasoned contract milkers who know how to run the show, getting maximum productive performance whilst sustaining and developing the land, cow and environmental assets of his business.

Beautiful Sunny Nelson

With the owners being off farm this position has a lot of autonomy and the applicant will be responsible for all of the day-to-day running decisions, whilst adhering to the successful policies and practices that have been put in place.

Two-hundred hectares, 15km from Hamilton, flat, well set up with 54-bail rotary dairy, excellent herd, housing and other infrastructure. If you want to be in a business that’s been set up the way you would do it with performance in mind then speak to us about this role today.

Focus is on venison and velvet production but there is a mix with beef finishing. The 200ha that is irrigated with K-line provides all the winter supplements and the finishing of the beef animals and some of the deer. There may be an opportunity for some tourism in the future.

We’re looking for experienced contract milkers who are looking for a three-year contract and have the resources to step onto the property and make it work from day one. You’ll likely already have a great team, be building your pathway in the dairy industry and have the experience on your CV that proves you can do the job.

LK0091726©

Supporting you in the business will be six-weekly farm consultant visits alongside the opportunity to speak with the owner, discuss and clarify plans and ensure your businesses are moving forward in synergy.

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

To be successful in this role you will need: • Knowledge of modern farming practices • Vast knowledge of both deer and velveting farming and production • Excellent feed management and planning skills • Excellent stockmanship and communication skills • Ability to manage budgets, projects and the ever changing environment • Genuine commitment to health and safety and continuous improvement • Computer skills including outlook, word, and excel This is a great opportunity and challenge to carry on the high standard set by the previous manager of twenty years while also implementing some new ideas of your own. You will need to have plenty of passion and bring high standards to be successful. Position comes with a very attractive accommodation and competitive package. Confidential enquiries to Peter Aitken, aitkenp.c@xtra.co.nz

Livestock Representative

Rakaia Island Limited is a proud family owned dairy and dry stock operation that is dedicated to farming for the future, being at the forefront of innovation and efficiency and promoting a culture of continuous learning.

GISBORNE

About the role:

The farm milks 9000 cows across six dairy units with dry stock land fully supporting the dairy business. Rakaia Island Limited employs a diverse team of over 50 people with a culture based around strong and supportive family values.

An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Livestock Representative to join our successful Gisborne livestock team. This is a rare opportunity arising from the retirement of a well-respected agent who has a large, established client base. Our agent will support you into the role which will encompass all aspects of sheep and beef farming.

The Role

The Senior Farm Manager will be responsible for managing the combined operation of two of the dairy units based on Rakaia Island. These units milk a total of 2800 cows, through an existing 54 bail rotary and a brand new 70 bail rotary. There has been significant capital investment in the new dairy which is state-of-the-art and supported by an in-shed feeding system. The Senior Farm Manager will be responsible for leading a team of 14 across the two units.

This role is particularly suited to someone with a keen interest in genetics, in particular East Coast Angus and Hereford. You may have an interest in auctioneering or the desire to become a high profile auctioneer would be an advantage. Relationship building will be essential to your success in the role along with the skills, expertise and passion necessary for a long and successful career our organisation. Whilst you will receive great support from the wider team, the nature of this role is very autonomous so time management, planning and administrative experience will set your foundation for success.

The Senior Farm Manager role is a newly created position which aims to ensure collaboration and best use of resources across these units to enhance performance and productivity. In addition to ensuring the delivery of the annual operational plan and the achievement of key performance indicators, this unique role focuses on developing the capability of the units’ people.

What do you need? • Experience with marketing and sales of livestock services to new and existing clients is desired. • The ability to grow your client base throughout the area. • Excellent planning and self-management skills. • Excellent written and oral communication skills. • Computer/ tablet and administrative skills. • A full, clean and current NZ driver licence is essential as travel throughout the region is required. • Extensive Livestock knowledge and industry experience is essential.

The Senior Farm Manager will be supported by the Operations Manager and an administration team who share Rakaia Island’s strong and supportive family values. Rakaia Island’s culture of continuous improvement and collaboration means there is also good support across the wider business. To succeed in this role you will: • Be a top dairy farmer with the technical skill to deliver excellent farm production and best practice management • Have the management and leadership skill to develop people to successfully reach their potential • Be an excellent communicator who can set expectations, share a vision, get people excited about what is on the horizon and hold them accountable for their actions • Have experience working in large scale dairying with culturally diverse teams • Be a team player, able to collaborate, build successful relationships, share knowledge and information and contribute positively to the wider business

A full position description for this role can be viewed by pasting the following link in your browser: https://www.dropbox.com/sh/x0v31azbbfc9d0v/ AABdCrGNivQGUL7I4TfOnuFZa?dl=0 If you possess the passion, drive and competency required for this role and are drawn by the opportunity to make a difference to this successful family owned New Zealand business, submit your resume and cover letter by email to lynsey@peoplemad.co.nz. Applications close 3rd March.

Grower required

We are currently looking for a grower who is interested in growing a high quality product together with the (Dutch) crop manager. The grower we are looking for is hands on involving the day-to-day running of the field like fertilising, spraying and harvesting. But also supervising of jobs done by casuals will be part of the job. Preferably the applicant has a mechanical aptitude and experience with tractors and machinery. As with most crops the lily bulbs is a seasonal crop which is planted in early spring and harvested in wintertime. This will be reflected in the working hours and the applicant must be available throughout those periods. Pay and benefits: Depending on experience and skills. For more information please call Rob Holtrop 027 325 0011 Or visit www.paterbloembollen.nl

Experienced Stockperson /General Farm Hand For the 80ha Sheep and Beef farming operation located between Wainui and Puhoi in the Rodney district.

PGG Wrightson is a leading provider of products and services to the agricultural and horticultural sectors. We are committed to growing our employees and we develop leadership and technical expertise at all levels of our company. We provide extensive in-house sales and technical training and offer a number of employee benefits such as staff buying privileges.

We require a full time experienced stockperson/ general farm hand for our sheep breeding and dairy beef finishing property. Someone who has practical farming experience and a passion for farming, stock welfare and pasture management.

If you tick all the boxes above and are keen on developing a successful livestock career within out leading organistation, then we would love to hear from you - Apply today!

Ideally this position would suit a person who is a self-starter with the ability to work independently yet able to communicate well with farm management for farm development and stock carrying capacity.

To discuss this opportunity further, please contact Jamie Hayward, Regional Livestock Manager, 027 434 7586. Apply now or to find out more about working at PGG Wrightson or view other opportunities visit https://careers.pggwrightson.co.nz/ search and enter reference number 3907FARWEE. Applications close on Sunday, 11 March 2018. LK0091747©

Island Bulbs LTD is a grower and exporter of lily bulbs. The flowerbulbs are grown outside on 40 hectare. After harvesting in the wintertime the bulbs are processed and prepared for export. After processing and storage the bulbs will be sent overseas. Our clients are professional flower growers all over the world, especially in Asia.

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The Business

This is a really exciting opportunity with the possibility of growth and progression within a very successful dairy farming business. A four bedroom home is available for the Senior Farm Manager and their family with school bus at the gate.

If you love pasture to plate, high quality, niche market farming then this position has your name written on it. This is a rare opportunity to do something you love everyday and enjoy a great lifestyle while doing it. Appleby Farms produce premium A2 protein ice cream from their own A2 cows. The farm is 54 hectares of milking pasture with associated support land. Calving 200 cows, with 80 milked through winter, utilising a well maintained and centrally located 15 a-side herringbone shed. This is a high-performance farm with a real focus on quality and animal health in keeping with the business philosophy and brand. You will enjoy a competitive remuneration package, a three-bedroom home, and a beautiful location less than 2km from Richmond. Applications close 9th March 2018. For further information please contact the Dairy Farm Management Services Consultant Peter McLeod on 027 275 2695. For more information visit: https://www.dfms.co.nz/careers/

( Hawke’s Bay)

Senior Farm Manager Rakaia Island Limited

To apply

DAIRY FARM MANAGER – WITH A DIFFERENCE

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One of the best jobs around this year! • A stones throw from Hamilton • Prime Waikato dairy farm • Solid performance with room to grow

Take a look at our website, www.no8hr.co.nz Ref:8HR975 for more details and get your application in quick – this role won’t last! Want to have a chat about it? Give Lee a call on 021 544 020.

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – February 26, 2018

www.pggwrightson.co.nz

Helping grow the country

RUN OFF YOUR FEET? Advertise your vacancy in Farmers Weekly Phone Debbie Brown 0800 85 25 80 or email classifieds@nzx.com

Duties include: • Stock health and animal husbandry • Grazing and pasture management • Water reticulation and general farm maintenance • Fence repairs and weed spraying Position offers: • Warm 3-bedroom house • Strong support from managing partners • School bus to very good local schools • Remuneration according to experience and skill level • Favourable location 40 minutes to Auckland City allowing partner to work off-farm If you are fit, energetic and have a clean drug record then send us a covering letter and CV with three references to: m.turnwald@xtra.co.nz M Turnwald 2 Egremont St , Belmont 0622, Auckland Mob 021 041 5859

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classifieds@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

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We Hire based on a Positive “Can Do” Attitude! Fencing and outdoor working skills required for developing kiwifruit orchards in Te Puke to Waihau Bay areas. Machinery operating skills an advantage.

Farm Manager

EXPERIENCED CONTRACT MILKER

With a lot of farm and non-farm activities happening on the property, this will be an opportunity for the successful candidate to develop new skills and experiences with a supportive senior leadership team. LK0091748©

Email: headwaterfarms@hotmail.com Mobile: 027 357 7504

The farm is located in the Waihopai Valley, Marlborough, approximately 15 minutes from Blenheim airport and 25 minutes from Blenheim. Our new Farm Manager will be someone that is capable of managing a high-performance sheep and beef farm. This is an exciting and challenging role that will involve: • Taking responsibility for the performance of the farm business • Implementing a development programme • Developing an Angus stud enterprise • Maintaining a close working relationship with the Vineyard Manager and Owner • Managing farm staff, contractors and service providers • Ensuring the name “Leefield Station” is synonymous with excellence

2018 / 2019 Season

Mamaku Flat, Summer Safe Farm 3-year average milk solids 153,000kgs 480 cows Low Input Grass Based System 30 ASHB shed Approximately 12 minutes from Rotorua Attractive kilograms of milk solids for right applicant Good housing is provided

Leefield Station consists of 2165ha of which approximately 1000ha effective is a sheep and cattle breeding and finishing property (approximately 5000 stock units wintered) a further 900ha is, or will be, planted in grapes with the balance in regenerating bush.

This position also comes with a freshly renovated three bedroom house, two room sleepout and two car garage. Remuneration will reflect experience and skills.

We require a capable stockman to manage our 625ha beef and sheep property wintering 600 R2 bulls, 250 R2 steers and 1500 hoggets. The farm is located close to Te Kuiti and is well set up with a central lane system and good facilities. You will need to have: • competent stock skills • excellent pasture management skills • an ability to work alone as well as part of a team • the motivation to achieve to a high standard We will provide a competitive remuneration package, a well appointed 4-bedroom home and a productive work environment. It is a short drive to the school bus with good schooling available. To apply for the position send your CV with referees to matt@eightmilefarms.co.nz or post to: Eight Mile Farms Ltd, c/o ME Buckley, RD 1, Te Kuiti 3981 Applications close date: 9 March 2018

Livestock

Fairlea Texels Meaty Muscle Makes Money

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Email your CV to: lee@sxhort.co.nz

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Excellent opportunities to grow your skills and income with our team. Focused, progressive, respectful and values based company. References required.

“No Ordinary Farm Manager Required”

STOCK MANAGER

classifieds@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

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Employment

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – February 26, 2018

For more information about this position, please contact: Sophie Black, Sheppard Agriculture Ltd sophie@sheppardagriculture.co.nz – 027 739 4736

Classifieds ATTENTION FARMERS

DOGS WANTED

LIVESTOCK FOR SALE

WANTED TO BUY

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

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

NORTH ISLAND BUYING trip 3/3/18. Buying 300 dogs annually. No trial or breeding required! Paying $100 more than anyone! 07 315 5553. Mike Hughes.

50 R3 IN-CALF Hereford heifers. BVD+Lepto vaccinated. 540kgs. $2000. Located BOP. Phone 027 313 2467.

CHEVROLET BELAIR 1957. Wanted for restoration. Any condition considered. Top money paid. Phone Dave 021 083 90948.

FERTILISER

ORCHARD FOR SALE

SAWN SHED TIMBER including Black Maire. Matai, Totara and Rimu etc. Also buying salvaged native logs. Phone Richard Uren. NZ Native Timber Supplies. Phone 027 688 2954.

ANIMAL SUPPLEMENTS

DOGS FOR SALE DAM, L BRED to ‘Deal’ Sire 22258 ‘Dick’. Top level trial competitor. 2 months old VAC wormed. $500 each. Phone 027 450 6095.

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

DELIVERING NORTH ISLAND 3/3/18, South Island 23/3/18. Huntaways, Heading, Handys! View online, guaranteed, trial. 07 315 5553. Mike Hughes.

ATTENTION FARMERS

SOUTH ISLANDERS delivering Huntaways, Heading, Handys down there 3/3/18. View online working sheep or cattle. 07 315 5553. Mike Hughes.

MANUKA SITES REQUIRED in the North Island. Top dollar paid to land owners. Proven performers with sound experience in the industry. Interested in building long term relationships. Contact 027 826 6278 or email: hardyhivezzz@gmail.com

HEADING PUPS, proven X. 8th litter. Phone 06 388 0212 / 027 243 8541.

DOGS WANTED 12 MONTHS TO 5½-yearold Heading dogs and Huntaways wanted. Phone 022 698 8195.

GOAT / SHEEP MILKING

For further details contact Nick 0274 763 658 Email: nick.aam@xtra.co.nz AGRICULTURAL ASSET MANAGEMENT

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We currently seek interested parties, farmers, partners and investors. • New and exciting venture in growth industry • Large scale farming operation

SMALL HASTINGS ORCHARD. Top location, elite soil. Open plan home. Phone 027 444 2589.

FORESTRY

PERSONAL

WANTED

ALONE NO MORE!!! There is no need to be alone when there are so many other genuine singles also seeking love and companionship. Ask the Countrywide personal matchmakers who is waiting in your area. You don’t need a computer and your privacy is assured. Ph 0800 424 318. All ages – seniors welcome. Matchmaker since 1989. *Real People not computers*

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.

FREIGHT FREE 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.

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

LEASE LAND WANTED DAIRY FARM WANTED for lease. 80+ hectares. Anywhere considered. For keen motivated couple. Phone 027 271 7443.

FOR SALE

Established 1968

Woodah Royal Flush 11/005 (21 months) Supreme Breed Champion Beef + Lamb NZ Beef Expo 2013

Whole Herd Disbursal

CLASSIFIEDS ADVERTISING

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

0800 85 25 80

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

Woodah South Devons

OLD PORTABLE shearing plants for private shearing museum at Pleasant Point i.e: wolseley, moffat-virtue and/or lister. Phone Richie Gould 03 614 7466.

Do you have something to sell?

PUMPS

*Suftex first-cross rams also available

Call Debbie

classifieds@nzx.com

Woodah sires have been used in many countries of the world. We offer grass fed South Devon cattle, vaccinated twice and blood tested negative for BVD. Woodah bulls have been voted “Peoples Choice” at South Devon bull trials by breeders, visitors and stud stock agents. For photos and performance data see our Sales Catalogue at www.southdevon.co.nz Enquiries and inspection welcomed LJ Holt Ltd 4675 SH63, RD 1, Blenheim 7271

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

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

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

1808 Makino Road, RD 9, Feilding 4779 Ph: 06 328 8710 Fax: 06 328 8712 Mob: 027 226 5784 Email: fairleatexels@xtra.co.nz

Justin Holt 03 572 2514

PRELIMINARY NOTICE

TAIHAPE WEANER DEER SALES

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.

Red & Hybrid deer, bred on strong Taihape Hill Country Wed 11 April – Stags Thurs 12 April – Hinds Waiouru Deer Selling Complex – 12 Noon Start For details contact: Andrew Peters - 06 388 0929 Robert Auld (PGG) 0275 901 335 Derek Mickleson (Carrfields) 0274 719 025

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

CONTRACTORS

Call Hugh & Helen Winder on 0800 328 877

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ANIMAL HANDLING

livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – February 26, 2018

TAUPO WEANER FAIR

STOCK REQUIRED 15 MTH HEIFERS 300-380kgs 340-420kgs 15 MTH BULLS

Monday 5th March

1450 Steers & Heifers

FOR SALE

200 Beef Strs / 325 Dairy Beef Strs 190 Beef Hfrs / 735 Dairy Beef Hfrs

Genuine Early Calving Herd

FRIESIAN BULL CALVES 120-180kgs 430-480kgs 15 MTH BEEF

Livestock

Tuesday 6th March

145 excellent XBred cows with great conformation, capacity and udder attachment.

BULLS

15 MTH STEERS 380-430kgs

1350 Bulls

50 Beef / 470 Dairy Beef / 820 Friesian

100 percent in calf to AI (12 weeks), due to calve May 20th.

COWS & CALVES

BW82; PW110; RA76%. LIC 36 years. 450kgMS/cow this season on System 2, 140000SCC $1700. Enquiries: Donald McKenzie, Northland Phone 021 754 174

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381

Carrﬁelds - Central Livestock - PGG Wrightson LK0091743©

SALE TALK

A townie moved to the country and bought some land. He went to the local supplies store and told the rep he was going into chicken farming and purchased 100 chicks. “That’s a lot of chicks,” said the service rep. A week later he was back. “I need another 100 chicks,” he said. “You are serious about this chicken farming,” the rep said. “Yeah,” the townie replied. “I need to iron out some problems.” “Problems?” asked the rep. “Yeah,” he replied, “I think I planted that last batch too close together.”

WHAT DO YOU SEE? That’s right, guaranteed black face lambs sired by Suffolk rams.

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

TE KUITI CATTLE SALE

FRANKTON BEEF WEANER FAIR

(in top 10 All Breeds for NZ )

Phone Nigel 0800 85 25 80

Many cows contracted to LIC for 2011 Herd formatings Sale or Due to calve from 16-7-12, 6.5 weeks Lease to Purchase North Waikato AB Jersey and Kiwi cross 430 Friesians BW67 PW68 RA97% DTC 10/7 Due to illness our vendors need to have a change of 41 years Over 200 x 2 & lifestyle. They wouldafter prefer to sellnon but will consider • of breeding. Estimated to3yr olds be 420 cows leasing with purchase in 12 months. Low SCC $1950 pregnant, culls, older cows 5%coastal rejection Milked & on rolling country these are nice cows 250 Frsn/Xbred/Jrsy BW64 PW98 RA100% with good udders. DTC Nom CRV sires, can split • 13/7 Production last season 347kgs ms/cow, 140 cows with majority Jersey, 25 Crossbreds Frsn 150 & xbred/Jrsy 100 $1850 1000kgs ms/ha, on approximately, rolling CRV to and LIC steeper bred. 90 I/C Hfrs Frsn/Xbred/Jrsy BW87 PW91 RA100% Duepalm to calve from early July Wagyu (contract on DTC 15/7 CRV G3, 70% Frsn $1600 no meal, contoured farm, kernel orto maize calves) and tailed to Limousin and Jersey bulls out early Paul Kane 027 286 9279 (North Waikato/ Northland) fed. January. National Dairy & Live Export Coordinator Herdalso tested, recorded, SCC 140 000, OAD from • Young replacement stock available Waikato Herds Christmas, dried off end January, all dry-cow treated, shed drenched, herringbone shed, BVD negative and inoculated, Lepto vaccinated, TB C10. 40 in-calf heifers, majority Jersey CRV bred due from 1 July also available. All animals in very good condition and recommended to shift well. Vendors asking $1500 + GST on herd. Enquiries to Brian Robinson Ph 0272 410 051 or Kevin Hart Ph 0272 915 575.

440 Jerseys BW120 RA100% DTC 12/7

Outstanding genetics & potential to be one of the countries leading suppliers of Genetics to DTC 17/7, well breed OAD from Dec $1850 dairy industry for years to come. Full details 155the Xbred/Jrsy BW91 PW111 RA98% DTC available. 18/7 26yrs nom AB LIC & CRV $1750 Top Jersey herd with long history. $2100 220 Frsn/FrsnX BW75 PW90 RA100%

Central & Southern NI Herds

Enquiries to the sole marketing agents:

250 Frsn/FrsnX BW62 PW65 RA88% DTC 20/7 455ms/cow, rotary shed $1850

Autumn Calvers: We still have some good lines of autumn calvers available.

Brian Robinson BRLL Philip0272 Webb: 027 801 8057 or 07 8583132 PH: 410051

Central & Southern NI Dairy Coordinator

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Advertise your stock sales in Farmers Weekly

• •

View other herd quotes on our website

www.brianrobinsonlivestock.com www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz Gary Falkner Jersey Marketing Service PH: 027 482 8771 or 07 846 4491

Autumn Calving Sale Matamata Saleyards Tuesday 27th February Start: 11am

160 Frsn/Xbred/Jsy in-calf heifers 100% recorded BW76 PW80 Calving from the 14th March 50 are mated to AB & tailed with Jersey Bulls. The remainder were run with Jersey Bulls. Approx: 100 Friesian heifers 50 Xbred heifers 15 Jersey heifers For details & profiles contact Craig Chamberlain Ph: 027 5320253 Other entries welcome

For Sale 280 Cow Friesian Herd This outstanding herd has been in the same family for 67 years. BW67 PW60 RA 94%, DTC 28/7. Very good type with production to match, 600ms/cow. Mated to LIC Premier Sires, herd tested, rotary shed.

$2100 LK0091751©

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

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A/c G & V McLean Ltd 30 Hfd Wnr Bulls

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IT’S TIME TO MEAT A MODERN DAY SUFFOLK FOR A SUFFOLK BREEDER NEAR YOU VISIT nzsheep.co.nz/suffolk

A/c Springhill Farm 15 Hfd Wnr Bulls Contact Brent Bougen for further entries 027 210 4698

PERFOR

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A/c Smith Farms (Kawhia) 124 Hereford Wnr Bulls (Annual Draft)

Growth - Meat - Survival BW 143/50 PW 161/67 RA 100%

Suffolk ram can give you this advantage.

A/c South Farms 20 Ang Wnr Steers

FOL UF K

SEA

52 x MA Ang/AngX Cows RWAB 30/12 12 x MA Hfd/FrsX Cows RWAB 30/12 12 x 3Yr Ang/AngX Hfrs RWAB 30/12 7 x 3Yr Hfd Hfrs RWHB 30/12 13 x 2Yr Hfd Hfrs RWHB 30/12 15 x Wnr Hfd Bulls 15 x Wnr Hfd Hfrs 35 x Wnr Ang/AngX Steers 27 x Wnr Ang/AngX Hfrs Contact Alan Hiscox 07 895 6177 or 0274 428 434

HIGH INDEXING JERSEY & JERSEY Whether finishing or selling store, only a genuine black face CROSS HERD

A/c Clients 25 Top SimX Wnr Steers & Hfrs, 25 Hfd/Frs Wnr Steers, 65 Ang Wnr Hfrs

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

Agent: Paul Collins 027 304 8994 Philip Webb: 027 801 8057 Central & Southern NI Dairy Coordinator

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Monday 5th March 12 Noon

Friday 2nd March 12 Noon Special Entry - A/c Ongarue Station (farm sold)

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

Your source for PGG Wrightson livestock and farming listings

Key: Dairy

FEILDING UPCOMING WEANER FAIRS Feilding Saleyards Upcoming Sales:

Thursday 19 April - Hfr Thursday 26 April - Sue Bros

Thursday 22 March

Wednesday 2 May - Str & Bull

Wednesday 4 April - Str & Bull

Thursday 3 May - Hfr

Thursday 5 April - Hfr

Thursday 17 May

Thursday 12 April

For more information contact your local PGG Wrightson Livestock Representative

Wednesday - 18 April - Str & Bull

Cattle

Sheep

MATAWHERO CATTLE SPECIAL ENTRY

VINTAGE TRACTOR & MACHINERY SALE

Tuesday 6th March

A/C: Joe Hiestand

A/C Morunga Station- Matawai 300 2½yr Steers Approx. 220 Angus, Ang/ Hfd x 80 Exotic x Well Bred Steers in Forward Condition. Farmed at High Altitude. Tony Blackwood – 0272 431 858

Other

645 Durham Road, Inglewood Saturday 17 March at 11.00am For full details including photos see www.agonline.co.nz Further inquiries: Kim Harrison – 027 501 0013

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.

BW 106

PW 123

240 Jsy/Jsyx Cows $1,950+GST

200 Frsn/ Frsnx Cows BW 72

$1,675+GST

PW 86

200 Frsn/ Frsnx Cows

$1,680+GST

BW 68

PW 83

$1,880+GST

RA100% Calving 18th July, 50yrs One Family.Ave 450M/S. Chris Ryan – 0272 431 078

20th July Calving Ambreed & Semex Bred NZMI 30 21yrs One Owner. Sole Agency. Matt Hughes – 0274 052 824

RA92% Calving 19th July. Low Input, 25yrs One Owner. Shaan Featherstone – 0276 661 198

Calving 17th July, Great Age Breakdown, Ave 415M/S. Andrew Reyland – 0272 237 092

Agonline ref: 063511

Agonline ref: 063006

Agonline ref: 062674

Agonline ref: 062547

72 Kiwi x Cows BW 101

PW 114

70 Jsy/Jsy x Cows $1,800+GST

BW 81

PW 76

270 M/A Frsn, Jsy, X/Bred Cows

$1,650+GST

BW 96

PW 84

$1,800+GST

41 3-6yr Frsn/Frsn X Carryover Cows PW 166

BW 110

$1,700+GST

RA100%. Calving 15th July, Rising 3yr Olds. Jason Roberts – 0272 743 1429

RA97%. Calving 19th July, Jsy content out of 300 Cows Regan Craig – 0275 028 585

Long Established mostly Jersey Herd producing well on mostly Grass. Craig Murray – 0273 220 063

Incalf Frsn & Frsn X Carryover Cows “In great Condition” Kim Harrison – 0275 010 013

Agonline ref: 063551

Agonline ref: 063489

Agonline ref: 063589

Agonline ref: 063522

NORTH ISLAND AUTUMN CALVERS 49 High PW, Mainly Friesian Autumn Calving Carryover Cows BW 94

PW 139

$1,750+GST

High Indices Autumn Calving Frsn/Frsn X Carry Over Cows, VIC Hereford Bull, from three long established local Herds. Robert Auld – 0275 901 335

150 Autumn Calving Cows BW 92

PW 121

$1,700+GST

Pick 25 out of 34 Frsn/Frsnx Cows BW 53

PW 37

$1,400+GST

RA83% Calving 1st March, Hereford Bull. Chris Ryan – 0272 431 078

RA89% Calving 28th April, Genuine autumns. Chris Leuthart – 0274 936 594

Agonline ref: 062849

Agonline ref: 063025

230 3-6yr Friesian, X/Bred Autumn Calving Cows PW 112

BW 83

$1,700+GST

Chris Johnston – 0272 574 091 Agonline ref: 063465

Agonline ref: 063130

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

NORTH ISLAND INCALF HEIFERS 78 Friesian InCalf Heifers BW 103

PW 97

$1,800+GST

PAUL EDWARDS National Dairy Manager Ph 027 442 5028

$1,700+GST

71 Jrsy IC Heifers

60 Frsn/ Frsnx Incalf Heifers

Agonline ref: 063142

Agonline ref: 063484

Agonline ref: 063044

PW 118

$1,500+GST

PW 123

BW 120

$1,350+GST

Semex Bred NZMI 12 18th July Calving. Well Grown Complete Line of IC Heifers Sole Agency. Matt Hughes – 0274 052 824

RA100%, Calving 18th July, Jsy Bull. CRL. Regan Craig – 0275 028 585

Higher than normal empty rates are being recorded in some areas that have PT, with clients now looking to replace these animals with in calf heifers or cows.

PW 93

Ambreed Bred Frsn & Frsn X Heifers, Capital Stock Line, Well Grown, Nice Type of Heifer Rex Playle – 0275 946 512

BW 109

MARKET COMMENT

BW 83

Friesian, Capital Stock, DNA’D & Well Grown Rising 2 Year LIC Bred Line of Heifers from Long Established Herd. Peter Forrest – 0275 986 153

42 XBred Incalf Heifers

Herd and heifer enquiry and sales continue to build momentum around the country. Herd contracts are being signed between $1600 $1800, with one notable Southern herd making $2000.

215 Frsn, Frsn/Jsy X InCalf Heifers

$1,650+GST

RA100% Calving 16th July, CRL, Well Grown. Tony Blackwood – 027 243 1858 Agonline ref: 063539

19 XBred Incalf Heifers BW 138

PW 147

$1,650+GST

RA100% Calving 19th July, Jsy Bull. Dean Evans – 0272 431 092 Agonline ref: 063179

Agonline ref: 063476

SOUTH ISLAND HERDS & HEIFERS FOR SALE 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 – 0275 200 965

Capital Line of Heifers, Very Well Grown Out David Walker – 0272 189 526

Agonline ref: 063259

Agonline ref: 063267

15 Jersey Incalf Heifers BW 124

PW 93

$1,475+GST

238 Frsn, FJX, JFX InCalf Heifers BW 113

PW 117

$1,600

+GST

15 well grown Jersey I/C heifers, from a well established herd that has been using A2 bulls. First April delivery. Kevin Cunniﬀe – 0274 384 802

An outstanding opportunity has come about to purchase a Capital Line of Top Genetics X/Bred Heifers. Stu Walsh – 0274 344 093

Agonline ref: 063425

Agonline ref: 062755

410 MA Pred Kiwi X Cows BW 89/45

PW 116/61

$2,000+GST

58 Frsn/Frsn X InCalf Heifers BW 82

PW 96

$1,550+GST

Pre mating, PK feed otherwise 2,000 grass fed system. Short gestation LD: $ Kiwi X. SO 18 years of Herd testing. Anton Nally – 027 477 4502

Beautiful Capacious Spring Frsn/Frsn X Heifers, these animals will shift well, Worth Inspection. Richard Healey – 0279 727 372

Agonline ref: 063492

Agonline ref: 063650

75 M/A Frsn Aut Calving Cows BW 40

PW 21

$1,800+GST

810 MA Pred Friesian Cows BW 45/32

PW 60/36

$1,750+GST

Autumn Calving Cows. All G3 and A2 Tested. Herd has done up to 600 M/S. Rod Whale – 0272 738 923

Herd is getting 2 Herd tests this season. Grass only Cows, no inputs. Anton Nally – 0274 774 502

Agonline ref: 063533

Agonline ref: 063495

NATIONAL TEAM. LOCAL KNOWLEDGE. Freephone 0800 10 22 76 | www.pggwrightson.co.nz

Helping grow the country

MARKET SNAPSHOT

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Grain & Feed

MILK PRICE FORECAST ($/KGMS) 2017-18

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Canterbury (NZ$/t)

6.40

6.31

AS OF 07/12/2017

AS OF 22/02/2018

MILK PRICE COMPARISON

358

327

NI mutton (20kg)

4.75

4.65

3.20

374

294

SI lamb (17kg)

6.80

6.75

5.20

Feed Barley

371

369

289

SI mutton (20kg)

4.65

4.55

3.20

245

Export markets (NZ$/kg) 8.75

8.77

7.99

6.5

Maize Grain

441

375

6.0

PKE

278

276

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

UK CKT lamb leg

7.0

INTERNATIONAL Last week

Prior week

Last year

Wheat - Nearest

229

231

227

Corn - Nearest

196

199

203

383

380

309

6.5 6.0 5.5 5.0

CBOT futures (NZ$/t)

4.5

South Island 1 7kg lamb

7.5 7.0

368

364

285

Feed Wheat

321

323

214

2500

Feed Barley

352

355

241

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

PKE (US$/t) 118

120

105

Ex-Malaysia

NZ venison 60kg stag

6.5

600

$/kg

ASW Wheat

3000

Jan 18 Apr 18 NZX WMP Futur es

North Island 17kg lamb

7.5

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

APW Wheat

3500 US$/t

286

Australia (NZ$/t)

4000

6.0

500

5.5

400

5.0

300

4.5 Oct Oct

Dec

Prior week

vs 4 weeks ago

WMP

3235

3210

3115

SMP

1960

2005

AMF

6420

Butter

5500

Last week

Prior week

Last year

1935

Urea

523

520

482

2.97

3.31

6420

6075

Super

307

317

37m ewe

3.10

3.00

3.50

5450

4850

DAP

739

30m lamb

4.95

5.05

3.67

785

777

Jun

Jul

Aug

$/kg

c/k kg (net)

150 Feb 14

Sharemarket Briefing THE reporting season has been reasonably positive and companies have been rewarded for earnings beats. It has been a similar story across the Tasman with plenty of results driving the Australian market as well. Without doubt, the standout performer for the week has been a2 Milk. The company announced a strong first half result with its after-tax profit rising 150% from the prior comparable period. Earnings were $143 million, up 123%, as the company increased its market share in both Australia and China. Management said its distribution network continues to grow while its brand continues to gain momentum. ATM said it has formed a global strategic partnership with Fonterra. The deal includes a supply agreement, distribution and sales arrangements and the licence for Fonterra to sell fresh A2 milk in New Zealand. With such incredible numbers and a new strategic relationship, ATM’s share price rocketed higher, finishing the day up 26.48% at $11.75. The gains also mean that a2 Milk is now the biggest company on the NZX by market cap, beating out other heavyweight Fisher & Paykel Healthcare and Spark for the top spot. Market commentary provided by Craigs Investment Partners

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

8267

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

8021

Feb 15

Feb 16

Feb 17

Feed barley

4 weeks ago

NZ venison 60kg stag

4.5

600

250

May

Coarse xbred wool indicator

5.5

CANTERBURY FEED PRICES

NZ$/t

US$/t

This yr

Prior week

3000

20499

Aug

3.00

350

15573

Last yr

Aug

Last week

3200

S&P/FW AG EQUITY

Jun

Coarse xbred ind.

450

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR

Jun

(NZ$/kg)

3400

Latest price

Apr

NZ average (NZ$/t)

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

Apr

WOOL

* price as at close of business on Thursday

Mar

Feb

FERTILISER

Last price*

2800

Feb

5‐yr ave

NZX DAIRY FUTURES (US$/T) Nearby contract

5.35

372

7.0

Feb 18 AgriHQ Seasonal

6.90

358

Waikato (NZ$/t)

Dec 17

Last year

6.95

Feed Wheat PKE

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

3.5

400 300

2.5Oct Oct

Dec

5‐yr ave

PKE spot

Feb

Apr

Last yr

Jun

Aug

This yr

Dollar Watch

Top 10 by Market Cap Company

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

12.90

14.62

7.66

Auckland International Airport Limited

6.39

6.73

6.21

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

12.95 2.84 3.35 10.60 6.50 3.22 5.25 4.99

14.39 3.00 3.68 11.30 7.96 3.45 5.64 5.20

12.41 2.75 3.32 10.27 6.39 3.21 5.24 4.89

Listed Agri Shares

500

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

12.900

14.620

7.660

Comvita Limited

8.380

9.210

8.300

Delegat Group Limited

7.620

8.050

7.510

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

6.100

6.660

5.960

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

2.250

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

2.040

2.430

1.950

PGG Wrightson Limited

0.610

0.560

Sanford Limited (NS)

7.680

8.500

7.550

Scales Corporation Limited

4.450

4.920

4.440

Seeka Limited

5.950

6.520

5.900

Synlait Milk Limited (NS)

6.750

7.200

6.260

T&G Global Limited

3.240

3.300

3.150

Tegel Group Holdings Limited

1.030

1.240

1.030

S&P/FW Primary Sector

15573

14417

S&P/FW Agriculture Equity

20499

18488

S&P/NZX 50 Index

8267

8456

8059

S&P/NZX 10 Index

8021

8038

7640

INTEREST rates are the This Prior Last NZD vs driver of money flows and week week year should cause an easing USD 0.7342 0.7394 0.7227 of the kiwi dollar against EUR 0.5955 0.5918 0.6839 the United States dollar AUD 0.9356 0.9329 0.9375 over this year, ASB Bank institutional currency GBP 0.5259 0.5253 0.5777 dealer Tim Kelleher says. Correct as of 9am last Friday The US Federal Reserve is expected to lift its core fund target rate at least three times by year-end, starting at the March 20-21 meeting, with the possibility of a fourth and even fifth rise being speculated on. “The OCR here is going nowhere and I struggle to see how the New Zealand dollar can go up from here. I see it slipping back.” Kelleher believes the kiwi topped out in the week of February 12-16 when it made new highs before reversing sharply then drifting lower since. The Fed fund target rate is 1.5%, against the OCR at 1.75%. By the end of the year the Fed rate is likely to be higher than its NZ counterpart and fund flows will follow the interest rates, he said. Some US Treasury bond rates are already higher than NZ equivalents. Kelleher discounted the idea that the big US twin deficits of budget and current account would outweigh interest rates in the currency equation. The kiwi has traded in a relatively tight-band against both euro and sterling but has a slight downward bias given potential interest rate lifts in those economies later this year, he said.

Alan Williams

Markets

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

30 MICRON LAMBS WOOL

NI SLAUGHTER MUTTON

SI SLAUGHTER STEER

($/KG)

4.75

4.95

5.40

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

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.60

5.50

5.35

NI Bull (300kg)

5.40

5.30

NI Cow (200kg)

4.30

4.10

4.20

SI Steer (300kg)

5.40

5.30

SI Bull (300kg)

5.20

5.10

4.90

SI Cow (200kg)

4.20

4.15

4.00

US imported 95CL bull

6.76

6.83

6.99

US domestic 90CL cow

6.58

6.54

6.40

North Island steer (300kg)

6.5

$/kg

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

6.5 6.0

NZ venison 60kg stag

c/k kg (net)

$/kg

600 5.5 500 5.0 400 4.5 300

4.0

Oct Oct

Dec Dec

Feb Feb

5‐yr ave

Apr Apr

Jun Jun

Last yr

Aug Aug This yr

VENISON Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Last week Prior week

Last year

NI Stag (60kg)

10.30

10.25

8.15

NI Hind (50kg)

10.20

10.15

8.05

SI Stag (60kg)

10.80

8.15

SI Hind (50kg)

10.70

8.05

New Zealand venison (60kg Stag)

$/kg

NZ venison 60kg stag

8 500

400 7 300 6

Oct Oct

Dec Dec 5‐yr ave

Feb Feb

Apr Apr Last yr

Jun Jun

Aug Aug This yr

2.93

440kg, at Stortford Lodge

Hereford heifers, 440650kg, at Temuka

X-TROPICAL Cyclone Gita caused few issues at sales around the country, and certainly did not dampen demand in any regions.

NORTHLAND NORTHLAND Monday’s WELLSFORD sale was never expected to offer up much in the way of numbers and quality as it sat between the weaner fairs the previous week and a grown cattle fair for the following Monday. A total of 114 cattle went under the hammer and the feature was 20 autumn-born AngusFriesian heifers which at 189kg, made $765, $4.05/kg. In the older pens prices were strong relative to the cattle offered, and R3 Angus-Hereford steers, 367kg, sold for $3.30/kg, while crossbred, 407kg, returned $3.13/kg. Also in the spotlight was a line of six R2 DevonHereford heifers, 334kg, which sold exceptionally well at $3.31/kg, while Angus-Friesian, 363kg, reached $2.98/ kg. Weaners made up the rest of the yarding and two lines of Herefordcross steers, 127-163kg, made $630$640. The heifer pens housed the most numbers and best quality and all sold for $555-$680. Excess grass following large amounts of rain is keeping stock at home and the KAIKOHE sale offered up just 400 head last Wednesday, PGG Wrightson Vaughan Vujcich reported. A good yarding of R3 steers were mainly beef-Friesian and sold on strong market at $2.92-$2.98/kg. Similarly the R2 section could not be faulted, as high demand and limited supply worked in vendor’s favour. Most steers were beef-cross or beefFriesian and $3.20-$3.25/kg was easily achieved, with crossbred lines also making good returns at $3.00-$3.10/ kg. Ex-service Angus, Angus-cross and Hereford bulls also hit $3.00/kg, while Jersey returned $2.50-$2.58/kg. The strength continued into the heifer pens and prices lifted to $2.85-$3.00/ kg. Weaners were also hot property and could easily have been sold

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600

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$3.22-$3.27/kg $2.74-$2.84/kg high lights R2 Angus steers, 410- Prime Angus and

Demand still strong

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

PRIME BEEF-FRIESIAN STEERS, 600-700KG, AT CANTERBURY PARK

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WATCHFUL: The demonstrations at the recent Southern Field Days drew big crowds.

many times over. Beef-Friesian steers, 140-160kg, fetched $730-$750, with the lighter lines in excess of $5.00/ kg. Friesian bulls around the 120kg mark sold for $560-$570, while the beef-cross lines were lighter though still managed $520-$530. Jersey cross made $400-$430, while heifers, 110kg, sold to $520. A small cow section featured run-with-bull Friesian at $2.00/kg, and medium dairy and dairy-cross, $1.70-$1.80/kg. COUNTIES COUNTIES Prices for most classes of store cattle remained firm at TUAKAU last Thursday, Kane Needham of PGG Wrightson reported. About 500 cattle were presented to a big bench of buyers and the yarding included 438kg Hereford-Friesian steers, which traded at $3.10/kg. Angus and Angus-Hereford, 408kg, made $3.13/kg, with others at 393kg earning $3.23/kg. Good HerefordFriesian, 322kg, sold to $3.41/kg, with a 312kg pen fetching $3.49/ kg. Hereford-Friesian weaner steers, 119kg, made $710 and 200kg Friesian bulls $670. Prices for heifers in the 300kg-plus range were back by 1520c/kg on the last sale. Good Angus heifers, 402kg, traded at $2.88/kg,

with 372kg Hereford-Friesian making $3.11/kg, and 341kg beef-cross, $2.79/kg. Hereford-Friesian weaner heifers, 148kg, earned $725 and 136kg Hereford $675. About 350 cattle were yarded at last Wednesday’s prime sale. Heifers sold at similar rates to the previous sale but steers firmed by 5c/kg and cows by 10c/kg. The best of the heavy prime steers sold up to $3.05/kg, with medium lots making $2.92-$2.97/ kg and lighter $2.85-$2.90/kg. Heavy prime beef heifers traded up to $2.89/ kg, medium $2.76-$2.84/kg, and lighter beef heifers $2.70-$2.75/kg. Dry Friesian cows in heavy condition traded at $2.20-$2.31/kg, with other heavy cows fetching $1.90-$2.05/kg. Medium types made $1.80-$1.90/kg, and lighter boners $1.65-$1.75/kg. Good Hereford bulls earned $2.94/kg. About 1400 ewes and lambs were presented at last Monday’s sheep sale and the shortage of stock ensured the market remained strong. Heavy prime lambs sold at $140-$165 and medium $120-$132. Lighter prime lambs fetched $105-$115, and good store lambs in forward order $107. Medium store lambs sold for $87. Very

Continued page 46

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Markets

46 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 26, 2018 heavy ewes sold up to $186, with good-medium making $110-$130 and medium $80-$90. Lighter ewes returned $40-$60. WAIKATO The local buying bench was met by something of a mixed bag at FRANKTON last Wednesday, with quality varying throughout the moderate size yarding. The market was solid despite this variance. R2 steers were steady with Angus-Friesian, 329kg, at $3.28/kg, and Hereford-Friesian, 305-380kg, $3.18-$3.28/kg. Friesian-cross showed varied results based on quality and 242-308kg made $1.96$2.60/kg, though a line of eight, 413kg, managed $2.77/kg. The majority of R2 HerefordFriesian heifers, 313-441kg, sold within a band of $2.81-$2.96/kg, with the exception of one quality line of 361kg which achieved $3.05/kg. Similar to the steers, results varied for R2 bull on a quality basis and beef-cross, 365-400kg, returned $2.65-$3.01/kg. The weaner market was steady with Angus-Friesian bulls, 178204kg, making $480-$600, and Friesian, 213-233kg, $610-$755. Autumn-born steers were strong with all 241-278kg and earning $920-$1000 regardless of breed. The prime market was positive and Hereford-Friesian steers, 575-634kg, lifted to $2.97-$3.00/kg. Jersey-cross bulls, 572kg, managed strong returns at $2.81/kg. Boner cattle were steady on recent levels and 394-539kg earned $1.78-$1.90/kg. BAY OF PLENTY BAY OF PLENTY The RANGIURU sale last Tuesday was best described as a tidy little market. Over $3/kg was achieved in all prime sections bar the cows, as strong demand put steers, heifers and bulls almost on an even keel. All steers sold within a tight $2.91-$3.02/kg range and that included Friesian, 525-596kg through to beef-Friesian of similar weight. Three Hereford-cross heifers, 466kg, hit $3.00/kg, while other local trade Hereford-Friesian made $2.81-$2.86/kg, but prime lines, 527kg, pushed to $2.92$2.95/kg. All beef bulls sold in excess of $3.00/kg, with 507-628kg making $3.02-$3.06/kg. The boner market was also strong and firmed across all breeds. Friesian, 451-536kg, returned $1.80-$1.90/kg, with one line of five hitting $2.00/kg. Jersey, 380-440kg, made similar values at $1.83-$1.84/kg. The ever popular Hereford-Friesian stood out in the R2 steer pens as prices lifted. Those 385-397kg returned $3.05$3.06/kg, but the lighter weighted lines at 361-364kg reached $3.19$3.21/kg. Friesian also found homes at high levels relative to normal, with 301-320kg making $3.05-$3.07/kg. A line of 300kg Angus heifers was always going to be well contested and eventually went under the hammer for $3.15/kg, though were closely followed by 353kg Hereford-Friesian at $3.12/kg, along with lighter lines, 275-295kg, $3.00-$3.13/kg. Weaner numbers were low but they were also subjected to good competition for what they were. Hereford-Friesian bulls, 150kg, sold to $715, with a 45kg heavier line making $850. Hereford-Jersey,

164-179kg, sold well at $590-$620, while the highlight in the heifer pens was a line of seven HerefordFriesian, 147kg, which topped the section at $680. A yarding of 600 sheep featured prime lambs at $99-$151.50 and store lambs, $79-$87.50. Prime ewes were variable as they started at $30 and finished at $144. TARANAKI TARANAKI Following the fair the week prior numbers at STRATFORD on Wednesday were reduced 255 head, with most pens hosting two to three head and just one line over 10. Boner cows dominated the yarding and sold at a more consistent level without the peaks seen lately. Most Friesian, 415510kg, ranged from $1.84-$1.94/ kg, with Kiwi-cross, 440-472kg, also falling in that range. Friesian heifers, 413-484kg, also sold on a very consistent market at $1.90$1.96/kg. A small prime steer section was well contested and the better lines sold to $2.98-$3.07/kg, which covered all bar one Friesiancross. Angus and Hereford-Friesian bulls traded at $2.98-$3.02/kg for 622-667kg. The store section was very pleasing with a good depth of buying power despite the low number offered. A standout line of R2 Hereford-Friesian steers, 421kg, sold to $3.17/kg, though lesser sorts, 318-380kg, dropped to $2.89$2.97/kg. Beef-cross, 330-430kg, averaged $2.95/kg. All beef-cross and Hereford-Friesian heifers sold over a tight range of $2.80-$2.88/kg for 307-366kg, while Friesian, 360478kg, returned $2.63-$2.75/kg. Prices continued to firm for most classes at the second to last Dairy Beef sale last Thursday and part of the improvements can be attributed to an increased number of buyers entering the market at this late stage. The heifer market was the highlight as Hereford-Friesian prices lifted $10-$40 on the last market. Lighter lines, 100-110kg, improved $10-$15 to $480-$520, while 112-130kg were up $20-$40 at $500-$560. Angus-Friesian also sold to a keen bench and single lines of 109-145kg traded at $470$585. Friesian bull prices improved $10-$25 on last fair results. Light calves were in the minority with most starting at 120kg and up to nearly 200kg. Lines 120-130kg earned $595-$625, though a price ceiling of $650 meant 135-193kg traded at $628-$655. Budgets were stretched a bit further for Hereford-Friesian and few lines could be purchased for less than $560, with most trading at $565$680. Steer numbers increased and 110-140kg Hereford-Friesian sold on a firm market at $590-$700.

POVERTY BAY POVERTY BAY Small numbers worked in vendors’ favour at MATAWHERO where store lambs sold to very strong bidding. Good-to-heavy lambs made $112-$123.50, while light-to-medium lambs were all $80-$87.50. Two lines decent of run-withram ewes made $111 for the twotooths and $115 for the mixed age line. Otherwise medium mixed aged ewes made $70-$90. A few prime ewes lines made $106-$111.

HAWKE’S BAY HAWKE’S BAY A smaller yarding of 33 cattle were on offer at STORTFORD LODGE last Monday, while buyers from around the North Island converged last Wednesday for a big store cattle sale. The prime sale was dominated by quality cows which could have been sold several times over, such was the level of interest in them. Angus-Hereford, 529-634kg, made $2.20-$2.37/kg. A line of nine Angus steers, 601kg, were strong at $3.06/kg. Heavy ewes made $140-$150.50, medium-good to good $119$135.50, light-medium to medium $101-$123, and the lighter end $70-$94. Lambs were mainly all small mixed sex lines and of very good quality. The majority earned $120$133 with top cuts at $139-$142, and the tail end returned a solid $109.50.

Last Wednesday’s store sheep section began with a mixed quality yarding of ewes and male sheep, most of which had traveled from the Chatham Islands. Ewes were mainly cull types which sold to levels consistent with Monday’s market. One line of Romney 2-tooths made $119, while the top lines of mixed age earned $119$129.50 with the next cuts trading at $105-$110.50. Light ewes made $84-$90, while mixed age wethers sold for $110-$148. Lamb numbers did increase on the last few weeks, helped by a big consignment from Wairoa as well as Chatham Island’s lambs. Of the 3600 lambs offered 2000 were later-born Romney ewe lambs from one property and sold in two lines. The first pen of 1259 sold for $85 to one local buyer, who also took a run out of the second line of 771 at $80, with the remainder making $83. The rest of the market managed to at least hold, though there was a big variance of lambs between pens. All lines of rams sold for $101$119.50, with male and wethers earning $94-$109. Heavy lines of mixed sex returned $121-$122, with the balance earning $96-$107, while ewe lambs traded at $80$100. Most of the R3 steers were either from Wairoa or local and featured mainly black cattle. Angus, 507512kg, sold for $3.15-$3.19/kg, with Angus & Angus-Hereford, 485-509kg, just slightly under that level at $3.12-$3.14/kg. Of the 487 R2 steers yarded 65% were either Angus or Angus & Angus-Hereford, with the balance beef-cross and exotic-cross. An exceptional line of 35 Angus

made $1440, $3.27/kg, though the second cut at 426kg also reached that level, selling for $3.38/kg. All bigger lines of Angus traded at $1345-$1440, while 371-377kg sold for $1280-$1295, $3.40-$3.49/kg. Angus & Angus-Hereford were also strong and 453-472kg made $3.09$3.18/kg, with 378-437kg earning $3.27-$3.31/kg. Also offered was a number of autumn-born traditional lines, and most traded at $1045-$1220 for $3.30-$3.53/kg Heifers also surpassed $3.00/ kg as both traditional and exotic lines were subject to keen bidding. A line of light Angus, 304kg, made $3.67/kg, while Angus & AngusHereford, 325-400kg, sold for $3.04-$3.08/kg. Exotic heifers were well contested, and top dollar went to 20 Simmental & Simmentalcross, 414kg, at $1290. Pregnancy testing on dairy farms brought in a larger than usual offering of empty Friesian cows. Two processors competed and 499-570kg sold for $2.04-$2.13/ kg regardless of condition, while lighter lines made $1.95-$1.97/kg. Thirteen Hereford-Friesian heifers with calves-at-foot were also sold due to a farm sale and made $1560 per unit, with some calves very young though others competed with the heifers for size. A small weaner section featured Friesian and Friesian-cross bulls, with all lines weighing in at 88124kg and selling for $410-$480. MANAWATU MANAWATU A moderate yarding of prime stock greeted those attending FEILDING last Monday. Good sized lines of male and ram lambs traded at $128.50$151. The mixed sex lineup were a credit to vendors with most very heavy types at $143-$159, though one small line sold to $164. The remainder made $120-$139. Ewes sold over a tight range of very consistent pricing. The top lines traded at $120-$148, with the balance earning $91-$116. In the rostrum a very small beef offering was limited in quality, though did feature a line of good Angus cows, 551kg that achieved $2.37/kg, while Angus-Friesian, 460-463kg, traded at $1.77-$1.88/ kg. Six Hereford bulls, 687kg, returned $3.13/kg while Friesian, 685kg, fetched $2.91/kg. As expected dairy heifers and cows made up the biggest portion of the yarding, and while there was good competition from both traders and processors, the cow market came off the previous week’s level. A much larger number did fall in the 450-510kg range so may have been partly responsible for the easing, with prices averaging $1.88/kg. A line of 579kg also eased to $1.94/kg, while other small lines of younger cows that would grade as heifers reached their values. Heifer prices firmed with prices very pleasing for the small number entered. Friesian, 415kg, returned $2.40-$2.42/kg. Traditional cattle gave way to a larger mixture of exotic-cross and dairy-cross cattle at Friday’s sale, making for a yarding of 1200 head. R3 cattle were essentially limited to just steers. Some 490510kg traditional lines pushed into the $3.11-$3.14/kg range, but 510-580kg Simmental-cross and Hereford-cross were more like $2.93-$2.98/kg. R2 steers had a solid sale once

again. Traditional and exotic lines, 290-450kg, were regularly bought at $3.16-$3.35/kg, while even 360-485kg Hereford-Friesian steers were at $2.91-$3.08/kg. R2 heifers were mainly a mixture of beef-Friesian types, with 305430kg lines making $2.82-$2.99/ kg, though a few straight beef lines pushed a little above $3.00/kg. R2 Friesian bulls, 405-460kg, were near to steady at $2.78-$2.97/kg. Weaner cattle were variable but still very solid. Very little sold under $500, and nearly always selling above $4.00/kg. Store lamb numbers crept up to just over 10,000 head, and these enjoyed a relatively solid sale. As a general rule good male and mixed sex lambs were $102-$115, though there were the odd trades either side of this level. Medium and lighter lines were more difficult to shift, usually selling at $78-$91, though there was roughly a $5 discount on ewe lamb lines. It was a mixed-bag for the tailenders, falling in the $60-$77.50 range more often than not. Around 2500 ewes were offered at the start of the sale. Two-tooths topped out at $173, but most were mediums lines at $120-$148. Fiveyear and six-year ewes were $150$151 for two good lines, easing to $122-$138 for the rest of the decent types. CANTERBURY CANTERBURY Those attending the CANTERBURY PARK sale last Tuesday were grateful for the fully covered complex, as heavy rain fell for the duration of the sale. Store lamb numbers are starting to taper off as more buyers enter the market, and the 1400 offered could easily have sold several times over. Line sizes were small so there was a good number of pens to sell. Two male lines sold for $90$98, while per head budgets meant that $/kg climbed significantly through the mixed sex pens as the weights reduced, with some lightmedium lines managing $90. Good to heavy lambs sold for $89-$113, while medium types made $89$98. Light lambs traded at $68-$90. The flow of lambs to the processors has ebbed which in turn is increasing demand in the prime pens at sale yards. The top lambs today made $165-$175, with most of the trading happening around the $110-$160 level. Ewe volume was consistent with recent weeks and so too were prices, though the top line made $270. Good and heavy ewes traded at $150-$195, with medium and medium-good types returning $120-$148. Light ewes still reached good levels of $81-$117, while 2-tooths mainly sold for $114$115. The prime cattle market needed little encouragement from the weather as low supplies and firming schedules strengthen the market, though forward stores certainly benefited. Heavy prime steers, 600kg plus of any breed traded at $2.85-$3.05/ kg. The forward store market was strong throughout and traditional and traditional-cross, 542-619kg, easily made $3.00-$3.08/kg, with Hereford-Friesian, 460-566kg, also in the money at $3.00-$3.12/kg. Most other beef-Friesian traded at $2.93-$3.01/kg. Extra buying power in the local trade heifer market meant that

Markets

with a lighter line of 346kg making $2.66/kg, and 374-416kg, $2.52$2.54/kg. The other big consignment was 97 weaner bulls and heifers from Mayfield. Most were HerefordFriesian and sold very well with the bulls, 120-154kg all trading at $420-$580, and heifers, 122-147kg, $430-$550. Two good lines of Friesian bulls, 125-146kg, fetched $490-$510. SOUTH CANTERBURY SOUTH CANTERBURY For the first time ever at the TEKAPO and OMARAMA Merino Ewe Fairs there was snow on the hills and water in the pens, left by ex-Tropical Cyclone Gita, PGG Wrightson agent Joe Higgins reported. The Tekapo fair was the smallest in memory as changing land use in Mackenzie Country reduces flocks, and around 5500 ewes in total were offered at this sale. The buying bench had a familiar feel to it as Marlborough, North Canterbury and Central Otago participated, and prices were up on last year. Two-tooth Merino ewes traded at $100-$193, while the top line of 6-year came from Maryburn Station and sold for $161. Prices were very consistent through the older ewe pens and the top lines made $130-$140, medium $115$125, and lighter $100-$115, with very few trading below $100. The Omarama fair offered up a few more head at around 7000 and while a few logistical issues had to be dealt with due to the large amount of rain, results were very pleasing. PGG Wrightson agent Jonty Hyslop reported it as a sound sale with genuine breeding lines selling to good demand from an adequate number of buyers, who were mainly from North and Central Otago. While in general the Merino fairs offer up 6-year ewes, there was a consignment of 4-5-year penned due to a change in breed policy and these made good returns at $130-$134. The top line of 6-year ewes at this fair were from Tara Hills Station and also hit $161, with most other good lines earning $125-$140. The second string ewes sold for $100-$120, with around 1300 lesser sorts making $92-$105. The prime cattle market enjoyed a lift at TEMUKA last Monday, as did store lambs as volumes starts to slow. Store cattle numbers continued to flow at a consistent rate last Thursday and the yarding mainly featured empty Friesian heifers and Chatham Islands cattle, as well as a big consignment of R2 Friesian bulls. A drop in store lamb numbers was predicted but not appreciated by buyers as Mid Canterbury buyer number sin the market is growing. Demand was strong across all weights, though none more so than the light cryptorchid lambs which sold for $77-$87. In the mixed sex pens good lines lifted and traded at $98.50-$112, medium types returned $86-$100. The prime market also made positive movements as lamb prices firmed $3-$10 on the back of limited supply. Most of the trading happened in a $111-$167 range, with big numbers making $130$148. A two-fold effect of numbers dropping and guaranteed rain

from Gita meant ewe prices also firmed, and a small top end sold to $182-$204. Most traded at $100$169, though there was a smaller offering of lighter ewes that made $60-$99. Local trade and prime cattle prices improved as orders from the North Island were filled. Angus and Hereford steers, 485-620kg, sold on a steady to firm market at $2.80-$2.86/kg, but it was the heifer market that was the highlight, with prices lifting around 5c/kg for Angus, 538645kg, while all Hereford, from 438kg through to 595kg, sold over a tight range of $2.74-$2.85/kg. The bulls were not to be left behind, and Friesian, 564-588kg, firmed to $2.76-$2.83/kg, with returns also very positive for Jersey. The beef bulls sold on a steady market as Angus, 535-845kg, made $2.70-$2.80/kg, and Hereford, 503615kg, $2.80-$2.93/kg.

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on a consistently strong market as good grass growth and the attraction of small outlay’s draws in buyers. Steer numbers were limited but Hereford-Friesian, 129-152kg, sold over a tight range of $490-$565. Hereford-Friesian heifers, 124-156kg, could be picked up for $485-$560 and good beef lines, 207-210kg, made $675-$710. Bulls made up the lion’s share of the section and Friesian prices lifted $40-$50 on last sale. All bar one line sold for $450-$550, while Hereford-Friesian, 107-165kg, made $465-$540. Hereford-cross cows with calvesat-foot had also journeyed from the Chatham’s and the better types sold for $830-$1230. OTAGO OTAGO Small numbers played into vendors hands at BALCLUTHA last Wednesday, where strong competition across all classes meant a lift in price. A very small yarding of store lambs sold up to $110, with medium type lambs $10 up on the previous week at $80. In a similar vein the prime market was generally strong, particularly in the lamb pens where heavy lambs made $154, medium $140 and lighter $130. Heavy ewes sold up to $180, though medium types sold on a steady market at $135-$140, and lesser lines did not have the size of the previous week and traded at $80. The last opportunity to buy ewes in good numbers at BALCLUTHA attracted a wide spread bench of buyers last Friday, with demand growing following good rain over the last few days, PGG Wrightson agent Chris Swale reported. Around 3000 older ewes were offered and compared to the earlier sale of younger lines the market strengthened. Most were Romney, Perendale, Romdale or Coopworth with top honors going to the only line of Romney 2-tooths at $201, while a standout line of 3-shear Romney-Texel ewes made

$182. Good mixed age ewes traded at $150-$180, with 4-shear making $155. Ewes with a one-year mouth mainly traded at $150-$165, with lesser sorts making $120-$140. SOUTHLAND SOUTHLAND Most sections maintained the improvements made the previous week at LORNEVILLE, though medium to light store lambs continued to firm, as well as cows. The top store lambs held value at $90-$100, while medium and light lines firmed $5-$8 to finish at $78-$88 and $65-$75. Tail end lambs lifted to $50-$60. A small yarding of prime sheep sold on a solid market, with lambs steady at $130-$150 for heavy, while medium types made $112$125 and lighter, $95-$110. Heavy ewes also maintained the previous week’s levels of $130-$150, as did medium at $110-$125, but lighter lines firmed to $80-$100. Lower condition ewes sold for $40-$65, and rams, $80-$100. Prime beef steers, 480kg plus, sold for $2.60-$2.70/kg, and the top heifers, 450-480kg, $2.60/kg. Medium beef heifers, 400-430kg, made $2.52/kg. In the dairy section 360-400kg heifers made steady returns at $1.65-$1.80/kg; likewise 320-350kg, $1.45-$1.60/kg. Lighter types, 320kg and below eased slightly to $1.20-$1.40/kg. The cow market enjoyed a lift and heavy dairy, 470kg plus, made $1.80-$2.05/kg, with medium types very steady at $1.70-$1.80/kg. Lighter lines sold for $1.40-$1.50/kg. Good quality cattle were subject to solid competition in the store pens, and a highlight was a line of 463kg R2 Angus steers which sold to $1400, $3.03/kg. HerefordFriesian, 393kg, traded at $2.55/ kg, and Murray Grey –cross, 346kg, $2.74/kg. Weaners made up the balance of the sale and HerefordFriesian bulls, 105kg, earned $500, with heifers of same weight at $430. Good Friesian bulls, 150kg plus, sold for $460-$520, and 110kg, $300-$350.

A good balance of supply and demand is helping keep boner prices on par at very pleasing levels for vendors. The heavy, good yielding lines of Friesian sold to $1.86-$2.00/kg, with 450-513kg of medium condition earning $1.81$1.90/kg. Few sold below that level. Heifer prices had a bit more variance as the better types made $2.50-$2.65/kg, though lesser lines, 309-376kg, varied from $1.81/kg through to $2.20/kg. Angus cows were also a highlight, with 623-663kg fetching $2.19-$2.22/kg. A small entry of cattle could not make the journey to the yards due to the large amount These Annual Weaner fairs will have some 9000 head of calves consisting of rain, but that still left nearly of some outstanding lines of both traditional and exotic breed calves with 900 head to sell. Northlands renowned shifting abilities, giving purchases the confidence of There were a few feature getting good quality, well bred livestock. lines in the pens, including a consignment of 140 R2 Northern sale dates Friesian bulls, which mostly March 1st Thurs Dargaville Wnr Steer, Bull & Hfrs sold to the North Island on an March 1st Thurs F J Guy & Son Annual Wnr Fair improved market of $2.82March 2nd Fri Kaeo Wnr fair $2.88/kg for 356-359kg, and $2.74-$2.76/kg for 313-321kg. March 5th Mon Wellsford Wnr steers A larger than usual entry of March 6th Tues Kauri Wnr Heifers empty Friesian heifers were March 7th Wed Kaikohe Wnr Steer also penned and they sold well relative to market value March 8th Thurs Peria Wnr Steer & Bull Fair for these types. The top lines, March 9th Fri Broadwood Wnr Steers & Bulls 358-385kg, returned $2.29March 12th Mon Wellsford Wnr Heifers $2.39/kg, with lighter lines 10c/kg behind. March 14th Wed Kaikohe Wnr Heifers Most of the beef-cross cattle March 15th Thurs Broadwood Wnr Heifers hailed from the Chatham March 21st Wed Kaikohe Wnr Bull & Grown Cattle Fair Island’s, and prices reflected solid demand in the R2 heifer If you are looking to purchase some quality well bred calves on behalf of pens as Devon-cross, 274Carrfields we look forward to catching up with you at one of the fairs. 370kg, sold for $2.68-$2.79/ kg, while Hereford-cross, 225Finance can be arranged for purchases to qualifying clients, 372kg, largely made $2.67for further enquiries please contact $2.77/kg. Robert McLean 0275 904 829 NORTHLAND LIVESTOCK MANAGER Calves continued to sell

Northern Weaner Fair Dates 2018

LK0091757©

a number of lines were not far behind the steers. Heavy lines traded at $2.80-$2.90/kg, and local trade types, 490-558kg, $2.92$3.02/kg, with purchasing done to service the North Island domestic market. Very few lines sold outside of this range. As has been the norm lately the right types of bulls made values similar to the steers at $2.87-$3.06/ kg, while cows were mainly heavy type beef and range from $2.03$2.38/kg. Local demand heightened with each raindrop and the yarding of 320 store cattle was easily absorbed as a grass market emerged. The majority of the better lines of both R2 steers and heifers sold in excess of $3.00/ kg, which is not unusual for the steers, but was a fantastic result for heifers. Angus and Angus-Hereford R2 steers, 333-469kg, made $3.15$3.26/kg, with a second cut line earning $3.05/kg. HerefordFriesian, 350-458kg, fetched $2.98$3.09/kg, though were bettered by the lighter weights at $3.13-$3.23/ kg. A consignment of Charolaiscross heifers sold exceptionally well, with the top line at 327kg making $3.43/kg, and second cut $3.23/kg. Hereford-Friesian and Hereford, 350-364kg, earned $3.03$3.12/kg, while even Friesian had a keen following as 329-346kg were picked up for fattening at $2.36$2.39/kg. The demand continued into the weaner pens, though there were a few lines of Jersey and crossbred that were hard to shift. Throughput was well down in both the cattle and sheep pens at COALGATE last Thursday as more rain further reduces the need to offload. Both the store lambs and prime ewes dropped to the lowest level so far this year and the total sale had 1000 head. Of the 230 store lambs offered the majority were good types which traded at $93-$103 on a firm market. Similarly a medium condition yarding of prime lambs were subjected to strong competition from regular buyers and $121-$138 covered most, with a small top end up to $150-$161. It was also a numbers game in the ewe pens, which was the smallest section at 186 head. Prices were consistent and most traded at $124-$170, with a small light end earning $104-$113. Numbers were against buyers in the cattle pens, where 180 store cattle and 148 prime and boners were offered. Empty Friesian heifers took up most of the auctioneer’s time and the bigger yarding meant prices eased, with 381-445kg making $2.20-$2.34/kg. A few local trade Hereford-Friesian heifers were penned and these sold to recent high levels with 460468kg making $2.94-$2.95/kg. Prime steers sold over a very tight range on a steady market at $2.86-$2.94/kg for 435-748kg. Most bulls earned $2.74-$2.84/kg Heavy Friesian cows returned $1.86-$1.93/kg, and medium $1.66-$1.76/kg, while two beef cows, 605kg, fetched $2.28/kg. Two specially advertised entries of store cattle made up 80% of the sale. R2 Friesian steers from Methven sold for $920-$1050,

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

Markets

48 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – February 26, 2018 SI SLAUGHTER LAMB

NI SLAUGHTER COW

NI SLAUGHTER STEER

($/KG)

R3 TRADITIONAL STEERS, 485510KG, AT STORTFORD LODGE

($/KG)

($/KG LW)

6.80

4.30

5.60

3.15

$3.30-$3.35/kg high $100-$140 Angus and Anguslights Six-year Merino ewes R2 cross steers, 290at Omarama and Tekapo ewe fairs

Ewe prices increase $40 Alan Williams a.dubu@xtra.co.nz

BIG yarding and buoyant demand at Sheffield marked the end of the Canterbury ewe fair season with prices well up on last year but the two-tooths did not make the stellar values of a few weeks earlier at Hawarden. Highest price in the PGG Wrightson catalogue was $226 a head for a pen of 81 Border-cross 2-tooths offered by Keith Jenkins of Sheffield and the group’s average for 2-tooths was about $180 a head. Hazlett Rural sold 409 Halfbred two-shear ewes on account of Bendigo Station in Central Otago at $204 a head, the first time the farm has sent stock to the Sheffield sale, Hazlett general manager Ed Marfell said. The biggest market force at the February 16 sale were the traders from the wider Canterbury region buying older ewes, intending to get lambs from them this season then send them for processing post-weaning, he said. The demand for 2-tooths was mainly from North Canterbury farmers rebuilding ewe flocks after the previous drought years, PGG Wrightson Canterbury livestock manager Grant Nordstrom said. About 5000 2-tooths were yarded, many more than usual, and the sale yards company had to get a lot more pens set up to handle them all,

DEMAND: Farmers buying 2th ewes were mainly rebuilding flocks in North Canterbury.

partly because there were also a lot of small-number lines for sale. The annual draft of older ewes was as solid as usual with 11,000 to 12,000 yarded. “There was a hell of a crowd there and it went well from start to finish,” Nordstrom said. “Prices were very good and I’d say that over the 2-tooths and older ewes you’d be $40 to $50 ahead of last year. “We had happy buyers and happy vendors.” Marfell reckoned the 2-tooth sale averaged about $30 a head lower prices secured at Hawarden on January 26. “That’s a reflection of there being more 2-tooths here but also those Hawarden sheep really suit North Canterbury buyers and that’s where we got $255 for one line. “The North Canterbury

buying power was not here as much at Sheffield.” Hazlett’s best 2-tooth result at Sheffield was $186 for a pen of composite capital stock. Sone leading Wrightson sales included: TD and SF Anderson, of Parnassus, sold 152 Perendale 2th at $201; Quartz Hill Station in Rakaia Gorge 202 Perendale 2th at $200; AgResearch, Lincoln, 70 Romney 2th at $90; Snowden Station in Rakaia Gorge $149 to $161 for 500 annual draft five and six-year-olds; Keith Jenkins $177 to $191 for 200 mixed-age ewes; RK and JD Bragan, Sheffield, $180 for 82 Border-Romney three-shear ewes, AR Hutchison, Lands End, Akaroa, $152 to $162 for 244 five-year Romney ewes. For Hazlett Rural: Snowden Station, $155 to $161 for five and six-year ewes, High Peak Station, Rakaia Gorge, $161 for 277 five-year Perendales; WR

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and C James, Flagpoll, $152 for 320 annual draft Perendale ewes; Baldoon Farm, $182 for 193 five-year Romney ewes; BW and LD Nell, Middle Rock, $168 for five-year Corriedale ewes, Bel-Hamed Farm, Waipara, $184 for 84 four and five-year Corriedale ewes; JO and AJ Clarkson, Greendale, $186 for 153 four and five-year Romney ewes. “They’re all good animals at good prices,’’ Marfell said. Though there’s a focus on trading ewes over a season, with many farmers highlystocked there’s still some under-stocking on North Canterbury farms as flock rebuilding remains at an early stage, he said. Prices reflected strong confidence with fundamentals nearly as good as the preChristmas record mutton schedules, which remain at highs for this time of year.

425kg, at Feilding

Gita has limited effect on sales NEVER has there been so much talk about a lady at sale yards around the country, though this one in particular looked set to cause no end of problems for some so was worth the Suz Bremner conversations. I am of course AgriHQ Analyst referring to ex-Tropical Cyclone Gita and right from the Monday sales she was a big talking point, with many pondering what path of destruction she would leave behind her. Those in Northland breathed a sigh of relief as she changed course and aimed her fury for the western and lower North Island and much of the South Island but poor old Taranaki was in the firing line again and what a rough year they have had – drought to extreme wet and flooding in the first part of the year. If all that can happen in just the first two months, what will the rest of the year bring? Canterbury Park managed to get stock sold before the very heavy rain hit though it was intense enough and never have salegoers been more grateful of the only fully covered sheep yards in the country. For many in affected areas Tuesday night was a rough one, which has been well publicised as we New Zealanders love a good storm, though I certainly feel for those worst affected by it. They did say though that Gita would be short and sharp and while some Wednesday sales such as Taranaki and Rongotea were slightly down on numbers becaue of access issues the sales went ahead as per normal, on what was an eerily normal summer’s day. Most other sales on Tuesday and Wednesday through the South Island were barely affected so it is fair to say that as far as sales went the country got off lightly and by week end much of the talk of Gita had dissipated as she left our shores. suz.bremner@nzx.com

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