Farmers Weekly NZ January 22 2018 by AgriHQ

8 Let’s do more to protect exports Vol 17 No 2, January 22, 2018

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Emissions bill $44m Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com

ARMERS look set to be included in the Emissions Trading Scheme this Parliamentary term but will have to pay only $44 million of their $8.8 billion bill. It is “more likely than not” agriculture will join the scheme during the term of this Government, Climate Change Minister James Shaw said. But the sector will be given a free allocation of units equivalent to 95% of its emissions to “soften the landing”. Previous governments have exempted agriculture from the ETS while scientific answers to address greenhouse gas emissions were sought but farmers have paid the ETS tax on inputs such as energy. Shaw said there are still decisions to be made on whether the costs of agricultural emissions will be calculated on production or stocking rate intensity and

whether farmers or processors will pay. Actual costs depend on variables such as the price of carbon but the proposal would see farmers accountable for two million of the 40 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent emitted by the sector annually. At the current carbon price of $22 a tonne, information provided by his office put the cost to farms at $44 million a year or $1500 a year for an average dairy farm and $700 for an average sheep and beef farm. How and where the charge will be collected is still to be determined. While, ideally, it should be on individual farms, technically that was not yet possible, he said. Adding agriculture to the ETS was part of broader Government policy to make New Zealand a net zero emitting economy by 2050 and, as part of that, an interim Climate Change Commission will be appointed in April or May ahead of a permanent commission a year later. It will be formed with the passing of the Zero Carbon Act next year.

What farmers could pay New Zealand agricultural greenhouse gas emission costs • Agriculture emits 40 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent (CO2) each year • If sector joins the emission trading scheme and had to meet the annual cost of 5% of its emissions, it would equate to 2 million tonnes • Current price is approximately $22 a tonne, meaning a total cost to the sector of $44m a year • That would equate to annual cost of $1500 for an average dairy farm or $700 for an average sheep and beef farm Source: Climate Change Minister James Shaw

NOT WASTED: Cutting greenhouse gas emissions should be seen as an investment driving technology exports rather than a cost that can’t be recovered, Climate Change Minister James Shaw says.

Public consultation on the Act will begin later this year and Shaw said the commission will be based on a similar structure in Britain that provides its government with independent advice on climate change policy. It would be made up of scientists and economists rather than industry representatives. “If it is led by a combination of scientists and economists – experts in their field – people will look and see clearly they are not making ideological decisions. It takes some of the heat out of it,” Shaw said. While the commission will decide if agriculture joins the ETS, Shaw said it was always intended the sector be included. “If the recommendation is that it does join the ETS it would initially have a 95% free allocation (of units) and any revenue generated from the 5% would be

ploughed back into agriculture to aid the transition.” Emissions per unit of agricultural production have fallen since 1990 but research to reduce emissions had not found a silver bullet. The Parliamentary Commissioner for the Environment found that even if all six areas of research yielded results and were fully implemented, NZ would still fall short of meeting its international carbon reduction commitments. “There is a gap there and we’ve got to address that gap but clearly changing technology, changing science, changing production and onfarm management practices are all things that are already making a difference and will continue to do so in the future. “It is not as simple as livestock reduction and I think that needs to be made clear.” Reducing greenhouse gases has

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It is not as simple as livestock reduction and I think that needs to be made clear. James Shaw Climate Change Minister to be viewed as an investment, not a cost that can never be recovered, and he believes research can make NZ a leader with technology it can sell to the rest of the world “should we crack that nut”. Allocations to the Sustainable Farming Fund and similar independent bodies will be increased to help farmers transition to lower carbon emissions management systems. Farming and businesses need certainty with climate change policies, Shaw said.

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NEWS

WEATHER OVERVIEW This week starts with heavy downpours across the North Island for the first few days, becoming confined to inland ranges by Wednesday. Some will develop through inland parts of the South Island. Hottest places will be inland areas of both islands where highs of 30C are possible, especially later in the week. High pressure builds this weekend and across next week bringing mostly light winds. By the end of January this high should be to the east with humid sub-tropical northerlies spreading down across the country again as we head into February. This new airflow will also encourage rain to return to the West Coast for the start of February.

NZX PASTURE GROWTH INDEX – Next 15 days

Pasture Growth Index Above normal Near normal Below normal

7-DAY TRENDS

4 Confidence boosts ewe prices Very strong trading activity continued into Thursday’s ewe sales in major sheep venues Feilding and Te Kuiti. Aussies earn iwi ire in claim �� 8 Warning: keep up wool quality �� 10

Rain

Wind

Heavy downpours until Wednesday around parts of NZ, mostly the North Island. They’ll become confined to the ranges by mid-week. A little bit of wet weather on the West Coast on Wednesday might spill over into Southland briefly

Water taxi arrives in North Otago �� 14

Temperature

New Thinking ��19

Inland areas of both islands climb into the 30s this week, especially later in the week with clearer skies helping more in the North Island. Elsewhere generally average though a few cooler late-teen days in the mix for Southland and Otago.

REGULARS Real Estate ��25-38 Employment ��39-40

For further information on the NZX PGI visit www.agrihq.co.nz/pgi

Highlights/ Extremes

Newsmaker ��18 Opinion ��20

Winds are mostly light this week and with high pressure building towards Friday and over this coming weekend it means sea and lake breezes too. This high pushes into next week, continuing this trend.

Main highlights this week mostly to do with heavy downpours tracking over the North Island over the next few days and some through the mountains of the South Island. Very localised flooding is possible. Humid at times around northern NZ too.

14-DAY OUTLOOK

Downpours + heat + humidity = good pasture growth in many parts of the North Island, especially some inland areas where 30C is possible along with more sun and wet weather. Coastal parts of the drought regions in both islands might remain fairly dry though, limiting growth. Overall the next seven days look promising for pasture growth in many parts of NZ with those wet areas getting warm sun and those dry areas getting a little more wet weather.

SOIL MOISTURE INDEX – 19-01-2018

Classifieds ��41 Livestock ��42-43

48 Record sheep meat exports Lamb and mutton exports in the October to December period were a record with China again driving gains in volumes and returns.

Source: WeatherWatch.co.nz

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

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News

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

Dry persists despite some rain Neal Wallace neal.wallace@nzx.com THE summer of contrasts in the South Island and lower North Island shows little sign of abating with the south remaining perilously dry but the rest of the country enjoying more reliable rainfall. Between 4mm and 20mm of rain fell over parts of Otago and Southland late last week, not enough for regional councils to lift water conservation requests. Elsewhere, the Opuha Dam in South Canterbury was sitting at 101% full, which Opuha Water chief executive Tony McCormick said should allow it to meet irrigation needs for the rest of summer. The West Coast and Nelson, which have been declared in drought, have so far this month had three times the volume of rain recorded in December according to data provided by Land Air Water Aotearoa.

Farmers on the drought-hit West Coast and lower North Island will have access to rural assistance payments to help meet essential living expenses from January 22 and can also get tax concessions.

We want them to know they can ask for help and that there is support available to them. Peeni Henare Minister

Rain in January has proved much more reliable with Nelson recording 220mm so far this month compared to 12mm in December and Greymouth

307mm compared to 103mm. Less rain fell in the lower North Island but this month has proved wetter than December. Otaki had 63mm compared to 20mm, Palmerston North 103mm, 17mm, Masterton 96mm, 50mm, New Plymouth 102mm, 58mm and Waitotara 75mm, 43mm. Meanwhile, a third month of little rain and the lack of snow cap melt means most Otago rivers are lower than normal with the recent rain offering little respite. Parts of the Taieri and Kyeburn rivers are at their lowest flows since records began nearly 30 years ago. Otago Regional Council engineering, hazards and science director Gavin Palmer said while the headwaters received a little boost, water conservation requests remained in force. Irrigators using the Kakanui and Waianakarua Rivers have instigated voluntary water

rostering and the council has reminded farmers to be mindful of their consent conditions. Acting Social Development Minister Peeni Henare said the medium scale adverse event classification in the lower North Island and on the West Coast activates extra Government support for farmers and growers. “We know some of our farming families have been hit hard by this long and challenging dry period and are struggling to make ends meet. “We want them to know they can ask for help and that there is support available to them,” he said “We also recognise that even with some rainfall droughts can be slow to recover from and that the effects will be felt longer term. “The income of some farmers has been severely impacted.” The drought classification also triggered other Government support with $160,000 in North

Island areas and $50,000 in South Island areas going to the Rural Support Trusts for recovery co-ordination and onfarm recovery facilitators. Revenue Minister Stuart Nash said the rural community was having a tough time. “Many farmers will have more urgent issues on their minds than tax compliance. Inland Revenue has confirmed there will be greater flexibility and assistance for those affected. “I strongly encourage any farmers who are struggling to meet their tax obligations because of the adverse conditions to talk to their accountant and engage with Inland Revenue.” Inland Revenue will allow farmers in drought areas to make late income equalisation deposits for the 2016-17 income tax year. They will also be able to apply for early refunds. “Farmers can now better plan their financial response to the drought conditions,” he said.

Fruit season comes early IT MIGHT have been one of the easiest springs in the 50 years Harry Roberts has been an orchardist but that has not automatically translated to a dream 201718 harvest. The Alexandra grower said the absence of frost and the early onset of Central Otago’s summer heat meant fruit matured much earlier than usual, pushing the season to run two weeks early. The cherry season would end in mid-January when it would normally extend in to February. Roberts said this summer was one of the earliest he has experience with the bulk

of the cherries ready for market over Christmas and New Year. Apricots, nectarines and peaches were also maturing early. That caused a few challenges in ensuring there was enough fruit to supply the key Chinese New Year which was later this year, on February 16. It was on January 28 last year. Roberts employs about 100 people, mostly foreign visitors, at the peak of the season on his 100ha orchard on which he grows cherries, apricots, nectarines, peaches and plums for local and export markets.

QUALITY CHECK: Harry Roberts and German backpacker Bettina Dunkel pack apricots on the Roberts family’s Earnscleugh orchard near Alexandra.

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News

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

Confidence boosts ewe sales prices Alan Williams alan.williams@nzx.com VERY strong trading activity continued into Thursday’s ewe sales in major sheep venues Feilding and Te Kuiti. There was a consistent premium of at least $20 a head over the corresponding meat schedule value and up to $30 to $40 for the higher priced stock as farmers show confidence in the outlook for the year ahead. The Feilding sale had 13,000 ewes, with a top price for Romney two-tooths of $202. The range for the two-tooths was from $170, PGG Wrightson’s Feilding livestock manager Maurice Stewart said. In the mixed-age capital stock

class, the best four-tooth ewes sold up to $200, with the sixtooths topping at $190 with others in the $170 to $190 range. Stewart said the best five-year ewes were at $160 with a range from $130. Tail-end stock sold at $100. “It was solid right through, very firm with buyers confident and everyone going away happy.” The sheep and the buyers were from the wider Manawatu and Wanganui areas, up into Taihape, and livestock was in very good condition, he said. At the 11,000-ewe yarding at Te Kuiti, the best four-tooths from a capital stock offering sold up to $200, NZ Farmers Livestock stud stock adviser Brent Bougen said.

GOING: PGG Wrightson South Canterbury livestock manager Joe Higgins looks for bids while selling a line of breeding ewes at Clayton Station on January 16. Look in next week’s Farmers Weekly for a round-up of South Island sales.

The six-tooths topped at $180. “Those four to six-tooths sold in the $150 to $200 range and that was very pleasing. It was a strong market.” Steady rain all day didn’t deter buyers, who paid up to $180 for the top five-year ewes and $140 for the six-year animals. Most ewes were in very good condition but others were showing signs of the dry conditions pre-

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Christmas or of late weaning. At $180 ewes are $30 to $40 up on their mutton schedule value, he said. Prices are also a long way up on last year. A ewe selling for $120 last year would be at about $150 this year, possibly in lesser condition. The $180 ewe this year could have been bought for about $112 last year. Capital stock offered because of farm sales boosted the Matawhero ewe fair on the North Island’s east coast, bringing in both good quality and attracting a larger buying bench. The first four pens sold were two-tooth capital stock, with the ewes fetching $223 to $238, PGG Wrightson livestock agent Steve Goldsbury said. Up to 4000 capital stock ewes were offered out of a total yarding of about 12,000. Across the sale returns for heavier and medium ewes were well above schedule with a premium ranging from $10 to $40 a head. The best four-tooth ewes sold up to $182 and a standout pen of Coopworths made $184. The best five-year ewes made $166 and mediums were about $150. Many of those might have only one lambing ahead of them but some bigger ewes still in excellent condition could have another two to three years ahead to justify the prices, Goldsbury said. The Matawhero January 10 ewe fair is one of the earliest in the North Island, timed so buyers on lower hill country can get their ewes to the ram in the next few weeks for an early lambing season, aiming to get both lambs and cull ewes away to the works by the end of October for the early market. Many buyers had quit ewes preChristmas at the high prevailing mutton prices so having capital stock among the latest offering provided an opportunity to get young, well-bred ewes for another three to four years of breeding. The average price for the sale was a tick over $158, with the high at $238 and a low of $80. At the strong Stortford Lodge sale in Hastings on January 12 prices were also well above mutton schedule levels, Wrightson’s Hawke’s Bay livestock manager Neil Common said.

The two-tooth and mixed-age sales were joined together for the first time to bring total numbers up, with about 4000 and 9000 respectively and nearly all selling. The two-tooths sold first, claiming a top price of $250. Medium, wellbred stock sold in the $180 to $190 range. Among the mixed-age ewes, four-tooths and six-tooths sold in the $160 to $180 range and fiveyear-olds averaged about $140. The sale highlighted the value buyers saw in older ewes that might have only one lambing ahead of them, confident the good lamb and ewe returns could continue for a time yet, Common said.

It was solid right through, very firm with buyers confident and everyone going away happy. Maurice Stewart PGG Wrightson Farmers who bought five-year ewes at last year’s considerably lower prices, getting a lamb and selling both the lamb and ewe at this season’s levels, were getting replacements at very reasonable levels now, after all the sums were done. “Vendors were happy and buyers were happy,’’ he said. The average across the sale was $161, with the low price at $100. At the Kauroa, Raglan, sale on January 11 stock showed some of the effects of the very dry conditions in west coast areas, especially the lambs. There was a smaller yarding of ewes, about 1000 two-tooths and 900 to 1000 mixed-age, not enough to attract a big buyer bench, Bougen said. Nevertheless, farmers did come from south Auckland, Waikato and King Country, attracted by the eczema tolerance bred into the flocks. The top 2-tooth price was $205, with mixed-age ewes selling for $160 to $180. Prices for the better quality five-year ewes started about $120 and topped at $150 to $160.

News

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

MPI says disease is contained Annette Scott annette.scott@nzx.com

LINKED: MPI says it is sure all the cases of Mycoplasma bovis are connected.

With ongoing developments decisions on future management are currently dependent on the assessment of the emerging picture. David Yard MPI the property in quarantine lock down.” Yard said MPI continues to work on the assumption the disease entered New Zealand reasonably recently. “We are tracing properties from the original cluster (van Leeuwen

Group) as well as performing more general surveillance. “Based on analysis of the likely entry onto the first infected properties we have performed forward and backward tracing of properties which have sold to and/or received animals from the initial infected properties. “As we find more IPs, we perform the same analysis using NAIT and personal interviews to locate properties sending to or receiving animals from the new IP within the past six to 12 months at the discretion of our tracing team. “With ongoing developments, including the detection of new infected properties, decisions on future management are currently dependent on the assessment of the emerging picture.” That included the culling of infected herds.

“The controls in place are adequate until the situation is more clearly understood,” Yard said. While MPI would now roll out national bulk milk testing in February, six months on from the start of the response, it remained confident its surveillance and testing approach had been appropriate from the start. “At the outset of the response it (bulk milk testing) was considered secondary in importance to tracing and checking out from the known infected farms, which was the primary goal of the first months of the response.” In defence of the van Leeuwen Group’s challenge to the MPI claim all infected properties linked back to their initial source, Yard said as the web of infected

properties continued to be traced and the understanding of the connections between farms evolved, there were animal movements substantiating MPI’s claim. However, he acknowledged that could change. “The web of connections between farms in NZ is very complex, therefore, as new connections become clear, our understanding of the situation may change,” he said. MPI continued to believe it had the disease contained. “We do not believe the recent positive finds are new spread, rather they are the result of arduous tracing activities which have uncovered animals previously infected by movements from known infected places,” Yard said.

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DESPITE the growing number of properties testing positive for the cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis the Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) remains adamant it has the disease contained. MPI on Wednesday confirmed three new infected properties, two in Southland and one at Ashburton, bringing the total number of properties testing positive to 17, including one in Hawke’s Bay. The number of restricted place notice properties is 34 and the number of properties for casing is 206. MPI incident controller David Yard said he still expects more properties to become positive as the tracing and testing programmes ramp up. “From one Ashburton farm alone we anticipate tracing some 30 additional properties,” Yard said. All three of the latest properties were closely connected with previously infected properties and were identified through tracing of animal movements. Because of the increasing number of infected properties MPI would now be publicly notifying infected properties only when there were significant developments such as a positive property in a new region, Yard said. MPI would continue to update figures on its website and in weekly stakeholder updates. “When any properties go positive we strongly encourage the owners to notify their neighbours. “These properties are very obvious to locals as legal restricted place notice (RPN) signs are placed on the entrance. “Any risk from these properties is mitigated by the RPN they are served with under the Biosecurity Act and this essentially places

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News

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

Students get a day out on a farm Stephen Bell stephen.bell@nzx.com A NEW teaching resource, Bigger and Better, gives school children hands-on discovery days on farms. Bigger and Better was developed by the Red Meat Profit Partnership, Young Farmers and Core Education to align with the curriculum for years six to eight students. Classes completing the curriculum can be matched with a local farm so the children can have a first-hand farm experience. Year seven student Laura Francis of Highlands Intermediate in New Plymouth had never considered a farming career as an option but after a discovery day to MataRata Downs sheep and beef farm she feels excited about all the opportunities the agricultural industry offers. “Being on the farm made me realise I would love to be outdoors, feeding the young and working with animals as a future career. “I always thought that being a farmer only involved cows and lots of cow muck but the trip to MataRata Downs changed that.” Highlands teacher Tracey McCook says the first-hand experience really ignites the children’s imaginations. “When they physically

experience a working farm and understand all the different occupations involved with a productive farming business they get really excited. “Sarah Coogan from MataRata Downs got the students to draw a mind map of all the jobs involved with running a farm and they came up with over 15 separate roles. It definitely gets them thinking.” Young Farmers primary project manager Deb Kingma is delighted with the uptake of the Bigger and Better programme. “The number of schools that have committed to this initiative is increasing. “The aim is to encourage and support the next generation of top talent into the red meat sector and to help them to understand the wealth of career opportunities available and to understand that almost any job you do, you can do in agriculture.” Kingma says the support of farmers hosting the schools makes the programme viable. “Every farmer who has been approached to be involved in the programme is more than willing to help us. Without their support this wouldn’t be possible. We’re very lucky.” RMPP project manager Di Falconer sees farmer support to develop a pipeline of youth talent

as vital to the future of farming in New Zealand. “These programmes are all about creating a sustainable sheep and beef sector where not just rural youth but kids in urban areas are exposed to the diverse career opportunities the industry offers.” McCook believes the programme is working. “Our team leader Dean Hikaka came into class when we got back and asked how many students thought they might like a career in farming and about half of the class put their hands up. “He then asked how many had already wanted to and only two students put their hands up so it’s definitely having an impact.” Last year 32 schools registered for the 2018 term 1 programme, which will involve about 800 students. Other RMPP initiatives are also being run in secondary and tertiary institutions to ensure a steady flow of talent is coming through to increase the number of people entering the industry.

MORE: NEW THINKING

HOW IT’S DONE: Farmer Jarred Coogan shearing while Highlands Intermediate students look on.

P19

Low milk supply fears give GDT price boost FEARS of New Zealand milk production falling because of dry weather gave a boost to the Global Dairy Trade auction market, which rose 4.9%, including a 5.1% average rise for whole milk powder. The latest GDT market lift was the biggest at one event since late 2016. It included 8.8% for butter and 6.5% for skim milk powder. Though milk supply might recover with repeated rain in dairying regions this month, Fonterra’s revised seasonal collection forecast of minus 3% had the effect of lifting commodity market prices. A crazy combination of drought declarations and heavy downpours leading to floods was hard on NZ dairy farmers but stalling milk production was lifting product prices, ASB senior rural economist Nathan Penny said. ASB now expects production to be 1% higher than last season, which underpinned its more optimistic payout forecast of $6.50/kg milksolids at the farmgate. It thought Fonterra had overstated the production weakness. “In particular, recent rain and a supportive milk price are likely to see production rebound later

in the season. “If we are right then firmer production later in the season may see dairy prices give back some of their gains,” Penny said. Other commentators drew attention to the now-prevailing $US3000/tonne whole milk powder prices, providing the bedrock of a $6-plus payout. After the GDT auction all WMP futures prices reset above $US3000, increasing an average of $150 or about 5%, AgriHQ dairy analyst Amy Castleton said. The AgriHQ payout predictor gained 10c to $6.20 and the spot price rose 23c to $5.94. A NZ dollar exchange rate of US73c was 2c higher than a fortnight earlier but Fonterra was assumed to have hedged the bulk of its 2018 sales at 71c, Castleton said. Over the past two weeks the NZX Dairy Derivatives market price for 2018 milk futures rose 6c to $6.44 and milk futures for next season rose 10c to $5.90. Slightly before the GDT event Fonterra said its NZ milk collection in December was down 6% compared with December 2016 and the total in the seven months of the season to December 31 was slightly lower than the previous corresponding period. Conversely, its milk collection in Australia was up 27% in the six months to December 31.

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News

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

Aussies earn iwi ire in claim Richard Rennie richard.rennie@nzx.com AUSTRALIAN attempts to claim the word manuka for use in its honey products are bizarre, iwi leader Traci Houpapa says. Australian honey producers are insulting and ignoring their own indigenous race as they seek to grab use of a word that is definitively Maori, Houpapa, the chairwoman of the Federation of Maori Authoties, said. “What we have seen here in New Zealand is a strong relationship between Maori, Government and the industry play out in the past week with a hui demonstrating our unity and determination to retain exclusive use of the word for NZ,” she said. “Manuka is a Maori word, with strong whakapapa so for our members in the wider honey and apiculture sector the claiming of the word is unacceptable.” The trans-Tasman row over the use of manuka in honey labelling started late last year when NZ honey producers were granted United Kingdom Trademark Registry certification to use the term manuka. The move prompted Australian producers to seek legal advice and lodge an appeal against the decision. In its decision the UK authority said the word manuka was a Maori word used to describe the plant scientifically described as Leptospermum scoparium. It acknowledged the tree grows elsewhere but was known by different common names in those areas, with manuka designating the plant growing in NZ. Houpapa said if nothing else the Australian action had galvanised the apiculture industry, iwi and Government. That included pushing hard for a review of Ministry for Primary Industries honey standards coming into force on February 5. They had been subject to much

WARNING: Federation of Maori Authorities chairwoman Traci Houpapa says the Australian claim on the word manuka should alert the food sector to other threats.

The indigenous people of NZ have a long cultural association with manuka and we do not need to justify or prove it to anyone. Victor Goldsmith Ngati Porou Miere push-back from the industry. which remains adamant flaws in the standards will compromise honey value and quality. “We think more needs to be done here and an independent review of these standards should be carried out.” Ngati Porou Miere general manager Victor Goldsmith and his

East Coast iwi group working with beekeepers said efforts to grab the manuka title could extend to other varieties, including kanuka, and had to be stopped. “The indigenous people of NZ have a long cultural association with manuka and we do not need to justify or prove it to anyone.” He viewed the Australian efforts as purely a marketing ploy and ironic when that country’s indigenous people had their own name for manuka (kallara), which honey producers had chosen to ignore for the Maori term. “They are simply trying to capture the premium position NZ has worked hard to earn the luxury of.” He believes Australian producers recognise they stand on shaky ground trying to appeal against the UK decision, hence their call for a united Australasian

effort to market manuka. As part of their appeal Australian honey producers have compiled evidence they say shows the term manuka has been used in Australia, and particularly Tasmania, since the 1800s. But should the certification stand, Australian honey producers that have used it face the prospect of being unable to sell into the UK under the manuka label and that might be only the start of market exclusion. “We have won the first battle in the UK unless Australia win on appeal and then it will be China, the United States and the European Union,” Goldsmith said. The rights to use terms like manuka also raise issues around Geographical Indications (GI), the protection of descriptions of products sourced from specific geographic regions.

In NZ a law change in 2016 meant only wines and spirits received that protection, ensuring products like Marlborough sauvignon blanc had to be sourced from a defined region. Houpapa said FOMA members were surprised the GI rules had not been extended further to cover a wider spectrum of food products, as is the case in Europe. “This is a wake-up call really. “If we are to truly aim to add value to our food sector then we need to take this threat seriously and get some sort of protection around these food brands. “That whole back story about whakapapa, source and provenance makes good sense and needs to be encouraged. “I think FOMA and others realise the implications for other food products and we need to lead well on this one.”

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News

10 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 22, 2018

Warning: keep up wool quality Tim Fulton tim.fulton@nzx.com SHEEP farmers must maintain wool quality while also producing meat, award-winning farmer Simon Paterson, who is concerned producers are being told not to worry about the prickle factor, says. His and wife Sarah’s recent win in the national ewe hogget competition was the latest in a shedful of sheep industry prizes for the Maniototo family. The 2054ha Armidale near Ranfurly runs Merino and halfbreds in association with Simon’s parents, Allan and Eris, who farm nearby. Paterson said fine-wool growers should be wary of talk that blending takes care of deficiencies like a prickly feeling in garments. “I’m pretty concerned that people are saying you’re just a commodity that you bundle into a bale for a blend. “I heard a person saying prickle factor isn’t a relevant trait. Well, if you go back to garments that prickle people’s skin …” It was important for Merino to keep its high wool value and to be competitive as a meat sheep. Sheep farmers had to respond

better to synthetic proteins than strong wool did to synthetic carpets, he said. Armidale was famous for its fleece but it wasn’t all about the clip. The Merino wool was usually 18.5 to 19 microns and the halfbreds added to the meat production without compromising their wool returns. The combination was important because dry conditions would force them to sell stock on the store market if everything was Merino. To keep the dual-purpose element in the flock Armidale was working on a three-quarter bred – one quarter Romney and threequarters Merino. The family enjoyed entering A&P shows and producer competitions but breeding was always about producing sound commercial animals, he said. They were now achieving about 120% lambing with 90% of the ewes mated rearing lambs at tailing. Their wool agent, PGG Wrightson, said the wether lambs were achieving growth rates that allowed them to be killed before winter while the ewes led the industry for wool weights.

GET IT RIGHT: Farmers have to respond better to synthetic proteins than strong wool did to synthetic carpets, farmer Simon Paterson says.

Norway’s Devold wants to put an Armidale farm label on its garments after featuring the Patersons’ young children in a promotional video. Paterson said he was jittery about the idea but relented once he realised he wouldn’t have to be the star of the show. “I pulled the boys out of kindy. They’re a bit more photogenic than me.”

The family tends to think in generational terms, having been at Armidale since the 1880s. Dad Allan, of the fourth generation, continues to be a lynchpin as wool classer and uncle George is on the farm too. Paterson was keen to correct a verbal slip about George at the ewe hogget field day: “He’s not half a labour unit. He’s a 100% labour unit that’s here 50% of the time.”

Jokes aside, Paterson said the family was working on a succession plan for the property over the next few years. Meantime, Armidale would continue to operate from twin bases: Simon and Sarah’s place on Puketoi-Highfield Road and Allan and Eris’ block a few kilometres to the north. The Puketoi-Highfield unit had 550ha of oversown summer run country, 1300ha of flat to rolling cultivatable dryland and 165ha in irrigation. It grew about 130ha of ryecorn for winter feed and 70ha of straight lucerne. Most of the dryland consisted of a lucernecocksfoot mix. The station wintered 4500 breeding ewes – 1000 in the Merino stud, 1100 halfbreds and 2400 commercial Merinos. A quarter of the breeding flock was two-tooths and about 3000 hoggets spent the winter there. Of that number, about 1200 were replacement ewe hoggets and 300 were ram hoggets. This year the farm wintered 100 R2 heifers and steers but there was no fixed cattle policy. It ran trading stock and numbers depended on the season and returns.

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News

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

Nitrogen issues not unique to NZ Richard Rennie richard.rennie@nzx.com PURDUE University, Indiana, agronomist Jim Camberato offered New Zealand farmers an insight recently while visiting a Foundation for Arable Research field day on the organisation’s northern crop research farm near Hamilton. Camberato has been closely involved in helping formulate nutrient management for nitrogen-hungry corn (maize) crops throughout the United States. “It has required us to take a very neutral, science-based approach to formulation – we do not lean to environmentalists’ views, nor to farmers, [we] just try to provide evidence first and form the regulations from that,” he said. However, he acknowledged the high level of public attention the sector was drawing, even in heavily agricultural US states. A recent intense series of storms in North Carolina had 100 municipalities forced to discharge raw sewerage into local rivers. At the same time a local swine farm had a breach in its lagoon. “But all the emphasis was upon that swine farm, despite 110 municipalities legally discharging raw human sewerage to rivers.” The regulations around farming now include requiring farmers to conduct a one-metre deep nitrogen test. “One of the requirements of formulating such laws was to teach farmers how to do these things for a certification process,” Camberato said. But formulating regulations in such a way that farmers would be able to adopt them was a relatively complex route,

with farmer groups having to be prepared to deal with environmental groups that were “well-lawyered”. “Individual states are able to modify US federal environmental rules to be more stringent if they wish, but not less. They can also be adapted at a county level, but it is usually a state-by-state basis. As a crop, corn is nitrogen hungry with input levels as high as 250kg nitrogen/ha in some of the eastern Corn Belt states that produce about two-thirds of the US corn crop. Controls on application in many states is often to modify the effect hundreds of kilometres away, including water quality decline in the Gulf of Mexico and Chesapeake Bay, vital fishery and recreational assets. “More than half the nitrogen reaching the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi River is attributed to nitrogen loss from agricultural fields in the Corn Belt.” States in the Mississippi River Basin have voluntarily adopted plans to reduce nitrogen loss from fields with nutrient applications regulated by laws in areas draining to the Chesapeake Bay area. With almost three-quarters of the nation’s drinking water sourced from ground wells, nitrate contamination is a big concern in some areas. As NZ farmers work to knock nitrogen-loss levels down to below roughly 40kg nitrogen/ ha, these figures would often be regarded as “best case” by many researchers in the US. A loss of 15kg nitrogen/ha would be the best that growers could expect. “If we had to go lower we would definitely have to consider using wetlands

More than half the nitrogen reaching the Gulf of Mexico via the Mississippi River is attributed to nitrogen loss from agricultural fields in the Corn Belt. Jim Camberato US agronomist and treatment processes,” Camberato said. However, despite initial farmer resistance, the nitrogen regulations that have been adopted have generally resulted in “win-win” farming practices for profit and the environment. “Most of the regulations have not really cost a lot more, and the greatest cost with them has been the time spent record keeping.” South Carolina farmers were typically resistant to changes in behaviour the rules required, including the timing of fertiliser application so that nitrogen losses were minimised. “Rather than putting it on early, we suggested wait until nearer planting – putting it off, they got a better response. “In other cases they were using manure as a nitrogen source – we proved it was a lower-value nitrogen source and suggested they sell the manure to farmers who needed it as a phosphate or potash source, and use a more efficient nitrogen source.” Camberato acknowledged adoption had been slow, but it had moved a long way from 100% opposition in the early stages.

Feds loses its head Hugh Stringleman hugh.stringleman@nzx.com FEDERATED Farmers chief executive Graham Smith will leave the job towards the middle of the year. Coming up four years in the position, he is leaving for personal reasons, the federation said. During his tenure he lived in Hamilton and commuted to the Wellington head office when necessary. Smith repurposed the federation after a review of its role and resources. The federation of 14,000 members, 80 employees, 100 elected officials and an annual budget of $10 million was refocused on three themes –

primary sector representation, better communication and services to members and a stronger network of provincial activities. He said at the time consultation throughout the primary sector had shown the federation was expected to lead on policy formation and representation, using its 28-member policy group. Its priorities were the environment, including water and climate change, health and safety and science and innovation. Smith had a much quieter and less public role than his predecessor Connor English. An Australian, his previous jobs in New Zealand included a managerial position

HEADING OFF: Federated Farmers chief executive Graham Smith is leaving.

at AgResearch and chief executive of Crown research institute of Environmental Science and Research.

HEAVY LOAD: Corn is a nitrogen-hungry crop with input levels as high as 250kg nitrogen/ha in some American eastern Corn Belt states, US agronomist Jim Camberato says.

News

12 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 22, 2018

Richard Rennie richard.rennie@nzx.com THE risk of a perfect storm hitting Kaiaua again is inevitable, Waikato Rural Support Trust representative John Bubb says. While the effects on the hamlet’s businesses attracted much attention following the coastal inundation earlier this month, the surrounding low lying farmland also bore the storm’s brunt. About a dozen commercial farms on the 10km coastal strip between Kaiaua and the celebrated

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bird sanctuary at Miranda were contaminated by sea water. Rural Support Trust and DairyNZ said eight dairy farms were inundated by sea water, two of them severely with over 80% coverage. Now farmers and other landowners at Kaiaua will have to pay if they want any protection from future floods. Waikato Regional Council’s Waihou councillor Stu Husband said the district has been problematic in the past when it came to delivering flood protection. Unless locals were prepared to put their hands in their pockets and pay up that protection would remain compromised. The Kaiaua area was ceded to Hauraki District Council in 2010 after the Auckland city amalgamation, having previously been part of Franklin District. It had been subject to various efforts by that council to deliver flood protection but those efforts were thwarted by locals opposing the rates cost. As a result it has not been afforded the level of protection neighbouring areas of the Hauraki Plains have as part of a well-established local and regional council owned and operated flood network.

We had options as low as $50 a year added onto rates to provide a basic flood protection programme two to three years ago. It could be up to $200 a year but that is nothing really for peace of mind. Stu Husband Waikato Regional Council

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Money was the main reason past proposals failed. “But we had options as low as $50 a year added onto rates to provide a basic flood protection programme two to three years ago. It could be up to $200 a year but that is nothing really for peace of mind.” However, the district had suffered an event that even a comprehensive flood system might have done little to protect against given it was a seaborne incursion of water rather than an upstream flood. “The farmers who are in that Kaiaua area have always done their own private drainage work, given their proximity to an outlet at the Firth of Thames. But there have been issues lately with outlets being blocked and it can be a case that you get what you pay for,” he said. “They were lucky. Thankfully, they did not get the rainfall with it. If they had they would have been a lot worse.” It was unreasonable to expect ratepayers from places as distant as Tokoroa to be paying for protection at Kaiaua. Typically, farmers in Hauraki District covered by a flood protection scheme paid thousands for the privilege and urban ratepayers also wore a rates charge for protection. The regional and Hauraki councils were working through options with locals on protection schemes and another attempt to offer viable solutions was expected to be tabled within several weeks. “We will work through the options and hopefully the community will come on board.”

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

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News

14 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 22, 2018

Water taxi arrives in North Otago Tim Fulton tim.fulton@nzx.com IT was a funny old year on Gareth and Sarah Isbister’s farm, Balruddery, near Five Forks. Swamped by rain, the cattle farmers finished 2017 beside the Kakanui River with new irrigation and options. The Isbisters are happy to have the extra water on hand after a difficult 12 months for an irrigation rollout in their area. Their supplier, the farmerowned North Otago Irrigation Company, was meant to be pumping high-pressure flow to downland farmers like them in late 2016. Joint faults in pipes put paid to that idea, costing shareholders as the contractor fixed its faulty workmanship. Gareth Isbister, a company director since November 2017, said it was lucky it rained so much lately. There might have been more fresh faces on the board if it hadn’t, he joked. More seriously, Isbister kept reminding himself of a friend’s advice that shareholders were only caretakers for future farmers. “It’s a taxi ride rather than owning the vehicle.” Across the scheme’s command area there are more than 200km of pipes in the ground and 16 pump stations. That adds up to a $146 million investment and share capital of $51m. The Isbisters paid $4250 a share, giving them enough irrigation for 200ha, just under half of their 440ha property. Isbister said it was quite expensive to join but that was simply a function of the cost of money. The company supplied a full range of services including

infrastructure maintenance. Balruddery, about 20km inland from Oamaru, was fairly easy rolling country with only couple of steep spots. Dairy farming wasn’t in the plan but spray irrigation would bring a new kind of security, he said. The Isbisters had three pivots for pasture and crop graze heifers, bulls, beef cows and hoggets. They will now be less reliant on irrigation from the Kakanui and be better equipped to finish sheep and cattle, easing pressure on them and grazing clients. They will now be able to run as many as 1200 cattle in summer; nearly double their tally five years ago when they moved from a farm in Hakataramea Valley, near Kurow. Stock statistics told only part of their growth story. Reliable water meant Balruddery no longer had to regularly cut and store thousands of bales of hay or silage. Isbister classed himself as mainly a beef cattle guy but said the more reliable pasture base could allow him to run more sheep, including finishing lambs. Company chief executive Robyn Wells said it didn’t tell its shareholders how to farm but it had systems to ensure maximum farming efficiency for individual farmers and the scheme. Unlike Canterbury irrigation schemes, it doesn’t manage farm environment plans on shareholders’ behalf. But everyone was aware Otago Regional Council limits on water use would start to bite from 2020, she said. Regular bucket tests and soil moisture monitoring helped farmers comply with a range of

READY: Gareth and Sarah Isbister with daughter Harriet at Balruddery, their farm overlooking Kakanui River in North Otago.

The company offered advice on irrigating steep slopes and expected shareholders to have a producer certificate showing they operate at best-practice standard. Robyn Wells North Otago Irrigation Co rules and keep waterways flowing and clean, she said. The company offered advice

on irrigating steep slopes and expected shareholders to have a producer certificate showing they operate at best-practice standard. Selling supply shares created income for loan repayments and cashflow for running costs, like power for pressurised pumping. That “dangerously high” pipe pressure was more than 100psi so the network had to be constantly monitored, she said. The company had 165 shareholders and more than 17,000 shares from a possible 20,000 had been issued. It expected to irrigate about 25,000ha once all its shares were sold. One share irrigated about 1.3ha and the expansion work contained capacity to deliver to the 2855 shares still to be issued.

Wells said everyone was disappointed by the recent delay to the stage two expansion for farming reasons and also because it cost the company income from new shareholders once their water arrived. That was cash that couldn’t be funnelled into debt-servicing though, fortunately, interest rates were fairly low and irrigation uptake was higher than expected. The company had laid more pipes and other supporting works to meet the demand, which would now start to pay for its itself. It was incorporated in 1990 but opened only in October 2006. It had seven board members including a representative from cornerstone lender, Waitaki District Council. The company had nine staff.

News

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

Hunter Downs is good to go Annette Scott annette.scott@nzx.com A DESPERATE plea to farmers and investors has finally pushed Hunter Downs Water across the start line. Late last year the proposed multi-million dollar South Canterbury irrigation scheme was at risk of being abandoned but a last-ditch effort proved successful.

REALITY: Hunter Downs Water chairman Andrew Fraser is delighted the company’s South Canterbury $110m irrigation scheme can finally proceed.

We now have a pathway forward and the board just needs to get on with it. Andrew Fraser Hunter Downs Water After a renewed push for investors, HDW chairman Andrew Fraser confirmed the company had the shareholders needed to proceed with the $110 million scheme. “HDW has secured sufficient farmer uptake to now enable it to proceed and finalise the funding structures and contractual arrangements in order to make this project a reality,” Fraser said.

“The board has received many messages and calls from shareholders and the overwhelming message has been that we now have a pathway forward and that the board just needs to get on with it.” Crown Irrigation Investment (CII) funding of a $1.37m development grant was approved in March last year but was dependent on securing enough farmer interest in water shares.

Shares were offered in March 2016 but by the end of April too few were sold to proceed as planned. The scheme was then redesigned and reduced from the initial 21,000 hectares to 12,000ha. CII then agreed to provide $70m term-debt funding dependent on shareholder uptake of 9500 shares. The final push was needed when, leading up to the annual

meeting on December 14, HDW with commitment from about 50 shareholders, had still fallen 10% short. That shortfall was secured just before Christmas. The scheme will take water from the Waitaki River to irrigate farmland in the Waimate and Timaru Districts. Fraser said the decision was landscape-changing for the region, both for the community and the environment as well as,

among other things, giving the ability to augment the Wainono Lagoon and to take pressure off the region’s smaller waterways. “This is indeed a milestone for the project and I would like to highlight the unanimous support from shareholders and specifically acknowledge Gary Rooney and the Rooney Group’s role and participation in enabling us to get to this stage.” HDW was now working with CII, Rooney Group, Morven Glenavy Irrigation, shareholders and other key stakeholders and interested parties to conclude the details and bring the dream to a reality, Fraser said. Construction of the scheme was expected to start early this year. CII chief executive Murray Gribben earlier said the grant paved the way for considerable economic, agricultural and environmental benefits for the region. “Work on this project has been going on for a long time and the scheme has benefited enormously from 10 years of collaborative work between Meridian Energy and the Hunter Downs Irrigation Scheme Trust. “When completed, the project will provide much greater resilience for the wider South Canterbury region,” he said.

All or nothing for Hunter Downs Tim Fulton tim.fulton@nzx.com THE Hunter Downs irrigation scheme could safeguard South Canterbury farmers’ water and nutrients for decades, supporters say. Hunter Downs has a 42-year consent to take water from the Waitaki River via the existing Morven Glenavy scheme, delivering water as far north as Timaru. Reliability of supply will be about 98% and farmers will maintain secure supply even as minimum flow conditions for local waterways tighten.

Like other Canterbury irrigation schemes Hunter Downs will manage farm environment plans on shareholders’ behalf. Hunter Downs will also create more jobs and help struggling waterways like the low-lying Wainono Lagoon, which needs regular flushing. Amy and Duncan Scott at Pareora signed up for 95ha of supply, setting them up to manage an array of environmental operating conditions while getting on with everyday farming, like finishing more lambs. They are looking forward to a sixth generation of their young family eventually running

their drystock property, as was Duncan’s father and farming partner, Owen. Hunter Downs promises a seamless link to existing river-fed irrigation. Amy said debate about Hunter Downs had gone back and forth for years so it was probably a good thing for farmers to now make a final decision. “It’s a one-shot deal and if we don’t do it now it’s not going to happen in our lifetime.” The Scotts expected to spend $380,000 to $475,000 installing farm infrastructure, probably including a couple of pivot irrigators.

DRY: Duncan and Amy Scott with son Charlie on a parched part of their Pareora farm.

Hunter Downs chairman Andrew Fraser, a dryland dairy and deer farmer, said the company had secured a unique

set of features that meant water could be delivered viably, paving the way for a range of land uses.

News

16 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 22, 2018

Digital heat on NZ to keep up most established ICT recruiters in the sector. Managing director Andrew Cooke confirmed his company often ends up employing migrants for software and systems development. “There is no question that in terms of sourcing graduates out of NZ there are not enough STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) students and that absolutely includes the IT area. “It is difficult to come across a New Zealander in some of these positions when we are looking. But if we as an economy are going to add value in this sector then there is definitely a gap there.” He acknowledged eight years under National’s relatively benign immigration policy meant it had been relatively easy to fill those gaps with migrant workers. “There are plenty of skilled migrants there. “They usually come from lower wage rate economies including Ukraine, India, Bangladesh and more recently Vietnam where they have been doing outsource work, often for very large US companies so their exposure and experience is well ahead of most New Zealanders.” The downside for a company

Richard Rennie richard.rennie@nzx.com EFFORTS by the rest of the world to ramp up their digital skills workforce are putting the heat on New Zealand’s efforts to compete on the employment stage and could put a cap on this country’s burgeoning agri-tech sector’s growth. A report released late last year from the Digital Skills Forum identified NZ as having a significant and growing digital skills shortage as global demand for such skills balloons at an unprecedented pace. All NZ’s major trading partners are facing the same issue. The United Kingdom is estimated to be losing £63 billion a year off its GDP with a shortage of 750,000 information, computer and technology (ICT) workers and 75% of business reported it as a major growth constraint. The European Union is estimated to be 500,000 short. The United States has almost half a million software developer jobs open in a sector growing at 17% a year. Those jobs represent very high paying prospects for graduates, with software engineers earning

SHORTAGE: National’s relaxed attitude to immigration meant firms could fill vacancies relatively easily as New Zealand is short of skilled workers.

US$70,000 straight out of university. In NZ estimates are that the tech sector had 5000 graduates in 2016 but was creating about 14,000 new jobs, driven by not only technology firms, but all other parts of the economy including agriculture also requiring skilled staff. The skills shortfall has been largely met by employing migrants, with 5500 migrant work visas being released for the sector.

The use of immigration to fill ICT gaps has helped disguise the level of shortage from locally provided workers. The report authors also caution it might be risky to continue to look to migration as a means of plugging the skills gap with intense global demand putting greater financial draiN on the country as it tries to compete. Agri-software development company Rezare is one of the

like Rezare that serviced the rural sector was the migrants’ relatively low level of understanding about NZ pastoral farming systems. “It would be brilliant if perhaps we could see Massey or Lincoln combining agri papers with ICT papers. “The work Waikato University agri-business professor Jacqueline Rowarth was trying to do to bring agri and tech together was a good effort to start from.” Some countries were equipping graduates better with IT skills than others. In the United States it was not unusual for graduates who had majors in social or psychology papers to also do a co-joint degree in ICT. Pay in the sector in NZ is generally regarded as very good with the base salary for an ICT worker of $82,000 comparing favourably against the national average salary of $50,000 a year. The report noted efforts by the Government to increase the local supply of skilled graduates, including $28 million invested in 2015 over four years in three ICT graduate schools in Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch. They aimed to deliver more industry-focused education and research to produce a further 100200 graduates a year.

“

Every cow has its own personality. This year we had friendly Junior born, we’ve got 101 who’s the Queen, we’ve got Ardie Savea with a hairstyle, we’ve got 166 who needs a scratch every time you see her. Chris and Siobhan O’Malley – 2017 Sharefarmers of the Year

Real Farming in Action Chris and Siobhan O’Malley switched careers to dairying and have never looked back. Taking out the 2017 Sharefarmer of the Year title, they talk to Craig Wiggins about the keys to success in a dairy career. Watch the latest short video on the O’Malleys’ approach to healthy and responsible calf rearing. The bond they form with their calves flows through to adulthood and the O’Malleys are set on rearing happy cows. “We look after them and they look after us in the same way.”

Watch our real farming stories on Farmer’s Voice farmersweekly.co.nz/farmers-voice

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18 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 22, 2018

Newsmaker

Blamed for doing right the thing Wilma and Aad van Leewuen say they have been victimised as the dairy farmers who poisoned the nation. But they are frustrated by a lack of information and transparency from the Primary Industries Ministry. They now believe the Mycoplasma bovis disease has been in the country at least 25 years and everyone should realise it is manageable and get on with it. They told Annette Scott about their troubles.

HEY have been through it all and are hurting big time but Aad and Wilma van Leeuwen remain passionate about the dairy industry despite the devastation of their own business. While the South Canterbury dairy farming couple are deeply saddened over their victimisation as the “dairy farmers who poisoned the nation” they want to see other affected farmers and the wider industry move on. “From experience of international experts we know that Mb is not the end of the world – nearly every dairy farming country in the world has the disease. “It’s a case of learning to manage it,” they said. That’s something the van Leeuwens believe New Zealanders have been unknowingly doing for as long as 25 years. “And we have had vets tell us the same,” Aad van Leeuwen says. The cattle disease Mycoplasma bovis was first identified by the Ministry for Primary Industries last July on a van Leeuwen Dairy Group (VLDG) farm in South Canterbury. Six months on the van Leeuwens still don’t know where it came from and they continue to ask MPI staff how they can be so certain every infected property from Southland to Hawke’s Bay is linked to a VLDG farm. “MPI’s insistence of saying it all links back to us, we know is not correct and they haven’t come up with the proof of these claims but we are being victimised as poisoning the whole country. “Now they are saying there is sensitive information and our question has been put to the Official Information Act (OIA).” “That’s not helping any cause, the response, farmers, or communities when what we all

want is total transparency so this can all move on. “We always said this has been in NZ for years and logic around that tells us that now with the bulk milk testing showing up Mb wider than on our farms or even in South Canterbury – in reality it is now contained in NZ. “If we don’t accept that and change the response accordingly to manage the disease, nothing is going to go anywhere.” The van Leeuwens say if they had been quarantined but allowed to continue milking the healthy cows while MPI did nationwide bulk milk testing from day one then their perfectly healthy, more than 4000 head of cattle could have been saved along with a huge sum of taxpayer money. The last of the cattle from infected VDLG herds were killed just before Christmas, the same time as MPI notified infected properties in Southland and Hawke’s Bay. MPI has called a halt to culling any more cattle and is preparing for nationwide bulk testing to start in February. The van Leeuwens are resigned to the fact they will never find out how they got the disease. MPI indicated at recent public meetings in Ashburton it was now evident Mb had been established in the country for some time and the increasing numbers did not reflect that the disease was getting out of control, more that it was a reflection of the level of testing being done. “We can’t change what has happened to us but what happens from now can change and we do not want to see any more farmers lose perfectly healthy herds and any more communities ripped apart for no reason,” van Leeuwen said. “The devastation of farmers, businesses and communities has to stop and the impact on the dairy industry has to be realised

HURTING: Mycoplasma bovis has ruined the lives of too many already and Aad and Wilma van Leeuwen just want things to get back to normal. Photo: Annette Scott

Now it’s really, really important that farmers and the rest of NZ understand that this is totally manageable. Aad van Leeuwen Farmer and the inconsistencies in the way MPI is dealing with infected properties is not helping any of that.” The van Leeuwens urged farmers not to panic about the disease because it is totally manageable. Worldwide statistics showed an average of 1-1.5% of herds globally had symptoms of Mb. “That’s 1.5-2 cows per 100 and that’s perfectly normal in any herd. “It’s just we had an outbreak and we notified because we wanted to understand why we couldn’t treat the animals. Others probably just culled the odd animal that may

have appeared in their herds. “But we didn’t expect to get smacked around like this for doing the right thing. “Now it’s really, really important that farmers and the rest of NZ understand that not all cows are sick and this is totally manageable. There is scientific literature that proves that,” van Leeuwen said. Farmers around the infected regions expressed similar concerns over MPI’s response procedures and the growing list of unanswered questions that continued to fuel the rumour mill. One South Canterbury farmer expressed concern his property, confirmed positive on December 22, had not been effectively publicly notified. “I seem to have gone under the radar for some reason.” He said he had been honest and upfront with neighbours and anyone with links to his 850-cow dairy farm that included the sale of young stock and breeding bulls, some of which he supplied as live bulls to a commercial breeding company. “The trouble is farmers are not being honest and if this gets out of

hand – honesty will be to blame. “It’s just day by day and unfortunately I am running out of time. They (MPI) have to kill my cows now otherwise I am completely f….. I can’t move anywhere.” Like the van Leeuwens he was daunted by the compensation process. “It’s a huge job – it’s just crazy trying to get compensation because it’s all about the cheque book at the top.” Agriculture and biosecurity Minister Damien O’Connor had sympathy. “I have great sympathy for farmers caught in the outbreak who face tough decisions to protect their livelihoods. “Farmers have shared their concerns about the speed of the response and how we can contain the spread of the disease. “There is a willingness out there to do whatever it takes to eradicate it and this remains our focus.” Mycoplasma bovis is not a food safety risk. It is a disease that affects animal welfare and production.

Drought threatens fresh fruit and vegetable supply NEW Zealand needs to better mitigate droughts that threaten our domestic supply of fresh fruit and vegetables, Horticulture New Zealand chief executive Mike Chapman says. “The dry conditions we have seen through early summer are putting fruit and vegetable growers under pressure to the point where some are having to make decisions about which plants and trees they may not be able to plant or harvest, and which may need to be left to die as scarce water supply is used to keep

other plants alive,” Chapman said. “Relying on water to fall from the sky simply isn’t enough. HortNZ believes we should be more proactive in capturing and storing that water to ensure sustainability of supply during times of drought. “The best way to ensure adequate water supply to irrigate fruit and vegetable plants is to store water in dams. Dams also benefit streams and rivers by reducing flood risk and keeping flows up during dry periods, which protects aquatic life.

“There are benefits to every New Zealander from having a reliable water supply. But there are inconsistent policies across central and local government when it comes to water, land use, preparing for climate change goals, and community needs. We believe these should be looked at holistically. “On the one hand the government wants a Zero Carbon Act and to plant one billion more trees, but on the other hand, local authorities are increasingly putting pressure on water supplies, limiting water

access for irrigation to grow food. “There needs to be a wider national approach to these issues and support and recognition for regions that are addressing them as communities.” Horticulture New Zealand supported the Waimea Dam in the Tasman District and the proposal for it to be a joint venture with the territorial authorities. “This is because there are broad community benefits from the dam in an area that

is growing in population, and therefore, has a greater need for water supply for people as well as plants. “The benefits of the dam include water for food security and primary production, security of water supply for urban water users, improved ecosystem health of the Waimea River, recreational benefits, regional economy benefits, business development and expansion, and more jobs. “The Waimea Dam is the answer to everyone’s water needs in the district.”

New thinking

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

GRASSROOTS: Ralph Springett is encouraging children at a young age to take an interest in food and primary industries and confronts them with its challenges in the hope some might become future problem solvers. Photo: Aaron Davies

Resource links kids and food S THE new school year kicks off many children are likely to end the year with a far better understanding of where the food in their lunch boxes comes from. A fledgling teaching initiative provides the answers for children asking where their food comes from. At the same time it introduces agriculture as a career path. Funded by the Ministry of Primary Industries’ Sustainable Farming Fund, the Soil, Food and Society teaching resource brings together many aspects of the food sector from where food comes from and the role of primary production in New Zealand to the challenges the sector now faces. In each area an elevation in complexity is dealt with by primary and intermediate children learning in years five to eight. Ralph Springett’s educational services company ReGear Learning has been instrumental in putting together the components of the course, the genesis of which lies in the Government’s aim to build skills and capacity in the primary sector. It is an aim with an increasing amount of urgency if the sector is to get anywhere near achieving the much touted National government’s goal of doubling export value by 2025. The pre-NCEA years in school are where such a course most easily fits into a

school’s curriculum. They are also formative years where exposure to a resource that contains varied threads of science, social studies, maths and English will have most affect. “We wanted something that was not overly simplified. From year five children can approach the study over three years, with each year graduating upwards in terms of the complexity of the questions and challenges they are tasked with completing,” Springett said.

We don’t tell them how to do it but, instead, we direct them to resources they may want to use. Ralph Springett ReGear Learning The open education learning resource has three key stages. The first starts with the theme Plants are earth’s engine. Students are required to answer a Big Question from that topic, such as how can you show plants are alive? Through questions like these, Springett says the concept of having a hypothesis, testing it, reviewing it and writing it up are all instilled from the start. By the third year students in years seven and eight will be looking harder at the role of food production in society,

the complexities of farming and the environment and the impact of processing on food value, health and economies. “By that third year students are ready to answer harder questions like what makes food old. Part of this inquiry is about understanding good scientific questioning. “They may then do a study of their lunchbox, ageing the food in it, creating a statistical table that determines the food miles of their lunch box and the processing of the food in it.” A key focus of the open learning platform is to integrate with other curriculum subjects and Springett sees it as something a school could adopt and focus on for six weeks of the year across the three levels, if desired. Teachers are also free to add in their own elements and experiences to the resource’s core content. “This might include a visit to a farm nearby or possibly starting a class vegetable garden, tracking its progress and linking it to the contents.” Springett emphasises the wheel has not been reinvented with Soil, Food and Society. Instead, the resource recognises the challenge for modern teachers is not sourcing information, which a simple Google search will do, but it is determining which information is the most valid and useful to them and students. “There is stuff everywhere. What they need is to know what the good stuff is for

teaching and using that to instil useful knowledge. “We see the resource as something of a Qual-mark for good information.” So when it comes to setting up a class garden, the resource directs teachers to a site run by the Young Enterprise Trust where the template for a good garden installation already exists. Nor is it aiming to teach teachers how to suck eggs. “We can see this course appealing to teachers who may already be science teachers and have been for some time and are looking for a bit of invigoration and inspiration to their teaching process. “We don’t tell them how to do it but, instead, we direct them to resources they may want to use.” So far half a dozen schools have shown interest in starting the year with Soil Food and Society after almost 50 teachers tried the first version of the programme and gave it a critical once over and a salutary thumbs up. With funding limited until mid-2018, Springett and his colleagues are hoping the traction it is likely to gain with teachers and students will also draw in more financial support. “If we are starting with the statement that NZ is a food producer for the world, kids can become very interested and we have overwhelmingly positive teacher support – it adds up to a very convincing programme that will pay dividends for years to come.”

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agrievents Wednesday 31/01/2018, Thursday 01/02/2018, Friday 02/02/2018 New Zealand Dairy Event Venue: Manfield, South Street, Feilding Time: 8.00am-7.00pm each day Free admission Friday 09/02/2019 BNZ Northland Dairy Development Trust Annual Conference Venue: Main Lounge, Level 2, Toll Stadium, Whangarei Time: 10am – 2pm including lunch with Fonterra chairman John Wilson and BNZ Economist Doug Steele as keynote speakers. Details about the event will be send out via rural delivery and also on the Trust’s website: www.nddt.nz AWDT Understanding Your Farming Business 3 full-day workshops and an evening graduation ceremony run over four months Te Anau: 08/02/2018, 08/03/2018, 05/04/2018 and 03/05/2018 Cheviot: 14/02/2018, 14/03/2018, 11/04/2018 and 09/05/2018 Kaitaia: 14/02/2018, 14/03/2018/11/04/2018 and 09/05/2018 Greymouth: 21/02/2018, 21/03/2018, 18/04/2018 and 16/05/2018 Fox Glacier: 22/02/2018, 22/03/2018, 19/04/2018 and 17/05/2018 Contact: anna@awdt.org.nz or 06 377 4560 Website: To register for the programme go to http://www.awdt. org.nz/programmes/understanding-your-farming-business/ AWDT Wahine Maia, Wahine Whenu 3 full-day workshops and an evening graduation ceremony run over four months Kaikohe: 15/02/2018, 15/03/2018, 12/04/2018 and 10/05/2018 Masterton: 27/02/2018, 27/03/2018, 24/04/2018 and 22/05/2018 Contact: anna@awdt.org.nz or 06 377 4560 Website: To register for the programme go to http://www.awdt. org.nz/programmes/uyfb-wahine-maia-wahine-whenua/ Saturday 03/02/2018 Paparoa A & P show Venue: Paparoa showgrounds Time: All day Trace sites and entries please look online: www.paparoashow.org.nz

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Using children’s inquiring minds to promote their interest in food, where it comes from and possible careers in farming and the primary industries is the way a new teaching aid works. Similarly, it doesn’t prescribe what or how teachers should teach but enables them to find appropriate and credible information. It also confronts them with the challenges the sector faces. Richard Rennie took a crash course.

Opinion

20 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 22, 2018

EDITORIAL Farmers must

embrace their emissions charge

AMES Shaw has announced farmers will be paying for 5% of their greenhouse gas emmissions by the end of this Parliamentary term. Judging by the comments made by industry leaders during the election campaign this will not go down well in our sector. But is it time for farmers to embrace this concept? Is it time to walk the walk? For some years now the agricultural sector has drummed on about our point of difference. We produce milk in a sustainable way, our grass-fed, free-range systems mean our food tastes better, is better for you and is easier on the land. We want to gain a premium and move up the value chain. We want to supply highend consumers with products they enjoy the taste of, enjoy the health benefits of and be satisfied that the provenance of that product is sound. Every report I get from people travelling abroad is the same. People are buying more than just a lump of meat, they’re also buying a story and it’s one that has to make for good reading. Recent international news stories by the likes of Al Jazeera and the BBC looking at our environmental records aren’t the story we want to tell. Sure, we can debate the fairness of those tales, we can debate the science and we can rightly point to the mitigations and innovations we’ve put in place to improve our performance when it comes to the enviroment, welfare and provenance. But I’m not really talking about the science here, I’m talking about marketing, about perception. We know what our international customers demand and arguing with them about the intricacies of the stories they’re hearing won’t help. So why not front foot it. Why not get into the system, pay our way and work hard to minimise the cost by reducing our footprint? As long as it’s fair, transparent and manageable what is there to be afraid of, really? Won’t we just be a bit closer to where we want to be – world renowned producers of sustainable, environmentally friendly food?

Bryan Gibson

LETTERS

Gene drive promises unrealistic consultations encouraging the conceptual gene drive project Genetic Biocontrol of Invasive Rodents (GBIRd) seriously underestimates the dangers and failures experienced from previous cutting-edge GE animal experiments using gene drive technologies. Research has found gene drive technology has many problems – immune systems in wild populations could override the sterility gene after a few generations. With no control over the ability of the genetic technology to be contained there are risks that sterility could severely impact on other livestock and escape to other countries. Promoters nevertheless continue to hype unrealistic promises about gene drive applications to the public. The AgResearch GE animal experiments have produced

THE hot-button issue of gene technology has the Ministry for the Environment calling for a review to determine if the rules remain fit for purpose to control genetic technology (Farmers Weekly, December 8). There are good reasons to be skeptical about the hype behind MfE’s call when considering the GBiRd project. GbiRd is co-ordinated by Landcare Research closely involved with MfE in collaboration with overseas partner the United States Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) with funding from the Gates Foundation. Landcare is promoting the project and looking at New Zealand islands to introduce sterile, genetically engineered (GE) small mammals like mice and rats to see if they can breed. The media and community

disasters for animal welfare and unknown risks of gene transfer to the soil. AgResearch annual reports reveal data on animal euthanasia and deformity. Daisy, the calf that made headlines because she carried a gene that knocked out an allergy protein in milk called beta-lacto globulin, had to be been euthanised after living only three years. She was born without a tail and suffered from skeletal deformities that eventually forced her to be killed on humanitarian grounds. The original experiment on transgenic cows that expressed the human gene Myelin Basic Protein for Multiple Sclerosis has ended with the last cow being euthanised due to chronic lameness from hip problems that did not respond to treatment. There are also transgenic

goats being bred at the Ruakura site. The goat experiments started in 2010. Since then many hundreds of embryos have been created, carrying GE genes for synthetic pharmaceutical drugs already readily available on the market. Only 46 goats survive. This year, 79 goats of varying ages were euthanised due to being surplus or killed following veterinary advice and nine goats were found dead in the paddock. This disastrous experiment in genetic engineering of animals must be a warning against ignoring and underplaying the conflicts and risks when gene drive experiments are being discussed. Claire Bleakley Wairarapa

Letterof theWeek EDITOR Bryan Gibson bryan.gibson@nzx.com

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Opinion

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

Growing pride in dairy industry Colin Glass IT’S an exciting time in the dairy sector. There is so much change happening. We have a new strategy, Dairy Tomorrow, and changes to the DairyNZ board, to name a few. I’ve seen a real change in dairy farmers over the past year too. People outside the sector might think I’m referring to the extensive work farmers are doing to make their farms more environmentally sustainable. But, as you all know, that isn’t new. Farmers have been doing it for a long time. What has changed is farmers stepping up and telling their story. This has been a challenge for many who are naturally humble and have struggled with accepting they need to engage more with their communities and take them on their journey. I believe your efforts are paying off. How the public feels about dairy is changing. I hope you are all starting to see that. The public are starting to see your hard work and investment to look after the environment. I think many now realise that dairy farmers really do care about

A busy man COLIN Glass owns and operates a 650-cow dairy farm and two irrigated properties that rear and finish bull beef at Methven in Mid-Canterbury with his wife Paula and their two daughters. He is a chartered accountant and has a commerce degree in farm management and a post-graduate diploma in accountancy and finance from Lincoln University. He is chief executive of Dairy Holdings, which has extensive operations throughout the South Island. He is a director of a number of agri-business companies and chairman of Ashburton Lyndhurst Irrigation.

The

Pulpit

the land, the waterways and their cows. I believe we need to continue opening people’s eyes to what the sector is doing and what’s really happening onfarm. Helping change the public’s perception of dairy farming is just one of the things that motivated me to put my name forward to become a director on the DairyNZ board. I want New Zealanders to be proud of dairy, like I am, like you are and like our ancestors were. Globally, NZ dairy is highly regarded. Wouldn’t it be nice if New Zealanders felt the same way? I believe if we keep doing what we’re doing this is achievable. My father always said that when you get up in the morning, if you haven’t got a couple of problems to solve to give you some passion or drive in your day then you need to find some pretty quick. I’ve always embraced this motto and believe the last few years show farmers do too. We’ve faced our fair share of challenges but we’ve stood up and taken responsibility to address them. I’ve never known anyone onfarm or in the industry who doesn’t wake up wanting to do the best they can. For many of us dairy isn’t just a job, it’s our home, it’s what we live

IMPROVING: The public perception of dairy is improving as farmers tell their stories, new DairyNZ board member Colin Glass says.

and breathe and we’re all trying to make a difference to leave it better than when we found it. I’m excited to be a part of this new chapter for the sector and help New Zealand dairy go from strength to strength.

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Opinion

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

Disease outbreak teaching lessons Alternative View

Alan Emerson

I’VE been following the Mycoplasma bovis saga with interest. At the start the message from the Primary Industries Ministry was “We’re from head office and we’re in total control”. The reality was they weren’t. As time went on it became obvious the situation was infinitely more complex than anyone thought. The language changed with it. Instead of eradication it became control which didn’t do much for me. I’m pleased we’ve returned to eradication. The issue is that the potential cost of eradication is considerable but will it be taxpayers or the industry footing the bill? It will be interesting to see the role of the Government Industry Agreement in the continuing saga and who finally ends up forking out. The other issue is that NAIT didn’t work as it was intended to. Farmers need to be considerably better with their recording and agents need to have far better systems. We read that MPI was frustrated with farmers’ response to Mycoplasma bovis. According to MPI we need to keep better records of livestock movements.

I certainly believe farmers need to keep better records, judging by what happened over Mycoplasma bovis. We also need to tighten our rules around cattle movement. So, at the start of the month we had 14 infected properties with testing on a further 30. Testing for Mycoplasma bovis isn’t easy with three separate tests required. MPI says it has completed 60,000 tests across 220 trace properties and 800 secondary trace properties. That is a considerable amount of testing but there are still unanswered questions, not the least of which is to ask how and when the disease arrived here. No-one seems to have any idea but we need to find out so we can prevent any re-entry. For the record, I don’t believe it has been here for a long time and is spread throughout the country. To me, that story has been promoted by those who didn’t want to remove the problem. There has been considerable information about Mysoplasma bovis and in this area I believe MPI has done a good job. Their two-page summary is an excellent resource and their updates are timely and pertinent. The issue is that it doesn’t affect humans and is a production and animal welfare problem. It is present in most countries. Beef + Lamb NZ tell us it won’t be a major issue for sheep and beef farmers but I’m not so confident. There’s a considerable amount of dairy support in sheep and beef areas and any animal

ALL AFFECTED: A considerable amount of diaryign occurs in sheep and beef areas so Mycoplasma bovis is an issue for the whole country.

Farmers need to get their act together concerning animal movement and traceability and that is a priority.

welfare issue affects the whole country. We read that stressed cattle more readily show symptoms. Will that mean smaller herds with less intensive farming practices? That begs the question as to what it will mean for our dairy industry. I wondered how the disease could have got to Hawke’s Bay and why not just ban cattle movement

across the Strait. The information I received was interesting. For a start I was told the cattle had been moved before the disease was discovered. If that is the case and I’ve no reason to doubt it we can but wonder where it will show up next. The second problem is that according to the Biosecurity Act once you ban cattle movement there are considerable compensation issues. Maybe the Biosecurity Act needs reviewing. On the issue of compensation I couldn’t believe a quote from the new Clutha-Southland MP, one Hamish Walker saying farmers will need to be compensated for any stock losses as the result of the outbreak. He should probably read the Biosecurity Act before grasping

for headlines. Another issue I came across while researching this article was the often repeated criticism that MPI people just don’t understand farming. That is serious and needs to change. Associated criticism was that MPI didn’t understand how difficult electronic communication was in rural areas. Talking to some of the local Feds people they feel MPI needs to talk more with the federation. Correspondingly, the reports I’ve had from MPI meetings with farmers have been good. On the positive side the Mycoplasma bovis saga has taught us some valuable lessons. The first it that farmers need to get their act together concerning animal movement and traceability and that is a priority. The second is that in the original stages of an outbreak MPI has to be considerably quicker. If it was a foot and mouth outbreak the horse would have well and truly bolted. MPI also needs to understand farming a lot better and understand how to operate in a rural environment. I’m pleased they’re starting a national milk surveillance programme next month. That is great news. Finally, I’m rapt we’re getting an accountable Biosecurity Service, albeit under the banner of MPI. It should never have been compromised in the first place.

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

Goat farming leaves a bitter taste STOP me if you’ve heard this yarn before. Okay, so you haven’t. So here goes.

A recent interview on The Country with south Otago sheep and beef farmer and former Silver Fern Farms director David Shaw about the renaissance of goat farming got me thinking about my own lessthan-pleasurable

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JOBS BOARD

experience with the little blighters in the 1980s. David and I are alumni of the Dip Ag class of 1982 at Lincoln College, as it was known back then. He reckoned our renowned animal science lecturer Dr Alex Familton alerted him to the prospects of goat farming in his final lecture of the year.

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SILLY MAN: Jamie Mackay’s foray into goat farming was a foolish choice.

David’s been stoically farming and breeding goats for cashmere ever since. My cousin Billy (great name for a goat farmer) Mackay also got into goats in the 1980s as an entrepreneurial farmer looking to diversify away from sheep farming, which wasn’t cutting the mustard under Rogernomics. He subsidised his fledgling farming operation by butchering at the Mataura freezing works and as result wasn’t quite as proficient on the shearing handpiece as the other Mackay boys who were fulltime farmers. Suffice to say, no Mackay could ever be mistaken for a Fagan but we did chip the wool off to the best of our limited ability. As a result Billy asked me to shear his goats, which was no easy task. As a method of remuneration I was offered a quart bottle of Speight’s per goat shorn or I could choose to be paid in goats in lieu of any monetary reward. Foolishly, I chose the latter. Five or six years later I would eventually gain some liquid reward for my foolish foray into farming goats when Billy and I sat down to drown our sorrows with a crate

From the Lip

Jamie Mackay

of the amber ale, having spent the best part of the afternoon culling the remainder of our worthless joint goat herd. The Speights wasn’t the only bitter thing back then. On a lighter note, some of the best conversations we have on our radio show are in the commercials breaks. As long as we remember to turn our microphones off they stay largely private between the interviewers and the interviewees. Former Black Cap Craig Cumming, a fill-in producer on occasions when he’s not fronting cricket commentary, has declared himself to be the rain whisperer. Craig reckons everywhere he’s gone this summer to cover the cricket it has rained.

Continued page 23

Opinion

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

Bears, swans, moon cause panic From the Ridge

Steve Wyn-Harris

WHEN you think something dangerous is about to happen but it turns out you were mistaken, yes, it’s a false alarm — a common event among humans. But they don’t get any bigger than the one last week in Hawaii. It’s hard to know how one would react when this message suddenly appears on your screen: Ballistic missile thear inbound to Hawaii. Seek immediate shelter. This is not a drill. The message was in capitals. Capitalisation has a way of really catching your attention that lower case just lacks. A million cellphones carried this message to their startled owners. The best example I can think of of my own ineptitude in a lifethreatening crisis was being asleep in the back of a Chev Impala surrounded by signs warning

Continued from page 22 As a shareholder in a bone-dry dairy farm at Otautau in western Southland, I’m urging Craig to turn up to a first class fixture at the picturesque Queen’s Park in Invercargill. Normally summersafe Southland has never had it so dry. Craig sometimes amuses himself and us with his lunchtime texts into our show when he’s on the road. A recent on-air conversation about the explosion in the cost of avocados and what

of bears, which is why we really shouldn’t have been sleeping with the front door open for extra leg room. Judging by the shouting from the front seat I came quickly to believe a bear was mauling my mate and I spent a frantic 30 seconds ineffectively clawing at a back window until I realised he was just having a nightmare. Later, I thought of many more useful actions that would have proved a better alternative if it had been a bear. I’m pretty sure I’d be in a decent panic mode with this text alert and be one of the ones running hither and thither looking for an even safer place to crawl into, wasting precious minutes. Quite a few Kiwis were in Hawaii and described a range of emotions from sheer terror to perplexity. Many headed for the basements of their hotels. Given the increase in tensions between the United States and North Korea over Kim Jong-un’s posturing, firing test missiles into the Pacific, talking up his nuclear capability and ability to now hit the US, many Hawaiians had already planned a response.

They headed for hurricane and tsunami bunkers as they had been already practising for such an event. The bombing of Pearl Harbour is still deeply ingrained in that place and the North Korean dictator had specifically mentioned Hawaii. It was a good thing Trump wasn’t visiting the state at the time as retaliatory action could quite easily have been one of the outcomes of this monumental balls up. Then, after a very long and terrifying 38 minutes, the message came through that it was indeed a false alarm and there was no missile. The fellow who selected the wrong drop-down option and then clicked Yes when asked if he was really sure that was the option he wanted has been reassigned. We’ve all clicked Yes ourselves and instantly regretted it so imagine his thoughts at that moment. So it doesn’t happen again the state is going to put two people in charge of the mouse and if they both get it wrong will now give them the ability to instantly send out a text to say “Sorry, we made a mistake, please don’t panic anymore”.

that means for yuppie Aucklanders with their crushed avocado on toast in Ponsonby cafes elicited a terse text from Craig about the lack of class of some Aucklanders. He reckoned the Jafa he was swimming with had no idea of swimming lane etiquette, refusing to swim in the slow lane when he had the buoyancy of a brick. He also committed the fashion crime of wearing speedos despite looking nothing like Michael Phelps then spent most of his time in the changing room examining his form in the mirror.

What ensued was a team discussion of our glory days as swimmers. A bit like my goat farming foray, I had little to offer by way of a good work story. The best I could muster, no farming pun intended, was relating a yarn about how my father decided to save money on family holidays when we were kids by buying us a Para pool. We lived in that pool over the long hot summers northern Southland enjoyed (farmers would say endured) in the late 60s and early 70s. Although our round pool was

OOPS: The missile warning was a false alarm.

To add to the farce, two days later Japan had a similar alert sent out, which was quickly acknowledged as another false alarm. This could all be amusing except that there are many examples of false alarms that very nearly brought nuclear war and certain planetary annihilation. In 1956 a wedge of flying swans over Turkey was briefly believed to be Soviet missiles. Radar in 1960 incorrectly identified a moonrise over Norway as a large scale Soviet missile launch. The only thing that stopped a retaliatory strike was that it was realised Khrushchev was in New York at the United Nations so it was unlikely he was bombing himself. During the height of the Cuban

only 24 feet (about seven metres) in diameter we spent hours swimming up and down it. By the time you kicked off at one end you were almost at the other. We were the envy of Riversdale. Dad was justly very proud of his Para pool, so much so that he built us a platform diving board that towered above our one metredeep pool. We learnt quickly and painfully the only way to survive Dad’s diving board was to dive outwards in a horizontal rather than vertical fashion. Health and Safety and all that

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.

Missile Crisis in 1962 a Soviet sub thought the practice depth charges being dropped by US ships were real and if it hadn’t been for the third officer needed to authorise a nuclear strike refusing to agree, all out nuclear war would have eventuated. Vasili Arkhipov has since been credited as the man who saved the world. There are many more examples of close calls right up until recent times. So I guess that’s just one more thing to worry about and a good reason to keep those fingers crossed.

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

stuff didn’t exist 50 years ago or Dad’s diving board would’ve been for the high jump, quite literally. Mercifully, all four of us siblings survived. But I do wonder though, half a century on, in some of my more forgetful moments, if those head-first landings at the bottom of the Para pool might actually explain some things.

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

Farmstrong is a rural wellbeing programme sharing farmer-to-farmer tips and advice. Find out more at

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To find out what else could work for you, visit FS001

Opinion Changing markets give confidence

24 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 22, 2018

Meaty Matters

Allan Barber

THE global market for New Zealand’s meat exports and exporters is undergoing quite a rapid change judging by movements in the industry’s latest quota entitlements and market destinations. The differences between exporters and markets over 10 and five years provide an interesting snapshot of the relative positions of the meat companies and the impact of changing market dynamics. A comparison of quota entitlements over 10 years illustrates some sizeable changes in market share but also considerable industry rationalisation. A number of smaller exporters have either disappeared or been absorbed by a larger company but for the most part the same companies still dominate the industry but with some noticeable changes in share. The trials endured by Silver Fern

Farms are starkly demonstrated by a loss of almost 9% or 20,000 tonnes of sheep meat entitlement since 2009 though its beef performance has withstood competitive pressures much better, losing only 1% share over the same period. As stated in Alan Williams’ article in last week’s Farmers Weekly, chairman Rob Hewett acknowledges the impact of the last few years of restructuring and refinancing on the business. However, the company has made great progress towards an appropriate processing configuration and a new market focus, culminating in the investment by Shanghai Maling. The beneficiaries of SFF’s loss of sheep meat market share are Affco, Canterbury Meat Packers, Ovation, Taylor Preston and Crusader Meats with their combined gains equalling the amount lost by SFF. Over the 10 years Alliance has virtually stood still despite a series of gains in the five years from 2009, after which it reverted to its starting point. Beef quota changes are less dramatic though significant gains by Greenlea, Affco and Alliance, which bought Levin Meats, offset losses by SFF, Taylor Preston, Wilson Hellaby and Universal Beef Packers while Anzco-owned

CMP increased its share, partly offsetting losses by Riverlands. Over the period there was also a change in the value of beef quota, which, in the earlier years, meant market share gains had a tangible value if sold but that has not been a factor for at least five years. The last point about the value of quota, or lack of it, is an indication of the greater influence of alternative markets outside the two main traditional destinations of the United States for beef and the European Union for sheep meat. In recent years diversification has been increasingly possible and profitable for marketing red meat and exporters have taken advantage of the opportunity. In beef the US has remained remarkably constant, taking 44% of NZ exports by value and 49% by tonnage, the difference being caused by the overwhelming preponderance of manufacturing beef from cull cows. The annual variation in the cow cull as a result of milk price volatility has had a significant effect on the amount of beef exported from one year to another but since the 2014-15 season the FOB value of beef has risen from just over $6000 a tonne to consistently above $7000, which has been reflected in the higher beef price paid to farmers.

The big mover in beef tonnage and value has been China, which, over a five-year period, has lifted its share from 9% to 19% with a 27% increase in price. The next four most important destinations for NZ beef are Taiwan (6% by value), Korea (5%), Japan (5%) and Canada (4%), which means the top six markets for beef make up 83% of the total value. Unfortunately, the impact of Japan’s free-trade agreement with Australia and the level of tariff applied to NZ imports has caused a decline of 50% in Japan’s share of beef trade over five years. The Philippines is the only other country to have seen a drop in absolute sales value over the period, with even a somewhat volatile market like Indonesia producing a positive movement. Changes to exports of sheep meat have been rather more complex during the same period with, surprisingly, China showing only relatively minor movements compared to other important markets. The biggest change, not surprisingly, occurred in the United Kingdom’s share of trade with the 2016-17 season seeing a sudden drop, probably as a consequence of uncertainty caused by Brexit. The most significant growth areas in lamb

volume and value were Germany, the US and the Netherlands followed by Japan, Canada and Jordan. The average value of sheep meat exports increased over five years by 21% which offset more than half the fall in export tonnage as a result of the decline in the national flock. These statistics suggest the meat exporters have done a good job in compensating for the loss of sheep by earning better prices in the market while farmers have also clearly responded by increasing productivity through higher lambing percentages and farming methods. The statistical evidence suggests industry restructuring through capacity rationalisation, ownership changes and capital investment has resulted in a stronger meat industry capable of making logical decisions about livestock procurement, processing and international market linkages. That should give sheep and beef farmers confidence to invest in the future of their industry.

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

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Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – January 22, 2018

For Sale

Turakina | 83 & 102 Taurimu Road

Tender Closing 4pm, Wednesday 7 February 2018

414.6 Hectares 414 Hectare Breeding Unit. This good scale breeding property has been farmed by the McLeay family for nearly a century and is now available to purchase as a single entity or as two smaller parcels of 196 hectares (Caralea) and 218 hectares (Riverlea), with homes on both properties. With land contour from medium rolling to steep hill this property is ready for development and could suit a variety of stock policies. Well located just 22km from the rural town of Marton and 40km from the coastal town of Whanganui in the well regarded farming district of the Turakina Valley. A genuine opportunity to secure a scale breeding operation with reward to be gained from future development. | Property ID PN1081

Inspection By appointment

Contact Yvonne Forlong 021 456 565 Bill Milham 027 443 3324

0800 200 600 | farmlandsrealestate.co.nz

Licensed under REAA 2008 Contributor to realestate.co.nz

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King Country Matiere 316.6 Hectares Price $2,700,000 plus GST (if any) First Time On The Market In 25 Years. Situated in the beautiful Otangiwai Valley, this property specialises in finishing bulls and lambs. Two thirds of the farm is flat to easy contour, the last third steeper. There is some native bush. The soil type is mainly Mairoa Ash with some Papa. 48 paddocks of sheep proof fencing, 32 paddocks hot wire fencing for bulls. Four bedroom home in excellent condition. Top infrastructure comprising of a 4-stand woolshed, under cover sheep yards and cattle yards. | Property ID TK1034

Contact Les Old 027 248 2667

0800 200 600 | farmlandsrealestate.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz

Profitable Farm on the Plains 95 Makumaku Road, Kerepehi

• 101 hectares with a good balance of soil types • Four titles. Subdivided to 60 paddocks • Top production of 95,000kg/ms, milking 250 cows – OAD from mid-January with low inputs • 24 aside HB cowshed • Modern 4 bedroom brick and tile home with high stud workshop • Located on a quiet, no exit road within 20 minutes of three service towns and 2.5km to Ravensdown bulk store

King of the Hill A French Colonial style castle, 500sqm (approx) on 12.6ha with a 450sqm shed and large truck turning and loading area. Entertainers dream with an all weather flood lit tennis court, cricket net, volleyball court, large petanque area with seating, covered fish smoker, bar area and heaps of concrete for...

This farm has been faithfully farmed by the same family for 36 years – a rare chance to buy in this sought after location! FPJ505 Wednesdays 24/01, 31/01 – 12-1pm 14th February 2018 at 5pm E: 95makumaku@gmail.com

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Trade Me Ref: Open: Tenders close: Contact owner:

pggwre.co.nz/TAR27178

Te Puna PRICE BY NEGOTIATION Plus GST (if any)

Andrew Fowler B 07 571 5797 M 027 275 2244

afowler@pggwrightson.co.nz PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; January 22, 2018

PUTAKI Mahoe Road, Waitomo

Real Estate

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

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.

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

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GENUINELY FAITHFULLY FARMED 245 Penny Road, Rongotea, Manawatu Fastidiously developed over 28 years by our retiring vendors, the presentation here will impress. Quality improvements include a 30ASHB shed with ACRs, numerous sheds and a large roof over the feedpad. A great water system, impressive soil tests and extensive drainage complete the on-farm package. Historically operated under a higher input 300 Friesian cow spring calving/winter-on regime, it is well set up from any system. Accommodation includes a very comfortable main home plus a tidy 4 bedroom cottage. Handily located to both Feilding and Palmerston with numerous schooling options.

106.9 hectares See video on website nzr.nz/RX1332461 Tender Closes 3pm Tue 27 Feb 2018, NZR, 20 Kimbolton Road, Feilding Peter Barnett AREINZ 027 482 6835 | peter@nzr.nz NZR Limited | Licensed REAA 2008

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY â&#x20AC;&#x201C; January 22, 2018

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

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Fancy free ranch

Deer park retreat

WEB ID TUR59867 TAUMARUNUI 5298 State Highway 4 View By Appointment This 100 acre block is only 17kms north of Taumarunui, DEADLINE SALE closes Friday 23rd February, 2018 at it has some good flats for cutting silage or hay, a reliable 4.00pm, (unless sold prior) water system for stock and a three stand woolshed. There are a good set of cattle and horse handling yards complete with a round pen. The house has had a new kitchen put in recently along with new carpet and the decks have been covered for all year round use. If you have horses, lots of pets or want to get in the property Katie Walker Mobile 027 757 7477 ladder and work towards owning a farm then this block Office 07 895 7123 is worth you checking out.

DEADLINE SALE

Home 07 895 7112 katiew@pb.co.nz

2 1

WEB ID TUR59628 RAURIMU 3500 State Highway 4 View By Appointment DEADLINE SALE closes Thursday 8th February, 2018 at Right in the centre of the Central Plateau is this beautiful hide away. The farm offers 65 hectares of land 4.00pm, (unless sold prior) with nearly three quarters of that in native bush alive with Kereru and singing Tui's. The three bedroom and two bathroom house has been built from timber mostly 3 milled from the property and very lovingly designed and crafted by its current owner, you can look out over bush and mountains from the kitchen bench or gaze at deer 2 Katie Walker Mobile 027 757 7477 roaming while in the bath tub. There is also home and Office 07 895 7123 income potential in the property with the downstairs Home 07 895 7112 1 unit separate and able to be rented out. katiew@pb.co.nz

DEADLINE SALE

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

RURAL Office 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed REAA 2008

Seriously for sale

WEB ID TPR57000 BY NEGOTIATION WHAKAMARU 671 Sandel Road View By Appointment 414 hectares, five houses, 48 aside herringbone shed with inshed meal feeders, 800 cows milked averaging 293,000 kg/MS, high fertility with superior pastures. 300 replacement heifers on-farm all year round. Paul O'Sullivan A "must see" property - $11,000,500 (Rateable Value) - Land & Buildings.

Mobile 027 496 4417 paulo@pb.co.nz

Craig Marshall

Mobile 027 553 2274 craig@pb.co.nz

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

+ GST (IF ANY)

RURAL rural@pb.co.nz 0800 FOR LAND

Property Brokers Limited Licensed under the Real Estate Agents Act 2008

Maru Farm 490 ha

TENDER WEB ID PR59766

PAHIATUA 498 Ridge Road North Situated just west of Pahiatua, this iconic property is a 'turn-key' operation and is ready for the new owners to capitalise on its superior ability to both breed and finish livestock. Of the 420 ha effective area, over 220 ha is easy to rolling contour suitable for cultivation, combined with an excellent water system and a recently refurbished villa set in mature grounds, this property allows you to get on and farm. Situated only 6km from Pahiatua, the farm has excellent access utilising Ridge Road North that virtually bisects the property, the added benefit of centrally located infrastructure including

woolshed, covered yards, cattle-yards and dwelling adding to its ease of management and appeal. Our vendors have purchased elsewhere and need this property sold.

TENDER

VIEW By Appointment TENDER closes Wednesday 21st February, 2018 at 2.00pm, (unless sold prior), to be submitted to Property Brokers, 129 Main Street, Pahiatua

Call John, Jared or Phil.

John Arends

Mobile 027 444 7380 Office 06 376 4364

Jared Brock

Mobile 027 449 5496 Office 06 376 4823

Phil Wilson

Mobile 021 518 660 Office 06 376 5478

Oringi Station 226 ha

AUCTION WEB ID PR59577

DANNEVIRKE 19 Jackson Road Iconic Oringi Station, all flat with over 190 ha under irrigation makes this property unprecedented in the Tararua District. Situated only 15km South of Dannevirke, this property is centrally located to the Hawkes Bay and Manawatu livestock markets. Irrigation from four centre pivots and a further 26 ha irrigated by k-line provide unparalleled growing conditions with up to 50 ha of contract maize grown as well as 650 to 700 steers fattened. Oringi Station is subdivided into 50 main paddocks well serviced by a metal laneway and has a superior range of support buildings.

The homestead is a character 448 m2 stucco home set VIEW By Appointment in attractive mature grounds with a further two spacious AUCTION 1.00pm, Thu 1st Mar, 2018, 19 Jackson homes providing ample accommodation. Road, Dannevirke Oringi Station with its superb soil mix, large scale irrigation and cropping and stock finishing ability provides an opportunity unequalled within the lower North Island. Call John, Jared or Phil

www.propertybrokers.co.nz

AUCTION Jared Brock

Mobile 027 449 5496 Office 06 376 4823

John Arends

Mobile 027 444 7380 Office 06 376 4364

4 2

Phil Wilson

Mobile 021 518 660 Office 06 376 5478

farmersweekly.co.nz/realestate 0800 85 25 80

Real Estate

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – January 22, 2018

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

TENDER

Mt. Hamilton Station Chewings Road, Mossburn

pggwre.co.nz/TAN27273

For sale by Tender, closing 4.00pm, 2 March 2018, the offering will consist of: Option A – Mt. Hamilton Station containing 2,826.3630 hectares (more or less) Option B – Being either one or any combination of the following options:

Maniototo Irrigation River Block • 179.6250ha river flat property with large centre pivot irrigation • The balance of the property is K-line and wild flood irrigation with potential to add two more pivots to further enhance productivity • 80 Waipiata irrigation company shares • Improvements include woolshed, cattle yards along with a stock water scheme • To the prospective purchaser this diverse investment offers the opportunity for further development enhancing productivity and the gain of increased positive returns pggwre.co.nz/DUN27279

Central Otago DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY

Option B1 “Deer Block I”

Option B2 “Deer Block II”

• 1,140 hectares (more or less) situated at 1901 Chewings Road, Mossburn • Capital improvements include; one house, deer shed, two three bay sheds and cattle yards

• 882.2210 hectares (more or less) situated at 4262 Te Anau Mossburn Highway, Mossburn • Capital improvements include; one house, three sheds and decommissioned shearing shed

Nick Robertson 027 431 6533 Andrew Patterson 027 434 7636

Peter Lewis 027 202 2405 Andrew Patterson 027 434 7636

Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 12.00pm, Tuesday, 20 February

Option B3 “Sheep and Beef Block” • 804.1420 hectares (more or less) situated at 985 Chewings Road, Mossburn • Capital improvements include; two houses, five stand woolshed/covered yards, shearers quarters, two sheds and cattle yards

Paul Thomson B 03 470 0332 M 027 435 3936

Tony Paterson 027 594 8341 Andrew Patterson 027 434 7636

pthomson@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Buy the best - no regrets A superb sheep & beef finishing and / or dairy support property situated in a picturesque main road location on the northern edge of the Pio Pio golf course, 17 kms southwest of Te Kuiti Features include: 

1546 State Highway 3, Te Kuiti



105.77 hectares



excellent presentation



first class fencing, subdivision and reticulated water supply



extensive plantings of mature specimen trees



attractive native bush sheltering fresh water springs



fertile flats with river boundary



a fine 4 bedroom homestead with all-weather tennis court nestled in park-like surroundings

Deadline Private Treaty Thursday, 15 February 2018

Open Day: Thurs, 25 January 2018 1.00pm to 3.00pm

An outstanding offering which presents a unique opportunity to progressive purchasers or owners of larger holdings of land inclined towards a more relaxing working environment web ref R1256 Licensed Real Estate Agent - REAA2008

Brian Peacocke 021 373 113 phone

07 870 2112

office@pastoralrealty.co.nz

MREINZ

New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company RURAL

LIFESTYLE

High Producing Gold Kiwifruit Orchard Three titles - Lot 1 - 11.6993Ha, Lot 2 - 9.9205Ha, Lot 3 - 1.8706Ha LOT 1 • 3.45 Canopy Ha G3 Gold of which .57 is just grafted • 4.36 Canopy Ha Haywood Green LOT 2 • 6.48 Canopy Ha G3 Gold • Large high stud lockup shed • Toilet facilities • Water tank • Bore and pond pggwre.co.nz/WHK27443

RESIDENTIAL

Whakatane TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 4.00pm, Thursday, 15 February

Stewart Morrison B 07 307 1619 M 027 442 2833

Sheep and Cattle Grazing Oparure Road • 197 hectares, more or less, of rolling contour • Just 13km to Te Kuiti and 23km to Otorohanga approximately • Currently wintering 1200 mixed age ewes, 600 hoggets, 150 rising 1yr cattle, 170 rising 2yr cattle, 60 mixed age cows • Bare land, good water and very good access throughout pggwre.co.nz/TEK27310

Te Kuiti DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 11.00am, Friday 9 February PGGWRE, 57 Rora St, Te Kuiti VIEW BY APPOINTMENT

Peter Wylie B 07 878 0265 M 027 473 5855

pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

stewartmorrison@pggwrightson.co.nz

TENDER

Secure Your Future Manuka Supply 172 Puniwhakau Road • 776 hectares, more or less, of mixed contour, Manuka throughout • Farm has been running cattle and 200 hives • Manuka regeneration on farm, numerous hive sites • Three bedroom home, five bay shed • Good security, abundant water • This farm has size and huge potential • For Open Days all parties must be off the property by 1pm - Health and Safety requirements pggwre.co.nz/TEK27317

Puniwhakau TENDER (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Tania Roberts, 67 Vivian St New Plymouth Closes 11am, Fri, 23 Feb VIEW 11.00-1.00pm, Monday, 29 Jan, 5 Feb

Maize, Grazing and Location 574 Oparure Road • 77.0817 hectares, more or less • Easy rolling contour growing maize and grazing cattle • Five bedroom homestead and three bedroom cottage plus numerous farm shedding • For inspection, please arrange with the agent, Peter Wylie

Te Kuiti DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 11.00am, Friday 9 February PGGWRE, 57 Rora St, Te Kuiti VIEW BY APPOINTMENT

pggwre.co.nz/TEK27260

Peter Wylie B 07 878 0265 M 027 473 5855

pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

Peter Wylie B 07 878 0265 M 027 473 5855

pwylie@pggwrightson.co.nz

pggwre.co.nz

New Zealand’s leading rural real estate company RURAL

LIFESTYLE

RESIDENTIAL

TENDER

Beautifully Presented Dry Stock Farm 1097 Waingaro Road 246ha of mainly easy contour in 13 titles. 10km from Ngaruawahia and 24km from The Base, Hamilton. Presently farming bulls and is ideally suited for beef or dairy support. Improvements are of a high standard with two homes and a large area of support buildings with stables and operational woolshed. Paddocks are serviced mainly by all weather races and there is trough water to all paddocks bar one. pggwre.co.nz/PUK27268

Ngaruawahia TENDER Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold By Private Treaty) Closes 4.00pm, Thursday 1 March VIEW 1.00pm - 2.00pm, Friday, 26 Jan, 2, 9 and 16 Feb

Ayrburn Farm 252.1824 hectares, largely irrigated. 200 Amuri Irrigation shares provide 120l/sec and a further 53l/sec from the Lowry Peaks Stream supplying three pivots irrigating approximately 110ha and a further 100ha irrigated by either rotorainer, k-line or long line lateral sprinklers. Farm infrastructure is outstanding with a large number of quality buildings plus sheep and cattle yards. To complete the picture, the property has two very good dwellings. Multiple farming options available.

Richard Wright B 09 237 2040 M 027 454 6000

pggwre.co.nz/CHR27328

Mawheraiti

Altavady - Iconic Historic Property

Rotherham DEADLINE PRIVATE TREATY Plus GST (if any) (Unless Sold Prior) Closes 2.00pm, Friday 16 February

Peter Crean B 03 341 4315 M 027 434 4002

pcrean@pggwrightson.co.nz

richardwright@pggwrightson.co.nz

TENDER

Landcorp Farming Limited • 1,453 hectares (more or less) 62km from Greymouth • Large deer breeding unit, beef breeding herd, lamb finishing and dairy grazing • Predominantly deer fenced with a good lane system • Two sets of deer shed and yards, woolshed, implement sheds, haysheds and cattle yards • Four-bedroom managers home, three-bedroom cottage and shearers quarters • Opportunity to acquire a large deer farm with excellent facilities pggwre.co.nz/GRE27327

TENDER Plus GST (if any) Closes 2.00pm, Friday, 9 March 411 Blenheim Road, Christchurch

Dave Becker B 03 768 1222 M 027 222 5184

dave.becker@pggwrightson.co.nz

Peter Crean B 03 341 4315 M 027 434 4002

pcrean@pggwrightson.co.nz

PGG Wrightson Real Estate Limited, licensed under REAA 2008

• 623.6903ha freehold, grazing and cropping land • Quality four bedroom Homestead set in attractive sheltered landscaped garden setting • Good range of farm buildings and facilities, cattleyards, crush and load out - good water supply, well tracked and fenced • 176ha spray irrigation, fertile soils producing good yields

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

pggwre.co.nz/OAM27146

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

pggwre.co.nz

HEAD SHEPHERD GENERAL

Contract Milker Cambridge

ABOUT THE ROLE We are currently looking to recruit and train future farm staff. Starting in June 2018, you will work for at least 6 months on one of our Canterbury Dairy Farms.

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Appropriate skills and certification: thorough knowledge of stock work including calving and lambing, farm safety, quad bike handling, fencing and tractor work. First Aid and Grosafe certificates helpful.

Read on ...

Applications close: 23 February 2018

FARM MANAGER Sheep & Beef, Gisborne NZ Integrated Foods Ltd is part of the Integrated Foods Group, an innovative group of companies with extensive agri-business interests including a large farming and production base in the Gisborne region, a boutique food business and sales capability both based in Napier.

General Shepherd Human Connections Group is working exclusively with Minaret Station to secure a new General Shepherd to work on this expansive high country station, located between Mt Aspiring National Park and Lake Wanaka. Minaret Station is a 20,000ha property carrying approximately 30,000su made up of 75% red deer, 15% Angus cattle and 10% Headwaters sheep for supply to premium export and domestic markets.

Reporting to the General Manager - Farming, this position will be responsible for day-to-day farm management ensuring optimal livestock, pasture and people performance to achieve predefined production targets. The opportunity includes management of a 2600ha hill country Sheep and Beef farm at Whatatutu, 45 minutes from Gisborne.

The successful applicant must have a genuine and keen interest to live and work in a remote high country environment with a strong work ethic and desire to handle deer. A minimum of two working dogs are required.

• • • •

To be successful in this role you will need:

• • • •

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To apply please contact Victoria Robertson on 029 200 1595 or email your CV and cover letter to jobs@humanconnectionsgroup.com

SEE PAGE 40

FOR MORE EMPLOYMENT ADVERTISING

Knowledge of modern farming practice At least four years relevant experience Excellent feed management and planning skills Excellent stockmanship skills including horsemanship and a very capable team of dogs A professional approach to managing resources i.e. people, budgets, stock, projects Genuine commitment to health, safety and continuous improvement Excellent communication skills Computer skills including Outlook, Word and Excel

This is a great opportunity to be involved in an international agribusiness with exciting growth prospects. If you enjoy the thrill of maximising stock performance, and are looking for an exciting new challenge, we would like to hear from you. Confidential enquiries to Brent Anstis, General Manager NZ Farming, b.anstis@iflgroup.co or Debbie Viljoen 06 869 1330 or 027 512 0793

Facebook: Evolution Farming Twitter: @Evo_Farming Upon your return to New Zealand, you will be given the opportunity, but not obligation, to work on one of our farms. This will allow you to develop your newly acquired skills whilst carrying out extensive practical and theoretical training. EXPECTATIONS: We are looking for a passionate and self motivated individual with enthusiasm for the dairy industry. You may already have a couple of years dairy experience, be a recent graduate or, new to the industry – we can tailor our scheme accordingly. You must be a team player that can tackle a challenge meaning good communication and leadership skills are required. ABOUT US: We are currently milking 3600 cows and graze replacement heifers on five coastal Canterbury farms. The farms are fully irrigated and have good infrastructure. We run a mix of farming systems including A2 milk, grassfed, a winter milk contract and a full season, once a day farm. All are focused on growing and utilising pasture. We are constantly looking towards the development of our next generation in farming, and are eager to offer training and opportunities such as this, to the dairy industry’s future farmers. ABOUT APPLICATION: - TERRACOSTOSA LIMITED To apply, please email your CV and covering letter to: Tom.m@Terracostosa.nz Interview will be held in February. For any further enquiries, phone Tom Mason on +64 21332428

FULLY SUPPORTED AND MENTORED SCHOLARSHIP

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The package includes remuneration suited to the successful applicant’s experience and abilities as well as accommodation, power, telephone, tolls and internet. The position commences on 1 April 2018 reporting to the Stock Manager and Farm Manager alongside the Machinery Manager.

Following this, you will be arranged to work for Evolution Farming, an innovative pasture focused, UK dairy farming business, and you will be provided with NZ$2000 to cover travel expenses. During your time overseas, we will continue to offer guidance and support where possible, as well as a myriad of contacts to make use of.

www.farmersweeklyjobs.co.nz

Appropriate attributes: good communication skills, honest, punctual, diligent, drug-FREE, an ability to work unsupervised and a good attitude to training and learning new skills.

Wanting to travel, build experience and progress in the Dairy Industry?

Ag jobs at your fingertips

Applicant must own their own vehicle, hold a full drivers licence and have competent stockworking dogs.

An opportunity has arisen, from 1st June 2018 onwards, on a very good quality dairy farm near Cambridge in the Waikato region. The farm has a milking area of 180ha and up to 520 cows are milked producing an average of 270,000kg MS during a normal season. Facilities are well above average including a very good quality rotary cowshed and feed pad, and three good quality homes are available. Applications close 7th February 2018. Interested applicants should send details of their farming experience and background to: Ron Lockwood, PO Box 871, Hamilton 3240 or preferably email to: rlockwood@xtra.co.nz

classifieds@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

UNIQUE CAREER OPPORTUNITY

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The Nilsson Family Trust is seeking to employ an energetic, hardworking shepherd. This fulltime job is on a 4000 acre family-run cattle and sheep farm in the remote Far North. Coastalfarming experience would be an asset.

Nilsson family Trust C/- 28 Cockburn Street, Onerahi, 0110, Whangarei 2017nilssontrust@gmail.com

Employment

Further information or to apply please visit our website https://www.iflgroup.co/

PROGRAMME 2018

EMPLOYMENT REACH EVERY FARMER IN NZ FROM MONDAY

WHAT WE OFFER

Please print clearly

• An outstanding opportunity to be coached and mentored by one of New Zealand’s top rural real estate professionals

Name: Phone:

Email:

• Scholarship includes salary, commission, work vehicle, laptop, profile marketing, PI Insurance cover and more

Heading:

• Total package value $100,000

Advert to read:

• All course and licensing expenses covered (if unlicensed)

Address:

• Recipient must reside in Canterbury and only one Scholarship position is available Other real estate positions are available nationwide. Phone Deane Pettit for details on 06 367 0840. To find out more and to apply, visit pggwre.co.nz/scholarship Applications close 4pm, Monday, 12 Feb, 2018. Return this form either by fax to 06 323 7101 attention Debbie Brown Post to NZX Agri Classifieds, PO Box 529, Feilding 4740 - by 12pm Wednesday or Freephone 0800 85 25 80

pggwre.co.nz

Helping grow the country Licensed REAA 2008

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THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – January 22, 2018

classifieds@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

Employment

Waikato Account Manager

Park Ranger

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YOUR NEW CAREER STARTS HERE Farmers Weekly is recognised as the leading farming publication in providing a balance of Agri News, opinion and market information to the rural sector in New Zealand. It has developed a global reach with its publications and primary sector data analysis delivered in both print and digital. The Farmers Weekly Account Manager will focus on print and online digital sales into our leading rural publication Farmers Weekly and web site – farmersweekly.co.nz. You will take full ownership of a portfolio of clients in understanding their business objectives and be responsible to maintain and accelerate customer revenue and bring in new client business. You will be comfortable selling directly to clients and also into advertising agencies. You will be the face of Farmers Weekly in the Waikato region and you will also be servicing some clients in Auckland, working remotely from your home office and reporting into NZX Agri HQ in Feilding. You will be part of a wider sales team and will be working to reach business KPI’s and successfully manage your revenue pipeline to achieve sales performance targets. As you will be working independently you’ll need to have loads of energy, a can-do attitude and strong communication and computer skills. Your resilient sales skills and your ability to build client relationships at all levels will be essential in this role. You will need to demonstrate sound sales skills and have an absolute passion for NZ’s rural sector is essential, past media experience is preferred but not essential. You will be well rewarded for your performance with a competitive salary, potential to earn sales incentives and a company car, phone, laptop etc are all part of the total remuneration package. To apply for this role go to SEEK and search Waikato Account Manager – Sales. Job #35246219

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – January 22, 2018

• Do you have skills and experience in farming? • Based at Wenderholm Regional Park We are looking for a Park Ranger to join our Northern Regional Parks team with strong skills and experience in farming The Role As a sector Park Ranger, you will be responsible for supporting the farming operation, by providing sound experience and leadership to the farming team. You will be responsible for enabling safe and enjoyable outdoor recreation experiences in regional park settings, while conserving and protecting natural and cultural heritage resources. You may be required to work throughout the northern parks network from time to time and will be required to work weekends and public holidays on a ranger roster system. What you will bring Have a strong background and experience in farm management is essential with a minimum of 5 years working on a sheep or dairy farm. Experience in sustainable land management is also highly sought after. Farm, parks and/or land management qualification(s) or similar would be highly desirable. A current NZ full driver's licence is required for this position. If this sounds like your next move, please apply online today. Please submit your application through our job site careers.aucklandcouncil.govt.nz using the reference number 102376. Applications for this role close on Sunday the 28th January 2018 at 4:00pm. This position is deemed a safety sensitive position and will require pre-employment drug testing. Auckland Council is committed to the protection and wellbeing of children. A component of this role involves interaction with children so, as a part of the assessment of candidates, we will require Police Vetting of candidates to ensure we are providing a safe environment for children. This requirement complies with the Vulnerable Children Act 2014.

Farm Manager Taupo Start 01/06/2018 for the 2018 2019 season Dairy farm will milk 800 cows on 400ha out of 1200ha effective property. Other land used for dry stock, grazing and supplements. The 400ha dairy farm portion is flat and highly fertile. The position would suit a working couple that can milk and rear calves. The farm has great infrastructure with a modern automated 80-bail rotary cowshed. Suit experienced manager with proven results in making milk and running an effective team. Great animal and pasture skills required. Good quality redecorated 3 bedroom houses for staff. $85,000 total package value negotiable. Farm is 30 minutes from Taupo on the Rangitikei Plains with local primary school. Contact: Rob Gollan: rgollan@xtra.co.nz Phone 021 431 173

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Dairy farm work in Australia Australia’s largest dairy farming company is offering secure contract positions to

Experienced Dairy Farm Workers. 12 month contract positions are now available including:

HAMILTON The General Manager role is responsible for establishing and growing the online Livestock Trading Platform across multiple Livestock channels in New Zealand. It will initially be reporting to the General Manager Livestock, but once the business is established it is likely that the role will report to a Board of Directors.

We are kiwi innovators at the forefront of dairy science and we’re looking for talented people to lead us to success in our industry.

Seasonal AB Technician Opportunities About Us At LIC we value the NZ farming industry and are proud of our successful contribution to this sector. We’ll do whatever it takes to support and grow our farmer community - our customers are key to how we do business. Our vision is to improve prosperity and the productivity of our farmers; and we want great people to join us on our journey. To be successful at LIC means you’ll thrive in a fast-paced, busy environment, be adaptable to change and able to deliver a professional approach when working with a wide array of customers. If you’re after a rewarding and social career that offers development, learning and truckloads of exceptional experiences then look no further, you’ve found it. At LIC we are leading the way and we would love to welcome you to the team. We are currently looking for Artificial Breeding (AB) Technicians to work across New Zealand. This role is part of the Operations & Service Group which is made up of LIC’s core semen production laboratories, farming operations and the field teams (AB and Herd Testing) who deliver LIC’s product on farm. To become a trained LIC AB Technician you first need to complete our training course. Training courses run between February and May and is made up of two one week block courses. The training course has a non-refundable fee of $699.00+GST and is payable prior to undertaking the training. There are limited positions available on each training course so LIC will only take the best suited candidates.

The position is supported by a small operations team and will be responsible for ensuring the trading platform gains market position and is recognised as a leader and innovator in the New Zealand livestock transaction space. We are looking for a dynamic professional who has proven knowledge and experience in change management, online technology platforms, strategic planning and project management. A background or experience in marketing would also be an advantage. Key skills and attributes: • A strong leadership background, with proven ability to set direction, influence and collaborate with a range of stakeholders from field staff to executive and directors • Demonstrated understanding and application of technology; exposure to online platforms would be an advantage • Proven commercial experience to execute strategy, with a strong focus on growth • Experience and credibility to work with multiple stakeholders both internally and externally • Knowledge and experience in, and empathy with, the rural industry 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 training and offer a number of benefits, including retail buying privileges.

About You

If you think you could bring what we need to this role, apply today!

To be considered for an LIC AB Technician position, the following skills are desirable:

To discuss this opportunity further, please contact Peter Moore, GM Livestock on 021 526 747.

• • • • • •

Working knowledge of the New Zealand dairy industry. Have an infinity with bovine animals. Current driver licence. Be eligible to work in Zealand. You must be available to work 7 days a week during the mating season. Customer focused.

If successful in your application you will be offered an opportunity to attend an interview to discuss AB Technician Training and the role of an LIC AB Technician in early 2018. Whilst we accept applications throughout the year, LIC only processes applications at the beginning of the year prior to training commencing in the autumn months. How to Apply For more information and to apply, go to our website www.careers.lic.co.nz and apply for the relevant area to you. Applications close: 26 February 2018.

careers.lic.co.nz

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 2804FARWEE. Applications close on Monday, 29 January 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

Positions are available starting January 2018 – appropriate visas for non NZ citizens required. Please submit your resume and references to:

samhop@aceoz.com.au

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Livestock Online Trading Platform

Successful applicants must be experienced,handson dairy farm workers with a proven track record on New Zealand dairy farms. The role in Australia will include milking, calf-rearing, irrigation, pasture management, fodder preservation, fencing etc. Successful applicants must have significant experience milking cows, operating tractors, motorbikes, feed-out wagons, general farm and machinery maintenance etc. Ace Farming Company milks approximately 15,000 cows across more than 20 farms. The ACE portfolio of farms is located in Victoria.

Ace Farming Company is an equal opportunity employer.

LIVESTOCK CO-ORDINATOR Crusader Meats, Benneydale, NZ Crusader Meats NZ Ltd is a progressive meat Export Company located just out of Benneydale in the King Country. We have an excellent opportunity at our sheep, goat and bobby calf processing plant for a Livestock Co-ordinator. This integral role liaises between suppliers and farmers, livestock agents and our preferred trucking company to organise and coordinate all stock killed at the Benneydale plant and other sites. Another key component of the role is organising and coordinating any share farming stock. The successful applicant will have the following: • Previous livestock knowledge and experience • Preferably have sound knowledge of the meat industry • Ability to work unsupervised and work flexible hours to suit the role • Excellent communication skills • Good computer literacy skills The location is flexible as a lot of the work can be done offsite and a company vehicle will be provided. All applicants will be subject to a preemployment drug screen. For more information please contact us on 07 878 7077 extn 701 or email hra@crusadermeats.co.nz

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General Manager

• Return airfares to Australia • Free accommodation (food not included) • Above award wages and conditions • 2 week paid holiday in Queensland at the conclusion of contract

Classifieds

ADVERTISING BOOK AN AD. For only $2.10 + gst per word you can book a word only ad in the Farmers Weekly Classifieds section. Phone Debbie Brown on 0800 85 25 80 to book in or email classifieds@ nzx.com

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

DOGS FOR SALE

PEST CONTROL. Do you have problems with feral goats, deer and wild pigs and don’t have the time to manage it? Ring Clint 021 257 0421.

4-YEAR-OLD Heading bitch. Fully broken in, works sheep nicely and very hard on cattle. $3000. Phone Mark Porter. 07 825 4423. BRIAN BURKE, NZ Champ 1984 and 5 times NZ Champ finalist, available to train your working dog. In three weeks he will transform your heading dog into a productive asset for the farm. Contact Brian 06 343 9561 for further details and pricing (heading dogs only). LABOUR COSTS Escalating? Huntaways, Heading, Handys at fifty cents a day! Guaranteed. Trial. 07 315 5553. Mike Hughes. ONE 9-MONTH-OLD Heading dog ready to work. Phone 06 388 0212 / 027 243 8541.

Under Woolshed/Covered Yards Cleaning Specialist www.underthewoolshed.kiwi

SCOTTY’S CONTRACTORS

Working Northern Hawke’s Bay and heading to the Gisborne area.

– 018 d or 2 ppy an f k c a e . h r d yea all a k on Bac g you us new n ro hi wis prospe

FROM THIS

To date over 600 woolsheds. Big or small – give us a call.

DOGS WANTED TO THAT

We haven’t been beaten yet!

Phone Scott Newman Freephone 0800 2SCOTTY (0800 27 26 88) Mobile 027 26 26 27 2

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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

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

ATTENTION FARMERS

CA$H, FREE CRATE of beer! Paying $100 more than anyone! 07 315 5553. Mike Hughes. 12 MONTHS TO 5½-yearold Heading dogs and Huntaways wanted. Phone 022 698 8195.

CLASSIFIEDS REACH EVERY FARMER IN NZ FROM MONDAY Advertise in the NZ Farmers Weekly $2.10 + GST per word - Please print clearly Name: Phone:

GOATS WANTED

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

FOR SALE JR 3000 TRU-TEST weigh scale and Tru-Test MP series load bars $1100 firm. Phone 027 378 8207. DOG/PET FOOD. Lamb/ Beef and chicken products. All natural - raw - no preservatives or additives. NOSLOC PRODUCTS. Ex-freezer Te Kuiti. For information and prices www.nosloc.com or phone 07 878 6868. SAVE MONEY ON all tyre sizes. Free shipping NZ wide. Call or text 021 0526 365 or email: charity@ waihekewofcentre.co.nz

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

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

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

w w w. e l e c t r o t e k . c o . n z STOP BIRDS NOW!

DE HORNER

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

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

HOMES FARM SHEDS SUBDIVISIONS PUMPS Prices include delivery to your door! For friendly & professional advice CALL 0800 843 0987 Fax: 07 843 0992 Email: power@thecableshop.co.nz THE CABLE SHOP WAIKATO www.thecableshop.co.nz

MASSIVE TRACTOR SALE! ONE DAY SALE ONLY Thursday 1st February 2018 • Tractors – ALL makes and models • New and used Manfeild Park – Feilding In conjunction with the: NEW ZEALAND DAIRY EVENT 2018

ZON BIRDSCARER

electro-tek@xtra.co.nz

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.

PROPERTY WANTED

We could save you hundreds of $$

FREIGHT FREE

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

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

POWER CABLE

FARM MAPPING

New Zealand’s Number 1 service provider for under woolshed cleaning for more than a decade

FOR SALE

FERTILISER

10 years on and going strong!

Phone: +64 6 357 2454 HOOF TRIMMER

EARMARKERS

Wednesday 31st January to Friday 2nd February Enquiries to David 027 200 2726

DO YOU REQUIRE EQUITY?

EQUITY OPPORTUNITIES

• Are you looking to diversify, succession planning or debt reduction? • We put together syndicates, leases, JVs and sharefarming partnerships • Land owning and/or operations-only owning options • Farms and agribusinesses suitable • For parties keen to divest, or down size, or wanting to grow their assets through expansion We have investors looking to invest in farms, farming partnerships and agribusiness activities.

• Want positive cash-flow returns? • Looking for high growth opportunities? Seeking interested parties to participate in a large scale multi farm investment proposal. We currently have two separate large scale, multi farm diversified agricultural based propositions available – (10-12 farms). One project in the North Island, the other in the South Island. Absolute confidentiality assured.

Phone Nick, 027 476 3658 • Email: nick.aam@xtra.co.nz

Address:

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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

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

CONTRACTORS

AGRICULTURAL ASSET MANAGEMENT

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ANIMAL SUPPLEMENTS

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ANIMAL HANDLING

classifieds@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

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THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – January 22, 2018

Email:

T HI NK P R E B U I L T

Heading: Advert to read:

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

One owner – barely used for 5 months $28,000 NZD Mileage: 3,000 miles Gearbox: Automatic Exterior Colour: OBSIDIAN BLACK Interior Colour: Black Fuel Economy: 16 MPG City, 23 MPG Motorway Engine: V8 Petrol • Engine Size: 5.461 L Drivetrain: Four-Wheel Drive Reg. date: 30 Oct 2015 • Stock No.: 41628 CO2 Emissions: 322 g/km Major Options: Leather Seats, Alloy Wheels, Bluetooth, Reversing Camera • No accident record and no mechanical or engine fault

Sale needed urgently.

Email: pinpointsale@gmail.com or centurionconsultllc@accountant.com

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• • • • • • • • • • • •

NEW HOMES SOLID – PRACTICAL

WELL INSULATED – AFFORDABLE

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

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

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FOR SALE

2015 Mercedes-Benz G-Class 5.5 G63 AMG

DEXING JERSEY & JERSEY 42 livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80 CROSS HERD

Livestock

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – January 22, 2018

3/50 PW 161/67 RA 100% Dairy Cattle p 10 All Breeds for For NZ ) Sale

Mid July Delivery

2016 Born Contract Friesian Heifers (F12+)

Luke McBride Wayne Doran

027 304 0533 027 493 8957 021 765 430

Your source for PGG Wrightson livestock listings

WAIKATO HERDS FOR SALE Autumn Calvers 175 Frsn x Cows, BW92, PW121, RA83% Calving 1st March, Hereford Bull, Teat Sealed. $1,750.00 Agonline Ref# 062615 Chris Ryan 0272 431 078

57 Frsn/ Frsn x Cows, BW89, PW128 Calving 15th March, Carryover Cows, Hereford Bull. $1,800.00 Agonline Ref# 063068 Sam Wright 0274 430 905

279 XBred/ Frsn Cows, BW72, PW84, RA100% Calving 18th July, Ave 350 M/S. Sole Agency. $1,800.00 Agonline Ref# 062301 Jason Roberts 0272 431 429

210 Frsn/ Frsn x /Jsy x Cows, BW67, PW89, RA97% Calving 10th July, Ave 420 M/S, 1325hec, Ambreed. $1,850.00 Agonline Ref# 062669 Shaan Featherstone 0276 661 198

240 Jsy Cows, NZMI 30, Calving 20th July Ambreed/Semex Breed, Strong Capacious Jerseys. $1,675.00 Agonline Ref# 063006 Matt Hughes 0274 052 825

190 Kiwi x Cows, BW102, PW115, RA98% Calving 15th July, Low Imput System, Ave 340 M/S. $1,890.00 Agonline Ref# 063094 Dave Stuart 0272 241 049

645 XB Cows, BW73, PW88, RA94% 645 Cows or computer split options High bred for longevity $1,780.00 Sole Agent Agonline Ref# 063242 Richard Todd 027 494 2544

71 Jsy IC Heifers Semex bred NZMI 12 Calving 18 July, well grown complete line $1,350.00 Sole Agent Matt Hughes 027 405 2824

Other

SPECIAL ENTRY: TEMUKA 2TH EWE FAIR & ADULT EWE FAIR – TEMUKA SALEYARDS On A/C NR&EA PIRIE, MAUNGATI CAPITAL STOCK BREEDING EWES Wednesday 24th January 2018 250 2th Longdowns Ewes Wednesday 31 January 2018 800 M/A Longdowns Ewes

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

HAVE A SALE COMING UP?

LK0091302©

Paul Kane 027 286 9279 (North Waikato/ Northland) National Dairy & Live Export Coordinator Central & Southern NI 259 Friesians BW81 PW120 RA97% DTC 1/7 July calving content of young herd, 470ms $1900 233 Friesians BW83 PW78 RA99% DTC 15/7 Well bred, good structure, 370ms $1800 220 Frsn/FrsnX BW75 PW90 RA100% DTC17/7

Canterbury 500 FrFx BW68 PW71 RA96% DTC 1/8 Very low SCC 200 x A2-A2 $2100 420 FrFrx BW74 PW81 RA89% DTC 26/7 Good even line $2100

Frankton Saleyards Thursday 25th January 11am Comprising of: Meat Breeds 140 Poll Dorset 2th Rams 80 Suffolks 2th Rams 20 Sth Downs 2th Rams 30 Sth Suffolks 2th Rams 30 Terminal 2th Rams Wool Breeds 40 Romney 2th Rams 8 Perendale 2th Rams 10 Romdale 2th Rams 10 Border Leicester 2th Rams Top rams from breeders throughout the North Island Contact Cam Heggie 027 501 8182 PGG Wrightson Brent Bougen 027 210 4698 NZ Farmers Livestock

Freephone 0800 10 22 76 | www.pggwrightson.co.nz

in conjunction with

CASTLE RIDGE STATION

Philip Webb: 027 801 8057 Central & Southern NI Dairy Coordinator

Ashburton Gorge Monday 29th January 2018 Commencing 2pm We will offer

Richard Van Wynbergen 027 445 6056 South Island Dairy Coordinator

livestock@nzx.com

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

4500 Poll Dorset Cross Ram Lambs 4500 Poll Dorset Cross Ewe Lambs Auctioneers Note: This is an outstanding line of undrafted Prime and forward Store Lambs off genuine high country. The Progeny out of Merino Ewes eligible for Merino NZ Contracts. The above Lambs come highly recommended by the Auctioneers for their shifting ability and will be drafted into lines to suit intending purchases. Sale will be conducted purchase price plus GST. Further enquiries to: Geoff Wright – Hazlett Rural Ph. 027 462 0131

TEMUKA 2TH EWE FAIR Wednesday 24th January 2018 Approx 10,000 2th Ewes

WAIKATO PREMIER RAM FAIR

Empty Cows 12 Noon – Approx tally of 200

On account of

Top 220 from 440 young established herd $1850

We will also offer

Full and up to date entries visit: www.temukasales.co.nz

Boner Cows approx. 11:30am

13th Annual On Farm Lamb Sale

All mixed aged ewes lambed as hoggets. Consistently scanning 190-215. Enquiries: Jonty Hyslop 0275 956 450

TEMUKA ADULT EWE FAIR Wednesday 31st January 2018 Approx 14,000 MA Ewes

Thursday 25th January and every Thursday thereafter.

Northland OAD Herds 152 XBreds BW115 PW138 RA100% DTC 20/7 OAD herd, years of breeding $1650 250 Xbreds BW99 PW117 RA91% DTC 17/7 Established OAD herd 330ms (3yr avg) $2000 260 Frsn/FrsnX BW61 PW69 RA90% DTC 20/7 OAD herd long steep walks, will shift well $1750

Call Nigel

0800 85 25 80

Our empty cow and surplus dairy sale recommences at Morrinsville Dairy Complex

Give your local NZFL agent a call or for more details phone Darryl Houghton 0274 515 315

Herds 1st June 2018 delivery

North Island

South Island

Sheep

www.carrfieldslivestock.co.nz

South Island

Richard Harley

Beef

Philip Webb: 027 801 8057 Central & Southern NI Dairy Coordinator

(F12+) 2016021Born, Richard Harley 765 430 Greg Collins 027 481 9772 Chance Mated

r eting Service 8771 or 07 846 4491 Key: Dairy

Paul Kane 027 286 9279 (North Waikato/ Northland) National Dairy & Live Export Coordinator

Luke McBride 027 304 0533 Wayne Doran Heifers 027 493 8957 Friesian

Contact

son BRLL Brian Robinson Ph 07 027 8583132 241 0051 0051 or

2% Rebate Available for other companies.

Greg Cook – PGG Wrightson Ph 027 229 9376 Auctioneers Ashburton

New Zealand Dairy Event

To be followed by:

10 Years On and Going Strong! Manfield South Street, Feilding

On Farm Lamb Sale On Account of

MT ARROWSMITH STATION

Wednesday 31st January to Friday 2nd February, 2018

Ashburton Gorge 1000 Poll Dorset Cross Cryptorchid Lambs 1000 Poll Dorset Cross Ewe Lambs

Highlights: • Free entry to the public – from 8.30am each day • Premier Pedigree stock sale – Thursday 1st Feb, 7.00 pm • Youth Show – Wednesday 31st, from 8.30am • Youth Challenge – Wednesday 31st, 6.00pm • In-milk stock judged Wednesday and Thursday from 2pm • Youth judging competition Thursday 8am • Dry stock judged Friday 2nd Feb In conjunction with one day massive Tractor Sale Thursday 1st February

Enquiries to John Farrell Phone 0275 908 069 PGG Wrightson Auctioneers Ashburton

LK0091268©

the

All details available for the lines above. Several herds and lines of cows and in-calf heifers of all breeds availablemarketing for end of season delivery. sole agents:

LK0091314©

genetics to6 years beandone Friesian& cross potential cows, 75, 66 head under, of due from 25/7/18 to AB and tailed and Friesian bulls. s leading suppliers ofJersey Genetics to Herd tested, fully recorded, genuine cows, vendor exiting ustry for years to come. Full details industry.

Large premiums paid for young empty cows

Located central North Island. Grazing options available.

Late Feb – Early $1250 Gross March Delivery North Island

placement stock also Jersey autumn calving cows,available 35, in-calf to WWS and

CRV, tailed Hereford and Murray Grey, recorded, details available.

DTC 28th July also 2 lines DTC 2nd August. Vetted in-calf to Jersey Bulls (9 weeks). BW84 PW78 (avg all lines) 100% ancestry.

LK0091339©

Export Contract Export

MORRINSVILLE EMPTY COW SALE

LK0090073©

shift well. RWB heifers and weaner heifers also available. In-calf cattle due from mid July, bull out early December.

In-Calf Friesian Heifers Multiple lines available with options to suit.

LK0091373©

ws calve Weaner from 6.5 Cross, weeks heifers,16-7-12, 120, mostly black Friesian BW ave 125, PW 138, all G3 profiled, average liveweight y and Kiwi cross 120kg, will sell in lines to suit. Asking $500 plus GST. d to Immediate be delivery. 420 cows after non weaner heifers,& 50, CRL sired by Semex and culls, Jersey older cows 5% rejection other nominated sires, very well grown, from nice quality n lastherd forseason 347kgs ms/cow, sale also. Asking $500 plus GST. ms/ha, on 200rolling steeper Ayrshire herd, cows down fromto 280, fully recorded, long established herd, nice cows from hard area, should d farm, no meal, palm kernel or maize

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING

To find out more, visit

www.nzdairyevent.com

Are you looking in the right direction? To advertise Phone Nigel 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@nzx.com

LK0091317©

Autumn calving Ayrshire heifers, 80 head in Northland and Waikato, due from mid March to Ayrshire bulls, fully contracted to LIC for 2011 matings recorded. Will sell in lots to suit.

Livestock

THE NEW ZEALAND FARMERS WEEKLY – January 22, 2018

SALE TALK

TE KUITI CATTLE SALE Friday 26 Jan 12 noon A/c Brondelwayne Farm Capital Stock PB Limosine Herd 19 x 15-month Unmated Heifers 23 x R4 cows RWB 12/10 BO 25/1 105 x MA Cows RWB 4/11 BO 25/1, 60 x weaner steers, 60 x weaner heifers 2 sire bulls and are recommended to anyone looking for quality breeding cows. Contact Brent Bougen 027 210 4698

LK0091311©

These cows come forward in great condition

A man died and went to heaven. He saw St. Paul in front of him. Behind him was a wall of clocks. The man asked St. Paul “What are these clocks for?” St.Paul answered “These are lie clocks, everytime you lie the clock moves once.” There’s Mother Teresa’s. She hadn’t lied once so her clock is still. There’s Abraham Lincoln’s clock. He had lied just once and the clock has just moved once. The man asked “Where is Donald Trump’s clock?” St. Paul said “Oh! It’s in God’s office he uses it as a ceiling fan.”

STOCK REQUIRED GENUINE BREEDING EWES

15MTH HEIFERS 300-380kgs 300-400kgs 15 MTH BULLS 15 MTH STEERS 330-500kgs

GLEN ORKNEY MERINOS

500+kgs 2YR

STEERS COWS & CALVES

www.dyerlivestock.co.nz

Ross Dyer 0274 333 381 A Financing Solution For Your Farm E info@rdlfinance.co.nz

BRED FOR CARCASS, WOOL AND FERTILITY RIGOROUSLY SELECTED IN A FRINGE MERINO ENVIRONMENT 19 -21 ADULT MICRON Simon & Thomas Harvey 03 575 7361 merinos@glenorkney.co.nz www.glenorkney.co.nz

LIVESTOCK ADVERTISING Phone Nigel 0800 85 25 80 or email livestock@nzx.com

BUYING OR SELLING A DAIRY HERD? Contact Farm Source Livestock for specialist advice and expertise that will help you achieve optimal results, including: • • •

livestock@nzx.com – 0800 85 25 80

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

Q907- 57 XB cows, BW 121, PW 153, RA 100%,13/7 calv, total XB content from Jsy herd, $2000 Call Mike 027 674 1149 Q934- 317 Fsn/FsnX herd, BW 96, PW 112, RA 98 %, 373ms, 1/8 calv, G3 DNA, $1900 Call Jason 027 027 684 2443 938- 214 Fsn/FsnX herd, BW 81, PW 121, RA 97%, 470ms, 1/8 calv, $1600 Call Bunter 027 444 1169

AUTUMN CALVING COWS AND HEIFERS FOR SALE Large numbers available in all North Island farming areas, requiring quick sale by vendors. Below is just a selection available. Q937- 62 CRL Fsn hfrs, BW 86, PW 92, calv 25/3, top capital line,$1550, Waikato - Call Jack 027 823 2373 Q901- 900 c/o Fsn/FsnX cows, BW 79, PW 100, RA 87%, 3/3 calv, mated to AB, $1700, Northland - Call Eric 027 233 1687 Q940- 175 Samen AB CRL hfrs, BW 13, PW 36, 20/2 calv, outstanding, $1950, Waikato - Call Mike 027 674 1149 Q878- 27 Fsn/FsnX c/o cows, BW 81, PW 91, 14/3 calv to Hfd, young, $1600, Taranaki - Call Warren 027 677 6361 Q933- 200 Fsn/FsnX c/o cows , BW 86, PW 106, 3/3 calv to Hfd, tops, $1750, Waikato - Call Kelly 027 600 2374 Q919- 94 Fsn/FsnX herd, BW 81, PW 91, RA 95%, 3/3 calv to Hfd, complete herd, $1800, Waikato - Call Paul 027 481 3160 Q927- 55 Fsn i/c hfrs, BW 107, PW 112, 15/3 calv, elite replacement line, $1625, Waikato - Call Ben 027 702 4196 Q940- 42 Fsn i/c hfrs, BW 32, PW 38, 25/3 calv to Hfd, absolute huge hfrs, $1550, Pukekohe - Call Steve 027 453 8769 Q884- 356 Fsn/FsnX c/o cows, BW 89, PW 116, calv 18/3 to ID Fsn, very good, $1750, Manawatu - Call Hamish 927 432 0298 Talk to your local Farm Source agent or visit nzfarmsource.co.nz/livestock Earn Farm Source Rewards Dollars on all sales and purchases.

0800 548 339 NZFARMSOURCE.CO.NZ/LIVESTOCK

Meat the Modern Hampshire Breed Qualities: Early Maturity LK0091310©

High Yielding Easy Lambing

0800 548 339 NZFARMSOURCE.CO.NZ/LIVESTOCK

LIST OF REGISTERED HAMPSHIRE BREEDERS Northland Flock 98

A D & B I & G J D & V J Priest, Hikurangi 09 433 4703

Hawke’s Bay Flock 261 Michael & Sheryl Vette, Waipawa

06 857 8103

Canterbury Flock 260 Flock 144 Flock 1 Flock 265

B J & P E Butterick, Christchuch L A Cairns, Rakaia C & R Knubley, Fairlie S I & H A Mangin, Methven

03 329 0825 03 302 1825 03 685 5778 03 302 8073

Otago Flock 233 Flock 246

D M & A K Dodd, Ranfurly D C Greer, Ranfurly

03 444 9615 03 444 9533

Southland Flock 259 Flock 242 Flock 223

W J Ayers, Wyndham G M Macfarlane, Te Anau M J & J F Mouat, Gore

0272 264 290 027 329 8703 027 480 9570

www.nzsheep.co.nz/hampshire

MARKET SNAPSHOT

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

Grain & Feed

MILK PRICE FORECAST ($/KGMS) 2017-18

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Canterbury (NZ$/t)

6.40

6.20

AS OF07/12/2017

AS OF 18/01/2018

MILK PRICE COMPARISON

353

327

NI mutton (20kg)

4.50

3.00

383

286

SI lamb (17kg)

6.80

6.90

5.10

Feed Barley

379

389

281

SI mutton (20kg)

4.50

3.00

239

Export markets (NZ$/kg) 8.96

0.00

7.43

6.5

Maize Grain

441

444

370

6.0

PKE

268

240

WMP GDT PRICES AND NZX FUTURES

280

276

UK CKT lamb leg

* 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.

7.0

INTERNATIONAL Last week

Prior week

Last year

Wheat - Nearest

220

223

220

Corn - Nearest

189

193

198

392

386

306

2500 2000 Mar 17 Jun 17 Sep 17 C2 Fonterra WMP

4.5

South Island 1 7kg lamb

7.5 7.0

ASW Wheat

370

366

274

Feed Wheat

327

320

247

Feed Barley

356

359

236

PKE (US$/t)

Dec 17 Mar 18 NZX WMP Futures

6.0 5.0

Ex-Malaysia

112

NZ venison 60kg stag

6.5

6006.0

$/kg

3000

6.5 5.5

CBOT futures (NZ$/t)

APW Wheat

3500

North Island 17kg lamb

7.5

Australia (NZ$/t)

4000 US$/t

5.05

380

7.0

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

6.80

353

Waikato (NZ$/t)

Nov 17 Jan 18 AgriHQ Seasonal

500

5.5

400

5.0

300

4.5

OctOct

102

DecDec

FebFeb

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

Prior week

vs 4 weeks ago

WMP

3140

3035

3000

SMP

1860

1750

AMF

6250

Butter

4900

Last week

Prior week

Last year

Last week

Prior week

Last year

1705

Urea

520

482

Coarse xbred ind.

2.78

2.74

3.80

6000

6200

Super

303

317

Nth Isl 37m

2.80

3.70

4500

4775

DAP

739

Sth Isl 35m

3.15

4.05

752

May Jun 4 weeks ago

Jul

THE first full week of trading for 2018 saw the NZX finish lower. However, the trend reversed last week with the index again moving higher. Positive corporate newsflow has been a key driver for the local bourse over the week along with some solid economic data and positive movements from global peers. The Quarterly Survey of Business Opinion for the December quarter showed a continuation of the themes we have been seeing in the ANZ business outlook survey. There has been a marked decrease in business confidence following the election. This is not an abnormal phenomenon with the uncertainty surrounding an election generally causing some unrest. Elsewhere in the world, the United States market has continued to go from strength to strength. The recently passed tax reform and the start of the corporate earnings season have been the key drivers for the stellar performance. The Dow Jones Industrial average rose above 26,000 for the first time. The Australian index started 2018 with a solid run, however, commodity prices have pulled back with the weaker US dollar, creating a headwind for the index. Market commentary provided by Craigs Investment Partners

19236

S&P/NZX 50 INDEX

8273

S&P/NZX 10 INDEX

7784

$/kg

c/k kg (net)

US$/t

NZ$/t Mar Apr Latest price

NZ venison 60kg stag

4.5

600

350 250 150 Jan 14

Coarse xbred wool indicator

5.5

CANTERBURY FEED PRICES

Sharemarket Briefing

15058

This yr

(NZ$/kg)

450

S&P/FW AG EQUITY

Last yr

AugAug

NZ average (NZ$/t)

WMP FUTURES - VS FOUR WEEKS AGO

S&P/FW PRIMARY SECTOR

JunJun

WOOL

* price as at close of business on Thursday

Feb

AprApr

FERTILISER

Last price*

3200 3100 3000 2900 2800 2700

Last year

6.85

Feed Wheat PKE

Sep 17 AgriHQ Spot Fonterra forecast

Last week Prior week

NI lamb (17kg)

Milling Wheat

7.5

5.5 Jul 17

Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

c/kkg (net)

$/kgMS

SHEEP MEAT

DOMESTIC

AGRIHQ 2017-18

FONTERRA 2017-18

Sheep

$/kg

Dairy

Jan 15 Feed barley

Jan 16

Jan 17 PKE spot

300

2.5

Oct Oct

Dec Dec

Feb Feb

AprApr Last yr

JunJun

AugAug This yr

Dollar Watch

YTD High

YTD Low

Auckland International Airport Limited

6.47

6.73

6.26

Fisher & Paykel Healthcare Corporation Ltd

13.16

14.39

12.92

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

2.90 3.59 8.30 7.58 10.27 33.49 3.35 5.47

3.00 3.68 8.48 7.81 11.30 33.89 3.43 5.64

2.87 3.52 7.66 7.55 10.27 30.61 3.33 5.41

Listed Agri Shares

3.5

400

5‐yr ave

Top 10 by Market Cap Company

500

5pm, close of market, Thursday

Company

YTD High

YTD Low

The a2 Milk Company Limited

8.300

8.480

7.660

Cavalier Corporation Limited

0.490

0.390

Comvita Limited

8.650

8.700

8.300

Delegat Group Limited

7.900

8.050

7.800

Foley Family Wines Limited

1.520

1.540

1.520

Fonterra Shareholders' Fund (NS)

6.530

6.660

6.380

Livestock Improvement Corporation Ltd (NS)

2.250

New Zealand King Salmon Investments Ltd

2.330

2.270

PGG Wrightson Limited

0.580

0.610

0.570

Sanford Limited (NS)

8.300

8.500

8.250

Scales Corporation Limited

4.850

4.920

4.750

Seeka Limited

6.500

6.520

6.450

Tegel Group Holdings Limited

1.150

1.240

1.140

S&P/FW Primary Sector

15058

15161

14765

S&P/FW Agriculture Equity

19236

19377

18763

S&P/NZX 50 Index

8273

8456

8211

S&P/NZX 10 Index

7784

8018

7694

A STRONG euro currency This Prior Last NZD vs has dented the United week week year States dollar’s value in the USD 0.7305 0.7250 0.7162 last few weeks and looks EUR 0.5970 0.6022 0.6740 to have dragged the kiwi AUD 0.9138 0.9183 0.9500 dollar along with it. The kiwi typically GBP 0.5262 0.5355 0.5821 follows the trend of the Correct as of 9am last Friday euro against the big dollar though that can be outweighed by domestic factors here. At present, as noted by Craig’s Investment Partners in a recent note, the kiwi also performs well when financial markets are in an optimistic mood. It says the weakness of the US dollar is a little strange given the strength of the economy and with interest rates due to rise. In this environment, the strength of the euro, at three-year highs against the US dollar, had caught many people off guard. People are now reconsidering how long the ECB can continue with its ultra-loose monetary policy. The kiwi is also well up on a TWI basis, from the early December (post-election) low of 72.32; and is up around the 75c mark and likely to put a drag on export returns. Though the US dollar is the major currency for world export pricing it is just third-ranked of the 17 currencies making up the TWI basket, based on trade levels, behind the Aussie dollar and Chinese yuan. Westpac analysts still expect the kiwi to fall against the US dollar, possibly to 0.67, as the US Fed raises interest rates this year. Alan Williams

Markets

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

WAIKATO MAIZE GRAIN

NI SLAUGHTER STEER

SI SLAUGHTER LAMB

($/T)

($/KG)

5.40

441

6.80

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

Last week

Prior week

Last year

NI Steer (300kg)

5.40

5.30

NI Bull (300kg)

5.25

5.00

NI Cow (200kg)

4.00

3.95

3.85

SI Steer (300kg)

5.30

5.20

SI Bull (300kg)

5.15

5.20

4.70

SI Cow (200kg)

4.15

4.10

3.80

US imported 95CL bull

6.49

6.52

6.08

US domestic 90CL cow

6.51

6.56

6.21

Export markets (NZ$/kg)

North Island steer (300kg)

6.5

$/kg

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

6.5 6.0

NZ venison 60kg stag

c/k kg (net)

$/kg

5.5 600

500 5.0 400 4.5 300

4.0

Oct Oct

Dec Dec

Feb Feb

5‐yr ave

Apr Apr

Jun Jun

Last yr

Aug Aug This yr

VENISON Slaughter price (NZ$/kg)

Last week Prior week

Last year

NI Stag (60kg)

10.15

8.00

NI Hind (50kg)

10.05

7.90

SI Stag (60kg)

10.70

8.00

SI Hind (50kg)

10.60

7.90

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

($/HD)

high lights

$141 - $161

$480 - $520

Top half of 5-year ewes at the Wairoa Ewe & Lamb Fair

Weaner HerefordFriesian bulls, 90-110kg, at Temuka Weaner Calf Sale

Ewe sales strong

ELCOME rain in King Country and Hawke’s Bay brought out the buyers to ewe fairs last week with everyone going home happy. NORTHLAND NORTHLAND Just a small selection of cattle came forward for the second week running at WELLSFORD. This reflected the feed conditions through Northland which are as good as any through the country. Just two lines of two-year bulls were offered, and top dollar went to the 560kg beef-cross bulls at $1510, $2.69/kg. The changing supply and demand dynamics added a few extra dollars to the yearling steers. Most notable were some 340-370kg Hereford-Friesians, at $1120-$1180, up at least 20c/kg on a week ago. A line of 340kg HerefordFriesians were the highlight of the yearling heifers too at $1050, but nothing else stood out. A few yearling Friesian bulls added something a little different, selling at $870-$1030 for 335-380kg. More weaners came out of the woodwork, but not in any great numbers. Bidders clearly worked on per head budgets given weights didn’t make much difference to prices. All beef-cross steers, 135-190kg, made $540-$640, while the majority of 110160kg heifers went for $470-$510. Two lines of cows in-calf to beef bulls sold quite well, making $1470$1510, $2.82-$2.84/kg. Some runwith-bull Hereford-Friesian heifers weren’t quite as popular at $1265, $2.63/kg. Rain has continued to make an appearance through Northland, strengthening to the market for a yarding of 450 cattle market at KAIKOHE, as reported by Vaughan Vujcich of PGG Wrightson. Two-year steers of Charolais, Angus, and Simmental breeding were all around the $2.90-$3.00/kg mark, with a single line of Friesian steers at $2.76/

Does arranging livestock finance feel like the tail wagging the dog? HBA 1062R

c/k kg (net)

600

AVERAGE FOR MEDIUM STORE WETHER LAMBS AT STORTFORD LODGE

Heartland Bank Limited’s lending criteria, fees and charges apply. For full terms and conditions, visit www.openforlivestock.co.nz

More photos: farmersweekly.co.nz

START ‘EM YOUNG: Hamish Orbell of Clayton Station and his sons watch the PGG Wrightson auction team in action at his onfarm sale on January 16.

kg. Two-year beef-type heifers were a little off their brothers pace at $2.75/ kg, and similar money was paid for a few two-year bulls, who were also mainly beef-bred. Yearling steers were in short supply, with traditional types selling at $3.20-$3.40/kg, and a heavy line of Gelbveigh-cross made $3.20/kg. One-year heifers generally fell into the $2.75-$3.00/kg range for the usual mix of traditional and exotic breeds. The weaner calf market was strong throughout too. The majority of both steers and heifers sold at $520-$545, and a mixture of dairy and beef-cross bulls were $500-$545. Heavy Hereford-cross steer calves did make as much as $635-$700, and some autumn-born Simmental-cross bulls went for $820. A few Friesian cows sold for around $1.75/kg.

AUCKLAND AUCKLAND Quality and numbers were certainly lacking in what was the first sale of 2018 at PUKEKOHE. Sporadic rains through the region have been welcomed and will be needed in the coming weeks too. Any cattle in decent appearance commanded a significant premium. Light two-year steers made $1240$1390, $2.67-$2.70/kg, with similar 15-month steers at $2.69-$2.84/kg. The better cut of the weaners steers made $675-$705, with light cross-bred lines at $480-$540 and the tail-enders $335-$420. Two-year heifers were similar to their brothers at $2.62-$2.67/kg, but 15-month cross-bred lines were down at $2.54-$2.65/kg. Good weaner heifers were $630-$730, dropping to

Continued page 46

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Markets

46 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 22, 2018 $450-$535 for the light pens and $340 for the lightest line.

bulls, made the top sale price of $1900, $2.96/kg.

WAIKATO It was something of a game of two halves at FRANKTON last Tuesday, with heifers buoyed by a few extra buyers, however those looking for bulls were more conservative and an easing was felt in this market. Highlights for the heifers included a line of Angus-cross, 106-119kg, making $400-$455, while Hereford-cross 118kg, earned $440, the ever popular Hereford-Friesian, 100-105kg, managed $455-$477. Bulls eased for the majority, though a few quality lines managed steady to lifting returns. Angus, 121kg, were steady at $535, Hereford-Friesian, 137kg, came back at $475-$515, on the flip side 114kg lifted to $640. Friesian bulls, 155-163kg, steady at $560-$600, as were 111-113kg, at $482-$495, though 117-127kg, eased to $470$500. Another small store sale last Wednesday was well supported by the local buying bench. The market was positive with particular strength throughout the 1-year cattle. Two-year Hereford-Friesian heifers, 486kg, lifted to $2.70/kg, a small line of 2-year Jersey-cross bulls were strong returning $2.34/ kg. One-year steers were a highlight, with the majority exceeding $3/kg. Hereford-cross, 320-327kg, made strong returns at $3.13-$3.22/ kg, as did 260-289/kg HerefordFriesian at $3.25-$3.27/kg. Heifers were also a strong feature, with Hereford-cross, 308kg, lifting to $2.86/kg, and Hereford-Friesian, 314-328kg, up to $3.03-$3.07/kg. The Prime market was steady, Hereford-Friesian heifers, 593kg, earned $2.63/kg. A line of Friesian-cross boner cows managed $2.12/kg, with the remainder earning $1.43-$1.68/kg.

MANAWATU MANAWATU Ex-service bulls continued to account for a good portion of the cattle section at the FEILDING prime sale, and once again sold for decent prices. The straight-beef bulls picked up where they left off, mainly going under the hammer at $2.96-$3.01/kg, but the lighter end did tend to edge just below $2.90/kg. There were plenty of Jersey bulls put forward too, and these generally lifted around 5c/kg on a week ago. Weights were definitely towards the lower-end through many of these, but the 445- 495kg bracket did make $2.37-$2.43/ kg. The usual collection of cull Friesian cows sold to a steady market. Most of the 460-650kg lines went for $1.78-$1.89/kg, with a little variation either side. The prime sheep yarding doubled on last week’s effort mainly due to a small influx of ewes. Good results at ewe fairs, along with the release of at least one autumn ewe contract no doubt drew these numbers out, though it was still well short of December’s massive yardings. Even more rain throughout the region this past week continued to keep lambs on-farm, with only an extra 500 head of these available. Strong results were found through both sections of the sheep sale. Top ewes made $130-$138, with the rest mainly $100-$129. The lamb market followed a similar trend to the ewes. Better lines were $137-$151, while little else went below $117. It was a quiet day in the cattle rostrum at Friday’s store sale. The weaner fair the day earlier mixed with the on-going recovery off feed conditions kept the yarding down at 720 head, however there were still plenty of buyers in the rostrum. Barely any two-year steers or heifers were sold. Only a line of 530kg Charolais steers at $1710, $3.23/kg and 425 Angus-Hereford heifers at $1265, $2.98/kg were worth mentioning. A smaller numbers of ex-service bulls came in too. The Friesians, 425-680kg, were a little softer through the lighter-end at $2.92-$2.99/kg, but one 575kg line did better at $3.08/ kg. One-year steers were much shorter in quality beef-bred numbers. Some 380-405kg Angus were $1285-$1335, $3.30-$3.39/ kg, roughly matching a week ago. Well-presented Hereford-Friesian steers met good interest, lifting to $3.35-$3.39/kg for 340-375kg. Once the heifers rolled around there weren’t too many bidders left, which was reflected in the $2.76-$2.87/kg paid for beefFriesian lines in the 240-475kg range. Yearling Friesian bulls sold in two cuts but lifted as a whole. The 420-510kg lines were $2.84-$2.93/ kg, and 350-390kg made $3.03$3.05/kg. Jersey bulls, 320-370kg, were $2.25-$2.45/kg. A quite large crowd of local and Hawke’s Bay buyers lined the sheep pens, intent on taking advantage of the feed that consistent rains have provided. There were few lines that stood out in terms of quality, leaving the dollar on the day at $115,

BAY OF PLENTY BAY OF PLENTY Areas that feed into RANGIURU are still looking nice and green, making for another decent midsummer sale. Ex-service bulls were again a feature, and sold to a firmer market. Prime Hereford bulls were mainly 545-595kg, selling at $2.91$2.96/kg, though a few 610-645kg lines went up to $3.02-$3.10/kg. The remainder were Jersey’s, at $2.76-$2.82/kg for the 470-495kg range. Prime steers and heifers were essentially stable, though quality and numbers were back. The top steers were $2.98/kg, and heifer’s $2.83/kg. Prime and boner cows were varied, but two 570kg lines topped this section at a solid $2.08-$2.16/kg The two-year steers were down just ever so slightly as all 380440kg all made $2.90-$2.98/kg. Yearling Hereford-cross steers, 345-380kg, made $2.84-$3.00/ kg, while a good line of 365kg Hereford-Friesian heifers went under the hammer for $1040, $2.86/kg. Yearling bulls mainly consisted of Jersey’s, and these showed the greatest strength relative to last week. The 345-385kg lines sold at $820-$930, $2.36-$2.41/kg, a lift of at least 20c/kg. Weaners were back in the yards

FLOCK: Lambs waiting for the sale to begin at Clayton Station on January 16.

More photos: farmersweekly.co.nz

for the first time this year. Prices on these weakened, but that is common for this time of the year. Friesian bulls were arguably the strongest in this section, as 100135kg made $400-$445 and 150160kg were $500-$550. Beef-cross heifers, 90-100kg, made $370-$395. An average sized yarding of ewes and lambs could be found, though there were a number of pens of decent size to them. Both ewes and lambs were at least stable on previous week. Lambs averaged $120 and ewe’s averaged $89. KING COUNTRY KING COUNTRY Top quality 2th ewes were presented at the January 12 sale to a strong bench of buyers. Star lines attracting plenty of interest, as reported by Brett Wallbank of NZ Farmers Livestock Top Romney’s fell into the $175-$208 range, a level that was matched by the Coopworths, $172$212, Perendales, $173-$217, and Romdales, $186-$212. The balance of yarding did well too, mainly finding new homes at $148-$165. Both 10,000 ewes and some much appreciated rain arrived at TE KUITI for the MA, 5 & 6-year Ewe Fair on January 18, reports Brett Wallbank of NZ Farmers Livestock. The market largely met expectation, with hard competition for the younger capital stock ewes being the highlight. Bidders chased capital stock Coopworth, Highlander, and Romney 4th-four-year ewes up to $197, though $165-$192 was were the majority traded. The better 5 & 6-year ewes were well supported too. One outstanding line of 5-year Romney’s were picked up at $180, with the range being $140-$180 for all ewes in this age bracket. Top 6-year ewes made $130-$139. Mutton schedules supported the remainder of the sale, where medium lines were $110-$130 and lighter types $85-$100. TARANAKI TARANAKI Local buyers met with a largely reduced yarding at TARANAKI last Wednesday with only 70 cattle on offer. Two-year Friesian steers, 450602kg, were steady at $2.78-$2.91/ kg, as were Friesian, 550kg, at $2.71/kg, while 565kg HerefordJersey lifted to $2.83/kg. Heifers were steady with HerefordFriesian, 495kg, earning $2.87/kg, steers of the same breeding, 300kg, returned $3.03/kg.

One-year heifers were something of a mixed bag as Hereford-Friesian, 335kg, held steady at $2.72/kg, while a 250kg line were back at $2.46/kg Mixed-age Friesian cows, 496497kg, made $1.87-$1.88/kg. A ewe and ram fair was also held and this was supported by buyers from Taranaki, Waverley, Whanganui and King Country, with around 2,200 yarded, returns met expectations. Top capital stock 2th Perendale ewes earned $178, Romney $160$172, 5yr ewes $100-$140. The remainder of heavy ewes made $130-$140, medium $120-$130, and lighter types $100-$110. Top 2th Suffolk rams earned $500-$600, Suffolk/Texel $300$450, but Perendale were not as popular making $200. POVERTY BAY POVERTY BAY Regular rainfall through the East Coast meant there was very little on offer at the MATAWHERO cattle fair. Everything was well supported though given the varied quality and small pens. Good quality lines with decent numbers were hot property. This was quite obvious through the yearling steers where some, 275325kg, Angus’s sold at $3.69-$3.71/ kg. Strong interest was also clear through the weaners and cows & calves. Hereford-Friesian weaner heifers, 115-140kg, made an impressive $525-$560, with 100kg Friesian bull calves not far behind at $520. The two larger lines of beef cows & calves made $1760-$1880. It was a mixed affair through other classes and age-groups. Some 470-520kg, two-year steers did well at $3.34-$3.38/kg, while two-year Angus bulls, 325-580kg, were at $2.59-$2.69/kg. The majority of the 295-365kg yearling heifers made $2.87-$3.01/kg. HAWKE’S BAY

Nearly 6000 head arrived at the WAIROA yards, where numbers were heavily bolstered on previous years by a selection of lambs - a class of stock which haven’t been traded at this particular sale since 2012. Ewe tallies were actually 1600 head short on a year ago. Those who did opted to sell were rewarded handsomely, however. Quality was apparent throughout, and bidders swooped in to take away the better half of the 5-year ewes away at an exceptional $130$161. Prices through the rest were

nothing to complain about either, with zero ewes selling below $120. To put the market in perspective, nothing last year went above $100.50. Lambs were well supported too. The better types were at $93.50$100.50, and the majority of the remainder made$79-$86.50. Only a handful of cattle were on offer at STORTFORD LODGE, where 5 Devon cows and 1 bull sold at $2.02/kg and $1.93/kg respectively. Lamb numbers increased and didn’t quite reach the highs of previous week’s sale, but were still well up on the end of 2017 returns. Though there were not as many buyers on the rails, the market was positive. All lambs on offer were mixed sex. Heavy lambs eased on a $/hd basis, but were still strong. Good lambs were steady making $128.50-$131, and light-medium gained ground making $110.50$111. Though the ewe market lacked the punch of last week, returns were still healthy. A top price of $163 was paid for one pen of very heavy ewes, the remainder of the same making $133-$150.50. Results were steady the rest too. Heavy ewes returned $123-$126 and good through to very-good, $115-$122. Light-medium through to medium lifted to $91-$105.20. With just on 3760 store lambs yarded on Wednesday, buyers were treated to some quality lines of lambs and the market lifted. Continued rainfall for most and good feed at home meant bidding was strong. Most lambs remained local, though a few headed away again to Taupo. The largest lines were wethers and these were snapped up, with medium types trading in the $94$103 range. Mixed-sex lambs were a game of two halves, with heavier types lifting to $116-130.50, whilst medium came back to $68.50-$86.. Ewe lambs lifted for the majority, with lighter lambs lifting to $58-$75, medium-good were strong at $88.50-$106. Just a smattering of cattle were offered at last Wednesday’s store sale. A line of 2-year heifers with young calves-at-foot started proceedings, and managed $1345 all counted. A quality line of 2.5 year Angus steers, 595kg, made good returns at $2.94/kg, with the next cut, 543kg, close behind at $2.88/kg. Three well-presented Hereford

leaving bidder to battle for mainly medium-type lambs. Breed and sex had little impact on the market for the good size lines, which firmed just a little to $108.50-$115. The winners of the day were the medium and medium-good male whiteface lambs. The medium-good lines climbed to $95.50-$113.50, with the cut below $86-$98. Similar weighted lines of blackface mixed sex lambs were tougher shifting by comparison, usually $80-$91.50. Ewe lambs were still in short supply. These were mainly medium-light cuts, selling at $70$81.50. Medium whiteface mixed sex lambs also found resistance at $73.50-$83.50. No ewes of note were put forward. WAIRARAPA WAIRARAPA A line up of 11,000 ewes at MASTERON sold to expectations, as reported by Stephen Wilkinson of PGG Wrightsons. A much smaller yarding than previous years saw the 2th and MA ewes combined into one sale, where it would typically be held over two days. The buying bench was a combination of locals and buyers from Manawatu and Central Hawkes Bay. The top of the twotooth ewes sold for $198, but the market settled quickly after that into a tight bracket, with most trading between $170-$180. Fourtooth ewes traded made $126$166. In the mixed age section the majority sold in the range $130$163. The top price for 5 year ewes was $162 and good-to-mediums trading at $121-$145. CANTERBURY CANTERBURY Good summer grass growth kept the cattle away from the CANTERBURY PARK saleyards, where not even 150 cattle traded. Steers accounted for the majority of the prime offering and enjoyed a good sale. Straight traditional breed cattle were nonexistent, but the various beef-cross lines did well as 520-680kg lines made $2.95-$3.05/kg. Heifers were steady versus the previous sale, as the various beef-cross lines, 480-

665kg, regularly made $2.79-$2.88/ kg, occasionally edging was high as $2.90-$2.94/kg. Cows and bulls were few and far between. The 590-650kg beef cows were at $2.01-$2.12/kg, while 465-560kg cows of all breeds made $1.86-$1.94/kg. Just a scattering of store cattle were available too. They generally sold to expectations given the small numbers on offer. A line of 325kg Angus-Hereford heifers were arguably the highlight through these at $985, $3.04/kg. A yarding of 4800 store lambs firmed for the second week in a row. Nearly a third of the sale were light-to-very light lambs, and these generally made an impressive $55-$74/hd. Medium lambs were mainly bought at $80-$91, while the heavier lines usually made $99-$105. Top dollar went to some South Down x lambs at $111. With schedules holding flat and grass a non-issue, it was no surprise to see little in the way of either prime lambs or prime ewes. Ewes were on par with the week earlier. Heavy ewes where mainly $140$160 and any medium lines ranged across $100-$135. Prime lamb numbers dropped even lower, but this didn’t have too much effect in prices either. The top cut were picked up at $155-$175, and medium-to-good lines were generally $130-$150. Both cattle and sheep experienced a solid sale at COALGATE. While the prime cattle section was comparable in size to the week prior, there was a notable decline in store options. The yearling and older store cattle available were few and far between, but largely met expectations given the quality. Most notable were, 405-415kg, Hereford-Friesians steers at $1140$1190, $2.82-$2.87/kg. One line of Hereford steers, 370kg, made $2.99/kg. A line of 130kg Friesian bulls made top dollar in the weaners at $480, with two lines of, 110-140kg, Simmental-cross bulls both in second place at $430. The better prime steers and heifers were a carbon copy of each other, with, 457-635kg, steers at $2.72-$2.80/kg and, 455-640kg,

heifers mainly making $2.71$2.81/kg. Most, 374-465, heifers were generally $2.60-$2.70/kg. The standard mixture of ex-service bulls rounded out the sale, the majority were, 435-455kg, Jersey lines, selling to $2.32-$2.34/kg. An offering of 2800 store lambs couldn’t match the previous week’s market, but prices were nothing to be scoffed at. The moving of the sale to Wednesday and the fact that many potential buyers weren’t aware the yarding would be so large, were singled out as the main reason behind the weakness. The better lambs changed hands at $90-$109, but the majority of the rest fell into the $70-$89 bracket. Both prime ewes and lambs tallies lifted back above the 1000 head mark. Prime ewes continued to sell to an extremely positive market, with the lions share making $100-$139. Two lines topped this section at $195-$200. The prime lambs also managed to hold their own. The heaviest pens were still in the $140-$168 range, but the majority were more often at $110-$139, while $90-$109 rounded out the rest. SOUTH CANTERBURY SOUTH CANTERBURY A lack of stock movement added an extra degree of competitiveness among prime cattle buyers at TEMUKA, pushing values up across the sale. Ex-service bulls were once again the focal point, accounting for 60% of the numbers available. A larger selection of Friesian bulls lifted up to 5c/kg, to $2.70-$2.81/kg for 530-760kg. Jersey bulls climbed 10-25c/kg, to $2.74-$2.82/kg for 545-690kg, while 450-485kg sold to $2.60-$2.70/kg. Beef-breed bulls generally rose 10c/kg, putting 565810kg lines at $2.87-$2.91/kg. The prime steers and heifers enjoyed a stable-to-slightly firmer sale. The majority of the beefbreed steers, 555-690kg, made $2.74-$2.80/kg. Similar heifers, 505-625kg, mainly made $2.68$2.75/kg, but the Friesian lines were fairly varied. Beef-breed cows were somewhat of a feature in the cow section. Anything over 670kg was rewarded with a solid $2.10-$2.15/kg, but the majority were 540-645kg at

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SOUTHLAND SOUTHLAND Dry conditions throughout Southland did not have much of an impact on throughput at the LORNEVILLE sale. Just a small selection of prime cattle came forward, meeting a sound market. Bulls and cows were the majority, with 600kg plus bulls making $2.65-$2.75/kg, while 500-600kg were $2.60/kg and some 500kg Jersey bulls managed $2.30/kg. Any cows over 500kg made $1.90/ kg or higher, with 380-500kg lines ranging across $1.60-$1.80/kg. Some 350-400kg heifers made $2.40/kg. The calf market edged back, as is normal at this time of the year. Friesian bull calves, 100-120kg, were $300-$350, with $370-$385 covering the 120kg plus lines. Hereford-Friesian bull calves began at $360-$420 for 90-100kg, but a line at 110kg climbed to $500. Yearling cattle were back too. Hereford-Friesian steers, 390kg, made $980, while 330kg beef-cross heifers were $820. Some Friesian steers, 330-380kg, were at $800$930. Store lambs met a solid market. Top lines were $80-$95, while medium and light lines were $70-$78 and $60-$68 respectively. Prime lambs made as much as $121-$145 for the heavies, $102$116 for mediums and $91-$114 for the lighter end. Prime ewes were similar at $116-$139 for heavy pens, $90-$112 for the mediums and $81-$89 for the rest.

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across the BALCLUTHA sale, reported PGG Wrightsons agent Russell Moloney. It was a good day in the prime section where both ewes and lambs lifted around $2/ hd. Heavy lambs were at $135$145, while mediums and lighter lines made $120-$125 and $100$110 respectively. Top ewes in the $140-$150 bracket, easing down to $125-$135 for the mediums and $110-$120 for the lesser types. The store section was depressed in comparison. Dry conditions through the region meant few are willing to commit to lambs over an extended time period. The better end only managed $70-$76, falling to $50-$60 for mediums and $30$40 for the tail-enders.

$2.00-$2.10/kg. Friesian cows were in demand too, rising around 10c/ kg to $1.94-$2.08/kg for the 495605kg bracket. Jersey cows also strengthened to $1.83-$1.93/kg for 430-525kg. An extra 2000 store lambs and 1000 prime ewes filled the sheep pens relative to the previous sale. Thankfully good weather over the past fortnight drew more than enough buyers into the yards to keep the markets strong. Fine wool lambs proved to be somewhat of a hit in the store lambs, as medium lines were traded at $85-$88 and lighter lines were mainly $60-$75. Coarser wool were strong too. Good lines fell into the $93-$110 range, while even mediums were returning $88-$96. Prime lambs were nearly an exact replica of last week, where the better end made $140-$160, while most of the medium lines fell into the $110-$138 bracket. There was a little more top-end to the prime ewe market where a handful climbed into $182-$199 territory, but the general range was fixed at the same level as last week, $100-$149. A little over 3000 calves were squeezed into TEMUKA for the weaner calf sale on Thursday. The sale was so large it ran until after 5.30pm. The market was strong throughout. It began with the Friesian bulls. The majority were 95-120kg, selling at $440-$475, with 120140kg mainly making $470-$500 and anything heavier usually $530$575. Beef-cross calves followed the same trend as the Friesians, selling either at or a little above the December calf sale. The 130165kg heifers were nearly identical to their brothers, with 105-130kg often making $480-$520. A few 8095kg lines were $370-$395. Little differentiated the steers from any of the other sexes either, where $485-$525, covered the 105-120kg weight band. Buyers showed little interest in 85-115kg Jersey bulls, which were practically given away at $150$200.

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2.74 - 2.77 2.70 - 2.72

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48 THE NZ FARMERS WEEKLY – farmersweekly.co.nz – January 22, 2018 COARSE XBRED WOOL

NI SLAUGHTER LAMB

SI SLAUGHTER BULL

($/KG)

PRIME JERSEY BULLS, 450-490KG, AT TEMUKA

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6.85

2.78

5.15

high $510 - $545 $84 - $101 Friesian bulls, Medium store lambs lights Weaner 100-115kg, at Feilding at Canterbury Park

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Weaner Fair

Record sheep meat exports

Strong sentiment in lamb market THE year has opened on a high note for sheep farmers and with lamb supply expected to be tight again for the rest of the 2017-18 processing season, the odds might well continue to be in farmers’ favour. Rachel Agnew Lamb prices held up AgriHQ Analyst exceptionally well through December and so far in January. Historical data shows lamb prices typically fall around 80c/kg from November to January. This season the fall has been just 50c/kg. Given lamb processing rates through December reached historical highs across the country, resulting in the number of lambs killed before Christmas being well up on past years, it has really been quite a feat for the lamb price to remain as strong as it has. A high lamb price at this time of year reveals just how positive the sentiment in the global lamb market is. Demand for the chilled Easter trade in the United Kingdom and European Union is keeping export returns up as well as keeping frozen inventories short. Post January, when production reverts to frozen orders and supply volumes lift, markets will begin to restock and we are likely to see some correction; however, given it will be coming off such a high level, farmers will still realise the best lamb returns seen since 2012. Anecdotal evidence suggests the OctoberDecember lamb kill will total 24% of the season’s kill, compared to just 22% last season. With industry estimates also forecasting lower lamb production for the season, that suggests global demand for lamb might continue to exceed supply. Sheep farmers will continue to reap the rewards of a firm market combined with competitive procurement pressure that is inevitable as exporters seek to fill orders. The solid outlook for the sheep industry is evident in the confidence on the buying benches at recent ewe fairs. Farmers have been reminded NZ lamb is still on the menu and sheep can still deliver respectable returns. The industry was long overdue for an injection of confidence – long may it last. rachel.agnew@nzx.com

Alan Williams

alan.williams@nzx.com

AMB and mutton exports in the October to December period were a record, with China again driving gains in volumes and returns. A lot of the gain also results from a faster early season for processing, for sheep meat as well as for the cattle sector, because of dry conditions, Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief economist Andrew Burtt said. Farmgate prices for the quarter for lamb rose 30% year-on-year and mutton by 59% with beef up just 5%. “Average values per tonne started at a high level after the strong growth in 2016-17 and have remained strong despite higher processing volumes so far,” Burtt said. B+LNZ expects overall annual supply of lamb and beef to be similar to last year but for mutton to fall by 9%. In the December quarter, the first of the trading year, mutton export volumes were up 46% on the same time a year earlier, to 21,800 tonnes, the highest level since sector subsidies were lifted in the mid-1980s, with China taking up most of the increase. Burtt said mutton receipts were $146 million, nearly double the 2016 quarterly figure, and well above the previous record of $96m in 2015. The average value per tonne was also a record at $6680/t, a 32% gain over the

NO SIGNAL: Record meat exports in the first quarter of the season were caused by dry conditions and are not an indication for the whole season, Beef + Lamb New Zealand chief economist Andrew Burtt says.

Average values per tonne started at a high level after the strong growth in 2016-17 and have remained strong despite higher processing volumes so far. Andrew Burtt B+LNZ same time a year earlier. Receipts from China alone totalled $106m. That was a 276% increase year-on-year and made up 73% of total mutton receipts. Lamb export volumes for the quarter rose 21% to 64,700 tonnes but the

receipts jumped 47% to $677m, also a record. Demand from China was particularly strong, with receipts from there up 114% to $164m. China volumes rose by 9300t to 23,800t and the gain was supported by a 31% increase in the (FOB) value per tonne. For the overall lamb market, the per tonne (FOB) value rose 22% to $10,460. Beef and veal exports brought in $588m for the quarter, a 29% gain, and the second highest on record after the December period in 2015-16. Volumes rose 21% to 78,900 tonnes, slightly lower than 2015-16. Beef prices have been strong so the per tonne increase in value is much lower than for the recovering sheep meat products but

still managed a 6.3% rise to $7450. This was the third highest on record, after 201415 and 2015-16. As with lamb and mutton, the volumes were because of the early processing of bulls and cows because of dry conditions rather than an indication of increases over the entire season, Burtt said. During the quarter, the United States took 43% of NZ’s supply, with receipts being $231m. The average value to the US rose 11% to $6760/t. Just under 90% of the supply to the US for the period was for blending with US beef in the manufacturing market. China, the second biggest market, with a 22% quarterly share, took 53% more in volume, up to 17,300t, worth $127m at an average per tonne of $7340.

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